Information from Second Souvenirs, by Francis C. Waid, 1890, pp. 257-293 Extracts from his diary 1889 On Christmas morning I wrote till nearly 11 o'clock, when, remembering my invitation to Miss Jennie Hamilton's eighteenth birth-day party in Mead Township, I proceeded thither with a happy heart, for I love the company of both young and old, having found myself much profited by associating with people of all ages, from the child to the oldest person I ever met. The day was warm and lovely, and so spring-like that insects of many kinds--bees, moths, flies, etc., were out disporting in the sun. Indeed, we have had but little snow, and scarcely any cold weather; an open winter so far, and farmers plowing, something unusual here at this time of the year. Well, Jennie Hamilton's party went off very pleasantly, all seeming to enjoy themselves heartily, none more so than myself, who also found pleasure in meeting my neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, who formerly lived near by on his farm, close to the State Road Church. After presenting Jennie and two other members of the family with photographs of myself and wife, I bethought me that it would be a pleasing compliment in the near future to present to Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, their children and others present with copies of my second SOUVENIR. Christmas Day, though an active, busy one, brought real happiness to me, and I would, if possible, send out some of its fruit to enrich others--study, think and plan how to bless the greatest number, and do the most good with the means within my reach. WANT OR WILL. I have occupied part of this Christmas Day in writing out in forms, as best I could, my bequest to my wife and children. This wish of mine is not born of to-day, though I am only now writing it out. Whilst, under a kind and merciful Heavenly Father I have been permitted to enjoy health, share the companionship of a good wife and possess a comfortable home, I am not unmindful of my children. I respect and appreciate the scripture command that parents should "lay up for their children," and give them their rights whenever they think the proper time has come to do so. As my parents' home afforded so muck comfort and real happiness, and, as I know the value of such, I have always not only wished to have one of my own, but also that each of my children should be equally well provided; yet not to be so generous as to rob myself of a home, but, if possible, make one for each of us, which could be done by a united effort on the part of both parents and children. And the reason why I make known this request is--life is uncertain. I do not propose to here write out my entire will, but I want to make known (and there can be no harm in having it appear in the SOUVENIR, where it may be read by my kindred and friends) this part of it, as my wife and my children already understand it. My desire is to do right by my children as well as by every one else, and I have my own peculiar way in accomplishing the work. Parents are not all alike, neither are children. I believe no one can understand children better than the parents who have had the best opportunity of knowing what is best in the end for them. My own experience: In my youth and manhood I have seen times when my love for my parents seemed to abate, at least for a while, and I. thought, for the time, that they did not care for me, or my welfare. But I have since learned to know better and become convinced that I was mistaken. My parents loved me from the day of my birth till the last hour of their lives. I have proof of that, so I love my children. My love as well as my efforts in their behalf are unceasing, and the problem for study and to solve is how, by the help of the Lord, I may best help them that they may continue to help themselves. I will not say that parents are always right, but I think a child who will not hearken to the advice of parents is not wise, and too often wrongs himself. As the years have gone by, and the boys have helped do the farming, there has been an object in view beyond mere renting, sharing the crops and living on the farm; and this object has been to have each of my children improve and keep up his farm, with the view eventually to become its owner. Therefore my desire is that each of my sons, Franklin I. Waid, Guinnip P. Waid and Fred F. Waid, shall have a farm of 100 acres or more, and share alike or equally in the value of the three hundred acres of land they now occupy. Also my desire is that Anna E. Waid, my beloved wife, shall have $3,000 to possess and use as her own funds, aided or assisted by myself in its use during the natural term of my life. I wish her to have the interest or income derived from said sum to be used as she pleases, but hope that the principal may be kept for her future benefit. My children know about my business affairs, that I usually keep out of debt, and am owing but little at present, and that my purpose is to pay as I go. It is said "the better the day, the better the deed," and I have chosen this beautiful, bright and hallowed Christmas Day whereon to write this article. No better day in all the calendar could I have selected on which to proclaim my purpose of encouraging those immediately interested, and in the fulfillment of my request I pray that I may have the cooperation of TRUTH, HONOR and PRINCIPLE. December 31--The last day of another year nearer Eternity! Who shall say what the next year may bring forth, or who of us shall live to see its dying hour? There are many to whom death has no terrors, and "our piety must be weak and imperfect if it do not conquer our fear of death." Last Saturday (December 28) after attending to business in Meadville, I stayed over night with my relative, with whom and with other friends in the city I remained until Monday evening following. On Sunday forenoon, as I was walking up South Main Street, I stepped into St. Agatha's Church (Catholic), and in the afternoon I attended the Y. M. C. A. meeting, where I was kindly received, and at the close of the services asked to address the audience by Mr. Warner, the gentleman who conducted the afternoon devotions. I will endeavor to give the reader in brief, though substantially, what I said on the occasion; I was glad to be present to enjoy the company of young men, and I spoke to them somewhat in the following language: "One step nearer home or heaven. Go where we will or where we may, we find some friend to greet us on our way. The goodness of the Lord to me all my life, and especially since my conversion in 1851, has been great. How wonderfully His goodness and mercy have been continued to me!" Many more things I gave expression to, and at the close of my remarks I was kindly thanked by the presiding officer. In the evening I attended the Methodist Episcopal Church, where I heard Dr. C. E. Hall, whom I have loved ever since I first met him at my aunt Eliza Phillips' funeral. His text for this evening, the last Sabbath in the year 1889, was from Heb. viii: 13; Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. He gave a review of the past year, and urged an examining of ourselves. Truly Time is more valuable than Gold! How good it was for me to be there listening to the words of encouragement that fell from the lips of that warm-hearted Christian messenger of God! At the close of the services my heart was made even more glad when Brother Hall shook hands with me, saying: "Brother Waid, you helped me;" my brief reply to which was: "I appreciate your help." I gave but little, a sort of widow's mite, yet, 0 how much I received! I have no doubt the Lord abundantly blessed us both; superfluous, then, to help each other. On the following day, Monday, I sent two of my friends, one a neighbor, the other a relative, each a receipt for a year's subscription to the Tribune, Weekly Republican, as a Christmas or New Year's gift. Also sent two relatives in Jamestown, N. Y., each the Pennsylvania Farmer. At 2 P. M., same day, I attended the funeral of David Compton, the services being held at the Second Presbyterian Church. He was born in 1810, and was a member of that church over fifty years. He lived near Meadville, and I had known him nearly forty years, being regarded by me as my father's and my own friend. This concludes the extracts. The rest of the book contains letters written to and from Francis, writings on issues in life, autobiographies, and trips made. I plan to include the autobiographies of those not in the Waid family - C R Slocum and G W Cutshall. Sandi Schroeder has already posted the trips information to the list. If you did not receive it, and desire it reposted, let me know. David