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Charles Selleck's Diary of 1886
Submitted by Steve Trumbo at trumbo@comcast.net


January 1 -- Well this is the beginning of another new year and finds me on section 21 Township 33. Range 51, West County of Dawes, state of Nebraska. I left Chadron 9 a.m. and arrived home at 3:30 p.m. I took the Dawes road, that came up the Cottonwood. Ed began papering the shanty today, this is a pretty cold day. Temperature at noon 14° at 6 p.m., 4 °. It snowed little today.

January 2 -- This forenoon, Ed went to Dawes after the mail. I papered the shanty, with old newspapers. This afternoon, we read the papers. This is the clear day, but quite chilly. Temperature at 7:30 a.m. 2° blow zero, at 6 p.m. 10° above.

January 3 -- This forenoon, I went over to Dawes to mail a letter. Have read the balance of the time. This is the clear day, the wind has blown quite hard, temperature at 8 a.m. 6° at 6 p.m. 24° .

January 4 -- This forenoon, I baked. George Ayers, came over at 4 p.m. and got some papers. We went home with him and spent the evening. Temperature at 8 a.m. 16 ° at 10:35 p.m., 14° .

January 5 -- We did not get up till 9 a.m.. I went across the creek and drove the cattle towards home, so they would not stray off. Charles and Alva Saxton came over at 1 p.m., and took dinner with us. We then went over to they was building a fence. This evening, as I was writing Jim the off ox home, Pete took after him and chased him. I could not hang on, so, I fell off. Did not hurt me much. This has been a beautiful day. Temperature at 9 a.m. 20° at noon 50° at 6 p.m. 14° .

January 6 -- Have not done much of anything today. Chopped a little wood and read the papers. It clouded over at 10 a.m. and began to grow colder. It snowed a little. It is not very summer like outdoors tonight. We put in the cattle and fed them. Temperature at 7:30 a.m. 11° , at noon 12° , at 3 p.m. 6° below zero, at 6 p.m. 10° below.

January 7 -- This forenoon, I baked four loaves of bread and a pan of pork and beans. We papered the north side of the shanty today. Have not done much else, except keep the stove warm. The sun has shown all day and has looked pleasant. But it has been a terror. There has been a strong northwest wind and it would fairly go right through a person. The highest temperature today was 18° below zero; at 7:30 a.m., it was 26° below, at noon 18° below, at 6 p.m. 26° .

January 8 -- This forenoon, I walked over to Dawes, after the mail. Was gone just three hours and 35 minutes. George Ayers was here a little while and took dinner with us. I'm tired tonight. Temperature at 7:30 a.m., 16 ° below zero, at 6 p.m. 12° blow zero.

January 9 -- We have not done much of anything today, but set around and read. The cow calved this afternoon and it was a heifer calf and a nice one. A stray sheep stopped here today. It snowed a little all day. Temperature at 7:30 a.m., 8° blow zero, at 6 p.m., 6° below, at 9 p.m., 2° below.

January 10 -- Have read the papers and set around. One of the cow's tits is closed up and her bag is caked some. I tried to open it, but could not. George Ayers and Mr. Antram were here this afternoon a little while. It is snowing some this evening. Temperature at 6 a.m., 8° below zero and at noon 8° above, at 6 p.m. 2° below.

January 11 -- Ed went over to the Danes this morning and got the sheep. It had strayed over there. George Ayers came over this forenoon, stayed till after dinner. We play poker towards night. I yoked up the steers, got onto Jim and rode over to Saxton's old place and hitched up to their sled and brought it home. This has been a pleasant day. Temperature at 7:30 a.m. 14° , at 6 p.m. 8° .

January 12 -- This morning, I put a lazy back on the sled, yoked up the steers and drove over to Mr. Antram's. There is about three inches of snow, so sled goes very well. I borrowed his pick. Have not done much this afternoon. This has been a nice pleasant day. Temperature at 7:30 a.m. 2° below, at noon 54° , 6 p.m. 10° .

January 13 -- This forenoon, I done the baking, sorted the potatoes, cut down a Cottonwood true and trimmed it up. Ed went hunting and shot a rabbit. Have not done much this afternoon. Ed And I, had a little misunderstanding this evening and got over it right away. We played poker this evening. This has been another nice day. Temperature at 7 a.m., 20° , at noon, 42° , at 6 p.m., 10° .

January 14 -- This forenoon, we fixed the stable, so it would be warmer. This afternoon, we cut a hole in the shanty floor and began digging a miniature seller. It has been a cloudy day, wind in the north east and has snowed a little. Temperature at 7 a.m., 16° , at 6 p.m. 10° .

January 15 -- This forenoon, I yoked the steers to the sled and drove over to Dawes after the mail. Bought a gallon of a oil -- 35 cents. This afternoon, I done the baking and wrote letters. George Ayers took dinner with us. It snowed till 10 a.m., then cleared off. We weaned the calf today. Temperature at 7 a.m., 8° , at 6 p.m., 10° .

January 16 -- This morning, I got ready to go to Chadron with George Ayers, but he did not come along. We have not done anything today, but read. Temperature at 7 a.m., 18 ° below; at noon 2° below. At 6 p.m. 10° below. The wind has blown quite hard today.

January 17 -- George Ayers came along at 8:00 a.m. and we started for Chadron, arrived in town at 4:30 p.m.. We are going to bunk with Mary. This has been a clear day, but cold. Temperature at 7 a.m. 18° below. At 6 p.m. 10° below. We went around town some, also saw Mr. Dorrington.

January 18 -- After George had got his lumber, loaded it, it was about 10:00. So we concluded to wait till tomorrow and get in early start. Took dinner at the Jenkins house. Went to supper with Henry May. Watched them placed poker and Monty this evening. Temperature at 7 a.m., 18°, below. At 6 p.m., 16° below. At 8:30 p.m., 24° below. At 9 p.m., 36° blow. At 10 p.m., 38° below.

January 19 -- We started for home at 8 a.m. We tipped over once, but arrived home at 4:30 p.m.. This has been a pretty cold day, has stormed some, and had to walk most all the way to keep warm. Temperature at 7 a.m., 10° below. At 6 p.m., 8° below. I'm fearful tired and sleepy tonight.

January 20 -- I hitched the steers on the sled this morning and went over to Ayers. I help him draw his timber over on section 34, stayed there till after dinner. Arrived home at 5:30 p.m. This has been a nice day, but cold. Temperature at 7 a.m. 10°, 6 p.m. 10° below. at 9:30 p.m. 10° above. It is getting warmer.

January 21 -- This morning, I hitched the steers to the sled and drove over two Ayers. Was going from there, over to Mr. Antram's, but it began to get colder, so I stayed there till after dinner. Then came home and done the baking. This morning, it was quite warm. Temperature at 7 a.m., 40 °, but it 10 a.m. it began to grow colder. At 2 p.m., the temperature registered 10 ° below zero. At 6 p.m., 12° below. It was quite a sudden change. It is storming some this evening.

January 22 -- This morning, I yoked the steers to the sled and drove over to Mr. Antram's and took his pick home and stayed there to dinner. Arrived home at 4:30 p.m.. Ed helped George Ayers put up claim shanty. Temperature at 7 a.m., 22 ° below. At 6 p.m., 6° below. Has snowed a little bit today.

January 23 -- At 10:30 a.m., I drove over to Dawes and got the mail. Arrived home at 4:30 p.m.. Ed helped George finish the shanty. This has been a nice, pleasant day. Temperature at 7 a.m., 15 ° below zero. At 6 p.m. 6° below.

January 24 -- Have set around and read. Mr. Antram stopped here, on his way back from Chadron and took dinner. This has been a nice day. Temperature at 7 a.m., 32°. At noon 60°., at 6 p.m. 30°.

January 25 -- This morning, I hitched on to the wagon and drove over two Ayers and borrowed his churn. A Dutch man came along about noon, looking for his oxen. I got him some dinner. This afternoon, I baked and churned. There is about 2 ½ pounds of butter. I then put a blanket on Jim and rode him over to, after the cow and bull. Also got the mail, as he had been to town. Ed had an attack of the ax handle today, and could not do much. This has been a warm day. Snow about all gone. Temperature at 9 a.m., 24°. At noon, 44°. At 6 p.m., 20°.

January 26 -- This forenoon, I drew up some poles from the Creek bottom. Have not done much else today. Temperature at 7 a.m., 24°. At 6 p.m., 20°. Has been partially cloudy today, but is clear this evening.

January 27 -- Ed went up to Ash Creek Canyon today with George Ayers after a load of lumber. I baked this forenoon and have done the chores and read the rest of the day. Temperature at 7 a.m., 24 °. At noon, 45 °. At 6 p.m., 25°. This is been a quite comfortable day and has thawed a considerable. I am 5 ft. 9 ¾ inches in height; a gain of 1 ½ inches, since I left Michigan and weigh 32, gain of seven pounds.

January 28 -- I have not done much today, but the chores and housework. Have read some in Oliver Twist. This has been a pleasant day, although the wind has blown quite hard. Temperature at 7 a.m., 23°. At 6 p.m., 28 °. Ed arrived home at 5:30 p.m....all tired out. Garner and Clarence Cole, was here little while this evening.

January 29 -- I went over to Mr. Cooper's this forenoon, with George Ayers to served notice on Calvin Lemon, as George has contested his tree claim. But, he had gone to the pines. I arrived home at 1:45 p.m.. I baked and wrote a letter this afternoon. This has been a warm day. Temperature at 7 a.m., 22°. At 6 p.m., 36°. It looks like rain this evening.

January 30 -- Ayers and I started the pines this morning, but the road was so slippery, we concluded not to go. We went as far as Dawes. We saw Lemon working on his shack this afternoon. So went over and served the papers. Will Kiser and his partner came this afternoon with the drilling machine. He is going to drill a well on his claim about 20 rode from here. The put their team in our barn. This has been a warm day. The wind has blown quite hard. Ed churned about two pounds of butter today.

January 31 -- I have written a couple letters today and read. Also went over to where Kiser was drilling his well and I watch them while. It snowed about three inches last night and stormed all forenoon, but has been clear this afternoon. Temperature at 7 a.m., 22 ° . At 6 p.m. 5 °.

February 1 -- This forenoon, I finish reading a novel entitled Horace McLean. Ed baked four pies, this afternoon. We have not done much, but the chores. It has stormed about all day. Temperature at 7 a.m., 16 °. At 6 p.m., 8°.

February 2 -- I hitched on to the sled this morning and went to Dawes to mail some letters. George Ayers was here to dinner. This afternoon I baked bread and read. The weather has been pretty cold today. Temperature at 7 a.m., 10 ° below zero. At 6 p.m., 6° below.

February 3 -- This morning, I yoked the steers to the sled and went over to the shack on 16 and got a door. Ed washed out some towels and handkerchiefs. Have not done much of anything this afternoon. Have felt little out of kilter. Has snowed a little today. Temperature at 7 a.m., 12 ° below zero. At noon 4° above. At 6 p.m., 2 ° above.

February 4 -- This forenoon, we mended some of our clothes. This afternoon, we went down to Lemon's shack and borrowed a board and we then fixed the wagon box. I then went over to section 15 and measured a breaking on the tree claim. There is only 3 ½ acres. I filled the wagon box with hay and I intended to go to Chadron tomorrow. This has been a nice warm day. Temperature at 7 a.m., 12 °. At noon 52 °. At 6 p.m., 32 °.

February 5 -- At 6:30 a.m., I hitched the steers onto the wagon and started for Chadron. Arrived in town at 4 p.m. went to Mr. Dorrington's office and have talked with them, in regards to my homestead. Am going to bunk and with Henry tonight. This has been a nice warm day. To use the right expression, it has been fearful hot. The snow is about all gone again.

February 6 -- I left Chadron at 6:30 a.m.. Arrived home 3:20 p.m.. The roads are getting quite muddy, which makes it hard traveling. Ed was over to Dawes today and got the mail. Our sheep had a lamb last night. This has been another nice day. Temperature at 7 a.m., 26°. At 6 p.m., 30°

February 7 -- I churned this forenoon. Have written letters and read the remainder of the day. I went over across the creek this evening, after the cattle. The creek is quite high. I got my feet wet. This has been a beautiful day. Temperature at 7 a.m., 34°. And then, 66°. At 6 p.m., 30°. The bluebottle flies buzzed around today.

February 8 -- This morning, we hooked up Jim and Pete, but Pete felt so good, we could do nothing with them. We then was over to Ayers, he hooked up his cattle and we all went down. Arrived home at little after dark. Our cattle got in with some range cattle, this afternoon. The cow came home. Am afraid we will have trouble in getting them. This has been a warm day. Temperature at 7 a.m., 46°. At 6 p.m., 36°. It is fearful muddy.

February 9 -- The steers lying down on the other side of the creek this morning. We started out after breakfast to hunt up the bull. That found him, about two miles south of here, with some range cattle. Have done nothing else today, but chores and read the papers. There was quite a change in the weather last night. It snowed some and stormed all forenoon. But cleared off this afternoon. Temperature at 7 a.m., 22°. At 6 p.m., 25°.

February 10 -- This forenoon we hooked up Jim and Pete and drew up some cottonwood logs from the creek bottom. They don't go very good together, as Pete feeds pretty good, but has come to it as John is a little lame. This has been a nice day. Temperature at 7 a.m., 22°. At 6 p.m. 32°.

February 11 -- We hooked up Jim and Pete this morning and drove over to George Ayers. He is sick in bed, with a sore throat. We then drove over to Dawes & signed Ed's contest papers before notary and sent them to Chadron. Arrived home at 2:45 p.m.. This has been a warm day and has been partially cloudy. Temperature at 7 a.m., 22° and at 6 p.m., 32°. I feel kinda blue tonight.

February 12 -- This forenoon, we did not do anything, but read. This afternoon, had trimmed up some cottonwood trees and I hauled them to the house. This has been a regular summer day. The wind has blown quite hard this afternoon. Ed was over to see Ayers toward the night. Temperature at 7 a.m., 34° and at noon, 60° and at 6 p.m., 46°.

February 13 -- It began to storm the 30 a.m. and snowed till 1130 a.m.. After dinner, I yoked up Jim and Pete and went to Dawes, after the mail. Temperature at 7 a.m., 30 and at noon, 32 and at 6 p.m., 24 at 6 p.m., 28.

February 14 -- Besides the chores and are accustomed labor, at mealtime, we have done nothing, but read. It has been partially cloudy today. Temperature at 7 a.m., 24°; and then, 26°; at 6 p.m., 10°. Have felt little out of sorts today.

February 15 -- This forenoon, Ed washed some undershirts and socks, I hung them out and baked. We have done nothing much this afternoon. Played cards this evening, to pass away the time. Has been partially cloudy today. Temperature at 7 a.m., 12°; at 6 p.m., 10°.

February 16 -- This forenoon, we hemmed the towels. Mr. Antram was here a little while. This afternoon, we read the papers and done the chores. This has been quite a comfortable day. Temperature at 7 a.m., 19°; at 6 p.m., 28°.

February 17 -- This morning, we went over to George Ayres and stayed a little while. Alva Saxton and Mr. Cooper hired a man that was here and got the sheep and lumber has it belong to him. We have not done much of anything this afternoon. This has been a nice warm day, although it has been partially cloudy. Temperature 7 a.m., 28°; at 6 p.m., 38°.

February 18 -- Ed went to Dawes, this morning, after the mail. Arrived home at 5:30 p.m.. I finished reading Oliver Twist, one of Dicken's works. Clarence Cole came over after the mail. It has been partially cloudy. Temperature 7 a.m., 26° and at 6 p.m., 32°.

February 19 -- We have not done very much today, but set around and read. We dug some post holes west of the shanty as we intend to build a shed, to put tools in when they come. I churned this evening. Temperature 7 a.m., 28° and at 6 p.m. 28°.

February 20 -- This morning, I went down to Lemons and got a little jag of hay. I then drove down to the creek, were Ed was cutting some poles. I took the ax and was cutting a sapling, when the ax slipped and went into my right foot, but fortunately it did not go in very deep. We came to the house and Ed put big chaw of tobacco on it. This afternoon I have read the papers. Ed set the posts. This has been a nice day. Temperature 7 a.m., 22° and at 6 p.m., 34°.

February 21 -- Ed went to Dawes this morning to mail some letters and get the mail. Mr. Antram stopped here a little while on his way to town. I have set around and read the papers. I can step on my foot a little. It does not pain me at all. This has been a beautiful day. Temperature 7 a.m., 20° and at 6 p.m., 36°.

February 22 -- This forenoon, Ed drew a load of poles. I read the papers and baked. This afternoon, Ed laid up the sod, in the west side of the shed. I helped some. This has been a nice day, real warm. Temperature 7 a.m., 34° and at 6 p.m., 32°.

February 23 -- This forenoon, Ed cut a load of poles. I went to Dawes, with the steers and arrived home at 2 p.m.. It is rather sticky wheeling, but has dried off a good deal today. The frost is all out of the ground. This afternoon we sodded of the north side of the shed. We took the sod away from the house. This has been a genuine summer day. Temperature 7 a.m., 34°; at 4 p.m., 64° and at 6 - p.m., 32°.

February 24 -- We haven't done very much today, we cut and drew up a load of poles this forenoon and read the newspaper this afternoon. The wind has blown quite hard today. There have been storm's over and around us today, they will evidently drop down on Michigan soil. Has been partially cloudy. Temperature at 7 a.m., 38° and 6 p.m., 28°.

February 25 -- This forenoon, we put the roof poles on the shed and went down to Lemons and got a little hay, some that the range cattle have spoiled and put it on the roof. This afternoon, we put about 5 inches of dirt on top of that, which makes just as good a roof as though it was shingled with Star shingles. This evening we went over to George Ayres and arrived home at 9:30 p.m.. This has been a beautiful day and beats Michigan weather, all hollow. Temperature 7 a.m., 20° and at 6 p.m., 32°. The shed is 12 by 14 feet.

February 26 -- We began digging the basement for the colt stable today, it is to be 10 by 11 feet. I baked this forenoon. This has been the warmest day, that we have had this month. Temperature 7 a.m., 32°; at 11 a.m., 72°; at 3:30 p.m., 60° and at 6 p.m., 42°. It has clouded over this evening.

February 27 -- At 11 a.m., Ed went to Dawes after the mail. Have not done much today. It has been cloudy and foggy. It began to snow, at 4 p.m. is storming some this evening. Temperature at 7 a.m., 24° and at 6 p.m., 14°.

February 28 -- Mr. Antram came over this morning and we walked over to Saxton's old place with him to look at some hay. We stayed here to dinner. It has been cloudy all day. Temperature at 8 a.m., 10° and at 6 p.m., 12°. There is a lot of range cattle along the creek this evening.

March 1 -- This forenoon, we cut into one load of young Cottonwoods and two this afternoon. It was quite foggy until 10 a.m., and then all cleared and has been a nice warm day. Temperature at 7 a.m., 24°; at noon, 36° and at 6 p.m. 25°.

March 2 -- At 9 a.m., Mr. Antram came along with his team and we started for Chadron on horseback and arrived in town and 3:30 p.m.. Took dinner at the Jenkins house and are to put up here tonight. The weather has been cloudy today.

March 3 -- This morning, he rode up to Mr. Keigwin's, 4 ½ miles north of Chadron, on the Bordeaux Creek, to look at some cattle. He has a pretty high figure on them. Came back to town this afternoon. We heard of some other parties, that had cattle to sell. I dropped them a card. It has been partially cloudy today. We will start for home in the morning.

March 4 -- We started for home this morning, but was snowing and we was afraid it might turn into the blizzard, so came back to town. It has snowed a little all day, but has not been cold. I am tired of sitting around town.

March 5 -- We started for home this morning, came around by Dawes city and got our mail. Arrived here 2:30 p.m.. This has been a nice warm day and I guess we will have good weather now. There is about 2 inches of snow, but there's no frosts in the ground. George Ayres was over this afternoon.

March 6 -- This forenoon, I drove over to Mr. McDermott's 51/2 miles southwest. George Ayres went with me. I bought 10 bushels of turnips at $.10 per bushel. Took dinner with Ayers and arrived home at 4:30 p.m. Ed went to Dawes to mail some letters. This has been a nice day. I can feel that I have got a cold coming on.

March 7 -- No entry

March 8 -- I was confined to the bed yesterday and quite a fever and ached all over. Felt pretty sick last night. At 2 p.m. today, I got up and dressed. It has been partially cloudy today and has stormed some. Temperature 7 a.m., 14° and at 6 p.m., 26°.

March 9 -- We have worked at the colt stable today, digging out the basement. I did not do very much. I feel a considerable better. This has been a nice day. Temperature 7 a.m., 14° and at 6 p.m., 32°. The ground freezes little every night and thaws out during the day.

March 10 -- I felt pretty miserable today. I have a bad cold and lame back. The weather has been cloudy and disagreeable. My left ear ached this evening. Ed put on hot cloths for me. Temperature 7 a.m., 28°.

March 11 -- I have not done anything today, but sit around. I did not feel just right. Ed worked at the stable.

March 12 -- This forenoon, I yoked up the steers and drove to Dawes. Read a letter from Mother stating that the car, had been sent. This afternoon, I baked. And went over to see Ayers. We calculate to go to Chadron tomorrow. The wind has blown quite hard.

March 13 -- At 7 a.m., we started for Chadron and arrived in town at 4 p.m. We went to the 8:15 freight, but the car did not come on that time. Are going to bunk in with Henry May. This has been a nice day, but the wind has blown fearful hard.

March 14 -- I went down to freight office this morning and to my surprise saw Herman. He came in last night on the 11:30. We took the horses out and put them in a feed barn and also took out the cattle. We walked around town a little while. Then harnessed up the team and drew 2 loads of tools, lumber and back to Anderson's store. Herman's brother came with him and also Nelson Dye. There has been a few flurries of snow today. We are going to sleep in the car tonight. All the stock are in good order.

March 15 -- We loaded up both wagons this morning. I drove the team and Ed, the steers. The boys drove old Marry and the carriage. The colts followed behind. We arrived home, at sundown. Ed did not get home until 11:30 p.m.. The steers got pretty tired. We put the things under the shed. How the March winds, do blow!

March 16 -- Ed and I got up to 3:30 a.m. and come to Chadron, with Mary and the buggy, as we had to be there at 11 a.m., as witnesses form George Ayres in a contest case. Herman drove the team down. We loaded up this afternoon. We are going to sleep in the feed barn tonight. It has been partially cloudy today and quite chilly.

March 17 -- I arrived home with my load 2:30 p.m.. Ed and Herman drove the buggy. They drove over to section 17 and 18 to look at some claims. We then fixed up the other stable and put in the two cows and Old Mary. It is snowing this evening. The boys went hunting or somewhere today and did not get back this evening.

March 18 -- It snowed a couple of inches last night. At 10 a.m., Herman, Ed and I started for Chadron and with the horses and wagon. Arrived in town at 4 p.m.. The snow makes the roads bad again. We put the team in Fritchers barn. We're going to sleep in the barn on hay. This has been a chilly wind all day.

March 19 -- It snowed again last night and all day till 4 p.m. So we concluded not to start for home. I bought a Buck eye mower for $45. It was sold at sheriff sale. It was a good bargain. We're going to bunk in the barn again tonight. It is some colder this evening.

March 20 -- We pulled out for home this morning, with our load. We went up Lone Tree Creek, about three miles to look at a breaking plow. I bought it for $15. We then pulled up across to the ridge road and arrived home at 4:30 p.m.. The roads are terrible bad. This has been a pleasant day, but has been a cold northwest wind.

March 21 -- I have not done much of anything, but chores today. Mr. Antram was here a little while this morning. Ed went to Chadron with Old Mary and the buggy today, to see Mr. Dorrington about our proving up. He arrived home about 7 p.m.. The boys went hunting a little while, but did not get anything. Will does the cooking and keeps the house in fine shape. This has been a nice warm day. A couple of men drove up here this evening and are going to stay overnight with us.

March 22 -- This morning, I took the plow down to the well and scoured it. Ed went over Ayers and got him to help us break with his steers. We started to break on the line, but it was too wet there, so Ed and George went breaking a little further up. I went down towards the Creek and plowed there. The plow works very good. This is the first breaking, I ever done. This has been a nice warm day. The ground is drying up fast.

March 23 -- George Ayres came over with the steers this morning and helped Ed break. I plowed with the horses on my claim. I plowed with three horses and turned out at 4 p.m.. I now have about 2 ¼ acres plowed. This has been a nice warm day and I am tired tonight.

March 24 -- George and Mr. Antram came over this morning and at 10 a.m., we hitched up the team and started to Chadron. Arrived in town about 4 p.m. and Mr. Dorrington went up to the county clerk's office with us, to help us prove up. That is, we paid Uncle Sam $1.25 per acre for our land. We're going to bunk in the barn tonight. Ed and Herman got up early this morning and went to Dawes, in the buggy, after the mail. The weather was quite warm this morning, but got colder at 10 a.m. and has been quite chilly.

March 25 -- We loaded up the balance of our feed and potatoes this morning. It being 10:00 before we got around. We put the team in the stable and fed them some grain, also made a launch ourselves and started for home. Arrived here at 4:30 p.m.. This has been a nice day, although the wind was quite cool. Will done the washing today and Net went to Dawes.

March 26 -- I have done the chores and tinkered around setting things to rights. Herman went over this afternoon and hunted up his corner stakes. Ed had a headache. This has been a rather disagreeable day and has been cloudy and windy. Mr. Antram came over this morning and he took Mary and the buggy and drove to Dawes. I sent the plow lays over to be sharpened, but the blacksmith was gone.

March 27 -- It snowed last night and has snowed all day. Has been pretty chilly. The thermometer stood at 8° all day. The boys played cards about all day. I done the chores and read the newspapers.

March 28 -- This has been a pleasant day, but cold. Ed and Herman went to Dawes this afternoon, after the mail. Mr. Mosier and another fellow stopped here this evening and are going to stay overnight with us. We have quite a house full. Temperature at 7:30 a.m., and 0° and to 6 p.m. 6° above.

March 29 -- At 9 a.m., Herman, Ed and I started for Ash Creek Canyon and we went around by the Cooper's, to see about getting some of him. We could not ford the river, so we had to go about three miles out of our way to get to the bridge. We stopped at the house and fed the team. Arrived at the mill at 4 p.m.. We put on 500 feet and started back by the way of Dawes and arrived in town at 9:30 p.m.. We put the team in Thornberg's barn, they are pretty tired. The roads are bad. We're going to sleep in the barn. Temperature at 5:30 a.m., 11 ° below zero.

March 30 -- We about froze sleeping in the barn last night. In fact we did not sleep for much. We arrived home at 10:30 a.m.. This afternoon I drew the lumber down to Herman's claim. This has been a nice day.

March 31 -- This forenoon, we took the lumber that was sent us and made a buggy shed. This afternoon, I began putting a rack together. Ed made a hen coop. The boys worked at their shack today. It rained a little this afternoon. The weather has been quite warm today. We'll shaved me and cut my hair today.

April 1 -- This forenoon, we put on the hay rack, went over to Ayers and got a load of hay, for which, I paid him a $1.25. He was over here this morning and got five bushels of potatoes for which he paid me for $4.50. It has stormed about all day. We played cards this evening.

April 2 -- This forenoon, I drove over east, about five miles and got some oats and seed, that we left there a while ago. Arrived home at 3 p.m.. It began to snow at 1 p.m. and snow till 5 p.m.. When I got home old Marry and the colts were gone, as it was storming. I started out to hunt them down. The boys were playing cards and did not notice them. They came back of their own accord at 5 p.m. Mr. Antram was here a while today.

April 3 -- This forenoon, I done chores and sewed up my boots and overalls. This afternoon, I tinkered around. The boys worked at their shack. Mr. Bradley was here this afternoon. Mr. Antram brought our mail over. It snowed this forenoon.

April 4 -- We have done chores and read today. It has snowed about all the time, but thawed as fast as it fell.

April 5 -- Went to Dawes this morning with Old Mary and the carriage. George Bradley went with me. I had my two plow lays sharpened -- $.70. Arrived home at 4 p.m. Ed and I then hitched up the team and drove over to the shack on section 20 and got the poles that was in it. The boys worked on their house. It all cleared off at noon and has been a nice day.

April 6 -- This morning, Ed, myself and George Bradley drove over to the dug out, on the Southwest of 27 and was going to get some logs out of it. A fellow came along and said he had just filed on it, so we came back. I hitched up Old Mary and went down to Herman's shack and got Net. We came back, ate lunch and drove to Dawes. There was no filing on the Southwest of 27, so he filed a preemption on it. I put a preemption filing on the northwest of 17 in John Whites name. Arrived home at 5:30 p.m.. This has been a nice warm day.

April 7 -- This forenoon, George Ayers came over and borrowed my drag. Ed and I, then went over and got another small load of hay. This afternoon, I went over to the Danes and got an ash stick for a wagon tongue, for the ox wagon, also some 2X 4's. The boys worked at their shack. I mended my pants this evening. This has been a nice warm day. It looks some like storm eve.

April 8 -- At 8:45 a.m., Herman, Ed and I started for Chadron with the horses and wagon. Arrived in town at 1:45 p.m.. I put the team in Fletcher's barn. About 1100 pounds of corn at $.85 per hundred, 88 pounds of barbed wire at $.06 and two bushels of seed corn at $2.00. Also groceries and other articles. The money slips quite fast. This has been a nice warm day. We're going to bunk in the barn tonight. It is lighting in the southeast this evening.

April 9 -- We loaded up our stuff and at 7:20 a.m., we started for home. Arrived here 2:10 p.m.. After dinner we took the top boards off from the shanty roof. We put on new tar paper. We then put the boards back on again. This makes it rain proof. The Danes was here a little while this afternoon. Will done the washing today. Ed went over to Dawes. This has been another nice day. It begins to look like spring now.

April 10 -- This forenoon, I drove to Dawes, to see about buying some hay. I helped the Dane put on load. This afternoon, I went to Herman's shack and from their down the Cottonwood and cut some fence posts. Ed plowed on his homestead today. The boys took their things down to the house today and are going to live there, so we're alone again. This has been a warm day.

April 11 -- This forenoon, I went to Dawes and bought a load of hay of Bill Thornberg's, for which, I paid $6.00. I think I got in a good big ton. Net helped me. Ed began building shack, down on his homestead with poles. I did not want to work today, because of it being Sunday, but it was necessary. This has been a nice warm day.

April 12 -- Will Kiser was here a little while this morning and I made a three horse evener, drove over to my homestead and struck out a land and broke a little and turned out 11 o'clock. Come to the house and got dinner and went over again after dinner. Broke the three horse evener at 3 p.m.. I hitched Old Mary and plowed with Nell and Perch. Turned out at 5 p.m. and drove over to the Danes and borrowed his evener. Ed helped Ayers break with the cattle today. It has been cloudy most of the time and quite a strong breeze. I am tired tonight.

April 13 -- This forenoon, I done chores, washed all the dirty dishes and is a cleaned up generally. Also baked bread. This afternoon, I plowed on my homestead. Ed helped Ayers again today. It rained and hailed a little at 5 p.m.. Will and Net was over today.

April 14 -- This forenoon, I went over to Herman's and plowed up a patch for his garden. This afternoon I plowed on my own. I broke out a little patch for potatoes. Ed helped Ayers again today. It rained for about five minutes this afternoon. I could see it rain over in the mountains, at odd spells all afternoon. This has been a nice warm day.

April 15 -- I broke about an acre and a half today. Will and Net planted the potatoes for me today, 2 ¼ bushels. The Dane brought over a load of lumber this forenoon. I took part of it over on the northwest of 17 this afternoon. I'm going to build the shanty there, to hold down the claim. This has been a nice day. Ed helped Ayers. I am quite tired tonight

April 16 -- I took the balance of the lumber over on 17 this morning. I then went to breaking and have broke two acres today. Ayers helped Ed break on his claim today. I hired Will Ammon, this morning, to work, as long as I wanted him. Did not set any price, he said pay what I thought was right. This has been a nice warm day. I am fearful tired tonight. We did not get around in time tonight to bring the cattle home, so the cow will not get milked.

April 17 -- This forenoon, Ed went after the cattle and got dinner. I drove the steers, while Ayers held the plow. This afternoon, I washed my buggy and tinkered around the house. Will has plowed with the horses on my claim all day. This has been a warm day with a nice cool breeze.

April 18 -- This forenoon, I drove over to Mr. Antram's and stayed a little while. Done nothing, but read this afternoon. It has been cloudy and quite cool all day.

April 19 -- This forenoon, I sewed up my single harness, where it was ripped. This afternoon, I went over to my homestead and measured off a space, to dig a seller; 12 by 16 or I'm going to build the house. It has drizzled some all day.

April 20 -- At 7 a.m., Ted, George Ayers and I started first Chadron. Arrived in town about noon. My contest came off at 1 p.m.. The man did not appear, so the claim his mine and am now the owner of 320 acres in Nebraska. Started for home about 3 p.m. and brought out a load of corn and oats for Mr. Mosier. Arrived home at a 8:15 p.m.. Will dug at the seller today. Herman and Net came back this afternoon. They could not get work up the road. It was cloudy till noon, then all cleared off.

April 21 -- This forenoon, I went over to section 9, to look at a breaking. I also took Mr. Mosier's corn over. Will dug at the seller this afternoon and he plowed. I did not do very much of anything. Herman went over to Dawes this afternoon to get the mail. It sprinkled a little at 5 p.m..

April 22 -- This forenoon, I sewed oats on the tree claim, in section 22. It belongs to Mr. Elderly. There is about five acres. Will dragged them then. The wind blew pretty hard and it has rained about all day. Did not do much of anything this afternoon. Ed could not find the cattle tonight.

April 23 -- This morning, Herman and Net, went after the cattle. They were about a mile and a half east. I washed dishes and bake. Will has plowed. This has been a nice warm day. The grass has got quite a start now.

April 24 -- I have plowed all day. Will and Net worked at the shanty on section 17. Herman went to Dawes. Net helped Ayers with the steers. Perch was taken sick after I turned out. She has the colic, I guess. She was blown up as big as a balloon. We put saltwater on her kidneys, gave her soda water and rubbed her. She appears better now at midnight, so I will go to bed. It began to rain at 5:30 p.m. and is still raining. I am tired and wet.

April 25 -- I have done chores and tended to Perch today. She is better tonight. It has been cloudy, cold and disagreeable today.

April 26 -- I went over to the Danes this morning and got the rope and picket pins, that I sent to Chadron for. Will and Net finished the shanty on 17. This afternoon, we hunted after the other cattle, but couldn't find them. I've got the red cow picketed a little way from the house, so she can't get away. Ed helped Ayers. This has been a nice day, but cool. Herman did the washing this afternoon. Perch is all right now.

April 27 -- This forenoon, Will went after the cattle. He found them about five miles north, near Lone Tree. I drew two loads of fence posts. This afternoon, I plowed, Will and Herman sawed was. Net went to Dawes after oil. That helped Ayers today. It began to rain at 5:30 p.m. and is still raining. I've got picket ropes on the cattle now, so they won't run off.

April 28 -- It stormed some, all forenoon, but cleared off at noon. At 3 p.m., Will and I went over to the other place and bored fence holes and shaved posts. Ed made a new handle for the ox wagon.

April 29 -- I have plowed all day. Will bored post holes. Net shaved posts. Ed began digging a well on my claim. This has been a nice day. The boys, caught a badger in a trap.

April 30 -- This morning, Net and I went to Dawes after hay. Could not get any, there, so went two miles south of Dawes and got a load; a good, big ton, for which, I paid seven dollars. Mr. Bradley, went with us. Arrived home at 2:30 p.m.. Ed and the boys dug at the well. When we came across the creek, the reach broke, so we left the wagon there. The cowboys are taking the cattle out of the country today. This has been a nice day.

May 1 -- This morning, we hitched the steers and horses onto the load of hay and pulled out of the creek. Net and I, put the other rack in the other wagon and drew it to the barn. The boys, worked at the well. This afternoon, Will plowed on Ed's claim. I went over to Mr. Antram's and got the job of breaking five acres for Mrs. Payne. The well is down 22 feet now. This has been a nice day.

May 2 -- This forenoon, I wrote letters. Net went to Dawes to mail letters. Ed and Will went over to Lone Tree fishing. This afternoon, I went over to Mr. Mosier's a little while. This has been a nice day.

May 3 -- Ed and I worked at the well today. Will broke on Mrs. Payne's claim. Net and Herman, went down to where they was laying track and tried to get the job but could not. They came back at 1:30 p.m. and helped us. This has been a nice, pleasant day.

May 4 -- Will finished plowing the land in his claim, then went five rounds on mind. The rest of us, worked at the well. It is now down 33 feet. This has been a nice day, looks like some rain tonight. Am a little tired too.

May 5 -- This forenoon, I bought some oats of Mr. Mosier's and sowed them on Ed's breaking. Will plowed. Ed and the boys worked at the well. This afternoon, the boys went to Dawes. I finished sowing the oats at 3 p.m.. I think there is over five acres. Will dragged them in. Ed and I worked at the well, the rest of the afternoon. I think we will have to go down 50 feet to get water. I am tired tonight.

May 6 -- It rained a little this forenoon, so I sewed up Old Mary's bridal and back pad. It all cleared off at 10 a.m. and has been a nice day. This afternoon, Ed and Will drew some logs on his homestead, for a barn. Herman and I hitched up Mary and the buggy and took a ride over north and west.

May 7 -- This forenoon, I went over to Ayers and borrowed some flour. My barrel of Michigan flour is all gone. Ed and Will has worked down on the other place. I turned the horses out to get some fresh grass today. One of the cows got away this afternoon. I got on Old Mary and caught it. This has been about as warm a day as we have had. 90°. I worked at the wagon tongue, also.

May 8 -- We finished the wagon tongue, this morning. I hitched in to the light wagon and at 8 a.m., started for Chadron. Ted, Net and I, arrived in town at 12:30 p.m.. I put the team in Mr. Stoddard's barn. I bought 1090 pounds of corn. Also some groceries, some late potatoes for seed, also 37 pounds of flax seed. We're going to bunk in the barn tonight. This has been a nice day.

May 9 -- We loaded up this morning, and started for home at 8 a.m.. Arrived here at 1:40 p.m.. This has been a nice day.

May 10 -- Will has plowed in Mrs. Payne's claim today. Ed , Herman and Net have worked at the well. I planted corn with the planter, till 3:30 p.m.. I lost a screw and had to quit. We killed another rattlesnake with 11 rattles on. There has been a cool breeze all day. We set a hen today.

May 11 -- Will plowed on Mrs. Payne's claim today. I went over with him this morning to rig the plow. I came back and planted a little before dinner. The boys worked at the well today and struck water. Net went to Dawes this afternoon. I planted corn. Cannot plant very fast on sod. Nell got tired out today. This has been a warm day. Net did not get back this evening.

May 12 -- Will plowed on Mrs. Payne's claim today with Old Mary and Perch I turned now out to grass. Ted, Herman and I worked at the well. This has been a nice day.

May 13 -- We all worked at the well today. We put in a box three foot deep and two and a half feet square. We tried to draw it dry, with the big brass kittle, but could not. It is 43 feet deep to the top of the water. The water is three feet deep. It is a nice well. We put some small stones in the bottom. It sprinkled a little this afternoon.

May 14 -- Ed and I cut potatoes this forenoon. Herman washed. After dinner, I discovered, that my check on the bank was gone, also $15 in cash and Wills revolver. Net, being gone, we suspected him. Herman and I hitched up and drove to Dawes and from there to Chadron. Net has forged my name to the draft and skipped. I seen Mr. Dorrington's about it. This has been a nice day. The cashier telegraphed to Ionia.

May 15 -- We waited till noon, to hear from Ionia, but did not. The bank will have to pay me $70, but I will probably be out $15 cash. We arrived home about 3 p.m.. Ed and Will planted some potatoes on 23. I got the privilege to use the breaking on 21. This has been a nice day.

May 16 -- Have set around most of the day. When over to Mr. Bradley's and stay little while. This has been a nice day. We had boiled and fried duck for dinner.

May 17 -- This forenoon, we took the sod away from the shanty and also finished cutting potatoes. Will has dragged on Bradley's tree claim today. I'm going to put potatoes there. This afternoon, Ed and I planted corn. This has been a pretty warm day 90°. We need rained pretty bad.

May 18 -- Ed and I planted corn this forenoon. Will finished dragging about 2 p.m. and tried to mark it, with the marker that Ed made, but it was no good. So, we put the string plow together and plowed throws and are going to plant the potatoes that way. We planted a few. This has been a terrible hot day. Temperature has been between 90° and 100° all day. The nights are quite cool.

May 19 -- We planted potatoes this forenoon. I did not feel like work this afternoon, so I laid off. Will finished breaking for Mrs. Payne today. Temperature -- 100°. I have got quite a bad cold.

May 20 -- We began moving the shanty this morning. Had on the steers and three horses on ahead. We got a down here at 2:30 p.m.. We drew one load of tools etc. over to Mother's shanty. We are now finally settled on the South half of section 17. This has been a pretty warm day. Ten years ago today my father died.

May 21 -- This morning, I hitched Perch to the carriage and went to Dawes and from there to Chadron. Met Walter Carpenter, a friend of Aunt Hattie's. He came in this morning. I seen the cashier about the check. This has been another very warm day over 100° in the sun. It is thundering and lightning quite hard this evening. Looks very much like rain.

May 22 -- This morning, I put Perch to a Percherons stallion. I bought three pecks more of seed corn $1.15. At 8:40 a.m., we started for home. The boys planted corn today. I tore away the north end of the sod shack on my claim and run the buggy in. It rained quite hard, for a little while, last night and has been cool all day.

May 23 -- I read one of Mrs. Holmes works today entitled, "Woman against Women." This evening, I went down to the other place and got the chickens. This has been a terrible hot day.

May 24 -- This forenoon, I tried to plow of the plow beam was warped, all out of shape, so I had to quit. This afternoon, I went down to the other place and got what lumber there was there. Also took some truck over to Mother's shanty. Ed, steamed the plow beam and put weight on it. Will has planted corn all day. The corn that was planted first is up nice. This has been a pretty warm day. Saw six antelope this afternoon.

May 25 -- This forenoon, I drew a load of wood from the other place. Will planted corn and beans on Ed's breaking. Ed planted some popcorn. I have not done much of anything this afternoon. Walter rode Old Mary to Dawes this morning after the mail. He has not got back yet tonight. I am a little worried about it. Two weeks ago today, Net skipped out. It has been a partially cloudy today.

May 26 -- At 4:40 a.m., I hitched Perch to the carriage and started for Chadron. Arrived in town about 9 a.m.. I came home this afternoon, and brought Walter's trunk out. He was here, when I got home. He said he got lost and stayed at McDorman's all-night. It rained a little this afternoon. The spotted cow calved this afternoon.

May 27 -- Herman and Walter, started for Chadron last night, about 12:00. As I heard of a place, where they could get work. Charlie and Harry Blodgett, came this morning from Downers Grove, Illinois. We have not done much today. Will plowed. Has been pretty warm and I am cooking now.

May 28 -- Will began back setting on the tree claim in 21 today. There was a fellow going to locate in the northwest of seventeen today, but I told him, he better get off, as it was taken already. I went over on 19, this afternoon, to show Charlie a piece of land. It has been quite warm today, although there was quite a breeze.

May 29 -- I yoked the steers to the wagon this morning. Harry, Charlie and I went to Dawes. They were going to file, but McMann had no blanks. We started for home is to 2:30 p.m.. It began to rain, after we left town, but after a little turned into hail and oh how it did hail. Never saw like of it, in my life. It pelted us, to beat all, before we got home. We left the wagon and the steers, down to the other place. The hail was two or three inches deep for a while. It rained some afterwards, but has stopped now.

May 30 -- I rode Princess over to Mr. Antram's this morning; the first time I ever rode her. I took dinner there. Mrs. Payne paid me $18, for breaking five acres. I paid him $1.25 for board. Ed rode Old Mary over to the hills, west of us, to look at some claim. The rain washed a lot of the dirt into the well and it is so riley, we can't use it. Have to dip it up out of puddle. It clouded over this afternoon.

May 31 -- We cleaned out the well this morning. Will went over to the other place and got the wagon, also brought the breaking plow and plowed a little. We made a platform to the well and after dinner. It began to rain at 2 p.m. and rained till 6 p.m.. Besides getting supper I churned. It has been pretty warm today.

June 1 -- There was a drizzling rain all forenoon. We plowed Pedro a little while. This afternoon we dug post holes and set posts; where I'm going to have the barnyard. The ground is wet enough now. One of the calves died this afternoon, I guess the colts kicked it.

June 2 -- This forenoon, we took the steers and went over on the north side of seventeen and got some cobblestones and also set posts for the barn. This afternoon, we drew a load of poles from the other place. Also up the creek about a mile and got a load and hauled it down. Will plowed till 2 p.m.. It then began to drizzle and rained a little all afternoon.

June 3 -- It rained till 9 a.m.. Harry and I then took the steers and went over to the other place and got what hay there was there. The boys put the poles in the barn. This afternoon, the boys went up the creek and got to load of brush and put it on the barn. Has been cloudy all day. I churned this morning. It is all clear this evening.

June 4 -- At 7:10 a.m., Charlie and I started for Chadron in the wagon with three horses and arrived in town at 1:15 p.m.. I put the team in Stott's barn. Did my trading this afternoon. I went out of town a mile and a half, to look at some hogs, but did not buy.

June 5 -- We loaded up our stuff this morning, of corn and of oats $13.60. Charlie bought some groceries and a sheet iron stove and started for home at 8:40 a.m.. Arrived home at 3:30 p.m.. I hitched Old Mary on ahead. She helped a good deal. We loaded a the dozen or so shelves a piece. Hitched the steers to the wagon and started for the hills to hunt antelope. Harry stayed at home to see to the chores. We arrived here are about dark, at the head of a draw, near the hills. We have picketed the cattle and made our bed in the wagon so we rolled in.

June 6 -- We hunted about all forenoon and saw a number of antelope, but could not get close enough to bring one down. Bill wounded one, but made good it's escaped. Jack makes a pretty good hunting dog. We arrived home at 2 p.m.. I am sorry to say that this is Sunday. I don't approve of making it the practice to hunt on Sunday. This has been a nice day.

June 7 -- Ed and Harry went up to Ash Creek Canyon today, with Nell and the carriage, to see about getting lumber there. This forenoon, I done up the housework and churned. This afternoon, I dressed a Sandpiper, tinkered around and got supper. Will has plowed all day. This has been a terrible hot day. Temperature 100° most of the time. Some darned cuss, has got a shanty on northwest of seventeen.

June 8 -- This forenoon, we ground the axes and got ready to start for the pines. We loaded the wagon with horse feed, groceries, blankets, saws, axes and so forth. We took Charlie's sheet iron stove. He is going to stay at home and see to the chores. We started at 2 p.m. with Perch and Mary and the steers behind. We arrived at the mouth of Ash Creek Canyon at 7:30 p.m.. We unhitched, picketed out the horses and cattle and made camp. We built a fire in the stove and got supper and it is now about time to go to bed. I am twenty-two years old today.

June 9 -- We ate breakfast at 5 a.m., hitched up and drove up the Canyon about three miles to where there was a vacated shanty and a barn. We unloaded and took possession at once. We are about three-quarters of a mile from the mill. We then looked the ground over, where we're going to cut till noon. Harry and I was on the peak, where we could look down 1500 feet, almost perpendicular. This afternoon, we took the steers and cleared a road up through one of the canyons. Also cut 10 saw logs. Ed and Bill went down to the mill this evening and had the camp hook fixed and brought the trucks.

June 10 -- Ed and Bill sawed today. Harry and I drew nine logs to the mill. We put the steers on ahead this afternoon, as the logs were large ones. This has been a terrible hot day here in the canyon, but is cool this evening. I am fearful tired tonight.

June 11 -- Harry hauled six logs down to the mill, with the horses and I hauled four with the bulls. We drew 13 on the skids and they sawed them for me. Ed and Bill have sawed and helped load today. Has been a hot day. The sweat run a stream off my nose. I am terrible tired tonight.

June 12 -- Harry and I drew one big log down to the mill this morning. I then loaded 615 feet on the wagon and started home. I had gone about one-half mile, when my wagon slid off a steep bank became very near upsetting. A fellow came along with a span of mules and help pull me up again. I stopped at Dawes and fed the team and ate dinner. Arrived home at 3:30 p.m. I unloaded on Harry's claim. Herman and Carpenter were here. It rained a little this morning and has cooling comfortable this evening.

June 13 -- It rained a good deal last night, it run down on our bed and wet us. Has been rather misty all day. I have been writing letters and reading all day.

June 14 -- At 7:10 a.m., I started for the Canyon. Arrived here at noon. I hauled two logs down to the mill with the steers. Harry drew two logs as far as the shack. The trucks broke down. Ed and Bill sawed. This has been a rather cool day.

June 15 -- I did not picket the horses last night and this morning, they were gone. Ed and Bill started out to hunt them. They met one of the boys that draws lumber at the mouth of the Canyon. We had caught them about seven miles from here and they were going home. I paid him 50 cents. The boys then fixed up the trucks and I hauled two logs to the mill with the steers and two this afternoon. Harry hauled two logs and one house log. I think some of having some logs sawed and making a log house. Ed and Bill sawed today. The weather has been quite cool today.

June 16 -- This morning, we loaded up with dried pine, Harry and I started for home. Arrived here at 2 p.m.. We was out of provisions, so I had to come home and get some. Carpenter left yesterday. He had got enough of the wild west. The weather has been quite comfortable today. The mosquitoes are terrible thick here. Never saw them so bad before. There is not any up in the Canyon.

June 17 -- We left home at 7 a.m, stopped at Dawes and got mail. Arrived here at the Canyon at 1 p.m.. This afternoon, I drew two house logs to the mill. I used Nell and Perch. The weather has been hot this afternoon. We picketed the horses over across the Canyon this evening, where there is some big grass.

June 18 -- This forenoon, I drew three house logs to the mill and four this afternoon. Ed and Bill chopped today. The weather has been pretty warm.

June 19 -- This forenoon, I drew three house logs down to the mill. Ed and Bill chopped. This afternoon, I wrote letters. Ed and Bill drew three house logs to the mill. This has been a pretty warm day.

June 20 -- It rained a little this morning. Ed started for home at 6 a.m. on Nell. We wandered around over the hills and canyons today.

June 21 -- This forenoon, I drew three house logs to the mill. Harry Yoked the bulls on to the wagon and help fix the bridges. Bill chopped. Ed came back with Nell and the buggy at 1 p.m.. This afternoon, Harry and I drew down three house logs. We had the bulls on ahead. It rained quite a little last night.

June 22 -- This forenoon, Harry and I drew three house logs to the mill. The evener broke this afternoon and I found an elm stick. I rode Perch down to the mail and made one. We hauled three this afternoon also. Ed and Bill chopped down trees and made roads. It has been pretty warm today. I am tired tonight. This has been the longest day in the year.

June 23 -- At 4:30 a.m., Harry started for home, with Nell and the buggy. Ed and I hauled two big house logs to mill this afternoon. Bill chopped. Old Mary fell in a gully on her back. We had quite a time getting her out. Did not hurt her any. Bill helped draw this afternoon. We hauled three logs.

June 24 -- This forenoon, Bill drew two house logs to mill and drew some on the skids at the mill. Ed and I made a new ex to the trucks. Harry came back at noon, with horse feed and provisions. This afternoon, Ed and Bill hauled logs on the skids. After being sawed, Harry and I drew them away with the Bulls and piled them up. They made two or three out of every log. At 4 p.m. it began raining and rained terrible hard for an hour. By and by the water began to come down the Canyon. It carried bridge and everything before it. It was a regular mountain torrent.

June 25 -- This morning, we went down to the mill. Had to take the horses over the hill to get there, as all of the bridges are gone and there are some big washouts. We then came back part way and went to work fixing bridges. This afternoon, Ed started for home, he rode the bulls. Bill and I put 12 saw logs on the mill skids. It has been quite sultry today. It rained last night.

June 26 -- This morning, we went down to the mill. Bill and I sawed off some of the house logs, as they were too long to go in the mill. We also drew some on the skids. This afternoon, we drew the balance of the house logs on the skids. They sought 1294 feet of lumber for me, also finished the house logs. It rained some again last night and aspen sultry all day this has boss warm weather.

June 27 -- We left the shack at 8 a.m.. Bill hitched on the wagon and drove down to the mill. Harry and I hitched Nell onto the buggy and started over the hill. It is fearful steep. Nell got mad and tumbled over. She and the buggy rolled over two or three times. If it had not been for fallen pine, we would have went down the bank about 100 feet. Fortunately, nothing was hurt. We drew the lumber away from the mill and piled it up. We loaded some on the wagon and started for home. Arrived here at 3:30 p.m. This has been a nice day.

June 28 -- It rained this morning, till 9 a.m.. We then hitched the team on the wagon and started for Chadron. Ed, Herman, Harry, Bill and I, had not gone very far, before it began to rained again. It rained for two hours. Arrived in town at 3 p.m.. Ed and I filed on her homesteads -- $30. I received receipt from George Dye, for Net's barrel. Bought $10.80 worth of groceries. I weigh 130 pounds.

June 29 -- Harry struck a job at the feed barn, so did not come back with us. Ed and Herm, got a job, drawing mules at $25 per month. They came home to get their clothes. We arrived home about 4 p.m.. I brought my mower and hay rake home. This has been a nice day.

June 30 -- Bill went over to Mr. Antram's this morning and got my breaking plow. The Old Dutchman Mat, borrowed it, but neglected to return it. Ed and Herman went Chadron this afternoon. Charlie took them part way with Mary and the buggy. Bill began breaking on 23. Mr. Enderley's tree claim. I have set posts around the barnyard today. This has been a pretty warm day.

July 1 -- Bill plowed on 23 today. I stretched some wire. Corner posts were not said deep enough. They pulled out, so I had to set them over again. This has been a pretty warm day.

July 2 -- Bill plowed on 23 today. I did not have wire in enough to finish the offense. A friend of Charlie's from Downers Grove, came in this noon. They went to Chatham, this afternoon with Nell and the buggy. Bill and I are going to celebrate up in the hills tomorrow, hunting antelope. Pretty warm again today.

July 3 -- We rolled out at 4 a.m., then our chores, hitched onto the wagon and went up to the hills. We saw an antelope the first thing. I made a sneak on him and shot him. He rolled over and kicked. I thought sure I had some meat. The gun would not extract the shell, so I could not shoot again. So, I run up and was going to knock it in the head with the gun, but he jumped up and run. We lost our meat. Did not see any more. We arrived home at 5 p.m.. This has been a fearful, warm day. I am terrible tired tonight.

July 4 -- I'd done up the house work and churned this morning. It was so warm, it would not gather. I have set around the rest of the time. Charley got back 2 p.m.. The other fellow stayed at Chadron. This has been a fearful warm day. Temperature at noon 112 °. There has been a good breeze all day though. Mr. Mosier and Ayers were here are a little while this afternoon.

July 5 -- I yoked the steers to the wagon this morning and hitched the old cow and bull behind and started for the Canyon. Went through Dawes and had a new staple put in one of the yokes -- $.50. Arrived here at the mill, about 3:30 p.m.. I picketed the cow and turned the others lose. I loaded my wagon, then went up to the shanty and found everything as we left them. I came back to the mill and am going to sleep here; so to get in early start. It has been fearful hot today.

July 6 -- I got up at 4 a.m., yoked up the cattle and started for home. Pete and Blue on the tongue, Jim and John on the lead. I came the short way home. Arrived here at 1:30 p.m.. This afternoon, I finished stretching the Bob wire and also made bars three high, so now I have the barnyard in the enclosed. Harry and his friend Charles Baker, came at 7 p.m.. This has been another hot day -- 110 ° this afternoon. The cattle have ate my corn all off. It won't amount to much now.

July 7 -- This forenoon, I made a well curbing and put on the pulley, so to run two buckets. This afternoon, I yoked up the steers and drove down to the Cottonwood and picked up the piece of the Dames hay rack. I left it by the creek and the flood carried it off. This has been a pretty hot day -- 100 ° in the shade Bill finish breaking the five acres on Elderley's claim. Jack went away on Monday and is not came back. I guess he has gone back to Michigan.

July 8 -- At 7 a.m., I started for the Canyon with the cattle. Arrived there at 1:30 p.m.. I turn the cattle lose and put on about 800 feet of boards. I went up to the shanty, where Ayers and Mosier, were working. I came back, hitched on both yokes and pulled down to the mouth of the Canyon, where there is some big grass and turn the cattle lose. This has been a terrible hot day 110 ° in the shade, this afternoon. I have spread my blankets under the wagon and will now rolled in.

July 9 -- I got up at about 3:30 a.m. and milked cow, ate my breakfast, yoked up and started. Arrived home at 10 a.m.. The cattle can travel a great deal faster early in the morning when it is cool. I fixed up the Danes rack today. Bill hoed potatoes today and yesterday. Temperature this afternoon, 100 ° in the shade. Nell cut herself in the shoulder and throat pretty bad on the barbed wire fence.

July 10 -- We yoked the steers on the wagon this morning and took the Danes rack home, then went to Dawes and had one of the wagon wheels fixed. Also had the end of the reach, to the wide tire, fixed. Did not get home to 6 p.m. Bill hoed potatoes. This has been a fearful hot day; we need rain, terrible bad.

July 11 -- We have all set around trying to find cool place today. Temperature 110 ° in the shade, 112 ° in the sun. I began doctoring Perch's shoulder tonight. She is swennyed on the right shoulder.

July 12 -- At some 7:45 a.m., we started for the Canyon. Bill with the horses and myself with the bulls. It was so terrible hot, we did not get there till 3:30 p.m.. Temperature in the shade 110 °. We loaded in Bills wagon: six house logs, some two by eights and put 10 house logs on my wagon. We then pulled down to the mouth of the Canyon and camped.

July 13 -- We got up at 3 a.m., come to yoke up Pete and he was gone. We looked around quite a while, but could not find him. So we started on with the cow behind. Got as far as the railroad track and my reach broke. So I had to leave my load. We found Pete at White River. We tied them all behind and arrived home 10 a.m.. After dinner Bill and I drove over and got my load. We stopped and took a swim. The boys put about 32 feet of curbing in the well as it begun to cave in. Charles Baker, went to Chatham this p.m. to hire out. Temperature today, 112 °.

July 14 -- We rolled out at 4 a.m.. After breakfast, I yoked up the cattle and put blankets on Pete and rode over to where my wagon was. I tied it together and started on. Bill went around by Dawes. We met at the mouth of the Canyon and stopped to eat dinner. Pete got to tearing around and broke my wagon. I tied up again and drove down to Dawes and left it at the wagon shop. Bill went on up the Canyon. I left town at 6 p.m.. I stopped to talk with Mr. Bradley a minute and laid down in front of the cattle. They jumped on me and bruised made up some. Arrived home at 9 p.m. temperature in the sun 120 °, and in the shade, 112 °.

July 15 -- Bill came back as far as White River last night, to camp. During the night, the horses got lose and came home. So he had to walk home this morning and get them. We got here with his load of 10 house logs about 1 p.m.. I have felt pretty well bruised up today. This afternoon, we filled up around the curbing in the well and also ground the knives's to the mowing machine. This forenoon was hot, 100° to 110 ° in the sun. This afternoon, was cooler, as there was more of the breeze. We need rain terrible bad. Everything is all drying up.

July 16 -- I finished hoeing potatoes this afternoon. They won't amount from anything unless it rains soon. Bill and Harry went to the timber this morning. Arrived home at 7:45 p.m., with 10 house logs. I could not find the cattle tonight. Don't know where they could have gone. Has been pretty warm again today.

July 17 -- At some 7:45 a.m., Bill and I started for the timber. Got there about noon, we put on 10 house logs and came back. Arrived home at 6:30 p.m.. This forenoon, was cool, a coat felt quite comfortable; but this afternoon, was hot. It began to rain at 7:30 p.m. and just poured down for half an hour. Harry hunted for the cattle today and could not find them. They came home this evening.

July 18 -- We have done nothing, but set around and read and write letters today. It has been pretty warm. It clouded over and thundered some this afternoon. I thought was going to rain, but it did not.

July 19 -- At 7:30 a.m., Bill and I yoked the steers behind the wagon. Took along some tools, Chuck horse feed and started for the Canyon. We went through Earth Lodge and Dawes. We stopped at the spring, fed the team and they are dinner. We arrived at the mill about 3:30 p.m.. We then drove up to our shanty and unloaded. Someone had took our trucks, so we went down to the mill and borrowed there's. This has been a cloudy, chilly day. And over code felt comfortable.

July 20 -- It rained some last night and a little this morning. Bill hauled one 24 foot log and one 19 ft. log to the mill this forenoon. I helped load and snake logs in the Canyon with the steers. This afternoon, as I was hauling a log down in the Canyon, it got to rolling and came very near taking the steers down a bank 40 foot high. One of the truck wheels broke, so we had to stop quite awhile and fixed that. We hauled four saw logs to the mill this p.m.. We drew the two long ones on the skids and then sawed them into two by sixes.

July 21 -- I could not find my steers this morning. I went down to the mill and found them, laying beside my lumber pile. Bill hauled four sawlogs this forenoon, then one of the truck wheels broke. After dinner, he went down to the mill and got another. We managed to get one 24 ft. log down, but it would not work. Perch is getting lame, so we have concluded to quit and go home tomorrow. It seems as if God was not willing. I should build a house. This has been a nice day.

July 22 -- This morning, we loaded all of our truck in the wagon and went down to the mill. Took the box off and put on six house logs and some two by sixes. But the box on top and started for home. We stopped at White River and fed the team and ate our dinner. Arrived home at 4 p.m.. We had the steers on the lead most of the way, as it was a heavy load. It has been a pretty warm day. Rab is driving bulls for Lemon. Charlie Baker came back today.

July 23 -- Bill and I have dug at the seller all day. We hitched John and Pete on the plow this morning and was going to loosen some of the dirt, they have around and bent my plow. Came very near breaking it. So we let them go. It was cloudy and Monday the forepart of the day. We pulled off our boots, hats and shirts. The sun came out terrible hot at 2 p.m., so we laid off awhile. We have thrown out quite a lot of dirt today. Charlie Baker went back to work this p.m.. I have a headache tonight.

July 24 -- Bill and I, have dug at the seller today. It was terrible warm this forenoon, 105 ° in the sun. It clouded over at 2 p.m. and rained a little towards night. Calvin Lemon was here. We played cards little while. Charlie went down and got the mail. It is quite chilly, this evening. The horses got into Mr. Mosier's oats today, so I have got to picket them all now. I must try and have a pasture fenced in next year. It will save a good deal of running.

July 25 -- We have set around and wrote letters and read the newspaper today. I had to go three miles east after the cattle tonight. This has been a nice comfortable day.

July 26 -- Bill and I finished digging the seller at 9:30 a.m.. We then shoveled the dirt away from the side and dug three poles for the posts, that the house to rest on. There is to be 8 in all. It was pretty warm for a little while at about noon; 112 ° in the sun. This afternoon has been cool. There has been a good breeze blowing. Rab punched bulls for Lemon today. Charlie and Lemon went down this afternoon with Nell and the carriage.

July 27 -- Nell, foaled last night. It is a horse colt and the same color and build, that Tommy was when he was born. I rode Tommy over to 22 this morning, to look at the oats. They are not very good, the ground ought to have been back set before sowing. I came back and began mowing hay, 40 rode north of the house. Have mowed all day and have cut down quite a bit. The mower works boss. Rab hitched Princess to the hay rake and raked some this afternoon. Bill finished digging the post holes around the seller and commenced a hay yard. This has been a nice day.

July 28 -- Mr. Antram, came along this morning with his team. We arrived in Chadron at noon. This afternoon we went up to the country clerks office. John proved out on his preemption. Lester Carpenter and I, were his witnesses. I got some lineament for Perch -- $1.40. We left Chadron at 4 p.m.. When we were about nine miles from home, it began to hail and rain. Did not hail much, but rained pretty hard, for a little while. Arrived at Johns at 9:30 p.m., soaking wet! I am going to stay all-night here. It has all clear off now at 10:30 p.m..

July 29 -- I stayed Mr. Antram's to breakfast. I bought Mrs. Paynes three claim. I am to break five acres and back set five acres, give 2000 feet of lumber and $25 in money. Bill broke a bolt to the mower yesterday. Charlie went to town after one today. Bill shook out the hay, there was bunched up, this forenoon. This afternoon, Rab and yoked up the cattle; both the yoke and drew two loads of hay. I do the stacking, Bill raked the hay up in big bunches with the horse rake. Charlie Baker came back this evening. This has been a nice day, but it is raining again this evening.

July 30 -- This forenoon, Bill tried to mow, but was too wet, as it rained quite hard last night. Charlie Blodgett and I hunted for the cattle, but could not find them. They came home of their own accord, at noon. I then rode Tommy and drove the steers to town. I bought 100 pounds of spikes 110 pounds of eight pennies, 15 pounds of three pennies and three pounds of six pennies. I hitched the steers on my wagon. Cost of repairing the wagon, $2.35. It rained when I was coming home and got all wet. I did not have my coat. Charlie Baker began mortising, the sills for the house. It is quite chilly this evening.

July 31 -- At 8 a.m. Charles Baker, Bill and I started for the canyon and went to town and got 143 pounds of corn and a can of syrup -- $2.00. Arrived at the mill at 1 p.m.. We went up the canyon a little ways from the mill and cut down a tree for the posts under the house. We put on three house logs and the post logs and started for home. Oh how it did rained, got all wet, again as usual! As we were coming up a little pitch, this side of White River, the reach broke, so we have to come home, in the front trucks, six miles from home area arrived here 9:30 p.m. and almost froze, as it is pretty chilly.

August 1 -- We have set around and wrote letters and read the news papers today. This has been a nice day. Looks like rain this evening.

August 2 -- We put a 2X4 in the light wagon for our reach this morning, yoked in the steers, tied the cow and bull behind. Went down to Lemons, let the cow go and yoked one of his bulls in with Pete. They got to fighting, tipped the wagon over and broke the reach. We then yoked them on a big, lower of lumber, with his bulls, on ahead and drove them around the prairie and calmed them down a little. We stayed there to dinner. Hitched the horses in the other wagon and took the steers along and went after our load. Arrived here at 6 p.m.. Has been partially cloudy, rained a little for a few minutes.

August 3 -- This morning, Bill and I hitched Perch and Mary on the wagon and the other steers on the lead. Started for the timber and we got to the mouth of the canyon and found the bridges all gone and the road gullied up. We stopped and fed the team and ate hour dinner. Turned around and came home. Arrived here at 5:30 p.m.. It rained some this morning, but cleared off at 10 AM. Charlie Baker worked at the house today. Rab took Nell over to Coopers, but he was not at home. I have been about sick all day.

August 4 -- This forenoon, we peeled the bark off from the posts and set them. Rab and Charles, cleaned out the well. This afternoon, we had to take three posts out and set them over again. We also put laid the sills and put in, all but four joice; we lack that many. And laid up some of the logs. Charlie Baker superintended the job. It rained a little at 5 p.m.. George Bradley came over towards night and brought us about a bushel of mail. It has all cleared off again this evening and we probably won't have any more rain until tomorrow.

August 5 -- This forenoon, Rab and I, went to town with Nell and the buggy. Received from Mr.
Enderly on account $10.00. I bought some groceries, also some lineament, for Perch $1.00. Bill helped Charlie at the house. This afternoon, Bill went to town, with the steers and got four two by eights and two -- Two by fours -- $2.30. We all worked at the house, framing and putting up logs. At 3 p.m., it began to rain; drove us in to the shanty, for about 20 minutes. The grass is growing right along now and I think we will have quite a hay crop after all. The sun set at 7:00 and seven minutes tonight.

August 6 -- Charlie Baker and I, done the sawing and framing today and the other boys laid up the logs. Bill went over to Mr. Antram's, this afternoon and borrowed his rope and pulleys. We have the logs laid up above the Windows. This has been a nice day. There is a bunch of, about 500 head of cattle, two miles northwest. I accidentally broke the thermometer today, so now, we will have to depend on my feelings, when it is hot or cold. The cattle chawed off the tops of the potatoes north of the barnyard.

August 7 -- We have worked at the house all day, but did not get as much done as yesterday. We put in the upper joice. It has been pretty warm today. Jacob Brandal, was here today. I took the job, to back set four acres for him, at $3.00 per acre.

August 8 -- We had breakfast this morning, at 11 a.m.. Have set around, wrote letters and read the newspapers. Has been a little warmer, then was needed for comfort. Bill has been sick today.

August 9 -- Bill mowed today; the rest of us kids worked at the house. This has been a pretty warm day. Rab raked some hay and bunched it up, this afternoon. I have no more grain for the horses now. They will have to work without now.

August 10 -- This forenoon, Charlie Baker worked at the house. The boys are all used up, so we will have to quit till we can get to the mill. Bill and I, drew two loads of hay with the steers. This afternoon, Rab mowed part of the time. Bill and I drew one load of hay. I am some tired tonight. The mosquitoes are thick enough, to log a man off. We made a smudge, outdoors this evening and smoked them a little. They were so thick last night, I could not sleep very much.

August 11 -- Charlie Baker, has mowed all day. This forenoon, Bill and I ground both sets of knives and drew one load of hay. This afternoon, we drew two loads and finished the stack and began on other one. Rab has raked and bunched hay. Charlie Blodgett, went to town with Princess and the buggy. I sent for a four tinned fork -- $1.00. I also, had my yoke staple mended. It rained a little at 5 p.m.. Mosquitoes as bad as ever. Have named Nell's colt  Caesar. Did not spell it right Caesar.

August 12 -- This forenoon, Bill, Rab and I done one load of hay. Charlie Baker mowed till 9 a.m., and then had an attack of the ax handles and had to quit. Bill and Rab, then drew part of the load, all there was to cut. I then went to mowing down by the creek. This afternoon, Bill and Rab, covered the calf pen with hay. Bill raked and bunched the hay down by the creek bottom. I quit mowing at 5 p.m.. Charles Blodgett, took the Bulls, wagon and went after a load. The wind came out and blew the rack off. We fixed it on again and loaded up. I got through with my chores at 9:30 p.m..

August 13 -- This morning, we put a reach, in the light wagon and Charles Blodgett and I, started for Chadron. Arrived in town, about 1 p.m.. After dinner, I went up to the county clerk's office, as I was a witness for Mrs. Payne to prove up. I then done my trading, bought 6000 shingles, 192 feet of lumber, for windows and door frames. Also five Windows 12 by 30; that was all they had. At 5 p.m., we started for home and got about half of a mile and one of the tires came off and broke the wheel. We took it back to town. It being too late to fix it, we borrowed a wheel and at 7:10 p.m., started again. Arrived home pats 3 a.m. tomorrow.

August 14 -- Did not get up very early this morning. Bill and Rab, drew a load of hay yesterday. We unloaded it and ground the knives and Charles Baker mowed. Rab went to town at noon and got a ride with a fellow. Bill mowed this afternoon; towards night, when it got cooler. Charlie Baker, went to raking and bunching up. Charlie Blodgett and I, drew one load with the steers. It has been pretty warm today.

August 15 -- Bill and I, sleep in a tent, on the side of the shanty. Just as I got up this morning, which was not very early, a big rattlesnake, crawled in. Rab cut his head off with the spade. He had nine rattles. Charlie Baker and I, rode the Colts over to section 3 and from there to section 7. Charlie is going to file on the North West quarter. We got back here at 2 p.m.. I have written letters the rest of the time. Bill hitched Perch on the buggy and took the wheel to Chadron. He got back at 8 p.m. and said he could not find the black smith, so could not get our wheel. It acts some like rain tonight.

August 16 -- At 8 a.m., Bill and I, yoked up both yokes of cattle and started for the mill. We run against a post going up and split our dinner. The bridges are not all fixed yet. We had to go around several hills. We got to the mill at 3 p.m.. Loaded up and started for home. As we was pulling up a hill, the reach pulled out. We had to unload all of the house logs, 10 of them. Coupled the wagon up shorter, loaded up again and started. We finally arrived home about midnight. It has been partially cloudy today. Am tired tonight.

August 17 -- This forenoon, I ground the knives and went over on the school section and mowed. Charlie Baker mowed a little there yesterday. Bill fixed the fence around the stack and tinkered around. Rab took Nell over to Coopers. Charlie Baker fixed the hay rack up in good shape. This afternoon, the two Charlie's worked at the house. Rab mowed. Bill raked and bunched up hay. I yoked up both yokes of cattle and pitched in till Bill got through. We then put on a terrible big load; a good two tons. It made them wiggle to pull it. This has been a nice day to work

August 18 -- This forenoon, Bill and I, done one load of hay. We also ground knives. We then went to breaking, with Old Mary. But the two Charlie's have worked at the house all day. Rab has mowed. This afternoon, we drew two loads of hay and put some in the shed for the horses. The wind has blown pretty hard, which made it bad pitching. It looks as if it might rain tonight.

August 19 -- This morning, Rab and I hitched Tomy in the buggy and went over to Enderley's tree claim and measured it and went from there to Dawes. Was to be witnesses in a contest case, but it did not come to trial. We arrived home at 2 p.m., I then went to raking with Old Mary. Bill has mowed, all day. Charlie finished putting in the gable ends. This has been hay pretty warm day.

August 20 -- This forenoon, Charlie Blodgett and I, drew two loads of hay. Rab and Charlie Baker, took Princess over to Coopers. His horses is 7/8 Clydesdale. This afternoon, I raked up a load of hay. The boys brought out the wagon and we drew a load. Charlie Baker, then went to raking and he raked till 8 p.m.. Bill has mowed all day. The wind blew quite hard this forenoon. The hay is so fine, it blew all over. I could not find the cows this evening. Killed a rattler this evening and has six rattles.

August 21 -- This forenoon, Charlie Blodgett and I drew two loads of hay. This afternoon, Charles Blodgett, went to town, with Tommy and the buggy. I sent for another bottle of medicine for Perches shoulder -- $1.00. Charles Baker, raked and bunched up hay. Bill mowed to 4:30 p.m.. He then helped us on the stack. We drew two loads this afternoon. Rab went after the cows. Has been pretty warm today. We have now got up to 23 tons of hay.

August 22 -- I wrote letters a good share of the day. George Bradley came this morning and stayed all day. This afternoon, Charlie Baker and I went over to see Mr. Ross on the North West of 19. We also walked up the creek about two miles. This has been a nice day; quite a breeze blowing all day.

August 23 -- Bill mowed till 8:30 a.m.. The pitman bolt broke, so had to quit. Rab and I, drew a small load of hay. The wind blew so hard, we could do nothing. More blew away over on to Lone Tree, than we could make stay on the load. Bill then raked and bunched up what was cut. This afternoon, we chiseled down the grind stone and made it level. Also ground both set of knives. Charles Baker, went to town, with Tommy and the buggy. Has been nice and cool.

August 24 -- At 7 a.m., the two Charlie's and I started for Chadron. Drove Old Mary and Perch. Arrived in town at noon. After dinner, we went out to the county clerk's office. I was witness for George Bradley, to prove up. We then hitched up and went to the lumber yard and got the other four windows and windows stops and Cornish. At 3:30 p.m., we started for home. Arrived here at 9 p.m.. This is been nice day. There has been a pretty strong breeze all day and was pretty dusty.

August 25 -- This morning, Bill, Charlie Baker and I, started for the mill, with our two yokes and the yoke of Lemons bulls. Jim and Perch. On our way up, a fellow give us a nice big watermelon. Yum Yum! Arrived at the mill about 4 p.m.. We picketed Jim and the cow and turned the other's loose. We are going to bunk in the mill tonight. This is been a terrible hot day. I wish it would rain a little for change. Naying don't seem to have much effect on the weather now.

August 26 -- This forenoon, we hauled our logs on the skins and they sawed them. There was 1073 feet, for which I paid for sawing -- $6.70. About noon, we hooked on the three yokes and started for home. We got about two miles from the mill and as we were crossing the creek, the forward ex broke,. Just my cussed luck. We unhooked. Each straddled a bull and rode home. Arrived 6:30 p.m.. Rab mowed some today. It has been quite smoky today. Prairie fires in Dakota, I think.

August 27 -- This morning, we got another yoke of Lemons bulls, making four yokes in all. I hitched onto one of his big freight wagons. Bill and I, then started for the canyon. It began to rain, soon after we started. I thought maybe it would stop after a little while. We went about four miles, it then began to rain so hard, that we turned around and came home. It rained till about 2 p.m.. Has been smoky all day and quite chilly.

August 28 -- This morning, Bill and I, started again with the four yokes and Lemons and wagon. We got to where our lumber was at 1 p.m. We loaded it over and tied the wide tire on behind. We went a ways and got stuck in the creek. Had to unload over half of it. We then started in again. As we was crossing the creek, the lumber in the hind end, broke the tongue to the wide tire. We tied it on and started again. Had not gone very far, when the hind wheel to Lemons wagon broke down. We tied a pole under it and come home without lumber. Arrived here at 12:30.

August 29 -- This morning, I went over to Germans, two miles north and borrowed his wagon. He is using my mower. Charlie Baker and I, then started for the canyon. We took horses this time. Arrived there at 1 p.m. and we put on half of it, tied the wide tire wagon in behind and came around by Whitney. Dawes city is no more. I left the wagon at the shop. Arrived home and 8:30 p.m.. This is been nice cool day. It makes me all discourage, to have so many breakdowns. I feel all used up tonight.

August 30 -- This morning, Rab and I started for the canyon; went by way of Whitney. We took Lemons wheel over and also my plow to have it straightened and lay sharpened. Arrived at the canyon at 1 p.m.. We put on the balance of the lumber and came back to town. Had to wait for the wagon ex and plow. The ex costs $4.00. The plow -- $.75. Arrived home at 8:30 p.m.. This is been a nice day. We had all the melons we could eat today. The evenings are getting quite cool now. Charlie put up the rafters today.

August 31 -- This forenoon, I began back setting on the tree claim in 21, belonging to Jacob Brandal. Bill and Rab yoked up the steers and three yokes of Lemons bulls and tried to back setting with his big red plow, but it would not work. There was a drizzling rain most all afternoon and did not do much. I let Cal take my buggy to go to Chadron this morning. Charlie Baker, finished putting in the roof boards. Charlie Blodgett came back this evening from Bradley's, with a lot of specimens.

September 1 -- Three Broncos came along yesterday. I rode one of them after the cows this morning. Couldn't find them last night. A cowboy came after them this then. Rab and 9 yoked up three Oaks and went to back setting. Bill plowed with the team. We finished at 4:30 p.m. the two Charlie's began seeing going to day. This is been a nice day. Just one year ago today, I left Michigan for Nebraska and here I am yet and liable to stay for all I know.

Sept. 2 -- It rained last night and until 7:30 this morning. After it dried off, we went to shingling. This afternoon, Charlie and Rab went over to Mr. Bradley's. The rest of us shingled. Mrs. Payne was over most afternoon.

Sept. 3 -- This forenoon, I rode Perch over to Whitney and got 10 pounds more of shingle nails -- $.70. Bill and Rab, begun back setting on Elderly is tree claim, with our two yokes and the yoke of Lemons bulls. This afternoon, Bill plowed with the team. Rab whacked the bulls. I held the plow. This is been a nice day. The two Charlies shingled.

Sept. 4 -- And 9 a.m., we hitched the horses on the wagon and started for the Badlands. George Bradley came with us. We stopped at Mr. Stewart's and ate dinner, also about 14 melons. We got to Mrs. Saxton's at 5 p.m.. We ate supper and started on again. At 8:30 p.m., we stopped at Mr. Hixon's. Have picketed the horses. Ate a couple more melons, set and talked awhile and are now about ready to make our bed in the wagon box and roll in. This is been a nice day. Bill stayed at home.

Sept. 5 -- At 8 a.m., we hitched up again and started out accompanied by Mr. Hixon. We drove about four miles over in the Old Circle Bar pasture. We picketed the horses and shouldered our bags to look for specimens. We found all we could carry, by morning, we went to the wagon and ate lunch and some melons. Then we started out again down in the deep canyon. When we come to get out, I could not do it and carry my petrified turtle. So the boys tied the picket ropes together and hauled me out. We stopped at Mr. Hixon's to supper. Arrived at Mrs. Saxton's and 9 p.m..

Sept. 6 -- It rained a little last night. We slept in the house on the floor. We started for home at 8 a.m.. Stopped at Mr. Stewart's and got some more melons. Arrived home at 2:30 p.m.. We have ate just 37 melons, while we have been gone. Don't feel very bad either. I have written letters the balance of the day. It is been quite cool and terrible smoky.

Sept. 7 -- At 8 a.m., Bill and I, started for the canyon. Arrived at the mill at noon. We ate our dinner, then went up the canyon and cut three logs about eight inches through at the little end. We skidded them on the wagon and started for home. We left the logs at Mr. Wright's on White River. They are for bridges and got a receipt for $6.00, to apply on taxes. Arrived home at 8:30 p.m.. There was a drizzling rain, until 10 a.m.. It then all cleared off and was quite warm. Chilly again this evening.

Sept. 8 -- This morning, I got onto Nell and led Princess. Started for Coopers, got a mile and a half and the old Nell got away from me and had to come clear home. I left Coopers at noon and went to town and got a sack of flour. Arrived home at 4 p.m.. I went over to the Dutchman's a little while. Bill and Rab plowed with the bulls on Enderley's tree claim, this afternoon. Charlie Baker went to the canyon today, after lumber, for his shack. Arrived here at 9 p.m.. This is been a nice day.

Sept. 9 -- We back set on Elderly is tree claim to day. Bill with the horses and Rab and I with the bulls. At noon Perch gave out and could hardly get her to the house. Used Mary and Nell this afternoon. We finished at 5 p.m.. Charlie Blodgett rode Tommy to town, this afternoon. Charlie Baker, works at window frames. This is been a nice day. Am tired tonight.

Sept. 10 -- Bill mowed all day with Nell and Mary. This forenoon, we drew one load of hay. I then went to breaking, with Princess. This afternoon, I raked and helped put in a load of hay. The long stack is finished and we have commenced another one. We fixed the fence, where the bull walked through it. Has been a nice day.

Sept. 11 -- This forenoon, Bill mowed, Rab and Charlie drew two loads of hay. I raked with Princess. This afternoon, I mowed till 4:30 p.m.. Old Mary then got pretty tired. The boys drew one load. Bill then raked up what I got. Charlie Baker, worked on window frames. This is been a nice day. Nice cool weather now.

Sept. 12 -- We have done nothing, but sat around and read and write letters. Mr. Bradley was over a little while this morning. This has been asked nice day. Bill and I ground on one set of knives towards night.

Sept. 13 -- Bill has mowed all day. I raked, this afternoon, with Princess. Rab and Charlie, drew one load of hay. Charlie Baker worked at the windows. I helped him this forenoon. The window frames are now all made and ready to put in. This is been a nice day.

Sept. 14 -- This forenoon, we drew one load and a half of hay. This afternoon, I raked and bunched up with Princess. Bill has mowed all day. The knives are worn down so bad, that they don't cut half of it. This is been another nice day.

Sept. 15 -- This forenoon, Rab and I drew two loads of hay and Bill mowed. This afternoon, Rab and Charlie Baker, went to town with the steers. Took Charlie Blodgett and his trunk to the 3:30 train. He is on his way to Chicago, by this time. George Bradley's folks rode in with them. There has been a drizzling rain all afternoon. We did not do very much. Mr. Antram, was over a little while this evening. Lemon has not brought my buggy back yet.

Sept. 16 -- Bill started to mow this morning, but it being too wet, he quit and went to breaking. He and Rab, drew one load this afternoon. I dug post holes, where I'm going to have a horse barn. It is to be 16 by 30. Charlie helped me get the thing straight with the world. It has been partially cloudy today. Greased the wagon, as I intend to go after posts tomorrow.

Sept. 17 -- I yoked the cow and the bull on the light wagon and Bill the steers on the wide tire. We then started for the pines, over west. We got there about 11 a.m., we ate our dinner, then went up on the side hill and cut 12 posts. Had to snake them down with the steers. Arrived home about sundown. We made pretty good time. Lemon got back with my buggy this afternoon. It was cloudy and cold this a.m., but cleared off at noon and has been quite comfortable.

Sept. 18 -- This forenoon, I trimmed the posts and ground the knives. This afternoon, I hitched Princess on the buggy and went to Whitney. Call Lemon went with me. Bill mowed all day. The knives are worn, so they don't cut very much. Rab work at his shack. This is been a nice day.

Sept. 19 -- We have sat around, read the papers and wrote letters today. Rab went over to Mr. Antram's with Call and Jim. This has been a nice day. We had a wayup dinner today. Mashed potatoes, turnips, Graham gems with butter, fried rabbit and gravy; milk and coffee.

Sept. 20 -- This forenoon, Charlie raked and bunched up what hay there was cut. Bill helped me dra it. I have now got up about 35 tons. This afternoon, I cleaned up around stacks, we also set the barn posts. Bill has worked five months for me. Am not going to hire anymore this season. This is been a nice day

Sept. 21 -- Rab, Charlie & I, went to town this morning, with both the yoke of cattle. Had a new staple in one of the yokes. I intended to go to the timber and haul in my logs, but changed my mind. Did not do anything this afternoon, as I had a headache.

Sept. 22 -- This morning, Mr. Mosier, came over and informed me, that my horses had been in his corn last night and destroyed it to the amount of $10. Had no money, so gave my note. Kinda tough, but there was no use kicking about it. This forenoon, I fixed the corral, so to keep them at nights. This afternoon, I went to town with Jim MacAfee. Bill and Charlie went hunting. Came back with a hungry gut.

Sept. 23 -- Have not done much of anything today. Charles took both cutting bars to town and had them riveting. I ground the knives, after he got back. This is been a nice day.

Sept. 24 -- This morning, I hitched onto the wagon and went over to Jim's and loaded on some provisions etc. I tied the mower on behind. Rab and I then pulled for Lone Tree. Jim brought the rake along with his horse. We arrived here at noon, got dinner and went to mowing. It is the largest marsh hay, I ever cut. Towards night, we made a shack to sleep in. It looks like rain tonight and is quite chilly.

Sept. 25 -- I mowed today with Jim's horse in the forenoon. Rab raked some this afternoon. Jim took one of the cutting bars and went to town to see if the sections had come. I sent for by C.P. Blodgett. This is been a nice day. The nights are getting pretty cold now. -- Headwaters of Lone Tree Creek

Sept. 26 -- This forenoon, Rab & bunched up Sunday. Did not get up very early. This afternoon, I raked and bunched with Old Soldier, Jim source. He got back this evening. The sections have not come in. We went out to create about a mile and a half and found lots of hay. This is been a pleasant day and was quite chilling this afternoon. The wind blew cold. -- Lone Tree Creek

Sept. 27 -- Jim and I hitched Soldier to the buggy and went to town. Rab brought the horses and wagon down to the Cottonwood Ranch. Jim bought a machine. We came home, hitched onto the wagon and went after it, about five miles down the Cottonwood. Arrived here at 8 p.m.. I let Call take the steers today. There was ice formed last night and is cold enough for frost tonight.

Sept. 28 -- I hitched up and came up here, this morning. Charlie drove the Colts and Old Mary up, so they would not bother Mosier's corn. I went to mowing after dinner. Broke down after I had cut about an hour. Came up to the shack and fixed it, mowed a little while and busted again, so I quit! This is been a nice day. Froze a little last night again. Charlie shot a dock for supper.

Sept. 29 -- We did nothing this afternoon. Jim got back at 2 p.m., with a new sickle. He bought it of Mr. Cummings, northwest of Crawford. I then went to mowing. It cuts all the grass now. This is been a nice day.

Sept. 30 -- This forenoon, I mowed with Perch and Nell. This afternoon, with Old Mary and Soldier. I think I cut about 8 tons. Jim cocked it up. Charlie raked. Charlie went down home this forenoon and got a keg of water. Nice weather; am some tired tonight. We had Mallard ducks for dinner.

October 1 -- This forenoon, I mowed with Perch and Nell. The Pitman broke and hindered about two hours. This afternoon, I mowed with Old Mary and Soldier. Charlie raked with Princess. Jim bunched up. This is been a nice day.

October 2 -- I mowed till 9 a.m.. The Pitman broke, so I had to quit. Jim and I bunched up. Charlie raked with Tommy. After dinner, I hitched Tom in the buggy and drove to town and had the hind wheels set and the Pitman mended. Did not get home till 11 p.m.. Charlie and Jim came down this evening. Jim went over to Coopers and borrowed his hay rake; mine is pretty well racked. Has been a nice day.

October 3 -- I hitched Tom in the buggy and at 9:30, started for Chadron. Arrived in town about 3:30 p.m.. Charlie and Jim, went up the Lone Tree. It is been quite smoky today.

October 4 -- Went to Chadron House for breakfast. Then went around to several business houses to see about selling some apples. There is not very much money to be made at it. At 8:30 a.m., I hitched up and started for home. Arrived here at 2:30 p.m.. The Pitman broke again, so Jim went to town to have it mended. My eyes are terrible weak.

October 5 -- Jim came back last night at 10 p.m.. He had the old Pitman mended and borrowed another. I rolled out of bed and we came up to Lone Tree again. I have mowed all day. Charlie raked. Jim bunched up. This is been a nice day.

October 6 -- I mowed till 10 a.m., then went up to the Creek and mowed. Slew hay to cover sheds with. I finished cutting at 2 p.m.. I then raked and bunched it up. Charlie raked this forenoon. This afternoon, he helped Jim bunch. They finished it 4 p.m.. We then loaded up our truck and came home. I think we have about 40 tons in the cock. My eyes are fearful bad now, I can hardly see anything. They pain me a great deal. Nice weather.

October 7 -- Have stayed in the shack all day, my eyes have been pretty coar(?). Rab and Jim went to town with Old Soldier and the buggy. My mowing machine sections came today. They are just too late. But all through haying now. This is been a nice day.

October 8 -- Did not do much this forenoon. Went down to the mill. Helped Mr. Mosier a little. This afternoon, I cut and hauled down to the wagon six logs for my barn. Rab and the rest of the Bull outfit did not get here till 5 p.m..

October 9 -- This morning, I loaded the wagon with tools, bedding, provisions etc.. I yoked on the steers and started for the canyon, went around by Whitney. Arrived at our old camping place at 7:30 p.m.. Call Lemon and Jim, started about the time I did, but stopped at Whitney for repairs. Rab is coming with them. This is been a nice day, but dusty. My eyes feel terrible tonight.

October 10 -- We yoked up 3 yoke of Bulls this morning and went up the canyon, where my logs were. Some of them have floated down the Creek or else someone has snaked them. We got the two big logs, that was on the side hill, down into the canyon. Got one on the trucks and started for the mill. One of the wheels broke. I tried to borrow another one, but could not, so we fixed it, loaded on the log again and started. The darn bulls run into a tree and broke the tongue out. Oh, but I was mad! Has been smoky all day.

October 11 -- This forenoon, we rolled logs down in the canyon and hauled three down to camp. This afternoon, we snaked logs down in to the canyon. From the side hill, also hauled two down to camp. It rained some last night and has been misty all day. I am wet all over tonight.

October 12 -- This forenoon, we hauled three logs down and had a terrible time getting them. We loaded them four times. Taylor came after the trucks this noon. We snaked the last log down from up the canyon. We then went down the Creek little ways and by a good deal of sweating, got three logs into the Creek. It cleared off at noon. I am tired tonight.

October 13 -- This forenoon, we worked like thunder to get those three logs out of the Creek. Had a fearful time. The old cow fell down the bank, came very near to taking a bull and steers with her. This afternoon, we snaked three logs from up the main canyon. Also cut some logs and posts for my barn. I now have 19 logs skidded. Has been a partially cloudy day.

October 14 -- We loaded up our logs and six posts this morning. A good big load, and started for home. We camped for dinner on Ash Creek, about eight miles from the mill. We pretty near had a dog, but not quiet. Arrived home at 7 p.m. without breaking down or having any bad luck. This is been a nice cool day. The nights are pretty cold now. Charlie is helping Mr. Ross build his house.

October 15 -- This forenoon, I washed four shirts and four towels and peeled two posts. This afternoon, I mended my bridges and skinned four posts and four logs. This is been a nice day.

October 16 -- This morning, I hitched on the wagon, went up to Lone Tree and got the mower and rake; also put three bunches of hay. Arrived here at 3 p.m.. I then peeled two logs and done the chores. Rab went to town with Mr. Ross. This is been a nice pleasant day.

October 17 -- Have done nothing, the write letters today. Nice pleasant weather.

October 18 -- This morning, I yoked up the steers and Rab and I went to town and had the wagon fixed. The forward and the hind hounds, needed repairing. One yoke staple was broke also; both chains. Did not get home till dark. Nice day.

October 19 -- This morning, I hitched Tom on the buggy. Rab and I went to Whitney. I expected the Bill of my car from Michigan would be there, but it was not. I came home and got dinner, hitched Nell on the buggy and drove over to Mr. Bradley's. He and I, then went to Crawford, about 12 miles southwest. We sold 20 barrels of apples at 4 dollars per barrel. We stopped at Mr. Hutchins and ate supper. Arrived home at 10:45 p.m.. It rained some this forenoon. It cleared off at noon. Has been chilly.

October 20 -- Rab hitched Princess on the buggy, this morning and went to town after the mail. He also drove up to the canyon. Arrived home and dark. I received the bill of the car. It was shipped on the 16th. I banked up around the new house and tinkered around. This is been a nice day.

October 21 -- This morning, I put the hay rack on the wagon, yoked up both the yoke and started for Chadron. Rab borrowed Mr. Ross's wagon and drove in with Perch and Nell. I arrived in town at 7 p.m.. I went to a Republican rally. Congressman Dorsey, being one of the speakers. We put up at Fritcher's barn. This is been a nice day.

October 22 -- I went over to the freight office this morning. The car has not come yet. Our German neighbor came in today to haul out a load for me. Rab and I, went up to the stick yards this forenoon. I bought a meal ticket at Mrs. Leaches restaurant. Has been cold and cloudy.

October 23 -- The car did not come last night. Have set around the barn all day. Just because I am waiting for the car, it is bound to hang back.

October 24 -- Have set around the barn, as the car has not come yet. Charlie the Dutchman, went home today. There was no use of him staying here on my expense.

October 25 -- I went down to the freight office this morning and found my car had come. So Rab and I hitched up the team and began hauling things over to the barn. We finished this evening. There is about 60 barrels of apples and a good many in boxes, also tools and furniture. This is been a nice pleasant day. I am pretty tired tonight.

October 26 -- I started out this morning, with a load of apples around town. Have traveled all day. Sold about 20 barrels and could not get but $3.50 per barrel.

October 27 -- I spent all forenoon, making a trade. I traded the steers for a span of mules. I gave $60.00 and 2 ½ barrels of apples to boot. I also got pretty good harness, Double tree's and neck yoke. They look to be a good span of mules. Rab loaded up the wide tire, yoked up the cow and bull, and pulled out. We came back this evening, as he got stuck in White River. I peddled apples, this afternoon. This is been a nice day.

October 28 -- This morning, I went down to White River, with Rab and helped him pull out. We had to load all of the stuff over on the other wagon. Have sold apples the balance of the day. This is been nice and pleasant.

October 29 -- This forenoon, I done some collecting and loaded up my wagon. Rab got back at noon. I started for home after dinner. Arrived here at 7:30 p.m. and found mother. She came last night. I was somewhat pleased to see her. This is been a nice day.

October 30 -- Charlie and I have put down flooring today in the new house. Rab got back at 3:30 p.m.. Ayers was over a little while this afternoon and tuned up the organ. It seems good to have Mother around again. This is been a nice day. According to my new thermometer, the temperature was 86, this afternoon.

October 31 -- Rab and I drove to Chadron today. He drove the mules and I the horses. This is been a nice day.

Nov. 1 -- This forenoon, I done my business around town. We then loaded up our wagons and started out. It was raining a little when we started, and rained harder after we had got a ways. It made it terrible slippery. The gumbo rolled up on the wheels. After we left the ridge road, it pulled so hard, we had to leave the wide tire. We put both teams on the other wagon and started on. It rained quite hard. We arrived home at 7:30 p.m., all mud and wet and most froze.

Nov. 2 -- Rab and I went to Whitney today, with a load of apples. Sold them for $4 per barrel. This being election Day, I cast my first vote. Republican of course. This forenoon, was nice and pleasant, but this afternoon, was cloudy and quite chilly. Charlie made the door frames today.

Nov. 3 -- This morning, Rab and I hitched up both teams and went after the wide tire wagon. Arrived home at 1:30 p.m.. This afternoon, I have tinkered around the house. This is been a nice pleasant day.

Nov. 4 -- This forenoon, Rab and I went to town with the mules, took a barrel of apples over to Dr. Glassner. I expected my chimney, that I ordered at Chadron, would be there, but it was not. This afternoon, I helped Mother wash. Rab drew a load of wood from the creek. Charlie has a boil on his hand and can't do much. I went down to Lemons, this morning. He is to get 1000 feet of lumber for me at $12.

Nov. 5 -- Its snowed about an inch last night and has stormed some all day, but is clear tonight. I have put in bridging and laid floor upstairs. I ought to have my barn built this stormy weather.

Nov. 6 -- Charles and I, went to town with the mules this morning. I received my chimney that I ordered in Chadron the 1st. It is 4 ½ ft. above the roof and galvanized. We took dinner at the Bradley house. This afternoon, we put on the chimney. Jim was here towards night. I sold them seven bushels of apples. This is been a nice pleasant day. Temperature at 7 a.m. 18 degrees.

Nov. 7 -- This forenoon, I swept out the new house, went down to the potato patches and dug a few. They are small and few in a hill. This afternoon, I hitched Nell on the buggy and took Mother riding. We also drove over to Mr. Mosier's and stayed a little while. This is been a beautiful day.

Nov. 8 -- This forenoon, I dressed the corner boards. They are 2 X 6 and 2 X 4. Charlie hung the east door. This afternoon, we put on the corner boards and sorted some of the apples. I intend to go to Crawford tomorrow, if it don't storm. Charlie Blodgett came this evening. This is been a nice day. Has been cloudy this afternoon. We set up the parlor stove in the new house and are in here now.

Nov. 9 -- This morning, I hitched the mules on the light wagon, loaded on 16 bushels of apples and pulled out for Crawford. Bill went with me. Arrived here at noon. I sold all the apples, at something over $20. I took along a barrel of vinegar, but could not sell it. Arrived home about dusk. Has been partially cloudy and quite chilly.

Nov. 10 -- I rode Gin, one of the mules, over to Mrs. Payne's and paid her $20, on account for the tree claim, I bought off her July 29. Also went over to the potato patch and dug a few potatoes and laid flooring upstairs. Rab went to town with the mules. I sent for two bunches of shingles and 100 feet of flooring -- $5. Has been partially cloudy. The kids began keeping house on their own account this evening.

Nov. 11 -- This forenoon, Rab and I plowed out the potatoes. There is only about three bushels. Not a very big yield. This afternoon, I sawed wood and tinkered around. Mrs. Mosier, Mrs. Glassner and Miss Nellie Mosier was here visiting this p.m.. This is been a nice day. I went over to Bill's this evening and had him come home with me.

Nov. 12 -- At sunrise, Bill and I started for Indian Creek Canyon, with both teams. Arrived there at noon. Call did not have the lumber sawed for me, as I expected, so after dinner, Bill and I climbed the side hills and threw down some dry pine, loaded both wagons and started for home. Arrived here at 9:30 p.m.. Most froze! It is a pleasant evening, though, bright as day.

Nov. 13 -- This forenoon, I drew a load of wood for Bill and one for myself. The boys shot three Grouse for tomorrow's dinner. This afternoon, we began breaking on Rab's claim. We put on both teams. This is been a pleasant day.

Sept. 14 -- I went to town this forenoon and moved George Bradley out to his claim. C.P.B. (Charley P Baker), went with me. Arrived home at 4:30 p.m.. Has been cloudy today and cold. There is an east wind blowing, am afraid it will storm.

Nov. 15 -- This morning, Charlie Baker and I hitched up both teams and went up to Lone Tree after Marsh hay. My load slid off once, so I had to load it over. We arrived here at 3:30 p.m.. Most froze. It has snowed all day and there has been a cold north east wind. C. P. B. and Rab, took the floor out of the shanty and put the mules and horse team in there. It makes a warm place. We then went at the shad, we packed hay around, except on the south side and put the rest of the horses in and the cattle. I feel easy tonight, as everything is out of the storm.

Nov. 16 -- Did not get up very early this morning. This forenoon, we finished putting down the lower floor and set things to rights. I yoked up the cow and bull and took Charlie Dutchman's wagon and rack home. Have chored around the rest of the day. There has been a cold north east wind. Temperature about 16 degrees. It has cleared off this evening and temperature down to zero. There is not any wind.

Nov. 17 -- Did not roll out very early this morning, it being 8 degrees below zero. I had to think quite awhile, before getting up. I went over to the shack in the northwest quarter and got my hand sled and made a rack haul hay on. It is a great deal handier than carrying it. It has looked pleasant today, but has been cold. Temperature now at 9 p.m. -- Two below zero.

Nov. 18 -- This forenoon, I put some boards in the north window upstairs, the lights being broke out. Also did my chores. This afternoon, I cleaned out the stable and fixed up the south side. I do not get, but a little milk now and that from the Spotted cow. The weather got warmer last night. Temperature this morning 20 above.

Nov. 19 -- I went to town with the mules today and had them shod in front. Sold in account five gallons of vinegar and $.30. The kids went with me. Temperature at 7 a.m. -- 18 degrees. At 6 p.m. -- 16. Has been quite chilly all day. There is three or four inches of snow on the ground yet.

Nov. 20 -- I have helped Mother wash today. It took all day, there was so many dirty things. Also had my chores too. This is been a nice day. Temperature is 7 a.m. -- 18 degrees. At 2 p.m. -- 68. At 6 p.m. -- 28.

Nov. 21 -- Mr. and Mrs. Bradley, was here visiting today. We had Grouse and Jackrabbit for dinner. The boys was here also. It has been cloudy all day and acts very much like storm tonight. Temperature at 7 a.m. -- 20 degrees. At 6 p.m. -- 32.

Nov. 22 -- There has been a genuine blizzard blowing today. Has snowed all day hand there being a strong wind, it penetrated everything. Could not see hardly 10 feet anytime today. Did not water any of the stock. Temperature has ranged from 2 -- 10 degrees above. Bill found his way over and is going to stay here.

Nov. 23 -- It stopped storming towards morning. Has been a nice day. I shoveled out the snow upstairs, that blew in the cracks yesterday. Also have done my chores and tinkered around. Charlie Baker worked at the stairs.

Nov. 24 -- This forenoon, I went to town with the mules, took Carter a barrel of vinegar -- 45 gallons at $.23, and to take trade. C. P. B. and Bill, rode over with me and hunted on their way back. They shot three chickens. This afternoon, I took 3 ¾ bushels of apples, over to George Ayers -- $4.37. Also done my chores. Has been partially cloudy and quite chilly. Cold northwest wind.

Nov. 25 -- Thanksgiving Day. This forenoon, I took the balance of the kerosene oil over to Frank Curry -- 38 gallons at 20 cents total $7.60. I bought 200 feet of battens -- $4.10. Charles Baker, went with me. Arrived home at 2 p.m. and we all set down to our Thanksgiving dinner. We had prairie chickens, fresh pork, raspberry shortcake, with sauce, bread and butter, dried corn, coffee etc.. After dinner, I nailed on a few battens and fixed the fence around the stack and done the chores. Has been partially cloudy. Quite strong wind.

Nov. 26 -- I have nailed on battens today. Did not have nails enough. I went over to Mr. Mosier's, this morning and paid my note, that I gave Sept. 22nd. Bradley and Dr. Glassner was here a little while this afternoon. The boys have helped Bill at his shack today. He moved it on the southeast corner yesterday. This is been a nice day. Temperature about temperate.

Nov. 27 -- Aside from the chores, I have helped Mother in the house cleaning up and setting things to rights. The house looks quite cozy now. The boys went to town with the mules and wagon today. This is been a nice pleasant today. Temperature 55 degrees. We expect to have Sunday school here tomorrow, if the neighbors get around.

Nov. 28 -- Have done nothing, but chores today. Did not have Sunday school, as there did not enough come. Mrs. Mosier, Nellie, Mrs. Ayers, Mrs. Rose and Mr. Ross were here. This is been a nice warm day. It clouded over this afternoon and looks like rain, this evening. Temperature at 6 p.m. -- 38 degrees.

Nov. 29 -- Mr. Ball, who lives on 15, was here this morning. I lent him Pete for a week, as he was but one ox to work. I intended to go to Chadron, but it looked stormy, so I did not start. Hitched Nell and Perch on the plow and tried to break on Rab's claim. Rab went over to Mrs. Payne's and bought some corn to feed. This afternoon, we broke the plow beam. Rab then went over to the Danes and borrowed his. C. P. B. went after a load of wood with the mules. This is been a warm day, but cloudy.

Nov. 30 -- This forenoon, I plowed or tried to. The darn plow don't work good. At 11 a.m., I went to town with the mules. Rab plowed. I engaged Bill Cooper to play, for my party next Friday evening. Also invited several parties. I hired Charlie Baker, to put on the plates and ridge poles, to the barn. Has been partially cloudy at 6 p.m.. It began to snow. Wind in the East. Temperature -- 32 degrees.

Dec. 1 -- This morning, I hitched the mules on the wagon and went up to Lone Tree, after a load of sloughs hay. Bill went with me. We arrived home at 3:30 p.m.. Rab has been breaking today with three horses. It snowed about two inches last night. Has been cloudy and misty. Temperature, about 30. Was not very warm riding. The Dane and his wife were here and spent the evening. Can't pronounce his name.

Dec. 2 -- This morning, I rode Old Mary, over to Mr. Mosier's and Ayers, came back and went to work at the stable. Fixed it all up warm again with hay, also nailed on a few battens and helped Mother paste on paper. Bill had the mules and wagon today, to fix his shack and haul wood. Has been cloudy and frosty. Temperature at 7 AM -- 10 above and 18 during the day.

December 3 -- I have done chores and helped in the house today, getting ready for the party. It has stormed about all day and has been pretty cold. Everything is covered with frost. At 7:30 p.m., the guests began to arrive. At 8:30, they were all here. Twenty-four persons. George Ayers, played the organ and Bill Cooper, the violin. Then we did dance. At 9:30 p.m., we had apples. At 12, we had supper. We danced, till 4 a.m., then broke up. We had a splendid time. Everyone enjoyed themselves. I did not go to bed, but snoozed in the rocking chair, till daylight.

December 4 -- This forenoon, I did the chores, went down to the Cottonwood and skated about a half-hour. This afternoon, Baker and I hauled a load of green wood. This is been a nice, pleasant today. Temperature at noon -- 38. At 7 a.m. -- zero.

Dec. 5 -- I have been busy all day, doing my chores. Mary Payne, was here about all day. The snow is about all gone. Temperature today -- 72. Old Pete is sick. One side is all bloated out. I'm afraid he will kick the bucket. Temperature at 6:30 p.m. -- 34.

Dec. 6 -- I hitched the mules on the wagon this morning and started for Chadron. Charlie Blodgett and Charlie Baker, went with me. Arrived in town at 12:30 p.m.. I sold two barrels of apples at 3 dollars per barrel and two bushels of mixed varieties, at 75 cents per bushel. This ends up the Apple business. I also sold, 45 gallons of vinegar -- 20 cents. Had to take half of it in trade. Charles Baker, took the 8:10 train for the East.

Dec. 7 -- I had my harness mended and delivered the vinegar. By that time, it was about noon, so I loaded in the other barrel of vinegar in my bob sleighs and some other truck and started for home. The gumbo rolled up some, part of the way. Arrived here at 7 p.m.. Jim was here to supper. This is been a beautiful day and warm.

Dec. 8 -- This forenoon, Rab and I drew a load of green cottonwood. This afternoon, Mother and I drove up to Mr. Antram's. I got a bushel of turnips. I drove Perch and Princess. This is been a nice, pleasant day.

Dec. 9 -- This forenoon, Rab and I went to town. When I came back, I brought a load of wood from the preemption. Ed came this morning. He has been away six months. This afternoon, we went after another load of wood. Has been partially cloudy.

Dec. 10 -- This morning, I hitched up the mules and drove over to Mr. Read's, near White River and traded a barrel of apples for 8 gallons of sorghum molasses. Arrived home at 3:30 p.m.. Has been cloudy and quite chilly all day. Jim came this evening. It is snowing now. We played Euchre this evening.

Dec. 11 -- It snowed about three inches last night. Ed and I, put the sleighs together and went over to section 8 and got an old shack, that someone had left. We have done chores, the balance of the time. Has been cloudy. Temperature about, 30. Jim went to town today and came back this evening.

Dec. 12 -- This morning, Jim and I went over north about two miles and borrowed a cook stove. We calculate to start for the canyon tomorrow. This afternoon, I hitched on to the sleighs again and Mother and I drove over to Mr. Bradley's. Mrs. Mosier went with us. This is been a nice, pleasant day. Am afraid the sleighing won't last long.

Dec. 13 -- We rolled out early this morning. Hitched the mules on the sleighs, loaded on our bedding and cooking outfits, tied Old Mary behind and started for Indian Creek Canyon. We stopped in town and had the horses and mules sharp shod. Had to wait till after dinner. By that time, the snow was about all gone, so we loaded the front bob on the wagon and started on. Jim Mc Alee, Jim Scott and myself. Ed stays at home to do chores. We arrived here about 7:30 p.m. and put up with Call Lemon. This is been a nice day.

Dec. 14 -- Today, we have cut posts and polls. We borrowed some lumber at the mill and commenced our shack. It is 12 by 24. The stable is to be in one end. Has been cloudy all day.

Dec. 15 -- This morning, Jim and I, hitched the mules on the wagon and went down to Mr. Miller's, about 10 miles from here and got a load of corn fodder and some hay. We are to give him lumber for it. We broke the wagon tongue, so borrowed another wagon and left ours there. Did not get back, till about night. This is been a nice day, although rather cool.

Dec. 16 -- This morning, I hitched Old Soldier and Gin, on the wagon and went after another load of feed. Jim Scott, went with me. We arrived here at 2 p.m.. Jim hauled enough lumber with Old Mary and Billy to finish the shanty. We put some dirt on the roof. It began to snow just at dark and is still snowing. Has been partially cloudy all day, but not cold. We moved in our shack this evening and are quite comfortable.

Dec. 17 -- It snowed about three inches last night. I went down to the mill this morning and got 106 feet of lumber. We then made a couple bunks, double deck. We also fixed the horse stable, putting in mangers and stalls. It has been partially cloudy, but not very cold. Tomorrow, we will be ready for business.

Dec. 18 -- This forenoon, we harnessed Gin and Old Soldier on the bob and drew two logs down to the mill and two as far as the shack this afternoon. Jim Scott and I, made a skid way in front of the shack. This afternoon we hauled down three logs. Has been partially cloudy.

Dec. 19 -- Jim and I, went up the canyon today, to look at the timber. Have set around the balance of the time. Has been quite warm today.

Dec. 20 -- The two Jims, cut logs today and I snaked them down to the skid way, with the mules -- 18 in all. A good days work! It began to snow at 8 a.m. and has snowed all day. About four inches.

Dec. 21 -- This forenoon, Jim Scott, notched trees and Jim and I sawed the them down. Fifteen in all. After dinner, we went down to the mill and made a bargain with them about sawing. The are to saw for $5.50. We then hauled three 16 foot logs, down to the mill. We hired another fellow to cut logs this evening at 50 cents per day. This is been a nice day.

Dec. 22 -- Today, Jim and I, hauled logs to the mill -- skids, with the mules. They sawed some of them. This is been a nice day. Jim Scott and John have cut down timber.

Dec. 23 -- This morning, we hitched up both teams. I put on 518 feet for Cornell and Jim 432 feet for W. L. Handy. We arrived in town a little before sundown and unloaded my load. We hitched Old Mary and Soldier, behind and came home. Arrived here at 7 p.m., most froze. This has been a pleasant day, but quite cold. It is good sleighing. I wish I had brought my bobs. Temperature at 7 p.m. -- 12 degrees below zero.

Dec. 24 --I took a scrub this morning, then went down to Mr. Mosier's a little while. Went over to the Dutchmen's and borrowed his wagon. At 4 p.m., hitched Perch and Princess up and drove around by Mr. Mosier's then took in his folks also Miss and Mrs. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Ayers and Drove to Whitney. The first on the program was a Christmas tree; afterwards a masquerade ball. We danced till 11:30 p.m., unmasked and went to supper and danced till Christmas.

Dec. 25 -- We arrived home at 7 a.m.. It was a very cold night. Ed and Jim, went to the canyon today with both teams. I have done my chores and set around and blinked. The other boys, were here to dinner. We had Jackrabbit and Grouse. This has been a cold windy day. Temperature this evening -- zero.

Dec. 26 -- This morning, I hitched up Tommy and Princess and took the Dutchman's wagon home. Have intended to do my chores the rest of the time. It has snowed all day. Temperature at 7 a.m. -- 13 degrees below zero.

Dec. 27 -- This forenoon, I hitched on to the wagon and went down to the preemption and got a load wood. This afternoon, I drove over to Mr. Antram's to see him about remodeling the stairs. Bill burnt his face up at a shack with powder this evening. He came down here and Rab went after Dr. Glassener. He also prescribed for Mother, as she is quite sick tonight. I give her medicine, every half-hour. This has been a pleasant day, but cold. Temperature at 7 a.m. -- 5 below. At noon -- 10 above.

Dec. 28 -- Mr. Antram, was here this morning to see about fixing the stairs. He is coming tomorrow to do it. This afternoon, I went to town and got some groceries, five 2 X 4's and a board. Arrived home at dark. The wagon pulls rather hard in the snow. There is about 10 inches. Ed and Jim, came back this evening. Ed brought the sleighs. He left a load of lumber at Whitney. Jim brought some wood. It has been pretty cold all day. Temperature at 7 a.m. -- zero. At 7 p.m. -- six above zero.

Dec. 29 -- Mr. Antram, came this morning and began work on the stairs. I have helped him all day. We are putting them just opposite to what they were. John is going to stay all night. Ed and Jim, went up to Lone Tree after hay. Mrs. and Miffs Davis was here a little while today. This is been a nice day, but chilly.

Dec. 30 -- Jim and I, hitched Tom and Soldier on the sleighs this morning and went up to Lone Tree; after hay. We did not get much hay. Arrived home quite a little after dark. It is storming some this evening. It has been a nice day. John finished the stairs at noon.

Dec. 31 -- Ed and I, have done chores and cleaned up in the house; getting ready for the party. At 5 p.m., Charlie and I hitched on the sleighs and drove over to Mr. Ayers and Mosier's and loaded in the whole outfit. At 8:30 p.m., we got to dancing. Ayers played the organ and Bill Cooper the fiddle. It stormed a little this evening, so there was not as many, although there was enough. At 12 we went upstairs to supper.





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