The diary begins on the inside front cover where Belle wrote her name and address:
Miss Belle RICE
Springfield, Ohio
Jan 1, 1874
The name Molly RICE is written sideways on the facing page. Not sure who she is but she is mentioned often
in the diary pages. So are Ida and Uncle Clay in the first pages. Uncle Clay was Henry Clay RICE,
the brother of Alonzo Rice and the two families lived next door on Rice street. Ida was Clay's daughter and Belle's
1st cousin and they were about the same age.
Belle's birthday and party are described on the Feb. 27, 1874 entry. Her grandfather ALT's (Adam ALT) death
on March 11(he actually died the 10th) and his funeral on March 12. Belle's mother was age 47 on April 5th, and
all the children were over.....lots of good stuff here, including Belle buying herself an organ and taking music lessons,
going to school, working, church - everyday life for a young 17/18 year old. But, let's begin with Jan 1, 1874
and work our way through this fantastic piece of family history. (Dashes and question marks will appear in difficult
to read parts of the diary)
Thurs., Jan 1, 1874
"Very Pleasant" Had a family dinner Sisters & brothers were all home.
Went to Uncle Clay's for Supper. Had Turkey. Spent the evening at home in company with Ida, Graff &
Milo. Had a very pleasant evening.
Fri., Jan 2
Went over too Uncle Clay's and helped sew on Ida's dress in the morning. Went to town in the
afternoon. Came home in the rain. Spent the evening with Ida
Sat, Jan. 3
"Pleasant though very windy". Went to town in the afternoon. Went to see the New
Episcopalian Church. Did not get home until half past five o'clock. Ida was over in the evening.
Sun, Jan. 4
Stayed home all Day. Rained in the Afternoon. Mollie did not come ----.
Graff was disappointed. Milo was out in the Evening.
Mon., Jan 5
Went to school today. Sat with Mollie and Josie. Met Milo and Graff at William's ???.
They walked home with Mollie and I. Graff went home tonight on the one o'clock train. Very Pleasant and
windy (?).
Tues, Jan 6
Went to school in the rain. Went around for Mollie. Did not get there until Recess.
Came home in the Rain. Went over to Ida's in the evening.
Wed. Jan 7
Stayed home all day. Wind, snowed & sleeted all day. Ironed all the forenoon. Knit
all the afternoon and Evening on my Tray(?)
Thurs, Jan. 8
"Clear and very Pleasant". Went to school. Mollie was at school.
Josie did not come in the afternoon. Mollie and I had the seat all to ourselves. Wrote a letter to
Emma MEENACH in the evening. (Note: Emma MEENACH was another 1st cousin about the same age, the daughter
of Alonzo's sister, Celoma & Robt. MEENACH - they lived in Newberry Twp, Miami Co, OH and later moved to Kansas about
1880).
Fri, Jan 9
"Clear but Cold". Went to school. Mollie came to meet me. She came home with
me in the evening. Did not stay all night. I went over to Ida's in the evening.
Sat, Jan 10
"Clear and Pleasant"
over head. went down in the afternoon to Milo's . was his last
day home with Ida and I. Called on El --- --- came home. Ida was over in the evening.
Sun., Jan 11
"Clear & Pleasant". Stayed home in the morning. Mollie came over.
Ida, Mollie & I went to Sabbath school in the afternoon. Ida was over in the evening. Milo was
out. (note: I'm not sure who Milo was, a possible suitor? A name written in the back cover
is written "Milo SCOTT". There was a Milo C. SCOTT, resident of Springfield, married a Nellie CALHOUN in 1881
and was listed on the 1890-94 Springfield city directory. Belle used the initials M.C.S. or M.S. so I'm sure this must
be him).
Mon, Jan 12
Stayed home all day. Butchered today. Ida came over to help me and spent part
of the evening over here. Clear and very cold.
Tues., Jan 13
Washed in the forenoon. Rachel G.(?) was out in the afternoon. Ida was over.
"Cloudy" and snowed this evening.
Wed., Jan 14
"Cloudy and cold" Went to school today. Went to Spelling School tonight.
Milo came home with me. Spent the rest of the evening with me. Got a letter from Graff this evening.
Will WOODBURY went home with Mollie.
Thurs, Jan 15
"Cloudy and cold" Stayed home in the Morning. Went to Ida's in the Afternoon.
Uncle Clay had a -------- ----- today. (rest not readable)
Fri, Jan 16
"Clear and Cold" Went to school. Mollie was at school. Was over to Ida's
and stayed all Night. I baked M------ pies today.
Sat., Jan 17
"Clear and Pleasant". Stayed home in the forenoon. Went to town in the afternoon.
Saw Rachel GARLINGER. Milo walked out as far as Ell's. Ida and I stopped at ------- and then
came on and stopped at Lou's and then came home.
Sun., Jan 18
"Cloudy and Rainy"
Stayed home & got Dinner. Went to Sunday school in the Afternoon.
Rained and did not get to go to Concert at the Lutheran Church. M.C.S. was out in the evening.
Mon., Jan 19
(first part not readable).....Me and Ida Seen Rachie. Mollie was at school. Stayed with me
in the evening.
Tues., Jan 20
"Cloudy all day" and rained this Evening. Went to school. Mollie was not at
school. Ida sat with me this afternoon.-----stayed home in the Evening.
Wed., Jan 21
"Cloudy and rainy"
Stayed home all day. Sewed all the forenoon. Read all the
afternoon. Stayed home in the evening and read and had the toothache all night
Thurs., Jan 22
"Rainy and Cloudy"
Stayed at home and washed all the forenoon. Went to town in the afternoon
Had
the toothache in the evening. Expect to have it all night.
Fri, Jan. 23
"Clear and Pleasant" Was down to Cab's all day sewing on Blanche's dress. Went
over to Uncle Clay's and stayed all night. (Note: Cab was Belle's brother-in-law, married to her older
sister Lucy. Blanche, their daughter, age 2 1/2 was Belle's niece. They also lived on Rice St.)
Sat. Jan 24
"Clear and cold". Stayed home in the forenoon and ironed. Went to town in the afternoon.
Home in the Evening
Sun., Jan 25
"clear and cold". Went to Sabbath School down to the church in the morning. Stayed
for church. went to sunday School over in the Chapel in the afternoon. Played ball with Lafe and Calie in
the evening to make up for being so good all day. <Note: Lafe was Belle's older brother, Adam Lafayette
Rice. Not sure who Calie is>
Mon., Jan 26
"Clear and Pleasant". Went to school. Mollie wasn't at school came.........with
Sadie W. and Eva CLASON. Spent the evening at home reading in "Hot Corn".
Tues, Jan. 27
"Rained all day" Did not go to school. Went over to Ida's this afternoon. Ida is over
to stay all night.
Wed., Jan. 28
"Cloudy". Washed in the forenoon. Went to town in the afternoon.
Went over to Ida's in the evening and parched corn.
Thurs., Jan 29
"Cloudy". Went to school. Mollie was at school. Ida came over here
in the evening.
Fri., Jan 30
"Clear". Went to school. went to Spelling school in the evening got a letter
from.... (rest not readable)
Sat., Jan 31
"Cloudy and Cold" Went to town in the afternoon. Ida had her pretty face taken today. Aunt Ella
and Uncle Dan was here all day and Aunt Mollie and Uncle George was here this evening. Ida's here.
<Note: Aunt Ella & Uncle Dan (ALT) and Aunt Mollie and Uncle George (ALT) were Belle's mother's brothers>
Sun., Feb. 1, 1874
"Clear and Cold"
Stayed home in the forenoon. went to the Chapel in the afternoon.
Carl(?) & wife was here all day.
I went over to Ida's in the Evening.
Mon., Feb. 2, 1874
"Cloudy" and Ground hog's day the sun did not shine all day. Washed in the forenoon went
to town in the Afternoon. Ida was over in the Evening.
Tues., Feb 3. 1874
"Cloudy"
Went to School. Ida did not go. Mollie was there & Jesse (Josie?) was
there.
I ------ going over to see Ida ------ this evening -------. I guess I will go.
Wed., Feb 4, 1874
"Cloudy"
Went to School. Mollie was there. Ida ws over in the Evening and stayed
all night.
Thurs., Feb 5, 1874
"Clear"
Went to town in the Morning. Went to Rose POWERS' Funeral in the afternoon.
Was over to Ida's in the Evening. <Note: I found only one Rose POWERS in the 1870 Census...the young wife of
Emory POWERS-they had just married in Jan. She was 18 and he was 23, living in Springfield. Found a marriage record
for Emory POWERS and a Rosa GRAM for Jan 5, 1870 - I think this must be them. No relation to Belle that I can find>
Fri., Feb 6, 1874
"Cloudy & snowing"
----------- stayed ------------- in the freeze (?). Went over to
Ida's and ----- in the afternoon. Spent the evening ---------sewing.
Sat., Feb 7, 1874
"Cl----"
Stayed home in the morning. Went to town in the afternoon. Stayed home in
the Evening.
Sun., Feb 8, 1874
"Clear and Pleasant"
Stayed home in the morning. Mother (?) and Sisters were all home.
I went to the Chapel----------Ida's in the Evening.
Mon, Feb 9, 1874
"Cloudy"
---- in the ------. went to School. M----- and I were both ---------. Stayed
home in the Evening & sewed? -------.
(Martha B----D)
Tues, Feb. 10, 1874
"Clear & Pleasant"
Went to School. Mollie was not there. Joe was.
Got a letter from
Emma MEENACH. Ida is over here this Evening.
Wed. Feb. 11, 1874
"Clear & Pleasant"
Went to School. Josie was there. Mollie was not. Very
Muddy in the Evening did not go to the lecture. Ida was over & stayed all night. Got a letter from (M.C.S.)
& from Groff (Graff?)
Thurs, Feb. 12, 1874
"Cloudy"
Went to School and all alone until Noon & then Joe came. Ida was over in
the Evening and we poped corn.
Fri., Feb. 13, 1874
"Cloudy & Rainy"
Went to School. Mollie & Josie were both there. Stayed
home and made me an apron this Evening.
Sat. Feb. 14, 1874
"Clear & Pleasant"
Stayed home in the forenoon. Went to town in the Afternoon.
Seen
and heard the Temperence Women. Stayed home in the Evening.
(15-17 pages missing)
Wed., Feb. 18, 1874
"Cloudy"
Went to School and came home around ---d & called on Lillie LEWELLYAR (LEWELLYAN?).
Ida is over to stay all night - wrote a letter to M.S. & one to Graff today.
Thurs., Feb 19, 1874
"Cloudy"
Did not go to School. Rachie GARLINGER was out in the Afternoon.
Spelling School to Night. Ida has the toothache. Blanche stayed all Night. <Note: There was a Rachel
GARLINGER on the 1870 Census in Springfield, then age 15, living with her parents, James and Eliza....probably a friend>
Fri., Feb 20, 1874
"Cloudy"
Stayed home all day. Stitched Ida's Dress in the afternoon. rained in the
Evening. Wrote a letter to ???? ?????. Blanche stayed all night.
Sat., Feb. 21, 1874
"Cloudy"
and rained all Day. was over to Uncle Clay's for ------ It rained so hard I
did not go to town in the Afternoon. Blanche is going to stay all night
Sun., Feb. 22, 1874
"Cloudy"
Went to -------- for Dinner. Was ------ in the Afternoon. -----and rained hard in
the Evening.
Mon., Feb 23, 1874
"Clear"
Washed in the forenoon. Went Calling in the Afternoon. I was over to E----'s in
the
Evening.
Tues., Feb 24, 1874
"Clear and Pleasant"
----- in the forenoon. Mr. and Mrs. Luke BYRD ------- for Dinner.
I went calling in the Afternoon. Went over to Ida's in the Evening.
Wed., Feb 25, 1874
"-----------"
Stayed home in the Morning. Went over to Ell's & down town in the Afternoon.
was home in the Evening. M. S. came home from Maryland (Marion?) & came out this Evening and surprised me.
Thurs, Feb. 26, 1874
"Clear"
home in the forenoon. Went over and carried some things over to Ell's for the
party. Groff & Ida carried (me home?). Ida RICE, Ida STALEY was here this Evening. did not ----------
Fri., Feb. 27, 1874
"Clear"
Went over to Ella's and helped prepare for the Party. Milo, Graff & Will
SHERMAN (SHERWOOD?) called this morning. I was Eighteen Years old today. Had a Birthday Party to Night - There
were 44 there. Had a very nice time and stayed all night at Ell's.
Oyster supper.
Sat., Feb 28, 1874
"Clear"
Stayed over and helped Ella clean up the house. Ida R., Ida S. & myself went
to town this Afternoon. M. S. walked out home(?) and ---- with me. We went in to Ella's. Ida came. Then
we went home.
Sun., Mar 1, 1874
"Clear"
Went to Church in the Morning. Went to Uncle Clay's for Dinner. Went to the
Chapel to Sunday School too. Ida and Will S., Ida & A.S. L., Milo and I went to the Lutheran Church
Mon., Mar 2, 1874
"Cloudy"
Ida STALEY & I went over to Ell's and we went and got Clarence's picture taken.
Went to the Depot to see Aunt Polly off. Came home to Ell's and got our Dinner and went back to town in the afternoon.
Stayed to Ella's all night - had a gay time
<Note: Aunt Polly was POLLY RICE married to Lansing CHAMBERLAIN, lived
in Bellefontaine, Logan Co., OH>
Tues, Mar 3, 1874
"Cloudy"
Stayed and helped Ell wash in the forenoon. Came home and went up to the School
house in the Afternoon. Milo and Graff was up there and and all came home in the rain. Groff went home today -------
tonight on the 1 o'clock train
Wed., Mar 4, 1874
Ida and I washed in the forenoon. Parched corn and cut it(?) in the afternoon. ---- came
in the Evening. -------- came out and stayed with me. M. S. stayed all the evening.
Thus, Mar 5, 1874
Ida S. and I washed in the forenoon. Went to town in the Afternoon. Went to a Prayer Meeting
in the Evening. Milo came home with ----.
Fri, Mar 6, 1874
"Raining"
Stayed at home all day. Ida STALEY & I ----- Ida RICE came over and spent
the Afternoon with us. Ida S(?) and I spent the Evening at Uncle Clay's. Ida S. stayed all night with me.
Sat., Mar 7, 1874
"Cloudy"
Stayed home in the forenoon. Went to town in the afternoon. Wind blew very
very hard. M. S. walked home with me. Ida S. stayed all night. Ida R. was over in the Evening.
Sun, Mar 8, 1874
"Clear"
Went to the Church and Sunday School in the Morning. Went to the Lutheran Church.
went over to the Chapel to ----- in the Evening. M. S. was -----.
Mon., Mar 9, 1874
"Clear"
Washed in the morning. Went to town in the Afternoon & had my picture taken.
Got word that Grand pa was very sick. Ma & Pa went out there. Ida B. and Ida ?, Charlie & -----stayed
----over all night.
Tues., Mar 10, 1874
"Clear"
Ironed in the forenoon. Stayed home and baked in the Afternoon. Ida S.
and Ida RICE stayed all night. M. S. was out ---- spent the Evening with me. Ma was still out to Grand Mother's
Wed. Mar 11, 1874
"Clear"
Stayed home in the forenoon. Went to town in the Afternoon. Grand Father
ALT Died today. Ma came home in the Evening & and went back and stayed all night. Ida R. & Ida S. stayed with
me all night again.
M. S. went to Marion
Thus, Mar 12, 1874
"Cloudy and Snowing"
Went to Grand Father ALT's Funeral today. Did not get home until
8 o'clock. Ma stayed all night out to Grand Mother's. Ida R. & Ida S. stayed all night with me.
Fri., Mar 13, 1874
"Cloudy"
Stayed home and churned in the forenoon and sewed in the Afternoon. Ma-----(rest
of day's entry not readable).
Sat., Mar 14, 1874
Home all the forenoon. Went to town and went with ------- ------- Ida STALEY, Ida R., Mollie
and I. Ida STALEY went home with ------ Mollie stayed all night. Was over to Ida's in the Evening
Sun. March 15, 1874
"Clear"
Went to Sabbath School in the Morning at the ------ church. Went to Church.
Went to the Chapel & to Sabbath School in the afternoon. Went to the Methodist Church in the Evening.
Mon. Mar 16, 1874
"Cloudy"
Stayed home in the forenoon and sewed------. Bosler(?) was out in the afternoon
----(rest not readadable)
Tues., Mar 17, 1874
"Clear"
Went down ----- ------ for Ellie's ----- --------. ------ in the Afternoon.
Ida was here all night. Wrote a letter to M.S.
Wed., Mar 18, 1874
"Cloudy"
Stayed ---- in the forenoon. Washed and -----ed in the afternoon ------ over to Ida's
in the evening. Ida S. was ----- all night.
Thurs, Mar 19, 1874
Stayed home and washed in the Morning. Went to town in the afternoon and bought Mother a
Dress. Ida R. is over to ------ the evening. Ida s. (rest not readable)
Fri, Mar 20, 1874
(not readable)
Sat. Mar 21, 1874
"Clear"
Stayed home in the forenoon. Aunt Mollie and Uncle George ALT and cousin Adam ALT
was here for dinner. Went to town in the Afternoon. Ida S. and I were over to Ida's in the Evening. Ida
S. stayed all night.
Sun., Mar 22, 1874
"Clear & Pleasant"
Went to Sabbath School in the morning. Came home, wrote a letter
to Groff. Went to Chapel in the Afternoon. Spent the Evening at home in the company of Ida S., Ida R. and Mollie
(Millie?) KERSH---. KERSHNER(?) stayed all night.
Mon, Mar 23, 1874
"Clear"
Stayed home in the forenoon. Went to town in the Afternoon. Came home after(?)
Supper at Ella's. Ida was over in the Evening. Ida S. stayed all night.
Tues., Mar 24, 1874
"Clear"
Stayed home and ironed in the forenoon. Sewed all the afternoon. Went over
and spent the evening with Ida
Wed., Mar 25, 1874
"Clear"
Stayed home in the forenoon. Went to town in the Afternoon. Ellie was over
and spent the day with us. Charlie came out to Supper. We went to Prayer Meeting. John WERNER(?) home.
L T. came home with Ida STALEY
Thurs., Mar 26, 1874
"Clear"
Stayed home in the forenoon. Went to town in the afternoon. Ida S. stayed
all night with me.
Fri., Mar 27, 1874
"Clear" Stayed home in the forenoon. Went down Street in the afternoon. Came home and
went to Spelling School. ? ? <initials> came home with us. Ida stayed all night.
Sat., Mar 28, 1874
"Clear"
Stayed home in the forenoon. went to town in the Afternoon. Cad SHEPLER
came to our house today. She stayed all night. Spent the evening with Ida RICE.
Sun., Mar 29, 1874
"Clear"
Went to Sabbath School & Church at Trinity Church. went over to the chapel
in the afternoon. Took a buggy ride after Sunday School with A. C. Went to the concert in the evening at the Congregational
Church.
Mon. Mar 30, 1874
Went to the depot with Ida STALEY. She went home today. She stayed just 1 month, 24
days. Went to Ellie's for Dinner. Went to town in the afternoon & over to Ida's and stayed all night.
Tues., Mar 31, 1874
"Cloudy"
Sayed home and ironed in the forenoon. Sewed all the afternoon. Lou was here
and spent the day. Ida had the toothache all day. I went over to Ellie's and took up my board and popped corn
in the evening.
Wed., April 1, 1874
"Cloudy"
Went to work at Mrs. DEFFENBAUGH's Milliner shop. Came home in the evening and
sewed on Clarence's dress
<Note: Clarence was Belle's nephew b. Aug 1873, the son of her sister Marie Ella RICE
& Charles M. TOLAND. There was an Andrew & Harriet DEFFENBACH on the 1880 Census in Springfield - her occupation,
Milliner - probably the same as mentioned here. In later entries, Belle spelled the name DEFFENBACH rather than DEFFENBAUGH
as written here>
Thurs, April 2, 1874
"Cloudy"
Went to work. Charlie got Clarence a new buggy today. Fannie B. came
home apiece with me this Evening. <Note: Charlie was Belle's older brother - he never married>
Fri., Apr 3, 1874
Went to work. Did not get home until almost dark. Sewed all Evening.
Sat., Apr 4, 1874.
"Clear" There was a big snow on the ground this morning. Went to work as usual. Ida came down and walked
out home with me. I went over home and stayed all night.
Sun., Apr. 5, 1874
"Cloudy" and rained all day. Did not get to go no place today. They brought us over home in the wagon.
Was Mother's birthday today and all her children were over home. She was 47.
Mon. Apr. 6, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work. Cad went home today. I got a letter from Red THURMAN (SHERMAN?).
Tues., Apr 7, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. Fannie walked part way home with me. Spent my evening at home. Sewed until
ten o'clock.
Wed., Apr 8, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work. Came home in the evening and we all went over home. Took Clarence in his new
buggy.
Thurs., Apr 9, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work. Had a large snowstorm this afternoon. Had to come home in it. Got a letter
from M. S.
Fri., Apr 10, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. Fannie came part way home with me. Ida GARRETT the rest of the way.
Sat., Apr 11, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. Ida came down and walked out home with me. M. S. came home today. Came
out and spent the evening.
Sun., Apr 12, 1874
"Clear" Went to Sabbath School, stayed for church. Went to the Chapel in the Afternoon. Took a walk
after Chapel. Went to Church. M.S. was out in the evening
Mon., Apr 13, 1874
"Clear" Stayed home in the forenoon. Went to work in the afternoon. M.S. walked out with me.
Tues, Apr 14, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work. M. S. came out and we took a walk down Street.
Wed., Apr. 15, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work. Came home in the evening and ironed.
Thurs, Apr. 16, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work. Came home in the rain. M. S. was up in the evening
Fri., Apr 17, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work. Mattie SOUDER came out home with me. Mrs. DEFFENBACH had her Opening today.
Sat., Apr 18, 1874
"Clear" Opening Day. Went down to the store. Ida came down in the afternoon. I came over home
and stayed all night. Ida stayed with me.
Sun., Apr 19, 1874
"Cloudy" Stayed home in the forenoon. M.S. was out in the evening
Mon., Apr 20, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work. Stayed home all evening.
Tues., Apr 20, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work. Mother was down to the shop to see me. M. S. was out in the evening.
Wed., Apr. 22, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. M. S. and I went out to spend the evening with Ida
Thurs., Apr 23, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. Graff came down today. The McCormick's had a Dance tonight.
Fri., Apr 24, 1874
"Clear" Went to work, took my Dinner. Ellie went out home. Manda W. L. RYSER and John R. was home today.
S(?). B., I. R. & M.S. & I and Graff went over and spent with Evening with the KERSHNERs (?)
Sat., Apr 25, 1874
"Rainy" Went to work. Rained all day. Had to come home in the rain. Went over home and stayed all night.
Over to Ida's. Got my new hat today.
Sun., Apr. 26, 1874
Went to Lafe's for Dinner. Went to the Chapel in the Afternoon. Took a walk after Chapel. Went to the
Lutheran Church in the Evening. M. S. was up.
Mon., Apr 27, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work. Came home in the rain. Graff came to (see?) me. Rained so I could not
go to the Theater. Graff went home today.
Tues., Apr 28, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work in the rain. Naniie PRENELS (KRESSELS, KESSELS?) came to work today. M. S. was
up in the Evening.
Wed., Apr 29, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. Ida came down & I went over home. She came back & stayed all night.
We took a walk down to the Grocery.
Thurs, Apr 30, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work. Came home in the evening. Went to the Theater with M. S.
Fri., May 1, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. Lydia TOLAND died today.
Sat., May 2, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work. Ida came down in the Afternoon. I did not come home. Over home this evening.
Sun., May 3, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to Cabs for Dinner. Came over to Ella's and took care of Clarence while they went to the funeral.
M. S. was up in the evening and we took a walk.
Mon., May 4, 1874
"Cloudy" Did not go to work. Stayed home and helped Ella wash. Sewed all afternoon.
Tues., May 5, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work.
Wed., May 6, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work. M. S. was up and spent the evening
Thurs., May 7, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. Went over home in the evening.
Fri., May 8, 1874
"Clear and warm" Went to work. Went over home and down town in the Evening.
Sat., May 9, 1874
"Clear and very warm" Went to work. Went ove home and stayed all night.
Sun., May 10, 1874
"Clear and Pleasant" Was home for Dinner. Went to Chapel in the Afternoon. Took a walk in the Evening.
M. S. was up
Mon, May 11, 1874
"Clear" Stayed home all day. Washed in the forenoon. Cleaned house in the afternoon.
Tues., May 12, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. Came home and ironed in the evening. M. S. was up & spent the evening.
Wed., May 13, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. Did not come home for dinner. Came home sick in the afternoon with the Measles.
Ma, Pa, and M. S. was here to see me.
Thurs., May 14, 1874
"Clear" Stayed home and stayed in bed all day. Mrs. and Mr. DEFFENBACH was out to see me in the evening.
Fri., May 15, 1874
"Clear" Stayed home all day - not able to go anywhere
Sat., May 16, 1874
"Clear" Stayed home all day. Went over home in the evening & stayed all night.
Sun., May 17, 1874
"Cloudy" Stayed home all day. Came back. Went to Ell's in the evening. M. S. was up
Mon., May 18, 1874
"Clear" Stayed home in the forenoon. Went to work in the Afternoon.
Tues., May 19, 1874
"Clear" Went to work
Wed., May 20, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. M. S. was up in the evening
Thurs., May 21, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work
Fri., May 22, 1874
"Clear" Went to work
Sat., May 23, 1874
"Clear" Went to work
Sun., May 24, 1874
"Clear" Stayed home in the forenoon. Took a Buggy ride in the afternoon. Went to Clifton & Yellow
Springs. M. S. was up in the evening.
Mon., May 25, 1874
"Cloudy" Went to work
Tues., May 26, 1874
"Clear" Stayed home in the forenoon. Went to work in the Afternoon.
Wed., May 27, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. M. S. was up in the evening
Thurs., May 28, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. Stayed all day. Did not go home for dinner nor supper. Stayed until ten
o'clock.
Fri., May 29, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. Nannie came back this evening.
Sat., May 30, 1874
"Clear" Went to work. Did not come home for supper. Stayed until nine o'clock. M. S. came down
and took me home. L. M came down today.
May 31-June 5 (pages missing)
June 6-June 11 (Blank)
June 12-June 29 (pages missing)
Tues., June 30 (blank)
Wed., July 1, 1874
Home. Fixing to go to Bellefontaine
Thurs, July 2, 1874
Ida R. and I went to Bellefontaine down St. in the Evening.
Fri, July 3, 1874
Home in the forenoon. Spent the Afternoon playing Croquet with Bessie BOYD & A. E. LOZCY- - - -.
Sat., July 4, 1874
Home in the forenoon. Went to West Liberty in the afternoon. Went to festival in West Liberty in the
Evening. Got home at twelve
Sun., July 5, 1874
Home in the forenoon. Went out to Silver Lake in the afternoon. Took a walk in the evening.
Mon., July 6, 1874
Home in the forenoon. Came to Springfield in the afternoon.
July 7 - July 17 (Blank)
July 18 - Aug 16 (Missing)
Mon. Aug 17, 1874
Stayed home all day. Washed and ironed.
Tues., Aug 18, 1874
downtown. Ida and Graff STALEY came home today. A happy surprise for us all.
Wed., Aug 19, 1874
Home all day.
Thurs, Aug 20, 1874
Went to the Fair - came home in the Hack. Ida R., Ida S., Lou T, Graff S., Milo was here for supper. We all
went to the Grocery after Watermelons.
Fri, Aug 21, 1874
Went to the Fair
Sat., Aug 22, 1874
Home in the forenoon. Town in the Afternoon. Home in the Evening.
Sun., Aug 23, 1874
Home in the forenoon. Ida R., Ida S., & M. S., G. S. & myself went out to Uncle Willis RICE's in a (barench
- basonch?). Took a ride in the evening.
Mon., Aug 24, 1874
Stayed home all day. Ida GARRETT was here in the Afternoon.
Tues., Aug 25, 1874
Home in the forenoon. Town in the Afternoon. Went over to Ell's in the evening.
Wed. Aug 26, 1874
Home all day
Thurs., Aug 27, 1874
Home all day. ida S. and Ida R. went to Tarlous (Taslons, Tarlons?)
Fri, Aug 28, 1874
Went to the Country. Had company in the evening.
Sat. Aug 29, 1874
Ida S. and I went to town to the depot and Ida R., she went to West Liberty. We went to town in the afternoon.
Came home and went back in the evening.
Sun., Aug 30, 1874
Ida S. and I was home in the forenoon. Went to the Chapel in the afternoon. Took a walk after chapel with
Ifan S. and Milo S. Took a walk in the evening.
Mon., Aug 31, 1874
Ida Staley and I was sitting in the front door singing "Home Sweet Home". Went to work
Tues., Sept 1, 1874
Went to work
11.50
10.25 paid me
1.25 owed me
Sept. 2-3, 1874 (Blank)
Fri., Sept. 4, 1874
$11.50 pd to the 4th week
Work 3 days
one week after the 4th
worked 3 days
Aug (26?) worked.
Sat. Sept 5, 1874
Worked
<Note, the 5 is crossed out and a 6 written in - no explanation for this. Based on a later entry in
"Memoranda" Belle had written the date she bought her organ as Sept. 1875. So she may have dropped her diary in
1874, only to pick it up again the following year>
Sun., Sept. 6, 1874 (blank)
Mon., Sept 7, 1874
Went to work
Tues, Sept 8, 1874
Went to work
Wed., Sept 9, 1874
Went to work
Sept 10-12, 1874 <all entries the same>
Went to work
Sun., Sept. 13, 1874 (blank)
Mon Sept 14 - Fri., Sept 25, 1874 <all entries the same>
Went to work
Sat., Sept 15, 1874
Went to work
Got my Organ today
Sept 27 - Oct. 5, 1874 (Blank)
Oct. 6, 1874
Took my first music lesson
Oct 7-Oct 8, 1874 (blank)
Oct 9, 1874
Took another music lesson
Oct 10-Oct 15 (missing)
Oct. 16-Oct. 19 (blank)
Tues, Oct 20, 1874
Took another music lesson
Oct 21 - Oct 24 (blank)
Sun., Oct. 25, 1874
Paid $10 on my Organ today.
Mrs. D. paid me up today $6
Oct 25-27, 1874 (blank)
Wed. Oct 28, 1874
Took my music lesson today. <crossed out>
Thurs, Oct 29, 1874 (blank)
Fri., Oct 30, 1874
Music Lesson
Oct 31-Nov 3 (blank)
Wed., Nov 4, 1874
Another Music Lesson
Nov 5-Nov. 10, 1874 (blank)
Wed., Nov. 11, 1874
Music Lesson
Thurs., Nov 12, 1874 (blank)
Fri., Nov 13, 1874
Music Lesson
Nov. 14 - 23, 1874 (blank)
Thurs., Nov. 24, 1874
Rent to J. W. and H. BALDWIN
<a list of items Belle bought to make a new dress, perhaps>
Silk Blk 1.50
Edging 1.93
T--estion .62
White goods .90
gloves, kid 1.25
Silk Blk 1.00
Silk " 1.00
Silk 10.50
18.70
Nov. 25-26, 1874 (blank)
Fri., Nov. 27, 1874
Music Lesson
Nov. 28 - 29, 1874 (blank)
Mon. Nov. 30, 1874
Owe to Mrs. Deffenbach
<Looks like Belle is making herself a new hat>
Vailing
.50
Ribbon
1.20
Pin
.85
Hat
5.60
Fox Mrs D's hat 2.50
13.20
Pd to Mrs. D 6.50
6.70
Owe to Mrs.
D. J. Bessie(?) 2.75
9.45
Dec 1-29, 1874 (blank)
Dec. 30-31, 1874
??????
.45
Blue silk 5.00
Buckle
.75
<several illegible lines>
Bustle
.30
<remainder not readable ....more items for a Bustle Dress?>
Memoranda
<Note- this appears to be some songs Belle has copied. A couple of them I found on the American Memories
Collection at the Library of Congress.>
"Hattie Bell"
1st
Death has torn her from my busom
One I loved so well
Oh! How dark this world will be now
Without Hattie Bell
Where the Summer winds are sighing
Through a lonely Dell
They have lain my spirit's idol
Dearest Hattie Bell
2nd Gloom is round the little cottage
Where she used to dwell
Every (Caflel?) seems to whisper
Where is Hattie Bell
Down among the twilight shadows
In a lonely Dell
Sweetly blooms the wildwood flowers
Over Hattie Bell
3rd Under heath the waving willows
By the River side
I am waiting where we parled
And the winds that now are sighing
through a lonely Dell
Tell one that I soon shall slumber
With my Hattie Bell
................
"Cottage By The Sea"
1st. Just one year ago today love
I became your happy bride
Changed a mansion for a cottage
to dwell by the river side
and you said I would be happy
but know happiness I see
In the Cottage by the sea.
All alone, all alone by the seaside he left me
and no other's bride I'll be
for in bridal flowers he decked me
in the Cottage by the sea.
...............
"I've no Mother now I am Weeping"
<New York, New York: Charles Magnus - Belle's version here varies slightly at the end>
1st . I've no Mother now I am weeping
she left me here a lone
She beneath the sod is sleeping
Now there is no joy at home
Tears of sorrow long have passed
Her bright smile no more I'll see
Where Oh! Where is joy for me
2nd How well do I remember
Take this little flower said she
and when with the dead I am membered
Place it at my grave for me
Dearest Mother I am sighing
Oer thy tomb I'll drop a tear
For the little plant is dying
Now I feel so lonely here.
3rd I've no Mother still I am weeping
Joys my sorrowed cheeks now leave
While a lonely watch I am keeping
Oer her sad and silent grave
Soon I hope will be our meeting
Then the gladness none can tell
Who for them will then be Weeping
When I bid this world farewell.
"Chorus"
Weeping Lonely she has left me here
Weeping lonely for my Mother dear
...............
"A Stary Night for a Ramble"
<Samuel Bagnall, pub. 1873 Philadelphia: Lee & Walker. Belle misspelled Starry throughout>
Chorus
A Stary Night for a Ramble
In a flowery Dell
Through the bush and bramble
Kiss and never tell
1st A stary night for a ramble
I like a game of Croquet
Or bowling on the Green
I like a little boating
to pull against the stream
But of all the games I love best
to fill me with delight
I'd like to take a Ramble
Upon a stary night.
2nd I'd like to take my sweetheart
Of course you would said he
And softly whispers in her ear
How dearly I love thee
And when you picture to yourself
The scenes of such delight
You'll want to take a Ramble
Upon a Stary Night
3rd Though some will choose Velocipede <an early bicycle>
and others take a drive
and some will sit and mope at home
half dead and half a live
And some will choose a Steamboat
and others even fright (fight?)
But I'd enjoy my ramble
Upon a Stary Night
Memoranda (Continued)
Owe to Mrs. SBD
Hat
1.12
Vel .50
Borrowed
1.50
Vail .25
3.62
Cocoanut Pie
One large cocoanut - grated
One quart milk
2 cups sugar
six eggs
One Tablespoon full Butter.
Beat
the yolks of the eggs with the sugar. Add the milk. Beat in until very light- Then the Butter melted, then
the milk & the Cocoanut. Flavor to taste. Bake half an hour.
Scarf 1.26
Flowers
1.50
Blue Ribbon .30
3.05
Cash Account Pages
Page 1
Silk Blk
1.50
Edging
1.95
T-ses-ian
.62
White goods .90
Glove
1.25
6.20
Silk
1.00
7.20
Silk
1.00
8.20
For my Dress 10.50
18.70
Owe to Mrs. AULT 1.50
Page 2
Sept. Mon 30th
Worked 3 days 1.50
Sept. 6th
worked all week 3.00
Sept 13th
worked all week 4.00
Sept. 21
worked all week 4.00
12.50
All (settled?) with Mrs. DEFFENBACH on the 25th of Sept., the day I get my organ.
Page 3
1875
September
Bought my organ pay 10 dollars per month
price 1.90
<End of Diary>
