Autobiography: History
Great Works 143
Sarah McNair Vosmeier
The following are diary entries and newspaper stories that were written on this day (or close to it) in another year. For our discussion, consider what these texts tell us about the person who wrote them, and also consider how these people's experiences are similar or different from your own experiences.
Diaries
Andrew Ferguson, diary, 1854-1855. Ferguson was a Mormon who traveled the overland trail to Salt Lake City in 1855. More information about the diary is available here.
September 6, 1879
6th This is my birth day sixty one years old today, and I have been a member of th church and kingdom of god thirty five years the 22d day of this month, and I am very thankfull to my heavenly father, that I fell better, in his work today than ever I have done in all my life, and fell that I am favoured of the Lord in hving the honer to leave my home, at this advanced age to proclame the glad tiddings of salvation to this dark and benightied generation, and hope that I may be enabled to hold out faithfull to the end of my days, and be enabled to honerable fulfille every misssion I am called to take. for it is a great pleasure to do the will of heaven and bring souls to Christ I feel week yet in body, but I hope to get well soon, I wrote two letters to home one to my little grandchidrine and one to my sons,
September 7, 1879
Sabbath not felling so well, had hands laid on me and got a little better. went to metting spock a little in the forenoon but was not able to go on the streets to Preach. but sent Bro Roberton any george Robertson but it being so fogy and cold that did not Preach, had a good meny streangers preasent in the evening. the two Bro. Robertsons Preached.
Horatio Nelson Taft, diary, 1861. Taft lived in Washington during the Lincoln administration, and his children played with the Lincoln children at the White House. More information about Taft and his diary is available here.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1861.
Very hot sun today and the atmosphere oppressive. I was down to the P.O. Pd my gas bill for the month 95 cts. Came home about noon and found Doct David. Went to market before dark. Went with Julia down to the Camp (the Doct and wife had gone to the Presidents). Have been drawing some with Pencil, studying upon a self cocking and self loading gun with the rotary trigger. No news yet from over [there?]. The Union cause now looks much brighter and we are looking for success all round.
H. Greene, diary, 1887. Greene, a single woman, lived on her family farm in Seneca county, Ohio. More information about the diary is available here.
September, Tuesday 6. 1887
As last night was rather sleepless, I got up at two this morning & wrote to Al & the Beech Grove news. Mr & Mrs Frank & Julia Smith spent the evening here. Jim & I took dinenr at Vol's, had a jolly time. Butter 10cts. Postage 4 cts.
September, Tuesday 7. 1887
Bologna 12. Coal oil 10, Matches 10. Jim & the children & I went to Henry Dondores, I went over to sit up up with Allie, but the Sagers & Ella Grimes came so he brought me home.
Lillian Schoedler, diary, 1913. Schoedler was an administrative assistant in New York City. More information about the diary is available here.
Sunday Sept 7 [1913]
Slept until 10:30, read the papers and began a vigorous system of housecleaning in my room which lasted until afternoon. My first week-end at home since June. Devereux called at 2:30 & was greeted by me covered with dirt, but left early so that I could meet Ruth Stevens at 3:30 in the sub. Rode to Van Cortland, got off & walked the length of the Park to Yonkers & stopped to see the MacDonalds, friends of Ruth's. Came home via Frome Ave. car & El, & landed late for supper at seven or so. Cleaned & wrote letters during the evening.
Miss E. K. Robinson will resume her School on Monday Sept. 6th in the basement of Mrs. Dutton's house, corner of Cherry Lane and high streets.
BOARDING Mrs. Foster takes pleasure in informing her friends, and the public generally, that she has now rented the large and elegant House on Main-Cross street, built, and recently occupied by the Messrs. Kinney's, and that she will now be happy to accommodate a few small families and a number of gentlement with boarding and private rooms. The situation is central and elevated, and all the apartments exceedingly well ventilated. The table will be well supplied with the substantial, and also, the good things of the season. Every exertion will be used to give perfect satisfaction to those who may favor her with their patronage -- which she repectfully solicits.
JUST NOTICE THIS I have about FORTY CARRIAGES of different kinds now building, which I will sell for ready CASH, or approved credit, cheaper than the same quality of work can be had in any place west of the mountains. Having had ten years experience in the best and most extensive establishments in the east, and having the best of workmen employed in every branch, and having spared no pains in selecting materials, I do not hesitate to say that I can suit all those who will favor me with a call, both in styile and price. All work warranted to do good service. All kinds of repairing done cheaper than ever before. Orders promptly attended to. HENRY P. NEWELL & Co
Madison North end of Main st nearly opposit the Brewery.