Diary Walter Fitz Randolph
Marengo, Illinois
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Introduction
This diarThe personal diary of Walter Fitz Randolph was made available by his grand daughter, Mary Louise McCorkle Cobb, of Maryville, MO, and was transcribed in April 1997 by James M. Richmond, spouse of his great grand daughter, Jeannette McCorkle Richmond. was the second known diary recorded by Walter Fitz Randolph. The first diary was recorded over a six month period of time from November 1, 1859 to June 3, 1860.
This diary transcribed herein, was recorded mainly over a 17 month period of time from December 9, 1860 to April 20, 1862. A single, last entry was dated on May 9, 1865. No entries were made on the intervening three years between April 1862 and May 1865. The May 9, 1865 entry was a simple but intriguing statement, “Met with a misfortune”. No clue was found to identify the nature of the “misfortune”.
The diary measured approximately 145mm long by 100mm wide, or 5 ¾ inches long by 3 ¾ inches wide. The exterior cover of the diary was of a good quality leather composition, with a tab and restraining strap. A square cross-hatch background was worked into the front and back covers of the diary. The squares of the cross hatch were about 1 mm square. The rear cover had an intricate quartrefoil design that had been incorporated into the design. As received, one end of the restraining strap on the front cover had become separated from the body of the diary, from apparent over use.
The inside of the leather front cover and it's facing page were covered with a good quality paper, light yellow in it's original color. Recorded in pencil, on the inside cover, after a 90 degree right rotation, was “Walter Randolph”.This suggests that Walter Fitz Randolph was right-handed. On the facing page, without original rotation and again in pencil, was “W. Randolph” and on the second line, “Marengo, Ill.”
The pages in the first part of the diary were numbered by Walter Randolph, and were in pencil, as were all entries of the diary. Pages 2, 3, and 4 were blank and not used, but numbered. The first entry was on page 5 and was headed by “Spring Boon Co., Ill, Dec. 9⁄60”. Page 40 was the last page numbered, although dated entries were recorded up to and including page 49, which was the entry of the “misfortune” mentioned in a previous paragraph. Page 50 through and including page 121 were blank and not used. Page 122 contained six lines of untitled prose, dated “Riley, Feb 1859”, apparently the date of it's origin, but prior to the first entry or purchase of the diary. Pages 123 through and including 129 were blank and unused. Page 130 contained mathematical calculations. Page 131 contained mathematical calculations and was dated “Apr 1 ⁄ 61”. Page 132 contained a record of meals taken and monetary values owed. Page 133 contained more mathematical calculations. Page 134 contained three lines of untitled prose and more mathematical calculations. Page 135 contained an entry relating to “Miss Abby Jones”. Page 136 contained a shopping list and a list of Banks of the region. Pages 138 and 139 had been removed [torn out], presumably by Walter Randolph.
Inside the back cover, at the end of the diary, a pocket was found, which was intended for storage of paper. At the top of the pocket, a loop of leather was found, which was intended to hold a small pencil. Within the pocket two paper items were found. The first was a folded handwritten certificate of marriage of Walter Randolph and Rachel Goodsil, written by “John A. Fitch, Minister”, dated 2 February 1864, recorded in ink, stating that the marriage had occurred at Riley, McHenry County, Illinois according to the rites of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The certificate was recorded on nominal 8 ½ by 11 inch paper, folded at the left, embossed in the upper left corner with an eagle with a flying banner in it's beak. Recorded on the banner was the word “Commercial”. The eagle was standing on another banner, with the letters “ P & P” recorded on the banner.
Upon opening the folded paper, the names, birth places, and birth dates of the three children of Walter Randolph and Rachel Goodsil were recorded in pencil, upon the opened right-hand page. All were recorded by the same person, but the penmanship did not match that of Walter Randolph.
The second document found in the pocket was a small piece of parchment type paper of irregular shape, highly wrinkled over every square centimeter, and without any recording of any type. Two halves of this paper, joined by a small bridge, were each approximately 2 inches by 4 inches.
The pocket was inspected closely for locks of hair or other substances, but no other items were found.
The entries of the diary were made in pencil, a convenient , portable writing instrument of the era. As a consequence, the diary was very difficult to read. Thus, during the transcription process, a computer and a Hewlett Packard Scan Jet 4P scanner were employed, which digitized the image of each page. With the aid of Visioneer Communication, Inc.'s Paper-Port software, version 3.0.1 and JASC, Inc.'s, Paint Shop Pro, version 4.12, images were magnified 200%, the contrast increased and the brightness reduced. This enabled the transcription process to proceed with greater accuracy.
Editorial comments by the transcriber are enclosed are enclosed in square bracket, [….]. Footnotes were also used as appropriate to assist in explanation. In those situations, where the spelling of a word or name was not recognizable or could not be inferred from surrounding text, the space was filled with question marks and then enclosed with square brackets, e.g., [???].
Page [5]
Spring Boon Co. IL Dec 9 ⁄ 60
Once more I have taken to my fitful notion of Diary writing. Not very commendable-this doing things by start without any plan or object, but then I like to do it - to write when I please, where I please, how I please, what I please, and about what I please. By chance almost I have commenced this time of scribbling on my twenty-seventh birth day. Yesterday I was at Belvider and procured this blank to gratify my whim. In the evening I sat down to write my name and scratch
Page [6]
something of an introduction when the thought for the first time struck me that tomorrow will be my birth-day and a good time to begin my Diary.
I suppose perhaps I ought to indulge in a very sage peroration on the occasion; but all I feel like saying about it is I wish I were ten years younger and rich.
Evening
I have been spending yesterday and today at a Mr. Soboleski's. He is a Polish exile - well educated with rather a practiced turn of mind. Enthusiastic, which perhaps somewhat accounts for his lavishment. He has told me but little about this part of his history except he was two years in Austrian
Page [7]
prison though he has told me much of the rest of his life. He had completed six of a seven year University course before the Polish trouble broke out. Since that has been in Itally, France, then to America. Speaks French, German and English. He's been engaged in everything from writing poetry and composing music to digging potatoes. Is very skeptical in religious matters - is a Spiritualist and last of all a part of my school.
Wednesday Dec 19 [1860]
To day learned the death of Miss Anna Heath. Her friends had been to busy her
Page [8]
informed me. How eventful has been Anna's life in the few short-years I have known her! A beautiful, pretty and very intelligent girl, a prettier bell, a blushing bride, a wife, a mother and a widow.
Thus, she has run through the whole of life in changes and yet-has not seen as many summers as I have.
Saturday Dec. 15
At Mr. Soboliski's again. Last night he came to the school for his children and invited me to come home with him and spend the evening; saying that he expected visitors whose company I would enjoy. I accepted
Page [9]
and had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of a Miss Kiney a very interesting young lady. About eight o'clock the children were sent to bed, a pack of cards placed on the table, and were invited to take of hand at Eucher. Sorry to say, we did so.
To-day, went to Belvidere to hear a law suit.
Sabbath Dec 16th [1860]
Folks have been here visiting Sunday. One- a young man from Belvidere and printer by profession plays on the violin beautifully. The rest were a John & Curtis and family.
Read, the viled Proffit in Moor's Salle Rooks.
I don't like the state of
Page [10]
feeling which the sending of such tales leaves.
Sunday Dec 23 [1860]
At Mason Smith's. The sillest place I ever was. Four grown folks have sat here a long winter evening and not spoken twenty words. Two or three times I have tried to lead them into conversation but the attempt [was] fruitless. Appear kind and friendly enough but no inclination to talk.
Went to McDonald' yesterday and returned today.
Monday Dec 24 [1860]
At McDonald's. Christmas eve and have been to Belvidere to the Episcopal Church-saw a Christmas Tree–was much
Page [11]
pleased to see the children get their presents. The children had a lesson for the occasion–the trees of the Bible beginning with the tree of Life and ending with the Tree of Life and the another Tree the Christmas Tree.
Wednesday Jan 2 ⁄ 61
At Mr. Seaset's. Something of a skip in my diary but the exciting events of the mean time will account for it. On Wed'ay evening just as I was about to close my school for the day there came a knock at the door and on opening it I was very much surprised to meet my friend Charles Richardson just from Cincinnati. Before I had time to recover I was next surprised but-honored by an invitation
Page [12]
to attend his wedding on the next evening. Of course the school had to give way for such an event and closed for the week and started for home. On the next evening according to appointment the “thing was did”. Rache and myself acting as witnesses. Then as to rest of the things that were done and said that night and the days following are things not written in the book of my memory and on Rachel's and Maggie's and Charlies's. How on the next day we went to Marengo and found her that is called Lizzie and rode home after dark through the rain then on the next-how we had a sleigh ride to Belvidere when the thermometer stood 10o
Page [13]
below zero and like to froze our noses and toeses off. Alas; it is all over yet the memory thereof is very pleasant.
Thursday Eve Jan 3 [1861]
At Mr. Sear's. Spent two very pleasant evenings here reading, singing-eating apples and drinking cider. The largest attendance at school yesterday and to-day than have been so far this winter.
Friday eve Jan 4 [1861]
At Mr. Parent's. I think this must have been the coldest day we have had. I have been almost impossible to keep the school room warm. Expect to have a rather cold berth to-night.
Page [14]
Sunday Morn Jan 6 [1861]
At McDonald's. Came to Marengo yesterday morning to meet Lizzie expecting that she was going home but she concluded to stay another week so after spending most of the day with Rachel we came down on the prairie with Alexander' Went to see Dr. Miller about the school. He gave me some encouragement yet I dare not hope to succeed in getting it.
Stayed the night with Alex and had a long talk. He told me some things that made me feel unpleasant-things I had misunderstood before.
Monday eve Jan 7
At Mr. Sboliski's. Had the school Com. Mr. Abby to visit me today-was glad to have come. He talked to the
Page [15]
school in a manner not very flattering to them or their teacher. Came with him to Mr. Sololiski's.
Friday morn Jan 11 [1861]
At. Mr. Grenald's. Have been visiting [since] Wednesday evening. Lizzie came down to spend a day or two with me in school. Alex. G' and Lizzie W brought her and stayed in school a few minutes. To-day cousin taken the cars from Marengo where I expect to meet her tomorow.
Sunday Jan 12 [1861]
Instead of going to Marengo in the way proposed Mr. Covinte offered us a horse and cutter which we thankfully accepted and drove up in
Page [16]
the evening on Friday, Lizzie stayed with Rachel and I with David Anderwood. She took the car Saturday noon and I spent the afternoon with Rachel-later [gave] her my troubles over my misunderstanding of last Sunday and felt better about it. Attended Episcopal church at Belvidere to-day.
Recv'd a lecture on the phenomena of Spiritualism. Have a “terrible cold” in the head.
Monday eve 14 Jan [1861]
In trouble to-night. Some of my large scholars are getting a little unruly this evening. I told two of the larger boys they must change seats in the morning. One of them said, not to me, that he
Page [17]
would not change his seat. I am afraid there will be difficulty in the morning.
Thursday Eve Jan 17 [1861]
Have been to Belvidere and spent the day in the public school on the south side.
I earned something perhaps enough to pay for the time; but not much that will be benefical to me at present. They have a fine school there. Mr. Fox is principle. Spent the evening at Mr. Albright's and had the pleasure of meeting an old school mate of the Marengo Java.
Amused myself part of the time listening to the old man [???] gods [?]. It is said the old fellow can neither [read] or write. If such is the case he
Page [18]
makes his self realy [???] about by his presumption.
Sabbath Jan 20 [1861]
Have spent the day in reading and writing–not such reading and writing as ought to be done on Sunday either. Wrote a letter to Dr. Underwood.
Sabbath 27 Jan [1861]
Am lonesome to-night. Have read till my eyes have failed and have nothing to do but sit–and think and in thinking how often I have thought of Rachel and wished I could go in and spend the evening with her. Last night and today I have had much of a disposition to complete that circumstances are such that I can not enjoy more of her society. Went to McDonald's
Page [19]
on Friday evening ---To Marengo on Saturday and back here to Mr. Goulies[??] to-day.
Friday Feb 1, 1861
Became a little acquainted with a brother of Mr. Goulies a preacher. There is something about him. Has but little to say. Last night as he and I were sitting alone together, he turned very abruptly to me and said “It is better for a man to run off the track seven times than to freeze down once isn't it?” I replied yes but had no idea of what he meant.
My school troubles me some. I have been compelled to adopt a plan of corporeal punishment.
Page [20]
Saturday Feb 2 1861
Went up on the prairie last night. James Mc'. Came after me. Went to meeting at Java and from there to Mr. Goodsil's. This morning came down with Alex. And Rachel. This after-noon went to Belvidere and took supper with them at Mr. Bushes.
Wednesday Feb 6
Been having some of the experiences of school teaching to-day---an attempt at “secession”. In the coarse of Juvenile events it become necessary that one of our little fellows should be severely chastised to enable him to properly recognize the constituent authority. At noon his older sister told him and another brother to go home.
Page [21]
The executive believing this has no right to leave without permission issued a proclamation forbiding them to do so. But in defiance of all warning they started when the executive having great power of locomotion and firmly believe in his right to do so followed them and “coerced” them back to their original status.
Saturday eve Feb 9 [1861]
Went to Belvidere this a.m. had my picture taken for Rachel. Came home and chopped wood and read law in the afternoon.
Tuesday 12 Feb [1861]
Went to Marengo to-day to see about the school. Dr. Miller is going away and a Mr. Buck is going to fill his place.
Page [22]
Sunday eve. Feb 17 [1861]
Went to see Rachel today. Spent a very pleasant sound profitable after noon with her reading and talking.
Friday eve Feb 22 [1861]
Had some more of the experiences of a teach to-day. One of the Directors came and intimated that I had been a little too severe in my “coercion” the other day and that the better way would be not to use fines to make them behave or prevent them from leaving but to help them go out is such cases. I however am inclined to dismiss. One of the patrons came with the complaint one of the little boys had used indecent language to his girls and I caught one the larger boys acting and talking obscenely in [the] presence of the whole school.
Page [23]
at noon. My feelings are anything but enviable yet my conscience does not accuse me.
Sunday eve Dec 24 [?Feb 24?] [1861]
Have been obliged to stay at home all day from inflamed eyes. It has been a long day. Could read but little.
Monday eve Dec 27 [?Feb 25?] [1861]
Am very much amused this evening hearing two preachers talk.
Sunday eve Mar 10 [1861]
Walked to Belvidere to church and back again to-day. Heard a good sermon and singing. The first time I have been to church in a month.
Page [24]
Tuesday March 13 [1861]
Stayed last night at Mr. Searde's and became better acquainted with young [???]. We don't amount to as much as one would suppose from what some of admirer's say.
Thursday 14 [14 March] [1861]
Stayed last night at Mr. Soboliski's and spent the evening visiting with Miss Jones the last summer teacher of this school. Not a very intelligent girl but well calculated to please children. She was very much liked as a teacher.
Friday March 15 [1861]
The last day of my school. A hard job finished. For some reason I am sorry it is done yet on the
Page [25]
whole I am very glad. I have had some pretty hard cases to deal with but with these few exceptions a very pleasant lot of children.
Friday March 29[March 22, 1861]
Have been to Woodstoc nearly all week attending court. Am going to a party tonight. Have debated long with my self whether it was best to go. I do not want to go.
I am in trouble again. That old affair about Father getting married which I had supposed was all settled and given up is about to revive. This coming just at this time nearly [?????] me. I could go and cry like a baby.
Page [26]
Sunday March 24 [1861]
Have wasted a week. Been running around and visiting and have accomplished nothing.
Monday April 1, 1861
Have been today after my school [??] but got nothing but a check.
Called at Mr. Pritentens. They did not really [???] me until I made my business known. Ten years ago I was very involved with the family. They say I have changed very much in that time.
Tuesday April 2 [1861]
To day attended town meeting but did not feel interested enough to vote. I think to convince one that people are not capable of governing themselves it will only be necessary
Page [27]
to attend town meeting one day in the town of Rile---a long tramp through the mud. Have been boarding this week at Mr. Curtises. Went this evening to hear a young Methodist Minister Gray preach–am very much pleased with the man and his sermon.
Tuesday Apr 9 [1861]
Went to Marengo yesterday and got caught there by a storm and had to stay all night. Spent the evening with Rachel. Stayed with David U. Saw his wife for the first time. She was not very well pleased with her. She tried to be something she is not and herself shone through it so plainly that anyone can see it. She hasn't got a good voice and I believe good
Page [28]
persons have good voices. I think perhaps she will suit D. and then certainly I ought to be satisfied. To day came back to Mr. Curtises.
Wednesday 10 Apr [1861]
Attended the funeral of Sam'l Richardson's youngest child. Found the first wild flowers for the spring as I came home across the prairie.
Sabbath Apr 14 [1861]
Spent a long day ---went to S. school the p.m. and after that took a walk with Hattie to find wild flowers.
Tuesday Apr 16 [1861]
This P.M. came to Marengo and commenced boarding at Mr. Safford's and this evening attended a meeting of the city men on the event
Page [29]
of the surrender of Fort Sumpter to express sentiment supporting the Union and the administration.
Sunday 21 Apr [1861]
Attended service at Mr. Calterman's church, and heard a sermon on the “Crissis” last night. Was at a meeting for the purpose of raising a company of soldiers to go to the “wars”. Great enthusiasm displayed and much willingness to go expressed by words but much less by actively offering to go. The question as to going myself is seriously on my mind. To-day I do not think there is any call for one to go at present. There are a great many more offering than the Government called for yet I fear the time will come when it will be my duty to go and it costs me
Page [30]
some effort to resolve to do my duty. Went to Rachel's room this evening and stayed and talked till 10 o'clock.
Tuesday Ap 30 [1861]
Went yesterday down to school. I taught school last winter and from there went to Mr. Williamson's and stayed one night. This morning came to Marengo. Called on my [????] at Mr. Wernhan's and spent a very pleasant hour talking with Mattie.
Sunday eve Apr 5 [May 5, 1861
Have been to church twice to-day to [???]. Mr. Fairbanks this A.M. and Mr. Walenberg in the P.M. Wanted to go and spend the evening with Rachel but it rained so
Page [31]
I am compelled to stay at home. Am going to amuse myself reading [??] [??].
Saturday 11 May [1861]
Witnessed the departure of our volunteers for their camp. At 10 o'clock this fore-noon they were presented with a splendid silk flag by the ladies of M and the usual speeches of such occasions were made accompanied with the usual cheers. It was realy an enthusiastic time. Many have expressed it as a solemn event but I think a glorious [time]. The oath of fealt was administered to the crowd. My enthusiasm ran so high that I felt very much like volunteering and going with the boys even at the last hour. This has been one of the days in the history of Marengo.
Page [32]
Wednesday May 15 [1861]
Came from Marengo to Mr. Steven's this morning to help Father plant corn. Worked hard–am tired. Too tired to write if I had anything to write about.
Sunday May 19 [1861]
At. Steven's. Very rainy to-night. This has been a very long day to me. This fore-noon rode 16 miles on horseback and have been traveling and riding about all afternoon. On the whole a very unprofitable Sabbath.
Marengo Friday 31 Ap [31May 1861]
Came back here day before yesterday and was glad to get back to comfortable quarters. In the evening went to the
Page [33]
Baptist church to see the Rev. Mr. Haltreman married. Interesting occasion. The house was crowded. The greater [???] ladies. Began to think they are very much interested in affairs matrimonial. Senot might be held a kid or reception for his friends at Mr. Saffords. People appeared to enjoy themselves but was a dull affair for me.
Sabbath eve June 2 [1861]
Went to Episcopal Church this morning after reading a sermon by Beetzer on camp life. Went up at 5 o'clock and spent the evening with Rachel.
Thursday 6 [June 1861]
Last night went on a surprise visit to Charlie Linsley's and
Page [34]
had the happiness of waiting on Misses Goorback and Hubert. Rachel thinks we had a rather cold reception. I was pretty well pleased with it.
Coral Friday Eve June 14 [1861]
Came here to night on my way to St. Charles [???] [???] has just returned from there today. They say that Lizzie is to be married in about two weeks and brought me a letter inviting me to be present. I have expected to hear this for some time.
St Charles Sunday eve 16 [June 1861]
Came here yesterday very glad to see the folks. Went to church this morning and to camp meeting this afternoon. Was introduced to my [???] to be cousin. This evening
Page [35]
Riley Tuesday June 18 [1861]
Returned from St. Charles to-day. Had a very fine visit. Went to camp meeting again last night and saw sights and heard sounds that were strange.
At Camp Meeting Saturday 22
[22 June 1861]
Sitting on a log beside R talking about every thing and some things in particular. Am enjoying it pretty well–not the meeting but the conversation, she [????] are very troublesome.
Thursday eve 28 [June 1861]
To-day Father and I moved Mother's grave. It was an unpleasant task.
Tuesday July 2 [1861]
Yesterday went on a pleasure trip to Crystal Lake
Page [36]
We had a very fine select company and a pleasant time riding, sailing, walking and talking. It was rather a long cold ride coming but [???] by good company and a fine view of the magnificent comet. Miss Mattie M. was my lady for the day. I began to like her.
July 5 [1861]
Spent the most of my Fourth lying on the floor reading law. In the evening went to Marengo and visited and played at Mr. Perkins.
July 17 [1861]
Alexander and I have been to Belvidere and bought a thrashing machine to-day.
Page [37]
Nov 15, 1861
This evening I once more [???] my Diary which has been lain aside for four months. I have just quit thrashing so that I will now be better situated to attend to it. I was examined in Father's case against Persons and this evening came to Rockfor with Rachel.
Saturday 16 [Nov 1861]
Have spent the day in Rockford-the greater part of it at my cousin Katie Matson's.
Sunday 17 [Nov 1861] Rockford
R. and I stayed at the Arnerson's last night and how lorny [??]
Page [38]
the most of the day away here. We went to Episcopal church this morning and this evening to the Congregational. To-night we take the cars for Marengo.
Monday 18 [Nov 1861] G.P.
Commencing my winters school to-day. We came to Marengo about twelve last night and this morning got up at 5 and came down here a foot. Don't feel satisfied with teaching, sleepy, tired and out of humor.
Tuesday 19 [19 Nov 1861]
It has rained all day. Would like to quit teaching.
Page [39]
To-night am staying at Mr. Foxes-a very fine place to live. Pretty girls and social-able folks.
Saturday 23 [Nov 1861]
A very stormy day. Came to Marengo on the noon train. Stopped and saw . Came from there on foot to Mr. Curtises.
Monday 25 [Nov 1861]
At Mr. Bamers this evening. Commenced reading Greenleaf on Evidence to-day.
Thursday 28 [Nov 1861]
Thanksgiving and I have no school today. Went to Marengo and heard a sermon. Spent the after-noon and evening at R's
Page [40]
Friday 29 [Nov 1861]
At Mr. Porter's to-night. Passed the evening at Mr. Blair's with a social party of some of my pupils.
Think I broke through the ice and gained their goodwill.
Sunday Dec 1 [1861]
At. Mr. Porter's very pleasantly.
Friday Eve 6 [Dec 1861]
Attended a party at Geo. Richardson's this evening. Will stay tonight with Horrace Hine.
Monday Dec 9 [1861]
This is my birth-day. I have barely thought of it before. Twenty eight! In a few years I will be on down hill side
Page [41]
of life. Passed the afternoon and evening yesterday with Rachel and come down this morning from Marengo a foot.
Saturday Dec 14 [1861]
Have had a very pleasant week in school. Have Lizzie McDonald as assistant which makes my work much lighter and more pleasant. Came home to go to Woodstock to [????] next week.
Monday eve 16 [Dec 1861]
Went to see R. again yesterday. This morning came to Woodstock.
Wednesday 18 [Dec 1861]
Came back to my school. Left [???] at 5 o'clock this morning.
Page [42]
Saturday 20 [Dec 1861]
Attended a dancing party at Mr. Foxes last night and had a fine time.
Sunday eve [21 Dec 1861]
At Mr. Foxes all day. Snowed all day so that I could not go out. Have been playing the agreeable [???] like Sallie.
Christmas evening
Dismissed my school this morning for the balance of the week and came to Mr. Curtises. Attended a donation party for Mr. Church at Mr. Ballents.
Want to go to St. Charles tomorrow but am afraid the [????] is all going off
Page [43]
Sunday evening Dec 20 [1861]
Have had a dull time this week. Three days completely wasted. The sleighing went away so that I could not go a visiting and I could no nothing else so the time weighed very heavily.
New Years [1862]
Kept school today and had visitors. Going to a dancing party to-night at Mr. Soochs; Belvidere.
Thursday eve Jan 3 ⁄ 62
Have had a hard days work. Slept all night and taught school to-day.
Monday Jan 6 ⁄ 62
Yesterday went to see R and was going to come back on the train cars this morning
Page [44]
but it stormed so the car would not run so I had the pleasure of walking.
Saturday Jan 12 [1862]
have been lounging around all day-hard business.
Garden Prairi
Sunday March 2 [1862]
Yesterday was the last day of my winters school. Had a [????] house. I closed on rather short notice of only two days. The measles have broken out at school and the parents morning last. The Directors thought it best to close. I think my school this winter has been the pleasantest I ever thought. Am very sorry it is through.
Page [45]
To-day attended the funeral of Mrs. Grand, a lay whom I have learned to esteem very much. The sermon was by a Minnesotian.
Wednesday P.M.
We have had three days of the severen storm of the season. It has taken me three days to get home.
Monday March 17 [1862]
Have just returned from a visit to my friends at St. Charles. Went down last Friday a week. Found them all well and happy. Became acquainted with Lizzie's husband for the first [time] and liked him very much. I think she has married well in every respect. They appear to love
Page [46]
each other sincerely. I couldn't help feeling happy while visiting them. [???] are living just as comfortably as ever.
Returned to Marengo Saturday and spent the Sabbath with Rachel. To-day came to Garden P. to return my schedule.
Friday March 24 [1862]
Have been to court all week and staying at Uncle Henry's Had mister minimum up from St. Charles to take his deposition in father's suit against Persons.
Monday 30 [March 1862]
Commenced plowing to-day. Rather late to begin spring farming.
Page [47]
Sunday Apr 6 [1862]
Have been to-day to see R. A long cold ride but yet I am more than paid.
Thursday Apr 10 [1862]
[?? Bossut: Onsid, (Mind; where) ??]
Have made about twenty four smiles through the snow today. Am pretty well tier–all to collect my school money. Am at Mr. Foxes and have spent a very pleasant evening, chattering and singing with the young ladies.
Friday Apr 11 [1862]
Stayed at Garden Prairie and attended the funeral of young H. Sears. He entered the army last fall; returned a few
Page [48]
weeks ago sick. Linger till now and was to-day borne to the church. Was followed by numerous friends. He was a young man of much promise. The prince of a numerous family.
Sunday 13 [Apr 1862]
A long day. Have stayed at home completely [????] by mind. Spent the day reading the Bible. [????????????]
Sunday 20 [Apr, 1862]
Went to meeting at the school house to-day. Wanted to go and see R but had not the courage to undertake nor the fortitude to endure the [???] through the [?????] wind and cold.
Page [49]
1865 May 9th
Met with a misfortune.
Pages 50 through 121 were blank and not used.
Page [122]
Riley Feb 1859
When lonely, sad oppressed with care
As on life's rugged path I fare
Love cheeres me oft with hope
that-Thou wouldist kindly give me the
Eves to cheer the lonely me
Revive my trembling hope
Pages 124 through 129 were blank and not used.
Page [130]
21.25
19.15
2.10
1.25
.85
2.10
[The following entries were entered into the diary upside down.]
9.12 21.25
12. 1.25
21.12 20.00
1.25 19.15
22.37 .85
21.25
1.12
Page [131]
Apr 1 ⁄61
12 ) 19.50
1.6
1.80
19.50
21.30
21.25
19.12
Page [132]
Number Meals
June 22 This week 5
25 “ “ 14
July 21 Three Weeks
Miss M. Fox 50
“ H. Fox 50
“ T. Blair 50
“ E. Porter 50
Mr. F. Porter 50
Michl G Heil 50
Mr. Wm Hezle 50
Miss M. Bennet 50
Mr. S. Merrimac 50
Mr. Wes Porter 50
R. Thompson 50
Mathew Bemer
Mary Bemer
Page [133]
933 93.51
95.5 1.75
4665 94.25
2799
8397
2318)87235.5 (37.63
6954
17695
16226
14695
13908
7870
93.50
37.63
55.87
1.75
57.62
Page [134]
Shine on O star of love live on [?]
And may our souls affection turn
Around thu a talon moved
933
1385
2318
933 80
80
2318)74640 (32.20
6954
5100
4636
4640
4636
4
Page [135]
Presented to
Miss Abby Jones
by her pupils
Walter Randolph
Walter Randolph
Randolph
[The following entry was recorded upside down]
Presented to
Miss Abby Jones
by the pupils of her
school
Page [136]
Balsam Copenia
2 lbs Nick Wood
½ lb Alum
Bank America Chicago
Bank N. Ill
Chicago Bank
Exchange Bank
Lane Co. Bank
Marengo Bank
Flour
Dipper
??
Pages 137 and 138 were removed from the Diary [torn out], probably by Walter Randolph.
Pages 139 and 140 contained additional mathematical calculations
The last two pages of the diary were opposite the pocket under the back cover, and were of good quality paper, of yellow original color, and were blank and unused.
Figure
Upon opening the folded marriage certificate, the following entry was found:
Rhett F. Randolph
Born Riley McHenry Co Ill
Jan 30th 1866
Ruth F. Randolph
Born Marengo Ill
April 4th 1867
Elizabeth F. Randolph
Born Marengo Ill
May 4th 1869