Dear Jane: I'm so glad you enjoyed the diaries, more will be coming! Kim

Marilyn: I bet the New Fane Historical Society would love to have those diaries. Kim

Dear Evelyn: In answer to your question, and I'm sure it would help everyone else to understand who's who, I'm going to list all of Phoebe's family as well as some of the neighbors. They are as follows: Rev. Enoch Williams Mary Hooper They are Phoebe's parents. Phoebe's brothers and sisters: Lucy Williams Ashton m. Thomas Edwin Ashton Mary Williams Sherrill m. Rev. Franklin G. Sherrill William Fitzer Williams m. Alice M. Southwick Philip Samuel Williams m. Francelia Avery Henry Prier Williams m. Harriet Harrington Enoch Edwin Williams m. Hester Bush Phoebe Ann Williams m. Daniel Edgar Clickner Some of the neighbors: Elenor O'Hara, Mrs. Outwater, Mrs. Ransom, Elisa Fish. Henry L. Johnson-the boy who stood Phoebe up! If I think of anybody else I will let you all know. Kim

H Kim, Vee and List Members, The diaries are wonderful! I have tried to visulize the hardships that my ancestors faced back then, here it is from someone who really lived it! It would seem that Phobe accepted the infant deaths as a common occurrance. Something we would view as unthinkable today. Thank you so much for sharing the past with us! Jane in FL

I have 2 diaries that I bought at a lawn sale, I believe in Newfane area several years ago. Perhaps someone researching their family would like them The name on one of the diares is CLARENCE STERN. The writer was a barber. He talks of cutting Clinton Churchills hair ( I know the Churchills lived in Newfane) There was a valentine in one diary : to dad from Jim. I believe these were written in the 1939-1940 era. There were other names I recongized from Newfane, such as Goodridge,Wyman. If someone would like them, please contact me. M.Wright

I thought I saved all the first set of Phoebe's dairies and in sorting them today I find I am missing no.1 and 2 . Would someone on this list have the time to forward them to me. I would like to have my daughters read them.....Thanks in advance.....pat scott in lower michigan ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kim & Mike Paul" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 6:05 PM Subject: Re: [FOLKS] Phoebe's Dairies > Dear Vee: > > I guess I don't, I'm just overwhelmed at the interest of the diaries! I'm just happy that everyone is enjoying Phoebe's diaries. >

Kim, Would it be possible to line up Phoebe's family for us? I must have missed the part where you told us her last name, parent's names, etc. With her diaries each of us [I think] have entered her world and want to get the characters in their proper place. Plus those of us with ancestors in Niagara County at that time, may have known her and her family. My, my this is getting so exciting!! Evelyn in Colorado ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!

I am interested in the town of Newfane, what state is this in? My grandmother was born and grew up in Newfane, Vermont. I am wondering if there is a connection between the 2 Newfanes? Ruth At 11:06 PM -0500 2/16/04, [email protected] wrote: >Phoebe's diary has been a fascinating glimpse into the life of an 1850's >young lady and her family. It gives me an idea of how my own family (who >had 6 daughters) may have lived at the time. I myself live in "Charlotte" >(now called Newfane), and I can imagine Phoebe and "the boys" coming into >town for meetings, visits, and trading. I'm looking forward to the other >diaries. > >Raymond Scott Woolson >www.raymondscottwoolson.com -- Ruth Barton [email protected] Dummerston, VT

And an addendum to Vee's message - don't forget a copy for the library! Jo in Michigan ----- Original Message ----- From: "Vee L. Housman" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 12:17 AM Subject: Re: [FOLKS] Phoebe's Dairies > Kim said: > > > I have been toying with the idea of maybe having Phoebe's diaries > published, I wonder if there would be an interest in that? Right now, I > have the typed out pages of Phoebe's diaries in a three ring notebook. > > Kim, I would like to give you encouragement that your transcriptions of > Phoebe's diaries could actually be published. But from personal experience, > the historic subject matter is too locally restricted to such a small > segment of Niagara County history. Nonetheless, what you have transcribed > is critically important to the history of the Town of Wilson(?) and the > nearby Town of Newfane in the late 1850s. Therefore, I suggest you take > your printouts to both of the town historical societies, show them what you > have transcribed and offer to provide them with a printout for their > historical files. Personal unique records such as those are invaluable and > put flesh on the bones of the dry "published" stories of the history of the > towns. > > Regarding old family photographs and autograph books of the 1870s, let the > societies know that you also have them and that if you're inclined to scan > them in any way, well just let them know that you want to record them in > local family history records. > > Kim, keep up the good work. > vee > > > > >

Vee, & Jo: You gave me much to think on, who would I get in touch with? Since I live here in Nebraska, I could probably mail the transcripts to somebody. I didn't realize that the diaries would have so much local impact, but because the diaries are so personal, a glimpse of the life of the person who wrote them, would make the local history more alive, if that makes any sense! Kim

Dear Mary Ann: I agree, I don't think Phoebe had time to sit and relax much. In Phoebe's father's diary, of the same year, he mentions Phoebe breaking her sewing machine, I think he might have been kind of frustrated with her at the time. Can you imagine Phoebe trying to use one of those computerized sewing machines? At one point, I believe Phoebe's mother went to Canada, they had relatives living there at the time. I have found through reading Phoebe's diaries and especially her father's diaries, they didn't like to stay in one place for very long. Phoebe's father, Rev. Enoch Williams was a wanderer, especially in his later years. Enoch did a lot of lecturing, he was an astronomer as well as a minister, and he was also a projectionist for the early magic lantern shows, and he was one if the first the operate a limelight, he even knew the formula for mixing the gases! I could go on about Enoch's travel's, but I'll save that for another time. At any rate, Phoebe would probably be overwelmed at the selection, and the price of fabric today! I'm glad you enjoyed the diaries! Kim

Dear Raymond: I'm so glad you enjoyed Phoebe's diary. Her diary has been an eye opener for me. Some of the hardships she endured was incredible. I mnight be considered lazy, compared to the chores Phoebe had to do. I have started to post Phoebe's 1860 diary, and that is rather interesting as well. Enjoy! Kim

Kim said: > I have been toying with the idea of maybe having Phoebe's diaries published, I wonder if there would be an interest in that? Right now, I have the typed out pages of Phoebe's diaries in a three ring notebook. Kim, I would like to give you encouragement that your transcriptions of Phoebe's diaries could actually be published. But from personal experience, the historic subject matter is too locally restricted to such a small segment of Niagara County history. Nonetheless, what you have transcribed is critically important to the history of the Town of Wilson(?) and the nearby Town of Newfane in the late 1850s. Therefore, I suggest you take your printouts to both of the town historical societies, show them what you have transcribed and offer to provide them with a printout for their historical files. Personal unique records such as those are invaluable and put flesh on the bones of the dry "published" stories of the history of the towns. Regarding old family photographs and autograph books of the 1870s, let the societies know that you also have them and that if you're inclined to scan them in any way, well just let them know that you want to record them in local family history records. Kim, keep up the good work. vee

Phoebe's diary has been a fascinating glimpse into the life of an 1850's young lady and her family. It gives me an idea of how my own family (who had 6 daughters) may have lived at the time. I myself live in "Charlotte" (now called Newfane), and I can imagine Phoebe and "the boys" coming into town for meetings, visits, and trading. I'm looking forward to the other diaries. Raymond Scott Woolson www.raymondscottwoolson.com

Wow she is very hard working! I feel so bad she worked so hard , got her pay then the machine broke! Can you imagine her face today if she could see the fabrics we have in stock at our fabric stores. I must have missed where her Mothyer went. I like when she looks back in her diary to the year before, my grandma does this. Thank you so much for sharing the diaries (O: ~ Mary Ann ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kim & Mike Paul" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 1:34 PM Subject: [FOLKS] Phoebe's 1860 Diary - Pt. 1 > Sunday, January 1 > > At watchnight with Father at Stapleton on Staten Island. Father preached staid with Rev. Dickerson. Went to church in the morning. He, Father, preached amd administered the Sacrament. In the afternoon, Mr. D. preached in the Sailor's Retreat, after which Father and I returned to Sailor's Snug Harbor. > > Monday, January 2 > > Monday. Mrs. Drew went to N.Y. Father and I spent a very comfortable day. I sewed on pillow slips in the afternoon, he went to the hospital. > > Tuesday, January 3 > > Father staid with me till after dinner. Mrs. Drew came home. The weather clear, still and cold. > > Wednesday, January 4 > > Snowing. Father came back and agreed to stay till tomorrow so as to help Mary S. on her way back to Utica. > > Thursday, January 5 > > A beauifull day. Father is gone. I called on Mrs. Box, found her daughter dying on the shure [sure] belief of a glorious hereafter. My [may] my end be as joyous as hers. > > Friday, January 6 > > Went to Pine's Store for Mrs. Drew, received two letters, one from Mother and my paper. Called on Rebeckah. Mrs. R.'s little girl is dead. A beautifull day. > > Saturday, January 7 > > Warm day. Mrs. Drew and self arranged Mrs. Hart's hair and put her on her shroud. When I leave this world may I go as triumphant as she went. > > Sunday, January 8 > > At church in the Harbor, then to the funeral and took tea with Mrs. Box. A lady was there that came from Birmingham [England], she knew all that I did there. At prayer meeting in the evening. > > Monday, January 9 > > Cut out a skirt for "O" [illegible]. Went with Mrs. Drew to New Brighton. > > Tuesday, January 10 > > Made the skirt and cut out my black cloth basque. Have to send home for a peice more cloth. Gave the letter to Mother. Paid for it at the gate. > > Wednesday, January 11 > > Sewed all day. I often think of last year and am thankfull I know in the end all will be well. > > Thursday, January 12 > > A deep fall of snow. Mended all day. A dreadfull accident at St. Lawrence Mass in a cotton mill. Elanor Ashton is 6 years old. > > Friday, January 13 > > Sewed till night and then went to the office, received 6 papers. Spent the evening with B. McMan. Gave her a paper, the first number this year. > > Saturday, January 14 > > Thawing and stormy. Finished up all the mending and all the sheats and pillow slips that where cut out. Fitzer 23 today. > > Sunday, January 15 > > Went to Sunday School and preaching. Took dinner with Rebeckah. Called on Mrs. Box. Mrs. Drew and self went to prayer meeting. > > Monday, January 16 > > A fight about the gates and the girls. I was sent in the evening to give the word that the anoiance should be stopped. Cut out sheet and pillow slips. > > Tuesday, January 17 > > I have been here 4 months and have made 130 pillow slips, 115 sheets, 5 towells, 9 bed ticks, and now begin with two ticks, 33 pilow slips, 22 sheet. I have also made 11 Flannel garments, 6 aprons, 1 skirt, besides the mending. > > Thursday, January 19 > > Sent to the office and received a letter from Mother to say that she cannot find my cloth. Sewed hard all day. Made 6 pillow slips after 4 pm. > > Friday, January 20 > > Mending and finished the sewing for the week. Went to the clothes room. Iroend my things. Wrote to Fanny. > > Saturday, January 21 > > Cleaned my room. Sorted my things, everything is in order. A beautifull day. Went to Fort Richmond to try and match my cloth. > > Sunday, January 22 > > At church and class and bible class. Spent the afternoon with Mrs. Heath. A very pleasant day. > > Monday, January 23 > > Making towels and mending at night. Made a pair of sleaves for a shift. > > Tuesday, January 24 > > Made sheats and pillow slips. Pleasant weather. > > Wednesday, January 25 > > Mended clothes and tableclothes, did them nicely. Went to church, a good meeting. How it makes me think of other days and those that are gone, never to return. > > Thursday, January 26 > > Philip's birthday, he is 20. God bless him and prosper him. I made a pair of drawers for Daniel's. Mrs. Drew in N.Y. She matched my cloth. In the evening I made sheets. > > Friday, January 27 > > Ironed and took the things to the clothes room. > > Saturday, January 28 > > Made Joseph Wilson a overshirt. Gave my room an extra sweep. A pleasant day. > > Sunday, January 29 > > At church all day. Prayer meeting in the evening. Several say God is doing a work through me. I long to do good. Sow seed by all waters. > > Monday, January 30 > > Mr. Boswell called to ask me to do a little mending for him. He says I influence him for good when he was seeking religion. To God be the glory! > > Tuesday, January 31 > > Mended a vest and shirts and made pillow slips. > > Wednesday, February 1 > > Mended all day. Father came, we went to Mrs. Heath's for the evening. Fresh snow. Father wants me to go to New York. > > Thursday, February 2 > > Cut out sheets and pillow slips. Made the button holes in my basque. Father went away. > > Friday, February 3 > > Received my pay, took the mended things to the clothes room. Made sheets amd finished my basque. Went to the post office, letter from Mother. > > Saturday, February 4 > > Miserable weather but I went to N.Y., bought 2 skirts. The man did not come to see me, I thank God is directing, it did not come from me to choose. > > Sunday, February 5 > > At Mrs S. Mead and sewed all evening. Father there to sleep hotell. At home all day. I did not go out. Mrs. S. did, I am glad she always does now. > > Monday, February 6 > > Home from N.Y. Bought a sewing machine. Called with Father on Mrs. N. and Mrs. F. Full fog, the boats regular. > > Tuesday, February 7 > > Tried the machine and broak it. Made 3 bed ticks and a sheet and mended. > > Wednesday, February 8 > > Mrs. Drew went to N.Y. I mended and made bed ticks. A beautifull day. > > Thursday, February 9 > > Mrs. Drew came home and on the next boat, Father came. In the evening we three went up shore to church. > > Friday, February 10 > > A terably windy day, so Father staid all day. The boats made no regular trips. I put 21 mended garments in their boxes and ironed my clothes. > > Saturday, February 11 > > Cleaned my room. Father went away. The work is done the most ahead it has been. Miss Clark came. I finished my calicoe basque. > > Sunday, February 12 > > At Bible class, lead it. Church and class. Took dinner at Mrs. Farland's and then went back to the Sunday School teacher's association, a very good time. > > Monday, February 13 > > Sewed all day. In the evning I went to New Brighton for some braid and cotton Flannel for Mrs. Drew. Got the wrong kind. > > Tuesday, February 14 > > Sewed all day. Changed the Flannel, bought some other things for Mrs. Drew. Town meeting day. > > Wednesday, February 15 > > Sewed some and attempted my calicoe dress and a bed tick, no mending brought in today. > > Thursday, February 16 > > A stormy day, but I went to the PO [Post Office] and got my Advocates. I often think of last year. Gave out Miss McMain's, Mrs. J.J. papers. > > Friday, February 17 > > One year has passed since light shown above my pathway. Thank God for that. I went to N.Y. to get my skirt reformed. Slept at Mrs. Starr's. Visited with---[This continues with next entry] > > Saturday, February 18 > > Visited with Father at Mr. Taylor's, had a good time. In the morning it snowed. I could not get my skirt. When I got home my room was swept up. A bad day. > > Sunday, February 19 > > Very windy. I went twice to the Harbor Church and to prayer meeting-three asked for prayers. How I hope the loved at home are seeking their souls to Salvation. > > Monday, February 20 > > A bad days work. Cut out the sheats all too short and must peice them. Some mending brought in. How I wish I could see Mother a little while. > > Tuesday, February 21 > > At work all day. Joseph Wilson while washing. Pleasant weather. I fuss about the hem. > > Wednesday, February 22 > > Mrs. Drew here. I asked Joseph if he would still wish a place in the country. How thankfull I am for all there Spring days. > > Thursday, February 23 > > Father brought my skirt. I went to the gate with him. Verry muddy. I heard an inmate say he had found peace and I was giving God glory. > > Friday, February 24 > > Mended and ironed. Took the things to the boxes. Father came. We went to the store. It rained all the way home. I had a better letter. > > Saturday, February 25 > > A fine last night. Father is gone to the city. I went to the hospital. Took Mrs. Heath her papers and Mrs. Frier's. > > Sunday, February 26 > > At church singing school and prayer meeting. A good day. How I think of last year. God make me thankfull. > > Monday, February 27 > > Had a present of a work basket from William Daniels. It is very nice. Washed my black dress, I shall send it home. > > Tuesday, February 28 > > Sewing all day. Went to church at night and to the store bought the lamp, $4.00. > > Wednesday, February 29 > > Told Joseph Wilson of Mother's offer. He is pleased but is afraid to accept, wishes to finish the jobs he has so as to have some means, then will go. > > > > > >

Vee ~ loved your "Achtung!" Jo in Michigan ----- Original Message ----- From: "Vee L. Housman" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, February 13, 2004 12:14 AM Subject: [FOLKS] Achtung! > Dear Folks, > > My PADUTCH-LIFE list has been recently discussing the PA Dutch dialect and because someone said something funny about the dialect, this is what I posted to the list. I thought you might also enjoy it. > > . . . . It reminded me of a sign placed on an office Xerox machine over 20 years ago. That was around the time when even large offices had only one Xerox machine and because the machines tended to be a bit temperamental, one person and one person only was allowed to operate it. The sign reads like this: > > ACHTUNG! Das Machine is Nicht fur Gerfingerpoken und Mittengraaben. Is easy Schnappen der Springenwerk, Blowenfusen und Poppencorken mit Spittzensparken. Ist Nicht fur Gewerken by das Dummkopfen. Das Rubbernecken Sightseeren Keeppen Hands in das Pockets. Relaxen und Watch das Blinkenlights. > > I hope you can enjoy the humor of it without knowing a word of German! :-) > vee > > >

Kim, thanks so much for sharing Phoebe's Diary....Makes for fascinating reading. Where does she live? Did I miss that in an earlier part? Where is her mother and who does she do all that sewing for? When she is longing for "a year ago", is that her longing for Henry? And how old is she? I sure wish I could talk to her! Jo in Michigan ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kim & Mike Paul" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 4:51 PM Subject: Re: Fw: [FOLKS] Phoebe's 1857 Diary > Ruth: > > We were a little confused at first, too, but I believe it was Phoebe's brother's baby, Henry and his wife Harriet Harrington. I also think there was another baby that might have died, and this one could be a neighbor's baby. > > While I was transcribing Phoebe's diary, I had to stop once in a while, so I could figure out who Phoebe was talking about and what relationship they had with her. Phoebe's handwriting was hard to decipher, she got kind of sloppy at times. > > Phoebe also mentioned several funerals and that she had to make the shroud, and she also had to help lay the body out, that would be something I don't think I could do! > > Kim > >

Dear Kim, You have no idea how many people have enjoyed Phoebe's diary. I've received several messages about it. One woman said she was hooked on it and another said that a friend of her's had been forwarding each episode to her. BTW, in the mid 1800s the patients in a hospital were called inmates. I know because on the 1860 census I found a maternal ancestor of mine listed as an inmate. Keep up the good work. You certainly have an attentive and appreciative audience. vee ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kim & Mike Paul" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 5:32 PM Subject: [FOLKS] Phoebe's Diaries > Dear Group: > > I just wanted to write to say thank you so much for everyone who wrote me saying they enjoyed reading Phoebe's diaries! I've been overwhelmed at the outpouring of encouragement, and the general interest of the diaries themselves. This is one of the best lists I've been on and I never thought diaries could generate so much interest! > > I have to thank Vee, for she encouraged me to start this and not to give up even with a few little mistakes on posting! I can laugh about the mistakes now, but they sure seemed like big ones at the time! > > Anyway, I started posting Phoebe's 2nd diary. Hope you enjoy reading that. At this time, I think Phoebe was working at a hospital, or maybe a group home, or a prison, for she mentions inmates a couple of times, but she doesn't really say where she is working. If you thought she was busy in the last diary, boy is she ever now. It sounds like her job is a seamstress where she is working and she puts out a lot. > > Thanks you guys! > > Kim >

Dear Vee: I guess I don't, I'm just overwhelmed at the interest of the diaries! I'm just happy that everyone is enjoying Phoebe's diaries. Thank you for clearing up Phoebe's use of the word "inmate". I didn't realize the word was used as "patient" is today. I have been toying with the idea of maybe having Phoebe's diaries published, I wonder if there would be an interest in that? Right now, I have the typed out pages of Phoebe's diaries in a three ring notebook, and then I have the original diaries in an air-tight container, along with old family photographs. That way they are protected from light. I also have some autograph books from the 1870's that belonged to my grandmother's great grandmother-Lydia Minerva Lovejoy. The thing I love about looking at those is all of the unique handwriting from all of Lydia's friends. Handwriting was truely an art form then! Kim

Dear Group: I just wanted to write to say thank you so much for everyone who wrote me saying they enjoyed reading Phoebe's diaries! I've been overwhelmed at the outpouring of encouragement, and the general interest of the diaries themselves. This is one of the best lists I've been on and I never thought diaries could generate so much interest! I have to thank Vee, for she encouraged me to start this and not to give up even with a few little mistakes on posting! I can laugh about the mistakes now, but they sure seemed like big ones at the time! Anyway, I started posting Phoebe's 2nd diary. Hope you enjoy reading that. At this time, I think Phoebe was working at a hospital, or maybe a group home, or a prison, for she mentions inmates a couple of times, but she doesn't really say where she is working. If you thought she was busy in the last diary, boy is she ever now. It sounds like her job is a seamstress where she is working and she puts out a lot. Thanks you guys! Kim