TRUMBULL COUNTY OHIO - DIARY BEACH, Nettie Louise (1883- 1887) *********************************************************************** OHGENWEB NOTICE: All distribution rights to this electronic data are reserved by the submitter. Reproduction or re-presentation of copyrighted material will require the permission of the copyright owner. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/oh/ *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Submitter: CaroleVillarreal Email: cvilla98@yahoo.com Date: Febuary 17, 2002, Email updated February 17, 2008, Updated August 2009 *********************************************************************** NETTIE BEACH’S DIARY NOTES: Nettie Louise Beach was born March 1st, 1865, the daughter of Almira Marie Aldrich Sigler. Nettie was the granddaughter of Simon and Louisa Reed Aldrich. Information about her father is unknown. When she was seven years old, her mother married Austin Sigler and Nettie refers to him fondly as Pa. She started writing in the diary just before she turned eighteen yers old and continued to the point where she had been married and had a new baby, Mabel Louise. The family lived in Cortland (Bazetta Township, Trumbull County, Ohio) in 1883, and Nettie played organ for more than one church. She names many, many people living in and around Cortland at that time. Some of the names mentioned are Ettie and Fred Biggins, Pearl Bradley, Burt Clark (of Orwell), Mae Coe, Millie Kinnaman, May Mapes, Frank Newton, Burke Oatley, May Post, Charles Richards, Eugene Sigler, Lorinda and Frank Wood…many others. The family made a trip “back east” to Newport, RI, Hartford, CT., and Massachuttes and a lot of her Nettie’s mother’s family is named. I have transcribed this as carefully as possible, but occasionally I struggled at the spelling of names, so some may not be correct. At the end is some family genealogy, and there are some mistakes in that. If you have any information that would help correct this, please contact me. Also, there are some pictures that go with this. I have many more at home, including an album of pictures I don’t want, and I will be glad to send them to anyone who is a relative: Emma Frazier, Jennie Syme, Ada Sigler, Clare Oatley, Charles and Beth Richards, Edna and Grant Campbell, Pauline Sigler, Harry Meacham, Ray Shaw, Elizabeth Ellis, Maryann Evans, Mae Andrew, Vivian Addis. Nettie was my Great Grandmother. CaroleVillarreal cvilla98@ yahoo.com “Happy New Year”~ Journal for the year 1883. January 3rd. There has nothing of any account happened “so far” this year so I will only write a little for an introduction, thinking perhaps before this year closes there may be something of importance. I received a letter New Year’s from Annie Turnbull and two today. Jennie, Lillie and Bertha Stansett. January 10th. We have been having good sleighing and quite pleasant weather lately. Lottie Spaulding is here making Rin’s wedding dress, [Lorinda Sigler, b. 1862, married Frank Wood] and of course everything is topsy-turvey and I am so lonesome too because I can not practice on the Piano as we cannot warm both rooms. I am going to have the Piano moved into the sitting room when Lottie goes away and then good-by work to me. We have had double doors put in between the parlor and sitting room and now can throw both rooms into one, which makes it nice for me as I can move the Piano anywhere. Rin’s wedding will be the 28th and I will not be sorry when it is over. I received a letter from Burt Clark today and was just a little surprised to have that. He had been down to Cortland one evening, but did not call here. I did not like it very much either and shall let him know it too when I write, or something to that effect. Gene [Eugene Sigler] said there was going to be a sleigh-ride party this week and Ma says if there is, Rob Allen will take Ollie Coe. If he does he need not hang around here for I shall not have anything to do with him, so there. But will do as Ma says, send note for Burt to come down. That is if he will come. Cortland- Jan. 22nd, ’83. So much has happened since I wrote last. I hardly know what to write first, only I do know that I am lonesome and have got the blues. Well, to begin, Lottie finished Rin’s dress, and then, all last week, we were getting ready for the wedding, and last night she was married. In all the excitement of getting ready I had not thought how lonesome I should be, but I begin to realize it now. Indeed I did last night and could hardly keep the tears back. We had quite a wedding, about 40 were here and Rin received some very nice presents. I played Mendolsohn’s Wedding March for them to come down stairs by and afterwards Connie Siliman gave us some music. We had some singing and I played some more, also some supper and as the result lots of dirty dishes. We young folks all went upstairs and had a very social time…twenty five…until 12 o’clock. Rob Allen was here and of course acted as my escort. My first beau for the year ’83. Wonder who will be the last. Today was the __-fair and we all went down to Casterlines. I went with Rob and had a very nice time. When we came back we took Ettie home and then came home ourselves and were unusually quiet. Rob was sleepy and I was tired. Someway it seems to me that this may be the last time we ever go together, and perhaps it would be for the best. But I have thought the same before, so will not borrow trouble. I almost wish too that I had not commenced to correspond with Burt for there is where the trouble is coming in. And I have a letter of his now to answer. But as I said I have got the blues tonight and perhaps I will feel better tomorrow, so will go to bed and for want of a bedfellow will take the soapstones. City, Feb. 4th, 1883. I have just got home from church tonight and am nearly tired out with playing the organ for church today and tonight for Sunday School and nearly three hours for singing school. It is a pity there is no organist but me for the M. E. [Methodist Episcopal] Church. I think what bothers me, now, is to think that Chas. Richards asked for my company home this evening. I am sorry he did for I thought we were good friends again and I hated to give him the mitten, but I did. Someway it seems that I couldn’t be only on speaking terms with any boy without getting into troubles. Mamma and several other persons have been warning me against thinking too much of Rob…as they say he will not live very long and is going into the consumption. I too am afraid they are right but sincerely hope not. And if they do not stop warning me am afraid their warning may have the opposite effect. I do not think I really love him but like him the best of any beau I ever had. But then I never have had very many. City, Feb. 18th, ’83. Cool but pleasant today and sleighing all gone. In fact, it was so warm the 16th that we ate supper with the door open. But it has been colder since. Rin has been up and staid all night once since she was married and yesterday she and I called to see Myra Coots who has been sick with a fever over two months and is not well yet. And then we called to see Rob. He has been quite bad, but was a little better yesterday and says he has “caught a little cold”. He looks poor and very pale, but not as bad as I expected from what I have heard. He seemed quite surprised and glad to see us and asked us to call again. I am in hopes he will get well again. Since writing last I received a letter from Bertha with her photo and that reminds me of another photo I have been promised. That one is one of Rob’s, in exchange for one of mine. Aunt Sallie [Mrs. Mory L. Aldrich] and Lillie [daughter of Sallie and Mory] have been down and staid all night and I have taken one music lesson of Mrs. Phillips lately, the 8th of Feb. City, March 4th, ’83 May Post went down to Warren with me the 2nd of March and took my eighth music lesson of Mrs. Phillips. We went down on the cars and had a very nice time and were pretty tired when we got home too. Annie Turnbull has been over and made me quite a visit. I was glad to see her but “truth to tell” was not sorry when she went away, for she is so funny. Does not say anything and I had to ask all the questions and then answer them, which makes it interesting for me. I received a letter from Burt not long ago. It was short and sweet. I think this next letter I write to him/when I write/will be short and cool. Yesterday [March 6th] was my birthday and I am now 18 years old, almost an old maid. But there is one comfort. I am not very large and so do not look so old as I really am. I am going to try giving music lessons this summer if I can get a class. I even have promised, and gave a lesson last Monday to Sedah Larnard and am to give her one tomorrow. If she keeps the piano I will have her for a scholar and that makes two. Rob is getting better. Easter Sunday, March 25th, ’83. How time changes things. Since writing last I have had a new beau and it seems that what I write after Rin’s wedding is likely to prove true, for I have not been anywhere with Rob since then, but have seen him [unreadable]. Last Friday evening I went to a sugar party at Will Hartman’s with Frank Newton. I disliked to go for fear it would make trouble between Rob and myself but after I had been there a while and Rob came in with Mae Coe. I was glad that I went. I do not think he was well enough to go and do not think he expected to see me there either, so we are over. I shall not try to call him back for we had better stop where we are. If he comes back it will be of his own accord and I will let him and I am afraid I would. F. Newton is a nice fellow and a perfect gentleman but I do not care to keep company with him. He is going away in April. However, next Tuesday eve there is a minstral troupe at Klines Hall and Chas. Richards and May Post are coming here to go with Frank and myself. I have given Ledah Larnard 4 music lessons and think I shall like it ever so much. Sat. eve, April 7th, ’83. I have just returned from choir meeting and we had a lively time. There was a party at Mr. Oatley’s last eve and R. Allen had Mae Mapes there, so I heard, and I must stop thinking about him. I answered Burt’s letter and have asked him to come down too. I hope he will come, so R. will not think that if he does not go with me I cannot go at all. Chas. Richards starts for Oberlin to attend college next Tuesday. I sent for some music…quite cheap. I gave Ledah another lesson (music) last Sat. but they have taken the piano away now, so she will not take unless they can rent one. Grandpa [Simon] Aldrich started for Warren, Aunt Hattie’s, last Wednesday. The Diptheria is around again. Paul Post and Ray Smith both died with it, and several others have it. April 21st, 1883. I have just got home from choir meeting and have got a bad headache. I did not go to church last Sunday eve and I guess they had a lively time in the class with Edgar Steven’s playing, from what I hear. I went to Warren on the cars last Thursday and took my 10th music lesson of Mrs. Phillips and Mozart’s Sonata No. 4 is not the one she expected me to take so I will have to send for another. No. 19. Last evening I went to a party over in Fowler with Frank Newton and did not get back until after 12 and today I have been sleepy. He did not come and ask me this time either but sent word by Gene. I do not like that way of doing business and had a good notion to give him the mitten when he came, but did not. I had a passably good time. Did not dance as the rest did, but had a chance though, as Rob said, he would dance if I would and by the way I had quite a little chat with Rob and was somewhat surprised to hear him say that he wanted my photo. I did not suppose he would care for it now, but told him that when he gave me his he should have mine. I wish I had told him that judging from his actions he would not care for it! But I did not think then and if I had (with him sitting beside me trying to put his arm around me as of old, without attracting attention for there was not light in the room.) I do not suppose I would have told him. Someway, when I am near him, if I do think before-hand, I will be cold and polite. I treat him the same as always. Frank N. is going away to be gone all summer, so he will not bother me anymore. He is very polite and treats a lady as if she were someone. But I do not care to go with him. I received a letter from Burt Clark today and it is not quite as cold as the last one was. I thought my asking him to come down would have some effect. He is coming down sometime and wants me to come up and says if I will he will give me a good buggyride. If I go. Ha! Ha! Guess I will go up. I guess anyone reading these pages in later years will think I am crazy but perhaps as I get older my opinion will be more decided. I hope so at least. Cortland, O., May 6th, ’83. This is a very pleasant Sunday, just warm enough. I have been to church and S.-S. as usual and of course played the organ both places and am just tired out too. In fact, have been nearly sick for quite a while, was a little afraid of the fever but think I will escape this time. Evening. I answered Bart’s letter this afternoon. Hope he will come down soon. Rin and Frank were over tonight and Grant went home with them and is going to stay there this summer. R. Allen went home with Mary W. tonight. I saw him at the school social last Friday evening and concluded then if he did not have anything much to say to me he might go, and as the consequence I shall have nothing to do with him, merely speak. And I hardly think we shall see his name in this so often. I guess my heart is not broken after all. And it was a passing fancy, sweet any while it lasted. Hilliard and Main held a school here April 30th and as I was going down for Millie K. [Kinnaman], my chum, to go with me in the evening. E. Stephens walked down with me and remarked that he was down to the show in the daytime. Had an invite to come back in the eve, and says wouldn’t you like to go too. Ha! Ha! for an answer. I asked him if the show was good for anything! And then kept up such a string of questions until I reached M’s that he did not have a chance to repeat it. Tonight I guess he would have walked home with me but I slipped away from him at church and when he caught up Papa and Mamma were with me. He wants me to meet at the church Tues. eve at 8:30 for some little folks to sing. It looks a little suspicious. Hardly know how it will end. At home. May 26th, ’83. I see in looking over the last that I wrote I was borrowing trouble about E. Stephens. It all came out all right however, as I merely went up to Mr. Johnson’s and played for his amusement (as he boards there). I have commenced giving Myrtie Mathany music lessons. She has taken three, and I have taken 13 of Mrs. Phillips. I am beginning one of Mozart’s Sonatas, No. 19, now and like it ever so much. I have about given up going to Oberlin to study music this fall, as I do not think I am well enough, and then too, if I studied music there a year I should expect to teach and then would be away from home all of the time. And I guess Papa and Mamma would be lonesome then if they are when I stay away one week. And perhaps we will go east this fall. July 2nd, 1883. I see it has been over one month since I wrote in here. And so now will try to describe a little of the past. In the first place the concert that E. Stevens gave went off very well and although he used me kind of mean we are still on speaking terms. After that I received a letter from Lillie that her Mother had gone to New Birmingham to see her sister. And she wanted me to come over and stay a while. So I went over and staid two nights and she brought me home on Sunday a week ago. Last Saturday Millie Kinnaman and I went to Cleveland on an excursion with Mr. R. and several others. We took the 8 o’clock train and got there at nearly 12, then went down to see the steamer “City of Detroit,” but did not go out on the lake, as we wanted to see the city, but went all through it and then to a restaurant, the Bethel, and got our dinner and then up town and took a streetcar and went out to Lakeview Cemetery which is very nice and would have enjoyed looking through it better if we could have rode. We saw Garfield’s Casket and the catafalque, I think they call it. Soldiers were guarding his vault. Then we took a streetcar and went back to town, then down to the lake, Erie. It looked so nice and cool I almost wanted to jump in and cool off. Then we went through Lake Erie and Central Parks and back to the American house where we had supper and had it in style too. Colored servants to wait on us. Then we got rested, strolled through the park, and went to the Theatre. The play was the “Drummer Boy of Shiloh”, and was good. But we could not stay until it was out for fear of missing our train, but saw the principal part. The house was not as nice as I expected to see but is quite nice, too. When we got to the depot, the train we expected to take was so crowded that we had to wait for the next train, and so did not get started until midnight. 12. And then someone said we had a cattle car with seats in. But it answered very well. When we arrived at Leavitsburg our train had gone and they had to send out an extra. We were pretty sleepy but did not go to sleep until we got home at 3. Then I went home with Millie and hurried into bed and did not get up until late. In fact were eating breakfast at 10. Home, July 7th, ’83. Commencing where I left off, when I got home, Howard, Mary and children were here and so I could not go to bed as I intended to do. And have been nearly sick ever since. Pa and I went over to Hartford the 5th to see the Dr. Artherholt, and he gave me some medicine and said if I was careful I would get better. But said if I had not done anything before long, I might have come down with the fever as he thought there was a little malaria working in my system. I have such a pain and heaviness in the back of my head and it aches all over nearly all of the time. Besides feeling so tired all the time. And my back is so weak that I cannot take music lessons. In fact, have not taken any for quite a while. And in hopes I will get better soon so as to begin taking again. I have been giving lessons quite a while. Have two scholars. Myrtie Mathany and Sedah Larnard. I sent and got them some new books, Lebest and Stark, Book 1, No. 2, and like them real well. Cortland O., July 22nd. We, that is, Papa, Mamma and I have been talking of going East this Fall. But Mamma fell and sprained her ankle so that she can not use it for a while, and then I am not feeling very well either so I think it is a little doubtful whether we go. Millie and I want to go to Oberlin to study music this Fall and if we want to I suppose presume we will go. Chas. Richards is home from there through vacation, but is going back this Fall. I have seen him several times but someway it seemed as if he was a little dry last night. Perhaps he has heard that I had a buggy ride last week. And quite a surprise it was too when I looked out and sawBurt Clark tying up his horse here. He said he came to give me that buggy ride he promised me in one of his letters, so I put on my black velvet dress, light blue shawl, cream hat, kid gloves, etc., and we went away in a grand style. We called to see Lillie and Aunt Sallie for she has got home. Came today, and staid until 9, and had a very nice time. Then came home and got here sometime after 11. Were quite a while coming, someway, and then as he does not come very often I asked him to come in, which he did and staid until after 12. There is quite a contrast between him and my last beau, F. S., but I like him the best for a beau. For I do not have to be so careful what I say. To be sure if I perfectly hated him I should think he was a little soft but as it is I can stand it a little while. Had several compliments, of course. Did not however take them all. I have one of his pactures, which I stole. It is not very good though. He said that if he could get away from the store in August he would come down and take me to Yearly Meeting. I think he will come and Mamma doesn’t, so we’ll see who wins. I am to get a letter this week anyway. Very warm today. Cortland, Ohio, Aug. 18th, ’83. It has been nearly a month since I wrote in here last and a great deal has happened. And, we have been East. That is to Mass. and Conn. We started Tuesday, the 30th of July, and went to Warren to take the express and by accident met Mr. Starett and his family who were going to Chautauqua on the same train with us so I saw the girls and had company until about 1:00 o’clock. They act and look just as they always did and seemed quite pleased to think we met. After they left I went back near our folks and watched the different scenery until dark. It was just grand to me as I had never seen a river, mountains or hardly anything before and I enjoyed it ever so much. But it made my eyes ache. We rode all night and got to New York City about 7 in the morning. Then rode across the ferry, and took a coach and rode about 3 hours through the city to the other depot. When we took the cars for New Haven and I went to sleep, for I was tired. Did not sleep much the night before. We changed cars at N. H. and arrived in Hartford, Ct. about 11 o’clock. Took a bus to Aunts and got there all dust and tired out for dinner. Aunt Almira looks something like I thought she did, and I liked her real well after I had been there a few days. At first I thought she seemed a little cool. But it was only her way. Her house is furnished very nice and she has two servants, a man and a girl, and a cousin living with her, whose name is Aunt Susan Reed. She reminds me of some old maid in a story. Knows every one’s history and a little of everything else. I did not like her. Aunt has a nice piano, a Baby Grand. Chickering, only it is out of tune. I played on that some, and Aunt brought down some old music that her girl, Mary, used to have, which I tried. Starling Reed, one of Ma’s cousins called one day for dinner. He is an odd piece. Saturday we took the cars for [Stratton Boook?], and Ma’s cousin, Chas. Reed, met us there and took us to his home in [Farms?] Village where we met his wife Martha, and she is lively, just full of fun. I like her. They live in a plain farm-house, between two mountains and it was so nice and cool. I liked to stay there now but it would be dreary in the Winter. Someway I felt ever so much better out there than I have for a long time. Into Aunts it was so close. I should think Aunt would be sick for she does not go out doors at all, and I felt so gloomy, tired, and had the headache all the time I was there. Sunday morning I wrote to Millie and did think I would write to Burt, but did not have time. In the afternoon we all took a ride over the mountains to Uncle Sidney’s and were there for supper. Dear me, they are the oddist set yet. Uncle Sidney is about 50 and so very bashful. Acts like some little boy. Then there are three others, Seville who is deaf, Pluma is fat, Ruth-lean, and the hired man halfway between. And all homely. We had plenty of pears and apples and a very nice time. At night we went back to Martha’s and had a very pleasant ride. I like to ride out in the country. Here the scenery is so nice and the roads are all shady. The next day we all went to Simsburry to take the train for Hartford, and had quite an adventure. First as we got there and they had all got out but me, and I started to jump out, the horse started and run, throwing me in between the buggy seat and wheel. If Pa had not have had hold of me, I would probably have been hurt quite bad. But as it was he pulled me out and by main strength, and I escaped with only a bruised hip. My parasol broken, and gossamer torn. We stopped at the P.O. and I mailed Millie’s letter. There was a nice fellow in there who tried to get acquainted. I did not say much though as we soon went to the depot and took the train for Hartford where we arrived about dinner time. In the afternoon, Papa, Mamma, Martha for she went with us to Aunts and I went down town and took a street car, and went up to the cemetery, which is very nice. Then we took a car and went to the Retreat and heard it. Everything is neat and in style, and it seems as if we should almost like to stay only I should not care to be crazy. Then we walked back to Aunt’s and staid all night. Martha slept with me and kept me laughing until I went to sleep and, the first thing when I woke up in the morning, she is too comic. Pa and Martha went down street Tuesday morning and Ma mended my gossamer and I bade goodby to the Piano. Aunt made Ma a present of $10. And me $5.00. Martha gave me a nice black silk sash, and gold pencils. Chas. Reed, Uncle Sidney and Seville were there for dinner. And then we packed our things, bade them all goodby. Aunt seemed sorry to have us leave, and went to the station and took the train for Springfield, Mass. And were only 30 minutes going. We went to Emma Steere’s, who seemed glad to see us but had her trunk packed for the seashore, and had to go the next morning. So we only staid all night. I got acquainted with Lillie Steere and went down street after supper. And when we came back had some water-melon and plenty of fun. L. wanted me to stay a while with her but I could not. Would have had a nice time though, for she is lively, but a little wild. I am afraid she wants me to write to her. Dear, I shall not know what to write about. But I promised I would. We left there on an early train for Westfield, where another of our cousins lives, Hattie Shepard by name. When we got there we found her sick and they took their meals at her brother-in-law. She is very pleasant and like most of the people from Mass, in talking does not sound her r’s. I like to hear it though. But if any one came to Ohio and talked that we should say they were “putting on style”. Her husband is jolly and pleasant and her son Fred is polite, nice, and uses good language, but is fearful homely. I like him though for he seems a gentleman. I walked down to dinner with him and met his cousin Helen Houghton. She is very nice, and Alice Hartwell, a girl that boards there. After dinner I went over to Alice and Helen’s little printing room which is quite cozy. And I told them to print me some cards. Then Ma, Helen, and I called on Mrs. Holcomb to see if Aunt Anise Steer was there. But we did not find her [unreadable] where she was. We staid all night at Hattie’s and the next morning went down after our breakfast and then Fred took us out to Southwick to Uncle [Tarsus Fowler’s?] where we saw his son [L]uzerne and wife Jennie, with their two boys, Leslie and Edward. Another cousin, [Roselthan?] Ross and little boy Frankie, was there. They were all quite pleasant and tried to make it so for us. In the afternoon we went down to the Ponds and on our way called to see Aunt Sallie Steers. We found her sick abed but glad to see us. Then when we got to the Ponds almost the first person we saw was Aunt Anise Steere who just happened to be there. She is just as funny as ever and her eyes snap just as often. The ponds are nothing extra, I did not think. But perhaps would look better with a different crowd there as they were very rough that day. We did not stay very long but came back and called at Aunt Josephine’s. She was sick, too. Seemed quite pleasant but they say is contrary and if she had not felt like it we would not have seen her. August 23rd, 1883. I will now try to finish the history of my trip East. From Aunt Josephine’s we went back to Uncle Tarsus’ and staid all night and then next morning Luzerne took us to Westfield to Hattie’s. There, we packed our trunk, went down to Mr. H’ for a lunch. I walked with Fred. He said that he was sorry we could not stay longer as he intended to take me around to see the city, etc. But said I must come again and stay. In return, I asked him to come to Ohio sometime and he thought perhaps he would. By that time we had caught up with Ma and Hattie and so went into dinner. After that we bade them all good-by and waited about one hour for the express, which started a little after 1 o’clock. We did not change cars until we arrived at Albany, where waited about 20 min. Then we stopped again at Syracuse, where we got off for lunch, and paid .50 cts for three cups tea and for a biscuit and had to swallow that in a hurry. Then we got back on the same train and tried to sleep but did not until after we changed cars at Buffalo about midnight. And then I slept most of the time until 5. And then I watched the country until 7 when we came into Cleveland and took a bus to the other station and then took a train for Leavitsburg where we changed for Warren. And there I met Dell Hulse and her sister, and so had company from there and we had to come on a freight train but had lots of fun. We got home a little after 11 o’clock, tired, hungry, and very dusty. On Saturday, we cleaned up a little. Ma went to bed, and Pa and I got dinner and then I put away some of our clothes, and took the pond lilies that Fred gave me out of the box they were packed in, and had a nice bouquet. They were quite fresh and fragrant after the long trip. I did not go to choir meeting that night. Was too tired and had been ever since we started home. But Ma was sick and someone had to pick up things at home. Sunday did not go to church or Sunday School. But did go to bed in the afternoon. Millie came up, “dear!” She said. “It did seem good to come up here again, and to have me at home.” She said at church someone would ask her “how get along without me” etc., and then “to see someone else playing the organ she could have cried.” But my letter done her lots of good. At night we went to church together and I did not play. It seemed good too. Wish it might continue. E. Stephens played and put on lots of style. Since then we have got about straightened out again though I still have the headache nearly all the time and am just about sick. Millie and I are together as much as possible, and last week we answered some advertisements. And I received an answer to mine, which was a chance to make electographs at home at .60 cts. apiece. I answered that but have not received any-yet. Expect I will make my fortune. ha! ha! May never hear from them again. I wrote to Burt C. to see if he was coming down to Yearly Meeting. Have received no answer yet. Ledah Larnard is still taking lessons of me. Has taken 20. Myrtie Mathany has taken 12. And then her mother has been sick ever since, so do not know when she will finish. Millie and I have not gone to Oberlin yet. But would if our health was good. We went to a Temperance concert last Tuesday evening. I have two new pictures. Frank McFarland and Myrtie M-and the promise of more. Aunt Sallie was over the other day and is talking of having Lillie come over to Mrs. Hillocks to learn the milliner’s trade and wanted us to board her. But we have a good many now and Grant is coming home Sunday so we are not going to take her. The mail has just come and I got a letter from Burt. He is not coming down to Yearly Meeting, but is coming before long sure. Cortland, Thursday Eve, Sep. 6th, ’83. I received an answer to my electographs, and guess it is a fraud as far as I am concerned, though perhaps Addie Miller, an artist, might make them and he wants to see the directions terribly, too. But I did not like it very well when Gene and he read the first answer I got, and would have read this last if it had not been sealed. However if they will give me $1.00, what I paid, they may have them both, with full directions. Millie and I have decided not to get rich in a hurry, and we have given up Oberlin for this Fall on account of our poor health. Pearl Bradley and Chas. Richards are going there to attend College. I have been over to Fowler and staid two nights. Once down to Ida Campbell’s. Aunt Sallie and Lillie were down there. L. and I called to Rin’s in the evening a few minutes and the next morning I walked up to Mr. Turnbull’s and stopped to Will Mc., a few minutes. They have got the sweetest baby, Bertha. I call her Birdie. Annie was at home and seemed quite glad to see me. That morning, Mr. Whitehill, and Prof,. I should say, called. He sang a little for us but is too old for anything. He is going to send me a catalogue of this school at Pittsburg and wants me to attend. He gave me quite a comp.-too. Told Jin he thought I was a “real pretty little girl.” ha! ha! that afternoon the girls took a music lesson of Minnie [Forward?] and if I am to judge her by her scholars’ playing I should say she is not much of a teacher. No regard to technique anyway. Their fingering is not much like Ledah’s, my scholar. But then there is a difference in teachers. While they were taking I had the sick-headache and went to bed. Just my luck exactly, I got better at night and we called to see Aunt Lovisa Welsh, who seemed very much pleased to see us. And then we went up to the grave-yard. Then home. Had some music and went to bed. The next morning Annie brought me home. Home, Sept. 9th, ’83. Lillie has been over and staid from Monday until Thursday and we had lots of fun. But I was about tired out when she went home. I am not used to so much running. Thursday there was a temperance picnic in Rowlee’s Grove. Of course Millie, Lillie and I went but there was not many there so it was a little dull after that. Grant and I took L. home. Lillie attended the Yearly Meeting and said she saw her fellow Fred Alderman there with another girl and Burt Clark there with another girl. So we could sympathise with each other. I was “real mad” when she told me about Burt, but still I almost expected he would be there. In his last letter he said it would be impossible for him to come that day. I think it was using me kind of mean bringing a girl within 5 miles of here when he intended to take me. I do not care anything about his going with other girls up there but expect him to, and visa-versa. But he went a little too far that time. I did think I would write him my view of the question. But guess I will not write anything and quit. We have gone far enough anyway. Will Aldrich has come home from the West on a visit. He was over here and staid one night last week. He looks just as natural as can be only a little taller. That night we went up to Aunt Emily’s and spent the evening. May gave me one of her photos which is quite good and I saw another photo. The original I never expect to see. That is Jessie May Beach. She is just too cute for anything. Has red hair and brown eyes. But still I don’t know as she is very much prettier than another girl was when she was a baby with red hair and blue eyes. Another wedding in town last week. A surprise to everyone. Harry Post and Alice Bacon. Another funeral in town too. Warren Hayden died with consumption. He is the third young man in our town who has been taken away this year, 1883. Our choir sang and I played and the general opinion was that we done very well. Tuesday, Sep. 11th, ’83. Pearl Bradley and Chas. Richards started yesterday for Oberlin and last night I called to see Millie and we are going to Oberlin this Winter sure. I want to go so bad and Mamma says I can if I am well enough. I shall miss C. R. at choir meeting for we were always there the first ones and so generally had quite a chat. Last Saturday night we were there as usual when Pearl came in. She would hardly speak to me. C. wants one of my photos. I told him he might have one in exchange for one of his. I guess he has forgotten that I have one already. I don’t see why all the boys want my photo. I bade him good-by Sunday night and Nell Hardy and I told him we were sorry he was going. And I was, but still wanted him to go, too. Sunday evening, Sep. 30th, ’83. Will Aldrich was over last Tuesday and staid all night and expected to call again but did not and I suppose started back yesterday. He does not go as far this time. Only to Baraboo, Wis. Aunt Emily and Uncle Eph. Post have gone out that way visiting. May has been down a while and she has received a letter from C. R. wanting her to correspond. I told her to send my “best specs.” And she declared she will and says too that he will care more for just those two words than all the rest of her letter. I guess not though. I do miss him at choir ever so much. Mrs. Hartman had her S. S. class down there, not long ago. There was ten of us there and we had a very nice time. Pa took Millie and I down and of course if we were together we would be suited. Jennie Hartman and Alice Williams are here on a visit. Also Belle Fordman. There was no preaching at this M. E. Church. Today not tonight and it seems good not to be obliged to be there. I intended to attend a lecture at the Disciple Church tonight but it was so dark I did not. I have not written to Burt yet and do not intend to. But would like to see him. I guess I will have to go up to Orwell before long and stay a couple of nights. When I get a new hat, etc. Mrs. Larnard paid me for Ledah’s music lessons $8.00 and I feel quite rich. Sunday, Oct. 28th, 1883. It has been quite a while since I wrote in here last and I do not suppose I will think of half that has happened. In the first place Willie has gone back to Baraboo, Wis. I received a letter from him Friday and one yesterday from Uncle Sidney Case, Conn. He is talking of coming out next June and stay all Summer. Dear me! I hope not. He is yanky all out. There has been quite a number of births around here lately. Mrs. Rice a boy. Mrs. Florence Abbot a boy. Mrs. Nora Craft a boy. Mrs. F. Richards a girl. Mrs. Jay Post a girl. And Ida Campbell a girl. This population is increasing. They have a writing teacher up to school. Millie and I go and he has got me all mixed up. Cortland, O., Nov 12th, ’83. It has been a long time since I have written any in here to amount to anything, so now if I do not get too tired I will write some of the news. The weather has been quite warm until today . It has been snowing and the wind blowing hard and so looks more like Winter. This is Monday. But Mamma and I do not mind it any how as we hire our washing done and it makes quite a difference in our work. As I am not very strong I cannot do much hard work and I guess it is about as Ma says that “I am not good for much.” But when I do not feel well I don’t feel much like work. My back aches most of the time and my head too, a good deal. I have been over to see Dr. Arthurholt and he gave me some medicine and some more iodine to put on my neck and said there was nothing the matter of my back. That is my spine was not affected. I hope it isn’t but it aches for some reason. And my neck too or goiter as Ma calls it is slow about going down for I have been doctoring it most of the time for a year and it is not all gone yet. I will try a while longer. Not after New Year’s, though. I have about given up Oberlin for a while. At least, when I get a little better, then I think of going but let me practice one or two hours I change my mind. C. Richards and Pearl Bradley are there yet but will be home in about 4 or 5 weeks. I would like to see Chas. Wonder if he would like to see me? I miss him at choir meetings so much. And by the way, I play the organ at church yet and we have a new preacher too. Mr. Hodgson, while Mr. Kingsburg has gone to Niles. We miss Addie and Jennie in the choir but Mrs. Hodgson helps us now and is a good singer. I hardly know what we would do without her. Mr. H. is very sociable and calls me his little daughter, etc. Mr. Fields and family, Charles Mapes and Rob Allen have gone to Florida for their health. All wish them success. Mrs. Aaron Davis was buried one day last week. While Mrs. Jayhusk, Mrs. Faunce have all died lately. There was quite a sad accident in Fowler lately. Archie McFarland was found dead in a spring. It is thought he fell in while arranging a pipe that runs out of the Spring. Lillie has been over here for a month learning the milliner’s trade of Mrs. Hillock and I guess is doing real well. She is coming back again this week. She has got a dark red “Mother Hubbard” bonnet and I am going to have a navy blue one this week. Tuesday eve, Nov. 13th. I received a line from Lillie today and she says we will drive up to Orwell next week Friday if nothing happens. I hope we can go for I know we would have a nice time. Wonder if Burt will have anything to say about Yearly Meeting. ha! ha! There has been several parties around here lately, but I had no beau so have been to none. There was one over to Frank & Rin’s last week. They wanted me to come over but I had no beau, did not feel very well and so staid at home. Cortland O., Dec. 2nd, ’83. Lillie and I did not go to Orwell as we intended to, as Lillie had such a head cold and now I hardly know when we will go. Last week was a very lively one for Cortland. There was a meeting at the U. B. church all the week and they had a noisy time of it. I went Monday and Wednesday nights and that was enough for me. Tuesday, Ma and I went into Warren, on the train, and stopped to Marys. We went down town and called at Dr. Sherwood’s office to see about my back. He is a homeopathy dr. and Mrs. Clawson advised us to go there. He said my spine was not affected, as Ma was afraid, but thought it was rheumatism of the muscles. Dear me! I did not know I was getting so old and stiffened. He thought if I could be in there a few days by using a galvanic battery he could cure it. And perhaps I will go into Warren and stay with Mary this week. Mr. Bartlet from Johnson wants me to go to Oberlin with his girl this Winter to study music and has been here to see. And we are to decide this week. I don’t know wether I want to go or not hardly. Still if I intend to teach that is the place to go. Last Thursday, Thanksgiving, we had all the girls and their families. Aunt Sallie and Lillie here and had lots of fun. Last Sunday John Shaw called and wanted me to attend a party at Mr. Hatcher’s Thursday evening, and we went. May Post went with M. Fritz. We had a very nice time and got acquainted with Viola Cadwalader. She is a lively piece. May and I were a little jealous, I am afraid part of the time, and had reason to be. Mike was out of sight part of the time with Gertie Blair, and John was with May Wilbur, a girl he went with three years. A little more than I cared about. But I paid that back talking to Mr. Key, M. W’s beau At last May told Mike we wanted to go home. I guess he saw we did not like it for we started soon except he told John what he thought. I did not think John would ask me to go any other place but we are going to church tonight. Mr. Lou Beauchamp gave three lectures, temperance, in the Disciple church last week. I was there Fri. and Sat. evenings. He gives a Gospel Temperance Union meeting at the M. E. Church tonight. We that is our choir meet at 3:30 to practice. The bell is ringing now. Quarterly meeting too and I am tired out too. Cortland, O., Dec. 14th. The union temperance meeting was a success but I was not sorry when it was over, for taking the day all through it was the hardest day on my back. I have seen for months, playing the organ so much, tires me terribly. That night John called for me as I expected and last Sunday evening he walked home with me from church. And M. Fritz with Nellie Hardy. I am in hopes I can keep John along now until after the holidays. ha! ha! Last week I went into Warren to Mary Craig’s and staid all the week, and had Dr. Sherwood the battery on my back. He used that every day (7 times) and gave me some medicine and then Saturday put a “Bella donna” plaster on and said if my back did not get better to come back in a week. So I paid him $9.50 and came home on the cars that night. I had a very nice time in Warren but was not sorry to get home. Maud and Minnie are so…well they do just as they have a mind to. I don’t know whether my back is better or not, anyway it has not ached as much this week. But I have had a hard cold all this week. It is a little better now, though. I have got a new dress, dark bronze green cashmere, and we expect Ellen Bacon here next week to make it. And then we will have to get ready for Christmas, as we have the Sigler brothers and sisters then. Report says Warner Shaffer and Vira Davis were married last night. Also that there will be several other weddings in the near future. Wonder if mine is among the number? ha! ha! Guess I had better find out if it is. Rob Allen is coming back from Florida as he thinks he is no better. Poor boy. I feel sorry for him. Only a year ago and I was going with him and felt “kind of bad” when we stopped. I am glad now that we did as I think it was for the best. C. Richards is coming home before long to stay through the holidays. I heard that he had been converted to religion since he went away. I would like to see him and did expect to go back to Oberlin with him. But am not sure yet. Mr. John Steere, Springfield Mass., called here today. And that makes me think I have never answered, or rather wrote, to Lillie Steere and I have waited so long now I am ashamed to write. Mr. Benjamin, our visiting teacher, has closed the term and Verna Camp won the prize. My name was not even among the best writers. Hardly think I shall try to write as he [unreadable] under the circumstances. School drama next Friday night. Hope I will get a chance to go? N.B. Cortland, O., Dec. 27th, ’83. The weather is just cool enough and sleighing good, though it has been raining. But now is snowing. Hope it will continue to snow. Last week Ellen Bacon was here and made my cashmere dress and then took my blue flannel jacket home and made it there. I am suited with both. The 19th. There was a surprise at Mary Mapes. J. Shaw and I intended to go but as there were only a few going we changed our minds and took a sleighride. The first of the season. The 2 [unreadable] Millie. Nellie Hardy and I called to see Miss H. Gunn, but she was not at home so we called to see Pearl Bradley who is home from Oberlin. Friday, the 21st. I went to Kline’s hall to play the organ for their singing. May Wilbur, Nellie Hardy, Frank Newton and Elmer Dilley sang. In the evening, John called and we went to the school entertainment. And I played there, went back in the audience and listened to the drama “On the brink,” and other exercises. It was all very good. Sat. evening, the 22nd. There was choir meeting. I went of course. Chas. Richard’s was there. I shook hands and spoke to him and that was all then. Sunday, the 23rd. I attended church and S. S. as usual in the evening. The Disciple S. S. had Concert exercises. John called and we went down there. It seemed good to go and not have to play. Monday evening, 24th.. C. E. Leslie’s troupe from Chicago gave a free concert at the Cong. Church and then organized a convention. The concert was splendid and the best singing I ever heard. 62 joined and myself among the number. Tuesday, Christmas Eve, housefull. Pa’s brothers and sisters were here. The most part of it was the dinner. We had oysters, turkey, etc., etc. The convention began in the morning at 9. I went and in the afternoon at 3, too. After that I walked down to the P. O. with C. R. It seems quite natural to talk with him again. Christmas night there was a surprise party for M. [Foitz/Fortz] who is going to Cleveland. John Shaw called for me and we took a sleighride and then went and had a very nice time, though several persons spoke to me saying they thought I had better watch John and May W. I was not jealous or I should. If he wants to talk to her he may. I shall with Chas. R. When we came home we had another sleigh ride. It was just splendid sleighing, and we intended to have another Sunday if it was as good. For presents Ma received a nice lounge. Grandpa gave me a silver dollar, and I received a nice Christmas card from Bertha and Frankie Starrell. Wednesday, 26th. I went to singing school at 9 and 3 o’clock. After that I went down to see Millie a little while as she was going away the 27th. Then came home and after supper went down to Mr. Stratton’s, as the choir met there to practice for New Year’s Eve. They did not sing much as they had too much talking to do. After that we went to the Cong. Church to the sing. Chas. Richards and I were fast and so walked together and so had quite a chat, which ended by his giving me one of his photos and he having the promise of mine. And we were late, too. During the evening Mr. George, the teacher, called me out in front with three others to sing a solo. ha! ha! I guess people were astonished to see me out there singing. Thursday, 27th. I went down to the depot at 8 o’clock to bid Millie goodby. Expect I shall be lonesome without her but she is going to write. Mr. Fritz started for Cleveland, too. When the train left I came home and went to singing at 9 and again at 3. And at 5 o’clock up to Mrs. Langley’s to play for the choir, and then walked over to the church with Chas. R. again. And of course was a little late. I was most afraid he would ask to come home with me but he did not. Under other circumstances, “it might have been,” different. Friday, the 28th. I attended singing school as usual, and at night they elected officers in Cortland so as to keep up the class by meeting one evening every week and so put me in organist. And when I came home at night I was just ready to cry, taking everything together. I can not take the position as organist for my back is a little better now and I want to keep it so until I can go to Oberlin. I heard too that J. Shaw goes into the billiard saloon occasionally, and that did not help the matter any. And several other little things which together make a “big thing.” Saturday, 29th. Pa and Ma went up to Fowler, as they had a surprise for Frank and Ida Campbell, who had been married just 5 years. They took them one dozen silver knives and forks. I could not go on account of the singing and so went to that and got dinner and supper, and then got ready for the concert in the evening. Ettie Wartman called and we went to choir sing and finally to the concert where I had quite a chat with C. R. before it begun. The concert was very good, that is judging from the applause. I sang a solo with two others, and was not scared, either. Ettie came home with me and staid all night and she is going to be married before long and wants me to play a march. So there is something else to attend. Sunday, 30th. I went to church and Sabbath School and at three o’clock our choir met and sung until after 5. Mrs. Hodgson keeps giving Chas. and I away. Guess she thinks there is more going on between us than there really is. At night I went to church and played the organ as usual. The W. C. T. U. held their meeting in the M. E. Church and I though they would never get through for I was just tired out. John walked home with me of course and Ma says Chas. will not like that, and I do not suppose he will. There is a party Jan. 1st, New Year’s night, at [Fee’s?] over the [unreadable]. Guess we will go. Monday, Dec. 31st, 1883. I was just about sick this morning and did not get up until 9:30, but had to stir around anyway. This afternoon the girls of Mrs. Wartman’s class and myself went down street and bought her a present. A dressing-case and Christmas card, and put it on the tree. At night I went and played the organ as usual and we had good singing. Mrs. H. said she could hear C’s heart palpitate the moment I stepped in the door. Neither one of us had anything to say. The tree was very nice and I received a music folio, bottle of “clove-pink” with Mrs. W’s. photo, box of caramels, and Ma gave me a gold pin with a white set and the S. S. the ear-rings, and a nice ring with sets to match. They are very nice and I think everything of them coming from the place they did. When it was out I saw Chas. R. a few minutes and was going to bid him good-by but guess he saw John watching and did not like it as I did not get a chance to speak to him again. J. came home with me. Mamma says she is glad Chas. is acting the way he is and thinks it serves me just right. And says that I do like him better than I used to. I don’t deny it either, but think there are other boys in the world, too. Rob Allen has got back but is not better and has to stay in the house all the time. Mr. B. Leroy and Myra Coats are married. Wonder where I will be one year from now? ha! ha! not married I hope. And so ends another year full of incidents for me. May the next be as happy. Nettie Louise Beach Happy New Year. 1884. Leap Year. January 2nd. I cannot say that I feel very good today but can give the reason. I was out late last night to a party. John Shaw called about 6:30 and we started for a sleigh ride and went over to Mr. Schaeffer’s for Burke Oatley and Minnie S. and after a while we arrived at Mr. Fee’s and went in. I did not know anyone hardly when I went in, but had an intro. to Lillie Pinkard, Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Leonard, Mr Chas. Schaeffer and Mr. Emory Schaeffer, and then some of the Cortland folks came and I had a very nice time. I paid John back for all his flirting with May W. as B. Schaeffer seemed perfectly willing to go half way (and some others, too, for that matter) though he suited me the best as he is kind of pretty looking and just the kind that likes to flirt. I guess J. saw this picture on the other side as he spoke of going home about the first one, thou I used him all night, and must say he done remarkably well. Emory S. shook hands and bade me good-by, as nice as you please, but pshaw! all the boys are frauds. Cortland, O., Jan. 21st, ’84. So much has happened both good and sad that I hardly know what to write first. There was a Leap Year party at Mr. Stratton’s the 8th and I had to go up and ask John Shaw. I dreaded it for I was afraid his mother would come to the door but as it happened John came. The snow was knee deep but we went in a sleigh. The other girls all walked but I don’t see how they ever got there. We had a very good time though I have had better, and came home about 12. Friday evening, 11th, the Cortland Dramatic Club played the drama “The Poachers Doom” and the farce “Irish Assurance and Yankee Modesty” to a crowded house. J. and I went, of course. But I had been down to Wartman's and staid all night, the night before, and came home with a bad headache so I did not enjoy it as well as I other-wise should. They acted their parts well and played the next night to a full house. But I did not go. Sunday 18th John called in the afternoon and we went sleigh-riding until time for church. It was good sleighing and just warm enough and quite a number were improving it, among them Burke Oatley and May Post. We were quite surprised to see them, but were glad too and they stopped here and went to church with us and we all intended to go to the Disciple church last night but there is protracted meeting at the M. E. Church and I had to go and play the organ and have the back-ache ever since to pay for it too. I will really have to stop playing if I ever intend to go to Oberlin. That night John came in and staid until ten. Not very long still long enough. I do not intend to set up with any boy until I find one that suits me exactly, and I guess it will be a while before I do. ha! ha! what if old Miss Particular should be an old maid! save us all from such a fate. Wednesday evening the 16th, Papa, Mamma and Eugene and I went down to Mr. W. Wartman’s to Ettie’s wedding. Gene and Minnie Mapes stood up with them and I played the wedding march, and last though not least, Fred J. Biggins was the groom. They looked very well though Ettie’s dress was dark and so she did not look much like a bride. My dress shall be white. There was about 50 guests present and Ettie received some very nice presents. I did not have a very good time for someway I do not like the Biggin tribe. They are too rude and noisy. Home at 11:30. The 16th and 17th there was three deaths in 24 hours, something never heard of before in Cortland. The 16th at seven P. M. Mr. Caldwell, the 17th at 3 A. M. Grandpa Beach, and at 4 P. M Mr. J. Hinnaman. Friday the 18th we went up to Aunt Emily’s a little while and they wanted me to go with the mourners to the funeral the 19th and so I did. May Post and I walked together. The funeral was here and they buried him in Fowler. We went over there and had a cold ride too. Mr. C. was buried that day in Farmington. The funeral was here that morning. I did not go and so did not play the organ. Friday I called to see Millie, poor girl. I feel so sorry for her. I went in, she cried and I cried and then we both cried. Sunday I had to go to church and play for the singing at the funeral. I was glad I did not have to sing for it would have been impossible. As it was I cried. They took him to Warren and put him in the vault until spring. Wednesday 23rd., ’84. Millie was up here today and said she was glad she came. It is so lonesome at home she says. I must go down oftener. I intended to go today but Pa and Ma went to Warren and I had to keep house. Last Thursday we received a line from Mary Craig, Warren, that there was 5 or 6 couple coming out here that night and so we got ready for them. There was 17 persons came. They brought oysters, crackers, cakes, etc., and we had just a grand supper. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips came with them but did not give us any music, and I finally did not play either. I was so afraid I would have to but I managed to have some excuse every time I was asked. I don’t like to be teased but I am all out of practice, especially to play before musicians. Cortland, O., Jan. 31st, 1884. Millie and I are talking Oberlin again, and I went so far as to send for a catalogue. I can go if my back gets no worse and Millie can if her stomach gets better. Last Saturday night at choir meeting I asked them to get someone else to play the organ and they finally decided to get Mrs. Meeks to play for choir meeting and Sunday morning and me to play in the evening. I intended to go out of the choir altogether but if they get an assistant it will save my back a good deal and so I have hopes of seeing Oberlin. Millie is taking medicine and so perhaps she will get better and then we will go. Last Sunday afternoon John called and we went sleigh-riding and when we got Burke and May started, we all went up to Mecca to church. Mr. and Mrs. Strong, holiness evangelists, were holding a meeting there. They had a good meeting we had a good sleigh-ride, so we both ought to be satisfied. I got home just before 10 P. M. The Methodists have been holding a meeting but so far with not much success. Ollie Parker, Winnie Meek, Hat Chadwick, Miss Dray, Mannie and Jennie Morey were the converts. Last night there was a party at Vira Schaeffer’s nee Davis. John Shaw called and we took quite a sleighride before we found Burke and May, and after a while we went to the party. They had a piano and of course I had to play. It is a Billings and deary me, I could make more noise on a dish-pan. About 12 o’clock we started home and came by this way of the flat-iron. The water is over the road quite deep in several places. It rained so much yesterday and it must have been that or something else that kept us so long on the road. J. was very attentive all the evening. If he will only stay so until the first of April. May W. may step in my place and she will before then if she gets a chance. I heard the other day that Grandpa Beach willed me some money. I wonder if he did. A very pleasant day. Nettie. Cortland, Feb. 26th, 1884. Our sleighing is all gone and it snows, blows, freezes, thaws, and we have had a flood, so it is no wonder we all have colds. Millie and I are really going to Oberlin this Spring. We have got our mothers’ consent, are getting our clothes ready and have sent on to engage our rooms and board. I do hope nothing will happen so that we will have to stay at home. I am pretty sure I can stand the practising on the Piano for I practise from two to three hours every day, now besides what other work I do, and with nothing else to do it will be so much the easier. I guess I can manage to keep John S. until I go, for he has been very faithful, has not missed only one Sunday since Thanksgiving, and then he was afraid he was coming too often and so staid away, for he said so and wanted me to say when he should come again. Of course, I said the next Sunday I shall not be here only five more weeks, and when I get back probably will not have any beau. Still J. thinks it will be a long time, but I fancy May W. will console him if he only gives her a chance. We went to a surprise birthday party for Rod Kellogg not long ago and had just a splendid time. May W. met me with the remark, “I saw you go by with your blue hood and Johnnie had his arm around you, too.” I did not know what to say to such a question and from her too. Burke Oatley told J. and thought she must have judged from past experiences ha! ha! And then he did not know what to say. The boys presented Rod with a nice pair of cuff buttons and stud, while the girls gave him a nice autograph album and Bible. I would not care if I could have such a surprise on my birthday. Came home after 12, and the next day May Post called and I went up to school with her to hear the rhetoricals. Burke and John were there too and so we had lots of fun. J. and I went to the Disciple church two weeks ago Sunday night and as their organists were both absent they teased me until I could not refuse. I played all night, but someway felt out of place. Last Sunday evening as there was no preaching at the M. E. Church we went to the Disciple but were a little late. And by the way the M. E. choir have got Jennie Rose to help me play the organ for church. She has played one Sunday and I play next. Last Friday the 22nd, Pa and Ma had been married 12 years and the girls had it all arranged to surprise them and so about 11 oclock that day Mary, Julia, Ida and families all called, and brought chickens, cake, biscuits, pies, etc. and we gave papa a pair of gold glasses and mamma a nice china tea set. We had a splendid dinner and lots of fun. Ida has a very pretty baby she calls her Edna. But Jules baby Bertha is just too sweet. Can just walk and looks like a little doll. Burt Clark is in town so I hear, his father has bought a drug store here and Burt is going to clerk in it. I have not seen him yet but know from what I hear it must be him. Now the girls will have someone to flirt with. Guess I must go down. Sunday, March 9th, 1884. Dear Old Record. Only three more Sundays and Millie and I are going to Oberlin. Expect we will get homesick sometimes but then we never will know any more if we stay here. And if we go there we can teach music and earn our own living, sometimes. We expect to board at Mrs. Jackson’s. Burke Oatley, May Post, John S. and I went to hear the play “The Spy of Atlanta”, by the Bristol club, last Monday evening. The acting was not very good but we had lots of fun. Burt C. was there and May said “cast a great many wishful glances over our way”. I saw him at church today and just spoke. Did not have time for more. Last Thursday was my 19th birthday, and I went up to May’s. We celebrated it in grand style. I helped mostly by coughing as I have a very bad cold. Guess I have got the consump-thing, or something worse. Dear me! It does seem as if I was getting fearful old, but then I shall not worry. I am not an old maid yet. I must stop now for John is coming. Mar. 28th, 1884. My cold is getting some better. Must be better by next Tuesday as we start for Oberlin then. And now as John says, “only one more Sunday, for how long?” The last of June I will be back and expect to spend the intervening Sundays at church in Oberlin. We are already to start now. Have everything arranged. Chas. Richards and Pearl Bradley are home now. They were at a party at Mr. Oatley’s last evening. Of course J. and I went. I had just lots of fun. Fred Biggins and Burke Oatley were as lively as usual. I saw Burt C. and guess we are reconciled. Would like to ask him how he liked the Yearly Meeting. We got home about 12:30 and so feel a little sleepy now. Myrtie and I called to see Rob Allen just at dusk tonight. Poor boy he is failing fast. And it is not likely I will ever see him again. I did not shake hands to bid him good-by. Thought that would seem more like good-by forever. And cried too when I got home. Could not help it either. I feel so sorry for him. Oh! Yes! Millie and I have been down to Warren and had some photos taken and received part of them. I did not like them very well. Thought they were too dark for my hair and complexion, and sent him a postal to that effect. And he sent word for me to send them all back that I did not like and he would take them lighter. So he has them all but three. Hope I will get them before I go away. Oberlin, O., April 16th, 1884. Dear old diary, if you have been neglected you have not been forgotten, and now I will try to write what has happened since I wrote last. First, this Sunday before the first of April I went to church as usual and played the organ, and at night John called and we went to the M. E. Church where I played the organ for the last time before coming away. Several bade me good-by and told me to be a good girl. Wonder if they thought I would be anything else. After church John came in and staid until half past 10. He wanted me to correspond with him while I am gone and said I would have to write first so he would know where to direct. I wrote last week but so far have received no reply. J. also wanted to know what I thought about keeping company when I came back. And if I cared if he went with a girl occasionally while I was gone. And said of course I could have the same privilege. Everything was settled favorable and with a last good-by we parted. We started for Oberlin Tuesday, April 1st. Millie K, Pearl Bradley, Chas. Richards and myself from Cortland, and several others from the country. There was quite a crowd at the depot to see us start and bidding them all goodby. We started a little after eight. I did not cry but came very near it when I came to Mamma. As I could see the tears in her eyes, and thought she would be double lonesome now for Grandpa Aldrich came with us and went on to Norwalk and from there to Wauseon. We got along all right with Chas. R. as our guardian and arrived here about 5 o’clock. C. ordered our trunks sent to No. 32 West College St. and we walked here. I must say that it did not look very inviting when we came in sight of the house, but when we came in and Mrs. Jackson took us to our room, we thought better of the place. Mr. and Mrs. J. seem very kind and try to make it pleasant. Their grandchild, Lulu Pike, lives with them. We have a very cozy room. Of course Millie and I room together, and a nice parlor where our Piano is, and where we are most of the time. To be sure they are not very tidy but set a very good table. And so we have all we want to eat. We are satisfied. We have been through all the necessary proceedings and have finally got settled. We have a splendid teacher in Piano. His name is Prof. D. Rice. Millie and I have the same teacher but are not together in our classes. He did not put me back at all and does not correct my technique hardly any. I have four exercises, Keller Op. 46. Bk. 1, and a piece. A sonatine by Carl Reinecke, OP. 42. No 2. We have not got a very good Piano. But still for a Billings is pretty good. They had it tuned for us and now we like it better. We practice from three to four hours a day just as we have time. But intend to practise four a piece, sure. We take Harmony too. And Prof. Rice, the director of music, is our teacher in that. The rules are pretty strict and we have to be very careful or, for three failures, we have a chance to go home. We have to attend church twice every Sunday, and if we miss or are late that is a failure. And we have to attend Chapel exercises every day at 5:30 only on Thursday and then we have a lecture instead. Wednesday evenings there are rehersals. Every two weeks general exercises, and then extras besides. I take a lesson in Harmony Mondays and Thursdays at 8, eight A. M., and Piano Mon. and Thurs. at 2:30 P. M. and so I am busy most of the time. April 19th, 1884. I have written two letters to Mamma, as I write to her every Sunday. She has written twice. I wrote one to May Post and one to John S. Received an answer from both. Wrote to Bertha Starrett, and sent her one of my photos. Ma sent me eight, think they are better than the first ones as they are light. Oberlin, O., May 16th, 1884. We are still in Oberlin and generally having lots of fun. I receive a letter from Mamma every Thursday, and write to her every Sunday. I have wrote to and received letters from May Post and Lillie A., Cortland, W. H. Aldrich, Baraboo Wis., Bertha Starrett, W. Farmington, and J. W. Shaw, Cortland. He writes quite often but I hear he has been going with Nell Kellogg. He has not said anything about it however, and strange to say I don’t care either. He may continue to go with her if he wishes too, but still if he don’t, it will be kind of nice to have a buggy-ride occasionally. I sent him one of my photos at last, and gave one to Pearl and Chas. Richards. C’s. was the best. ha! ha! We see him quite often and, oh yes, Mr. Nutting has called twice with things from home. He is attending the College here and goes to Cortland every week and preaches in the Cong. Church there. So it is quite handy to send things back and forth. He is very pleasant. I guess I had better say that Pearl boards here, too, and that will explain why we have so much fun and there is Pug too, or I should say Mr. Newton. He is in the Conservatory, and from Mannistee, Mich., and has table board here. He thinks he is pretty smart, but we don’t agree with him. Oberlin, O. June 11th, 1884. Dear old diary, you have been neglected so long that I have so much to write, I hardly know what to write first. I guess I will take my music. I have taken a lesson in Harmony and Piano each, twice a week and am getting along very well in Harmony, and in Piano, too. I suppose, anyway, I practise enough, and if the saying is true, “that you know the most when you think you know the least”, I have certainly learned something. I have taken the Heller exercises back. Have taken all of the Reiniche Sonatina and am now trying to memorize it. And I have a small piece, an Album Leaf, by T. Kirchner. Our teacher, Prof. Rice, has Class Recitals every two weeks when he has his scholars play. Millie and I have had to play twice, and I have to play again today. Oh yes, I have had another book. It is by Kullak, Op. 81. We practise about four hours a day, and I am standing it pretty well. To be sure I get fearful tired nearly every day, and lately my back has begun to bother me some. But I guess I can stand it two weeks longer. The last letter I received from Mamma made me feel kind of blue. She did not know whether I had better come back in the Fall or not. And by the way she wrote. I guess they miss me some, just as I do them. Oberlin, June 12th, ’84 Received a letter from Mamma today and I don’t feel as blue. On the contrary pretty good natured. Think from what she writes they expect me to come back, but are anxious to see me. And it will not be long until they do for we are going home the 20th or 21st. As it is near the close of the term we are having plenty of good music. Prof. G. Andrews, gave an Organ Recital, Prof. Blakeslee’s pupils a Vocal Recital, and there was an Exhibition of the String Department last Tuesday. Last evening a Complimentary Rehersal, next Tuesday, Prof. Carter’s pupils give a recital, and Thursday are the Graduating Exercises. Next Monday at 7 oclock A. M. we have examinations in Harmony and in the afternoon I take my last lesson on the Piano, of Prof. D. Rice, for this term. Oberlin, O., June 17th, ’84. I took my last Piano lesson for this term, yesterday. My teacher, Prof. Rice, wanted to know if I intended to come back next year. I told I wanted to and now intend to. He said “I was getting along nicely, had laid a good foundation, that the next term would show more. But I had a good start and he hoped I would get a good rest through vacation and come back ready for hard work”. He spoke two or three times that he hoped I would come back, while, to my classmate, Miss Bird, he merely asked if she was coming back and to her answer yes, only said “that was good.” I guess from what he said he thinks I could learn something, though I was beginning to think I was too dull and thick-headed. He wished us a pleasant vacation and we shook hands, bade him good-by, and left for this term. I kind a hate to stop taking lessons, but guess it is just as well, for I am getting about tired out, this warm weather and need a rest, and then too I want to go home. Now. We expect to go Saturday. We were examined in Harmony yesterday morning and guess we passed. Anyway we answered all the questions and I think they are right. Will know today. O. Yes. I must speak of the mashes, as Pearl says, we have made. Mr. Sikes wanted to call. Mr. Dennis wanted an introduction. Mer Scoville wanted to know where Millie and I lived. Mr. Wright and another gent, wanted an introduction and gave Comp. to your humble servant. Chas. Richards and his chum Mr. McLennan called and we had a lively time as Mc. is just full of fun. Decoration Day Ed. Ackley called and took Pearl to Base Ball, and Millie and I went with Chas. R. and last Saturday M., C., and I went to the Laboratory. Last but not least I have had several comps. from Louie Perkins, Mrs. Jacksons grand child from Colorado. And he has nicknamed me Pansy. Alice, Lulu’s little sister, calls me Peach. Someway it seems that I am a general favorite with children, and I will take them every time in preference to the boys, that is to any boy I have ever seen. Well I guess this enough of such trash, though I could write more. We are going home so soon I can hardly wait. Am looking for a letter from John, today. Hope Mr. Newton will get it if any comes. He knows it is from a beau of mine but calls it “my little brother”, and says he would like to see him but don’t suppose. But does not suppose he would like to see him. I can’t think why. But he has made the remark several times “guess he’s not dangerous” I told him I would not be afraid to meet him. Cortland O., July 9th, 1884. At home once more. We started from Oberlin two weeks ago last Saturday morning. Chas. Richards, Pearl Bradley, Carrie Bartlett, Millie H. and myself. Mr. Newton went to the station with us , bade us goodby and said he was going to write to us girls. Guess he likes us some if we are little girls. Arrived in Cleveland about 11 A. M., went to a restaurant and got our dinner, then took a walk through town and the Parks where Chas. Millie and myself, while sitting on the edge of the grass near the Lake, were ordered off. Of course we looked up as innocent as could be and I suppose he thought we were right from the country and probably knew no better. ha! ha! What would he have thought had he known we were right from Oberlin! We started from Cleveland at three P. M. and arrived in Warren at the Mahoning depot about 5, where we met Mr. Emerson from Oberlin who was coming to Cortland to preach in the Cong. Church the next day. So he joined our crowd and we walked to the park. Then went through the Jail and then back to the park. When the boys bought some bananas, oranges and peanuts, and we had quite a social time. Prof. Jedaker came along and helped to pass away the time. And at last we started for the station which we left a little after 7 P. M. for Cortland, “where we arrived a little before 8” and found quite a crowd waiting to see us home. And it did seem good to get home and find everything clean. We set up and talked until after 10 but finally went to bed. And I intended to lay abed in the morning but found when morning came I was not sleepy nor so very tired. Aunt Sallie and Lillie were up that day for dinner, and it seemed good to have a strawberry short-cake with more than three straw-berries in, such as you get at boarding houses. That afternoon John Shaw called and seemed quite glad to see me. We took a buggy ride, found Burke and May and went after wintergreens but it was going to rain and we had to hurry back to our buggies. And finally had to stop in a barn until the rain was over. Then we took a ride and got home about 9 o’clock. Cortland, O., July 10th, ’84. J. Shaw has called every Sunday since I came back, and we attended “Donavan’s Tennesean” and went down street for ice-cream. Have had several buggy-rides, and the Fourth we drove down to the Grove a little while in the afternoon, took a buggy-ride, then went to the hotel for our supper and then Burke and May came home with us and we got ready for the Opera at night. The play was “East Lynne,” by the Cortland Drama Club. Very good. After that we rode down street to see the fire-works. Then took a ride, and came home about 1:20 A. M. Someway J. and I seem to understand each other better than we did three months ago. He has told me why he and May Wilbur stopped going together. Says he never intends to go with her again, and has finally owned that he was sorry he flirted with her so much when we first went together. I told him I thought we had better get mad and quit for a while but he says “he don’t want to.” So I guess we will be good friends this vacation if nothing happens. Last Saturday night I attended choir meeting and played the organ as they wanted me to play for Church Sunday. Coming home I caught up with a fellow and proved to be Chas. Richards who took my books and run before I had time to say I yes, or no, and then walked home with me. And while we were standing at the gate he asked me if “I did not want to go and get some ice-cream” and I told him “I did not believe I could.” I hated to give him the mitten again but it would not look very well to go with him that night when I was going with John Sunday night. Sunday I played the organ for church and then for a funeral and for the choir to practise, then again at night and as a consequence was just about tired out. Then after church J. and I took a ride. Last night the M. E. Choir met at Mrs. H. Smiths to sing. I did not suppose they wanted me so did not intend to go until nearly nine, when Chas. R. came after me and then I had to go. After that C. came home with Nell Hardy and I. Don’t know what John will think. That Chas. and I are getting pretty thick, I presume. But then I will explain this like I did the other. We had had the most callers today. Ida Campbell was over with her baby Edna, who is just too cute. Cortland, Ohio. July 25th. I do not believe I have written anything about Rob Allen since I came home. When I went away I never expected to see him again, but I did. Though not to speak to him. I intended to call but he was so low before I got started I did not finally go. He died the 14th of this month and was buried the 16th. They had just a quartette to sing. Mr. Gilmore, Mr. Lynn, Mrs. Hodgson and Eva Maxham, while I played the organ. Two years ago I would have felt pretty bad. Did as it was but someway it did not seem as if it was the Rob I used to go with. I am to have one of his photos that was taken about three months ago. Little did I think when I was promised one two years ago that I would receive it this way. Burke Oatley and May Post have quit going together and I am just provoked too. I heard the reason by way of John, as Burke told him and I think they were very foolish. Now I have come home we had so much all planned and were to have so much fun all vacation and now it is all spoiled. Unless, Burke goes with Lillie. And I guess he intends to, if she will let him. The Methodist and Disciple Sunday Schools are going to Geauga lake next Wed. and one week from Saturday some of the young folks are going to Nelson Ledges, and then stay all night to a dance. We are not sure whether we go there or wait and go alone. Burke and Lillie, John and I. Cortland, O. Sep 14th, ’84. This is my last Sunday in Cortland for a while, as we start for Oberlin the 16th. That is Millie and I expect to go and perhaps Chas. Richards. But Pearl B. is not going this Fall. I have had just lots of fun this Summer and the time has just flown. J. Shaw and I have been together on an average from two to three nights a week but is coming tonight for the last time (before I go away). Two wks. ago today we went to Southington to Yearly Meeting and from there to Nelson Ledges for dinner and went over the ledges and then start for supper and started home about 6:30. Had a very pleasant time but did not get home until late as usual. Last Wednesday we went up to West Farmington. I went to see the Starett girls and John staid with some of his relations. We expected to come home that night but it rained and was so dark. They persuaded us to stay all night. We had a very pleasant time and they all seemed so glad to see us. We got home the next day about 2 P. M. John said he heard that we had been to W. F. [West Farmington] two or three days and were married there. I guess not hardly that far. J. called last evening and we went over to see Lillie. He is thinking some of calling on her when I go away and wanted to know if I had any objections. Of course I said no, and I don’t know as I really have. Someway I don’t just like the idea of him going with any one very steady. But when I get away perhaps I will not care so much. I expect it would have been better if we would quit going together when I go away and we did not talk of it, once had it decided that way. But John brought the subject up again, and said “he did not want to quit but if I did, we would” and etc. So we finally decided to wait a while, and when J. says if we don’t stop now when will we? I tell him when we get mad or get ready to stop, and so change the subject. Oberlin, O., Friday, Sep 19th, 1884. We started for Oberlin the 16th. Millie, Chas. Richards and myself, and I did not cry though I could have done so very easy. I have had such a pleasant vacation I dreaded to commence work again, and hated to leave home, for the term is so long. 14 weeks. Just think! We will not get home until Christmas and then only for two weeks. But as John says, we will improve them. J. called the Sunday before I came away, about 4 P. M., and staid until 2 A. M. A little late for us but then it was our last night, for quite a while. We did not go to church at night, though I went in the day time and played the organ for church and Sunday School. J. thinks the term looks pretty long but is coming out to Elyria this Fall and then is going to call here. By the way, when we came through Elyria we saw Mr. Fritz just a few minutes. We arrived here about 5:15 and Chas. came with us to No. 36 West College, our boarding place. And in a few minutes Mrs. McMillan took us to our room which is small and cozy, and a back room but we wanted a Piano in our room, and this was large enough. Besides, we get our board and room for $3.50 a week, and so far have had good board. Everything in style too, with a big black darky to wait on the table. Oberlin, Oct. 16th, 1884. Millie and I are still in O. and have not been very homesick. We do not have time for that. We have our old teacher, Prof. Rice, and he is just as nice as ever. I had two new classmates the first part of the term, but I did not have very much time and Mr. Rice changed my hour to Monday and Thursday at 11 A. M. Now I have Miss Sherwood and Millie for classmates. Took my first lesson that way today. For exercises I have had Schumann OP 68. Bk 2. Nov. 266th, 27th, 28th. Mr. Rice said I could save those for Class Rehersal. Chopin Op. 63, Mazurka No. 2, that is now on reserve. Bach Bk 4, Gavotte 1. A nice little trill for the left hand. La Scintilla, a Mazurka by L. M. Gottschalk Op. 20, slightly trashy. I practise four hours every day and some times more just as we have time. We have a Piano in our room and everything so nice as can be. Mrs. McMillan is very good and we like her and Birdie and Stella ever so much. There are several other boarders. Miss Barker, and Miss Mason from Wellington, O., Miss Hilldrup from Illinois I believe, Miss Emerine, Fostoria, O., and Mr. Clark from New York City. These are all in the College. Mers Waters, Port Huron, Mich., Miss Castle, Illinois, are in the Conservatory. This completes our family at present. We like them all pretty well. I receive a letter from Mamma every Thursday and one from J. every Tuesday. This week I got two. He has been up to see Lillie and Ma said he was with her in Cortland this week and thinks they are getting pretty thick. I am beginning to think so too. He told me he had been to see Mary Wilbur and asked my opinion, and I gave it to him. Hardly know how he will take it, as it was a pretty strong dose. Expect it would be a good thing if we would quit. For though I like him as well as I do any boy he is not just my style, but time will tell the story. Oberlin O., Dec. 1st, 1884. Dear old Diary, you have been sadly neglected of late, but you will please pardon me this time and I will truly try once more not to wait, at least, any longer than I have before now. We are still in Oberlin studying music. Have only three more weeks of this term and then we can go home. We took a lesson today and I had a miserable lesson. Could have cried with a good will but concluded it would not pay. So will have to work all the harder. Think it will keep me busy if I do for I practised 108 hrs. last month and 115 the Mon. before. But then I will try not to be discouraged for I do have a good lesson once in a while. Have a rondo by Beethoven and Mendolssohn’s Song Without Words No. 1., which are quite pretty. Last Wednesday eve Miss Gregory and I played three duets by Loeschonn at Rehersal. We had been dreading it, but played all right. So at least every one says “we done well.” I have played at Class Rehersal three times. Do not dread that at all now I have played at the others. I get a letter as usual every week from Mamma and generally one from John. In his last he sent his photo which is just splendid. J has been out this way visiting. He called here on Friday evening and Saturday P. M. We took a buggy ride. Then he called Monday eve for the last. Of course I was glad to see him and found out all he had been doing since I left C. Think at present I stand as good a chance of receiving his company as my cousin. But when I go home I am going to have things settled. J. is not going with both of us, and I will have it understood. Mrs. McMillan starts for Texas tomorrow and we have to change our boarding place another time. Are going to No. 34 West Cottage and we take our meals there now and board at 36. Oberlin O., Dec. 16th, ’84. This is one last week in Oberlin, that is of this term. We expect to come back for the Winter term and then, if we can get a class will teach a while. We are getting pretty anxious to go home. We take our last lesson next Monday at 11 A. M. and start for Cortland at 1:15 P. M. We are going to be pretty busy but think under the circumstances we will be ready to start. We attended a Piano Recital last week, given by Mr. Sherwood. He played three No.’s of Beethoven, and was the best playing I ever heard. “The Messiah” is to be given Friday night by the Musical Union. Think we shall attend. Millie and I did not go to church last Sunday Eve, on account of its raining, and being so bad out of doors. We went to see Mrs. Johnston yesterday, to get it excused, and received quite a lecture on various subjects. Am afraid however it did not make a very deep impression, though we expect to attend church in all kinds of weather in the future. At least while we are in Oberlin. Cortland, O. Feb. 20, ’85. It has been over two months since I have written in here and I expect I will get things a little mixed, in trying to remember what has happened, but will write the most important events, as I think of them. When I wrote last I was in Oberlin and very anxious to come home. Well, after having a little trouble and lots of impatience we finally received permission to come home the Saturday before the term closed, and so gave our folks quite a surprise, but guess we were welcome. John called the next night, said he heard I was here about ten minutes before he came, and so called to see. I had a very pleasant vacation and the time flew only too fast. We had so much company and there was so many places to go that as Ma said “we did not have very much of a visit.” Meal and Guy were here a while. Acborcus [Actorcus?] Sigler and his wife were here over night and we were not looking for them either. Then the girls and their families and other callers kept us busy. Aunt Sallie and Lillie were here over night too and that evening I had promised to go to a party at May Wilbur’s, so John called and while Lillie, J. and I were busy talking the bell rang and on going to the door I met Mr. Nutting, (and here I may as well write that while we were in Oberlin, Mr. N. who preaches in the Cong. Church here and attends the College at O. and Mr. J H. Rice a young widower, ha! ha!, called on us and Millie being sick I had to receive them alone.) Of course I was in quite a dilemna but made the best of the case and introduced them. Then kept up the conversation as well as I could under the circumstances. We were late to the party but thought if we told them the preacher was here we would be excused. I believe I was going to have an understanding about J. and Lillie. It did not take very long as J. said “he was not going there any more.” Said “he knew the first time he went to see her that he did not want anything up there but he had to go someplace, etc., so that and everything else was amicably settled and I go ready to start back to O. the 6th of Jan., 1885. I believe I forgot to mention what my Christmas presents were. J. gave me a nice perfumery case with the perf. and in return I gave him a plush covered Autograph. Ma gave me a pair of silk mittens, a new brown cashmere wrapper, etc., etc. Tuesday Jan. 6th. I took the train for Oberlin again. Dreaded to start but thought it would not be long until April when I would be home for good. Carrie Bartlett went with me and we met Miss Thompson on the train. She boarded where M. and I did. Then we met Millie at Cleveland. She had been in Poland visiting. We arrived in Oberlin about five P. M. and took a cab for 3 to West College our boarding place, and getting things settled we retired early being nearly tired out. The next morning we joined the Institution and I took a class on at 11 A.M. Prof. Rice seemed glad to see me back and told me to get Burgmuller Op. 105, so I did, and we had our Piano moved that P. M. and our room all put to rights. Trunks unpacked and the next day, Thursday, was ready for work. At home Tuesday Eve Feb. 24th, ’85. I will begin where I left off and finish the history or continue it at least. Friday noon just as we were getting ready for dinner, a telegram came for me saying “come home at once your Mother very sick.” It is needless to say that I packed my sachel and started on the 1 P. M. train and making connections all right arrived in Cortland about 6 P. M. I met Gene at Warren. He had been after Dr. Woods, who came out with us. Arriving home I found Aunt Sallie here doing the work and Ida and Rin here too. And everyone in commotion. I was pretty blue that night and for several days over Ma, but did not give up for I thought that she must get well. The Drs. seemed to think it was change of life that was the matter and thought her mind was not just right. And she needed to be kept quiet. Such a time as I had so many running in. Aunt Sallie asking me about everything and helping her and taking care of Ma. It seemed as if I would go wild but I came out all right. And Ma kept getting better. “Oh! This world is full of until now she is about well.” Aunt Sallie staid four weeks and since then we have done it alone. At first I had the most of it to do and used to get pretty tired too. Made my back ache some. Thought this was a little difference between playing the Piano and keeping house for six. Mamma helps now and we get along real well. Now I must tell what a time Johnnie S. and I had. He called twice. Just a few minutes and the second time Pa told me “I must tell him not to come any more until Ma got better as it seemed to worry her.” And he told me too or three times before trouble. And it always comes double, that “I was the cause of Ma’s sickness, that she had been worrying over J. and I so much.” I must say I did not agree with him on that point but wrote J. a letter and told him how the matter stood etc. Did not say anything to Ma about it as I thought it might worry her. But she knew when I received an answer so I had to explain to her and she said she did not care if I did go with him and told me to write and tell him so and to call Sunday eve. So he came home with me that night and we tried to arrange matters to suit all parties and concluded to quit when Ma got better. We waited so people would not have so much to talk about, and the last time J. was down we were to quit sure. But we got to talking the matter over and as neither wanted to quit we concluded not to, etc. etc. From one thing to another and---we are engaged! If “we don’t change our minds.” Cortland O., Mar 3rd, ’85. Grandpa and I are all alone this evening as Pa and Ma went to Orwell this afternoon and are going to stay all night. I must say I am a little blue and nervous too, have several things on my mind and do not feel any too well. I have been out around town a little looking for Music scholars. Do not know yet what success I had. There are a few other places I must call. Guess I will not be crowded for time. Do hope I can get a few, if only on Ma's account. I am, to tell the plain truth, old diary, nearly discouraged. I never will amount to anything anyway, just fairly get started in one thing and then leave it for something else until I fail in that etc. etc. but then I suppose I should be thankful things are no worse, and not grievable. Then about J. S. and I, hardly know what to think about that. J. seems in earnest and from what he says etc., he thinks enough of me and has even got the day or eve set. One year from Mar. 6th, which will be my 21st birthday. ha ha looking a good ways ahead I think. I don’t know whether I really love, yes that is the word, him or not, like him the best of any boy I ever spent with “anyway” and when I thought we were to quit things seemed dreary enough. I hardly know how Pa and Ma will take it when we tell them as they have always said I should never marry a farmer. Thought I was not strong enough for a farmer’s wife. And J. spoke of that too. Won’t know how we will settle everything yet. I don’t think it would be much harder working on a farm for one man, than it is here for four men! Old times will tell the story. I attended a surprise party at Shaw’s, one evening last week, for Howard and Chloe [Shaw-John’s brother & wife] who have gone to Mecca now to live. Had an introduction to all of course. I dreaded to go but Johnnie said, “I would have to get used to it.” Goodnight. Nettie B. Cortland, O., April 27th, ’85. Am in a little better frame of mind at present than I as when I wrote last. Do not feel much better either for we have been cleaning house and I don’t think it is very easy work. Ma has not been feeling so well lately and Aunt Sallie has been over helping us, but is going back Saturday and then we will try the work alone again. Think I can do it by hiring the washing done. J. says I will get sick too, but I guess not. Ought to be strong enough. Am twenty years old and weigh 112 lbs., if I am not very tall. I have told Ma that J. and I are engaged and she did not say anything against it. But wants me to wait a while. But J. wants me next Spring sure. We are talking of an engagement ring but are most afraid it will give us away at present. The roads were getting good and we have had several buggy rides, and are as a general thing, pretty good friends. I believe he thinks enough of me and am sure now I do of him, or I would never marry a farmer. For doing the work at home I can begin to see something what I would have to do. Of course we will have to live on a farm, and Ma says J. might to have someone who is stronger than I am for his wife. I think so too but he says, “that is not what he is after,” so if he is suited I am all right. Cortland, O., Mar. 1st, ’85 A very rainy day and tonight is Commencement. The graduates are Eva Oatley, Mary Mapes and May Wilbur. I have to play the piano for the ceremony and play a Piano solo too. Am in hopes I will get along all right. Am not going too sorry anyway. I guess Lillie is coming over for tonight and she will go with J. and I tonight. Guess I will not be very jealous. Have got me a new dress, a light cashmere, with black velvet. Am going to have it made a kilted skirt, reding, etc., with black vest front, collar cuffs and jackets, with shoulder cape of velvet. Ma has a new black silk and I am to have her old silk made over for me, and my white one fixed over too. And my blue silk, think I will come out all right. Pass for this summer anyway. Cortland, O., July 1st, ’85. We are having a hard thundershower tonight. Just came from choir-meeting and hate to go upstairs alone to bed. So will write some of the events of the past. Yes I played at Commencement a Minuet by Delahaye and received a comp. from all the papers, so I guess I passed. Ma is not feeling much if any better and such a time as I have had all around. The boys have taken their meals out a while. Grandpa is in Fowler now. I kept house alone a while. When Ma was in Orwell this week we are doing our work for the whole family and next Jen Turnbull is coming to help us, etc. etc. Then Johnnie and I. Such a time. It does seem as if I had had all the trouble imaginable ever since the year 1895. Just six months. It seems more like six years. I believe I have written that Ma gave her consent, and we were quite happy, until lately. Pa was giving me some advice and I told him J. and I were engaged, and there has been trouble ever since. I get pretty blue sometimes over the matter, but it don’t seem as if I could give him up now. We have been together so long and I really do care a good deal for him and think he does for me. I know I am hardly suited for a farmer’s wife. But I can teach music if I can stand it to do all the work. And as I intend to marry for love and not money I don’t believe in giving a fellow an account of work. J. made me a present of a very nice fan, white satin and ivory, and I have a new ring too. It is nice and pretty too. A garnet set. An engagement ring of course. Do hope everything will turn out for the best, and things will look brighter in the near future. I have more to write but must retire if the shower isn’t over, a busy week for me. N. Cortland, O. July 6th, 1885. The Fourth is over and I am not sorry though I had a very nice time. Jennie Hartman of Meadville, Pa. has been out here visiting lately and as she and Loren Post are engaged and Johnnie and I, us four had a very pleasant time. We went to Nelson Ledges one day and up to May Posts one afternoon. Then from there to an ice-cream festival. Chas. R. took May. He has returned from Oberlin just lately and Net. R. is home on a visit. The 3rd of July Loren and Jennie, Johnnie and I all went to Meadville, home with Jennie. We started at 5 A. M. stopped at Evansburgh at 11:30 for dinner, and took a ride on Conneaut Lake, got rested and started on at 3:30 P. M. arriving at Jennie’s home about 7 o’clock. She has a very pleasant home and all seemed glad to have us come. We retired early and the next day went down to the City in the P. M. with another sister of Jennie’s and her husband, and Mr. Elmer and Elda Stockwell. We had a passably good time, staid for fireworks in the evening, and got back a little after 10 o’clock and as it was our last night we staid up with Jennie and Loren, and Johnnie and I were fearful sleepy, too, but took pity on then. It was after 1 A. M. when we retired. Sunday the 5th we started for Ohio in the morning and after getting lost went through Meadville and stopped again at Evansburgh for dinner and to get rested. Loren missed us and went on farther. After a while we started on and got home a little before 12 P. M. We missed the road twice and had quite a time as it was dark and everything now but we arrived home safe and Oh so tired. And not sick of each other either. I was quite happy until this morning. Ma said she had been thinking the matter over and she could not let me get married. Merciful Heaven what am I to do. It is like giving up life itself almost to quit now. And I think Johnnie thinks so too. I know he is not rich but we think enough of each other to make it all up. I know of course it will be altogether different. I will have more work to do, not have everything I want (though Johnnie says I should if we could afford it.) Pa does not like the match and everything seems against us. But “the right will conquer” and “true” love wins. Cortland, O., July 8th,, 1885. Jennie Turnbull is working here now so it makes it much easier for me and expect I will get fat. Am poorer than I was last Winter. Then I weighted 118 lbs. and now 106, and am 5 ft. 1 in. tall, as I was measured the other day-quite a solid piece yet however. I have four music scholars. Ida and Lulu Newton and Rena and Clara Bradford. Getting rich fast. Rod Kellogg and Clara Morrison, Elbe Thompson and Lillie Clark were married just lately. Two young couples. And Lillie and Milo Davis are engaged. Do hope they will have better luck than J. and I are having. Hardly know how we will come out. Hope he will come down tonight before I am really crazy. Ma thinks it will be such an awful thing for me to keep house. And she is so nervous, while Pa thinks I am very foolish, etc. etc. Perhaps it would be just as well to wait a while. We are both so young. But J’s mother is going to be married this Fall and what can he do. He wants to be married in Sep. Loren and Jennie are and we have an invitation to their wedding. Do hope Johnnie will come down tonight. Cortland, O., Aug 23rd, ’85. Have just been addressing some wedding cards which have the names Johnnie W. Shaw and Nettie L. Beach on them. So you can see how things are likely to come out. We are to be married Sep. 1st, in the evening and are going to have a small wedding. Did not intend to have any but Ma wanted one, so we are making preparations for that occasion. I am going to be married in my cadet blue silk. Ellen is making it over and it will look as good as new. Suits my plexion anyway. Am going to get some cream silk lace for it, cream kids, cream illusion for my neck and cream or white flowers. So perhaps will pass for a bride. Ellen is making me a new black silk too. That will be nice at least. Mrs. Shaw is going to marry Mr. Henry Freer one week from today and they will move on his farm and Johnnie and I on the Shaw farm. I ought to be happy and would be if Ma only felt better about it. She hates to have me leave home and for some reason I hate to go, of course. But if I think enough of a fellow to marry him, think I ought to go when he needs me. Can see no reason why we should not be happy. Are not rich, I know, but it takes something besides riches to make a happy home, and “life is what you make it.” Pa is feeling some better about the matter, though I do not expect he will give me anything, but oh! how I wish he would give me the Piano. I shall miss it so much. But Mrs. Shaw has a good six action organ, which she will leave with us, so that will help some, a good deal in fact. I have four music scholars now and intend to give them a while this Fall while the roads are good. Jen Turnbull is working here and has been for quite a while. We could not do it all and fix my things too. I have written to Millie but do not know whether she will come up or not. Jay Hayden and Carrie Kellogg were married just lately and I do not believe I have written anything about Will McFarland shooting himself. It was about one month ago. It was such a sad affair I can remember it without writing it down. No one knows his reason but think he must have been temporarily insane. We all feel so sorry for Jule. I believe I have written the most important news and once more sign my name, Nettie Louise Beach. May the Future be as happy as the Past, and may the dear Savior forgive the mistakes in the past and bless and guide us in the future to a true christian life here and a final home in Heaven. N. L. B. Mecca, O., Jan. 10th, 1886. And so the year 1886 finds me Mrs. J. W. Shaw, and keeping house on a farm. Quite a change in one short year. But I will try to relate some of the most important events since Sep 1st., ’85. That day was rainy and not very auspicious for the brides day! But we were busy all day trimming the house with ferns and flowers and getting ready for evening! Jen helped me get ready and just before 8 oclock we marched down stairs and in a short time were one and received the congratulations of all for a long and happy life together. I suppose I ought to describe how the bride and groom were dressed etc., for such an event does not happen to a person every year of his life. The groom was dressed in a suit of black with white satin tie and small bouquet of tuberoses. The bride wore cadet blue silk, elbow sleeves and trimmed with cream silk lace, illusion around her neck, fastened at the throat with cream roses, and again on the right side with cream roses. Cream kids completed the trousseau. Of course both were just too lovely. Eugene and Mary Mapes were bridesmaid and groomsman. Gene wore a suit of brown and Mary was dressed in white. Millie came up and she played the march for us. We had about 40 guests and had a very nice supper, ice-cream, cakes, nuts and peaches. Received a very nice array of presents. Mr. and Mrs. J. Campbell, a silver fruit basket. Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway, a silver cake basket. Grant Sigler, silver butter dish. Eugene, silver pickle dish. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman and Fred Biggin, china tea set. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Campbell, Jule McFarland and Aunt Sallie an amber cut-glass set. Mr. and Mrs. F. Casterline, cut-glass celery dish and walnut knife box. Mr. and Mrs. E. Post, Loren and May Post, garnet plush album. Jennie Turnbull, bread dish. Millie Kinnaman linen towels. George Campbell linen towels. Alice and Allen C., towel tidies. Wall Jacket, Mr. and Mrs. G. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Howard Shaw, blue cut-glass set. Mother Greer, silver spoons. Father Greer, $5.00 gold piece. Grandpa Aldrich, $5.00. Mary Mapes, silver butter knife, sugar spoon, cream spoon. Mr. and Mrs. Seymour Hart, Cleveland, little clock. Mrs. Emma Steere, painted felt banner. Lillie Steere, Springfield, Mass., red glass cup. The whole cost was about $65.00. Mr. Robt. Stranahan of Vienna married the couple. The next day we all went up to the Shaw farm and I met Johnnie’s relations, and was introduced as Mrs. Shaw. It sounds all right now but was a little queer then. By the way I wore my black silk with a bouquet of tuberoses. Had a very nice dinner and everything went off all right. Pa had to go to Warren on jury that day so Ma came up with us and that night we took her home. We all lived here together a while but now Father and Mother Greer live on his farm in Bazetta and we are here alone, and have everything fixed quite nice. To begin with, Ma went to Warren with us one day and bought us a lovely walnut chamber set, a nice lounge, a camp rocker and a patent rocker [which Jon has], six walnut chairs for our sitting room, three for our chamber set, a marble top center table, half dozen silver knives and forks, half dozen silver spoons and china chamber-suite etc. [which I have], so think we will pass. Mecca, O., Sep15th, 1887. Nearly two years have passed and I think I owe you a line or so. So much has happened. Last December 20th Pa dropped dead with heart disease. Our old home broken up and rented. Ma came to live with us. Then Grandpa came and August 18th, ’86, a dear little baby came to stay with us. A nine pound baby girl, born at 11:30 A. M. I was sick from Sun. to Wed. but am repaid for my trouble now. She has my hair and eyes and every one says “looks like her Mamma.” She toddles all around and is just full of mischief. Lillie has a boy baby. She calls him Merle and our baby is Mabel. I am nursing my baby yet and only 96 pounds I am. “Little but strong.” Ma made me a present of a new piano last Spring, a Hardman upright. Of course I like it but don’t get as much time to play as I used to. THE END Inside the front cover of the diary were these notes: “Nip” Nettie Beach Think well before you act. The truest happiness is found Always look to the results. in making others happy. Louise Mildred The wish of a friend is often given. My wish for you is a home in heaven. Anonymous. Words are like leaves. Where they most abound much fruit of sense is rarely found. Nettie Beach Lillie M. Aldrich Mr. John W. Shaw Oberlin, Ohio North Bloomfield Cortland, Ohio. Trumbull Co. Ohio The things below were at the end of the diary. Nettie Louise Beach Cortland, Ohio. Books I have read in yrs ’83, ’84. Martin Chuzzlewit by Dickens Barnaby Rudge by Dickens Old Curiosity Shop by Dickens Bleak House by Dickens Dowbey and Son by Dickens David Copperfield by Dickens Little Dorrit by Dickins That Laso O’Lowries by Frances H. Burnett The Hidden Path Marion Harland Arthur Bonnicastle. J. G. Holland Children of the Abbey. Maria Roche. Conservatory of Music Expenses in Oberlin. Fall term 1884 Railway etc expenses from C. to O. $3.20 Having Piano moved $1.12 For one half cord of wood 0.88 Tuition for Piano lessons $16.00 Tuition for Library rent $2.00 Rent of Piano $9.00 Washing and Ironing 0.59 Lamp and Oil 0.5 Incidentals $4.00 Board at $3.50 a week (14 wks) $49.00 Rent of a small clock 0.25 Expenses home including Return Ticket $3.75 For wood $1.15 ----- Total $91.44 The year 1883. Mr. Robert C. Allen, Cortland, Ohio. Mr. Frank Newton, Cortland, Ohio. Mr. Burt E. Clark, Orwell, Ohio. Mr. John Shaw, Cortland, Ohio. True friends, like ivy on the wall The year of 1884. Both stand together or together they fall. Mr. John W. Shaw, Mecca, Ohio Millie E. Kinnaman. Mr. Chas. L. Richards, at Oberlin. The year of 1885. Mr. Johnnie W. Shaw, Mecca O. [The last page has these names written all over it in random order.] Mr. Burt E. Clark Mr. Ernest Greenwood Mr. Fred Wilber Mr. Clarence Mathany Mr. Robert C. Allen Mr. Frank Newton Mr. Horace R. Ames Mr. Chas. L. Richards Mr. Charles Mapes Mr. Johnnie W. Shaw Mr. George Tarward The End. More notes and some family genealogy: “Ma” and “Pa” were Myra and Austin Sigler. Nettie was 7 years old when they were married. Austin Sigler was born 13 May, 1821, OH; he died Dec. 20, 1886. His parents were from Connecticut. His WIVES were: MALISSA Lamberton Sigler, b. July 27, 1830, in Connecticut; d. Nov. 9, 1858, married _____; in the 1850 Census no children were listed. ELLEN Fowler Snook Sigler, b. Apr. 12, 1830; d. July 31, 1871, married April 7, 1859. The 1870 Census shows children: Ida b. 1854, Lorinda b. 1862, Eugene b. 1864, and Grant b. 1866. ALMIRA Marie (aka Lomira/Myra) Aldrich Sigler, b. Sep. 29, 1842, OH, d. Nov. 3, 1891; married Feb. 22, 1872; 1880 Census shows Lucinda b. 1862, Eugene b. 1865, Grant b. 1867, and Nettie L. b. 1865. The name Lucinda here is wrong. It should be Lorinda. She married Frank. I believe this was Frank Wood. Nettie was raised with two step-brothers. In later years, Eugene A. Sigler and Grant L. Sigler, ran a dry goods store in Cortland, named Sigler, Hathaway and Company. They took a very active part in the Cortland community and were respected leaders. Eugene A. Sigler, b. Oct. 28, 1864, Fowler, d._____, married Mary M. Mapes, b. Jan. 18, 1866, in Cortland, daughter of Andrew and Joanna Mapes. Eugene and Mary had at least four children: Ada Ellen, b.Oct 11, 1888, Alice May, b. Dec. 11, 1891, Gladys Louisa, b. July 3, 1897, Austin Eugene, b. Feb. 4, 1903. Grant L. Sigler, b. Dec. 29, 1866, Fowler, d._____, married Dec. 28, 1892 to Sarah M. Clawson, b. Jan. 6, 1892, in Mercer, PA., daughter of Allison and Harriet Clawson. Grant and Sarah had at least two children, Pauline, b. Sep. 21, 1895 (died in infancy) and Helen M., b. Mar. 10, 1898. Nettie’s mother, Almira Marie Aldrich Beach Sigler’s parents were Simon and Carolyn Aldrich. Simon was born in Rhode Island in 1794, as were his parents. He died _____. Carolyn/Caroline was born in 1793, CT., and she died _____. The 1850 Fowler Census shows children of Simon and Carolyn: Luzerne (male) b. 1831, and Almira b. 1833; 1860 Fowler Census shows only Mary A. b. 1832. This Mary A. could be a mistake…perhaps should be Almira Marie? Here’s a dilemna: There is no mention in the 1850 Census of Sally or Mory. Yet, the 1870 Census for Fowler shows Simon (age 76) living with Mory L. Aldrich and Sally E. Aldrich (wife). Sally E. b. 1831, OH, married Mory L. Aldrich, b. 1821, MA (his father was born in RI, mother CT). Children of Sallie and Mory were Williard, b. 1850, and Lillie M., b. 1857. Nettie makes much mention of Aunt Sallie and Lillie. Perhaps Mory was another son of Simon… an older brother to Luzerne? Grandpa Beach died Jan 17th, 1884. He was buried in Fowler. Please contact me if you know his first name and if he had a son named Albert, who would have been Nettie’s father. We have (almost) ruled out Dr. Harry Beach, because there was no record of a son named Albert. If you have information which will clear up this family mystery I will be eternally grateful! Nettie married John Warren Shaw September 1st, 1885. She didn’t have the white dress she dreamed of a few years before. Her dress was a pretty, “cadet” blue silk. I have it, along with her “new” black silk “going away” dress and a black parasol with blue silk lining. In 1980, my 12-year-old daughter weighed 95 pounds and had a waistline of 19 inches…the wedding dress was too small for her! We also have some wedding gifts mentioned in the diary: a little silver flowered basket, her mother’s Haviland china, six forks and spoons with “Shaw” written on them, a cut glass celery dish, and…would you believe?…the same coverlet she had on her bed in the rooming house at Oberlin! I have used it here in the office for 8 years, never knowing where it came from until I got out the old picture album last night. In later years, Nettie had two more daughters, Almira Marie, and Mildred Louise. Both girls were known by their middle names. Mabel married Mark Dray and died in childbirth. Marie married Ernest Falkner and they had three boys: Harold Merlyn, Roland (who died of pneumonia at age 7), and Kenneth Warren. The boys grew up on the farm (on Rt. 46, two miles north of Cortland, lakeside) where their mother had grown up, and the farm remained in the family until 1989. Marie gave piano lessons for many years, and Harold and Kenneth were musicians their whole lives. Louise married Fred Swick, and when it was discovered she had tuberculosis, they moved to Arizona. They raised two boys, Johnnie and George, who eventually moved to California. All are gone now. In copying her diary I was careful to use her exact spelling and I didn’t change one word. I am very impressed that her handwriting was so perfect, and that a girl so young could write so well. And in the whole diary, which consisted of 198 pages, she only crossed out one word (it was “I”) and there were only two tiny ink blots where she had dropped some ink. She was intelligent, educated, and a very talented musician. Perhaps her many omissions of information in the diary shows she intended for it to be read 120 years in the future! I have so many questions I would like to ask her! John Warren Shaw was the son of Rufus Millington Shaw and Mariah Brown Smith Shaw of Mecca. He had one brother, Howard Shaw, who was married to Chloe Shaffer. Rufus’ parents, Warren and Samantha Millington Shaw, and siblings, John N., Nathan J., Emily, and Charles W., migrated to Ohio from Russia, Herkimer County, New York, after 1860. Nettie Beach Shaw was born March 1sth, 1865 and died April 5, 1921. John W. Shaw was born February 2, 1865, in Mecca, and died June 22, 1918. They were married for more than fifty years, and living and working on a big farm proved to be a great adventure for them. They are buried in the Hillside Cemetery, Cortland.