Dr. Caleb Edward Iddings Diaries

Cloudy & Clear 70 Ther. Friday, Aug. 31^st, 1894. ^NEWind

Edwd took sister Harriet and Dora in the "surry" to Mr W^m Canby's to dinner Herbert also went on his bicycle. Afternoon Herbert called on his return but went to Riverside to spend the night Bro Chas & Richard (his son) called on their way home from Washington. A after supper Edwd went on horseback to A. G. Thoma's to a meeting of the "dance class."

Cloudy & Foggy 67° Ther. Saturday. Sept. 1st ^S.E.Wind Herbert came from Riverside & after dinner started for Philadelphia riding his bicycle to Laurel. We drew all the water out of the well that we could get hoping to purify it. Edwd Easton & the Robison boys helping Edwd. Afternoon there was a game of Base Ball Highland & Sandy Spring resulting in an unfinished game of 10 to 10. it became too dark to finish. Mrs. [?] Kirk Jr. called at the gate to see sister Harriet.

Cloudy & Foggy

Ther. 70° Sunday, Sept 2^d 1894 ^S.E.Wind I went to meeting, which was a silent one. Afternoon walked up to Jas. Henderson's Edwd took Sister H & Dora in the "Surry" to "Eldon" to tea. he drove on to Riverside to supper. they got home after dark. Alice Peirce called this afternoon. Martha Bowen was here for advice & medicine.

Cloudy & Foggy

Ther. 69° Monday 3.^{d S.E.}Wind I drove over to see Lydia Budd (Danl Budd's widow) who was thrown from a buggy last evening striking her side on one of the wheels & fracturing several ribs. Sister Harriet went up to "Avalon" to spend the night or two. The roads are extremely dusty and the country is suffering greatly for want of rain. Many wells have "gone dry" & the springs and water courses unusually low. Forest fires are very destructive in many places.

Clear N.W. Ther. 45 Thursday OCT. 18th, 1894. Wind.

Another beautiful autumn day. I finished fixing the front porch "Frank" R helping me. Alice Peirce came + took Dora to Olney church to a semi centenial anniversary celebration they broke the shaft of Peirce's carriage + returned + I loaned them the phaeton + they went on again. Afternoon Lizzie Scott was here, "Hal" Lizear came to the office with a badly "cut head" from an accident at Saml Wetherald's? new house. I wrote to F. Tyson. I put our surry shafts on the Peirce carriage for Alice to drive home. There was an exhibition of colts at Brooke Grove this afternoon. I got a sack of flour at the mill.

Clear N.W. Ther. Friday 19th, Wind. "Jim" Powell came to breakfast + cut the weeds on the lot, after which led the horse to the shovel plow + we took up the potatoes. + after dinner he harrowed the ground where the potatoes had been. Bro Chas came after me + I drove over to "Riverside" to see Bro R again. Sisters Mary + Harriet arrived there whilst I was there. D came home to supper. J Powell worked all day + got his supper here. Wm Oldfield buried his infant son this afternoon. I extracted a tooth for Dora this morning that has been giving her much trouble + suffering for some time.

Clear S.E. Ther Saturday. OCT. 20th, 1894. Wind.

Well [diger?]--Peirce was here for advice + medicine. I drove down to the [Bone?] Mill + from there to Riverside to see Bro R, again, home to dinner. Afternoon Edwd rode "Frank" to Riverside to sort of "River picnic" Chas E Bond sent me a load of chestnut wood (2 cords) F Tyson arrived from Balto + Laurel Millstead bringing him up.

Heavy Fog + Clearing Ther. Sunday. 21st Wind There was a very heavy fog this A.M. almost like rain but it cleared off and made a beautiful autumn day, being quiet warm. F Tyson + I drove over to "River side" + to Grove Hill making a pleasant call at each place + home to dinner. Afternoon Edwd + the young folks from next door took a walk. After dark F T + I walked up to the P.O.

Cloudy-- N.E. Ther 60 Monday. OCT. 22d, 1894. Wind

Cloudy + threatening rain until afternoon when it partially cleared off for a short time but again clouded over after sunset. Gilbert [Smith?] Sr. called to see his uncle F Tyson who took several "walks" once down to Ashton + rode back with Roland Moore. After supper F. Tyson + I walked down the turnpike + back before bedtime. It looks like rain again. I hope it may as our wells are all getting very "low" many in the neightborhood having given out entirely Ours has only 3 feet of water in it instead of 15 or 16 as it usually has seldom being less than 12 feet. Since we have known it.

Cloudy NE Ther 58 Tuesday 23d. Wind

Dull cloudy day. I drove F [Tys?] to "Mordeu" + walked home, leaving the horse + buggy for him to make some calls with. It was "drizzling" rain [until?] I left + soon after he came home. Afternoon I drove over to Riverside to see Mrs. Richard + Bro Charles called here + took tea with us.

Cloudy + Rain Variable Ther. 55 Wednesday OCT. 24th 1894. Wind

[?] cloudy + threatening. About 10-30 A.M. tool F [T?] drove over to "[C?]" having been invited to dine there, it rained and there was considerable thunder + lightning as we drove over. After a pleasant visit we came home before dark, just in time to escape a heavy downpour of rain which lasten for more than an hour with [wind?] thunder + lightning. Lizzie Scott was here during the rain. Mrs John [Beatley?] called during my [absence?' went off to the store before supper. "Kate" Stabler was here this A.M. to see Dora.

Cloudy N.E. Ther. 50 Thursday 25th, Wind.

Cloudy + threatening all day but no rain Gilbert F [?] called before dinner. Also Mrs. [Jn?] C Beatley + [Mils?] Hewett. Afternoon [Mils?] Alice + Beatrix [?] + Mrs [Jacq?] Jr. called. Alice Peirce called about our dinner time, bringing home the pair of shafts I loaned them after their [?] were broken about a week ago. When she + Dora were going to Olney Charlie to the semicentennial celebration of the dedication of the church of that place.

Clear N.E. Ther 40 Friday OCT. 26th 1894. Wind.

Clear + bright autumn morning, but the wind still keeps from a rainy [uarter. F [Tyson?] left us for his home in Balto. in the early stage for Laurel. I fear he "took some cold" yesterday as he coughed considerably last night. I got up + gave him some medicine, but he insisted upon going this morning. I took H + we drove over to Riverside calling at "Eldon" I prescribed for Miss Lizzie [Conley?] & took sister Beulah with us to "Riverside," we left her there + came home to dinner. Afternoon Lizzie Scott + Kate Stabler were here to see Dora, and Mrs Robert Harding was here for advice + medicine. I drove down to Ashton towards evening, picking up Edward at the school house as I returned. G T Smith called whilst we were away this morning.

Cloudy-- N.E. Ther 42 Saturday 27th. Wind.

Cloudy + "raw." Edwd + Frank Robinson went to Jno Beutleys in the Surry (without the top) and brought home a shock of corn fodder at two loads. I drove to Ashton + bought a new well bucket + fited it in the well. Afternoon Edwd drove over to Riverside in the phaeton + brought sister Harriet home with him. Alice Peirce was here this morning.

Cloudy-- N.E Ther. 50 Sunday OCT. 28th 1894. Wind.

I went to meeting, which was was small in consequence of friends being at Baltimore Yearly Meeting. Edward rode over to Riverside for his aunt Harriet's umbrella which she had forgotten in leaving there yesterday.

Cloudy-- N.E. Ther. 45 Monday 29th. Wind.

I drove over to Riverside to see Bro Richard. Sister Harriet left for Philada in the early stage for Laurel. Edwd Easton saw'd wood at the wood pile all afternoon. I filed Robison's wood saw. After supper Miss Mary Fowler Bessie R + Hannah Duck and the three Robison boys spent the evening here playing games. We had a very pleasant evening.

Cloudy S.E. Ther. 45 Tuesday. OCT 30th 1894. Wind.

Raw chilly day Ed Easton saw'd wood for us all day. I went over to Mrs Robeson's + tried to start their clock but did not succeed. [M?] Tyson + Estille Moore called at the [gate?] I mailed bill to Mr Robt E Marshall in Wilmington Del. Walked up to the new bank building + [Saul?] Wetherald's new house. I also went to the mill for the papers Jessie B Matwell called to see me. After school Edwd gathered a mess of mushroom which we had for supper. In a letter from Charley he announced the death of [Jaquell?] Jewett died on sunday morning at [L?] [Y?]

Rain Rain N.E. Ther 50 Wednesday 31st Wind

It rained hard nearly all last night and at intervals this morning. I walked down to Ashton + back before dinner and rode down on horesback towards evening-- the wind changed to West + N.W. about 4-30 this p.m. and is much [earlier?] I hope this rain will replenish the wells and springs. Our well having less than 3 feet of water in it. I have felt quite unwell all day + slept badly last night. I made a box of [Bebthyol?] Ointment at Charleys request for Joseph H Jewett to se sent by mail. After supper I went to a Democratic meeting at the [?] addressed by Mr H Davis of Washington + Mr -- Dean, also of Washington D.C both excellent tariff reform speaches, especial ly Mr Davi's.

Clear N.W. Ther 39 Thursday NOV. 1st 1894. Wind.

Was telephoned for from "Riverside" and drove over to see Bro R again, who had a "weak spell" Dora went with me, home to dinner. Afternoon Mr C Hallowell called + paid his bill. [Mip?] Alice Tyson also called for advice + medicine for herself. Recd + answered letter from Malcom Tyson mailed box of oint ment to Charley for Joe H Jewett. Went to the mill for [bone?] [seed?] and corn meal. Edwd went to stone for groceries +e.

Clear SE + SW Ther. 50 Friday 2d. Wind.

Telephone reports bro R better this morning. I drove over to see him and returned home before dinner. [?] + Alice Peirce were here this morning. I rode over to see John W. Johnsom at Charley's request about his taking the "Bell" [mode?] Mrs [Jas?] + [M?] Stabler called on way home from Riverside to say Bro. R was not near so well as this morning, but later telephone says he is better again. Recd. letter + check by the "Security Trust + [Bal?] Deposit Co of Wilmington Del. [?] ten Dollars + Fifty cents.

Rain Cloudy + Clearing [Variable?] 53 Ther. Saturday NOV. 3d 1894. Wind.

It rained very hard after midnight last + continued until after day light but cleared off nicely. I drove over to see Bro Richard + brought Bro C "Bess" mare home Edwd being with me. I harnessed "Frank" + "Bess" to the [Surry?] + started E off for Rockville to meet Willie + Fanny, who are to come today [home?] [Va?] via [B?] and Rockville. Mrs Chas called before dinner E left here at 10-35 A.M. Afternoon drove Hanna Duck's horse to Ashton + back. Alice Peirce came Edwd with Willie + Fanny [?] home at 4-45 P.M. all right after supper I walked up to the store for [?] [?] +c'' and we had some [?] like "old times."

Clear Ther. 40. Sunday 4th. Wind

[?] cold this morning. I drove over to see Bro Richard at Riverside [?] Willie rode the "Bess" mare over and came home with me. Alice Peirce came + took Willie + Fanny home with her. Afternoon Dora + Edwd went to Charley at Crow [Town?], and to E. Peirce's [?] being "[?] Sunday" at the church.

Rain NE. + N.W. Ther. 42 Monday NOV. 5th, 1894. Wind.

Real old fashioned + rainy morning. I went up to the store + mailed postal card to Clarence Gilpin (about [hay?]) Frank Hopkins (colored) was here + had a tooth extracted. [?] H. Miller's daughter "Patty" died last night after a lingering illness in which she had the [d?] of the entire neighboorhood as she was much beloved by all who knew her. Willie + Fanny came about 2.0 clk p.m. driving E [P?] horse to Bro C's wagonette. W expected to go on to Rockville for their [tracks?] but been too stormy he wull wait until tomorrow. It has rained at intervals all day, but is trying to clear off since sun set.

Clear-- N.W. Ther. 38 Tuesday 6th Wind. Cold wind blowing all day from N.W. Willie left for Rockville to get the [tracks?] They left there he drove EP's gorse to Bro C's "[d?]" leaving here at 9. oclk + returning at 12-30. I drove to Olney to the election + voted for Mr. F Williams for congress from our district (the 6th) I then drove over to Riverside to see Bro R, taking H with me. home to dinner. W took "Frank" to F Clark's + had shoe put on one of his hind feet early this morning.

Clear + Cloudy Ther. 33 Wednesday NOV. 7th Wind.

The ground was slightly frozen in some exposed situations that morning I went to the store + P.O. mailed letter with enclosed money over to Jesse [Bellar-?] well for $3.00. Willie + Fanny left for E Peirces before dinner. Afternoon Dora, Edwd + I went to the meeting house + graveyard to the funeral of Patty Miller. There was a large gathering of people we had sermons from John Cornell, Chas M Stabler, Mr Harris and two former friends I was telephoned for from Brighton after dark to go to see Chas Adam's infant. I rode over + back on horseback.

Rain-- S.E. Ther. 40. Thursday Wind.

Commenced raining soon after midnight last + continued more or less all day. Lizzie Stabler called soon after breakfast to be vaccinated, but having no fresh virus, I could not do it. I wrote to Charley + mailed the letter. Put up the stove in our room + made a fire in it for the first time this fall. This has been an extremely dull disagreeable day. Bro Chas called whilst I was away at the mill. Where I went for some horsefeed.

Cloudy + Clearing Variable Ther. 37 Friday NOV. 9th, 1894, Wind

I drove up to Edwd Peirces [?] to Riverside calling on return at Ashton and home to dinner. Clarence Gilpin sent me an ox cart load of hay (1830 lbs) @ 55 @ pr hundred. Afternoon Willie came bringing Alice with him to Spring Dale. He went back to take her home + returned here to stay all night. Dora + Edwd went to a party at Mrs S Ellicott's after tea. I went with Dr Magruder to a meeting at Dr Cissell's in Howard Co. where we had a very pleasant meeting and I was at home soon after 9.O Clk p.m. Jas Marlow's servant was here + had a tooth extracted this morning

Cloudy SE + N.W. Ther. 38 Saturday 10th, Wind.

Dull, raw chilly + cold weather Willie drove the Peirce mare home taking Dora with him to dine at E Peirce's. Afternoon Edwd drove "Frank" to the "Surry" to Brighton + brought Dora Willie +Fanny home with him getting home just at dark. The roads are very muddy + bad for the time of year. After supper Mrs Robeson, Bessie, Hannah Duck and the boys came over to spend the evening playing games +c". Was called to go & prescribe for Edwd L Gilpin's wife at Gideon Gilpins , after dark.

Clear N.W Ther. 32 Sunday NOV. 11th 1894. Wind.

I went to meeting which was [slim-?] ly attended owing to quarterly meeting at "Fallston". Dora went to church at Olney with Hannah Duck + Bessie Robison. Willie took Fanny in the phaeton. Afternoon I drove over to Riverside to see Bro Richard again Edwd going with me. Thos + Beaulah Lea were there. It is very cold and "raw" today. After supper Jno W Johnson was here to see me. Willie Dora + Fanny went with Edwd to the school house to [see?] after his [fires?]

Clear + Cloudy N.W. Ther. 26 Monday 12th Wind

The coldest morning we have had. I have not felt warm all day. Afternoon I drove the "Duck" horse + took Harriet to "Eldon" to call it being the anniversary of the 50th or "Golden Wedding" of Thos + Beaulah Lea. Bro. Chas called Willie took Dora Fanny + Edwd with "Frank" + the Surrey for more medicine. After supper Edwd Gilpin sent for medicine for his wife Edwd Easton saw'd wood all afternoon.

Foggy + Cloudy + Clearing N.W. Ther. 39 Wednesday 14th, Wind.

Edwd Easton finished sawing the wood before dinner time + we put it all in the cellar + repaired the outside cellar door. Afternoon Dora went to "Mordeu" to a "rag sewing" party. Willie cut the weeds on the lower part of the lot, ready to put in the rye if possible beofre the ground is frozen.

Clear S. Ther. 20 Thursday NOV. 15th, 1894 Wind

Quite cold, but clear + beautiful. Remus Hill Sr was here to consult me professionally. Willie worked at making a new gate for the front entrance. I drove over to Riverside to see Bro R again taking Dora with me I left her there to spend the day. I came home to dinner. Towards evening Willie took Fanny to Riverside to take tea + bring Dora home.

Clear Ther 40. Friday 16th Wind

More pleasant weather it may be we will now have some "Indian Summer." "Jim" Powell came to put in some rye for me sent him in Henderson's cart to Homewood for John W Johnson's bring tooth harrow. I went to the mill for seed rye he finished putting in the rye before dinner; + sowed timothy after noon. Willie worked all day at Mrs. Rob son's putting up a partition in the room where the telephone central office is kept. Towards night Dora, Willie + Fanny went to Mrs Elliott's to tea. Clarance Gilpin's wife called in the afternoon. I wrote to Charley by the 2.O clk mail.

Cloudy + Rain SE. + N.W. Ther. 53 Saturday NOV. 17th 1894. Wind.

Quite warm but damp + raw. I drove down to Ashton for some medicine +c" and after dinner walked down again, also up to the store. Willie finished the paritition for Mrs Robison's. I borrowed four [scuttles?] of coal form the toll gate. It has rained several times during the day, and tonight it looks and feels like [snow?].

Clear S.E. + NE Ther. 40 Sunday 18th Wind

Willie went with me to meeting which was rather small in numbers. Edwd Farquhar was sick, so we had a silent meeting. After meeting I drove over to Riverside + back before dinner, Willie going with me. Afternoon Edward took Willie + Fanny to E Peirce's in the surry: they will be there several days as E Peirce will have "hog killing" on Tuesday + they are to help with the frolic Mrs. Jas Bryan was here for advice + medicine for her husband. Frances Stabler called to see Dora. Edwd came home before dark. It has clouded over + feels like rain or snow, which we may have before tomorrow morning.

Foggy + Cloudy S.E Ther. Friday NOV. 23d 1894 Wind

"Jim" Powell came early this morning and after breakfast started from here to go to Silver Spring for a small load of coal he took "Frank" and harness to Wm. Leizear's where he was to get their one horse wagon I walked over to "Osecola" + precribed for Mrs G.T. Smith + home to dinner. Willie was here to dinner, having staid at Riverside last night waiting upon Bro Richard Afternoon I walked down to prescribe for Elanora Bell's daughter "Mollie." Mrs Robison + "Bessie" came over after tea + spent part of the evening.

Clear N.W. Ther. 37 Saturday 24th Wind "Jim" Powell came + unloaded the coal and took the wagon home, getting breakfast here I "tinkered" at the stove in our room + also worked at repairing the old officewood stove which Dora + H cleaned & blacked + put it up in the office. Clarence Gilpin was here and we "settled" about the load of wet hay. Mrs Hazey brought little "Harry" over + I vaccina ted both of them. Afternoon I went to River side to see Bro R again called at Ashton as I came home. Levi Hill of Riverside for advice + medicine. I have a headache + feel quite unwell this evening.

Clear-- NW Ther 38 Sunday NOV. 25th 1894. Wind

Wind blew strong from N.W. all day making it feel very cold. I went to meeting found some one had broken open the school house door. I went with Jas Henderson + filed the lock again. Was telephoned for from "Riverside" + rode over to see Bro R who thought he was much worse but found him better than expected but nervous. I remained there to dinner. I wrote to T.H. Bordeu and after dark walked up to the P.O. + mailed the letter with some from H. to Ellie Wood + to Charley.

Clear N.W + S.E. Ther. 30 Monday 26th Wind.

I drove to Riverside to see Bro Richd. Kate stabler was here + got more medicine. "Kate" Matthews was also here for advice + medicine for her infant daughter. I went to the store for some articles for H. Wrote to F Tyson + walked up to the P.O. and mailed the letter after dark.