Fred Olsen Diary 1896
Creator: Ron Olsen | Date: 2026-06-09
- Title
- Fred Olsen Diary 1896
- Creator
- Ron Olsen
- Date
- 2026-06-09
1896 01 Jan 01.jpg
Transcription: ATR-1
January 1st Very nice weather. After I done my Chores Tilla and I went visiting up to ___ (unknown person) Mr Weiger & Family was here this Evening visiting 2nd Quite a change in the Weather a very Cold North western Blowing to day Sam came with Julius from the Fete Dance and (Person or place) stopped over night He Helped us and Shelled 50 bu. of Corn had a small Breakdown in the power but shelled with One team in the Evening Julius and I went up to Gilbert (Gilbert Shager?) very Cold coming home
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Tilla — Individual visited and mentioned in the diary entry Mr Weiger — Head of the Weiger family visited Weiger family — Family group visiting in the evening Sam — Person who came with Julius and helped shell corn Julius — Person who came with Sam and went up to Gilbert in the evening Gilbert Fete (Spelling?) Tet... Events / Occasions Fete Dance — Event from which Sam and Julius returned
Annotation: Glossary
Chores — Routine household or farm tasks such as feeding animals, milking, cleaning, or other daily work. In the diary the writer says "After I done my Chores," meaning they completed their usual daily duties before visiting. Tilla — Likely a personal name (possibly "Tilla" or similar); here it appears to be the companion who accompanied the writer to visit Mr. Weiger's family. The entry uses it as a proper noun rather than a common word. Fete (spelled "Fete") — From French fête, meaning a festival, celebration, or organized social event, often with dancing. In the diary "from the Fete Dance" indicates Sam and Julius had been at a community dance or celebration. bu. — Abbreviation for "bushel," a unit of volume used for measuring dry goods like corn. "50 bu. of Corn" means fifty bushels of corn were shelled. Shelled — Removed the kernels from the corn cobs, typically by using a hand or powered corn sheller. The writer notes they "shelled 50 bu. of Corn," meaning they processed that quantity to remove kernels. Breakdown in the power — Power at this time could be either supplied by an engine or by horses. Short for power take off One team — Refers to a team of draft animals (such as horses or oxen) used to provide power for farm work or to operate machinery. The diary says they shelled with "One team" in the evening, meaning they used animal power after the power source failed. North western (blowing) — Describes a northwesterly wind, a common weather notation in older journals. "A very Cold North western Blowing to day" records the wind direction and its effect on temperature.
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Transcription: ATR-1
January 3d it is very cold to day also I did not do any more than Chores only I took that Broken sweep down to the Boys and got it fixed I straightened up my Books for 1895 in the Eve Sam Borrowed Julius Rig to go to the dance 4th warmed up some but cold enough yet we Shelled a load of corn this morning John E. came up and he helped us shell Julius and Mother went to town after dinner 5th Raw East wind but warmed up some was home until after noon when I hitched up and took mother up to Lena
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Sam — Individual who borrowed Julius to go to the dance in the evening Julius — Person mentioned as going to the dance; also helped shell corn John E. — Visitor who helped shell corn Mother — Family member who went to town and to Lena Boys — Group of youths who received the broken sweep to fix Lena — Place Mother was taken to on January 5 Places Town — General reference to the nearby town Mother went to after Julius helped Dates / Events Dance — Social event Julius (and Sam) went to in the evening. January 3 Objects / Other notable items Books for 1890 — Personal books that were straightened up on January 3rd
Annotation: Glossary
Broken sweep — Cultivator Sweep, V-shaped metal bladed implement pulled by horses to cut through roots and cover them with dirt. Boys — The Erdenbergers who were the area black smiths repair mechanical items on the Farms. Straightened up my Books — "Books" means account books or financial/household records. To "straighten up" them is to organize or balance the accounts for the year 1890. Eve — Abbreviation of "evening." The writer notes an event that happened in the evening. Borrowed Julius Rig — "Rig" denotes a vehicle such as a wagon, carriage, or horse-drawn conveyance; "Julius" is the owner. The phrase means Sam borrowed Julius's wagon/carriage to go to the dance. Warmed up — A weather expression meaning temperatures rose or the day became less cold. Used here to indicate a slight improvement from very cold to milder conditions. Raw (East wind) — "Raw" describes a cold, damp, piercing wind that makes the day feel colder than the thermometer alone. The writer records a cold east wind. Shelled a load of corn — "Shell" means to remove the kernels from the cob (by hand or machine). A "load of corn" indicates a quantity brought in to be processed; the writer and helpers spent the morning removing kernels. Hitched up — To attach a horse or team to a vehicle (wagon, buggy, sleigh) using harnesses. The writer hitched up and drove to take his mother to Lena (a nearby town or settlement).
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Transcription: ATR-1
January 3 5th I drove on over to see Hans but did not find him at home. Mr. & Mrs Erdenberger was here this Eve. 6th Nice day. I drove up town after I done my Chores attended the Creamery Meeting Also purchased from Seibels (Name, one modern Hero Grinding Mill at $40 took it along Home Cornelius came along down the Boys have been Hauling Hay in the Barn to day. P.O. Jensen called around before he went home. Wrote to M. D. Merrill in regard to his note I offered to sell George Scoville One Load of Steers at 8 70 per Hundred ( 8.70 or 9.70)
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Hans — Person the diarist went to visit Mr. Erdenberger — Male visitor present on the evening mentioned Mrs. Erdenberger — Female visitor present on the evening mentioned Seibels — Seller from whom the diarist purchased a mill Cornelius — Person who accompanied the diarist home P. O. Jensen — Caller before going home (likely a postal official or person identified by initials) M. D. Merrill — Recipient of a letter regarding a note George Scoville — Person to whom the diarist offered to sell one load of steers Places Town — Local town the diarist drove up to after chores Barn — Location where hay was being hauled Organizations / Events Creamery Meeting — From the Nebraska Dairymen's association. 12th annual meeting. December 15-17. In Lincoln Nebraska 1896 Hartington Creamery, 1885-1911, Presentation buy A. W. McLaren. The Acidity of Cream in Relation to Flavor in Butter. Objects / Items Hero Grinding Mill — Modern mill purchased for $40 from Seibels Dates January 3 — Date of entry 5th — Date referenced for driving to see Hans and evening visitors 6th — Date referenced for chores, meeting attendance, and purchases
Annotation: Glossary
Creamery — A facility where milk is processed into butter and other dairy products; in this period often a local cooperative. Here “attended the Creamery Meeting” means the writer went to a local meeting about the dairy business. Grinding Mill — A machine for grinding grain into meal or flour. The transcript’s “one modern Hero Grinding Mill” refers to a recently made mill (likely a brand or model called “Hero”) purchased for $40 and taken home for use on the farm. Chores — Routine farm tasks such as feeding animals, milking, and general maintenance. “After I done my Chores” indicates the writer completed regular daily farm work before going into town. P.O. — Abbreviation for Post Office or Postmaster. “P.O. Jensen called” likely means the local postmaster (Mr. Jensen) stopped by. Note — A written promise to pay a sum of money (a promissory note). “Wrote to M. D. Merrill in regard to his note” refers to correspondence about such a debt or obligation. Steers — Castrated male cattle raised for beef. Offering “one load of steers” means the writer proposed selling a wagonload of these animals. Per Hundred — Price quoted by the hundredweight (abbreviated cwt). The entry “8.70 per Hundred” indicates a price of $8.70 for each 100 pounds of cattle (or per head valued on a hundredweight basis), a common way rural sellers priced livestock then.
1896 01 Jan 01d.jpg
Transcription: ATR-1
4 January 7th Hauled down a load of hay this Forenoon from the Merrill Place very nice day again we Shelled a load of corn after dinner I took some of the wheels of the sheller down to the Boys to get it rep. some lost a Black Pig to day Ed & Gilbert went to Yankton 8th Very nice day again Feelhaver Boys was over this forenoon and I bought 100 bu corn of them at 14 cts per bu to be delivered after dinner went to look up a Horse Power but did not get any
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Ed — Individual mentioned as traveling to Yankton Gilbert — Individual mentioned as traveling to Yankton Feelhaver Boys — Group of individuals who sold corn (referred to collectively) the Boys — Unnamed local workers or acquaintances who repaired the sheller Places Merrill Place — Property from which hay was hauled Yankton — Town to which Ed and Gilbert traveled Objects sheller — Corn shelling machine mentioned as repaired Horse Power — Device (horse-powered machinery) sought by the diarist Animals Black Pig — Animal reported lost that day Dates / Events 4 January — Date heading for the diary entry 7th — Subdate noting activities on that day (hauling hay, shelling corn) 8th — Subdate noting purchase of corn and search for a horse power
Annotation: Glossary
Forenoon — An older term for the morning hours of the day; here it indicates the work (hauling hay) was done in the morning. Sheller — A machine used to remove kernels from corn cobs (a corn sheller). In the source the writer says they “shelled a load of corn” with such a device and later took “some of the wheels of the sheller” for repair. rep. — Abbreviation of “repaired” or “repair.” In the transcript it indicates the writer took parts of the sheller to the boys to have them fixed. bu — Abbreviation for “bushel,” a standard unit of dry volume used for grains. The writer bought “100 bu corn,” meaning 100 bushels of corn. cts (per bu) — “Cts” stands for cents; “per bu” means per bushel. “14 cts per bu” means the price paid was 14 cents for each bushel of corn. Horse Power — In 19th‑century rural usage this often refers to a horse‑powered engine or implement (a tread or sweep powered by horses) used to drive farm machinery, rather than the modern mechanical horsepower unit. The writer went to look for such a horse‑powered device.
1896 01 Jan 02.jpg
Transcription: ATR-1
January 8th went by Erdenberger and got the Sheller wheels John came up and Dan and I went along up to Gilbert did not find no one at Home The Boys Hauled down a load of hay 9th nice weather yet Julius (Transcription) and I went up to the eighty after a load of Hay to put in the Barn Ed. & Lena were here for dinner O. Feelhaver Hauled over two loads of corn weight at L. Goetz Julius & Dan Hauled One load of Hay from the Merrill Place I fixed the Sheller again and we shelled about 40 bu. this Evening
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Erdenberger — neighbor or acquaintance who went for Sheller wheels John — person who came up (likely a family member or neighbor) Dan — companion in several tasks; hauled hay Julius — companion who hauled hay and visited the eighty Ed. — visitor who was here for dinner Lena — visitor who was here for dinner O. Feelhaver — person who hauled two loads of corn L. Goetz — owner or location where corn was weighed Places Gilbert — place visited where no one was found at home the eighty — parcel of land referred to as "the eighty" Merrill Place — property from which a load of hay was hauled Objects Sheller wheels — farm equipment part fetched and repaired Sheller — machine used to shell grain; repaired and used to shell about 40 bushels Barn — building where hay was put Dates / Events January 8th — day Erdenberger fetched Sheller wheels and boys hauled a load of hay January 9th — day described as nice weather; hay hauled to the eighty; corn weighed; about 40 bu. shelled
Annotation: Glossary
Sheller wheels — A part of a corn sheller (a machine for removing kernels from the cob); here it refers to the physical wheels or gearing of that machine. In the source the writer says they "got the Sheller wheels" and later "fixed the Sheller again," meaning they retrieved and repaired that equipment. Sheller — A mechanical device used to shell (remove kernels from) ears of corn. The diary notes using the sheller to process grain ("we shelled about 40 bu."), showing it was in regular farm use. bu. — Abbreviation for "bushels," a unit of dry volume commonly used for grain. "40 bu." in the entry means about forty bushels of shelled corn were produced that evening. Hauled — Past tense of "haul," meaning transported by wagon or cart. In this rural 19th/early-20th‑century context it denotes moving hay or corn by horse-drawn vehicle between fields, farms, and the barn. the eighty — A parcel of land measuring eighty acres. "Went up to the eighty after a load of Hay" indicates the writer traveled to that particular 80-acre field or holding to bring back hay. Place (as in "Merrill Place") — An informal way to refer to a farm or homestead owned or occupied by someone (here, the Merrill farm). "One load of Hay from the Merrill Place" identifies the source farm for the hay. weight at L. Goetz — Phrase indicating grain or produce was weighed at L. Goetz's scale or weigh station. "Hauled over two loads of corn weight at L. Goetz" means the loads were measured there to determine quantity. went by (as in "went by Erdenberger") — An idiom meaning stopped at or called on someone named Erdenberger. The writer likely visited or passed the Erdenberger property to collect or drop off something.
1896 01 Jan 03.jpg
Transcription: ATR-1
January 9 Rec'd a call from Ryan Com. Firm man Joe Flaherty was along with him. Lost another Pig to day 10th I went down to A Riibe's to see if I could get their Power after I done my Chores I went down and got the Power Ole Holthe was over and I Bought 400 bu. Shelled Corn from him at 14 cts per bu. to be delivered Feelhaver was over (? Oscar) with another load Corn making 101 1/2 bu Paid him $14.30 which paid him up. very nice day again feels almost like Spring Julius is along with Ed to Timber to day
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Ryan — caller who contacted the diarist on January 9 Joe Flaherty — commercial firm man who accompanied Ryan Ole Holthe — neighbor/seller from whom 400 bu. shelled corn was purchased Feelhaver — person who delivered corn (noted with possible first name "Oscar") Julius — accompanied Ed to the timber Ed — accompanied Julius to the timber A. Riibe — owner/place visited to obtain power (rendered in the text as "A Riibe's") Places / Locations Timber — location visited by Julius and Ed A Riibe's — place visited to get power Organizations / Businesses Com. Firm — commercial firm associated with Joe Flaherty Dates / Events January 9 — date of the phone call and loss of a pig January 10 — date the diarist went to A. Riibe's, bought corn, and other noted activities Other notable objects / Items 400 bu. shelled corn — quantity purchased from Ole Holthe 14 cts per bu. — price per bushel for the corn purchase $14.30 — payment made to Feelhaver, noted as settling him up Pig — livestock mentioned as lost on January 9
Annotation: Glossary
Rec'd — Contraction of “received.” In the diary it denotes that the writer was the recipient of something (here, a call). Call — Historically can mean a visit in person rather than a telephone call; in diaries of this era “received a call” usually means someone called on the writer at his home or farm. Com. Firm — Abbreviation for “commercial firm” or “commission firm.” It denotes a business or agent involved in trade; here it identifies Joe Flaherty as connected with a business representative. Power — Context-dependent older usage for a physical utility or mechanical service (for example water power, wind power, or an engine). In this entry the writer says he “went down … to get their Power” after chores, implying he went to obtain access or control of some local source of mechanical or electrical power. Chores — Everyday farm tasks or household duties. The writer finishes these before going out to transact business. bu. — Abbreviation for “bushel,” a unit of dry volume commonly used for grain and corn. Quantities like “400 bu.” indicate 400 bushels. Shelled Corn — Corn kernels removed from the cob. As a commodity it is measured and sold by the bushel, distinct from “corn on the cob.” 14 cts per bu. — Price notation: 14 cents per bushel. The diary records the purchase price for shelled corn. 101 1/2 bu. — Fractional bushel notation (one hundred one and one-half bushels). Farmers and merchants commonly recorded grain amounts with half-bushel precision. Paid him $14.30 which paid him up — “Paid him up” means the payment settled the outstanding debt or obligation in full; the explicit dollar amount shows the cash settlement. Timber (to Timber) — Used as a place-name or shorthand for a timbered area/woods. In agricultural diaries it often indicates a destination where people went for logging, hauling wood, or work in the forest. Feelhaver / Ole Holthe / Julius / Ed / Ryan / Joe Flaherty — Proper names or surnames. Some spellings may be phonetic or variant forms; they identify neighbors, buyers, or workers mentioned in the account.
1896 01 Jan 04.jpg
Transcription: ATR-1
January 7 11th we Shelled a load of corn to day after dinner I Rigged up the Grinder on the big Power so it is almost ready to run Julius and mother went to town I bought 1 lb. Copper Rivets from John E. pd him 85 ct (John Erdenberger) Change in the weather with a North West wind with some snow flying towards evening 12 Sunday to day and it has moderated of a little J Conway (Jas Conway? 2 listed ) and Shafenberg was her and looked at the steers. Ed Erdelberg (Ed Erdenberber was up I went up to Eric in the evening it is my Birthday to day
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Julius — family member mentioned as helping run the grinder mother — mother of the narrator, went to town John E. — vendor from whom 1 lb. copper rivets were purchased John Erdenberger — full name given in parentheses as identification of John E. J Conway — person who visited on the 12th; possibly Jas Conway Shafenberg — visitor who looked at the steers Ed Erdelberg — visitor / Ed Erdenberber (variant spelling) noted in transcription Eric — person the narrator visited in the evening narrator (I) — unnamed first-person writer of the entry Places town — local town visited by Julius and mother Objects and Animals Grinder — device rigged up on the big power to be run big Power — power source or machinery used to run the grinder 1 lb. Copper Rivets — items purchased from John E. steers — cattle examined by Shafenberg and others load of corn — corn shelled that day Dates and Events January 7 — date heading the entry 11th — day on which corn was shelled and grinder rigged 12 Sunday — day noted as moderated weather and visitors present; also the narrator's birthday Birthday — the narrator's birthday occurring on the evening visit to Eric Weather North West wind — wind direction noted with some snow flying Citations and Variant Spellings (John Erdenberger) — parenthetical clarification of John E.'s surname (Jas Conway? 2 listed) — parenthetical note suggesting Jas Conway as alternate or duplicate listing (Ed Erdenberber) — parenthetical variant spelling for Ed Erdelberg
Annotation: Glossary
Shelled (a load of corn) — To "shell" corn means to remove the kernels from the cobs, typically with a mechanical or hand sheller; here it denotes processing a wagonload of harvested corn. Rigged up — Assembled or set up in a makeshift or practical way so it will work; in the entry it means the writer put the grinder into working condition. Grinder — A machine for crushing or grinding grain or corn; used here as the device being mounted on the farm power source to process corn. Big Power — A common 19th/early-20th-century way to refer to the main engine, motor, or primary power source on a farm (e.g., stationary engine or tractor); in the journal it’s the machine to which the grinder was attached. Copper rivets — Small metal fasteners made of copper used to join or repair metal or leather parts; the writer bought a pound of them, likely for farm equipment repairs. pd him 85 ct — Abbreviated note meaning "paid him 85 cents"; "pd" = paid, "ct" = cents (a small monetary amount recorded for the purchase). Moderated of a little — Dialectal or idiosyncratic phrasing meaning the weather "moderated off" or "moderated a little," i.e., it became milder (less cold) during the day. Steers — Castra ted male cattle raised for beef; the writer notes others came to inspect the herd's steers.
1896 01 Jan 05.jpg
Transcription: ATR-1
8 January 13th we cleaned up the Entry in the Granery this morning and then rigged up the Power started up just before dinner Every thing worked nice John and Ed was up here and (Erdenbergers) stayed until after dinner We shelled and ground and so been nice weather again 14th After I done my chores I and Tilla went up the Creek to her Folks and came home again about dusk East wind blowing and snowing some Julius and Ed went to timber again to day
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People John — Individual mentioned as visiting and working at the granary Ed — Individual mentioned alongside John; also noted as going to timber Erdenbergers — Family or household who stayed after dinner (parenthetical in text) Tilla — Person who accompanied the narrator up the creek to her family Julius — Individual noted as going to timber Places The Granery — Granary or storage building where entry was cleaned and work occurred The Creek — Local creek to which the narrator and Tilla traveled to visit her family Dates / Events 8 January — Date marking the start of the entry 13th — Date when the granary entry was cleaned, power rigged, and machinery started 14th — Date when the narrator and Tilla visited her folks and when Julius and Ed went to timber Other notable objects Power — Installed or started machinery/power system at the granary Entry — The written diary or log entry cleaned up on the 13th Timber — Worksite or activity (going to timber) mentioned for Julius and Ed
Annotation: Glossary
Entry — Historically, "entry" can mean an indoor passageway, doorway, or a designated space within a building (sometimes a business term for an intake or opening). In this diary the capitalized "Entry" likely refers to a particular vestibule or work area of the granary that was cleaned on the 13th. Granery (Granary) — An older spelling of "granary," meaning a building for storing grain. In the source it denotes the storage structure where they cleaned the entry and performed other work. Rigged up the Power — "Rigged up" means to set up or assemble; "the Power" here refers to a source of mechanical or electrical power (for example a stationary engine or belt-driven machinery). The phrase indicates they assembled and started the machinery used in the granary before dinner. Shelled — To "shell" grain means to remove the kernels from their outer husks or pods (for example shelling corn). In this entry it describes processing harvested grain or corn at the granary. Ground — To "ground" grain means to grind it into meal or flour with a mill. Here it accompanies "shelled," indicating they processed grain into a usable product. Chores — Routine household or farm tasks; common in historical diaries. The writer's "chores" are everyday farm duties he completed before going up the creek. Creek — While a creek is a small stream, capitalized here it likely denotes a local place-name (the nearby creek or community). The writer and Tilla went "up the Creek to her Folks," meaning they traveled upstream or to a settlement on that creek to visit her family. Dusk — Evening twilight; the time just after sunset. The diary notes they returned "about dusk," indicating they arrived home as daylight was fading. Timber (went to timber) — As a verb phrase, "to go to timber" historically means to go to a timber tract to cut or gather wood (logging). Julius and Ed "went to timber" indicates they went out to work in the woods or to harvest lumber. Erdenbergers — A family name mentioned in parentheses. In this context it identifies the visitors (John and Ed were up here and the Erdenbergers stayed until after dinner), so it denotes a household or family who shared the meal or visit.
1896 01 Jan 06.jpg
Transcription: ATR-1
9 15 Hauled down the rest of the Hay from the Merrill Place to day it is almost winter here Ole Holthe brought over (Olaus Holthe 1860-1910) One load of shelled Corn 16t h Shelled I Ground a load of Corn Ed also had down about 10 bu to Grind Ole Holthe Hauled two loads of corn over to day John E was here this Evening. Julius hurt one of his fingers in the power 17th Ole Holthe Hauled over two loads of Corn to day I fixed the Steer Shed where they broke out yesterday
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Ole Holthe —) John E — visitor noted as being here in the evening ? (Olaus Holthe 1860-1910 buried Hartington Cemetery Julius — person who injured a finger in the power Ed — person who had corn ground and took about 10 bushels to grind Places Merrill Place — location from which hay was hauled Steer Shed — structure repaired after cattle broke out Objects / Agricultural Items Hay — harvested material hauled from the Merrill Place Corn — field crop shelled, ground, and hauled in multiple loads Shelled Corn — corn that has been removed from the cob Dates / Entries 15 — diary entry date noting hauling of remaining hay 16th — diary entry date noting shelling and grinding of corn 17th — diary entry date noting hauling of corn and repair of the steer shed
Annotation: Glossary
Hauled — Transported by wagon, cart, or team of animals; in this source it refers to moving hay or corn from one farm location to another. Merrill Place — A proper name for a farm or property; here it designates the location from which hay was brought. Shelled (corn) — Removed the kernels from the corn cobs; in the entry it means the corn was taken off the ears so it could be ground or stored. Ground (corn) — Crushed corn kernels into meal or feed using a mill or grinder; the journal records grinding a load of corn for use. bu (bushel) — Abbreviation for bushel, a unit of dry volume used for agricultural products; "10 bu" means ten bushels of corn. Steer shed — A shelter or pen for steers (castrated male cattle); the writer notes repairing the shed after animals broke out. Broke out — Escaped from an enclosure or pen; used here to describe livestock breaking through the steer shed or fence the previous day. Power — Short for powered machinery or mechanical equipment (e.g., a mill, engine, or saw); Julius injuring his finger "in the power" means his finger was hurt while working with such a machine. Ole (as in Ole Holthe) — A common Norwegian given name (variant of Olaf) used here as the personal name of a neighbor or worker who hauled corn and shelled grain.
1896 01 Jan 07.jpg
Transcription: ATR-1
10 January 17th I took a piece of the Grinder down to the boys and got it fixed. (Erdenberger?) it looks a little like winter trying to snow. I was up to Erie this Eve 18th very cold morning but warmed up some during the day we shelled and ground about 36 bu of corn this forenoon. Eric and Martin was (Names) here and they helped us. Ole Holthe was over with one load of corn to day. Julius and Mother went to town after dinner dance down to Dan (names) Sullivan to night.
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Erdenberger? — uncertain name noted in parentheses in the entry Eric — person who helped with shelling and grinding corn Martin — person who helped with shelling and grinding corn Ole Holthe — person who brought a load of corn Julius — person who went to town after dinner Mother — family member who went to town after dinner Dan Sullivan — person mentioned in connection with a dance Places Erie — town/city visited in the evening town — generic reference to town where Julius and Mother went Events & Dates 10 January — date marking the beginning of the entries 17th — date when the grinder was taken down and fixed 18th — date noted as very cold in the morning and when corn was shelled dance — social event mentioned in the evening Objects & Other notable items Grinder — piece taken down and repaired corn — crop shelled and ground (about 36 bushels) winter — seasonal condition referenced ("looks a little like winter trying to snow")
Annotation: Glossary
Grinder — A small hand- or horse-powered mill or grinding machine used on farms to crush or grind grain (here, likely a corn grinder or part of a mill). In the source it refers to a component that needed repair and was taken to local workmen ("the boys") to be fixed. shell(ed) — To remove kernels from corn cobs. Historically done by hand or with a mechanical sheller. In the entry "we shelled and ground about 36 bu of corn" it means they removed the corn kernels before grinding them into meal. bu — Abbreviation for "bushel," a historical unit of dry volume used for grain (one U.S. bushel ≈ 35.24 liters). The diarist records processing about 36 bushels of corn. forenoon — An older word meaning the morning period before midday. The writer specifies that the shelling and grinding occurred "this forenoon." the boys — A colloquial phrase referring to local workmen, neighbors, or young men who performed repairs or manual tasks. Here it indicates the people who repaired the grinder. Erie — The name of a town or place visited by the diarist (could be the town of Erie). Used as a simple place-name: "I was up to Erie this Eve" means the writer traveled to that town in the evening. dance down (to) — An idiom meaning to go down into town (or to a nearby place) to attend a dance or social event. Julius and Mother "went to town after dinner / dance down to Dan Sullivan to night" indicates they went into town that evening for a dance at Dan Sullivan's or hosted by him.
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Transcription: ATR-1
January 11 19 Sunday and raw and cloudy weather but cleared of to wards Eve. Hans came over and after I done my Eve chores I went along with him over and stayed until morning had quite a time playing cards. Ed & Lena and John Weiger and Fanie (Name Transcription) was here this evening. 20 I settled up with Hans this morning and paid him One Dollar which Ballaces us up in full. (Balances) I set the small Power up by the Grainery to grind. Ole Holthe hauled his last load of Corn to day.
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Hans — Individual mentioned as a visitor and with whom the writer settled accounts Ed — Visitor present in the evening Lena — Visitor present in the evening John Weiger — Visitor present in the evening Fanie — Visitor present in the evening (name underlined in source) Ole Holthe — Person who hauled the last load of corn Places Grainery — Location near which the small power/grinding apparatus was set up (spelled "Grainery" in source) Events / Dates January 11 — Date of the diary entry Sunday — Day of the week noted for January 11 19 — Likely a page or entry number noted in the manuscript 20 — Likely a page or entry number noted in the manuscript Other notable objects small Power — Machine set up by the grainery to grind (as described in the entry) Corn — Commodity hauled by Ole Holthe
Annotation: Glossary
raw — Chilly, damp, or uncomfortable weather. In 19th‑century diaries “raw” describes a cold, raw wind or atmosphere; here it characterizes the day as unpleasant before it cleared toward evening. Eve / Eve chores — Evening; the tasks done in the evening. The writer uses “Eve” as an abbreviation for evening, so “Eve chores” means the ordinary household or farm duties carried out at nightfall. settled up (with) — To settle accounts or pay outstanding debts. “I settled up with Hans” means the writer completed their financial accounting with Hans and paid what was owed. Ballaces (Balances) — An idiosyncratic spelling of “balances.” It means the remaining amount owing or the accounts being squared; “which Ballaces us up in full” indicates the payment cleared their account. small Power — Likely a small engine or power source used to drive machinery (for example, a gasoline or steam engine). In this entry “I set the small Power up by the Grainery to grind” means the writer started a small power unit to operate a grinder near the grain storage. Grainery — Variant spelling of “granary,” a building for storing grain. Here it refers to the place beside which the small power unit was set to grind grain. hauled his last load — Transported the final cart or wagonful. “Hauled his last load of Corn to day” means Ole Holthe made the final trip moving a load of corn (maize), the routine of moving harvest goods. Corn — In historical American usage, “corn” commonly means maize. The entry’s “load of Corn” refers to harvested maize being transported.
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Transcription: ATR-1
12 January 20 which makes seven loads or 34 1/2 bu. I paid him $48 10 , Settled his corn deal in full as boys was down to the debate at Waucahona (Place) tonight. Gable called to day (Person) 21st we tried the Grinder again this forenoon and ground 30 bu. when we quit as the Small power was to weak to run it I moved it down to the Corn crib again bad wind again to day from the South East I fixed the feed troughs a little this afternoon Oscar went to town lost another shoal to day (Transcription)
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Gable — Person who "called to day" in the diary Oscar — Person who "went to town" in the diary Places Waucahona — Place where the debate took place Events debate at Waucahona — Evening event attended by "boys" mentioned in the entry
Annotation: Glossary
bu. — Abbreviation for "bushel," a volume measure used for dry goods (notably grain). In the entry it quantifies corn ground and carried (e.g., "30 bu." = 30 bushels). loads — Wagon loads or cartloads of grain or produce. Here "seven loads or 34 1/2 bu." gives the number of trips and the equivalent bushels carried. Settled his corn deal — "Deal" here means a business transaction or sale. The phrase indicates the writer completed a financial settlement for corn supplied or sold. Waucahona — Place name (likely a local town or hamlet). Used to indicate where a public "debate" or meeting occurred that evening. debate — A public discussion or meeting. In 19th-century rural contexts this often meant a scheduled town gathering where issues were argued or votes sought. Gable — A personal name mentioned as having "called to day." Proper names are preserved as in the source. Grinder — A grain grinder or mill apparatus used to crush or grind corn into meal or feed. The writer reports testing it and grinding 30 bushels before power failed. Small power — Likely refers to a small engine, water wheel, or other power source insufficient to run the grinder. The phrase explains why grinding stopped. Corn crib — A ventilated storage structure for drying and storing whole ears or shelled corn. The writer says he moved the grinder back "to the Corn crib," implying work done near the storage area. feed troughs — Channels or long shallow containers used to deliver feed to livestock. The writer "fixed the feed troughs" meaning he repaired or adjusted them for animals. shoal — Spelling in the source ("lost another shoal to day") is uncertain. In context—Oscar went to town and "lost another shoal"—this likely is a misspelling/variant of "shoe" (meaning he lost a shoe) or possibly "shawl"; the exact item is unclear, but it denotes a personal article lost while in town.
1896 01 Jan 10.jpg
Transcription: ATR-1
January 18 22 we ground about 25 in this's forenoon Cloudy weather I went up to the Eighty to see about the fence around the Hay Stacks Sam was here a while this Evening Mother got a letter from Suverne 23 Very Cold north west wind blowing to day I Bedded and fed the Steers Hay and after dinner I went to town Got the Insurance Papers fixed up all right Ed Schager came along down from Erie and he stayed over night it is cold enowgh for Winter now Hogs worth 3s6d to 3s6d per Hundred
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Sam — Individual mentioned as visiting and present at the farm Mother — Head of household who received a letter Suverne — Person named as sender of a letter (spelled "Suverne" in the transcription) Ed Schager — Visitor who came down from Erie and stayed overnight Places The Eighty — Location visited to inspect a fence around the hay stacks (named in the diary) Erie — Place from which Ed Schager traveled Town — Local town visited by the diarist Organizations / Documents Insurance Papers — Insurance documents that were reviewed and fixed up Events / Dates January 18 — Date heading of the diary entry 22 — Date noted in the entry (followed by activity: "we ground about") 25 — Date noted with weather remark ("forenoon Cloudy") 23 — Date noted with weather remark ("Very Cold north west wind") Other notable objects / terms Hay Stacks — Stored hay around which a fence was inspected Fence — Structure inspected around the hay stacks Steers — Livestock bedded and fed by the diarist Hogs — Livestock noted with market value 3s6d — Price per hundred for hogs as recorded in the entry north west wind — Weather condition described as "Very Cold" on the 23rd Winter — Season referenced as having arrived ("cold enough for Winter")
Annotation: Glossary
forenoon — Morning; the earlier part of the day before noon. In the diary entry "forenoon Cloudy," it means the morning was cloudy. ground about — Worked the ground or ploughed/tilled the soil. Here "we ground about" indicates agricultural field work was done that day. the Eighty — A parcel of land described by its acreage. "The Eighty" likely refers to an eighty-acre field or farm lot that the writer visited to inspect the fence. Hay Stacks — Piles of hay left outdoors for storage. The diary's "fence around the Hay Stacks" refers to a protective enclosure around stored hay. Bedded — Provided bedding or prepared bedding for animals, or "bedded" livestock down for the night. In context "I Bedded and fed the Steers Hay" means the writer prepared beds/stall bedding and fed the steers hay. Steers — Mature castrated male cattle raised for beef or draft. The writer is caring for these animals by bedding and feeding them hay. enowgh — An archaic or phonetic spelling of "enough." In "it is cold enowgh for Winter" it means sufficiently cold to feel like winter. 3s6d (three shillings, sixpence) — Old British currency: 3 shillings and 6 pence. The diary records hogs' value as "3s6d to 3s6d per Hundred," meaning three shillings and sixpence per (unit specified). per Hundred — Short for "per hundredweight" (cwt), a common agricultural pricing unit. In the entry it indicates the price of hogs was given per hundredweight.
1896 01 Jan 11.jpg
Transcription: ATR-1
14 January 24. We Ground and shelled about 200 bu of corn to day Frosty weather Julius and I hauled down a load of Hay for the Barn Hans Schager and Family was here this afternoon on a short visit Jon Conway and Schager was looking at the Cattle I picked One load do 25 we ground about 24 bu corn this morning Dan brother & Sena went to Yankton Cornelius Hauling 52 bu corn down on his and Gilbert Acct at 14 cts per bu Paid 1 30 us boys was (unsure amount) attending the Sons veterans meeting (Sons of Veterans of the Civil War)
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Julius — companion who hauled hay Hans Schager — visitor described as "Schager" who came with family Jon Conway — person who, with Schager, looked at the cattle Dan — the writer's brother who went to Yankton Sena — accompanied Dan to Yankton Cornelius — individual hauling 52 bu of corn Gilbert — associated with Cornelius on the hauling account Places Yankton — destination of Dan and Sena's trip and where corn was taken Organizations / Events Sons of Veterans of the Civil War — organization referenced as the "Sons veterans meeting" attended by the writer and others Other notable objects / items Barn — location receiving a load of hay Cattle — animals inspected by Jon Conway and Schager Hay — crop hauled for the barn Corn — grain ground and hauled in measured bushels
Annotation: Glossary
Ground and shelled — To grind and to remove the kernels from the cobs; here it refers to processing harvested corn into loose kernels ready for sale or storage. bu — Abbreviation for "bushel," a unit of dry measure used for grain. In this entry it denotes quantities of corn (e.g., "200 bu" = 200 bushels). hauled down a load — "Load" is a seasonal or informal measure of volume or weight carried by a wagon or team. The phrase means they transported one wagonload of hay down to the barn. Acct — Short for "account"; used here to indicate the corn was sold on account of (credited to) Gilbert. cts per bu — "Cts" means cents; "per bu" means per bushel. The entry records the sale price as 14 cents per bushel of corn. Paid 1 30 — A monetary notation indicating payment. In context it most plausibly reads as $1.30 paid (or 1 dollar and 30 cents), though the manuscript's formatting is irregular. Sons veterans / Sons of Veterans of the Civil War — A hereditary or commemorative organization for male descendants of Union Civil War veterans; here it names the meeting the writer attended (also rendered in the margin).
1896 01 Jan 12.jpg
Transcription: ATR-1
January 26 Sunday. and Julius and I went to Church. Raw East wind John Ed. Sam Harry Gilbert and Rob was here to day 27 We Ground and Shelled to day about 46 bu. for us and 15 for Ed. The folks came back from Yankton to day Caroline B. was here this after noon Hans was over this evening and I bought some corn of him Fine weather again 28 Julius and I cleaned up the Ice House and after dinner I went over to Schager and Harry and I Hauled a load of corn a piece over
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
people Julius — Household member who attended church and worked on farm tasks John — Visitor present on January 26 Ed. — Family or neighbor, received shelled grain and was present January 26 Sam — Visitor present on January 26 Harry — Visitor and neighbor who hauled corn and worked with the narrator Gilbert — Visitor present on January 26 Rob — Visitor present on January 26 Caroline B. — Visitor who arrived the afternoon of January 27 Hans — Neighbor who visited in the evening and sold corn Schager — Neighbor or place/person visited when hauling corn places Yankton — Town from which "the folks" returned on January 27 Church — Place attended on January 26 events / dates January 26 — Sunday; day the narrator and Julius went to church and several visitors were present January 27 — Day they ground and shelled grain; family returned from Yankton; Caroline B. visited January 28 — Day Julius and narrator cleaned the ice house and hauled corn other notable objects Ice House — Structure cleaned on January 28 Corn — Crop bought from Hans, hauled and shelled during these days Grain (bu.) — Approximately 46 bushels for the household and 15 for Ed. shelled on January 27
Annotation: Glossary
Raw (as in "Raw East wind") — Chilly, damp, and penetrating; used here to describe an uncomfortable easterly wind that made the day feel cold. Ground — Past tense of "grind." In this diary it refers to grinding grain (likely corn) into meal or breaking it from the ear as part of processing. Shelled — Removed the kernels from the cob; shelling corn means separating the edible kernels from the husk and cob for storage or sale. bu. — Abbreviation for "bushel," a common volume measure for dry goods (grain, corn). The entry records quantities in bushels (46 bu. for the household, 15 bu. for Ed.). Ice House — A cold storage building used to store blocks of ice and keep perishable food cool before mechanical refrigeration; "cleaned up the Ice House" means it was cleared and maintained for storage use. Hauled — Transported by wagon, cart, or sled. "I Hauled a load of corn" indicates moving a wagonload of corn from one place to another. Schager — Proper name (person or farm). In context it denotes a neighbor or nearby household to which the writer went or from whom something was obtained. Yankton — Name of a town or settlement; here it indicates where "the folks" had been and from which they returned that day. "to day" (two words) — Orthographic variant of "today." The diarist routinely writes "to day" as two words, reflecting contemporary or personal spelling rather than a distinct meaning.
1896 01 Jan 13.jpg
Transcription: ATR-1
16 January 28 Amounted to 104 bu. at 15 cts per bu. to be paid when I sell the steers nice warm weather 29. I Ground my load of corn this forenoon 40 bu. after dinner I went up to Eric a while found him about the Same the Steers are doing well now they are eating 28 to 30 bu a day and all are eating 30. Went up town after dinner and fixed up some of the notes paid the Insurance note by giving the Bank a new note for 30 days
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Eric — Person visited by the diarist, likely a neighbor or acquaintance mentioned in the entry Organizations Bank — Financial institution to which the diarist gave a new note Dates 16 January — Date heading for an entry in the diary 28 — Day referenced in the diary (appears as a dated entry or line item) 29 — Day referenced in the diary (entry describing work and activities) 30 — Day referenced in the diary (entry describing errands and payments) Other notable objects Corn — Agricultural commodity; the diarist ground a load and measured bushels Steers — Cattle being fed and to be sold; consumption recorded in bushels per day Notes — Financial promissory notes mentioned and rearranged to pay an insurance obligation Insurance note — Specific obligation paid by giving the bank a new note 104 bu. (bushels) — Quantity of corn recorded in the entry 15 cts per bu. — Price per bushel noted for the corn 30 days — Term of the new note given to the bank
Annotation: Glossary
bu. — Abbreviation for "bushel," a unit of dry volume used for agricultural produce. In the source it denotes quantities of corn or feed (e.g., "104 bu.," "40 bu."). cts — Abbreviation for "cents." Here it indicates a price per bushel ("15 cts per bu."). forenoon — An older term for the morning hours before noon. The author uses it to record an activity done earlier in the day ("this forenoon"). Ground my load — “Ground” here means to mill or grind grain (corn) into meal or feed; "my load" refers to the quantity of corn brought to the mill. The phrase records that the writer had their corn ground that morning. Steers — Castrated male cattle kept for beef or draft. In this journal the steers are the animals being fed and later sold ("to be paid when I sell the steers"). Eating 28 to 30 bu a day — A feeding-rate notation meaning the herd consumes 28–30 bushels of feed per day. It uses bushels as a measure of bulk feed rather than grain sold by weight. Note — Short for "promissory note," a written promise to pay a sum at a future date. The writer records arranging and paying debts by issuing or renewing notes ("fixed up some of the notes," "gave the Bank a new note for 30 days"). Insurance note — A promissory note issued or used to pay an insurance premium or settle an insurance-related obligation. The journal entry shows the writer satisfied an insurance debt by substituting a short-term bank note. Fixed up (some of the notes) — An informal phrase meaning to arrange, renew, or settle financial obligations. In context the writer likely reorganized outstanding notes, replacing or extending them with new short-term paper.
1896 01 Jan 14.jpg
Transcription: ATR-1
January 17 so had a good chance to ship a load of Cattle Monday but concluded I would wait awhile yet - was up to Erie awhile this evening I Bedded the Steer Shed and fed Hay this forenoon and after dinner I ground about 28 bu Corn and commenced to Haul the millet up in the yard from the field John E was up there a while
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People John E — Individual mentioned as being "up there a while," likely a helper or family member on the farm Places Erie — Town or city visited "this evening" Dates/Times January 17 — Date of the entry Monday — Day of the week referenced in relation to shipping cattle Other notable objects Cattle — Livestock intended to be shipped Steer Shed — Building where a steer was bedded and fed Hay — Feed given to livestock Corn — Grain ground (28 bushels) in the forenoon Millet — Crop hauled up into the yard from the field
Annotation: Glossary
ship — To transport goods or livestock to market or another location, often by wagon or rail in 19th-century usage; here it means sending a load of cattle to be sold or moved elsewhere. Cattle — Domesticated bovine animals raised for meat, milk, or labor; in this diary it refers to livestock the writer might sell or move. forenoon — The morning hours before midday; used here to indicate work done earlier in the same day. Bedded (the Steer Shed) — To put down clean bedding (straw, hay, or similar) in an animal shelter; "bedded the steer shed" means the writer refreshed the bedding where steers are kept. Steer — A castrated male bovine raised for beef; the entry refers to care given to such an animal. Shed (Steer Shed) — A simple outbuilding or shelter for livestock; the "steer shed" is the specific structure housing the steer(s). Hay — Dried grasses or legumes used as fodder for livestock; the writer fed hay to the animals that morning. ground (about 28 bu Corn) — To mill or crush grain into meal or feed; here the writer processed about 28 bushels of corn for animal feed or household use. bu (bushel) — An abbreviated unit of volume for dry goods (corn, grain); historically used in farming—one U.S. bushel ≈ 35.24 liters. "28 bu" means twenty-eight bushels. millet — A group of small-seeded cereal crops grown for forage or grain; in this context it likely refers to a forage crop harvested and hauled to the farmyard. haul (the millet up in the yard) — To transport farm produce or materials by wagon, cart, or manual labor from the field to the farmyard for storage or use. yard (farmyard) — The open area adjacent to farm buildings used for working, storing, and holding animals; hauling millet "up in the yard" means bringing it nearer the buildings for use or storage. Erie — Likely a nearby town, city, or railway location named Erie; the writer visited it briefly that evening (no further context given in the entry).
Diary 1896 013.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
18 February 1st Dan and I Hauled two loads of millet before noon. Streete was over and we settled up and found a ballance due me of 82s. After dinner I ground about 5500. Julius Hauled the rest of the millet. I and John E. was up to Eric awhile this Evening I lost another pig to day 2nd went visiting to day Tilla and I was over to Schager to day. Very nice stay. I Stayed over night with Eric Mother Sina and Ed visited at John Weiger this Eve 19 February 3d I went along with George E.B. to town this morning went down and seen the Cattle load out some very nice Cattle I seen Miller about the Sulaly S Co accot. I also paid Gordon Smith One Dollar which we owed them Came home with Jens 4th we Shelled and Ground 5500 of Corn to day I Bedded the steer Shed last Walter brought home the saddle this Evening Harris & Sullivan Shipped their Cattle to day trying to Snow
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Dan — Person who hauled millet with narrator Streete — Person who visited/settled accounts with narrator Julius — Person who hauled remaining millet John E. — Person present with narrator; visited Eric Eric — Person visited by narrator and John E.; household referenced (Eric’s mother) Sina — Eric’s mother, stayed overnight with narrator Ed — Visited John Weiger in the evening John Weiger — Person visited by Sina and Ed George E.B. — Person who went to town with narrator Miller — Person seen about the "Sulaly S Co account" Gordon Smith — Person to whom narrator paid one dollar Jens — Person who came home with the narrator Walter — Person who brought home the saddle Harris — Individual mentioned with Sullivan who shipped cattle Sullivan — Individual mentioned with Harris who shipped cattle Places Town — Destination of trip with George E.B.; unspecified town Schager — Place visited by narrator and Tilla Organizations / Businesses Sulaly S Co — Company referenced in connection with an account (as transcribed: "Sulaly S Co accot.") Harris & Sullivan — Named partnership or joint reference (shipped their cattle) Dates 18 February — Date of events including hauling millet, settling accounts, and visits 19 February — Date of events including going to town, shelling and grinding corn Objects & Agricultural Items Millet — Crop hauled and partially ground (quantities mentioned) Corn — Crop shelled and ground (5500 cited) Steer shed — Structure bedded by narrator Saddle — Brought home by Walter Cattle — Livestock seen and shipped; a cattle load referenced Pig — Animal the narrator reports losing
Annotation: Glossary
Millet — A cereal grain grown for seed or fodder; here it refers to the crop the writer and helpers were hauling and having ground (milled) for use or sale. Hauled — Transported by wagon or cart; used throughout to mean moving crops or goods between fields, the mill, or market. Ballance / 82s — “Ballance” is an older spelling of “balance,” meaning the remaining sum owed. The “s” after 82 likely denotes shillings in old monetary notation, so “82s” means 82 shillings (the outstanding amount due the writer). Ground — Past tense of “grind”; here it means milled (grain ground into meal or flour) at a mill. “Ground about 5500” indicates an amount of grain processed. Shelled — Removed the kernels from corn cobs (shelling corn); commonly done before grinding or storage. Steer shed / bedded the steer shed — A “steer shed” is a shelter for steers (castrated male cattle). To “bed” it means to lay down fresh bedding (straw or similar) for the animals. Load out — The process of loading animals (here, cattle) onto wagons, trains, or other transport for shipment; “seen the Cattle load out” means the writer watched cattle being loaded for transport. Accot. (acct. / account) — An abbreviation for “account.” In “Sulaly S Co accot.” the writer is referring to a business account with the Sulaly S. Company (or similarly named firm). Shipped — Sent for sale or transport; used here of cattle being sent away (to market or buyer). Snow (in “trying to Snow”) — As written, “Snow” is ambiguous: it may be a place name, a surname, or a local term. In context (“Harris & Sullivan shipped their Cattle to day trying to Snow”) it most likely names a destination or buyer associated with the shipment rather than meaning weather—i.e., they were trying to send or sell the cattle “to Snow.”
Diary 1896 014.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
20 February 5th Julius and I hauled a load of hay for the Barn to day. Cleared of again and very nice. Oscar took his Black Calf down to S Deitcher and traded for a steer 6th I ground 50 bu of corn to day, nearly Broke the mill by letting a piece of Iron go through it Mother went over to tied to their sewing Society I did not do much of anything to day. Sylvester Peterson and Herman B. was here awhile I rode up town this Eve all the boys are to Phila. tonight February 21 8 I was up to Erie this forenoon and after dinner I ground ground a load of Corn so Joe came down from up the Creek. Charley came here this evening Julius Eddie and I attended the Sons of Nat Meeting 9 Sunday and little nicer day again. I took the Baby up and got it Babblyed to day visited at Jens Olsen this evening 10 we shelled and ground about 50 bu of Corn to day and Jens Matrina and Tilla were here Martin Hamilton and Wife came here this evening
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Julius — Household member mentioned throughout the diary entries Oscar — Person who took his Black Calf to S Deitcher and traded for a steer S Deitcher — Individual involved in the cattle trade Sylvester Peterson — Visitor recorded as "here awhile" Herman B. — Visitor recorded alongside Sylvester Peterson Joe — Person who "came down from up the Creek" Charley — Person who "came here this evening" Eddie — Household member who attended the meeting with Julius Jens Olsen — Host visited by the diarist Jens — Individual mentioned later with Matrina and Tilla Matrena — Visitor recorded as "Matrena" (appears as "Matrina" in the transcription) Tilla — Visitor recorded as present Martin Hamilton — Visitor who came with his wife Places Phila. — Abbreviation for Philadelphia; destination mentioned for "all the boys" Erie — Town the diarist visited in the forenoon the Creek — Local geographic feature referenced as where Joe came from Organizations / Meetings Sons of Nat Meeting — Meeting attended by Julius, Eddie, and the diarist sewing Society — Group Mother went over to attend ("tied to their sewing Society") Events / Dates 20 February — Date heading for the diary entries describing work and visits February 21 — Date heading for subsequent entries Other notable objects Black Calf — Oscar's calf, capitalized in the transcription and traded for a steer Barn — Location referenced as where a load of hay was hauled mill — Mill that was nearly broken when a piece of iron went through it Baby — Infant mentioned as being "Babblyed" in the entry
Annotation: Glossary
hauled — Pulled or transported heavy goods by wagon or cart; here used for moving a load of hay to the barn. Barn — A farm building for storing hay, grain and housing livestock; "the Barn" refers to that family or local farm structure. Black Calf — A young black-colored cow or heifer; used here as an item of livestock exchanged in trade. steer — An ox or young bull castrated for beef or draft work; the entry says the calf was traded for a steer, i.e., exchanged for older male cattle. bu (bushel) — Abbreviation for "bushel," a unit of dry volume commonly used for grain (roughly 8 gallons or about 35–40 liters); "50 bu of corn" means fifty bushels of corn. ground — Past tense of "grind" here: to run corn through a mill to make meal or feed; "ground 50 bu of corn" means it was milled. mill — A grinding machine or building that crushes grain into meal or flour; the writer notes breaking the mill when a piece of iron passed through its mechanism. shelled — Removed corn kernels from the cobs (shelling corn) prior to grinding or storage; "we shelled and ground" indicates both steps were done. forenoon — An older term meaning the morning hours before noon; "up to Erie this forenoon" = went to Erie in the morning. Babblyed — Likely a phonetic or dialect spelling of "baptized" (the sacramental naming/Christening of a baby); "took the Baby up and got it Babblyed" means the infant received baptism that day. Sons of Nat Meeting — The named meeting the writer attended; presented as the title of a local society or group ("Sons of Nat"). In this entry it denotes participation in a communal or fraternal meeting identified by that name. up the Creek — A local directional phrase meaning farther upstream or up the nearby stream; "Joe came down from up the Creek" indicates Joe traveled from a settlement located along the creek above the writer's place.
Diary 1896 015.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
22 February 11th after I done my Chores I went up town and I got a full set of Horse Shoes Cost 1.50 Aunt Marthea and Joe went home to day Conway and Schaferberg was here and they gave me an offer of 3 56 for one load of steers 12 we Shelled and ground about 50 bu of corn to day 13 I took the Horses down to the Boys and (The Erdenbegers?) got them Shod Charged 1 25 which I paid John (Erdenberger) Hauled down a load of Hay was in to see Eric George Came down from Boyd Co. to day (2nd county east of Cedar 90miles) 23 February 14 we ground about 45 bu of corn and Shelled about 50 bu. for Ed very nice day again Julius Dan and Corneleus went to town to a dance night also John E. 15 we ground 25 bu corn this morning Julius took some Cobs up to Eric and after (Eric) dinner Mother and I went up to town was up to Eric a while this evening he is not gaining any to my notion 16 it is nice day again had quite a prarie fire back in the Bluffs but did not do any Damage
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Aunt Marthea — family member mentioned in the diary Joe — individual who went home with Aunt Marthea Conway — visitor who made an offer for steers Schaferberg — visitor who, with Conway, offered to buy steers John (Erdenberger) — farmer/blacksmith who shod the horses (referred to as John Erdenberger) Eric George — person who came down from Boyd County; also referred to as Eric Julius — person who attended a dance and helped with corn Dan — person who went to a dance Corneleus (Cornelius) — person who went to a dance John E. — individual noted as also attending the dance Mother — the diarist’s mother Ed — person for whom corn was shelled Places town — the nearby town the diarist visited Boyd Co. — Boyd County, described as the county Eric George came from Cedar — reference to Cedar (county) used to locate Boyd County the Bluffs — local landscape where a prairie fire occurred Events dance night — a social event in town attended by Julius, Dan, Cornelius, and John E. prairie fire — grassland fire in the Bluffs mentioned as not causing damage Objects & Goods horse shoes — set of horseshoes purchased by the diarist steers — cattle offered to be bought (one load mentioned) corn — grain shelled and ground on multiple days hay — load of hay hauled by the diarist cobs — corn cobs taken to Eric Citations & Parenthetical Notes (The Erdenbegers?) — uncertain transcription note identifying the family at whom the horses were shod (Erdenberger) — parenthetical identification linking John to the Erdenberger name (2nd county east of Cedar 90miles) — explanatory note locating Boyd County relative to Cedar (Eric) — parenthetical repetition clarifying the person who received cobs Dates February 11 — date of horseshoe purchase and visitors February 12 — day of shelling and grinding corn February 13 — horses shod and load of hay hauled February 14 — continued corn processing February 15 — more corn grinding and town visits; Eric noted as not gaining February 16 — prairie fire reported; described as a nice day
Annotation: Glossary
Chores — Routine daily tasks or work around the farm or household; here it refers to the writer’s regular farm duties performed before going to town. Full set of Horse Shoes — Shoes for all the horses on the farm; in the source it means the writer purchased horse shoes for his team, likely a complete set applied to each hoof. Shod / Shod the horses — Past tense of "shoe": to fit horses with iron shoes. In the entry the horses were taken to be shod and a charge was made for that service. Charged — To bill or demand payment for goods or services. The journal notes the cost for shoeing the horses (an amount recorded) which the writer later paid. Steers — Castrated male cattle raised for beef. The passage records an offer received for "one load of steers," i.e., for a quantity of cattle transported as a single load. Load — A quantity of goods or animals that fills a vehicle or wagon. "One load of steers" means however many cattle the wagon could carry at once. 3↗56 (transcribed as 3 56 ) — A notation in the original that records a monetary offer or price (written in an unconventional way in the transcript). In context it represents the amount offered for one load of steers; the exact numeric formatting reflects the handwriting or notation used by the diarist rather than a standard modern currency format. Shelled — To remove the kernels from ears of corn. The writer "shelled and ground" corn, meaning they removed kernels from the cobs before or as part of processing the grain. bu (bushel) — Abbreviation for "bushel," a unit of dry volume used for agricultural produce. The entries list amounts of corn in bushels (e.g., "50 bu" = fifty bushels). Cobs — The central core of an ear of corn to which kernels are attached. Taking "cobs up to Eric" means transporting ears or leftover cobs—likely for feeding animals or further processing. Hauled — Transported by wagon or cart. "Hauled down a load of hay" indicates the writer moved a wagonload of hay from one place to another. Prairie fire — A grassland (prairie) fire that spreads across open plains. The entry reports a prairie fire behind the bluffs that fortunately caused no damage. Bluffs — Steep banks or cliffs along a river or valley. The diarist notes a prairie fire occurring "back in the Bluffs," indicating the nearby landscape feature where the fire occurred.
Diary 1896 016.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
24 February 17 I went up town to see about shipping got the Market Report and ordered a car (Rail Car) for tomorrow very heavy north west wind the boys shelled and ground about 46 bu Corn sorted the steers out this evening made a very nice load 18 started out with the cattle this morning they drove up without any trouble they weighed about 1440 with out any shrinkage loaded and went out on the noon train had good luck in striking a special at Blair 25 Feb 19 very cold north wind got to Clinton 1 oclock and Fed the Cattle pulled out again for Chicago at 9 in the Evening still very Cold but not so windy 20 got to the Yards at 7 this morning Market of badly again 10 lbs wed and 45 lbs today to day sold out in good season and got 3 90 came across H Cole and came with him up town stoped at the Browns, Hotel went (Possibly Brown's Boading House) to the Hopkins theater ( See URLs) thank you you to night very good show
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People H Cole — individual encountered by the diarist in town Places Blair — town where a special train was struck Clinton — stop where the diarist fed the cattle at 1 o'clock Chicago — destination city for the cattle shipment Organizations / Venues Hopkins theater — theatre the diarist attended that evening Browns, Hotel — boarding house or hotel where the diarist stopped (possibly "Brown's Boarding House") Yards — stockyards where the cattle arrived Documents / Reports / Objects Market Report — report consulted by the diarist before ordering a rail car Rail Car — rail freight car ordered for shipping cattle Events / Actions special at Blair — a special (train) the diarist was fortunate to catch at Blair shipping — the diarist's activity of arranging cattle shipment
Annotation: Glossary
car (Rail Car) — a railroad freight car used to transport goods or livestock; here it refers to booking a rail car to carry the cattle the next day. bu — abbreviation for "bushel," a unit of volume commonly used for grain; the entry "46 bu" means 46 bushels of corn. shelled and ground — processing terms for corn: "shelled" means removed from the cob, and "ground" means milled into meal or feed. steers — castrated male cattle raised for beef; "sorted the steers" means selecting and grouping these animals for sale or transport. shrinkage — loss of weight that occurs during holding or transport of livestock (from drying, stress, etc.); "without any shrinkage" means they were weighed before any such loss occurred. special (at Blair) — an unscheduled or extra train run outside the regular timetable; "striking a special at Blair" means catching one of these extras at the town or junction called Blair. Yards — short for "stockyards" or "rail yards," the place where livestock are received, held, and marketed; "got to the Yards" refers to arriving there to sell or unload cattle. Market (Market Report / Market off badly) — the livestock market conditions and prices. Phrases like "Market of[f] badly again" indicate prices were lower or the market was weak that day. lbs — abbreviation for pounds, a unit of weight. The phrase "10 lbs" and "45 lbs today" refers to pounds, likely indicating weight changes or individual weights. 3 90 / 3 90 — a price notation, likely meaning $3.90 (common shorthand in older records for dollars and cents); here it records the sale price received that day. Browns, Hotel (Brown's Boarding House?) — a lodging or boarding establishment named Brown's; the parenthetical note suggests uncertainty whether it was a hotel or boarding house, both common 19th‑/early‑20th‑century accommodations. Hopkins theater — the local theater or playhouse named Hopkins; mentioned as the place where the writer saw a good show that night.
Diary 1896 017.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
Feb. 21st Made up my mind to stayuntil Monday After dinner Tom J and George Doman went over to Lincoln Park some very interesting sights to see in the evening we took in the Olympic show 22 nd took in West Side a while before dinner we met the Rappal Bros and took in the Casino show in the Eve we went to the Park Theater somewhat warmer 23 I took in nearly the whole forenoon sleeping after dinner went to the Sam T Jacks show February 24 I bought what goods I wanted and took a car to the Stock Yds. little better market to day on light receipts after dinner I got my pass fixed up and started for home 6pm 25 I felt very mean all last night and to day also went down to the Sioux City Yds to look up some stcckers but could not find any to suit got home to town all right and Julius and Oscar came up after me very nice warm weather here almost spring weather
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Tom J — Companion mentioned visiting Lincoln Park and shows George Doman — Companion who went with Tom J to Lincoln Park Rappal Bros — Entertainment group encountered and took into the Casino show Julius — Person who came to town to meet the diarist Oscar — Person who came to town to meet the diarist Places Lincoln Park —Still there. Will look up what may have been there in 1896 West Side — Area visited before dinner Stock Gds — Market or goods district visited (as transcribed) Soviet City Gds — Goods district visited in search of stickers (as transcribed) Organizations and Venues (Shows/Theaters) Olympic (show) — 6-72 6W. Randolph Street Chicago. Music Hall in Chicago. 1873-1949. Called the Olympic Theater 1879-1928 when it was renamed Apollo Theater Casino (show) — Show taken in with the Rappal Bros Park Theater — Location: East side of State Street, between Congress Parkway and Harrison Street. Next door to Olympic Theater. Same owner Acquisition & Expansion: In early 1896, theatrical entrepreneur Frank Hopkins acquired the Park Theater. Merging Venues: Hopkins essentially combined the Park and the adjacent Hopkins Theater into one unified entertainment complex. Renovations: The front and intervening walls of the Park Theater were demolished to build a grand new entrance, lobby, and foyer. Interior Upgrades: The massive renovation pushed the older auditorium back to the street wall, making room for several hundred additional seats Sam T Jacks Creole Burlesque Show — Sam T. Jack (31 December 1852 – 1899), a burlesque impresario, was a pioneer of the African-American vaudeville industry in the US with his Creole Burlesque Show . He was also known for staging increasingly risqué shows in Chicago, where young women appeared wearing only skin-colored tights.
Annotation: Glossary
Forenoon — An older term for the morning hours before noon; here it means the writer spent most of the morning awake or engaged in activities. Car — Late 19th/early 20th‑century usage for a streetcar or tram; the writer “took a car to the Stock Gds.” meaning they rode public electric or horse‑drawn streetcar to that location. Pass — A travel or admission pass (written permit or ticket) allowing free or authorized travel/entry; “got my pass fixed up” indicates the writer arranged travel permission or a ticket before starting home. Took in — Phrasal usage meaning “attended” or “saw” (a performance or place); the writer repeatedly “took in” shows or parts of the city—i.e., went to see them. Stock Gds. — Abbreviated form likely for “Stock Grounds” or “Stock Yards/Grounds,” meaning an area used for livestock markets, fairs, or exhibitions. In the journal it names a destination reached by streetcar where the market/grounds had a slightly better market that day. Soviet City Gds — This reading is probably an uncertain or corrupted abbreviation in the manuscript (it is unlikely to mean the 20th‑century political term). Best understood as an abbreviated place name—“___ City Grounds” or similar public market/grounds in the city—where the writer went looking for “stickers.” Stickers — Context suggests small market items or labels/decoration sold at stalls; not adhesive labels in the modern sense. The writer “look[ed] up some stickers but could not find any to suit,” implying purchasable small goods or trinkets. Casino (as in “Casino show”) — A common name for a music‑hall or variety theatre in the period rather than a gambling casino; here it denotes a stage show at a venue called the Casino. Park Theater / Olympic / San Y Jacks / Rappal Bros. — Proper names of contemporary entertainment venues or performing companies. They designate specific shows or troupes the writer attended; “San Y Jacks” and “Rappal Bros” appear as transcribed names that may reflect hand‑writing idiosyncrasies but function as identifiers of particular acts or establishments in the diary.
Diary 1896 018.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
February 28 26 Julius clean and I went to town after dinner I paid First Natl Bank notes amounting to 109.25 and paid Morris & Gould 52.00 for mower also Miller & Ready the Subely Acct of 1940 wrote letter to Mr S. Merrill in regard to his note 27th very windy again was up to Eric to day in the evening I went up to Hans and I Paid Him $21.00 for 140 bu Corn 28 Oscar and I Hauled two loads of Hay to day 29 we shelled and ground 45 bu of Corn to day I took mother to town February 29 29 I Paid E Bardwell Bal of his acct 6 32 and seen for Gordon about the Beef I also Paid Globe Clothing Co 11.00 for Dan, Seed March 1890 1st Windy and Cold Julius and I went down to Erdenbarger awhile Ed & Lena was here this Evening 2 I went up town after dinner to get spices and some rope 3rd I went down to the Boys and got Louis Butcher tools but did not find him at home. Harry Schager shot Himself
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Julius — Individual mentioned as accompanying the diarist Mr S. Purill — Correspondent about a note Hans — Person to whom $21.00 was paid for 140 bu corn Oscar — Person who hauled two loads of hay with the diarist E Bardwell — Person whose account balance was paid Gordon — Person involved regarding beef Dan — Recipient of clothing purchased from Globe Clothing Co. Ed — Visitor (paired with Lena) Lena — Visitor (paired with Ed) Louis Butcher — Owner of tools retrieved by the diarist Harry Schager — Individual who shot himself Hower — Person or firm for whom $52.00 was paid (appears as “hower”) Organizations and Businesses First Natl Bank — Bank where notes amounting to $109.25 were paid Morris & Gould — Business paid $52.00 Miller & Ready — Business mentioned in connection with accounts Globe Clothing Co — Clothing company paid $11.00 for Dan’s seed/clothing Subely (Account) — Account referenced as “the Subely Acct of 1940” Places Erie — Place the diarist went to Town — General locality repeatedly visited (mentioned as “town”) Erdenbarger — Place visited with Julius Dates and Events February 27 — Windy day; trip to Erie February 28 — Day with financial payments and correspondence February 29 — Payments and errands (leap day entry) March 1, 1890 — Windy and cold; visit to Erdenbarger March 2 — Trip to town after dinner for supplies March 3 — Retrieved Louis Butcher’s tools; report of Harry Schager’s self-inflicted shooting
Annotation: Glossary
First Natl Bank notes — Bank-issued paper money or promissory notes from the "First National Bank"; here it means the writer paid or exchanged bank notes totaling $109.25. bu — Abbreviation for "bushel," a common agricultural unit of volume for dry goods (commonly grain or corn); "140 bu Corn" means 140 bushels of corn. acct — Abbreviation for "account"; used in bookkeeping and everyday bills, as in "Subely Acct" or "Bal of his acct" to indicate amounts owed or settled. Subely Acct — Likely a shorthand reference to an account held with (or for) a person or firm named "Subely." In the entry it indicates the writer handled or recorded that specific account for the year 1890. Hauled — Past tense of "haul": to transport heavy goods by wagon, cart, or vehicle. "Oscar and I Hauled two loads of Hay" means they moved two wagon-loads of hay. Butcher tools — Tools used by a butcher (knives, cleavers, hooks, etc.). In this context "Louis Butcher tools" may either mean tools owned by a man named Louis Butcher or tools belonging to a butcher named Louis—i.e., implements for slaughtering and cutting meat. Paid ... Bal of his acct — "Bal" is short for "balance"; the phrase means the writer paid the remaining balance owed on someone's account (here, "E Bardwell Bal of his acct 632").
Diary 1896 019.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
1st March 3 accidently in the foot we ground up Shelled 40 bu Corn and 6 bu for Streely Herman Loring being Brother Came out here to day 4th We Started Killing to day One Steer and 1 Hog snowing a little all day 5th Nice Weather again snow nearly all gone I took the to Hindquarters up town They weighed 823 lbs and Hide 68 Promised the money Saturday I wrote to Mines ( M A Mines) in regard to his Place and sent a Check to in Payment of his rent March 5 Ole Holthe was here this morning and sold me two Hundred bushels of corn at 15 cts 6th We shelled some Corn to day and ground about 55 bu Ole hauled two loads over to day I salted the meal down and in the Eve went up to Eric while 7 I went to town after dinner and I got the money for the Beef got letter from Mines that I could get ( M A Mines) the place for this year Ole Hauled two loads Corn to day which is all made 207 bu I gave him Check
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Herman Loring — brother who "came out here" on 1st March Ole Holthe — neighbor or seller who sold two hundred bushels of corn (present on 5th March) Ole — same individual referred to hauling corn and receiving a check Streely — individual associated with 6 bushels of corn (name as spelled in the transcript) Reef — person or account for whom money was received (referred to on 7th March) Places town — local town where money was collected and errands were run mines — mines referenced in letters regarding obtaining "the place" for the year Dates 1st March — date of entries describing events and Herman Loring's arrival 4th (March) — date of killing a steer and a hog 5th (March) — date noting weather and Ole Holthe's sale of corn 6th (March) — date of shelling corn and hauling by Ole 7th (March) — date of going to town and getting money for "Reef" Other notable objects Corn — commodity repeatedly bought, shelled, and measured in bushels Check — payment instrument sent and given in settlement of rent and purchases Hide — animal hide weighed at 68 lbs (from the hindquarters) Steer — animal killed on 4th March Hog — animal killed on 4th March
Annotation: Glossary
bu — Abbreviation for "bushels," a unit of dry volume used for agricultural produce. In the transcript it quantifies corn and meal (e.g., "40 bu Corn" means 40 bushels of corn). shelled — Means removing the kernels from the ears of corn. "Shelled 40 bu Corn" indicates the corn was taken off the cobs and measured as kernels. ground up / ground — Here refers to grain being milled into meal or flour. "Ground about 55 bu" means the corn was processed by a grinder or mill into meal. crib — A ventilated storage structure for drying and storing ears of corn. "Went up to crib awhile" means the writer went to the corn crib to inspect or work with stored corn. salted the meal down — The practice of adding salt to meal (or to preserved meat) for storage or preservation. In this context it likely means the meal was salted to help preserve it against spoilage or pests. steer — An ox or castrated male cattle raised for beef. "We Started Killing to day One Steer" indicates they slaughtered a steer for meat. hog — A domestic pig kept for meat. Paired with the steer, it shows the household was butchering animals for food. hide — The skin of a slaughtered animal, measured here by weight ("Hide 68" meaning the hide weighed 68 pounds). Hides were often noted because they had sale or trade value. Check — A written bank draft or payment order. "I wrote ... and sent a Check" indicates payment made by check rather than cash. Hauled — Transported, usually by wagon or cart. "Ole hauled two loads" means Ole moved two wagon-loads of corn. Reef — Unclear in the manuscript but likely a contemporary usage referring to a mining matter or payment (e.g., "money for the Reef"). In 19th-century mining contexts "reef" can mean a mineral vein or claim; here it most plausibly denotes a mining claim or related payment the writer received money for. place (in mining context) — Short for a mining "place" or claim — a parcel or claim worked for minerals. "Could get the place for this year" means the writer could obtain or lease that mining claim for the season. Ole / Streely / Herman Loring — Proper names appearing in the diary. "Ole" and "Streely" are individuals involved in buying, hauling, or receiving corn and rent; Herman Loring is identified as the writer's brother who visited.
Diary 1896 020.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
March 7 31.12 which paid him in full train load of 12 Cars of Cattle went out of town to day for Chicago 8th nice day again thair some visitors from town down this afternoon I was out and took a walk a while Mr & Mrs and Ed. Erdenberger was here this evening 9th. we ground 45 lbs of Corn to day I bought 200 bu ear Corn from Miller at 13 lbs to day. Julius and Oxen went to town I took the meat and Sausage down to Erdenberger to smoke in the evening I was up to Eric and Hans March 10 Miller Hauled two loads of Corn, down to day after dinner I went to town paid Frank Schuster 276/100 for wagon repairing I also rented the Murrill Place again for this year and minus 15 acres offered Bardwell 40 dollars for his scale 11th Colder weather again to day. I went down and got Ed. Erdenberger to help and cut Joe we got 8 loads in to day some good Joe Miller Hauled One load of Corn to day we ground and Shelled 26 bu of Corn to day
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Ed. Erdenberger — visitor and neighbor who smoked meat and sausage Mr. Erdenberger — member of the Erdenberger household mentioned as present Mrs. Erdenberger — member of the Erdenberger household mentioned as present Julius — person who, with oxen, went to town Joe — individual involved in hauling and gathering loads (likely same as Joe Miller) Joe Miller — named individual who hauled corn Miller — surname of several actors: seller of 200 bu ear corn and hauler of loads Eric — neighbor visited in the evening Hans — neighbor visited in the evening Frank Schuster — wagon repairer who was paid 2.76 (276/100) dollars Bardwell — person offered $40 for a scale Places Chicago — destination for a train load of 12 cars of cattle town — local town referenced repeatedly as destination and source of visitors Murrill Place — rented property referenced ("rented the Murrill Place again for this year") Dates / Time references March 7 — day when 12 cars of cattle left town for Chicago March 8 — day noted as a nice day with visitors and an evening visit March 9 — day when 45 lbs of corn were ground and 200 bu ear corn bought March 10 — day Miller hauled two loads and payment/rental actions occurred March 11 — colder day with eight loads brought in and 26 bu of corn shelled Objects / Commodities / Other notable items 12 Cars of Cattle — a full train load shipped to Chicago 200 bu ear Corn — quantity of corn purchased from Miller at 13 (price/unit) 45 lbs of Corn — amount of corn ground on March 9 26 bu of Corn — amount of corn shelled on March 11 Wagon — repaired by Frank Schuster (repair cost paid) Scale — item for which Bardwell was offered $40 Meat and Sausage — items taken to Erdenberger to smoke
Annotation: Glossary
train load — A whole shipment moved together by rail; here it means a full consignment of cattle loaded onto several railroad cars for transport to Chicago. Cars (of cattle) — Individual railroad freight cars used to carry livestock; "12 Cars of Cattle" means twelve rail cars each loaded with cattle. ear Corn — Corn still on the cob ("ears"); buying "200 bu ear Corn" means purchasing corn measured by the ear rather than already shelled. bu (bushel) — A traditional measure of dry volume for grain. In this entry "200 bu" means 200 bushels of corn. lbs (pounds) — A unit of weight. Here it appears both as a weight (e.g., "45 lbs of Corn") and in a price notation ("13 lbs to day" likely records a price or weight rate). to smoke (meat) — To cure or preserve meat by exposing it to smoke from a fire or kiln; "took the meat and Sausage down to Erdenberger to smoke" means sending it to be cured there. ground (corn) — To mill corn into meal or coarse flour using a mill; "we ground 45 lbs of Corn" means the corn was processed by milling. shelled (corn) — To remove the kernels from the cob. "We ground and Shelled 26 bu of Corn" indicates they both removed kernels and milled some of the corn. hauled — Transported by wagon or cart; "Miller Hauled two loads" means he drove two wagon loads to another location. rented the Murrill Place — To lease a farm or property for a season or year. "I also rented the Murrill Place again for this year" indicates a yearly agricultural tenancy. scale — A device for weighing; offering "40 dollars for his scale" refers to buying a weighing instrument, likely used for livestock or produce. 276/100 (money notation) — An old-style way of recording dollars and cents; "276/100" means 276 hundredths of a dollar, i.e., $2.76, here written as the payment for wagon repairs.
Diary 1896 021.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
March 12 Cold Weather all day We got the House full about 4 oclock got 7 loads making 15 loads in all pretty fair Ice we got today Strebs was over this evening he got my Montgomery Ward Co Catalogue 13 Julius and I went down on the Bottom after two loads of Sawdust John E. also went a log paid 13/1 for it We all went up to Ed and Lena to a Oyster Supper had a pretty good time a while quite a crowd there Miller Hauld, had hay 14th we ground and Shelled 16th of corn this morning Jules hauled a load of Hay March 14 I went uptown afoot and made a Bargain with Sable I bought 20 1 y[ears] old Steers from him at 12 1/2 dollars a head did not get a chance to go de home so I stopped at the Grand gate a crowd in town to day I also bought the Bordwell Scale agreeing to pay him 40 d[ollars] for it and it is to be in good shape to put up again 15th I got started with the calves about noon and got home all right I went along with Hans over to the School House to church One of Mucks Boys was buried to day
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Strebs — Evening visitor who obtained the Montgomery Ward Co catalogue Julius / Jules — Person helping with hauling sawdust and calves (same individual appears as Julius and Jules) John E. — Person who also hauled a log and paid for it Ed — Host (with Lena) of an oyster supper Lena — Host (with Ed) of an oyster supper Miller Hauld — Named individual present at a gathering (possibly involved with hay) Sable — Person who sold 20 one-year-old steers Bordwell — Seller of the Bordwell Scale (agreed sale) Hans — Person who went to the schoolhouse/church with the diarist Muck (one of Muck’s boys) — Referenced in relation to a burial Places The Bottom — Location where sawdust was collected Uptown — Area the diarist walked to when making a purchase The Grand gate — Place in town where the diarist stopped Town — General locality where crowds and activities occurred School House — Location visited for church Organizations Montgomery Ward Co — Company whose catalogue was obtained Events Oyster Supper — Social gathering hosted by Ed and Lena Burial (one of Muck’s boys) — Funeral referenced as occurring the same day as church Objects / Items Montgomery Ward Co Catalogue — Catalogue obtained by Strebs Bordwell Scale — Scale purchased with agreement to pay $40 and to be put up again 20 one-year-old steers — Livestock bought from Sable at $12.50 each Loads of sawdust / hay / ice — Material goods referenced in hauling and farm work
Annotation: Glossary
Bottom — Low-lying land along a river or creek (bottomland). In the diary "went down on the Bottom" means they went to that low-lying area of the farm or valley where work or hauling was done. Bordwell Scale — A weighing scale (likely a maker's or owner's name). The writer bought this for $40 to put up again, so it refers to a farm or commercial scale used to weigh produce or stock. Montgomery Ward Co Catalogue — A mail-order catalogue published by Montgomery Ward. Here it is a household item obtained by "Strebs," indicating reference material for buying goods by mail. Steers — Castrated male cattle raised for beef or work. The entry "20 1 year old Steers" records the purchase of young cattle priced per head. Shelled (corn) — Corn kernels removed from the cob. "We ground and shelled 16th of corn" means they prepared and removed kernels from that amount of corn for use or sale. Loads — Wagon loads; a unit of transport/measure on a farm. "7 loads" and "making 15 loads in all" count the number of wagonfuls handled that day. Sawdust — Wood waste from sawing timber. Used on farms for bedding, fuel, or filling; the diarist and Julius went for "two loads of Sawdust," meaning they hauled it home. 13/1 — A diary-style price notation for money paid. In this entry it records the amount paid for a log; the writer uses a compact fraction-like form for the sum (the exact currency division is not further explained in the text). Grand gate — A place or entrance in town where people gathered (likely a local landmark or public spot). The writer "stopped at the Grand gate" because there was a crowd in town that day. Oyster Supper — A communal meal featuring oysters. The writer attended one at Ed and Lena's; such suppers were social gatherings and are noted here as an evening entertainment.
Diary 1896 022.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
March 16 Very nice day again to day John come up and we trimmed five Shoats that was left after dinner we shelled and ground 50 lbs of Corn Will Hable was here and wanted to buy a veal calf but did not buy any I was up to Eric awhile this evening 17 I went to town this morning after I done my chores and Settled with Gable for the steers Herman bring was here awhile Cornelius and Dan went to the dance in town March 18th I was up to Eric awhile this forenoon and Julies went to town Strube was over awhile after dinner cold northwester wind 19 I started out to buy steers but did not buy more than two from Mrs Ratske for 53 dollars Julies bought one of wealt for 22 Ed. E. was up this evening 20. we Shelled and ground 60 bu of Corn before noon, south wind again to day I had a small runaway this morning did not damage anything to w
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People John — Visitor mentioned on March 16 Will Hable — Person who wanted to buy a veal calf Eric — Person visited several times Gable — Person with whom settlement was made for steers Herman Bring — Visitor mentioned in settlement context Cornelius — Person who went to a dance Dan — Person who went to a dance Julies — Person who went to town and bought a steer/veal Mrs. Ratske — Seller of steers Ed. E. — Visitor mentioned on March 19 Places Town — Local town visited multiple times and site of a dance Events Dance in town — Social event attended by Cornelius and Dan Objects & Agricultural Items Shoats — Young pigs trimmed on March 16 Veal calf — Animal offered for sale by Will Hable Steers — Animals bought and settled for with Gable Corn — Shelling and grinding quantities recorded (50 lbs, 60 bu) Runaway — Small runaway incident mentioned on March 20 Dates March 16 — Entry noting visitors, shoats, and 50 lbs of corn shelled March 17 — Entry noting settlement with Gable and town activities March 18 — Entry noting visits to Eric and town; cold northwester wind March 19 — Entry noting purchase of two steers from Mrs. Ratske March 20 — Entry noting shelling/grinding 60 bu of corn and a small runaway
Annotation: Glossary
Shoats — Young pigs, especially weaned piglets; here “five Shoats” means five young pigs the household was handling (likely for butchering or sale). Trimmed — In this rural, 19th/early-20th‑century farming context, “trimmed” most likely means dressed or butchered (prepared for meat) rather than merely groomed—so “we trimmed five shoats” indicates they slaughtered and prepared five young pigs. Shelled — Removed the kernels from ears of corn (shelling); used here with “ground” to describe processing corn into meal or feed—“shelled and ground 50 lbs of corn.” Ground — Milled (the shelled corn was put through a mill or grinder) to make coarse meal or feed; paired with “shelled” to describe the full process from ear to meal. Veal calf — A young calf raised for veal (meat). The entry shows a neighbor inquiring about buying one but not purchasing it. Steers — Castrated male cattle raised for beef or draft; buying and settling accounts for “steers” indicates livestock transactions. Settled (with X) — Paid accounts or finalized a financial transaction with someone—“settled with Gable for the steers” means the writer paid or balanced accounts for the cattle purchased or delivered. bu (bushel) — Abbreviation for bushel, a unit of dry volume used for grain. “60 bu of Corn” means sixty bushels of corn. Runaway — Refers to livestock or a team/wagon running loose or bolting. “I had a small runaway” indicates an animal or team broke loose unexpectedly; the note that nothing was damaged confirms it was a minor incident.
Diary 1896 023.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
March 21 I got ready to go up the creek to day went up town and stopped until eve and I drove up to Marthies place very cold north west wind freezing up again I was in and seen Trans Nelson about getting some money to buy Cattle with he said all right 22 quiet a snow storm again to day about 8 1/2 of snow fell I and Jacob and Villa went over to Sydney on a little visit found them all to home 23 I went down to buy John Nelson steers but they were sold Mar 23 and I got ready and started for home Villa went along as far as town She stopped at Aung Jos as I came on home and this Eve I went along with Ed and Lou up to Gilberts 24 I took the Shoes from the Horses this morning after dinner I went down after my two steers got them home all night went up to hans this evening 25 Ed came down this morning we ground about 14 bu of corn for Ed Miller Hauled two loads of corn down
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Marthies — Resident at "Marthies place" visited by the diarist Trans Nelson — Person spoken with about obtaining money to buy cattle John Nelson — Person who owned steers the diarist attempted to buy Jacob — Companion who went with the diarist to Sydney Villa — Companion who traveled with the diarist part of the way Ed — Companion who visited and traveled with the diarist Lou — Companion who accompanied Ed and the diarist to Gilbert's Hans — Person or place visited in the evening ("went up to hans") Ed Miller — Individual who hauled two loads of corn (rendered as "Miller" in the text) Aung Jos — Named place or person where Villa stopped ("stopped at Aung Jos") Places The creek — Local creek the diarist prepared to go up Town — Local town the diarist visited and stopped at Marthies place — Residence visited by the diarist Sydney — Place visited on a short trip Gilbert's — Location visited in the evening with Ed and Lou Aung Jos — Stop where Villa stayed (presented as a place) Objects & Animals Cattle — Animals intended to be purchased with money Steers — Two steers the diarist bought and brought home Shoes (for horses) — Horse shoes removed by the diarist Corn — About 14 bushels ground for Ed; two loads hauled by Miller Dates March 21 — Date of preparing to go up the creek and visiting Marthies March 22 — Date of a snow storm and trip to Sydney March 23 — Date of attempted purchase of John Nelson's steers and starting for home March 24 — Date of taking shoes from horses and bringing two steers home March 25 — Date of grinding corn and Miller hauling two loads
Annotation: Glossary
creek — In this diary, “creek” denotes a small stream or waterway near the writer’s settlement; “went up the creek” means traveling along or upriver on that local watercourse. drove (up to Marthies place) — Past tense of “drive,” here used to mean traveling by horse or wagon to visit someone’s home (Marthie’s place), not driving a motor vehicle. freezing up — Describes water bodies or the ground becoming frozen; in the entry it indicates cold weather causing ice to form again, affecting travel and work. Trans (Nelson) — Written abbreviation found in the source before a surname. The exact meaning is unclear in the text; it appears to mark a role, title, or shorthand used by the diarist when referring to Nelson. In context it relates to a conversation about getting money to buy cattle. steers — Castrated male cattle raised for beef or draft; the writer attempts to buy steers from John Nelson and later mentions getting two steers home—animals rather than machinery. bu (14 bu of corn) — Abbreviation for “bushels,” a unit of dry volume commonly used for grain. “14 bu” here means fourteen bushels of corn. ground (about 14 bu of corn) — Used as a verb meaning to mill or grind grain into meal or flour; the writer and Jacob/Villa “ground” corn, i.e., processed it at a mill or with a hand/animal-powered grinder. hauled — Past tense of “haul,” meaning to transport heavy loads by wagon or cart; “Miller hauled two loads of corn down” describes moving harvest or supplies by wagon. Eve — Short for “evening”; the diarist uses “eve” to indicate events that happened later in the day or at nightfall. Aung Jos / Hans / Villa — Proper names as written in the source. They appear to be personal or place names (Aung Jos likely a house or person where Villa stopped; Hans and Villa are people the writer visited). Spellings reflect the diarist’s usage and may be idiosyncratic.
Diary 1896 024.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
March 25 Ed and I went up town after the Scales the Boys went up to the Show to night 26 Gilbert hauled a load of corn down for Miller which was his last load making in all 182 bu. We grown 90 bu. of corn to day Schafenburg was here to buy them too Sters but could not make a deal We all went to the Show 27 I went over to Schazey this morning after dinner I ground 23 bu of corn heavy Shower of rain this evening with some Hail Mar 28th We cleaned about 55 bu of Wheat this forenoon very raw day again to day I went to the show this evening cleared of and bright and nice 29. I went to town this forenoon and Mother went along up Tilla and Anga came along down nice day Ed and Lena was here this evening 30 We Hauled 5 loads of Hay down to day I went up and got the Seeder from Sam must of the folks went to the Show
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Ed — Person mentioned as accompanying the writer Gilbert — Individual who hauled a load of corn Miller — Person for whom corn was hauled Schafenburg — Individual who attempted to buy “Sters” Schazey — Person visited by the writer Mother — The writer’s mother, who went to town Tilla — Person who came along to town Anga — Person who came along to town Lena — Visitor who was at the writer’s home Sam — Person who owned the seeder (referred to as “Sam must” in transcription) Dates March 25 — Date of entries describing going uptown and the show March 26 — Date when Gilbert hauled the last load of corn March 27 — Date including grinding corn and a heavy shower with hail March 28 — Date when about 55 bushels of wheat were cleaned March 29 — Date including a trip to town and visitors March 30 — Date when five loads of hay were hauled and the seeder was fetched Places Town — Destination repeatedly visited (referred to as “up town”) Events The Show — Evening entertainment or public fair repeatedly attended Heavy shower with hail — Weather event noted on March 27 Crops and Produce Corn — Crop harvested and measured in bushels (total and daily amounts given) Wheat — Crop cleaned (about 55 bushels noted) Hay — Product hauled in five loads on March 30 Objects and Implements Scales — Instrument mentioned in relation to going uptown Seeder — Piece of agricultural equipment fetched from Sam
Annotation: Glossary
bu. — Abbreviation for "bushel," a historical unit of dry volume used for grain; in the source it records amounts of corn and wheat (for example "182 bu." means 182 bushels). load — A quantity of goods carried by a wagon or cart; in this diary "a load of corn" or "5 loads of Hay" indicates the number of wagonfuls transported rather than a precise weight. hauled — Past tense of "haul," meaning to move goods by wagon or cart; here it describes taking corn or hay down (likely to market or barn). Scales — Likely a reference to a weighing place or scale used in town to weigh grain for sale; in the entry "went up town after the Scales" the writer probably collected or returned a set of scales or retrieved goods after weighing. Show — Short for a fair, exhibition, or public entertainment common in 19th/early 20th‑century rural life; the repeated "went to the Show" entries record attendance at such an event or gathering. Sters (likely "steers") — Probably a phonetic or misspelled form of "steers," meaning castrated male cattle raised for beef; "buy them too Sters" indicates an attempted purchase of cattle. Seeder — A farming implement for sowing seed (often a seed drill); "I went up and got the Seeder" means the writer fetched that machine, presumably to plant grain. cleared off (written "cleared of") — A weather phrase meaning the sky cleared and became bright; in the diary "cleared of and bright and nice" describes an improvement in conditions that evening. heavy Shower of rain with some Hail — Though ordinary words today, in agrarian entries this phrase signals weather that could damage crops; the writer records a heavy rain and hailstorm affecting their corn‑grinding day. most (written "must") — A likely transcription error where "must of the folks" should read "most of the folks," meaning the majority; context shows many people went to the show.
Diary 1896 025.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
March 21 Raw Rainy day turning to Snow and and a quite a blizzard Struter was over and wanted to trade Horses he took Flora in trial April 1st I ground about 20 bu of Corn this morning Julies took the rest of the meal down to Erdenberger to smoke Miller was here and I paid him Check for 2730 for 182 bu of Corn After dinner Julius and I went to town on business snow Thawing some March 2nd We Shelled and ground 20 bu of Corn to day. I sold Sam Schager One Harrow for three Dollars to be taken out of the Corn he is to Haul down here I was up to Erie this Evening 3 I went to town and got a load of Brick 500 Brick 1 gal paint 166l lime after dinner I went to work with the Cave for the Scale Erdenberger boys was here a while very nice day 4th I sowed the Wheat this morning about 22 Acres the Boys Shelled and ground 60 bu Corn After dinner I went up and got 300 Bred
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Struter — Neighbor or trader who visited to trade horses Julius — Household member who transported meal and went to town; also spelled "Julies" in the transcript Miller — Individual paid for corn (received check); likely a miller Sam Schager — Buyer of a harrow Erdenberger — Person referenced in connection with taking meal and with "Erdenberger boys" Erdenberger boys — Group of youths or workers who visited briefly Places Erie — Town visited in the evening; place where the narrator went Town — Local town referenced repeatedly as destination for errands and business Animals / Specific Objects Flora — Horse taken "in trial" by Struter One Harrow — Farm implement sold to Sam Schager Scale — Equipment worked on with "the Cave" (likely a name or term in the transcript) Brick (500 Brick) — Building material purchased and transported 1 gal paint — Paint purchased 166 l lime — Lime purchased 300 Bred — Item obtained (transcription reads "300 Bred") Commodities / Quantities Corn — Multiple entries for bushels shelled, ground, sold and paid for (e.g., 20 bu, 60 bu, 182 bu) Meal — Remaining meal taken down to Erdenberger Dates / Temporal References March 21 — Date of stormy weather and Struter's visit April 1st — Date when 20 bu of corn were ground and business trips occurred March 2nd — Date when 20 bu of corn were shelled and ground and a harrow was sold March 3 — Date when bricks and materials were obtained and work done on the scale March 4th — Date when wheat was sown (about 22 acres) and 60 bu of corn processed
Annotation: Glossary
Raw — In 19th‑century weather usage, "raw" describes cold, damp, and piercing conditions; here it characterizes the rainy, then snowy day. Bushel (bu.) — A unit of dry volume commonly used for grain (one U.S. bushel ≈ 35.24 liters). The diary's "20 bu of Corn" means twenty bushels of corn. Meal — Coarsely ground grain used for food (cornmeal). In the entry "the rest of the meal," it refers to the portion of ground corn left after some had been ground earlier. Shelled — To remove the kernels from the cob (corn). "Shelled and ground" indicates the grain was first removed from the ears, then milled into meal. Ground — Processed by a mill into meal or flour. Used here for turning shelled corn into cornmeal. Harrow — An agricultural implement for breaking up and smoothing soil after plowing. The writer sold "One Harrow" — a piece of farm equipment. To be taken out of the Corn — Payment in kind: instead of cash, the buyer's payment will be deducted from a supply of corn. In trial (re: a horse) — A temporary trial or test period when a prospective buyer borrows or rides a horse ("he took Flora in trial") before deciding to purchase or trade. Blizzard — A severe snowstorm with strong winds. The writer's "quite a blizzard" notes sudden, heavy winter weather. Thawing — The process of ice or snow melting when temperatures rise; "snow thawing" signals a change to warmer weather. Check — A written order for payment from a bank account. The entry "paid him Check for 2730 for 182 bu of Corn" records a payment made by check for a specified quantity of corn. Scale — A weighing device used to measure grain, produce, or goods for sale. "Work with the Cave for the Scale" likely refers to work related to the weighing apparatus (see note: "Cave" in the manuscript may be a variant or misspelling of a workshop, caveat, or another local term; the function "for the Scale" is a weighing context). Lime (166l or 166 lb) — Calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide used in building (mortar) and agriculture. The notation "166l lime" in the inventory likely records a quantity of lime (possibly 166 pounds). Sowed — Planted seed by scattering it on or in the soil; "sowed the Wheat" means he planted wheat over the recorded acreage. Haul — To transport goods by cart or wagon. "He is to Haul down here" means the purchaser will bring or carry the agreed goods to the writer's place. Bred — A word in the manuscript that may reflect "bred," "bread," or a variant spelling (context unclear). The line "got 300 Bred" most likely records a quantity of an item received (possibly 300 brick, 300 bread loaves, or 300 head of young stock); the precise meaning is uncertain from this excerpt.
Diary 1896 026.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
March 5 another rain this morning but cleared up towards noon Ed and Lena were here to day Till Auga and I went up to Hans this Evening 6th the Boys Started the wheat in got through one way Martin Eric drove my team I and Hans went over to Brennig Sah but Could not buy anything reasonable Ed Hauled down 26 lbs Corn 7th We Cultivated second way until noon when it started to rain rain all afternoon 8 Erdenberger boys came up and we laid the foundation for the Scale April 8 Hans was here and he got the Oats I borrowed of him last fall 9 We ground and shelled 40 lbs Corn and after dinner we Cultivated the rest of the wheat in Hannah and Lars came down this Evening from Yankton 10 the Boys is dragging the wheat to day Louis Erdenberger was here and got 45 lbs of wheat for seed I and Han cleaned about 80 lbs of seed Oats and ground 80 lbs of Corn finished up the wheat to day
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Ed — Person who visited and hauled corn Lena — Visitor with Ed Auga — Companion who went up to Hans Hans — Person visited and lender of oats Martin Eric — Driver of the team Erdenberger boys — Group who helped lay foundation Louis Erdenberger — Individual who received wheat for seed Hannah — Visitor from Yankton Lars — Visitor from Yankton Places Yankton — Place from which Hannah and Lars came Brennig Sah — Place visited when attempting to buy supplies (as transcribed) Dates / Events March 5 — Rain in the morning; visits and outing to Hans March 6 — Boys started the wheat in; trip to Brennig Sah March 7 — Second cultivation; rain in afternoon March 8 — Erdenberger boys came; laid foundation for the scale April 8 — Hans visited and returned oats borrowed last fall April 9 — Ground and shelled corn; cultivated wheat; Hannah and Lars arrived from Yankton April 10 — Dragging wheat; Louis Erdenberger received seed wheat; cleaned oats and ground corn; finished wheat Objects / Agricultural items Wheat — Cultivated, dragged, and used for seed Corn — Ground, shelled, and hauled (26 lbs) Oats — Borrowed, cleaned, and used as seed Scale — Foundation laid for a scale
Annotation: Glossary
Started the wheat in / wheat in — Refers to sowing or planting the wheat seed in the field. In the diary "the Boys Started the wheat in" means they began sowing the wheat that day (likely by hand or with a seed drill). Cultivated / Cultivating — To hoe or work the soil around growing crops to remove weeds and loosen the earth. Here it describes working the wheat rows (and later “the rest of the wheat”) between other tasks and weather interruptions. Dragged the wheat — Dragging a field often means pulling a harrow or drag to cover seed, level the ground, or break clods. "The Boys is dragging the wheat" indicates they were smoothing or covering the planted wheat. Team — A team of draft animals (horses or oxen) hitched together to pull a plow, wagon, or other farm implements. "Martin Eric drove my team" means he drove the farm animals used for field work. Ground (Corn) — To grind grain into meal or feed using a hand or mechanical mill. "We ground ... 40 lbs Corn" means they milled corn into meal or feed. Shelled (Corn) — Removing the kernels from the cob. In "ground and shelled 40 lbs Corn" they first removed kernels from cobs and then ground them. Seed Oats — Oats saved specifically for sowing the next crop season, selected and cleaned. "Cleaned about 80 lbs of seed Oats" means they prepared eighty pounds of oats to be used as seed. Hauled down — To transport from a storage place or outbuilding to another location, often by wagon. "Ed Hauled down 26 lbs Corn" indicates Ed moved 26 pounds of corn down (to the house, mill, or barn) for use or processing. Scale (foundation for the Scale) — An apparatus or platform used for weighing produce, animals, or goods. Laying the foundation for the scale means they built the base to support a weighing platform, likely for farm produce.
Diary 1896 027.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
April 11 I was working on the Scale this forenoon and after dinner I went to town took along 120 Brick and brought back 64 ft Fencing @ 18 per M, had quite a rain to day Will Sullivan was here this evening rained all night getting Well The Boys Shelled and Ground 35 lb Corn 12th Raining to day also making lots of mud Hans Schager was here to day 13th I started to work with the Scale again to day I got it all to gather and made the sides for the Rack Julius Hauled One load Hay and I one he was down to see Rebbs for their seeder 14 Julius went after the seeder and started to sow Oats about 10 oclock Cornelius sowed after dinner and Oscar Julius and Dan is Cultivating I went along with Ed to town to get some stuff for the Scale got it nearly Complete 15 I and Cornelius farmed about 25 lb of Oats this forenoon got done sowing we weighed the Gable Cattle up after dinner the weig had 1231 1/2 lbs per head I went up town after dinner to make some settlements with him but could not agree on them I ordered a 16 m Walking Plow from Morris and Gould 7/6
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Will Sullivan — visitor mentioned as being here this evening Hans Schager — person who visited on the 12th Julius — worker who hauled hay, fetched a seeder, and cultivated Cornelius — worker who sowed after dinner and farmed oats Oscar — worker involved in cultivating Dan — worker involved in cultivating Ed — accompanied the narrator to town for scale supplies Rebbs — individuals the narrator refers to regarding a seeder Organizations / Firms Morris and Gould — firm from which a 16 m walking plow was ordered Places Town — local town the narrator visited for supplies and settlements Objects / Implements / Livestock Scale — weighing apparatus the narrator worked on and completed 16 m Walking Plow — plow ordered from Morris and Gould Seeder — agricultural seeder fetched and used to sow oats Brick — 120 bricks taken to town Fencing — 64 ft of fencing brought back at 18 per M Gable Cattle — cattle weighed, average 1231½ lbs per head Dates April 11 — entry noting scale work, brick transport, fencing, rain April 12 — entry noting continued rain and Hans Schager's visit April 13 — entry noting continued work on the scale and rack sides; Julius hauled hay April 14 — entry noting seeder use, sowing oats, and town trip for scale parts April 15 — entry noting sowing oats, weighing cattle, and ordering a plow
Annotation: Glossary
Forenoon — The morning portion of the day, before noon; here it indicates the writer's work done in the morning. Scale — A weighing scale or balance used to weigh goods or animals; the writer is setting up and repairing the scale for farm measurements. Brick — Individual building bricks; the writer transported 120 bricks to town and brought back fencing material. Fencing @ 18 per M — Fencing sold at “18 per M,” where “per M” denotes “per thousand” (M = mille); a pricing notation meaning 18 (currency units) per 1,000 linear units or pieces of fencing as used in the entry. Shelled — Removed the outer husks or pods from corn (shelling corn); the boys removed the ears from the cobs. Ground — Crushed or milled into meal or smaller particles; here it refers to corn that has been ground into meal or feed. Seeder — A machine or implement for planting seed in rows; Julius went to fetch the seeder to sow oats. Sowed — Planted seed in the ground; used here of sowing oats in a field. Cultivating — Working the soil around growing crops to control weeds and aerate the soil; Oscar, Julius, and Dan were doing this to the corn. Weighed the Gable Cattle up — “Gable Cattle” appears as the named group or pen of cattle being weighed; “weighed up” means each animal was put on the scale to record its weight (1231½ lbs per head as given). Per head — A unit price or measurement per animal; here used to indicate the average weight of each head of cattle. Walking Plow — A type of plow designed to be operated by a person walking behind it (as opposed to a mounted or riding plow); the writer ordered a 16-inch (16 m may indicate size) walking plow. 7/6 — A price written in old currency notation meaning seven shillings and six pence (7s 6d); used here to record the cost quoted by Morris and Gould.
Diary 1896 028.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
April 16 the Boys started our ways on the Oats this morning and I started to dray we got along pretty well until about 15 o'clk when we had to stop to Shell and Frank Julius went after a load of Hay Dan and Gert went over to Jens to night 17 Well we got some more rain last night and plenty to day I took some of the tools down to Erdenberger but I had Borrowed Cane along with Hans Back Julius and I Cleaned 25 acres of Wheat more which we were intending to sow if we can April 18 I went to town this morning to see about Shipping Orderd Car for Monday we got our Fruit trees to day finished Cultivating the Oats got some dragging to do yet little wet 19 I was home all day to day in the evening we weighed up the steers and got them sorted out ready for morning Hans Schager and wife was here this evening 20 We Started of with the Cattle this morning they drove up all right I sold James Conway my live Radha steer for 65 dollars
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Frank — laborer who went after a load of hay Julius — laborer who worked on fields and helped clean wheat Dan — individual who went over to Jens Gert — individual who went over to Jens Jens — neighbor or nearby person/place visited by Dan and Gert Erdenberger — person or business to whom tools were taken Cane — item or person borrowed (referred to as "Borrowed Cane" in the entry) Hans Back — person who aided with work James Conway — buyer of the writer's "live Radha steer" Hans Schager — visitor who came with his wife Hans Schager's wife — accompanied Hans Schager as a visitor The Boys — group of workers who started work on the oats
Annotation: Glossary
ways (on the Oats) — In this farming context "ways" means the work or operations being carried out on the oat field (i.e., the day's tasks or routine for tending the oats). dray — A low, flat cart or wagon used for heavy loads; "started to dray" means he began hauling with a dray (often pulled by horses). Shell (to Shell) — To remove husks or outer coverings from grain; here it likely refers to threshing or shelling oats to separate grain from the chaff. 15 o'clk — Abbreviation for "15 o'clock," meaning 3:00 PM (24‑hour notation used informally in the diary). Took some of the tools down to Erdenberger — "Erdenberger" appears to be a personal or place name; the phrase means he delivered or returned tools to someone or someplace called Erdenberger. Borrowed Cane — In the transcript this reads as a proper name ("Cane") or an item described as borrowed; the safest reading is that "Cane" is a person who accompanied him, or alternatively a borrowed implement called a cane — the text is ambiguous but the line indicates something/someone borrowed was with him. Cleaned (25 acres of wheat) — On farms, "cleaned" often means removing weeds, stones, or volunteer grain, or otherwise preparing the field; here it denotes agricultural work done on 25 acres of wheat (not "cleaning" in a domestic sense). Shipping Orderd Car — An order for a shipping car (rail freight car) — the writer went to town to arrange a car for shipment, using the older abbreviated spelling "Orderd." Fruit trees (we got our fruit trees) — Receiving and planting nursery trees was a notable farm event; the phrase simply records delivery of young fruit trees to be set out. Dragging — Agricultural dragging means pulling a drag (harrow or smoothing implement) over a field to break clods, level soil, or cover seed — "got some dragging to do yet" refers to that work. Weighed up the steers — "Steers" are castrated male cattle raised for beef. "Weighed up" means they were weighed to determine weight for sale, feed calculation, or sorting. Sorted out (the steers) — To separate animals by size, age, intended purpose, or purchaser; preparing them "ready for morning" indicates arranging them for transport or sale. live Radha steer — "Steer" is a castrated male bovine offered for sale. The adjective "Radha" in the manuscript is unclear (possibly a name, a misspelling, or a descriptive term such as a color or breed). In this entry it functions as a descriptor of the particular steer sold for $65. to night / to day (spelling) — Spacing in words like "to night" and "to day" reflects 19th/early 20th‑century informal spelling conventions in personal diaries rather than a different meaning.
Diary 1896 029.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
21st the Boys finished the Oats to day and started to sow the hill on merrills Place to Wheat I got in Clinton about 12 oclock and loaded out at 9 in the evening Oscar took the two Steers up 22 got to Chicago 4 20 this morning had good luck all the way down Cattle sold out at 3 80/100 for 18 and 3.60 for One weighed 1335 lbs very dull market 23 Raining nearly all day to day I took in the Ringling Bros Show I thought it was pretty good rain again to night the Boys started to Place for Corn April 24 I got my Pass fixed and done my Buying and took a trip over to the Stock Yard's found the Market a little stronger I started for home 6 oclock train 25 got to Sioux City about 9 20 this morning went home in the after noon Brian got home to night 26 was home all day Hans Ed and Rob Koch was here was up to Erie awhile to night 27 I went to town this morning Settled my Cattle Deal With Gable by him giving me 25 dollars to let him off
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Oscar — individual who took the two steers Brian — person who returned home that night Hans — visitor present at home Ed — visitor present at home Rob Koch — visitor present at home Gable — business associate involved in a cattle deal Places Merrill's Place — location where hill was sown to wheat Clinton — place reached about 12 o'clock Chicago — city arrived at on the 22nd Stock Yards — market area visited during buying trip Sioux City — city reached about 9:20 Erie — place visited briefly at night Organizations / Events Ringling Bros Show — traveling performance attended on the 23rd Other notable objects Steers — two animals taken by Oscar Cattle — animals sold at market (prices noted)
Annotation: Glossary
Merrills Place — Refers to a specific farm or property owned or occupied by someone named Merrill; "Place" is a 19th/early-20th-century rural usage meaning a homestead or farm, so "Merrills Place" here is the field where wheat is sown. Sow the hill — "Hill" here means a small plot, ridge, or raised area of land (not a literal hill); to "sow the hill" means to plant seed (wheat) on that particular plot. Steers — Castrated male cattle raised for beef; in the diary they are being driven or moved ("took the two Steers up") and later sold at market. 3 80/100 — Old-style price notation meaning 3.80 dollars (three dollars and eighty cents); used here to give the sale price received for cattle. Dull market — A term meaning little buying interest or weak trading; here it describes low demand or sluggish sales conditions for cattle at the stockyards. Ringling Bros Show — The Ringling Brothers' circus; a traveling entertainment troupe. In the entry it denotes the writer attended the circus performance. Pass — Likely a rail or travel pass permitting travel without buying a ticket; "got my Pass fixed" means the writer arranged or renewed travel permission or credentials before journeying. Stock Yard's / Stockyards — Livestock market and associated enclosures where animals are bought and sold; visiting the "Stock Yard's" means checking livestock prices and conditions. Settled my Cattle Deal — "Settled" means concluded or resolved a business transaction; in context the writer completed a cattle sale or agreement, receiving payment or terms to finalize the deal. Let him off — An idiom meaning to release someone from an obligation or liability; here Gable gave $25 to be released from whatever obligation or claim related to the cattle deal.
Diary 1896 030.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
April 27 I bought two steers from Sickty for £30 Paid him £15 Bal when I take the Steers Description One Black with Horns weight about 450 lbs One Red with Horns weight about 450 lbs I also Paid a liability for note on feed mill & it is another Rainy day to day 29th I Hauled down a small load of Hay when it started to rain again I went to town after dinner and I paid Eds Acct of Sulley and Co. and settled up with April 29th State Bank on the steers I got of Gable I also paid out personal tax and paid E Barckwell £25 on the scale 30 I went down and commenced to haul the straw out Burand part of it very nice day again May 1st rained nearly all last night so it is getting pretty Yard nice worked after dinner I took the scale platform up and found one of the timbers Brk
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Sickty — Seller of two steers (paid £30, £15 balance) Gable — Person from whom steers were obtained (referenced with State Bank) E Barckwell — Recipient of £25 payment on the scale Ed — Person referenced in "Eds Acct" (payment made after going to town) Organizations Sulley and Co. — Company referenced in "Eds Acct of Sulley and Co." State Bank — Bank referenced in connection with the steers (April 29) Places Town — Destination after dinner where payments were made Yard — Work site mentioned on May 1 ("Yard nice worked") Events / Dates April 27 — Date of purchase of two steers and payment activity April 29 — Date hauling hay, rain, town visit, and State Bank reference April 30 — Date commenced hauling straw May 1 — Date of rain overnight and work on scale platform Objects / Other notable items Two steers — One black with horns (≈450 lbs) and one red with horns (≈450 lbs) Feed mill — Liability paid for a note on the feed mill Hay — Small load hauled on April 29 Straw — Commenced hauling out on April 30 Scale / scale platform — Platform taken up May 1; timber found broken Timbers — One timber found broken in the scale platform
Annotation: Glossary
Steers — Castrated male cattle raised for beef. In this transcript the writer records buying two steers, noting color, horns, and approximate weight (about 450 lbs each). Sickty — Likely a personal or family name (seller). Proper names in old manuscripts can have variant spellings; here it designates the person from whom the steers were purchased. £ (Pounds) — Symbol for pounds sterling or a monetary unit. The transcript uses "£30" and "£15" to record purchase price and partial payment. Bal (Balance) — Abbreviation for "balance," meaning the remaining amount owed. The entry "Paid him £15 Bal when I take the Steers" indicates £15 was paid now and the remaining balance due upon taking possession. Note (on feed mill) — A written promissory note or debt instrument. "Liability for note on feed mill" means the writer was responsible for a debt secured by or made for the purchase or operation of a feed mill. Liability — A financial obligation or debt. Used here to indicate the writer paid an outstanding debt associated with a note. Hauled / Haul — To transport by cart, wagon, or vehicle. The writer "hauled down a small load of Hay" and "commenced to haul the straw," indicating manual or team-powered transport of farm goods. Sulley and Co. — The name of a business or firm to which the writer paid an account. Such merchant or supply firms commonly appear in farm ledgers and diaries. State Bank — A regional banking institution. "Paid ... State Bank on the steers" indicates a payment made toward a bank loan or account related to the steer purchase. Personal tax — A tax assessed on an individual, often on personal property or poll tax in historical records. The writer notes paying personal tax as an ordinary civic or fiscal obligation. E Barckwell / Gable — Proper names (individuals). E Barckwell appears as a payee ("paid E Barckwell £25 on the scale"), and Gable is referenced in connection with steers bought from him. Such names identify people the writer transacted with. Scale / Scale platform — A weighbridge or farm scale used to weigh animals, hay, or crop loads. The "scale platform" is the timbered deck where items or animals are placed to be weighed; the writer removed the platform and found a timber broken ("Brk"). Timbers Brk (Brk = broke) — Structural wooden beams or posts. "Brk" is an abbreviation for "broken," indicating damage to a timber in the scale platform. Feed mill — A facility or machine used to grind grain and mix feed for livestock. The note on a feed mill suggests the farm had financial dealings related to purchasing or using such equipment.
Diary 1896 031.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
May 2 I finished my straw hauling and the Boys finished plowing down on the lower field after dinner we shelled and ground 10000 of corn had quite a shower of Hart this evening 3 I took the folks up to Church after dinner we had quite a game of Ball 4 I started to Break Corn Stalks over & across the Creek and the Boys commenced to pan I got done with my Job May 5 I was working up in the mules place to day I also went to town and got the stuff for the scull and 25 lbs Staples Burl Peterson was here and wanted to get our Cattle to herd 6 very windy to day 7 commenced to drag down on the lower field this Afternoon the Boys finished Plowing up in the Eighty to day 8 I was dragging this forenoon and after dinner I went to town to get my Furniture
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Burl Peterson — individual who visited and asked to get cattle to herd the Boys — group of workers or family members referenced throughout the entries I — first-person narrator/author of the entries Places lower field — area of the farm where plowing and dragging occurred the mules place — location on the farm associated with mule work the Creek — watercourse crossed when breaking corn stalks town — nearby town visited for supplies and furniture the Eighty — portion of land referred to as "Eighty" where plowing was finished Events / Calendar May — month during which the recorded farm activities took place (entries dated 2–8) Objects & Animals corn — crop shelled and ground (10,000 units noted) Corn Stalks — stalks being broken over and across the creek scull — supplies purchased in town (item for which "stuff" was bought) 25 lbs Staples — quantity of staples purchased Furniture — household furniture obtained in town Cattle — animals Burl Peterson requested to herd Ball — game played after dinner Church — religious service attended by the family Weather / Miscellaneous shower of Hart — evening weather event recorded on May 2 (transcribed as "Hart")
Annotation: Glossary
Straw hauling — Hauling bundles of straw from the field to a barn or stack; here it means the transported straw after threshing or harvesting, a routine farm chore. Shelled (corn) — Removing kernels from the corn cobs (shelling) so the grain can be stored or processed; in the entry it pairs with "ground," indicating the corn kernels were then milled. Ground (corn) — Crushed or milled into meal or grits using a hand or millstone; the writer reports both shelling and grinding daily farm processing of harvested corn. Shower of Hart — Ambiguous phrase in the text. "Hart" is an old word for a stag (male deer), but that makes little sense as a weather event; it is likely a transcription of "hail" or "hard" (a hard shower). Read here as a brief, possibly heavy rain or hail shower that occurred that evening. Took the folks up to Church — "Took the folks" is colloquial 19th‑century phrasing meaning he transported family or neighbors to religious services; "folks" simply means the people he lived with or accompanied. Game of Ball — A recreational game of ball (baseball, rounders, or a local bat‑and‑ball game common in rural communities); indicates leisure activity after dinner. Break Corn Stalks — To break down or cut down corn stalks, often to prepare fields for plowing, grazing, or to clear the crop residue; here done "over & across the creek," describing the location of the work. Pan (the Boys commenced to pan) — Likely a transcription of an agricultural verb such as "plant" or "span," but read as "pan" could mean to pan soil or loosen it with a tool. In context it most likely denotes a labor task the boys began after the writer broke stalks; the precise action is unclear from the manuscript. Mules place — The animal enclosure, stall, or yard where the mules are kept or worked; "working up in the mules place" means doing chores associated with the mules (harnessing, feeding, or maintenance). Scull — An uncertain transcription. "Scull" can mean an oar or a small boat's single oar, or less commonly kitchen utensil; given the paired purchase of "25 lbs Staples" and a trip to town, it likely refers to some household or farm implement or container the writer was buying parts for. The exact object is unclear in the source. 25 lbs Staples — Small manufactured metal fasteners or basic supplies purchased by weight; historically "staples" could also mean essential goods. Here it most likely means a bulk purchase of metal staples or general staple supplies for farm or household use. Burl Peterson was here and wanted to get our Cattle to herd — "To herd" means to have the cattle looked after or driven elsewhere; the phrase records a neighbor's request to take responsibility for the writer's cattle—an ordinary rural arrangement. Drag/Dragging (down on the lower field) — To drag a harrow or drag‑bar over a field to smooth soil, break clods, or cover seed; "dragging down" indicates field preparation or finishing work on the lower field. The Eighty — A named parcel of land, likely an "eighty" meaning an eighty‑acre field (a common way to refer to fields by size). "Plowing up in the Eighty" means they were plowing in that particular eighty‑acre field. Furniture — Household furnishings or personal movable goods; in this entry the writer went to town "to get my Furniture," i.e., to collect or purchase household items.
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Transcription: ATR-1
May 7 I also got 10 Rods of Chick sow. Wm & I draged this forenoon and after dinner Ealenberger helped us and turned and Brandt the Cattle Paid him 1.24 for his work and 4 1/2 lbs Potatoes 9 I commenced to plow corn this morning Planted about 40 acres to day we ground 50 ac of corn after dinner 10 Tilla and I went up the Creek to day had a nice little shower if rain this evening May 11 I was planting to day until it commenced to rain Planted 12 acres Nels Anderson left a load of fat Cattle there to night the Assessor was here to day and also Harry Lickty I paid the Bal 14 dollars on them five Stubs 12th I sent Oscar after a load of saw dust to day was planting to day 13 Rainy Weather this morning I rode up town after dinner & planted some but it commenced to rain towards evening
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Wm — Individual referenced assisting with dragging and farm work (abbreviated William) Ealenberger — Helper who assisted with turning and farm work Brandt — Person who tended the cattle and was paid for work Tilla — Companion who went up the creek and worked in the fields Nels Anderson — Person who left a load of fat cattle Harry Lickty — Visitor recorded as being present Oscar — Person sent to fetch a load of sawdust Events / Dates May 7 — Date of receiving 10 rods of chick sow and farm work May 9 — Date of commencing to plow corn and planting; ground 50 acres May 10 — Date Tilla and the diarist went up the creek and encountered a shower May 11 — Date of planting until rain; Nels Anderson left cattle; assessor visited May 12 — Day Oscar was sent after sawdust and continued planting May 13 — Rainy weather day; rode uptown and planted some
Annotation: Glossary
Rods — A rod is an old land-measure equal to 16.5 feet (also called a pole or perch). In the entry “10 Rods” it refers to a measured length or strip of land or fencing that the writer counted or worked on. Forenoon — An older word for the first part of the day, before noon. The author uses it where modern writing would say “this morning.” Draged (dragged) — A phonetic or nonstandard spelling of “dragged.” Here it describes pulling or smoothing ground or material (likely dragging a harrow or drag to level soil or remove debris). Turned and brandt the cattle (turned and branded the cattle) — “Turned” means moving animals into a new pasture or pen; “branded” (spelled “brandt” here) means marking cattle with a hot iron to show ownership. The phrase records handling and marking the herd. Paid him 1.24 — Monetary notation where “1.24” means $1.24 (one dollar and twenty-four cents). The entry records a small cash payment for labor. Payment in potatoes — Noting “4 1/2 lbs Potatoes” as part of payment reflects common historical practice of paying labor or settling accounts partly in produce rather than only money. Ground 50 ac of corn — “Ground” here likely means processed (e.g., milled) or cultivated; in context it probably refers to working or preparing fifty acres of corn—either grinding (if corn was taken to a mill) or more likely tilling/working the corn fields that day. Assessor — An official who assesses property value for taxation. The assessor’s visit indicates a tax or valuation inspection recorded in the diary. Bal (balance) — Abbreviation for “balance,” meaning the remaining amount owed. In “I paid the Bal 14 dollars” the writer is recording payment of the outstanding sum of $14. Stubs — Unclear or dialectal usage in this transcription; likely a local or shorthand term. In the phrase “five Stubs” it appears to be a counted item (possibly animals, small parcels, or field stubs). The exact meaning is uncertain from this excerpt, but it denotes five units for which a balance was paid. Saw dust (sawdust) — Wood shavings produced by sawing timber. “I sent Oscar after a load of saw dust” records obtaining sawdust, commonly used historically for animal bedding, packing, or garden amendment.
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Transcription: ATR-1
May 14 wet this morning I commenced to plant about nine oclock and finished up the lower field about noon and moved up on the eighty planted field started across the creek 15th I finished the big piece this afternoon and started on 6 acre 16th very heavy rain last night did not plant to day we ground 40 bu of corn 17 nice day again to day Mother and Dan went to church quite a game of Ball to day sees close to frost last night May 18 Sam came after the Cattle this morning I helped him to get them to gather, he got 43 head here with one sucking Calf. I finished planting over on the 8d and moved up on Mums place 19 planting to day also started on Merrills place after dinner Aunt Josie marthas went home this afternoon Julius finished the corn plowing for this spring 20 planting all day to day Julius and John was plowing for the preacher Dan commenced to drag on the lower field
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Mother — Head of household referenced attending church Dan — Family member who went to church, commenced to drag on the lower field, and worked with cattle Sam — Person who came after the cattle and gathered 43 head Julius — Person who finished the corn plowing for the spring John — Person plowing for the preacher Aunt Josie — Relative who went home Marthas — Likely "Martha's", a person (went home with Aunt Josie) Places & fields lower field — Field referenced repeatedly where planting and dragging occurred eighty planted field — Field on the eighty-acre area where planting resumed the creek — Natural feature crossed while planting Mum's place — Property where planting was moved to Merrill's place — Property where planting was started after dinner Events & activities planting — Main agricultural activity recorded across multiple days plowing — Corn plowing performed for the spring dragging — Field maintenance task commenced by Dan went to church — Religious attendance by Mother and Dan game of Ball — Recreational event noted on May 17 ground 40 bu of corn — Processing of corn recorded on May 16 Objects & animals Cattle — Herd of 43 head gathered sucking Calf — One calf accompanying the cattle corn — Crop being planted and ground (40 bushels) plow — Implied agricultural implement used for corn plowing Dates May 14 — Date noting wet morning, planting began May 15 — Date finishing a big piece and starting on 6 acre May 16 — Date with heavy rain and corn ground May 17 — Nice day; church and game of ball; near frost May 18 — Sam gathered cattle; planting continued May 19 — Planting and moving to Merrill's place; Aunt Josie and Marthas went home May 20 — Planting all day; Julius and John plowing for the preacher
Annotation: Glossary
oclock — A contraction of "o'clock," meaning "of the clock"; here it indicates the hour of the day (about nine o'clock = about 9:00 AM). bu — Abbreviation for "bushel," a unit of dry volume commonly used for grain; in the entry "40 bu of corn" it means 40 bushels of corn. ground (40 bu of corn) — Here "ground" means to grind grain into meal or flour. The diarist ground 40 bushels of corn, likely turning ears or kernels into cornmeal. sucking Calf — An older term for a calf that is still nursing from its mother; "one sucking Calf" indicates the herd included a nursing young animal. drag — To "drag" a field means to pull a drag or harrow over it to level soil, break clods, or cover seed. "Dan commenced to drag on the lower field" refers to this farm implement work. Mums place — A colloquial reference to the diarist's mother's property or land; "Mum's place" means the household or farm belonging to his mother. 8d — Likely shorthand in the diary for a named plot (possibly "8d" as a lot number or an abbreviation for "8th" or "8 acres"); used here to indicate a specific piece of ground the writer finished planting. The exact local meaning depends on the diarist's parcel-naming system. plowing for the preacher — A record that Julius and John were plowing land for the preacher; this indicates they were doing plowing work on behalf of the local minister—either as hired labor, a community favor, or part of customary obligations. game of Ball — "Ball" here refers to a bat-and-ball game (a precursor to or variant of baseball, rounders, or town ball) commonly played in the 19th century; "quite a game of Ball to day" records a notable match or lively play.
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Transcription: ATR-1
May 20 Ed Erdenberger Came up and fitted the castings in the Scale Bar Oscar got done dragging One way warming up some 21st very nice day to day I finally got done planting today I took the plaster down to Ed Oscar started the 2nd way to drag to day Eric was pretty sick this morning but he was feeling a little better this evening 22nd I dragged the Tild across the Creek to day the other Boys are dragging also Just about finished up May 23 We Shelled and ground some corn and I got the scale in weighing order again I rode up town this evening fine weather 24 Mother Ed and Gina went to Memorial Services we commenced to play Ball after dinner but it worked up a rain and it was the Heaviest Shower we had for 3 years some hail 25 Oscar and I went and got my two steers to day got them home and Brenda also two milk calves I took them all over to Sams Herd the two Steers weighed 1120lbs drying of to day very fast
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Ed Erdenberger — individual who fitted castings and received plaster Oscar — helper who dragged and assisted with steers Eric — person who was sick in the morning Mother — referred family member who attended services Gina — accompanied Mother and Ed to Memorial Services Brenda — person who brought two milk calves Sam — owner of the herd to which calves/steers were taken ("Sam's Herd") Places Scale Bar — location or piece of equipment where castings were fitted and scale was used Creek — watercourse across which the "Tild" was dragged town — local town ridden to in the evening Organizations / Events Memorial Services — commemorative event attended by Mother, Ed, and Gina Objects / Animals / Agricultural Items castings — metal or plaster cast parts fitted in the Scale Bar plaster — material taken down to Ed Scale — weighing device placed in order for weighing Tild — implement or object dragged across the creek steers — two fattened cattle weighed at 1120 lbs total milk calves — two young dairy animals taken to Sam's herd corn — crop shelled and ground Dates / Time References May 20 — day Ed Erdenberger arrived and fittings occurred May 21 — planting completed and Oscar worked on dragging May 22 — Tild dragged across the Creek; other boys dragging May 23 — corn shelled and ground; scale set in weighing order; rode to town May 24 — Memorial Services attended; ball play interrupted by heavy rain and hail May 25 — steers and milk calves retrieved and taken to Sam's herd; steers weighed
Annotation: Glossary
Scale Bar — A component of a weighing scale, often the horizontal beam or bar that balances weights; here it refers to the farm's scale mechanism being adjusted or repaired ("got the scale in weighing order again"). Castings — Pieces of metal formed by pouring molten metal into molds. In this account someone "fitted the castings in the Scale Bar," meaning metal parts for the scale were shaped and fitted into the beam or mechanism. Plaster (took the plaster down) — Likely refers to a temporary covering or padding (for example, plaster used in packing or as a protective covering) being removed. In farm use it could also mean removing a plaster dressing; the phrase here indicates taking something protective or temporary down. Drag / Dragged (the drag) — An agricultural implement or operation: a drag is a heavy, usually sled-like tool or harrow pulled over fields to level soil, break clods, or spread manure. "Dragged the Tild across the Creek" and "the other Boys are dragging" mean they were using a drag to work fields or roads. Tild — Transcription of a likely dialectal or abbreviated form of "tilled" or "tilth" (land prepared for planting). In context—"dragged the Tild across the Creek"—it most likely means they dragged (worked) a tilled field or parcel of tilled ground across the creek; treat as "tilled ground" or "tilth." Shelled (corn) — To remove kernels from the ear of corn, either by hand or with a mechanical sheller. "We shelled and ground some corn" means they removed the kernels and then ground them into meal or feed. Ground (some corn) — To mill shelled corn into meal or feed using a gristmill or grinder; paired here with shelling as the next step in preparing corn for use. Weighing order — A state of readiness for using a scale to weigh items accurately. "Got the scale in weighing order again" means the scale was repaired, calibrated, or set up so it could be used properly. Steers — Cattle that have been castrated and are raised for beef or draft; here "my two steers" refers to selling, moving, or bringing home two castrated male cattle that were weighed (1120 lbs). Milk calves — Young calves kept for milking cows or raised for dairy purposes. The entry "Brenda also two milk calves" indicates two calves intended for the dairy herd. Sams Herd — A proper-name reference to another person's herd (Sam's herd). In context it means the writer took animals over to be kept with or inspected by Sam's herd—likely a neighbor or local keeper of cattle. Ball — A game of ball (an informal sport or pastime). In rural historical usage this usually meant a local game—baseball or a ball game among neighbors—"we commenced to play Ball" until a rain ended play. Shower (the Heaviest Shower) — An intense rainfall event; the capitalization likely reflects emphasis. "The Heaviest Shower we had for 3 years" denotes an unusually heavy rainstorm, with some hail noted as well. Drying off / Drying of — Likely a transcriptional variant of "drying off," meaning weather becoming dry quickly. In "drying of to day very fast" the writer reports rapid drying of fields or ground that day.
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Transcription: ATR-1
May 27 Oscar and I to have manure to day Julius is plowing for Millet 28 Hauling manure to day also Eric is getting very sick I went up there after 29 Hans and I set up with Eric last night he died 3 oclock afternoon Ed John and Oscar and I went up to dig the grave 30 we all went to Decoration to day had quite a time out and quite a game of Ball Coleridge and Hartley score 20 to 8 Coleridge Eric was buried this evening 31st was after a small load of hay after dinner We had another game of Ball I was over to Schager awhile this Eve June 1st I and Oscar Hauled manure to day again 2nd I commenced to sow Millet this morning Julius finished plowing Dan is dragging 3 finished sowing before noon and After dinner Oscar and I started to Cultivate Sam Schager fetched Bark a cow that had Calveed so that is one less
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Oscar — Worker/farmhand mentioned throughout the journal Julius — Worker; plowing for "Millet" Millet — Named person (for whom ploughing is done) as referenced in the entry Eric — Individual who became ill and died; was buried Hans — Worked with narrator; stayed with Eric Ed — Accompanied others to dig the grave John — Accompanied others to dig the grave Coleridge — Participant in the ball game; scored against Hartley Hartley — Participant in the ball game; opponent of Coleridge Sam Schager — Named individual; referenced in relation to visits and fetching a cow Dan — Person described as dragging (farm work) Places Schager — Place or household referenced where the narrator visited in the evening Events Decoration — Decoration Day (memorial observance) attended by the group Eric's burial — Funeral/burial of Eric described in the entries Ball (ball game) — Baseball/ball games played between Coleridge and Hartley and others Other notable objects Manure — Farm material hauled by Oscar and the narrator Hay — Loads of hay referenced in the journal Grave — Location dug for Eric's burial Cow "Bark" — Named cow fetched by Sam Schager that had calved
Annotation: Glossary
Millet — a group of small-seeded cereal grains grown for fodder or human food; here it refers to a crop the writer and Julius are planting and finishing sowing. Manure — animal dung used as fertilizer; in the diary it is hauled and spread on fields to improve soil for crops. Hauling (manure) — transporting manure by wagon or cart to the fields; the entry records several days spent moving it. Dragging (the field) — pulling a heavy implement (a harrow or drag) over plowed ground to level and break clods; “Dan is dragging” means smoothing the seedbed. Sow / Sowing — planting seed by broadcasting or drilling; the writer notes commencing and finishing sowing millet. Cultivate — to stir and loosen soil around growing crops to destroy weeds and promote growth; the writer and Oscar go to cultivate after sowing. Calved (written “Calveed”) — a cow giving birth to a calf; “a cow that had calved” means a cow that recently delivered, noted by Sam Schager fetching her. Set up with (written “set up with Eric”) — to sit up with or keep vigil over a sick person through the night; the writer and Hans stayed with Eric before he died. Decoration (Decoration Day) — a 19th-century term for Memorial Day, a day for decorating soldiers’ graves; the diary says “we all went to Decoration,” indicating attendance at such commemorative activities. Ball — a game of bat-and-ball (an antecedent of modern baseball or a local variant); the writer records playing games and the score between Coleridge and Hartley.
Diary 1896 036.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
May 27 Oscar and I commenced to have manure to day Julius is plowing for Millet 28 Hauling manure to day also Eric is getting very sick I went up there after dinner 29 Hans and I set up with Eric last night he died 3 oclock afternoon Ed John and Oscar and I went up to dig the grave 30 We all went to Decoration to day had quite a time out and quite a game of Ball Coleridge and Harley to See 20 to 8 Coleridge Eric was buried this evening 31st was after a small load of hay after dinner We had another game of Ball I was over to Schager awhile this Eve June June 1st I and Oscar Hauled manure to day again 2nd I commenced to sow Millet this morning Julius finished plowing Dan is dragging 3 finished sowing before noon and After dinner Oscar and I started to Cultivate Sam Sedg fetched Bark a cow that had Calveed so that is one less
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Oscar — farm laborer/companion mentioned throughout the entries Julius — person plowing for millet Eric — individual who fell ill and died; later buried Hans — person who stayed up with Eric the night before his death Ed — companion who helped dig the grave (listed alongside John and Oscar) John — companion who helped dig the grave (listed alongside Ed and Oscar) Coleridge — person who attended the ball/game Harley — person who attended the ball/game Sam Sedg — individual who fetched Bark, the cow Dan — person described as dragging (farm work) Places Schager — place the narrator visited briefly in the evening Events Eric's burial — funeral held the evening after his death Decoration — Decoration Day observance attended by all Games of Ball — organized ball games mentioned on multiple days Other notable objects Millet — crop being sown and for which land was plowed Bark — name of a cow that had calved Manure — farm material being hauled and used Hay — small load of hay mentioned on May 31
Annotation: Glossary
Manure — Animal dung and bedding used as fertilizer. In the diary it refers to the farmyard material they were hauling and spreading on fields to enrich the soil. Millet — A group of small-seeded cereal crops grown for grain or forage. Here it names the crop Julius and the writer were preparing and sowing. Plowing / Plow — Turning over soil with a plow to prepare seedbeds. Julius "plowing for Millet" means he was breaking the ground to sow the millet seed. Hauling — Transporting material by wagon or cart. “Hauling manure” indicates they were moving manure from a pile or barn to the fields. Cultivate / Cultivate — Working the soil around growing plants (by hoeing or using cultivator tools) to control weeds and aerate. Oscar and the writer “started to cultivate” to tend the millet or other crops. Dragging / Dragging — Pulling a harrow or drag over a field to break clods and level the surface. “Dan is dragging” refers to this post-plowing smoothing of the seedbed. Calved (written “Calveed”) — Given birth (used for cows). The cow “had calved” means she produced a calf; the diary spelling reflects phonetic or nonstandard orthography. Decoration (Decoration Day) — An older name for what is now Memorial Day, a day when people decorated soldiers’ graves. “We all went to Decoration” means the writer attended local commemorative observances at the cemetery. Set up (with the sick) — To sit up with a person who is ill, keeping watch or tending them through the night. “Hans and I set up with Eric” means they stayed awake caring for him before he died. Ball / game of Ball — A recreational game often played by local teams; in 19th-century rural entries this commonly means an informal game resembling early baseball or town ball. The diary’s “game of Ball” records leisure play between neighbors or teams.
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Transcription: ATR-1
June 4 we were all Cultivating this forenoon I went along with Hans to town after dinner to see about shipping and he flooded this afternoon Sam Hauled over 24 bu Corn to day 5th very wet this morning I took the Golden Eagle plow down and got it fixed up Sam hauled 23 bu Corn to day paid him 6s-6d for it and 840 in Herd Acct 6 rain all last night very gully as full this morning Mother Dan and I went to town I left the Insurance papers at the June first Natl Bank 6 had another very heavy shower this afternoon I ordered a Milk tank of Galway Iron from Norwich Gouldford 36 I had a hot game of Ball to day score 4 to 7 Gilbert came along down 8 I went to town this morning got the milk tank all ready Julius hauled over a load of Hay the Boys commenced to cultivate after dinner 9 we all got started to plow in the Corn finished the lower field to day Ed. E. was here this Eve
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Hans — companion to the narrator who went to town and assisted with flooding Sam — laborer who hauled corn and hay; paid for work Mother — the narrator's mother, accompanied trips to town Dan — individual who went to town with the narrator and Mother Julius — person who hauled a load of hay Gilbert — person who arrived during the narration Ed. E. — visitor mentioned as present in the evening Places town — the local town to which the narrator and others traveled Norwich — place associated with ordering a milk tank (part of "Norwich Gouldford 36") Organizations / Institutions First Natl Bank — institution where insurance papers were left Events / Activities cultivating — agricultural activity repeatedly performed by the narrator and helpers shipping — trip to town to arrange shipment ball (game) — a hot game of ball played with score recorded (4 to 7) Objects / Tools / Documents Golden Eagle plow — a plow taken down and fixed Milk tank — ordered of Galway Iron, intended for dairy use Galway Iron — manufacturer or material referenced for the milk tank Insurance papers — documents left at the First Natl Bank Herd Acct — account entry noted (840 in Herd Acct) Other notable references Norwich Gouldford 36 — address or order reference associated with the milk tank Hay — crop hauled by Julius Corn — crop measured in bushels and hauled by Sam
Annotation: Glossary
Cultivating — Working the soil between rows of crops to destroy weeds and loosen the earth; here it refers to fieldwork on the corn after planting. Golden Eagle plow — A named make or model of a plow (brand or popular nickname); in the diary it is the person’s plow that he took down to have repaired or adjusted. bu — Abbreviation for “bushel,” a measure of dry volume used for grain; “24 bu Corn” means twenty-four bushels of corn. 6s-6d — Old British currency notation meaning six shillings and six pence (pre-decimal); used here to record payment for hauling or work. Herd Acct — Abbreviated account entry (likely “Herd Account” or a named ledger); indicates a bookkeeping entry of 8.40 (or 840 in whatever minor units) recorded in that account. Natl Bank — Abbreviation for “National Bank,” a financial institution; the writer left insurance papers there. Galway Iron — Type or source of iron used for farm equipment; here it describes the material/specification for a milk tank being ordered. Norwich Gouldford 36 — Likely a maker’s name, place, or model/size designation for the ordered milk tank or its parts (town/supplier and model number); used as the supplier/spec for the order. Ball — Informal team sport (an early form of baseball or “town ball”); “hot game of Ball” refers to a lively match with a recorded score. flooded — In an agricultural diary, to “flood” can mean to inundate a field for irrigation or to cause water to cover low ground; here “he flooded this afternoon” likely means he allowed water onto a field or low area. hauled — Past tense of “haul,” meaning to transport by wagon or cart; “hauled over 24 bu Corn” means he moved that quantity of corn by wagon. Hay — Cut and dried grass or legumes used as animal fodder; “hauled over a load of Hay” means bringing a wagonload to the farm or barn.
Diary 1896 038.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
June 11 we cultivated the corn across the creek to day George Ercium is down now to retire 12 rained nearly all day in the evening I went up town 13 we started in up above this morning I went up town to order a Car Car for shipping George sold Eric House to Gilbert Schager I am to get my money before the House is moved preacher came home to day 14 Weighed the Cattle this morning they averaged 1308 lbs to home here Cornelius helped to June 14 drive them up they drove up purly well I got in with a special train at Blair 21 loads 15 very warm day to day got to Clinton at 12 and loaded out again at 9 p.m. 16 got to the Yds at 4 this morning rained for Half an hour Strong Market Cattle sold for 4.05 weighed 1240 16 I went down to the Boston Store and done my begging and got started for home this eve fare to Sioux City 12.75
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People George Ercium — Individual mentioned as "is down now to retire" on June 11 George — Seller of "Eric House" (likely same George as above) mentioned June 13 Eric — Name associated with "House" sold to Gilbert Schager Gilbert Schager — Buyer of Eric House Cornelius — Person who helped drive cattle on June 14 Preacher — Religious figure who "came home" on June 13 Places Blair — Location where the speaker "got in with a special train" (21 loads) Clinton — Town reached on June 15 where loading occurred Sioux City — Destination for which fare is listed (12.75) Boston Store — Establishment visited by the speaker on June 16 Yds — Abbreviation for "yards" reached on June 16 where cattle market occurred Objects / Things Corn — Crop cultivated across the creek on June 11 Eric House — House sold by George to Gilbert Schager Car — Car ordered for shipping (mentioned June 13) Special train — Train used at Blair carrying 21 loads Cattle — Weighed and driven; market cattle sold at 4.05 per unit Market Cattle — Cattle sold at the yards (weighed 1240 lbs, sold for 4.05) Dates June 11 — Day corn was cultivated across the creek; George Ercium noted June 12 — Rainy day; speaker went up town in the evening June 13 — Car ordered, Eric House sold to Gilbert Schager, preacher came home June 14 — Cattle weighed (average 1308 lbs), driven up; special train at Blair June 15 — Reached Clinton at noon and loaded out again at 9 p.m.; very warm June 16 — Arrived at the yards at 4 a.m.; rain; market cattle sold; visited Boston Store; fare to Sioux City listed
Annotation: Glossary
retire — To withdraw for the evening or go to bed. In 19th‑century diaries "retire" commonly means the writer or another person left for the night rather than the modern financial sense; here "George Ercium is down now to retire" indicates he has come down (to the house or camp) and is settling in for the night. Car — Railroad freight car. Capitalized here as "Car" in the diary when the writer "went up town to order a Car for shipping" refers to arranging a railroad car to transport goods (cattle, produce or household items) rather than an automobile or passenger coach. special train — A train arranged for a particular shipment or purpose outside the regular schedule. The diarist notes getting "in with a special train at Blair 21 loads," meaning a non‑regular freight movement was organized to carry 21 loads (likely of livestock or grain). Yds — Abbreviation for "yards," usually railroad or stockyards. "Got to the Yds at 4 this morning" indicates arrival at the stockyards where livestock were held, weighed, bought or sold. Market Cattle — Livestock sold into the commercial market. "Market cattle sold for 4.05" records the sale price received per unit (typically per hundredweight or per hundred pounds in that period) for cattle sold at the market or stockyard. Boston Store — A type of general mercantile establishment commonly named "Boston Store" in smaller American towns in the 19th century. The diarist's visit to the "Boston Store" and "done my begging" means he visited the local merchant to settle accounts, ask for credit, or solicit supplies. begging — Soliciting credit, favors or small loans from merchants. In the diary "done my begging" refers to asking the storekeeper for goods on credit or seeking help, not mendicant begging in the street. loads — Units of freight capacity for wagons or cars. Saying "21 loads" indicates the number of wagon‑loads or car‑loads being transported; here it quantifies the volume of goods or livestock moved at Blair on the special train. fare — The price of passage. "Fare to Sioux City 12.75" records the monetary cost to travel to Sioux City, i.e., the passenger or transport charge paid.
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Transcription: ATR-1
June 17 got to scout City 9.20 this morning went down to the Gals to try and buy some stockers but did not quite make a deal got home this evening very warm 18 I fixed the wagon and took up six hogs and got 2.70 Came to 42 I paid taxes 87.10 Morris 24.15 E Bordwell 26.30 Gust forester 1.25 A Sammies 3.80 S. Beste 85 cts that ends the debts for a while 19 We were all plowing corn to day finished the lower field went over to the Republican Caucus to night June 20 Heavy rain last night 29 rain I went over after a load of hay Ed and Dan went to gunktown this morning 21st Mother and I went to church After dinner all the Boys went to eat Ben played a game of Ball Score 5 and 5 2 innings 22nd we went up to blow corn by the mile rained at noon again so we pulled weeds till night 23 Very heavy rain last night I went up to Peterson to buy some pigs but did not suit very well I went on up town to meet to work in the field
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Morris — Individual named in tax/payment list E Bordwell — Individual named in tax/payment list Gust Forester — Individual named in tax/payment list A Sammies — Individual named in tax/payment list S. Beste — Individual named in tax/payment list Ed — Person who went to Gunktown with Dan Dan — Person who went to Gunktown with Ed Mother — Family member who attended church Ben — Person who played a game of ball Peterson — Person or establishment visited to buy pigs Places Scout City — Town reached on June 17 Gunktown — Place Ed and Dan traveled to Town — General reference to the local town visited (mentioned as "up town") Organizations / Events Republican Caucus — Political meeting attended on June 19 Church — Religious service attended on June 21 Game of Ball — Sporting event played (score 5 and 5, 2 innings) Other notable objects Wagon — Vehicle fixed and used to take up hogs Hogs / Pigs — Livestock bought/sold or sought at Peterson Hay — Load of hay fetched on June 20 Corn — Crop being plowed, weeded, and "blown by the mile" Taxes — Payments recorded (e.g., 87.10, 24.15)
Annotation: Glossary
stockers — Young cattle bought to be fed and grown out (stocked) for later sale. In the diary the writer went to town "to try and buy some stockers," meaning he was shopping for young livestock to add to his herd. Republican Caucus — A local political meeting where members of the Republican party gathered to discuss issues or choose candidates. The entry "went over to the Republican Caucus to night" indicates the diarist attended a town political meeting that evening. blow corn by the mile — Likely a variant or misspelling of "plow corn by the mile" (or a regional agricultural phrase). It refers to working a long continuous stretch of corn—plowing, cultivating, or hoeing along a mile of rows. Here it describes fieldwork on a large area of corn. Gunktown — A place name written in the diary. It appears to be a local town or neighborhood the writer and others traveled to ("Ed and Dan went to gunktown this morning"). Such names often appear in period journals in nonstandard spellings; the entry records a routine trip to that locality. scout City — Another place name mentioned by the diarist ("got to scout City"). It denotes a town or settlement reached on June 17; the capitalization suggests a proper name rather than the verb "scout." Ball (game), score 5 and 5 2 innings — "Ball" here means a bat-and-ball game (an early form of baseball or town ball). "Score 5 and 5 2 innings" notes that the game ended tied at five runs apiece after two innings, reflecting informal, local play rather than a full modern baseball match.
Diary 1896 040.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
June 24 we were pulling weeds this forenoon after dinner we went to town to play Ball again, Coleb[urg] 1 Score 2-1 in favor Coleb[urg] heavy showers of rain this evening 25 got the Horses home and commenced to plow Corn again over across the creek I cut some grass to day laying of some 26 plowing corn all day raked some hay and Hauled a load in the Barn most of the folks went over to the School Inst 27 plowing corn to day very well up on the mill Bottom June 28 I took Mother and Vile up to Gilley to day and all us Boys went over to play East Bow a game of Ball quite a game Score 32-0 in favor of us Boy's 29th we were plowing Corn again to day up on the Mill Bottom Comenced the third way 30 plowing Corn finish the Bottom, and nearly Mines field to day I sold Sam Schager my light-Harness for 10 dollars to be taken out of the Herd Bill
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Sam Schager — Individual who bought the narrator's light harness Mother — Family member taken to Gilley Vile — Person taken with Mother to Gilley Boys — Group of young males who played ball with the narrator Us Boys — Collective referring to the narrator and his companions Coleb[urg] / Coleburg — Opposing ball team or place mentioned in score Places Town — Local town visited to play ball Gilley — Place to which Mother and Vile were taken East Bow — Place where a ball game was played Mill Bottom — Field or area where corn was plowed Creek — Waterway crossed to plow corn Mines field / Mine's field — Field nearly finished plowing Organizations / Institutions School Inst — School institute that most people attended Events / Dates June 24 — Day of pulling weeds and a ball game (score 2–1) June 25 — Day horses were brought home and corn plowing resumed June 26 — Day spent plowing, raking hay, and hauling a load to the barn June 27 — Day plowing corn on the Mill Bottom June 28 — Day narrator took Mother and Vile to Gilley and played ball at East Bow (score 32–0) June 29 — Day plowing corn on the Mill Bottom, began the third way June 30 — Day plowing finished on the Bottom and nearly Mine's field; sale of harness recorded Objects / Items Light-harness — Harness sold to Sam Schager for $10 Horses — Animals brought home on June 25 Corn — Crop being plowed Hay — Cut and raked on June 26 Ball (game) — Sport played several times with recorded scores Herd Bill — Account from which the $10 was to be taken
Annotation: Glossary
forenoon — Definition: The morning period before noon. In the transcript it refers to work done earlier in the day ("we were pulling weeds this forenoon"). Coleb[urg] — Definition: A place or team name, written with editorial brackets indicating uncertainty about the exact spelling. Here it denotes the opponent in a ball game ("Score 2-1 in favor Coleb[urg]"). Ball — Definition: A team sport played with a ball (an early form of baseball, town ball, or a similar local game). The capitalized "Ball" shows it as the planned pastime the group went to play. Horses home — Definition: Bringing the horses back to the farm or barn. Used here as a brief diary note that the animals were returned to the household ("got the Horses home"). plow Corn — Definition: To till or turn the soil in which corn (maize) is or will be planted. The phrase appears repeatedly to record agricultural work on the cornfields. Mill Bottom — Definition: A low-lying area of land near a mill, often fertile floodplain. The writer notes plowing "up on the mill Bottom," indicating a specific field location on the property. cut some grass / laying of some — Definition: Cutting grass for hay; "laying of some" means arranging or letting the cut grass lie to dry (cure) before being collected. The entry describes haymaking work. Hauled a load in the Barn — Definition: Transported hay, grain, or other produce into the barn using a wagon or sled. "Hauled" is the past of "haul" (to cart or pull). School Inst — Definition: Abbreviation for "School Institution" or simply "school." It indicates people went "over to the School Inst," likely a local school building or meeting place. Gilley — Definition: A proper name (probably a person or place). The writer "took Mother and Vile up to Gilley," so it likely denotes a nearby town, farm, or household visited that day. East Bow — Definition: The name of an opposing team or place (East Bow). The boys played a ball game against "East Bow" and recorded the lopsided score. third way — Definition: Likely a farming term meaning the third "way" or pass of plowing — i.e., the third furrow, row, or section worked on. The entry "Comenced the third way" marks progress through the field. Mines field — Definition: A named field ("Mine's field" or "Mines field"), probably owned or associated with someone called Mine or the writer themselves. The writer plowed "nearly Mines field," indicating another specific parcel. light-Harness — Definition: A harness intended for a light team or lighter work (as opposed to heavy draft harness). The writer sold his "light-Harness" to Sam Schager, a household tool or tack transaction. Herd Bill — Definition: An account or bill related to a herd (livestock expenses or shared account). The sale of the harness was to be deducted "out of the Herd Bill," meaning the money would be credited against an existing livestock-related charge.
Diary 1896 041.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
July 1st we commenced on the lower field to day very warm weather Cornelius went to Yorkston to day 2nd plowing Corn a good warm to day Heavy shower of rain again tonight Cornelius came home and Hannah and the children were here Julius got his new rig to day looks good 3 Oscar and I went to town to day I paid Sam 2s this morning I bought a new set of Haines single Harness took the old ones up to Sam July 4 Celebrating the fourth at Waucahoma this year had a game of Ball with pearl Creek Score 22-2 in favor of Paragin nine nice day for the fourth 5 Mother Filla and I went to Church to day John Weger and Family stopped for dinner good many here this afternoon 6 plowing corn again finished the lower field and started cross the Creek corn is commencing to tassle already
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Cornelius — household member who traveled to Yorkston and returned Hannah — family member who visited with the children Julius — person who acquired a new rig Oscar — companion who went to town with the diarist Sam — individual to whom money was paid and who received old harness Haines — maker or seller of the single harness purchased Mother Filla — attended church with the diarist John Weger — visitor who stopped for dinner with his family Places Yorkston — place Cornelius traveled to Waucahoma — location where Independence Day was celebrated Pearl Creek — place or team that played in the ball game Paragin — team (referred to as "Paragin nine") that won the ball game town — destination visited by Oscar and the diarist Organizations / Events / Teams Fourth of July celebration — Independence Day observance at Waucahoma Ball game — sporting event between Pearl Creek and Paragin nine (score 22–2) Paragin nine — baseball team named in the diary Objects new rig — vehicle or harnessing acquired by Julius Haines single harness — harness set purchased by the diarist; old harness given to Sam Dates July 1 — day when work on the lower field began and Cornelius went to Yorkston July 2 — day of plowing corn and a heavy shower; Cornelius returned July 3 — day Oscar and the diarist went to town and purchases were made July 4 — Independence Day celebration and ball game at Waucahoma July 5 — went to church; John Weger and family visited July 6 — completed plowing the lower field and began across the creek
Annotation: Glossary
rig — A colloquial 19th/early-20th-century term for a vehicle or set-up, often a wagon or horse-drawn conveyance; here “Julius got his new rig” means he acquired a new vehicle or outfit for travel or work. single harness — A set of harness designed for one horse (as opposed to a team); “Haines single Harness” indicates a single-horse harness, likely made or sold by someone named Haines, used for driving a wagon or plow. Haines — Likely a maker’s or seller’s name attached to the harness; in the diary it identifies the source or style of the new harness the writer bought. 2s — Shorthand for two shillings (currency used in Britain and formerly in some British-influenced communities); “I paid Sam 2s” records a small cash payment of two shillings to Sam. Ball — In context, a competitive bat-and-ball game (early baseball or town ball); “had a game of Ball” refers to playing that sport on the Fourth of July. nine — Short for “nine” meaning a baseball team of nine players; “Paragin nine” names the Paragin team that played against the writer’s side, with the score given. tassle (tassel) — An older or variant spelling of “tassel”; in agriculture it means the male flower cluster at the top of a corn stalk that releases pollen—“corn is commencing to tassle” signals the corn is entering the flowering stage. Waucahoma — Place name (local town or gathering spot); here it denotes where the Fourth of July celebration took place. Pearl Creek / Paragin — Local place or team names used in the diary to identify the opposing side in the ball game and the nearby community; they serve as proper nouns naming the other village or its team.
Diary 1896 042.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
July 7 finished Comploring to day at noon for this year. Oscar and Dan went to town after dinner I went over to Lohage this Eve Cattle looking good 8 I went to town after dinner to day I got a new Sickle of for the standard sum at 3.85 and got Lumber to build a Hay Rack and 25 lbs Nails 9 I went to work to take apart the old Hay Racks this morning after dinner I went over to Dresser and bought Three Steers One White One Red One Red July with few white spots all got Horns lost 69 to be kept until Fall paid Joe One Dollar we had a Base Ball meeting up to Hans and Elected Son Captain myself Treasur decided that Gilbert and I was to go up town to buy the Outfit for £25 10 I went up to Gilbert and we went to town we did not make no Bal they asked £30 for it I gave Joe Dresser 68 dollar Chk for Bal in Steers after dinner I went down to Erste berger and got the Boys to help with the Rack
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Oscar — Companion who went to town Dan — Companion who went to town Joe Dresser — Seller of steers; recipient of payment Joe — Paid one dollar (likely same as Joe Dresser) Gilbert — Person who went up to town with the narrator Hans — Person or place associated with the baseball meeting ("up to Hans") Erste berger — Person (transcribed as "Erste berger") who helped with the rack Places Lohage — Place the narrator visited in the evening Town — Destination several times mentioned Organizations / Events Base Ball meeting — Meeting where a captain and treasurer were elected Objects / Animals / Other notable items Hay Rack — Rack being built and repaired Sickle — New sickle purchased ("standard sum at 3.85") Lumber — Purchased to build a hay rack 25 lbs Nails — Purchased with lumber Three Steers — Animals bought ("One White One Red One Red with few white spots"); kept until fall 68 dollar Chk — Payment given to Joe Dresser for balance in steers £25 — Amount planned to buy baseball outfit for £30 — Price asked for the baseball outfit One Dollar — Small payment made to Joe
Annotation: Glossary
Comploring — Likely a phonetic or misspelled form of "completing" or "completing ploughing"; here it appears to mean finishing a seasonal field task (the author writes "7 finished Comploring to day at noon for this year"), so read as the completion of agricultural work for the season. Lohage — Proper name or place name (spelling as in the source). The writer "went over to Lohage this Eve," so treat it as a nearby farm, neighbor, or locality visited that evening. Sickle — A hand-held curved blade used for cutting grain or grass. The author bought a "new Sickle" for 3.85 (money), meaning a standard hand tool for harvesting or cutting hay. Hay rack — A wooden structure used to hold or dry hay; here the writer buys lumber and nails "to build a Hay Rack" and later dismantles "the old Hay Racks," indicating equipment for storing or feeding hay. Steers — Castrated male cattle raised for beef or draft. The author records buying "Three Steers" (with color descriptions) and paying money to Joe Dresser for them. Horns lost — Phrase in the entry "all got Horns lost 69" probably records horn-loss or a count related to dehorning or identification: the writer notes the cattle "all got Horns lost 69 to be kept until Fall," so read as a numeric note (69) connected to the animals' horns or an inventory number to be kept until autumn. Chk (ChK) — Abbreviation for "check" (a bank check). The line "I gave Joe Dresser 68 dollar Chk for Bal in Steers" means the payment was made by check for the balance due on the steers. Ersteberger — Personal or family name (spelled as in the source). The writer "went down to Erste berger" to get help, so treat it as a neighbor or local person/farm involved in the work. Base Ball (two words) — Historical spacing of the sport now written "baseball." The author refers to a "Base Ball meeting," meaning an organized meeting about forming or managing the local baseball team. Treasur (Treasur.) — Abbreviated form of "Treasurer." In the baseball meeting the writer notes "myself Treasur," indicating he was elected team treasurer; abbreviations were common in informal diaries. Bal — Abbreviation for "balance" (amount remaining to pay). The writer repeatedly notes attempts to "make no Bal" or paying the "Bal in Steers," referring to settling the remaining price. Outfit (for £25) — "Outfit" here means the full set of equipment or clothing for the baseball team (or similar purchase). The price is given as "£25" in the source; read as the stated sum for the equipment, though the currency sign may reflect the writer's notation rather than strict national currency.
Diary 1896 043.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
July 11 went down again this morning and we just about finished the Hay Rack I took it along home had quite a game of Ball with Pearl Creek again this afternoon Score 10-2 in favor of us Boy's I seen Ole Mung shal help and drive our Spiles Tuesday paid 80 cts for 8 gal Oil we Bought the mark Pack Body Protector and 2 Bats for 10 dollars paid Gus Best 6/10; on them I paid John E $10.55 for making Rack and some Blacksmith work July 12 I took the womans up to John Weiger this forenoon took in the Ball game this afternoon 13 Julus and Ed went after the pile Driver Ole M. came along down we laid the old Bridge Down again to day 14 we drove all the piles to day very Hot weather got them drove in good Shape Ole Charg'd 5.00 for his work Dan took him home 15 Ed took the Driver home again Ascor and I went over and Cut down the Slogh after dinner
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
people Pearl Creek — Named place and opposing baseball team in the game Ole Mung — Worker mentioned as helping drive piles (appears as "Ole M.") Gus Best — Person paid (listed as recipient of payment) John E — Person paid for making the rack and blacksmith work John Weiger — Person to whom "the womans" were taken Julus — Individual who went after the pile driver Ed — Individual who assisted with the pile driver and other tasks Dan — Individual who took Ole home Ascor — Person who went to cut down the slough with the narrator places Pearl Creek — Place name mentioned as the opposing team and likely a locality the Slough — Local geographical feature cut down by the narrator and Ascor the old Bridge — Local structure that was laid down again organizations Boy's — Informal reference to the narrator's baseball team events Ball game — Baseball games mentioned on multiple days (score 10-2 noted) other notable objects Hay Rack — Object built and taken home by the narrator Hay Rack making — Work for which John E was paid Pack Body Protector — Item purchased with 2 bats Bats — Two baseball bats purchased 8 gal Oil — Quantity of oil purchased (80 cents) Pile Driver — Tool/machine fetched and used to drive piles Piles — Structural elements driven into place Bridge — Old bridge that was laid down again Slogh (Slough) — Wetland area cut down after dinner
Annotation: Glossary
Hay Rack — A simple wooden frame or trough used to hold and carry loose hay for feeding or transport. In this entry it is an object the writer helped finish and then took home. Ball — Informal team game (commonly a variant of town ball or early baseball). Here “Ball” refers to the afternoon sport in which the writer’s side beat Pearl Creek 10–2. Pearl Creek — A place name (likely the opposing team’s town or neighborhood). It identifies the other side in the ball game rather than a general term. Spiles — Wooden pegs, stakes, or small driven posts used in construction or in controlling water flow (for example in a crib, fence, or temporary dam). “Drive our spiles” means to hammer those stakes into the ground or structure. Pile / Pile Driver — “Pile” refers to a long timber or post driven into the ground to support structures (such as bridges). A “pile driver” is the tool or machine used to hammer these piles into place; the entry notes fetching and returning the pile driver and driving piles for a bridge. Slogh (slough) — An old spelling for “slough,” meaning a swampy backwater, marsh, or muddy creek channel. “Cut down the slogh” indicates clearing brush or trees from a marshy area. Mark Pack Body Protector — Compound phrase in the purchase list; likely refers to a pack or protective covering used on a pack animal or person (a “body protector” for carrying loads) sold under some mark or brand. In context it is an item bought along with two bats. 2 Bats — Wooden bats used for the game of ball. The writer lists these as part of purchases for play. 6/10 — An old-style money notation meaning six dollars and ten cents (often written 6.10); here the writer records paying Gus Best “6/10” on the purchased goods. Laid the old bridge down — An expression meaning to dismantle or lower the old bridge structure, likely to replace or repair it; “laid down” denotes intentional taking down rather than accidental collapse.
Diary 1896 044.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
July 16 I went up town this morning got 1/2 Gal Oil 20 Cans of Wagon Grease 25 Paid Ole men 9 shol 5.00 for Bridge work Gus & Bush 10.00 Ballance on Base Ball Outfit Ed went along with Dan out west after the threshing hall today 17 Dan and I went up and worked some on the Bridge, after dinner it kept a drizzling so we did not get any thing done Womens Relief held their Picnic at Erdenberger to day July 18 we started in Stacking Hay we got about Half of it in Stack Oscar and Dan went to the dance to night Dan g of One Dollar of me 19 I took the womans over to Jens to day went over on the Ball ground after lunner 20 I commenced Harves Ed Oats this morning the Boys finished Stacking the Sloat Hay to day 21 I finished up to Ed this morning and started home here on the Oats
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Dan — farm worker/relative mentioned repeatedly performing bridge work, hay stacking, and attending a dance Gus — helper on bridge work Bush — helper on bridge work Ed — helper who harvested oats and finished stacking hay Oscar — person who went to a dance Jens — person or household to whom the woman(s) were taken Ole — appears in the phrase “Ole men,” likely a named individual or reference to an older man paid for work Places Erdenberger — location of the Women’s Relief picnic up town — local town where supplies were purchased out west — direction/location reached when Dan went after the threshing hall Ball ground — site mentioned for meeting and lunch, and related to a dance/ball Organizations / Events Womens Relief — organization that held a picnic Picnic — social event held by the Women’s Relief at Erdenberger dance / Ball — evening social dance attended by Oscar and Dan, associated with the Ball ground Objects / Farm items Oil — half gallon of oil purchased Wagon Grease — 20 cans of grease purchased for wagons Bridge — structure worked on; bridge work was performed and paid for Threshing hall — building mentioned as destination when going out west Sloat Hay — specific hay crop being stacked Oats — grain crop being harvested Ball Outfit — clothing/equipment related to attending the ball/dance (mentioned as a purchase or balance) Dates July 16 — day when supplies were bought and bridge work was paid for July 17 — day when bridge work was attempted and the Women’s Relief picnic occurred July 18 — day hay stacking began and Oscar and Dan attended a dance July 19 — day the women were taken to Jens and lunch occurred at the Ball ground July 20 — day oat harvest commenced and boys finished stacking hay July 21 — day oats were worked on and travel home began
Annotation: Glossary
Gal — Abbreviation for "gallon"; a unit of liquid measure commonly used in household and farm accounts. In the transcript it records the purchase of 1/2 gallon of oil. Wagon Grease — Lubricant used on wagon axles and moving parts; a routine farm and transport supply. The entry records buying 20 cans of it for maintaining wagons. Bridge work — Labor on constructing or repairing a bridge or bridge-like farm structure. Here it appears as paid work done by hired men ("Ole men") on a local bridge project. Ballance — Variant spelling of "balance," meaning the remaining amount owed. The line "Ballance on Base Ball Outfit" records paying the outstanding balance on a baseball outfit. Base Ball Outfit — Equipment and clothing for playing baseball (bats, balls, gloves, possibly uniforms). The transcript notes a purchase or payment related to such gear. Ball ground — Open field or designated area used for playing ball (baseball/rounders). The writer went "over on the Ball ground after lunner," meaning to the playing field after lunch. lunner — Phonetic spelling of "lunch"; a midday meal. The term reflects informal, colloquial spelling in the diary. Harves / Harves[t] — Spelling variant or truncated form of "harvest"; the gathering of ripe crops. "I commenced Harves Ed Oats" means the writer began harvesting Ed's oats. Stacking Hay — The process of arranging cut hay into stacks (or shocks) for drying and storage before putting into barns. The notes record the family stacking and finishing a hay stack. Threshing hall — Likely refers to a threshing machine, threshing floor, or a place where threshing (separating grain from stalks) is done. "Dan went out west after the threshing hall" suggests going to collect or use threshing equipment or attend threshing operations. Sloat Hay — Probably a place-name or a local farm/field name applied to a specific hay crop (the transcript reads "Sloat Hay"). It identifies which hay was being stacked, though the exact origin of the name is not clarified in the text.
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Transcription: ATR-1
July 21 Streebe 3 Balls of twine this morning 22 Cutting Oats Came up a small shower of rain 23 rained all last night and misting some to day Boy People Came home - us ever 24 Oscar and I worked on the Bridge his forenoon Cutting on the wheat 25 Cutting wheat all day Oscar and I went to town this evening 26 I took the Croup to Church to day very heavy shower of rain and some hail this afternoon July 27th I went to town this morning Bought seven Steers of A. Newing at £20 apiece he to keep them until fall for 25 cts per head I took Back the Caps I got of Bordwell and took down 3 stringers 22 ft long for the Bridge I went down to the Boys and got some Iron Straps made 28 Ed came down and he run the Baster Dan and I worked on the Bridge until noon when it Commenced to rain Lou Schager Came down from Yankh to day
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
people Oscar — individual who worked on the bridge and helped cut wheat A. Newing — seller of seven steers bought at £20 apiece Bordwell — person from whom caps were obtained Ed — individual who "came down" and ran the baster Dan — individual who worked on the bridge with the narrator Lou Schager — person who came down from "Yankh" Boy People — group of people referenced as having come home places town — local town visited by the narrator (unspecified) Yankh — place from which Lou Schager came down organizations Church — religious institution attended when the narrator "took the Croup to Church" events heavy shower of rain — weather event noted with hail on July 26 small shower of rain — weather event on July 22 rained all last night — rain event recorded on July 23 other notable objects Bridge — structure being worked on; stringers and iron straps were used in its construction stringers (22 ft long) — wooden structural members taken down for the bridge Iron Straps — metal hardware procured for bridge construction seven Steers — livestock purchased from A. Newing Caps — items returned to Bordwell Baster — tool or device Ed "ran"
Annotation: Glossary
Streebe — Unclear/likely a phonetic or handwritten variant; probably refers to a small item or shorthand for "streak" or "stribe." In this source it appears before "3 Balls of twine," suggesting it may record who received or the destination of the twine, or a local household shorthand; treat as an unclear proper noun or ledger note rather than a standard word. Balls (of twine) — Common term for coils or skeins of twine or thread kept for household and farm use. Here it records that three skeins of twine were obtained that morning. Forenoon — Archaic/formal term meaning the morning hours (before noon). In the diary it indicates work done during the morning session. Croup — A respiratory illness, especially in children, characterized by a harsh barking cough and difficulty breathing. The entry "I took the Croup to Church" likely means the writer (or someone) took a child afflicted with croup to church or took a person (or animal) named "Croup" — context favors the illness meaning, indicating someone ill was nevertheless taken to church that day. Stringers — Long, structural timbers or boards that run lengthwise in a bridge, stair, or other framework to support planking. The writer notes taking down three 22-foot stringers for bridge work, so these are load-bearing bridge members. Caps — Short for cap timbers or metal caps used in construction or harnessing; here "the Caps I got of Bordwell" likely refers to hardware or timber caps purchased or borrowed from a person named Bordwell, used in the bridge or farm work. Baster — Likely a local or phonetic spelling referring to a tool or small machine; in context "Ed came down and he run the Baster" suggests a device that Ed operated. It could be a farm implement (for threshing, basting, or pumping) or a nickname for a specific machine on the property; the exact device is unclear from the text but it is something run/operated by a person. Iron Straps — Metal bands or braces used to reinforce joints or secure timbers in construction. The entry shows iron straps were made for use in the bridge work. Steers — Castrated male cattle raised for beef or draft; the writer purchased seven steers at £20 apiece, with the seller to keep them until fall for a fee per head, indicating a livestock sale with period payment terms. £ (pound) and cts (cents) — Currency notations: "£20 apiece" denotes twenty pounds (a unit of currency), while "25 cts per head" denotes twenty-five cents per head as a keep fee. The entry mixes monetary units in recording the livestock transaction and associated care charge. Yankh — Likely a phonetic or abbreviated place name—possibly "Yankee," "Yankh" as written, or a local village name. In "Lou Schager Came down from Yankh to day," it denotes a place of origin for Lou Schager; the precise modern form is uncertain but the usage indicates travel from a named locality.
Diary 1896 046.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
July 29 Dan and I was working with the Bridge all day to day Ed is down here Cutting Wheat 30 I went over and we Cut Eds wheat to day and mowed up on the Merrell Place got started there 31 heavy rain again last night we Cleaned the well and fixed up the Pump this forenoon after dinner went up and Cut some wheat very warm had a light rain with Hail north of here August 1st I took the stuff up for the Binder and Ed Comenced to Cut again Seas and I went to town this forenoon came home after dinner I got my Horses and went up and finished Cutting Wheat I took the Binders along down home The Boys went to the Boevers dance 2 Was home all day Cleaning shoe and Family was here 3rd Lou and I went after the Sweep Rake and we commenced to stack Millet very warm to day
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Dan — Work companion mentioned in the harvest and bridge work Ed — Neighbor or worker whose wheat was cut Lou — Companion who helped fetch the sweep rake and stack millet Boys — Group who attended the Boevers dance Family — Household members present during a day of cleaning Seas — Named individual who began cutting again (as written in the transcription) Places Merrell Place — Field or property where mowing occurred Town — Nearby town visited "this forenoon" Events Boevers dance — Local social event attended by the boys Dates July 29 — Date of bridge work and beginning of the entry July 30 — Date of cutting Ed's wheat and mowing at Merrell Place July 31 — Date noting heavy rain, well cleaning, and pump repair August 1 — Date of binder activity, town visit, and finishing wheat cutting August 2 — Day spent cleaning shoes and with family present August 3 — Date Lou and narrator fetched the sweep rake and stacked millet Objects & Agricultural Items Binder — Harvesting machine taken up for use Sweep Rake — Tool fetched to assist in stacking millet Wheat — Crop being cut and finished Millet — Crop being stacked Horses — Animals used to take the binder home and for field work Well — Water source cleaned on July 31 Pump — Device repaired after cleaning the well Bridge — Structure worked on July 29 Weather Hail — Weather phenomenon reported north of the location Heavy rain — Storm noted on July 31
Annotation: Glossary
Binder — A horse-drawn (or early tractor-mounted) agricultural machine used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to cut and bind grain into sheaves; in the transcript “Binder” refers to the equipment taken to the field to harvest wheat. Sweep rake — A large horse-drawn rake with a sweeping bar used to gather cut grain or hay into windrows; “Sweep Rake” here is the implement Lou and the narrator went after to help with stacking millet. Millet — A small-seeded cereal crop grown for grain or fodder; in the entry “stack Millet” means they were gathering and stacking the harvested millet crop. Stack (as a verb) — To pile sheaves or bundles of harvested grain or hay into an upright stack for drying and storage; used here of piling millet after raking. Cut / Cutting wheat — To harvest grain by cutting the stalks, historically done by hand or with a binder; in the diary entries it denotes the act of harvesting wheat on the farm. Forenoon — An older term meaning the morning hours before noon; the writer repeatedly uses “forenoon” to indicate activities done in the morning. Well / Pump — A water well and its manual pump used to draw household or farm water; “Cleaned the well and fixed up the Pump” describes maintenance of the farm’s water supply and pump mechanism. Merrell Place — A named farm or property (proper name) referenced by the diarist; “mowed up on the Merrell Place” indicates they mowed fields located on that property. Boevers (dance) — Likely a local family name or place associated with social gatherings; “the Boys went to the Boevers dance” means they attended a dance hosted by or at the Boevers’ location. Comenced / Comenced to Cut — An archaic or variant spelling of “commenced” meaning began; here it indicates that Ed began cutting wheat again. Horses (in context) — Draft animals used to pull farm implements such as the binder; “I got my Horses and went up and finished Cutting” shows the binder or other equipment was horse-drawn. Bridge (working with the Bridge) — Likely a local bridge structure or a team/place named “Bridge” where the diarist worked; in context it denotes a work location or project where the diarist and Dan spent the day.
Diary 1896 047.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
August 4 Stacking Millet to day Got through in good shape Ed went with Walter to Yankhri to day 5 we put up 3 1/2 stacks of wheat to day nice stacking weather Son went over to help Ole Nelson to stack 6 finished the wheat by noon and started to stack Cats Urman Society met here this afternoon 7 we done the Cats up by noon and put up one stack of Cals for Ed looks like rain August 8 finished Eds stacking to day 9 went hunting with the boys got five had a game of Ball afternoon 10th Dan and I went up and stacked the wheat on the merrill Place Julius and Oscar helping Sam Thrash 11th The Boys helped saw thrash until noon and Ed all Afternoon Dan and I cut grass 12 Stackd Hay after dinner afeast - 12 ton Fenced the Cals and Millet to day 13 the Boys went to the Picnic to day
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Ed — Family member who did stacking and worked afternoons Walter — Accompanied Ed to Yankhri Dan — Worked on stacking and cutting grass with the narrator Julius — Helped stack wheat on the Merrill place Oscar — Helped stack wheat on the Merrill place Sam Thrash — Person whose place (or who) was helped by Julius and Oscar Ole Nelson — Person for whom the son went to help stack Son — The narrator’s son who helped others The Boys — Group of young men who assisted with work and attended events Places Yankhri — Place Walter and Ed traveled to Merrill Place — Location where wheat was stacked Organizations Cats Urman Society — Society that met at the narrator’s place Events Picnic — Event attended by the boys Game of Ball — Afternoon pastime mentioned after hunting Other notable objects Millet — Crop being stacked Wheat — Crop stacked on multiple days Hay — Harvested and stacked (12 ton noted) Cals — Term used in the transcription for a crop or stacks (as written)
Annotation: Glossary
Millet — A group of small-seeded cereal grains grown for food and fodder; here it refers to a harvested crop that was being gathered and formed into stacks on the farm. Stack / Stacking — The practice of piling harvested grain, hay, or stalks into a tall, conical or rectangular heap (“stack”) for drying and storage; in the transcript it describes making and putting up stacks of wheat, millet, and other crops. Thrash (thrash / thresh) — An older spelling of “thresh,” meaning to beat or otherwise process harvested grain to separate the edible grain from the chaff; “helped saw thrash” and “thrash” refer to this post-harvest grain-processing work. Cats Urman Society — A named local society or meeting recorded in the diary. The precise nature is not explained in the text, but it is used as the title of a gathering that “met here this afternoon.” Cals — An unclear, possibly dialectal or abbreviated term in this transcript. Context shows “one stack of Cals” and “Fenced the Cals and Millet,” so it most likely denotes a cultivated crop or crop variety that was stacked and fenced; the exact crop name is not spelled out in the source. Yankhri — A place name mentioned in the entry “Ed went with Walter to Yankhri.” It appears to be a local locality or farm name referenced without further explanation. Merrill Place — A proper name for a farmstead or property (“the merrill Place”) where grain was stacked; used here to identify the location of work done on the 10th. Afeast — An archaic or nonstandard rendering in the diary (appearing as “afeast” after “Stackd Hay after dinner”); likely means “after a feast” or “after a meal,” indicating timing of the hay-stacking and the noted yield (“12 ton”).
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Transcription: ATR-1
August 14 Very Heavy Rain again last night did not do much of anything today fenced in the wheat stacks and put lime on the Hay Rocks 15 I went up to help Eliott thrash rained again this afternoon 16 nice day again but little cloudy lot of people here today 17 I and Lue went to town this afternoon kind of rainy all day 18 we got ready and I took Lue and family to Yungl to day Tilla went along Aug 19 Started for home after dinner got home in good season Tilla and Baby had their pictures taken to day 20 went up and finished stacking the hay we had done Oscar and I cut this afternoon 21 rainy again this to day Ed E. Oscar and I went over to look at the Cattle 22 did not do much of any thing to day I went up and raked Hay awhile
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Eliott — person helped with threshing Lue — family member who traveled to town and to Yungl Tilla — family member who accompanied the trip; had a picture taken Baby — child who had a picture taken Oscar — workman who cut and stacked hay Ed E. — associate who inspected cattle Places Yungl — place to which Lue and family were taken town — local town visited Objects / Agricultural items wheat stacks — wheat storage stacks that were fenced in Hay Rocks — hay locations that were limed hay — crop that was cut, raked, and stacked cattle — livestock inspected Dates August 14–22 — span of diary entries describing weather and farm work
Annotation: Glossary
Thrash / Thresh — To separate grain from the stalks and chaff by beating or trampling; in the diary "thrash" describes helping with the threshing of harvested grain. Lime — Ground limestone (often quicklime or agricultural lime) spread on soil or on stored forage to reduce acidity, improve fertility, or help preserve hay; here "put lime on the Hay Rocks" means lime was applied to the stacked hay or its base. Hay Rocks (likely "Hay Ricks") — An older regional spelling or transcription of "hay ricks": neat, piled stacks of hay built in the field for storage; the entry refers to work on those hay stacks. Wheat stacks — Piled sheaves of harvested wheat stored in the field before threshing; "fenced in the wheat stacks" means enclosed to protect them (e.g., from animals). Raked hay — To gather cut hay into rows or piles with a rake before stacking; "went up and raked Hay awhile" records that task. In good season — An idiom meaning "at a favorable or convenient time" or "early enough"; "got home in good season" indicates they returned at a suitable or timely hour. Pictures taken — Refers to having photographic portraits made; in this diary "Tilla and Baby had their pictures taken to day" records a visit to a photographer or sitting for a camera.
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Transcription: ATR-1
Aug 23 Mother Dan Ody and I went to the river a pick Berrus did not find many 24 commenced to stack Hay this morning got along in good shape Ed started now 25 Haying to day little windy but stacked a day 26 Haying finished some stacks and got done on this side the Creek 27 Commenced across the Creek some what windy Aug 28 Ed finished cutting over there to day we were stacking right along Oscar is helping Lou and they ask he brought a load of Wheat along 30 were stacking Hay until noon when we quit and went to town Ed Hans and Brazy come down and we all went over to west Boar to the Picnic had quit a time came home at 11 oclock
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
people Mother Dan Ody — referred to as a family member accompanying the narrator Berrus — person who searched for berries at the river Ed — family member or worker repeatedly mentioned as doing haying and cutting Oscar — helper mentioned assisting Lou and bringing a load of wheat Lou — person helped by Oscar Hans — accompanied others to town and the picnic Brazy — accompanied others to town and the picnic places West Boar — location of the picnic mentioned in the entry events / dates Aug 23 — diary date for the river/berrying outing Aug 24 — diary date noting beginning of hay stacking Aug 25 — diary date noting continued haying Aug 26 — diary date noting finishing stacks on one side of the creek Aug 27 — diary date noting commencement across the creek Aug 28 — diary date noting Ed finished cutting and Oscar brought wheat Aug 30 — diary date noting stacking until noon and attending the picnic
Annotation: Glossary
pick — A brief outing to gather something by hand (here, likely to pick berries at the river); used as a noun for the act of picking rather than a tool. stack (hay) — To pile cut hay into a large loose mound or "stack" for storage before the widespread use of balers; in the transcript "stacked Hay" and "stacking Hay" describe building those outdoor haystacks. haying — The seasonal work of cutting, drying, and collecting hay; used as a gerund to name the activity ("Haying to day"). commenced — A formal or older-fashioned way to say "began" or "started"; here it marks the start of work ("Commenced across the Creek"). quit — In older or rural usage, simply "stopped" or "finished work for the moment"; in the entry "we quit and went to town" it means they stopped stacking hay. o'clock — A contraction of "of the clock," an older time-telling phrase meaning "at the hour"; used here in "11 oclock" to record the time they came home. Creek — A small stream; in rural 19th–early 20th-century usage often a landmark dividing fields or properties ("this side the Creek," "across the Creek").
Diary 1896 050.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
Sept 1st I took the wheat up twice this morning got 33 cts per bu Hay 50 1/2 bu after dinner Dad and I went to West Bow had a game of Ball with Cite Bow score 14-7 in our favor had a big time in the Eve 2nd Oscar and I went to town to look and some steers but came to late they wer sold very windy to day 3 I went north to day to buy steers only bought one of Mrs Radka for £22 paid 200 Cash Sept 4 Oscar and I finished up some stacks over across the Creek till and Mother went over to MacGregor to the Sewing Society 5 went up to stack hay but to windy Oscar and I finished mowing Ed took his Hogs to Yankton to day 6 went over on Cur ridge and played a game of Ball score 19-4 in favor of Paragon 7 I went along with T & Cole to look at some steers stacking Hay to day
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Oscar — Member of the household who accompanied the diarist to town and helped with hay and stacking Dad — The diarist's father, who attended a ball game and helped with farm work Mother — The diarist's mother, who visited MacGregor for the Sewing Society Ed — Individual who took his hogs to Yankton Mrs Radka — Seller of a steer bought by the diarist T — Companion (named by initial) who looked at steers with the diarist Cole — Companion who looked at steers with the diarist (appears as "T & Cole") Places West Bow — Location where the diarist and others played a ball game MacGregor — Town visited by Mother for the Sewing Society Yankton — Town to which Ed drove his hogs Cur ridge — Ridge where the diarist went and played a game of ball (appears as "Cur ridge") Organizations / Teams / Events Cite Bow — Opponent team in the ball game (score reported as 14–7) Paragon — Team favorably scored in a ball game (19–4 in favor of Paragon) Sewing Society — Local society attended in MacGregor game of Ball — Baseball/ball games referenced multiple times in the diary entries Dates Sept — Abbreviation for September, the month covering the diary entries (1–7)
Annotation: Glossary
bu — Abbreviation for "bushel," a unit of dry volume historically used for grain; here it denotes the price received ("33 cts per bu" = 33 cents per bushel of wheat). cts — Abbreviation for "cents," the fractional monetary unit of a dollar; used here to record the sale price of wheat. £22 — Representation of 22 pounds (sterling or another pound-denominated currency). In this diary it records the agreed price for a steer, with an immediate payment of "200 Cash" noted alongside. 200 Cash — Casual notation meaning 200 units of cash (the diary-writer's currency); indicates a cash payment made toward the purchase price. steers — Castrated male cattle raised for beef; the entries describe buying, looking at, and selling steers as part of farm business. took the wheat up — An agricultural phrase meaning to harvest, gather, load, or cart wheat from the field; used here to report the day's work with the grain. stack / stacking Hay — To build a haystack or pile of cured hay for storage; "finished up some stacks" and "went up to stack hay" refer to forming and finishing these traditional on-farm haystacks. mowing — Cutting grass or hay with a scythe or machine; "finished mowing" indicates finishing the hay-cutting for the stack. Hogs — Adult pigs kept on the farm; "Ed took his Hogs to Yankton" records transporting pigs to a nearby town (likely for sale or market). game of Ball — Generic term for an organized bat-and-ball game common in the 19th century (an early form of baseball or town ball); scores listed ("14-7", "19-4") show competitive local matches. Paragon — A proper name used as a team or place identifier in the diary; here it appears as the winning side in a game of ball ("in favor of Paragon"). Sewing Society — A local women's group organized around sewing and social activities; "Mother went ... to the Sewing Society" indicates attendance at a communal meeting or club. Yankton — Place name used in the entry; in context it is the town to which hogs were taken—presumably a nearby market or center of trade. Mrs Radka — A personal name appearing as the seller of a steer; treated in the diary as the source of the purchased animal (no further biographical detail given in the text).
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Transcription: ATR-1
Sept. 8 Stacking Hay until noon. Ed and Car took 5 Cattle up to the Fair 9 I went out west of town and bought Ten Head of steers of A B Gable 25 per Head each in the fair after dinner 10 Rainy weather today Clara Elser was buried down here to day Erdenberger Boys and us Boys went to the Show to night 11 I fixed the fence up around the pasture to day. Oscar and Jocelyn helping. Strute thrash this afternoon. I went to the Show to night Sept. 12 was up trying to deal with Hair on some Pigs but did not make any deal 13 Mother and I went to Church to day Silbert had his Baby babbized to day 14 Eas and Jocelyn is helping Anagmus thrash. I started out to gather up some steers went on up the creek 15 bought 8 steers of T. Keeler for 210.00 Paid Hawman 2.00 for pasturing steers paid A. Bgoble 220.00 and Scoville 23 we had 27 in all
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Ed — farmhand or family member mentioned as stacking hay and taking cattle to the fair Car — companion of Ed who took cattle to the fair (possibly "Carl") A B Gable — seller of ten head of steers at 25 per head (also appears as A. Bgoble/ A. Bgoble) Clara Elser — woman who was buried Erdenberger Boys — group who attended a show with "us Boys" Oscar — helper who fixed fence around the pasture Jocelyn — helper who fixed fence and helped thrash Strute — person who thrashed in the afternoon Mother — the diarist's mother, who went to church Silbert — person whose baby was baptized Eas — helper assisting Jocelyn in thrashing (name as written) Anagmus — person helped by Eas and Jocelyn to thrash (name as written) T. Keeler — seller of eight steers bought for 210.00 Hawman — person paid for pasturing steers Scoville — person involved in the steers count/payment Places the Fair — event/place where cattle were taken and where purchases were made after dinner town — the nearby town west of which the diarist went to buy steers the creek — location the diarist went up to gather steers pasture — area for which the fence was fixed and where steers were pastured Events & Activities Stacking Hay — farmwork performed on Sept. 8 Taking Cattle to the Fair — Ed and Car took five cattle to the fair Buying Steers — purchase of ten head from A B Gable and eight from T. Keeler Burial of Clara Elser — funeral held Sept. 10 The Show — evening entertainment attended Sept. 10 and Sept. 11 Thrashing — grain threshing activity involving Strute, Eas, Jocelyn, and Anagmus Church — attendance by the diarist and Mother; a baby baptized for Silbert Dates Sept. 8 — day of stacking hay and cattle taken to the fair Sept. 9 — went west of town and bought ten head of steers from A B Gable Sept. 10 — rainy; Clara Elser buried; attended the show Sept. 11 — fixed fence; attended the show Sept. 12 — attempted to deal for pigs Sept. 13 — went to church; Silbert's baby baptized Sept. 14 — Eas and Jocelyn helped Anagmus thrash; gathered steers Sept. 15 — bought eight steers from T. Keeler; payments to Hawman, A. Bgoble, and Scoville; total of 27 steers
Annotation: Glossary
Stacking hay — Arranging cut and dried hay into a tall, conical or round stack for storage in the field before the widespread use of barns or baling equipment; here it describes the seasonal labor of building haystacks. Fair — A periodic marketplace and social event where livestock, farm goods, and produce were bought, sold, and exhibited; the entry “took 5 Cattle up to the Fair” means the animals were taken there for sale or trade. Steers — Cas-trated male cattle raised for beef or draft; used here as animals being bought and sold (“Ten Head of steers”). Head — A counting unit for livestock (one animal = one “head”); “25 per Head” means twenty-five dollars (or other currency) for each animal. Thrash / Thresh — The process of separating grain kernels from the stalks and chaff, traditionally done with a flail or threshing machine; “Strute thrash” and “Anagmus thrash” indicate neighbors’ threshing activities. Show — A public exhibition (often at a fair or community event) of livestock, agricultural implements, or entertainments; attending “the Show” was a common evening social outing. Babbized (babbized) — A phonetic spelling of “baptized”; here it records that Silbert’s baby was baptized that day. Pasturing — Allowing animals to graze on someone’s land for a fee; “Paid Hawman 2.00 for pasturing steers” records payment to a person who kept the cattle on pasture. Per Head (pricing) — Pricing livestock by each individual animal rather than by weight; “25 per Head” means a fixed amount for each animal purchased. Gather up (gathering cattle) — Collecting scattered animals from fields or along creeks to move, sell, or pen them; “started out to gather up some steers” refers to mustering the herd. Proper names spelled variably (A B Gable, A. Bgoble, Hawman, Scoville, Anagmus, Eas) — Personal or family names appear with inconsistent spelling in the diary. These are likely neighbors, buyers, or workers involved in purchases and farm tasks; the variant spellings reflect the transcriber's or writer’s orthography rather than different concepts.
Diary 1896 052.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
Sept 15 got 14 head over from Sams herd 16 Oscar got his steer over from Jens to day and Carl Robtke dun up with theirs one kind of rainy weather 17 the steers would not stay in the pasture so I and Oscar went to work and fit the yard I went to town and got some lumber 18 working with the yard to day finished fencing 19 we got out some manure out of the steer yard Sept 20 Mother and I went to Church to day we stopped at Sara for dinner 21 we commenced to haul manure out of the steer yard to day got along good Tilla and Aunt came down to day 22 hauling manure to day also very nice day 23 finished hauling by noon very windy I went over to see if I could Boison some money of Jens but he did not have it
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Sam — Owner of the herd referred to as "Sams herd" Oscar — Person who received a steer from Jens and worked on the yard Jens — Person who supplied a steer and was asked for money Carl Robtke — Person who "dun up with theirs" (handled his animals) Mother — Diary writer's mother, who attended church Sara — Person at whose place the diarist stopped for dinner Tilla — Visitor who came down Aunt — Family member who accompanied Tilla Places / Institutions Church — Religious institution attended on Sept 20 town — Place the diarist went to get lumber steer yard — Specific yard used for keeping steers (site of fencing and manure work) Dates Sept 15 — Date of receiving 14 head from Sam's herd Sept 16 — Date Oscar got his steer from Jens; Carl Robtke acted with theirs Sept 17 — Date of working on the yard and getting lumber Sept 18 — Date of finishing fencing the yard Sept 19 — Date of removing some manure from the steer yard Sept 20 — Date Mother and diarist went to church and stopped at Sara's for dinner Sept 21 — Date they commenced hauling manure; Tilla and Aunt arrived Sept 22 — Date continued hauling manure; noted a very nice day Sept 23 — Date finished hauling by noon and diarist attempted to obtain money from Jens
Annotation: Glossary
head — A unit for counting livestock; here "14 head" means fourteen individual animals (usually cattle). herd — A group of grazing animals, especially cattle; "Sams herd" refers to the group of cattle owned by Sam. steer — A castrated male bovine raised for beef; the entries refer to individual steers being moved between people or into the yard. pasture — Land used for grazing animals; "would not stay in the pasture" means the cattle were wandering out of the grazing enclosure. yard — In this agricultural context, an enclosed area or pen for holding livestock (also called a cattle yard or corral); "fit the yard" means to repair or arrange it for holding the steers. fencing / finished fencing — Building or repairing fences to enclose fields or yards for animals; "finished fencing" indicates the work of constructing these barriers was completed. manure — Animal dung used as fertilizer; hauling manure from the steer yard is farm work to spread or remove it for field use. commenced — Started or began; used in everyday nineteenth/early-twentieth-century writing to mean "began" (e.g., "we commenced to haul manure"). dun / dun up — An older verb meaning to demand payment of a debt; however, in this transcript the phrase "Carl Robtke dun up with theirs" is likely a spelling or transcription variant of "done up," meaning finished or settled. The intended sense here is probably that Carl Robtke completed whatever he and his family were doing. Boison — Likely a phonetic or misspelled form of "borrow"; in context "see if I could Boison some money of Jens" means the writer went to ask Jens to lend them some money.
Diary 1896 053.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
Trent 24 Oscar took two of his Hays to town he got 240 John E and I went along up I fixed one steer trough after dinner feeding the steers some The Boys got a load of Corn yesterday 25 The Boys onched a load of Corn and I cut the millet for seed to day etc I fired the down by the mill and darn and I got a load of Corn Sept 27 I had quite a game of Ball to day 28 Oscar and mother went to Yankston to day I went to town in Business got a load of Corn 29 I got one another load of Corn We all went up to the Rally at home 30 Julius Jemmie and Dan went to Yankston to day I got a load of Corn and was in town after dinner Oct we went to the Society auction Bought 1.5 lbs Corn with
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Oscar — Named individual who took two hays to town John E — Named individual who accompanied others to town Julius — Named individual who went to Yankston Jemmie — Named individual who went to Yankston Dan — Named individual who went to Yankston mother — Referenced family member who went to Yankston The Boys — Group of workers/family members who hauled loads of corn Places Trent — Header/place name at the start of the transcript town — General place referenced for business and hauling Yankston — Place visited by several individuals (likely Yankton/Yankston) mill — Local mill near which burning and other work occurred home — Location of a rally attended by the narrator and others Organizations Society — Named group holding an auction (referred to as "the Society") Events Rally — Local gathering attended at "home" Society auction — Auction event where the narrator bought corn Ball (game of Ball) — Sporting/game event played by the narrator Other notable objects Hays — Bales or loads of hay taken to town steer trough — Structure fixed by the narrator for feeding steers Corn — Primary agricultural commodity repeatedly loaded and hauled millet (for seed) — Crop cut for seed load of Corn — Unit of transported corn mentioned repeatedly fire (fired the down by the mill) — Burning activity conducted near the mill 1.5 lbs Corn — Quantity of corn bought at the Society auction
Annotation: Glossary
Hays — Hay or loads of hay; here used to mean bales or wagon-loads of cut and dried grass kept for feeding livestock (the writer says "Oscar took two of his Hays to town," meaning two loads of hay). Onched — Likely a transcription or dialectal form meaning "hauled" or "hitched/loaded"; in this entry ("The Boys onched a load of Corn") it refers to the boys getting a load of corn onto a wagon or vehicle. Millet — A group of small-seeded cereal grains grown for seed and fodder; here the writer "cut the millet for seed," meaning they harvested millet to use as seed for next planting or for feed. Fired the down — Burned the stubble or low growth ("down") near the mill; historically farmers sometimes burned crop residue or brush to clear fields, control pests, or renew pasture—here it means the writer set fire to vegetation by the mill. Darn — Probably a mistranscription or dialect word; in context ("and darn and I got a load of Corn") it does not fit a sewing meaning. It may be "drove," "done," or "barn" in the original; likely the writer meant some routine farm action (e.g., "drove") before getting a load of corn. Steer trough — A feeding trough for steers (castrated male cattle); "I fixed one steer trough" means the writer repaired or installed a container for feeding cattle. Rally — A public meeting or gathering; here "We all went up to the Rally at home" refers to an organized local meeting or social/religious event held at their home or in their community. Yankston — A place name, likely a local town (probably Yankton or a variant spelling); used as the destination for trips ("went to Yankston to day"), indicating the nearest market or larger town visited for business or errands. Society auction — An organized auction held by a local society (church, mutual aid society, or community group) to raise funds or distribute goods; the writer notes attending and buying corn at such an event. Ball — A game or match of ball (baseball, rounders, or a similar bat-and-ball game); "I had quite a game of Ball to day" indicates informal recreational play common in rural communities.
Diary 1896 054.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
Oct 2 I fixed up another feed trough Julius and I topped one two stacks and Oscar Snapped a load of corn 3 they snapped another load to day I took the Butter up town 4 Kind of rainy all day to day Ed and Lena was down here 5 I and Julius and Oscar worked on the road to day with teams awoke out all the road for this year Oct 6 I went to town after a Water tank but they had gave it to another man got 529 lbs Rock Salt from Samers & Co 7 I filled in some dirt down by the well to day Ed and I moved some Oats in the Granery Julius Hauling Hay Oscar Snapping Corn 8 Gunt Suley Came down with the water tank to day I put a foundation down for it every where the bags are snapping Corn
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Julius — Worker on the farm; hauled hay and helped with road and stacking Oscar — Worker who snapped corn and worked with Julius on tasks Ed — Visitor/worker who assisted with moving oats and road work Lena — Visitor who was down at the farm Gunt Suley — Person who brought the water tank Places town — Nearby town where butter was taken and where a water tank was sought well — On-site well near which dirt was filled in granery — Farm granary where oats were stored Organizations Samers & Co — Supplier from whom 529 lbs of rock salt were obtained Dates / Events Oct 2 — Entry noting feed trough work and topping stacks Oct 3 — Entry noting another load of corn snapped and butter taken to town Oct 4 — Rainy day; Ed and Lena visited Oct 5 — Road work with Julius and Oscar Oct 6 — Trip to town for a water tank; rock salt received Oct 7 — Dirt filled by the well; oats moved in the granary Oct 8 — Gunt Suley brought the water tank and a foundation was put down Objects / Other notable items water tank — Large tank brought to the farm and set on a foundation feed trough — Farm trough that was fixed rock salt (529 lbs) — Salt obtained from Samers & Co butter — Dairy product taken to town corn — Crop snapped into loads hay — Crop hauled by Julius road — Road worked on and cleared for the year
Annotation: Glossary
Snapped / Snapping (corn) — Shelling or threshing corn by removing the kernels from the cob. In the diary the labour of "snapped a load of corn" and "snapping Corn" refers to processing harvested corn into loose grain for storage or sale. Topped (one, two stacks) — To "top" a stack means to finish or cap a hay or grain stack, often shaping or adding a protective layer so it sheds water. Here "topped one two stacks" indicates he completed or put the finishing touches on one or two stacks of hay or grain. Feed trough — A long receptacle from which livestock eat. "Fixed up another feed trough" means he repaired or built a feeding container for animals. Teams — Teams of draft animals (horses or oxen) hitched together for heavy farm work. "Worked on the road... with teams" means they used teams to pull implements or wagons while grading or clearing the road. Awoke out (all the road) — An older or idiosyncratic phrasing meaning worked out, cleared, or leveled the road. In context it denotes finishing roadwork for the season. Granery (granary) — Variant spelling of "granary," a storage building for grain. "Moved some Oats in the Granery" records putting harvested oats into storage. Rock Salt — Coarse natural salt mined in solid form. "Got 529 lbs Rock Salt" indicates purchase or delivery of salt for livestock, curing, or household use. Bags (used in snapping corn) — Sacking or bags placed to collect shelled kernels during hand- or machine-shelling. "Every where the bags are snapping Corn" describes many bags set out to receive the shelled corn. Took the butter up town — Phrase meaning he transported butter into the nearby town, likely to sell or trade it at market. "Up town" is the local market center rather than a change in elevation. Gunt Suley — Proper name recorded in the diary. It appears to be the name of a person who "came down with the water tank"; the unusual spelling should be treated as the diarist's rendering of that individual's name.
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Transcription: ATR-1
9 I had a shower of rain last night I took the Sang Plow lays down to Johny to sharpen them rain all afternoon 10 Julius in at I snaf a load of corn to Lag peddler stoyne over night here Dan went to town with the butter 11 nice day but cloudy I got red and went to Yankton this afternoon 12 I did not go home to day took in a ball game between Yankton & Crofton Crofton Beat Oct 13 started for home this morning got home by noon Julius commenced to plow I siged some Harness up and fixed up around the tank I 14 Julius and I went over to plow I had to sharpen my Plow lay 15 went up to Ed to thrash but did not do anything till after dinner finished his job we all went to town to the speaking big Crowd out
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Johny — Individual mentioned as recipient of plow laying/sharpening Julius — Person who plowed and commenced work Dan — Person who went to town with butter Ed — Person for whom thrashing work was done Yankton — Used here as a team name/personification in a ball game (also a place) Crofton — Used here as a team name/personification in a ball game (also a place) Places Yankton — Town referenced (also participant in the ball game) Crofton — Town referenced (also participant in the ball game) town — Generic reference to the nearby town visited for errands and events Events ball game between Yankton & Crofton — Local baseball game attended instead of going home speaking — Public speaking event in town attracting a big crowd Other notable objects Sang Plow — Named plow or plow part taken to Johny to be sharpened Plow lay / Plow lay (my Plow lay) — Plowshare or plow blade referenced for sharpening corn — Load of corn transported (commodity) butter — Goods taken to town Harness — Equipment mended ("siged some Harness up") tank — Farm tank area where fixes were made thrash / thrashing — Threshing work performed for Ed Oct — Month notation appearing in the diary Lag peddler stoyne — Unclear named place or person in the entry ("Lag peddler stoyne")
Annotation: Glossary
Plow (plough) — Farm implement for turning soil. In this transcript “plow” and phrases like “sharpen my Plow lay” refer to the metal blades or shares of the plow that would be kept sharp for efficient furrowing. Thrash (thresh) — To separate grain from the stalks and husks. The entry “went up to Ed to thrash” uses the older spelling and meaning for processing harvested grain, often done with flails or a threshing machine. Harness — Leather and metal gear used to hitch horses or oxen to farm implements or wagons. “I siged some Harness up” likely means mending, adjusting, or taking care of harness gear for the animals used in plowing and hauling. Peddler — A traveling seller of small goods. The phrase “Lag peddler” is unclear in transcription, but “peddler” indicates someone moving between farms or towns selling wares; such visits were common in rural 19th‑century life. Tank — A storage receptacle for water (or sometimes for other liquids) used on a farm. “fixed up around the tank” refers to maintenance around a water tank used for livestock, household, or irrigation needs. Speaking (a speaking) — A public address, speech, or political/religious meeting. “went to town to the speaking” means attending a scheduled speech or public gathering rather than merely casual conversation.
Diary 1896 056.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
Oct 16 Oscar and Dan helped Hans there Julius is jibbing I hauled down a load of millet and claoned the granery oat 17 The Boys snappd corn to day Julius finished jibbing I went to town after dinner 18 I went over and got the steer home from the herd the rest of the folks went to Church Jens and his mother was here this afternoon I also Jacob Oct 19 I went to the mill this morning Mother and I went over to Jens got 100 worth of apples got started to thrash after dinner got 300 bu Oats 18 bu millet all went to hear Rev Millard over in the schollars 20 finished the weket by noon 151 bu they went to Erders from here Julius and Oscar is helping from here Dan and I was working arme home here this afternoon
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Oscar — Laborer/helper mentioned on farm work days Dan — Laborer/helper mentioned alongside Oscar Hans — Person helped by Oscar and Dan Julius — Worker described as "jibbing" and assisting with threshing Jens — Neighbor visited; hosted Mother and speaker at times Jacob — Name mentioned briefly as "I also Jacob" (likely a visitor or family member) Mother — Family member accompanying errands and visits Rev Millard — Minister who preached "over in the schollars" (schoolhouse) Places town — Local town where errands were run mill — Local mill visited on Oct 19 herd — Pasture/herd area from which a steer was brought home Church — Place of worship attended by the household schollars — Schoolhouse where Rev Millard preached Erders — Location reached by some workers (as written in the transcription) Organizations/Institutions Church — Religious institution attended by the family mill — Local milling establishment used by the household school/schollars — Educational/schoolhouse location referenced for a sermon Events/Dates Oct 16 — Diary entry date describing work with Oscar, Dan, Hans Oct 17 — Diary entry date noting corn snapping and errands to town Oct 18 — Diary entry date about bringing a steer home and church attendance Oct 19 — Diary entry date visiting the mill, buying apples, and threshing Oct 20 — Diary entry date finishing work and movements of workers Objects/Crops/Activities millet — Crop hauled and measured during harvest granery oat / Oats — Stored grain and harvested oats (quantities noted) corn — Corn snapped by "the Boys" steer — Animal brought home from the herd apples — Produce purchased from Jens (100 worth) thrash / thrashing — Threshing activity producing quantities of oats and millet bu (bushels) — Unit of measure used for harvested grain (e.g., "300 bu Oats", "18 bu millet")
Annotation: Glossary
Jibbing — Refusing or balking at work; here “Julius is jibbing” means Julius is being unwilling or shirking his tasks. Claoned — Likely “cleaned” (nonstandard spelling). In context “claoned the granery oat” means the oats stored in the granary were cleaned or winnowed. Granery — Variant spelling of “granary,” a storage building for grain. The phrase “granery oat” refers to oats kept in the granary. Snappd (snapped) corn — Shelling or snapping ears of corn to remove kernels; “The Boys snappd corn” describes husking or shelling corn for storage or feeding. Thrash — Variant spelling of “thresh,” the process of beating grain to separate the kernels from the straw and chaff. “Got started to thrash” means they began threshing the grain. bu — Abbreviation for “bushel,” a unit of dry volume used for grain. Amounts like “300 bu Oats” mean 300 bushels of oats. Schollars — Variant spelling of “scholars.” In this rural record it likely refers to attendees or pupils at the local school; “over in the schollars” indicates a meeting or service held where the scholars met. Weket — Best reconstruction: “wheat” (nonstandard spelling). “Finished the weket by noon 151 bu” reads as finishing work on the wheat harvest, yielding 151 bushels. Erders — Likely “elders” (church leaders) or possibly “errands”; given the nearby reference to church and a minister, “Erders” most plausibly means “elders,” people they visited or who held a meeting. Arme — Probable reading of “around” or “at home” (nonstandard spelling). In “I was working arme home” the writer means he was working around the home or on the farm at home that afternoon. Millet — A small-seeded cereal grain grown for fodder and food. Here “a load of millet” and “18 bu millet” refer to quantities of this grain brought in and measured.
Diary 1896 057.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
Oct 21 Julius and Oscar is threshing I fixed up a cart to haul corn in after dinner I went up and bought 4 steers of Steve Diarr at 291⁄2 Dollars apiece then snapped a load of corn 22 Oscar and Dan is snapping corn Julius and I are hauling hay very wee day filled the I borrowed nelson wagon again this year 23 went down to to buy his steers but they had sold them Bought two of Jens Oct for 441⁄2 dollars we thrashed out the wheat on Melvill place got 63 bri 24 Ed Hauled the load of wheat to town got 46 cts or 23.82 forth load Julius and I went up after steers Steers he helped and drive them down gave my note for 257. to the Bank Paid Steve 118.25 Julius went to the Rally at Wakefield also John E
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Julius — A person performing threshing, hauling hay, and other farm labor in the entries Oscar — A person threshing and snapping corn Steve Diarr — Seller of four steers (named in transcription as the cattle seller) Dan — A person helping snap corn Nelson — Owner/lender of a wagon (referred to as "nelson wagon") Jens — Seller of two steers bought on Oct 23 Ed — Person who hauled a load of wheat to town John E — Person noted as also attending the Rally at Wakefield Places Melvill place — Farm or property where wheat was thrashed town — Local town to which wheat was hauled Wakefield — Place where a rally was held Organizations Bank — Financial institution to which a note for 257. was given Events Rally at Wakefield — A local rally attended by Julius (and John E) Other notable objects wagon — Vehicle borrowed (the "nelson wagon") cart — Cart fixed up to haul corn steers — Cattle bought (four from Steve Diarr; two from Jens) corn — Crop being snapped and hauled wheat — Crop thrashed and hauled to town hay — Hay being hauled
Annotation: Glossary
Thresh/Thrashed — To separate grain (wheat, barley, etc.) from the stalks and chaff, traditionally by beating or using a threshing machine. In the transcript "we thrashed out the wheat" refers to harvesting activity where the writer and others removed the edible grain from the stalks. Snapping corn / Snapped a load — "Snapping" corn historically means removing the kernels from the cob, either by hand or with a simple sheller. When the diary says "snapped a load of corn" it means they shelled a wagon-load of corn (prepared it for storage or sale). Steers — Castrated male cattle kept for draft or beef. The entries "bought 4 steers" and "bought two of Jens" record purchases of working or market animals used on the farm. Gave my note — A promissory note: a written promise to pay a specified sum to a person or bank at a future date. "Gave my note for 257. to the Bank" means the diarist signed a formal IOU for $257 with the bank. Cts (cents) / price per load — "46 cts or 23.82 forth load" records a price: "cts" is cents and the phrase contrasts a per-unit price and the total received. Here it indicates they received 46 cents (likely per bushel) and $23.82 for the entire load of wheat hauled to town. Bushel (reconstruction of "63 bri") — The transcript reads "got 63 bri," which is likely a shorthand or worn abbreviation for 63 bushels. A bushel is a common historical measure of grain volume; "got 63" therefore means they obtained or measured 63 bushels of wheat from the Melvill place. Nelson wagon — A wagon owned by or belonging to someone named Nelson (a common way to refer to borrowed equipment). "I borrowed Nelson wagon again this year" means the writer borrowed that person's wagon for farm work. Hauling — To transport goods by wagon or cart. "Hauling hay" and "hauled the load of wheat to town" refer to moving heavy farm produce between fields, farm buildings, and market.
Diary 1896 058.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
Oct 25 weighed the 4 steers weight 3750 I went after Jens steers Paid him 441⁄2 and One Dollar for the Apples 26 I fixed a yard to put corn in Julius is Hauling Hay 27 The Boys are at picking corn Elmer Eliott Hauled One load down I was working down in the steer yard 28 Eliott Hauled Two loads down and left one I comenced to fence the Hay stacks Oct 29 Raining to day tough weather 30 snowing this morning Blustering all day trying to Clave some 31 nice day again snow about all gone killed a pig to day gave Oscar 475 for it Julius got 10 Dollars on his acct Sam is washed this afternoon Nov 10 Jens was here today I Ed and I fixed the fence up between the rights to day the Boys is Husking corn
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Jens — Person who owned steers and visited on Nov 10 in the diary Julius — Person hauling hay and received payment on account Elmer — One of "the Boys", involved in fieldwork (picking corn) Eliott — Person who hauled one, then two loads of (presumably) hay or produce Oscar — Recipient of payment (paid 475 for a pig) Sam — Person noted as washed in the afternoon Ed — Person who helped fix a fence between the rights with the diarist Events / Dates Oct 25 — Diary entry noting weighing four steers and payment to Jens Oct 26 — Entry about fixing a yard and Julius hauling hay Oct 27 — Entry describing boys picking corn and Elmer/Eliott hauling Oct 28 — Entry about Eliott hauling two loads and fencing hay stacks Oct 29 — Entry noting rain and tough weather Oct 30 — Entry noting snow and blustering weather Oct 31 — Entry noting snow mostly gone, pig killed, payments recorded Nov 10 — Entry noting Jens's visit and fence work between the rights; boys husking corn Other notable objects Steers — Four steers weighed (total weight 3750) belonging to Jens Apples — Payment included one dollar for apples Yard — Yard fixed to put corn in Corn — Being picked and husked by the boys Hay / Hay stacks — Hauling and fencing of hay and hay stacks Pig — Pig killed on Oct 31; payment of 475 recorded Fence — Fence fixed between the rights and around steer yard
Annotation: Glossary
Steer — An ox or bull that has been castrated and is raised for beef or work; here “4 steers” are the young castrated cattle whose combined weight was recorded. Steer yard — A fenced enclosure where steers are kept and handled; in the entry “working down in the steer yard” it means doing chores or repairs where the cattle are kept. Yard to put corn in — Likely a simple outdoor enclosure or pen used to store or temporarily hold harvested corn (a small corn crib or corn yard); the writer “fixed a yard to put corn in” meaning they prepared space for crop storage. Hauling / Hauled — Transporting loads (here of hay or other farm produce) by wagon or sled; “Eliott hauled two loads down” means he moved two wagon-loads to another location, probably to barn or market. Hay stacks — Piled and often thatched stores of hay kept outdoors; “commenced to fence the Hay stacks” means building a protective enclosure around those piles to keep animals off or to support the stacks. Clave — An older or variant past form of “cleave” (= to split); in “trying to Clave some” it refers to attempting to split wood (for fuel or fencing). 441⁄2 (44½) — Fractional money notation meaning forty‑four and one‑half (dollars); in “Paid him 441⁄2” the writer records paying $44.50 (written as 44½). Acct — Abbreviation of “account”; in “got 10 Dollars on his acct” it means Julius received $10 as a payment credited toward his outstanding account or balance. Husking corn — The process of removing the outer husks from ears of corn (also called shelling or shucking); “the Boys is Husking corn” indicates a manual harvest task, sometimes done in groups as a communal work event. Washed (in “Sam is washed this afternoon”) — Likely means that Sam did the washing (laundry) or was involved in washing chores that afternoon; depending on local usage it could also mean he bathed, but in farm diaries it commonly refers to laundry or washing household linens.
Diary 1896 059.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
Nov 3 Oscar went over to help Jens thrash the rest of us is Snapin Corn very nice day I bought Sylvist Steer for 2750 to be delivered 4 Snapping the Boys brought the news that McKinley was sure of Election we all went to town this evening 5 snapping corn to day get along well 6 Snapping Corn three of us getting very cold again 7 got out 5 loads today very cold weather Nov 8 was home all day in the evening Telle and I went up to Hans 9 2 inches of snow last night I went up town to day and got a outfit on my feet at Hoes Cost 3.00 10 very Heavy fall of snow last night about 10 in on the level looks some like winter 11 nice day again but cold enough 12 13 Alof and Joe came over with Sylvist Steer gave them Check for 21.00 weighed 680 Julius was to town
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Oscar — Individual who helped Jens thrash and worked on snapping corn Jens — Person whose thrashing Oscar assisted Sylvist Steer — Named steer purchased (livestock) McKinley — Political figure referenced in connection with being sure of election Telle — Person who went with the narrator to Hans Hans — Person visited by the narrator and Telle Alof — Person who brought the steer with Joe Joe — Person who came over with Alof and the steer Julius — Person noted as having gone to town Places Town — Local town visited on several days Hoes — Place/store where an outfit for feet was bought (noted as "Hoes Cost") Events Election — Reference to the (McKinley) election outcome Heavy snowfall — Night of a very heavy fall of snow (about 10 inches on the level) Other notable objects Check for 21.00 — Payment given for the steer 2750 — Price paid for Sylvist Steer (monetary amount, likely $27.50 or 2750 in ledger units) 5 loads — Quantity of loads taken out on one day 2 inches of snow — Amount of snowfall noted for one morning Outfit on my feet — Clothing/shoes purchased at Hoes for 3.00
Annotation: Glossary
thrash (thrash the rest of us) — Historically used interchangeably with "thresh," meaning to separate grain (especially wheat or oats) from the stalks and chaff, often by beating. In this diary it refers to helping with the mechanical or hand work of processing harvested grain. Snapping / Snapin (Snapping Corn) — An older farm term for shelling or removing kernels from ears of corn by hand, or otherwise processing the crop by snapping the ears. Here it denotes the household/farm labor of taking corn off the cobs. Steer (Sylvist Steer) — A castrated male bovine raised for beef or work. "Sylvist" appears to be a breeder's or seller's name or the steer’s owner; the entry records purchasing a young bull/steer to be delivered later. Check (gave them Check for 21.00) — A written bank instrument for payment. The diarist paid 21.00 (dollars) by check to the sellers of the steer; this shows non-cash settlement of the purchase. weighed 680 — Refers to the animal's weight, almost certainly in pounds. In the purchase context it indicates the steer weighed 680 lbs when weighed for sale or payment purposes. loads (got out 5 loads) — Wagon-loads or cart-loads: a common rural unit of work meaning the number of full loads transported by a wagon or sled. The diarist hauled five such loads that day. on the level (about 10 in on the level) — Means measured across the flat ground (level surface). Here it describes the depth of snow as about ten inches on flat surfaces. outfit on my feet at Hoes Cost 3.00 — "Outfit on my feet" means footwear (boots/shoes) or a set of footgear. "Hoes" is the shop or seller named in the diary. The diarist bought shoes/boots there for $3.00. McKinley (McKinley was sure of Election) — Refers to William McKinley, the U.S. presidential candidate; used here as a contemporary political reference the diarist heard while snapping corn—an item of news rather than an unfamiliar word. Julius was to town — Simple proper name usage: "Julius" is a person's name. In the diary style of the period, short notes like this mark a household member's errand rather than indicating any special term.
Diary 1896 060.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
Nov 14 Julius rapped a load of Corn I was fixing the roof on the Steer Shed Oscar and Mother went to town gave mother £5.00 Cash snow commenced to thaw to day going very fast 15 Dan and Mother went to Church I was home all day Herman Jens was here Also Cornelius was home 16 Snow nearly all gone waiting this forenoon for Singar to dehorn the Cattle but he did not come till Evening Nov 16 We got 4 loads of Corn out very muddy in the field 17 froze up hard as a doornail last night Dehorned the Cattle this morning 14 head paid Him 1.10 for it the Boys got out 6 loads of Corn to day 18 got 2 loads of Corn out to day I fixed up the fence by the milch Stacks this forenoon 19 got out 7 loads of Corn to day I fixed the fence around the Corn Pile
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Julius — Individual who "rapped a load of Corn" on Nov 14 in this transcription Oscar — Person who went to town with Mother Mother — Head female family member referenced throughout the entries Dan — Person who went to Church on Nov 15 Herman Jens — Visitor present on Nov 15 Cornelius — Person noted as being home on Nov 15 Singar — Person expected to dehorn the cattle (mentioned Nov 16) Places / Structures Steer Shed — Structure where the narrator was fixing the roof Church — Place of worship attended by Dan and Mother (Nov 15) milch Stacks — Location/structure near which the narrator fixed a fence Corn Pile — Designated pile of corn around which the narrator fixed a fence Events / Dates Nov 14 — Date entry noting Julius rapping a load of corn, roof repairs, and £5 given to Mother Nov 15 — Date entry noting Dan and Mother attending Church and visitors Herman Jens and Cornelius Nov 16 — Date entries noting snow thawing, attempts to dehorn cattle, and four loads of corn moved Nov 17 — Date entry noting hard freeze, dehorning of 14 head, and six loads of corn moved Nov 18 — Date entry noting two loads of corn and fence work by the milch stacks Nov 19 — Date entry noting seven loads of corn and fence work around the corn pile
Annotation: Glossary
rapped (a load) — Likely a dialectal or handwritten form of “wrapped” or “rapped” meaning “loaded” or “sent off.” In the source it refers to moving or preparing a load of corn for transport. Corn — In historical British and early American usage “corn” often means the principal cereal crop of the region (grain). In this diary it refers to harvested field grain (maize/field corn) being gathered and moved. Steer Shed — A shed or shelter used to house steers (castrated male cattle). Here it denotes the outbuilding whose roof was being repaired. milch Stacks — “Milch” is an older word meaning “milk-producing.” “Milch stacks” likely refers to stacks (piles) of fodder, hay, or feed located near milk cows or the milking area. The writer fixed the fence by those stacks. dehorn / dehorn the cattle — To remove or blunt the horns of cattle (a common husbandry procedure). In the entry the writer arranged for someone to dehorn 14 head and paid him for the work. Singar — Appears to be a personal name or nickname (capitalized in the text). The writer was waiting that forenoon for “Singar” to come and dehorn the cattle; if uncertain, it should be read as the hired man or local who performed that task. forenoon — An older term meaning the morning hours (the part of the day before noon). The diary repeatedly notes events occurring “this forenoon.” doornail (hard as a doornail) — An idiom meaning very hard or firm. Here it describes the ground freezing very hard overnight. Corn Pile — A heap or storage place for harvested corn on the farm. The writer notes repairing the fence around the corn pile to protect it.
Diary 1896 061.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
Nov 21 Commenced to Bush in the lower field got 6 loads out Dan Broke his Wagon down him and Mother went to town I gave him 1.00 22 I took tilla up to Senate to day came home after dinner and we got the wagon home Mrs Erdenbys and Sibby were here 23 we got out 6 loads of Corn to day Caroline B. was here to day 24 got 7 loads of Corn to day Commence to look pretty Raw again Nov 25 Drizzling and raining all day to day very icy and slippery out 26 Rained Hard all last night Everything covered with Ice Commence to Snow about 9 oclock snowing all day tough weather on Stock 27 Julius and I Hauled couple loads of dirt to Bank up the House he took the Front Bob down to get it fixed 28 I was doing Chores all day to day Clear and Bright but Cold all the Boys went to town
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Dan — Individual who broke his wagon Mother — Family matriarch who went to town Mrs Erdenbys — Visitor mentioned as being at the house Sibby — Visitor mentioned alongside Mrs Erdenbys Caroline B. — Visitor present during corn work Julius — Person who hauled dirt to bank up the house Bob — Person associated with the “Front Bob” taken down for fixing Places / Locations Bush — Lower field where work commenced Senate — Place to which "tilla" was taken (as named in the transcription) Other notable proper nouns Corn — Crop repeatedly hauled in loads Wagon — Vehicle repeatedly referenced (broken and hauled)
Annotation: Glossary
Commenced — Started; a common 19th-century usage meaning to begin an activity (here, "Commenced to Bush" = began work or travel in the bush/field). Tilla — Likely a personal name or nickname recorded by the writer. In this entry "I took Tilla up to Senate" it appears to refer to a person who was taken to a place (the capital, a town office, or a local named place); the exact identity is uncertain but the entry treats it as a passenger. Senate — Probably a place-name or public building rather than the national legislature; in this diary it reads as the destination where Tilla was taken. The writer uses it as a local landmark or errand location. Loads — A single cart- or wagon-load of produce, hay, dirt, etc. In the diary "6 loads" or "7 loads" records the number of wagonfuls moved that day, a standard way to measure farm work. Broke his wagon down — A colloquial way to say the wagon broke or was damaged while in use. "Down" here intensifies the failure: the wagon stopped working and needed repair. Mother went to town — "Town" indicates the nearest market or service centre; rural diaries often note trips to town for supplies, business, or social reasons. Corn — In historical American usage, "corn" commonly means maize. Here it refers to harvested maize being hauled in wagon loads. Raw — Used to describe bleak, cold, damp weather ("Commence to look pretty Raw again"), meaning raw and unpleasant rather than uncooked. Drizzling — Light, persistent rain. The diary notes "Drizzling and raining all day" to record damp conditions that affected travel and farm work. Icy / Everything covered with Ice — Indicates freezing conditions creating hazardous surfaces; the writer notes slipperiness and frozen coverings on the ground and objects. Stock — Farm animals or livestock. "Tough weather on Stock" means the severe weather was hard on the animals' health or welfare. Hauled — Dragged or transported by wagon or sled; usual farming term for moving material ("hauled couple loads of dirt"). Bank up the House — To pile earth or other material against the outside of a house's foundation or walls, often for insulation or protection against cold and drafts. The writer and Julius were adding fill around the house. Front Bob — Probably a part of the wagon's front assembly (a beam, box, or movable component) taken down "to get it fixed." The term is not standard today but in context clearly names a broken front piece requiring repair. Chores — Routine farm tasks such as feeding animals, milking, gathering wood, or maintaining equipment. "Doing chores all day" signals ordinary domestic and farm labor. Boys went to town — Notes that younger male household members traveled to town, a routine diary shorthand for errands, market visits, or social trips.
Diary 1896 062.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
Nov 29 John and Ed was here to day also Ed and Lena I went up to haws this Evening Came home about twelve 30 after we got the sled fixed up we got home a load of Hay December 1st Julius got his team shod in front today I Bedded the Sheds this forenoon and after dinner I went to town I got me a overall and suit underway at the Glove Cost 1.75 Chg'd also ax and two Handles at M L G 1.60 Chg'd. Dec 2 Hauled down two small loads of Hay to day I sent Julies down with my team to get them I had 3 We Hauled two loads of Hay down Commencing to thare son Nelson was over after His wagon to day 4 Hauled two loads of Hay to day 5 Willie and I went to town to day Julius Dan And Mother also were in town gave note to 1st Feb on our Summers Co Account drawing Int from 1/1, 97
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People John — Individual present on Nov 29 Ed — Individual present on Nov 29 (also mentioned separately) Lena — Individual present on Nov 29 Julius — Person who had his team shod and who hauled hay Nelson — Person who came for his wagon Willie — Person who went to town with the diarist Dan — Person who was in town Mother — Family member who was in town Places haws — Location visited in the evening (as transcribed) town — Local town where purchases and errands occurred Organizations / Businesses M L G — Business or merchant where ax and handles were charged Glove — Shop or maker referenced for an overall and suit purchase Events / Dates Nov 29 — Date when John, Ed, and Lena visited Nov 30 — Date when sled was fixed and hay was brought home December 1 — Date Julius had his team shod and the diarist bought clothing Dec 2 — Date two small loads of hay were hauled Dec 3 — Date hauling of two loads of hay continued Dec 4 — Date two loads of hay were hauled Dec 5 — Date the diarist and Willie went to town and a note was given 1st Feb — Due date mentioned for a note 1/1/97 — Date referenced for drawing interest on an account Objects / Other notable items sled — Vehicle repaired on Nov 30 Hay — Commodity hauled on multiple dates team — Horse team shod and used for hauling wagon — Nelson's wagon mentioned overall and suit — Clothing purchased at the Glove ax and two Handles — Tools purchased and charged at M L G Sheds — Location bedded by the diarist Summers Co Account — Account referenced with a note and interest
Annotation: Glossary
Sled — A horse- or ox-drawn vehicle used for hauling over snow or ice. In the source it refers to the vehicle repaired so they could bring home a load of hay. Team — A pair or group of draft animals (usually horses or oxen) hitched together to pull a vehicle or sled. Here it denotes the animals Julius used for hauling and for which he had the front shoes replaced. Shod / "shod in front" — Fitted with horseshoes; "shod in front" means only the front feet were shod. The entry "Julius got his team shod in front" records shoeing work done on the animals. Bedded the Sheds — Laid down bedding (straw, hay, or similar) in animal stalls or sheds. In rural accounts this is a routine chore to make animals comfortable and keep stalls clean and dry. Forenoon — An older term meaning the morning hours before midday. The writer says chores were done "this forenoon" to indicate they were completed in the morning. Overall — A durable protective garment (coverall) worn over clothes for work. The author bought an overall while in town. "Underway at the Glove" — Likely a shorthand reference to goods being made or ordered at a local shop or maker named "Glove" (possibly a glove-maker, tailor, or store). The phrase indicates the writer had an overall and a suit being made or prepared there. Chg'd / Charg'd — Abbreviation for "charged"—entered as a purchase on account. The diary notes the cost of items and that they were charged to the account. Note / "gave note to 1st Feb" — A written promissory note promising payment at a future date. "Gave note to 1st Feb" means they executed a note payable on February 1st. Drawing Int / "drawing Int from 1/1, 97" — "Drawing interest" means the note or account begins to accrue interest from the stated date (January 1, 1897). The phrase records when interest on the account starts. Commencing — Beginning or starting. Used here in a terse financial or activity note ("We Hauled two loads of Hay down Commencing...") to indicate the start of an action or period. Load (of hay) — A measured quantity of hay that a wagon or sled could carry. Entries like "two loads of Hay" record trips delivering or moving hay by wagon/sled. Wagon — A four-wheeled vehicle used for transporting goods on roads. The mention that "Nelson was over after His wagon" shows neighbors borrowing or collecting a wagon for use.
Diary 1896 063.jpeg
Transcription: ATR-1
Dec 6 Was Home all day Harry and Mary (names ) Came down to watch Eve Mother was up to Eds awhile He Borrowed the sled for tomorrow to haul some wood 7 I took Tilla up to Sena and went (Sena Klandrud? Paragon Cemetery ) over to Schager to look at Lou Corn we all went to the Party at Erdenberger this Evening Had a good time 8 Hauled 3 loads Hay to day sleighing going very fast Dec 9 We all went to the Sale at the Poor Farm Clas Bough ton Steer Calves and Ed A sow and 8 pigs very nice day 10 I was up to see about dick w Pigs and after dinner Hauled some bedding went up and took the Planks of the Bridge Creek raising very Fast 11 very nice weather Bed getting wet and muddy Hauled some wood this forenoon 12 went to town to day Roads getting Bad
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Harry — Individual named in the diary entry Mary — Individual named in the diary entry Eve — Person noted as being “up to Eds awhile” Mother — Family member mentioned in the entries Ed / Eds — Person who borrowed the sled; referenced as “Eds” Tilla — Person taken to Sena Sena Klandrud — Likely the “Sena” referenced (possible surname Klandrud noted in the transcript) Schager — Person visited to “look at Lou Corn” Lou Corn — Person observed at Schager Erdenberger — Host/location of the evening party Clas Boughton — Buyer at the sale (transcript reads “Clas Bough ton”; reconstructed as Clas Boughton) Dick W — Person the diarist went to see (transcript: “dick w”) Ed A — Person who bought a sow and pigs at the sale Places Paragon Cemetery — Possible cemetery referenced alongside Sena Poor Farm — Location of the sale attended on Dec 9 Bridge Creek — Place where planks were taken and where “raising” activity is noted Town — General town visited on Dec 12 Events / Organizations Sale at the Poor Farm — Auction/sale event attended on Dec 9 Party at Erdenberger — Evening social gathering attended on Dec 7 Bridge Creek raising — Community work or event at Bridge Creek mentioned in relation to planks Objects, Animals, and Goods Sled — Item borrowed for hauling wood Hay — Three loads hauled on Dec 8 Steer calves — Livestock purchased or sold at the Poor Farm sale Sow and 8 pigs — Animals bought by Ed A at the sale Bedding — Material hauled after dinner on Dec 10 Planks — Taken to Bridge Creek for the raising Wood — Material hauled during the entries
Annotation: Glossary
Poor Farm — A county- or town-run farm where indigent or elderly residents were housed and worked; here it is the site of a "sale," meaning an auction of animals or goods belonging to that institution. Sale — An auction or public sale of goods or livestock; "the Sale at the Poor Farm" means an auction held on that property. Steer — A castrated male bovine raised for beef; "steer calves" are young castrated males being sold. Sow — An adult female pig; the entry "Ed A sow and 8 pigs" records the purchase of a mother pig and her piglets. Sleighing — Refers to travel conditions for sleighs (vehicles on runners); "sleighing going very fast" means the snow/ice conditions made sleigh travel easy and fast. Forenoon — An older term for the morning hours before noon; used here to specify when wood was hauled ("this forenoon"). Hauled — Past tense of "haul": to pull or transport by sled, wagon, or other conveyance; used repeatedly for moving hay, wood, bedding, and planks. Planks of the bridge — Wooden boards that form the surface of a bridge; "took the planks of the bridge" indicates removing those boards, likely for reuse or repair. Raising (creek rising) — Used to describe a water level increasing rapidly (e.g., "Bridge Creek raising very fast"), meaning the creek was swelling, likely from melt or rain.
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Transcription: ATR-1
Dec 13 was home all day Edw was here and Aunt Martha came down we was up to Eds awhile this eve 14 Oscar and I staid to husk corn got two good loads out 60 bu. very wet 15 Husked corn to day John E. was up this evening 16 Oskas and I husking corn getting along fairly well under the Circumstances 17 quite a change in the weather we had to get some hay down cold wind Dec 18 Oscar and J Hauled two loads of Hay to day and Bedded the sheds 19 we Husked Corn again to day Joe came down to day Oscar and him went to town 20 was home all day to day fixed the Corn Crib and went up to Hans and got Ed wagen Mr and Mrs E went 21 we are all Husking Corn to day got along very good Joe is helping 22 all Husking Corn 23 all husking we finally got done to day and glad of it
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Edw (Edward) — Visitor mentioned on December 13 Aunt Martha — Relative who visited on December 13 Ed (Edward, "Eds") — Person whose place was visited in the evening Oscar — Worker who husked corn and hauled hay John E. — Visitor in the evening of December 15 Joe — Helper who came and assisted with husking and errands Hans — Person from whom Ed was fetched (went up to Hans and got Ed) Mr. E. — Man who went to town with Mrs. E. Mrs. E. — Woman who went to town with Mr. E. Places Home — Main location where entries are recorded (staying at home) Town — Nearby town visited by Oscar and Joe and by Mr. and Mrs. E Events / Activities Husking Corn — Primary agricultural activity carried out repeatedly December 14–23 Hauling Hay — Activity noted on December 18 (Oscar and John hauled hay) Bedding the sheds — Farm task performed after hauling hay Fixing the Corn Crib — Repair/maintenance task mentioned on December 20 Dates December 13 — Date when Edward and Aunt Martha visited December 14 — Date when Oscar and the narrator stayed to husk corn December 15 — Date of continued husking; John E. visited in the evening December 16 — Husking corn; progress noted December 17 — Weather change; hay brought down December 18 — Oscar and J. hauled hay and bedded sheds December 19 — Husked corn again; Joe visited and went to town with Oscar December 20 — Fixed the corn crib and fetched Ed from Hans December 21 — All husking corn; Joe helping December 22 — All husking corn December 23 — Finished husking corn Other notable objects Corn Crib — Farm structure that was repaired on December 20
Annotation: Glossary
Husk / Husking (corn) — The act of removing the outer husks and sometimes the inner chaff from ears of field corn. In 19th–early 20th-century farm usage it often refers to the communal, seasonal work of stripping ears so the kernels can dry or be stored; here “husking corn” is the primary farm labor the family repeatedly performs. Corn crib — A ventilated storage structure for drying and storing ear corn (or shelled corn), typically slatted to allow air circulation. “Fixed the Corn Crib” means they repaired or adjusted their on-farm corn storage so the newly husked corn could be safely stored. Bedded the sheds — To spread fresh bedding (usually straw or hay) in animal sheds or stalls. In this diary it means they renewed the animals’ bedding in the farm sheds, a routine farm chore to keep livestock comfortable and sanitary. bu. — Abbreviation for “bushel,” a unit of dry volume used for grain (commonly 8 gallons in U.S. measure). “60 bu.” indicates the measured quantity of corn (sixty bushels) mentioned after bringing out two loads. Load / Two loads — A non‑standard, practical measure indicating the quantity a wagon or team could carry in one trip. “Two good loads out” means they transported two full wagon-loads of corn (totaling about sixty bushels here). Hauled — To transport by wagon or cart, usually pulled by horses or oxen. “Oscar and J hauled two loads of Hay” means they moved two wagon-loads of hay from stack or loft to another location. Get some hay down / Got some hay down — To lower hay from a hayloft or stack to the barn floor or into wagons. In the entry “we had to get some hay down,” it refers to bringing hay down from storage to feed animals or to bed the sheds. Wagen / Wagen (Ed wagen) — An alternative/phonetic spelling of “wagon” (likely “Ed’s wagon” in this text). It denotes a farm wagon used to carry people, grain, or hay; “went up to Hans and got Ed wagen” most plausibly means they fetched Ed’s wagon. Edw. (Edw) — An abbreviation of the personal name “Edward.” In the diary “Edw was here” simply notes that Edward visited or was present that day.
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Transcription: ATR-1
Dec 24 Mother and I went to town to day I borrowed $10 from the Bank for mother I gave Joe $1.00 for husking corn also Dan 1.00 25 well Santa Claus was here last night Mother went of on train for home John E was here I and Tilla was down to Erdenberger this Eve 26 We went to Church to day very nice day 27 was to Church over in the school House to day Tilla and I was up to Hans this Evening Dec 28 Julius and Donald Hay to day I sold two Hogs to G[ene]r[al] Seville @ 2.80 Joe came down from Yankton 29 I took two Hogs to town weighed 840 at home and 830 in town I paid Gus Forster 2.10 Bal on acct 2.00 A. Anderson for Butter etc 25 cts for nails and 18 to Bank which I borrowed for Mother Julius and Dan hauled two loads of Corn up town for him I drove by Schagers and took home a load of Corn
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Joe — individual who received payment for husking corn Dan — individual mentioned hauling and helping with corn John E — visitor to the household Tilla — individual who visited Erdenberger and Hans with the diarist Erdenberger — person or household/place visited in the evening Hans — individual the diarist and Tilla visited Julius — individual who helped with hay and hauling Donald Hay — individual mentioned alongside Julius (appears as "Donald Hay") G. Seville (General Seville) — buyer to whom two hogs were sold Gus Forster — person name struck through in the entry for a payment A. Anderson — person paid for butter and other goods Schagers — family or household from whom corn was retrieved Mother — the diarist’s mother, for whom money was borrowed and who traveled by train Santa Claus — cultural/folk figure noted as having "been here" on the night of Dec 25 Places Yankton — town from which Joe came down Town — local town to which the diarist and others went (unspecified) Organizations Bank — financial institution from which $10 was borrowed for Mother and where 18¢ was paid Events / Dates Dec 24 — diary entry noting trip to town and borrowing $10 Dec 25 — entry noting Santa Claus, mother traveling by train, visit from John E, trip to Erdenberger Dec 26 — entry noting attendance at church Dec 27 — entry noting church in the schoolhouse and evening visit to Hans Dec 28 — entry noting Julius and Donald working with hay, sale of two hogs Dec 29 — entry noting taking two hogs to town, weights recorded, and various payments Other notable objects Hogs — livestock sold and weighed (840 at home, 830 in town) Corn — crop husked, hauled, and taken home in loads Butter — item purchased from or paid to A. Anderson Nails — small purchase noted (25 cents) Train — mode of travel used by Mother
Annotation: Glossary
Husking (husking corn) — Removing the outer husks from ears of corn so the kernels can be dried or stored. In the diary it refers to paying Joe for doing this seasonal farm work. Hogs — Domesticated pigs raised for meat. Here the writer sells and drives hogs to town and records their weights and sale price, meaning livestock sold by weight or head at market. Weighed 840 / 830 — A record of the hogs' weight. The numbers likely indicate pounds (or total weight) measured at home and again at the town market; small discrepancies between home and town scales were common and noted in farm accounts. Bal on acct (balance on account) — An abbreviation noting an outstanding amount owed on a running account. The entry "Bal on acct 2.00" records a remaining debt or payment applied to an existing account. Bank (borrowed $10 from the Bank) — A local banking institution that issued short-term loans. The entry shows the diarist borrowed money on behalf of his mother, a common rural practice when cash was scarce. School House — A single-room rural building used for both schooling and community gatherings, including religious services. The diary's "was to Church over in the school House" indicates the congregation met in that shared space. Train — Railroad passenger service. "Mother went of on train for home" indicates use of regional rail for travel between town and home, the usual long-distance transport of the period. Yankton — A place name (a town or city). Mentioning someone "came down from Yankton" identifies where that person traveled from; the diarist is using nearby towns as reference points for movements and visits.
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Transcription: ATR-1
Wed 30 Oscar Julius and Elcott hauled the Box of Miners Corn away I made two trips with Corn from Schagers Dan took Son up to St Helens 31 I was over after the Bal of Schagers Corn to day after dinner I went up to Walter and got 4 bu Potatoes Pd One dollar for them Jan 97 1st very raw weather but turning colder Sam was here also Gilbert and George 2nd Julius and I cleaned the Cattle Shed to day getting very cold and trying to snow Cornelius was home to day he took Steena Clemenson and Lydia Campbell down We all went over to Schagers to a dance had a good time 3 getting very snowy and cold snowing all day 4 almost a blizzard 5 day kept it up till Eve
Annotation: Complete Names Places and Events
People Oscar Julius — Individual who hauled the Box of Miners Corn Elcott — Person who assisted in hauling the Box of Miners Corn Dan — Person who took his son up to St Helens Son — Dan’s son, taken up to St Helens Walter — Person from whom 4 bushels of potatoes were obtained Sam — Visitor mentioned as being present Gilbert — Person mentioned as present George — Person mentioned as present Julius — Person who helped clean the cattle shed (possibly the same as Oscar Julius) Cornelius — Person who was home and took Steena Clemenson and Lydia Campbell down Steena Clemenson — Person taken down by Cornelius Lydia Campbell — Person taken down by Cornelius Places St Helens — Place Dan took his son Schagers — Place or family farm associated with corn and a dance Dates Wed 30 — Day on which the Box of Miners Corn was hauled 31 — Day when the ball (Bal) of Schagers Corn and potatoes are mentioned Jan 97 — Month and year heading the diary entries (January 1897 or 1797; as written) 1st — First day entry noting raw weather 2nd — Second day entry noting cleaning of the cattle shed 3 — Day noted as snowy and cold 4 — Day described as almost a blizzard 5 — Day continuing through the evening Objects & Other notable items Box of Miners Corn — Box containing miners’ corn that was hauled away Miners Corn — Type of corn referenced multiple times Bal of Schagers Corn — Ball or bale of corn belonging to Schagers 4 bu Potatoes — Four bushels of potatoes obtained from Walter Cattle Shed — Structure cleaned by Julius and the narrator Dollar — Currency paid for the potatoes (one dollar) Dance — Social event at Schagers attended by the diarist and others
Annotation: Glossary
Bal — Likely an abbreviation for “bale,” a large bundled package of crop (here, corn) tied for storage or transport; in the source “Bal of Schagers Corn” means a bale of the Schagers’ corn. bu — Abbreviation for “bushel,” a unit of dry volume used for grain; “4 bu Potatoes” means four bushels of potatoes. Pd — Abbreviation for “paid”; used to record a monetary payment (here “Pd One dollar for them”). Box of Miners Corn — “Box of Miners Corn” likely denotes a wooden container holding corn belonging to (or collected for) miners or to a person/farm called “Miner(s).” Historically “corn” often means grain in general (in North America typically maize). Schagers — Proper name (family, farm, or place) referenced repeatedly; used possessively to indicate that the corn or ball/bale belonged to the Schagers. St Helens — Place name; here it denotes a town or parish to which “Son” was taken—common 19th‑century travel destination in rural diaries. Cattle Shed — A farm building for housing cattle; a common rural structure also called a byre or barn in older usage. trying to snow — A colloquial phrasing meaning the weather was beginning to produce snow or that snowfall was imminent. blizzard — Strong, severe snowstorm with high winds and low visibility; used here to describe heavy, sustained winter weather. Eve — Abbreviation of “evening.”