1886 The opening of the year found me in Valparaiso busily engaged in pursuit of my studies. The winter proved to be short, but very severe, being another of a series of very cold winters. Spring opened early and was very favorable for putting in crops. The rain fall for the Upper Mississippi was very light and during the summer a very destructive drouth prevailed. I never saw such utter desolation before as was to be seen in Central Iowa. In August, I completed the Scientific Course and returned home having engaged a school in Fairport, Missouri before coming home. The school is a graded one, and is located in a good community. Moving my family to Fairport, I began teaching Sept. 6; Miss Hallie Brant having charge of the primary department. My venture in attending school is likely to be of great benefit to me though it was expensive. While I was gone, my farm did not yield any income above expenses. At present, I intend to dispose of my land; pay off my debts; and put my savings on interest. My wife intends assisting me in school-work in the near future. During the year, the labor troubles occupied public attention and how to reconcile the conflicting interests of capital and labor, is one of the perplexing questions of the hour. My judgment prompts me to be somewhat conservative and not to encourage any of the extreme measures advocated by many. ++++++++++++