Entries in 1875 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 ********************************************************* 1875 Thursday, July 1 Weather pleasant in the shade but very warm in the Sun. We ran the corn Mill all day sent Wm. Cleary 500# Meal that was the most business we done today. I am not very well. I took Med last night and this morning but am in hopes will be all right in a few days. Sallie and the Children are all well. Maud’s eyes are sore again. Friday, July 2 Weather quite pleasant all day. Business very dull today. Everybody are busy harvesting and from accounts the grane is very good with a fair yield. I rec a letter from Rev. C.L. Fisher Virginia City today. He is located now at the 1st Baptist of that place. There family except Charles & George are at there home Santa Clara, Cal. Family all well. Saturday, July 3 Weather quite pleasant all day. Business very dull all day. We sent 500# Meal up the R.R. to T.M. Hall that was the most we done today. This Harvest time always is dull. Beam went away for a day or so this afternoon. I feal anxious to be doing something. I will be glad when the Sale is over & I hope then I will be more able to see my way more clear. Sunday, July 4 Weather quite warm. No Church today. I found it quite a long day. Being so warm I could not get about very much so I spent the day moveing about home and reading. Harry McComas came up last eve to spend the 4th with us. His folks is all well. My family are all very well. Monday, July 5 Weather very warm I think the warmest day we have had. Today being a holloday it was very quiet alltho I sold about 5.00 worth flour, Meal & feed. Two young men came up from Balto to look at the Store property. Very few cars running today so it has been very much like Sunday. Family all well. Tuesday, July 6 Weather very warm. Quite a gust come up in the evening and appeared to rain hard around us but we did not have very much but I do not think it is all over yet may have more tonight. Beam came home this afternoon. We did not do anything today. Business very dull. Family all well. Wednesday, July 7 Weather not quite so warm today. It was cloudy most all day and in the afternoon we had quite a good shower. I commenced on the Burs to take them up and level and Train I washed them & got them ready for grinding. Business was very dull today sold some feed, Meal & Plaster. It must be expected to be dull at this time of the year. Family all well. Thursday, July 8 Weather more warm after the rain. I was busy all the forenoon fixing up my account with the Mill Store & makeing out some Bills. I want to start Charlie out to see what he can do in collecting. We ground corn most all day the balance of the time we were at work on the Burs and other work about the mill. Friday, July 9 Weather quite pleasant over cast all day but did not rain any. We finished takeing up all the Burs except the Plaster Bur and leveled, Trained and put new greese collers on. They are all ready now to start grinding. Business very dull. I sent Charlie out collecting. He collected on Bill of Dr. A. Riggs that has been standing over a year. Family all well. Saturday, July 10 Weather pleasant in the shade but warm in the Sun. It has been cloudy most of the day so the Sun had not full force. Nothing doing in grinding today so we had a very good trade in flour & feed and most all cash & some Bill of 37.40 paid. I pulled up my onions this eve had a very good yield but they were small. Family all well. Sunday, July 11 Weather quite warm except late in the evening it got quite pleasant. No Church today so I spent most of the day about the House reading. I took a walk alone in the afternoon and sat a while in the shade to pass away the time. Sallie did not leave the house all day. We are all enjoying very good health for this weather. Monday, July 12 Weather quite pleasant today. We had but very little to do today in grinding. We started on the Boalting Chest to level it up I find it quite a job will take me a day or two. I ingaged some corn today of Major C.W. Hood at 85cts per Bus. I want wheat very bad but cant get any. The old wheat about here is all used up but the new crop will soon be comeing in. Tuesday, July 13 Weather warm but not oppressive. I worked all day about the repair about the Mill except the time I took to walk around the property to show it to Dr. Hammond. We took quite a walk. The Sale comes off one week from today. I hope the result of the sale will be to our mutual benefit. Family all well. Wednesday, July 14 Weather warm today and rather dry but I would rather see it this way then to have floods. I hope the good Lord will save us from any more floods. We were fixing up about the Mills. C.W. Hood brought 57 Bus corn paid 85cts. I had to send up to the Moravia Mill for flour. Have to pay 6.10 per Bbl we furnish sacks. Will have to wate untill new wheat comes in before we can grind. All well. Thursday, July 15 Weather very warm all day. I went to Balto this morning on business to collect J.H. Hopkins Note but did not see him. I called to see Mrs. Gees & Mother and family they are all well. I returned in the evening. Part of the flour that was ordered yesterday came today. Ground corn all day. Family all well. Friday, July 16 Weather quite pleasant this forenoon caused by the nice shower we had last eve. It rained very hard in Balto done some damage. Charlie & I rode over to see Jas. H. Hopkins at Porter’s Post Office about 5 miles to see him about paying a Note did not pay it but promised paid & renewed Note 60 days. Business dull all day. It has been very warm this eve. I planted out Pickles. All well. Saturday, July 17 Weather close and warm quite a heavy gust came up this morning but most of it pased around. I was afraid we were going to have a very heavy rain. Business not very brisk today. Done a little grinding in the Country Mill. Had a sample of wheat part new and part old crop thought it best not to engage it untill after the sale which comes off next Tuesday. All well. Sunday, July 18 Weather very warm untill evening when the wind blew some and caused it to get cooler. I spent the day most of the time in the House reading The History of England & Scotland. I found it very warm. We had no preaching today we have had but very little preaching this year so far in Watson & no Sunday School. Very bad way to bring up Children. All well. Monday, July 19 Weather more pleasant today got cooler last evening and was quite pleasant all night. Wm. Cunningham is up. I hope he will not see the property sacrificed. Tomorrow is the day of Sale I hope that we will have no reason to regret that we have taken that step. We had an order of two partes for Meal sent away 1000# will send the balance tomorrow. All well. Tuesday, July 20 Weather cloudy and wet most all day. The Sail came off about 12 noon and nocked dpwn to Wm. H. Cunningham for $14,000.00, 6000 cash bal. In 1 & 2 years. At present I do not know what I will have to do or will do. I only pray the good Lord will gide me. The way it stands as near as I can judge will only leave me with about 4000$. I hope it will all turn out for the best. Wednesday, July 21 Weather pleasant in the shade but warm in the Sun. I have felt very unsettled today. I want one part of the property Mill or Store & Jacob’s family appear to not want me to have it & the way it was bought I will have to do as they say. But I hope & pray the good Lord will settle the matter for our mutual interest & whatever is done will all be for the best. I wrote to Bro. Eaton, Cal. All well. Thursday, July 22 Weather cloudy and rain in the afternoon. I got a desided answer today that I can not have any of the property. I then offered to rent the Mill but that was refused so there is only one thing now for me to do settle up and get away as soon as posible and where to go I do not know. May the good Lord gide me. I do not know what will be left from the check when all is settled up. Friday, July 23 Weather warm and pleasant in the shade. I was busy with the Books most of the day. Business was not very brisk made a few sales. Sallie as well as myself have good reason to think that we were imposed upon by Jacob’s family and Wm. H. Cunningham. We think that under the surcumstances he should have let us have part of the property if we paid one half what he gave for it. Saturday, July 24 Weather warm. I have but very little to do but close out the stock & that at present is very low. I collect in the Bills as fast as posible Charlie was out again but did not collect any. I went to the Mills to try & collect. I settled up E. Norris Bill he haveing a Bill against the Store nearly enough to cover the amount. Business tolerable good. Family all well. Sunday, July 25 Weather quite warm. We had no Church today and I found it very hard to pass away the day owing to my trouble. I could not keep still long enough to read or become interested in what I was reading. I do pray that this thing will soon all be settled up & that satisfactory all around. Family well. Monday, July 26 Weather warm and dry. Mr. Williams, Charlie’s school teacher & Sam commenced to settle up Jacob and my business. We settle up or have agreed to each one for himself since I returned from Cal. I allow 600$ for the Mills & Jacob allow 400$ for the Store and then each one stands there own losses & gains & will take less time to settle up. Got along very well today. I think we will get through in a day or so. Tuesday, July 27 Weather warm. Mr. Williams & Spaulding got through with Jacob & my apr & we passed Reciepts. Jacob will be considerable in my debt about 2000$ after everything is settled up. I will be very glad when everything is settled then I will have to look around & make up my mind where to go and what to do. It will take me a while to settle up all my or collect my bills. All well. Wednesday, July 28 Weather cloudy and wet part of the day rained quite nicely. I went to Balto to see C.S. on some business and to attend to some other business. On my way home I stoped a Sykesville to see John Benz. While there I sold the bal of my Com. Ex flour at 5 per Bbl. Family all well. Thursday, July 29 Weather cloudy and wet most of the morning. Charlie & I walked to Sykesville to try and collect but did not collect anything had quite a walk after John Benz but only got promises. I will have to Sue & get judgement and then try and sell it for whatever I can get. Our Cow had a calf this afternoon and it fell over the Rock corner next to the Dam but did not hurt it both are doing well. Friday, July 30 Weather warm but good weather for corn and cutting hay. I rode up to J.M. Dorsey this morning to try and get a settlement but did not promise to settle next week. I settled up with Wm. Mathews today. I sold the last Bbl Super at 4.00. I put the collecting of Benz bill in Mr. Enser’s hands will have to sue him. I sewed my Turnips this afternoon.. All well. Saturday, July 31 Weather cloudy and wet off and on all day. Charlie & I rode over to see Azel Warfield, R. Mercer, Mr. J. Mercer, Henry Danner & others. Collected 6.44 and got promises of more. Afternoon Sam Spaulding & I walked to and from Sykesville to see John Benz promised to fix it up by next Wednesday by giveing an agreement to pay 5 Dollars per Month untill it is all paid & give Wagon & cart as security. I am afraid it will take me some time before I get through. Sunday, August 1 Weather thretening rain warm in the Sun in the morning but got cool & commenced to rain about 4 and continued off and on all evening. I spent the forenoon at home & after Dinner Charlie & I walked up to see Mrs. John Mercer. She sent for me wants to sell me her Farm. Don’t think it would suit me at any price. Sallie went up with Ella & Sam to see Mrs Waters got a little wet returning. All well. Monday, August 2 Weather cool cloudy and wet all day and most all last night. I done nothing today owing to it being so wet. I could not get away to collect anything. I feal anxious now to get things closed up and get away to look at a home before the winter sets in. I dred tho very much to leave my family but I hope I may soon have them again with me. All well. Tuesday, August 3 Weather cloudy and wet part of the afternoon. I was about home all day. Did some little business in the way of collecting. Will have to go to Balto. tomorrow to see about settling up with W.H.C. as he wrote to us today to come in for that purpose. I am afraid I will be unable to settle up in full with every body but want to do so as near as posible. All well. Wednesday, August 4 Weather cloudy but no rain but quite close and warm. I went to Balto today to see Wm. Cunningham about Deed &co. I took Dinner with him. I returned in the evening stoped at Ellicott City to see Gob(?) Legon(?) .Will have to go there to see him tomorrow as I did not have time to transack business this eve. Charlie was out all day did not collect anything. Thursday, August 5 Weather warm. Just the weather we needed to dry the wheat, oats & hay that is still in the feal a great deal of it is sprouting in the feal. Wheat is advanceing on account of the floods in the West & other places. I went to E. City to pay Gob Legon & get a release of Mortgage sucseeded. I also collected some money and sold 17 Bbls flour for Jacob. Family all well. Friday, August 6 Weather warm but not oppressive. I collected two Bills today one of W.B. Willis and one of Dr. J.E. Mathews, Mayor. C.W. Hood came down to witness the signing of the Deed of Hoods Mill property to Wm. H. Cunningham. We all signed it but Sallie will not let it go out of her hands untill she is satisfied that everything is made satisfactory. The only difference now is the Bal between Jacob & I. She wants him to give an indorser(?) on his Note which is right. Saturday, August 7 Weather warm but no rain today but cloudy and quite close. I went to Balto today to see Wm. H. Cunningham to give him the Deed of Hoods Mill property. He had gone down the neck so I could not do anything and made up my mind to stay in untill Monday at 3 PM. I went out to Mt. Washington to see Dr. J.S.B. and spent the evening and I stayed there all night & the Dr. promised me to bring me in the morning as far as the Park.. Sunday, August 8 Weather warm but pleasant. Dr. J.S. Bowen & I started in after breakfast in his rout calling on his Pations as far as the Park. There I spent a while & took a car and went to Dr, Fuller’s Church. The Dr. is away but I herd a good sermon from a stranger from there I took the car to the Point then went through Patterson Park. Went to Mother’s spent the evening. Monday, August 9 Weather quite warm. I spent the night with Lizzie McDonald. After Breakfast I saw Wm. H. Cunningham and gave up the Deed & rec the balance of the pay & the two Notes for one & two years. Fixed up everything and took dinner with him & attended to some business. Got through and returned on the 4:15 train. Found my family all well & glad to se me. Tuesday, August 10 Weather warm but pleasant for this time of the season. Willie & I went up in the cars to Ijamsville to see a Mill property. No one being at home except a young man in the Mill we came back on the Way train. Will go up again soon. I think the property will suit us provideing it can be bought for what I think it is worth. Only collected one Bill of 2.80 today. All well. Wednesday, August 11 Weather cloudy at times but did not rain. Charlie & I went up to Monrovia on the Mail. From there we walked over to Brownsville to Wm. T. Turner Mill about the Ijams Mill. We went by the way of the Camp Meeting and stoped a while. We came back by the Ridge road to Mt. Ary. We think we walked about 12 or 14 Miles. We were too late for the Mail & had to come back on the Milk train. We were very tired. Thursday, August 12 Weather cloudy and changeable rained on and off all day. In the afternoon Charlie & I rode over to Mortimore Dorsey Mill to see if it is for sale. It is a very old Mill and very much out of repare but can be bought very cheap. The water power is very good, as good if not better then Hood’s Mill. However I am very undesided what to do. All well. Friday, August 13 Weather quite warm and sultry cloudy most of the day. At this time about 6 PM a heavy cloud is comeing up and has the appearance of a heavy shower. I done nothing today except worked a while in the garden. I am getting along very slow with my collecting if tomorrow is a good day I will try it again. My [--] has been running on the South West this afternoon. I am very mush undesided what to do. Saturday, August 14 Weather cloudy but no rain about here. Charlie & I rode over to Howard county collecting met with but very little sucsess. Most of the partes were away. Collected only one Dollar but got the promise of some next week.. Find it very hard to collect money is very tite. Family well but very unsettled. Sunday, August 15 Weather cloudy most of the day and thretening rain. Did rain quite hard up the Country and over North of us. I have been home most of the day. Today was preaching day and at 3 o’clock we went up to the Church but no one was there & it looked so much like rain we came back home. Stoped a while at Capt. C. Mercer’s. He & his family spent the evening with us. Monday, August 16 Weather warm in the Sun but pleasant in the shade. Willie & I went up to Ijamsville to see the Mill there. I like the Mill & place very well some objections & some advantages. I made an offer $6,500.00 asks $7500.00 do not feal able to give it. I think it would be a very pleasant place to live if I could do well in the Mills. Family well. Tuesday, August 17 Weather rather changeable had quite a shower just afternoon. I stayed about home all day collected one Bill of 17.00 of W.H. Forsyth for sawing. I find it very slow work to collect. I have some notion of fixing things the best I can & leave the balance of the Bills with Charlie & take a trip West or go back to Cal. & see what I can do. Family all well. Wednesday, August 18 Weather warm and close cloudy and showery at times. I stayed about home all day saw some parteys that are owing but only collected S10.00 that of W.S. Robb. Money appears very hard to collect. Those that have it do not appear to want to pay. I am doing nothing except in the way of settling up apo. All well. Thursday, August 19 Weather still continues cloudy at times & a shower. We had only one shower today & that did not last very long. The weather has been fine for the late growing crops. I stayed about home all day trying to catch those that are owing me. Did not collect any today. Charlie went to Sykesvile but did not collect any. We worked in the garden a while in the evening. Friday, August 20 Weather pleasant. Charlie & I left home after the Mail came up and took a walk after money. Saw the following at there Homes Gibson, Mrs John Mercer settled with her. J.M. Warfield, Azel Warfield, Henry Danner, A. Liesher. Returned home by way of Cooksville. We got more promises then money. I settled my part with A.B. Davis paid him 30.08. Family all well. Saturday, August 21 Weather warm but pleasant. I done nothing all day but stay about home to try & catch someone that is owing me. Charlie rode over to see J.M. Dorsey but did not collect anything all we got was promises. I find it very slow work collecting. I feal anxious to get my apo settled up so I can set my full attention to looking up something to take aholt of and if I do not see anything about here will go elsewhere. Sunday, August 22 Weather pleasant. Clouded up in the evening but did not rain. I stayed about home all day read & slep. Sallie spent the evening at Mrs. Capt. C. Mercer’s. I feal very anxious to get to doing something. All well. Monday, August 23 Weather cloudy & wet all day. I went to see the Shamberger Mills property I went by way of B&O W.M.R.R. it is situated on the [--] about 20 Miles from Baltimore. I am not altogether pleased with it has a good Water Power but an expensive Dam to keep up. Asks 1300 Dollars for it 2 houses and about 100 acres land. I returned Home in the evening. Tuesday, August 24 Weather quite cloudy and wet all day & I think it rained all last night moderately. I think most of the farmers now are pretty satisfied with the rain. I stayed about the Store Mill and home all day but did not collect anything but got some promises. I find it harder to collect it then to earn it. Family all well. Wednesday, August 25 Weather quite pleasant and business quite brisk around Hood’s Mill today. I stoped around all day trying to catch those that owe me and get a settlement. W.H. Gibson paid part of his Bill 10.20 leaveing a bal of 10$. I am in hopes of getting settled up in a week or so. I am very undesided what to do nothing settled upon yet. I think I would about [--] take the Ijamsville as not. Thursday, August 26 Weather cool and pleasant. I was about home all day. After dinner I sent Charlie out to try and collect but came home without any so we did not collect any all day. Doing nothing goes hard with me not being ust to it. I am undesided yet what to do. I am thinking some of takeing a trip west to look around some. All well. Friday, August 27 Weather quite pleasant some say it is warm in the Sun. I think it is very pleasant not working out. I have nothing to do except trying to collect up the balance of apos due me from the Mills. Charlie rode over in Howard Co. but did not collect anything. I find it very slow work but I will have to try and bear with it. Sallie canned some Tomatoes today. Family all well. Saturday, August 28 Weather quite wet all day raining most of the time. Charlie rode over to J. R. Dorseys and got a settlement by throwing off 1.33 of all bill of 11.33 and had been standing over or about 14 Months (very bad pay). I done or have nothing to do stayed about to see those that promised me to call and settle but no one came as yet. Family all well. Sunday, August 29 Weather cloudy & very thretening. Jacob, Charlie, Willie & I went up on the cars to the Ijamsville Camp. Got there time enough to here the morning sermon. After the services was over we walked back to the station and ate our Lunch then looked around the place and also at the Mill. Jacob is very much pleased with the property. I liked it myself. Returned in the evening. Had a very heavy rain in the afternoon. Monday, August 30 Weather quite pleasant all day. It cleared off after the heavy showers yesterday. I am in the hopes now that we will have a spell of good weather. I stayed about home all day. Some partys promised to meet & I stayed part on that account but no one came so no collections made today. Family all well. Tuesday, August 31 Weather warm. Just the kind of weather needed for the growing crops. Corn is looking very well. I went up to Ijamsville today to Camp & to look around. I did not see the man I wanted to see. I hered a good sermon & returned on the Mail. No money collected today. Charlie rode over to see J.M.D. but did not see him. Family all well. Wednesday, September 1 Weather quite warm. Charlie & I walked over from Mt. Ary to Brownsville to see Mr. Wm. T. Turner in reference to his Ijamsville Mill property & I agreed to take it at $7500.00 his price. Has promised to write me next week after seeing the party holding a Mortgage on it then he is to give me a definite answer. We walked back to Monrovia a distance in all of about 13 or 14 Miles and took cars for home. All well. Thursday, September 2 Weather quite warm in the Sun. I done nothing today no one came to pay any money. Got a Ticket to go to Ellicott City but the train that I intended to go down on was too late so I put it off untill tomorrow. I am going down & try to sell flour for Jacob & look around. I am not doing much now. I helped Sallie to pick Butter Beans. Family all well. Friday, September 3 Weather continues quite dry and warm reported at 90 in the shade that is considered very warm in Maryland. I went to E. City and spent the day trying to sell flour for Jacob. Sold 12 Bbls 10 in sacks & 2 in Bbls 7.12 ½ per Bbl 50cts less in Bags. I took a look through Grambral Mills. I returned home the eve. All well. Saturday, September 4 Weather quite warm this morning but a good breeze sprung up and it got quite pleasant. Charlie & I walked down to Sykesville & back by way of John Forsyth’s collecting but did not collect anything. I hered today of another Mill property off about one mile Burlin. I think I will go up to see it first of the week. From what I have herd it is a very nice piece of property. All well. Sunday, September 5 Weather quite warm in the Sun. Charlie & I walked over to the Col Camp held at Mr. Jas. Hobbs woods. It was quite a walk for us but we took our time. Ella & Maggie rode over with Capt. C. Mercer. There was a very large gathering there today and a great many white people there. Family all well. Monday, September 6 Weather pleasant. I went up the R. Road as far as Catocton to see a Mill property for sale belonging to Mr. Parker. It is North of the R. Road about 3 ½ Miles. I came back by way of Burlin from there went up the Cannall 3 Miles to a station so I could take a train to Frederick. I arrived in Frederick about 8 & stoped all night with Mr. Pain a very nice old Gentleman. Tuesday, September 7 Weather quite pleasant. I left Frederick this morning about 8 o’clock for home & arrived about 9. I do not think the Mill property of the Parkers would suit us as it is so far back from the R. Road & a very lonely place & besides I did not like the Mill. The Building is very old. I do not like the way the Mill is geared. Two Burs are run from a Turbine wheal with straps. Wednesday, September 8 Weather pleasant. I started about noon today to call on J.M. Warfield & Azel Warfield but did not collect anything. I find it very hard to get a settlement. I have earned it running after it. Times are very hard and hard to collect from the best. The Children are going to School this week. Thursday, September 9 Weather quite pleasant. I stoped about home all the forenoon. After dinner I walked over to the Camp about 3 ½ Miles & walked back before dark was on the ground about 2 ½ Hours. Marion took the Calf to market this morning. We weighed it & it weighed 180 lbs. It is not quite 6 weeks old I was very sorry to have to see it to the Buchers. All well. Friday, September 10 Weather quite warm all the forepart of the day & up to late in the afternoon when it clouded up from the West & we had quite a little rain with some Thunder. After it passed over which was sometime after dark it got cool. I rec a letter of Wm. T. Turner this afternoon saying he thinks the Mortgage now on the property can be made to suit me & to let me know more deffinitely middle of next week. Saturday, September 11 Weather quite cool after the rain last night. Must have been hale fell somewhere. I have done nothing all day except wateing about home in hopes to find someone come that owes me & get a settlement but no one came. I worked some in the garden. Family all well. Sunday, September 12 Weather pleasant a little cloudy but no rain. I was about home all the forenoon except I took a walk a little piece up the R. Road in the afternoon. We went to Church at Watson. Bro. Clem preached to a very small congregation but I think a very good sermon. His subject was our carefull reading of the Bible and becomeing firmillier with it. All well. Monday, September 13 Weather pleasant a little cloudy but no rain. I am very glad it has turned warmer. I was afraid Friday night that we were going to have frost but I am now in hopes not. I have done nothing but stay about the Mill Store & nothing to do. I helped Sallie to can some Peaches that is about all I have done today. All well. Tuesday, September 14 Weather quite pleasant. I rode over into Howard Co. today first to carry a letter to O. Worthington then I called on C. A. Hobbs but he was away. I then went over to see E. Dorsey & I settled with him the ap has been running about 15 months. I rec a letter of Uncle Gabe wants a settlement. I settled his ap & two others with Jacob. Family all well. Wednesday, September 15 Weather pleasant. I rode over this morning to J.M. Dorsey found he had gone to Sykesville so I returned & went down on the train. Saw him & others but got no money. I rec another letter of Wm. T. Turner today. I am very undesided what to do will not deside at present. I think I could do well if I would go to Texas. Think I should better go down & see George came home from there last eve has been quite sick. Thursday, September 16 Weather cloudy & wet all the afternoon. I walked over to see J.M. Warfield did not get anything but he promised to come & see me & settle it next Saturday. I was home the balance of the day. I am very undesided what to do Bye that Mill at Ijamsville or go West. I think I will go up to Ijamsville and take another survay & see if that will leave any impression on my mind. Friday, September 17 Weather clear most of the day no rain. I went up to Ijamsville today to look around and try and make up my mind what to do... I am devided in my mind what to do go West or bye the Ijamsville Mill property. I think I will make an offer & if he takes me up well & good if not I think I will go West & look around & see what I can do. All well. Saturday, September 18 Weather cloudy & rained some in the evening. I stayed about home all day to try and get a settlement from partes owing me succeeded in one or two instances but find it an uphill business. Most of it is owing I presume to the titeness of the times. I turned J.M. Warfield’s ap with Marion will have to wate a Month or so. Sunday, September 19 Weather cool but pleasant so cool we made a fire for the first time in our sitting Room. No Church today. I stayed about home all day except afternoon. I took a walk with Willie & met Jacob, John & Walter Baker & we took a walk up to the Paper Mills. Came back on the Milk Trane. They are putting in a large new Engine. All well. Monday, September 20 Weather quite pleasant and clear. I went down the Trane to see Wright’s Mill just off about ¾ miles from Ellysville. I stayed there about all day and came back on the Winchester trane. I took a good look at the property. The Mill is very old but I think it could be made a very good paying property in a small way. It is to be offered for sale next Tuesday. Tuesday, September 21 Weather pleasant but cool had frost last night but it was light. I did nothing today but stay about home did not collect anything. I went out gunning a little while in the evening but did not get anything. Sallie went up with Mrs. Capt. Mercer to spend the day with Mrs. Hincle. Children are all going to school. Wednesday, September 22 Weather cool but clear some frost last night but I don’t think it has done much harm. I walked over to see J.H. Hopkins at Porter’s Cross Roads and from there to Sykesville. Took Dinner with Mr. Shultz and helped him raise the mane timbers of a back building at his place. I collected 1.77 interest & had Hopkins Note renewed for 90 days more. All well. Thursday, September 23 Weather cloudy part of the day & quite cool some frost every night but light. I Borrowed Capt. C. Mercer’s horse and rode over to see Shipley’s Mill a mile below the 19 mile stone on the Frederick Turnpike. I do not think it would suit me has no house asks 7000$. I spent the balance of the day about home. All well. Friday, September 24 Weather cool frost & some ice last night. I stayed about home all day no one came to pay me anything. I helped Jacob to unload a car load Bbls (590). He pays 45cts delivered. I have not hered from Wm. T. Turner yet. I hope he will answer my letter some way or other. I am very anxious to get settled somewhere. All well. Saturday, September 25 Weather cool but pleasant some frost again last night but I do not think it has ingered my garden very much. I did nothing all day but stay about home. No one came to pay anything. It almost appears that I will not get settled up with everybody. No answers yet from Wm. T. Turner. Family all well. Sunday, September 26 Weather pleasant. We have had some frost but I do not think it has done much ingery as yet. We had prayer meeting today in our Church was to have preaching but the Preacher did not come. We had quite a good turnout. It was Bro. Woods day but he was absent at Okland Church. Family all well. Monday, September 27 Weather pleasant. I stayed about home all day. I collected two Bills one of Otis Worthington and one of A.B. Davis. I rec a letter of Wm. T. Turner today saying he would not take less then what he offered the Mills to me at (7500). I will write him soon I may not do any better. Tuesday, September 28 Weather very pleasant all day. I attended the Wright Mill & farm property sold today adjoining Elysville. It was did in by the Ears for 9000. I bid 8000 but I did not expect they would let it go for anything like that. Everything was sold. I would have liked to been able to have bought it. I am quite pleased with the property. Family all well. Wednesday, September 29 Weather quite pleasant. I went to Woodstock this morning from there I walked over to Mr. Carrvilles Mill just back of the Mannor farm about 7 miles walk. I was not pleased with the Mill and situation very lonesome place from appearance. From there I walked back to Marriottsville and returned home on the cars. I also looked through the Marriottsville Mill also bad water power. All well. Thursday, September 30 Weather pleasant it clouded up & rained a little in the evening. I went up to Ijamsville today. I have concluded if Turner is willing to take his Ijamsville property and I want to move up there as soon as convenient. I will try to get a House to live in during the Winter untill we can get posesion. I did not see Mr. Turner but wrote him a lone from there. Returned in the eve, Friday, October 1 Weather cool and cloudy part of the day. I went to Frederick this morning to examine the Records of Ijamsville Mill found it all correct. Took Dinner with Mr. Jas. Payne. Left Frederick at 6 for Lime Kiln to see Mr Jarbo(?) in regard to the 5500.00 Mortgage He satisfied me in regard to it. I stoped with him all night. He has a very large farm and most excellent land. Saturday, October 2 Weather cool but clear. I left Mr. Jarbo’s this morning about 8. Stoped at Ijamsville to see James he was not there and I borrowed a Horse of Mr. Jones and rode down to Mr. Turner’s Mill at Brownsville to see him. Found him at home and agreed to take the Mill property at $7500.00 and will give the Deed as soon as convenient. I returned home in the evening. Sunday, October 3 Weather quite pleasant. In the morning after Breakfast Charlie, Walter Baker & I took a walk up the R. Road a piece then across around by Mr. Fifer’s then back home. Afternoon Sallie & the Children & I walked over and spent the afternoon with Mr. Azel Mercer returned home before dark. No Church today. All well. Monday, October 4 Weather cool but pleasant. I took my gun and went out collecting but met with no sucsess except getting a Note of 90 days of H. Danner. I saw Capt. Gibson on my way home but could not get anything. He is very slow pay. I rec a card of Mr. Jones saying that we can get Mr. Pool’s House near the Mill. Family all well. Tuesday, October 5 Weather quite pleasant. I rode over again to see J.M. Dorsey but did not get to see him was away. I am afraid I will have trouble with him. From there I rode over to see M.J. Leatherwood but did not get anything but he promised to pay it soon. He has been very sick. After I returned home I went over to the wood & got one squirl. All well. Wednesday, October 6 Weather foggie in the morning and turned to rain in the evening. I went to Sykesville to get a Bbl for crout. I returned with it in the Way trane & got it ready for the crout. I commenced to dig my potatoes they are turning out tolerable. I think they would have been better if the Bugs had not hurt them. Charlie brought his Book home. Thursday, October 7 Weather cool and pleasant. Charlie stayed home from school to help me cut crout & dig up our potatoes. We got through with the crout made nearly half Bbl. I rec a Post card from Jones saying we can not get the Pool House untill first Nov. I think I will go up Saturday & see it. There is one or two others for Rent will see about them. Friday, October 8 Weather cool but pleasant it looks a little like rain this eve. Charlie & I finished getting out our Potatoes & put them in the Meat House in the afternoon. We walked over to J.M. Dorsey to try and close his ap the best I could do was to take his Note for 60 days. I expect I will have to sell it. It wont pay me to have to come after it. All well. Saturday, October 9 Weather quite pleasant. I went up on the Mail & back on the Way trane to Ijamsville to see about a house. I concluded to take Mr. Pool’s House next to the Mill at 4 Dollars per Month. I think it will suit us best as it is cheap & close to the Mill. I am to know first of next week what time I can get it. I gathered the Tomatoes. All well. Sunday, October 10 Weather pleasant. After Breakfast I walked up the R.R. met Jacob, George and John Wagner. We then took a walk around by Capt. C. Mercer sat a while & talked then we returned home and after dinner we went to Church. Sallie went with me. The Rev. Mr. Clem preached today his sermon seemed to be very much appreciated. All well. Monday, October 11 Weather cool and raw some rain. I went to Balto this morning. I stoped at the Mills to attend to some Bus. on my way down. While I was in Balto I saw Dr. Irons the inverter of a Saw Mill. E Dorsey has one. There was but two built of that kind. I think them a good Mill. I got through with what business I had to do & returned in the evening. Tuesday, October 12 Weather cool but pleasant. Charlie & I walked over to see Mrs. Mary Warfield about a Bill for feed & Plaster. While we were over there we called by E. Dorsey to see him about building a Saw Mill of the Dr. Irons pattern. Promised to let me know the cost soon. We took the gun along but only got one Robbin. Family well. Wednesday, October 13 Weather cool but pleasant. I did not do much today. In fact I have but very little to do in the afternoon. I took my gun & went over to see Azel Warfield about settling his ap. The best I could do was to take his Note with his son. I expect to have trouble before I get it. I shot a duck on the Dam. All well. Thursday, October 14 Weather pleasant. Charlie & I walked over as far as Mr. Car’s Mill. I wanted to see his Homney Mill. I think it a very good Mill and will try & get one like it built but I find that the hardest part to get one to do it. I will have but very little to do untill we move first of next month. Friday, October 15 Weather pleasant has the appearance of rain. I was about home all day. I have nearly all my ap settled up either by cash or Note with the exception of ½ doz ap. Some I never expect to get & some are wateing for the last day. I wrote today to Mr. Turner. I am sorry I did not have the Deed made out and taken to him to sign before this. I wrote him to that effect. Saturday, October 16 Weather cloudy & wet this morning & it rained most all last night. The weather continued wet most all day. I stay about home all day trying to pass away the time the best I can but very little I can do. Do not expect to Move before the last or first of next Month. All well. Sunday, October 17 Weather pleasant. Sallie, Ella, Maud & I took Dinner with Sam and Elizabeth today. After dinner Sam, Jacob & I walked up to Mr. McCenney(?). He is liveing or has bought the old place of Jacob Brandenberg. No Church today. Family all well. Monday, October 18 Weather cool and rather cloudy all day. I done nothing but stay about home helping Sallie to make chow-chow. Charlie halled some flour for his Uncle Jacob. He is not going to school I took him away to help to get ready to move. I expected to have moved before this. I cant move now before the last or first of the month. All well. Tuesday, October 19 Weather cool and frosty. I spent the day the best I could. I first walked up to see Capt. Gibson to try and get a settlement but did not get anything. Afternoon I walked down to Sykesville. Got Sallie a Ten pot. Did not see Carter he still owes me a balance yet. I expect to have to loose it. Family all well. Wednesday, October 20 Weather pleasant. The nights continue quite frosty with some ice. I done nothing today but stay about home. I wrote to Messers Decker & Jewett, Marysville, Cal. About Curtis Note of about 60 or 70 Dollars he still owes me. Charlie & I went out a while in the afternoon with the Gun but got nothing. Shot a squirl but it got away from us. Family all well. Thursday, October 21 Weather quite pleasant not so cold as it has been. We was about home all the forenoon. In the afternoon Charlie & I took a walk as far as Springfield Church. A Newfoundland Dog came to our House Monday night and it was thought it belonged over that way but I think not. We got some chestnuts. All well. Friday, October 22 Weather very pleasant. I was about home all the forenoon. In the afternoon Spaulding, Charlie & I walked over to Cooksville with Capt. C. Mercer to a Public Meeting (Democratic). Quite a number spoke The Hon. A.P. Gorman spoke good speaker. There was not a very large turn out. Family all well. Saturday, October 23 Weather quite pleasant warm & dry. Some think it Indian Summer. I have put in another week doing nothing in the manor but I have done about all I had to do. I expect to be busy after next week if not next week. Expect to move after that time. Family all well. Sunday, October 24 Weather very pleasant like Spring weather. Today was Preaching day but as it is the beginning of a protracted meeting the time was deferred from the afternoon to the evening so we had Bro. Wood with us in the evening and he gave up a very good sermon. Quite a good congregation was present. I spent most of the day at home reading. Monday, October 25 Weather quite pleasant. I spent the forenoon at home. Collected one Bill of Mr. M.A. Brian. Afternoon I rode down to Sykesville and while I collected another Bill the Bal. of the Carter’s Bill. While there I attended a Democratic Meeting. A young man by the name of Watkins spoke & several others. Tuesday, October 26 Weather continues very pleasant. Charlie & I Hulled the Butter beans & then Jacob & I walked over to Walter Dorsey’s sale stayed untill evening then walked back home. The evening meetings is underway. We were all there last night expect to go this eve. All well. Wednesday, October 27 Weather cooler after the Rain we had last night just after dark. Quite a little gust came up from the North with Thunder & Lightning lasted for 2 or 3 Hours. Had no meeting in consequence. I spent the day about home. I rec a letter of Wm. Turner to the effect that after we move up will fix up the Deed. Thursday, October 28 Weather pleasant. Stayed about home all day doing what I had to do. We expect to commence to load the car with our effects for Ijamsville tomorrow & go up with it Monday if posible. The Spaulding family & Mr. C. Mercer & family spent the evening with us. We had another good meeting at Watson this evening. Friday, October 29 Weather warm in the Sun. I could not do much today on account of not being able to move next week but I want to commence by tomorrow to load the car. I will get a car just for the occasion. I done what I could do in the morning. In the afternoon Jacob & I walked over to Mrs. Carroll’s funereal. We found it quite warm walking over. Saturday, October 30 Weather cloudy and showery all day very bad for us moveing but we done all we could do in loading, do not think we will get all in before Tuesday next. I rec a card of Mr. Pool stateing the house was ready. Also I rec a letter of Mr. Turner wants me to meet him in Frederick Wednesday next but I can not now that I am moveing will have to wate. Wrote him to that effect. Sunday, October 31 Weather quite cool and blustery some snow fell. I spent most of the day calling on my neighbours last visit before leaveing for Ijamsville. I first called on Azel Mercer then Mr. Z. M. Waters, Owing Pool & took tea with part of my family with Capt. C. Mercer. From there to Church at Watson. We commenced again in the morning to finish loading our car. Monday, November 1 Weather very favourable. Moveing our furniture in the car. Found it a very hard day’s work to get everything in. Kept us quite late with the chickens & all. We had two or three to help us. We made arraingements after loading the car to start with the Cow about midnight. Charlie & I kept up a fire in the fire place untill time to start & Sallie left us something to eat. All well. Tuesday, November 2 Weather cool but very pleasant. We started with the Cow about 2 in the morning & made Ridgeville at 6-30 stoped one Hour & fed there. Kept on still by the Frederick Pike & arrived at Ijamsville about noon but we as well as the Cow was very tired just as much as we could do in a kind way for the last 3 Miles to get her along. We then went to moveing the furniture from the car. Tired Wednesday, November 3 Weather kept very pleasant untill we got all the furniture in the House then it commenced to rain. The good lord answered my prayer. Sallie & the Children came up on the 7 O’clock train Capt. Otis Worthington Conductor. Charlie & I gave them as good reseption as surcumstances would afford. All well. Thursday, November 4 Weather quite wet all night but we pased the night quite comfortable. We kept up the fires. We are in the rented House of Mr. Pool 4$ per Month only have 4 rooms with a summer citchen. I think we can get along very well for the Winter in it. I expect to get possession of the Mill property first of April next. We have not got through fixing up yet. Family all well Thanks. Friday, November 5 Weather pleasant but cool. I have nothing to do but help about home. We put up the Parlor Stove today and started a cole fire. I think we will save money by burning coal. I can get lump coal delivered at 6.25 per ton. I have ordered 3 tons through Mr. Jones. The children will not go to school untill the 15 of this month new quarter. Saturday, November 6 Weather cool but pleasant. I am putting in the time the best I can about the Vilage. I do not have very much to do. I stayed about home all day. Charlie went agunning yesterday got one squirrel. We are getting along very well in our new home. Several of our neighbours have called on us. All very well. Sunday, November 7 Weather quite pleasant. Charlie, Willie & I took a walk down the R. Road but got back time enough to go to Sabbath School & P{reaching. Sallie, Maggie, Maud & Willie went with me. We were very much pleased with the Church & to people we got introdused to most all. In the evening we called on Mr. Jones. Spent a very pleasant eve. Family all well. Monday, November 8 Weather pleasant. I stayed about home all day except for a while. Charlie & I went out in the woods for a while & got a squirrel. I have been expecting Wm. T. Turner up but he has not come yet. I think I will go down in the morning and see what is the matter. I want to get the thing settled up. Family all well. Tuesday, November 9 Weather pleasant had a very heavy frost last night. I started for Mr. Wm. T. Turner’s this morning 7-30 & got back at 12. Just 4-30 going & returning about 17 miles. He had started for Ijamsville about one hour before I arrived but on my return I found him waiting for me so we arrainged matters to suit. I am to go to Frederick tomorrow and get the Deed drawn up and return it to him & wife to sign. Wednesday, November 10 Weather cloudy and quite wet all the forenoon or nearly. I went up to Frederick today on the Mail & returned on the Mail. I went up to have the deed made out. While there I checked on my Bank ap in Balto for 1800 Dollars & I had an interest Note of 180 Dollars discounted so I will have 2000 Dollars ready on first payment. Mr. Jones went up & returned with me. All well. Thursday, November 11 Weather pleasant again today after the rain. Mr. Turner agreed to send up today after the Deed. He came him self after it and made arraingements to take it home and have it signed and bring it up Saturday & go with me to Frederick & there have the matter all fixed up. I had nothing to do today so in the morning Charlie & I went agunning & afternoon we walked down the R. R.. to see the old saw mill. All well. Friday, November 12 Weather quite pleasant. Charlie & I went gunning in the forenoon had nothing to do did not get anything. Game is very scarse. We shot a squirrel yesterday but it got in a hollow lim so we could not get it. Charlie & I walked down to see the Old Saw Mill. I understand it is for Sail. I do not think it will suit. Family all well. Saturday, November 13 Weather quite pleasant all day. Mr. Turner promised to come up today and have the Deed signed & with him & go with me to Frederick & receive his pay & have the thing settled up & off my mind but he never came. I expect or rather I feal that he is still on a spree probably he will be along Monday. I rec & answered a letter from Bro. Jacob in regard to the price of corn. All well. Sunday, November 14 Weather a little blustering but not very cold. Willie & I went to Sabbath School & I stoped in to Class my first attendance. We had a very good meeting with a good number out. I am in hopes that I will be able to enjoy myself pleasantly & [--] & be intrumentle in doing some good. Eve we had prayer meeting. Monday, November 15 Weather pleasant. Wm. T. Turner came up this morning. We will have to send the Deed to Rockville to have the Clerk cirtify to the signature of the Magistrate to hoom the Deed was signed before. He left the Deed with me for that purpose. He is to meet me again next Thursday. I will be glad when the whole matter is settled. All well. Tuesday, November 16 Weather foggy in the morning and turned to rain but cleared off in the afternoon but kept windy during the afternoon and evening. I sent the Deed to Rockville today thinking that as good a plan as to take it. I rec and answered a letter from S. S. Spaulding in regard to publishing our dissolution. It appears had to get S.S.S. to attend to it. I helped Mr. Jones to unload a car of 460 odd Bus wheat. Family all well. Wednesday, November 17 Weather quite cold and windy all day. Last night was a very cold and windy night the wind blew very hard all night. I did nothing today but help a little about the Mill to pass away the time. I expect Mr. Turner up in the morning to go up to Frederick to rec the Deed & pay him for the Ijamsville property. Thursday, November 18 Weather very windy and cold. Mr. Wm. T. Turner came for me this morning to go with him to Frederick to settle up give Deed and make proper transferes of Inshureances Policys. We got through & returned in the evening we were very cold. The Deed had not arrived from Rockville but took it for granted it will come. Will go up again Saturday & see & attend to the bal. of the business. All well. Friday, November 19 Weather quite soft and pleasant after yesterday and last night. I understand it hailed in the night. I have nothing to do today but cut wood. I went out with the Gun for a little while but got nothing. I sent George McComas some Bills to try & collect for me. I will have to go down soon to see about some Notes that are due. Children all going to school. Saturday, November 20 Weather quite wet all day. Charlie & I walked up to Frederick. I wanted to get a suit [of] close for Charlie & some things for my self & for others of the family & to deliver the Inshureance papers & to see if the Deed had arrived from Rockville. Has not arrived yet will have to go up again next week to see about it. We came home on the cars. All well. Sunday, November 21 Weather rather changeable. Looked like rain in the forenoon but cleared off and got quite windy in the evening. Today was Preaching day so we did not have Sabbath School untill one o’clock. Preaching at 3 by Mr. Crawford and prayer meeting at night. The school was slim today but good attendance at preaching & prayer meeting. We all went up in the evening. Monday, November 22 Weather quite pleasant today in the Sun but a little cool without fire. I was about home all day wrote 2 or 3 letters. I expect 3 tons coal down from Frederick will have to unload in the afternoon. The Children are all going to school except Maud she has to stay home with us. Family all well. Tuesday, November 23 Weather quite wet all day. The water got so high in the Race Jones had to shut down & let the water go over the wheal. A Head gate & waist gate is very much needed & I want to put it in next summer if I posible can. I think I will put it in at the mouth of the Culvert. The Deed arrived at Frederick yesterday so I was informed by Mail today. Will go up & attend to it. Wednesday, November 24 Today has been a very pleasant day after the rain. It is also my birth day (47) years old today and I have great reason to be very thankfull to the good Lord for all his benifits. Sallie & I went up to Frederick while there I had the Deed to Ijamsville Mill property recorded. I hope we may not regret the purchase. We returned on the Mail. I have not been very well today. Thursday, November 25 Weather quite pleasant all day. I was about the Mill & house all day. Nothing to do. Today is Thanksgiving Day set apart by the President and I believed pretty well observed. No school today so the Children had the holiday. They are going to school here in Ijamsville except Maud she is too young. Evening Sallie & the Children called on Mrs. Jones. All well. Friday, November 26 Weather quite wet all day rained about all day. 7 tons cole came for us today but it was too wet to unload. It is lump Cumberland coal about 6.25 per ton delivered. I put in the time best I can about home & the Mill. One of Jacob’s creditors came up to see me today about a [--] Bill I have no interest in ti. Saturday, November 27 Weather rather pleasant today after the rain yesterday. Charlie & I got Mr. Williams Cart & Horse and unloaded our coal (5 tons) it cost delivered 6.42 per ton. We expect to use it in the two stoves cook & setting Room stoves & to last us through the winter so our [--] [--]. I have not felt very well this evening I think I worked too hard. The rest of the family are all pretty well. Sunday, November 28 Weather cool but rather pleasant. Sabbath School at 9 and Class meeting just at the close of the school. We had a very good meeting but not quite as well attended as the first meeting I was at. The weather was better probably. No meeting at night on account of the weather. It did not rain but looked very much like it. Monday, November 29 Weather pleasant but the wind got up and it got very cold towards night. I started down the R. Road this morning stoped at Hood’s Mill and went to see A. Warfield but did not get anything. From there I walked to Sykesville stoped pased W.B. Willis but did not get anything. Took the Way Train to Balto. stoped at E. City settled up with A.J.P. Tabler in time to continue on the same train. Stoped all night with James. Annie is not well. Tuesday, November 30 Weather very cold froze very hard last night & has been freezeing all day. I left Bro. James early to go out to see Dr. J.S.B. Was too late for the first trane. Got out late had to wate 3 or 4 hours before I saw the Dr. Took dinner with him then came in to Balto. Stoped all night with Lizzie McDonald. Mother & all of Lizzie;s family are well. Wednesday, December 1 Weather continues very cold and freezey. I was very busy all day getting some things. I also sent out the box containing Mother’s Bed a present to Sallie. I managed to get through and came up on the Hagerstown Trane & arrived at home late & was very glad to get back safe & to find my family all well & very glad to see me. Thursday, December 2 Weather cool but not so cold as it has been. The Box came up and I took the things out & gave them a good airing. I kept busy all day helping about. I also helped to put in some glass at the Church & got a cole grate & put it in today. We are now burning cole in both stoves. Friday, December 3 Weather cloudy and thretening and rained a little in the evening looks something like snow we have had no snow as yet. I was about home and the Mill all day. If I had some money to spare I would get some lumber & get to work. I have aplenty to do I want to make some improvements about the Mill & do some fenceing. Saturday, December 4 Weather rather damp it rained and froze forming a sleet makeing the walking very bad after sun up. Charlie & I walked over to Mr. Busard’s saw Mill. I wanted to see him about getting a Bill of lumber but I think his prices are too high. I will see the price of lumber in Frederick. I feal anxious to get to doing something. All well. Sunday, December 5 Weather very wet all day so much so I could not get out of the house all day to go very far so we had no Sabbath School or Preaching today or at least I expect not as I did not go out and it is usual here not to have services when the weather is bad. We all spent the day in reading and walking about the house. All well. Monday, December 6 Weather cloudy and thretening rain all day but did not rain but very little. Mr. Jones Killed his Hogs today killed eleven. I am still idle. I would like to make some improvements but money is so scarce I can not even get what is due me & I dislike to go in debt. I am undesided as yet what to do. Family all well. Tuesday, December 7 Weather cloudy and wet most of the afternoon. I agreed of Mr. Thos. Crawford to take my Pork about 800 to 1000 lbs at 8 ½ cts per pound. Promised to bring it over tomorrow. I think that will be as much as we will want. I am in hopes next year to have all the pork we want of our own raiseing. Family all well. Wednesday, December 8 Weather cloudy but no rain it rained some last night. The weather do not appear to be settled yet. Mr. Crawford brought the Hogs weight 1003 lbs at 8 ½ cts 85.25. Mr. Wm. Dorsey & Mr. John Jones came and helped me to cut up. I could not get the Hogs Head in the Meat House door so I had to get another Bbl. Maud is not very well gum bile. Thursday, December 9 Weather cloudy but not so much so as it has been has the appearance of clearing off. Uncle Billy Dorsey stayed all day and helped us to make sosage meat & clean. We were very glad he came as we know but very little about anything of the kind. He took write [--] and helped us write through. Family all well. Friday, December 10 Weather pleasant and has the appearance of good weather. Froze some last night. I have been about home all day helping to make and put away our sausage Pudings &co. I think we will be Pretty well supplied for the next year. We are g doing most of the work our selves. All well. Saturday, December 11 Weather quite pleasant today. The weather has cleared off and got cooler. We have been busy all day finishing up Lard makeing Ponhorse &co. We got about through and stayed at home all day & helped. We done about all the work our selves. I got 2 loads fodder today for the Cow. Enough I think to last her all winter. We rec an invitation to Ginnie & George’s Weding today. Sunday, December 12 Weather clear but wind and cold. Sabbath School at 9 this morning and preaching next Sabbath. Had prayer meeting this evening. One of the members Mr. Anderson’s daughter died and is to be berried from the Church next Tuesday. For that cause the Sabbath & prayer meetings were not well attended. All well. Monday, December 13 Weather very windy and cold. I was about home all day. I wrote to Dr. J.S.B. about borrowing a few hundred dollars. I want to make some improvements & I need a little money as I can not collect anything. I want to go down in a few days about Hood’s Mill & see if I can collect anything. All well. Tuesday, December 14 Weather still quite cold & windy. I walked over to the sail with Mr. Jones & Tiler Droning. I stayed there a little while but I got so cold standing about that I came back home. I did not by anything. The sail was ay Mr. John Williams Brotherinlaw. Family all well. Wednesday, December 15 Weather not so windy today but is still cold. I think it has been freezeing all day. I walked down as far as Mr. Young’s with Mr. Jones to see a Cow Mr. Jones wants to trade for. I am to go to a Teacher’s meeting tonight. They are thinking about haveing a consert. Thursday, December 16 Weather pleasant for this season of the year. I went up to Frederick today to see about getting some Lumber. I Bought a car load of different cind of lumber to make some improvements and repares about the place while I have nothing else to do. I think I got a cheap lot of Lumber. Friday, December 17 Weather has been getting cooler all day and toward eve got quite windy.It has the appearance at this time most bed time of being a very cold and windy night. Wrote 2 or 3 letters today & done all I had to do and this was not very much. Expect to be busy when the lumber comes. All well. Saturday, December 18 Weather quite cold and windy all day. The Load of Lumber from Wilcoxon & Markey came down today & Charlie & I unloaded it. We had quite a cold job of it. I did not mind it but Charlie complained very much with the cold. We put the flooring & dress Planks up in the Mill. Family all well. Sunday, December 19 Weather very cold and windy all day but not quite so cold as yesterday. I did not go away from home all day but there was Sabbath School, Preaching and prayer meeting as usual. Charlie & Willie went. I expect I ought to have went but I did not feal like going. Mr. & Mrs Jones called in the evening. Family all well. Monday, December 20 Weather more pleasant what wind we had came from the East so it was not so cold a very pleasant day to work out to what it has been. The balance of my lumber came today that I forgot when I was up in Frederick. I must get to work pretty soon will have aplenty to do now. I think I will commence on the Porch first. All well. Tuesday, December 21 Weather very pleasant today like a Spring day. I wrote to The Sect(?) Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Montgomery Co. to get the priveledge of building a Porch in front of the Mill. I want to go to Hood’s Mill tomorrow & try & collect some money & next week I want to get to work. I think I will commence on the Porch lower part. Today would have been a good day to have worked at it. All well. Wednesday, December 22 Weather pleasant. It rained a little last night and it was a little foggy and looked some like rain this morning but it did not rain any. I went down to Hood’s Mill this morning to collect if posible. I walked over to see Hopkins got the interest & Note renewed. Went to see Danner & Gibson. Did not get anything but promised to pay soon. Thursday, December 23 Weather quite warm and pleasant. I went over to see J.M. Dorsey got nothing from there. I went to Sykesville collected 5 Dollars of Morehead. Tried to sell some Notes but could not sell them for anything. I find it very hard to collect. I stoped all night with Sam Spaulding and took tea with George & Jennie. Came back home on the F. Train found all were home. Friday, December 24 Weather quite wet all day. I stayed about home all day. Charlie went down to Hood’s Mill this morning to spend his Christmas Holladay. Wm Cleary in answer to my Postal wrote up for 500 Meal 500 c chop & 20 Bus feed. Mr. Jones filled the order. We are makeing little preperation for Christmas. All well. Saturday, December 25 Weather foggy all the forenoon but warm & very mudy. I spent the Christmas at home in Ijamsville. I did not make but one call & that at Mr. Jones. Several called on us. Charlie went to Hood’s Mill to spend his Christmas. I do not feal that I have spent a very profatable Christmas or as pleasant a one as I have spent. All well. Sunday, December 26 Weather cool and cloudy and very windy. I went to Sunday School and covenant meeting. No preaching today. I did not go out to prayer meeting in the evening. Charlie is still away. Mrs Pool called to see us in the evening. Mrs Eastidy’s child died today of Scarlet fever Monday, December 27 Weather pleasant today. We had quite a blow with some rain last night. Mr. Jas. Pain of Frederick was to see me this morning wanted me to sign a Note of Jacob’s with him. I would not do it as I have given up that kind of work it wont pay. He appeared quite angry about it. Sallie & the Children were out calling this afternoon & out again tonight to the rehersal. All well. Tuesday, December 28 Weather quite foggy and wet all day it commenced last night and froze a little as it fell forming a sleet. My Bugy & Rockway came up today. I traded a Note of J.H. Hopkins of 88.60 for them. Charlie is still away. I hope that he will come up on one of the Trains this eve. I ordered some Chestnut Logs of Mr. Riggs today. Wednesday, December 29 Weather continues murky heavy mist with occasional shower. Charlie & I got the Posts ready and we put in one for the front Porch but had to stop on account of the rain. I want to keep rite along now with my work. I have aplenty now to last me for some time. All I want now is a little money to help me along. Charlie came home last eve. All well. Thursday, December 30 Weather more pleasant but still murky but no rain the Sun came out for a while. Charlie & I finished putting in the Posts for the Porch in front of the Mill. I had to stop, the sills has not come yet. Mr. Riggs is to hall them. We loned the Organ to the Sunday School Committee today to be used at the S. School Exibition. Family well. Friday, December 31 Weather continues very murky but very little rain falls. The walking is very bad. The consert came off tonight at the M.E. Church. There was a very good attendance takeing the night into consideration so windy & foggy. It was thought best to rehear it tomorrow night. Charlie & Maggie had pieces. All well. I feal that I have great reason to be very thankfull to my Heavenly Father for his Kindness in sparing our lives and helping us with good health through most of the year that is passed and also for giving us a good home and my prayer is that we may all strive to love and surve him for his love and Kindness toward us. This time last year looked very dark as I knew we would be oblidged to sell our Hood’s Mill property and I could not tell or have any idea what the property would bring and sometimes I was afraid it would not let us out of debt, but it has and left us with a good home & may the good Lord be blessed for it.