Katz Fine Manuscripts : 19th Century Diary
found: 7 books

 
THOMAS ELWOOD CLARK
1849 New Hampshire Teen Boy’S Academic and Creative Writing Kept While at Indiana University
Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana, New Hampshire, 1849. Hardcover. On offer is a fascinating 19th century journal with an academic slant kept by a young American student. The diary was kept by Thomas Elwood Clark (1834-1909). Clark was born in North Carolina to parents William Clark and Louisa Worth, He married Nancy Goodrich (1835-1882) on ? ? October 5, 1862. They lived in Indiana, where they raised their four children, Mary Louisa (Love) , John, Nellie, and Miriam. Clark was a merchant who owned a shop. It seems Clark was enlisted and fought in the US Civil War, but this is not confirmed. According to online records, Clark was 15-years-old at the time of this book’s writing, and according to census data, his family was still living in New Hampshire. However, there are notations in the journal that imply he is at “Bloomington IA University”, which is Indiana University. On the first page of the journal, Clark writes that the journal is “Commenced on the 1st day of May, 1849 in the town of Bloomington, Monroe County, I. A. ” There is no obvious explanation for this seeming discrepancy. One might guess that Clark was sent to Indiana for summer school or early university admission. He does settle in Indiana and build his life there as an adult. This book is filled with fascinating academic notes written in a stunning copperplate script. Clark both writes his original thoughts and copies pieces of content in this book. The book opens with a summary of the state of cholera in the USA, goes on to list several “questions for polemics”, followed by a question of polemics selected and answered by Clark himself (he provides his opinion on the question, “are secret societies a benefit to mankind? ”). He copies impressive poetry of the time and creates and writes his own poetry and prose. Clark makes careful notes about the fine arts, languaging (a section on alliteration and how Latin contributes to English, for example). Clark makes notes about how to complete various mathematical calculations, and so much more. Some excerpts from the book follow: “Read this my friends, when I’m away/And calmly think a youth this day/Long sat, o’er look in moody dream/Wishing, praying some music theme/Would be obedient to his call/And store the mind’s love vacant hall/So, on this page a youthful name/Might stands a record free from shame…” [Excerpt of a poem by T. Elwood Clark, July 4, 1849]. “...Are secret societies a benefit to mankind? ...As it has been their imperative duty to promote the cause of virtue, alleviate suffering humanity, and fortify the bullworks of secret [institutions]. I say all those thus engaged have nobly served their day and generation and although their effort was but a feeble one yet many a disconsolate being as helped the cause which brought the hoped relief…. ” [Excerpt of T. Elwood Clark’s response to the polemic question, n. D. ]. “There are Three Thousand Six hundred and Sixty Four known languages now in use in the world. Of these, Nine Hundred and Sixty Seven are Asiatic. Five Hundred and Eighty Seven European and Two Hundred African. And the rest American dialects…” [copied by T. Elwood Clark]. “The cholera is very bad at present. Washington Davis Co. Is deserted. There were seventy five deaths there yesterday. Nine reported here this morning. Two are dead…” [Aug 1, 1849]. For a historian or an education researcher, this small journal gives a picture of the type of topics and questions that were considered worthy subjects as part of a young person’s education. While many reflect the times and current knowledge, it is interesting how some still hold relevance to debates today. Measuring 7.5x6 inches, this journal contains 148 pages and is about 35% complete. For its age, it is in quite good condition. There are wear marks on the hard cover, especially the corners. The binding is secure but loosening and all pages are intact. The copperplate script is legible. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 148 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .
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Book number: 0012219
USD 1455.99 [Appr.: EURO 1346.25 | £UK 1153.5 | JP¥ 220363]
Keywords: Composition Academia

 
ABIGAIL (ABBIE) BROWN SHAW COLE
1859-1869 Diary of an Upper Class Virginia Woman Absorbed in Religion, Culture and Her Social World, Unaware of the Turmoil Brewing Around Her
Richmond, Virginia, 1859-1869. Softcover. On offer is a fascinating diary of an intelligent, musical upper class woman dating from the immediate years before the outbreak of the Civil War in the United States. The diary was written by Abigail (Abbie) Brown Shaw Cole (1823-1906). Written primarily in 1859 and 1860, when she was aged 36-40, Abbie does make one entry in 1869. Abbie was born in Providence, Rhode Island, to Oliver and Sarah (Jenckes) Shaw. Her father was a musician and composer who composed hymns and songs including “Taunton”, "Bristol”, "Arrayed in Clouds of Golden Light," and "The Missionary Angel." In 1846, Abbie married Hanun Wilbur Cole. Together they had three children: John Hanun Cole (b. 1848) , Caroline Minna Cole Chapin (b. 1850) , and Charles D’Urban Morris Cole (b. 1861). The family moved around a fair bit, living, at various points, in Providence, Rhode Island, Richmond, Virginia, Cambridge, Massachusetts and New York City, New York. The family was wealthy. Hanun Cole was a successful merchant and scholar, his family having owned merchant ships. Both male children, John and Charles, would go on to become lawyers. Charles would attend Harvard and become one of the organizers of the Morristown Civic Association. Abbie’s diary paints a remarkable picture of a wealthy, mostly worry-free life in the antebellum south. She dotes on her young children, promoting their music and language lessons. She is forever socializing and traveling (having a live-in servant means total freedom for our Abbie! ). She is deeply religious, attending St. Paul’s church services and missionary meetings regularly. She reads voraciously in French and takes Italian lessons. She practices the piano religiously, a talent she picked up from her late father. Abbie’s diary opens on January 1, 1859. At the time she is living in Richmond, Virginia. She begins reflectively, discussing her ongoing grief about the loss of her father: “Last night I felt very sad as it was the anniversary of dear Papa’s death. In thought I went back to the night he so sweetly went to sleep - 10 years ago! I read over some of his favorite Psalms and entries very early”. [Note: Oliver Shaw died Dec 31,1848] Additional excerpts of Abbie’s diary give a flavor of her entries: “... Lesson in French and Music immediately after breakfast. Mrs. B sent a carriage for me…pleasant times. Was delighted to get at last a long satisfactory letter from Jane. A sweet letter indeed. Oh how glad I am to get it! Wrote to Johnnie. Little pet” [Mar 17, 1859]. “My wedding anniversary! Wrote Mamma. Reading “L’Amour” by Michelete. Much impressed with it” [Oct 8, 1859]. “... Gave Johnnie his first lesson in singing and on the pianoforte – a sweet voice he has. Wrote dear Mamma…wonder what reply she will make of it ... [Oct 18, 1859]“Reading ‘Germaine’ by About [Edmond]. Delighted with it…. John reads well after reading “Compensation”. [It] rained. Stopped at home. And glad with opportunity…practiced two hours” [Feb 17, 1860]. “Preparing to leave in the ½ past 3 train for P[ortsmouth]. Mama wonderfully well and in good spirits. Had an unusually interesting reading in Ruckin’s with Miss Eaton. Our last…bless the dear child of light and purity. Trunk all packed by 12…At 3 left. Promised to write” [Aug 9, 1860]. Unfortunately, the life of a wealthy woman in the mid-1800s isn’t all pleasure. The following entry is an example of the struggle Abbie faces having a husband who is not as present as she wishes, with an acute awareness that she is powerless to change things: “...Hanan out again. I should be so happy if we could spend Sundays more socially. I have an idea of how this most peculiar day should be spent. But I never yet realized it. Johnnie went (? ) about Joseph and the servant children. He and I read the three first chapters of Job Eng. Heard [Bishop] Hopkins at St. Paul’s. ‘What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul’” [Oct 30, 1859]. [NOTE: She quotes Mark 8: 36 here in reference to her concerns about her husband]. Abbie does not write every day. She writes regularly from January to October of 1859 and picks up again in January of 1860, writing fairly regularly until the end of August, 1860. We know she had her third child, Charles, in 1861. She makes one entry on Sept 28, 1869, when Charlie is eight years old. The entry is titled “Charlie’s duties” and lays out how Abbie wants his days to run. An excerpt from that long entry follows: “Rise at few min before seven…read bible and be down to breakfast at ½ p. Seven…go to the bathing room at fifteen minutes past eight. Go to school…” At the back of her notebook, Abbie records money spent on various items such as writing paper, car fare, clothing and more. She also makes some notes of bills paid and the date of payment. This diary provides outstanding insight into the world of a woman so wealthy she is untouched by the usual challenges of 19th century life, and so immersed in her children, friends, church, arts and culture that she has no need to comment on the massive changes happening in the world around her. The notebook measures 6.0 inches by 8.5 inches. It contains 120 pages and is about 44% complete. The cover shows evident wear marks from age. The binding is sewn. It is extremely loose, The front cover of this softcover book is hanging on by a thread (to the point that it may detach during the packaging and shipping process). The pages are intact and the handwriting is reasonably legible. Minor age toning. Overall Fair. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 120 pages; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .
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Book number: 0011120
USD 1445.99 [Appr.: EURO 1337 | £UK 1145.5 | JP¥ 218849]
Keywords: Pianist

 
ANNA BELL (ABELL) CORNUE
1877 Diary of a Very Young, Well Written and Social Wife of a Wisconsin Hog Farmer
Wisconsin, 1877. Softcover. 589.99On offer is an interesting post-American Civil War farming diary, kept by Anna Bell (Abell) Cornue (1856-1882). At the time of this diary’s writing, Anna was 21 years old and had been married to her husband, the farmer Melvin E. Cornue (1848-1922) from Alden, Illinois, for over three years. Anna would die in her 20s, at her mother’s residence in Geneva, Wisconsin, only five years after she wrote this diary. After Anna’s death, Melvin would go on to make a name for himself in Wisconsin, opening a general store in 1888 and working as an assessor and justice of the peace. At the time of her writing, Anna and Melvin are living in Wisconsin near Geneva, and Melvin is running a hog farm while Anna keeps house. She writes complete daily entries from January 1-March 24, 1877 and one week’s worth of entries in mid-May. Her entries are intensely local, painting a picture of life on a midwestern farm around 150 years ago. Melvin sells their hogs and takes great care of their horses. Anna keeps the house and makes detailed notes about both her and Melvin’s work days. Some excerpts: “Was a clear cold day wind in the north west. Melvin and I went to Geneva. I was bundled so I did not get cold. Ma and I went up town. I got me a new strainer and ma got me a wash board the snow being so thin in the road the sleighing is getting pretty rough but we have had nice sleighing for so little snow” [Jan 2]. “Valentine’s Day but that doesn’t interest me much now. Was a bright morning and quite warm thawed quite a considerable..... Melvin hired the carpenter to build the barn today Mr. Austin from Alden $120. I am glad it is let at last. I baked things up today” [Feb 14]. “Was a nice bright day but quite cold NW wind M went to [ ] with oats I washed…I cleaned the shanty and baked some. M got home a little after 4. In the eve, Melvin cleaned up another load of oats. I churned. Vina and the baby are over home. Minnie came up here after some milk and spoons. I wonder if we are going to have spring now” [Feb 26]. “Got up in good season and got ready to go to G. Melvin had a load of feed and small grist went out back and the snow was perfectly awful deep before got to road broke a whiffletree and M put on a line and we finally got to [ ]” [Mar 15]. For a historian, this diary paints a picture of a simple life lived in in rural America mid-19th century. Her entries are complete and, taken as a whole, paint a fairly clear picture of life in those early days. This 1877 diary measures 6.0 inches by 3.0 inches and contains about 183 pages. It is about 25% complete with thorough daily entries from Jan 1-March 24. The covers are in good condition. The binding is only slightly loosening and all pages are in good condition as well. The handwriting is legible. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall. Good with no dust jacket .
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Book number: 0011075
USD 589.99 [Appr.: EURO 545.5 | £UK 467.5 | JP¥ 89294]
Keywords: Couple Farmers

 
EMELINE KNIGHT
1874-1876 8th Grader’S English Composition Book Kept While at School in Harvard, Massachusetts
Harvard, Massachusetts Mass MA, 1874. Softcover. On offer is a fine example of a student's English composition notebook dating from the 1870’s in Massachusetts. The owner of this notebook was Emeline Knight (1861-1937) of Harvard, Worcester, Massachusetts. The daughter of Jonathan Preston Knight (1823-1891) and Relief Phelps Dickinson (1826-1902) , Emeline was the third of four children born to her parents. She also had a half brother named Preston (1846-1916). Emeline lived mostly with her siblings throughout her adult life. She never married or had children. Records show that she worked as a teacher. This English composition book was kept when Emeline was 13-years-old, in 1874. The work in the book provides fascinating insight into the strict academic standards students such as Emeline were held to during this time period. The first several pages of the book contain a list of corrections Emeline must make on her written work, and includes one piece of writing she has done with those corrections implemented. Following this are three compositions that appear to be originals by Knight titled “The Beauties of Nature”, “A Storm at Sea”, “The Study of History”. This is followed by a poem (no title). At the end of the composition book, Emeline has written a short story called “Death Doomed” in 1876, two years after her initial entries, as well as copied a poem by someone named “Alice”. The highlight of this composition book is a fascinating, lengthy futuristic piece is titled “A Visit To Harvard in 1996”. Emeline notes that she copied this composition from a newspaper but changed the name of the town to Harvard, where she is from. The composition/article provides a fascinating look at gender roles in the 1870s. In the story, a mysterious stranger says, “Come thou O child of fancy and I will show thee the works of a hundred years; Thou knowest what Harvard is today it is thine to know what it shall be in 1996”. With that, the author is in Harvard, MA in 1996. The story goes on to marvel at all that has happened in a century. An excerpt follows: “... Turned to observe the passersby. Swiftly they hurried along the street or entered the shops of trade but I noticed that nearly all were women. Here and there a wan looking man might be seen leading a little child or wheeling an infant’s carriage with a look of almost maternal solicitude resting on his haggard cheeks; …”The piece then goes on to describe a role-reversal that is both amusing in its description and prophetic concerning societal changes that would occur in the United States over the next century. In one exchange with a woman she meets, she comments on this and received this blunt reply: “'Do you not know' she said, that someone must remain at home. It is nearly time for dinner and who should get it if not the woman! ”Taken together, this composition book is an education in proper spelling, grammar and punctuation as imposed in the late 19th century. It also provides insight into the writing capabilities of an 8th grader during that period of time. The copied story about Harvard in 1996 is an asset to a Gender Studies or Women’s Studies program in exploring how the role of women was viewed in the 1870s. This small notebook measures 7.75x7.0 inches and contains 72 pages. The cover and binding show signs of their age with some small tears on the spine and loosening of the pages. The pages themselves have age toning.. Emeline has filled 33 pages of the book with writing in a very legible cursive hand. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 12mo 7" - 7½" tall; 72 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .
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Book number: 0010056
USD 659.99 [Appr.: EURO 610.25 | £UK 523 | JP¥ 99889]
Keywords: Student Teenage Angst

 
CASSANDRA SWASEY STEVENS
1882-1885 Diary of a Rural New Hampshire Matriarch Richly Detailing Daily Life in Belknap County
Meredith, Belknap County, New Hampshire, United States, 1882-1885. Softcover. On offer is a fascinating, hand-made diary that was written in 1882 in rural New Hampshire by a middle-aged woman from a well-known New Hampshire family, who marries a prominent New Hampshire Colonel, businessman and politician. Substantial internal context clues clearly indicate that this journal was written by Cassandra Swasey Stevens (1818-1901). Cassandra was the descendant of two important early New Hampshire families. On her father’s side, Cassandra was a descendent of Ebenezer Swasey, and on her mother’s side she was a descendant of Daniel Ladd. In 1846, Cassandra became the second wife of Ebenezer Stevens, a prosperous local blacksmith and businessman. Mr. Stevens was a Colonel in the New Hampshire militia and also served as a Justice of the Peace. He was one of New Hampshire’s electors for “Honest Abe” Lincoln in the 1860 election. [SEE BIO NOTES BELOW FOR MORE ON EBENEZER’S BUSINESS, MILITARY AND POLITICAL CAREER]. The Stevens family lived in the village of Meredith in Belknap County, New Hampshire. Cassandra S. Stevens and Ebenezer Stevens were parents to Alice S. Stevens (1849-1935). Ebenezer also had three children from his marriage to his first wife, Therina Stevens (nee Osgood) , who died in 1845. At least one of his children from that marriage, Celestia, lived with Cassandra and Ebenezer. Cassandra kept this diary from 1882 to 1885, when she was 64 to 67 years old. Entries are not made for every day but there is a flow to Cassandra’s writing and the effect is to give a very good, overall sense of life in this northern corner of rural New England. In the opening pages, she describes how this little book was made by her uncle. After her uncle passed away, she took it and, excising several of her uncle’s pages, used it for herself: “I have just taken this little blank book made and once used by my dead uncle Tim Ladd as a diary. I had cut out what he had written fearing it would some time meet the eye of those that do not love his memory as I do” [Mar 14, 1882]. The opening entries describe her intense worry for her adult daughter, Alice, who is in the late stages of pregnancy, and references Alice’s husband, Henry William Lincoln, about whom she only refers to as “Mr. Lincoln”: “Pleasant sunny day though cold and sleighing bad as usual at this season. Mr. Lincoln just called. Says all well at home. I shall feel so relieved when Alice gets through her confinement…” [Mar 14, 1882]. She recounts an accident with her horse when returning from a visit to Alice: “We have just returned from Alice’s. Went up after meeting. Very bad sleighing, half bare ground and Billy fell down and broke the shafts and frightened me very much…” [Mar 19, 1882]. Alice gives birth to a daughter named Mary Alice on March 23, 1882, and Cassandra goes on to enjoy watching Mary Alice and her siblings grow up: “Mr. Lincoln brought by Alice, Eben [her grandson]…and dear baby [Mary Alice] down this afternoon. The first time the dear little one had been down. Cassandra [her granddaughter, one of Alice’s older children] stayed down last night. It was the annual Rail Road meeting today…” [May 29, 1882]. She recounts the deaths of many member of family and of the community and it is clear she is affected by these: “Received a letter from Mary this morn saying that Mr. Stowell is very sick and the Dr. Feared the worst. Had advised sending for Alice. Oh dear! God help poor Celestia and the girls…His brother Charles is with them which will be a good help and comfort to Celestia, I think…” [Feb 10, 1883] [BIO NOTE: Mr. Stowell refers to Edward Stowell, who was the husband of Cassandra’s step-daughter, Celestia]. “A day to remember. Mr. Stevens went to Laconia. Came home on the noon train about two o'clock. Mrs. Wiggin called, and brought a Telegraph dispatch to him saying "Your brother hung himself today about noon." …Fanny was the first to find him hanging in the barn, and took him down herself. It had been barely 1/2 an hour since he was out of her sight. It must have been a sudden impulse for him as he ate his dinner and then just went down to the barn and done the awful deed…So much sickness all around us, and so much death." [Mar 15, 1883]. [BIO NOTE: Paul Stevens was Ebenezer’s baby brother, born in 1818. Fanny was one of his sisters]. Cassandra is a staunch Republican, which makes sense given her husband’s political involvement (see BIO NOTE below). She writes of her disappointment when Democrat Grover Cleveland gets elected President. Cassandra’s last entry recounts a visit from her daughter and grandchildren and also references her husband, Col. Ebenezer Stevens: “Mr. L, Alice, [ ] and the children and Stella [ ] all came down to church today and stopped to supper. Cass was here – came down yesterday. It was her grandfather’s birthday – 75 years old. She brought him a lamp shade and the other children sent him a cake. Celestia and Mary both sent him handkerchiefs and collars…” [May 10, 1885]. This is an outstanding piece of local history. For a historian, it is rich in detail of life in this small rural New Hampshire community in the late 1800’s. It is also a superb resource for genealogists who are researching New England families. Her warmth shines through and her journal is easy, pleasant reading. It is no surprise, then, that the University of New Hampshire has a substantial collection of Ebenezer and Cassandra’s diaries, which cover years not covered by this diary. EBENEZER STEVENS (1810-1901) BIO NOTES: Ebenezer Stevens was an active Republican, interested in militia matters. He became a colonel and a brigade and division inspector. He served three years as an elected selectman and held the commission of justice of the peace. He was a Presedential elector for Honest Abe Lincoln in 1860 and a selectman of Meredith, New Hampshire during the Rebellion. A devout Baptist, he was connected with the Free-Will Baptist Church as a trustee of the New Hampton seminary. He was one of the incorporators and served as president and treasurer of the Meredith Mechanic Association; one of the incorporators and trustees of the Meredith Village Savings-Bank; one of the directors of the Belknap County Bank, Laconia, and also a trustee of Laconia Savings-Bank. This journal is handmade, using trimmed pages and having a cover made out of a larger sheet of heavier paper folded to form a cover. The pages were then stitched through the cover. It measures about 6.25 inches by 4 inches. The diary is in very good condition, It contains 88 pages and is 100% complete. The handwriting is quite legible.; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 88 pages. Good with no dust jacket .
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Book number: 0011152
USD 1289.99 [Appr.: EURO 1192.75 | £UK 1022 | JP¥ 195239]
Keywords: 19th Abraham

 
MARK SAUNDERS [SOMETIMES SANDERS] STILES JR.
1889 Remarkably Detailed Manuscript Diary of a Waldo County, Maine Public Official, Farmer, Land Surveyor and Family Man
Brooks, Jackson, Waldo County, Maine, New England, 1889. Softcover. On offer is a diary that delves deeply into a year in the life of a multitalented, bright and community-minded man, the Hon. Mark Saunders [sometimes Sanders] Stiles Jr. (1845-1926) , a prominent figure in the history of Waldo County, Maine. SEE BIO NOTES AT END OF LISTING FOR MORE ON STILES JR. From his first entry, Stiles is an exceptional diarist, which is incredible given the amount of multi-tasking each of his days required - where did he get the energy to write it all down so completely? He is detailed, often noting his friends and colleagues’ full names (a treat for those interested in genealogy in the Brooks region! ) , and provides great insight into his work and social life - a very thorough picture, rare for a male diarist of this time. He is also a meticulous financial record keeper, with 12 months of his income and expenditures recorded in the back of the diary. Since Stiles was such a busy man with hands in so many pots, his diary provides great insight into the work of an elected official, farmer, surveyor and family man. A real treat. Excerpts give the flavour of this impressive diary: “No snow on the ground, very nice wagoning and a beautiful day. I am in Belfast today. The Dec turn of the C. C. Court closed yesterday and the Dec. Adj. Turn begins today. The new member of the board is with us - Mr. C. D. Wilson. A new organization is made up today. I was elected as Chairman of the board for the ensuing year. Accepted an invitation to a turkey dinner with Mr. O. G. White the retiring Co. Treasurer. Mr. Payson went also. Mr Payson, Mr. T[ileston] Waldin (Clerk of Courts) and myself bought a couple trimmed rocking chairs for Mr. Thompson the retiring C. C. ” [Jan 1, 1889]. “We met this A. M.. Have had Osborn’s man up to see about taking up the carpet on the Court room, and cleaning and replacing it but decided not to do it at present. Visited the jail P. M. Decided to go to Augusta and consult with the C. C. ’s of Kennebec Co. In regard to tramps etc. Wrote letter to them & also wrote invitations to the boards of several other counties to meet us there” [Feb 13]. “Went to Brooks this A. M. And carried a smoked ham and 8 doz eggs. Got 10 cents for ham and 12 cents for eggs. Got some medicine for father at the Dr. ’s. Called at Mrs. Edwards and made a bargain to build her part of our line fence for $5.00. This PM I sharpened posts enough and selected the top poles for the above fence and then bored some (planks? ). Went up to school meeting at 4 o’clock and they chose L. Rich moderator, M. S. Stiles for Clerk, G. W. Harty, school agent. Voted to have summer school begin the 1st Monday in May and the third Monday in Aug. Voted to build a wire fence around the schoolhouse” [Mar 23]. “Lizzie and Lula went to Belfast with me today, they to witness the dedication ceremonies of the Odd Fellows building, and I to attend to some county matters. We the C. Comis - went to see about the painting the Court House and repairing the gutters on same. A. E. Nickerson came to us and wished to consult about State Constable Partridge’s bill for services being cut down by us. We heard Partridge and Nickerson early in the afternoon. Lula sat for some pictures to day. We stopped at this city this eve to a concert by the band of Boston (open air) and then went up to Frank Clark’s at City Point for the night” [Oct 31, 1889]. “L. D. Moore came here about noon and engaged me to go down & do some surveying for him tomorrow. I went up to Spragues and got my deed of his place and paid him a bond for a deed. The payments are to be made to me $100 per year and int annually til the 5th year which will be $50 & int. Got Frank Fogg to let his boy come to help me tomorrow” [Sept 22, 1889]. “Mr. Sprague helped Isaih [sic] plow for me, over in “Texas” yesterday and today - breaking up. I had several letters to write and I went to Brooks to mail them A. M. This P. M. I went up to J. W. Wallace’s and notified him to appraise the Estate of Mrs. Ann Ricker. They are to do it next Tuesday. Called at Mary Reickeis and made out some Guardian papers. I also loaned her $45.00 and took her note on demand and intrust” [Oct 31, 1889]. This diary would appeal to anyone interested in the inner workings of a local county commission, a legacy farming family, and New England in the 19th century. This diary is also interesting to those who focus on male diarists of the 19th century, as the nature of Stiles’ clean cursive and his commitment to long, descriptive entries is quite unique. BIO NOTES: Mark S. Stiles Jr. Was born in the town of Jackson, Maine, to parents Lydia Kingsbury and Hon. Mark S. Stiles. Mark Jr. Followed in his father’s footsteps, with the elder Stiles serving as a well-loved county commissioner and a selectman of Jackson. When Stiles Sr. Died in 1889, he was the oldest living person in Jackson. Stiles Jr. Married Elizabeth Jane (Lizzie) Hanson in 1885. Together they lived near Brooks, Maine. They had a daughter, Lula and a son, Robert. Stiles Jr. Worked in land surveying and also ran a farm. He was elected to the Waldo County Commission, becoming Chairman in 1889. This diary measures 6.0 inches by 3.5 inches and contains 365 pages plus Memoranda and Bookkeeping pages. It is 95% complete, only missing about three entries. The cover, spine and binding are all in good condition, though the pages are loosening, they are intact. The handwriting is in black ink and highly legible. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Good+ with no dust jacket .
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Book number: 0010059
USD 1455.99 [Appr.: EURO 1346.25 | £UK 1153.5 | JP¥ 220363]
Keywords: Government 19th

 
UNKNOWN
1882 Diary of a Mystery New Hampshire Farmer’S Wife Who Embodies the Concept of Women’S Invisible Labour
Dover New Hampshire, 1882. Softcover. On offer is a fine diary, written by an unknown New Hampshire farmer’s wife in 19th century rural New Hampshire. Never has the concept of woman’s invisible labour been more poignant than in this diary. Our author writes every single day of 1882. She describes the minutiae of the lives of everyone around her, and yet, we finish the diary knowing almost nothing about the woman diarist herself. Contextual cues from the diary indicate that our unknown author lives with her husband, Joel, on a farm near Dover in Strafford County, New Hampshire. The diary was purchased from an apothecary in Rochester, New Hampshire, where they go regularly for supplies, and which is 11 miles north of Dover. Other contextual cues indicate that Joel and our author are the parents of adult children. We believe their children are Emma, Clara, Mary and Frances. Four pages of notes in the Memoranda section clearly indicate that they sold butter and eggs on a regular basis. Context clues from within the diary indicate they also butchered and likely sold pork from the farm. Each day, our diarist reports on the weather, gives a sense of her tasks for the day, and then focuses on what everyone in her social and familiar circles are doing and, often, on their health. She is clearly part of a tight-knit farming community, and her references to attending “meetings” on Sundays implies she is part of a religious community as well. Excerpts from our mystery diarist follow, which give a flavour of the nature of her entries: It is fair and cold we worked on my sash and Joel went to the Post Office this afternoon we had a boiled dinner John Brock was here tonight and Mr. Sanborn we signed for a paper [Jan 3, 1882]. “It is fair and cold. Marg commenced on my black dress. Emma killed her hog today. John Brock and Ezra was in” [Jan 4, 1882]. “It was a pleasant day. Will Walingford was here cutting wood today. Seavey was here to dinner and I ironed today. Gail went up after hay today. Lenie Foss and George Goodson was here” [Feb 16, 1882]. “It is fair and warm and we went to meeting. [ ] was here with George and Abigal Brewster and stayed all night and the both were taken sick” [Apr 16, 1882]. “It is a rainy day. The Dr. Was here this morning. Frances is a little better. Isaac and Emma was in. George and Eemmeline was up this afternoon” [June 4, 1882]. “It is fair and warm. Addie went home. Joel & George went up to the pasture and up to Daniel Otis. George Brewster & Abigal was here to dinner” [July 9, 1882]. “It is fair. Mary and Joel went to Rochester. Mrs. Brach was up and spent the day and I’s was sick. Dr. Gaffin was here to see me” [Oct 3, 1882]. “It is overcast. Will Walingford is here. Joel commenced to make cider for John Brock... This afternoon we churned” [Oct 20, 1882]. “It is overcast. We churned. Joel helped Isaac kill the hog. A peddler stayed here last night. It snowed in the afternoon” [Dec 13, 1882]. “...fair day. Washed. Uncle Wentworth was here and Uncle Horace…and Aunt Betsy came here and stayed all night. George…was here and was sick all day” [Dec 25, 1882]. For a historian, this is an excellent portrait of life in rural New Hampshire in the late 19th century. Her entries are detailed and they paint a clear picture of farm life for a woman’s point of view. For a Women’s Studies program, this is a fine illustration of the daily lives of women at this time in America. For a genealogist, it is a goldmine. She makes many references to the people in her social circle. In our informal research, we were able to quickly find many of the people she has mentioned. This diary will help confirm relationships and cross-reference many people who lived in Strafford County NH at this time. Measuring 6.0 inches by 3.25 inches, this diary covers the year 1882. It contains 183 pages, including the daily diary and Memoranda. It is approximately 85% complete. The cover shows clear wear marks and the back cover is starting to detach. The binding is intact but there are wear marks and some small tears. The pages are in good condition and the handwriting is legible, though light in some places as it is written in pencil. Overall Fair. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 183 pages. Fair with no dust jacket .
Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller
Book number: 0011149A
USD 450.00 [Appr.: EURO 416.25 | £UK 356.5 | JP¥ 68107]
Keywords: 's Work Farmer Genealogical

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