Search billions of records on Ancestry.com

Charles Selleck's Diary of 1887
Submitted by Steve Trumbo at trumbo@comcast.net

                              
                  
January 1 - 1887 peeped in on us When we were eating supper. We danced till 5 a.m. Then set around till day light. I then hitched on to the sleighs and took my load home. We have tended to our chores and set around the house all day. Have felt sleepy. It has snowed all day. Temperature at a.m. Is 9 below zero.
      
2 - Mr. and Mrs. Ayers was here visiting today. This has been a nice day. Temperature at 7 a.m. 6 below, at 6 p.m. 2 below. Snow is about a foot deep.
      
3 - This morning, I hitched the mules on the sleighs, put on the hay rack with some hay. Jim hitched the horses on the wagon We then started for the canyon. It has snowed and blew all day. Was pretty near a blizzard. Although it was not so very cold. Tues. at 7 a.m. 16 above. We arrived here at dark. Indian Creek Canyon.
      
4 - This morning, we went up the left hand canyon with both teams. The snow is terrible deep. We tipped over, broke down etc. We got only two logs to mill. This afternoon, we went up the right hand canyon and hauled in 8 logs. John and Jim logged off and helped us load. This has been a nice day and quite warm.
      
5 - This forenoon, we hauled 7 logs to mill This afternoon, we drew more. Took the wagon and sleighs to the mill aid loaded up. The boys did not work this afternoon. It has been cold and stormy all day. Has all cleared this evening and there is a double circle around the moon, something I never saw before.
      
6  This morning, I hooked on the bobs and Jim on the wagon and started out. We got to the hill south of town a little after noon. There we hung up. Had to unload my load. We finally got to town at 4 p.m. We put the teams in the barn, then went over to Carpenters and got our dinner. We then started out. Jim got stuck in the draw west of town, so we left the wagon, put both teams on the bobs and started again. Came as far as Dr. Glassners and left our load, as it is for Mr. Davis. The snow is terrible deep. Temp 19 below zero. I froze my nose.
     
7 - This morning, we hitched both teams on the sleighs and hauled the load over to Mr. Davis. There was 550 feet. We then went after the other load. We loaded it on the sleighs. Got stuck in a snow drift coming up a hill. Had to unload and jack it all up the hill. We finally got to our destination about dark. We turned the teams to the hay stack and stayed till supper and spent the evening. Rec'd for the lumber $17.25. This has been a terrible cold day. Temp this morning, 19 below and this evening, 16 below.
      
8 - We loaded the bobs with hay this morning, hitched Perch and Nell on and Soldier and on the lead. Old Mary kicked Billy on the left hip last
night. It is a pretty bad cut so we left them at home. We stopped in town and bought a supply of chuck, We arrived here at camp at dark. Ed came along and is going to take back wood. This has been a pretty cold day, although pleasant. We took turns driving. Temperature 16 below. The air is terrible sharp tonight. This is a nice evening. (Indian Creek Canyon)
               
9 - This forenoon, Jim and I hauled saw dust from the mill. Ed and John banked up the shanty. We also hauled our lumber up to the shack. There was 3 loads. This afternoon, Ed put a window in the shack. Jim and I hitched Perch and Nell on the sleighs and went up the carryon after a load of pitch pine. We tipped over twice. Nell fell down we had to unhitch and roll her over a couple times to get her up. It was a little blustery this forenoon, but pleasant this afternoon. Has been a little warmer today.
      
10 - Nell was sick all night. Ed gave her soda water and put salt on her kidneys. She was pretty sick. I guess I gave her to much corn last night. Ed went home with his wood with Perch and Gin. John and I cut and hauled some poles and piled our lumber. This afternoon, Jim filed saw We then sawed and split some stove wood also made a couple feed boxes. This has been the nicest day we have had in a good while. Nell appears to be
all right to night.
      
11 - This forenoon, we hauled some pitch pine down to the mill for them. This afternoon, we snaked logs from the side hill and dumped them in to the canyon. John helped us. The snow is to deep to work good. This has been a nice day. Some of the mill boys was up this evening.
      
12 - This forenoon, I hauled 5 logs to mill. It began to snow at 1 p.m. And stormed pretty hard for an hour or two. Ed came at 1:30 p.m. and brought a little hay. We went up the canyon with both teams. We had rather bad luck. Tipped over. It seemed as if we was not going to get any hauled, but we finally got three on the sleds here at the shack. It has thawed a good deal.
      
13  Ed hauled with Perch and Nell and I with Soldier and Gin. We drew 17 logs as far as the shack. Jim helped load. John chopped. When we were loading up in the canyon, a log got loose away up on the side hill and came tearing down in to the canyon. It struck just behind Old Soldier. It was a pretty narrow escape. This has been a nice day.
      
14 - Ed hauled with Perch and Nell and we put on 424 feet of lumber and started for home. Arrived at town at 1 p.m. We put the team, in the barn and fed them. We then took the lumber out to Handy's claim about a mile east. We then came home. This has been a nice day. Has thawed some. The sleighing is getting thin in some places.
      
15 - This morning, I hitched Tom and Princess on the cutter and went to town. Drove over to Henry Andrews and got Jim's wagon and left it at the shop to be cut down to a log wagon. I had to wait till about sun down for my wagon to be fixed. Had new hounds put in. I ate dinner at Carpenters. There has been no mail for about two weeks on account of the snow blockade. This has been a nice day. Has thawed a considerable. There is a warm wind tonight. Arrived home at 7.30 p.m.
      
16 - I loaded some hay on the wagon this morning, hitched on Perch and Nell and started for the Canyon. Arrived here about 5 p.m. Left home at 10 a.m. The weather caught cold last night and froze up. The roads are terribly icy and made it hard traveling for the mares as they are not shod. There has been a cold north west wind to day. My hay about all blew away. The Red Cow calved last night.
               
17  This forenoon, Jim, drew 4 logs down to the shanty. John and I snaked logs off from the ridge and dumped them in to a pocket that leads to the left band canyon. Ed rode Old Mary up this forenoon. This afternoon, we snaked 11 logs. We used both teams as the logs were big ones. This has been a nice pleasant day.
      
18  This forenoon, Jim and I hauled three logs to mill and one to the house. This afternoon, 2 to the mill and 7 to the house. John chopped all day. Ed went home this morning, with a big load of pitch pine. This has been a nice warm day. The snow has thawed a considerable to day. I am tired to night.
      
19  This forenoon, Jim and I drew logs to the mill from our skids. This afternoon, we drew one log to mill and 6 to the shanty. John chopped today. This has been a warm day and quite a strong wind. Has thawed more today, than any day yet. The snow is about all gone here in the Canyon.
      
20  This morning, John and I went up the right hand Canyon and snaked out four logs and left them at the head of Worleys road. The hill being icy we could not haul it down. We then went up the left hand canyon and hauled two logs to the mill and two on our skids. This afternoon, we drew 6 logs. Jim went down home this morning, on Old Soldier to rustle a wagon. This has been a nice day but not as warm as yesterday. It is pretty hard sledding.
      
21  Jim did not get back last night and has not arrived here yet. This forenoon, I hauled pitch pine off from the ridge and dumped it in to the pocket. This afternoon, I went up on the table with John, where he is chopping. It is the best to get timber we have struck yet. I then came back and hauled the logs that we sledded yesterday and dumped them in the canyon. I drew two down to the shanty. This has been a nice day. The hay is about all gone. Will have to rustle Old Calls till Jim gets back. Don't see why he didn't get here.
      
22 - I did not do very much this forenoon. I hauled 4 logs on the mill skids. Jim came at noon with Soldier and Nell on the trucks. After dinner we loaded on 752 feet of boards. Put on two teams and started. Arrived in town at 7 p.m. We put the teams in the barn and went to Carpenters for supper. Then after a while, pulled out. Took the lumber to Mr. Davis. Rec'd $12. We got home at 1 a.m. tomorrow
      
23 - This forenoon, I shaved, washed up, set around and read the papers. This afternoon, Jim and I hitched up Soldier and Gin and went over to Bill Coopers and borrowed the wagon tongue. Ed broke the tongue to the light wagon. Also got some turnips of Mr. Dorman's. Arrived home at 8 p.m. This has been a nice pleasant day.

24 - We intended to start for the Canyon this morning, but the wind blew a gale, so we could not load hay. I made a dicker with Mr. Mosier. We are to give turn 1000 feet, of 12 foot boards, ¾ inches thick, for two tons of hay. He is to draw it. Jim borrowed the Dutchman's rack and fixed it with wire. This afternoon, we hitched up Gin and Nell and went to town. Had them sharp
shod. Arrived home a little after dark. The wind blew hard all day and pretty cold too. The creek is quite high.
               
25 - This morning, Jim and Bill went over to Ayers and put on a load of hay and went to the timber with both teams. I rode Tom over to Mr. Davis's and got a chain, that we left there. This afternoon, C.P.B and I rode Tom and Princess across the Cottonwood. We then went back with them. I walked on to town, took the 7 p.m. train for Chadron. Arrived here at 8.30 p.m. Went to the hotel and got my supper, then tended to some business, that I had to see to. It is now midnight and I will roll in.
      
26  I took the 7 a.m. train for Whitney. Arrived there at 8. Then struck out for home. Charley met me at the creek with the colts. We then rode home. We cleaned out the well before dinner. Have not done much of any thing this afternoon. This eve we went over to Mr. Mosiers. In the mean time Mr. Davis's folks came over to my house. Marion came over and told us, so we all came back. We played euchre till 12 p.m. This has been a pleasant, day but quite chilly.
      
27  Ed and I started for the Canyon this morning, with Nell and Princess on the wide tire. Mr. Mosier came along with his team. Arrived here at 4 p.m. There has been a cold wind all day, although it thawed some.
      
28 - We did not have any of Mr. Mosiers lumber sawed, so he took 450 feet down to Cornwells for us. We will haul one load for him. Ed took home 275 feet of 10 foot boards. Jim, and I was going to haul our logs to the mill, but we broke the hind ax the first load. This afternoon, we borrowed one of Mr. Worley's. Have not accomplished any thing today. John had the team to
haul some lumber over to his preempts, on today. Someone stole our quarter of beef last night also an ax. Bad luck seems to be our lot.
      
29 - We hitched on the trucks this morning, went up the left hand canyon and tried to get on the table where our logs are. It being so icy, we could not get there. We then went down below the mill and tried another place, but that was just as bad, so we came back to the shack. Jim found the ax back of the shanty with the handle broke. This afternoon, we walked up on the table and came back by the left hand canyon, We set around the shack the balance of the afternoon.
      
30  Jim and I hauled logs to the mill all day, we made a big pile on the skid way. John worked at his shanty today. Temperature this morning 10 above zero. It got quite warm about noon 55, but towards night, it began to grow colder and is now 2 above zero and snowing quite hard.
      
31 - It snowed about 4 inches last night. Jim and I hauled 8 logs to the mill. Sprague and Wilson began hauling in and knocked the pile down, so we could not get on the sleds. It was storming pretty hard, so we quit. This afternoon, we hauled up what lumber we had, at the mill. Did nothing the balance of the time. It is pretty cold tonight.
               
February 1  This morning, we put on the hay rack and about 300 feet of lumber and started for home. Billy and Old Mary following behind. We got to Cox's and the forward bolster broke, so we had to unload and leave the whole business. We stopped in town, had Soldier and Gin shod. We ate dinner at Carpenters. Arrived home at 4.30 p.m.. Old Mary did not come home. Billy kept up with us. Temp this morning zero. There is a regular blizzard blowing tonight and is terrible cold.
      
2 - It stormed till about 7 am. At 11 a.m., we hitched up and started for the Canyon. Bill hitched up Nell and Billy Mule and came along after wood. We stopped at Birdsalls place and put on some of Calls hay. When we were about a mile from the shack, I tipped over down a bank. Got here quite late. John had a good fire. This has been a cold day. Temperature this morning, 18 degrees below zero and this evening -19 below. This is pretty darn cold weather.
      
3 - I went up the Canyon and helped Bill load up. We then pulled out for home. Jim started out to look for Old Mary. She did not come back here, as I expected. John and I went down where I tipped over, drew up the hay and made two trips. Jim got back at noon and did not find the old mare. This afternoon, we worked at a log sled that we are making. This has been a terrible cold day, although the sun shone. Temp this eve., 16 degrees below zero.
      
4 - We loaded about 200 feet on the bobs this morning. As we were loading, Mr.. Sprague came along with Old Mary. I told him he could use her a day or two. John and I, then pulled out. We put on the hay, that we left at Cars. We got stuck once on a hill. Arrived in town at 3 p.m. Fed the team and ate dinner at Carpenters. Left the lumber at Cornwells. Arrived home at 5 p.m. The sleighing was not very good on the other side of town. Last night was the coldest of the season. 25 below this morning and this eve is 12 below.

5 - I have helped Mother all day. We papered the partition, that the boys put up the other day. Ed went over to Mr. Davis's and got a half of beef. C.P.B then drove to town. This eve, as I had got settled down to read, I heard a team drive up to the door and still they came. A surprise party sure. All of the neighbors and quite a number from town. Bill Cooper fiddled George Ayers played the organ. We danced a little on to Sunday, but not enough that hurt much. Temp this morning 12 below and 12 below this evening.
      
6 - We have done nothing but chores today and read. Temp this morning, zero. At noon 18 above and this evening, 20 above. This has been a nice day. Have felt kind a broke up all day.
      
7  This morning, we all went up the Cottomwood with both teams and got a couple loads of wood. Have tinkered around the balance of the tine. Mr. Davis and Mosiers folks were all here this evening. We danced some and played cards afterwards. I have felt like a darn fool this evening.
      
8  We hitched Nell and Soldier on the wide tire and tied Gin behind. John, Ed and I started for the Canyon. We stopped at Ayers and put on a small load of hay. Arrived here about 4 p.m., ate dinner then went down to the mill and ground our axes. This has been a nice day. The snow is about all gone on the prairie. Temperature this eve 36. I don't feel very bunkious tonight.         

9  This morning, Ed loaded on 334 feet of 10 foot boards and 156 feet of 12 foot boards and went home. Jim, John and I chopped down 9 trees up on the table and also logged off a few. This afternoon, Jim and I took the trucks up on the table. We had to go up the right hand canyon and around by the second table to get there and 4 miles to get one. The weather was pleasant most all day but, before we got back it began to snow and blow and was terrible stormy. Temp this noon 55 and this evening, 10. John chopped one
tree and broke his ax handle.
          
10 - This forenoon, John and I hauled 4 logs from the left hand canyon down to our skids, This afternoon, we drew 6. Jim was not feeling well, so did not work. This has been a cold day. It snowed all afternoon. Temp this morning 4 below zero and this eve 10 below. Call came up today and was here a little while this evening. It is good sledding in the canyon now.
      
11 - This forenoon, Jim and I hauled 4 logs down to the mill. The skidway being full, we quit. John mended his mittens. This afternoon, I drew down 6 logs. Jim and John helped load. This has been a nice pleasant day. Temperature this morning: 10 degrees below zero. This evening: 8 above.
      
12 - We took two logs to the mill this morning, on the sled, then went up on the table and dumped down 9 logs. They came down north of the shack. This afternoon, we rolled down 5. John did not work today. We let Woodcock have 500 feet of dimension stuff. This morning temp. 8, at noon 55, this eve 42. Gillispies Bitch of a gray hound, got in to our shanty this afternoon and carried off about 20 lb. of beef, ate everything on the table, tipped over the dishes and raised the devil.
      
13  We went up on the table this morning and got the trucks. I put on 650 feet of boards and pulled out. It was then about 9 a.m. after I got out of the canyon. I had to load it over again, as it slipped back. Arrived in town at 2.30 p.m. I put the team in and fed them. Took the lumber to Mr. Davis. Rec'd cash $10.25. Arrived home at sundown. The wheeling was good till I got to town. This side it was rather soft. This has been a nice warm day.
      
14  I hitched Soldier and Gin on the wide tire and Billy and Old Mary on the trucks, tied them behind and started for the Canyon. Stopped in town and bought some groceries $4.60. Arrived here at 4 p.m. This has been a nice day but a cold northwest wind did not thaw very much. John and Jim logged off 24 logs with the cross cut today.
      
15 - We went up on the table this morning, with both teams. We skidded logs out of a pocket and dumped down one, John chopped. This afternoon, we rolled down three big logs. This has been a nice day. Temp at noon 70. Three of the mill boys were up here this evening.
      
16 - We took both teams up on the table this morning and rolled down 7 logs. One was a terrible big one and we had a good deal of bother to get it loaded. We did not come down to dinner till 3 p.m. We brought the trucks down. We ate dinner and went down to the mill awhile, then came back and hauled two logs on the skids. The roll way was full we rolled them over the carriage.
                      
17  When we woke up this morning, it was snowing and the wind howling to beat the deuce. The mill did not run. John and I hauled logs to the mill. Jim jammed his thumb nail off last night and can't do much. This afternoon, we hauled two logs and quit.
      
18 - This morning, John and I hauled two logs to mill. We then hitched the teams on the wagons and went down to the mill and put 500 feet in each wagon. By that time it was noon, so we then pulled out. John hung up once with Billy and Old Mary. I pulled him out with Soldier and Gin. When we got within a half a mile of Ayres, the tunble came off of the forward axle of the wide tire, so we left it and went on to Mr. Davis's. Rec'd Cash $16.25. We stayed there for supper. Arrived home at 9.30 p.m.
      
19 - This morning, we hitched both teams on Robs shack and pulled it over on Charles claim, across the creek. We then hitched on the wagons and went over where we broke down. We put the wheel and tunble back on. Ed and Charles hauled it to Mr. Davis's with Nell and Princess. Jim and I put on a load of hay and drove to town. I filed a preemption for Bill on the NE ¼ of 18 and the SW ¼ of 8 T 33 R 51 for Mother. I traded the mules to A.J. Crossley for a gray horse and a bay mare.

20  This forenoon, I took Mr. Carvers wagon home and brought up a load of lumber from the mill. This afternoon, I hauled the balance of the lumber and sat around the shack. It has snowed about all afternoon. Has been quite chilly to day.
      
21  We have worked on the table today, with both teams. We hauled logs out of the pocket on to the level ground. We skidded 41. This has been a nice day. Temperature this morning zero. This evening, 14 above.

22  The wind blew pretty hard this forenoon, so we did not go out. I sawed off one of Old Calls sway bars and made a front bolster to the trucks and began one for the light wagon. This afternoon, we worked on the table with both teams, snaking logs Temperature this morning 14 above. Charles Cook was here this eve we played cards. I have the sorest toe in the canyon; came from being frozen.

      
23 - Jim and I snaked logs out of the pocket, where we dumped them off from the table. We did not get out very early. Worked till 3 p.m. Came down and got dinner, set around awhile, went back and snaked out a few more; 29 in all. Also hauled down to the mill, a big 12 foot log. John did not work today. This has been a nice day and quite warm.
      
24 - John and I hauled logs to the mill. I hauled on the sled. John snaked them. Jim stayed at the Mill. We put in a good long day and I am fearful tired tonight This has been a nice warm day. The snow is all gone.
      
25  This forenoon, I finished the bolsters to the light wagon, took it down to the mill and loaded 581 feet for Cornwell. This p.m., I made a reach for the trucks and hauled what lumber we had at the mill to the shack. I loaded 529 feet on the trucks. Snowed some and has been chilly all afternoon.
      
26 - We hooked on to our loads this morning and pulled out. Arrived in town at 12:30 We put the teams in the barn and fed them. We ate dinner at Carpenters and had both teams sharp shod. Also hauled Handy's 2x6's down to his place. We brought Davis's lumber out and came home. Arrived here at 7.30 p.m.
      
27  Mrs. Davis and Addie were here a little while. Rec'd for lumber $8.45. This a.m. Mother and I went up to her preemption. She rode Old Soldier. The Dane was here and took my measure for a pair of wooden boots. Ed and Charley are over to Davis's this eve. I have been kind a riled today. Was a warm day.

28 -We hitched up both teams this morning, went over to Ayers and put on the balance of the hay that we bought of Mr. Mosier. It did not freeze very hard last night and the roads were soft making it hard wheeling. When we got in the Canyon the roads were terrible. I got in to a hole and had to hitch on the hind end and pull it out. We finally got here to the shack at dark. Has been warm all day. We paid John $7.25. The boys were up from the mill, this evening and beat us playing euchre.                            
      
March 1  Jim went off on Old Soldier this morning, on some dicker of his. John worked in his place. We got back this afternoon. We went up on the table and dumped down logs. We put down 6 this a.m. and 4 this p.m. We quit at 4 p.m. the Old Gray was played out. John Scott came up this afternoon after lumber. He put on 149 feet and is going to stay all night. This has been a warm day. Temperature at noon 80.
     
2  This forenoon, Jim and I dumped 5 logs off from the table, into the pocket. After dinner he and John went down to his preemption and got back at 3 p.m.. He then went up on the table and dumped down 4 logs. Everything has been covered with frost today. Has been cloudy most all day. Feel a little blue.
      
3 - It has snowed all day. Jim and I dumped 5 logs down this forenoon. It snowed so hard we turned out. It was not so cold here in the canyon. A Dutchman from the table was here at noon, wanting to sell us some logs. We went up the right hand canyon, where most of his logs were, and scaled then. We bought them at $1.50 per M. He gave me a pair of Antelope horns and I traded hats with Elmer Shaffer this afternoon.
      
4 - We went up on the table this morning, to get some hay, as ours is all gone. The wind blew so hard, we could not make it stay on the wagon. Put on about 3 feeds and came down Sprauge and Wilson road and left it at the top of the bank and came down and got dinner. Was very near froze. It has snowed and blew and was a holy terror on the table. This afternoon, we got the hay down and loaded the light wagon with 380 feet of 14 and 16 foot boards and 374 feet of rotten lumber in the trucks. Has not been so very cold
       .
5 - We hitched up this morning and pulled for home. Arrived in town at 12:30. We sold the poor lumber, to the wagon maker at $10 per M. and take it in work. The other load to Carter at $13 per M. and take groceries. Arrived home at 5.30 p.m. I could hardly get home, the Old Gray was all petered out. The gumbo rolled pretty bad. Ed and Charley went down to Mosiers this eve. This has been a nice pleasant day.
      
6  We hitched Old Soldier and Mary on the trucks and started for Canyon. Stopped in town and got our groceries. We stopped at Birdsalls place and fed the team and ate our lunch and put on a small load of hay. Arrived here at 7.30 p.m. The Canyon road terrible bad. The team is tired tonight. The Dutchman was here when we arrived. We gave him some meat and flour to pay for the logs we bought of him. This has been a nice warm this afternoon.
                
7  This forenoon, I skidded 15 logs out of the pocket. Jim cleaned out the shack. This afternoon, we hauled and dumped down 9 logs from the table. This has been a warm day. Temp at noon 82. It clouded over towards night and looks like storm. I am, tired this evening.

8 - We went up on the table this morning. It began to snow as we started. By the time we had one log loaded, we had to quit and come down to the shack. It was very near a blizzard. At noon, it all cleared off, as clear as a bell. The wind has blown quite hard all afternoon. We hauled and rolled down 9 logs. We went up to Gillispies a little while this eve.

9  This forenoon, we hauled and rolled down the bank. This afternoon, we borrowed Joe's saw and went to logging off, but it was not in shape to saw with. So we quit. Jim had a belly ache too. Mr. Woods came this afternoon, for a load of lumber. Have not got it, but will get it at the mill for him. He is going to stay all night with us. This has been a nice warm day.
      
10 - This forenoon, I hauled three logs and this afternoon 4. Jim logged some and cut some fence posts. This has been a nice day. Temperature at noon 90. Thermometer on the south side of the house.
      
11 - I went down to Birdsalls place and got a small load of hay. Got back at 4:00. Jim trimmed some trees and cut a few posts. This has been a nice day. A little warmer than was needed for comfort. The farmers are beginning there spring work now. I ought to be at home and at work on mine.
      
12  This forenoon, we skidded logs out of the pocket. Also hauled two to the mill. This afternoon we hauled 13 to the mill. Mr. and Mrs. Mosier came up this afternoon. They camped at Old Call's place. They spent the evening here. This has been a nice day, although quite chilly.
      
13 - This morning, I measured off 510 feet of ¾ stuff for Mr. Mosier. Jim and I then went to hauling logs from the pocket to the mill. We hauled 17 today, which made the skidway fun. They are a race bunch of logs. I went up to the Dutchman's upon the first table this evening and got my Elk horns, that I bargained for awhile ago. This has been a pretty chilly day. I am tired tonight.  Had ought not to work on Sunday, but have so much work to do.
      
14 - Did not do much this forenoon. Jim stayed at the mill and watched our lumber sawed. I went up on the table, with a fellow, to look at his harness, as he wanted to trade. But we could not see alike. This afternoon, I hitched on to Joe's big trucks and hauled some lumber up to the shack. Charley Cook has our little trucks. This has been a beautiful day. It seems as if I could not wait to get out of the Canyon. There is so much work to be done down home.
      
15  This forenoon, we went down to Blue Walls and got part of the wagon that we traded for. I also hauled some ¾ stuff up to the shack. Call came up at noon. He could not get the kind he wanted, so he took about 300 feet as far as town for me. Jim and I put on about 500 feet. Arrived in town at 6:00. We left 200 feet, two miles this side of town, as Old Mary was pretty tired. Arrived home at 9.30 p.m. This has been a nice warm day. This beats any March weather I ever saw.
      
16  Jim hitched up Nell and Soldier and went back to the Canyon. I hitched up the colts and went to town and got the lumber that Call brought down, got back at 1 p.m. I then hitched up the broncos and got the lumber, that we left last night. I then loaded it all, on the wide tire; 757 feet. Put on both teams and took it over to Mrs. Paynes. This has been a nice warm day. Ed has most of his back-setting done. Jim took Perch with him to have her shoulder treated.
               
17  This forenoon, I cleared up the yard, got all the tools together and piled them up in the barn yard. This afternoon, I went over to the Dutchman's, to see him about going to Chadron tomorrow. I also cleaned out the stable and tinkered around. Ed put a dirt roof on his shack. Mother went to town with Mrs. Davis and Addie. This has been a warm day with 98 degrees at 11 am. Ed and Charley are over to Mr. Davis's this eve.
      
18 - This morning, I went over to the Dutchman's, with the little bay mare, hitched her in with his buckskin and started for Chadron. Was just four hours coming. This afternoon, I helped Charley pick out a plow also and attended to some business of my own. This has been a terrible hot day. Was very uncomfortable.
      
19  The temperature took a change last night. We left town at 9 a.m. Arrived home at 2 p.m. I very near froze There was a terrible cold northwest wind. It blew right through me. Do not feel very good tonight. Jim came down this eve.
      
20 - I rode Tom over to Mr. Antram's this morning and stayed awhile. Have set around the balance of the time. Mrs. Davis and Addie, was here this afternoon. There has been a cold northwest wind today.
      
21  This forenoon, Ed and I hauled dirt up to Mothers shack and made a good dirt roof. The sheriff of Sioux Co. and another was here to dinner. This afternoon, we put a floor in the shack. Jim fixed the hay rank today and tinkered around. He bought two tons of hay of Mr. Mosier at $6 per ton. This evening, as I was cutting kindling wood, a piece flew up and hit me in the left eye. Oh, but it hurt. Could not see anything out of it for an hour or two. But can a little now. This has been a nice day.
      
22  Jim went to the Canyon this morning, with Nell and Soldier. Bill went with him. Ed drove the colts to town and got the plow. I hitched the little mare in the buggy and went to town. Then drove down to Mr. Fritchers and got what was due me. Charley went with me. I engaged my barb wire today paid $40 down. I also paid Ed $75 which makes us square on the team. I found Perch two miles east of town, she had come down from the canyon. My eye is a great deal better tonight. There has been a cold wind today.
      
23  Ed went to town this morning, with the broncos. He and Call then went to Chadron. I hitched up the colts, went over to Mr. Davis's and borrowed his string plow. I then began back-setting. I plowed with Mary and Princess this afternoon. I did not do very much today, as the colts ought not to be worked very much. Charley rode Perch up to the canyon today. This has been a nice day
      
24 - I have plowed with Mary and Princess today. I turned out at 4:30 p.m., and took Mr. Davis's plow home. Ed came home at 3.30. He bought a span of mules at Chadron. A brown and a gray. This has been a nice warm day.
      
25  I hitched up the broncos and Old Mary this a.m. and went over to Mrs. Paynes to back-set. But the plow would not work good, so I came home at noon. This afternoon, Ed and I drew three loads of wood from the creek bottom with his mules. Charley went to town with Tom and the buggy. There has been a cold wind blowing all day, rather disagreeable. George and Marion was here.
                                                                             
26  Snowed some, but slacked off after breakfast. So I hitched up the ponies and started for the Canyon. I sent for a steel plow lay, for my plow for $2.25, as I went through town. Arrived at the shanty at 1 p.m. Stormed some. Is pretty chilly
      
27  I loaded some boards and dimension stuff on the wide tire. Bill hitched Old Soldier and Nell on the trucks and put on a load of winny edged boards. We then started for home. Perch followed us. We arrived in town at 1 p.m., fed the teams and ate dinner at Carpenters. Arrived home at 3.30 p.m. This forenoon, was quite chilly. There is a cold northwest wind tonight.
      
28 - I hitched up the ponies this morning, went over to Ayers and put on a small load of hay. I also took Perch and Soldier along. Arrived at the Canyon about 4 p.m. Ed also came up with his mules. I thought I never was going to get here. The Old Gray tuckered out. It snowed till about noon. I am tired tonight.
      
29 - I loaded my wagon with winny edged boards. Ed put on mostly dimension stuff. It was about 10 a.m. before we got started. Arrived in town at 2 p.m. It then began to rain, so we did not stop to feed. The gumbo began to roll, as soon as we left town. Got about three miles out and the Old Gray played out. I could not get him along, so I unharnessed, left him and brought the little mare home. Ed got here all right. It is now snowing pretty hard.
      
30 - This forenoon, I went after my load of lumber with Nell and the little mare. The gumbo rolled pretty bad. It began to snow at noon and has stormed all afternoon. The Old Gray put out some where and don't know where he is.
      
31 - Charley and Bill went to town this forenoon, with Tom and the buggy. They found the Old Gray at the Danes and brought him home. Ed and I have worked at the barn all day. Bill and I went over to Mr. Mosiers this eve. This has been a nice pleasant day.
      
April 1  Ed and I worked at the barn all day. Have got most of the roof on the south side and all of the supports up. It is 28 X 30 and will be a good barn when finished. Ed went to town this forenoon, with the mules. Charley and Bill went to town this evening, with Tom and the buggy to the Calico Ball. Ed, Mother and I went over to Mr. Davis's this evening. I bought 520 lb. of corn $5.20. I borrowed his plow. Bill made our garden today.
      
2  I have plowed all day with Nell and the little mare. They work good together. Ed plowed on his claim. This has been a nice warm day.
      
3  It began to snow early this morning and stormed all forenoon. This afternoon, has been partially cloudy. Charles Pringle was here to dinner. The fellow, that had a preempts, on filing on the southwest of 8, Mothers claim. She paid him $5 for his relinquishment.
      
4  I went to town this forenoon, with the colts. I got the two pumps that Gene Knapp sent me. Freight charges $7.44. Also got my plow lay, that I sent for Mar 26 Expressage $1.46. I brought out 9b0 lb. of barb wire. Call came out with me and stayed to dinner. This afternoon, I plowed with Nell and the little mare. We put the pump together this evening, but could not make it work. Jim came this evening. This has been a nice day.
      
5  I plowed all day for Mrs. Payne with Nell and the little mare and turned over 1 ½ acres. Ed, Charley and Bill went to Chadron this morning, with the mules and wagon. Mary Payne came home with me. I am fearful tired tonight. This has been a nice day. The two year old heifer calved today. Heifer calf.
                                                                     
6 - This forenoon, I took Mr. Davis's plow home. Also brought the heifer and calf down to the house and then began building mangers in the barn. The boys got home at 1 p.m. I finished the mangers and feed boxes this evening. Ed helped this afternoon. Bill helped Mother set out some cherry, plum and pear trees. This has been a nice warm day.
      
7 - This forenoon, I tried to plow with the Bronco and Old Nell. The darned plow, would not scour. Neither would the Old gray work good. I took the plow down to the creek and scoured it. Ed and Charley went to town with Tom and the buggy. This afternoon, I got along pretty well plowing. This has been a nice warm day.
      
8  This forenoon, I sowed oats on Ed's claim. He plowed for me with Nell, the little mare and the black mule. This afternoon, he harrowed the oats in with the colts, while I plowed. Ed and I went over to Mr. Bosses this evening and we went horse back. Has been cloudy this afternoon. A little rain would not do any hurt.
      
9 - This forenoon, I sowed oats on my plowing about 5 acres. The wind blew quite hard, but I sowed right and left. This afternoon, I dragged them in with Nell and the black mule, finished a little after dark. Charley and Bill went to town this forenoon, with the colts after the breaking plow, but Lainn has not finished it. Am some tired tonight.
      
10 - Have done nothing today, but set around and read. This has been a cold, cloudy disagreeable day. It tried hard to storm, but did not make. it out. I went over to Mr. Mosiers this evening. I got lost coming home, wandered around quite awhile finally and brought up at Mr. Mosiers again. I could then see our light and made for home. It is terrible dark. Never saw it so black.
      
11 - I harnessed the broncos this morning and started for the timber. Arrived here at 2 p.m. Jim and I went up on the table after dinner and bought 5 bushels of potatoes at $.60 per bushel. Am going to take 2½ bushels home. This afternoon, was cloudy, but cleared of at noon. Jim is all out of hay, the horses have to rustle.
      
12 - I harnessed Perch and the little mare this morning. Put on a good sized load of winny edged boards. Arrived in town at noon. In about 15 minutes, Perch was taken with the colic. I bought some stuff at the drug store and gave it to her, but she kept getting worse. So, I got a horse of Cooper and rode over to Gregg's and had him come over. He gave her some medicine, that relieve her right away. At 11 p.m. I started home and left the lumber in town. Perch is all right tonight. This has been a nice day. Ed plowed for Mrs. Payne today.
      
13  It has rained all day. Was rather disagreeable, but we need it bad enough. Ed and I have helped Mother wash. It is snowing now at 8 p.m.
        
14 - It has snowed most all day. I have tinkered around, mended harness etc.
      
15  This forenoon, Ed and I went to town with both teams and brought out the load of lumber. This afternoon, I went over to John Antram's and got 2 bushel, of potatoes. Ed went to town again with the mules and got my breaking plow, that Lynn has been so long making. It cleared off at 10 a.m. and has been a nice day. The gumbo has rolled pretty bad today. It is quite chilly tonight. Jim and John Man came down this evening.
      
16 - I tried to run the breaking plow this morning, but could not make it work. The ground is too wet for one thing. I then harrowed the potato ground. Am going to plant them in the west end of Ed's breaking. I then went to work on my barn, finished putting on the roof on the north side. Jim and John went over to Coopers and came back this afternoon. Has been cold and cloudy.
      
17  Have done nothing today, but chores, and read the papers. Jim and John went back to the timber after dinner. This has been a cold cloudy day.
      
18 - I cleaned out the calf pen this morning and worked a little at the barn. Henry Standeh, then came to fix the pump. We took it out of the well, took the connection out of the pump head and put it 14 feet farther down. Also made the rod longer. After dinner we set the pumps and tried it, but broke the rod. I hitched up the team and Henry and I went to town. Had an iron rod made. Arrived home at dark. Mother and Charley went to town with Princess and the buggy, It clouded over and is raining tonight.
      
19  This forenoon, we worked at the pump and got it to working all right. Henry went home after dinner. Ed and I went up the creek, with the mules and got a load of wood. Mother and I then went over to Mr. Davis's. I bought 596 lb. of corn at $1.00 per hundred. It has stormed some at odd spells all day, but has all cleared off this evening.
      
20 - This forenoon, I plowed and harrowed a half an acre on the west end of the oats, for potatoes. This afternoon, I marked it out with the plow then, went up to Mr. Antram's and bought 8 bushels of potatoes @ $.75 per bushel. I cut some this evening. Ed has tried to make the breaking plow work today, but could not. Has been nice and warm. The pump gave out this noon. I guess the valve on the end of the rod has broke.
      
21  This morning, I went to cutting and dropping potatoes. Jim Lynn came at 11 a.m. so, I harnessed the team and we went to breaking. After a little tinkering, he got it to working all right. Ed and Charley went to town with the little mare and buggy. This afternoon, I covered potatoes. Ed went to town with the mules and bought a 12 inch mold board breaker. Mother visited at Mrs. Mosiers today. There has been a strong west wind and quite cold.
      
22  This forenoon, I plowed with Perch and Nell. This afternoon, I finished planting potatoes. Mother dropped them for me. Was cloudy this a.m. and has been cold and windy all day. Bill rode Old Mary up to the Circle Bar ranch yesterday. Got back this afternoon. He and I went down to Mr. Mosiers this evening. Ed began breaking for Charley Blodgett today. The wind blew hard.
      
23  I finished back-setting the 5 acres for Mrs. Payne today. There has been a cold, raw wind all day. It snowed a little this afternoon. I am tired tonight.
      
24 - I pretty near broke the Sabbath today, fixing the pump and tinkering around. The pump won't work yet. Has been cold today and partially cloudy.
      
25 - I have plowed all day with Perch and Nell. Temperature this morning 32. It got warmer about 10 a.m. It rained some at 6.30 p.m. Charley went to Chadron with Mr. Ross this morning. They got back this evening. He paid my taxes for me mine was $9.60 Ed's $3.96. Then six dollars road tax came out of that making $7.56 in all. I went down to Charlie's after a couple pails of water this evening.
                                                             
26  I tried to run. the South Bend plow this forenoon, but the darn thing won't work. The lay on the other plow, being dull, I took it off and hammered it out. Had to go over where Ed was breaking, to get my file. Mother and Charles drove up to Mrs. Paynes and got my three horse evener. I got along pretty well this afternoon. Charley went to town with Old Mary and the buggy. Mother went over to Mrs. Davis's. This has been a nice day.
      
27 - Have plowed all day with three horses. Charley and Bill went to town this afternoon, with Mary and the buggy. This has been a nice day. It is warmer this evening, than usual.
      
28 - Have plowed all day with three horses. I hitched Old Mary on the buggy this evening and Mother and I came up to her shack. I picketed Old Mary. We are going to hold down the claim tonight sure. This has been a nice day.
      
29  We came down home early this morning. I have plowed all day. Mother and I drove over to Mr. Davis's this evening and got a keg of milk. This has been a nice day.
      
30  I plowed this forenoon. We tried to fix the pump this noon, but the darn thing won't work. Ed and I then went to town with the little mare and buggy. This has been another nice day. I guess we will have good weather now.
      
May 1 - Woke up this morning and found it raining. At 10 a.m. it began to snow and has been a regular blizzard all day. The horses went over to Lemons shack and got out of the storm. Towards night Ed and I put some corn on the hand sled and went over and fed them. They are pretty comfortable there. This is the worst storm we have had in all winter.
      
2  We tried to make the pump work this forenoon, but it won't. This afternoon Charles and I went over to Coopers with the little mare and buggy to get some seed corn, but Bill was not at home, Arrived home at 3 p.m. I then shelled the corn, that Mother brought from Michigan. This has been a windy day. The gumbo rolls terrible. It has snowed along the ridge all day. Mr. and Mrs. Mosier and Nellie was here this evening. Sun went down clear.
      
3 - This morning, I drove over to Mr. Antram's and borrowed his post auger and went to boring post holes. Am going to enlarge the corral. Ed and Charles put both teams on the wide tire and went up the Cottonwood and got a load of big stuff for corner posts. Have bored holes all afternoon. Ed dug the corner holes and set a few posts. This has been a nice warm day.
                   
4  I finished back-setting today, also went one round with the breaking plow. I went over to Mrs. Davis's this afternoon. This has been an uncomfortable warm, day.
      
5 - I have harnessed all day, with Perch and Nell. Ed finished breaking 10 acres for Charley Blodgett today. Nice weather.
      
6 - I harrowed corn ground today, with the broncos. Ed began breaking on his claim. Charley went to town this afternoon, with Nell and the buggy. He took her over to Gregg's Jack. I went down to Mr. Rands this evening, to see if I could get his check roll, but could not. Nice weather.
      
7 - I finished harrowing at 9:30 a.m. I then went over to Mr. Davis's and borrowed his corn marker and went to marking. Did not quite finish.
Could, if I had wanted too. I thought it right rain and then I would have it all to do over again. It was pretty warm this forenoon. It got quite cool towards night. Will was here this evening. He is working for Mr.. Ross. Charley took the little mare over to Coopers this a.m.. We went to town this p.m. with Old Mary.
      
8  I hitched the little mare on the buggy and Mother and I drove up to my tree claim. Coming back we stopped by Walls a little while. We then
drove over to the Danes and stayed there to dinner. Arrived home at 4 p.m. Ed and Bill shaved my head this morning, so I am totally bald headed. This evening, Ed and I went over to Mr. Davis's. This has been a beautiful day.
      
9 - I have planted corn all day with the planter. Charley helped me a little while this forenoon, with the hoe. The stock are beginning to wander off now. Had to go way up the creek for the cattle tonight. This has been a nice day. Temp in the shade 90 degrees but there was a cool breeze
      
10 - Charley borrowed Mr. Davis's planter and helped me plant corn. We finished the large piece at 9 a.m. I then marked the other chunk and took the marker home. Charley finished planting at 1.30 p.m. I hitched on the breaking plow and went three or four tines around cussing every jump. It would not work good. The Assessor F.N. Collins was here this afternoon. I went up to John's after supper and got his breaking plow. There has been a terrible strong wind all day.
      
11 - This morning, Ed and I started for the Canyon with both teams, after lumber. Arrived here at 3 p.m. The mill had nothing but short stuff and Jim had none so, we went to work and hauled in 6 logs before dark. This has been a nice day.
      
12 - This forenoon, we went up the right hand canyon and opened up a narrow canyon, where there was a number of logs. Ed skidded out with the mules and Jim with the cattle. I hauled 8 logs to the mill. This afternoon, I hauled in 12 logs. Has been cloudy all day. Just at dark, it hailed terrible hard and is now raining. The shack is beginning to leak, so we will have to roll in
      
13 - The shack leaked so bad, we had to get up at 3 a.m. and put on our rubber coats and stand up straight and dodge the drops. It was worse than
outdoors. We made out a breakfast, of sour dough bread and sow belly gravy. This forenoon, we mowed to Mr. Bookers shanty that does not leak as bad. It rained till about 4 p.m. then all cleared off. All of the bed clothes are dripping wet.
      
14  Old Nell went down the canyon last night, about a mile and a half. Ed rode the black mule after her. We have stayed at the mill this forenoon, loading our lumber and helping them. I paid cash for sawing. We put 600 feet on each wagon. We ate dinner at Joe Gillispie's. Jim was clear out of chuck. At 2 p.m. we started for home. We left one load 3 miles from home and doubled up on the other, as the teams were awful tired. Arrived here at 9 p.m. This has been a nice day. There was a slight frost last night.
      
15  Bill and I went after the other load of lumber with both teams. The creek crossing is bad. We took the lumber up to Mrs. Payne's. That makes all of the lumber 2000 feet. Ed has been sick all day, with some throat and has ear ache. Mrs. Wall was here visiting. Bill and Charley are here tonight. We are going to Chadron tomorrow. Charley proves up.
                
16 - At 7.30 a.m. we started for Chadron. Bill and I with the Little mare and Buggy and Charley rode Old Mary. There was a drizzling rain until 10.30 I traded the Old Gray to Mr. Wall this morning, for 400 pitch pine posts delivered. Arrived in town at 12.30. After dinner we went up to the Clerks office and helped Charley prove up. The gumbo rolled terrible today. We are to put up at the Chadron House.
      
17 - We came home by the way of Trunk butte and Whitney. Arrived here at 12.30 p.m. This has been a nice day. I went to the creek this afternoon and got a load of brush. Mother went with me. We then went over to Mr. Davis's and got 600 lb. of corn. Ed is sick with the soar throat.
      
18 - This morning, I marked out very near a half an acre, down towards the creek and began planting potatoes. Charley went to town with the miles and got Ed's potatoes. He helped me plant this afternoon. Finished this evening. This makes about an acre. This has been a nice day.
      
19 - Marion and I planted Ed's potatoes today. finished at 5 p.m. I then began planting my sorghum. There was a fruit tree agent here this afternoon
and to supper. I did not invest. This has been an uncomfortable warm day.
      
20 - This forenoon, Bill helped me find my Northeast corner. We measured from the SE stake and from the NW stake. This afternoon, I hitched Princess on the buggy and Mother and I went up to her shack. It rained about all night and until 8.30 a.m. It all cleared off at 10 a.m. and has been pleasant the rest of the day.
      
21  I have broke prairie today, with three horses and Ed's plow. Has been partly cloudy this afternoon, it rained some last night again. I am tired tonight.
      
22  I finished breaking the land at 9 a.m. I then hitched on the wagon and hauled some manure on Ed's breaking, that was in the front yard. This afternoon Charley finished planting the sorghum and helped me plant the broom corn. After supper I planted two rows of sod corn. At 6 p.m. it all clouded over got terrible black and rained hard for about an hour.
      
23  I have worked at the corral today, digging post holes and setting posts. Have got two wires on the north side. Am going to have three all round. Charley Dutchman came down this forenoon and helped me clean out the well. Charley and Mother went over to Mr. Davis's this afternoon. This has been a nice pleasant day. Ed planted corn. We don't need any more rain right away.
      
24  Marion planted corn for Ed today. I planted two rows in mine with the spade but, it being to slow, I quit. I had a bad head ache too. I have worked at the corral some. This has been a nice pleasant day. Old Blue called last night. It is a nice heifer.
      
25  Marion finished planting my sod corn this noon. We planted for Ed this p.m. Ed helped me at the corral this afternoon. Mother and Charley
drove over to Mr. Davis's after dinner. They were going specimen hunting but it rained about an hour, so they came home. It hailed a little. Has
been terrible warm today.
      
26  I tried to back-set on Mothers claim this morning, but, It being to wet, the plow would not scour. so I came back and struck out a land with Ed's breaking plow. This afternoon, I broke with my sod plow. Have got it, so it works pretty good now. Used Perch and Nell.
      
27 - Mother and Charley and Mr. Davis's folks drove over to the Bad lands yesterday and got some specimens. It rained quite hard last night. I have been doing odd jobs today. I planted some sweet corn, squash and pumpkin, beans and citron etc. Also worked at the corral and helped Mother wash some blankets and quilts. Charley took Nell and Old Mary over to Gregg's. Wall hauled me 23 posts today. Ed has been breaking. This has been a warm sultry day. I shut the cattle in the corral this evening.
      
28 - I tried to break on Bills claim this forenoon, but the south end was to wet. I broke on my own this afternoon and never got so mad in my life. The darn plow would not work good. I took it over to Mr. Mosiers this eve. He is going to take it to town for me. Am not going to keep it. Charley went to town this forenoon, with the bronco and buggy. This has been a nice day. I never saw the mosquitoes as thick as they are now. They nearly eat a person up.
      
29 - This morning, Bill and I hitched the bronco on the buggy and drove up to the hills northwest. We hunted for antelope and did not get any. I hunted for specimens and got some. We arrived home at 2:30 p.m. Toward night, we drove over to Mr. Walls, to see about a plow. The bronco came very near getting away from me. Ed and Charley went over to the Bad lands today, with Mr. Davis's folks, this has been a nice day. A good breeze.
      
30  This forenoon, I planted sod corn. After dinner, I went over on the Northeast of 8, where Call has been breaking and borrowed his sulkey plow. I back-set the little piece by mother's shack then began breaking on Bills. The lay is a little dull and makes it too hard for three horses. This has been a nice day.
     
31 - This morning, I hitched Perch and Nell and the mules on the plow and tried to break on Bill's, but could not make the mules go, without whacking them all the time. and the plow would not work very good either. It beats the devil, what luck I have. I plowed 3 rounds on mine. Call was here to dinner. Ed went to town with the broncos. I planted corn this afternoon. It has been terrible warm today. It is raining a little this evening.
      
June 1 - This forenoon, I harrowed Mothers back-setting and planted half of it to corn and beans. I then borrowed Mr. Mosiers breaking plow;. I went one round with it after dinner and it pulled so hard, I hitched on to Ed's plow. It rained a little at 3 p.m. so I turned out. Mrs. Mosier brought us some little cedars. Ed helped me set them out. It is quite chilly this evening a fire feels comfortable. I feel kind a mean tonight.
      
2  I broke prairie today, with three horses and Ed's plow. It sprinkled a little at 4 p.m. Has been a nice day.
      
3  Call brought his two yoke of bulls and plow over this morning. He helped me start it on Bills claim. Bill then managed the plow and I whacked the bulls. We went 11 rounds today. Bill quit Mr. Ross and is staying here now. Temp this a.m. is 40 degrees and was pretty warm at noon. Ed cultivated the garden today. I am sore tired tonight.
      
4  This forenoon, Bill and I broke with the bulls on his claim. We plowed over an acre. This afternoon, I hitched Tom, on the buggy, went over to Mr. Ross's. He then went to town with me. I took down a jar of butter and could not sell it. The town is full of it, Arrived home at 6:30. Ed and Bill went up to the hills to stay over night and hunt. Mr. Wall brought a load of posts today.
      
5 - Have tinkered around the house and helped Mother today. She has been sick. Ed and Bill arrived home at 3:30 p.m., with no game, as usual. I hitched Nell and the little mare on the wagon. Ed and I went over Northeast. Temp at 5 p.m.- 92 has been warm all day. Call helped me get the vinegar barrel out doors today.
      
6  This morning, went after the bulls and yoked them. Bill went after the oxen but could not find them. He then went to planting corn on his breaking. I rode Nell over to George Ayers and borrowed his planter and began planting on my own. I finished this eve, all that I have broke. Charley and Ed went to town with Tom and brought back the oxen. Addie Davis was here this p.m. Perch foaled last night it is a nice horse colt. Has been warm.
      
7 - This forenoon, Bill and I broke prairie with the bulls on his claim. Call had to have them this afternoon. I planted black eyed peas on Mothers claim. Bill planted corn on his. It rained quite hard last right. Mother and I drove over to Mr. Davis this evening. Has been cloudy most all day. I have named Percherons colt Dick.
      
8 - Bill and I have planted beans on Charley Blodgett's breaking today. We planted with sticks. We all went over to Mr. Foster's this evening. This has been a nice day. The corn is growing fast now. I am 23 years old today. The years are beginning to roll around terrible fast. Will be an old man before I know it.
      
9 - I planted beans this forenoon. This afternoon, I went to town and drove the black mule and Nell. I took Tony down to the horse Dr. got some lineament for his leg. I got my new plow that Cornwell and Read got for me. It is a slip lay with rods. Charley and Bill drove up to the Bad Lands and back today, with the bronco and buggy. This has been a warm day.
      
10- I finished planting beans at 5 p.m. There is about 3 acres or over. Bill cultivated and hoed the potatoes in the garden. This has been a warm day.
      
11  I cultivated corn and potatoes today, with Nell, and the spring tooth cultivator. Bill hoed in the garden some today. This afternoon, Mother and Mrs. Mosier went to town with Mary and the buggy. Ed began breaking for Mr. Ross today. He used the bronc. This has been pretty warm day.
      
12 - At 6:30 a.m. Bill and I hitched the Bronk on the buggy and started for the Circle Bar Ranch. and I went to see Mr. Anderson about herding some cattle. He was not at home. We picketed the mare and set down on the bank of the creek and ate our dinner. Arrived home at 3 p.m. The little mare jogged right along. 60 mile trip. We saw 8 antelope. This has been a nice day
      
13  This morning, Bill and I hitched Perch and Princess on the wagon and tied the colt and put him in and started for Chadron. Went 12 miles then let the colt out and follow . Arrived in town at 2 p.m. I fed the team and tended to my business. We then started for George Cram's, 8 miles south of Chadron. Arrived here at 7 p.m. This has been a nice day (Chadron Creek)
      
14 - I put Perch to Arno Jr. this morning, we then started for home. Arrived home at 2 p.m. The colt stood the journey first rate 25 miles today. I
have changed his name to Duke of Perche. Have not done anything this afternoon. Has been terrible warm 100 in the shade. Good breeze. I don't feel very good tonight. (Big Cottomwood)
      
15  I have cultivated corn today, with Nell and the bronc and Mr. Mosiers cultivator. I quit at 5 p.m. Went over to Mr. Davis's and got 570 lb. of corn. Then went over to George Ayers and got 4 pigs, two sows, and two bores weeks old. I am to give him one pump and $5. Was quite late, when I got my chores done. Bill broke on his claim with Lemons bulls. Mother and the Paynes wife went visiting today. Has been 2 fearful warm looks like rain tonight.
      
16  I finished cultivating corn and took the cultivator home this forenoon. Ayers and his wife were here to dinner. This afternoon, I cultivated broom corn. Bill began digging post holes this morning. This has been a warm day.
      
17I finished cultivating the cane and potatoes this morning, or this noon rather. This afternoon, I helped Bill dig post holes.
      
18 - This forenoon, Bill and I dug post holes in the north side. This afternoon, Bill and George Ayers went to the hills hunting with Nell and Old Mary and his wagon. I dug 14 holes. The ground is pretty hard. We need rain bad.
      
19  This morning, Charley and I hitched the bronc on the buggy drove to Whitney and from there to Crossley's. I wanted to see him about some lumber. We then drove up to Crow Butte, picketed the mare and climbed to the top of it. We could look over the whole country. We left there at 3 p.m. arrived here at 4:45 p.m. The Dane and his wife were here visiting this p.m. Bill and Ayers got back without any meat. This has been a terrible hot day. Temp. about 100.
      
20  This forenoon, I bugged potatoes. Bill dug post holes. This afternoon, he helped me finish one patch at 5 p.m. We came up and got supper then set stakes on the west side of the claim. Addie came over at noon and gave me a music lesson. Mother went back with her and spent the afternoon. Has been a cool breeze all day. It is hard on a fellows back to bug potatoes. I guess it is not going to rain any more. The corn is growing good though.
      
21  This morning, Ed and I went to town with the bronc and buggy. Today is election day to vote on County bonds. We voted against them and arrived home at noon. and dug post holes. After dinner, I took Mr. Davis's spud home helped Bill strike out the west line. I then hitched Perch on the shovel plow went through one patch of potatoes. This has been a nice day. A fellow along this evening, on his way to Olrich he is going to stay all night.
      
22 - I hitched Nell and Tom on the wide tire this morning and started for the canyon. Arrived here at 2.30 am. Stopped at Jim's. They have not much lumber in the yard, but I managed to pick out a load - $3.50. This has been a warm day. The roads are terrible dusty. Need rain bad. (Indian creek Canyon)
      
23  I started out in pretty good season and arrived home at 11.30 a.m. This afternoon, I hauled out two loads of posts. The last load, the tire
came off and broke down the wheel of the light wagon. Bill dug holes. It rained a little at 5 p.m., but not half enough. Has been pretty warm today.
Ed began fixing up the hay rake this p.m..
       
24  This afternoon, I distributed posts with Nell and Princess. Then Charley Blodgett to town, he took the 4:20 train for home. Bill dug post holes.
     
25 - This afternoon, I finished hauling the posts 309 in all. Also drew a load of boards and wood from C.P.B's shack. This afternoon, Bill and I went up the cottonwood about 4 ½ miles and got 6 big corner posts. The wind has blown quite hard all day. - It looks like rain every day but cant make it out. Went over to Mr. Davis's this evening, to see about buying his cattle.
      
26  This morning, Bill and I went up to Charley Dutchman's. We hitched up and we drove up to Lone Tree, to see how the grass was. There is not any where we roved last year. Bill shot at an antelope, did not get him. Towards evening, Mother and I drove over Mr. Davis's. I bought his cattle at $460. Am to have then in two or three weeks. This has been a nice day, it rained a very little this eve.
      
27  This forenoon, Bill and I set posts. Ed is fixing up the hay rake. This afternoon, he went to town with the bronc. Bill and I stretched wire. Addie gave me a music lesson this noon. The wind has blown hard all day. It looks like rain every night. The horses are all looking well and gaining.
      
28  This forenoon, Bill and I stretched wire. This afternoon, we set posts. Mother has been over to Mrs. Davis's all day sewing. I went after her this evening, with Tom and the buggy. Ed has worked at the old wagon wheel. This has been a nice day. It is quite cool this eve.
      
29  This forenoon, I went to town with Nell and Princess. Mr. Davis went with me. I bought 453 lb. of barb wire, also some nails and staples. Paid George Gregg $7.00. Ed and Bill finished setting the posts. This afternoon, Bill and I stretched wire till 3 p.m.. It then began to rain, so we quit. It rained quite hard for half an hour. I have got the stomach Ache tonight. We put the bottom wire around the corral this evening.
      
30  I was sick all night - had a terrible stomach ache. Have not felt very good today. Bill and I have stretched wire all day. Ed set the wheels to the hay rake and he went to town this afternoon. It began to rain at 6.30 p.m., when I was after the cows and got me all wet. It is raining quite hard this eve. Has been terrible hot today.
      
July 1  Bill and I stretched wire this forenoon. Bill Cooper and Mr. Demmon of Wyoming came at noon and stopped to dinner with us. They came to look at my mares. After they went away, I helped Bill reel off some wire. I then dragged in the turnips that Ed sowed on his breaking this a.m. It rained some again last night. The corn is growing nice now. I think I have better corn than any body. It is raining now at 9 p.m.
      
2  Bill and I have worked at the pasture fence all day stretching wire and making gates. It lacks one wire for about 100 rods on the north side.
Ed went to town this afternoon. I sent for another spool -121 lb. Thus making 1514 lb. There was a nice rain last night. Was cloudy this a.m. Has been nice.
      
3  Have set around the house all day. Has been pretty warm. I turned the stock in the pasture this morning,. so I know just where to find them now every night.
      
4  Fourth of July Mother and I went to Whitney with Tom and the buggy. Ed rode down with us. Bill stayed at home. They had a pretty good celebration. It was fearful hot through, the middle of the day. Arrived home at 6 p.m. My largest sow died today. I think it was the heat. I had her picketed out. Paid Bill $7.00                
5  Bill has hoed potatoes all day. I tried to break this forenoon, but it was so dry and hard, so I quit. This afternoon, I went through the potatoes with the shovel plow. Also put on some London purple to see if it would idll the bugs. Has been terrible hot today 110 in the sun. I took Perch over to Mr. Davis this evening, to try her. She is all right.
      
6  I have picked potato bugs today. Bill finished hoeing the west patch at 4 p.m.. Then went to pulling weeds in the sorghum patch. They are mostly wild Sun flowers. I am terrible tired tonight. This has been a fearful hot day.
      
7  This forenoon, I went to town with Nell and Tom and got material for a hay rack. When I got back, I found Princess had a colt. It is dark bay and a mare and the crookedist thing I ever saw. But it will straighten up after a little. She foaled 20 days before her time. This afternoon, I drew two loads of wood. Has been fearful hot. It rained quite hard at 7 p.m. and is raining some now at 9 p.m.
      
8  This forenoon, I hauled the weeds out of the broom corn and sorghum with Nell and Tom. This afternoon, I cultivated with Nell. Bill has hoed potatoes and I painted the hay rake this evening. Addie and the German Lady, south of the creek, was here visiting this afternoon. Has been pretty warm.
      
9  This forenoon, I finished cultivating the sorghum with Nelly Bronk. Also made some fans for the hay rake. Bill finished hoeing the potatoes. This afternoon, I dug holes and set 9 posts for a hay yard. Ed began mowing north of Dutch Charlie's today. This evening, Bill and I went over to Mr. Mosiers awhile. This has been a hot day.
      
10  This morning, we hitched Nell and the Bronk on the wagon and Mr. Mosier, Bill and I started up north hunting. We crossed the Dakota line quite a ways and run on to a Black Tail deer. Mosier and I shot him, dressed it and loaded it in. Arrived home at 4 p.m. Had venison for supper. This has been a terrible hot day.
      
11 - I hired Bill $14 per month. He hoed sorghum this forenoon. This afternoon, he and Charley drew two loads of hay down here. I went over to Mr. Davis this morning and got my grind stone and 3 sacks of corn for Ed. I mowed the rest of the day with Nell and the Bronk. Ed went to the Canyon after the hay rack. Bill and I enclosed the hay yard with boards. Has been warm.
      
12  I have mowed all day. I broke both sickle heads. Bill and Charley drew two loads of hay this forenoon. This afternoon, Bill raked and bunched with Tom. Charley drew one load. Has been pretty warm. Ed fixed his hay rack and went to town this afternoon and got one sickle mended.
      
13  I have mowed all day with Nell and the Bronk. I cut about 5 loads. Mother went to town this forenoon, with Tom and the buggy and got the sickle mended. Bill and Charley drew one load and Ed, one load with the mules. This afternoon, Bill raked and bunched. Ed and Charley drew two loads a piece. The team did not sweat much today, there was a good breeze
      
14  At 5 a.m. I hitched Princess on the buggy and started for Chadron and the colt following. I stopped at White river and ate my dinner and rested the colt. Arrived in town at 2 p.m. Has been pretty warm,. Raining this eve. Am going to sleep in the barn. Princess weighs 1400 lb.
               
15  I put Princess, this morning, to Arno. Jr. At 7.30 a.m. I started for home. Got about 7 miles and Princess had the colic. She laid down 6 or 7 times. She got over it after a while. It worked me up quite a bit. I thought she would turn up her toes. I came up the R P track a rays, then came straight west home. Arrived here at 4 p.m. It rained some this a.m. Charles drew two loads yesterday.
      
16  I went over to Mr. Davis's this morning and got Bill's pick. We have worked out my claim all day. It's just north of the house and 12x14 feet. Ed is digging him one. Has been cloudy all day. Ed brought Old Mary home yesterday. Shep went away this morning, has not come home yet.
      
17  We went over to my Mosier's to dinner and spent the afternoon. This eve Nellie am I drove over to Mr. Coopers. Mother went with Mr. Mosier's folks. Arrived home at 11.30 p.m. This has been a nice day.
      
18 - I have mowed all day with Nell and the Bronk. Bill and Ed shook out hay this forenoon. Charley drew one load of hay. This afternoon, Bill
Raked and Ed and Charles drew two loads. I had to tinker the machine a little this morning, where the pitman was mended. There was a good breeze this forenoon was pretty warm this p.m. Bill broke an iron to the rake this evening. Ed uses Perch and the black mule.
      
19 - I have mowed all day. Ed and Charley drew four loads. Bill tinkered with the rake till 3 p.m. We then went to town and got it fixed. It sprinkled a little this afternoon and the wind blew quite hard. I am fearful tired.
 
20  I have mowed. Bill raked and bunched up. Ed and Charley drew two loads Down here this forenoon, which finished the two stacks. There is about 20 tons. This afternoon, they drew two loads to Charlie's house and are going to stack there now. It began to rain at 6:30 p.m. and rained about an hour. Have named Princess's colt Clora B.
      
21  I mowed about two hours this forenoon. One of the sections came off so, I quit. Bill and Charley shook out hay, as it was quite wet. It rained some last night. Ed went to town after his machine. This afternoon, I raked and bunched up hay. Charley and Bill drew one load. It rained a little, so they could not haul any more.
      
22 - I have mowed all day. Ed and Charles drew 7 loads. Bill raked hay and helped their load. Mother went to town this forenoon, with Old Mary and the buggy, to mail a letter for me. It looks very much like rain tonight. This has been a nice day.
      
23  I have helped Mother clean house today. I drove over to George Ayers this morning, to get him to play this eve. Ed and Charley drew 4 loads of hay. Bill raked and bunched and helped them. Has been pretty warm. At 7.3O p.m. The guests began to arrive. Mr. Bliss fiddled and George played the organ. Was the largest party I have had yet. We all had a splendid time. At 7 p.m., I drove over after Nellie.        
       
24  This forenoon, we wrote letters, read the papers, set around and blinked. This afternoon, Bill and I went over to Mr. Mosier's a little while. This has been a terrible hot day; 100 in the shade. Old Nell jumped over the fence this p.m. and did not calculate on the height of it. She cut the inside of her gamble joint open. I sewed it up and bathed it with cold water.
   
25 - Have mowed all day with Tom and the Bronk. Ed mowed with his machine forenoon and broke down this afternoon. Charley drew 4 loads. Bill raked and helped load. I went down to the Danes this evening, with Perch and the Bronk. Perch is all right the Bronk is off. Perch had the belly ache after I got home.
      
26  I hitched Nelly and Bronk to the buggy this morning and started for George Crams, on the head of Chadron Creek. Arrived there at 10 am. Went through the proper proceedings and started for home at 2 p.m. Arrived here at 6:00 p.m. Was pretty warm this afternoon. Received the box of clothes, that Aunt Mandy sent.
     
27 - I finished cutting my oats at 2:30 p.m. I then cut Ed's. I used his mules on the mower. Bill made a stack yard. Ed went to town with Tom and
the buggy. It rained quite hard for half an hour this evening.
      
28  I have worked at my barn all day putting on girts and nailing on boards. Have got the south side on. Bill has mowed all day. Ed tried to mow with his machine, but it would not work. We raked and bunched up this afternoon. Charley 1½ loads. Mr. and Mrs. Mosier was here towards evening, to look at the colts. It has been terrible warm this afternoon.
      
29 - This forenoon, I raked up the oats. Ed tinkered with one of his mule collars. This afternoon, he helped me draw my oats, there was 4 loads.
Bill has mowed all day. Charley drew 3 loads of hay. This has been a nice day.
      
30 - I helped Ed draw his oats this forenoon 1¼ loads. I have not done very much today, have not felt very bunkious. Worked at the barn some and have used all of the lumber. Bill raked and bunched up hay and finished at 4 p.m. Ed worked on the road south of Mr. Mosier's this p.m. Mother went to town after dinner, with Old Mary and the buggy, to mail some letters. Has been pretty warm. There has been a cool breeze.
      
31  Have done nothing much today. Went over to Mr. Mosier's a while this afternoon. It rained quite hard for a half hour this p.m. The thermometer registered 99 in the shade today.
      
August 1  This forenoon, the boys shook out hay and drew one load. I could not mow very much, it being so wet, but was dry enough this afternoon, till 4.30 p.m. It rained just enough to stop me. Ed and Charley drew two loads this p.m.. This evening, I hitched Old Mary on the buggy and went down to the Danes. She is O.K. I left her at Mr. Mosier's. She is going to drive her to town tomorrow.
      
2  I have mowed all day with the gray mule and the bronc. Bill raked and bunched up with Princess and also helped Ed and Charley. They hauled 6 loads today. Has been pretty warm. It sprinkled a little this p.m..
      
3 - I have mowed all day. Bill raked and bunched up and helped Ed and Charley They drew 6 loads. This has been a nice day. Jim was here towards night. Mother went to town this forenoon and got a couple of bolts and washers for me. She brought Shep back with her. He was at Charles Sides.
      
4  I mowed till noon. It then began to rain and rained fearful hard for over an hour. Ed and Charley drew two loads this a.m. Bill raked and I rode
Princess down to the Danes. It was terrible chilly this forenoon and had to walk to keep warm. Is quite chilly this evening.
               
5  This forenoon, I mowed with the mules. Charley shook out hay. Ed and Bill went to town, with the Bronk and buggy. This afternoon, they drew two loads of hay, brought part of a load down here to feed, at 3 p.m. I broke the cutting bar and one guard, so had to quit. This has been, a nice day to work. I will have to go to Chadron tomorrow.
      
6 - At 6.15 a.m. I started for Chadron, with the Bronk and buggy. Arrived in town at 10 a.m. Put up at Montgumers barn. Bought three guards for my mower @ $.40 a piece. Started for home at 12:30 p.m. Arrived here at 5 p.m. Ed and Bill went up west, with both teams, after posts. They got back at 9 p.m. with 20 pine posts. This has been a warm day.

7  Mother went with Mr. Mosier's folks, to the Danes, up on Lone Tree Creek. Bill went also. They shot an antelope. I have laid around the house and tried to keep cool. Has been terrible hot. 102 in the shade and there has been a hot wind all day. It has scorched everything. I went up to Charlie's and got his razor mine, but would not work.
      
8  This forenoon, I went to town and got the sickle mended. Bill mowed. This afternoon, I mowed. Bill raked and bunched up. Ed and Charley drew hay. This has been a nice day. Quite comfortable to work.
      
9  I mowed till 3 p.m. The end of the pitman, got wore so much, it would not cut, so I sent Bill to town with it and I raked till night. Ed and Charley drew hay. This has been a nice day.
      
10 - I have mowed all day with the gray rile and the bronc. Bill raked and bunched up. Ed and Charley drew 6 loads which finished the stack. This
makes 77 tons that I have cut up to date. Has been pretty warm today.
      
11 - I have mowed all day with Old Mary and the gray mule. Ed went to town and Bill raked and bunched up with Princess and helped Charley draw 4 loads. It clouded over at 6 p.m. and is raining some this evening.
      
12  I went up to mow this morning, but it was too wet, so we came back and dug a little, at the cave. Ed and Bill went up again after dinner. At 3 p.m., it began to rain again and rained hard for about half an hour. Mr. Golden was here and wanted to sell me a wind mill. Monte Cooper and Nig Allberry came over this evening and invited me to her party tomorrow eve.
      
13 - Bill has raked, bunched up hay and helped Charley draw. Ed went to town and had new fills put in and a new back. I mowed this afternoon till
4 p.m. This evening, Nellie and I went over to Coopers. We danced, played cards, visited etc.
      
14  Arrived home at 4 a.m. Mother and Bill went up to Lone Tree with Mr. Mosier's folks. At 7 a.m.. I hitched Princess in the buggy and started for George Crams. Arrived here at 7 p.m., went through the proper proceedings this eve. I had one water melon and all the plumbs I could eat. This has been a warm day.
      
15 - At 6:00 a.m. I started for home. Arrived here at 1:30 p.m. I wrote a letter and read the papers the balance of the afternoon. It began to rain
at 4:1 and rained hard for an hour. Mother drove up to Mrs. Payne's with Nell and the buggy and got all wet. Ed started to mow today, but some one rustled the machine oil, so he had to quit.
      
16 - This forenoon, I went to town, with the bronc and buggy and had the pitman fixed and got some oil. This afternoon, I mowed while Bill and Charley drew hay. Ed went to town. This has been a nice day.
      
17 - I have mowed all day with the gray mule and Old Mary. Bill raked and bunched up and helped Charley draw. We finished his stack this evening. Ed went to town again today and he took Pete down, as he sold him to Call Lemon. It looks like rain tonight, as there is a lot of hay out. I presume it will.
     
18  We went up to work this morning, but it rained a little, so we came home and took both teams down to C.P.B's shack and began mowing it. We got it pretty near up here, this afternoon, but at 5 p.m., it began to rain and hail. Great guns, how it did hail. It broke one pain of glass and striped the corn and potatoes and everything else pretty bad. Has all cleared off this eve.
      
19  This forenoon, Bill and I dug post holes for my cattle shed. Jim and Mr. Carver were here to dinner. This afternoon, we got the shack up here. We set it north of the house about 4 rods. Am going to use it for a shop. We put a dirt roof on it. This has been a pleasant day but quite warm.
      
20 - This forenoon, Bill and I went up the creek with both teams and got 2 loads of wood. This afternoon, we went up to Charles and hauled 4 loads of hay, he helped us. Ed went to town. Has been cloudy most all day.
      
21  Have done nothing, but chores today and read the papers. Mr. Mosier's folks were here towards night. This has been a nice day.
      
22  I have worked on the road today, with Perch and Princess. We made the approaches to the new bridge. Has been cloudy all day. Mother went to town with Old Mary and the buggy and got another spool of wire 99 lb. Has been a little chilly all day. Bill finished digging the holes for the shed and dug at the cave.
      
23 - It rained about all night and until 9 a.m. Bill and I have dug at the cave. I rode Tom up to John Antram's after dinner. There has been a
drizzling rain most all day and is raining a little this evening. We moved the stove in the west room this afternoon.
      
24 - It rained about all night. Ed, Bill and I went up the Creek after some logs for our caves. We could not find anything that suited us so, we brought back two loads of wood. This afternoon, we cut wood. Has been cloudy all day.
      
25 - I hitched the Bronk on the buggy this morning and drove up to Andrew Crossley's to see him about some lumber. Orton Mosier went with me. Arrived home at 4 p.m. Bill dug at the cave today. It rained again last night. Ed went to Ash creek canyon after a load of logs.
      
26  This forenoon, I went to town, with Perch and Tom. Took Currie and Hitchcock 16 gal. of vinegar @ $.25 per gallon. Bill began cutting up corn this morning. It rained again last night and the roads were quite sticky. This afternoon, Mother took me to town with Tom and the buggy. I took the 5:30 train for Chadron. Arrived here at 6.30 p.m. Put up at the Delmonica House.
               
27  This morning, I saw Jim Tucker about Charley Blodgett's proof, as there was something wrong with it. I took the 7:20 train for home. Mother met me at the train, with Old Mary and the buggy. I bought me a new hat for $3. This afternoon, I went down to the Danes, with Perch, to try her. I then helped Bill cut up corn. This has been a nice day. Everything looks green since the rain.
      
28  Have wrote letters, read the papers and set around. Went over to Mr. Ross's a little while this afternoon,. Mother and Mrs. Mosier drove over to Mrs. Carsleys towards night. Ed and Bill went hunting up on Lone Tree. They had there usual luck, as they came back empty. This has been a nice day.
      
29  Mr. Mosier and I started for Dry Dead Horse with our teams this morning. Mrs. Mosier and Mother, followed up the rear with Old Mary and the buggy. We Gillispies on our way and he said we could not get lumber there, so we headed for Ash Creek Canyon. Before we got there it rained fearful hard, for an hour. We ate lunch on Ash Creek. Arrived here 4:30 p.m. We built a good fire and got our supper.
      
30  I cut 5 dry logs and loaded them. Mr. Mosier put on some lumber and wood. We picked plumbs and wild grapes, all down the canyon. We came through Whitney. Arrived home at 5.30 p.m. Mother got here a little later. This has been a nice day, although pretty warm. Bill cut corn.

31 - It rained a little last night. Bill and I have cut up corn all day. Has been warm.
      
September 1  It rained all night and until 6.30 a.m. Bill and I put the logs around cave. After dinner, Ed and I started for the canyon. When we got to the creek, we Uncle Charley Selleck and Frank Knapp, so we came home. Ed went to town after their trunk. It rained this afternoon and is a little chilly this evening.

2  Ed and Bill went to the timber, with both teams, after logs. I fixed the gate, down by the creek, this morning and stuck a barb wire in my eye.
It was pretty sore all day. We then walked around some. This afternoon, Frank and I , went to town, with Tom and the buggy and got a lot of ammunition. Also borrowed a Sharps rifle. This has been a nice day. We calculate to start on a hunt tomorrow.
      
3  This forenoon, we tinkered around. The boys got back at noon. By 3 p.m. we was all loaded and ready to start. We drove Tom and the Bronk. Bill went with us. We are now camped in Lone Tree Canyon. We had fried duck for our supper. Has been a nice day.
      
4  We started at 6:00 a.m. and drove northwest. We saw three antelope but they were too sharp for us. We got to the Circle Bar ranch at noon. We got dinner and looked around some and started west up Indian Creek. We are now camped about I0 miles from Circle Bar. This has been a nice day.
      
5  At 5.30 a.m. We started northwest about 5 miles and the boys tried to make a sneak on two antelopes and they got away all safe. We then went east and saw 7 more, but they were to far away. Arrived at Flat Creek at noon. After dinner we drove up to the Circle Bar and watched them rope ponies in the corral. We then drove over southeast, west of Sugar Loaf and have camped for the night, Boss weather.
      
6 - At 5.30 a.m. we pulled out for home, came by Sugar Load. Arrived here at 10.30 a.m.. Did not do much this afternoon. Ed began mowing today. This has been a nice day.
      
7  This forenoon, Uncle Charley helped me set some posts, for my log barn. This afternoon, I hitched up Perch, Old Mary. Uncle Charley and I started for Ash Creek Canyon. Arrived here a little after dark. We have built a camp fire, ate our supper and are now ready to roll in. The wind has blown pretty hard, half the afternoon.
      
8  We put on a load of winnie eged boards for which I paid two dollars and started home. Came by Whitney. Arrived here at 1 p.m.. This afternoon, I worked at my cave. Mr. Golden was here a little while. Ed and Bill worked at the hay. It rained a little at 5 p.m.
      
9  This forenoon, Uncle Charles and I went to town, with Tom and the buggy. This afternoon, Mother, Uncle Charley and Frank went over to the Bad Lands about 4 miles southwest. I worked at the cave; also went over to see Mr. Ross. Has been cloudy this afternoon,. Ed and Bill worked at the hay.
      
10 - Uncle Charles Frank and I went to the Bad Lands today. Drove Tom and the Bronk. We got a few specimens and saw 9 antelope. Arrived home at 8.30 p.m. We are all pretty near done up tonight. Has been warm We killed a jack rabbit and one rattle snake. Ed and Bill worked at the hay.
      
11 - Uncle Charley and I drove down to Mr. Golden's this forenoon, to look at his cattle. He has some nice ones. Mrs. Mosier, Miss Fannie and Monte Cooper were here this afternoon. This has been a nice day.
      
12 - Frank and I drove down to Chadron today, with the Bronk and buggy. Was pleasant going down, but at noon the wind began to blow, and was fearful dusty, till we struck the gumbo. It was also pretty chilly. Arrived home at 6 p.m. A fire is quite comfortable this evening.
      
13  We went to Fort Robinson today. Bill went also. Drove Tom and Old Nell and went through Crawford. Arrived at the Fort at 10.30 and we stayed 2.30 p.m.. Seen them drill and parade. Arrived home at 5:45 p.m. This has been a pleasant day.
      
14 - I mowed today, with Nell and the Bronk. The grass is not very good where the hail struck it. Uncle Charley came up at noon, with Tom and
raked hay. Bill and Frank went over on the Little Cottomwood after buffalo berries. They got 10 quarts. Bill could not find the cattle tonight.
This has been a nice day. We have pretty cool nights now. Ed began plowing for Gillispie today.
      
15  I have mowed all day with Nell and Mary. Uncle Charley helped Charley draw two loads of hay, this forenoon. Bill fixed the fence where the cattle got out and raked hay this afternoon. Frank rode the Bronk to Fort Robinson today. I am tired tonight.
      
16  We went to Crow Butte today and took in the sights. Arrived home at 4:30 p.m. Frank and Uncle Charley, then began getting their things together. I gave my Elk horns to Uncle Charley. Bill mowed this forenoon and raked this afternoon. The wind has blown quite hard all day.
        
17 - After dinner I took Frank and Uncle Charley to town. They took the 4:20 p.m. train for home. Uncle Charley made me a present of $20. He is to get me a saddle and bridle in Chicago. Bill has worked at the hay today. Ed got back this evening. This has been a nice day.......... cool breeze.
      
18  I got up the mares and colts this morning. Duke is pretty near blind in one eye. I hauled a load of hay down to the barn to feed . This afternoon, Mother and I went down to the Danes. I got my cutting box. The wind has blown hard all day.
      
19  I finished cutting Charlie's millet at 7 p.m.,. then went to cutting hay. I run out of oil at 4 p.m., so had to quit. I came home and chored
around. Bill went to Chadron with the Bronk and buggy, to fix up Charley Blodgett's proof. He got back at dark. Has been pretty windy.
      
20  This forenoon, I chored around. After dinner, I hitched up Nell and Tom, and started for Ash creek. Arrived here at 4 p.m. Has been cloudy all day and looks like rain. Have made my bed in the wagon box and I will now roll in.
       
21 Crossley had some lumber at the mill and a few logs. 1 waited till they sawed out some more. I put on about 500 feet and started home. Came
home by the way of Whitney. Received my saddle, that Uncle Charley got for me, that he bought in Chadron. It is a dandy. Arrived home at 3 p.m.
Bill finished my stack and his yesterday. He nailed some boards on the barn this eve. It all cleared off at 10 a.m.
     
22 - It rained some last night and this morning and has been misty most all day and chilly. I hitched up Perch and Princess this morning and started
for the Fair at Chadron. Arrived in town at 4 p.m., put the mares and colts in Oleson' s barn and went over to the fair grounds a little while. I put at the barn.
      
23  I took the mares and colts over to the fair this morning and entered them. I brought then back to the barn this evening, as the sheds on the
grounds were not very substantial. Thought they might blow over. This has been a nice pleasant day. The fair is not a very grand affair, but does
very well for this new country. The vegetable department is full and the nicest I ever saw.
      
24 - I got first premium on Duke and on the mares. I brought them down to the barn this evening. Did not intend to come home till tomorrow, but a couple of fellows wanted to go to Whitney, so I offered to accommodate for three dollars. We started at 6.30 p.m. got to Whitney about midnight
I then came on home, and rolled in to bed. Has been a splendid day.
      
25  Have not done much. I painted the ventilator to the cave, wrote some letters etc. Bill, went to the Bad Lands with Mr. Mosier's folks. It rained quite hard for a little while this afternoon.
      
26 I stripped the sorghum today and Bill helped to. This has been a nice day.
      
27  This morning, I saddled the Bronk and went to town arrived home at 10 a.m. I then nailed some boards on the barn. This afternoon, I cut up the sorghum. Bill went up the creek and cut a bundle of willows. There was quite a frost last night. This has been a nice day.
      
28  This forenoon, I tied up the sorghum. Put a box in the creek bed, so the stock can drink. Also worked at the barn a little. Mother and Bill went buffalo berrying, in the wagon, over on the little Cottonwood. Mrs. Mosier went with them. They got back at noon, but the berries was all gone. This afternoon, Bill and I cut the sod corn. It will make good fodder. There is no corn in it. Temperature at 5 a.m -32 degrees. Nice day
      
29 This forenoon, Bill and I husked corn. We picked it off from the stalk and through it in the wagon. This afternoon, we loaded the sorghum on the wagon and drew it to the house . Mother and Ed went to town, with Tom and the Buggy. This has been a nice day. Mr. Boss and Mrs. McMullen were here this evening, also Hiram.
      
30  This forenoon, Bill and I went up the creek and got a load of willows, to bind stalks with. This afternoon, we husked corn. It is all nubbins and few in a stock. Was Pretty warm today The nights are cool.
      
October 1  This forenoon, Bill and I took the sorghum down to Dave Green's 2½ miles east of town. there was two loads. Arrived home at 4 p.m. This has been a nice, pleasant day
      
2  Have done nothing much. Mother and I walked down to the creek and back. This afternoon, I took a ride on the Bronk. It rained quite hard for a little while last night. Has been cool all day.
      
3  I hired Bill at $14 per month. I hitched up Perch and Nell and started for Chadron. Arrived here at 2 p.m.   I went up to where they are building the Courthouse, to see about hauling stone. They pay $1.00 per load. I bought some dump board for $1.00. I will try it tomorrow and see how it goes. This has been a nice day. I had a new hind bolster put on my wagon for $2
                                                                 
4 - I got out bright and early this morning and by 1:30 p.m., I had two loads of rock hauled and concluded it as to hard work, for a little money. After dinner I saw a man by the name of Ben Coleman, that wanted some beer hauled, down in the sand hills, on the B & M grade. I loaded up this afternoon, he was to pay me $16 and grub me and my team both ways. This has been a nice day.
      
5- At 5 a.m. we started on our journey; four teams of us. We camped for dinner in Chadron Creek Canyon. Got on the table at 3 p.m.. There, loaded on some potatoes and wood. We got to Pepper Greek at 8 p.m. and are now camped for the night. This has been a nice day but has grown colder this evening and clouded over. We have had our bread, sow belly and coffee and will now roll up in our blankets and go to sleep.

6 - We pulled out early this morning and made about 16 or 18 miles before dinner. We passed through Box Butte City this afternoon, a place of about one half dozen inhabitants. We have stopped at a young rangers this evening. We cooked our dinner on his stove. Has been partially cloudy and cold. The wind blew and filled my eyes full of dust. Will sleep in the soft side of  a hay stack tonight.
      
7  We struck the B & M grade at 10 a.m. and have followed it all day. We have made camp for the night, in the bank of a little lake, just east of
Hammonds and Jones rail road camp. Has been cold and cloudy all day.

8 - It rained a little last night. We have pulled down the grade all day. It was up hill. and sand belly deep, though we have stopped at Clark
Colemans saloon tonight. The Old man's son. This has been the hardest days pull we have had. It cleared off this afternoon.
      
9 - There was a terrible hard frost last night. I very near froze. I had to get up at 4 a.m. and go in the saloon. I caught a cold. We got to our
destination, at 2:30 p.m.. There is quite a camp here. The head contractors of the road are here. This has been a nice day. We came through some
pretty bad sand today, had to double up once. The teams are tired. It has clouded over tonight. This is about 100 miles from Chadron.
      
10 - The Old Man paid me $17 and gave me grain and chuck to last me back. So I pulled out. I got to Hammonds and Jones camp this evening. Made 30 miles. I cooked my sow belly and coffee and will now get to bed in the wagon box. This has been a nice day.
      
11 - I started out at sunrise this morning, got out of the sand hills at 10 a.m. I have camped for the night, where we ate dinner the second day out.
It is 40 miles to Chadron. This has been a nice pleasant day.
      
12 - I pulled out about midnight and got to Running Water by day light and to Pepper Creek about 7 a.m. I then fed the team and cooked my breakfast, then started on. Arrived here, in Chadron, at t30 p.m. I put the team in Ole Olson's barn. This has been a nice day. Was terrible cold last night and was chilly all forenoon. It is now 5:30 p.m. and I am going to bed.
      
13  I put in 12 hours of sleep last night. At 10 a.m. I started for home. Arrived here at 4 p.m. Everything is in just as good shape as if I had
been here. Bill has the potatoes most dug. Has been a nice day.
      
14  This forenoon, Bill and I finished plowing out the potatoes and drew no load this afternoon. We finished drawing them. There is 68 bushels in the cave. Mother went to town, with Nell and the buggy. Bill and I also sawed and split some wood.
      
15 - Bill and I have husked corn. We finished husking the shocks at 4 p.m. we then made a door for the cave and plastered up around the casing. Mother and Mrs. Mosier went over on the Little Cottonwood this afternoon, for some squash. Has been cloudy and windy and chilly.
      
16  Have set around all day. I put the south windows in the barn. Has been partially cloudy. Marion was over this evening.
      
17  It was cold and frosty this morning. Very near a snow. I got up all the horses and put them in the barn. It all cleared off at 10 a.m. Bill
and I hauled 5 loads of dirt, from the front of the house and put it on the barn this forenoon and three loads this afternoon.
      
18  We hauled 4 loads this forenoon. Bill rode the Bronk to town this a.m. We finished the barn roof at 3 p.m.. There is 13 loads of dirt on it. I
then drew in, what little corn there was out. I am terrible tired tonight. This has been a nice day. The nights are pretty cold now.         

19 - Bill and I picked one load of corn this forenoon. The wind blew so hard, we had to quit. The rest of the day, I mended the harness and tinkered around. The wind has blown fearful hard all day and has been cold.
      
20  This forenoon, we finished picking corn. I put it all in the cave and there is darn little of it. This afternoon, we hauled three loads of stalks
Has been pretty windy today and chilly.
      
21  This forenoon, Ed and I pulled the turnips and hauled one load. I went to town this afternoon. Went down to Green's to see about the sorghum and it is not done yet. Bill helped Mr. Mosier today; pull trees. Has been partially cloudy and cold. We drew the balance of the turnips this eve. There is 27 bushels in all.
      
22 - It rained a good deal last night, until noon. It then cleared off, partially and began raining again at 3 p.m. It is snowing quite hard now.
8 p.m.. John Antram and Bill Thornbergh came along from town, at 7.30 p.m. They are a little full and they could not find there way home, so are going to stay all night. I have tinkered around at odd jobs all day.
      
23  It has snowed and blowed all day. I have tinkered around all day doing chores etc. We made a manger in the north half of the stable for the cattle and mules and tied them in this eve.
      
24 - The weather took a severe cold last night. The thermometer registered 9 degrees below zero this morning and has been cold all day. There is about four inches of snow on the ground. Bill and I went up the creek with two teams and got a couple of loads of wood. Ed went to town on the bronc. It is 4 below this eve. I never saw such cold weather in October. Cloudy day.
      
25 - This forenoon, Ed and I tore down Mothers barn on her claim and hauled it down here. We thought we could make better use of it here than having it there. This afternoon, we nailed on the east end of the barn. Temperature 4 below. Mr. and Mrs. Mosier were here this evening.
      
26  I have worked at the barn all day making doors. Bill helped me this forenoon, he went to town this afternoon, with Mr. Mosier. Ed and hauled a load of wood today. l2 above zero this a.m.. and 30 this eve. Pleasant day.
      
27 This forenoon, Bill and I worked at the barn making doors. We are making slide doors. We made some patent rollers This afternoon, I rode the Bronk to town. was pretty muddy. Has been quite warm today.
      
28 Bill and I finished the barn doors and began a privy. This has been a nice warm day. Temperature 46 this evening.
      
29 - Ed and I went to Fort Robinson this morning. He rode a mule and I the Bronk. We got there at 9 a.m. There was a sale of horses, mules, old harnesses etc. I did not buy anything. Arrived home at 4 p.m. and Ed at 8.30 p.m.
      
30  I wrote 4 letters today. Mother and I drove to Mr. Ross's towards night and spent the evening. Has been a beautiful day. Temperature about 6o
               
31  I hitched Tom and Nell to the wagon this morning and started for Chadron. Arrived in town at 2:30 p.m. Paid my real estate tax for 1886. Was through, a mistake, that it was not paid last spring. $5.15. Bought me a pair of shoes $5.00 and tended to some other business. Has been a nice day.
      
November 1  I bought 171 lb. of "Plaster of Paris" and one bushel of lime $3.55. Started for home at 8:15 a.m. Arrived here at 3 p.m.. I rode the bronc over to Mr. Ross's and borrowed his trowel. I also took some battens off of the house, as we are going to plaster up the cracks. Mother went to town today, with Old Mary and the carriage. This has been a nice pleasant day. Regular summer weather.
      
2  This forenoon, Bill and I plastered up cracks in the house. This afternoon, I rode the Bronk to Whitney. Looked at Mr. Carpenters and Coopers cattle. I bought 10 cows and 5 two year olds. They are a fine bunch of cattle. I had 60 to pick from. 0.A. Baker helped me drive them home. This has been a nice day. Paid $30 for the cows each and $25 each for the two year olds.
      
3  Ed and Bill began plowing for C.S. Carter today, with two teams. Mother went to town this afternoon, with Tom and the buggy, to mail some letters and transact some other business. I have plastered up cracks in the house, or rather, on the outside. After doing the chores, there is not much time for doing anything else. There is 10 cows to milk. Has been a nice pleasant day.
      
4  This forenoon, I rode Nellie Bronk, over where the boys were plowing on the Little Cottonwood. Took some groceries over this afternoon,. I plastered at the house and tended to chores. This has been a nice day. Splendid for this time of year.
      
5 - Have plastered all day. and done chores. Ed and Bill got back this eve. They did not quite finish. We went down to Mr. Mosier's this evening and played Euchre. This has been a warm day. Temperature 72 in shade. I drove 7 head of horses in my pasture this morning. Don't know to whom they belong. There are 6 of them branded ES and one has no brand.
      
6 - This morning, I hitched Perch on the carriage and drove down to the Danes. He was a couple miles east, cutting up corn, so I drove over there to see him. Arrived home at 2 p.m. Marion Gaston and Hiram Ross were here to dinner. This has been a nice day.
      
7  Ed and Bill went over to Carter's this a.m. to plow. I have plastered at the house, when I was not herding the cattle. They were bound to go where I did not want them too. It looks cloudy and like storm tonight. Has been a nice day.
      
8  I rode the bronc to Whitney this morning and cast my vote, as this is election day for County offices. Ed and Bill got back at 10 am. They finished plowing 10 acres for Carter @ $2 an acre. It was cold and cloudy this morning, but cleared off after a little and has been a nice day. Ed and Bill went to town this p.m. with Tom and the carriage. I advertised the bay for sale.
    
9  Ed and Bill went to Ash Creek this a.m., with two teams, after lumber. I have plastered up cracks on the outside of the house and done chores.
This has been a nice pleasant day.
               
10 - I finished plastering the outside of the house today, that is, as far as I could reach with the ladder. Ed and Bill got back at 3.30 p.m. and broke a
wheel, so he hitched his mules on ahead. They could not get lumber, so they got logs. This has been a warm day. Mother and Mrs. Mosier went visiting this afternoon, over on the other side of the creek.
      
11  I took up 6 head of horses this morning,. I rode the Bronk to town and advertised them. Ed and Bill started for Ash Creek after dinner with both teams. This afternoon, I began sorting my potatoes, as a good many of them froze, that cold snap we had last month. Has been warm today. 70 in shade.
      
12  The boys got back at 2 p.m. Ed with logs and Bill with 2 x 4s for which I paid $2. We sorted potatoes. Mother went to town this afternoon, with Tom and the carriage. She took down 14 lb. of butter received $.25 per lb.. It clouded over this afternoon, and is colder this eve.
      
13  Mrs. Mosier, Nellie and the children were here visiting today. Has been quite chilly and looks as if it might storm if it tried hard. Ed began his barn today.
      
14  Ed and Bill started for Schofields mill this morning. I finished sorting the potatoes and cleaning out the cave at noon. This afternoon is 70 in shade
      
15  I made a miscalculation. It was this noon that I finished. This afternoon, I rode the Bronk down to the preemption and got the hinges, that was on the barn door. I then made a double door for the cave. The boys got back at 4 p.m. with two loads of logs. This has been a nice day. Marion came over this eve and we all went down to Mr. Mosier's and played cards.
      
16  Ed and Bill started for Ash Greek this morning. This forenoon, I had to run after the cattle a good deal, also dug three post holes where I am going to build my shed. This afternoon, I set the posts and tinkered around, done chores etc. Temperature 28 this a.m. has been cold and cloudy.
      
17  I have dug post holes and worked at the shed today. Mother went to town at 10.30 a.m. with Old Mary and the carriage. The boys got back at 1:30 with logs. I got dinner. It snowed up in the hills last night and looked pretty stormy here this a.m.. but cleared off after awhile. Has been cold.
      
18  The boys went to the timber again this a.m. I had Bill go up to Schofields mill to see about trading the wide tire. I went up to Charlie's
this a.m. and borrowed his wash boiler. I have helped Mother wash some and worked at the shed a little. There has been, a strong wind blowing all day.
      
19  Charley came down and helped me at the shed today. We laid up logs on the north side. It is between the stack yard and the west fence - 20 X 60 feet. The boys got back at 4 p.m. Ed with logs and Bill with poles, for the roof. An old gentleman, by the name of May, came with them to look at Ed's preemption. Is going to stay over Sunday. Has been partially cloudy and chilly.
      
20  Mr. and Mrs. Ayers and children were here visiting today. Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Carpenter came, as we were eating dinner and spent the afternoon. This has been a nice pleasant day.
      
21 - Bill and I have laid up logs all day. Ed and Dutch Charley went to town also Mr. May. Mother drove down to Rassmussens with Old Mary and the buggy. This has been a beautiful day and warm.
               
22  Bill and I have worked at the shed today. We have finished 42 feet of it. We need two more loads of logs and one or two of poles. Has been pretty cold and snowed a little at odd times during the day. Temperature at noon 8 and the same this evening.
      
23  This forenoon, Bill and I drew two loads of hay for the stacks up by Dutch Charlie's and put them on the shed. This afternoon, we chinked up cracks and chored around. Has been cold and cloudy, looks like winter.
      
24 - Thanksgiving Day - Bill and I mudded up cracks in the shed today and chored around. Marion and Hiram were here today. Was cloudy this forenoon, but cleared at 2 p.m. We went down to Mr. Mosier's this evening and played cards.
      
25 - This forenoon, Mother and I went to town. with Tom and the buggy. Took down l9 lb.. of butter @ $.25 per lb.. Ed and Bill went up the creek and got a load of green cotton wood. Has snowed a little all day. Wind in the northeast. I got my stray range horses up in the corral this afternoon as it is too stormy out in the pasture
      
26  It snowed and blowed all last right. Ed went to town today, with the sleighs. I drove the cattle down to the creek for water this a.m. It is pretty hard work to draw water out of the well for so many. Bill shoveled more dirt on the cave. Temp this morning 3 below zero, and this eve is
22 below. There has been a circle and 3 sun dogs around the sun.
      
27 - This forenoon, Bill and I hitched Tom and the bronc on the bobs and took one of the sows over to Mr. Carsleys. This afternoon, Mother and I drove over to Mr. Ayers. Nellie Mosier went with us. It is pretty good sleighing outside of  the track. Temperature this a.m. 20 below. Has been below all day, but this evening, it has moderated and is 12 above. Has been pleasant.
      
28  Ed and Bill went up the creek and got two loads of wood. I got some corn, potatoes, turnips etc. out of the cave and shut it up again. I went down to Mr. Mosier a little while. This afternoon, I put wire on the south side of the hay yard. Temperature this a.m. 2 below  30 above at noon. 2 below this eve. Has been a nice day.
      
29 - Bill went after a load of dry wood today. I hauled out 4 loads of manure and fixed it so it could not rattle down in front of the door. Temperature this evening, 3 above. This has been a nice day, but cool. Mr. Mosier's folks were here this eve, also Marion. We all played Euchre and we all got beat.
      
30  This forenoon, Bill took the other sow over to Mr. Carsleys and drew one load of hay. Ed and I fixed the fence, around the stack yard. This eve I hitched Tom and Nell on the sleighs and drove to Whitney accompanied by Nellie Mosier. Mrs. Mosier also went. Pete Cooper and Cora Smith also C.A. Baker and Fannie Cooper were married at 7.30. We had supper at the hotel and danced afterwards.         

December 1  Mr. Marohl the owner of the horses, that I took up. came here this forenoon and is going to stay over night. This afternoon, Bill and I went over to Mr. Carsleys and got the sow. Also drew one load of hay. Has thawed a good deal. Temp this evening, 22 above.
      
2  Mr. Marohl went away with his horses this morning, he paid me $14.  Ed went to Crawford on his mule. Bill drew a load of green cottonwood. I hauled down a load of hay and helped Mother. This has been a nice day.
      
3 - Bill hauled a load of wood today. It began to snow this morning and blew and has been pretty near a blizzard. Although it was not so very cold.
Charley Holden came along towards night and is going to stay here over night. I helped Mother wash.
      
4 - This has been a nice pleasant day. Temp this a.m. 4 above. Mrs. Ayers and the children were here a little while this forenoon. Mr. and Mrs. Wall were here this evening.
      
5 - Mother and I went to town this forenoon, in the bobs. I drove Tom and Princess. Mrs. Mosier went with us. The sleighing is about all gone. Took down 12 lb. of butter @$.25. Bill hauled a load of wood. This afternoon, we hauled down a load of hay. Has not been very cold today.
      
6  Ed and Bill drew two loads of green cottonwood today. I plastered up cracks in the front room. This has been a nice day and warm. Bill and I
went down to Mr. Mosiers this evening. There is a party of them going on a weeks hunt tomorrow. Bill is going with my team,.
      
7 - We rolled out early this morning. Bill hitched Perch and Nell on the wide tire and drove down to Mr. Mosier's. They started from there on their hunting expedition. I had a tooth ache last night, so I saddled the Bronk and started for Chadron. Arrived there at 8.15 a.m. Went to a dentist and had my tooth yanked out $1.00. Came home by the way of Whitney. Arrived here at 3:30. This has been a nice day.
      
8 - This forenoon, Ed and I hauled a load of hay. We went down to Mr. Mosier after dinner as the Bull hooked one of his mares. We could not do anything so I rode the bronc over to Bill Coopers and he came back with me. We concluded not to sew it up, but let it alone. Has been cloudy but not cold.
      
9 I plastered up some cracks in the house and helped Mother today. Ed went to town and was gone all day. This has been a nice day.
      
10  Ed and I drew a load of hay this morning. I went down to Mr. Mosier's a minute or two. Have helped Mother the balance of the day, papering the front room. This has been a pleasant day Temperature about 40.
      
11  Mother and I spent the day at Mr. Mosiers. Has been a nice day. Mr. Ross, Bridgett and Hiram were here this evening.
      
12  I drove to town in the wagon with Tom and Princess this forenoon. Too my buggy down to the shop to be repaired. This afternoon, I went up to Mother's shack and brought the mowing machine down. Also hauled a barrel of water for Mrs. Mosier. She helped Mother iron today. Has been cloudy and quite cold. Ed oiled his harness.
          
13  I rode the Bronk to town and back this morning, to mail some letters. She bucked me off when I first got on. It snowed about three inches last night. This afternoon, Ed and I hauled a load of hay. This has been a pleasant day, but cold. 10 above this morning. Nellie came up after us this evening, as Orton had a spasm. We stayed about an hour. He then got better.
      
14 I helped Mother put down carpet in the front room today. Tended to my chores and so forth. This has been a nice day.
      
15 - Ed took a load of Call's hay up to him today. I hauled a barrel of water for Mrs. Mosier and have drawn manure the balance of the day. Has been nice and pleasant. Marion came over this evening. We then went down to Mr.. Mosier's and played cards.

16 - I hauled, a barrel of water for Mrs. Mosier this noon. I finished hauling the horse manure today, on the bobs. Bill got back at 3.30 p.m. with one deer. Ed got back just at dark, with a load of wood. Has been a nice day.
      
17  Bill went up the Cottonwood after a load of green wood. I hauled a load of hay down and drew out three loads of manure from the north side of the barn. This has been a nice warm day.

18 - Has been a warm thawing day. I saddled my bronc after dinner, rode down on the preemption to see how things were there. Stopped at Mr. Mosiers, coming back and spent the evening.
      
19 - Bill and I intended to go to the timber today, after logs, but it began to snow and blow this morning, so we thought we had not better go. Has been a young blizzard all day. We have washed and oiled harnesses. Temperature this evening, 3 degrees below zero.
      
20  Was terrible cold last night. There has been a strong northwest wind all day. Did not look so very cold, but it would just about take the face off from a person. Bill and I have washed and oiled harness today. Could not finish, as I run out of oil. Temp this a.m. 4 below. this eve 6 below. The wind makes it seem colder.
      
21  I rode the Bronk to town this forenoon and got the mail and a half gallon of "Neats" boot oil. $.50 I oiled harness this afternoon. Bill had done chores, worked at his deer skin and put the harness together. This evening, we went over to Mr. Ayers and spent the evening. Mrs. Mosier and Nellie also went. Temperature this a.m. 2 above. Has been pretty cold all day.

22  This forenoon, I made a chicken coop in the northeast corner of the cattle shed. Bill cut wood. This afternoon, we took one of the sows down to Arnbruster, but brought her back again. I also oiled harness. Temperature this a.m. 24 Has been warm all day. It snowed a little this morning.
      
23  At 11 a.m. Mother and I went to town in the wagon. We took dinner at Mr.. Carpenter's. Arrived home at sun down. Bill hauled a load of green wood. I oiled harness this evening. This has been a nice day. The wind has blown quite chilly. Duke has the distemper pretty bad.
          
24  I put the other harness together and fixed it some. Have helped Mother the balance of the day, churning, cutting mince meat etc. Bill drew a load of' wood today. Ed went to Crawford today and got back at dark. Marion was here this eve. Bill and I scrubbed the kitchen floor this evening. Has been warm..
      
25  Christmas We have tended to our chores, ate our Christmas dinner etc. Marion was here today. It snowed a little this morning, also a little towards night. Has not been very cold. Bill and I went down to Mr. Mosier's and spent the evening.

26  I rode the Bronk to town this forenoon and mailed some letters. This afternoon, Bill and I hauled Down a load of hay. Temperature this morning, 14 degrees above and this evening, just zero. Has been cold and stormy all day.
      
27  This forenoon, I hauled a load of hay. This afternoon, I drew a load of corn stalks that Charley gave me. Bill has cut wood. Ed went to town. This evening, Bill and I hitched Nell and Princess on the bobs. Drove down to Mr. Mosier's and we all went over to Mr. Carsleys and spent the evening. Not very good sleighing. Temp this a.m. 24 below; zero and now at midnight is 20 below.
      
28  Aside from chores, I have sewed up the tugs to the harness, where they were ripped. Bill hauled a load of wood with Nell and Princess. Temp this a.m. 24 degrees below. at noon 10 above. this evening, 24 below. Has been a pleasant day, but cold. Tom and Perch have the distemper now.
      
29 - I have mended harness all day. Bill has cut wood. Ed took a load of Calls hay up to him today. Temp at 7 a.m. 6 degrees below zero. 20 above at noon and 8 above this evening. This has been a nice day. Has clouded over this evening.
      
30  I have mended harness all day. Bill cut wood and done chores. Was quite warm this morning; 12 above, but at 10 a.m., it began to blow and snow and grow colder and turned in to a genuine blizzard before night. Temp this evening, 14 below zero.
      
31  I finished mending harness and mended my shoes. Has been blizzards all day. The wind blew fearful. Is pretty hard on the stock that is out.
Temp this morning, 6 degrees below zero. Marion came over this evening and we went down to Mr. Mosiers a little while. Well another year has come to an end. Have not had very bad luck, nor so very much good luck.
                                                          

(C) 2003 Robin Mosier for the Dawes County NEGenWeb Project