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Wednesday April 12, 1854
This has been a very windy day rather cold in the morning. I took 3 Pills
last night. I was at the Blacksmith Shop, saw some of the show horses
ponies & c. Turner’s Circus. I put 4 Doz. Eggs and 6lb. Butter
and sent to Cousin Annie Walton- 4lbs to her mother. I sent the Box down
by some [Wajminer?] from Sibent tote gate. I also wrote a letter and sent
with My Butter & Eggs. I have not studied any today. I was fixing
Cousin Annies Box. He_gs
opign by Hawn I have taken a great deal of exercise today. I was at the
tote gate at 12 o’clock.
I have spent the afternoon in assiduous reading commenced __ Good Very
windy & cold. Rhesa Hawkins was over to night. I spend all my time
in endeavoring to gain all the knowledge I possibly can, while I am possessed
of such a strong thirst. Knowledge is an essential addition to any ones
mind how has __ language the most – profound, would fail to express
[my?] feelings & ideas such wisdom __ __ __ __ __ open the Rebels
of thought ___ by his consent to an ________ [falls?]. ___ ___ God my
true friend, in whom I can trust, and in whom I have faith. |
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Thursday April
the 13th, 1854
A delightful day. I spent the greater part of the day in perusing my
old letters, many of which I committed to the flames. I was out hunting
from 4 to 5. But did not see any game. “ [ditto marks, probably
“I”] spent the evening at Lem’s. Saw the piece I wrote
for the Tenth Legion. I’ve visit the the the Falls of Niagra.
Mrs. Pennybacker was at our home today. I still take 3 Pills at night.
I have not read much today but thought a great deal. I feel rather weak.
should not participate so much in my sedentary habits. Soon as its 12
o’clock I shall retire.
Friday April 14th 1854
This has been a damp rainy day. I have been trying to study out some
brilliant questions to write in a letter- rode up to the Post Office.
Our Big Bull died today –left my shoes at Johnsons. The Hands
have been cutting of corn Faith I read a good deal to day, I have studied
diligently, due application will make a man.
There’s naught on earth
more dear to me
Than thy sweet name of thine
It quells my fears – though many they be
When harassed & upbraided by all mankind. |
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B.L.S. [Belles
Lettres Society?] R.L. [received letter]
Saturday, April 15th 1854
This has been quite a disagreeable day – very rainy – it’s
now about 12 o’clock and its raining very rapidly – I have
been writing all day – very tired – R.L. “ [ditto,
“I”] received a letter from David H. Walton " [I] S.L.
[sent letter] Spent on to _____, the other to David H. Walton "
[ditto?] New wagas, Pa [Pennsylvania?] is a Len’s just now. I
gave Dav 6 ¼ to buy fiddle string.
I have waited this many days looking to find something interesting worth
your perusal but I find so little incident & so little that is sufficiently
suggestive to awaken and call forth those lively emotions which make
the soul of an epistolary correspondence, that I really approach the
delightful task with diffidence. Therefore you must not expect me to
invest my pages with that coloring & vivacity that would do honor
to the pen of a Milton or Shakespeare, but be content with a plain and
unsophisticated statement of every day occurrences of my dear sweet
home.
If I was to mingle more with the gay and fashionable world I should
most unquestionably manifest more warmth & fire in my productions.
With my present condition & situation I am far better contented
& enjoy more unbounded felicity. Retirement is favorable to sentiment
– a suitable place for contemplation, meditation and reflection,
but to indulge in these beyond a limited period, without some near friend
or relief - the mind becomes weary & oppressed – so it is
with me. – my feelings are |
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unexpressed and unshared –
they wither and die – no particular friend near whose gentle voice
can sooth the aching of my heart – or whose tender hand can wipe
the tears of affliction or sorrow from my eyes. I have but one consolation
– that is to have continued recourse to my indefatigable studies
unmindful of the consequence arising from my sedentary habits. As the
hart panteth after the water – brooks – so my soul panteth
after wisdom – and so long as such is my utmost desire – just
so long shall I strive to inculcate those important principles of truth
and wisdom – which impart inestimable value and worth to the recipient
and call forth so much admiration from the world abroad! –To store
my mind with useful knowledge is my chief desire and not only with a knowledge
of the world but of the holy scriptures –Employment is truly the
surest wheel of the soul – without it we only drag – weary
existence along – therefore to store my mind with useful information
is my ultimate wish [“chief desire” written above] and not
only with a knowledge with of the world but of the holy scriptures -ignorance
of any of the thing else may be |
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palliated – but if we lack
knowledge of the Bible we have no excuse – no pardon – It
adds wisdom to our thoughts – peace to my life and good will surely
come unto us – and our days shall be long upon the earth. The Bible
is heaven’s purest gift to mortals – It is the star of eternity
– whose mild rays come twinkling to this mother earth sphere; every
soul’s guide to wisdom, virtue and heaven. It is the book of Books
– In comparison, Byron loses his fire – Milton his soarings
– Gray his beauties – & Homer his grandeur & figures
– No eye save that of Isaiah’s ever pierced veil of the future
– No tongue ever reasoned like sainted Job’s – No Poet
ever sung like Israel’s Shepard king and God never made a man more
wise than Solomon. The words of the Bible are pictures of immortality
– dues from the [tree?] of knowledge – pearls from the river
of life, and gems from of Celestial thought – as thy moaning shall
whisper of the sea, so the Bible breathes of love in heaven, the home
of angels & joys to [fine?] pure to die - would that I had in my boyhood
days perused into sound pages with a more searching eye and bound about
my heart more of its pure precepts – |
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Sunday, April
16, 1854
An awful day – rain & snowing all day – very cold –
I spent the great portion of my time in reading good books. Stra__ Allen
came to see us and I talked to him during the evening & I will retire
soon as its 9 o’clock. I have just put Srauder [author?] to bed
"
Monday – April 17, 1854
The snow is some 15 inches deep & is still coming down – snow
fell the greater part of today – I spent some of my time in reading
– had Turkey for dinner – Sol More & Lem were here to
assist in devouring it – Sol spent the after-noon with me –
I read part of the Constitution of the united States to Father –
my throat feels rather inclined to pain a little – I shall not
retire as its 9 o’clock. I have confined my self to elan within
doors today Rhesa Hawkins has some very [Rum?] Cattle that he brought
over in the [F'ont?] - I have smoked 4 or 5 segars today – So
has been spent my Easter Monday – |
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R.L. [received
letter]
Tuesday, April 18 1854
R.L. From C.B. Allen – Was at the Post Office – the snow
has melted away very rapidly today – very windy – I spent
the whole day in reading “The Bride of the Wilderness” an
excellent tale and I have no doubt true. I was at the river hunting
– killed a robbin. Saw two m. rats but my gun missed fire –
I have been so much excited in riding [that?] I cannot study any tonight.
I only took two pills tonight. my throat is still a little out-of-fix.
was in ____.
R.L. [received letter]
Wednesday April 19, 1854
A very cold morning – I rode to the river behind Lem & Back
" Did not see any muskrats or Ducks. I spent some time in study.
About 10 o’clock Father requested me to ride to the river and
take the boat over. So I did, I then returned and rode to the Post Office.
R. L. [long overwritten section] I received the paper of Kingrw and
hastened home just in time for dinner. [overwritten] of my [overwritten]
but I [overwritten], I have spent the afternoon in deep study –
except that I walked to the pond but did not kill a duck. Saw Wil Moore
& Sol. Kingrw. I studied some little after tea. My limbs are quite
sore – retire at about 9 o’clock. |
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Thursday April
20 1854
A damp day – The Boys have been sowing plaster on the Hill field.
I was reading D’Aubignis History until 10 o’clock. I then
went up in the field and tried my rifle at mark _ya_. The river is quite
full. Its raining again. Mr. C. Lee staid all night – I have read
a good deal this afternoon – my tonsil has been swollen up a good
deal today. Was deprived of the opportunity of studying as John C. Lee
& Father were sitting in my room.
R.L. [received letter]
Friday April 21, 1854
R.L. From Cousin Annie - & Miss Fellows – to ask the 1st of
May as Bishop – I have spent the day in read &c. Bill Moore
was to see me. – A Beautiful day – the Boys hauling stones
- smoke some segars today. I spent some time in looking for a speech
– wrote a letter in A___ ___ ___ [overwritten] until 1 o’clock. |
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Sunday, April
23th 1854
I arose rather late at the [Renems?]– and after spending a part
of the morn. I started – 9. & went to Uncle John Kingree’s
– took dinner - & started – stopped 5 m. at Moons–
I then stopped at [Budes?] – saw [Map?] S.J.S. she read my paper
– I got my feet wet in crossing the creek. Twice it was rather
deep fording – I came to Town before 2. At 2 o’clock I called
to see Miss Maggie & at 3 I was to here Rev. Lelin (that can’t
be right) preach - 40 [or 43 or 45] Psalm - rather good sermon- I rode
Logan home & he tried his best to run & toss me – I took
tea at home & then set myself to write this. A. lot of sheep at
our town to night.
L.S. [letter sent]
Monday April 24, 1854
L.S. to William Y. Lovell – A Beautiful day - I was at Town –
sent Lovell the piece I put in paper – rode the n. [or m.] cobb
– After dinner I got Mr. Bill in __ home and went to Woodstock
– I had company__ Company from John filled [or pulled] to Town
- I was happy [overwritten] walked some distance down street with Annie
& Miss Fellows – Miss Fellows & I had a long talk –
requested me to appoint a Bishop & send invitations to the Band.
I retired about 10 o’clock – Cousin Annie & I had a
pleasant talk about letters- jewelry & c. |
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Tuesday, April 25th 1854
I arose rather early this morning and walked down street - After Breakfast
– I wrote the following invitation =
“Compliments of the young ladies of the seminary – to the
Gentlemen comprising the Woodstock Band and respectfully solicite their
attendance at the Temperance Hall – Monday evening next at 12 [or
1] o’clock.”
address { Gentlemen “of the Woodstock Band or Orchestra- signed
“ T. W. Allen in Behalf of the young ladies.
-- I saw Miss Kate Welsh [Welch?]– I took the invitations -
“Purchased of Reubin (name variation?) Walton –
To 1 silk vest – 1.25- & trimmings = $1.83
To 1 Marsails [Marseilles] vest __ & trimmings 1.58
To 1 linen Handkerchief 1.00
To 1 Pair Gloves (paid 10 ¢ on them) 20 9
$4.50
I left about 2 rode quite slow – stopped at Ripleys – tea
at home & rode to Town – came home at dark – appearance
of rain – I wrote this about 8. Billy Fen - cut out my vest –
I left it at Mrs. Harris she will make it by Friday. |
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L.S. [letter sent]
Wednesday, April 26th 1854
I was at Town – L.S. – to Annie – Purchased of Bilings
– To. 3 yards linen 25 – 75-
To Trimmings –
I was at Waltons - & rod’s - came home in the evening –
whilst at Walton’s- it rained very rapidly – also Hailed
as large as P. [pound?] eggs – I have been chewing tobacco –
the creek is up & river- 169 sheep at our house tonight –
some 10 or 12 letters for the fair –
R.L. [received letter]
Thursday April 27th 1854
I was at Town – at Ripleys – at Edinburg – had a tooth
plugged – was at Nem_p_to__ & Pitmans – very rainy all
the afternoon – I came to Ripleys in the rain – staid all
night – R.L. from Cousin Annies – Whm Pitman is going to
act as Bishop – I saw Elanot Rigmond – rather cold rain
–
Journal of Tiphan W. Allen,
kept by him while Carlisle, Pennsylvania; during the year 1853. |
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L.R. [letter received]
L.S. [letter sent]
Friday, April 28th 1854
I came home from Ripleys and rode to Town – the weather is quite
cold & damp – I am now at home & its about 11 o’clock.
I have written some 12 letters- also 2- one to John Pitman the other
to [Edeten?] of D__ for Elanor Rigmond [Reymond?]– I took 2 pills
– It has been raining all the after __ a letter I am going to
N___ tonight Mr. Johnson has my shoes done & Mrs. Harris my vest
– I went to Town after tea - & spent the evening until the
stage arrived at Mrs. [Pingbackins?]. The stage came about ½
past 8. I paid 37 (or 3 ½) I reached Woodstock about 10 very
windy [hailing?] - I soon retire - I found Rev. Thomas in the room up
stairs – I sent John Pitman a letter – L.S. & retired
Walk [bottom of page missing] |
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Saturday April 29 1854
I arose this morning and found all the family well Miss Mariah Fellows
sick – Cousin Annie & myself were at the “Hall”
Temperance for the purpose of preparing for Monday night – I worked
diligently – put up all the lamps __ & the wreath of sf__
- I did the greater part of the work – made the throne & stage
– rode to Post Office & F__ the Table in the Seminary for
the “good things” &c … Purchased some __ tack
I was to see Miss Ella Crawford tonight – a short time –
Cousin Annie gave me [furniture?] to Wa_ his sh___ - she mended my coat
at the __. Annie gave me $5 of Miss Fellows money.
a damp day.
Sunday April 30, 1854
I attended the Lutheran Church – Mr. Nathan Bowman preached a
splendid sermon - Psalms 106 __ [bottom of page missing] |
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Monday May 1st
1854
I was early at work – put everything in its place – the
Ladies and myself went through with the exercise -over – Miss
Ella Crawford donated the chair – I put candles in & lit them
- about 1 o’clock I came - & all the __ - after the hour was
filled he/we marched in – Miss J. Pitman made the “speech”
1. Allen 2. John Pitman 3. Miss Smitz 4. Walton 5. Gwen last–
I crowned the Queen – Miss Kate Welsh – The crown fell on
the floor Pitman did not know his speech – I assisted the Queen
on the throne– Every thing went off in fine order – The
Band was in attendance – I was not the least alarmed – I
received 2 letters in my care- one to Emma [Hiekman?] , the other to
Mollie Harrison 25 cents postage on each – 50 – I presented
Cousin Annie with a beautiful work Box - $2.00 – I enjoyed the
way my s__ with [warm?] when I went out and not __ cold. the refreshments–
were very nice indeed – I had some ice cream- spent all my money
– The ladies gave me some _____- I just took Miss Fellows home
– then took Cousin Annies – I __ each late - I was presented
with a beautiful bouquet by the Queen. I suppose the sails [sales] amounted
to 48$ in all – A beautiful evening. [written up side:] I purchased
1 pair buckskin $1.00 gloves.
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