Charles Eugene Walton Journal
Hole-in-the-Rock Journey Clerk
Bluff School Teacher
1872-1887
Introduction
Charles Walton was the company clerk throughout the Hole-in-the-Rock Journey. He was the Bluff’s school teacher. The records he would have kept during the journey have been lost. Most of his journal is also missing. Below is what little is known to exist of his records. For clarity the original spelling was not retained, a version of the journal with the original spelling is available upon request upon request.
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1872
Thurs. Dec 12, I hauled three loads of coal.
Fri. Dec. 13, I came home in the afternoon of the same day Geo. Summers Died.
Sat. Dec. 11, I helped to dig Summers grave.
Sun. Dec 15, I attended Summers funeral. At night I attended meeting.
Mon. Dec. 16, I killed my pig in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I worked on the schoolhouse.
Tues. Dec. 17, I went to the Danishmans’ father sold his wagon.
Wed. Dec. 18, I hauled a load of hay for Hinton it was terrible cold.
Tuersday Dec. 19, I hauled another load for Hinton. Still cold.
Fri Dec. 20, I helped to take the bailer to pieces.
Sat Dec 21, I helped to haul the bailer to Saluratus creek.
Sunday Dec 22, I rested
Mon. Dec 23, I went to Saluratus Creek, and helped to set up the bailer, and bail one ton of hay and came home.
Tues Dec 24, I went to Saluratus Creek and helped to boil 1 ½ ton [copy unreadable]
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1872-3
Wed Dec 25, I spent Christmas at home. At night we had a dance.
Thurs. Dec 26, Charley Small and I went to Saluratus creek and bailed 7 bails and stayed all night at Levi Harts’.
Friday Dec 27, We bailed 40 bails and came home to the dance.
Sat Dec 28, We bailed 30 bails moved the bailer and came home
Sun. Dec 29, I attended meeting
Mon. Dec. 30, We went to Saluratus creek and bailed 32 bails and stayed all night at Lee Harts.
Tues Dec 31, We bailed 38 bails and moved part of the press and came home.
1873
Wednes. Jan 1, 1873, I purchased 4 bushels and 10 lbs of potatoes of Hyrum Simmons for three dollars and seventy five cents.
Jan 29, I finished bailing hay
Jan 30, I went to Evanston and took hay. I stayed at A Hymers, J
Jan 31, I came home.
Feb 1, I went to the Cedars and got a load of wood.
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Sunday Feb 2, I attended meeting
Monday Feb 3, I started to school
Tuesday Feb 4, I attended school. Robert Spence taught it. At night we had spelling school.
Wed Feb 5, I attended school. At night we had singing school.
I continued going to school all the winter of 1873.
1876
I have no account of what I done daily until Jan. 1, 1876. Only that I continued to live at Woodruff. I turned my store into a cooperative store and I kept the books.
Jan 1st 1876, I spent the day at Father’s and we had a very enjoyable New Years At night I attended the dance.
Jan 2, It being Sunday I went to meeting.
Jan 3, I went to Randolph to qualify as secretary of the coop store. Nothing transpired of consequence up to the 12, of January.
Jan 12, George Whittington and Marintha Longhurst were married.
Jan 18, I started to Bear Lake [.] I went to Edward
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Fackerals the first day. It being cold and stormy I stayed there all day the 19-
Jan 20, I went to Lake Town
Jan 21, I went to Bloomington Janette Bee had been staying to my house and she went home with me (Richard Bee had moved from Saluratus Creek to Bloomington. I returned safely home.
In the spring of 1876, I took my family and went up into the Hillsard Timber to cut and haul cordwood. I spent the summer there and came back to Woodruff in the fall.
1877
In June 1877, I went to Swan Creek Bear Lake to work on a ditch. I worked until June 23rd and got me a piece of land and then sold it.
On June 29, 1877 I bought ¼ of a threshing machine of William Spencer and I spent the fall in Bear Lake threshing in company with Robert [Pope]. I then sold him my share of the machine.
Aug 23, 1877, I started to Bear Lake to Conference in company with W [copy unreadable]
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we went as far as Edward Fackerels and stayed all night
Aug 24, Went to Brother Williamsons and stayed all night
Aug 25, We went to Paris to Conference. Brother John Taylor [,] Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow and Albert Carrington of the Twelve were there. also Franklin Richards.
At night Br. Bryson and I stayed all night at Richard Bees’.
Sunday Aug. 26, We went again to Conference. The Apostles gave some splendid instructions, and at night we went to Brother Williamsons and stayed all night.
Monday Aug. 27, We went to Randolph and stayed at Bishops Stewarts.
Tuesday Aug. 28, we went home.
1878
In the summer of 1878, father and I went to Ogden to work on a threshing machine for Uncle Andrew Walton. We arrived at Ogden the 1st of August and commenced to work, we threshed around Ogden and Plain City all the fall, and then returned to Woodruff.
In the spring of 1879, I worked at Woodruff and all summer and fall up to Oct. 1st.
[Page 27]
1879
Wednesday Oct 1st 1879, Samuel Bryson and I being called to go and settle up the San Juan Country we hitched up and started about 3 o’clock P.M. My brother Alphonso and John Bryson Sam brother accompanied us. We traveled out as far as the Survey Springs and camped there for the night.
Thurs. Oct 2nd. In the morning we found that our horses were gone. John Bryson went after them and brought them back about ten o’clock. We then hitched up and drove about 2 miles to the top of the Quaking ash ridge then the boys left us to go back home. (I will here mention that I had my wife and children along. Our [unreadable] consisted of a yoke of wild bulls, a yoke of wild steers, four horses, mare and colt and thirty head of stock. Eleven head of our own and the balance belonged to Mrs. Hatch of Bountiful) We traveled about two miles after the boys left us and stopped for dinner. Samuel Willo[copy unreadable] and wife, my mother, sister and her husband Thomas Harrison were coming back from Bountiful. My sister and [copy unreadable].
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1879
Salt Lake City to get their endowments. We had a joyous meting. About three o’clock we hitched up and took our parting from the folks, and started on our journey. We traveled to the foot of Wasatch hill about six mile travel and camped for the night.
Friday Oct. 3, We hitched up and started down Echo Canyon. About 3 miles down we upset the trail wagon, but we soon fixed it up, scarcely any damage done, one chair broken and the end of the reach. We then traveled on having a good many narrow escapes from tipping over. We traveled about ten miles and nooned. After dinner we traveled 12 miles and camped for the night. I stood guard the fore part of the night.
Saturday Oct. 4, We hitched up and traveled below Echo City and nooned. After dinner we traveled to the Junction of Lost Creek and Weber river and camped, during the night one of Samuel Bryson’s heifers got away and we failed to find her.
Sunday Oct. 5th I spent most of the day in hunting horses and cattle
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I found them and we drove down below the Stone Quarry.
Monday Oct 6, We drove to Morgan and nooned. In the afternoon we drove to Enterprise and camped at Joseph Cards’.
Tuesday Oct 7, We drove to the Sand Ridge.
Wednes. Oct 8, We drove to Bountiful. My wife and I stayed at her mothers’ (Mrs Hatch).
Thurs. Oct 9, We went to Salt Lake City. I saw Brother Erastus Snow and Silas Smith they had charge of the San Juan mission. I purchased a cook stove and most of my outfit, and at night we went back to Bountiful.
Friday Oct. 10, I spent the day in fixing up to start on.
Saturday Oct.11, I spent the day in getting ready the same as yesterday.
Sunday Oct. 12, I attended church in East Bountiful.
Monday Oct. 13, It stormed all day.
Tuesday Oct. 14, It stormed
Wednes. Oct 13, It stormed also.
Thurs. Oct. 16, We packed up ready to start on our journey.
Friday Oct. 17, We started out for the sou- Near the Hot Springs I had to leave one of my oxen
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at [copy unreadable] camped at Sugar house Ward.
Saturday Oct.18, We drove to the Point of the mountain and camped we had no water nor feed for our stock.
Sunday Oct. 19, We drove two miles past Lehi and nooned we had good feed and water. After dinner we drove to American Fork and camped for the night
Mon. Oct 20, We drove to Springville and camped.
Tues. Oct 21, We drove within two miles of York and camped
Wed. Oct 22, We drove to Salk Creek and camped
Thurs Oct 23, We drove to Levan and nooned, and then drove in the night to the Sevier River and camped.
Friday Oct. 24, We drove to Warm Creek and camped.
Saturday Oct 25, We drove to Meadow Creek. our cattle gave out so we camped.
Sunday Oct. 26, We laid over. I traded my horses and harness for two yoke of cattle.
Monday 27, I traded my roan cow for two others, and our table
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for a calf. We drove to [Wilbend] and camped.
Tuesday Oct 28, We bought 3 bushels of wheat, then drove to Vermillion and camped, in crossing the river we broke out wagon [copy undreadable].
Wed Oct 29, During the night the cows and calf went back I started after them, and Sam went on. I found one cow and calf and over took them at Prattville. We drove to Annaville Springs and camped
Thursday Oct. 30, We drove to Monroe and nooned. We went to the mill and tried to get our grist ground but we could not. We drove part of the night and camped at Marysville.
Friday Oct 31, During the night our oxen went back as far as Monroe. We got them and drove a mile or two beyond Marys Vale and camped.
Saturday Nov. 1, We drove to the Junction grist mill and camped.
Sunday Nov. 2, We laid over.
Monday Nov 3,. We laid over.
Tues Nov 4, We waited for our grist to be ground.
Wednes Nov 5, We drove to Grass Creek and camped.
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Thurs Nov 6, We drove to Riddles Ranch and camped.
Friday Nov. 7, We drove over and down two miles of the summit and camped.
Saturday Nov. 7 It snowed during the night. We drove to Potato Valley. We left some of our stock.
I lost my record and I will have to write from memory for a year or two.
After arriving at Potato Valley we went on to 40 mile Spring over on the Desert. There the company were altogether, and explorers were sent out a route. They returned and reported that a bird could not fly over the route let alone taking teams. A council was held and Jens Nielson prophesied that if we would go on that a road would be made and a crop raised the next season. So we went on to the Hole in the Rock and commenced to build road across the Colorado river.
1880
We built roads and moved on and arrived at a place called Bluff, April 6, 1880, our desert nation. We got out the water and raised a crop that season
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fulfilling the Prophecy.
We built a fort and lived in it the winter of 1880 + 81. The summer of 1881, a town was surveyed and we began to build on our lots.
A County was established called San Juan County, Silas S. Smith apponited Judge and Charles E. Walton County Clerk. We built a log meeting in the Fort where we held our meetings and amusements. Jens Nielson was called and set apart as our Bishop with Kumen Jones, as 1st and Lemuel H. Redd as 2nd counselors. Silas S. Smith was President and Platt D. Lyman as counselor, and Charles E. Walton as stake clerk. Silas Smith went to Colorado to live and the stake was left in the charge of Platt Lyman. We worked on the water ditch and raised crops of corn and sugar cane and made molasses, some time between the year 82 and 85 the San Juan river overflowed and washed most of our land away, and the people became discourage and started to move away and break up the mission, so Joseph F. Smith was sent down to investigate
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and release us if he thought proper, and after holding Conference and praying over the matter he came to the conclusion that the Saints had better hold the mission. Nevertheless those that wished to move away were released with the blessing of the Presidency of the, but that would stay and hold the mission should be doubly blessed. So a few moved away and the remainder styed. Prest Smith asked me individually if I would stay as I was the County Clerk and Clerk of the stake, and I told him I would, and I never regretted it, for the Lord prospered his as brother Smith said He would. Prest. P. D. Lyman left and Francis A Hammond was sent down as our President. I think it was in the summer of 1883, that Fred Lyman and I went up to Colorado and freighted all summer.
1885
In the year 1885, I purchased half of a threshing machine of Alma Stevens and in connection with George Burnham and Hyrum Taylor we ran it in Colorado and New Mexico.
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1886
I will now take up my Diary.
February 21, Sunday, I attended meeting and Sunday school. Good instructions were given, and I resolved to do better in the future that in the past.
Monday, Feb. 22, I taught school. Nothing occured of any note
Tuesday Feb. 23, I taught school.
Wednesday Feb. 24, I taught school. I sent away two dollars and seventy five cents to the Juvenile Instructor office for books.
Thursday 25, I taught school. In the evening I went out teaching.
Friday, 26, I taught school. At night I had a spelling school.
Saturday 27, I wrote a piece for the Budget box, entitled “Back Biting.” I employed my time in writing most of the day. At night we had Conjoint meeting of the Y M. and Y.L. Improvement associations. It went off splendid.
Sunday 28, I attended Sabbath School and meetings, and the spirit of the Lord was poured out abundantly up on the speakers, and I enjoyed the meetings. Joseph Nielson returned with my team after being gone twelve days.
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Monday March 1, I taught school in the forenoon and in the afternoon the County Court was held at my house. Joseph Nielson used my team one half a day. At night I attended a business meeting.
Tuesday 2, I taught school.
Wednesday 3, I taught school. I got one and one half bushels of potatoes of Jens Nielson. I paid for my Juvenile Instructor two dollars. At night the mail arrived, bringing the news of Prest [copy unreadable] arrest.
Thursday 4, It was Fast day. I fasted until noon. Gave 50 cents simple donation. At night Court met. Twenty dollars was donated one for services as clerk.
Friday 5, I taught school. At night I had a very interesting spelling school.
Saturday 6, We killed our pig. I copied minutes for the Relief Society. At night I attended Y. M. I. A. meeting and we had a good time.
Sunday 7, I attended Sabbath school. Spoke a short time on
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On the subject of good behavior. Attended afternoon meeting, and spoke on different principles pertaining to Kingdom of God. I attended night meeting, a good spirit prevailed. I was instructed and built up in my fai-
Monday 8, I taught school.
Tuesday 9, I taught school. At night Brother Farr came over and we had a good time playing our violins together.
Wednesday 10, L. H. Redd paid me seventy five dollars county money, and twenty five school money. I taught school. At night the mail arrived about 6 o’clock, I had a horrid toothache.
Thursday 11, I taught school.
Friday 12, I went to J. F. Barton’s and had my tooth pulled. I taught school. At night I intended to have spelling school, but my face ached so bad I didn’t have any.
Saturday 13, I taught school. At night I attended Y. M. I. A. meeting. I lectured on the gathering of Israel.
Sunday 14, I attended Sabbath school in the morning, and meet-
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ing in the afternoon. I sold my steer for thirty three and one [copy unreadable] dollars. At night I attended testimony meeting and had a good time
Monday 15, I taught school. At night Hyrum Perkins paid me eleven dollars in cash on my steer.
Tuesday 16, I taught school.
Wednesday 17, I taught school. At night the mail arrived in good time. I received my prize books for the school.
Thursday 18, I celebrated my last day of school for the quarter. Commencing at 9. A. M. Quite a number of the parents attended and seemed well satisfied the way the school had been conducted. Excellent instruction was given by Prest F. A. Hammond and others. In the afternoon I had a dance for the children, and at night for the adults. Everything went off splended a complete success.
Friday 19, I employed my time working and fixing up accounts and getting ready for Conference.
Saturday 20, I attended Conference and took the minutes. A good
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spirit prevailed, an excellent instructions were given.
At night we had our Y. M. I. A. Conference, and we had a most enjoyable time.
Sunday 21, I attended Conference and we had an excellent good time, and was well paid for the time spent.
Monday 22, I attended Relief Conference in the morning and Primary in the afternoon. At night I attended a Mill meeting and subscribed twenty for stock in the grist mill at Macos, Colorado.
Tuesday 23, I subscribed one hundred dollars to purchase sheep, to be paid within 4 months. I paid twenty dollars into the mill company.
I qualified Peter Allen, P. R. Butt, and F. J. Jones. P. R. Butt is to pay Willard Butt seventy-five cents on my account.
F. J. Jones paid me his fee in money. Peter Allan owes him.
Wednesday 24, I helped to haul fencing. At night the mail arrived in good time, I went to President Hammond’s to hear the
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news. The news came that Prest [copy unreadable] had got away. [Copy unreadable] paid me seventy five [copy unreadable] owed me.
Thursday 25, I attended store board [copy unreadable] in the morning, and put
[copy unreadable] in the afternoon.
Friday 26 [copy unreadable] I put up fence in the forenoon and shucked corn in the [copy unreadable] afternoon.
Saturday 27, Shucked corn all day. The [copy unreadable] came to see me, and paid me [copy unreadable] dollars on my school bill, and [copy unreadable] me to teach another quarter for one hundred and twenty dollars. At night I attended Conjoint meeting of the Y. M. and Y. L. M. I. A. What [copy unreadable] were good, but there were quite a number short.
Sunday 28, I attended three meetings and [copy unreadable] good time.
Monday 29, I commenced my school. I paid forty five dollars into the coopstore as shares, and [copy unreadable] on what I owed.
Tuesday 30, I taught school
At night the mail arrived in good time. I received no particular news.
Wednesday 31, I taught school. At night the mail arrived in good time. I received no particular news.
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1886
April
Thursday 1, It was Fast day. I attended meeting in the forenoon, and shucked corn in the afternoon.
Friday 2, I taught school.
Saturday 3, I trimmed my grape vines, and shucked corn. At night I attended Y. M. I. A.
Sunday 4, I attended Sunday school and meetings, and had a very good time.
Monday 5, I taught school.
Tuesday 6, We celebrated the occasion of the entrance of the pioneers into the San Juan Valley. I played for the dances.
Wednesday 7, I taught school.
At night the mail arrived, and brought the news that San Juan County is about to be turned into an Indian reservation.
Thursday 8, I taught school. Samuel Hammond started for the Mancos with his family.
Friday 9, I taught school. At night I had spelling school.
Saturday 10, Brother Nielson, L. H. Redd and myself fixed up the accounts of my improvements done in Bluff City, to send to Prest Hammond
Sunday 11, I attended Sabbath school and meeting [copy unreadable].
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At night brother Farr came to my place and spent the evening and we had a fine time.
Monday 12, I taught school.
Tuesday 13, I taught school, and worked night and morning building chicken coop.
Wednesday 14, I taught school. At night the mail arrived. No special news.
Thursday 15, I taught school. I [copy unreadable] a book of questions and answers.
Friday 16, I taught school. Alvin Decker paid me his children’s schooling fee. L. H. Redd paid me the balance due me on the steer. I paid Willard Butt what I owed him. At night I had spelling school.
Saturday 17, I worked in the garden
Sunday 18, I attended Sabbath school and meeting. Brothers J. Johnson, J. Allan and bishop Nielson were the speakers, The subjects treated were faith and improvement. A good spirit prevailed.
Monday 19, I purchased sixteen dollars and fifty five cents worth of [copy unreadable] of J. Johnson. I borrowed [copy unreadable] 5 lbs of cornmeal of sister Farnswor- I taught school during the day.
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At night I set out trees.
Tuesday 20, I taught school, and finished setting out trees.
Wednesday 21, I taught school. The mail arrived late on account of the high water. I acknowledged a deed for J. Johnson, received a fee of 50 cents. Paid Nephi Bailey for mending shoes one dollar and fifteen cents.
Thursday 22, I taught school. I went to brother Farr’s and got a vision that had been sent to him and read it to my folks. It was one that brother Buckley received, who lives at St George, Utah, it portrayed what is about to come upon the ear- At night I went out teaching.
Friday 23, I taught school. At night I went out teaching.
Saturday 24, I shelled corn, and sold six hundred lbs to Amasa Barton, for fifteen dollars. I sold J. Johnson 120 lbs of oats for four dollars and 20 cents. I sold 50 cents worth of corn to a stranger. At night I went to a Conjoint meeting of Mutuals.
Sunday 25, I attended Sabbath school and meeting. Elder Farr, Samuel Wood, J. Allen and bishop Nielson preached.
Monday 26, I taught school.
Tuesday 27, I taught school.
[Page 44]
1886
At night I had a horrid toothache. I got 25 lbs of seed corn from W. Butt
Wednesday 28, I taught school. A. M. Barton and Joseph Nielson started to Durango. At night the mail arrived on time, no particular news came.
Thursday 29, Brother Farr pulled out too- I taught school.
Friday 30, I taught school.
May
Saturday 1, I shucked corn most of the day. I went to the field the first time for four months.
Sunday 2, I attended sabbath school and meetings. J. B. Decker, J. F. Barton, and Kumen Jones were the speakers:
Monday 3, I acknowledged a Deed for Niels Olsen. I taught school.
Tuesday 4, I taught school.
Wednesday 5, I taught school. At night the mail arrived bringing Charles books and postage stamp for me. I sent to the Juvenile Instructor office for prize books for my school.
Thursday 6, I finished shucking corn and cleaned up the lot. I attended Fast meeting, in the afternoon I plowed the lot. At night attended store meeting.
[Page 45]
Friday 7, I taught school. At night I had spelling school.
Saturday 8, I worked in the field planting potatoes and corn.
Sunday 9, I attended Sabbath school and meeting. L. H. Redd paid me fifty dollars school money.
Monday 10, I taught school at night I commenced to register
Tuesday 11, I taught school. At night the mail arrived in good time bringing my books from the states.
Wednesday 12, I taught school during the day.
Thursday 13, I taught school. It rained part of the day.
Friday 14, I taught school. At night I had spelling school.
Saturday 15, I worked in the field planting corn.
Sunday 16, I attended Sunday school and meeting. Prest Hammond preached. Magnolia made her first attempt at playing the hymns for meeting, and was successful.
Monday 17, I taught school.
Tuesday 18, I taught school.
Wednesday 19 I taught school. At night the mail arrived in good time, without bringing any news from Janes mother. I received a letter from Van Putnam.
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Thursday 20, I taught school. Jane and Charley started to Thompson Spring to get sister Hatch.
Friday 21, I taught school. At night I had a spelling school.
Saturday 22, In the morning I planted garden. The balance of the day I worked on the flume at the Cottonwood wash.
Sunday 23, I attended Sabbath school and meeting. Brothers Farr and Hammond preached; their remarks were timely and instructive.
Monday 24, I taught school.
Tuesday 25, I taught school.
Wednesday 26, I taught school. At night the mail came in good time, bringing news that Mrs. Hatch would be at Thompson spring the 27th of the mon-
Thursday 27, I taught school. At night I went to spend the evening at brother Farrs.
Friday 28, I taught school.
Saturday 29, I went in the morning to the field, and in the afternoon I fixed up county accounts. At night I went to Conjoint mutuals, but owing to many being absent that had pieces was for another week.
[Page 47]
1886
Sunday 30, I attended Sabbath school and meeting.
Monday 31, I taught school.
Tuesday June 1, I taught school.
Wednesday 2, I taught school. At night the mail arrived early, about 4 o’clock, bringing my book.
Thursday 3, I attended Fast meeting in the morning and in the afternoon I went into the field.
Friday 4, I taught school. At night the folks arrived from Grand Valley. Sister Hatch came with them
Saturday 5, I taught school.
Sunday 6, I attended Sunday school, and meeting. Brother Brigham addressed the meeting spoke encouragingly. Prest. Hammond also spoke.
Monday 7, I taught school.
Tuesday 8, I taught school.
Wednesday 9, My quarterly session of school ended. I had a very good time in the forenoon. I had received and given out the presents, and in the afternoon I had a dance for the children. The mail arrived about three o’clock P. M.
Thursday 10, I worked in the
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field and garden.
Friday 11, I worked in the field a part of the day, and the remainder of the day fixing up my accounts.
Saturday 12, I shelled corn. I paid [copy unreadable] dollars in the store, and paid [copy unreadable] dollars tithing.
Sunday 13, I attended Sabbath school and meeting. I spoke a short time at bo- At night quite a number of cowboys arrived in town to go [copy unreadable] thieves.
Monday 14, I worked in the field in the forenoon, and in the afternoon attended court.
Tuesday 15, I fixed up a chicken coop. At night I hauled up a load of goods from the river. Brother Mortenson and daughter made us a visit and we had a very enjoyable time.
Wednesday 16, I started Mancos to Conference, accompanied by Maggie, Leonia and Margaret Nielson, and Sister Adams. The first day we arrived at Wm Hydes 32 miles from home. All well.
Thursday 17, Leonia stopped at Brother Hyde’s, and we arrived at Astic Spring 31 miles from Brother Hydes. All well.
Friday 18, Half past 12 o’clock we arrived at Hyrum Perkins’ at
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the Mancos Colo. 25 miles from Springs. After dinner we drove to Br. Farnsworth close to the meethinghouse.
Saturday 19, I attended Conference and was well paid for a good spirit prevailed.
Sunday 20, I attended Conference, an excellent spirit prevailed, and I was greatly strengthened in my fai-
Monday 21, I attended a mill meeting in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I got up my team, and had Sailor shod, it cost one dollar and twenty five cents. At night I played for a dance and received one dollar and fifty cents for my services.
Tuesday 22, We started home ate breakfast at Hyrum Perkins, and dinner at Astic Springs and camped one and one half miles south of Navajo Springs on a little grass flat.
Wednesday 23, We started before breakfast and traveled about 14 miles, stopped and ate breakfast, then hitched up and drove to William Hydes and had dinner. After dinner we drove to Brewer bottom and camped for the night.
Thursday 27, We arrived at home without harm or accident, having had a very pleasant [copy unreadable].
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Friday 25, I cultivated corn.
Saturday 26, I hoed cane.
Sunday 27, I attended sabbath school and meeting, and spoke a short time.
Monday 28, I employed my time in writing.
Tuesday 29, I hoed cane.
Wednesday 30, I hoed cane. At night the mail arrived at 10 minutes to 8 o’clock. I received a letter from Savannah Putnam.
Thursday July 1, It being Fast day, I attended meeting. I paid 50 cents Temple donations. I paid J. Johnson six dollars and 83 cents [copy unreadable] him on the trees.
Friday 2, I mowed sunflowers. I paid an Indian 75 cents for Buckskin.
Saturday 3 d I plowed in field corn. I settled with Jens Nielson.
Sunday 4, I attended Sabbath school and meeting, and they were very interesting and instructive.
Monday 5, We celebrated it for the 4- At 9 o’clock A. M. the people assembled at the schoolhouse and the time was spent in reading the Declaration of Independence, oration, songs and comic reading. In the afternoon we had childrens’ dance and in the
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evening a dance for the adults; everything went off splendid.
Tuesday 6, I plowed cane.
Wednesday 7, I cultivated corn in the morning, and in the afternoon I fixed up a rack, and got things together to start to Durango. The mail arrived in time.
Thursday 8, I loaded up and got ready to start to Durango.
Friday 9, I started to Durango about 8 o’clok A. M. After a hot days travel I arrived within one half mile of Montezuma Creek and camped Leonia was with me.
Saturday July 10, I traveled within 4 miles of William Hydes and camped for the night. After a prosperous days journey.
Sunday 11, We hitched up and drove a short distance above Wm Hydes and nooned, and then drove to Astic Flat, and camped for the night.
Monday 12, We drove to Astic Spring, nooned, and then drove to Mitchell spring and camped for the night. It rained and blowed a little during the day.
Tuesday 13, We drove to Fred Jones and nooned, and then drove to where the road leaves the Mancos creek and camped for night. I lost
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my ax during the day.
Wednesday 14, We drove to Durango arrived there about dark.
Thursday 15, I sold my wool, and purchased most of my goods
Friday 16, I loaded up my goods and started for home, drove to the top of the Government Mesa and camped for the night.
Saturday 17, We drove to the Mancos and camped for the night.
Sunday 18, We drove to Mitchell springs and camped.
Monday 19, We drove to the forks of the road and camped.
Tuesday 20, We drove to Mitchells old house and camped.
Wednesday 21, We drove to Recapture field, and camped. One of my horses gave out, and Charley came and met me with one.
Thursday 22, We arrived home about 11 o’clock A. M. after a prosperous journey. In the afternoon I unloaded.
Friday 23, I rested.
Saturday 24, It being the 24th we celebrated and had a good time generally. At night we had a dance.
Sunday 25, I attended Sunday school and meeting, a good spirit
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prevailed throughout, and all were benefited by attending. At night Br. Lars and [copy unreadable, Belle] Mortensen came to my house and played the violin and organ, and several attended and we had a good time.
Monday 26, I fixed up county affairs. Brother Mortenson started to Manassa Colorado, to make his home.
Tuesday 27, I worked up at the head of the water ditch, helping to put in a dam in the river to turn more water in the ditch.
Wednesday 28, I employed my time most of the day in writing. I wrote out bonds for the Buena Trustees and sent to them. The mail arrived early.
Thursday 29, I went on the ditch to work with my team, at the head of the ditch.
Friday 30, I worked on the ditch.
Saturday 31, I worked on the cribs helping to mend a break Charley worked with me.
August
Sunday 1, I attended Sabbath school and meeting. In the morning we had a melon that weighed 33 lbs. At night it rained.
Monday 2, I done some writing, and irrigated the Garden.
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Tuesday 3, I hoed some in the field
Wednesday 4, I employed my time in writing. The mail came in good time.
Thursday 5, I worked in the garden
Friday 6, I hoed some and irrigated the garden.
Saturday 7, I loafed.
Sunday 8, I attended Sabbath school and meeting.
Monday 9, I hoed potatoes in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I done some writing.
Tuesday 10, I got L. H. Redd to help me in the forenoon and he transferred the accounts from the Tax roll to the large Tax Book, and in the afternoon I studied music.
Wednesday, 11, I irrigated the garden in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I worked at Sunday things
Thursday 12, I worked at the Tax rolls. I sold Peter Allan 20 water melons for three dollars.
Friday 13, I worked at the Tax accounts, brother Farnsworth paid me his school bill. $1.30
Saturday 14, I worked at the Tax rolls.
Sunday 15, I attended Sabbath
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school and meeting, and I was quite interested and built up in faith
Monday 16, I hoed corn and worked some at the Tax rolls.
Tuesday 17, I worked at the Tax rolls in the morning, and mowed lucern for brother Wood in the afternoon.
Wednesday 18, I mowed lucern. The mail arrived a little after 7 o’clock P.M.
Thursday 19, I worked at little odd jobs around home.
Friday 20, I recorded a chattel mortgage.
Saturday 21, I crossed the river to cut fencing, in the morning, after cutting a little while Charlie cut his finger, and we had to come home. In the afternoon I fixed up my spring seat.
Sunday 22, I attended Sunday school and meeting. I spoke a short time.
Monday 23, It rained most all day, towards night it let up a little, and brother J. F. Barton put rivets in my wagon wheel.
Tuesday 24, I was thirty nine years old it being my birthday. In the morning I hauled a load of wood, in the afternoon I cut and hauled a load of corn. Jane made me
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a present of a chair.
Wednesday 25, I cut and hauled corn. The mail came in late.
Thursday 26, I cut and hauled a part of a load of corn in the morning, the balance of the day I fixed up to start to Thompson’s Springs.
Friday 27, I started to Thompsons Springs. Sister Hatch, Mary Jones, and
Jane accompanied me. We traveled to the mouth of Recapture and stopped for noon, and then drove to the head of the Big bench and
Camped for the night sister Hatch was sick.
Saturday 28, We started and about half past seven, drove a few miles to broke the King bolt to the wagon. I fixed it up and drove across the last crossing of the Recapture creek and nooned, and then drove within three or four miles of Alkali spring and camped.
Sunday 29, We hitched up and traveled to where the trail crosses Devil Canyon before breakfast. I watered the horses, and after breakfast, hitched up and traveled to South Montezuma for dinner, and then drove four miles and camped.
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1886
Monday 30, I hitched up before breakfast and traveled to North Montezuma. I sold my tomatoes and most of my melons to the Soldiers. My horses run off up the creek which gave me quite a tramp, after I got them I drove to the Vega and camped for the night.
Tuesday 31, It had rained all night but it had cleared up a little, and about 7 o’clock A.M. I hitched up and drove to the Hatch Ranch and camped
September
Wednesday 1, It had rained all night heavy, and the cabin at the Hatch Ranch leaked like a riddle. About 12 o’clock A.M. I hitched up and drove to leave Springs and camped.
Thursday 2, It had partially cleared up. I hitched up and drove to Warners in Moab.
Friday 3, I hired a Brother Stoell to take Sister Hatch and May Jones to the Rail Road so early in the morning brother Holyoak hitched up and went down to the river and crossed with the folks bid them goodbye and came back to Holyoaks.
Saturday 4, We went from Warners after staying all night to Bishop
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Sturts. At night there was a Y. M. I. A meeting. I attended and spoke to them a short time.
Sunday 5, I attended Sabbath school and meeting, and talked a little at both meetings. At night we started home, and drove as far as Holyoaks.
Monday 6, I hitched up to start home. Clara Burnham came up to go with us. I drove to Buena and stopped at Whellers all day. I registered some and qualified Boltons.
Tuesday 7, I had quite hunting in the morning for my horses, but at last they were found, and started on my way home.
Lizzie Slade accompanied us, we drove to the Hole in the Rock, and camped.
Wednesday 8, It had rained a little during the night. We drove to Peters Ranch and camped for the night.
Thursday 9, I found my horses in good time. We drove to South Montezuma for dinner, but before we got there it rained fearful. In the afternoon we drove nearly to Alkali Spring and camped.
Friday 10, We drove to the
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Recapture Creek and nooned. In the afternoon we drove down the Recapture creek, and found the road washed out terribly so we only got part way down it. It clouded up and rained all night.
Saturday 11, We arrived home safely. It rained on us during the day
Sunday 12, I attended Sabbath school and meeting and spoke a short time at the meeting.
Monday 13, I fixed up a rack and hauled one load of corn.
Tuesday 14, I hauled corn.
Wednesday 15, I worked a part of the day at the cane mill. The mail arrived early.
Thursday 16, I started to work at the cane mill at 2 o’clock A.M. and worked until 1 o’clock P.M.
Friday 17, I started to work on the cane mill at 1 o’clock P.M.
Saturday 18, I worked for Samuel Wood, and Charley worked half a day.
Sunday 19, I attended Sabbath school and meeting.
Monday 20, I cut corn.
Tuesday 21, I went to the Pond for a cow that had lost her calf.
Wednesday 22, I hauled corn.
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Thursday 23, I went for the cow again.
Friday 24, I worked on the Cane mill.
Saturday 25, I hauled a part of a load of corn to the tithing yard.
Sunday 26, I attended Sabbath school and meeting. I spoke a short time at the meeting.
Monday 27, I hauled corn for Brother Allan half a day. At night Charley came home with a muley calf.
Tuesday 28, I hauled corn for brother Allan.
Wednesday 29, I hauled cane for myself. The mail arrived a little before 8 o’clock P.M.
Thursday 30, I hauled cane and cane leaves.
October
Friday 1, I hauled corn for Br. Allan.
Saturday 2, I went over the river for fencing. In the afternoon it rained.
Sunday 3, I attended Sabbath school and meeting, and teachers meeting.
Monday 4, I commenced school.
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I had twenty one schollars.
Tuesday 5, I taught school.
Wednesday 6, I taught school. At night the mail arrived in good time.
Thursday 7, It being Fastday I fasted and went to meeting, and bore my testimony, to the truthfulness of the gospel. In the afternoon I worked on the cow correll. I paid one dollar Temple donation.
Friday 8, I taught school.
Saturday 9, I worked at the yard fixing up a calf pen, and hauling home calf.
Sunday 10, I attended Sabbath school and meeting.
Monday 11, I taught school.
Tuesday 12, I taught school, and night hauled in the squash.
Wednesday 13, I rose early in the morning and covered the shed, with [copy unreadable]. I taught school.
Thursday 14, I taught school, and worked at home night and morning
Friday 15, I taught school.
Saturday 16, I dug potatoes, and executed some land papers, (land claims) for some men from La Sal mountains.
Sunday 17, I attended Sabbath school and meeting.
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Monday 18, I taught school. I paid seven dollars in cash for tithing; also sixty squashes.
Tuesday 19, I taught school, Carly started to the Mancos to work and took the team.
Wednesday 20, I taught school. The mail arrived in good time.
Thursday 21, I taught school one half day. In the afternoon I attended Court. Thirty dollars was approprated to me for services. Hanson Bayless paid me nine dollars and 20 cents, in cash due Charley for work.
Friday 22, I taught school. At night went down to Amasa M. Bartons to a dance, we had an excellent time.
Saturday 23, We returned home from Hydes’. I spent the balance of the day in sundray affairs.
Sunday 24, I attended Sunday school and meetings.
Monday 25, I taught school.
Tuesday 26, I taught school. Jens Nielson Jr delivered a horse to me. I paid him seventy dollars a gun and cash.
Wednesday 27, I taught school. At night the mail arrived early
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1886
bringing me news that Charley had got work.
Thursday, 28, I taught school. At night I worked my colt a little.
Friday 29, I taught school. At night I let Peter Allan take my colt to ride after cows it threw him off and hurt him
Saturday 30, I saddled my colt, and worked him in order to break him. I also plasterd the house a little with mud. At night we held Y.M.M.I.A meeting.
Sunday 31, I took charge of Sabbath school; also attended afternoon and evening meetings. Spoke a short time at both meetings.
November
Monday
November 1, I taught school.
Tuesday 2, I taught school.
Wednesday 3, I taught school. The mail arrived in good time bringing me word that Charley still had work.
Thursday 4, I attended Fastmeeting in the forenoon, I paid fifty cents Temple donation. In the afternoon I shucked corn.
Friday 5, I taught school.
Saturday 6, I chored around home. At night I attended Y.M.M.I.A. meeting and I enjoyed it.
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Sunday 7, I attended Sunday-school and took charge of it; also attended meetings and spoke a short time.
Monday 8, I taught school.
Tuesday 9 I taught school.
Wednesday 10 I taught school. The mail arrived early, bringing from the Commission.
Thursday 11, I taught school.
Friday 12, I taught school.
Saturday 13 I borrowed Hansen Bayles team and hauled a load of wood.
Sunday 14, I attended Sabbath school and meetings. At night Charley arrived, all well with provisions enough to last nearly a year.
Monday 15, I taught school.
Tuesday 16, I taught school.
Wednesday 17, I taught school. At night the mail arrived in good time; bringing news there had been a shooting scrape at La Platta Ranche and Alma [copy unreadable] was wounded.
Thursday 18, I taught school. The Y.M.M.I.A was organized.
Friday 19, I taught school in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I hitched up four horses and hauled wood.
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Saturday 20, Quarterly Conference commenced, I attended and took the minutes. A good spirit prevailed.
Sunday 21, I attended Conference. At night we had a Y.M.M.I.A. Conference, and we had an excellent time.
Monday 22, I worked at home shelling my corn, and getting Charley ready to go to Durango. At night we had a dance and a splended time.
Tuesday 23, I taught school. Jane and Charley started for Durango about noon.
Wednesday 24, I taught school. The mail arrived in good time
Thursday 25, I taught school in the forenoon. In the afternoon a meeting was held it being Thanksgiving day.
Friday 26, I taught school. At night I played for a dance.
Saturday 27, I taught school part of the day. In the afternoon I dug beets and chored around.
Sunday 28, I did not attend Sabbath school, but I attend both meetings.
Monday 29, I taught school.
Tuesday 30, I taught school.
[December]
Wednesday 1, I taught school. The mail arrived about 7 o’clock. No special news.
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[1886]
Thursday 2, I attended Fast day meeting in the morning, and in the afternoon I read and chored around.
Friday 3, I taught school
Saturday 4, I read most of the time
Sunday 5, I attended Sabbath school and meetings.
Monday 6, I taught school. At night I played for a dance.
Thursday 7, I taught school. At noon the folks arrived from Durango all well.
Wednesday 8, I taught school in forenoon and in the afternoon I attended Court; also the mail arrived in good time, no special news.
Thursday 9, I taught school.
Friday 10, I taught school.
Saturday 11, I fixed up a manger. I attended Y.M.M.I.A meeting at night.
Sunday 12, I went to all the meetings.
Monday 13, I taught school. At night we had a store meeting to elect officers. I was elected treasurer.
Tuesday 14, I taught school.
Wednesday 15, I taught school. At night the mail arrived in good time.
Thursday 15, It being the last
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day of school for the Quarter, I held a review in the forenoon, and a dance in the afternoon, all went off well.
Friday 17, I attended to official business, incorporating the Bluff store I executed five bonds.
Saturday 18, I wrote most of the day copying the Articles of agreement for the San Juan coop company.
Sunday 19, I attended the Sabbath school and meetings.
Monday 20, I done some writing in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I went over the river for wood. At night I played for a dance and received one dollar and 50 cents for my service.
Thursday 21, I went across the river for stakes.
Wednesday 22, Charley went up to the Recapture to help catch sheep. The people having bought four thousand, (4000) head. I done some writing and spent the balance of the day in reading. The mail arrived early.
Thursday 23, I spent the day in reading and practicing on my violin.
Friday 24, I spent my time in helping to fix up for Christmas. At night we met at the church house to see the Christmas tree and
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the presents distributed. I got two presents, and had a fine time
Saturday 25, It being Christmas I spent the time in idleness. At night I helped play for a dance and received two dollars for my services.
Sunday 26, I attended Sabbath school and meeting. Bishop Burnham and Hyrum Taylor came down to spend Christmas. We had received a letter from a man wishing to teach school. His offer accepted.
Monday 27, I didn’t do much in the forenoon. In the afternoon I attended a meeting, pertaining to business of the Coop store. At night I helped to play for a dance.
Tuesday 28, I employed my time in writing. Jane was taken sick at night, she got pretty bad.
Wednesday 29, Jane was some better. I employed my time in writing. The mail arrived in good time.
Thursday 30, I done some writing and fixing up mail affairs.
Friday 31, I read some and practices on my violin. At night I played for a children’s dance. I paid twelve dollars tithing cash the to the Bishop making fifty dollars.
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and 75 cents in all.
Saturday January 1, New Years day. I practiced most of the day on my violin. At night I played for a dance. Received two dollars for pay.
Sunday Jan. 2, I attended Sabbath school and meetings. Jane was still sick.
Monday 3, I spent the day in reading. At night I attended Deacons meeting.
Tuesday 4, Br Farnsworth came down, I spent the day with him, he offered me work.
Wednesday 5, L. H. Redd and I worked at the Tax Rolls. At night the mail arrived in good time.
Thursday 6, I attended Fast meeting. I paid 50 cents donation.
Friday 7, I went over the river for wood. The school Teacher, the Stephen boys, and brother Duffin, a missionary, arrived at Bluff.
Saturday 8, I helped to make a blackboard. At night I attended a Y.M.M.I.A. meeting, we had a good time.
Sunday 9, I took charge of the Sabbath school, and I attended the meetings. At night Br. P.D. Lyman preached.
Monday 10, I attended a council meetings at Brother Hammonds.
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At night helped play for a dance.
Tuesday 11, I done some writing.
Wednesday 12, I wrote Joe Nielsons part in Michael Erle. In the afternoon we held Court. The mail arrived early.
Thursday 13, I visited the school as a trustee. At night visited a business meeting. I paid George Adams one dollar and 36 cents I owed him.
Friday 14, I paid the Bishop Nielson three dollars towards my paper and Juvenile Instructor. In the afternoon I shucked some corn, and done some writing.
Saturday 15, I greased my harness; at night attended Y.M.M.I.A. meeting.
Sunday 16, I took charge of the Sunday school, and went to the afternoon and night meetings.
Monday 17, I made a doubel tree and shuck some corn. Fletcher Hammond paid me five dollars in cash he owed me for grain I got last spring. At night we rehearsed the play Michael Erle at my house.
Tuesday 18, I went on the Big
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bench for my horse, and got him.
Wednesday 19, I put a handle in my ax. The mail arrived in good time.
Thursday 20, I hauled a load of wood for the school house.
Friday 21, Went over the river for wood for home. At night we rehearsed.
Saturday 22, I spent the day fixing up for the theatre and rehearsing. At night we played it was a success.
Sunday 23, I attended Sunday school and meeting.
Monday 24, I started about 11 o’clock for Durango, I traveled to the Montezuma Creek, and camped. The night was bitter cold. I slept scarcely a bit all night on account of the cold.
Tuesday 25, I hitched up at daybreak, and started the wind was blowing cold. I stopped on the Peak bench for dinner. I then drove via Hydes and camped, about a mile from Marble hill.
Wednesday 26, I drove to Cortez.
Thursday 27, I drove to Mancos and took my team to Layfoettes Guymon’s, and left them in his care. I attended Y.M.M.I.A. meeting.
Friday 28, I started with brother Farnesworth for Durango. We arrived at Durango in good time.
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Saturday 29, About noon we started back, and came to La Platta
Sunday 30, Arrived at Mancos about [copy unreadable] o’clock P.M. stayed at Guymons all night.
Monday 31, I attended meeting in the forenoon. Brothers Hammond and Lyman spoke, I went to Sister [copy unreadable, ntons] for dinner. I came back and loaded up.
February
Tuesday 1, I started for home. I nooned at Cortez. At night I camped at Astic Spring. Sister Mary Farnesworth and children were with me.
Wednesday 2, I drove to William Hydes and camped.
Thursday 3, I drove to Allan’s, and stopped for noon. My horses got frightened and ran away. I started at dark and walked home. I was pretty tired.
Friday 4, I started back and hunted nearly all day for my horses and found them nearly night in the rocks. I hitched up and started home and arrived there about two o’clock in the night.
Saturday 5, In the forenoon I unloaded. In the afternoon
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I went to Rincon to have meeting.
Sunday 6, We held meeting at 10 o’clock A.M. At 2 o’clock P.M. we started home, and arrived there at 6 P.M. I attended night I attended meeting.
Monday 7, I took the horses on the Ranch. We rehearsed our play at night.
Tuesday 8, I employed my time in reading. I paid five dollars into the coop store, and five dollars to Robert Allan on debts.
Wednesday 9, I done some writing and several other chores.
Thursday 10, I worked at the tax rolls.
Friday 11, I read most of the time. At night I attended a debating school. Wood’s side beat.
Saturday 12, I drove a cow on the bench. At night attended Y.M.M.I.A meeting.
Sunday 13, I attended Sabbath school and meetings.
Monday 14, I hunted horses.
Tuesday 15, I hauled a load of wood for sister Johnson.
Wednesday 16, I hauled a load of wood for home. The mail arrived in good time.
Thursday 17, I spent the day mostly in reading.
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Friday 18, I worked at making scenery for our play. At night I [copy unreadable] on economy.
Saturday 19, I found one of our calves was sick, I doctored it. And worked on the scenery, the balance of the day.
Sunday 20, I attended Sunday school and meetings.
Monday 21, I went to see my horses, and worked on the scenery.
Tuesday 22, I went up the ditch to look at it. It was a very cold day.
Wednesday 23, I worked on the scenery. The mail arrived about 3 o’clock P.M. At night we reheased.
Thursday 24, I spent the day in writing.
Friday 25, I worked at the scenery. At night we had a fine rehearsal.
Saturday 26, Conference commenced. At night we played.
Sunday 27, I attended conference and took the minutes. We had an enjoyable time. At night Y.M.M.I.A. had Conference.
Monday 28, I attended Relief Conference in the forenoon, and General Conference in the afternoon. At night played at a danece.
March
Tuesday 1, I played for a childrens dance
Wednesday 2, I spent the day
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in doing different jobs. The mail arrived in good time.
Thursday 3, I spent the day in reading and studying.
Friday 4, I put up some fencing. At night I played for a dance, and received two dollars and 50 cents.
Saturday 5, I put up fence. At night went to meeting.
Sunday 6, I attended Sabbath school and meetings.
Monday 7, I attended Court. Thirty three dollars was appropriated to me for services. Paid thirteen dollars tithing.
Tuesday 8, I hunted horses, and got ready to go to North Montezuma.
Wednesday 9, I started in company with George Adam, Fred Adams, P.R Butt, and C. E. Walton Jr. to locate North Montezuma. We camped at the head of the Big Bench.
Thursday 10, We found our horses in good time, and started out we nooned at Mustang Spring, then drove to where the trail crosses Devil Canyon and camped. I had a fearful head ache.
Friday 11, We started out early, I walked most of the way to the top of the hill, the road was good. We nooned at South Montezuma.
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and then drove to North Montezuma, we then looked around the country, and was well pleased with the prospect.
Saturday 12, We started to work on the water ditch about 7 o’clock A.M. George Adams and I went up to Carlisle ditch, up to the head of the North fork of North Montezuma, found that he had claimed all of the water of the fork at that place. We arrived back to camp about 3 o’clock P.M. then we worked on the ditch until nearly night, and then went and pulled a cow of Carlisle’s out of the mud. The hauled apart of a load of wood.
Sunday 13, I stayed at camp until noon, then I started home, I lost the trail and camped in a wash.
Monday 14, It took me until noon to find the trail. I nooned at Devil Canyon, and then rode about a mile below Mustang Spring and camped for the night.
Tuesday 15, I nooned on the Big Bench, and arrived home about sundown. Found all well at home.
Wednesday 16, I rested. The mail arrived in good time.
Thursday 17, I worked for John
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Allan for ditch pay.
Friday 18, I worked for John Allan in the forenoon and in the afternoon I played for a childrens dance, and at night for the adults.
Saturday 19, I shelled corn and got ready to go off to work.
Sunday 20, I attended both Sabbath school and meetings. I presided at the Sunday school and spoke at both meetings.
Monday 21, I hunted up my horses.
Tuesday 22, I started for Colorado. I camped at Daughers.
Wednesday 23, I started early and camped at Astic flat.
Thursday 24, I started out before breakfast, and drove to Navajo Springs and ate my breakfast. I came across Farnsworth, and he rode to Cortez with me. Shortly after I arrived there the horse I got of Jens Nielson was taken sick. I doctored him and he got better towards night.
Friday 25, My horse was better. I stayed all day at Johnson’s camp.
Saturday 26, I stayed at Cortez until noon; then drove to Mancos and stayed all night at brother Wheelers.
Sunday 27, I attended Sabbath school and meeting. I spoke at bo-
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1887
Monday 28, I started to Durango. After a prosperous journey I camped about six miles above Durango.
Tuesday 29, I hunted about three hours for my horses, and found them [copy unreadable] to my wagon. I hitched up and drove to Durango.
Wednesday 30, I started from Durango, about 9 o’clock A.M. and drove to the crossing of La Platta and camped.
Thursday 31, I traveled to the Mancos and camped at Br Wheelers.
Friday April 1, I started from the Mancos about 7 o’clock A.M. and arrived at Cortez about 5 o’clock P.M. I received mail from home.
Saturday 2, I got two of my horses shod. I stayed all day and night at Joseph F. Johnson’s.
Sunday 3, It was some time in the morning before I could find my horses. I started about noon and went to the lumber camp and staid all night.
Monday 4, I drove to the Mancos and nooned, and then drove to within a mile of La Plata Creek and camped alone.
Tuesday 5, I found my horses in good time. I drove to Durango,
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loaded up, and drove back out on top of the Government Mesa and camped.
Wednesday 6, I drove to the Mancos and camped at Hyrum M. barbers.
Thursday 7, I drove to Cortez, arrived there a little afternoon, all well.
Friday 8, I laid over, I read most of the time.
Saturday 9, I laid over waiting for J.F. Johnson. He arrived about noon. I settled up with him, and paid him forty dollars on my wagon. It was decided that we start to Gallup for the wagons the fifteen- I was to haul sand for my board and horse feed until then.
Sunday 10, I learned some new tunes. It snowed most of the day.
Monday 11, I hauled sand for Johnson. It was cold and stormy.
Tuesday 12, I hauled sand for Johnson. The wind was blowing.
Wednesday 13, I hauled sand for Johnson. The day was cold and windy.
Thursday 14, I hauled sand for Johnson. The day was fine.
Friday 15, I hauled sand for Johnson.
Saturday 16, It had rained during the night quite hard. We started about 9 o’clock for Gallop. The company consisted of [copy unreadable]
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Brother Duffin, Louis Burnham and myself, with twelve horses, two wagons and grub. We traveled eight miles past of the Mancos Creek and camped.
Sunday 17, Our horses were gone and I traveled twelve miles for them. We arrived at Burnhmans a little after dark, all well.
Monday 18, We laid over at Olio. At night, we had a dance.
Tuesday 19, We crossed the river, and started on our journey. We traveled twenty one miles, and camped at a well.
Wednesday 20, We traveled about twenty three miles, and camped. The wind was blowing hard.
Thursday 21, We traveled twenty five miles and camped within three miles of Manuleta Spring.
Friday 22, We traveled about twenty five miles to Navajo Charley’s house and camped. Br. Farrs mule was sick all the afternoon.
Saturday 23, The mule was better. We arrived at Gallop about noon. The wagons had come, and we went to work to unload the [copy unreadable], and pack some of them up. I lent Br. Farr fifteen dollars.
Sunday 24, By noon we had all
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the wagons loaded and ready to start back we started out and drove fifteen miles to Navajo Charley’s. Arrived there about 10 o’clock P.M.
Monday 25, We traveled eight miles and nooned on top of the ridge. After dinner we traveled sixteen miles to Manuleta’s and camped, all well.
Tuesday 26, We traveled 22 miles and camped, within 3 miles of Rock Spring, we drove the horses about a mile to water.
Wednesday 27, We traveled 18 miles and camped at Sulphur Spring. The weather was beautiful.
Thursday 28, We traveled 20 miles and camped at Salt Spring.
Friday 29, We traveled 15 miles cross The San Juan river and stopped at Hyrum Taylors place in Olio.
Saturday 30, We traveled 18 miles and camped within 12 miles of Mancos creek, all well.
May
Sunday 1, We traveled to the Mancos creek and dined, and then drove 6 miles and camped for night. It was a cold windy night. Jeff lost his horses.
Monday 2, We drove to Cortez, arrived there about sundown. I was cold and windy, My team ran down the
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hill at Navajo Spring, and came very near killing them.
Tuesday 3, I settled up with Johnson. I owed him thirteen dollars. I started about noon for home. Drove down the Elmo Canyon about 13 miles.
Wednesday 4, I drove over a rough road to within 4 miles of the San Juan river my horses being tired I camped for night.
Thursday 5, I drove to the river road ate breakfast and then drove to Kumen dugway nooned, and then drove home, arrived bout sundown.
Friday 6, I rested.
Saturday 7, I fixed the bows on my wagon, and practised on my violin.
Sunday 8, I attended Sabbath school and meetings, I spoke a short time at meeting.
Monday 9, I went out on the ranch and got my horses. I plowed in the lot the balance of the day.
Tuesday 10, I finished plowing and holeing my lot. I left [copy unreadable] Charley.
Wednesday 11, I loaded up some furniture for Johnson. At noon I started for Cortez. I drove to
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Zac Decker’s Ranch. I purchased a horse from Kumen Jones for 60 dollars. Br. Farr, Sister Johnson and Loney Jones was with me. I drove to Peak for dinner. After dinner we drove via Hydes to Marble Hill and camped.
Friday 13, We drove to Astic flat and nooned, then drove within two miles of Astic Spring. We camped two hours before sundown.
Saturday 14, We reached Cortez about noon. I stayed at Cortez until about three o’clock P.M., and then drove ten miles to Butts old lumer camp, arrived there about 10 o’clock P.M. and camped. I paid Johnson four dollars on my wagon. I camped alone.
Sunday 15, I drove to Willard Butts camp within one half mile of sawmill. I rested the remainder of the day.
Monday 16, I started for Durango for grain. I nooned where the road leaves the Mancos creek, and then drove one half mile down La Platta creek and camped.
Tuesday 17, I drove to Durango loaded up, and drove back half way up to the summit and camped the night. I had on over forty hundred lbs grain.
Wednesday 18, I drove to the Mancos creek arrived on home before sundown. [copy unreadable]
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Thursday 19, I drove to camp. Arrived there sun two hours high. I had a properous journey.
Friday 20, I unloaded my grain. About three o’clock P.M. I started to Conference at the Mancos, arrived there about 5 o’clock P.M. turned my team out [copy unreadable] the Webber and stayed at Wheelers.
Saturday 21, I bought a coat and vest at Bauer’s store, on time ten dollars. I attended Conference. Ate dinner at Br. Farnswro- Found and grained my horses, and then went to sister Dunford’s for supper. I stayed all night.
Sunday 22, I attended Conference, and enjoyed it Took the minutes. I ate supper at William Halls’.
Monday 23, I went to Prest. Hammonds and wrote and sent a copy of the Conference minutes to the Deseret New. Ate dinner at Hammonds and supper at L. Guymons. Played the organ for a dance at night, received two dollars.
Tuesday 24, I ate dinner at Br. Halls. I hunted until noon for my horses. They were down to the store and John Hammond fetched them back. I drove to the lumber camp.
Wednesday 25, There was no lumber to haul so I laid over until noon, and then drove 4 miles to the boys old
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camp and stayed all night.
Thursday 26, I drove to Cortez expecting to get a load of freight, but Johnson failed to get it. I ate dinner at Johnsons, and then drove back to the lumber camp.
Friday 27, I got a job of hauling lumber, and take lumber and shingles for my pay. So I went to Crones mill, loaded up and drove back to camp.
Saturday 28, I hauled my load to Cortez, and returned to camp, got back before sundown, had on 1759 feet. Amounted to $11.43. (Today Alvin Decker started to the Blue mountains.)
Sunday 29, I wrote a letter home. I observed the Sabba- It rained a little.
Monday 30, I went to Crones mill and loaded up 1726 ft of lumber and came back to camp.
Tuesday 31, I went to Cortez and back to camp. I had good luck.
[June]
Wednesday 1, I went to the mill and back to camp. My load was 1810 ft of lumber.
Thursday 2, I went to Cortez and back to camp. I brought back 450 lbs of freight for Crone. Got back to a little after sundown.
Friday 3, I went to Crones mill loaded up [1771, copy unreadable] ft lumber, and back to camp. It rained part of the afternoon and all night.
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Saturday 4, I went to Cortez and back to camp. The wind blew fearful in Cortez. I got 130 lbs of chop corn of Adams $3.44).
Sunday 5, I studied grammar part of the day, rested the remainder.
Monday 6, I went to Crones mill, got [,837 copy unreadable] ft of lumber and back to camp. I also got 82 lbs of lumber for Adams.
Tuesday 7, I ate breakfast at Kingstons and then drove to Cortez. I broke my [, each, copy unreadable] on the way. I stopped all night at brother Farrs.
Wednesday 8, I got my horses shod, and got my break fixed. It cost four dollars and 80 cents. Afternoon I drove back to camp.
Thursday 9, I went to Crones mill loaded up 1041 ft lumber for the yard, and 800 ft for the Blacksmith, which paid him and 40 cents over. I drove back to camp.
Friday 10, I went to Cortez, ate dinner at Johnsons, and then drove back to camp.
Saturday 11, I went to Mancos. I stayed at brother Wheelers. I purchased an ax and handle $1.75. 1 [copy unreadable] powder 40 cents, at brother Halls store.
Sunday 12, I attended Sabbath school and meeting. Hyrum Fielding was disfellowshipped. I got 171 lbs chopped.
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corn or Br. Halls three dollars and 63 cents. Paid one dollar on it.
Monday 13, I traded wagons with Creg, received ten dollars back, my wagon was to heavy for my team. I went to Crones mill and loaded Eight thousand shingles, and back to camp.
Tuesday 14, I started for the Blue Mountains. Drove 2 miles beyond the bend of the Dolores river, nooned, and then drove within 15 miles of Cross Canyon, and camped for night.
Wednesday 15, I drove to Cross Canyon, nooned, and then traveled to within 8 miles of Piute spring and camped with Farnsworth hired boy.
Thursday 16, I went beyond Piute spring, nooned, and drove 1 mile beyond the Vage and camped. I met George Adams on his way to Durango, and he informed me that Amasa M. Barton had been shot by an Indian.
Friday 17, I drove across North Montezuma and unloaded my shingles, and then drove to South Montezuma where Charley was. I spent the balance of the day looking around. The grain looked fine.
Saturday 18, Br. James B. Decker and I saddled our horses and took a trip to the timber to look at it. We found
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excellent house logs and poles in abundance. We had a splendid trip and returned to camp before sundown. Fred Jones and Parley Butt arrived with their families.
Sunday 19, I rested most of the day.
Monday 20, I moved over to the North Montezuma, in the afternoon I helped build a corral for the cows
Tuesday 21, I worked on the water ditch.
Wednesday 22, I worked on the water ditch. Fred Jones came over from South Montezuma. He brought the news that AM. Barton was dead.
Thursday 23, I worked on the water-ditch.
Friday 24, I worked on the water-ditch. One of the McKonke boys and George Wilden came to work on the waterditch. Willard Butt started to Durango.
Saturday 25, I worked on the waterditch. It rained a little at night.
Sunday 26. I hitched up my team and drove to South Montezuma and stopped at F.J. Jones place. We went to George Adams, had a very good time.
Monday 27, I started home, got home about dark. Found all well.
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Tuesday 28, I settled up the school account with Jennie Allan. I borrowed fifteen dollars of Hanson Bayless.
Wednesday 29, I helped fix the water ditch. In the afternoon I hunted for my horses and couldn’t find them. Prest Hammond and Peter Allan started to the Blue Mountain.
Thursday 30, I hoed some in the garden, and then hunted horses the rest of the day, failed to find them. At night Navajo told me where they were. Promised him two dollars to get them
[July]
Friday 1, I chopped wood in the morning. The Indian brought the horses. I gave him two dollars. I fixed up the mail account.
Saturday 2, I started to the Blue Mountain at 5 o’clock. I arrived there a little after Sundown.
Sunday 3, I attended meeting at Alvin Decker’s house. It was the first meeting held at the mountain. I spoke a short time. I went to North Montezuma.
Monday 4, We finished surveying the town site, and surveyed out two quarter sections of farming land.
Tuesday 5, I worked on the water ditch.
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Wednesday 6, I worked on the water ditch. Nephi and Peter Bailey came up to see the place.
Thursday 7, I worked on the ditch. At night we hitched up and Charley and I started home to Bluff, went as far as South Montezuma.
Friday 8, We hitched up and started about 7 o’clock A.M. and drove to within one and one half mile of Recapture creek and camped. It rained a little during the day.
Saturday 9, We drove almost to the 4th crossing of the Recaptre creek and nooned, and then drove home. Arrived in good time. Found all well.
Sunday 10, I attended Sunday school and meetings spoke a short time. It rained all night quite hard.
Monday 11, I got a load of wood in the forenoon, fixed my rack and wagon in the afternoon. Attended school meeting at night.
Tuesday 12, I cut wood and chored around.
Wednesday 13, Charley and I went on the bench to get bucks. We found two and drove them down. In the afternoon Charley drove them to a wash beyond the Cottonwood Wash.
Thursday 14, It had rained hard
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during the night. I got my team and loaded up for Durango.
Friday 15, It rained most all day. I read most of the day.
Saturday 16, I got ready to start and waited for Stephens to come from the Elk mountains. I borrowed 25 dollars of L.H. Redd, and paid Stevens Eleven dollars and 65 cents the amount due on the sheep.
Sunday 17, I attended Sabbath school and meeting. It rained during the day.
Monday 18, We started about 7 o’clock for Durango with wool. We traveled very nearly the Coderoy hill, got stuck in the mud, we got and nooned, and drove to Montezuma and camped. Our company consisted of Joseph Nielson[,] K. Jones, Jos. Barton, Ben Perkins, his Brother-in-law, C. Ellkelton Jun, and a Mexican.
Tuesday 19, We started in good time nooned on the Brewer bottom, and then drove to Peak and camped.
Wednesday 20, We drove to Marble hill and nooned, then drove to Astic flat and camped for night. Stevens team gave out.
Thursday 21, We drove to Navajo Spring nooned then drove to Mitchell spring and camped. We went over to Cortez and saw Bro Farr and Johnson.
Friday 22, We drove to Mud Creek [copy unreadable]
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nooned, then drove to the foot of Mancos hill and camped for night.
Saturday 23, We drove within 2 miles of La Platta creek, nooned, then drove to French Franks field and camped.
Sunday 24, We drove into Durango. Kumen Jones and Charley unloaded and started for Olio, the rest of us laid over. We went to Millers for supper.
Monday 25, We did not sell our wood until nearly night, to late to go out of town. Jos Nielson and I went to the Theatre heard some beautiful singing.
Tuesday 26, We loaded up and about noon started for home. We drove to the La Platte Mesa and camped.
Wednesday 27, We drove to Mancos nooned, then drove to Astec well and camped for night.
Thursday 28, We drove to the Astic flat and camped for night. Prest Hammond and William Halls past by on their way to Bluff.
Friday 29, We drove to William Hydes nooned, and then drove to Peak and camped for night.
Saturday 30, We drove to Montezuma creek nooned, then drove to Kumen [copy unreadable] and camped for night.
Sunday 31, We arrived home about 11 o’clock A.M. all well. In the afternoon
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I attended meeting, heard Apostle Young preach and was highly edified.
[August]
Monday 1, I unloaded, I attended election, was elected Recorder. Maggie arrived Sunday. We gathered at night and had a little dance brother Young included.
Tuesday 2, We held Court. The Court appropriated me thirty dollars. I loaded up wool for Jos. Barton to haul to Durango. At night played for a dance.
Wednesday 3, Magnolia and Leonia went to the ranch. I received thirty dollars from Hanson Bayless and twenty one dollars from Jos. Barton.
August 4, I paid L.H. Redd fifteen dollars on account. I hunted all day for my horses and could not find them.
Friday 5, Charlie started on the Blue Mountain. I found my horses at the Pond about 3 o’clock P.M. I turned them west of the town.
Saturday 6, I found that my horses had gone back on the Bench. I found them pretty near the Pond.
Sunday 7, I attended Sabbath school and meeting, spoke a short time at the meeting.
Monday 8, I recorded a Chattle Mortgage received two dollars for service. I also got a load of wood.
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Tuesday 9, I got my horses early and helped Jos. Barton load up. I got 114 lbs oats of Barton, and 42 lbs corn of Nielson. I started for Durango.
Wednesday 10 We had camped on the Coderoy Mesa last night. We found our horses early and started on our journey. We nooned above Allans field, and then drove to Peark and camped.
Thursday 11, We drove about a mile above Marble hill, nooned, then drove to Astic and camped.
Friday 12, We drove almost to Astic spring nooned, then drove to Mitchell spring and camped for night.
Saturday 13, We drove to mud creek and nooned, then drove to the Mancos town and camped for the night. Br Barton and I went to hear the Martial Band.
Sunday 14, I borrowed five dollars of Jos. Barton. We drove to Starvation Creek and nooned. Br Farr, Johnson, Jos Nielson nooned with us. We drove to the Government Mesa and camped.
Monday 15, We drove to Durango, unloaded, and I started back on my way back. I picked up a soldier J.M. Storashord with whom I had a pleasant conversation. I drove to the
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La Platta creek and camped.
Tuesday 16, I found my horses on the Mesa started out and overtook an orphan Boy. I took him along with me. We nooned on the Mancos hill. I stopped a few minutes at Mancos, then drove 5 miles and camped.
Wednesday 17, I went to Crones Mill, loaded up 1212 ft of lumber, drove about 3 miles nooned, then drove within a mile of the bend of Dolores and camped. I found out the boy had a father in Durango.
Thursday 18, I sent the boy to Cortez because he told me a lie. I drove about 12 miled nooned, then drove to Williams hollow and camped.
Friday 19, I hitched up early and drove to cross Canyon hill, and had to unload part of my load, and take it up half at a time I nooned, then drove to Welcome flat and camped.
Saturday 20, I drove to Piute spring nooned, then drove within 6 miles of Hammond and camped. It rained on me at Piute.
Sunday 21, I drove to Hammond, unloaded and drove to the creek nooned and then went to South Montezuma and stayed at P.R. Butts.
Monday 22, I hitched up and started home. Willard Butts, Jos. Nielson and
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[copy unreadable] were along. We nooned at the [copy unreadable] fence and then drove to within 1 mile of Recapture creek and camped.
Tuesday 23, We nooned below fiddlers grove, nooned and then drove home. I bargained with Joshuay Stevens to run on his threshing machine. I was to have three fifths of the profits.
Wednesday 24, We started to the Mancos to attend Conference, Jane[,] BP Nielson, Wm Adams and May Stevens. We nooned at J.B. Decker claims and then drove to Peak and camped.
Thursday 25, We drove about 12 miles, nooned then drove 3 miles beyond Navajo spring and camped.
Friday 26, We drove to Cortez and stopped awhile, and then drove 6 miles nooned, then traveled to the Mancos, and stopped at Br. Farnsworths.
Saturday 27, We attended Conference in the forenoon, and Relief Conference in the afternoon, and went to Prest. Hammonds and stopped for night.
Sunday 28, We attended Conference, ate dinner at William Devenports. We attended Conference in afternoon, and I attend Priesthood meeting. At night we stayed at La. Guymons.
Monday 29, I went to the store bought
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some grain and gloves, ate dinner at Farnsworth, then started home. We drove to brother Farr’s at Cortez and stayed all night.
Tuesday 30, I got my wagon, and started home nooned at the Flat, then drove to brother Hydes’ and stayed all night.
Wednesday 31, We drove to Montezuma creek, nooned, and then drove home. We found all the children at home. The mail arrived before we did.
[September]
Thursday 1, I attended Fast meeting, paid a dollar donation. Let Kumen Jones have Bony back. Wrote the Conference minutes to send to the Deseret News.
Friday 2, I started for Burnham to work on the Threshing machine. Nooned on the Mesa west of the Montezuma creek, then drove to Peak, and camped. I met brothers Farr and Johnson going to Bluff.
Saturday 3, I drove to Astic flat on the Burnham road, nooned, then drove 8 miles beyond Mancos creek and camped for night.
Sunday 4, I drove about three miles found water, stopped and had breakfast, then drove to Burnham. I nooned a short time on the way. stayed all night at Stevens.
Monday 5, I drove to C. Biglars’ on
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the La Platta, nooned then drove to where the threshing machine was on the La Platta. I commenced feeding sack of oats to my team.
Tuesday 6, I did not work my team in the forenoon because they were tired. In the afternoon I commenced work on the machine.
Wednesday 7, I worked on the machine.
Thursday 8, I worked on the threshing-machine. It rained some during the night.
Friday 9, I worked on the machine.
Saturday 10, I worked on the machine. I purchased one third of the machine, of Jos. S. Smith for one hundred and twenty five dollars.
Sunday 11, It rained most of the day. We laid over.
Monday 12, We threshed. It cleared up. Everything worked well.
Tuesday 13, I worked with the machine with Dan Rhodes. We lived practically on cabbage, in other words principality.
Wednesday 14, I worked on the machines at Rhodes, Jos. Smith went to the Dolores to engage the threshing for us.
Thursday 15, I worked on the thresher. [copy unreadable] Armstrong came to work for me. Our crew were George Burnham, Hyrum Taylor, Jos Armstrong and myself.
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Friday 16, I worked on the thresher. We were at Edward Thomas’. It rained a little.
Saturday 17, I worked on the machine. We moved to Nichols’.
Sunday 18, We moved to Jos Smith’s and laid over for the day. We settled up there was 58 dollars due me.
Monday 19, I worked on the machine at Jos. Smith’s.
Tuesday 20, I worked on the machine at Charley Biglars.
Wednesday 21, It rained hard most of the forenoon. In the afternoon it cleared up. We finished threshing Biglars and moved to Swarton’s.
Thursday 22, We threshed Swarton’s and Jake Slears, and stayed all night at J. Swarton’s.
Friday 23, We moved to Dales and commenced to thresh, but it rained so hard we had to quit.
Saturday 24, We threshed part of the day, and the rest of the day it rained.
Sunday 25, We threshed a little barley in the forenoon, and in the afternoon we started for Hay gulch. We camped at the La Platte creek.
Monday 26, We arrived at Hay gulch by noon, and in the afternoon we commenced to thresh.
Thursday 27, I worked on the machine.
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