Entries in 1866 Diary of Isaac McComas; Baltimore, Frederick and Carroll Counties, Maryland July-December Contributed to the USGenWeb Archives by Charles McComas Robb Copyright. All Rights Reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/md/mdfiles.htm ********************************************************* 1866 Sunday, July 1 Weather pleasant. I was at Church morning & evening. Sallie did not get to go today. Two young Ladies was Baptised in the evening. We are all well except the children they have the hooping cough but they are getting along very well. Monday, July 2 Weather pleasant while you keep quiet but it is a little too warm for comfort working in the sun. I was prospecting for Brick clay all day & I think I have found it in Mr. Jas. Carroll’s field on the west side of the B & O R. R. just at the bend of the road where it turns to go down towards the Spring gardens. I had a hole sunk about 9 feet deep & it appears very good. But I intend to have the clay tested before we have anything to do with it. If it proves good clay I think I will go in with those partes & start making by mashine. Tuesday, July 3 Weather continues about the same. Mr. Pennington & I Boxed up four boxes of the clay I had dug yesterday & sent it to Philadelphia to have it tested in a moddle mashine they have for that purpose. We expect to here from them in 6 or 8 days but in mean time I want to go out and see the mashines of the same kind at work there. I am very much pleased with it from what I have seen so far. Mr. Draper came up from Washington today to see me about the Mill I was down to see some time ago. But at present I cannot do anything with it. Wednesday, July 4 Weather warm but pleasant with quite a little shower in the afternoon. I stayed at home most all day. Late in the afternoon I rode out as far as the Park in the cars saw Bro. Jas. there. He & I walked & stoped a little while at his house then came home. Eve I went to see the fireworks at Monument Square. The city appeared to be quite lively all day, had about a dozen fires so the firemen were busy all day. The children are all sick with the hooping cough. Thursday, July 5 Weather quite warm all day. I went to see Mr. Adams this morning. He wants a partner. He is of the present company of Adams Dungan & Co. I was also at Mr. Labatt’s Office for a little while and got a letter of interduction to Chambers Bros. & Co of Philadelphia. I expect to go on there next week to see his mashine for making Brick. I expect to go out to Bro. Jacob’s tomorrow & take my Family with me. Maggie is also going with us. Friday, July 6 Weather continues very warm. We all went out to Bro. Jacob’s this morning went by the cars. I left them at Sykesville while I walked up to Jacob’s to get a carage. Got there at about two o’clock. We found Jacob & his Family all well. He is cutting his wheat now. He will get through in about 2 days more. Our children is getting along very well with the hooping cough excepting Maggie she is having it quite bad. Jacob has a great many charges/changes(?) this season. Saturday, July 7 Weather continues very warm. Bro. James came out this afternoon & brought his little Boy Charlie with him. They arrived about dusk. We are all about the same. Maggie continues quite bad with the cough. Sunday, July 8 Weather continues very warm. We stayed about home all day too warm to walk about much. We are all well except Maggie. We had some singing after tea this evening. Jacob’s Girls are doing well. Monday, July 9 Weather continues very warm we had some rain about noon. James & I went to Balto. this morning arriving about 11. At one I started for Philadelphia on the one O’clock train arrived there about 6 O’clock. Stoped at the Western House Hotel. I went to the Foundry to see Messers Chambers Bros. & Co. but they had gone home so I will have to wait untill morning. I want to see them about there Brick Mashine & how the clay turned out we sent them a few days ago. Tuesday, July 10 Weather more cloudy today. It was cloudy & wet this morning for a little while. I went to see Messers Chambers first thing this morning. Found him in his Office and saw some of the molded brick he maid in his mashine of the clay we sent him. We went out to Mr. Busey’s yard to see one of his mashines making brick. I think it works very satisfactory making very good [--] brick and it appears that he finds sail for all he can make. Evening I went to Pen Ridge to see another at work. It works well. I got back to Philadelphia about 6 O’clock. Started for Baltimore at 11 at night. Wednesday, July 11 Weather continues warm. I arrived at Mother’s about 4 this morning. Got 2 or 3 Hours sleep. After breakfast I went to see Mr. Pennington. While wating I saw Jas. and saw Mr. Labatt. He wants me to wate to see Mr. Pennington. He is out of town will be back next Friday, and in the mean time they want me to sink a few more holes on the site I have selected for a yard to see how the clay runs and also they want to send some more clay on to Mr. Chambers. I got some men to go with me tomorrow. Thursday, July 12 Weather quite warm. I got a man this morning and sat him sinking more holes today. The clay he worked all day. I stayed with him all the morning. Afternoon I went out to Mount Washington to see Dr. J. S. Bowen. Arrived there about 4 and spent the eve with him. Started home about 7 in the evening. The Dr. is looking well and doing well. I went out in the cars & came home with Mrs Beck & Miss Hines. They went up as far as Swan Lake to meet there friends there on a picknick. Saw John Richardson in the cars. Friday, July 13 Weather continues warm. My man worked all day sinking holes. I think he has sunk as many as is nessasary. We sent some more clay on to Phil this evening. Mr. Pennington & Mr. Brown was with me. They boath are interested with me. I intend to start for Bro. Jacob’s in the morning. I am getting very anxious to see my Family. Saturday, July 14 Weather continues very warm. I started for Jacob’s this morning arrived there about noon. Found them all about as I left them. Maggie is still quite bad with the hooping cough. Ella & Charlie is getting well. Jacob’s place is looking very well. He is busy saveing his harvest. His corn & otes is looking very fine. Jacob is very much pleased with his new place. I think it worth two of his old place for cultivation. Sunday, July 15 Weather continues quite warm. We were at home all day excepting a little walk. Jacob, Mary, Sallie & I took as far as the corn field. His corn is looking very fine. We are all about as usual. Maggie suffers very much with the hooping cough. Monday, July 16 The weather continues dry and warm. The women folks are making preperations for us all to go on a Grand Picknick tomorrow. We are all about the same. Maggie getting along very well but she will not eat anything. Tuesday, July 17 Weather quite warm. We all started on the picknick this morning got off about 7 O’clock arrived on the ground about 8½. The place selected is on the Hon. John Glenn’s place. We spent a very pleasant day of it and everybody appeared to enjoy them selves. Mrs. Baker & 3 children joined us about noon. They came out on a visit to Bro. He met them at Sykesville and brought them to the picknock. We all got back about 10 O’clock in the evening. Charlie got quite sick at the picknick today. Wednesday, July 18 Weather not so warm today. Yesterday was considered the Hotest day we have had for many years. We are still with Bro. Jacob. We are all very well except Maggie. Thursday, July 19 Weather pleasant. We have had several showers which have cooled the atmosphere. We are still at Bro. Jacob’s. Friday, July 20 Weather continues warm but not as warm as it has been, We have had some rain and that has cooled the atmosphere some what. I spent the most of my time picking black berys. They are very plentifull this season. We are all enjoying our selves quite well. Our little Maggie is having quite a hard time with the hooping cough. Ella and Charlie is (blank) Saturday, July 21 Weather cloudy & some rain. Jacob cut some of his otes and I will all have them in shocks and ready to be halled and thrashed. He wants to thrash them the same time he does the wheat. I received a letter today from Sam Spaulding bringing the sad news of the death of Annie his youngest child and shortly after the death Sister Eliza gave birth to a little Boy. Sister is having a great deal of sickness in her family. Sunday, July 22 Weather continues quite warm. This afternoon Jacob, Miss N. Dorsey & Mr. Hobs & I rode over as far as N. Dorsey’s place in Carroll County about one mile from Hood’s Mill. We got some apples. We are all about the same. Monday, July 23 Weather continues warm. We are still at Bro. Jacob’s but we want to get off for home by tomorrow. I was out picking black berys most all day. There is a great many this season. Jacob is getting along very well with his work. We took a walk through his corn field this evening. It is looking very well. His potatoes is also looking very well. We are all about as usual. Jacob cut his otes today. Tuesday, July 24 Weather quite warm at Bro. Jacob’s. Started for home this afternoon to take the 5 O’clock train from Sykesville but they have changed the time. We were obliged to wait [--] untill morning. Jacob wanted us to go back but it being so warm and Maggie Slicer being so unwell I thought it best to stop at the Hotel all night. Cousin Susan Baker was with us but she went back with Jacob to stop all night. We are all getting along very well. Wednesday, July 25 Weather warm but not as warm as it has been. We stoped all night at the Sykesville Hotel and started for home this morning at ¼ before 9. Arrived in Balto. about 10:50. We found all home well. Sallie & I spent the balance of the day getting furniture to fit up our Room. I called to see Mr. Labatt but he was not in his office. Evening called to see Bro. James. Heard for the first time the death of Uncle Corbin Amos. He died last Saturday and was Buried on Monday last. We are all well except Maggie. Thursday, July 26 Weather warm. I called to see Mr. Labatt this morning. We had quite a talk about the Chambers brick mashine. I am a little fraid of it. I think it is a little doubtfull weather I will have anything to do with it. I saw Mr. Jas. Carrell to get him to grant us more time to try and see if his clay will make good brick. He did so. In the evening Bro. James & I went to Philadelphia. I want James to give his opinion in regard to Chambers brick making mashine. I think I will let this trip determine if I will have anything to do with it. Friday, July 27 Weather a little cloudy all day. We arrived in Philadelphia last night about 0ne O’clock. We stoped at a Hotel on Market Street. First thing this morning we went to se Mr. Chambers & to get some of the small bricks he made of our clay. From there Jas. & I went out to Mr. Buist & Mr. Gillis press yards. Both of there mashines were at work. They work very well but it is very well provin that they will not make anything but very common rough brick and takeing the cost of the mashine into consideration I think it unsafe to have anything to do with it. I arrived home again in the evening. Saturday, July 28 Weather quite warm all day. In the afternoon we had a full sprinkle of rain which made it a little cooler for a little while. I saw Mr. Labatt this morning in regard to the Brick Machine & as far as I am concerned I have concluded not to have anything to do with it. I do not think it will work well untill there is improvement made in the cuttoff & dust them better. I think they will all give it up now that I have. I called on Annie this morning to let her hear from Jas. I also called on Mr. Powers to try & hear from Sister Eliza but did not. She has been very sick and has lost a young child. Sunday, July 29 Weather warm but not so opressive as is has been. I was at Church morning & evening. Strangers Preached. Dr. Fuller is away gone North for a Month or so dureing the heat of the sumer. I heard two good sermons one from an Old Gentleman in the morning and I think it was Mr. Adams. I was at my Room the remainder of the day. Sallie did not get out all day she has to stay by the children. They are still labouring with the whooping cough. Monday, July 30 Weather quite warm all day. Late in the day we had quite a thunder storm with quite a [--] shower of rain. I was at home most all day. Afternoon I was at Wm. Cunningham’s store for a while. I have not made up my mind yet what I will do but I am getting very anxious to get in some business. I have a good chance to get in a Grocery & Community House on Howard St. with Mr. Adams but I am afraid I wont like the business. I dont know which would be the best that or Brickmakeing. Eve called to see Jas. All well. Tuesday, July 31 Weather pleasant but one finds it warm walking or working but for this season of the year I think it very pleasant. I was out on Messers Picher’s and Wilson’s Brickyard most all the morning looking after a Brickyard. Mr. Wilson thinks I would run a good deal of risk starting a yard just this side of the first Bridge on the B. & O. R. R. south of the Railroad just at the bend of the flat. My opinion is that it is good. I looked at one or two other sites which I think would do but the clay is not of the first quality & not very extensive. I think that it is likely that I will give up Brickmakeing for this season. Wednesday, August 1 Weather quite warm all day. I went to look after a lot this morning first thing. I found a Lot that will suit very well on McCulough St. near Townsend 20X95 at $5 per front foot. I agreed to take it for that provideing that I can get it. The agent wrote the [--] to that afect. I am thinking of Building to sell for the balance of this season & next Spring. I want to get to brickmakeing if I can get a yard to suit me. I saw Mr. Brown & Labatt this morning but I have about give up the Chambers mashine. Family all well. Thursday, August 2 Weather quite warm all day. We had quite a little shower last night. I agreed to take a lot today from Mr. (blank) on McCulough St 4th door from Townsend on the N. E. side of the St. The lot is 20X96. I pay $5.25 per front foot considered by some to be very cheap. I made arrangements with Mr. Ryan to dig my cellar at 30cts per yard and agreed to commence tomorrow. I have had a very bad pain in my back all day. The children are well getting along very well. Maggie is the worst. Friday, August 3 Weather warm. I contracted for my Brick & Marble works. Brick at 11.50 common with Picher & Wilson Press $45 per thousand. Marble work with Mr. Black for 375 Dollars. Ryan commenced to excavate for the cellar today. I had two figures on the Windowpanes and back door frames. One was 123 and the other was 120. I will contract with one of the partes tomorrow. I want to get my House finished by the first or middle of November next. We are really well except Maggie. She is not getting as well as Charlie & Ella. Saturday, August 4 Weather warm. I was out all day attending to my building. I bought my joist & rough Boards today from M. C. H. Carson 3X8---20 feet long 15 pieces and the balance in 12.14 & 17 feet long by 3X8 & 3X10 on an average all around of $25 per thousand and 20 Dollars for rough Boards delivered. Ryan is getting along very well with the cellar. I was up there for a while this morning. I agreed with Mr. Potter to make my frames. He makes them for just one hundred Dollars delivered at the building. My back is still very sore. Sunday, August 5 Weather very pleasant all day. I was at home all day & most of the time in bed. I suffer very much with my side. I have had it bathed and I have taken medison for it but it appears hard for me to get relief. Maggie is having quite a hard time with the whooping cough. She is still quite poorly & very cross. Ella & Charlie is about well. Monday, August 6 Weather pleasant except a little dusty on some of the streets down at the warfe. I was down there today seeing about my lumber and bought another little lot for horses and lintles (?) The men are getting along very well with the cellar I think they will have it out by day after tomorrow and then I want to commence my Brickwork. I expect that I will have to lay most of the brick myself as bricklayers are very scarce & 4 8 per day tenders 2$. I think. I think my side is a little better today. Maggie is better also. Tuesday, August 7 Weather quite pleasant. I worked all day about my building on McCulough St. making horses and tending to the delivery of my joist. Mr. C. H. Carson the man I am getting my lumber from has delivered up to today about half the amount of joist I will need for the building. Mr. Ryan is getting along very well with the excavating. I contracted with him today to furnish what sand I may need at the building for brickwork including front & paveing for 20 Dollars. I ingaged a tender today. My back is still very sore. Maggie is something better. Wednesday, August 8 Weather quite pleasant. Mr. Ryan finished my cellar this evening & I payed him. There was 216 yds for which I payed him 65 Dollars, 30cts per yard. I agreed with Evans for the use of his wall for 100 Dollars which is a saveing boath in cost & room. I made application for the city water. They promised to get it in tomorrow. Wm. Cunningham halled me two loads Lime today. He charges 48cts per Bushel. I have been working about the building all day getting my norter boards ready &co. Evening I was introduced to Salem Encampment. We are about the same. Thursday, August 9 Weather quite windy & dusty this afternoon so much so that the Bricklayers sent to where I was at work had to stop. They were working on the 3rd story. I started my House this afternoon. I commenced on the front foundation. So far I am getting along very well and I am in hopes that it will continue so. We are all very well. Maggie appears better. I rec’d a letter from Eliza & Sam today. They are well at present but have been very sick. Friday, August 10 Weather quite pleasant all day except a little windy this afternoon and dusty. I worked all day laying brick. I have no one to help me yet. I have a very good tender Michael. I want to get a bricklayer just as soon as I can find one. Bricklayers are all very busey now & are getting good wages from 4 to 5 per day tenders 2.25 per day. I feel very tired tonight after working so hard today. It goes hard with me it has been so long since I have been at work. We are all very well. Saturday, August 11 Weather pleasant. I worked all day laying bricks on our House. I feel very tired & sore not working so long it goes very hard with me. Everything is working along very well so far & I have every reason to believe that I cannot help but to do well with my house. If I cannot sell I can rent at good advantage as houses are in great demand at present and has been for some time. Sarah Amanda McComas was to see us today she is in town on a visit. We are all well. Sunday, August 12 Weather cloudy and wet all day. I did not feal very well today so I did not go out of the house all day. I feal very tired & sore not working so long it goes very hard with me for a while untill I get broke in. Family are all well except the whooping cough they have not got quite over it yet. Monday, August 13 Weather cloudy & wet. It rained all last night. I feal a good deal better since a days rest. I went up to the building this morning found everything all right but too wet to lay brick so I made myself a shelter and cut the joist holes for the first floor of joists. I bought the use of the adjoining wall. Came home about 2 O’clock and got my Dinner & stayed in the balance of the day. I saw Mr. C. Kisor formerly of Marysville Cal. He is looking well. He is now living in Balto. Tuesday, August 14 Weather wet all day except late in the afternoon. I was at the building but could not do anything the rain is keeping me back some with my house but it cant be helped. We are all well. I renewed my Paper again today. Wednesday, August 15 Weather quite pleasant. I worked all day. Mr. Black sat the stone work today. He is giving me a very good job. I had an applicant for my house this eve. He wants to know my price for it. I cant set a price untill I get it about finished. I will sell if I can get a fare price for it. If not I will Rent it. Sadie McComas spent the day with us and is going to stay all night. She is looking well. My Family are all well. My back is still quite sore. Nothing appears to do it any good. Thursday, August 16 Weather quite pleasant all day considered for this season of the year. I worked all day at my house. I will soon have the cellar up. I want to get more help just as soon as I can get it. Hands are very scarce now of all kinds except tenders they appear to be plenty. I want a carpenter & bricklayer just as soon as I can get them. Mr. Kisor called at the building to see me this morning. My back feels very sore this evening. Friday, August 17 Weather quite pleasant. I worked all day on my house. Mr. Potter commenced with another carpenter about 3 O’clock this afternoon to get the joist ready & put them on. I did not make any bargen with him about putting on the joist. I think I will let him put them on by the day. I am very anxious to get along as fast as I can while the weather is good. I want to get on more help next week if I can get it. I feal very well this evening. Children are all getting along very well with the whooping cough. Saturday, August 18 Weather quite pleasant. I worked all day on my house. The carpenters worked all day. I helped them a while in the afternoon. I got the cellar up about ½ past 2. We got all the joist on & all leveled up except a few on the back building. Potter the carpenter had two men besides himself this afternoon. So far everything has worked well. Mr. Black finished his [--] & first window sills today & it looks well. I am fealing a great deal better since I got broke in at work. Family all well. Sunday, August 19 Weather quite wet all day & blew quite hard in the evening for a little while & capsized a Boat on the Bason and drowned three Sudies.(?) I did not go out all day. We are all very well. Monday, August 20 Weather quite pleasant all day. It rained most all night last night. I worked all day. We finished up our joist about ½ past 8 this morning & commenced to lay brick about 9 on the mane story on the back walls. I got a man to help me. He commenced about 9 this morning but he is a very poor hand but it is the best I can do at present. Good Bricklayers are very scarce at the present. They are in great demand now almose everywhere. Tuesday, August 21 Morning quite pleasant but it rained in the middle of the day just at 6 O’clock it commenced to rain quite hard. I came home on the cars but I got a little wet. I worked all day with my men but got along slow. I have to raise all the corners. I had my frames [--] today. Evening I went to the Post Office but did not get anything. Mr. Williams does not write as often as I would like. We are all well. Wednesday, August 22 Weather quite warm after the rain. We worked all day. I got the water in today. I am using it to make morter and it will be ready to put through the house when I get it ready. We are working on the back building & side wall. Sallie spent the day with Lizzie & Donald returned home late in the evening. She did not take the children with her on account of there having the whooping cough. They are getting along very well. Thursday, August 23 Weather cool & cloudy & commenced to rain a little after 8 this morning so we all had to stop. I and one tender went to work after dinner. I attended to my Lease of my Lot while it was raining. I went to the Post Office and got 3 Papers and one letter from San Francisco. The letter was from a wine seller he wants to sell me wine. I have been thinking some of going in the Cal. wine business but I am now engaged building & I do not know what I will do when I get my house finished. We are all well. Friday, August 24 Weather quite pleasant all day considered very cool weather for this season of the year. We worked all day. Mr. Wilson commenced to hall front bricks today & I commenced my front today. Mr. Kysor was to see me at the building this evening. He wants to buy a house. I think that if I had my house finished now I could sell it very readley. I am getting to feal much better now that I have broke in to work. Family all well. Saturday, August 25 Weather quite pleasant all day excepting for a little while in the evening. It rained a little but did not stop us from work. I worked all day on the front. I sat the first front frames. I paid Mr. Jas. Black 150$ on stone work. His Bill amounts to 375$. J. A. Hale called at the building to see me today. He is just from Cuba. He returns or starts back this afternoon. He is looking first rate. He promised to rite me just as soon as he gets there. We are all well. Sunday, August 26 Weather pleasant. I did not go out all day. Felt tired and my cloes is not fit to go out on Sunday. I must get some soon. We are all well as usual. Monday, August 27 Weather pleasant but it has looked like rain all day wind in the afternoon. We worked all day on the building. Jacob called to see us this evening and stayed all night. Jacob is well. He came into Market. Mary came in with him. We are all well. Tuesday, August 28 Weather cloudy all day & sprinkled a little at times. I got all the walls up for the joists excepting the front it is not quite up. Mr. Carson sent 20 – 20 feet joists today and 20 [--] 3X4. I left word with my carpenter this evening for him to send me a carpenter tomorrow. My long arch brick came today. I have desided to have long arches in my front. Marble linthes cost so much I concluded to have arches. We are all well. Wednesday, August 29 Weather wet & cloudy all day but I managed to work all day. The men all stoped except one tender he made morter. I got the front up story high. The building is now story high all around. I had a carpenter at work untill the rain stoped him getting the joist. I am very anxious to get my house finished just as soon as I can. I think the soon I am finished the better as house will sell or rent better in the Fall. We are all well. Thursday, August 30 Weather quite warm. We worked all day on the front. The new carpenters worked all day putting on joist. Evening I called on Mr. Labatt & Mr. Pennington on some business in connection with the late Chamber Brick Mashine. They want to get off from paying the forfetture $150 which they agreed to pay provideing they did not take the mashine. I dont think they can get off. I am sorry they made the promise. I have nothing to do with it. Friday, August 31 Weather very warm & close all day. The Carpenters finished putting on the joist of the second floor this afternoon. I have everything ready now for the second story & I want to raise it up just as soon as I can. I took my money out of the Bank today to pay up Pitcher & Wilson on Brick. I only sold 1000 Dollars for the Aug. 1864. I got 114 & for the Dec. I got 112. They sold better than I expected. We are all well. I feal very tired tonight after working hard all day. Saturday, September 1 Weather very warm. We worked all day laying brick. I have all the frames set on the second story excepting the frames in the back wall & the Bath Room frame. I pay off my men every Saturday night. I have only two tenders and one Bricklayer. I felt the heat very much today. Bro. Sam called to see us this Eve & bought a letter from Sister Eliza. She & her children are better now. We are all well. Sunday, September 2 Weather quite warm all day. At home all day. Feal very tired after working all the week. Family all well. Sunday, September 3 Weather continues very warm. I worked all day. I was one labourer short today so my Bricklayer did not work today but he will be along tomorrow. I got another tender today. Evening raining quite hard. Sam Spaulding called to see me. I got a letter from the Rev. Mr. Bolinger. He is still asking time on the last payment of the Church. I wrote W. L. Williams about it. We are all well. Monday, September 4 Weather continues warm. I worked all day. I got another tender at noon so John went after Dinner. I got my back building story high today. James tryed to get the adjoining lot for me today but could not get it the man does not want to lease it. I felt very tired when I quit work this eve. I am working too hard. Family all well. Tuesday, September 5 Weather warm but not quite so warm as yesterday. We had quite a rain last night & it rained untill after 6 this morning. I worked all day on my house. I am having a good deal of trouble with my tenders. It is hard to get a good man. I have to get new men most every day. Evening I called to see Uncle Gabe at the tavern. He left word at the house for me to call. He came in to attend Uncle Corbin’s sail. Which is to take place tomorrow. We are all well. Wednesday, September 6 Weather cloudy. Wet part of the day rained quite hard early this morning. It was wet untill after 7 O’clock so we could not go to work on the wall. I improved the time by cutting the balance of the arches. After dinner we all went to work. I want to try & get the story up tomorrow. Evening I went up to see Uncle Gabe & spent the evening with them. He came in to attend the sail of Uncle Corbin Amos which took place today. Sallie took Maggie to let a Dr. see her today. Thursday, September 7 Weather cloudy & wet all day but we managed to work all the forenoon. Afternoon I spent getting a window frame and getting some arches made & put in which took me the most of the afternoon. We would have got the second story about up if it had not rained. We are all very well. Maggie is better today. I think the Dr. medison done her some good. Friday, September 8 Weather quite pleasant today except for a while the wind blew quite hard. We worked all day & got the 2nd story about on excepting a few corses on the front. The carpenter was at work all day getting on the 3rd floor joist. Mr. Frazier and family came in from Cincinati. Mrs F. has had the cholera but is getting quite well again. The rest of the family are all very well. We are all about the same. Saturday, September 9 Weather quite pleasant all day. I did not go out all day. I got a pare of boots & they did not fit me so I could not get out. I will have to take them back & have them changed. We are all very well except Maggie. She is not over the whooping cough yet but we think she is something better since she saw the Dr. Mr. Frazier and Family are stoping with Mother at present. They are all well except Mrs. F. but she is getting along very well. Sunday, September 10 Weather very pleasant. We worked all day. The Carpenters finished the 3rd story joist at noon. I helped them to put them on with my tenders. I had no bricklayer to help me today. I think he has left me but it does not make but very little difference as he is a very poor hand at best and cannot be trusted to raise a corner or work on a red brick wall. I think that I can finish myself in 8 or 10 days. Family all about the same. Monday, September 11 Weather cloudy and wet all day. I worked for a while this morning on my front cutting cross joints under cover. As I came home I stoped pass James and from there I went to the Post Office and from there I went and redishtered. We are all well. Tuesday, September 12 Weather quite pleasant all day. I worked all day. I have two tenders attending me. I was on the front most all day. About 5 O’clock I commenced on the back building. I expect that I will have to finish the balance of the brickwork myself. Jacob came to see me at the Building this evening. We took supper with Bro. James. Jacob is on the Jury at Ellicott Mills. He goes back in the morning. I was not very well all day but feal better this evening. Wednesday, September 13 Weather very pleasant all day. I worked all day. I engeged my lath today at 4.25 per thousand & 25cts for halling making 450 per thousand delivered. I will need about 1500. Maggie swallowed a cent last night and she pased it today. We are all well. Thursday, September 14 Weather warm. Late in the evening we had quite a thunder storm & it rained very hard. It commenced a little before 6 O’clock. It washed my side wall a little. I was afraid it would do more harm it blew & rained so hard but that was about all harm it done me. I had another bricklayer & tender to help me today. We made quite a show on the long wall today. We are all well. Friday, September 15 Weather very pleasant all day. The rain we had last evening has made it much more pleasant than it was. I worked all day. We are very near finished the long side wall. I let all my men go except Sam the tender. I think he & I can finish. The bricklayer wanted to go Monday as he had an offer of a longer job with another man. I paid Mr. Potter for the frames today 114 Dollars for the frames. I want to try & get the brickwork finished next week. Sunday, September 16 Weather very pleasant. I went to our Church in the morning but I did not go at night. Dr. Fuller has got home. He preached for us today. Someone was to be Baptised in the eve. I felt very tired and thought I would not go out. Bro. James called to see us in the afternoon. We went up to see Uncle Richard Taylor & Family. Found them all well & glad to see us. We are all well. Monday, September 17 Weather very pleasant all day. It was a little cloudy this morning then it cleared off & turned out to be a very pleasant day. I worked all day by myself & tender. I can finish the brickwork myself now very handy. I finished the long side wall & commenced on the back wall & back building. I had some more lumber come today. I want to get the sheathing on the Back building tomorrow. We are all well. Tuesday, September 18 Weather quite warm all day. I worked all day. I finished the back building today. I paid Mr. Carson 150 dollars today on lumber account. I did not feal very well today. Charles Slicer started for Parkersburg this evening. He goes there to superintend [--] well & he also has an interest in it. Family all well. Wednesday, September 19 Weather warm. In the afternoon we had quite a gust and it rained quite hard for about ½ hour. After the shower we all went to work again. My two carpenters were at work today Richard & David. They got the roof on the back building today. they will continue on and finish the roof of the mane building. I have all the [--] up they can soon finish the other part. I am working on the front now. I have all the rest finished except the chimneys. Thursday, September 20 Weather quite warm all day. We all worked all day. The carpenters did not get quite through with the sheathing. I worked all day on the front ary. Turner was to come today but did not. I feal anxious to get my house finished just as soon as possible. I am thinking some of going back to Cal. when I get my house finished & rented or sold & then I get my affares settled up there in some way or other as it is not paying me anything of any account. Friday, September 21 Weather very disagreeable all day showery & windy when it commenced this morning. I managed to work untill about 3 this afternoon. I finished my front arches & got the front up to the first frieze in the first cornice. The sheathing is all finished. The turner was to have come yesterday but did not get there. I went to see him this afternoon. He was sick yesterday but is now well & will commence just as soon as the weather will permitt. We are all well. Saturday, September 22 Weather quite pleasant all day. I worked all day on the front wall. Got all the Press brick work finished. If nothing happens I can get all the brick work finished excepting the chimneys Monday noon. The turner commenced triming today. got the back building all finished. He will get pretty well through next Monday. We are all well. Sunday, September 23 Weather cloudy but no rain. I was at church morning & evening. Dr. fuller preached. Sallie does not feal able to get out. We are all well. Monday, September 24 Weather about as yesterday cloudy but no rain and very pleasant still and warm. I worked all day finished the brickwork on the front & got the building all shut in. The carpenters worked all day putting in bridging & counter seeling. I want them to keep rite on now untill we get ready for the Plasters. The Gass fitter commenced today & got pretty well through. I get it for 15cts per foot. My turner did not get quite through with the trim rough today but got it on so it would not hurt as much if it did rain. Tuesday, September 25 Weather cloudy but no rain it cleared away toward evening. I have commenced today my floor and the flooring is wet and I am afraid we will have to stop for a while untill the weather gets clear but it has the appearance of clear weather this afternoon. If it is we can get our floor all down this week excepting the first floor. I am thinking of laying that with ash & walnut but I will see how my money holds out. I think it will sell much better with such floors. It is getting quite fashionable. We are all well. Wednesday, September 26 Weather very wet all day continued heavy showers all day. We worked all day that is the carpenters & I but the tendres did not come this morning so I had to help the carpenters. I received a letter from Bro. Jacob today. He writes me the Hood’s Mill property is for Sail and he thinks that Dorsey the owner will take the offer that I made him for it last fall & Jacob thinks we had better take it. We are all very well. Thursday, September 27 Weather pleasant. We worked all day. I bargened with a stare builder yesterday to build my front stares for one hundred and twenty six 126 Dollars. He commenced today. I worked all day on the chimney. I rec’d a letter draft of 300 Dollars from W. L. Williams today. He gives a bad account of Marysville property is still comeing down & also the rents. Houses I ust to get 40 and 50 per month I only get 20 now and hard to get that. I loose 112.50 from Atchison. We are all well. Friday, September 28 Weather very pleasant all day. We all worked all day. My well digger worked today. We had to make a curb for him. I did not feal very well this afternoon but feal better tonight. I pay 1$ per foot for the digging & walling of my well. I let my plastering yesterday for 14cts per yard 3 cuts work hard finish to Mr. Starr. Family all well. Saturday, September 29 Weather cloudy & wet all day. We got all the flooring in this morning before it commenced raining. I worked today on the chimneys. My tender had to stop on account of it raining too hard. My carpenters worked most all day laying floor in the 3rd story. The stair builder is getting along first rate. I ordered all my jams & grounds at the Mill of Smith & King on Howard St. We are all well. Mr. Frazier got home from New York today on a visit to his Family. Sunday, September 30 Weather cloudy & rained a little. I went to Church in the morning but did not go in the evening. I went with Mr. Frazier to the Depo to see him off to New York. Dr. Fuller preached the funereal servoice of old Mr. Crain he was buried this afternoon. We are all well. Monday, October 1 Weather cloudy & it sprinkled a little this afternoon. We all worked all day. The well digger got down as far as 32 feet with one curb. They are afraid to go any deeper without another curb so I will stop at that. It is said that all the way down is good sand. I will use it for plastering with. I let the back steps to the same man that is building the front steps today for 30 Dollars. I worked all day on the chimneys. I am getting along very well with my house. The cholera is in Balto. and several fatal cases has occurred. Tuesday, October 2 Weather cloudy but dry. We all worked all day except Sam. His wife was sick and he could not come this afternoon so I had to put in the time attending to other matters besides laying brick and I had aplenty to do. I settled up with my well digger. He sunk the well 31½ feet deep at 1$ per foot. I went to the sash factory and ordered my back window shutters and then went to the lumber yard for some lumber for my back steps. I sold my Gold checks at noon today at 148¼. The fair opens tonight at the Maryland Institute but I do not feal like going this evening. We are all well. Wednesday, October 3 Weather quite pleasant today. We all worked all day. I commenced my privy. I finished up the chimneys as high as the sheathing on the roof. I will now finish the privy so they will have time to settle. The carpenters are putting down floors & putting up partitions. The stair builder has the front steps all up and has commenced on the back steps. I will get ready by the middle of next week I think for the Plasters. I think that I am getting along very well. We are all well. Thursday, October 4 Weather pleasant. The hands worked all day but I was taken sick and had to quit work about 10 O’clock and I was quite sick the balance of the day. I came home and took a good dose of medison and went to bed. The rest of the family are all well. Friday, October 5 Weather pleasant but it is quite cool. I think we had frost last night. It felt cool enough this morning for it. I felt better this morning and went to the building after a late breakfast and worked all day. Built my back ary & steps leading to the cellar. The carpenters are getting along very well. I have 4 at work now including the stare builder. We will be ready for the plaster next week. Family all well. Saturday, October 6 Weather quite pleasant. We worked all day. I had Sam gradeing the cellar. The sand that comes out will do for plastering. That with what comes out of the well will be enough for the plastering. We are getting along very well. The plaster can go to work next Monday and has promised to come. We are all well. Weather cool enough to set by a fire. Sallie had the stove put up today. I took dinner with Bro. James yesterday & today. he is very busy. He is very busy now has all the work he can attend to. His family are all well. Sunday, October 7 Weather quite pleasant. I was at church morning & evening. A young man was Baptized in the evening one of the Deacon’s sons. We had good sermons both morning & evening. We are all well. Monday, October 8 Weather very pleasant. We all worked all day except my tender he was away this afternoon. Mr. Starr the plaster commenced today to lath the [--] & [--] came I had my house Insured today. I pay $20 for 3 months in the Maryland Insurance Office. We are getting along very well. I made an offer for the adjoining Lot today. I want to get it if I can get it. The only trouble I am not able to build rite away but I think I can get it but I will have to pay 6 Dollars per foot for it. I want to get it and build a back building to live in. Tuesday, October 9 Weather warm but pleasant. We all worked all day. I had my men siveing sand all day the sand that came out of the well & cellar. Mr. Starr’s men commenced to make morter today. they finished lathing in the 3rd story. The plummer commenced his work today & also the Bell hanger. I am pushing everything along as fast as I can. I think the soon I can get it finished the better I can sell it. Evening I went to see Mr. Kelso about leaseing the adjoining Lot. He wants me to call again next Sunday. Wednesday, October 10 Weather cloudy and in the afternoon it commenced to rain and at times it rained very hard. Today is Electtion Day for City Officers but no one but those that registered last year was intitled to a vote so I could not vote. We all worked all day except George he lost ½ day wanted to see what was going on. I suppose I bargened with Potter today to make my Doors. 15 at 7.50 & 5 at 5.50 transoms at .75 each he find the materil. Richard & I put up the partition for the Slideing Doors. We are getting along very well. Family all well. Thursday, October 11 Weather very wet all day & all last night it rained very hard at times. The Carpenters & plasters all worked all day. I worked along with them & done what I could. I came home to Dinner. We are all well. Charlie has been going to school to Miss Helen Gaither. Friday, October 12 Weather very wet all day. I worked all day. The Plasters commenced to put on [- -] this afternoon. We are getting along very well. The wet weather keeps us back some but not a great deal as most of the work is now inside. I took the adjoining Lot today at 6 Dollars per front foot or Leased. I want to build on it just as soon as I can. We are all well. Saturday, October 13 Weather more pleasant today not much rain and has the appearance of good weather. We all worked all day. I had an order for my house this afternoon. A Mrs. ( blank ) but she wants to trade me a Lot on Garden St. I want cash. She promised to call the first of the week. We are all well. Sunday, October 14 Weather pleasant. We worked all day. I let two of the carpenters go untill the Plasters gets out of the way. They were at work painting on the first coat. I finished the brickwork of the privy today & got ready to top out the chimneys. Sam tended me and sived the sand. I will have sand enough that came out of the privy to do all the plastering. I went to see John B. Kelso this eve to try and get him to give me the priveledge of buying a Lot but he wont do it. Monday, October 15 I made a mistake in filling up my diary last eve. I forgot to fill up for Sunday so I will have to change places only. Weather pleasant. At church in the morning but not in the evening. Dr. Fuller preached in the morning but not in the evening. He is not very well. His place was filled however by another. We are all well. I wrote to Bro. Williams in the afternoon. Tuesday, October 16 Weather pleasant. We all worked all day. I toped out the chimneys & built the front ary. Richard is jobbing around the building at first at one thing & then another. The Plasters will get done by tomorrow with the first cote on the work. We are all well. Wednesday, October 17 I made a mistake in filling up my diary yesterday. Weather very pleasant. We worked all day. I finished the Privy all but plastering. I done the most of the carpenters work. The Plasterers did not get quite finished lathing and first coating. I sold 500 more of my compounds today at Dec. 15, 1864 for 13¾. We are all well. Maggie still coughs quite hard at times otherwise she is well. Thursday, October 18 Weather very pleasant. Richard & I worked all day. The Plasterers finished about the middle of the afternoon putting on the first coat on the lath. They went across the St. at Mr. Zimmermans to plaster his house. They will be back just as soon as my house gets dry. I let my Doors today to Mr. Smith & King. We are all well. Friday, October 19 Weather very pleasant. We did not do much at the building today. We can not do much now untill the plasters get out of the way. They are now waiting for the first coat to dry. Richard finished caseing the inside door got through about 3 O’clock will be back about the middle of next week. I intend to go out to Jacob’s tomorrow to stay for a few days as I can not do much untill the Plasterers get out of the way. I left the plan of my cornice at Mr. Thomas & Son for them to get it out. We are all well. Saturday, October 20 Weather very pleasant. Uncle Richard, Charlie & I went out to Bro. Jacob’s today by way of the R. R. Arrived there all safe about noon. Found Jacob’s Family all well. We found that the flood had been very destructive all along the railroad. Quite many Bridges boath on the R. R. and on the Pike was washed away. But most every case they had gone to work to rebuild them. After I got seated I went agunning got two squirles. Jacob is very busy now getting in his wheat and getting up his potatoes &co. Sunday, October 21 Weather pleasant but has the appearance of Winter and feels like it. Jacobs Girls went to Church in the morning. We stayed at home but went in the evening. They are having very good meetings now at St. James. We walked in the evening. Family all well. Monday, October 22 Weather has the appearance of more rain & did rain a little in the afternoon. I was out in the woods at the time gunning but did not get much wet. Jacob & his men are getting out potatoes all day. U. Richard is very much pleased with Jacobs place. Family all well. Tuesday, October 23 Weather quite pleasant. I was out in the woods this morning after squirels got 4. We got our dinner about 11 and then started for Hood’s Mill. We fast arrived there in good season for the cars. While there I agreed to take the Mill property for twenty thousand (20,000) dollars. Jacob has agreed to go with me. We take posession the first of January 1867 provideing nothing happens. We took the car there about 2. I arrived in Baltimore about 5. I found my Family all well. Wednesday, October 24 Weather cool & a little windy. I found the building all right this morning but the Plasterers are not at work as I expected. They agreed to commence second coating the first of this week. He is very busy now will get to work just as soon as possible. I bought some dress lumber for the cornice and frontispiece. Had to pay 4¼ and 8cts per foot. Lumber is very high now as all kinds of materil. We are all well. Evening I wrote to Mr. Williams to sell all my property in Marysville. Thursday, October 25 Weather pleasant but a little cool enough to have a little fire in the room. We have had our stares up now for a week or so. One of my carpenters got to work this afternoon. My plasterers have not got to work yet & I am very anxious about them. We got in our wire screens in the cellar windows & I also got the iron cellar door in We are all well. Friday, October 26 Weather cool & cloudy & looks very much like rain. My plasters has not got to work yet. Richard & I worked all day. I wont do much now untill the plasters get out of the way. I met Mr. Dorsey on the street this afternoon. He asked me if I had concluded to take the Mill property. I told him that we had. He appears as anxious to sell as we are to buy. I have been afraid that he would back out. But I hardly think he will. We are all well. Emma Ground came home this evening. Saturday, October 27 Weather very pleasant. Richard & I worked all day about the Building. I signed the lease for the adjoining Lot today. I get it from John R. Kelso at 6 Dollars per front foot (120) Dollars a year. I agreed to take it some time ago before I agreed to take the Hood’s Mill property but I think I can dispose of it without it costing me anything and probily I can make a little on it. My Plasteres have not commenced yet but I am in hopes they will by Monday next. We are all well. Sunday, October 28 Weather pleasant. I was at Church in the morning but did not go in the evening at home. We are all well. Monday, October 29 Weather pleasant. Cool enough to have a fire in the room. We have had our stove up now for a week or so. I was at the building off and on all day. My carpenters went to work this afternoon my plasters have not got to work yet and I am very anxious about them getting at work. I got my front sills, door & wire screens in this afternoon. The above was intended for last Thursday. Weather cloudy & wet quite so in the evening. Car & Pla at work today. Got a letter from Jacob about Mill. Wants me to come out tomorrow. He is anxious to close the bargen with the oner of the Mill. Tuesday, October 30 Weather clear but cool. I went to the building in the morning. At 8 I started for Jacobs to see him about that Property of Mr. Dorsey’s. Arrived there about noon. After Dinner Jacob & I went over to see Mr. Dorsey. We only confirmed what we had previously done agreed to take the porperty at 20.000 Dollars and we pay for the repairs that he is now making which will amount to about 500 Dollars. We took a walk around the place. We are very well pleased with it. We made a small payment on the place for which we have his rec. for it. Rode back with Jacob and stayed all night. Wednesday, October 31 Weather cloudy & dry but a little windy. I started from Jacobs this morning about 7 O’clock arrived at Sykesville about 8. Started from there in the cars about 9 arrived in Balto. about 10. Went to the building before going home found everything right at the building. At noon went home to Dinner found my Family all well. Stayed at the building all the afternoon. The Plasters are getting along very well, as well as the carpenters. Richard is putting up the frontispiece. We are all well. Thursday, November 1 Weather quite pleasant. We worked all day at the building. The weather is fine for the plasters. The carpenters finished the frontispiece and they commenced on the cornice. I took Dinner with Bro. James today. Jacob is with us this evening. He came to town with Potatoes and otes. We are all well. Friday November 2 Weather pleasant. We all worked all day carpenters and plasters. The carpenters worked on the cornice. I feal very anxious to get my house finished. Jacob took breakfast with us this morning & then started for the yard to get ready to go home. Mary came past and stoped for a few minutes. She came in with Jacob. We are all well. Saturday, November 3 Weather cloudy and damp all day, At the building all day. We finished the cornice & the painter commenced to paint it. The plasters are still at work second coating. John Dorsey came up to see me this morning & spent quite a while with me. We are all well. Sunday, November 4 Weather pleasant. At Church morning & evening. Two ladies was Baptised in the evening by Dr. fuller our Pastor. We are all well. Monday, November 5 Weather cool but pleasant. It is first rate drying weather and my plaster is getting dry very fast. The plasters got very near through second coating today. They are all done now but the citchen. If they work tomorrow they will get through. I worked all day building a wall across the cellar. I made a bargen with a whitewasher today to do all my whitewashing for 12 dollars. My carpenters is not at work wateing for the plasters. We are all well. Tuesday, November 6 Weather pleasant. I was at the Building all day excepting when I came home to dinner & to vote. I stoped past the turners and ordered my Banisters. I ordered ash 2 in. for which I am to pay 15cts a piece for. I done my countersealing today. My plasters got all through excepting the hard finishing. The Ellecttion pased off very quite today. I red a letter from Bro. Jacob today from Hood’s Mill in regard to paying for the repairs Mr. Dorsey is making at the Mill. We agreed to pay for it. Wednesday, November 7 Weather very pleasant. I was about the building all day working in the cellar most of the day. My whitewashers commenced today in the cellar. My plasters worked all day. they finished all they have to do outside. We are all well. Thursday, November 8 Weather very pleasant. The plasters commenced to hard finish today. The painters finished the cornice. I want to commence to clean down my front tomorrow. Jacob came in town today & he was with us this evening. We called to see Charles Cunningham and his Neffew. The children are not very well. Charlie has a bad cold and Ella has the croop tonight and has a good deal of fever. Friday, November 9 Weather quite pleasant a little too warm but just what I want. My plaster is drying finely. The plasters are finishing up there work. They commenced in the 3rd story & finishing as they go down. I commenced to clean down my front today. I am getting along very well with my building now. I think I can get it all finished this month if nothing happens. The children all appear better this evening. I gave Bro. Jacob 500 Dollars this morning to pay for the repairs at Hood’s Mill. Saturday, November 10 Weather very pleasant. We worked all day. I worked on the front cleaning it down. The stonecutters commenced to seat the front steps this afternoon. The children are a little better this evening. Sunday, November 11 Weather pleasant. At church in the morning but not in the evening. The children are not very well. They have something like the chills. Mr. Frazier is in from New York on a visit to his Family. He returns tomorrow evening. Monday, November 12 Weather very pleasant except it was a little windy for a while. I worked all day on the front cleaning it down. The stone cutters worked all day on the front steps. The plasters are still at work. I received a letter from Jacob in regards to the Hood’s Mill property. Jacob is over there to pay for the repairs. The children are a little better this eve. I wrote to Bro. Williams about selling my property in Marysville. Tuesday, November 13 Weather continues quite pleasant. We had quite a frost last night but after the sun got up it got quite warm & pleasant. I worked all day on my front. The stone cutters got all the front steps up. The plasters worked all day. They have all the upper two storys finished. The carpenters are going to work tomorrow. Richard Frazier is going to finish my house. He is going to work for himself now & Mr. Potter is too busy to attend to it. Maggie is still unwell. The rest of us are pretty well excepting bad colds. Wednesday, November 14 Weather very pleasant. I finished my front today. I sat a man to clean up the house washing up the floor &co. Richard Frazier commenced today to finish my house. He sat one man to work. I applyed for the Gas today. I am getting along very well with my house. The weather is very much in my favor being so dry & pleasant. The Children appear better this evening. Thursday, November 15 Weather cloudy & wet all day. Everything is getting along favourable at the building. The Plasters ran the cornice in the Parlor today & commenced in the back room. Richard has 2 men at work for me now. I am in hopes that I will get through this month or there about. I went to see Mr. Turner today about his Farm adjoining the Hood’s Mill property. He offered it to me at 20 dollars an acre and give 3 years to pay for it. I wrote Jacob this eve about it. I am in favour of takeing it. I rec a letter from J. S. Bowen today. family all pretty well this eve. Friday, November 16 Weather very pleasant after the rain. It rained quite hard last night. The Plasters & Carpenters are still at work. I engaged my Range today for 50 Dollars or 47 & I sat it furnishing a [--]. I was around today looking at some Marble Mantles at Mr. Sissons & at Mr. Brown & Son. I think I will deside tomorrow what ones I will take and who from. We are all very well. Saturday, November 17 Weather very pleasant. My men worked all day at the building. The Plasters finished there cornice & will get about through with all plastering by next Monday eve. I engaged my Marble Mantles today from Mr. H. Sissons as follows Parlor 95. Dineing room 80. Front chamber 35 the next chamber 25 & the two upper chambers 24 each, making in all 283.00 Dollars & I do the setting by which I save about 30 Dollars. The painter commenced to glaze today. All the sash are ready. I rec. a letter from Jacob today. He wants me to come out on business but I cannot get off at present. Sunday, November 18 Weather pleasant. I was quite unwell all day today so I did not get out all day. I think it is a bad cold that I have. The rest of the family are all complainning with bad colds. Monday, November 19 Weather pleasant but has the appearance of rain. I was at the building all day attending to the work. The Plasters did not get quite through today. I made a bargen with Richard Frazier today to finish the carpenters work including what he has done for one hundred & fifty 150 Dollars. I built the fence. I feal a little better today. The balance of the Family are something better. Tuesday, November 20 Weather cloudy in the morning but it cleared away and turned out to be a very pleasant day. I turned out with the Masonic Order today in laying of there Corner Stone. The President of the U. S. govener of the State participated with us in laying of the Corner Stone Messres Johnson & Swan. I went to the building before joining in the prosession. My carpenters worked all day. I had a good view of the laying of the corner stone. I stood just a few feet from the stone & from President Johnson & Gov. Swan. I got 4 granes of corn which I want to keep to plant. Wednesday, November 21 Weather fine but rather windy & dusty. My stare builder is at work. My Range came yesterday. Everything is progressing finely. I ordered my Posts today I want to get my fence up next week. The Plaster finished today & I think he has given me a very good job. I engaged my locks today of Gibson Kirk & Bro. They are also doing my bell hanging. Sallie had Maggie’s likeness taken today it’s her first. We are all well excepting colds. Thursday, November 22 Weather pleasant. At the building off and on all day. I got enough flooring today to finish my house with. I am getting along very well. My stare builder is getting along very well. He is making me a good job. Mother is quite sick today bad cold. Jacob came in today. He stoped with me this evening. He bought in Potatoes and Otes. Things are all right at the Mill. Dorsey has got to grinding. We have paid for all the repairs or will by Saturday next. Friday, November 23 Weather quite cool & windy all day. I am still hamering away at my house. I commenced on my yard fence today. I sold some more compounds today for 111 ¾. I gave Jacob 300 Dollars more today to pay for the balance of the work about the Mill. That makes 800. We have paid for the repairs. I ordered my wates for the windows today have to pay 4cts per ounce. Mother is still sick confined to her Bed. Dr. Hartman came to see her today. My folks are all very well. Saturday, November 24 The first snow fell today. Weather cold and cloudy it snowed a little but not enough to show on the ground. Today is my Thirty Eighth (38) Birth day. I worked all day putting up my yard fence and attending to other matters about the building. I (paid) a number of Bills today. My plaster is about paid up & also my carpenter and stare builder. Mother is still confined to her Bed but she is thought to be a little better today. We are all well excepting slight colds. Sunday, November 25 Weather pleasant. At church morning & evening. Sallie does not get out at all now. Family all very well. Mother is getting along very well. I think she will be up in a few days. I went up to Bro. James in the afternoon. Monday, November 26 Weather continues very pleasant for this season of the year. I am making all the headway I can on my house. I have 3 carpenters besides the stare builder they are about through. I commenced on my Mantles today. The stone cutter commenced to lay the Tile in the vestibule. Mr. Thomas Dorsey was to see me twice today about my house. He wants to buy. I offered the house for 8000. He is to give me an answer tomorrow at the Mill. I am going up there in the morning. Tuesday, November 27 Weather foggy in the morning but it cleared away and turned out to be a very pretty day. I went out to Hood’s Mill today to meet Mr. Dorsey to deside about takeing the Bone he has on hand and also to see the place adjoining that Mr. Turner wants to sell me. Mr. Dorsey was not at home & I dont think Mr. Turner’s place will suit us. It is very poor land & of a bad quality of soil. I have not accomplished anything today. I went to the building this morning before starting. We are all well. Wednesday, November 28 Weather cloudy & a little wet but quite warm. Worked all day setting Marble Mantles. The stare builder has finished his job. I think I can get pretty nearly finished next week. We are all well. Charlie went home with his Aunt Lizzie today & wont be home untill tomorrow. Thursday, November 29 Weather very pleasant. It was a little cloudy this morning but it soon cleared away & turned out to be very pleasant. Today is Thanksgiving day sat aside by the President. I was at the building most all day by myself setting Marble Mantles. I did not like to do it but I am so anxious to get my house done & I have a good deal to do myself so I will have to hurry up. I lost one day this week going out to the Mill it put me back some. We are all well. Mother is getting along very well she is sitting up in her room. Friday, November 30 Weather cloudy & chaingable. In the evening it turned quite cool. I sat the dineing room Mantle today. Only two carpenters worked today. One was away he got married yesterday so he could not work today. The painters is at work primeing. We are all well. Mother is getting along very well but she is not able to leave her room yet. Saturday, December 1 Weather cool but pleasant. I worked all day on my Mantles and got through all but laying the Harths. They are looking very well. Mr. Starr worked on the center pieces this afternoon. I sold some more compound today at 112¾. Family all well. Mother is still improveing. Sunday, December 2 Weather cool but pleasant. I was at church morning and evening. The Rev. J. R. Jeter Preached morning & evening. Dr. Fuller is away all day. He is at Rchmond Mr. Jeter’s Church. We are all well. Monday, December 3 Weather cool but pleasant. I worked all day. Sallie was confined this morning about 8 O’clock I was away all day and did not know anything about it untill I came home. Dr. Hartman was called in but did not get here untill after the child was Born. It is a very fine Boy just what I wanted. Sallie is getting along very well as also the baby. Sallie has already named it. She named it after the Rev. Holcombe Rhees our Pastor in Marysville. We are all very well. Mother is getting along very well soon will be out. Tuesday, December 4 Weather changeable. Morning wet but it cleared off about 10 and it turned out to be a very pleasant day. I finished all the marble mantles and fireplaces today. My three carpenters are still at work. I want to set my Range tomorrow. Sallie is getting along finely & also the Baby. Mrs McDonald is staying with us for a week or so untill Sallie gets up. I received the first copy of the Marysville Appeal today. Mother got out to see the baby today. She is getting much better. Children all well. Wednesday, December 5 Weather very pleasant. We worked all day at the building. We did not do very much today. I have been waiting all day for Mr. Saxton to send me a man to set my Range but he did not come. I expect he will be along in the morning. My carpenters will get pretty nearly through this week. Sallie & the Baby are getting along as well as can be expected. The child is a fine looking little Boy. Charlie went home with his Aunt Lizzie today to stay for a day or so. We are all well. Mother is better. Thursday, December 6 Weather very pleasant all day. In the evening it commenced to rain a little. I was about the building all day attending to the wants of the carpenters. I also commenced to set my Range. Mr. George & family was up to see my house today. His son is thinking about buying but dont come quite up to my price which is eight thousand dollars. I offered it to him at 2½ per cent less which will make it 7800. Sallie and child is getting along very well. Friday, December 7 Weather very pleasant like a Spring day. I was busy at the building all day. Jacob came there in the afternoon & stoped with me all the afternoon. Jacob is quite unwell. He stoped with us last night. He is stoping with James tonight. He sucseeded in raising the two thousand Dollars today. He got it from Wm. Cunningham. We consider it a great favor to be thus accomodated as we so much need it at present. Sallie is getting along finely & also the baby. I took Dinner with James today his family are all well. Saturday, December 8 Weather rather changeable wet & dry but warm. Jacob started for home this morning. He went by Hood’s Mill to pay Dorsey two thousand Dollars on a/c for his Mill property. I went with him as far as the Depot. I was about the building the balance of the day. I got my vestibule doors with the carverwork from the carver. They look finely. The carpenters are nearly through. Mr. Redifer commenced on the front doors this afternoon to get them ready for paint. Sallie & child are getting along finely. Sunday, December 9 Weather pleasant. I was at church and Communion in the morning but did not get out at Church in the evening. In the afternoon I walked out as far as G. McDonald to see Charlie and bring him home. I found him well. Family are all well. Sallie is getting along very well as well as the baby. Children all well. Monday, December 10 Weather quite cool is freezeing all day. It froze quite hard last night. I put down the front pavement today. I want to get the yard paved tomorrow. I have only two carpenters at work now. I think we will nearly get through this week. Sallie is getting along very well. The baby is getting along finely. The rest of the children are well. Mother got downstares today. Shes much better. Tuesday, December 11 Weather quite cool freezeing all day it froze quite hard last night. I worked all day at the Building paveing the yard & attending to other matters about the house. Mr. Gibson called to see the house today. He says he will take it if he can borrow the money. I am very anxious to sell as I have the money to raise to pay for the Hood’s Mill property by the first of Jan. Sallie is getting along finely. Mother is getting along first rate. Children all well. Wednesday, December 12 Weather continues quite cold freezeing all the time. I paved all day in the yard got it finished. I have two carpenters still at work but will get through in a day or so. Then all will be done excepting the painting. I have not sold yet but I expect a man to see it tomorrow at least he promised to come & take the house if he can raise the means. Sallie is up today for the first time. She is getting along first rate. Children are all well. Thursday, December 13 Weather continues quite cold freezeing all the time in the shade. I worked all day at my yard fence and got it about finished excepting the gate. Mr. Gibson was around again today to look at my house. I think he will take it at least he appears to want it & sais he will take it provideing he can raise the money. Jacob is in town today & is stoping with us this eve & tonight. He is a little better than he was when he was down a week ago. Sallie & children are all well. Friday, December 14 Weather continues quite cool. I am still working away at my house but I will get through this week all that the carpenters has to do. I can finish what little there will be left. There is but very little left now excepting the painting & they say they will get through next week. I am very anxious to get it finished & sold so I will be able to make the payment on the Hood’s property first of January. We are all well. Sallie is getting very well. Mother is well. Saturday, December 15 Weather continues very cold. My carpenters finished today at noon my painters think they will get finished next week. Mr. Gibson came to see me today but he was not prepared to take my house as he could not raise the money. He is still trying to raise the amount and will let me know first of next week. I am very anxious to sell on account of raising that money first of January to buy the Hood’s Mill property. Sallie & baby are well as well as the balance of us excepting slight colds. Sunday, December 16 Weather very Disagreeable. Snow fell in the morning untill about 9 O’ clock & then it commenced raining and rained the balance of the day making out doors very disagreeable. I did not get out all day. Sallie & the child are all well as well as the balance of us excepting slight colds. Monday, December 17 Weather cool but not so disagreeable as yesterday excepting walking which is very bad on account of the snow that fell yesterday morning. I was at the building this morning for a while & also this afternoon. The painters were at work & also the plummer. I have been looking about all day for a purcheser but have not found one yet. I put a notice in the window this morning. Sallie is well. The child is not so well today it appears to have some cold. Tuesday, December 18 Weather pleasant but the walking is bad. I thought at one time today that I had sold my house to a Mr. Barry but he could not raise the money. I also saw Mr. Gibson again at the appointed time. He is still in hopes that he can raise the money. He is to see me again tomorrow about it. My painters & plummers are at work in the house. The plummer is about through. Sallie is getting along finely as also the baby. The rest of us are all well. Wednesday, December 19 Weather pleasant & warm which caused almost all the snow & ice to disapear. I am not doing anything now excepting trying to sell my house. I stay about the house off and on most all day. Mr. Gibson was to see me again today. He has not sucsede yet in raiseing the money but thinks he can by tomorrow. I am to meet him again tomorrow about 7 O’clock. I think by that time he will be able to give me a decided answer. We are all well. Sallie is up and about her room. Thursday, December 20 Weather very cold all day. I was about the building part of the day. At 3 I had to meet Mr. Gibson about selling the house but he did not take it. I find it very hard to sell at this season. I am afraid I will have to wate over untill Spring. At ½ past 4 I started out to Jacobs to see him about making arrangements to get the amount of the first by borrowing it as I am unable to sell. Arrived at Jacobs about 9 in the evening. Found them all well. We are all well. Found it very cold walking up to Bros. Friday, December 21 Weather continues very cold. Jacob & I started over to the Mill this morning to see Mr. Dorsey about more time. Saw him & he agreed to give us more time if we will need it but we intend to continue trying to see if we can raise it at the appointed time. We came in town on the 9 O’clock train and went to see Mr. Baker, Wm. Cunningham and Mr. Bartwell & from there we made arrangements to borrow enough to make up the first payment which is a grate relief to us. We agreed to secure them by Mortgages. We are all well. Jacob stops tonight with Bro. James. Saturday, December 22 Weather changeable cold and some snow fell this morning. In the afternoon it turned to rain but did not rain very much. Jacob started out on the railroad to have the title examined of the Hood’s Mill property is to be back this eve & I am to meet him at the depot. I saw Mr. Gibson this afternoon and I think we will make arrangements so he can take the house. I hope so, so I can settle the thing up & get ready to go out to the Mill. We are all well. Mr. Frazier is in from New York. His Family are all well. Sunday, December 23 Weather cloudy, damp & cold. I was at Church morning & evening. Dr. Fuller preached today. He has got back from Richmond. He commenced this evening a corse of Lecttures on the Parables of our Savior. Text tonight, The Lost Sheap. It was very interesting. We are all well. Sallie & the child are getting along finely. Monday, December 24 Weather very disagreeable most of the day but it cleared off in the afternoon. Jacob got in on the cars this morning. I saw Mr. Gibson again this morning. He agrees to take my house at eight (8) thousand Dollars. I have sucseeded in raising the money for him or part of it 5000 Dollars from Mr. Baker & Mr. Baker takes his mortgage. Mr. Gibson has 2600 which he gives me. The balance 800 Dollars I take a second mortgage for one year. But he agrees to sooner it he can.(sic) I think we have it all arranged now to make our first payment on the Mill property. Jacob went home this eve. We are all well. Tuesday, December 25 Weather cold but pleasant. I was at home all day with the exception of a call on Mr. Bartwell that Charlie & I made in the afternoon. We are all well. Wednesday, December 26 Weather about the same as yesterday. I have been quite busy all day about selling my house. We are getting the papers drawn up. Mr. Baker has Mr. Thompson to attend to his business & Mr. Gibson has a Mr. Brown to attend to his business. I am in hopes to have it all fixed up by this week & next Monday. I have been around getting all my Bills together today. We meet again next Saturday. I rec’d a letter today from W. L. Williams today. He gave me rather discourageing accounts of my property in Marysville & have not sold it yet. We are all well. Thursday, December 27 Weather very cold & windy all day. I went to the building first thing this morning. From there I went to Mr. Brown’s Office and had an article of agreement drawn up a release of leans and the balance of the day I was busy getting all that worked and furnished material on the building to sign it. All signed it that I found. I want to get the rest of them tommorrow. We are all well. Friday, December 28 Weather continues very cold & windy. I was busy all day getting my workmen & material men to sign the release of Leans on my house on McCullough St. I found it very cold work. My painters are still at work. They will not get finished untill after New Years. I am afraid the weather is so cold they cannot half work. We are all well. Saturday, December 29 Weather not quite so cold today. I sold my house today and gave the Deed to the Rev, Mr. Frederick Gibson for Eight thousand dollars. He gave me a Mortgage for a balance of 800 dollars for one year from today. The balance was cash. After we got through I spent the remainder of the day paying off bills but did not get quite through. The painter is not quite through yet but will in a few days. We are all well. Sunday, December 30 Weather cold. I was at Church morning & evening. Three was baptized this evening two ladies & one man. We are all well. Monday, December 31 Weather very cold & windy. It commenced snowing last night & it was about 3 inches deep this morning & it continued snowing most all day. I went up to the building this morning I humg the outside Doors. The painters were not there today. They are nearly through. Saxton is getting a Gas Burner & Latrobe Stove today for Mr. Gibson. Jacob came in today & he went around with me this afternoon while I was paying off my Bills. I am nearly through with all my bills. The end of the year finds us all well & one more in the Family for which I give our Heavenly all the praise.