The 1896 Diary of Wilbert S. Myers, Miami, Saline, MO
Back to HomePage
The Diary of W. S. Myers
Miami, Saline, MO
1896
JANUARY
Wed., Jan. 1.
Lem, Mary and Lewis all took dinner with us today. John Roe, Will Andrews, and myself all went out collecting together this a.m. I was out most of the eve, too. Trade very good today. Elbert went back to St. Louis this a.m. Arthur Dunlap, Raymond Edmonds, and Syd Wheeler all left for Columbia, Mo., this a.m. I copied invoice on Xmas goods this eve. McDougall gave me Mabel Carpenter�s and Maude Wheeler�s photos this eve (little square ones). We closed at 7:20 tonight. I went down to the Christian Prayer Meeting. Walked over home with Emma. Went in and spent an awful sweet New Year�s Day eve with her. You know it!!
Thurs., Jan. 2.
I packed a box of turkeys and chickens this a.m., six of each. This has been a cold, dull day. I cleaned out the waste basket and letter box today. Made two wood fenders for the counter-legs this a.m. (where we pack wood under). Rettie and Mary spent the day at Mack Lewis� today. I went over after Emma, to take her up to Schumacher�s practice, but, it being so cold, she didn�t go. So I stayed a half-hour, or so, then left. Came uptown, stopped at Dunlap�s Drug Store, and talked awhile to the boys.
.....................................................................................................................
Those who are shown in this store picture: (left to right) Geo. P. Haynie, clerk; Judge Hamner, banker; Erskine Taylor, G. T.'s son; Ella Parrish; Mabel Carpenter; Mary Sweeney, clerk; G. T. Taylor, owner; Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Williams; W. S. Myers, clerk.
.......................................................................................................................
NOTE BY WILBERT S. MYERS..."The photo shown at right is the Store belonging to Mr. G. T. Taylor, for whom I worked 10-years, 5 months, 29 days. This is NOT the building I started in, but is the Store we moved to from the one I was in at the start. This Store, in photo, burnt on February 27, 1897, and we immediately moved back to the original building. Mr. Taylor is the one standing against the screen door. I quit school on March 2, 1887, and went to work for him on March 3rd, taking Charlie Bell's place. I was 15-years of age. I started at $10 per month and reached $40 per month, when Lem and I bought him out (Sept. 1, 1897). The time I was with him I was "lackey-boy" and part time salesman. In that time we recorded $57,050.82 in sales."
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Fri., Jan. 3.
Last night was the coldest of the season so far. Trade dull, dull today! I got out 30 calico remnants this eve. We closed tonight at 7:15 o�clock. I went down to the Young People�s Social Christian Endeavor tonight and walked home with Emma, but did not go in. Came back to room and did some writing, then retired. O!.. Say!....... it sure enough is cold tonight.....coldest of the cold! We only got one mail across the River today, and that was at noon.
Sat., Jan. 4.
Trade dull.....not many in town. I took a box up to Miss Maude Wheeler, as I went to supper, for her to take her lunch in when she goes back to school at Columbia, Mo., on Monday. I walked down to Lem�s with Rettie and Willie Cresap tonight as I came down from supper. The �Truth Club� has a meeting tonight at Mayor�s Hall. No mail tonight.....ice in the River is heavy. We closed at 9 o�clock. I went down to Lem�s and walked home with Rettie and Willie. Came up to Barber Shop, got a shave, and then came on to my room. Did some writing and took a bath. Retired at 12 o�clock.
Sun., Jan. 5.
Got up at 9:15 o�clock. Didn�t go to breakfast. Straightened room and then commenced copying on my record book, from my diary, until mail time. Then got mail and went to dinner. Dried the dishes for Rettie. Then came back to my room and wrote on �record� until 5:15 o�clock. Then got self ready and at 6:15 o�clock I was on my way to see Emma. Didn�t go to supper. Emma and I went to hear Rev. Hill at the M. E. Church tonight for our first time. Remember the �dance sermon!� We had pecans and apples tonight. This is a lovely moonlight night.
Mon., Jan. 6.
I made a coal-box for Jno. Dunlap�s room this a.m. Maude Wheeler went back to school again this morning. I made a blanket display this eve in the window. We took in five turkeys this a.m., from Thomas Utley. No mail tonight. I went over and took Emma up to Mr. Cresap�s tonight, to practice for concert. Went in and stayed awhile. Then, when she got through, we walked home. Very pleasant night!
Tue., Jan. 7.
Mr. McIrvine, of Fairville, died this a.m., at 2 o�clock. Today has been very pretty. Trade slow. I commenced going through the men�s shoe dept. today. We got in 31-chickens and one turkey from Geo. Cunningham this morning. We closed tonight at 7:30 o�clock. I went up and talked to Lem awhile. Then up to my room and watched the boys play cards awhile.
Wed., Jan. 8.
Mr. Taylor went out to Mr. McIrvine�s burying this morning, at Mt. Carmel. Lem and John Dunlap went over to Marshall this morning. I packed a barrel of turkeys and �chix� this a.m., before breakfast. We got in a few turkeys today. I received a bundle of newspapers from Lyt today, from Los Angeles, Calif. Mary and Lewis took dinner with us today. I went down to Christian Prayer Meeting tonight and walked up to Mr. Cresap�s with Emma, to practice for Schumacher�s concert tomorrow night. Then I walked home with her. Came on down to Store, or rather, to my room, but saw the Store was lighted up. Came on down to look, and there I found Mr. Jeter, dead drunk, on the floor. I went up and got Will Andrews and we took Mr. Jeter home. I retired at 10:30 o�clock tonight.
Thurs., Jan. 9.
Took the delineators around town this a.m. As Emma was coming uptown, when I was over there with her delineator, I walked up with her, carrying her lace curtains for her. This is such a lovely day! Mr. Jeter is at home today. Trade slow. Schumacher gives a concert at Mertens� Hall tonight. I went over and brought Ruth and Emma up to the concert (Emma was in it). She had a lovely piece. Harrison came home with Ruth and I walked home with Emma.
Fri., Jan. 10.
I wrote to bro (Newt) today, for some lace for Emma�s dress. Mattie Myers came over from Marshall today and brought Mrs. Saufley (her mother) home. Today has been lovely and trade has been good. Mr. Jeter is still at home. He sent for me to come up at noon ...(I did). The ice in the River moved some today, but it didn�t go out. We closed tonight at 7:40 o�clock. Went down to the Christian Church and walked home with Emma from Endeavor. She led the Endeavor tonight. Came back to my room and watched them play cards for awhile. Then I retired at 9:15 o�clock. There was a dance at Edmonds� again tonight.
Sat., Jan. 11.
Mr. Jeter commenced work again this a.m. I heard from bro. today, as to Emma�s lace....he couldn�t get it. So I wrote a note to Emma, then ordered it from St. Louis for her. Today trade has been dull. I got me a pair of shoes from Scott & Miller�s tonight. We closed at 8:30 p.m. Got shave and haircut tonight. Then came up to my room and wrote some. It is cold tonight.
Sun., Jan. 12.
Got up this a.m. at 8:20 a.m. Went up to breakfast and dried the dishes for Rettie. Came on down to room, straightened it, wrote some, and did some figuring. Got mail and went to dinner.....dried dishes again. After dinner I came back to room and wrote on my record-book until 4:30 o�clock. Then got ready to go over and see Emma. Stopped at Lem�s on the way and played with Lewis awhile, then went on to Emma�s. As there was no Church service in town, we spent the eve at home. We had a real nice time, too! Cake and apples. Harrison and Jim Wheeler were there, too.
Mon., Jan. 13.
This certainly has been a lovely day. Trade somewhat quiet. We got in Hart & Oberndorf's �spring samples� today. They are lovely. I finished the men�s shoe dept. today. Will commence on the lady�s shoes in the a.m. We closed tonight at 7:00 o�clock. I then went up to John�s room and watched Mertens, Bradshaw, Dunlap, and Schumacher play cribbage until 9:20. I got a nice letter from Elbert Dunlap this eve.
Tue., Jan. 14.
Rev. Robert L. Wilson, the Christian preacher, preached to �men only� tonight. I went down to hear him and it was good! Big crowd! I added $10.00 to my note to Lem and made it $100.00, dated Dec. 11, 1895. Also paid my Building & Loan, too. Trade dull today. Have been working all day on the lady�s shoe dept. This has been a dark and gloomy day.
Wed., Jan. 15.
Another gloomy day and trade dull. I am still working on the lady�s shoe dept. Got in a lot of �Dittman Shoes� this eve. They commenced putting up the water tower frame today. We closed at 7 o�clock tonight. I went down to the Christian Prayer Meeting and walked home with Emma. Then I came back to my room and talked to Geo. Burruss until 10:05 o�clock. Kate Wheeler has the measles. Ruth Wheeler is down to Hornbeck�s.
Thurs., Jan. 16.
Still another gloomy one.....trade exceedingly dull! I finished the lady�s shoe dept. today. Will commence on �misses and children�s shoes� tomorrow, if nothing prevents. Closed at 7 o�clock tonight, then went to Scott & Miller�s, and Bishop�s, and loafed awhile. Then down to Dunlap�s Drug Store. Finally, up to my room and watched them play cribbage. Wrote on my record book until it was after 10 o�clock. Then I went in to my little bed and laid myself down to sleep.
Fri., Jan. 17.
The River broke up for the second time this season. Still gloomy out. Trade dull. I finished the misses shoe dept. today. Took down my blanket display today. I printed two signs for Dr. Russell today. Will put them out in the a.m. Watched the boys play cards awhile, then went down to Y. P. S. C. E.(Young Peoples Social Christian Endeavor) and walked home with Emma, but didn�t go in. Came back to room and wrote on record book until 10:45 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 18.
Well, I declare.....this has sure enough been the gloomiest one yet! No one in town, hardly. We closed at 9 o�clock. Got a shave, watched them play cards, wrote on record book, took a bath, and retired at a little after 12 o�clock. �Get up once on Sunday......go to bed twice on Sunday.� How is that??
Sun., Jan. 19.
Got up this morning at 8 a.m. Went up to breakfast. Dried dishes for Rettie. Came to my room, made bed, cleaned room and lamp, and dusted-down. Wrote on record book until noon. Got mail and went up to dinner. Dried dishes again for Rettie, then came back up to my dear old room. Wrote a letter to Hallie, at Staunton, Va. Then wrote a letter to bro. Lyt, in Los Angeles, Calif. Then I got myself ready and went down to Lem and Mary�s and had ice cream and cake. Talked to them quite a little while, then at 6:45, I went over to see Emma. We didn�t go to Church, but spent a real pleasant eve together at home.
Mon., Jan. 20.
A blue, gloomy Monday. I measured Dan O�Brien�s two rooms today and sold him two carpets. Trade very good today. I have been working in the children�s shoe dept. this eve. We closed tonight at 7 o�clock. I came to my room and watched Dunlap, Bradshaw, Schumacher, and Lemmons play cribbage until 9:20 p.m. Wrote awhile, then retired.
Tue., Jan. 21.
This morning was just beautiful ! The heavy frost was lovely. Trade poor. I talked to Emma a few minutes at Mr. A. L. Wheeler�s this a.m., and gave her the lace I ordered several days ago. They raised the water tower frame this eve. I finished all the shoes this eve and took an inventory of them.....1,505 pair on hand. I made two towels for Mr. Bradshaw this eve. Closed at 7 o�clock. Talked to Matt Miller and his cousin, Mr. Miller, from Va., for a long, long while tonight at Store.
Wed., Jan. 22.
Raining all day. I commenced going through the wallpaper dept. today, and getting out the new Spring book. We closed at 7 o�clock tonight. I went down to the Christian Prayer Meeting, but, as it was raining so hard, Emma wasn�t there. I came back up to my room and wrote a little note to Emma. Retired at 10 o�clock. It�s snowing like forty now, and it has gotten cold as thunder!
Thurs., Jan. 23.
We had quite a big snowfall last night. I sent Emma the note this a.m. that I wrote her last night. Got one from her this eve, by Jess. So I went over to see her tonight. I finished the wallpaper dept. today and made a new book for it, for the Spring trade. Trade good today on rubber goods. We closed up at 7 p.m., so I went over to see Emma and we spent an awful sweet eve. Will Lemmons commenced on our �hat showcase� today at noon. I got an invitation this morning to a �pie-and-pound� party at R. C. Hanna�s, tomorrow night.
Fri., Jan. 24.
Measured Bob Dunlap this morning, before breakfast, for a custom-made suit. Trade a little quiet today, although it has been a very pretty day. I covered my photo frame tonight, with red felt, but didn�t finish it. I went down to the Y. P. S. C. E. meeting tonight, and walked over home with Emma, but didn�t go in. Came back up to my room and watched Bradshaw, Dunlap, Lemmons, and Bure play cribbage.
Sat., Jan. 25.
Very gloomy day, trade poor. I washed all six of the hat showcase doors this morning, and painted them, and the case, tonight. We closed tonight at 9:15. Went up to the Barber Shop and got a shave. Came up to my room and finished up my photo frame, for �us five brothers.� Took a bath and retired at 12:15 o�clock.
Sun., Jan. 26.
Got up at 8:30 a.m. Didn�t go to breakfast. Cleaned my room for Dr. Russell tomorrow. Then wrote until noon. Got mail and went to dinner. Lewis Myers took dinner with us today. I froze a freezer of cream today as I went to dinner. Took a dish, each, to May Miner and Willie Cresap, from Rettie. Entertained Lewis at home until 3 o�clock, and then I came on to my room and wrote on my record book until after 5 o�clock. Went over to see Emma at 6:30 p.m. We went to the Christian Church and took a front seat. Heard Bro. Wilson preach an excellent sermon. Mr. Boyer lectured at the Baptist Church tonight. Spent an awful pleasant eve with Emma tonight.
Mon., Jan. 27.
This has been a real bright, pretty, clear day! Trade good. I have been working on the new �hat showcase� today, lining it with paper. Closed at 7 p.m. Went to room, started a fire, then talked to Dr. Russell until 10:20 p.m., and then we retired. I commenced writing in this diary booktonight, for my first time. Will copy everything I wrote starting January 1st into this book as soon as I can (from another book I had been keeping until I received this one, which was this a.m.).
Tue., Jan. 28.
Mr. Will Lemmons finished the hat showcase this eve. I commenced putting hats in it this eve. Today has been quite pretty. Trade very good. I went up to the Band Room awhile tonight, after we closed, and played awhile with the boys. Then came up to my room and talked to Russell, McDougall, and Geo. Burruss until 10:10 o�clock.
Wed., Jan. 29.
Mr. J. F. Webster bought Mr. Ferrell�s �Furniture & Coffins� last eve. Mr. Jack Pate bought his house and lots. Then Dr. Edmonds bought the lot next to A. L. Wheeler�s, from Mr. Pate. I commenced doctoring my ear, for cold and catarrh today. I finished putting in the hats this eve, and covered the top of showcase. Went down to see little Lewis awhile tonight. Then came by Christian Prayer Meeting and walked over home with Emma. Went in and spent a real pleasant eve.
Thurs., Jan. 30.
Trade has been very good. Mr. Webster is opening up his new �Furniture Store� today. We sold five (5) suits of clothes today. Went to my room tonight, talked to the doctor until 9:20, then we both retired. Dr. Russell gave me two-dollars tonight for my room He goes back home tomorrow.
Fri., Jan. 31.
A very quiet day as to trade....few in town. Have been working on my hosiery dept. today. I went down to the Christian Endeavor tonight. Met Emma and her friend, Mrs. Hill (Mrs. Milt Burns� sister), and we went over to the �Social� at Mrs. Fristoe�s. Took Mrs. Hill home first, then came back after Emma. Minnie Casebolt stayed all night with Emma tonight. I got Flora�s photo tonight at the Social, from Minnie. Had a very pleasant time tonight.
FEBRUARY
Sat., Feb. 1.
This has been an awful dull Saturday. The roads are so bad it is impossible for anyone to get to town. We closed at 8:30 p.m. I went to �Truth Club� meeting and stayed until 10:30 o�clock, which is when we adjourned.
Sun., Feb. 2.
Got up at 8 o�clock, straightened room, then went over and let Dr. Edmonds examine my ear. Then I came back and wrote until noon. Got mail and went to dinner. I commenced with the medicine on my ear this eve. Fixed �Truth Banquet� book this eve and wrote on my record book. Big snow fell today and she is still falling. Went over to see Emma tonight. As it was snowing, we didn�t attend Church. Spent a real pleasant eve. You know it!!
Mon., Feb. 3.
Old �aunt� Hanna Lampkin (col�d) died this morning, very sudden. She was about 80-odd years old. I walked over the road this eve with Ruth Wheeler and carried a bundle for her. We got in �Selty Schwab & Co.�s� shoes this eve, and also a big sign they sent us. I went down to see �Old Aunt Hanna�s� corpse tonight. She looked quite natural. Closed at 7 p.m. Went up to room. Had a game of dominoes with the boys. Retired at 10:35 p.m.
Tue., Feb. 4.
Trade dull....dull! Went through my side of the house today. Emma is at Mr. Al Wheeler�s today, helping to �wait on the sick.� Four of them are down with measles. After closing, I went to my room and played dominoes with the boys again.
Wed., Feb. 5.
Trade pretty fair today. The roads, though, are not much better. Closed at 7:30 p.m. Went to Christian Prayer Meeting and walked over home with Emma. Went in and stayed a little while. Fixed a photo of the �Xmas-doings� at Baptist Church tonight, for Mrs. W. H. Wheeler to send away.
Thurs., Feb. 6.
Another gloomy day! Trade exceedingly dull. Huston Lemmons brought in the Truth Club�s �secretary book� tonight. So I finished up my book and it is now ready for business. We closed tonight at 7:30 p.m. I loafed awhile at Bishop�s, and Scott & Miller�s. Then to my little room I came, at 9:20 p.m. I sent Flora�s photo back to Minnie Casebolt this eve that I had gotten, in fun, on last Fri. eve at the Social, at Mrs. Fristoe�s.
Fri., Feb. 7.
Very quiet day. I made a box for my catarrh inhaler. Took my first dose this eve. We closed tonight at 7:30 p.m. Came up to room and wrote awhile. Then went down to the Endeavor Meeting and walked over home with Emma. Came back to Scott & Miller�s and talked to the boys until 10 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 8.
Dull......dull!! Roads awful....people can�t get here! We closed at 8 p.m. I was over to see E. a few minutes this morning. I went to �Banquet Meeting� tonight. Had a grand time! Retired at 10:30 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 9.
Got up at 8:30 this a.m. Cleaned room and wrote �til noon. Got mail and went to dinner. Dried the dishes for Rettie. Wrote letter to Elbert this eve. Wrote on my record book until 5 o�clock. Got ready, went to supper, and I took Chas. Miller with me. Went to see Lewis Myers a little while this eve. Called to �c� Emma tonight. There being no services in town, we remained at home and spent a very pleasant eve. �J. S.� (John Sibley) was over to see E. this eve.......don�t that kill-u????
Mon., Feb. 10.
Today has been quite pretty. Trade only fair. Emma ate birthday dinner with Sadie Jessup today, although Sadie�s birthday is not until tomorrow. Emma taught school today (half-day) for Prof. Lampkin. Emma and I went down to Lem and Mary�s tonight, to pull candy. I took Rettie also. We had quite a nice time. I didn�t get to retire until 10:45 o�clock.
Tue., Feb. 11.
Sadie Jessup�s birthday. A lovely day, but trade has been slow. I got out my lumber this eve, for my �curtain exhibitor.� Emma and I went down to Lem and Mary�s again tonight. Prof. Lampkin and Harrison Wheeler were there, also.....for music. Mr. A. S. Taylor and Anna, Willie Cresap, and a Mr. Lewis, from Va., also attended. We left at 10:50 p.m. It was dark out, and sprinkling.
Wed., Feb. 12.
Rain, rain.....all day long! Also snowed some this eve. Trade.....None! We closed at 6:15 o�clock. I commenced on a curtain exhibitor today. After returning from supper, I came up to my room, made a fire, and wrote on my record. McDougall came up at 10 o�clock. We then made out list for our �flags and bunting,� for banquet. I then retired at 11:15 o�clock.
Thurs., Feb. 13.
This has been a dull and cold one! I have been working in the basement all day today, on my curtain exhibitor. We ordered the flags and bunting today, for �Truth Banquet.� Dan O�Brien, and his bride, got in this eve. He was married last night. We closed at 6:30 tonight. I then got supper, came back to my room, and wrote on my record book (finished �places visited�). Then retired at 9 o�clock, sharp. We got in �Colgate & Co.�s� soaps and perfumes this eve, that were ordered last Nov.
Fri., Feb. 14.
The �L. L. A.� gave a Social at our old Stand tonight. There was also a party at Cunningham�s last night, but I didn�t attend. This has been a real pretty day. I selected our spring-line of wallpaper and curtains today. We closed tonight at 7:30 o�clock. Trade very good today. I went down to Endeavor Meeting tonight and walked home with Emma. Went in, and sat awhile.
Sat., Feb. 15.
The roads are still awful, but there were a good many in town today. I had another �Truth Banquet� meeting tonight. Have now taken in $97.00, all together. We closed the list tonight. We got in all of our flags and bunting, etc., this eve. Retired tonight at midnight.
Sun., Feb. 16.
I got up this a.m. at 8 o�clock, straightened room and talked to the boys until noon. Got mail and went to dinner. Lewis took dinner with us today. I took him home at 3 o�clock and gave him some candy and bananas. Then I came to Store and made me a fine printed sign for Dr. Russell. Then I talked to Capt. A. K. Ruxton quite awhile. Got ready and went to supper, then went down to Lem and Mary�s. After that I went over to see Emma. She brought in such nice ice cream and cake. Just fine, too! Spent such a nice time with Emma this eve. Downing Bell, and old Mrs. Hall... both died today.
Mon., Feb. 17.
I mailed the following invitations to the Banquet, on the 21st, this eve: Jno. Dunlap, Lem and Mary Myers, Emma Wheeler, Dr. and Mrs. Amos Wheeler. I gave Rettie one, and also mailed one to Maude Wheeler, at Columbia. I received a real cute note from Emma this eve, in thanks for the Banquet invitation. Also a note from the Dr. and his wife. Today trade has been only fair. We closed tonight at 7:30 o�clock. Talked to Geo. Burruss awhile tonight, after addressing a few invitations. Then retired at 9:30 o�clock.
Tue., Feb. 18.
Today trade has been pretty dull. I mailed a few complimentary tickets today, for the Banquet. I gave my curtain exhibitor another coat of paint today. G. N. Jackson put up 17-loads of 4-inch ice today. We commenced work on the Banquet Hall today (that is, tonight). We worked until after 10 o�clock. Retired at 11:05.......tired, tired!
Wed., Feb. 19.
Today has been dull and cold. Mr. Martin Hudson and Miss Gertie Noonan were married tonight at the Christian Church. I went down and, after it was over, walked home with Emma, but didn�t go in. Came back to Hall and worked on Banquet until after 11 o�clock. The School Board elected Emma today, to fill Prof. Lampkin�s vacancy.
Thurs., Feb. 20.
Mr. Jno. Bishop�s little girl was buried here today. Emma went over to the schoolhouse this morning to catch on to things, as to how Prof. Lampkin runs his room, etc. I made two signs today.....�Ladies,� and �Gents�....to be used for Banquet. I went to the Hall tonight and worked until after 12 o�clock. Minnie Miller and a Mr. Pittman were married tonight, at her home. Lem and Mary went down, but it wasn�t so that Rettie and myself could go.
Fri., Feb. 21.
The �Miami Truth Club� gave their second annual Banquet tonight, at Taylor�s old stand. We fed 204-people. The decorations were said by all.....�lovely.� We decorated both upstairs and down. I got off at
2 o�clock and helped them all eve. I took Emma and we just had a fine time! It was after 2 a.m. before I got to retire. I took my dresser down for the girls to use. Will Ingram stayed all night with me. I moved my dresser back to my room tonight after the Banquet was over.
Sat., Feb. 22.
Today has been a gloomy old day.....rained some this a.m. I helped them awhile this morning, at Hall, taking things back from the Banquet of last night. I received this diary today. Not many people in town, so trade a little slow. We closed up tonight at 8:30 o�clock. I left and came to room and retired as I haven�t had any sleep for a week until after 12 o�clock. I worked on Banquet Hall every night except Mon. Mrs. Dr. Cunningham and Emma were in Store this a.m. Mrs. C. goes back to Wakenda this eve. She came down for the Banquet.
Sun., Feb. 23.
I slept this a.m. until after 9 o�clock. Got up and cleaned my room, for Dr. Russell this week. Got mail and went to dinner. Dried the dishes for Rettie. Came to room and wrote all eve. Got ready and went over to see Emma at 6 o�clock. Mr. S. B. Jeter went to Kansas City this eve. Prof. Lampkin left also this eve. This has been such a beautiful day. They finished the windmill at Waterworks last eve. Emma and I went to hear Bro. Wilson tonight. Large crowd.
Mon., Feb. 24.
Emma commenced teaching school today, having taken Prof. Lampkin�s place. She has two months to teach, at $45.00 per month. That is good! Today has been lovely. They put the tank together on top of water tower today. We have had a very nice little trade today. Not many in town, though. We closed tonight at 7:30 o�clock. I came to room and straightened my Banquet book. Wrote this in my diary and then retired. Ruth Wheeler stayed all night with Miss Landora Dick tonight.
Tue., Feb. 25.
Dr. Russell, from Marshall, came over today. I took lessons from Richards today, to learn how to paint signs. Trade dull. I posted up the books today, as Mr. Jeter was away. Dr. Russell brought his wife with him this time. Bro. Wilson preached to both men and women tonight, so I went down. Walked home with Emma and Mary Burruss, who is going to spend the night with Emma.
Wed., Feb. 26.
We got in some dry goods and shoes today....also our boy�s clothing. Mr. Jeter got home today from Kansas City. They commenced putting water in the tower this eve, for the first time. I put Miss Ann Garnett�s name on her valise this eve, and took it over to her. Today has been lovely. Trade poor. After we closed tonight I went to the Hall and helped to take down decorations. Worked until after 9 o�clock. The Methodists commenced a Meeting tonight. Old Aunt Betsy died this eve.
Thurs., Feb. 27.
We got in our Spring line of wallpaper and curtains this a.m. I brought up my curtain exhibitor from basement today and commenced putting my shades on it. They threw water on the streets this eve, with hose from the water-works. The Methodists opened a Meeting here Wed. I went down tonight and, when it was over, I walked over the road with Emma. I didn�t go in, though, but talked a few minutes at porch. Came back to room and did some writing before I retired. Mr. A. P. Bishop gave me a pretty broken mirror tonight.
Fri., Feb. 28.
Today has been another quiet day. I finished my curtain exhibitor today. It is now loaded with curtains. Emma finished her first week of school this eve. She has seven weeks yet and then school will be out. Emma sent me word tonight that she wouldn�t be at Endeavor, and for me to come on over. So, at 7:45, I was on my way over to see her. We had such a sweet eve. I left at 10:45 o�clock. This is such a lovely night, so bright and pretty out.
Sat., Feb. 29.
This has been another gloomy Saturday.....it has been snowing most all day long, but melting as fast as it would fall. Trade quiet. We closed tonight at 9:00 o�clock. I came to room and balanced my books for the month, also for my close of year with Mr. Taylor. I will now commence on my 10th year with him.
MARCH
Sun., Mar. 1.
Got up this a.m. at 7:30, cleaned room, and went to breakfast. Then I went to Sunday School....first time for over a year! Then, after Sunday School, I took a walk to the River, then returned to room and talked to the boys until mail time. Got mail and went to dinner. Then came back down to room and wrote a little while on this diary. Henry Mertens, Jno. Dunlap, McDougall, Will and Houston Lemmons, and myself, took a walk to River this eve, first to boat, then up to water tower, then skiff riding, and then we came back uptown. I washed and dressed and went up to supper, then down to Lem and Mary�s to see Lewis, and I stayed there until 6:30 o�clock. Then I went over to see Emma. We didn�t go to Church, but spent the eve at home.
Mon., Mar. 2.
Today has been a dark, gloomy day. Trade very poor. I was out collecting this eve. Mr. Huggins came out from Marshall this eve. He commenced a protracted Meeting tonight at the M. E. Church. I went down to hear him. After Church I walked home with Rettie. Then I came to my room and retired at 9 o�clock.
Tue., Mar. 3.
Snowy! The Methodists commenced morning meetings this a.m. I measured a room at Tom Minor�s this a.m., for Miss Eva Snelling. I paid Dr. Edmonds this a.m., $3.20, first payment on my catarrh cure. I commenced stenciling our new Spring line of wallpaper this eve. I went down to the Methodist Church tonight to hear Bro. Huggins. After Church I walked home with Mary and carried Lewis home for her. Then I came to my room and retired at 10 o�clock.
Wed., Mar. 4.
Today trade has been exceedingly dull! Not very many in. I finished my wallpaper today. We closed up tonight at 7 o�clock. I went up to Dunlap�s Drug Store and talked to the boys until 9 o�clock....then came to room and retired. I didn�t attend Church tonight.
Thurs., Mar. 5.
This certainly has been a dark, gloomy, gloomy day! It has been raining most all day. I sent Emma my umbrella at noon, at school, knowing she didn�t have any this a.m. as she went up to school. Trade dull today. It cleared up tonight so I suppose tomorrow will be a pretty day. Geo. Burruss and self went up to Store, where the Banquet was held, and packed our bunting, flags, shields, Washington�s photo, etc. We then went down to the Methodist Meeting. After Church I walked over the road with Emma, but didn�t go in. Came back and retired at 9:20 o�clock.
Fri., Mar. 6.
I had the back lot at Store (where we held our Banquet) cleaned this a.m. I went through the men�s, boy�s, lady�s, and misses shoe depts. today, and rearranged them. I made curtains for my curtain exhibitor this eve. Today has been lovely, though trade rather dull. I went down to the Y. P. S. C. E. tonight after we closed. They had quite a good meeting. I went home with Emma, went in and stayed awhile. Landora Dick, Harrison Wheeler, and Jim Wheeler were there.
Sat., Mar. 7.
Lots and lots of people in town today. They are in for the �Silver Convention.� Trade, though, hasn�t been very much. I had a confidential talk with Mr. Noonan tonight, as he said this eve he wanted to see me......no good. We had our final Banquet Meeting tonight and had $(..this was left blank.. ) balance in treasury carried over for next year, outside of our $23.00 investment in flags and bunting now on hand. I retired at 10:20 o�clock. �Bufe� Casebolt told me about his �W.� tonight.
Sun., Mar. 8.
Got up at 7:20 a.m. Went to breakfast at 8. Went to Sunday School, then down to the Christian Church. Took a walk with Emma. Didn�t go to Church, though. Came to room, talked and read until mail time. I climbed up on the water tower today, at noon, for the first time. Got mail and went to dinner. I spent the eve reading and writing. We had a good snowfall last night. I went over to see Emma tonight. She had such a cold that we didn�t attend Church. I came up to town and got some lemons for her cold. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan, Emma�s grandparents, were in the parlor awhile. We had music. I took my clock over to Emma tonight, for her to use at school.
Mon., Mar. 9.
I put up four shades this eve, for Miss Eva Snelling at Tom Minor�s house. I carried the delineators around this a.m. Walked over the road with Miss Ruth Wheeler this a.m. I mailed my fashion sheets this eve. The �Silver Convention� is at Marshall today. We closed at 7:10 p.m. I went down to Church. Ruth was there, but Emma�s cold was no better, so she didn�t come out. I then came to room and retired at 9:05 p.m.
Tue., Mar. 10.
Bro. Hill and Bro. Huggins took supper at Dr. Wheeler�s tonight. I ordered Landora a gray silk veil, from Marshall, this eve. I packed away all of our men�s and boy�s overcoats, and the lady�s and miss�s cloaks. Also the yarn, socks, mittens, etc. Trade very good today. It is colder this eve. I put a pole up this a.m., for Miss Eve. Closed at 7:10 o�clock. George (Wheeler) brought me a note from Emma tonight....saying she would go to the Christian Church (as she first said) in place of the Methodist Church, and for me to meet her there. So I went down and heard their new preacher, and then walked over home with her. Didn�t go in, though.
Wed., Mar. 11.
This has sure enough been a gloomy one! I was up to the Baptist Church most all the eve helping to put down the new carpet we sold them. It has been trying to snow some today, but it didn�t amount to much. I went down to the Christian Church again tonight and heard our same old Bro. He is a pretty fair talker! I walked over home with Emma tonight after Church. Didn�t go in. Came back to room and retired at 9:20 o�clock.
Thurs., Mar. 12.
I was up to the Baptist Church again this a.m., cutting carpet for them. I have been working in the clothing dept. today. They are now taking old Jessie Ferril�s storeroom down.....that perhaps was one of the first to have been built here. The Council met tonight at 6:30 o�clock, so I stayed from supper and let Mr. Jeter go to that. Then at 7 p.m. closing time, I went to supper. I went to the Meeting tonight, then came direct to my room and retired at 9:15 p.m. Emma was not at Church tonight.
Fri., Mar. 13.
I have been working on the clothing all day. Trade has been very dull. Today has been dark and gloomy. Rev. Huggins preaches his last sermon tonight. He goes home tomorrow. Peyton Jeter came down from Malta Bend on his bicycle this eve, in one-hour-and-a-quarter. Roads fine. I went over to see Emma tonight. We didn�t attend Endeavor or preaching, but spent the eve at home. Had a real sweet pleasant eve, too. You know it!
Sat., Mar. 14.
Today has been a regular blizzard! Trade awful, awful dull. We got in dry goods....shoes and slippers this a.m. It has been spitting snow most all day long. There being no trade tonight, we closed early. Came to room, took a bath, and retired. John Dunlap cleaned his stovepipe out this a.m. Henry Bure came out this eve...as a candidate for �Mayor.� And Bence Burnsides as a candidate for �Windmill Greaser!�... Ha!.. Ha! .. Ha! ... You know it!
Sun., Mar. 15.
Gloomy all day. Got up at 7:15 o�clock. Went to breakfast, went to Sunday School, went down to see little Lewis, and stayed until 11:45 a.m. Came to room, got mail, and went to dinner. After dinner Mr. McDougall and self went down to the River and spent the eve with the crowd of boys on the boat. Don�t forget Geo. Burruss cleaning the stovepipe, and part of the pipe fell in the River!!! Came up to my room at 4:30, got ready and went to supper. Maude Wheeler got home this eve from Columbia, Mo., to attend the wedding. I stopped in to see Lewis again tonight as I went over the road. I gave him some lemons for his cold, and bananas. Emma and I didn�t go to Church tonight. We spent the evening at home. I got an invitation from Elbert today to attend his graduation exercises at St. Louis, the 19th.
Mon., Mar. 16.
Hubert Wood took Mr. Taylor over to Marshall this a.m., to serve on the grand jury. He came home, though, this eve. They let him off. Today has been a pretty one.....trade fair. McDougall cut a monogram this eve , for us, for the Buford Casebolt and Landora Dick wedding on Wednesday. Emma took the monogram home with her this eve. She is going to cover it for me. I went over after her tonight at 7:30 and we came up to Church. She practiced her �Wedding March� and I helped to decorate, with others, until half-past 10 o�clock. Emma and I got a butter-knife and sugar-spoon, together this eve, to give to Landora and Buford.
Tue., Mar. 17.
Bro. Sullens, of Slater, came up last eve to help in the Meeting. I walked up to the Baptist Church this a.m., with Minnie Casebolt, to show her the decorations. I made gates this a.m., at the Baptist Church, for wedding. Today has been lovely. Trade only fair. Mr. Jeter and myself made up the �Memoranda Book� for G. T. to go east next week. I was up to the Church awhile this eve watching them work. I carried a footstool up to Maude Wheeler�s this eve, and talked to her a few minutes at the door. After we closed up, I went over after Emma and we went up to the B. Church to practice for the wedding. We had quite a nice time! Stayed there until 9:45 o�clock. I retired at 10:20 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 18.
It has been raining and spitting snow all day. Mr. A. T. Palmer and wife spent today with S. B. Jeter. Emma and I, together, gave Buford and Landora a sugar-spoon and butter-knife. We sent it up to them this morning. Buford Casebolt and Landora Dick were married tonight at the Baptist Church, at 8 o�clock, sharp. Attendants: Laura Casebolt, Taylor Casebolt, Minnie Casebolt, Rolla Casebolt, May Minor, and Tom Sutton. Ushers: Robert Casebolt, Harrison Wheeler, Jim Wheeler, and Wib Myers. Emma played the Wedding March. Carroll Minor and Ella Greenabaum opened the gates. The Church was fixed with gates, and the posts and gates were filled with evergreens and bells, with the monogram
�C & D� hanging from center. The Church was crowded and over-flowing. I took Emma out to the reception at Casebolts. Had a nice supper and a nice time. We came back at 11 o�clock. Everything passed off nicely. They got quite a number of nice presents.
Thurs., Mar. 19.
Maude Wheeler left this a.m. for Columbia, Mo., where she is attending school. She came up Sun. eve for Buford and Landora�s wedding. Today has been awful cold. I walked from Scott & Miller�s Store up as far as the corner with Emma this eve. Trade has been dull here today. Closed up tonight and went to Church. After preaching was out I walked down home with Jennie Wheeler, and Jim Wheeler walked with Emma. Then I walked on over home with Emma. Don�t forget the promise Jennie had made to �somebody.� Hurrah for her!.......poor Taylor Casebolt! Such is life! We all travel the same road. You know it!
Fri., Mar. 20.
Four rooms at school today got a half-day holiday. Two rooms got a quarter-day holiday. Emma was one of the rooms that got 1/4 day. I made a pattern and order book today. Finished going through my silk twist today. Trade very good today. This has been such a pretty day that it brought people out. I went over to see Emma tonight. We went to Church to hear Bro. Sullens preach his last sermon. The Meeting closed tonight. I got Emma some lemons again tonight, for her cold. Spent a real pleasant eve with Emma. It is much warmer tonight.
Sat., Mar. 21.
Elbert Dunlap got in this a.m., from St. Louis. He is now a full-fledged �doctor.� Hurrah for Elbert! I got the Bible that I ordered for Emma this eve. It is a nice one, I tell you! It cost me $4.00, plus 25-cents for postage. Today has been very dull. Not many people in town, although it has been another nice day. We closed up tonight at 8:30 o�clock. I got a shave, came to room, and did some writing....then retired.
Sun., Mar. 22.
Got up at 6:45 o�clock. Dressed bed, swept room, and went to breakfast. After breakfast I straightened room and fixed it for Dr. Russell this week. Then I got ready and McDougall and Will Andrews both took a picture of my room. Then I got the mail and went to dinner. Went home and found Newt there. He and Mattie and the children came over. I stayed up home until 4 o�clock, then came down with Newt to the watering trough, to water his horses, then I left him. I went up to Dr. Dunlap�s house at noon to get him for Mrs. Vanice. I was with the boys and �Pete� (Elbert) this eve until supper time. Lem and Dr. Edmonds went to St. Louis today. I went to supper and then came to my room, then went over to see Emma at 6:30. As it was snowing so, we didn�t attend Church tonight.
Mon., Mar. 23.
We had about a 3-inch snowfall last eve and night. Elbert Dunlap left us this eve, for Kansas City, to work this summer. Mr. Taylor went to St. Louis tonight. I made a �Mdse & Cash Record� today for Store, dating back to 1888 - 1896. Today has been real pretty, trade only fair. I made two �City Poll Books� tonight for Mr. Jeter, for the City Election on April 7th. Then I went up to Bishops & Co. and talked to him, Dunlap, Barnett, and Andrews until 8:45. Then came to my room and retired.
Tue., Mar. 24.
Dr. Russell came over today to stay until Thursday. Mr. Jeter and I commenced cleaning house this a.m. Today has just been a lovely day. I cleaned off my cornice from end-to-end and my side down as far as hat dept. today.....although I had to stop a number of times to wait on trade, etc. We have had a very nice little trade today. Little Lewis Myers took dinner with us today. I talked with the boys awhile tonight at Scott & Miller�s, and at Dunlap�s Drug Store. Then Dr. Russell and I went up and retired at 9:45. You know I am tired and sleepy tonight!
Wed., Mar. 25.
Little Lewis Myers is 3-years-old today, and Emma Wheeler is 20-years-old today. I gave her a nice Bible as a birthday present. I sent it over to her this a.m., by Miss Ruth, as she was in Store. We finished cleaning the Store today at noon. This eve, Uncle Isaac and myself cleaned the basement all out and got through at 5 o�clock. I will wash the windows and showcases tomorrow, if nothing happens, and then we will be ready for our spring goods. Today has been quiet and gloomy. Tonight Geo. Burruss and self took a walk over to the corner and back. I stopped at the Christian Church and waited for Prayer Meeting to be out. Then I walked home with Emma, but didn�t go in.
Thurs., Mar. 26.
I mailed Mr. John Boyer some newspapers this a.m. Dr. Russell went back to Marshall this eve. Will Redd and myself washed the plate glass in front today. We also wiped off the woodwork in front, too. Today has been a lovely, lovely day, but O!.. My!...trade has been awful dull. I swept and dusted my room all out this eve, after Dr. Russell left. I got a bottle, or tube rather, of Russell�s mouthwash today, for my first. After we closed up tonight Geo. Burruss., McDougall, and self took a walk over to the corner and back. Then we stopped in at Dunlap�s and I stayed awhile. Then I went up to my room, did some writing and a little arranging. Then I to my little bed went, feeling tired and worn out and not as well as I might be. Good night!
Fri., Mar. 27.
Lem and Mr. Taylor both got back from St. Louis this a.m. It has been raining all day long. I have been working on the spool twist again today. Getting it in shape now to ship and get something for it. Trade dull. I printed announcements this a.m., for Dr. Brigg�s lecture tonight at the M. E. Church, and I put one in every Store. Lem took dinner with us today, as Mary and Lewis were out to Mack�s. I went down to Christian Endeavor tonight and went home with Emma. Went in and stayed awhile. Had a real sweet time. There was a party at Martin Hudson�s and Mrs. Henry Bates� tonight. Lovely moonlight night!
Sat., Mar. 28.
Trade dull this a.m., but fine this p.m. The Miami School Alumni met at Mr. Jeter�s house tonight, to decide when they would have the Banquet. Emma is going to spend tonight with Minnie Casebolt. The Banquet will be on Thurs. night, June 11th. We closed tonight at 9:30 o�clock. I went to room, did some writing, took a bath, and retired at 10:35 o�clock. Mr. Frazer (or Frazee), age 70-odd, died this eve at 4:30 o�clock.
Sun., Mar. 29.
I got up at 7 o�clock. Arranged room to have photo struck at 11:30 a.m. Went to breakfast at 8:20, and then attended Sunday School. Mr. McDougall got ready and took the picture of my room this morning. I then got mail and went to dinner. After dinner, I cleaned up my room again, got ready and walked up to corner with Capt. A. K. Ruxton. Then I started over to see Emma, but I heard that she had gone to the water mill, at River, so I went down there and met her with a crowd of other girls. We then took a walk to the upper landing and then back home. Had a lovely walk and the eve was beautiful. Then we went into parlor and I stayed until 6:30. Came up to my room.......remember this eve, �the fuse.� I stopped at Lem�s to see Lewis. As I went back over tonight I took Mary my light-check suit to make little Lewis a suit out of. Then I went over to see Emma again. We didn�t go to Church, but went walking. Lovely night.
Mon., Mar. 30.
This has been just a beautiful night and day! Shipped out a lot of spool twist this eve, by express....1,579 spools. Trade today has been a little quiet. We ordered our awning today, for Store. Mr. Minor and papa are putting up Mr. Jack Pates� residence now, on the Ferril lot. We closed tonight at 7:45 o�clock. I talked to Geo. Burruss and Mr. Webb awhile in front of Store tonight. Then I went up to my room and balanced up my ledger for this month.
Tue., Mar. 31.
Mr. Jeter told me this a.m., while we were cleaning up, that he quits on May 1, 1896. Today has been part pretty, part gloomy....and it was a regular March trade today = DULL! I brought up all the slippers out of basement today and fixed the colored spool cotton cabinet. I left Store tonight at 7:45. Took a walk to corner with Geo. Burruss. Then came up to room and talked to him until 9 p.m. We read a note, too, that George found. Don�t forget....�moonlight - midnight - D. E. and B. B.� I posted my record up for this month and then retired at 10 p.m.
APRIL
Wed., Apr. 1.
We got in all of our Spring goods today. We have been working today, too, I�m here to tell you! Trade today has been only fair. I got a cute little celluloid belt today for Emma. I will give it to her tonight as I see her at Prayer Meeting. This has been a windy day. I got a photo of my room finished up today. It is splendid! I went down to the Christian Prayer Meeting tonight and walked over home with Emma, but didn�t go in at all. I gave her the belt and borrowed the Bible I gave her on the 25th, for Prof. Carpenter to see, as he wants one like it. Retired tonight at 9:20 p.m.
Thurs., Apr. 2.
This has been a lovely day, trade only fair. I was out collecting awhile today. I sent Emma over her set of shirt-waist buttons and studs this eve, by Jess, that I told her last eve I was going to give her. Mr. McD. gave me five more of my photos this eve, that he had finished up for me. I fixed up my photos tonight, to mail one each to the following: (brother) Lyt Myers, (sister) Lina Hudson, (niece) Floy Myers and Dr. Russell. I will give Lem, Emma, and Mrs. Milt Burns one of the others, when finished. I talked to the crowd awhile tonight at Scott & Miller�s, then went to my room and retired, after doing a little reading.
Fri., Apr. 3.
I sent Floy Myers and Dr. Russell a photo of my room this eve, by Mr. Carroll. Today has been a real pretty day. Trade pretty fair. I sold Emma a light blue dimity this eve. Went to supper, and, as it wasn�t ready yet, I went to the woodhouse and split a big lot of wood. Coming from supper I stopped at the Barber Shop and got a shave. Then I came to Store and got ready and went down to Endeavor. Went over home with Emma, went in and had an awful sweet time. Cyrena brought us in some fine homemade candy. There was a Baptist �social� at Mrs. Ish�s tonight, but E. and I didn�t go.
Sat., Apr. 4.
I mailed my bro. Lyt a photo of my room this a.m. (to Los Angeles, Calif.). I put two curtains up for Mr. Cockrell this a.m., at Beck�s stand. This morning trade was dull, but it took over this eve.....we had just more than we could attend to. We didn�t close tonight until 10 o�clock. I went to room, did some writing, then retired.
Sun., Apr. 5.
Got up at 7:20 o�clock. Went to breakfast and helped Rettie. Came to room and straightened it all out. Got ready and went to Sunday School. Then I went down to the River, rode in skiff, and crossed the River with McDougall and George Burruss. Then I came up and got the mail and went to dinner. Ella Parrish got home last night. I went to the River again this eve, and stayed until 4:40, then came up, dressed and went up home. Stayed there until 6 o�clock. Then came back to room awhile before going over to see Emma. We went to hear Bro. Bosworth preach at the Christian Church. Lovely starlight night! It rained some this eve.
Mon., Apr. 6.
Today has been lovely, but trade not very much. I put out all of our straw hats today. Put caps away. I took the delineators around this a.m., and walked up into town with Ruth. I opened Miss Eva Snelling�s �spring goods� for her this morning. We closed up tonight at 8 o�clock. Geo. Burruss and I took a walk over to the corner, sat down by a fire that had been built in front of Dr. A. A. Wheeler�s and talked a long, long while. Then came back, sat down on my steps, talked some more, and then I went up to my room and retired at 9:40 p.m. Tina Shelton is spending tonight with Ruth and Emma.
Tue., Apr. 7.
City Election Day!
It rained most all day. Trade dull. I tried my luck this eve on signs, for the first time, with our pencil air-brush.
Returns of the Election:
Mayor: W. H. Wheeler - 49; Henry Bure - 73; Dunlap - 123.
Marshall: John H. Casebolt - 67; E. D. Haynie - 31; A. L. Wheeler - 14; John S. Burnsides - 7.
Councilmen:
Ward 1: D. N. Burruss - 118
Ward 2: Dan O�Brien - 93; Dr. A. R. Edmonds (left blank)
Ward 3: Jas. F. Vaughan - 88; Gus Jessup (left blank); Dr. A. A. Wheeler (left blank)
School Board: L. W. Haynie - 81; L. A. Myers - 76; J. H. Noonan - 27; J. W. Roe - 28
There was a lecture at the Christian Church tonight. I went down with Geo. Burruss and McDougall and, after it was over, I walked home with Emma Wheeler, but didn�t go in. Dark and stormy tonight. The young man lectured on �trueness.� He was only 23-years-old!
Wed., Apr. 8.
Another rainy day. Trade slow. I mashed my finger this a.m. - bad ! I will no doubt lose the nail. The young man that lectured at the Christian Church last night preached there tonight. Although it was raining some, there was a very good crowd out. Just as Church was out, it commenced pouring down. I went home with Emma. But, O!.. My!......How dark and how bad it was! Don�t mention about us stepping off of the walk and into the mud! This was about as dark a night as I have ever seen.
Thurs., Apr. 9.
Today has been real pretty. Trade good this eve. Mr. Rogers put up part of our awning today. I decorated the Store a little today. Mr. Jeter and Charley Davis went up to Malta Bend this eve. Lem is at home, sick. Rettie is complaining also. We closed up tonight at 8 o�clock. I took a walk to the corner with Geo. Burruss, then came back in front of A. T. Taylor & Sons and talked to Andrews, McDougall, Haynie, and Burruss awhile. Then I went up to my room and retired.
Fri., Apr. 10.
The candidates all speak here today. I got a shave and a hair-cut this a.m. I mailed Lina a photo of my room, and also a photo of Lewis, this a.m. (for her to send on to Hallie). Today has been a lovely day. Trade very good. Lots of people in town today. Dr. Grady was up to see Rettie this a.m. I went down to Endeavor tonight, then went home with Emma. Went in and stayed awhile. We had a real sweet time......you know it!!
Sat., Apr. 11.
They finished our awning today. Trade has been very good all day, though not very many in town. Miss Warmick Leftwich came up last eve from Mexico, Mo., to see Pet Jeter. She will remain until Monday. As I went to supper tonight I found Rettie much worse, so I sent the doctor up to see her. We closed up tonight at 9:30. We sold $175 today. I got me some apples to eat, then went up to my room, posted my books, took a bath and retired at 11:10 o�clock......tired and sleepy!
Sun., Apr. 12.
This a.m. I arose at 7 a.m., straightened room, and went to breakfast. I found Rettie much improved. After breakfast I came downtown, got some lemons, and then went back up home and made her some lemonade. I didn�t attend Sunday School this morning. I went down to the boat and stayed until noon. Miss Julia Royar, who has been gone to Los Angeles, Cal., for the past three years, came in this a.m. Papa and I took dinner with Lem and Mary. Mary sent dinner up to Rettie. I went to the River this eve, with crowd. We crossed with the boat. Then at 4:30 p.m. I came up to the Store and got ready to go over to see Emma. No Church at all tonight. The rain is just pouring down now. I spent a real nice time with Emma. But, O!.. My!.....How dark it was tonight! You know it!!
Mon., Apr. 13.
This morning it just poured down, but this evening was real pretty. Trade slow today. I got a nice letter from sister (Lina) this eve. I commenced working on the hamburg dept. this eve, rewinding them and putting them on new boards. We closed tonight at 8 o�clock. Geo. Burruss and myself took a walk over to the corner and then back up to my room. We sat in the doorway, on steps, and talked until 9:15 o�clock. Then Geo. took his departure and I, to my bed went. O!.. I have had, and have yet, the blues so bad! Nothing special either......
Tue., Apr. 14.
Emma sent me an invitation to the closing exercises of the school, this a.m. I also got a note from William Ingram. I returned thanks to �Em� this eve, for the invitation. Today has been beautiful! Geo. Haynie and Clarence Haynie went to Chicago this eve, with cattle (oops.....no, they didn�t get to go today). Trade very good this eve, but dull this morning. Mrs. Shelton fixed my gray coat this a.m. After closing tonight Geo. Burruss and self took a walk to the corner. Misses Sadie Jessup, and Ruth and Emma Wheeler came along and we talked to them awhile on the corner. Then we came back and I went up to my room and retired at 9:30 o�clock.
Wed., Apr. 15.
I got up this morning at 2:45 o�clock and bought 58 �school tickets� for Friday and Saturday nights. I was second on the list for various ones. This has been a windy day, though real pretty and bright. Trade has been fair today. No one in town, hardly. Emma sent me word, by Erskine, tonight, to come down to Prayer Meeting, so I got a shave and went down. Ruth walked home with us and then Emma and I sat on the porch and we talked a little while. Then I left as she had work to do on her examination papers.
Thurs., Apr. 16.
Today has been part pretty and part gloomy. Trade very, very dull. I finished all my hamburgs this eve. We closed up tonight at 8 o�clock. Clarence Haynie, George Burruss and myself took a walk over to the corner, sat down and talked until 9:45 o�clock. This is such a pretty night. We listened to Emma play a long while. She also sang some. She is all OK, I tell you! We then came on back. I went to my room and retired at 10 p.m., sharp.
Fri., Apr. 17.
Today closes the school term here for this season. Emma winds up her two months today, that she taught for Professor Lampkin. The graduation exercises are at Mertens Hall tonight. I went, and took Emma. It was very nice. John Bure, Willie Morris, Ida Royar, and Julia Taylor were the four graduates this year. After going home with Emma, we sat on porch and talked until 10:45 o�clock. Then I took my departure. It is such a pretty night, so cool and nice. I retired at 11 p.m., sharp. Emma brought my clock home today that I let her have while teaching school.
Sat., Apr. 18.
Rain, rain! The contest for the �Medal� is at Mertens� Hall tonight. Miss Sletha Cox won the Medal. Hurrah for her! Today certainly has been dull.....no one hardly at all in town. It rained hard most all eve. I went up to the Hall tonight, after the contest was over. They had a full house and the weather cleared off real pretty. I gave Ruth and Emma tickets for tonight. Mr. McDougall took the picture of the contestants tonight, by �flashlight.� The contestants were as follows: Misses Sletha Cox, Linnie Cooper, Effie Mattingly, Cora Noonan, and Meddie Walden. I took Emma home tonight, from the Hall.
Sun., Apr. 19.
I got up at 7 o�clock, went to breakfast, came back, and straightened room. I packed away my two comforts this a.m., at Store. I wrote a while and read my Bible at the Store this a.m. I talked to the boys until mail time. Got mail and went to dinner. After dinner I talked to May Minor awhile, who came down to see Rettie. Then I came down to my room and talked to the crowd in John's room until 2:30 o�clock. Then Prof. Barnett and myself went down to the River, got in a skiff, and George Wheeler and myself took Prof. B. across the River. We had a grand time! Then I talked to George and John Burruss on the boat until 5 o�clock. Then I came uptown, to the Store, and got ready for tonight. Emma took dinner at Mr. Fristoe�s today, with Mary Burruss. Miss Mary was over at Emma�s tonight. She went to Endeavor Meeting with us, and also to Church with us. Lovely night. We stopped at Fristoe�s awhile after Church.
Mon., Apr. 20.
I sold my Building & Loan stock to Lem this eve, having paid-in for 3-years & 7 months the amount of $225... (I got $131 for it). I added $19 to it and took his note for $150. Today has been a lovely day....warm, too! Trade has been very quiet. We closed up tonight at 7:40 o�clock. I talked to the boys awhile in front of Mr. A. S. Taylor & Sons, then went up to my room and retired at 8:30 o�clock
Tue., Apr. 21.
Today has been part pretty and part gloomy. Trade quiet. I cleaned out the waste baskets today, also the two drawers in �G. T.�s� desk. I wrote to B. King & Co. this eve, for a suit for myself. We closed up tonight at 7:45 p.m. Charley Davis got up a list today, to commence closing, on the 1st of May, at 7 o�clock every eve, except Saturdays, up to Sept. 1st. Geo. Burruss and myself took a walk to end of corner tonight. Coming back we met Emma and Ruth, who had been out walking, too. Lovely night, but a little cool. I went to my room and retired at 8:45 o�clock.
Wed., Apr. 22.
The School Board elected the following teachers last night: Prof. Barnett, Principal; Prof. Carpenter, Asst. Principal; Miss Ella Parrish, 1st primary; Miss Emma Wheeler, 2nd primary; Miss Laura Carpenter, 3rd primary; Miss Lizzie Wood, grammar dept. Emma and Mrs. Vaughan (her grandmother) spent the day out to Mrs. Joshua Reynolds today. I was up to Mrs. H. D. Carpenter�s today, to take some wallpaper. Trade quiet today. After we closed up tonight I went to my room and read awhile, then went down to the Christian Church and walked home with Emma from Prayer Meeting. This is a real pretty night, although a little rain fell this eve.
Thurs., Apr. 23.
Today certainly has been a dark, gloomy day, and trade so awful dull! This has been a long day, to me. I took a bundle of wallpaper up to Mrs. Carpenter�s this eve. It looks as if it may pour down at most any moment. After we closed up tonight I went up to my room and studied the Endeavor lesson for tomorrow night, as I have been appointed to lead. Then I came down and took a walk over to the corner with Geo. Burruss and McDougall. Then I came back and took a walk to the other corner with Clarence Haynie and Peggy. This is a lovely night. Ruth and Emma spent tonight with Mary Haynie. I sat out on my front steps awhile tonight, before retiring.
Fri., Apr. 24.
Today has been quite pretty. Trade has been very good today. Dr. Wheeler and Mr. Jeter went up to Malta Bend this eve. I was appointed, or rather, asked, to lead the Endeavor tonight, so I closed up and went down at 7:45. We had a good crowd out and they all said we had a good meeting. I walked home with Emma, went in and stayed awhile. We spent a real pleasant evening.
Sat., Apr. 25.
Today the Christian Church people gave a dinner in our old stand (Store). I ate dinner and supper there with Emma. This is the �Grand Election Day.� Hurrah for Mr. Joe Wilson!! I made 100 tickets this a.m. before breakfast, for Emma today, to use at their dinner. She is helping them. I also printed a sign for her this eve, for their lunch tonight. They did real well! Trade good this a.m., and, I tell you, this eve we had more than we could wait on. There were more people in town this eve than there have been for months. Lovely day, I tell you. We sold over $240 today. We didn�t close tonight until 11 o�clock. I went to my room, took a bath, and retired at 12:15......tired and worn out!
Sun., Apr. 26.
I got up at 7 o�clock, washed and went to breakfast. Then I came back and cleaned up my room for Dr. Russell (for the 28th, 29th, and 30th). Then I went to the Store and wrote on my books awhile. Then McDougall and I went down to the River and stayed until mail time. I got the mail and went to dinner. I dried the dishes for Rettie. Came down to room and took a nap from 2:45 to 5:00 p.m. Then I got up, dressed, and went up home to supper. Then I started over to see Emma, stopping at Lem�s to see Lewis. I took Lewis over with me, to see Emma. She gave him some cake. Then Emma and I started out for a walk, taking Lewis back home with us. We walked down to our house, up to Carpenter�s corner, then over to the schoolhouse and sat down a long while, enjoying the lovely moonlight. Then we went home. We didn�t attend Church tonight.
Mon., Apr. 27.
Today has been lovely, but, O!.. My!.....how Hot! I painted the side window today, on the outside. I made a �fan and parasol� exhibit this eve. Trade very good today. We closed tonight at 8 o�clock. I took a walk to end of corner tonight with Mr. McDougall, and sat down and talked awhile. Then I came back to my room, sat on porch awhile, and enjoyed the lovely moonlight night, before retiring at 9 p.m. Tonight, I�m afraid, is going to be a hot one!
Tue., Apr. 28.
Dr. Russell came over this morning and will remain until Thurs., at noon. I sold Mrs. W. H. Wheeler two nice mattings this a.m. I cut them off and took them up to her. Trade only fair today. Emma is cleaning house today. Ruth is down at Hornbeck�s, yet. She is a dandy! We had two fine rains this eve. I talked to Dr. Russell, Harrison Wheeler, and Vivian Mattingly at Store tonight, until 8:30 o�clock. Then we (Dr. R. and I) went up to our room and retired at 9 p.m. This is going to be a fine night to sleep....so cool and nice. You know it!
Wed., Apr. 29.
I washed all the showcases on my side this a.m. (five). Also the two mirrors, water buckets, dippers and the shelf. I fixed a curtain for Mrs. M. J. Saufley this morning. This has been a gloomy day, and dull, dull! Miss Mattie Burruss and Robert Rea were married this a.m., at 10 o�clock, at Columbia, Mo. They then came up to their home at �Sugar Tree,� eight-miles on the other side of Carrollton. I sold Mrs. W. H. Wheeler a pair of nice portieres this eve, also a nice rug. I fixed a curtain for Mrs. Shelton this eve. I went down to the Christian Prayer Meeting tonight and, after it was over, I took a walk with Emma. We went up to Carpenter�s corner, then back home. Such a pretty night....so cool and nice. I talked to Dr. Russell awhile and then retired at 10 p.m.
Thurs., Apr. 30.
Trade fair. Wm. Taylor, the �Meeks Murderer,� was hung at Carrollton today, at 11 o�clock a.m. His brother, George, who got away, hasn�t yet been caught, but will be hung as soon as he is caught. Schumacher gives a concert at Slater tonight. They left at 2 o�clock. I was up at Mrs. H. D. Carpenter�s this eve and fixed two curtains for Miss Laura, in the parlor. Geo. Taylor, Jr., got himself a bicycle yesterday. It is real pretty. We closed tonight at 8 p.m. Geo. Burruss and self took a walk to end of corner tonight, and sat down and talked a long while. I watched Emma, Jess, and Miss Lou paper the girl�s room, upstairs, tonight. Then I came back and retired at 9:15 p.m.
MAY
Fri., May 1.
I was out collecting most of the morning. I went down to Mrs. Seibert�s this eve and measured a room for them, for a carpet. Trade quiet today. I met Miss Dinkle this a.m. Mary, Lewis and Miss Dinkle went down to Mack�s today, so Lem took dinner with us. We commenced closing tonight at 7 o�clock. This lasts until the 1st of Sept.... O!.. How nice!... I went down to Lem�s tonight, after we closed, and walked home with Rettie, who was there. We took a walk up to Carpenter�s corner and then went on home. Then I went down to Endeavor Meeting and walked home with Emma. I went in and spent a real sweet eve. Erskine commenced staying in Store today. Mr. Jeter quits tomorrow night, he says..........
Sat., May 2.
Old Mr. Hoover died last night. He has been sick some little time. Today has been lovely, but trade slow this morning. This evening, however, we were busy all eve long - just all we could handle. We closed tonight at 10 o�clock. I went up to Scott & Miller�s and stayed a few minutes, then McDougall and myself took a walk up to Carpenter�s corner and back. Then I came up to my room, did some writing, and then retired. Mr. Jeter, sure enough, quit tonight. I hate to see him quit as we have worked together so long. But, then, it is not my say so! (We have worked together over 9-years)
Sun., May 3.
I got up at 6:45 o�clock, went to breakfast, and after that I came down to room, made up bed and went down to the River with Geo. Burruss, where we stayed until noon. Then I went up home to dinner and dried the dishes for Rettie. Then I came downtown and went down to the River again, with Sam Grady and George Burruss, to the big Negro baptizing. About 500 people were down on the banks. Nine were baptized. McDougall took Geo. B.�s and my photo this eve, on the boat (The Commodore). Peyton Jeter and Slugher came down today, on their wheelies. Mary Burruss is spending the day with Emma. We all came uptown at 4:30, then I talked to the boys on my porch until 5:15 o�clock. Then I dressed and went up home to supper. After supper Rettie and I walked down to the graveyard. Then I went down to Lem�s, talked to Miss Dinkle and them awhile, and then I started over to see Emma, but met her and Mary on the way. We then went up to Fristoe�s, back home, then to Hall�s, and then to the Christian Church. Mary went home after Church. Emma and I went home, too, where I spent an awful sweet eve with her. Ruth came home from Hornbeck�s this eve.
Mon., May 4.
Mr. Jeter quit us for sure on Saturday night. Mr. Taylor and Erskine were down bright and early this a.m., and swept out before I got down.......that won�t last long, I tell you now! No indeed it won�t!!
Barnett, Mertens, Dunlap, and Webster have gone to the �cut-off� to spend the week fishing. Today has been real pretty. Trade quiet. It seems somewhat quiet to have Mr. Jeter out. Miss Mary Sweeney and Erskine came down this a.m., to clerk. I commenced keeping the books this eve. I loaned Miss Eva Snelling one of my bound �Frank Lester books� tonight. We closed at 7 p.m. I went to my room and did some writing, then talked to Geo. Burruss a long while on my porch. Then I went in and retired at 9:30 o�clock. Lovely night, I tell you!
Tue., May 5.
Erskine came down this morning to help me clean out. He is going to help all the time. I wrote a letter to my brother, Newt, today, on a little business. I also wrote a letter to Elbert today, at noon. Billy Taylor is here today. Trade has been very quiet all day, not much doing. We closed at 7 p.m. I went up home and took a box of crackers and a can of salmon to Rettie and papa. Then I went to the M. E. Church, to the League Meeting, which now meets on Tuesday nights. Then, after League, Geo. B. and McDougall, and self, took a walk to the corner and back. We met Emma, Ruth and Mary Haynie, who were out walking. Mary is going to spend the night with Ruth and Emma.
Wed., May 6.
G. T. came down this a.m., to help me clean out. Mack, Angie, Mary, Miss Dinkle, Lewis, Rettie, and Anna Taylor all went fishing today, at Salt Fork. Trade fair today. This has been a sure enough hot one! I have been working on the books most of the eve. Got a shave, then took the delineators over to Mrs. Mertens and Mrs. A. A. Wheeler. Then Emma and I took a walk over to the schoolhouse, sat down, and talked a long, long while. Then came back and walked up to Bure�s Shop, then on home. A lovely, lovely night!
Thurs., May 7.
Erskine Taylor was down this a.m., to help clean out. I mailed sister, Lina, her letter this a.m., that I wrote her yesterday. I mailed fashion-sheets to Mrs. Dr. Cunningham, Lina, Hallie, and Maude Wheeler, this a.m. Mr. Harris, from Rice Stix & Co., is with us today, for the first time for over a year. Trade very quiet today. We closed at 7 o�clock, sharp. I went down to Lem�s tonight and stayed a long while. I took Mary a photo of my room. Then I walked up to Carpenter�s corner by myself. I met Geo. Burruss, Clarence Haynie, and Geo. Taylor as I came back, so we walked over to the other corner, sat down and enjoyed the lovely moonlight night.
Fri., May 8.
I wrote a letter to my brother, Lyt, this a.m., and mailed it to him at noon, at Los Angeles, Cal. This day has been HOT! Trade only fair. I was over to see Emma this eve at 4 o�clock. I took her a photo of my room, and hung two curtains for her, up in her room, this eve. I spent a real pleasant eve with her, that is, three-quarters of an hour! I was at Hamner�s, also, this eve and hung two curtain poles for them. I have to go back there in the morning. Lewis took supper with us tonight. We closed at 7 o�clock. I took a walk to Carpenter�s corner tonight, with Schumacher. I went down to Endeavor tonight and went home with Emma.....went in and spent an awful pleasant eve. I gave her one of Geo. and my photos that was taken on the boat last Sunday.
Sat., May 9.
Emma went over to Mr. Frank Burruss� this eve, at 4 o�clock, to stay with Mary until Monday morning. Then she comes back to work provided I don�t go after her tomorrow eve (at 5 o�clock), as we were talking of doing. No telling...........? Geo. Haynie helped us today at Store. We have had a good day today. Had a nice little trade this eve. I got in my gray suit this eve, from B. Kuppenheimer & Co., at $9.00. It is a beauty! I was up to L. J. Hamner�s this morning and put up a curtain pole for them, and draped their lace curtains for them. Today has been a hot one! We had quite a nice little trade tonight. It was half-past 10 o�clock before we got to close. I got a shave, then went to room, wrote on my books, took a bath, and retired at 12 o�clock, or a little after.
Sun., May 10.
I got up at 7 o�clock. Went up to breakfast and then dried the dishes for Rettie. I came down to my room, took down my lace curtains, and put them away. I also packed my newspaper rack away, too, as the dust and flies had begun to soil it. Papa and Lem went down to Uncle John Miller�s today. Rettie and Mary went down to Mack�s. So I�m left all alone! I went down to the River and stayed on the boat until noon. Then I got mail and went up home to my dinner. I made my own dinner, fed the chickens, and came downtown. Talked to the boys awhile, then I got ready and went down to the Christian Church to hear Mrs. Allen lecture on the �A. P. A. �s� until 4:15. Then I went down to the River and crossed over at 4:30 p.m., and went up to Mr. Burruss�, where Emma and Mary were. Mattie and Bob Rea were there. We had supper at 6:30 o�clock, then John Burruss hitched up the wagon and took us out to preaching at Miami Station, to hear Bro. Wilson. There was a large crowd out and a real nice Church, my first time there. We then came back and sat in the yard awhile. Then Kenny was there and he and I started for home. Got home at 10:50 o�clock.
Mon., May 11.
I mailed Elbert a photo today, of Geo. Burruss and myself, that was taken last Sunday on the ferryboat. Emma came over this morning, with Miss Mary Burruss, on the 7:30 hack. Mrs. Shelton did some alterations today on my new suit. This has been a hot one if there ever was one! Trade fair today. I printed some circulars this eve, for the Epworth League�s �phonograph concert,� for Sat. night. After we closed I went over to see Emma and we went to call on Miss Paxton, at Hawkin�s. Then we started for a walk, went as far as the Baptist Church, then turned back and stopped at Mr. Al Wheeler�s. Then we went on home, sat on corner, and talked quite a little while. Then I went in to porch with her, stood, and talked a few minutes more, then came on back to my room and retired at 10:30 p.m. Still no rain. It all went around us.
Tue., May 12.
Mr. Coleman and Mr. Lemmons put in screens at the back door last eve, and are working on the front doors today. I received a letter from my brother, Newt, this a.m. I mailed 50 Epworth League Concert invitations this a.m. Trade very dull today....the dust has been fearful! Hot......don�t mention it! I went down to our League Meeting tonight. We had a very nice meeting. I then took a walk to end of corner and back as far as the Christian Church, when I met Ruth and Emma out walking. So I walked back home with them. I went in and sat down in yard, and talked to them, or Emma rather, for a long while.
Wed., May 13.
Burglars broke into Mr. Noonan�s last night and got a right smart lot of stuff. I loaned Mr. Noonan my pistol this a.m., to go hunt for his robbers. We had a nice shower last night and another fine rain this eve. Trade dull. I wrote a letter to Newt today. I made the face of a clock this eve, for Mrs. Hill, for Children�s Day, on Sunday. Emma and Ruth went over to the graveyard this a.m., to work on their mother�s grave. Geo. Burruss and I took a walk to end of walk tonight, then came back by the Christian Church and talked to Clarence Haynie and Jess Wheeler. I saw Emma and Ruth go into Prayer Meeting. Then Geo. B. and I came uptown and got to talking at Mertens� and Wheeler�s Drug Store, so Prayer Meeting was out before I knew it and I didn�t get to walk home with Emma tonight.
Thurs., May 14.
We had a nice shower again this morning, but it cleared off at noon, and this eve has been lovely. Trade fine this eve. I went down to Lem�s tonight, after I closed, and stayed quite a little while. Then I came back uptown. Geo. B. and I took a walk over to the corner and back, as far as Mr. Zea�s. Ruth, Emma, and Sadie came along, walking. I joined them and walked with Emma down to Scott�s, then back up to Carpenter�s corner, then on home. Stood on corner for awhile and talked, then went in and Emma gave me her hammock to bring home with me (that I made and gave her several years ago), to repair. So, I think I�ll make her a new one out-and-out.....a new kind.
Fri., May 15.
The robbers that robbed Mr. Noonan�s Store on Tues. night were caught at Bosworth, last night, at 10 o�clock. They were brought here today at noon, and taken to Marshall this eve. Carry Williams, formerly of Miami, was one of the three, but he got away. Mr. Noonan got part, only, of his goods back. The heaviest rain yet, that ever fell here, fell this eve! O!.. My!.. It was hard! Trade dull today. We closed at 7 o�clock. I took a hat over to Dr. Wheeler�s tonight, from Miss Eve Snelling, for Mrs. Dr. Wheeler. Then I went back uptown. Went to Endeavor, but they didn�t have a meeting, so I started over to see Emma, and, going by Mr. Milt Burns�, he called me in. So I went in and there Emma was. Mrs. Burns took Emma and I upstairs in the parlor and she sat with us awhile, then left us alone. Emma and I had such nice refreshments! Mrs. Burns gave us pears, cake and cream. I stayed until 10:30. Emma stayed all night with Mrs. Burns. It was dark as thunder coming home tonight. Rain, rain, rain.......you know it!!
Sat., May 16.
The Epworth League gave a �Phonograph Concert� at Mertens� Hall tonight. I gave Emma two tickets last night and told her she could take who she pleased. George Haynie helped us again today. Trade today has been awful quiet. Pretty this a.m., but rain most all eve. Mr. Taylor said I could close up if I wanted to tonight, and attend the concert, but I didn�t, for as we closed at 7 p.m. during the week, I didn�t feel like we ought to close early on Sat. night. So, I kept �er open until 10:30 o�clock. Then I came up to my room, did a little writing and figuring around, and retired at 11:15 o�clock. (Emma took Ruth tonight!)
Sun., May 17.
I got up at 6:30 o�clock and went up to breakfast. Then I came back down to room and cleaned it for Dr. Russell this week. Then I went down to the River and stayed until noon. Went home and got dinner and then came down and got mail, took it up to the boss, and then went to room. I went over to the schoolhouse, with Barnett, in the eve and watched the boys ride their �wheels.� Then McDougall and I went down to the River again and stayed until 5:30 o�clock. Then I came uptown and got ready for supper. I put on my new gray suit and went to supper, then down to Lem�s, then over to see Emma. Emma and I walked down to the River to see the �Alert,� (Gov�t. boat). Then we came back and went up to the Methodist Church to the �Children�s Day� exercises. There was a large crowd and the program good. We enjoyed the rest of the night sitting on the porch.
Mon., May 18.
The �River mails� changed on us yesterday. It used to be 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. It is now changed to 8:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. This has been a gloomy old day, although we sold $50 today. The �Indian Show� came today, to remain two weeks with us. Geo. Burruss and I took a walk down to the tents tonight, in front of Mrs. Shelton�s, but it rained so hard they didn�t get to have a Show tonight. I went up to my room and retired at 9:45 p.m. Still it rains.............
Tue., May 19.
This has been a gloomy, gloomy day. Trade awful dull. Dark and raining most all day. Heavy winds this eve. Dr. Russell got here today. I paid my insurance today for this year. I received a letter this morning from Bro. Dobyns, at Marshall. After closing tonight Dr. Russell and myself took a walk up to the schoolhouse. Then I went down to the Epworth League. I led. Then, after it was over, Dr. Russell and I walked down to the Indian Show and looked on awhile. We then came back up to our room and retired at 10:15.
Wed., May 20.
Today trade has been fair, as this morning was lovely. �Memorial Services� at Slater today. Mary Jessup was at Store today and Ruth Wheeler was with her, so I talked with them awhile. I commenced to wash windows today, but didn�t get to finish. Little Lewis took dinner with us today. Geo. Burruss, Dr. Russell, Schumacher, and myself all took a walk to end of Carpenter�s corner tonight. Then we all went down to the Show. I stayed until 8:40 p.m., then Geo. B. and I left and went over to the Christian Prayer Meeting. He got Minnie Casebolt and I took Emma. We were going over to Mrs. Shelton�s, to watch the Show, but Emma wouldn�t go. So I went home with her while Geo. B. and Minnie went on over to where the other crowd was. I didn�t go in with Emma, but stood on the porch a few minutes, then left and came on back up to the Show. �Some people� are so contrary..........you know it!!
Thurs., May 21.
Mr. Scott (Liveryman (?) here) and a Miss Casebolt, of DeWitt, were married last eve at DeWitt, and came up to their home across from G. T. Taylor�s home. As I was dressing this morning, the large frame in my room, of photos, above the wash stand, fell to the floor. But no damage was done. The cord gave way. I finished washing the front windows of Store this morning. Trade has been very good today most all day long. I received a nice letter from Elbert Dunlap today, at noon. I closed at 7 o�clock, sharp, then went up to my room and swept and dusted it down. Then I fixed my picture that fell this a.m., and I hung it up again. Then Clarence and myself took a walk up to Carpenter�s corner and back down to the Show. Then we went down to the River to see how high it had risen. Then up to Mertens� corner where we sat down and talked a long, long while. Then I left him and came up to my room and retired at 10 p.m.
Fri., May 22.
This has been a lovely day. Trade very poor, though. I made a shoe-polish design this eve, on the front window, and made an exhibit of same. My brother, Newt, was over today from Marshall. G. T. and Erskine went fishing this afternoon. After closing time, Bradshaw, Schumacher, Ruxton, and self all took a walk up to Carpenter�s corner and back, and then went up to the Band Room. Then we went down to Endeavor, met up with Jess Wheeler and Clarence Haynie, and met Geo. Taylor at the steps. We all took a walk down to �Garnett�s Hollow,� and sat down on the fence and talked a long while. Then I came back up to Endeavor and got Emma. We took a walk up to Carpenter�s corner and then came on back, walked on home, and sat down on the porch, enjoying the lovely moonlight night and listening to the Indian Medicine Show. Then, at 11 o�clock, I took my departure for home.
Sat., May 23.
Bro. Wilson is holding a �Meeting� at Keytesville, Mo. Emma and Mr. David Vaughan, her grandfather, went down this morning to visit Mrs. C. G. Vandiver (Sam Vaughan�s wife, used to be). Emma is going to stay until next Sunday eve.....O!.. My! I received a real sweet little note from Emma this morning. I received an invitation this eve from Maude Wheeler, at Columbia, Mo., to attend her commencement on June 3rd. Today has been lovely and trade good this eve....about all we could handle. I closed tonight at 10:30 p.m., got a shave, came up to room, and did some writing and figuring around. Then I retired a little after 11 p.m.
Sun., May 24.
I got up at 6 o�clock, took a bath and went to breakfast at 7:15 o�clock. I helped Rettie, then came down to room, made up my bed, and fixed my room. Then I went down to the River with Henry Bure and stayed until noon. Then I went home to dinner. After dinner I got the mail and sent it up to G. T., by Bob Dunlap. I sat down in front of Mertens & Wheeler�s and talked to the boys until half-past 3 o�clock. Then McDougall and I went down to the ferry, �Commodore.� We stayed down there until 6 o�clock....laid down on the boat and took a nap. Then I came uptown, and on home to supper.
After supper I came down on the street and talked to Henry Mertens, McDougall, Henry Bure, and others, until 8:30 o�clock. Then I went to my room and wrote a few lines to Emma, who is now in Keytesville, on a visit. Then I wrote a note to Maude Wheeler at Columbia, thanking her for the invitation I received last eve. Retired at 10:30 o�clock.
.....................................................................................................................................
At right, is the ferryboat Commodore 1896.
....................................................................................................................................
Mon., May 25.
I mailed my letter to Emma this a.m., and received an awful nice letter from her this eve. Today has been lovely, but trade dull. Buck Irvine, a 16-year-old boy, killed a man by the name of �Graves,� this eve, in a fuss-down about the Davis neighborhood. After we closed I sent 3 bbl (oil) down to Lem�s tonight. Then I went down and we burnt them all out, knocked them down, cleaned them off, and ripped each stay in half....which is more than enough for our two hammocks. We burnt our wire, too. Then we went over to the �Show,� after Mary and Lewis, Ruth Wheeler, and Willie Cresap. This is a lovely night and the Show was good. Lots of ladies out tonight.
Tue., May 26.
Trade quiet and it is hot...hot! I went through the wallpaper books this eve. Worked on books all morning. Closed at 7 p.m. Went down to Lem�s and we worked on our hammocks. We finished one. We have another to finish on tomorrow night, if nothing happens. We worked until 10:30 p.m. Then I came up and wrote a letter to Emma. Will mail it in the morning and she will get it tomorrow at noon. Good night!
Wed., May 27.
I received a real sweet letter from Emma this morning (from Keytesville). I mailed her the one I wrote last night. Today has been gloomy and trade very poor. It rained most all eve. Some awful black clouds passed over us this eve. I closed at 7 p.m. and went down to Lem�s. I scraped the black off of my hammock and then washed it off on both sides. Then Lem and I went to work and made his. His hammock is only 8-feet = 31 staves. Mine is 9-feet, 2 1/8-inches = 38 staves. They are both 33 1/2-inches wide. We got through at 9:45 o�clock. The next thing now for me to do is to cover mine with canvas and put the fringe on. I came to my room tonight and retired at 10:45 o�clock......tired, tired!!
Thurs., May 28.
Today has been real pretty, but trade very quiet. I put another sign on the window this eve. Mr. Taylor and Erskine went out to �muddy� this eve, fishing. They had a big storm in St. Louis, and on up as far as Moberly, last eve, so there was no eastern mail this a.m., at all. I went down to Lem�s again tonight and put the canvas and fringe on my hammock. I have a little more work to do tomorrow night and then I�ll call it �through,� except the putting of it up. Then I came to my room, sat down, and wrote a letter to Emma. Retired at 11 p.m., tired and so sleepy!
Fri., May 29.
I mailed Emma�s letter this a.m., to Keytesville. She will get it today at noon. I also received a nice letter from her this a.m. Trade today has been slow. I put a �clothing sign� on the window this eve, where I did have the �shoe polish� sign. Mr. Green was here this eve (the Jacksonville Woolen Mills man). This has been a lovely day. I posted my books up this eve in one-hour....had 10 pages. I went down to Lem�s again tonight and painted the wire on my hammock, then finished putting in the rest of my tacks. Then I went to the �Show� and stayed there until 11 o�clock. Came to my room and retired at 11:25. Remember what we saw at the Show tonight (Bure and I).......!
Sat., May 30.
Today has been real pretty. Trade, though, has been a little slow. Not very many in town. Emma came home this eve from Keytesville. She has been gone just one week today. I didn�t get to close tonight until 10:45 o�clock. Went up to barber shop, got a shave, and then went to my room and retired at once.
Sun., May 31.
The Barber Shop commenced, again, this a.m., to open on Sunday mornings until 10:30 a.m. (Shave = 15 cents). We had rain most of the morning. I helped Rettie this morning at breakfast, then came down to the Store after breakfast (that is, after I had cleaned and straightened my room), and wrote until noon on my books. I went down to Lem�s for a few moments before going up to dinner. I came down and got the mail, then took it back. Then came down and talked to the boys awhile and later came to Store and wrote on the Store books. Then, at 4 o�clock, I got myself ready and went over to see Emma, who I hadn�t seen for over a week. I stayed from 4 to 6:30, and enjoyed the evening fine. As I came home, Emma walked around as far as Mrs. Burns� with me, and she went in there, and I came on home for supper. I went back at 7:45, and stopped at Mrs. Burns�, for Emma. We then went home and afterwards took a walk, but didn�t attend Church this eve.
JUNE
Mon., Jun. 1.
Raymond Edmonds got back from Columbia last eve. It has been awful cool today. Geo. Haynie and myself went over to the Reynolds this a.m., on horseback, to see John in regard to a suit he bought here Saturday. I have been working on accounts all a.m. I was out collecting some this eve, but didn�t get through. We have had a nice trade today, although it has been gloomy and raining somewhat. After closing, at 7 o�clock, I went down to Lem�s and painted the bottom of my hammock, also Lem�s. Then I came uptown, with Jess Wheeler, who was there at Lem�s while I was painting the hammocks. We then went on down to the �Show.� It was very good tonight and quite a number were out. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Wheeler left this a.m., for Columbia, to see their daughter, Miss Maude, graduate in �Music.� (on Wed., June 3rd)
Tue., Jun. 2.
This has been another gloomy day. Trade very quiet. I worked on the books all morning. The �Missouri Valley College Boys� came over tonight and gave us a little concert, in the way of songs, for the benefit of the Epworth League. After closing at 7 p.m., I went up to my room and got ready for the concert, then I went up to the Band Room and beat on the bass drum for the boys awhile. Then I went over and got Emma and we came up to the Hall to hear the �male quartet.� It was real good and they had a nice crowd there. We got home at 10 p.m. I had my shoes half-soled today, again.
Wed., Jun. 3.
I am 25-years-old today. What about one year from today??? Miss Maude Wheeler graduated in music today, at Columbia, Mo. John Reynolds and Jennie Martin Wheeler were married today, out at Price Peterman�s (that is, tonight). Emma gave me a lovely card case and pocketbook, combined, today, as a birthday token, with a gold monogram on the front cover of it. It is just lovely (you know it!!). She is all right, I tell you! I returned thanks to her this eve, for same. I also sent her a box of cherries, and I sent Lizzie Hamner some cherries, too, this a.m. I put a curtain pole up this eve at Mrs. Saufley�s, after closing at 7 p.m. I went down to Lem�s tonight and helped him on his swing until 10:30 o�clock. Emma, Ruth, and George Wheeler all went out to the wedding tonight at Peterman�s.
Thurs., Jun. 4.
Emma brought me a nice box of cake, from the wedding, this morning. She and Ruth are going to spend today and tonight with Mary Haynie. I wrote a postal to Charley Miller today. This has sure enough been a HOT one!! Trade has been very dull. Miss Maude Wheeler got home with eve. I went down to Lem�s again tonight, after we closed, and helped him on his swing until 9:30. Then, as we got through all we could do until morning, I came to my room and retired. Tired....tired....don�t mention it!!
Fri., Jun. 5.
I sent Emma over her hammock today. I�ll put it up one night next week. I commenced wearing my new gray suit yesterday, for everyday. I put a sign on the window this a.m., for �tables,� and I put it up reducing price each day until sold....$7.00 to start. I made a sign of a flag design on the other window this eve. Trade today has been quiet. This has been a hot, dusty day. The �L. L. A.� boys gave an �ice-cream supper� tonight, at Mrs. Guthrey�s old place. They had a lovely night for it. Lem and Will Andrews got themselves �wheels� today. They are beauties! Emma and I went up to the Social tonight and we had a real nice time. They didn�t have as large a crowd, though, as they expected to have.
Sat., Jun. 6.
O!.. My!... How hot, and how dull, it has been today! Maude Wheeler was in Store this eve and I got to shake hands with her. I beat the drum this eve, for the Band boys. I closed tonight at 10:20 p.m. Got to talk with the boys awhile, then went to my room. O!.. I am so tired tonight....just completely given out. Miss Myn Gray came today, from Kansas City, to visit Lem and Mary for a week or so.
Sun., Jun. 7.
I got up at 7:15 this a.m. Took a bath and went up to breakfast at 8 a.m. Rettie had gone riding. I found breakfast, though, all okay. Then I came to my room and did some straightening around before going to the Store and working on my books for awhile. I talked to the boys until noon, then went up home and found Newt there. He and I walked down to Mrs. Scott�s, and then on down to Lem�s, to see about the Presbyterian Meeting. I talked to Miss Gray, while Newt talked to Lem. Then we came back and went around to Webster�s, and also saw the Barnett�s. Then I stopped at Mrs. Zea�s on my way home to dinner. After dinner I came down and got the mail and took it up to G. T. �s. Then Newt and I came downtown and we all went down to Mrs. Scott�s to have a talk as to the �Meeting,� and we decided to have it commencing on Friday. Then I came back uptown and talked to the boys until supper time. After supper I went over to Maude Wheeler�s, for Richard Haynie, and then I went over to see Emma. As it was raining, we didn�t attend Church, but spent the eve at home.
Mon., Jun. 8.
An awful warm day, but trade has been fine......better than Saturday�s trade! We have been going all day. Lewis took dinner with us today. I took him home at noon. We closed at 7:10 this eve, then I went over to see Emma and she and I put the hammock up (that I made and gave her several days ago). Then we took a walk up to Bure�s corner and back home, where I sat on the porch about 10-minutes and talked, then took my departure for home. Retired at 9:50 o�clock.
Tue., Jun. 9.
Trade very quiet today. Took list off of ledger today. Arthur Dunlap got home this eve. I took a walk with Clarence Haynie tonight, over to his home and back. Then I went to League and walked over to the gate with Misses Mamie and Lizzie Wood. We stood at gate and talked awhile, then I came to my room and retired at 9:45 o�clock. Miss Mable Carpenter got home today, at noon, from Texas, where she has been teaching school for about a year.
Wed., Jun. 10.
Mr. Mont Carroll and Miss Tina Shelton were married this eve, at 4 o�clock, at home, and then they left for Marshall for a week�s visit. Today trade has been only medium. I commenced invoicing this morning. After closing tonight I went down to Lem�s and swung in the new swing. Then Lem, Mary, and Miss Dinkle, Miss Gray and myself all took a walk up to the corner and back. Then I stayed at Lem�s and talked awhile. Then I came up to the Christian Church and got Emma, after Prayer Meeting was over, and we took a walk to the corner, then back home, where we enjoyed the new hammock for our first time. O!.. It was so nice......you know it!
Thurs., Jun. 11.
�Big Banquet� tonight at schoolhouse, given by the Alumni. Emma took me. There was a big crowd, a fine supper and a nice enjoyable eve. I sent Emma�s red dress over to Marshall today, to Trautwein�s, to have it fixed (that she tore on a bench at the Hall last Tues. night at the concert). Elbert Dunlap came down from Kansas City today, to be present at the Banquet tonight. Just about 6:30 o�clock...a big windstorm came up and then it set to raining, so a few of us boys had to have surreys to take our ladies to the Banquet. We just had a fine time!! I didn�t retire until 2 a.m. It cleared off about 11 o�clock and we came home in the starlight.
Fri., Jun. 12.
We �Presbyterians� commenced a big �Meeting� here tonight at the M. E. Church. A �Mr. Whitmore,� from Virginia, came today to visit us. He is a real nice young man. I was out this morning putting up, and giving out, invitations for our �Meeting.� I was out again this eve, too. I stopped at Emma�s a few minutes and rested, and, I tell you, I was tired, too! Rettie and Mr. Emmett Whitmore went down to Uncle John Miller�s this eve. Mr. Whitmore remained down there and Rettie came back home. I went over to Mrs. Milt Burns� tonight, where I met Emma, and we called on Mrs. B. and Mrs. McBride and spent a real pleasant afternoon. Then Emma and I went to preaching at the M. E. Church, to hear our new Presbyterian preacher, Bro. Roseborough, the �Presbyterian Evangelist.� After walking home with Emma, I didn�t remain, but came back to room, where I then retired.
Sat., Jun. 13.
Geo. and I invoiced some this a.m., also awhile this eve. I attended Church this a.m., too. Today has been real pretty. The farmers are all cutting wheat, so trade today has been exceedingly quiet. I got Emma�s dress back from Marshall today and I sent it over to her this eve, by Jesse. I didn�t go to Church tonight, but stayed at Store and let Mr. Taylor go. It was after 11 o�clock tonight before we could get to close. I then got a shave and retired at 11:45.
Sun., Jun. 14.
I got up at 7 o�clock, went to breakfast, and helped Rettie. I came downtown and took a walk, with Elbert, down to Lem�s, over to corner, down to the boat, then back up to my room where we sat and talked until Church time. Then I went down to the M. E. Church, to hear a good Presbyterian sermon, then home to dinner. After dinner I went back down to the Store, wrote some, got mail and took it up to Mr. Taylor. Then I came back downtown for some medicine for Mr. Vanice, took it up to him, then back downtown. Then Bradshaw, Dunlap, Haynie, Robertson, McDougall, Wood, and self got 3-dozen bananas together and went up on the college lawn, ate them, and spent the eve on the grass having a good time. Then I came up to my room and got ready to go over to see Emma, at 6:15 p.m. Emma was out riding when I got there, so I talked to Miss Lou for quite awhile. Then Emma came and we went down to our tree, back of house, on the River side, and enjoyed the eve eating apples from Mr. Vaughan�s orchard. We went to the Presbyterian Church, then came back and enjoyed the hammock until 10:45 p.m.
Mon., Jun. 15.
Elbert Dunlap left us this a.m., at 6:30, for Kansas City. This has been another pretty day. Trade quiet, though. But we are taking inventory now, so that much the better! I received a letter from Uncle J. E. Whitmore today, from Va., and he wants me to be his agent for his storeroom here. Newt came over tonight and brought a surrey-load. He brought a young Mr. Akers, who is to stay until Saturday. He is stopping with me. He walked home tonight, from Church, with the Misses Millers and Mertens, and I walked down to Lem�s with Miss Gray. Then I went on over to the corner and walked back with Mr. Akers. We then came on up to our room and retired at 10:30 p.m., after talking awhile. I sat with Emma tonight during Church.
Tue., Jun. 16.
I took Mr. Akers around this a.m., and introduced him. We went down to Mrs. Scott�s and talked with Bro. Roseborough awhile, then went to the morning services. I wrote a letter to Uncle John Whitmore today, in Va. I talked with Newt through the telephone this eve. We will not have service here tonight, as the Epworth League man will lecture. So we give way. Today has been hot, dry, and dusty. Trade slow. The farmers are all busy cutting wheat now. I went to preaching tonight, or, that is, the lecture. As Lem is in Marshall, I stayed down with Mary tonight. I carried Lewis home for her, so I had to leave Mr. Akers by himself last night. Harrison went home with Miss Gray and stayed with me at Lem�s tonight.
Wed., Jun. 17.
This has sure enough been hot.....about the hottest I ever stood! Trade awful quiet. After closing I went down to Mary�s and talked to Miss Gray and to Mrs. Barnett. Then Miss Gray and I went over to the
M. E. Church, to preaching. I took Miss Gray up to choir. Then I passed the books to the people and sat down with Emma. I gave Emma the note tonight, at Church, that I wrote to her this eve. Mr. Akers and I stayed all night at Mary�s tonight. Lem is still in Marshall. I carried Lewis home for Mary. Mr. Akers walked home with Miss Gray. We had a little wind tonight, but it soon passed over. Newt was over with a crowd tonight, from Marshall.
Thurs., Jun. 18.
Hot!.. Hot!.. O!.. How Hot!!
I have been busy invoicing all day. Emma was in the Store this morning, so she and I walked down to Church together this a.m. I talked with Newt over the telephone this eve. Mr. Akers and I stayed all night with Mary tonight. Miss Kath. Hughes and Will were there. I sat with Emma in Church tonight. Six men from Marshall came over tonight. Miss Mattie Smith and George Long were married tonight at her home. I was invited, but I couldn�t get off. Quite a crowd from here went out. They had a lovely night. Mary and I drove down and got some bananas tonight and took them down to her house.
Fri., Jun. 19.
This certainly has been another warm day. I took dinner at Mr. Taylor�s today, with the preacher. Trade today has been very dull. Lem got home, at last, from Marshall today. Newt came over again tonight, with three other men. I brought them all down to the Store and let them wash and clean up, then we took a walk down to the windmill, and also over to the college. Then we went on down to the Church. After Church was over, I walked home with Emma, sat in hammock and talked awhile. Then came back to my room and retired....sleepy, sleepy!
Sat., Jun. 20.
I went to preaching this a.m. Geo. and I have been invoicing most all day. Trade fine this eve. It has been an awful hot day. We didn�t close until 10:45 tonight. Mr. Akers, who has been staying with me since the Meeting commenced, left this eve for his home at Marshall. I got a shave tonight at 11 o�clock, then came to my room and retired at 11 :20.
Sun., Jun. 21.
I got up at 7:45 this a.m. Took a bath, dressed bed and cleaned room. I didn�t go to breakfast at all. I talked to the boys until Church time, then came down from my room and went to preaching. Lewis was up in my room quite awhile this a.m. I gave him a nickel and he went and got him some bananas, by himself. He took dinner with us today. I got mail and took it up to G. T. Then I came to the Store, wrote a letter to Elbert, then got ready at 3:30 o�clock. Clarence Haynie, Richard Haynie, and self, all went down to Lem�s to see the Misses Dinkle, Gray, Parrish, and Edwards, who are visiting them. We had quite a nice time. Then I went over to see Emma at 4:30. We went around to our tree again and spent the eve, and just had a fine time reading and eating apples together. Then we came up to the house and went to preaching, came back and enjoyed the hammock.
Mon., Jun. 22.
I posted books this a.m. Went to Church, also, this a.m. Dr. Russell came over today. I mailed Elbert his letter this eve. I have been invoicing all eve. Trade today awful dull. We had a nice rain this eve. I closed at 7:10 p.m. Talked to the boys awhile at Dunlap�s Drug Store. Then Clarence Haynie and I took a walk over to the corner and back. Then I went to Church. Rettie joined the Presbyterian Church tonight. I went up home for awhile tonight. Then I came down to my room. I talked awhile with Dr. Russell, then retired. There was a crowd from Marshall over tonight.
Tue., Jun. 23.
Mr. Akers came back last night. He stayed at Hamner�s tonight. Today has been hot. I attended Church this morning, after service. Trade today has been very quiet. I went to Church again tonight. Lem was ordained as a �deacon� tonight, and Mr. Huyett was ordained as an �elder� tonight. Emma was in Store this eve. She gave me such a sweet note (as she didn�t have a chance to send it). She certainly is a good, sweet girl.....you know it! I walked home with her tonight from Church. I sold her a telescope valise this eve when she was in Store....a good one!
Wed., Jun. 24.
I attended Church this a.m. Trade today only fair. This has been an awful hot day. I have been busy invoicing most all day long. We will finish tomorrow, I think. I talked with Newt over telephone this eve...twice! I put my membership in with this Church, here, tonight. (I have had it in the Marshall Church) I walked over to the corner with Syd Wheeler and, on the way back, met Emma. (We made misconnections tonight at Church) So I walked back with her, went in, and sat down in hammock where we had a real pleasant little chat. Lovely, lovely night!
Thurs., Jun. 25.
Today has been another warm, dull, day. I attended Church this a.m. We won�t have preaching tonight as there is a big �Temperance Mass Meeting� at the Baptist Church tonight. Bro. W. W. Akers left us for good today, at noon. Emmett Whitmore came up from Uncle John�s this eve, to stay a week or so with us, before he returns to Chicago, Ill. We didn�t quite finish our invoice this eve. After closing I took the telescope valise over to Emma that I had sold her. We sat in the hammock awhile and then came up to �Children�s Day� practice at Church, for Sunday night. I held up the lamp while they practiced. Then we (Emma and I) went up to the Temperance Meeting, and the Baptist Church, and they kept us there until 10:20 o�clock. Then we went home and enjoyed the hammock until 11 o�clock, when I left. Emmett is staying with me.
Fri., Jun. 26.
I put name on Sallie Hamner�s trunk this a.m., also on Mr. Hamner�s valise. The Misses Hamner�s and himself leave this eve for a three weeks visit to �old Virginia.� I attended Church this a.m. We finished invoicing today, at noon. It only took 16-days this time. How was that? We had a nice rain this eve. Trade dull today. I walked up to Church with Maude as I came from my dinner. I went to Church tonight and went home with Emma. When we got to Mrs. Greenabaum�s I helped old Mrs. Sidenstricker over the stepping stones, as it was dark and raining so. I also heard of burglars at Mrs. Jno. Burns. Went in with Emma and stayed 3/4 of an hour, then came to my room and retired at 10:45 p.m.
Sat., Jun. 27.
Mrs. Woodson (Emma's aunt), Miss Ruth Wheeler, and Miss Lizzie�s children left this eve for Carrollton. Emma is going up Monday and she and Ruth �expect� to be gone several weeks. O!.. Poor Me!! This has been a lovely day. Trade poor this a.m., but awful good this eve. I attended Church this a.m. We had a Church Meeting this a.m., after preaching. I beat the drum for the Band this eve. We closed at 10:20 tonight. I went down to the Christian Church to walk home with Emma, from practice for Children�s Day tomorrow, but she and Harrison had left. I caught her at Mrs. Garnett�s, though, so Harrison came on back and she and I went on home. We enjoyed the hammock a few minutes tonight in the lovely moonlight. Then I took my departure to my home. Remember tonight....yes....what took place.....so & so.....Ho!. Ho!.. Ho! I subscribed $25 toward building a Presbyterian Church this a.m.
Sun., Jun. 28.
I got up at 9 o�clock this a.m., straightened room and got ready for Church. I went down to our preaching today at the M. E. Church. We had Communion. I walked home with Rettie. I made her a fire for dinner and peeled a lot of apples. Got water and wood, then set the table. Then I came downtown, got mail, took it up, and got dinner. I didn�t go to breakfast this a.m. Stayed at home until 3:30 this eve. Then came downtown and talked to the boys awhile, then went in Store and worked on the Presbyterian book awhile. I got ready and went up home for awhile, then went down to the Christian Church and got Emma and walked home with her. We enjoyed the hammock until time to go to Children�s Day exercises at the Church. We went, and as Emma had to play the organ, that is why I had to go to the front. After Church we enjoyed the hammock fine.....such a beautiful, lovely, moonlight night. O!.. Remember Miss Darr, the one I sat by at Church tonight......Ha!.. Ha!.. Ha! She is all okay!!!
Mon., Jun. 29.
Emma left this eve, at 2:30, for Carrollton. She will be gone until the 15th of July, anyway. Miss Mary Turpin went up with her this eve. I have been copying the invoice all day today. I went to the Church Meeting this morning. Trade today has been very quiet. Emmett Whitmore took dinner with Lem and Mary today. He is certainly a daisy!! I straightened up my books tonight after supper. Mr. Hahn came in Store and talked to me quite awhile tonight. I stayed at Store tonight and wrote a long while on my books. Then I went down to Lem�s, and sat in hammock a long while, eating apples, and talking to him in regard to our little Church. Then I came up to my room and retired at 10 o�clock.
Tue., Jun. 30.
Today has been real pretty, but trade slow. I wrote on the invoice all morning and on the books all this eve. I talked to Miss Maude a few minutes as I went to supper tonight, as she was on the porch. Remember �that wrapper.� The house was all locked up, so I didn�t get to supper. After I closed tonight I wrote to Emma, at Carrollton. I will mail it to her tomorrow, at noon. Then, at about 8 o�clock, I went up home and took the �Church book� and ate some raspberries and cream. Then I went to League Meeting. Then I came downtown and went up to the Band Room and beat the drum for them awhile. Went to room and talked to Emmett Whitmore awhile, then retired at 10:15 o�clock.
JULY
Wed., Jul. 1.
I made-off accounts this a.m. I wrote a few more lines to Emma�s letter today, at noon. We had a nice shower this eve. I received a real nice letter from Emma today. I mailed her letter this eve. I made-off three subscription lists this eve, for us Presbyterians. I took Mrs. Miller�s down to her and talked quite awhile with her and Mrs. Scott. Then I went down to Lem and Mary�s, got some apples, and talked awhile. Then came uptown, struck the boys, and took a walk to end of corner and back. Lovely night.
Thurs., Jul. 2.
Emmett Whitmore, a cousin of ours, left us this a.m., going over to Marshall with Gip Taylor. Today has been real pretty, but trade awful slow. I got $11.00 on my Church subscription list today (the 1st). After I closed up tonight I went down to Mrs. Scott�s a few minutes. Then I went down to Lem�s, then over to Mrs. A. A. Wheeler�s and talked to her quite awhile about our Church. She has gotten $125 today.....that�s fine! Then I came back to Lem�s for a few minutes, then to my room where I wrote a letter to Emma. I retired at 10:20 o�clock, tired and worn out.
Fri., Jul. 3.
This has sure enough been a hot one! I finished copying the invoice this eve. Then I commenced copying a list off of ledger. I received an awful nice letter from Emma today and I mailed her one this eve. I stopped at Maude�s a few minutes as I went by, and she showed me a photo of her in a catalog she had gotten from her college. After I closed up tonight I went down to the River and helped the boys arrange the benches on the boat, for the �Grand Excursion� tomorrow. Then I came back uptown and talked to the boys at Dunlap�s Drug Store until 9:15 o�clock, then I went to my room and retired. It is raining a little tonight.
Sat., Jul. 4.
I got up this a.m. at 4 o�clock, swept out and dusted down, and at 4:45 was ready for business. Had it, too! I didn�t get to breakfast until 8:30 a.m. This is the �Grand Excursion Day� for the Lyceum and the Truth Club�s trip on the boat, from here to Glasgow Bend. A large crowd from here went. Arthur Dunlap took Maude Wheeler. We have been busy-as-bees all day long at Store. Mr. Taylor and I just had a fine trade all day. We will run $100 today, although not many in, but still enough to keep us a-going! It has been a little warm today. Lex McDaniel, from Liberty, came down this a.m., to stay until tomorrow eve. There was a �Big Picnic� at Devil�s Backbone today. Lee Wheeler got badly hurt up there this eve. He was drunk and someone knocked him in the head...(as usual). Mr. Taylor went home at 8:30 o�clock and told me to close up, too, but I got busy afterwards and didn�t get to close until 11:10 o�clock. Then I went to my room and retired at 11:30.
Sun.,. Jul. 5.
The �Excursion Boat� didn�t get back until this a.m., at 5 o�clock. They got stuck on a bar! I got up at 8 o�clock, took a bath, but didn�t go to breakfast. Straightened room, made bed, and talked to John Dunlap awhile. Then I came to Store and wrote on books awhile. Then I loafed around until 11:45, went up home and got my dinner at 1 o�clock. Charlie Miller came up for dinner. I then went downtown and got mail, and took same up to G. T. (I got a nice letter from Emma, too) Then I came down home again and talked to Charlie until 3:40 p.m. Then we walked back downtown and Charlie left. I went to my room and took a nap from 4 to 6 p.m. Then washed, dressed, and went up home to supper. We had some fine peaches that Jim Long brought to Rettie. O!.. They were good! I listened to Willie Cresap play on the piano, then I walked down to Lem�s and laid in his hammock until Church time. Then I went to the
M. E. Church, to Union Meeting, and heard Rev. Paddock for my first time. Then I came to room and wrote to Emma until 11 o�clock.
Mon., Jul. 6.
Emma leaves Carrollton today and comes down to Wakenda to spend a week with her sister (Mrs. Dr. Cunningham), so I mailed the letter I wrote last night to her, at Wakenda. Fred Sibley is quite sick. G. T. went out to see him this a.m. Today trade has been only fair. Maude called me in today, at noon, to see me about an engagement I made for Richard Haynie, for Friday night. So, as I saw Richard this eve, I went back tonight to see her. Such is life! You know it! Geo. Burruss and I took a walk up to the corner and back tonight. I printed a sign for Mrs. S. B. Jeter tonight, just before I closed. A lovely night, so cool and nice....
Tue., Jul. 7.
I finished taking the list off of ledger today. Trade, though, has been exceedingly dull. I got a letter from Emma today, at noon. This has been such a pretty, cool day. John Roe set-up the lemonade for us this eve. Hurrah for him! I went to League Meeting tonight, then came to room and retired. Emma went to a party with Clem Watson, at Wakenda, tonight, in a surrey with Ruth, Nettie, and Mary (so she said!).
Wed., Jul. 8.
I got up this a.m. at 4 o�clock and sold burial clothes to Mr. Webster and Mr. Jeter, for old Uncle Jesse Ferrill, who died this a.m., at 3 o�clock. Mr. Taylor went over to Marshall this a.m., to take Julia and Bess. I wrote a letter to Emma this morning. I will mail same this eve. Today has been lovely. Trade, though, awful quiet. I commenced making off accounts today. After closing tonight I walked down to Lem�s, got me some apples, then came back uptown. Then Geo. Burruss and I took, or started to take, a walk, but when we got in front of A. S. Taylor�s we saw Anna Taylor and Mary, with Lem, trying the wheel, so we stopped there. I tried the wheel tonight, for my first time. We stayed there until 9 o�clock and then we came back to town.
Thurs., Jul. 9.
Mrs. Dr. Cunningham gave Emma, Ruth, Nettie, and Mary, a �Social� at her home in Wakenda tonight. I got a real nice letter from Emma this a.m., at 8:30, and answered it at noon. I sent it with Syd this eve at 2:30, as he and Jess both went up to the Social tonight. All the Stores closed this eve for old Uncle Jesse Ferrill�s funeral, from 4 to 5 o�clock. He was 74-years-old. A large crowd attended. He was buried in the Methodist graveyard. Today has been lovely. Trade fair. I went down to Lem�s tonight, after I closed, and talked awhile. Then I came back up to my room and wrote a letter to Uncle John Whitmore, in regard to his storeroom. I retired at 10 o�clock. Good night!
Fri., Jul. 10.
I wrote a note over to Flora Mertens this a.m., for John Burruss, for a gathering at Wood�s tonight. All is okay. I got a letter from Emma again today, at noon. Today has been real pretty, but trade only fair. Miss Mary Sweeney was out this eve. She went down to DeWitt with a crowd. There was a gathering at Mr. Wood�s tonight. I went over by myself. Quite a crowd was there. I had a little chat with Flora tonight, also a little walk.......first for about 4-years! I went out to supper with Willie Cresap and had a real pleasant time. Came home at 12:30. I wrote a few lines to Emma tonight before going to party.
Sat., Jul. 11.
I wrote a few more lines to Emma today and mailed same to her today, at noon. I had my hair cut this a.m., as I came down from breakfast. Trade awful quiet this morning and only fair this eve. This has been an awful hot eve. I got a bouquet from Miss Fannie Boyer this eve. I sent her two of my books to read. Miss Lucy Gilliam is here now. We closed tonight at 10:45. Trade pretty fair tonight, but very little during the day. Retired tonight at 11:20.
Sun., Jul. 12.
I got up at 8 o�clock, straightened room, and talked to Mr. Coleman until 9 o�clock. I didn�t go to breakfast, but came to Store and wrote on my books awhile. Then I made off list to give to Mrs. Miller, of contributions to our Church. Then I went down to Lem and Mary�s and stayed until noon. I went up home and found Newt there. I helped Rettie with the dinner, then, after dinner, came down and got the mail and took it up. Then I went back up home and stayed awhile. Then I came down to Store and wrote a letter to Emma (in part) and talked to Newt awhile, at Store. I got a nice letter from Emma today, at noon. I went down to Lem and Mary�s tonight and ate ice-cream and cake. I tried the wheel again. Then came back to room, finished Emma�s letter, and retired at 10 o�clock, sharp. This has been a long, long day!
Mon., Jul. 13.
I wrote a few more lines to Emma�s letter today, at noon, and mailed it to her this eve (18-pages). This certainly has been a hot one! Trade awful dull. Mabel Carpenter and Maude Wheeler went down to Gilliam yesterday eve, to stay until Friday eve. Geo. Burruss and self went down to Lem�s tonight and got some apples and tried the �new swing.� Then we went down to see poor Lee (col�d.) who had his leg taken off. He is getting along fine. Then we sat on the corner awhile before coming back uptown. O!.. My!.. It is warm!
Tue., Jul. 14.
I wrote a few lines to Emma this a.m. Will add more to it at noon and then mail so as she will get it this eve, about 4:15. I added a few more lines at noon and mailed it. I also got a nice long one from her today, at noon. I went through the shoe dept. this day. O!.. My!.. How hot it has been! I went to League Meeting tonight and, after that was over, I came down to the Store (Dunlap�s Drug Store) and talked to the boys a long while. Then I went up to my room and sat on porch for a long, long while, enjoying the nice cool night and the lovely �new moon� light. We got in Chicago Tailoring Company�s samples tonight.
Wed., Jul. 15.
Emma, who has been visiting at Carrollton and Wakenda for the last two weeks and two days, was to come home today, but in her letter of yesterday said she wouldn�t get home until Saturday (July 18th). Such is life....you see! I got a letter from Emma today at noon and she wrote me she would be home in the a.m., or, tomorrow at noon to one o�clock. Today has been awful hot. We had a �big blow� this eve, but as yet no rain. We got in �Ballin & Simon�s Tailoring� samples today, at noon. I marked them this eve. Trade awful quiet this eve, also the whole day. Mr. Taylor had his name put on the Store front yesterday a.m. - for 75-cents - �TAYLOR�S� - done by a tramp. Mr. Hamner, and his three daughters, got home this eve, from Va. I talked to Tom Sutton and Harrison Wheeler at Store until 8 p.m., as it was raining hard. Then I went up to Dunlap�s Drug Store and talked awhile with the boys and then went down to my room and retired at 9 o�clock, sick as a dog! We had a nice rain this eve after all.
Thurs., Jul. 16.
We had fine rain during the night. Trade today awful quiet. Emma came home today at noon. Miss Clara Kile gave a party tonight. Emma was in Store this eve, after supper. At 7:30 I walked up to Maude Wheeler�s, for about 5-minutes, to make an engagement for Arthur Dunlap for the party tonight. She and Mabel had just gotten home from Gilliam. Then I went over to see Emma, whom I hadn�t seen for I don�t know when! I stayed there until 9:30, then we went up to the party at Mrs. Kile�s and had quite a nice time. Nice crowd there and we all enjoyed ourselves.
Fri., Jul. 17.
Big Baseball Game today......first of the season. The �Marshall Nine� against the �Brunswick Nine.� I sent Mrs. Dr. Cunningham the collars and cuffs this a.m., that Emma bought for her last eve. The young ladies of this city give the young men here an �ice-cream social� tonight, at Lem and Mary�s. But it commenced raining hard today at about 1 o�clock, and kept it up until after 5 o�clock. So.....the baseball players, who had all come, had to go back home and they postponed the game until next Thurs. eve. The young ladies had to postpone their party, also, until next week, too. I wrote a note over to Emma tonight, to see if I should come over or not, and she wrote, �yes, certainly,� so I shall go.....and you know it! I stopped at Lem�s a few minutes before going over to see Emma, and then went over and spent a awful pleasant eve with her.
Sat., Jul. 18.
Rain.....rain!! Today trade has been awful, awful dull. It rained most all day long. I got a nice letter, each, from Elbert Dunlap, at Sedalia, and from sister, at Boonville, today. Another hard rain tonight. We closed at 9:30 p.m. I then went up to Barber Shop and got a shave. Then went to room and retired at 10, sharp.
Sun., Jul. 19.
I got up at 7:55 o�clock, took a bath, made up bed, and cleaned room. Then I went back to bed at 10 o�clock and slept until noon. Got up and got ready for dinner. Papa, Rettie and I all took dinner at Lem�s today. I got the mail afterwards and took same up to G. T. �s. Then I went down to the boat with Tom Sutton, and others, and we all went down to DeWitt with a load of hogs, at 3 o�clock, returning at 5 p.m. Then I went up home awhile, before going over to see Emma at 6:30. As it was pouring down rain so, we didn�t attend divine worship tonight, but enjoyed the eve at home. Emma gave me some fine chocolate cake. O!.. How good it was!
Mon., Jul. 20.
Today has been partly pretty and partly cloudy. And it has been a hot one, too. Trade somewhat quiet.
I measured a room this a.m., for Mrs. Weir, and sold her a carpet. I made off several accounts today. Closed at 7 p.m. I went down to Gip Taylor�s and we sat down in swing and ate apples and talked quite awhile with Lem, Mary, and Lewis. Then I saw Emma go walking by with her little sister, Angie. So I went down and walked over home with her, went in and sat in hammock awhile, and enjoyed the lovely night.
Tue., Jul. 21.
Today has been a real pretty, bright, day. Trade, though, has not been very brisk. I went through the hat dept. today, and put in the new ones. Also finished cleaning my shoe racks. I closed tonight at 7 p.m. Went up and talked to the boys awhile at Drug Store, and then went down to the Epworth League Meeting. A big storm came up, just at League time, so we only had a business meeting, as only a few were present. Although the clouds looked dangerous, all passed over without a drop of rain. Then I came down and talked to the boys awhile and went to my room where I retired at 9:30 o�clock.
Wed., Jul. 22.
As I walked up from breakfast I walked up with Maude, who had been to Mrs. Vanice�s, to carry the milk. I stood at gate and talked to her a few minutes. This morning was lovely. But today, at noon, we had a hard rain. We got in a lot of �Seely-Schwab & Co.�s� shoes today. I marked, stenciled, and put them all to their place before supper. Trade today has been very quiet. I closed at 7 p.m. I attended a �Show� on the street tonight......a regular swindler.....took away about $100 of the people�s money on belts. I went down to the Christian Prayer Meeting and walked home with Emma. We enjoyed the hammock until 10:15, when I then took my departure.
Thurs., Jul. 23.
The �Great Baseball Game� came off between the Marshall and Brunswick �nines� here this eve. Score stood 15 to 1, in favor of the Brunswick�s, in 9-innings. This has been a lovely day and trade very good. We got in quite a lot of goods this a.m. Sam Grady and his wife gave a party tonight, out at their home, to the young people. I went out in Lem�s buggy and took Miss Emma. We took a drive over to Dowdy�s just before we went to the party. The night was real pretty, with beautiful moonlight. A large crowd, excellent band of music, fine supper, and a delightful time. Remember our ride home!! Mr. Farr, of Wakenda, (Emma�s friend) is here. He is stopping with Syd and will remain over until Saturday. Don�t that just kill you......I just wish you would listen!! Such is life!
Fri., Jul. 24.
This has been a gloomy day. Trade, though, has been fair. It has looked as though it might rain at most any time today, but, so far, it has not. The young ladies here in town will at last (their second attempt) give the young men a �social� tonight, at Lem and Mary�s. Tonight cleared off and it is just perfectly lovely. Quite a crowd was out, and all seemed to enjoy themselves. The Band was down, and the yard was illuminated beautifully, with lanterns. Everything was real nice, and quite a nice supper. I finally retired at 1:10 o�clock.
Sat., Jul. 25.
Today has been lovely and trade good. We got in quite a lot of premium pictures this a.m. The �DeWitt Nine� played the �Miami Nine� here today, and the score stood 2 to 1, in favor of Miami. The Band gave a concert tonight all over town. We closed at 10:30 and I went directly to the Barber Shop. Got shaved and then went to my room and retired at 11 o�clock.
Sun., Jul. 26.
I got up at 8 o�clock, took a bath, dressed bed, and cleaned room for �Russell� this week. Then I went to the Store and did some work on my books. The �Clark Circus� came in this a.m., from Fairville, and it shows here on tomorrow eve, and night.........12 wagons! I went down to Lem�s and stayed until noon. This eve, Clarence Haynie, McDougall, Geo. Taylor, and self, all went up to the schoolhouse yard and stayed all eve.....so cool and nice up there. I went up home to supper, at 6 o�clock, then went over to see Emma at 6:45. We took a walk and then started to preaching at the Baptist Church (Union Service), but it was so crowded we couldn�t get in. So we came back home and enjoyed the parlor. Had fine chocolate cake, too......Emma made it.
Mon., Jul. 27.
�Grand Circus� here today! Emma went over the River this morning, to see Mary Burruss, and they are going out to see Miss Willie Thomas, to get her to sing for them at their �Social� next Thurs. night. Emma may come back this eve, but no telling??? Today has been hot and dusty. Trade good. Lots of people in town today. They say that the circus �wasn�t much.� I expect not. We closed at 7 o�clock. I went over to see Mrs. John Burns, as to board for a few days, as Rettie is going to Boonville in the morning. Lem went this eve, on his wheel. They are to be back Friday, if nothing happens. I then went over to see Emma and found Miss Mary Burruss there. We went up to the schoolhouse to the Lyceum �open session.� Had a fine time! We had damsons and bananas coming home.....you know it! Lovely, lovely night!
Tue., Jul. 28.
The Circus left bright and early this a.m., for New Frankfort. Rettie and Mary left this a.m., for Marshall, with Lewis. Mary is going to Slater, while Rettie and Lewis are going on to Boonville. One or two of the men quit the Circus here this a.m. Today has sure enough been hot and dull. I commenced boarding today, at noon, at Mrs. Burns, until Rettie comes home. Emma went out to Mrs. Cyrena Casebolt�s to stay a day or so, as Mrs. C. is sick. I closed at 7 p.m. Then I went over to supper at Mrs. Burns and, after supper, went out on front porch and talked to McDougall and Bradshaw until League time. O!.. My!.. How hot it is tonight.....just awful! Dr. Russell and I retired at 10 p.m. I wrote a postal to Miss Georgie Edwards, at Slater, this a.m., for Mary Myers.
Wed., Jul. 29.
The �Slater Nine� plays our �Nine� here today. The score stood 14 to 5, in favor of Slater. This has been one of the hottest of all! It has just been smothering hot all day. I put two curtains up this eve, for Mrs. John Kieffer, and took measurements of the hall for a carpet. I took a picture over to Miss Mamie Wood today, as I went to dinner at Mrs. Burns�. Trade today very quiet. Closed at 7 p.m. I went over to supper. Then, after supper, I sat on front porch and talked to McDougall and Bradshaw until dusk. Then we went up to Lem�s and got some peaches and apples, and sat in the swing until 10 o�clock. Then we took our departure. Then I came to my room and swept it out, after Russell, and retired at 10:30 o�clock. Mr. Pete Casebolt brought Emma in to the Ballgame this eve, and then took her back out with him again.
Thurs., Jul. 30.
I commenced wearing a turn-down celluloid collar this a.m., as it is so awful hot! First I have worn for many a day! Col. Tracy speaks today, here at the Hall, to the Republicans and others on the great question of the day.....�gold or silver?� He spoke at the College this eve. The Band serenaded him at the Hotel today, at noon. Miss Maude Wheeler got home today, at noon, from Carrollton, bringing a young lady with her. A big �Supper� at Fairville tonight. The Band went out, but I didn�t go as Emma was out in the country. This has been another awful hot day. Trade only fair. Closed at 7 p.m., sharp. I went over to supper and then came back uptown with John Sibley, in his buggy. I talked to the boys until after 9 o�clock.
Fri., Jul. 31.
Lem got in from his trip this a.m., coming out from Marshall on his wheel in 1-hour & 20-minutes. I bought me a folding cot this a.m., from Mr. Webster, for $1.50. The �Miami Nine� went over to Marshall this a.m., to play them, there, this eve. �Marshall� won the game. This certainly has been another hot day........just awful.......101-degrees in the shade! Trade only fair. I took my last meal with Mrs. Burns tonight, at supper. I was there 3-days, plus 1-meal, and she only charged me $1.50. Rettie and Mary came home tonight. As I was going down to Lem�s, I met Emma at the Church steps. She and I went down to Lem�s and got peaches, then came back up to Endeavor. Then, after Endeavor, we went home and enjoyed the hammock, with Sadie Jessup, Ruth, Jess, Walter Utley, etc., for awhile. Emma came in from the country this eve at 4 p.m.
AUGUST
Sat., Aug. 1.
I commenced boarding at home again this a.m. There was a big �Baptist Church Supper� at the Station tonight. Emma went over. She is going to stay with Mary Burruss tonight. The Band from here went over, too. Also quite a crowd of boys and girls attended. Trade has been very quiet all day, although it has been a lovely day. Most of the farmers, I think, are waiting for the �Show� on Monday. Geo. Haynie went over to the Station, too, tonight. I didn�t get to close up until after 10 o�clock. Mr. Taylor went home early, so I had all I could attend to tonight. Then I went up to Barber Shop. Got a shave and my laundry. Then came up to my room and retired at about 10:45.
Sun., Aug. 2.
I got up at 7 o�clock, took a bath, dusted room, and straightened things in general. Then I came to Store and did a lot of writing. I didn�t get up to breakfast at all. I wrote a letter to Uncle John Whitmore this a.m., at Staunton, Va., and one to Elbert, at Sedalia. Then I went down to Lem�s and ate peaches until noon. After getting the mail, and sending it up home, Clarence Haynie and I went down to the boat and we made three trips on her as they crossed �the Great Show� for tomorrow. At 5:30, I came uptown and got myself ready for supper. After supper I went over to see Emma. John Sibley was there, so I talked to Miss Lou, in the hammock, until he got up and left. Then Emma and I took a walk to Carpenter�s corner and back, then sat down on steps, at gate, and enjoyed the eve. Remember.....O!.. Remember this night! Remember the �epistle� I am going to get in the a.m., as to so-and-so!! Miss Mary Woodson came over last night, from the Supper, to stay a day or so.
Mon., Aug. 3.
This is another �Great Show Day� for Miami!
Emma-was-in-the-Store-this-morning-and-gave-me-an-�epistle.� I was invited to a little gathering out at Casebolt�s tonight, but, as Emma wants to see me tonight, I won�t go out. Lots of people in town today. Lovely day, but.. O!.. My!.. How hot it has been! Just perfectly awful! Trade today has been fair. Miss Mary Sweeney leaves us this eve, for a week�s vacation. We closed at 7 p.m. I talked to the boys awhile and then listened to the �Show Band� play. Then I went over to see Emma, met Ruth and Mary Woodson on the way, and walked a ways with them. We met Emma at Wood�s, so Emma and I took a walk up to Carpenter�s corner and back and then sat in the hammock awhile. Everything �promises� now to be fair........
Tue., Aug. 4.
Bro. W. R. Dobyns, of Marshall, preaches to us here tonight, at the M. E. Church. Julia and Bessie Taylor got home today, from a three-weeks visit to California (Mo.), and to Marshall. I was out collecting this a.m., and this p.m. Bro. Dobyns and Mrs. McDaniel came over early this a.m. (and went back tonight). This has been another hot, hot day! Trade very slow. Maude�s company left her today. Maude called me in, at supper tonight, to show me some photos that she and her company had taken. They were good.....and you know it!! We didn�t have League tonight. I went down to hear Bro. Dobyns preach tonight. Small crowd.....awful hot! I took a walk with Emma, after Church, to the corner and then home. Eve, Ruth, and Mary Woodson broke the hammock this eve!
Wed., Aug. 5.
The �Miami Nine� played the �Slater Nine� last eve, at Slater.......19 to 15, in favor of Slater. Trade very good this a.m., though another dreadful, warm day. The �two Misses Lewis,� of Marshall, came today, to spend a week at Lem and Mary�s. A col�d. Bishop lectures at the College tonight, to both black and white (no, he preached at the white Methodist Church). We closed at 7 p.m. I got a shave and talked to the boys awhile, then went down and listened to the col�d. minister awhile. Then I went to the Christian Prayer Meeting and got Emma, and we took a walk to the Parsonage, and then back home.
Thurs., Aug. 6.
As I went up to Mr. Taylor�s this a.m., to show a man about a load of wood, I met Miss Emma as I was coming back, so I walked up to Zea�s corner with her. I printed 100-cards this eve, for Emma, for their �birthday social� on a week from tonight, at her home. Today has again been a hot one! Trade and collections fair today. Lewis took dinner with us again today. I mailed a letter to Fairville, to Fannie Taylor, for Maude Wheeler today as I came from dinner. We closed at 7 p.m. I went down to Lem�s, to get a piece of wire, then went over to Emma�s, to fix the hammock. I unhitched the horse from buggy, for Emma, as she had been out visiting. I fixed the hammock, and then we took a walk up to Carpenter�s corner, with Mary Woodson and Emma�s sister, Cyrena. Lovely night. I retired at 10 o�clock, sharp. I listened to Moffitt and his wife �fuss-and-cuss� tonight as I came from over the road.
Fri., Aug. 7.
104-degrees in the shade.
Miss Mary Woodson went back home to Carrollton this a.m. Emma went over to the Station with her. This has been the hottest of the hot! Trade very quiet and dust awful. The Lemmon Bros. �Big Circus� is at Marshall today. A big crowd from here went over. I talked to Maude and Mrs. Buford Casebolt (Landora) a few minutes this eve, on the porch at Mrs. Wheeler�s, as I went to supper. I hitched up the buggy for Landora before I left. We closed at 7 p.m. I talked to the boys awhile. Then got ready and Bradshaw and self went down to Lem�s for an hour or two. Had a nice time. The Misses Hughes, Vaughan, Gray, Lewis and Taylor were there.
Sat., Aug. 8.
Again, it was 104-degrees in the shade, at 1 o�clock. Trade quiet today. Geo. and I had a watermelon tonight, at Store. We closed at a little after 10 o�clock tonight. Then I went to the Barber Shop and got a shave. Came up to room and took a bath, then retired at 10:35 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 9.
I rose this a.m. at 7 o�clock. Washed, dressed and went up to breakfast (for a wonder ! ). I helped Rettie with the dishes, then came to room and did a little work. I talked to Bradshaw and Dunlap until 10:30 a.m. Then we ate a watermelon off of ice. Then I went down to Lem�s and got peaches and grapes, came back to room and talked until noon. Then went down to dinner. Miss Fannie Taylor came this morning, to visit Maude Wheeler a few days. We boys got together this eve and made a jar of lemonade, and we had a fine time. Then we went up to the schoolhouse, with Band, and played awhile....first time I had blown a horn for a long time! Then I got ready at 6 o�clock and went over to see Emma, stopping at Lem�s and getting peaches. Then we went walking and came to Store after a box of grapes. Then home to hammock.
Mon., Aug. 10.
This has sure enough been a hot, dry, dusty day! Trade very quiet. I paid Uncle John Whitmore�s �Store taxes� this a.m. I received a check from him yesterday for same ($3.75). Dr. Downing, Geo. Burruss, and self, went down to Lem and Mary�s tonight, to call on the Misses Gray, Lewis and Taylor. We had a splendid time. I took Maude Wheeler a plate of grapes today, at noon. I mailed Uncle John his tax receipt this eve. G. T. set-up the watermelon this eve. I walked home from Lem�s with Anna Taylor tonight, as we were coming from there. A lovely starlight night......so cool and pleasant. Remember Miss Gray�s �headache�..............
Tues., Aug. 11.
There is a crowd, consisting of the Misses Lewis, Taylor, Gray, Hughes, Vaughan, Myers, and Mrs. Myers, also some young men, going to DeWitt this eve, on Boat. I was a-going, but, under the circumstances, I won�t go! Mr. McDougall left last night for a little trip. Dr. Edmonds took a �briar� out of my eye this a.m. (that I got in there last night). I wrote a note over to Emma this a.m., in regard to the trip this eve. I went down to Lem�s a few minutes, at noon, to see Mary and the girls, then went down to the River to see Capt. Burruss for them......then up to see Emma a second or two, then back to Lem�s in Miss Hughes� buggy. Rettie and Emma got left this eve! Dr. Downing and I didn�t go, but Bradshaw and Taylor (A. S. , Sr.) went. Maude Wheeler sent me fine chocolate pies for dinner. I went to League Meeting. Maude was there. After League I took a walk over to Mrs. Milt Burns� and got Emma. We took a little walk and then home.
Wed., Aug. 12.
It rained so nice this a.m. I put up a curtain pole at Mrs. Carpenter�s door, in sitting room, this a.m. Trade today has been fair. Daisy Duggins and her mother, Mrs. Dr. Duggins, came this eve to Mrs. L. J. Hamner�s, for a few days visit. Closed at 7 p.m., then talked to the boys awhile. Then Bradshaw and self went down to Lem�s and got grapes, and sat in swing until 8:30 o�clock. We then went out to Hughes�, with Hubert Wood. Then I came on up to the Christian Prayer Meeting and took a walk with Emma. Then Emma and I went up home where we sat in hammock a little while. Lovely night......so cool and nice.
Thurs., Aug. 13.
While at breakfast this a.m., Mary and the Misses Gray and Lewis came up in a surrey and took me riding a little piece. Then Mary gave me a note as to company tonight for Miss Lewis, so I told her I would take her �with pleasure.� I washed the Store front this a.m. Daisy was down to see me. Trade today fair. It sprinkled a little today, at noon. I went over to see Emma a few minutes after closing. Then I went down to see the Misses Gray and Lewis. Prof. Merry took Miss Gray, and I took Miss Lewis. We just had a fine time and enjoyed ourselves hugely. I got to talk to Daisy awhile tonight and just had a big time! Daisy spoke tonight and Miss Gray sang. There was a big crowd out tonight. They took in some $68.00. I at supper tonight with Miss Lewis, and then with Emma.
Fri., Aug. 14.
The �Brunswick� and �Slater Nines� have a match-game here this eve. Score stood 3 to 0, in favor of Brunswick. A big crowd, from both places, were here. A big crowd went from here to Brunswick on the Boat tonight, on its return trip with �the Brunswickers.� I couldn�t get off. Trade today very poor. Not much doing. Remember how Bradshaw treated Emma and I on the excursion tonight. I took a buggy ride with John Sibley tonight, then we went to Endeavor and I met Emma on the steps at Church, and then I went to Endeavor Meeting with her. Afterwards we took a walk up home, after grapes. Then we stopped at Maude�s and gave her some, and then went on home and enjoyed the hammock for awhile.
Sat., Aug. 15.
Bro. Akers came up on the Boat last night and woke me up at 12:30, to stay all night with me. He went to Marshall this a.m. This has been a lovely day. Trade, though, has not been very good. Not very many people in town today. No trade tonight. We closed up at 10 o�clock, and I went to the Barber Shop. Geo. Taylor and Will Andrews, and myself, watched the clouds for a long, long while tonight....and the sharp lightning. O!.. It was a fearful storm! I cut a tree down for Wm. Lampkin, as the lightning tore it all to pieces. I didn�t get to retire until 11:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 16.
I didn�t go to breakfast. Cleaned room and rearranged things. I washed my window. Got self ready and went down to Lem�s and filled up on grapes and peaches. Then I came back uptown and talked to the boys until noon. I went to dinner and helped Rettie with work. Then came downtown and talked to the boys. I helped eat three watermelons this eve, with the boys. Bradshaw, Clarence and Geo. Haynie, and self, went up to Hamner�s this eve, to call on Daisy and the Misses Hamner�s. Then I went down home. Daisy came by, as she was going to Mrs. Vanice�s. She came in, and sat and talked with us. Then Mrs. Duggins and Mrs. Vanice came over and we went over to Mrs. Vanice�s house and ate watermelon and grapes. I talked to Daisy awhile, and then I walked up to the corner, to Hamner�s, with her. Then I went on over to see Emma. We took a walk and then to Church, at the Christian Church. Then we went on home where we enjoyed the hammock until 11 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 17.
Daisy and Mrs. Duggins were in Store a long while this a.m., and I had quite a little chat with Daisy this morning. We loaned them gossamers to go home with. Trade today has been very dull. Raining all day. I posted books this eve. Mrs. Duggins and Daisy took supper with us tonight. Daisy is going to stay all night with Rettie tonight. We closed at 7 p.m. Then I went up home to stay awhile with Daisy. Daisy and I came downtown a few moments to see Bob Dunlap. Then we went back up home and sat and talked until 11 o�clock. Then I took my departure for my room downtown. I spent such a pleasant eve with Daisy, speaking of old times......
Tue., Aug. 18.
It is still raining this a.m. Daisy and her mother are going to spend today out to Mr. and Mrs. Jon. Snelling�s. I commenced cleaning house this morning. I wrote a note over to Emma today, at noon. Rec�d. and answered.......so I shall go over tonight to see her. I put paper on top of the shelving, on Mr. Jeter�s side, this eve and cleaned things all off. Trade today has been quiet. Mr. Hubert Latimer died this a.m. He will be buried here tomorrow morning, at 11 o�clock. I closed at 7 o�clock. Then went over to see Emma. We took a walk, then down after grapes, then home, as it was so cool. We went in parlor and I stayed awhile before taking my departure. Lovely moonlight night.
Wed., Aug. 19.
I made an order, this a.m., for Rettie, for a bottle of �Derma Royale Medicine� - for $1.00. Emma is going to have Mary and Miss Gray at her house tonight.....also Harrison and Dr. Downing. I wrote a note to Emma this a.m., as to inviting Daisy tonight, and she said, �yes, certainly,� so I did. But Daisy had engagements at Bell�s and Miller�s, and I had an engagement with Daisy for the eve, so we didn�t get to go to Emma�s. After I closed tonight, I got ready and I went up to Bell�s, where Daisy took supper. We stayed at Bell�s for awhile and then walked down to Eva and Louise Miller�s, where Daisy was to spend the night.....and I stayed there and talked of old times until 11 o�clock. I spent a real pleasant eve with them, and Mary Turpin was there, too. I was real sorry, though, that I didn�t get to see Emma and her company.
Thurs., Aug. 20.
This is the night for the Lyceum to give their �Entertainment,� with the aid of Miss Daisy Duggins, at the College. I have been working hard today, cleaning house. Trade very quiet. I went over to see Emma tonight, at 7:40 o�clock. We sat in the hammock awhile, then we went to the schoolhouse, to the Lyceum �Entertainment.� Daisy spoke well. Big crowd! After the entertainment a crowd of about 35 or 40 of us young people went down to the restaurant, to eat ice-cream, cake, fruit, etc. Things were very nice and the night just grand! Remember what took place tonight......you know it!!
Fri., Aug. 21.
I went up to see Daisy this a.m., at Hamner�s, for a few minutes, in regard to Boat, etc. I walked downtown with her. Emma brought me a nice box of apples and peaches this a.m., with a note. I made two curtains this a.m., for Store.....for the overalls and jeans pants dept. Emma and Ruth called on Maude�s company this a.m. Daisy and Mrs. Duggins leave this eve. Daisy reads at Hardin on Monday night. It is awful warm today. Trade quiet. Messrs: Bradshaw, Dunlap, and self, went up to W. H. Wheeler�s tonight, to call on Miss Maude and her guests, Misses Nellie Hawkins and Ridgeway. Emma is spending this eve and night with Mary Haynie. We had a fine time at Wheeler�s tonight.
Sat., Aug. 22.
Trade awful quiet.....very few in town. Maude�s company left this a.m. Mary Myers brought me a list, to a �watermelon party� at Mack�s, for next Tue. night. We had a little trade tonight, but not very much. Closed at 10 p.m. I went to Barber Shop and got shaved, then came up to my room, took a bath, and retired at 11 o�clock.......tired, sleepy, and worn out!
Sun., Aug. 23.
I didn�t rise this a.m. until 8:45, when Geo. Burruss came up and woke me. I got up and went down to the Store with him, then came back and straightened room. Went to Store again and did a little work, then on down to Lem�s until noon. Emma came over to Lem�s, as she was going home from Sunday School, and we had grapes and peaches. At dinner I gathered a lot of grapes for Maude and Emma. Went over to the schoolhouse, with Lyceum boys, to have their photo struck this eve. I took the picture for McDougall, as he wanted to be in it. Then I came back uptown and went up home for supper. I brought Maude Wheeler a bowl of grapes as I went by. Then I went to Lem�s, with Clarence Haynie. Then I went over to see Emma and we took a walk to the graveyard. Then down home after grapes and up to her house. We then took a walk over to the schoolhouse and enjoyed the lovely moonlight......then home to the hammock!
Mon., Aug. 24.
Mr. Will Lemmons put a window in the Store�s basement, under the steps, this a.m. Rettie got her medicine today, that I ordered several days ago for her. I commenced getting the boss� �Memo-book� ready for him this a.m. Judge Cooney spoke at Mertens� Hall, this eve, on �the silver question.� A big crowd went up to hear him. I got a letter from Mrs. Dr. Geo. G. Duggins today, at noon, from Hardin, Mo.........for dress goods. I answered it this eve. Emma and I went up to the Lyceum League Meeting tonight. I put my name in to be a member tonight. They had a big crowd present (for girls and boys debate). Lovely, lovely night. Didn�t get away from the schoolhouse tonight until after 11 o�clock. Retired at 11:35.....sleepy... O!.. My!!
Tue., Aug. 25.
Bob Underwood and self have been working in the basement all day long. We changed the tools, etc., around to the center now, and cleaned everything out nice, and limed everything also. This has been a lovely day, and trade has been nice. Mack Lewis gave a �watermelon party� tonight, out at his home. There were four wagon loads and a bandwagon load that went out! I went out in Hal Robertson�s wagon, with Gussie Edmonds, Ruth and Emma Wheeler, Mary Burruss, Mary Haynie, Geo. Haynie, and Syd Wheeler. We just had a big time.....and enjoyed it so much! The night was just grand. Got in at 1:30 o�clock.
Wed., Aug. 26.
Emma went over to stay with Mary Burruss this a.m., until Friday eve. There was a man in the Store this morning that was 6-feet, 10 3/4-inches in height.......288 1/2 lbs. How was that for a man!!! I went up to see Pet Jeter this morning, as to her being left last night from �watermelon party.� I was real sorry, but I was not to blame! Today has been real pretty and bright, although very warm and dusty. Trade very quiet. I received a nice little note from Daisy today, at noon, from Hardin, Mo. Mattie and the children are spending today and night at Lem and Mary�s. We closed at 7 p.m. I talked to the boys awhile in front of Dunlap�s Drug Store, and then retired at 8:15 o�clock........sleepy.. O!.. So sleepy!
Thurs., Aug. 27.
Another nice, but dusty day. Trade very, very quiet. I have been working all day on the boss� �memo-book.� I will try and finish same tomorrow, if nothing happens. Closed at 7 p.m. Talked to the boys quite a while at Dunlap�s Drug Store. Then Clarence Haynie, Arthur and Bob Dunlap, and myself, actually went up to the Baptist Prayer Meeting. Then Clarence and self took a walk up to the corner and back, where I then went to my room and laid myself down to rest....at 9:30 o�clock.
Fri., Aug. 28.
The Baptists, at Bethel, have a big �Reunion Meeting� there, commencing today and lasting until Sunday night. Maude went down this a.m., to stay until Sunday eve. Also Mr. Wheeler, and G. T. Taylor and his wife, went down to spend the day. It is one year ago today that we moved into our new Store. This has been a real pretty day, but trade very quiet. I finished the boss� �memo-book� for him this eve. Uncle Isaac cut, and put into cellar, 2 1/2 cords of wood for us today.......first for the season. I went around and put in the Stores this eve.....some �bills� for the �Presbyterian Social,� at Mrs. Scott�s next Tuesday eve. Then, after closing, I went all over town and posted more of the bills. Then I went down to Lem�s, then to Endeavor and got Emma, then went down to the Boat with crowd, stayed awhile, then went home to hammock. Miss Maude Wheeler came home, sick, this eve.
Sat., Aug. 29.
Jim Wheeler, Hubert Wood, and Sam Williams went off today, with the Government Boat, surveying. They will be gone two months, or more. I put out another $75 today, to Lem, on interest, making me now $325 out (and receiving interest). Miss Maude Wheeler is quite sick this eve. Mattie, Floy, and Harry Myers spent the day with us today. This has been a gloomy day, but still no rain. Trade has been very quiet. Not much doing. Judge Ferril�s (deceased) �Sale� was this eve. We closed tonight at 9:45, and I went up to Barber Shop and got shaved. Retired at 11:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 30.
I got up at 9 o�clock. Straightened room and went down to Store. Clarence Haynie came down, wanting to know if we, or I, would go to Bethel today with the crowd in Band Wagon. I told him, �yes,� so we got the following: Misses Eva and Louise Miller, Anna Taylor, Mamie Wood, and Emma Wheeler. Messrs: W. L. Andrews, Clarence Haynie, Gip Taylor, and myself.....also Dr.Downing. Then Julius Jessup went along to drive for us. We got there at 12 o�clock. Dust.....don�t mention it! We had just all we could eat! About 1000 people were there. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We, Miami people, had a big time! We had our photo taken, too, after dinner, by Mr. W. L. Andrews. At 3 o�clock we all went over to Mr. Will Ingram�s and there we just had peaches and grapes until you couldn�t rest! Then at 4 o�clock we started home. Got home at 5 o�clock. After getting cleaned up, I went up home for awhile, then down to Lem�s for a few moments, then over to see Emma. We went to hear Bro. Wilson preach his last sermon tonight.
Mon., Aug. 31.
This has been a real pretty day. Trade very good indeed! Mr. Taylor and Erskine left this morning for Chicago. I printed 100-tickets this eve, for the Presbyterian �Supper� tomorrow night. Didn�t get to close tonight until 7:30 (our time ran out tonight for closing at 7 o�clock). I went down to Lem�s for awhile tonight. Then I went up to the Lyceum Meeting. Prof. W. E. Merry came up also. We both were initiated tonight, and are now full-fledged members of the Lyceum. I sold Maude Wheeler a set of large pearl shirt-waist buttons as I went to supper.
SEPTEMBER
Tue., Sept. 1.
As I had loaned all the money I had to spare, to Lem, up to Sept. 1st, I borrowed $7.50 from papa this a.m., until the 20th, when I would be caught up. Trade very dull today. The dust was blowing a great deal. We Presbyterians have a �Social� at Mrs. Scott�s this eve, for the benefit of the Church. I went down and took Emma. I sold the tickets for them and Emma waited-on the tables for them. We took in $29, and cleared $20. That was doing very well, I think, considering the cool night and only four-days notice of it. We had all quantities of cream left, and cake. Everything went off quite nice and the yard looked so pretty and nice.
Wed., Sept. 2.
Miss Kath Hughes and Rev. Gore were married this eve, at the Baptist Church, at 8 o�clock. I was up to Church this eve awhile and marked some bells for them, for their decorations. Trade today has been very quiet. The dust is still blowing. I closed tonight at 7:20 p.m. Went up to Church to see them married tonight. The Church was crowded. It was raining a little, too. I went down to the Christian Prayer Meeting tonight, after the wedding, and walked over home with Emma. Went in and sat until 10:20 o�clock, then took my departure. It is dark and raining tonight. Maude was one of the attendants tonight.
Thurs., Sept. 3.
Today has been a real pretty day, but an awful quiet one. I have been stenciling shoes all day long. We had just a good sprinkle last night and that was all. Geo. Burruss and myself took a walk tonight over to the corner, then up to Carpenter�s corner, and then back to Dr. Dunlap�s Drug Store, where I talked to the boys awhile. Then I went up to Mr. McDougall�s to see the photos of our crowd at Bethel, on Sunday. They were just splendid! Retired at 9:30 o�clock. It is so cool and nice tonight.
Fri., Sept. 4.
This eve we had a little rain, but trade very good today. I worked all the shoes from counters today in the shoe dept. and cleaned off all the other stands and counters for new goods next week. We �Lyceum boys� gave a �Social� tonight at our old stand. I went and took Emma.....my first time with them and we had quite a jolly time! We stayed until 1 o�clock. Refreshments were lemonade, grapes, apples and peaches, and quite a crowd was present.
Sat., Sept. 5.
Mr. Taylor and Erskine got back this a.m., from Chicago. The dust has been blowing and it is awful today. Geo. and I washed the mirrors, showcases, and the front all off this a.m. Trade today has been only fair. Jno. Dunlap spoke at the Hall this eve, to the �Bryan & Sewall Club� (the Democrats). The Lyceum had a Meeting tonight and we each paid our expense for the Social (25-cents). We had lemonade and apples for refreshment. We closed up tonight at 10 o�clock.
Sun., Sept. 6.
I got up at 7:30 and took a bath, and cleaned the room for Dr. Russell tomorrow. I also cleaned John�s room for him. I came down to Store and wrote a letter to Elbert Dunlap, at Sedalia. Then I talked to the boys awhile and went to dinner. Fixed me a box of grapes and peaches for tonight, at noon. I came downtown and talked to the boys all eve, in John�s room. Went over to see Emma at 5 o�clock and we went around to our old tree in back of Mertens� and spent the eve. Emma wrote in my book. I gave Emma a photo this eve, of the Ingram�s trip of last Sunday. I came up home at 7 o�clock and got supper, then went back over to see Emma, and we went to hear Bro. Hill give it to us for �picture-taking on Sunday, etc.� He hit us hard, too......I tell you!
Mon., Sept. 7.
School commences here today. Emma teaches the 2nd grade this year, at $35 mo. (8 months). She was in Store this eve and I told her I would lend her my clock for her room... So she will get it in the morning. This has been a very dusty day. Trade has been very quiet. I made a �cash-ticket-pocket� today, cut cash cards, and cleaned out the waste basket. I closed tonight at 8 o�clock. Went up to Lyceum Meeting with the boys, at the College. I was on duty for the first time for a speech on �Initiation into the Lyceum.� I did the best I could. We got through at 10 o�clock.
Tue., Sept. 8.
Emma came in this a.m., to get the clock, so I gave her a box of peaches, too. Mr. Taylor left this a.m., for Lexington, with Julia, where she goes to school. Mr. Williams fixed our front walk this a.m. We had a nice shower this a.m. Gloomy day, though. Trade very quiet. I wrote to Uncle John Whitmore this eve, for the Lyceum boys. I posted-up the blotter this eve. Big rain this eve. I didn�t close tonight until 9 o�clock, as Alvin Ruxton, Dr. Russell, Clarence Haynie, and self, were all talking about �gold and silver.� Dr. Russell and I then went up to my room and retired. Lem, Papa, and Huyett went out to see the Mt. Carmel Church this eve.
Wed., Sept. 9.
Mr. Taylor got back from Lexington today. The ferry-boat is down here on a bar, about at Ruxton�s warehouse. No telling what time we will get our goods today. The boat got off the bar at 7 o�clock, but it was raining so hard all morning that we haven�t been able to get any goods up yet. (We got our goods up late tonight). So I worked until after 9 o�clock. Mr. Taylor didn�t get in until after supper, so he helped me some tonight. Trade today very good. I didn�t get to see Emma tonight as I had to work. I retired at 10 o�clock. I stopped taking Edmond�s treatment today, for the catarrh cure.
Thurs., Sept. 10.
Today trade has been very good. We have been busy all day long, though, marking goods. Rain.....rain! It rained hard tonight and continued all night. I worked at Store until 9:40 tonight, on dress goods dept. and other things. Geo. Haynie stayed all night with me tonight. He went up to see Miss Gussie Edmonds...........and got in at 10 min. to 10 o�clock. A good time for George! Maude Wheeler got home this a.m. from a two-weeks visit to the country, up and around Mt. Leonard......she and Mrs. Jno. Hooper.
Fri., Sept. 11.
Gloomy day. I had a talk with Mr. G. T. Taylor this a.m. and he will give me $40 mo., from now on (for a year, anyway). It rained most all day long. Trade very quiet. I have been working hard all day long putting new goods in their proper place. I have everything in ship-shape now.....ready for more new goods in the morning, the rest of the fall stock. I received a nice letter from Dr. Leach, at Marshall, today and answered same tonight. We closed at 8:15 tonight. I went down to the Christian Church and walked home with Miss Emma. Went in parlor and sat and talked until 11 o�clock. Remember our agreement tonight! It is dark as mischief tonight, and raining a little.
Sat., Sept. 12.
A big crowd went down on the ferry-boat to DeWitt, to hear Presidential candidate �Bryan� speak for 5-minutes as he passed on the train going to St. Louis, where he speaks tonight. Emma, Ruth, and Mary Haynie are among those going. About 175 went down, with the Band, but he didn�t speak! They all saw him, though. Today trade has been fine. We got in most of our fall stock today. It rained some this morning, but trade nice. We didn�t close tonight until 10:15 o�clock. We had a little trade tonight and a good deal of new goods to straighten-out and put away. I went to my room, took a bath, and retired at 11 o�clock.
Sun., Sept. 13.
I got up at 7 o�clock, straightened room, and went to breakfast. I talked to Wm. Lemmons, McDougall, Will Andrews, and Geo. Taylor all morning. Spent the eve talking with the boys also. I got ready and went up home at 6 o�clock. Talked to Maude Wheeler and May Minor as I came by from supper. Went down to see Lem and Mary for awhile, then I went over to see Emma. As it looked like it was going to rain, we didn�t attend Church but stayed home and enjoyed the hammock. As I had such a sick headache I left at 10 o�clock.
Mon., Sept. 14.
Trade only fair today. I fixed six class-badges tonight, for Emma. Then I closed at 8 p.m., and went up to Lyceum Meeting. I was on debate.....�Resolved that alcohol was more injurious to man than greed.� I was on the affirmative, but for the accommodation of Hal Robertson, I took the negative for him. We lost! But I had quite a good time debating the topic anyway. After coming up to my room tonight, after Lyceum Meeting, I wrote a note to Emma, to send with the badges in the a.m.
Tue., Sept. 15.
Lem went to St. Louis this morning. Today has been lovely, but trade only fair. I sent Emma her badges and her book this morning, by Miss Frazee. Rettie was in the Store tonight and I gave her a black patent-leather belt. I made an order tonight, for Rettie again, for a bottle of Derma Royale medicine and soap. I will mail same in the morning. I worked awhile tonight and then closed at 8:15. I went up to A. S. Taylor & Sons and talked to the boys until 9:20, then went to my room and retired.
Wed., Sept. 16.
It has been pretty, but very warm today. Trade fair. I received a real sweet note this a.m., from Emma, thanking me for making the badges. I worked tonight until 8 o�clock. Then I closed and took a walk down to the Christian Church, with Geo. Burruss, where we sat down on steps and talked until it was out, then Emma and I took a walk up to corner and back home where we enjoyed the hammock until 10:30 p.m. We heard the Negroes serenade the new darkey-schoolteacher at Mrs. Frank Brown�s. This is just a grand night.....so lovely out.
Thurs., Sept. 17.
I paid Papa back today, the $7.50 that I borrowed on the 1st from him. Trade today has been very quiet. Miss Mary Sweeney was out today. I have been decorating the Store some today. I fixed up a box of peaches this eve for Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Taylor to send to Miss Julia, at Lexington. I filled up the 10-cent handkerchief rack tonight, after supper. Closed at 8 p.m.. I started to take a walk with the boys, but met Emma, with Ruth, Sadie Jessup, Maggie Kile, and Horace Hornbeck, so I turned around and went walking with Emma. It was a lovely moonlight night. I walked to gate, then returned to my room at 9:25 and retired.
Fri., Sept. 18.
Today has been a very gloomy day. Trade not very brisk. I made two window displays this a.m., and washed the windows. Filled up my 5-cent handkerchief rack tonight. I went down to the Christian Endeavor Meeting, went up front and took part. Rain.....rain......rain! I wish you could have seen how hard it did pour! As Emma came down on the walk, in front of Church, she walked off of walk and down she went! Wet, muddy, and I should say.......just awful! I think from all appearances she certainly must have gotten baptized good! This certainly was a black, gloomy, rainy night, and the lightning was severe, too. I went in and stayed awhile at Emma�s. We spent a real pleasant eve......but, O!.. Poor Emma! Ha!.. Ha! .. Ha!
Sat., Sept. 19.
Lem got back from St. Louis last eve. We got in some right smart goods again this a.m. I put Miss Eva�s box away for her this morning. I received a letter from her also this a.m., from St. Louis. She came home this eve. We have had all we could attend to today. Big trade.....about as big as we have had for a long, long time. Closed at 10 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 20.
I got up at 8:30 a.m. Didn�t got to breakfast. I framed the �Truth Banquet� photo, also the photo of my room, and hung them up. I wrote a letter of congratulations to Frank Taylor this a.m. He is to be married on the 29th of this month to Miss Josie Elliott, of Marshall. A crowd of nine of us walked out to Mr.
L. W. Haynie�s orchard this eve and got all the apples and peaches we could eat. Had a fine time!! Then, when we came back, Prof. Merry and self had our photo struck. Then I went up home and read awhile. Then I went down to Lem�s. Then over to see Emma, but met her and Mary Burruss out driving, so I got in and went with them. We didn�t attend Church. Remember the hot discussion we all had on politics! Ahem!
Mon., Sept. 21.
Rev. W. W. Akers preaches tonight, at the M. E. Church, for us Presbyterians. I put up three curtains this eve for Miss Ella Parrish as I went up to supper. This has been a lovely day. Trade very good. Closed at 8 p.m., and I went down to hear Bro. Akers. He preached a good sermon and had a very good crowd. After Church we had a meeting, but, as Lem had to stay, I went home with Mary and carried Lewis for her. Then I came back to Church and stayed until the meeting was over. Then I walked down to the gate with Louise Miller, and came back to my room and retired. I missed the Lyceum Meeting tonight, for my first time. Emma was at Church tonight, but she didn�t stay for the meeting.
Tue., Sept. 22.
Miss Sallie Hamner leaves for Va., again, with her aunt this a.m. She expects to be gone about two months. Miss Flora Mertens and her father, also Miss Anna Burgess, will go as far as St. Louis with them, to take in the Exposition. Today has been real pretty. Trade fair. I made a �ball yarn and handkerchief� display in the windows this eve. Fixed transom over back door this a.m., to open and shut. I took floor oil cloth up to W. H. Wheeler�s this eve, and got to talk with Maude a few moments. She looked �all okay, too� in her red wrapper! I worked tonight on my side of Store, filling in, until 10 o�clock, then went up to my room and retired.
Wed., Sept. 23.
The �Big Wallace Show� at Marshall today. I was going over with Geo. Haynie this a.m., but backed out, so he took Miss Eva Miller. Today has been lovely, but trade slow. Harrison Wheeler was 25-years-old today. Maude sent me some cake and ice-cream today that she had made for Harrison......it was fine, too!! I have been working on stock all day and expect to continue on it tonight. So I won�t get to see Emma at all tonight. I worked until 10 o�clock, again, tonight. I filled-in on the Dry Goods side, from beginning to end, and have it now in fine shape. These are certainly lovely nights that I am missing now, by working and not walking with the boys.......but I can�t help it!!
Thurs., Sept. 24.
The dust has been blowing considerably today. Trade very good, though. I put away all the straw hats today and brought out the caps. Also did a good deal of other arranging, too. 
I worked tonight until 9 p.m., putting out the Fall stock of ties on racks, etc. We have a beautiful line of them this Fall. We are having a nice rain now. I closed up at 9 o�clock. Went to Scott & Miller�s and talked to Lem, Will Andrews, and McDougall, until 9:30.
................................................................................................................................
This photo had no identification, but I suspect the two gentlemen on the left might be "Uncle" Isaac Carter and Isaac Myers, the father of W. S. Myers.
.......................................................................................................................................
Fri., Sept. 25.
Rettie, Mary, and Lewis went to Marshall this a.m., to spend the day. The College, at Mexico, Mo., that Dave Vanmeter was attending, burnt to the ground Wednesday night. Dave got home today. Trade very slow. I haven�t see Emma since Sunday night. Maude Wheeler has been sick for the past two days, but is better this eve. I closed at 8 p.m........didn�t have any work to do tonight. I went down to Endeavor Meeting, with Geo. Burruss, and then when it was out I walked home with Emma, went in, and spent a real pleasant eve. first time since last Sunday eve.
Sat., Sept. 26.
We have had rain all morning. Trade very poor. Emma spent this a.m. over to L. W. Haynie�s, with Mary. I bought me a new fall hat this eve. Also ordered a new pair of everyday pants. It is still raining tonight and trade very dull. We closed at a little after 9 o�clock.
Sun., Sept. 27.
I arose at 7:30. Went up to breakfast, then talked to the boys, in John�s room, until noon. Went to dinner and dried the dishes for Rettie after dinner. Came downtown and got the mail. Then McDougall took my photo again, as those of last Sunday were not good. Then I went down to the River and spent the rest of the eve at the boat. Miss Susie Wilson died this eve (Joe Wilson�s daughter). As I was going up to supper this eve, the Misses Hamner called me in to eat some �lemon pie�.......and you know I went! Then I went on home before going down to Lem�s. Then over to see Emma. We went to the Baptist Church to preaching, then home. Emma brought in some fine apples tonight.
Mon., Sept. 28.
Rain.....rain.....most all day long. Trade, though, has been fine. We have sold more goods today than we did on Sat. Miss Susie Wilson was buried today, at 4 o�clock, at the Baptist graveyard. I took the old counter, back by the window, down and I am going to make boot-shelving under it, then put the counter back on top. We closed at 8 p.m. I went up to Lyceum Meeting and we had re-election of officers. I was elected as vice-president. We got through at 10 p.m. We didn�t have a literary program tonight as it would have made us too late getting through.
Tue., Sept. 29.
Another gloomy day, although trade has just been splendid all day long. I have tried to work on my counter, but haven�t been able to do much, for I was stopped all the time. Emma found my bangle, that she lost some time ago.....at the schoolhouse when we attended the Lyceum �Social� there in Aug. I worked on my counter tonight until 9:30 p.m. Then I wrote on my books until 10 p.m. Then I went up to my room and to bed. Mrs. G. T. Taylor, and daughter Ermine, Mrs. Mack Lewis and baby, and Geo. Taylor, Jr. all left this eve for a month�s visit to �old Ky.�
Wed., Sept. 30.
A lovely, but awful warm, day. Trade has been fine today. I haven�t been able to do a thing on my counter today, at all. I posted books this a.m. and waited on trade this eve. I got in my new pair of pants this eve, for winter. They are �all okay.� Closed tonight at 7:45. I went down to the Christian Prayer Meeting. Took a walk with Emma up to the Methodist parsonage and then back home. Didn�t go in, but came back to my room and retired at 9:30 o�clock.
OCTOBER
Thurs., Oct. 1.
This certainly has been a lovely, lovely day. But our trade has been awful, awful slow. I made out the town accounts this morning and did collecting of same. This eve I worked on my boot-counter and finished it tonight. Emma was in Store this eve and paid her account. I worked tonight until after 9 o�clock.
Fri., Oct. 2.
Another lovely day. Trade fair. I moved all the boots from the basement upstairs today. I am so glad that is done. I have been dreading it for a long time. I got a photo from the �tent� in front of post office today, at noon, for Emma. It was a picture of her school room, taken on Wednesday eve, by them. It was very good. I closed up tonight at 7:40, and went down to the Christian Endeavor. Miss Minnie Casebolt led. I walked home with Emma and went in and stayed awhile. These nights are lovely.....bright starlight.
Sat., Oct. 3.
A lovely day and trade fine. I sold $163 today. Mr. McDougall took a photo of our Store front this a.m. He also tried an inside view tonight, by �flash.� Capt. A. K. Ruxton and self were all that were in it. I didn�t get to close up tonight until 11 o�clock. Then went up to my room, took a bath, and retired at 12 o�clock. I received, to my great surprise, this a.m., a nice letter from Sallie Hamner, in Va.
Sun., Oct. 4.
I got up at 7:30 and went to breakfast. Came back to room to do a little cleaning and straightening, and then went up to Mr. McDougall�s office and spent the a.m. �Mack Dougall� gave me a photo of himself and Mary and Lewis. I also bought one of our �Lyceum.� After dinner, at 2 o�clock, Mr. McD., Dr. Downing, Clarence Haynie, Richard Haynie, John Sibley, Bob Dunlap, and self, all went across the River to see Geo. Burruss, who had gotten hurt at Carrollton�s Rally on last Thurs. A darkey struck him on the head with a plank. Then McD. and I came on back home. The rest walked on over to the Station. I got ready and went up in McDougall�s office awhile, then home to supper. Then I went down to the graveyard, and after that, coming home, I met Riva and Lizzie Hamner. I walked from corner to gate with them and talked awhile. Then I went over to see Emma and we went to the Baptist Church, to preaching. Forrest McDaniel joined tonight. Mrs. Charles Davis gave me a bouquet tonight as I came by from the graveyard.
Mon., Oct. 5.
Mr. McDougall leaves us today for Slater, Mo., where he has bought the �Gallery� there. He expects to make trips here of one-week, every two or three months. (Mc didn�t get off today....he will leave us in the morning) Trade today has been fine. Rain this eve, also tonight. Closed at 8 p.m., and went up to the Lyceum. Rain....yes! Just pouring down! John Burruss, Jr. spent the night with me. All the Lyceum officers were installed tonight. I was installed to the vice-president�s chair. We gave McDougall, after his talk, the �parting grip.�
Tue., Oct. 6.
I finished bringing the boots out of the cellar today and rearranged things down there this a.m., and swept out. I labeled the boot boxes this eve, upstairs, that is, on the first floor. G. T. went to the country this eve. Trade today only fair. I walked home this eve, at suppertime, with Miss Willie Cresap and she gave me one of her photos. I posted up my books tonight and swept out. I worked until 10 p.m., then closed up and went to my room.....tired and sleepy.
Wed., Oct. 7.
Mary Myers and Lewis, Rettie, Clarence Haynie and myself left for Marshall this a.m., at 8:30. We got to Marshall at 11 o�clock. I saw to Mary, Lewis, and Rettie, on the train for Boonville at 11:20. Then Clarence and I got dinner at the �Quiley House.� Then spent the eve �running around.� Went to Electric Light House, Ice Plant, took in the principal streets in Marshall, called to see Mrs. Beck�s, also went to see Miss Lilly Conway. Then called to see Dr. Russell and Dr. Leach. Went to a big wedding at the Baptist Church, then up to Newt�s Store. Went with him, driving, out to cemetery and over the principal part of Marshall. He stopped about 5-minutes and I called in to see old Miss Mary Hardin, at Mrs. Hiatt�s......first time for a number of years since I had seen her. Then I went with Clarence to catch train and see him off, then went to Store with Newt and then home. Got supper there and talked awhile. Then went out to call on Miss Lilly Conway and stayed until 10:40. Then back to Newt�s, where I spent the night. Lilly C. gave me a photo of herself.
Thurs., Oct. 8.
Newt and myself had breakfast at 6:30 this morning and left his house for the depot, to catch the 7 o�clock train for Boonville. We reached Boonville at 8:45, walked up to Hudson�s Store, then we went with Mr. Hudson up to his new home. Saw them all, then sat and talked until 11 a.m. Then Mary, Gert, Lewis, and myself went driving until noon. We went by and got Mr. Hudson and came up to dinner. After dinner Mr. H. took us out to the Reform School and took us through same. We also visited the cemetery. Then he drove us over Boonville and back home where we were put up for the night. We had supper and sat and talked until 8:30, when we all retired. Little Lewis slept with me tonight, in the parlor bedroom. Newt returned to his house tonight, at 4:35 o�clock. He had seen Boonville, so he spent the day with Lina, and wasn�t with us at all.
Fri., Oct. 9.
We arose at 7 o�clock and had breakfast at 8:30. At 9 o�clock I hitched up and Mary, Lewis, and myself took in the �waterworks,� called on Mrs. Spahr, did a little shopping, and took in the sights, in general, of Boonville. I took Mary and Lewis around to see the Bridge. Hallie and Rettie were sick, so, as the rest were in school, Mary and I and little Lewis had the surrey. After dinner Mary went driving with Mrs. Spahr and Lewis, and I walked downtown, down to River Mill, etc. Got back at 3:40 o�clock, then got ready to leave for home. Left the house at 5-min. after 4 o�clock, went to Store for Mr. Hudson, and he went down with us to the depot. We didn�t leave, though, until 5-min. of 5 o�clock. Got to Marshall at 6 o�clock, sharp. Lem met us at the depot, with surrey, and we were back in Miami at 8 p.m.......just
3-hours from Boonville, which was a good run!!
Sat., Oct. 10.
It rained most all day long. G. T. was complaining of a bad cold, so wasn�t at Store very much today. Although there was the �Great Rally� at Marshall today, plus the rain, we had a fine trade! We sold
$113 today. We closed at 10 p.m. Raining so hard! Geo. Haynie didn�t go home tonight, but spent the night with me. I got a shave, after we closed up, and then retired at 10:45 p.m. I put 15 bu. of coal in this house today, at 13-cents per bu., from Whitaker.
Sun., Oct. 11.
I got up at 7:30, took a bath and went to breakfast. Then came by and talked to Riva Hamner, then on up to my room and straightened same. I went to Store and spent the morning writing up this diary and straightening my other books and wrote a letter or two. I wrote letters to Miss Sallie Hamner, at Walkersford, Va., this a.m., also one to Lilly Conway, at Marshall, Mo., and one to sister Lina, at Boonville. I also fixed up Lilly Conway�s photo, to send in the a.m. with letter (her old photo that I exchanged for her new one on last Tue. night when I was there). It was rainy and foggy all day long. I called to see Emma this eve, from 3:45 to 6 p.m. Then I went up home for supper. Then I went back to see Emma at 7:15, and remained until 11 p.m. As it was raining and dark, we did not attend divine worship tonight.
Mon., Oct. 12.
Today has been gloomy all day long. I took down the screens in front of Store this a.m., also the back door screens, too. Trade very good indeed today. Busy most all eve long. I put up a �call bell� in the cellar today, and ran it up into Store. Closed at 8:20 p.m. and went to Lyceum Meeting. We got through at 10 o�clock.
Tue., Oct. 13.
I have been working all day long on a �playhouse� for little Ermine Taylor (who is now in Ky.). They want to surprise her when she comes home next week. I worked tonight.....trimming it, etc., until 10:30 p.m. Will try and finish it tomorrow, if I can. Trade today has been fair. I talked to Maude Wheeler and May Minor a few minutes as I came by from supper. They looked awful cute and sweet! Emma was in the Store this eve. She asked me to print some more badges for her pupils, which I will do tomorrow.
Wed., Oct. 14.
Papa left for Boonville this morning, to stay until next Monday. I�ll sleep up home now until he comes back. I finished little Ermine�s playhouse this eve. This has been a lovely day. Trade only fair. I made Emma�s badges tonight, too. Mary Burruss and Myn Casebolt spend tonight with Emma. So, Geo. Burruss and myself went down to the Christian Prayer Meeting and walked over home with them, but we did not go in. Geo. went with Miss Myn, and I went with the Misses Wheeler and Burruss. Then I came back and went up home and slept, as Papa is away. Lovely, lovely night!
Thurs., Oct. 15.
I have had a number of compliments on the playhouse I made for Ermine. I set it in the window until Monday. They commenced hauling the rock from the River up to the lot today, to commence on the foundation for our Church. Trade today has been very good. I posted on my books tonight until 9 o�clock. Then I went up home and retired. These nights are just grand.
Fri., Oct. 16.
Miss Vera Norris.......(Slater)......1875.
I went down to Mrs. Winnie Doolan�s this a.m. and measured a rag carpet for her. Also bought it for Store. I made a �Boat Landing� sign today, for Mr. Poe. Got a letter from Mr. McDougall today. Miss Lilly Conway came over today to visit Miss Mary Haynie for several days. She was in Store this eve a few moments. Rettie is going to stay all night with Miss Willie Cresap, so I won�t stay up home tonight. Closed at 7:15. Geo. Burruss and I took a walk up to Carpenter�s corner and then, on the way back, we stopped at Hamner�s awhile and talked to the twins at the gate. Then we went down to Y. P. S. C. E. and I walked home with Emma, and he with Myn Casebolt.
Sat., Oct. 17.
This certainly has been a lovely day. Trade has been fine today. I sold more than twice what the rest did today.....altogether!! Them against me!! �Blind Boone� gave another concert tonight at Mertens� Hall. Quite a crowd was present and there would have been more if they had had more seats. Miss Lilly, Mary Haynie, and Emma, were in the Store tonight and I had quite a nice little chat with them. Remember what Huston Lemmons told me tonight! I didn�t attend the concert, but stayed at work and let the rest attend. Closed at 10:35.
Sun., Oct. 18.
I got up at 7 o�clock. Straightened room and cleaned my lamp and stove. Then I came to Store and wrote on books for an hour or more. I didn�t go to breakfast this a.m., nor did I get to supper last night.....but will make up for same today at dinner! I wrote a letter to Elbert this morning. This eve, at 3 p.m., Prof. Merry, C. D. Haynie, Dr. Downing, and self went out to L. W. Haynie�s to call on Miss Mary and her company, Miss Lilly Conway. Merry left at 3:45, Haynie and Downing left at 4:15, and I got to talk to Miss Lilly from that point until 5:20. Spent such a pleasant eve. Remember those nice, large apples and that good cider! Came back into town and went over to see Emma. I met her at A. L. Wheeler�s, as she had just gotten in from horseback riding with a crowd out to Pinnacles. We went home and then to Church. I stayed up home again tonight. I guess Papa will be home tomorrow eve.
Mon., Oct. 19.
Mr. Taylor went to St. Louis this morning. This has been a windy, dusty day. Trade fair. I had to take our �cloak sign� down this a.m., on account of the wind. It was already blown down, in part. Papa got home this eve from Boonville, and said that Lina is much better. I addressed over a hundred envelopes for our �cloak sale� next week. Will mail same in the a.m. Closed at 8 p.m. and went up to Lyceum Meeting. We had quite a lively meeting tonight over some �questions� that were brought up! Ha!... Ha!...
Such is the run of life! Retired at 11 p.m., sharp.
Tue., Oct. 20.
I took little Ermine�s playhouse up home this morning. She will be home tomorrow a.m. Misses Mary Haynie and Lilly Conway will spend this eve and night with the Wheeler�s. This has been a real pretty day, but trade awful quiet. I was over to Dr. Wheeler�s this eve, and sold Miss Lou five-curtains. Will put them up tomorrow, if nothing happens. Closed at 7:30 p.m. Clarence Haynie and self went over to call on Emma tonight, and her company. Dr. Downing was to go, but, as he is going away in the a.m., he couldn�t get off. Geo. Burruss was also going, but was complaining! We had a nice time, though, I tell you!
Wed., Oct. 21.
Dr. Downing leaves us this a.m., for St. Louis, where he will attend school again this winter. He expects to return in the Spring, if nothing prevents. I put five curtains up over at Dr. Wheeler�s this morning. Miss Ruth gave me some fine cake when I got through. I put the �cloak sign� out again this eve. Mrs. G. T. Taylor, Ermine, and Mrs. Mack Lewis got home this eve, from a 3-week visit to Ky. Trade today has been fair....dust blowing some. �Blind Boone� shows here again tonight, to the colored people at the Colored Baptist Church. We closed at 7:45 tonight. Clarence Haynie and I went down to hear �Boone� and then talked to him after the concert. Then I went up to the Hall and heard �Childers� (State Senator) speak. Also Robert Reynolds. Went to room at 10 o�clock and retired.
Thurs., Oct. 22.
Mr. Taylor got home this morning from St. Louis. I printed twelve �cloak signs� and also two �boot signs� and made a frame for a banner, for the �Bryan & Sewall� crowd at Miami Station. Papa had his wood sawed today, by Mr. Kirtley�s Engine & Saw Co. Trade today fair. Emma went out to Mr. L. W. Haynie�s this eve, after school time, and will remain until tonight, when I am going out and she will come back with me. I closed at 7:20 p.m. Went down to Lem�s and got his buggy and drove out to Mr. Haynie�s and spent a real pleasant eve there with them. Then Em and I started for home at 9:30 p.m. Don�t forget how we found the harness and horse!!
Fri., Oct. 23.
I put a new spring in our button machine this morning. I brought the flags and bunting from the old storeroom down here this a.m., and I�m going to sell it for the �Truth Club.� (Get what I can for it) I sold some of it to the �Cornet Band� this eve. I was out all eve putting up cloak signs. Trade only fair today. Closed tonight at 8:10 p.m. I went down to Church with Geo. Burruss, but Endeavor was out. So I went on over and found Emma at gate. We went in and spent a real pleasant eve. I stayed until 11 o�clock. These nights are just out-of-sight! Miss Lilly Conway went home this eve, at 4 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 24.
The Band went over to the big Republican Rally today. They get $30. I was up showing Miss Maude Wheeler some cloaks this morning and I walked to Church meeting with her. I wrote McDougall a postal today, as to �Truth Club Book.� I received a nice letter from Sallie Hamner, in Va. Trade today has been very, very quiet, not many in town. As I went up to supper tonight, Miss May Minor was there and she and Rettie had a big romp with me, for a letter. We had a big time over it! We didn�t close tonight until 11 o�clock. Trade today has been very good. The Band got in at 11:30 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 25.
I got up at 7:20, and went up home to breakfast, but, as Rettie hadn�t gotten up, I didn�t wait for it, but came on back to my room and gave it a general clean-up, and also John�s room. I put my cot away last night for the season and commenced sleeping in my bed again. Did a lot of writing at Store this a.m. Old Bro. Barks, Presbyterian Minister, preaches to us this a.m., and this p.m., at the Meth. Epis. Church So.
I wrote a letter to Uncle John Whitmore this a.m. After dinner, Mr. Bradshaw, Jno. Dunlap, Will Lemmons, Clarence Haynie, and self all took a stroll out to Mr. Lemmon�s after cider and apples. We just had a big time! I didn�t get home until 5:35 in the eve. Then I got ready and went over to see Emma, taking her the picture I had promised, and some pictures to little Angie that I gave her for her scrapbook. We went to the Presbyterian preaching.
Mon., Oct. 26.
This has been a real pretty day, but trade dull. Mr. Taylor went over to Mt. Carmel this eve. Closed tonight at 7:20 p.m. I went up to Lyceum. As Dr. Downing, our former president, has left us, and I, being vice-president, I took the chair. We got through at 10:40. Then I came down to my room and retired at 11 p.m.
Tue., Oct. 27.
This morning was bright. I went down to the River and marked apple barrels for Mr. Sibley. Then I took some cloaks and capes up to Miss Mabel Carpenter. This eve I have been working in the shoe departments. We had a little sprinkle this eve. Trade only fair today. The �Assessor� assessed me today, for the first time (county). I posted the books tonight and made off an account....and worked until 10 o�clock. Then I closed and went to my room and retired......tired and worn out. Geo. Haynie was
20-years-old today.
Wed., Oct. 28.
We got in quite a lot of new goods this morning. Trade very quiet. I have been working in stock all day long. I changed the handkerchief racks this eve. I also changed other things in the front of Store. I wrote on my book tonight until 8 o�clock. Then I closed up and went up to Scott & Miller�s to see Lem make a banner for the frame I made, for the �Bryan Club� at Miami Station. Then Geo. Burruss and I took a walk over to the corner and back. Then came to my room and retired at 9:30 p.m. Miss Emma Ireland was married tonight, at Nelson, Mo., to Mr. Thurston Marr.
Thurs., Oct. 29.
Our 7th annual �Cloak Sale� commenced this a.m., and lasts until Sat. night. I washed the front of Store off this a.m., also all the showcases. The �Cloak Sale� was quiet today, as it has been raining most all day long. I put the pole on �Bryan�s Banner� tonight and covered frame, so it is now ready for them to use at the �Rally� on Saturday, at Carrollton. I posted my books and closed up at 8 p.m. Then I went up to Bob Dunlap�s and stayed awhile. The wind is blowing considerably tonight.
Fri., Oct. 30.
This has been a very blusterous day! Trade very dull. The wind is blowing hard. I posted books again tonight and closed at 7:45. Geo. Burruss and I went down to the Young Peoples Social Christian Endeavor Meeting. He went home with Myn Casebolt and I walked home with Emma.
Sat., Oct. 31.
This has been �Flag Day� all over the United States. As we didn�t have any flags, I put out bunting on our Store today. Lots of flags were out today. Trade just fine.......about as big as we have ever had! I sold over $75 myself. This is �Grand Democrat Rally Day� at Carrollton. Our Band went up. This is also Halloween Night. Today has been lovely. I sold six cloaks today and six ostrich boas. Julia Taylor came home from school today, at noon, from Lexington, to stay until Monday. I closed at 10 p.m. Went to room, took a bath, and retired at 11 p.m., sharp.
NOVEMBER
Sun., Nov. 1.
I got up at 7:20 a.m. Cleaned my room, went to Store and worked on my books and wrote until about 10:30. Didn�t go to breakfast. Talked to the boys, in John�s room, from 11 to 12 o�clock. Then I went up to dinner. After dinner I got the mail and took same up home and to Mr. G. T. Taylor. Then I talked to the boys, on street, until 3:30 p.m. Then I came to Store and wrote and read until 5:30. I went up to room and got myself ready and went up home to supper. Then down to see Miss Willie Cresap a few moments. She played for me. Then I went down to see Lem and Mary, and over to see Emma. Emma and I went to the Baptist Church and heard Bro. Paddock. We sat on the front bench and got to sit by the new �bride & groom,� Miss Emma Ireland, now Mrs. Thurston Marr.
Mon., Nov. 2.
Quite gloomy this a.m., but this eve has been lovely. I was out collecting some this eve. Trade today has been rather slow. I was up to Dr. Edmonds� a few minutes this eve, talking to Miss Gussie regarding a sample of braid. Got one of my �old� pictures.....Ha!.. Ha!.. Ha! You know it! I closed up tonight at 7:40 p.m. Went up to Lyceum Meeting. We got out at 10 o�clock.
Tue., Nov. 3.
�The Great Election Day..........all over the United States!�
Who will it be?
Bryan & Sewall - or - McKinley & Hobart?????
Trade very, very quiet, although there were lots of people in town. My vote was this eve at 4:45 o�clock. I was No. 575. There were 576 polled. I didn�t cast a vote for president at all, simply voted the State and County candidates. McDougall sent me today, by Richard Haynie, the pictures of the Store, and also two of mine. I stayed at the Store tonight until 10 o�clock, talking to the boys. Then I went to my room and retired. The Drug Store is crowded with men, all listening to the news as it comes across the wire....all in favor of �McKinley & Hobart,� so far.
Wed., Nov. 4.
It seems, this a.m., that McKinley & Hobart are going to be �the men.� Gloomy day, trade fair. The Republicans are happy. I wrote to McDougall, at Slater, today. I stayed at Store until 8 p.m. tonight. Then closed and went up to the Drug Store and talked to Bob Dunlap. They now have gotten �the word� that Bryan & Sewall are �the men!� So the Band is playing and a big bonfire is now in full blaze! I went up to my room and retired at 9 o�clock. There was a big crowd on the street tonight.
Thurs., Nov. 5.
I sent Miss Lilly Conway one of my photos this a.m. Don�t forget what took place today as to Clarence Haynie and myself! Also G. T. and others! Trade quiet. The Election is not yet certain! I wrote on my record book tonight until after 8 o�clock.
Fri., Nov. 6.,BR>
I was up to see Miss Maude Wheeler again this morning, with cloaks. I sold her a jacket, at $11.90. I received a real nice letter today from Miss Lilly, in thanks for the photo I sent to her yesterday (of myself). I wrote John Burruss a note this eve. This has been a very quiet day. It looks as if it may snow. I posted tonight, closed up, and went down to Endeavor and walked over home with Emma. Went in and spent a real pleasant time, until 10:30 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 7.
Bob Dunlap got me a diary this a.m., for next year, that only cost 75-cents. A. P. Bishop has been charging me $1.00 for same. Elbert Dunlap came in this a.m., on a visit until Monday. I heard from Jno. Burruss this a.m. He proves that Clarence Haynie�s �statement� was untrue. I gave Mr. Fristoe one-dollar today, for Rettie�s �Home Journal.� Today trade has been very good, although not very many in town. So I closed up at 9:20. Cold tonight!
Sun., Nov. 8.
I got up this a.m. at 7:30. Made a fire and swept John�s room. Straightened my room and went up to breakfast at 8:30. Coming back, I walked to Sunday School with Miss Maude Wheeler. Talked to Elbert in my room from 10 to noon. Then I went to dinner. I also saw Elbert for a while after dinner. Then he went calling and I went over to see Emma at 4 p.m. (having gotten a note at noon, �to come over and go walking�) We took a walk up to the corner, then back home, and then I came on home to supper. After supper I went back over to see Emma, but we didn�t attend Church tonight. I gave one of my photos to Willie Cresap, one to Emma, and one to Elbert, this eve. Elbert went back to Sedalia tonight. McDougall brought me my photos today.
Mon., Nov. 9.
Trade very good today. This eve was bright, pretty, and warm. I bought me a new pen-holder this eve. The dust was flying pretty bad today. Prof. Merry gave me a photo of himself tonight. I closed at 7:25 and went up to Lyceum. We had a good meeting.
Tue., Nov. 10.
Clarence Haynie was in this a.m. and had a little talk with me and made everything all satisfactory. Gloomy, gloomy day! Trade has been very quiet. We got in our winter caps this a.m., also some shoes. I made-off program tonight, for our Lyceum�s �Open Session� on Monday night, next. The citizens have a Meeting tonight, to see about decorating for a �Rally� here on Friday night, by the Republicans, as it is now declared that �McKinley & Hobart� have won the Election. I talked to Geo. Burruss and Capt. A. K. Ruxton tonight for sometime, then went up, after closing, and talked to the boys awhile at Dunlap�s Drug Store. Then went up to my room where I talked to Bradshaw and Dunlap quite awhile. Then I retired......
Wed., Nov. 11.
We had our stove taken down this a.m., and mended on the bottom where it had busted. I paid Will Andrews the 20-cents this a.m., that he and Mr. McDougall had bet on the Election. It is reported this morning that Fred Sibley�s wife has left him (she apparently left him last Sunday, a.m.). Trade very quiet today......a gloomy old day! I closed up tonight at 8 p.m. Went down to the Christian Prayer Meeting and walked home with Emma. Then went in and stayed awhile. Since �the Rally� is on for Friday night, I won�t get to see her again until Sun.
Thurs., Nov. 12.
Quite a pretty day and trade has been very good indeed! Lewis Myers took dinner with us today. I fixed two spittoons this eve, one for John Dunlap�s room, and also one for the Store. I posted books tonight and made-off Dr. Switzer�s account. Closed up at a little after 8 o�clock tonight, as there was nothing doing!
Fri., Nov. 13.
This is �Republican Rally Night.� I decorated the Store this eve and fixed candles in the windows.....also in John Dunlap�s windows and in mine. All the Stores are decorated and everything on the street looked real nice. They had the �Dalton Band� and �ours.� There was a big parade and everything passed off real nice.....about 150 in parade. I walked down from supper with the Hamner twins, to Miss Eva Miller�s. Mary came up at noon and took me down and gave me some ice-cream and cake. I took down our decorations tonight and put same all away. Closed up at 10:15 and went up to room, straightened things, and retired at 10:45. Maude Wheeler and May Minor went down to J. O. Davis� tonight, to stay until Sun. eve.
Sat., Nov. 14.
The dust has been blowing hard today. Not very many in today, as most of them were here last night. Trade, though, has been very good. I made-off the �Truth Banquet� list tonight. I wrote McDougall a letter tonight and mailed same to him, and sent a banquet list to him. Closed up at 10 o�clock tonight.
Sun., Nov. 15.
I arose at 7:20 this a.m. Went up to breakfast at 8 a.m., after cleaning and straightening my room. Lovely morning. I came to Store and spent the morning writing. I wrote a letter to Miss Lilly Conway. I received a nice letter today, from my sister, Lina, in San Antonio, Texas. I framed a photo of the Store this a.m. Went over to see Emma this eve, from 3:30 to 5:30. We were going to call on Miss Minnie Casebolt, and her company, this eve, but the dust was so awfully bad that we decided afterwards not to go. Also, Emma had such an awful cold. We didn�t attend Church tonight, either. Ruth and Horace were out driving tonight. Papa spent today at Uncle John Miller�s today.
Mon., Nov. 16.
I gave Lem $6.00 this a.m., of the Presbyterian money. Five-dollars of it was from me, and one-dollar from Mr. Wm. Cunningham. They are putting up the rock foundation for the Church now. Today has been a very windy, dusty day. Trade very quiet. The Lyceum gives an �Open Session� tonight. I�m on duty for the Welcome Address. Emma and Mary Jessup came by the Store and we all went up together. We had a big crowd and all enjoyed themselves. We didn�t get out until 11 o�clock. These certainly are lovely, lovely nights.
Tue., Nov. 17.
Another dusty day. Trade dull.....dull! I got a real nice letter from Mr. McDougall this a.m. Mr. Bradshaw, Geo. Burruss, and myself went out to see Miss Myn Casebolt and her company, Miss Cleo Wallace, of DeWitt, tonight. We had quite a nice time. Lovely night. Emma was out also, so I walked home with her. These nights could not be any prettier I don�t think!
Wed., Nov. 18.
It has turned awful cold today.....and gloomy, too. I posted ads, etc., in my scrapbook tonight, for Store. I talked to Bradshaw and Ruxton until 9 p.m. Trade somewhat better today.
Thurs., Nov. 19.
Mr. Kelly is here today. Also, W. D. Taylor and his wife are here. Trade very quiet. I posted books this eve. Wrote on my record book tonight until after 8 o�clock. Then I talked to Ruxton and Burns awhile.
Fri., Nov. 20.
Another gloomy day......looks as though it might rain or snow, but nothing yet. Trade quiet. I worked on books tonight. Went up to the Masonic Hall tonight and put their new lamp up for them. Then I came back, wrote awhile, and closed-up. I went down to Christian Endeavor and walked home with Emma....went in and stayed awhile.
Sat., Nov. 21.
Not very many in town, but trade has been good all day long. There was a little gathering at Dr. Edmonds� tonight. Geo. went up, but �I� wasn�t in it! Such is life! Mr. Bradshaw took Maude Wheeler. I closed at 10:15, went to room, and retired.
Sun., Nov. 22.
I got up at 7:15 a.m., made fire, swept John�s room, dressed my bed, and went up home to breakfast at 8:15. I made up Papa�s bed, for Rettie. Then I came down to my room and cleaned same, for Dr. Russell tomorrow. Then I came to Store, made a fire, and wrote a letter to sister, in San Antonio, Tex. After going to dinner I came back to Store, got mail and sent same up to Mr. Taylor. Then I wrote on my record until 3 o�clock. Then I got ready and called to see Miss Maude Wheeler, from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Spent a real pleasant time. Then home to supper and then down to Lem and Mary�s. Next I went over to see Emma. We went to the Baptist Church to hear Rev. Paddock. Then home to Emma�s where I spent a real pleasant time, until 10:20 o�clock.
Mon., Nov. 23.
I talked to Maude a few minutes as I went to my breakfast this a.m. Moved things in basement this a.m., for Rev. Bell to put his apples there tomorrow, and store them away until Spring. Miss Minnie Casebolt�s company, Miss Cleo Wallace, left this a.m. for home (DeWitt, Mo.) I loaned Maude Wheeler an umbrella this a.m., to go home under. Trade today slow. I posted books this eve. Dr. Russell is here until Wednesday. Rev. Huggins, of Marshall, Mo., commences a Meeting here tonight, at the M. E. Church. I closed up 7:30p.m., and went up to Lyceum Meeting. We had a nice meeting and got out at 10 o�clock, sharp. Then I came to my room and retired, Dr. Russell spending the night with me.
Tue., Nov. 24.
Miss Maude Wheeler leaves us today, at noon, for Marshall and Gilliam, for a two-weeks visit. Mr. Bell commenced putting his apples in the basement this morning. This has been a gloomy old day. Trade somewhat quiet. Miss Laura Carpenter is having some dental work done by Dr. Russell. I took some cloaks up to Riva and Lizzie Hamner tonight, as I went to supper. I closed up at 7:20 tonight, and went down to see little Lewis, who is sick with �whooping cough.� I took him a horn. Remember the time I had putting him to sleep! Came back uptown and talked to the boys awhile, then Russell and I retired.
Wed., Nov. 25.
We got in some goods this a.m. I printed some signs for Dr. Russell this morning. Trade very quiet. We had a nice shower this eve. Ruse Owen got in this eve, from Texas. Dr. Russell went back home today. I swept out tonight, as it was raining and �nothing doing.� Then I talked to Alvin Ruxton awhile. Closed at 8:30. Went up and talked to Bob Dunlap awhile, and then went to room and retired at 9 p.m. Still it rains, and is as dark as all-get-out!!
Thurs., Nov. 26.
�Thanksgiving.�
I went to hear Rev. Bell preach this a.m., at the M. E. Church. Very few out. We had a hard rain this a.m. We closed up for Thanksgiving, from 10:30 to 1:30. I wrote a few lines to Mr. Hudson this eve, for Mr. Jeter, and he included in it his letter. The Y. P. S. C. E. gives a �Social� tonight, at Mrs. Jno. Kieffer�s. Trade quiet today. I swept out tonight, then got self ready and went over to see Emma, and we went up to the �Social� at Mrs. Kieffer�s. Had quite a nice time. Played �pop & pickle� with Myn Casebolt and Dora Casebolt tonight..... You said so!!!
Fri., Nov. 27.
Cold as mischief this morning! Trade good. I wrote a note to Miss Gussie Edmonds today and will send same, with photo of myself, this eve, by Geo. Haynie.......one I promised her in exchange. Trade this eve fine.....on a cold, cold day. I swept out tonight, then went down to Christian Endeavor. Stayed until it was out, then talked to Myn Casebolt awhile, and, as Emma wasn�t there, I went on over to her house and had the pleasure of seeing her. Edward Pate was there, at Wheeler�s, and we all had quite a nice time.
Sat., Nov. 28.
Coldest morning yet......about 6-degrees above. Trade only fair today......weren�t very many in town. I straightened up my books tonight for this month. Harrison Wheeler and Geo. Haynie helped me sweep out tonight. Then we closed up at 10 o�clock.
Sun., Nov. 29.
I got up at 7:15, cleaned John�s room, made a fire, and straightened room, and went to breakfast. After breakfast I went down to the boat, with Clarence, to see Geo. Burruss, as to going across the River. Then back up to the Christian Church. Myn Casebolt would go, but Emma couldn�t. So we didn�t go. But I went back down to River and saw Geo. again, and stayed until noon. Geo. and Clarence went across this eve. I talked to the boys until 4 o�clock, then I went over to call on Myn Casebolt (first time) and spent a real pleasant time, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Then I came home to lunch and went over to see Emma. We went to hear the new preacher at the Christian Church.
Mon., Nov. 30.
A real bright and pretty day, but a cold one! Trade has been very good. I printed a sign for the boat this eve. Rev. Hawkins and his singer came this eve, to conduct the Methodist Meeting. He is from Kansas City. I swept out and closed the sales for today, and also for the month. Went up, with the boys, to the Lyceum Meeting. As there were only five of us, we didn�t have a meeting......first time I have missed since I have been a member.
DECEMBER
Tue., Dec. 1.
I was out collecting some today. Trade fair. I made off accounts all morning. Geo. Haynie helped me sweep out tonight. Geo. Burruss and myself went down to the big �Meeting� at the M. E. Church. After it was over I walked home with Ruth and Emma. Went in and spent a real pleasant time with Emma.
Wed., Dec. 2.
Trade quiet all day. After supper I made off my sales, swept out and went down to the Meeting. I walked home with Emma, but didn�t go in. Mary Haynie went over with Jess Wheeler.
Thurs., Dec. 3.
I sent to Mr. McDougall, at Slater, today, a money-order for $2.75, which was the balance of my account (balance was $2.50 plus another picture 25-cents). This has been a real pretty day, but trade quiet. After supper I swept out, made off sales and went down to the Meeting. Walked home with Emma, came back, and stopped at Drug Store awhile. Then up to my room where I found Bradshaw, Bure, Shelton, and Burruss, so I chatted with them awhile, then retired. Charles Davis joined the Baptist Church tonight.
Fri., Dec. 4.
A real nice pleasant day, but trade very quiet. Little Lewis took dinner with us today. I swept out tonight, then went down to Meeting. I intended to go home with Emma tonight, but we missed connections. I came to my room and read some letters, then retired. Mrs. Jno. Reynolds gave birth to a fine boy today.
Sat., Dec. 5.
�Grand Post Office Election Day!�
Andrews 38, Cooper 54, Miss Julia Royar 114.
Votes sold from $2.50 to $8.00 each. Trade today has been fine. Lovely day. Miss Sallie Hamner got home this a.m., from a three-month visit in Va. The Band serenaded Miss Julia tonight. I went down and heard her little speech. I also saw �the old man� waltz a little!! Swept out and closed at 11 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 6.
I got up at 7:15 and went to breakfast. Walked up to Sunday School with Willie Cresap as I came from breakfast. Then I went down to the River and stayed until about noon. I went up to see Miss Maude Wheeler and her company, the Misses Dalton and Winkle, and Mr. Duncan, at 3:30 p.m. Then at 4:15, I went over to see Emma and stayed there until 5:45. Came home to supper, then back to see Emma at 7 p.m. We went to the M. E. Church for preaching, but couldn�t get in, so we went back home and spent the eve.
Mon., Dec. 7.
Trade quiet all day. I swept out and went to Church, then over to the Lyceum Meeting until 10:20 p.m. We took in 10 turkeys this eve, from Geo. Cunningham, the first of the season. I bought one and sold Lem, two.
Tue., Dec. 8.
Gloomy day. I received a real nice letter from Miss Lilly Conway this a.m. I ordered little Lewis a �velocipede� today, from Chicago. Swept out and made off sales, then went down to Church. Our Editor, Mr. A. W. Bradshaw, joined the M. E. Church, here, tonight. Others went up for prayer. I went home with Rettie after Church, then came back to Church and went home with Emma. This was Mr. Hawkin�s last night. Hill preaches tomorrow night.
Wed., Dec. 9.
I was up to Maude�s this a.m., to give her their delineator. She gave me �Maurine� to read, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. Trade only fair today. I was called up at 12 o�clock last night to come to Store and find a �shroud� for Chas. Wheeler�s baby. As I was fixing to close tonight, Emma and Sadie Jessup came in so I went down to Church with them. Mr. Huggins preached tonight. Rev. Hawkins, and his singer, left this eve.
Thurs., Dec. 10.
I got up this a.m. at 6 o�clock. I put a sign on the mirror this eve and changed things around in Store some. Trade quiet. I wrote on my record book tonight until 10 o�clock. Didn�t attend Church.
Fri., Dec. 11.
As I came by from breakfast I was called in by Miss Maude Wheeler, to take an order for her pattern. She looked real cute. I walked up to the Store with Miss May Minor, who was on her way to school. We got in a big lot of shoes this morning. This has been a lovely day, but trade a little slow. I posted books this eve. Went down to Endeavor tonight and walked home with Emma. Went in and sat awhile. Rev. Sweeney, of Sweet Springs, was there. He will preach for them on Sunday.
Sat., Dec. 12.
Clarence Haynie, Geo. Burruss, Owen Smith, Myn Casebolt, Flora Mertens, and Maggie Kite all went down to DeWitt tonight. A real pretty day, but trade has been dull. Closed up at 10 p.m. tonight.
Sun., Dec. 13.
I got up at 7:20 a.m. Went to breakfast at 8:30. Talked to the boys and read until noon. Then went up to dinner. McDougall is up from Slater today. Newt is over from Marshall today. Sixteen of us boys took a trip on the new flat-boat this eve, across the River to the �waves,� where they are fixing to pull the ferry out for this winter. Came back at 4:20 p.m., came up and got ready to see Maude Wheeler at 5 o�clock. I took her the pattern she ordered and we had quite a nice time. Then I went down home at 6:10, and got a snack. Then I went over to see Emma and we went to Church to hear Bro. Sweeney preach. He is all right, too......I tell you!
Mon., Dec. 14.
Rev. Sweeney went to school this a.m., with Emma, and then went up after her this eve in his buggy. It is bad....isn�t it??!! Trade today has been very dull indeed. I printed a sign on the front door this eve. We got in one box of dry goods tonight, on boat (her last trip from DeWitt this year). I made off sales and swept out. Then I went up to Lyceum Meeting. We initiated Prof. Morrison tonight. We had our regular program tonight and got through about 20-min. past 10 o�clock. I stopped in, as I went by, and made arrangements for Bob Dunlap with May Minor for Friday night, for our Presbyterian Supper at our old stand.
Tue., Dec. 15.
I simply wrote Emma a few lines this morning. Received a note from her this a.m., and she also gave me one in the Store tonight. We got in our Christmas goods today, at noon. The �velocipede� that I ordered for Lewis arrived today. He, Lottie, and Lem all took dinner with us today, as Mary is in Marshall. Trade today quiet. Mr. Joe Wilson has a big �Sale� today. I swept out, made off sales, and got ready to go over and see Emma for a little while, as she had written me she wanted, and must, see me tonight. So I didn�t work tonight, but went to see her. Remember tonight! And just see what the future will be???
Wed., Dec. 16.
This has been a windy, dusty day. Trade has been exceedingly quiet. I put out our Xmas goods today. I wrote a note to Emma tonight and sent it down to Prayer Meeting to her. I cut a curtain down tonight for Mr. Sohn�s, and then I posted books until after 9 o�clock. They pulled the ferry-boat out of the River today, on the Waves. News reached us this eve that Kate Clutterbuck had a b_ _ _, by Prof. L., some two or three weeks ago.
Thurs., Dec. 17.
Mr. Jackson vacated the Storeroom yesterday. He had it for two-months. Mrs. Miller is having it cleaned up today for the Presbyterian �Social� there tomorrow eve. This has been a dark, blue, rainy-day. Trade sure enough dull today. I had my shoes half-soled again today. Commenced transferring my accounts from Ledger ( letters �I� to �J�) this morning. Lem had an �ice-house� dug for him yesterday and the day before. I received a long letter from Emma this a.m. She was in Store this eve. So, after closing tonight, I went over to see her at 8 o�clock. Spent a real sweet eve with her. Remember this night......the letter, the promise, and so on!!! The future will prove, and that only..........
Fri., Dec. 18.
Trade splendid today. The Presbyterians gave a �Bazaar and Supper� tonight, at our old Store. I made off sales tonight, then closed up and went up to my room and got ready for our Supper. Went down to the Endeavor and got Emma and came back up to Hall. Had quite a nice time and a fair crowd was there. We took in some 40-odd dollars. I got to bed at 11:20 p.m. Cool tonight, and the roads are rough.
Sat., Dec. 19.
A real pretty day. Trade quiet this a.m., but all we could wait on this afternoon. Julia Taylor got home today for Christmas. She will be home some two-weeks. Swept out and closed at 10:20 p.m. Came to room, wrote a while, and retired about 11 o�clock.
Sun., Dec. 20.
I got up at 8:10 a.m. Straightened room and went to breakfast. I dried the dishes for Rettie. Then I went down to the River with Bradshaw and Burruss and we went over to see the boat, on �waves,� then up to Frank Burruss�, for apples, then home at 12:30. After dinner I spent the eve with the boys. Then, at
5 o�clock, I got myself ready to go over to see Emma, stopping at Lem and Mary�s to see them, and Lewis. Emma was out in her new �costume� tonight. It was lovely. We went to hear Bro. Hill preach. The Church was crowded. Lovely, lovely night.
Mon., Dec. 21.
Rev. Dobyns, of Marshall, preaches for us here tonight and tomorrow, at the M. E. Church. We got a telegram, however, at noon, that he was sick, so we will not have him preach here at this time. This has been a lovely day and trade fine. I had Mr. Thorp do some cement work on the top of Whitmore�s storeroom today, and had Uncle Isaac clean out the gutter on the side. We closed up at 7:15, and, after sweeping out, I went up to our Lyceum Meeting. We initiated Mr. (Harland, or Holland ??) tonight. Had quite a good crowd present.
Tue., Dec. 22.
A lovely day. We had had all the trade we could wait on today.....all day long. It has looked like old times! I was invited this eve to Miss Delia Brown�s wedding tomorrow eve at Mr. Frank Webster�s, at 7 p.m. Mr. Jackson paid me $20 today, for rent on Whitmore�s storeroom, for two-months. I put shutters up on the Store front this a.m. Posted on books tonight until 10 o�clock, and then did a little work for myself. As I closed at 11 p.m. tonight.....coming out the door I met Emma, with Clayton Wheeler, who had been to Webster�s practicing for the wedding tomorrow, so I walked over home with Emma. Then I went to my room and retired......tired and worn out!
Wed., Dec. 23.
This has been an �all-sorts-of-weather-day.� Trade just fine. I put up my presents tonight, and also did some for others. Miss Emma and Clayton played �the Wedding March� today for Miss Delia Brown�s wedding today, at 1:30 p.m. (they changed the time!) We didn�t close until after 10 o�clock tonight.
Thurs., Dec. 24.
This certainly has been a lovely, lovely day. Trade has been splendid. This has been like a summer day! There will be a �Big Christmas Tree� program at the Baptist Church tonight. I sent little Lewis� velocipede down to Lem�s, by Ed, tonight. Made off sales, swept out, and closed up at 11 o�clock.
Fri., Dec. 25.
This has been a lovely Christmas Day.
I gave papa a suit of flannel underwear ($4.00); Rettie, a fine ostrich boa ($5.00); Mary Myers, a flower vase ($1.10); Lem, a box of Duers tobacco ($1.00); Little Lewis (half with Rettie), a velocipede ($1.65); Emma, a perfume atomizer and a bottle of white-rose perfume ($5.30). I received: from little Lewis, a painted plaque and stand; from Lem and Mary, a silk umbrella, with kid cover; from little Ermine Taylor, a worked doilie; from Rettie, a shell plaque and a double-photo-frame; from Miss Emma Wheeler, a gold watch chain and monogram charm; from Mr. Taylor, a pair of nice black slippers. We all took dinner at Lem�s today. Trade very good today. Better than common. We closed at 7:30 p.m. I went down to Endeavor and walked over home with Emma, went in, and spent a real nice eve.
Sat., Dec. 26.
This has been another real pretty day. Trade, considering, has been very good indeed. The Methodists had a �candy pull� at our old Store last night. The Christians had one tonight, there. I closed up at 9 o�clock and went up with Geo. Burruss. Spent a real pleasant time. I walked over home with Emma. She gave me a nice big chunk of candy that she had pulled with Geo. B. It was fine, too!!
Sun., Dec. 27.
I got up at 7:20 this a.m. Cleaned my room, dressed bed, cleaned John�s room, made a fire and got coal. Then I went up to breakfast. After breakfast I changed things around in my room. I went through all of my Christmas presents in trunk, and put camphor in same. Then I went to dinner. This eve I went through my cabinet and cleaned it out and put away all my letters. Elbert Dunlap came this a.m., to stay until Tue. or Wed. This has been somewhat of a gloomy day. I got myself ready and went up home for supper, then down to Lem�s. Then I went over to see Emma for awhile. Geo. Haynie went to Church with Emma this a.m.
Mon., Dec. 28.
Certainly a gloomy old day. Trade very quiet. Rain most all day long. There was a little gathering at H. D. Carpenter�s tonight. I�m not in it! Also Geo. Wheeler had a little party tonight....he and Geo. Wilson. I�m expected over and will go if I get through at Lyceum on time. I worked on my books awhile this eve. We have �election of officers� tonight at Lyceum. I swept out, made off sales and went to supper. Then I came back and went up to Lyceum. We got through at 10 o�clock. I then came down to room, got ready, and went over to Geo. Wheeler�s party and stayed until 11 o�clock. Had fine cream and cake. Talked awhile with Emma and others, and then came home. Dark, dark, dark!!
Tue., Dec. 29.
Another misty, gloomy day. Trade very quiet. I drew out $60 this morning, let Geo. Haynie have $35 of it and took his note for 3-months. I worked on my books all day. The Masons have �an oyster supper� tonight, at Whitmore�s old stand. Mr. Taylor invited me, but I didn�t care to go. Emma is going to help wait on the tables for them. After coming in from supper Dr. Wheeler came over and invited me to come on up to the Supper. But, as I wanted to work on my books, I didn�t go. Worked until after 9 o�clock, then went up to room and retired.
Wed., Dec. 30.
This certainly has been a lovely day......quite a change in weather. Trade somewhat quiet. I have been working on my books all day long. The Lyceum gives a �Social� tonight, at our old stand. Miss Maude left this a.m., for a visit of a week or more. I closed up at 7 p.m., went up to room, and got ready for the �Social.� I went over after Emma and we had a fine time.......nice crowd and a splendid supper. I didn�t get to retire, though, until after 1 o�clock.
Thurs., Dec. 31.
The last day of 1896! It has been a gloomy, gloomy day. Trade very quiet. Rain most of the day. I have been working on the books all day again, posting one ledger to the other. There was to be an Endeavor �Social� at Mr. Will Nichol�s tonight, but we were all rained out. I made off sales, swept out, and closed up at 7:10 o�clock. We had a �call meeting� of the Lyceum, and settled up our �Social� expenses. Then I went over to see Emma, at 8 o�clock, and stayed awhile.
End of 1896
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Addresses:
Dr. Elbert Dunlap
c/o M. K. Y. T. Hospital
Sedalia, Mo.
Miss Daisy Duggins
209 Beadford St.
Pueblo, Co.
Miss Sallie Hamner
Walkersford, Va.
E. H. Whitmore
209 No. 10th St.
St. Louis, Mo.
Mrs. H. T. Hudson (sister)
#605 - St. Mary�s Street
San Antonio, Tex.
(went to Tex. for warmer climate, in treatment of TB)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Addenda:
Tucked into the back of this diary was a handwritten list, in pencil, which was titled,
�Lawn Party.....girls.� It was not dated, so I am not sure if it was 1896. Here are the names on the list:
Maggie Kile, Bell Burruss, Flora Mertens, Rosa Mertens, Emma Wheeler, Ruth Wheeler, Maude Wheeler, Alice Foster, Gussie Edmonds, Clara Kile and guests, Sallie Hamner, Minnie Casebolt, Mary Burruss, Mamie Wood, Lizzie Wood, Priddy Bell, Lillie Bell, Catherine Hughes, Ella Parrish, Mattie Burgess, Annie Burgess, Ida Haynie, Retta Myers, Eva Miller, Louise Miller, Annie Jandon, Susie Thompson, and Nellie Hawkins.
Back to Top