Volume 31, No. 2 (2007)
THE DIARY OF EDGAR HARVEY POWERS
Edgar Harvey Powers
(1843-1894)
Photo courtesy of Bethel Masonic Lodge # 97 AF & AM
Editor’s Note: This transcription has
been made from a small diary
that
was discovered by Barbara
Hastings Honkala in 1988 while
she was organizing the Hastings family papers at the John
Hastings Homestead at 18 Broad
Street, Bethel. It
covers much of the year 1864 (some
pages are missing, and the
diary stops in late November) and
must have come into the
Hastings Homestead through some
connection to Eugenia (Roberts)
Hastings (born in Hanover, Maine, in 1846). She is mentioned repeatedly
in the diary, and grew up in
Hanover with diarist Edgar
Harvey Powers, who was born 4
April 1843, the youngest child of Jonathan, Jr., and Hannah (Andrews) Powers. He married on 12 February 1867, Jennie Desire Stearns, who was born on 19 October 1843, the daughter of Jonathan and Hannah (Chapman) Stearns of Bethel. They had two sons before her death on 20 September 1882. Edgar Powers married second,
on 11 December 1883, Carrie
Carr, who was born 28 February
1864. A farmer, Powers
acquired and worked on the
farm of his father, Jonathan Powers, Jr. Active in town politics, he
served as Third Selectman in
1885, Second Selectman in
1886,
and as Town Clerk in 1866-68
and
1881-1886. A member of
and Master of the Bethel Masonic
Lodge (1870), he was buried in the Hanover Cemetery following his death on 27 September 1894 at the age of fifty-one. Powers’ farm was situated on present U.S. Route 2, about one and three/quarters miles west of Hanover Village. The farmland has
been subdivided and the barn removed, but the house
is still standing and owned by
Elizabeth Houde.
Powers’ siblings included Augustine,
born 10 April 1834, who
married Matilda M., and resided in Newry;
Galen H., born 20 August 1835,
and died 20 October 1838;
Charles H., born 6 October
1837, who married Sarabette
Moore and resided in Newry;
and Theresa C., born 1 July 1840, who married
Edwin C. Lane and resided in
Newry.
Others mentioned in the
diary:
- James G. Roberts, Sr., and his wife, Beulah E. (Bartlett)
Roberts, who resided east of
Powers in the home currently owned
by Dr. Thomas Deluca.
Their children were Eugenia ("Genie") L. D.,
James Gardiner, Jr., Sarah J.,
Joshua B., Emma L., Etha Estelle,
Sophia K., and Leon A.
- Milton Roberts and his wife
Josephine
(Jewett) Roberts, who resided
on
the next farm east of
Edgar Powers on the site of the
present home of Richard, Jr., and
Tammy James. Their
children
were Mary E. Almerton,
Modestus, and a daughter,
Laurantha, who died in 1862.
- Cyrus
Bartlett and his wife,
Caroline (Smith) Bartlett, who resided
on old U.S. Route 2 on the
farm started by his father,
Stephen, one of the six Bartlett
brothers who were early settlers in Bethel, now
the site of the home of Chris
Kellner.
- Reuben B. Foster,
widower of Sarah A. (Bartlett)
Foster, who resided near the
site of Oxford County
Antiques. Five of their eleven
children died before the diary was written: Amanda, Julia B., Helen F., Lucien L.
and Lucia Letitia.
- Orson Powers (Edgar’s uncle)
and his wife Salley E.
(Hibbard)
Powers, who lived on the farm
just west of Edgar Powers
on the site of the present
home of John Beaudoin.
The
Powers children were: Henry,
Corydon, Sarah, Julia,
Lauriston, Abner B., Leander, Rosilla, Charles H., and Alpha T.
- Ball B. Willis, widower of Joann (Roberts) Willis, who lived on the site of the unoccupied home owned by John C. Morse, immediately west of the home of Orson Powers. Their children were Olive, Mary and Alice.
- William O. and Agnes (Hastings) Straw, who were probably residing in the buildings on the present site of Barbara Lapham’s home.
- Julia (Andrews) Stearns, widow of Benjamin Franklin Stearns, and sister of Edgar’s mother, who resided in
the house opposite the old
part of the Hanover Cemetery
presently owned by Dean
Gross.
Their children were Julia
F., Fidelus F., John Bickmore, Fedelia, and Rosetta E.
- Bela and Selina Williams who lived in the gambrel-roofed house built by Jesse Duston in the early 1780s and currently owned by John Booth.
The "Deacon" mentioned in the text is unidentified, but may be Reuben Foster. (All the others
mentioned above have been
eliminated as possibilities.) The only
other family living between
the village and the home of
Edgar Powers at this time was
that of William
Barker. He was commonly
referred to as “Captain.”
Much gratitude is extended
to Warren Stearns of Hanover,
Maine, for transcribing the diary and for his numerous
useful annotations. S.
R. H.
House
and barn of Edgar Harvey Powers, Hanover, Maine, ca. 1900
Courtesy of Warren Stearns
January 1864
- January 1 – This diary presented to me by E. H. [Edgar Harvey]
Powers and today I commence to write upon its pages. My most
sincere wish is, that I may do nothing during the New Year that will
cause me a blush of shame to write here in. This day commenced
with a light snow, but it turned to rain. [Ezra T.] Russell says
he cannot teach me in algebra.
- January 2 – The coldest day we’ve had this winter. Father
went to Augusta to pay the soldiers. Was surprised this
evening–George Holt and Evander Perlin called. Mr. Morse is here,
he made me a pair of shoes today. I have got an awful cold, have
been most sick today.
- January 3 – Theresa [Powers Lane, his sister] was here
today.
She went up with Mr. Holt. Went down to the office. Called
into James [James G. Roberts, Sr.] this evening. Enjoyed myself
first rate, or should, if I had not made such a blunder. I never
was so worked up in my life. Charles [Powers, his brother] come
[sic] down after some liquor. Gard [James Gardner Roberts, son of
James G.] and I went down to [Reuben] Fosters [sic] and got a horse
blanket that Hervey [Hastings] left there. Wrote in Genes [sic]
Diary. We read “Union Bud” Paper. Charles borrowed our air
tight stove. Found a rope halter.
- January 4 – Ezra Russell commenced to board here today.
Went
down to the village this morning. Went into the woods and got one
load of wood, which finished the wood I chopped last spring. Got
a hemlock log on the sled, but steers could not draw it, and I had to
leave it. It was quite comfortable working today.
- January 5 – Stormy, snowed about three inches. Went into
Mr.
Russells [sic] school this afternoon. Called into James G.
Roberts. Aunt Ellen [?] was there. Went down and got Aunt
Ellen and Eugenia [Roberts]. They spent the evening here, and I
carried them home. Went in and stopped awhile.
- January 6 – Went up a[nd] hauled wood for Mrs. [Salina]
Williams. Hauled her five loads. Lauriston [Powers] and
Elvira [Bean] called down here this evening. Mr. Russell sent a
letter to Hate I. Barker. He is writing Geographical
Definitions. Pat [hired man] “said to Barbour,” [Jonas Barbour
Willis?] “how do you do?” Barb said, “none of your
business.["] It shows what a low mind Barb has got.
- January 7 – Went up to Elijah Russells [sic] with Mr. Stearnes
[sic] [?]. Fidelus [Stearns, his cousin] stays with me
tonight. Ezra T. Russell and I have had a good time this
evening. There was [sic] five scholars when he commenced school
this morning. Loch [Lauriston Powers] come [sic] into school this
morning and said, “good morning.” They do not expect John C.
Littlehale to live.
- January 8 – Went into woods and got one load of wood.
Augustine [Powers, his brother] went down to mill with load of
logs. He wanted me to go up with him tonight and haul down a load
of timbers, so I rode his horse upon the back. Come [sic] down to
singing school kept by JRH [Joshua R. Howard]. Stayed to Ned’s
[Edwin Lane, brother-in-law] with Newton Holt. Had a very
pleasant time.
- January 9 – Got up this morning and found it lamed me some riding
up to Newry last night horseback. Come [sic] down with a load of
logs. Mr. Russell wanted me to go down to Fosters’ with him this
evening. We went down, and he combed his hair at the door before
we went in. I could not help laughing in my sleeve to see him
slick up.
- January 10 – Rev. Mr. Garland preached up to the upper school
house
today. I did not go up. Hervey Hastings stopped here to
dinner. Ezra T. Russell wrote in Letitia’s [Foster, Reuben’s
daughter] Album this eve. Loch called in here this eve. We
had a sing. Quite pleasant and warm. Went down to the
village this forenoon. Pat went over to Uncle Peters’ [Powers]
today. Our aquaduct [sic] has stopped running.
- January 11 – Ezra Russell boards to Milton Roberts this
week.
Have been hauling wood for Jesse D. Howe today. Gilbert Howe’s
girl [Caroline F., age 12] died this morning at six o’clock.
Peter Bean’s boy [Seward W., born 1846] died today at twelve.
They both died with Diptheria [sic]. Leroy and Laprelet Morgan
worked for Jesse [Howe] today chopping wood. It has been quite
pleasant.
- January 12 – Have been hauling wood for Jesse D. Howe.
Hauled
six loads of wood yesterday, and five today. Gilbert’s girl was
buried today at twelve. There is a Panorama down to the village
tonight. I went up to Newry to Lyceum with Lucian L. Foster
[Reuben’s son]. I preached a Hard Shell Sermon and gave a
declamation “Onward and Upward.” Ira M. Russell acted very queer
tonight. I don’t know what the matter was with him. It has
been very warm, for the time of year.
- January 13 – Went into the woods and got one load of wood.
There was a circle up to Ball B. Willis this afternoon and
evening. Mother went up; I did not. I spent the evening at
James [James G. Roberts, Sr.]; and it was an evening well spent.
Enoch Bartlett and Siah [Josiah Black], both went there drunk
today. Liz [Mary E. Roberts, daughter of Milton] spent the
evening there. It has been a splendid day, warm and pleasant.
- January 14 – Went into the woods and got one load of wood in the
forenoon. In afternoon Ezra T. Russell, Liz [Elvira Bean,
daughter of Nelson Bean], Sarah Howard [daughter of Joseph], Genie
[Eugenia Roberts] and I went into CTD Crocketts [sic] school over the
river. We had a good time. He is the same old
Crockett. He hit Liz off pretty hard. Russell had to slick
up his hair two or three times. Genie gave me a lock of her
hair. I went down to the Office this eve. Unckle [sic] Wm
[Andrews, his mother’s brother] stays here to night.
- January 15 – It has been a nice warm day. Got Mrs.
Williams [sic] horse and Mother and I went out to Hiram Howes.
Mary Elsie wanted me to carry Genie out there this winter. Mr.
Foy and wife came there. Snowed in the afternoon. Unckle
[sic] Wm rode down to the village with me. Saw Genie to the
Doctors when we come [sic] home. Called down to James to leave a
vail [sic] that Mother borrowed. Gardner come [sic] with me and
spent the evening. J R Howard told me a story that come
[sic] from Barb Willis, which was beneath my notice.
- January 16 – Awoke and found the wind whirling the snow rather
briskly. Blowed all day. Moderated about 4 o’clock.
Charles and Sarabette [Moore Powers, brother and wife] stay [sic] here
tonight. We all went down to James [sic], this evening.
Charles and I went down to the Office. We had a pleasant
call. I think Genie is a good girl. Pat went down to
Miltons [sic] [Roberts]. It is quite pleasant this evening.
Win [Winfield Howe] and Willard Jewett has got the Diptheria [sic].
- January 17 – Again it [was] one of our townsmen called to
die. Clement Bean [son of Peter York Bean] is this time
called. He died this afternoon. Mrs. Russell and Willard
Jewetts [sic] oldest child [Albion K. Jewett] was taken with Diptheria
[sic] to day. Also Emery Russell [Joseph Emery Russell] was taken
with it to day. Poor Willard [Jewett] they say must die, and
Cynthia Bean [daughter of Peter York Bean]. O how I pity them,
for I think I know something about it. I mean the families.
James Roberts is a noble hearted man. Charles and Sarabette went
home this afternoon. I called into the Deacons [sic] [?] this
afternoon. Gene was there. When I come [sic] called into
James. We squared some words some time. I think it is good
fun. The Deacon told Eugenia and I [of] his courtship. He
said he wanted a pair of gloves knit, and he told two girls if one
would knit one and the other the other he would marry the one that knit
the glove that wore the longest, and he said he did. The other
one was Capt Willis [sic] wife. Eugenia and I tried to square
Edgar but could not, so we agreed the one that could square it, to sent
[sic] it to the other. The minister’s mother is 100 years old to
day. Mrs. Roberts has had dreams that make her think they are
going to be sick. Eugenia commenced to tell something the Deacon
said, but was afraid it would worry her mother so she did not tell
it. Hoyt [probably Gardner G. Hoyt] sits up with Peter Beans
[sic] to night.
- January 18 – Went into the woods in forenoon and got one load of
wood. Ball [Willis] called and wanted me to help dig Clem Beans
[sic] grave. I helped him. He was buried at 4 o’clock this
afternoon. They wanted me to be one of the bearers, but I could
not on account of helping Ball. I squared the word Edgar this
morning and sent it down to Eugenia. She squared it another way
and sent it up to me to night.
- January 19 – Went into the woods in forenoon and got one load of
wood. Gardner come [sic] up after me to go down and help him get
some wood. We got one load, and it rained so, we did not get one
again. Gard and I took some whiskey. We got wet all
through. James offered to pay me, but I would not take
anything. If I earned my dinner and whiskey I done [sic]
well. I am afraid James is going to be sick. Saw Genes
[sic] dress. I think it is very pretty. There is trouble
brewing in this school. Willard Jewett and Peter Beans [sic] girl
[Cynthia E.] died last night.
- January 20 – Got four loads of wood to day. Went down to
Miltons [sic] this morning on an errand, and so called to see how James
was. James and Emma [his daughter] have got the Diphteria [sic] I
heard to night. I am afraid it will go through that family.
My whiskey that I took yesterday made me sleep like a log last
night. I got a little cold getting wet yesterday. Willard
Jewett and Peter Beans [sic] girl buried to day at about two
o’clock. I called into Mr. [William O.] Straws [sic] this
evening. Had a very pleasant call. It has been some windy
to day.
- January 21 – Have been hauling wood today for James
Roberts.
Hauled him four loads, and one to home. Unckle [sic] Orson
[Powers] helped him to day. He scraped the butter off from
our our plates. They thinfraid [sic] James has got the small
pox. He is a very sick man. Genie said if I had the Small
Pox she would take care of me, if she had it before I did.
Gardner brought me up to night. He come [sic] up after his
axe. Straw [William O.] has been down after me to help him
tomorrow. I guess I shall not help him. He just called
down, and said Cate [John Decatur] Hastings was going to help
him. Ryerson got six bushels of oats here to day. It has
been quite warm and pleasant. Abner [B. Powers, his cousin] and
Pat [probably hired man] are out shooting rabbits this evening.
Emma Roberts is better.
- January 22 – Mr. Russell took dinner here to day. Went into
the woods and got one load of wood. Went up to Newry and staid
[sic] to Charles all night. Took up a note of 21 dollars and took
his note of 28 dollars. Did not go to bed till past twelve.
Went to singing school, kept by J. R. Howard. Paid Hervey
Hastings 2.25.
- January 23 – Went to Bethel Hill with H. S. [Hervey S.]
Hastings. Bought a pair of pants. Paid 5.50 for them.
Got them at Kimballs [sic] [probably Ira Crocker Kimball’s store,
overlooking the town common]. Elvira [Bean] sent up and got a
Diary. Theresa come [sic] down to day with Lawson Smith.
Edwin come [sic] down with me. They talk of having an exhibition
in two weeks from next Tuesday. It is very good sleighing.
James is better. Sarabette lent me a book and some papers.
- January 24 – Theresa, Edwin and I called town to the Deacons
[sic]. We called on JGR [James G. Roberts]. Genie went over
with us. Edwin got the Deacons [sic] horse and I carried them
up. Genie, Liz and I are going to answer some
advertisements. I answered two tonight. Six hunters went
back on the mountain to day and killed two foxes. Very pleasant.
[to be continued]
The Courier
Volume
31, No. 3 (2007)
THE DIARY OF EDGAR HARVEY
POWERS
[continued]
Section
of Hanover, Maine (from Caldwell & Halfpenny, Atlas of Oxford Co., Maine, 1880)
"E. H. Powers" appears in the left-center of the map, on present-day
Route 2.
Editor’s Note: Additional
information on Edgar Harvey
Powers has come to light since the last issue. At the time of his death in
1894, Powers was a member of
Bear River Grange in Newry. He also served as a District Deputy Grand Master of No.16 Masonic
District of Maine. He
moved to Blazing Star Masonic Lodge at Rumford Center in 1876. His two sons were named
Linwood (b. 26 August 1867)
and Harvey E. (b. 13 March 1880). He died intestate according to the probate record at the
Oxford County Courthouse in
South Paris. His estate totaled $1721.34 (Real Estate $1000; Goods and Chattels $582.90;
Rights and Credits $138.44).
January 1864 (continued)
- January 25 – Went to mill. Mother [Hannah Andrews Powers]
and
Selina [Williams] went over to Rumford Corner to do some trading.
They
do not expect Peter Beans girl [Ellen E.] to live. I called and
got
William Barker to cut my hair.
- January 26 – Went up and chopped wood for
Peter Y. Bean this afternoon. Milton Roberts, Cyrus Bartlett, Wm
Barker, and afterwards, Ball B. and Nick [probably Octavia N.] Willis
come [sic] up. I went to Lyceum with Gardner and Genie.
Enjoyed myself
very much, although there was not much of a Lyceum. I acted as
President, and gave a declamation. Gardner spoke his tail
holt. Very
clear and beautiful this evening. Genie told me what she dreamed
the
night she put the wedding cake under her pillow. Unckle [sic]
Saunders
[Stephen, Jr.] is quite sick. They do not think he will get well.
- January 27 – Edwin brought Theresa down today. Went into
the
woods and
got a load of wood. Gardner and Almeron [Roberts] spent the
evening
with me. We boiled some maple molasses down to eat. I ate
so much it
made me feel uncomfortable. We had a pretty good time. I
went down
after Mother & Theresa about 9 o’clock. Found them at J. G.
Roberts.
- January 28 – Mother, Theresa, and I went over to Mr. Russells to
day. I went into Michael Delaneys school a little while. We
called to
see Sewell Lane and wife. Went up round by Swans [sic]
Corner. Left
Theresa at Newry. Got my boots that Charles Ryerson made.
Just got home
and Lucien L. Foster [son of Reuben] called for me to go up to Newry to
singing school. I went up with him. We got home about
ten. Pat
harnessed the colt and drove him down to the village. Received a
letter
from Mary E.[Howe, daughter of Eli] Lampher. Corydon [Powers, son
of
Orson, his cousin] got home to night. A very pleasant day.
Sent a
dollar up to Mrs. Stearns by Halena Eames.
- January 29 – Cod [Corydon]
called down here this forenoon. He has re-enlisted, and is home
on
furlough. Got two loads of wood. Peter Bean has lost his
other girl
[Ellen B., town records show 30 January 1864 for date of death].
She
died this morning. Mrs. Swan’s child was buried today. Loch
has been
down here this evening. It has been very warm and pleasant
day. Tim
Jewett and Hervey Hastings just called to see about the
exhibition.
Sent word out to Ellis River when it would be.
- January 30 – Went into the
woods and got two loads of wood. Went up to Newry with Hoosae
[animal’s
name ?] Carried my boots that Charles Ryerson made me back.
They was
[sic] not large enough. Sewell Lane was over to day to buy my
colt. It
is first rate sleighing now. Cloudy with a little snow. Pat
harnessed
the red colt day before yesterday and drove her up to Unckle [sic] Ors
[Orson Powers].
- January 31 – Snowed about three inches. Ezra T.
R.[Russell] came along and wanted me to go up home with him. We
went to
meeting in the afternoon. Sermon by Rev. Mr. Garland. Text
22 Chap.
Rev. 17 verse. Stopped to Russells [sic] for supper. Come
[sic] down
and Russell wanted an introduction to Han E. Black, so we called and I
gave him an introduction. I preached my sermon to Aunt Roxy.
February 1864
- February
1 – Mr. Moore and Charles was [sic] here to day to look at the sugar
place. Cod come [sic] down here and stopped an hour or two this
afternoon. Got one load of wood. Commenced to snow about
noon, and has
snowed very fast all afternoon. Went down to the Point to get the
colt
shod. Called into James G. R----- and spent the evening.
Enjoyed myself
very much. Genie let me read a little of her diary. I have
something to
tell her in that line. Mrs. Roberts told a story that made me
laugh
more than I have laughed for a week. Lyman Russell [son of Elijah
W.]
died this morning. I think Genie is a fine girl. I enjoy
myself better
in her society than any young lady of my acquaintance.
- February
2 – Snowed about a foot. Mr. Roberts and Genie called here this
morning
to leave some bottles. They were going to see Unkle [sic]
Saunders. He
is failing. Lyman Russell was buried today. I helped Mr.
Straw haul a
log down to mill. It has been quite warm today. Old White
called here
to get some milk. Sent a letter to Mary E. Lampher. Milton
Roberts had
a talk wth some one this evening.
- February 3 – Mr. Straw helped me haul
wood in the forenoon. I went up to Browns [sic] to day to get a
dialogue. Called to see Ollin [Saunders]. He is teaching
school in the
upper district. Unkle [sic] Saunders is not any better.
Loch called in
here this evening. Been quite warm to day. Hauled three
loads of wood
down the sugar house.
- February 4 – Corydon stayed with me last night. We
did not go to sleep until three o’clock. Have been to work in the
woods
to day. Matilda [brother, Augustine’s wife] and Theresa come
[sic] down
to day. They are going to stay two or three days. Fosters
[sic] folks,
Ezra T. Russell, Corydon and I went up to Straws [sic] and spent the
evening. Mr. Barker stays here to night. He peddles fluid
ink, etc.
Corydon and Aunt Sally [Hubbard Powers, wife of Orson] went up to see
Theresa and Edwin to day. It has been a beautiful day.
Seemed like
spring.
- February 5 – I went down to the Point with a load of oats.
Let
Bolster have them. He paid 65 cts. per bushel. Carried
Mother, Theresa,
and Matilda up to Aunt Julia’s [Julia Andrews Stearns, widow of B.
Franklin]. They made Aunt Sally [Powers] a visit in the
afternoon. Mr.
and Mrs. Straw called down here in the evening. I had a bad
headache
and had to go to bed.
- February 6 – Edwin come [sic] down to day, and he
and I went down to [Rumford] Point to do some trading. Edwin and
Theresa went down to James G. Roberts [sic] visiting in the
afternoon.
Matilda went up with H. S. Hastings. Loch and I went up to Newry
to
singing school. He took the colt. John C. Littlehale was
brought home
dead last night from the army.
- February 7 – Went up to funeral with Loch.
He took our sleigh in the first place, and got up as far as the
schoolhouse when he broke one side of the sleigh, and we come [sic]
back and got another. I took Unckle Orsons [sic] sleigh and took
Gardner and we went over to Elias Bartletts [sic]. We have eleven
pigs.
I gave Genie an invitation to go over the river, but I guess she did
not care to go. I don’t know whether she is afraid folks will
talk
about her or not. She gave me a compliment to night. It was
a very good
compliment. It is pleasant to know you have a good name. If
I can’t
conduct myself so that I can bear a good name, I care not what any one
says about my looks. It has been a beautiful day. Unckle
[sic] Saunders
died today about half past three.
- February 8 – Took sleigh down to Holts
[sic] to get it fixed. Paid Mrs. Williams five dollars and a
half. It
has been a nice day. Mariah [Marie Elmira, daughter of Elihah and
Elmira Bean Russell] died this morning with diptheria [sic]. Have
been
chopping wood to day. One of the pigs died to day. Pedlar
Stevens was
along to day. Loch has been here this evening. I was
planning to go
over the river to night, if he had not been here.
- February 9 – Went to
Unckle [sic] Saunders [sic] funeral. Sermon by Father
Lufkin. Text: 2
Timothy 6 , 7 , 8 verses. He talked well. Mariah Russell
was buried today. I can hardly realize that so many have
died. Bought a
watch of Lewis Powers [son of Peter and Sarah Stearns Powers].
Allowed
him seven dollars, took it for an old debt. Loch, Elvi [Elvira
Bean],
and went down to Rumford to singing school. It closed just as we
got
there on account of a concert at the Corner [Rumford]. A fellow
wanted
to ride with us. Estella Roberts [Etha Estella, daughter of James
G.
and Beulah Roberts] has got the diptheria.
- February 10 – Cold. Carried
Mother up to Littlehales [sic] visiting. J. R. Howard rode down
with me
when I come [sic] back. Charles Howe, Unckle [sic] William
[Andrews]
and Mr. Needham stopped here for dinner to day. Went up to
auction at
Ball B. Willis. Things went very high. Went up after Mother
about
three. Called into Milton Roberts’ and spent the eve. Knapp
[Albion K.]
gave Russell some good advice before he went into this school. He
told
him to go home with every girl, kiss every girl, and lay with every
girl. Estella [Roberts] is quite sick. Liz [Roberts] said she
told
Russell that she heard the advice Knapp gave him. Genie has
received an
answer to the letter she wrote to a fellow in the 13 Maine Reg’t.
- February 11 – Carried Mother down to Col. [Eli] Howes [sic]
visiting
to day. I took dinner there. Jesse Howe took two pictures
for me.
Mother and I have been into Mr. [William O.] Straws [sic] this
evening. Had a pleasant call. Pat has been down to see
Frank Bartlett
[adopted son of Stephen and Martha Stearns Bartlett] this
evening.
Estella Roberts is very sick. I guess they do not expect her to
get
well. Ned [Edwin Lane] gone to Livermore to get a sleigh for the
minister. He took my fur collar. Sophia Roberts [daughter
of James G.
Roberts] was taken with Diptheria [sic] to day. Milton Roberts
has gone
after an Indian woman doctor for James [sic] folks.
- February 12 – Hauled
two logs down to mill. Estella R[oberts, daughter of James G.
Roberts]
is very sick. Doctor [Zenas Willis] Bartlett came up to see James
[sic]
folks this afternoon. Ned come [sic] come back from Livermore to
day.
Abby Howe [daughter of Joel and Dorcas] was taken with Diptheria [sic]
today. Liz Roberts got an answer to the letter she wrote to Fred
Carlton to day. I do not think I shall get an answer to
mine. It has
been quite cold to day.
- February 13 – Hauled two logs to mill. They think
Estella is a little better. I got started to Newry to singing
school
with Loch. Come [sic] home with a bad headache. Mr. Bessie
from Paris
staid here last night. They are going to have an exhibition next
Tues.
eve. It is firstrate [sic] sleighing now. Has been warm
enough to thaw
today.
[to be continued]
The Courier
Volume 31, No. 4 (2007)
THE DIARY OF EDGAR HARVEY
POWERS
[continued]
Gravestones of Edgar H. and Jennie D.
(Stearns) Powers in the Hanover, Maine, cemetery
February 1864 (continued)
- February 14 – Got started to go down to James [sic] to see how
they
was [sic] getting along, but met Milton and he told me I could do no
good if I went in there, so I did not go down. He said Estella was
worse and could not live. I am very sorry; wish she could get
well.
Charles and Sarabette have been down here today. Charles went
down to
James [sic]. He said Estella was dying. If it must be so,
she will be
saved a life of trouble. I do not think it proper to have an
exhibition
next Tuesday and have taken measures to stop it. I feel it is my
duty
to stop it, and shall do so if it is in my power. Estella died
this
afternoon at twenty five minutes past two. James sent up for Loch
and I
to go down and sit up with the corpse. We went down, but John
Saunders
said he and wife Angie Rowe Saunders was [sic] going to sit up, so we
come [sic] home.
- February 15 – Went down to see if I could help James [sic] folks
any. I went up and got Abner [Powers] to be one of the
bearers. Chopped
wood awhile and Mrs. Roberts wanted me to go after Edwin and
Theresa.
Met them coming down at the upper schoolhouse. Just got back
&
James wanted me to go up and get Josh [Howard] and Preston [Howard] to
go down and sing. Went up round by Howards [sic] &
Saunders.
Walcott addressed the mourners and made a prayer. It was the most
solemn occasion I ever witnessed, and the handsomest corpse I ever
saw.
Mr. Bessey and Mr. Stearnes [sic] stay here to night with one yoke of
oxen and sixty one sheep.
- February 16 – Mr. Bessey paid me two dollars for his keeping last
night. Milton and I got up two loads of wood for James this
forenoon.
Has been snowy this afternoon. Carried some balm gilead buds up
to Mrs.
[William O.] Straw. Went down to the village with Loch.
Carried a saw
down to Holts [sic] to get fixed that Edwin left here. James
[sic]
folks are getting along pretty well, I guess. Emma is quite sick
though.
- February 17 – The coldest day we’ve had this winter. Have
not
been down to Mr. Roberts to day. Saw Mr. Howard, and he said they
had
help enough, so I thought it was so cold, I would not go down.
Called
up to see Cod. Ann Black is there. I guess they will not
have many to
the circle to night. It was to be at Unckle [sic] Orsons [sic] to
night.
- February 18 – A very cold night, last night. We broke out
the
roads today. Joshua R. Howard called here this morning. He
said he set
[sic] up with James [sic] folks last night and the night before
last. I
called down to see them this afternoon. They all appear to be
doing
well except Emma. She is a sick child. She will not take
anything if
she can help it.
- February 19 – Called down to James G. Roberts this
morning. Emma appears to be a little better. Hope she will
get better
in a few days. Carried Julia Stearns [daughter of B. Franklin and
Julia] over to Rumford Corner. The thermometer stood at 28
[degrees]
below zero this morning. Got the house insured in the Monmouth
Company.
Mr. [Peter Y.] Beans [sic] other girl [Sarah L.] died this morning with
Diptheria [sic]. His boy is sick with it again. Loch ran
away last
night, but Cod over took him at Lockes Mills and brought him back.
- February 20 – Have been chopping drift wood to day. Called
down to
James
G. R_____ [Roberts] this forenoon. They are getting along
nicely. Emma
is decidedly better. Went up to Newry. Called on Charles
but staid
[sic] at Edwins [sic] all night. Charles swaped [swapped] my
watch with
Ira M. Russell, and got six dollars in money, and some change.
Had a
very good time at Ned’s. Sarabette let me take two of her papers
to
read. Mrs. Ryerson is quite frightened about Diptheria
[sic]. Aunt Sally
[Sarah Stearns] and Orville have been at Unckle [sic] Orsons [sic]
visiting today. Liz and Philantha [Howard, daughter of Joseph]
went up
to spend the evenng, and staid [sic] till twelve.
- February 21 – Come
[sic] down from Newry this morning. It is quite good
sleighing. Called
at Abner Browns [sic] to look at them [sic] chaise that Charles traded
for. They are very good chaise. Loch told me to day, that
if Corydon
had not got to Lockes Mills just as he did, in fifteen minutes he
should have been on his way to Boston. He has told before, he
thought
likely he should run away sometime but I did not think he would.
He and
the girls are going to school on Bethel Hill this spring. If I
could
let this farm or get a good, steady hand to come here and see to things
till the middle of May, I should go to school this spring. Got
started
to go over to Elias Bartletts [sic], to put some letters in the office,
but stopped to James, and before I started his wife came in there, so I
gave it to her. Emma is recovering quite fast. I promised
Corydon I
would stay with him to night and so its half past seven. I must
go.
- February 22 – I staid [sic] with Corydon last night. We
went to
sleep
about twelve. He told me all about Loch running away. He
stole twenty
dollars of Corydons [sic] money, or rather he took it. Cod told
me some
thing about himself I little thought of. Loch come [sic] along
and
wanted me to go down with him. I put a bushel of corn in his
sleigh and
went down with him. After I got back I put up some oats and corn,
and
went to the mill. Could not get it ground to day, and had to
leave it.
Corydon started for Washington this morning. He gave Loch the
twenty
dollars he took when he ran away, and a fur collar. Loch has been
down
here this evening. I have not felt very well today. I don’t
know but I
have a little cold. Hope I shall not be blunderhead enough to
write one
thing over twice.
- February 23 – Went up to Abner Browns [sic] [resided
where Stanley Brown lives today] and got them [sic] chaise I
bought.
Loch, Elvi, and Delphina (?) went up on Bethel Hill to school
today.
They board themselves. I have been chopping wood to day.
Mother has
been down to Cyrus Bartletts [sic] this evening. I went down and
got
the grist. Stopped for the mail. Got letter from Mary E.
Lampher. Come
[sic] up and stopped to Cyrus, awhile. I heard to night that
Milton
Roberts wife [L. Josephine Jewett] had got the Diptheria. They
are all
doing well, down to the village, and up around the Pond [Howard Pond].
[to be continued]
