Naomi's Diaries
Naomi DeSelms Cox's 1938 Diary ©
Widowhood in Toledo, Lucas county,
Ohio
Naomi Esther DeSelms Cox born in Ohio
October 19, 1855. She is 82 years old as 1938 begins.
Her diaries from 1911-1938, still in existence, after spending a
number of decades in the attic closet of her son Clyde,
are transcribed on these web
pages.
Naomi married John Hughes Cox
in Wood Co OH 27 April 1879 and they were married for 57 years.
They
farmed in Wood county Ohio up until 1936 when John, whom she
referred to in her diaries as
"Pa" took ill and he
passed away on December 12, 1936. The farm where she and Pa
lived that
they owned is being rented to the Omans, and Naomi
receives some
income from that. Naomi
lives at her daughter Ethel and Jim Ewing's home in Toledo at
1321 Varland (at Navarre Park).
***Note the links
to findagrave,
and other web sites that may be of interest. Italics
indicate my added
notes.***
There are five"Virtual Cemeteries" on findagrave
related to these diaries. Click here for those mentioned in the 1938 Diary
the Virtual cemetery named 1933-1938.
That consists of people (who could be located with
findagrave
memorials) mentioned during the last five years of Naomi's
diary.
Sat. January 1, 1938
We
are starting the New Year, and feeling quite well now. I was down
with
cold a few weeks ago. Weather is moderate now, but dark &
gloomy.
Sun. January 2, 1938
A play at the Church tonight. Wesley was in it. Ethel & Doris
went. Then they took her (Doris)
home. Joe works nights this week. I've read some.
Mon. January 3, 1938
Joe
& Doris came in and took Jim & Ethel to a show tonight. I
have
crocheted quite a bit, read tonight. I have a Library book, "Our
Presidents" very interesting. Dorothy & Phyllis here P.M.
Tues. January 4, 1938
Will Cox stopped this afternoon, said his father and Mother both had a fall. Ethel went
over to stay with Dons children. They are going to organize a ball
game where he works.
Wed. January 5, 1938
Ralph
& Mayme came this afternoon. Were going on to the Dr. He comes
once
a week now. He looks good, does his own driving. Eva brought her
mother
over for the afternoon. Dorothy went town, left Phyllis. Hazel &
Babe.
Thurs. January 6, 1938
It has been quite nice. Ethel
& Hazel is making a warm suit for Nancy & I've been knitting
little accessories. Ralph & Helen here for supper.
Fri. January 7, 1938
A
little snow flurries. I've been busy as usual at odd jobs, reading
&c. Jason & Rena came tonight and Omans went on to see some
friends & came back. They brot $10 rent and $10 for oats.
Sat. January 8, 1938
Rather
cold, 8 above this morning. I started a new quilt- a pieced star.
Jasons were going to Hillsdale this A.M. Hazel & Albert came
tonight, she to make some drapes.
Sun. January 9, 1938
Cold
with a little snow. The others went to church this A.M. and Ethel
went
tonight. Clyde came in awhile. I don't care to go out- am afraid of
the
cold.
Mon. January 10, 1938
Cold with some snow. Dorothy
& Ralph brot Phyllis in her little sled tonight. She thinks it
fun.
Jim had no work today. I made a star block. Miss Cilia LeGalley died.
Tues. January 11, 1938
A
nice bright day. Snow thawing off the street but a good deal other
places. Jim back to work today. I've been at my piecing. Ethel
crochet
cap for Nancy.
Wed. January 12, 1938
It's been dark and stormy, snowed quite a bit and rained some. A
class party at Mrs. Gilson's but Ethel couldn't think of
going. Not many went.
Thurs. January 13, 1938
I wrote 2 letters this A.M. to Orra and Lena Hatcher. Must write more soon. Ralph
Rowley went to Columbus. Doris came over, staid with hers here
tonight.
Fri. January 14, 1938
Rather
cold and snowy but the youngsters are having a good time with their
sleds. Ralph and Helen wre here for supper, he hasn't work yet.
Sat. January 15, 1938
It
has been a nice winter day, coating is fine in the park. Dorothy
&
Ralph went to a Club party & left Phyllis here tonight. Doris
&
Joe came and they've had fun.
Sun. January 16, 1938
Another
nice day. They went to church this A.M. Wesley and Ethel tonight.
Clyde
and Grace came in tonight. Harold & Hazel a little later.
Mon. January 17, 1938
Ethel
washed this A.M. Went to the beauty parlor. I've read quite a bit in
my
contest work. It's interesting if I never get anything.
Tues. January 18, 1938
I've
sewed and read some again. Harolds folks were going to take Jim
&
Ethel to the Basketball game tonight. They got ready but they didn't
come.
Wed. January 19, 1938
It was cold this A.M. but quite
nice all afternoon. Donalds were over tonight and I believe the
children have Whooping cough & Glenns too.
Thurs. January 20, 1938
Jim wasn't working today so he took us down to Luckey. John was working but off yesterday, he only
has part(time), Jim off 2
days a week. Anna quite well.
Fri. January 21, 1938
Cloudy
all day, rained this morning. Got a card from Jasons. She has a bad
cold, men quite busy. Glenns and Dons were here tonight. Helen &
little boys came after noon. Glenn from work. Dons tonight. Wesley
some
boy friends tonight.
Sat. January 22, 1938
Very foggy this
morning. Has been quite cloudy all day. Ralph & Helen and Doris
& Joe have been here tonight. Ralph hasn't got a job yet.
Sun. January 23, 1938
It
has been very nice today. Ralph and Helen here for dinner. Jason,
Rena
and Bob came after dinner. A little later Clyde, Grace, & Junior
came.
Mon. January 24, 1938
Rained a good deal last night and some during the day but moderate
weather till tonight. Its windy. Jim & Ethel took me to Eva's. They went to Dons and Dorothy's to see
the kiddies.
Tues. January 25, 1938
Rather
blustery and cold with some rain & snow flurries. Ethel had to
give
the house a going over as the Aid meets here tomorrow.
Wed. January 26, 1938
Very
cold and stormy. Snowed & blowed, lots of damage done in some
places. Ethel had the Aid for an all day meeting. Pot luck dinner.
Sent
car for those who came, not many.
Thurs. January 27, 1938
We
have quilted quite steady on the quilt the women worked on
yesterday.
Ethel went to Dons tonight to see how the children are. I got a
letter
from Mabel Cole.
Fri. January 28, 1938
Another
cold day, down close to Zero this A.M. I am tking another cold. We
got
the quilt finished and Ethel hemmed it. Its for Church work.
Sat. January 29, 1938
It is quite cold and likely to be a storm. I am taking a cold again.
It seems all in my head this time. The great Niagara bridge beat down with ice.
Sun. January 30, 1938
They
all went to church this morning and Ethel tonight. I've been in bed
all
afternoon. I have got to coughing again as I have before.
Mon. January 31, 1938
I got up then went back to bed & laid till about 10. Got up, ate
a little, then read the (Bowling
Green) Sentinal, & back to bed till supper time. Am
feeling better. Clyde came late.
Tues. February 1, 1938
I
am feeling better this afternoon and evening. Have sewed on my
quilt.
Don't know why I must have these colds so much. A card from Rena.
Mary
Gene was sick all week.
Wed. February 2, 1938
Ralph and Mayme
came in this afternoon. Comes to Dr. every week. He looks real well.
Have their lights in now. John stopped in awhile.
Thurs. February 3, 1938
I'm still coughing awful hard at times. Makes me tired and weak. Ethel Ries came in this afternoon. Don't know
how long she'll stay. she has left her place.
Fri. February 4, 1938
Ethel
Ries had gone before I was up this morning. She wanted to see a
woman
about a place. I didn't know till Ethel told me. She don't talk to
me
very much.
Sat. February 5, 1938
It has been quite nice. Got
dark this P.M. and rained a little. Ethel has been sick today. I'm
better. Clyde and Grace came in tonight.
Sun. February 6, 1938
Jim
and Wesley went to Church this morning but Ethel felt too bad with
her
cold and don't try to go anymore. I cough so much. I looked for
Jasons
but was disappointed.
Mon. February 7, 1938
My cold hangs
awfully. Can hardly sleep nights. Ethel and I worked on my contest
all
afternoon. She cuts the pictures all out & we put them together.
Ethel Ries came P.M.
Tues. February 8, 1938
Ethel Ries staid
all night & has been out looking for a place all afternoon. It
has
been very nice today. Dorothys were up this P.M. Doris & Joe
&
Glenn tonight.
Wed. February 9, 1938
Jim went with a neighbor to Indianapolis to bring home their boy and
2 others who ran away Sat. A.M. Charlie, Edith & Beulah came in tonight awhile.
Thurs. February 10, 1938
Rather
cold but fair. Ethel Ries hasn't found any place but found today
they
had got another girl where she left. Charlie came over awhile A.M.
Fri. February 11, 1938
About
an inch of snow on ground this A.M. but nearly all off tonight.
Ralph
took Ethel over town and Ethel R. went along and on to B.G.
Disappointed when she gets another place, she'll keep it.
Sat. February 12, 1938
Jim
didn't expect to work but they phoned him at noon. Work is getting
scarce, good many are clear out of a job. Ralph hasn't any yet.
Weather
keeps very nice.
Sun. February 13, 1938
It rained quite early
a little, then cleared up nice the rest of the day. The folks went
to
Church this A.M. I cough so bad don't care to go away.
Mon. February 14, 1938
Another
nice day. Jim worked till noon, none at all tomorrow. Ethel washed,
then went over to East side stores. Dorothy went over to Clydes,
left
Phyllis.
Tues. February 15, 1938
Mostly cloudy and some snow
flurries. Helen & little boys came this afternoon and Glenn came
from work, staid to supper. Dorothy & Phyllis staid & Ralph
went out and worked awhile.
Wed. February 16, 1938
We
finished the Presidnet Contest and got it mailed. Don't know as I'll
hear from it, one is wrong I know. Ralph and Mayme came in this P.M.
Thurs. February 17, 1938
It
rained quite hard this morning and was cloudy and dark most all day.
They've tore up one of the rooms, put my things in my bedroom. Ralph
and Helen will move in next week.
Fri. February 18, 1938
Very cloudy and some rain. Ralph & Mr (Frank) Gilson cleaned their room all up but
won't have to move out till next week but brot a few things over.
Jim work this A.M.
Sat. February 19, 1938
It
storming awful hard tonight sleeting mostly. But Ralph & Helen
got
most of their goods moved so they can stay. Well, I had to go to Dr.
this A.M. Must stay in bed awhile.
Sun. February 20, 1938
I
have been in bed all day except eating, sat in a chair. The roads
are
terrible. Cars stalling every, Clyde & Grace were over. He was
about sick shoveling snow. So hard to shovel.
Mon. February 21, 1938
They've
got their things all out & house ready to turn over to some one
else and things running on as usual. Jim worked this A.M. and Helen
all
day but Ralph nothing to do. I got up and dressed but not much
better.
Cough so terrible some blood with it.
Tues. February 22, 1938
No school as its a holiday and Jim no work either. Helens mother is going to the hospital
tonight. Think I have staid in my room most all day, work little,
lay down if tired.
Wed. February 23, 1938
I
feel its most time to quit my diary. Can hardly read it any nore but
hope when I get well, can do better. Havn't been down stairs today.
Rena is better. Ethel went to Aid P.M.
Thurs. February 24, 1938
We
had Dr. Davies come in again this A.M. I needed some more med. Had
quite a time last night but have been better this P.M. went down to
supper. Dorothy and Phyllis were up this P.M. sewing.
Fri. February 25, 1938
Helens
mother is at hospital. I am feeling better today. Have been up since
noon, ate quite a big dinner. Ethel had to go to help with the
supper
Fathers & sons. Mrs. Culver staid with me. Mr. Jones is at hospital.
Sat. February 26, 1938
I've
been up all day again today, am feeling stronger, don't cough so
much.
Jim & Ethel went out & ate dinner at Hazels, I don't do much
but rest and crochet some.
Sun. February 27, 1938
Jason and Becks folks came P.M. Then Clyde & Grace
awhile. They went to see her father at hospital. Jasons to see Floyds at hospital & Helen her mother. Jason brot 2 mo rent.
Mon. February 28, 1938
Its
been quite cold 10 above A.M. Ethel & Ralph did the washing. Jim
had work. I've felt downhearted and discouraged. Dorothy & Ralph
here.
Tues. March 1, 1938
I have kept to my room most all
day. My cough is better but I feel tired all the time. Makes it hard
to
climb stairs. Glenns were here for supper.
Wed. March 2, 1938
Jim worked part of day. Ralph & Mayme came in this afternoon.
Then Clyde. He was going to the hospital. John E got in an accident, fell asleep. Dons
folks were here tonight.
Thurs. March 3, 1938
Real
cold again this A.M. Doris came early with Joe. then later Ralph E
went
and got Dorothy and they left Phyllis and went over town. I still
cough
but getting better. Ethel went to church tonight.
Fri. March 4, 1938
I
havn't felt so good. Have lain down lots. Got card from Rena. They
are
feeling pretty well again. I sent them a letter & John a card.
Sat. March 5, 1938
Hard thunder storm early this A.M. and has kept up raining most all
day. This is Ethels Birthday & Anniversary. The kids
are in tonight but I slipped away to my room. Clydes & Grace
came up to see me.
Sun. March 6, 1938
I've
been feeling pretty bad, have kept to my room a good deal. Some of
the
children have been in. Dons awhile, then Joe & Doris tonight.
Mon. March 7, 1938
Ethel had the Dr. over again. I've been suffering so, she found my
main trouble was an ulcer. She fixed me up, think I'll be better.
Tues. March 8, 1938
It
has been very nice. It seems that spring is coming and how I wish it
would soon he here. I never was tied up so. I was down to supper
first
since Sun.
Wed. March 9, 1938
Another lovely day but still
freezes some. Ralph & Mayme came in this P.M. He is expecting a
man
to come to work next Mon. John came in tonight awhile. I don't feel
so
good.
Thurs. March 10, 1938
A very nice day again, just seems
like Spring is here again. Hazel came in with Harold this A.M. for
the
day, then Dorothy & Phyllis came this P.M. Walked over.
Fri. March 11, 1938
Very nice again. Jason & Rena came down. Floyds had his operation, stood it well. They
saw Belle & came on here. John came in.
Sat. March 12, 1938
Ralph found some work at a filling Station
where he can work part time. Helen cut off to go about 1/2 time. Just a
year ago I spent 2 weeks at B.G. and Jasons. Now havn't got outside
for 2 months.
Sun. March 13, 1938
It
was rainy this A.M. Has been a little cloudy all day. Most no one
was
here but Clyde phone yes. He came in a minute after I had gone to
bed.
I went early.
Mon. March 14, 1938
Colder today. We had the
Dr. come over again I was feeling so bad. Too cold to go to her.
Havn't
been out yet. My trouble is a carbunkle.
Tues. March 15, 1938
I
am feeling pretty bad. It takes so long to do anything with it. I'm
glad I have got over my cold anyway. A very hard thunderstorm
tonight. John Heilman dead.
Wed. March 16, 1938
The water lays all over the Park this morning like a lake. Ralph
& Mayme were in to see me this P.M. He likes his new man.
Thurs. March 17, 1938
The
water has gone down a lot. It has been rather cloudy & dark,
rained
a little. I don't get along very good with my carbunkle.
Fri. March 18, 1938
It is a very nice day. Weather is surely fine for now. Rose came over from Evas to see me. I think I am getting better.
Clyde came in tonight.
Sat. March 19, 1938
Another
nice day. Can have doors open. Ralph has work today, learning a job.
I
am rather good for nothing now. Sit up awhile, then lie down.
Sun. March 20, 1938
I had a poor night and have felt rather bad today. Beulah had a family dinner for her father's 83rd birthday. He, Ross, and Bernice came over awhile. Bob came in his little new car. Jason gave a
blood-transfusion for Ray LeGalley- he's very bad.
Mon. March 21, 1938
Very
nice weather, clothes blowing outside instead of basement today, a
lot
of company tonight. Ralph R. Harolds, Glenns folks & Ralph &
Helen.
Tues. March 22, 1938
Jim worked this A.M. then they
went over to the Hospital to see Ray LeGalley. He had to be brought
down here- Toledo Hospital. Very nice day. I was outside for the
first.
Wed. March 23, 1938
Aunt
Em
died Tuesday. Has been very bad a long time. I am not getting along
good at all with my trouble. They begin to think I'll have to try
something else. A bad bad rainy day. Went to see Dr. Murphy. no
good.
Thurs. March 24, 1938
Clyde put my case in Dr. Bidwell's hands. Don't know yet what he'll
do. Jason & Rena came down $10 rent. Clyde went to Mansons, took flowers for us all, we can't go
to funeral.
Fri. March 25, 1938
Aunt
Em's funeral P.M. Ralph & Mayme came in this P.M. Beulah was
over
this afternoon. The Dr. has sent word by Clyde he could operate
Monday
A.M. Must be there Sun. Eve.
Sat. March 26, 1938
I have kept
very quiet. I can't get round, too painful and I'm too nervous so
have
kept in bed most of the time. John was in last night. Clyde &
Grace
tonight.
Sun. March 27, 1938
I'm resting all I can today, am all ready to go to the hospital but
dressing.
(Note: So ends the entries in
Naomi's diary. Enclosed in the diary was the following which I
believe is her handwriting)
March 27. Went to Hos. Sun. at 4 P.M.
Mar. 28. Operated on at 8 oclock. Quite sick & dopey all day.
Mar. 29. Feel some better today. not sick but have to eat a little.
& rest some.
March 28 met Mrs. Pauline Adamski, mother of Emily Adamski 1034
Indiana Ave Toledo
<~<~<~<
end of 1938 diary>~>~>~>
Naomi passed from this old world on June 22,
1938 at Jim and Ethel's house in Toledo Ohio. Naomi was 82 years and 8 months and 3
days of age. The
death certificate, signed by Dr Davies noted chronic myocarditis
and
that he last saw the deceased on June 13th. There were no
contributing factors noted.
The burial took place on June 25 at Union Hill cemetery in Bowling
Green, Ohio.
To view other years of the diary just changed the year at the end
of the url to any year from 1911 to 1937, like:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barbaracox/naomi_1937.html
etc, back to 1911 which is the
first diary we have of Naomi DeSelms Cox at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barbaracox/naomi_1911.html
(20160130-2303) This
is being uploaded to internet now. When
I find
corrections, or make connections, the entries are corrected or
clarified and uploaded to internet, replacing the older versions.
bjc)
This
and all of these webpages associated with the Cox Family of Ohio
are
copyrighted. These are available for your personal family use
only.©
Send email to Barbara Cox
Back to Home Page
Back to Benjamin Cox's
Family
Back to Naomi and John Hughes Cox
