Florence Minch Stauffacher Journal – 1915.                                                                           Index

Friday Jan. 1, 1915

The new year is begun, much as every other year and yet different.

Never before as now are God's people looking for the end; everything points that way.

We certainly expect great things before another year closes...

I want to practice Psa 27:14 this year as never before. There is so much need of prayer & patience – with quiet confidence.

May God help me to look for His return every day and wait.

Mombasa.

Thur. A.M. Jan. 7.

We camped at Kapiti Plains Friday til train time. It was late. We had ordered an apartment but found an Indian & family in it. However we got into another at the first station (Magadi Junction).

Were unmolested all the way down. Mrs. Rhoad had given us such a full chop-box that we had plenty all the way.

There were such crowds that they had to put two engines on; and when we got to Mombasa everyone rushed for the hotels and soon all were full.

John went first to find when the boat was coming in and found she was just anchoring. Next question was where could we stay. Another family were in our fix too so after a lot of running around we were allowed to sleep in some empty R.R. carriages and Mr. Leighton (the other family man) went to the boat to get permission to go on the next day (Sun.). He went but the purser was so busy he couldn't see him til late & then couldn't return.

I helpt Mrs. L. with her babies & then she sent for sandwiches & tea & insisted I must have some tea with her. She was very worried about her husband when he didn't return.

We had enough for our supper & breakfast but had a cup of tea at the tea-room. Several others also slept in carriages. Some whom I now see in I Class.

Mr. L. returned Sun. morn & said we could get on but they didn't want passengers on before Wed.

Our boxes had gone to Kilindini on Sat. so we got a “gari” & went- leaving the L's getting their breakfast & expecting to meet us at K- We were getting our things thro' customs when passengers from the boat began to arrive & we met Gwenny Hurst and the Misses Mozley. Were so glad to see them but had such a short time to stay with them. They were busy with boxes etc & the native who agreed to take us to the boat was ready to go and as the rush was on we had to leave. Of course their train left at noon so there would have been but two hours about. She is so like Madge that I was real homesick to go back. She expected to go straight thro to Masindi with some C.M.S. people who were going.

We came on & got a cabin & had meals. Were told it would be one £ a day until the boat sails. That was cheaper tho than we could get it any place else so we had to be satisfied.

Mrs. L. is II Class. we are III. but the nicest of its kind we've ever seen. This III is as nice as German II Class. Clean & roomy & every convenience that II Class has. Not quite so large deck but large cabins & bath rooms and plenty of room for washing etc. Mr. L. returns to the front. Just staid on for a few days with her. The baby is only 10 weeks old.

Monday John went ashore to get tickets etc and Leightons also wanted to go so I told her I'd keep the baby for her. Enjoyed taking care of her.

Stewardess & stewards are all very nice. Seems so nice to see ordinary looking & speaking people. The germans always had shaved heads & chattered away so half heathenish. We have splendid food & waiters at the table. Ice water – everything very nice.

First we had an inside cabin but when our tickets came we found we had an outside one. It's very nice now.

Passengers have been coming on right along. Loads & loads of goods have been taken off & ever so much more is put on. They are still loading. but hope to get away tomorrow. It seems so long since we got on. P.M's are fairly cool as there's a breeze but mornings are sultry.

Last night I kept baby Isabelle Leighton while Mrs. had dinner. Ours is early & baby is always wakeful. Hope she'll do it again.

A family got on here yesterday. Swedes- baby 8 mos old. Very congenial company.

A Boer was on when we got on. J.E. Erasmus. We had heard of him before. He went to the Congo to buy land for a lot of people but squandered the money & is now returning. He had blackwater fever & now has been drinking such a lot. Was all gone to pieces- but John has been helping him. Was terribly depressed at first but is quite jolly now. Has had sores on hands & feet – so John gave him his slippers to wear. He seems to really desire to be a Christian but thinks he must overcome his habit first – which of course is impossible – but the other way – become God's child and have victory.

I bathe the children every evening & do a little washing. Fear I can't do much when the boat leaves. tho' they said they had a fair voyage coming. Mr. Erasmus says we'll be just in time for fine fruit around the south – grapes etc. Mr. L. went ashore yesterday to join his division. Rather hopes to get leave to go home soon. Two more men are on & some sailors.

We'll be so glad to get off. If we leave tomorrow P.M. we'll have been here 6 days. We stop at Zanzibar first.

Got two good sized mails since on board. Children got Xmas package from Mrs Hannay scrap books & marbles.

I let my knife (from papa) lay on the bench on the deck & some one took it. Also the children's color pencils. There are such a lot of natives on helping with the loading etc that they may have picked 'em up. So sorry to lose the knife.

Hope when we get started we'll have some music- at least be able to hear what people in other classes enjoy.

Finished my blue worked waist & started the linen apron. Also started “Uncle William”. and am planning to read the Bible thro again.

Thur. Jan. 14. Beira. P.E.A.

Left Mombasa about 3 P.M. Jan 8 or last Fri. and got to Zanzibar on Sat. morning. Awfully rough trip. At Zanzibar we loaded about 9000 bushels of cloves. as well as quite a number of invalided sailors. Some had been on the “Pagasus” when the Germans bombarded her. We saw part of the main mast sticking out of the water. Several sailors have broken arms & lame legs. Mrs. Martin, C.M.S. workers from Mombasa brings her boy & girl over with their play things from II Class. There are so many there. Were 22 children & 7 men got on here.

We got here yesterday morn about 2 A.M. It was raining & very cool so I put my sweater on but this morning its sweltering. Can't find a comfortable corner.

It's not a very big place nor very pretty. Very flat country all around.

We've all been feeling rather knocked out. Think it's because of the awful heat.

John went to English services in II Class last Sun. Mr. Martin had them. We had fairly good sailing from Zanzibar but I always feel so bum every A.M. Haven't had to feed the fish yet tho'.

Claudon fell this morning & cut his knee on a tin. Bled a good deal but isn't anything serious at all.

I Class people have been trying to catch sharks from our deck but altho they got several small fish never got a shark to bite.

Have been doing quite a bit of washing since here. This morning washed J's pyjamas & his kahki suit. Hard & hot work. But there's no laundry on board so have to do things our selves.

We were due to leave at 11- but haven't gone yet. Are in the mouth of a river & must be towed out.

Mrs. Leighton has stood it fine. Hasn't been a bit sick. I keep the baby once in awhile. I've felt miserable since Sun. better this morning.

Got some fruit at Zanzibar and hope to get more at the next stop. Delagoa Bay. Mr. Erasmus gets off there. He's interested in Daniel's Prophesy. John has lent him our Schofield Bible.

We've had nary a note of music. Don't know why. Perhaps too hot for the musicians. Hope we get started soon. Then we should reach Delagoa Bay day after tomorrow. Suffered awfully from heat last night. Couldn't sleep.

Wed. Jan. 20. East London.

At Delagoa Bay we tied to a pier so got off & walked around town some. Got grapes & plums & peaches & mangoes but all quite expensive. Mr. Erasmus left. Do hope he'll be able to live a better life. Says he'll send us the two rupees at Capetown as the banks were closed when we got in.

We left Sun. morning. I had breakfast then went to service. Here's a sticker- I was the only lady without a hat.. Must be a rule of the Eng. Church to wear hats. I'll know better next time. Got to Durban Mon. A.M. It was frightfully rough & I had to give up Sun. eve. Felt better after getting rid of my breakfast which had been on my stomach all day. Mon. P.M. we got off & took a car & went around the town. The children enjoyed it ever so much. Coming back we sent into a market & had ice cream then bot some fruit & got back in time for supper. It is a very pretty place. Large & part is up on a bluff or hill – an old place by the looks of some buildings.

A lot got on & some got off & we left yesterday Tues. P.M. and have gotten here in good time. It's not noon yet.

We are right out in the water here. Any one getting off gets into a huge basket & let down with the crane.

We've never heard whether Gribbles are still here or have gone on. Tho't possibly they'd be leaving by this boat.

We are to get to Capetown on Sat. I shall be glad when we get there as after that it seems as tho we'll be on our way home and around the end there's usually very rough weather. Am dreading the next few days.

Yesterday Raymond pinched his thumb in the hinge side of the bath room door & blackened the nail. Hurt him a good deal. but he didn't cry much.

Rather shakey & rocky & makes one feel half sick even since the boat is still. Tried to sew a little this morning.

Capetown, Jan. 23, Sat. eve.

While on deck looking after the Ohlson baby, I'll write in here. We got here about 1 P.M. & we went on shore at once. A Mr. Gerdener was to meet us but evidently hadn't received Mr. du Plessis's letter or something. So we walked around awhile- then bot some fruit & had some ice cream & came back to the boat in time for tea. Mr. Pepper was with us. This is not such a nice town as Durban. Not so nicely located. High hills all around crowd things together more.

Now I'm taking care of Stanley so Mr & Mrs. Ohlson have gone.

I got a couple of hat pins and a brown tie for mama. Wish I'd gotten an ostrich plume. They are rather cheap here. Got a lot of fruit- apples, peaches & grapes.

We stopt Thur. at Port Elizabeth & yesterday at Mossel Bay. The two as well as East London have no pier & we anchored right out in all the swell. Not much better than going all the time.

Last night it was a w f u l. Around Cape Agulhas this morning at 4 it was terrible and pretty bad all the way in. Awfully windy & quite cold. All over town it's wind wind wind.

John & Mr. Pepper have gone off to find Scott St. where this Mr. G- lives who was to meet us. They are delivering a suit case Mr. du P- left in our care.

Quite a number got off here but ever so many got on too & no doubt more still will be getting on.

Mailed some letters & post cards. Next stop is Madeira – 12 days from here. Wonder what I'll be doing all that time. Raymond pinched his thumb black in bath room door yesterday.

Wed. P.M. Jan. 27 '15. Opposite, Beira E. Africa.

Wonder of wonders I'm not sick. We left Capetown Sat. night about 10 so by Sun. morning we were well on our way. During the night it was frightfully rough. also Sun. most all day. I dressed & went on deck. Ate no breakfast but managed a little dinner. Also some tea. Yesterday it was still better. The ship rolls some but the swells are not so noticeable. Have eaten all meals & feel fairly well. Do a little sewing every A.M. and P.Ms. rest & read.

Today have headache. sort of billious attack. Not enough exercise. We are making good time. From yesterday to this noon we made 321 miles.

Time flies much faster too this week since we don't stop at ports.

A lot of people got on at Capetown. All sorts & descriptions good, bad & indifferent.

Several young men play the piano & yesterday for some reason they took the rope off with which it was tied to the wall on the deck. The old deck steward got awfully angry; that made some laugh at him which increased his rage & he at once had the piano moved to II Class. Some one at once made up a letter to the Capt. asking to have it returned & several signed it. It came back after supper. & this morning they moved it into the small sitting room off the smoking room. Guess it's settled now for the rest of the voyage.

Had a dance on II Class deck last night – after we went to bed.

Mrs. Leighton still brings her baby over for me to keep at meal time if she's awake. I'm so grateful to be feeling so well.

Raymonds jiggered toe has festered until it's awful. and having no disinfectant I asked stewardess for some but she said I better take him to the doctor. His pinched thumb too is swelled & very painful & festered under the nail. He tied some boracic lint on the toe & told me to put the finger into hot water 3 times a day & come back day after tomorrow. So short & curt. Later I got some permanganate from Mr. Pepper & will treat it myself. Think I'll go yet at the time appointed as he may have some treatment in mind for it. Being 3rd Class, I think, makes a difference but Mrs. L. says he's that way to II Class people too.

Well, it wont hurt me to be snubbed but it grinds sometimes.

Fri. Feb. 5. '15. Just past Cape Verde.

We know we're past the equator as its very cold. a stiff wind blows this morning.

Nothing very eventful has happened. Wed. night was the fancy dress ball in I Class for II Class. I kept Mrs. Leightons baby while she took Janet up into the childrens parade as “good night”. It was about 9:30 when she came for her.

Mr. Ohlson has not been well the last day & staid in his cabin. She too was ill one day. Mrs. Leighton was not well on Tues. but is better again. Quite a number are having bowel trouble. Are using part salt water again in the tanks & it may be that or the fruit which is either over ripe or green. Have been getting awful green apples of late. C- was awful bad last night. I too have some trouble.

John had been feeling very badly again in the heat but has been better the last day. Very nervous.

R's toe seems to be getting better. took him to the doctors twice more and am now treating it myself. Hope it will be well enough to put a shoe on by the time we reach London.

Will likely get to Madeira on Sun. & England some time a week later.

Pretty rolling again this morning I don't feel awfully well. but I ate some breakfast. Am writing this on deck with a bunch of children around me. Hence the scrawl.

Read “Burning Daylight” by Jack London.

John rather hopes we can get a boat at Madeira for New York. If such was our luck we'd be very glad. The sooner home the better. R. is very thin. & J. so unwell.

Sun. A.M. Feb. 14. Plymouth.

Left Madeira Mon. morning. got in about 11 Sun. night. Fairly nice place. high hills to the back- on the tops in the valleys was quite a bit of snow. Many vineyards on all hillsides. We followed along the island for some distance. All very pretty. John says when he needs a vacation he is going to tent on one of the hills near the shore. I wouldn't mind. Think it would be rather a nice place & one could enjoy themselves quite awhile roaming around on the hills & valleys which are thickly marked with paths & roads.

Mon. was not so bad sailing but Tues. it was awful rough. I dressed but went to no meals all day. Stewardess brot me some beef tea at 11. Wed. was much the same. Cold & windy & rough. John felt it too. Ate breakfast & dinner but when supper time came would give it all up again. I had nothing but half cup of beef tea once a day & kept that down all right but got pretty weak anyway. Thurs. was a little better but altho I tried to eat, nothing staid down. Fri morning it was nice & smooth altho we didn't get into Plymouth until after lunch.

Every one was all excitement & commotion. but since we anchored there was nothing to do but wait. They had been urging every one to get off here & take the train to London. Almost every body had decided to do so & altho it didn't suit very well we at once decided to get off too & instead of going to London would look for the shortest & quickest way to get home. Ohlsons of course expected to be home in a few hours. When just at lunch word came that all foreigners must remain on board. Mrs. Ohlson was very much disappointed of course for they were eager to get home.

We at once began to change our plans. We found it was very questionable as to whether any U.S.A. boats come into here & telegraphed Mr. Robinson that we were expected at Tilbury Docks this P.M. Later on we had a letter from him saying he heard we could not get off here & would meet us at Tilbury. Mr. Clarke also wrote and Mary Harland. So after all we are very glad to stop at London since it can't be helped. and no doubt the stop will do us all good. John & I are both better but C's bowels are still pretty bad.

Mr. Robinson wrote they have a place for us to stay and we'll at least try to leave for the boat a week from Sat. from Liverpool. John sort o' thinks he'd like to stay awhile & see things but we may find the weather very bad. then I think he'll wish he were home.

The day we came in was clear & snappy cold. beautiful but during the night a storm worked up & all day yesterday raged. The water was awful. great waves even in this small place. It was so bad that no lighters could be brot out to bring on coal. This morning it is quiet again & we're coaling & will likely get off today.

Every night flash lights light up the water for miles out. This place is well fortified too & plenty of gun boats & submarines around. We saw two this morning & some torpedo boats. We had 3 gun boat escorts from Madeira here.

A year ago about this time papa left us for his other home. Suppose mama is feeling rather sad today but what a glorious year it has been for papa. How I wonder if we wont all be with him soon. It can't be long before things end. U.S.A. is threatened with civil war. German element are organizing a society & 5,000,000 already belong. Should U.S.A. join the allies all these Germans would rise up. A few more months must certainly bring a crisis. What will happen then? Do so hope the Lord will soon come & hasten the end. Three Jews on board & we have some interesting talks.

It gets dark so early & is still not light at 7:30 when we get up. keep the lights lit most of the time.

Mrs. Leighton & children are getting home today I suppose. Shall be glad for her. She's plucky to travel at this time. Gave me her address & I hope to hear from her.

There's a little Swiss girl going home also another foreign girl. They & Mrs. O- & I are the only women on III Class now. There are some in II Class too but I Class is cleared out. They took us all to the I Class smoking room & kept us there while the others boarded a launch. Then after the gang plank was lifted they let us out. They feared we'd try to leave, I suppose. Of course they must be very careful.

At first we suffered ever so much from the cold but now they turn on more heat & we are quite comfortable. Want to have a little Sunday School for the children this morning.

R. is wearing his shoes alright. His toe is much better but the nail will come off.

Sun. P.M. Mar. 7. at 2244 N 29th St.

O how nice to be in America! We left Plymouth on Sun. 1 P.M. & went rather slowly and at Dover were stopt & told to steer to the right to miss the mines. Saw trawlers dragging to find them. We got to London & off the boat by 5 P.M. Mr. Robinson met us. We tipped the stewards but instead of getting better help they dressed up & took their togs & left the boat & we had to look out for our own luggage. but we finally got to the “House of Rest” at 9 P.M. Mr. R. helpt us all the way along. John was about done out. Ohlsons were in the customs house when John saw them last. Seemed to be having a hard time.

At the “home” Miss Begg, who was in charge, gave us a nice supper & we went to bed. so glad to be on land. Had a nice large room & little gas stove so were rather cold but soon got into bed & were warm. Next morning John staid in bed & we had breakfast bro't to our room. Then later, Mr. Robinson called on the phone to know what we wanted to do. so after a good deal of running back & forth to & from our room we decided it would perhaps be best for us to leave the next day from Liverpool by the White Star Lines “Baltic”.

The Harland girls had wired us to spend the week end with them. Was awfully sorry not to do it. Did want to see them ever so badly. However John got up & Mr. Robinson went with him to see Mr. Allan, the agent & U.S.A. Consul and did a good deal of running around; and about 4:30 we met him at the A.I.M. home & had tea with Miss Grimes then went to the Nursing Home to see Mr. Clarke who was in bed. had had an operation on his eye. Then at 6 was prayermeeting & we attended then went to the Home for supper & got our boxes. Mr R- & Mr. Miller helpt & we all went together to Euston Station. Mr. R. had done so much running around he left us before we got there & Mr Miller staid with us til after 10. Our train left at midnight. About 11 we got coffee & sandwiches at a refreshment room & again met one of the passengers of the “Llandovery”. We got our boxes all on & we boarded. Had an apartment for ourselves. The children slept. I napped a little but John couldn't sleep. Got to Liverpool about 5. Waited in the Station until light then had breakfast & finally got to the boat. Not many passengers III Class- only 90 and they usually have near a thousand. After a lot of red tape & passing the doctor where he wanted to see the childrens legs & Claudon was almost frantic with fright, we finally got our cabin – 4 berth & a nice commode affair like in II Class on the German boats.

We sailed about 4 P.M. on Wed. Feb. 17. I was up til after supper & felt nothing of seasickness. Couldn't feel the working of the machinery at all. Of course it's an awfully large boat over 23,000 tons. Food is very good but not so nicely served as on the “Llandovery”. I got up next morning & dressed but had to lie down again. Many were sick but John & the children were alright. I was in bed til Sat. night for supper. John would usually bring me tea & bread or a little porridge. Sunday I managed to be up all day. Then on Mon. & Tues. was down again but out on Wed. Wrote some letters then and expected to write more on Thurs. but had sick headache most all day. On Thurs P.M. we had to – or thot we had to show our arms that we had been vaccinated but we found American citizens didn't need it. Being sick so much of the time we didn't get acquainted with many passengers. Finally got tied up about 6 P.M. Fri. evening Feb. 26. We got off & thro customs and got an 8 oclock train for here. We had our way all paid and were told we were not to pay anything but the fellow who looked after getting our luggage onto the train wanted two dollars & got it. We telegraphed Mr. Palmer & he met us & bro't us here to the home where we have staid.

John was glad to stay in bed for a few days. That night Miss Young brot us tea & biscuits which we had before going to bed.

We telegraphed Cora's & father S's that we were here and then wrote also. We expected to go right on after staying here a few days but on Tues. was day of prayer here & Mr Husted of the New York Council was here and when he saw John he made arrangements at once for him to go & see a doctor here in the city of whom he thinks very highly – Dr. Faust who practices “naprapathy”. Something on the order of osteopathy. He made arrangements with her over the phone & said she was to spare no expense as he would settle it all. John had spoken at the P.M. meeting but left later on & went to bed. Wed. he went to the doctor & has been going each day since & feels ever so much better.

Cora wrote all her plans & they were very good but since we couldn't get away of course they can't be carried out. Now we hope we can leave next Sat. 13 & then get to Coras some time next week. We are to stop at Riebe's & Zemmers on the way.

On Thurs we were at De Graffs for dinner & P.M. & Friday we spent the day down town shopping etc. heard “Peer Gynt” at Wanamakers. It was fine. Sat. (yesterday) 6th P.M. Mr. Boggs came with the auto & took us to their home for supper & Mr. Steeles came in also & we had a jolly time. When we awakened yesterday morning the world was white. The children were greatly interested and did enjoy it for awhile but soon found it too cold. They also liked the auto ride- and the Boggs boys brot a little cannon around that shoots marbles & how crazy they were after that so that they gave it to them when they left. Had a fine supper. roast turkey which Claudon called a “big chicken” & amused everybody. At 9:30 had ice cream, peanuts & candy. Didn't got to bed til almost 12. Children were very tired of course.

Miss Young was home last night. A week ago Mrs Detweiler was home & Miss Young & I kept house. Miss Y's sister also was here & a Miss Walker. Had a nice time together. Miss Young is a jewel. Always so quiet & composed.

Mama writes we should be there for the sale on Mar. 23 & that Chas is to be there. Am so glad & we'll go there first then up to Monroe. Friday night I led a prayermeeting for a Miss Anneman & this eve I speak to Miss Young's children.

Mr. Steele wants us to go to hear Evan. Sunday on Tues. P.M. We don't know just what to do with the children. May take them along & leave them in the nursery.

Mrs. Owen sent us $150- to get home on. So grateful for it.

We met on the Atlantic some place a large party of 10 adults & 11 children sailing for Africa. So glad for it.

This week Mrs. Detweiler goes out to Olney where they own a house & is to get it straightened up. Downings & Propsts lived in it. Then I'm house keeper here. Shall enjoy it very much, I know.

Still snowing today & things look lovely. Trees & shrubs look like fairy land but its melting fast.

Mr Zemmer may not be there when we get there as he is to go to N.W.C. for the 15th. If he isn't at home we may not stop.

Hope to get some letters written this week as we've not written London yet.

Do hope we'll be at Riebes a week from today & in two weeks at home. My how good that sounds & especially if John can be feeling something like himself.

Mon. Mar. 22, A.M.

At Cora's – 609 S. Hoyne Ave. -

When John asked the doctor about getting away on Sat. - the 13th she said he wasn't to think of it so we decided it would be best for the children & I to go on.

I kept house for Mrs. Detweiler and had a nice time. Enjoyed it so much & she was so busy that she didn't get back before we left.

John went to the station with us & put us onto the train. He got some fruit for us & the fellow charged him 90 cents for just a few apples etc. He was stung.

The day before yesterday Mrs Steele called me by phone to know whether we'd come out the next day if they'd come in the car for us. When I said we were leaving she said they'd look after John. He moved his room. Not wanting to make any more work for Mrs. Detweiler. and didn't like to stay in the same rooms after we were gone as it was too lonely. He takes his meals at a restaurant. Got a letter from him the other day telling how he got “stung” again. He got some limberger cheese & 'twas so strong he couldn't stand it in the room so got up to take & throw it out & then the time he had to get rid of it. I laughed til I could scarcely read. Hope he can come home next Sat.

We got to Greensburg alright & Mr Riebe met us as Mrs. R- was sick. Took the train for Scotdale & got there about 7 P.M. Linda Barkell was there & had supper ready. Mrs. R. was in bed but felt better the next morning. The children & I slept on the davenport & after putting the children to bed I sat & talked with Mrs. until most 11. It seemed so good to see them & she is so eager to hear all about the work.

Had a nice quiet day on Sunday. Mrs. R. had a dressing gown on & was up & down as she was needed. In P.M. Mr. & Mrs George Barkell & Mr. R. & I went to hear Ford C. Ottman on the Jews. Very interesting. Evening Mrs. R. & I talked again.

Mon. we visited & Lida came & took us to the Y.M.C.A. building & got a few things for lunch. Mrs. R. was much better but still chilled easily. A young man came in with Mr. R. & then they got some ice cream about 10 P.M. & we finally got to bed at midnight & at 5 we were to get up to get the train at Greensburg for Pittsburg. All went well until we got to Greensburg & then Mr. R. made the mistake of getting onto the wrong platform & didn't notice his mistake until the train was pulling in so we rushed & the children got excited & screamed. Mr R finally picked up C- & carried him & I tried to rush R- but the train began to move slowly when I stept on with C. & just as Mr. R. was going to put R. on the train gave a bump forward & knocked them both down. R. screamed “Mama, don't leave me” & the people in the train got excited- & the conductor finally saw that we wanted to get on & stopt the train again. Mr. R. got on then too & went with us to the first station.

Of course we were all awfully excited. but got pretty well cooled off before we got to Pittsburg. There we got a chair car. Mr. R. had given me extra money for it. Mrs. R. put up such a lovely lunch & Mr. Barkell gave us a nice basket of fruit. We rested & had a nice trip. The children got sorto' tired but some of the passengers began to play with them & they were kept amused until we got here at 8:30 Tues. eve. 16th

Cora, Edward & Goodmans were at the train to meet us. So glad to see them all. Cora looks more like Lora than she used to and her voice seems changed somewhat. Edward looks well, as well as well fed. he is quiet but very sociable too. Tom & Bertha were just as always.

Have had a very pleasant time here. The children have been well entertained too. Cora has been saving things for them for a long time & they certainly have had plenty to keep them busy. Two days Cora & I went out shopping.

Got a new hat for myself & a few other things for the home folks. On Thurs Cora went to Lee's to have her teeth finished up & we went along. He looks natural and well but a little older. Has a nice wife who took the children into her little boys (Kenneth) play room & showed them a train that runs by electricity. Lee said he paid something like $18 for it. but Kenneth doesn't care much for it. She - - -

Monroe, Apr. 6. Tues. A.M.

For some reason or other I was stopt when writing at Cora's & while at home had so many things to see to that I didn't get at it again. I'll just go on where I left off.

After leaving Lee's we went home & had dinner & that P.M. went to M.W & Co & they gave us the money for the order that was lost or robbed - - $31.71. That 's pretty good. I sent John $20 at once - - - and later on $10 more - - Aunt Annie had sent Cora $4- for us so I had that & what I had left of that John gave me to get home on & then I bought quite a number of things. Some Cora had & some new.

Fri. evening I washed Claudons coat & the red of the lining ran thro' the tan & spoiled it all so on Sat. we took a pair of Brunnys old brown trousers & made Claudon a coat. Looks very nice.

Washed my hair on Sat. too & Rev. Schwartzes called.

Sun. A.M. Cora took care of her S.S. class & Brunny took the children & me to the Auditorium where we met Harry & Florence. They came on home to dinner with us & we were all invited to Sarahs. Had a fine time. Harry & Claudon were great friends. In eve I spoke at church. Tom & Bertha Goodman came to Cora's early & then all went together. Lloyd Samson was there too.

On Mon. 22 we washed & ironed & then went home in the evening. & Edward went to his home in Iowa by a later train. We got to Mendota & got out but hustled back in again when we found the train went right thro' to Prophetstown. Got there 8:30 & Warren came about two minutes late. but it didn't take long to get home when we finally got started. He drove a new car but we went pretty fast any way. Found every one gone to a concert at church but a notice on the table that they'd soon be home. We waited about a half hour when they came.

Charlie is fat. Mama just about the same. Al, thin – Elmer & Floyd are well & natural I suppose. Thot Elmer was thinner when I last saw him. Floyd is so cunning. and he & the boys got on pretty well together. He didn't want us to leave when we came up here. The house is pretty much changed with Als furniture & new paper & rugs. & the remodelling.

Did't miss papa so much because at first there was so much excitement over the sale etc. but I can't realize yet that I'll not see him. At morning worship it is most noticeable. & when mama leads in German it brings up the past & makes the present seem new & strange.

On Tues. 23 the next day- was the sale & Uncles George, Dan & Henry came out from Geneseo and Ray & Clayton. The Auctioneer Henry Sand & Waterman were there too. Had a pretty good crowd. The sale was fair but not so good as we had hoped. The house the hired man lives in was sold but the new big house we still own. Charlie wanted much to sell it for 2000 but mama & the rest think it ought not to go for less than $2400.

Uncle George went out to Pete Luthers & uncle Dan staid with us. Grandpa & ma were both sick so on Wed. Elmer took Uncles Geo & Dan & Cora & the children & I to Geneseo. Cora staid there so that Aunt Lorene could have a little rest.

On Thurs. Mar 25 was Congregational day at church & every body went. The men worked out side & cleared things up & the women got the dinner. Had a nice time. Sat. night John came- We had written he was to go to Geneseo but he didn't get the letter in time.

Elmer took hogs to Chi. & Al & I went to meet him Fri eve & went with Warren to supper. Had a nice time. John got to Prophetstown & no one there to meet him of course for we weren't expecting him. Fortunately Roscoe Mathis was still in town & brot him out but not the boxes as the freight house was closed. Sun. A.M. John staid in bed. The rest of us went to church. In P.M. Elmer, John, mama, & I went to Geneseo. Aunt Annie was there. John went to see Charlie who left that night, I went to see Aunt Annie & Mama went to exchange places with Cora. Back in time for chores – Cora & I helpt. The hired man was away.

The next few days were busy ones. Sewing & washing & one day we went to Tampico – Prophetstown. Called at Elmer's cousin's Esther L. Cora staid at sewing pretty steady & got a number of things fixed up. Made R- two bloomers out of the gray suit Alta gave me. Am making him waists to wear with them.

We left Hooppole Fri morn. Apr 2. Had expected to get up at 4 but no one heard the alarm so it was 5 before we awakened then had to dress etc by 5:30 & were in Prophetstown for the train by 6. Did some hustling. Got to Freeport by 11 A.M. then John hunted up John Rensch & asked if Jo would be home in P.M. & that we'd call so we had our dinner then went back to the station & cleaned up & went.

Was awfully nice to see her again. She looks quite the same. Has not been well at all but is better now. Left Freeport about 7 P.M. & got here about 8. Father & Mother were both down to meet us. The children were tired & after supper all went to bed. Sat. Geroges & Emils were all in so we had a good time. & Sun. we were to go out for the day but it sleeted & rained in A.M. so didn't go til P.M. then staid at Geroges all night & to Emils for dinner & came on home in eve.

Today, P.M. John & Raymond & Father will go out again but I'll stay here & go with mother to W.M.S. meeting tomorrow. Father & R. & perhaps J. will come back on Thur. & will go out again next week.

Haven't accomplished much since here but to eat & sleep & run around. This P.M. mother wants to go down town. Then I'll try to get a little sewing done some time before Sun.

Yesterday was & today is a lovely spring day. Warm & sunny. We went for a walk last eve & John didn't even put on his overcoat.

Alice & Elmer had thot once that they'd bring us in the auto & they'd have had lovely weather & roads but Elmer was pretty busy so gave it up.

Cora was to go back to Chicago on Mon (yesterday)- don't know whether she did or not.

John has plenty to do on the farm. Trim the trees, & grub stumps & fix up gates etc etc.

We are both getting fat- & the children too. John had had fever at Phila but none here so far.

Early dinner today so John & the rest can get in a half days work out on the farm.

The children had lots of fun with the Easter eggs. We colored some & they thot it great fun.

Election day today. In some places there's very hot contention between Catholic & protestant.

Sun eve. Apr. 11.

John, Raymond & father went out to Georges on Mon. P.M. & staid there & at Emils til Thurs. P.M. On Tues. we went shopping. Got calico for light aprons and tennis & mother got herself & me each a gingham dress. They are very nice too. Tues eve we went to Elmers.

Wed. sewed in A.M. & P.M. went to missionary meeting with mother & told a little about the work. All seemed interested.

Thurs. sewed made our aprons after Als pattern and some under waists for the boys too. Finished the calico waists of Raymond that Al begun also the bloomers. Fixed up an old overcoat of Alberts for John.

Fri. was mothers & fathers 44th anniversary and we went down town & got some carnations for them. but they aren't keeping very well. They must have been old and then mother thinks the gas makes it bad too. They certainly haven't kept nicely at all. Fri. was the anniversary of Lee's surrender to Grant which closed the civil war. Father went to hear an address etc. at the hall. Wanted to go to Sams in evening but John got spell of fever.

Sat. Emil & family came in and after dinner we all went down town; the men & boys to the picture show & we women & girls went to see Grandma Schultz then to Gill sisters to see about copying the family picture when Ida was a baby. Then as we were going down the 2nd time to get grandpa we met Georges but they were in a hurry & didn't stop at all. Went to see when we could call on Sams & found this P.M. the most convenient time so all went & Mr & Mrs Jake Elmer too but we, only, staid to supper, rest went home before.

This morning John, father & I went to meeting. Found it raining when we awakened but soon stopt & a cold wind blew up. Was cold yet when we went to Sams but as we came home 'twas pretty nice. Seems very clear so we're hoping for a nice day tomorrow. Want to wash & iron so we can go to the farm again on Tues. John wants to finish trimming trees at both places this time.

On way home yesterday Emils broke down & had to walk much of the way home. Supper was too late to go to any church this eve.

April 20. At home. Evening.

Last year, this time I had just found out that papa had gone to heaven. What a full year it has been. I didn't suppose we'd be home by this year. Wonder if we'll be back in Africa by next year. Last year at this time we knew nothing of this terrible European war. and now the millions that are dead. & wounded.

This morning I ironed the big washing mama & I did yesterday. Then after we both rested at noon we sowed a lot of seeds & I helpt spade & rake. Am very tired this eve as this was my bad day any way. but with a nights rest will be ready for a good day in the garden tomorrow.

Mama baked a lot today too. This P.M. a cold wind blew up & it got very dark & thundered but some one else got the rain.

We left Monroe on Fri 16th morn & got to Mendota at noon & then had to wait til 7 P.M. for the home train. Warren brot us out. Alice was in bed had been sick all day. and has not been well since. but seems a little better today.

Sat. the crowd of women was here for spend-a-day. Had regular missionary meeting & then tea & cake. about 40 present. Sun. eve I spoke at church for the missionary Y.P.A. meeting.

Mon. John trimmed trees some. also Sat. - & burned brush. We all keep busy but its lots of fun to be feeling so well. John has been bum today. In bed most of the time.

Aunt Anna called up & said if my birthday had been a week later she'd have had us there to dinner. Uncle is expected tomorrow with the goods.

Manshardts went to Conference today.

Mon. eve May 10.

Been quite a while since I wrote in here, but the days slip by so fast that a week is gone before I know it.

Last Fri. the Cunard Liner “Lusitania” was sunk by German submarine- over 1100 lives lost. only a few hundred saved.

Had a letter today from Bertha Simpson also from Tagi & Mulungit. All well again and hard at work. Bertha is at Kijabe again at translation work. Downings had gotten there and Raynors & Miss McKinstry had left for home. Do hope & pray that they will get thro safely. There is so much danger now- but God can keep & protect.

Mama & Floyd went to Chicago a week ago Fri. & are to come back either tomorrow or next day. Then will be pretty busy for a few days & then mama & Aunt Annie are to go to Geneseo to do cleaning for grandma. and when mama gets back then we want to leave for Kansas in the auto. The children are to stay with mama. We may stop with some of the relatives sometime- either going out or coming back. Perhaps at Cedar Rapids. We have had some rain but the last few days are hot & dry & the dust is flying.

Manshardts were here for dinner last Thurs. & on Tues we walked out to Stacys for dinner. Had a nice time. Sat. was our 9th anniversary.

Alice helps in the field every day for half a day. That's so we can go to Kansas. Have had quite a time to make the men give in but they finally did & today we sent for a tent and a few things for the trip.

Yesterday Al & Elmer went to their cousin Esthers for dinner so we were alone. Asked aunt Annies to come but they had company. We had naps then went for long walk to Casper Otts grove & picked some flowers. While we were away Lydia Berge Shroeder called & left her card. Were so sorry to have missed her.

Yesterday was quarterly meeting as well as “Mothers day” & last night Gasser spoke. Lots out & all wore white flowers. Took ferns etc to church to decorate.

Feared frost last night but wasn't cold enough.

Wilson- U.S. Pres.- is having a hard time to know what to do about the sinking of Lusitania. Many Americans were aboard. Almost as bad as the Titanic. It just seems impossible for America to keep out much longer.

Sewed at R's suits. Didn't wash- waiting for mama & hers. Lovely day. Arthur F's were out yesterday. Glad to see them. Very tired tonight.

Mon. June 7th. Geneseo.

Last Tues. John & the children & I came in with Pet & old single buggy. John wanted to fish. Tried it two days and had no luck. Caught a doz. sun fish but too small to eat. On Wed. eve 2 we were at uncle Freds for supper & Thurs 3. - - Johns birthday – but I had forgotten it til Sat. - - we went to Methodist W.M.S. & I spoke. Then when we came home we took uncle R. & all went to canal for supper. Oneida & I started to walk out but Elsie Rice Rivenburg overtook us in their car & so we rode. Coming back John, Uncle Dick & I were walking back when some one overtook us & gave us a ride home. On Fri 4th I spoke at our W.M.S. at Shellhammers and for supper went to Aunt Ellens. Ray came in from the farm and it was most 10 til we got home. He is so interested. Sat. we were home all day. Aunt Lorene worked at her gray dress & I mended stockings. In evening John & I walked to Cemetery – or almost there. Saw Lydia Berge on the way.

When we got home I found uncle Henry's hadn't brot the parcel I expected so the children & I walked over & got it. R's good shoes that I had forgotten & a letter from Miss Stirton. Were so glad for that atho it had been written Mar. 19.

Yesterday Sun John staid in bed all day. Children went to S.S. & I went to church. Aaron was here for dinner & Uncle Freds came after dinner. Went with Aunt Lorene to Mission Band & talked then at 6:30 went to League in Methodist Church and spoke & showed the curios and also in our church at the regular church service. They took a collection even tho I said I'd rather they wouldn't, It was $8.00.

We are expecting a letter this morning from Cora and after getting it will decide whether John goes to Chicago or not. He feels much better this morning. Is chopping kindling in the cellar.

Yesterday was awfully hot but last night had a little storm & today its rainy & cool.

Elmer & Mama & Aunt Ellen went to Cedar Rapids Sat. eve & expected to return with the car today.

Two weeks ago this morning Elmer & Al, John & I left home at 5:10 for Kansas. Twas a lovely day & we had a good time. Got to Cedar Rapids about 3 P.M. Alice was pretty tired & we found some Stauffacher cousins so staid over night intending to go on the next morning. but early next morning it started to rain & simply poured and kept it up the whole week. We went to Uncle John by trolley & on Fri. returned to Cedar Rapids and came back Sat. morning by train to Prophetstown & then Warren brot us out. Left our car in Cedar Rapids. All last week was hot & dry. Now today when Elmer wants to come home it rains again. have an idea he'll try to come thro any way.

We had intended camping at Rock River for two weeks in Sept. but now Als would like to try Kansas again then & have Warren go too and mama & the children. It would be fun.

A few weeks ago we had word from Cora that Johnson had a cable that Albert B. was sick & ought to come home. Lora's last, Apr 18- was that he wasn't well. but nothing serious. We do wonder so whether they are coming or not.

Yesterday morning Oneida was lighting the gasoline stove & set the can of alcohol afire & Aunt Lorene snatched it & threw it out but spilled some over her arms & of course it burned & blistered them pretty badly. Her left arm is badly burned & her right hand across the knuckles. it's much better this morning tho. The doctor came to see it yesterday.

Prof. Nauman was to speak at home last night. Was so anxious to see him but guess I can't unless we stop to see them some time on our way to Monroe.

Have had an invitation to speak at the Annawan W.M.S. but don't know if I can find the time. Hope so tho.

Want to go down stairs & patch stockings again. May add more later.

Mon. eve. July 12. Monroe

This journal does get plenty of rest.

We had word from Cora and Edw. that John should come so he left next day Tues. 8 at about 1 P.M. Aunt Lorene & I went to the train with him then went on down town. He took some of Aunts lovely moss roses to Cora and Alma Smith sent her some fine cheese. We were at Smiths the night before for supper – just Aunt & I.

After John left Aunt & I called on Musa G- in the bakery and also on Clayton Fehr where we also saw Jessie Luther. Slowly walked back home stopping at uncle Richards hardware for a chat.

Then Claudon was asleep so R. went with us & we called at Ida Goembels. After supper Aunt & I walked out to Lydia Berge Shraders and had a very pleasant evening. Another neighbor lady came in too. Got back & found the children both asleep on the couch and Oneida & Blanch W. sitting on the edge to keep them from tumbling off.

Next morning – I washed the clothes and Oneida ironed hers that she wanted to take along. She went out home with me on Wed. 9 P.M.

Rapps had left early Tues morning to visit Ethel so Grandma Arnold came over to Aunt Lorenes & I slept with Oneida on Tues eve & the boys on the floor.

We finally got started for H- by about 4 P.M. It was so cold that our fingers were stiff. Found the folks eating supper when we got out. We soon had ours & then felt more comfortable.

Mama & I talked so long that she missed prayermeeting. Didn't do much of anything on Thur. Al & Elmer wanted to go to Prophetstown but 'twas too muddy.

Instead of going to Y.P.A. in evening we all & Ida Dorney went over to hear a Catholic evangelist preach on matrimony. Some things he said were pretty good & others again could be criticised.

Fri. 11 morning Al, Elmer, Floyd, Mrs Hansen & Bernice & Oneida went to Prophetstown. It was the day for the school picnic but it was too rainy so they had dinner in the basement. None of us went. Mr Hansen was working around & I kept Dorothy. & Mama & I did a big washing.

They got back about 1:30 P.M. Mr. Hansen had eaten with us. Oneida was working on a cushion cover of Als.

On Sat. 12 I ironed & the others baked. Oneida went to Lynns with Mr Ott & staid for dinner then went to Stacys for supper.

We had lots of baking to do as Al intended boarding a troup of show people “The Hudson Comedy Co.” so we baked up a lot of stuff for next week. Oneida baked frosted creams. Al baked ginger cookies & I a double batch of white ones also doughnuts. Then cleared out & fixed up the three rooms.

Als were to go to Rock Island on Sun. but it was too muddy & so Oneida had no way of getting back.

Mrs. Henry Ringel had died at the hospital in Chicago & was buried on Sun. and as Uncle Henry M's were out she got to go back with them.

The troup were to come for dinner on Sun. 13 but they didn't get there til P.M. Aunt Annie & Uncle Phil staid to dinner & then Aunt & I went together to the funeral. Quite large.

John R. the oldest boy had died just a week before in Geneseo hospital after an appendicitis operation. Rather singular & awful sad.

In evening was our children's day program. The boys were to take part. R. was to speak & C. was to sing with his class. and motion in the song. He only practiced with them in the morning & would rather not have gone but grandma promised him an orange & I said I'd give them each a penny if they did well so they tried. Claudon & Floyd were dressed alike & had practiced over & over how they were going to go up together but when they got to the end of the seat arm in arm – Floyd came rushing back & wouldn't go. but C. went on & altho he never opened his mouth yet he did well to go at all. When we asked him why he didn't point he said he did but he pointed down instead of up.

Raymond knew his piece well & spoke it nicely only not loud enough. Al was disgusted with Floyd. but the poor youngster was awfully scared.

Then the following week days were much alike cook & clean a little was all we got done. They were 6 so had the dining table & we all ate in the kitchen.

They had breakfast at 8 dinner at 12 & supper at 5 & we had our meals before & after as it suited best. The ladies of the troupe did lots of crocheting & got some patterns from mama as well as gave her quite a number. They seemed very nice people. Alice & Elmer went Tues. Wed. & Fri nights. Mostly funny stuff. One was an acrobat & ventriloquist. One did good shooting.

John wrote he was having a good time. Staid with Harrys at first & then with Cora & Edward.

Most all the troupe left on Sun. A.M. Three staid for dinner. The week before – Sun evening June 13 after childrens day exs the children & I went to Lynns for a two days visit. We surely had a nice time. Helped Aunt annie sew some. The children played so nicely with Rollin & Elden. Aunt Annie took us home Tues. eve.

Then the Sun. the troupe left, we were at Emil Otts to dinner. Florences were there to & uncle Philip. So we had a good time.

Mama & I did big washing the next day- much bedding, towels etc. At about 2 P.M. Uncle Phil & aunt A came & took mama & all went to Geneseo. It was the home coming week and they had a little cleaning to do for grandma. I ironed & helped with the work. Al helped in the field some. John wrote that he was ready to leave on Fri. 18. I answered that I could leave better next week on Tues. as I had sewing etc to do. So he replied 'twould do alright.

Forgot to mention of the board money Al gave me a dollar. So glad for it as I was just a little short for the trip.

Miss Owen wrote that her mother had left $575- or something nearly that, in the bank for us. We have sent for it & expect to let mama use it til we need it.

The doctors told John his trouble was sunstroke & that he may not go back to Africa til a year from next fall. As we thot about his different bad spells many were just after exposure to the sun. and then of course his nerves are effected & it is necessary for him to stay away from excitement or much talking. He has felt much better since he keeps out of the sun.

We kept hearing from Lora's & now they are nicely settled in a little cottage at 105 Hicks St Los Angeles. Albert gained 10 lbs coming across & that helped him so much that they needn't go to a sanitarium. They will likely come home next spring if all goes well. On Tues. June 22- was Elmers birthday & Al got him an ice cream freezer & we had Dorneys to supper & they & Hansens for ice cream at about 9 PM. Had a good time.

Wed. went out to Beccas for dinner and then as the Chatauqua was going on in Tampico they thot I'd enjoy going in P.M. so we all went. The boys had only their sandals on bare feet. We heard a Scotch band which was fine. Alice's wanted to go in eve & hear it so I didn't stay at Becs for supper but went home. Als got to Yorktown when the car acted up & they came home again. Left it at the garage.

Geo. Schmitt & Kate S. Mathis & children spent the evening with me. Had a nice time then as well as at Becs. Her baby is certainly awfully good.

On Thur. we picked cherries & berries- and P.M. Will Berges called- the Rev-. Had a nice visit. Al & Elmer went to Y.P.A. Rev. Manshart & family returned on Wed. morning. Mrs M's sister came too.

Fri. was the big day of the home coming. Al plowed all A.M. & many autos went by so we went in P.M. but missed the best part- the parade & floats were all in A.M. Took freezer full of cream down for Oneida. Al had sick headache but was better when we came home. Mama came home in eve with us. Was glad to have her there a few days before leaving. She had had a letter about some money which had greatly upset her. We knew nothing about it tho til the next morning.

I washed out some things & ironed them also cleaned my room. Had cleaned blue & green rooms during the week. Also sewed a little at my white dress. Didn't finish tho.

Sun 27 Als & Hansen took their trip to Rock Island. Floyd staid with us. Went to church & S.S. In P.M. Mama & I & children went to call on Mrs Lenhardt. She seemed to enjoy it too. While there Elmer Mathesis came & Mrs. & I had quite a visit.

Just as we were about ready for church the folks came back. Al went but Elmer had all the chores to do.

I did a little writing etc & then went to bed. Mama gave me two dollars- just so I'd have plenty. I'd just have loved to stay right with her all summer but of course my duty lies toward these people too. and they are certainly good to us.

On Mon. morning we packed things together. Al went out to plow but mama & Floyd went with us. As we past Dorneys he told us the train wasn't running. At that C. set up a howl & just then some one stept up & said he was going to Tampico & could take us for what we'd have to pay on the train.

His auto was being repaired but was soon ready. Mama staid with us til we left. 'Twas the conductor on the dummy.

We went to Chas Smiths where we were to spend the day & night & leave next morning on the train. 'Course we got there early – earlier than if we'd gone by train. The fellow asked 50¢ for taking us but I gave him a dollar.

We had a very nice time at Smiths. Ethel has rafts of tatting and does it so quickly. I worked at the crocheted edging of mama's kerchief. In evening Chas took us for a ride in the auto. If it hadn't rained we would have gone to Sterling in P.M. Rained again in evening. Talked til pretty late.

Minnie got up early & got our breakfast. We got off in good time. Bro't the tent along & they wouldn't check it so carried it. But at Mendota they checked it without a word. Waited there about an hour. Train was late. but got to Freeport on time. John came an hour late.

We got our dinner & then talked & walked & walked & talked until 7 P.M. when our train was made up.

Doctors told him he must not go back til a year from next fall. So we 'scussed what we should do- etc. etc. Have decided nothing yet. Are staying here until Sept & then will see.

The same night we came on the Ill. Cent. Arlene & Edward came on the St. Paul & Milwaukee.

Were at Emils & Geroges each a little last week & tomorrow go out to spend the most of the week at Emils. John is grubbing stumps.

We'll drive out & will no doubt come back Fri P.M.

Washed & ironed today & this P.M. got a lot of elder blossoms for tea.

Last week made mother a crepe dress. Mama is making tatting. Mother has made her a crocheted collar. Sent it on Sat.

Several things of ours need fixing up & mother has some altering she wants me to do so I suppose I'll not need to be idle. Have done very little fancy work.

It is nice to be here again but I wish we could get back to the Congo. Had a letter from Miss Harland. She was still at Kijabe but hoping to get back to Kasengu. We thot she had come home in April. Surely some letters were lost.

A young lady from Dakota, Ill near Afolkey has asked me to come & speak to them. Don't know yet if I'll go. Have to find out how to get there.

The war still goes on. killing, killing killing- When will He put an end to strife & come in peace. O Lord, come quickly.

Thur. A.M. Aug. 5

We spent about a week at Emils but it rained much of the time. I did a little sewing the last day. John picked cherries and he & Edward gathered a little ginseng. On Wed. P.M. Della & I & the children drove over to Schultzes & got some sugar and things that came from Chicago. It started to rain while we were there and we finally had to leave in the rain. Put all the children into the back seat with the side curtains on. There was quite a bit of pushing & fussing & dissatisfaction but we got home without losing any so were fortunate.

Found the men at home when we got there. They had been in the woods & gotten soaked. Had wet clothes hung around to dry.

We came back here on Fri. P.M. & the next week went to Georges. Started out on Tues. Father & mother too but it started to rain so we got only half way & there we waited for it to stop but it didn't so we came back & by the time we got here the sun was shining. Tried it again on Wed. & really got out – father & mother came home again Wed. eve. Worked on the cemetery – cleaned up two lots. Father didn't seem at all well and mother was troubled. Gave her some of our capsules for him to take but she said they did not help.

We staid over Sun. and had planned to stay til Fri. but father kept getting worse & mother was rather nervous & as George broke the pump so it needed fixing so he brot us all in & it seemed to do him good just to have us back.

We had planned that John would go up to Baraboo & see about getting a small house to rent and keeping house for ourselves but since father seems to feel so badly we can't think of going away. We had tho't once that we'd stay at Hooppole for fall & winter but I guess we'll not be able to leave here but will stay until father gets better.

Raymond will go to school & perhaps Claudon will go to kindergarten. Shall see yet.

This is Chatauqua week. Begins this P.M. & we were discussing who should have tickets – we don't want mother & father to feel they have to give up their tickets to us – so perhaps we'll get our own. Don't know how often John can go but he wants some of it. Just as he was getting ready to go down town with father some one drove up & asked if he wanted a job of cutting wood. He went with him to see about it. May be something that will help him pass the time while we stay in town here. He has a cistern to dig for Frank S. too but tho't he'd leave that til after Chatauqua.

I went to Buena Vista last Sat. eve where Della Foss met me & I spent the day at Afolkey. Rev. Diener is pastor there. He was away for Sun. morning & I spoke after S.S. and then went to Langensteins for dinner and P.M. Ed Countryman preaches at Afolkey some times & he came to see me. So had quite a full P.M. at 5 went to Laura Kramers for supper and she & the preacher & I were all that were at church in the evening. Twas so threatening no one came. It didn't rain but looked as tho it might.

Next morning Rev. Diener was to take me to the 7:25 train. We got there 5 minutes late. (Had to drive 7 mi.) Then I said I'd wait for the freight that's due at 9:55 but didn't come til 12:15. I got here about 1:45 & they were surprised. John & the children had gone down to meet the train in the morning & John said Claudon kept wiping his eyes but he wouldn't cry. Then I did the ironing & it started to rain toward evening & rained all night & has rained ever since & gotten so cold that we really shiver.

Yesterday was Meril's birthday – and we never thot of it.

They had a hard storm here Sun. evening. I noticed much of the grain was down along the R.R. Mama wrote that they had quite a storm on Mon. The oats was sprouting in the shock & they were trying to get it dry. Uncle Henry lost a lot of wheat by hail. Charlie has sold his restaurant business. Now they may go to Canada in the spring.

Sat. Aug. 14. P.M.

We got tickets for Chatauqua & went every time. Father & Mother missed once or twice. It was very good. The children went to Junior Chatauqua a few A.Ms. Hope 'twill help them to get acquainted so they'll not feel so strange when school begins. They also went with Baumgartners girls to S.S. last Sunday.

Last week Alice wrote to ask if she could come up here before Campmeeting as they would likely thresh during campmeeting so I told her to come along- & just suggested they come in the car & Elmer too. Never tho't of it again but Mon. P.M. when we came from Chatauqua here they were. My! we were surprised. They staid til yesterday. Alice was feeling too ill on Mon. eve to go to Chatauqua but Elmer went. Then Tues. P.M. we all went & Tues eve Elmer staid home. On Wed we went out to the Hallow-Georges for dinner & Emils for supper. Then Georges came & got Als & we staid at Emils. Then Thurs. we intended having a picnic at the Sugar River but it was too rainy so we packed up what we had ready & went to Georges & all had dinner together there. We staid there for supper too & were going to help with the chores but it got cloudy & thundered & we started back. I put our two to bed & the rest of us went down & heard the Band concert & Maude Wenger sing. While standing & talking with Ella & Georgie – who came on Tues – Georges & Franks came by. We all had a general round-up and before we knew it the Band stopt playing & every one was going home.

Next morning after breakfast we went down to the photographers and had the three boys taken also our family group. Then Elmer took John & the boys home & got their junk & Al & I went to the jewlers. She got a little watch & I got some peaches for the boys. Then they left for Freeport & I came back here. It all seems like a lovely dream now. Thur. eve when we got back from the farm- a letter was here from Mama telling us of the death of Kenneth Blackert. Florence Ott B's oldest child. about 7-. Made us feel so sad. Tonsilitis was the trouble. Later: a fall from the windmill was tho't to have been the cause.

Today the boys & I went out with John to work on the road. Had a nice A.M. Then dinner & baths & then to the doctor with the children. Nothing seriously wrong with them. No adenoids nor tonsils so they will start school in Sept. I had my ear examined. Perhaps earwax & perhaps other trouble. I will go to Chicago later and see about it, I think. But am swabbing it out with oil.

Saw proofs of pictures. The three boys aren't so bad but our family picture must be taken over again. Georges were in but didn't see them long.

Mon. eve. Sept. 13.

First day of school is overwith. During the time since I last wrote a good many things have happened. John worked on the road – or cleared up along the road. One day Ella & the boys & I went to the Hollow & took John along to work & he staid at it til we came back in the P.M. Went to see Emils thresh & also saw them blasting rock at the hill by Geroges. John got a lot done but he worked too hard & didn't feel so well later. We, the boys & I went out another half day with him & he hasn't worked since. Has been out in the Hollow most of the time. Claudon & I went to Freeport to Campmeeting & brot Mama along back for a few days. Ed came too the day we got here. Had dinner all together at Campground on Sunday. Rev. Umbreit from Japan talked. Saw Mrs & the little girl. She looks very natural. It was very cold and rainy & many took severe colds. Mama returned home on Wed. morning. John went to the Hollow on Tues. We took him out & so mama got to see the farms. I spoke Wed. P.M. at Camp meeting. A collection was taken for Italian work - $35.+ Saw Colander & Jordan. John had outlined a map & I filled it in somewhat & used it. Many enjoyed it. 'Twas a beautiful day.

Afterwards the children & I went out to Emils with Franks & Wills. We staid out over Sun. The others all came in to Campmeeting but we. We took our dinner to the woods. John was feeling quite badly all week. Jordan wanted to come out & see him on Thur. but I telephoned that John was in bed. He only came down for a little dinner.

Della took the two babies & went to her mothers on Thurs. She (D.) was about sick with a cold. Last week she felt better & did up quite a lot of fruit. One P.M. we all went hazel nutting. Got quite a lot. Mon. Grandma & pa came out for wild cherries and we were all to Georges for dinner – not Della & the children. It was fair week but we didn't come in til Sat. On Tues John & I took our dinner & went to the woods all day got quite a lot of ginseng & lady slipper root. Fri. we took the train & went again but it rained so didn't get so much.

Sat. Emil & Chester brot us in & Georges & the folks were already at the fair grounds. John & the children staid & I went but didn't stay all P.M.

Yesterday A.M. the children went to S.S. & the folks to meeting. In eve we were all to go but it looked so stormy we decided not to go. The day was awfully hot & sultry. Then how it stormed last night first from one side then another until it seemed it could never stop. & rain. It poured. but seems to have been worse at Albany where quite a bit of damage was done. sort of a cloud burst.

Today was the day. John has been arguing to keep the children out of school. & others say they ought to go as I too say.

First thing this morning George called & said the apples were all down couldn't we come & get some. John decided to walk out & left right after breakfast. I helped with the wash and about 8:15 left with the children for school. Raymond was soon settled & Miss Byers tho't Claudon could go into the A.M. class which is the advanced class. he went but I had to stay part of the time he cried so when I wanted to leave. Finally I slipt away after promising he could have a horn from the 10¢ store. I returned at 11 – got him again. Then decided he'd better go into the P.M. class at first & later in the other. He went with Raymond at 11:30 & I was to meet them when school was out but it let out earlier so I wasn't there & they came home. Then we went down town – got ice cream cones & our pictures & various things. among them the horn & a pencil & tablet for R.

Don't think there'll be any more trouble now.

John telephoned & said Georges want to go to Madison Sat & Sun. & he said we'd do the chores. so we may go out with the horse on Fri P.M. or on the train Sat. A.M. which ever suits. Grandpa is going out tomorrow & bring several sacks of apples in. Then we'll dry a lot.

Letters from Africa tell of Miss Messenger being taken prisoner of war to India & Mulungit was being held as a spy. No other serious trouble. Hetz declares he has over 200 Rs. for us. we think he has figured wrong.

Ironed this P.M. but plenty of mending to do.

Miss Byers says I may take Claudon out of Kindergarten for a week or so. No doubt he'll go with me to Hooppole & Mendota the last of this month.

Tues. evening Oct. 5.

Mother & I are waiting for John & father to return from the farm. where they spent the day fixing old Schmidly's chimney and picking apples and this eve doing chores for George – they went to Madison.

On Sept. 24 – Fri. Claudon & I left for Mendota. To begin at the beginning.

Georges went to Madison for Sun. Sept. 19. The children & I went out Fri. evening – Expecting them to go Sat. but Emil had hay down so they didn't go. Sat. night they came to town & we did the milking. John milked 12 & I did 7 and took the milk to the factory. Then Sun. we were there alone all day. Had a nice quiet time, Started the milking in the evening but they came before we finished so we ate supper & came home. John came too for one day. but fixed up the honey for me & did several things. On Tues. he went back to work again and staid out til Sat.

Claudon & I left Fri. morning for Mendota Convention. At Buena Vista Miss Foss got on & by the time we got to Mendota we had quite a crowd. We staid at Mrs. Kuns. Essie W. Miller was there too. Rev. Umbreit spoke Fri. evening. All sessions were very good. Sat. A.M. was business so I didn't go. Spoke Sat. eve. Wore Lora's dress. the pretty plum colored messaline. Rained all night & all day Sun. Had fairly good crowds any way. Something over $300- collection. Spoke again Sun. P.M. also Mr. Umbreit a short talk & he had Sun. eve. Mama & Aunt Lorene were at Mrs. Speilmans. I was there too one meal. At Prof. Naumans Sun. noon & Feiks Sun. eve. Had a very nice time all the time.

Mon. A.M. at 9 Aunt Lorene and mama & Claudon & I left for Annawan. Reached there at about 12 and Elmer & Floyd came about 2 for us. Roads were very muddy. Got home about 4- tired & glad to be there. Tues. we delivered the honey to Kate Urban. It was pretty “runny”. Unpacked & talked – made a few crochet patterns.

Found out Emma Ott was in Geneseo so decided to do what I could to get the class together. On Wed. eve Warren sent a long message to Forrest for S.M. or rather at my suggestion.

Wed. A.M. I washed a few things. Toward evening mama & I went to the cemetery. Put flowers on the graves & called at Lena's but she wasn't home. Tues. mama went to a birthday party for Mrs. Blair. Alice & I were to bake bread & went over to Hansens while the coffee cake baked or rather dried out.

Wed. eve a Mr. Wood, County S.S. missionary & a Mr. Gosden, collector were with us over night.

Thurs. I ironed and in P.M. we went to Geneseo to see Grandpa. who was 86. When mama came from prayermeeting Wed. eve. she said that Lizzie Minch Greenwood was very low. Thurs. morning central told us she had passed away at 9 Wed. eve. So when we were in on Thurs we went to Uncle H's a little while.

Did some shopping and saw Emma & decided to take her along out. Forrest had replied he'd come if possible but wanted to know if we couldn't make a later date than Fri. but we couldn't & wired to that effect. When we got home from Geneseo about 9- we found uncle Dan, Ethel & her baby Paul. Claudon's age- cousin Danny Wistehuff & his two girls & Katie Wistehuff Miller. We were surprised. They had come for the funeral. So we were a house full. Mr. Munson is working at the house so boards with us.

The funeral was at 2 P.M. at the church. a short service at the house in Geneseo. Mattie G. Smith had the baby. She is such a happy child; Aaron was to decide who was to keep her. Don't know his decision. It was a very large funeral. Many relatives.

Forrest telephoned from Mendota that he'd be at Annawan by 6 P.M. After the funeral – Emma staid home & kept the boys and finished baking bread. quite a number gathered there (at home) to see Emma & we decided that Harvey would go to meet Forrest and Emma & I would go along & then all go to Harveys for supper & to Stacy's for the evening. We did.

Tho' there were some relatives at our house for supper I excused myself & left. Put on Lora's pretty dress. Had ripped the main part of the waist out & fixed just straps. It was very pretty over one of mama's nice white waists. Had such a nice supper at Becs & then all piled into the auto & went to Stacys. Gave the class yell when we got there.

Becca took her tablets of old school songs & we sang & rehearsed all pranks & jokes and had a good time in general. Hadn't laughed so much in a month. Refreshments were grapes & apples. Then water & musk melon then we went outside and roasted marshmallows over coals. First marshmallow roast I'd been at. Had such fun. It was 1 before we left. Forrest & Emma came with me. H.E.G. brot us home.

Em & I talked for awhile but were soon tired enough to go to sleep.

Sat. morning the masons came to plaster in the dining room before Forrest got down stairs so we moved our breakfast onto the library table. Al ate with us 3. Emma & I tried several times before we could get a response from F.C.M. but finally took the dish pan & a spoon & made a noise. After that he called out that we should be quiet or we'd awaken him.

Em went to Browns. F.C.M. went down town & I went to Fehlmans & got the old school records. Then waited for Harveys & Stacy to come

When they came we sat on the veranda & looked over records & Al brot us some ice cream & cake. Then we had our pictures taken in different positions – with weiners etc. Finally at noon we scattered in all directions. Em staid with me. and about 4 P.M. Elmer, Alice & Claudon left for Dixon. Took Emma to H.E.G.s

It never was so hard to leave home. Mama seemed so sad & altho we'd had a good time yet it seemed hard to leave just then. On the way it rained. We tho't we'd all stay at Popes over night but Mrs. Fuecht had written that there was no morning train on Sun. so we thot we better not risk going by auto Sun. morn but take the 8:18 that evening. We had stopt at Sterling 10¢ store so got to Popes just at 7 P.M. Had supper together & then C & I went to Forreston – got tickets on the train. No one to meet us but a kind man took us to the parsonage. Shortly after we got there Mr. F. came home from his Chambers Grove appointment. It was again 11 before we got to bed.

On Sun. morning they had Rally Day for their S.S. & no preaching service & I spoke to the children. Then home for dinner & after dinner we all went to North Grove where Mr. F. fills another appointment. I spoke for him there and Sun. eve at the Forreston Church I spoke again. Mr. F. went to Chambers Grove. Shortly after starting to talk it started to blow & finally lightened pretty hard & people got uneasy so I didn't keep it up awfully long. It had been a lovely day. Rained a little in the night but not much and I imagine Al was quite sorry that they let me come the night before. I was so tired at supper time that I had a little rest & felt better. Was most too tired to rest but did get some. Got up on Mon. morning (yesterday) with headache. Feuchts washed. Were at it at daylight. I did dishes & helped look after the children. Mrs. Korf (used to be Lizzie Diehl) stopt a few minutes to see me. In P.M. we called at John Diehls. Very nice people. and a pretty home. Gave us plums etc to take along. I had left C. sleeping also baby F. & Mr. was to look after 'em. Mrs. D. gave C. some big ginger cookies & he brot some along for Raymond. Mrs. Feucht gave me $4 from their W.M.S. and Mr. Diehl gave me another. I was given $5 at Mendota too. I gave $2 in their collections.

Mr. F. took us to the station in the auto. then he returned at once in order to go to Chambers Grove. While waiting for our train a Mr. Ables came up & spoke to me. He had heard me on Sun. eve & also spoke to me there telling me he had been pastor of a congregation in Ceylon. He took the same train to Freeport helped me on with my packages & talked most of the way. At Freeport our train was waiting & I got right on. He handed my suit case & then was gone. While arranging my things Mrs. Krueger came & spoke to me. They – she & Selma – were returning from the Exposition. Had a nice visit with Selma. John & R. met us. It was so cold & windy. If I ever was glad to get back I was glad last night. We had had such a short time at home and Lizzie's death had made it sad and altho the class cometogether was a happy affair there was a tinge of sadness too as there is little chance of meeting together again – 15 yrs. since we were together the last time.

This morning we washed and father & John went out to Emils to help do some work for old Schmidly. They aren't back yet & it's most 9 oclock. My head aches very hard & we're not going to wait for them longer. It's so cold & pretty windy too. John can work right along & seems so much better than a few weeks ago.

Tues. eve. Oct. 12. Cheese Day

The greatest day Monroe has ever seen. So the Times has it this eve. Father went down this A.M. Georges & Emil came in too, quite early. John cut corn until about 11. Half holiday for school children. So we had dinner & then went down to get cheese & see the parade.

We didn't hear much of the speeches as the crowds were too big. Gov. Phillip spoke but the Times doesn't think much of him & we didn't specially fancy his looks. Big, pusy- and looks like a regular drunk.

The parade was fine. The floats were pretty & quite a number. Bands were playing most of the time. There was a quartette of Swiss warblers which was splendid. Heard them twice. We got some sandwiches. I got two. I am sending Mrs. Burgi one to let her taste Swiss cheese & say how much she wants.

After everything was over with there was a football game at the Fair Grounds. We hunted some ice cream. Two places were sold out. We finally found some & had our fill, then came home. Every one is very tired tonight. Della was very wise – didn't come with the children. George took mother to the County Farm to see about some lace. They got home before we did. Children were tired & cross so they went to bed early. John & I started down town but it sprinkled & we came back. Claudon's sweater came today from mama. Alice is in Geneseo taking treatments. We are planning to have mama go out to Lora for the winter. 'Twould be very nice for them both. We've promised $15 toward her expenses. We are thinking somewhat of going to Chicago after holidays. Trying to get rooms rather cheap & see what can be done – it's just talk. If we only knew what the future has for us. & if we can get back to Africa or not etc. Cora's think quite strongly of going along. Alice wrote of the death of Flora Mathis Bunker. Had twin babies & died a few hours after – very sad.

Am working at relining C's coat. Washed & ironed yesterday. Too much soap in the water made my fingers sore. Father was out yesterday & picked apples. John finishes cutting corn for Uncle George tomorrow & may go out to George's on Thurs. Tomorrow is Ladies Aid. & Thurs. J. Elmers leave for Kansas for a visit.

Last Fri. morning it snowed for about 3 hours. and Sat. morning everything was frozen hard. Grapes all gone and all the flowers too. Lots of plums. Sun. it was bright but windy & yesterday was clear. A lovely wash day. Today was fine. Cloudy this morning for awhile but soon cleared. and very nice & warm.

Big crowds out. The paper didn't estimate the number but John guess 20,000. I think that's too high. There were to be 15,000 sandwiches. All was finished up by 1:30.

Suppose there are many who are going home tonight much poorer in dollars & cents but who declare they've had a good time. Many many are victims of the saloons also. Too bad. None of our near kin suffer along that line for which we are grateful.

Tues. eve Oct. 26.

Something new under the sun again. We're building a house. We have realized for sometime that we couldn't live with others always and to rent meant to pay out our money and at the end have nothing to show for it. So as George has 18 acres of woods to sell & will sell any part of it we decided to put up a little house in the corner on the hill above Emils. There were all sorts of objections but I think we have all overruled now. The cellar is partly dug & the foundation is finished.

We had a contractor figure on it & he said $460 would do it. We have a little more than that & we know we can do it for less so we went at it. Emil was in last Fri. and together we talked & figured & then John went out with him & has been out since. Father went out yesterday morning & took lime out & this eve Jno says the foundation is finished & he & Emil are coming in in the morning for loads, and perhaps others too. The weather has been fine only windy & today a little colder but clear & free from rain. Do hope we can go on now & get it finished up. At least so we can live in it. Jno thinks by Xmas time we can be in it.

Have been taking the children to our Sunday School. Last Sun. I.M. Stauffacher, in whose class I am, asked me to teach & after the lesson the Supt. asked me to speak to the school. So it goes. When we got home C- complained of not feeling well & by 3 P.M. had a temp. of 103. It soon went down again. No trace of it since & don't know what caused it then. Have gotten a few letters written. Washed yesterday – a big wash – house cleaning things. Ironed most of it today.

Cleaned the house last week. Every P.M. was prayermeeting & evening German meeting. Continues this week too. Mother goes right along & seems to stand it fine.

Today 6th grade had a phonograph concert charge 5¢ admission. I took the children. 'Twas very nice. Proceeds are used for buying a Victrola for the school.

Grandma & I are trying to get some Christmas presents made. Worked at Cora's little blanket or shawl- today. Elmers are expected back this week. Mother is lonely without her.

Mama writes that Al is spitting again. That's a prosperous sign. Want to color Merle's gray coat blue for R- & fix it up.

Seems most too good to be true that we're going to have a place of our own. If only we can finish it before it gets too cold.

Mon. eve. Nov. 8.

3 years ago today we went up to Gasengu Hill from Api Hill. Such a time as we had getting the porters to carry our loads. But we finally got away. Little did we then think that three years from then we'd be home here getting up a little house. That's been done a good many times in the last ten years – choosing a place & putting up a house.

The children & I went out last Fri eve again & brot Jno back Sat. eve. They have the larger part roofed & the floor in the smaller part & most all boxed up. Jno wants to put in the fire places & chimneys now. Emil helps quite a bit & George too. Frank & Will each helped too. & father has been out several times. We can see it a long ways off. A lovely site tho rather breezy. Here is the plan:

The attic will be high enough for the boys to have their room up there & when company is there we may sleep up stairs too & let them have our room.

Mr Hulburt hearing we were building has been offering us doors & windows. That will help out such a lot. Has also given us a stairs & offered us window frames but too late – ours were already made. Everything is such a help. Mrs Elmer gave me a doz. 2qt. fruit cans. & I bot 2 doz 1qt. & a 5 gal. jar in which I made sauer kraut. Have quite a lot of apples canned and some pickle. Took one case of jars out to Emils, til our cellar is ready.

Soph gave me some beets which I put into Emils cellar too. All will come so handy.

Aunt Mary- uncle Pete's wife has sold us her stove & bed & mattress for $15. So we have so much. Mama is sending a box of all sorts. no doubt some bedding. Then we'll see what we have still to buy.

Yesterday was Emils birthday & we asked them all here to dinner. Georges too & had oyster soup. 'Twas a lovely day. warm & sunny. Today has been awfully windy. We washed but things don't look nice & clean. I ironed too. Claudon & I took Jno out to work & staid for dinner but then got back too late for school.

Word comes that a party of 3 have sailed for Africa. New York, Naples, Mombasa. Also 3 from England to meet them. Do hope they'll get out alright.

Germans are smashing thro for Constantinople. God only knows what that will mean. but whatever must still be done before He comes I hope may be done quickly. Such suffering, & hate as there is now was never before known.

We have been having ideal weather for two weeks. May break up any time & get cold but if they can get the chimneys up yet then they can make fires. Mr. Krug has been having meetings but little response. People seem indifferent. Certainly the Christians need awaking – if anyone does.

Thur. eve. Nov. 18

This morning at 4 Raymond called me saying he was too hot & his head ached. I made him as comfortable as possible and told him to wait til daylight. His temp was over 102 & went to 104 before it finally started going down. Most all P.M. has staid around 103. He has slept a good deal. It's going down a little now again. Suppose 'twill be down in the morning. He was very sorry to miss school today- the first day. It acts like malaria but may be from his cold.

Letter from mama yesterday. she leaves next Mon. for Los Angeles. Goes straight thro'. So glad she can go. Lora will be glad to have her there too.

Alice Ott Ennenga was buried last week the 10th – just three years after cousin Rena. Henry Smith, Emma's father died too lately. And so they go one after another and none can return. I don't suppose any one wants to after being over there once.

War is going on. The question of peace has come up again. Submarines have sunk three Italian vessels lately again.

Last Fri. the children & I went out & staid til Sun. P.M. Went over to Mrs. Schultzes to hear the phono & then the children & I came home from there. Got here about 5. Had supper & then washed the children & put them to bed & then went to Y.P.A. & talked then came home & had a wash up too. Washed on Mon. & it was so cold the clothes froze hard as fast as we hung them up. but they got nice & white. Had ironing & mending done by supper time. Have been writing letters and hemstitched Alberts kerchief & made a few jabots. Sent letters & pictures to Africa. Also an order to Wards.

Rained pretty hard this P.M. Still at it just a steady rain with no wind. Canned 8 qts of apples.

Mon. evening Dec. 20.

Pretty long rest for a Journal. A good many expected and unexpected things have happened or occurred since the last writing.

Raymonds temp. did not go down entirely & he was in bed all the next day. Temp staid about 101. Sat. he was up but looked rather pale.

Georges were in for dinner that day, and several times since.

Father took sick about Thanksgiving day. The children & I went out to Emils on Wed. eve and staid til Sat. I looked over our apples & found them rotting so canned 16 qts. We did a lot of things. Sat. A.M. Della & Emil went to Montecello- & got back so late we had our dinner eaten. Mother phoned during the A.M. that father was pretty bad so we came in shortly after dinner. Jno too. Father was suffering a good deal with bladder trouble but was up & around still but finally consented to have the doctor come. He said he must stay in bed that getting cold was bad for him. He suffered awfully. but in a few days the pain left but the function of the bladder left too so that two & sometimes 3 times a day it must be drained with instruments. At first doctor came every time but now for some time he has done it himself. Now he stays in bed until about 10 A.M. & then stays up all day.

Jno staid in a few days but since then has taken Lady out on Mon. & comes back on Sat. I take care of the furnace & get water & coal & help in general. Father may not go outside yet. He goes down cellar some but must be very careful about chilling.

Raymond had a sort of a sick spell again. over Sat. & Sun. but by Mon. was ready for school but had a bad cough. It is better now & Claudon has taken a hard cold. It was pretty cold yesterday and I took them out to Sunday School. Claudon cried & fussed a good deal about the cold & I wished several times I had left him at home. We went to S.S. then Jno came & we went together to the Lutheran Church & heard Theodore Jenny at the organ & Rev. P.A. Shuh preached. Enjoyed it all. Coming home wasn't so cold. As I was leaving after S.S. Aunt Mary S. handed me a little chocolate box & I just thanked her & gave it to Jno to put into his pocket. When we got home I opened it & found a 10 dollar gold piece in it from the W.M.S. So nice of them. We do appreciate it. Cora sent me my present too already- a cream muffler. Just the thing I needed. She told me to open & use it as I'd no doubt need it. and I'm doing so.

Mother had a lovely fur cape out of which I put a big collar onto my coat & cuffs. & am to make her a collarette affair & muff if there's enough. Makes my coat so nice & warm with that on.

Last Thurs. was Claudon's birthday. I filled a candy box with stuffed dates & sea foam & he took it to kindergarten with him and shared up.

Fri. they had their Xmas programs. All mothers were invited & I went. 'Twas very nice. Kindergarten & 1st grade gave theirs together. Had a pretty little tree & gave quite a program. Raymond sang with four others and Claudon spoke: Sing a song for Xmas, Pocket-books so slim. But hearts all full of loving-ness, Way up to the brim. When the day is ended Every one sees clear. Pennies help, of course, but Love Makes the Xmas cheer. Each got a penny if they did their best. C. spoke pretty fast & bowed so quick – most like a Jack-in-the-Box.

Mrs. Elmer was sick with a sort of 'grippe and then he took it & was very sick. bronchitis finally but one night they had two doctors. Both are better again.

Aunt Mary & Uncle Pete had it too and so many around town are sick. Then last Thurs it rained & froze right away making walks terribly icy. a slight snow fall covered it but didn't help it & so many are falling.

Mother & I went down town one night last week to do shopping but found all the stores closed so went down this P.M. as well as once last week.

Last week one night Jno called up & said the Dutch Hollow school needed a teacher would I think of it. I said no – couldn't do it. He argued & I refuted but came to no agreement. Then last Fri. night cousin Will S. called up. He's on the school board. I said I couldn't & he argued. Said Mr. Geigle was coming in next day & see the Supt. about it etc. etc. Then I got to thinking seriously & talking with Jno & before I knew it I was in favor of it. Then Sat. night Mrs. Burns- Supt's wife called up & said Mr. B. would ask me to come to his office some time this week. & see what could be done. There has been an application for the school but a Catholic & not a good teacher at that for she was not wanted again where she came from.

Father & Mother at first objected but they seem to be satisfied somewhat. So it will all depend on what Mr. Burns allows. I'll not take a full exam as that takes too much studying but if he'll give me some sort of a comp. certificate I will do it. from now til June. We will then move out right after New Years. Harry & wife will no doubt come next Fri. and Ben & Mae the next Mon. Then we'll have the big dinner on Ben's birthday or New Years day.

We will set up a bed in the bath room & have that for our room. The children sleeping on the couch.

Della got the girls each a doll & grandma & I dressed them. Then grandma got Marion one & we fixed that up too. Have been doing all sorts of things to get ready as much as possible before hand.

Jno came in on Fri last week for the lecture. This week he'll come in Thurs. evening.

Did a big two weeks washing this morning but most is so frozen it is still out. Jno went back out. Took some books along. Have sent most everything I'm intending to by mail.

Mon. eve Dec. 27.

Mon evening seems to be my time for writing in here. Next year I'll keep a diary. Got the book last week.

Every thing is settled. I take the school at $50 a month, & pay some one for starting the fires.

Harry & Florence came on Fri night while we were at the program. Mother & father didn't go, of course. They were still talking when we got home. The program was fine. A Cantata- and every thing went off splendidly. They are going to repeat it next Sun. eve. The tree was very pretty as usual. Packages were passed to all scholars. & apples afterward. I went back & talked to Aunt Mary and while there Mr. Krueger slipt $3 into my hand from the class. I was so surprised! Belva and Agnes Marty came in too on their way from the train. We came home pretty fast.

Saw a good many Xmas trees thro lighted windows. There is still some snow left and ice. Most everyone goes down the street instead of sidewalk. Didn't talk long after we got home but the children hung up their stockings on the gas stove & were soon sound asleep. We got them a sled and fastened it to both stockings. Got each a knife with a chain, and R some more bolts for his Meccano. Grandma had knit some socks for John. I got the yarn- & I got Jno a kewpie too & so fixed up a stocking for him. In the morning, the children were to be very quiet til they heard grandma come down stairs then R. wanted to dress at once. but C. didn't want to. R. was soon ready to go down so we let C. go too. They were delighted with their things. Harry & Florence brot a trunk for luggage so Jno & Harry went to the depot & got it. They had quite a number of packages & parcels come by mail so we opened some in the morning & exchanged with Harrys & laughed & talked & did up the work between times. The goose was ready to roast. Grandma had gotten it ready a few days before. and other things were most all ready. Flo. peeled potatoes & I iced the cake & whipped the cream for the cake & jello.

About 10:30 Emils came. We wanted dinner early but Georges had a punctured tire & had to put on another before they could come so they got here a little late. Such excitement & commotion. We grown ups ate first & the children afterward. Chester had a spell on & tormented & teased the others awfully. Just as the children were done Harry, decked up as Santa Claus came around the house – only he had grandpas bath robe on. but none recognized it. He shook hands all the way round & made each one speak a piece & then they got their presents. It was so funny to see how firm their faith was in him. Harry did it to perfection too.

Then there was a commotion for awhile. Every one unwrapping their presents and comparing notes etc. We received so many gifts – and every one so useful.

$10 – from W.M.S.

$5 – from Emil & Della.

$3 – S.S. Class

$2 – Chas & Bess.

$1 – Mattie & Frank.

Table cloth & salt & pepper from Mother.

A set of tools for Jno from Father.

A lovely double blanket from Georges.

A pair of great nice towels from Harrys.

A pair of embroidered pillow cases from Lora.

A pretty shell pin “Abolone Shell” Mama.

A big kerchief for Jno, Mama.

Kerchiefs & ribbons for the boys, Mama.

Black Beauty book for the boys, Lora.

Aunt Lorene sent books too for boys & Jno. and a basin for me in the freight box. Today I got a little apron from Ella & a packet of chewing gum for the boys. The Aid sent two parcels- in one a lovely comforter & the other a quilt & 3 aprons & a pair of mittens. and Mrs Elmer gave me the prettiest apron. & Mrs. Hulburt a dish. Every thing just the handiest & dandiest that ever could be. Will came in in P.M. to see about school work & I telephoned for Floyd & Alice to come to see the tree.

Will is to ask Miss Wagner to teach one week longer & I'll try to go on Fri. & see how she does it. Then Mr. Burns said he would come out the first week & help me get started right.

George took us – Jno. Harry & we two Florences – for a nice auto ride. Then we had supper and then played carroms til pretty late & laughed more than we played.

Sun. morning the boys & I went to Sunday School. I thanked the class for their gift. I.M.S. taught. We sat in the choir as the tree had our corner. Harrys & Jno came for services. P.M. we sat around & talked & ate nuts & candy. Intended going to Meth. Church in eve but got to talking til it was too late. Mother feels pretty well done out today. And yesterday too. This morning I did a small washing. Hung most into the attic. Did a lot of handkerchiefs. all ironed too. I found two on the way home from church yesterday.

After finishing washing Jno & I cleared out our room. Moved every thing out & cleaned it thoroughly for Bens. Then this noon a letter came saying they wouldn't come til tomorrow night- and perhaps not til Wed. morning.

John didn't go out to the house this morning so we decided to go down town and get a few house hold things. Withe the W.M.S. money we got a table and with Emils & Chas.' we got 6 chairs. & then the S.S. money got coffee & tea pots & other's got a good washing outfit – board, wringer, tub & boiler. Also wash bowl & pitcher & slopjar & water pail. so we are pretty well fixed in everything that we really have to have. Next will be groceries.

This P.M. George came in & got Harrys & Jno went out too & they'll all work in A.M. & back in P.M. for Harrys go to a party tomorrow eve.

When I went down to see Mr. Burns on Fri. he gave me a lot of literature to look over and read up. Haven't had much time at it yet hope to do more this week. Then next week we'll go out & get settled & the next week my work as school teacher begins. 'Twill seem rather strange to get at it again, no doubt, but under the circumstances it seems best. Mother does not like it very well yet but think she'll agree that it is alright when we really get at it. Mr. Burns seems very nice and reasonable. George & Jno together may do the janitor work at the church next year. They are talking about it.

John is most sick with a cold and my throat acts funny tonight but I shall gargle & perhaps twill not get sore. There are many letters to write and not much time now to write them, but every thing must give school work first place. There are a good many little folks & they require much time & thot.

Will write more later on.

Sat. eve Jan. 1, 1916 [written at end of 1915 journal]

I really should have written last night but we played krokinole & then every one was pretty tired & went to bed about 9.

George was not feeling well on Tues. so Jno went to do his chores & Harry & Flo came home on the train. I had a pretty bad sick headache & went to bed with the children right after supper. Ben and Mae came & were brot up by the taxi. I heard them but didn't see them til next morning. George seemed a little better so Jno came in Wed. eve with Emils team & wagon & Thurs. Bens rode out in the buggy & Jno took a load of stuff out. Emils horses kick so & they got loose & kicked a hole in the front of the barn. Guess Lady got a kick too for she goes lame a little.

Bens staid at Emils for dinner & were to go to Georges for all night. Then George felt so badly they staid for supper & Jno did the chores & all came back home.

Wed. eve we played krokinole til pretty late. One couple against the other & Harrys won over all of us. Thurs eve we played some but it was most 9 when they came in so we didn't stay at it very long.

Fri. - yesterday – morning Harry left. Their trunk was 'most full of all sorts of goodies. They went to her folks to Naperville. Had rather a quiet day. Mother baked bread & I baked two cakes- one for Bens birthday today. While talking in P.M. the telegraph boy came with a telegram for us from Stacy “Philip died this morning. Be buried Monday afternoon”.

It was really a relief in a way. He has suffered so much the last few weeks. God was merciful not to prolong the suffering. Now he is with Rena and papa and all the other dear ones over there & while on this New Years day our hearts are lonely & sad yet we are glad for him that he is at rest with his Savior.

Our hearts are rather sad & anxious too over George. He talked with Ben last eve just before supper on the phone. but said he was not feeling at all well. and when Nic Staffs went over after supper to spend the evening they found him suffering intensely. They called the doctor & some others to help them for he was quite wild and out of his head. Three men couldn't hold him down. Emil & Frank were there all night. The doctor injected morphine to quiet him. They think there's an abscess on the inner ear & pressing against the brain. When the abscess breaks he will be easier and if it comes out thro the ear – if it doesn't come out they'll have to operate.

The doctor went out this morning and this P.M. George was wild again so had to go out again but they gave him more morphine & this evening when we called up he was sleeping.

Emil came in this morning & brot Lady back & Jno went out with him after dinner. Don't know what we'll do about getting out on Wed. but unless he's ever so much worse Jno will probably come in & get us after chores are done.

My! this day has seemed a week long. Helped a little down stairs. Mended stockings & this P.M. sewed at the new table cloth. & this eve mended R's bloomers.

The children & I took Bens to the train this eve. We are slowly leaving – Harrys yesterday, Bens today & we next week. Its rather hard on the folks with George so sick too.

Had several callers this P.M. Had two roast chickens for dinner and oyster soup for supper – Ben's treat. I put animal cookies on his cake.

Sorry to have John away tomorrow. We tho't of going to the Union Church to hear a cantata. Don't think I'll go alone.

If it hadn't been for teaching I would have gone home for uncles funeral but I just can't do it now.

Had a letter from Dr N. Gribble asking about coming here to see us. I wrote her the conditions but urged them to come any way.

I finished mothers fur collarette and muff- made from her old cape. It's ever so nice & will be warm. My fur collar is so comfy on cold days.

And now, the end of the year has come and what shall I say - - God has certainly been good to us. Of course we had hoped soon to return but that seems impossible now until next Fall. We have our little home and every thing paid for, so far. We do thank God for it all.

We do hope He will let us return but we are in His hands and are willing to follow Him. It sometimes seems we wont get back and then again Jno feels so much better that we take hope. All we want is to do His whole will no matter how contrary that is to our plans.

There have been times of hard struggle and a real searching for His will during the year. Things seemed all wrong at times. But we are grateful for the consciousness that we did the best we knew how. The folks have been very kind and done so much for us and we are grateful. May God bless them for it all.

Where we have done contrary to His will we beg forgiveness and ask for more grace and love and patience. With the duties of a teacher before me I know I shall need Gods help in a special way. There must be tact and patience and discernment and wisdom. I do pray I may do some good. Not only to teach the children from their books but teach them something about God too.

And then the rest of the time if there are visitors and many coming and going may I always be a gracious hostess and be glad to share what God has given us with others.

Now I shall continue in my diary – and altho the New Year is already started still I am grateful for the past and look into the future full of trust & faith. “He is faithful” etc.

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