Before starting my diary I must state where I am and what I am doing.
(Note by Louis Murray Lederer: this diary was started when Louis Henry was 18 years old.)
On January 8, 1893 I came here to Pierce, Neb. intent on learning telegraphy, Father having got me started. I have got along fairly well, But I lost a month by sickness and I have had any amount of discouragements, and set backs, at times I have almost given up the Hope of attaining the attitude in life that I would have but * fortune comes along once in awhile and favors me with a good promising outlook, and although I have not got a station yet I feel that with God's help I can hang on a while longer.
* Rather more Providence than fortune
When I first camer here I considered boarding with Mr. Jasmer, and continued abiding with him untill about the 20th of Sept. 1893. Then I wento to Mr. Huttons and boarded there untill Oct. 25. 1893 - and then to Mr. Hamiltons where I now abide. I don't know how long I can keep at this Diary but will try and do my best, and any one reading it will have to excuse mistakes and skip the spots that are not interesting. So expecting and Hoping it may not be a failure I remain with this project in my mind. L.H.L.
Jan. 27th, 1894 A.D. Have bern making up my mind to keep a Diary, but so far I have kept putting it off. I wish I had started the first of Jan. 1894, but I guess I will put down this day, all I can remember of this month so far. Well, we had splendid weather for quite awhile but it turned colder the night of the 20th of Jan. 1894. The 21st being Sunday I was home to visit Father, Mother & the boys. They were all well. Noah and John brought me up here Sunday. Monday we had a regular blizzard here and that night we had the coldest weather this winter. Thermometer stood 26 below zero in the freight room. I have been sleeping upstairs untill that evening, but now am going to sleep down here below after this any way as long as cold weather lasts. Jan. 24th, I went to Mohrmans & bought 1 pair rubbers 65 cents & 1 pair cork insoles 10 cents for my shoes. It has been very cold thus far, but it is gradually getting warmer. Billy Brome, agt. Pilger came up this evening and brought his helper Mr. Hutchingson with him, a nice fellow. Went home with Father, it was rather cold but we got home o.k.
Jan. 28th, 1894 Am home today, everything looks natural as usual. The folks are all well. Had a big time eating popcorn & reading. We had a Sabbath school all to ourselves. did not goto pierce today. The weather being very cold.
Jan. 29, 1894. Came to Pierce this morning. The weather some warmer. Billy Brome's helper went down to Norfolk today, Billy is not going away untill Feb. 1st, 1894. Brother Charles brought me up today, and went home soon after.
February 10, 1894. Here I have been forgetting to write in my Diary, for two weeks will have to be more careful hereafter. The weather is a little colder again. There being such a cold, sharp wind it scarcely thawed any. Uncle Mart & Cousin Charles were up today, had quite a talk with them. Charley has rented Mr. Buehlers Farm and is going to move up on it in the spring. Bros. Charles & John were up today but I am not going home, as Mr. Jasmer has gone to Cr. and I will have to stay here and hold the depot down for him. Mr. Jean Martinshank were up also and came in to visit me, a nice fellow. But like most everyone stands in need of God's" help very much. I went up and did Mr. Jasmers chores for him this evening, and OhYes! I sold a money order. The first one I have ever sold. Everything has went smooth so far and with God's help I guess every thing will go all right.
February 11th, 1894. Well this is Sunday and am doing nothing but read. I read the 17th Chapter of Acts, New Testament and have just finished reading Ben Hur. A very nice book, in my estimation. It stands second to the Bible, everyone should read this Book, a person can understand more of the Bible after reading it. Went to the M. E. Church this evening. Heard a good sermon preached by Rev. J. Wilcox his text being the 18th verse of the 1st Chapt. of Ruth, the old Bible. After meeting was over went up to see Frank Littall who is sick. He has been sick for nearly three months now but is looking much better. Came to the Depot and read the 18th Chapt. of Acts, New Testament. As this is enough and it is getting late nearly 11 o'clock. Will close for today. L.H.L.
February 12. 1894. Well, this has been a busy day. It Generally is busy on Mondays but on this Monday so very much more because the Spring term of Court is in session or will be tomorrow. Father is on the jury list but I haven't seen him yet this week. I am pretty tired this evening as I have had to trot around a great deal with Msgs. Mr. Jasmer. Got back from Creighton this morning. He finding everything o.k. as usual. Am going to read the 19th Chapt. of the Acts and then go to bed. So Good Night.
February 13, 1894. Have been quite busy today carrying messages and doing office work. Father came up this morning to Court. He is one of the chosen jurymen, Bro. Charles brought him up. Father is going to sleep here with me whille he is in Pierce. The Train No. 10 was delayed here almost two hours on acc't of the engine to break down. They had to send up an engine to pull them to Norfolk. And Oh! yes, I heard from Neal yesterday, he seems to be getting along first rate. He says he does not care if he gets a better place or not, so I guess he is in luck. Well I did not read in the Bible at all today. No excuse at all just carelessness but I am so sleepy I cannot read. So Good Night.
February 14, 1894. Well this is St. Valentines day. I don't expect anything myself, as I haven't sent any body one. Not much news today except I got up about 7 A.M. as usual. The weather is not very bad, but would be warm if there was no wind. Had a message for some of the lawyers, so got a chance to see the Court Room & it's inhabitants (for the time being) They were choosing the jury. This was in the morning and in the evening I went to see how Court was getting along. Father was on the jury, which were out, getting a verdict. Father sent me a note saying it might take them all night. Court was dismissed at 9:30 P.M. And I went home. Father came home about 1:30 AM
February 15, 1894. A fine day. Nothing unusual today except we had a stock train and Mr. Reynolds, Dv. Supt. was on it. We had no stock from here today. Father got away early today, he came here about 6 P.M. after supper. Roy Hamilton came over and we had a big time together eating candy & p. nuts and writing and reading. We did not go to bed untill nearly 11:30 P.M.
February 16, 1894. Well today is Friday and tonight we are to have another meeting at the Literary, are going to have a subject called the Waterworks Question. I did not go up to the school house tonight but I went to the Court house. The way it looked it may take tham all night. I came home and read the 20th Chapt. of Acts and went to bed.
February 17, 1894 Saturday. Well I am glad this is Saturday so I can go home and see the folks. Father was out on the jury untill 4:30 this morning, he was so sleepy he came here and went to bed and slept so sound he did not wake up in time to get up to the Court house where the jury had to be present at 8:30. The Deputy Sheriff came after him. Will Littell is Deputy. Mother and Charles came up after Father and I. We had a very pleasant ride home, the weather being warm. We got home a little before sundown and all the boys were well and hearty.
February 18, 1894. Sunday. Charles Brubaker was up and he brought his wife along with him. I also got acquainted with her brother Arthur Hassen. A nice fellow. It is so cold I guess I will not come up untill tomorrow morn as Father says he will take me up. Monday, came up this morn, very cold about the coldest morn we have had yet. Everything o.k.
February 22nd. Thursday. Well as this is Washingtons Birthday, will begin on my Diary again after having missed about 4 days. A fair day, very ool around the edges. The Banks, P.O. & school observing this as a Holiday. I have noticed only 2 flags raised, one on the school house & the other on Geo. Spink's paint shop. We had a spl. here today we had one car stk for them, they did not get back untill 9:15 P.M. I am collecting stamps now I have quite a collection, only 5 foreign but am adding daily to it.
February 23, 1894. Friday, a nice warm day with a chilly wind. I got an 8 cent Columbian Stamp for my coll. today. As I had time I sat down and wrote two letters, one to cousin Mabel, and one to C. M. Wright at Wisner, Neb. Am not feeling very well at present. My head aches some. Oh Yes! I Henry Wilgcki today. did not get time to have a talk with him. I also seen Harley Hatch this morn. Did not go any place this evening.
February 24, 1894. Saturday. A very chilly south wind this morn, so cold I don't believe I will go home tonight. Am feeling better today. Rish the R.R. Pump man was on No. 10 this A.M. He can telegraph a little. They had a debate on "The Womans Sufferage Movement". The Supt. of the Public Schools from Wayne was there and took part. Bro. Charles and Cousin Charles were in town today and came in to visit me. Cousin Charles brought his wife with him and they are going to stay over Sunday at our folks. Am not going home tonight. Read the 1st Chap. of Romans.
February 25, Sunday Well another Sabbath day, a day for rest and peace for all that will but heed it. Am in Pierce, Neb.today. did not go to church until tonight. I read 2nd Chapt. of Romans this morning and after I came home from church I read another, the 3rd Chapt. of Romans. We had a very good sermon this evening. Nothing does me so much good as a good sermon. Mr. Wilcox chose as his text part of the 13th Chapt. of St. Mathew. God has us in his care and keeping, if He were to let loose of us we would go where! down to everlasting sin. God help me to be more like him who died on the cross to save us poor sinners. God Grant that. Good Night.
February 26, Monday. I got up at 6 this morn and went out to see how the weather was and found it so nice, fresh & Balmy. I thought spring must be coming sure. I heard the clock strike six this AM and got up and built a fire and did not look at the clock untill nearly time to strike seven and I saw I was an hour before myself, having got up at 5 A.M. I then went to sleep in a chair by the fire afer reading 4 Chapter in Romans when I went to sleep I dreamd I saw Frank Fix clearing out a wagon box. I called Hello Frank and he did not answer at once. I thought then I seen another fellow with him, and Frank called out and asked which Frank I meant, as the other one;s name was Fank also, so he said. Then the train had come in and I had to carry up the mail and then I woke up.... it is about seven so I will go to breakfast. A very fine day today as nice as summer. Well, it seems Uncle John Brubaker and Father tried to get a house to rent, as he is going to move to Pierce. He don't know what he will do yet. I hope he has good luck. We scrubbd and cleaned up the depot a litttle which looks better for it ever since. Well, I guess I will read a Chapt or so and then go to bed so Good night.
Tuesday, Feb 27, 1894. Weather is not quite so warm today as it was yesterday. I got up at six this AM and done some of the work before breakfast. Mr. Hamilton's Bro Fred was there for breakfast. We are having a busier time of it now as the monthly reports are about to be got ready. I seen Ira Cary, the hired had that worked for Mr. Smith last summer, today he came down from Verdigree this morning. The Ladies Aid Society had a chicken pie supper at Mr. D.L. Uptons house this eve, but I did not go, not feeling extra well. I bought a nickles worth of sweet crackers at Mr. Pools, the Baker. Well it is getting late so I will say Good nite.
Wednesday, February 28, 1894. A fogy sort of day. Well, I can't say much as there is not much to saw. Oh! yes, I got a lot of stamps from St. Louis, Mo. C.A.Stagman Stamp dealer wants me to act as agent. Well, as it is getting late so I will say Good Nite.
March 1, 1894 Thursday. Well the weather is like a lamb today, so this month will go out like a lion according to that, which will make a late spring. We had a Spl today and C.H.R. was on. They had quite a stock train when they went back, about 20 cars. Read a chapt. and went to bed.
March 2, 1894. Another fine day for us, I forgot to state yesterday that Mr. Jones, the Express Auditor was here checking up the office. Everything o.k. I seen Mr. Fix also Henry Wilgocki was in town today. Henry came and got some express that was here for him. Did not go to the Literary tongith as I had some work to do. I guess I will read a Chapt in Romans and go to bed. I expect I will go home tomorrow eve. Goodnight.
March 3, 1894 Saturday. Another fine day. Father & Mr. Buehler came to town and I got ready & went with them. We did not go out untill quite late because Mr. Buehler came pretty nearly being sued by a carpenter by name Mr. Sloan of here, it seems he had promised Mr. Sloan his job, it being to build a house, some way Mr. Buehler got it mixed up and hired Father. So Mr. Sloan offered to sue. But Mr. Buehler paid $10.00 and costs and got out of the scrape. We had a nice ride home, found the folks all well. Noah & John were to Norfolk & were going to stay over night.
Sunday March 4, 1894. Another day of rest. Home today, this morning the weather was still warm & nice untill about 7:30 A.M. then the wind begun to blow & it began to rain and rained hard for about 30 min. then it cleared up again. Frank Synovic came over this morn & I had quite a chat with him. Fred Kolmar then came along and we went (he, Bro. Charles & I) to see the Apfel Boys. They were all at home except Ed & Ernest who were out hunting but they soon came back. And then we had a big time in their hay mow. Started home about 2:15 PM and about 3 PM the wind changed suddenly around to the N.W. and then it turned very cold. The Boys came home about 4 and about 4:45 Bro. Charles & I started to drive to Pierce. We reached here o.k. in spite of the cold. We got here bout 6:30 PM and Charles started back about 7:20. Mr. Anderson came in to see me this eve. Well, as I am sleepy, I will go to bed, so G.N.
Monday 3/5/1894. A fair day but cold north w. wind. Nothing unusual happening whatever except over to the mill. The flume gave away yesterday and the water came down so far that it washed a big hole in the bank where it busted out. The foam was a foot deep some places, and other places it kept flying in the air but I was down there this evening and seen where they had stopped up the flume at the head end untill they could fix the Broken place. Was down to Mr. Jewetts this eve. Roy Hamilton was along. Well I must read a couple chapters of the Book of Romans and go to bed. G.N.
Tuesday March 6, 1894. Well a nice day. Bro Charles & Uncle John were up here this evening. Uncle is looking for a house to move into. he thought he could get work here this summer. He bargained for a house of Mr. Bishop of here but he was not at home tonight so Uncle John is going to stay here with me this eve. Charley went home about 8 oclock. That's all. G.N.
Wednesday Mch 7, 1894. Uncle John went with me to Mrs. Hamiltons for breakfast this morn. We then went down to Mr. Bishops to see about that house but he had rented it to another party, so we then went up to the co. clerk about renting a house somewhere else, but did not have any success. Uncle then went home.
Thursday 3/8 -1894. The Spl came up earlier the AM than usual. They met No. 10 at Foster. We had nothing for them at all. Beach was condr. The weather is fine today. Father was in town this aternoon with a load of hogs He gave me $1.75 for a pair of shoes No. 9's. I got a pair of socks thrown in. GN
Friday 3/9 1894. The weather is finer than ever today. Bro Charles was up this morn with a load of Hogs. He went home before noon. Mr. Wilcox helped me carry up the mail this afternoon. This is Literary Eve but I did not go up as I did not like it. Guess I will read a few lines and go to bed. G.N.
Saturday 3/10/1894. We had the beginning of a fine day but about nine thirty it begun to cloud up and it looked as if we were going to have a storm but it cleared off a good deal untill bout 3:00 PM when it begun to rain, and which it continued to do forabot forty min. I did not go home today as the folks did not come up to town as it looked stormy. This eve I went to J.C.Mohrmans and got me a pair of pants for $1.50. But did not pay for them. I hope that before long I may be able to pay for what I get. Well I have been reading the book called - A Knight of the 19th Century - and I have just got through reading it, it is a fine book for any one to read. It has true Christian principals for the make up. Well, G.N.
Sunday 3/11/1894. Another blessed day of peace. I had breakfast much earlier this A.M. than any Sunday so far this summer or spring about 7:30 A.M. I got the loan of another book from Mrs. Hamilton. It is called The Arabian Nights, not a very interesting book to my notion. Too many fairy tales about it. Mrs. Hamilton is a very kind woman. She has done more to encourage me in what I am undertaking than any other person here. I am sure God will reward her for her kindness toward me. I am still hoping and trusting in Him - who rules over all - that I may be able to walk nearer to Him and be called one of his children. This P.M. Grand Morton, Will Fry & Bud Hall and I went car riding. At first we went about 4 miles north & back again. Jacob Brant was with us. He then got off and we struck off south. Shortly after we started we took on Roy Hamilton & Roy Hutton and soon after James Huebner & F. C ourtnage. We then rode s for about 1 1/4 miles. We then went north again and picked up another passenger who was walking down to Hadar. We then took him about 1 mile south then turned about and came to Pierce. A good ride quite enough exercise for one day. Sunday 3/11/1894continued: There was no preaching out to the M.E. Church as Mr. Wilcox was some where else. I then went to the Congregational Church, they had no preaching but had childrens exercises which was first rate all around. Took a walk with Frank Mohrman and then came to the depot. Now am going to bed. so G,N. God Help Us.
Monday 3/12/1894. The finest day we have had so far. We had a grand rush of Business today. We had two cars in this A.M. & 7 cars of Freight. It kept us a hustling. Bro. Chariles was in this A.M. he brought me in some clothes. I also saw Henry Wilgocki, he hauled in two wagon loads hogs. I seen an old man today he was an hundred and seven years old. He was getting his 3rd set of teeth and new black hair is growing out on the back of his head - he used a cane but he could walk along. The folks that were with him said he walked about 1 mile every day, a ripe old age now adays. Well I guess I wont write any more today. G.N.
Tuesday March 13, 1894. A very pleasant day. We had a Spl today. We had 1 car stk for them, C.H.R was not on this time. After supper, the boys, that is, Archie Littell, Fred Church, Frank Morton, Fred Fry, Walt Dunn, Grundy McDonald & I went to Foster on the Hand Car. Quite a trip, when we got up there we went to see the town. They have one store where they sell General mdse, and have the P.O. after staying there about 30 minutes, we started home 9:15 PM. Wegot home about 10:15 PM. I was glad to get home as I was tired. G.N.
Wednesday, Mch 14,94. We had quite a wind today, it made the sand fly. D.L. Upton got back from a visit to N.Y. today, he says the cost is the same as ever. I had another Hand car ride this eve. Mr. Hamilton, Roy Hamilton, Bud Hall & young winson went along with me. We went only 1 mile north of here and back again. Well I guess I will fix up the old Grass Hoper that lies around here ( a Hand car made by the Sec. boss somewhat crippled).and go for a ride. Good Night.
Thursday, Mch 15, 1894. A fine day. I have not fixed up the Grass Hopper yet as I haven't had time. Well there is not much to write about as there is nothing going on here. One thing however that is Mr. Hamiltons, the place where I am boarding are going to sell out and move to Creighton, Neb, if they can find a house to move int. Mr. Hamilton has gone to Creighton & is going to stay over night, so I am to stay over night at his house.
Friday, Mch 16. 94. A nice pleasant windy day - I will call the wind pleasant as we have so much of it we must give it some fitting name. The wind is all right anyway but the sand, dust paper & rubbish is not very pleasant as it seems to be every where on the ground and in the air. We had pleasant as it seems to be every where onhe ground and in the air. We had a Spl today. C. C. Hughes, C.H.Reynolds, H. L Snyder were on - they went up to Verdigree and back. There is some talk of extending the branch into Boyd County, Neb. If they do Business will pick up sure. I went to the Literary this eve, they had a good time speaking by Rev. Brande, Prof. Stevenson & D. Cones & music by Miss Mildred McDowell, Mrs. Jasmer's sister. They were to have a debate viz. "Resolved that Emigration be Restricted", but the speakers were not all there so they are going to have it next Friday. Well I am going to stay over to Mr. Hamiltons tonight as he has gone away again. G.N.
Saturday, Mch 17, 1894. A fine day & I am going home doay if nothing turns up, The folks, that is Charles & Noah came in & wanted to know if I wanted to go out home. I told them if they would wait untill 7 oclock PM I would go with them so they concluded to wait. Mr Jasmer went hunting about 4 oclock PM with Mr. Hutton & Mr. Malling. They were all rigged up Hip Rubber Boots and so on, they were going out to Mr. E.C.Blacks farm, he has a lake near there. I went home with the boys, Arthur Apfel was along with them. When I got home Owen Brubaker was there he is working for Cousin Charles Brubaker who was sick with the measles. I ate supper and then went down to see Charles with Mother, Bro. Chas.& Cousin Owen. He had his mule jack with him. Charles was not feeling any better when we arrived there. While we were there it turned dark & cloudy so we concluded to stay there overnight. So we went to the barn took some clothes along & crept up stairs & went to sleep in the hay mow.
Sunday, Mch 18, 1894. In the middle of the night I woke up so sick. I did not know what I was doing but towards morning I felt better & got up and ate a little breakfast. Bro. Charles & I then hitched up and went home. They were just eating breakfast when we got there. I made up my mind to take a rest as I felt sick yet. About 1 clock P.M. Fred Kolmar came down to see the boys and about time for meeting they went over to the School House to hear Mr. Wilcox preach a sermon - Bro. Chas took the car with him intending to go over toCousin Charles & get Mother who was there. But Cousin Owen had brought her up home so Bro. Took his Girl out for a ride. her name is Miss Emma Ihlenfeldt. Cousin Owen had been home that is about four miles from where our folks live. He brought his Mother up with him. he said Uncle Mart was well - but Cousin Art was down with the measles. After Bro. Chas got home from taking his girl out riding he took me up here to Pierce, Neb. where we found everything o.k. Fred Kolmar came up with us. They staid with me and went to meeting. Rev. Wilcox was there but he did not speak but there was a lady from Omaha who spoke inbehalf of the Homeless orphan children. A Good Speaker. A practical Christian.
Monday, Mch 19, 1894. I woke up feeling better this morning than yesterday. I went to breakfast at 7 A.M. they (Mr. Hamilton) are going to move to Creighton. They are packing up already so I made up my mind this morning to eat dinner & supper there yet and then I would go to Mr. Jasmens to board, beginning Mch. 20th. Cousin Owen was up after the doctor this afternoon for Cousin Charles who was not any better yet. He could not get Mr. Gay so he tried to get Mr. Alden but he could not come untill tomorrow noon. So they are coming after him if Charles is not any better. Well it is getting late so I guess I will close for tonight and hoping the Lord will bring something about to write in here tomorrow. If such a thing as getting a station is called news. so Good Night.
Tuesday, Mch 20, 1984. A fine day very foggy & damp, it rained some this morn. We had a Spl today, Mr. Stafford, Mr. Spencer & Mornat and Adams, the operators at the dispatchers office were on. Well, I began to board at Mr. Jasmers today again. We had 2 cars stck today, for Spl nothing going on much now. So I will go to bed. G. N. L.H.L.
Saturday, Mch 24, 94. A very cool day. Such a hard wind. Well I have been neglecting this book again for 3 days so I must put down the main articles & let the rest go. Well last Thursday Mr. Jasmar took in another boy to learn the business & to help do the work. His name is Charles Bartlett - his Father runs one of the Hotels here. I think he will make a success at it if he but keeps at it and I think he will. Saturday, Mrh 24th 1894 continued. Well, Bro Charles was up today & brought me some clean clothes - He departed before the train came in. I also seen Charles Wilgocki - he is getting to be a big stout boy - Mr. Jasmer went up to Creighton so spend Sunday which is Easter. So I went to the Hammond House for supper, the first time I was ever there for a meal. Well, this is about all today, so G.N.
Sunday Mch 25, 94. A very cold day, cold north wind. I went to the Hammond House again for breakfast. I was not hungry at dinner time so I did not go any place to eat. I went to Hammonds for supper, & then went to M.E. Church. They had an Easter entertainment given by the Epworth League - a good meeting. Also a short speach by Rev. Wilcox on Foreign Missions. I think that he will be a great man some day because God is with him. May we all do more thinking in that Christian channel. God who died to save us don't want us to stand around & do nothing. God Grant I may have the strength to do what is right & to help those that need help. God Help us! G.N.
Apr. 2nd, Monday. Well, I have changed my boarding place. I am going to board at Mrs. Jewetts starting this eve. A nice place. They have another boarder Miss Martin by name. She is going to school here. D. L. Upton & wie, Mrs. Jewett's son in law & daughter are also staying there for their meals. Very nice folks.
Saturday, April 14, 1894. Here I have been neglecting my Diary again. I have been so busy I could not have wrote in here at all part of the time & some of the time I simply put it aside as a person will. I will now dot down a few facts which hapened during this time. Well, I was home last Sunday & seen all the folks they were all well. It rained so we did not go anywhere - & on Monday I came up here to Pierce. Bro Charles brought me up. On Tuesday I went down to Norfolk to visit Mark's Folks. They were all well. They are going to move back east to Wisconsin next Monday, I staid there over night. Next morn I went to see Uncle Johns who now lives in Norfolk. Uncle was not there but Aunt Hester was & I had a nice time thought I did not stay long. & Oh yes, I was to see the Movie Rifles" a newly enlisted company of Soldiers. They drilled first rate I lke to see them drill. On Wednesday afternoon I came up to Pierce again. That evening I went to hear the lecture on Phrenology by a woman. She spoke quite a long time and then she had the audience chose some one for her to examine. They had three up there that eve. Mr. J. Anderson, Mr. C. Staley, Miss Zoe Quincy & explained their character. Thursday eve I went to hear the Free Methodists speak. They are doing some good work. Mother & Father were in yesterday & said that perhaps some of the boys were coming in today if they do I am going home and stay a week or so. But they may not be in as it is raining now. It rained last night, & then a good many mud puddles all over.
Monday, Apl 24, 1894. Well here I am again. have been off a whole week & had a good time. Last Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday & Thursday I was at home. Friday, Bro. Charles & I went to Norfolk. Weexpected to see Mark's folks before they started. the day before, so we stayed all night at Uncle John Brubakers. They were all well. Next morn we went up to the creamery where Uncle is working & seen how they make butter by machinery. We then went down to the Jct. where I got acquainted with the operator at the Round House. as pleasant fellow. After we went up town and I went up to see & get acquainted with the operators at the commercial office. We then went to Uncle Mart Brubakers who live about four miles wet from Norfolk and staid over that night. Next day which was Sunday we went to Sunday School at the Best School house where we used to go to school. They just organized that day. In the afternoon we started for home & we came past where Cousin Charles Brubaker lives & made him a little visit. He has a son, we then came home where we bided about an hour and then Bro. Charles brought me up to Pierce. That night we went to the M.E.Church.
Monday May 7, 1894. Well here I must again tell about what has happened since I last wrote in here. Well I can't remember only Sundays. very clearly. Well Apr. 29 I was home & the folks were all well. I was to church at the School House in Pleasant Valley at 3 P.M. Charles & Noah then drove me up here Fred & Marnel Kolmer going with us. We then took a car - a Hand Car I Mean ride. Then yesterday May 6, 1894 I was home. Noah brought me up in the cart & then we went to meeting at the M.E. Church, the Christian Endeavor & Epworth League had a union meeting there, a very good time was had by everybody. Today we have had a little bus. The traveling Auditor was here today, & checked this station. There is lots of excitement in Piercenow - there is a merry - go- round, a ponograph & and an opera Groupe this week. I was up to the Merry go round but did not get on this eve.
Monday, May 28, 1894. Well here I am again. I have been at home for 2 long happy weeks. I had lots of fun & done some work such as house cleanihng., gardening & work with gardening & worked out in the fields. The first week I was at home I did not go any where, but but Sunday eve, May 20th I went with Bro Charles to take Bro Noah to Mr. Wilder where he is going to work a month or so. We then went to Mr. Kimbergs place & visited George & the girls, Miss Bertha Milde & Mr John Fix & several others were there. Also we got home about 12 o'clock. One thing I can say about it, that it was an evening very unprofitably spent for all who were there. And Oh Yes! I was up here to Pierce Saturday May 19, with Paul Rhode & Father & went out with them again. On Thursday May 24, 94 Bros Charles, John & I went fishing but we hardly got a bite. We got something however and that we shot. Bro. Charles shot & killed 4 quails with 2 shots - he will be a good marksman yet. We had quite a time getting down to the river as everthing or nearly so is fenced up. We got back good & early & seen Noahas he was at work cultivating corn. Well, Sunday Mary 27 we all went to preaching sermon by Rev. Wilcox of Pierce. He had as his text the 7th verse, 29th Chapter of Jeramiah. A splendid sermon. I then came up here to Pierce the same day in the eve with Mr. Ed Apful who lives about 2 1/2 miles east of where Father lives. He then went home after staying here about an hour. Well today we have had a fine cool day which makes a person feel pretty good, although there is nothing in view for me in the shape of a position. I must say I have been helped very much in everything I attempted. I feel thankful to Him who keeps all of us poor sinners in His views & is willing to help if we but look up to Him.
Friday, June1, 1894. Well I have not written here for a day or so and now I must tell briefly what has happened which is nothing exciting. On Wednesday May 20, McFarlane, Supt of Telegraph was here. He was on No. 9 and came back next morn on No. 10. He does not come up this line much . Al says he has not been up here for about 5 years and then yesterday there was a Circus Agent man came to town and there is going to be a show here June 11, '94. We had a good rain & some wind on the eve of May 30th & it rained part of the nite. It was a perfect blessing to many especially to farmers. I went to a supper by the Ladies Aid Society of the Congregational Church of here. Father was up here yesterday fternoon and he or some of the boys are coming up tomorrow.
Tuesday Morn 6:12 A.M. June 5, 1894. Another beautiful day that is starting out so am not feeling very good now. have caught a cold on my lungs & bothers me somewhat but I am thankful I am not worse. Well, I did not go out with Father and Bro John who were in town because Mr. & Mrs. Jasmer & Mildred went to Creighton and I staid and kept office. He came back Monday Morn.: Sunday eve. I went to the meeting at ther M.E. Church and as they now have the "Epworth League", after the services are over. I abided there, they have good meetings what I have seen. Miss Jessie Chappell led the meeting & they invited me to come to every meeting and I think I will. Monday or yesterday we had a big business. We rec'd 7 car loads of freight and a good deal of Mdse besides. Well, I must go up stairs and get ready for breakfast. Oh, yes, I must tell what I have been buying. Saturday 6/2/94 I went to the Inhelder Hardware store & got a razor & strop. So here after I will shave when ever I wish & save money (that which is a set back to many, can be called a blessing to others).
June 8, 1894 7:15 A.M. Well the last few days have been more exciting than usual, yesterday especially Mr. Ellis helper at Plainview, Neb. came down on the morning train & wanted to go fishing, so I got some bait & we started. he had his rifle alongwith him and whenever he would see anything to shoot at he would shoot untill he got it. His rifle is a 22 caliber & a repeater holding 11 shots went to the Mill Pond & got a boat that was there & after we had fished about the dam without sucess we took the boat & went Northeast. We had a great time getting the boat along. We had a strong south wind so much that when we tried to turn the bend we kept running against the shore and as we had no oars but chunks of wood we hardly got it to where we wanted it, but we finally did and began fishing with troll hooks & for a little while we were settled down to work, but then there were so many snags of old roots of trees which were once standing along the bank but are now chopped down, that every little while we got our hooks fast & had to fish for them. About 12:30 we came home to dinner. I took him to dinner where I am boarding. & After dinner he took me into the resturant & treated me with peanuts, candy and lemonade. We then came to the depot, and got Mr. Ellis's rifle & went out to fish again. When we got where we had left the boat Mr. Ellis hires some boys to take it back where we had taken it from. We fished quite awhile, but with no better successs than before & finally we gave it up as Mr. Ellis had to go up on the 8:10 PM train. So we came home without a fish/
June 19, 1894. about 5 oclock P.M. Tuesday. Well, here I am at Oakdale Neb. in a nice roomy house on a large hill souht east of town. The hill seems about 5,000 ft. above the level of the town especially when you go to climb it. Well I have a position at last as night operator here. I came on No. 3 at 3 P.M. and last night was my first night on duty. It was not so bad as there was not enought business to keep me awake. I went to sleep several times but whenever the instruments began operating I always woke up at once. The only business I had to do on the wire was to answer some of the dispatchers questions as to the weather & the temperature. This morning early before I went to breakfast I took a memorandom of the cars on track. They have about 35 cars on track now but man more some times. When I came here Mr. Nichols, the Ry Agent here treated me very kindly, showed me how to do things & told me where to go to look for a boarding place. Am not feeling extra well as I have a bad cold but I have got some medicine and I think I will be allright in a day or so. I took some lunch along last night and that keeps me awake very well. This job I have got hold of is not a permanent one but just to take the place of the regular night man a week or two. He has gone to work at Stafford, Neb.
June 22, 1894, Friday about 10 A.M. Now I am still holding my job & like it better every day. As I don't have very much to do nights after I go to breakfast at 7 A.M. I then go back to the office & do some telegraphing & practice. some and it is good practice. This morning the Chief Train Dispatcher was up on No. 23 - also Wm. Spencer, Supt of Bridge & Builders at Norfolk. I have had no excitement whatever yesterday & the day before. I felt very bad because of my cold but am about over it now. I experienced great heaviness on my chest and it was with some difficulty I breathed. Well I guess I will go to bed & sleep for about 7 hours.
June Tuesday 26, 1894. about 10 A.M. Well here I am up in my room boarding & as I don't feel sleepy I will scribble with my scribbler in this scribbling. I am most well again at any rate I feel so & my hopes confirm my feelings. Well I was to church last Sunday to the Presbyterian Church - to which these folks I board with belong. They had a good Sunday School I splendid preaching. The Pastor being surely a man of God preached the Golden truth - his sermon being of the good old fashioned kind where they preach the word of God & don't have their hearts on their dress, looks, etc. This text was 7 Chapt 24 verse of Deuteronomy. I have got acquainted with a few people here and they are all very kind & pleasant. This church is going to have an ice cream sociable tonight & I am invited to go but I don't know wether I will go or not. I am very successful in my work so far. I am very thankful for that as I am not a first class operator & make a great many mistakes but I have learned not to look to my slef for everything but have learned to trust in Him who can shape our Destiny, & will help everyone in everthing by simply putting your trust strong & steadfast in God.
Thursday June 28, 1894. Well I have a little more work now because I have a boil to look after. It has seen fit to put itself on my right wrist which bothers me some in telegraphing or writing rather well. We had some excitement yesterday morning. The depot at Eing burned down and they had a great amount of trouble with the wires because they were broken apart. But in a short time they had a connection again. The traveling auditor left for there this A.M. I have not heard yet what was the cause of the fire for certain. Well, I must go to bed & get some sleep if I can. Am feeling good today - the weather is nice and cool, although we need rain we should be thankful for what we have. It being more than thousands have got.
Thursday 5th, 1894. Well am home again & I must tell you how I have been getting along since I left Oakdale on June 29th. My job being over on account of the man I went to relieve came back, so I came to Norfolk. When we got nearly to Norfolk we encountered a big rain & some hail. We got in Norfolk about 6 oclock but had to wait in the caboose untill the rain was over, which was about half an hour, then went to Uncle John Brubaker for supper & staid there untill Sunday July 1st. Then went home with them when we got here Uncle Mart Brubaker Aunt Ann were here too, we had a good visit. Uncle Mart went back the same day but Uncle John staid overnight & went back next morning. That day, Monday July 2, the folks cut rye & I helped them shock some of it. About 10 acres is about all they will have. The other crops are fairly good needing some rain. The corn looks fine, but the oats short but fairly good & the wheat is about the same. Yesterday July 4 I went to the celebration at Pierce & seen lots of folks I know. They all had a good time & a great crowd there. I went with Bros. Charles, Noah & John. This morning am not doing much of anything resting up some.
Sunday, July 8, 1894. At home yet and having a good time as we do. A great joy came to the household yesterday, a little sister, a beautiful little sister I suppose we will all be fighting over her, all trying to claim her. And as there are seven of us boys we will make quite a rumpus.
July 8th, 1894 continued.I was over to Henry Wilgockies yesterday, they are all well. His crops look well as the surrounding crops & some of it better. & I was over to George Kimerles also, he was going to cut grain, Rye I believe. Father was to town yesterday & he heard the strike was so severe back East that everthing was going down hill shutting up the Railroad Co. laid off 22 men at Norfolk account of no work.
July 13, 1894. Last Monday I plowed corn all day and Tuesday forenoon I plowed & we got through. Oh! I forgot to say I was to the meeting at the School house last Sunday and we had a good time. Mr Wilcox was not there but Mr. Stevenson, the professer at Pierce came out and spoke in his place. A very good sermon. His text was Luke 14- 17. Bro. Charles cut oats last Wednesday afternoon. I helped Father shock it yesterday forenoon. I went to Pierce & saw Mr. Jasmer, he told me that I might get a job as relief man at Verdigree while the Agent lays off. It is pretty hard to get a job of any kind now a days because hard times, & so much strikes. everybody has got to keep just what he gets as they have laid off so many employes. It begins to look as if this country would have war right among itself which will make it bad or good. This morning was are not doing anything because we are having a good rain, a good blessing sure.
July 15, 1894 Sunday 4 P.M. Well we have a nice day, very warm & dry and not much wind. Was to town yesterday forenoon, came home about 2 oclock or so. Mr. Jacob Kohlmar was here 30 min ago & made us a visit. Bro. NHoah who has been working at Mr. Kimerlis for a week while Miss Lena Kimerle is working here doing the house work while Mother is getting well. Sister is getting along o.k.
July 22, 94 Sunday. Well here we have a nice cool wind and plenty of sunshine. We have had quite a large amount of sunshine for the past week, sometimes it was very hot. The small grain looks nice and is about all cut around here. But the corn needs some rain to make a good crop. I have been shocking grain the past week. It went nice untill the last few days when the binder commenced to bother some and would not bind but about 2/3 of it, and as it was full of rose briers it went hard on our hands. I did not go to town last week. Am going to meeting today.
Monday July 23, 1894. Well, I did not go to meeting yesterday as I supposed I would but staid home and herded the cattle and let the boys go. Well today is very hot about 100 in the shade and a very hot northwind. Mr. Fix, 1 of our neighbors who lives about 3/4 of a mile from here was going to thrash today and I was going to help him but he cound not get help enough so I will not go.
Sunday, July 29, 94. Well I am not feeling very well today, have a bad cold. I have been helping Father stack grain make hay and sundry duties such as are on a farm. The rye and oats is all stacked but the wheat is so dry it would all shell out. We have been having very hot weather the last week. Some times the wind was so hot we had to quit work in the field. The winds are drying up the corn a good deal, but there will still be some corn. I was to town last Friday with Miss Lena Kimberle, the girl who has been working for us. She goes home this morning and Bro. Noah who has been working at her home, comes back here.
Sunday, August 5, 1894. A fine windy day. Well I haven't done much this last week but will endeavor to put down what I did do. Last Monday we stacked the wheat. Monday eve Father took Brother John down to cousin Charles Brubakers to stay with wife cousin Estelle and do the chores while cousin Chas. goes thrashing.
Tuesday morning Father went to Norfolk and Bro Noah went with him and I helped Mother wash, and Bro Charles mowed grass. Tuesday afternoon Charles and I went to Pierce. Mr. Jasmon's folks were all well. It rained while we were leaving Pierce on our way home. Wednesday I undertook quite a job which was of killing rats. We have so much old banking on the place I tore some of it down in order to get the rats. With two of my little brothers & the dogs help I killed 18 or 19 rats during the day. Father came home about four or five P.M. oclock from Norfolk. Bro Noah staying at Uncle Marts untill this morning. Although he has not got here yet we expect him now soon. Thursday I helped Father build a hen house with the lumber he got on Wednesday. In the afternoon Bro Charles and I went to help Mr. Walthers thrash. On Friday we finished building the hen house and made some hay. Saturday morning Bro Chas. and I went to Mr. Walthers again to help finish thrashing his grain. His grain turned out fairly well. The rest of the day we did not do much, but Father went to town. Bro John came home this A.M. and him and Bro Charles went swimming in the Willow Creek.
Sunday Aug. 19, 1894. Well as I have not written in my diary for a couple of weeks I must now begin again. On Monday Aug. 6th, I began helping the neighbors thrash and continued to do so for nearly a whole week. Was to Pierce on Saturday and Aug. 10 this last week I was not doing anything in general, doing odd jobs and helping Mother. Was out hunting several afternoons and found more Russian thistles than anything else. Last Friday I was to Pierce with Bro John and Father. Father saw Uncle John up there. He came from Norfolk with a load of w. melons and sold them all. We have some melons but they are small and not so good as sometimes. Today Mother, sister and Bros John, George and Walter and I went to meeting but when we got over there could not see anyone at the School house, so we turned in at Mr. Campbells and found out that Mr. Wilcox, the Minister had been there but could not see anybody so he went back again. So we stayed over at Mr. Campbells for supper. They are vbery nice people, very accomadating. Mr. Pashall was there also and we got home about 7 oclock and found everything o.k.
Sunday, September 2nd. Well this is a fine breezy day. it is also cloudy and looks some as if it might rain. Well have been helping cutting off corn and sowing rye since I wrote in here last. I was to town last Friday morning to see about getting a position on the railroad. Mr. Jasmer thought I could get a job as relief man at Verdigree Neb some time ago, but Mr. Reynolds, the Supt. had a man for that job before my application got in, so I will work on the farm a while longer. I found out my chum Neal Wright was at Hadar as relief man for about 15 days or so. I had a little talk with him. I told him maybe I would be down there today but as there is going to be meeting at our Schoolhouse this P.M. and Mr. Wilcox, the Pastor preacher has his last sermon before he goes to Conference. Perhaps not coming back here again. So I think I will go to hear him preach. I haven't been to meeting for a mon th or so.
September 6, 1894 Thursday. Well have been doing next to nothing so far this week. Last Sunday night Bro Charles and I went up to visit the Kolmar Boys, but before we went up there we went to hear Rev. Wilcox preach a sermon. He took his text from St. John 5 = 40. A good sermon. Mr. Wilcox was out to visit us last Tuesday eve and siad he would be out here with his family next week. On Wednesday Bro Charles, Noah and I went "plum ing" down to the river. we found about a pail full. We were too late, Mrfs. Wards the place we wnt in to get the plums said, did not think we could get any. On the way home we shot two rabbits. Bro Chas went over to help Mr. Pratt thrash today.
Sunday Sept. 16, 1894. Another blessed day of rest. Was home all day last Sunday. I thought of going to Pierce to meeting but it clouded up and grew colder, so I changed my mind and did not go. On Monday, Bro Chas. and I cut off corn with the corn cutting machine. On Tuesday forenoon Bro Charles and I cut off sugar cane and hauled it to where we were going to make it up. In the afternoon I went to Pierce to buy some barrels to put mollasses and vinegar in. Bro. Charles and Noah finished cutting off the cane. While I was in Pierce I went over to the depot to see how things were getting along and when I got there I found that my pay was there from what I had earned at Oakdale, Neb. two months ago. I then paid off my board bill which I had accummilated while at Oakdale and bought me a mough organ for $.50. When I got home Mr. Wilcox and family were here for a visit. They got here shortly after I started for town and stayed untill about dark. Wednesday we all started to crush cane. We crushed a barrel full of juice that day and that night we began to boil it down . We, that is, Father, Bro Charles and I stayed at it untill about 1:30 A. M. Then Bro Charles went to bed, Fathr and I stayed untill about 4 oclock. The furnace would not draw enough which made it very long to boil the sap. And then we had to boil it over again in order to skim it enough. Thursday we had a very windy day but we crushed cane most all day long. Friday we crushed cane and boiled sap. We got through about 5:30 P.M. We had about 3/4 of an acre of cane and got about 19 Gal. of sorgum mollasses. The cane crusher was not very good to crush it out clean or we would had more. Saturday we fixed up things a little, Father went to Pierce in the P.M. Was to meeting at our School house. Mr. Wilcox preached a very good sermon. from II Corinthians V-XVII. Just before meeting Fred and John Kolmar came to visit us. John went to meeing but Bro Charles and Fred did not. When we got over to the School house we learned that Mrs. Smith was very sick. Mr. Campbell went after the doctor. Mother staid at Mrs. Smiths with Mrs. Campbell. Noah has just gone after Mother and if he gets back in time I think we will go to meeting at Pierce tonight. "We did not go".
Sunday Sept. 23, 1894. Sunday again. A nice cool day slightly windy. I did not go any place today yet. Mr. Arthur Brubaker came up today and Bro. Charles went down with him. Bro. Noah went to visit at Jake Kolmars. Bro. John and Mother went over to see Mrs. Smith. She is very sick yet. Brothers Cleo and George are herding cattle and Father and Bro. Walter are here with me. Well, last week I managed to do a little work. Last Monday Bro. Chas and I cut off corn. On Tuesday Bro. Noah and I cut off some more. On Wednesday, Charles and I cut again, also Thursday. On Friday we began hauling up the fodder, we had cut. We started a stack and on Saturday we finished it. We also plowed out some potatoes. Father was to Pierce in the P.M.
Sunday Sept. 30, 1894. A very pleasant day after the very cold day yesterday and a frost last night. Last week might rightly be termed the "windy week", there being 3 or 4 windy days, there being 2 days the wind blowed as bad as it most generally does. I was to Pierce yesterday to see about staying at the depot while M. Jasmer goes to the Sioux City Fair. He will go in about a week. Father and I went up and coming home we had the company of Mr. Frank Fix. He being to town with his father and got left behind.