The Alson Ward Diaries: From the Collections of the Dutchess County Historical Society by D C H S

The Alson Ward Diaries D C H S | NY Collections

Dutchess County Historical Society | NY

l!!f!IIIIII Dutchess

N e wCounty Y o r k

Historical New York

Society

DIARYOF ALSON WARD - INDEX. by.

130

Clifford M. Buck Some names I have not indexed because they occur so frequently Father who is Joshua O Ward Mother Sister Mary Grandpa Ward Uncle Daniel O Ward who lives on farm next door Rev. Wile minister of Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church as they go to church nearly every Sunday and state Mr Wile preached Poughkeepsie, went to very often

Numbers given are page numbers

•

Abolition meeting 2 Acrhy 25 Adair 113,117,118. Advocates 26 Ahern 118 Albany 17,25,37,75,104,107 Alida,steamer 106 Alleganeans 110 Allen, Esq. 72 Allen, Gardner ,6,19,28. Allen Township 119 American Magnetic Co. 122 American Museum 13 Angell, Mr 16,70 Angell, Mrs 16,82,84 Angell, Augustus 16 Angel1,'Carpenter -= 3,4,5,11,12,l3,~~ 15,17,27,39,40~42,51,52,74,75,76, 77,82,100,101,106. Angell, Aunt Clarissa 1,2,4,13,16, 24,26,38,45,49,64,67,70,84,89,96, 106a Angell, Cherry 4 Angell, Ethan 2 Angell, John C. 106 Angell, Martha 16 Angell, Aunt Mary 13,14,15,16,17, 18,88,89, 91, 94,96,97,99 Angell, Owen 5,51 Angell, two sisters 16 Angell, Stephen 16 Angell, William 2,70 Anthony,Mrs 124 Anthony,J.P. 113,118,124 Anthony,Phebe 124 Anti-Renters 26

Babbington, George 123 Babcock, 93 Baines, Cole 24 Mame 24 Baker, John 23,43,44,90 Balding, Miss 6 Baltimore 59 Bancroft, Mr 17 Baptist-church 41,76 Barge 61 Baright, Mr 69 Barker, Mr minister 86 Barns, Mr minister 75 David 16,39,78,96,102, 103,104,106 Edward 5,9,10,17,25,33,39 64,94,95 and lady Henry 22,23,46,95,97 &wife Josephine 26 Joshua 1,34 Mary 10,15,75 Mary Platt 64 Peter, Dr 94,108 Bartlett, Miss 103 Bates, D. 114,115 Beadle, Danie1 2 Hut 6 Aunt Sally 78 Began, Mr 15,64 wife &dau 15 Belding, Mrs 6,8,9,10,33 Margaret 9.10. Miss 6,7,8,9,10,43, 44,45,46,105 Mrs, Hate1 103 Bible Society 89 Billy horse 4,8,10,13,45, 49,63,73,84. Birthday 23,64

DIARYOF ALSON WARD - INDEX. . J5a_rge:,. ~-::.:::6L five o'clock 12 Night 18,29,77,82,99 Noon 5,86,88 six o'clock 13 tow 4,10,13,34,59, 76,82. Bogardus, Adrian 13 Bower, Mrs 100 Joseph 9 Boyd, Mr 91,117 John G. 106a Miss 67 Bradford 113 Brazil 107 Brickyard 82 Brinckerhoff & Pardee 108 Broadway 10. Bronson, Prof 5,6,89 Brooks 4 Brown, Charles 19,21,22,40,72, 105 John D. 66 Miss 106a Theodorus 11,69 Brundage 50 Geb Brush, 23,24,66 Buckley, Mr 105 Buffalo 52 Burr, Harvey 118 Bush, Gu 13 Justice 107 Bushne11 , Mr 109 Butchering 13 Butholf 104

Boats ..

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Cady, 106a Susan Canada 52,53 Canfield, Aletta Ann 3,4,6,8,12,13,14 Calvert 74,81 1,3,4,7,8,12,14, D. Dr. -~18,29,40,44,60 73.82,86,93,99,106 Mrs 7,61,104,105 Edward 1,3,4,6,8,9,12, 14,51,60,102,103,104,106 23,34 Francis 4,6,8,13,42,61, 69,72~74,91,96,103 Cannon St 86 Carlton, Robert 21 Carma Obscura 52 Caro 58 Casady, J.P. 129 Catholic 20,57 Cato Four Corners 51 Gayle, John 92,96 Ceder St 10

131.

Chatham Four Corners 16,70 Chicago 1-7.llOa,111,114, 116 China 53 Chippiwa,Canada 52 Church bldg com 79,82,94,95,96. Church St #274 106a Cincinatti 58,59 City Hotel,Chicago 55,57 City Hotel Milwalkie 54 Clapp, Mr 54,55 George 46,47 John 52 Mary 51 Clark, Mrs 27 Henry 38,39 John 27 38 Clay, Mr 23 Cleaveland 53 Clinton minister 84 Clinton and Lapp 123 Clinton Hotel 52 Clyde, 38,51,52 Coleman,. Peter 119 Collins, Miss 26 Columbia County 16,25,36,41,56, 70 Colvin, Caleb M± 113 Comstock 1 Congregational church 110 Conklin, Mr 72,79,82,91, 96,99. Mr of Northeast 19 Conklins sandbank 3,43 Dan 81 Garrison 81 Miss 36,68,82,83, 93, 94,97,102,105, 106. Conover, Jacob 5 Coon, Peter 71,98 Cortland St . 59 Council Bluffs 123,127,129 Crande11 , Mr 51 Mrs 85 Seth 34,39 Cronk, Mr 72,77 Cronkright, Daniel 7,48,67 Crowell 114,116 Crawfords 83 Cuddeback 113,117 Cumberland 59 Cunningham, George 38 Joseph H. 24,25,34 Cuyler, Theodore,Rev 108 Dagueriotype 50 Dates, Angevine 97.98.99,100,101, 102,103,104,105 Richard 85 Davenport 56 Davis, Richard 17

DIARYOF ALSON WARD - INDEX. Mr.minister32 Joseph C. 3,9s24,35 39,67 Minard 7,8,36s41,44,45, 80 ,46,,"47.,60,63, 79·, Seneca 28 Deceamer, Mr 54 DeGarmo, Mr 30 DeGroff, Mrs 74 Democrats 1,17,19,20,21, 36,88,99 ·Denver City 123 Detroit 53,54 Detroit River 53 Devine, 01iver 1,36 Dewey, Martha 1,6,13,42 Miss 89,96 Dewitt, Thomas 1 Dick horse 21,40,63,79,93 Don, Mr 36 Donation party 66,92 Doty, Angevine 1,2,4,7,8,ll,12, 13,16,17,19,20~21,22,23 Douglas, Fred 107 Dover P1ains 9,10,47 Dover Stone Church 10 Dover Stone Church Hote1 10,102 Dover We11s 47 Dow, Nea1 109 Downing, Gideon 21,47,67,74 Downing1 s nursery,Newburgh 83 Downs, Augustus 52 Sidney 55 Drake, Charles 14 Nancy 89 Dubois, Calvert 47,48,49,50, 51,60 Matthew 39 Peter 1 s son 47 Dud1ey, Edwin l,3,6,7,8,13,14 19,30,42,45,46,66,89,92,96 John 109 Dunkin, Mr 68,69,100 Reuben 72 Dunkin and Farrington 68 Dutch Church,Pok 9 Dutch Church burning anniv 108 Dean.,

•

Eag1e 117 East Oswego. Eastern House Eckstine Ec1ipse,Tota1 moon Election E1gin ,111 E11s, Ne1son B. Emigh, D Emmins, I. S. Empire, steamer Episcopal church

51 10,27,60,64 130 22 88 52ti55 22 6

10 55 6,7,8,41,97,100 ;:-

Erie,Penn Everett, Mr Everson, 01e Exchange, Express, Steamer

132. 52 113 117 76 37

Fair, County 60 Fair, State 17 Fairport 52 Farmers and Mfg Bank 27 Farrington & Dunkin 68 Fema1e Seminary 86 Fishki11 4,9,15,26,42,44,46 49,74,81,87,91,101,105 Five 0 1 c1ock boat 12 F1ag1er, Dr 108 Edgar 108 Mrs Edgar 108 Enoch 20,66,74,92, 93 Mrs Enoch 28,29 Pau1 68 Wi11iam 16 Forbus, Mr 38 Alexander 38,39 Forbus Lot 107,108 Forman, Catharine 54 Franc, David 7,13 Frank1inda1e 31 Franklin Stove 40 Free, Edward 60,63,64,80 Frayzi11, Mr 27 Gaberden, Nathan 13 Gaboon Mission 109 Ga1ena 55 Ganse, 82,106 Dewit 1 Gardiner 20 Garrison, Mr 51,89 Miss 51,89 Gartiot 53 Gaye11,boat 11 Geneva 51 Gerard Co11ege 59 Germond, Si1as Jr 47 Giddings, Mr 82 Gid1ey, Mr 13,15,96,97,102,106,50 E1sey l,9,10,16,17,20,25, 37,45,46,47,64,65,92,94,95 96.99.103,104,105 James 96 Given party (Wi1e) 84,89,93 Glenham 10 Goat Is1and 52 Gough 101 Gou1d, Dr 108 Gowe, T. 80 Graham, Mr 30 Great Britain 58

DIARYOF ALSON WARD - INDEX. Green, John H. 31,,33 GreenwoodCemetery 109 _· Gregory House 109 Grout (Prairie chicken) 54 Grove the 14 Hackensack 1· Hackinson,Mr 27 Haddock, Mr 14 Hagmin 10 Ha11, minister 21 Ham, Mr 12 Miss 49 Ham1ington, Mr 20 Hann 127 Hare (Hair) 108,109 Harris, Mr 97 Miss 86,103 William D. llOa,112,113, 114,116,123,128 Hart, Mr 126 Miss 103 Hartford 9 Hartsvi11e 1 Havana 92 Hay Press (Lower Landing) 102 He1fensten, Mr 15 Heno (disturber) 2 Henry, Dutch 96 Henry, John (saw mi11) 8 Herric, Mrs 107,108 Hicks Mr &Mrs 16 Holmes, A11ing 99 George 99 Isaac 14 Joshua 49 Samuel 1 Homeof the Friendless 109,126 Hopewe11, 9.10,21,46,47,64,69,87, 93,96,97,104,105,106 Houghtaling, Dr 51,64 How, minister l,2,6,12,15,24, 26,28,42,44,48,66,79,82,98 Hoyt, minister 73 Hudson 12,14 Hughson, Dr 44 Mrs 31 Miss 97 Julia 99,106a Hughson town (Vi11e) 31,44 Hughsted, Mr 95 Huron Lake 53 Huson, Daniel 15 Hyde (Hide) Park 8,27,123 I11inois Ingraham, Harvey John L.

52,57,119,129 27 68

Indian summer lowa. Irish Padee Isabe11 o grapes

133. 61 127 56 100

Johnson, Miss 16 Johnsvi11e 10,47,87 Jordan 51 Aaron 111 June, Juni s, John P 121 Sarah Ward 121 Ke11ey, Egbert B. 19 Kentuckeyean 56 Ketcham, Mr 13 Kinderhook Lake 16 Koons, Peter 87 LaGrange 1~13,21,24,38,46,66,70, 74 91,94,95,102,105 Lake, Crapo Sr 2,23,66 Crapo Jr 1,2,5,6,23,24,27,34 Mr 68 Norman 20,33 Lane William 76 son 75,77 Lapp &Clinton 123 LaSalle County 119 Lattin, Mr 109, Daniel 67 LeC1air House 56 Lent 1 s p1aister mi11 107 Lester, Timothy L.ewis, Mrs 6, 7 ,8 ,43 ,44 ;45 ,46 ,86 James· 34,36,41,42,44 Libnow, Mr 19. License 101 Linch, Mr 35 Livingstons 51 Livingston, Cambridge 122 Dwight Co 111,119 Lockwood, John (quarry) 32,36 John B 1 Jonathan 74,82 Mrs Stephen 70 Locust Grove 40 Louisvi11e 58 Lower Landing 13,102 Lower Landing Dock 59 Lower Red Hook Landing 70 Lowry, WmH 113 Ludlow 5,24,100,106a~l08,109, 110 Lyceumlecture 107,108,109 Lyons,N.Y.:125 Mack horse Madison,James,boat Main St Main Street Landing

67 ,68, 71,83 52 108 Co 2

DIARYOF ALSON WARD -

mp EX.

134.

Ma]catine 83. Navoo.,Ill 57 Mahde~i.11 e 1,26 ,45 ,66 ,83, 93 Nash· 5· Manitou ·Island 53 Newbwgh 60,83 Manning, Mrs 39 Newcd,mb,Mr 7,16,17,26,49 Calbe 93 Mrs 16,17 Marshall, Augusta 106a William 9, 10, 19,105 Bart l et 34, 94 Zacheus 28,35,43,66,70,73, Lenard 24,29,41,100 79,80,93,96 Masinaw 53 NewHampshire,boat 59 Mastain, Mr 42,44 NewHaven 42, 74, 77 _ Alfred wagonshop 71 NewOrleans and Washington Telegraph the carpenter 108 Co 122 Henry 77 ,91 NewYork (city) 5,10,12,13,14,23,24 James 92 34.59,61,69,72,76,77,91,98 McCay, Miss 55 106,108,llOa,113,123 McCleland, Dr W.F. 123 ~ew York Company 25 McChord, William 1,14 106 Niagara McDougal, Archabald 113,118 Night boat 18,39,77,82,99 McFarlin, Daniel Sr 78 Niles, Mr 56 McKinley, 124 Mr and Mrs 16 Mead, Julia 106 Miss 70 Meditrianan seed wheat 81,83 Noon boat 5,86,88 Merritt, Mr 103 North, Mr & Mrs 108 Mesmerish 26 Methodist church 12,33, 66,68,73 84,92,97,100,101,109 Oakley, Abraham 94 Mexico 76 Nehemiah 49 MicMichigan 88,89 Odell, James 39 Milan 16 Ohio 18 Miller, Mr llOa,114,116 ·53-- --•. '" Ohio River -, Daniel I 112 ~ 121,125 Olmstead, William Millerism 26 Oneida Lake 51 Milwalkie 54 Oowie 56 Minetta 59 Ostrom, Henry 24 Mississippi 56,57 Mrs James 81 Monfort, Cathrin 36,46,47,89, Oswego 50,51,60,75,82,85 103,105 ,6, 10,47 86,106 Charles 36,42,46,47,64 Ottawa 114,115,118 Uncle Elias? 87 Owens, James 39 Jacob 96, 9,10,21,47,70,87, Mrs 69 Jane Ann 70,105 Oyster supper 95 Stephen 42,92 _md Society (Temperance) 66 Aunt Susan Ann 42 Palmer, minister 22,106 Montayanna 69 Palmer's shop 33,34,36,68,82 Moor,Moorestore NY 10,108 88,93 Alfred mill 68 J.N. 127,128 Samuel 62,76,107 Peter 72 Samuels niece 62 boy 72 s.w. 14 Pardee and Brinckerhoff 108 Warren 118 Parish, Mr 51 Morgan, Caleb 71 Pe11s, Abraham 29,31 Mormons 57 widow 33 Mr 17,34,72 Mott, Pelton Pond 109 Enoch,Mr,Mrs 33 Pennsylvania 52 Jack 67 Peters, Alonzo 84 Myer, Miss 16 Henry 35 ,83 Houyt 50 Pettits, Mr 81 Harvey 85 , 92

DIARYOF ALSON WARD - INDEX.

•

Pbtl ade'Jpbia ·4~_,59 Philips, Mr 32,67 ,71 Cornelius 18,34 James 111 John P. 111,114,115,120, 121 M.D.L. 111 Pierce, Emily 1,4,6,9,28,34,40, 42,43,60,70,73,78,84 Sister Mary 44 Pittsburgh 59 Platt, 1,5,ll,16,27,37,38,46,62, 64,74,78,79,82,84,102 Charles 10,25,33,38,40, 64,67,69,70,82,92,95,96,106 Daniel 25,96,104,106 Daniel 1 s dau 60 Isaac108,109 Israel 106a Jerry 31,63 Mary 37,38,65,67,79, 106 Sleight 106 Plymouth Hill 103 Polk 20,21 Pond Hills 31,40,45,83,105,106 Po.st Office, new law 46 Post road 16 Potts, Dr 57 Poughkeepsie Telegraph 2,21 Presbyterian Church or meeting House Pleasant Valley 2,7,12,27,41,85,57, 86 Presbyterian Church 47 Presbyterian Church,Pok 5,7,10,122 Presbyterian doctrine 17 Prescott 113 Presque Isle 53 Pright, Miss 38 PudneyI s mi11s 66 Pull oe, Mr 31 Purdy, Henry 117

Quaker City Radkin, Mr Raynolds, Mr Redfield, Mrs

•

16 107 106 125 A. F. 19,20 Albert 3,13,14,27,38, James 39 23,24,38,51,52, Luther 55,62,70,99,105 Remsen Dr 106 daughters 106 Renseller Co 25 16 Rhinebeck Riader, A.H. 113

Rice, Riot Roberts, Robinson,

135.

Samuel (Heno) Philip Charles Dunkin Nehemiah 103,104,

2,35 2 76 60 47 86,91,95,97,102 28.48 Rockport 56 Rock River 56 Rochdale 38,49,95 Rochester 51,52 Rochester City Bank 52 Rochester,steamer 37 Rondout, D 10 Ross, Mr 17,40,42,43,45,46 73,75,80,105, Edward 25,34,35 William 26 Rothchilds 58 Row,Rowe Mr 14,87 Russell Miss 95 t. Auburn St Claire St Louis Sacrider, Titus

59 53 56,57,58 34,35,36,37 38.39.40,41 Salt Point 105 Sam, William 95 Sanders, William 27 Saratoga 16 Sayr, Mr 27,28 School meeting 69,71,95,97 Schuffiln Br & Co 112 Seaman, Egbert 37 Sears magazine 40 Sells, 130 Senvers, Gilbert 85 Shaw, Mr 107,109 Sherman, Gifford 111 Shermans 35 Sherwood, T. A. 115,117,118, 124, 129, 130 Simmons, Egbert TempHotel 39,68,88 Simmons shop 40 Singing school 3,13,14,18,35 Six 0 1 clock boat 13 Skidnore, Mrs 38 Timothy 88 Skinner 41 Sleight Elizabeth 108 Henry 9.10.13.16.17,20,25 33,40,45,46,47,50,51,53,54,55 56,57,59,64,75,79,80,82,92, 94, 95,96,99,102,103,104,195,106 107,109 James E. 103 John 52 Mary Ward 107

DIARYOF ALSON WARD - INDEX. Sleight~

•

Smarts, Smith,

Peter Wa,rd,

105 109 1

Abraham 5,12,80,85,97 Mrs Abraham49 Calvin 72,73,74,75,76, 77,78,79,81,82,83,84,85, 86,87,88,89,90. Hetty 40Jarvis 52,53 Letty 38,40,49,64,69, 78,84,89,94,97, 103. William Col4,19,79,84 Snake in boat 81 Sodus 51 Sons of Temperance 12 South America, steamer 60 Southport 54,55 Spencer, Mr 91· Jackson 95 . Spencertown 16,70 State Fair at Pok 16,17 steamers, Alida 106 Empire 55 Express 37 James Madison 52 NewHampshire 59 Rochester 37 Swa11ow 37,44 South America 60 Utica . 27 Steamer accident,Swallow 37,44 Sterling, Mrs George 109 Mrs Juli us 108Will iam 109 Still, Richard 42 Stilwill, Daniel 24 Stockholm, Elsey E. 9,10, 46,47, 103,104 Mr 46,47, 106 Abraham 69,96,105 Edwin 50,64,89~103,105 sister 64 Emilie 10 Stone store 26 Storm, Garrett 9,10 Stoutenburg 107 G.W. 120 50 ~Syracuse

•

Temple, Great 57 Tenyke-.(Eyck) Jacob 24,91 Texas 76 Texas annexed 33 Thomas, Mr 26 Thorn, Alanson 12,13,85 Sidman 50 Stephen 70 Mr 39,109 Mrs William 27 Thrashing machine 20 Thunder Bay 53 Thunder shower,church time 80 Thurstoins house 24 Titus, John H. 19 Tobias, Miss 26,43 Todd, Peter 109 Tomlinson, Mr 46 Toughson, Caroline 27 Tow boat· 4,10,13,34,59,76,82 Townmeeting 78,99 Travis, Mr 90 Trowbridge 108 Corne1i a 108 Troy 50,106 Tryon, Ne1 son 113 Twith, AbrahamMr andMrs 66

Underhill, Stephen D. 17,93 Union Landing 11 United States Hotel 59 Universalist 84 Upper Landing Co 23 Upton s Pond 105 Utica City 50 Steamer 27 Vai 1, Mrs 27,49,73 Miss 27 Susan 96 Valentine 1 s Day 69 Valley Hotel 85 NanBuren (Martin) 17 VanCott, Miss 83 VanKleeck Mr 106a, 108 Mrs' 106a, 108,109 Edgar Vanloon 15,24 VanVliet, Miss Ann Mariah 1,10 VanWagner,minister 20 Vanwyck, Mr 16 Edward 32,50,76 Temperance County convention Mrs Edward 32 14,100 farm 103 Festival 64,68 Velie, Mr 9,25,56 House 37,62,103 Hendrick 18 Juvenile meeting 4 Israel 78 State meeting 109 Verbank 68 meetings 5,7,8,9,12,15, VerValin, Miss 25 19,24 ,26 ,34 ,36, -_-_ David 35 Gideon 21 41,66,85 /

136.

137.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD - INDEX. Victory,.

Waldo 101 Waldron, Adrian 10,34,87,107 A1et ta Maria 34 Alfred 94.95,107 Anar 87 Ann 87 Mrs 87 Uncle Stephen 9,47,77,87 Ward, Aletta,Retta 105,106 Daniel I. 20,24,27,31,67, 71,83 ,85, 104 Uncle Daniel O Many Mrs Daniel O 49 David 108,109 Henrietta 106a Julia 107,108,109 Lafayette 48,49 Lavinia 88,89,90,91 Aunt Maria 9,13,29,35,92 Mary,sister Many Mary C. 82 Mary E. 83,89,93,97 99,100,105 Owen 88,89,108 Sarah,sister 1,4,11,12,13, 14,24,46,60,61, 64,66,67,69,70, 72,73,74,105,121 Ward's Patent Sled Cap 8 Washington and NewOrleans Telegraph Co 122 Washington 70,72 City 122 Hollow 6,10,16,17,19, 24,26,46,64,83, 86 , 95, 98 ,-105 Street 108,109 Washingtonians 24,25,66 Water St 10 93 Watinlou 93 102,125 WayneCo Webster, David 64 Weeks, Joseph 95 Weeoting 59 Welling, Ruth 35,39,41 Thomas 92 dau,dressmaker 45,74,90, Wesley 102 Daniel 33 ,85, 103 Stephen 84 3,7,8,10,11,12, Wesley 32,33,44,45,47, 63,64,70,77 ,80, 81,90 39 ,40 ,?.?,_, 113 West the Trip --~~~~l(·,~ Western Hote1

Wetumburghchurch 16 Whigs 1,7,15,36,88, .Wili,minister Many Wilkenson, Mr 107,108 Mrs 107 child 109 Rob 120 Mrs Wi11 i am 108 Williams, minister 107 Wiltsie, Mr 110,118 Abraham 106a,108 Capt baby 109 Eliza 106a 108 Wisconsin 50 Wood, Mr 122 widow 83 Woolsey, Mrs 54 Wright, Abraham 86 Da11 is 20 Silas 88 Yale Yankee Young

John

11,17 56 88

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iii est·m~chnn ,.' !-- . ,~--!l~ .. a .. , . ~--,~1-- ia. Mag~e; Jr.; aied tw.enty:home ·on- l'iayls str~et,i He had beerr., .active p.,fpr1etoi9f. __ a son·of-Pi'l)f~a,id Mis·:Richard id.imts, wasJn quite J. ·Magee, died at-Van-Wl8'.!! Point, .. A}: grcrce1-y-sto~e· o,;i,-Davis _-s(rce~-.-fo1~six'.': years. He was_ bo,:n in· Ireian~: iu,d·camf .. _en:he seemed .to r.:illY batty eounty,oli Fl'lday, ftom peritonitis. initil abotiJ;:ci/;.1stli:las; The. d~ed York Int83'8;-For tBn';y~iifs h•)"'?, . was .a~f estimable young. Ne_w . severe _.sfoce . man w.ho had. many f.l;iends.who deeply a:.cotton ·broker: i.n iN;,w_:Yor!<- He,;.~<r, moved to· Poagbkepsle in· 1848 and ~':'r! . ......-· . . gradu '.'i!lltil l'egret lils demise, .-B.e "\'-'asfor a .time at, l;if·,:-dfM ·.yesti,rday, ha-vf it the tached to tbe . 01!:iceof'Hull &. Co. Sabga°ged In the mercantile business 'wllic~ seqnently he ·entered· the· servke of the •the condu.ctea until he died .. He was ~.!1~. / , New York Life l!ISUtanpe · Company. 84 , of the- earliest workers for. the. estal:\li,vi~ I ~ . ~ent of St Peter·s· 1>arigh and _guv~.lJl.? '. best· efforts o'!' his .me · for "its succes.,, '

.··ntcha~,f james

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ON-WJiB.D.

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In Pleasant-Vall on o'f Joshua O', Wa

er - aild received w l:'alt.z Acailemy , a-likeepsle. · Mr. W Boid.

"1850; - -

s father in the. farmi ess, which he follow · he removed to- Pon • mnch of his time tions ot the l:'ou _nk, orwhich-·be 1879 ·and serv

'~esid~ce, 254 l,'hu Tuesday, January 9 ves and . friends .are lease omit flowers. : . n!y. in Chicago, Jantlat:l' • formerly of Bait Point;

!bar. . . · Rnral Cemetery,at ·J:'oughar.nary 8th. . ·'.MAGE~At Albany. N. Y •• January f>th, ;_ icliard, 50n :at Richard and Emma Margaret

.Magee.

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,-_-Funeral from the residence of

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.· '._:::: ; i?.l.~o~~,t~f pldeilt3?1~;~osthigb,lyresP,e~t-_ 5."· .,,• • 'fdeJiasid~fl~'!Q'f the c1ty:tlf Poughke~ps'ie,• '1.:.; d, who has been pro,m _ . -~ ; ·,,., ,;,; 1 ~~lt)ii. for many years and :vv.a :.,_ ,---~J> t:' ~:U>Jfg ially foterestedin the mun1-- ,:, ·· \-'(~;fib,:f:i . t of Poughkeepsie. - .·.-, · A,,' ' .·;·.M~.'.. as bom in the town.of Pleas; ~t,'.Vatl 1821, · where he· succeede bis: i Uifun' 1n\_ ', farming and milling. 1: '"i1.1elt,1t~{oilowed until 1856, when:-he , . l: ~~~dto '.Poughkeepsie~ The mHi.wnien·: J•~~nduc~¢ ~as erected by his grandf;ather p ' il-ii,iodte·d about two and one-half miles. •; ;,·.. p,dJi.e:;{tllage of Pleasant Valley.-:;'It_iP, ' .✓ I: ow~'k,ibwJi!'~ :Velie's mill In its halcyoii . \ f '.i mill turned out many_ a ballel ; :,: a r. , ~ -~U:r an~ CO;-lledmoney fori ts·O~~r ·{: ti · , .~.ne1ghborn:gfarmers. , .. , -_ 11ee ·hls remov,al to Poughkeeob1e·,'-;Mr. J ~W,kr·_;··a_ ~-~.-almost;eitlrely given hii~tteI1tio.D. ,r~ ~ate transaction~ of the Pough~ '.k_~sie S!lVIDgsBank of which he has., l!eeD l ;e,ecreta.ry eioce 1879.. His j11dg_ment._i· \1. placing of · mortgages on both .u_rbair'. h :~<l~suburban properties is i~pl~cit!ireried: ~ ,~ppnby the dire<:torscf that inst1tu t1~n•.. H~_ /! •~rroga.rdedas being cautions and co~serva-, ;{~je~p_hiscounsds carry great weig_~twiUi: 'l'-,,. ouv .. -~~ B_onrd-of Trustees. _Hehas been a;mem~~J <-' · ..,1, , • • •· • • - •" 0 ·-,. j p(tha·Board of Education and for &DU~~' ·t-? i ,Qfye&ts_'wasamember of the Bo_ardo(~hrw . :., . . :_:,cl·.'. /J L I 'J;touse Commissioners of which body hew~ '/'\ [ lt-\.~t: .several times elected President. ' One ofMi;· l J - ·" ' · Ward's sons, Owen Ward, was Treasiµer ri1 ' !l ."eGt!Y of Poughkeepsie for severa.i ~~~- _ v f,i :;_~other iion,·Dr •..D. B,.,:Ward,isa prominen,t · ;\, :~li37eician pract~i~~:i1hh~ ~i.~y. ., . · ·.,'

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, . The-.:maltings_are the brewery. l' . ~ , .iiefir_mo( -V:¥,ear&~~pany ha b~isbed been· con ·.·, ' - - ai;eucb,.and . .' . ·has :, . a:,feriod -~ efshty )'et1r~,11,_l_onger_ . , believe t'min a-py oth1:r similar ~·; i(Joited i:Hates.:The· ~esent m .·\.he·-firm !'1'0 QJ,j-y:er, 1;T.. .:lhoth •·· ; -assar Harbottief~:es~te:{ .t . \ ,. ,_,·,.. ' nt1re man_age~-bejngMr. n1.leman,.wbo~e·lather as b ed Maria Vassar-, 1/daughte •. and who,.was therefor atthewVassu; fitst entered u/s,i844·. 'iames Va~u Harbott~~; ·, about a\reiir ego,' · · · ·· .'\, ~--~ ... -,,,.' M._a.t~!i~f; -V~s,ar·•b' ":.·, , ·e_cl,/~Il~_!,1. :_el~ t ~ I,: a11,t;,s>}rlr, :fl; . . e :

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DIARYOF ALSON WARD 1843. Being the locust year and also the year according to the miller for the fo~ndation of ~11 things~ Mine horiour keeps the weather of my fate Life every man holds dear but the dear man Holds honour far more precious dear than life. - Shakespeare. March 1844 31..Dtary commencedthis the thirty first of March it being a remarkably coldday · a cold northwest storm of hail snow &the day before enabled us to go to church in the sleigh tho the sleighing was not first rate. Went to church to the Valley Mr Howpreached in the place of Mr Wile very few at church. On going to the barn in the afternoon saw a flock of pigeons sitting on :::i: ~ the locust trees in front of _the barn and a few on the ground in the yard g ~:; s-). hunger probilly the cause of this uncommontameness ~- ~ §;--g April 1944

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1. General day for moving helped Timothy Lester move from Daniel 0. Wards

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to the Smarts near Hartsville the pl ace formerly occupied by Comstockthe ~ 0 ~ famous !Jrchardist and cider manufacturer I noticed many of the apple trees:<~::;! being girdled by the mice during the winter many of our best trees have shared the same fate ; thus; in a short time the labour and anxiety of years are ruined.

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2. Townmeeting day Father went to Pokeepsie in the forenoon and I spent it in the mill, in the afternoon just before night went to the polls found great excitement many drunk or partly so as usual although temperance has made quite a revolution within a short time. The candidates for Supervisors were for the Democrats Oliver Devine Whigs John B. Lockwoodheard of the death of Dewitt Ganse buried at Hackensack Dutch Church funeral sermon preached by ThomasDewitt DD. Our hired man Angevine Doty came this evening to commencework on the morrow. 3. Quite a pleasant day drew a load of hay in the forenoon fO" Crapo Lake in the afternoon went to Mr Joshua Barns for a visit Our companyconsisting of the following persons from the Valley Miss Ann Mariah VanVliet Martha DeweyEmily Pierce Clarisa Angell and sister Mary comprising the ladies Mr Edwin Dudley and myself for the gents Miss Gidley and Platt were there a very peeasant visit indeed 4. Very pleasant and warmwent to the village in the forenoon with a hive of bees to prevent robbry tended mi11 in the afternoon this day nearly finished the ice in the pond saw a flock of wild geese flying on my return from the valley. 5.This morning find the pond clear of ice Angevine and myself went up to the succer brook last night thought we heard them running up but on examination found we were much mistaken went to the Valley in the evening to singing school &. 6. Drew stone in the stalk ground in the forenoon went to the Valley in the after part of the day to take a bbl of flour to Mr Dudley and got the horses shod at William Mchords shop called at D. Canfields to get them to write a few lines to Edward as they were going to write in the evening after sister went to bed I went and got her poss eggs that she had hid for tomorrow. 7. Easter Sabbath had stolen eggs for breakfast Sarah much disappointed went to church in the forenoon preaching by Mr Mandeville of LaGrange in the afternoon went to the funeral of the child of Samuel Holmesabout three years old Mr Wile preached the sermon.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

Apri.1 1844

B~Pleasant-~hd fine day Father went to Pokeepsie and I spent the day in the - mill William Pine came here in the morning and spent most of the day sore finger preventing him from work Father spent the day in Pokeepsie engaged the corn crop at fifty cents to be delivered after planting to the Main Street Landing Company. 9. Stormey in the morning clared off in the afternoon or about noon Angevine went to the Valley in the forenoon to carry some flour and fetched Clarisa Angell and her cosin William Angell son of Ethan Angell. Spent the forenoon in the mill in the afternoon went to Pokeepsie to see about getting some peach trees to plant in our peach orchard came home in the evening. 1O.A very fine and pleasant day commencedplowing to day for oats. Angevine is the plough boy I spent the day in the mill shook carpet at noon as our folks were cleaning house saw barn swallows Father went to Pokeepsie to get further information in regard to the peach trees&. 11.Fine day spent the forenoon in the mill the afternoon in the peach orchard went to the Valley on foot in the evening to get help to work in the orchard and engaged the Crapes after going to the village heard there was an abolition meeting at the Presbyterian Meeting House went to see the performance Some disturbance a fellow called Heno made some disturbance by interupting the speaker and one stone came through the window did not stay to hear and see all came home as I went on foot got home eleven oclock looked like a thunder storm flashed of electricity but no rain.

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12.Spent part of the day in the mill but in consequence of being deficient of help in the peach orchard spent part of the day planting peach pits & Crapo Lake Sr and junior helped Samuel Rice promised but disappointed us in the evening went up to the succer brook about eleven oclock caught a fine mess no one else there. 13.Spent most of the time in the mill and around the house doing chores Father went to Pokeepsie in the one horse wagon to take some flour and engage peach trees engaged three hundred of Daniel Beadle at ten cents bought~ those that were inoclated last fall the inoculation just starting 14.Sabbath an unusually warm day and the past week has been so also, trees are leafing out. Went to church in the morning Mr Howpreached to a large~ congregat.on in the afternoon remained home the thermometer stood as high as eighty degrees in the house and I notice by the Pokeepsie Telegraph that it stood as high as eighty seven on the north side of the building 15.Spent most of the day around the house and mill t-elped transplant-ornimental shade trees mountain ash and larch put ashes around the peach trees and also the-apple trees. Father went to Pokeepsie in the after part of the day to get peach trees returned home in the evening with one hundred and fifty half the quantity engaged.

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16.Helpt transplant peach trees and spent part of _the time in the mill Father went to Pokeepsie in the afternoon to get the remainder of the trees Commenced raining about sun set and was very dark in the evening but little rain Justice Mchordwas at the mill to day gave a short history of a riot at the Presbyterian Church on Friday night last while theJ abolitionists were endeavoring to hold a meeting. The most officious person·:~as one Beno a lewd fellow who prepared a market basket of plucks lights & put in suitable pieces for throwing went to the speakers offered them some fresh but they were not pleased with the quality of the meat but he was determined they should partake by throughing in their faces which created a great stir

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

April 1844 16. it beotig quite diff.i_cu1t to fi_nd which party. was strongest. ..

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17.Spent most of the day planting peach trees the method foJlowed by us was by .i:D~-cingq Jarge scoop-sbove1 f.uJJ of )Jlanure,_ontbe .top of _the.ground We~~-the hole·0as iritended and-also a qu~ft or so of ~nleached ashes dug the~ground up well with a stubing hoe in order to loosen it we11 and get the manure and ashes well mixed with the ground then made a hole with a spade or shovel for the tree place the tree in and partly fill the hole with dirt and after they were a11 sett in this way we put half~ pail of water on each tree and pu11ed the remaining dirt around the tree&. 18.Spent part of the day in the peach orchard the rest of the day fixing flower beds in front of the house tending mi11 & 19.Spent part of the day in the mi11 the remainder helping remove the furnace kettle, oven,f1oor & from the kitchen to prepare it for paving with brick the floor being old and fu11 of holes in the evening went to singing school the last night for the season. 2O.In the forenoon helped screen seed oats through the fanning mi11 and take them to the field to be sown. Ward Wesley is here sowing them. In the aft_ernoon went to Pokeepsie to meet Carpenter Ange11 but did not find him returned home in the evening. 21.Rainy though very moderate the ground being quite dry needing rain very much went to church very few their in consequence of the rain. Mr Wile preached.

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22.I spent most of the day in the mi11 and helping fix the kitchen floor by laying it with brick in stead of wooden floor, in the evening went to the Va11ey to settle with Joseph Dean and others. 23.In the fore part of the day went to the Va11ey carried a barrel of flour to Mr Dudley and sawed slats for making a fence around the flower bed at the factory with·'.,.thecircular saw from then went to Mr Conk1ins sand bank to get a load of sand got homeabout noon in the afternoon went to the brickyard after a load of brick. 24.I spent the fore part of the day in the peach orchard bedding down trees Carpenter Ange11 arrived at our house about eleven oc1ock James Redfield did not come as we expected Father went to Pokeepsie in the after part of the day with a load of hay and to get a load of brick for over & therefore I spent the after part of the day in the mi11 and a sma11 part in the house There came a shower about six oc1ock in the afternoon rained quite hard for a short time Father got some wet runing home. 25.I spent the day in the mi11 had plenty to do.Father went to the Va11ey in the fore noon Carpenter went along and remained at Grandpa's Father ca11ed at Dr Canfie1ds and got a letter they received from Edward stating that they-expected to be at Pokeepsie on Mondaywishing us to meet them there.

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26.Showery sprinkling without much rain spent most of the day in the mi11 Father turned maison and commenceda chimney at night Father went to sit up with Grandpa he being quite sick having complained a number of days 27.Father returned home in the morning left Grandpa much better spent part of the day in the mi11 the rest part tending maison in the evening went to the Va11ey unexpectedly found Edward Canfield and A1etta Afiniat Dr Canfie1ds

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4. DIARYOF ALSON WARD April 1844 28~Sabbath went to church in the forenoon called to see Grandpa found him · better in the aft,ernoon went to church Mr Wiles preached in the forenoon a Bible agent in the aft~rnoon spent the aft~rnoon aft~r meeting-at Dr• Canfields to go to temperance meeting in-the evening. Mr Brooks preached temperance to us Edward Aletta· and Carpenter went home·with us in the evening . 29.. Spent most of ,the day i.n the mill Carpenter went to the Valley in the , forenoon cou]d not persuade hi.mto stay longer Father finished his maison opperations Father went to the Valley in the evening. 3O..The weather moderately warm neither too warm or cold, spent part of the aft,ernoon in the mi.11 the rest part in the long fi_eld ploughing while Ange _cleared the di.tcbes of ,sods Aletta and Edwardwent to the Valley in the aft~rnoon washed the wagon~ tended mill &. May 1844 1. Genera1·moving day in cities and villages and for attending to financial affairs & Father and Angevine went to Pokeepsie returned home in the evening Aletta ~nn and Francis Canfi_eld came with them. Edwardwent to the city in the tow boat today 2. Sowed plaister in the forenoon it- sprinkled enough to make it unpleasant work in the aft_ernoon was around the house doing chores playing checkers with the girls& Clarisa Angell Francis Canfield and sister Aletta ~nn were at our house just befo_re sundown Father and myself cleared the apple-trees of wormnests.

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3. Warmand fine day spent part of the day trimming apple trees some of _the time in mill and house Father went to Pokeepsie Mother went along as far as the Valley and spent the day Carpenter came at our house in the evening . 4. Father Mother sister Sarah And Aletta Ann went to Fishkill in the forenoon Carpenter went to the Valley with the Billy horse from there to Wm Smiths (after dinner) with a load of ladies spent my time in the mill and garden MisPierce and Aunt Maria gave us a call after tea 5. Sabbath in the forenoon went to church Francis Canfield went with us home spent the rest of the day home. 6. Spent most of the day doing chores around the house mill shelling seed corn & our folks returned from Fishkill. Grandpa took dinner with us. Carpenter helped Uncle Daniel plant corn it rained hard in the afternoon - fine shower and still continuing to be showery in the evening. 7. Spent the forenoon in the mill in the afternoon went to Pokeepsie to take calvs and to get a load of plaister stopped to the valley to juvenile temperance meeting Father took Aletta Ann to the DoctorsFather,Mary Sarah were at the temperance meeting.

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8. Spent the day in the cornfield planting-corn 9. Spent the forenoon in the cornfield planting corn Carpenter helpt in the afternoon went down the turnpike called at a number of places in the evening went to Pokeepsie for a ride returned rather late Carpenter Angell and Clarissa sister Cherry and myself were the company. 1O.Spent part of the day in the cornfild part of the time in the mill and part of the time in the-garden

5. DIARYOF ALSON WARD May 1844 lLA very rainy fo,renoon rained steady and fast spent the forenoon in the nous_e:,the,.,~ft,ernoon.in the. fi,_e]d making rail fe_nce in the evening a shower considera:bfe-tnunder ·arid·1ightnin1(rain & - -

12._Wentto c1mrcb both fa.re and aft_ernoon. Mr tudl ow of the Presbyterian church ~~ -~~ee~~te ,p~e~cbe/"~• Jor .us..JJe~~rndMr .Wile·h~vi ng_exchanged for the day. 13.Spent the forenoon helping Uncle Daniel plant corn the aft_ernoon repairing fence on the new ground lot. 14.Rainy forenoon spent the time in the mill and and t~Qroomclaring and placing things in order in the afternoon went to Pokeepsie with a load of calvs 15.Spent most of the day in the mill Fsther Mother Mary went to Pokeepsie in the forenoon Carpenter came here justbefore night we went to the Valley to attend a lecture by Prof Bronson on the humanbody and mind exhinited by the Mankin or artifact man a very interesting and instructive lecture. 16.Rainy day though not verycfast tended maison building oven all day Carpenter Angell came from the Valley in the afternoon. 17.Rain part of the day tended mill in the fore part of the daywent to the Valley and Mr ~latts in the after part found OwenAngell there arrived a short time before we got there came by land brought a span of horses to se11. 18. Rainy in the forenoon cleared off in the afternoon. Father and Mother went to Preparatory lecture met OwenWAngell and wife at Grandpas 19.Sabbath Communiona pleasant day a great many at church Mr Wile preached In the afternoon Mr and Mrs AbrahamSmith were at our house took dinner and tea in the evening Carpenter Angell and myself went to temperance meeting quite interesting to hear Crapo Lake of temperance prosperty illustrating it by pulling from his pocket a small bag of hard and shaking it about at no small rate.

20. Rainy sprink 1ing & spent most of the day in the mill and house churned and shelled corn by water for the first time this year. In the afternoon OwenAngell and wife and Carpenter came to make a visit at our house this being Carpenter s last visit this vacation. In the evening Father Owen Carpenter Uncle Daniel and wife sister Mary and myself went to the Valley in the two horse wagon to attend a lecture by Prof Bronson on Phisiologu elocution music & very interesting Carpenter bid us farewell after the lecture as he did Qot come homewith us but staid at Grandpas I forgot to mention before that Edward Barnes and sister and some other young ladies called at,our hou~eithis afternoon Owenand wife staid all night with 1

us.

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21.Sprinkl ing in th~ \~;Jning rather cool Father went to Pokeepsie in the afternoon with a load o.f corn going down ran foul of a man in a one horse wagon and broke b_othshafvs without other injury both parties being to blame th~Y sharea·the:expense equally. OwenAnge11and wife left our house in the morning after.Father and himself had written a letter to Luther Redfield Carpenter takes his exit from Pleasant Valley to day expects to take the noon boat for NewYork. In the forenoon tended mill, in the afternoon scraped up and drew away the manure from the mill door. 22. Tended a wedding in the morning went to take the minister at Jacob Conovers, found it rather cold sitting in the room without fire, by the way it was a cold night with some frost but not enough to injure vegatation much.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

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May 1844 22.in the afternoon went to Washington Hollow to the ordination of r How to that church Miss Balding F Canfield and sister were the ladies I had the honour of waiting on after the church service we went to D. Emighs by im(itati.oii of ..Mi.ss Pierce and took tea with them met Edwin Dudley there emjoye~--~_.v,ery. pJea.s~nt µ,ft.ernoon in tbe.·evening went to· hear a lecture by_:--prti-f' .Bronson._· · -23.Started the circular saw for sawing firewood had a great job getting the strap running right a deficiency or defe_ct of .the tightening pu11y cant put the scoop on the belt to steady the strap sawed old wood for summer Years have passed Days·are passing Time fast rooling on The past we know Yet some forgotten The future yet to know 24.Sawed firewood to day Crapo Lake and Uncle Daniels boy helped us shelled· corn & in the evening went to the Valley to a lecture by Prof Bronson. 25Sawedwood expected to finish to day but had the misfortune to have the cogs in the spa~ gier injured by mismashing had to take them all out and saw them off and restore before for the~sawing went at it with dread worked until nearly midnight This job will not be easily forgotten.

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26.Sabbath A fine and pleasant "day went to Church in the forenoon Mr Wile preached in the afternoon went to the Episcopal Church. Father and Mother called on Hut Beadle while church was being held, after church there came a shower of rain barely giving us time to get homebefore the rain it rained part of the night. 27,Got up about two oclock in the morning to finish the cogs in the spur gier finished about eight oclock in the morning Commenced sawing immediately the cogs opperating fine finished about ten in the evening 28.Cleaned the mill of sawdust rubbish &to prepare for grinding in the forenoon was in the middle of grinding in the afternoon went to Mrs Lewis is to spend the afternoonMrs Belding and daughter were there spending some time avery interesting and pleasant visit in the evening went to a concert by Prof Bronson and Nash. 1

29.Spent the forenoon in the mill the afternoon in the peach orchard digging the grass from them to keep them from being overrun Father went to Pokeepsie in the afternoon with a load of corn Aletta and Edward came homewith him in the ev~ning rained some in the afternoon. 30. Rained some during the day showery in the forenoon spent part of _the time in the mill towards noon went to the Valley after Miss Belding to spend a day with us In the evening Edwin Dudley Gardner Allen Francis Canfield Martha Deweywere at our house and spent the evening.

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31.Miss BeTdingwas spending the day with us therefore the time was spent (this forenoon) in the parlour locust grove & In the afternoon after dinner went to the Valley to bring Mrs Belding Mrs Lewis and Cathren to our house to spena the afternoon spent the day pleasantly took them home in the evening Miss Belding returned with them June 1844 The First lost this day left out

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

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June 1844 2~ (Should have been yesterday)_ Sabbath in the forenoon went to the Presbyterian Church Mr Wi1e preached&·rn the.aft~rnoon went to the EpiscopaJ Church staid to the village with ·the expectation of going to the· temperance meeting in the evening but there came a shower of rain to prevent holding a meeting Ca]1ed at Mrs,Lewi.sa;ft,er tea staid a short time. 3. Father and Angevine went on the road to work it being the time appointed. Father was pathmaster I spent the day in the mill and cornhouse shell corn and rode·to the valley just at night 4. Father and Angevine worked on the road I spent the time in the mill and bee room fixing bee hives. Just at night took a walk to the Valley. 5. Went to Pokeepsie in the forenoon with a load of corn got home in the after part of the day spent the rest of the day in the mill grinding sparps. 6. In the forenoon tended mill washed the wagon & in the afternoon went to Mr Newcombsvisiting the companyconsisted of the following persons Mrs Harvy Newcomb Miss Belding Mr and Mrs Canfield sister Mary and myself Got home late in the evening a very pleasant visit. Had a swarmof bees for the first this year.

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7. Spent the forenoon in the peach orchard fixing the fence Father helping. Angevi.nedigging around the peach trees. Then came a shower of rain suddenly and wet us before we had time to get our coats. In the afternoon Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of ~orn I spent the time in the mill in the evening went to the valley to take a· bbl of flour to Mr Dudley called on Miss Belding & rained in the afternoon just before night quite a shower. 8. Spent the day homefixing fence shelling corn &Minard Dean was at our house helping us, working in the garden & Father tended the mill in the evening he went to the Valley to take Edwardand Aletta. 9. Sabbath a very rainy and unpleasant day showery all day did not go to church either forenoon or afternoon a long and tedious day confined to the house. 1O.Clear and cool Tended mill in the forenoon fixed bee hives in the afternoon had a swarmof bees in the forenoon In the afternoon Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of corn. Angevine cleaned the wheat of Cockel and rye 11.Spent the day in the peach orchard and cornfield uncovering corn fixing fence & At noon Father and myself examined the bees that appeared on the dichin found the combs filled with bees but all dead after being Capt over the cause of it we are not fully able to determine but many of them are in this condition had a swarm in the afternoon. 12.Rather cool last night but no frost I believe, a warmand pleasant day. In the morning went to the Village to cary Mary to get her dress cut spent the rest of the day in the cornfield and peach orchard father tended mill Mr Dean helpt work in the corn and peach nursery.Angevine ploughed corn.

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13,Spent the day in the cornfield and peach orchard Mr Dean helping. Finished the corn and most of the peach trees~ Ward Wesley laying stone wall.This noon went to Daniel Cronkrights woods with dog and gun looking for a raft of racoons that has been play the Whig game with our paltry Ainsle David and Mr Cronk were there cut a tree that we supposed to be the harboring place but they were not there Uncle Daniel caught one of them in a steel trap.

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8. DIARYOF ALSON WARD June 1844 14.Spent most of the day in the cornfi~ld ploughing corn and hoeinQ Minard Dean he1pi.ng us Edwin Dudley brought Mary home fr.om the Valley she has spent a-fey..,days_·i.ntbe.vi.11age visiting Francis Canfi_eld came with them .fi_nished-boefog the corn about the midder of the afternoon went at the peacb trees 'ba1;1ing_ :got nearly done..

15.Went to Pokeepsie with a load of corn found it very dusty and unpleasant traveling Father and Angevine tended mill and drew gravel on the road along the pond in the afternoon. Angevine finished hoeing the peach trees. 16.In the forenoon went to meeting Mr Wile preached no meeting at our church therefore remained home during the remainder of _the aft_ernoon and evening._ 17.Remained at home helpt fix a road through the meadowfo_r the Rowsto prevent the necisity of their waiding through mud In the evening went to ·the Valley to drive the wagon to the blacksmith shop for the purpose of having the tire newly set Angevine went along to ride the horses back I drove the Billy horse back Grandpa having him to go to Hide Park. 18.Workedat stonewall in the back lot on the line fence west between uncle Daniel and us Ward Wesley was helping us Angeving throughing downmyself laying bottom Ward finishing off & in the afternoon there was a shower after the shower went to Mr Wiles on a visit Edwardand Aletta An and Mrs Canfield Francis and sister Mary and myself were there a very pleasant visit Edwardand Aletta came home in the evening.

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19.A very warm day helpt at the stone wall finishing the west line sting in the forenoon in the afternoon went over east and threw down a sting of wall on the south line Ward1 s laying . 20. Father and Angevine went to the Va11ey to ca ry some grists and to see fi/lrs_ Belding in regard to making a bee hive to take homewith her From the Valley went to John Henry1 s saw mill to see about some logs that were carried there to saw for log stuff After they got homeAngevine and myself shelled corn got done before night Angevine fixed fence the remainder of the day and I varnished the harness. In the forenoon it rained so that Ward Wesley was obliged to quit work abouLthe middle of the forenoon and was showery during the day. 21.A very rainy and unpleasant day rained most of the night in the forenoonemployed myself writing Wrote directions for using Wards Patent Sled Cap with the story Hive. In the afternoon Father went to Pokeepsie between showers with a load of corn and butter but did not get there time enough for the boat and was obliged to leave the butter at the Union Landing to go MondaySpent most of my time in the mill &. 22.SabbathWent to church in the forenoon to the Valley Mr Wiles preachedin the afternoon EdwardAletta Mary and myself attended the Episcopal Church Spent the rest of the afternoon in the village took tea at the Doctors In the evening rode up to Mrs Lewis is and took Miss Belding and Lewis to temperance meeting. 1

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23.Went to Pokeepsie for a load of boards for making barnyard fence and shingle for fixing mill roof . 24.Dug post holes in the forenoon expected to go to Pokeepsie in the afternoon but rain prevented, had a shower about twelve oclock.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

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June 1844 25.Had companyfr,om Hopewell and Fishkill Uncle Stephen Waldions, Jacob Monfort Garrett Storm young folks were at our house, went after Aletta Ann and Edwardas soon as they got there Aletta came with me back Edward did not come un~i1. aft.ernoon T:bey.,returned home in tbe evening. They had a stakey _ho,rse··todeal with before they could start which might have cost some of'-their lives providentcially that was not the case the circumstances of the case are these It was Mr Storms horse that done the mischief. They all got in the wagon to start gave the word to the horse to start but as often before he refused but Mr Monforts horse thought proper to go ahead that threw the other horse down or· rather he threw himself downand broke the pole the ladies jumping from the wagon at random in almost every dir<&:tion but providencialy none were hurt very much but some or all very much fritened we soon fixed the pole so as to make it strong and safe and got the horses going by driving around before allowing them to get in, the horses got to going steady before they left. 26.Spent most of the forenoon in the cornfield in the afternoon went to Pokeepsie.. Miss Belding and sister Mary went along went shopping from store to store & an our return in the evening called on Miss Gidley found Henry Sleight there, spent a short time pleasantly, got our dresses and pantaloons& some painted by setting in chairs that were not dry after being painted found it rather sticky, The next day had a job removing it from the cloth.

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27.Spent the forenoon in the mill Father went after the hired girl in the after spent most of the time writing & just before night Mr William Newcomb_ and Margaret Belding gave us a call did not stay but a momentor two. Father went to Pokeepsie in the afternoon aftera load of locust posts 28.Spent part of the forenoon in the mill part oft~ time fixing the grind stone frame & in the afternoon fixed a hive prepared it for shipping to Hartford for Mrs Belding after tea took it down to the Valley to her, Mr Newcomb and Miss Belding sister Mary and myself went to make a call at Mr Newcombsstayed a short time and evening to the Hollow to call on Miss Pierce a very pleasant ride indeed. 30.Sabbath. In the forenoon went to Pokeeps~ to church Miss ML Belding W. Newcombsister Mary and myself in compsnywith Henry Sleight and Miss Gidley at the Dutch Church. In the evening went to the temperance meeting met Henry Sleight and Edward Barnes made arrangement for the fourth of July expecting to go to Dover Plains July 1844 1. MondayIn the forenoon tended mill and mowedthe dooryard & IN THEAFTERNOON WENT TO THEValley and Joseph Bowers to look at cloth looked at his bus doing middling well Mr Velies also, got a cag of molasses at Joseph C. Deans saw Miss Belding and Mr Newcomb 2. Spent the day hometending mi,11 in the forenoon setting fence posts in the afternoon Angevine taking charge of the mill grintling screenings a job not courted by myself in the afternoon Father went to Pokeepsie with butter &

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3. Spent the forenoon setting fence posts round the barnyard In the afternoon Mr Newcomband Miss Belding spent the afternoon and part of the evening Edwardand Aletta Ann also entertained ourselves by walking in the woods and grove and other amusements. A very pleasant visit.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

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10.

July 1844 4. The day: the patriotic day of days. To every American citizen this day. should be esteemed the most highly on account of the principles involved and the decisions of our patriotic fathers sixty years ago. How little do we consider when we are endeavoring to commemoratethis dayits rea1 .si.tuati.on i_n .the condition of .our beloved country at this period. Oppr_essed·and down trodden by a tyrani.ca1 nation powerful and war 1ike in ·spirit· a·gai:nst a young and fe_eb1e Colony. Our fa.thers were now digesting the important question oppresion or 1 ibe_rty" but thanks to the judge of the world to whomthey submitted their cause we were delivered for in that hour of .trial the hour that tried the harts of men Godwas with them. With Herculean nerve they signed that pledge declaring themselves free and independent Friends in peace~ enemies in war at the risk of their lives but their lives their fortune and sacred honour were the binding link for liberty This day is now commemoratedby many some in one way some in another according to the disposition and apptitis of persons. A small party of us went to Dover to visit Stone Church had a very pJeasant time we started from the Valley nine oclock in the morning stopt at the Hollow a few minutes on our way took dinner at Dover Stone Church Hotel, a first rate dinner,_after dinner went to the Stone Church spent a short time pleasantly there returned and staid some longer at the Hotel and prepared for home on our return took tea at the Hollow and staid two or three hours and returned home rather latentne companyconsisted of the following persons Gents Henry Sleight Edward Barnes William Newcomb and myself. Ladies Mary Barnes Elsey Gidley Elsey E Stockholm Ann Maria VanVliet and sister Mary. Margaret L. Belden 5. Spent the forenoon preparing to shingle the mill building the platform & in afternoon commencedshingling received a call from Mr Newcomband Miss Belding for the last time as they expect to leave the place to-morrow. 6. I spent the forenoon fixing the mill roof taking away the platform trimmed the locust trees to prevent their shading the roof it causing it to rot In the afternoon went to Hopewell on a visit to Jacob Monfort all of us children brother in law also arrived there about five oclock in the afternoon After tea Cathren and Charles Mary and myself went to call on Miss Emilie Stockholm a shower detained us a short time there, yet pleasantly were the hours spent by myself saying nothing about the rest. 7. Sabbath. Attended church at Hopewell in the forenoon saw quite a number that I knew. In the afternoon after dinner went to Garrett Storms to stay unt1l Mondayfound Mr I.S. Emminsthere spending the afternoon spent the day pleasantly. 8. After breakfast left Garrett Storms for Johnsville arrived there about ten oclock. Adrian Waldron and myself went to Glenhambefore dinner returned a little after twelve oclock. Soon after dinner left Johnsville for D Rondout were we staid until after sundownwhich made us rather late home. 9. Spent the forenoon mowingtimothy grass in the east lot or peach orchard. Wera-Wesleyand Hagminhelping in the afternoon went to Pokeepsie and took the tow boat for NewYork leaving the Billy horse at the Eastern house until after I came back.

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10.Spent the day in the City arrived there about six in the evening in the first place called on Mr Newcombin Ceder St He accompanyedme to Water St to Mr Moors store from there to the house where we called a short time after leaving the house went to Broadwayand parted before Ceder St myself for Eleventh St No nine where Miss and Mrs Belding were staying spent a short time there and returned to Ceder St took dinner with Mr Newcomb after

DIARYOF ALSON WARD 11. July 1844 10.dinner returned to the store staid a short time until nearly time for the boats:then went to West 'St and called ·a short.time on the VanVliets took the~Gayell for home at 5 Oclock 11..Fo.undmyseJf pn the Gaye11half past three oclock in the morning at Union Lqnding prepared for home as soon as possible got home sun half an hour high after breakfast went to mowingwhich occupied the day. ~

12.Spent the day in the east lot mowingspreading and preparing hay. 13.Spent the day working in hay in the afternoon there was a shower and wet the hay and stopt our work and left the h~y in a bad condition for Sabbath. 14.Sabbath Spent the day homewriting in the forenoon in the afternoon it went to see if the hay stack stood to work a short time to fix it for hay which laid scattering over the

Father Mary and Sarah went to Church looked like a shower Father and myself right but found the top off and had rain~ it rained a little and wet the field

15.Spent the day in the east lot in hay got it well cured and in good cock looked like rain. 16.Waked up in the morning and found it raining very fast which continued most of the day giving our hay a good soaking cleared off just at night. 17.Father went to Pokeepsie in the forenoon and I spent the time in the mill. Ward and Angevine opened the hay in the new ground in the afternoon drew most of it together in a stack. •

18.Spent the day cutting wheat and helping Ward Wesley cut his grass just at night took a load of hay down to the Valley for Theodorus Brownhe having bought an acre of us on the ground. 19.Spent part of the forenoon in the mill the rest of the day drawing hay to the Valley for Theodorus Brownand Ward Wesley just at night as we had the last load hay partly unloaded there came a dash of rain and wet it s6me but it slacked raining so we were enabled to get it unloaded after which we had quite a hard shower. There has been plenty of rain lately thepond is full and waisting. 2O.Rainy Cradled the rest of the wheat between showers The afternoon resulted ina confirmed rain storm clearing off just before night. 21.Sabbath In the forenoon went to Church Mr Wile preached . Saw Carpenter Angell at Grandpa1 s his health being poor he received a liefe of absence from Yale losing his trunk on his way he was compelled to stay from church, It having been left at some of the other landing places through mistake is the supposition.

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22.S~ent the day mowingand raking wheat finished the wheat drawing and all. Carpenter went to Pokeepsie to look for his trunk. Mary went along as far as Mr Platt and staid until he returned _]e·found his tru6k 0bich-0as;returned without expense at the exchange. 23.Spent the day woriing in hay it being quite poor hay weather the sun most of the time under clouds Carpenter Angell came at our house just before noon helped us some in hay Father and Mother went, J Pokeepsie with butter and and for the purpose of making some this trade &

12. DIARYOF ALSON WARD July 1844 24.Spent the day working in hay mowing,spreading., opening, drawi ng, taking and a number of operations. Unc)e Daniel -Jet his ox team and hand he1p draw as the. wea,thE;J: J-09_kedc.loubtf_uJand..JJe.had nothing -urgeri_t_., ·heexchanged with usexpecting ·us-.tolielp him·1n Hke circumstances Just at night there \ came a shower of _rain finding a quantity of our hay in windrow the showers continued in tbe evening until bedtime. 1

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25.The shower has resulted in a confirmed settled rain storm rained during the day in the fo_renoonwent to the Valley to carry some grists. Carpenter went along fr.om the Valley I went to the saw mill after walnut plank rained most of the time but not very. hard. 26. Partly clear without rain opened the hay which dried off so as part off it would do to draw in the barn which we did, mowedall the rest down. 27.A fine and pleasant day improved our time in getting our hay in succeded Tn finishing off time enough to help Uncle Daniel draw a load of oats in the evening Carpenter Angell helped us in hay to day. 28.Sabbath. In the forenoon attended the Presbyterian Church Mr Wiles preached an able sermon to the youth took dinner at Grandpa1 s and staid until afternoon service Mr Howpreached after meeting we returned homeMrs AbrahamSmith - came with us from Grandpa s staid all night 1

29.Cradled oats a very hard days work got most of the field west of the house in swaths. Ward Wesley and Angevine helping cradle Mrs Smith spent part of the day at our house from there to Uncle Daniel s. In the evening I went to the Valley to cary Mrs Smith a grist for Dr Canfield and some other matters, Father, Aletta, Edward, Mary and Sarah went to Pokeepsie in the afternoon Edward intending to take the five oclock· boat for the city.& 1

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3O.Spent the day in the oats lot cutting raking binding drawing in the barn & finished cutting and about our thrashing in the barn. 31.Rained most of the day, therefore spent most of the day in the house and mill, Carpenter Angell was at our house until noon went to the Valley with Angevine after dinner. August 1844 1. Worked in the oats raking and binding & Carpenter helped Uncle Daniel. 2. Spent the day in the oats lot, finished our hay and oats this day. In the evening went to the Valley to carry some flour Aletta Ann and Mary went along Aletta staid at the Doctors found Mary Angell at Grandpa1 s got them about the middle of the afternoon. 3. In the forenoon helped Uncle Daniel draw in oats in the afternoon trimmed apple trees fixed fence made some cider (or rather juice to drink) from apples.

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4. Sabbath spent the forenoon at church Mr Wile preached. to a small congregation in consequence of rain until nearly church time there was a very heavy shower of rain'and wind just about daylight which leaves the corn somewhat inclined. In the evening went to temperance meeting. Alanson Thorn and Mr Hamthe Methodist minister gave us short lectures . 5. Went to Pokeepsie about ten oclock in the morning Carpenter Angell went along. The Sons of Temperance held their first anniversary at Pokeepsie this day two chartered steam boats from NewYork and one from Hudsonbrought the three divisions, a pleasant day for all ,all things passing off smoothly

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DIARYOF ALSON WARD

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August 1844 5. On our return home called a David Francs"s and Mr Gidley. 6. Spent the forenoon fishing without much success. Adrian Bogardus and sister came here yesterday and staid until after dinner. In the aft_ernoon dug the sodi fr.om the peach trees in the peach orchard. , 7.,_SpentMtbe_day i.n tbe ..peac~. orchar,dt.digging sod fr.om the trees. Grandpa , - and - ary Angell and Clarissa spent tne aay at our house Father took them ·home in the evening 8. Spent part of the day in the peach orchard as usual Father staying to the house and mill &. In the afternoon helped Uncle Daniel in his oats. Nathan Gaberden and wife called at our house a short time in the afternoon. 9, Spent most of the day in the peach orchard until we finished which was but a short time before night after which Mary and myself went to the Valley. 1O.Spent the day doing chores fixing bars, packing mill stones tending mill &. In the evening went to the Valley to Singing school. 11.Went to church in the morning Found James Redf in our pew He came with Mr Slattes folks having spent the night there in the evening went to temperance meeting in the two horse wagon. James and Mary went alongSarah having staid dpwn at Grandpa• to give room for James to ride She and Aletta returned with us in the evening.

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12.Spent most of the day leisurely with James Redfield and Carpenter Angell, james and myself trying to catch fish in the forenoon withput much success. In the afternoon Carpenter came from the Valley and found James and myself. in the woods east of the peach orchard siting on the rocks in the shade chating about nature and things in general after looking at the peach trees and other things we came to the house quite busily talking of college matters &After tea we took a walk in the woods along the pond spent a short time tolerably after which we returned to the house.Carpenter went to the village. 13.Spent the forenoon james and myself helping Angevine ditch. James wore my pantaloons and coat fathers boots and my hat had quite amusing time with Angevine Father, James and myself went to Pokeepsie in the afternoon father expecting to go to NewYo~k.on boatd of the six oclock tow boat Called on Gu Bush partly for the purpose of seeing his office as James had never before seen it, and to see him. James thought it well worth the pains taken nearly as well worth seeing as the American MuseumFrom Mr Bush1 s went to the Lower Landing left father there to take the boat for NewYork from there went to the exchange to get a few things from James Trunk to take homewith us On our return homewe found companyMr Dudley,Mr Thorn, Miss Dewey,Francis Canfield were the visitors . Mr Thorn favoured us with some music.

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14.James and place last in search made their afternoon a glee at

myself spent the forenoon looking for the hogs which left the Mondaywithout success after dinner I made preparation for going on horse back for them but just as I was ready to start they appearance came from toward LaGrange tended mill part of the Aunt Mariah spent part of the afternoon at our house got in quite tea time .

15.In the morning after breakfast went to the Valley to cary sister Aletta Ann fi_shed caught a few on my way·,to·.the Valley. Met Mr Ketchamgoing to the mill with a grist to be ground promised him that I would hurry back found Father at Grandpa1 s having taken the stage from Pokeepsie. Carpenter had also just arrived from Mr Slates he had the Billy horse Father was just going to ride him home but I let him take the horse and wagon and I

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14. DIARYOF ALSON WARD August 1844 15.J the. horse and came on home direct tended mill rest_ of ,the forenoon fo·the aft_ernoon went to tne Doctors~on·a ·visit quHe a party of us After tea we took a walk down the creek through the Dudleys lawn and garden a pleasant visit & , 16.Spent part of the forenoon cutting bushes around the fences the remainder writing a few lines to S.W.Moorexpecting to send my coat back on account of its being too small.In the afternoon spent a part in writing. Edward and Aletta Ann came about two oclock to make their farewell visit staid until after~an early tea Weall having an invitation to visit.Mr Dudleys the same companythat were at the Doctors the day before on account of other invitationswe postponed going until after tea had a pleasant visit Edwardand Aletta were not there on account of the many little things that were to get ready for their expected departure on the morrow 17.This morning was the trying time for us all to have Sarah go was indeed trying for us all she has always been home and was great companyshe will be much missed the house being so suddenly vacant leaves it almost desolate Aletta and Edwardand James Redford and Sarah having been with us some time and in many high glees leaving so suddenly enables to distinguish a contrast. 18.Sabbath I spent the day home on account of my not having my coat from New York. In the afternoon after meeting out Mary Angell came homewith our folks staid until evening. In the evening all of us went to temperance meeeting in two horse wagon

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19.Spent the day gathering or engaging provisions for the temperance celebration or County Convention Mr Roweand myself being appointed as a committee with a number of others to arrange matters gather provisions from the farmers for a publid dinner. Mr Roweand myself went on our district and as far as Isaac Holmes on the other had very good success. 2O.Father went to Pokeepsie I tended mill and spent the day home. In the evening went to the meeting. of the committee at Charles Drakes for the purpose of further arrangements and to see what the committee had gathered and found provisions ample ·engaged for the purpose of feeding the multitude 21.Spent the day homemaking fence on stake and riding stone wall on the east side of the peach orchard to prevent Uncle Daniel s sheep from breaking in from the woods Angevine put some poles for this purpose yesterday after noon in the edge of the woods found it quite a job to lay them up the hill and put them on the fence In the afternoon Mr Wile and Hel fin? stone wallwives visited our house.In the evening Mary and myself went to the village to singing school. 1

22.Temperance convention went to the village early in the morning by eight oclock to prepare to dinner for delegates and others. Most of the committee and a number of ladies making the necessary arrangement prepared the dinner in Mr Mcchords wagon shop instead of the Grove on account of the unfair prospect of the weather which proved to be the better it rained part of the afternoon and very hard in the evening. There were about four hundred took dinner and tea. The wood sower? general from Hudson Mr Haddockwho had been a gre.at sufferer by the use of alcohol gave from the platform in front of the shop an artilery of truths that will not be easily forgotten by the assembled. while he was speaking which could be distinctly heard at the hotel there came a drunken man and called him a lier but he was so drunk that he came up under the platform to set downwhich he did and soon fell asleep giving ocular demonstration that rum destroys the reason

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DIARYOF ALSON WARD

22.The day passed off pleasantly all things in order the tables prepared in exquisite style with. f1_owers,and the 1"uxeri.es that the animal and vegetable kingdom of this comniunitYcould procure. In ·the even'ing the meeting came off _in the church. Mr HowandVanloon were the speakers during the meeting Daniel Huson and ~ur Free notoriou~ drunkards came in the church with each a bottle • ·. of, .J1quor and _p1aced it on tbe p1atfo_rm·and told the gentlemen to help themselves ·but were so drunk that they were of no service to their employers fo_r they sat down as mute as could be. They took the bottles of rum the one red the other colorless and placed them on, the taqle 5y ih{{ side of the pitcher of _cold water~ Mr VanLoo:i:i,mc!.de sdniec.veryentertaining and happy remarks on the incident "' ,,.., 1

23.Spent the day in the mill and grinding most of _the day. In the forenoon Father went to Pokeepsie in the afterr;i_oonFather and Mot.herwent to Fishkill Just at night Carpenter came her'e sta/4d all night at Ol.lt hou,se. J J(/f .

24.Spent the fo_renoon painting the barnyard fence the afternoon picking stone and drawing off the meadow. Father and Mother returned home in the evening. Reputation The present treasure mortal time affords Is spotless reputation that away Men are but guilded loam or painted clay - Shakespeare

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25.SabbathAttended church in the forenoon Mr Wile preached in the afternoon it rained therefore remained home An appointment was made for Mr Helfensten to preach in our church this afternoon but the rain will probably prevent . 26.Spent the day hometended mill helped draw manure father inoculated peach trees on the ieewground. 27.Started the plough helped inoculate peach trees in the forenoon in the afternoon sister Mary, Carpenter and myself went to Mr Gidleys on a visit got caught in a shower but well provided with cloaks umbaills & very pleasant vist .. 28.Father went to Pokeepsie I spent the day in the mill and entertaining Mr Began wife and daughter were at our house

company

29.Spent part of the forenoon in the peach orchard inoculating the rest of the day at the Whig mass meeting at the Valley there being a great turn out for so unjust a cause perhaps one third opponents saw a great many here of that description willing to hear the misrepresentation made use of to blind the people it being a motto of the party Stoop to conquer which is well followed by them. 30.Spent the day home in the mill Father inoculating peach trees in the orchard Aunt Mary Angell came to our house in the evening to stay until Sabbath.

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31.In the morning went to the village to see Grandpa and Carpenter before they went to Pokeepsie wishing to send by them for my coat at the landing . Sep 1844 1. Sabbath went to church in the morning at the Valley Mr Wile preached a very smart sermon on the importance of sustaining the missionary cause especially the home mission. In the evening we~t to temperance meeting

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16. DIARYOF ALSON WARD Sep 1844 2. Spent most of _the day at Washington Hollow training had good off_i,cers and did not keep-us late aft_er-returnfog-home washed the. wagon expecting ·to go ·to Columbia·county -tomorrow·but· t_he-weather does ·nor. Joole mucq..J i..ke it now··as it rains and every prospect of .a-settled.:storm~;-··:·-·-·· · - _-:·· 3. Last night woke up heard it rainfog very· fa_st·conterited-'myse1f _to sleep soundly not expecting to be under the necessity of getting up befo,re day to prepare for Columbia Co but about four oclock I was called it having terminated in showers only Aunt Mary and Clarissa, carpenter and myself went started about six in the morning got there about sundownhad quite a variety of scenery through Miland it being a very hilly country. 1

4. Spent the forenoon at Mr Angell s in the afternoon Mr and Mrs Angell went to visit with us their son Agustus, Martha went also. Stephen and his two sisters arrived home in the evening from Saratoga they having spent a week or more in that vicinity. 1

5. In the forenoon went to Spencertown to take a ride to see the place got the horses shod make a call &called at the niles 1 s staid a short time at Spencertown and returned after dinner Mr and Mrs Angell our company and two of r k: the girls went to WmFlaglers which is ·about two miles east after spending about an hour we took a ride to Chatham Four Corners. I mean the younger part of us returnedi in time at Mr Flaglers faster

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6. In the forenoon prepared ourselves for a Pie Nick party at Kinderhook Lake started from the Angells about eleven oclock arrived there about one oclock found a companyof sixty or more preparing to cross the lake to a promitory where the party took dinner &a splendid place nor shuch things after spending most of the day pleasantly 6n the lake and the promontory we returned hOme_orfor the landing were we left our horses. Our company were invited to spend the evening at Mr Hicks near the lake which invitation was complied with and a pleasant visit was the result Out companyconsisted of Mr and Miss Niles, Miss Myer, Miss Johnson, Stephen Angell, his two ('Oldest sisters, Carpenter Angell and'J myself returned home at Mr Angells about 12 oclock at night. 7. Started for home in the morning about eight oclock bid them a farewell expecting to see some of them soon at the State Fair at Pokeepsie. Came a different route homefrom the one we went kept the Post road until within sight of Rinbeck then turned more to the east and came by the Wetumburgh Chuteh got homeabout sundownfound all things right. 8. Sabbath went to church in the forenoon Mr Wile preached remained home in the afternoon and evening. 9. Spent the day in the field (most of it) spreading manure Angevine ploughing Father inoculating peach trees & 1O.Father went to Pokeepsie to get some buds for inoculating peach trees and I spent Ill) st of the day in the mill.

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11·.spent most of the day in the peach orchard inoculating I forgot to record yesterday two calls one from Mr and Mrs Newcomband Mr Radkin the evening Henry Sleight Miss Gidley and Platt . 12. Spent the day in the peach orchard inoculating & 13.Spent most of the aay inoculating toward night Carpenter and myself went to David Barnes and made a call met Mr Vanwyckstaid until after eight oclock and returned.

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17. DIARYOF ALSON WARD sep 1844 14.Spent the forenoon pulling out stone with the oxen that had been dug around in the lot-west of _the.house the aft~rnoon picking peaches tending mil] & Father fixing a show box ·for exhibiting honey next week ·at the StateFair in Pokeepsie. Mr and Mrs Newcomband Mr Ross came in the afternoon to spend the afternoon and evening with us . .15.SabbathWent to church in the forenoon Mr Wile preached giving us a .history of _our church,, the. doctrines of _the Presbyterian Church and this day begins the fi.ft~en years, of _his.ministry· in this pl ace. 16.Spent the day home around the house Father went to Pokeepsie with peaches butter & became a memberof the State Fair to commenceto morrow and continue three days. 17.Spent the day at Pokeepsie at the Fair not much to be seen excepting dust it being perhaps as dusty as it ever was on the Dutchess Turnpike. They were preparing mostly to day. 18.Spent the day~at the Fair at Pcb:keepsieFather,Mother andAunt Mary Angell went in one wagon. Carpenter,Mary and myself in the other got in company with Henry Sleight and Miss Gidley there were perhaps the greatest gathering Pokeepsie ever experienced it being estimated as near as they were able by tickets & at one hundred and forty or fifty thousand persons. The ten acre lot was well filled. 19.Spent the day at the Fair not as many people as yesterday but sufficient to make it pleasant at three oclock Mr Bancroft delivered his oration which was a splendid thing Mr VanBurenand many other great men were on the platform.

2O.Spent the day home tB1ding mill part of the time fixing the lead pipe &Luther Redfield came to our house before dinner and spent the day Grandpa came also but had not been here many minutes before Mr Mott came for him on business 21.Spent the day home in the mill most of the time Luther left our house about ten oclock for the Valley expecting to take the night boat for Albany. Father went to Pokeepsie in the afternoon 22.Sabbath Spent the forenoon at Church Mr Wile preached the rest of the day home. 23.Spent the day home sowing rye wheat & ,., 24.In the morning attended Edward Barnes wedding quite a gathering for a morning wedding after the wedding went to the Hollow to muster got there after the roll had been called but with so good an excuse; was excused. Carpenter Angell took his departure from the Valley for Yale to-day ifter dinner, do not expect to see him again in a year his long stay with us has formed an attachment that we expect to miss. 25.Spent the forenoon fixing the furrows or ditches on the flat south of the locust nursery. In the aft_ernoon spent most of the time in the mill as it rained moderately most of the afternoon.

26.Spent the day at Washington Hollow at the mass meeting. It was a gala day for the Democrats.Although unfavorable in the morning it proved a good day with a fair turnout there went from Pleasant Valley a procession about a mile long one eight· horse team about fifty four horse and many two and one horse teams Richard Davis and others addressed the multitude ably

DIARYOF ALSON WARD 18. Sep 1844 ,27.Spent the forenoon harrowing as Angevine has left. us for a day or so to beJP.:-hi_~f~.ther-._tbis aft~rnoon drawing muck from the ditch in the meadow 28.Spent the forenoon drawing muck the afternoon shifting a piece of rail fence in the meadow. Just at night it commencedraining and continuest this present time raining quite hard eight oclock. 29.Sabbath a very rainy and blustering day so unpleasant that we did not milk the cows in the morning but stuck close to the house ~uring the day. 3O.Cleared off_ .some time in the night Father went to Pokeepsie to cary Aunt Mary Angell as she expects to take the night boat for home. She goes in companywith Dr Canfield who expects to visit Ohio before he returns. Oct 1844 1. Spent most of the day in the mill 2. Spent the day home in the mill and scraping the barnyard and heaping the manure fo_r the peach orchard. 3. Spent the day picking winter apples. In the evening went to the Valley to singing school. · 4. Spent part of the day finishing clear the barnyard of manure the rest part went fishing had quite good luck.

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5. Spent the forenoon drawing stone for finishing the line fence between Uncle Daniel 1 s south farm and our long field drew them from his lot. In the afternoon Father and Angevine went to cary our hired girl home and look at some pigs at Hendrik Velies Father bought six shoats Angevine went to drive them but they concluded to go after them with the wagon. 6. Sabbath Spent the forenoon at Church Mr I forgot to mention the wedding of Cornelius Phillips on last Tuesday the evening looked stormy and therefore remained home. 7. Spent most of the day picking apples and in the afternoon I went to Hendrick Velies with the two horse wagon after some shoats Father bought at twenty shillings apiece 8. Father and Angevine went to Pokeepsie.I spent most of the day fishing Caught sixteen pickeral and plenty sunfish. In the afternoon the dog made a great noise barking and yelling at a tremundious rate but I was so engaged fishing that I had scarcely time to attend to his game therefore did not hurry myself to wait on him. He succeeded in getting hold of his own without help and shuch a noise I never heard first dog then~something else and from the noise I judged they were pretty-well matched therefore thought best to make the best of my way to the scene of action in as short a space of time as possible found them in the swampbut undaunted by the mud. I plunged my way through nearly knee--deep and found a fight between one dog and a rackoon the dog proving but little the strongest of the two. 9. Spent the day drawing stone from Uncle Daniel's lot to finish the line fence between our west lot and him. 1O.Spent most of the day drawing stone a short time in the mill. 11.pent the forenoon picking stone the afternoon gatherine walnuts &

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

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Oct 1844 12.Spent p~rt.of ~he forenoon doing chores round the house the rest part gathering WqJnuts: In the afternoon went to the Hollow to a Democratic meeting for electirig AssemblymanEgbert B ~lly of Pokeepsie Charles Brownof Pleasant Valley and Mr Conklin of Northeast 13.Sabbath. Went to church at the Valley Mr Libnow preached in place of Mr Wile an interesting sermon. In the evening went to the Valley to temperance meeting on foot saw Mr William Newcomb. 14.In the forenoon dug post holes in the barnyard for fixing straw stack. Father went to Pokeepsie In the afternoon it rained Spent part of the time in the house,barn,mill & 15.Rained most of the day moderately spent the day in the mill and cornhouse clearing it out for corn shelling with the corn sheller & 16.Spent the forenoon husking corn for the first~this year. In the afternoon drew stone with Uncle Daniel's oxen from the rock east of the large hill in the meadow. 17.Spent the day husking corn drawing in it rained just at night. In the evening Angevine went to the Valley to carry some grists. 18.Spent the day in the mill. Father and Angevine fixing fence in the forenoon raining in the afternoonemployed our time Angevine and myself picking the lower run of stones Father spent his time fitting a hive of bees in my roo@mfor experimenting &

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19.Spent the forenoon fixing the stones for putting filled some of the larger holes with a composition of Alumand beach sand The rain yesterday and last night has filled the pond so that we are enabled to grind all the time. In the afternoon father tended the. mill Angevine and myself gathered walnuts. 20.Sabbath. Went to church at the Valley Mr Wile preached in the forenoon In the afternoon Gardener Allen and Edwin Dudley gave us a call just before night. 21.Spent the forenoon' husking corn the afternoon drawing poles for straw stack that Father cut in the forenoon in the woods drawing corn husking & In the evening WmSmith,wife and sisters.pent the evening at our houseAngevine and myself tended mill grinding buckwheat got in rather a scrape the elevators got to leeking and let part of it down throughron the floor,under the floor and in the cogpit & 22.Spent the day in the cornfield husking corn. Father drove a small skip of bees in an empty hive and took them in the house to feed and experiment with. 23.Spent the day in the cornfield

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husking corn

24.Spent the forenoon tending mill in the afternoon drawing corn from the cornfield.In the evening Father Angevine and myself went to the cornfield and husked a load of corn by moonlight anxious to finish this week that we may thrash our oats as soon as done with corn having engaged them to John H Titus for twenty eight cents delivered within a month at the river . 25.Spent the forenoon husking corn finishing about noon.In the afternoon drew stalks. Albert Redfield came came to our house in the forenoon expects to spend a day or so with us, In the morning Father took the bees that we had confined in the empty hive feeding from the kitchen the-Y became dissatisfied with being confined we find they are satisfied only when they have the privilege of going out and in at pleasure. The hive that we have

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DIARYOF ALSON WARD Oct 1844 25.in the upper room seems contented and doing well.

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26.Spent the forenoon finishing drawing stalks tending mill picking apples and in the afternoon went to Mr Slates with Albert Redfield and spent the evening Henry Sleight and Miss Gidley were there during the evening . 27.Sabbath. In the fore part of the day it rained or sprinkled coo,and unpleasant therefore there were but few at churchFather Albert Redfield and myself went. Mr Hamlington a converted Catholic he board us tremendiously in the 1 evening went to temperance meeting. 28,Started the thrashing machine in the morning after thrashing a few sheaves a part of the bed of the machine came out rather suddenly but providencialy no one was in t~s way. Weborrowed Daniel I Ward and Enoch Flagler for the rest of the day. 30.Father and Mary went to Pokeepsie. Father went after a new thrashing machine to attach to our old power having thrown the old one by. While Father was at Pokeepsie the wagon broke down the front axeltree going out. He borrowed Mr Allens to come home in. 31.Father went to Pokeepsie to return the borrowed wagon.Angevine and myself started the new thrashing machine it worked very well except a want of speed to remedy this we enlarged the band wheel in the evening.

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Nov 1844 1.Angevine,Norman Lake and myself tended the thrashing machine & Father went to Pokeepsie in the afternoon with a load of oats. Ispent part of the afternoon in the mill . 2. Spent the day thrashing &. In the afternoon Father went to Pokeepsie. I spent part of the time in the mill.

3.Went to church in the morning Mr VanWagenerpreached Mr Wile being sick with a cold in his face & Spent the rest of the day home. 4.Spent the day home thrashing it being a rainy day Father did not go to Pokeepsie with a load as usual but prepared a load for early the morning. 5.Day for the great Political Contest in this state and many others a day that stands as a blot to the nation on account of the unfair means made use of by the contending parties to gain the ascendency rum and money the greatest means made use of. In the morning before light Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of oats in order to return before noon that Angevine and myself could go to election in the afternoon he took the cilinder of the machine along to get the pully turned down smaller in order to increase the speed. In the afternoon Ang and myself went to election I staid until after they got through canvassing. The result proving a reduced majority in favour of Polk and Dallis Wright and Gardiner the majority being on average thirty eight

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6. Spent the day thrashing Father went to Pokeepsie with a load part of the time in the afternoon in the mill Father returned with returns from the County it giving an unexpected majority of one hundred and twenty.The Democrats party in this county faces to day. Spent most of the evening in the mill

of oats spent in the evening for the Whigs bore long

7. Spent the day thrashing.Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of oats. Had some returns from the State that gave the Whigs the chills the state is safe for Polk--- probibly.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD Nov 1844 8. Spent the day thrashing_, in the mill&In the aft_ernoon Father went to Pokeepsie with a load 6f.pats Returned in the-evening Brought returns in an extra, TeJegrclP.bsuff.i._cient to. decide· ..wUhernt.doubt- in regard. to the StciteOtbet .states do nobJy fo,r t.be.,Deniocrats•.Polk is :probib1Y _elected., 9. Spent-the day-home.in the forenoon cleaning ·a-load of oats the afternoon thrashing Angevine helping Father went to Pokeepsie.

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1O.Sabbath. Mary and myself went to Hopewell to Church took dinner at Jacob Monforts returned home in the evening. 11.Finished thrashing and cleaning up the oats in the forenoon, Angevine and myself staked fence in the afternoon Father tended the mill & 12.Father went to Pokeepsie by the way of LaGrange for the purpose of _looking at some cattle at Gideon·VerValins did not purchase any did not find the owner& Angevine went to the Valley with~the one horse wagon to help Grandpa draw --.gravel and I tended the mill. · 13.Spent the day home in the mill. In the afternoon Father went in company with Gideon Downingto Mr VerValins ~o look at some cattle but as before did not find the owner. Angevine went to the shop with the Dick horse to get him shod. 14.Spent the forenoon tending mill in the afternoon driving horses fo,r Angevine ploughing the east part of the meadowpretty rugged work having never been ploughed.Father tended mill in the afternoon. Towards night I carried fi,re out and burned the dry grass before ploughing.

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15.Spent the day ploughing in the meadowa real tuf job enough to try the patience of Job Angevine holding the plough myself driving. 16.Spent the forenoon ploughing ploughing out the ditches and the afternoon pulling sods out of the ditches Father tended ~ill until just night when he went to the Valley. 17.Sabbath.Went to church to the Valley Mr Hall preached us a very smart sermon Mr Wile not being able to preach on account of his face remained home the rest of the day. Mr Hall is the author of the seven and half years in the far west assuming the name of Robert Carlton. 18.Spent the forenoon in the mill preparing for drawing hay to Pokeepsie borrowing Charles Brown's shelving Angevine and myself went after them Father and Angevine went to the stack to get a load of hay but before getting out~to the roAa the load took a cant and partly fell off after reloading it being so late Father concluded not to go with the hay until tomorrow. I spent the afternoon in the mill 19.Spent the day in the mill Father went to Pokeepsie with his load of hay returned by the way of LaGrange by the middle of the afternoon Angevine spent the day clearing some sods out of the ditches drawing gravel un'der the barnyard gates &

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2O.Wentto Pokeepsie with a load of hay Father tending the mill. Angevine mending fence . 21.Spent the day in the mill Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of hay Angevine cutting wood in the woods east of the peach orchard.

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22. DIARYOF ALSON WARD Nov 1844 22. Went to Pokeepsie with a load of ,hay fo_undfo,ur loads ahead of me at the press. Aft~r unloading my hay went ·.up in the. vi11age ·and 1·eft. my horses 'under the.earthen ·borse:,sbed.wbtle. Lwent shopping & Went to the dentist a,nd had my tooth: .,pJuged:purchased. ·satin fo_r a vest and left. it at Nelson B,EJ'Js··to be made... -· · 23.Spent the day in the mill Father went to Poughkeepsie with the last load of hay that we shall draw forathe present. In the morning quite early I went to the Valley to cary some grists and it rained quite hard for some time while there it cleared off before noon. 24.SabbathWent to church in the morning Mr Palmer preached Mr Wile not being able yet to occupy the p.ulpit although able to attend churchStaid home the rest of the day and evening it being a very blustery and cold day In the evening there was a total eclipse of the moonwhich was visible although often interrupted by the flying clouds 25.Spent the day in the mill being a very cold and blustery day assuming the aspect of winter Angevine in the woods cutting wood Father around the house,barn & 26.Spent the day in the mill it being a cold raw day lool<.ingsome like snow Angevine in the woods Father spent part of the day around the house, mill and the rest part drawing a load of hay from the new ground drawing a load of stalks for Uncle Daniel to Grandpa returning the shelvings borrowed of Charles Brown&

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27.Spent part of the forenoon in the woods helping Angevine heap up the wood he had been cutting before snow that we may be enabled to load more handily While tnere got ,some moss for Mary1 s plants Spent the 'rest of the day in the mill The pond remained frozen over during the day. 28.Spent the day in the mill mostly Father went to Pokeepsie with Uncle Daniel 1 s team with a load of oats for him Angevine took his final exit this morning expecting to work for Henry Barnes this winter The ice in the pond would bear a man easily this morning I took a run up to the upper part to look for fish through the ice but did not see any. About ten oclock it commenced snowing and snowed during the day quite fast if it continuesall night at this rate it will make quite sleighing. 29.Spent part of the day helping Father rigg off for Pokeepsie tending mill & Father expected to go to Pokeepsie in the sleigh but after getting prepared harnessed etc in backing out from the shead the tongue of the sleigh gave out and we were obliged to take the wagon which was a very good substitute as the sleighing was quite poor A number of sleighs came to the mill For the want of water I was obliged to to send two or three sleighs to the other mi11

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30.Spent the day in the mill Father spent the day homepart of the time in the mill and part around the house. Labour Weariness Can snow upon the flint when restive sloth Finds the down pillow hard Shkie A View of the Last Month There has nothing remarkable happened to mar or disturb my peace and contentment nor on the other hand to excite or illumine my feelings or ambition~ut it has been a month as domestic as perhaps any recorded in this book. This has been a month that has resulted in the dissappointment of perhaps more than any month within four years I mean in regard to politics. Manyof the most sanguine were dissa½pointed even those of the favoured party. There has been a desparate but unsuccessful attempt to

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23. DIARYOF ALSON WARD Nov 1844 30~place Mr Clay in the presidential chair but somehowit seems as though it -had-been foreordained -otherwise~ The faJ se i_d&of ,tbe -benefi.ts of ,a -bigb_protecttv._'e tarri_ff.)1as overwelmed that .party_ in .disappointment tliat -- i:s severe. to -t_be-e.xtreme...The fa1se·stimu1ation has been crushed and an opiate: administered -that .wiTJ pr.obib1y bring them to their sober senses . How-strange it seems thst people enlightened as the American people are should allow themselves to become so highly excited on mere incidental matters. Howseldom do we allow ourselves to become excited on better and more important subject. It would not appear unreasonable if people should become excited often in the welfare of their eternal interests but how diff,erent. They are cold and as fearful of excitement as though it were of but little importance putting of as of the necessary preparation that all acknowledge as requisite for their eternal happiness. Thus we see the inconsistency of depraved humannature. This is indeed an age of excitement on worldy matters new inventions are being made experiments which which all aspiring for worldly gain. This is right but how careful should we be that our aspirations are rightly directed. They should be fO" the good of others as well as ourselves and the glory of God our maker.

Dec 1844 1, Sabbath a rainy snowy unpleasant day spent the day home in consequence of the storm 2. Spent the day in the mill mostly. Father spent part of his time there also The screan needed fepaiting and father spent part of the time fixing it in a good and substantial manner. In the evening Angevine came with Henry Barned came after his clothes trunk&.

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3, Spent going other teeth

the day in the millFather went to Pokeepsie with the intention of to NewYork with Gen Brush but after getting to Pokeepsie they made arrangements and did not go. Mary went to Pokeepsie to have her pluged. Crapo Lake Jr went along to drive the horse home&.

4. I spent the day in the mill. Father wrote a letter to Edward and Luther in the forenoon. spent the afternoon fixing a shelter for the calf in the evening went to the Valley with some grists&. 5. Spent the day and evening in the mill Father spent the day home. 6. Spent the day and evening in the mill Father went to PokeEPsie with Uncle Daniel 1 s team with a load of oats. ?.Spent the day in the mill it rained most of the day There were a company of fishermen from the Valley that fished the pond in the ice John Ba~ r being major general of the company they caught three or four good messes. 8. Sabbath went to church in the forenoon Mr Wile preached for the first for a month and a half. Spent the rest of the day home.

time

9, Spent the day home thw forehoon fixing the hops in the wheel house for melting ice the afternoon tending mill preparing for butchering & IO.This day completed according to record the twenty third year of my existence being my birthday, the anniversary of which was held in thet,most complete manner being our butchering day it was pleasant day for it Crapo Lake and son helped get through in good season about two oclock. 11.Went to Pokeepsie with.the pork sent it to the City by the Upper Landing Company.Father tended the mill .. In-the evening Father and myself cut up the pork.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

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Dec 1844 12.Thanksgiving Day. Spent part of the time in the mill and part drawing wood und.er, tne,woodho~se frpm the heap sawed last spring. In the evening Father :_.went to. tbe V~JJeyfaJJed-on Mr-Thdrn.to pay him fo_r buckwheat bought Paid - tlits· yea:r·three ·a:nct··.six·pence ·for fifty pounds. 13.Spent most of the day in the mill grinding sharps and buckwheat. In the evening went to the Valley to see Thurstoins tenant house to cary Jacob Tenyke some buckwheat flour, bram &. 14.Spent most of the day in the mill went to the Valley to cary Grandpa some flour feed for cow In the evening Father and myself packed the lower run of stones. 15.Sabbath. In the forenoon went to church Spent the afternoon home in the evening at the temperance meeting. The Washingtonii'ns commencedatemperance protracted meeting to night to continue through the week every evening. -r

16.Spent most of the day home.In the afternoon went to the Valley to the Post Office Met Grandpa coming to our house by Daniel· I Wards. Received a letter from Edward Luther Sarah. In the afternoon or about noon Cole_and Mames Baines came to-.:.-_-: our house for the purpose of raisirg moneyfor paying the church debts. In the evening went to temperance meeting The Rev How of Washington Hollow gave an address after which there were a number made _ a few remarks' among the rest Joseph C. Dean tried his oratory with a few spurious remarks not much admired by the members especially the Washingtonians.

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18.Spent most of the day in the mill a small part of the time in the house Aunt Clarissa being at our house on a visit came in the morning and spent the day. Father spent most of the time in the house writing a letter to Edward and Luther entertaining company & In the evening went to the temperance meeting. Mr Ludlow gave us a spi~ited address .. I find I have left out yesterday in its regular order but I will record it below rather out of its place. 17.Spent the day in the mill Father went to .Pokeepsie with a load of oats for Uncle Daniel.Had one horse to go to Washington Hollow also to LaGrange in c6mpanywith Lenard Marshall. In the evening went to temperance meeting Mother Mary and myself Mr Vanloon gave us an excellent address 19.Spent the day in the mill Father went to the Post Office this morning to cary a letter heard of the death of Henry Ostrom died last night suddenly Esqr Coles and wife spent the day at our house. 20.Spent the day in the mill Father went to Pokeepsie with the intention of going to NewYork in companywith Gen Brush but as Mr Brush could not go he returned in the evening.It being a very cqld day and night the thermometer sinking to ten degrees. Wecarried the bees in the cellar in the evening. 21.Spent the day in the mill Father spent the day doing chores &made some newcider from some winter apples which is quite a rarity Heard of the death of Daniel Stilwill.

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22. In the forenoon went to the funeral of Colonel Ostrom at our church it being a very warm and pleasant day. The church was filled almost to overflowing Mr Wile preached. In the afternoon just at night it commencedraining powerfully and it was raining hard at bed time. 23.Spent the day in the mill found the water quite high it rained in showers during the day. In the evening it partly cleared off cold.

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25. DIARYOF ALSON WARD Dec 1844 24.Spent the day in the mill Father went to Pokeepsie with the intention of goi:nfrto the City for the purpose of seeing Joseph H Cunninghamto prove the handwriting of his· brother who is dead. Crapo Lake Jr drove back the team from Pokeepsie . 25.Spent the day in the mill had plenty of work for Christmas. In the aft_ernoon Daniel Platt and his wife were at our house on a visit. 26.Spent the day in the mill. In the evening went to Mr Velies giver party a very warm and pleasant evening There were about one hundred and seventy five persons present. 27. Spent the day in the mill Snowedmoderately most of the day Father returned home in the-morning having accomplished his purpose Gamein the stage from Pokeepsie to the Valley Walked from.the Valley home. 28.Spent the day in the mill dressing the upper of stone mearly opening the furrows a little fixing the hoes for the winter There has been one wagon and one sleigh to the mill to day being neither good wagoning or sleighing. 29.Sabbath Father Mother and Mary went to church in the forenoon it being , rather unpleasant going neither wagoning or sleighing there were not many at church. I spent the day home.

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3O.Spent the day hometending the mill and helped fix the small bridges in the meadowbefore snow in order for drawing wood when snow gives us the privilege. The weather is extremely moderate for the season of the year the thermometer ranged but little below freezing and had hardly during the week past. · 31.Spent the day home tending mill Father and Mother went t to Pokeepsie In the morning Edward Barnes and wife his siter Mary Mis VerValin Henry Sleight Elsey Gidley and Charles Platt were at our house and spent the evening Staid long enough to exchange salutations commanat the beginning of a new year. A review of the last month. This month has been one of peace and quietness in this part of the world with the exception of the~County of Renseller and Columbia which had been in great commotion on accountoof the anti rent disterbences many of them have so far resisted all civil authority as to commit violence on the Sheriff taring and fethering and commitiing in any other unlawful acts being disguised as Indians. The Governour had at last called called on tee military to enforce the law On the thirtieth the military uniform companyfrom Pokeepsie left for Albany in companywith the NewYork Company. The result is yet to be heard The twelth of this month was Thanksgiving. This day and Christmas passed off with their usual customs.The Wasingtonians have had a protracted meetings during the evenings of one week. There were a good number min attendance with able speakers Acrhy s subjects were very careful to keep away for fear of conviction not giving them an opportunity to operate on them. the usual excitement of last month has died down to inactivity eaquiling below the usual range as much as the last month s excitement ranged above 1

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Dec 1844

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DIARYOF ALSON WARD A Short Review of the Past Year

26.

The past year has been one of unusual excitement in many subjects. Almost any subject that has been capable of producing excitement has been brought before the public mind - Too many to be fairly digested. I will mention a few of the excitable subjects P~Jatic.ks_ .Mi'.J.Jer,ism or the doctrine of the second personal coming of .Gbnst • Mesmerish or ·animal magnatism The acts of the ·Anti renters l?.0].at·ic·s-as·usual has had its excitement being the Presidential election Millerism has produced the greatest excitement especially among the excitable class. The dAdvocates have fixed certain day during almost three years. The edq of the world is truly a subject of interest and excitement. Jan 1945 1. NewYear. Spent the day in the mill Father went to the Valley in the forenoon to attend the meeting at the church. Grandpa and Aunt Clarissa returned with him and took dinner with us rost turkey being the fare for~shuch an occasion. 2. Spent part of the day in the mill and part in the sap bush or grove prostrating the trees to the ground and putting them in shape for drawing to the house being a fresh hand at chopping I made slow progress.Father took charge of the mill most of the day. 3. Spent the day home part of the time in the mill and a part chopping in the sap bush. Last evening sister Mary and myself went to Mr Newcomb~ and spent the evening there Met there Mr Wmand Edward Ross and Miss Tobias spent the evening pleasantly.

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4. Spent the day homemost of the time in the mill picking stones & 5. Sabbath In the forenoon went to church Mr Howpreached. Mr Wile preached at the Hollow. In the evening Father and myself went to the Valley to meeting Father went to the church to religions. I stoped at the stone store to temperance meeting. 6. Spent the day in the mill In the afternoon Father and Mother went to Mr Wiles on a visit Grandpa and Aunt Clarissa went with them. In the evening it commencedsnowing and snowed quite fast at ten oclock. 7. In the morning found the ground fairly.·covered with its silvered mantle perhaps about four inches deep but misting and raining moderately during the day. In the evening went to Mr Thomas giving party the snow being quite moist it packed the sleigh ran well 8. Spent the day drawing wood Drew Mr Wiles a load in the forenoon In the afternoon finished drawing the wood from the sap bush. In the evening Mr and Mrs Wile Mr HowMr Ross and Miss Collins came to our house with the intention of going with us to Mr Mandeville s giving party. Weall went in the horse wood sleigh to~ther. 1

9. Spent the day in the mill. Father and Mother went to Fishkill this afternoon in the s~eigh Miss Josephine Barnes is being married to night I presume she is about by this time bride Mr Wile,married them 10.Spent part of the time in the house and part in the mill Father and Mother returned home from Fishkill in the evening.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

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27.

Jan 1945 11.During the night there was a small addition to our sleighing of perhaps three inches. There is but little snow but being very solid with little it makes quite sleighing. Mary and mys~lf went to Pokeepsie on a visit to Mrs Vail.· Spent part, of·_the afternoon and evening returned home about :.b,cy'Jf_ past eleven .ocJock....Miss Vail returned with us to spend a few days with us: 12.Sabbath went to church in the morning and evening Mr Wiles preached. 13.Spent the day mostly in the house Father tended mill In the morning Miss Vail sister Mary and myself went to Uncle Daniels on a visit Caroline Thoughson being there spending a few days. 14.Spent part of the time in the house and part in the mill In the afternoon I trimmed the buffalow cut coloured flannel for sowing on for trimming & In the evening went to church Mr Sayr and Frayzi11 were appointed by Presbtterian to visit our church they expect to spend a few days for the purpose of exciting the people to action on the subject of religion

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15.Spent the forenoon in the mill and house. Father and Mother went to the funeral of Rev John Clark former minister of our church. He died last Sabbath and was brought up by the steamer Utica yesterday together with the family Mrs Clark Mr Hackinson and others The Corpse and friends came at Grandpas·and spent the night. In the afternoon Miss Vail Mary and myself started for Pokeepsie called at Mr Platts found they were preparing for a sleigh ride on the turnpike expecting to come our way and call for us and go to\the Hollow but we varied the arrangement left our horses at Mr Gidleys got in their sleigh and went to Hide Park instead of the Hollow returned to the eastern house and stopped for our supper Atter our oyster supper we staid until ten oclock it rained some at that time Mr Gregory lent us some old clcaaks umbrellas & we went as comfortable as possible. We left Miss Vail at her house and returned to ours through the storm which insued until we got to our destined spot (home) about one oclock. 16.Wokeup sometime in the forenoon found it raining quite hard it being a confirmed rain storm January thaw &Spent part- of the time in the house writing a letter to Carpenter and James the rest part in the mi11 Father spent most of th~ day in the mill office making brushes f~r putting on cilinders for the purpose of brushing peaches. 17.Spent most of the day in the mill it being quite a stormy day raining moderately The thermometer stood most of the day at the freezing point therefo,r the snow did not waste much. Just at evening Harvey Ingraham came at our house staid all night. 18.Cleared off during the night quite cold so as to.freeze hard. Went to Pokeepsie in the covered cutter found the sleighing tha'h~1r'e1<:pected Crapo Lake Jr rode along to Pokeepsie. The gatekeeper sent a small bag of spesie by me to tee farmers and manufacturers bank. In the evening went to Daniel I Wards to a small party as company

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19.Sabbath. Went to church in the forenoon and evening Mr Sayrs preached expects to s~end the week with us 20. Spent the day in the~ ~ill Father went to the funeral of Mrs William Thorn in the forenoon in the afternoon wenttto Stephen D. Underhill fo,r the purpose of seeing William Sanders in regard to getting some oat~ to pay his IDnest debt. In the evening we all went toi' meeting in th~;h~rse sled.

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28. DIARYOF ALSON WARD Jan 1845 21,In the morning it rained moderately freezing as fast as it came to the grband. Went to Pokeepsie with a load of flour. It Tained quite fast on my way~there and snowed on my return. Brought back a load of coal for Grandpa from Pokeepsie. In the evening Father went to meeting in the covered cutter it snowed moderately.

22.Spent the day drawing wood from the woods and manure to the peach orchard taking a load of manure and bringing back a load of wood. In the evening Father and Mother went to meeting Mr Sayrs preached a very excellent sermon suitable fot the occasion.Sister Mary and myselfZacheus Newcombsin the evening there-. was a party of perhaps fifty, a majority being young marriedpeopl e. 23.Spent most of the day drawing man~re and woodFather Mother and Mary went to church in the forenoon .. There is preaching appointed each day and evening during this week. In the evening we all went Mrs Flagler rode with us. Had a very interesting meeting there were quite a number willing to ask the prayers of Christians. 24. In the morning went to the woods after a load of wood it commencedraining immediately befo_re we got home Father and Mother went to meeting in the forenoon through the rain it rained quite hard before they returned about fo.ur oclock Nehmicah Robison s boy came to our house in great haste and said their baby was dying·and wanted some of to go for the doctor immediately Father went over to see the child thought it had a fit or something like it I went to the Valley on foot through the rain after the doctor. Staid to the doctors until after tea expecting to stay until after meeting but iit continued to ra1n so fast that there w~s none. 1

25.This morning Father woke me before day saying the water had risen so as to run over the dam in front of the mi11. Father got to the mill befo_re I was able found the mill going the water very high. We gave the water more vent and returned to the house. Spent the morning reading the newspaper& Spent the day in the mill dressed the lower run. It had rained most of. the day though not very hard Just at night the wind shifted to the north eastand continued immediately to snow until the present about seven oclock hope for sleighing.

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26.Sabbath.There did but little snow fall none to make sleighing but cleared off very windy but yet not cold went to church in the fo_renoon in the wood sled found very poor sleighing Mr Wile preached Mr Sayr having returned to his congregation. The week had been spent mostly in prayer and exhortation for the conviction and conversion of sinners by them and many in the church have a deep interest in the welfare of their friends and not a few we trust are deeply convicted and some trust they have met with a change. Howimportant that Christians should pray and exert as Jacob of old for a blessing from the Lord. Mr Wile preached from Romanstenth chapter first verse the words were very appropriate for the occasion. They are these Brethren my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. This should be the prayer of every Christian especially at shuch a time. Miss Pierce came home from church with us to stay between meetings In the evening we all went to meeting had a very full house and a very interesting meeting. There were I should think about thirty came forward to the anxious seat. The meeting is expected to continue during this week every day and evening except Mondaymorning. 27.Spent part of the time in the mill. In the afternoon Gard-iner Allen and Seneca Dean came to the mill. They went in the house a~short time after they left. I went up to~the peach orchard to see if the mice had girdled the trunk much found Uncle Daniel 1 s sheep in the ground drove them off

DIARYOF ALSON WARD 1845 .27..and ~uf::-upthe-·bars.-:--Found~a-few-trees gnawed some. In the evening went · to church. Had a very interesting meeting. Mr Howpreached.

29.

Jan

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28.Early in the morning I went to the peach orchard with a mixture of ~ommon and coal tar and linseed oil and tared the bodies to prevent the mice from eating them. I tared nearby to the hole near the ce11ar of _the house used to be from the west side. Father and Mother went to church in the morning Father got some arsnic to poison the mice of doctor Canfield he mixed up about a peck of wheat flour and put it in and skattered it about the fi~ld in hopes they might find it. In the evening we all went to meeting. 29.Spent the day in the mill. In the morning Father went to church. In the evening Mary and myself and Mrs Flagler went. Mrs Flagler staid at Lenards Mr Wile preached. Mr Wile thought that there was perhaps fi_fty persons anxious. This seems encouraging for professions to act wit~ their whole power::3O.Spent the day in the mill In the morning and evening Father and Mother went to meeting. 31.Myself and Mother went to meeting in the morning. Wea11 went in the evening.It was very cold and rough. ~ad very interesting meetings A Short Review of ~he last Month

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This month has been one of perhaps moderate weather with the exception three last days as many of ~s remember of seeing. There has been but very little snow but plenty of rain and thawing weather This has been the caracter of the whole of the winterThe most important item to be recorded for this month is the protracted meeting which commencedon the fourteenth of the month and is not closed yet is expected to continue a week or more at least There has perhaps fifty think they have met with a change. I believe there has not been a single meeting that there has not been somone on the anxious seat that had not been before. This has encouraged them to continue their meetings as long L:.-_,:_, as consistent for themJto do. The anti rent difficulties mentioned in the last months review has mostly subsided, the proper authoraties have taken measures to let them know that they constitute hardly the majority They have suc~Jeded in securing the leaders of the Anti rent party and have them safely lodged in jail and a special court appointed to try them. This I think will be the end of the matter if little and big thunder receive their just deserts which will be States prison or hanging. February 1845 1.Spent the day in the mill all except myself went to meeting in the morning Mary staid down until night meeting I went down Aunt Mariah rode along did not feel very well had a headache and slight fever. 2. Sabbath. Found myself quite sick headache and fever staid home from meeting went to bed after soaking my feet for the purpose of taking a swet but could not accomplish my object. In the evening Mary staid homewith me I soaked my feet and drank permyat tea which made me sick to my stomach vomiting&.

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3. Had a rather unpleasant and tedious night of it did not feel much better than yesterday spent the day in the l'P_t1~e,as pleasantly as circumstances would permit which was not very pleasant some fever headache some throat Father tended mill during the day. In the evening Father and Mary went to meeting. In the morning the funeral sermon of AbrahamPe11s was preached at our church. He died last Saturday between eleven and twelve oclock. He was buried at Pokeepsie.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

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Feb 1845 4. Wokeup saw it snowing quite fa,st fe_lt some better than the day before. spent the ·day in the house it being a_very blus~ery cold da~ to~ard nig~t it really a~sumed the appearance of winter snowing and blowing with a stiff current frpm the nortneast · 5. Continued snowing most of _the day cleared off just at night spent the day in the house being rather cold for invalid persons to be out the snow having drifted so much that it will make very poor sleighing. 6. Spent most of the day in the house and mill office not yet feeling like business Gardiner Allen and Edwin Dudley were passing by in a sleigh called a few minutes to warm. Father went to the Valley in the forenoon after the newspapers with Uncle Daniel 1 s team. 7.5Pent most of the day tending mill it was cold sour work this week and last have been quite cold the thermometer ranging most of the time near zero. 8. Spent most of the day in the mill Father went to Pokeepsie with a part of load of flour in the sleigh found very poor sleighing 9. SabbathFather Mother and Mary went to meeting in the forenoon and I being under the influence of medicine thought best to remain home.. Last night was a very cold night perhaps as cold or colder than any night this winter the thermometer settling below zero a few degrees. They went also in the evening. The meetings continue to excite interest.

10.Spent most of the day in the house. Father attempted to draw wood from the woods succeeded in drawing two loads the sleigh then broke and he obliged to go to the Valley to get it fixed. Mr Grahamof Pokeepsie called to look at the lower run of stone which was have offered for sale. 11.Spent most of the day in the mill. Father attempted again to draw wood but did not succeed although he went to the woods twice for the purpose offetching a load but he broke down both times- after getting part of the way homewith",the wood. In the afternoon Father went to the Valley for the purpose of getting the sleigh fixed. Mother and Mary went along concluded to stay the evening to meeting, It rained about ten at night. This day has been a very warmand pleasant one the snow had went very fast though not much injury to the sleighing for there was hardly any before. It looked very much like a thaw at eleven oclock it being warmand overcast 12. Spent most of the forenoon in the mill office Father tended the mi11 ground the screenings which was a very dirty job. It proved to be a rain storm or thaw it rained quite hard early in the morning cleared off before noon in the afternoon Father went to the Valley after the papers &Just at night Mr Degarmocame at our house and gave ·sister M~ryand myself an.invite to their house tomorrow evening. 13.An extremely cold and blustery day. Spent most of the forenoon in the house In the afternoon started the mill In the evening I went to Mr Degarmos Mary thought best not to go it being very cold and rough going. Found a small companySpent the evening pleasantly.

14. In the morning found it looking like a storm Spent the forenoon drawing firewood under the woodhousefrom the heap by the dam It snowed and hailed a part of the time during the day. 15.Spent the day in the mill After breakfast woods after a load of wood on our return our return (how patiently I cannot say). It rained very moderately or a mist most

Father and,:myself went to the found plenty of customers waiting Father spent the day drawing wood of the day

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31. DIARYOF ALSON WARD Feb 1845 16~Sabbath Wokeup in the morning found it raining quite hard found the water higher than I have known it for a long .time H. ran, over the dam i.n several .P1aces in fr.ont ·of _tbe..miJ'.)._Accor.ding to. the testimony of _seve~al it thundered quite ·violently in the ni'ght a number of _times I 'did not hear it myself . In the forenoon went to church It was communionthere were quite a number connected Converts at the last protracted meeting most of them There were perhaps fifteen connected themselves with the church and a number more placed themselves under the care of the Session

17,Spent the day in the mill It was a unusually warm and pleasant day as warm as an April day In the afternoon took up the lower run of stone finished them in the evening. 18.Spent the day in the mill it was an uncommonwarm day for the time of year. The going is~ getting quite bad on account of the thawing. Yesterday the farm of AbrahamPells deceased was tried at auction to be sold. The highest bid that was offered was thirty nine dollars per acre two or three years 1.00 I think last spring he paid forty seven dollars per acre The administrators did not allow it to be sold.

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19.Spent most of the day clearing out the corn house a small part of the splitting wood & In the morning Father went to the Valley and pond hills to engage our former hired girl and returned home about two oclock He stopped to see Aunt Suckey at Daniel I wards he thought that she could live but a short time. In half an hour Daniel 1 s hired man came after Father informing us of th~ death of Aunt Suckey I think it was in her nintyeth year. Father went over and remained until night. John H Green and myself sat up with the corpse . 20. In the morning returned home from Daniel I's and after breakfast made preparations for going to Hughsontown to inform Mr Pulloe of the funeral of Aunt Suckey started about half past ten oclock in the morning arrived there about four oclock a very muddyand tegous journey but not cold in the least. Called at D Hughson's to get Mrs Hughsonto return with me by a request of Uncle Daniel s family but she did not on account of sickness of one of the childfen returned as faP as D Remsonsand staid all night Mr and Mrs Remsonwent to a party in the evening I spent the evening with the girls and a young married man a Doctor by profession settled over the river expecting to move and settle at Franklindale I have forgotten his name it rained very little about eleven in the evening. 1

21. Madepreparations for starting for home started about nine oclock in the morning and came leisurely along through the mud until I arrived at Mr Jerry Platts about eleven oclock Stopped and took dinner with them Was well entertained until time to leave which was about two oclock. Mr Platt and wife live in fine style and have the means to live as they please and I think the disposition to enjoy it disposing for the good of themselves as well as others It was an uncommonand warm and fine day I did not get home in time for the funeral therefor Father had to leave the mill to its own tending I a~rived home soon after sundown.

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22.Spent the day in the mill it being a very warm day and the whole of this week has been of this character. The thermometer has ranged as high as sixty and has not settled to the freezing point during the week this I think remarkable for this season of the year indeed there has been but a few cold days during this month some quite cold early in the month. 23.Sabbath. Spent the day home it being a rainy and unpleasant day.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD Feb 1845 24~In the morning went to the post offi~e got a paper from the west. Spent most of _the day in the mi11._ -

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25.Spent part of the day in the mi11 the rest of ·the day taking away the old garden fence. 26,Father went to the Valley in the forenoon to see John Lockwoodfor the purpose of;y-procuring stone from· his quarry as a substitute for wooden ci11s in front of the house the old fence being old and rotten a new one to be substituted. Father did not get any as there were none quarried out suitable. He stopped at the office to get the paper & I spent the day in the mi11 and wood pile splitting wood. 27.Spent the day mostly at the woodpile splitting wood Father spent part of the time hewing posts for the fence rourd the door yard as we intend building a fer.ice to keep the Chickens from coming in the yard garden & 28.Father and Mary went to Pokeepsie took part of a load of aats I spent the day in the mi11 fixing new plank over the water wheel where they had rotted through while the mi11 was running. Father and Mary_returned home in the evening comp1airaied some of bad going This week as the former has been very warm for the time of year A Short Review of the Past Month

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This month with the exception of a few days has bren a very warm ~nd pleasant one would be a monththat would pass ordinarily for March as regards mildness. There has been plenty of mud and bad going. The river has been open or nearly so during the winter~~the boat has visited Pokeepsiewith perhaps the exception of a month during the whole time The river was crossed on the ice by teams for a very short time. The boats go throggh to Albany now and have for nearly two weeksThe protracted meeting mentioned in last month's review is sti11 going on being protracted by the Methodist Mr Wile and others preRchin the school districts on the borders of the congregations The trial of the anti renters little and big thunder and btheir leading characters on one indictment had been concluded and fined one hundred do11ars cashthe most important is not yet settled with them. March 1845 l.Spent the day in the mi11. In the forenoon went to Uncle Daniels barn with the circular saw to try it with the horse power but before we got ready to operate it there came some eastoners to the mi11 and I had to leave Father soon fo11owed not carrying into effect our object. In the afternoon Father and Mother went to Mr Pni11ips on a visit. Just at night I carried the bees from the ce11ar to their respective places out doors our stock is quite diminished perhaps not over one dozen good ones left. Mr Thomas Phi11ips has I believe lost the whole of his This seems a ca1amtty universal among them at this time last year being an unusua11y poor one.

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2. fSabbath it being a warm and pleasant day we a11 went to meeting in the two horse wagon it being rather bad going we went in the old wagon. The church was we11 fi11ed Mr Wile preached after whir:h Mr Dean made a few remarks. Mr and Mrs Edward Vanwyckwere at church for the first since their 3, Copartnership They appeared we11. I commencedupsetting the stone wa11 on the west side of the dooryard setting posts in for building picket fence to keep the chickens out of the yar.9, Ward Wesley helped lay the wa11. Father fixed the bottom I helped fix the posts tore down the old wa11 tended mi11&

DIARYOF ALSON WARD March 1845 3 & 4 .. Today the fo_urth.commencedthe.wall instead of yesterday.It rained inthe forenoon and Ward did not come-until to day through neglect I had forgpttenA Fat_her went to the Valley he_~nd Grandpa went to_ Mr Wiles to mc1ke, cl Ga:/Land: take. Wc1rd. Wes1ey'. a hundred of _buckwheatfl_our -

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5, Rained all the forenoon and part of the afternoon Father went to the Valley after the newspaper and to take some iron to Mr Palmers to be worked in fence posts for a light fence in front of the house. I notice by the paper that the annexation bill of Texas has passed both houses of the Leqislature and also the post office bill for reducing the postage. ~ _ ~ . In the evening Mr and Mrs Mott Enoch and wife John Green and mother were at our house and spent the evening. 6. Spent the day in the mill helping Father and Ward at the' stone wall &We have fed the bees for a few days in the following manner by placing honey in a flat square tin pie dish with a floating board filled with holes that they may eat readily in the middle of which we placed a bottle of honey prepared with a stimulus sufficient for them. To day they used two bottles of honey the eleven hives which consist our stock 7. Father and Ward and his son Daniel worked at the wall I spent the day in the mill having plenty to do. Just at night Mary and myself went up to Mr Wiles to make a short call from there we went to Methodist meeting Miss Pierce went along.

8. I spent the day fixing posts for the stone fence tending mill corked the boat and gave it a thick coat of coal tar Father and Ward finished the stone fence a little before night There was a shower of rain about noonwhich hindered some.Grandpa came here in the forenoon with a hoe in his hand fixing the mud holes along the road <lllldfor the purpose of getting them out on the road to scrap et He took dinner with us. Last night the ice disappeared from~the pond so to day it is clear. 9. Sabbath it being a very rainy day we remained homeduring the day. Towards night it grew cold and snowed and hailed some. 1O.Wokein the morning and got up quite early some expecting to butcher our shoats but it looked overcast like snow or rain therefore postponed for the present the dreaded job. In the afternoon or before it started snowing moderately increasing until bed time. Spent the day in the mTill. 11.Wokein the morning found it snowing very fast continuing until nearly noon. There were perhaps as much snow fell as at any time during the winter I think there was as much as six or eight inches on the level After dinner I went bo the village to the post office with the wood sled and from there to the widow Pells after a sleigh bought at the vendue Grandpa bid it in for us After returning home I went to drawing manure to the new ground lot I succeeded to draw four loads

12~Spent the day in the forenoon drawing hay, manure & drew a load of manure up to the peach orchard and a load of hay back No_rman Lake helped draw three loads of each after which the sleighing would not admit of any more being drawn It was a very warm day the snow leaving quite as fast as it came 13.Went to Pokeepsie with a load of flour for fence. While in Pokeepsie I went a heard the case of Belding and with intent to seduce and did not stay Barnes, Henry Sleight and Charles Platt

and brought back a load of lumber short time in the court room and being tried for assalt~and battery to hear it concluded Saw Edward there just before I Left. On my

34. DIARYOF ALSON WARD March 1845 13.return home called at Joshua Barneses and got an emptyflour bbl and informed him that his fl.our was ready to be ·taken away.·

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14.A very rainy day spent the day in the house mill and tried to have it pass of as pleasantly as possible by busying myself reading tending mill & 15.I spent part of the day helping patch the stone wall in front of the house with Father and young Sacrider with a heavy stick of timber part in the mill part digging post holes and moving fence north of the house. In the evening went to the Valley stopped at Grandpas and met Miss Pierce there. 16. Sabbath I spent the day home'Father and Mother and Mary went to church in the one horse wagon. It was a very cold and blustering day. In the evening I went to the Valley to temperance meeting Mary having staid down to Grandpas Mr Edward Ross delivered a very eloquent and appropriate address at the hall before the Washingtoneans.. 17.In the forenoon we butchered the shoats with the help of James Lewis. It was a squally day snowing occasionly for a change finished butchering about noon. In the afternoon I went to the shop with the h~rses while Mr Palmer ·shod one I rode to the post office with the other stoped a short time at Grandpas.

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18.Father went to Pokeepsie with the pork expecting to go to N York Crapo Lake Jr drove the team home from Pokeepsie. I spent most of the day in the mill. In the afternoon I sold one of tfa?ecows to Cornelius Phillips. It was quite cold and blustering snowing considerable in the afternoon,good weather for the pork . 19.Spent the day in the mill had plenty to do it has been quite a cold and wintry dayI presume Father is in the City to-day as Crapo left him in Pokeepsie expecting to take the tow boat at night. 2O.In the forenoon Father r~turnedrode up from Pokeepsie in the stageUncle Daniel and Jacob E Mott went down in the same boat ·and came up in the same Uncle Daniel and Mr Mott walked home in the night but Father waited for the stage He saw some of the pork sold or at least heard the price reeived for it it was six dollars! spent the day in the mill & Father s besiness Io NewYork was to see Major Cunninghamin regard to going out west as a witness in an ejectmant suit against Seth Crandell He thought he would be able to go. I believe the suit comes off the last week in April 1

21.This day has been a very cold and blusterine one in fact the whole of this week has been of that character Father spent part of the forenoon digging post holes on the hill back of the h~use after dinner he went to the Valley to carry some grist Ispent the day in the mill. ·

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22.This was quite a warm day compared with the rest of the week. In the forenoon we prepared for sawing with the circular saw railing and pickets for a new fence around the door yard. About noon Adrian and Aletta Maria Waldron came to.our house. The afternoon we spent sawing and grinding with the lower run. In the evening we went to Uncle Daniels and spent the evening Bartlet Marshall ·and Mis Pierce were. there having . spent tihe day I presume. 23.Sabbath. In the forenoon went to church we young folks went together in our two horse pleasure wagon Father and Mother went in the lumber wagon Mr Wiles preached. In the morning it had the appearance of a warm and pleasant day but clouds soon obscured the sun and it was a rather dull day.After dinner~drian and his siter returned home.

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.DIARYOF ALSON WARD 35. March 1845 24..In the_ forenoon fi,ni_shed sawing pickets railing & In the afternoon cleared the-mill and regulated ,t-ground during tne-day Father went to the Valley toward night · 25.The day was quite windy and cool I spent my time mostly tending the mill Father part of the time in the mill and part of the time digging post holesGrandpa came to our house and took dinner and returned home in the afternoon. 26.In the morning Father and myself sowed clover seed in the lot west of the house bought the seed of David VerValen and paid a trifle short of six dollars seed equally as good can now be bought for four and a half dollars we bought too early for profit. Father went to Pokeepsie with part of a load of flour and brought back a part of a load of lumber I spent the day tending the mill plaining pickets while the mill was running. 27.I spent part of the forenoon in the mill and part taking a load of goods for Mr Sacrider who moved from Uncle Daniel 1 s tenant house to Henry Petreses house on the turnpike east of Mr Wiles. In the afternoon while the mill was running Father and myself drew some stone from t~e lot west of the house for placing in the wall in front of the house for the purpose of drilling to place iron posts on which we expect~to make a new fence .. Just at night Father and myself sowed some clover seed 28.In the forenoon started the plough Titus Sacrider came this morning to plough for us. Weare ploughing our meadowsome that has never been ploughed before we found the sod so stiff that we thought a colter would be of service so at noon Father went to the shop with,the plough and was not able to get it fixed immediately so he left it for them to fix during the rest of the day in the afternoonhe and Titus went on the peach orchard to deposit some manure drawn therelast winter I spent most of the day tending mill plaining pickets 29.Early in the morning Titus went to the Valley after the plough and took a bag of flour to Joseph C. Dean snd part of a jug of trumpery home from Uncle Daniel~s house After he returned homewith the· horse Father and myself took the horse and the corn plough and went the north corner of the locust nursery and ploughed a small patch for a peach nursery. In the afternoon Titus went home and I ploughed until half past three oclock in the afternoon after which Mary and myself went to the village I attended caucus meet,ng and Mary staid to Grandpas until evening when she and Aunt Mariah went to singing school and I went to a sining and dancing show at Shermans 30.Sabbath In the forenoon went to church Mr Wile preached a very able sermon giving us some hints in regard to political excitement & as town meeting is near on hand spent the rest of the day home

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31.Early in the morning Father went after our hired girl Ruth Welling I started the mill on corn in the ear for Mr Zacheus Newcomband continued to grind for him during the day and evening Titus Sacrider spent the day ploughing for us. Father spent the afi:ernoon spreading manure in the peach orchard Just at night he went to Samuel Rices after some ashes bought of him.In the afternoon Mr Edward Ross gave us a call he rode over on a load of corn with Mr Linch and returned with him 6n a load of ground feed .. In the evening Titus and myself went up to the succer brook and caught a fine mess of fish. April 1845 1. In the forepart of the day it was quite rainy in showers Titus went out to plough and before he went one round on a land it rained so hard asi~o wet him almost through before he could get to the house. In the afternoon he went to town meeting I spent most of the day in the mill just at night

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DIARYOF ALSON WARD

April 1845 . . 1., went to town meeti_ngci.ndstaid t1.J1 they got throughcanvessrng. The old __, J 11st ye9-r'-s_c9-n.dtdateswere:thechGsen ones fo_r this that is Oliver Devine fcir•the-D~~ociats'Johri s·L6tkw6oct·WhigThe ·Democrat·candidate gained the e1ectfon as usual a1though the Whig made a most desparate effort to the contrary.,_ · 2, To day I have been under the necessity of following the plough as Titus did not come as we expected Father tended the mill and worked at the fence in the front of the house.

3. Spent most of the day following the plough it being some meadowground some which never before been ploughed. It is rather hard work for a green hand. At noon I went to see if I couTd find some one that could come and help us plough went to see what was the cause Titus did not come found him sick a bed. Went to Mr Conklins to see if James Lewis was engaged longer than the day found him spading garden and engaged for the week. In the ·• afternoon ploughed some. 4. Spent the forenoon ploughing. In the afternoon Father went to Pokeepsie to get some peach trees to replace some that have died and some that have never come up in the peach orchard he got only a few he thought it rather early to set them out 5. In the morning Minard Dean came to help us dig holes in the peach orchard Father tended mill and I ploughedi n the forenoon. In the afternoon Father went to the peach orchard to set out trees adopted the same plan as last year in transplanting I spent the time in the mill Just at night Charles Monfort and his sister Cathrin came to our houseto spend the SabbathFather and Minard p1anted some early peas in the west lot near the peach orchard. 6. Sabbathin the forenoon went to church Mr Palmer preached Mr Wile having gone out east to attend protracted meeting. Weyoung folks went in the two horse carrilage. Father and Mother went in the one horse wagon. In the afternoon Charles and his sister went home In the evening sister Mary and myself went to temperance meeting. Mr Don from Columbia Co address the meeting very able being a thorough going temperance man one that knew the bad effects of intemperance by experience shuch men often produce more feeling than others that knowby observation merely

7. Early in the morning I went to the Valley to get the hame iron fixed and get the horse shod Ward Wesley and James Lewis and Titus Sacrider came in the morning to work for us. Ward and James Lewis laid wall in front of the house Titus ploughed in the forenoon In the afternoon I helped him draw some rail fence after which we drew some manure on the corn ground. 8. The first thing my eyes beheld in looking out of the windowwas the ground covered with snow although very light it gave us a sorrowful look as it is very cold for the time of year the trees are covered with a thin coat of ice and the thermometer has stood at two degrees abo've freezing dtf.r;ing the day we feel some afraid the fruit buds especially the peach buds Father and Titus have been at work at the fence during the day.In the morning I wedged the arms on the west side of the water wheel with shingles and fastened the pit wheel on the shaft. I spent the day in the mill .

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9. In the morning I went after some locust posts at Joseph Meads north of the Valley-·after returning homeTitus Sacrider took the team and went to ploughing. In the afternoon Father and myself worked at the fence It has been extremely windy to day as all the rest of the week and part of last has been.

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DIARYOF ALSON WARD

April 1845 10..Fatber and myself y..,orkedat tbe fe_nce if _fr_ontof the house tended mill & Titus kept the plough going.· rt has been very windy. In the morning we drew two loads of _stone from _ttie ploughed grouJ1d in the meadowto the wall . in fr.ant.of ,the;_ha:us.e·aft,er wb1,c1J.-we arew.·fo;ur/Joads of )lay fr.om the peach .ord1ard_.wh1.ch>occup.ted th~. fo,_rer,oontbe __pJqugb.went.-qnJy._i.11 tbe·il.ft.er part of:.c,tfre/ ·day·;_c _._./~--· ..:--: ·: ,.···': - ___ ,.._. ...,_ -,,~.,..... ,~..·.-......~:~ ~ 0-~/•:-·

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11.tn·· the afte-rnoon I went with Titus in the stalk lot to help him start· the plough Father and myself spent most of the day ~ctting posts working at the fence & 12.In the morning Father and myself washed the wagon aft~r which sister Mary and myself went to Pokeepsie or at least I went Mary staid at Mr Platts she and Mary Platt went to Mr Gidleys to spend the aft.ernoon I met Henry Sleight in Pokeepsie returned to Mr Gidleys some aft.er three oclock spent the afternoon and evening pleasantly I have forgotten to mention in the proper place the sad and awful accident on the river of the loss of the steamer Lwo Clow? on her passage down the river on Mondaynight nearly opposite Athens. It is stated by the papers that the river is quite shallow and the channel narrow the night quite dark stormy. By some much blame is attached to the pilotwhich I presume deserves the greatest share I will give the particulars as they are stated by the NY Evangelist.When passing through the narrow channel at Athens she ran upon a large rock called 11The Bug11 The bow ran up so high that it was impossible to stand upon the deck The keel broke and the stern bent upwards and still went down so much that in three minutes the two ·cab'ins were full of water. The scene among the passengers may be· imagined. It was nine oclock in the evening and very few of them were in their berthsThe upper part of the boat took fire which increased the alarm. The night was dark and the wind high. The baggage and freight was floating about on deck and the water rushing at the cabin doors so that with the inclination of the floor it was difficult to get out. Yet the young mothers snatched their infants from the berths where they were sleepingand rushed for their lives. There were however many circumstances of favour. The people in the forward deck climbed ·down upon the rock until no more could stand. Numeroussmall boats with torches put off immediately from the shore. The Steamer Express which was coming down but little behind was soon along side and the steamer Rochester also in companywas at the rescue as soon as possible. Several ladies who were not able to get out at the door were lifted through the skylight one so far exhausted that two hours of effort on board the Rochester was necessity to bring her back to animation. Later accounts say there has been sixteen dead persons taken from the boat there is no means for knowing the number of lives lost as the list was not fully made out when the accident happened 13.Sabbath In the morning Mary and myself went to church it being quite windy Father thought best to remain home as he had quite a bad cold.Mr Wile preached. 14. In the morning Titus came and ploughed stalk ground Father and myself workedat the fence in front of the house drilling holes in the stone for the iron posts made soap prepared some cobs for kindling In the evening I went to the Valley to meet the committee for arrangements for a temperance festivle at temperance house kept by Egbert Seaman.

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15.Father Mother and Marywent to Poughkeepsie. In the morning I sowed the long meadowwith oats. Titus harrowed and got through about the middle of the afternoon after which he went and harrowed in the'east part of the meadowor that part that was ploughed in the fall I spent the afternoon drilling holesfor the fence in front of the house.

38. DIARYOF ALSON WARD April 1845~ 16.,Early_.in the morn:ing 1 went to ..:Rochqa)e aft.er Henry Clark the carpenter to ·he'Jp l!.?-.make.;fe.nce 1n the- .aft_ernoori-_Father·went to· Pokeeps ie to take ·_Lut,hey_.-_Re'f1_,eJd>to. tbe.:bogt and-__ §et trees ·for setting out in the vacant ,PJaces~trf·tbe:'pe&ch-.orchard ?bu~._it .rainedso hard that they were not able -~.9_-~fg·tb~m~.I "fo_rgot·:to~menfion·thaf Luther came to our house yesterday

17.Father went to Pokeepsie to get trees to set in the vacant places in the peach orchard and to see Mr Forbush in regard to witnessing the handwriting of George CunninghamClark worked at the fence and I helped Clark tended mill and Titus ploughed. 18.Father and Titus spent the forenoon setting peach trees in Inthe afternoon Father transplanted some peach trees quite garden setting them on the sidehill north of the~house and drew a load.of wood home for himself in the afternoon after to the shop with the horses and got them shod.

the peach orchard large from the garden Titus which he went

19.In the forenoon Father went to the Valley to the post office to get the news expecting a letter from Luther in regard to getting Cunninghamas a witness but did not get any but did not get any I assisted Clark in fixing the fence & Titus went home in the afternoon. 20.Sabbath In the forenoon sister Mary and myself went to meeting to the Valley Father being appointe~ barer to the funeral of Mrs Skidmore he accordingly went to LaGrange by way of the Valley to take some of Grandpa's folks along it being quite rainy there were not many at church. Aunt Clarissa and Lety Smith went with Father James Redfield much to our surprise came in church with Uncle Daniel having come to Mr Platts the night before. Hebrought the letter we had been looking for from Luther and much to our disappointment it contents proved as Mr Cunninghamhealth would not permit his going James came homewith us after church. 21.Early in the morning Father went~to Pokeepsie to see Alexander Forbush and to subpoenie him as a witness in place of Mr Cunningham. In the forenoon Henry Clark did not come as we expected but came about noon. Titus and myself worked at the fence. In the afternoon we finished setting the iron posts in front of the wall. I forgot to mention an incident that occured last Saturday while we were engaged running lead in the hole to fasten them it having been rainy there was some water in some of the holes we wiped it o,ut of some of them but by some means we missed a ho1e and in running in the hot lead it produced so much steam that all of a sudden it burst forth making a slight report throughing the heated lead some six or eight feet in the air above our heads it fortunately did not happen to hit us in the face but Father ran a very narrow escape as the whole contents of the ladle which he held in his handcame near his face James , spent most of the day with usin the afternoon sister Mary went with him up to Uncle Daniels and took tea. In the evening we went to tee Valley I went to temperance house to meet the committee or arrangements to appoint for the festivel while he spent the evening at the Doctors.

22.In the forenoon we were all engaged working at the fence In the afternoon Titus ploughing Father and Clark spent the day nailing pickets on the fence in front of the house I should say that we sowed half a ton of plaister Titus and myself on the field west of the house in the forenoon after which we helped about the fence & until noon James and myself went up the pond after the boat and at dusk Charles Platt came after him to go homewith himas his sister Mary and and Miss Pright wished him to start tomorrow for home as they expect to go with him as far as Clyde but he wishes to stay a day longer in order to attned the festivel

DIARYOF ALSON WARD 39. April 1845 23.In the morning Father went to Pokeepsie to see Forbush in regard to going west Titus ploughed part of the-forenoon I helped Clark with the fence tended mill & In the afternoon about four oclock fixed and to the temperance festival at Egbert Simmonss Hotel Father did not get back in time with the wagon for us so I borrowed Uncle Daniel s Wemet Father half way between here and Uncle DanE ls as we were on our way. James did not stay a day longer as the girls were anxious to be going. There were one hundred and sixty took supper a very fair number taking all things in consideration it being a busy time of year & 1

24.In the forenoon Titus and myself drew dirt for filling up the stonework & in front of the house Father fitting a pair of turned posts in the plat=form in the roadin the afternoon I commencedbuilding a four square harrow Titus drew some dirt helpt Father place some stone at the foot of the horse block steps & In the evening Father went to Matthew Duboises having heard this morning of his dissease and I went to·the Valleyto settle with J.C.Dean hadl~\quite a shower while there. ~..,. 25.Father did not get home from Mr Duboises until this morning Titus and I worked some at the fence I tended mill & Father slept part of the forenoon the rest part prepared himself for the West as he and Mr Forbush expect to take the night boat this evening about half past one oclock Titus started with him for Pokeepsie Titus returned home just after dusk. 26.Titus and myself spent the forenoon at the fence keeping the mill going & In the afternoon Titus worked for himself splitting logs & I nailed on the pickets that were prepared tended mill and just at night went to the Valley to see William Tborn St~pped at Grandpas and saw Carpenter Angell he having arrived there last Thursday just at night. 27.Sabbath it being rather an overcast and damp day there were not many to church Mother and Ruth and myself went Mary staid at home In the afternoon it cleared off quite pleasant. 28,Spent the day both Titus and myself making fence In the morning I went to Mr Owensand Mr Odell went across the peach orchard many of the trees were in full bloom and the buds looked fair some of them sprouted an inch or more. 29. We soent the time as yesterday making fence tending mill & In the forenoon Carpenter_ A!lg~e_l }-y_.,.came-tbour house. 3O.Spent the day as usual at the fence and in the mill In the forenoon Grandpa came to our house with the newspaper. Carpenter went home in the forenoon with Edward Barnes who came after a load of flour I call Carpenter s tome Grandpas for he spends the most of his time there. 1

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May 1845 1. The day for financial affairs moving & Early in the morning I went to Pokeepsie to get some money from the l:mnk settled with Mrs Manning let Mr Jpmes Owenshave three hundred dollars and received some money from Mr James Odell Took thirty four and three quarters lbs beeswax to Pokeepsie and got twenty five cents cash at David Barnes druggist I returned home before noon. In the afternoon I spent the time fixing fence tending mill & 2. In the morning I went to the Valley to the post office met Grandpa by the corner just tun(ing round the turn with a letter from the west. It contained the cheering news of the favourable decision of the court in reQard to the ejectment suit againstSeth Caandell I went to the post office

40. DIARYOF ALSON WARD May 1845 2., ana wrote a, Jetter to Father and sent by the morning mail Spent the rest □ f-the day-in the-mill fixing-harrow &

3. I spent most of my time fixing the fence putting wire over the pickets round the hog pen to keep the chickens out of the yeard In the afternoon spent most of my time in the mill Titus ploughed most of the forenoon In the afternoon he spread some sods from the ditches and drew his wood home. He went to the shop and got some harrow teeth and to Mr Simmonsshop and got a pair of lather halters or head stalls In the afternoon just at night Mr Boss and Miss Pierce came to our house and took tea. It is getting quite dry we need rain very much The apple trees are in full bloom the peach have been 4. Sabbath today in the forenoon had been a remarkable fine and warm day went to church in the morning Mr Wile preached a very excellent sermon. In the afternoon a little after two o clock it commencedraining moderately and it rained for the rest of fhe day. 5. In the morning early I fixed the hog pen and gate for the purpose of keepjng the chickens out of the flower beads and garden & Weploughed the garden in the forenoon. At noon I went to the Val~ey to shop after some harrow teeth fixed the harrow so that Titus used it in the afternoon Carpenter came to our house just before noonand went to Charles Brownand took dinner a·nd got Henry as a subscriber to the Sears magazine

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6. Spent part of the forenoon taring away the bee house or rows back of the house fixed the hea~th under the Franklin in the parlor & At noon Titus and myself made a couple of beds in the garden and sat out onions Carpenter Angell and Mr Ross came soon after noonfor a ride but did not come in the house as our folks were cleaning house Titus spent most of the day harrowing 7. In the morning I went to the Valley to the post office and to the shop to get the horse shod &Titus went to the field with the Dick horse for the purpose of furrowing for corn but he got in a passion and come to the house in a great rage with the horse and said he would not furrow another atom with shuch a horse I gave him quite a scolding and he felt quite ashamed of it We spent the rest of the day in the garden and digging holes for dalias and drawing stone and manure to and from the garden 8 I spent most of my time in the mill in the forel1lDonTitus furrowed until noon. In the afternoon I went to Pokeepsie Carpenter went with me Met Father at Dr Canfield on his return from bhe West To day a!!lldyesterday have been very windy and some frost during tee night I forgot to mention a call from Martha Angell accompanied by Carpenter and Hetty Smith and her brother quite a small boy the older folks spent the afternoon at Grandpas On May· 7 or yesterday the younger ones took the ride to Locust Grove.

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9. Weall worked in the garden setting out dalias planting watermelon seed & Wemanured them in the hill with a large scoop full of yard manure and part of a scoop full of ashes unleached. In the afternoon Charles Platt came to the mill and for the purpose of getting some word from the West I rode to the Valley with him for the purpose of driving the Billy horse home as Carpenter and Aunt Clarissa and Letty Smith took a ride in the afternoon to Pond City quite a rarity I presume I brought Grandpa's calf up in the wagon for the purpose of raising it 10. Titus went home last night for the purpose of making a garden for himself Ispent most of the forenoon in the mill in the afternoon painting the fence looking for the calf as he got in the rye field and cannot be found

41. DIARYOF ALSON WARD May 1845 lO~towards night Father and myse1f ~atered the peach trees that were set out in the ·side hi 11.

11.Sabbath In the morning and afternoon we went to church at the Presbyterian house. In the afternoon after meeting there were several presented themselves for examination admission in the church on next Sabbath it being then communion. 12.Early in the morning I went to the Valley to get some help to plant corn and take James Lewis a bbl of fl our and some feed did not succeed i n getting any help so I returned home_andwent at it ourselves In the afternoon I attended the fum=ral of the child of Lenard Marshall being appointed as one of the barers at the Episcopal church returned and went in the corn field. At night Titus left us finishing his services with us forever I hope. He quit without the least provocation without even making a single excuse The only reason that I can give is that he has been offfered better wages. 13.In the morning early I went to the Valley with the one horse wagon after Minard Dean to help finish planting. In the afternoon Ftther went to Pokeepsie and left Minard and myself to plant alone Mother and Ruth (the hired girl) went with him 14.James Lewis narid Minard came to help us to day. James worked at the wood pile splitting wood Wefound some logs of hard mapel so hard and knotty that we thought best to try some powder to aid in getting them in pieces we ~ade some match stuff and charged the logs with a sufficient quantity of powder and used beach sand for tamping it down pm per exicution. 15,Father Minard and myself planted potatoes, sweet corn, beans &Wemanured the potatoes in the hill finished planting corn and all just before night 16.is crossed off but is as follows Father and myself tended the mill painted some and done some chores around the house In the afternoon it rained some. There was a man at our house peddling sales and staid to dinner his name was Skinner from Columbia CO. Nothing for 17. 18.I spent the day home. Father went to Pokeepsie to take the pleasure wagon from Mastain s shop to be painted and varnished at Pokeepsie they having put a new sett of wheels on it It rained moderately some of the time. 1

19.It rained quite moderat~ly most of the day it being quite windy and cold it~blowing hard from the north during the day. 2O.Sabbath. Went tochurch in the morning to the Valley. It looked very much like rain but as there was an appointment for communionthere were quite a numberthere. It did not rain as we expected .. In the after noon we went Carpenter Uncle Daniel and myself to the Baptist church to a temperance meetirm addressed by Mr Wile and Mr Edward Ross. 21.In the forenoon we finished picking the upper run of stone and put them down and started the sharps. I forgot to mention that we dressed the lower run last Friday ·we·"'.opend,thefurrows'in.the whea·t-rurtwithout'::-di-sturbirig the face:-~In the afternoon James Lewis and myself ploughed and drew gravel in front of the platform. In the evening went to the Valley and to Mr Wiles to make a ca 11

42. DIARYOF ALSON WARD May 1845 22.I spent the day in the mill painting fence & In the afternoon Father went to the Valley to settle with Mr Mastain for fixing the wagon and some other work. Wepainted the second coat on the fence to day. \

23In the morning finished painting the fence except the bottom board which we expect to paint black or dark. In the afternoon it commencedraining and increased until to night about three oclock Carpenter returned with the horse haVing tolerable success in his enterprise. In the afternoon we prepared the cornhouse and sheller for shelling corn by water power._ 25.In the forenoon shelled a load of corn Father fed the sheller and I brought it from the upper part of the mill. In the afternoon Father went to the Valley to fix Grandpa's pumpMr How Dudley Ross and Carpenter (Guests) Miss Pierce Francis Canfield and Miss Dewywere at our house and took tea by invitation. 26.In the morning Father and myself with the help of James Lewis cleaned up a load of corn and Father went to Pokeepsie. James spent the day in the peach orchard hoeing the trees. Ispent the day at the house drawing wood from the usual place in under the shade of the willows and just at night I drew three loads of unsawed wood from Uncle Daniel 1 s hill lot it being left last winter it being up set there last winter. 27.Sabbath We prepared outse1v~s in the morning for church but it commenced raining quite hard and we did not venture to go. In the afternoon Mary and myself went to meeting. Mr Wile gave us a short lecture.Carpenter returned homewith us in the evening.

28.In the morning prepared to saw wood with the circular saw after a short time got ready and went to sawing old wood and some other wood.ge_tffaa1rly ready for operation by night. 29.Commencedearly in the morning a sawing wood. The saw worked well and we finished all but a small load of soft wood for oven wood. Wefind it required a very quick speed to do the work off nice. 30. Early in the morni~g I went to Pokeepsie to take Carpenter·to the boat on his way to NewHaven In the afternoon after returning home Father arrd myself drew away wood from in front of the mill to the pile in the willow trees (One day missed)

31.Last night was a very cold night a heavy frost freezing quite ice in the stone by the well. We took the precaution to cover our dalias,tomatoes, and watermelon vines with paper shuch as was not too large. The papers were covered with frozen dew and were quite stiff. Shuch of our dahlias as were covered snug by boxes were safely kept some that had boxes over them but not snug showed signs of cold but not enough to injure them materially. Yesterday is not entered on in its order and therefore I will record it here. I spent the forenoon in the mill The Fishkill folks came at our house about eleven oclock Grandpa Uncle Stephen and Aunt Susan Ann and Charley were the visitors In the forenoon Father and Richard Still worked on the road. In the afternoon I took fathers place on the road Just at night while they were drinking tea Charles had a fit being subject to them quite often. Grandpa Ward and Uncle Daniel came to our house just at night to see Grandpa Monfort To day after dinner they returned home Father and Mary went to Pokeepsie They brought the pleasure wagon home with them I spent the afternoon painting the bottom board varnishing the one horse harness &

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DIARYOF ALSON WARD 43. June 1845 1. Sabbath In the morning Father and myself ~ent to church. Mother was not very well and did not go. Mary-staid ·hometo watch the bees as she had no hat suitable to ware. Wehad a swarmof bees while at church although earlier than common.Our stock is now greatly reduced We have seven in the story hive and only one in the old fashioned kind and that very week and in very poor order~I-mean the old fachioned hive the others look thriving and in good order I spent the rest of the day homeexcept a call at Uncle Daniels in the afternoon. 2. Early in the morning Father called to me to get up as he wanted to get an early start to the Valley by the way of Mr Conklings to return the scraper and see John Baker to get him to do some mason work but was not able to see him as he had left homebefore he arrived there. Minard Dean returned homewith him to help us. I went to drawing wood that had been sawed with the circular saw to the pile Father and myself continued until finished after which we covered it with the bee panue1 roofs and completed that job after which I drew a load of stakes and rails to the north line fence in the pasture lot called the west back field. To night for the first we turned our horses in the pasture as we have before this kept them in the stable letting them go in the 1an~ and eat grass a short time. 3. Spent the forenoon fixing a watering place for the horses by building a lane across the ditch in the oats lot. In the afternoon we started the corn sheller and shelled a load of corn after which Mr Zacheus Newcomb and la~§ and Miss Tobias came to our house to spend the afternoon. Weexpected Mr Wile and lady but as they had companythey were not able to come and spend the aft_ernoon but just at night Mr Ross Miss Pierce and Miss Wile rode over and spent a few minutes with us. 4. I spent the forenoun ploughing buckwheat ground it was a very warm day and unusual bad ploughing the plough kept choking up under the beam with sods. In the afternoon Father went to Poughkeepsie with a load of corn and to get part of load of plaister for Uncle Daniel. I spent the afternoon at the house doing chores varnished the pole of the wagon. Just at night I went to the Valley to take the wagon to get the brass bands put on the wheels but as the brass nails where missing they could not put them onAs I where passing Mrs Lewises I happened to look up a"ndsee Miss Belden called when I came back after which I went to see John Baker the maison to see when he could come and point the wall in front of the house. 5. I spent the day ploughing. Wefixed an old plough on a different plan this morning by putting a very crooked beam so as to raise it six or eight inches higher were the iron passed through the beam than the usual height we had to get the iron enghened. It worked fine answering the purpose admirable. Father watered the vines in the garden just at night it being exceedingly dry. 6. I spent the most of the day ploughing in the low ground in the meadowan

awful mean job broke the crooked beam that we put in yesterday but not until the most ·was ploughed. In the morningn6~ther went to the Valley with the pleasure wagon to get it fixed as it did1'track exactly and to get the brass bands put on fix grandpa s pump& Just before night I went to Mr Conklins sand hill after a load of gravel for making morter to point the wall in front of the house but through a wrong advice got a load of sand in stead of gravel Father said he would not use it as it made poor morter. It rained or sprinkled some just at night but had not much the appearance of a settled rain. Weneed rain very much especially meadowsif there should not be rain soon there cannot be a heavy crop of grass. 1

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44. DIARYOF ALSON WARD June 1845 7. In the forenoon or morning James Lewis came to our house to make morter for. pointing the wa1J in fr_ont of _the house. Toward noon I went after a Joad of .9raveJ on my '(J._ay met Miss Belden· on her way to our house ·on foot. _I_·Spen,t_.t_pe,.-~ft.ernoo_n mostJy .in ·the house~.·Just at night Itook Miss Belden horrie•··to ·r.1rs (ewises and staid· ·to·Bib1e class at Grandpas 8. Sabbath In the forenoon Father the hired girl and myself went to church Mother and Mary were invalid Mother complaining with the rhumatism and Mary with an inflamed face caused by taking cold I presume. In the afternoon Father and myself went to church Mr Howpreached a sermon happily i11ustrating and impressing on the mind the subject by way of parable or incidents in real life. He had much to say in regard to the Steamer Swa11ow. 9.In the forenoon I finished the ploughing in the buckwheat ground. Father got up quite early and went after the horses and had them partly harnessed before I got up. In,the afternoon Father and myself worked at the wa11 in front of the house chinking it for pinting It has been an unusual hot and muggyday although p1eanty of hot,air stirring it is unusua11y dry everything is parching up for the want of rain. We have been obliged to water the garden and da1ias and peach trees that we set on the side hi11 last spring to keep them from burning up. Just at night I went to the Va11ey to see John Baker and ca11ed or expected to ca11 to Ward Wes1ey1 s to get actfess maker but happened to meet one of them at Mr .Bay,.ers.Ca11ed at the Doctors and at Mrs Lewises a short time.

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1O.In the forenoon Father and myself she11ed a load of corn by water and cleaned it up. Father went to Pokeepsie with it in the afternoon I spent most of . the time chinking the wa11 in front of the house 11.In the morning it rained quite a shower but did not amount to much. Father made some morter in the forenoon. I spent most of the time in the mi11. In the afternoon Mary and I went to the funeral of the child of Isria1 Velie 12.In the morning when we got up we found John Baker at the wa11 pointing away in his usual style. Tue helped us tend maison and in the afternoon Mary Miss Belden and myself went to Pokeepsie. In the evening on our return we ca11ed at Mr Gidley 13.In the morning I went to the cornfield and spent most of the.day there. At noon I fixed the harness for driving tomorrow greasing the wagon and expecting to go to HughsonVi11e Just at night I went to,the Valley at Mastains shop to set some irons to put on the wagon sides to keep the wheels from rubbing it zSaw Mr Ross and Miss Pierce at Uncle Daniels on my return found them at our house. Father planted the turned post at noon. 14.In the morning instead of getting up and fixing off to start at sunrise for Fishki11 heard it raining fast therefore laid contented on my couch until my usual time for arising. It continued showery during the forenoon but did not amount to much In the afternoon we fixed and went to Fishki11 to Doctor Hughsons Uncle Daniel Aunt Mariah Miss Pierce sister Mary and myself where the company arrived there after a pleasant ride.

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15.Sabbath Spent the night at the Doctors went to church at Hughsonvi11e At four oc1ock started for home came by the way of the turnpike took Miss Pierce home before we left the Va11ey. 16.Spent the day in the cornfield ploughing out the corn , Minard Dean helped us. Father spent the day around the house and mi11.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD 45. June 1845 17.Mr Dean and myself spent the day in the cornfield ploughing & Father spent his time around the house .

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18,I spent my time in the forenoon finishing ploughing out the corn and potatoes. In the afternoon went to Mr Wiles on a visit met some other companythere Had a swarm of bees to day. 19.I spent the day ploughing buckwheat ground. Just at night Henry s12ight and Elsey Gidkey gave us a call took a sail up the pond & Father spent his time around the house and mill. r

2O.Spent the forenoon ploughing buckwheat ground. In the afternoon went to the Valley with the two horse wagon to bring Mrs Lewies folks Mrs Belden& In the forenoon Father took the Billy horse down for Grandpa and Aunt Clarissa to come up and spent~the afternoon. Mr Ross came up to invite m~to a fishing party in Pond Hills on the morrow but after consulting some few thought best to put it off until next week. 21.The buckwheat ground occupied the most of the day. It commencedra1n1ng about nine oclock and continued until eleven moderately. In the morning Father went up in the long meadowand dug a few briers after which he went to the Valley to fix Grandpa s pumpreturned before noon. In the afternoon we had a fine swarmof bees. 1

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22.Sabbath In the morning went to church Mr Mandeville preached having exchanged with him Henry Sleight and Elsey Gidley came to our church. Spent the rest of the day home. 23.In the forenoon or morning Father went to the Valley to get Ward Wesley s daughter thedress maker and some other business. I spent most of the forenoon. in the mill. In the afternoon finished ploughing the buckwheat ground. In the evening went to the Valley to see Mr Dudley and Ross in regard to a fishing party. Saw Mr Dudley and we concluded to have it on Friday if nothing prevented. 1

24.Spent the day ploughing corn. Minard Dean followed the plough and kept it uncovered it being so clean from grass and weeds as to need no hoeing or at least but little on account of the very dry weather. The buckwheat ground is in fine order being completely subdued as mallow as an ash heap. This afternoon we had a very fine shower but not enough to prevent our continuing to work after the shower. 25.Mr Dean and myself finished the corn and potatoes a little after noon after which !prepared to go to the Valleygreasing the wagon & to make further arrangements in regard to the fishing party Called on Mr Dudley and Mr Ross found Miss Belden and Lewis there on a call. Mr Ross has refused without any good cause to go or have any further to do with it notwithstanding he was the principle originator of the affair

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26.Spent the forenoon in the mill mostly. Father went to the Valley after breakfast and returned about noon after dinner he went to Pokeepsie.Mr Dean worked_{v the wheat clea~ing it from foul stuff.in the forenoon In the afternoon he worked in the barnyard heaping manure I examined the water and musk melon vines and found plenty of the streaked bugs. Mashedall of their heads I could get a:chance at and washed the bodies of the plants with a strong decotion of scotch snuff.

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DIARYOF ALSON WARD 46. June 1845 27. In the morning prepared and started for tbe fi_shing party met most of _the companyat Washington HolJow·wliere:were to.meet at nine oc1ock., Weborrowed some crockery, at Mr Toril1 ingson I s. and started fo_r·the pond were we fo_und · all things as they were made by natural grand architect sublime and beautiful . Out time was spent pleasantly in various ways sailing promenading dining on the exquisite nature's platform making variety of scenery change of position with every necessary for our comfort added to the cool and pleasant atmosphere (Neither too hot or cold) a pleasant companyof about twenty. These combined made a pleasant day for us. On our return homefrom the Hollow where we all met Mr Dudley and myself thought best to take a different rout homefor variety so we turned on the back road near Oliver Devine s and went across it to Henry Barnes and over the hill through pine woods district. Miss Gidley rode with me in exchange with sister Mary who rode with Charles Platt and Henry Sleight and others in Mr Platt•s carriage expecting to meet in the Valley but as they did not start quite as soon as we did they got off the track (or we did rather) as we turned off _the turnpike and took a circuitous rout they arrived at the village befo,re and did not find~us they continued on down the turnpike and we were obliged to carry Elsey homeand get Mary returned home fully satisfied with our party ride & 1

28.In the forenoon sowed buckwheat. Father harrowed while I sowed. In the afternoon it rained so that we were obl4ged to suspend opperations for the rest of the day.

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29.Sabbath. In the forenoon it rained quite hard and in consequence I thought best to stay home. Father and Mary went. I commencedwriting a letter to Sarah so as to send the first day of July as the new post office law goes into effect on that day. 3O.In the morning finished sowing buckwheat Father harrowing while I sowed after which I finished harrowing which occupied most of the forenoon In the afternoon towards night Mary and myself went to Mrs Lewises to take tea. July 1845 1. Spent the forenoon tending mill preparing lines and poles for fishing. In the afternoon Henry Sleight and Elsey Gidley came to our house on a visit and to fish. Wespent most of the afternoon at that business had midling luck. 2. In the forenoon Father went to the Valley to the factory to get some pullys turned for the peach machine but did not wait till they were finished. In the afternoon I went and got them after which I went to the Newcombs after cherries It rained in showe\s during the day. 3. It was rather stormy to work out of doors and therefore we worked in the beeroom building a machine for brushing peaches. It rained very fast about noon gave us rain sufficient to raise the pond considerable and give the ground a fine soaking. It rained so fast and so hard that the cistern became overflowed and the water ran in the well and spoiled it so we cleaned it out toward night after it stopped raining.

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4. Independence Day. As is customary we attempted to celebrate the Day. In the morning Mary and myself went to LaGrange to the temperance celebration expecting to go to Fishkill after the address but we met Henry Sleight and Elsey Gidley Charles Monfort and Elsey Stockholm George Clapp and Catharin Monfort who expected to go to Hopewell and get their dinner after which they expected to go to the fireworks at Fishkill village. They urged us to go with them and we concluded so to do. Wewent to Mr Stoclholms and

DIARYOF ALSON WARD July 1845 4 .. took dinner and spent the afternoon aft.er which we all went to the village to the fireworks had some tro.ubJe to fi.nd a p'Jace fo_r our'. horses •. George CJapp being ilq.ug:inted - in tbe ..v_i.JJage went to Dunkin Robinson1.s stab 1e and fo,und it nearl.y ·empty took possession without ·1eave or license aft.er we got our horses ready to put them in the occupant came and was very clever we paid him each a shilling and was quite thankful that our horses were so well provided for. After the fireworks we went to the mansion house and tried to get something for tea but was not able as they were completely eaten out. They provided us some cake lemonade ice cream & after which we started on our way for Hopwelll arrived there about midnight. 5. SpentJ_1le1 fqrenoon 'and part of the afternoon at Jacob Monforts. In the mornfngAandmyself walked over to the furnace to pass away time and see the works After which we passed an hour or so on the settees in the hall trying to make up lost lodging last night Cathrin and Mary ran away from us while we were thus enjoying ourselves and went to call on Elsey Stockholm and Gidley after they had spent an hour or so at Mr Stockholms they returned and called us to join them setting in the shade on a rail just below Mr Monfort s house Henry Sleight was in companywith them. We had not the satisfaction of remaining long in companyas our dinner hour gave us sounds that undoubtedly pleased the ear to many a hungry man but weather it was pleasure to us or no I can leave it to others to judge for we could not arrange it so as to dine together therefore we had to part for a time expecting however to join soon after dinner to take a sail. After dinner Charles and myself went to Mr Stockholms to help Henry get the boat from the barn to the creek but found it so dried that the cracks were quite open and found it likely to leak.;ro fast that we were quite reluctantly obligedto dispence with our expected antisipated pleasure. Charles and myself spent a short time in the house with the girls after which we went home to his house and harnessed our horses and went to Johnsville Henry Sleight and Elsey expecting to return home in the afternoon. 1

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6.Sabbath Charles and Cathrin spent the night with us at Uncle Stephen Waldrons returned home in time for church Sister Mary and myse7f went with Adrian in his new carriage to the Presbyterian church after which we spent the afternoon at Grandpas and Uncle Eliases took our tea there after which we returned home in the cool of the day and evening. On our arrival heard of the death of Silas GermondJr by accident while at the wells at Dover in companywith a party of pleasure yesterday said to have consisted of twenty or more persons 7. Commenced rye htarvest Ward Wesley Minard Dean Peter Duboises oldest son helped us had fi'ne weather and Ward and myself cradled during the day but in consequence of the rye being green did not rake and bind. Minard and Father worked in the peach orchard 8. Ward and myself finished cradling to day Minard and Father bound some about the middle of the afternoon. Ward felt sick and went home I raked after he left as we finished cradling before he left

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9. Workedat the rye, Father and myself drawing Calvert Dubois carrying and helping mowaway, Ward and Minard raking and binding. Finished all up except drawing two or three loads of rye 10.Finished the rye in the morning after which we took the harrow in the cornfield and harrowed part of the patch east of the hill prostrating it to the earth for experiment·to see if it would injure or benefit it. Wewent along after and set it up.Minard worked in the peach orchard. In the afternoon I fixed the horse rake Father went to the west lot to fix some fence and to Gideon Downingsto see about getting some cherrys.Calvert

DIARYOF ALSON WARD July 1845 10.went and picked a small bai:ket of _them· " Very hot weather and dry.

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48.

11.In the morning raked and drew in the rye rakens after which we drew manure on the rye stubble 12.Drew manure most of the day. Towards night Calvert and myself went in the east lots raspberrying. Father washed the pleasure wagon after we returned from raspberrying NhemiahRobinson came and invited me to the burial of a dead steer belonging to Mr Cronkrite which made a very strong scent much to our displeasure. Wegot on the winded side and each smoked a cigar and worked away to get the animal under ground as soon as possible. This has been a very hot week For the last three days it had been excessively the thermometer ranged at 100. 13.Sabbath went to church in the morning Mr Howpreached in exchange with Mr Wile an excellent sermon. On our way from church noticed that the corn rolled very much it being very hot and dry.The thermometer ranged at 100. 14.Early Father called me to go after the horse for him to go to Pokeepsie. Calvert and myself spent the forenoon spreading manure on the rye stubble. In the afternoon there was a rain and wind storm more wind than anything. We thrashed of the rye rakings after the storm. 15.In the morning I went to,the wheat lot and cradled wheat until noon When Lafayeett Ward came to help us we finished the wheat very soon and went ~o the peach orch~rd to ~ow. :·-- - ,_, _ -

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16.We spent the day in raking and binding wheat and drawing it in the barn mowingin the peach orchard & 17.Having spent a sick night being sick at the stomach vomiting & felt rather weak and did not attempt to go to the lot to work in the hay. Father Lafayett Ward and the boy went in the new ground lot and drew the little hay that we had mowed.They finished drawing by noon or before. In the afternoon Lafayett Ward went home rather than work alone. In the forenoon Grandpa came up to our house and brought the newspapers We had the information to lose our dog having been sick for a number of days last Tuesday he followed Father to Pokeepsie being quite fat and not used to traveling and having some dogs to contend with he probably became overheated and bruised by other dogs so overcame him that we was not able to stand it. It had and is now unusually hot the thermometer had ranged so far this week and part of last at 100 in the shade and often above with hardly a parcel of air stirring except to day we have had a hot air blowing from the south. 18.In the forenoon Lafayett Ward and myself finished mowingthe peach orchard Father and Calvert dug\ post holes for fencing the peach nurcery in the lot west of the house. In the afternoon they raked and put up the hay in the peach orchard Lafayett and myself mowedin the meadowsouth of the barn.

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19.In the forenoon Father and the rest of them went to the east lot and drew home the hay while I tended the mill mowed& In the afternoon we spent our time in getting in the hay we had down. finished all up slick and clean ground our sythes for Monday. 20.Sabbath In the morning went to church Mr Wile preached Spent the rest of the day home. 21.Spent the day mowing.In the morning Lafayett was sick and I had to mow alone Father went to Pokeepsie in the forenoon returned homeabout noon Had a sprinkle of rain which moistened the hay about equal to a good dew It soon cleared off and dried the hay and we got it all in the barn.It has been a verv hot and sulkv dnv_

DIARYOF ALSON WARD 49. July 1845 22.Spent the day mowingcradleing oats getting up hay &cleared the meadow bac~of the.barn. Last night in the night.had quit~.a shower of rain with. considerable electricity there had been scarcely a shower this summerand exceedingly dry the drough commencingso earley makes it exceedingly pinching for all vegetation, pasture and meadowvery short. 23.Spent the day mowingraking and binding oat· drawing in hay & 24.In the morning mowedafter which we drew in the oats got up the hay It rained a very little about noon not enough to prevent our working in our hay oats &Mrs Daniel 0. Ward Mrs AbrahamSmith Miss Letty Smith spent the day at our house. In the forenoon Grandpa rode up here with Joshua Holmeswagon and horse Finished oats. 25.Spent the day working in the hay finishing all up in good season for this year Lafette Ward has helped us part of the time. Grandpa came up to our house just towards night to see howwe were getting along with our work & finished haying. 26.In the forenoon Calvert and myself staked and ridered the line fence on the north line of the west lot. In the afternoon sister Mary and myself went to Pokeepsie to Mrs Vails on a visit the afternoon and part of the evening then got homeat eleven oclock 27.Sabbath In the morning went to church at the Valley Mr Wile preached an excellent sermon. Miss Hamfrom Philadelphia played the organ she is spending a short time with her parents at Mr Newcombs

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28.In the morning and forenoon movedthe thrashing machine from Uncle Daniel 1 s barn to ours preparing for thrashing out our wheat and oats. Put the horse on after dinner but found that he was rather smooth and could not be used until shod for that purpose Calvert rode him to the shop and got him shod after which we thrashed the rest of the day. 29.Spent the day thrashing Father went to Pokeepsie Finished thrashing oats. 30.Spent the day cleaning up the oats. Had a very light rain last night. In the morning Calvert went to the-village to drive the Billy horse for Grandpa as he and Aunt Clarissa wanted the horse to go to NhemiahOakleys on a visit. 31.Commencedthrashing wheat after the machine had fairly under motion the strap came off or rather apart and the horse became fritened and made the machine or horse power all hum. I had quite a job to stop him could not until I had torn the cleats all off the pully wheel with the crow bar Father had just started with the one horse'wagon on his way to the blacksmith shop at Roachdale expecting to leave the wagon to get it repaired but he returned and let CaTvert go with the wagon and we went to repairing the damagedwheel which✓ occupied the day

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August 1845 1. Commenced thrashing anew after repairing the strap and pully wheel h~d some difficulty in getting the strap to run Father went to the Valley to the post officein the forenoon. In the afternoon Father and Mother went to Fishkill on a visit to Grandpas. 2. Had quite a light sprinkling of rain in the morning finished thrashing our wheat just before night. Had a light shower of rain just before night Father and Mother returned homeabout dusk in the evening.

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August 1845 3. Sabbath Went to church to. Pokeeps:i.ein companywi.tb Henry Sleight and Elsey Gidley or they with us to tbei.r church the Dutch church stoped to ·Mr:Gid]eys on our return and took dinner Met Edwin Stockholm there· Father and.Mother · staid at Grandpas until we returned they having road as far as our church with us on our way to Pokeepsie . 4. Spent the day drawing manure from the yard to the long field puting it in large heaps to be spread on the long meadowafter being ploughed. Just at night we drew water from the pond to the garden watering the vines watermelon and tomatoes&. 5.Spent the day drawing manure. Father went to pokeepsie with Grandpa on business Grandpa had his minature taken by the dagueriotype principle. 6. In the morning I went to the Valley to get my cloak altered that I had made for traveling. In the afternoon Calvert and myself cleaned up the wheat had twenty bushels from six bushels sowing. Grandpa took dinner with

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7. Finished scraping and drawing manure from the barnyard which occupied most of the day Spread the manure from the wagon on the,sap bush. 8. In the forenoon Calvert and myself drew stone from Uncle Daniels orchard west of his house to finish the gap where it lacked & In the afternoon Mary and myself went to Mr Edward VanWykesto take tea, Met Mr Brundage and wife Henry Sleight and Elsey Gidley there had a pleasant visit.

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9. Spent the day preparing for the west marking shirts basoms & It is the dryest weather that has been knownby the oldest people all vegatation seems completely dried up. 10.Sabbath Went to the church at the Valley a colporter of the West preached on the plan and system of colportage made an appointment for the aft_ernoon but it being very hotwe did not go to hear him preach I expect to start for the West in the morning in companywith Henry Sleight. 11.In the morning early prepared for our journey Father took me to the boat which did not get along until one oclock Weexpected it along by eleven oclock which made it tedious waiting. As there was no opposition we had ·a crowd boat and not the best of accommadations a night boat instead of the regular day line on account of some of the boats braking their machinery. Just at night there came a shower and continued until some time in the night At Troy went through to Troy and put up at the mansion house ( a very good house). 12.In the morning the landlord told us Mr Sidman Thorn had staid there during the night but had just left on his way home from Wisconsin. Wepaid our fare through to Syracuse at Troy and took the cars and left at eight oclock Had a very pleasant day's ride although ·the country through which we passed was rather poor and poorly managed the oats and Canada thistles contending in many places for the supremicy Found it not quite so dry and parched as at home and considerable oats not gathered and saw one piece of spring wheat not yet harvested. Arrived at Utica at two oclock in the afternoon where we got our dinners & was careful to secure a good seat in the best car Arrived at Syracuse at six in the evening and took tea at the temperance hotel near the large hotel being built at that place which is a splendid affair and will prooably cost when finished near one hundred thousand dollars Wepassed through it and had some time to spare to walk through the streets as the packet for Oswegodid not start until eight. We spent an hour or more on the deck stooping for the bridges viewing the extensive salt works

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August 1845 12.on the canal had a very. fa.ir view of .Oneida Lake & aft.er a very comfortable night s lodging and a fair night and morning at six finds us at Oswego · Edward at the landing expecting us. 1

13.After breakfast we all went down to,the pier except Edwardwho had to stay at the store to see the boats go out. The pier is a splendid affair built of solid stone by Government as a protection to the harbour in times of storm In the afternoon Calvert~ Henry and myself went over to East Oswego to see the flouring mills fort& .. Yhey have a great fa11 of water and splendid mills and some factorys & at this place after amusing ourselves a while we returned home and went and saw a man that kept fishing materials boats & and enggaed a boat for fishing on the morrow. 14.In the morning after getting a straw hat for-the day we went Calvert accompanying with a boy experienced in the business and caught a fine mess of bass in time to have them prepared for dinner The best weighed from two to four pounds. It was rare sport to pull them in the boat. In the afternoon we went and caught a lot more enough for the morrow. After tea Miss Garrison and another lady came to go with us to the revinew cutter as they were aquainted with the officers. We had a very pleasant walk on the pier and a fine view of the cutter after which we went walking through the villagecalled and ate each two glasses of ice cream after which we went to Mr Garrisons and called a short time heard some music & until time to return home.

15.During some part of the night we had the pleasure of being sarinaded by a company of gentlemen as well as our neighbors close by getting the benefit of it all. They performed well .. Wemade our arrangements for leaving Oswegothis morning therefore had a hurried breakfast Took a precipatate leave of my friend and the place took the stage for Cato four corners at eight in the morning arrived there at six in the afternoon after riding through a rough and rather poor countrystaying two hours at a small place called Victory to take dinner and rest ourselves. On our way Henry left his cane at our stopping place and a new silk pocket handkerchief at Victory of course lost. 16.Spent the night at the corners at Mr Livingstons a relative of Henry Sleight. The land is much better here than any betwen here and oswego. In the morning Mr Livingston took us to Jordon on the canal some nine miles from the corners where we took dinner before the packet come along which was nearly one oclock arrived at Clyde after six Henry concluding to go on to Geneva so I left him there making our arrangements to meet again at Rochester. Found my Clyde friends all well & 17.Sabbath spent the night at Luthers attended church in the morning in company with Carpenter Angell and Luther Redfield Jr OwenAngell and Mary Clapp? came and called at,Luthers before church a gentleman from Sodus preached I went homewith Owenand his siser law to the corners after church and spent the day and night. · 18.Spent the forenoon at OwensAfter dinner Owenwent to the village and I rode along as far as Luthers. After tea Carpenter and myself went to make some calls in the village but found not many home as there was company invited at Dr Houghtalins this evening Therefore we had ill luck but dont feel very bad. 19,Luther and myself went to the island after getting our breakfast attempted to cross the marsh on foot but did not succeed and·had to go round with the horse and wagon and saw Mr·Crandell looked at things in general~~d came back by way of Mr Parishes and stoped and took dinner at Owens-;fter

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52 DIARYOF ALSON WARD August -1845 19..wh,ch we returned to Clyde Carpenter and myself went and cal led on Albert -aftfar wbtch-.we-returned to. Lutbers. and I prepared myself and things for - the pae:1<:e_t ~hg..cl: Bn~eqrJy,-~eaancl the -packet hour called me to leave my friends -at.~tt C?fp~ntet· and~Lutbet fod~-on the· packet as-far-as the lock when -~--: _.bi~ tbem -f~,rewe.J J •----~-spent -part· of the evening on the deck.

2O.Arrived at Rochester at eight oclock in the evening after a pleasant ride and comfortable night's rest. Stoped at the Clinton Hotel and spent the day running round the place. Wrote a letter homeand sent a hundred dollar draft_ on the Rochester c:itY Bank at the same time I went in several of the large mills to see them operate went ·to the falls &at half past two I met Henry at the cars he being the first man that steped on the platform fr.om them aft.er taking care of the baggage we jumped in the Clinton Hotel carriage and road to the Hotel where we took a lunch dinner and in an hour we took the cars for Buffalo where we arrived at eight in the evening some expecting to meet Isaac Clapp and John Sleight by partial agreement but they neit'her of them made their appearance and during the evening we became aquainted with a man by the name of Jarvis Smith living at Elgin in Illinois apparently a very clever fellow .. 21.After breakfast we went to look at the lake steamers in companywith Mr Smith and engaged our passage round on the Jas Madison being the next boat out after which we took the steamboat for Chippiwa Canada and then the cars to the falls where we gazed a while from the the table rock went down the winding stairs to the water edge below ranging round from the sheet of water to the rocks taking the cooling affects of the heavy dew and spray which by the way was very copious that it cooled us finely although very warm and the sun poured down heavily After viewing the falls sufficiently from the table rock and the cupalo of the hotel near it and from the water's edge below we went to the museumand went through it and saw some curiousities the splendid Carma Obscura amongthe rest After we got through viewing all we wished on this side we road to the hotel opposite the ferry took some refreshments and went to the ferry and crossed over to our own side after which we had one hundred and fifty steps to ascend to get to the bank of the river where we each bought a cane and took a carriage to the hotel and took dinner after which we partly engaged a carriage to take us to Buffalo as we wished to view the falls from the American side and the cars started almost directly so as not to enable us to go over on Goat Island Wemet Augustus Downswho had engaged his passage on the cars for Buffalo. We held a consultation among~ourselves in regard to staying an hour or so more and taking the carriage we engaged but we considered the the length of time to ride in a carriage required taking all things in consideration we took a precipitate flight by jumping in the cars and arrived at our hotel at four oclock in the afternoon after resting a while we prepared ourselves for our voyage round the lakes by laying in some. small stores and putting our baggage in order & Spent the evening walking the streets & 22.At ten oclock we left Buffalo on the steamer Jas Madison which soon left Buffalo in the rear notwithstanding our eyes where anxiously turned back on the city knowing not but that it might be the last look we should have the satisfaction ever to have but we rest content by submitting ourselves to the mercy of the God that overrules the waves and elements. The day was a very fine and pleasant one and enjoyed our passage very much thus far our first landing place was Eri in Pennsylvania distance 77 miles staid two hours or more laying in stove wood & 23.In the morning find ourselves lying at the dock a place called Fairport staid a short time to get in wood it is a very pleasant day except it being

53. DIARYOF ALSON WARD August 1845 23.rather warm,and the.boat being very,mucb crowded make it rather unpleasant. At ten ocl6ck we arrived at Cleaveland where we spent an hour or two getting wood &had not much of an opportunity of seeing the city. During the rest of the day we had only the distant shore for variety being so far distant as not to be able to distinguish anything local until we arrived to the · Detroit river. Wearrived at the City of Detroit at ten oclock in the evening Mr Smith a Yankee Jonathan and myself took a long walk through the city it being late we had not an opportunity to judge of the caracter of the place but saw some fine buildings publick houses and the main street was the widest street I ever saw in any place During the walk I lost one of the heels of my boots which feels quite queer. The boat left some time in the night

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24.Sabbath This morning found ourselves moving slowly up the St Claire river the water being quite low especially on the flats for these large boats some part of the time the bottom rubed in the mudmaking the water quite riley at the sturn of the boat. The river appeared about 3/4 of a mile wide so far the land on each side appeared rather wild and poor Michigan on one side and Canida on the other. At half past ten oclock we stoped at a place called China for wood. It appears but little like Sabbath on this boat and the shore They think but little of the mercy of the God that made them which guides them. through the storm and permits them to float on the rolling billows. At the head of the river is an American fort called Gratiot and appears quite neat and handsomesome neat dwelling houses around it. After leaving the river and entering Lake Huron we had a wilderness on one side water on the other sky above At sunset Mr Sleight and myself , when on the upper deck of the boat gazing at the last rays of the sun reflected by the clear blue waters and could not but reflect on the awful situation in case of accident either by fire or by shipreck indeed it is too awful to contemplate upon by the most resigned of humannature. Wehad a very pleasant day not so very hot as yesterday 25.In the morning find ourselves still on the wide spread sheet opposite thunder Bay out of sight of land very pleasant and cool. At ten oclock we stoped at Presque Isle to get wood and fish. It is a very barren and desolate place inhabited only by a few fishermen.We went ashore and gathered some pebbles from the lake shore Saw some of the largest fish that I ever saw before weighing from 25 to 50 lbs very excellent eating all caught with hooks. At half past five oclock we arrived at Masinawand staid but a short time just long enough to see the place. It is a very cool splendid and healthy place in the summer. There is a fort situated on the high hill above the place or town There were quite a number of Indians at this place it being near the time for their annual pay or pension it being the place where they gather to receive it. I should like to have spent a few days at this place and fished as-they are very fine and large. Macinawis an island and only important as a military station fish & the soil is very sandy and poor. 26.Quite a windy and boisterous night some of the deck passengers were sea sick but I heard of none in the state room being sick. In the morning before sunrise we landed at Manitou island for wood. We hurried up, the waves rolled tremendously byit being very warm and my feet wanted washing. I took a clean pair of shoes and went on the gravely shore and let the waves roll over them rolling my pantiloons above my knees I had a very refreshing wash at this place they laying in a quantity of wood on the shore it appears very---and barren but there is a wooden railroad---back in the country which brings back -----therefore I presume the land is better back there---There is nothing but pines near the shore.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD August 1845 26.the shore of the lake appears very. sandy and barren so much so that in some places there were riot the least sigri of vegitation. Since ten ocTock this morning we have been out of sight of land therefore have not had much variety. The day has been spent by many gambling in the salloon it is reported that one young fellow lost 14 hundred dollars gambling last night ( so says report) Should the Almighty protector demand justice without great mercy this craft of iniquity would sink like a rock from human vision. This day has been quite _windy and rough. At twelve oclock at night we arrived at Milwalkie. Just at dark we packed our trunk putting up our life preservers and other loose property I thought I would sleep a little while asleep Henry saw a shower coming up it being very dark and lightning very sharp and being some windy and rough he got his life preserver from his trunk and blew it up while I during the whole time slept soundly. 27.Slept soundly after getting quarters at the City Hotel. In the morning Henry got up and looked out of the window and said well this is Milwalkie ah As I had lost the heel of my boot at Detroit and Henry1 s wanted mending we sent the porter to a shoe shop with them to get them mended after breakfast and getting our boots fixed we went to call on some relatives of his (Henry1 s) we talked some time with him (cousin) Mr Deceamer and finaly introduced ourselves he appeared very glad to see and hear from his friends at old Dutchess. His friends took great pains to have---- us enjoy ourselves. We had fine fishing at this place and caught some of the largest pickerel I ever saw and caught two that weighed four lbs and several more that came very near it. They oft~P catch them weighing as much as twenty weight we had but little bait and very poor find it more difficult to get bait than to catch the fish after having bait we for the first time sailed in a Indian bark canoe which did not leak a drop and was very light and portable. We had some of our fish for supper up at C.. Deceamers they were fine. After tea we went to our hotel and spent the night 29.After breakfast we hired a horse and wagon and road in the country a few miles which is quite wild and but little cleared up and settled it being so heavily timbered that it is very expensive to clear compared with the prairie land which surrounds Milwalkie a few miles from the city and as long as there is prairie land to be had so cheap as at present it will remain without being much settled. We returned at our hotel at 10 oclock. At half past three I called on Mrs Woolsey formerly Catharine Forman only two doors from our hotel. Henry went to Mr Deceamer1 s dogurcoty pr rooms and had his likeness taken while I was at Mrs Woolseys. At five oclock we went at Mr Deceamers (there being two brothers in the place)'grocery and went and took tea with him had some fish that we caught yesterday for supper. 30. Last night after midnight we were awakened for the purpose of taking the sterner for Southport. last night bid a long farewell to Milwalkie. Arrived at Southport after breakfast and went to the mansion house to put up. We wanted to go to Mr Clapps as soon as possible and our landlord was going out hunting in the country he told us he would go that way and we could go along with him so he rigged his two horses to the wagon and we jumped in and in short order found ourselves at Mr Clapps who was busy at work and did not notice us sufficiently to recognize us until after shaking hands with our landlord and taking a second look at us. We tied our horses and fitted ourselves with guns and went in the fields a short distance from the house and had the satisfaction to see plenty of game shuch as we Dutchess fellows had never before seen. The proper name for the birds we where hunting for is grout usually called prairie chickens they are nearly as large as the domestic fowl looking some like a partridge. We took dinner at Mr Clapps soon after we returned to the village Mr Clapp with us I wrote a letter after returning. At half past five we had a chicken supper at the hotel from our own game. After supper

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August 1845 · 3O.we prepared ourse)~es to make some calls with Mr Clapp amongothers we called on a Miss ·Mcay·a very fair and rather pretty girl soon to be married to Mr Clapp.had a verp pleasant evening and visit. Mr Clapp spent the night at the hotel with us but left very early in the morning expecting to find his brother at the boat. 31.SAabbath. In the morning went to church at the Presbyterian Church. In the afternoon took a sleep being disturbed for several nights we felt very much like sleep. September 1845 1. During the night we had a very fine rain which continued until nine oclock in the morning after which a companyof five of us road nine miles in the country to hunt, Mr Clapp, the landlord and a friend of his, Henry and myself composed the company. The birds were very thick saw some hundreds of them. I must first give a description of the appearance of the country along the road we traveled and then of our hunt. The land appeared just rolling enough to make it just right and in looking over the country it appeared more like an old settled place with with here and there an orchard through oak openings appearing an orchard in the distance. After riding nine miles to an aquaintance or relative of the landlord we drove in the yard and found him just preparing to go to the village with a load of melons they were just the thing we wanted to come across just about then after eating not a few we went on to our hu· ting the gentleman going along to drive the team instead of going to the village. After hunting till near sundownand getting fifty five chickens and some.other ga:~ we returned to the cabin where we ate the melons and found that the old lady had tea all ready the short cake smoking for us and would insist on our eating and if we did not enjoy it think I am no judge after tea we got in our wagon and went to our hotel at which we arrived at nine oclock after which we took a chicken supper. 2. Madeourselves ready for the next boat to Chicago which did not arrive until ten oclock at night although there were several false alarms in regard to its coming. 3. This morning finds us safe at Chicago by the splendid steamer Empire stoped at the City Hotel.After breakfast I took a walk over the river to the lake house for the purpose of seeing something of the place & On way back I,called on Sidney Downsat the land office. Henry did not feel very well and did not go with me. In the afternoon Henry and myself took a general ramble through the City. Went in a steam flouring mill. Saw some mud diggers for clearing the harbour of mud and sand and some machines for raising heavy timbers on the pier from the water. Wasmuch pleased with the place except its mud and sand.

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5. In the morning early took the stage for Galena and road thirty eight miles on the prairie almost a perfect level, the prairie most of the way to this place (Elgin) is too level for farming purposes the water has no chance to run off in time in the spring for getting in the crops. We took dinner at this place and changed horses. Expected to stop at this place and stayed with Mr Jabis Smith whomwe got aquainted with on our way round the lakes but having stayed over our time in Southport amd ohter places on the way we thought time would not admit of it. Just in the evening as we stoped in an old mean horse stable of a house to get something to eat and change horses after a time they fixed us up something imitating eatables and if it had not made us all sick, we might have thought it would have answered tolerably well but that was the case and we had rather a squally time cooped up sd,snug and close in the stage. The driver at this station being very sick and unable to go our driver was / obliged to continue on with his team having already driven over two stations ✓--

56. DIARYOF ALSON WARD. September 1845 5. the horses almost.tired to death and only able to crawl slowly along during the night: Our Toad consisted -of a Yankee, -a Kentuckeyean,a irish paddee, a Mr Niles, formerly of Columbia County., Henry and myself, three ladies and two or three others. In the night sometime we road under a tree with limbs so low that it scraped a large trunk from off the top and broke it open the small articles scattering in every direction but by the aid of the coach lamp we picked them mostly up and repJaced them putting a strap round the trunk to keep it together. 6. In the morning took breakfast at Rockport on Rock River took the rest of the day as uncomfortable as might be expected after living worse than Dutchess Co. days being jamed up in the stage all night some time during the night there came up a thunder shower and very dark. We stoped at a changing station and staid an hour or more the passengers that did not stay in the stage to sleep went in the cabin and picked his place on the floor for lodging although hard without any thing but bare boards we slept soundly until waked by the driver to ·get in the stage to continue our journey 7. In the morning took breakfast at the very meanest abject places I ever saw a partition to the horse stable a great deal worse than can be imagined. Rotten eggs for breakfast and other things similar. In the afternoon arrived at Galena situated on a very mean river with a mean name but quite as good as it deserved. Fever river is its name and is more properly a bay, the water backs up from the Mississippi seven miles and is nearly stagnant but the place although sickly is quite flourishing being the depot for the led mines which are very rich near this place we fared comfortably situated in this place a good hotel and every thing in order .. 8. Wake up and found myself partly alive but mostly eaten up with musquictoes. I slept with a sheet over my head most of the night. They use musquito bars over their beds to prevent their depridations but the landlord could not furnish us any as they were very full and all in use. In the forenoon we hired a horse and wagon and rode to the diggins about two miles from the hotel. I attempted to go down but after going about 100 feet straight down a ladder I could not yet see the bottom and got scared out and came up to the top paid fifty cents for my trouble durtying my pantaloons & felt better satisfied stoped at the smelting furnaces and saw nothing remarkable. After dinner got ourselves and baggage ready to start for Devenport in Oowie. The boat advertized to start at two oclock but did not get off till six oclock in the evening. After we got in the Mississippi we went to bed. 9. In the morning we found ourselves at the head of the rapids above Devenport but before breakfast we landed in OOwaput up at the Leclair house where we met Houyt Petres at the breakfast table who seemed very glad to see us. After breakfast we hired a horse and wagon for four days expecting to stay among our old aquaintances for a number of days but on arriving among them found them all sick nearly and very unhealthy we returned to Devenport and stoped only for the next boat to take us to St Louis. They had fine peashes, watermelons at Mr Velies and a splendid situation a gradual elevation from the river ~o the house. We gqt back to our hotel a short time after dark.

10.Early in the morning while in''the bed Henry heard a boat puffing and hurried me up thinking it might be a boat for down the river but it was an up boat. The boats on these went on all high pressure and they make a great noise. puffing out steam every revolution of the engine and can be heard many miles when circumstances are favorable. At 9 oclock we steped on board of a small boat for St Louis expecting to be off every moment but she layed at the dock or shore until eleven oclock waiting for keel boats to get over the rapids loaded with led As we pass Mr Velies we waved our packer hankerchief according to agreement which they returned. We had but little opportunity to see much

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September 1845 10.of .the country. and that on1y on the border of .the river but should judge fr.om what we saw that it was the finest of soil and climate but not very healthy.· Had a very pleasant day sail the scenery being varied and the waters much different from any we ever sailed on before deep,shallow,rapid, slow,snaggy and every thing else almost sometimes drag the ground sometimes all clear&. 11.At nine oclock this morning arrived Nanvoo,Ill (The city of Mormons)some 15 of us landed and went up to see.the Great Temple 3/4 or more of a mile from the river. One of the leading men amongthem showed us all that was to be seen about the building it is a famous affair five stories high including the basement. The basement is designed for the baptismal fountain and small roooms for dressing. The-fountain is built of stolid stones~ the rest of the building as is about ten feet high and oblong ten by fifteen feet across and is supported in part by twelve hewn from solid stone or marble of which the whole is constructed. Our boat lies opposite at a small village lighting itself to pass above the grand rapids just below this placethey procure scow boats very large and put their loading in which draw but a very few inches of water when loaded it makes it very tigous as they have to unload all their freight which was mostly led and after they get over the rapids reload again. We spent the most of the day getting ready to pass the rapids which we passed before night and some of the scows arrived and they commencedreloading during the night but the keel boats did not get along before eight oclock next morning 12.At half past nine oclock we were ready and started on our way hoping to get through without further detention to St Louis. Dur,ing the day passed some villages but most of them did not look very thriving saw several steam mills on the shore near the river. The river banks are in many places low and much overflown in high water and in a low time the miasma arising from the flats produce fevers and anything but a healthy countinance . 13.Wewere not able to move much during the night on account of rain and darkness and at three oclock we got stuck on a sand bar and did not get off until 5 oclock and then disabled braking some of the wheels so that we had but one left to get to St Louis. It will not do to be in any hurry we have given it up entirely now and are now wending our way down the river with two kee[ boats on each side to tow with but the one wheel. Just before dark we passed a wreck or a boat that got snagged during last night and was nearly sunk out of sight. The river appears like anything else but navigation full of is land snags, whole tree, sticken partly out of water and in many places the river separates in several streams and so crooked that it is impossible to see anything but wilderness ahead 14.SabbathThis morning find ourselves at the great north and south depot of the Great Mississippi viz St Louis Stoped at the City Hotel a splendid good house and made ourselves very comfortable. In the forenoon attended Presbyterian Church near the hotel. In the afternoon went to Doct Potts church which is noted above all others for the excellent music which was splendid. St Louis is splediddly located, fair elevation from the river and a very enterprisingand splendid place destined to be a great city at no distant day, In the evening we went to a Catholic church which was very splendid, I mean the building and the things about the -alter,splendid paintings on the wall & but the congregation was a sad contrast for they looked much like hogs in a gentleman's parlour composed of low ignorant foreigners mostly, In the evening after we had got to bed there were a cry of fire close by our hotel and a great rattling of engines & Henry came to my bed and woke me with the noise and confusion and the sudden start from a sound sleep supposing the house was on fire I sprang part through the musket9 bar and came near taring it to atoms but it happened to be very stout and did not get much damaged. The fire proved to be nothing but a false alarm.

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· September 1845 15.Aft,er breakfa_st we ordered our baggage to the boat and fo_unda boat that adv.erti.zed to start,on Saturday. The boats stay until they get·a ·load no matter when they·advertize to start~ ·Left St Louis at half past twelve oclock and went down the river at a rapid rate where the depth of the water would admit, came near getting fast on a land bar at half past three oclock during the afternoon the boat stopped at several small villages. 16.Find ourselved hitched fast along the shore in a thick fog which detained us until nine oclock before it cleared off sufficient to enable us to pursue our way. At three oclock we arrived at the junction of the Ohio with the Mississippi where we had to unload one hundred tons of lead which detained _us until eight oclock in the evening. The river from St Louis down to the Ohio is more varied in scenery than above St Louis, palisades on either side more on the Missouri, the shore often bold then low and the river quite crooked and very full of snags and sand bars&. At the mouth of the Ohio there is a place called Caro having been designed for a city and had nature made more moderate provision there would have been a city at this point instead of St Louis but the land is low and very unhealthy. The Rothchilds of Great Brittain expended millions of money embanking the rivers for several miles up each and building a hotel and steam factorys & which have all proved of no avail as the water gets behind the embankmentsand its unhealthy position forbids anything like a city at this point.

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17.This morning find ourselves some fifty miles up the river and find it pleasant and purer water than the mississippi. We passed the cave in the rock layed on the map as the boat did not stop we had no opportunity of examination the cave is said to be quite extensive there where a great many names engraved on the rock at the entrance of the cave . 18.This morning find ourselves some seventy miles further up the river. There are a host of gamblers on this boat,as well as all the boats going up and down from St Louis and Cincinatti laying wait for the unwary. I have seen large ammountsof money lost taken by these pirates. Wetook some prisoners on board the boat who had who had stolen a skiff and where floating down the river but got overtook and where being brought back. One of them watched his opportunity and jumped in the river when the boat went near the shore and made his escape after two attempts, The river is generally very narrow so that in many places a man can throw a stone across it the channel often comes very close to the shore. 19.This morning find ourselves at Louisville which is a very pleasantly situated place nicely elevated from the river. The boat staid nearly two hours after we were up and gave us a fair chance for looking about in the city as much as we wished. We left the place at half past seven oclock for Cincinatti just after we started another boat they raced it but our boat succeeded in keeping ahead of them and getting all the passengers on the way. Arrived at Cincinatti about two oclock·in the morning.

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2O.After the boat stops moving it is all useless to attempt to sleep on these rivers as the musketoes make a shure pray of the passengers unless resisted therefrom all and such as have no musketoe bars may just as well get up and consider defensive war as to try fighting in bed for sleeping is altogether out of the question. After the boat stoped the passengers where mostly up following and running round through the saloon making so much noise that it was useless to attempt to sleep for the few that had musketoe protection Henry and myself being favored with them. After looking up a boat for Pittsburgh we moved our baggage on it and after breakfast took a thorough tramp through the city. The markets are a great curiosity for us northern folks a great deal of all kinds of fruits and ve~itables hundreds of wagons on either side

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September 1845 the. street for a great.distance k~9 p _all kinds of groceries in the street wagons to. retai1 .. Aft.er 1ooking about-the -.city. for some ti.me we went to St Auburn on the north of the city a very elevated piece of ground overlooking the city. There a great many fruit trees, grapevines and ornamental shrubbery here making a most splendid place in the summer. Cincinatti is a very pleasant and enterprising city a place of great business, many large founderies and often heavy iron works and large fork (pork?) establishments. At noon we left the city on the NewHampshire a fine new boat for Pittsburgh. After being out a short time we overtook the mail packet and our boat being a new one they thought best to try their speed we succeeded in passing after a long time nearly side and side and kept ahead. At three oclock there came a showerand lasted until some in the evening making it very dark. At eight oclock we ran on a sand bar and had to use the spow? to get it off whjch detained us some time. Sometime in the night we ran foul of a log bar or snag that gave us a ttemendous jar but did but little damage to the boat. I do not wonder that there are many accidents on these rivers the channel first one side then on the other sometimes twenty feet of water the next momentperhaps not two full of sand bars, logs, trees and everything else.

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21.Sabbath. There being but little sabbath on these rivers it seemed quite a long tegious noisey day. Welong to be before the next sabbath at some quiet place that we may observe it more to the dictates of our conscience

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22.Spent the day as comfortably as might be expected mending our way through the streams over rapids part of the time aground part of the time in good sailing begin to enter the~cool region. Wearrived at Minetta at ten oclock at night. 23.At five oclock we arrived at Weeoting where we concluded to take the stage instead of going to Pittsburgh. · 24.In the morning took the stage and road all day and night over the mountains and arrived at Cumberland in the morning 25.In the morning in time to get half a breakfast before the cars started but we where with them and arrived at Baltimore at or near evening saw but little of the place. Took the steamboat and cars and arrived at Philadelphia at five oclock in the morning when we went directly to the United States Hotel and put up for the day. After sleeping until ten oclock dressed ourselves and took breakfast after which we went to Gerard College and where entertained admirably for a short time after taking a ride through most of the cityand seeing all the curiosities we repaired to our hotel and took dinner at three oclock after which we ordered our baggage to the cars for N York At two oclock we arrived at N York and put up.at the Western Hotel in Cortlandt St. 27.Spent the day calling on our friends and doing some little business. At four oclock ordered our baggage to the Poughkeepsie tow boat and at five oclock took our exit from the city

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28.Sabbath find ourselves lying quietly at the dock at Pokeepsie and where we started from some weeks previous. Weprocured a carriage to bring us home and I stoped Grand Pas where I soon met our folks coming to meeting. I went to church my appearance was rather unexpected. Mr Wile preached. After church I returned homewith our folks . In the morning early finds us at the lower landing dock looking out to see if things looked natural as they did before we left thought it looked very much the same and was satisfied that that we were actually at Pokeepsie~ There were some carriages at the dock waiting for passengers so Henry went to see and make a bargain to have them take us homewhich was soon concluded upon

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Sej)tember 1845 2.8..and we jumped in a two horse carriage and came out with a rush and go~ ho1:1e before, a11. tbe. foJks. were, up·. I came on1Y as far as Grand PAs and ·sta1d -~1.l] church· time and went to churcn.". Aft.er cnurch went ·nome·and _all-tliirigs· 1ooked quite natural. 29.In the morning I prepared myself to go to the Valley after my trunk as we were not able to bring it with us Sabbath. I hurried myself back to help thrash buckwheat with the machine. We finished off the buckwheat just at night. Edward Free, Charles Robinson, Minard Dean. Calvert Dubois helped us some of the time husking corn etc. 30.Spent most of the time cleaning up buckwheat, Calvert turning the fanning mill. Father and Grandpa went to PM T1 s just before dinner and did not find him home. October 1845 1.Father ploughed and I went to Pokeepsie with sister Mary and Miss Pierce to the County Fair it being the second day. There was not much to be seen. The address and the ploughing came off but I did not attend either. Wewent through the village hall and looked at the fancy articles, flowers&. I went to see the skeleton of a mammothor mastadon found west of Newburghsome twelve feet high and very large tusks 2. Ispent the day ploughing, harrowing in the meadow. Father sowed the rye. Mr Dean husked corn. We ridged the ground in narrow ridges and fixed it so the water can run off without much-trouble

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3. Spent the day as yesterday ploughing out the back furrows clearing them out with hoes. Mr Dean and Calvert Dubois_helped. Father went to Pokeepsie after Sarah as he expects to meet her qt the noon boat where he found her in company with Mr Daniel Platt s daughter. 1

4. Sabbath Spent the day home as it rained moderately most of the day. 5. In the forenoon it looked quite rainy and the wind blew cold and stiff from the north.Just before noon I went to the Valley and took some things for the Doctorthat Edward sent by Sarah from Oswego.. Ibrought Mr Dean homewith me to help us clear the ditchesbetween the lands. Weall spent the afternoon fixing them. 6. I spent the day ploughing the patch by the bars ploughing a ditch in Uncle Daniel 1 s field. Father and Edward Free fixed the ditches.Minard husked corn. 7. Edward Free cleared ditches,Minard husked corn, I spent the day ploughing and harrowing, Father worked with Edward. 8. In the mo~ning Mr Dean and E. Free finished husking corn as there where but seven stouts to-husk .. Wedrew in the corn although it rained before we got it half in, after finishing drawing the corn it slacked raining and we all went to clearing the furrows but it did not let us work at it long so we quit it. Mr Dean went to sorting corn, Free took the horse to the shop to get a shoe set. on. Father and myself worked at the buckwheat. In the afternoon Father, Mr Dean and myself finished clearing the ditches

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9. Father went to Pokeepsie in the morning. Minard went over the ploughed ground and turned over the sods and put them in the holes. I spent the day ploughing in the buckwheat stubble

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October 1845 1O.The day was rather stormy in the.morning but cleared off in the afternoon and was qutte ·pleasantFather and myself finished cleaning buckwheat and put it in the mill . 11.Sabbath.It was quite rainy and not suitable to attend church so we were obliged to remain as last sabbath confined to the house. 12.Spent the day in the mill being the first day ·for some time that we have been enabled to grind all day. Father sowed some timothy seed in the lot west of the houseseeded last fall after rye but the seed took very poor and he thought best to sow some on the stubble. Just at night Father went to the Valley with some grists. 13,I spent most of the day in the mill, Father,Mother and sister Sarah went to Pokeepsie. Spent the afternoon at Mrs Vails. They returned home in the evening. 14.In the morning prepared the wagon with shelves to draw stalks and got ready at noon to go at it. Wefinished all but unloading one load which we left on the wagon. 15.In the forenoon drew the pumpkins from the field. the mill.

Spent. the afternoon in

16.I spent most of my time in the millFather dug up the dahlia roots and labeled them.

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17.Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of oatsI spent the forenoon helping him rig off & In the afternoon I spent part of my time in the mill and part fishing with floating lines for pickerel. Poor luck . By missing the second of this month I have dated allowing until now dating one day back 19.In the morning went to church.Mr Wile preached an excellent sermon, the church was quite well filled it being quite a rarity to attend church as it has been rainy for several Sabbaths before. 2O.In the morning fixed the line fence in the west lot staking and ridering it, it having been newly lain after which Father and myself dug round some stone inthe northeast corner of the lot that was in the way of the plough. In the afternoon we put a blast in one of the stone that done good execution. 21.Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of oats and took Grandpa s pumpto get it fixed. I spent most of the day in the mill grinding buckwheat, the water is very low and cannot grind scarcely enough to consider it anything. This was a very cold and blustering day the wind stiff north and very cold. 1

22.In the mroning early'we started the mill for a short time. Spent most of the day working at rocks in the west lot. In the evening sister Mary and myself went to Mr Wiles with sister Sarah and Mary Elizabeth who have been spending the day at Grandpas and we called for them Sarah practiced some on the piano. 23.I spent most of the day drilling a hole in a very hard stone harder than any that I ever had any dealing with before. Just at night I put a charge of powder in it which done good execution. Father spent the day around, the house and ~ill. __ _ 24.I spent part of the forenoon helping Father fix in the posts at the head

62. DIARYOF ALSON WARD October 1845 24~of the stone steps and clearing the. leaves frpm in front of the house and · ih the road. After which Father and myself spent most of the remaining day blasting rocks.

25.Father went to Pokeepsie in the morning and spent the day. I worked at the rocks &until noon. Afternoon sister Mary and Sarah and myself went to the Wiles by invitation to spend the afternoon and evening. Miss Mary Conklin was there. We had a very pleasant and sociable visit. 26.Sabbath. A very Pleasant and warm day and a full church. Miss Pierce came homewith us last night and went to church with us. In the evening all went to church except myself it being so pleasant. 27.In the morning we started the mill and ground a little (and but little) the water being as usual very low. Mrs Canfield and Francis came to our house and spent the day. , 28.In the forenoon after doing up the usual morning work Father and myself prepared for Pokeepsie. I staid and took the night barge for NewYork, 29.In the morning early find myself at N.York very warm and splendid day very much like Indian summer. I spent the day running round the city took a look at the carriages pricing them and went to several piano stores and one of the factorys saw some very fine ones all that it required to purchase them was money. I returned homeas far as Pokeepsie with the steamer South America where I arrived at nine oclock in the evening I walked up to the Eastern House and put up for the night.

3O.At six oclock in the morning I took the stage for the Valley and in a short time found myself at the Temperance House where the stage stoped after which I went to the Post Office to see and get the papers letters & if any. after which I made the best of my way homeon foot where I found ·samuel-Mor-eand niece having arrived the day after I left. As they had to be taken to the boat Mary and myself went along and saw them off after which we went up in the village and spent a short time before going home. On our way homewe called at Mr Platts a few momentsand stoped at Grandpas and took tea after which we returned homeafter dark. 31.I spent the day round the house and mill. Father went to the Valley just before noon and staid until most night. Luther Redfield came at o~r house at night. November1845 1. -I spent most of the day in the mill. Father went to Pokeepsie to carry Luther to the boat and other business which occupied the day. 2. Sabbath. The day being rainy we did not go to church but remained homewhich makes a long day of it. 3. Spent most of the day in the mill. It rained moderately in the forenoon and quite hard in the after part of the day which is rather cheering to such as are in the factory or milling business.

4. The rain which continued until nearly noon has raised the stream finly so that we shall be able to grind all that comes after this the mill being crammed full to begin on. As to day is election Father made business to the Valley and voted but I did not go as we had a great deal to do in the mill and I did not feel very well. 5.

I spent most of the day in the house having a heavy cold and some fever

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63.

November1845 5.having worked rather hard in the mill yesterday. Father had to,to take charge of the mill alone which was a hard task as then when a great rush all of a sudden there being so little water for a long time back that it was impossible to get much grinding done. 6. As yesterday I was confined mostly in the house writing,reading &Father in the mill Minard Dean came and mendedthe harness in the mill office and did not finish to day.. This after noon I road Billy to the Valley lead Dick horse as far as the sho8 and left him to get shod. 7. In the forenoon I went to the Valley to take some grist and to get some leather to mend the harness. In the afternoon I helped Minard with the harness. In the evening Father and myself oiled all the harness in the mill office. 8. Father and myself spent the day in the mill. I varnished our best harness in the forenoon. It rained most of the day moderately. 9. It rained not very hard but so much as not to permit our going to church as usual lately we spent the whole day in the house reading&. 1O.The pond being well filled started the mill by hines? in the morning and kept it busily moving through the day and evening.

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11.Earley in the morning our folks prepared and went to the Jerry Platts to spend the day leaving me to keep house, tend mill, milk the cows, entertain company, if any should chance to come, do up the churning, take care of the stock, all of which I did up to the mark. They returned home in the evening 12.Father went to Pokeepsie. I spent the day in the mill as we have plenty to do it having been so long dry that many put off getting their grinding done all that could be put off. 13.Ward Wesley came to day to commencethrashing our rye with the flail. I helped him occasionaly when I could leave the mill. Father went in the forenoon to Daniel I Wards to get some pigs ( he bought of him) in the one horse wagon with boards over the box to keep them in. They weighed nearly 27 lbs and paid one dollar each 14.I spent the day in the mill WardWesley continued thrashing the rye. Edward Free ploughed for us in the west lot. In the afternoon Father drew stone in the same lot with Uncle Daniel s oxen. 1

15.I spent the forenoon in the mill. In the afternoon I ploughed in the place of EdwardFree who helped Uncle Daniel kill hogs. Ward Wesley thrashed. 16.Sabbath. Spent the morning preparing for church. It was a very pleasant day except being rather cool. It was communion.MrWile preached. 17.I spent the forenoon in the mill. In the afternoon I drew stone in the west lot Father helping part of the afternoon after which he went to the Valley.

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18.I spent most of the day in the mill. Father went to Pokeepsie in the one horse wagon and took some sheep for Uncle Daniel Ward. Wesley thrashed. Edward Free ploughed for us. 19.I spent the day in the mill and helped clean up the rye. In the evening Father went to the Valley to carry some grist & 2O.In the forenoon I spent my time in the mill and in the afternoon I ploughed in the place of E. Free who wished to leave home.

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64. DIARYOF ALSON WARD November1845 21. I spent the day in the mi11 grinding most of .the time often on rye (our own crop) for market .. 22.Sister Mar'Y:,S-arah and myself went to Pokeepsie I went to see David Webster who was at Pokeepsie pleading a cause but had not the satisfaction to hear him say much as they had not finished examining witnesses. 23.Sabbath. It rained as is commonto prevent our going to church. There has been a great many rainy Sabbaths so as to make it quite easy times for ministers. 24.Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of rye flour I spent the day in the mill. 25.Grandpa and Clarissa and Letty Smith spent the day at our house Father spent part of his time in the house entertaining them. I spent my time in the mill. 26.Father, Mother, Grandpa and Clarissa started to go to Mr Platts on a visit but not finding them· home they went on to Pokeepsie. I spent my time in the mill. Webought some wheat of Mr Houghtalin paying ten shillings per bushel. On account of the great foreign demand all kinds of grain have risen nearly half in value, oats being worth fifty cents during the last year, they have commandedfrom twenty five to thirty one cents per bushel, wheat flour from four and half to seven dollars per bbl. 27 &28. Father and myself spent our time in the mill. 29.I spent my time in the mill. Ward Wesley and a comrad of Edward Free helped thrash rye. Father spent part of the time in the mill and part in the back.

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3O.Sabbath. Snowed very fast . Wishing to finish the year with this book I will record weekly instead of daily on account of room hereafter. Demember1845 1-7. During the whole of this week I have been in the mill which we keep moving lively while profit continued.Last Friday Henry A Sleight and Miss Gidley came and called at our house to inform us of a visit from our Hopewell friends and themselves on Tuesday of next week. 7-14. Spent the week as usual in the mill except Tuesday and Wednesdaywhich were spent in entertaining companyMr Edwin Stockholm and sister, cousin Charles Monfort and sister,Henry A Sleight and Miss Gidley staid all night with us. On Wednesdaythe tenth being my birthday we celebrated it largely (was turkey for dinner) or at least1 I did. Our company returned home on Wednesdayevening. It snowed on Sabbath as usual. 14-21.During the whole of this week I have been closely confined to the mill being full of feed buckwheat. On Friday the turnpike folks Henry Sleight,Edward Barnes and wife, Mary Platt Barnes, Miss Gidley and Mary came to our house to take a ride expecting to go to the Hollow as Father was not yet home from Pokeepsie and the mill had to go I was the only man to keep it running, so I had it to do. 21I have spent the most of my time in the mill. On Tuesday night we went to the Wiles given party there was not quite as large a company as last year which makes it quite as agreeable for them that were there .. On Wednesday Father and Mother went to Pokeepsie on a visit to Mr Began.. On Thursday Henry Sleight and Charles Platt came to our house to make us a Christmas call. and invite us to a temperance festival at the Eastern House on NewYear's eave, Henry being one of the committee. On Tuesday b~ previous engagement

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December1845 21Mary and myself. Mary Platt and brother, Henry Sleight and ElseyGidley went to Dr Remsonson a visit took tea and spent the evening after which we returned home. Spent Wednesdayin the mill. The rest of the week I have recorded in a new volume. ENDOF FIRSTBOOK

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SECOND BOOK

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January 1846

What though through this world our course may be varied Our joys ever mingled with grief There s rest for the pilgrim a homefor the wearied From troubles and trials relief. 11

1. NewYear day opens upon us as fair as we could wish with very good sleighing and many a merry sleigh filled with gala hearts theratleang bells and joyful countenances tell well that all enjoy. Although I had not the pleasure of so enjoying the day yet I felt joyful thankful to think that myJife and health had been spared through the past year and was permited to enter a new year with prospects favorable. I spent the day in the mill, Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of flour. 2. To day it has rained most of the day and has nearly spoiled the sleighing. I spent most of my time in the mill. In the evening Father and Mother went on a visit to Mr Enoch Flaglers. 3. I spent the day in the mill. In the afternoon Father went up to Uncle Daniels t~ try out lard Uncle Daniel having bought our pork we buying the lard of him. 4. Sabbath. In the morning went to church in the sleigh although it was not the best of sleighing only ice being left in the road. It was a very pleasant day and a large number to church. Mr Crapo Lake was buryed to day at the Methodist church sermon at our church. 5. Spent part of the day drawing stone from the meadowto the hog pen, some part of the time in the mill &. 6. I spent the day in the mill. Father went to Pokeepsie and spent the day in business with Gen Brush in regard to western matters. 7. I spent the day in the mill. Father went again to Pokeepsie on business with Gen Brush. 8. Spent my time in the mill mostly. In the evening Father,Mother and Sarah went to Mr Zacheus Newcombsto spend the evening. Sister Mary and myself went to Mandervilles donation party. 9. Spent most of my time in the mill. Mr and Mrs AbrahamTwith come from LaGrange and took dinner with us. In -the evening Father and myself the lower run of stones. ldressedJ 1O.Father went again to Pokeepsie came back by the way of Pudney1 s millsto see Mr Cadwisein regard to their usual tolls of corn in the ear & 11.Sabbath. In the morning went to church Mr Wile preached. In the evening went to the churchto temperance meeting. Mr Howspoke on the licence question There were but few out on account of there being some misunderstanding between the WASHINGTONIANS ANDTHEOLDSOCIETY SO THEYHADA MEETING AT THESAME TIME IN THEHALL.

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12.Father and myself spent the day drawing up wood from the pile under the wood house. Just at night shelled some corn in the corn house with the sheller. 13.Father and myself spent most of our time in the mill ground a load of corn in the ear for John D. Brownfor the tenth part As some of the millers have varied from their usual toll by his account we ground his load at his will until we have the opportunity of inquiring into the fact.

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January 1846 14.I spent the day in the.mt)]. In the.morning Father went to the Valley with ~o~e flour iri -the one horse wagon and drove the Mack horse after returning from the Valley he went to Mr Pni11i.ps after a keg of cider but did not find him homebut left the keg. 15.I spent the day in the mill. In the morning Father went again to Mr Phillips for his keg of cider for mince pies but did not get any he not having it to spare after which he went again to-the-Valley with some flour for Mr Dudley & Dean Drove the Mackhorse. In the evening the whole family except myself went to Mr Jack Motts on a visit. 16.Spent my time in the mill. In the afternoon Father and Mother went to Mr Wiles to spend the evening together with Grandpa and Clarissa, Uncle Daniel and wife and some other company. Just at night it began to snow quite fast and snowed moderately at bed time. 17.Father and myself spent our time in the mill shelled corn in the shed and spent a short time in the house after dinner as it snowed quite fast during the day and there were but few calls at the mill. 18.Sabbath. This morning the sky is clear and the air cold and keen, the sun shone very bright but the air was cold. Having cleared off in the night we cannot expect it to remain so long. The thermomether stood at ten degrees below zero at sun down and quite windy.. In the morning went to church in the sleigh Mr Wile preached there were a fair number out although cold and unpleasant.

19.Ispent the day in the mill. Father went to Pokeepsie to get some lumber and to see Daniel Lattin to get him to come and build a small house took some wheat flour along but the market not fitting brought it back. 2O.I spent the forenoon and part of the afternoon drawing stone from the meadow to the south line between us and Mr Cronkwrite after which I remained in the house. Charles and Mary Platt being to our house on a visit. Father tended mill. 21.Commencedsnowing about ten oclock and continued throughout the day very fast. In the afternoon it drifted very much. Father and myself spent out time in the mill. 22.Early in the morning Father went to the Valley to carry some gusts and brake the road &after which we went and fixed a road in the long meadowfor drawing manure to the peach orchard by drawing on snow where it had drifted off by afternoon got ready for drawing stone and manure.Wetried to kill two birds with one stone by drawingfrom the house a load of manure and back a load of stone. 23.I spent most of the day drawing stone and manure. In the evening went to Mr Gidleys on the turnpike where they had invited a small company. 24.Ispent the day in the mill.Father drew stone. In the eve~ing Father and Mother went to Gideon Downingsona visit. 25.Sabbath. It being a very warmand pleasant day there were quite a good number tochurch. It thawed so as to spoi1Jthe sleighing in many where it was drifted thin.

26.Early in the morning Father went to Pokeepsie in the sleigh by way of Daniel, Lattins to see him in regard of doing some carpenter work for us but he was ' otherwise engaged. Mary E. Ward went with Father to her school having spent Sabbath homeMissBoyd came homewith her sister Sarah went along to Pokeepsie with them to keep them companythe sleighing is very poor. 27.I spent most of my time in the mill. Father went to the Valley to see Mr

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68.

January 1846 27.Dunkin in regard to doing some carpenter work and got some locust timber for sills of Dunkanand Farrington for owr small building. 28.Mr Dunkin came this morning to begin his job fixed the barn so that he might frame and finish his building in there and move it afterward. I spent most of my time in the mill and other places on_the premises. 29.I spent my time with us. Father Mary and myself were a very fair

in the mill, Mr Dunkin in the barn having spent the night went to Pokeepsie after a load of lumber. In the evening sister went to a temperance festival at Mr SimmonsHotel where there turnout about one hundred and fifty took supper there.

3O.I spent most of the day in the mill. Father was affected with a severe sick headache and kept the house :most of the day. Mr Dunkin worked in the barn 31.In the forenoon Father and myself shelled the remainder of our corn crop. In the afternoon spent most of my time in the mill. In the morning early it was warm and foggy a little after sunrise it partly cleared off very pleasant at noon it clouded up and the wind blew fresh and cold and at night it blew almost a gale and very cold. It is quite unusual to have so many changes in one day. These straggling tides of life that seem In shifting aimless course to tend Are eddies of the mighty stream That rolls to its predestined end. 11

February 1846 1.Sabbath. The day was cold and had the appearance of a storm but we went to church although unpleasant. There were not many at church.Mr Wile preached. 2. I spent part of the forenoon helping Father fix a hog pen trough on a new plan a self feeder so calculated that by filling it it would last a day or so. In the afternoon spent most of our time dressing out stuff for Malodeon peddle and frame for book to lie on in front of instrument. 3.In the forenoon worked in the mill branded a number of bbls of flour & . In the after noon towards night carried the corn from the corn house to the mill. In the afternoon Uncle Daniel fished on the ice for pickerel and caught five moderate sized-ones. 4. Spent most part of _the day in the mill. In the aft_ernoon William Smithtraced out a vain of waterby the usual rod or namely a peach tree crotch and found one just where he wanted to dig for a well.In the forenoon Father and Mr Dunkin went to the funeral of John L Ingraham at the Methodist Chapel. Uncle Daniel kept his hooks set during the day and caught eight pickerel five of them before breakfast. 5. In the forenoon I went to Mr Palmers shop to get the Mack horse shod and get some bolts fixed for bolting on the gutters of the building that we are fitting up in the barn. While waiting at the shop for the work Mr Lake who works Mr Paul Flagler s place came along with a load of corn he had sold to John Henry and enquired the way so I road along with him over there. Mr Conklin and Uncle Daniel fished the pond with some others and caught fourteen pickerel. 1

6. I spent the day in the mill had plenty to do. Father went over to Verbank and to Alfred Moores to arrange matters in regard to tools (Tolls) taken of corn'in the ear there being some misunderstanding in regard to the usual rate of tolls.

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DIARYOF ALSON WARD. 69. February 1846 7 .. Spent. tbe. day i.n the_ 01.i.lJ. In the aft.ernoon Father went over to Mr Owensto see'bow.Mh;:Owens·w_asgett.ing a16ng she having been.si.ck a number of _days;Towards night·Father·went to.the Valley to fix a pedd1e·to. Francis Canfield s-·nia1odiori. and to get the Evangelist. Mr Dunkin has spent the week at work at the building before mentioned. 1

8.-·sabbath.A very cold blustering day Father,Mary and Sarah went to church, the going is quite rough and unpleasant. 9. I spent the day in the mill. Grandpa came up with Mr Baright to the mill and staid until his grist was finished and returned with him. IO.Early in the morning I went to Daniel I. Wards to get some information in regard to the usual time of holding the annual school meeting in our district as it is my duty to give the public notice of the meeting being clerk of the district. Not being able to find out the time by Daniel I Ward I went to the Valley to see Theodorus Brownon the subject together with other business. 11.Spent part of the day in the barn helping Father and Mr Dunkin finish up their carpenter jobs fixing the banisters to the gate way&finished all up by noon and Mr Dunkin left. In the evening sister Mary and Sarah and myself went to the Doctors on a visit took the Malodeon along to compare it with Francises Aunt Clarissa and Letty Smith were there. We had quite a snow storm to come home in. 12.I spent most of the day in the mill.

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13.A very cold morning the thermometer stood at zero in the morning early in the after part of the day it had moderated so as to be quite warm. There was a gentleman from Montayanna called to see us on his way to NewYork in regard to buying some land of us in that vicinity,after dinner went along with him as far as the turnpike gate as he was going as far as Pokeepsie yet to day. 14.St Valentine s Day. In the morning prepared some valintines for Father and Mother to take to the Pokeepsie office received one yesterday one day before date. Father and Mother went to Pokeepsie. Ispent the day in the mill Father kept it running in the evening. It looked very much like snow in the evening 1

15.Sabbath. a very stormy and unpleasant day continued snowing during the day and night. 16.In the morning the first thing was to make paths round the door and make preparation for braking roads &After breakfast I went to the Valley with the two horse sled to break roads. I was the first sleigh out and get through without any shoveling although it was some drifted in places of a conciquence there was some bare spots to balance I got three Valentines out of the office having got some on Friday one day before the time.

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17.In the morning after breakfast we prepared to go to Poughkeepsie with a load of flour but just before Father started to go Charles Platt came to our house to inform us of a sleigh ride being got up for the after part of the day giving us an invitation.At one oclock nine of us started for Hopewell in a two horse sleigh for Mr AbrahamStockholms arrived between four and five oclock and spent an evening pleasantly left at one oclock in the morning got home at five got a small bit of lodging 18. Got up at ten oclock in the morning. Father had just started for Pokeepsie with his load of flour after getting my eyes picked open fairly and getting soemthing to eat Iwent to the mill and found some grinding,spent most of the day in the mill.

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70. DIARYOF ALSON WARD. February 1846 19.Early in the morning I went to.draw some loads of wood for Ward Wesley fr_om Daniel I Ward,'·s-.1ot soatb of _ZacheusNewcombs ·got through· and returned .borne by one ocldck and fo_undMr Jacob Monfo_rtS·s ·foJks· at our· house on a vi.sit:.·· They returned home in the evening.all except Jane ·Annwho is going to stay a few days with us. 20.A real stormy day snow the whole day thicker, faster and more of it the wind blowed from the east conciquently covered the bare spots that were left so by the drifting of the first snow. Father and myself spent the day in the mill picked the lower run of stone after which we took up the upper r~n to stop a leak. 21. Spent most of the day in the mill just before noon I went to the Valley to help break the road Jane Ann and Sarah went along as far as Grandpas for a sleigh ride. In the afternoon Father went to the Valley to bring Miss Pierce and to see Aunt Clarissa as she is not very well. 22.Sabbath. We all went to church a good large load. Mr Wile preached it being a very warm day and fair sleighing there were quite a large number out. 23.In the morning prepared to take Mr Wile a load of wood, just as I was ready to start with it Charles Platt came riding up with Luther Radfield rather unexpected to us as he does not usually have business this way in the winter. He stoped on his way from NewY~rk. In the afternoon Father and Uncle Daniel went to the funeral of Mrs Stephen Lockwoodat LaGrange. I spent the afternoon in the mill.

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24Early in the morning prepared ourselves and went to Hopewell to cary Jane Ann Monfort On our way near there we got overset and spilled us all out in the snow. We had fun enough to keep us from freezing to death the short distance we had to ride before getting there we spent part of the evening and returned home. 25.Early in the morning prepared to cary Luther to Columbia Co for the purpose of getting to the cars at Chatham Corners, Arrived at Mr Angells at eight oclock in the evening the same hour being the starting hour in the morning StoPed':....onehour at Lower Red Hookfed our horse and took dinner. 26.In the morning after breakfast William Angell and Mr Stephen Thorn's puck was in from Washington,Dutchess County harnessed their horses and took Luther over to the depot ~t Chatham. I accompanyed them there.It was one of the coldest days or at least the the most blustering and tegious we have had this winter after returning homewe all kept very snug to the house during the day. 27.A very fine clear morning and cold. Daniel (Stephen Thorn's hired man) started for homebut as Mr Angell 's young folks were going to a small party in the evening they urged me to stay a day longer~ In the evening we went to the party by way ofspencertownto get Miss Niles who returned to Mrs Angells and staid all night. The companywas very small as the most of them were from a distance and were to come in a large sleigh together but for some c3use they did not arrive.

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28. Early in the morning I prepared for home and got off at half past eight. It snowed very little during the day which made it rather unpleasant got home at eight in the evening and found all things right side up. March 1846 l.Sabbath.Fine sleighing and cold enough to keep it. All went to church except myself :as I had not fairly got over my trip of yesterday. !thought best

DIARYOF ALSON WARD·.

71.

March 1846 1. to remain home. This is remarkable weather for the first of March it appears much like the depth ·of ~inter the ground is co~ered with two fe~t or more · of ~now and fine sleighing,·. · · · · ..

2. I spent the day in the mill mostly. Father was part of the time in the mill with me and part in the house and other parts of the premises. 3. Father went to Pokeepsie to engage some flour and other business. I spent my time in the mill. 4. Father and Mother went after dinner to the Valley to Grandpas on a visit and to attend to other business in the village. In the evening Mr Phillips and family came to visit us. Father and Mother did not get home·until quite in the evening. I spent the day in the mill. 5. I went to Pokeepsie with a load of flour for Mr Caleb Morgan Father having priviously engaged it. It was an exceeding warm day the snow went very fast so much so that the sleighing was quite poor on my return home. In the evening Mr Daniel I Wafd and lady visited us. 6. I spent the day·in the mill. Father went to the Valley in the forenoon with some flour and meal for the stores in the village. 7. Ispent the day in the mill having plenty to do as people are anxious for their feed before all the sleighing is lost. Just before night we took up the lower run of stone to dress them. In the evening I went'to the school meeting at Alfred Mastans wagon shop. Father worked at the mill stones. 8. Sabbath. The day being very warm and pleasant and snow enough left for to be called sleighing we all went to church and almost every one else as the church was very well filled. In the evening all went to church except myself. 9. I spent the day in the mill had plenty to do as the sleighing is fast leaving people all want grinding done before the snow quite gets off. Father spent the day home. 10.I spent the day in the mill. In the evening Father and myself went to the Valley in the two horse wagon to carry some grists&. 11.Father and myself tended the mill. Grandpa came up to bring the papers the walking was poor so Father took him back home in the one horse wagon. 12.I spent the day drawing stone from Uncle Daniels new ground lot for stoning our certain celler. Father tended the mill during the day. 13.I spent the day in the mill it was quite a stormy day and had all the appearance of continuing through the night At night we took the waist way plank out to give the water vent. 14.Spent most of the day in the did not attempt to start the to see about getting some of rained by showers during the

house reading as the water was so high that we mill. After dinner Father went to Peter Coons his girls to work for us during the summer. It day.

15.Cleared up during the night and was very clear but cool. Went to church ( all except Mother) in the two horse wagon there were but few out on account of bad roads&. 16.I Spent the day in the mill ,Father went to Pokeepsie in the two horse wagon

DIARYOF ALSON WARD.

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72.

March 1846 lq~Grandpa went .a1ong aft~r he returned while unharnessing the horses they got scared ·and got away·fr.om.us partly µnbarnessed ;_ . .. 17.I spent most of the day for Grandpa and one for of .toe. Mr Pa'Jmer -s boys 1ri11 be1ow Mr Motts by 1

in the mill helped father load two loads of hay one Ruben Dunkin. Aft.er he had drawn his hay he and one drew stone to .fiJ1 the gully. fi.11 washed out on the the 1a'st fr_eshet.

18. I spent the day in the mill. Father went to Pokeepsie in the afternoon to take Unc1e_Danie1who was going to NewYork and to get some line and get some sash for bot bed. Mr Charles Brown~wife and grand, daughter were at our house and spent the aft.ernoon. · · 19.Father spent the day in the mill. I spent my time unloading lime drawing gravely from the lane joining Mr Cronk for making morter to lay the wall in our certain celler,that it might be rat proof. 2O.Spent the time partly in the mill partly mixing morter and Father began the celler wall and made a fair beginning. Towards night I went with the team and stoped for Peter Palmer to help draw some dirt on the stones on the hill by Mr Motts. 21.I spent the day tending mason the mill & Father acted as mason. In the evening Mary, Sarah and myself went to Mr Conklins by invitation expecting to meet some other companyfrom Pokeepsie with Mary Conklin who is at school at the seminary but on some account Mary did not come.Francis Canfield was there and came homewith us to stay till the morrow.

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22.Sabbath. A very blustering though not very cold day. All went to church except Mother, the going is very fine for the time of year. Francis went homewith us on our way to church. 23.Spent the day tending mason, mill & Father officiated as mason. Towards night Father went to the Valley. Finished carrying out the bees from the celler,carried a hive for each pleasant day till this day makes the last and whole which is only seven. 24. Early this morning sowed our clover seed after which I took charge of the mill for the rest of the day. Father spent most of the day fixing a hot bed in the garden for sprouting the dalias and the early maturing of other vegetables Paid Jsev,:enty and on'e,ha1f cents :per-bushel for western clover seed. 25.It rained most of the day quite hard.I spent my time in the mill. Father spent his time in the house, mill and barn. Just at night he went to the Valley in the one horse wagon and got papers 26.Our hired boy came this morning to commencework, he spent most of the day cutting straw in the barn. I spent my time in the mill. Father in the mill fixing hot belt &.In the evening Father and the hired boywent to the Valley to carry some grists. The boys name is Calvin Smith.

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27.In the morning prepared for ploughing sod in the east lot or peach orchard find it rather nerly and rough.Father tended the mill. Calvin spent part of the day loosening the ground in the vacant places or where the peach trees are missing 28.Continued ploughing in the forenoon or until I broke the plough. In the afternoon I went to the Valley to the colcas meeting. Uncle Daniel and Esq Allen from Washington were the candidates. Uncle Daniel got the nomination by a large majority. Father spent the day in the mill

73.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD.

March 1846 29.Sabbath. All went to church except Mary Mr Wile preached. In the evening Father, Sarah and myself went to temperance·meeting.

3O.Father went to Pokeepsie to get the plough mended and got some lime and some other articles, got some raspberry bushes from Mrs Vails and some cherry grafts from Daniel Beadles nursery. 31.I spent the day ploughing in the peach orchard a very stiff difficult patch to get along with. April 1846

sod and a very

1. I spent the day as yester'day ploughing the hardest of a 11 patches,

stumpy and a very stiff

stony, sod. Father and Calvin spent their time in the mill.

2. I continue speeding the plough. Father tended the mill. Toward noon Grandpa came up with a letter from the west from Luther. 3. I continued ploughing the weather is fine and sufficiently pleasant ploughing for the team.

cool to make it

4. In the morning Father went to Zacheus Newcombsto get some pare grafts from Mr Newcombsverg a loc trees. I ploughed. Father graft€d cherry,pares,plumbs :-:alvin shelled corn and other chores. In the evening Mary,Sarah and myself went to Qr Canfields with the Malodian to practice some tunes for the convention. 5. Sabbath.All went to church.Mr Hoyt of Pleasant Plains exchanged with Mr Wile 6. Father went to Pokeepsie with Mary and Sarah to make some purchases & I spent the day in the mill. ?.-Town meeting day towards noon. Iwent to the Valley on foot. In the afternoon Father came downas the church committee met on _.the ground to make some arrangement towards procuring more ground to attach to the church lot&. Daniel O Ward was at the head of the Democratic ticket for supervisor. 8. In the morning Father, Calvin and myself went to the peach nursery west of the house (ploughed yesterday) to plant the peach pits after which I went to ploughing in the peach orchard or east lot but had ploughed but a few rounds before the plough caught in a rock and it broke the large wiffletree and I had to come back home and get a new one made. Spent the afternoon ploughing. Father spent his time in the mill. 9. In the forenoon finished ploughing sod. In the afternoon Calvin ploughed stalk ground in the meadowfor oats. Mr Ross and Miss Pierce came to our house just before night and took tea with us. Mis Pierce staid all night with us. 1O.In the morning Iwent to the Valley with the one horse wagon to get billy shod. Uncle Daniel went with me left the horse and wagon for Grandpa to draw some manure and walked home after which I helped NemiahRobinson or rather he helped me draw rails from the lane fence in the lot west of the house to stake and rider the fence along the road to prevent Uncle Daniel 1 s sheep jumping over when·he drives them from one place to the other. In the afternoon I cut some locust trees from the grove on the hill for stakes. 11.In the forenoon finished cutting locust stakes. In the afternoon fixed the stone wall in places before staking and ridering. Father spent part of the day grafting, part tending the mill. In the evening Mary,Sarah and myself went to,the village to the Me church to practice some pieces of music for the convention with the choir.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD.

74.

April 1846 12.Sabbath. Father~Mother and Sarah went to church although it rained moderately and continued throughout the day. 13.In the morning early Calvin went after Miss Wesley the dress maker.Father,Mother and Sarah went to Pokeepsie. !spent part of my time in the mill and after Calvin finished ploughing I sowed the small patch by the spring and Calvin harrowed it. The day very squally, snowed some and very windy. 14.I spent the forenoon sowing oats on the patches in the meadow. In the afternoon spent my time in the mill. 15.In the morning prepared for sowing oats in the west lot joining Gideon W.Downing but the wind blew a perfect gale during the whole day and instead of sowing oats we ploughed the garden staked and ridered the stone fence north of the barn along the east side of the road. In the evening all but Mother,Calvin andmyself went to temperance convention at the church 16.Spent the day sowing the west lot. Calvert and Francis took dinner at our house and spent part of the afternoon. Calvin harrowed and Father spent his time in the mill, grafting apple trees&. In the evening Father went to the Valley to carry some grists. 17.In the morning finished sowing,Calvin harrowed Spent part of the rest of the day in the mill the remainder in the gardGt• Father and Mother went to the funeral of Mrs Jonathan Lockwoodat LaGrange at one oclock. 18.I spent most of the day in the mill.Father the oats ground.

grafted some. Calvin finished harrowing

19.. Sabbath a very fine day and a great many at church.The funeral of Mrs Degroff increased the,gathering. 2O.In the morning went to Enoch Flaglers to borrow his shelvings for drawing hay to Pokeepsie. In the afternoon after repairfog them we put a load on the wagon for an early start in the morning. 21.In the morning Father went with the hay and I spent most of my time in the mill. Calvin worked in the barn shifting rye straw from the hay mow. 22.Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of hay I spent most of my time in the mill helped Calvin shift some straw in the barn in the afternoon. 23.Father went with a load of hay to Pokeepsie Carpenter Angell returned from Mr Platts with him he having arrived there the night before from New·Haven, 24.In the morning Calvin and myself drew manure up to the garden from the barnyard and from the bason back of the shed for the melons after which we drew some rails for making fence round the peach nursery in the northwest corner of the lot west of the house and some on the west line fence between us and Gideon Downing. Father and Mother-went to Fishkill. 25.In the morning built the fence around the peach nursery. In the afternoon I spent my time in the mill. Calvin dug holes for the watermelons in the garden. Father and Mother returned home in the evening. <

26.Sabbath. Went to church in the morning. Father staid downat Grandpas until afternoon meeting 27. In theme~oon fixed our melon hills and planted the seed making a small hot bed of each hill in the following manner :dig holes two feet in diameter

75. DIARYOF ALSON WARD. April 1846 27. twenty inches deep fi.11 with fr_esh horse manure nearly ful 1 on !OP p~t four inches rich dirt or compost on wnicb p1ace the seed and cov.er w.1tb.f1_)1esand nearly one inch deep~ In tbis ·way we nave· fixed ·each :hi<J1and cov_eredtbem: · with a box covered with fo.ur· pains of sev_enby nine gl ,?,ss. ·ca1vin ·· harrowed corn ground. In the afternoon Mr Wile and family or at least Mr Ross and Howe came to our house on a visit and spent the afternoon. 28.Father and myself spent the day tending mill working in the garden & Calvin harrowed. Towards night Carpenter and Mr Ross came to our house to make a call and inform me of an invite from Mr Wile to attend the wedding of Mary Barnes on the morrowevening. 29.I spent most of the day in the mill. Calvin harrowed part of the furrows when it commencedraining so hard that he had to quit. Towards night I prepared myself to take Mr Wile and lady to the wedding of Miss Mary Barnes through the rain after all was over and time to return homethe rain•came in torrents with heavy wind at near midnight we concluded to make an attempt to get home but the wind blew so hard that we could not hold the umbrella yet the rain came in torrents and very dark so by · . the time we got to Mr Gidl eys we were nearl., wet through. Wethought best to- make the first port in a storm so we halled in at Mr Gidleys and staid till morning 3O.In the morning after breakfast we made the rest of our way homeafter which I went to Pokeepsie to take Sarah to the noon boat. She and Francis Canfield were going to Oswego. Calbert accompanied them as far as Albany. Father spent the day in the mill.-

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May1846 1.General Jay Day. In the forenoon Calvin finished harrowingand Father and myself built a machine for furrowing corn ground to plant by. In the afternoon I used it. ~~~~~,£d~e. Caprenter came to our house. 2. In the forenoon I finished furrowing the corn ground. In the afternoon Calvin and myself made a beginning at planting.Father spent his time in the mill. Last Wednesdaywe separated the dalias and set them out in their various places. 3.Sabbath.In the morning it rained some but before church time it cleared off quite pleasant. Mr Barnes preached for us. Father and myself only went to church. 4. A very warm and pleasant day.Commencedplanting corn in the east lot or peach orchard. Mr WmLane and son helped us plant.Father tended the mill. 5. Continued planting.Carpenter

Angell helped us.

6. Continued planting Carpenter and Father helped us. Weplanted with theoground furrowed ~~~but one way and that but poorly done. It is very sody and in rough order~ 7. Father, Calvin and myself finished planting just before or after it commenced raining at about four oclock.

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8. In the morning prepared a load of hay for to take to Pokeepsie. I went with it. Father and Calvin tended the mill down some machine work&. brought up some,shingles from the river for Grandpa as he is shingleing and giving his house a general repairing 9. I went to Pokeepsie after a load of shingles and other stuff for Grandpa

76.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD.

May 1846. 9. it looked quite squally in the morning and just as I got ready to start from Pokeepsie it commencedraining and rained most of the afternoon very hard. I stoped at the battery or Ed VanWyckstavern stand and staid an hour or so but stop it did not so I rode through it. 1O.Sabbath It was some rainy or at best showery.Father staid at home, all the rest of us went to church. Mr Philip Roberts of the Baptist church exchanged with Mr Wile and they preached a temperance-sermon the importance of attending the coming election in regard to licence or no licence and giving it its just support. 11.Father,Calvin•·and myself spent most of the day clearing our certain celler of dirt and drawing it down in the road nearly opposite the platform to level up after we finished it while the team was up we drew a few apple tree and locust bush from the south line fence to some in the meadowback of the barn to burn at some favorable time .. 12.Went to Pokeepsie after some shingle for Grandpa and brought a bbl of flour and plough up. Father tended mill. Calvin helped Uncle Daniel plant corn. Newscame of war with Mexico some Americans having been killed by a small army of Mexicans in Texas now American ground. 13.I went to Pokeepsie to get another load of shingle for Grandpa and some other thi~gs. Father atended to mother s house. Calvin helped Uncle Daniel plant 1

44.I went to Pokeepsie with a load of rye and brought back a load of plaster Calvin helped Uncle Daniel. 15.In the forenoon Iploughed a potato patch in the muck ground in the meadow and in the afternoon Calvin and myself some part of it with potatoes. lvlanteg/ 16.In the forenoon Calvin and myself finished planting potatoes and fixing the furrows for letting off the water .. In the afternoon spent most of our time heaping logs and setting them on fire. 17.Sabbath. In the morning went to church it looked some stormy and there where not a very full church. Mr•Wile preached Spent the rest of the day at home. 18.In the forenoon drew some manure in the yard north of the house and some to fix watermelon hills for later melons. Wefound that it was not,best to keep them covered too muchwith the glass covers it bringi them on a such rapid rates it makes them wilt and the first leaves die they are so tender when exposed. 19.The Great Day_to decide whe:er rum shall be peddled or not. After doing the morning work we prepared to go to town meetingand from there to Pokeepsie. Father and myself went in the two horse lumber wagon and Carpenter and sister Mary in the one horse wagon. Itook the tow boat for NewYorkFather brought home a load of shingle boards&. 2O.In the morning found myself safely in the city after a good night s restin the morning after breakfast went in some of the carriage shopsto price some of their wagons after which I took a general look at musical instruments and after taking a fair inspection found one that suited and made a purchase. Called on Samuel Moore1 s family and found them as well as usual. Took the boat for home at five oclock P.M. Arrived at Pokeepsie at eleven oclock and spent the night at the Exchange took the stage for home in the morning 1

21.Arrived home some before eight oclock unrigged and went on the road to work with the team and Calvin.

77.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD. May1846 22.Workedon the road Unc1e Daniel went to Pokeepsie and brought the Serepom fr_omthe_ r.i v.er.,, ·

23.In the forenoon moved our coffee house from the barn to its place over the ce11er dug for it Unc1e Danie1 he1ped with his ox team. In the afternoon transp1anted some peach trees in our nursery making them~even after which we spent the day mending fence. 24.Sabbath. In the morning went to church a stranger preached for us it 1ooked some stormy and there were not a very fu11 house spent the rest of the day home. 25.In the morning Father and myse1f spent our time drawing 1ocust brush from a1ong the road.In the afternoon sister Mary, Carpenter and myse1f went to Pokeepsie. Carpenter expected to take the night boat for NewYork on his way to NewHaven. It was a very warmand su1try day. Had a swarmof bees for the first 26. I spent most of the day drawing water,rai1s with the two horse wagon, the water to water sma11 peach trees that had been hand planted in the nursery and the rai1s to make a 1ine fence. Ca1vin with Mr Lane1 s boy finished p1anting corn in the east 1ot at noon. In the afternoon Ca1vin hoed out the grass from the peach trees in the nursery. 27.In the forenoon I went to the Va11ey to get the papers from the office. rained very hard most of the day.

28.I spent my time in the mi11, garden and around the house doing chores & Father spent most of the time painting .. Ca1vin dug burdocks and worked around the barn rained some during part of the day. 29.In the forenoon drew manure from in front of the mi11 to the yard after which we drew some stone from the door yard to the 1ine fence between Mr Cronk and us some rain during part of the day. 3O.In the morning went to the Va11ey to get some 1ime and some other artic1es As it was rainy we spent our time around the house,barn,mi11 & 31.Sabbath.In the morning it rained and continued raining very steady unti1 near1y noon when it part1y c1eared up for a short time and the sun came out very hot and su1try. There came out a swarmof bees but after they were hived a short time they returned to their o1d home. June 1846 1. Wespent the day bui1ding a new stone fence round the hog pen, tending mi11 &WardWes1eyhe1ped at the wa11. In .:the afternoon had a swarmof bees the same that minp1ed swarmingyesterday but returned back to the o1d stock .. In the afternoon Father went to Pokeepsie. 2. In the forenoon Father went to the Va11ey. Ca1vin and myse1f spent our time around the house and mi11doing chores¢ After dinner we went to the cornfie1d and started p1oughing corn but it soon commencedraining so that we had to quit after which Father and myse1f made a trap for catching coons that have made bad work amongour fow1s for a 1ong time. 3. Last night set two traps for coons and caught a cat in one of them. In the morning Father went to the Va11eyto the post office. Henry Mastain cqme and done some mason workin the forenoon. Unc1e Stephen Wa1dronwife and daµghter came to our house just before noon.. In the afternoon Ca1vin and myse1f commenced the corn I p1oughed and he fo11owed and uncovered.Had a swarmof bees.

78. DIARYOF ALSON WARD. · June 1846 4. :.Calvin and myself _spent the day i.n the cornfi.eld and at night I fe_lt very tired cl irnbi.ng the bi11 s a1l · day 5. In the forenoon spentrour time in the field, In the afternoon I went to Pokeepsie in the one horse wagon. Sister Mary road along as far as Mr Platts and staid until I returned Letty Smith went along to Pokeepsie. In the afternoon on our way home got caught in a rain storm or shower and staid at a tavern just out of the village an hour or more. 6. Calvin and myself spent the day in the corn. Father spent most of _his timepainting. 7. Sabbath. The first clear and pleasant for a long time.In the evening went tochurch an agent for the education society preached. Spent the rest of the day home. 8. In the morning all of us gave the garden a general cleaning out with our hoes Calvin and myself spent the rest of the day in the cornfield. -·

9. Spent most of our time in the cornfield went to Pokeepsie

In the afternoon Father and Mother

1O.Calvin and myself spent the forenoon in the cornfield. In the afternoon sister Mary and myself went to David Barnes on a visit meeting S?me other company. 11.Spent the day in the cornfield about this time to subdue it.

as it is very grassy it keeps us well employed

12.Spent the day in the cornfield.Father •

spent his time in the mill.

13.In the foreno9n spent our time in the garden. In the afternoon Calvin and myself worked in the cornfield. 14.Sabbath. In the morning went to church Mr Wile pre~ched. In the afternoon Mr Daniel McFarlin Senior was-buried a~ our church yard. Wedid not attend the funeral. Miss Pierce came homewith us and staid until evening Father took her home to the Valley. 15.Calvin and myself worked in the corn ploughing and hoeing. Last night Father staid to the Valley and staid up with Aunt Sally Beadle who was taken last Saturday with a stroke of the palsy and is incurible. 16.Spent the forenoon in the cornfield. In the afternoon went to Pokeepsie with butter & Calvin spent the day in the cornfield. Father spent his time at the house and mill. 17.Calvin and myself spent our time in the cornfield. 18.Father,Calvin

and myself spent our time in the cornfield.

19.As yesterday I spent the forenoon except father s part to go to the mill about the middle of the forenoon finishing hoeing. In the afternoon commencedploughing out the potatoes in the meadowbut a shower came up and prevented finishing them. Yesterday Aunt Sally Beadle was buried having departed this life some time in the evening of Tuesday. Father took sister Mary to the village to stay all night with Miss Pierce at Mr Israel Velies. 1

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2O.On account of the rain yesterday and some to day we worked around the house Towards night I went to the Valley after Mary.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD.

79.

June 1846 21.Sabbath. All went to church except my~elf ~nd got caught in a shower just before they got home.

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22.In the morning Father, Calvin and myself went to the cornfield and trimed peach trees after which Calvin and myselfwent at the potatoes and finished weeding them a little after noon. In the afternoon we moved some large stones from the wall near the swing gate to the hog pen to commenceor prepare to lay with brick over the pavements. 23.. In the forenoon worked at the stones in front of the pig pen. In the afternoon I went to Pokeepsie. In the evening after I returned homeMary with myself rode over to Mr Conklins and gave them a long callin conciquence of being detained there by a shower of rain. 24.In the morning I went to the office and while there the horse (Dick) got scared and broke loose and came near running away. Edwin succeeded in getting in the wagon over the back end board and reached the lines and stoped him. Spent the rest of the day ploughing corn.Fath,er and Calvin set posts around the pig pen. 25.Spent the forenoon ploughing corn. In the afternoon we had a small company at our house. Father went to the Valley to the church to meet with the committee to take some measures in regard to repairing or building a new church 26.Spent the forenoon ploughing corn. In the afternoon went up to Mr Madison Hamsafter cherries Calvin went along.

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27.I spent the day ploughing corn in the east lot. Calvin spent his time weeding it after the plough. After dinner Father and Calvin picked raspberries on the hill above the spring and got a fine lot of them. 28. Sabbath. The day was overcast and rained some at times and there where not a very great many at churchFather, Mary and myself went. 29.In the forenoon it rained quite hard at noon it partly clearedoff but soon became overcast and rained very moderatelyduring the whole day In the afternoon Father and Mother went to William Smiths on a visit. 30.In the forenoon Calvin, Minard Dean and myselfworked at the corn hoeing.In the afternoon I left them and went to Pokeepsie sister Mary went along on our return called at Mr Gidleys and Platts to see the sick Henry Sleight is quite sick Mary Platt as usual. July 1846 1. Rained very steady in the forenoon and quite fast in the afternoon it did not rain so but that Calvin and myself went to Zacheus Newcombsand picked some cherries although it did not clear off. 2. In the forenoon I tended mill most of the time. Fatherand Calvin went and picked some raspberries on the side hill in the long meadowlot and just before noon I went and helped them we got a fine lot of them. In the afternoon Calvin and myself worked in the corn.

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3. Spent the day in the cornfield hoeing corn Calvin and Mr Dean with myself spent the forenoon. Father helped in the afternoon so we went strong handed in the afternoon. 4.Independence Day~ Great arrangements have been made to celebrate this day in many parts of the County and villages but it proved a very stormy and unpleasant day so that many were very much disappointed I spent the day picking with stones&. In the morning Calvin went homeand Father took the hired girl home.

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DIARYOF ALSON WARD. 80. July 1846 5. Sabbath. The day had been ..cl ear, overcast, stormy,_showery and several diff_e_rent shapes in a short time. Father,Mother and myself went to-church ·in tne morning there ·was not a large congregation together on account of the weather 6. Mr Dean, Calvin and myself spent the day in the cornfield hoeing. It was very grassy and slow getting along. Father spent a short time with us helping but the mill prevented his helping much. 7. As yesterday we worked in the cornfield finished it nearly. Mr Dean went home at night. 8. In the forenoon Calvin and myself finished the corn after which we went at the potatoes weeding them in the low ground. In the afternoon towards night Mr Wile and wife, Mrs Newcomb,Mr Ross and T. Gowecame and took tea with us. 9.:commencedrye harvest.Ward Wesley helped cradle.

10.Finished cradeling at ten oclock after which all of us went to raking and binding. It was a very hot day the thermometer standing at 100° in the shade until after five oclock P.M. Webecame nearly exhausted in the heat.

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11.Wefinished the rye stacking and all just in time to escape a shower that came up about sun set. The day was very warmbut not so warmas yesterday more air moving. 12. Sabbath. went to church all except Mother after which there came a kind of shower so as to wet everything in the wagons exposed. Mr Wile did not preach his regular sermon on account of the· confusion produced by persons leaving the house to take their teams under shelter the winds and thunder 13-19. This week has been spent getting in hay and has been fine cool weather and good hay weather except Friday and Saturday which was some rainy and overcast. Edward Free helped us until Wednesday. WardWesley until Friday middle of the afternoon. On Mondayand Wednesdaynight I went down to see Henry Sleight who is quite sick. Sabbath it was rainy and lowery and we did not go to church. 20.In the forenoon it rained and we mowedsome, In the afternoon Mary and myself went to Pokeepsie. Took tea at AbrahamSmiths. 21.Ward Wesley came on this morning and helped get our hay together there being so much rainy weather we had a larger quantity downwhich we succeeded in getting up in good order. There has been rain every day since last Friday. 22.It commencedraining last night powerfully all night and in showers during the dayCalvin and myself mowedsome during the day. · 23.It partly cleared off to day but was some overcast and rather a poor day for getting hay dry after getting shuch a thorough soaking through but we succeeded in getting some of it dry and in\ cock again.

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24.Commenceda stack the weather was rather precarious but did not rain a great deal not so much as to prevent our drawing that which we got in side yesterday. 25.Finished getting our hay in stack that has been wet and bleached some of a week the weather has been very unfavorable during the week and has made a great deal of unnecessary work opening and putting up and reopening again & again

DIARYOF ALSON WARD. July 1846 26,In the. morning we a11 went to cburch.Mr .Wi1e preached.

81.

27- August 2. The whole of this week has been spent in oats harvest and we have been alone except Friday and half a day Saturday. Ward Wesley helped us the weather has been fine for getting in harvest and hay this week Sabbath went to church Mr Wile preached August 1846 Aug 2-9 The whole of this week has been spent in harvest and hay finished off except getting the oat rakings on Friday Saturday thrashed two floorings of lodged oats and rakings and finished raking stubble. In the afternoon it rained quite hard and prevented our getting in one load of rakingsFather went through the rain to the Valley.and round back by the way of Mr Pettits to see about getting some Meditrianan seed wheat Calvin and myself fished some toward nightFather went to Pokeepsie on Tuesday morning and returned at noon. Sabbath all went to church except Mother the weather was some precarious looking rainy Mr Wile preached. 10.Father and myself spent the day taring the stuff out for new ones the old ones wanted too large we thought best to make entirely was quite a shower of rainCalvin spent his along the ditches in the meadow.

wheat elevators down and getting new buckets and as they were always new ones. In the afternoon there time cutting grass and weeds along

11.In the forenoon Father worked with me at the elevators. In the afternoon Father and Mother went to Pokeepsie. I spent the day working at the elevators.

12.In the forenoon Father and myself worked at the elevators. In the afternoon Father and Mother went to Fishkill. ,At noon Calvin and myself fixed the cross way on water rack in the ditch on the line fence between Daniel and us. Mrs James Ostrom came and took tea at our house. While drinking tea Mr Garrison ConklinJ~came to make us a call but we persuaded her to stay a day or so u,nd daugb._ter/ 13. I spent most of my time in the house trying to entertain our companyas well as possible. Wetook a sail in the boat in the forenoon while we thought it would.be cool but found it sultry hotwhich made sister Mary's head ache so that she was very poor companyduring the rest of the day. Father and Mother returned home in the evening. 14.In the morning after breakfast Miss Conklin and myself went in the boat fishing, after fishing quite a long time in vain we were returning in dispair og getting any when we saw the small fish jump in front of the boat Wethought we would just halt for a momentand try there again which resulted in first best luck we caught twenty two sun and cat fish in short order while in this place fishing there came from under the buffalo skin which was in the end of the boat that Miss Conklin occupied a huge sea monster or water snake and jumped over the side of the boat in the water had we ben knownthereby concealed a venomwe should probably have had none other than different feelings. After returning from our fishing party I cleaned the fish for dinner after which I helped Father~finish the elevators as there were a few grids waiting to be ground. Spent most of the afternoon in the house. In the evening I took Miss Conklin home. Yesterday and to day have been exceedingly hot and sultry weather

15. In the morning I prepared a scythe for cutting bushes and went and began but it soon rainedso that we had to leave for the house. Calvin has spent several days cutting brush, weeds, bushes & In the afternoon Calvin and myself thrashed a flooring of oats rakings. Father went to the Valley. It rained fast and steady until almost night

DIARYOF ALSON WARD. August 1846 16.Sabbath. A very hot and sultry day It was communionand there were a fa,ir number owt. Father staid ·downuntil ·afternoon meeting at Grandpas.

82.

17.In the forenoon cut bushes in the west lot. In the afternoon Father and myself picked the upper run of stone.Henry Sleight and Charles Platt came and took tea with us. Calvin spent the day cutting bushes. 18.In the forenoon harnessed and leveled the upper run of stone. In the afternoon I went to Pokeepsie in the two horse wagon and took butter and brought back for paving the hog pen floor from the brick yard. 19.Ii the forenoon went to the brick yard for a load of brick. In the afternoon sister Mary and myself went to Mr Giddings and spent the afternoon and evening. 2O.I spent the forenoon sawing with the circular saw cogs and rake teeth. ~ust at night sister Mary and myself went to Mr Wiles to make a call. Miss Conklin went with us. Wefound none of them home except Mr Howe.We returned to Mr Conklins and spent the evening. 21,In the morning it rained quite hard and rained very moderately most of _the forenoon We spent most of the day grinding. In the afternoon it nearly cleared off and Father spent part of the afternoon laying brick. I went to Palmers just at night to get horse shod. 22.Early in the morning I went to the brick yard after a load of brick by the way of Jonathan Lockwoodsreturned the usual way and got homebefore ten oclock Charles Platt, Mrs Angell (his sister) and Carpenter took dinner and spent the day with us. Jn the afternoon Father went down to the church meeting to make arrangements in regard to constructing a new house of worship there were but few out and but little done. 23.Sabbath. The day was rainy conciquently we remained home ·,

24.Spent the forenoon helping Father in laying the pig pen floor with brick. Carpenter came up from the village with Father--this morning as he went to the village in the one horse wagon. In the afternoon I went to Pokeepsie to take Carpenter and Mary to the night boat for the West. 25.Calvin and myself spent the forenoon in the west lot (the south part of it) In the afternoon we drew some small stones to fill up the ruts in the road through the meadowand rails around the hay stack in the long field. 26.The day was rainy. In the afternoon it rained very moderately. Father went to Pokeepsie to take me to the tow boat as I expect to take passage for the City. 27.Find myself in the tow boat at the dock in the City. I spent most of the forenoon looking through the different wagon depots for the purpose of making a purchase found one that suited and made a purchase together with a sett of single harness Called on Mr Ganse and family found all well as usual ,Purchased two baskets of peaches 2§. Father met me at the boat having spent the night at the dock got started for homebefore day brake. 29.Spent most of the day fixing a corner to the hog pen_Father helping. Just before night I put a horse to my new wagon for the first time to try it. Mary C Wardwent to the village with me. I went down to see if the Doctor had returned from Oswegosaw him got a small bundle from that place.

83.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD.

August 1846. . 3O.Sabbath. Went to church:in the morning and afternoon. Mr Mandeville preached for us. In the afternoon just befo_r:-e w~ go_t.tq the church it commencedraining and rained very viol eqtJy. for, cl. Jeqgto.::..of ..Jime a ha1f.. hour or more from a sma11 .·c1oud. that'. haJ:t-not.~:?'luch:,tb~, ap~eqt~nce:'of ;·.sQ"l1llich rain .. -·

--~..

-<·

,:-•-

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31. In the morning early went to the Valley to get the Mack horse s~od After returning homewe started the plough. I spent the forenoon ploughing. In the afternoon Calvin ploughed. I trimmed out an apple tree that Calvin cut down in the forenoon and some locust brush that where trimmed from the locust trees along the line-fence. September 1846 1.Spent the day preparing" enjoying" returning from a picnic party at the pond hil1 region the day was very· p1easant and the companyconsisting of . about twent six appeared to·enjoy themselves as much as could be expected indeed they could hardly help enjoying it as everything_ that could be wished for was on the ground. 2. spent the forenoon cutting bushes in the west lot Calvin ploughing in the afternoon we drew locust and apple tree brush. 3. Spent the day drawing manure in the west lot. Weborrowed Daniel I Ward's wagon that we might have two wagons to facilitate the business. 4. Father went to Pokeepsie to get a load of Meditiranean wheat from the west for seed. I spent the forenoon in the mill. In the afternoon I cut some bushes on the side hill in the long meadowlot. Calvin spent the day ploughing. 5. I spent the day budding in the nursery, Father in the mill, Calvin ploughing. In the afternoon Calvin and myself drew manure, Father inoculated in the peach orchard. 6.Sabbath went to church in the morning (Father and myself) spent the rest of the day home. There was a funeral at the church the widowWoodburied at the Hollow. The day was excessively hot as all last week the thermometer ranged most every day as high as ninety four. 7. I spent part of the day spreading manure on the ground that had been ploughed we drew it on top of the ploughed ground 8. Father started very early for Newburghto get buds from Mr Downing1 s nursery of a superior kind called Crawfords- late Malacatine returned at about ten oclock in the evening. The weather being very hot he took a early start that it might be more pleasant traveling for himself and horse. Just before night Uncle Daniel and myself went up to see Henry Petres son who has been sick for a long time called on Mr Conklin's folks on our return. 9. Father and myself spent most of the day inoculating Calvin spent the day ploughing. 1O.I spent the day cutting corn for the first tended the mill.

peach trees in the nursery

this year. Calvin ploughed, Father

11.In the forenoon Father and myselfpicked the lower run of stone. In the afternoon I went to Pokeepsie to get Mary E. Ward and Miss Vancott (an old school mate) and bring them home to stay over until Mondayon our return from Pokeepsie we went round by Mr Conklins and took tea by invite.

84.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD.

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Sept 1846 12.Spent the forenoon ploughing Calvin complained of being sick_ ~nd I had to keeep the p1ougb goi.ng .i.n the· aft_ernoon 1 went up to lJncJe Dan1eJs·by ·invite Miss Mary Conkl in was invited to dinner. Aft.er spendirig a snort time Uncle Daniel insisted that I shou1d.go with hi-mto calkas meeting I returned in s.horts order aft.er .Ji.riisning voting just at rii ght. 13.,Wentto churcb in the morning the Methodist minister that preached at the · .village and _C)inton exchanged with·Mr Wile . . 14.Spent the day cutting corn, Calvin ploughing, Father budding in the peach nursery. 15.I spent the day cutting corn Stephen Wesley helped. Calvin helped in the afternoon. Father had the team to go to Pokeepsie for a load of seed wheat. 16.Stephen Wesley and myself _spent the day in the cornfield. Father spent,the day budding. 17.In the in the myself In the

Calvin ploughed

morning I finished cutting corn after which Father and myself went orchard and picked some apples for drying. After dinner Father and .toped the hay stack in the long field that blew off last Saturday night. evening I went to the Valley.

18.I spent the day round the house and the mill. In the morning I took the horse and wagon and took the weights and scales up to Uncle Daniels and weighed his seed wheat. Grandpa came up to our house just before noon after dinner Grandpa and Father went to Harbey Pettits to see him after they returned I went to the Valley to take Grandpa and to attend to some other matters. 19.Father and myself spent part of the forenoon fixing the water wheel to prevent the waters flying over and waisting after which Itook the Billy horse and corn plough and furrowed out the ground for sowing in the west lot. Just before night I went down to the Valley and took Aunt Clarissa out a short distance riding after which Letty Smith and myself road down to Mr Platts and made a call to see Mrs Angell and sister before they went west expecting to start on Mondayif nothing happens. 2O.Sabbath. Iattended the funeral of Alonzo Petres (being one of the bearers) the funeral was at the house a Universalist preacher preached a good long sermon after which we had to go up to the family ground at Col William Smiths which made a very long tegious job of it got homeabout four oclock got an early dinner 21.This morning it was raining after clearing off I went to the west lot and burned brush and spread manure until noon.At noon we put the horses to the wagon and drew the seed wheat out. In the afternoon I sowed until night. 22.In the morning early went and sowed wheat until nearly ten oclock after which I went to Pokeepsie after timothy seed and Father finished sowing the field. Miss Pierce returned homewith mean my way from Pokeepsie and staid all night with us. Calvin commencedharrowing the middle of the forenoon.

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23.After Calvin finished harrowing the lot over I commencedsowing the timothy seed before the harrow (which was about the middle of the forenoon) that it might get harrowed in .

24.Calvin and Ispent the day he harrowing and myself sowing seed jusf before night we ploughed furrows in the 1gW ground and father cleared them out.

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DIARYOF ALSON WARD. 85. Sept 1846' 25~1 spent the day sowing wheat and timothy seed in the ground in the meadow Father sowed·seed in the forenoon. Just at night Father and myself mowedweeds that had grown up in the potato field 26.In the morning I wrote a letter from Oswegoafter which I helped plough some ditches. In the afternoon drew some stone off the plough ground to the west line fence. 27,Sabbath. In the morning went to church Mr Wile preached. In the evening Father and myself went to Temperance meeting. Mr Alanson Thorn spoke and entertained the audience for a proper time. 28.Calvin and myself spent the day drawing off weeds harrowing out potatoes and ploughing the ground for the purpose of seeding down. The potatoes were so poor that we did not stand to pick them but got all we could find after harrowing ploughing &there where a part of them that roted in the fore part of the season which is a general complaint. 29.In the morning early Father and Mother went to the Valley to get some writings executed ( A deed for Mrs Crandell lot) after which Father went to Pokeepsie. Calvin and myself spent the day in the meadowexcept I spent a short time in the mill. In the afternoon drew stone and manure a load of manure and a load of stone back again. Just at night I went to Uncle Daniels and got some oats to grind for the pigs and horses.

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3O.Calvin and myself spent the day drawing stone from the ploughed ground and the rye stubble ground. Just at night Father went down to the Valley expecting to see Harvey Pettit and Grandpa together on business but did not succeed as Harvey did not come October 1846 1.Early in the morning Calvin started with the pigs for Pokeepsie. !helped him drive them as far as the Valley Hotel. We started at half past three oclock in the morning I went to see them weighed: They were weighed on the hay scales. Calvin staid down to drive the horse homefor Father as he expects to': start for the west to night with the night boat. As Father got belated in getting to Pokeepsie Calvin started for home and by some means they missed each other and Calvin came homewithout the horse 2. 'Calvin helped Uncle Daniel s boys thrash in the forenoonwhile Daniel Wesley went to Pokeepsie after the horse and wagon found him in the care of Abraham Smith. I spent the day getting the stone from wash way that had fallen in from the old saw mill wall.Calvin helped in the afternoon. 1

3. In the fore part of the day I spent my time in the mill. In the afternoonjust toward night I went round by the way of Gilbert Senvers to see if he had finished weaving-some bag stuff for us from there returned by the way of the Valley.

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4. Sabbath. In the morning went to Church Mr Wile preached. There was a funeral the child of Richard Dates. Spent the rest of the day home. · 5. I spent the forenoon grinding. In the afternoon leveled off the dirt and sods from the banks of the ditches and sowed timothy seed spread the weeds that were drawn from the potato patch to the up ground. Calvin commencedhusking corn. 6, In the morning I went to Daniel I Wards to get some cobs for to grind for corking.Spent the rest of the day gathering apples.Calvin husked corn.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD.

86.

October 1846 . 7. Spent most of ,the fo_renoongrinciing. In the aft_ernoon went to Pokeeps1e to attend the examination at the female seminary.-in Cannon St the room was so filled that I had but little chance of hearing but saw the fair young ladies which answered nearly as well. Calvin spent the day husking corn. 8.~Spent most of the day drawing corn and pumpkins after which I shoveled some in the ditch below the mill. Calvin helped draw corn after which he husked corn. 9.In the fore part of the day ground.In the afternoon finished picking the winter apples.Grandpa came up and brought the news paper and a letter from Oswego and took dinner with us. In the evening I went to the Valley to take some grists and calJed on Mrs Belden and daughter who have been spending a short time at Mrs Lewises. 1O.I spent the day at various duties ground some drew in some corn from the field Calvin spent the day going over to Quaker City after his sister as Nhemiah Robinson has lost his youngest child with disentary 11.Sabbath. In the morning attended the funeral of NhemiahRobinsons being one of the bearers Mr Barker of Washington made an exchange with Mr Wile. Spent the rest of the day home. 13.In the morning went to the cornfield and helped Calvin bind up the shocks of corn stalks as it looked like rain after which we drew in a part of load of corn and after unloading it drew up under the wood house some wood and returned the empty wagon in the field it commencedraining and blowing quite hard I set some fish hooks for pickerel and eels caught four eels and nine pickerel but had to get some wet in tending the lines the wind blew a perfect tornado . 12.As I overlooked the recording of this day (the 12th) I will ~record although not in tis regular order In the morning or forenoon I spent in the mill. In the afternoon I picked some winter apples that got overlooked in the orchard and thrashed the black walnut tree and picked part of·them up. 14.Just at night last night the wind blew much harder than it rained blew down some apple trees and some riders off the fences and other damage felt some in hopes that there might come rain enough to ·give us water sufficient to keep the mill going but this morning finds the water only a few inches higher but enough to keep the mill going during the day which I spent in the mill. 15.Spent the forenoon in the mill. In the afternoon took up some of the leaves in the door yard and in the road and took them in the barn yard after which I went to the village and made some calls & 16:In the morning early went to the Valley some expecting to meet Father with the stage but did not see him the Doctor received a letter from Oswegostating that we might expect Father Saturday if nothing happened.

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17.In the morning went to the village expecting to meet Father in the stage but as he did not come I concluded to go on and wait for the noon boat where I found him we returned home in time to draw in a load of corn. Heard of the death of AbramWright who got killed on the railroad by having his head come in contact with a bridge while standing on the platform To be buried at the Presbyterian church on the Sabbath. 18.Sabbath. The day was very cold windy rainy we did not go to church but staid close to the house cleared off just before night very cold.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD.

87.

October 1846 19.ln tbe morning Fatber and Mother went to Pokeepsie where they sepnt the day. I_-SP.entthe day in the nii11·ca1vin in the corn fie1d. 2O.In the morning shifted the stove from the back kitchen to the kitchen in the houseFather went to the Va11ey and to Peter Koons to take his daughter who has been working for us this summerI spent the forenoon tending the mi11 c1eaning or b1acking the coa1 stove. In the afternoon he1ped Ca1vin husk corn. 21.Ca1vin and myse1f spent the forenoon husking corn. In the afternoon drew in the corn. Father he1ped un1oad at the corn crib. Ca1vin he1ped 1oad up at the fie1d. 22,Ca1vin and myse1f spent the day husking. Father spent the day tending mi11 and doing chores and round the house. 23.Spent the day as yesterday in the cornfie1d husking. 24.Ear1y in the morning Ca1vin and myse1f bui1t a fence around a rye stack in the 1ong fie1d after which I prepared to go to Fishki11. Father and myse1f washed my wagon before I went. Arrived at Johnsvi11e ha1f past one oclock took dinner at Unc1e Stephens and tea at Grandp~s staid a11 night at Unc1e Stephens. 25.Sabbath. After breakfast went down to Unc1e E1iases and just saw them a11 a momentafter which I proposed to go to church to Hopewe11.Anar Wa1dron prepared and went a1ong with me home to stay unti1 their fo1ks come after her Adrian Wa1dronwent a1ong with us in company in his ownwagon as far as Hopewe11.After church we went and took dinner at Jacob Monforts and staid unti1 near1y sundowngot homeat eight oc1ock in the evening 26. Ca1vin and myse1f spent the da_yin the corn fie1d Father tended the mi11. 27.Spent the day as yesterday husking corn 28.The day being very unp1easant windy and some rainy in the morning I went to the Va11ey to get the papers and ca11ed at Mr Rows mi11 to see how they managed things as the mi11 was going. In the afternoon I part1y thrashed a wa1nut tree and Ca1vin and myse1f picked what we cou1d get off the tree after which we c1eaned up our crop of beans that were on the barn floor. In the evening Ann Wa1dronand myse1f went down to Grandpas (Wards) and spent the evening. 29.Ca1vin and myse1f spent the day husking corn Unc1e Stephen Wa1dronand wife came and spent the day and night with us. 30.In the morning after breakfast Unc1e Stephen and wife and daughter went home Ca1vin and myself went to the corn fie1d as usua1 and husked. 31.Spent the day drawing sta1ks Father spent his time tending mi11 and he1ped us un1oad occasiona1y. The day was overcast but did not rain to any amount. Nov 1846 1. Sabbath The day being some rainy and overcast Father and Mother on1y went to church. Istaid homewhere i Spent the day. 2. Spent the day scraping the barn yard and drawing manure in a heap in the meadow for the purpose of drawing in the winter by s1eighing to the peach orchard. The day was overcast and rained moderate1y at interva1s. Father tended mi11 Ca1vin he1ped draw manure

DIARYOF ALSON WARD.

88.

Nov 1846 3.:Spent the forenoon tending ,mill while Father went to electiom. In the aft.ernoon Father tended mill Calvin and myself drew manure until half past 3 oclock when I prepared myself to go to the Valley to election. In the afternoon it rained very moderately increasing towards night and in the evening. !started down until after the canviss. The dem majority was much short of the usual one for our town. Only 28 on governor congressman run entirely off the Whig our getting by 27 majority. The candidate for gov was Silas Wright Whig John Young 4. Spent the day tending mill Father prepared to go to Pokeepsie but after the horses were harnessed it commencedraining moderately and he concluded to draw wood up to the wood house and put off going until tomorrow. 5. I spent the day in the mill. Father went to Pokeepsie Calvin scraped manure in the barn yard. 6. Calvin and myself spent most of the day drawing stalks from the field to the barn yard. Father spent most of the day in the mill. Just at night or middle of the afternoon Father went to the Valley to meet at Mr SimmonsTemperance House the temperance comunity who meet to take some measures to enforce the new licence law as the rum sellers keep on selling just as though there was no law against it. 7. Spent the day in the corn field husking corn drawing stalks and in fine finished off the corn business for the year .. Father spent the day in the mill. 8. Sabbath. In the morning went to church. Mr Wile preached the day was some overcast there where not a very full house but a fair number for the appearances of the weather. Spent the rest of the day home. 9.In the morning Father to Mr Palmers (Mr blacksmith) to fix the mill picks I took up the lower run while he was gone after he returned we picked them. Calvin spent most of the day shelling new corn. 10.Spent the day in the mill.Father went to the village towards noon to fix Grandpa1 s pumpand to see if there might not be something at the post office & 11.In the morning Father went to the Valley to carry some grists at the village and get the newspapers. After he returned Calvin and myself scraped and drew manure from in front of the mill and some from the barn yard. It rained toward night quite fast. 12.In the morning prepared and went~to the noon boat at Pokeepsie and was fortunate in finding (as expected) Aunt Mary Angell, sister Mary and a daughter of Owen Ward of Michigan. It-rained moderately in the morning and remained overcast during the day without much rain. 13.In the forenoon Calvirn_ myself finished drawing manure from the barn yard and in front of the mill. In the afternoon drew in part of a stack 'of rye from the long field. Timothy Scidmore called on us and gave us an opportunity to guess who he was which was not to be easily recOrdnized after an absence of eight or ten years

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14.Started the thrashing machine Calvin and myself_ spent most of the time thrashing Father tended the mill . 15.Sabbath. The day was overcast but did not rain until just at night and then very moderately. In the morning went to church.Mr Wile preached there were a full church it being communionand not very cold.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD. Nov 1846 16LSpent the day thrashing tending.mill &

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89.

17.Spent the day in the mill Calvin worked at the barn and washed the paint on the platform Father went to Pokeepsie with part of a load of rye and some flour. 18.In the morning Father went down to the village with the one horse wagon for Grandpa1 s folks to come up and spend the day. Grand pa, Aunt Mary, Clarissa and Lavinia Ward of Michigan daughter of OwenWard, Letty Smith came up and spent the day. Calvin and myself spent the day thrashing. Mr Garrison and daughter gave us a call in the afternoon. At night Father went to the Valley to carry all except Clarissa and Lavinia they expect to spend the week with us. Father spent-his time in the mill, house entertaining company& 19.In the morning finished drawing in the rye stack as it looked very much like rain and did not get it in any too soon as it commencedraining very soon after we finished drawing and continued to increase during the day and fore part of the night until it became a perfect gale we had to open the waste way to let off the water. Aunt Clarissa and Lavinia went up to Uncle Daniels in the morning. 2O.Calvin and myself spent the day thrashing and commencedcleaning up the rye after finishing thrashing. Clarissa and Lavinia spent the day with us. Father went up after them with the wagon this morning.

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21.in the morning finished cleaning the rye after which I prepared and went to Pokeepsie with it. Father and Calvin tended the mill. Aunt Clarissa and Lavinia went home in the afternoon . 22.Sabbath. Went to church in the morning. Mr Bronson an agent for the Bible Society preached for us. The day was some cool and overcast there where a goodly number present. 23.Commencedthrashing oats Uncle Daniel s boys helped us and expect to until we finish. 1

24.Continued thrashing. Father went with a load of oats to Pokeepsie. Ispent most of the day in the mill. In the evening went down to Grandpas and spent the evening road round by the way of Mr Conklins after Mary Conklin who had an invitation also. Met Mr Dudley,Miss Dewey, Miss Nancy Drake. 25.Spent the day thrashing was some surprised to wake up and find the ground covered with snow and snowing which continues at the present time very fast 9 oclock in the evening. 26. The snow is about five inches deep which makes fair sleighing if it should continue as cold as to day it would last some time. Spent the day preparing for winter got our apples in the celler from the bee house but they had commencedfreezing slightly brought the bees in the celler and built a fence around the straw stack. Towards night got the wood sled out and went to Mr Wiles given party. Uncle Daniel and Mary Elizabeth went with us (Mary and myself).

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27.Spent most of the day entertaining companyEdwinStockholm and Catherine Monfort came to Mr Wiles last night unexpectedly to us and spent the evening there with us staid all night at our house and returned homeafter dinner to day. Uncle Daniel s hands thrashed. Calvin helped. Father tended mill. 1

DIARYOF ALSON WARD.

90.

Nov 1846 28.Sister Mary and myself went to Pokeepsie in the sleigh. The day wa~ very warm the snow wasted very fa_st and before, we got. to: tbe. turnpike g&t"~w.1sbedfor ~ a wagon and ·concl_ud~d: t~_:_~r¥_}~e-:::-.~~c~~{Q~_~{b.~t ..f?pn~-to.ugh scratching and found. about. good:;s;te:i.9h1J1g·.-,g?-;· it_~rni:~]-bt:be-.rn S.L!mmer,, returned by way of Peter SJeights::::·.~ .·_· ' . : .. - · .-..,_.__- -- - - .. . . 29.Sabbath. In the morning we all went to church Mr Wile preached spent the rest of the day home. 30.Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of .oats. I spent my time in the mill. Uncle Daniel 1 s men kept the thrashing going. Dec 1876 .

1. ·:Lspent the day in the mill.

In the fo_renoon Father fixed the pig pen with a trough. In the afternoon Father and Mother went to Mr Wiles to the given party. The boys or men finished thrashing.

2. The day was rainy we spent our time in the mill In the afternoon we took up the lower run of stone and did not quite finish them. In the morning or forenoon Calvin and myself cleaned up a load of oats. In the afternoon Calvin went home having finished his services with.us for the present. 3. I spent the day in the mill. Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of oats. 4. I went to Pokeepsie with a load of oats.Father

tended the mill:

5.-I spent the day in the mill. Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of corn for Uncle Daniel. 6. Sabbath. In the morning Father, Mary and myself went to church Mother staid home. Mr Travis came homewith us and spent the day. 7. In the morning Father prepared for going to Pokeepsie with a load of oats. He went to Ward Wesleys after his daughter to dress make. Mr Travis went home this morning after breakfast. After Father started for Pokeepsie I helped fish the pond John Baker generaled the affair Edwin Dudley and the neighbors helped fish we caught about 19 picural and 60 succors the ice was in fine order 8. In the morning very early Father and myself got up very early and cleaned up a load of oats and also yesterday morning. Father went to Pokeepsie with them I spent the day in the mill the day was rainy or rather overcast with a mist In the evening I took Miss Wesley home and called at Grandpas. 9. Father,and myself spent the day cleaning up a load of oats and doing other chores tending mill &the thaw yesterday made the roads quite bad finishing off with very little snow. 10.In the forenoon I went to the Valley to take Mary to Grandpas to spend the day this day was quite cold. Spent the remainder of the day in the mill On our way to the Valley we met Grandpa coming up to our house and Uncle Daniels on foot. In the afternoon it commencedsnowing and continued to snow very fast until ten oclock in the evening when it stoped or nearly so. 11.This morning findsus with snow enough to call it moderate sleighing the roads where very rough or the sleighing would be first rate. Father went to the Valley with the two horse sleigh after Mary and Lavinia Wardwho came to spend a day or so with us. Mr Wile came and took dinner with us and made his proposed parish visit I spent the day in the mill.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD.

91.

Dec 1846 12.Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of pats in the sleigh Ispent the day in the mill In the evening Mary'and Tavinia went up to Uncle Daniels expecting to stay the evening but Calvert and Frances Canfield came to our house to spend a part of the evening and Mary had to return home. 13.Sabbath. Mother, Mary and myself went to church in the sleigh. Father staid home and kept house. Mr Wile preached. 14.Father and myself spent the forenoon cleaning and measuring the remainder of our oats. The rest of the day in the mill In the evening I went to carry a bbl of flour to Jacog Tenyk and a grist to the Valley. 15I spent the day in the mill Father and Mother went to Pokeepsie Aunt Mary Angell and Lavinia Ward went-along Lavinia expects to stay at Mr Boyds and go from there to N. York in a day or so. Aunt Mary expects to stay a day or so at Mr Platts. 16.Father went to Pokeepsie with a load of oats I spent the day in the mill In the evening Mary and myself went to Mr Conklins on a visit and spent the evening. 17.I spent the day in the mill Father spent his time in the mill house &There were a party from LaGrange attempted to fish the pond but they did not catch any In the afternoon it commencedsnowing and snowed very hard during the evening and at present time half past 9 oclock. 18,The snow of yesterday afternoon and last night drifted considerable there would have been sufficient for fine sleighing had it fallen level. In the forenoon Father went to chopping sausage meat & at the house I spent the day in the mill. 19.I spent the day in the mill Father went to the Valley to get the Mack horse shod in the forenoon. 20.Sabbath. In the morning went to church all except Mary Mr Wile preached. Mr Spencer and wife went homewith us after meeting They where at Grandpas Towards evening they went up to Uncle Daniels and staid all night. 21.In-the morning Father and Mother fixed off for Fishkill by the way of Pokeepsie got started at eight oclock I spent the day in the mill 22.In the morning it snowed very fast and had much the appearance of a protracted storm but it soon stoped and snowed no more for the day Father and Mother returned homefrom Fishkill just after dark I spent most of the day in the mill. 23.In the forenoon went to the Valley. In the afternoon spent most of my time in the mill. 24.Spent the day drawing wood from.the woods Henry Mastain cut and help load. 25.Christmas I spent field where I left commencedraining operations in the •

the forenoon drawing wood upset with one load in Uncle Daniel s it lying. Father tended the mill. In the afternoon it and rained the remainder of the day preventing our further woods.

26.I spent the day drawing wood from the woods NhemiahRobinson cut some for us and some timber for his house for himself Just at night I went to the Valley with Uncle Daniel in the sleigh although the sleighing was very poor. Father spent the day in the mill

DIARYOF ALSON WARD.

92.

Dec 1846 27.Sabbath I spent the day bornea11 the rest went to church in the morning. 28.Rained most of the forenoon has been inclined to thaw for some days Towards noon Father went down to Harvey Pettits after which he went to the Valley to see Grandpa having business in regard Havana matters I spent most of the day in the mill. ~

29.Spent the day in the mill In the forenoon Father went to the Valley and to ThomasWellings on business Edwin Dudley called in the forenoon to invite usto a donation party at the Methodist ministers Mary and myself spent the evening at Uncle Daniels 3O.Father and myself spent the day home in the mill Just at night Henry Sleight and Elsey Gidley came and gave us a short call. 31.Spent the day in the mill In the afternoon it rained very moderately for a short time inclined to thaw more than anything. January 1847 "With cheerful hearts and joy sincere Wewelcome in the new born year Not less so, though in darkest night Our fate is hidden from our sight" 1. I spent the day in the mill Father and Mother had an invite to Grandpa Wards to eat roast turkey Mary spent the afternoon at Uncle Daniels Therefore I was left alone homeThere was no good sleighing as is commonat this time but a very warm pleasant day but rather muddyheavy going. 2. Spent the day with Henry ~leight and Charles Platt fishing in the ice on our pond for picural a splend~6Yfor it as it showers all day Henry and Charles spent the evening Wecaught eighteen pickural. 3. Sabbath. Went to church in the morning Mr Wile preached a very moderate day the going quite heavy mud getting quite deep Received notice of the funeral of Stephen Monfort burial tomorrow. 4. ~Spent the day in the mill. In the forenoon Father went to the Valley to carry some grists In the afternoon he went to the funeral of the child of John Gayle who lives in Enoch Flagler 1 s tenant house and works for him. In the afternoon it commencedsnowing and snowed quite fast until most night when it commenced hailing and finally rained some after dark and seems to mist and incline to thaw at the present time now nine oclock. 5. This morning find it cleared off and very pleasant but all the snow that fell yesterday afternoon gone as it got to raining and rained most all ,night·the thaw continued Father and myself spent our time in the mill tending mill and fixing a hopper boy for grinding sharps, cobs & 6. I spent most of my time in the mill James Mastain came and killed a beef for us Grandpa came up and brought the paper and staid until after dinner when he returned with Mr Mastain. It was a very warm and pleasant day.

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7. Father went to the Valley in the morning to carry the beef. It commencedraining about half past nine oclock in the morning and rained most of the day and part of the time very hard I spent part of the time in the house and part in the mill and barn.

93. DIARYOF ALSON WARD January 1847 8& This morning. fi_nds a very, great change in the weather there has been a thaw for ·some.time and ·yesterday appeared much mor~;.1i.ke.a sprtng day than winter In the morning·I ·went over to Mr·Pa1mers with the mi11 picks to ,get them sharpened -· spent the rest of the day in the mi11 and house. 9. Spent the day in the mi11 house & 1O.Sabbath. Went to church a11 except Mother it 1ooked stormy and commencedsnowing soon after we got started for church and continued during the day. 11.Continued snowing unti1 ten oc1ock this morning to the depth of five inches which is not enough for s1eighing as the roads are very rough and the snow very dry and 1ight Spent the day in the mi11 picking stones and grinding wheat with other run. 12.Spent the day in the mi11 fixing a new hopper boy getting it running & 13.Spent the day in the mi11 In the evening Father went to the Va11ey to get the papers and take down grists & 14.Spent the day in the mi11 at night the Dick horse appeared some sick in the evening I road him as far as Enoch F1ag1ers and back for exercise. 15.I spent my time as usua1 in the mi11 There came a stranger to our house from the west a 1awyer from Watin1ou attorney for the Babcocks In the afternoon Father took him to the Va11ey to get some papers fixed & before the justice. ..

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16.I tended Mi11 Father went to the Va11ey to take sister Mary to Doctor Canfie1ds (to stay unti1 Sabbath) and to fix the organ keys & In the,evening I made a ca11. 17.Sabbath In the morning went to church Mr Wi1e preached the funera1 sermon ofCa1eb Manning The going was very rough as there was a thaw for three days 1ast week the roads got comp1ete1y broken up and 1ast night it froze up. 18.Spent the day doing chores around the house and barn sawed some wood for exercise and carried it under the wood house. 19.Went to Pokeepsie sister Mary and Mary E1izabeth went a1ong we went in our one horse wagon The day was very windy but not very co1d. 2O.Spent part of the day in the mi11 In the afternoon prepared ourse1ves for going to Mr Mandevi11e1 s given party Miss Mary Conk1in went with us. We had a very p1easant evening and day and a very p1easant party Met our Hopewe11 friends there There where a very 1arge companytaking in consideration the rough state of the roads as there is no snow but a11 rain it makes a great dea1 of mud and rough going. 21.Ispent most of the forenoon in the house trying to entertain (perhaps poor1y) companyMiss Conk1in staid a11 night with us I took her home after dinner sister Mary went a1ong we made a short ca11 at Mr Conk1ins.Father tended mi11.

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22.I spent most of the day in the mi11. Mr Stephen D. Underhi11 ca11 as he was passing by and took 1ate dinner with us . 23.I spent most of my time in the mi11 Just at night Father and Mother went to Dr Zacheus Newcombsand spent part of the evening.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD January 1947 24.Sabbath Weall went to church Father walked down a little and stoped at Grandpas Mr.Wile preached.

94. before church time

25.I spent the day in the mill In the afternoon Father and Aunt Mary Angell went down to see Mrs AbrmOakley who is not expected to live but a very short time. Aunt Mary returned as far as our house and expects to spend a few days with us. 26.~pent the day in the mill the day was rainy Father spent most of his time in the mill. 27.Father and myself spent the day in the mill Grandpa brought up the news papers The day was rather cold and unpleasant. 28.I went to Pokeepsie to take a load of corn for Uncle Daniel and bring back a load of coal for Grandpa. Father spent the day home. 29.As yesterday I went to Pokeepsie with corn for Uncle Daniel and some common flour for ourselves got ($5)dollars per bbl super fine retailing for $7 the foreign demandcausing a rise 3O.I spent my time home in the mill In the afternoon Father went down to Grandpas to let them know of the funeral of widow Oakley and to make arrangements for all to go that would wish Letty Smith came homewith him togo with them to the funeral on the morrow. 31.Sabbath Father,Mother and Letty Smith went to the funeral in LaGrange sister Mary and niyself ·went to our church Mary staid downat Grandpas until night meeting or temperance meeting which was held in the basement of the new Methodist church which is but just completed. Feb 1847 1.Spent the day in the mill Father spent the day with others of the committee for investigating the plans and expenses of several different churches to make a report in regard to the expense to our society as they anticipate building a new church in 1848. 2. Father and myself spent the day shelling corn tending mill & 3. A very rainy day rained very fast and steady most of the day cleared off in the early part of the evening cold. 4. Spent the day mostly in the mill picking stones & the day was very blustering and cold. 5. I spent most of the day shelling corn Father tended the mill. In the afternoon just before night sister Mary and myself went to Mr Conklins to make a call after which we went to call on Henry Sleight and Elsey Gidley Miss Conklin went with us by invitationWe did not find them homeas they had just went to Dr Peter Barnes with Edward:Barnes··andwife to spend ·the.::aver-1ing ·and :qs we owed them a vi sit we thought ·wetwoi.Jl d:.g0··there (also) where we:::spen-f' the evening very pleasantly sister-~Ma-ry·staid•with Mary·Conklin expecting to_stay until Sabbath. .:--_ ,---- ~ -: 6.=InJthe morning prepared a load of corn and went to Pokeepsie In the evening went to Mr Conklins by invitation sister Mary returned with me homeas Alfred Waldron and sister where at our house. 7. Sabbath In the morning went to church Mr Wile preached the day was very pleasant and a goodly number at churc~ In the afternoon Bartlett Marshall and a friend of his called a short time at our house.

, DIARYOF ALSON WARD

95.

Feb 1847 8. This morning finds the ground covered with two or three inches of light snow In the morning I went to the blacksmith shop with the horses to get them shod Spent the rest of ~he day home Alfred-Waldron and sister went homethis forenoon.

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9. I went to Pokeepsie with a load of corn stoped a while and went to the court room as it was court week There was nothing of interest going on Jackson Spencer returned to spend a day or so with us. 1O.In the forenoon I helped move William Sam to Roachdale on my return drew a load of lumber from the saw mill for NhemiahRobinson Spent the after part of the day home. 11.I went to Pokeepsie with a load of corn Father tended mill. 12.Ispent the day home shelling corn most of the time Father tended mill. 13.In the forenoon helped tend mill and clean up a load of corn In the afternoon went to the river with it. 14.Sabbath All went to church except myself I spent the day home. 15,In the forenoon I helped prepare a load of corn for Pokeepsie In the afternoon I went to the river with it. 16.Spent the

day home in house mill &

17.Spent the day at a lumber bee drawing lumber for Mr Hughsted who lives near the turnpike gate from Mr Joseph Weeks in LaGrange Father tended mill.

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18. Spent the day home In the morning had some little companyfrom down the turnpike Henry Sleight and Elsey Gidley, Charles Platt and David Barnes jr Edward Barnes and lady. 19.During the night there come a snow storm of several inches which makes pretty fair sleighing for the time being the day has been warm and thawing and continues so at the present time (8 oclock evening) should it remain so during the night it will spoil naturaly our expectations (Sleighriding). 2O.I spent the day in the mill Father and MOtherwent to the Valley to the preparatory lecture and to a meeting after the sermon on or expecting a new church report of the investigating committee for a plan and expense. In the evening sister Mary and myself went to Henry Barnes by invitation met some other companythere on our return home it snowed some Wewent in the sleigh the sleighing done very well in. the back roads that had but little t~aveling on. 21.Sabbath A real stormy snowy hailey day Spent the day homeas it stormed too bad to go to meeting. 22.In the forenoon I went td the Valley to the post office and to put up notices for a school meeting the most of the day it snowed spent the afternoon in the mill In the evening Uncle Daniel wife and Miss Russell from Pokeepsie spent the evening with us.

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23.This morning shows some signs of clearing off snowed some during last night so that this snow is now about sixteen inches deep has fallen perfectly level and will make the.first best sleighing Spent the forenoon and part of the afternoon picking the lower run of stones Just before sundownHenry Sleight came and gave us notice of an oyster supper at Washington Hollow and engaged sister Mary to go with him which made it very necessary for me to be looking

, DIARYOF ALSON WARD

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96.

Feb 1847 23,up some one to prevent the backi1os appearance that would · conciquent Miss Conklin went ·with me·There·were about 34 of us in all had a very fair·supper and fine sleighing·& . 24.Spent the day homemost part of the time in the house last night was very cold the thermometer stood in the morning very early at 12 degrees below zero being the coldest night we have had this winter. The day has been very pleasant and fine. 25.I spent most of the day in the mill or at least the forenoon. In the afternoon sister Mary and Miss Conklin went with me to Mr Gidleys according to previous engagement where we spent a very pleasant evening I went to Pokeepsie and sold our pigs by the lump to Dutch Henry Think we got as muth as silver dollars per hundred. 26.I spent the day home Boss and all hands chief cook and everything else Father, Mother and sister Mary went to Hopewell and spent the day at Jacob Monforts I tended mill cooked dinner set table and kept domestic affairs all straight John Calyle worked for us chopping some maple trees in the meadow 27.I spent the day homewhich was very rainy and had much the appearance of a general thaw but at evening had some of the appearance of clearing off. 28Sabbath Weall went to church the going was very sloppy but the sleighing good not a good number at church. March-1347

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1. Spent the· day home in the mill Father went to Pokeepsie twice during the day

with our pork having sold it to be delivered at Pokeepsie alive The going being very rough we thought best to take them in the sleigh. 2. I spent most of the day in the mill Just at evening sister Mary and myself went to Mr Conklins by invitation having some companyfrom other quarters. 3.-I spent most of the day in the mill Father and Mr Zacheus Newcomb went through part of the district for soliciting subscriptions for the building a new church had pretty fair success. 4. Spent part of the forenoon in the mill Sister Mary and myself went to Pokeepsie Aunt Mary and Aunt Clarissa went along as far as Mr Daniel Platts for a sleighride to return when we got from Pokeepsie In the evening Edwin Dudley, Miss Dewey and Francis Canfield came and spent the evening at our house. 5. Prepared and went to Hopewell to Mr AbrahamStockholms by invite of Henry Sleight There were 10 in number of us went viz Gents Henry Sleight,Charles Platt, David Barnes, James Gidley, and myself .. Ladies Elsey Gidley,Miss Harris, Susan Vail ,.Mary Conklin, & Ward. Had first rate times sleighing not first rate but pretty fair met some other companythere.

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6. Returned from Hopewell this morning started from there two oclock and got home half past five went to bed and slept till near nine oclock after which had breakfast and prepared to go to the valley after Grandpas folks to take dinner and spend the day with us and to take Miss Conklin home. After returning from the Valley I spent most of the remaining day in the mill while Father entertained companyHad roast turkey for dinner . 7. Sabbath In the morning went to church in the sleigh sleighing was not first rate Spent the rest of the day homeas it commencedraining just before night.

97.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

March 1847 . 8. Father and rnyse1f _spent the day in the mill and in_the cornhouse shelling corn. ln ·tbe. ev_entngJ:lenry,Barnes .w.ife.and Letty ~m1th came to. our.-house and spenttbe:e'leni.ng ..· · · ·· 9. I spent the·day in the·mi:11·Father went to Pokeepsie wi.tb Aunt Mary'Ange11 Letty Smith and sister Mary on a visit.at Abraham·Smiths.· 1O.I spent the forenoon in the mill In the afternoon I went to the Vall~~. Father tended mill. · · 11.Spent most of the day in the mill Angevine Dates came and commencedhis time He spent the day chopping apple trees in the:west· lot. 12.Father and myself spent most of the day drawing wood from the back lot and from the meadowAngevinespent the day chopping apple trees in the west lot drew some rails also. 13.Spent the forenoon drawing wood and rails In the afternoon sister Mary and myself went over to Mr Harrisses on the back road to make a call and exchange muffs that got changed by accident when we all went to Hopewell Spent the evening at Mr Gidleys Angevine went to help NhemiahRobinson raise his house. 14.Sabbath All went to church except sister Mary The day was pleasant and communion There was a very fair number at church Spent the rest of the day home. 15.Angevine and myself spent the forenoon with some of Father s help drawing apple tree logs and wood and moving some rail fence back of the barn Spent most of the afternoon in the mill. 1

16.Angevine and myself drew wood from the woods in the forenoon. The sleighing was very poor In the afternoon commencedsplitting the wood preparitory to sawing Angevine trimmed some locust trees. 17.I spent the forenoon and most of the day in the mill office tending mill reading Father went to Pokeepsie with some flour Ange spent the day splitting wood at the wood pile In the evening there was a school meeting in the basement of the Episcopal church for taking in consideration the building of a new school house which was voted down. 18.I spent the forenoon trimming locust trees In the afternoon Mother, Mary and myself went to the dedication of the new Methodist church in the village. 19.In the morning I went to the village to get some small fish for pickeral bait Mr Hill caught them for me I spent the afternoon cutting holes through the ice for fishing. In the evening I went and borrowed Mr Conklins fishing tackling Aunt Mariah, Miss Houghsonand Mary E Ward spent the evening at our house. 2O.I spent part of the day fishing and part in the mill had very poor luck the water was very high and quite riley to which I attribute my ill success caught only three small ones had over thirty lines set. 21.Sabbath The day being very rainy we were compelled to remain home there being no meeting. 22.The day was overcast and very little rain In the forenoon I went to the Valley to carry a letter to the post office Spent the rest of the day in the mill.

98. DIARYOF ALSON WARD March 1847 23.Spent the day in the.mill Towards noon Father went to the V,alley to the post· offJce Angevi_nespent the day sp1.it ting wood._

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24~ent the day as usual in the·mi11· In the· aft~rnoon ·we took up the 1ower run· of stone to give them a dressing .Finished them in the evening Angevine went to the post office in the forenoon to get the papers. 25.Father and myself spent the day in the mill repairing the bush raising the bed stone spindle fixing tha step or pot in the step &which occupied the day I tended mill until midnight having necessary engagements that required the mill to run. 26-Spent most of the forenoon in the mill part of the afternoon in the house It being very rainy Finished carrying out our bees this morning having -lost five good hives for want of honey being starved to death. 27.This morning presents the aspect of winter the rain of yesterday afternoon finished off with a perfect gale accompanied with snow loading down the trees with snow and ice the sides of the builaings exposed to the north and east being covered with ice doing much damage to fruit trees braking them down blowing up many valuable apple trees and some damage to buildings the snow was four inches deep as near as I can judge if it where level very solid and hard almost ice Wecarried the bees back in the celler and put out tin pies· in there for feeding as they are very light Spent most of the forenoon fixing tubes in the hives for feeding shoveling paths & the rest of the day in the mill.

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28.Sabbath In the morning went to church there was no preaching for some reason Mr Wile preached at Washington Hollow in Mr Howesplace Mr Howebeing absent at N. York the going not being first rate there were but few out Weall went to church except Mother in the two horse sleigh. 29.We all spent the forenoon at the woodpile splitting wood sawing some logs in short cuts with the cross cut saw that were bad to split, I s;ent the after noon in the mill Father took a saw log to the saw mill. 3O.I spent most of the day in the mill Angevine split wood the sleighing nearly gone the snow being so uneven that there is not as good as otherwise would have been had it fallen level. 31.During last night and this morning there has fallen anout four inches more of snow which added to what we had previous makes quite sleighing I spent the day in the mill Father and MOtherwent to Doctor Canfields and spent the afternoon and evening.

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April 1847 1. All Fools Mary and myself received each an April Fool letter The thermometer stood this morning little after sunrise five degrees above zero which is exceedingly cold for the time in the year there being no frost in the ground before these last snows the snow melts or rather the sleigh cuts through to the mud below had the ground been frozen before the snow solid we should have had the first best sleighing The snow on the level in the fields are about eight inches deep I soent the day drawing manure to the long field on the east side the sleighing being just right for the purpose the day was still but cool enough for a fair winter s day. This does not look much like ploughing. 1

2. This morning as usual it snows but the snow is quite light and will not make much addition to the sleighing as it is very warm and cleared off before noon Father went to Peter Coons after the hired girl but she did not come with him.

, DIARYOF ALSON WARD

99.

April 1847 2. In the ~~~njng I went up to Uncle· Daniels to spend the evening Mary went up in the afternoon Mary Conklin and Julia Hughsonwere there. · ·

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3. I spent the forenoon in the mill and helping Angie saw apple tree logs with cross cut saw In the aft~rnoon Father and myself went to Calkins meeting found Luther Redfi_eld at Grandpas Aunt Mary Angell returned homewith me Luther and Father road homebefore us Uncle Daniel got the nomination as Supervisor. 4. Sabbath All went to church except myself I staid to keep house Luther stoped at Uncle Daniels Aunt Mary staid at Grandpa. 5. Father went to Pokeepsie to take Aunt Mary and Luther to the boat expecting to take the night boat I spent most of the day in the mill just toward night sister Mary, Julia Houghson, Mary Elizabeth and myself went to Mr Conklins to spent the evening by invite. 6. TownMeeting day As usual rainy though not very stormy taking the day through There was great excitement and a great deal of rum and money used Daniel 0 Ward was the low candidate, George Holmes the Whig, Alling Holmes native The Whig candidate succeeded by three votes with very great exertion lying and other unfair means I staid down until after they got convessed as far as I cared anything about it. In the evening there was a thunder storm though not as heavy as we sometimes have in the midst of summerbut quite heavy for this time of year.

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7. The day clear and cool windy I spent part of the day in the mill and part in the garden fixing the hot bed for early vegetation. Father spent most of the day grafting plumbs and cherry trees grafted a few yesterday for the first this year . 8. I spent part of the forenoon in the garden fixing hot bed in the afternoon trimmed locust tended mill & Father grafted some in the forenoon In the afternoon went to Pokeepsie Sold the corn which was in store at the landing for seven shillings per bushel and oats for forty cents In the morning sowed some clover seed in the west lot. Took bees out of the celler. 9. In the forenoon set out the dalias in the hot bed and worked round the house7 Father went to the Valley. In the afternoon after Father returned from the Valley with the horse Angevine and myself drew some crotches with the one horse wagon for the rail fence back of the barn Just at night Henry Sleight and Elsey Gidley and Mary Conklin came to our house and spent the evening The ice has disappeared from the pond this morning. 10.In the morning sowed clover seed Spent the rest of the day in the mill Father went to Poughkeepsie with part of a load of rye and to get some fur trees to set in front of the house. I spent the day in the mill. \

11.Sabbath the day was very windy and cold in the morning went to church there where a large number there the going was very good the roads having dried off finely within a few days. 12.I-spent the day in the mill and helping Father set out·fur trees in front of the house. This morning finished sowing clover seed in the meadowand for the year. Angevine spent the day ploughing in the long field sod. 13.In the forenoon went to the Valley and got the horse shod called at Doctor Canfields and Mr Wiles spent the rest of the day in the mill.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

100.

April 1847 14.In the morning ploughed the garden aft~r which I went with Angie to start him ploughing the new ground Tot which is stalk ground In the afternoon sister Mary and myself and Mary E Ward went to Mr Wiles to spend the afternoon and part of the evening we all went down to the Episcopal church to practice tunes with the Mr Bowers for temperance convention after which we all returned back to Mr Wiles and finished our visit. 15.Early in the morning Father and myself went to the peach orchard to prepare a spot for planting peach pits After which I prepared myself and went to the Valley to the convention delegates meeting at ten oclock I spent the day and evening there delegates and others took dinner at the temperance house The day was cold and unpleasant this evening and some overcast which made the attendance small compared with what it might have been but the house was well filled. 16.Father, Mr Dunkin and myself spent the day fixing cogs for the spur geer the old ones having worn out Angie ploughed In the evening sister Mary and myself went to Uncle Daniels 17.Father and myself spent the day working at the cogs In the evening we hung the pinion of the lower run Angevine spent the day ploughing. 18.Sabbath Very cold and exceedingly windy all went to church in the morning except Mary. In the afternoon Mary and myself went to hear Mr Ludlow preach a temperance sermon at the Methodist church. Mr Wile preached a temperance sermon in the morning. '

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19.In the forenoon finished the cogs shifting the position of the lower run of stones-and started just before noon·. It had frozen so hard during the night that it prevented ploughing in the morning Angevine took a load of hay down to Grandpas after which he ploughed The weather has been exceedingly cold during the whole spring so that there has remained until the present snow banks along the north side of the fences We kept the mill going until midnight. 20.I spent the forenoon in the east lot sowing oats. Father tended mill Angevine finished ploughing In the afternoon Father went to Pokeepsie Angevine went to harrowing I tended the mill In the evening Francis Canfield brother and Mary Conklin called at our house. · 21.I spent the forenoon in the lot sowing oats Angevine harrowed In the afternoon I tended mill Father went to the Valley to help set out some Isabella? grape vines that he got yesterday at Pokeepsie got some over one dozen for ourselves and five or six for Uncle Daniel and Grandpa. 22In the forenoon I dug some holes in the peach orchard fot replacing missed trees In the afternoon sister Mary and myself went to Mr Wiles on a visit to spend the afternoon and evening Mary E Ward and Mary Conklin went with us Met some other companythere

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23.Early in the morning Angevine finished harrowing in oats after which it commenced raining and was a rainy day I commencedsitting out peach trees but the rain soon put a stop to it In the afternoon we all worked on the lower run of stone and gave them a dressing. 24.In the forenoon set out peach trees In the afternoon Sister Mary and myself went to Leonard Marshalls by invite Mary E Ward and Conklin went with us met quite a company there Carpenter Angell arrived at Grandpas yesterday.

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101.

April 1847 25.Sabbath In the forenoon went to church Mr Waldo from Pokeepsie preached for us in place, of ,Mr'.WileCarpenter Angell ·returned homefrom church with ·us ...and stai.d un~:i_l·evening··when·we·went to temperance meeting Mr Waldo spoke ·or(tliem·perance··at the Methodist church. 26.In the forenoon I spread manure in the long field Angevine ploughed Father planted some peach pits in the peach orchard and examined the inocalations & In the afternoon sister Mary and myself went down to hear Goughthe celebrated temperance lecturer under the big tent at Pokeepsie was highly pleased but somewhatannoyed by wind and showers of rain. 27.Town Meeting day for the trying over the licence question Spent the forenoon at work round the house and garden In the afternoon we all went down to vote No licence I staid until after Canvessing and the result was that our town went for licence by seventy one majority 28.In the morning Father went after the hired girl !spent part of the forenoon in the peach orchard the remainder of the day in the mill house & In the afternoon prepared for some companywhich we had invited here for the evening. 29,Ifi the~forenoonAngevine and myself watered the peach trees tr.;t I set out not long ago with the wagon and horses put a pail on each tree. In the afternoon spent my time tending mill 30. Angevine finished ploughing new ground early this morning and commencedharrowing the long field I spent the day round the house and mill spread some straw in the west lot just at night.

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May1847 1. Father went to Pokeepsie and returned soon afternoon I spent part of my time in the mill garden and commencedfixing a rail fence to fence in the meadow back of the barn Angevine finished harrowing the long field. 2. Sabbath The day being quite rainy we all spent our time home. 3. I spent most of the day home In the forenoon Father went to the Valley In the afternoon Father and Mother went to Fsihkill 4. I spent part of the day'in the mill the remainder helping Angevine build fence Father and mother returned from Fishkill 5. I spent the forenoon helping Angevine draw manure from the pig pen the afternooon around the house and mill Father spent the day white washing the parlo~ and bed rooms joining. 6. I spent the forenoon marking out the long field Angevine finished harrowing and marking out one way and part of the other of the corn ground in the meadow . . 7. Angevine finished the marking both ways of the meadowpatch after which we manured it (apart) in the hill which took us most of the day Father spent most of his time in the mi11.

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8. The day being in part rainy we spent our time round the house in the forenoon In the afternoon I went to the saw mill at the Valley to get some joice that were sawed for us 9. Sabbath In the morning went to church Mr Wile preached spent the rest of the day home

102.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD May 1847 10.We all spent the day .Planting corn.and potatoes in the meadowpatch joining LaGrange line.

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11.Father, Mother and Mary went to Pokeepsie In the afternoon we finished planting the patch in the meadowin the forenoon and commencedplanting the long field after dinner NhemiahRobinson layed up some gaps in the stone fence and helped us plant a short time in the afternoon. 12.We all spent our time planting. 13.As yesterday spent our time in the corn field and finished planting. 14.Cleaned up a load of corn and I went to the Lower Landing with it after dinner I called at Mr Gidleys to see Henry Sle~t but he was not at home but found him at our house on my return home On my~downto the river called on Mr Platts and saw Mary she having returned from WayneCo within a few days. 15. Father and myself spent the forenoon preparing a load of corn of it to shell and bring from the mill over to the shed In the went to the river with it Angevine spent the day helping Uncle corn and yesterday also I sold our hay or at least ten tons of per ton

having part afternoon I Daniel plant it at ten dollars

16.Sabbath in the morning went to church it being communionand a pleasant day there where a great many out Mr Wile preached.

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17.In the morning I went to the Valley after a load of plaster and deposited it on the wheat lot In the afternoon Father and myself sowed the west lot after which sister Mary and myself went to Mr Conklins and made a short call . 18.In the afternoon Father and myself prepared a load of corn and in the afternoon Father went to the river with it I finished sowing plaster in the afternoon In the evening I took Miss Wesley home she having spent the day dress making Angevine spent the day and yesterday helping Uncle Daniel plant corn. 19.Angevine and myself spent the day fixing and taking a load of hay to the river to the lower Landing hay press. 20.I spent the day partly in the mill and part of the time helping load and fix Angevine off with hay In the afternoon after we had a load all ready for going to Pokeepsie we upset with it being some sidling which prevented our going with the second load that day We spent our time drawing away the rails and damaged hay from the top of the stack. 21.I spent most of the day in the mill and round the house Angevine went with two loads of hay Father loaded the hay on the wagon. 22.In the forenoon I went to Pokeepsie to meet Edward Canfield at the noon boat and found him It rained some little during the day Angevine drew hay. 23.Sabbath In the morning we all went to church except sister preached a very good sermon.

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Mary Mr Wile

24.The day was rainy we spent our time in the mill and house Angevine went to Pokeepsie early in ·the morning before it rained very hard with a load of hay. 25.It cleared off during the night after a splendid rain very warm and pleasant There where a small party of us went to Dover Stone Crurch and the wells I wil name the CompanyGents Henry Sleight. Charles Pl;tt,David Barnes,James

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

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103.

May 1847 25.E.Sleight., Edwin StockhoJm_,Mr Merrit and myself _Ladies E1sey fl.•. StockboJ!11__, Elsey_Gidley, Miss1>}.1_2r,r;:Ls~ the·M~sses ·wilkerison, Catherine Monfo.rt, M~ss·Hart and sister Mary tooRAaf Mrs Belding 1 s Hotel at the foot of Plymouth Hill where we were well provided for stoped at the Hollow and took tea in the evening on our return All appeared to enjoy themselves much I can say for myself I enjoyed myself exceedingly 26.I spent the day entertaining companyEdwinStockholm and Catherine Monfort staid to our house during the night and until after dinner to day In the afternoon Edward Canfield and Francis and Miss Bartlett from Pokeepsie took tea with us and spent the evening 27.In the forenoon I went to Pokeepsie On my return I called at Mr Gidleys to see Henry Sleight but found him engaged buying the Vanwyckfarm In the evening !attend a festival at the temperance house in the Valley met our turnpike friends after supper David Barnes and Elsey Gidley Henry Sleight and Miss Stockholm went to our house and spent the evening. 28.I spent the forenoon taring down and laying up the rail fence between our and Uncle Daniel s meadowAngevine went with two loads of hayfor the last In loading the last load Father had the misfortune to fall from it and hurt himself considerable I went with him to the Doctors as he wanted to be bled. 1

29.In the morning or forenoon I spent my time in the mill and helping Angevine mend fence on the line west of the house In the afternoon I went to Pokeepsie Letty Smith went with me. 30. Sabbath The day was rainy so much so we remained home during the whole day. 31.In the morning Angevine and myself repaired some rail fence in the meadow and heaped a few stones on the meadowground until it commencedraining after which we shelled some corn in the ~orn house Most of the day it was very rainy. June 1847 1. In the forenoon Angevine and myself finished the rail fence. In the afternoon Angevine drew the old rails to the wood pile I spent the afternoon in the mill Father went to Pokeepsie got the returns from our chickens which were seven weeks old They brought 15 cents each. 2. Commenced sawing wood with circular sawNhemiahRobinson and and Daniel Wesley helped us we placed the saw some quartering the bolt to and about four inches from the pulley to the bolt with the front legson a short walnut joice and the back ones on the floor the saw fastened only by the back legs with a strip of board cut to fit nailed on the floor braced down by a stud on the saw the west corner In filing the saw we found it convenient to place a walnut joiceon the saw the side and brace it from the boltto make it solid The saw worked well and we got along finely with the wood. 3. Spent the day as yesterday sawing drawing away and piling wood Nhemiahand Wesley helping. 4. Spent most of the day sawing mostly old rails &for summerwood finished up all except some very small that we left to cut with an axe. 5. I spentthe forenoon drawing rails from the fences we have been repairing some brush from the meadowsmall wood that Angevine cut up with the axe & In the afternoon I tended mill Father and Angevine went to the peach orchard and hoed and wed out the young trees dug briers &

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

104.

June 1847 6. Sabbath In the morning went to church Mr Butholf preached for us Spent the rest of _the day home 7. In the forenoon Father,Angevine and myself covered over the pile of wood and worked round the house and mill In the afternoon I worked in the peach nursery west of the house hoeing it out & Just before night Father went to the Valley to election and to get some plaster for plastering corn Angevine plastered corn. 8. In the forenoon Father and Angevine worked on the road I tended mill and worked in the peach nursery In the afternoon Father went to Pokeepsie to take some calvs and chickens to the boat I took mother over to Daniel I Wards at noon to spend the afternoon Father expected to get back before tea time and make them a short visit Angevine and myself plastered corn during the afternoon. 9. It rained most of the forenoon but cleared off about noon I fished some between showers but had but little success. In the afternoon Angevine and myself finished plastering corn 10.In the morning I went over to NhemiahRobinsons with the horses and wagon to carry a load of brick that Father brought from the brick yard day before yesterday after which I spent the remainder of the forenoon in the mill. In the afternoon we had companyfrom Hopewell and the turnpike Henry Sleight and Elsey Stockholm from Hopewell, David Barnes and Elsey Gidley from theturnpike. 11.I spent the day· in the lot west of the house fixing fence working in the peach nurseryexcept what time it rained which perhaps detained one third of the day Father and Angevine worked in the corn field until it rained while it rained we took up the upper run of stones and tried to put them in good face. 12.In the forenoon I fol~owed the plough uncovered corn Angevine ploughed Father spent his time round the house and mill In the afternoon sister Mary and myself went to Daniel Platts to spend the afternoon 13.Sabbath In the morning all went to church except Mother Mr Wile preached Edward Canfield returned homewith us from,church. 14.In the morning Angevine and myself went to the corn field and commencedploughing and hoeing but the rain came on and prevented our progressing. In the afternoon Edward and Francis Canfield spent the afternoon I took them him1•(to the Valley) at night. The day was rainy or showery as this as it rained every half hour nearly during the whole day 15.Father went to Pokeepsie to take Edward Canfield and mother to the boat Mrs Canfield going <C_;;, ·,,,\_as far as Albany with Edward Angevine and myself spent the day in the cornfield except what time I was bothered in the mill. 16. In the morning Father went to the post office We had ··a swarm of bees for the first In the afternoon we all worked in the cornfield 17.We spent our time in the corn field 18.Spent our time as yesterday 19.In the morning finished the corn field hoeing &After which Angevine went to ploughing in the patch in the meadow 20. Sabbath The day was some rainy and unpleasant I went down to Grandpas and as it did not rain any Grandpa and myself went to church there was no preaching but a kind of prayer meeting.

105.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

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June 1847 21. I propose keeping a week by Journal f~-r;~}J:.e future at least for the pre~ent On Mondayspent part of my time in the~and part mowingtne grass from our buckwheat ground or ground that we expect to plough and sow with buckwheat Tuesday went fishing at pond hills with Henry Sleight and Mr Conklin T9falt'c~rn~ Wednesdayin the forenoon helped Angevine weed wheat In the afternoonllwith sister Mary Thursday worked at the corn Friday went in the afternoon to Hopewell to the AbrahamStockholms and returned home on Saturday in the evening Miss Elsey Gidley and brot:13-~~where there also Henry Sleight bourds at Mr Stockholms We had a very pl easant 11 there 27.Sabbath in the morning went to church at the Valley Edwin Stockholm and Elsey Gidley came to our church Edwin having brought Elsey home from Hopewell. We spent most of the week working in corn. On Saturday Mr Conklin, Peter Sleight, John Buckley, Henry Sleight and myself went to the pond hills pond fishing had a good dinner at Mrs Baremores but not very good luck fishing. July 1847 5. The Sabbath went to church at LaGrange Spent Mondayafternoon and evening at Pokeepsie being the day for celebrating our national Independence the fire works were good in the evening Tuesday forenoon work in the corn in the afternoon went to Pokeepsie with some chickens and on other business Wednesdayspent the day in the cornfield Thursday finished the corn in the long field for the last time by noon In the afternoon sister Mary and myself went to the Valley to make some calls to George Wilkinsons in LaGrange Spent the remainder of the week around the house and mill

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August 1847 7 During harvest and haying I have not been able to keep my journal and will add a few events most important that have transpired during the interval Mrs Canfield, Redfield and sister Sarah arrived home 26th last month I attended a picnic at Pond Hills the 24th none of the family except myself went. We finished our haying all up Tuesday except a part of a load not in order that we drew in yesterday afternoon Today (the 7th) is quite rainy

-'15r--el~

8. Sabbath went to church in the morning Mr Wile preached~Retta played the organ I spent the rest of the day home. 9. I spent the forenoon at the village and about the neighbourhood giving out invitations to a picnic party at Uptons pond north of Salt Point on Thursday next in the afternoon William Newcomband Miss Belden came and took tea with us. 1O.Spent the day at Pokeepsie with all my sisters and Mary E Ward after we returned home Mr Ross brought a load from the village and made us a call (rather late) 11.I spent the forenoon giving invitations and making arrangements for the picnic tomorrow Spent the afternoon doing chores &round the house and mill Father and Angevine cleaned out the ditch from the line fence to the mill in the forenoon and a short time after dinner. 12.Spent the day at the picni4~T Uptons north of the village there where about eighty attended all things went off well and pleasantly a fine place as needs be for shuch amusements

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13.In the morning prepared to go to Fishkill with sister Mary and Sarah and got as far as Mr Charles Browns south place and met Catherine and Jane Ann Monfort and younger brother coming at our house so we returned back homewith them sp~ent the day entertaining as far as able Henry Sleight spent the day with us-,In the evening Catherine and myself went to Mr Conklins and called 1

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106. DIARYOF ALSON WARD August 1847 I 14.Spent the day as yesterday _Inthe. aft_ernoon Father and Moth~r Vfent to preparatory lecture in my carriage being the fi_rst time they ever road 11J 1t together ,- -_ At evening Aletta, Sarah and myself-went down to the church to try the organ Aletta staid at the Doctors .

15. Sabbath All went to church being communionMr Wile preached the day was very warm as all the last week has been rather warm 16-28 I have spent a great part of the time visiting entertainment company& The weather has been very fine and pleasant but very dry Father has been inoculating peach trees this week finished off last Friday John C. Angel_l and myself attended a dancing picnic at or near Hopewell on Wednesdayof lasst stoped at Mr Stockholms at Hopewell and Henry Sleight went with us. 28-Sept 5 On Mondaysister Aletta and Mary, Carpenter Angell and myself went to Pokeepsie stoped on our return to Mr Gia42ys and spent the evening Mr Sleight Platt and David Barnes were there. Tuesday commencedthrashing wheat and finished Thursday Saturday Mr Conklin, Henry Sleight, Carpenter and myself went to pond hills fishing to catch some perch to put in our pond but had very poor luck put seven in the pond.

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September 1847 5-12. Sabbath went to church Mr Palmer preached On MondayCarpenter and Mrs Redfield started for home I went to take Mrs Redfield to the boat in my wagon as she felt very weak after her sickness. On my return from the river I called and took Francis Canfield and Julia Mead home to spent the afternoon with us On WednesdayI went to Pokeepsie to take Mary to the dentist and to do some shopping Francis Canfield went with us Just as we were ready to come from Pokeepsie it commencedraining and rained very fast and steady until ten oclock so that we thought best to put up at the eastern house for the night Spent the rest of the week thrashing oats· 12-18 Sabbath The day was rainy all went to church except myself It rained quite fast on their return and continued during the day and most of the night to rain powerfully On Mondayspent the day in the mill Tuesday went to N.York city and staid until Saturday Sister Aletta and Mary went with me Wewisited Mr Moor and Ganse had a very pleasant visit went down on the steamer Alida for one shilling each might have went on the Troy for six pence had we chosen Sabbath all went to church except Mary and myself 19-26. I have spent most of the week helping in the mill cutting corn &finished cutting corn Thursday and dug some potatoes on Friday In the afternoon Dr Remsenand daughters came from Daniel Platts (Charles and his sister in company) and took tea with us It commencedraining about the middle of the afternoon and continues. Sabbath the rain continued so we all remained home. October 1847 From the first to the last I have spent my time mostly in the mill having put a new returning boult in the upper part for wheat first of the month Have bought considerable buckwheat this fall On the thirteenth sister Mary and Henry Sleight was married at eight oclock in the morning and started off directly or in companywith Edward and Aletta for Oswegofrom thence to Niagara

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The daily or weekly diary ends here. There follows a number of letters then a daily diary for January February 1858 followed by more letters The 1858 diary follows:

and

106a

DIARYOF ALSON WARD Diary January 1858 274 Church St Time ever on the wing his rounds doth run And months and years untirrngly roll on What profit of this waste is t,here to man What pleasure· to his soul beneath the sun The sum of Jif~ in years alone is co~nted not The deeds their records bear shall n~ver be forgot Juli a

1. An unusual warm and pleasant day for the time of ~ear the thermometer above the fr.eezing point all day the ground nearly bard of snow and the river open fo_r boats to· this place. Very quiet fo_r NewYear''s Day. John G. Boyd called and spent an hour with u~ in the morning and AbrJhamand Eliza Wiltsie spent a short time.with us in the evening. Weall spen~ the day quietly at home. I I

2. The day mild and snowed some in the afternoon and early in the evening Henry and Ward Sleight called and Father went homewit~ them and in the afternoon he and Henry went up to Uncle Daniels and Aunt Clarissa and called. Julia and myself spent the evening at Israel Platts with a young bridle party with much satisfaction and pleasure. Mr and Mrs VanKleeck called at our house just at dusk being locked out of their house by the servant girl and spent an hour. Susan Cady spent most of the day at ourihouse. Henrietta Wardand Miss Browncame downwith the pony to meet Miss ~ughson. I went to the cars with the horse and wagon for them found Miss Hu~hsonAnd Augusta Marshall I

3. Sabbath Went to church morning and afternoon Mr,Ludlowpreached in the morning from Ecclesiastes 8 chapt 11th verse in the afternoon Continued on page 107.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

107:

January 1858 4. Spent the day homeexcept a walk in the street to the library The day was warm and pleasant as a spring day Our neighbour Mrs Wilkinson called our house The thermomether was above fr_eezi.ng·point._a) J:.dcLY.:· 0•

5. Spent the forenoon home the afternoon in the street and saw a crowd at Justice Bushes office and called to see the cause and found a suit being tried between Rev Mr Williams as defendant and other parties for board Mr Williams gained the suit On my return home in the eveningfound Samuel Moore at our house Sister Eliza called before dinner the day very mild 6. Went to the depot with Mr Moore at 9 oclock the train was detained three quarters of an houron account of snow during the night which drift_ed considerable although there where but a few inches had it been all on a level Spent the remainder of the day home. 7. The morning mild and pleasant the thermometer above the freezing point most of the day. Mr Shaw's house in Church St being raised to day In the afternoon I walked with Mr Wilkinson to the river to Mr Raynolds as he wished a bbl flour and exercise. There was very little ice in the river the boats run through to Albany for freight & In the evening went to the Theological discussion at the Presbyterian Church.. 8.The day pleasant and cool spent most of the day homereading the Life of Washington by Irving. In the evening went to Mr Shaws and spent the evening with a few of the neighbours. The thermometer a few degrees below freezing in the evening.

•

9.Spent the day home reading &Snowedmoderately most of the day to the amount of three inches noy enough for sleighing. Henry Sleight called at our house to let us knowof the birth of another daughter at 7 oclock this morning. 10.Sabbath Went to church in the morning Mr Ludlow preached In the evening I called at Mr Edgar VanKleecks to see Mr Stoutenburg of Chicago. The day warm and pleasant. 11.The day stormy rained quite hard most of the day and finished off in the evening with a thunder shower. Spent most of the day homeSpentpart of the evening at at brother AbrahamWilse"s. Julia spent part of the day there. Spent the day home Father Mother went in the country. 13.The day very warm and pleasant. Mrs Wiltse spent an hour or so with us in the morning. In the evening Julia and myself went to hear Fred Douglas lecture. 14.The weather continues mild and pleasant and appears more like spring than winter freezing very little nightsand thawing considerable day times. In the morning helped measure twenty feet from Mr Forbus lot to add to our lot contracted with them for twenty dollars per foot. Alfred and Adrian Waldron called at our house to day. In the evening Father and myself went to hear Fred Douglas speak on the subject of slavery.

•

15.The day very mild and rained somein the evening went to the Lyceumlecture it rained quite hard and there where not a large attendance although Julia and Mrs Herric had courage and turned had a very outstanding lecture on Brazil and the Brazilians. During the lecture there was an alarm of fire which produced some confusion but as the fire proved to be over the river matters soon became settled and things went on as usual~ 16.The most of the morning rainy but cleared off at noon very mild and pleasant for winter more like a Mayday than winter. In the afternoon went to see the progress making at Mr Lent's plaster mill. Spent the rest of the day and evening home.

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

108.

January 1858 17.Sabbath In the.morning went to church a stranger preached from the fifty second chapter and first verse of Isaiah. In the evening Father and myself went to hear Dr Gould agent for the amelioration of the condition of the Indian a miserable effort and a weak advbcate. The weather very mild and pleasant 18.In the morning Father and myself went to Pardee and Brinckerhoff coal and lumber yard and selected post for a fence having purchased an addition of twenty feet on the west side of our lot of the Forbus family. In the afternoon spent part of the time measuri~g grading and preparing to build a new fence or rather moving the old one e~cept the posts which we thought best to be new ones.In the afternoon Julia called at Mr Norths and in the evening we spent an hour or so at Mr VanKl1eecksMet Miss Elizabeth Sleight there. To day is the anniversary of the burning of the old Dutch church on Main St but quite a contrast in the weather between that day and this then the most severe cold weather that I ever remember and will be long referred to as the cold Sabbath of the winter of eighteen hundred and fifty seven 19.Spent the day working at the fence & Had Mastain the carpenter and a man digging the 'holes for the posts. The day very favorable for the time of year. The thermometer in th~ middle of the day several degrees above the freezing point 2O.The day as yesterday very mild and pleasant made fine progress with our fence Father and myself applied ourselves quite faithfully to the fence. Uncle Daniel called here while his hired man went to the Landing to unload his load he continues quite lame. In the evening Mr and Mrs VanKleeck and their friend Miss Sleight called to spend an hour or so. While there Edgar Flagler wife and Mrs Doctor Flagler called. In the evening Owenwas quite sick and at ten oclock evening sent for Doctor Peter Barnes who thought him troubled with worms 21. The day very warm and pleasant and all our neighborhood actively engaged in their improvements as thougm it was spring or summerbuilding houses grading lots We progressed finely with our fence. Father and myself devoted most of our time to that object. After dinner I went to the landing to get some lumber for the fence and get the returns of Uncle Daniel 1 s cattle which I accomplished and paid Trowbridge and Wilkinson for a thrashing machine. Mrs Julius Sterling John and Phebe call during the day. In the evening Father and myself went to the Bible class or rather discussion. 22The day cool but not severe winter weather finished the fence except painting In the afternoon Mrs William Wilkinson and her sister Cornelia Trowbridge called at our house. In the evening I went alone to the Lyceum. 23.I spent most of the day painting the fence, In the evening took tea with Mrs Herrick. Met Mrs North Mrs Isaac Platt Abrahamand Eliza Wiltse. 24.In the morning Mr Ludlow preached Weall went to church except Owenand the girl. In the evening I went to the Washington St church and heard Mr Hare The day is very mild and some overcast:

25. - 28.The weather very mild and pleasant more like April than winter there is very little frost if any in the ground. We have graded our lot some for the few days past. Took tea at Abrahamswith John and Phebe, I should say Julia David and myself last evening the 27th after which we went to the lecture of Rev Theodore Cuyler of NewYork. 28-31.The weather has been some cooler than for a few days past but very mild mid winter weather. The lowest that I rave heard the thermometer reported as yet before sunrise in the morning is thirteen degrees above zero. Friday evening Julia Mrs Herrick attended the Lyceumle~ture

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

109.

January 1858 3O.Saturday David and myself y..,entto brother Johns and Abrahamsafter breakfa.st on an errand after which we went with brother Jann in the ·wagon to the.Pelton pond to get some ice as it is rather a scarce article and cannot be found only in coves and places where there is little 31.Sabbath Went to church morning and evening at Mr Ludlows in the afternoon the sacrement of the Lord s Supper was administered. In the evening I went to the Washington St church to hear Mr Hair preach. 1

February 1858 l.In the afternoon caught a ride!out to Henry Sleights and walked back in the evening Snowedor rather hailed before I got homethe day very mild and pleasant. Julia spent the evening at Mrs Isaac Platts helping sew for the Homeof the Friendless. 2. Sabbath snowed or hailed durJng the night to the depth of two or three inches Communionto day there were quite ad addition to the church Mr Ludlow preached. 2-7. This week like the previous ones have been very mild and pleasant for winter the most remarkable weather that I ever rememberfor the time of year. Julia and myself called at William Sterlings and Mr Shaws on Wednesdayevening On Thursday evening we attendfd the Lyceumlecture. On Saturday afternoon we attended the funeral of MrWilkinson 1 s child which was taken to Greenwood cemetery. 7. Sabbath During the night it snowed to the depth of two inches but thawed considerable during the day In the morning Mr Bushnell of the Gaboonmission preached In the evening Julia and myself went to the Washington St Methodist church and heard Mr Hare preach.

f'\

8. In the forenoon I went to hear a suit between Mr William Thorn and Peter Todd the result to be decided in a few days. In the afternoon Ward Sleight came to spend a day or so at our house. In the morning Mrs George Sterling called at our house to get us to purchase tickets for a festival at the Gregory house. In the afternoon Julia David and myself called at John M Dudleys to see Captain Wiltsie baby. 1O.I spent the forenoon in the street and at home. In the afternoon I went to the ,state temperance meeting a short time In the evening heard Neal Dowafter which Julia and myself went to the festival at the Gregory House and was entertained to our satisfaction. 11. I spent the most homethe weather rather colder than before the thermometer stood at ten degrees at sunri:se Julia and Mrs VanKleeckwent out in the after noon to make some calls. 12.The day rather cool the thermometer about as yesterday. In the evening Julia and myself went to the closing Lyceumlecture by Mr Hare. 13. The weather and thermometer about as yesterday ten degrees at sunrise and twenty two at noon Spent the most of the day home. I

14.Sabbath Went to church morning and afternoon Mr Ludlow preached During the day it snowed moderately 15.The snow fell during the day and last night the depth three inches and cleared off cold In the afternoon went with brother Abrahamto Mr Lattins north from this city twelve miles quite cold and windy

_.- DIAR¥OF ALSON WARD February 1858 __ 16.I spent most of ,the day¥homequ~te cold and windy.

110.

17~The:day ~ery( ~old the_ th~rmometbr·':aLten ,degrees this morning with a very hi:glt;wind wlltch__ conttniAed._a1j d~ywith,.liitle variatfori of the thermometer Wepul~-~ :.stove '·in ··the'ceilef- toj.-prevent its freezing the plants and potatoes. I

'18.Ttie~weather cold Spent the mosl of the day home. 19.Cold and snowing with .high win~. In the afternoon I went to the village hall and helped the ladies prepare fio.r a fa.ir fo.r the friendless.

2O.Sriowedmoderately most of ,the 9ay cold and windy thermometer at 12° most of. the: ~~y ,I_nthe aft.ernoon went ~o the ba11 a fey1minutes and could report progress. 21.Sabbath Went to church morning aft.ernoon and evening. Mr Ludlowpreached morning and aft.ernoon 22.Washington•s birthday and the an of the opening of the homeof the friendless Which they celebratJ by the holding of a fair for the benefit of the institution. In the evening Julia and myself went and made some purchases John and Phebe in company. - i I

23.The day fine as yesterday cool ibut clear and pleasant. In the forenoon took a walk to the depot with Mr Wilkinson. In the evening I went to church at the Congregational church afte~ which I went to ~he ~all ana heard the Alleganeans sing and all the other pretty things and got homeat eleven oclock .: This_-part of Ai a ry erids _hf re I

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110a

DIAR~OF ALSON WARD Copy.of -~orrespondence with WmD Harris of ~hic~go

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Pokeepsie January 18,1861 Mr W.D.Harris Esq Dear Sir I arrived tn NewYork City early Wednesdaymorning and had the good I fortune to find Mr Miller at his office. Wetalked over matters generally and particularly he offered t~ pay me tlXt~~ndred dollars in hand, but I told him that I did not knowt~at I should before first of next month. He will pay that amount any time I want it and I will arrange it at this end ' of the line. In regard to the excess in inventory he says he had written to you to give me note for same. I did not say anything to him about the rate of interest it should draw for I did not think of it at the time, but I presume seven percent would be perfectly satisfactory. In regard to cash leht, he thinks as you have nothing to pay for nearly six months you can refuhd it after a time and save interest. In making the note you had better make i;t just the amount surplus due, in inventory. The eight thousand dollars pair here by Mr Miller I agreed to allow one and one half per cent for exchang1. I told him we woul~ arrange on settlement you may charge the amount to me. I have not had time to sign up amts &and as you have the documents theJe you can do it and any thing I may not understand I will ask as perhaps I may be some like Mr Miller in that respect trust you will honor us in our inquistiveness I

Yo4rs truly Al$on Ward

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DIARYOF ALSON WARD I

111.

There foJlow a series of 1etters I

Letter to John P. Phrllips Feb 1,1961

I~have just been to jthe bank and paid notes due to morrow by giving a new note of $5600 for thirty days from Feb 2,1861 made payable to myself and endorsed by Gifford Sherman & James and M.D.L.Phillips. I find a small difference in bank statementh~re and yours at Chicago as given me by Philander falling short of his statemen~ $16.43 According to his statement it would be as follows: At the time I lieft Chicago there was in the bank 1121.03 Mr Mi~lers check 382.00 1505.03 Their statement 1486.60 making difference of 16.43 Perhaps you can apt for the same I will have them write up our apt and then it will appear I Nowthe matter stands thJa Check for JP Phillips for : 20.00 Do Gifford Sherman Inc 418.82 Note of Aaron June? 246.55 Discount on $56.00 35.45 Notes 6000. 7120.82 Paid by note 5600 Balance in bank 1486.60 Paid from my pocket 34.22 7120.82 Please place to my credit $35 22 as I enclose one dollar bill Chicago currency which dont go here. I thought I would make the notes even number in hundreds and pay the balance in cash Howare collections coming in and how is trade Howdoes your office suit you and Write often and in full

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

•

112.

~opy of _Letter,~~- ~~rnj:i,~1 -~ ~-~ller , - · Po~ghkeeps1e Feb 6,1861 The enclosed I receiv$d from Mr Harris from Chicago and in reply to his letter I advised him to refer them to Mr Miller. I have just received a ldtter from him saying: · If you think it well that Mr Miller should see Schuffilin Bro & Co will you drop him a line sen~ing him their letter as well as mine. i

As I think it important that the credit of the house to be fairly representedand that Mr Miller is as well qualified as any one to represent its true condition. Should r Mirler concur in this opinion and think best_ to call on Schuffalin Bro & Co jt would confer a favour on Mr Harris and myself says 11 Myorder to them wasj for 1 cask Ammonia1 can oil Organum 1 can oil Codec 5 lbs oil Wintergreen 3 grop Mclanes Pills Does not want too ~uch11 He wrote them to ship; the Cask Ammoniaas bleaching salts. They seem to doubt the propriety of marking the above as desired ( not being a druggist I cant say) but I thinl~kthe main difficulty is in regard to the credit of the house of WD Harris and he report they have heard The sales since Mr Harris commencedare represej ted by his book keeper since December 15 (time they commenced)to Feb 1 as being Cash 5360.58 f Time 1012

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DIA,YOF ALSON WARD

113.

Copy A letter

to WmDiHarris : Feb 21, 1861 Yours of the 17th at !hand and contents noted. As regards having moneyat the bank Pokeepsie I .think it unnecessary I told the cash when/I gave him your signature that you would not probibly do any business through the bank until exchange got very much lower. Your sales are moderate but that seems to be the state of the whole countryat the present time NewYork is v~ry dull and more so than the west if possible we all hope for something to tJrn up for the better. !

In regard to our fri~nd whose letter I enclose I have only to say he writes a candid letter and l can give you my idea of the qualifications necessary for a good credit. F1rst a good character a good business tact and property to back it. I will bejsatisfied with any credits you may think best to give after careful investigation and this I consider an important point and any honest deserving man had no objection to it if done at the beginning of the opening of an apt. I sh~uld never feel delicate_ in asking a man all proper questions when he made application for a credit for then;is the time. ! , Not signed

.. ,

DI IRY~~·ALSON WARD Copyietter

•

114,

written J.P. Anthony Pokeep~ie Sept 17,1861

J.P. Anthony Dear Sr: I send by Mr Everett the Bradfor-!Adair Cuddebackmortgages Also one of thePrescott note, due June 10/61 with interest due on the three He should pay the notes if possib@-ethe interest at any rate Nelson Tryon, WmH Lowry, CalJb M Colvin, A.H. Rider, A. McDougal, are back on their interest. I wish you lwould try hard to collect of them as I think it will not do to let them geu back any more on their paper. I think it prudent to keep things up as close asjpossible~ in the best of times Now.in particular there is interest due on othe I but in looking over my convictions when that these needed attention If by ~rdering some of the moneyyou may collectyou can better the Adair and Cuddebackpaper you may do so although I am very willing to take all the money I can get yet it may be best to get them in better shape (if possible) Alson Ward.

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orlvOFALSON WARD Poughkeepsie June 24, 1862

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Mr D. Bates

Dear :ir Your favor of the 19th at hand. Although

I have not consulted the partj holding but as I am trustee and have the managementof it I take the rksponsibiliyy to say that if the interest is paid promptly the time ~~ can be extended one year at least and also you may pay at the time the ilt~rest is due any amount convenient on the notes which will be in the hands of TA Sherwood of Ottawa or if not pay him the money and take his receipt fo the same and it will be all right

-~1

Yours truly Alson Ward

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Copy of letter

DIA~YOF ALSON WARD written WD Harris June 24 1862

(', 116.

~~---=--~->

Mr W.D.Harris Dear Str I have seen Mr Miller several times since my return from the west I spoke to him in regard to the payment of the two thousand dollars I was owing him he says he will take $500 or $1000 at a time until paid and of course as soqn as convenient I am willing to become possessor of the note Mr Phillips mentioned in letter dated June 18th that there was a gentleman that wanted to buy:Mr Harris out by the name of Crowell but would not take a special interest if there ·is a man with means and is all right why not make him a general partner I wish you would try and find the man that would suit you and as he would be equal with you in capital I see no reason why you should not make him a general partner I told Mr Miller last fall that I wished he would find some one.to buy my interest that would make a good partner for you and him He thought he could during the next yearit is not that I am dissatisfied with the managementof the business but .,on the contrary I am well pleased and satisfied with what has been done and am of the opinion that with all the advantages ypu have you may with care and perseverance I make money. But for me it is better to sell out my interest or have taken ! a general interest and moved t;o Chicago but as I do not wish the latter the former becomes the alternative. I am expecting to call on Mr Miller at his place before long and shall talk with him in regard to selling finaing purchaser &Mr Phillips writes me that ~ou are doing a brisk business and your sales are large. I will be glad to hear from you often With kind regards & Alson Ward

DIARYOF ALSON WARD Pokeepsie June 28,1862

•

Mr T.A. Sherwood I Jy }-l)r,1/1)

De~r Sir Yours of ~he 23rd~, in due time but Mr Boyd was absent frpm the city a del y of pne day or so the result Mr Anthony not co~c1ude to take it you may go/on and sell it I dont care who has it all I want is the thing arranged with the parties holding it or the money·-I notice I the interest in Henry Purdys nbte of $600 was due on the first day of June Has he been in to see about it/, if not perhaps you had better write to him. I am a little surprized that O e Everson has not been in I would record the mortgage In regard to the Cuddebackmatter if you think it will do you may go on and sell and try the thing /on it certainly will not get in any better shape by remaining as it is and Mr uuddeback seems perfectly indifferent in regard to it or he would have taken Jhe trouble to have called at the time he was I in with Adair. I send you an [agle in which in which you will find your card Alson Ward.

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DI.AJRY OF ALSON WARD

118:

Pokeepsie Oct 18,1862 TA Sherwood Esq Dear Si~ Your f~vor of the i8 at hand As regards the Adair matter I approve buying the claims providing we can get a new clean paper fr.om Adair on four or fi;ve years time with the condition that the whole becomes due in defalt of the yearly interest. Tell Mr Adair all I want is the interest promptly paid and the time can be extended without doubt. In regard to the money to make the purchase I have no ready cash on hand to send you unless I borrow the same. If you particularly need the moneyfor the above repose before the first of Decemberyou may draw on me at three days sight or write me if time will permit and I will forward it to you. As regards the Warren Moorematter I presumelit would be the best thing I could do to pay the mortgage held by Mr Antho~y as I have not just now the money and you are at head quarters to see~-~ ~ that there is no advantage taken I do not see the necessity of buying it onry to get it in a first mortgage and consequently in a better shape should it be sold by virtue of first mortgage then we can i buy it if it becomes necessarj but is it not just as well as it is as long as it remains and the interes~ is paid. There may be something I do not understand in regard to it if so write to me -

-1

I am expecting to come to the west about the first of Decemberand I will come to Ottawa I may have some money or may not as things are rather uncertain I cannot depen:li,on~hat I aught to receive. Mr Wiltsie wants the interest on the Ahern paper and he must pay it this fall as he promised us 'this spring he would by the first of September Archabald McDougalpromised to pay something this fa 11 pl:ease try and see him or write a line on the subject Howis Edwin getting aldng Should you collect from 1Ahernhis interest you may retain the money and any other you may get to apply on the ·Adair matter and I will pay Mr Wiltsie and send his receipt of the moneyfrom Ahern I will see that the notes of Harvey Burr are in your hands by the 3 December the time they are due 1

Alson Ward.

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D·IJRYOF ALSON WARD

119.

Copy LaSalle Count~ Allen Township

•

Sir I have been living in your place as I have been informed that I it belongs to you if it does I ·should like to know if you wish to sell it or rent it for five years so ds I can go on and improve it. It is very ha-rd to raise anything without a f!nce there is about twenty acres under a crop and that is all there is, andlthat would not keep one team to work except there is more land broken on rt the plow land is not all together for there is five sloughs on it. Theola house wants fixing up is a boarded roof and it leaks I put. two floors an1 all the lights in it. If you should like to sell I will give you ten doll~rs per acre for the place pay you two or three hundred dollars this fall andl the balance in five years at eight per cent interest and that is all it is worth. I dont want to be moving about as I have put on about six thousaCd feet of lumber on it in building a barn and a cattle yard if you should srll the place you would not like it for I can get improved farms from fifteen to twenty dollars per acre Direct to Dwight Livingston Co. Ill

•

• -

From Peter Coleman Not dated

DIAIvoFALSON WARD

120.

Pokeepsie Nov 28, 1865

•

G.W.Stoutenburgh Dear Sir

Yours of the 14th came to hand in due time I

reply I would say that I have Jo uninvested funds at present I think I would I advise you to wait until lumbef and labor get cheaper I have had a little experience building this summefand find it very expensive. I think you would make money by waiting I sent y0u a paper containing notice of the death of of Bro John P. Phillips which fas very unexpected to all his friends , he was not confined to his bed onry the day he died he had been sick three or four weeks I have heard through Rob Wilkinson and others that the law suit was decided but not yet in shabe to settle up. I am quite anxious to have the time come that it may be sbttled finly settled Yours truly Not signed

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DIAlYOFALSON WARD

121.

Mr Phillips

·oear Sir

I ]eceived your Jetter of _the 5 ~--inst also one of the same date from John P Junis stating to:me what Mr Olmstead had informed you I know of ~nything more t do If you can think of anything more that can be do~e I would 1ike that it ight be acted upon and am willing to do all I can to investigate.fuJ]y. Mother wished me to when I wrote you to mention that she entertained the.opinion that now Jonn is eadthe things that were Sarahs should be returned to.__..berShe.says-thatduring saJa·br.s_.sickness she gave.her three hundred dollars:fo money.invested in 7-30 bonds paid all her funeral expensesexcept the grave stone and felt as long as Joh1 lived she was willing he should have the use of the moneyand Sarahs thing the most of _the articles were taken· from home and she thinks they should be returned to her of which we suppose you are . . perfe~tly willing. We should ,e glad to see you soon in Pokeepsie. Yours truly Alson Ward. Not dated

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122.

DIARY! OF ALSON WARD f

Mr Cambridge Livingston Dear Sir dollars

November 14,1867

The Priesbyterin-Church of this city holds five thousand

stock of the Washington and NewOrleans Telegraph Co leased as we

understand to the American Magnetic Co for ten years from July 1, 1867 paying six per cent semi annually We hive received

time the regular interest

George Woodexcept the interest

due July last.

are to look for it.

is letter

circular

Mr Woodin

through

Wewish to know to _whomwe

dated April 25, 1867 with printed

notice inclosed of a meeting of the stockholders

at the office of

the W N Telegraph Co Washington City says the object of the meeting is to transfer

the seat of operations

lease had been transfrred

from Washington to NewYork inasmuch as the

to,the Western Union Co. Not receiving our interest

as usual through Mr WoodI take the liberty

•

on the subject will greatly oblige Yours truly Not signed

of asking you any information

DIARYOF ALSON WARD Top 6 1ines crossed out with a 1ong X

•

Jan 4~1868

Messes C1inton and Lapp Dear ~1¥>st~~-;.J Yours of the 21 a1t came to hand a few days since Not being ab1e to see Mr Harris since he 1ives at Hyde Park and being quite out of hea1th since received yours I presume he may be in NewYork City spending the Ho1iday and it may be some days I wi11 be ab1e to see him(end of crossed out 1ines) I take the responsibi1ity of saying that if you wi11 the who1e amount of taxesdue on a11 the 1ots and a1so the amt due on the undivided 5 acres owed in part by the brother in 1aw od D McC11eand and send us a sma11 map of the City of Counci1 B1uffs with the 1ots marked and a1so the five acre tract I wi11 see that your bi11 against Mr Harris enc1osed to me is paid as wel1 as the amount you named in your 1ast communication as your fee for making the investigation and sett1ing the taxes for us together with the price of the map. I find that Mr Harris has tax receipts as fo11ows for city taxes 1859-61-63 State and County 1860-62 -63 I find a 1etter from Geo Babbington dated June 21, 1864 as fo11ows 11Enc1ose p1ease find receipts for City County and State taxes in fu11 to 1atest assessments which I am instructed to send you by Dr W.F.McC1e1andof Danver city and 1ate1y of this p1ace 11 The above receipts are a11 that Mr Harris has in his possession (Fo11owing crossed out) I presume as the 1ast the 1ast time I saw him je stated he had not the papers or correspondence than these papers handed me (end of crossed out 1ines) I desire an answer to this co:mmunicationat your ear1 iest convenience that I may be ab1e to remit to yqu previous to the session of your court which I be1ieve is to be the 27thof the month. Shou1d we conc1ude to sett1e the taxes with a draft on NewYork be our best mode of remittance unsigned

•

, 123.

DIAR~OF ALSON WARD

124.

FA SHERWOOD Dear SirYour fjavor of the 10th inst comes to hand yesterday very glad to hear from you Youfiprevious 1etter was written before the death of Mr Anthony and therefore I have not been officially informed of my duties I as one of the guardians for hi~ child (children crossed out) Which is it the expected hair or Phebe or both~ On receipt of this wills you write information in regard to the following matters what are the main provisions of Mr Anthonys I will, how large is the estate ~e leaves What are Mrs Anthonys plans I presume she will stay at the westuntil :next summerand Mr Everitt will stay until spring. Whenmay we expect to see you east think I have heard something. Are you boarding with Mr McKiriileyat your house or are you in the City. Are you going on to start a Saving! Bank or have you given it up (following crossed out) You may think me very inqlisitive but as I found some impressions that you might not stay at the westia great while (end of crossed out lines) I have not heard anything from1the suit in the Supreme Court I presume they were going to be deliberators.: You spoke of that $5000 mpre or less all I can say is that I wish I had the amt to send you (following/ crossed out) but as I have not and cannot speculate ' (end of crossed out line) I ha~e lately invested some in Sothern lands that dont pay interest at present Ij fear that I shall be obliged to draw on you before I will be able to get irterest on them. What do you think of the prospect of them ever paying their oldi bonds and Int. Seems to me that Congress and the President are getting thi~gs in rather a mixed condition at the South. I hope one or the other willi enforce some p1an that may be carried out for them. I fear you are having a lbad winter for farmers dry and the ground uncovered Weare having a very pleasant /winter with fine sleighing I

Not signed Not dated I

On next page after letter

dated Jan 4, 1868

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

•

125.

.A.F.Redfield Clerk 1 WAYNE COUNTY CLERK S OFFICE Lyons,N.Y. Feby 28th 1871 Alson Ward Esq Release sent Poughkeepsie,N.Y. March 2,1871 Dr Sir Someyears ago William Olmstead late of the town of Savannah

deceased executed a mortgage y ur father to secure the sum of $674.44 which said•mortgage has been paid bur has not been properly discharged from the records of this County. In order to settle

up the estate of the late Mr Olmstead

it becomes necessary to have a discharge of the mortgage from the executor or

administrator

of"y6ur fa her. I herewith enclose you discharge which

please sign and execute and return to this office and greatly oblige. Yours Very Respt

• .

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A.F.Redfield Clerk

DIA Y OF ALSON WARD

Statement of Receipts of the farm of the Homeof the Friendless for the Year 1872 ending Jan 1st

•

Fresh vegetables Gravel sold 7920 quarts milk

246.50 36.72

475.20 758.42

Disbursed as follows Paid Mr Hart farmer Feed cows and Horse

•

420 68.78

Pd for mi.1k

20.00 508.78

Balance in favor of farm

249.64

126.

127.

DIA Y OF ALSON WARD

•

Council Bluffs,Iowa March 5, 1872 Alson Ward Esq Dear Sir I see b~ the records of this place that you are the owner of the undivided one half of 5 acres of land in this place and a man by the name of Hann has the otrher undivided half and he has put his half in my hands to sell and I ~elt iJ my duty to offers

write to you and,at the price he

it in my opinion it is a good investment for you or anyone else and

as you have half ot it that it is undivided that you ought to have the other half the title

of the Hann in1 erest is perfect and taxes all paid up and now

I have his intent for sale at $300 in cash for the 2½ acres something over $116 1/3 per acre and if I hare your half I would try and try of him he needs money very badly indeed now if you dont want to try his interest

•

you take for your interest

lel me here from you . Yours truly J.M.Palmer

what will

, I

DIAJYOFALSON WARD

•

Pokeepsie March ii, J

128.

1872

M Palmer Your favor of the 6th last arrived and contents noted

in regard to buying the Ha_ I will-say that~

interest

or selling my interest

in the 5 acres

am not prepa1ed at present to either buy or sell as I have

never seen the property. I havl tax title

for the whole 5 acres as Doctor

Harris did not pay taxes I had to redeem after the lands were sold and have paid the taxes since I redeemed in the year 1868. I am expecting to visit your place some time during thl year and will do what is right in regard to buying or selling same Yours truly Not signed

•

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

•

129.

Pokeepsie May 21,1872

JP Casady Dear Sir certain lots I own in Broad

I believe that you have paid the taxes for add to Council B~uffs0 also the undivided half

of five acres L81T75Map R 48 through my agent in Illinois your opinion

of-the-prosepcts

Mr Sherwood I desire

in-regard to said lots can they be sold or

exchanged for other property or is it best to hold them longer and what are the prospects for future advancement. What is a fair value for the 2½ acre on the Bluffs also also the other lots if you will answer the above at an early opportunity you will oblige Alson Ward

•

DIARYOF ALSON WARD

130.

Poughkeepsie Nov 16th

•

1874

Friend Sherwood Your favor of the 12th with Mf Eckstines enclosed received Your proposition

as regards an additional

eighty acres is just and

proper and if Mr Sells wished the land he will undoubtedly comply. He could hardly expect me to

accept his proposition

should he conclude not to take it after

as it might involve expense &

the interest

I think it prudent to ask extra security. Yours truly Alson Ward

•

and payment becomes due

The Alson Ward Diaries: From the Collections of the Dutchess County Historical Society

Articles inside

114,116,123,128 Hart, Mr

McKinley

LaSalle County

Daniel I 26 54

Warren

Ludlow 5,24,100,106a~l08,109

51 Aaron

Hay Press (Lower Landing

James

Marshall, Augusta 106a Ba rt l et 34 Lenard 24,29,41,100

Mead, Julia

Nancy Dubois, Calvert 47,48,49,50, 51,60

Giddings, Mr Gid1ey, Mr 13,15,96,97,102,106,50 E1sey l,9,10,16,17,20,25, 37,45,46,47,64,65,92,94,95 96.99.103,104,105

Fema1e Seminary Fishki11 4,9,15,26,42,44,46

Peters, Alonzo

McDougal, Archabald 113,118 McFarlin, Daniel Sr

Gowe, T

New Haven 42, 74 New Orleans and Washington Telegraph Co 122

LaGrange 1~13,21,24,38,46,66,70 91,94,95,102,105 Lake, Crapo Sr 2,23,66 Crapo Jr 1,2,5,6,23,24,27,34 Mr 68

Home of the Friendless 109,126 Hopewe11, 9.10,21,46,47,64,69,87, 93,96,97,104,105,106 Houghtaling, Dr 51,64 How, minister l,2,6,12,15,24, 26,28,42,44,48,66,79,82,98 Hoyt, minister Hudson 12,14

Fair, County

Samuel 62,76,107 Samuels niece

109 chicken

Hughson, Dr

Henry 35 ,83 Houyt

Jacob 96, 9,10,21,47,70,87, Jane Ann 70,105 Stephen 42,92 Aunt Susan Ann

Locust Grove

Express, Steamer

Linch, Mr

Don, Mr

Mrs

Hackinson,Mr

Mesmerish Methodist church 12,33, 66,68,73 84,92,97,100,101,109 76 88,89 16

Graham, Mr

New York (city) 5,10,12,13,14,23,24 34.59,61,69,72,76,77,91,98 106,108,llOa,113,123 Company

Gaye11 ,boat

Henry, John (saw mi11

Ketcham, Mr

Heno (disturber Henry, Dutch 96

Fair, State

Ha11, minister

Ham, Mr

56 Henry