Information from Second Souvenirs, by Francis C. Waid, 1890, pp. 230-257 Extracts from his diary 1888 June 5, 1888--When walking along Park Avenue, in Meadville, to-day, I met Francis Fox, a mechanic, with whom I am acquainted, and after a hearty greeting, noticing that he held some tools in his hand, I said: "Those tools indicate that you are on your way to work." "Yes," he said, "I am going to help tear down the old academy." This answer struck me with surprise, for I had no idea that the time-honored institution of learning, the Meadville Academy, would be demolished. Before I left town I walked through Market Street, and found Mr. Fox and his men at work removing the old structure which was built in 1826, nearly seven years before I was born. I had lived to see the old Cowen School in our rural district removed to give place to a larger and better building. It was afterward converted into a dwelling, and as I have passed it I have always looked into it with pleasure born of recollection. The old academy in Meadville is another bright spot in the past. How well I remember my instructors, T. F. Thickstum and S. P. Bates, both of whom are still living. I attended but one term at the academy, and that was in the fall of 1853, but even a step in the direction of learning is not lost. I have looked upon the academy since then as an old friend, and I find that many others viewed it in the same light, for on the morning when it was being taken down, many had gathered to bid it good-by. The work of destruction occupied several days, during which time, the youth, middle-aged and those in more advanced years, looked upon the work, while memories of the days spent within its old and well-loved halls filled their minds and warmed their hearts. History tells us that there were two other buildings used as academies in Meadville prior to 1826, both of which are yet standing. One is at the corner of Chestnut and Liberty Streets, and the other near by upon the latter thoroughfare. The first step toward securing an academy was made in 1800. June 17, 1888--On this day died Mrs. Thomas Chipman, aged seventy-seven years. Her husband is still living, at the age of seventy-nine. I have known this aged couple for many years, their residence being the second Cowen schoolhouse, which, in my youth, I attended as a scholar and in which shortly after I was a teacher. It is situated at the foot of Schoolhouse Hill. The north point of the cross roads forms the corner of Blooming Valley Cemetery, a plot of seven acres. The portion near the Chipman residence descends to the north and northeast and form Schoolhouse Hill. On its summit stands the largest monument in the cemetery, erected to the memory of Henry B. Baxter, born December 17, 1827, died July 4, 1882. North of this lot lies the grave of Hulda Baxter, nee Chipman, the wife of Wallace Baxter. She was the daughter of Mrs. Chipman, whose funeral my brother and I attended to-day, June 19, 1888. Mrs. Chipman is interred at the foot of her daughter's grave, and within a few rods of her home. I do not remember having ever before attended a funeral where the interment was so close to the deceased's residence. The Changes from joy to sorrow and from sorrow to joy are ever occurring in this transitory life. One day we follow a friend to the silent grave, and the next we are cheered by a visit from a long absent, yet dear relative. The day following Mrs. Chipman's funeral, while working busily in the field, I heard a voice evidently addressing me, saying: "You are going to let me come way out here after you, are you?" I recognized the voice before seeing the speaker, and going toward him I said: "Willis Masiker, I knew your voice before I saw you, although you have been absent so many years. Perhaps, however, it is a good thing that we visited you as that visit probably aided memory." My visitor was my wife's brother who went to Lansing, Iowa, thirty-two years ago, and had not since visited his old home. My wife's illness was the prime cause of his coming at this time. On this day as Eliza had felt better she was driven to the old homestead, and there her brother and I followed, and we all dined with my son, Guinnip. During the afternoon Willis and I visited Blooming Valley Cemetery where we looked upon his father's grave. Leaving the cemetery we went to the home of Moses Masiker for supper, after which, as we drove slowly home, we passed the old Masiker homestead with its well-tilled farm, where Willis spent his happy childhood and where I with my bride so often visited her parents. July 2, 1888--Meeting with old friends is sweet, but parting is sadness itself. To-day, after a visit of twelve days, Willis leaves for his home. When he came here this morning to see his sister he spoke of the fact that whenever he approached the house he found me working. I told him that in my youth I had asked for a busy life; I obtained it, liked it and did not propose to give it up. We passed into the parlor, where, upon her sick couch lay his sister bearing her sufferings so patiently. Willis had spoken to me of the fear that he might never see her again. I saw their pathetic parting and heard the whispered goodby as they seperated never to meet again in this world. The joy that had lightened their faces during his visit had now departed, and sorrow dwelt in its place. But hold one moment; I read something in their faces that means more than joy--it is HOPE--hope of a meeting in the blessed hereafter that brings that look of peace. My dear wife died on the fourth, and was buried on the fifth. My sorrow is too great to write of the circumstances at present, but at seine future date I will endeavor to say a few words about my great affliction (On March 26, 1889. Mr. Waid has in his diary some retrospective thoughts anent his wife's death. [Editor.]). Soon after the death of Eliza I wrote to Willis Masiker, and in reply he said that he was not at all surprised to hear of his sister's death, that he knew she must die at the time of this sorrowful parting, and that the time of her death on the morning of July 4 was just two hours after he had reached home. The Commencement Exercises of Allegheny College occurred to-day, there being twenty-six graduates, seven young ladies and nineteen young men ready to go into the world to better its condition. Gen. James A. Beaver, Governor of Pennsylvania, was present and delivered an address. I had heard Gen. Beaver before, but was glad of this additional opportunity. All the exercises pleased me greatly. The Governor spoke in terms of praise of Allegheny College, and said that instead of concentrating the institutions of learning in Pennsylvania into one grand university, he was in favor of doubling their number. Before relating the events of interest that occurred while on a trip to Jamestown and Chautauqua, N. Y., early in August of this year, I wish to speak of the peculiar circumstances under which/he journey was taken. I remember when I left home first, as a boy, just what my feelings were at the parting with the dear. ones, and how I anticipated great pleasure in relating my experiences upon my return. I was but a boy, and the journey was but a short one, merely extending to Orange County, N. Y., where I was to assist in driving a drove of cattle, yet to me it seemed of the utmost importance, and I mingled not a little romance in my thoughts of what was to befall me on the way. Since then I have had many opportunities to leave home, and have availed myself of most of them. Many, many times have Eliza and I alone, or with our children, as the case might be, left home, the dearest spot on earth to us, and gone forth for the purpose of visiting friends or places at a distance. Those were indeed happy days, and my heart beats with gratitude as I recall them. Blest be the tie that binds us in union here on earth! but, alas! all earthly ties are made but to be broken asunder, and now the dear one, the better half, is no longer here. I have lived long enough to know what the loss of father and mother means, and before realizing that I felt poignant grief over the death of my twin brother; but who can estimate the greatness of the loss of a loving and true wife. Since July 4, I have been studying from this new book of experience. I had heard others tell of loneliness, but what it meant in its fullest force I did not know until I started to leave home on August 3, 1888. I had hardly realized my position until now; my mind had been clouded by the shock of my wife's death; but now the cloud was dissipated, and I felt that I was indeed alone. In the words of Bunyan: "The heart must be beaten and bruised, and then the sweet scent will come out." Upon this journey Eliza was neither to go with me nor to remain at home; she had already departed to return no more. The thought of going away without her overwhelmed me; I hardly knew how to get ready to go, and my situation and feelings were desolate indeed. At length the words of Divine comfort came to me: I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, and I took heart and left home upon my short tour, which was to include Jamestown and Chautauqua. At Jamestown I saw Mr. F. Simmons, and spent the night at my cousins', the Colts, with whom my Aunt Mary Ann resides. My aunt's mind had been failing for some time, but she gratified me by remembering me, for, when her daughter, Mrs. Colt, said, "Do you know who this is?" she replied, "Yes, it's a gentleman from Meadville; don't you think I know Francis?" After that she addressed me as Francis often, somewhat to their surprise. I reached Chautauqua on Saturday, August 4, at noon, and went to the house of my friend, Mr. Mathews, on Ramble Avenue, whence I went, at a later hour, to hear Dr. Talmage lecture on the subject: "The School for Scandal." At eight in the evening there was an entertainment, entitled "Picturesque America and British America," given by Philip Philips More to follow, David

Information from Second Souvenirs, by Francis C. Waid, 1890, pp. 188-230 Extracts from his diary 1888 April 13, 1888--To-day my wife completes her fifty-sixth year. Crowded on the pages of memory are a thousand pleasant reminiscences of the past--of the time of our courtship and of our happy married life. But we are nearing the end of our journey; each day brings us nearer to the time of God's calling. We may not know it, it is not our heavenly Father's wish, but "Somewhere on this earthly planet, In the dust of flowers to be, In the dew-drop, in the sunshine, Sleeps a solemn day for me." Bad news as well as good news sometimes comes on a day when we would wish all to be bright, and it was bad on this anniversary of Eliza's birth, for we heard of the burning this morning of G. N. Waid's saw-mill. My wife and I called to see him, and on our return took supper with our eldest son. I wrote to-day, also to Rev. W. F. Oldham who, with his wife, is a missionary at Singapore, on the Malay Peninsula. In 1879 Mr. Oldham was our pastor at the State Road Methodist Episcopal Church, being at the same time a student at Allegheny College. Brother Oldham once, when trying to raise some money for repairing the church, came to me with the subscription paper; I put my name down for $30, and as I handed the paper back I said: "I reserve the right to pay more if it be needed." He smiled and replied: "Brother Waid, I am glad we have a few such men in our church, who after paying their subscriptions, pledge themselves to make up any arrears." Well, as it happened the cost of the repairs exceeded the amount subscribed, and although Mr. Oldham had gone I remembered our conversation and assumed with pleasure the balance of the indebtedness which amounted to $58. This is but one instance in which I have endeavored not only to bear my part, or rather what I thought my duty, financially, but have rather perhaps gone beyond it. Let me quote other instances: I was once handed a subscription paper in a church, and was asked if possible to raise $45, that sum being the one-fourth part of the amount necessary to be raised. Three others were trying to raise a like amount, and soon succeeded. I was the last of the four to be sent out to canvass one-fourth of the house. I was younger then by many years than I am now, and could do more labor, but I had not the means that I at present possess. When the other three had counted their contributions, it was announced that if Brother Waid had been equally successful the entire amount of $180 would have been raised. When I counted the subscription I had obtained, I found the sum fell far short of the amount needed, and as I told the congregation some one asked why it was that it fell short when the others had been so successful. I replied that the reason was because I had not yet put down my name, and that I would now ask the privilege of subscribing the amount necessary. In that way it was arranged and the debt was paid. At the time of writing this incident, April 23, 1888, I am just fifty-five years old, and I do not regret a dollar that I have ever spent to promote good by advancing the Master's kingdom. I like to close each year of my life better than I began it, and last night, as my fifty-fifth year drew to a close, I trust that I performed a deed that will aid in making me better in reality, as it certainly has aided in making me feel better. The Free Methodists of this vicinity are holding meetings in the Methodist Episcopal Church, Blooming Valley (as they have no church of their own), on alternate Sabbaths. We attended church there on Sunday morning, and in the evening also. We heard two good sermons from the pastor, who is supported from the proceeds of the collections. One was taken at the morning service, and another at the close of the evening service. When both offerings were counted, the total amount was but $7.00. I thought that ere the close of my fifty-five years of life I still had another opportunity of doing good, and so, at the end of the sermon, when Elder McGeary gave all an opportunity to testify for Christ, and when all was finished, I arose, and addressing the elder, said: "Is it still in order to speak?" "That depends upon what you have to say," he replied. I quoted this passage from the Scripture: Who can harm you if you be followers of that which is good? I then told them that Christ had been very kind to me in my Christian life, and that I had derived great comfort from His Gospel. With a few other words, I said that I desired to make their collection double what it was, and thus I made the amount $14.00. So I ended my year pleasantly by doing a kind act, and I hope to do it each succeeding year while my life shall last. No one can be so interested in the return of my birthday as I am. To me it is a day of joy and thanksgiving for having life, health, peace and happiness, and for being surrounded with friends and kindred; first, therefore, let me thank the Parent of all good for the blessings that He has showered upon me. I believe that if with age there comes infirmity, there also comes more grace to endure. During the past year, taking into account the failing health of my dear wife, and other trials which I have passed through, I feel that I have been upheld, and that indeed His grace is sufficient for me. How I ought to honor the Lord when I remember His goodness to me. April 23, 1888. MY BIRTHDAY. I'm fifty-four years old to-day; Father Time would not delay, But added daily to the store Until my years reached fifty-four, All these natal days I've seen While watching close life's changing scene; Each day and year brought pictures new And mem'ry calls them into view. If thinking deeply o'er the past Will save, 0 Lord, my soul at last, Then let me yet the wiser grow As I with faith shall onward go. The fifty-four years I have lived Have taught me lessons to forgive; Its nothing else but truth from Heaven-- Forgive and you shall be forgiven. It was not said by Him in vain, The merciful shall peace obtain, But every one who will endure Shall find His promise very sure. In eighteen hundred fifty-one My Christian course was then begun; The Bible truth which makes all free Has been a blessing unto me. My years full pleasantly have flown, When deep in search of Truth alone, While working daily in the field His word sweet comfort oft did yield. I am content, by day or night, When Heav'nly landmarks are in sight, Reminders of His favors given, Landmarks leading on to Heaven. Francis C. Waid. May 11 and 12, 1888--I think a few lines concerning the "CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION of the Settlement of Crawford County and Founding of the City of Meadville" will not be out of place here, for it was a most important event in the history of this locality; and as I have just returned from the two-days' celebration I will write concerning it while it is fresh in my memory. In the early afternoon of the 11th occurred the industrial parade, representing the various trades, industries and professions of the city and county. After the parade, which was a success, a shower of rain fell that interfered sadly with the band concert in Diamond Park. The literary exercises in the evening at the Academy of Music were marked by good taste and force in the rendering of the addresses, and showed high attainments on the part of the participants. The historical address was full of interest to all who heard it, and a finely rendered ballad, "George Washington," by the College Glee Club, was provocative of much applause. The rooms of the Historical Society in the library building were open during the progress of the Centennial, a courtesy much appreciated. At 7 A. M., May 12, a salute of one hundred guns was fired, and there was a loud ringing of bells, calling forth the people to the planting Of the centennial oak on Diamond Park. The tree was placed on the southern half of the park near the dividing walk. May it stand for many years as a memorial of this day and as a reminder to future generations to guard well their liberties, that they, too, may celebrate successive Centennials with their country's heritage of freedom still secure. The Pioneer monument standing at the north end of the park was unveiled in the presence of a throng of many thousand people, among whom were the children of the public schools who sang "America." I had witnessed many notable scenes on Diamond Park, or the "Old Diamond" as we called it, but none of my boyhood's sights impressed me as did this scene on the morning of which I write. The Crawford County Centennial was a most interesting affair to the inhabitants of this section of Pennsylvania. The county's population is now estimated at 85,000, while that of the city is put at 10,000. I have to record a sad accident that occurred on the first evening of the celebration, when George Williams, a special policeman, was accidentally shot dead. He was in his thirty-eighth year, and I knew him as a boy when he attended our Sabbath-school at State Road. His father, Ethan Williams, was an active member of the church during many years of his lifetime. Returning to the subject of the monument I would say that it bears an inscription to the purport that it was erected May 12, 1888, to mark the history of Crawford County and the founding of Meadville. It is an ornament to the city and an object of great interest to visiting strangers. It was a great pleasure to me to contribute $100 toward the Centennial fund, as it was no less a gratification to aid in such a way as I could the publication and distribution of our Centennial pamphlet which contains much of interest concerning our county, and is a strong promoter of its welfare. The following letter I received from my respected friend, Mr. S. B. Dick, one of the vice-presidents of the Centennial Celebration. MEADVILLE, Penn., May 5, 1888. F. C. Waid, Esq. My Dear Sir: I am requested by the Centennial Executive Committee to express to you their hearty appreciation of your generous gift to the Centennial Memorial. The following resolution expressive of our appreciation of your subscription, and the feelings which prompted it, was passed unanimously at the last meeting of the Committee: Resolved, That the generous contribution of Mr. F. C. Waid to the Centennial fund Calls for special recognition on the part of the Centennial Executive Committee, and that our thanks be extended to Mr. Waid. Yours very truly, S. B. DICK, Vice-President. I love a book and my friends, and in subscribing to one I help the other. The wide distribution of this work has brought much love and friendship to my door; the good work began before Christmas, and still goes on. The good spirit that is within a man who contemplates doing anything, says: "Ought I to do this?" while another spirit queries: "Can I do this?" Reasoning upon this line of thought, I decided a question for myself not long ago. A few days before my birthday, Col. S. B. Dick, whom I met in Meadville, said: "Frank, now is a good time to subscribe for the monument fund." "Yes," I replied, "but I will take a little time to consider about it.." "All right, that is precisely what I want you to do," said the Colonel, in answer, and then we parted. I think the right man had spoken to me on the subject, and I did not have to think over it long before I was decided. I knew that when the spirit asked: "Ought you to do this?" the answer came readily and promptly: "Yes." And in a day or two I experienced a double pleasure, that of celebrating my birthday and giving the money toward the monument. On that day I addressed a letter to Col. Dick and the Centennial committee, and enclosed my check for $100. I gave this money, my reader, because I love the ,county which gave me birth. When traveling at a distance through strange and beautiful places, my heart has always turned yearningly toward my home. There are many associations connected with home life that have endeared me to it. The feeling of love for home is one common to all mankind, and he who does not have it must in some way be morally estray. As I have written above, I subscribed cheerfully to this fund, for I wish always to promote Crawford County's welfare. Here rests the dust of my dead kindred; here my parents and grandparents lived and died. It is a locality teeming with memories of pioneer life, of hardships and early struggles. I, as a descendant, feel that I have a share in those early times, and I trust that posterity will be imbued with the same spirit to the extent that will make them guard ever the interests of Crawford County. Before closing this subject I may say that I was appointed by the Centennial Executive Committee a vice-president of the committee, of which I was advised by a letter from the chairman of Committee of Arrangements, of which the following is a copy: MEADVILLE, PA., May 7, 1888. F. C. Waid, Esq. Dear Sir: You are appointed by the Centennial Executive Committee, a vice-president of the Committee. It is hoped that you will be able to attend the exercises to be held in the Academy of Music, May 11 and 12. Executive Committee badges will be supplied by Major D. V. Derickson. Yours very truly, A. M. FULLER, Chairman, Committee of Arrangements. More to follow, David

Information from Second Souvenirs, by Francis C. Waid, 1890, pp. 188-230 Extracts from his diary 1888. January 4--To-day I attended the funeral of Redding Burns to Greendale Cemetery, Meadville, the services being performed by Rev. T. D. Logan. Mr. Burns was aged seventy-seven years, four months and a few days. In the evening I called on John S. Bell, a farmer on the Turnpike Road, about four miles from Meadville and two from Saegerstown, who has been in poor health a long time. A year ago he was not expected to live any length of time, his friends thinking him so near dying. I have learned since I came home that he died January 4, 1888, at the age of sixty-two years, and was interred on the 7th in Long's Cemetery, near his late residence and farm. This burying ground is situated on a prominent height of over 100 feet in the north side of Woodcock Valley, two miles east of Saegerstown. From this quiet spot can be had a rather picturesque view of the valley below and the surrounding country. While on this subject I may mention that Mr. Dunn, a well-known undertaker in this community, observed to a friend: "F. C. Waid attends nearly as many of the funerals as I do, as I generally see him present." Overhearing the remark, and having placed him on the list of my friends for his kindness shown at my mother's funeral, I could not refrain from thanking him for the compliment, and I have ever after felt kindly toward him. January 10, 1888.--The evening of this day finds me at the thirty-seventh milestone of my Christian life. I desire to thank the Lord, who has so mercifully spared my life until now. How wonderful have His dealings in love and mercy been toward me and my family who are all living! If David desired to praise the name of the Lord, wily should not I? The Lord has done great things for me, whereof I am glad. He has not only put a new song into my mouth, even praise to the Lord, but established my goings. And the vows that I made unto the Lord when starting out on this new journey I still wish to keep; for we read it is better to not vow than to vow and not pay. This question of pay embraces a wonderful meaning. The Lord's title on us holds good forever--it never outlaws. But His promise is just as good as the claim which reads: He that endureth to the end shall be saved; and herein lies the encouragement the Christian never relaxes his hold on. Heaven awaits the finally faithful. When I am traveling on a road on the side of which the milestones are set, I generally take note of the figures on them in order to keep myself advised as to my journey's progress. Should I think less of my Heavenly journey? The Master has not only commanded us to pray but to watch. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation. Not alone prayer but constant watching are what save us from danger. This question of pay involves much thought and deep study. January 12, 1888--My wife and I went to Blooming Valley, to call on some friends who were sick, also to pay a long talked of visit to an aged couple, Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, and the night being stormy we tarried there till morning. On our way to visit my brother-in-law, Moses Masiker, we called to see "Aunt Polly," as she is called (Mrs. John Dickson), who is very sick. Her life-companion had departed this life April 16, 1882, in his eighty-fourth year. Many a call and visit in days gone by have I made at Mr. Dickson's. It was one of the homes my twin brother and I used to spend evenings at in our school days. Mrs. Dickson is a daughter of Simeon and Phebe Brown, latter of whom lived to enter her one-hundredth year before her death, being the oldest person in this community at that time. I know of several who have reached from ninety to ninety-seven: Mr. Wise was ninety-nine, but even that was younger than Phebe Brown. January 18--My aged, good friend, Adam Morris, died at his home in Woodcock Township, and has since been interred in the Long Cemetery. He was in his seventy-seventh year, a shoemaker by trade (years ago doing our shoemaking), and a kind, neighborly friend. I taught two terms of school in the Goodwill District in the years 1853-54:, and during that time had as scholars six children of Mr. Morris', five daughters and one son. They have lived within two miles of us for many years, and I know the family intimately. My wife and I to-day, in company with L. M. Slocum, had the pleasure of visiting his sister and three brothers at Mosiertown. We first visited Mr. C. R. Slocum where we partook of supper and stopped for the night, on the morrow going with the members of the family to dine with Caroline Cochran, the only sister. While there I thought of similar occasions in my youth when, with my parents, I was a frequent visitor at the home of Mr. Eleazer Slocum. After thus enjoying the hospitality of Mrs. Cochran we drove to the home of Hon. S. Slocum (Ranker now lives in Saegerstown; I had the pleasure of calling on the family January 4, 1890; also on my aged friend, Lorenzo Wheeler, on my return from Jamestown. N. Y.--F. C. Waid), where we remained until January 21. Our visit at his home was a most enjoyable one, and, just as we were about to leave, Robert E. Slocum, who had been prevented by business from 'dining at Mrs. Cochran's, came in and invited us to prolong our stay until the afternoon, and in the meantime to dine at his home. This invitation we accepted and in the early evening we left for our own home, thus completing the third of our visits to these friends whom we all love so well. January 27, 1888--The State Road between Blooming Valley and the Goodrich Farm, where my son lives, is at this writing blockaded with snow, something that has not occurred before within my recollection. I have known of blockades that extended short distances, but never anything to the present one in extent. The storm has lasted several days and during that time but little travel has been possible, although the public held possession alt day yesterday. This morning all attempts to travel over the road were abandoned. On the south side of the road by going into the fields it is possible for teams to make their way between the points mentioned. When going they pass through the door-yard of the old homestead of Ira C. Waid, thence around the buildings and through the orchard and fields to the top of the hill where they are enabled to take the road once again. It is an unusual sight to us, such vast quantities of snow, and not by any means an uninteresting one. A gentleman called upon me this morning on business, who said that had he known the night before where I lived he would have stopped, as he was caught in the storm with many others. I sincerely wish that he had known it for there were forty people in two sleighs, bound for a leap-year party, caught in the height of the storm, and one horse, a valuable animal, perished. Teams, before arriving at the Borough limits on the State Road in Blooming Valley, are compelled to turn to the south, pass around Felty Hill and to cross the public road into Woodcock Township, and thence continue through James and Gaylord Smith's fields to the State Road once more, near the old homestead, from which they proceed as once above described. February 4, 1888--He who seeks to do good to others finds his reward every hour of his life. To-day I was privileged, after attending to some business in Blooming Valley, to attend the Teacher's Institute now in session, and I listened with more than ordinary pleasure to the practical instruction and the discussions as to how best instruct the young. Now my memory travels back thirty-eight years to the time when I taught school! My love for and attachment to my scholars (I would like every scholar, now living, who came to school to me in Blooming Valley or elsewhere, to receive a copy of my SOUVENIR. Some have; I hope the rest may now or in the future.--F. C. Waid), and the many friends with whom I became acquainted in Blooming Valley and other places in my school-teaching experiences, is one reason why I desire to have this work published as a gift book for friends and kindred. We are taught the great truth that our record will live after we are dead; so let us make a good one, of which none need be ashamed. February 6, 1888--The road is now open for travel after a ten days' blockade. The people of the Borough opened the public roads to the town limits, and we, of Woodcock Township, opened the way to Mead Township, and to-day, with three neighbors, I completed the task of making a passage as far the Goodrich Farm. At the dairymen's convention in Meadville the other day, a gentleman asked me if he had not seen me shoveling snow the Tuesday previous, near F. C. Waid's. I laughingly told him that I thought he did, for I handled a scoop-shovel on that day, and as I worked all alone I had a wide berth, and not a wide one only, but a cool one as well. March 6--Rhoda Chase died, on the 2d inst., at her home in Meadville, Penn., in her seventy-eighth year, and is interred in Greendale Cemetery by the side of her husband, who departed this life in September, 1877, when in his sixty-ninth year. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at State Road. He was a farmer by occupation, and once owned the farm where his son, Newton S. Chase, now lives. This farm is in Mead Township, only a mile south of our home. Many years prior to their moving to Meadville I had known them, even from my childhood, and, like my parents, I loved them and their children. My wife and I went to the residence of Newton S. Chase for an evening visit, February 11, 1888, and we then learned of his mother having had a paralytic stroke on the 8th, three days before. During her illness her son, Newton, and her only daughter living, were present to cheer and comfort her. She was also visited twice by her son Warren, who lives at Corny, Erie County, Penn., and whose health at present is quite poor. On my first visit to see Mrs. Chase she said, as we shook hands: "I am glad to see you;" and ill the course of our conversation I asked her if she thought she would get well, to which she replied: "I think not." My wife and I were present at her funeral. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; they rest from their labors and their works do follow them. March 8, 1888--To-day my wife and I decided to visit my aunt, Clarinda Morehead, who resides with her son Charles, near Townville, this county. She had been seriously ill for several weeks, but was now convalescent, although still feeble. My aunt has seen seventy years of a hardworking life; her eight children--three sons and five daughters--are living and married. Mrs. Morehead seldom leaves home to pay visits to her relatives, but we hope she will so far regain her strength as to be able to come to us and other kindred at Blooming Valley, where she spent many years of her life. Aunt Clarinda spoke to my wife of a time when she and her sister Jane worked for the Moreheads, many years before. This brought to my mind the fact that I had worked at one time for Uncle William Morehead, and I spoke of it, saying at the same time, that the fact that I worked for him as a boy always made ii seem pleasurable to work by his side, as I had often done, in manhood. Thus the conversation drifted along, pleasantly, until finally it turned upon aged persons. I remarked that I felt that I loved and respected the aged more than ever before, and my Aunt Clarinda said that was because I was getting older myself and wished to set an example for others. "That is true, aunt," I replied, "and I feel that when I get really old I will want something still due me." We bade my aunt good-by, and pressed her if she could possibly to come and visit us when the weather was less inclement. April 3, 1888--Joseph Dickson, the oldest citizen of Meadville, died to-day aged ninety-eight years, one month and twenty-one days. I am told that Meadville had been his home for upward of ninety years. I have known Mr. Dickson personally from my youth, and I called to see him shortly after he entered on his ninety-ninth year. In this connection I wish to speak of Balthazar Gehr, who resided in Sadsbury Township. Mr. Gehr died in 1885 at the remarkable age of nearly one hundred and three years. April 8--To-day my wife, Eliza, and I attended the funeral of John Johnson, of Woodcock Township, who resided two miles north of us, in Woodcock Valley. At his death he was in his sixty-fifth year. His funeral was largely attended, the Rev. Hamilton McClintock, of Meadville, officiating. His text was from Psalm lxxiii, 26: My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. I wish to say a few words, taking the book of books as my theme, and I do not know where I can say them more appropriately than in connection with the text quoted above. I have said that I love labor, but with all my love for work I have not been prevented from loving the Scriptures. I delight in them; they are ever new to me; they come freighted with glad tidings of great joy bringing light and life with the promise of eternal happiness hereafter. The study of the Bible and the hearing of the Gospel as it is preached by those sent forth to proclaim its truths, by the Divine Master, are to me of inestimable value, as they bring the greater and lasting blessings. There are some facts about the actual make-up of the Bible that may not generally be known, and I will give them for the future reference of my readers: There are 66 books: Old Testament, 39; New Testament, 27. Chapters, 1,189: Old Testament, 929; New Testament, 260. Verses, 31,143: Old Testament, 23,214; New Testament, 7,929. Words, 773,692: Old Testament, 592,439; New Testament, 181,253. Letters, 3,566,480: Old Testament, 2,728,100; New Testament, 838,380. Ezra vii, 21, contains all the letters of the alphabet. The nineteenth chapter of Second Kings and the thirty-seventh chapter of Isaiah are alike. The Bible abounds in beautiful passages. What is more lovely than this description of the lily in the sixth chapter of St. Matthew: Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. The lily is mentioned fourteen times in the Bible, the rose but twice: both are beautiful, but what flower can eclipse the modest beauty of the lily of the valley. How many lessons we might learn from the flowers. At the Centennial I saw the greatest variety as well as the largest quantity of flowers I had ever beheld, as a friend of mine remarked, there seemed to be acres of them. I thought as I turned from them how my dear mother would have enjoyed the sight, for she was so fond of flowers, planting and tending those about the homestead with the greatest care. Even until this day springing from the garden are blossoming plants placed there by her hands. I agree with Dr. Talmage that "flowers teach." More to follow, David

Hi, Is anyone in the process of abstracting the 1880 Crawford County census? Barbara -- Barbara Farthing Bonham Summerville SC Nodine Nostalgia http://www.tfsweb.net The Family Snitch's Web http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~bfbonham Crawford County, PA Genealogy http://genealogy.toolcity.net

thank you martin, but i don't have the capability to open zipped files :-( kili

hi all, does anyone have the waid diary extracts previous to may 12 that might be willing to send them to me? thank you ! kili

Elizabeth Rice, daughter of Adam & Elizabeth Adams Hershelman, died 22 May 1952 in Springboro. Buried in Spring. Born 24 Nov 1879 in Crawford Co. Elmer E. Hershelman, son of Adam & Elizabeth Adams Hershelman died 11 Mar 1951 in Springboro. Born 27 March 1865 in Crawford Co. Buried in Spring. Milton B. Hershelman, son of Adam & Elizabeth Adams Hershelman died 3 Jun 1944 in Meadville. Born 14 Mar 1884 in PA. Buried in Springboro -- ********************************* Patricia Butterfield Vedner R. D. #2, Box 4A Conneautville, PA 16406 http://www.toolcity.net/~vedner Conneaut Valley Area Historical Society 1625 Main Street, Conneautville, PA 16406 Open 12-2:00 on Saturdays - Come visit us. http://www.granniesworld.com

I'm currently indexing/extracting information from the White Funeral Home records 1940-1953. Dearborn, Merle D., son of Leonard & Iva Reeves Dearborn died 27 Oct 1941 in Cussewago township and buried in Denny Cemetery. Born 13 Nov 1919 in Conneautville and lived in Springboro when he died. Leonard D. Dearborn died 18 Nov 1945 in Springboro, son of George & Mary proctor Dearborn. Married to Iva Reeves. He was born 15 Oct 1867 in Crawford Co. and buried in Denny Cemetery. William P. Eddy died 11 Mar 1949, son of Joseph & Florence Dearborn Eddy. Married Edith Potter. Born 26 Nov 1879 in PA. Buried in Springboro Ada E. Dearborn, daughter of O. P. & Mary L. Jennes Dearborn died 25 Mar 1950 in Meadville. Born 15 Sept 1891 and married Warren Dearborn. Buried in Saegertown -- ********************************* Patricia Butterfield Vedner R. D. #2, Box 4A Conneautville, PA 16406 http://www.toolcity.net/~vedner Conneaut Valley Area Historical Society 1625 Main Street, Conneautville, PA 16406 Open 12-2:00 on Saturdays - Come visit us. http://www.granniesworld.com

I would like to thank everyone for the help that they've provided in the past. Now I'm trying to find info on my father's family. Tammy Parker [1976] -> Theodore [1949-55?] & June (Goldberg)Parker -> Duane James & Florence (Peterson) Parker -> Theodore & Mildred Jane (Ray) Parker -> Ammi (Ami or Mi) B. & Emma Cordelia (Lasher/Lesher) Parker My father has two brothers. Duane has 1 sister who's living and 1 sister who has passed away. Florence Peterson-> Carl & Ida (Still Living) Peterson Mildred Ray -> William Andrews & Jessie (Weaver) Ray -> Sam & Mary R. (Andrews) Ray Mary R. (Andrews) Ray -> William S. & Jane (Andrews) Andrews -> Joseph & Esther (Snodgrass) Andrews -> Joseph Andrews -> Robert & Nancy Ann (Blythe) Andrews Jane Andrews -> Hugh & Mary (Roal) Andrews -> Robert & Nancy Ann (Blythe) Andrews Is there a good place to find Meadville Area addresses. I want to send the information that I found to my Aunt Marian, my Grandfather's sister. Thanks, Tammy

Does anyone have access to baptisms in 1852/1855 and 1884? I would like to know about the baptism of Lewis R. (and or Ransom L.) Himebaugh b 1852 or 1855. (birth Nov 28) Also the baptism of Jessie Geneva (perhaps Genivir or Genevieveb).....adopted by and then named Himebaugh... b4 Nov 1884 Born in Buffalo and then probably brought home to Crawford County. These baptisms would have been in the Lutheran Church probably. Thanks for any help. Kay Kaykalar@aol.com

PACrawford Rooters, A new "query" system in the form of a guestbook is up and running great. There are now 35 new queries and too many surnames to mention here. The surnames will be abstracted and a the surname page will be updated once a week. Please check "View the Queries" on the web site http://genealogy.toolcity.net and see if you can match. Barbara -- Barbara Farthing Bonham Summerville SC Nodine Nostalgia http://www.tfsweb.net The Family Snitch's Web http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~bfbonham Crawford County, PA Genealogy http://genealogy.toolcity.net

I would like to have the information from the obituaries of two of my ancestors who are buried in Greendale Cemetary. I do not know if they would be available but if so any help or direction in how I may aquire the info would be appreciated. I am looking for obits on Redding BURNS who passed away on January 8,1888 and Redding BURNS who passed away on October 5,1899 just 26 days after his younger brother Sylvester who was my g-g-grandfather. Thank You. John Burns McKean County, PA.

Does anyone have access to the will of Joseph Himebaugh? He was married first to Mathilda Gehr and then to Susan Sherred. Thanks so much. Kay Kaykalar@aol.com

I have unfortunately lost axtracts being shared with us by Mr. Waid from"Second Soviniers" prior to those recieved on May 11. If it is allowable and someone has them stored I wouls greatly appreciate if you could forward them. Thank You John Burns McKean County, Pa.

Does anyone have information on Susan Sherred of Venango Pa.? She married Joseph Himebaugh and I think before that was married to a Sherred. I think her maiden name may have been Shearer. I will be most grateful for any information that anyone can share. Thanks Kay Kaykalar@aol.com

Does anyone know anything about a Ransom L, HIMEBAUGH or a Lewis R, HIMEBAUGH from Crawford county? He was born in 1882 (or 1885) on 28, November. He is believed to be the son of Joseph Himebaugh and Susan Sherred, but we do not have this documented yet. He was a furniture maker or a laborer. I am looking for who Lewis married and when. Also am looking for information on an infant girl who he adopted. She is said to be actually related to him in some way and her name was Jessie Geneva. She was born on 4, Nov, 1884 in Buffalo N.Y. She was my Grandmother. Thank you so much to all of you who have helped already and in advance to any of you who might be able to offer information. I will be most grateful. Still Searching Kay Kaykalar@aol.com

I have an interesting twist in my husband's family tree that I could use some help with. The old family bible lists Martha A. Fales marriage to one John M. Dunlap 3-10-1868. Thereafter all references are to Orson Leander Medbury (with one reference to a marriage year of 1867, which could be a mistake. Throughout the remainder of their lives the only name used is the Medbury name. Does anyone have information on either of these families? Any clues to solve this puzzle? There has been noted a family memory of a name change, possibly related to a conscription situation, but no indication of who was involved. Any information on any of these families would be appreciated. Lots to share. Char Holloway Nenis

My husband is a descendent of Coit Ingraham Fales (1811-1882) and Hannah Cole (1815-1892). I know that Hannah had two brothers, Thomas and Smith Cole. Hannah and Coit had 11 children that I know of, Mary Jane (m. John Shepherd), Merilla (m. James W. Dunning), David C, Symies T. (m. Mary Westcott), Caleb (m. Mary Unger), Anna(m. James Unger), Nancy(m. Wm. Roberts), Martha (m. Orson Medbury/James Dunlap), Arvilla Elizabeth (m. Donnie Slinghuff), Ezra C., and William T. Fales. I have a lot of information, articles and pictures that I am willing to share, from a very old album belonging to Martha. I also have a number of questions. Please let me know if any of these names are familiar to you and we can share information. Char Holloway-Nenis

In a message dated 5/13/99 11:24:03 AM, PACRAWFO-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: << Has anyone else experienced inconsistencies in dates cited in the index of Hartstown Cemetery? On 1/2 a page I have found three. In one, the index cites the year of death as 1899 while the Conneautville Courier of 1898 cites 1898 as the year of death. >> Could someone give me directions to the Hartstown cemetery? Mary Bolster

I am looking for information on Thomas MITCHELL. He was born in Meadville, PA on 18 August 1828. He married Margaret TAYLOR. Thomas died in Dalton, NY on 6 May 1903. I would love to hear from anyone who has information about Thomas and/or Margaret. So far they've done a superb job of hiding. Thank you. Dixie Endsley dixieendsley@Dynasty.net