April 1, 1875 Thursday My friend Tom left for DeKalb while Will Brown and I walked out to his father's farm where we procured two horses and rode off northeast. The ground was covered with snow which with the rain of the day before made the roads very bad. Will hunted a school while I rode to Mt. Ayr where I arrived about 4.o clock. Hunted up the examiner's office and proceeded to business. Had the worst cold in my recollection, from the exposure of my trip. April 2, 1875 Friday My examination was completed after dinner but I did not think it best to return that day as I was still feeling sore. Took in the town and in the evening attended a lecture on Phrenology by Prof. Bronson, a blind phrenologist. April 3, 1875 Saturday Passed an examination under Prof. Bronson and received a chart. Left Mt. Ayr and returned my horse. Crossed Grand River on a log and walked up to Mr. Seismiller's. Drew up a contract for a four months school at $32.00 a month. Secured boarding at Mr. Seismiller's at 2.00 a week. April 5, 1875 Monday Commenced my fourth term of school. Had twenty five pupils in attendance. My school house and surroundings were the best I have known. July 3, 1875 Saturday Spent the Fourth at Mormontown. Rode down to Isadora in the evening with Will Brown in his buggy. Rained. ++++++++++++++ Note: Phrenology is the study of the conformation of the skull as it relates to mental faculties and character traits (for those of you who didn't know - I didn't - had to look it up).