> > By the way, what is hew sleepers and sills? > > January-February 1858 > > Fri 5> > I helped James Richmond hew sleepers and sills > > Sa 6> > I helped Allen and Richmond lay the foundations of their houses > -- He is helping James Richmond and Samuel Allen build new houses. I'm not sure why they would do it in the winter except that they would have less other farmwork to keep up with. According to Webster "hew" is to make or shape with blows of an ax. I don't know the function of sleepers in terms of a log cabin. Maybe some of the carpenters on the list can fill us in. Sills I.m guessing would be door & window sills. When you think about it it is pretty amazing. My husband has a fortune in power tools and if I want a shelf I go buy it. . These men are building houses with hand tools and trees. Carol.