diary1
A Glimpse of Life in
Newton-Ransom Twps., PA
in 1895/1897
Kindly provided by Paul Thompson
William is 53; his wife Lizzie Klipple Thompson is 47
Ina is 27; Frank is 23; Kate is 18; John is 15
Aunt Jane Thompson Courtwright is 84
Sarah Jane Thompson, wife of Bezaliel Garey, is 60
William's father, John Thompson is 87
Oct - Nov 1895
Newton PA Oct 10, 1895
Frank to Scranton. Potatoes to Mrs Stetter 40c. Cabbage on the avenue for 1 1/2 cents, Pickle onions 100/bu, the last tomatoes for 25 a basket.
Put in 2 bu potatoes for Mrs Sullivan for 40c, charged. I took butter to dutch woman on Price st. and to Mrs Ribert @ 22c.
I went over at the request of Thos F Wells to file a petition to Court for my discharg, He had a mistake in my cash account of $30 too much. We went to Courthouse and found the mistake was make in the Clerk of the Courts Office. The petition set forth that since filing my partial account I had collected the Mcquern judg amounting to $520. That I was now ready to hand over to my successor to any one authorized by the Court to recieve it the money in my hands and the Marcey Contract. That I now ask for my discharge, I signed the petition and made affidavit of the facts set forth, Wells said that if P Aten wanted an audit on the Estate so he could present his claim he could have one appointed, but if he lost he would have to pay the audit.
I also showed him the note from W Collum and Paul Aten. He said Paul would have to pay. I did not have to look to any one else for it. No difference what bargains were made with Mrs Aten. He said if I did not collect while Executor I could write on back of note "Pay to Bearer". Elmer Thompson rode over with me.
Oct 11
I and boys digging potatoes next to Mr. Winters. Wife took Aunt Jane C (Courtwright) home and went to Kate Thompsons who is dying with consumption. ( Note: "Kate Thompson" is Catherine Elizabeth Smith Thompson b1841, wife of Adam Thompson b1840)
Sat 12 Oct
Raining. Cleaned onions and brought in load of pumpkins.
Sund 13 Oct
Rained all night and is now raining hard at noon. It is the first rain in 6 months to wet ground. Kate staid last night with Rovena(?) Biesecker. They both came from school Friday
Mon 14 Oct, 1895
AM. Picked and bagged 25 bu pots. While John took Kate to Ransom on way to school. PM Gethered apples to fathers - about 25 bu - gave then one third
Tues 15 Oct
Frank went to Scranton, Cabbage 1 1/2 to 3c, potatoes 40c. Took 7 1/2 bu to Mrs Walters. Finished picking fathers apples. He had about 36 bu. We got 1/3 of them. I and John were to P Atens and to C Richards. Paid Chris $2.50 for 5 bu rye. We got to sow our lot by fathers house. I had conversation with P. Aten about the note he signed with W H Collum. He had promised me on the 6th of Aug last that he would pay me in a few days. Now he refuses as he says on the ground that the widow Aten had the money in her hands to pay it when W H Collum was digging the well and paid it out again which she had no business to do.
We wanted me to see the note his lawyer said that would then give him a chance to collect from the widow. I told him to give it to a lawyer to collect would cost him $10.00. He said I could do just as I had a mind to do about it.. I spoke of putting in into a just ces hands. He said he did not care which.
Oct 17 1895
Frank took pots and cab to Scranton. Pots sold for 40c. Cab got from 1 1/2 to 3c. I and John digging potatoes next to Mr. Winters. Let Mrs Glosner have potatoes and some busbanks to Mrs Baker.
Oct 18 Fri
I and wife were to West Pittston. Took Ina pots-6bu-and 7 1/2 to Wm Lloyd 40c a bu . Ina and Kate came home with us at 2:30. John and Frank dug pots next to Mr Winters.
Oct 19 1895
I and John finished digging potatoes at noon. Had probably 6 or 700 bus but they are not very good, so many of them are eat with white grubs besides they are undersize. Potatoes that come into the markets are large and fine. There must have been good coops somewhere. We can hardly get 40c for Winter potatoes. Frank has gone with potatoes and cabbage to Scranton.
Mon 21 Oct
AM Boys got load cabbage and pots for Scranton. PM husk corn. Husk about 60 shocks. The poorest corn I ever husk. The 60 shocks will not make more than 10 bu ears.
Tues 22 Oct
Frank took load to Scranton. Pots 40c Cab 1 1/2 to 2 1/2. Turnips 90c per bbl. Brought us coal from the Oxford @ $1.00 per ton. The first I have bought there for that. I and John husk about 60 shcks corn. I and boys husk corn in forenoon and bagged potatoes and cut cabbage for tomorrow.
Thurs 24 Oct
Frank to Scranton. Potatoes to Mrs. Sullivan and to Hushmans on to Ash Ave at 40c. Bu of onions to Mrs Sullivan @ 60 and small Cab to Mrs Sullivan at 2c. Brought father 1200 pea from the Oxford-100 per ton. Hauling $1.50.
I and John husk almost 4 rows of shocks in field S.W. of hayhouse. Very little corn in it. Nice weather. Probably indian summer. Smoky and warm. Wife has been sick all the week with a lame back-probably siatic rheumatism. Received a letter from W W Lathrope tonight saying that Paul Aten was to his office today and offered to pay the Collum-Aten note if I would assign the note to him.
Frid Oct 25, 1895
I and boys finished husking corn at noon. It is the poorest corn I ever raised. On 5 acres we will not get more than 75 or 80 bu of ears. PM Boys got up load and I bagged a heap of potatoes for market. Very nice weather, warm and smoky.
Sat Oct 26
I and John finished drawing in corn, in fact drew all that was in field, 5 acres. It was the poorest corn I ever raised. got about 75 bu from the whole field. Gave father one third. Field S.E. of hayhouse. It was fall plowed.
Frank took potatoes and cabbage to market. Took 8 bu for a Mrs Jones near Mrs Glosners. She bought yesterday claiming she thought we would not come but she got them 35c, 5c less than we sell them for. Took more to Mrs Sullivan. ( )coal for us from the Oxford-paying $1.00 per ton.
Sund Oct 27, 1895
Was read to go to Pres church when John Lloyd came from W Pittston and said Ina would be to Ransom the 11 train. I went for her.
Mond 28 Oct
Drew fathers third of corn stalks-2-loads and brought one load to my barn.
PM Cut cabbage and put on load for market. John took Ina and Kate to Ransom this morning. Lizzie sick but is better then she was - scotic (sic) rheumatism.
Tues 29 Oct
I boarded the west end of the wagon shelter built last spring. Frank went to Scranton. Had mostly cabbage. Said he could not hardly sell it. took 6 bu potatoes to Mrs Sax @ 40c. Potatoes are a way down on the cars from 24c to 30 c. Can't hardly sell anything. Sold one bu of onions for 40c.
Wed 30 Oct
Boys finished drawing my stalks - 3 loads. Threshing rye to get straw to take to Fritz Bros. Fruit tree ---here from Tunkannock and to me here selling dress goods & mens mar. nice weather. Cold Nights.
Oct 31 1895
I and John went to Scranton. Took Fritz Bros $5 bundles of rye straw @ 7c. Took it all in trade. 3 meals @ 83c. Weston Mill Cos flour 1/2 barrel at 3.95 per bbl - 22 lbs sugar exc for 100 ---.
Bought John a suit of clothes at Clark Bros for $5.95
Was to W W Lathropes office to see about the Collum-Aten note. I made about the following assignment:
Now Oct 31 1895 I hereby assign to Paul Aten the Balance of the -----note ($14.50) to collect without expence or cost to me without recourse.
Lathrope went acrost the st and got the money from Paul Atens attys. Hulshander & Vosburg -their check-then Lathrope gave me his check for $11.00 retaining $3.00 for his service.
I told Lathrope I did not want to make the assignment if it would involve me in any trouble. He said he did not se how it would. Paul wanted me to make the assignment so he could collect from his stepmother.
Nov 1 Friday
I helped do a washing - wife is not well. Boys and I drew to cellar last of potatoes out - 50bu. Rained all night, but the ground is dry.
Sat Nov 2, 1895
T E Bowman was here. I ordered of him 5 lbs of Rose of Erin potatoes. Fixed stable doors and the boys cut and brought in the cabbage. 2 loads on market wagon. It is nearly all little, but no difference we cant't (get) anything for cabbage big or little. Look rainy all day but it has cleared off tonight.
Sunday Nov 3
I was to pres Ch this morning. The Jubilee Singers who had a concert last night in the Pres Ch, were present and conducted the service in song. There were three women, one an organist, and two men. 5 persons. One man and the organist were mulattos. They were not the same gang that were here in '87 & '88, but they were good singers. They money they get is for educational purposes. Tonight these engaged for the Baptist Church at Newton. They are collecting money for the Wilberforce University, Ohio.
Mond 4 Nov
Opened drain leading from sink, and began to build board fence from road to icehouse - 2 boards high. John went to school the first today.
Tues 5 Nov
Frank getting up a load for Scranton. I finished the fence which we began yesterday. Election today to elect County Surveyor, Coroner, State Treas, and six Judges are on for Superior Court. No excitement neither has there been any. I did not go to Election.
Nov 6 Wed
Frank went to Scranton. Potatoes; 40c To F Sherman and Mrs Sax. both paid. Cabbage on the Ave @ 100 per hundred. Bought 1800 coal for us from the Oxford. Very warm. Must be Indian Summer.
Nov 7 Thursday
Threshed some rye for grist of chaf and for straw to take to old -----, Scranton. Weather very fine-Ind Summer. Went to C Snover to get iron put on wagon box. He did not ----- iron but said he would send for it. Paid him $2.00 on account. told him would pay all but he did not have time to look it up.
Frid Nov 8
Took buckwheat for us & for father to Johnston's Mill. Took 8 bags for chaf. Jane Garey came across the hill with us and is here tonight. Levi Garey's wife & boy came here this afternoon. Very nice weather, fixed cellar doors inside & out.
Sat Nov 9
Kate came from school last night. I fixed grapevine south of icehouse. John took Jane Garey over hill. Frank began today to plow in flat meadow by hayhouse. Raining tonight. Need it very bad.
Mond Nov 11, 1895
Frank plowing in flat meadow by hayhouse. I did the washing. Wife being unable to do it. Jas Garey was here last night. Went to DWR's to find his mother. Talked with him about lots at Sturmerville. He said they could give LEWs(?) note for security but his mother had no money. Jane said she could pay $25 on it now and the rest in the spring.
Tues 12 Nov
Frank plowing in flat meadow. Wife and I were to fathers. Got Cab cutter. Talked again with him about lots at Sturmerville. He said Jane said she could only pay $25 now and the rest like six mos. I (it) did not suit him - wanted money down. I spoke of taking the two and leaving one for Jane. He did not object, but from his conversation I concluded he would like to sell altogether. Said we two, Mrs R & I might__?__ them.
Wed 13 Nov
Frank plowing in flat meadow. Put cabbage in grainery. fixed chicken coop with straw &C.
Thurs Nov 14 1895
Cut fire blight from trees in garden and cut down two pear trees there. Frank plowing. At noon rained lightly. I walked across the swamp to DWR.
Mrs R had gone to Arthur Atens to aid society.
I wanted to talk with her about lots in Sturmerville as Mrs Gary had no money to buy. I said we could take the three as father was willing. At any rate he wanted the money for them.
I said Frank would give $70 for the outside lot. DWR said his wife wanted that that he had been to expense in getting them. I said but little. But spoke of dividing the middle lot and letting the back end of that go with the outside lot. DW said that could be done. I rode with him to Hice's Corner and came home.
Frid 15 Nov
Raining lightly. Went to Milwaukee. Got part of grist - fathers buck and chop. My buckwheat yet to grind. Sold 1/2 bu onions to Johnston and 1 bu to C Snover. Bought 1 gal linseed oil of Sherman - 50 cents. Herman Ross was here. We ordered 22 lbs gran sugar for $1.00 - and 3 # crackers.
Sat 16 Nov
I tore down the grape arbor back of house. The concord vine had died and I could not get the vines to cover it. It was a failure. Burned the dead pear limbs and trash in garden. Frank plowed till noon. After going to Ridge he went on his wheel to West Pittston. Rain did not wet the ground. Water low in wells.
Mon 18 Nov
I helped wife wash. Frank finished plowing flat meadow north of hayhouse - 7 acres. Took him about 6 days. Expect to plant potatoes on it. Ground was not very wet. Plowed garden and plot on the north side where we intend to set strawberries next spring. Frank was to W Pittston yesterday. Went down on Saturday and came home last night.
Tues 19 Nov
Frank took Shorts 21 bundles rye straw @ 8c. Shorts was not there and the straw was left at his barn. Took Mrs Sullivan 65 heads of cabbage. Called it 50 heads at 3c - $1.50. Brought for ourselves one ton pea coal from the Osford. One dollar per ton.
Wife took mother to Johnstons with eggs and 2 crocks butter. I tore away the old grape arbor on the south side of fathers house . The vine was dead - had been for two years. I planted the vine there at least 40 years ago.
Aunt Jane C came across the hill with us. She is here to get wife to make her a dress.
Wed 20 Nov 1895
Rained lightly this morning. Set 5 pech trees from the garden and fixed up the clothes line.
PM Cleaned off old berry patch by Ben Davis's apple trees and burned the refuse, intending to plow the ground for a spring crop.
Thurs 21 Nov
Frank helped E Ward kill 2 hogs this forenoon. It got cold last night and freezing some today. Herm Ross brought 50 worth sug & doz lemons. Plowed the ----- patch by Bu Davis applehaus for potatoes or cabbage next spring. Took 1/2 bu onions to Johnston and a bu to Chas Snover @ 50c a bu.
Frid 22 Nov
Did not do much. Fixed straw back of horses. Wind in south-cold. Took Aunt Jane Courtwright home. She has been here so get wife to make her a dress.
Sat 23 Nov
I John and Frank were to fathers and threshed 47 bu of oats for him. Warmer and looks rainy.
Mond 25 Nov 1895
Raining from the southeast. I helped wife wash and ---ked on walk in backyard.
Tues 26 Nov
Raining and blowing yet this morning. I built step and fixed walk in backyard. The rain has not yet filled up our wells.
Wed 27 Nov
I and Frank drewin turnips from the muck ground and what we had sowed in potatoes and -----peach trees by my barn. Cleared off, warm with the wind in west. Put turnips in barn with tops on them
Thurs 28 Nov 1895
John brought Kate and Ina from Ransom at 10 oclock. Frank brought mother over for dinner. I attended the Thanksgiving service by Rev J C Johnson at the Pres church. Giles Roberts came and brought me the assessment books and the Register to be begun on Monday. I was to Esq Reeds and was sworn to make assessment (not the state however) that I forgot. Paid him 25c for the two oaths. His legal fee is one dollar or 50c for each. Tonight the Methodist have an entertainment and supper at their church. They charge 50c admittance.
John Ringsdorf is dead and will be buried tomorrow at Newton Nov 29 ----. He died on the 27th.
Nov 29, 1895
Toped turnips on barn floor. Put 8 bu in garden to bury with a bu of beets. Took Ina to Ransom. Kate is sick.
Sat 30 Nov
I helped Jennings & Frank kill fathers 2 hogs and my hog. My hog weighed 240 lbs. At 12 o'clock I and John attended Ann Smith's funeral at the Bapt Church. Rev J. C. Johnson officated. She died on the 27th inst.(?). Geo Beisecker sent Eleanor in and our _____ gave him $5.00 for Rev Johnson. They were on their way to Quarterly meeting at Milwaukee.
Adam Thompson came here from fathers. Mrs Thompson is at Mr Hice's. He went back there tonight.
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