April 16, 1877 Monday Walked over to my old school house at Ogle Grove and drew up a contract for a three month's school at $35.00 per month before school time. Had 33 pupils in attendance. Secured boarding while at my school at Mr. E. B. Ogle's. My eighth term of school. July 4, 1877 Wednesday Edward and I spent the Fourth at Maysville. The celebration was held in the grove east of town. Did no engage the company of any lady friend for the occasion. Enjoyed my self very well. July 6, 1877 Friday Last day of eighth term of school. Made out my report and went over to Mr. I. V. Moore's and drew my money. July 9, 1877 Monday Left home, going northwest in search of a school. Stopped at Mr. Ogles, where I had boarded but did not apply for my old school. Struck out west and then north stopping at Mr. Stephen's, father of my friend C. H. Stephens, where I found my friend and Clarence Bray. Staid all night. July 10, 1877 Tuesday Hadley Stephens and I rode north to look for a school for me. Took dinner at Mr. John Boner's. Applied for the school in the district which I had passed through the summer before on my way home from Iowa. Drew up contract for 6 months at $40.00 per month. We attended a singing in the evening at Mr. Wm. Stansbury's where I saw Miss Minnie Fisher, my future wife for the first time. Of course, neither of us was aware of the fact at the time as we did not fancy each other at the time. Spent the night at M. D. Allen's. +++++++++++++ I believe the transcription from the original small notebooks into the journal I now have was begun in 1884. It becomes current about halfway through. Lori