Search this site or the web        powered by FreeFind
 
  Site search Web search

INTRODUCTION TO 1897 DIARY

Mrs. Minnie A. Conklin was born Minnie Adelia Gladwyn at Sackets Harbor, Jefferson County, New York, on November 27, 1867. Her parents were William and Priscilla Wallace Gladwyn. Mr. Gladwyn was a native of Lowville, Lewis County, N. Y. Mrs. Gladwyn was a native of the Town of Brownville, Jefferson County, N. Y. Minnie�s father was a carpenter-woodworker who worked in Lewis and Jefferson counties (N. Y.), specifically Lowville, Sackets Harbor, Dexter, and Brownville.

Mrs. Conklin attended school at Dexter. At age 16 she taught in a one-room schoolhouse on Pillar Point near Dexter, N. Y. Her frail health permitted only a brief teaching career. She later attended Lowville Academy where she studied music at the school�s Conservatory of Music.

As the diarist�s first entry reveals, Minnie married Herbert C. Conklin, son of Theodore and Laurentine Wallace Conklin of the Town of Hounsfield, Jefferson County, N. Y. The two were cousins -- Laurentine and Priscilla were sisters. The couple lived on the Conklin Farm, established in 1836 by Daniel Conklin. The house about which she writes on the first page of the diary was/is a double house. The two-family house was shared between Minnie and Herbert (�Bert�) and his brother and wife, William and Carrie Chapman Conklin.

The diary has been transcribed, for the most part, as written. An occasioinal spelling has been change. The format in the date area has been altered for uniformity�s sake. The transcriber (that�s me), granddaughter of Mrs. Conklin, has typed several later diaries written by her grandmother; those were so impeccably written that the few misspellings in this diary seemed out of character, so they were corrected. Where the transcriber felt a name was misspelled, you will find a suggested correction, parenthetically, in italics.

The Index contains only names of relatives, friends, and acquaintances. The inclusion of names of clergy, lecturers, national figures would have made the index rather cumbersome. When only given names were used in the text, I have, in most cases, indexed those names with a cross-referenced surname. In that way I have shared my limited knowledge of who those people were. The name, Iva, has given me great trouble. The name appears several times, but there is indication that it wasn�t always the same person. I recall at least two ladies with that name who were friends of the diarist.

The reader will notice the name, Gladwin, appears with two spellings. That was not a mistake. The Gladwyn spelling was the diarist�s maiden name. The Gladwin spelling was that used by two very distant relatives with whom Mrs. Conklin corresponded throughout the years. Curiously, there was a Minne in the Gladwin family, also.

The Michigan trip involved visits with many relatives, usually identified by given names only. Again, I have attempted to include those surnames in the Index. Credit must surely be given to Robert Hunter, Ph.D., of Davis, California, for his valuable research on the Wallace family (Minnie�s maternal grandmother�s maiden name was Wallace.) Years ago, Dr. Hunter sent me copies of the Wallace family tree; these contributed in making the transcription of this diary a wonderfully interesting project.

Mrs. Conklin lived to be 86 years, 6, months, 9 days of age. She passed on at the Conklin Farm June 5th of 1954 after a life of great dedication to her, church, family and friends. She left behind a large collection of poems, some music, many diaries, and other writings. To date, (August of 1998), many of those items have been electronically reproduced and are available from me on floppy disk, CD, and hard copy.


Mrs. Shirley Conklin Farone (diarist�s granddaughter)




Grandmother Conklin's Diaries

DIARY OF MINNIE A. CONKLIN

June 2nd, 1897 Herbert and I were married this evening at the M. E. Parsonage, Brownville, by Rev. F. Y. Severance. Will and Carrie were present. Wedding outfit was white -- came at once to H�s home. H has the quinzy badly. Took tea at Fred and Etta Knapps. Rather cold evening. The Brownville iron bridge not being completed were obliged to drive through Glen Park. Arrived at my new home about 10 P.M. Will and Carrie (Conklins) who preceded us had a bright, fire burning. H and I began reading the Bible throuigh beginning at Genesis, to read one chapter a day.

July 5th, 1897 Had hay pressers in June and the hay is drawn away. Sold about seventeen tons at $10 per ton. Canned strawberries today and pineapples also. Went to Dexter in the evening to stay for a few days. A year ago today we were at Uncle Alson�s -- the Fourth of July coming on Sunday this year the fifth is celebrated. Will remember it as my first canning. Note: Uncle Alson is Alson Rounds - may have lived on Pillar Point.

July 29th, 1897 Have a man working for us. Mr. Van Alystyne. Today Mr. Eigabroadt moved the house we are now living in a short distance from its present site and Will and Bert will begin work at once enlarging the cellar and making the necessary preparations for building a new, double house on the site of the old one. The coursing stone they will draw from Luther Hill. Messrs. Reed*, Maldoon and Lovelin (Loveland ) will do the mason work and Charles Gamble will have charge of the building. Note: The house was built on what is now Evans Road in the Town of Hounsfield - as of September 1998 the house still stands. The builder, Charles Gamble was from Sackets Harbor.

*Typist's Note 3/11/06 - Received the following note from Vince Caserio:

      ".......I believe that the person who did the stone work (Reed) was my great-grandfather Willis Reed. I remember my mother telling me that he did the stone work in the old mill in Sackets. The Charles Gamble mention in the diary would have been Willis's cousin by marriage."

October 20th, 1897 After a hard summer�s work for us all our new home is near completion. Carrie has been sick and Jennie Conklin has been helping us. Herbert and I went to Utica last Friday evening to attend the Northern New York Epworth Convention and visit Mrs. Gladwin and family -- returning today. Note: Carrie was the diarist�s sister-in-law; Jennie Conklin - may have been a niece of Angeline Osterhout Conklin and possibly adopted by Andrew & Angeline Conklin. (Monday) Had a very pleasant time. Listened to fine speakers and fine music. The singing was conducted by Prof. John R. Sweeney. Saturday evening we listened to a lecture, �Great Deeds of Great Men,� by Bishop Fowler. On Sunday morning heard an excellent sermon by Chancellor Day, President of Syracuse University -- subject: The things we do not know. Text and Sunday Evening a companion sermon -- �The things we know,� by Bishop Fowler. Sunday afternoon an excellent address was given by Mrs. Margaret Bottonce to ladies only. This morning Minnie (cousin), Herbert and I viewed as much of the city as possible in so short a space of time. Saw the house where Cousin O. A. Rounds lived and the church where he preached. Note: Orlando Rounds, according to the City Directory, lived at 44 Miller St. He was the pastor of the Church of Reconciliation. Also the public buildings as far as possible, the home of Roscoe Conklin(g) and went through the Catholic and First Presbyterian churches and city library. Had an enjoyable trip home.

November 27, 1897 Our new home is completed and we are living in it having moved about ten days ago. Have named it Sunshine Cottage and hope it will prove as bright as its name. Purchased a new bedroom suite, dining chairs, rockers and carpets. Papa and Mamma are here spending Thanksgiving and my birthday. Weather is quite unpleasant. Will and Carrie ate Thanksgiving dinner with us.

December 25th, 1897 Will and Carrie are at Theresa. Herbert and I spent the day at Dexter....Jennie Conklin coming home with us at night and staying all night. Received from Herbert a new jacket and parlor lamp; from Papa, a pair of kid mittens; from Mama, a cake plate and half dozen fruit plates. From Carrie, half dozen napkins and from Will Thompson, half dozen silver spoons.

January 12th, 1898 For the past year the inhabitants of India have suffered from the effects of a famine, thousands having died of starvation. The Christian Armenians have been persecuted and massacred by the Mohammedon Turks and relief has been sent to both India and Armenia from the United States. For the past two years the people of Cuba have been fighting to free themselves from the rule of Spain. The oppression has become so great that thousands are dying of starvation. A relief committee has been appointed by our government consisting of Stephen E. Barton, Chairman of the American Red Cross Society, Chas. E. Schurner (unclear), sec. & treas., New York Chamber of Commerce and Dr. Louis Klopsch (unclear). Supplies and money are solicited from the people of the U. S., an appeal having been made by the secretary of state, John Sherman. Dec. 24th, the committee held its first session in the Bible House, New York. Jan. 3rd, 1898, Miss Clara Barton who went to Armenia to distribute supplies will go to Cuba for the same purpose.

February 20th, 1898 At 9:40 P.M., the 15th of Feb. an American vessel named the Maine anchored in Havana Harbor was destroyed by an explosion. Two hundred and sixty lives were lost. Capt. Sigsbee and a few others were saved. The place of anchorage was designated by a Spanish official and as the feeling of Spain toward the U. S. is rather an unfriendly one on account of our sympathy for Cuba, foul play is suspected and an investigation will be made.

March 20th, 1898 Carrie met with an accident by falling through the register opening while cleaning it. She was very sick after it but is better at present. Her sister, Lou, was here at the time and remained for some time. Will Thompson, who has been with us several months, went this week to Mr. Potter�s.

March 31st, 1898 The court of inquiry in regard to the Maine disaster has decided after thorough investigation with the aid of expert divers that the vessel was blown up by a mine placed there by the Spaniards. Both countries are purchasing war vessels and making active preparations for war. Congress has appropriated ($50,000,000) fifty million for that purpose. The Atlantic seaboard is being well protected. Congress excited -- want to act.

April 13th, 1898 Miss Effie Thompson came today from Canada to help Carrie for awhile. Ships were last week sent to Cuba, to convey Counsel General Lee to this country and he, to-gether with Miss Clara Barton and many other Americans, have arrived safely. A decree has been issued by Gen. Franco, Spanish general in Cuba, allowing the reconcentradoes who have been confined in Spanish pens to return peacefully to their homes. A message has been sent by President McKinley to Congress urging immediate measures to stop the war in Cuba and demanding Spain to withdraw her troops from the Island. James Baker and Ruth Leonard were married a short time ago.

April 27th, 1898 Miss Lou Chapman and Wm. Reeves were married today by Rev. Mr. Ball. Congress has authorized the President to act. The President�s ultimatum has been sent to Spain and been refused. Minister Woodford (U. S. Minister to Spain) has received his passports and war was formally declared April 25th. Congress was very composed during the final action. Bill declaring war passed unanimously without excitement in one minute forty-one seconds. A call has been issed for volunteers. April 19th five hundred soldiers from Sackets Harbor left for Tampa, Florida to await further orders.

May 9th, 1898 A few Spanish vessels had been captured by American vessels but no engagement had been had until May 1st when the American fleet in Chinese waters under Commodore Dewey attacked the Spanish feet at the Phillipine islands completely destroying it, either sinking or capturing every vessel and silencing the forts at Manilla without the loss of an American vessel. Another fleet of eleven Spanish vessels was sent to drive our fleet of eight vessels from Manilla and again the whole Spanish fleet was captured or destroyed with large loss of life on their side and five or six wounded on our side. Great praise is given to Commodore Dewey and President McKinley has raised him to an Admiral. He telegraphs that he is having the Spanish wounded prisoners well cared for. Memorial services are being held in the various churches for Miss Frances Willard, President of the National W. C. T. U., who died early in February in New York. Memorial services were also held May 8th by request of the national committee on the death of the sailors of the Maine, the collection going to a fund to erect a monument to their memory. Are having an early and beautiful spring.

May 20th, 1898 Wrote a paper for the Epworth League anniversary celebration at Brownville last Sunday evening but had a cold and could not go. Sent the paper, however, for Maud Severance to read. Herbert also, who was to have led the League meeting, had a cold and as I would not go, he did not. The reading course is over for this season as have little literary work to do. Elias Wallace who was married last February to Miss Maud McKnight was pressing hay at Mr. Livermore�s last week and came and stayed all night with us. Last evening�s Daily contained the news of the death of Hon. Wm. E. Gladstone at Hawarden Castle, England. He was eighty-eight years of age the twenty ninth of Dec. last. The war continues. Admiral Sampson�s fleet attacked Mora (sic) Castle and silenced the guns but did not take Havana. An occasional vessel is taken but nothing decisive accomplished yet. Will probably be an engagement at Cuba soon. Cubans starving. Eggs there sold at 10 cents apiece -- other provisions accordingly. Eighty-two thousand men in U. S. volunteered. Government seemingly slow.

June 2nd, 1898 One year has passed away -- the present finds us in happy and prosperous circumstances. Blessings have attended us throughout the year. With the exception of Papa and Carrie all have usually good health. Papa has not been well since he was taken sick the night of the twenty-fourth of February. The stomach and heart are both troublesome -- one acting upon the other but do not know which is the seat of the disease. He has worked a little in the shop recently -- seems to be slowly improving. Carrie has not been well since her fall through the register Feb. 26th. Fred Campbell passed away May 30th at his home in Brownville. As it was a rainy day none of us attended. �Decoration.� Herbert and Will decorated the graves at Dexter in the morning. Mama and Mrs. Yerdon were here last week. Our anniversary day has passed quietly. Will, Carrie and Effie were here to dinner. Weather delightful.

Saturday, June 25th, 1898 Last Saturday evening Herbert and I went to Libbie�s at Watertown after Aunt Lottie. Note: Libbie was Mrs. Fred Ball of Watertown, N. Y. She was the diarist�s cousin and daughter of Aunt Lottie was Charlotte Gladwyn (Mrs. Martin Prame) of Lowville, N. Y. Charlotte was the only sibling of the diarist�s father, William Gladwyn. She remained with us until Monday when I went with her to Dexter. She was to stay until Wednesday. I came home Tuesday morning. Canned strawberries (nine cans) and pineapple (two cans) in the afternoon. In the evening H and I went to Mr. Gamble�s at Sackets Harbor. Mr. Lawton�s people have been here this week. Carrie went home with them to remain a couple of weeks. Note: Mr. Lawton was related to Carrie Chapman, but I�m not sure how. I believe Carrie�s older sister married a Lawton. They may have lived at Clayton, N. Y. Have just finished a paper on �The reading course� for the district convention at Watertown, State St., June 28th. Papa is working -- is somewhat better. Note: Mr. Gladwyn worked for the Leonard & Gilmore Company, Builders, of Dexter, N. Y. Dr. Gates is tending him. Says he must leave the shop in order to be better. The war continues. Supplies are being sent to the suffering Cubans. The first possible since the war began. Troops have been sent to aid Admiral Dewey and hold the Phillipine Islands. The Spanish fleet under Cervera is locked in Santiago Harbor. A boat named the Merrimac was sunk in the harbor by Lieut. Hobson and a crew of eight men to effectually prevent the Spanish fleet from escaping. Hobson and his men were unable to return to the American vessel awaiting them owing to the heavy firing and gave themselves up to the Spanish who refuse to release or exchange them. Since that time the fortifications at Santiago have all been destroyed by Sampson�s fleet except Morro Castle where it is thought Hobson and his men are confined. A land force of 10,700 men has been sent to Cuba and they in connection with the insurgents will make a joint land attack on Santiago. The Spanish soldiers as well as the Cubans are poorly fed and it is hoped the war will soon be over when relief can be administered. I omitted to say that Mrs. Jennie Laing (nee Jennie Wilson) and Geraldine (aged 5) and John (aged 3) from Bradley, Ill., visited us Friday, June 17th. Note: Cannot identify. I went to Brownville to Mrs. Campbell�s for her in the morning and returned with her in the evening. Mama, Carrie Ackerman and Mrs. Yerdon were also here Monday evening of the same week. Hay pressers have come and gone -- they were at Will�s this time. Had about thirty tons - $7.00 per ton.

July 9th, 1898 Saturday evening, July 2nd, I went to Dexter for Papa and Mama. They came back with me and stayed until Tuesday evening, July 5th. Passed a quiet Fourth. Mrs. Hamburg and Mrs. Slater were here visiting Thursday, July 2nd. Note: These were neighbors - Mrs. Hamburg lived to the west of the Conklin home and Mrs. Slater, to the east. Only a cellar exists today of the Slater home. A naval attack was made by Sampson on the Spanish fleet, at Santiago. The Spanish fleet was destroyed with the exception of the warship, Christold Colon. She tried to escape but was captured. The Maria Theresa had on board Admiral Cervera. The land forces under Gen. Shafter also had an engagement outside the city. One thousand Americans were killed or wounded. Spanish loss unknown. 1300 Spaniards taken prisoners. Our troops then surrounded the city and demanded its surrender. This, they refused to do. But as the city is surrounded and supplies cut off and more troops have been sent from the U. S. to join the force already there, it is only a question of time.

July 11th, 1898 Herbert and I attended church yesterday morning and listened to an excellent sermon by Presiding Elder A. D. Webster. Subject -- systematic giving and its attendant blessings. Text 2 Cor. 9:6:10. In accordance with a proclamation issued Thurday last by Pres. McKinley a service for thanksgiving for national blessing and prayer for continued mercies and a speedy termination of the war was held at the church in Brownville. The band was to be in attendance. After the morning service Herbert and I drove up to see Fred and Etta Knapp and baby, Lena. Drove around the city -- floral conservatory on our way home -- viewed and admired the lawn and came home on the Harbor road. Have a boy, John House, working for and boarding with us. Also, Mr Madden who boards with Will. The boys are busy with haying.

Tuesday, July 19th, 1898 Went to Dexter day before yesterday (Sunday) went to church. Subject of sermon: Conscience -- Text: Acts 23:1. Papa has not been well since he went home from here. Mama is as well as usual. Saw Gennie Comins in Watertown last Friday. Her mother was buried the day before. Note: Perhaps this is Jennie Adams Cummings, wife of Watson Cummings - a cousin of the diarist. If that is correct, then Jennie�s mother was Mrs. Isaac (Angeline) Adams, probably of Pillar Point-Chaumont area. Elias and wife were here (to Carrie�s) Sunday -- we met them coming as we were going to Dexter. The Spanish forces at Santiago surrendered July 12th. Thirty thousand prisoners of war will be transported to Spain.

Saturday evening, Aug. 13th, 1898 The week�s work is done. Threshers have come and gone leaving us about seven hundred bushels of oats and a small quantity of peas. Herbert and Will have gone to the grange -- something unusual for them to go anywhere without C & I, but this was partly a matter of business. Misses Madeline and Winifred Simons of Theresa are visiting with Carrie. Note: The Simons girls wrote in Carrie�s autograph album that they were her cousins - the album has been reproduced and is available from the transcriber(and now on my website). Anabel Sheley and Eva Wallace were here last week. Note: Anabel Sheley signs herself as cousin of Carrie in the same album mentioned above. Eva Wallace was the daughter of Wm. & Julia Wallace of Chaumont, N. Y. - cousin of both Minnie and Herbert. She was only 14 at this time . Since I last wrote, Mrs. Frank Seeber has passed away of cancer of the stomach. Note: Not sure who this is - probably from the very large family of Seebers in Brownville at the time. She was a patient sufferer like Moses thinking of the recompense of the reward. Papa�s health still continues very poor with but little show of improvement. Note: Papa�s illness did not devastate him - Papa lived until 1929. John and Mr. Madden have gone and Effie is at Mr. Patrick�s. Note: The Patrick�s lived near Dexter on a farm near the Black River Bay off what was for years called the Bagg�s Corners Road. A Malcolm Love piano has been brought here on approval so my long lonesomeness without music is past. It is a source of much pleasure for me. Note: This piano was a wonderful piano - unbelievable tone and touch. It is now owned by one of Minnie�s descendants. The war is probably near to an end. Several thousand men under General Miles (?) have been sent to Porta Rico (sic) but peace negotiations are in progress. (called protocol -- a new word to me). Note: This points out the diarist�s continuing quest to learn and be up to date. Many of the wounded and disabled soldiers from Santiago are returning home. Minnie and Hattie Gladwin have been spending their vacation at Lake Pleasant, Hamilton Co. and Minnie reports a very pleasant time. We are having some rains after very dry weather.

Saturday Eve., August 20th (98) Went to church last Sunday morning. Fred and Etta Knapp and little Lena came down in the afternoon. Thursday, went to Dexter. Papa and Mama came home with me and are still here. Papa is poorly. Wednesday evening Mr. McCaffery and daughter were here and we bargained for a piano price -- $300.00 to be paid Jan. 1st. The peace protocol has been signed. Will give the terms later when more definite conclusions have been reached. There is some discussion yet over the Phillipines. Note: In those days, a person had to wait for the newspapers for news - there were no radios in common use at that time.

Friday, September 9th, 1898 A beautiful day. All alone. Herbert and Will are threshing at John Hamburg�s and Carrie is helping Hattie. Have spent the morning doing the house work, arranging the plants and playing the piano which I enjoy very much. The carnations and asters are looking very nice. It is 10 A.M. Am going to write to Aunt Lottie and then go over and see Mrs. Slater. Sept. 1st Herbert and I drove to Lowville and remained until Sept. 5th. Had a very pleasant time with Uncle Martin and Aunt Lottie. We all visited the Spring House and Gulf, the card factory where cards 1/12000 of an inch in thickness are made from wood (the only one of the kind in the world), the rod (?) mill where Papa, Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Lottie used to live, the cemetery where Grandpa and Grandma are buried -- and Saturday evening to hear the Leonard Silver band. Sunday morning, listened to an excellent sermon at the M. E. Church by Rev. Mr. Markham. Subject: The �race� of life to reach the goal. Text: Heb. 12:1. Papa and Mama intended to go to Lowville with us but Papa thought it would not be prudent to go. Michael and Addie are still on the farm. Note: The diarist was referring to Michael and Adelaide Hamblin Thomas. They were down to Aunt Lottie�s while we were there. Went down home Tuesday morning and on account of rains remained until Wednesday afternoon. Found Papa and Mama in usual health except that Papa is affected by the rainy weather.

October 8th, 1898 A beautiful day. Herbert has been plowing. I have made pumpkin pies -- written to Effie, etc. Eight companies returned to Madison Barracks Sept. 11th. Large crowd of people met them at the train and welcomed them home. The soldiers are sick and emaciated. They have suffered greatly from fevers and lack of care in the hospitals...more in fact dying from those causes than as the direct result of battles. The President has appointed a committee of investigation and if negligence can be found, the guilty officials must pay the penalty. Mr. and Mrs. Northrup visited us Sept. 15th. A surprise party visited us all at Will�s Sept. 30th. About thirty present. Mrs. Campbell and Catherine visited us day before yesterday. Have been invited to a party at Mr. Livermore�s this evening, but we cannot very well go. Weddings are the order of the day. Among them are Mr. Fairchild and Carrie Moyer....and Ed Gleason and Margery Everett....Effie Thompson left for her home in Canada Sept. 24th. Mr. Severance went to New York Tueday on the annual excursion for the purpose of visiting the slums and seeing the dark side of New York City life for himself.

Saturday, October 22nd, 1898 Ida Northrup stayed over night with us Wednesday night of last week. The cheese factory at Brownville burned Oct. 12th about 10 P.M. Origin of fire unknown. We had about one hundred dollars worth of milk in the factory. It was insured for $1,000 (that is, the cheese). Jennie Conklin has been quite sick but is improving. Herbert and I have sat up several nights with her. Have quite a cold. Wrote a paper for a S. S. convention at Cape Vincent this week but the weather was so unpleasant that on account of my cold did not dare to go. Phillip Favry and Delia and Watson Comins, Jennie and May were here last Sunday. Note: Delia was Adelia Wallace Favry, daughter of William & Julie Bauter Wallace. Watson was the son of David & Mary Ann Wallace Cummings -- unusual spelling of �Cummings.� Jennie was Watson�s wife and May was their daughter. As I was not feeling well, we did not go to church. Have not been home for three weeks. Would go to-morrow but for my cold.

Saturday Eve., November 18th, 1898 It is some time since I have confided in my diary. The time has been occupied -- each day bringing its duties, pleasures, and varying events. Cousin Libbie Ball has been quite sick from obstetrics and Marion was sick at the same time with pneumonia at the home of a relative whither they had taken her on account of her mother�s illness. Aunt Lottie was with Libbie a week and we had the pleasure of meeting her there one week ago today. Two weeks ago to-day and to-morrow Mrs. Andrew Baker, formerly of Dexter, now living near Utica, visited us. Last week, Herbert and I took tea with Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hamburg and this week, with Mr. and Mrs. John Hamburg. Mama�s health is very poor. Have been to Dexter frequently. Nov. 8th, the people of the state elected Col. Roosevelt the republican candidate as Governor. Revival meetings are in progress. We have attended three evenings this week and listened to Rev. Mr. Roulston (?) of the Presbyterian church of Dexter. Text -- Yet there is room -- also to Rev. Mr. Aylesworth of Sackets Harbor. Subject: The personality and office of the Holy Spirit, and Rev. Mr. Heckman of Watertown -- subject: The parable of the vineyard. Mark 12. The hearts of the people are evidently stirred. A family altar has been established in our home which I have long desired and for which I am very glad. Among the recent weddings are Brayton Dingman and Mary Lamon, May Potter and Otis Elmer, Mr. Fields and Della Slater.

Sunday, November 27th, 1898 Papa and Mama came up Thanksgiving and stayed until to-day -- my birthday. Would have stayed longer but the weather is extremely cold and were afraid the house plants would freeze. Mama�s health is not good.

December 30th, 1898 Christmas has come and gone -- the year is almost at a close. Christmas Eve we attended a little social gathering at Uncle Andrew�s. Christmas morning (Sunday) attended church. Will Thompson went with us and was here for dinner. Will and Carrie were away a week, including Christmas. Partly on account of their absence and partly on account of my cold, did not go home Christmas. Received several nice presents -- among them cloth and trimmings for a black dress from Herbert, and a landscape in crayon (framed) from Papa -- his own work. Bert went to Dexter to-day -- my cold is so troublesome I was unable to go -- He found Mama in quite a serious condition, extremely nervous and having severe trouble with her heart.

Saturday, January 28th, 1899 Have been home often of late (once stayed eight days) on account of Mama. There seems to be little improvement in her condition. My cold is sometimes better and then again worse. Carrie has the grippe. We expect hay pressers next week.

Monday, March 20th, 1899 It is six weeks since I have been home (the last place I went). My cold finally settled on my lungs and have had quite a serious time with it. Am improving but unable to go out. Hear from home often. Mama is improving -- and I am very glad. Would be unable to go to Dexter if she were not. The weather early in March was quite pleasant though changeable and no snow, except in fence corners, etc. But the weather is raw and blustering now and some snow. The Phillipines, which came to us by the treaty with Spain, are quite troublesome property. The soldiers from Sackets Harbor Barracks left for there via San Francisco March 17th. A few young men of our acquaintance went with them. Cuba and Porto Rico (sic) are quiet. Herbert has gone to Watertown to-day for the first time since my cold has been worse. The plants and piano afford considerable amusement for me. Mrs. Slater, who is boarding with Carrie this winter, comes in nearly every day. She, a short time ago, passed her eighty-seventh birthday.

May 4th, 1899 Bright, beautiful spring weather has succeeded the cold of winter. My health is considerably improved as is also Papa�s and Mama�s -- yet both of them are far from well. The boys are very busy at present. Have been sowing grain to-day, -- the season is unusually late. Our cousin, Ella Wallace, a sweet little miss, is visiting here and at Carrie�s this week. Weddings have been frequent including some of our friends and acquaintances. Effie Thompson and Mr. Farington of Point Traverse, Ontario, were married March 6th. Jennie Peters and Mr. Kirk were married April 5th, also Charles Voodrie and Cora Seeber, and Emily Peters and Mr. Pool were married April 14th. Note: Identification of Jennie Peters comes from the Conklin Family Scrapbook. She was the niece of Angeline Osterhout Conklin. A new church is soon to be erected at Dexter. Papa has been getting the plans ready. A large fire at Sackets Harbor reduced to ashes both the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, the Earl House and several residences. Both churches will soon rebuild.

June 4th, 1899 Delightful weather. Everything is looking fine. Was home about three weeks ago and stayed a week. Ella and Eva Wallace recently visited us. May 29th, Aunt Lottie and Uncle Martin came and stayed until June 1st, going from here to Dexter. May 31st we all went to Sackets Harbor for a drive. Saw the foundation for the new M. E. Church, also some very interesting sights at Madison Barracks. At present there are only 109 men stationed there. Previous to the call to the Phillipines there were over 1200. Ada Diefendorf and Charles Clinch were married in May. Edna Rose and Frank Dempsey are to be married June 6th.

June 23, 1899 Fine weather continues. Had a light shower last night but rain is needed. Crops do not promise to be as abundant as last year. Herbert and I went to Dexter June 15th to the laying of the cornerstone of the new M. E. Church. The services were very nice....several ministers being present: among them Presiding Elder M. R. Webster and Dr. Bovard of Watertown. Sunday after church we went to Dexter again and I remained until Wednesday. Tuesday, Mama and I went to Chaumont to see Dr. LaFountain. He thinks he can help her. Papa is working in the shop but is not feeling very strong. Floyd Rounds and Libbie Wilder were married Wednesday morning at the Presbyterian church. Mr. Long and Kate S�Waining (?) are to be married June 28th. My flowers are looking nicely. Sweet peas and dahlias budded. Mrs. Edna Dempsey called yesterday. The Children�s Day exercises at Brownville were unusually good. A part of the exercise consisted of the official program, �Peace or War.� The war in the Phillipines continues. The Peace Commission are at work at �The Hague.� Ex-President Harrison is one of its members.

July 4th, 1899 Extremely warm -- very dry. Have a hard cold. If I had been well should have gone home to-day, I think, but have not felt well enough. Papa & Mama and Mr. and Mrs. Otis visited us Saturday. The new streetcar line is completed. The first car went to the end of the line yesterday...was saluted by the mill whistles. The boys have begun haying.

September 27th, 1899 A very dry summer is being succeeded by a week of rain. It came too late to do very much good except for the wells; yet crops have been fairly good (would have been enormous if had hard rain) and prices are good also. Threshing is over and pressing probably soon will be. Have just had the house painted -- white with green blinds -- by Sherman and DeShane -- price $55. Papa and Mama spent last week with us. Mamma�s health is improving. We go about once in two weeks to Dr. LaFontaine. I am taking medicine from him, too. Feel quite well at present. Papa is not very well. Has begun doctoring with Dr. Gates again. Mr. Robins (sic) and wife -- evangelists from Syracuse -- held one week of meetings week before last at Brownville. The meetings still continue. Mr. Aylesworth helping occasionally. One meeting has been conducted by the Y. M. C. A. of Watertown. Mrs. Hamburg has some trouble of the nature of paralysis and is obliged to use a wheeling chair.

November 15th, 1899 The autumn has passed rapidly away and winter will soon be upon us. The weather at present is cold and dreary. Papa is improving I think under Dr. Gates� treatment. Mama still goes to see Dr. LaFontaine. As the cold weather comes on she is not as well. Spent last week with them. Will has had a severe attack of appendicitis and he and Carrie have gone to Theresa to recuperate. Niles is working for us. Note: Cannot identify - perhaps she meant a Mr. Niles. The war in the Phillipines continues. England and the Boers of South Africa are also at war. Admiral Dewey has returned home in triumph, accepted a home in Washington and married. The new M. E. Church at Sackets Harbor is to be dedicated to-day.

December 10th, 1899 Will and Carrie returned soon after Thanksgiving with health somewhat improved. Hazel has been down and spent a week with us. Note: Hazel was Hazel Ball, daughter of Cousin Libbie Ball. We all attended the dedication services of the new church at Dexter Nov. 21st. A debt of $1300 was raised by subscription. I went home on the car the day before Thanksgiving. Herbert dear came down the next day and Papa and Mama returned with us. (Nov. 30th) and are still here. Spent a quiet, pleasant birthday (Nov. 27th) and was kindly remembered. Herbert gave me a pair of black kid gloves and year�s subscription to the Ladies� Home Journal; Papa and Mama, a nice rocker, and Carrie brought me nut cracker and picks.

January 1st, 1900 The holidays have passed pleasantly with many kindly remembrances and another year begins. God help us to live it well. Papa and Mama are here. We ate Christmas dinner with Will and Carrie and they were here for New Years. Mrs. Hamburg is confined to her bed and suffers much. Was down to see her Dec. 22nd. Intended going up to Libbie�s with some small gifts for the children but have a slight cold and could not go. Bert was there three or four days ago. Had a severe snowstorm about Christmas.

February 1, 1900 Wallace Bigwood and Eva Calkins were married at the new church in Dexter January 10th. Note: Mr. Bigwood was undoubtedly connected to the Bigwood Store which was located in Brownville near the old Post Office. It was a general merchanise store -- dishes and dry goods. Mrs. Lucy Penny died suddenly of pneumonia Jan. 16th. Mrs. Hamburg was released from her sufferings Jan. 19th. Funeral from the house on Sunday the 21st, just six years from the time of the death of Bert�s mother. My cold developed rapidly. Have had an attack of pneumonia. Miss Amelia Weaver came Jan. 9th to stay with us for awhile and Papa and Mama have returned home.

February 25th, 1900 Papa and Mama returned Feb. 19th. Miss Weaver has gone. John and Hattie Hamburg have a baby boy. Am better but my lungs are still in a bad condition.

March 4th, 1900 Papa and Bert were down to Uncle Andrew�s today. Albert Coates, who works for them, was found dead in bed yesterday morning. Death caused by heart failure. Jennie sent me some worked pieces for the table and gave Bert a book (Life of Admiral Dewey). The snow is deep; roads at present almost impassable. Am still confined to the house, but pass the time pleasantly with reading and the piano when my lungs allow me to play. Frank Morris comes to work for us to-morrow for the season. He will board with Will. Note: Cannot identify Mr. Morris, although it is plausible the named should have been spelled �Morse.�

April 3rd, 1900 One year ago April 5th Will Kirk and Jennie Conklin were married at her sister�s in Watertown. Note: See May 4th, 1899 entry. Perhaps her sister was Mrs. Pool. The past year has been one of suffering for her both physically and mentally. This suffering she ended at Uncle Andrew�s last Friday forenoon, March 30th. It is the saddest affair that has ever come within our immediate circle and we cannot help asking ourselves the question are we doing all that we might do and ought to do to alleviate the sufferings of those around us. May God help us in the future if we have failed in the past.

October 4th, 1900 A beautiful summer has passed away and is succeeded by a beautiful autumn. Never saw a finer week than this has been. Some pleasant events have taken place and some sadder ones. Uncle Alson�s death which occurred in the Spring has broken up our family circle. Note: This was Alson Rounds who was married to Harriett Wallace. Eva Wallace was married Aug. 22 to Earl Hall. They spent the first week of their honeymoon here at Will�s. Papa and Mama have passed a fairly good summer for them. Went to Watertown to meet them yesterday at the dentist�s where they are having some work done. Early in September we had a well drilled at a depth of 164 feet -- do not know as yet whether it will furnish us sufficient water or not. About the middle of September, Bert and I took a trip to Chaumont remaining two or three days visiting relatives. Had a very pleasant time. Also had the privilege of hearing the evangelist, Rev. J. D. Belknap, at the M. E. Church Sunday morning. Subject: Heaven. We also attended a small part of the Conference League Convention which was held this year in Washington Hall, Watertown, Sept. 14-16. Listened to an excellent sermon Sunday morning by Dr. D. F. Pierce, Presiding Elder of Utica district. Text: See that thou make all things according to the pattern given thee in the mount.

Wednesday, October 10th, 1900 Another beautiful day but somewhat colder. Had a much needed rain Monday. Bert is plowing. Miss Weaver came to visit us Friday and is still with us. Friday also, Mrs. Corp and myself called on Mrs. Slater at Brownville. Herbert, Mrs. Weaver and myself attended church Sunday morning. Heard Mr. Sanford from Bethany Chapel. Subject: The reasonableness of religion. Sunday Mr. & Mrs. Hall and Clyde came to visit us and see about renting Mr. Wilson�s farm -- stayed until Monday afternoon. Mrs. Wilson died yesterday morning. Note: Cannot identify the Halls or the Wilsons. Anabel Sheley and Frank Potter were married Oct. 4th.

October 16th, 1900 Bert and I went to Dexter. Rather cold. Bert and Papa attended church. Revival services at Dexter this week. Bert & Willie are drawing hay to Watertown $17 per ton. To-day is Arthur Gladwin�s wedding day. Is raining. To-morrow Minnie and her mother start for Denver to spend the winter on account of Mrs. Gladwin�s health.

December 29th, 1900 Bert and I went home for Christmas. Had a pleasant time. �Hung up my stocking� Christmas eve and got it well filled by �Herbert.� We were also well remembered at home. Received also from H a parlor suit. Tried to remember those in special need of comfort.

April, 1901 Eva Calkins passed away April 21st leaving a little girl three weeks old. Note: Eva Calkins was Mrs. Wallace Bigwood. Mr. Severance and family left for Kansas April 24th. Have been in very good health all winter...quite free from colds. Papa has had rheumatism considerably. He and Mama have recently made us a week�s visit. We are enjoying spring weather after a long but pleasant winter. Had an unusual amount of continuous good sleighing.

June 10th, 1901 Hattie Gladwin left Utica for Denver April 30th, Mrs. Gladwin not being in a condition to return home. Wednesday, June 5th, Herbert and I went to Watertown, had our picture taken, came home by the Harbor and stopped to Mr. Phippens. Note: The Harbor Road was what is now Route 3 going from Watertown to Sackets Harbor. Mr. Phippen owned a farm on the Harbor Road which may have abutted to the Conklin Farm. Saw Aunt Adeline. Note: The diarist may have made an error in writing �Adeline� for �Angeline.� If not, the transcriptionist cannot identify an Aunt Adeline who lived in the vicinity at that time. Our fourth anniversary came on Sunday, went to church at Brownville. Came from Dexter June 1st after a two or three day visit. Papa has begun working in the shop a little.

June 26th, 1901 Aunt Lottie and Uncle Martin came Monday, June 17th, and were here and at Dexter until Sunday. Will and Carrie went to Theresa and Uncle M helped Bert with the milking. Libbie and the children came down Wednesday. Had a pleasant time with all. Saturday, was taken with a severe cold on chest which still continues, but not so severe. Worst cold since August last. Aunt Eva Conklin came out yesterday returning this morning. Note: Eva was Mrs. Franklin Conklin. She was the adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Farlin Ball. The family may have lived in Lorraine, but at one time lived on Pillar Point. Mattie is very poorly. Note: Mattie was Mattie Conklin, the daughter of Franklin & Eva. She sent Carrie and I some beautiful pansies. It is very warm to-day. Saturday evening had a severe thunderstorm coming up in the west and going to the north and south of us. The lightning was the most prolonged and vivid ever remember seeing.

Monday afternoon, July 1st, 1901 Beginning with a week ago yesterday, after Aunt Lottie and Uncle M went away, Fred and Etta Knapp and the children came -- stayed for tea. Cold continued severe for several days but was so much improved yesterday that we went to church yesterday morning and to Dexter. In place of the usual sermon was a very interesting talk by a Japanese -- Wa-ma-gootie (?), the same gentlemen also gives a stereopticon lecture this evening. Papa and Mama were quite well but tired, feel the hot weather. Papa works a little. Mrs. Gates and mother made a �fashionable call� last week. Have been canning strawberries to-day. Picked the first bunch of sweet peas June 28th.

Note: The diarist�s mother, Mrs. Priscilla Wallace Gladwyn, passed away July 3, 1901.

Saturday, October 12th, 1901 Weather windy -- yesterday fine. Am fairly well. Some cold. Haven�t been out at all for two weeks except to Watertown Monday. Papa went to Dexter Monday. Is still there. Had hay pressers last week. Rev. and Mrs. Kanoff were here visiting yesterday. Also Iva (cannot identify). Hiram Cummings and Blanche were here to dinner to-day. Left his horse here for the winter. Note: Hiram Cummings was the son of David and Mary Ann Wallace Cummings, therefore, a cousin of Herbert and Minnie. Blanche was their daughter. Papa and Bert went to church two weeks ago. Papa went alone last Sunday. Hope to be able to go next Sunday. Hope Papa will be well and contented with us, but we can�t have Mama. Wish we could get a glimpse of her and her new surroundings. There is so much sorrow all around us. Everyone has a share. An unseen burden sooner or later.

Monday Eve., November 4th, 1901 The past week has been a fine one until to-day is windy and somewhat rainy. Have been improving it by going out more than usual. A week ago Friday Mr. & Mrs. St. Louis visited us. Note: Cannot identify the St. Louis�s. Saturday, Mrs. Johnson (cannot identify) and I went to the cemeteries at Dexter and Brownville -- set out some bulbs....narcissus, tulips, crocus and jonquils. Sunday, Bert and I attended Mrs. Alfred Taylor�s funeral at the church. Mr. Kanoff officiating. Text: In my Father�s house are many mansions. Monday, went to Watertown to a dentist. Tuesday, Iva (cannot identify) came up after tea, took her home and spent the evening. She is not at all well. Wednesday, went to B (Brownville) with Mrs. Chapman who has been out visiting -- called on Mrs. Slater. Saturday, Herbert and I went to Watertown. Yesterday Papa, Herbert and I went to church and Bert and I to the cemetery. Out-of-door flowers will soon be gone and the weather will be such that we cannot go. Four months ago yesterday Mama left us for another home. Mr. Kanoff preached an excellent sermon. Subject: Three mountain peaks of christianity. Good. Salvation through Christ. Immortality. He is very firm in his belief that our departed loved ones are waiting for us. I hope so and think so. It must be so. Don�t know but I think more about it than I ought to. Christ must come first without a rival but I am sure He will not deny me Mama. Papa is working in the shop for a short time, boarding at Mrs. Yerdon�s. Comes home to stay over Sunday.

Tuesday, November 12th, 1901 The beautiful weather has given place to cold and rain. John, Hattie, and Newman (Hamburgs) were here last evening. Went to church and S. S. Sunday. Friday, Bert & I went to Dexter, taking dinner with Mrs. Yerdon. Called on Kirtie Hanna and Carrie Ackerman. (These women may have been schoolmates of the diarist.) Went to the cemetery. Papa is here at present.

Tuesday, December 3rd, 1901 Had a few days� fine sleighing but a rain Sunday night cheated us out of our snow and the weather is cold and raw. Went to the Watertown City Hospital week before last to see Miss Hubbel (cannot identify) who has been severely injured falling on a slippery walk. Bert is going to see her again to-day. Have been to Sunday morning service and S. S. quite regularly. Rena Wiltsie and Mr. Doughton were married Nov. 25th. Spent a quiet birthday Nov. 27th. Wanted very much to go to the cemetery -- Mama and I always tried to be to-gether on my birthday and expected to pass a gloomy day, but went through the day much better than I expected. It proved to be very cold and circumstances seemed against my going to the cemetery, and, of course, it wouldn�t have done any good only to have satisfied feelings. Bert had business at Uncle Andrew�s in the morning, so wore his fur coat and went there with him. Found Aunt Angeline (Conklin) feeling badly -- did up some of the work for her. Iva came in the afternoon. Brought me a birthday cake and stayed until Thanksgiving night the 28th. Celia and the boys came Thanksgiving and stayed until the next morning. Note: This was probably Celia Rounds, a cousin, who married Charles Crosby of Chaumont. The boys� names were Clarence and Wallace Crosby. Willie and Carrie were here for luncheon. And so the time has gone and Dec. is here. Have something of a cold to begin winter with which may require care. Papa is with us for the winter probably....is papering the hall to-day.

Friday, December 20th, 1901 A fine, clear morning -- just snow enough for slighing. A heavy rain came last Saturday which did considerable damage. The streetcar track was washed away for some distance, stopping travel by car. Am feeling fairly well, lungs quite tender. Was at the cemetery about Dec. 4th. There was no snow at the time on the lot. The flowers were frozen, but retained their freshness by that means. Bert went to see Mrs. Slater Dec. 7th as I could not go. Dec. 6th, she was (90) ninety years old. She is quite feeble. Have been to the hospital to see Miss Hubbel who is improving. Also visited at Fred Knapp�s the same day. Spent an evening at Mr. Hamburg�s. They have also been here an evening with Miss Wilson (cannot identify - probably of the same family mentioned in a previous entry) who favored us with instrumental music. Mr. Corp�s people have spent an evening here. Edwin Yerdon has visited Papa. Eva Hall has a little girl. Note: Undoubtedly, this was Helen Hall Walrath Muldoon. Transcriber is uncertain which of the couple�s two girls, Helen or Nina, was born in 1901. Came 15th, I think. Am making some little Christmas gifts. Bert and Papa have gone to Dexter.

Monday, January 6th, 1902 Christmas and New Years have passed quietly away -- spent both days at home. All received very many tokens of the season. Bert gave me a fur neck scarf, �David Harem,� and perfume and atomizer. Papa gave me a book of sacred poems, his photo and Christmas card. Minnie - photo. Hattie - calendar. Aunt Lottie - �Evangeline.� Carrie - picklefork. Iva - shopping bag. Edith Sprague - handkerchief and Christmas card. Mrs. Kennedy - crumbbrush and tray. Appreciated them all very much, yet the holiday season brings sadness. Was glad when it was over. Mr. Potter died suddenly the evening of Dec. 31st. Miss Campbell, Jan. 3rd.

February 14th, 1902 We have just emerged from a severe snowstorm and blockade which began Feb. 2nd. Bert and I last evening attended the revival meetings which are being conducted by Evangelist Steele at Brownville. Various things have happened during the past month. Cousin Mattie (Conklin) died Jan. 6th. Mrs. Fred Mandigold was buried Jan. 2nd. Mr. Potter was buried Jan. 2nd. Mr. Northrup was buried Jan. 23rd and Eltie (?) Jan. 25th. Jan. 14th attended a social at C. K. Parker�s. Note: Charles Parker lived on what is now the Airport Road between Brownville and Dexter. Jan. 28th, went to Missionary meeting at Mrs. Starkweather�s. Note: The Starkweathers, Fred & Ina, also lived on the Airport Road. Feb. 1 went to see Mrs. Slater.

February 26 - 1902 Evangelistic services closed last evening. Mr. Steele now goes to Dexter. Attended the missionary meeting at Mrs. Corp�s yesterday. Weather is fine -- thawing. Ella Wallace was married Feb. 20 Note: Ella was the daughter of Wm. & Julia Bauter Wallace; Ella married Henry Giles and the couple lived at Smithville, N. Y. -- Mrs. Willis is to be buried to-morrow. Note: Cannot identify Mrs. Willis. Did she mean Mrs. Wilson?

March 11 - 1902 Aunt Eva and Glen came March 4th. To-day, we all went to Uncle Andrew�s. Note: Andrew Conklin. Has been rainy and thawing so far this month.

March 30, 1902 The morning of March 13 a sweet little baby girl was born to Will and Carrie, named Rosamond E. The following day Bert and I went to Watertown and got a cloak and bonnet for Rosamond and went to see Ann. March 21 -- Bert went to the hospital and brought Ann home with him. She is in a very helpless condition. W. H. Winn (cannot identify) died March 20. Glen has gone to work for Mr. Corp. Went to the E. L. (Epworth League, a national organization connected with the Methodist Church) a week ago to-night and to church to-day. Went Tuesday to the W. F. M. S. (a missionary society - Women�s Foreign Missionary Service??) at the parsonage. Found Miss Weaver here when I came home. Aunt Eva is still here.

Thursday, April 10 - 1902 Bert�s birthday, 33 years old. Iva and Bertha Dwyer (cannot identify) called April 5. Saturday, Aunt Eva, Bert and I went to cemetery and to Dexter on business.

Thursday, April 17, 1902 Began housecleaning upstairs. Bert began sowing. Mattie was buried last Saturday. Roy came and we went to the cemetery with Aunt Eva and the boys. Note: Meaning Roy and Glen Conklin. Tuesday, went to Watertown with Aunt Eva and Roy, who then went to Lorraine.

Wednesday, April 30, 1902 John Evans died to-day. Note: Not exactly sure of the identity of John Evans. There was an Evans family who lived three doors west of the Conklin Farm, but the name of the head of the family may have been Edward. They had a son, Edward, but it is possible that this John was Edward�s brother. Carrie and I went to the city a week ago yesterday and bought lace curtains.

Wednesday, May 7th, 1902 Windy. Mr. Kanoff officiated at Mr. Evans� funeral last Thursday and Mrs. Kanoff came and stayed here. Ann was taken worse that day. Dr. Witt was here Sunday to see her.

Tuesday, May 13th, 1902 Had a severe frost Saturday. Went to church Sunday and to see Mrs. Ramo. Note: Cannot identify. Dr. Witt was here yesterday to see Ann. Weather fine.

Friday, May 30th, 1902 Bert and Willie went to the cemetery. I stayed with Ann. A year ago to-day was home, and Mama. Bert and I went to the cemetery. Bert and I went to the cemetery and to church a week ago Sunday and Bert went for Dr. Foote for Ann. Led the E. L. service.

Monday, June 2nd, 1902 Our anniversary. Went to Watertown to get some necessary clothing for Ann. Bert got me a gold watch for an anniversary present. Got a new suit of clothes. Judge Emerson comes to-morrow to see Ann.

Saturday, June 7th, 1902 Rainy. Mr. Kanoff here for tea. Mrs. Corp and Mrs. Hill (cannot identify Mrs. Hill, probably a church acquaintance) called Thursday.

Monday, June 15th, 1902 Ann passed peacefully into the great beyond Sunday, June 8, after having lain unconscious twenty-four hours, and her funeral was here the following Tuesday. Mr. Danforth officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Evans and Mr. & Mrs. Corp came the afternoon of the day she died and Hattie spent the day following with me. Both Sunday and Tuesday were rainy. So must all go to meet the future -- may it be with clean hands and pure hearts. Note: Ann is Ann Williams - 1900 Census shows her as a 14-year old servant for next door neighbors, Hamburgs, Hattie and John.

Monday, June 30, 1902 Went to Mrs. Corp�s for tea Saturday, 14th.

June 16th, 1902 Mrs. Kennedy came to clean -- have a cold.

June 18th, 1902 Mrs. Scott called.

June 19th, 1902 Iva here for tea.

June 21th, 1902 Rainy and cold.

June 24th, 1902 Called at Mrs. Ramo�s.

June 28th, 1902 Bert and I went to Mr. Hanson�s. In the afternoon Papa and I went to cemetery, called at Mrs. Ramo�s and Mrs. Cooper�s -- met Mrs. A. Seeber.

June 29th, 1902 Went to church and Mrs. Ramo�s.

Tuesday, July 1, 1902 Called at Mrs. Corp�s to see Mrs. Ballard, Kansas. Went to W. F. M. S. at Mrs. Fredenberg�s. Blanche came up on the streetcar. Went to the meeting with me and came home with me to stay a few days. Note: Cannot identify Mrs. Fredenberg, but she was undoubtedly associated with the Brownville Methodist Church. Uncertain about Blanche - could it have been Blanche Cummings - she was only age 4?

Thursday, July 3, 1902 The anniversary of the sad event of my life. Rainy. Note: Diarist is referring to her mother�s death.

Saturday, July 5, 1902 Blanche and I called at Mrs. Brennan�s (cannot identify just which Brennan - may have been Mary Brennan of Paddy Hill fame) and Mrs. Waltz (this may have been Anna Waltz or Walts, who would someday become the diarist�s step-mother, if so, I believe the spellings should have been �Walts.�) yesterday. To-day she went home and Bert and I went to cemetery. Rainy.

July 6th, 1902 Went to church. Fine. Warm.

July 8th, 1902 Went to ice cream social at Dr. Witt�s.

July 16th, 1902 Have a very hard cold. Called Dr. Gates.

July 20th, 1902 Went to cemetery. Rainy. Cold better.

July 22nd, 1902 Went to W. F. M. S. at Mrs. MacIntire�s. (cannot identify)

July 27th, 1902 Went to cemetery and church.

Friday, August 8th, 1902 Went to cemetery.

Friday, August 9th, 1902 Bert and I went to Libbie�s at Alexandria Bay. (Libbie, as stated before, was the diarist�s cousin. She was married to Fred Ball, a jeweler in Watertown. They apparently had a cottage at Alexandria Bay.)

August 10th, 1902 Went to church at Westminster Park. Heard a sermon by Rev. Mr. Goss of Cleveland, O., on life of John the Baptist.

August 12nd, 1902 Bert came home yesterday. Went to Kingston to-day on the steamer, America, in company with Aunt Lottie, Uncle Martin, Libbie and children.

August 13th, 1902 Went on search-light steamer, Captain Visgar.

August 14th, 1902 Went to Ogdensburg on the Island Belle.

August 15th, 1902 Came home.

August 16th, 1902 To church.

August 17th, 1902 Rainy.

Saturday, August 30th, 1902 Went to cemetery to-day. Went to church Sunday. To Hattie�s (Hamburg) Tuesday.

Wednesday, September 3rd, 1902 Wat and Jennie Cummings and May were here. Note: Was Watson Cummings, the diarist�s cousin - Jennie was Jennie Adams, as pointed out before. Also Mrs. Yerdon, Lucy Pratt and Carrie Ackerman. Note: Cannot identify Lucy Pratt - may have been a schoolmate at Dexter , as was Carrie Ackerman.

Thursday, September 4th, 1902 Went to Aunt Angeline�s -- finished harvesting. Glen is working for us. Came here to board.

Monday, September 8th, 1902 A week ago to-day threshers came -- were here one night. Aunt Eva came Tuesday. Wednesday, she went to the Fair (County). She came home on the streetcar and we went to Earl Hall�s -- came home Thursday.

Friday, September 12th, 1902 Called at Mrs. Cooper�s, Mrs. Maynard�s and Miss Edwards. Note: Probably all fellow church members from Brownville. Aunt Eva and Rosamond went with me. Saturday went to the cemetery and Chaumont coming back Sunday night and leading E. L. service.

Friday, September 19th, 1902 A week ago to-day Aunt Eva and I visited at Uncle Andrew�s. Sunday, Fred Knapp and family and Mrs. Waltz were here. Wednesday Bert, Aunt Eva and I went to Watertown. Thursday, Aunt Eva and I went to the cemetery and then to Dexter visiting Mrs. James. I attended the funeral of Edgar Leonard. To-day, took Aunt Eva to Aunt Sarah�s -- stayed to tea. Note: Aunt Sarah�s was Sarah Edwards Conklin, the wife of John Conklin.

Tuesday, September 23, 1902 Went to Mrs. Corp�s Saturday. Uncle Will Wallace and Henry Giles and wives were here Sunday. Called at Mrs. Scott�s.

October 5th, 1902 Went to church and Brownville cemetery.

October 6th, 1902 Ordered a monument of Mr. Strachan (?).

October 7th, 1902 Went to Hattie�s. Rainy.

October 10th, 1902 Spent the evening at Harry Potter�s. Note: Was this Harry Potter the son of the Mr. Potter who died December 31, 1901?

October 11th, 1902 Went to cemetery. Visited Mrs. Yerdon�s, called on Lucy and Carrie. Note: Diarist�s schoolmates.

October 26th, 1902 Went to Henry Giles�s, Smithville, yesterday, returning to-day. Had a fine time. Saw Celia. Note: Probably Acelia Rounds Crosby.

October 31st, 1902 Spent the evening at Mr. Corp�s.

November 2nd, 1902 Went to church. Fine.

November 4th, 1902 Election fine. Rogers elected Justice Supreme Court. Odell, Governor.

November 13th, 1902 Started for Michigan. (Herbert and myself) Note: Michigan was a great attraction to members of the Wallace family. Several of the families and many of their neighbors from the Pillar Point-Chaumont area had emigrated to Michigan beginning in the 1860�s. Many young men went there to work in logging, etc. This transcriptionist has compiled a 200-plus page book of letters, many of them exchanges between the Michigan families and their New York kin. The book, like this diary, has not been published. It is titled: �Write....And All The News.�

Note: A Wallace Family Chart is included in the back of this diary. The chart may be of assistance in determining the identity of those whom Herbert and Minnie visited on their Michigan trip.

November 14th, 1902 Warm. Spent most of the day in Ann Arbor. Arrived safely at Cohoctah about 6:30 P.M. Bert and Cora Sprague there to meet us. Slightly rainy.

November 16th, 1902 Having fine time. Enjoying visit with Aunt Sally. Like Edith very much. Rainy so could not attend evening service as intended. Cora Bohm (?) here to-day. Note: Cannot identify Cora. There were three Coras mentioned during this trip - a Cora Sprague, a Cora Bohm and a Cora Brown. Perhaps the diarist used the spellings interchangeably or perhaps she was in error. It almost seems that they were relatives, but only Cora Sprague appears on the genealogy charts given to me by Robert Hunter, Ph.D. of Davis, Calif. Cora Brown, it must be noted, married Earnest Aldrich on November 25, 1902, probably at Cochotah, Michigan.

November 20th, 1902 Mr. Bradley�s little son was very badly hurt one day this week by falling from an icy tree and crushing his skull. Note: This may have been an accident in Michigan -- doubtful if it was back home in Jefferson County.

November 21st, 1902 Spent the evening at Cora Bohm�s.

November 23rd, 1902 Went to church weather fine.

November 24th, 1902 Spent the evening at Mr. C. H. Miner�s. (cannot identify)

November 26th, 1902 Attended the wedding of Wm. Trowbridge and Ada Madden at Mr. & Mrs. Hendrix. Note: Undoubtedly neighbors or friends from the community - when reading these names one must always keep in mind that these people may have once lived in Jefferson County, N. Y., as did most of the people whom the diarist and her husband visited on this trip.

November 27th, 1902 Thanksgiving Day and my birthday. Thirty-five years old. Bert, Cora, Edith and Herbert and I spent most of the day travelling on the way to Aunt Mahala�s. Note: Mahala was Mrs. Cyrus D. Ackerman, whose husband passed away many years earlier. Mahala was a Wallace from Pillar Point. Bert A -- met us at Unionville. Nettie & Hugh here. Note: Bert was Bert Sprague who married into the family of Sarah (Sally) Wallace Sixbury. Nettie was Jeanette Ackerman, Mahala�s daughter and first cousin of Minnie and Herbert.

November 28th, 1902 Wallace took Bert, Cora & Edith & Nellie to Eugene�s. Note: Wallace and Eugene were Aunt Mahala Ackerman�s sons. Wallace�s middle name was Bert -- therefore causing great confusion for those studying the genealogy of these families. Herbert went down to Dell�s. I stayed with Aunt Mahala. She is in very poor health.

Sunday, November 30th, 1902 Eugene�s folks came, brought Bert Sprague�s folks, also Dell and family came. Note: Dell was Adelbert Adams, a cousin. Dell was the son of Adelbert & Adelaide Wallace Adams. Hugh came after Nettie. Note: I believe Hugh�s last name was Brown. Fine time.

Monday, December 1st, 1902 Bert, Cora, Wallace, Herbert and I went to Dell�s. Herbert and I stayed all night.

December 2nd, 1902 Myrtle took me to Aunt Mahala�s. Note: Myrtle was Myrtle Jane DeBolt, the wife of Dell Adelbert (Dell) Adams, The Conklins� cousin. Herbert went back with her and spent the afternoon. Wallace took Bert, Cora, and Edith to Nettie�s.

December 3rd, 1902 (a shorthand note - Pittman method)

December 4th, 1902 Wallace took Herbert and I to Eugene�s.

December 5th, 1902 Came back with Mr. Clark, Ida and Claude, also baby Iva came. Wonderfully glad to see Ida. Eugene and Herbert took a drive to the prairie. Note: Ida was most probably Ida Ackerman, one of Mahala Ackerman�s girls. It is unknown if Mr. Clark is the man Ida married, but one could presume so.

December 6th, 1902 Sent a tidy to the Brownville church sale. Also cheese checks were sent which finished the work for this season. Earned $24.75. Note: The term �cheese checks� refers to checks from a Brownville Cheese Factory, where milk from the Conklin farm was probably taken. The exact identity of the cheese factory is not known, since there were 7 cheese factories in 1898 in the Town of Brownville. It is quite possible that the earned $24.75 represents pay for a bookkeeping endeavor undergone by the diarist, who in 1914 would assume such duties at another cheese factory. Herbert, Eugene, Claude, Dell and Wallace went through sugar beet factory and went down in coal mine at Sebwaing.

December 7th, 1902 Sunday, Eugene�s and Dell�s folks here. A splendid time. Plenty of singing. Goodbyes were said about 10 P. M. (another shorthand note)

December 8th, 1902 Went to Nettie�s with Claude. Bert came with Wallace. (another shorthand note).

December 9th, 1902 Herbert went to Cairo with Hugh. Went through sugar beet factory. (hard cold).

December 11th, 1902 Went to Ravenna. Nettie took me to the train. Earnest Aldrich took Herbert and our trunk. Ida and babe met us at Fairgrove and accompanied us to Saginaw. Ora Cox met us at the train at Ravenna. Note: The relatives in Ravenna were from the paternal side of Herbert Conklin�s family, thus not related to Minnie, as were the relatives visited previously. Ora Cox married Mary Sipes, the granddaughter of Peter and Lucy Joiner Conklin. Peter and his wife were once residents of Pillar Point, N. Y.

Monday, December 15th, 1902 Omitted to say that Cora Brown and Earnest Aldrich were married Nov. 25th. Am reading �The Sky Pilot.� We went to Lorenzo Conklin�s yesterday. Note: Lorenzo was the son of Peter and Lucy Joiner Conklin. Had a good time with them -- fine people -- their sons, Oscar and Pete (Oscar was the son of Peter) called on us last evening. Came back to Mrs. Sipes (Mrs. Sipes was Lavina Conklin, daughter of Peter and mother of Mary Cox. There is future correspondence from Mrs. Sipes to the Conklin and those letters may be found in the transcriptionist�s compilation, �Write....And All The News.�) this morning. This afternoon went down to the store. Mrs. Sipes gave me a handsome plate. Bought a cup and saucer for Willie and thimble for Carrie. Mrs. George ___(blank)___ spent the evening here. Saturday heard some good music by Miss Dana of Grand Rapids. Ora�s music teacher.

Tuesday, December 16th, 1902 Visited Mr. & Mrs. Cox. Had a drive with their team (a fine one), made a farewell call on Lorenzo Conklin and wife. Later Mr. Conklin came and spent the evening.

Wednesday, December 17th, 1902 Ora gave me a book, �Difficulties� last evening. Started for home this morning. Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Conklin, Mrs. Geeorge ----(blank)---- and Lorenzo Conklin called to see us before we started. L. Conklin gave Herbert a knife. Bought a collar for Aunt Lottie and a couple of hdk�s at Grand Rapids. Stopped at Jackson to see Uncle Al. Note: Transcriptionist believes this was Albert Adams, father of Adelbert, spoken about earlier. Albert�s first wife was the youngest of the Wallace children, Adelaide.

Thursday, December 18th, 1902 Arrived safely home in time for dinner. Papa here. Willie came to Watertown to meet us. With grateful hearts thank our heavenly Father for a pleasant trip and safe return home.

Sunday, December 21st, 1902 Mrs. Hansen buried to-day. Bert went as bearer. Carrie, Willie and I attended funeral.

Thursday, December 25, 1902 Carrie, Will & Rosamond went to Philadelphia (Carrie�s parents lived behind Evans Mills overlooking the Indian River - maybe the reference to Philadelphia resulted from the location not far from Philadelphia and this is where they stayed) Tuesday to be gone two or three weeks. Papa was here until after dinner -- then went calling and to S. S. supper in evening. Herbert and I went down to Uncle Andrew�s. My Christmas gifts were: Waterset - Herbert. Vase -- Papa. Pair of vases -- Carrie. Comb and brush tray -- Iva, Matchscratcher -- Hattie Gladwin. Indian rug loom -- M. Gladwin. Photo -- Carrie. Christmas can never be again what it once was when I had a mother with whom to spend the day; but she is enjoying a better Christmas in the Paradise of God and it is ours to help fulfill the promise of peace on earth. Good will to men.

Thursday, January 1st, 1903 Papa went to Lowville yesterday. Bert drew pressed hay for Mr. Corp in forenoon. Iva called -- sleighing. Wrote to Ida Gilbert (cannot identify - probably a schoolmate at Dexter) and Carrie Ackerman.

January 2nd, 1903 Spent the evening at Mr. Evans. Thawing.

January 3rd, 1903 Rainy.

January 4th, 1903 Went to church. Snow gone. Voted to repair the church.

January 5th, 1903 Papa returned from Lowville to-night. Brought me New Year�s card, nail file and photograph from Aunt Lottie. Silk hdk. for Herbert. Pin cushion from Hazel. Photos of children from Libbie. Mrs. Kennedy last week sent me an ink well.

uesday, January 6th, 1903 Mr. & Mrs. Kanoff visited here. (pastor and wife) Weather fine. Ned Everett was buried yesterday.

January 7th, 1903 Went to Watertown to see Ben Hur (opera).

January 8 (1903) Fred Adams died this A. M. Note: Cannot identify -- most likely a resident of Pillar Point.

January 9th, 1903 Bad storm.

January 10th, 1903 Mr. Corp and family here for supper.

January 11th, 1903 Went to church. Subject: Cross of Christ.

Sunday, January 18th, 1903 Thaw yesterday. Zero to-day. Went to church. Text: Gen. 8:9.

January 19th, 1903 Digester exploded at the Sulphite Mill, Dexter, killing Mr Hunt. Mr. Dillenback died. (No, this was not Mr. Dillenback who was killed. It was a George Hunt.) 10 degrees below zero.

January 22nd, 1903 Attended literary committee meeting at Miss Jones�.

January 21st, 1903 Went to city. Bought set of dishes. Also, Black Rock for myself and Sky Pilot for Iva�s 16th birthday. Note: Cannot identify.

January 23rd, 1903 Attended Iva�s birthday party. 40 present.

January 24th, 1903 16 degrees below zero. Bert is drawing ice. Papa was taken sick while going to his insurance work. Had to come home.

Note: The last entry in this diary was January 24, 1903.



Copyright © March 2000 Shirley Farone