Talent, Oregon, 1912-1919
Discovered, pursued, rescued and transcribed by Ben Truwe, Medford, Oregon
Transcription ©1994-2012 Ben Truwe. Used by permission. Comments? E-mail me at: truwe[at]mind.net
Last revised August 5, 2021
  
Click here for much more on W. J. Dean and his circle.

Mr. Dean as a young turk, circa 1870s

Highlights
If you can't read the whole diary, be sure not to miss these parts:

• Mr. Dean's 1915 UFO abduction. It has all the hallmarks of a typical alien abduction waking dream: Waking up paralyzed, being transported weightlessly outdoors, communicating telepathically with otherworldly beings. "Greys" hadn't been invented yet, though, so Mr. Dean interpreted the disturbing phenomenon in Spiritualist terms.
  
• Mr. Dean's seance transcript. For a couple of years, the Deans held seances a few times a week. Confirmed atheists but pre-Freudians, the Deans initially tried to be skeptical that every movement of the "stand" or planchette was controlled by spirits--but couldn't come up with an alternate explanation.
  
• Dean also had his doubts about germ theory, ridiculing a farmer's measures against bacteria. Yet he stayed clear of town during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918. Then when when the flu came to his house he allowed half the neighborhood to visit.
  
• Emmett Beeson's cancer surgery, his 1916 radiation treatment, his suicide, and his messages from the dead.
  
• The lynching and hanging of Berry Way in Canyon City, Oregon, in 1863. Mr. Dean was an eyewitness.
  
• A tight scrape on a whaler.
  
• Mr. Dean's family Bible. For any Deans who stumble across this page. Contact me!
  
• And don't miss Mr. Dean's wicked humor throughout, and here and here and here. It's enough to give you the demnition bow-wows.
  

Talent, Oregon around the time of the diary. Mr. Dean's house would have been about a mile behind the photographer.

Biography
What we know of the early years of Willis John Dean, 1843-1921, comes from clues gleaned from this diary he started on New Year's Day 1912 and maintained into 1919. His Rogue Valley years have been fleshed out by frequent mentions in valley newspapers. Dean was born near Bristol, Vermont on July 9, 1843, the son of Bennett B. Dean and Electa Shaw Dean. Bennett B. Dean was a prosperous farmer and prominent in the activities of the local Baptist church. 

"The little chap was considered delicate, but somehow he grew up." Dean "was extra full of mischief when a lad" and soon became "the orneriest kid in the school," earning "more lickin's than all the balance combined. I had a keen appreciation of everything ridiculous and funny, and as my superabundance of devilment had to break loose somewhere, of course school was found to be the most fitting place." His exuberance earned him "frequent and vigorous applications of the hickory sprout" at school, duplicated by his father at home. "Such was the stern old Puritan idea of bringing up a boy. 'Spare the rod and spoil the child,' was thought to be good Scripture doctrine and they would have considered it almost an insult were they told that it could not be found in the Bible, yet such is the fact."

The 1860 Census finds Dean still at home at seventeen; influenced by nautical adventure stories he soon left Vermont to go to sea, making two voyages on two-masted schooners, at least one of them a whaling voyage. Possibly one of those voyages took place before the 1860 Census enumeration. 1863, his twentieth year, found Dean out West (possibly to avoid Civil War service) in the gold mines of eastern Oregon's John Day country, where he was a witness to the lynching of Jim Berriway, aka Berry Way.

Dean became "Mr. Dean," as he was known for the rest of his life, when he began his career as a schoolteacher. He is reported to have taught school sometime in the early 1860s somewhere near Forest Grove.

By the fall of 1864 Dean had decided to himself return to school. He "batched it" the winter of 1865-66 in Portland, Oregon with a Russell C. Dement, who was attending the Portland Academy. Pacific University records list Dean in its Preparatory Program that year, though he didn't receive a degree. He later reported of his instruction there, "The class to which I belonged took up botany in the winter--an excellent time to study flowers and leaves--from the woodcuts. You will conclude that I am not proficient in that branch. Your conclusion is correct, but there is an institution down in Washington County that should have part of the blame."

After college, Dean remained in the Forest Grove area with Dement to teach in Gales Creek before journeying back to Vermont in 1869, perhaps one of the two occasions on which he crossed the Isthmus of Panama. Surprisingly, the next year's 1870 Census finds Dean farming in Cloud County, Kansas and married to an Emma E. Dean--of which marriage we know nothing. Dean mentions buffalo hunting in northern Kansas in 1873.

Emma died May 25, 1877 on Battle Mountain, near Santa Cruz, California. Dean doesn't mention her, or even suggest her existence, in the diary. Apparently it was during the next three years that the peripatetic Dean "roughed it" a good deal, to the extent that he even lost track of his correct age (he'd reported it accurately on the 1870 Census). Since he later complains of his susceptibility to "the blues," I'm tempted to speculate that during those wandering years Dean was suffering from depression triggered by the death of his wife. He mentions being in Salt Lake City and spending enough time in Southern California to learn Spanish. The 1880 Census found Dean single and teaching school (and misreporting his age) in tiny Lostine, Oregon; his letter to the editor describing that area was published in the Portland Oregonian on February 15, 1880. The early 1880s found him in the city of Seattle, lecturing with an unnamed partner on electricity and magnetism. The venture was unsuccessful, so they sold their scientific equipment to the University of Washington, after gaining the distinction of being the first to electrically illuminate a hall in Washington State.

Dean first appears in Southern Oregon in April of 1883, teaching school in Eagle Point. He next appears in the record on May 8, 1884, lecturing in Jacksonville on Free Thought--though the Oregon Sentinel reported that "the audience was quite small." Undiscouraged, he secured a position teaching at the Wagner Creek School in Talent (a small farming community between Ashland and Medford), beginning the following September. Mr. Dean remembers the date as September 12, but the Democratic Times of that date says school began the following Monday, the 15th. Dean and his assistant Rosetta Waters were in charge of 55 students that year, and the Oregon Sentinel of October 18 reported that "All the pupils seem to be quickly getting the requirements of an education. Even the hogs about the place have become so educated that they climb a steep flight of stairs to the upper story of the schoolhouse and eat their dinners from the little tin buckets and baskets so carefully and neatly filled with pie and bacon by mothers for their children." Mr. Dean was respected and loved by his students; they began holding annual reunions in 1916 and continued after his death, christening their group "Dean Chapter No. 1 of the Pioneer Schools Alumni."

On January 9, 1885 "Prof. W. J. Dean," addressed the Teacher's Institute in Jacksonville on "The Education Demanded by the Age." Jacksonville's Democratic Times of that date printed the oration in full, requiring nearly a full page of small type. The paper described it as "well composed and abounds in solid facts and excellent suggestions. Having been delivered in pleasing style by the author, it left a favorable impression on the large audience who listened to it. It is published by unanimous vote of the institute."  In the lecture, Dean excoriated college graduates who exit the institution speaking Latin and Greek, but completely unprepared for the real world. He emphasized the importance of a solid science education, referring to his experience teaching the subject: He'd bought, with his own funds, laboratory equipment including an air pump, microscope, telescope and telegraph key to give his students hands-on experience.

Mr. Dean and Sula around the time of their wedding.
On the back of the photo is written "Your Uncle Bill & Aunt Sula."

Dean may have become acquainted with his future wife through his association with Talent's Universal Mental Liberty Hall. He was the assistant secretary of the founding organization; "boss carpenter" for construction of the 28x40-foot structure was Blin C. Goddard, father of widow Ersula Goddard Robison. Sula wasn't exactly a shrinking violet, as this story from the May 26, 1905 issue of the Medford Mail makes clear:

Mrs. W. J. Dean, of Talent, had an exciting runaway experience Saturday. Fortunately she received no injuries, but her escape seems almost miraculous. She was driving in a buggy near the James Reames place, in Phoenix precinct, when her horse took sudden fright of some clanking chains on a team of horses being led behind a loaded wagon which she met. The horse whirled and ran and Mrs. Dean was hurled out of the buggy to the ground. She heroically clung to the lines, though, and was dragged under the upturned buggy for a distance of fifty yards by the frightened steed before she was able to stop it. Some painful bruises and abrasions were the most serious injuries the lady received, but the experience is one she is not likely soon to forget.

At the time of this adventure Sula was 48 years of age. 

Known in some circles as "Infidel Hall," the Universal Mental Liberty Hall was built by Talent freethinkers as a place for their lectures, debates and other gatherings. The building, at the corner of Wagner Creek and Anderson Creek roads, was available to any group that requested it; the only rule was that when a visitor finished speaking, the audience had the right to ask questions. By the years of the diary the hall was in disuse, and the structure was moved to serve as a barn. 

The Universal Mental Liberty Hall, Talent, Oregon.

The hall that brought Dean and Sula together was dedicated on October 4, 1885; they were married in Ashland on July 31 of the following year. The Deans lived out the remainder of their lives on Sula's farm a mile and a half from Talent at 7681 Wagner Creek Road. According to the 1979 Jackson County Inventory of Historic Properties, Mr. Dean's 1892 barn was a half-mile away, across the road from today's 7093 Wagner Creek Road. (It was then recorded as being in "poor" condition and hasn't survived.)

In August of 1889 Dean, along with Welborn Beeson and trustees John Abbott and Ern Purves, laid out the Stearns Cemetery on a hillside west of Talent. The cemetery was begun in 1857 when Judge Avery P. Stearns was buried near "Uncle David Stearn's wheat field." Dean was sexton of the cemetery (clerk of the Wagner Creek Cemetery Association) during the period of the diary; throughout the diary there are many touching references to illnesses, deaths and funerals.

Later in 1889 Dean was a delegate to the organizing convention of the Oregon Secular Union in Portland. The group's aim was "to educate the public . . . as to the importance of taxing church property, maintaining the entirely secular character of our schools, discontinuing public appropriations for sectarian institutions, resisting Puritanical legislation in regard to Sunday, and other such measures as are necessary to effect the complete disjunction of church and state." Other prominent delegates were Jacksonville's celebrated pioneer photographer Peter Britt and future Talent mayor W. H. Breese.

A voracious reader, Dean often wrote funeral orations and letters to the editor; he also did some publishing of his own, creating the infidel pamphlets "The Christ Story" and, in 1895, the 30-page "The Bible Prophecies," printed by his 17-year-old stepson Edward Robison on a 7x11 press at their home. Eddie was at the same time also engaged in publishing the Talent News that he'd inaugurated three years previously. Many issues of the Talent News survive, but "The Christ Story" is lost; with luck it may materialize through the medium of the Internet.

Retired by the years of the diary, Dean kept active cultivating his 14 acres and operating the cemetery, visiting his friends, and serving as an officer of the Wagner Creek Grange. He apparently was able to make a living through the sale of his garden and orchard produce and the milk and cream from his three or so cows; he and Sula were prosperous enough to eventually afford a new Model T Ford, though in earlier entries Dean had regarded an automobile as an impossible extravagance.

Willis John Dean died March 11, 1921, at the home of his stepdaughter Minnie and her husband Louie Colver in Phoenix (now the house behind the business structure at 4374 South Pacific Highway). He was 77. Mr. Dean is buried with Sula, and many of the people he knew, in graves overlooking Talent in the Stearns Cemetery he helped to found.

Mr. Dean and Sula around the time of the diary.

People and Abbreviations in the Text
Arminda=Arminda Melissa Purves 1848-1935, daughter of David Ebenezer Stearns, wife of James Purves
Adelbert C. Goddard, son of H. H. Goddard
Alpha=Alpha Yates Goddard, wife of Fred Goddard
B.C.G.=Blin Carlos Goddard 1822-1893, Sula's father
Belle Nyswarner Goddard, widow of Reno Goddard. Married Jack Fisher ca. 1912; moved to Los Angeles.
Berry Way, aka Jim Berriway=Mr. Dean witnessed his 1863 lynching in Canyon City
Blanch=Blanche M. Morgan Robison 1880-1964, wife of Edward Robison (pronounced ROE-bi-son)
      Granddaughter of Dr. Gideon Davidson, daughter of Peter Morgan and Mary Davidson
Briner=Andrew Briner owned an "iron and wood repair shop" opposite the Dean residence
Carlos=Blin (Blinn) C. Goddard, Jr., Sula's brother
Delbert C. Goddard 1885-1952, son of H. H. Goddard
Russell C. Dement "batched it" with Dean in in 1866; organized Security Bank in Myrtle Point in 1919
"Ed. Robison"=Robert Edward Robison, Sula's son
Frank E. Dean, Mr. Dean's nephew
Fred Dean, Mr. Dean's nephew
Fred R. Goddard 1884-1950, son of H. H. Goddard
H. H.=Hendrick Hudson Goddard (Henry H. Goddard) 1858-1938, Sula Dean's brother.
     Appointed Justice of the Peace 1897. Phoenix Census enumerator 1900.
Irma Robison, Blanche's daughter. Later Irma Hansen
Jack/Jackie=Jack Yates Goddard 1912-1917, son of Fred and Alpha Goddard
Jay Goddard, son of Reno
L.=Louie Colver, grandson of Samuel Colver, husband of Minnie Robison Colver
Lindly Dean, Mr. Dean's nephew
Lossie=Carlos "Lossie" Robison 1875-1889, son of Sula. Died of spinal meningitis at age 14
M.=Minnie Robison Colver, Sula's daughter
Maggie=Margaret A. Sherman Goddard, H. H. Goddard's wife
Ormy=Ormy M. Goddard 1894-1976, son of H. H. and Maggie Goddard
Orson Stearns=Orson Avery Stearns 1843-1926, brother of Arminda
Pearl=Pearl Yates, sister of Alpha Yates Goddard
Louis A. Roberts, attorney, Myrtle Point friend of R. C. Dement. Moved to Ashland in 1916.
Reno=Oliver Reno Goddard 1865-1912, Sula's brother
S.=Sula: Ersula (er-SOO-la) Isabelle Goddard Robison Dean (widow of R. D. Robison) 1856-1934, Mr. Dean's wife.
      Daughter of Blin C. and Dameris McClain Goddard.
Sabra A. Coleman 1847-1923, Sula's sister, widow of M. H. Coleman
T.=Talent, Oregon
W.C.C.=Wagner Creek Cemetery, Talent, Oregon

The Transcription
The words, the spelling and the punctuation within quotation marks are those of the original. Mr. Dean wrote in the evening after the day's activities; most of his errors can be attributed much more to fatigue and inattention than ignorance. Leaving Mr. Dean's words intact allows us to watch as he gathers information about his successive enthusiasms, for example, modifying his spelling from "otto" to "auto," and his word choice from "auto stable" to "garage."

Any additions to the quotes that I've made for clarity are placed within square brackets: [ ]. I have omitted several long passages where Mr. Dean essentially wrote a book report or critical essay for future reference; transcribing those pages would not have lent insight into Mr. Dean's character or his times. I've also omitted the beginnings of most daily entries, many of which began with notations of the day's weather and "Went to T.[alent, Oregon] P.M. with cream."

What remains is an entertaining visit with a genuine character. I hope you enjoy it. As Mr. Dean would say, "It's way up!"

Ben Truwe
Medford, Oregon
December, 2004

Mr. Dean and Sula's house. In the background is the water tank that gave Mr. Dean such trouble; behind  is the shoulder of Wagner Butte
the Deans would climb for a view of the valley.

The Robison-Dean house in November 2007, considerably altered at 7613 Wagner Creek Road.

A detail from the previous photo. Mr. Dean, Minnie, Sula.

Wagner Creek Road from the roof of Talent School, looking west toward the Dean house.

Volume I
January 1, 1912 - February 25, 1913

"This is an attempt to keep a diary. In it may be jotted down from day to day a brief record of matters of interest pertaining to the home, the neighborhood, the county and, perchance, the world at large.
   "Also it may contain brief, pointed comments regarding matters moral, ethical, religious, political, industrial, educational, scientific--in a word the jotter's pen may scratch around freely in any part of the intellectual field.
   "This attempt may be a success, i.e. it may be kept up with unabated interest. Then again it may not. It may turn out somewaht [sic] like a certain boy's experience in this line. Supplying himself with an ample quantity of paper and a new pencil he gives out in bold headlines the announcement:
   " 'Have concluded to keep a diary' Then he gets down to business.
   " 'Monday. Knocked about home, didn't do much'
   " 'Tuesday--Run off to go fishing. Got licked when I got home. Didn't get no fish.'
   "Wednesday--Didn't do nothin' much.
   "Thursday--Didn't do nothing'.
   "Friday--ditto
   "Saturday--Forgit what [I] did.
   "Sunday--Guess I wont keep a diary no more.'
   "One whole week! Very good for a boy. His success shall be an incentive. My ambition is to do at least as well--with a fervent hope to do him several days better."

Mr. Dean's house. On the back of the photo is written "This was taken at Aunt Sulas Xmas. Some of Delberts first work."

Detail from the above photo. Back row: Sula, Minnie, Mr. Dean. Woman at left may be Alice Roberts; the rest are unidentified.

Jan. 1, 1912--"A very quiet New Years at the Dean home. S. [Sula--Ersula Dean] and Hendrick went to Reno's. Reno is very low with that dread disease, The Great White Plague [tuberculosis].
      ". . . Chas. Sherman dropped in P.M. The subject of Socialism naturally came up. Also union labor and the Mcnamara case. C. does not defend violent methods in dealing with the labor-and-capital question. Many Socialists do however. And they injure their cause by so doing. Any freeborn American is entitled to all the rights that any other freeborn American has. He may join a labor union or go in a band by himself. He may work for $10. or .10 cents a day and it is no one's business but his own. But labor unions think otherwise--hence the trouble."

Jan. 2, 1912--"Sixteen periodicals are to come to this household for 1912, so book reading may not be indulged in to any great extent. For solid and reliable information, however, commend to books by standard authors. I have books that I have read for the 4th time and with no falling off in interest."

Jan. 3, 1912--"H.H. & I went to Reno's. He is no better. He would like to come here but of course is too weak to be moved, at least at this time of the year. He may linger on for weeks but it would seem that one so emaciated could survive but a few days at least."

Jan. 4, 1912--"Hung about the freezing point all day. . . . We of Southern Oregon make about as much fuss over 20 above zero as the Eastern people would over 20 below.
      "Card from Frank. All well in his household. Card dated Dec. 29th. No winter to speak of there yet, people even plowing in their fields. Pretty good for New England."

Jan. 8, 1912--"Am reading The Winning of Barbary Worth, by Harold Wright-- a very interesting romance. It has to do with the reclamation of Imperial valley, Calafornia. Like all novels it is light reading. May be likened to thin soup and crackers, while the Martyrdom of Man, on which I am making slow progress, would be pork and beans."

Jan. 9, 1912--"Went to Reno's. Mr. Strait having left suddenly, S. was obliged to remain over night."

Jan. 10, 1912--"Went for S. A.M. Strait still absent, came home without S. H.H. takes Allen Abbott down to sit up to night. S. got no sleep last night."

Jan. 11, 1912--"H. & I went to Reno's. Called on Belle [Mrs. Reno] Goddard. Employed Marion Sowash to take care of Reno for balance of month, perhaps longer. Roads no good, sloppy."

Jan. 12, 1912--"S. & I drove to Reno's. Set in to rain hard soon after starting. Rained on us all way home--not a very pleasant buggy ride. R. still growing weaker."

Jan. 13, 1912--"Sowash jumps the job of taking care of R. May bring him here. Will look up the matter to-morrow."

Jan. 14, 1912--"S. & I went to Reno's. Arranged to bring him here to-morrow. His physician would permit us to try it. A. Abbott goes to stay to-night.
    "The move may prove too much for one so low and weak, but it seems to be the only alternative now. Informed Belle as we came home."

Jan. 15, 1912--"Moved R. here using L. Colver's big covered hack. L C. brought him. Seemed to stand trip well. He was very glad to come, which, of course, enabled him to better stand the trip. The move simplified the caring for him very much--saving a four-mile trip every day or two to his tent. Have placed him in a room in the house after removing carpet and all furniture excepting one chair and small stand beside his bed. Have arranged conditions as regards sanitation so that it is not likely any serious results will follow. One cannot be too careful in destroying or rendering harmless all sputa and excretions and in using disinfectants wherever necessary. Strange disease is Consumption--not much physical pain, mind generally clear to the last, in most cases an ever present hope of recovery, good appetite and most frequently strong digestion.
      "Reno's case, however, offers a marked exception to the general rule. He is resigned to his fate fully recognizing that he cannot recover. Yet he is not gloomy. With composure he awaits the issue. R. Goddard has a reputation as a fine orchardist. He was for several years in the employ of the wealthy Palmer Investment Company.
      "Corporations are said to be soulless. This company is a notable exception, however. His management of their orchard was so well appreciated that the company pensions him to the amount of $35 per month. This has indeed been a great help. Otherwise (thanks to his better (?) half) he would soon have been in hard lines. The story of the base and heartless conduct of one who purposely and deliberately shirked her duty by deserting her husband when ill health cast him down, must not be written here. Sometime she may get her just deserts. Sometime the vivid scene of a husband neglected by a wife and struggling with an incurable disease will appear unbidden before her mental vision and then--and then that merciless avenger remorse will get in its work."

Jan. 16, 1912--"Went to Talent, mainly to procure needed articles for R. His trip yesterday seemed to result in restlessness during night. S. sat up--required almost constant attention. No appetite this morning. Very stupid during day. Have arranged for Allen A. to sit up nights @ $1.50 per night. Some of the neighbor ladies will take turns in assisting S. during the day. S. must have a special care for number one or this siege will result in a break down for her."

Jan. 17, 1912--"R. seems to be slowly sinking. Poor rest last night. More restful to day. Jay dropped in for a few minutes. He loses no sleep, I judge, over his father's illness. . . . A telegram from Chicago would indicate that H & Maggie are grandpa & grandma."

Jan. 18, 1912--"Belle surprised us by coming to make a hand in taking care of R. About time. Belle to sit up to night. . . . R wanted to see Dr. Malgren. Got him by phone. He came down about 7 P.M. remained about an hour. Quieting medicines main thing now."

Jan. 19, 1912--"Reno breathed his last at noon. Belle returned P.M. Jay here when his father died. Went to Talent A.M. H. Stock came to take charge of body."

Jan. 20, 1912--"Allen and Bob P. digging grave. Funeral to-morrow at 11 a.m. . . . Bob. P. & Ed. Cochran sat up last night. An old-fashioned custom. Hard to rid ourselves of old notions regarding 'keeping vigils o'er the dead.'"

Jan. 21, 1912--"Funeral at 11 to day--large number collected at house. One song, casket opened. Mrs. Belle Goddard made extra display of grief. Large procession. Two songs, short address by writer. This was Reno's special request. Large assemblage at cemetery. Some lovely flower decorations, procured from florists in Ashland. Wrong time of year for flowers. My address concluded with:
      " 'Now as we consign all that mortal of our beloved friend into the keeping of Mother Earth--the common mother of us all--let us give him as earnest and heartfelt a farewell as we hope will be given to each and all of us when it comes our turn to join the silent dead. Farewell, and again farewell.'"

Jan. 22, 1912--"Seems nice to have quiet again after a week's commotion, irregular hours and lack of proper sleep."

Jan. 23, 1912--"Wrote letter to Tidings and to agent of Palmer Investment Company thanking them for their generous aid to Reno.
      "A debating team of three members, from the Talent school, called P.M. to have me coach them. They have the affirmative of the question: 'Resolved that the jury system should be abolished.' I gave them a good supply of pointers and they went away well satisfied."

Jan. 24, 1912--"Erma, on account of rain, is with [us] to night."

Jan. 25, 1912--"It is estimated that 22 inches at least is needed in this vally to insure fair crops. Not more than 1/4 of that amount to date. A Mr. King has bought a small tract of high mesa wild land east of Wagner Creek; has located; will live in tent for a while. Said to be nice people."

Jan. 26, 1912--"Went to Phoenix to settle with Dr. Malgren and Mr. Strait--the latter for taking care of Reno. Doctor's bill $28. He knocks off $3. I paid $9 on account out of funds left by R.G. He is to collect balance from Belle. Wouldn't like to take over the account at par."

Jan. 27, 1912--" 'Lizzie John' (Mrs. John Wolgamott) called P.M. Rumor that Herman Summers and Leora Kerby were married to day. May be a rumor only."

Jan. 28, 1912--"S. & I called on Bagley's P.M. The Bagley's are interesting people, intelligent, cultured, sensible. Dr. Bagley was one of the leading physicians in Duluth Minn. with an immense practice. His means was several thousand a year. His health began to give way under the strain and, barring particulars, he is now making an elegant home on a ranch in this neighborhood. He enjoys knocking around among the cows and the chickens and working in the garden and fields. He puts on no city airs. Too sensible for that. The question of labor strikes came up. He suggested that some nation-wide movement should be made to put down the violence and lawlessness that so often attend strikes. Capitalistic employers may strive to obtain labor at starvation rates. This is one wrong. The employed seek to 'get even' by destroying the property of the employers and incidentally--in some instances, directly taking life also. This is another wrong. Two wrongs cannot make one right.
      "There should be some sensible and fair system of arbitration established by law--some national Hague tribunal for the settlement of all differences between labor and capital."

Jan. 29, 1912--"Mrs. Belle G. with her brother John came A.M. for things that belonged to Reno. There is no indication that she is losing sleep or falling off in flesh over grief."

Jan. 30, 1912--"Took S. to Phoenix to stay until Sunday. Worked some in garden. H.H. & Maggie propose to re-paper the bedroom as a surprise to S. when she returns."

Feb. 1, 1912--"H.H. & Maggie papered bedroom A.M. They spring the proposition to complete the job--putting down carpet etc. I am in, so I went to T. P.M. for paint, & window shades. No little excitement in the county over the news that County Clerk W.R. Coleman has violated law by not sending to state treasurer the proceeds of hunter's and fisherman's lisenses, which, it seems, he has neglected to do for about two years instead of forwarding every 3 months, as by law. The amount held back being now about $11,000. He had it deposited in various banks in the county in his own name and drew upon these funds from time to time for his personal use. State game warden Findley came up to look into the matter. Coleman was likely to be arrested but this morning's papers state that he may be let off. He was short about $1,600 which he was obliged to rustle up by borrowing. He pleads guilty but insists that no crime was intended. Simply seems to be a case of too fast living. He struck a pace to keep up which required more than his salary and he drew upon funds not his own, trusting to some benign providence for ways and means to replace the shortage before being called to account. It is the old story. Coleman is a jovial, popular fellow, free with his money, always ready to set-em-up for his friends--and himself too. This reputation he, of course, wanted to keep up. To slow down would never do. Perhaps he will profit by this lesson; perhaps not. Who knows?
      "Some kind friend, solicitous for my spiritual welfare is sending me the Gospel Trumpet, an intensely religious publication. It teaches that prayer is the main thing. No disease can hold out against the 'prayer of faith,' small pox or simple bellyache it is all the same. An anointed handkerchief can be procured from the office of said Gospel Trumpet which, of course, will work wonders. What fools these mortals be. Some may believe too little and varily others may believe too much. If my kind friend knew me as well as I know myself he might have saved himself some trouble and expense. The reading of the Trumpet tends to produce nausea."

Feb. 3, 1912--"Went to T A.M. for some things to complete the furnishing of the 'surprise' bedroom. Maggie & Blanch came early and we have all been busy putting down carpet etc., etc. Room looks better than ever before. Lattie P. sent me a fine squash pie late P.M. A quarter of that pie was missing shortly after it was received. Somehow squash pies dont keep well on this ranch. This is one of frequent reminders that we have splendid neighbors. Could not desire better. Learned A.M. that Ollie Purves is dead. She died in Mexico City, Mexico, where she has been head nurse in a hospital for several years. Pneumonia did the work. The news will be sad indeed to all relatives here."

Feb. 4, 1912--"Went to Phoenix for S. She was not a little surprised when she discovered the joke on her in fixing up bedroom. . . . Roads are fine, autos out a plenty."

Feb. 6, 1912--"Somewhat 'under the weather' to day. Too stiff exercise yesterday perhaps. Mr. Nordeen starts for Minnesota, thence to Sweden on a visit to morrow. Called to say good bye. Has not seen his native land for 31 years."

Feb. 7, 1912--"Mr. Powers moved up today. Glad of that. They will be fine neighbors no doubt."
      Reading stories in the Thrice-a-Week World: "The Cosmopolitan, Sunset, Saturday Evening Post, Delineator, and about a dozen other publications come to our table, so we have plenty of reading matter. The Medford Sun wanted the obituary of Reno Goddard and the address at the grave also and published both, nearly in full.
      "Have not seen Mrs. Belle Goddard since the funeral, excepting the Monday following when she came for the bedstead etc. We do not expect her to call on us very often."

Feb. 8, 1912--"Mrs. Dr. Bagley sent us a fine loaf of whole wheat bread--didn't know we even made it. They are fond of it. It was way up all right. This is another instance of the friendliness and thoughtfulness of neighbors. Of course we generally try to 'return thanks' in such cases in some material way."

Feb. 9, 1912--"Not my best, physically, to day; perhaps too hearty supper last night. I never regret eating too little supper. Two or three crackers or a piece of toast and a cup of hot water better than none. Long years ago I had a serious set-to with enlargement of the liver which required about two years of special dieting and other modes of 'nature' treatment to subdue. It left me however, without a natural appetite. A normal appetite should be the proper guide as to quantity of food. But my appetite is no guide. I am chronically hungry."

Feb. 10, 1912--"Went to Ashland, S & I, took dinner at Purves's. They wish me to dress up and put in proper shape an obituary of Ollie Purves, giving me more data. It is mostly from memory, however, and may not be very accurate as regards dates etc. Spend part of evening at this work. . . . Bought a new suit at a one-day's bargain sale--$15 suit for $7.45. Nice goods too. Good enough for a plain farmer like yours truly."

Feb. 11, 1912--"P.M. S & I took a stroll up on the hill east of us. A Mr. King have bought a place up there, built a small but comfortable house and moved in. They have several men employed clearing land for an orchard. Mr. Upenhoffen called to spend the evening. Like all the rest of us, he is queer in some ways. His education is very limited. He can hardly read at all and all the reading he attempts is the New Testament & Revelations at that."

Feb. 13, 1912--"Just hear that China is now a republic--since yesterday. Hurrah for China!! Now the Celestials will find themselves up against a serious proposition, i.e. to make a success of a government of the people and by the people. All sorts of insurrection may be looked for. Another item of news has just reached this household relating to matters not quite so far away as China. Mrs. Herman Summers has a fine new girl baby, born last Sunday. These young people were united in the holy bonds of matrimony about two weeks ago. . . . Varily this is a hustling age! The joke is that very few of the neighbors had the slightest knowledge that the newly wed couple were up against expectations of such a nature. Really the best way is to assume that it is nobody's business but their own. So suppose we let it go at that and look ahead for the next surprise."

Feb. 14, 1912--"S. gets letter from Alice Hull, of Los Gatos California. In her case is exemplified the struggle for existence. She operates a private laundry and has to work early & late for support for her own family and some orphan grandchildren that she felt it her duty to take in and care for. It may be supposed that she, like thousands of others, find a pleasure in duty. For she must find some pleasure else this world would be a prison." Summary of story in Thrice-a-Week World.

Feb. 15, 1912--"Called on Mr. Packard A.M. He keeps bachelors hall, looking after place owned by his sons now in Chicago. Strikes me that batching alone would get monotonous if continued long. Will write to sister Bertha this evening. She is abnormally religious. In thought she dwells largely in the Christian's 'other world.' As a result she does not take much interest in that this-worldly brother of hers." Comments on Christianity.

Feb. 17, 1912--"Reading good fiction is not time altogether wasted, although I never felt inclined to read heavily of such literature. There was so much of history, biography, poetry, works of travel and research, science and the vast array of works bearing upon religion--for & against--that demanded attention that I found little time for fiction. Trashy dime novels are no doubt an injury to the developing mind, but from high class fiction much can be learned.
      ". . . Case of smallpox on Creek & some quarantining will have to be done."

Feb. 18, 1912--"Negotiated a few odd jobs about place. How fortunate it is not to belong to the church. Being a non-church member I can work or play on Sunday according to my sweet will with no perceptible damage to my conscience. My good church friends would, however, warn me that the wicked course I am pursuing will ultimately lead me straight to the demnition bow-wows." Comments at length on "goody-goody, I-am-holier-than-thou" church-goers.

Feb. 19, 1912--More on preachers and church-goers.

Feb. 23, 1912--"Went to special school meeting in evening. Big turnout. Frank Smith elected director to fill an unexpired term."

Feb. 24, 1912--"No little comment in Talent regarding the Catholic chapel car now switched off there. First class opportunity for all of us bad sinners to fess up before a priest. On the side of the car in big letters is proclaimed: 'The Chapel Car of the Catholic Extension Society of the United States of America.' So salvation is brought to us on wheels! . . . The Ollie Purves obituary I prepared is published in this week's Tidings." [The issue of the Tidings is now lost.]

Feb. 25, 1912--"It seems quite evident from rumors floating in the atmosphere that Mrs. Belle Goddard has a beau--indeed that she has been agreeably entertaining a nice young fellow for some time, reac[h]ing back prior to her husband's death. She seems to be liberally endowed with what is familiarly termed 'brass.' Well, this is a fast age."

Feb. 26, 1912--"This week's Gospel Trumpet is exceptionally amusing. It seems that in the Trumpet printing establishment there is a general practice of praying for what is wanted. A case is related in this issue to the effect that an employee from another department happened to look into the kitchen and saw all the girls on their knees in prayer. The intruder quietly withdrew and upon inquiry was told that the kitchen girls were praying for a new up-to-date range. Of course the prayer was answered. And answered at once too. There was no delaying for days and weeks leaving the cooks in suspense lest their supplications had got side tracked and missed reaching head quarters. Oh no, nothing like that. A hundred-dollar bill came through in a jiffy from somewhere--just dropped into the hands of the head cook. The new range was purchased and set up in short order.
      "Now we are thinking of getting a new range soon and I suggested to S. that we adopt the proper method of procuring it. My proposition is for S. to do the praying while I stand ready to move the stove in as soon as it lands on the porch. Really, though, I would prefer the equivalent in cash, or, still better, as one prayer is supposed to bring everything asked for, that we include a bath room, automobile and many other things--that we could use to advantage, say make the check $5000 or so. That would be worth while."

Feb. 29, 1912--"A presbyterian preacher & Sunday school promoter called on me P.M. Was somewhat surprised to learn my views on religion were so different from his. I gave him several pointers along Freethought lines, but of course he went away with his old orthodox opinions still. He seems to think that the main duty of man in this world is to make his calling and election to another world sure. He should have lived 500 years ago."

Mar. 1, 1912--"A big load of our school children went to the Bellview school on a spelling & cyphering contest."

Mar. 3, 1912--"Went to W. Beeson's for a few trees. Began planting them P.M."

Mar. 6, 1912--"Fern Foss was taken with some severe malady last Saturday & the doctors now pronounce it spinal meningitis. The house is quarantined, even to the sending off of any mail matter. A terrible disease. Years ago it was said to be an inflamation of the inclosing membrane of the spinal marrow or chord. It is now known to be caused by a germ & no sure remedy is known. Partly clear this evening. Sent to Jacksonville by Ed. R. to pay my taxes. He has just phoned up that our taxes were $42.80. Taxes are high this year & people are kicking like blue steers."

Mar. 7, 1912--"Fern Foss died this morning. House was thoroughly fumigated to day. Quarantine not raised yet. Talent school ordered closed as Fern had been attending. A sad case indeed. The parents have the sincere sympathy of the neighbors. Fay, their other daughter died last August after a short illness, and now Fern, both--and their only children taken in about six months."

Mar. 8, 1912--"Funeral of Fern Foss P.M. The preacher spoke from the favorite text: 'In my father's house are many mansions' etc. an[d] pictured as well as he was able the glories of the mansion prepared for the children of earth whom God in his infinite wisdom and goodness takes to his home in heaven. The intention, of course, being to lessen the grief of the parents and relatives by portraying the blissful home the loved one would be ushered into. But such a bowing to God's will is done more in theory than in practice."

Mar. 9, 1912--"Read some. Oh what a grand pastime is reading! In book I fancy I commune with the souls of the famous dead. In modern ages thoughts, those etherial secretions of the brain, have been crystalized into printed words and have come down to us. This is immortality. Great thoughts affect future generations. So mighty thinkers of earth live over again in those who succeed them. . . . Am resorting to my old remedy, going without supper--somewhat hard to take sometimes when one is hungry but is likely to have the desired effect. Was called on by representative of the Medford and Grants Pass creameries for patronage. They make flattering offers, and as lawyers would put it, I will take the matter under advisement."

Mar. 10, 1912--"Thought 'Richard was himself again,' but breakfast--tho' very light--brought on an unsettled state of the digestive organs. Soon over, but dinner had same affect. No supper & am feeling O.K. at 8 P.M."

Mar. 11, 1912--"H. called to figure on amount of lumber etc. for a bathroom addition and the screening-in of N. porch. Indigestion not over with yet. Eat about 1/4 ration and but twice a day."

Mar. 12, 1912--"Two men--drunk--arrested for threatening with gun. They were working for King. Homer Neil pulled yesterday & lodged in jail in Jacksonville for killing deer."

Mar. 13, 1912--"Hear that E.K. Anderson died last night--85 years of age. He was one of the oldest pioneers of the valley."

Mar. 15, 1912--"The papers contain an account of a public whipping of a man in Delaware--a most brutal affair. 70 was the number of stripes with the murderous cat-a-nine-tails but they were obliged to stop at 40 for fear of serious results. The balance is to be administered in a few days. And ours is a boasted civilization!!"

Mar. 17, 1912--"Roads sloppy. Not many ottos out."

Mar. 18, 1912--Comments on Gospel Trumpet article.

Mar. 19, 1912--"Hear that Emmette Beeson thinks he hears the sheriff's bee buzzing in his bonnet. He may run, but then he may run back home. Strange how many loyal and patriotic citizens are willing--and anxious--to sacrifice themselves on the alter of their country--if they can see anything 'in it.' Candidates are popping up thick as leaves in Volambrosia. I prefer to keep in the background where I can enjoy witnessing the scramble. Politics is warming up. It will be a hot time all through the nation this year. The Sunday school promoter, mentioned a few pages back, has organized a Sunday school at the school house, but not without opposition. He would have the school house at any time and all times, but he was limited to Sundays and in the day time. He has the usual 'cheek' and gaul of preachers and seems to think that everything and everybody must give way before his august presence. Some of the goody-goody ones here look upon him as nearly equal to God Almighty."

Mar. 24, 1912--"Chas. Meserve here for dinner. Brought a citronge tree, sent him by the government, for me to plant. It is somewhat like a lemon & will stand cold climates. Went, S & I, to Minnie's P.M. for setting of Orpington eggs. Cool riding. Ottos out in full force."

Mar. 25, 1912--"Emmette has announced himself for sheriff. Now his fine new auto will be kept warm. . . . The citronge mentioned yesterday is a hybrid of the Japanese mild lemon and the sweet orange."

Mar. 29, 1912--"An agent called to get my subscription to a new history of Oregon to be published in about 18 months, at $25. Didn't take it in much to the agent's disgust. Wouldn't mind having a good, reliable history of the state but $25 is about $23 too much. It is to be mainly biographies of more or less prominent individuals 99/100 of whom I never knew or heard of. S. & I agree exactly on this matter, though many of our neighbors have signed up."

Mar. 31, 1912--"Called on Power's this evening. Ed Cochran came over with his phonograph and we had music to beat the band. The Power's are very neighborly & it is hoped they are here to stay."

Apr. 1, 1912--"H. & Delbert came to commence on our bathroom etc. I figure in as a sort of roust-a-bout, helping them some & also jobbing about place. Saw a big smoke about 8 A.M. in Talent & soon learned it was Jane Kerby's house. They got out all furniture. House was new, cheaply put up, yet it is reported they had it insured for $1200. Sure if the insurance is paid over O.K. the Kerby's have sustained but little--if any--loss."

Apr. 3, 1912--"Got a letter from Fred Dean, Los Angeles. He is still too ill to work--seems to be in hard lines. Thinks of securing a small piece of land and try to support himself by working it. Wants to know if there is any show for him to buy or rent a few acres near here. Poor chances here I shall write him."

Apr. 4, 1912--"Saw a pretty Chinese pheasant crossing the road as I drove home from T. Thus far they are not allowed to be killed. They are larger and more attractive than quails, in fact few birds excel them in beauty of plumage and grace of bearing." Comments on Bible.

Apr. 6, 1912--"Fruit men smudging down the valley, smudge smoke hanging about until nearly noon."

Apr. 7, 1912--"Have just heard that Earl Beeson shipped out very hurriedly to escape warrant. The mother of a certain young girl swore out a warrant for him in the interest of her daughter. It seems young Earle 'loved not wisely but too well.'"

Apr. 16, 1912--"Learn from the daily that the Titanic, largest steamship afloat ran into an iceburg near Banks of Newfoundland on her maiden trip and sustained serious damage."

Apr. 17, 1912--"Later reports of the wrecked Titanic state that she went down in very deep water & that probably hundreds went down with her--nearly 1300 lives lost. Said to be by far the most appalling shipwreck ever known. She was the largest ship ever built and the finest. Nearly 900 feet long; 46 000 tons. She had as passengers several of the richest people in the world, together with others of world-wide fame. It was her maiden trip, and, being the grandest vessel afloat, people of note would naturally take passage. The terrible tragedy has thrown all Europe and America into mourning."

Apr. 18, 1912--"Fred Goddard's wife & baby [Jack] arrived from Chicago to spend a few weeks with H. & M."

Apr. 19, 1912--"Went to T. for the paint ordered from Sears, Roebuck & Co. 23 gallons, including 1 gal turpentine & 1 gal linseed oil. The house paint, which is guaranteed of first class quality, is delivered here for a fraction less than $1.50 per gallon. The same would cost in this county not less than $2.40 per gallon--some difference. I save about $15.00 in sending off for paint. Busy balance of day painting etc in house. 'Primary' day but I was surprised to learn that I could not vote as I did not give my party affiliation on registering. One has to belong to some one of the recognized political parties to exercise the franchise privilege at the primaries it seems. Then he can vote just as he pleases--stand pat or dodge and it is O.K. Queer law! . . . Ran over to H.'s to interview Fred & Alpha's fine 3 months boy. Sure a bright baby. They are justly proud of it.
      "Later reports of the Titanic wreck make the number of lives lost still greater. To-morrow's papers will probably give more reliable news."

Apr. 20, 1912--"More reliable reports from the Titanic disaster. Over 1600 lives lost. Heart sickening scenes at wreck. Not a few splendid instances of personal heroism. News from the primaries is to the effect that E. Beeson is left far in the rear. Old Mr. Tucker who has been living a hermit life far up on a branch of Wagner Creek for several years was found dead yesterday near his cabin. No particulars at this writing. He was a mile or more from the nearest neighbor and a miner & prospector. Under such circumstances I should say that life would hardly be worth the living. Yet life is sweet and perhaps he was happy & contented, ever looking ahead in expectations of some lucky turn. How true it is that each ones hopes and wishes and longings may radically differ from those of any other human being. What would make one happy might make another miserable. It seems a question of an infinite number of view points."

Apr. 21, 1912--"Work indoors, painting, putting down linoleum in kitchen, fitting mouldings etc. No rest, even on Sunday, for the wicked. When our long-looked-for ship comes in--that phantom ship laden with priceless pearls & diamonds--then S. & I propose to get an auto & quit working on Sunday. But that ship is slow in getting in. Perhaps she has been captured by pirates. But then if the pleasures of anticipation are greater, as many contend, than those of possession, we should not complain. Anyhow we do not weep and wail over the fact that many of our neighbors have, and can afford to have, greater so-called luxuries than we can command. After all, the great question is: Do the rich partake of more wholesome food as a regular every-day diet; do they sleep more soundly; do they dress more comfortably and are they freer from harrassing cares than we? Quien Sabe."

Apr. 22, 1912--"Frost this morning. Thin ice formed. Orchardists smudged, the smudge forming a heavy dark cloud in Valley. . . . Got a letter from Bertha. Her health is poor. Weighs but 80 pounds."

Apr. 23, 1912--"In indorsing a partial payment on a note yesterday leaving a new principal, I, without thinking wrote 'principle.' These words have always been a bother to me. The fact is that in meaning they have much in common and many well informed persons are wont to use them wrongly. Edith C. is helping S. P.M. cleaning house. Suits yours truly well for I would prefer to do almost any kind of farm work tha[n] taking up and dusting carpets etc. Spent about 3 hours putting in a mortise lock and hanging the door. Too particular work."

Apr. 29, 1912--"Hear that W.D. Holdridge was taken suddenly sick last night, was hurried to hospital but died late P.M."

Apr. 30, 1912--"More Oregon mist throughout day to about 4 P.M. when a genuine downpour set in & still at it at 9 P.M. Were a stranger to have arrived in Southern Oregon the first part of this year and depended altogether on his own personal experiences and observation he would easily conclude that April was the wet season for this country. Planting corn will be a month late this season. Ground is now completely saturated with water and immense quantities of snow in the mountains; so the outlook is good for all kinds of crops. The farmers here are jubilant."

May 1, 1912--"Mr. Holdridge buried P.M. Heavy rain at the time. It seems as if the weather king was doing his level best to let loose all the Furies under his control--wind, rain, sleet, cold. Large turn-out at funeral, Oddfellows & Masons officiating. A strange case. Mr. H. was taken ill Sunday night about 12 o'clock, was taken to hospital in morning, operated on for appendicitis & died about 4 P.M. about 16 hours. He was a splendid man and neighbor and held in high esteem by all who knew him."

May 2, 1912--"Help S. put down carpet P.M. Paint some. This painting is getting monotonous. Am using 'Sunshine' stain of paint. It requires one or two first or 'ground' coats and, perhaps two finishing coats with 24 to 48 hours between coats. This makes slow work."

May 5, 1912--"Alpha and Maggie call a short time P.M. Alpha somewhat homesick. She is asthmatic and the long wet spell has brought it on."

May 6, 1912--"An ideal day--makes me feel as if I wouldn't mind living right on a while longer. Farmers here will be busy now. Just heard of the marriage of my grand niece Edith Dean."

May 7, 1912--"A young man by the name of Kingery has just died of consumption. I got to cemetery to pick out a lot. To be buried to-morrow. What a scourge is tuberculosis!"

May 8, 1912--"Went to Kingery funeral P.M. Sad case. Great display of grief. . . . Hoover Kingery was a large--about 190 lbs--strong man about 23 years of age. Had been in Eastern part of state at work, contracted a severe cold which no doubt made the conditions just right for the entrance of tuberculosis germs. Came home in Jan. last, sank rapidly, quite helpless for several weeks before his death. It would seem that such bodily strength an[d] health should be able to ward off the attacks of the disease, but such is the nature of the 'Great White Plague' that a rugged constitution has apparently no advantage."

May 11, 1912--"Got word by phone that Minnie is down with malaria or something akin to it. Took S. down P.M.
      ". . . Am likely to batch for a few days. Batching often reminds me of some wholesome advice tendered me a long time ago in my school days by the late H.W. Scott. I was batching at Forest Grove and Scott wrote me that, in his opinion, I was making a mistake in batching, giving his reasons, which, of course, were cogent. Batching, he thought, was likely to lead one into uncouth manners, whereas the more frequent presence of ladies of culture and refinement, were I boarding in some good family, would tend to the oposite. Scott was right. He is an exception who, in keeping bachelor's hall for any great length of time, can successfully cultivate those pleasing mannerisms so much in vogue in refined society. At that time it might have been well had I taken his advice, for I had been 'roughing it' for several years and, too, at an age when habits, right or wrong, are more likely to become fixed and permanent. Certainly my surroundings had not tended to refinement as modern polite society would interpret the term. The effect of such surroundings is easily apparent in my case. I never was and never could be a 'society' man. To be suave, polite, graceful, always saying or doing just the proper thing--well, that is just what I am not likely to do. Yet I have often been drawn into highly intelligent and cultured circles and got along--somehow. Whether my natural awkwardness was noticed or not I seldom stopped to consider. The company seemed to take me 'just as I am,' as the familiar hymn would have it, and seldom failed to invite me back again."

Minnie Robison Colver

May 12, 1912--"Hear by phone about 4 P.M. that Minnie is the proud mother of a 7-lb. boy [Eldred] born this P.M. No doubt the papa ab[s]orbs a generous portion of pride also. Mother & boy getting along well says the report. Am to go down in morning."

May 13, 1912--"Went to Minnie's A.M. Blanch goes with me. Minnie & the boy doing well."

May 18, 1912--"Went to T. morning mainly for bread. Too busy to make bread. Painting all day. Slow job. Maggie hears that S. expects to stay in Phoenix for, perhaps, three weeks more. Well, guess I'm in for it. The thought occurs to me that if we had a numerous family of daughters and all married so that a baby might be born among the bunch every few months, batching would be the regular thing for me, for, of course she would have to be in attendance at every birth and remain several weeks until the baby could run its own canoe. Then she could come home for a few day[s] waiting for the next rush order. The above is simply an idle thought, that's all. In the mean time I am invited out to a chicken dinner to-morrow."

May 20, 1912--"Took dinner again at Maggie's by invitation to help clean up the chicken left over from yesterday. Think we did the job allright."

May 21, 1912--Comments on articles in Tidings about Hell.

May 22, 1912--"Am tired of reading the detailed reports of the presidential campaign as carried on by Taft & Roosevelt. Here the American people are confronted with the sad spectacle of one acting president & another ex-president opposing each other on the stump and calling each other all kinds of liars about as ward politicians would do."

May 23, 1912--"Plumber was to come to day. Looked too much like rain. Came P.M. merely to take measurements etc."

May 25, 1912--"Blanch came up P.M. reporting that Minnie was not yet able to sit up, & that Lewis was down with something akin to malaria. Had to have the doctor."

May 27, 1912--"Plumbers came P.M. & finished job. Regular mix-up of pipes under house now."

May 28, 1912--"H. & I go to cemetery P.M. and remove surplus earth from Reno's grave and fix up the mound." Comments on execution of Rev. Clarence Rickerson in Massachusetts.

May 30, 1912--"Decoration Day. Meeting of W.C.C. [Wagner Creek Cemetery] Association P.M. Put in A.M. mainly in getting flowers etc for decorating. S. & Minnie come P.M. and, of course the boy."

June 4, 1912--"The presidential campaigning will soon close as the Chicago convention is close at hand. No doubt the people are glad. Sure this campaign has taken on a new style. It is a long way from measuring up to the popular notion of the high character and dignity that should animate such a contest. It is hoped by yours truly at least that neither Taft nor Roosevelt will get the nomination. Quite likely the convention will be a rough house--a sort of knock-down-&-drag-out affair."

June 6, 1912--"The baby has not been well for several days--stomach trouble--; seems to suffer. The human infant is, indeed, a helpless and dependent creature. If in pain the only signal is a cry. Then we 'diagnose' the trouble as well as we may.
      "The New York World has just come out strong for Woodrow Wilson as the best equipped mentally and morally for the next president. He is a Democrat, however. But then I hope no one will ask me to state intelligently the difference between the democrats and republicans as regards issues. Party lines seem to be somewhat dim in this campaign. But what a time there will be in Chicago to-morrow at the Republican convention! Scheming, enthusiasm, excitement, wild oratory a plenty.
      "Glad I am not running for the presidency. It might affect my peace of mind."

June 7, 1912--"Agent came to re-insure property. Took a 5-year insurance."

June 10, 1912--"Ed Robison quite sick with appendicitis or something P.M. They sent for [Dr.] Malgren."

June 12, 1912--"Ed. getting along as well as could be expected."

June 13, 1912--"Heard that Ed. was not getting along well. E. Beeson goes to hospital in atto & John Robison, Ed. Cochran, Erma, & myself go with him. Find Ed. in dangerous condition. Return about noon."

June 15, 1912--"Ed. getting along fairly well."

June 18, 1912--"Ed. had to stand another operation or about same thing, was under aenesthetia about 1/2 hour."

June 19, 1912--"About 11 neighbors turned out to get in Ed's hay."

June 26, 1912--"About 10.30 the storm breeding weather of the last few days culminated in the most destructive rain & hail storms this valley has experienced since July 9th, 1889. Every branch was swelled into a torrant and sheets of water flowed over the fields. The hail caused great damage to crops and orchards. Corn, tomatoes, berries suffered severely. The hail piled up against fences and buildings in places two feet deep. The downpour was worse N.W. of here. The Randall and Hustin orchards were badly injured. It seems that Ashland escaped, the storm mainly following foothills west of valley."

June 28, 1912--"Now decided that a good sized cannery will be erected in Talent this summer, with capacity of about 600 bushels a day."

July 2, 1912--"Have just heard that Dr. Wilson has been nominated at Baltimore. Good! I believe he is far and away the best man the Democrats have. I believe he is capable and honest. The bosses will have a hard time 'working' him. Hope he will get there. Haven't heard who is to be his running mate. Ed. was brought home to day. Stood trip well."

July 3, 1912--"Called at Ed's P.M. He will have to lie on his back for a few days yet."

July 4, 1912--"An ideal day for the Fourth. Went to Ashland in cart. S. couldn't go. Louis, Maggie and Mrs. Fred Goddard here for dinner. I returned for dinner. Big crowd in Ashland. Auto & motor cycle races etc. Hundreds of automobiles. There was a vague report of a serious accident--collision of two motorcycles with perhaps fatal injuries to the riders."

July 5, 1912--"One of the motor-cycle riders mentioned in yesterday's notes died this morning. Perry Chapman his name, age 24, resident of Ashland. The other rider may recover."

July 6, 1912--"Very pleasant day. Somewhat lazy to day. Work looks big to me. Feel like jumping the job and running away to some quiet nook and loaf and rest for a month. May be a slight attack of the 'blues.' It is said that blues are caused by a disordered liver. Perhaps that's what the matter with yours truly. Maybe a big dose of 'condition powders' is what I want. Plain enough that I have had too much on hand so far this year. May as well begin to slow up. Have to put on the breaks before many moons anyway.
      "Get a auto, some might say--and be right about it too. A good automobile would offer rest and exhilaration at the same time. Guess I'll order one, giving the firm an order on J. P. Morgan for the cost price. That might do if--"

July 7, 1912--"Mr. Powers has been for several days giving way to his passion for drink; was in Medford a few days but remembers nothing about his experiences there nor how he got home. I should pronounce his case as a well defined disease. Of course the time is past when he could have taken his case into his own hands and saved himself and his family no end of trouble. Now if cured at all the remedy must come from outside of himself. Proper diet, proper surroundings effective suggestions etc etc must be the means. But the chances are ten to one that he will grow worse instead of better."

July 9, 1912--"My birth day. Yet I am not sure of my exact age. The first few years I was on the Pacific coast my life was so irregular that I lost the run of time as regards my age, finally settling down to the conclusion that I was born in 1845. When I went back to Vermont in 1869 James was sure I was correct as to my birth year. '1845 is your date' he said. So I let the matter rest. But long years afterwards Bertha (my half sister) writes me that she fell heir to the old family bible & that my birth year, according to its record is 1843. If that be the case I am 69 years old (or young) to day. (It is possible, by the way that the figure 5 in the old bible might be taken for a 3).
      "Certain it is that I do not feel that I am even 67 years old. My health is good; very few aches and pains. I never think of growing old. I m[a]y say in thought and feeling I am back in the 40's.
      " 'As a man thinketh so is he.'
      "Jobbed about A.M. Went P.M. to funeral of Mrs. Edna E. Clark a young woman & victim of consumption."

July 11, 1912--"Went with cream P.M. with hack for chicken feed, wheat & barley. $3.05 for a sack of wheat!! And eggs 20 c dozen!"

July 12, 1912--"Atmosphere still hazy. Many believe it to be caused by the late Alaska volcanic eruptions. A reasonable theory, for volcanic dust has been known to travel thousands of miles. It is very light."

July 20, 1912--"There was a severe thunder shower & hail storm above Ashland yesterday. Bear Creek was like liquid mud to day & showed that it had been much swolen.
      "Ate the last of the 1911 apples to day, one each of W.W. Pearman's, M.B. Truig & Newtown. Now have 1912 apples--Yellow Transparent & R. Astrakan. So that makes apples 12 months in the year."

July 22, 1912--"Went to Talent--two trips--on business A.M. Went to funeral of Z. Wolgamott's child P.M."

July 24, 1912--"Heavy clouds of the thunder-and-blixon kind loom up P.M. Strong indications of rain. No rain, however, and sun sets clear tho' dark clouds in S. Had Ormy cut my alfalfa so I'll be somewhat interested in the weather for a few days. Probably no year like this was ever before experienced in this state. More like the Eastern states. Thus far it has been difficult to cure alfalfa hay. I was especially lucky with first crop. Not likely to be so fortunate with this one."

July 30, 1912--"Snow still on Wagner Butte."

Aug. 1, 1912--"It seems hard to completely overcome that peculiar state of mind generally designated by the name of 'blues.' The general outlook from my personal viewpoint is not attractive--something like being side-tracked on a stub and the switch put out of commission. Born to the the wife of John Calvin, last night, a girl. This John Calvin does not boast of being a lineal descendant of that old son-of-a-gun, the John Calvin of odious history."

Aug. 3, 1912--"As regards the 'blues,' I notice in to day's New York World that the John Hopkins University has taken that peculiar mental disorder under investigation, assuming it to be a species of insanity, mild of course, at first but may lead to something serious if not checked by some treatment as 'suggestion.' There is little doubt that crimes have been committed under the evil inspiration of this malady, yet I believe it is the natural result of a disordered liver, and corrective remedies striking at the cause would probably have the desired effect. No doubt there may be easily traceable causes--surroundings, circumstances--which affect the digestion and these should come in for due consideration also."

Aug. 9, 1912--"The Bull Moose--Roosevelt--nominated Wednesday 7th Lively times from now on campaigning."

Aug. 11, 1912--"About noon the proposition was hatched for S. & I to go to McCallister Springs with Ed. & B. Hustled to Phoenix to see if L. could look after the ranch in our absence. Probably he will."

Aug. 20, 1912--"Left at noon on the 12th. Camped at C. Terrell's. H.G. with Ed. & family three miles fa[r]ther at Lake Creek. Got to Springs next day about 2 P.M. Cool most of time. Quite a rain morning of the 15th. Fishing not extra Ed got nearly 60. I went fishing once; got two. Came home from Springs to day. Warm."

Aug. 25, 1912--"G.A. Jeffries buried to day in W.C. Cemetery. . . . Roads are deep with dust and rain would help. . . . R. Nyswarner was buried to day in Phoenix."

Aug. 26, 1912--"Visited the cannery A.M. It is a large, up-to-day, complete affair. Made some inquiries about present prices of peaches. Prices low this year. Peach crop heavy all over coast. Will have some to sell but dont expect to get more than 1 1/2 cents clear for best."

Aug. 27, 1912--"Went to T. with cream, and to Maxon's for peach boxes A.M. Made up a few P.M. & tied up peach trees."

Aug. 29, 1912--"Mr. Barnim, Orchard inspector here P.M."

Sept. 1, 1912--"Prof Reimes of the Southern Oregon Ex. Station called to look over the place. Mr. Lester accompanied him."

Sept. 4, 1912--"Went to T. with 3 boxes peaches for T. Mercantile Co. 50c @ box. Fine peaches. Peaches now a glut in Portland Market. Holdridge's are shipping their hail-pecked peaches to Portland. They will be lucky if they do not lose on them." Describes experiment with cut and uncut potato seed.

Sept. 6, 1912--Lengthy comments on Portland's written petition "to the Almighty for cessation of rain."

Sept. 9, 1912--"To[ok] 5 boxes peaches to station to ship to S.F. for E. Purves. 50 @ box to S.F. or $2.50 for 5 boxes, while the same 5 boxes could be shipped to Portland for 70 cents. Also took 26 lbs to Mrs. Work[s]. . . . The Wagner Creek School commenced to day, but only a short session in morning to class pupils."

Sept. 14, 1912--Comments on hara kiri; describes math puzzle printed in Telegram as a "Jew problem."

Sept. 15, 1912--"Heavy wind set in last evening, lasted all night letting up about 2 P.M. It was likely to bring on a rain so hauled in hay A.M. Very disagreeable work on account of the wind. S. watched the horse while I loaded and unloaded. Now through haying for 1912. The wind blew off a good deal of fruit. Lela Lynch called for a visit P.M. Took it easy P.M. Mrs. Fred Goddard and 'Jackie' left to day for San Diego."

Sept. 16, 1912--Another math puzzle in the Telegram.

Sept. 17, 1912--"A copy of the Daily Herald published at Cañon City, Colorado was received to day, containing an account of the death of Mrs. Bertha Newton, my half sister, of that dread disease Pulmonary tuberculosis. She died at 4 A.M. on the 13th inst. She had been struggling against the disease for years. Below is the printed account [obituary pasted to page]. This leaves me the only surviving member of my father's family & I have lived to a greater age than any one of the family save my father who reached 73. My oldest brother, James, was about 60 at his death, Charles, some years younger and none of the girls reached 30 I believe. Mother died quite young. All, excepting possibly Charles and father, were victims of tuberculosis. I was very frail as a boy & few thought I would reach 25 but when very young I was enabled to understand the situation, consequently took a deep interest in physiological studies especially on the parts bearing on the subject of weak lungs and the proper training to strengthen them. I early formed the habit of fully inflating the lungs several times daily until the habit was a fixed thing with me. By so doing I have no doubt avoided many 'colds.' In fact few suffer less with that trouble than I. Though I have had a very diversified life--more so than most of my friends know of--and have 'roughed it' a good deal, yet, nearing as I am the 3-score-and-ten mark, am enjoying as good health as I could wish. True I have to exercise constant care as regards diet, rest, etc. But make that, too, a habit & it is easy enough."

Sept. 18, 1912--"An auto agent called P.M. assuming, of course, that I was greatly in need of an automobile. I didn't give him much incouragement."

Sept. 19, 1912--"Hauled wood A.M. also delivered peaches to 'Lizzie John.' Jobbed about P.M.--took peaches to Mrs. Arminda Purves & to Upenhoffen. Mrs. Arminda Purves, now visiting at Bob's for a day or two, called P.M. She wanted a few Elberta's to take home to Ashland." More on math puzzle.

Sept. 20, 1912--"Peaches are slow sale now. The ground under the trees is literally covered with decaying peaches that in most years would have been disposed of at a fair price."

Sept. 26, 1912--"S. & I drove to Ashland to the annual county fair. Pleasant day. Purchased a lay out of winter underclothing for myself. Very good fair--mainly fruits, vegetables art work etc. No live stock except poultry."

Sept. 27, 1912--"Got Ormy to haul a load of lumber for me from Briner's mill A.M. Got back about 1 P.M. Briner has taken a partner and will put in a planer & also make boxes next year. Ed. & Mr. Powers & son start to day for the fish hatchery on Rogue River. Hope some of them will have a big fat salmon to give away when they return."

Sept. 28, 1912--"Went down to the Jones poultry plant below Talent. Nearly a thousand chickens here, mostly White Leghorns, several hundred in one long poultry house. Deep layers of straw on floor. Grain is thrown onto this and the hens scratch for it. This gives them exercise. Jones dont like Orpengtons. Work on bridge P.M."

Sept. 29, 1912--"Worked on bridge--a good Sunday job. Delbert G. killed a bear up in the hills. A hunk of steak was sent to us to day. So we can grease our ribs with 'bar meat.'"

Sept. 30, 1912--"Bear steak for dinner. Way up. Went down to Ed's late P.M. for mess of Salmon."

Oct. 1, 1912--"How strange it is that now and then when everything pertaining to one's every-day affairs seems to be gently floating along as if on a summer sea something will suddenly happen tending to drop one from high spirits to the depths of despondency. But such is life. Has something like this 'met-up' with me this day? It may be inferred."

Oct. 2, 1912--"Drove to Jacksonville to appear before county court on petition to set off part of S. District 56 into Talent district 22. H.H.G. & Bob Purves went also. Petition went through O.K. although F.E.W. Smith was on hand with remonstrance. So from now we belong to Talent district."

Oct. 3, 1912--"Picked Bosc pears late in day for fear of wind & rain. No better pear than the Bosc for eating out of hand or for canning. Set up the heater to day."

Oct. 5, 1912--"S. went with Maggie to Ashland to hear Mrs. Dr. Anna Shaw on woman suffrage."

Oct. 6, 1912--"A peculiar mist or haze over the hills. Hard to conjecture cause. May be ash dust from the volcano in Alaska that has been in action of late."

Oct. 8, 1912--Reading story about prison life; thoughts on prison reform.

Oct. 9, 1912--"S. & I drove to Ashland A.M. to look up stone for O.R.G.[oddard]'s grave."

Oct. 10, 1912--"S. & I went to Bear Creek for sand and gravel P.M. to make a concrete curbing around the O.R.G. grave."

Oct. 12, 1912--"Hauled 3 loads gravel--about 1300 lbs at load. Enough for one small horse. Haul it in sacks."

Oct. 13, 1912--"Hauled a load of rock from cemetery A.M. (dug from cemetery well) to use in concrete walks. Made some 'forms' P.M." Joys of not being a church-goer.

Oct. 16, 1912--"News reaches here that some fool crank attempted to kill Roosevelt. Roosevelt was plucky though. He was just ready to commence a speech and although the assassin's bullet had penetrated about four inches into the muscles of his chest he went on with his speech. Indeed he well knew the great value of the situation. Roosevelt is spectacular. He is quick to note psyclogical effects. In this case he promptly saw that if he could only rustle up the nerve to disregard the pain of the wound and go on with his speech to the crowd it would be a 'feather in his cap' in way of votes."

Oct. 17, 1912--"Went to Ashland A.M. for 6 sacks cement. S. & I fix forms in place at cemetery P.M."

Oct. 18, 1912--"S. & I spend the day putting in concrete curbing around three mounds in cemetery."

Oct. 22, 1912--"Rode to T. with Mr. Powers A.M. Heavy rain began about 10. Returned on foot. Got wet. Had to change clothes. Found a chance to get wheat at 1 1/2 @ lb. Engaged 5 sacks. . . . Woman Suffrage rally at school house to night. S. & I thought it too stormy to venture out, yet two or three autos came from Ashland. Must have been nice going. . . . Big Bull Moose meeting in T. last night. Glad I'm not a candidate. The strain might break in on my rest-o-nights.
      "Of course they cannot all get there but each one seems to have a strong belief that he will win. But he doesn't forget to whoop 'er up."

Oct. 23, 1912--"Four auto loads came from Ashland to the suffrage meeting at the school house. Not a large turn out owing to the weather."

Oct. 26, 1912--"S. & I went to cemetery A.M. with load of good soil & some well rotted manure to fix grave mounds."

Oct. 27, 1912--"This is the day set apart by governor West as Tuberculosis Day, i.e. a day to be devoted to thinking, talking & reading up for the ways & means to combat that terrible disease. Preachers are requested to call attention to it from their pulpits etc etc. Good idea."

Oct. 29, 1912--"Hear that Mrs. McCall a pioneer of 54 died in Ashland yesterday. Also Mrs. Million another pioneer died yesterday."

Oct. 31, 1912--"S. & I went to cemetery for a load of rock A.M. Laid concrete P.M. Rounded corners & etc after dark by lantern light. A good bit of heavy work about making concrete walks."

Nov. 1, 1912--"Ethel Childers is back from Oklahoma to stay. Childers will come in about three weeks. They are to be janators at T. school. Killed a big Orpington yesterday morning to help out the meat question. In a little while Delbert brought us a nice lay-out of deer meat. He had just got in from the hills with a big fat buck. About 3 P.M. Blanch came up with a generous plate of sausage & pig's ribs. So we [are] all fixed so far as meat is concerned for a few days. Nice to have good neighbors. There was a Hallowe'en party at 56 school house last evening. Some evidence of prankishness this morning such as putting obstructions in the road way etc. Any child over 6 years of age that would do a trick light should be made to come in contact with the stinging end of an appletree sprout. The teachers might have given wholesome counsel to the children regarding committing any act, at Hallowe'en or any other time that might result in broken limbs or loss of life, but the present teachers seem as far as judgment is concerned, to be kids themselves."

Nov. 3, 1912--"Rather tough case of attempted rape on trial before Justice Sherman last Friday--the man arrested was bound over--$1000 bonds. Couldn't raise it & went to jail. Guess such work doesn't pay."

Nov. 6, 1912--"This evening's paper, to reach our mail box to-morrow morning should have more or less election news. In the mean time I shall lose no sleep worrying over who will be the next president. Haven't been politically enthused any time thus far throughout this campaign--only puzzled for it has developed more angles than any other presidential campaign within my memory. It seems to me that Wilson will be the successful one, but this may be because the 'wish is father to the thought.'"

Nov. 7, 1912--"Glad to learn that Woodrow Wilson is to be the next president. In my humble opinion he was far and away the fittest candidate of the bunch. Hurrah for Wilson!!"

Nov. 8, 1912--"Went to T in morning for supplies, took in 5 little school girls in buggy--genuine buggy load of live stock.
      "The Bull Moose leaders are out with a statement with big headlines to the effect that their party has broken all previous records in rapid growth, that it has bolted ahead from its beginning, six months ago, to next to the winner in the race. Well, in many senses it was a new party but not in all. Plainly it was a stampede from the regular Republicans because Roosevelt didn't get the nomination at the Chicago convention. Of course the platform of the bolters would have to be a little different from the 'regular' one to make it look like business. The G.O.P. platform would have been O.K. had the convention been obliging enough to have chosen Teddy for leader instead of Taft. It is apparent that it was not 'progressive principles' that cut the main figure in the founding of the new party. It was the popularity of one man--Roosevelt. Roosevelt is the party. Should he be taken away by death the 'party' would go to the demnition bowwows. Personally I feel highly enthused over the election of Wilson. No one questions his intelligence and ability & those who elected him had full faith in his integrity and honesty.
      "The election of Roosevelt would have been a calamity. The re-election of Taft would have left the situation just as it was--no reforms in sight."

Nov. 10, 1912--"Went to Phoenix for S. Erma goes along to see the baby. Latter is fast developing into as 'cute' a child as one could wish to meet. Returned home about dusk. Learn then by phone that the Bagley baby--4 months--died about 3 P.M. Something like pneumonia the cause. Will be a private funeral mainly."

Nov. 11, 1912--"I go to cemetery at 1 o'clock to meet Mr. & Mrs. Bagley, who wish to select a lot. Remain awhile helping to dig grave."

Nov. 12, 1912--"Attended burial of the Bagley infant 11 A.M. Husk corn P.M. The casket and outer box were home made, very neat and tastey; really much to be preferred to any furnished by undertakers. Mrs. B. is an artist anyway and of course her ability and skill in that line would be applied to the lining etc of the casket. The dead child had almost every appearance of being asleep on a downy pallet bedecked with flowers. The funeral was mainly private--about a half dozen friends invited including Maggie G. & S. & I."

Nov. 15, 1912--"Had a call from a Salvation Army captain or laiutenant or general or--perhaps a high private. His mission was to get assistance, in the shape of money of course, towards establishing army camps in the leading towns of the valley. Upon being informed that my religion was of the minus quantity and that I was not inclined to dig up in aid of the Salvation Army or any other religious organization, he whirled on his heals and hiked for the gate on the double quick. No doubt he will have not a few well seasoned compliments for me when he goes among the goody people in the community.
      "The Salvation Army soldiers make a great ado about the aid they give to the poor and destitute. Well if they would do this and stop there their efforts would, and should, command general respect and generous assistance. But we--some of us--know that this is mainly a means to an end, the end being to propagate their peculiar brand of religion. This is the string to their much vaunted sympathy for the poor & needy. And the string is the main thing. Let us help you, relieve your wants, but we expect you to humble yourself at the feet of Jesus and swallow the rib story. The proper spirit that prompts one to give aid to the needy requires no conditions, direct or implied. The common usage among rough miners is more like it: 'Your out of luck; luck has come my way. I'll give you a lift. Sometime when you are in plenty, pass this on by helping some other poor devil who is down.' No conditions, no strings, no 'come-back.'"

Nov. 16, 1912--"Gov. West is out with a Thanksgiving Proclamation. The usual announcement is made that the state is enjoying all kinds of peace and prosperity while in many places on the earth there are wars famine etc. Then comes the funny part, that our special blessings came direct from the hands of God and we should not fail to give heartfelt thanks to the Most High for being thus favored. This ought to make a dog laugh--that is a dog that has been properly raised. Why should God be partial to Oregonians?
    "Erma came up to stay over. For rapid talking and plenty of it, Erma might take the whole bakery. The most lightning speed stenographer would fall a half mile behind in four minutes of trying to 'report' her."

Nov. 17, 1912--"Parties are moving the U.M.L. [Universal Mental Liberty] hall. It is the purpose to make a barn out of it. Went down awhile to watch them."

Nov. 18, 1912--Comments on homeopathy and allopathy.

Nov. 20, 1912--"The trial of dinamiter at Indianapolis is now in full swing. McManigal makes some horrid disclosures, implicating higher-up in prominent labor organizations. The fact is surely being proven that labor unions contributed to the hellish scheme of blowing up bridges and other structures built by non-union labor and if there was loss of life it was all the same. According to McManigal's testimony, Macnamara boasted to him after he, Macnamar[a], had blown up the Times building in Los Angeles, and killing 21 innocent people, that he had made a mighty good job of it, that he had 'blown the whole thing to hell' and was glad of it.
    "It is strange that things have got to such a pass in 'free' America that one has got to belong to some labor union in order to get employment to support himself and family or run the risks of being killed, and that no individual or company can employ non union workmen without running the risk of having their property destroyed by those who do belong to such labor organizations. I hope that as a result of this trial every son-of-a-gun that is guilty will get his just deserts."

Nov. 21, 1912--More comments on prison reform. "The time is near at hand, I hope, when prisons will be reformatories instead of places of merciless punishments."

Nov. 23, 1912--"Work P.M. at preparing to make the room under bathroom frost proof."

Nov. 24, 1912--"Expected L. & Minnie to come up & spend the day. About 10 they phoned that it was too foggy & cold to take the baby out. So S. & I eat the chicken dinner by ourselves. Fog let up here about noon but as we could see it hung over north part of valley all day."

Nov. 25, 1912--"Am entertaining myself evenings re-reading poems that strike my fancy--Tennyson, Shelly, Hood, Whittier. This evening has been devoted to the latter. His Snow-Bound carried me back to old Vermont where the snow oft-times gets two to five feet on a level and in drifts much deeper. Breaking roads at such times was fun for young folks. Two or three yoke of cattle and a big sled carrying a load of jolly boys for ballast and away we go. Of course paths had to be cut from house to barn and other out buildings. Deep white ditches they were. Then the big glowing fire in the huge fire place of evenings--eating apples, drinking cider, cracking nuts!! 'Make me a boy again, just for to-night.'"

Nov. 27, 1912--"S. & I attend an entertainment at the T. school P.M. It was gotton up as having especial reference to Thanksgiving Day, which is to-morrow. The assistant teachers, the Misses Smith and Mrs. Jennie Hogue had it in charge; the principal, Mr. Smith, by reason of some cranky notion declined to have anything to do with it. This was not at all relished by the other teachers. I learn that his methods are not over-admired by them anyway. The entertainment was good just the same. S. went to a similar entertainment at the Wagner Creek school this evening."

Nov. 28, 1912--"Thanksgiving Day according to the proclamation of the president of the United States and the governors of the different states. The joker in the thing, is that there is no authority of Congressional enactment or state law for it all. Simply custom. Church influence established it and the eternal, never-let-up persistency of religious devotees keep it a going.
      "However, all, or nearly all, the people fall in line and observe the day by having something extra for dinner. Of course church people--the extra pious, are wont to meet in their churches to hear the parson solemnly tell them of the thousand-and one things they should be thankful for. Viewed from a standpoint outside of all religion and churches--away out on the broad, breezy common of the Universe--the whole thing is ludicrously absurd. Thousands of men, women and children throughout our land are forced, by powers, wholly beyond their control, into conditions for which they surely cannot be thankful--unless they are thankful that it is no worse. . . .
      "S. & I had dinner by ourselves--and it was way-up--stewed squirrel and other things to match. If any one else had a better dinner we shall, probably, never hear of it."

Nov. 29, 1912--"S. & I drive down to L. & Minnie's P.M. Baby is making good time growing. A jolly little fellow sure."

Nov. 30, 1912--"Erma came to stay over. She rapidly goes over the events, important and unimportant of the past few days. About 30,000 words perhaps." Comments on Whittier's Mogg Megone.

Dec. 4, 1912--"H.G. brings us a generous lay-out of beef & fresh pork this evening. Better to have good neighbors than to be good looking."

Dec. 5, 1912--Comments on Burns.

Dec. 7, 1912--Reading a story concerning alcoholism; comments.

Dec. 8, 1912--"Dont think it best to be out too much in cold fog. Blood, of course, is somewhat more sluggish than in my younger days and I have to act accordingly. But it is hard to prolong a stay in-doors. I have the out-door habit. As a Frenchman would say it, I have a penchant for fresh air and the best air is found out in the open. Of course we can have good air in-doors but most of our dwellings are not arranged for proper ventilation; hence colds and their numerous offspring. The old frontier log houses with their big fireplaces were the most healthy. So many are afraid of fresh air in their sleeping rooms. They seem to have a horror of night air and prefer close stuffy bed rooms to open windows and a free circulation of air. But this is playing into the doctor's pocket--no kick coming from that direction. Personally I have a growing horror of ill-ventilated rooms public or private. Often in a railroad car when the stuffy air was giving me discomfort I have attempted to raise a window when other occupants by looks or words would strenuously object."

Dec. 9, 1912--"Our hens have begun laying again, that is to say, one has and she conserves her bodily strength by limiting her hen-fruit output to one egg every other day. Over a month of absolute rest for the flock of 60 hens!"

Dec. 10, 1912--"Have just finished another long story The Spoilers, a yarn giving pretty fair glimpses of miner's life in Alaska. Plot and counter plot, intrigues, gun play, blood and violence a plenty. I have experienced such life--'63-'64 in the John Day mines--where the miners were a law unto themselves and punishment was likely to follow swift upon the crime. No long, wearisome trials. People in the new mines respond easily to the 'call of the wild.' Good hearted, generous to a fault, but underhanded work, thieving, unfair dealing they do not readily stand for. Carrying big six-shooters was a common practice & the law was seldom called upon in the settling of difficulties. Cañon City [Oregon] had the reputation of being the roughest camps in the North during spring of 64. Murders were of almost daily occurence. Roughs, toughs and gamblers from all over the coast came in droves. A well organized vigilantes, however, restored comparative order before the season was over but it required heroic measures. Many of the toughs were made 'good men' in short order, and without the formalities of court proceedings either. When in it I took the whole thing as a matter of course and did not shrink from bearing a hand when duty called, but once clear out of such surroundings I would not care to return to such a life. It would seem, however, that many naturally enjoy such conditions and are ill at ease any where else."

Dec. 11, 1912--"S. & I go to Ashland to do our 'Christmas shopping early.' Tough job selecting suitable gifts. I put most of the business onto S. and tell her I'll stand in all right. Selected several books that we thought would do."

Dec. 13, 1912--"This is the day set for the wholesale hanging at Salem--5 men. By last accounts, however, one may get off with life imprisonment. A heavy pressure was brought to bear on Gov. West to commute all to life imprisonment, but at the last election the majority of the voters of Oregon were in favor of capital punishment; the governor concluded to abide by the will of the people thus expressed, although personally he is eloquent in denunciation of the barbarous custom. He reasons with the delegations that have appealed to him that to let this hanging go on would tend to hasten the doing away with the practice altogether. Perhaps he is right. Choking the lives out of 4 men at one time should, indeed, shock the people into taking a common sence view of the matter.
      "The Portland papers report a gathering of preachers to discuss the matter. A wordy war ensued. Some in favor, some against. Both sides quoted Holy Writ. The former rely on the O.T. 'Eye for eye' etc (See Ex. Chap. 21) 'Life for life' etc, Deut 19.21. Also Num. 35.31 etc etc etc. Those against quote N.T. Of course all hands could ring in scripture all right. Prove anything by the bible. Really it would seem or should seem to any one who stops a moment to think that 'Capital punishment' is a misnomer. Can you punish a man by taking his life? There is a story of a darky who, being sentenced to die on the gallows, replied to his friends who weeping over his fate, 'Its awful tough su'ah. It'll be a terrible lesson to me.' It is certainly a pity that the genius of man cannot divine ways and means whereby an able bodied criminal be put to work and thus help as far as may be to undo, or pay back for, his crime. To me, from every point from which the matter is viewed, hanging is simply a murder by the state. It is revenge."

Dec. 14, 1912--Comments on execution, long entry on poetry.

Dec. 15, 1912--"Hear that Jode Smith who has been in hospital for several days with typhoid fever, is not likely to live."

Dec. 16, 1912--"Hear this evening that Jode Smith is sinking and is not likely to survive the night."

Dec. 17, 1912--"Jode Smith died at 1 A.M. A peculiar case. Very little pain. Mind clear up to a few minutes of death. Funeral to be Thursday, 2 P.M. in Ashland. Mr. Smith was an exceptionally strong, robust healthy man, yet typhoid fever broke that strength in short order. An operation was performed--perforated bowels--but it seems to have been useless. A sad case. Jode was a fine fellow and had hosts of friends. Fanny, his wife is nearly prostrate with grief."

Dec. 18, 1912--Reading a book set in Panama; "interesting to me as I have crossed the Isthmus twice. Colon was [named] Aspenwall at the time I was there."

Dec. 19, 1912--"Take S. to train early. She goes to Ashland to funeral of Tobe Smith."

Dec. 20, 1912--Comments on Longfellow, Holmes.

Dec. 21, 1912--"Have just finished the novel Eleanor Powers sent us--'The Ne'er Do Well.' It's a corker. Of course, like most--or all--high class works of fiction it has a good moral. So no one could be injured in the least from its perusal."

Dec. 22, 1912--"Minnie's boy is a charming little fellow. He has a sweet laugh that would be as good as a prize picture could it be caught just right by the camera."

Dec. 24, 1912--"Went to T. about 10 A.M. on an errand. A fearful snow squall accompanied by wind came up as I started home. It was fierce. About two inches of snow fell in less than 1/2 hour. Arriving home my fingers were so numb and chilled I could hardly unharness the mare. . . .
      "And this is Christmas Eve, and to-morrow is Christmas. Thousands still cling with a firm grip to the belief that Jesus was born on Dec. 25th, 1912 years ago. . . . The day is honored by age; its associations are hallowed and--let it remain."

Dec. 25, 1912--"Xmas 1912. Nearly two inches of the beautiful remains from yesterday's snow blizzard. Mercury 30. Ed. & Blanch & Erma, H.H. & Maggie, Louie & Minnie for dinner. Of course the dinner was O.K. and the various good things rapidly grew 'smaller and smaller and beautifully less.' Really, Xmas offers a happy occasion for the gathering of friends and so serves a good purpose. The getting together is what counts--the sociability and good feeling incident thereto. Such occasions linger pleasantly--the memory--hence the good effect. . . .
      "Quite an array of Xmas presents came in as pleasant surprises at this reunion of ours, which of course, did not in the least detract from the enjoyment of the occasion."

Dec. 26, 1912--"Feel O.K. for the day after Christmas. It is safe to assume that several hundred thousand people of all ages in the United States are suffering from head ache, stomache or some other ache as a re-action from gorging on the good things of yesterday's dinner. Not so your Uncle Bill."

Dec. 27, 1912--Comments on Longfellow, Bryant, Burns.

Dec. 28, 1912--"Jay Goddard drops in on us P.M. for a short time. He has been wandering for several months--in Idaho & Northern Oregon, never long in one place; got jobs of different kinds, mainly driving team. Says he spent all his earnings just before winter set in & is now looking for a job cutting wood to tide over. He is a restless fellow and evidently likes to wander, a la breakbeam. He is now at an age--16--when he would be likely to tackle almost any proposition, that in his judgment might promise even a temporary boost. At such an age one's resisting powers are not high and schemes of a questionable nature may be dangerously attractive. Jay's mother apparently has no more use for him, having advertised him last spring. No relatives on his mother's side take interest in the boy & he is not interested in them, so no love has gone to waste. The young fellow is likely to have a career. Should he come under the influences of proper surroundings his course may lead into pleasant paths. Of course it is possible that, after going through some bitter experiences, his inward impulses may take a reaction along right lines and enable him to make good. I can well understand his present condition. It is similar to my own at his age. I can now take a retrospective view and note the dangerous pitfalls that beset my pathway. And it is not for me to say now that it was my inward foresight, in other words, my natural powers to choose the right and shun the wrong, that enabled me to steer clear of such dangers. To be candid I do not think it was. It is possible--indeed quite probable--that I might have yielded easily to some alluring proposition that might have started me on the broad road to moral destruction. True, I resisted much and this was helpful. So I am ever so glad that no dangerous allurements--too great for my resisting powers--came my way. . . .
      "Jay possesses natural ability and apparently a sound physical constitution. He could make something of himself with comparative ease should he happen to drift into the right channels. But here lies the trouble. He is almost sure to wander. With no one interested enough in his welfare to give a friendly warning, what will be the outcome? Quien sabe?"

Dec. 29, 1912--Comments on fiction. "There is little doubt, however, that with the young, impulsive and impressionable the 'plot' is the drawing card. They prefer to hurry through, or skip altogether, the, to them, tedious descriptive and long winded moralizing pages so as the more rapidly to follow the varying fortunes of the heroes and heroines. Yet with such reader, the fact that in most works of fiction,
      'Ever the right comes uppermost,
      And ever is justice done.'
leaves a good impression--points a moral as it were. I will state here that the foregoing has reference solely to high class or standard works of fiction. Wild and woolly stories that inflame youth of tender age would better be cut out. Ned Buntline's fascinating sea yarns treating of impossible adventures had much to do with sending me on a whaling voyage."

A McKeen car at the Talent depot, circa 1910

Dec. 30, 1912--"Hear that John Conway, the Talent shoemaker, who has been in the hospital at Ashland for some weeks, died this morning. Mr. Miller dropped in this evening and entertained us with accounts of his experiences when a soldier in the Philippines. There were three burglaries in Talent last night, the post office, Burdie's and the depot. Thus far no trace of the burglars. Talent is sure getting metropolitan."

Dec. 31, 1912--"I note that this concludes the year that I was to keep a record of events, in other words a diary. Shall I keep on into 1913? I am likely to. In candor I may as well admit that I have, in common with a multitude of other mortals, a penchant for writing--for committing thoughts to paper. Why? Hard to tell. Not because of a vain desire to render thoughts immortal, i.e. such a medley of sentiments as have been chronicled in the foregoing pages; neither because I would consider the commonplace happenings of a quiet neighborhood of sufficient importance to justify preserving by a chronicler. For no such reasons have I set myself this task. When this book is filled and a new one procured, I may under some sudden impulse commit this one to the flames, as I have done with other journals written years ago. Then the question still remains, Why? Quien sabe? But once embarked in the enterprise it has become more pleasing than otherwise. When on the wing I kept a journal for years. Then the scene was ever shifting and there were matters of real interest to record. Many hundreds of pages of such personal history was covered. Yet under a strange impulse I destroyed them. Sometimes I regret having done so. Some of my best compositions were in those pages. And, too, some of my worst. Indeed I made many attempts at high flights, even to versification. As the years rolled on I took on different notions regarding that kind of literature. It became less and less attractive to me. I came to see that in the art of expression, plain, simple words and brief, clear cut sentences were far preferable. So here may lie the reason why I did not care to preserve those strained efforts of my youth and early manhood. In fact I have becom[e] almost a crank now in a dislike for high sounding phrases, big words and unmeaning terms. I mighty soon 'go back' on a writer who adopts such a style."

1913

Jan. 1, 1913--"Mr. Conway buried P.M. in Ashland in Oddfellow's cemetery. He belonged to that organization. Leaves Talent without a shoemaker."
      Comments on New Year's resolutions. "In my wild-oats days I contracted the habit of smoking. It did not agree with me, so I formed another habit of making frequent resolves to quit. Some of these swear-off's were very forceful, enough so to last perhaps for several weeks. Finally I gave up and started in to become a confirmed smoker. So I laid in a fine outfit of materials--a mere-sham pipe and plenty of the best tobacco and settled down to business. But in spite of every precaution, smoking would result in headache and frequently nausea. One evening, getting home late and tired I drew my big chair up to the fireplace & set in for a quiet smoke and rest. Soon a dull, sickening headache caused me to lose interest in imaginary forms in the glowing embers. I sat in silence for several minutes, pipe in hand, staring vacantly at the flickering flames. My mind seemed to have suddenly lost the power to act. Thoughts, if there were any, were listless, aimless. Finally by a seemingly involuntary impulse the fine new meresham was quietly deposited in a nice bed of glowing coals; the sack of tobacco on the mantle followed. In a half stupid, half dreamy state of mind I watched them until they had wholly disapeared. No resolution was made. I have never smoked since. The philosophy of all this would seem to be that when a temptation to smoke came upon me, which it often did for a time, the independent, unbound common sense would come to the rescue & enable me to resist." [cf. 1-1-1919 entry]

Jan. 2, 1913--"It is to be hoped that the prison reform spirit is catching and will in time be the policy of every state in the Union. I note, too, that the dinamiters that have been on trial at Indianapolis are about to get what they deserve, imprisonment."

Jan. 3, 1913--"Clara Chapman nee Lynch spent day with us."

Jan. 4, 1913--"Nothing doing but stay in & read. That is enjoyment. When pleasant I find pleasure in looking after things on place. Now all this figures out enjoyment anyhow. And that is about it. Ill health would bring with it the opposite of enjoyment of course. But good health with you and yours should, as a rule, be linked with happiness. I live well, sleep well, eat well, have good neighbors and so far as I know am at peace with the world. What more could one ask?
      "The Czar of Russia, the grand old cuss
      May not be happier than the most of us.
      I have reference to this community. I am aware that there is plenty of suffering in our big cities. I know it but dont like to think about it. The strange part of it is that thousands of poor people persist in living in cities--under conditions in which to live, to exist, is a perpetual struggle. And they will talk eloquently about the extra 'advantages' in the city. All right, they are welcome to the advantages. The country is good enough for yours truly."

Jan. 5, 1913--Comments on J.B. Wilson's poetry.
      "His 'The Ornriest Boy in School' is a masterpiece. The description of an old fashioned country school house fits to a T a temple of learning away back in Vermont that I remember well, and when I was the 'ornriest' kid in the school and got more lickin's than all the balance combined. I had a keen appreciation of everything ridiculous and funny, and as my superabundance of devilment had to break loose somewhere, of course school was found to be the most fitting place. I call to mind the artistic, jack knife-ian decorations that covered that school house, outside and in. Old Egyptian hieroglyphics were beaten to a frazzle. Of course I would not intirely forget the frequent and vigorous applications of the hickory sprout and ferule. Neither could I fail to call to mind that father made it a standing rule to duplicate those gentle exercises whenever he found out they had taken place in school. Such was the stern old Puritan idea of bringing up a boy. 'Spare the rod and spoil the child,' was thought to be good Scripture doctrine and they would have considered it almost an insult were they told that it could not be found in the Bible, yet such is the fact.
      "I might say here that years after in my varied experiences as teacher the recollections of my own boyish nature furnished not a few valuable pointers regarding the treatment of boys of like nature.
      "A fair prospect just now of having the coldest night in many years. Shall put a kettle of coals in the apple house."

Jan. 6, 1913--"Went with cream A.M. They were skating on Ed. Foss' pond. Spent balance of day after returning in warming up tank tower with kerosene stove, also same with pipes under house. Froze some apples in Apple house; also a few potatoes."

Jan. 7, 1913--"Maggie brings down a copy of a Medford daily that contains some sensational news. It seems that the outgoing sheriff Jones in making out his report found himself short about $21,000. By dint of strenuous rustling he made up the shortage. He, it seems, left the financial part of the sheriff's duties to his deputy, Dow. It seems further, that the funds coming into the sheriff's hands were temporarily deposited in a safe in the court house & from there turned over from time to time to the county treasurer; that Jones, Dow and County Clerk Coleman each had a key to the safe. The situation seems to be that Jones thinks that he, himself, can show that he did not make away with the missing funds but that--well, that some party or parties who had access to the safe might properly be subjected to cross questioning. A significant fact concerning the matter is that sheriff elect Singler was to employ W.R. Coleman as deputy, but decided at once when this affair came out, that W.R. might look out for another job. If true this is an awkward situation for Coleman. Of course Jones is likely to exert his utmost to run down the guilty parties. If floating rumors may be taken as having any value, Coleman has been living 'fast' for some time & in nine cases in ten such a fact calls for funds belonging to somebody else. Quite possible our county clerk may find some fine morning that he is 'up against it.'"

Jan. 10, 1913--"Bright, warm, winter day. Quite a few sleighs, good, bad and indifferent are out to day. Really good sleighing. Several have dropped in. Phone man came to fix our phone as several phones have been out of business since the snow came."

Jan. 12, 1913--"Help to dig grave A.M. Infant child of Mr. Schnier. Went to burial P.M. No ceremony."

Jan. 13, 1913--"Last spring an agent-canvasser for a new History of Oregon came along and secured several signatures in this neighborhood. The 'great work' was to be published and ready for delivery in about 18 months. Price $25.00 only. He put in his best licks with S. & myself, but we couldn't see it. He went away in no tranquil frame of mind. Well, the subscribers are now called upon to dig up and take the books. Not expecting the books for nearly a year yet of course they are not likely to be over joyful at the outlook."

Jan. 15, 1913--"Bernice and Thelma came over this evening to invite us to a sort of social at their house to-morrow night. Mostly for young folks we suspect, so may not go."

Jan. 16, 1913--"No rushing going on about this ranch. Reading the main biz. Wisely concluded not to attend the little party across the way.
    "Have just finished The Virginian, a rolling good story. The story has been staged and seems to be popular. The hero is a unique character. It is a first class 'cowboy' story."

Jan. 17, 1913--"Now engaged in Jack London's A Daughter of the Snows. Some logical arguments introduced touching on the plain duties of those high in the social scale as regards their attitude towards those, especially women, that have taken to the forbidden paths."

Jan. 19, 1913--"May be reading and loafing is getting just a little monotonous. Cutting wood, grubbing or any other outdoor work would be a pleasant change. Allen Abbott moved to day down to W. Beeson's, where he has secured work for the season."

Jan. 20, 1913--"Papers have big head-lined accounts of storms, snowslides etc elsewhere. Trains are irregular. Everybody waiting patiently--more or less--for workable weather."

Jan. 23, 1913--"Snow two feet deep at Barlow's. Hope the warm rain will take away the snow. Having the ground covered for two weeks is plenty for this 'Italy of Oregon.'"

Jan. 24, 1913--"Willa Beeson has gone to hospital at Ashland and was operated on a day or two ago. Some kind of rupture the trouble. It would seem to be discouraging for residents of this community to go to the hospital as four from Talent died there last year, Mr. Holdridge, J. Conway, C.W. Wolters an[d] Mr. Sammus. Ed. Robison came so near death's door that his surviving was considered almost a miracle by the physicians themselves. R.B. Purves, however, came through all right. Personally, I should hesitate long before consenting to be taken to any hospital, especially for an operation. I would prefer to let all go together."

Jan. 25, 1913--"Took S. to T. early P.M. to take motor for Phoenix. Go after her to morrow. . . . A few days ago I wrote the Independence Creamery, offering to transfer patronage to that firm, if proposition was satisfactory. Got reply to day to send cream whenever ready, that the necessary cans were forwarded. Will begin Feb. 1st. In Dec. last that creamery paid 6 to 7 cts. more for butter fat than was paid by the Ashland creamery. And butter ruling about same in price in both places. Dont know how the Ashland firm would explain such a difference. Perhaps greater profits are necessary here to stand off the local grocery combine. The Ashland grocers demand 10 c. a sq. just for handling butter; some think 15 c. would be none too much. No chance for loss. Butter is delivered to their stores. A square is taken and passed over to a customer--10 cts. Considering the work, care and expense that should rightly be charged up to that square of butter before it reaches the grocer, the latter's profit is--well it shouldn't be called profit. There are other terms that fit the case better. I may have more to say on this matter after having experience with the Independence firm. That creamery, however, has made for itself a splendid reputation for fair dealing, is one of the largest creameries in the state and has hosts of patrons. My number is 2192. No composite testing as is the rule in Ashland. Each shipment is tested and pay for it is sent if patron so desires. Either that or semi-monthly or monthly as patron wishes. Now if that creamery can pay more for butter fat & stand expense of shipment 300 miles or so, it looks significant."

Jan. 26, 1913--"Drove to Phoenix late A.M. Roads horrid--slop-shop. Yet I met an auto, sloshing mud and water well towards the fence on each side as it plowed along. Had I an auto it should take a rest when roads are as they are now. Minnie's baby is growing and is jolly as a lark."

Jan. 27, 1913--Reading Henry VIII; thoughts on authorship of Shakespeare plays. "10 lb. boy at R.B. Purves this morning. S. had a hurry call about 6 A.M."

Jan. 30, 1913--Comments on Cook's lectures against Peary in Portland.

Jan. 31, 1913--"Saw an account in to-day's Oregonian of the retirement from the bench of Thomas H. Brents of Walla-Walla. I knew Mr. Brents in Canyon City in '63-'64, so of course the reading of the account called up memories of times in that famous camp. Thought I would write him, in fact have drafted the outline of a letter this evening. May write it out and send it. Dont know.
      "A skunk crowded through the screen door, which [was] slightly ajar, on our back porch this evening, looking for some meal scraps. One got under the house a few nights ago and, being disturbed no doubt, fumigated copiously. The fragrance came into our bedroom window and scented up the house a plenty--nearly ran us out. H. Stock says he doesn't object to the odor if it isn't too strong. I imagine this would have been pretty stout for him. I'll take mine very weak, i.e. if I have to take it at all. Pure, fresh air is good enough for me anyway. Will set a trap for that bold intruder that called on us this evening. May get him to-morrow."

Feb. 1, 1913--"Work at guarding the branch that runs through the Beeson patch from overflowing."

Feb. 2, 1913--"There being a dispute over the W. line of D.L.C. 67, the parties interested have employed a surveyor to run the line over again. I spend the day on that business."

Feb. 4, 1913--"Have just finished reading for the ' 'steenth' time Shakespeare's 'Merchant of Venice,' perhaps his best play. If so then it is the finest piece of literature in the world."

Feb. 5, 1913--"Sabra C. has met with a mishap, falling & seriously injuring her thigh."

Feb. 6, 1913--"S. went down to help take care of Sabra. Will not return before to-morrow. The doctors do not yet know where the leg bone is fractured, if it is really broken at all. The X ray was resorted to but first attempt proving a failure they are trying again. The trouble is found to be near the hip joint."

Feb. 7, 1913--"Sabra has a bad injury which will no doubt confine her to her bed for weeks."

Feb. 8, 1913--"Took S. to train P.M. She is to accompany Minnie to Ashland. Minnie is to have most of her teeth extracted. S. is to go home with M. & remain for a time. Sometime there may come a general break-down with S. when she cannot so readily respond, as now, to every call to take the place of nurse--and her going so much would naturally tend to hasten the time when she will have to stop. Now and then the thought is forced into my mind that this thing is getting just a little, to say the least, monotonous."

Feb. 11, 1913--"A fine article in Cosmopolitan on how to develop and maintain a healthy brain. Should be read by every young man and woman."

Feb. 12, 1913--News of Scott's ill-fated attempt on the South Pole.

Canyon City, circa 1880s

Feb. 13, 1913--"Sabra having a serious time, leg not broken but much injured in some way. . . . I wrote Mr. Brents a letter referring quite at length to old times--that famous mining camp. Got reply to day--a very pleasant letter. Mr. Brents is the fourth man I have known of or met whom I knew in Canyon City during those years. Should like much to meet him in person. Got a record-breaking egg as to size to day. 7 1/4 x 8 1/4. How's that for hen fruit?"

Feb. 14, 1913--"Judge Brents sends me a booklet giving his history. It is interesting. The perusal of it this evening sent me harking back to the John Day mines in the years of '63-'64. His book speaks of the capture of

Berry Way and his execution. Mr. Brents could not have been in Canyon City at the time of the second capture of that notorious highwayman and the resulting hanging for the erroneous statement is made that the Vigilantes broke in the door of the improvised jail in the night and took him at once up to the hill and hung without any legal ceremony. This is an error, an innocent one no doubt for I have read several different versions of that famous case. Briefly I will relate the affair as I knew of it: Birry Way had a small pack train. With this he was returning from Canyon City early in the spring of 63. He overtook another packer named Ghallager and camped with him. They slept together. In the night Berry Way rose up stealthily and shot his bed fellow through the head. He then adjusted a rope around the dead man's neck and dragged the body, probably with the aid of a horse, some distance from the camp and deposited it under a juniper tree. The next morning he proceeds on his way to the Dalles with his own and his victim's pack animals. Arriving at the Dalles he loaded up at once and started on his return to the mines, accompanied by his wife (?) and another man known as an all-around desperado. As it happens a saddle train to which I belonged set out for the mines a few days after the Berry Way outfit: On the way we gathered considerable evidence for the missing of Ghallager had been noted all along the trail and there were strong suspicions that Berry Way knew something about it. Finally we picked out three from our party and sent them ahead with good horses to overtake and pass the Berry Way outfit and rush on to Canyon City to notify the proper authorities. This was done all right, but as the balance of our train was nearing the town we met the sheriff and posse rushing out after Berry Way. He had escaped. About a month after he was recaptured near Boise and brought back to Canyon City in charge of the sheriff. He was placed in the loft over the Fashion saloon and two men set to guard the door. As soon as the miners knew of Berry Way's recapture, the bell was rung and a miners meeting was called--to try the murderer. The presence of the prisoner was wanted in the 'court room,' but the sheriff refused to give him up. A ruse was fixed up, however, by which the sheriff temporarily left the ladder leading to the door of the 'jail' room. A rush was then made, the door broken in and the prisoner brought into court. Of course the trial was short. The prisoner was sentenced to be hung the next day. About a dozen men were appointed on guard for the night. The next day he was hanged promptly according to schedule. I was present at the trial and the execution. The prisoner was game--even suggesting the proper way to adjust the rope about his neck, saying with a grin the [sic] 'didn't know much about these things' but had 'hearn tell on 'em a lot.' Every man in the crowd was armed and ready in case of any funny business. Perhaps it would be in proper order to explain the ruse mentioned on the preceding page. The sheriff, of course, would not voluntarily give up his prisoner to the miners. Yet he must have known that they would get him. As the trial was called the sheriff went on guard himself in connection with the other two the better to protect his prisoner. Now the trial had not proceeded far when a suggestion was made that the proper and fair thing to do was to bring the accused into court. So court was adjourned temporarily and we all made break for the prisoner. We found the sheriff stationed midway on the ladder heavily armed and threatening to lay out anyone who set foot on a rung of the ladder. Really he appeared to mean business. Arguments and threats on our part were useless. Finally a miner, a close friend of the sheriff, approached the foot of the ladder, passed his shooting irons into the hands of by-standers, and deliberately told the sheriff that he was going to climb up and talk with him a moment: 'Now Mac' (McDaniel was the name of the sheriff) 'if you shoot me you know [what] you'll get.' Mac. knew, of course, for every miner in the crowd was armed to the teeth. So the miner ascended and whispered very low for a moment to the sheriff, then came down back to the ladder. When near the ground he significantly winked to the crowd and then said, 'Well boys let us go back to the saloon and deliberate on this matter a little.' Back we went. Court was called but directly the court was informed that McDaniel was down the street and we might get the prisoner. Another rush was made, the door broken in, the guards overpowered, (of course they had instructions from the sheriff) and the prisoner brought into court. Mac made a 'show' of an attempt to break for the 'jail' when he saw the crowd, but was surrounded and held. He shot down to the ground in the melee and took a piece out of his toe. Another episode in connection with this case may be mentioned. A young man by the name of Van Titsner, if I remember rightly, was running a sort of pony express to some northern camp & on one of his trips had Mrs. Berry Way as a passenger. He said that on this trip she told him th[at] she induced the sheriff of course for a consideration, to let Berry Way escape. McDaniel heard of this and was mad all through, threatening openly to shoot Van Titsner on sight. A friend takes pains to go out a few miles and meet Van. and warn him. Van comes in to Canyon City, meets McDaniel on the street and promptly shoots him dead. Another formality of a trial, very short and Van went about his business. According to the evidence the act was justifyable. Such is life in new mines."

Howard A. Black, Grant County Museum curator, with skull of Berry Way and hangman's rope, 1963.

Feb. 19, 1913--"Mr. Buck moved into the L.A. Abbott house yesterday & to-day."

Feb. 20, 1913--"Light attack of neuralgia again. Slowing up on diet will, I think, cause it to let up shortly."

Feb. 22, 1913--"Washington's birthday. And winter again. 23 above at 7 A.M. This of course means a genuine freeze. S. & I drove to Ashland, S. wanting to do some trading. Nearly collapsed with cold on our way up. But little better returning. But in ag'in, out ag'in, off ag'in. This means S. who gets a rush call to go at once to Phoenix. Minnie's baby sick. Keeping bach ag'in. This means yours truly. Well, maybe I'll learn the art of light house keeping to perfection, perhaps become a past master, in course of time. No doubt L. does not sing and apply to himself the old song, 'My Mother-in-law,' from the fact that said mother-in-law is needed so frequently in the household. Parents are liable to get badly frightened when the first darling takes a sick spell. The tenth or thirteenth might be attacked with all sorts of stomach aches and not get half the attention.
      ". . . No mail to day. All banks closed. Most stores open, however."

Feb. 23, 1913--"Went up to Mr. Power's A.M., by request, to give him some pointers on pruning. Was invited to dinner. Too bashful to decline. After dinner some musical friends from Talent dropped in & we had a fine time. Plenty of the best of music."

Feb. 24, 1913--"S. busy getting ready for her visit with old time friends to-morrow. She will have a big time sure."

Feb. 25, 1913--"Take S. to train early A.M. She returned at 5 P.M. Had a big time. 25 old acquaintances present some that had not met for 30 years or over." Comments on execution of Mexican president and vice president. "The Mexicans have ways peculiar. I am led to reflect how much more satisfactory--and safe--it is to be a one-horse rancher in the Rogue River Vally than to hold the exalted position of president of Mexico.
      "Mr. Powers calls this evening to phone for a doctor. Wife sick.
      "I note that I am about to the end of this book. Shall have to get another or quit the diary business. But jotting down daily occurrences has become a sort of habit. And, too, it is often found handy for reference."

Volume II
Feb. 26, 1913-Dec. 6, 1914

Feb. 26, 1913--"Light snow--1/2 in. or so. Cool, raw, squally all day. S. & Blanch drive to Phoenix. Baby still having trouble with stomach."

Feb. 28, 1913--"Took S. to train for Ashland to Spiritualist meeting. Ten ladies went from T."

Mar. 1, 1913--"Mr. Geo. Morris of Ashland came A.M. to get a lot in cemetery for his brother-in-law R. Jones of Talent, who died this morning."

Mar. 2, 1913--"Attended funeral of Robert Jones P.M."

Mar. 3, 1913--"Hear that Geo & Eva Dewey have lost their youngest child. Burial to-morrow in W.C.C."

Mar. 4, 1913--"Went to funeral of Wesley Dewey, P.M. Buried in the S. M. Robison lot. It is now President Woodrow Wilson."

Mar. 7, 1913--"Went to T. early A.M. for spray dope. Found dope poor. [cf. 10-19-1913 entry]. Worse than home made 10 years ago. This was manufactured in Ashland. It will settle in a few minutes. Orny helps me spray. Had to use hot water. A continual fight to keep nozzles clean. Mighty tired."

Mar. 8, 1913--"Finish spraying A.M. alone with small pump outfit. Went to T. P.M. for new washers to pump."

Mar. 9, 1913--"S. & I drove to Phoenix P.M. Plenty of autos on road."

Mar. 11, 1913--"Went with cream P.M. S. goes as far as Sabra's. Marcia sick."

Mar. 12, 1913--"Cool in morning, but turns out a blustery disagreeable day. Went to Jacksonville to pay taxes. Bob. P. goes with me. Went in buggy. Suffered with cold on way. Cold wind in our faces and squally, snow & rain. Return better but far from nice."

Mar. 13, 1913--"Work in bottom, grubbing and burning brush when weather would permit. J. Buck quite sick."

Mar. 14, 1913--"Grubbed bushes in bottom most of day--Oregon grape etc. Called on Buck. He seems to be in bad shape."

Mar. 15, 1913--"Went with cream P.M. S. goes with me as far as Sabra's. Marcia is to have an operation soon. Whether inward tumor or ulcers or something worse the doctors do not agree. She suffers severely now. Some fever which must be allayed, if possible, before operation. Buck no better. A very pleasant day."

Mar. 17, 1913--"St. Patrick's Day. But if that venerable saint from his high perch can have any control over the weather he should be ashamed of himself to permit such miserably cold, windy and disagreeable weather as we have had on this, his special day. . . . Marcia no better. Buck's sym[p]toms a little more favorable. A nurse came for him last evening."

Mar. 18, 1913--"Warm again. Clean irrigating ditches A.M. Clod-mash peach orchard P.M. Sky overcast most of day. Somewhat stormy in mountains P.M. Mr. Bagley, accompanied by a Duluth, Minn, friend called P.M. Latter likes country well & may make his home here eventually. Buck much better. Marcia about same."

Mar. 19, 1913--"A stormy March day. Worked only a short time. Went over to Nick Brophy's A.M. on business. Nothing doing P.M.--snow squalls."

Mar. 20, 1913--"Assessor gave us a call. Were it not for taxes, clothes & food it would be a simple trick to get along in this world."

Mar. 21, 1913--"Good Friday, yet it does'nt seem to be any better than any common scrub Friday. A cool, windy, March day. Cleaning up pasture ground most of day. S. goes down to Sabra's P.M. The doctors dont know now how soon they can operate on Marcia. She would hurry them, however, for she is anxious to have the affair over with."

Mar. 22, 1913--"S. goes up to Powers to a musical set-to in eveing. I didn't care to go. Too tired. Eclipse of the moon last night late. Didn't lose sleep to see it."

Mar. 23, 1913--"Took Miss Simpson, Buck's nurse, to station. Buck can go it alone now. Louie brings Minnie up to stay while he is on jury. Maggie, H.H., Blanch & Erma dropped in awhile P.M."

Mar. 24, 1913--"Reports reach us that a terrible tornado swept over Omaha, Neb, last night & that hundreds of lives were lost."

Mar. 25, 1913--"Tornado in Omaha bad enough but not as bad as first reports."

Mar. 26, 1913--"Dan Combes house burned down yesterday P.M. But little was saved. Defective flue probable cause. Papers full of reports of floods, tornadoes etc in East."

Mar. 27, 1913--"Late floods in Ohio--Worst yet. Whole cities under water. Many lives lost. 200 000 people homeless. Verily no one should kick at any weather conditions that we are likely to have in Oregon."

Mar. 28, 1913--"They operated partially on Marcia to-day, found the case worse than expected--can't perform the complete operation for some weeks."

Mar. 30, 1913--"The 'good old summer time' again. A beautiful day. Work in bottom A.M. Louie comes up from jury."

Apr. 1, 1913--"Help do some surveying to better establish border lines of cemetery A.M. Not much doing P.M."

Apr. 2, 1913--"Jas. B. Withycombs of the O.A.G. and Mr. Reimes of our ex. station called A.M. The former spoke in T. last evening on dairying."

Apr. 3, 1913--"Papers still filled with accounts of fearful floods in the East. Hundreds of lives lost & thousands homeless. Excuse me from making a home on or near the banks of a river subject to overflow."

Apr. 4, 1913--"S. & I drive to Ashland A.M. Buy a buggy harness."

Apr. 5, 1913--"Not much doing on farm. Went with cream P.M. Sent for new buggy to Sears Roebuck. Erma comes to stay over night."

Apr. 6, 1913--"Not much doing by me. Light attack of la grippe."

Apr. 8, 1913--"Build harness closet in barn."

Apr. 9, 1913--"Edith brought Sabra up P.M. in buggy. S. gaining slowly. Has to walk with cain. An electric light man has visited the neighborhood frequently lately to induce the people to sign up for electric light. Not enough sign up so he gives it up for the present."

Apr. 11, 1913--"Marcia is brought home to day."

Apr. 15, 1913--"Went with cream P.M. Buggy ordered from Sears Roebuck & Co on the 5th comes to day. Go after it to morrow. S. goes as far as Marcia's. Latter getting along finely."

Apr. 16, 1913--"Got Bob. P. to haul up 'K.D.' [knocked down, i.e., shipped disassembled] buggy P.M. Crated 2x7x5. Shafts separate. 500 lbs. A fine buggy. Didnt get it put together to day.
      "Cost, total, about $100. Here it would be about 40% more."

Apr. 17, 1913--"Finished putting buggy together & odd jobs."

Apr. 21, 1913--"Maggie brought down a copy of the Progressive Thinker yesterday, containing a lecture by Prof. J. H. Hyslop on 'The Need of Further Progress in Psychical Reserch.' She thought it might interest me. The author of lectures takes the stand that the present modes of carrying on Spiritualistic propaganda are not as effective as they might be. He thinks 'platform tests' do not count for much with outsiders--too much chance fro [sic] fraud etc. He thinks Spiritualistic advocates should get right down to 'facts' which cannot be disputed--facts that have a genuine scientific basis. In short, proofs--unassailable proofs--should be furnished. Now this may be more easily said than done. If proofs such as are brough[t] forth in physical science could be furnished in support of the alleged truth of Spiritualism the way would be clear enough.
      "But proofs required in physical science, i.e evidence of a concrete nature that appeals to perhaps all the senses is, and ever must be, far different from the so called proofs that may be offered to back up psycical science. So, I would say that 'platform' and also private 'tests' are the most convincing--but not to all. Strange phenomena sure but phenomena which by many might be ascribed to causes other than disembodied spirits.
      "That there are strange--very strange--manifestations no one can deny. But as to their nature & cause people may honestly differ."

Apr. 22, 1913--"S. & I go riding in new buggy P.M."

Apr. 23, 1913--"S. & I go riding to Phoenix P.M. Hear the sad news that sheriff Singler was shot last night when attempting to arrest a man. Before he fell tho' he pulled his gun & shot his man dead. The sheriff died this morning. Not very complete news of the affair has reached us at this date."

Apr. 26, 1913--"Put in day as one of about 18 volunteers to fill up gutter in front of Oddfellow's addition to cemetery, also to build front fence etc. The W.C.C. stands 1/2 expense of 25-foot wide hitching ground north of Oddfellow's part."

Apr. 28, 1913--"Made stile at S.E. corner of cemetery A.M."

Apr. 29, 1913--"A genuine freeze, not hard enough to damage anything perhaps. Cold squalls all day. Take cream P.M. between showers. Should it clear up to night there may be a damaging frost. Orchards down the vally smudge heavily these cold nights."

Apr. 30, 1913--"Word came that Loren Dewey was drowned while bathing in S.F. bay. A brief telegram to Mr. Dewey to that effect was received yesterday morning. Up to this date nothing more definite has been learned. Some think it a fake on the part of Loren tho' the object is hard to even conjecture. The boy was pretty wild. H.H. brings home a new fine hack to day. S. & I went up to see it."

May 2, 1913--"The drowning of Loren Dewey is corroborated & the details given in letter from an officer in the Navy to the parents."

May 3, 1913--"Splendid day for buggy riding. Our rubber-tired is sure a daisy. Erma comes up to stay over. It would require a lightning stenographer to keep up with her when she sets in to unload to her grandma. It just couldn't be done. No stenographer can take down 2000 words a minute. The 20th century schools ma[y] be up-to-date in many respects but I am of the opinion they are generally sadly deficient in the teaching of articulation. Few young people now-a-days make any attempt to articulate plainly & clearly. It is becoming a lost art. They go on the hop-skip-&-jump in reading aloud or in conversation.
      "But then, this is a fast age anyhow."

May 7, 1913--"S. busy cleaning house."

May 8, 1913--"Work with H.H., Ormy, Mr. Powers, & Orlie Powers, cleaning out East side irrigating ditch. Go with cream late P.M. & got into a short but vigorous downpour of rain."

May 9, 1913--"Work cleaning ditches as yesterday. Showering P.M. run us in twice. Pretty tired--too tired to enjoy reading in evening. Apple blossoms are falling rapidly so must spray soon."

May 11, 1913--"Replant corn A.M. The first planting was just one month ago. Only a few seeds germinated & came up. Mice in the numerous mole runs probably got the seed. Louie came about noon. Both returned late P.M. Irrigating in bottom. The most important event of the day was the gift of a generous portion of a 10-lb. cheese sent to Blanch by parcel post from her brother in Tillamook. If I ever tasted a better cheese I have no remembrance of it. The postage was 52 cts. Hurrah for the parcel post!"

May 12, 1913--"Heavy rain all night--heaviest of the season. Cold & squally all day--raining at date, 9 P.M. Creek highest of the season. Not much doing--mainly sitting in house & reading. Many lately have been predicting a dry summer. They may find it necessary to revise their forecasts."

May 15, 1913--"Not quite clear but pleasant. Went to T. in morning to get horse shod. Cultivate A.M. Small jobs P.M. S. & Maggie go to Ashland. Take 9 o'clock motor, return about 5 P.M."

May 16, 1913--"S. & I take a buggy ride by way of rustling volunteers to work on cemetery to-morrow."

May 17, 1913--"Cloudy but pleasant. Work at the cemetery; about 18 out, but many conspicuous by their absence. There are many who are perfectly willing for others to do all the volunteer work. Did not finish. Very tired. More tornadoes in Nebraska 10 killed many injured. If I had to live in that country I'd move out P.D.Q."

May 18, 1913--"A very pleasant day, but it rained most of the night. Creek booming, so the outlook for irrigating water is not so bad."

May 23, 1913--"Still pleasant. Go with cream P.M. Job about. Am unfortunate in having a foundered mare. At least that is what it seems to be. Have to drive in a slow walk."

May 24, 1913--"Work at cemetery; donation work about 9 on job. Finished, that is practically. Looks fine. Many have put in 3 days & quite a number have found it very convenient to stay away. After awhile these same parties will be boasting of what we did! Took till 7 P.M. to get through."

May 25, 1913--"Go with H.H. to cemetery to do a little cleaning up around stand P.M."

May 27, 1913--"S. & I go to Ashland P.M. having Old Dan--Ed's horse; ours out of commission. Quite pleasant on trip up but we caught it on the return--rain & cold right from the north. Took new buggy. Top helped of course but we left the storm robe not thinking we would need it. Got new batteries. Also went to Greenmans for rugs."

May 30, 1913--"Decoration Day. Quite a number gathered at the cemetery stand at two P.M. and were well entertained by an oration by Rev. J. K. Bailey of Phoen[i]x, together with songs by the Talent Quartette, a reading by Mrs. Alice Roberts and a recitation by Master Chas. Roberts. The program was well rendered.
      "A fine day. Scores of baskets of flowers were scattered upon the graves, making the cemetery resemble a veritable flower garden."

May 31, 1913--"Mow with scythe the corners of fields, getting ready for the mower. Too hard work to suit me. Very tired."

June 1, 1913--"Sunday--Clear, warm. Got Ed's mare, Old Doll & cultivated A.M. Took her back P.M. & took Van & Ed's hack & took cream, mine & his to T. A heavy blow set in just as I started. Big black c[l]oud S.E. Some thunder. No rain here to speak of--just wind & it played havoc with alfalfa, lodging it badly. Pretty tired. Guess the only way for me to get rest on Sunday is to join the church."

June 2, 1913--"Ormy mows all my alfalfa. Now of course I'll constantly look for bad hay weather. Used the 'arm-strong' [scythe] quite some to day & am tired enough. I gave in on it about 4 P.M. Will have to cut out such work."

June 3, 1913--"Mr. Powers calls this evening by agreement to inject sweeney medicine into Daisy's shoulder. He is sure she is sweenied. This [is] a medicine used successfully by a famous horse doctor of Dacotah. He thinks she will be all right in a few days."

June 5, 1913--"Turn hay A.M. H.H. rakes for me P.M. I put up 160 shocks--fair size--since 2-30 P.M. Not bad for a fellow as young as I am. Pretty tired tho'."

June 6, 1913--"S. goes with cream. Blanch goes with her. They take Van. Daisy still out of commission. . . . Very light rain sets in about 8. No good. Hundreds of tons of hay exposed in swath. Mine all shocked."

June 7, 1913--"Sky overcast, threatening rain. Ed. offers his team for hauling hay as he finishes about 9 A.M. Get Ormy to run team. Haul 5 loads. I am sure tired. Windy P.M. Just ready to rain all the time. A few sprinkles about 6. S. & Erma go to school entertainment--Wagner Creek School--this evening."

June 9, 1913--"Mr. & Mrs. Bagley; Mr. Prader & Bob Purves called this evening to arrange for paying for surveyor's work in establishing lines of the different places."

June 10, 1913--"Cleared up O.K. Go to T. morning to have shoes put on Daisy. Turn hay shocks P.M."

June 11, 1913--"To T. P.M. with cream. Drive Daisy. S. goes also. Hear much complaint of a new form of blight on apple trees, which attacks the blossom, thus literally niping the fruit in the bud. Varily the raising of fruit means a never-let-up fight with pests. This kind of blight does'nt seem to [have] got up this far yet--may call on us next year."

June 15, 1913--"Sent to Tillamook for a 10-lb. cheese to come by parcel post. Cheese arrived a few days ago--a fine article. Cost--a little over 18 c lb. including postage, 52 cts. Quality far better than can be procured at stores here & a saving of about 7 cts. a pound. Not a bad scheme."

June 20, 1913--"Attend Dairy Institute at T. P.M. Clouds gather late P.M. May have more rain. At the Institute Prof. Kent talked on dairying & a lady discoursed on household economies."

June 21, 1913--"Go with cream. P.M. S. goes also. Both sign ditch charter i.e. deed all right & title in ditch (Beeson-Robison Ditch) to corporation & take stock instead. Minnie & Baby come up from Phenix & come home home with us to stay over till Sunday."

June 23, 1913--"Elberta Seimen died this morning, a young victim of consumption. Al. Rose of Phoenix also died to day. It certainly seems as if there was something wrong somewhere when a person young in years--just budding into womanhood--full of hope and promise has to fall a victim to the 'great white plague.' It is hoped that in the not-too-far-off bye & bye, medical science will discover a remedy for this dread disease.
      "Erma came up to spend the day. She put in most of the time exercising the baby.
      "As I write the sky looks a little more favorable. Hope it will clear off. Lots of hay out yet which must be badly damaged."

June 25, 1913--"Went--S. & I--to funeral of Alberta Seaman. One of the longest processions ever seen here. Services by Spiritualists, at cemetery. A lady from Ashland--a Mrs. Gard was speaker. An excellent address. A wealth of flowers was laid upon casket. Also the mound was literally weighted down [with] beautiful wreaths placed there by loving hands."

June 26, 1913--"More rain. Rain large portion of night & continuous until about 10 A.M. Showers balance of day. No prospect of clearing up at this writing--9 P.M. Not much doing. H.H. is down with chills. S. & I call in to see him this evening. No doubt the state of the weather has something to do with it. People are getting tired of this Willamette weather."

June 27, 1913--"Begin digging away from reservoir, preparing for a retaining wall of concrete."

June 28, 1913--"Work at reservoir. No mail to day. Something out of regular somewhere."

July 1, 1913--"A few neighbors are planning to hold a 4th of July picnic in our grove on creek. They prefer this to going to the big do'ins at Medford."

July 3, 1913--"Busy cutting out thistles in pasture & fixing up picnic grounds etc. Minnie comes to stay over 4th. Not a very fair outlook for nice weather to-morrow. Preachers would say that it is all in the hands of the Lord & He knows what's best for us poor miserable sinners. All the same but the Lord ought to be patriotic enough to grant us first class weather on our great 'Independence Day.' Will bide over time. J. Davis brings the ice for ice cream also lemons, bananas etc. So we will be ready to celebrate anyhow, let weather be what it may."

July 4, 1913--" 'The Glorious Fourth,' and an ideal day. About 25 neighbors collected in our grove on the creek and had a 'way up' time sure. The different families represented were those of H. S. Lynch, Mr. Twidwell, J. Davis, E. Cochran (Mr. C. however going to Medford) H. H. Goddard (H.H. also in Medford) J. Prader, Bob. & E. Perves [sic], E. Robison & ourselves. Lots of ice cream, lemonade, bananas & grub in general to beat the band. We were all highly satisfied over the proceedings of the day--no one envying those who went to Medford. Have just this moment heard that a son of Ad. Helkins was killed here in an automobile accident. Particulars wanting."

July 5, 1913--"The young man killed in Medford yesterday was one of the racers & his auto turned turtle, killing him instantly and severely injuring his companion riding with him."

July 6, 1913--"Sunday jobs but mainly sifting sand for reservoir concrete wall. L. comes after Minnie--was here at dinner."

July 9, 1913--"S. & I drive to Ashland A.M. Nice & cool for buggy riding. This is my birthday but how old I am deponent saith not. Perhaps 70, perhaps 69. Bertha, who had the old family bible in her keeping says my birth year was 1843. She may be right & may be I would better let it go at that. In my early days on this coast I, somehow, got mixed regarding my age. Had I remembered my birth year there could have been no puzzle about it; but on one occasion, owing to the excitement of life in the mines, & the ma[n]y rapid turns that fell to my lot I 'lost the run,' as it were, of my age. A doubt got the inning and that fixed it. So it was necessary to carefully look over my memory record; then assume a certain age as the correct one & rest at that. Am now quite sure that at least one year was dropped out during the latter 50's and early 60's & possibly two years, tho' that would seem improbable.
      "But so long as my health is good and the general outlook fair, the question of age will cause me no worry.
      "By the way it is a somewhat remarkable fact that as far as memory goes back I was never confined in bed by illness 24 hours at a time--never knew what it was to be waited on as a helpless patient."

July 10, 1913--"Just hear that one of Mrs. Effie Seaman's boys has been stricken with paralysis of lower limbs. He has been quite sick for several days."

July 12, 1913--"Not feeling at my best. Digestive apparatus somewhat out of normal."

July 13, 1913--"S. Erma & I took a drive down on East side Bear Creek, by the famous Suncrest orchard, coming home via Medford. Stopped for lunch a little East of Medford. Called at L & Minnie's on way home & left Erma who is to stay a few days & herd the boy. About a 25-mile trip. Very pleasant P.M., all day in fact. Many picnicers out."

July 14, 1913--"Go with cream P.M. Butter fat slowly going up 31 1/2 now. Eggs up two cents--now 20; should be not less than 30 to be on a par with nearly all other kinds of animal food. They were 15 for weeks this season. Why so low is hard to conjecture. One would think that when down so low they would be consumed in such increased quantities that the price would very soon shoot up, but such was not the case. Sent for another 10-lb. Tillamook cheese today."

July 15, 1913--"S. & I ate the last apple--a Newtown--of 1912. Also partook of well ripened Yellow Transparents of 1913. Apples the year through! Somewhat under the weather today. Not doing much. Called on J. Davis P.M. to look over his orchard."

July 16, 1913--"Feel nearly O.K. again. According to the estimates based with U.S. internal revenue reports for fiscal year ending June 20, the thirsty Americas got away with 64,500,000 barrels of beer, 143,300,000 gallons of whisky, 7,707,000,000 cigars, & 14,012,000,000 cigarettes. Now as I did not help in this thing some others must have got my share. Well, I'll not kick. How easy to see where the high cost [of] living comes in."

July 17, 1913--"Took crate of Logan berries to J. W. Adams, also a fine sample of Mammoth Blacks to Mr. Ames. The Seaman boy died this morning. Digging grave P.M. Sad case. Two from this family in about three weeks."

July 18, 1913--"Attend funeral of Clarence Seaman P.M. An unusually sad affair. The mother almost prostrated. A Spiritualistic funeral, Mrs. Gard, of Ashland giving the address. A good, fair sensible talk; tho' it might have [upset] the few good, stand-pat Methodists present."

July 19, 1913--"98 in T. yesterday P.M. & not very cool at that. The authorities in Portland are having a h--l of a time with the I.W.W's. Their soap-box orators are doing everything in their power to incite the working people to violence. These wild agitators hurl the foulest epithets at their command against the government, the flag, the governor, city officials etc.
      "Portland has her back up now, however, and the I.W.W. leaders are being jailed by the score. Really the rock pile is the proper place for all such foul mouthed incitors to riot and lawlessness. If they should refuse to break rock I should advise a gentle persuader in the shape of a black-snake. The female agitators are as bad as the men. There is no question but the I.W.W's are a bad element and should be dealt with accordingly. Work even a fair wage is not what they are after. They simply want to raise hell. I hope the Portland officials will continue to handle them without gloves."

July 22, 1913--"Fairly clear early A.M. but clouds of the thunderhead type soon loom up. The 'artillery of heaven' gets into action early P.M., very heavy about 5 & a heavy shower about 7. Cleaning irrigating ditches A.M. Irrigate alfalfa patch S. of house P.M. also pasture. Dr. Fred Goddard writes to his mother that he lately had a severe attack of Nostalgia i.e. homesickness. The folks here sent him a package of canned & dried fruit etc. Alfalfa hay was used for packing. The well remembered odor of the hay started the homesick attack. What strong effects trivial circumstances have sometimes, effects pleasant or the contrary, according to the nature of the inducing cause.
      "Have just heard by phone of the death of Fannie Smith, nee Abbott at hospital in Ashland."

July 23, 1913--"Rain began about 3 AM. Rained all day & is still at it--9 P.M. A steady downpour. Seldom such a rain at this time of year. Nothing doing but stay in & look out at the rain."

July 24, 1913--"Rain all night & all day & still at it 9 P.M. A record breaker sure. Ground well filled with water; stream banks full & water still coming from above. And this the 24th of July. Nothing like it ever happened before that I know of. Took cream P.M. Read & write letters balance of day. Fannie Smith buried in Ashland to day."

July 25, 1913--"Some signs of clearing. Constructed a home-made fireless cooker A.M. Yet to be demonstrated whether it will work or not.
      "The rainfall of the last three days was quite variable in the vally. Light in Medford & some other localities, while on Griffin Creek there was a genuine cloud burst 5 P.M. Tuesday in which 3 inches of water fell in less than an hour, doing much damage. Also Upper Rogue River had a similar experience."

July 27, 1913--"Tried the fireless cooker A.M.--string beans. It is O.K."

July 28, 1913--"S. goes with Ed. to Phoenix P.M. to talk over a proposed trip to McCallister Springs."

Aug. 1, 1913--"S. & I go to Phoenix to confer with L & M--concerning the proposed trip to McCallister Springs. It is arranged now for S. to go. I do not care to go so I'll stay & run affairs on ranch. Change work with H.H. & so get them to haul my hay P.M. Two loads for H.H. & 4 for me, in five hours. At each load we looked for rain before we could haul another. Light drizzle before we finished--not enough to stop the work."

Aug. 2, 1913--"S. is extra busy getting ready for the trip. I would not favor cooking up a big lot of cakes etc. to start with. Too much work."

Aug. 5, 1913--"Louie comes A.M. to take the heaviest of S.'s things to Phoenix, from which point they set out to-morrow. Ed. takes S. down late P.M. Takes our buggy & Old Van. Mr. Steadham of Phoenix has been engaged to take most of the party--in L's big hack. They expect to be gone about two weeks during which time I am to keep bachelor's hall. Will not have much rushing work on hand, however, so batching will not be so irksome. Have borrowed from Ed. R. Gaston's Centennial History of Oregon, vol. 1 to read until they return. Have already, 9 PM, got over 40 pages."

Aug. 7, 1913--"Took some M[ammoth] B[lack] berries to Lottie early A.M. Cleaned tank on tower P.M. Cooked mush in fireless cooker. In from morning until noon. It was splendid."

Aug. 8, 1913--"My fireless cooker is O.K. It cooks mush to a charm. I put a glazed kettle of wheat hearts, on stove a short time in morning, also heat the radiators. Then put the hot radiators in at bottom, set mush dish on it, cover up. That's all. At noon mush is nicely done & hot too."

Aug. 9, 1913--"Got a letter from S. from McCallister Springs, dated the 6th. They made the trip on Wednesday--6th--got there 4-30 P.M. Pretty hard drive I should think."

Aug. 10, 1913--"Mrs. E. Conger died at Jacksonville this morning of tuberculosis. To be buried here Tuesday. Wrote to S. Put some wheat hearts to cook in fireless cooker at 6 this morning. Took it out for supper--12 hours. It was deliciously done & plenty hot. In fact the radiators must [be] too warm to handle with bare hands. So I am all right on the mush question. It is well known that most of the cereals must be cooked [a] long time. The fireless cooker does it."

Aug. 11, 1913--"Go to T. in morning for supplies & to get pick sharpened to dig grave. Several heavy showers P.M. Mrs. Conger buried at 4 P.M. Luckily the showers let up long enough for the burial services. Got another letter from S. dated the 8th. They are getting plenty fish, & another camper brought in a deer & divided.
      "When doctors disagree, who shall decide? In the last Cosmopolitan an eminent M.D. makes a strong argument against too great use of proteid food. Says too much protein hardens the arteries & shortens life. A while ago another big Injun of an M.D. was eloquent in the advocacy of more protein food, that it makes muscle & healthy blood--strength giving. The famous Dr. Fletcher says chew, chew chew & then some, saving the stomach extra work that must result in weakening that organ. But another prominent M.D. Elmer Lee says Fletcher is all off in his contention, citing the fact that most animals bolt their food & the stomach takes care of [it] without grumbling. Many would have us cut out meat altogether. Others would permit the moderate use of lean meats, but not fat, etc etc.
      "Now wouldn't one have a busy time should he attempt to conform to all the different health rules laid down by the M.D.'s?
      "I conclude that the most sane and sensible course to pursue is to eat whatsoever is set before thee & ask no questions and make no kick."

Aug. 12, 1913--"Tried string beans in fireless cooker. Fine success. Hales Early peaches are now on hand. I got away with several to day. Busy part of time at odd jobs.
      "Send off another letter to S. with a note by Maggie inclosed. Met Frank Robison yesterday at the funeral. Didn't speak to him for he has hardly sense enough to know anybody. He presents a sad example of the legitimate results of wild oat sowing in youth, & early manhood. His fast life brought upon him a severe & prolonged disease which no sane & sensible person should [omission]. By some means hard to account for he wooed & won the affection of a Miss Minnie Conger (whose mother was buried yesterday) and against the strong opposition of her parents and friends she became his wife. But that loathsome malady, never fully eradicated from his system, slowly got in its work upon his brain & he is now almost an idiot--hopelessly insane & will no doubt be sent to an asylum before long."

Aug. 13, 1913--"Quite cool. Had to have fire in house for comfort. Put a generous mess of string beans in cooker in evening about 8 for breakfast. Expect them to be O.K.
      "Weather seems to keep up its reputation for freakiness. Not much that could be called summer thus far. But from the reports they are getting it back East. Over 100 throughout Kansas & Oklahoma for days at a time."

Aug. 16, 1913--"Cool all day--70 highest. Pleasant. Take cream P.M. Not much doing but pottering. I find that considerable time can be put in in looking after household affairs when there is ample time for it. Personally, however, if outdoor work is pushing I can make short sh[r]ift of cooking & other housework. Have this evening finished Gaston's History of Oregon--vol. 1. This is about all of the history that would be especially interesting to me. The other three volumes are mostly biographies of those who subscribed for the work--25 dollars. Any Tom, Dick or Harry who wanted his picture in the book was stung for $100 or more. It can be readily seen that such biographies could not properly be considered history to satisfy the general reader. Of little interest to a resident of Jackson County it would be to be told that Samuel Brown came from Iowa to Baker County when a young man, married Elizabeth Jones by whom he has three children, was a prominent member of the school board, has served as County Commissioner & was generally esteemed by the people of his neighborhood. Surely I would go through such biographies on the hop-skip-and-a-jump speed.
      "An account of the sufferings and hardships of the pioneer settlers of Oregon, their forethought and sacrifices to save the Oregon country for Americans is far different reading. It is particularly interesting to me as I landed in the state at a time which now might justly be called early--'63. Many of the old time pioneers, whose names are now a household word I knew.
      "In getting 'material' for this 'history' the canvassers went over the state soliciting subscriptions. Those who subscribed got a fine write up. I know one case in which the biographical sketch was exceedingly flattering, but much of it was thrown in for good measure. Old pioneers were not mentioned unless they came down with the $25. All this for the last 3 vols."

Aug. 17, 1913--"Went on an excursion to Colestin. Got home about dark. Too cool to enjoy drinking soda water. H.H. & Maggie went also & we picnicked together."

Aug. 19, 1913--"Had a pleasant [surprise] this morning Russell Dement with whom I bached 47 years ago in Portland called on me early A.M. I had not seen him for 46 years & of course did not recognize him. We took a short drive A.M. Visited P.M.
      "Dr. Bagley & some others interested called in evening to fix up for the payment of a survey last spring correcting lines etc."

Aug. 20, 1913--"Dement & I took a long drive to Palmer orchard & beyond A.M. Visited P.M. until 4 when I took him to train. Of course we had a fine visit calling up old times. Incidents & episodes came to mind that had been practically fo[r]gotten."

Aug. 21, 1913--"S. got home at 11 A.M. L & Minnie brought her up & stayed for dinner. L. had a set-to at chills & fever P.M. They returned about 6."

Aug. 22, 1913--"Started in to read Robert Elsmere, by Mrs. Ward, read 40 pages & jumped the job. Simply couldn't get interested. Too tedious dwelling on commonplace matters. Too many husks surrounding the kernel. Take cream P.M. Registered so I can vote on the $500,000 road bond proposition."

Aug. 23, 1913--"Mrs. Clara Seamans little daughter--two years old--died yesterday morning. To be buried in W.C. Cemetery, to-morrow P.M. Typhoid-pneumonia cause of death."

Aug. 24, 1913--"Attended funeral of Mr. & Mrs. Seaman's child P.M. A preacher from Medford did the talking. He took advantage of the opportunity & gave us an old fashioned orthodox sermon of the Believe-or-be-damned style. He had the vantage ground. No one could sass back. So with strong emphasis he gave all unbelievers to understand that they were a detriment to the community, were not safe persons to bring up children, their example was bad all around and they were booked for hell dead sure unless they whopped over and acknowledged the Lord Jesus Christ. He was the only one who could save them, etc. etc. He darkly hinted that the little child we had met to bury, might have grown up unconverted, continued on without Christ & died in her sins.!! So it might be, yes, it might be better that God take her to Himself in her childish innocence and purity than to--well, take any chances. This, in brief is about what the fool preacher was driving at.
      "Well, applying this good old orthodox logic to himself, I should suggest that it might have been a good thing had the Lord given him a gentle but effective whack on the head before he developed jaw and faith enough to talk such idiotic tomfoolery. After all, it may be that it would be a mighty lonesome world if the fools were all killed off. Quien sabe."

Aug. 28, 1913--"Assist in burying infant daughter of S. A. & Blanch Arnold in cemetery early P.M."

Aug. 29, 1913--"Someone unknown to us had subscribed to the Daily Sacramento Union for us for a year. Perhaps we shall find out in good time who the benevolent person is so we can forward a thank 'ee."

Aug. 31, 1913--"Started in for the second time to read Little Women, by Louisa Alcott, but am afraid I shall jump the job. May follow the fortunes of the precious 'little women' awhile yet before putting the book aside. Strange--yet really not strange either--how people differ in tastes for reading. I have been called an omnivorous reader yet that does not, I think, quite fit my case."

Sept. 1, 1913--"Go to T. early P.M. for mail as, being Labor day, no rural mail. Have discovered who sends us the Daily Sacramento Union. It was Mr. Mount, Mr. Z. Webster's son-in-law. It grew out of a contest the paper had gotten up--the more subscriptions the greater the chance of winning a big prize. So Mr. Mount took a 'plunger' & favored several of his Oregon friends with subscriptions at $6.00 per. Well, if the transaction paid him (and it seems that it did) we should be satisfied. At least we need not feel that we are the humble recipients of a charity offering."

Sept. 2, 1913--"Hear that peaches are almost a drug--Cannery now getting most of them at 1 cent."

Sept. 3, 1913--"S. & I drove to Phoenix P.M. Fixing over inside of cooler or apple house A.M."

Sept. 4, 1913--"Have just finished the reading of a story in Saturday Evening Post entitled 'The Price of Place.' I would not attempt to give even the briefest outlines of the long sereal just ended. Suffice to say that it must fully depict the trials of a man elected to Congress from a western state & who went there fully believing he was going to do great things for the people, but the interests bought him up body & soul--got him in their [illegible] to such an extent that he found--or thought he found it necessary to smother his honor and former manhood and consent to keep on as the servile tool of a villainous trust organization and 'play the game' as directed.
      "No doubt the story is true--too true--to life. The characters are well drawn. Should be read by every young man or young woman."

Sept. 6, 1913--"Not much in papers now-a-days but long accounts of the Thaw case. Thaw has escaped from the asylum and reached Canada. Now they are having a time understanding or misunderstanding the Canada laws bearing on such cases as regards getting him back. Besides the above, the Diggs-Cammite white slavery case in California calls for much space & attention. This is sure a rich-and-racy case. Two young, married men, well up in social circles run off with two girls to Nevada, rent a bungalow and set in for a good time for a month or more. The 'honeymoon' is short, however, for they are arrested under the Mann, white slavery act, and the savory trial is now coming to a finish. Much of the evidence is rich, yet it doesn't faze delicacy of the scores of ladies that crowd the court room. Well, human nature is a queer thing."

Sept. 11, 1913--"S. & I go to Fair at Medford. Drive to Phoenix. Then Mr. Beardsley takes us--L. & M. also--to Fair grounds. Fair quite entertaining. Exhibits good. Broncho busting, bull riding etc. No one succeeded in staying on the bull the 10 seconds--the time called for and for which $10 would be given. No one stayed on his back 3 seconds. Most of the broncho riders were thrown--not very experienced riders I should judge. One race rider was violently thrown--his horse became unmanageable & broke through the fence throwing his [rider] as he did so. Fortunately he was not seriously hurt, it was reported. Got home about dark. Minnie & the boy came home with us to stay till Sunday."

Sept. 13, 1913--"Clear, nearly. Ormy hauls hay for me early A.M. Two light loads only. Now done haying for this year. Clouds gather early P.M., threatening rain, but clear away by 5. S. M. baby & I took a walk up on the side of mountain east of the creek P.M. Took glass & found some good points from which to look over west side of Vally."

Sept. 14, 1913--"Just before dark Owen Dunlap, Mrs. Clara Stedham, Doug Stedham & Addee came for peaches. Pretty late but all hands gathered about 60 lbs. Crawfords. Discovered a big, black-hornet's nest in the cherry tree over milk room. Burned it out with a kerosene torch after dark."

Sept. 16, 1913--"S. & I drive down to the G.A.R. encampment in evening. A way-up time the soldier boys are having in grove west of Talent. Splendidly illuminated with hundreds of electric lights, the grove seemed transformed into a veritable paradise. Songs, instrumental music, speeches, etc. made up an excellent program. It was Central Point day so main program furnished from there. Evening clear. Moon full, so conditions were ideal."

Sept. 17, 1913--"S. & I attend G.A.R. in eavning. Fine program. It was Grants Pass day & in the opinion [of] many it was the best day yet."

Sept. 18, 1913--"S. & I take exhibits to Talent Fair P.M. Exhibit consisted of fruit & nuts. It looks very nice when well arranged. Fair to be held in school house."

Sept. 19, 1913--"Went--S. & I--early to fair. Quite a creditable display considering the short time since the whole thing was sprung. We had 18 plates. Took in the encampment in evening got home about 11. Big crowd, Fine entertainment. Prof. Grisco of Ashland & several others spoke at Fair."

Sept. 25, 1913--"Pick peaches some A.M. Deliver P.M. Packed two boxes for Mr. Miller to ship to friends. Elbertas. Boxes 35 & 37 in number. Largest size box with extra cleats. Fine peaches sure."

Sept. 26, 1913--"Haul a few jugs of wood late A.M. Work on reservoir timbers P.M.--Making a new heavy plank retaining wall, treating it to generous coating of creosote."

Sept. 28, 1913--"It rained sufficient to lay the dust in the roads which sure will please everybody. Of course it doesn't suit those who have big patches of tomatoes."

Sept. 29, 1913--"Work on reservoir wall. Tired. Rain did not stop tomato picking."

Sept. 30, 1913--"Work making new wheel chute. S. helps P.M. Awkward & tiresome job."

Oct. 1, 1913--"Working on wheel chute. Hurry down with cream P.M. Get paint ordered from Jones Cash Store, Portland. About 40 lbs box, freight 25 cts. Not bad. Ideal weather. Roads fine, no dust. Beginning to pick apples in many orchards. Some are gathering Newtowns. Early, I should judge."

Oct. 2, 1913--"The rush of picking apples is on. An agent representing the Oregon Nursery Co. dropped in to day as promised some time ago & took a snap shot at our walnut grove."

Oct. 3, 1913--"Ed. R. is having a bad time with his side again. Had Dr. Mahlgren come up. Possibly he may have to undergo another operation. S. went down P.M."

Oct. 6, 1913--"Walked up to H. S. Lynch's to witness the process of filling his new 40-ton silo. He is filling it with corn & alfalfa. Worked on reservoir balance of day--between showers. Quite showery P.M. Seems to have set in for a regular fall rain about 4 P.M, At it now 9 P.M. Help S. set up stove in sitting room & also to shift furniture somewhat. My secretary-desk moved to W. side of room. This gives me a nice cozy corner in S.E. Word comes that Pres. Wilson has been assasinated. Think the report shows the earmarks of a canard. This nation, however, has had ample proof that men in high office are far from safe from crazy cranks."

Oct. 8, 1913--"Maggie brings down a letter from Fred in which he relates some of his Spiritualistic experiences. On one occasion just before rising in morning he distinctly sees several persons of the spirit land, standing around him. He sees them, talks with them. All was equal to reality to Fred. The ocasion tended, so he states, to give him new impulses, desires and ambitions, nerves & higher objects in life etc.
      "He was alone, had spent the night in his office sleeping on an improvised couch far from comfortable. Did this have anything to do with his remarkable vision? Quien sabe. Needless to say he is dead sure it was all a genuine reality, and of course very pleasant to remember & think over."

Oct. 10, 1913--"Heard whistles and school bells about 11 A.M. in honor of the final big blast which let water into the Panama Canal. Every city and town and hamlet set in to make all the noise possible. Of course everybody knows that the 'big ditch' is to be a big thing for the Pacific Coast, so the noise must be taken as an emphatic expression of joy at the near completion of that great enterprise. Cool this morning, 38 at 6. S. goes down P.M. to help Blanch tie a comforter."

Oct. 11, 1913--"Work A.M. safegarding foundation of tank tower. Go to Phoenix P.M. for Apple boxes. S. goes also. Take 100 lbs Bosc pears to Minnie."

Oct. 12, 1913--"Putting concrete under tank tower A.M. S. helps. Took a ride P.M. across Bear Creek. An ideal day. Couldn't be finer."

Oct. 14, 1913--"Work arranging things in apple house. Have invented press for putting on tops. May be it will be O.K. May be not. Extra cool in evening. Prospect for frost.
      "Sure Mexico is having a h-- of a time. The Provisional president Huerta, like Nepolian third has suddenly consummated a coup d'etat and declared himself Dictator. He has fired the legislative bodies, putting about a hundred of the members of the Senate in prision.
      "He is now running the government to suit himself. Of course he will soon be assinated--about the simplest way to put him out. As he committed murders to get in, he is likely to go out by the same road. Wilson's judgment was O.K. when he refused to recognize that tyrannical son of a gun."

Oct. 15, 1913--"The fisher folks, Childers & wife Marcia R. & Edith C. have returned from their trip to the hatchery & send us a nice mess of fish. No kick on our part."

Oct. 16, 1913--"S. & I drive to the T. Orchard Co's headquarters to see about selling apples. Made a small sale. To deliver a few boxes to-morrow. S. & I sort apples this evening, to save time in morning."

Oct. 17, 1913--"Busy getting a few boxes of apples to the packing house. One 'democrat' load A.M., another P.M. S. helps to sort. Gather walnuts later P.M. I rather enjoy gathering walnuts. Reminds me of gathering butternuts and beechnuts when a boy. There were two or three monster butternut trees on my father's farm that supplied all the nuts we could get away with for months."

Oct. 19, 1913--"Louie is to go on a hunting trip with J. Rader--start next Wednesday to be gon[e] several days. S. is to stay with Minnie. W. J. [Dean] is bach[elor]. Apples very wormy this year. Lots of complaint. Spray dope pronounced no good. Some talk of starting an action against one big company for damages. About 20% of our apples wormy. It is evident that spray dope should have by law a certain degree of strength. And it might be found necessary to have competent inspectors appointed to examine such material when offered for sale. Surely a manufacturer who would put up a worthless spray dope should 'get what's coming to him' with no discount.
      "H.H. has just taken the notion to go East to visit Fred, Alpha & Jackie; will start in about two weeks. Intends to surprise them. Lula Stearns & son are in from Klamath Falls in an auto. Start back to day."

Oct. 20, 1913--"Take a few boxes--5--of Ben Davis [apples] to packing house. Pick & sort Pearmains [apples] bal. of day. S. helps. Wormy? Somewhat about 2/3 culls. Am to take them tomorrow. Mrs. Z. Webster died at 2 o'clock last night. She has been a helpless invalid for years--a paralytic."

Oct. 21, 1913--"Clean & paint inside of water tank P.M. Sent to Portland for the paint--said to be just the thing for such a purpose, stops leaks, prevents rust etc & does not affect the water in any way. We shall see. The regular case of shooting a man for a deer took place a few days ago out in Dead Indian, a young man, Elmer Conger shot his brother. His victim lived about 15 hours. It is proposed to let the late law covering such cases take its course."

Oct. 22, 1913--"S. goes [with] H.S. Lynch's family to Mrs. Webster's funeral P.M."

Oct. 23, 1913--"Got check for the few apples we had to sell thus far. $31.85 for 36 boxes mixed apples. $1.10 for Newtowns, 90 c for Pearmains, Canaday Red's Jonathans B. Truig & Bennett. 75 for R. Russell, 65 for B. Davis. Average $.88+ cts per box. (Leaving out Ben D. & Russells, about .93 per box) The company furnish everything. Apples sorted and hauled to packing house in company's boxes=to about $1.20 per box if one does his own boxing & packing. Now start on a week's batching."

Oct. 24, 1913--"Gather wal[n]uts P.M. Rather slow work--anxious to get all of them I climb each tree & stay with it till I knock off the last one, if possible. Will have perhaps 25 gallons. Nice, large English walnuts are not a bad thing to have stored away handy."

Oct. 25, 1913--"Drive to T. P.M. on business. Have renewed for Cosmopolitan & subscribed for Review of Reviews for 1914, taking advantage of a club offer. The former is $1.50 & the latter $3.00; clubbing rate $2.40. An old well known miner, a Mr. Dunlap rode up with me. He is sure a character. He is 75 years of age. Came to this coast in 1855. Mined most of his life; been in most of the great mining stampedes. Was in Canon City in 68. I was there in 63-4. Went back to the south in '62 & joined the Rebel Army, fought thru' the war and at once returned to this coast. Of course he has much to tell when in a reminiscent mood. But few of those old-old timbers are left. He has never 'struck it' rich but for half a century the big paying vein has been just out of his reach. Next week or next month his patient pick would open it up sure. It is strange what everlasting hope and patience some gold hunters have. A thousand failures yet they keep on as hopeful and cheerful as ever.
      "He had procured somewhere in T. a generous flask of 'good stuff.' 'In so much knocking about the hills,' he said, 'a little stimulant is just the thing at times.' Well, his race is nearly run. Though uncommonly hale & hearty his mining days are limited, but his hope is strong as ever."

Oct. 26, 1913--"John Morgan of Tillamook--Blanch's brother, dropped in A.M. He and his family are at Ed's now. They have rented a house in Ashland for the winter. Drive to Phoenix for dinner. S. Minnie, the baby & I go riding P.M. Call on Bagley's late P.M. on business. They would have me stay for supper. He showed me the finest bins of corn I have seen lately--about 900 bushels."

Oct. 27, 1913--"Cleaning & painting inside of cow stable, using water paint--just the thing for such a purpose. One lb. of white water paint to a qt. of water. After being well stirred, mix in about 1/2 lb. of Venitian red per qt. This will make a very pleasing salmon color. One can vary the salmon shade from light to dark, of course, by varying the quantity of Venitian red. This paint is quite serviceable for inside work. Not good outside."

Oct. 28, 1913--"Busy A.M. at some additional concrete work under tank tower. Let water into tank yesterday. Paint seems to be O.K. as recommended. Doesn't affect the water in the least. Beginning to think I am 'getting on' to concrete work all right. Have found it will not do to be too saving of cement if work is to stand and last. And I have discovered from observation that much of the hurried, contract work in concrete is far from what it ought to be. I have found after repeated trials that batching has quite an element of lonesomeness about it. Indeed, if I had to run a bachelor's hall as a regular thing I should resolve myself into a committee of the whole and propose a vigorous strike to be entered upon immediately. Yet, strangely enough, being alone evenings I do not mind as much as during the day. Reading takes up my attention and ten o'clock comes soon enough. But through the day, not to see that other reasonable creature with whom my existence is blended and confused, flitting about the premeses tends to bring on the feeling that an important member of the firm is missing."

Oct. 29, 1913--"The Mexican question is [in] the fore now-a-days. The election held on the 26th was, of course, a fizzle. At a presidential election in Mexico a certain proportion of voters must vote to make the election legal. The vote fell short, so Huerta will still hold the job. The bloody tyrant Huerta is now dictator, king, czar,--the 'it.' How long this state of affairs will continue, it is hard to conjecture, perhaps until he is assassinated which is likely to happen soon. Uncle Sam may have to go down & set things to rights. Andrew Briner accidently injured one of his eyes & has had it taken out. Bad lick for him. Just hear that Mr. Cline's house burned last Sunday, nearly everything lost. Several movements on foot to help him. No family excepting wife. He is one-armed which makes [it] still worse. He lives far up in mountains on upper Wagner Creek.
      "Eggs 40 c per dozen. Sold two dozen to day. Get only 3 or 4 a day. It would be nice if a breed of hens should be discovered or developed that would lay lots of eggs when eggs are high."

Oct. 30, 1913--"Spend most of day raking [and] burning leaves from lawn & back yard. Got away with lots of leaves but they are falling fast. Getting rid of the leaves is the only drawback to the luxury of having the big oaks for shade. After all, if the oak were not a deciduous tree it would afford too much shade in winter. So we'll not complain if cleaning up the leaves does make some extra work once a year. But [after] several hours of raking & burning I easily concluded they were 'thick as autumnal leaves that strew the brooks in Vallambrosa.' I never admired Milton as a poet yet I must admit he gave us a line here that is true poetry. It is a charming phrase, indeed, and not easily forgotten.
      "Killed an old hen this morning, moulting, pin feathers a plenty. Too much of a job to pick so I took hide & feathers together--very quickly done. Am cooking her this evening. Tough. Steady cooking from 6 until now--10--& none too tender yet. Guess I'll leave a slow fire as I go to bed & let cook an hour or so longer. She is a Leghorn, slightly larger than a quail."

Oct. 31, 1913--"Gather 175 walnuts late P.M. Have gathered the last walnut several times, yet when I look again I find more. They must grow & get ripe in a night. I made a thorough search about two days ago & was sure I had got the last one & that it would not be necessary to look again, but to-day I thought I would leisurely stroll along under the trees to see if I really had overlooked any--& found 175 nice nuts. Of course I dont care how long they hold out.
      "My chicken--old hen--on cooking last eve got tender at last & was O.K.
      "Charles G. Gates, son of the late famous millionaire John W. Gates, died suddenly a few days ago in Wyoming. He was sure some spendthrift, $20,000 000 in his own name, he was apparently trying to get rid of it as fast as possible. With princely lavishness he tipped waiters and of course they were glad to see him come. He always traveled in a palatial special car, and oftimes in a special train. Well intensive pleasure is seldom extensive. He lived high--lived fast--and died young. Did he get the most enjoyment out of life by such a course? Perhaps he thought so."

Nov. 1, 1913--"L. brings S. home late A.M., loads in Minnie's organ as he returns. He go[t] no deer. Plenty of does but bucks scarce. Many hunters have the same experience this year. Drive to T. P.M. for butter & bacon. The state dairy inspector gave me a call early A.M. It seems we must move up out of the antiquated methods of dairying which will require some innovations. For instance the manure heap must be not less than 50 feet from the cow stable, etc, etc. The millions of deadly germs all about us, cause lots of bother. Our fore dads knew nothing nothing about these terrors yet they got along somehow. Sometimes I think we are a little loony on the germ question. Perhaps the Mental Scientists might offer an explanation, to the effect that we are what we think we are, if we have got it into our heads, somehow, that germs of a thousand kinds will knock us out unless we fight 'en to a finish, why, we'll have to fight 'en, that's all. One prominent hog raiser writes that no stranger should be permitted to enter your hog lot until he has wiped his feet ona Kresot soaked mat!!! Isn't that the limit?"

Nov. 2, 1913--"Rake & burn leaves P.M. Also gathered the last of the walnuts again--3 dozen. Suddenly crippled with rheumatism in right foot late P.M. Severe could not walk without cane for a while. S. had to let out cows."

Nov. 3, 1913--"Foot O.K. or nearly so, this morning. It was a short but mighty acute attack of rheumatism--first time I was ever completely knocked out by that miserable ailment. Am now much interested in Cook's North Pole books which I got from the Sacramento Union. He sure had a tough time. Generally, reading works of travelers & explorers tends to arouse in me the old desire to be on the move, but I would draw the line at traveling in cold regions. Dog sledging over frozen seas with the mercury 40 to 60 below zero wouldn't suit me at all at all. Too chilly. Not feeling at my best to day. Not much doing. Gathered the last [walnuts] again--some over 4 dozen."

Nov. 4, 1913--"Mr. Carl S. Bribeck called early P.M. to secure burial lot for infant child who lived but 8 hours. After going to cemetery with him I went to T. for supplies & to vote. But I didn't vote. I had not studdied the five measures to be voted on sufficiently to enable me to cast what might be called an inteligent vote. No other kind of vote would suit me. So I considered the better plan would be not to vote at all. Very pleasant day. S. calls on Edith C. P.M. Met Mr. Cline who was burned out & gave him $1.50=to 1 sk flour."

Nov. 5, 1913--"Pass the time nicely by reading Cook polar trip. They kept marching on even, at times, with thermometer as low as 83° below zero. Their sufferings were intense. The question would frequently come to mind while reading of their terrible hardships, Was the game really worth the candle? Cook partly [omission] by admitting that the leading incentive with him was to accomplish a feat that scores of others had tried and failed. There is a pride in the thought that human brain and muscle can stand off the terrible forces of nature as manifested in those circum-polar regions. When I reflect that hundreds of lives have been sacrificed in polar quests I cannot help but realize the great degree of courage it must require on the part of any one to make the attempt.
      "I have little doubt that Cook first reached the long sought goal. If he did he should have the honor and Peary should be forever disgraced for his persistent attempts to discredit his rival."

Nov. 6, 1913--"Gathered, once more, the last of the walnuts 3 dozen. Still reading Cook's book. Now returning over the ice from the pole. Hard to realize how any kind of pulsating beings of flesh & blood could live through the terrible hardships Cook & his two Esquimo companions encountered. That is if what he relates is true. It certainly reads like fact. If Cook is a faker as Peary would have it, he has no peer in that line that I ever heard of."

Nov. 7, 1913--"S. & I drive to Ashland to do some trading. I procure 15 lbs. of water paint for inside of stables. It is flesh color; and 10 cts. per lb. Will use about 4 lbs to a gallon of water. This makes a cheap paint & O.K. for inside. There is no little tidying up of cow stables in the neighborhood as the result of the visit of the dairy inspector. His visit to this place, however, altered my plans but little if at all excepting perhaps to hurry me a little. Have been intending for some time to make alterations in and about the cow stable to make it more up to date as regards sanitation.
      "H. H. G. started for the East to day. Will go by way of Sacramento. He will have a few hours delay there and intends to take advantage of that opportunity to call on his Uncle. He intends to spend the winter with Fred. L. brings Minnie & the boy up late P.M. to stay a few days presumably.
      "The last Tuesday's election carried everything but the Sterilization Act. Some thought that would go through with big majority. But it seems that the voters were reluctant about mutilating men and women to prevent reproduction."

Nov. 8, 1913--"So warm the fire in sitting room was suffered to go out early in evening. I watch closely the Mexican question. From latest dispatches it seems quite probable that U.S. will recognize the Constitutionalists, or so called rebels, sell them plenty of arms and ammunition and let them put old Huerta out of business. At present Mexico is in reality a monarchy with an unprincipled tyrant at its head. It is well known that Mexico has, as it reads, a very liberal constitution. Under this the people should have ample rights and they are led to think at each election that they are to have all the constitution guarantees, but once in control the bosses never trouble themselves to consult the constitution. Graft to beat the band. If any one objects he is likely to lose his block p.d.q. In most senses the common people are slaves--chattles, have few rights that the governing classes respect. It was, I think, Madero's intention to change all this, to give the people a fair show. He planned to build up the schools all over the land--too educate and enlighten the people--the coming generations at least, so they could know, and knowing, assert their rights. Of course this would never do. The people must be kept in ignorance. Then they could be worked & graft could go right on. So his life was snuffed out. That's the way they do things down in Mexico.
      "I would not advocate assasination, of course, but if a good sized chunk of dinomite should happen to accidentally go off under Huerta's chair & send that potentate just a little ways skyward--say a mile or so & let the fragments come gently down it is not likely there would be much weeping and wailing over it in this country."

Nov. 9, 1913--"Picked 10 boxes pearmains AM. One large tree to finish yet, i.e. the second picking. Lots of scab & wormy apples. The scap to [be] attributed mainly to the unusually wet season. S. Minnie & I walked over P.M. to interview the Work's place. Work has gone to a Cal. soldier's home. Place is shamefully neglected. The heavy growth of Sweet clover about the house, stalks above one's head recalls the description of a South American pampas wilderness."

Nov. 11, 1913--"The Mexican question still looms up big. From latest dispatches it seems quite probable that U.S. will lift the embargo on arms & thus give the Constitutionalists a shove to put Huerta out of business. Surely this seems the most reasonable thing to do. The rebels are fighting for the rights and privileges the Constitution guarantees them. They represent, or claim to represent the cause of the people, while Huerta represents--himself. In justice they should be recognized if there is to be any recognition at all. Anyhow matters are nearing a crisis. A few days will tell.'

Nov. 12, 1913--"Go to T. for 500 lbs. superphosphate to sow on alfalfa. $1.50 per sk. of 125 lbs. Not feeling at my best to day. A good sleep may set me all right by morning."

Nov. 13, 1913--"Daisy lame again. Dont like that. Knocks out our means of getting anywhere. Much interested in a sereal in Saturday Evening Post by the reformed bandit Al. Jennings giving a detailed account of his career as lawbreaker & also his life in prison. It is hardly likely that the perusal of this true story of crime would be an incentive to anyone to enter a life of crime. Rather the contrary. Yet we do not know what each individual viewpoint would be. Some might reason that to make the outlaw game a success one should quit after a few profitable robberies, skip to a foreign land, join the church & lead henceforth the life of a model citizen. This may be plausible enough in theory but mighty seldom does it work out in practice. All in all I think the moral of the serial is good. Anyway it is interesting reading, holding one's attention with a firm grip. Feeling O.K. again. Slight attack of indigestion was the trouble.
      "Mexican question still the main thing in the newspapers. No doubt every American is anxious to know how it will turn out."

Nov. 14, 1913--"Work A.M. at arranging plank runway for wheel barrow for getting stable manure to new pit. The pit is not quite 50 feet from stable but it will be convenient & I think the Dairy Commission will have to be satisfied. Very cool late P.M. Look for heavy frost.
      "To-day's dispatches say that Huerta has suddenly made himself scarce. Good. Hope he'll stay so.
      "Fearful storms about the great lakes & south through Penn. & West Virginia. Over 100 lives lost on the lakes and millions of property destroyed. Glad my lot is cast in a more pleasant country."

Nov. 15, 1913--"Becky 4 days over time to be fresh. We're getting anxious. May be she is too. Papers report that Frederick A Cook, the explorer, is now in Washington lobying for the appointment of a Congressional committee to consider his claims for having reached the N. pole. In justice this should be done and if it is done Peary may have to take a back seat."

Nov. 16, 1913--"S. goes with Maggie to call on Mrs. Jennie Hogue in Ashland. Mrs Hogue invited them to a strawberry-shortcake dinner. I was included in the invitation but wanted to finish spraying & declined. A generous piece of the shortcake was sent me, however. What would Eastern people think of strawberry shortcake at this time of the year? Mrs. Hogue has sold about $30.00 worth from her patch this fall. Sprayed A.M. Not much doing P.M. Part of the spray dope found its way into one of my eyes which nearly settles adversely the reading question for the evening.
      "Cool, but just above frost this morning. Several down with la grippe in the neighborhood. By the way this ailment seems to baffle the M.D.'s. Of course, if called on, they will examine your tongue, feel your pulse, look wise, leave some medicine and depart after offering a pleasant word of encouragement that you will likely be all right in a few days. Doctors must know whether they do or not. This leads to the reflection that the practice of medicine is a peculiar calling indeed. Each physician in a town is likely to have his particular customers or patients who stick to him and wouldn't have the other doctor if he would come free gratis.
      "Am reminded that when a small boy in my native town in Vermont there were two old and well established doctors who looked after the human ailments in the community. Of course each had his regular set of patients who had full faith in him but who regarded the other doctor as no good. Their names were Warner & Daniels respectively. To show his appreciation of one of these M.D.s and his estimate of the other a wag got off the following.
      'Take Dr. Warner's old white horse
      And dress him up in flannel,
      And let him practice a day or two,
      And he'd know more'n Doctor Daniel.'"

Nov. 17, 1913--"S. & I work in tank tower encasing water pipes with papers to prevent freezing. Work in shop P.M. A rat or skunk got away with a trap which I had set in shop loft. I failed to locate him or the trap. A skunk got into the shop a few nights ago & scented up things good & fine. The scent had nearly subsided, but to-day as I was sorting out some lumber from an assorted pile, suddenly a fresh eruption of skunk scent struck me. Perhaps a skunk is now in that pile."

Nov. 18, 1913--"Work on shop most of A.M. Went on a grand hunt for the lost trap and whatever might be in it. Found trap with skunk attached in the pile of odds & ends of lumber. Gently--quite gently-- I took him by the tail & carried him into the open, trap & all. He was of course immediately converted into a good skunk. I had often heard that a skunk cannot make use of his defensive tactics when suspended by the tail but this is the first time I ever tried it. He didn't scent. Perhaps he couldn't. My faith is not strong enough, however, to cause a hankering for packing skunks by the tail. It might be salf [safe?] enough in most instances, but who knows but there is now and then a skunk, a little smarter than his fellows who may have, somehow, got on to the gymnastic twist of shooting straight up? Went down to Bob's late P.M. to buy a gallon of cream to help out our can. If Beckey--now a week over due--has no bad luck we should have a fuller can shortly. This is 'apple day.' Every man, woman, and child in the U.S. is supposed to eat at least one apple to day. I have eaten four, besides baked apple and apple pie."

Nov. 19, 1913--"Take cream early A.M. S. goes also to take motor for Ashland to spend the day visiting friends. New heifer calf at 10 last. Becky sick with milk fever to day. Get Bob & Ed., Work with her for several hours P.M. Give the air treatment--pumping air into udder. Cow seemed past all hope when we began. In about two hours cow rallied, got to her feet. At this writing--9 P.M. she seems in a fair way to recover. Strange remedy. Cant imagine why & how inflating the udder with air can produce such a marvelous effect. She may not be out of danger yet."

Nov. 20, 1913--"Ed came up A.M. to help me give Becky some necessary treatments,--warm water injections etc. Think she is out of danger now but fear she will be of but little use as far as helping out the cream can is concerned, this season. Cold, too cold for comfort. Glad I have but little rustling around to do in the wet & cold. A short snow storm A.M. First of the season here in valley. Mountains well whitened now. Calf has crooked, or at least a weak foreleg. May not be able to straighten it."

Nov. 21, 1913--"This has been a black letter day for us. Becky took a relapse, got down never to rise. Ed. R. came with his team and we buried her in the bottom this afternoon. At nine P.M. yesterday she seemed fully out of danger. She was a valuable cow & we look upon it as at least a $100-dollar loss. Gave the calf to Bob. P. as it would have [been] out of the question for us to raise it with buying 'new' milk. An agent happened in just before cow died who, he said, had had considerable experience in such cases. He told of a case of relapse from milk fever similar to this. He summoned a veterinary doctor (who had also been called when cow was first taken & gave the air treatment) who said that a strong tonic was the only thing now, recommending whisky. This was given and the cow died p.d.q. We tried Wednesday to reach a Vet. by phone but failed. Are satisfied we did about what he would have done anyway. It would be interesting to know the immediate cause of death. The afterbirth 'cleared' O.K. Warm water renal injection sufficiently relieved the constipated condition. Quien sabe?"

Nov. 22, 1913--"Ed Foss phoned to get a cemetery lot for Mr. & Mrs. Polaski's babe who died at 3 A.M. Only lived about a week. Not much doing balance of day. Ed. Foss called awhile P.M. He is getting a fair start in raising Belgian hares; thinks they will help to solve the high cost of living as far as meat is concerned. Thinks they can be raised at half the cost of chickens & that they are twice as valuable. If Belgian hares are as fine eating as the big jack rabbits of Eastern Oregon or Kansas I wouldn't mind keeping a few. Foss gave $11. for one hare--fancy stock perhaps."

Nov. 23, 1913--"Went for Mrs. W. D Holdridge A.M. to spend the day; took her back late P.M. Went to burial of the Polaski child at 2 P.M. Work some at stopping cracks in tower loft for greater protection of the water pipes in cold weather. Have found that it is best to prepare for colder weather than we are likely to have so to be sure and safe. The freezing of water pipes causes lots of inconvenience & also expense."

Nov. 24, 1913--"S. gets a letter [from] Sacramento, from 'Aunt Jennie.' Lloyd is now 85 but enjoying excellent health for one of that age; is even lending a hand in shingling a barn. Not a very safe thing to do I should judge. He is the youngest of a family of eleven, the only one surviving & has reached a greater age than any of his brothers and sisters. Stephen came next, 84. A somewhat remarkable case as he has had poor health for years."

Nov. 25, 1913--"Busy at painting inside of horse stable with cold-water paint. Looks of stable much improved. Reports from indirect sources that Pres. Wilson may recognize Huerta is now known to be wholly unfounded."

Nov. 26, 1913--"Ed. R. attended the turkey shoot in Phoenix & brought home two nice birds, so that household can have a thanksgiving turkey all right."

Nov. 27, 1913--"Thanksgiving. A very quiet day with S. & me. No R.R. mail so I drive down A.M. for mail. Frost this morning; light. Some wind. Short shower about 5 P.M. Our hens observed Thanksgiving by laying no eggs. This is the second time this fall they have got down to zero--and eggs 45 cts. Late papers have much to say about the high price of eggs. There seems to be a sort of cold-storage trust or combine which has much to do with egg prices. Some prospect that the government will look into it."

Nov. 29, 1913--"Have just finished Jack London's Valley of the Moon which has been running for several months in Cosmopolitan. It is a capital story. In the earlier chapters the reader would be led to think the story to be a defense of strikes--Socialistic--but not so the conclusion. The lesson seems to be for a wage worker in the termoil of a labor strike to beat the game by taking the initiative and going into something for himself & be independent of employers. So his hero & heroine strike out on foot to look for a location; i.e. a few acres of land which they can rent or buy. They, after a long [journey] through Northern California and Southern Oregon, find the ideal place in the 'Valley of the Moon' in Sonoma County, California--and of course are happy ever after.
      "Boyd Robison has bargained for the Works place & will no doubt move in soon. He will have a tough job fixing it up for it has been most shamefully neglected."

Nov. 30, 1913--"By invitation S. & I took turkey-dinner at Maggie's. And the turkey was way-up & no mistake. If I could have roast turkey like that about 7 times a week I wouldn't mind living right on for a hundred more.
      "Ed & Edith C. & Alice R. with the children were also guests. Beautiful afternoon, but clouds up some later, & S. thinks we are to have more wind. S. seems to have a peculiar faculty of scenting wind, & she generally hits it right. Old Mrs. Sherman, staying at Maggie's, of course drifted into Spiritualism. I remarked that if the spirit, mind or soul of man survived in a conscious existance after death I could see no valid reason why the minds of the lower animals should not do likewise. Mrs. S. replied that she & many other spiritualists so beleve. Sure such a theory is bound to bring up some queer thoughts: if the disembodied spirit of every human being and of every lower animal that ever lived are still in existence 'over there' the other world is well represented numerically. As to Spiritualism I neither affirm, nor deny. Simply dont know, but wish I did."

Dec. 1, 1913--"Not much on hand at just at present. Perhaps I might be classed as a gentleman of leisure. That is what I should like to be and what I will have to be before long by virtue of necessity. But an unwelcome thought comes to mind to the effect that when that time comes I may not be in condition, mentally & physically to enjoy such leisure as well as I should like. Decrepit old age is a state I would dodge if it were possible to do so. Life is sweet, perhaps, in a general sense but when the powers an[d] faculties by means of wwhich life can be made desirable are, in the main, put out of commission one would better 'wrap the drapery of his couch about him and lie down to pleasant dreams.' Spiritualists claim they have inside information to the effect that 'over there' we shall not have to contend with mental and physical infirmaties as we do in this life. Sure, that would be a 'consummation devoutly to be wished.'"

Dec. 2, 1913--"Really science seems to be fast invading the fields of the miraculous. For instance I am reading this evening of the wonderful experiments of doctors Carrol, & Burrows in making tissue grow outside the living body. Had this been accomplished during the Middle Ages the perpetrators would have got an effective warming around a stake. Now certain defective organs in one body may be replaced by corresponding organs from another body.
      "S & I received in mail box an unsigned invitation to a Sunday-school--benefit entertainment. May forget to go."

Dec. 3, 1913--"Ed. R. comes early A.M. for gun, kettle & butcher knives. Kills hogs to day. . . . Mrs. Sherman sends a paper--'Progressive Thinker'--for me to read. Somehow spiritualistic writings tend to confuse me. There seems to be such a variety of views purporting to be the 'messages' from those who have 'passed over', as to the conditions on the other side. One would judge it to be an almost exact counterpart of earthly conditions excepting greater opportunities and endless time in which to take advantage of them. Of course this is a pleasing thought. To keep on progressing, finding out new and startling truths and an eternity of time at one's disposal to follow progressive inclinations, why, could anyone imagine anything more desirable? If genuine, dead sure proof of all this were produced--proof so convincing that a mind as skeptical as my own would accept it without the least shade of doubt, I would throw up my old hat so high that I might never see it again. But quien sabe?"

Dec. 4, 1913--"A surveyor from Ashland, Mr. T. Hill's son-in-law, comes down, as per engagement to plat the Oddfellows part of cemetery. Comes here for W.C. Cemetery deed & chart. Go with him to cemetery. Mighty cold day for such work. Not much doing. Pump froze for first time this season. Fixed up to day so it will be safe from now on. By the way the Progressive Thinker mentioned in yesterday's jottings reports a case which is somewhat unique to say the least. A little girl, 5 years old died. Soon after, the mother, so she states, plainly saw her daughter standing by her side & heard her talk, assuring her mother that she was going to stay right by her & that she--her mother--need not be downcast etc. This kept up for a time when one day she had some good news for her mother. At the time, as informed by the spirit daughter, the mother was likely to become a mother again--the future child now being the tiniest embryo. The spirit girl was going to reincarnate herself--enter her mother's womb, become a twin of the same stage of development as the other bit of embryo, so to be born at the same time. Of course from this time on the spirit daughter failed to make her regular appearance by her mother's side. Needless to say, however, that in due process of time twins were born to that household, & one developed into an exact counterpart, mentally and physically of the daughter that had 'passed over.' Now this is a strange occurrence and had I not read it in a newspaper of good repute I might have some misgivings about accepting it as gospel truth. And even as it is it would go down better with a little seasoning.
      "A theosophist, however, would not look upon such a proceeding as strange at all. Many questions might arise here. For instance if such reincarnations were possible, could not the reincarnating subject take up its abode in the womb of an unmarried woman and be developed just the same? Quien Sabe? Perhaps here may be found the innocent cause of many a scandal.
      "Well, there are some strange things in heaven & earth & perhaps this may be counted as one. A prominent Freethinker wrote a book on The Crime of Credulity. He certainly hit upon a good subject."

Dec. 5, 1913--"A little warmer, 29 at 7 A.M. Fog a trifle lighter. Some cloudy. We look for a change soon. Really, such weather as we have had for the last few days is enough to provoke a doctor of divinity to say something emphatic. And, of course, just common sinners like the most of us are likely to express our opinion of the weather in language too emphatic to be elegant. A very penetrating cold seems to accompany foggy weather; one's insides will begin to chill first, whereas in clear, dry, cold one chills from the outside in, which is more preferable. Northern explorers tell us that they experience but little suffering with the mercury down to 50 & 60 below 0 providing the air is dry & still. I recall one occasion in Eastern Oregon where a friend & myself found it necessary to be out in a sleigh for several hours when the thermometer hung at 32 below 0 and experienced little discomfort. I have suffered far more in the fog and wind along the coast of Southern California. Ed. & B. phones for me to go down & get fresh meat. Being too bashful to decline such an invitation, I go down & get sausage & spareribs enough to last us a month. Fog sets in heavy again late P.M."

Dec. 6, 1913--"Cold & foggy most of day; a very little sunshine. Not much doing on this ranch but stay in & take things easy. Erma comes up late P.M. to stay over. Big dance in T. and a Sunday-school benefit entertainment at Wagner Creek school house to night, but S. & I & Erma find it very comfortable by our home fireside. Conclude that I am enjoying myself very well after all during this disagreeable weather. Read some through the day and about 5 hours of an evening. Newspapers by day and magazines & books in the evening. If eyesight failure or from any other cause I should be obliged to cut out reading I should be in a fix sure. Boyd Robison is busy fixing up the Works place, so he can move in."

Dec. 7, 1913--"This foggy time calls to mind a close shave from a wreck, or at least a bad collision at sea I experienced many years ago not far north of where the Titanic went down. I was on a black-fishing [whaling] schooner. It was night dark & densely foggy. And the Grand Banks of New-Foundland is about the foggiest place in the world. Another young fellow and I were on watch forward. Suddenly a peculiar sound came to our ears that made us take notice. We called the officer on watch. He came forward and listened but concluded all was O.K. & went back. Soon we heard it again--no mistake this time--& again called the officer. He scented the trouble & gave orders accordingly. And none too soon. In another moment the big black hull of a brig loomed above our larboard bow, the nearest approach being perhaps 30 feet. As the officer remarked, 'She could have thrown a biscuit down to us.' Had each vessel not discovered the other in the nick of time there would have been a collision and no doubt the schooner, being so much smaller, would have got the worst of it. But--'a miss is as good as a mile.'"

Dec. 9, 1913--"Bothered somewhat with neuralgia in left side of face; perhaps due to weather, perhaps to some kind of indigestion. May have to slow up on spare-ribs.
       "Some of the Suffragest women in Washington were mad as blazes because Pres. Wilson did not mention Woman Suffrage in his late message, so a few of the leaders called on him. He gave them a fine answer, full of good sense and good logic, to the effect that he could not act as an individual in recommending measures to Congress. He must act as a representative of his people. They, in the main, must take the initiative. He may act as spokesman. It was fine. He took pains that they saw the point."

Dec. 10, 1913--"Learn that old Mr. Judd died suddenly late P.M. yesterday. He was past 85."

Dec. 11, 1913--"Helped Ormy cut up his hogs & salt the meat A.M. S. & I rake & burn leaves P.M. Plenty of backbones & spareribs on hand now. Quite possibly I should get along just as well, perhaps a little better, without the pig meat. In theory I should be classed as a vegetarian & many years ago I was for a time very nearly one in practice--fully so as far as pork is concerned. But I got over it. In winter meat especially pork seems to fill the bill. But I have no strong arguments to offer in opposition to vegetarianism. Am sure the American people eat too much meat."

Dec. 12, 1913--"Delivery boy from Vanderlius & Burgan's, brings about 300 lbs chicken feed, also flour & other groceries, P.M. Busy at small jobs. Maggie brings us a plate of fresh sausage. Sure there is no famine in this household as far as swine's flesh is concerned. Am afraid S. & I will have to have more than 3 meals a day to get away with it all. Recurring again to the question of meat diet, vegetarians put out a clincher when they assert that meat is 'second hand' food--animals eat vegetables, fruits grains and grasses etc & we eat the animals. More chance for impurities. More subject to fevers and kindred diseases if diet is largely of meats. Furthermore they remind us that many animals whose flesh we esteem are mainly flesh eaters & this gives us 'third hand' food very much increasing the danger of impurities. But few Jews eat the hog & the Jews seldom have scrofula. They say the Lord in the old Jewish law ruled out swine's flesh and they think it a mighty inconsistency that the hog, condemned under the law of God, the father, should be upheld under the Gospel of the alleged Son of God."

Dec. 13, 1913--"S. & I drive to town P.M. Get Daisy shod. S. does trading at Van. & Burgan's Christmas presents. Have now traded to the amount of $30.00 at this store during Nov. & Dec. which entitles us to a prize--a fine wicker rocking chair for $1.50--chair worth perhaps $6.00."

Dec. 15, 1913--"Bring home prize chair. It is just the thing. Get letter from Lindly. He has not heard from Fred for two years. Dont understand it. He doesn't write me either. Answered L's letter this evening."

Dec. 16, 1913--"S. & I with Blanch drive to Ashland for Xmas shopping. Return about 4.30 P.M. Cool riding. Didn't stop for dinner so were ready for substantial lunch on getting home. Had a short visit with Dr. Parsons, Dr. Brower & Stock."

Dec. 17, 1913--"Had a half hours chat with W. H. Breese on Spiritualism. Of course he is as firm in the faith as ever. With him there is not the faintest shadow of doubt--at least that can be detected. He wants me to read Sir Oliver Lodge's late talk to his brother scientists, giving his reasons for believing in a future life. It is given in the Progressive Thinker.
      "Sir Oliver is one of the leading scientists of the world, so his opinion should have value."

Dec. 18, 1913--"Papers full of Xmas matters. Will be glad when Christmas is over. Believe most people make too much fuss over Xmas giving anyhow. Seems hard to get away from old customs. No doubt many sacrifice in order to give presents--presents, too, that may be only lightly appreciated. Hope this does not happen often. Surely the recipient of a gift should have a nature noble enough to fully appreciate the spirit in which a present is given whether the gift per se is desired or not."

Dec. 19, 1913--"Ran across an old [book] on Mormonism in library that I had never read. It had been handled roughly, I should judge by its appearance--leaves loose, some gone, etc, yet I thought I would tackle it. It proves to be interesting. May refer to it again."

Dec. 20, 1913--"Erma comes up to stay over night. S. is dressing a doll for her for Xmas, & of course she has to hide the work. Still reading that Mormon story but it almost too horrible to be interesting. Sure those polygamous Mormons were a hell of a set."

Dec. 21, 1913--"Erma goes home late A.M. Have finished the Mormon book. Have read & heard much of those peculiar people. They seem to be an organization of religious fanatics who would not hesitate a moment to commit any act, no matter how criminal or mean, if in their view, it would help out the church. There is little doubt that their 'destroying angels' have committed many a brutal & cowardly murder because it was in the interest of the church. Many years ago when in Salt Lake City a friend pointed out to me the well known leader of the band of cut-throats employed by the church as 'Destroying Angels.' Many a hellish deed has been traced to that gang--the Mountain Meadow Massacre for one. Poliygamy was the leading feature of their church doctrine and which, strange as it may seem, was what, more than any other one thing, that helped to build up the organization. The Mormon women--especially married women--were slaves, pure & simple, having no rights that their 'lords' were bound to respect. Of course the U.S. Government has put an end to all this, at least made it illegal, yet many 'Gentiles' in Salt Lake state that the practice is carried on to no small extent secretly. Old Brigham Young was the head brute of lot and if he is now occupying an exalted position in heaven, as all Mormons believe, let me be ticketed to the other place."

Dec. 22, 1913--"Go to T. P.M. for supplies--take 3 dozen eggs--40 cents. Am told 35 c price to-morrow. S. goes as far as Blanch's to call on Mrs. Chapman who is visiting there. To cool to make it pleasant riding. S. busy sending out Xmas cards. Quite a job. Not at my best. Light touch of neuralgia in face & jaws. Cant bite anything hard."

Dec. 23, 1913--"Go to T. P.M. to take box apples for Mr. Miller to send away as a Xmas present. Also to get some mony orders. Wind sets in late P.M.--East wind & cold to beat the Dutch. It would seem that a big storm is about to strike us. Both somewhat busy this evening fixing up & labeling Xmas things. Giving Xmas presents is a puzzling job for me. So I fall back on books & in the main stop there.
   For L.C. I got Pardner, by Rex Beach.
    "  Minnie, The Country Boy--Homer Davenport.
    "  Ed. R., David Harum by E. N. Westcott
    "  Blanch R. The Barrier by Rex Beach.
    "  S. That Printer of Udels, H. R. Wright.
      "Sent on the 15th inst for some reading matter for myself. Doubtful if it comes through in time for Xmas. Also subscribed for Progressive Thinker for S. Quite likely I may read it as much as she. S. is addressing Xmas cards this evening to beat the band."

Dec. 24, 1913--"S. & I read That Printer of Udels, aloud, turn about. Finished this evening. Good story. Every old-fashioned church member should read it. It goes in for practical Christianity, not long faces and lip service on one day in the week."

Dec. 25, 1913--"Xmas. A beautiful day, warm like April. Take Xmas, turkey dinner at Ed's. L. & Minnie & the boy, John Morgan & family, Grandpa Downs & S. & I were the guests. A fine dinner & a fine time. All did eat and were filled--chock full. A nice Xmas tree well loaded with presents was a leading feature. S. & I call at Maggie's in evening. Orson Stearns & wife were there. Interesting to hear Orson tell of his automobile trip back to the East. He returned by train, however, stopping off at Salt Lake City. He was with a gentleman who runs a large machine, & thinks a smaller & lighter auto would have done better."

Dec. 27, 1913--"Writing New Years Cards this evening--about a dozen, S. & I. Books I sent East for arrived to-day. Plenty reading now. It may encroach on my time for writing the proceedings of each day. The books are
Story of the Wild West, by Buffalo Bill.
World's Greatest Detectives--Barton
The Oregon Trail     Marquam

Dec. 28, 1913--"Book No. 1 of The Wonders of Science in Modern Life in treating of the evolution of man from way back in his ancestral ape-like conditions to his present state makes the following statement:
   " 'No non-human animal makes any form of implement to aid it in performing its daily work.' This may be literally true, yet, I think, most investigators along evolutionary lines concede that many non-human animals make use of tools already fashioned at hand by nature, such as stones, clubs etc. From this stage it would seem but an easy step to preparing a stick or club for ease of handling by breaking off the small side branches or stubs, which it is claimed, the more intelligent apes and monkeys have been observed to do. If this be true, would it not be 'making' or fashioning a tool? When spending a few months among the islands North of the Strait of Fuca in the present state of Washington, I was told by the old-time residents there that coons used stones to aid them in breaking the shells of clams they found or dug out along the beaches. Many would willingly take oath on a stack of bibles--or cards either--that they had repetedly seen the coons perform this trick. At all events it is pretty well believed up there that crows have caught on to a valuable trick to accomplish the same result; that is, by flying with a clam held firmly in the claws until over a large 'table' or flat rock, then dropping the clam and following it down to find it broken. At Pole Pass at the southern point of Orcas Island there is a huge flat rock which the crows seem to have selected especially for this purpose. I have seen crows drop clams on this rock, then circle down to enjoy the dainty morsel, but that it was all done intentionally might not be so easy to prove. Of course there is no making, or fashioning a tool in this case, even if it is a genuine trick on the part of the crows, but it must be admitted that it furnishes evidence of reasoning from cause to effect. It is certainly a difficult problem to draw a clear cut line between the human & the non-human. Evolution is a slow process."

Dec. 29, 1913--"Cold, disagreeable. Stay in & read & rock. New Year's cards from Frank D[ean]. In answer to my inquiry about Fred, he says has had no word from him for two years. Neither has Lindly. The last letter I received from him was dated March 31st, 1912, in which he says that owing to his unfortunate trouble (something akin to epileptic spells) he cannot work for others, & wants to secure a small piece of land. Thinks he would then be more independent. I[n] his etter he says he has a friend who would go in with him if there was any way to get the land. He asks if I know of a suitable location for such an enterprise up here. They would raise chickens, do market gardening etc. I mildly disuaded him from attempting such a thing for I was sure that no one in his condition could make it win. It is strange that he does not write to his brothers. In this last to me he says that he lately received a letter from L. urging him to become a Christian. In view of the fact that Fred is a full fledged unbeliever it may be easily imagined what he thought of such advice. L. has been a zealous, stand-pat Baptist from his youth up & of course it is next to impossible for such a devout believer to comprehend how anyone can doubt--sincerely doubt--the great truths of Holy Writ. Frank is sceptical but his social position is such that he deems it necessary to keep his thoughts on religious matters to himself. Fred, having no family or social restraints, does not hesitate to speak out whenever opportunity offers. About 10 years ago, directly after I had located my blood kin, L & Bertha were at once anxious to know my religious status. I gave both the desired information as briefly but pleasantly as possible. L. never mentioned the subject again, but Bertha wouldnt let up, but continued to favor me with long and earnest dissertations, like sermons, quoting scripture a plenty. So I was really driven to expressing my views plainly & forcibly. An easily noticed coldness pervaded her subsequent letters. A copy, typewritten, of my letter to her in answer to his [sic] earnest pleadings and arguments is preserved among my papers [now lost--ed.]. She did not bring up the subject again excepting in one instance. Fred, very unwisely, sent her a copy of each of my booklets, The Christ Story, and 'The [Bible] Prophecies.' [I have been unable to locate a copy of The Christ Story.--ed.] She was sure that I requested Fred to send them, so I had to get right in & disabuse her mind of such a thought. Those books, if she read them, must have set her wild, for she was a religious fanatic of the most uncompromising type.
      "Fairly clear at this writing--10 P.M.
      "But recurring again to Bertha Newton, I must add here that I regret exceedingly that I did have an opportunity to visit her and her interesting family before her death. She died in Sept. 1911. See record. I was home in 1869. She was then two years old. She was small of her age & very delicate. Very few thought she would survive many years. She took to me at once although her mother declared the little thing was very coy of strangers. I would carry her about mounted on my shoulders, which she thought was great sport. I never saw her since. Indeed there was a time when for years I had lost all trace of any blood relatives. I made several ineffective efforts to locate them and finally succeeded in running down Frank E. Dean in Orange Mass. Then of course I found the rest, but was surprised to find that B. was not only still living, but married and the mother of a numerous household of apparently robust children. The fall before her death--perhaps it was one year earlier--I thought of taking a brief trip to Colorado to visit her. I deemed it prudent, however, to write first to ascertain if the family would be there and not away East, perhaps, on a visit. Of course I gave her no inkling of my intended trip. She replied that she & her husband were to start soon for S. California to spend the winter, that they could not come via S. Oregon. She would give me their address as soon as they reached Los Angeles. The idea struck me that I might go down there & see her & Fred also. I waited & waited for word from her--waited 4 months & a card came written on the train just as they were starting for home. I felt like giving vent to some emphatic expressions. I am bound to think that she did not want to meet me on account of my terrible infidelity. This is all the more evident from the fact that she took no pains to look up Fred, knowing him to be in the city. Indeed did not know of her spending the winter there until I wrote him to that effect. But religion can override the natural feelings sometimes. Tis pity, but 'tis true."

Dec. 30, 1913--"Wind & rain; rain & wind, during latter part of night & most of day. Stay in by virtue of necessity. When sitting still, to feel well & enjoy myself I must slow up on eating. Necessary to cut out 1/2 or 3/5 of amount I could easily get away with when hard at work or exercising freely. Yesterday I failed to slow down enough and experienced some digestional trouble. To day I got down to business & felt fine. Breakfast at 8, dinner at 1.30--two meals & very light ones too."

1914

Jan. 1, 1914--"The day for good resolutions. The 'regulation' resolution, backed up by all sorts of emphatic demonstrations, is often of a fleeting nature. It may hold out ten, or now & then, thirty days but this is about the limit. Inward, quiet, silent, almost subconscious resolutions are likely to do duty a little longer. In the case of the writer one or two such resolutions seem to have found lodgment somehow. The conscious self does not vouch for their permanency. Time will tell.
      "By the way a resolve of this nature, made two years ago to keep a diary seems to have held out fairly well, at least somewhat better than the efforts of the boy mentioned in the first entry.
      "So this is the first entry for the third year. It may hold out--and may not. Quien sabe?
      "A light shower during night & a few sprinkles early A.M. Went to Phoenix to take New Years dinner. Learn that the wind storm of Monday night & Tuesday was very severe at Phoenix. Blew L's chicken house completely over--bottom side up. Raised Bear Creek higher than it has been for years."

Jan. 2, 1914--"Maggie brings down copies of Pro. Thinker containing Sir Oliver Lodge's address on the Continuity of Life. Have just read it. It is profoundly scientific. His endeavor is to furnish evidence of a continued existence from pure scientific sources. The reasoning is masterly. In yesterday's entry I omitted to mention a matter of interest to me. It seems that during 1914 an attractive card is always to be found beside my plate and meal time. On the upper right hand corner of this card is a sharply defined arrow; on the upper left-hand corner, a hand; both pointing to a very plain but distinct inscription below which reads: 'Danger! Go slow!' It doesn't matter who orriginated the idea or how it came about. Enough to say that the card will invariably be in place and appeal to my attention. At every meal I shall notice the danger signal. I shall see it with the eye of faith. Others will not notice it. But to me it will be equal to and should have all the effect of a genuine reality. If I heed this monitor it will no doubt be better for me here and hereafter. Selah!"

Jan. 3, 1914--"Erma comes up to stay over. She has had three teeth extracted to day & her jaws are somewhat tender. Recurring to the card item of yesterday I am reminded of a one time popular religious hymn which tells us that there is a place that is fairer than any locality on earth, and the believer sings: 'And by faith I can see it afar.'
      "Now it occurs to me that if my Christian friends can, by faith, see some lovely port millions of miles in the sky, I would not have to exercise a very large amount of faith to see a bit of a card by the side of my plate a few inches away. . . .
      "A letter from H.H. to day in reply to mine in which I enclosed a humorous clipping from the Portland Telegram on the 'tango.' I suggested to H. that he had better post up on the new dance--learn all the variations--as it is about to invade our peaceful valley, so if he could learn a few new twists and wriggles they would come in play."

Jan. 4, 1914--"Am passing the evening very pleasantly reading Buffalo Bill's own account of his Indian fighting, scouting, buffalo hunting etc. I find that a party that I was with in the fall of 1873, buffalo hunting camped on Prairie Dog Creek in N. Kansas, near where Buffalo Bill & his party camped a few years before. I do not claim that this fact makes me a blood relative of the famous scout. I also met his sister and talked with his [omission] awhile, but Buffalo Bill had not gained his fullest reputation at that time. This reminds me that in the latter 70's while on an extended hunting trip with a party of nine, we camped in a place on Silver Creek in the S.E. part of Oregon where Gen. O. O. Howards command camped the previous year when they were after Chief Joseph and his band of red skins that had gone on the war path. Under a large spreading tree a nice bed had been made for a single person. Willow poles had been sharpened at both ends, bent and driven into the ground to make a frame for cover. A good part of these cover bows were still in place. I promptly appropriated it. Gathering fresh boughs and some dry weeds, or grass, & spreading a piece of a wagon sheet over the bows I had a capital bed. The next day I learned from a settler that that was where General Howard had slept. Yet it would be presumptious in the extreme for me, on account of all this, to claim relationship to the one-armed general.
      "Am reminded still futher that the wife of a blood relative of mine had been a playmate of Queen Victoria when both were children. Now who wouldn't feel proud of such a close relationship to England's famous queen! Yet here I am a one-horse rancher away out in Oregon! Quite possible Queen Victoria never heard of me. Perhaps I should have written and informed her regarding such a close tie of relationship. She might have made me a baron or earl or coachman or head butler or something of that kind. This may be one of my last opportunities. Quien sabe? Well, perhaps I can eke out a little consolation by humming:
      'Of all sad words of voice or pen,
      The saddest are these, It might have been.'"

Jan. 7, 1914--"Finished Buffalo Bill's Wild West yarns this evening. It is interesting all right. It is quite possible and highly probable that many of the thrilling adventures & hair breadth escapes he recounts in his Autobiography have lost nothing in the telling. It seems almost incredible that any human being could go throug[h] what he claims to have done & come out on top.
      "Mrs. Lizzie B. phoned up the other day to S. asking what Spiritualist paper she would recommend, as she (L) wanted to subscribe for one. L. is a Spiritualist now all right & it is a good thing for her that it is so. A good pleader of a revivalist might happen along and swing her back into the church again had she not embraced Spiritualism. S. recommended the Progressive Thinker. That seems to be a very fair publication, broad & tolerant. It will do L. no harm."

Jan. 8, 1914--"Our front door bell has been out of commission for a long time. S. & I set in to see where the trouble lay. Found the thing quite complicated. Had a time getting it together after taking it apart. Found it was not put up right in the first place--spring is wrong. Seems to work now. Reminded me of the puzzling time I had with the electrical apparatus in the early 80's when I was engaged in putting up a scientific lay out of instruments to be used [in] experimental lectures. Am sure I never devoted more persistent & unflagging study & labor on anything than on that. I may add that while I learned something about the subjects of air, electricity and magnatism, the venture was not a success financially. So we (I had a partner) sold the outfit to the University of Washington at Seattle for less than half its cost to us, donating several lectures to aid the University to pay for the apparatus. There was a 40-cell battery, electric machine, 50-dollar induction coil, large electro magnet--home made--all kinds of vacuum tubes etc etc. etc. I was given the credit--honor if you will--of being the first one to introduce any electric light in a house or hall in Washington (then a territory). We used a regular carbon street lamp, not the largest size, operated by a bicromatic battery of 40 cells. A very brilliant light was thus produced but it would hold up but a few minutes. This information we did not impart to the audience, however. I believe I was fairly well 'up' on electricity at that time--about 33 years ago. I would not cut much of a figure, however, in answering questions on that subject now. It is simply marvelous the progress that has been made in that science during the last three decades."

Jan. 9, 1914--"S. & I ride down to T. school house with Ormy & Maggie to an entertainment for benefit of band. The music was way-up. To furnish fun for the children--of all ages--the farce of 'The Educated Mule' was brought out. A fake mule was ushered in on the stage. Two boys for the mule's legs--the upper part of their bodies being, of course, concealed inside the 'mule.' Prof. Agar was the ring master. He had the mule count, tell ages, dance etc. etc. It was fun a plenty. Got home about 10."

Jan. 10, 1914--"Mrs. Terrell comes to spend the day. I take her home P.M. She is spry for one 75 years. She gets much enjoyment out of her strong belief in Spiritualism."

Jan. 11, 1914--"Boyd R. called this morning to get information about certain lines on the Works place he bought. Went with him to do some sighting & measuring."

Jan. 12, 1914--"Write to Ward Newton 616 [East Griffin Avenue] Canon City Colo. for copy of family records in old family bible, which Bertha had in her possession."

Jan. 13, 1914--"Have finished The Oregon Trail. Why the book was given that title is a puzzle. It is a detailed narrative of a trip by a writer--looking for local color perhaps--from St Louis in a round-a-bout way to the Black Hills, then south & down the Arkansas, back to civilization. Gone one season--the summer of 1846. It seems the author took this method to learn as much as possible about the customs & habits of the Indians. He manages to fall in with a large band & travel with them on one of their summer hunting excursions. He is the guest of one of the chiefs. He lives as the Indians do, meat the principal diet. All this offered a fine opportunity to study Indian character. The book is very instructive. The writer narrates the details in such an easy manner that you feel as if you were there with him & looking on. The final impression left on the reader's mind must be that Lo the poor Indian of the Western plains is far from the dignified and high minded aborigine of the Leather Stocking type. My impressions of the 'noble red man,' however, have been pretty well fixed for a long time. I have seen the Diggers of California, took note of their high toned dietary habits--eating with a relish all kinds of vermin--have seen them capture & devour grasshoppers. A shallow ditch is prepared, a light layer of dry grass or leaves placed in the bottom & fired, then the whole camp whoop up and shoo the grasshoppers into the ditch where their wings are singed off & the bodies partially roasted--a delicacy fit for the gods. I have seen the clam eaters of Puget Sound, perhaps as hideous specimens of the genus homo as can be found anywhere. One writer, Charles Nordorph, wrote of them as 'so ugly that they marred the landscape.' His description could not be improved upon. I have seen the Indians of the interior who are, it is claimed, somewhat higher in the scale which is true, yet I am unable to work up a great amount of admiration for any of the Lo's. By the way a thought occurs to me here that possibly but few of the younger generation have any idea how the red man got the nick name of 'Lo.' In Pope's 'Essay on Man' may be found these lines:
      'Lo the poor Indian whose untutored mind
      Sees God in the clouds & hears Him in the wind.'
      "And here again I call to memory the somewhat heated discourses among the students of Pacific University regarding the poetic merits of these lines. Quite a number--myself included--held that the rhyming was faulty for the reason that 'mind' was made to rhyme with 'wind' and that a certain professor was at fault in his instructions that 'wind' should be pronounced with 'i' long to make the rhyme come right. Finally, however, we found authority to the effect that the English have a way of pronouncing 'wind' with the i long, or very nearly so--and that this was the case in Pope's time to a greater extent that at present. Assuming this to be correct we concluded that Pope was exonerated and the lines were O.K. Indeed how common it is for a lot of students to get hold of some little matter like the above and ransack every possible source for argument and keep at it for weeks. Well, it is all educative of course."

Jan. 14, 1914--"Have commenced to read Jack London's Martin Eden which I had read a few years ago in sereal. Am going over it again mainly for the literature in it. My experience has been that the second or third reading of a good book is profitable."

Jan. 15, 1914--"The Ashland Tidings give an account of an eight-course dinner given by some of the high-ups. I should have to ransack a big dictionary for words to express my opinion of such 'style' as that, by rich or poor. Were I as rich as a Rockefeller I think I could find some way of letting people know it without resorting to giving gluttinous dinners. Were the choice left to me I would prefer a baked potato, cream gravy and a hunk of johnycake to any 8-course meal ever gotten up."

Jan. 16, 1914--"S. made a Johny cake out of Nebraska corn meal for breakfast. It was way-up sure. S. must have a good receipe. This reminds me of a story of a Northern lady who was visiting in the South and admired the corn bread made by the negro cook. So she, desiring the recipe, asked a good old Dinah how she made such delicious corn bread. Aunt Dinah gave the information: 'You take a lil' cawn meal, a lil' sou' milk, a lil' sodah, mix 'em up jus' right, bake to a tu'n and it'll be good suah.' No doubt.
      "Some interesting articles in the last Progressive Thinker, especially one by Edgar L. Larkin of the Mt. Louie Observatory, Col. on 'Oscillations: Some of Natures Wonders' having particular reference to the ether, its properties and relations to many of the strange operations of nature. The article is very scientific."

Jan. 17, 1914--"Am getting much entertainment out of Martin Eden. London is master of the art of expression and he has on hand a big stock of first-class ideas to express. Of course he, himself is Martin Eden. He has admitted this in The Valley of the Moon, where he replies to some critics who claim that no one could advance from no knowledge of letters whatever to a literary light of world-wide fame in three years. London declared it could be done for it was done for, he says, 'I was Martin Eden.' London seldom limps, yet I ran across a sentence to day which must have been written a little too hurriedly.
      "Giving Martin's estimate of Ruth I find the following: 'She was the most amazing thing he had ever known, or dreamed, or guessed.' Now it is proper enough to say that we know a person, but dream is here used in the same conection; which will hardly do. One cannot dream a concrete thing. Dream of would be better. The same with guess. We can guess something in the abstract, but not a concrete thing.
      "Recurring to Mr. Larkin's article on ether mentioned yesterday, he says that 'ether is 100 trillion times less dense than hydrogen.' Now that is too rare for any human mind to conceive, for hydrogen is the least dense of any known substance. Furthermore ether is continuous, that is, not made up of atoms and molecules as are all substances called matter. Sir Oliver Lodge does not class ether as matter--indeed here is where he finds the border line between matter & spirit and discovers evidence of the continuity of life."

Jan. 18, 1914--"Ran up to H.H.s early A.M. on an errand. While there Mrs. Sherman asked me if I had read certain articles in the last Progressive Thinker and incidentally said she got a fair grasp on Larkin's article--that she understood it partly by intuition & and partly by aid from spirit sources. For me, I told her, it required no little preliminary study of science, scientific terms etc to get a good grip on such writings. She seemed to thing she had the best of me. She is sure that I have too much faith in rigid scientific methods of investigating phenomena to ever become a Spiritualist. Well, I have always maintained that it is the sanest rule to give science a whack at all mystries that come up before calling in the aid [of] spirits. In the mean time if science discovers proof of continued existance--as Sir Oliver Lodge thinks we are justified in believing has already been done--I shall gladly accept the issue. But while this eminent scientist so concludes, others hold back, & so there you are. It is for me to take in the deductions and conclusions of the great thinkers to the best of my ability and act accordingly. Much of the phenomena of Spiritualism I recognize as genuine but the cause, the source of such phenomena, ay their's the rub. Indeed I should like very much to be a member of some live psychic society, whose business it is to carefully investigate these phenomena with the object of tracing them to their real source. Quite a bit of so-called spirit phenomena has come under my observation, some of which would be, I think, exceedingly hard to explain, & I would gladly give an old black ox--if I had one--for such explanation. For instance if, through some 'Medium,' a clear cut, definite and important bit of information should come to me, of which I had previously no knowledge whatever, nor any other earthly mortal, I should be justified in considering it a mighty tough problem."

Jan. 19, 1914--"My old-time 'pard' R. C. Dement sends a $ for a few of my booklets--says some of his good Christian friends there are getting a little slow on reading their bibles & he thinks my booklets might 'aid' them somewhat. I shall forward books to-morrow & have written him this evening that if the pamphlets will stimulate his pious friends to read their bibles carefully it would be a good thing. That they might find somethings in Holy Writ they were not looking for."

Jan. 23, 1914--"S. & I drive to Phoenix P.M. Take down Wild West Stories to exchange for Rex Beach's Pardners. Am reading that this evening. Beach is good 'un. He is up on miner's slang all right. The book contains a series of separate stories--scenes, in the main, laid in the Klondike. I have experienced rough times in the mines so I can readily take in these sketches of rough mining characters. It is but fair to admit, however, that all kinds of characters drift into the new mines--good, bad & indifferent, with perhaps a greater proportion of gamblers, hold-up men & general sports than are likely to be found in older & more settled communities. It well known also that many of the roughest and most dont-care-a-damn characters in the new mining camps are whole-souled and generous to a fault, not to be outdone in kindness and sympathy where occasion calls for the exercise of these qualities. It is the genuine thing, too. I have known professional gamblers, who would not hesitate a moment to swindle & cheat in the thousands of ways known to experts in the craft, to quickly respond to a call for assistance in cases of need. Thanks are not looked for. Should the one who is helped attempt to express gratitude, the off-hand come-back might be: 'Oh, that's all right, damn it, pass it on [to] the next fellow.' I have a case in point. Two young fellows who were cabining together fell out over grub matters and fought a duel with knives. One received several stabs in the chest, the lungs being severely slashed. It was thought that he deserved all he got for he bore a low character, mean & quarrelsome. Notwithstanding all this, the saloon men & gamblers, as well as others, chipped in & hired a man to nurse him through to health. Old Mary St. Clair, a famous keeper of a house of ill fame took a prominent part in helping the poor fellow, declaring all the time that the son-of-a-- was to[o] mean to live and wished the other fellow had finished him outright, but as it was she couldn't bear to see him suffer."

Jan. 24, 1914--"B. Robison came early A.M., being requested to select a burial lot for old Mrs. Combes who died early this morning. Boyd dug the grave. Mrs. C's husband disappeared suddenly several years ago & no trace of him has ever been found. He left the house apparently to look after some trivial matter about the place & was never seen again, tho dilligent search for him was kept up for months."

Jan. 25, 1914--"Burial of Mrs. Combes P.M.--a stormy time. Still at it as I write. No more disagreeable day this winter. Stay in excepting attending the funeral. Not many out. Preacher had the unusual good sense (for a preacher) to cut short his part.
      ". . . eggs have now dropped to 25 c a dozen so we will have to give them a prominent place in our menu to beat the game. Eggs & butter coming down rapidly and feed still away up. Hard to get things ajusted right. Large importations of butter from New Zealand have much to do, no doubt, with lowering prices here. Of course consumers do not object. The dairymen would maintain high prices if they could. This is the look-out-for-number-one nature. Last summer eggs were 15 c for months--disproportionally low. Hope it will be a little better this season."

Jan. 26, 1914--"About 5 P.M. S. has a 'call' to Edith Cochran. Probably will remain over night. So I am 'by meself alone' this evening. Some phone calls but I make it a rule to let the phone severely alone. To me the average communication by phone is a jumbled up sound. The native Siwash dialect would be as intelligible to me. One to day, however, was so persistent that I thought it best to respond with the statement that the operator at this end was absent. But I hung up without getting that far. If people would talk more slowly, one word at a time, whether by phone or in face to face conversation I could 'catch on' fairly well. But they fail to do that--a large majority at least. This is a fast age. Fast is the watchword all along the line. Clear, distinct measuring of words is no longer popular. It wont do. Time is to precious. As a rule women talk more rapidly than men. When two neighbor ladies meet they find so much to talk about--so many trivial, commonplace matters which must have expression--that conversation takes on a lightning speed. Indeed both may talk at the same time at the rate of several hundred per minute and understand each other perfectly. Let us consider this an art--an accomplishment.
      "A few visionary thinkers cautiously advance the idea that the human race will in time develop the power of transmitting thought, communicating from mind to mind regardless of distance, and many times more rapidly than by any means at present known. Not much use for vocal organs then. I imagine, however, that many would prefer to use the old style when cussin' the mules.
      "And this reminds me--why I do not know--that Dr Chas. W. Eliot has just given the world a few more advanced ideas on religion, some of which suit yours truly to a T. He says:
      " 'God did not make man out of the dust of the ground. God did not turn stone mason and give into the hands of Moses the Ten Commandments. Neither did the sun stand still for Joshua. Neither did Jonah go through his thrilling experience in the closed quarters of the whale.' Again he says: 'There are no miracles. Men of science have no faith in magic or miracles. No thinking person now accepts as anything but primitive myth or fanciful poetry the story of the Garden of Eden.' . . . . . . 'The Creator is, for modern man, a sleepless, active energy and will, which yesterday, to-day, and forever actuates all things as the human spirit actuates his own body' . . . . . .
      "Again: 'Twentieth-century people recognize God chiefly in the wonderful energies of sound, light and electricity, in the vital process of plants and animals, in human love and aspirations, and in the evolution of human society,' etc etc.
      "Hurrah for Dr. Eliot!!
      "It is interesting to note the different comments on the above given out by editors, preachers and others, some for, some against. But the various opinions are strangely expressed. One learned D.D. declares with much emphasis that, 'To reduce religion to the bones of cold intellectualism is to have no religion at all.' He would have us believe that religion to be of any effect must include all sorts of unsolvable mysteries, together with, Holy Ghost, devils, fall of man, atonement, hell & blazes, angels immaculate conception, Jonah & the whale, the rib episode etc etc ad libitam, ad nauseam. Well, 'the world do move.' Let us be thankful for that. Amen!
      "Some think that Dr. Eliot has imbibed psychic ideas similar to those held by Prof. James [a spiritualist]."

Jan. 27, 1914--"S. returned about 2 this morning. A fine girl in the Cochran household--arrived last night about 10. No shade of disappointment on the part of papa & mamma. They now have a pair. S. goes to a social P.M. at Bagley's--a ladies affair. About 20 present. Of course there was more or less visiting transacted at the meeting. I go to T. P.M. for supplies. Roads sloppy.
      "Received a very pleasant letter from W. R. Newton--Bertha's husband--in reply to my request for a copy of the family record. Glad to get the copy. I find I was born in 1843 so am now in my 71st year. For safe keeping I transcribe the record on following page:
Copy of Family Record
                                       Born                             Died
Bennett B. Dean ;--    Feb. 9 - 1801--            Nov. 4 - 1874
                                       Born                              Died
Electa Shaw Dean  --      Apr. 7 - 1802 --            Aug 30 - 1846
Lylvia Millitta Dean  --     May 5 - 1825 --            Dec. 13 - 1847
Adalmi Lovina     " --       Mar. 27 - 1827 --          July 15 - 1842
Clarisa Jane         " --       Jan. 13 - 1829 --           Mar. 17 - 1852
James C.             "           Dec. 3 - 1831 --            Apr. 11 - 1890
Charles B.           "           May 27 - 1835 --
Willis John           "           July 9 - 1843
Bertha L.                         May 16 - 1867 --          Sept. 13 - 1912
Bennett B. Dean and Electa Shaw             Married     Feb. 25th 1824
Bennett B. Dean and Martha Lockwood   Married     Feb. 11th 1847
Bennett B. Dean and Betsy Eastman          "                Mar. 20th 1862"

Jan. 28, 1914--"Nothing doing. Reading science books mainly. From these daily records one would judge that reading was my regular vocation instead of avocation.
      "At this moment a question comes to mind: 'Why do you keep this journal? And I am bound to admit the question is not easy to answer. To write seems to be a mania with many. They are almost impelled to put thought into written words. That may apply to me--to some extent at least. Were I asked if I thought that, years hence, these annals would be pored over lovingly by friends who would honor the memory of the writer, I would be bound to reply in the negative. Should they, perchance, be saved from destruction, the time may come--long in the future--when these daily jottings may be considered a curiosity. Indeed should I sometime grow tired of this daily task, I myself may deem it best to consign them to the flames. When quite [young] I began a journal & wrote & wrote. Finally the daily journal form was given up, or rather merged into a general 'Personal History,' being at odd times brought down to date as the writing mood happened to come over me. Of course no one, excepting myself, took the slightest interest in those voluminous annals. This might be expected. It is natural enough. No one would care to spend time poring over the the long-drawn-out records of the thoughts and doings of a commonplace individual. Those journals furnished evidence of my mania for writing. To this end they had served their purpose. They were no longer useful. So they went up in smoke.
      "Frankly, however, I admit that now and then I have experienced a twinge of regret that I did not preserve them. Scattered through these journals & Personal History were serious attempts at 'fine writing.' The time being back to and not after my school days I thought it just the thing to ring in all the sophomorical style possible. In course of time I dropped the use of big words; however, & those 'fine writing' paragraphs didnt look as good to me as formerly."

Jan. 29, 1914--"S. relates how many of the ladies at the Bagley social the other day brought their 'work' with them. Did this consist of socks or stockings to darn etc. as would have been the case in ye olden times? Well not exactly. Ornamental work of course, working elaborate designs on handkerchiefs etc. This seems to be a fad now even with rich city ladies. When we come to think about it, nearly every person has a fad of some kind. And that is all right too. It affords a relief from grinding rotine of the regular occupation. Jefferson's fad was playing the violin. It is said that even when president he would slip away from the ever pressing business & care, withdraw to his private apartments and make the bow fly as if he had never known cares of state or any other cares. This was a necessary relief--a reaction that was helpful. It seems that Henry Ford the great automobile manufacturer has a fad. It is birds. He has the reputation of being one of the best posted men on that subject to be found. One would think that the prolonged care and attention necessary to working up such a big business would permit of no time to be devoted to the study of birds. But it is necessary that the strain and stress of such a business must have relief. He finds it in birds. Of course it need not be inferred that rich, society ladies take up fancy enbroidering as a relief from the exacting cares of a household.
      "The papers tell us that Senator Cullom of Illinois has just passed away at Washington, D.C. at the age of 84. He had but recently finished his autobiography. In near the closing paragraph he says in substance that it would give him much pleasure did he know that a continuation of life awaited him so he could meet loved ones on the other side--that such a knowledge or belief would greatly lessen the dread of death etc. But as his belief is that death is the end, he would prefer to remain in this life as long as possible. Senator Cullom was a giant in intellect, a close thinker and reasoner concludes that this is the only life. Sir Olliver Lodge & host of others of equal mental ability think otherwise--so there you are."

Jan. 30, 1914--"Have now taken up Haeckel's Riddle of the Universe for a re-reading. Indeed it will stand reading many times. After giving it a careful re-reading I propose to procure Sir Olliver Lodge's Reply to this book of Haeckel's. Here I will have two master minds in opposition tho', it is stated, in a very friendly way. No names stand higher in science than these. Also, as is so often the case with great minds, each has the greatest respect for the other--only differing, in the main, on one question--continued life. One finds ample evidence, to him, of continued life and consciousness beyond the grave, the other finds as conclusive proofs that this life is the first and the last. It will be interesting and instructive to follow the different presentations of facts and reasonings.
      "Our cow Topsy is a week overdue. Am watching the case anxiously. By the by butter has taken a big drop in the markets."

Jan. 31, 1914--"S. & I drive to Phoenix P.M. Pretty chilly riding. Lots of mail. Too busy with that to make lengthy entries. A writer in Pro. Thinker attempts to take issue with Haeckel's Monistic Theory. I am bound to admit that he offers a very logical argument. He would have us infer that the ever varying play of dualistic forces or activities furnish the very basis of life itself.
      "It is evident that our cow Topsy does not intend to have a January calf.
      "Mrs Twogood (having just returned to T. to reside) in conversation with S. says that Mr. Twogood's [hearing] had become very defective and that he sent for a small instrument which he saw advertised, to be placed in the ear--a five dollar affair. She thinks it helps him & recommends it for Mr. Doubtful, as my trouble seems to be of a very peculiar nature. The brain seems to be unable to assimilate or register words when spoken at high speed. A few words are spoken rapidly. While the brain is 'fixing' them the speaker runs on with the same speed & I get left. If words come to my ear with a speed no greater than my power to take them in I would have but little trouble."

Feb. 2, 1914--"The Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Meador & the Secretary of Agriculture, Mr. Houston were in Portland a few days ago examining into merits of that city as a prospective location for a regional bank. While there Meador got a little humorous and let slip the word 'damn.' Someone suggested that he was 'putting it pretty strong.' 'Oh, I dont know' retorted the Secretary 'damn goes all right in Washington; its the regular thing.' This is a strong indication the eminent Secretary doesnt belong to any church."

Feb. 3, 1914--"Many of neighbors gone to an entertainment at T. school house to night. Some speakers from abroad to talk on landscape gardening--beautifying the village etc, also the creamery question may come up. Having almost cut out going out of nights, i.e. any distance, I remain at home. Of course I take less interest in going to socials, entertainments, etc than when younger. Guess advancing years have changed my tastes regarding such things. Indeed I was never a 'society' man. Roughing so much during my teens perhaps prevented the development of any marked desire to be a prominent figure in what I might term polished or cultured society. In fact I have always lent a listening ear to the 'call of the wild.' Frequently I indulge in mental visions of a rude cabin far in the mountains miles from any other human habitation, with a purling [rushing] brook in the foreground joyously dancing over its pebly bottom and 'ever calling to the sea.' My vision never fails to include a select library and two or three congenial friends. Of course the hunting and fishing must be all that could be desired; also a well stocked cupboard. So situated in reality I could spend several months every summer--and be in paradise--a paradise immeasurably higher than the conventional 'dress parties' of the towns and cities. So situated ample opportunity would offer itself for taking up and discussing matters a long way outside of the commonplace. The mind--soul if you will--could look within itself and draw from its inner depths mental food fit for the gods--literally many a feast of reason and flow of soul. A nature like mine oft-times hungers for something like this--something radically different from the every-day round of mental fare. Of course I can commune with kindred spirits--in books. But this is not as satisfying as being in direct contact with live minds.
      "The reports have it that the central west is getting a touch of old-fashioned winter. So H.H.G. may experience Eastern weather before he returns."

Feb. 4, 1914--"S. goes up to see Edith & the baby. Both doing well. Letter from R. Dement to day. He informs me that he is having lots of fun with the pamphlets I sent him--the 'Christ Story' and 'Prophecies.' He loans them to his pious neighbors & says they are taking a fresh look into their bibles. The package--2 1/2 lbs was sent (by mail carrier here) by parcel post, which was wrong as books cannot be sent by parcel post until March 1st. No one noticed that it was books, however, & it went through O.K. So Uncle Sam was cheated out of about 12 cents. It was not my fault so I'll not send in any 'conscious' money. Think I have discovered a very good explanation of the reason why I make so many extended comments on all sorts of things in this journal. It may be likened to the habit of talking to one's self. Whoever has this habit does not expect nor desire any one else to hear him. In some way it is a satisfaction to the talker, that's all. And I might offer the same reason for these diversified comments."

Feb. 5, 1914--"Go to T. A.M. for supplies. On my return found a nice calf--born about 10 A.M. Calf & dam doing well as I write--9 P.M. Sunny & pleasant P.M. Prune a while. Good news on the Mexican question. President has raised the embargo on arms & ammunition so the Constitutionalists, or rebels can procure all they wish to. The rebels are highly jubilant over it. They say now they will rush the war & be in Mexico City shortly. Then Huerta would better look a little out. If he falls into Gen. Villa's hands, he need not look for any pity--so Villa declares. The papers in Mexico City, however, lash Pres. Wilson most vigorously. Of course these papers are all under Huerta's control and it is not at all likely they reflect the real sentiment of the general people. No doubt there will be something doing in that country in the near future.
      "A fine article in Sat. Evening Post on 'The Old Game,' i.e. the game of the high-toned moderate drinker. The writer had 'been there' and quit, then philosophises how he lost a host of convivial friends--was left out--but how he gained in the end. It has a fine moral."

Feb. 6, 1914--"H.H.G. returned to day.
      "The lifting of the embargo on munitions of war is already spurring up the rebels. An attack on Tampico & also on Tarean is reported. It seems there were large quantities of arms & ammunition stored near the border which they have at once procured & rushed to the front.
      "Have just waded through a long article in the Progressive Thinker on 'Some Practical Experiences in Psycho Therapy,' which nearly exhausted my patience. Too diffuse. I read it carefully but am no wiser than before. He gets nowhere. Now I profess to have a fair understanding of the English language--have had considerable to do with it anyway--and if I get swamped in attempting to wade through some literary quagmire, certainly many others would meet the same fate. I have but little patience with writers who are unable to cloathe their thoughts in plain understandable language. They may use a highly poetic or rhetorical style if they choose but the meaning must be clear. Writers on scientific subjects are wont, too often perhaps, to use technical terms beyond the understanding of any but educated people. It must be borne in mind, however, that in the rapid progress of scientific discovery & invention, many new terms are required. These, for the most part are taken from the Greek or Latin so that the same terms may be in use by scientists all over the world. So it requires more or less preliminary study to read understandingly profound works on evolution, biology, etc. I recognize all this and make no complaint.

      "And it is also a fact that scientists make use [of] many words, not primarily scientific, because of their especial expressiveness. I have a case in point, which is Herbert Spencer's definition of evolution. I quote from memory & may not have it exact: 'Evolution is a change from an indefinite and incoherent homogeneity to a definite and coherent heterogeneity through countless transformations and differentiations.' Now every word means a good deal. It would require a far greater number of smaller words to express the same thing.
      "Years ago in lecturing on Free Thought it was my custom at the close of the lecture to give anyone the privilege of asking questions. Not infrequently some one would ask in substance: 'What are we to understand by evolution anyhow?' Then, in a very serious manner I would give them Spencer's definition. It was fun alive."

Feb. 7, 1914--"Ran across a wood chopper P.M. cutting wood for Bob. Purves. Soon found that he had rambled around in many out-of-the-way [places] where I had been. In course of the conversation I found him to be fond of scientific writing & a Free Thinker. He had read Darwin, some of Haeckel etc. He had learned from some preacher in Talent that I was the author of some Infidel publications & would like to get them if I could spare them. So I made him a present of my two booklets. Seldom find wood choppers with literary tastes. He is now reading Josephus."

Feb. 8, 1914--"An extra pleasant day. Like April. Louie & Minnie drive up for the day. L. takes calf home, which we give him. Blanch comes up A.M. & brings me a present of a generous piece of salmon. Mr. Downs sent two fish to them by express, from Tillamook. So it will be salmon for a few meals. Went up to call on Edith's baby. H.H. & Ormy called this evening. H.H. enjoys telling about his trip. He must have had a good time.
      "The Rev. Dr. Aked, a big preacher in San Francisco, has come out with a denial of a belief in the miraculous birth of Jesus. Of course the old stand-pat fogies are giving him all sorts of left-handed compliments. He's got to step down & out, as not orthodox. The regular, time honored orthodox creed requires a belief in the immaculate conception; i.e. that Jesus was the son of the Holy Ghost. Poor, innocent old Joseph had nothing to do in the case but recognize the boy and say nothing. Does'nt it beat all that intelligent men and women can still accept such an absurdity as fact?"

Feb. 9, 1914--"Go for calf at Ed. R's early P.M. Ed makes us a present [of] the calf. It is very small but we think it will develope all right & make a good cow. Prune a while later P.M. In last Green's Fruit Grower the editor who is a very pious man, prints a quotation from Pres. Wilson in which the latter lauds the bible as having been of great help to him. The editor expresses a similar sentiment--saying that not only in the bible does he see God's mercy and goodness, but it is revealed in every thing about us, in 'current history' everywhere. Wonder if the editor has in mind the scrapping in Mexico, the earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in Japan, the unusually great loss of life in ocean disasters, the loss of life in late mine explosions etc. All this is 'current history,' but, it strikes me, it would require a peculiar mentality to discover any mercy and goodness revealed in it all. Editor Green is a very intelligent man, writes well [about] fruit and other subjects but, like nearly all very pious people, he reasons like a child when he touches on religion."

Feb. 10, 1914--"F. Smith comes P.M. to see about a burial place for his mother who died early this morning. I go with him to cemetery. Emmet Beeson reported sick--kidney trouble.
      "Am threading my way slowly through Haeckel's Riddle of the Universe. If I should ever worship anything, I am sure it would be our tireless scientific workers. Surely we owe more to them for the great progress the world is making than to all the gods that were ever invented.
      "Truly science deals
   'Not with questions of salvation, nor with cures of mystic kind,
   Nor delusions, nor illusions, nor confusions of the mind.'"

Feb. 11, 1914--"Attend burial of Mrs. Sidney Smith P.M. & prune awhile."

Feb. 12, 1914--"A sort of red letter day for Talent, a demonstration train stops for an hour. Cows & hogs, specialties. Lectures, short of course, from platform, showing the proper points of a first class cow. It was instructive all right. One exhibit car. Separators, milk coolers, swinging stantions, model silos etc. Time too short, too much rush. Impossible to get more than a hasty glance at the different exhibits. Had a short talk with Dr. Withecombe of the O.A.C. He remembered my introducing him, when he lectured here several years ago. He was then out for governor--i.e. for the nomination. As he was to speak on farming topics, I knew well enough he would want no allusion to his political aspirations, but I wanted to ring it in somehow, so in concluding my introductory address I said: 'Of course the Dr. would not take kindly to any mention, even indirectly of his prospective race for the governorship of Oregon & I wouldnt do so for the world, but'--here I advanced to [the] front of the stage, and placing one hand as if to shut the sound of my voice from the Dr.--'he'll get there just the same.' [Withycombe won his race for Governor.--ed.]
      "Now the worst feature of this little episode is that my prediction proved a failure. The Dr. recalled that unique introduction and laughed over it heartily. The more so as he proposes to enter the race again this year. The Dr. is a very pleasant gentleman, puts on no frills & is competent every way for that position and I hope he will 'get there' this time for sure.
      "Bought and led home a hundred-dollar jersey cow to day. She has nearly every point of a fine milker & is to be fresh in a few days. $100 seems to be a big price for a cow but if this one is what they claim for her, she is worth it. Anyway if I had not taken her in, others stood ready to do so."

Feb. 13, 1914--"A fine morning. S. & I drive to Phoenix. My intention was to go on to Medford to interview the creamery there, but we met a cold fog at Talent & I gave up the Medford trip. Thought some of sending cream to Medford. The new owner there gives out word that he will pay as much as they do below. Fog clears and P.M. is pleasant. Daisy had thrown a shoe, so stopped at T. to have a new one put on. Took dinner at Minnie's. Louie still down with rheumatism. May have an Osteopath treat him."

Feb. 14, 1914--"Some strange reading in the Progressive Thinker. Plenty of messages from the other world. These messages would indicate that life 'over there' is about the same as it is here, excepting greater opportunities. Hard for a cold blooded philosopher like yours truly to grasp."

Feb. 15, 1914--"Busy all day dragging off and burning brush. Finished. Tired. Too bad I'm not a devout church member, so I could cut out work on Sunday. Found a brand new calf in stable this morning. Moosey's. As I bough[t] the cow of a Mr. Moody, S. & I thought we would name the cow Moody. That didn't sound just right, however, so we changed it to Moosey. But we experienced a shade of disappointment. We were praying for a heifer but the Fates decided against us. Mother & offspring seem O.K. as I write, 9 P.M. Hope no milk fever will set in this time. Papers have it that egg prices have taken a big tumble in Portland. Fell 13 c in 24 hours--now 23 c. This beats the Dutch. Eggs may go down to 10 c this year. Too low last summer--only 15 c while meat & butter away up. Shipping eggs from China now. Well, S. & I will eat eggs a plenty. They are my favorite animal food anyway. Papers hint that the sudden drop in egg prices is the result of a well laid scheme on the part of the big dealers."

Feb. 18, 1914--"Eggs now 20 cts. I cannot speak very flatteringly of the poultry bus. Mighty little profit in it last year & prospect for less this season. Eggs way down & all kinds of meat away up. Dont jibe."

Feb. 19, 1914--"Was pretty blue yesterday & A.M. to day. Spell fortunately broken about noon. Were I asked what particular mental defect is most noticeable in my own case as age creeps on, I should at once answer, an ever increasing sensitiveness. Some trifling event that would have caused no mental unrest years ago, now seems to take complete possession of the mind and resists all efforts to down. Like some diseases, it runs its course & dies out. At times I feel like charging myself with being more sensitive than sensible. And strangely enough it is little things--really trifling circumstances--more than greater happenings of an unwelcome nature, that produce the greatest mental commotion. I see no good reason for this, yet it seems to be the fact."

Feb. 20, 1914--"Ed. R. has just received by express a fine Jersey bull--950 lbs crated--from Jefferson, Oregon. Seems somewhat odd to send a bull by express. There seems to be a general desire to improve dairy stock in this vicinity. A good idea too. There are many--and dairymen too--who are slow to catch on to the great difference between a poor and a first class cow. Wind howling fearfully as I write--9 P.M. Lottie P. sends up a nice dish of hominy. So that for breakfast.
      "Mrs. Summers calls P.M. to give notice of a series of Church of God meetings at the W.C. schoolhouse. She also left a copy of The Gospel Trumpet for our edification any [sic] enlightenment. Several years ago some one especially interested in our spiritual welfare had this paper sent to us for 6 months. Of course we appreciated the kindness of such unknown person so solicitous for our well being, yet in truth I must say that The Gospel Trumpet is about the silliest publication that ever came to our table. It advocates prayers & the laying on of hands for every human ailment. No matter whether it be tuberculosis or a mole on the nose, prayer will give relief. Failures are only apparent; keep right on praying. It is enough to make a dog laugh to read the many testimonies of cures in each issue. How true it is that
      " 'Faith, fanatic faith, once wedded fast
      To some dear falsehood, hugs it to the last.'
      "Mrs. Summers is a confirmed fanatic on the Church of God brand of religion. She knows she has the only true belief. She says Infidelity is bad enough but Spiritualism is 'the worst yet.' How plain it is that there are many differences of opinion in this world."

Feb. 21, 1914--"There is a column or two in Progressive Thinker each week devoted to messages from supposed departed spirits to earthly friends through the mediumship of a Mrs. Waite of Chicago & were I asked what particular phase of so-called spirit phenomena carried the most convincing evidence in favor of the existence of disembodied personalities--in other words, of continued consciousness--I would at once cite to such phenomena as these. Hundreds of so-called spirit messages are communicated through her mediumship to friends in every state in the Union. It would, I think, be next to impossible for fraud to get in its work here. In every instance where inquiry has been made these messages have been sent to real parties and proved correct in every detail.
      "Can it be explained on the theory of mind reading? Let us see. Under this theory we are compelled to assume that thought can be transmitted to any distance by molecular motion or as corpuscles. If the former, then Mrs. Waite's mental receiving apparatus must be exactly attuned to catch and hold them. In other words she possesses the marvelous power of catching any thought wave flying past and thus 'reading' any mind be it far or near, known or unknown to her, which would be a heavy tax on one's credulity.
      "If the latter, we are left to conclude that thoughts in the form of real substance, or corpuscles, are transmitted with lightning speed, that these carry complete consciousness with them and when they impinge upon a receiver properly attuned are reproduced as it were and become the property of the brain containing the receiver.
      "If this be true, then thoughts are entities which, after being sent out by the transmitter may remain in the ether, and whether in constant motion or in time coming to rest would be hard to conjecture.
      "Now the question, Are these our spirits? Quien sabe?
      "Surely no one need be afraid to carefully investigate such strange phenomena. Up to date, yours truly has no explanation."

Feb. 22, 1914--"Gen. Washington was [born] 182 years ago to day. Perhaps he has forgotten all about it. . . .
      "Received from Ward Newton, by request, a few pictures, old daguerrotypes, one of my father taken no doubt sometime in the 40's; another taken later with my first step-mother, and two others of whose identity I am not sure. Mr. Newton thought one of them was a picture of my own mother, but as she died in 1846, it is not likely she ever sat for a picture."

Feb. 23, 1914--"Washington's birthday again. As the 22ond came on Sunday, the government makes Monday a legal holiday. Banks closed, no mail. So this year George has two birth days. That beats the most of us. Go with cream. Received by parcel post father's cane, sent by Mr. Newton. I am to pass it on to L.W.D. when I am through with it."

Feb. 24, 1914--"S. goes with the Goddards to a home musical entertainment & minstrel show this evening. I prefer to stay home & read & write. Wrote a long letter to F. E. Dean."

Feb. 26, 1914--"L. down with rheumatism--almost bedfast. S. stays to help them out. Ed. R. is also having trouble again with his side. It has bothered him a good deal since the operation."

Feb. 27, 1914--"Visited the new spray-dope plant at Phoenix yesterday to see about getting spray dope. Was surprised to find it so big a concern. Couldn't buy any dope, however. Big contracts ahead that makes them hustle night & day to fill. Expect to turn out from 30 to 50 car loads next month."

Feb. 28, 1914--"Drive to Phoenix P.M. for S. Also take cream. L. no better. Dont think he is in immediate danger yet the outlook is not bright as his work is pushing. Big creamery meeting in Talent P.M. The stockholders will attempt to complete the organization. It is thought the plant can be rushed into completion in about 60 days. Renewed sub. for Ashland Tidings to club with W. Oregonian. Also renewed for Home Life to get Burn's detective stories."

Mar. 1, 1914--"March comes in Marchy enough to suit anybody. Rain & wind by spells during night, threatening A.M. & gets down to business in a cold wet rain P.M. & is still at it as I write--9 P.M. So if there be any satisfaction from the fact that this March comes in rough and disagreeable, all hands ought to be satisfied. We can look forward, expecting nice weather for the close of the month. Busy at odds and ends in doors.
      "A peculiar article in Progressive Thinker attracts my attention. The writer takes the stand that simple thoughts are much more easily communicated from those who have 'passed over' than thoughts of a higher or more complicated nature; so that highly educated persons have difficulty in transmitting such messages as they would wish to. Mystical, all this, yet I read and think. Perhaps the line: ''Tis the sunset of life gives me mystical lore,' may be applicable to my case.
      "But it is strange to me why educated persons cannot communicate their best thoughts to those who are competent to receive and understand them. Such a condition would be necessary in communicating from one to another here."

Mar. 2, 1914--"F. E. W. Smith's daughter married yesterday--A Mr. Johnson."

Mar. 3, 1914--"S. & I drive to Phoenix P.M. L. slightly on the mend--can walk around some. S. up to Maggie's this evening. I didnt care to go. Dont like to be out nights. But this is not the only reason. My defective hearing mightily detracts from the pleasure of general visiting. I have but little trouble in conversing with one person, face to face, but the general conversation carried on by several persons is mostly lost to me. So, as a general thing, staying at home with my books & papers is a far greater pleasure. Of course had I unlimited control of the conditions that surround me I would hark back to the time of my greatest physical & mental perfection & make perpetual such
       'A dove time, a love time, a Spring time supernal,
      A dream time, a cream time, a May time eternal.'
   but as this 'can't be done,' I cheerfully accept conditions as they are & strive to get all the enjoyment possible for myself & others. That is my philosophy."

Mar. 4, 1914--"Received a sample copy of Brain & Brawn, a health monthly published in Los Angeles, Cal. It has some decidedly 'New Thought' views of many things, pertaining to diet, fresh air etc. & especially dosing with drugs. It hits out right-and-left for the old school physicians. It claims we pay too much attention to 'germs' & surgery. Thinks the germ theory of disease is largely moonshine--the disease brings the germs, not the germs the disease. The Journal is radical enough to suit anybody. Take it all-in-all, however, it should do no one any harm to read it. Wrote to stop Household Guest."

Mar. 7, 1914--"S. & I drive to Phoenix P.M. L. still down with that nerve trouble--perhaps rheumatism, perhaps something else. Anyway the doctors are puzzled some. On way home Mr. Gleim came out and loaned me 1st vol. of J. G. Blain's 20 Years in Congress. Mr. Gleim was so interested in that he wanted me to read it. Of course I was too bashful to decline the proposal. Got away with 20 pages this evening."

Mar. 8, 1914--"S. & I took a stroll up on the hills east of the creek. Had a fine view with glass. Ran across several others out for a walk to get the full benefit of the beautiful weather. All seemed to be headed for the Patterson building site. A beautiful place sure for a bungalow, but it may be sometime before it materializes."

Mar. 21, 1914--"Got ready to paint shop roof with green Gilsonite paint from Jones Cash Store Portland, but on opening cans found black instead of green. Go to T P.M. & ordered more paint but green this time. The label on the other was 'green,' but didnt tell the truth."

Mar. 23, 1914--"S. & I drive to Trask's & Cobler's for turkey eggs for Minnie. Received a letter from Independence Creamery complaining of the cream we ship. Main objection is the test--too low. According to the letter many others in this neighborhood have received just such a notice. As our separator will not run high percent creams we'll have to do the best we can."

Mar. 25, 1914--"S. & I drive to Phoenix P.M., also take cream--L. but little better with his rheumatism. Paid taxes--to bank here. $58.89. Enough."

Mar. 26, 1914--"Didnt notice thermometer but find that it was 24 at Ed. R's. Learn that much damage has been done to fruit in vally. All the orchards must have smudged for the smoke was dense. One would think a big volcano was in operation near by."

Mar. 28, 1914--"Some excitement in neighborhood over late thieving--corn, wheat, chicken, turkeys etc. Sure somebody is trying to solve the high cost. Our chicken house will be locked in future."

Mar. 29, 1914--"Hear that the chicken thief has been run down. He proved to be an Ashland man. He sells the chickens to a hotel & they were identified by means of foot marks made by a fence. He was to be arrested to day but he could'nt be found."

Mar. 30, 1914--"S. & I intended to go to a Spiritualist meeting held in Ashland yesterday on the anniversary of the beginning of modern Spiritualism, i.e. the Hydesville rapping in connection with the Fox sisters. Too Marchey for us, however [the weather--ed.]. They had an enthusiastic meeting, we learn."

Mar. 31, 1914--"S. & I drive to Phoenix P.M. L. & Minnie gone. Took down 20 chickens hatched from Mr. High's electric incubator. Minnie sent 143 eggs to be hatched for $5.00. She got only 30 chickens. About 16 1/2 cts per chick."

Apr. 1, 1914--"Go to Talent P.M. for two gals paint shipped from Portland. Sent for green Gilsonite paint last fall for shop roof. Didnt get ready to use it until this spring. On opening cans found paint black as I thought. Wrote about the 'mistake' & had two more cans sent. I was informed that it was necessary to stir the paint well & I might find the green. I did but it was so slight as to be hard to detect. May get some chrome green & mix in."

Apr. 3, 1914--"Chickens in natural incubation came off yesterday. 3 hens. The hatch was 34. Give all to one hen. Mr. Powers called this evening to find out how to make grafting wax. Stayed about 2 hours. Assessor called P.M."

Apr. 4, 1914--"Good news from Mexico. Gen. Villa has taken Torreon after a six-days almost continual battle. It was a fearfully contested engagement--the most reckless dare-devil bravery on both sides. The Federals--whats left of them--are flying south with Villa cavalry in hot pursuit."

Apr. 6, 1914--"Butter fat drops to 23 cents--4 ct drop. Butter fat & butter play up and down this spring like stocks in Wall Street."

Apr. 7, 1914--"Have finished 1st vol. of Blain's book, also Haeckel's Wonders of Life. From Blains 20 Years in Congress I have learned much regarding the various causes which led up to the Civil War--much more than I ever knew before."

Apr. 10, 1914--"Mrs. E. Purves was taken to hospital at Ashland A.M. Sudden attack--may be tumor. E. Foss takes her in his auto."

Apr. 11, 1914--"Took out 5 peach trees in N. end of peach orchard. Good place to plant corn & potatoes. May take out more soon. Now planning to remove all of them before another year--too much curl leaf. Minnie's boy in over-alls & he feels as big as anybody."

Apr. 12, 1914--"Easter. . . . Lots of preaching about the rising of J.C. from the dead and setting out for heaven, in all the churches to day. No doubt several eggs were eaten throughout the world to day."

Apr. 13, 1914--"Elenor Powers drops in this evening. I seem to be about to the end of this book. Start in on Vol. 3 to morrow."

Volume III
April 14, 1914-December 6, 1914

Apr. 17, 1914--"Now have orchard & garden ground in fine tilth. This has been a great Spring for cloddy ground. Will have a small part of a crop of peaches & pears--peaches that stood frost best were Muirs. Prospect for a fine crop of apples."

Apr. 19, 1914--"L. comes for Minnie. Joe Rader brings him in auto. Erma here for dinner. Big Orpie chicken for dinner--equal to turkey."

Apr. 21, 1914--"Huerta defies the United States; refuses to salute our flag except in his own way so war vessels are being rushed to Tampico & Vera Cruz. Something doing soon."

Apr. 23, 1914--"Not much doing on place. Tinker some in shop. Couldn't keep warm. Uncle Sam has taken Vera Cruz. 4 Americans killed, 21 wounded. About 150 Mexicans killed. So Huerta has found we are not bluffing. Looks now as if something very nearly like war is sure to follow. Great excitement all over U.S."

Apr. 25, 1914--"Attended funeral of D. Holdridge P.M."

Apr. 27, 1914--"Mrs. E. Purves returned from hospital--no operation."

May 1, 1914--"Some exercises at school house--56--an invitation affair. We & several other neighbors were left out--not in the 400 class."

May 3, 1914--"Big baseball game in T."

May 5, 1914--"Yesterday, Vanderolius & Burgan found a bill against me unpaid, so they thought, I thought it strange but paid it $3.95. Upon arriving home from Ashland I looked up the diary for the time, 16th of March, when the wheat & barly was delivered & found that I had mentioned payment of same on the 19th March. So I go down to day & explain. The merchants were satisfied and refunded. S. & I go to cemetery P.M. to clear lot. Brot home chair as premium for 30 dollars of trade."

May 6, 1914--"Henry Kirby married last Saturday to an Osteopath lady. S. called on Mrs. Bagley P.M. Charlie B. quite sick."

May 9, 1914--"Learn that the smart student who filched us out 50 cents each has got in bad with the law. Was arrested in Ashland. May be he'll get some pointers on his get-rich-quick scheme. I wrote the alleged 'Agency' in Portland & found it a myth."

May 10, 1914--"S. goes to cemetery to clear lot. Several there."

May 11, 1914--"S. & I go to Medford to the Buffalo Bill show. Big crowd in tent. I nearly suffocated from want of a good breath of pure air. Think I am through with curcuses. Got home late--do some of chores after dark. Hardly paid. S. gets to bed early with sick headache."

May 12, 1914--"Thus far papers do not mention the arrest of our young encyclopedia friend."

May 13, 1914--"Take S. P.M. to a sort of industrial showing off by pupils of Talent school. School closes with a 'field meet,' free lunch & all sorts of entertainments in the line of foot racing, jumping, etc."

May 14, 1914--"Go early to the field meet. Take picnic basket & spend day. Good crowd. Gold Hill carries away the fine cup for the best athletic performance. Several young fellows showed their fool sense by getting boosy. Beats the Dutch what a draw John Barleycorn can command. At least two in the band. Wonder if statewide prohibition will be the grand remedy. Some very fine work in carpentry by the school boys was on exhibition, all in the line of cabinet articles. Many were enthusiastic over the display but it should be kept in mind that the best of aid in the shape of up-to-date tools & various devices was back of it all. Were any one of the boy mechanics required to duplicate one of the stands for instance, using common tools he might be up against a difficult undertaking. This would require a trained hand & eye which of course would be lacking."

May 15, 1914--"Ed. R. came up for a while to see a cow we have that has a large spreading swelling under the throat which in some respects resembles 'lump jaw.' It doesn't seem to interfere in the least with the cow's health or movements. Came on suddenly--about 24 hours. Concluded it need not cause alarm--that it may disappear soon. Hoe in orchard P.M. Hear that at a meeting in T. last evening it was decided to have a 4th of July celebration in the Weidner grove.
       "Primaries to day but I seemed to have stayed away. Perhaps it was a plain neglect of duty, however."

May 16, 1914--"Ed. R. has a cow taken yesterday the same as ours. Evidently it is no[t] 'lumpy jaw.' Comes on too suddenly. Probably not serious. Swelling much reduced on our cow already. It would be interesting to discover the cause. Probably some fly or other insect. May find that other cows in neighborhood have been affected."

May 17, 1914--"S. & I drive to Phoenix P.M. Erma rides back with us. Met three brand new steam automobiles. They are beautiful cars & almost noiseless."

May 18, 1914--"Our mail carrier now makes his rounds in a brand new Ford that looks all right. Withycombe has the Rep. nom. for governor. Hope he'll get there."

May 19, 1914--"S. cleaning house."

May 20, 1914--"S. still cleaning house. She tries to do it in too short a time."

May 21, 1914--"The Medford Creamery man called to engage our cream. Conclude to ship to him. He takes to-day's can with him in auto. S. about done cleaning house."

May 23, 1914--"Light drizzle most of day. Cool, not agreeable. Bad on hay that is down--and there is much in that condition. I came near having ours cut a few days ago, but glad now that it was put off. The one small patch I got in O.K. Go to T. in morning for supplies and to get cans. Not feeling at my best. No physical pain--simply weak, played out. Not much doing."

May 24, 1914--"S. & I drive to Phoenix P.M. It looked stormy but thinking there would be nothing more than mist to contend with we set out. I[t] began to rain at once. And it got heavier fast. We hurried back. Not much of a pleasure ride. Been raining ever since. Good thing, however. Lots of hay damaged but it was already done for by the three days of misting."

May 26, 1914--"S. goes to a Woman's club affair at Mrs. Mattesons, P.M."

May 27, 1914--"A Farmers Institute to be held in T. to-morrow & next. I may attend."

May 28, 1914--"Didn't work up a notion to attend the Farmer's Institute. Fact is I would get but little out of it. I might see the speakers, note their gesticulations etc--. All this would be mainly pantomime--something like moving picture work. As a rule, of late, when I attend such meetings I resolve not to do it again."

May 29, 1914--"S. & some other ladies busy at cemetery P.M. Am feeling about normal again. Erm[a] comes late P.M. for flowers. Mrs. Lula Stearns called late P.M."

May 30, 1914--"Attend annual cemetery meeting P.M. Quite a turn-out. Lots of decorations."

May 31, 1914--"Take S. to train in morning to attend a picnic gathering at Mrs. Young in Ashland. Go for her again about 5 P.M. . . . Mr. Nordeen spends good portion of day with me. Was here to dinner. Soon after he left Edith C. called, with the baby, thinking S was at home. She remained awhile."

June 4, 1914--"Cold, squally, disagreeable. Do not remember another such a day in June. It is a record breaker. Snowed low in hills. Looks like winter; feels like winter.
      "Clean irrigating ditches in pasture A.M. Irrigate P.M. Have not been comfortably warm any time to day. Sold Moosy's calf to Mr. Petrie for the public market in Medford--10 cts dressed."

June 6, 1914--"Ed. sends up for me to go down for a piece of fresh pork. He killed a hog yesterday. I was too bashful to decline. Erma comes up P.M. to stay over night."

June 9, 1914--"Some two Mormon missionaries are 'doing' the neighborhood. One called here. He was seen in time and we were--'not at home.'"

June 10, 1914--"Turn hay A.M. Very tired at noon. Get E. Purves to help shock P.M. Rake & shock. Get it all in shock about a minute before a thunder shower sets in. Smart shower for an hour or so. Too tired to enjoy reading this evening."

June 11, 1914--"Lowery, drizzling. Keeps it up most of day. Job about A.M. Clean & overhall separator P.M. The good Lord only knows when I can get the hay in."

June 14, 1914--"Bob & E. Purves help me get in hay--7 loads. Hay not the brightest of course. Conclude to go back to Independence Creamery. Dont like methods of the Medford Creamery--seem too lax & loose."

June 15, 1914--"S. takes with a severe cold--more like grippe. Lying down most of P.M."

June 16, 1914--"S. a little better, but not herself quite yet. Canal toll bill is finally passed & signed [by the] president."

June 17, 1914--"Irrigate some in garden--; not feeling my best. Guess I'll have to admit the cold fact that I'm not 'as young as I used to be,' as an old song would have it. Erma up to spend P.M. I notice that Talent has out big attractive posters for the 4th. Also a conspicuous streamer across the street in front of P.O. letting travelers along Pacific Highway know that T. will celebrate."

June 18, 1914--"Take laundry to 'Lizzie John' in morning. S. not able to do it. Quite cool late P.M. Almost need fire. S. about same."

June 20, 1914--"Learn late P.M. that the Medford Creamery man died suddenly Thursday last of heart failure. Will now send cream to Grants Pass for the present."

June 21, 1914--"Find it not necessary to send the cream to Grants Pass. The Medford Creamery will not close. S. & I with Erma drive to Phoenix P.M. Also take cream for Medford. L. still has trouble with rheumatism."

June 23, 1914--"Walk to T. P.M.--to cannery. Settled up a note affair with Mr. Bagley. Cannery is sure a big & well equipped plant, but not much will be doing there this year it would seem."

June 26, 1914--"S. & I drive to Ashland A.M. for phone batteries & to do some trading."

June 27, 1914--"S. & I drive to Phoenix P.M. Little Eldred comes home with us. L. & M. to come up to morrow. [Cream] Separator about played out. May send for a lot of new parts. 101 Drumm St. S.F.--DeLaval Dairy Supply Co."

June 28, 1914--"Erma came last eve to stay over & help look after the boy. Minnie came A.M., goes back late P.M. Edith C. called P.M. with the children. Big time at Emmet Beeson's to day. A swell affair. Autos & vehicles fairly lined the street in front of the house. It was a sort of picnic. But many, notably their own relatives were conspicuous by their absence. Same can be said of many near neighbors. My day to irrigate so busy most of day."

June 30, 1914--"Clear warm 89 P.M. for 4 hours. Irrigate in gardens lawn & peach orchard. S. goes to study club P.M. Also make eating table for porch. Eat on north porch in warm weather. Pleasant place."

July 2, 1914--"S. calls on Mrs. E. Purves P.M. Mrs. P. is down again. Taken to hospital this P.M. A man & family in an auto camped just above here last night. They drove from Eugene yesterday. Some drive."

July 3, 1914--"Go with cream early A.M. for Grants Pass--Send cream by morning train. Suits better. Make screen door & busy at other small jobs. They operated on Mrs. E. Purves this morning. Haven't heard full details. S. busy all day cooking for to-morrow's picnic. She must be tired. I believe as a general thing women put in many times the work & trouble really necessary in preparing for picnic dinners. The desire to excel is, I suppose, the leading thing."

July 4, 1914--"Threatening look in sky early A.M. Gradually wore away & a better day could not be asked for. Rode down with H.H. about 8 A.M. People came from far & near. Big crowd. Exceeded expectations of the most hopeful. Ice cream stands did a thriving business. Dancing P.M. & to night. Fine large floor. All sorts of amusements to entertain the crowd A.M. Base ball P.M. Talent band was on hand & made good. Every body was having a good time and the traditional goose hung at the top of the pole. No cases of drunkenness that I noticed or heard of. One of the take-offs was an impersonation of President Wilson by Mr. Fuller (who really bear[s] quite a resemblance) & an impersonation of Bryan by Mr. Thomas. They came in royal state in a fine auto, was introduced by Mayor Breese & made a few 'well chosen' remarks. It was a capital take-off. Erma comes up to stay over, bringing Eldred. L. & M. are to stay at Ed's & go to the dance to-night.
      "Personally I enjoyed the day well, ran across several old acquaintances, had a fine picnic dinner & my dissipating consisted in drinking a glass of orangeade."

July 5, 1914--"L. & M. come up P.M. L. helps me take apart our cream separator to discover if possible the cause of its not doing good work. L. returns to Phoenix late P.M. M. stays over. . . . Meet Water Committee in Cemetery A.M. to figure on getting water for Cemetery."

July 6, 1914--"Go to T. early A.M. to have Daisy's shoes reset & to get piping etc for taking water into milkhouse. Busy installing that P.M. Have to have a little more plumbing before the job is a success. By some mistake or misunderstanding we get another cheese from Tillamook to day. Got one we ordered last Thursday. So we'll have to sit up nights to eat cheese or it will get too strong for us. Erma comes up this evening to play with Eldred. The 4th I hear was a good success financially also."

July 7, 1914--"Go to T. for some more needed plumbing work, take Minnie & Eldred on down to Phoenix. Smoke from Mt. Lassen volcano in early A.M. Busy P.M. completing the milk-room water system."

July 8, 1914--"About knocked out--indigestion. Have eaten very little. Not much doing. S. washed. Ed. C. called P.M. He is working up an auto load for Mr. Ames to take to the Chitauqua at Ashland next Tuesday night."

July 9, 1914--"My birthday so of course it is a fine day. . . . A genuine supprise was spring on me about dusk. A party of well wishing neighbors dropped in in a body to surprise me on my birthday. They brought cakes etc for a pass-around lunch. It was a supprise sure enough. H. H. & Maggie, J. Davis & wife, Clara Chapman, Mr. & Mrs. Prader, Mr. & Mrs. R. Purves, E. Purves, Mrs. Miller, Erma, also, most of the children of the different families. The[y] stayed until about 12 & all had a good time. Thus was pleasantly marked my 71st birthday. All heartily wished that I would enjoy many more, which wish, of course, [was] entertained by yours truly. It was an occasion to be remembered."

July 10, 1914--"Ate the last of last year's apples yesterday--a newtown. Also ate a Yellow Transparent to day, which was O.K. Will be ripe enough in a few days. Ed. R is down again. Had to call in a doctor. I took cream for him P.M."

July 11, 1914--"Ed. no better. Dr Malgren came to see him yesterday. S. goes down this evening."

July 12, 1914--"The Medford Creamery sends out checks paying 50% only. Have to wait until estate is settled for balance--which is likely to be a good while."

July 13, 1914--"Go to T. early A.M. S. goes as far as Ed.'s. I call on Ed. in evening. His case is somewhat critical. He will have to go slow, until over this trouble. S. calls on Edith C. this evening."

July 14, 1914--"Paint shop roof. Go to Chitauqua in evening. Mr. Ames takes us in his big auto, H. & Maggie, Ed. & Edith C. also. Erma & S & Me. Had a fine ride--50 cts per. That is about all I got out of it. Couldn't hear well enough to make it at all interesting. I judge, however, the negro's were fine singers. Got home about 12."

July 15, 1914--"Go to T. early A.M. to get tires on old buggy reset. Wash buggy P.M. ready to paint. Plenty warm P.M.--86."

July 16, 1914--"Paint cooler roof, paint old buggy. Wash & oil harness."

July 17, 1914--"Clear, 95 most of P.M.--3 hours. S. & I drive to Phoenix A.M. Not much balance of day, but to try to keep cool."

July 18, 1914--"Hot, hotter, hottest,--97 most of P.M. Hottest day of season. Ormy mows alfalfa for me. Erma came last evening & stays over. L. & M. came late P.M. for boy as the latter came home with us yesterday."

July 22, 1914--"Go to train for S. about 4 P.M. Blanch hands us a nice mess of fresh salmon right from Tillamook on ice. Will feast in morning. Minnie goes to Colestin to day."

July 25, 1914--"Busy at odd jobs. Grindstone is badly out of round. Spent most of P.M. trying to true it. Hard job."

July 26, 1914--"Finished truing up grindstone A.M. Cut creases to a sufficient depth & then chipped out the ridges left--a good way. Called on J. Adams P.M. Now reading Ingersolls Interview on Talmage. Wish all my orthodox friends would read it. Ingersoll's Shorter Catachism is a corker."

July 27, 1914--"A 'nature man' [Joseph Knowles--cf. American Heritage, April/May 1981] has gone into the forests near Cal. line S.W. from here, without gun or clothing, without weapon of any kind or food, to stay one month. He assumes the condition of a primitive savage. He is to emerge at the end of 30 days comfortably clothed & in good health. Of course there must be 'something in it.' He will no doubt publish his experiences. He is an educated man & an artist. He is to draw pictures on bark with coals for pencils. He is said to be well versed in woodcraft, knows the nature of every plant & wild animal--is way up in the science of trapping, in fact half predicts that he will come out adorned with a handsome bearskin coat. Quite likely he will too. Two men are to be stationed in the vicinity to see that he gets no assistance from any source. He is the same 'nature lover' who did the same thing in Maine last year. Yet there was some suspicion that he had assistance."

July 30, 1914--"Go with cream. Also take camp cots & camp chair to station to be shipped to Colestin for S. & Erma. Parts for separator came this morning. Busy P.M. getting them in place. Separator now runs much better. H. S. Lynch's dog was suddenly attacked [with] hydrophobia or something much like it. Soon a cow was attacked. Her actions were strange. It was necessary to kill her & burn carcass. In performing this, the fire got beyond control & neighbors were called in to help put the fire out. Bagleys phone that a new comer in the shape of an 8-lb. girl arrived this morning. S. & Maggie go over this evening to interview her ladyship."

July 31, 1914--"Helping S. get ready for her trip--she goes to-morrow.
      "Chance for big war in Europe, unless some of the nations develop common sense enough to stand in for concessions, or submitting the whole affair to the Hague Tribunal. But a mighty sight of bristling is done now. Makes the Mexican scrapping seem of small importance."

Aug. 1, 1914--"Take S. & Erma to station for 4-20 train. The main grub box weighed 144 lbs--6 short of the limit. Hope they'll not starve. The state water commission head official, accompanied by an expert water surveyor, went up Wagner Creek yesterday to examine the ditches. Of course they found purloining of water a plenty. The surveyor representing Mr. Chinock--the head official--made another trip to day, turned off the ditches. He gave them to understand that they are violating the decree--which of course they already knew--& that it must stop at once. He says that before next irrigating season water rights on this creek will be fixed for keeps. Hope so. Certain parties up this creek who have no water rights whatever have been swiping water right along, and others who have water rights when the flow is above a certain stage do not stop when they should but keep on stealing--the right term--the water. We hope this business is nearing the end."

Aug. 3, 1914--"Still hot. 90 P.M. Sultry. Last night warmest of season. Almost too warm to make sleep a luxury. No covers needed. My day for water. That means that it is my busy day. Had to make two trips to cemetery. A six-month-old child of one of the families on the H & F. Kirby place died this morning--bowel trouble. Letter from S. Everything O.K. there. They want me to go Wed. on a Sunday School excursion but couldn't get home befor 8 P.M. so its no go."

Aug. 5, 1914--"The war in Europe absorbs all attention. Its all the thought & all the talk. Strange when there has been so much said & written in the last year or two on the subject of permanent peace among nations that war should break out involving several nations. Bryan's 'peace pact' doesn't count worth a cent. As things show up now this will be the biggest war in all history. The untold thousands of lives to be sacrificed and the immense cost in treasure make one stagger to think about it. And for what? Hard for the rank and file--the people--to find out. Certain it is that the cause is a mighty flimsy one & should have been settled easily by arbitration. 'What fools these mortals be.' Am glad U.S. isn't mixed up in it. If I had my way I would have the higher ups--the kings and emperors and czars do the fighting and have the common people look on & make bets if they chose on the outcome. But this wouldn't do at all. The rank & file must go to the front while kings, emperors and the big 'uns keep away back out of harms way and sick'en on.
      "But what a general upsetting of things. Passenger ships dare not venture out. Uncle Sam expects to spend a quarter of a million or more to help get Americans home from Europe."

Aug. 9, 1914--"Took dinner at H.H.'s. Take things easy. War in Europe in full blast. Reported that Germans lose 25000 men at siege of Liege J. Terrell & Miss Smith & C. Garner & Bee Work married to day."

Aug. 10, 1914--"Do a once-a-year job of cleaning out toilet. A young fellow calls P.M. still thinking he can sell me an auto. This time its the Oakland. The 'best' of course. Last time it was the Reo. This is his third call & he's a stayer."

Aug. 11, 1914--"Go for S. & Erma late P.M."

Aug. 12, 1914--"Mercury soaring. 97 most of P.M.--from 1 to 4. Not much doing. S. busy, however, dusting & scrubbing."

Aug. 13, 1914--"About the same as yesterday hot, hotter, hottest. 97 at 3 P.M. A sudden change, however, came about 7 P.M. in the shape of a short thunder shower--sharp, vivid lightning & deafening thunder. Not much rain fell, but the air is cleared gloriously. P.M. has been extra sultry. Take cream in morning. Ormy hauls in my hay--little over half a load. I find plenty of little jobs. S. does a big washing. I help by getting dinner. Sugar up to 8.25 sk & still going. Result of war."

Aug. 14, 1914--"Not much doing. But little in papers but war news."

Aug. 15, 1914--"Some cooler. Go to T. early A.M. for the camp cots which came by freight from Colestin."

Aug. 16, 1914--"Big change. Cool to cold. Mercury way down in fifties. Cool in evening. Blanch, Sabra, Edith & babe called P.M. A Mr. Kneip who years ago occasionally attended our U.M.L. meetings surprised me by calling P.M. accompanied by a gentleman representing J. E. Husme Silverton Journal. Had not seen Kneip for 10 years or more. Of course both were Free Thinkers. Kneip left a bundle of Truth Seekers."

Aug. 18, 1914--"Go with cream early A.M. Call on Mr. King P.M. Not much doing on ranch. Butter fat 30 cts. Will Gleim married to day."

Aug. 19, 1914--"Cool, about as yesterday. Help S. peel peaches for canning A.M. for an hour or two. Made a brief call on Mr. Packard P.M. He & his son are batching. Flies by the million seem to have possession of their kitchen. Dont see how they endure the pests. Mr. P. sat with a fly screen drawn down over his face to keep the flies out."

Aug. 20, 1914--"Cool, some cloudy tho' smoke is too thick for clouds to be seen well. Start to Phoenix A.M. meet L & M, turn back. They bring tent & are going to camp here for a time. Take a run up the creek early A.M. & find that Harry Lynch is stealing irrigation water by the wholesale, notwithstanding his promise to the state commissioner that he would take no more water into his ditches until there was an increase. But then, we have had evidence many times that H. L. is a very promising man. Some action will be taken very soon in his case. H. H. & Maggie dropped in this evening."

Aug. 21, 1914--"General call for help in cemetery to work on water system. So I am busy there all day. About 15 respond. Invite Homer Neal to dinner. He was helping in cemetery."

Aug. 22, 1914--"Work at cemetery. Homer Neal takes dinner with us again. Get tower up for the wind mill--quite a job--not fully in place yet. Mr & Mrs Prader invite us to an all-day auto ride to-morrow. L. & M. go down to Ed's P.M. They are going to moving picture show to night. Be back to-morrow evening. Mrs E. Purves has had an operation on her nose, deformed by disease. A short length of one of her ribs was removed, split & the pieces inserted on the sides of her nose under the skin--no skin grafting. Hope it will be a success."

Aug. 23, 1914--"A very pleasant day. Mr. Prader came early A.M. for us. Went by way of Eagle Point through Brownsboro. Took lunch about three miles beyond. 2 1/2 hours nooning. Returned by road leaving Eagle Point to the north. Passed through Medford to Jacksonville. Thence home. A fine drive.
      "Take cream in auto."

Aug. 27, 1914--"S. & I drive to Ashland A.M. Had to take round-a-bout way. Working on Pacific Highway now."

Aug. 28, 1914--"Smoke has cleared somewhat. Clear."

Aug. 30, 1914--"Go to T. for mail early A.M., as mail was delayed yesterday. Anxious to get war news. Sure the war in Europe is getting to be the biggest thing in the war line in all history. Russia marching 8 000,000 soldiers into Germany. On to Berlin is the cry. Nearly 3 000,000, all told, now in fierce struggle along the French border. Thousands slain. Human life really a secondary consideration. Sherman was right, 'War is hell.' True & war makes people hellish."

Aug. 31, 1914--"This winds up the summer of 1914. Longest dry spell for many years."

Sept. 3, 1914--"Boyd & I remove guys from windmill tower at cemetery P.M. Not much biz at ranch."

Sept. 7, 1914--"Showery during night, also by spells during day. Cool to cold. Have fire in evening--too cold without. Take peaches to Mrs. Works A.M. H. H. just back from hunting trip, brings us a nice mess of venison. So its baked potatoes & venison for breakfast."

Sept. 8, 1914--"L. comes up with big hack for M. & things. Quite a lot of canned fruit etc she has put up here. S. & I alone again."

Sept. 10, 1914--"Go to T. on business P.M. S. goes as far as Blanch's. Saw a Metz auto; friction gears. A good machine I think."

Sept. 12, 1914--"Thirty years ago to day I began my first school term on Wagner Creek. Several things have happened since then."

Sept. 14, 1914--"S. & I drive to Ashland to call on Mr. & Mrs. Purves. Mr. P. weak & emaciated--not long for this world."

Sept. 15, 1914--"An acquaintance--a brother of Chas. Meserve--calls P.M. Am reading Psychic Life by Mrs. Maud Lord Drake. Maggie brought the book for me to read. Some wonderful accounts given in it. If 1/10 are true, spirit return is a dead sure thing. In the presence of the famous medium Mrs. Drake, spirits not only returned but frequently took on gross material enough to make them appear like genuine parties in the flesh, talking, singing songs, moving with apparent ease heavy material objects such as furniture etc. Set up heater to day & are sitting by it this evening."

Sept. 17, 1914--"Wind sets in about 9 A.M. & keeps up until late afternoon blows off apples by wholesale--much damage. Take peaches to Mrs. Works P.M. Also took a plate of five--Elbertas--to put in a store window for show. One weighed 17 oz. The five weighed 4 lb. 10 ozs. Not bad. Busy latter part of afternoon picking up windfall apples."

Sept. 21, 1914--"Responding to an urgent call for some display at our local fair to be held next Wed., S. & I hustle up a few--8--plates of apples & two small plates of filberts. Also get an appointment as superintendent of agricultural display. Marcia R. & Mrs. Romer called P.M. gathering autumn leaves for Fair decorations."

Sept. 22, 1914--"Go to T. school house P.M. to take exhibit of fruit & to look after the agricultural department as superintendent--a sort of a difficult job."

Sept. 23, 1914--"Off for the Fair early & remain all day. A very good exhibit, & a good attendance. Picnicked in Chas. Sherman's orchard, that is--H.H. & us."

Sept. 24, 1914--"S. & I drive to Ashland A.M. Return about 2 P.M. I get my winter's underclothing. S. a black dress skirt."

Sept. 25, 1914--"S. & I take a drive P.M. to T. & on to the ruins of Mrs. Norton's fine residence which was burned Tuesday night. It was completed about a year ago with all modern improvements. There is a heavy insurance. Quite warm P.M. 80.
      "Have just finished Psychic Life by Mrs. Maude Lord Drake. As intimated in these pages a few days ago, if the accounts in this book are genuine they furnish ample evidence of the fact of the continuity of life & spirit return. There can be no other conclusion. But I should like to personally attend one or more of her seances."

Sept. 27, 1914--"Had a good view of the new comet about 4.30 A.M. It seems to be going some. Gather apples, Spitz & Bennett, also other light jobs. Mrs. Joe Foss & Mrs. Twogood called on S. P.M. No halting in the war in Europe. Cant find language--dictionary language at least--to fully express my opinion of that awful slaughtering. It must be that those nations have taken a sudden lapse back to primeval savagery--that the bloodthirsty passion has got the mastery. It is,
      'Not the glory of the battle,
      Nor the victor's loud acclaim,
      Nor the strains of martial music
      And the shouting of a name,
      But the tears of wives & sweethearts
      And the starving children's cries,
      The moans of widowed mothers,
      And the grief that never dies.'
      "There can be no peace now, however. They will fight and must fight until one or the other is hors de combat--down and out, and I hope it will be the one that started, or at least could have prevented it--Germany."

Sept. 28, 1914--"Mexico seems on the virge of another insurrection. Gen. Villa not satisfied with the way Caranza is running things proposes to take his army & clean out the camp. The Mexicans are never at peace except scrapping. They were born that way."

Sept. 29, 1914--"Ed. R. hauls one load of wood for us P.M. I engaged 7 tiers."

Oct. 1, 1914--"S. & I call on Prader's in evening. Take Dr. Cook's North Porlar exploration book for them to read, also No 1 of Wonders of Science for the boy. We borrow two books--Cluny McPherson & The Garden of Allah. Also they loan me the Ford Instruction Book. Am going to try to learn something about the workings of an automobile. May invest in one next year if our ship comes in well loaded with diamonds. Quien Sabe?"

Oct. 3, 1914--"Light attack of indigestion so am not feeling at my best. Not much doing. Erma comes up to stay over night. I take my usual remedy for indigestion, i.e. no supper--so figure on being myself again to-morrow."

Oct. 4, 1914--"Sunday, the day set apart for everybody to pray for peace in Europe which will perhaps have about as much effect as praying to stop a couple of bull dogs from fighting. To a man up a tree it would seem that a being of wisdom & goodness who had full powder would stop the war anyway without waiting to be asked to do by a lot of 'poor weak' mortals down here on this footstool."

Oct. 5, 1914--"S. & I drive to Phoenix P.M. Take Bosc pears to Minnie & take Eldred home. Am normal again or nearly so. Sent for several 15 ct classics a few days ago. Now have them. A few of Shakespeare's plays & Poe's Raven & Other Poems. Now engaged on this. It includes an 'essay' by Poe on the Raven. He says the common idea that most of the high order of poems are written under the spell of a sudden intuition--the result of an impulse of the moment as it were, is far from the fact. He says they are most carefully worked out--the greatest pains taking possible. That, however many poets are very willing for the public to hold the impression that their great efforts are produced under the influence of some strange poetic 'frenzy' or 'e[c]static intuition.' So Poe frankly tells of the carefully studied work he expended on the 'Raven'--the plan, the scheme, the full reason for writing it. I never ran across this 'essay' until now and am glad I have it. Through it I can understand the poem better than ever. He says that his object was that 'beauty must be the atmosphere & essence of the poem.' And here he makes a statement which sets me to thinking. He says: 'Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears.' So 'sadness' was the leading 'tone' of the poem. Poe was a brilliant writer of English. As a literary critic he had no peer in his day--nor since. But his mental make-up was peculiar & his short life was a sad one. He, like all mortals, had his faults but over these we will draw a kindly veil and bless him for having given us the Raven which poem has few peers in the English language."

Oct. 6, 1914--"Cleaned & painted inside of tank P.M. Mr. Hurley phones an urgent request that we--H.H., Jesse Adams & myself come over next Thursday & make a trip to some fossil rocks some three miles from his place. Have seen H.H. & 'Jes.' & we'll go."

Oct. 7, 1914--"Rain, thunder & lighting a-plenty as I write, 9 P.M. No going to Fossil rocks to-morrow. Alpha, Fred G's wife & Jackie are due in Medford to-morrow."

Oct. 8, 1914--"H.H. & Maggie drive to Medford to get Fred's wife & boy. S. goes up to have dinner ready for them."

Oct. 9, 1914--"Fairly fair until about 11 A.M. when a short drizzling rain set in. S. washed out of doors--just getting through in time. Cloudy but no rain P.M. until about 3 when it set in & kept it up 3 or 4 hours. Find water tank leaks in bottom but cant locate it. Phone for Tryer to come to-morrow & patch it. No let-up to war in Europe. Terrible slaughter every day."

Oct. 10, 1914--"Go over to Prader's early A.M. to see about getting a pound of butter. The plumber failed to come to fix tank. HH comes A.M. on an errand & brings Jackie. He is sure a bright looking child."

Oct. 11, 1914--"Went to Prader's for butter. Had quite a visit with Prader. Found that his religion was of the minus type. He loaned me a large work The Polar & Tropical Worlds. It is not a late work, but is very interesting, nevertheless. Hear that Mr. Purves is very low--may not live through night."

Oct. 12, 1914--"Mr. Cook comes to fix tank, but the job was not a complete success for it still leaks. Will have to try again. Mr. Purves died about 11 o'clock A.M. Funeral Wednesday--They want me to officiate."

Oct. 13, 1914--"S. & I go to cemetery & clean up our lots A.M. Not much doing P.M. but preparing obituary etc for to-morrow. Maggie and Mrs. Fred G. called P.M."

Oct. 14, 1914--"Beautiful day. Ideal. Mr. Purves buried P.M. Good turnout. Ashland mourners came in big 4-seat car. Lots of flowers. His passing takes another pioneer of the 50's. They are going fast."

Oct. 15, 1914--"Got another cheese from Tillamook yesterday. It is fine sure. Mr. Morgan who sends the cheese says cheese doesn't sell as well now on account of the war. He sends bill for the three cheeses we ordered this season--all with postage $3.55. Good enough. Bully for parcel post--8 to 9 lb. cheese from Tillamook for about 18 cents! Can you beat it? Word is phoned down from Maud Williams in Ashland that the relatives were well pleased with my address at the funeral yesterday. That is better than to have it otherwise. It is a duty I shrink from anyway. When appreciated however it helps much."

Oct. 16, 1914--"More or less cloudy. Some wind P.M. and an occasional sprinkle. Seems to be 'mobilizing' for a storm. Repair leaks in flume A.M. Not much doing P.M. Fred's wife called P.M. She has about concluded to build a small house on the place right away. She thought some of buying Chas. Sherman's place in Talent."

Oct. 17, 1914--"The Purves family are very desirous of having my funeral address published. It was necessary to rewrite it. This took me about 2 hours A.M. Went to Prader's P.M. for butter. They loan me a book on automobiles. Erma comes up to stay over."

Oct. 18, 1914--"Some drizzling A.M. A rainy P.M. however and still at it as I write 8 P.M. Not much doing but rock & read."

Oct. 21, 1914--"Mr. Cook comes A.M to complete patching water tank & to re-adjust the water coil in stove--not put in right at first 2 years ago. Cook ran out of gasoline & his job soldering was not a success."

Oct. 22, 1914--"Procure material for a cheap soldering outfit. Made my own furnace. An old well bucket, a hole cut low down on one side about 2x3 inches for draught & to insert soldering copper. Find draught not sufficient, so insert a joint of stovepipe. OK now. Some kindlings--small chips of hard wood & a sprinkle of fine hard coal on top does it. Did quite a bit of soldering in tank, then put on the paint--a paint for this especial purpose. A warning is printed on the can to guard against inhaling fumes when painting. Couldn't escape fumes very well down in a tank. Had to break for the opening several times to get fresh air. These fumes are said to disappear in a short time. But am not hankering after such work as a regular business."

Oct. 23, 1914--"S. & I drive to Phoenix P.M. Went as far as we could on the new road. Road will be ready for travel in about a week. Pleasant drive."

Oct. 24, 1914--"Killed a fat hen this morning. In a little while a neighbor came along with fresh pork so we took a piece. P.M. Blanch comes up bringing a generous lay-out of young beef. So we are all heeled now in the meat line. Am feeling extra fine."

Oct. 25, 1914--"An ideal day. Called on Mr. Prader a while A.M. He showed me some of the internal mysteries of the Ford automobile. Am getting on to the workings of the auto a little more. I may sometime indulge in the popular luxury of owning and running an auto--and may not--probably the latter. Anyway I am curious to know 'the philosophy of the thing.' Alpha--Fred's wife--and boy here for dinner. Mrs. Bagley and children dropped in P.M. I am busy choreing about P.M."

Oct. 26, 1914--"Put in the day digging out & hauling rock to fill in a deep hole in corral which has been troubelsome in winter--a deep mud hole in fact. Quite warm P.M. Fruit inspector Oatman called P.M. Trees O.K."

Oct. 29, 1914--"S. goes to a 'comfort' tying P.M. at Davis's. Turn water into tank but it still leaks in one place. Drain out water & try to stop the leak with a thick asphaltum preparation, which is supposed to stop any small leak. Will try it again to-morrow. May have to get a new bottom or new tank throughout. Am now making good progress thru' the Wonders of the Polar & Tropical World borrowed from Mr. Prader. It is a large work of 800 pages. Very interesting & instructive. Now half through."

Oct. 30, 1914--"S. & I busy most of P.M. raking & burning leaves. Failed to stop or rather find leak in tank. Have doctored it some more."

Oct. 31, 1914--"Drove to Phoenix A.M. for Minnie & the boy, who will stay until Sunday. Tank seems all right now. S. & Minnie & Eldred attend a sort of Halloween party at school house, Dist. 56 this evening. I prefer to stay home & read."

Nov. 1, 1914--"Found our large front gate flat on the ground this morning. Also below, near Bob. P's, tomato boxes which were found near by & some large rock were placed in center of road--a Halloween trick. The road obstruction came near causing a run-a-way. Innocent, harmless jokes may be looked over, but in such work as this there is not even the semblance of a joke. Boys who engage in such 'sport' should be taken in hand in a way that would mean something. I was extra full of mischief when a lad but I never took kindly to anything that might result in real harm to anyone. I could see no joke in it."

Nov. 2, 1914--"Several deer hunters from this neighborhood took to the woods about a week ago for deer meat. All came in yesterday--nary deer. They saw plenty of does, but bucks scarce."

Nov. 3, 1914--"Go early with cream. Stayed to vote as this is election [day]. Women are taking great interest in this election as state-wide dry or wet measure is up. Dry's will win I think as there is such a vigorous effort put forth by women in general and the churches in particular to establish prohibition for the state. Personally I left the measure out, not voting yes or no. There is one feature in the measure that, I think, should call for severe criticism, that is the exception for sacramental purposes in favor of the church. No church member can make a reasonable claim that fermented wine is really necessary in the sacrament ceremony. Sweet wine would answer the purpose just as well & better. The church should repudiate this 'exception' with emphasis, thus showing its willingness to sacrifice for the general good. But not a bit of it! The other fellow must do all the sacrificing. That big sip of the genuine article is too relishable to be given up. Here is the point; religious people, and many others in fact, vote for prohibition with the mental reservation that the strict law is for those whose mental control is not strong enough to warn them when to quit. As for themselves they are not inclined to yield the liberty of taking a wee drop now and then, like Timothy, for the stomach's sake. Human nature is a singular combination. A rigid law prohibiting one from indulging in some habit that he thinks is not harmful sets up a feeling of resistance in his mind leading to the evasion of the law even if it has to be done on the sly. As far as the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage I might be considered a te-totaler yet if this law is enacted, which says thou shall not the chances are that I will develope a thirst right away."

Nov. 4, 1914--"No news to be counted on as to results of the election. Counting the votes a slow affair. So many measures. The board for this precinct not expected to complete job until well into to-night. Not much doing on place excepting small jobs in the tinkering line."

Nov. 5, 1914--"From the meager election returns it is quite sure that Oregon went dry. S. goes to a 'comfort' tying P.M."

Nov. 6, 1914--"Oregon has gone dry by a heavy majority. Most of the women especially are jubilant. Chamberlain goes back to the Senate. Withicombe will be governor of Oregon."

Nov. 7, 1914--"Have finished the large work borrowed from Prader's--800 pages. Now ready to tackle something else. Allan Abbott & family moved back to day. Still fighting in regular death grips over in Europe. Turkey now in it--on the side of Germany. Who next?"

Nov. 8, 1914--"S. & I drive to Phoenix P.M. on Pacific Highway--excepting about 1/4 mile which is not ready yet. Autos thick on road. Feel tempted to mortgage our interest in Kingdom Come for an auto. Dont enjoy driving a horse on the new road--too hard on horses feet, but an auto would be the thing sure. Mrs. Lula Stearns & Maggie drop in this evening. She & her son came in in their auto; broke down, however, on the way & had to be hauled nearly to Ashland. No doubt it makes one feel somewhat helpless when an auto gives out, or balks."

Nov. 10, 1914--"Oregon, Arizona, Washington & Colorado have gone dry. Measure does not have full effect in Oregon until Jan 1st 1916. This gives saloons a chance to unload and adjust themselves to the new conditions. Also habitual imbibers who think they must have it can lay in a stock to last perhaps for years. With plenty on hand, however, there would be the temptation to take a wee nip too often."

Nov. 11, 1914--"Take S. to Minnie's to stay till Sunday. Cool driving to the north. L. killed hogs Monday & S. is to help Minnie with the lard. M. sends back with me a nice hunk of tenderloin for help out my batching--'twill do it too. Have had an abundance of free meat for some time, thanks to good neighbors. Fine thing to have been born good looking and lucky. Of course S. will bring home a generous supply of 'sassage' and things when she comes. All of which leads me to reflect that I prefer to be here under present surroundings, rather than among the scrappers in Europe."

Nov. 12, 1914--"Just been reading an account of an interview with Edison wherein the great inventor is quoted as saying that the American people as a rule eat too much and sleep too much--that 4 hours sleep in 24 and 5 oz of food per meal--i.e. food as it is cooked including the water in it, satisfy him. He admits that one engaged in heavy muscular labor would need a bit more--in extreme cases double this amount.
      "On the other hand Dr. Woods Hutchison, in a long article in the Saturday Evning Post says that soldiers and others engaged in heavy work should eat very hearty of wholesome strength-giving food--beef, bacon, whole wheat bread etc--if they are to stand up at their work. Also favors coffee & tea, sugar & various desserts.
      "It strikes me, however, that in the matter of diet, each mature individual must be his or her own judge. A diet which may be just the thing for Smith may not do at all for Jones. Many make supper the hearty meal of the day & breakfast the lightest. Right the contrary for me. Many doctors advocate sweet milk as a beverage--and lots of it. Not for me, thank you. I have not taken a drink of sweet milk in forty years."

Nov. 13, 1914--"Spend a good portion of evening reading Progressive Thinker which generally comes to hand on Friday. I must say that a majority of the long articles or essays are not very satisfactory to me. Too tedious, too long drawn out. The same matter, in most cases, could be 'boiled down' to 1/5 of the space & read better for it. Chas. Dawburn is the limit. He dives too low or soars too high for me to follow. He seems to pose as a Spiritualist philosopher. He dreams out some peculiar philosophy then fills column after column, continued in succeeding issues to make know[n] his wonderful thoughts to the world. His literary style is as peculiar as his ideas. Words, words, words combined into high sounding phrases that mean little to me. And he's a stayer--starting a new one in the number of P.T. to continue, the good Lord knows how long. It is about as interesting to me as a detailed report of a base-ball game."

Nov. 14, 1914--"Letter from Lindley to day. He has had no word from Fred for over two years. Has written several times to Fred's supposed address but letters are returned. Fred must be in some kind of trouble as he would write. I am writing to L. this evening."

Nov. 15, 1914--"Am about out of commission. Bilious attack. Dizzy. Fairly reeled when doing up chores this morning. Have eaten nothing since yesterday noon. In a little better shape P.M. so drive to Phoenix for S. but am not myself at all. Hope to get a good sleep to night."

Nov. 16, 1914--"Got a fine 9-hour sleep last night. Am on the mend but not normal yet. Keep quiet A.M. No doubt I have myself to blame for this attack. I see that I have neglected to note that imaginary 'Danger Go Slow' signal that I must see in front of my plate. Feel well enough P.M. so I help S. rake & burn leaves."

Nov. 17, 1914--"Clean out--prune--grape arbor A.M. Get Boyd R. to help me slash limbs out of top of big oak that was leaning over & menacing the shop building. Get limbs down with block & rope with proper snubbing cleats. The tree now looks as if a Kansas tornado had struck it. Erma comes to stay over night. The dog supposed to be mad that passed thru the neighborhood biting several dogs & was shot by H. Lynch & whose head was sent away for examination is proved to have been mad, so the other dogs that it bit were killed. Am plenty tired. Think I shall sleep to beat the band to night."

Nov. 18, 1914--"Busy clearing away brush & trash from tree and cutting up limbs into wood. S. busy trimming crysanthemums etc etc. Hear that Mrs. Hannah Robison name changes to day to Mrs. Hannah Martin. I wish the young couple everlasting joy. The bride has seen 68 summers. How many winters the bridegroom has experienced deponent saith not but I infer that he [is] old enough to vote."

Nov. 19, 1914--"S. goes to comfort tying P.M. at Lizzie John's. Came near being intoxicated to day as a result of about two tablespoon's full of hard cider--a slight 'swimming' feeling. Guess I'm not cut for a hard drinker."

Nov. 20, 1914--"Go to T. A.M. to have plow lay sharpened. Eggs 45 cents, but have but two dozen to sell. If hens could be induced to get in their best licks when eggs are 45 the poultry biz would be O.K."

Nov. 21, 1914--"Mrs. M. Tryer died about 9 this morning, failure to recover from childbirth. Erma is down with a sick spell something like cold, or grippe. S. goes down this evening to stay with her while Ed. & B. attend Lodge, some important meeting."

Nov. 22, 1914--"Louie finds that root blight has struck Dr. Hargrave's orchard of which L. has charge. Inspectors were examining it to day. With pests and the low price of fruit this year the orchard business is discouraging. Erma rides down with us, she being much better."

Nov. 23, 1914--"Help H. H. kill hogs--6--A.M. Took dinner there. Not much doing P.M. Mrs. Tryer buried to day in Medford. Am now re-reading a work on Psycometry by J. R. Buchanan. Read it about 28 years ago soon after its publication but didn't grasp its full meaning then--as I am doing now. My experience has taught me that the 2nd & 3rd reading of many books are better than the first."

Nov. 24, 1914--"Bought a dressed pig at H.H. Wheel it down, cut up & salt early A.M. Small 82 1/2 lbs.--all the better for eating purposes. Had to go to T. for coal oil A.M. Tier up wood a while P.M. S. calls on Mrs. Knighten P.M.
      "Pacific Highway opened to day, i.e. from Ashland to Central Point--16 miles. Such a road makes one feel like getting an auto. Not good for horses unless one drives very slowly."

Nov. 25, 1914--"S. goes to a school entertainment at T. P.M. Goes with Ed. & Blanch. Are invited to a Thanksgiving dinner at Ed's to-morrow."

Nov. 26, 1914--"Thanksgiving Day. S. & I take dinner at Ed's. Mighty good dinner too. Mr. & Mrs Geetes, acquaintances of Blanch. It would be interesting, more or less, to hear the average pulpit-gush on the thanksgiving question. No doubt every mother's son of a preacher fervently thanks God for having in His infinite wisdom ordained that we should have peace & prosperity in our country while a cruel war is drenching the fairest fields of Europe with blood. Heavy frost in morning & fog A.M.--or most of A.M. Fine P.M. Have just finished reading The Barrier, by Rex Beach. Plot & counter plot a plenty. A few fine characters & others that might be likened to devils from hell."

Nov. 29, 1914--"S. & I are invited to a birth-day surprise party in honor of Bob Purves--his 43rd. Erma comes up late A.M. bringing me a pumpkin pie. Needless to say I was too bashful to decline the gift. The surprise party are to meet here & then take the fort by storm. Bob was surprised all right. The surprisers were H.H. & Maggie; E. Purves & family; Ed. Blanch & Erma; S. & myself. Evning was fine, bright moon, but cool. Broke up about 11."

Nov. 30, 1914--"Wind, wind, wind, more of it and then some. Most disagreeable day of the season. In the main I stay in and read. Wind is S.E. & feels as if it had just come from some region of ice. Glad I dont have to be on the road & face it. Our mail carrier having got this far found himself too ill to go his full rounds, came in phoned for his deputy to meet him and let him off. Blowing great guns as I write--8 P.M."

Dec. 1, 1914--"As yesterday was extra disagreeable, to-day is the opposite. So Winter comes in like a very gentle lamb, but how long it will continue lamb-like deponent saith not. S. & I have spent the day cleaning up yards of leaves etc. We think the shade trees have borne an extra crop of leaves this year--fo[r]getting, of course, that we think that every year. Nevertheless we have no desire to part with the trees."

Dec. 2, 1914--"Mr. Denim called to procure lot for the burial of Bert Briner who committed suicide yesterday, so I go with him to select lot A.M."

Dec. 3, 1914--"Attend funeral Bert Briner. The preacher had nothing more than, in his prayer, to bow to the will of God who in his infinite wisdom had taken the soul of this young man from the world--or words to that effect. He mainly read from the burial service a few extracts. No obituary notice. Wind lets up somewhat in middle of day but starts in again late P.M. Maggie drops in this evening & as usual some rapid-fire visiting was done. Looks for stormy weather to-morrow or sooner. Get check of balance due from the Medford Creamery, i.e. from estate of Mr. Chappelle 95 cents on dollar."

Dec. 4, 1914--"Mr. Powers brings me a late work on the war to read. It is entitled Europe at War & is put out by the Review of Reviews Company. It is large work about 8x11 nearly 300 pages--200 fine photo pictures. Has all kinds of up-to-date information. Glad to get it. Have got well into it already this evening."

Dec. 5, 1914--"Found an old book in the library the other day that I had not noticed before. It is A Tale of the Old Dutch Manor, by Mansfield T. Walworth published in 1864. Scene near the Hudson; time, probably not long after the Revolution. No railroads, telegraph, telephones or automobiles figure in it. But human nature was just the same, however, and the author was a master hand at delineating it. He was surely endowed with a remarkable power of portraying fine moral and intellectual phases. There are a few grand characters &, of course, others exactly the reverse. The plots and counter plots are drawn most skillfully. A Harold Bell Wright could not have done better. The reading of such a book would tend to heighten the moral & spiritual natures of any one."

Dec. 6, 1914--"Cloudy & windy, threatening rain. Plow awhile A.M. Not much doing balance of day--but reading. Europe at War give[s] a pretty full account of the German Kaiser's speeches, prayers and sermons--or short talks before religious meetings--for the past year or two. The Kaiser is, or pretends to be, a devout Christian. He prays fervently & knows that God is on his side & will help him to knock the 'stuffin' out of all his enemies. Surely the English opinion of him is correct, i.e. that he is simply crazy--a sort of big-head craziness. It is to be seen to what extent God will stand by him in this war.
      "I seem to be about to the end of this book. Must get another. The habit is formed."

Volume IV
December 7, 1914-March 31, 1916

Dec. 7, 1914--"A brief note from L.W.D. informs me that Fred fell while in an epileptic fit and broke his leg, so that he is now confined in a hospital at Bakersfield, Kern County, California. Nearly three years since L. had a letter from him until he received this.
      "Now I find myself beginning on another Volume of about 200 pages. To fill said pages with more or less brief records or jottings of perhaps a few happenings of importance, but mostly with queer and quaint comments on hundreds of matters of no importance whatever--but the habit of making daily entries is on me confirmed by nearly three [years] of practice and I would feel as if some thing was out of joint to stop now. Really the journal we find to be handy for reference. Indeed, how interesting it would be had it been running for 50 years or more. Were that the case a good many queer entries could be found in it as may well be imagined."

Dec. 9, 1914--"Have also finished Europe at War. It has given me a fine up-a-tree view of the situation over there. Reduced to a few words, the Kaiser of Germany has been for years developing an ambition to become a mighty war-lord so that his name may go down in history as the grandest potentate in all Europe. To that end he has built up the mightiest fighting machine ever known. He couldn't rest o' nights till he saw that machine in action. He may get more than he is looking for."

Dec. 12, 1914--"Cool this evening--have to look after water pipes, also pump on porch. May have a cold night. I think of the soldiers on the fighting lines in Europe, this cool weather exposed in trenches. But such is war."

Dec. 13, 1914--"An old gentleman--a Mr. Barnhart, a recent comer, who rented J. Combes place, died yesterday morning after a short illness, funeral to-morrow. Leaves wife and his young children."

Dec. 14, 1914--"S. & I attended funeral of Mr. Barnhart P.M. He was an Oddfellow and was buried under the auspices of that order. His grave is the first in the Oddfellows Cemetery."

Dec. 15, 1914--"S. went with Maggie G. to a 'study club' meeting at Marcia's P.M. I busy with ice in flume and on wheel."

Dec. 16, 1914--"Go early A.M. to T. for new oil stove--neet it at once to thaw out pipes in tower. Get a larger size--$5.00. The trees, bushes, fences have a most beautiful appearance now. They are literally festooned with ice crystals. The crystals or spikes vary from 1/2 to one inch in length and commingle and overlap in a great variety of styles as if placed by the hand of some ingenious designer. Indeed nature is a great architect. The phone and light wires look like rich cables. The wire fences are indescripably beautiful--espectially the wire netting, the meshes of which being nearly filled with slender sprangles--and all of spotless white. If some genius could invent a fence as beautiful he would have a fortune. Science admits a mystery about crystalization. The real cause is yet to be discovered. For instance each mineral has a crystalization peculiar to itself. Why? It is generally believed that crystalization results from the interplay of electric & magnetic forces but this is as far as science has gone. The effect is known, not the cause. Ah, what immense new fields are still spread out for science to explore! . . .
      "Renewed by mail subscription to day for Thrice-a-Week World, Progressive Thinker. Also for Everybody's magazine--clubbing with Thrice-a-Week World. Sent to David R. Clarkson for big cook book for S., also for two books from Pro. Thinker--spiritualist books."

Dec. 17, 1914--"Just heard by phone of the death of Frank Robison, who has been in hospital at Salem for a year or more. Funeral here Saturday. S. goes at once to convey the news to Boyd, & to have him make arrangements for digging grave etc."

Dec. 18, 1914--"S. & I drive to T. P.M. to do Xmas shopping--the most perplexing job of the year. I get a book each for Ed. & Louie. . . . The other things I leave to S. to select."

Dec. 19, 1914--"Go to T. for a few joints of stove pipe with the object of setting up our sheetiron camp stove in tower." Long endorsement of "The Eyes of the World," espousing naturalist philosophy.

Dec. 22, 1914--"Game warden Hubbard of Ashland was shot and killed by Louis Martin, a game poacher on Trail creek last Thursday. Hubbard went to arrest him & was deliberately shot down by the poacher. Hubbard has a constable with him who will be the sole witness. Martin will, no doubt, get a steady job & boarding place for balance of his life. He is now in jail awaiting trial. No signs of let-up in the big war. They are slaying one-another with a savage ferocity that would disgrace the natives of Darkest Africa. Yet the Kaiser offers up fervent prayers and believes--or assumes to believe--that God is especially on the side of the Germans. If God takes a hand one would think He would at once send some famine or pestilence to the Kaiser's enemies & wind up the war mui pronto."

Dec. 23, 1914--"I pray--I have a way of praying--for a change to higher temperatures."

Dec. 24, 1914--"Go to Ed's this evening--Xmas tree mainly for Erma. Mr. & Mrs. Deeds were there. A very pretty Xmas tree. Erma gets lots of presents--among which is a gold ladies' watch."

Dec. 25, 1914--"Xmas. Take dinner at L. & Minnie's. Lloid & family, A. Furry & family, Ed Robison & family & S. & I. I got horse & buggy ready to go down when Erma came in hurriedly with an urgent invitation from her folks to go down with them, that they would take a two-seated rig etc. I was a little surprised to find the two-seated rig to be an automobile that Ed. had traded for. It was the Josh Patterson auto. It is in good repair & rides easy--five passengers, a Case machine. No doubt he has made a good trade. The dinner was way-up & no mistake. Turkey, chicken, boiled ham, pumpkin pie, boiled sweet potatoes, cakes galore, salads etc. etc. etc. Lots of presents were in evidence. Our cow Topsy makes us a present of a brand new calf of the masculine persuasion. S. & I admit a slight shade of disappointment. A heifer was preferred."

Dec. 27, 1914--"Mrs. Arminda Purves spent day with us. Mrs. E. Purves and Lattie called to spend evening. General conversation turned, for an hour or so on spiritualistic phenomena."

Dec. 28, 1914--"Attend the Regular annual ditch meeting at Ed. R's P.M. S. expects the Talent Study Club to meet here to-morrow--all ladies. As some drink tea, some coffee, others neither and as lunch and something to drink are in order S. thought sweet cider would do the trick so she sends to Davis's for two gallons of fresh apple juice."

Dec. 29, 1914--"Not much doing A.M. on my part but S. is doing some break-neck hustling setting things to rights making cakes etc etc for the Study Club this afternoon. She will be tired when it is all over. Too much work for the entertainer it seems to me. The custom of providing an elaborate lunch all such meetings might be cut out to advantage all around. Personally I have no use for a rich cake lunch midway between regular meals as was the case to day."

Dec. 31, 1914--"Our hens struck zero in the egg business to day for the first time in 1914. I hunted faithfully but no egg could be found. S. & I concluded to have fried chicken to-morrow."

1915

Jan. 1, 1915--"Go to T. A.M. for mail. Found P.O. moved into Brown's drug store. Have now completed three years of keeping daily records of passing events in which am more or less interested. Quite likely I shall keep it up as long as I shall be able to do so. As stated a year ago I placed an imaginary warning notice in a conspicuous place in front of my plate at the table. Am sure now that it had a good effect. Have been more & more careful in eating, as to quantity & quality. Unfortunately for me my appetite is far from a true guide. It seldom tallies with the proper demands & requirements of my digestive apparatus. In other words eating seldom lessens, to any marked degree, my appetite. All this is the result of a serious attack of enlargement of the liver when about thirty years of age. It lasted for several months. During that time my appetite was simply voracious. It required strong will power to refrain from constantly gorging. The appetite was abnormal. The disease let up in time but the appetite failed to get back to a normal condition. So I am handicapped with an unreliable appetite, leaving me to resort to other means of ascertaining the proper quantity of food to eat.
      "I have a small picture of Horace Fletcher which I am, for this year, to keep as a marker in this book. Furthermore I am to magine that benign and warning eye of his looking down from the wall at me when at table. This, I think, will be a sufficient reminder. He says eat very, very slowly, masticate food thoroughly & you are not likely to overeat."

Jan. 2, 1915--"Minnie & 'Sport' came up late P.M. to stay over."

Jan. 3, 1915--Reading a book about a pioneer of Kentucky: "And here I must say that that kind of life always appealed to me--near to nature, free from the shams of modern society."

Jan. 4, 1915--Card from Frank Dean in Vermont; comments on winter cold.

Jan. 5, 1915--"Busy part of A.M. cleaning ditch, or rather branch--Jimmy Creek--on the E. Beeson patch to prevent overflow. . . .
       "S. & I have popcorn & cream for supper--good enough for a king. This reminds me that when Jim Stewart & I were batching in Southern California we frequently made a meal on penola, i.e. parched corn ground fine and eaten with milk or honey. This is a favorite Spanish diet--penola and chilli con carne. This sticks to the ribs O.K."

Jan. 6, 1915--Lengthy entry on Christians and Christianity.

Jan. 7, 1915--Tells of massacre of Indians in history he is reading.

Jan. 8, 1915--"Just received a letter from J.E. Hasmer of Silverton Journal who says in answer to my inquiry, that the 50 cents I paid an 'agent' last August as sub. for the Journal did not reach him. Guess I'm 'stung' again. Will write Mr. Knips of Medford who brought the 'agent' here & may learn something."

Jan. 9, 1915--"Mrs. Rhodes of T. died last night. A burial lot was selected in W.C. Cemetery to day. Funeral tomorrow. Work some in bottom P.M. Fairly good news from the warring part of the world. The allies seem to be steadily gaining."

Jan. 10, 1915--Comments on origins of Bible.

Jan. 15, 1915--"A man shot to death on upper Anderson Creek yesterday. An inquest was held to-day. But few particulars as yet.
      "Big revival now in full blast in Portland. A Rev. Bulgin seems to be leading card. The Telegram prints many of his most 'fetching' sayings. . . . This preacher Bulgin seems to be Bulgin over with all sorts of fool ideas. He comes on the stage too late. Ought to have cropped out 300 years ago." Comments on revival, Devil, Adam and Eve.

Jan. 16, 1915--"Some mystery connected with the death of the hunter on Anderson Creek. The coroner's inquest didn't throw much light on the case." More on Portland revival.

Jan. 17, 1915--"The popcorn bought at store the other day is n.g. Think it is crossed with field corn. Am on the look out for the small 'rice corn' type. But the hominy is way up. Have that often."

Jan. 18, 1915--"Work in bottom A.M. on the wood. Get Smedley to help me saw down two large oaks. Now a job for several days getting these trees into wood."

Jan. 19, 1915--Rails at the Telegram's printing speeches from the Portland revival without comment: "Policy!! The Oregonian, when H.W. Scott was at its head, was courageous enough to speak out now & then. But the Telegram & Journal seem to think the best thing to do is to keep dead quiet."

Jan. 20, 1915--"Ed sends up an invitation to take an auto ride to Medford this afternoon. We fell in promptly although S. had bread baking on hand & three chickens to dress & get ready for to-morrow, as she has invited some neighbor ladies to spend the day. Cool riding; was pretty well chilled when arriving home. Left at 12-15, returned 2-45 and still we loitered around Medford a hour or so. An auto for annihilating distance. . . . Help S. A.M. to get through her work in time for the auto ride. Pacific highway is O.K. of course, but other roads are not to brag on."

Jan. 21, 1915--"An extra hustle has been on for two or three weeks to get enough acreage subscribed to justify a Salt Lake company to put up a beet sugar factory in the Vally. Last Tuesday was to be the now-or-never day & interested parties were scurrying over the vally making a vigorous effort to get the required 5000 acres signed up. Have not heard as to the result."

Jan. 22, 1915--"Could not have been down to freezing at 10 last night, yet the ground is hard crusted, ice formed in still places in the ditch & lots of ice (anchor ice) backed the water in the flume, which, I have often observed, requires a quite low temperature--23-25 or so. . . . My books from Pro. Thinker have come so I have plenty of spook literature now & to help out Mrs. Sherman loans me a couple to day."

Jan. 23, 1915--"Eggs down to 20 cents, so we conclude to indulge more frequently in pumpkin pies. S. made a couple to day, from canned pumpkin. We think it is not just right as the contents of the can leaves the inside of can almost black--i.e., takes the tin off. At least it has that appearance. It is a Cal. production. Am told our home produced is much better, but stores seem to be out of it. Reports now are that the beet sugar enterprise is a go. But a doubt may be justified yet."

Jan. 24, 1915--"Am getting somewhat interested in Mrs. Langley's book Spirit-World, in which she gives information she received through her many spirit guides as to conditions of things 'Over There.'"

Jan. 25, 1915--"Blanch phones up for us to take another auto ride to Medford as they had to go for trees ordered. S. washed, but hurried & we took the ride. Roads splendid. H.H.'s Sharkey dog bit Jackie this A.M. & Maggie & Alpha are very nervous over it. Sharkie should be made a 'good dog' promptly. He never was a safe animal. H.H. seems to value him highly, however."

Jan. 26, 1915--"Lay in 5 cans of pumpkin, put up at the Bagley canning company. With cheap eggs, pumpkin pie should be a cheap luxury."

Jan. 28, 1915--". . . Ed phones up for us to take an auto ride to Ashland. S. has engaged to go to Bagleys to day to stay with the little children while Mr. & Mrs. Bagley go to Ashland to have a bad tooth of Mrs. B. extracted. I ride up with Ed. & Blanch return about 3 P.M. S. gets home about 6 P.M. & says Mrs. B. had a serious time. The dentist failed to get that tooth out; although working at the job 2 1/2 hours. Mrs. B. returned nearly exhausted."

Jan. 29, 1915--"The Rev. Bulgin [of the Portland revival, as still being reported by the Telegram] has a long letter to Dr. Loveland for certain left handed compliments the latter had extended to him in a sermon. He flays Loveland for including & defending Reed College, where up-to-date modern science is taught. This, of course, includes evolution which the Rev. Bulgin ridicules with all the low slang terms in his vocabulary. He says Dr. Loveland should teach & preach God's word & that is the Bible--the whole thing, nothing left out. No evolution in that holy book. That the bible & science are in exact accord(!)"

Jan. 30, 1915--"Have to put a revenue stamp on every can of cream shipped--1 ct stamp for a 5-gal. can. All this is brought about by the war in Europe. Mr. O.H. Roberts before his departure for California left some books to be forwarded to me, remarking as he did so that I was the only one he knew of about here who could understand them."

Jan. 31, 1915--"Learn at noon of the burning of the large sulpher-lime, spray dope factory at Phoenix, early this morning. A terrible fire. Hundreds go to see the ruins. S. & I drive down. The chemicals seem to be burning yet in places. Large quantities of black smoke rolling out from top of one of the large tanks. Two loaded freight cars on the side track were destroyed also. A heavy loss. And bad for the orchardists of the vally who depended upon this plant for dope supply."

Feb. 2, 1915--"Go T. P.M. for supplies. Try a sack of Klamath Falls flour this time as many think it as good [as] any in the market--$1.75 per sk. Other best grades 2.00 now. Twenty years ago if flour got up to 50 or 90 cents per sack we thought bread a luxury. I remember buying flour for 65 cents a sk, & wheat for 45 cents a bushel. Wheat now $2.55 for 100 lbs. and still going up. Times seem to be changing in this country. Just now too much war on hand. S. called on Mrs. Bagley P.M. Mrs. B. is having a serious time. She feels like flaying the dentist who pulled the wrong tooth by mistake & couldn't get the right one out."

Feb. 4, 1915--"Take S. to T. early A.M. to catch motor bus for Phoenix. Cut wood balance of A.M. Drive to Phoenix for her P.M. The boy comes home with us."

Feb. 5, 1915--"Get 300 lbs. beardless barley to sow. H.H. brings it up. $2.40 per hundred. . . . Learn of death of E.B. Watson--an old school fellow."

Feb. 7, 1915--"W.M. Richards of Berlin sends for another lay-out 'Facts Worth Knowing' to pass around among his pious friends. I will forward a lot to-morrow if I go to T."

Feb. 14, 1915--"Mrs. E. Purves calls on S. P.M. She brings a book for me to read. She thinks it just the thing. It is In Tune With the Infinite by Ralph W. Trine. Have ran through with about 30 pages & find it so far an advocate of Spiritualist philosophy although, no doubt, the author would not like to be considered a Spiritualist. Mrs. Purves also might be shocked did she know that Spirit belief is taught in the book."

Feb. 12, 1915--"The war in Europe still raging. Terrible loss of life daily. The German Socialists are making a kick. Hope it will have some influence."

Feb. 16, 1915--"Take S. to T. to a Study Club charity affair for the benefit of a Mrs. Inman, an old lady, paralyzed so as to be nearly helpless. Each one was to take at least a pound of something useful. Get Daisy's shoes reset. S. walked back late P.M. E. Beeson in his auto passed her without inviting her to ride."

Feb. 18, 1915--"Have had a look at Patterson's new 8-cylender Cadalac auto. It is evidently O.K. And it ought to be at $2,200--just about four times the cost of a new 5-passenger Ford. Got a long letter from Orvelle Work this morning. Seems he is enjoying himself well. He says he has attended church several times lately, but pitching horse shoes is his best amusement--says last time he went to church he fell asleep as usual & was dreaming about the horseshoe game. The closing singing woke him &, half awake, he yelled out 'ringer,' & all looked around at him in wonder. He is 76 & feels pretty hale & hearty. The barrels of liquor he has swilled down dont seem to hurt him much."

Feb. 20, 1915--"Some kind of entertainment at the 56 school house to-night but S. & I do not go out of nights much. S. made a couple dried-apple pies to day. Of course they were way-up. With me it is pumpkin pie first; dried apple pie second; green apple pie third; custard pie, fourth. Not much enthused over other kinds of pies."

Feb. 22, 1915--"Spend day spading up a corner of E. garden, near reservoir, not easily get-at-able with plow. Some tired but the odor of hominy cooking on the heater makes me feel very tranquil. So for breakfast we are to have hominy & baked potatoes & eggs for leaders--good enough for the German Kaiser."

Feb. 24, 1915--"A letter from W.G. Knips of Medford requests me to go down in his neighborhood--2 miles west of Medford--& give a talk at the schoolhouse on 'The Reading of the Bible in the Public Schools.' Some there are trying to introduce such an exercise daily. Of course I declined. My growing defect of hearing requires me to cut out taking a prominent part in any public meetings. Were conditions otherwise I should accept the invitation. I could give them a few hefty pointers, I think. How persistent & insistent the church people are to get their bible into the public schools. . . . On one occasion in my teaching days the directors made a strong request that I read a chapter before the school daily. I objected on general principles, but consented if they would allow me to open the book at random, or let a pupil do it & I would read the chapter thus presented. They promptly objected."

Feb. 26, 1915--"Snookums presents us with twin bull calves about noon to day. One of the twins was dead. Both extra small. So our three cows have furnished four bull calves. As we were wanting heifers, it is easy to see that it was for us an unlucky deal. Banker Beekman of Jacksonville, died yesterday & all banks of the county closed at noon in honor. He was a peculiar character--one man in a million--a man of the strictest honor. He had a queer way of running a bank. But everybody was willing to place absolute trust in him & it was his boast that no one ever lost a cent through him."

Mar. 1, 1915--"I sent Mr. Knips a few copies of my Christ-Story & told him there would be no charge. He had ordered them. But he sent 50 cents just the same. He thought it too much to get them free. I have known people who would not have done that. He is highly pleased with the booklet, says it is just the thing to loan to his Christian friends. He says the description of the New Jerusalem 'would make a hard-shell Baptist laugh.' Yes and 'blush with shame also at the absurdity of his religion.'"

Mar. 3, 1915--"Get 50 lbs. Klamath Falls whole wheat flour. This flour makes the best, healthiest & sweetest bread, is a [omission] for yours truly. . . . Mrs. Briner was buried in W.C. Cemetery P.M."

Mar. 4, 1915--"The old gentleman Rhodes has bought a brand new Ford & is galavanting about in style. He must be about my age. And if he can run an auto, perhaps I might be justified in trying it."

Mar. 5, 1915--"H.H., Jim B., Bob Purves & Ed. R. went to Jacksonville in latter's auto to take in the trial of Martin for shooting the game warden. Trial bids fair to be a lengthy one--about 70 witnesses."

May 6, 1915--"Erma comes up to stay over night. She seems to be still speeding up in talking--about 2500 words a minute now. I think school training is much at fault here. Articulation is also seriously neglected. I venture the assertion that not one pupil in a hundred even in the 8th grade can read aloud in a proper manner. I notice that the matter is coming up for discussion."

Mar. 7, 1915--"S. & I go [with] Ed. & B. & Erma to moving picture show at Medford P.M. Am not enthused over that kind of entertainment. Too much quiver in all cases in which the actors make rapid motions, as with arms, hands etc. That quiver is almost painful to my eyes. To me the auto ride was the pleasantest part of the afternoon's proceedings. Took a look through Gate's auto rooms. Gates is a jovial fellow & made it pleasant for us. New fully equipped Ford cars, Model T, now $565."

Mar. 9, 1915--"The jury in the Martin case found him not guilty."

Mar. 10, 1915--"Several boys in T. have been caught stealing chickens for jolly midnight suppers. They were rounded up yesterday, a sort of trial was had, a severe lecturing given them & they were turned loose on their good behavior."

Mar. 12, 1915--"The county papers don't take very kindly to the verdict of the jury in the Martin case."

Mar. 13, 1915--"S. goes to a sort of social at J. Davis' this evening. I did not care to go. Such gatherings no place for me. Defective hearing makes it embarrassing. More pleasure in reading. Deafness cuts no figure in that game."

Mar. 14, 1915--"Probably I feel better than I would have if I had been up until 12 last night."

Mar. 15, 1915--"Go to Prader's for butter A.M. Mr. P. loans me again the large work on automobiles. It is Audel's Answers on Automobiles. Am, by reading & inquiry & observation, gathering in as many points as possible on automobiles so if we should ever possess one we would know better how to run & care for it."

Mar. 16, 1915--"The Bagley cannery was attached last Saturday by a Medford bank for $9 000. B. in San Francisco was at once notified & hurried home. Came this morning."

Mar. 20, 1915--"Minnie & Eldred came up P.M. Also Erma came to stay over night. I notice that the new Oregon Prohibition law comes in for much severe criticism. And it should. It seems to me to be the most brainless measure ever gotten up in the shape of a prohibition law. One noted writer says that in attempting to enforce it we will 'soon have chaos & then hell.' No beer or liquor can be manufactured within the state but each person, or family, may have two quarts of liquor & 24 quarts of beer every four weeks; but he must procure this from without the state. Of course this will suit the other states. Then priests are not restricted in amount--for sacramental purposes. The law is brim full of verbose & complicated paragraphs as to the carrying out the law. Not doubt it will be violated in many ways right from the start. Well, I have no kick; two quarts of whisky & 24 of beer will do me."

Mar. 25, 1915--"S. & I haul off a full hack load of old magazines & papers etc.--an accumulation of years."

Mar. 27, 1915--"Go to T. P.M. Pay taxes at bank $56.27."

Mar. 31, 1915--"Ride to Medford with Mr. Prader P.M. Bring S. back. I drive the auto most of the way down & all the way back. He had me start in at his gate here, but I got one wheel outside of the culvert bent some brace rods & had to go back to Prader's to straighten them."

Apr. 2, 1915--"Take cream P.M. & go on to Phoenix--S & I--Eldred comes back with us. H.H. Maggie & Jackie call in evening. The boys make quite a racket on the floor."

Apr. 11, 1915--"S. & I take a drive about half way to Jacksonville P.M. along the mountain road."

Apr. 14, 1915--"Busy at odd jobs P.M., a business trip to cemetery for one."

Apr. 17, 1915--"Plant a lot of Hubbard squash seed in cans to start them. Transplant in proper time & get the best of the bugs. Other small jobs A.M. Go to T. on an errand early P.M. S. & I work on cemetery lot most of P.M."

Apr. 19, 1915--"Butter fat down to 23 cents. Eggs 17 1/2. We are not piling up wealth very fast."

May 2, 1915--"Business at cemetery A.M. Write notices this evening for special meeting of Cemetery Association."

May 9, 1915--"Transcribing into my new Cemetery record book most of day."

May 13, 1915--"Help raise tank tower A.M. Nothing doing P.M."

May 14, 1915--"At cemetery all day. The special meeting called for to-day decided to take out the pine trees. We procured axes & saws & cut them all down A.M. Boyd R. is to take them for the wood. Very disagreeable P.M. Try to raise tank to place, didnt finish the job."

May 16, 1915--"Help get tank in place at cemetery early A.M."

May 19, 1915--"Go to T. to post notices for annual meeting of WCC Ass'n."

May 20, 1915--"Letter from Lindley informing me that Fred is at Home Lake Bay, Wash. Perhaps he is having a serious time for L. asks us to see if some could be found who would take him in to keep & care for at some reasonable compensation per week or month. This is a hard proposition not knowing how difficult task it might be. Will answer the letter this evening."

May 23, 1915--"H.H. & I go to cemetery to do a little necessary work. Water system not finished. Will hold over until after annual meeting."

May 24, 1915--"Go to T. early A.M. to take Mr. Cook's tools back from cemetery."

May 25, 1915--"S. & I go to cemetery P.M. to hunt for missing pipe wrench. There we met Mrs. Augusta Boswick nee Snyder, a former pupil of mine. Had not met her before for about 25 years. She is now grandma. Sure 'time do move.'"

May 26, 1915--"Medford men here soliciting cream for the 'Jackson County Creamery' just starting in Medford. Are to pay Portland prices & gather cream with auto. May patronize them."

May 28, 1915--"Mrs. Emma Edlund drops in this evening. Some of us are putting forth a effort to have a suitable program on Decoration Day. Have secured Mr. Thomas to speak. A few singers are practicing, so we may have something fitting."

May 29, 1915--"Bought a few nice strawberries at Prader's. Prader's suit goes against him. Case in brief is thus: Some weeks ago Prader in passing a team with his auto frightened one of the horses. The horse lunged, broke his bridle & the team ran away, throwing out a woman breaking her arm. The circumstances were such that Mr. P. did not consider himself at all to blame. The woman brought suit however & won P. has to pay her $550. No one who knows Mr. P. believes him to blame."

May 31, 1915--"Attended Cemetery meeting P.M. Memorial exercises were fine. Mr. Thomas gave address. Singing quartette--Mrs. Matteson, Mrs. Bagley, E. Cochran & Alpha Goddard rendered excellent music. Mrs. Ella Holdridge recitation. W.J.D. [Dean] read poetic selection."

June 2, 1915--"Hoe corn & around trees, also attend funeral of old Mr. Chamberlain P.M."

June 3, 1915--"Minnie down in bed--malaria."

June 6, 1915--"H.H. drops in A.M. accompanied by a Mr. Hall from Harvard Ill. H.H. met him there. Alpha of course knows him well. He was much interested in our walnut trees."

June 7, 1915--"Minnie taken worse about 9 A.M. Phone for Dr. Mahlgren. L. comes with him. Something akin to bronchitis is the trouble. She is easier as I write. Not much doing to day. The Medford Cream Co came for cream."

June 10, 1915--"Hills whitened with snow as low as Barlow's. Dr. M. came. L. with him. Minnie about same."

June 11, 1915--"Bryan has resigned as Secretary of State. Robert Lansing appointed pro tem--that is for a month or so. Bryan & the President couldn't agree on the stand the United States should take towards Germany regarding matters growing out of the Lusitania affair."

June 12, 1915--"Hear that John Robison is now the owner of an auto--2nd hand run-a-bout--$285."

June 13, 1915--"John Robison & Mereico came up in their auto. Looks as if he got a good bargain."

June 16, 1915--"Fixing up an ice chest, i.e. working over a fireless cooker into an ice box."

June 17, 1915--"The Medford Creamery auto brought us ice ordered, also a gal. buttermilk. This is free to customers. The buttermilk goes to the spot all right."

June 19, 1915--"Go to Medford with Ed & family to see an aviator go up in a bi-plane. He went up all right but directly something aparently went wrong & he glided to earth outside the Fair grounds. He tried for about two hours to make the machine go but failed. At five we had to leave. Big crowd. 25 cts entr. The aviator was to do some spectacular stunts in the air, so the affair was a disappointment, i.e. unless he performed after we left."

June 20, 1915--"Hear that the aviator went up with his machine after we left & performed all sorts of tricks. Minnie gaining. Mr. Magroo [McGrew?] met with a bad accident yesterday near Briner's mill, breaking a leg in two places. They took him to hospital at Medford."

June 21, 1915--"Mr. Morris & family motored down to see Minnie late P.M. Mr. Morris runs the Ashland garage & repair shop. He thinks much of the Metz car."

June 24, 1915--"Send off insurance payment, also for large automobile book to Sears Roebuck, $2.48."

June 26, 1915--"S., Minnie, Eldred & I take a stroll on the hills east of the house late P.M. Take the glass with us & enjoy the fine sunset view."

June 27, 1915--"Ed has traded cars, now has an Overland. A smash-up near T. last night--car & motor cycle. One--the driver of the car badly hurt, the motor cycle rider has leg broken."

June 28, 1915--"At the racing contest in or near Chicago one auto averaged 97.6 miles an hour for 500 miles. Sure going some."

July 1, 1915--"Go to T early A.M. Was surprised to find that the old blacksmith shop burned down last night. Very little saved. Hot fire I was told. Nearly ruined the empty bakery building near it. Not much doing on ranch. Get my auto book. It is O.K. I judge."

July 3, 1915--"Bob P. & I fix up picnic ground on this place near creek--table with seats etc. Picnic ground at H.H.'s not large enough."

July 4, 1915--"An ideal day for celebrating or for any other purpose. A sort of near-neighbor picnic held on the creek, on this place. 36 all told. An enjoyable time. All did eat & were filled but doubt that the traditional twelve baskets full of fragments were left. We have as fine a spring of pure, cold water down near the creek as one could wish for. And it is in exactly the right place--in a perfect arbor of trees, making a dense shade. Spring, of course, been known of for years, but upon developing it, as I did a few days ago, i.e. setting up a half-barrel & making a good drainage I find more, better & colder water than I expected. I propose to clean up the arbor grounds for picnicing. Thunder about 3 P.M. & a few sprinkles, but not enough to drive us from the grounds."

July 9, 1915--"Seventy-two years ago to-day there was a new-comer at the B.B. Dean home in Bristol, Vermont. The little chap was considered delicate, but somehow he grew up & really has stood lots of all kinds of roughing & hard knocks and on this his 72 ond birth day he makes a full hand at the table for three meals with a fair prospect of enjoying several more anniversaries. Of course all this refers to yours truly."

July 10, 1915--"A Metz agent called. Bet a Birth Day card from Clara Chapman. Also one yesterday from L.W.D."

July 11, 1915--"H.H.'s & Fred & family, S. & I picnicked at Spring Bower extending the picnic to include supper. Got home at 9. Had an enjoyable time. No finer picnic grove in Oregon. Ours was no cold grub affair, Camp stove--boiled potatoes, fried bacon & eggs, coffee."

July 15, 1915--"High & Fosman's carpenter shop in T. burned about 10 A.M. Hot fire. Drove down but all burned when I reached there."

July 18, 1915--"Picnic in Spring Park--that is the name. Ed. R. & family, L.C. & family & S. & Me. Had a jolly time."

July 25, 1915--"S. & I spend the day, by invitation, at John Robinsons. A Spiritualistic meeting. Mrs. Young an Ashland Medium gave a long talk, said to be by spirit Col. Avery. Her Indian control then took the wheel, so a sailor might say, for nearly three hours, giving clairvoyant descriptions etc. I was called upon earlier & spoke a few minutes. So Mrs. Y on her control had much to say about me & my remarks--not uncomplimentary. She made some excellent hits. Picnic dinner."

July 26, 1915--"Alpha calls late P.M. She & S. are now discussing Mrs. Young's control talk yesterday. Alpha is puzzled but still skeptical."

July 28, 1915--"L. & Minnie & Elfred [sic] come about 7 P.M. with big wagon loaded with camp out-fit. Will camp at Spring Park. L. returns with team."

Aug. 1, 1915--"Warm. S. & I go with Ed. & family on an auto trip over the Pacific Highway to summit of the Siskiyou's. A fine trip sure. Autos thick on the road. Return about 6 P.M."

Aug. 3, 1915--"Minnie & I drive to T. P.M. to be at the opening of the 10-day sale of Van. & Burgan, also T. Hardware Co. Odd jobs at camp ground balance of day. All hands move to camp ground to day. Dinner first meal--Fine."

Aug. 11, 1915--"H.H. & Delbert return from their mountain trip. They were prospecting; bring back specimens for assaying."

Aug. 15, 1915--"Fine day. Mrs. Carrie, Dug. & Addie Stedham & boy, Ed. & Blanch; also Delbert G. Miss Walters picnicked with us to day. Ice cream P.M. Good time."

Aug. 20, 1915--"Big fire starts east of Bear Creek--in timber, brush & dry fields. Much fencing destroyed. Pick & pack trio boxes of C. peaches for W.O. Sheeler to ship to C. City."

Aug. 22, 1915--"No outsiders at camp. A quiet dinner by ourselves."

Aug. 23, 1915--"Heavy thunder & weird lightning about 5. Must have rained heavily east. Only the tail end strikes here. Conclude to move up to house."

Aug. 24, 1915--"Back to camp. Warm--91 P.M. More thunder & blixen P.M. as I write 5-30. Looks as if we would move to house again. Not much doing in work line."

Aug. 25, 1915--"Not much doing. Too hot. Plenty heavy clouds P.M. No thunder. Camped in house last night."

Aug. 26, 1915--"Fred Dean suddenly dropped in on us early P.M. He had been 'on the road' & had far from a presentable appearance. Had had nothing to eat since yesterday. Hard luck."

Aug. 28, 1915--"Fred still with us. He had one of his 'spells' last night no doubt from all indications."

Aug. 31, 1915--"Last day of summer. Pleasant. Just right. Move home A.M. Go to T. P.M. for supplies. Jesse Adams having a bad break in health. May not recover. Fix up a tent for F.[red]"

Sept. 7, 1915--"Fred strikes out on 4 o'clock train for California. I furnish him a ticket to Cole's & give him $3.00 to buy provisions. Dont have much of an idea how he will make it. Dont think he will set the world afire anyhow. His is a peculiar case. He has the hobo trade O.K. in beating his way on train etc."

Sept. 9, 1915--"Sent long letter to Lindly regarding Fred: that he should have a reasonable sum sent him from the fund left in trust for him. According to the will it was to be drawn upon in case of need or sickness, & L. was informed of Fred's present plight; his epileptic spells, that his broken leg not yet strong, that he was dead broke etc etc. L. was asked to confer with Mr. Eastman, the trustee. What effect my earnest appeal will have time will [tell] but it seems queer to me that, as in this case, where funds are left to be used when actually needed, it is so difficult to draw on them. It was a queer will anyhow."

Sept. 11, 1915--"Everything shows the effect of the drouth. Driest year I ever experienced in this vally. It may have a good effect however. There is now a spirited discussion of irrigation problems throughout the vally. Verious public meetings have been held to initiate ways & means to get water over the vally. No doubt that something worth while will be done in this line in the near future."

Sept. 12, 1915--"Spend day in auto riding with E.R & family including Mr. Downs. Nooned near Tom Riley's on the desert. Looked for agates--with poor success. Splendid day for trip--cool, pleasant."

Sept. 14, 1915--"I had an experience on the night of the 10th inst entirely new to me & it has had a prominent place in my thoughts ever since. I had retired at the usual time, was at my best in health and general bodily condition, and fell asleep promptly. In about an hour, I judge, I suddenly awoke with a sort of nervous chill. The most unaccountable twitching and tingling sensation ran over & through my whole body. The twitchings seem to race rapidly up & down and round & round in a manner very difficult to describe. No pain, no fever, no chilling--radically unlike any previous experience. At once I began to wonder what could have brought on such a malady, if so it might be termed, when--clairaudiently perhaps--I heard a voice remarkably clear, distinct & pleasant and the words in substance: 'This is all right. No harm will come to you. We have you in charge. Come.' Now the queer part of the whole strange affair is that I was not excited or disturbed in the least but promptly assented with the coolest indifference. Three persons young men, led me rapidly away. We neither walked nor rode but seemed to be borne along easily & quietly and by some invisible agency. Soon we stopped in the presence of quite a number of people. On the left was a group of middle aged, & older; on the right, children; near to and directly in front young men, my three guides being the nearest. All, excepting the older people, were eying me and smiling as if they were much pleased at something. Suddenly the leader of the three guides attracted my attention by waving his hand & nodding as much as to say, 'Look and see.' In wonderment I asked, mentally, Is this Spirit Land & are all these people spirits? The leader smilingly nodded in the affirmative, saying 'This is Spirit Land & these people you see are indeed spirits.' We then returned and I was soon myself again, the peculiar tingling sensation having entirely ceased. Now most will say that this unique experience was a dream--a dream & nothing more. Perhaps it was but it was a long way out of the ordinary. Anyway the strange bit of experience has dominated my thoughts ever since and like Banquo's ghost will not down. So it occurred to me that making a record of it in these pages might tend to aid me in relieving the mind somewhat of almost constantly trying to make something or nothing of the strange affair."

Sept. 15, 1915--"Leave note & Release of Assignment of Mortgage with T. Bank to be forwarded to Grants Pass for collection."

Sept. 16, 1915--"S. goes with J.R & family in J.R's car to Ashland to attend Pioneer meeting. S. & I go with J.R & family in evening to Medford G.A.R. reunion. Nice ride."

Sept. 18, 1915--"S. & I have been discussing the automobile question & have arrived at a substantial agreement to purchase a Metz car. We think that even with extra price it will give us the greater satisfaction in the long run."

Sept. 19, 1915--"S. & I go with E.R. & family, including Mr. Downs, up in the Siskiyou's. Start early A.M. Return about at 5-30 P.M. Must have been warm here. A fine trip. I would not easily tire of such trips."

Sept. 20, 1915--"Card from Fred. Now in Roseville, Cal. Was to go to Stockton last Friday hunting work. Thinks he may have to go on to Frisco. Says he will write again in a few days. Has stopped all along down the road to find a job, but no success."

Sept. 21, 1915--"Letter from Fred, Now in San Francisco. 'Beat' his way through--12 days on way. Was, with other Weary Willies locked in a dark freight car all night & half a day; had to make big noise to get let out."

Sept. 22, 1915--"S. & I drive to Ashland A.M. for phone batteries. Have an eye on a Metz auto. Mr. Telford, the agent will be down to-morrow & take us out. The Metz car looks good to me but may think otherwise upon close acquaintance."

Sept. 23, 1915--"Mr. Telford comes with his car to give me my first lesson. S. & Eldred go as far as Phoenix. I drive the car from start, go two or three miles below Central Point. I find working the pedals awkward, but the steering part is O.K. for me."

Sept. 24, 1915--"Concluded not to buy the Metz car. Too complicated for one as young as I. Besides the car has been run nearly a thousand miles in demonstrations etc & it is some marred. A Ford would be better for us."

Sept. 25, 1915--"Brand new female citizen arrived at A. Abbott's last night."

Sept. 26, 1915--"Take auto ride with Ed & family to the Sterling Mine. Fine trip. Pleasant. Just right."

Sept. 27, 1915--"A Maxwell agent calls on me. The Maxwell seems like a fine car with most of the up-to-date equipments. But, like the Metz, it is too complicated. The Ford still has the lead, i.e. with me."

Sept. 28, 1915--"Go to T. for supplies A.M. C. Wolters, the deputy agent here, takes me to Ashland in his car to have Camp demonstrate the Ford to me. Signed up for one. Camp comes to-morrow with the new car."

Sept. 29, 1915--"Work cleaning out shed for auto stable A.M. Camp comes about 1 P.M. to give me first lesson in new car. Drove to Central Point. Practiced stopping & starting. Car being new bearings don't work as easy as they will later no doubt. Paid for car. So now have joined the great Ford army."

Sept. 30, 1915--"Camp comes about 1 1/2 hours P.M. & we take another spin with the Ford. Go down back way to Phoenix & up Pacific Highway home. Practice awhile in driveway at home, backing & starting etc. H.H. comes down A.M. & figures out bill of lumber for auto stable & goes for same P.M. Am getting auto pretty well halter broke, expect to get it home Saturday, on which day I am to take an all day's lesson."

Oct. 1, 1915--"H.H. helps me put my auto stable in shape. Now ready."

Oct. 2, 1915--"Camp's boy comes P.M. with car. I practice awhile learning how to run car into garage; then we make a tour down back way to Phoenix, thence to Ashland. I take car home alone. Got along fine. Mr. Burgam died yesterday. He has been sick for several weeks. He & his wife are Christian Scientists, so no doctor was called on excepting shortly before his death, to accord with the law to death certificate. . . . Mr. Burgam was a very fine man socially & from a business point of view, & it seems to me that proper medical treatment might have led to different results."

Oct. 3, 1915--"Go auto riding P.M. Alpha, Minnie & Eldred go along. Drive to Central Point. Buy the two cows of L's we were keeping. $75 each. No trouble with car so far."

Oct. 4, 1915--"S. & I motored to Ashland P.M. Car got a 'spell' on and refused to be cranked after we got into the yard. So we couldn't run it into the garage. Left it out. May act better in morning & may not. Could no doubt have started it by 'spinning' it, but that I can't do. The old fracture in my right arm plays me out of such work."

Oct. 5, 1915--"Took an auto ride to the Bybee bridge. L. & M. & the boy go along. Picnicked at bridge. Nice ride. Car cranked all right this morning. Am getting myself broke in little by little. Lots of things about a car to learn & then put in practice. Simply guiding or driving the car under favorable conditions is the simplest part."

Oct. 6, 1915--"Studied the machinery of the car awhile A.M. Ed. R. happened to come up & so took a hand at it. Am still gathering in more points about the car and its operation. Think, with Ed.s help, I have learned an important trick or two about cranking. Quite likely I shall get a battery to help out that trouble."

Oct. 7, 1915--"Take S. & Alpha & Jackie auto riding P.M. Circled thru Medford & Jacksonville about a 30 mile run."

Oct. 8, 1915--"Have spent most of evening reading Pro. Thinker. As usual the articles are long winded essays or dissertations on more or less abstruse subjects, wearisome to wade through. Too many words, several columns to express what, I am sure, could be put into 1/6 or 1/10 of the space with the added effect of much greater clearness. Literary brevity is the order of the day. If the spook writer desires busy people to read their articles they must cut down or quit."

Oct. 9, 1915--"Ed Foss has on his bulletin board 'Wanted, Rain.' Hope his want will be supplied. He has been working for a month or more digging for water, but no success thus far. Dry time sure."

Oct. 10, 1915--"S. & I, taking Lottie P. & her three smallest children, go auto riding P.M. down Pacific Highway--about a 30 mile round trip. Read aloud all evening."

Oct. 12, 1915--"The Bagleys leave to day. Doubtful if they ever return to live."

Oct. 13, 1915--"Take S. & Maggie to Ashland to shop some & to call on the Hogue's. Get tool box put on car. Also Camp looks over car. Drives it around a little, orders his workman to loosen up the transmission a little etc. Says car runs fine."

Oct. 14, 1915--"Mr. Luke's confectionary stort [sic] was burned out day before yesterday. . . . Get another letter from Fred. Wants me to advance money to him, but I am not inclined to begin that sort of thing. Wrote him to that effect. Also wrote his trustee, Eastman an urgent appeal to send necessary funds to Fred."

Oct. 16, 1915--"S. & I motor to Phoenix, take in Minnie & Eldred go on to Vandyke place, swing round to Ed. Hamlin's & back to Phoenix & home. Bring Eldred with us. Will go down for Minnie to morrow. Car goes O.K."

Oct. 18, 1915--"Gather & shuck walnuts. Stained fingers show effect. Will have beauty fingers for some time. S. borrows Maggie's Washing machine & spends most of day washing quilts & blankets."

Oct. 20, 1915--"Some youngsters, members of the Olympia Society of Talent School come in evening for pointers in a debate. Perhaps I didn't help them much. No signs of rain. Sent off a long letter to F.E. Dean regarding Fred's case. No word from Eastman."

Oct. 21, 1915--"Heavy fire near 'Gap' & fire fighters are hurried there in autos as far as latter can go. H.H. pack a horse with grub & sets out about 8 P.M. for the Gap. Lots of smoke here. . . . Every loose man able to work is called on to fight fire. I know from experience that fighting fire is no picnic."

Oct. 22, 1915--"Actually had two or three light showers P.M. Hope old Pluvius will not stop with this little effort, however, but get down to real business & give us something worth while. Most of the fire fighters came down from the Gap P.M. Must have more rain up there than here."

Oct. 24, 1915--"S. & I motor to L & M's. Take lunch there, then all hands to Ray Dam. A very enjoyable trip, as the rain has settled the dust, Roads smoother, can see 'chuck' holes, which were hard to locate when filled dust. Drove 43 miles."

Oct. 28, 1915--"Take S. & Maggie & go on to Phoenix, take in Minnie & Eldred & mortor on to Medford & circle around via Knips & home. Maggie brings down the 3rd vol. of The Life of Little Justin Hulburd. A singular piece of literature yet fascinating. Read in it most of evening. Yet I cannot help but consider it of value as evedence. The 'communications' would not likely be produced wholly by the medium. That I would regard as impossible. Then if they did not originate in the medium's brain, what was their source? There seems but one answer."

Oct. 31, 1915--"Give Erma, Eldred & Elva Coleman an auto ride P.M. Take L. & family home late P.M. Had to spring the lights just before reaching home. . . . Wrote long letter to Eastman. Got letter yesterday with $20 check for Fred. Tell him that in my judgment a regular remittance would be the proper thing."

Nov. 3, 1915--"Letter from Fred, stating that he received the $20 check all right. Gives a side-winding hint that if I had explained matters more etc etc he would have got a greater remittance. So my good offices were not overly appreciated. This is about the way such things often go. He also asks me to forward $4.50 to Tacoma to get his gun out of pawn shop. I didn't send on."

Nov. 5, 1915--"S. & I motor to T. early P.M. for supplies. Then go to H.H.'s to call on Mr. & Mrs. C. Phelps Charlie & Lora who are making a hasty visit there in Charlie's auto. They returned to Ashland late P.M. & go home to-morrow. C. spent about two hours getting his auto started. No[t] dead sure what trouble was."

Nov. 7, 1915--"A few--5--go to the Johnson mill, now out of commission, but where there is some fine lumber stacked & for sale, & pick out lumber for ditch flume."

Nov. 8, 1915--Readings on spiritualism.

Nov. 9, 1915--"In evening S. & I went to a sort of entertainment given by the T. Study Club & held at John Robinson's. The principal feature of which were the narrations by the pioneer members of their experiences in crossing the plains etc. Mrs. Arminda Purves & Mrs. Sabra Coleman gave interesting narrations. Several others were called upon. An elegant lunch followed. Several songs were rendered, by Mr. Matteson, W.H. Briner & Mrs. Frank Holdridge. Got home about 1 A.M."

Nov. 11, 1915--"An auto tire has been leaking a very little of late & I have tried to locate the leak. Found it to day. A tack puncture. Tack went straight in as if put there intentionally. Pierced inner tube of course but puncture was so small that it took several hours for tire to deflate. Marking spot, I took out inner tube, inflated it under water but no bubbles appeared. Puncture too small. Will try to-morrow. . . . Letter from Fred. Says he did not intend to find fault with me, yet says he 'went wrong from the start' in not writing to Eastman himself. Says he ought to know him much better than anyone else etc. Says he was in bed 3 or 4 days with grippe. Is hell bent on going to Mexico. Will go right away if he can get money enough to start on. He couldn't think of a wilder project."

Nov. 12, 1915--"Send for application blanks for auto fee 1916."

Nov. 14, 1915--"Have finished The Life of Little Justin Hulburd. If a tenth part of what is written about him is true he was certainly a wonderfull creature--a sort of link between this life & the next. But true or not it is evident to me that no one person living or dead could have originated the different accounts and have the thousands of names, dates and incidents historically correct. If the whole thing were a made-up affair, there are hundreds now living who would be able to discl[a]im the fraud and Spiritualism would suffer thereby. I conclude, therefore, that the various communications are genuine, i.e. that they were made through the speaking organs of the medium by outside intelligences but whether disembodied intelligences or not. If from living 'controls' it would be interesting to know why each and all pretend to be denizens of the other world. Anyway a careful, critical reading of the books leads me to admit that they furnish great value as evidence of a continued, conscience existence. Sure this is the easiest and simplest explanation. Sir Olivar Lodge may be right when he says we are on the eve of some wonderful discoveries along psychic lines."

Nov. 15, 1915--"Drive to T. in old buggy early P.M. for supplies."

Nov. 16, 1915--Readings on spiritualism. "Strange reading. I thought I would pass them by, but finally read them."

Nov. 18, 1915--"In response to my letter of inquiry the Sec. of State tells me that I will have to pay the full year's lisence for the auto even for the remaining few weeks of 1914 [sic]. We conclude to leave auto in garage. Roads are no good an[y]how & we might not take it out if we did get a license."

Nov. 19, 1915--"Went to Mr. Packard's for a few onions. He may be called a professional onion raiser."

Nov. 20, 1915--"Build a smoke house A.M.--all but hanging door for want of hinges. The 'smoke house' was, as a basis an old scalding box, 6 ft long and about 2 ft deep & wide. This stood on end, holes bored in      top, a roof, a suitable door & the completed house firmly fastened to fence in chicken yard and am ready for business. An old dish pan for a place. Will use cobs mainly for the smoke."

Nov. 23, 1915--"Get card from Fred inquiring if I have heard anything more from Eastman. Says he has had another 'sick spell' and bruised his face. He never calls these attacks epileptic fits. Says he wrote E. three weeks ago for $75.00, but has thus far no reply. Eastman should do something or nothing & let Fred know which."

Nov. 25, 1915--"Thanksgiving Day. It seems that all hands are supposed to give thanks for all the blessings they enjoy. If no blessings can be located it may be necessary to imagine a few. Personally I am mighty glad of the fact that I am enjoying excellent helth, that I have plenty to eat & drink, a warm house & plenty of fuel, a good bed to sleep in, not obliged to be exposed much severe weather conditions, plenty of first-class reading matter and especially that I am not over in the war zone fighting in the trenches [first mention of the war in months]. Take it all around guess I have no reason to complain. But how about the thousands who suffer from hunger and cold, ill helth & a score of other unwelcome conditions? Thanksgiving day can offer little cheer to them. Their wailing cry must be, 'For what & to whom can I give thanks'? A genuine Oregon rain all A.M., lets up about 2 P.M. Stay in & read. S. makes doughnuts, apple pie & pumpkin pie. All these for dinner, besides head cheese, back-bones, potatoes, baked pears, blackberry jam, sliced Bermuda onions, & excellent bread, walnuts for dessert--good enough for any one."

Nov. 27, 1915--"Go to T. early P.M. for supplies. S. goes to take inter urban fo[r] Phoenix."

Nov. 30, 1915--"Hear of a shooting affair in Ashland. Keiser & one of his P.O. clerks. Have not full details."

Dec. 1, 1915--"Slightly indisposed A.M. Nearly O.K. again as I write. Guess I failed to properly 'Fletcherize' [cf. 1-1-1915 entry] at dinner yesterday. Nice backbones too tempting."

Dec. 2, 1915--"Send for auto license."

Dec. 8, 1915--"Received registration papers for auto. Plates to come later."

Dec. 11, 1915--"S. & I go to Ashland to a big selling-out sale to buy ourselves rich. S. goes with Ed & family & I take jitney. Failed to buy ourselves rich. I conclude if the Beeby & Kinney Co. sell out as they plan they will be well satisfied. I get a good flash light to use about auto, or about the house."

Dec. 16, 1915--"Allen & Ella drop in this evening. They want me to take part in a proposed literary organization to be held at the 56 school house. Of course I was obliged to decline on account of defective hearing."

Dec. 17, 1915--"Hear that the beet sugar factory is a go--to be located at Grants Pass."

Dec. 18, 1915--"Take some apples & walnuts P.M. down to Jess Adams as he is restricted in diet--many things he is not allowed to eat. He was glad to get the apples & nuts. He is failing fast. Not unnatural as he is 76."

Dec. 19, 1915--"Took some pumpkins to Mr. Adams P.M. as pumpkin pie is just to his liking."

Dec. 20, 1915--"Letter from Fred. He gets nothing from Eastman not even a reply to his letters. I write E. & L. this evening. Plain words too."

Dec. 21, 1915--"S. busy tidying up things for Xmas. I do not look forward with as much pleasure as does S. to the Xmas dinner. Too many. Too much work. Fewer & oftener would be more to my liking."

Dec. 24, 1915--"Go to T. A.M. Renew subs. for Telegram & Sat. Eve. Post, through Mr. Luke. Go to Mr. Breese's for cabbage for to-morrow's dinner. Take some walnuts to the Prader's P.M. L. & Minnie drive up A.M. & bring a 11 lb turkey dressed. S. gets it on cooking P.M. This turkey two big, fat hens & boiled ham to be the meat part of the menu for Xmas dinner."

Dec. 25, 1915--"Xmas. . . . Go early to T. to meet Minnie & Eldred. L. walks up. Guests present at dinner: L., Minnie & Eldred; R.E. Robison & family including Florence Morgan; H.H., Maggie, Delbert & Ormy. Fine dinner. L. & M. stay over. Lots of presents. I get book Daddy Long Legs, from Minnie, pair suspenders from Eldred, & handkerchiefs from Blanch. A very pleasant time. We could have taken unanimous vote that we all sat down to the finest Xmas dinner served in the county."

Dec. 27, 1915--"Our creamery auto gets stuck--the bad roads on this creek. Has to get team to haul the auto back to T."

Dec. 29, 1915--"Heavy snow squall in early morning, leaving about two inches of 'the beautiful.' . . . A petition is being circulated to be presented to the County Court to-morrow, praying for immediate work on the Wagner Creek road. it sure needs it."

Dec. 31, 1915--"L. & M. come to Ed's to attend masquerade at T. to night. M. brings Eldred up to stay with us."

1916

Jan. 1, 1916--"New Years is, of course the proper time for strong resolutions. Thousands are, no doubt, made in good faith but few there be that are kept over ten days. My quiet resolve is to keep right on Fletcherizing [cf. 1-1-1915 entry]. It has worked well during 1915. Have had but few relapses and these temporarily. General health has been all I could wish for during the last 5 months, more so than in any like period for years. Have got away with Xmas & New Years big dinners with no digestional disturbances. But I stop eating when hungry. That's seems to be the secret not only with big dinners but with every meal. S. has a miserable cold--cough & hoarseness. May be a touch of la-grippe--Hope not."

Jan. 2, 1916--"Eleanor brings copies of The National Geographical Magazine. It is fine literature."

Jan. 5, 1916--"Card from Fred. He has had a letter from Eastman but didn't report any money sent. I think, however, E. sent same."

Jan. 8, 1916--"Mr. High's house burned about 10 last night. Haven't heard particulars. S. washed. Dont know when clothes will dry."

Jan. 9, 1916--"Hear that Alpha is no better & that Fred has been wired to come."

Jan. 14, 1916--"Fred & family now on way from Ashland in Staggs auto. Train late. Just arrived--9 P.M."

Jan. 16, 1916--"S. no better of her cough. No good. Attending to regular round of chores my main business these days. Read a good deal of fiction. Not very profitable, perhaps but helps to pass the time. Spiritualistic literature takes up some of my attention. Am also going slowly through Dyke's large automobile book & taking notes. Think I am getting on to many points that will prove of use to me. Alpha G. has a severe cough that seems come from lungs. She is a long way from well."

Jan. 17, 1916--"S. has to take to the bed or lounge A.M. Ed. & B. come up P.M. B. tries hot applications. Fred comes in later--9--& gives osteopathic treatment. It looks sensible to me, a hundred times more so than swilling down a lot of horrid drugs. The osteopathic treatment seems to apply more directly to the part affected. But S. says it is 'heroic.'"

Jan. 18, 1916--"S. better. Cough not so harsh."

Jan. 19, 1916--"Fred gives S. another treatment to-night. She sat up about 4 hours to day, ate toast for dinner & supper, also soft egg & some peach sauce."

Jan. 20, 1916--"Fred came down but S. so much better that he thought a treatment would not be needed now."

Jan. 27, 1916--"Cream man comes with horse rig to day. Terrible roads for auto. One stuck in front of here this morning. I help him get started."

Jan. 28, 1916--"Pump on north porch well packed around but for all that it was out of commission this morning--Get it thawed out later. Clouds up early in day & a heavy snow storm set in early P.M.--snowing about 3 inches by evening, letting up some as I write. Didn't order this snow."

Jan. 31, 1916--"Young folks are taking advantage of the snow to enjoy coasting up by the Kerby's. Lots of fun I hear. . . . S's cough still hangs on although attending to housework. Appetite O.K. Cough worse at night. Of course it is better but still agravating."

Feb. 1, 1916--"No sunshine. So the Ground hog could not see his shadow to day. But is this ground hog day? Quien sabe? Many think it is the 2nd."

Feb. 2, 1916--"Sunshine for a while P.M. to enable the ground hog to see his shadow. So we are in for it for six weeks, that is if this is the bone fide ground hog day. Why in thunder doesn't the U.S. Congress fix the day and have done with? . . . An article in my motor journal makes the serious claim that the possession of an auto should add ten years to the owner's life. Now the writer may be a trifle generous in the time but I am sure it should lengthen out one's life to some extent. Can't help but believe that such will be the case with yours truly."

Feb. 5, 1916--"Mrs. E. Purves sends Maree over with a nice plate of fresh sausage. The neighbors dont fail to remember us. Of course we make an effort to reciprocate but I fear we do not do this in full measure."

Feb. 6, 1916--"Started up auto motor to see if anything had got wrong during last three months. Everything apparently O.K."

Feb. 7, 1916--"Get gasoline can & empty out the tank in auto as I find it has been leaking tho very slowly--about 2 gallons in the last three months."

Feb. 10, 1916--"L. brings Eldred A.M. to stay till Sunday, Minnie to come Saturday. Busy a[t] peach-tree pruning--no delightful job for me. Alpha having a bad set-to with asthma. No mail from north--washouts perhaps."

Feb. 13, 1916--"Ed. R. takes out his car to day for first time for weeks. Roads drying up rapidly. Bad in front of our place yet & by Ed. Foss's."

Feb. 14, 1916--"Go with Mr. Ward to cemetery to select a burial lot for Sam Murphy who died last night--9 o'clock."

Feb. 15, 1916--"Attend bureal of Sam Murphy P.M. They are smoothing the roads to-day, which was much needed. Think can run car now."

Feb. 16, 1916--"Get auto ready P.M. in time to take a ride to Phoenix. Roads none too fine. A drag or smoother has been used but many rocks have been left on the surface--too many to dodge easily. . . . I would prefer to have a home miles in the backwoods than to attempt to make a unit in modern, town 'society,' where so many are putting in their best licks to make the world believe them the possessors of intelligence & culture. Not for me, thank you. I have not spent much time on the frontier, just enough to discover the fact that the sociability of the people is more of the genuine kind. Affectation is a rare article. This is the case, though in a less degree, in most rural communities. But once let people get closer together--in hamlet, village, town or city, the social rivalry gets in its work & the people lose common sense in social intercourse, generally in proportion to the size of the town or city. This is the way it looks to me. Of course I am ever ready to admit that there are many exceptions to the rule."

Feb. 19, 1916--"Through pruning. Glad of it. Not easy work for me. More pleasure to joy ride in auto."

Feb. 20, 1916--"Fred, Alpha & Jackie take dinner with us. All hands auto ride to Central Point P.M. No pleasanter day could be desired for joy riding. G.A. Briner brings bridge lumber."

Feb. 23, 1916--"Fred G. helps me spray A.M. Dr. G. has a call to treat Mrs. Matteson early P.M. Finish spraying here after he returns. Some tired. Was to help him to-morrow, but H.H. is at liberty just now & Delbert is over from Applegate for a few days & they say they will relieve me. So I was too bashful to decline. Spraying too much for me, especially my right arm, which was badly injured years ago."

Feb. 26, 1916--"Called on Jesse Adams P.M. He is very feeble. Did not see him as he was asleep."

Feb. 29, 1916--"Busy at all sorts of small jobs, but have to hike in to the fire frequently. A little warmer as I write. Have borrwed several spiritualistic books of Mrs. G. Read 100 pages in one this evening."

Mar. 3, 1916--"Haul manure A.M. with hack. Bob. P. was to have with spreader but machine was out of fix & I was afraid he would fail to get the necessary parts in time so concluded I would have to do the job in the old way. Pretty tired."

Mar. 7, 1916--"Take S., Maggie & Alpha in car to Study Club at Matteson's P.M. Return for them late P.M. Fred & Alpha spend evening. We discussed Spiritualism--interesting."

Mar. 12, 1916--"Joy ride P.M. to Kingsbury soda springs & call at Lithia fountain also. Take my first drink of Lithia water--not bad to take."

Mar. 14, 1916--"Do some grafting--not political--& some other small jobs P.M."

Mar. 16, 1916--"Motor to Medford P.M. Lottie & her two youngest children & Mrs. Arminda P. go with us. Find they are paying 3 cts more for eggs & sell goods & groceries cheaper than at T. Think it will be economy to patronize Medford. Set two hens."

Mar. 24, 1916--"I omitted to mention the death of Mrs. Martha Rapp on Wed. the 22nd. Funeral to day at Jacksonville."

Mar. 25, 1916--"Paid taxes, $51.74."

Mar. 26, 1916--"Busy building new bridge across ditch in barnyard."

Mar. 28, 1916--"The big prize fight between Jess Wellard came off last Saturday evening & Jess is still Champion. Fred leaves to day for the East to be gone perhaps two month. Busy cleaning out irrigating ditches in alfalfa fields. Such heavy digging with hoe has left my shoulders somewhat lame. S. goes up to H. Lynch's P.M. to get two sittings of Eggs, Leghorn. Have engaged one sitting of W. Orpengtons from Mrs. McClaskin--$1.00 for 15. Roads drying fast. Can go with auto soon."

Mar. 29, 1916--"Motor to Ashland P.M. Alpha goes with us. Take 11 dozen eggs to Nims & Saunders. Get 20 cents--five more than the Talent price. Goods about the same as in T. perhaps a shade in favor of Ashland. So we at least 55 cents to the good by takin[g] eggs to Ashland. Other stores in Ashland do not give quite 20 cents--17 1/2 or so. Medford 28, Phoenix 17. So Talent is too slow. No hurting my conscience to trade where I can do the best. . . . Drank Lithia water at the grand artificial springs & brought home a qt bottle."

Volume V
April 1, 1916-November 28, 1917

Apr. 1, 1916--"Looks favorable for our proposed trip to a sort of Lithia springs celebration or entertainment in Ashland to-morrow."

Apr. 2, 1916--"An ideal day. Off for Ashland about 10 A.M. Take Alpha, Maggie & Jack. H.H. goes up on jitney. Picnic in park. Drink lithia water a plenty, bring home a bottle, Maggie ditto. Big crowd, autos by the hundred."

Apr. 4, 1916--"S. & I motor to Medford P.M. Take Minnie & Eldred. Take 11 doz. eggs. Trade at Ulrich & Ryan's. Eggs 18 cts."

Apr. 7, 1916--"S. & I motor to Phoenix P.M. Eldred has whooping cough in full blast. Gasoline up another cent, 25 now."

Apr. 8, 1916--"Mr. Snooks calls late P.M. to see about a burial lot. His two year old daughter died this morning. Literally choked--bean in wind pipe."

Apr. 10, 1916--"Attend burial of the Snooks child P.M. Ed Cochran calls this evening. They have moved back. They will get milk from us."

Apr. 13, 1916--"Motor to Ashland P.M. with eggs--16 doz--Our regular passenger Alpha goes with us, also Jack. We easily figure a saving of 95 cents by trading in Ashland, i.e. compared with Talent prices. One of the leading men of the Portland Ford branch was at Camps & at my request drove my car a short round. He pronounced it in extra first-class trim. A Mr. Bennett of Medford came to purchase a burial lot--we met him near Talent & returned. His daughter's child--premature birth; lived only 23 days. The burial was to take place late this evening."

Apr. 15, 1916--"Cultivate A.M. Cultivator caught a firm root Daisy walking fast; both tugs parted; I was jerked well over cultivator; happily no bruises. . . . Jennie Hogue comes to stay for the night. Soon after coming she was put out of commission by a severe sick headache & had to lie down. S. treating her all evening with hot cloths etc. Varily sick headache is a good thing to part company with. S. & I walk over to cemetery P.M. to see if we could locate an old grave--Lamberson's. The old chart was badly torn & worse that in copying onto the new this grave seems to have been not rightly located. Not sure of it now."

Apr. 16, 1916--"Jennie better of the headache goes back to Maggie's late A.M. Ernst comes down there. They come here about 4 P.M. & we motor to T. taking them to catch a jitney. Were going to take them to Ashland but a storm was about to set in from the north & we hurried back just in time."

Apr. 19, 1916--"Send to Sears Roebuck Seattle for F.P.C. Shock Absorber & to A.J. Winters Co. Portland Wheel Puller & some other small articles. Cool & cloudy all day. Heavy smudging in the orchards. Smudge so thick even here that one could fairly taste it. Erma some better but a long ways from her normal self. Has been struggling with whooping cough for five weeks, which has left her very thin in flesh."

Apr. 22, 1916--"Mr. Wardrip has bought a new Ford, touring car. The family are giving it plenty of exercise. I understand that H.S. Lynch and Mr. Gleim are about to buy cars."

Apr. 23, 1916--"Easter. Pleasant. Several of the neighbors join in a walk P.M. upon the hill east with glass to have a look-out over the country. A few thunder heads loom up about 4 P.M. & a very few drops of rain fall--hardly perceptible. In our walk H.H. & I called on a new comer a Mr. Tobaugh, who has purchased the Smith place. He is a widower, alone, about 55 years old, & admits he is somewhat blue."

Apr. 24, 1916--"A fine day. Go to Ashland A.M. with hack for baled hay. Bring back 365 lbs. at 1 c. per lb. $20.00 a ton. First hay bought for several years & the highest price ever paid. Eggs 22 1/2c at White Grocery. Got home about 1 P.M."

Apr. 25, 1916--"Write to D. Laval Separator Co. Seattle inquiring if they can supply our separator bowl with new discs."

Apr. 26, 1916--"Put in a stiff A.M.'s work making over bridge on drive-way across Jimmy creek. Too much heavy lifting to suit me."

May 3, 1916--"H. Linch purchases a Ford. Lela is practicing with it P.M. with demonstrator."

May 4, 1916--"S. & I put in most of day in an attempt to install our shock absorbers on the car. One on rear was put in place without serious trouble but we were unable to remove the other rear wheel. About 3 hours effort with wheel puller & all other prospects we could think of to no purpose. It wouldn't budge. So we gave up, & not feeling any too tranquil over it."

May 5, 1916--"Get Mr. Prader's wheel puller & remove wheel without serious trouble. My wheel puller defective."

May 6, 1916--"Went over to E. Purves's & interviewed the new baby. A nice, healthy child apparently. She is to be known by the uncommon name of Wanda."

May 10, 1916--"John Abbott is in hospital in Ashland and sick. May not recover. Seems to be a general breaking down."

May 11, 1916--"Stiff frost this morning. Heavy smudging in valley. Smudge reaches here & one would think there was an eclipse of the sun. Smudge clears late A.M. Nearly clear P.M."

May 12, 1916--"Motor to Central Point P.M. Take in Minnie & Eldred. Delbert G. goes along to interview Commissioner W.C. Lever about the questionable way Nyswaner is graveling the Wagner Creek road. Lever request Nyswaner's presence at the meeting of County Court to-morrow."

May 13, 1916--"Motor to Jacksonville A.M. taking Delbert, H.H. & Frank Smith. Our case was presented to Commissioners & they ordered Nyswarner to haul a few days from the F. Smith bank of gravel & compare expense with river gravel. About 1/3 of the Bear Creek gravel that is now hauled is boulders which will be menace to any vehicle for a long time. Balance is sand which will not pack before the rainy season, if then & is worse than the same depth of mud for wagons or autos. But Nyswarner wants to haul from Bear Creek because it is more convenient for him. The Smith bank gravel is fine broken rock, has been tried, & makes an excellent road. But Emmett Beeson thinks it may be injurious to auto tires and is getting in his best licks, in a sly way, to have the Bear Creek gravel put on."

May 14, 1916--"Two autos stalled in the sand & cobble stones newly put on the road abreast of the house. Harry Lynch had to be pulled out. I spend an hour or over raking out the boulders so we can get out with car with less trouble. It strikes most of us that putting such cobble stone on a hard, dry road bed at this time of the year shows a mighty poor knowledge of road making. It is simply the bank run of sand & gravel--a large portion of the latter being about the size of large coffee cups. These were raked off on each side making winrows of rocks leaving the sand & smaller gravel between. Of course dry sand will not pack & the boulders will be rolling about the road until forced off into the ditch. And the sand is worse to pull through than mud of the same depth."

May 16, 1916--"Take both heater stoves out. John Abbott about the same."

May 18, 1916--"George Kirby married last evening. Entertainment at school house, Dist. 22, to night but is stormy for yours truly."

May 19, 1916--"Primaries are held to day. I was not allowed to vote as I registered as Independent. It seems that a full blooded American citizen has to belong to some well defined political party to be entitled to vote at the primaries. Don't see the real good sense in such a law. They said I would have to be identified with some recognized party--have to belong to something. Then I asked, 'Then I have to be a Democrat, or Socialist, or Presbyterian, or Hard shelled Baptist or something like that to vote?' They smiled & said 'guess that is about it.'"

May 22, 1916--"J.W. Abbott dies at about 1 A.M. Funeral Wednesday P.M."

May 24, 1916--"Attend funeral of J.W. Abbott P.M. Umbrellas & rain coats were in demand. Caught a slight cold yesterday irrigating & am pretty hoarse to day. So did not motor to Ashland to join in the procession."

May 25, 1916--"S. & I go over to cemetery P.M. awhile to see the extra fine decorations on Mr. Abbott's grave. One wreath was a fine work of art put up by an Ashland florist. I[t] cost $12.00."

May 26, 1916--"Light frost this morning. Also, I failed to mention, yesterday morning. 100 years ago--1816 was the cold year of the last century, at least in New England. My father, who was 16 years old at that time used to relate incidents of hardship & suffering that occurred that year. His parents home was well up in the mountains in the town or precinct of Lincoln in Addison County Vt. There was damaging frosts every month that summer. Beans, corn, potatoes etc were almost a total failure. Many actually suffered on account of the scarcity of food. Those in the mountainous parts depended largely on wild game. The late frosts remind me of father's accounts of that year. Surely there should be no frost this late in this valley."

May 27, 1916--"All go to cemetery P.M. to clean up grounds for decoration day."

May 30, 1916--"Memorial day. Go for Minnie early A.M. & take her home late P.M. Go over to cemetery A.M. to help decorate. Program at 2 P.M. Address by Rev. M.C. Reid, also short talk by Prof. Brestow of Ashland. Readings by Mrs. Ella Holdridge & Mrs. Matteson--latter by proxy, I being the proxy. The selection was, 'John Burns at Getresborge.' Four songs by Matteson, Frame, Mrs. Frame & Alpha Goddard. Annual meeting of Cemetery Assn. followed. Mrs. Holdridge elected trustee. Weather cold, disagreeable. A good turn-out, however."

June 2, 1916--"S. & I motor to Ashland P.M. with eggs & to have carbon removed from cylinder of auto. Clarence Lane did the work & it was a good job."

June 3, 1916--"Ella Abbott sprained an ankle on one of the cobble stones with which the road is ornamented. Sent for S. bad sprain."

June 4, 1916--"S. & I, Maggie & Alpha & Jackie motor down to Mattesons P.M. to surprise them on this their 50th wedding anniversary. All hands took boqueys of roses. Many joined in. All had a pleasant time. Some fine rose collection."

June 6, 1916--"Ordered 1 sk of wheat--140 lbs. at 2 cents, 1 sk barly, $1.40 & 1 sk. dairy salt 50 lbs 70 c at Vanderolvies. Walter brings it A.M. All attention turned to the great political conventions at Chicago & St. Louis. The great sea fight is not in it just now. By the way England claims the victory, which from first reports seemed in favor of the Germans. But the Germans make a regular practice of lying so in their reports that one has to guess hard."

June 7, 1916--"H.H. & others take another petition to County Court to keep on hauling shale in place of creek gravel. County Court stands in."

June 8, 1916--"Ormy comes early to haul hay. I set in to pitch on but had to take it very slowly. Finally Ormy offered to pitch on & pitch off. That was better for me & I paid him extra for it. I am forced to conclude that I have no business in the hay field. I must make it a point not to attempt heavy work--at least long continued."

June 12, 1916--"So it is Hughes for the Republicans. Dont know yet what T.R. will do. Progressives nominate him but he may not accept for fear he will come out way behind Hughes."

June 15, 1916--"Sabra will no doubt have to depend on crutches as long as she lives."

June 17, 1916--"Got circulating pump put on motor. Engine gets too hot in hot weather to suit me."

June 19, 1916--"Not feeling quite normal upon rising this morning. Perhaps too fine a dinner yesterday when Uncle Horace [Fletcher--cf. 1-1-1915 entry] was not present to point his warning finger at me. Ate no breakfast--a good remedy--& was about myself again by noon. . . . Fred & Alpha start with team to Klamath Falls this morning to spy out the land for a location.
      "Quite a chance for a scrap with Mexico. Caranza has got his back elevated & wants U.S. to hustle our soldiers back home before their work is accomplished."

June 20, 1916--"Cold. 43 in morning. Cold all day. Showery P.M. Like March. Snow close down. If it clears may freeze. I take the precaution to cover a few of the best pumpkin plants. It would sure be a record breaker to have frost on the morning of the longest day of the year, which to-morrow will be. We keep a good fire a-going this evening & need it. This is such a freak year we may reasonably look for any old thing.
      "Busy most of day in garden & orchard. Couldn't work fast enough to keep comfortably warm."

June 21, 1916--"Big show for war with Mexico. Troops being rushed to border with all speed. Russians making a big drive on Austria."

June 23, 1916--"Dr. G. & Alpha return from Klamath Falls this evening."

June 25, 1916--"Go motoring P.M. to Kingsbury Soda Springs & to Lithia Park."

June 30, 1916--"Motor to Ashland P.M. Maggie goes with us. Take eggs. Quite pleasant P.M. Cow boys gathering in for the round up."

July 3, 1916--"Fine outlook for good weather for Ashland's 3-day Fourth. Mr. Garrett & family just in [from] Klamath County to take in the round-up. They had a sorry time getting here with car on account of bad roads since the late rains. Small jobs. For an hour or so P.M. I indulged in the pleasing pastime of killing pumpkin bugs. Their elegant perfume will linger loveingly with me for hours. S. hard at work all day getting picnic lunches ready for the 3-day Fourth."

July 4, 1916--"Motor to Ashland early A.M. Go via Phoenix for L. & M. Big jam of people & automobiles--biggest ever in S. Oregon no doubt. Any auto driver had look out for collisions. E.R & family, Fred & Alpha & ourselves motored out to Archie Purves's, where we ate picnic lunch & left the cars for the round-up P.M. Riding & lassoing fairly good but I have seen much better. The Industrial parade A.M. was O.K.--as fine as I ever saw. Minnie & Eldred came home with us. Alpha & Jack also ride down. L. had to go back to Phoenix. An ideal day. Probably eight thousand people at round-up."

Alpha and Jack Goddard

July 5, 1916--"An ideal day. Motored early A.M. to Ashland. Maggie, Minnie & Eldred, S. & I. Not much of a crowd as compared with yesterday. Auto parade, band music chief features outside the round-up & ball games. 15000 reported at round-up yesterday."

July 6, 1916--"Motor to Ashland P.M. . . . Band music to day."

July 7, 1916--"Find plenty pumpkin bugs again this morning. Relief to have July celebration over."

July 9, 1916--"A picnic at Spring Park was suggested by S. about 10 A.M. A little hustling to get ready but we had the picnic all the same & an enjoyable time. It was in honor of my birth day. 73 years young to day. Baked potatoes & fried chicken for breakfast. Fried potatoes & onions, fried bacon & coffee, green peas, cooked at camp with lots bread, pie & cake etc also. Alpha & the doctor & Ormy join in. Remained at camp until 6 P.M."

July 14, 1916--"Motor to Ashland P.M. with eggs. Edith C. Elves & Esther go with us. Spent most of afternoon in Park. Tents there by the hundred now, during Chatauqua."

July 17, 1916--"Sell Daisy to Adelbert Goddard for 40 dollars. She has frequent lame spells from founder. She is too nervous & 'high-strung' for me now. Having what many might call a foolish sentiment in disposing of a horse I preferred to let him have her for a small sum rather than sell her into the hands of strangers who might not treat her well. Adelbert is to keep her for raising mules."

July 19, 1916--"Dr. G. leaves for Klamath Falls to day. Adelbert takes him by team. About a thousand pounds of office furniture etc. The doctor is to locate there and perhaps this fall family join him."

July 20, 1916--"Delbert returned for another horse. Will drive three. Too much load. Says Daisy goes O.K. though."

July 21, 1916--"Have a horn put on my car. Can wake 'em up now. Too hot for nice motoring."

July 23, 1916--"Still fine weather. Spend day in Spring Park. Fine picnic. Motor to Phoenix Early A.M. for L. & M. Take them back late P.M. Besides them were Alpha & Jack; Ed. C. & family, Erma R. & Veda Morgan. An enjoyable time. Warm PM--83."

July 24, 1916--"Took Lula Stearns To T. early A.M. She has been in to see her mother & is now returning home. Busy in garden. S. & I put out a lot of apples to dry A.M."

July 29, 1916--"Jackie here all day to play with Eldred. Quite warm P.M. Expect to off for the Siskiyou's early in the morning. The Allies seem to be making steady gains on the Germans. Hope they will keep on."

July 30, 1916--"Make the trip to summit of the Siskiyous. Ed. R. & family go in their car. We go to Phoenix fo[r] L. & family & take them back late P.M. Start from home at 7. Return about 5. Fine day, fine roads, fine picnic. Almost 60 miles."

Aug. 2, 1916--"Mrs. James Garvin died to day."

Aug. 3, 1916--"Motor to Phoenix P.M., taking two of the Abbott kids along for the ride, also Buford Childers. L. comes up to fix for camping in Spring Park. They plan to camp about two weeks. My irrigating time. Mrs. Nyswarner died yesterday in Talent. She has been very low for weeks. Emmett Beeson is in Portland to have a cancer under his tongue removed. It was a delicate operation--heavy cutting."

Aug. 4, 1916--"Attend funeral of Mrs. Emma Garvin P.M. Services at house. Motor down taking Maggie & Sabra. Funeral well attended. Many ottomobiles."

Aug. 5, 1916--"Late P.M. get ready for trip to river to-morrow. E. Cochran, Delbert & Homer Neal & myself."

Aug. 6, 1916--"We get off at 7.30 in morning. First to Gold Ray, thence by circuitious road to Bybee bridge. No show for fish at either place. No good shady place for car & to picnic. Return to a point a little south of Agate where we found a nice shade. Cooked dinner--Belgian hare that Homer furnished--& coffee. Good picnic & our appetites measured up well. 47 mile trip. Returned about 6. L. & M. moved into camp to-day. L. has to return. S. goes down to stay with Minnie."

Aug. 8, 1916--"Have just gone over Hughes' speech of acceptance. Cussing Wilson the key note. Speech dont suit me a little bit."

Aug. 10, 1916--"Off early for long auto ride. L. cannot go. So Minnie, Eldred, S & I motor by Willow Springs to Gold Hill & about two miles beyond on left bank of river where we found a fine cold spring near mouth of Galper Creek, where we nooned in shade of a large cherry tree. The tree with several others near by were planted long years ago by some pioneer who thought to establish a home on the small but pretty flat where the trees stand. The settler seems to have abandoned his claim, but several of the trees still stay with it & no doubt supply cherries for the public. About 1 P.M. we motored on to Woodville, crossed the bridge & went on the Pacific Highway up the river, meandered, thru Sam's Vally to Bybee bridge & home via Agate, Central Point & Medford. Saw some of the finest parts of the county. Very warm P.M. we are told. Surely we found it so on the trip. 64 miles. The packing house at T. burned to a finish about 10 last night. Maggie G. saw the blaze & came down to notify me. I hustled up, for I was in bed, got the glass & from tank tower could see it quite plainly. A big fire. Lots of box material & about 300 boxes packed with pears, I am told, went up in smoke."

Aug. 11, 1916--"Had a time with car A.M. Wouldn't start. Failed to discover cause. Clarence Lane with his pe[d]dling auto happened along. I got him to come in & see if he could start. He soon traced the cause. He had had same experience. He spent half hour or so giving me several pointers. Would take no pay for his trouble & time so we took in about $1.50 or so of his goods & invited his mother-in-law who was with him to dinner. As she & S. were old acquaintances a good visit was the result."

Aug. 15, 1916--"Motor to Ashland P.M. Minnie & Eldred, Alpha & Jack go with us. Fine motoring as last night's rain settled the dust. Old Mrs. Brown died P.M. Parties were up to get lot in W.C.C." [Wagner Creek Cemetery]

Aug. 16, 1916--"Went to cemetery early A.M. to measure lot etc. Ed. Cochran digs grave. Get Old Pat & cultivate most of P.M. The Tuesday's rain packed the ground badly."

Aug. 17, 1916--"Showery all day. Cool to cold. Mercury standing at about 52 to 55. Fire necessary in house all day to be comfortable. Attend funeral (or burial) of Mrs. O.T. Brown at 10-30 A.M. Nothing doing balance of day but stay in & hover over stove."

Aug. 20, 1916--"Take motor ride to Rogue River, circling around somewhat, 55 miles. Mr. & Mrs. J. Davis & boy go with us. Picnic by a fine cold spring where S., Minnie & I nooned on the 10th inst. Splendid day for motoring."

Aug. 22, 1916--"Thus far there has been frost in the vally every month this year--duplicating 1816. Get Old Pat & haul in the hay from patch south of house. Elvis C. helps."

Aug. 23, 1916--"Jay Goddard dropped in on us about noon. He has been wandering over the U.S., traveling without taking the trouble to pay fares, for about four years. Has grown some now weighs over 180. Has been in about a dozen different states, working a few days & hitting the road again."

Aug. 24, 1916--"Motored to Phoenix A.M. for Minnie & a Mrs. Lockwood who is looking for a small place to buy--had Dr. Goddard's in view. They were here for dinner. Took them back late P.M. Jay goes with us. Jay here to-night."

Aug. 25, 1916--"Jay goes on north A.M. looking for work."

Aug. 27, 1916--"Minnie & Eldred, E.R., Blanch, Erma & Jay here for dinner. . . . Thresher move to E.R.'s late P.M. Jay gets a job with them. He may stay two or three days before he 'moves on.'"

Aug. 30, 1916--"Ormy hauls my hay P.M.--two light loads. Through haying for 1916. Elvis helps mow back. Get new belt for circulating pump--old one broken--new one breaks before getting out of town."

Aug. 31, 1916--"Go to T. A.M. for gasoline for fear of the threatened R.R. strike that is called for next Monday. It may be called off. If it goes on it will cost all sorts of expensive inconveniences to the whole people."

Sept. 2, 1916--"General rain--light--all over as I write. May spoil a picnic planned for to-morrow in Lithia park, Ashland. The picnic was to be a reunion of my school of 30 odd years ago. Such a getting together has been contemplated for some time. Of course it includes families of the pupils. Not much doing on ranch except by S. who is busy 'cooking up' for the picnic."

Sept. 3, 1916--"Cloudy & threatening early A.M. We take chances & motor to Lithia park anyway, taking E. Purves & wife. Had arranged to take B. Barlow & wife but they failed to come down as per agreement. Turned out to be a fine day. Had an enjoyable time. Some 14 of the old pupils were present. Expect to have another 'meet' in the near future."

Sept. 5, 1916--"Go to J. Davis's P.M. to get him to translate a letter from H.H. written in chinook or jargon as I failed to make it out. Davis at one time understood it quite well but he could do little with this--thinks it badly mixed, not the pure thing. Am making an effort to reply in Spanish but am handicapped by having no work containing the conjugation of the regular verb in that language. I have the conjugations of most of the irregular verbs but not the regular. Long years ago I was somewhat familiar with all this, but have forgotten. By taking much pains however I can fix up a short letter that will, I think, stand inspection. There will be no English in it, anyway."

Sept. 6, 1916--"Pleasant. Motor down valley taking Alpha & Jack, also Edith C. & Esther. Noon at spring near Woodville, 54 miles."

Sept. 7, 1916--"E.R drives a new car up P.M--Overland. He is now well fixed for taking the road. . . . Sent a reply to H.H.'s letter to-day. He writes to Maggie that he wrote the Lord's Prayer so I put same in Spanish & sent it to him. No doubt I made not a few blunders."

Sept. 9, 1916--"Call on Jess Adams P.M. He is feeble but can walk about some without crutches."

Sept. 10, 1916--"Take auto ride to Ray Dam. Ormy, Alpha & Jack go with us. Picnic at Dam. Pleasant auto ride, no dust. R[o]ads way up."

Sept. 13, 1916--"S. & I motor to Ashland to G.A.R. Not much doing in the camp. Come home early. S. seems to be worked down--a long way from jolly. It reacts on yours truly. A blue spell dominates me, sort of dont-care-how-things-go."

Sept. 14, 1916--"Motor to Medford to County Fair. Take in Minnie & Eldred. Best display of farm products for several years. It must be borne in mind, however, that the last two years, preceding 1916 were extry dry. 1916 has been fully up to if not above normal for moisture. Big turn-out. We judge it to have been extra warm here this P.M. Sure hot in Medford."

Sept. 15, 1916--"The neighborhood ladies gave S. a 'handkerchief' surprise P.M. on this her birthday. They brought three big watermelons which contributed to the entertainment not a little. Twelve handkerchiefs most of which were embelished with home needle work & were very pretty, most too much so to be used as handkerchiefs. My blue spell has about subsided. I find that I am much more sensitive than when younger. Seems to grow upon me."

Sept. 17, 1916--"About 3 P.M. Mr. Rocho & wife and a Mr. [Louis A.] Roberts wife & daughter from Myrtle Point, called coming in Rocho's car. Mr. Roberts knew R. Dement well, & the latter made him promise to call on me. Roberts is an attorney & is now located in Ashland."

Sept. 19, 1916--"Motor to Ashland P.M. Our regular passengers Alpha and Jack go with us. Put in ad to sell buggy & harness. Bought new suit of clothing--$15.00. Must have been warm middle P.M. for it was 81 at 4:30. S. about sick to night--severe cold, somewhat on the pneumonia order. Hope it will not last long."

Sept. 20, 1916--"Attend School Fair at T. P.M. S. not feeling well enough to go. S. some better as I write."

Sept. 21, 1916--"Mr. Downs from Tillamook dropped in P.M. bringing us a nice plate of fresh salmon & a chunk of cheese. Cheese is way up. Will sample the salmon in morning. S. on the gain, but slowly."

Sept. 22, 1916--"S. & I motor to Phoenix P.M. Take some fruit to Minnie. Minnie about sick with a cold. Eldred ditto. L. having trouble with his hip again. He consulted an osteopath who tells him his hip will have to be treated--next to a dislocation."

Sept. 23, 1916--"Motor to Phoenix after milking to see how Louie made it with the operation. Had his tonsils removed. The doctor thought that trouble had something to do with his rheumatic hip."

Sept. 24, 1916--"Picnic in Lithia Park. We take Minnie Barlow & her two little boys. Splended time. 22 pupils, 80 all told, at picnic dinner. Had picture of student body & also of general crowd. Never had a more enjoyable time. All the others say ditto. Weather couldn't have been better. A finer table spread was never seen in that grove in the general opinion. H.H. got home last night."

Sept. 25, 1916--"Motor to Phoenix P.M. to see how L. is getting along. Throat quite sore, has to eat soft food."

Sept. 26, 1916--"Motor to Ashland P.M. taking Bob & Lottie. See proof of pictures taken Sunday at grove. Pictures O.K. Will be ready in about a week."

Sept. 28, 1916--"Motor down the valley, taking Bob P & Lottie & little James. Picnic at the cold spring below Gold Hill. 54 mile trip."

Sept. 29, 1916--"Letter from C.W. Sherman, all on Socialism. He is sure a strong Socialist--12 page letter. Believes that Germany, by being kept from the markets of the world by the Allies & being forced to rely on herself will turn to complete Socialism & prosper as never before. He believes she will be whipped by Allies. Germany to turn to Socialism first; that the other powers, seeing in time how she prospers will turn also, then there will be peace & prosperity the world over."

Oct. 1, 1916--"Sick, played out, all in.
      "Had a violent chill last night--about three hours--the second one in my life. The first was over 50 years ago. Leaves me so sore & 'done up' that I can hardly walk around. S. has to look after chores."

Oct. 2, 1916--"Ed. up--Had him get small can oysters. Just the soup is what I wanted with cracker or two pulverized in it. This morning I ate or rather [drank] some weak coffee with a very [small] pullets egg in it. Thats all. It went to the right spot & seemed to brace me up not a little. Got out doors a few minutes P.M."

Oct. 3, 1916--"Am still piled up in bed most of time. I wrote yesterday['s] entries to da[y] & got some of to-day['s] proceedings for yesterday['s], particularly the coffe & egg & oysters. Ate nothing Sunday or Monday. Several neighbors dropped in to day. Think I mending, but slowly."

Oct. 5, 1916--"Concluded my case has a large mixture of la-grippe. That complaint has a gentle way of not letting up until it is good & ready. Neighbors came in this P.M. a-plenty. Room full from 1 P.M until about 8. I, of course, got nothing of their visiting among themselves & there was some visiting for sure. It was not as restful to me as I could have desired. But I must bear in mind, the will for the deed. Let Puss's calf--bull--go to day, giving it to Emory Neil. Ed. brings me a nice quail & also China pheasant. Am living on soup & broth."

Oct. 7, 1916--"Not much doing excepting to grin-&-bear this pleurisa business--easier said than done. No lying down."

Oct. 8, 1916--"Have Dr Howard of Medford, an Osteopath to come & give treatment. He seems to doubt its being genuine pleurisa."

Oct. 9, 1916--"They thougt best to have Dr Howard come again to day. Ed stays all night. He stayed all night once before. It gives S. a chance to 'catch up' in sleep. My supply lithia water keeps up so far O.K. Ella brings me a bottle this morning. They went up to hear Gen. Chamberlain last night."

Nov. 9, 1916--"I begin again to dot [sic] down entries in this journal. Just a month's vacancy. Pluro Pneumonia did its level best to get the best of me. It was a struggle & when I won out my strength was gone. The least exertion put me out of breath. Dr. Howard didn't seem to understand the cause at all, so Dr. Hargrave was called. Chronic irregularity of heart action no doubt has much to do with my slow recovery. Am now gaining strength rapidly. Was down town election day for first time. Can walk now, with a cane, quite easely. Appetite voracious. Am told will have to be very careful for some time. Am sure that the good care and nursing by S. did more than all else to enable me to beat the game. 9/10 of the credit to her. All of which is more than amply appreciated by yours truly.
      "Not yet known whether Hughes or Wilson is elected. A close run."

Nov. 10, 1916--"Latest news to the effect that Wilson is ahead but we mustn't crow too loud but bide the time. To-morrow may tell."

Nov. 11, 1916--"Ride with H.H. to T. P.M. to see the culmination of an election bet in which H.H. and Mr. Pace, whichever lost was to wheel the other around the square in a Wheelbarrow. It didn't come off. Every body gone to Grants Pass to a blowout given by Sugar Factory. Generally that Wilson is elected."

Nov. 15, 1916--"S. & I spent an hour or so getting the car ready for the road again. S. was obliged to work the pump. I was not equal to it. Feel somewhat sore & stupid from too much exertion yesterday."

Nov. 16, 1916--"We motored to T. P.M. Auto has had a rest of about 7 weeks. Maggie G. drops in for the evening. Invites us to a birth-day dinner Sunday as a surprise to H.H. We are too bashful to decline."

Nov. 19, 1916--"I am invited by Maggie G. to dinner as a surprise for H.H. on his 58th birth-day. Jim Briner & Mr. Powers also invited. No ladies for J. B's benefit. Splendid dinner."

Nov. 21, 1916--"S. & I motor to Ashland for supplies. Can save more than cost of gasoline by the trip. Get new hat & sweater etc etc."

Nov. 22, 1916--"Daisy that I sold to Adelbert set in all at once, with no apparent reason, to balk. She was in double. Strange! He thought she was as true as a horse could be. That was the last thing I would suspect of her. She was O.K. with me, but I always drove her single. No doubt she would work single all right now. She seems to be hopelessly balky double & Adelbert will dispose of her as soon as possible."

Nov. 23, 1916--"S. & I do a lot of cleaning up--burning leaves etc. I clean out toilet vault A.M.--9 wheelbarrow loads."

Nov. 24, 1916--"Go E.R's A.M. for a nice lay-out of young beef. About 25 lbs present. O.K. to have good neighbors. I found that I was much short of normal strength yet, for I had to rest several times when bringing it home."

Nov. 27, 1916--"Hear that Mrs. Gray, formerly Mrs. Hargrave, is dead, & is to be buried in the Hargrave lot next Wednesday."

Nov. 29, 1916--"S. & I attend burial of Mrs. Gray at 11 A.M. P.M. I take Jack Wristly & wife to T. to catch jitney. They attended burial & stopped to call on H.H. Brought up dressed hog from E.R.'s that I had engaged. E.R. butchered several to day. Ours weighed 178--$17.80. It will help out our 'menu.'"

Nov. 30, 1916--"Thanksgiving Day. . . . S. & I concluded to go, as invited, to a Thanksgiving dinner, to Mr. Lockwood's near Loure's. They have just completed their new house & invited L. & Minnie & us to the dedication. Minnie, however, furnished the turkey. It was a capital dinner."

Dec. 1, 1916--"S. & I spend day in cutting up, & salting our porker we got on Wed., rendering lard, grind-out sausage etc."

Dec. 2, 1916--"S. makes headcheese, cans some sausages, that is, fries it as for ready use for table, then places it in 2-quart lard pails & pours hot lard over."

Dec. 3, 1916--"Wrote for new number plate for auto."

Dec. 6, 1916--"Cream day. Cream man comes once a week only now for thru winter. We send about 7 gals."

Dec. 8, 1916--"Walked to T. A.M. on business. Called on Emmette Beeson. Saw, or tried to see, the tiny piece of radium he has in a small tube, but it cannot be seen with the unaided eye. This small tube is contained within another glass tube, & then encased in a sort of rubber sack. All placed in a paper box. To use it he wraps the box in cotton, & applies to his face over the part affected. My walk didn't tire me much, but I walked very slowly."

Dec. 9, 1916--"S. goes with Maggie G. to Ashland to trade. S. gets a find [sic] coat $13.50. They go by train & interurban. H.H. takes them to T. & return."

Dec. 19, 1916--"Walk to T. A.M. for supplies. Get a book each for Ed. & Louis--Rudder Grange, by Frank Stockton, & The Pit by Frank Norris. Warm. Roads n.g. Get a letter from Dr. F. Goddard. He is to surprise the folks New Years--he & Jack."

Dec. 21, 1916--"The house Blain Coleman rented in Jacksonville burned down last night."

Dec. 24, 1916--"Take dinner at E.R.'s Pleasant time, but hard walking in road. Lots of presents both ways. I get fine short [omission] & Wright's 'When a Man's a Man.' Am reading it aloud this evening. No doubt a fine story."

Dec. 26, 1916--"Have renewed sub. for Evening Telegram with premiums of Northwest Farmstead, Popular Science, House Wife & a poultry journal one year. Also renewed for Pro. Thinker."

1917

Jan. 4, 1917--"Called to Cemetery P.M. as Earl Beeson wished to select a lot for the burial of Mrs. Heustin who died yesterday."

Jan. 5, 1917--"Attend burial of Mrs. Huston A.M."

Jan. 8, 1917--"Sat up last evening to take in the eclipse of the moon; watched it until it was covered then went to bed--about 11 o'clock. Night clear so had a fine view. Not quite as warm as yesterday but pleasant. Were shocked to hear that Emmette Beeson committed suicide about 2 P.M. Managed to get to the toilet, declining to be assisted & shot himself with a 32-gun he had previously concealed where he could lay hands upon it easily. He, of course, knew that his trouble--cancer--would cause death in a few weeks & he would avoid the terrible suffering."

Jan. 9, 1917--"Go with Ed. R. to cemetery to show Beeson lot."

Jan. 11, 1917--"Emmette Beeson buried at 2 P.M. Funeral nearly private, Elks taking full charge."

Jan. 22, 1917--"Go to T. early A.M. to report the working or not-working of this [new] pen. The druggest tinkered at it a while & pronounced it O.K. But it still leaks. Think I shall take it back & leave it. I would prefer a common steel pen to a leaky fountain pen. [Now writing with] the old pen--writes about as good as the new. Perhaps I'll go back to steel pens."

Jan. 24, 1917--"Walk to T. early A.M. Jay [Goddard] goes also. Leave my fountain pen to be exchanged for other goods. Letter from Dr. F. Goddard. He thinks of getting a Ford car & asks about book or books which will point him up on autos & especially the Ford. I reply this evening, telling him where he can procure such a book."

Feb. 5, 1917--"Frank Oatman dropped dead almost instantly from heart failure last evening. To be buried to morrow. John Carter of Ashland met same fate to day--same cause."

Feb. 6, 1917--"Frank Oatman buried in Oddfellows cemetery--next to W.C.C. at 2 P.M. under the auspices of Oddfellows. Learn that the Jackson County Creamery was partially destroyed by fire yesterday. Am somewhat concerned about the cream situation. May have to shift to another firm. Will know to-morrow."

Feb. 9, 1917--"My pen came; this is it. Write to Knips with it."

Feb. 12, 1917--"Motor to T. P.M. S. & I. Fine roads. Separator sprang a sudden bad leak this evening spilling milk badly. Hard to fix with solder--tried solderine. May stick may not. Will know in morning.
      "Car laid up since Thanksgiving until to day. This pen doesn't work worth a d--. Think I'll fire it back."

Feb. 14, 1917--"S. goes to funeral of Miss Arnold. A.M."

Feb. 21, 1917--"Mrs. Mollie Garrett calls early A.M. bringing a jar containing the fatty tumor taken from her shoulder by Dr. Swedenburger lately. It must have weighed a pound at least."

Feb. 22, 1917--"Snow squalls all day. Warm. Ed. R. calls P.M. to see if we are all right. Not much doing but read. Snow melts about as fast as it falls. As long as it is warm I shall not complain. Am reading Mr. Sprague's book, A Future Life Demonstrated. Many wonderful test messages etc. Interesting."

Feb. 26, 1917--"Wash day for S. Had to cut paths thru snow along clothes lines. Got first copy of Melting Pot, a monthly that Mrs. Knips has sent to me. It is a corker. Its editor is Author of The Exploits of Jehovah."

Feb. 28, 1917--"Hear that Mrs. Bert Breese is dead; died in hospital at Medford. A pitiful case. Came here from Costa Rica with four small children & almost a child herself. They were to live in the home of Bert's parents. They didn't agree, however, & she moved to Ashland--had to have county help; Bert seemed to do nothing for the support of the family. Mr. Wm Breese has taken the children. May mention the case again soon as I hear more."

Mar. 1, 1917--"Hear that George Van Tassel was found dead in his cabin above Ashland, Tuesday. Had been dead it is thought, several days. Particulars not reported yet."

Mar. 5, 1917--"Mr. & Mrs. Breese takes the 4 children of Mrs. Bert Breese & find themselves in law to care for them. According to report Mrs. Bert Breese was a woman of easy virtue. She was likely to become a mother by some son-of-a-gun in Ashland, enlisted the services of a local M.D. to get a quick rid of the unborn child, it was not a success & she died after intense suffering. I would regard the case as a tragedy. She is perhaps more to be pitied than condemned. The Breese's did a kind act in taking the children."

Mar. 7, 1917--"Cream day. Butter fat now 40 cts, same as week previous. Highest price we ever received. Will drop soon of course."

Mar. 8, 1917--"Reading aloud A Future Life Demonstrated. If the different accounts are true--and they all bear the stamp of truth--the proofs are strong. Mr. & Mrs. Sprague seem to be honest and sincere, far above descending to trickery of any kind."

Mar. 10, 1917--"I see that Wilson is about give orders to arm American merchantmen ships. That hellish submarine business is the greatest horror of the century. Wish I had [arms] long enough & strong enough, I would reach over & take that German Kaiser & a few of his subs by the ears & drop them down where the Lusitania was torpedoed & tell them to go down and apologize to their victims. Wish every neutral nation on earth would declare war against Germany & turn loose at once and put and [sic] end to such hellish business."

Mar. 12, 1917--"Train wreck last night below Phoenix. Some cars derailed & upset. Hear that 2 or 3 hoboes were killed. Walked to T P.M. on business. Find that school tax is nearly 20 dollars. Seems to me that's going some."

Mar. 14, 1917--"Putting in some time writing up personal history, condensing as much as possible." [now lost--ed.]

Mar. 15, 1917--"Have been reading a work on Sociology. Can't get deeply interested in it. Strikes me that no little straining is put forth to make a philosophy or science out of it. It seems to me that the whole field is covered by other sciences, such as biology, mental science etc. I wade thru the book but feel like most of us have felt when we got through with Milton's Paradise Lost--mighty glad to be through with it."

Mar. 17, 1917--"St. Patrick's day. Many think it all right to plant potatoes on this day, which has such a great patron saint. But my faith is too weak. So I'll wait awhile."

Mar. 20, 1917--"Unlimber--as a sailor would say--our auto & go to Phoenix. . . . Railroad strike is off for the present. That is good. Too near war for any such thing now."

Mar. 23, 1917--"Erma comes late P.M. to gather my old papers, magazines etc to sell in interest of the school. Old books go also if covers are removed. She gets over 400 lbs here--a good haul. Bob. Purves, Gleim & Mrs. Lizzie Beeson have purchased Ford cars--making 15 on [Wagner] Creek. Jim Briner proposes that this road or street be named 'Ford Avenue.' Wells Wheeler & wife have been employed again for district 56 against much opposition. Two directors--Smith & Fox did the hiring. During their last school--two years ago 9 pupils belonging to 56 were sent to 22 out of dislike to these teachers. We had the spectacle then of seeing children meeting on the way to school. Such will be case next winter. H.S. Lynch has already taken his 3 out of the present school & started them to Talent, on account of the action of the directors. It is a mystery to some of us how said directors could have been so stubborn & bull-headed as to employ them and also that said teachers would want the school under the circumstances. I would not have taken it at any salary. Daily meeting pupils going from the district where I was teaching to another district because they & their parents disliked me, would be too much for yours truly."

Mar. 24, 1917--"The old papers, books etc we gathered up for the school were taken away P.M.--420 pounds, considerably more than were found in any other home.
      "Weather still 'March'ing on."

Mar. 26, 1917--"Letter from F.E. Dean to day. He reports prices of foodstuffs. Everything higher than here. He says meat is '50 cts a bite.' But his wages, he says--are not increased. He thinks nearly all manufacturing, excepting that of munitions, suffer from the war. He works in a sewing machine factory; says they have difficulty in shipping their goods to foreign markets on account of the war."

Mar. 27, 1917--"Looking every day for news that war has been declared between U.S. & Germany. There is a rush on the part of the government now to prepare for it. Germany seems to think that whatever she dictates to the world must be respected. She establishes an imaginary line out in the seas about Europe and declares her intention to torpedo without warning any vessel that crosses the line into the forbidden zone. Uncle Sam doesn't propose to give up his liberty of the seas at the dictates of any son-of-a-gun of a Kaiser or anybody else. Germany must be whipped to a finish or the whole world will have to turn German & learn to talk Dutch."

Mar. 29, 1917--"Roads no good. I wrote to Montgomery Ward & Co. informing them that the pen sent me was defective & asked if I could get another of the same kind--but in good order--at same price. They reply by sending this pen to replace the old. This one doesn't blotch at times like the old; seems to be O.K. so far. Neither is high class."

Mar. 30, 1917--"Jim Briner, who is cleaning the B.R. ditch takes dinner with us. He was for a time pro German but Germany's ruthless submarine warfare is too much for him; says he 'would like to fight 'em.' Much activity now at government headquarters in preparing for war. Uncle Sam's patience is stretched to the limit. Germany is drawing to herself the hatred of all other nations by her barbarous methods. The very word German is getting to be synonymous with treachery, cruelty & unfareness."

Apr. 2, 1917--"Ed. R. is having a serious time with his old trouble, exema."

Apr. 3, 1917--"John R. comes as per order, bringing sack whole wheat flour--$2.50 & one lb. creamery butter--45 cts. Takes back 15 dozen eggs, 22 cts, 3.30. Whole wheat bread should taste mighty good with flour $2.50 per sack. Eggs are too low in price. With feed out of sight, eggs should be not less than 30 cts. The prediction is that all foodstuffs--except eggs are still going up."

Apr. 4, 1917--"Motor to Ashland P.M. Maggie G. going with us. An ideal day for autoing. Get new glasses in my spectacles. They seem to be better."

Apr. 5, 1917--"Butter fat now 42 cts--highest ever received here."

Apr. 6, 1917--"Delbert comes to haul manure--gets Bob. P's manure spreader, Spreader doesn't work well; badly used up. Something gives way every half hour or so. Finally gives way so we have to quit & take it home, with about 3 loads more to haul. Extra tired. Handling heavy manure too much for me. Senate--82 to 6--stands by Wilson. House to vote to-day. Peace-at-any-price blockheads are busy over time to head off things."

Apr. 7, 1917--"As both Senate & House have declared that we are in a state of war with Germany, Wilson is giving out orders to prepare on an extensive scale. So we are in for it."

Apr. 8, 1917--"As this is Easter it may be assumed everybody ate an extra lay out of eggs. However the quantity was not much increased with us. Hear that Mrs. Chas. Brown died this morning at Sacred Heart hospital, Medford. Died in childbirth. Mr. & Mrs. B. had just returned from N. part of state to again enter the drug bus. here."

Apr. 10, 1917--"S. goes to the Mrs. Brown funeral P.M. Goes with Bob. P's family. The remains of Mrs. B. are to be sent to Portland for cremation."

Apr. 12, 1917--"Good news from war. Allies making heavy inroads. Papers full of accounts of German attrocities. When it comes to utter lack of all humane principles, the Germans go the limit."

Apr. 15, 1917--"Spend some time nearly every day & evening writing up brief personal history. Of course am giving only the outlines of the outlines. I foolishly destroyed nearly all my old journals. Didn't like the style. Too much detail."

Apr. 16, 1917--"All foodstuffs going up by leaps & bounds. Flour jumps 30 cts sack. Sugar out of sight. Whoever has a sweet tooth is unfortunate. Wheat highest ever known. Billy Sunday started in on his New York job a few days ago--full account in N.Y. World. 20,000 at first meeting. Whatever may be said about his peculiar revival methods his loyalty to the nation seems to be true blue. He is to donate proceeds of N.Y. revival to the Red Cross & to otherwise aid in war with Germany. He says 'German imperialism is doomed' & is glad that U.S. 'is to help dig its grave.' He says the only epitaph fit for the grave is: 'Here lies the outlaw & murderer that died in 1917 under the indignation Almighty aided by the guns of every liberty loving nation on earth,' to which I would say Amen. Papers are full of reports of the Germans upon retreating inoculating French peasants, old & young with tuberculosis germs, pretending to vaccinate."

Apr. 17, 1917--"Allies still driving Germans back. Astria proposes a separate piece with Russia. Of course Germany may object. Heavy strikes in German cities. Anyway quick changes are taking place."

Apr. 18, 1917--"It is the cry all over the country to plant more potatoes, beans, onions and in fact all foodstuffs. We propose to 'follow suit' tho not on a large scale. Still good news from the war. Foodstuffs still climbing. It would seem that many will surely suffer from such unheard of prices. A U. boat is reported off U.S. coast, & that she tried to torpedo an American ship but failed."

Apr. 19, 1917--"Warm, spring weather. Makes one feel like living awhile longer. 64 at 3 P.M. Planted balance of potato ground A.M. More potatoes than we usually plant, but; like most of our neighbors, we catch the fever and put in more than common. May be very cheap next winter, but if we cannot sell at a fair price, we can make good use of them on place.
      "Good war news still. Germans thus far fail to check allies. Been wearing two vests all winter. Got down to one to-day."

Apr. 20, 1917--"War news from Germany O.K. Allies still have Germans on the retreat in the West. Germans have rushed in 240,000 more troops but drive keeps up just the same. Allies taking prisoners by the thousands--"

Apr. 24, 1917--"A telegram informs the Purves families that Louie is dead at Stockton Cal. also inquiring as to what to do with body. No particulars. He had joined navy and how he came to be in Stockton is somewhat strange. Jim Briner called P.M. He says Lizzie B. has heard--via Mrs. Young--from Emmette. He seems to be a little mystified as to how he made the sudden transit, doesn't seem to be fully conscious that a gun by his own hand did the job. It would appear that Lizzie's brother Frank & sister Jennie are taking care of Emmette, that he is in a weak condition & that it will take some time to gather up. This coincides fully with reports from 'over there' as to suicide. All 'communications' agree that a natural death of the body is followed with less trouble in coming to complete & normal consciousness in the spirit world."

Apr. 25, 1917--"No further particulars regarding the Louie Purves case. Seems to be some hitch in the proceedings."

Apr. 26, 1917--"Am enjoying running over the bound volumes of the Talent News, 1892-1894 [published at the Dean house by his stepson, Ed Robison] last two evenings. Quite interesting; brings old times vividly to mind. It seems that Louie Purves was accidentally electrocuted while working on the line near Stocton. Body to be here to-morrow. Burial Saturday."

Apr. 28, 1917--"Attend funeral of Louie Purves P.M. We motor to Ashland taking Mr. & Mrs. E. Purves & baby. Remains interred in W.C. Cemetery. He was electrocuted but it is not known just how it happened. The doctors set in vigorously to bring him back to life & at one moment thought they had succeeded. Several cars of mourners & friends."

Apr. 29, 1917--"S. & I spend A.M. patching an old garden hose. I make wooden connectors--nearly a dozen--& with lavish use of thick paint under cloth wrapping think we have made a good job of it. Hose nearly 60 feet long. Thought of getting a new one. Now think this as good--as nearly as good--as new. If so, we regard it as a good stroke of economy. Lotta Purves sick suddenly. S. goes over P.M. They sent for a doctor in night."

May 1, 1917--"Papers have much to say about the prospective shortage of food stuffs in Oregon. Everybody is urged to put in every available square yard into potatoes, beans, corn etc. Reports that winter wheat is badly killed out in many parts of Eastern Oregon."

May 2, 1917--"Both houses of Congress have passed conscription bills by large majorities but differ some in the age question. House would have maximum age 40, but Senate favors 27.
      "This, however, is likely to be settled in conference at an early date. Everything is being perpared in the state so that the work may be begun at once as soon as President Wilson signs the bill. Things are generally lively in the war business. Lots to think about."

May 3, 1917--"Mrs. Wardrip being sick, S. takes her a nice bowl of meat & soup, all hot, for her dinner. It was just the thing. She devoured it as if she were famished. So we were glad of having performed that little act of kindness."

May 4, 1917--"Big 'field meet' at T. Great crowd & a fine time we hear, tho S. & [I] did not attend. Neither of us understand the games they play so not so interesting to us."

May 6, 1917--"Fred G. M.D., wife, Jack & Lula S motor in to day. The Doctor has a new car, Maxwell."

May 10, 1917--"Motor to Ashland P.M., S. & I. Alpha & Jack go with us. Jack has some defect inside of nose; doctor examines it. Surgical operation will have to be resorted to. Flour up another big notch. Now about $4.00 sk. Enders has notices out that he will, for ten days, sell best grades flour for $2.70. Also lots of other groceries at reduced prices. He undersells most of the other grocery firms at all times as he deals on a strict cash basis."

May 11, 1917--"S. & I, as pre-arranged start to Phoenix early P.M. for Eldred who is to stay over a day or two; but met Louie at T. bringing him up on horseback. Roads some muddy. 'Chet' Wolters has just opened a grocery store in T. He intends to deal on a cash basis. Quick sales & small profits is his aim. Hope he will succeed. . . . Conscription age 21-30."

May 12, 1917--"Erma & Jack here to dinner given in honor of Eldred's 5th birthday. The children had a big time. . . . Word just comes of a train wreck near Phoenix late P.M. No particulars."

May 13, 1917--"Putter around a while P.M. then, about 5 motor to Ashland, to G.C. hospital, for Fred, Alpha & Jack. The operation on latter was performed A.M. &, they think was an O.K. job. The doctor's machine is sadly out of commission. He drove in from K.F. last night, driving nearly all night. The rains had fixed the [roads] a plenty & his car looked as if it had seen service in the European war when got here. One tire was off. Two others flat and about a hundred pounds of real estate plastered more or less artistically over the running gears of the car. I would pronounce the tires faulty in material, poor rubber perhaps. Car is new, has run only 1100 miles, so good tires should not give out like that. I never saw tires more completely demolished. Hence my going after them, P.M. They went up on jitney. I made trip in just one hour--20 7/10 miles. Eldred with me."

May 14, 1917--"Get sk rolled barley at T. $2.05 for 70 lbs. Wheat up another notch. $20.00 a barrel flour soon is predicted. Guess we will have to make bread out of saw dust. Then may be that will go up too.
      "Really the H.C.L. [high cost of living] is getting to be a serious matter. Wages about same while most food stuffs 200% to 300% higher."

May 18, 1917--"Prospect that Russia may go back on the war business. Since overthrow of the monarchy about a score of factions have bobbed up, each striving to get on top. Cant agree & unite on anything. So with the internal dissensions, fighting the Germans takes a back seat. It is well known that much of this is caused by German intrigue."

May 19, 1917--"Better reports from Russia. Some prospects of different factions agreeing."

May 20, 1917--"Oil up the cemetery wind mill, fix the pipes etc. for the season, A.M. Something has been getting away with our cabbage plants. They wilt & die out. Examine to day & find it to be yellow wire worms. So we at once declared war on them."

May 21, 1917--"S. & I motor to Ashland P.M. with eggs and to get some cedar lumber for making grave markers for graves in cemetery that are not represented. Lumber I have cut into short lengths so it can be put in car. Very pleasant ride. Eggs 30 cents. Still find Enders a good place to trade. Get couple cups strawberries. Short cake now."

May 22, 1917--"Delbert Goddard planting beans on the doctor's place to-day & yesterday. By the way he is a genius. Planting by hand too slow so he invented a planter. No little toy affair either, but a two-horse machine--marks drops & covers three rows at a time. Three mowing machine wheels arranged at proper distances on a water pipe. Three springs so placed that one end of each slides on the circumference of the wheel & is made to vibrate by the projections the vibrations, acting through an attachment to the spring rapidly open & close a shutter in lower part of hopper. The driver rides on a convenient platform in rear of wheels, making bean planting an easy instead of a laborious & tiresome job."

May 23, 1917--"A Mr. Judy calls P.M. asking me to go to court next Monday as a witness in an auto and buggy collision on Pacific highway in Sept. 1915. S. & I were in Ed. R's car going to Siskiyou's. A car driven by a Mr. Baron got on wrong side of road & struck Mr. Judy's buggy. Baron vigorously applied brakes & turned his car to dodge buggy. Wheels being locked made plain mark where car swerved. After colliding with buggy he lost control, perhaps, & ran his car into railing on side of road. The collision happened in night. We were along next morning. No doubt Baron was too dumb to drive his car properly. He refuses to re-emburse Judy, hence suit."

May 24, 1917--"Germans getting worst of it on all fronts. More favorable news from Russia. Better prospect for standing in & fighting to a finish. The new government is strongly in favor of pressing the war for human rights alone as is the principle of the United States. Not conquest or indemnity but to free the world of a merciless autocracy as Germany is proving itself to be. The Russians see that this must be done or the world will have to turn German & all hands talk Dutch."

May 25, 1917--"As previously planned I motor to T. to bring Mrs. Seaman, Mrs. Terrill, Marcia R. & Sabra to cemetery. Mrs. T., however, I take up to pay Mrs. Sherman a visit. About 4 return with my load, being just in time to take in a load of school children."

May 28, 1917--"S. & I motor to Ashland with eggs. Erma & Grace P. go with us. Drive up to Ashland Park for drink lithia water. Nice motoring. O.T. Brown buried in W.C. cemetery P.M. Died Saturday."

May 30, 1917--"W.C.C. [Wagner Creek Cemetery] Ass'n meet at 3 P.M. Decoration exercises at 2 P.M. Prof. Brestow gives address. It was highly interesting and intensely patriotic. He is a long way from pro-German. Songs, readings, an[d] recitations followed. Fine program. Good attendance."

June 1, 1917--"Busy re-planting corn--bigger job than the first planting. Wish some Yankee genius would invent or discover some sure way of getting away with the pesky mole-submariners. I catch a few in traps but plenty more come to take their places."

June 5, 1917--"A subpoena is served on me to go to Jacksonville to-morrow as a witness on the case of J. Judy vs. Geo Baron for collision with his buggy with auto on night of Sept 18th '15. By referring to this journal of Sept 19th 1915 it will be found that S. & I were with E.R. & family going to the Siskiyous & witnessed where the smash up took place. Baron was no doubt drunk or part-drunk at least, was on wrong side of road; attempted to turn when near buggy but not soon enough. Finding he was likely to go too far to the other side of road, made another turn, breaking a hind wheel & finally piled up in the East railing of the 'fill.' His car tracks were easily seen from time of collision to until car fetched up in railing. Made a hasty trip P.M. to look again over the locality."

June 6, 1917--"Go with Ed. R to Jacksonville, to court. To be there at 11 A.M. Were not called to testify until after 3 P.M. Reach home at 5. Pretty warm P.M. Loafing--waitin around to be called--harder work than hoeing corn. Dont think Judy will win his case. To many witnesses on other side but I have at present, no means of knowing what they will testify to."

June 8, 1917--"The $6 000.000 road bonds carried by 23 000 majority. So something is likely to be doing on roads of Oregon in near future.
      "Germans losing ground. Russia still in doubt."

June 9, 1917--"Ironing day for S, She goes to an entertainment at school house in evening--graduating class. Picked a nice mess of strawberries from our patch. Can luxurate of strawberries for several weeks I hope."

June 10, 1917--"The Wardrip baby very sick with measels. Doctor sent for. S. over there this evening. Baby takes no nourishment for five days. S. thinks it a serious case."

June 11, 1917--"S. at Wardrip's this evening. Baby still very sick. May not pull through.
      "Germans making furious efforts to break in the Allies' front. No use. Allies gaining slowly. Kaiser makes speech which consists mainly of cussing the United States. But little good it will do him. We have soldiers now at or near the front in Europe. Hope they will get in big & help to lick the Germans."

June 13, 1917--"We call on Wardrips in evening. Baby much better. Think it may make it all right."

June 14, 1917--"Still better reports from Russia. Its embassy of about 40 persons representing the government are here--just arrived--through them & our embassy to Russia something satisfactory is looked for. The king of Greece has been ousted from his throne & a man not so pro-German takes his place. Good! The dethroned king's wife is sister to the German Kaiser & it was found that he was secretly intriguing in favor of Germany, so he was politely requested to step down & out."

June 17, 1917--"The Wardrip baby not gaining as it should--very weak. S. goes over this evening."

June 20, 1917--"Take S. & Maggie down to Community Club at T. early P.M. Go after them at 5. The club gives a reception to old ladies. From reports they had a good time."

June 26, 1917--"Very good war news. Seems now that Russia will stand in with the other allies & fight the Huns to a finish. Germans are getting more & more cruel--harking back to the Hun methods of warfare only more so. Billy Sunday has it about right. He told his New York audience a few days ago that if hell were turned up side down, 'Made in Germany' would be found scratched on the bottom. Whatever may be said about Billy's revival methods, no one can question his loyalty. He blurts right out just what he thinks. Also he takes $25,000 liberty bonds. All the 'givings' in his New York revival over $100,000 he gives to Red Cross etc for war purposes."

June 27, 1917--"Motor to Ashland A.M. Leave eggs at Wolters, T. He is doing a strictly cash business and prices are about like Enders. Am sure it is the cleanest & most sanitary store in the county."

June 29, 1917--"About concluded not to attend the 4th. Prefer a quiet picnic even by ourselves. S. witnessed an auto collision Wed last in Ashland. One man was pulled out from under the smash up but was not seriously hurt. S. was pretty nervous for a while after seeing the smash up, & thinks she doesn't care to go to the 4th. I dont so we agree well on that."

June 30, 1917--"S. & I clean up camp ground P.M. & very inviting there now. Nice place to pitch tent & have prolonged camp. Germans making no headway. Reports from Russia favorable. Germans trying another stunt--putting explosives in coal for Norwegian ship."

July 1, 1917--"H.H., Dr. Fred, Alpha, Ormy, Jack & Delbert dropped in; spend most of evening sitting on ground in yard visiting. Plan a re-union picnic at our camp Tuesday. Dr. & family have to return on Wednesday."

July 3, 1917--"Had our picnic. Fine time; way-up dinner, everything from roast chicken to ice cream, even including Dutch cheese. H.H. & whole family present--9 all told. Delightfully cool & pleasant in the camp. Had the Ashland round-up beaten a hundred to one. No more round up for me. The sport is of too cruel a nature anyway. Besides it is too much jam & crowd. The older I grow the more I take to quiet pleasures."

July 4, 1917--"Hear there was a big crowd in Ashland. I enjoyed the day well. Had straw berry shortcake & lemonade etc. Just S & yours truly."

July 5, 1917--"Good news from the war; Russians are into the fight full drive--taking 18000 prisoners in two days."

July 6, 1917--"S. & I motor to Phoenix & home via west road by Reams place, Huston's & Beeson lane. Take Maggie & Ormy along. Nice ride--after milking."

July 8, 1917--"Motor to Ashland park P.M. Maggie goes with us. Lithia water too warm. Soda water better. Not strong of soda but fairly good."

July 9, 1917--"My birth day. Now entering upon my 75th year. Have eaten three substantial meals, & done a fair days work. Have now lived longer than any member of my father's family--
      ". . . From many reports Ashland put in her best licks 'grafting'--fleecing the public during the round up days, in overcharging for meals etc. Much complaint. The city authorities should have looked out for that."

July 10, 1917--"No mail. Dont know why. Anxious for war news."

July 14, 1917--"News comes that the Kaiser has abdicated. Hope it is O.K. He ought to have committed suicide. That's the most proper thing for the old son-of-a-gun to do. Ma[y] be idle news. It is true, however, that there is a heavy pressure against him."

July 16, 1917--"Abdication of Kaiser not confirmed, but lively commotion in German reichstag. Kaiser & other war lords strongly criticized."

July 18, 1917--"Forest fire on Anderson Creek. Hustling for fire fighters."

July 23, 1917--"Raising hell again in Russia--working up, or trying to, a revolution. About a dozen different factions & each is straining to get on top."

July 24, 1917--"Congress has passed by large majority a bill to produce some 20 000 up-to-date flying machines for use in the war. They are to be manufactured as soon as possible, also thousands of men trained to operate them. I imagine when a few thousand American flying machines, fully equipped, get ready for business, the old Kaiser will lop off some of his fool egotism. Affairs in Russia still n.g. Soldiers disobey orders etc. Bad mess."

July 27, 1917--"Bad news from Europe. Russia which for a short time was giving such a good account of herself seems about to go to pieces again. German intrigue with the Socialist element the cause. Larger sections of army disobey orders & retreat etc. Of course the Teutons take advantage of this opportunity to make a drive. . . . Frank Coleman called last evening at his grandmothers when we were there to bid good by to all. He is off soon."

July 28, 1917--"Slightly more incouraging reports from Russia. Kerensky seems to have checked the traitorous activities to some extent. Hope so. But about the worst menace we have at home is the I.W.W. They are a hell of a set--destroying property, poisoning stock etc. Estimated they have poisoned $150,000 worth in Klamath County. Shoot 'em on the spot when caught should be the rule." [cf. 12-13-1912 entry]

July 31, 1917--"Not much war news. All kinds of peace talk, but nothing that counts."

Aug. 1, 1917--"Motored to Medford P.M. Get sk barley at Phoenix. Auto not running properly. Get Walter Prader to come over & locate trouble. One spark plug n.g. He drives over in his car. Mrs. Prader comes with him. Eldred comes home with us. Am to go for Minnie to morrow evening."

Aug. 3, 1917--"At Butte Mon. the citizens linched a loud mouthed I.W.W. Of course the authorities tried to identify & arrest the linchers but to date no success. Dont think they tried very hard."

Aug. 4, 1917--"Mrs. Josie Deeds--a relative of Blanch, who, with her husband left the neighborhood about a year ago, has left Mr. D. & is touring about; going to the bud as fast as possible. A warrant is out for her arrest for, with others, having booze and raising hell generally in Medford. It is thought by some who know her best, that she is somewhat 'off' mentally. Strange case."

Aug. 6, 1917--"Motor to Medford A.M. taking S. to consult Dr. Emmer about her eyes. Having some trouble with car. May require overhauling to some extent."

Aug. 8, 1917--"Orley Powers comes P.M. to help overhaul car engine--clean cylenders etc. Late getting through. Stepped into E.E. Cooks this morning to do a little trading, when Mr. Cook proceeded in a very blunt manner to charge me with accusing him of dishonesty. It nearly sent me over backwards. I[t] seems it was done in public at the last meeting of the W.C.C. Assn. The Assn had a credit at Cook's hardware store payable in goods. This I explained to the Ass'n. That's all. Mrs. C. was present & misunderstood me as above. Perhaps it would be hard now to disabuse her mind of that impression."

Aug. 9, 1917--"Call on Cook's regarding the affair of yesterday. Mrs. C. now states that she didn't hear me accuse Mr. C. of dishonesty, but that she didn't know about the deal & thought there must be something 'crooked' somewhere. Mrs. C's mental action seems to be peculiar. Car goes nicely thus far since overhauling it yesterday."

Aug. 11, 1917--"S. busy preparing picnic stuff for to-morrow; plan going up on the Siskiyou's. War affairs about so-so. Germans slowly but surely losing on west front. About a stand-off on Eastern lines. Russia slowly re-organizing."

Aug. 12, 1917--"Warm. Started for the Siskiyou's about 7-20 A.M. Got to Siskiyou station about 9. Picnicked a little this side, by a fine spring. Working on highway near top, so no good. Had a fine time--cool,--just right. They tell us it was extra hot & sultry here P.M. Must have been for it was 85 at 5-20 P.M. Ormy G. went with us. Car behaved O.K. Ed., Blanch, Edith A., Erma & Grace in Ed's car."

Aug. 16, 1917--"Take S. to Medford P.M. to her eye doctor. Maggie G. goes as far as Twogood's. Take in Minnie & Eldred at Phoenix. Fairly good war news; Germans losing. Charles Kirby died yesterday morning of appendicitis--died in hospital."

Aug. 17, 1917--"Funeral of Charles P.M. Good turnout."

Aug. 20, 1917--"Not much war news except that China has declared war against Germany."

Aug. 21, 1917--"The strike the I.W.W. were to call for yesterday seems to have been a fizzle. The government & also managers of big manufacturing plants were ready for them. 27 of them were jailed in Spokane including their head secretary. I can hardly conceive of a more contemptable organization that the I.W.W. Their actions, in the main, are based on nothing that has an iota of reason or common sense in it. They seem to take their cue from the Germans and find nothing to low, mean, cruel & treacherous for them to undertake. If I had the power I would place every son-of-a-gun of them in the front trenches of the German army, & so let them aid our nation's enemies as best they can. Really they should be sentenced to the rock pile & made to work."

Aug. 24, 1917--"Still sultry. No doubt cloudy but very smokey so hard to tell. Sun red. 86 P.M. Busy at various small jobs. The Germans couldn't think of anything meaner so they send airplanes & drop bombs on a field hospital killing several nurses & wounded soldiers. Does history record anything more cruel & savage than this? It is a fair example of German 'Kultur.' English, French & Italians still driving the d-- huns."

Aug. 28, 1917--"Motor to Phoenix, leave S., take in Louie & 3 kids & go on to Medford with eggs. Louie & family start to-morrow for Crecent City for an outing. S. Morris & family also go--all hands in latter's big car. Mr. Anderson & family call this evening. He wanted to look at the walnut trees. They are to start back Friday. He has a Ford car."

Aug. 29, 1917--"Smoke still dense. Bob. Purves cut our hay yesterday P.M. So smoky it dries slowly. . . . War news O.K. excepting from Russia. Anarchists, Socialists, & a dozen other 'ists' are doing everything possible to hamper the government in its efforts to carry on the war against the Germans. Of course Germany is back of much of this. She has hosts of spy's & 'agents' in Russia working all sorts of intrigues to influence the common people against the government.
      "The governor has called off the open season for hunting. Too many fires."

Sept. 1, 1917--"Mrs. Powers lost a fine cow to-day by bloat. Too bad with butterfat 46 cts. The President fixes price of wheat for this year's crop--$2.20 in Chicago, which makes it $1.90 in Portland Ore. It is stated that flour will drop a few notches now, as well as some other foodstuffs. Wilson's note in answer to the Pope's peace proposition is a crackerjack. Hits the point exactly. He doesn't want to deal directly with the Kaiser & his advisers--cant trust them. Their sacred promises mere scraps of paper. It is a splendid state paper. . . . Dr. G. & H.H. on their way back last Monday had five blowouts only."

Sept. 4, 1917--"Get Ormy to bring 6 sks. barley from E.R's which I had engaged. It was threshed yesterday & I take it in field. Think we have chicken feed enough now to last for a year. Wash day for S. Germans are about to take Riga. Russians offer little resistance. Too bad."

Sept. 5, 1917--"Big fire about 8 P.M. somewhere N.E. of Talent. Cant locate it exactly. Some of neighbors have gone with autos to investigate."

Sept. 6, 1917--"Last night's fire was a big barn on the Westerfield place about 2 miles North East of Talent. 3 fine horses & a calf burned."

Sept. 8, 1917--"Planning for a trip to the river to-morrow. Ed R's family. E. Purves's family, Bob. P's family & ourselves. We take E.P. & family."

Sept. 9, 1917--"Off early for the river. All went as planned. Had fine time--20 of us. 55 mile trip. Fine dinner. Couldnt be beat."

Sept. 12, 1917--"L. & family have just returned from Crescent City & phone for us to come down & get a good fish. Too bashful to decline a proposition of that nature we lit out at once. Got a nice fish too--Salmon trout."

Sept. 13, 1917--"About 1/4 inch of rain last night. Smoke gone. Can see mountains. Busy most of day at ranch jobs.
      "Big rebellion in Russian army. Too bad they cannot band together long enough to help lick the huns."

Sept. 14, 1917--"The Korniloff rebellion has come to grief. Good! Sweden of late has been a sort of go-between for the sending of messages by Germany to different countries, especially Argentina. The latter was mad enough when the truth leaked out, & at once gave the German minister his passports. For all sorts of mean tricks the Germans should take the whole bakery. Sweden seems to claim that she was fooled."

Sept. 15, 1917--"Better news from Russia. Korniloffs soldiers in the main have deserted him. Karensky seems to be on top now. Some of the armies are getting down to work. Good! Papers full of the German treacherous work of using Sweden as a go-between for sending messages."

Sept. 18, 1917--"No Telegram so dont know how matters are getting at 'the front.'
      "Consul Frost, stationed for three years at a town on the English coast is now visiting in Oregon. He gave an address in Portland on the terrible cruelties practised by the Germans in their submarine warfare. 'Frightful' doesn't half express it. The Allies should not stop short of wiping Germany off the map."

Sept. 19, 1917--"Not feeling my best this P.M. Right ear seems to have gone entirely out of commission. Ear passages inflamed perhaps. With left ear closed I wouldn't be able to hear Old Gabe toot his horn. Hope it will let up soon. Being half deaf is bad enough but having even one ear stopped entirely is too too.
      "Better news from the Russian front. Russians are getting more united & the army is getting down to biz.--now driving the Germans pel-mell back towards Riga. English airplanes drop bombs over a German munition works killing & wounding 900.--but no women or children. Americans have just completed & tested an airplane motor that, it is claimed beats everything that line thus far. It surely must help to win the war."

Sept. 20, 1917--"Go to county fair P.M. at Medford. Take Alpha Maggie & Jack. Nice display of farm products. Was not at my best so didn't enjoy it as I otherwise would."

Sept. 23, 1917--"A drizzly day. Cool to cold. Had planned with Ed. R's folks for a picnic down at our camp, but now have it at house. Fire necessary all day. S. up visiting Alpha this evening. My ear trouble still hangs on."

Sept. 24, 1917--"Cool most of day. Put up heater stove. Our cow Puss has a fine heifer calf. Find that an inner tube in car has puncture. S. & I work most of P.M. in taking out, patching & replacing. Casing stiff so it tired us,--or at least me."

Sept. 25, 1917--"My right ear trouble results in many strange sensations, especially when driving car with say two women in back seat & S. in front seat & all visiting to beat the band. I hear all sorts of strange sounds, at the same time unable to distinguish a word spoken. As the jumble of sounds come to my ear a sensation is produced that is a long way from agreeable. In fact it is more nearly painfull. Not feeling like doing much A.M. Wash day for S. At noon we hear by phone that Minnie has both feet badly lacerated by being caught in sickle of a mowing machine. It seems she was holding the horses while L. ran to house on some errand. Horses were restless & started & in trying to hold them somehow got in front of sickle bar. We go right down after dinner. Her feet were badly cut but it is lucky it was no worse. Bring Eldred home with us, also some laundry for S. to fix up. Feel much better this evening."

Sept. 26, 1917--"The doctor thinks it will [be] perhaps three weeks before she can walk. Bad lick [sic]."

Sept. 29, 1917--"S. getting ready for picnic to be held by the old Talent school pupils [Dean's pupils] in the Ashland Park to-morrow. Dr. F.G. comes in to day, H.H. also. They think of joining in with us at picnic.
      "English & French still making inroads on the Huns but more or less slowly. Papers now filled with disclosures of German sneaking intrigues in the United States."

Sept. 30, 1917--"An ideal day. Of[f] early for the picnic. Take Mrs. Arminda Purves, Grace, Maree, & Magaret. Fine time. 14 of the old students present, but invited guests & children made about 60 a table. At conclusion of picnic, Dr. Goddard & myself were called for remarks. It was an enjoyable affair surely. It was agreed to meet again the first Sunday of next September."

Oct. 1, 1917--"My subject yesterday when called on was along the line of the latest theories of our greatest mental scientists regarding 'thought,' That the brain is a sort of thought forming and transmitting machine. May be likened to an electric battery. That thought is projected, perhaps to a wireless message and other minds or mental machines if attuned properly may receive & possess the message. The thought message thus 'relayed' starts on another voyage, perhaps in some other direction, until again taken up. Thus a strong thought, originated in one brain may zigzag indefinitely in the ether. Of course I gave this as a theory only, but which many believe. In insisted that it stood a chance of being true. That if true it was one of the grandest of truths. To those who entertained a belief in this beautiful theory it would be the greatest incentive--harbor & transmit none but the purest of thoughts for no civilized mortal would be guilty of sending out broadcast evil and vicious thoughts to work injury to minds that might receive them. A lady remarked that that was the 'best sermon she had ever heard.'"

Oct. 3, 1917--"Planning for trip to hatchery to-morrow. H.H. & I in our car, Dr. Fred, Alpha & Jack in their car."

Oct. 4, 1917--"Went to hatchery yesterday P.M. Back by noon to day. Poor luck. Only two fish for all."

Oct. 5, 1917--"Motor, S & I, to T. with eggs, & on to Phoenix taking some fruit etc to L. & M. Then having to go to Medford for fruit cans, induced M. to go also L. carried her to car."

Oct. 6, 1917--"Have 'got away' with our share of the fish from hatchery and will have to fall back on bacon. Now reading--or re-reading--for the third time Ridpath's History of the United States. Reading about old-fashioned wars helps, to a slight extent, to take my mind from the present world war [first use of this term]. Of course the wars of history were mere skirmishes compared with this."

Oct. 7, 1917--"L & M. drive up A.M. in their own auto, purchased from Joe Rader. Good machine. They stay to dinner & until 4 P.M. They give S. & I a ride. Glad they have a car.
      "Good news from the war. English have made one of the best drives of the war, slaughtering the Huns by the hundreds. But little loss on their side. The Allies have begun reprisals for airplane raids. The Germans are horror stricken that the Allies could be so 'barbarous.' Of course they dont [like] to take their own medicine."

Oct. 8, 1917--"Cream day. Butter fat now 51 cents. From a business point of view I should not complain, but really that seems too high. Surely I would think so were I not producing butter fat."

Oct. 9, 1917--"Take S. & Mrs. Prader to Red Cross circle early P.M. & go for them later. John Stearns made a short call P.M. The English have made one of the biggest drives of the war, Germans badly whipped. Lots of prisoners taken."

Oct. 10, 1917--"Motor to Ashland P.M. Take eggs. 45 cts dozen. Edith C. & children go with us. Get a pair shoes, $3.30. Have to get used to high prices of everything. Butter fat 51, butter 55, eggs 45. Flour $3.00 to $3.50 etc etc."

Oct. 12, 1917--"Minnie's foot not healing as fast as expected. L. takes her to Medford to-day. To have Dr. Hargrave try his hand at it."

Oct. 15, 1917--"Cream day. Have about 6 gallons. Last can before this was 51 cents=$6.47 for 5 gallons cream--highest price ever so far. The hunters, Dr. Goddard et al got in late P.M. but dont yet know what luck. Been gone about a week. . . . War news not exciting. Submarine work is falling off. Anyway, insurance on vessels has been lowered about 25%."

Oct. 17, 1917--Readings on spiritualism--first mention in months.

Oct. 18, 1917--"Dr. G. & family leave this morning for their home in Klamath Falls. H.H. brings us a nice chunk of fat deer. And it was fat! So it was venison for dinner at our house. If I could have venison anytime when desired I wouldn't mind living right along on this earth for an indefinite time."

Oct. 22, 1917--"More evidence of Germany's cussedness, to the effect that the Kaiser deliberately planned the war, reaching back many years, that the date was set for hostilities to begin weeks before the Austrian Archduke was assassinated, details lengthy. The German plan involved the final Prussianizing of the whole world. Indeed the world is finding out every day more evidence for the necessity to completely wipe out Kaiserism."

Oct. 23, 1917--"S. & I take $200.00 Liberty bonds."

Oct. 24, 1917--"Liberty Loan whoop-up this afternoon all over U.S. Each state, city & town striving to reach the quota set for it. Delbert G. brings load of wood for us as per contract. Eldred sick this P.M. & evening. Severe cold settling in head & chest. S. working with him."

Oct. 25, 1917--"L. & M. motor up A.M. M. stays over. Eldred O.K. or nearly so. Good war news. French make drive, capture 8000 prisoners. Shipyard strikes over. From reports Oregon will come to near filling out [t]he Liberty Loan quota."

Oct. 26, 1917--"Young Withrow was injured in T. box factory yesterday still living and may survive. A belt laced with wire broke loose where laced & a piece of the wire--it is supposed--struck his left breast & penetrated the lungs causing profuse hemorrhage; losing about a gallon of blood, it was reported."

Oct. 27, 1917--"Two speeders got what was their due for their hare-brained foolishness a day or two ago. Turning a corner below Medford at fearful speed the car left the highway which was raised at that point, & cleared the fence without touching it, turned a complete somerset, landing 50 feet from fence. Of course the two occupants were killed the bodies being badly mangled. They had been over to Hornbrook."

Oct. 28, 1917--"Still reading U.S. history. Strange how the colonists won in face of the fact that they had thousands of tories, or pro-English who sought every opportunity to work against them. Looking back through this distance of time the first impression generally is that the people were a unit--pulled together. Not so. About the same then as now. They had their tories. We have pro-Germans & I.W.W.s."

Oct. 29, 1917--"English & French getting in good on the huns. 12000 prisoners taken. Italians getting worsted however. Americans now in the trenches. Oregon has exceeded her quota for Libert[y] Bonds about 4 million. Good! Just received 2 copies of Dean's Magazine published by F.E. Dean, Orange, Mass. Will have to read the magazine carefully to catch on to the scheme. I judge it is an aid or 'organ' in carrying on an advertising agency. Quite a bit of reading matter interspersed with all kinds of ads."

Oct. 30, 1917--"Italians losing badly. 100,000 The Kaiser puts out an order giving all schools a holiday, with parades etc in honor of the victory. Germans losing on other fronts. Hear Jay G. married. May be rumor."

Oct. 31, 1917--"A rainless October. Dry & dusty. In fact dust on nearly all dirt roads is deep & fine enough to suit anybody. Of course all O.K. on the paved roads.
      ". . . Paper commenting on the Italian back set. There is hint of treachery with some of the leading officers, but it seems more likely that the huns rushed a lot of troops from the Russian front while Russia is having her internal troubles and massed them on the Italian fron[t] to help the Austrians. The English & French propose to rush troops to the help of the Italians. Germans still being worsted in the west."

Nov. 1, 1917--"Three cent postage from now on."

Nov. 2, 1917--"English & French still pushing back the huns on west front. Germans & Austrians still crowding back Italians. English & French to come to their relief as soon as possible. A murder near Eagle Point Monday. J.M. Stewart shot & killed W.E. Buttler resulting from an old feud."

Nov. 4, 1917--"Take auto joy ride P.M. taking Maggie G. H.H. drops in for the evening. Warm East wind sets in P.M. & is still at it. Roads fine; no dust. Had just rain enough to settle the dust, but of course with no more rain it will soon be as dusty as ever."

Nov. 5, 1917--"Rain thru night more or less. . . . Roads n.g. for autos. Joy rides out of the question for awhile. Send for car lisense."

Nov. 6, 1917--"No exciting news from the war, excepting that the huns are still forcing the Italians back. Evidence still piling up German intrigues in U.S. & elsewhere."

Nov. 7, 1917--"No Telegram to day, so short on war news."

Nov. 8, 1917--"A change is on for concerning governmental affairs in Germany--toward democracy. Also that German aliens be fired from near seacoasts of U.S."

Nov. 9, 1917--"Planned trip to Ashland but too windy.
      "Gather black walnuts awhile P.M. Invent a yankee trick for removing shuck. With mallet each nut is forced thru an 1/2 in hole in a board. The nuts mixed with the shuck pumace are violently stirred in a pail or other receptical until any adhering shuck are loosened. Then the whole mass poured into a peach box & the shuck stuff washed thru openings in bottom of the box, by pouring on water, or with a hose. The nuts are then placed in peach boxes in shallow layers to dry. Not necessary to stain hand in this process.
      "Wind lets up this evening. Maggie G. calls for the evening. Italians slowly retreating before the huns, but allies are rushing troops into Italy & soon there may be another story to tell. Huns still losing on West."

Nov. 10, 1917--"Bad war news. Russia gone to pieces. Revolution & counter revolution to beat the band. Seems now as if the allies cannot count on help from her from now on."

Nov. 11, 1917--"President Wilson is out with Thanksgiving proclamation. In a nutshell we are to be thankful that we have the men & means to knock the stuffing out of the huns."

Nov. 12, 1917--"Ed. R. comes late A.M. to borrow the 32 rifle to kill a young beef. Comes again late P.M. returning rifle & with it a mess of liver for breakfast to-morrow.
      "Somewhat better war news. Italians have checked the Germans, English & French are making big drives on western front and the English are making fine gains against the Turks in Asia."

Nov. 13, 1917--"Billy Sunday is now holding forth in Atlanta Ga. & his sermons are to be printed in the Atlanta Semi Weekly Journal which I take. To-day's paper has his first sermon. It is a corker. Read it aloud this evening. He is a strange character sure. But he draws. That's the point. He is good at lambasting shams of all kinds."

Nov. 14, 1917--"S. & I motor to Ashland P.M. Eggs 50 cts dozen, but we had but two dozen to sell. Partly exchange for bacon at 45 cts. Get another issue of Atlanta Journal to day with another of Billy Sunday's sermons. Maggie G. drops in to spend evening. A little better news from Russia. Karensky made his escape by a clever ruse (as a sick man in an ambulance) makes his way to Moscow & is soon at the head of 200,000 troops; now is marching toward Petrograd. It seems there is a strong reaction against the rebels. Ed. Cochran & family move to Ashland to day. He has a job there."

Nov. 16, 1917--"By the way the White's Velvet Cream firm has gone bankrupt. Bob. P., H.S. Lynch and several others in this neighborhood are 'bit' heavily--the two mentioned to the tune of about $90. Y.M.C.A. agent here last evening soliciting aid. S. & I chipped in $1.00 apiece. Motor to Medford--S. & I--P.M. for medicine for her eyes. Up again, down again--the news from Russia. All sorts of reports. Read all, then make a hard guess."

Nov. 17, 1917--"The hunk of beef from Ed. R's is way up. Hard to have a meatless day as long as that lasts. Had a roast for dinner. Never ate better. War news about so-so. Huns losing right along on west front. Huns also checked in Upper Italy. No reports yet from Russia that can be counted on. The bank of Talent refuses to submit the names of subscribers to Liberty Loan for publication. Why I cannot imagine."

Nov. 19, 1917--"S. & I clean car cylender P.M. 3-hour job."

Nov. 20, 1917--"Mrs. E. Purves when here Sunday eve left some copies of Unity for us to look over. In fact she subscribed for Unity to come to Mrs. D's address about 2 years ago. It made its appearance for several months. The Unity philosophy or religion is a mixture of Christianity, Christian Science and Spiritualism, although Mrs. P. does not seem to perceive the latter ingredient. . . . Their idea of an Infinity of power, Wisdom & goodness & intelligence pervading the universe & that each human being is priviledged to call upon this great source of widsom, power etc. is surely the view held by many Spiritualists & New Thought-ists. It is a grand philosophy which can result in harm to no one."

Nov. 21, 1917--"Referring to what I wrote last evening, I would add that Unity philosophy and Spiritualistic philosophy are in many respects quite similar, yet the adherents of each differ widely in their views, especially as regards the 'God' idea. The great 'creator,' 'designer,' 'architect'--the something back of all and in all, Christians call 'God.' Their concept of this supposed being makes him (or it) a personality--in the main a human form, but a monster according to Bible description, morally & physically. It seems to me that no one who would stop a moment to think and reason in a proper way could believe in the existence of such an antropomorphic being. Yet the name--the term--holds its grip. Spiritualists many of them persist in retaining it. More so the Unity folks. And both claim to be progressive. Personally I have no liking for the term 'God.' Should like to have it rendered obsolete.
      "But many of the deepest thinkers among the progressives along religious lines are puzzled as to the 'form' that should be given to the great source of wisdom, power etc. The human form? Hardly. Some would say formless. But that will never do. Too hard if not altogether impossible to conceive of such a being. Dr. Adam Clark, the great bible commentator says we 'must not conceive of God as occupying place, space, vacuity, heave[n] or earth.' Now all that is simply words. Cant be done. Dr Clark couldn't make even a stagger at it himself. Perhaps he would get rid of the human personality conception and substituted--nothing. Some modern thinkers would make the universe as a whole his 'form.' Well, why not? It is conceivable at least, yet not without some difficulty. Instinctively one would attempt to locate a head, or at least headquarters to such a conception. My individual opinion is we would better confine our thoughts to something easier."

Nov. 22, 1917--"English & French making good drives. Italians holding huns in check by desperate fighting. Russia seems to be all in."

Nov. 23, 1917--"Way up news from war. English make biggest drive yet, knock out the 'Hindenburg line' to beat the band. Italians getting there in about the same manner. All kinds of news from Russia, but nothing very favorable. Guess she has jumped the job. Busy on fixing up flume--calking cracks etc P.M."

Nov. 24, 1917--"English still driving ahead. Italians holding huns back. French doing their bit also."

Nov. 25, 1917--"Take Mrs. Sherman to Ashland A.M. She is to spend winter with her daughter Mrs. O. Stearns. Maggie goes along. Sold top-buggy. Purchaser takes it this evening. A little less than 1/2 cart price."

Nov. 26, 1917--"Get Ed R's vulcanizer & try my hand vulcanizing a tire cut P.M. Some days ago the papers printed a 'Message from the Devil to the Kaiser' which was way-up--full of significant points. The Devil gives up as out-generaled & is willing to abdicate etc in favor of kaiser. To-day the kaiser is made to reply. He is fully conscious that the devil is a back number as compared with himself, etc."

Nov. 27, 1917--"Motor to Ashland for supplies. Maggie G. goes with us. Too cool and lowery for joy riding. Mrs. G. comes back on jitney late P.M. S. & I meet her at T. Sold 10 lbs walnuts to Lloid Anderson to take back to Tillamook. He leaves to day."

Nov. 28, 1917--"Not much fuss for Thanksgiving on this ranch. Think it will [be] a quiet affair. Good war news. English & French still making good drives. Italians now helped by allies are doing up the huns."

Nov. 29, 1917--"Get an invite to a turkey dinner at Ed R's. Of course we accept. It was called a Hooverized dinner--no meat, no cake. Turkey is not considered meat by the government. Only beef, pork & mutton. Now if I had roast turkey whenever desired, I am sure I could get along without 'meat' for a long time. S. took down a fat pumpkin pie."

Nov. 30, 1917--"Rain all night & all day with no let up. At it as I write, 9 P.M. Not much doing but stay in & read. Get a generous lay-out of papers this morning so with going thru them I pass the rainy day agreeably. Chas. Sherman came to H.H.s last night on his way to Cal."

Volume VI
December 1, 1917-September 1, 1919

Dec. 1, 1917--"Hills all around whitened with snow. A light flurry of the beautiful [cf. 12-29-1915 entry] here this morning, melting as fast as falls. . . . Maggie G. calls this evening. They are uneasy about little Jack. He has been very low for several weeks with something akin to pneumonia. Fever up, 103-5, every day. Very weak.
      "War news about so-so. Allies holding their own & a little more. Huns making desperate efforts to break farther into Italy but the Italians keep hurling them back. Accounts of horrible atrocities by huns on people of conquered parts. They are savages of the worst type.
      "Now starting in on a 300-page record book. Wonder if I shall be able to fill it. [He wasn't--ed.]"

Dec. 2, 1917--"A sort of miniature, Billy Sunday revival meeting is now being held at the school house above us. Several converts have 'hit the trail'--mostly children. Autos from as far as Agate come regularly. S. & I have, thus far held aloof. Of course if the religious fervor proves to be contagious, we may 'catch it' & hit the trail for the New Jerusalem. Quien sabe? Allen A. butchered yesterday & sends us a nice hunk of tenderloin for to-morrow's breakfast. Sure, generous neighbors help out the H.C.L. [high cost of living] for us. Timely, too, for we are just at the last of the beef Blanch sent us two weeks ago.
      "Hooverizing is a leading topic in the papers now-a-days. Are told that corn meal as food is much cheaper than wheat flour. Suits me for I am fond of corn bread."

Dec. 3, 1917--"Maggie down P.M. to phone to Fred [in Klamath Falls] to find out about Jack, she is so worried about him. As near as we could make out, he is better. A counsel of physicians was called this morning & all agreed that the crisis was passed & that chances are now in his favor. Cloudy & foggy or both all day. Get another lay-out of red-cross stamps--$1.00 worth--for us to buy as a help in fighting tuberculosis."

Dec. 4, 1917--"War news about so-so. Huns making no advance. English take back ground lost."

Dec. 5, 1917--"No Telegram. Oregon Journal but from that we do not get latest news."

Dec. 6, 1917--"Send 15 cts for trial sub. for Pathfinder a weekly magazine published in Washington. Maggie has word from Fred. Jack about the same. They think he will pull thru all right, but it will be slow."

Dec. 7, 1917--"S. & I motor to Phoenix P.M. to plan for Xmas. Minnie wants us & Ed's to come there to turkey dinner the Sunday before Xmas. Coming home ran across J. Goddard at T. He comes home with us. Jay is as restless as ever, has a brand new stock of notions on tap just now, perhaps not one of which will hold 24 hours."

Dec. 8, 1917--"Jay with us yet. He lit out on some kind of a lark this evening, however, taking Ormy along with him. My advice to Ormy would be (if it could have any effect, which is not likely) to give Jay Goddard a wide berth. Jay got quite talkative this P.M.--he & I were by ourselves--regarding some of his 'good times' experiences with the factory girls at Bend where he was employed. As a result of this 'expose' I could not but feel that he had dropped a few hundred points in my estimation. He is a typical gay Lothario. The girls there are, according to his account, a bad lot, mostly from the red light streets of Portland & San Francisco. These Magdalens 'all like me,' he says. No doubt, for he admits, they 'get all his money.' Too bad!
      "Fred G. has just phoned that Jack is now passing thru the extreme crisis & the chances are about '50-50' for his recovery. S. goes at once to inform Maggie. So we are likely to hear news--good or bad--at any time. S. located Jay & Ormy at T. and they, just now, have returned.
      "War news about so-so. About a stand-off with Huns & Italians."

Dec. 9, 1917--"Jay still with us. His almost constant smoking is beginning to get me--causing dull headache. Shall have to give him a gentle hint. H.H. comes down to call up Fred. Jack seems to be a trifle better, so Fred thinks. Erma comes to spend P.M. Jay at H.H.'s this evening. Had a fine chicen dinner, good enough for anybody. Jay has a new notion; thinks he will apply for a job in the round house at Ashland."

Dec. 10, 1917--"Got phone that Jack died about two P.M. A half hour or so, before it was phoned that he was 'very very low,' but that they were doing everything that could be done for him. Of course that message was to break the shock to some extent. Burial to take place here."

Dec. 11, 1917--"Busy planning for funeral etc. Fred phones that they will not be in before to-morrow evening. He is coming in his auto. Alpha on train. Of course ship body. Went to cemetery early A.M. to show E. Purves where to dig grave on Fred's lot. Phone kept busy most of day. Best item of war news is that the English have taken Jerusalem. That city has been under Turkish rule for over 600 years. Huns massing their forces on the western & Italian fronts. No doubt there will be hard fighting in the near future. Letter from Lindley yesterday. Eggs 85 cts there, also sugar famine can buy but 1 lb. at a time."

Dec. 12, 1917--"Fred & Alpha get in to-day. Fred comes down this evening & insists that I officiate to-morrow at the funeral. I consented but really wish they could have got some one else. Put in most of evening preparing."

Dec. 13, 1917--"Funeral at 2 P.M. Mr. & Mrs. Breese & Mr. Mattison furnished the singing, 'Only a Thin Veil Between Us' one of the songs. I gave the address. It seemed to give full satisfaction, at least to the chief mourners, as they are mainly Spiritualists. There was a wealth of flowers almost smothering the casket. A goodly number of autos in procession--a good turn-out generally. Alpha bore up better than was expected but she appears as if her life was completely wrecked. Fred stands the ordeal well. He is mediumistic--a clairvoyant. Has seen Jack several times since his passing over, seen him with his grandmother (Alpha's mother). She seems to have him in charge. Has seen Jack in company of other deceased relatives also. Of course this must be a great consolation to Fred. If Alpha could see clairvoyantly as does Fred, it would be a great relief. In my address I touched briefly on the subjects of spirit return, continued existence, growth & developement in the spirit land introducing a few lines of my own which I would have apply to the near relatives.
      "The lines were:
      "We part not from our darling for-ever
      "We know that ev'n death cannot sever
      "The love tie that binds us to gether.
      "I was aware that all allusions to spirits and spirit return would be meaningless words to many present but the subject was mentioned just the same."

Dec. 15, 1917--"Walked to T. P.M. for butter. Mrs. H. not at home. Call in at Brown's drug store to note the 'Closing-out Sale,' which begins to day. Found all hands busy. Everything 'marked down.'"

Dec. 16, 1917--"F. Silvy died in Talent last night. Was called to cemetery early A.M. so a suitable lot could be chosen for his burial. Burial to-morrow A.M. Fred G. calls this evening. The excitement of looking after funeral affairs, and the will-exertion to 'keep up' for Alpha's sake, is letting down somewhat and he begins to show the effect of Jack's death. Still he tries to hold up in Alpha's presence."

Dec. 17, 1917--"Attended the funeral of Frank Silvy A.M. Subscribed for S. E. Post at John R's store."

Dec. 18, 1917--"Motor to Ashland P.M. Take about 75 lbs walnuts to Enders--21 cts lb. They were glad to get them, insisted on my bringing more if I had them. Blanch went with us. Quite a lot of Xmas things were purchased. Maggie G. calls this evening. She went with Fred & Alpha to Ashland, P.M. & called on Mrs. Young. Mrs. Y. as medium for her control gave Alpha some excellent counsel. Maggie thinks it had a good effect on Alpha & Fred."

Dec. 19, 1917--"Not much doing at war fronts. Last report is that Kerensky has rustled up an army & is going towards Petrograd [cf. 11-14-1917 entry]."

Dec. 20, 1917--"No mail. Washout somewhere north. . . . C.W.S. & Maggie leave P.M. They get tickets in Ashland. Train late. They'll not leave Ashland until about 8 P.M. Red Cross boomers here P.M. S. & I pay in the $ each & are now members in good standing in the Red Cross organization. Dont object to helping. It is doing a big thing."

Dec. 21, 1917--"Erma sick, perhaps measles. S. goes down P.M. Fred & Alpha drop in awhile P.M. Very pleasant day. No war news to speak of."

Dec. 23, 1917--"Looks like rain. Put side curtains on car. Start for Phoenix--to Louie's--about 10. Rain sets in just as we start. Had a fine turkey dinner. Ed. & Blanch finally came, leaving Erma in charge of Edith A. Start home about 4 P.M. Rain sets in again just as we start, not raining while there to speak of. Still raining as I wrote--genuine rain. Roads slick. Our car--I have no chains yet--skidded a plenty."

Dec. 24, 1917--"Tolie Kirby died in hospital in Ashland this morning. Go to cemetery with Frank K. early A.M. for him to select burial lot. Ride to T. with E. Purves to get cemetery pick sharpened, A.M. Dirt roads in bad shape.
      "War news mixed. Huns & Russians may fall out. Huns not gaining. Erma has measles enough sure."

Dec. 25, 1917--"A quiet Xmas. S. & I had a first class, Hooverized dinner, the main dishes being mashed potatoes, Graham bread, canned salmon, & apple sauce & pumpkin pie."

Dec. 26, 1917--"Attend funeral of Tollie Kirby P.M. A Rev. Edwards officiated. He is a Methodist but he gave a fine Spiritualistic discourse. If for the term 'God,' 'Spiritual influence' be substituted, it would have been well received by any psychic society." Long entry on Methodism and spiritualism.

Dec. 27, 1917--"Get letter from F. to day. Prices there some higher than here. Cant buy but one lb sugar, at a time. Coal scarce also."

Dec. 28, 1917--"No startling news from war. Uncle Sam takes charge of all railroads, beginning at noon to-day."

Dec. 29, 1917--"L. & M. motor up P.M. bringing Eldred to stay over. They are going to Rogue fishing to-morrow; are to start early before day, & they thought it must [be] to much for the boy. L. has quite a bit of trouble with his car. To day one cylinder misses frequently, and he is unable to run down the cause. Missing makes it heat up badly. Have finished, J. London's The Munity of the Elsinore. Of course the story is well told, but most of the characters are rough & cruel. The common sailors are low, hard cases from the slums & have to be ruled--at least so the officers think--by an iron hand, which they proceed to do, to the limit. Munity results with all sorts of horrors. They have a terrible time rounding Cape Horn, requiring several weeks to make it, just missing being cast ashore on a rocky beach. London is a sailor & of course in a story of the sea all sorts of nautical terms would be introduced, which would not be understood by the average reader. I have no difficulty in 'catching on' to most of them. I know by name every sail on a three masted clipper ship, and names of most other parts of the ship together with most of the terms used in working the ship. For this reason I like sea stories, i.e. generally, but I can't say that this one is to my liking. It is an improvement, however, on his Sea Wolf which tends to give one the nightmare to read. In my teens I mad[e] two trips at sea on two masted schooners. Have had no experience as a sailor on brigs, barks or ships, but in my younger days I took a great interest in looking into sea manship as taught in books & from my own observations while dodging about the world, as a passenger o[n] ocean going ships. In fact the sea always had an attraction for me. Needless to say it sticks to me to this day."

Dec. 30, 1917--"Eldred spends a good deal of time building all sorts of block houses with a set of blocks given him for Xmas. Mrs. H.S. Lynch calls P.M. to pay off some school warrants I held against the district, she being the clerk. The long suit brot by the government against the railroad company to force the railroad to turn back to the government certain lands granted when the road was being built, the road forfeiting same for not having kept to the agreement, was won by the government. Back taxes had to be paid. This helped out school districts. District 56 gets about $2,000 which helped to square up indebtedness."

1918

Jan. 2, 1918--Opinions on Unitarianism; "No exciting news from war fronts. The Allies have not yet received, officially, the Kaiser's peace terms. The Bolshevicks still on top in Russia. Evidence piling up of hun intrigue & cussedness, also of savage cruelty, some of it so that it is difficult to find words to properly express it."

Jan. 3, 1918--"Nothing exciting from the front, unless it be that Germany and the Bolsheviks cant agree on peace terms. Of course the Kaiser wants the whole thing--& then some. Those fool bolsheviks should have known that at the start. Fact is Russia seems to [be] facing a civil war. Factions opposed to the bolsheviks are rapidly uniting & gathering strength & it looks like the days of the present rules are numbered. Hope so. Any change is better than no change. Germany wanted to (in the treaty) withdraw his troops from Russia & transfer same to other fronts, but even the Bolsheviks objected as that would violate rules of war. Of course Germany cared nothing for that. This is one feature of the disagreement."

Jan. 4, 1918--"Fred is taking out most of his peach orchard; too much curl leaf; doesn't pay. Delbert is pulling them with his team. Ground wet well down & they come out easily. S. is calling on Alpha P.M. Am reading essays purporting to come from a Spiritual Congress 'over there.' These essays given thru the mediumship of James Madison Allen. He states in preface that some influence simply controls him. He is an amanuensis pure and simple. He puts forth no mental or physical effort. Words are unrolled before his mental vision, or mind's eye & he writes them down. That's all. When the influence ceases he finds a well written, logical & instructive essay. This is Mr Madison's statement. We can accept it or not as we please, but one thing is certain, the essays are high class, whatever their source."

Jan. 5, 1918--"Fred & Alpha drop in for the evening. A 'sitting' was proposed by Alpha. So we sat around our heavy stand [cf. 1-15-1912 entry] & after about 10 minutes the stand started into action. Questions were asked, names were spelled out by the alphabet method. Little Jack, Grand-pa Goddard & several others [all deceased] were present. Good effect on Alpha. A series of sittings was suggested & the controls set the time; Wed. & Sat. evenings."

Jan. 6, 1918--"Read aloud Tuttle's Mediumship to gather pointers for properly conducting our circles. Think we had it about right, however, as to harmony etc. Strong influence present."

Jan. 8, 1918--"Delbert on his way to Ashland with heavy load of wood, while walking, to stretch his legs, by the side of the wagon, made a misstep & a wheel ran over his foot. He went on & unloaded the wood. C. Holdridge met him and, on reaching home, phoned up to us that Delbert wanted Ormy to come up & take charge of his team. Fred & Ormy hastened up in Fred's car. Perhaps no bones are broken but he will have to go on crutches for a time."

Carlos and Alice Goddard

Jan. 9, 1918--"Hold another circle this evening. Fine success. Carlos, B.C. Goddard, Jack, Reno, Lossy, Alpha's father, & several others [deceased] were on hand. Of course communication by table tipping is slow. [A demonstration of table tipping can be seen in the trailer for the 1945 film Blithe Spirit.] Think some of us will develop into [automatic] writing before long. Some of the answers to questions were eye-openers. One old school mate of S.'s came, gave her name etc, but S. cannot place her. No mind reading here sure. No evidence of mind reading, etc. in any of the communications."

Jan. 10, 1918--"Walk to T A.M. for butter & on other business. Dirt roads no good. S. goes down to help out Blanch. Latter is having a serious time with the measles. Erma comes up P.M. for Dr. G. On his return she calls here for an hour or so. S. not back yet--8 1/2 P.M. Blanch must be worse. She has a bad cough we heard.
      "Am reading Hydesvelle in History, which tells the whole story of the 'Rochester Knockings.' It is interesting reading. Fred called early P.M. & we discussed last evening's experiences. We concluded that the proofs that those rappings were made by decarnate intelligences would be difficult to refute. In fact our own minds seem to have had nothing to do with the replies elicited. Several times they were the exact opposite of what all of us supposed they would be, yet O.K. & logical. At all events the sitting was very interesting to me."

Jan. 11, 1918--"S. comes home about 8 A.M. but goes back right away to look after B. thru day. No sleep for her last night, so she planned to come home this evening & retire early. Dr. G. makes frequent trips & watches her closely, fearing from the symptoms that something more serious than measles may set in. Now past 8 & S. not home yet. (Has just come.) Fred went down to see B. & S. rides back with. Heavy rain as I write and has been at it for some time. Blanch decidedly better. Good."

Jan. 12, 1918--"Hold our regular circle this evening. Not so good as before, i.e. influence not as strong. B.C. Goddard, Reno & R. Robison came all right & a stranger who did not give his name. One never can tell, in holding circles. One time a fine success; the next time little doing.
      "No[t] much war news of interest."

Jan. 15, 1918--"Make a planchette [for "spirit writing"--ed.] which may or may not come in good play in our seances."

Jan. 16, 1918--"Had our regular circle this evening--best of all. Strong influence all evening. Ten different parties came to us; my brothers, James & Charles, Uncle Hub. C., B.C. Goddard, James Purves, Mr. Sherman, Dr. Moore, Jack, Lossie R, & Alpha's mother. All clear cut & strong communications. No one found things as was expected. In fact some never expected to rise to consciousness at all after death. Everything 'over there,' much as here as to scenery etc, but much more attractive & desirable. Those next to Earth partake of food, to a slight extent, but not in higher spheres. All engaged in something useful, & all more than contented & happy. Jack has a teacher & says he is having a nice time, much better than here but would like so much to see papa & mama. All agree admirably on conditions over there--& that these are as real and tangible to them as conditions were here. The scientists are all pursuing their various professions, with as much or more zeal than while here. Various food stuffs are chemically manufactured--as fruit etc. Jack says he finds lots of beautiful flowers. He was questioned for perhaps 15 minutes & gave clear cut replies all of which was very consoling to Alpha. Fred questioned Dr. Moore along some technical medical lines and says he got some good pointers. Now this alone should make any doubter set up and take notice. It is wonderful what an extended conversation can be carried on when one party to it can reply only by yes, no & dont know. Of course the questioner must exercise some skill in putting the questions.
    "The sitting occupied full two hours & was pleasing and instructive to all. We got a promise that we would have help to develop into higher phases especial[ly] the 'trumpet.' There would be something doing then. We are getting to recognize a few of our spirit friends by the peculiar way of tipping the stand."

Jan. 18, 1918--"Dr. G. is giving Old Mr. Carey treatments. No doubt the old gentleman thinks the doctor O.K. for he makes him a present of his library--some 60 or more volumes, including about all of [clairvoyant] A.J. Davis's works. The doctor brings the books home to-day, & he tells me that I can have access to them & read them as much as I wish. So I have plenty of reading for the winter.
    "S. brings home from Ed's a generous chunk of corned beef and we'll surely begin on it in the morning. I find Davis's book, 'Questions & Answers,' interesting. He writes ahead of his time. There is abundance that he did not acquire knowledge from any earthly schools or teachers, yet he writes like a thoroly trained scholar and writes on a grand variety of subjects. He was one of the greatest clairvoyants of the age, hence he was called the 'seer.' Upon being asked to define 'soul' & 'spirit,' he says the soul is the source of energy of the body and is electrically connected with it. About the same manner the spirit is the life principle of the soul & is connected with it magnetically. In other words the Spirit is to the soul what the soul is to the body."

Jan. 19, 1918--"An interesting circle this evening--about a two-hour session. 8 different parties came. Jack, B.C.G., Mr. Sherman, Carlos, 'Rob.,' J.W. Abbott, An old friend of Alpha's and a Mr. Peters, a partial acquaintance of the doctor's. Mr. Sherman could [not] operate the stand with me as one of the sitters. So when I withdrew he set in briskly. This was amusing to me. Guess he has not out grown his zealous Methodism. He used to consider me a hopeless sinner. B.C.G. came last & said we had sat long enough, so he slid the stand easily over to its place by the west wall. Lots of questions were asked & many of the answers were very ent[ert]aining & instructive."

Jan. 21, 1918--"S. goes down to help Blanch, as they are butchering hogs. I busy part of day cutting up peach limbs. Reading quite a bit. Read aloud this evening A. J. Davis 'Questions & Answers.' The book is facinating. Scores of questions regarding matters here & conditions 'over yonder.'
    "A. J. Davis teaches that soul & body are intimately blended. The conditions of the body, as regards surroundings, may tend to affect the soul. The spirit within the soul is beyond contamination by influences gross or evil, but may not always have power to hold proper control over soul & body.
    "At death the soul is chemically forced from the body. Then with the contaminating influences of the body removed, it easily becomes subject to control by the 'inner life' or spirit. Passions and vices pertain to the soul & body. At death these are left behind, so that after death we are not the victims of uncontrollable passions & appetites.
    "Many returning spirits teach about the same, except that light traces of earthly passions of a grosser nature may linger & be felt for a time."

Jan. 22, 1918--"S. goes down to help Blanch. She brings home a generous lot of fresh pork & sausage. So we are stocked up with meat for quite a while.
    "I read awhile & prune trees awhile. Davis' writings are more interesting to me than the best of novels. He has fine philosophy, as for instance:
    "Moaning over past evil deeds does no good except as they admonish to good deeds and a better life. We should obey such admonitions, but stop them at once turn over a new leaf, become a new being, make a strong resolve to refrain. Too may keep in mind that this resolve is broght forth by your past experiences, which were leading you downward. Then keep the resolution in the fore front of your mind at least until your new life becomes a fixed habit. Put all your moral force into your new course of life and let the past drop into oblivion."

Jan. 23, 1918--"Fred brings Sabra up to stay over night. She will be present at our circle to be held this evening. I write this about 7 P.M.
      "Had an extra good sitting this evening. 20 different callers. Jack, Carlos, Mr. Sherman. B.C.G., Mr. Purves, Sam Colver, my sister Clarrisa, M.H. Coleman, an Indian, Alpha's father & mother, friends of Dr. G., Ollie Purves, Jane Goddard. Alpha's father closed the sitting by moving stand to its place by wall."

Jan. 24, 1918--"Sabra goes back with Fred P.M. She seemed to be well pleased with last evening's experience. So were we all. I am writing at 7 P.M.
      "Later--Fred & Alpha drop in for a short call but we at once conclude to have a sitting & try the planchett. I[t] worked but not as successfully as we would like. It spelled out Spooks & another word or two we couldn't make out & made a fair picture of a heart. An Indian came, the one that sometimes controls Fred, 'Tall Tree.' And drew a laughable picture of a tall tree while Fred was holding the planchette. We then took up work with the stand & had a good hour's sitting. Minnie Anderson Toleman came to S., E.R. Anderson, Old Mr. Lynch, Mr. Holton, Albert Neal, a Mr. Jones to Fred, Clarisa--my sister--to me, Jack, Sam Colver & Alpha's father who held a long time, answering questions of Fred & Alpha. He gave a message to them as follows:
      " 'Many good people here were very hopeful in Dec. of Jack's recovery. I differ after the relapse.' And added 'Love is eternal and never loses its own.' I failed to mention that on the previous evening he gave: 'Life is eternal, but (earth) life is fleeting.' He also counseled that it would not be the best for Alpha to go back to Klamath Falls. The matter was discussed at length. A remarkable sitting."

Jan. 26, 1918--"Another interesting sitting. Jack first, for perhaps 15 minutes. Dr. Moore came. Fred asked technical questions. Answers were instructive as Dr. Moore was know[n] as a man of high intellect. He judged that the sphere he is in is not more than 10 mile from earth, as we measure distance here. All light there has an electrical basis. A portion of every 24 hours has subdued light, a sort of duplicate of our night. Going from place to place is an easy task, simply by the power of will. The doctor is a valued member of our band of friends. B.C.G. came but did not linger. He counseled us to 'never stop sitting.'
      "Dr. Moore gave a message by means of the alphabet as follows:
      " 'When growing flowers, (remember) that orchids will reach Jack (best?) They seem to be 'purer than others.' Her father came & stated that 'Jack's stand will tip for Alpha if she sits when she wants to cry.' Also he counseled her not to go to K Falls. Some friends of Fred came. Two hour sitting."

Jan. 27, 1918--"Make a dial board or planchette. My own invention, but of course am not sure it will do. Drawing will give the idea: [illustration of board with pivoted arrow pointing toward arc of alphabet] pointer, movable on a support. About 15 in square." Readings on spiritualism.

Jan. 28, 1918--"By invitation, we go with Fred, Alpha & H.H. to John R's to hold a sitting. Sitting not quite as satisfactory as when held here. Carlos, Sam R, Jack, B.C.G. & a few others came. Carlos wanted H.H. at stand. H.H. asked what length of rafter would be required for a building of a certain width & certain pitch of roof. Carlos said he could not answer the question. No doubt H.H. took this as good negative evidence, as Carlos said he was engaged in building 'over there.' From all testimony from the denizens of the other world, the methods of building there is altogether different from methods here, & having no need of many of the rules used on earth, he may not have been able off hand to make the calculation. I asked Sam R. if Joe had his two legs all right. He said no, but that he would have in time. This is, also, in accordance with hundreds of reports from the spirit world. Joe committed suicide & in such cases it takes time to eliminate the bad condition, mental & physical and get to normal."

Jan. 29, 1918--"Another sitting to night. For 3/4 hour there was nothing doing, excepting that the stand was frequently sliding back & forth & sometimes turning, all quietly. Finally it turned almost completely around. After a little one side lifted & my brother James came. I did the main questioning. He sees Bertha now & then but it is easy to conclude that she does not feel at home with the others. Her extreme orthodoxy still has a firm grip on her I should judge.
      "Carlos came next. He said he had good reason for not answering H.H.'s question, down at John's. Says he could have answered it, however. It was a question intended to catch him. The question was 'Say a building 12 feet wide, roof to be 2/3 pitch, what length of rafter.' This was simply the well known (among builders) formula, 6-8-10 for squaring foundations sills etc. My impression is that Carlos saw it was a 'catch' & ignored it.
      "Jack came, tipped the table stronger, & seemed to have extra strength. B.C.G. came & still advised us to keep up the sittings."

Jan. 31, 1918--"Hike to T. P.M. Take in $100.00 war stamps, to help can the kaiser. Mrs. Twogood & Mrs. Joe Foss called P.M. Made another larger & more complete dial board. Our spook friends think they can use it in time."

Feb. 1, 1918--"Very good news from seat of war. Italians driving huns back & capturing lots of prisoners. Dissension in Austria & Germany may assume great importance. In mentioning our sitting Wed. evening, I failed to include, Fred's Indian, who came to us, making the stand dance violently.
      "This Indian--'Tall Tree' sometimes controls Fred. Seems to be a fine dependable spirit. He says a Catholic priest is doing his best to keep up H.H.'s bitter feeling against Spiritualism, but that he--the Indian--and others interested are going to look after this priest's case."

Feb. 2, 1918--"Have sitting to night. We are asked to try the new dial planchette--for 3/4 hour. Did so. A few slight movements only. At the regular stand tipping, Jack, Fred's Indian, Carlos & B.C.G. came. Jack was questioned at length with very satisfactory results. Fred's 'Tall Tree' came a second time, when the two hours were up & bid us good bye & moved stand to place by wall."

Feb. 3, 1918--"Ed brings Blanch up but she was all in. Took her back soon. She could eat no dinner. Fred was called in after she got home. Ed sends for S. about 3-30. Blanch a little easier, Have to apply very hot applications. Fred goes down again about 8. . . . Blanch says Fred gave her a severe scolding yesterday for not keeping more quiet etc, which was not the best thing to do, in her case at least, for it brought on an excessive nerviousness which prevented sleep thru night. It would seem that Fred is at times too short on patience, which should be a doctor's biggest asset. Fred is wont to give way to irritableness sometimes, like H.H."

Feb. 6, 1918--"Blanch about same, perhaps a little on the gain. Dr. Mahlgren was sent for to counsel with Fred. . . .
      "Hold regular sitting this evening. Jack, Robt. Morel, Welborn Beeson, Dr. Moore, Mrs. Joe Brick & a six-year-old boy tipping stand ever so lightly, came, & claimed to be son of Ed. & Blanch--birth premature--said he had a brother & sister older & bigger than Erma. From answers given to questions this was a remarkable case. Mr. Beeson says that Emmet is not back to normal yet, but that Jessie is her normal self fully. Morel gave some good answers, also. Dr Moore in reply to technical questions asked by Fred regarding Blanch's case. Altogether one of the most convincing and satisfactory sittings held thus far."

Feb. 7, 1918--"Hear that an American transport has been sunk by submarine & 200 lifes lost. Probably full particulars to-morrow. Prune apple trees P.M. Think Blanch is slowly gaining. S. does not go down to day, not until to-morrow. Alpha stays with us to-day. Still reading Davis' arraignment of the clergy--about 60 pages. Certainly the intellgences that speak thru Davis possess gigantic intellect, marvelous reasoning powers, and are masters of the art of expression. For instance here is one worth remembering:
    "'Here then are the creations of man; a god after his own image; a devil after his own likeness, a theology after his own interest, and a system of practice after his own prejudices.'
    "Hundreds of samples as good as above easily found.
    "Andrew Jackson Davis' book 'Natures Divine Revelations' is a strange piece of literature. It was all written under control, as he claimed, of intelligences from the spirit world. He goes into a sort of trance in which state he [is] oblivious to everything about him. He is cold rigid--a state very like physical death. He then dictates under control and a scribe writes down the lectures, several witnesses being present at all times. The time occupied in each talk varied from 40 minutes to 4 hours. 157 lectures in all, requiring about 14 months.
    "There is ample evidence that Davis was not informed on any of the subjects written about & knew nothing of what was written until he read the manuscript. The lectures were to be published in book form, which was done making a large octavo volume of nearly 800 pages. Davis 'renounces all claim, direct and indirect, to any portion of the copy right or proceeds of sale of the book,' simply claiming a reasonable compensation for the time occupied in the delivering of the lectures.
    "To write out a 'review' of the book would be no little task. The different spheres of the spirit world are described in wonderful detail, also the different planets, giving origin etc., devotes much space to this earth. Writes on geology, astronomy, chemistry, sociology etc., pictures a Utopia here on Earth if people only had sense enough to develop it. All in all it is one of the [most] wonderful literary productions I ever read."

Feb. 8, 1918--"S. goes down to Blanch's early A.M. Not back yet--8-30 P.M. Hope it will not be necessary to stay all night. If she does she will be up most of the time and she can't stand being up nights as she once could. It is [a]ffecting her already for when home yesterday & last night, she looked as if she had lost sleep. Appetite way down, etc. Younger people must take her place mainly in caring for the sick, especially at night. Thru the day it does not affect her so much. Losing sleep will place her on the sick list before long. . . . A hun submarine has sunk a transport. Over a hundred lives lost."

Feb. 9, 1918--"Regular sitting this evening. Jack came first. We know his peculiarly delicate tip of the stand. After answering many questions he spelled out 'Good Boy.' Mr. Purves, B.C.G., A China boy & Myrtle G. & some friends of Fred came. When B.C.G. was present I casually remarked that I had often laughed over an old 'get off' of his to the effect there was a certain 'fine dam by a mill sight, but no mill by a dam(n) site.' Then the stand fairly bucked & danced. Surely if a stand ever laughed, that one did. Fred & Myrtle's little boy (of premature birth) is now a fine boy & doing well. His name is Jack also. Alpha & we all thot that queer, but Fred said he knew that a long time ago."

Feb. 10, 1918--"S. goes down early A.M. to take care of Blanch. The doctor thinks she mending, but S. says it is hard for others to note much change. The doctor says the fever is letting up & of course when this happens she will be weak--very weak. The problem with the doctor is to see that she rallies--has strength to rally. Fred just stops in to tell me that S. will not be home to night. Fact is I was pretty sure of that anyway. Fred made her promise to go to bed then & sleep, to be called only if Blanch should be taken suddenly worse. Fred says her fever has subsided and things look decidedly favorable. Hope he is right.
      "Fairly busy most of day on place straightening up things. S. got some sponge ready for a loaf of war bread. I was to bake it. Didn't come up right but I baked it anyway. Guess it is solid."

Feb. 11, 1918--"Blanch about same. Mr. Frame calls late A.M. getting statistics for the government as to amt. of produce raised on place etc. Alpha & Maggie call this evening while Fred is at Ed. R's. We tried the dial & planchette. Latter worked a little for Maggie--marks, no writing. Pointer of former swing back & forth a very little only. No tipping of stand. Not regular night. Stand was pushed to place by the wall, as a hint, perhaps."

Feb. 12, 1918--"S. just phones down & finds that Blanch is gaining slowly; wants to sit up in bed. The doctor is going to bolster her a little to-morrow. She takes a little nourishment increasing in this. The crisis seems to be past & all hands are glad."

Feb. 13, 1918--"Hike to T. P.M. with eggs. Big & sudden slump in price, now only 25 cts. Eggs cheaper than meat now."

Feb. 14, 1918--"St. Valentine's day but it seems to call for very little attention except, perhaps, among school children. . . .
      "Last evening was the regular time for our sitting. Jack came first & he was questioned at length, which was gratifying to his parents & Maggie, who was present. There is no mistaking his personality. B.C.G. came; also Mr. Sherman who as usual had me take my hands off the stand. Spent 1/2 hour with dial board,--no results."

Feb. 16, 1918--"Had an interesting sitting this evening. Jack came first. He spelled out 'great place' by the alphabet, & answered lots of questions. An aunt of Alpha came, Mr. Holton, who sends a message to the Breese's, 'They are my friends.' Tall Tree, Mr. Goddard, Carlos, & Mrs. Webster. She could not spell her name for us, so we resorted to set of questions to identify her. Found that she lived south of here a little ways, that her husband was living & lived about 2 miles N, etc. The case of Mrs. Webster, on the score of evidential value, would seem to have no little merit. 1st, she could not spell out her name. As she was a paralytic for several years before her death--not even being able to talk, she may not have recovered ability to spell her name. Then: a lengthy series of questioning was necessary.
      "Question: Have you been here, tried to communicate with us before? No
      "Q: 'Are you a relative of any one present'? 'No.'
      "Q: 'Are you a friend of any of us'? Ans--'Yes.'
      "Q. 'An intimate friend'? Ans. 'Yes.'
      "Q. 'Are you a friend of Alpha's' Ans. 'No.' 'Of Aunt Sula' 'Yes.
      "Ques: 'Did you live near here'? Ans. 'Yes.'
      "Ques: 'Did you live north of here--the Dean residence' No.
      "Ques. 'South of here' Ans. 'Yes.'
      "Ques: 'On west side of Wagner Creek main road'? 'No.'
      "Ques. 'On East side'? 'Yes.'
      "Ques. Are you a married lady? (It was previously found that the would be communicator was a lady)
      "Ans. 'Yes.'
      "Ques: 'Have you children'?
      "Ans. 'Yes'
      "Ques: 'How many boys'?
      "Ans. '1.'
      "Ques. 'How many girls'?
      "Ans. '4.'
      "Ques. 'Is your husband living'?
      "Ans. 'Yes.'
      "Ques. 'Does he live near here?'
      "Ans. Yes. Ques: 'North?'
      "Ans. 'Yes.'
      "Ques. 'How many miles?'
      "Ans. 'About 2' (By tips [of the stand])
      "Then Fred thought of Mrs. Webster & asked to that effect. A quick & vigorous response was the result.
      "Then followed many questions & clear cut, definite answers.
      "It strikes me that the above can be explained only on the assumption that Mrs. Webster is a living, conscious reality.
      "Above is a fair specimen of what we experience here at every sitting.
      "Our sitting last evening (am writing this on the 17th) terminated in an amusing manner. My place is on the west side of stand, next to the wall where we keep stand. About 9-30 I left stand my chair to replenish the fire. As I cross unseen forces sent stand to place against the wall. The other sitters had to hustle to keep up with it. Of course we took that as a hint that we had sat long enough, & quit."

Feb. 20, 1918--"At our regular sitting this evening, only three parties presented themselves, Jack, Alpha's mother & B.C.G. Extended series of questions & answers with all especially the first two. Mr. Goddard wanted us to try the dial for 1/2 hour. We did as requested but without results. When the half hour had expired Mr. G. came again, thought we had sat long enough & slid the stand to the wall."

Feb. 21, 1918--"Take some chicken soup and custard S had prepared down to Blanch P.M. Blanch getting along about so-so. Very weak."

Feb. 22, 1918--"Unlimber the car, as a sailor would say it, A.M. About 2 months since we had it out of the garage. I motor to T. for groceries & take eggs. S. goes as far as Blanch's to give her a bath etc. Alpha's sister, Perle, comes P.M. She is to stay with Alpha awhile. Fred has to go back to his practice at K. Falls. Roads not muddy but pretty rough. Am now [reading] A.J. Davis' Magic Staff--an autobiography. It is interesting. His style is pleasant, easily followed. Drops into the humerous now & then. No better reading for boys & girls."

Feb. 23, 1918--"Fred came down to sitting. I[t] was successful. Jack, B.C.G., Mr. Holton & Mr. Gifford came. Long series of questions & answers with each. Jack sends by the alphabet the message, 'Grand up here.' Also names the little heifer calf H.H. gave to Alpha, 'Jersey,' but says he had help in spelling it out. Gifford's coming was a surprise to us all. Didn't seem to be able to spell his name by the alphabet so had to identify him by questioning. B.C.G. evidently does not want us to keep too late hours, so at, what he considers the proper time, he comes and pushes the stand to place. All pleased with the circle."

Feb. 24, 1918--"Go over P.M. after dinner, to call on Pearl who was too ill to come over to dinner. She had a hard asthma during night."

Feb. 25, 1918--"Blanch mending slowly. Dr. G. leaves for K. Falls A.M. . . . Blanch sends up the book I gave to Ed. for Xmas. Thinks I will like it. It is the Red Lane, by Holman Day. I reel off several chapters this evening. It is a story of smuggling on the N. Maine border. It will be interesting to me for I 'got on' to many of the smuggling tricks up among the islands north of Puget Sound."

Feb. 26, 1918--"Worst war news is that the huns completely bested Russia--or rather the Bolshevics. Too bad!"

Feb. 27, 1918--"Have our circle at Alpha's this evening, as Alpha had an attack of asthma & could not come. Maggie with us--4 ladies and myself--not a well balanced circle. After a long time Jack came. He had a message--'I love you all.' Then nothing doing for a half hour or so. Then B.C.G. tried to come, but we--as he wished--had to shift positions somewhat--Then his full force was on, but it was getting late & he thought it time to quit. Fred did most of the questioning when he was with us. I could hear him so if I questioned I would not 'repeat' any questions. Different now. Cant hear the ladies so find it best to keep still."

Mar. 1, 1918--Readings on scientific explanation of mediumship. "It is interesting and quite reasonable."

Mar. 2, 1918--"Sitting this evening held at Alpha's. Not a big success. Jack came first as usual. He had a message, 'I am not alone.' On questioning he told who was with him. Then after a long wait Minnie Anderson Tolman came to S. Another long wait & we were about to close when B.C.G. came. It seems we are not sitting properly. Influence generally weak. Guess the Dr. is wanted."

Mar. 6, 1918--"Regular circle this evening. Alpha, Pearl & Maggie come down. Jack & Mr. Goddard the only interviewees. Mr. G. had us spend 20 minutes with dial. He suggests making the letter circle smaller, leaving more room for the hands on edge of board. Jack had a message as follows: 'I love daddy and mother.' A few poetic lines come to Pearl by inspiration as follows:
      " 'Great will be the achievement
      "If you will patiently wait,
      "How can you hope for attainment
      "When you sit at such rapid rate?
      "Did the flowers grow in a moment?
      "Did the masters rush into fame?
      "Nature is true in bestowment
      "And the law is ever the same.'
      "The lines were called to her from the fact that most of us had just expressed a little impatience at sitting by the dial 20 minutes with[out] results. Mr. B.C.G. is still firm in the belief that we shall make the dial work."

Mar. 7, 1918--"Alpha & Pearl drop in late P.M. She handed me the visions, fully written, that came to her last evening."

Mar. 8, 1918--"Too 'damp cold' for me to be out much. Remodeled the dial board according to B.C.G.'s directions." Readings on spiritualism.

Mar. 9, 1918--"S. spends day with Blanch. Latter still very weak. Regular circle this evening. Alpha, Pearl & Maggie come down. Lon[g] interview with Jack first. Then B.C.G. who has us spend 20 minutes with dial--no results. Then came Alpha's & Pearl's mother. Long series of questions & answers, occupying perhaps 1/2 hour. It was very interesting. At one stage she moved the stand ever so quietly, back & forth between the sisters. It was expressive beyond description.
      "Jack, as usual, has a message 'You are all good.' Lastly Mr. Goddard comes to dismiss us. An interesting sitting."

Mar. 10, 1918--"I go up to school house & contribute $2.00--$1.00 each for S. & I--to the Red Cross fund raised last evening at box party. In registering our war stamps I without thinking registered them in my name. Should have put them in S.'s name, as, according to general probabilities she will outlive me. The subject was brought up to day, which finally led to the proposition of my making a will which would make everything safe for her heirs if she should go first. Now I make the statement here as a matter of reference, that her children are nearer to me than my personal heirs, i.e.--my nephews, so I think I'll make a will accordingly. But my mind is troubled just this present hour, with the thought that somebody may entertain a more or less remote idea that I might intentionally fail to do the right thing as regards the above. Perhaps my suspicions are groundless. Hope they are. But I am growing very sensitive as I grow older, and any little matter like this gives me a spell of blues. And that ailment sinks in deep with me and is likely to run a course of two or three days unless some unforseen circumstance turns up to break the spell. My religion is to strive for pure, sweet thoughts every minute of the time. If we all did this, we would soon have a heaven all around us. [cf. 10-1-1917 entry]"

Mar. 11, 1918--"Main war news consists of Germany's continual gobbling up Russia. She will get the whole country if she keeps on. Pays no attention to treaties or agreements. All these are 'scraps of paper.'"

Mar. 12, 1918--"Put in part of day making scrap book from clippings from Pro. Thinker. Will have an interesting book when finished."

Mar. 13, 1918--"Had regular sitting this eve. Alpha, Pearl, Maggie come down. Long wait with Jack. Then Mrs. Yates held a good long time. The same sliding stand back & forth between the daughters as the other night. Alpha could not keep back tears, so Mrs. Yates gave a message. 'Do not grieve.' Then Lossie came, gave the message: 'I am so glad ma can feel my presence.' Good visit with him. Jack gave two messages: 'I am all O.K.' and, 'I love daddy & mother.' He allways called his ma 'mother.' B.C.G. last came to dismiss us. Altogether a very interesting sitting."

Mar. 14, 1918--"S. [& I] motor to Phoenix P.M. with eggs to be taken by the Central Point man. Visited the Lockwood poultry farm--400 laying hens. Expect to have many more in a year or so. Nice sight. We get another layout of eggs from Minnie, three sittings, 45 eggs. Minnie's incubator hatch of to-day 135 chicks from 259 eggs. About 50 eggs were tested out. Mr. Lockwood bought about 14 tons feed last fall to run a year--doubts if it will do it. Roads fairly good."

Mar. 16, 1918--"At our sitting this evening Jack came first. Answered many questions. A singular thing happened: Just before Jack came Pearl told us she saw a beautiful 'boquet' of flowers over center of stand, that it soon faded away last she saw of it was a gradually diminishing wisp of white light. In a moment after Jack came. He had a message:
    'We have lovely flowers.' Upon being questioned he said he picked and brought the flowers. Then Mrs. Yates--mother of Alpha & Pearl--came & lingered, perhaps 1/2 hour. She had a message: 'Children, I love you dearly.' Then B.C.G. came & after a little time dismissed us. A nice circle. I should have mentioned that Mrs. Yates was asked if she had met a certain party over there. She answered no, that the supposed said person was still with us. It seems this person passed over about three months ago. All this was a pointer."

Mar. 17, 1918--"Yesterday was Erma's birthday--15. S. baked a nice cake for her. . . . S. made bread yesterday--rolled oats & flour--as good bread as I ever ate. Hooverizing suits me exactly. Hope it wont let up even if war does. Are living more healthfully than ever. It is now 50-50, i.e. flour (wheat) and substitutes pound for pound, excepting that whole wheat flour an[d] Graham requires only 3/5 substitutes.
      "Mr. Powers's folks sent us a nice mess of smelt a day or two ago. They were fine. They sent to Portland for 50 lbs. Cost about 7 cts delivered. About 10-12 cts asked here."

Mar. 20, 1918--"Interesting sitting this evening. Jack had a message: 'We have some fun.' He bid us good bye by moving stand very quietly around to each one. Alpha, Pearl, & Maggie came down. Then Mrs. Yates came. Nice visit girls had with her. She had a message: 'My dear girls, dont worry about me.' Mr. Yates came, gave message: 'Mother & I are with you girls so much.' Pearl asked her father if reincarnation as a belief was held by spirits as far as he knew: He said no. Mrs. Yates, when there was a little time between answering questions, would move gently from one of the daughters to the other. So full of expression! The movement was almost rhythmic, so quiet, so gentle, so graceful. No words could have said more."

Mar. 21, 1918--"O.A. Stearns & wife, H.H. & Maggie drop in for evening."

Mar. 23, 1918--"Late to-day's news from war not cheerful. Huns have made a big inning--taking 25 000 prisoners. News is somewhat vague, however. Yesterday's Telegram has good news. So it goes. Busy on place most of P.M. Alpha & Pearl drop in this evening. We have no sitting."

Mar. 25, 1918--"Vague rumor that things are better at the war front than we thought. The reports that came in late Saturday hailed from Berlin & of course it exaggerated big. The d--d Germans wouldn't tell the truth about war matters. They would lie on credit when they could get cash for telling the truth. Reports to-day over the wire are to the effect that the Allies are having the best of the fighting so far. The papers with big head lines had it that the Germans were using a gun which shoots 62 miles & were throwing shells into Paris, but to-day's reports inform us that was another hun lie."

Mar. 26, 1918--"Huns have bent Allied lines in one place about 10 miles. Allies now holding firm. Terrible slaughter. Huns losing most. Biggest battle of all history."

Mar. 27, 1918--"Our regular circle this evening was uncommonly inter. Jack came first. He had a message: 'Mother & daddy & all of you I love.' Mrs. Yates came & had a message to her daughters: 'My dear ones, how glad I am to come to night.' Mr. Yates also came with a message: 'You are all dear good workers.' Lossie comes. He gives message: "Ma & Mr. Dean are very dear to me. It is hard on ma to sit for the dial.'
      " 'Vista,' an old friend of Alpha & Pearl, paid the girls a visit. B.C.G. came to insist on our keeping up the dial sittings. Mr. Sherman came. I asked if he wished me to take my hands off the table. He said yes. He soon dismissed us.
      "There seemed to be an extra strong influence when trying the dial. Mr. G. still thinks we will succeed. Hope so.
      "Strong force all around to night. Alpha, Pearl, Maggie came down. Good evidence presented at every one."

Mar. 28, 1918--"S. & I motor to Ashland P.M. with eggs. Get sack flour & the 50-50 substitutes that goes with it. Nice problem to figure out now. Blanch comes up & takes tea with us."

Mar. 29, 1918--"Allies seem to [be] standing off the huns. Hun loss said to be full 400,000. Battle still raging."

Mar. 30, 1918--"War news about so-so. Allies still hold their line intact, but have to fall back in places. French have gained some ground. Huns seem to be bound to break the Allied lines if it costs the lives of half their army. Allies have brought down 215 Hun air planes in last 4 days.
       "Spiritualist meeting to-morrow in Talent. Mrs. Young of Ashland to be present. Anniversary of the beginning of modern Spiritualism in America. No doubt it will be quite a rally."

Mar. 31, 1918--"Spiritualist meeting at T. P.M. The house was crowded--a private house--. A program was rendered, singing, recitations, short speeches, readings. I was called on for remarks--the first called. Mrs. Young then told us of a vivid vision of her's relative to the war to the effect that the Allies are bound to win. Then she went under control & a Col. Avery gave a very fine address giving much information about conditions in Spirit Land. Next her Indian control took charge and a goodly number received messages. The control paid attention to me first and described several spirits who were near to me. It was interesting. Several others received long & to them interesting messages. Mrs. Young was on her feet talking continuously for about 2 1/2 hours. Eldred came to stay over."

Apr. 1, 1918--"Turned time pieces on one hour yesterday by government orders. . . . Allies still holding their lines & Hindenberg didn't eat Easter dinner in Paris."

Apr. 3, 1918--"Regular sitting this evening. Jack came first & jolly as ever. Answered lots of questions & had a message: 'I am gay all the time.' This caused his mother to weep. Soon came Mrs. Yates with a message to Alpha: 'Do not grieve; it hurts you.' She has found the party inquired about a sitting or two ago. Mrs. Y. did not know then that said party had passed over. Mrs. Y. was questioned at length. B.C.G. came for us to try the dial. No results. Then Lossie came with a message to his mother to give up the dial, claiming that it injured her. He says he & B.C.G. do not agree on this, latter thinks no injury will follow. There is something strange about it, however, for S. says it affects her arms & shoulder which last for some hours. Guess we will give up. Lossie held the stand against his mother, tilted, for a minute or two--pure case of levitation."

Apr. 4, 1918--"Warmer, tho hard frost this morning--28. Pleasant thru day. Heavy pall of smudge yesterday & this."

Apr. 5, 1918--"Not much war news. Allies a little more than holding their own. Ella A. calls to spend evening. Turning clock ahead keeps us a figuring. Get up at daylight, dinner at 1 P.M., retire at 10 P.M."

Apr. 8, 1918--"3rd Liberty Bond booster--Gleim--called for subscribers. We take $100.00."

Apr. 9, 1918--"S. goes with Bob. Purves' folks to hear some English soldiers speak in T. this evening."

Apr. 10, 1918--"Regular sitting to night, Alpha, Pearl & ourselves. Jack first with a message: 'I am yours & daddys good little boy.' Lots of questions. Mrs. Yates came & ans. lots of questions. Lossie came with following message: 'I think it best for you all to take a rest.' Fact is we were all too tired for this work, especially S. as she had done a big washing."

Apr. 13, 1918--"Hike to Prader's A.M. for some good old fashioned home made bacon. Better than store bacon & cheaper. Hike to Mrs. Holdridge's P.M. for butter. We look for heavy frost to night. H.H. wants to take a Liberty bond but didn't have the ready money, so we fixed it so he could take one."

Apr. 16, 1918--"Load some grass sod into car to take over to cemetery to lay on grave mounds. Got all ready P.M. and--car refused to start--& it didn't start after perhaps two hours of trying. Vexacious! Well somewhat. So the sod is still in car. Pretty tough to be beat out by a Ford car."

Apr. 17, 1918--"Found trouble with car & take the sod to cemetery P.M. Regular sitting this evening. Jack has message: 'I go to see daddy sometimes.' He always bids all a very affectionate good-by by four tips & moving table quietly around to each. Mrs. Yates came & remained for sometime, answering questions. She had a message:
      " 'My dear girls; love is the greatest word.'
      "Lossie came & answered a number of questions. He had a message for his mother: 'I think ma is working too hard to develop.' I asked him if he lived in a town or city? He said 'no.' I asked if he lived near a town. 'Yes.' 'Do you go into the town or city often'? 'No.' By questioning he said he didn't need to as they had all the advantages that were to be had in the town, such as lectures, etc etc. I asked if the cardinal points of the compass, N.S.E.W. etc were made use of there. He said yes.
      "Withall a very interesting sitting."

Apr. 18, 1918--"Clean up car--quite a job."

Apr. 19, 1918--"Have an invitation to attend religious services to-night. We made no promises. They have lots of religion up this Creek now. Plenty of revival meetings all winter. Many souls saved etc etc. The Russellites about Medford & many other places are in a fix. Their rule is not to help out this war in any way. They tarred & feathered on[e] in Medford the other day & made him hike for fresh fields and pastures new. Good! Surely all that are not for us are, practically at least--against us & should be dealt with accordingly. It makes me see red to find that any one utterly refuses to 'stand in' to help beat those savages of huns. Its got to be done or this world will be no place for a civilized man to live."

Apr. 20, 1918--"More cheerful news from the war front: Several thousand Italian soldiers have gone over to help the English & French. Huns making no gains."

Apr. 21, 1918--"S & I set in to take an auto ride P.M. but car took a notion not to start. Later however, it started O.K. We stayed at home."

Apr. 22, 1918--"Had trouble starting car again but finally succeeded. S. & I motor [to] Ashland P.M. with eggs. Had Merle Robison locate the car trouble. He found it soon--the magneto connection. Seems O.K. now. If it starts as easily, say to-morrow I shall be sure the trouble was found. This is written with a new Waterman Fountain pen. It is allright. The old pens are for sale at about 100% discount. Now over a month since the huns set in to gobble up the allied armies. They are not gaining--losing rather. Reports of terrible suffering among the German people for want of proper food. A Miss Slocum who has lately escaped from Germany after spending 4 years there is now writing up hir experiences. She says the mass of the German people hate the government--many hoping the Government will be beaten. The high bugs, rich aristocrats & army heads are running everything. Big rewards are offered for the aprehending of any one who denounces the gov."

Apr. 23, 1918--"No trains from N. to day. Hear there was trouble of some kind near Grants Pass. So no mail. S. cleaning house. Thankful that business comes but once a year. . . .
      "Alpha calls this evening. She and S. are in the other room visiting at the rate of about 40,000 words an hour--and then some."

Apr. 24, 1918--"Our regular sitting this evening was as interesting as ever. Of course Jack came first. We can count on him. After answering questions for quite a while, he gave a message: 'Mother, I dearly love you & daddy & all.' Always when asked if he has a message for us there is no response for a few moments before the 'yes' tip comes. He is consulting with his grandpa & grandma regarding the matter. This is a pointer of itself. They assist him. Mrs. Yates came, replied to a number of questions, then the following message:
      " 'I do wish you could get a glimpse of this beautiful world. It would do you all so much good.' She bade us an affectionate goodby, then Mr. Goddard--S's father--came. We know his coming--heavy, strong tips of the stand. He still insists we should keep on with the dial, that it will be a success in time. S's objection that it resulted in unpleasant sensation in her arms & shoulders her father thought would not cause any lasting injury. So we sat 15 minutes with it. No results except to Sula's arms, neck & shoulders.
      "Of course it is a mystery to us that sitting with the dial board should produce an effect so different from that when sitting with the stand. Also it is strange that operating the dial pointer is seemingly a more difficult feat than tipping the stand, when the former would not require more than a mere fraction of the physical force required for the stand. We have to recognize the fact that there are certain fixed laws involved with which we are not acquainted. We note all along the remarkable harmony of the hundred's of answers to questions & also the messages. As the messages are spelled out we often wonder what the next word is going to be; often guess wrong & now & then think a mistake has been made, but when the sentence is completed it is invariably O.K. This being the case could these messages originate in the mind of anyone present?"

Apr. 25, 1918--"Planned to take the cream separator to Medford to have it examined by a De Laval service expert that the company sends out & who is to be in Medford to day. Maggie was to go with us. But lo & behold when ready to start the car was not ready. Couldnt be started thats all. Phoned to Merle Robison to come & locate the trouble. He came P.M. The magneto connection was out of commission. He soon set it right. May make the trip to-morrow, but may not see the service agent. S. goes to an entertainment at T. school house this evening. Goes with Alpha & Pearl."

Apr. 26, 1918--"Motored to Medford--take cream separator. Service man gone. Only there yesterday. Foreman, however; told me what machine needed. S. goes as far as Minnie's. Maggie goes to Medford. I return & take dinner at Minnie's. Eldred comes home with us."

Apr. 27, 1918--"Heavy smudge north part of valley--same for several mornings . . . Late yesterday afternoon a little child got on the track and was run over by train; one foot sevired. I(t) died last night."

Apr. 28, 1918--"Dr. Fred Goddard comes home to day. Alpha motored to Ashland to meet him."

Apr. 29, 1918--"Have an interesting circle this evening. Dr. G. & wife & Pearl, come down. Jack comes & is unusually cheerful to be with 'daddy & mother.' They had a long visit with him. He does not want them to go to Klamath Falls. Mrs Yates also an old lady acquaintance of Doctor G., Lossie & Mrs. Holton & B.C.G.
      "Jack said he wished his pa. & ma could stay here.
      "Mrs. Y hoped they would do well in K.F. & be contented.
      "They are to leave to-morrow morning."

Apr. 30, 1918--"Motor to Ashland P.M. with eggs & for linoleums for bedrooms."

May 2, 1918--"Help S. paper bedroom. . . . Just hear of Mr. Scott's death--died at 6 P.M. The cancer grew rapidly."

May 3, 1918--"Go to cemetery late P.M. with Alta Scott, Bernice Finley, & a Mr. Griffin who takes us in his car. They select lot for burying Mr. Scott."

May 5, 1918--"Go to cemetery P.M. to arrange matters for the Scott burial to-morrow."

May 6, 1918--"Funeral of Mr. Scott P.M. Go with our car to Ashland to come down with hiarse. Ella Abbott & Mrs. Prader go with us. Burial at 3 P.M. in W.C. Cemetery. Send order to Montgomery Ward & Co. Portland for cream separator--250 lbs. capacity--$45.55."

May 7, 1918--"Hear that Ed. Cochran is a very sick man at the hospital in Ashland. Pneumonia has set in. The case is bad. He had an operation for an absess back of the eyes a short time ago. It is thought blood poisoning set in."

May 9, 1918--"Tinker on otto awhile A.M., finding a small puncture in hind inner tube. Wire report comes that Earle Beeson died last night at Camp Lewis, of diphtheria & measles combined. Body will be shipped here for burial. Ed. Cochran perhaps a little better but very low yet."

May 11, 1918--"Fairly good news from war front for several days. Huns seem to be checked. Sec. Baker says we now have 500,000 men in France."

May 12, 1918--"Attend burial of Earl Beeson P.M. Large turnout. An Elks service. Impressive. Casket boxed--not allowed to be opened."

May 13, 1918--"They phone that Ed. Cochran is no better. Chances are, it would seem against him. Pluro pneumonia. Seems like a late fall evening. Took our heater stove down this morning. Now have a good fire in cook stove."

May 14, 1918--"Get phone that Ed. Cochran died at 11 A.M. & for us to go up if possible. So we go early P.M. Of course Edith takes his death hard. S. stays for the night. I return late P.M. . . . Burial to be in W.C. Cemetery.
      "War news not exciting of late but favorable to the Allies. Huns making no gains."

May 16, 1918--"Attend funeral of Ed. Cochran P.M. services at residence of John Robison. Rev. Edwards of Ashland gave funeral address. Larch [sic] attendance. I.O.O.F. furnished part of ceremony. Dr. Fred G. & a friend came in. Held circle this evening--a very interesting one. Little Jack came & Fred & Maggie had a fine visit with him. B.C.G. also came, Lossie, Mr. Holton, Myrtle G. & lastly 'tall Tree.' Sure he is a good one. All the spirit friends are anxious for the Dr. to leave K.F. & the Dr. himself is as anxious as they. He expresses himself freely on the war, & some of the pro Germans threaten him."

May 17, 1918--"Motor to Station early A.M. for cream separator ordered from Mont. W. & Co. Put in most of day setting it up. Didn't finish. Extra cool this evening. War about so-so."

May 19, 1918--"Our new cream separator seems to work O.K. excepting that it turns too hard to suit me. Flushed it out with kerosene which helped some . . . War news about so-so. Both armies getting ready for another set-to perhaps."

May 23, 1918--"Our drain pipe went out of bus. yesterday--stopped up. I didnt like the prospect of taking-up 100 feet of pipe. So I took about 200 feet No. 12 wire doubled & twisted it, forced it into the pipe from the lower end, loosened the clogging, which was then easily flushed out."

May 25, 1918--"Red Cross canvasser's paid us a call. We chip in $5.00."

May 28, 1918--"S. & I motor to cemetery P.M. to sprinkle our lots etc. Also put in some markers for unrepresented graves. Strong wind--North--P.M. Cemetery water system again out of commission--dont pump into tank."

May 29, 1918--"Warm; more like summer. Busy most of day irrigating with hose. Plant a few rows of corn among the trees in front of house. Get Bob Purves to help & go to cemetery & fix pump so it is now delivering into the tank. Wash day for S. i.e. A.M. She spends most of P.M. doing up flowers for decorating to-morrow.
      "No Telegram to day. The Journal, however, gives fairly late news. The big looked-for German drive not yet come off."

May 30, 1918--"Memorial day. Annual meeting of W.C.C. Association P.M. Go with car. Maggie goes with us. Take lots of flowers. No program. I find myself re-elected as clerk to serve till the war is over. Some fine decorations. Nearly every grave was looked after.
      "A beautiful cemetery to night. Old Mrs. Cabler died yesterday afternoon. Grave being dug this A.M. I go over to show them about starting it.
      "Rumors of bad news from war front, to the effect that the huns have driven in the Allies 15 miles, but with terrible slaughter in their own ranks. Hope it is not as reported."

May 31, 1918--"Attend funeral of Mrs. Cabler A.M. . . . War news far from cheerful. Germans made big drive but at fearful cost. Allies loss much less."

June 1, 1918--"S. goes to an entertainment at 56 schoolhouse, It is for benefit of Red X."

June 5, 1918--"Germans now have U boats on Atlantic coast."

June 8, 1918--"Fixed up a smoked glass to look at eclipse. Not total here. Quite light all through."

June 9, 1918--"Mrs. Walter Torrey has a new boy: Dont know what name will be given the babe."

June 10, 1918--"Katie Dunham died to day, at K.F. Go over [with] Lizzie Beeson late P.M. to pick out place for burial. Buried Wed."

June 12, 1918--"Go to cemetery early A.M. to arrange for burial of Joe Silvy's wife who died yesterday. Burial of Katy Dunham about sundown P.M. Lots of flowers."

June 13, 1918--"Go to burial of Mrs. Joe Silvy P.M. S. goes to Red X at District 56 school house P.M. The creamery has been gathering cream every day for about a week. 48 cts for butter fat. Nearly $1.50 per day. Brisk ice [cream] trade the reason."

June 14, 1918--"S. had a bad fall late A.M. laming her severely about breast & shoulders. Extra sore & lame this evening. Hope it will be better by morning."

June 18, 1918--"S. & I motor to Phoenix after chores P.M. to have Dr. Malgren examine her injury from the fall. He applied adhesive strips to relieve the pain. Hear of a train wreck near Medford. No particulars. Warren Wellrain has just had a serious attack of something akin to epilepsi."

June 20, 1918--"The train accident near Medford was a collision of train & auto. One woman & one man killed."

June 21, 1918--"A telegram from Wash for Mrs. Powers is reported by phone to us. I take it up. It states that Mrs. Powers' sister is at point of death."

June 22, 1918--"Another telegram that Mrs. Powers' sister had died."

June 24, 1918--"Got letter from Mont. Ward about the mistake made in sending wrong separator. They acknowledge mistake was theirs & offer to make it right, making a fair offer. They have shipped the other machine pre-paying charges etc. They write a very fair letter."

June 26, 1918--"Motor to station P.M. for separator, taking the other to be shipped back. . . .
      "Good war news. Italians take 45 000 Austrians & do up about 150 000 more, killed, wounded etc.
      "This is mighty cheering to Allies."

June 28, 1918--"Germans are not 'driving.' Seem to be waiting to get a good hold."

June 30, 1918--"Fine time picnicing 19 all told. L.C. & family, Mr. & Mrs Lockwood, Ed. R. & family, H.H. & family, S. Morris & family & Harold Culver. Fine dinner winding up with ice cream. Nice & comfortable at picnic ground, but plenty hot elsewhere. All enjoyed the day."

July 2, 1918--"Cloudy. A few sprinkles of rain about noon, not more than 179 drops. . . . S. does her own washing. Has been put out two times."

July 3, 1918--"Orley Powers comes home to day. I believe he was looking for some clerical position in army. Not much war news. Allies holding their own, however."

July 4, 1918--"S. & I go to Ashland with Ed. & Blanch to see parade. Come back & take dinner with them. Erma & several youngsters went up Wagner Butte. Parade good."

July 6, 1918--"Motor to Ashland P.M. with eggs. Maggie G. & Ella Abbott go with us. Spend an hour or two in park. Also call on the Hogues. Mr. Hogue is very low, not likely to survive long. Good war news. Allies taking over 10 000 prisoners. Huns have be[en] getting in some more of their hellish work in torpedoing an English hospital ship causing the death of a large number of doctors & nurses, because the captain of the U boat suspected the hospital ship had on board some aviator officers. Damn [the first time he's spelled the word out--ed.] the Germans anyhow. German papers almost glote over the deed. I hope there will be a proper reckoning some day. As promised I took in $10.00 war stamps for S. & myself."

July 7, 1918--"Maree Purves comes P.M. Maggie G. later & brings S. & me dish of ice cream apiece. It came from Power's."

July 9, 1918--"75 years young to day. Feeling hale & hearty. Mrs. Clara Chapman sends greetings. 'May happiness descend on you on this your birth day and abide with you for all time.'
      "Wash day for S. Go to cemetery early A.M. to arrange for digging a grave for P.N. Hogue who died this morning."

July 10, 1918--"Go to Ashland P.M. to funeral of Mr. Hogue, burial in W.C.C. [Wagner Creek Cemetery] H.H. & Maggie go with us. No exciting war news. Allies slowly gaining. German ambassador to Russia assassinated, which seems to be good news, for he was carrying out Kaiserism in Russia with a vengeance."

July 12, 1918--"About through haying for this year. No water for more alfalfa. A dry season sure. Somebody or some bodies sneaked over and turned water into the 'Farmer' ditch late last evening. That ditch has been dry for weeks--no right to water when low. Two men were seen to sneak up through Power's about 10 o'clock. Of course the water didn't get anywhere. They--the water thieves--ought to have known that. H.H., Ed. R. & Bob P. hustled to Medford to see Cummings--water commissioner but he was away. Certain parties are suspected and a strong effort will be made to run them down. Sure this is a Christian country. It is well known, however, that even good Catholic Christians are likely to steal water in a dry time."

July 13, 1918--"Good war news. Allies more than holding their own all along the lines. Food famine throughout Central Empire & in Russia. Food rations cut almost to the starving point."

July 14, 1918--"L., M. & Eldred came P.M. Eldred stays for a day or two. They bring Medford paper giving latest war news. It seems to be well confirmed that Von Hindenberg is dead. The Russian general Horvath is working up an army in Eastern Siberia to fight Germans & Boscheviks. He is pro-Ally strongly it is said."

July 15, 1918--"Sabra & Marcia called P.M. Abbott children all over playing with Eldred. 1917 apples about gone. Ate a very good one--Newtown--to day, now using new ones--Transparent."

July 16, 1918--"Ormy G. passes through to a Cal. camp this A.M. We failed to get word of it until too late, or we should have gone to Ashland where the soldiers stopped for an hour or so. Ed. R. got word in time & rushed up & took H.H. & Maggie."

July 17, 1918--"Motor to Phoenix P.M. to take Eldred home. Had trouble with car. Lucky to get back with it. Cleaned timer case A.M. & by a careless oversight, left spark rod detached so there was no control of timer. Dont see how car ran at all."

July 18, 1918--"Motor to T. P.M. to get late war news. Huns make fierce rushes but gain nothing of importance. Allies have best of it all along. Roosveld's youngest son killed in air fight. S. goes to Red 4 P.M."

July 19, 1918--"Still good war news. Allies taking offensive & go 'over the top, cheering' so big head lines tell us."

July 20, 1918--"Jay Goddard comes in about 6 P.M. on his way to headquarters. He is called in draft."

July 21, 1918--"A picnic proposal was sprung by Blanch early A.M. All hands were 'in,' so we had a fine picnic in our park. Ed., Blanch, Edith A., L., M. & Eldred, Jay G., S & I. Cooked on ground, fried potatoes, fried eggs, coffee etc. We called it picnic in honor of late Alli[ed] victories. Jay goes to T. to night, & is off in morning with lots of others for Camp Lewis. Anxious to get war news for to-day & to-morrow. A few more days as good as last two will count big."

July 22, 1918--"Dr. F.G. got in about 2 yesterday morning. Leaves Alpha & Pearl here & starts back late P.M., same day. they are to stay for several weeks. S. off to Ashland this evening with Ed. R. & family to take in a war movie show."

July 26, 1918--"Alpha, Pearl, Maggie & Allie Roberts, who has come up for a week's visit, came this evening for a sitting [the first one in months]. Jack was on hand first. He had a message, 'I am gay & happy this eve.' Mr. Yates & B.C.G. came. Maggie goes into a clairvoyant state & gives a sort of reading for several present. It was symbolic. She sees a book in each ones hand, the leaves turned and the manner of turning have reference to events in each one's life. A preacher controlled her, also, for a short time & gave sensible talk."

July 30, 1918--"Motor to Medford P.M. taking Alpha & Pearl who had business to loo[k] after. Pearl thinks of working in cannery, in Medford. Motor to Ashland Park P.M. taking Maggie & Alice Roberts with us."

July 31, 1918--"Another sitting to night. Same parties as on 26th inst. Jack has a message: 'Wish daddy was here; we would have a good time.' A stranger came for a few minutes. Didn't give name. B.C.G. last, but brief. Not as good as common. Most of us too tired perhaps. Winter time best."

Aug. 1, 1918--"Fairly good war news. Turkey, it is reported, is about to break relations with the huns. The new Sultan is not as pro German as the old Kaisar would like."

Aug. 5, 1918--"Took a notion early A.M. go to Ray dam picnicing. Alpha & Pearl go with us. Good time, nice day for motoring. Took a round-a-bout course home to see more of the vally. Got home about 5 P.M. Good war news. Allies still advancing. Huns skedaddling as fast as possible."

Aug. 6, 1918--"Hear that the d--d murderous huns have torpedoed another hospital ship with heavy loss of life. If I had all power I'd drop every one of those brutal hun autocrats into hell, & bolt the lid tight."

Aug. 7, 1918--"Motored to H. Hansons P.M. Taking Maggie & Alice R. with us. H[ad] a dickens of a time finding the way. Upon arrival found Mrs. Hanson the one we all wanted to see, gone. Held sitting this evening. Not much success. Jack came all right, but nothing further worth mentioning.
      "Jack has a message:
      " 'Daddy is lonesome. He wants to see you all.'"

Aug. 10, 1918--"Good war news. Get late Medford paper this evening. Allies plan to keep huns running. Maggie has letter from Ormy [in] New York City."

Aug. 11, 1918--"Picnic at our picnic ground. 20 all told--Ed. R. & family, E. Purves, & Robt. Purves & family, also H.H.G. & family, and ourselves. Louie bring Eldred who stays over. Fine day & fine dinner.
      "Good war news by to-day's Medford sun. Allies keep huns on the run."

Aug. 14, 1918--"We take Eldred to T. early P.M. to meet L. & M. on their way to Buck Lake on a camping trip. Not a very favorable time to start. Maggie came down this evening for a sitting. But it was a complete failure. First time we have this experience. Wonder if weather conditions was cause."

Aug. 15, 1918--"Our old cow Mousey has contracted the habit of jumping over or breaking through fences. Have tied head to fore foot. Think this will beat her game."

Aug. 17, 1918--"Take eggs to T. P.M.--40 cts. Get 4 lbs sugar. S. has to sign up for it. This is our allowance is to last us one month. But we will not complain if going short on sugar or anything else will help to can the Kaiser."

Aug. 18, 1918--"Take S. & Maggie to a supprise gathering at Sabra's early P.M. Go for them later."

Aug. 19, 1918--"Cool. Cloudy thru night. Clears away P.M. May be the showery & cool spell is over. It was just the thing, however. Forest fires all out. Atmosphere clear & pure. Just right. Motor to Ashland P.M. Alpha & Pearl go with us. All take shoes to shoe repairer. Drove up to Lithia Park. Fine motoring."

Aug. 20, 1918--"Edith Anderson has just returned from her visit to her home in Tillamook, & brot back some cheese & canned salmon. S. goes down to Blanch's P.M. & is given a hunk of cheese & a jar of canned salmon. We seem to be in luck. Well, perhaps the neighbors bear in mind that we are not very stingy when it comes to fruit etc. By the way Delbert brought us a nice hunk of venison a day or two [ago]."

Aug. 21, 1918--"Sitting tonight Jack came & answered many questions. Also spelled out, 'I love to come here.' No one else came."

Aug. 22, 1918--"Good war news. Allies have straightened line about 50 miles & captured 10,000 prisoners. Painted brass mountings black P.M. Too much bother to keep brass bright."

Aug. 23, 1918--"Put 2ond coat on auto brass mountings. Look better."

Aug. 24, 1918--"Haul, or push, in about 16 shocks hay with wheelbarrow. Some might call this a primitive method, but I should ask them to offer any evidence that primitive man used wheelbarrows."

Aug. 29, 1918--"L. & M. drive up P.M. bringing Johnny Griffin & young grandson. Old acquaintances of S. They had a fine visit. L. has traded in Chalmers for a newer one. Now has a fine car. . . . By the way Mr. Griffin was, in his younger days a famous bear hunter. He has written up many of his bear-hunting experiences for the papers."

Aug. 30, 1918--"Hot, hot as blazez. 97 P.M. 80 at bed time. No clouds to relieve. We can bide our time & hope for a change. No more than 2 to 3 inches in ditch. Wheel just moves. A few days more of such hot weather & ditch & creek will go dry. Motored down to L.C.'s for wheet. Brot home nearly 600 lbs. in car. Good load. S. canning peaches."

Aug. 31, 1918--"Heat lets up a little. 92 highest. Smoky. Perhaps some cloudy. Cant tell for the smoke. Motor to T. A.M. for groceries for to-morrow's picnic in Ashland Park.
      "Water failing fast."

Sept. 1, 1918--"Off A.M. for the school picnic in Ashland Park. Not as many pupils in attendance as last year, but lots of children and outsiders. . . . Good time. Fine dinner."

Sept. 3, 1918--"S. & I motor to T. with eggs & on to Phoenix for wheat--about a thousand lbs altogether. Can now [use] 3/4 flour & 1/4 substitutes. That's better."

Sept. 6, 1918--"The cannery boss fired Pearl Yates this morning. It was claimed she had made some remarks about unsanitary conditions at cannery. They must be getting cranky down there."

Sept. 7, 1918--"Still good war news. Allies gaining ground all along the line."

Sept. 11, 1918--"Motor to T. A.M. with eggs. Jess. Adams had me stopped to see if I would take him to T. About 1/2 hour getting him into car. He is badly crippled. I go down P.M. to bring him back. Bob Purves had bad luck with cows bloating last evening. 6 bloated & had to be stuck. One died. Another may die. All on dry hay. A strange thing. Puzzles us all. Never before knew or heard of so bad a case.
      "War news still good. Huns try hard to 'come back.' But no use."

Sept. 13, 1918--"Way-up war news. Allies making some big drives. French and Americans now close to German S.W. border."

Sept. 18, 1918--"Get 10 lbs sugar for canning. Cant get more. Got 25 lbs about 1st June. So have to get along some how. Get new & more magnifying lenses for spectacles. Can read much better."

Sept. 19, 1918--"Get late papers. War news good. Allies constantly gaining & capturing prisoners. Bolsheviks are getting worsted. Now known that Lenin & Trotsky were paid agents of Germany from the first."

Sept. 21, 1918--"Take Alpha & Pearl to T. to trade & to Breese's for vegetables. While the girls & Mrs. B. were in garden after vegetables, Mr. B. showed me some spirit slate writing & drawing that he got in San Francisco. He described conditions under which they were produced. Fine work all right. If fraud it was mighty slick fraud."

Sept. 22, 1918--"H.H. comes down about dusk to have us go up and see a fine deer Delbert go[t] to day near his cabin on his wood lot. Some deer! weighed 155 lbs. We are to have deer liver for breakfast."

Sept. 24, 1918--"A Mr. Smith, a Spiritualist, died in Medford a short time ago. He had quite a number of Spiritualistic books. A married daughter who took care of him, was a 'Soul Sleeper' & of course had no use for the books. So she sends word to Mrs. Breese that she could have the books if she could make use of them. Otherwise she would burn them. Of course Mr. B. took in the books. She is to pass them around among the Spiritualists of the neighborhood."

Sept. 25, 1918--"Maggie gets two letters from Ormy. He is 'somewhere' in France. Is feeling 'fine.' Likes the French people. Thinks it a nice country. Tells them not to worry about him. We get a letter from Jay to day. He is enjoying himself well. Gets a hu[n]tch that he is to move before long.
      "Good war news as usual. Turks are getting h--l. 25 000 captured. Serbs are still getting in on the Bulgars, giving the latter no rest. Allies gaining on every line."

Sept. 26, 1918--"Clean out toilet P.M.--7 big wheel barrow loads. Lots of ashes had been put in vault."

Sept. 27, 1918--"Erma was up late P.M. canvassing for 'chances' for a heifer calf for benefit of Red X. S. & I took chances. My envelope had No 80, hers 68, i.e. 80 & 68 cents. I hear good war news: English having taken 16 000 prisoners. This may mean Turkish prisoners."

Sept. 28, 1918--"S. & I motor to T. P.M. to invest in 4th Liberty Bonds. We take one $50 bond each. Hear late this evening that T. had gone over top so far that further applicants were told to hold off till next time. Bully for Talent! Good war news. Yesterday's Telegram, which we get to-day has it that Bulgaria is about done for. Hear late this evening that she has given up. If true, it is important sure."

Sept. 29, 1918--"Take an auto ride around East of Bear Creek P.M. about 15 miles. Stop for late mail. Good war news. Bulgaria has appealed for peace all right. Terms not filled out yet."

Sept. 30, 1918--"Hear that to-days war news is extra good. Haven't seen to-day's papers but am told that Bulgaria has jumped the job for keeps & that the old Kaiser dont like it a little bit. Also that the allies on West front are doing some mighty big driving. Now that Bulgaria is down & out Turkey will be next. Then Austria will be between the devil and the deep sea. S. & I are writing to Jay this evening. Jay has had his insurance papers made out to us, so he says. It is doubtful, however, if it is all O.K. His mother may be still living, although she has disowned him, practically at least & perhaps it would be legally."

Oct. 2, 1918--"Held a sitting this evening. Fred, Alpha, Pearl, Maggie came down. Jacke came first. They had quite a visit with him. He had a message: 'I am glad you are all here, I love daddy & mother.' Then Mrs. Yates; then an acquaintance of Fred's from Harvard [Illinois]. Fred was unable to identify him through questions, so he spelled out his name. He has been over about 3 years. This was news to Fred. Next Ed Cochran, but stand tilted very weakly. He said he had not gained full strength yet, but was improving. Says he cannot get away from his folks here. Then B.C.G. a strong tilting of stand always characteristic of him. Suddenly B.G. seemed to withdraw & in a short time Fred was controlled by his guide, 'Tall Tree' who entertained us right royally for perhaps 1/2 hour. He is a jolly spook & quite a philosopher. Like all Indian controls he has a peculiar manner of expression, but his meaning is ever so plain.
      "All in all the sitting was very interesting."

Oct. 3, 1918--"Have finished [Sir Oliver Lodge's] Raymond. S. now reading. It is interesting all right, but the sittings are no more evidential than ours have been. Mr. Lodge is very fair in estimating the value of evidence thus obtained that is regarding the proofs of a continued life. In last part of book he enters into a very careful argument--quite scientific--in favor of continued existence. This, to me, is the best section of the book. Sir Lodge is a deep thinker & his arguments are, to me, very convincing. He & his family were painstaking in all their attempts to get proofs."

Oct. 4, 1918--"Excellent war news. Heavy fighting on 6 different fronts. Huns advancing backwards fast. Strong indications that Turkey will soon be out. Allies are preparing a warning to Germany that if she persists in burning cities etc in her retreat, there will be reprisals when we get on German territory."

Oct. 5, 1918--"Still good war news. Getting Americans over to Europe now at rate of 300,000 per month."

Oct. 6, 1918--"L. [&] M. accompanied by Mr. & Mrs Lockwood came up P.M. We give Puss's calf to L. He takes it home in car. Big war news rumored. Hear also that Mr. Sawyer has the Spanish Influenza. He is a railroad man & got it somewhere on his run. Doctors will try hard to keep it from spreading. May have to close the schools."

Oct. 7, 1918--"Letter from L.D.[ean] His son is in U.S. service. Also Frank's son. Fred is in San F. the last L. heard. War news said to be good. Have seen no papers since Saturday's."

Oct. 9, 1918--"Motor to Ashland P.M. Take watch to have repaired. Get 2 small cans Karo. Couldn't get it here. Tried to sell a practically new breast-collar single harness. Nothing doing. Too many autos. . . . Held sitting to night. Jack came first. Alpha broke down; had to retire. Then Jack spelled out 'Why does mother cry?' Ed Cochran came. He is still weak but says he is gaining & will soon be O.K. Will try to come everytime. Some old acquaintance or distant relative of Maggie's came. Couldn't give his name, & was not identified. Mr. Goddard came, gave a message: 'The conditions are not very good; too much sadness.' He thought we had better quit for to-night."

Oct. 11, 1918--"Got a look at a late paper--to-day's--War news still good. Rumor that the Kaiser has abdicated. Just a rumor probably. Good prospect that Turkey will give up soon. Lewis Willets was shot, by a hunting companion, being mistaken for a deer. Shot in shoulder. Bad wound, doctors say."

Oct. 12, 1918--"Way-up war news. Germans have lost 1,250,000 in last 10 weeks, besides an enormous quantity of guns etc."

Oct. 13, 1918--"Called to cemetery early A.M. A Mrs Bailey lately died in hospital in Medford & is to be buried here. Later A.M. take Dr. Fred, Alpha & Pearl to Breeses for a day's visit. The doctor's car is being painted, so temporarily out of commission. Go to burial of Roy Willets in Ashland. Maggie G. goes with us. Young Willets was shot for a deer, which mistakes seem to be always fatal. Returning home take in Alpha & Pearl. Extra good war news--to good to be true--that the Germans have accepted Wilson's peace terms."

Oct. 14, 1918--"Attend funeral of Mrs. Mary Bailey A.M."

Oct. 15, 1918--"This evening was set for a circle, but weather kept the ladies away. Fred came, however, & we had a very good sitting. Jack came first as usual & we enjoyed a fine visit--if such it may be called--with him. Then came Lossie & we held him, or he held us for some time. Asked how he travels or goes from place to place, i.e. what the motive, or propelling force. He say[s] that in the main, it is strong thought or 'will power.' He also says that in communicating with earth mortals a spirit circle is formed. This gives the needed force. Also the physical force or magnatism of the individual members of the earth circle is drawn upon in moving tables etc. That he could not unaided communicate with us by means of table tipping. Indeed, if the questions & answers were all written down, it would be nice to have & keep. B.C.G. came next for a short time & then dismissed us." Reading on spiritualism. A spirit describes Hell: "He describes low, dark sulphurous caverns into which if I had the say, the present German murderers would be dumped & kept there for a million years."

Oct. 16, 1918--"Delbert goes to Jacksonville before the examining board. He was not accepted. Too flat feet for a soldier, but may be taken as a carpenter. Good war news."

Oct. 17, 1918--"Wire from Camp McDowel, Cal. about 10 A.M. that Orley Powers was seriously sick with pneumonia. S. & I at once concluded that message really meant that he was perhaps near death or alread[y] dead. And we were correct, for about 3 o'clock P.M. message came that he passed away this morning. The Powers family are nearly prostrated. In this case pneumonia was preceded by Spanish influenza, which is now sweeping off so many."

Oct. 18, 1918--"Go to cemetery early A.M. with Mrs. & Eleanor Powers & Maud to pick lot. Go with Dr. Fred, Alpha & Pearl to Marcia's for a circle in evening. Jack came first. Then Lossie; then Ed Cochran; then B.C.G. Ed is yet weak--seems hard for him to move stand. But says he is gaining. B.C.G. & Lossie were asked many questions & we got some good pointers. B.C.G. says he is about 4 miles [away], as near as he could judge when operating stand. Yet by means of some magnetic or other force he sees & hears us etc."

Oct. 19, 1918--"Fine day. Go early A.M. to cemetery with Mr. Davis & Gene, who are to dig grave. They find it very rocky & hard digging. Only about 3 feet at dark. Will require hard pushing to finish it in time for burial--2 P.M. to-morrow."

Oct. 20, 1918--"A beautiful fall day. Busy A.M. at cemetery. Struck solid rock formation in digging grave--worst ever found in cemetery. I go in car to have tools sharpened. Had to blast several times. Not able to finish grave on time--2 P.M.--so funeral services--the Elks--were held in another part of cemetery, finishing grave afterward. Got through about 5 P.M. The floral offerings were the finest I have ever seen. S., Alpha & Pearl & myself remained to decorate mound."

Oct. 21, 1918--"Help S by peeling pears for canning A.M. She had to limit pear canning to our sugar allowance. Good war news. Huns hiking out of W. Belgium & retreating everywhere.
      "Maggie has two letters from Ormy to-day. He is getting along O.K. but has, thus far received no letters from his people here except one from Fred & Alpha. Strange."

Oct. 22, 1918--"Motor to Ashland P.M. to have some work done on car. Also had battery put in--6 cells. Should crank easy now. Blanch & Erma go with us.
      "Chester Knighten just arrived on furlough."

Oct. 24, 1918--"Motor to Ashland P.M., taking 61 lbs wheat to mill to be ground into whole wheat flour & 52 lbs corn for fine corn meal. Also take 54 lbs walnuts to Ender's. Get 30 cts lb. for them--good price."

Oct. 25, 1918--"Russle in my hay from Walnut lot. Pack it in with fork. Only about 1/2 dry it was no easy job. Maggie comes down this evening & says the latest war news is way-up. Wilson's reply to the German nut is that Germany must get rid of the the Kaiser before peace can be considered at all by the Allies. It is either get rid of the German war lords or have the war go right on. Good!"

Oct. 28, 1918--"War news still good. Turkey about out. Austria-Hungary ditto. At least that is the way things look now."

Oct. 29, 1918--"Motor to Phoenix P.M. Go via cemetery & take picks to Breese's to be sharpened. Good war news. Austria-Hungary has come to Wilson's terms fully--so it seems--& asks Wilson to fix up conditions of armistice etc."

Nov. 1, 1918--"Cool but quite pleasant. Motor to T. P.M. Alpha & Pearl go with us. Get our allowance of sugar for November, now 3 lbs for each instead of 2. Extend trip for a ride to Eagle mills, thence acrosst Bear creek & around via Talent bridge. Get yesterday's Telegram. Turkey out. Armistice declared & in operation. S. calls on Powers's this evening. Brings home to-days Tribune. Austria & Hungary rapidly dividing up into different states. Italians have surrounded 15 divisions of the Austrian army--over 200,000. Things good on all fronts. A lot [of] neighborhood boys, old enough to have more sense, rallied out last evening on a Halloween lark. Delbert G. had some lumber piled near the fence on the highway close by. The aforesaid boys thought it would be just the thing to scatter that lumber up & down the road. They did. But just as they had finished the job to their satisfaction, D. came on the scene & ordered them to pack it all back to place. Good joke--on the boys."

Nov. 4, 1918--"Sell Moosy to Kirbys--11 cts dressed. H.H. brings down to-day's Tribune this evening. H.H. was jubilant over the good war news. And well he might be. Austria Hungary has surrendered unconditionally. The terms are drastic enough to suit anybody. Good! Germany next."

Nov. 5, 1918--"Election day. Go to T. P.M. to vote. Walk down. Roads some sloppy. Quite pleasant, tho' cool. Henry Kirby calls late P.M. & pays for Moosey $49.39--11 cts lb. He turns beef over to butcher shop at T. at 12 1/2."

Nov. 7, 1918--"Great excitement late P.M. all over U.S. resulting from a rumor that Germany had surrendered. It proved an hour or so later to be a partial fake. It seems that the hun army wished to send 4 high officers to Marshall Foch to talk of or arrange for an armistice. Foch tells them how to come--what routes to take etc. The date--a certain hour--was set for the meeting. That's all. Of course it is the beginning of the end, that is that's the way it looks to me."

Nov. 8, 1918--"War news about as yesterday. Altho there was another bit of excitement this morning that yesterday's news was confirmed. Jim Briner russled aroun[d] to get the word out, but it had no sure foundation."

Nov. 9, 1918--"Now, no doubt have the straight of the war news sent over lately. It seems to be that Marshal Foch gives the hun officers sent to him to understand that unconditional surrender is their only way out. Either this or the fighting goes right on. They ask to communicate with German headquarters. Foch gives them 3 days. Time will be up Monday the 11th."

Nov. 10, 1918--"L. brings up to-day's Medford Sun. The Kaiser has abdicated. The news seems to be O.K. [reliable]. Germany is in a fearful state of turmoil. Different factions & each trying to get the upper hand."

Nov. 11, 1918--"End of War!! Monday, Nov. 11th, 18--Some fog A.M. Nearly clear P.M. Busy tinkering in shop most of day. News of the 'sign-up' in France came in about 2 A.M. Big jubilee in Medford right away. Ashland put it off until late P.M. on account of a funeral of a soldier then, who died in an army camp. Soon after Ashland got busy. We could hear the bells, horns, guns etc plainly here. So it seems to be settled now that the war is over. Word comes late this evening--so we hear--that the Kaiser has lit out for Holland."

Nov. 12, 1918--"Of course papers are full of war closing matters; also accounts of parades etc in different towns by way of celebrating the event. Terms of surrender now published. Drastic sure! And they ought to be. No doubt now that German autocracy is doomed. A fairly well founded rumor has it that the Kaiser & staff have fled to & reached Holland. Wonder if Allies do not demand them."

Nov. 13, 1918--"Papers now full of news of revolts, uprisings, and all sorts of revolutions in the Central empires. I would rather be the modest proprietor of any kind of a chicken ranch in Oregon than be in the old Kaiser's shoes right now. Many are urging that he be extradited from Holland and turned out to the English & French for trial as the greatest murderer of all history. Hope it will be done. The Power's send us a generous hunk of fresh pork to day. Surely we are lucky folks."

Nov. 15, 1918--"War news not as exciting now. Germany fast working itself into some sort of new government--perhaps republic."

Nov. 19, 1918--"Motor to Ashland P.M. to do a little shopping [first use of this word--ed.]. Our regular passengers, Alpha & Pearl go with us. And--well, they take plenty of time to do shopping & I must have all kinds of patience. Time was so plentyful that both found ample time to do fancy work sitting in the car while I waited for them to finish their tasks. But they are used to this sort of thing, or, at least, have been--plenty of means, plenty of leisure & do not seem to 'catch on' that others may not readily accomodate themselves to their ways."

Nov. 20, 1918--"Have just finished a rereading of Samuel Bowles pamphlets on his experiences & observations in Spirit life. Mr. Bowles was a noted journalist, editor, & writer on many reform questions. Like Horace Greeley he had a peculiar style--simple clear & taking [omission]. Pretty hard to imitate I should think. He was always in earnest in all his writings. He wrote what he thought. If he hit hard, it was all the same. He was wont to score politicians & others--doctors preachers etc for failure to do their duty. Now his writings from the spirit side are just the same. In this case his medium, Mrs. Truing, would have to be the imitator if these communications originated from her brain--and she must have had a marvelously fertile brain. Indeed I would pronounce it an utter impossibility. If they did not come from her, then they must have come from some other intelligence. Now to claim they originated from some living intelligence, other than her own, would be preposterous--a mystery that would baffle any attempt to explain. So I decide that the only direct & reasonable explanation is that Samuel Bowles--himself, as a decarnate spirit, is the sole author."

Nov. 21, 1918--"Busy A.M. getting ready to kill a young beef. Ed. R. comes P.M. to help me. A long ways from my best to day--violent dysentery; not an agreeable trouble. Eat no dinner nor supper. S. & I take beef down late in evening, put in 'cooler' & lock door. 'Safety first.'"

Nov. 22, 1918--"Ed. R comes A.M. & takes 1/2 of beef. Beef no[t] quite 11 mos. old dresses 284 lbs. L. & Minnie come up P.M. & take 78 lbs of balance; We retaining about 60 lbs. Feeling much better P.M. Will be O.K. again soon, no doubt. Letter from Jay G. Camp Lewis. He is still in hospital. Says he is treated well--no complaints."

Nov. 24, 1918--"The German war vessels formally turned over to allies on Thursday. It was a great day & will have a big place in history. One thing very significant; the allied war ships that went out to receive the Germany navy, went with deck's cleared ready for instant action should the enemy attempt to spring any hun trick. The allied armies that are following the retreating Germans out of France & Belgium, proceed with all readiness to open battle any minute if they note any treachery on the part of the fleeing huns. From past experiences the allies do not feel justified in trusting them very far. All this will be well mentioned in history also. They are sure having a hell of a time in Central Europe to bring some sort of system out of chaos. Socialists, Anarchists & Bolscheviks are all getting in their work, each trying to get on top. Hard to guess what the final outcome will be. Of course there can be no peace conference until the Central powers have something like a stable government."

Nov. 25, 1918--"S. had a painful attack of vomiting during fore part of night. What caused it I cannot guess. It let up in about 2 hours & she is nearly herself again to day. Am not fully over that bowel trouble yet. Think however, I'll be all right soon. Put down our beef for corning--about 25 lbs. Blanch got a good recipe from some one & passes it on to us: 7 lbs salt, 2 oz red pepper, 1 pint molasses, 2 oz saltpeter, 10 gals water to 100 lbs meat. Boil ingredients together & apply cold. They have had good luck with it."

Nov. 26, 1918--"Go over to cemetery early A.M. to meet parties who are to dig grave for Mrs. Terrill who died yesterday at 4 P.M."

Nov. 27, 1918--"Went to cemetery early A.M. to fix broken latch on gate. Burial of remains of Mrs. Terrill A.M. S. goes. Too cold for me. Busy an hour or so fixing things safe for a cold night. Lotty P. sends us a 28 lb. pumpkin for Thanksgiving pies. She must think we are going to give a big dinner for the neighborhood. I supposed S & I would eat a Thanksgiving dinner by ourselves, but that could hardly be the case. S. goes up to H.H.'s P.M. No doubt she will have some or all of them join in. Personally I should much prefer a good, quiet dinner by ourselves--the least fuss about it the better. Wouldn't mind asking some lonely batchelor like Packard but of course S. wouldn't stand in on that."

Nov. 28, 1918--"Thanksgiving day. I was mistaken in yesterday's notes. S. invited no one. We had a fine dinner all by ourselves. And it was a way-up dinner. A fine beef roast, pumpkin pie. How's that? Good enough for the old Kaiser!"

Nov. 29, 1918--"Hike to T. P.M. for late mail. Ride with Mr. Gleim part of way down & with preacher Griffin part of way back. Papers full of the general call for some punishment for the Kaiser & his band of cut-throats. The demand for this in Germany itself is pronounced."

Nov. 30, 1918--"Get letter from Ormy. He is well & getting along O.K. News from Europe not exciting. The turmoil in Germany attracts the most attention. Wouldn't like to be in the Kaiser's shoes now."

Dec. 2, 1918--"H.H. drops in this evening. Has a letter from Ormy. Now pretty well known that he has been in the firing line. Letters to parties other than his folks disclose this. His folks are now anxious to get a letter dated after the armistice."

Dec. 3, 1918--"Had a talk with Jim Briner on Spiritualism. Maggie G. gave him Sprague's book & he is reading it--is getting interested. He wants to be present at some of our circles. He is sure there is something in it. But what?"

Dec. 4, 1918--"Looks now as if the allies are bound to get Kaiser Bill & put him on trial for murder. . . .
      "Get Jay's insurance papers, sent to us for safe keeping. That is the way we understand it."

Dec. 6, 1918--"Nothing exciting in the war news line. Wilson & his peace commission sailed on the 4th. Great clamor in Congress about his 'right' to go. Some for, some against. One Senator introduces a bill declaring the office, or chair of the President vacant."

Dec. 8, 1918--"Pearl reads to me several selections from manuscript book of poems. They are surely O.K. Especially one quite long one of 4-line rhymes. She seems to be, in some sense, inspired in performing this work. She says it requires no mental effort to speak of on her part. That suddenly a theme, or subject comes to her mind, accompanied with almost an irresistable impulse to write upon it and clothe her thoughts in rhyme."

Dec. 9, 1918--"The 'flu' is gaining everywhere. 30 cases in T. 5 at E. & B. Purves, very bad at Klamath Falls."

Dec. 12, 1918--"Reported that the Kaiser attempted suicide, which was frustrated by one of his aids. Nothing should be put in the way of his doing that trick. Best thing he can do. No doubt he knows fairly well what a trial would mean to him."

Dec. 13, 1918--"S. brought from Power's last evening an armful of magazines--this year's Review of Reviews & [National] Geographical magazine, latter very interesting. Flu on the increase I should judge. All down at Bob Purves's except Bob himself. Many--about 50--cases in T."

Dec. 14, 1918--"Another letter from Jay. He is feeling fine but anxious to get away. Not much let up to the flu. About 60 cases now in T. The head teacher of the T. public school is the most serious case is not expected to live. Minnie sends us a mask for each to be used when going to town. Now required in the larger towns. There is a prospect that strict quarantine regulations will be in force soon.
      "The doctors advise staying at home as much as possible & taking especial pains to keep in the best of health--good advice at any time."

Dec. 15, 1918--"Mr. Baughman, the T. teacher mentioned yesterday, died last night, body to be shipped to his home near Eugene. Sad case. His wife in bed & very low with the same disease."

Dec. 17, 1918--"Motor to Minnie's P.M.--taking eggs to T. for groceries. Too cool for me to enjoy auto riding. Lots of flu in Phoenix, so we kept clear of main part of town. We--L. & M., Ed. R. & family & ourselves will make no fuss over Xmas. Too much flu."

Dec. 19, 1918--"Hike to Mrs. H's for butter & on to T. for a few groceries. Flu letting up some it is thought. A few wearing masks. H.H. & Maggie are somewhat worried about Ormy. His last letter dated several days before armistice."

Dec. 21, 1918--"H.H. gets letter from Ormy. He has been in the thick of it, but got thru O.K. Our cow Jersey calved fore part of night--10 o'clock. Steer. Had strong symptoms of milk fever A.M. Gave her two air treatments. Think she is out of danger but will watch her closely.
      "Sent Xmas package to Jay, being aware that he may drop in on us Xmas."

Dec. 22, 1918--"S. goes by invitation to the Power's to a goose dinner--7 ladies all told, no men. . . . Mrs. Powers sends down a few more copies of the Geographic Magazine. Mighty interesting. Think of subscribing."

Dec. 23, 1918--"Renewed our membership in the Red X $1.00 each. Send Ingersoll watch to Eldred. Think it will suit him to a T."

Dec. 25, 1918--"Take Xmas dinner at Maggie's. Way-up dinner of course. After dinner, had quite a lengthy but interesting swapping of views on the writings of famous poets, novelists etc, with Mrs. Pearl Yates. She has been well over the ground. It is not often I meet such an one--so few there are who care for high grade literature.
      "A very pleasant time all around."

Dec. 27, 1918--"Renew subscription to Sat. Eve. Post and Pro. Thinker. Drop Telegram & take Daily Medford Mail Tribune."

Dec. 29, 1918--"President Wilson is having a big time hobnobbing with the big 'uns on the other side."

Dec. 30, 1918--"The cream collector failed to come thru. Had to bring can of cream back in. Some serious break down probably. The cold bitey air has no good affect on my lungs. Much more so to day than common. Lungs tender ever since the pneumonia struck me two years ago. Am forced to be very careful. Stay in most of day."

1919

Jan. 1, 1919--"Clear as I write--10 P.M.--air is crisp & another cold night is looked for. Our water pipes nearly stopped. Got them going O.K. by middle of P.M. How they will be in the morning, deponent saith not. Lots of things I would rather fight than cold. Had New Years dinner by ourselves & a good one too--spare ribs for meat. Good enough for Kaiser Bill. Of course there is no mail to day, & have had no chance to send for it. Big time at schoolhouse, in Dist 56 last night--watch meeting. Too cold for us. Many will make great resolutions to-day for the coming year. A few of such resolutions may hold out 10 days, most of them will go into the discard in 24 hours. Long years ago I made periodical resolutions to quit tobacco using. The last resolution was no resolution at all. I had just purchased a very nice new pipe & a fine lay-out of tobacco. The first smoke gave me a head ache. So I very quietly & with apparent indeference dropped both into the fire & watched them turn to ashes. Never smoked again." [cf. 1-1-1913 entry]

Jan. 2, 1919--"H.H. calls late P.M. to read us another letter from Ormy. He says he is all right & getting alone fine. Writes on his 24th birthday. Dont know when he will be let off."

Jan. 5, 1919--"24 at 7 A.M. Water pipes all out of business. Work A.M. to locate trouble. By invitation take dinner at Alpha's. Pearl & I have an interesting set-to on literature. Quite warm P.M. When we returned found pipes O.K. Borrow a S.[piritualism] book."

Jan. 11, 1919--"Get phone late P.M. from K. Falls that Dr. Goddard is sick & wants Alpha to come to him. S. goes up to tell her. She will go to-morrow. It seems to be neuralgia."

Jan. 13, 1919--"Pearl Yates comes down in early evening to read us a message that came suddenly to her during the night. She experienced something like convultions or twitchings of arms & shoulders--a peculiar feeling, or sensation, hard to describe. Soon she was inspired or controlled to write. She arose got paper & pencil & wrote as fast as possible. It was verse, beginning with:
      " 'The conditions are truly better;
      "Wait in patience for the letter.'
      "All having reference to Dr. Goddard's illness at K.F. The poem was short, in the main, an appeal for good, helpful thoughts from friends here sent forward for his welfare. Pearl does quite a bit of inspirational writing--mostly in verse--some fine efforts, too. She is very sure that it does not originate in her mind. It comes suddenly & with no mental effort.
      ". . . We hear late P.M. that Mr. Gleim met with a serious accident, falling from a ladder breaking both bones of one leg below the knee. Bad luck sure."

Jan. 14, 1919--"H.H.'s get letter from K.F. this morning. It seems the Dr. has been pretty sick but has now passed the crisis. Alpha--who writes the letter--thinks it genuine 'flu.'"

Jan. 15, 1919--"Ena Davis, who has been attending school in Ashland, came home with the 'flu' to day. Erma also came home sick but perhaps not the 'flu.' No word from K.F. concerning Dr. G. to day. Letter from Jay. He thinks he will be discharged in about two months. Flu bad again in many places, especially Portland. Strenuous measures are to be put forth against it."

Jan. 16, 1919--"No word from K.F. to day. Bee Garvin was operated on to day in Medford. She was much emaciated & the doctors are not too sure she will pull thru."

Jan. 17, 1919--"They hear from K.F. to day. Fred is much better. Perhaps not 'flu,' but it seems he was pretty sick for a day or two. Hear that Bee Garvin is getting along well."

Jan. 18, 1919--"Liebknecht, the main leader of the red terror in Berlin, & who was arrested was shot & killed when attempting to escape. His right bower, Rosa Luxemborg was killed about the same time by government soldiers. They were radicals of the radicals & all who believe in law & order will not be sorry those two are out of the way. The government forces in Berlin seem to be getting the upper hand. Perhaps it is best, for nothing could be worse than the red-terrorism of most of the revolutionists in Germany now trying their best, by fair means or foul to get on top--in other words to turn the government into primitive barbarism. We have lots of the same stripe in the U.S."

Jan. 19, 1919--"Letter to Maggie tells her that Dr. G. is nearly himself again. Wrote himself, with typewriter. Just hear that Bee Garvin is improving rapidly."

Jan. 20, 1919--"Cream day. Let cream man have eggs. Now only 40 cts. Some come down! Subscribe for World & Pathfinder."

Jan. 23, 1919--"Delbert brings latest mail this evening. Letter from Jay. He is to be home in a few days; in fact may look for him any day. Delbert tells us about his 'find' of honey on Applecate, thinks he will have about 6 or 7 gallons of strained honey. Not a bad find. Butter & eggs have taken a big drop."

Jan. 24, 1919--"Letter from Minnie [in Phoenix] informs us that she can let us have 100 baby chicks about April. Just suits us."

Jan. 26, 1919--"Alpha got home last evening. She & Pearl here for dinner & balance of day. Dr. G. all right & in full blast treating patients again. Pearl & I got strung out on Theosophy. She is a firm believer in reincarnation & brings forward its main points with enthusiasm. But I cannot see its merits as she sees them. When I get on the other side I am sure I shall prefer to stay there instead of taking any chances in going thru another earth life."

Jan. 27, 1919--Readings on Baha'i faith.

Jan. 28, 1919--"Jay lands in at E.R's to night. No doubt he keeps the folks entertained in relating his experiences at Camp Lewis. Delbert brings latest mail. Just hear that Mr. Thomas has succeeded in selling T. district's ditch bonds. So the McDonald Creek irrigating project seems to be a go now, & work will begin soon. This will furnish employment for a good many returned soldiers no doubt. Ditch does not help out our place, only indirectly."

Jan. 29, 1919--"Get out car & motor to T. for groceries. About a five-weeks rest for car. Prune A.M. Wash day for S. Jay had exposed to mumps and as he reached T. with a hard cold & as one cheek was somewhat sore & swolen he thot likely it was the mumps. He goes to a doctor this morning & we hear that the doctor does not think it mumps."

Jan. 30, 1919--"We learn that Jay has the mumps after all & is in Talent. Of course we do not want him to come here till he is over the mumps."

Feb. 2, 1919--"Jim Briner brot 1st vol. of a war history he took in--$18.00. Frank H. Simondson author. It is good reading all right. Have read nearly 300 pages."

Feb. 3, 1919--"Cream day. Butterfat drops 18 cts in one week. Eggs have tumbled to 30 cts. Of course we dont take kindly to latter. With present price of feed 30 cts is too low for eggs. Butter fat not so bad. Of course those who have to buy eggs have no kick. Well, if they get much lower we will luxurate on eggs."

Feb. 4, 1919--"Call on Mr. Gleim P.M., who is still lying on his back with the broken leg. Doesn't suffer much; sleeps well, reads much & ready to visit any time."

Feb. 6, 1919--"Jay G. puts in an appearance P.M. Two restless to stay long; goes down to Ed. R's for the night; two good looking girls there. . . . Jim B. comes over P.M. bringing another vol. of his War History & taking back first which I had finished. Jim can talk war now all right. He puts in most of his leisure reading.
      "Eggs 30 cents."

Feb. 8, 1919--"Jay came up for some of his civilian clothing. H.H. brings latest mail. Big strike in Seattle. But the mayor has the right pluck. He warns them that if they are not back to place by to-morrow morning, at 8 o'clock (that is this morning) he will declare martial law for the city. 1500 soldiers from Camp Lewis hve been rushed to the city. It is a strike not justified at all. The workers were getting extra big wages--i.e. the ship yard men. The other strikers are sympathetic. It is fully believed that I.W.W.s are the leaders."

Feb. 11, 1919--"S. & I went by invitation to Ed R's P.M. to hear their new Victrola. It is O.K."

Feb. 12, 1919--"H.H. drops in late P.M. Has short letter from Ormy. He is well & hearty. Is kept hard at work drilling etc. A rumor that his division may be sent home soon."

Feb. 14, 1919--"Looks now as if the huns were getting reading to play some trick & start something again in the war line. Anyway it seems allied soldiers are to be held awhile longer. H.H. is all out of sorts about it, as it may keep Ormy."

Feb. 15, 1919--"Busy with car awhile A.M. S. goes with the Power's to a movie in Medford this eve. I was invited but thought best to stay home nights."

Feb. 18, 1919--"H.H. brings late mail. Another letter from Ormy. He was under fire about 5 weeks altogether."

Feb. 19, 1919--"Motor to T P.M. with eggs & for groceries. S. goes as far as Sabra's--then S., Sabra & Marcia go to Medford on bus."

Feb. 20, 1919--"Mr. Wilson died to day. Parties come down late P.M. to select burial place. I go to cemetery with them."

Feb. 21, 1919--"Go over to cemetery early A.M. to start men who come to dig grave. . . . Papers full of riots, strikes, by Bolshevics & Socialists in Germany & elsewhere. It seems to me that the time will soon come, or ought to, when all people who believe in law & decency will have to rise up & wipe out Bolsheviks. They are worse than primitive barbarians."

Feb. 22, 1919--"Attend funeral of Mr. Wilson P.M. Bad time. Umbrellas & slickers were in evidence. Get late mail. Some chance that Ormy may be on way home.
      "Disagreeable day."

Feb. 25, 1919--Readings of apocrypha on youth of Christ.

Feb. 26, 1919--"Jay & Erma drop in this evening. Also H.H. who has it figured out that Ormy may be on his way home. Busy part of day in shop. Send inquiry to Telegram for whereabouts of Company H--Ormy's co[m]pany."

Feb. 27, 1919--"Hike to T. A.M. with basket of eggs--now 33 cts. Cooler P.M.
      "Called at H. Lynch's P.M. to look at a fireless brooder, expecting to make one. Mrs. L., who has had some experience, thinks 50 chicks enough to be brooded together. S. having a serious time with a cold--nearly as bad as the flu."

Mar. 1, 1919--"S. had to take to her bed about mid forenoon. Several of the neighbor women drop in. S. has a serious cold. Hope it's nothing worse.
      ". . . My sub. to Telegram ran out first of year. It kept on coming for several days, when I sent letter to stop it. They replied by letter that they kept on thinking I would conclude to renew--and they kept right on up to date. To day I get a letter with notice to renew or send one dollar for paper for past two months. Some cheek! Well I'll forward the $ & tell them its 'never again.'"

Mar. 2, 1919--"S. about the same. Blanch comes to stay to night. The trouble seems to be the flu or something very like it. Minnie comes up P.M. Alpha spent two hours or so here A.M. Seems to me that S. is just a little on the mend."

Mar. 3, 1919--"Minnie brings some medicine from Dr. Malgren as per order, also an atomizer for each one of us to use to prevent contagion.
      ". . . Hear that George Lowe was killed last night--run over by a train. Full particulars not in. Body was badly mangled. Went over with Allen P.M. to mark off place for burial."

Mar. 4, 1919--"S. about same. Perhaps a trifle better. Ella A. does our washing."

Mar. 5, 1919--"S. on the mend it seems to me but perhaps the wish is father to the thought."

Mar. 6, 1919--"S. about same, increasing a little in taking nourishment. Chas. Sherman calls A.M. Miss Powers brings late mail & remains for evening."

Mar. 7, 1919--"S. better P.M. & seems a little more hopeful. Several neighbor ladies drop in."

Mar. 8, 1919--"S. better. Thinks she can sit up a little tomorrow. Her gaining makes us all feel more cheerful."

Mar. 9, 1919--"Attend the Geo Lowe burial P.M. S. still gaining I think. Many in to day, so she is pretty tired. Ed. here for dinner."

Mar. 10, 1919--"S. gains slowly. Motored to T. P.M. for more oranges. She uses them in making orange-aid.
      "Wrote to Alice Hull sending deed of correction for her & other parties there to sign."

Mar. 11, 1919--"I failed to mention that Mr. Hallebaugh's home burned on the 8th I think.
      "S. surely mending to day. Sat up 1 1/2 hours P.M. for first time in 10 days. Several neighbor ladies call."

Mar. 12, 1919--"H.H. gets letter from Ormy. He will be home sometime in April no doubt. S. also gets post card from him."

Mar. 14, Friday, 1919--"This is written Saturday. Taken suddenly with something like what S. has been contending with for two weeks. Right side of my head went bum, especially right ear & eye. Ear completely deaf--couldn't have heard Gabe toot his horn & it is the same now. But I let up on eating. To day--Sat. am better. I stay with the chores, however. Blanch went home last night. A good dose of purgative medicine proved to be the right thing. But yesterday forenoon I was somewhat nervous for fear I would get past go."

Mar. 15, 1919--"Much relieved this morning. Dont think the flu, if it is the flu, will get the best of me. . . .
      "Several neighbors drop in. Ed offers to come up & do chores for me, but of course I would not listen to that until I am past go. According to the information department of the Telegram. Ormy may [be] homeward bound now--i.e. the 77 division. A clipping from the Brooklyn Eagle states that among several others, he was especially commended for bravery. We had the clipping re-printed in Medford Mail Tribune."

Mar. 16, 1919--"H.H. calls. He says there is quite an interest taken in T. over that notice in M.M.T. about Ormy. All take pride in his extra good luck. My right ear & ey[e] still pretty bum. It seems that getting back to normal is a slow process."

Mar. 17, 1919--"St. Patrick's day, but it hasn't much significance to most of us here. My ear ache set in with a vengeance this morning & kept it up until about 4 P.M. Then it gradually let up. Now at this hour--9 P.M. it is much better than yesterday. Slept most of night with left side of face over a hot iron."

Mar. 18, 1919--"Ear about so-so. Long way from pleasant."

Mar. 19, 1919--"My ear ache doesn't improve as fast as I would like. Jay Terrill comes for cemetery key. Clara Seaman's baby of a few days was interred in his lot."

Mar. 20, 1919--"Put in a miserable night. Ear gave me hell right from the jum[p]. Finally got up, built a good fire and sat up balance of night. Ed. R. goes to Jacksonville to pay his taxes. I send by him to pay ours. Also to get a laudanum preparation from Dr. Mahlgren for the ear."

Mar. 21, 1919--"Ear no better to speak of."

Mar. 22, 1919--"My neuralgia about so-so. Dont like staying in."

Mar. 23, 1919--"My trouble not better. Sat by stove most of night."

Mar. 24, 1919--"Neuralgia perhaps on the let up. Cream day sell 13 doz eggs to cream man. 32 cents."

Mar. 25, 1919--"Neuralgia still on."

Mar. 26, 1919--"Neuralgia still on the job. Have to keep in mostly."

Mar. 28, 1919--"H.H. sows my corn. Delbert with team to harrow A.M. Haul manure P.M. I help load. Neuralgia on the gain I think."

Mar. 29, 1919--"Delbert plows etc finishing. Windy--E.W. P.M. I try to rake trash etc. into furrows. Too much wind. Made neuralgia worse. Most exasperating thing for me."

Mar. 30, 1919--"Ear much better, for which the good Lord be thanked. Very little pain to day. Think I'll be W.J. [Dean] again in a few days. L. & M. drove up P.M. Eldred & Lloid's two children came with them.
      "Papers state that clocks must be turned forward one hour to day, same as last year. Never could discover any good horse sense in this so called daylight saving plan. Surely doesn't help out farmer much. Wage workers for the large manufacturing centers may be benefited by it."

Mar. 31, 1919--"Didn't have a good night's rest. Neuralgia still on the job. Same A.M. but let up nicely P.M."

Apr. 1, 1919--"Neuralgia about so-so. Hear there is lots of the same thing in many parts of country. S. has just received a letter from a lady friend in K.F. who says that ear-ache is going the rounds there. It strikes me that it is one of the most exasperating diseases that ever struck this, or any other, country."

Apr. 2, 1919--"Neuralgia seems to have let up. But it wont do to be too sure. About 3 P.M. it set in with a vengeance, for about two hours. Mrs. Lynch sent down some pure laudanum. Am trying that."

Apr. 4, 1919--"I have to keep in. Neuralgia bothers. . . . Not looking for a good night's rest."

Apr. 5, 1919--"Ear acted up no good last night, but gives very little trouble thru day. Of course stay in as much as possible."

Apr. 6, 1919--"Fairly clear, but cool, i.e. for anyone with ear ache. But I judge my ear trouble is letting. This my best day yet, tho poor night."

Apr. 7, 1919--"Heavy frost down valley. Smudging to beat the band. No frost here. Put in most of day making a brooder, mostly an invention of mine. Cream day also let cream man have eggs 35 cts. Ear ache O.K. to day. Some better during night. Alpha brings down a large soap stone. Tried it last night. Retains heat much longer than flat iron."

Apr. 8, 1919--"Good night's rest. No getting up till daylight."

Apr. 10, 1919--"Ear not doing so well. Build prison coop A.M. Potter around a while P.M. but finally had to 'beat it' for the house. S. turns loose at cleaning out shop."

Apr. 11, 1919--"Ear does better. Irrigating about 2 hours A.M. Fixing up chick room P.M. Alice Roberts surprised all by dropping in on us late P.M. It is a hurry trip. She takes her mother back with her to-morrow."

Apr. 13, 1919--"Write to Ernest Goddard at Spokane regarding to forwarding deed for his signature."

Apr. 15, 1919--"Poor rest last night. Too much hoeing and spading yesterday perhaps. Have kept pretty shady to day & hope for better rest to night."

Apr. 16, 1919--"Good sleep last night. Ear behaves well to day, But it will not do to be too hopefull. Morris Barlow gets home to day. Perhaps the fatted calf may suffer."

Apr. 17, 1919--"Good rest last night. H.H. finds from reports that there is good prospect for Ormy to start home soon."

Apr. 18, 1919--"Motor to T & on to Phoenix P.M. Got some pointers in feeding little chicks. Expect to get 100 from Minnie Sunday. A little wind P.M. & of course that sets the ear ache a-going, but no such pain as when it was at its best or worst."

Apr. 19, 1919--"Mr. Snook brings us 2 1/2 tiers stove wood--fir. $3 1/4 per tier."

Apr. 20, 1919--"Busy A.M. getting everything ready for our coming guests, the baby chicks. E.R. brings them early P.M. 75 chicks. We bring them in by the stove for a night or two."

Apr. 21, 1919--"Have quite a time with the chicks. Came near having an explosion of kerosene stove in chick room. A narrow escape from a big fire. So we have to give up warming the chick room with the oil stove. Had to keep them in house all day. Victory loan parties here. S. takes a 50."

Apr. 22, 1919--"H.H. late P.M. brings down a late Journal which states that Ormy's regiment is expected to reach N.Y. on Friday next."

Apr. 23, 1919--"Face much better."

Apr. 25, 1919--"Pearl Yates leaves this evening for San Francisco."

Apr. 26, 1919--"Put in about two hours of P.M. in taking up pipe leading from porch pum[p] to milk house. It was clogged. Found the trouble. O.K. now.
      "Having a hell of a time over at the Peace conference."

Apr. 29, 1919--"My day for water, so put in day cleaning ditches & irrigating. Pretty tired too. S. cleaning house. H.H.s all looking anxiously for telegram or letter from Ormy. He has landed in New York but may be detained."

Apr. 30, 1919--"Take Alpha to Ashland A.M. Somehow a misunderstanding made her come near missing her train. A hurry call for me to take her to Ashland. Had to keep up to speed limit to do it. 1 1/4 hours on trip."

May 4, 1919--"Wheel out chip manure from wood shed A.M--about 35 loads. Big job."

May 5, 1919--"Nights cool, days warm right along. Smudge in vally nearly night. Heavy smoke this morning. 39 here. Finish cleaning out chip manure. 46 wheelbarrow loads. Lettie Coleman & Ray called P.M. Ray home on a 10-day visit. Came from Portsmouth N.H. where his ship, the Pittsburgh is lying up for repairs. Ray is sure a handsome fellow. Now nearly 2 years in Navy has to serve 15 months more."

May 6, 1919--"Help S. A.M. to get sitting room ready for re-papering. I paint ceiling, take down mouldings etc."

May 8, 1919--"S. & I busy all day papering sitting room. Tired. Almost any hard work out of doors would suit me better. Maggie down late with letter from Ormy. He expects to start for the West about the 9th--to-morrow."

May 12, 1919--"S. & I put in most of day finishing the overhauling of sitting room."

May 15, 1919--"Attend burial of Mrs. Murphy A.M."

May 17, 1919--"Take H.H. & Maggie, also Sula--to T. to meet Ormy if he came. He failed to come."

May 18, 1919--"Motor to Medford A.M. to see if Ormy comes on 10 o'clock. No Ormy. H.H., Maggie & S. go also. Motor to T. to catch 4.40 train. No success. L., Minnie & Eldred come up A.M. for the day. Minnie bring[s] strawberry shortcake, which struck the right spot. Go to cemetery late P.M. to stake up some lots for curbing."

May 19, 1919--"Busy most of day mowing with a scythe the E. garden alfalfa patch, which is terribly lodged [lodged: grown tall, fallen or blown over and tangled--ed.]. Tired. S. goes to Medford with Marcia & Sabra. A bad accident happened on the ditch right-of-way east side. Tom Bell's leg broken between hip & knee."

May 20, 1919--"Report is that Ormy's division arrives in Camp Lewis to day.
      "Two accidents yester[day] on the ditches; another man has knee badly smashed, which, the doctor says, will make him a cripple for life.
      "May look for Ormy about Saturday."

May 23, 1919--"S. & I wash & clean up car A.M. Ormy drops in about 11 A.M. Go to Field-Meet at T. P.M. Ormy, Maggie with us."

May 27, 1919--"S. goes to T. this evening with the Powers to a rally in honor of returned soldiers."

May 30, 1919--"Decoration main feature. W.C.C. Association met at 2 P.M. to perform its regular duties. An interesting program followed, consisting of readings, recitations singing & an address by C.W. Thomas.
      "But weather was miserable, cold north wind, hard to endure."

June 1, 1919--"A[t] Prader's yesterday morning the frost, or freeze, did considerable damage. Potatoes flat & black, Beans destroyed. Tomato plants froze down. No injury here. Not very much down the valley. The frost seemed to play strange freaks. Anyway it was a record breaker."

June 5, 1919--"E. Purves cuts the grain-hay patch A.M. It was sowed to oats but so much volunteer truck came up & thought best to cut it."

June 9, 1919--"We see 6 air planes pass over to north. They make a stop in Medford."

June 12, 1919--"Motor to Ashland to have cylender of car cleaned & valves ground; also get 132 lbs wheat & some cracked corn."

June 13 & 14, 1919--"Orson Stearns accompanied [by] two lady acquaintances of years ago called this P.M. Working up a picnic for Sunday at Ashland Park. Airplanes to be there then."

June 15, 1919--"Off early to see the coming of Army biplanes in Ashland. Nothing certain about the time they were to arrive so were at the field by 9 A.M. H.H. & Maggie go with us. Picnicked in Park. Planes didn't show up until after 7 P.M. Hundreds of autos & a multitude of people on ground. Cold & disagreeable. A bonfire was built to help out. Of course go home late."

June 17, 1919--"Attend burial of F H May P.M."

June 18, 1919--"Off for Ashland early A.M. I consult Dr. Woods about my deafness. Busy in garden P.M. Maggie goes with us to Ashland to stay over & hear the 'greatest singer' (?) Mrs. Heine."

June 19, 1919--"Maud Powers leaves for Portland to enter hospital to train for a nurse."

June 20, 1919--"Motor to Ashland P.M. for another treatment by Dr. Woods. S. & Eldred go along. A big airplane passed over about 2 P.M. Stopped in Ashland field for gas."

June 22, 1919--"Busy transferring about a ton of hay from one barn to another using wheelbarrow. Slow but sure."

June 26 [gap of four days], 1919--"This record is like to take a jump of, perhaps, several days from now on. Since the further loss of hearing as a result of the flu I seem to have lost interest in many things. The doctor--Woods--says he thinks he can stop the noises in my ear but the ear nerves are out of commission, i.e. for the right ear. Hearing now is very defective & not likely to ever be better, so I accept the situation. I will try to enjoy life as well as I can but I do get a little blue at times. When I have to be not more than about three feet of any one to hold conversation & then we must be face to face. Weather just the same since last entry, I busy--very busy--on place, but eat well, sleep well, see well, but dont hear worth a d--n."

June 30, 1919--"Hear to day that the Huns have finally signed the treaty, but there is every indication that they do it intending to work every scheme they can think of to keep from carrying out the obligations agreed to. They are such adepts at all kinds of cussedness that they would stoop to anything no matter how mean to beat the game. They are poor losers. They cant see that they would get on much better to frankly own up [to having been] beaten & be willing to stand by the decision."

July 6, 1919--"Weather continues fair, 4th the warmest day yet--90. Fred & Alpha, Maggie, Mrs. & Eleanor Powers & ourselves picnic in our grove. Had a way-up dinner. Plenty of ice cream etc.--a very enjoyable Fourth to all of us. Fred takes us up to fire works in evening. Fred & Alpha return home this afternoon. Ormy goes with them to spend a few days. L & M brought Eldred up yester[day] to stay a day or two. Three deaths reported in or near Ashland from auto accidents."

July 9, 1919--"Motor [to] Ashland to day. Maggie goes with us. My birthday,--76 years old, but hale & hearty. Am having an extra good spell of health of late, of course excepting the ear trouble. That is mending however."

July 17, 1919--"Motored to Ashland to day for ear treatment."

July 23, 1919--"Several airplanes have passed over the last few days. 2 yesterday & 2 to day. One made over 100 miles per hour--flying time--for 600 miles & part of trip 200 miles--90 minutes. Going some! A company in Medford has purchased a touring plane & are going to take up passengers in 'joy rides'--two at a time at so much per ride. Many have signed up.
      "E. Purves cuts my oat hay to day.
      "S. has been attending Chitauqua meetings, goes up with the Power's. She heard Billy Sunday & Bryan. She goes to night. No use for me to go. Couldn't hear."

Sept. 1, 1919--"It looks very much as if the entries in this journal are getting fewer & fewer and beautifully [cf. 12-15-1912 entry] less. I may speed up when winter comes--& may not. Quien saba? [sic] Plenty hot weather in August--several times in the 90's. Finished haying, no hay getting wet. Good crop. Barn full. It is claimed that this is the longest dry spell ever known in the state. No rain for months. Yet crops in most sections of Southern Oregon fairly good. Irrigating water here holds on well. Have had several picnics in our grove. Last one yesterday, 16 picnickers. Sept. sets in cool & pleasant. 51 this morning, 78 P.M."

End of Diary

Willis John Dean
July 9, 1843- March 11, 1921