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

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

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

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

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

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

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

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: Student Teenage Angst

MAMIE A. ?

1891 Diary of an Popular, Active and Responsible Young Brooklyn Woman

Brooklyn, New York, 1891. Softcover. On offer is a very interesting diary of a fairly well-off woman living in Brooklyn, New York in 1891. The diary was printed for W. G Hitchcock & Co who were importers and manufacturers located in New York City. It was presumably sold or given out as an advertising piece. It is full of advertisements for a wide variety of products. The author is a woman named Mamie A. [Lous? Ivans? ] of 483 1st St, Brooklyn. Unfortunately after attempts to determine who our diarist is, we were unable to do so. We do know that she was a young Brooklyn woman who was extremely social and entertaining many callers, both male and female. She does not seem to work, rather tends to her home and cares for family and friends, including an ill relation named Charrie and another relation named Gussie whose “days out” are recorded regularly in Mamie’s diary. In her diary, she records the daily events in her life including visits with friends, errands done, shopping, family matters etc. From context, she appears to be rather well-off as her family retains a servant. “Today looks like rain. Mrs. Bettie Burr was here to luncheon. Kelsey, she and I met Dr. Burr and wife at South Ferry and all went on board the “State of Nevada”. Dr. B and wife returning home with us…” [May 12]. “Had a hard shower last night but it has been a beautiful day, unusually quiet. Gussie has had a holiday consequently I have had lots of work to do…” [June 4]. “Allie and I came home and Allie made white waist for me. Paid Allie $2 for sewing. Hanna and I called at “Lululs”, Carrie and Mag drove up” [June 24]. “Met Mr. Barber on Bridge train as I was going over to NY. Mr. Burr returned from Lewis River” [Sept 28]. “Pa is quite sick with rheumatism” [Oct 13]. “Cousin Lib came up, Charrie went home with her. Beautiful day. Mr. Faulkner called this eve” [Nov 6]. “Charrie & I went shopping. Went to dancing school with K” [Nov 28]. She mentions the names of several well-known ships that were part of the international commercial shipping industry“Wrote to George. Carrie, Mrs Colman & Bula were on board the “Parthia”” [Mar 11]. “George wanted me to go on board the ship today but as Capt. Sere is sick with mumps. I was afraid to venture as I never had them” [Mar 13]. “George sailed today for San Francisco in the ship “Parthia” This is first voyage…” [Mar 18]. For a social historian, this diary offers a look into the world of a comfortable, middle-class woman in New York City near the end of the 19th century. For a Gender Studies program, it certainly provides a picture of the life experiences of some women at this time. It also offers a link to the days of the great sailing and steam ships that were the backbone of international commerce. The diary measures 8.0 inches by 5.25 inches and contains 52 pages. The covers are in good condition and the binding is intact. This diary is perfect-bound across the top of the book. The pages are also in very good condition. The diary is 90% complete and the handwriting is legible.; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 52 pages; Signed by Author. Good .

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Book number: 0011073

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: Sickness Recovery 's Experience

IDA J. OLMSTEAD

1898 Detailed Diary of a Perceptive Wife of a Prominent Orwell, New York Farmer

Orwell, New York, 1898. Softcover. On offer is the diary of the wife of a very successful farmer and businessman in upstate New York in the late 1800s. Strong context clues including names of all family members, locations, dates and more indicate this diary was written by Ida J. Olmstead (1858-1915) and covers the year 1898. Ida was born in Michigan and moved to Orwell, New York in 1876, when she married Arthur Erastus Olmstead (1850-1926) [SEE BIO NOTES AT END OF LISTING FOR MORE ON OLMSTEAD]. They had two sons, Frederick Lorin and Orimell Brown (who she calls Orra). Ida was 42 the year that she wrote this diary. The following entries will give a flavour of the life she experiences: “Rained hard all day. Went to Sandy Creek to G. A. R* and W. R. C*. Meeting, a very nice time. Got home before dark. Got pretty tired” [Jan 12]. [The GAR is the Grand Army of the Republic. WRC was the Woman's Relief Corps, the official women's auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic]“A nice day and evening. Col. A. D. Shaw spoke in evening at church. G. A. R. And W. R. C. Went in body. Had a reception at hall after lecture. A fine time. A good turnout” [Feb 8]. “Pleasant. Claudia gone to her sisters child’s funeral. Just got word Uncle Anson very sick. Orimel and Arthur went on 11 o’clock train. He died at 6 o’clock P. M. Rained in night” [Mar 15]. “A nice day. Arthur went to Watertown on morning train, home in evening. I went down to Mrs. Nat Stowell’s to birthday club. She is 43 years old. Orra got face filed with powder in eve. Frightened me very bad. Did not see him till morning” [Apr 13], “Orra very bad off. Dr. Low came and did what he could to relieve him. Has a very bad face, eyes swollen shut. Don’t think eye sight is effected. Cannot tell for sure” [Apr 14]. “22 years ago we were married at Clinton Michigan. Arthur went to Utica on morning train and I went down to Camden to spent the day. Home in evening. A very pleasant visit” [Sept 16]. “Pleasant. Went to Richland in afternoon to see Roosevelt pass through on special train. Went to hall in evening to social for Reverend Davis” [Oct 28]. For a social historian, this is an outstanding chronicle of life in rural upstate New York. Ida Olmstead is a perceptive observer and keeps a very good record of people and events. This would be a very good reference work for a Women’s Studies program as it details her daily life and by inference, the lives of her many acquaintances. For a genealogist or local historian, her diary is full of the names of friends and acquaintances, many of whose families would still be resident in the community. BIO NOTES ON ARTHUR E. OLMSTEAD: Olmstead came from a family that was quite well-known in the community. Arthur Olmstead’s father Orimel was a successful farmer and businessman who also served as a county official. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Oramel Olmstead raised a company for the 110th New York Infantry Regiment. He served himself. Our informal research has turned up an interesting story concerning his service. His son, Melvin, was serving in the 24th New York Infantry Regiment. He was seriously wounded at the Battle of Bull Run. He lay on the battlefield for 3 days before being discovered. Unfortunately, he died of his wounds. When notified about this, his father Orimel, travelled to Manasass to retrieve his body and bring it home. Returning to his Regiment in Baltimore, he fell ill and his wife rushed to his side to nurse him but she became exhausted. Administered opiates by a physician to relieve her fatigue, she fell into a deep sleep and never woke up. Orimel Olmstead was subsequently invalided out and returned to Orwell to carry on with his life. He died in 1884 at the age of 78. His son Arthur Erastus Olmstead (1850-1926) carried on his fathers dry good business and farming. In time, he ended up owning over 700 acres of farmland, running 2 successful dairy operations, a chair factory, a cheese factory and an iron works. He was active in his community serving as town clerk and assessor. He was also active in the GAR – The Grand Army of the Republic which was the largest and most important veterans organization made up of former Civil War veterans of the Union army. The diary measures 6 inches by 3.5 inches and contains 183 pages. It is about 95% complete. The cover is a soft maroon leather and is in good condition. The back cover has parted slightly from the cover. A pocket on the inside back cover has come apart, mostly due to the adhesive drying out. The pages are in good condition and the handwriting is legible. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012230

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: Women' Mother

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

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

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

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: Government 19th

UNKNOWN

1859 Diary of a Young Ohio Woman Who Takes on the Planting at the Family Farm, Socializes and Travels Around the Region

Ohio, United States, 1859. Softcover. On offer is a very detailed diary written by a mystery woman living and working planting fruits and veggies on a farm near Oberlin, Ohio in the mid-19th century. The author of this diary is unknown. From context, we can determine that she is a young woman, living and working on her family’s farm. Her passion is for planting and she talks of it regularly. A treat at the back of the diary in the Memoranda section is her notes about her annual planting, listing the peaches grown on each tree, the types of pear and apple trees and their locations on the farm, her raspberry yields and more. While our author uses the first names of her family and friends regularly, she never names herself, and there are not enough clues to find her. Despite the mystery, our diarist does a tremendous job of describing the life of a young woman who has embraced her role on the family farm and her young adult social life. Her entries are detailed and quite full. She writes well about daily life, planting, farm tasks, travels, friends and family.. These excerpts will give the flavour of the rich detail contained within the diary: “Weather warm. Sun shines like spring. Last Saturday broke chain I was making. Lorain went up to Adamses to hire out and William was here to[o] to get him. Mr Cawls here wants to get the Theological department in Oberlin endowed. John is back here to work today” [Feb 22]. “Mr. Finley and his wife came here this forenoon stayed til forwards night. Margaret went home with them. There is a drunken coot of a young man after Sarah and they don’t like it. Mrs. Alrop here” [Apr 28]. "Very warm some wind, Feel bad as girls caught some cold. I was out showing Uncle Mills about planting some corn and beans. The wind blowed some. We took a ride at night to town. Showed him the place" [May 4]. “Cold and I have sat in the house all day by the fire wind blows and rained last night somewhere I guess but not here yet. Commenced taking [ ] yesterday. I [ ] up my dinner owing to drinking home made beer” [May 19]. “Cool and windy need fire. Feel pretty well today. Had radishes and lettuce for first time. Mr. Long and William came up here. THey brought me a couple of [] that’s red and yellowish. Sirens in town today” [May 20]. “Cleared off warm in afternoon. Lydia Mary Anna Frisbee and Lofy went on the noon train for Oberlin. Father made quite a fuss to get off and the got there ½ an hour too soon. I had green peas for dinner and picked some cranberries. Mr Lond brought me some ripe cherries” [June 1]. “Rather cold ground is froze some. Father has gone to Fremont on a special jury. Mother got some cuttings of house plants at Mrs. Lords. Mary Ann got a package from [ ] She sent me some chocolate” [Oct 10]. For a social historian, this diary offers a very good look inside the daily life of a farm family from the perspective of a young woman immediately prior to the outbreak of the American Civil War. This diary measures approximately 4.75x3.0 inches and contains 122 pages plus memoranda. It is about 80% complete. The covers are in good condition with some evidence of wear along the edges. The binding is intact and the pages are in good condition. The handwriting is generally legible. Overall Fair to Good. ; Manuscripts; 32mo 4" - 5" tall; 122 pages. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012244

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: Gardening Female Authors

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 .

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Book number: 0011149A

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: 's Work Farmer Genealogical

UNKNOWN

1891 Fascinating Diary by a Student of Watchmaking at the American Horological Institute in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania PA, 1891. Softcover. On offer is an interesting diary that touches on the history of watchmaking, through the experience of a man who travels to Philadelphia in the winter of 1891 to attend the American Horological Institute. The author of this diary is unknown. Context tells us our diarist is a man and he begins his diary on January 6, 1891, when he “arrived at Washington” on route to Philadelphia to become a watchmaker. The diary covers the period of January 6, 1891 through April 9, 1891. During this time, the vast majority of our young watchmaker’s entries are focused on his watchmaking education. He attends the American Horological Institute six days per week and on Sundays he goes to churches and to the local YMCA. This man’s commitment to his chosen craft is both endearing and a reminder of the pride once taken in mastering skills. Some excerpts give the flavour of this fascinating diary: “Arrived at Philadelphia 10: 30 AM. Took dinner at the Bingham House. Went to the American Horological Institute and made arrangements for entering. Went and found a Boarding place, went to the Institute at night” [Jan 7]. “Went to institute and went to work making a polishing tool. Practiced engraving a little. Went around the city a little at night” [Jan 8]. “Went down to Institute. Made a jewel setting tool and practised setting jewels. Went down to the merry go round after supper” [Jan 16]. “Went to Institute and practiced engraving and turning on the lathe. Went to Broad Street Theatre in the evening very good” [Jan 24]. “Went to St. Pauls Reform Episcopal Church 1030. PM Chestnut and 22nd. Went to John Wanamaker Sunday School 230…22nd and Bainbridge Sts. Went to the YMCA 15th and Chestnut. Went to Broad St Station and weighed 150 lbs. Did not go out in evening” [Jan 25]. “Went to Institute and practiced engraving and pivoting and drill making …” [Feb 6]. “Went to Broad Street station, weighed 151, then went to spring Garden M. E. Church. Did not go out in the afternoon. Went to First Baptist Church in the evening” [March 8]. “Went to Institute and did engraving and work on Hain spring gauge. Went down to Gilbert and Bacons and had group lecture, then went to Keystone watch case factory” [March 26]. In the back of the diary, our author provides even more details about the American Horological Institute, listing supplies he bought for class, his expenses connected to his schooling, as well as names and addresses of individuals and businesses, some clearly associated with his watchmaking education. BACKGROUND: The American Horological Institute was new approach to training watchmakers. It has its roots with Ezra Bowman who was born in 1847. His family had emigrated from Switzerland and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. At a young age, Ezra displayed an interest in watchmaking. His father considered the standard 7 year apprenticeship excessive so he hired a Swiss watchmaker to teach his son in an intensive 2 year period. Completing his studies, Bowman worked for several other watchmakers before opening his own shop in Lancaster in 1877. He began to take on apprentices, using the intense 2-year course that he had experienced. He was successful and in 1887 opened a school in Philadelphia called the American Horological Institute. Five years later, it was renamed the Ezra F. Bowman Technical School and relocated to Lancaster PA. Eventually, it was renames the Bowman Technical School. The school remained in existence until it closed in 1992.Bowman was a pioneering horological genius in the pre-Hamilton years of the Lancaster watch factories. He worked on the model of the first watch made by the Adams & Perry Watch Manufacturing Company and then manufactured the Bowman watch in his own shop. He improved and made watchmaking tools that were recognized worldwide. Yet he is best known as a pioneer in horological education through his desire to promote high craft standards for watch-makers in his school. For a historian this is an excellent written artifact that refers directly to one of the founders of a unique American skilled craft. Today, there is an extensive collection of original source material about the Bowman Technical School in the Lancaster County historical collectionMeasuring 7.25 inches by 3.25 inches, this diary contains 122 pages and is about 25% complete, with entries between January and April of 1891, and many notes in the Address and Accounts sections at the back of the diary. Our author writes very consistently January through early March, and his entries space out in late March and become almost absent as of April, though he does write twice in April about a bike tour he is taking. The cover shows some signs of wear but is otherwise intact. The spine and binding are intact as are all of the pages and the handwriting is legible. Overall Fair to Good.; Manuscripts; 12mo 7" - 7½" tall. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012223

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: Horologists

NEWELL MOULTON VARNEY

1885 Diary of a Maine Farmer, Ferrier and Carpenter Sick with a Respiratory Illness, Working Through the Pain, and Travelling West for Relief That Would Not Come

Maine, New England, Usa, Florida, 1885. Softcover. On offer is an outstanding chronicle of a year in the difficult life of a hardworking husband and father, coping with a debilitating lung illness while trying to keep things going for his family. The author of the diary is Newell Moulton Varney (1831-1888). Varney was born in Tamworth, New Hampshire and later moved to Sumner, Maine. He was the son of Rueben H. Varney and Sophia F (Moulton) Varney In 1856, he was married to Lydia Cushman Bonney (1831-1922) and they raised a family of nine children, though only eight survived infancy. Varney was a farmer, a farrier and a carpenter. He worked his farm, shod many many oxen and worked at constructing buildings and repairing equipment. Through it all, his health was failing. He suffered from lung disease terribly and that is likely what caused his early demise in 1888. Varney was active in his community and often attended town meetings and was a member of the Grange – a national farmers organization and secret society structured along the lines of the Masonic Order. Varney kept his diary every day from February 6, 1885 to December 31, 1885. Tipped into the diary is a letter dated May 1883 and some newspaper cut outs. Varney has noted his financial transactions from Feb to Dec of 1885 in detail at the back of the diary. There is also a funeral home receipt for one of Varney’s children, Lydia Jennie Heald, who died in 1965, indicating that this diary likely came from her estate. Varney’s diary depicts his lived experience in well-written detail: “Clarra Bonney died this morning. Lydia is over there staid all day the travelling is bad. I worked in the shop a little today” [Feb 12]. “I have felt nearly sick all day my lungs are feeling very bad hard work to breath the weather cleared off some time in the night and blew a gale froze up hard blew all day. I have tried to boil sap today but it is a slow job on account of the wind. I have got all of the sap into the pails tonight at ten o’clock. Cora and Jennie have been gone all day and have not got home yet the clock gone struck ten P. M. While I am writing W [ ] Robinson was here and took dinner today stoped two or three hours” [Apr 9]. “I sold my oxen today for one hundred and forty seven dollars to some men by the name of B{ ] went up to Bassetts and done 3/4 of a days work it is quite warm today two men [ ] here last night and their horse also the same men that bought the oxen I set one shoe on the oxen for them. I saw Asia Riokes up to Bassetts today” [Sept 4]. "Mat and wife were here today. I am nearly used up today. Been spitting blood all day. My lungs are very sore." [Nov 11]. “I carried the children to school and then went over to Ed Boukers and got 60 bricks that belonged to [ ] Ford built up the back of the sitting room chimney shod Charles Bonney’s horse and mended his wagon spring, Dr. Reid took dinner with us today” [Nov 25]. By December, his health had failed to the extent that he decided to travel south to see if the warmer climate would help him. His entries during the trip are detailed and paint a very vivid picture of his journey. He was not happy with what he found in the South. Some excerpts: “I am waiting for Mat to come and take me to the depot to take the 9 o'clock train to bear me away from home and friends and all that I hold dear on this earth, for the purpose of gaining my health in Florida, if it is God's will. My heart is sad & can't help the tears from streaming down my cheeks. Got started and got to Portland at eight. Went over to boat and got state room. Went to bed, but did not sleep. We started for Boston at night. Got soup and coffee and went up on Fulton St. And I was sick on the boat. Bisbee [who went with him] vomited some” [Dec 23]. “I am not well today. My lungs are feeling bad. Cough nearly as bad as when at home. My boarding place is a dirty place for a northern man. It will do for the southern element. The food is poor and half cooked at that. The tea and coffee muddy & the milk so thin that you could see through it is it was clean. I have travelled the city. Went all over to find a decent place within my means. Have found a room but have got to go out for my meals. I took my supper in a negro restaurant. It appears to be neat but the food is so different from home that it is hard work to eat it” [Dec 30]. He returned home. Three years later, Varney passed away of what was possibly tuberculosis. For a historian, especially one researching rural life in America in the late 19th century, this diary is an excellent window into that world. It is detailed and well-written. For a genealogist, it offers many references to local people in this small, closely-knit communityMeasuring 6x3.5 inches, this diary contains 365 pages. It is about 87% complete. The cover shows some wear but is in otherwise good condition as is the binding and spine. The pages are in good condition as well and the handwriting is quite legible. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011124

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: Fatherhood Farming

JOHN FRANKLIN WILD

1891 and 1897 Diaries of a Successful Indiana Entrepreneur, Banker, Husband and Father

Anderson, Indiana, Indianapolis. Softcover. On offer are two diaries of a successful American businessman written six years apart, in 1891 and 1897, following his life as an entrepreneur, husband and, eventually, father. What makes these diaries extra special are the newspaper articles and ephemera the author has included with some of his entries which relate and give context to the events about which he writes. The author of these diaries is John Franklin Wild (1861-1937) was an American entrepreneur and financier. He was born in Noblesville, Indiana, where he began his career partnering with his father, Leonard, and working at his dry goods store. John eventually opened his own dry goods store in Anderson, Indiana in 1884. In 1891, Wild became a banker in Anderson, creating a firm called Campbell, Wild & Co. In 1901, Wild moved to Indianapolis with the banking business and bought out Campbell’s interest. The bank became J. F. Wild & Co. The firm was prominent in the government and municipal bond trading markets. In 1891, Wild married Mary “Minnie” Hannah (1865-1947). Together, they had three children: John Jr, Frances and Forrey. At the end of their lives, John and Minnie moved to California to be near their daughter. The first 7 months of the 1891 diary deals with his work in his dry good business and the social events that occupy his life. “Arrived at store at 7: 35. Worked all day. Closed store at 6. Went to party at Music Hall took Mattie Chittenden Home and retire by 2: 30 AM…” [Jan 2, 1891] [NOTE: Attached to the entry is one of the many newspaper clippings he included in his diaries. This one details all of the guests at the party]. "Arrived at store at 6: 40. Worked all day store at 6. Back to store at 6: 45 and wrote until 8 then back home. Wrote letter to Minnie retired at 10: 00. Edd came at 10: 20 so I got up and chatted until 12 & then to bed . Weather cool" [Mar 6, 1891], [NOTE: Attached to this entry is a newspaper clipping entitled A BIG MERCANTILE DEAL – Mammoth Dry Goods Establishment of J. F. Wild Sold to Malott, Long & Co of Kokomo. This clipping describes the size and extent of his business and marks the change in business direction from dry goods merchant to bond trader / financier]. On Aug 3rd, he notes the sale of his stock: “Sold stock of my dry goods to Black & Thalman for $12,500…” [Aug 3, 1891]“In Chicago all day. At 8 P. M. Was married to Miss Minnie Hannah 89 Evergreen Ave. By Rev. Ziegler. Remained at Hannah’s all night. Retired at 1 A. M. ” [Sept 9, 1891]. The 1897 diary is equally packed with Wild’s notes about his daily life and accompanying ephemera. Some excerpts follow: “Anderson all day. Uptown all morning. Sold our house to Dr. Heath this morning. At home all afternoon. Took care of Frances while Minnie and John went to the “Sousa Band” concert. After supper went up to store. There until 11: 45 then home. Len and Lena at our house all night. Sleighing fine” [Jan 30, 1897]. “Up at 5: 50. Went to Anderson on 6: 35 A. M. Train. Went after horse and carriage. Drove back. Left Anderson 9: 15 A. M. Arrived Indianapolis 6 P. M. Stopped at Ingall’s 1 hour, fed. Lena and Mrs. Donner came down from Anderson today and are at our house. Lena, Mrs. Donner and Minnie went to theatre this evening to see Nat Goodwin in “An American Citizen. ” Home at 12. Retired at 12: 30” [Mar 17, 1897]. “Went to Lebanon on 7: 10 A. M. Train to examine W. Main St. Indianapolis before buying the bonds. At Lou’s for dinner. Home on 1: 49 P. M. Train. At office balance of morning. Minnie and I went to “Shrine” party at Scottish Rite Cathedral, 8: 30 to 11: 45 P. M. Then home” [May 7, 1897]. “Went to Tipton on 7 A. M. Train. Then Mr. Porter and I drove across to Windfall to examine property in regard to some street improvements. I went to Anderson on 3: 36 P. M. Train. At Anderson all evening until 9: 50 P. M. Train then home (collected some delinquent Anderson bonds). Lottie Wild came down from Noblesville this evening to see us in regard to working for us. Minnie employed her and she will come as soon as we return from Winona. We talked until train time. I went down to station with her and she went home on 12: 45 train. Then home and retired” [May 15, 1897]. “43 Woodruff Place Indianapolis Ind. Up at 7. Minnie’s “water broke” at 7: 30 A. M. I then telephone for Dr. Kimberlin who came right out. Made an examination and said Minnie would not be sick until afternoon or evening. Pains began to come regular at 2 P. M. At 3: 30 we telephoned Dr. And he came at once. A fine baby boy was born at 6: 58 P. M. Minnie got along very well. Rose Wisehan is nurse. Retired at 12: 30” [Sept 26, 1897]. As well as the multiple newspaper clippings that relate to his daily entries that Wild has included, other pieces of ephemera are ribbons from the Masonic Order (Scottish Rite) as well as a photocopy of a picture of Wild and an article detailing the sale of his bank building in 2008. For a historian, these two diaries paint a fine picture of the daily life of a quite successful businessman and financier. The newspaper clippings that are attached flesh out the social side of life in this mid-west state. For genealogists, the detailed lists of people who attended the various social events highlighted in the press provide and excellent source of information about people and relationships in that area a century ago. Both diaries have leather covers and measure 5.75x3.5 inches. They both have 365 pages and are both 100% complete. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 24mo 5" - 6" tall. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012238

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary