Sept. 24, 1870

Father and mother out west have not heard from them for a week and don't know what to think of it. Lizzie was sick in the morning and of course I was in the o###o. We had quite a pic-nic in the saloon this evening. Great B.B. match today between the Mutud# and Trenton Club. Score M19 T0. Princeton boys down to see the firrr and came in hungry as bears. Afterward didn't have supper until 9 o'clock. I got some steak and coffee put behind the door. Would take a mouthful and then run out to help and then run back again. Nice fun! Harry is now lying in "undress parade" in the bed reading Oliver Optic.

Harry reading Oliver Optic 11:10pm

Sunday, Sept. 25

Had a long march today. First I went to Sunday school then church then Sunday school prayer meeting and church again. Our young folks prayer meeting increases in interest each meeting it seems to me. We had no teachers this morning and so instead we had a prayer and conference meeting. Tonight an old gentleman preached a very good sermon. Everything seemed to go wrong in the Mission school this afternoon. The library key was lost and consequently we had books and also no singing.

Monday, Sept. 26, 1870

We received a letter from Pa and Ma this morning dated the 20^th hailing from Lebanon. They are going to see the Main moth Cave in KY then steam down the Ohio and up the Mississippi. Wish I were along. Nan gave me a confederate $100 bill. Her brother in Texas sent it to her for me. I did not get along in school today as well as I might but did middling well. Elias Cooks cow suffers on account of being put in our school yard. A petition is nearly ready to send to send to him

Tuesday, Sept. 27

My right hand little finger is sore. I was playing ball and a ball hit me square on the end of it. Went to school as usual. Did not know any algebra and Miss Ecking was very economical in her praise. Nan got mad at me for following her example in putting out gaslights and Lida gave me a scolding for pulling the grapes off of the vine. Bad day! Bad day!

Wednesday, Sept. 28

I received a letter today from my father who is out West. 8 pages long, 6 pages descriptive and 2 private. The six I have handed over to the State Gazette and if they think worth while are going to publish them. Raymond is sick and the doctor says it is fever on the bowels at least that is what I think he said. I commenced a letter to Pa and Ma but was compelled to stop because I could not send it saying all was well and I did not want to say Raymond is sick. Tomorrow morning I am going to send and tell how R. is anyway. Methodist convention meets here for 3 days. Uncle Ed and Mr. Slanger will stop here. Studied 2 hours on my lessons tonight.

Thursday, Sept. 29

First rate day at school been perfecting (?) all my lessons. In the Algebra all were absent by myself and I did every Ex. And explained them all alone. I got through the lessons a thing we have not done once this yr. Sent my letter to Pa and Harry received one. I gave my ball and some cream-puff to J.O.R. for his Andrews Latin Reader and I translated one of Aesop's Fables and an anecdote of Lycurgus. Raymond is better a great deal and I am very glad of it. Went down to Taylor Hall to the Convention Meeting went 2S. Weather cloudy but no rain.

Friday, Sept. 30

Today has been both sorrowful and joyful. Raymond seemed better this morning and then this afternoon was a great deal worse and if he had been no better tomorrow we were going to telegraph to Pa and Ma but the doctor came tonight. He said R. was no worse and there was no need of sending for them that he would be better in a few days and if it became necessary he would tell us when to send. This afternoon for about 5 minutes I had charge of the boys in the Room at school. I had to administer a little severe punishment to one boy before he came to terms. I was glad when I saw the teacher come. Nan went to Phila. To find her mother and bring her to Trenton. Was the only one in the Algebra Class today. Got through the whole lesson. Translated one more of Aesop's fables. Weather rainy and very wet.

Saturday, Oct. 1, 1870

Been as busy as a bee all day long. Not been hurried often but still I have found something to do, all of the time. Went out to the depot for Nan to get her mother's trunk. Today is Bessie's birthday 5 years old. Raymond was a great deal better last night but today he became worse. Lida telegraphed to Pa. Expect an answer tomorrow. Nan is going to leave I think when my mother comes home.

Cloudy but pleasant.

Sunday, Oct. 2 1870

Did not go to the Morning Missions. Don't think I will go anymore. Went to church and Perry St. Mission. Did not get a telegram from Father as expected, Raymond is about the same very poorly. Miss Sheppard came here after SS and stayed to tea. Went home with her.

Weather rainy.

Monday, Oct. 3 1870

I had to stay home today. Lida is about worn out tending Raymond. I told her to stay upstairs today and I would stay home. We rec. a dispatch from Pa wanting to know whether to come home. Sent answer yes and rec. another telegram saying they had stated for home. Raymond is no better on the contrary a little worse although the doctor won't say so. Studied my lesson to up with my class.

[rainy

Tuesday, Oct. 4^th 1870

Today I did not go to school. Raymond is a very little better. The doctor says very little about him. Received a telegram dated Pittsburgh stating they would be home on Wednesday noon. Several have been in today to see Raymond and it is amusing to see how many different modes of treatment they prescribe and each insists that theirs is the best. The only way to keep straight with them is to reject them all and it requires a strong minded woman to keep them all pleasant and in good humor. Every thing seems to go wrong today.

[pleasant

Saturday, Oct. 1, 1870

Been as busy as a bee all day long. Not been hurried often but still I have found something to do, all of the time. Went out to the depot for Nan to get her mother's trunk. Today is Bessie's birthday 5 years old. Raymond was a great deal better last night but today he became worse. Lida telegraphed to Pa. Expect an answer tomorrow. Nan is going to leave I think when my mother comes home.

Cloudy but pleasant.

Sunday, Oct. 2 1870

Did not go to the Morning Missions. Don't think I will go anymore. Went to church and Perry St. Mission. Did not get a telegram from Father as expected, Raymond is about the same very poorly. Miss Sheppard came here after SS and stayed to tea. Went home with her.

Weather rainy.

Monday, Oct. 3 1870

I had to stay home today. Lida is about worn out tending Raymond. I told her to stay upstairs today and I would stay home. We rec. a dispatch from Pa wanting to know whether to come home. Sent answer yes and rec. another telegram saying they had stated for home. Raymond is no better on the contrary a little worse although the doctor won't say so. Studied my lesson to up with my class.

[rainy

Tuesday, Oct. 4^th 1870

Today I did not go to school. Raymond is a very little better. The doctor says very little about him. Received a telegram dated Pittsburgh stating they would be home on Wednesday noon. Several have been in today to see Raymond and it is amusing to see how many different modes of treatment they prescribe and each insists that theirs is the best. The only way to keep straight with them is to reject them all and it requires a strong minded woman to keep them all pleasant and in good humor. Every thing seems to go wrong today.

[pleasant

Wednesday, Oct. 5^th

Again stayed home from school. Pa and Ma arrived about half past 11 o'clock this morning. We were glad to see them although sorry to spoil the rest of their visit,. They have traveled day and night and have not stopped more than 20 minutes at one place. Their baggage was checked from Alton to Phila and they in their haste did not bring it with them from Phila. Went to the depot for it but it is in Phila yet Ma and Pa brought Harry and I several curiosities for the museum She did not forget J.O.R. she brought him a source curiosities too. Raymond was so glad to see Ma that he will go to no one else. He was very bad for part of last eve and we did not expect him hardly to live but this morning he was a great deal better.

[pleasant

Thursday, Oct 6. 1870

Went to school and found where the lessons were. Pa's baggage came today and we got some curiosities from Mammoth Cave. Father fainted today. I don't know why nor does he. He went out in the yard and fell striking his head. He was all right again in a few minutes. There was a parade today the Harmony P boys came home and they were received by the other fire companies.

[clear and cold

Friday, Oct. 7

Raymond last night was not expected to live until morning but thank God this morning he was a little better. Tonight I have been to a party with my father and just got home now. 12 Pr. (?) it is a little doubtful whether he survive until tomorrow morning. When we came home tonight we heard the news that he was a small bit better although not much. A change must take place before long for better or for worse. We can do nothing except do him all kindness and hope for the best. Went to school. Wrote a letter to Mattie McCoulkey. Studied in the evening and went down to Jones after coffee.

Is cold turning to pleasant

Saturday, Oct. 8

Bad news today. The doctor says if Raymond has another spell like last night that he will be carried away. Ma just now promised to call us boys if he got worse. I hope that we may take our nights rest without being disturbed. Been a very busy day not had time to attend to much except the store. Hardly had time to run see how Raymond is getting along. Been cold an dhad a great number of calls for oysters.

Cold and clear

Sunday, Oct. 9 1870

Last night the doctor gave up all hope of Raymond and this morning he was a little better and the doctor had small hopes of him. But then this afternoon he has seemed so full of pain that again he has given him up. Tonight I went and looked at him just before I came to bed and I thought to myself that "Death had marked him for his own." "Perhaps he will sleep himself away for he is sleeping very quietly now Uncle Ed and Aunt Moll came up today Pa and Ma did not go to church today They stayed home with Ray I went to church twice and Perry St Mission.

Very pleasant

Monday, Oct. 10^th 1870

Raymond is a very little better and as I passed upstairs to bed he was sleeping very nicely. Lizzie was looking badly today and so I told her to go to bed and I would stay in her place. Gave Johnny Raum some curiosities. Been real busy today at school and at home.

Pleasant

Tuesday, Oct. 11^th

Went to school as usual. Studied my lessons this evening. I translated my Greek and helped Harry with his Arithmetic. Tom Clark lent Lizzie both volumes of "Little Women" and I intend to read the second having already read the first. Raymond is about as he was yesterday. Anna Dickinson lectured her tonight. Subject "Joan of Arc" After the lecture we were quite busy and after all had gone my father treated us to Oyster (?) stews.

{pleasant changing to hard rain

Wednesday, Oct. 12^th

Raymond is a little better today and we have few doubts that he will recover. Very rainy and so I did not go to school. Lida and Lizzie improved the opportunity and cleaned the store. This morning I stole away and came up in my chamber and cleaned up matters here. I drew a picture, stayed in the house most of the time.

{very hard rain changing to pleasant

Thursday, Oct. 13^th

Received a letter from Judson today. He says that he thinks there will be another revival in the school. Went to school and studied my Greek and Latin tonight.

Pleasant.

Friday, Oct. 14, 1870

Letter from Frank Jameson. Going to leave Hightstown school. Went to school twice this evening went to the Adelphotes tonight. Took a walk and called to see Joe English. Raymond is better. Sleeps most of the time. Made up at school several absent markers.

Pleasant

Saturday, Oct. 15^th

Raymond is a very little bit better. Was quite busy in the morning and at noon. This afternoon took a walk. Bot a box of collars. Lizzie always wants to wait on the Princeton College students when they come for their supper. But tonight got mad at them.

[nice

Tuesday, Oct. 18^th

About middling in school today. Studied my lessons in the evening and also went over to Common Council. Ma asked me today whether I wanted to take music lessons and I told her 'yes.'

[nice

Wednesday, Oct. 19^th

Uncle Clark came today to pay a short visit. Expects to stay till Saturday. Raymond is about the same. Went to school and got a lecture from Mr. A## for something I did not do. Studied in the evening.

(on side of page) wrote to Judson Lorretta Dillentush is dead.

[cold and bracing

Thursday, Oct. 20^th

It being rainy we had our session. Wrote a letter to Ada Paxon and one to F.A. Jameson. Raymond is a little better today but his lips are awful sore and he picks at them so much.

Rain

Friday, October 21, 1870

Did not go to school today. Went to Loretta's funeral and after the funeral went to Uncle joe Hill's and had dinner. Father bought a stool for Harry to sit on at the instrument. Very tired and sleepy. Studied my lessons in the evening.

[pleasant

[cartoon: group of people sitting at table with small figure off to right kneeling and looking towards table. Caption: Dinner at Uncle Joe's Hungry Folks]

Saturday, Oct. 22, 1870

Been rather busy. My shoes hurt my feet and I don't care to run much. Ray has got the chicken pox. Lyman came home to day. Judson came to Trenton from Heightstown. Awful tired. Johnny Raum loaned me a book. Played ball this afternoon.

[cool

Sunday, Oct. 23, 1870

Woke up bright and earley. Washed. Went to Sunday School at Perry St., to church in the morning. Mr. Kryser is more liked the more he is heard. Played with Little sick Raymond. I know it is not right to play on Sunday, But it is in a good cause. Lyman is a little rascal, always in mischeif.

Nice

Monday, Oct. 24, 1870

Went to school and made up part of Friday's lessons. Examination in a few days and I have to study real hard. Studied 2 hours tonight. Raymond is about the same. Had a good romp ou at school took the starch out of some boys shirts.

Pleasant

Tuesday, Oct. 25 1870

Went to school. At night studied 2 hours and went to bed in a hurry.

Wednesday, Oct. 26

Almost the same as yesterday. Studied 1 hour in the evening.

Pleasant

Thursday, Oct. 27, 1870

Went to school and passed examination in Writing 100 and Greek. Studied two hours tonight and did not get half through. Lyman said he only missed one word at school today but when questioned said that he had only one given to him.

[cold and bracky

Friday, Oct. 28, 70

Went to school and passed examination in algebra 95, and in Latin. Glad that examination is through with. Wrote a letter to Uncle John for Father. Went to church meeting in the evening. Had a good meeting. Harry went after chesnuts and brought home a basketful of hicory nutts. Mr. Griffith is in town today.

Nice

Saturday, Oct. 29^th

Have stayed in the store most of the time today. A man whom we call Woppleton the fop was in today and made a hearty laugh. He is tall and pus on airs.

Pleasant

Sunday, Oct 30, 1870

Went to church in morning and evening and to Perry St. Mission in the afternoon. Mr Demorest addressed the school. Had a very orderly school. Came home from the chapel today and brought Mr. Adriens keys and so had to go back.

Monday, Oct 31, 1870

Went to school but try as I might I could not keep my tongue still. An old gentleman addressed us at school today on a short method of remembering dates. Studied my Latin lesson in the eve.

[pleasant

November 1^st, 1870

Had a muss with Mr. Fairchild about the Latin lessons. Went to hear Mr. Paul BluChaillu lecture on Africa. He is a moderate speaker but his past deeds make up for the present speaking. HE lectured about 1 ½ hours but I could have heard him till 12 o clock instead of 9:30.

Wednesday, Nov. 3^rd

Apologized to Mr. Fairchild and explained to Miss Kramer at school. Rec. an independent translation of Virgil. Missed my lesson in Greek today. Don't intend to let it happen again. Studied it thoroughly tonight for tomorrow. Father has been on jury at state house.

Note: Following entries appear at the end of the diary and seem to be mislabeled

Thursday, Oct. 3, 70

Went to school and in the evening to the chapel to hear Mr. F. Foster speak. Had a very nice and pleasant meeting, rainy.

Friday, Oct. 4 70

Had one session at school today the last two periods we had singing and speaking. In the afternoon went up the river on the Pennsylvania side after hicory nuts. Harry and I picked up 7 qt in about an hour. We walked 7 miles altogether. It made Harry awful tired but I stood it pretty well and don't feel very tired.

[nice

Saturday, Oct. 5, 70

Been very tired. Have been on my feet most of the day. Dricted(?) a lot of envelopes. Harry went to a party tonight and when he got home he began practising the steps he had learned.

Most of the rest of the diary is blank. The following entries are in the middle of the blank pages.

I was converted on the 8 of Mar 1867. Gave in my experience(?) on the 12^th and was baptised on the 13^th.

Eddie Hill

My Debts

Willie Griffith

4 Cream puffs

What others owe me

The following was found in a small pocket in the back cover of the book:

A blue square with some type of wheel drawn on it.

A small invitation that says "Har Sinni Ball; at Bechtel Hall, on Friday Evening, March 23d, 1866; Lady's Invitation

An envelope with the following enclosed:

2 small cards with psalms written on them

a report card paper (?) with the following written on it:

And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the Lord be of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtle doves or of young pigeons.

26 words

111 words

Leviticus 1:14

Eddie Hill

(note: a faint x is drawn across the entire page, and there are number all over it)

reverse side of paper:

30 Chapter of Exodus 9 verse

32 C Exodus 8 verse

the following letter:

Ogdensburg, Nov 23, 65

Mr. Hill and Family

My Dear Friends-

I reached home safely on Wednesday, after enjoying much if the grace and love of God in Newark, New York, and Brooklin. Today am almost sick. Please accept my sincere thanks for all your kindness. May you be so blessed of God that you shall glorify him much here, and enjoy him forever in Heaven, is the prayer of your humble friend, and

Sister in Christ

E.M. Mitchell

P.P. Please hand the enclosed letter to Mr. Burrows. I do not know his street and number.

__ also give my love to the girls if you please. E.M.M.

As I was not ready for the Mail, I have another favor to ask of you. Will you plesae hand the letter you find enclosed in the for G.W.N. Custis, to him, and you will greatly oblige me as I have not his address. Also please find enclosed the Lord's Prayer for Mrs. Hill. I would be happy to hear from her.