DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL

Grundy County to Correctionville, 1862


November, 1862

   Saturday, 1st‑Mother, Sarah Ann and I sewed; father got home from Watterloo; Edwin geathered corn.

   Sunday, 2nd‑Father, mother, Sarah Ann and the children, Edwin and I here at home. Snowed a little last night. Not but a little wind. very pleasant.

   Monday, 3rd‑Father went to Albion. Mother, Sarah Ann and I coocked (cooked), etc. Mr. Gould, Mrs. Wm, and Mrs. Charles Gould, were here this evening. Edwin geathered corn and set out four or five apple trees.

   Tuesday, 4th‑Stephen Southwick, Sarah Ann, Dorcas (the baby) Emma, Mary and I started at half past two o'clock to go to Sarah Ann's home in Correctionville, Woodberry Co. (Iowa). Stephen is going to his team to cary us out there and then he is going to come back. We went as far as Uncle Charles where we stayed all night. Fair weather.

   Wednesday, 5th‑After we went from Uncle Charles, we travled (traveled) thre (3) miles, passing two houses, then crossed a twelve mile prairie where we came to a Norwegion (Norwegian) settlement; three miles from there‑ we came to Stora City (Story City); then crossed an eight mile prairie, passed two houses, crossed Squaw creek. On top of the hill was a white school house; there we turned off from the mane road a quarter of a mile, where Mr. Roberts lived. We stayed all night; they furnished us one bead (bed) and did not charge us anything. Cold and windy.

   Friday, 7th‑We crossed a twenty‑three mile prairie, where we came to Jeferson City (Jefferson City); three miles from there we stayed all night with Mr. ‑‑‑ (name not given); they charged us twenty‑two cents for a bead (bed), staying all night and hay for the horses. Not but little wind‑pleasant.

   Saturday, 8th‑About a mile from Mr. ‑‑‑‑ we crossed a creek, then crossed a thirty‑two mile prairie, where we came to five houses which was called Lake City; went three miles west from there, past a school house, then crossed camp creek where we stayed all night. Our bill was twenty cents. Warm and pleasant.

   Sunday, 9th‑We are still on our journey . . . From camp creek we crossed an eight mile prairie, and then there was houses every three or four miles for twelve miles; where we came to Sack City (Sac City) about two o'clock; then came about eight miles without seeing any houses, where we came to a slough that was bad to cross and seeing it was in time to stop, we stayed there all night. Warm and Pleasant.

   Monday, 10th‑We crossed the slough and found that it was not as bad to cross as was expected, then crossed twenty‑two miles of prairie where we came to Ida grove got there about two o'clock then crossed a twenty mile prairie where we came to Correctionville (got there about eleven o'clock) which was our journey's end. We saw five elk about dusk. Not but little wind. Very pleasant.

   Tuesday, 11th‑Sarah Ann and I picked up things about the house, etc. Morris was drawing wood. Stephen and Cyrus Webb (Morrises hiered (hired) man) went to hunt elk, but they did not see any. Windy and cold.

   Wednesday, 12th‑The men butchered hogs; which made plenty of work to do in the house. Cold and windy.

   Thrusday, 13th‑Helped about the work tended Dorcas, etc. S. A. baked pyes (pies) moped (mopped) etc. Stephen riged (rigged) a cart to ride back on; he started a little after noon to go back to Hardin Co. The men folks geathered corn. Mr. Robinson's (a soldier) wife and child came here about noon she is going to bord (board) here one or two months.

    Friday, 14th‑Sewed a little Mrs. Robinson washed. Clear and cold.

   Saturday, 15th ‑ S.A. washed. I renced (rinsed) close (clothes,). Emma made Mrs. Robinson 's little girl a doll. snowed a little this morning; it is raining this evening.

   Sunday 16th‑Writing reading, etc.‑rainy.

   Monday, 17th‑S.A. tried out lard in a large kettle out doors. Mrs. Robinson washed. Fogy all day.

   Tuesday, 18th‑I ironed. S.A. finished trying out lard. Fogy.

   Wednesday, 19th‑sewed. S.A. Cleaned hogs feet for souse. The men finished geathering Morris'es corn. Not but little wind‑very pleasant.

   Thursday, 20th‑S.A. sudsed out the close (clothes) and got them over aboiling, when Mrs. Bacon and Mrs. Sprague came. I finished the washing. Warm and pleasant.

   Friday, 21st‑P.M. Sarah Ann and Mrs. Robinson went down to the fort. I poped (popped) some corn for the children and ironed. Warm and pleasant.

   Saturday, 22nd‑I sewed, S.A. cleaned hogs heads. Mrs. Robinson ironed. It was so warm that Emma drawed the babies out doors in Mrs. Robinson's little carriage.

   Sunday, 23rd‑Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Morris and Sarah Ann went down to the river to find some grapes; they got half a bu becides what they wanted to eat. Warm and pleasant.

   Monday, 24th‑S. A. and I washed. Emma making close (clothes) for her doll. Getting colder.

   Tuesday, 25th‑S.A. sewed; I make tutten (possibly "tatting"). Mrs. Robinson washed. The men took down the door and matched it togeather‑Colder than yesterday.

   Wednesday, 26th‑&A. sewed P.M. I made holders. Emma commenced peacing,(piecing) a little quilt for Mrs. Robinson. Mr. Cornaell finished the door. Fair weather.

   Thursday, 27th‑The men commenced laying the chamber floor down tight. They got about half of it done‑windy.

   Friday, 28th‑The men finished laying the chamber floor. Snowed in the morning.

   Saturday, 29th‑A.M. sewed on Emma's dress. P.M. ironed. Sarah Aura cleaned out the chamber and moped (mopped).

December, 1862

   Monday, 1st‑I sewed on Emma's dress. S.A. and Mrs. Robinson washed. Clear and cold; the river froze over last night.

   Tuesday, 2nd‑S.A. and I sewed. Cold and windy.

   Wednesday, 3rd‑S.A. baked etc Emma peaced calicoes I ironed‑Not but little wind.

   Thrusday, 4th‑S.A. whitewashed. Morris went to mill at Smithland. Fair weather.

   Friday, 5th‑S.A. finished whitewashing.‑windy.

   Saturday, 6th‑Morris got back from mill. Warm and pleasant. S.A. moped (mopped) and blacked the stove.

   Sunday, 7th‑Miss Sarah Cross here. P.M. I received a letter from home stating that John and Mary and Eddie Russell arived at our house Nov. 15th; they had been three weeks coming from their home in Kansas.

   Monday, 8th‑A.M. Morris petitioned off a beadroom (bedroom) in their north room and set up a stove. P.M. I corched (calked) up the east end of the headroom. Very pleasant.

   Tuesday, 9th‑Ironed. Emma peaced calicoes. Weather ditto.

   Wednesday, 10th‑S.A. washed. Mrs. Robinson ironed. Mrs. White (the Capt's wife) came here this evening she is going to stay two or three days. Fair weather.

   Thrusday, 11th‑Papered the beadroom petitions (partitions). S.A. coocked. Mrs. White is making a flag for this company of soldiers are stationed here.

   Friday, 12th‑Deped (dipped) candles. Mrs. White here. Emma Mary and the little boy that came with Mrs. White had a nice time a playing. Rainy.

   Saturday, 13th‑S.A. coocked. Mrs. White here. The children read, spoke peaces, played, etc. Cold wind; rained last night.

   Sunday, 14th‑Lucinda Bacon here. A. M. Snowed.

   Monday, 15th‑I heard Emma recite her lessons. Emma commenced to get lessons and reciting as if she was going to school. Morris went to Siox (Sioux) City. Mr. and Mrs. White started to go to Des Moines this morning.

   Tuesday, 16th‑Heard Emma ricite (recite) her lessons. Mr. Correll made new stare (stair) steps.‑Windy.

   Wednesday, 17th‑Heard Emma's lessons. Sarah Cross and Clarissa(?) Bacon were here this evening. There was a soldier died over to* camp this morning; his name was David Winteringer; his home was Smithland. The Capt got back this evening he is boarding here.

   Thrusday, 18th‑Heard Emma recite her lessons and ironed, and wrote letter home this evening. Morris got back from Siox City this evening. Fair weather.

   Friday, 19th‑Heard Emma recite her lessons and corcked (calked) up around the logs of the room. Fair weather.

   Saturday, 20th‑Heard Emmas lessons and ironed. S.A. coocking, moped, etc. Fair weather.

   Sunday, 21st‑Made some molasses candy and candy popcorn. S.A. got dinner. Very pleasant; so warm we had to have the door or window open; it seemed like a day in spring.

   Monday, 22nd‑Heard Emma recite her lessons, and sewed. S.A. coocked. Mrs. Robinson washed. Pleasant.

   Tuesday, 23rd‑Sewed and helped take care of Dorcas. S.A. washed. Rainy.

   Wednesday, 24th‑Heard Emma's lessons and sewed. P.M. Mrs. Robinson moved down to the fort; she is going to coock for the soldiers; she gets . . . (the sum left blank) a month.

   Thrusday, 25th‑A.M. ironed; P.M. toock care of Dorcas and sewed. Sarah Ann got a good Christmas dinner. Emma and Mary went down to the fort with their pa. Mrs. Robinson got the first dinner in the fort today for the soldiers. The soldiers raised a large flag this morning, to wave over the fort and for the Union.‑Very pleasant, not but little wind; thawed so that it was quite mudy (muddy).

   Friday, 26th‑Heard Emma recite her lessons and toock care of Dorcas. P.M. Sarah Ann went down to the fort. Warm, but not but little wind.

   Saturday, 27th‑Heard Emma's lessons. A.M. ironed; P.M. sewed. Sarah Ann darned stockins. Thawing not but a little wind.

   Sunday, 28th‑Read, etc. A.M. Mrs. Abil (Abel) Bacon was here. P.M. Mrs. Bacon and S.A. went down to the fort. I received a letter .from home. Edwin wrote that mother was taken sich with the Billious Intermittant fever the fourteenth of December and that John Russell was. going to teach school in the District for three and a half months,‑for twenty dollars a month for teaching.

   Monday, 29th‑Heard Emma recite her lessons and patched. Sarah Ann washed‑Cool wind.

   Tuesday, 30th‑A.M. heard Emma recite her lessons. P.M. sewed. P.M. Emma went down to the fort. Sarah Ann sewed.

   Wednesday, 31st‑Heard Emma recite some of her lessons, etc. her head ached so that she did not get all of them. S.A. wrote letters. Mr. White and Mr. Atkins (the Lieutenant) to supper as usual; they will board here no more; as they will get their coocking done at the fort‑Mr. Webb shot a wild turkey and went down to the river and geathered a pale (pail) full of the nicest wild grapes that I ever ate‑No snow on the ground‑very pleasant.

*Note: Ths was probably the beginning of the epidemic of "Spotted fever" or meningitis which plagued the community that winter.

January, 1863

   Thursday, 1st‑A.M. wrote and hemed a handkerchief. P.M. ironed‑A.M. S.A. coocked. P.M. etc. In the evening Morris and S.A. went down to the fort‑Thawed, not but a little air a stirring; so warm that we had to have the window and door open; no snow on the ground, it is so warm and pleasant that it seems more like a day in the spring of the year, that in the winter. I received a letter from Edwin he wrote that mother was taken ill December 14th with the Bilious fevor, was very sick, but was a little better when he wrote; Mary sets up a few minutes every day. John has to lift her out of the bed and cary he to the chair, and then back to the bed; as much as he would an intfant; she has lost the use of one limb. They have no hired help, John and Edwin has to do the housework; Edwin goes to school most of the time; John is teaching school in father's Districy; there is forty (40) schollars attending his school. Edwin got over to Devision of Fractions the first week and John told him that he thought that his class would get thru the Arithmetic this winter.

   Friday, 2nd‑Herd Emma recite her lessons and sewed. S.A. sewed. Mr. Baty (a soldier) moved his family into Erastus (Harris) house. Warm and pleasant.

   Saturday, 3rd‑Herd Emma recite her lessons and knit. Sarah Ann moped (mopped) and coocked some. It is Dorcas (Bell Kellogg) birthday, she is a year old today; she walked across the floor all alone for the first time, which was very pleasing to all of us. Not but little wind very pleasant.

   Sunday, 4th‑Read good books. S.A. read. A.M. Lucinda Bacon here (she is working for Mrs. Robinson at the fort) P.M. Emma went with her down to the fort. very pleasant.

   Monday, 5th‑S.A. and I washed. Snowed last night but it all thawed off today. Very pleasant.

   Tuesday, 6th‑Herd Emma recite her lessons and knit. S.A. read‑Cold and windy.

   Wednesday, 7th‑Herd Emma recite her lessons and darned stockins. S. A. read, etc. Clear and cold.

   Thrusday, 8th‑Knit and herd Emma's lessons. S.A. moped and cooked some. Not but little wind; very pleasant.

   Friday, 9th‑Herd Emma's lessons and knit. S.A. sewed. pleasant.

   Saturday, 10th‑Herd Emma recite her lessons. Not but a little wind‑pleasant.

   Sunday, 11th‑Reading and writing. Mrs. McDermott here. Emma went down to the fort. Warm and pleasant.

   Monday, 12th‑Herd Emma's lessons, dressed a wild turkey and sewed on Cyrus' fur mittins‑S.A. cut out the fur mittins for Cyrus. Clear and cold.

   Tuesday, 13th‑S.A. finished Cyrus' fur mittins. I herd Emma's lessons and made tetting (tatting). The stove pepe fell down and we had to upt it up. Morris drawed wood. Cold and windy.

   Wednesday, 14th‑S.A. sewed. I herd Emma's lessons and sewed. Mr. Cornell has been gone three days down to Cherichee (Cherokee) he got back today about noon, he has toock the job to build a Cort house at Cherichee (30 miles from here) this summer.

   Thrusday, 15th‑S.A. sewed. I herd Emma's lessons and sewed. Cold and windy.

   Friday, 16th‑S.A. sewed. I sewed and herd Emma's lessons. Morris and Cyrus drawed wood. Not as cold as it was yesterday, quite windy.

   Saturday, 17th‑Sarah Ann coocked, etc. I herd Emma recite her lessons, ironed and toock care of Dorcas; she never studied Written Arithmetic before and has got over to Division of simple numbers, she reviewed it this evening and could recite all the rules and explaned an example under each rule. The male (mail) carrier came about dusk; a young lady came here with him, that is going to teach school in this district. her name is Miss Missouri McCall; stayed here all night; she is going to bord (board) at Mr. Abel Bacon's has twenty six ($26) dollars a month for teaching‑cold and windy.

   Sunday, 18th‑P.M. Mrs. Hall Mrs. Sprage, and Miss Lucinda Bacon were here. Not but little wind, pleasant.

   Monday, 19th‑Sarah Ann lined Emma's cape. Emma went to school; school commenced today. Morris butchered two beef cattle, (which he sold to the soldiers, Not but little wind, snowed a little

   Tuesday, 20th‑Sarah Ann and I washed. There was a couple of soldiers (from Capt Butler's company) stayed here all night. Sun shone so warm that it thawed the snow all off.

   Wednesday, 21st‑Sarah Ann went down to Mrs. Robinsons (at the fort) Mrs. Robinsons baby is sick with the fevor. I churned and toock care of Dorcas, and Mary; Emma went to school. Thawed, very pleasant. 

   Thrusday, 22nd‑Sarah Ann and I sewed. Emma went to school. P.M. Mrs. Abel Bacon and Mrs. Sprage were here. I wrote a letter home this evening. Pleasant.

   Friday, 23rd‑Sarah Ann and I sewed. Emma did not go to school‑Snowed last night, and rained all day‑it is quite mudy (muddy)-

   Saturday, 24th ‑ Sarah Ann coocked, etc. I sewed some. Thawed; warm and pleasant.

   Sunday, 25th‑Sarah Ann and I spent the day pleasantly reading and talking, etc. Morris went down to the fort. Mrs. Robinson's baby is very sick. Thawed so that it was quite mudy; pleasant.

   Monday, 26th‑Sarah Ann went down to see Mrs. Robinson's baby came back about four o'clock stayed a little while, then went down to Mr. Robinsons again to set up tonight with the baby. The baby has turned spoted (spotted) with the Spoted Fevor; they think she will not live long. I sewed and took care of Dorcas. Emma went to school‑sun shone. Wind blew very cold and chiley . . .

   Tuesday, 27th‑P.M. Sarah Ann went down to Mr. Robinsons the baby worse; it has got blind since last night; (it is spotted,) the spots are read (red); it is said that read spots are favorable (some fl‑lime the spots are black when they have Spotted fevor) the black spots are unvavorable. I sewed and toock care of Mary and Dorcas. Emma went to school. Not but a little wind, clear and pleasant. Sarah Ann set up at Robinsons last night; got back about five this morning.

   Wednesday, 28th‑S.A. coocked some, and sewed. I sewed and toock care of Dorcas (she has got a couple of biles (boils) that are very paneful to her.) Morris went to help Mr. A. Bacon thrash. Sylus Bacon was taken sick with the Spoted Fevor last night; they give him calomil, and then let him drink cold water; which made him very sick; it is thought he will not live until morning. (Not but little wind; very pleasant.

   Thrusday, 29th‑Sarah Ann's face is swolen very bad; her throat is sore, and has a bad cold. One of Dorcas' biles has broke, and the other is very sore. Emma did not go to school; I herd her recite in Arithmetic, and other lessons. Snowed a little. Very windy, all day.

   Friday, 30‑Sarah Ann is about the same; her throat is not quite as sore. Dorca's bile has been more paneful today. I sewed and helped take care of Dorcas. Emma went to school. P.M. Cathrine McDermott here. Mr. Robinson were here, he thinks that their baby appears some better. Sylus Bacon is some better. Not but little wind, very pleasant.

   Saturday, 31st‑Sarah Ann wrote letters; I sewed and toock care of Dorcas; we have to hold her all of the timd; her biles are so paneful that she cannot sleep but a little while at a time. I received a letter from home. It was written January 20th, 1863. Father wrote that Mother's and Mary's health was improving; Mother had got so she could walk across the room. The rest were in usual health. They had got another hiered (hired) girl her name is Mary Moor; from Washington Co. (Iowa) he wrote that wheet was selling for .90 cts a bu shelled corn .25 cts a bu; hogs from $3.00 to $3.50 a hundred at Marshall Town; the Railroad is laid ten or fifteen rods past the Depot where they are building a turntable, to run the cars out of the way when loading and on loading (unloading).‑Edwin wrote that the Squirrel that we had had ever since last summer, died a few days before they wrote; it was outdoors and chilled to death.‑I received a letter from Aunt Deborah (Pierson) it was written the 29th of December (1862) she said (by way of pen and ink) that our acquaintences there in Cedar Co were all in usual health; Uncle Ebenezer, Aunt Caroline, and little Cora had gone to Minnesota on a visite; and she was living in their house while they were gone. Grandfather had got her hous ready to plaster. he expected to get it finished so she could move into it by the time that Uncle E. R. got home. Uncle George was well the last time that she herd from him; he was in new Madrid, Mo; said he liked soldering. Wilie watched fifteen head of cattle to keep them out of the corn, without no fence; about two months last faul (fall), for Uncle Ebenezer; he would leave home about sunrise and would not get home untill after sundown, for one quart of molasses a day; he sent five (5) gallons of molasses to York State to his Grandfather Pierson. Not but little wind warm and pleasant.

February, 1863

   Sunday, 1st‑Sarah Ann and I read some, talked, etc. (might be expressed as a good; very good, visite together.) The day was spent so pleasantly, that it will long be remembered by both of us‑Sarah Ann's face is not swelled but a little; her throat has got well; she does not feel very well; she says that she has not felt as well since she went down to Mr. Robinsons to set up‑Dorcas' biles are about the same. Abel Bacon, and child, was taken sick with the Spotted fevor yesterday. Clear and cold, very windy.

   Monday, 2nd‑Sarah Ann felt cold and chiley (chilly) as if she was going to have an Ague chill; she went to bed, and we (Morris and I) gave her a swet (sweat); then took Jamaica Ginger once an hour, appeared to be some better. I set up untill two o'clock, then Morris set up the rest of the night. Dorca's bile broke last night, she feels better and can walk some today. Emma did not go to school. Very cold; sun shone; not but little wind.

   Tuesday, 3rd‑Sarah Ann is worse; the Doctor thinks that she has got the Spotted fevor. put mustard poltices on her feet, rists (wrists) and neck; and give Jamaica Ginger once an hour. Cathrine McDermott called about noon. I set up until two o'clock, Morris set up the rest of the night; Emma did not go to school, was very well. Mr. Robinson's baby about the same.

   Wednesday, 4th‑Sarah Ann is about the same, put on mustard poltices, and give Jamaca Ginger one in two hours. Emma did not go to school. P.M. Mrs. Robinson here, stayed two or three hours. I stayed up until five o'clock. Clear and cold.

   Thrusday, 5th‑Sarah Ann feels better; she has some appetite. Emma at home. I set up all night. Sun shone pleasant, not as cold.

   Friday, 6th‑Sarah Ann is about the same; the Doctor came over; brought her some crackers and left some medison (medicine) she had a high fevor about six o'clock; had non through the night. I set up all night. Morris is quite unwill. Emma at home. Not as cold.

   Saturday, 7th‑Sarah Ann felt better untill some men came in; they talked and laughed so loud that it made her so nervous; she could not sleep any untill after ten oclock; then she sleped most all night. I set up all night.

   Sunday, 8th‑Sarah Ann was nervous through the evening toock some Lodinum, then sleped some; felt better after sleeping. I set up all night. Emma at home; it is her birthday; she is nine (9) years old today. Not as cold‑clowdy.

   Monday, 9th‑Sarah Ann, fells some better; slept most of the night, give Jamaca Ginger every three hours. I set up all night. Morris started about one o'clock. P.M. to go to Ida Grove; (twenty miles distance.) Snowed half an inch deep last night; wind blew cold; sun shone pleasant. 

   Tuesday, 10th‑Sarah Ann about the same. Lucinda Bacon came over at noon, and stayed a little while, after school she came to set up‑she set up untill half past two then I set up‑Fair weather. 

   Wednesday, 11th‑Sarah Ann feels considerable better; we put on poltices and kept her from having any fevor. Sarah Cross came after school to set up; she set up until half past one, then Morris set up untill three, when I got up.

   Thrusday, 12th‑Sarah Ann feels better. she has no fevor;‑‑Morris butchered a beef and two hogs.. I cleaned and tried out the lard, moped (mopped), and baked. P.M. Mrs. Coridon Hall was here about two hours; then Catherine McDermott came, and stayed an hour or so. Morris set up until three oclock; then Cyrus set up. Sun shone very pleasant; snow all gone off.

   Friday, 13th‑Sarah Ann is about the same, she had no fevor. A.M. I was taken sick, I toock some Jamaca Ginger and got to swetting P.M. felt some better, Cathrine McDermott, Sarah Cross, and Clamana Bacon, here to make a visite.

   Saturday, 14th‑Sarah Ann is some better, had no fevor; I had a chill, toock Jamaca Ginger once an hour. Sarah Ann says she thinks I'm going have the Spotid Fevor, as I am sick just as she was when first taken.

   Sunday, 15th‑Sara Ann feels better, had no fevor, her appetite is better, P.M. I toock Jamaca Ginger once an hour. O. M. feel better, Sara Ann says it seems so good for me to sit by her bead (bed) and hand her teas to her. Mrs. Hall set up last night.

   Monday, 16th‑Sarah Ann had a little fevor, does not feel as well as she did yesterday; P.M. Mrs. dorse (Dorsey?), Miss, Tallman, and Miss. Cross, set up last night.

   Tuesday, 17th‑Sarah Ann feels a great deal better, she set up in a rocking chair. I feel better. Mrs. Sprage here; she stayed about three hours. It rained last night; the snow all melted away; some water standing on the ground; the ice all going out; running down the river.

   Wednesday, 18th‑Can see a great change in Sara Ann's loocks (looks); her tonge (tongue) loocks red; (it has loocked black ever since she was sick) she has a good appetitie and no fevor today she set up ten minutes. P.M. Mrs. Hall here about two hours.‑Quite warm, thawing, the river is raging, we can hear the water rore (roar) from the house.

   Thrusday, 19th‑Sarah Ann is still on the gain; Morris went down to Mr. Bacons after a yoke of oxen, thawing, the river is still rasing; very mudy

   Friday, 20th‑Sarah feels some better, and can sit up longer at a time than she could. Mr. Stafford's folks stayed here all night, there was three men, two women and five children; they were moving to Marshall town, their homes were about twenty miles above here (on the Floyd) moving for fear of Indians in the Spring. Quite windy and cold.

   Saturday, 21st‑Sarah Ann is improving; she set up about ten minutes. I sewed some. Very pleasant‑we did not have to have a little fire to keep warm; the roads are getting quite dry.

   Sunday, 22nd‑Sarah Ann feels considerable better; she has a good appetite, and is gaining strength quite fast; we received a letter from Mother and Edwin. Mother is so that she can go about the house, and knit some. Edwin said she did not need to work any, they had such a good (hiered ) girl. Mary toock a ride for the first time since she came there, she rode over to Mr. Goulds stayed long enough to get rested then came back; they thought that she stood it very well.

   Monday, 23rd‑Sarah Ann is a great deal better; she set up about fifteen minutes; is gaining strength, and has a good appetite, is quite talkative and cheerfull thinks that she will get well; she often speaks about going back to Grundy (Co.) in the spring, there to meet Uncle Ebenezer Aunt Caroline, John and Mary; our Parants (parents) and Edwin; and of the pleasure that we will have to be togeather once more; and have a good visite with each other. The Dr. says there is nothing requiered to restore her health but time and to be well taken car of. Mrs. Hall came about nine o'clock; their Buggy spring broke so that she will have to stay until Mr. Hall can come after her. Snowed a little all day; warm and pleasant.

   Tuesday, 24th‑Sarah Ann felt better this morning; better than she has for a long time before. had no fevor, was very cheerful, and talkative; she wanted Morris to rub, and wash her limbs with liquor; when he went to wash her, he throwed the clothes off of her so that it made her cold, and chilly; her feet and hands cramped. We were all alone, we sent for Mrs. Bata and Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Hall was here in a few minutes (she had been down to Mrs. Robinsons about two hours) we gave Sarah Ann Jamaka Ginger, soaked her hands and feet with mustard water, rubed (rubbed) them with warm watter, and salt, and bound sulphur on the joints of her hands and feet; the cramp lasted about an hour and a half; then she had a very high fevor vomited several times duering the afternoon and evening she felt some better in the evening. Mrs. Hall set up most of the night.

   Wednesday, 25th‑Sarah Ann feels a great deal better; she has had no cramps today; is very cheerfull, and talkative; she has a very good appetite (a craving), eats mostly corn meal gruel, and flower (flour) porrige, it seems to suit her taste best; she talks considerable of Mother and Mary (Russell). Little mary went over to Mr. Bateys to play with their little girls, she stayed all most all day. Mrs. Hall went home this morning. Snowed a little all day. 

   Thrusday, 26th‑Sarah Ann is about the same as she was yesterday, she is very weak, set up in her bead once. a little while. The man that borded here all winter packed up his things and moved to (this space left blank but she evidently meant Cherokee) where he is building a cort house. Not but little wind, thawing. 

   Friday, 27th‑Sarah Ann was taken with cramping about noon, they lasted off and on about two hours, the cramps was not as hard as they were last Tuesday; after the cramps were gone she had a high fevor; and a severe headache, she was delerious a little while. The school teacher called in at noon. Mrs. Lee, Cathrine McDermott, Mrs. Bata, and Sarah Ann Haws are here. The school teacher, Sarah Cross, and Cathrine McDermott, are here to set up tonight. Not but little wind, the snow all thawing off.

   Saturday, 28th‑Sarah Ann feels some better, she has had no cramps today, had a good appetite, hungry all day, very thursty, had no panes in paticular; is quite cheerfull and talkative. Morris commenced giving Quinine in small doces (at a time) (what one could hold on the point of a pen knife) once every two hours; he commenced giving them yesterday at four p.m. and continued to give them untill A.M. ten oclock today. she thinks that it has helped her. P.M. Cathrine McDermott called. Mrs. Able Bacon came over, she is going to stay three or four days. Sun shone very pleasant, thawed, but not little wind.

A.D. 1863 Third month or March

   Sunday, 1st‑Sarah Ann does not feel as well as she did yesterday. A.M. she had a headache, no chill, nor cramps, and layed stupid most of the time; P.M. she felt better, no panes, had a good appetite was very talkative and cheerfull. Mrs. Bacon here, Mrs. Hall came over about nine oclock and stayed until about five. Sun shone; very pleasant.

   Monday, 2nd‑Sarah Ann feels better today; she had some fevor, no cramps, a very good appetite (she said that it seemed so good to her for me to be there to wait on her), slept well, and quiet, and was rested by it. Mrs. Bacon here, Cathrine McDermott here and done the washing, she went home about four oclock. Not as warm, sun shone; quite windy.

   Tuesday, 3rd‑Sarah Ann does not feel as well, she had a cramp at three A.M. it did not last more than three minutes. Ditto‑was very restless. P.M. she slept nearly three hours, then seemed some better. Mrs. Bacon here. I received a letter from home, Mother, and Mary ride out occasionly. Mother rode up to Mr. Haas Jan. 14th the first she had been out since she was taken sick. Mary rode up to Mr. Gould's in the rocking chair January 12th it was the first time that she had been in a wagon since she came from Kansas; she thought that it done her good. Father, John and Edwin went to the (school) exhibition at Albion the sixth of January; said that it was about as good as it was last winter.

   Wednesday, 4th‑Sarah Ann feels better she had no chill, a little fevor, a good appetite, and quite talkative. P.M. Mrs. McDermott here; Catherine McDermott is going to work here. Mrs. Bacon here. Quite windy.

   Thrusday, 5th‑Sarah Ann does not feel as well, she had some fevor, had no cramps; has a good appetite. Dr. McCall (from Smithland) got here about one oclock; he gave her some powders to brake up her fevor, he is going to stay here tonight. Catherine McDermott to work here. Mrs. Bacon here. Snowed a little last night.

   Friday, 6th‑Sarah Ann says that she feels a great deal better, she had no fevor, cramps nor chills, she had a very good appetite, Dr. McCall said it would not hurt her to eat anything that she wanted; and nothing alded (ailed) her now only the effects of the disease, (which was the Spotted Fevor). he said that her Liver and Spine were very badly effected. her neck is quite stiff; she can hear very near as plane as she ever could; and her voice is uncommon strong for one that has been sick as long as she has: we are in hopes that her health may be restored to her again; Dr. McCall here all day; he gave her some powders; she has been quite easy, no panes, and rested very well, and easy. Mrs. Bacon went home this morning. Sun shone very warm and pleasant, not but little wind.

   Saturday, 7th . . . (This space left blank in the diary. When the writing is resumed, it is on a scrap of paper and written in pencil. In the interim, Sarah Ann has died. . .)

   Tuesday, 24th‑Morris and Cyrus drawed hay. Cathrine McDermott sewed on Emma's dress. I wrote a little, etc. etc. Cathrine went home about four oclock. Emma and Mary went to school Dorcas was good as can be. Warm, some wind.

   Wednesday, 25th‑Morris and Cyrus drawed some wood. Em and Mary stayed to home Cathrine came back about four P.M. I had a very bad headache part of the time. Very warm and pleasant, not but a little wind.

   Thrusday, 26th‑Morris here. Cathrine ironed. Emma went to school and Mary went over to Mr. Acamans. Mr. Dors moved out of Erastus's house yesterday and moved into the coock room at the fort. They are going to coock for the soldiers. Mr. Acamans moved into Erastus yesterday. A.M. I had a very bad headache. P.M. Morris and I went to Sarah Ann's grave‑it was the first time that I had been there, I went ahorse back. The male (mail) carrier came about half past four. When he went back I rode to Mr. Hall's with him. I found Mrs. Hall as well as usual. This is the first day I have been outdores since I was taken sick. Warm and pleasant.

   Friday, 27th‑A.M. at Mr. Halls. Mr. and Mrs. Hall and I started to come back about one oclock the ride was quite tiresome to me but very pleasant. I had a good visit with Mrs. Hall. When we got here we found that Morris had started to Siox City this morning. Em and Mary went to schooland Dorcas not very well. Mrs. Hall did not stay but a few minutes, she give Dorcas three yds of delane for her a dress very warm and pleasant, not but a little wind, the warmest day that there has been this spring. Mrs. Hall is making some maple molasses‑has got about a dozen trees taped (tapped) and boils the sap in the house. She has got some very nice molasses.

   Saturday, 28th‑Dorcas not very well, she cried some last night. Had a diaree (diarrhea). Emma went to school. I do not feel very good‑had a bad headache. I slept considerable, make some tuttin (tatting). Made it for Mrs. Hall. Very warm and pleasant.

   Sunday, 29th‑Did not feel very well. A.M. Mrs. Acaman and her little girl 9 years old, Mrs. Lucinda Bacon and Mrs. Sarah Cross here. In the evening Cathrine, Emma and Mary to Mr. Acamans on a visite. Very warm and pleasant.

   Monday, 30th‑I feel some better. A.M. had a bad headache. Slept some and helped Morris about his writing some in his district boocks.° Cathrine went home, came back about four oclock. P.M. Em went to school Dorcas not very well Mary so well and lively as ever. Warm and pleasant.

   Tuesday, 31st‑I feel about the same excepting my head does not ache as bad. I walked down as far as the stable and found the eggs but it made me quite tiered (tired) I helped Morris about his writing in the district boocks and Cathrine washed. Em went to school. Dorcas some better. Not but a little wind, pleasant.

° Morris Kellogg was assessor.

April, 1863

   Wednesday, 1st‑I feel about the same helped Morris about the district boocks and finished them. Em and Mary went to school Warm and windy.

   Thrusday, 2nd‑I helped Morris about the sessing (assessing), walked out a little ways. Warm A.M. quite windy. Em and Mary went to school, Cathrine ironed.

   Friday, 3rd‑Don't feel as well A.M. helped a little about the sessing. P.M. had a very avd headache, walked over to Erastus house and then my head did not ache so bad Em went to school. Dorcas seems to be quite well now. Warm and not quite as windy.

   Saturday, 4th‑A.M. about the same P.M. feels a great deal better No school Mr. Coridon Hall and Mrs. Hall and Mr. Smith came here, Mr. Hall and Mr. Smith went to take up their traps and Mrs. Hall and Mary Hodge stayed here We had a real good visite, they went home about five oclock.

   Sunday, 5th‑Cathrine went home Emma went with her P.M. Morris, the baby and I went down to Mr. Griffins (at the fort) Morris got a horse down at the fort for me to ride and he carried Dorcas. Mary stayed with Cyrus. Dorcas slept all the time we was there. Warm and pleasant

   Monday, 6th‑Em and Mary went to school P.M. not so well head ached bad A.M. sewed on pettycote (petticoat) for Dorcas Cathrine washed Morris wrote in the sessing boock Mrs. Lee (A soldier's wife) was here almost all day on a visite Warm and pleasant.

   Tuesday, 7th‑We finished Dorcas to (two) skirts and Mary one Morris went to sess the personal property Em went to school Mary did not go Warm and Pleasant. The grass is high enough so that the ground begins to loock green

   Wednesday, 8th‑Had a very bad headache. I cut out Mary a dress and sewed some on it Warm and pleasant Em went to school

   Thursday, 9th‑About the same Sewed on Mary a dress and cut out her another, Em went to school, Mr. Connell came in from Chericee (Cherokee) this evening. Warm and quite windy.

   Friday, 10th‑Finished Marys dresses and I cut out her an apron and we finished that. Em and mary went to school the last day of school it is the teacher came here this evening after her school money. she thauht (taught) for $26.00 a month and borded herself. Pained last night a little. Cyrus Webb stood guard tonight for the first time he was sworn in the captain White's company the first day of this Mo Co. Reg. Cavelry Iowa vol Very warm so warm that we had no fire and both dores open quite windy.

   Saturday, 11th‑Felt quite unwell am very weak it tires me to sit up long at a time had a very bad headache all day Morris went down to Mr. Halls to see about getting a team to go back to Grundy (county) Mr. Smith said he would go with his team and take the children and me back and Mrs. Hall will go with us. Morris thinks that he will stay till the grass gets up so the cattle can get their living along the road We think of starting next Wednesday Very warm and pleasant Em sewed some.

   Sunday, 12th‑Not very well about as yesterday. Miss Lucinda Bacon here and Mrs. McDermott here. Morris and I toock a horse back ride we went to a bench on the Little Siox about 3 quarters of a mile up the river from Morrises house There is a low bank next to the creek and from that bank it is lever (probably level) back about 16 ft then there is, hill rises about 50 ft all most perpendicular that goes rite back south with a level with the prairie on the east it is a very little higher than the rest of the land it is about rds (rods) .to .the foot of the rising land (hills) on the west it slope a gradual slope about to the river flats they are about two miles long from north to south and a mile and a quarter from east to west the prittiest prairie that I ever saw-

   Monday, 13th‑About the same P.M. had a bery bad headach in the evening. Helped pick up things to pack up Warm and some windy loocks very much as if it would rain Catherine washed

   Tuesday, 14th‑Had a very bad headache backing (packing) the things to be ready to start tomorrow Cathrine coocked Morris helped about the backing. The children are well and playful the baby appears to feel better than she has in a great while before it tires me to work long at a time have to lay down and rest every once in a while Very warm and pleasant not but a little wind. Morris Emma Mary and I went about 4 oclock to Sarah Anns grave

(The Correctionville section of the diary ends here. There is no report of the trip back to Grundy County except as it is mentioned some weeks after the event . . . they arrived safely . . .


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