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Lavina Wilson Woodward Diary
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Links - Return to Wilson Page, Return to Woodward Page, Go to Scan of Diary Pages We recently received a very precious gift from Beth Booth. She is not a Woodward relative but is a collector of antique books. In an antique store in middle Illinois and/or eastern Iowa she found a small commercial calendar book called a "Longfellow Birthday Book." It has a beautiful drawing of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in the front of the book and some of his poetry throughout the book. Also on every date throughout the book (a one year calendar) there are snippets of poetry and sayings that were popular in the time. The book is a product of Raphael Tuck & Sons of London, Paris and New York (no date of publication). It was presented as a gift to Lavina Wilson Woodward by her grandson, James A. Turnbull and wife Ester Jacobson, at a time that he was working in Chicago, so was probably purchased in Chicago. The entries made by Lavina are in 1910 and finished in 1911 by her daughter Lulu Stoik. Beth found the names of Laughlin and Lavina Woodward on our web site and donated the book to us to be forwarded to descendants of Laughlin and Lavina which we shall do. As you know the purpose of our Web Site is to document New Boston and Eliza Townships in the 1800's but this book is a precious piece of both family history and history of the times and too good not to include here. To set the stage for the diary entries copied below we are including information about the Woodward family in 1910 as found in various records. Also Laughlin Woodward is third cousin three times removed to site owner Jill Martin, web master Nadine Holder, and Gary Welch, whose wife Betty has helped us so much with the site, so we have a personal interest in the information. Laughlin was 3rd cousin 4 times removed to Marion D. Monk who has helped us enormously with our personal Woodward Web Site. Our diary notations are enclosed in brackets [] on the transcribed entries. |
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First - some additional Woodward family information so you will know the people mentioned in the entries: Laughlin H. Woodward married Lavina Wilson on 22 Oct 1853 in Mercer County. Daughter Mary Jane Woodward died 10 August 1857 and is buried in Mercer County next to your web site originators Woodward ancestors. Daughter Viella Woodward, born about 1860, Illinois, no further information. Daughter Josie Bell Woodward, born about 1862, Illinois died 18 Feb 1902, Chicago, Illinois. Married Bramwell Turnbull, son of Richard and Catherine Turnbull. Son James A. Turnbull, married to Ester Jacobson, gifted the diary to Lavina and was the recipient of the completed diary. Daughter Jennie Woodward, born January 1865, Illinois, died 24 Oct 1946, Kane County, Illinois. Married Herbert Buffington and had children Lucy Buffington Holton; Frederick Oliver Buffington, and Helen Buffington Oliver. Laughlin and Lavina Wilson Woodward were living with Herbert and Jennie in both the 1900 and 1910 census in Clinton, Clinton County, Iowa. When Lavina refers to "we washed" "we ironed" "we baked" etc she was generally speaking of daughter Jennie and herself. Daughter Lulu J. Woodward, born 5 May 1868, Iowa. Married Theodore Stoik. Ted's family is often mentioned in the diary and Lulu finished the entries in the book and sent it to Jim Turnbull. Children were two deceased, and Loyd, Vivian and Theron. Lulu Woodward Stoik was a fine artist and we have attached a photo of one of her paintings, courtesty of descendant Ted Stoik. Are you surprised? I was as I was expecting a flowery painting in the manner of girls of the Victorian age. Daughter Rosanne Woodward was born March 1870 in Iowa. She married John Mills and had children Mamie and Carl. This family is not mentioned in the diary. Daughter Alice (Allie) Woodward, born February 1873 in Iowa. Married Cyrus W. Christy and had children Frank and Bramwell. Allie is often mentioned in the diary. Daughter Grace B. Woodward, born 22 Oct 1875 in Iowa. Married Unknown Culbertson after 1900 census. Two daughters Grace Marie and Lovena Culbertson were being taken care of by the Stoik and Buffington families in 1910. We do not know the fate of Grace and her husband. The two girls are mentioned often by Lavina and it is only from their diary that we learned they were daughters of Grace. We have heard from Grace Marie's granddaughter and she tells us that Grace Marie was adopted by a Guernsey family. We find them in the 1920 census in Clinton County, Iowa: #706 Wallace O. Guerney, 52, born NY, father born Pa;p mother born NY, Fanny R, 55, Ia, Ga, Oh, Mat Donald, son 19, born Ia, father NY, mother Ia, Grace, daughter, 14, born Ia, father NY, Ia (giving Grace as though she was a natural daughter of the Guernseys.) Grace Marie married Lester Benson and their birth and death information can be found in social security records, with both dieing in Tucson, Arizona. See diary information for more on Lovena. Diary Transcription (with Notes)January 14Granpa Woodward was 80 years old 14th of January 1910 is very Feble his hopes for heaven is Bright [Refers to Laughlin Woodward written by Lavina Wilson Woodward. She refers to him as grandpa and herself as grandma in many entries, apparently addressing the entries to her grandson, James Turnbull, whom she intended to have the book.] February 10 aunt jennie went to chicago and grandma and I are going to stay here. [grandma is Lavina Wilson Woodward, Jennie is her daughter married to Herbert Albert Buffington. In the 1900 and 1910 census Laughlin and Lavina are living with them. This entry is probably written by a granddaughter of Lavina's, Lovena, age 7, who lived with Lavina's daughter Lulu Stoik in 1910 and often visited Lavina.] February 29 Lucy Buffington Holton born Feb 29, 1888 [different handwriting than other entries so Lucy may have entered it herself. She married Charles Holton in 1909 so entry after that, probably actually Feb 29, 1910.] March 10 Your great grandmother lived to be 104 years old died 16th day of March 1894. [This was Henrietta Wilson, wife of Allen Wilson but date of death differs slightly from her obituary in the newspaper (March 28.) Lavina no doubt writing from memory.] March 25 James B. Turnbull was born 25 of March 1884. [ His parents were married April 1884 according to one source so one or the other of the dates may be off a bit. Census records support the 1884 birth date. This is the grandson who gave Lavina the diary.] April 14 I got a ltr that Allie would be here for my Birthday I was so glad. [Daughter Allie Woodward Christie. Allie has been a tough one to find - the only clue being a Benton County, Iowa 1897 history that lists her as daughter of L. H. Woodward as Allie Christie. One of Lavina's entries tells of Allie coming down from Chicago (1910). I checked all Christie and Christy index entries in 1900 and 1910 in Iowa and Illinois. I found the following in 1900 Chicago, Cook County, ED 398: #293 Cyrus W. Christy, railroad switchman, born Dec 1865, Michigan, father New Hampshire, mother New York; Alice K., Feb 1873, 32, Ia, parents born Pennsylvania; Frank, Oct 1890, 9, Iowa; Bramwel H., Sept. 1893, 6, Nebraska. Allie is pretty obviously a nickname so Alice fits. Feb 1873 puts her in correct sequence in the Woodward children. Her father was born Pennsylvania though her mother was not. Several of the Woodward descendants worked for the railroad. The son Bramwell may be named after Bramwell Turnbull, Allie's brother-in-law (not a real common name that!). See verification of this speculation in the June 12 diary entry. This family is not found in the 1910 index.] April 18, 1910 My Dear Granson I have lived to see my 75 Birthday 1910 and hope to see you before I die. A dear good man. Gramma Woodward. [ Probably refers to James Turnbull, her eldest grandson. He was a postal clerk in Chicago in the 1910 census. He apparently gave her the book according to a later notation by Lulu Woodward Stoik and the book was returned to him.] April 19 Dear Allie was here for my birthday and my nephew Bert Willson from Canada [Bert was son of Lavina's brother William A. Wilson who was married to Laughlin's sister Keziah Woodward.] April 20 Ted's folks was all down to dinner today we had strawberry shortcake. [Daughter Lulu's husband was Theodore Stoik.] April 21 I dont feel very well today. I got nerveous last night. next door neighber whiped his wife. April 22 Allin (Allie?) went home today. Jenie went with her. Pa is very poorly today. April 23 Saturday snowed all day I have baked bread ironed and done the house work [April 23, 1910 was a Saturday verifying the year of the entries] April 24 Sunday A very long day snowed all day went to church in the eavning April 25 Monday cold and cloudy went down town in the afternoon got Gracie M slippers [Gracie M. Culbertson, granddaughter and daughter of Lavina's daughter Grace (more later)] April 26 I was buisy all day sewing it was a gloomy day granpa felt better April 27 Your aunt Lue was very sick I was sik their all day was so tired when got home. [ Daughter Lulu Stoik] April 28 done the housework this forenoon. Went up to Stoiks this afternoon Aunt Lue is some better today April 29 It is very warm today we have done a big washing today am feeling prety good April 30 Lovens birthday she was eight years old she got some very nice presents we had a party for her [ There is a Culbertson niece, 8 years old, staying with the Stoik's in 1910 whose first name is unreadable but indexed as Louise. Her name actually turns out to be Lovena, named for Lavina. There is also a Culbertson niece, 24 (error?), Grace M, staying with the Buffingtons in 1910 indicating they were children of a Woodward daughter and that their parents were deceased or at least away? See note on May 13.] May 1 A beautiful sabath morning. Woodward has gone to church. The little girls to Sunday school [ The two girls were evidently Loven and Gracie Marie - see May 13. Lavina always refers to them as the "little" girls so there is no way Grace Marie was 24 in 1910 - probably more like 2 or 4!] May 2 It rained all day Allie came out from Chicago Lucy is sick Jen went in Chicago [Lucy Buffington, Jen's daughter] May 3 A beautiful morning I am baking bread we are all going up to Lues for supper May 4 I do not feel very well today. Allie and Lue was here today Jen is in Chicago it is a lovely day May 5 A beautiful day Lues birthday she was 42 years old we had them all down to our house for dinner. [ Agrees with Lulu Stoik's birthdate in the 1900 census] May 6 I am buisy today doing the work Jen is sewing Pa is poorly lieing down he is failing fast May 7 it is cold and raining Pa is lieing down is very Poorly we are going to have peas and potatoes for dinner May 8 Sunday after dinner it has been a long lovely day your Granpa has been in bed nearly all day is very Poorly May 9 We done a big washing today and had company. Granpa is better tonight May 10 We baked Bread today A big ironing done Pa is not so well May 11 We ironed today Pa is feeling better Allie was here for supper May 12 Oh how true that verse is I am going to Prayer meeting tonight. It has been lovely day [The verse for the day: All through life there are wayside inns, where a man may refresh his soul with love; Even the lowest may quench his thirst at rivulets fed by springs from above. THE GOLDEN LEGEND.] May 13 Pa and I and Gracies two little girls Loven and Gracie Marie was over to church to supper. [ In 1910 Loven Culbertson, niece, age 8 is living with the Stoik family (indexed as Louise). Lavina notes Loven's eighth birthday party in her diary April 30. There is a Grace M. Culbertson, niece, age 24, with the Buffingtons and the Woodwards in 1910. This seems to be Gracie Marie but there is no way she was 24 although that is clearly written in the census - probably either 2 or 4? This seems to indicate that Grace Woodward married in 1900 or shortly thereafter to a Culbertson and was deceased by 1910, leaving two children. No likely Culbertson mate found in Clinton County Iowa index in 1900. Lovena E. Culbertson, 17, is living with the Buffingtons in 1920 in Clinton, saleslady, dry goods store. Grace Marie had been adopted by a Guernsey family (see note at the head of the diary above)]. May 14 Saturday A beautiful day I have ironed and helped do the work Shaved your Granpa so nice May 15 Sunday went to church heard a good sermon Pa was able to go with me May 16 Monday just heard your Grandpa Turnbull very low your Father went through to see him [Richard and Katherine Turnbull were both still alive in the 1910 Belle Plaine Iowa census. Not sure where father Bramwell Turner was - not found in 1910 index under Turnbull] May 17 Tuesday rainy and cold Pa went to an Old Soldiers funeral we are both feeling better May 18 We done a big washing today it has been a beautiful day Granpa is feeling better I am well May 19 another Beautiful day we have done a big ironing we are all well oh Jim I wish I could see you [grandson James Turnbull] May 20 We are all well and Lucy is here visiting they are all going to high school play tonight [ granddaughter Lucy Buffington Holton] May 21 Bert and Jen went to Kansas. Lucy went home today we are quite lonely. [Herbert and Jennie Buffington. Not sure who was in Kansas] May 22 Lulu and family was down to dinner today we had strawberry short cake May 23 Monday raining and cold I washed some Pa and I and Marie was alone [Grace's daughter Grace Marie Culbertson] May 24 Allie came home from Bell Plain quite sick she will stay with us awhile [daughter Allie Christie] May 25 Allie was very sick all day Pa is poorly I am quite well it is a beautiful day May 26 Another nice day Allie is better Oh it is very lonely when Jen is gone May 27 Fryday raining and cold Allie has been quite sick here but is better May 28 Saturday still cold and raining Pa is very poorly Allie better May 29 Sunday a beautiful day Lul and Ted down to dinner Pa very poorly May 30 Monday nice day Lul was down to super A nice day for the soldiers May 31 Tuesday quite cool Birt and Jen will be home tonight we are all feeling better June 1 Pa and I was up to Lues for dinner Allie was there oh it was so cold June 2 So cold today have a hard coal fire Birt and Jen came home from their trip June 3 We done a big washing today baked bread are all well. mama. June 4 Saturday very cold we are all well Allie is here June 5 Sunday Pa Allie the two little girls and myself went to church June 6 Monday we ironed and went up to Lues twas a good day June 7 we baked bread and Alie was here it was rainy and cold June 8 Vivian Stoik graduated in grammer the three girls Jen Allie and Lue went she looked so nice June 9 Thursday Pa and I are alone Jen went up to Lues to help make Loven a dress June 10 Fryday we are all quite well Allie is still here Bram is coming to take her home [This validates that the 1900 census record in Chicago of Cyrus Christy (see Apr 17) is the correct one for Allie as Bram is her son - see June 12 entry - he would have been 17 in 1910] June 11 Saturday Jen went to Chi [Chicago] Allie staid with me we had a good visit June 12 Sunday Bram and Jen has just come. Bram is such a nice looking young man. June 13 Monday oh what a big washing we done today Ted and Lue goes to visit his folks tomorrow June 14 We done a big ironing today Allie went home we are quite lonely June 15 This is a beautiful day we had callers and finished ironing today June 16 Thursday Jenie and Loven and Helen went to Chicago today Pa and Gracie Marie went for a street car ride June 17 Fryday and oh how warm I baked bread and made a strawberry short cake June 18 Pa and I went up to Lues and Oh how warm we was give out June 19 Sunday Pa and I went to church oh it was so warm June 20 Monday still very warm washed today and am very tired June 21 Loven is in Chicago at her aunties I hope she is having a good time June 22 Wensday I sewed and baked bread today am so tired oh it is so warm June 23 Thursday we done such a big washing Loyd Stoik was here for dinner June 24 Fryday very warm today Gracie Marie went to a picnic with her Sunday school teacher June 25 Saturday pa and I was up to Stoiks all day they got home June 26 Sunday Pa went to church and then we all went up to Stoiks June 27 We ironed today we had a fine rain last night June 28 We washed today Oh how hot baked bread went up to Lues she is sick June 29 Wensday Iron today sewed in the afternoon June 30 Thursday it is so warm we can't work July 1 It is so warm can't work just got somthing to eat July 2 Saturday got a ltr from Ester just ans it am not well today [wife of grandson James Turnbull] July 3 I am feeling poorly Woodward is very Porly oh it is so warm July 4 July 4 we all went up to Stoiks to supper had ice cream and cake July 5 came home and had fire works that night I was sick all day July 6 washed and baked bread still so warm can scarcely live July 7 Ironed today and done general house work am very tired July 8 did not do anything today only got something to eat July 9 we baked and scrubbed oh so warm we can't work [A world climate source indicates the average temperature in July in Clinton County from 1961 to 1990 was 86 degrees, however that is an average. Also I remember well what doing things like ironing, washing, and bread baking was like in the summer time without any method of cooling in the house. Also being on the Mississippi River would mean it was also extremely humid.] July 10 Sunday Pa was sick could not go to church July 11 July 11 Pa has gone out to the camp ground to a speaking. rained Saturday July 12 warm today I have nothing good to write July 13 Still warm Jenie went to Chicago today and it is lonely July 14 I washed some and had a big cry I am so discouraged July 15 well I am not well Pa and Lue went to the camp ground July 16 Pa was sick today and oh how lonely Loven and Marie is here July 17 Sunday Teds folks all here for dinner then they went out to the campground July 18 Monday Pa is very poorly I washed and am very tired July 19 Well I ironed today. Pa is no better the Little girls are so much company for me. [ Lovena and Grace Marie] July 20 I did not get any sleep with Pa last night I am very worried about him. July 22 [The last entry by Lavina Wilson Woodward was on July 20 - while this is written under July 22 it is just on the next blank page in the book. The month that Lulu writes is not exactly clear and must have been at least the next year after Lavina's last entry] . Dear old mother fell Apr 16 and broke her poor arm, so she has never been able to write in this book again. I am sitting by her bedside this morning and she has been talking about you. And Jim although you have seamed to forget your Dear old grandfather and grandmother on your poor Mother's side. Your grandmother has never forgotten you. And loves you just as dearly today as she did when you was her dear little barefooted boy. She wants you and Ester to have this book with her love and blessing and she hopes you will have a happy life together and will meet her and grandpa in heaven. [James B. Turnbull, son of Bramwell and Josie Woodward Turnbull In Lavina's birthday book he is entered as James B. Turnbull and the date is given as 25 March 1884. This is evidently the "Jim" who was given the book. Lulu mentions the book was given to Lavina by Jim and Ester and that Lavina wanted them to have it (see next entry).] ]Benton County Directory 1897 gives "Tim" Turnbull born 25 March 1885 and his parents married April 1884. Census records in 1910 and 1930 support the earlier birthdate.] [1910 13 WD Part of Tract M6 Chicago 2929 Washington Blvd James B. Turnbull, lodger, 26, Ia, English, Il, Clerk, Post Office Ester Jacobson, servant, 25, Il, parents born Sweden, chambermaid for private family (James married her but evidently about 1907 per the 1930 census)] [1930 Clinton, Clinton County Iowa 311 Eighth Avenue South James B. Turnbull, own, $6000, no radio, 47, married 23 years Ia, Isle of Man, Ia, commercial salesman, automatic stoves(?) Esther, 46, Il, Sweden, Sweden James E., son, 16, Il, Ia, Il Sophia Jacobson, 77, widow, mother-in-law, Sweden, parents born Sweden, im 1876, na Molly Forrest, lodger, 91, widow, Pa, parents born Pa July 31 [Lulu Stoik made the entries in the Longfellow Birthday Book after her mother broke her arm but evidently just used blank space wherever - the dates do not seem to connect with anything.] Jim I hope you will love this book for Dear Mother's sake. I can not tell you how I would love to have it. I can just see her writing in it and both her and father thought so much of it because you and Ester give it to her. And she wants you to have it. So you shall but when you are through with it remember how I should prise it. Your Aunt Lulu Stoik. This knife your father give to grandfather and he just loved it both he and mother wants you to have it." December 31 [Last page of the book in Lulu's hand. Laughlin would have still been 82 on Dec 31 1911 but not clear if Lulu simply used the last page of the book or if the date is significant. In December 1911 Thursday would have been the 28th but it is risky to assume December. Also the Pittsburg Pa birthplace is unlikely - the family lived in Armstrong County, Pa per the 1830 census and Pittsburg was likely the largest nearby city.] Laughlin H. Woodward died Thursday morning at nine oclock aged 82 years old. Dear old father was born January 14, 1829 at Pittsburg, Pa. [There is a notation on the back fly leaf 108 S 3rd St Minnisota Minnopalas Homer but unclear if this was simply a later owner of the book or a relative. Here are Beth's comments on the 2004 purchase of the book: "I buy so many books I'm not sure which exact town I bought this one in. But it would be here in West-Central Illinois: Monmouth, Galesburg, possibly as far as Springfield, but no farther away from Monmouth. Also, on the East side possibly Burlington, Iowa" |
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