Up All Night

UNIDENTIFIED: 1900 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT DIARY OF FAMILY LIFE AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY MASSACHUSETTS, BERKSHIRE COUNTY MASSACHUSETTS MASS MA 1900
Good

On offer is the original 1900 manuscript diary handwritten by a woman in or around Berkshire County Massachusetts with many mentions of trips to Sheffield, Stockbridge, Hillsdale, Ashley Falls, Housantonic etc., and while the author's name is not mentioned we believe she is a member of Higgins family given the frequent and method of mentioning of contacts. The author celebrates her 13 year wedding anniversary on March 3rd. From her entries we learn that she raises canaries, has a very difficult time keeping warm in her home, spends time at their cottage, attends lawn parties and band concerts, and one very interesting entry she talks about how they "were up so much last night with the Negroes" that they slept all the next day. Here are some more snippets: "January 26th, A fierce nor western blew all day and all night. I churned and the rest of the time tried to keep warm. It was a fearful night. I scarcely kept warm in bed in a warm room. All home. Leroy Tobey has a daughter born." "February 11th, Variable, somewhat cloudy. Fred's lame side is pretty bad so he went up to see the Dr. Jury in Moline case brought in a verdict of guilty of murder in first degree. I still believe him innocent. The district attorney's attack on his poor wife is an insult to American woman kind." "February 14th, Quite a nice day after the rain. Mrs. Hayes, Mrs. Case and Wallace were over here early in the morning. They have more of a flood then we. Johnny and I were over there in the p.m. The fair grounds are all under water." "March 14th & 15th, A lovely day and quite warm. I baked and swept and did more than usual because we are going to Ashley Falls tomorrow. I felt quite tired at night but I retired early as we all did .Cloudy. Not very pleasant but very chilly. We went down to Arthur's on the morning train. Thot we'd get home by six p.m. but we waited almost an hour to get up steam. They believe in increasing and multiplying down there I would think." "April 9th, Nice day but very cold. I sent word to Mrs. Derry that I could not let out my fire so for her not to come this week. I whitewashed the two bedrooms today. Johnnie was Celie's shadow all day." "May 11th, Clear and warmer. I started a coal fire in the sitting room again this morning. We have one little canary bird hatched this morning. I hope we will have good luck with them. V. went to a show up street." "May 21st, Quite clear and cool. I had a fire in the sitting room stove nearly all the forenoon. Our little birds died today. One this morning and the other tonight so we are through with that venture but we are much disappointed." "May 23rd, A very nice day. Mrs. D. brought over a bird this morning. He is very pretty. Pale yellow with dark spots on his head. He warbles nicely now though he is only 6 weeks old. I guess he is a singer all night." "May 26th, A lovely day. I did not have much baking today. My little bird got hung up in the top of the cage and but for Johnnie he would have died. I saved him however. Boys went up street in the evening." "July 4th, A very hot day. Fred took Johnnie up to see the parade. I did not go out through the day. Celie was gone till night. Viola was here a little while. Her mother does not get along first rate. We went up on Mrs. Darey's lawn in the evening and saw the fireworks." "August 12th, A nice day but we were up so much last night with the Negroes that no one felt like going to church so we rested and slept all day. I went on the hill in the eve to see Mrs. M. a few minutes." "August 17th, A lovely day but rather warm. I baked and regulated my pantry a little. In the eve it was so fine that Fred took J. and I up to the band concert. We reached home about 9 p.m. The coachmen's ball was tonight. Viola went." "August 30th, Weather conditions unchanged. Hot. I canned tomatoes, did my little churning and other sundries. They had a large lawn party on the hill with music etc. A very nice time. They went to the band concert in the eve." "September 6th, Something of a shower in the p.m. Rained quite hard for a few minutes but everything is very dry yet. Uncle went to Hillsdale with Shadrick's team. Girls went to band concert. Had the Dr. for Johnnie tonight." "October 4th, Nice day. I wanted to clean my bedroom but we had to have an early dinner so I couldn't do it. It is very warm for a few days. Lawyer Joyner's house is quarantined for diphtheria." "November 6th, A nice day. I churned as usual and Viola ironed I think. Of course the men were all up street afternoon and evening. The lodge meeting tonight. Indications of a Republican victory." "December 31st, We were not up at midnight to welcome the 20th century as it was ushered in but it came just the same. I hope its years that we may see will be for the uplifting of us all rather than our going backwards." Some of the many names mentioned are; Annie Gibbons, Haywood, W. B. Peck, Hayes, Case, Wallace, Derry, Mackie, Arthur Love, Deane, Nelson Parrish, Ned Hall, Annie Barnes, Vosburgh, Dewatt Rowe, Kipp, Byron Decker, Hoag, and more. The diary measures about 3" x 6" and is a bit rough for the wear. The cover is worn and torn but the pages and binding look good. 32mo - over 4" - 5" tall Manuscript

[SW: BERKSHIRE COUNTY, OCTOBER MOUNTAIN, PITTSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, HIGGINS, PRE SUFFRAGE, RURAL LIVING, WOMENS STUDIES, GENDER STUDIES, SOCIAL STUDIES, PRE WORLD WAR I, WORLD WAR ONE, HANDWRITTEN, MANUSCRIPT, DOCUMENT, LETTER, AUTOGRAPH, DIARY, JOURNAL, LOG, KEEPSAKE, WRITER, HAND WRITTEN, DOCUMENTS, SIGNED, LETTERS, MANUSCRIPTS, HISTORICAL, HOLOGRAPH, WRITERS, DIARIES, JOURNALS, LOGS, AUTOGRAPHS, PERSONAL, MEMOIR, MEMORIAL, PERSONAL HISTORY, AMERICANA, Als, antiquite, contrat, velin, document, manuscrit, papier Antike, Brief, Pergament, Dokument, Manuskript, Papier oggetto d'antiquariato, atto, velina, documento, manoscritto, carta antigüedad, hecho, vitela, documento, manuscrito, Papel, 20th Century Manuscript Books and Manuscripts General Overview]

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UNIDENTIFIED: 1887 HANDWRITTEN MANUSCRIPT DIARY DETAILING LATE 19TH CENTURY LIFE IN FLY CREEK NEW YORK BY A CHARMING AND ENTERTAINING SEMI-ILLITERATE BOARDING HOUSE WORKER, FLY CREEK NEW YORK NY 1887
Very Good

On offer is a handwritten treasure of Americana by this unidentified author who though semi-illiterate has a charming and colorful way of writing and keen skill of observation. She's outspoken, hard working and tender hearted especially when it comes to the many deaths the village experiences in 1887; the year this diary represents. Research finds that she lives in or around Fly Creek, New York. She mentions other places near there such as; Snowdon, Albany, Adams, Watertown, Litchfield, Whipple Hill, Mohawk, and Lawerance. A casual read suggest she's working at a boarding house or on a farm with a number of hands because of the amount of people they feed on and because she's always referring to the men in the house as "all the men." She alludes to her child but says the baby is better off with its grandmother. Her writing is so entertaining and a refreshingly unique observer of all around makes this a one of a kind manuscript of the times. Here are snippets quoted exactly how she writes: January 1st, "Some snow and blow. We had sparrib for dinner. I opened the bible for luck, openned to St. John 1st Chap and to Psalms 39 and 40. The day was not very happy. I was lonesom and homesick." January 15th, "Snow and wind. Mrs. Taylor is febel but she is viseting with Phebe the best she can. Mrs. Wilson has gone to help fire for Hannah utill they come home from funeral. Mr. Potts is beured to day." January 22nd, "Hard south wind. I done the cleaning got the dinner. Lew cand for me. I went home saw the baby. He is nice. I wish I could live with him but no, his Granma is best. I am glad she is." January 29th, "Pleasant, I made a lift cake, done the cleaning and cleaned the wood shed. O by the way we have a lamp to light evry night and it dose not distress the old lady one bit." February 9th, "Clear but windy. I put the rest of the close up, had more to wash. Had to hang some of them out doors. It was fun to see them whip and hear Mam Wilson fret the Dr. to day. If one could sell the Dr. and Will for what they think they are worth and have the money, it would be most of the world." February 28th, "Snow and blow. Mrs. Taylor is no better, fails all the time. I washed cleaned the kitchen washed the chairs, made a lift cake. Ritchard Dover, son and daughter came. He said Mrs. Druce was hung at eleven O. The doctor came. Harriet and I set up." [Casual online search into the Druce Case will find many links.] March 2nd, "Mrs. Taylor died at half past ten last night. I got up, got super for Will, Mrs. Leaning, Phebie, Harriet and self then we cared for the poor body and laid it in the parlor to rest then all went to bed." March 5th, "Pleasant but cold. The funeral today. A Mr. Templeton came from Watertown. A Neffew of Mrs. Taylor's, Rev. Mr. Ward attended. Hannah helpt to set dinner table. Had fifteen to dine. Mrs. Elderkin helpt set tea table. Twelve to tea. It is good by to Mrs. Taylor." March 10th, "We all of us picked over and tride to regulate the things so they will be right for the appriser. We get very tired. Will carried ____to town last evening. Tonight he found a calf." April 20th, "Got breakfast for seven. Done up the work, made five breads and got ready to go to town at nine o'clock. Went as a witness to prove Mrs. Taylor will. Back agan am as tired as I need be. Men gone but one .When the will was read some was glad and others was mad. One thing shure it was ill goten welth." April 27th, ..Any one that wants to see a men feel good just come and take a look at the men here, it will pay." "May 12th, I went up to Mr. Weldens to help them get dinner. The funeral was at one O'clock. I went to the grave with Mr. House and wife. Menzo's team went early to trim the grave." June 10th, "Very bright. Vira, Ella and Floyd go to tower to get his picture taken before the curls are cut off. Walter and I keept huse. I think so som." June 22nd, "The tin pedlar left, was gone fifteen minits then came back and staid the day and all night. Vira and Ella sew and do the work. Menzo and Lew work on the house." June 29th, "Vira, Floyd and Till went to town. Ella and I had the house to ourselvs. The little boys had a preasant of a mouth organ, eache had one. Spreading mortar is the work of the day. Not much to record except a shamefull roit (riot) at Martin Shaw. He kict and other ways illy treated a boy that worked for him." July 4th, "It is the 4 of July. Gene, Charly and Clarie go to celabrate. Ella washed, the men move the partition. It mabe a dirty time." August 15th, "Vira went to town fetched Mrs. Riply home with her stay a while to see if a chang of place will make her young. She is most eighty one. Flory has got a baby." September 2nd, "Vira went up to Mr. Sprague's this afternoon in the night she was taken with the cholery morbus and was very sick." September 9th, "The baby is very sick. The Dr. came twice then went after her in the night. Baby was so wild his Granma was fritened a bout him." October 4th, "Fair in morn. Rain in eve. It is set the tables for thirty nine and get evry thing ready for a large company. They came eight or more and fetched a present to those who could not come. Sent a present." October 25th, Ella and Claire went across the creek to get the ever greens to trim the grave. They and Gene carried them to Fly Creek. Menzo and Vira went to see Dora ..Gene, Ella, Clarie, Lew and I went to the funeral. There was a large concourse of people in attendance. They have carried Dorr away never to come back agan." November 9th, "Fair in morn. Rain in eve. Lew and Ella go to Laurance to attend the funeral. Mr. Mann was a soldier, he drew a pension. Has bin sick more than a year. Has bin a great sufferer." November 24th, "Hiram is very sick. It is medicine evry half hour and then every hour and a poltice once in four hours. I set up half of last night and all night to night. Sickness and poverty doth abound. Ask one to be thankfull. I think it is imposable." December 1st, "It is sad to record the fact. A mother of three young children is oblige to go in search of a husband and father that has bin four days on a drunk." G. 24mo - over 5" - 5¾" tall Manuscript

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Tovey, John: THE 1859 AND 1866 HANDWRITTEN MANUSCRIPT STEAMSHIP TRAVEL DIARY OF JOHN TOVEY FROM ENGLAND TO SOUTH AFRICA AND BACK 7 YEARS LATER, 1859 ; fester Einband / hard cover
Very Good

On offer is a fascinating handwritten diary kept by a Mr. John Tovey. The diary consists of actually two different voyages, with the first trip having been written while on board the steamer the "Golden Fleece". The second recorded trip was while on board the screw steamship the "Hydaspes". It's not often you find diaries that have such detailed ship board entries as this one does. Mr. Tovey was a superb diarist. The first trip takes place in 1859 of which he and his wife, Ellen, leave for Algoa Bay in South Africa from their home in Gravesend England. There are 82 handwritten long pages, about each specific trip. They leave Gravesend on January 31st, 1859 and are on the sea for almost 3 months. The second trip, 7 years later, starts off on May 26, 1866 and it's a two month voyage that our same man takes only this time with his young son. It seems to be the trip home from South Africa to England. It appears she has died because at one point he alludes to wanting to be with her in heaven. He does seem to be a bit depressed on the trip home. These particular entries go on for about 95 pages. The entries are not just one lined entries, they are entire pages. Some of the pages are perhaps only ½ full but most of them are entire pages. He not only writes down his deep feelings, but talks about the ship itself, the food, the other passengers, the soldiers on board, the whales sited, the other ships sited, the weather, hurricanes, his very sick wife, deaths on board, his "naughty" little boy, his feelings of inadequacy (because of his social status) and so much more. Here are just a very few snippets; 1859 Voyage to South Africa "About 10 O'clock there was a sail in sight. As soon as we got near enough to her the Captain ordered our signal, that is the British Flag. He soon discovered it and he run up his, which was the Norwegian Flag. Our Captain asked him what his name was, it was The Solade from Cardiff bound to Havana and had been out 11 days. He had not been able to see the sun so was anxious to know his position. It appears as if that is a common thing to state one another's position .My wife has been very sick indeed. I wished some times it had been me instead of her. While dressing I heard a tremendous crash and opening the cabin door I beheld the saloon strode with the tea things or rather the fragments of them. They was carried away by the steward and some more brought out on the table Having a steady breeze and all in good spirits because of the shift in the wind one of the passengers got out his gun and amused himself by shooting some of the sea gulls. In the afternoon we spoke with a requisition baroque. Some of the other passengers wished to have a shot at something so the Captain got a bottle and tied a piece of string to it and threw it over board so that it was a very good mark but none of us could hit it on account of it's drifting about. After that we saw a Portuguese Man of War or Naturalist. It was a beautiful creature to look at but not to handle. The Captain caught it but it stung him very bad indeed ..We went to the other end of the vessel to see the porpoise, it being the first time that we had been that end of the vessel where the sailors sleep called the forecastle. One of the sailors came and chalked our shoes. At first we wondered what the meaning of it was and I was given to understand that we had been trespassing and must pay our farthing and those that would not had to be strapped down to the Bon Split until they did ..After tea we all went on deck to see the supposed Neptune. As we crossed the line that night he was to board us. When all at once a voice was heard to say, "Sail Ahead". When then was a clamor about that the said Neptune was under our bows. Then there was a few more questions asked when he made his appearance in his costume dressed in sheep skin with a blue cap, and a spear in his hand. The question was asked him, what he wanted? He said that he wanted to see the Captain for to see if he had any of his children on board (and much more on that) ..We had another sheep die, thrown overboard. A very good bait for the sharks. One of the passengers was measuring the deck. I made enquire about what it was for and he informed me that he wished to know how many miles he walked during the day ..Today we saw some Cape hens and some birds called the Tropic birds. The sailors say that they are the souls of the drowned sailors. The superstitions still prevails in England this day ..Have not felt well for sometime, no more has my wife. I do not like to see her so poorly for I think that it must be braking up her system and I fear if we do not get to our destination very soon, I shall have her laid up all together if it was not for the sun she would look like a corpse ..This has been a very ruff night. Squally, rain and blowing all the night which caused us to roll about most dreadfully enough to roll us out of bed if we did not hold tight. Quite a hurricane, it appeared to travel in puffs in a circular fashion like a whirl wind .." and much, much more. 1866 Voyage to England "Sailed from Cape Town South Africa by the screw steamship Hydaspes, registered tonnage 2600. Having on board 350 souls and about 2600 tons cargo, most valuable goods from India, silks, indigo, sugar and other produce. Both from India and the Cape. (On this same page he lists some of the passenger's names) .I dress my little boy to be ready when the breakfast bell rang. There being so many children on board they go to breakfast at eight and the adults at nine. Soon Sunday Service was announced to commence, the troops have mustered on deck with the passengers ..I proceed to dress my son taking caution to clean him thoroughly as a few remarks I heard which greatly annoyed me for he was as clean as any on board but his clothes being not of the very best articles as the others, he was I thought slighted Towards night a wealth of melancholiness set over me that I was so low in spirits that the flood gates of my heart gave way for really I do feel so lost on board this ship, all being above my rank in life and I being so low spirited that life and energy seem to be entirely gone. That really the wicked thoughts comes over me that I wish that the Lord would have memory upon my soul and take me to join Her that has gone before me .All at once I heard a person call to Jonny to get down and looking see he was leaning over the rail. I am sorry he is such as naughty boy. I am surprised to see some of the married women with children frolicking about with the officers after dinner ..We have an old gentleman on board lying dangerously ill, a Mr. Auckland Esq. returning to England to spend the remainder of his days, but I fear according to accounts that his constitution is broke up and he's fast leaving this world .After dressing Jonny and cautioning him not to go and play with the water I let him go. Had not been long on deck when he was like a drowned rat and I was obliged to bring him down and then I tied his hands and took him in the cabin and made him stop. He made me so cross. After dinner I went up on deck and was informed that one of the passengers was dead. So many souls being on board the Doctor ordered the body to be ready and by half past nine it was committed to the deep. Thus was the end of that poor man, he sunk down ..We are making our way down to the Western Isles as the Captain intends sending a boat off to see if he can get any provisions for the troops as the meat is nearly all bad. The Islands are said to contain thirty thousand inhabitants. Portuguese settlements . (He goes on with much more about these Islands, the people, etc.) .." and much, much more. 4 ¾" x 7 ¾". The cover is a beautiful tan cover that looks almost stitched together. VG. Hard Cover 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall Manuscript

[SW: Travel, Steamship, South Africa, Africa, Britain, Naval, Maritime, Steamers, Diary, Diaries, the Golden Fleece, HANDWRITTEN, MANUSCRIPT, DOCUMENT, LETTER, AUTOGRAPH, DIARY, JOURNAL, LOG, KEEPSAKE, WRITER, HAND WRITTEN, DOCUMENTS, SIGNED, LETTERS, MANUSCRIPTS, HISTORICAL, HOLOGRAPH, WRITERS, DIARIES, JOURNALS, LOGS, AUTOGRAPHS, PERSONAL, MEMOIR, MEMORIAL, PERSONAL HISTORY, AMERICANA, ANTIQUITE, CONTRAT, VELIN, MANUSCRIT, PAPIER ANTIKE, BRIEF, PERGAMENT, DOKUMENT, Books and Manuscripts General Overview 19th Century Manuscript]

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UNIDENTIFIED: 1864 HANDWRITTEN MANUSCRIPT DIARY OF ONE WISCONSIN MAN'S LAST MONTHS OF WAR AND FIRST HARDSCRAP MONTHS BACK HOME - RETURNING TO A SICK WIFE AND SICK FARM, GRAND RAPIDS MADISON WISCONSIN WI 1864
Fair

On offer is an exceptional original handwritten Civil War soldier's diary that details the final months of the war and what awaits him home in Wisconsin. Beginning June 7th, 1864, our writer heads home on a furlough, finds his wife very sick and his homestead and farm in very poor order. He stays home a few months and then heads back to his troop to get his discharge signed. He then heads back home again to take care of his wife and make the farm pay again. While the author is unidentified research provides that he is from Wisconsin and belongs to the "Beaver Dam Rifles" and many mentions of Camp Randall. Here are snippets of this wonderful diary: "June 7th, In the afternoon our arrival train for the west came along arriving at Beaver Dam. James Watson left, arrived at camp at 8 o'clock. It is there we learned that a freight train had run the track 12 miles ahead and a long day probable ." "June 8th, Morn cloudy and soon began to rain. After breakfast started on foot for G.R. (Grand Rapids I'm assuming). Some rain fell after starting. Most of forenoon cloudy and pleasant traveling. Arrived at Searls at ½ past 9 a.m. Got my wound dressed arrived at the Piney House at ½ past 11. Took dinner and rested at the house and then traveled on. Sun shone and quite warm. Stage overtook me shortly before arriving at Widow Morgans. Rode in to G.R. Paid 50 cents. Went and staid with A. Garrison. Heavy shower at dark." "June 13th, Morn clear with frost. It seems as though vegetation must all die for want of rain and the cold frosts together. Write two letters. One to Mr. D. L. Buck and one to J. McInentz at Lincoln Hospital Washington D.C. Wife sick all day of Diphtheria or intermittent fever. Staid in my wives bedroom most all afternoon. A little better at night. Received a letter from L.V. Taber and one sent by wife May 15 to 20." "June 25th, Hot and dry all day. No rain. Finish calf pasture, set the calves in. Philo comes home from the Rapids. Called upon by the young lady teacher at eve. Invited to attend a picnic on Saturday July 2nd, 1864. Received a letter from State Adjutant General. Learn more about the disclosure of the Rudolph Rogues two. Eli Taylor and Dr. Parkhurst fined 20 dollars each and cost for stealing a rope at the G. R. Ferry ." "July 11th, Morn mostly clear. Help wife wash fill straw bed ticks. Get ready to go to R____ on my way to Madison Wis. for my discharge. Left for G.R. at 3 p.m. Stopped at Duttons and saw C. Ronham. Crossed the ferry and went to Mrs. Compton's and then to Knapps Store. Then to Mr. W.P. Butlers. After supper called on daughter Helen and son Philo and then returned to Butlers. Stayed all night." "July 16th, Morn cloudy, looking like rain. Get up at 4 arrive at New Lisbon at 6 a.m. Get breakfast 40 cts. Commences to rain near 7 a.m. First shower light. Took the cars at 9:10 from Minnesota Junction to Milton. Then Milton to Madison. Day cloudy, threatening rain. Crops all over the country poor. Stopped at the American House all night. A fearful rainstorm set in at night with terrific thunder and lightning. The circus being on exhibition, great confusion existed everywhere." "July 18th, Got up at 5 a.m. Dressed and wrote in my diary. Wrote to wife. Read the Madison State Journal. Go to Harvey Hospital and find that E. F. Charmock is discharged, also learn that J McInentz and several other hospital boys belonging to 5th Wis. were in Madison. Find them playing cards for the beer. Have sociable chat .." "July 22nd, The 6th reg. arrived this morning and learn that the 5th is at Chicago. Go down street after breakfast. Meet B. Faringer and then go to Capitol House to make inquire about J. A. Kellogg of the 6th reg. We learn that Capt. J.A. K. is a prisoner in the hands of the Rebs but well at last accounts. Go to Daggets store and read the paper until 11 and then go to the park and write in diary. At the park until 4 o'clock then go to the depot. Cars arrive at past four. 5th Wis. Regt aboard. Then comes a general shaking of hands but alas there are many missing ones never to be seen again on earth. Regt. brought muskets, knapsacks and C, stacked arms and had supper at Depot House. Then formed again and marched up to town. Gov. Lewis heading the cavalcade. Marched around the park and then up to the Capitol when Gov. Lewis made a speech. Then Mr. Abbott also spoke. Then the Regt. marched to Camp Randall to the barracks. Many go to Hotels. The boys look hard and doubtless feel sad as well pleased now that we are to disband leaving so many of our brave comrades behind us. Mostly in Old Virginia. We are to soon separate never to meet again in a body after a long term of weary service." July 23rd, Morning clear and cool day warm but hazy. After breakfast go to Capitol House and then to depot. Our baggage having arrived. It is being taken to Camp Randall. Get my furlough endorsed by Lt. Col. Catlin then go to commissary of subsidy over at First National bank. Presented my furlough but Capt. Daily not being in did not accomplish anything .." "July 26th, Get up at 6 a.m. Go to Camp Randall early and write on payrolls most all day. Weather hot. William B. Crocker assists on payrolls. News from the army tonight part favorable and part unfavorable. The Rebs reported advancing towards Maryland again." "August 3rd, Get paid in full by U.S. Paymaster at 11 a.m. I am a free citizen once more. Conclude to go via Sank Prairie on business for E.T. Kellogg. Go to the cars at 4 p.m. Arrive at Mazomanie. Raining. Leave on the stage for Sank, arrive at 8 p.m. Go to Amos Willis ." "August 4th, Reported from the Army of the Potomac, defeated and Retreating August 5th, Army news of last eve. untrue." "August 12th, Home at 12 ½ p.m. Find the loved wife, a little better. Children a little better. Myself once more a freeman after more than 3 years of a soldiers life. Often one of great peril and hardships. The recollection of which often makes me shudder when reliving the past. So here I will close my war diary " "October 23rd, Emma Sophia is just recovering from a very severe attack of throat disease. Oct. 21st at 11 a.m. we all thought her dying beyond all hopes of recovering but revived about 12 noon and is some better but cross and peevish ." "1865 "June 5th, 4 years ago this day I left Grand Rapids to join the Beaver Dam Rifles, a memorable day." "July 25th, Floods all over the county. Fences swept away, hay floated off on Musketoe Creek. Keeps raining until 8 a.m. Musketoe bridge partly floated off." "October 13th, W. H. Whitman comes back from the army sick." The diary does not have a cover, the first page is the only faded page that is tough to read, but after that his writing is very legible. There are just over 100 pages (counting front and back) that have handwritten entries on them. Sometimes he writes every day for weeks at a time and other times he writes sporadic entries. There is a small span of a few months, from August 27th, 1864 to October 22nd, 1864 that he skips his entries. He comes home for good and finds his wife very sick with diphtheria. F. 48mo - over 3" - 4" tall

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