James Dawson Stephens

Winnipeg, October 22, 1890

George Allice, , no doubt Thomas Lizee and Clara would like me to write my autobiography to note some of the incidents of my Long, Long Life prolonged beyond the allotted time. Being now in my eighty fourth year , I commence by saying, I was born in the Town of Lisburn Co., Antrim , Ireland on the Fourteenth day of August 1807. My first recollection of my identity was when introduced into jacket and trousers. My father would often laughingly relate the airs and consequences I assumed upon that to me most interesting occasion. It will be of interest to say something of my Paternal and Maternal ancestors. The name of my fathers granfather was James Corrie. He was blind for many years before his death.

He was a good man, a humble and sincere Christian. His daughter, my fathers mother, was one eminent for her piety and esteemed and loved by all who knew her. She was early left a widow with the bare of three sons and a daughter.. Their names were Allexander, Thomas and James.. The daughter Rachal. I know nothing of my granfather Stephens. My father had no recollection of him. I now wonder that William or I did not ask our father to tell us something of our granfather. My father lived for sometime with his granfather Corrie. The two other boys and daughter with their mother. James was the favourite, good looking, brave, impulsive and generous. Something upset him and without thinking of the consequences enlisted as a soldier and died in the West Indies. From remarks casually made by my father, he and his brother were wild and headstrong and often tried their mothers patience. At the close of the Rebellion of Ninety Six, the Orange Society came into being. The first Lodge of the Order was founded in the Town of Moy. Moy was my fathers native town. The Lodge was called the Dion. My father and uncle became members. My granmother implored, begged, intreated them to have nothing to do with Party work, but to her wish, paid no regard. One evening after supper they took their guns to attend the Muster of the Lodge.

There mother again made an appeal and as they left she said the Gallows will end it. How soon her predictions were verified. As the Lodge was about being dismissed some suggested they should march down a street mostly Catholic. This was carried by acclimation. In high glee they formed into marching order, colors flying, playing the most offensive airs, cheering like mad men. A Catholic standing within his own door, as they were marching, expostulated them on their conduct, when a ruffian in the rear left the ranks and stabbed him with the bayonet. The man was supposed to be mortally wounded, read the last rights of the church, but eventually recovered. Two young men, relatives of the wounded man, said they would have blood, blood, blood. In their frenzy they made for the house of one of the principle members of the Order. They thundered at the door. The old father barred the entrance. The son having just gone to bed, when the two mad men drove their guns through the window and shot the old father Dead, dead.

The two, I think were brothers, were tried and hanged. Warrants were issued for the apprehension of a number of the members of the Lodge. A servant girl in the employment of my granmother informed against my father and Uncle. They were in the front ranks and knew nothing of the tragedy enacted in the rear. The Magistrate in pity to their mother, for whom he had a great respect, told her that it would be better for her sons to go abroad and remain till the excitement was over, when they could return in safety. They went to Scotland. Farther on will tell how they fared in the Land of the Thistle.

And will now tell you all I know or heard about my maternal relative. The name of my mother’s father was Thomas Newburn. His occupation was hozier. He carried on a large business giving employment to numbers. He was in easy circumstances and in those days, an extreme radical. His reputation was that of an honest man, but somewhat penurious and wonderfully impulsive and prided himself that he was as good as any Lord or Belted Knight. When the rebellion broke out he was on the foremost and had to fly for life hiding among friends mid the Mountains of Wicklow til amnesty was proclaimed.

From what dropped from my father and mother at odd times was not overstocked with refinement. He loved his children. He loved his children and his reputation was that of an honest but somewhat excentric man.

My mother often spoke of her mother with love and affection. She was evidently a superior person. The old Nurse Bell McCourt would often speak of her goodness and amiable qualities. She was from the Isle of Man. Her maiden name was Christion. Soon after her death her brother called to see his sisters children. My mother recollected him and said she never saw a finer looking gentleman. Tall of a commanding presence, fair complexion, a roseate glow in his cheek, his hair white like snow. My mother often spoke of him with pride and pleasure. My granmother left six children, four daughters, two sons: Peggy, the oldest followed by Mary, Eliza and Elleanor. My mother the youngest, Robert and William the sons. After some time my granfather married again. The marriage as regards to happiness, was a failure. She was harsh and stern with an antipathy to my Uncle William and my mother. One child she had. A daughter of the name of Ester. All her affections were centered in her. She died young. It was a blow from which she never recovered. Ester was a favourite with all. The opposite of her mother.

I will now sketch my Aunts. My dear mother, my authority, Peggy, the eldest, was lively, energetic, liked to have her own way and generally succeeded and set her stepmother at defiance. Also in the wordy war, ever was victorious, the champion of my mother and her brother William. She was the first that married. Her husbands name was James Misson. A very respectable man of good character and in good circumstances. Aunt Peggy was the controlling power to which the husband quietly submitted. My granfather was greatly pleased with the marriage.

And now Aunt Mary was the next to marry. It was a sad one, for her husband turned out a drunken sot, treating her as a matter of course with neglect and cruelty.

Every argument that relatives used to prevent her from sacrificing herself was made, but in vain, in answer, she would say I will chance it.

She was a beautiful girl. She and her sister Eliza were known as the two beautiful Miss Newburns. She drained the Cup of Misery to the Very Dregs.

Aunt Elizas marriage soon after followed, the opposite of her sisters, a happy union. His name, John Stanly, a gentleman in every sense of the word. Refined and Intellectual Band Master to the regiment. A great favourite to my father as was also my Aunt.

A few years after the marriage he died leaving two children. I think he left her in easy circumstance. Sometime after she again married and again fortunate. My aunt was attractive, graceful and very beautiful. How often have I heard my mother describe how their love for each other was mutual. I do not know the time of her death.

My uncles were as they grew up, head strong and way ward. Their father set them both in a way of doing for themselves. Both were failures. Robert, the eldest, soon run through what his father had given him and in despair, listed. Was in all or most of the battles, fought by Wellington. Was in the Battle of Watterloo and soon after discharged with a pitiful pension. Soon after his return, married and I believe happily. As to his business or his family, I heard nothing.

My uncle William was the favourite of all, the personator of fun, frolick and mischief. When of age his father gave him a fair start. But like his brother, failed. He at once started for the Continent, fought as a badet at Waterloo. Lord O’Neil, one of the Dukes Aid, was so pleased with his bravery that he asked Wellington to give him a Commission. The Duke answered, he could not as it would interfere with the rules of the Service but I can place him in the comisariat. He was pleases in London with a comfortable salary which he retained as long as he lived. We heard of his death, but no particulars. I have now as far as I can recollect, from what I have heard from my mother, noted down as well as from my father, a short history of my paternal as well as my maternal relatives.

And in after years my granchildren will read with interest what their granfather has written. It will keep him green in their memory.

I will now go to Scotland and will give his history, my father, on their arrival. The prospects were not assuring in a strange land unknowing and unknown. My father said there was no alternative, but to enlist to keep from starvation. He and his brother were examined by the surgeon. His brother passed but my father was refused. A scar on of his legs was the reason. The doctor told him he was sorry he could not pass him as he was of the material to make a soldier. His brother soon got tired of a military life and left without leave and made his way back to Ireland. The next part of my fathers history is indistinct and misty.

I recollect that his home was with a Mrs. Neely. A widow, a son and daughter. The name of the son was Marshal, the daughter, Ann. They were above the average in culture and refinement. Had seen better days. I think they must have been Irish. My father married the daughter. It was a union of love and affection. They had two children named James and Ann. On a New Years Eve they were all together when Marshal observed where will we all be next New Years Eve and sad to say my father was the only survivor. All passed away. A loving mother, an attached brother, a tender wife and the two little ones.

My fathers grief must have been great. His agony intense, the blow so overwhelming. Its marvelous that he out stood the storm. Time is the great restorer, the great healer. His present life a blank. The future hopeless to banish. Thought of attending convivial meetings. There were no Temperance societies in those days but out of the darkness he emerged into the light brought to a knowledge of the truth. Became a member of the Barony Parish Church. Glasgow Doctor Burns, the Pastor, a man eminent for piety, who took a deep interest in my fathers spiritual development and was emphatically his father in the Gospel. In time he was a Deacon. I think afterwards an Elder. Some of the old people thought it strange that one so young should get such preferment "Mair especially", that the Chiel was an Irishman. At or about this time, the brother Haldens opened a school or college for the educating of young men for the Ministry, which college he joined and I think remained there three years.

Frequently sent out to preach in country places. He used to relate some amusing ancelots. One night he stayed at the house of a well to do farmer. He was tired as well as hungry. Students in those days did not travel by rail. Well the good wife to pay do respect to the Minister, placed a slice of wheaten bread at her husbands plate and a slice at my fathers and a plentiful supply of Bannocks Wheat bread. A luxury rarely indulged in. My father thought he would lay the foundation of his supper finishing with the bread. The good man at once ate his share and reached over and without, by your leave, took my fathers. The wife shouted toot, toot good man, that is the Ministers bread. Ah, good wife, said the old stingy gurlc, he disna like it, he disna like it.

Another time he had to cross a burn or creek. Greatly swollen by rain. It was opposite the house where he had lodged. The man seeing his dilemma told one of his servants. A bouncy lassie took him in her arms as she would a child and landed him high and dry on the other side. Soon my father leaves dear old Scotland. He came there a wild and reckless boy. A fugitive after an absence of ten years, he returns. What a change. The Haldons decided to send two Evangelists to Ireland. Among the students they selected my father and George Miller, afterwards Doctor George Miller. On arriving in Ireland the first place was to his mother. It was in the dusk of the evening and had to pass the place where the tearful tragedy took place. In speaking about it he said he felt as if his hat was rising from his head, so fearful the recollection. Reaching at last his mothers house, knocked at the door. Come in. He entered. Ten years had passed. She looked at him with as much earnestness. He smiled. At once she knew him, my son, my son, my mother, my mother, locked in each others arms.

A rainfull of tears, an extacy of joy, an overflow of bliss. Maternal and filial love together blending and what thanks they would give to the All Merciful One for his unnumbered blessings. After a short stay with his mother, he went to the town of Neroy accompanied by his companion Miller both. They lodged with Surgeon Bell, a good kind and most hospitable gentleman and at the head of his profession. His family, two grown up daughters. After staying some time at Neroy, the Haldens removed by father to Lisburn. Miller remaining. Mr. Bell advised him to study medicine which he did and afterwards married the eldest daughter and succeeded to the practice and was as a doctor successful.

My father was held in great esteem. Had good congregations and many warm friends. Among his most constant hearers was my dear mother. The only one of her family of a serious nature. A mature regard and affection sprang up betwixt them ending in marriage and it was every way happy. They truly loved one another. My father after his marriage resigned the Ministry, still preaching every first day. Like Paul he would not be chargeable to any. After remaining in Lisburn for a year, they moved to Belfast and opened a store dealing principally in linens, gambricks, embroidered muslins, keeping in hoops of girls at fancy work.

My father I think, did not take an active part in the business leaving it principally to my mothers management. His thoughts began to turn westward ho. Now and then he would suggest immigration to my mother but she said No, No, No!

I will never leave my own country to go into a strange land. My father, every now and then came back to the charge. She still obdurate. At last she consented. This was the way,. My father showed her a half dollar, bright from the mint. Look Ellen, is this not a beautiful coin? See there is the likeness of Liberty on the other side. The eagle gazing at the sun and in its jallens the olive branch and the arrow. Peace or War let us go there Ellen. She said, "let us go". Soon all was ready. No time lost. Passage taken in the good Ship Jupiter. Loving farewells to relatives and friends. Then all aboard, sails hoisted, soon out of sight of the fairest isle of the ocean. The voyage was pleasant. Only seven weeks from Belfast to New York. It was in Eighteen Hundred and Eleven in the month of July when we landed.

Soon after my baby sister Eliza died. It was a great grief to my dear mother. She was a child of rare beauty. A cast was taken of her face after death. My fathers prospects at first were dark and dreary. Unknowing and unknown in a strange land. But the darkest hour is just before the dawning. "The darkest hour live til to Morrow will have passed away". One day he was swantering down a street. He entered a coffee house or news room to read the paper or hear the news. Near by were a knot of gentlemen, speaking of an assault of a Minister of the Baptist Church upon one of his congregation. My father was interested in the conversation which soon became general. On leaving, one of the gentleman asked him to tea, handing him his address. He consented and found himself at one of the finest mansions in Broadway. His hosts name was Allexander Stewart, a person of great wealth and an Irishman by birth.

After tea they had a long animated conversation on Religious subjects but they were not in accord. Some distance from each other at length, Mr. Stewart said to my father, I know of a church who hold your views and they meet tonight. We will go there ordering his carriage. The cloud was lifted or if not you could see the silver lining. My father was cordially received by the Beacon. Soon to ripen into affection and brotherly love, young as I was. Love a distinct recollection of a number of the members. The first was the Bishop, William Ovington. The Bishop, mild and benignant.

The next, Henry Pratt, a man of fine presence. A man among men. The father of the late editor of the Standard. My father and he were like David and Jonathan in affection and love and then his wife was a beautiful woman and the sweetest singer I ever heard. Her voice so soft but perfect in its melody could be heard distinctly and her husband had a grand rich base. They two led the singing. All the rest joining it was singing. At times the sisters would sing a verse led by Mr. Pratt or Sophia as she was lovingly called. As a boy was delighted. It would seem as if an Aviary of Larks and Nightingales were let loose. Then the male voices led by Mr. Pratt would blend. That was singing.

That church needed no organ or choir. All sang with the heart. Benjamin Henderson, one of the Deacons, a modern Nathaniel, his wife a model. I loved her so much. Had ever a pleasant word or smile for the little people. Again Jonathen Hatfield the other deacon a worthy man. There is one I must not pass over, Olliver White. He was among the Brethren what John was among the Apostles. In him was a blending of the feminine with masculine. All, all loved him. Will refer to him again. Another Mrs. Bellinger. She was called the Phobe of the church, ever on the alert to find sorrow and distress and if possible to relieve it. She had many oddities and excentricities but always harmless. Mr. Pratt was chosen as the other Bishop so they had plurality Bishops and Deacons came up to the standard required in the New Testament. Being the husband of on wife and children in due subjection.

The church opened by singing a hymn, prayer by the Bishop who read a chapter from the Old Testament or the New, then some practical observations, followed by saying if any brother has a word of exortation, say on. Often my father responded as did others, another hymn then the collection followed by the Lords Supper, closing with another hymn. All in order when the meeting closed what had shaking, pleasant smiles and loving greetings.

Such a Baptist was in New York in the Eighteen Hundred and Eleven. I almost forgot to say the church had frequent love feasts. All the members often with their children attended. The feasts were held in a very long upper room. The tables under the charge of the sisters were spread with bread and butter, bakes, fruit. All sat down as one family as brothers and sisters. After tea or supper they would get into little groups, converse on a variety of subjects, temporal and spiritual, often the hearty cheerful laugh.

My fathers laugh was one among thousands. It would fill the room with its reverberations so hearty and so joyous.

At this time fathers clothes were getting the worse of the wear. My father and mother had to economize and deny themselves of almost some of the necessaries of life. One evening a young gentleman called at our lodging and said, Mr. Stephens, a friend of yours I am not permitted to mention his name sent me to do him the favour of selecting from the pattern I now show you a suit of clothes. My father said tell my unknown friend that I appreciate his kindness but tis out of my power to accept his offer. The young man plead his acceptance but did not succeed. Soon after the same person called with a parcel and told my father that his friend would not take no for an answer and had sent him a suit which he hoped he would accept. My father at once refused. That he thanked generous friend but could not avail himself of the generous offer. I was told as a last resort to leave the parcel at your door, you may do so but I will not touch it. The messenger sadly went his way. Who that kind friend was never known.

About this time there was a rumour of war between the states and Britain which soon became a fact. It origin was this Britain claimed the right and acted on it to press the native born British subjects out of American ships and turning them into the Navy as sailors. As an instance in our ship there was an old man a passenger and four grown up sons, when a frigate have in sight. We were off the Harbour of New York, who at once sent a boat with an officer in command, pressed the young men I have mentioned. The father all alone, my mother said it was distressing to witness the grief of the old man. The States could not brook such outrages and a declaration of War the result. Britain the

Empress of the seas treated the Declaration with contempt Mr. Canning in Parliament afterwards Prime Minister said in division, to think that those fir built things could attack on of our frigates is a subject of Meriment. But to their astonishment those fir built things soon dissipated the illusion.

Frigate after frigate was taken by the Americans and their entire fleet on Lake Champlain by Commodore McDonough and soon after their entire fleet on Lake Erie by Comodore Perry.

The only capture by the British was the Chesapeke by the Shanon and it was said there was more rejoicing in England at the capture of the American than when Nelson brought in fleet after fleet from France or Egypt. But Britain held her own by land.

The Americans tried hard to conquer Canada but failed. The two nations have been long at peace, may it long continue of the same lineage. The same language, the same laws, the same bible with civil and religious liberty, united could govern the world.

I have made a long digression when war was declared. All aliens were ordered to leave the city and go into partnership with Mr. Ovington and being in business with a citizen was not molested. The name of the firm was Ovington and Stephens. They dealt in domestic goods, most of their own manufacture. The firm was prosperous and continued while the war lasted. British goods were prohibited when peace was declared. A universal brash followed. The country was fairly inundated with British goods driving those manufactured at home. In fact there was scarcely any sale for them. My father with the consent of his partner at once shipped a large lot of goods to Albany, followed by a similar one to Philadelphia which he got off but at a great sacrifice. All their accumulations during the war melted, vanished! Their firm was the only one. That in the same, business stood the gale. But sadly crippled soon after the partnership was desolved. The partners still continuing in the closest friendship. So ended the firm of Ovington and Stephens.

My father then commenced business for himself of the corner of Greenilch and Bantry Street. It was one of the best stands in the city for doing a retail business. And did for some time fairly well. I must now appear upon the scene. My father believed in one of the axioms of Solomon, that he who spareth the rod hateth his child. Many a threshing I got, no doubt deserved it. At other time might be let off with a reproof. My school boy days were wretched. The teachers tyrants, hogging, flogging was the order of the day. The school was a building with three stories.

Each one averaging one hundred scholars each. William and I attended the center one. Favourite boys were appointed what were called monitors or rather spies. They noted down when any scholar was guilty of any fault and on Saturday just before the school was dismissed the names of those noted down all stood in a row in the center. When word was sent to the Master of the Upper School to make his appearance, which he promptly did, the instrument of torture was in the shape of a paddle of a canoe of hickory. The blade three inches long, the handle three feet. It was a formidable weapon. Well we are all in line, hold out your hand when rap, rap, rap went down the line.

It seems to be pastime to the flogger. I hated, detested the school and all connected with it. I was no dunce, learned quickly and if treated with anything like kindness, would have made fair progress. With flogging at school and fair share of discipline at home I became reckless and ended by my becoming a truant keeping away from school. At about this time I would be about ten years of age. My brother William still attended.

He was in the primary where the discipline was less severe. The teachers, ladies. He knew that I did not attend but told no tales. My father was making a business trip into the country and to take me with him. He went to the school and asked for his son James. I may say that William met me at a certain corner and we went home together. At the appointed place William failed to appear, I knew what a severe punishment was before me. Afraid to go home I lingered at last decided to bare the consequences. My dear mother was at the door. So sorrowful, so wistful. I can recall her as I write. As soon as she saw me she said, oh James, your father is looking for you. When he comes home you will get it.

Well I knew it. Passing her, I rushed upstairs into my bed room, changed by clothes, got out by the back way, wild with terror, ran to the nearest wharf. It saw now fast closing into night. A sloop was just leaving, going up the Hudson, jumped aboard and then down into one of the berths and no doubt cried myself asleep. Tis seventy years since what I am relating took place The whole panorama a vivid as but of yesterday. Tis a sad chapter of my boyish life. So prematurely wicked. I may have omitted this episode of my early life but George told me to note down every occurance of my life amongst the rest of the escapade which I am at present giving.

Well when the vessel was under weigh, it would be late at night, a sailor came down with the intention of turning in. No doubt surprised to see his berth already occupied. He at once took me to the cabin. It was filled with the wives of farmers returning home after selling their butter, eggs, cheese and fruit. They were all in gay, good humour. My appearance interested them. All were kind and said I was a fine looking little boy. Gave me tea and bakes, asked me many questions.

The Captain and crew appeared to like me. But I must have been an Enigma to them. The next day the Sloop arrived. The place named Poughkepsy, thirty miles from New York. I passed the days rambling along the shore sad and sorrowful and got into a quagmire and lost my shoes.

At length the sloop returned to the city. One of the passengers, an old man, a Southerner, said he would adopt me if I would go home with him. To this I consented. When I was pittied about losing my shoes I made lightly of it saying when I get back to the city I will get a pair. As soon as the vessel got to the wharf I went ashore and then posted to the person who kept us in shoes and boots. His name, Merill. As I entered the shop I heard, well master James, when you get home. Just then his wife came in. What did your father and mother do to you. If you had been my son I would have skinned you alive and she looked as if she would do it for them. After getting the shoes I went back to the sloop. The captain at once said my little man where did you get those shoes. I believe you hooked them. I told him and also said I won’t stay and linger. No you must stay here til I see if you have told the truth.

He then sent the mate to the place which I had mentioned. Merill took him to my father who with a friend soon made his appearance. I was again at home. Did not get a whipping, so glad to see me, the lost one, found. So ends this sad, sad story. So young in years, so old in folly and so wicked. How I must have wrung the hearts of my father and mother. But they loved me notwithstanding. All a calm succeeded. The sky so bright. No more clouds. My father bought me a fine edition of the Pilgrims Progress, beautifully illustrated. The pictures so life like. I read it with such interest, never even

Dreaming it was fiction and had serious thoughts that when a man I would like Christian fight the Lyons and giants. He also gave me Robinson Crusoe, The Wanderings of Telemachees in search of his father Ulisses, also Tookes Pontheon giving the Mythology of the Greeks and Romans of their gods and Demigods of the Graces the Muses. All interested me and besides so happy my father was ever ready to assist me. Always ready to explain anything I could not understand. All I know I owe to him to my own dear father.

I do drop self for a while and speak of the central figures. My father and my mother business became dull and no prospects of improving and resolved to close and try somewhere else. As it would take time to wind up, he took us up the river forty miles from the city where we remained to the spring. Upon the whole, it was a pleasant change. Father the most of the time in the city winding up hi business, occasionally returning remaining a few days and then away. He lodged with Mr. & Mrs. Hendrickson. His great favourites. One night it was still winter, my father said it was strange.

He was so long kept from going home to his family, something ever turning up to prevent. After all had retired, it might be midnight, he heard the cry of "Fire". He opened the window, asked where is the fire? Under your feet. He rushed into their bedrooms, they both in a profound sleep, then to where the children lay. Tumbled them out, the youngest crying. I’ll be dood, I’ll be dood. The next moment they were safe at a friends when Mrs. Hendrickson said, you now see brother Stephens, what prevented you from going home. I do not know the loss they sustained. Their lives were saved the instrument my father.

We are all once more in the city, our house in the suburbs of the city. Beautifully situated, owned by W. Ovington, a fine garden well stocked with apple, pear and peach trees. My father ever in the city leaving in the morning returning in the evening, still undecided where to go. A continent was before him where to choose a place of rest and Providence his guide. He was offered an agency by a company who owned large tracts of land in Ohio. At this time Ohio was but little known in fact an almost an unknown land. He was on the eve of accepting (pity he did not) W. Buchonen, the new appointed British Consul for New York.

They knew each other in Ireland, also a Baptist, advised my father to go to Canada. At all events do not decide til I return from Canada as I leave for there in a few days. I would say that Canada was a favourably spoken of. The Consul on his return spoke of glowingly of the country and urged upon my father to make Canada his ultimatum. Intimated that Canada was almost a second chance. Besides in my interviews with some of the public men, I often spoke of you and your qualifications, all said send him here! This decided my father, "the Dil was cast for Canada" was now the watchword off to Canada. The church without an exception scouted the idea. Begged, intreated him not to go to Canada. Some of the wealthy members offered assistance. Stay, stay with us and we will pull you through. My father said he fully appreciated their brotherly love and kindness but under the circumstances he must refuse as he would no involve any of his friends in his affairs. W. Olliver White appears. He is making loving appeals to my father. He listening at length, the former took out of the breast pocket a package of bank bills, amount not known and placed the before my father entreating his acceptance. They were gently but decidedly refused.

W. White sadly replaced the package and took a loving farewell. It was their last meeting but they have met long ere this where cares troubles and anxieties are unknown. I was present at what I have described, but did not know its import. At last all was ready, the stock unsold packed. When the Breghren intreated them to stay over the fourth of July. Stay and have one more glorious day of Liberty ere you leave for a land of bondage, We did so, the church met in the sail lost of Deacon Henderson who was by trade a sail maker. It was a room of great length, a table from end to end covered with good things. The feast provided by the sisters. It was a happy meeting, but in some respects linged with sorrow. That the party was so near, never, never to meet again!

On the afternoon or the evening of the next day we left the 5^th of July, many friends were at the wharf to take a last farewell, the last til sundered.

The following pages will be a sort of log book. We were two days and three nights ere we reached Albany. Next morning hired wagons to take us to Schenectady. Twenty miles which brought us to the Mowhawk River which empties in the Hudson above Albany. Here we found a Battea, a wretched looking affair about forty or fifty feet long and ten in width. Nothing of a cabin, not even an awning. A large cast iron boiler in the bow. It was fairly horrible but there was no alternative but had to submit to the inevitable. The crew, the captain, four powerful young men were the motive power. Each had a pole eighteen feet long pointed with iron and a knob to fit the shoulder who punted the boat against the current. How slow the movement, especially when we met the rapids. I have seen these men, two on a side straining as if their eyes would leave their sockets. We were ten weary days on the river. At night fall would fasten the boat to a tree or stone. When the passengers would jump ashore to find lodgings at the farmers houses that line the banks. Our party as follows, father, mother, William, Eliza, Ann, Thomas the baby and self. Mrs Belinger was with us as also a Mr. McQueston, a friend of my fathers, who cause to look at Canada. He did not like it and at once returned. There were two Englishmen, one with a family and an Irish Catholic with a number of the children and was pleasant ever ready to assist to lend a helping hand where needed.

As I have mentioned, my father always succeeded in getting the best accommodations, to the great annoyance of the Englishmen. Only once did they succeed. There was only one house near the shore. They engaged the beds singular. The owner was a Widow Stephens. He asked her for lodgings, she said that two men had just engaged them. I am sorry said my father. Tis a long time since I slept at the house of a Widow Stephens and she was my mother. Is your name Stephens? Yes! You shall have my spare beds. At length the weary, weary pushing up the rivers was at an end. Some how or other we got to Lake Seneca. The sail was so pleasant. Then to Oswego a town on Lake Ontario. From there by schooner to Lewiston on the Niagara River, then crossed to Queenston and then in Canada. The Customs Officer treated my father with respect and courtesy. Passed his goods with out search. His name was Hamilton. The next move was in a schooner to little York now Toronto. The vessel anchored near the shore, there being no wharf, but one under progress. Indian Wigwams lined the shore. Our long, long journey at an end. One month from N.York to little York. Since then have made the same trip in eighteen hours.

We rented a house on Young Street. It was solitary. It stood alone. All round was a common. Now the center of the city. My father met a number of officials, treated with respect but there were exceptions. He applied for a Grant of Land which passed the council. Three hundred acres. He then asked for an appointment as a Principal in one of the government schools. This was also granted but would have to wait a short time til some preliminaries were arranged. Doctor Strachan controlling the Appointments. Soon the doctor called on my father. I hear you are a preacher. He replied, when an opportunity offers I think it is m y duty to declare the Gospel to my fellow men. What denomination do you belong to. I am called a Baptist. You will teach the Church of England, Catechism on the Presbyterian, both Crown Religions. The New Testament is my Catechism, can teach no other. Then the Government cannot encourage any who would undermine the Church. I am surprised Doctor at what you say. Dr. Cary the President of the College of Bengal is a Baptist. To which the Doctor replied, as you cannot conform to the rules there is no more to be said and left.

After nine weary weeks of waiting to meet with such an unlooked for disappointment at the whim of a clerical despot winter was approaching, at all events must leave for the country. My father went up Yonge Street and found a deserted house or shanty in the middle of a field. To this we moved.

It was twelve miles from the city. On my mother seeing it she said, Oh Thomas! Thomas! have you brought me so far as to be landed in such a place as this. It was the first and last time that she gave away. Dear, dear mother you were a heroine. Father then left on a voyage of discovery. On his return made us glad by saying he had secured a comfortable house in a fine part of the country in the Township of Markham. Peopled by Dutch from the States. No time was lost in leaving Castle Log and this was the program. A yoke of oxen and a large cart, mother and the children, bedding, trunks and other articles stowed away as well as possible. Our team a yoke of oxen, haw buck. Gee bright gee lang gee lang was the never ceasing song of the driver. Father, William and I followed. Each with a bundle. How slow was our progress. After keeping the main street about four miles we left the main road and struck the way into Markham. And to our future home. The way was rough. Causeway after causeway, mud, mud.

The jolting was terrific and how slow our progress. When within two miles our destination the cart stuck in a mud hole out of which the oxen could not move. It was unloaded of all the heavy articles. Mother and the children in their places. We were in the woods when the cart stuck. At last we reached the house of Sam More, a farmer and a Baptist from the States. We were treated with much kindness. A fine supper soon ready to which we did ample justice. William and I were fairly ravenous. After supper Mr. Mores son, my father and another started to fetch the luggage left on the road. I think that the most of the goods must have been left in the town. Soon after we were all in bed and tis likely we slept without rocking. After breakfast, old Sam as he was called, went with us to our home taking us there by a short cut. We all were pleased with the house and its surroundings. A spring of the purest water close by and a babbling brook very near, just by the end of the house. How my mother must have enjoyed the change after all of our wanderings. At last a house. I would say that my father brought the balance of his stock, dry goods with him to Canada. He at once fitted up a wing of the house as a shop or store and opened out his goods. All were staples and sold readily and at a fair profit. At this time the circulating medium was silver dollars and half dollars. Not a bank bill in the province. A great want There were no groceries. Tea and tobacco were indispensable. He hired a horse.

No buggies or light wagons in those far away days, put his money in a bag and off to the town. Soon back with two bags of tea and tobacco and other odds and ends. These trips were repeated. We were thirty miles from York, will in future call it Toronto, when winter set in. He bought a horse and sleigh, increasing the stock and business satisfactory. The winter passed pleasantly. There was a large fireplace and we kept roaring fires. Not poplar or tamarack but maple, beech, ash and elm. A cord cost twenty five cents. Sometimes the old settlers would drop in of an evening, tell of their hardships and privations they went through in the early days. Tell of the bears, the wolves, the deer they killed. Stories of Indians and of the immense quantities of gold and silver hidden by buccaneers long, long ago on the shores of the Great Lakes. My father would suggest to them an improved mode of tanning would read to them. How to till the soil. To which they would listen letting it go into one ear and out of the other. Sometime after I heard two of them saying that old Sam Piper that did not know B from a bulls foot, could raise better wheat than Mr. Stephens with all his books.

On the opening of spring we made some sugar and molasses. Beautiful maples near by. Soon after had the land ploughed, seed and a small garden every want supplied save one that was society. The want of which was keenly felt especially by my mother. A I have already mentioned, the people were mostly Dutch. Primitive in their manners, could talk of their horses, cattle, sheep and of little else. The following would applicable.

"Their souls proud science never sought to stray far as the solar walk or milky way".

A few miles from where we lived there were a few families of Baptists my father occasionally attended and gave them a word of exortation. They met in one anothers houses. How often, on the first day of the week. Think of the happy meeting with the church in N. York, sacred in their memories. One source of pleasure was the rearing of poultry were very successful. Geese and goslings, hens and chickens. In great numbers. Chickens so tame. Would light on your head or shoulder. One evening we were all out of doors when we heard the cry of a hen in distress. I ran to see what was the matter when by the side of the creek I found a hen dead but still bleeding. Supposed to be killed by a mink. The hen had stole her next as there were dozens eggs in it. I gathered the eggs in my hat. A consultation was held what to do with them, they might be on the eve of being hatched.

When it occurred we had a hen we called Dumpy or Stumpy. Might fill the office of a stepmother. Stumpy during the winter had her feet frozen. Her claws were removed, stumps bandaged and was a favourite. I made a nest, put in the eggs, l put Stumpy in possession. Stumpy appeared to understand the position and at once accepted its responsibilities. In three days ever egg produced a chick. Stumpy must have felt proud as she left the nest with the chicks after her. How laughable her attempt to scratch.

Her scratchers were only stumps and calling the little ones to share an imaginary worm or grub pretended to have found.

Another time the eggs were not forth coming. The hens were laying we knew it by the shells in and around the nests. Being in the shop on day, it was a Sunday, an afternoon, I lifted up one of the boards when I saw an animal, size of a small dog, apparently asleep. I called on my father or rather shouted to bring the gun. Pointing to the animal in an instant it was shot. I took by the tail and ran out. The thing still wriggling. All at once the most horrible smell it was all around me, sickening, suffocating, the stench awful. It was a skunk. I was crazy. The beast had emptied its watering can upon me. My father , from a distance cried, change your clothes. We could not stay in the house, but camped out. It was two weeks before the odor left.

My favourite amusement was fishing. Well I remember the rapture and extacy felt on catching the first fish. The streams were well stocked with trout and I soon became an expert. Many a string of the beauties I have brought home. Amply repaid by the praises and smiles of father and mother. On one occasion I failed. Could not even get a nibble. One of my favourite places for fishing was a mill damn. Its waters drove a Cording and Fulling Mill. In the center of the dam was a sluice to let off an over flow of water. Well the fish would not take the hook and as I was leaving for home I looked at the water pouring through the sluice or pipe into a large box. Went down and found the box literally alive with fish. I at once helped myself and filled a string with the beauties and as usual greatly praised I kept the secret about the propriety of the act . I have doubts. I leave it to a casuist to determine. One thing certain, I did not regret it and hope non of my granchildren will follow in this case as well as others the act of their granfather.

But it was a glorious string of pure spring water trout.

I write by fits and starts sometimes not well and in no humour to cronicle. The owner of the property unexpectedly form the North West, he wished to get possession at once. My father rented another place, better situated and on the main road. On it was a comfortable log house, barn and stab le with thirty or forty acres cleared. We built an addition or wing to the house as a shop or store. I think it was in June that my father had a letter from Consul that he would be in Toronto on a certain date and from there to Montreal and for him to accompany him when he would introduce him to some of the business men of the city. My father made this . His appearance at the time mentioned at once left for Montreal. The consul amongst others introduce him to Peter McCutner. Afterwards the Hon.Peter McGill and to the President of the Montreal. He opened his a/c with Mr. McCuttchen. Laid in a new selected stock of such needed for a country store. On the arrival of the stock, business boomed, all was prosperous and the future assuring. My father had not yet located his Land Grant. At this time a number of townships were surveyed and open for settlement.

Another letter from the consul suggesting a Baptist settlement in on of the townships now open for settlement. Petition the government for a grant of five thousand acres and settle it with the Brethren. My father fell in with the idea. Petitioned for the land and after some opposition from Doctor Strachan it was granted. In entertaining this idea my father made the mistake of his life. Soon after my father with other , went to inspect the land it was in the Township of Esquesing. Thirty miles from Toronto and eleven from Dundas Street. From there it was ten miles to Esquesing. An unbroken forest. The only guide marks on the trees. By the surveyors, the party selected their lots and returned wearied out and nearly starved.

There was in Toronto a Mr. Stewart, a Baptist Minister in Toronto. To him, my father left in a great measure. The selection of the proper persons, my father living so far away, could not select as he could wish. As a preliminary step he gave a job of ten acres to chop to two young Irishmen. George Nixon and Samuel Shankton. Both Baptists. But am not certain both reliable and honest. I will now describe our land, its timber and its soil. On the front there was a dense belt of pine. Many of great size and length. In the rear there was a flat of some width, a creek running through, soil of the very best.

In the rear of it the hardwood commenced gradually ascending from the flat. I have mentioned a splendid, a beautiful tract maple, beach, elm, hickory, oak, ash and basswood. How different would have been the result had the first ten acres been chopped on the land just described. But I am anticipating about mid winter my father took me with him to see the progress the men were making. We started, had a fine pair of horses, new harness and a strong sleigh with supplies for the choppers. The sleighing good. Our horses made attempts several times to run away, always in going down a hill. At noon the next day we left the main road and entered the dreary, dreary woods, eleven miles ere we reached the men. Soon after the horses became unmanageable. As if possessed would calm down after a while and then would race, kick and plunge. One of the horses broke his bits in rushing against a tree. At last we were within two miles of our destination completely wrecked. Harness broken nor did the sleigh escape. Providentially we were near. The house of a new settler an Irishman of the better class who received and treated us with his countries proverbial hospitality. We did not think it wise to go no farther.

Leaving the supplies with Mr. Kent who would send word to the men, put things in ship shape as best we could, we had now an empty sleigh and the horses under better control at length, reached Dundas Street without any serious mishap. The snow melting fast, the horses setting off at a swinging trot and congratulating ourselves that we would soon be a home. Soon we came to the River Credit a steep hill on either side it looked dangerous. My father told me to get out as one would be enough to get hurt. Then winding the reins around his hands and resting on his knees, gave the word, get up. They had got but a few yards down the hill when they started like lightening over the bridge lie a rocket. They then slacked their speed. The other hill to go up. My father stood up in the sleigh and as the horses galloped down the hill for their own pleasure, he laid on the whip and made them canter up for his, after this, they were as steady as oxen. The run up the hill sobered them. Sometime after we upset in a pond of water caused by the melting snow. In the tumble my father lost his glasses, worn I suppose while a student in Glasgow. He was short sighted and always took them off when he read. At night we put up at a comfortable hotel on Young Street, tired out. A good supper and bed both enjoyed.

In the morning after breakfast the horses were brought out..father took a look to see if all was right when he told the Osler, you have put the neck yoke outside the bolt. Change it. The man said if the neck yoke is inside the bolt, the tongue will run through and come upon the horses heels. At a glance he saw the cause of all our mishap. The bolt in the wrong place. How many during their life put the bolt in the wrong place. Soon at home, my mother had soon a graphic history of our attempt to visit what was to be our future home. In the month of June following we made another trip. This time with a wagon and in due time reached the wished for Haven. Mr. Stewart, the Baptist Minister, took the lot and joining our clearings joining. He had a small shanty. His family, a wife, a grown up daughter and two sons. One helpless, the other not very wise. After making arrangements about lodging, built of pine logs flatted or hewed on two sides. In size about thirty or forty feet, shingle rood, one door and on window. It would be a story and a half high. A few board loosely laid down. No floor, also no chimney, no hearth, a hole in the roof to let out the smoke. At this time it was impossible to get lumber. Mills so far away. He took cattle from a number of his customers in payment of their accounts. Being told that the cattle would live on brouse. That is the twigs of trees and get fat. This he believed. Well in the tenth of march, the cattle were collected. A very strong sleigh bought two crockery hogheads, put on filled packed with sundries. Two yoke of oxen hitched. My William with a long whip as driver, two men following with the cows and young cattle. Certainly, the whole had a fine appearance.

The caravan reached its destination in safety. The snow soon after melted. Beautiful days followed. My father decided to send off the family without delay. He engaged a team of horses and wagon. The box was of great size, brought from Pensilvania and would hold twenty barrels. In to this Noahs Ark were packed articles innumerable. The bedding on top. Already my mother and the children as comfortable as possible. Our horses were the front team under my management, I riding the near horse. My father had to stay as there were some business matters to attend , to so after the farewells, put on the steam. It was a precious load. Now we are moving. My father to take a lingering look committing us to the care of the Father in Heaven. The first night we stayed at the house of a friend. Made in early move the next morning. Wishing to get to our usual stopping place in good time.

When within two miles of it, we had a very bad place. It was a deep gully. A log bridge thrown over it about midway, the bridge would be over ten feet from the ground. The descent was a steep as also the ascent which was icy. When nearly up the hind team fell and the wagon began to buck down. Providentially I blocked the wheel and saved the wagon from pitching over the bridge. My mother and children were got out and after a little time got up the hill. My mother and all again in the wagon. By this time it was dark. No house near. No alternative but to camp where we were. I left the men to look after the teams and went back a long distance for fire. Soon had a blaze. All in the ark warmly wrapped, the man and I sat by the fire waiting for dawn. As soon as it was light, on our way and got to our stopping place in time for breakfast. From the of our dore lodging. After breakfast saddled one of the horses and started for what I may call our home, to get one of the men to come with an ox team and take the family to their destination. Found William happy and returned in the evening. I have n o recollection of what I was about for the next few days, I may have returned to Markham with the horses. I have often thought of my mother long, long, dreary ride. Here and there would pass a cabin or a shanty of a settler. It would be night when they arrived. Tired and nearly famished with cold and hunger.

Her heart must have sunk when she entered (the house I described). Its utter desolation must have appalled her. The absence of every comfort. No preparation for her reception. All cold and lifeless. Nothing to eat, saved black sour bread, some pork and cold pea soup. The only light the glimmer of the fire. Neither lamp or candle. Dear, dear mother. She did not rend the air with lamentations and when all was dark and gloomy when we were striped of every comfort, she never uttered a murmur or complaint. Ever kind and loving to her children. About this time I must have joined them. The two men were constantly butting down the trees. William and I lopping the braches so that the cattle could get the twigs. Scattering them in all directions. At length our father arrived what a happy meeting. All once more together. On leaving Markham he made a short cut across the country. The last part of his journey was through the woods. The road was indistinct , newly excavated. In the distance he saw the light. At once made for it. It was the house of a new settler, was kindly received and arrived at home. It was Sunday.

He expected to be with us the evening before and now the trouble commenced in the earnest April. Cold and stormy with frequent snow storms, this began to tell upon the cattle. No shelter, their bed the snow. In the morning they would rise be numbed and shivering when we would drive them slowly to the woods. Our best and favourite cow was the first to drop. Then almost every day another. By the end of the month one half of that fine herd perished from exposure and starvation. How we longed for spring. At length it burst upon us. Hope in the ascendet on the sixth of May, my father with six men commenced the lodging. All had to be done by hand.

The oxen from weakness were of no use. The work was only fit for titans. The timber, tier on tier. In fact saw log on saw log and as black as ebony. I left for Markham. The morning they commenced to attend to some unsettled business which was soon arranged, all squared up the first day. There was a large sow and a litter of pigs. The pigs about a month old. As I could not dispose of them and did not like to give them away, would try and drive them home. Distance sixty miles. After a few miles, the weather being warm, the pigs would lie down tired no doubt. As each one stopped, I clipped of the tail. It effectually cured them of their laziness and reached our stopping place on Dundas Street on Saturday afternoon. Left the pigs and away for home, home, home! Sweet, sweet, sweet home. There is no place like home. Walked one hundred and twenty miles during the week and none the worse. The lodging went on while I away. But slow progress made. The want of the oxen soon however the herbage in the woods made its appearance. Lots of leeks, cow cabbage, lilies. All in profusion. The oxen as well as the rest who survived soon rapidly recovered. It was my business every morning at sun rise to bring them home. The ring of the bell while feeding told me of their whereabouts. We planted two acres of corn and pumpkins sowed some oats. Our main crop potatoes. William and I were never idle picking up brush chips, setting fire to the log heaps, planting and hoeing the potatoes.

Soon I was promoted to the dignity of ox driver and continued so to. The farm, say one hundred and fifty acres was cleared, putting the chain round every log, none in the neighborhood more expert in planning the heaps and hawling in the logs. The way was first to plan the heap that the logs could be hawled in each way. The heavy timber at the bottom and so on the branches or limbs on to. When it was finished in the3 evening, set the days work on fire.

Soon such a crackling and then a grand illumination. There is a charm in clearing land. The woods soon changed into fields of waving grain and luxuriant meadows. Winter was approaching. Our house still a barrack. No lumber to be had. Father had a cellar cut out of the side of a hill near by. In the top built a small house, one story of logs. A sort of chimney of sticks and clay. It was small just a sort of hen coop. We also built a stable for the cattle and horses. The latter were left in Markham for a long time. The only light we had during the long winter night was hickory bark or pine knots, which made a bright and cheerful fire. Then we had lots of books. Among the rest, the Edinburch encyclopedia in twenty volumes. A library in itself. When William or I came to the hard words, our dictionary was ever near. Our father at once gave the meaning nor ever at fault. During the winter we made the first in road upon the hard wood. Would that it had been done at the first.

Most of our available means were spent among the dreary pines. The result nearly starvation. On the opening of spring we made some sugar molasses and vinegar. Planted corn where it grew the proceeding year. Also sowed some wheat and oats. The wheat had a great deal of smut when separated from the chaff filled a barrel with water. The smut swimming at the top. Then spread it to dry. All, all up hill work. During the summer, built a large barn. It cost a great deal. The following winter owing to the great white of snow, the roof fell in killing a cow and nearly ruining the crop inside. Tis a wonder that my father and mother did not go deranged under such a tornado of disasters. They bore all with patience. At this time William and I were able to do mens work or at least we tried to . Hardly now how we got along through the summer. Only know that our fare was not luxurious. Meat out of the question, for days potatoes and mile, During the winter we got chopped about ten acres of the hard wood. In with some extra help cleared and sowed it. In fall, wheat. Just reverently taking off his hat and looking upwards, said ,"the husbandman has done his duty, be propitious heaven, his prayer was heard and answered. A glorious crop with out a particle of smut. The cloud lifted, the long agony over hope supposed to be dead reviving. The darkest hour, the one that precedes the dawning.

There were a number of establishments through the country for the manufacture of potash. A Mr. Brooks a merchant and miller started one at our place. My father to have the sole management.

He, brought to furnish all that was required to carry on the work. A large building was at once erected to received the ashes. As the making of pot ash, tis now one of the lost arts, will describe it. When the log heaps are burnt, the ashes are raked into heaps and hawled to the ashery or if at a distance put into bribs covered with bark. There to await the snow. Five cents a bush for field and seven cents for house. Sometimes an attempt to palm the field for house. So there is roguery even in ashes. The ashes were paid for in goods. I wou8ld say that pot ash in those days was on of Canada principal exports. Our ashery as I may call it only continued for two years. Mr. Brooks had what he thought a valuable salt spring in Caledon, the township in rear of us. He spent a fortune in trying to develop it but it was a failure. In it he sank a fortune and had to close. In fact failed Mr. Brooks spent sometime with us examining the accounts and all connected with the management of my father and they parted friends.

The teaming bring the supplies, goods, provisions, fell to my lot. From our place to Ancaster would be forty miles. In all weather I was out. Rain, snow or cold, never stopped me. What health and energy was mine in those days. While I am writing feeble, old and grey, my hearing failing, but memory almost unimpaired. When the last or when I went for the last load, at night, was seized with a violent pain in m y right ankle. The torture was maddening. I always put up at the house of Mr. Brooks who ever treated me with great kindness. Mr. Brooks heard my moans. The veins swelled to bursting. A doctor was sent for. At length the pain subsided but the leg powerless and one of his men drove me home. I had one or two farther attacks, when the pain left. During the summer I was quite well but at the commencement of winter was again attacked. What I went, what I suffered, bleeding after bleeding, blister after blister and then a blister. While first put on, felt relief, but momentarily. All the winter. What a long and dreary one it was. In the daytime on a couch near the fire. An old pensioner who came to work said to me I think a bandage round your foot would help you.

He got some gray cotton, tore it into strips about three inches in width, stitched them together and wound them like a role of ribbon. Then getting my foot upon his knee, he wound and wound the ball around my foot using his utmost strength. The effect was magical.

The pain left my foot at once or very soon. Got strong. How delightful to go out of doors once more. To be free from my long imprisonment. At one time I was so low that my life was despaired of. My father sitting at my bedside one night told me that he feared I would not recover. To look to the Saviour and Redeemer. But he spared me and gave me length of days. Ransoming me from death, healing my infirmities, giving me renewed health and strength, through all my long and varied life he has bestowed upon me loving kindness and countless blessings. The least of which I am unworthy. He has suffered long with and ever kind, when I reflect upon the past of my many sins and transgressions which are not forgot, but rise up like specters of the past and his forebearance. Have I not reasons to bliss the Lord with all my soul and all that is within me bless His Holy Name.

What great and precious promises are found in His Word. Come unto me all that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest, that his yoke was easy and his burden light. And again if the siner forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and turn unto the Lord, he will have mercy and to our God who will abundantly pardon An if sins are as crimson they will be like wool. Again as far as the East is from the West, he can remove transgressions and sins. And as a Father pittieth his children so the Lord Pittieth those that fear him. George wishes me to write my auto biography, give full details of all the incidents of my lengthened life. Since I have commenced long forgotten scenes and events rise as it were from the grave. I may mention that the scheme of a Baptist settlement was a failure in every respect. I mentioned in one of the foregoing pages that my father left the selection of the settlers to Mr. Stewart. As he living so far from the city, was unable to attend. Some that he selected were fairly good, others not. Mr. Stewart soon was hostile to my father. He knew my fathers superiority and hated him accordingly. I will not dwell upon it only that Mr. Stewart caused a complete disruption. He soon after removed to Toronto. A few of the settlers of my fathers choosing met at alternate houses on the first day of the week. I think my father generally presided and would give a practical exortation. None but the members with their children attended, a Mr. Smith who spoke in the very broadest of Scotch often held forth. He would commence at some place in the Old testament.

Hurry through, turn the attention of his hearers to the Psalms then to the Prophets and then through the Gospels and wind up at the Book of Erevelations explaining to h is own satisfaction the true meaning of what might be called obscure passages of scripture. Hidden from all else, and when he thought he was more than usually in elucidating his subject, hidden from all the rest he would smile and appear so happy. Dear old man with all his oddities, I liked him.. What a store of anecdotes and stories all told in the broadest of Scotch. I frequently sat at his tab le and generally did justice to what was before me. He would often say to me , eat hearty Jaemie lad, your teeth are longer than your beard. His jokes were often of the broadest and scarcely tolerated by ears/polite. Our families were on friendly terms for years, on Christmas they were with us , on New Year we with them. Mr. Smith was a close Communion Baptist and a Calvinist of the strictest type.

No half way with him. He began to doubt my fathers Orthodoxy and as a matter of course became less friendly. A very good simple man, an indepented frequently was with us. My father asked him one night to lead in prayer. It was the last straw that broke. At the last meeting which he attended, at its close, he said thought I was holding fellowship with the people of god, but find it has been with the world and I’ll do it no longer. He left without even a farewell. Strange, inconsistency, in an after time on the evening of my fathers death, he with many others came to express their sympathy. Mr. Smith gave vent to his feelings. That his beloved brother was now at rest. That he had often in the past given him joy and comfort. In listening to his brotherly exortations and that hew was now singing the song of Moses and the lamb. It was affecting. His pathos and simple eloquence could not be surpassed. Strange how strange he became a univerilist. Soon after he exchanged his farm for wild land in the London district. One evening father, William and I were one evening as we were sitting round the fire, talking of our old home in Markham, I asked my father if he minded the time that he threw a hammer at one of old Pipers horses and broke its leg. His answer will follow…Old piper as he was called a surely old Dutchman, had a number of horses. When let out to water, they frequently galloped up the lane. Our house and theirs were some distance from the road. Hew was written to that his horses were a great annoyance and hoped he would keep them at home. The answer was insolent., Soon after the troop took their usual exercise, heads and tails erect, snorting.

My father at the time was opening a base of goods. My sisters, Eliza and Ann when they passed were playing at the time. One of the animals nearly jumped over them. My father in his terror and excitement threw the hammer, breaking the leg. None saw the act but myself. Soon after Piper came to the store and asked my father what he was going to do about the horse. The done that his son Jim had hurt and believed had broke his its leg. My father told him that his son had not done the animal any harm. Piper said she would take her Bible Oath that she saw Jim run a pitchfork through its leg. On being farther questioned she qualified by saying she thought I did it. My father said I am glad you mentioned. Many a time I have thought of the unfortunate occurrence. If it had not been for our hampered circumstances I might have shared the loss. According to the laws of man, the act was justifiable but in the eyes of heaven it may be different. After some farther conversation we agreed that a promising young horse or mare or its value at a certain time should be given to Piper. The subject dropped. Before the time mentioned had arrived to carry into effect the arrangement my dear father passed away.

Soon after being in Toronto on business and hearing that Judge Taylor of Hamilton, an old Irish friend of my father. When I told him the story about the horse and that we were going to make restitution, the Judge said your father was perfectly justified in what he did. You will not give Piper a cent. You will be a fool to do so. I believe the Judge was right. But then the arrangement made with our dead father must be held scared. I went to Markham, called on Piper. Years had made but little alteration in his appearance. Asked him if he recollected a person of the name of Stephens who years past kept a store. He said I do not,. When it flashed across his memory, yes I do. He had a son they called slim. I told I was Slim and then told him all the circumstances and that my father had wished us before his death to make you some compensation.

Now what was the value of the horse. He said twixt brothers, either eighty or hundred dollars. Pay me the half and I will be satisfied. I did so, I believe he did not thank me and strange to say three of our horses died soon after. I am not writing in cronolical order, I have not spelt that long word right. Cannot give the years or dates but jot down events as they loom up. I would say from a child I was subject to fits of melancholy and depression.

My mother no doubt to rouse me which she did effectually, said James, father and I have chosen a wife for you. Who is she , tell me mother. No I can’t tell you but if you are a good boy you will know at the proper time. My curiousity was at fever heat. No doubt she spoke of her rare beauty and other attractions. Time after time I coaxed, pleased and flattered, but she was obdurate, but continued dripping wears away the stone at last. The maiden was the daughter of doctor Miller of Niagara. Well the next thing was to see the young lady, which was to be my future wife. This I was determined to do but how to do it the question as her ladyship was a hundred miles away. The opportunity came. It was late in the fall, nearly winter, my father thought it would be a good thing to have a flock of sheep. As the wool would be useful and to have a fat mutton at will would be just the thing. To this I agreed. The result the gave me the funds and started on arriving at Dundas Street called occasionally at farms to look at the sheep and ask the prices but made no purchases. It was another sheep I was in search of. At length reached Niagara, found the location of the Doctor. It was dusk, rapped at the door. It was opened by the doctor. I knew it was he from hearing oft time described. I am Doctor Miller. I am a son of Thomas Stephens. When he sang out, Mary, Mary, here is a great gossoon who says he is a son of Didimus Stevanus. Soon all was in commotion. Such a welcome. Such rising. It was sometime ere all was calm. The daughters, Ellen and Eliza were very impulsive. I soon left heart whole. The girls acted like sisters to a brother. So my mothers castle vanished like that of so many others into air. Bought the sheep on my homeward way and drove them home. I forgot what was said or how I accounted for my long absence, but at this time I was or nearly the ruling power.

Soon after I fell in love with a daughter of Mr. Kent. She was of my own age and really beautiful. I loved her with an intensity bordering on madness "to me she was a form of light and life, my idol." At last we were engaged. Parents of both sides giving full consent and I was happy. Mr. Kent had a son – in – law in Montreal and wrote him about the marriage that was soon to take place. His name, Howard, and reported rich. He was another satan, a scoundrel, a wretch, a villain. On hearing what was to take place he at once opposed the marriage. You with such beauty and attractions to marry a farmers son. You must come with me to Montreal and she said I will.

I soon was told that Miss Kent was leaving for Montreal. I at once went to see her. She was calm while I quivered with emotion. I wish to speak to you! I have not time. I then asked her if she was going to Montreal. Her answer, Yes. My rejoinder farewell, farewell forever. This was our parting. Unfortunate girl. She was the victim of a fiend, a demon. She remained away for two or three years and returned. Soon after she married. Her life was wretched. They parted and she died among strangers. On her death bed I was told in her raving she spoke of me and the happiness she threw away. As I left her all to me was darkness and despair. My father and mother deeply sympathing in my great sorrow I sank into a sort of stupor or melancholy.

They though a change of scene would do me good and suggested for me to take a term at the Niagara Grammar School and my home at Doctor Millers. I was soon ready. My father and mother gave me a good outfit and left the dear home. No doubt invoking blessings on their wayward son. The school was conducted by a clergyman of the church of England by the name of Greene. He was! Might be called a good man, but nothing more a gentle, dreaming, nonentity. Seemed to take little or no interest in the progress of the scholars, especially those in the English branches. Those who were at the Greek and Latin were his favourites. Made little or rather no progress. There were two in the school that I was intimate with. Thomas Fuller intended for the church. He gave no promise of being one of its ornaments but died a Bishop and one of the wealthiest Prelates in the Dominion. The other William Miller, became County Judge of London. One more a special favourite a law student afterwards County Judge of Hamilton. I got tired of the hum drum life at the Parsons College and left. Entered a private school but the result not very favourable. The disappointment seemed to have benumbed all my mental energies. One day O’Reilly and another called on me saying they had formed a club. The name "The Gentlemen Amateurs of Niagara" and pressing me to join. Adding we have bought out the scenery and wardrobe of Judah a broken down actor. I consented and duly enrolled.

Soon after preparations were going on for the opening of the theater rehearsal after rehearsal. I forgot the name of the play. It was a Turkish play. An attack upon a Christian Fort, I was to open. I recollect the dress I wore but I am to fast; after all were perfect in their parts. Hand bills were posted that the celebrated me lodram,

I forget its name, will be produced on such a night at such a place with all the accompaniements of gorgeous scenery, magnificent scenery and splendid music by the Young Gentlemen Amateurs of Niagara. Admittance, fifty cents for reserved seats, the others twenty five cents for the others. The proceeds to be handed over to the Greek Patriotick Fund. At that time had thrown of the Yoke of Turky. The eventful night arrived. The theatre was a ball room of fair size and was fairly packed. I was to open. The first scene in full Turkish dress, a full grown turben with a silver beescent made of tin foil. Hands and arms bronged a deadly scimetor. As the bell rand and the curtain slowly rose I fairly shook with fear. All eyes upon me and the first word uttered recalled me and was at once master of to novels me the novel position. On the stage asleep were a number of soldiers I their leader. We were about to storm a Fort held by Christians. I roused them by the following gasconade. Ho comrades, ho the sky lark sings in upper air, she dips her wings and serenades the dawn. This the military were at once on their legs ready for the fray. Then there was a rush helter skelter. Such noise, such confusion. The groans of the wounded, the shouts of the victors who ever they were and the curtain fell. I suppose amid tumultuous applause, this was the first act I forget the denoument.

Several times after I took my part mostly in comedy. I won’t say was not a bright particular star. Soon after I left for home. As far as education was concerned it was a failure. There was a blank in my life. It would seem that the compass of my life was gone or only points in vain to the shore, my shattered bark would never reach again! I have often wondered and still wonder how my father and mother , they never gave me a harsh or angry word, many and many a prayer they offered up no doubt that their wayward son might be restored to his right mind. More than sixty years have joined those beyond the flood since the scenes I have been cronicleing. All at once I awoke as from a dream. My brother William during my escapades remained at home pursuing the even tenor of his way. Nothing disturbed his serenity, ever happy and contented and he was a poet. Some of his efforts were really beautiful. The Infant Wander was his first attempt. The first one published. One of my little sisters wandered from home. Was away part of two days and a night. The scene of grief and agony. Of father and mother speechless from unutterable woe, the joy, the gladness on her recover, is told with a well I would say sublimity.

He composed the Hymn sung at my fathers funeral. It was really beautiful. Another on the Offering of Isaac. Another, Gem of Rare Beauty on the Death of Ernest, a little dumb son and many others all mostly tinged with religious feeling. His has been the White Flower of a blameless life. Tis over sixty years since he made the good confession. Thirty years was the Pastor of the church at Owen Sound. At the time I am writing his memory has gone scarcely recognizes his own children, supremely happy, in sacred subjects, perfectly sane. I have only given a partial sketch of my dear brother. One trait I will give, I said to him one day, how is it William that I have so many disputes with others and none with you., His answer, because I always give you your own way. I led, he followed. (Wisdom led by Folly) However, we worked the farm together. The homestead was cleared. The Stumps pulled out or burned. The fields securely fenced, the rails of pine. It was hard work swinging the heavy beetle from morning till night but to us in those days, labour was almost play. In the summer season we had a hired man .

We built a very large barn sixty by forty two. What massy sils beams posts were used in its construction. There were a hundred men at the raising. I cannot tell the number of gas of whiskey drank on the occasion. It was the universal custom in those days the use of whisky. The same season built a large shed, a hay loft above. It was a fine shelter for the cattle during the storms of winter. Again our house got a complete over hauling. A brick chimney, partitioned off into rooms, a lot of plain furniture, flocks and herds increasing. My sisters, Eliza and Ann, now able to assist our dear mother, all was harmony and love. There was a saying in the neighborhood how the Stephens love one another. Our father was one of the many magistrates and par excellence called the Hones Squire Stephens. The keys of office were to a secondary consideration. While I am writing my memoirs, Christmas has come the year 1891. I will diverge a short time and tell how it was passed. Christmas Day at Home. Launce and George wild with delight and at the same time on the tip, top to of expectation wondering what Saint Santa Claus would put into their stockings. It is with pleasure I have to say he was wonderfully generous, not only to Georges sons but also to Tom children. To describe all the gifts would take a page or more. In the evening all together, Tom, Lizie and five children, Kathleen in the country, George, Allice, the two boys, Clara and self. Two relative besides. A happy, happy party.

The children wild with glee, some humourous plays in which the elders took a part while Clara gave them lively music from the piano while the Patriarch sat and looked on to see my children and their children all so happy made me so and thankful to the giver of every good. Bless the Lord, oh my soul and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

I will now continue the recollections of my father. He was a medium height of a commanding presence. Quick, active in all his movements of great strength, I well remember when in Markham, a bully came into the house and gave him insulting language. He listened a while, opened the door and order him out. The fellow was completely cowed and as he went out, he received a kick. The force seemed to lift him off his legs or rather his feet.

On another occasion a tall muscular Indian drunk and savage as a tiger, walked in without the ceremony of knocking and demanded whisky which was refused. He certainly looked dangerous. Perhaps he began to yell and whoop when the received a blow as if struck by a sledge hammer, which felled him in an instant. None more kind and gentle, his laugh was contagious. He was prompt at a retort and happy at an impromtu. I will relate one a dinner was given to Mr. Galt, manager of the Canada Land, God Father of Sir Allexander Galt and Grandfather of the Galts of Winnipeg, I would say that the town of Dumfries, changed its name to that of Galt, My father and he frequently met. The first time, breakfast with him in a forest, now the city of Guelph. He proposed the health of the guest, his concluding remarks as follows:Great names to little things are oft applied, some sneer at this, while others call it pride, but sure those people never were in fault when to imortalize their hamlet called it Galt. As a matter of course the impromtu was duly appreciated. He often made riddles to amuse us. Here is one: Well known to fame, all knew my name. Before into this world I came, and all right well can plainly tell, the moment of my dying Nell. The New Year coming the old on leaving.

While we feared, we loved him oft joining in our sports, he was our dictionary. Any word whose meaning we did no know he would tell us at once. Pure in speech, abhorred, detested language that even hinted to impurity. As a speaker or a Preacher he was fluent. Gesture easy and natural and unaffected.

At times, at times he would seem to sour then he was sublime. I love to recall my father. He suffered long with his wayward son but the time came. Alas! To soon when he took no interest in worldly affairs. All was left as to management to William and I seldom would take a walk to have a look at the growing or ripening crops. Failing, failing the cares, anxietys and toils and I may say privations of our first years in Esquesing broke him down and brought on premature old age in fact broke his heart. At last at last the closing scene was near. I asked him if he had anything to say to William or I. I do not know his answer. Then asked him if he had made a Will. No, oft intended to do so, now too late. Tis not too late! May I draw up on and if it pleases you can sign it. Tio this he consented. The Law of Primageniture at the time was in force when if there was no Will the eldest son inherited all. I read the Will. When the legacies to our mother, sisters and brothers were mentioned he said, til impossible you and William can pay such large amounts. Father we will try. He signed it. The Legacies were all paid. He spoke but seldom and then it was to and then mostly to my mother. He wished William to take his place in family worship till James was brought to a knowledge of the truth. It was his prayer that it might be so. Bury me eight feet deep where I’ll lie to the morning of the resurrection. Soon after the weary was at rest. Plain and simple was the funeral. No pomp or ceremony tended. William conducted the services. In after years sisters, brothers placed an imposing yet plain monument of white marble at his head. Deeply cut the names of father, mother, sister, wife, side by side. The latter at the feet of my sister, William had the following: To move our dust let no on dare, till Michaels trumpet rend the air, (then shall they glorious rise and fair, nor spot nor stain nor wrinkle bear. The two last lines by Mr. Sigourny. We oft recalled him. We did not forget our father and our mother must have been doubly dear to us. William and I were now partners and pulled steadily together. Our crops good, our sister now took charge of household affairs. Giving their mother every attention that love and tenderness could prompt. Our farm was cleared from concession to concession. A wide lane through the center on either sides. Well fenced fields and the growing crops. At eventide it was a favourite walk of my our mother. I am writing this far on New Years Eve 1890. How many I have seen. It may be the last, I think. I would not if possible wish to live my life over. The following from an unknown author meets my case. Could I recall the years that now have flown for ever more.

Revive my early visions long ore thrown and hope restore. How blest it were to mould my life again and all my broken wings renew.

Oh well I again but free to chose a sin past days, How oft the sun light path I would refuse for sterner ways, content to turn aside from any road, save that which kept me in the smile of god. But vain the dream to strife is ere with me, dark days remain, I could not trust my heart to chose gain, if I were free to choose again, if I were free, The dazzling morning might again derive. Life be misspent and age be left to grieve. I would not if I could recall the years that now have fled. Their cares and pleasures hopes and fears for me are dead, I ask but mercy for the dreary past and grace to guide me gently home at last.

The oil in my lamp is nearly spent, its light will soon go out but have a humble hope that it will be lighted in heaven. He has not dealt with me as my sins and transgressions deserved but has shown me loving kindness and countless blessing. Throughout my long, long useless life and in humble hope trust that he has for Christs sake forgiven all my sins blotted out all my iniquities. I cannot write in cronoligacal order but jot down from memory. Soon after my fathers death, George Miller and my sister Eliza ere married. It was a long engagement. They settled in Michigan. After some years returned to Canada and settled in Owen Sound. Two sons of my Uncle Allexander came to Canada with their wives and children. I cannot say they impress us favourable, uneducated and yes, vulgar. The wife of the eldest died soon after their arrival. The children at least the most, were adopted by kindly people. The father had neither push or energy and became a county school master. The younger known as Moy Tom and his wife Sally. He a diamond in the rough, she a simple loving woman. They were favourites with us all. We built them a small and comfortable house and were in our employment a long time. Tom was a enthusiastic Orangemen. You will remember tying a bunch of ribbons to his horses tail after he had mounted to attend the Walk. 1891. This evening Jan. the second will try and continue my story. I am not making fast headway. Tis only now and then I am in the humour to write. It would be about this time William turned author and published a volume of poems. One of the longest called Hamilton. He printed or had them printed, a thousand volumes. He canvassed a number of counties for subscribers.

The volume was favourably noticed by the press and paid expenses. I think little more. It was I think in the year thirty-seven that our sister, Ann, took a severe cold which fastened on her lungs. Everything was done to relieve all failed to give her relief. She was sent to Niagara under the care of Mrs..Dr. Miller. The doctor some time dead. She exhausted her skill. All, all in vain. She lingered for some time then peacefully passed away. Our sister was beautiful, graceful and oh how winning. How loving her nature akin to that of angels. She by a look could control me when in rage or passion. Yes her look would calm in an instant. The doctor who attended said she would enter heaven smiling. She sleeps beside her father.

By William:

To the memory of a beloved sister who died at the age of 23, rejoicing in the hope of a glorious immortality, joyful in the hope of meeting her father who had gone before

Her form is now laid in its funeral rest

But we may not seek for her spirit there

The grave is never the home of the Blest

It is far beyond the earth and air

She has gone to mingle with kindred minds

Where flowers of Eden so brightly bloom

To gather the fruit from its clustering vines

Then why should we mourn for those in the tomb

She was borne by angels on pinions bright

Her father has welcomed his child to the sky

She gazed on Jehovahs throne of light

And basked in the beam of Emanuels eye

She quenched her Christ at the living tide

That flows from His throne oer a diamond strand

And gathered the fruit that grows by its side

From the tree of life in the Spirit land

Her father has asked her what new from earth

How her mother, her brothers, her sisters fare

She has told him and oh, it well were worth

A world but to witness their courage there!

Mrs. Miller was with us and stayed till all was over. It was now late in November and she was anxious to get to Toronto before the boat was laid up. We left for the city and on reaching Streetsville a village on the way all was hurry noise and confusion. I asked someone what it all meant. The answer was that the rebels led by McKenzie were going to attack Toronto and a lot of us are going to try and stop him. Some of my friends advised me to turn back. Mrs. Miller also was alarmed, but determined to go on I was a reformer but not rebel. But looked on with suspicion. At last we reached the city, left Mrs Miller at the house of a friend. The city was in an uproar. Cavalry and Infantry marching and counter marching. The blasts of the bugle. All seemed confusion worse confounded. Hearing that a steamboat lode of young men had just arrived and were at the Parliament Building. I at once went there thinking to meet some of my old acquaintances. While looking around a person who I knew but never liked dressed in a half sort of uniform at this time was standing on the steps opposite the entrance. He came to me I think cordially and shook me by the hand and said, I arrest you, turning to some of the men all armed, guard the prisoner and follow me. I was powerless to resist and soon under lock and key. I must go back a little. The Rebels as they were called had collected up Yonge Street at a place known as Montgomery Hotel, a few miles from the city. The Loyalists had marched out early in the day and easily routed them, scattering them like sheep. No wonder they were with out arms or discipline. Mostly farmers and their sons while the Tories had muskets and cannon from the arsenal.

A few were killed of the Patriots and a number taken prisoners. McKenzie and Lount escaped. The latter taken some time after and hanged. It was murder foul to execute him. Lount was held in high estimation by all.

I will now return after this digression. The room in which I was caged was large and imposing. It might have been on of the rooms of the Upper House. You can imagine the state I was in. Fury at the kidnapper. There would be at the least fifty or more in the room. Prisoners taken in the caricature of a battle. All were sad and silent. As for myself, I felt no disposition to talk. My prospects anything but cheering. Some time after dark, some course, boiled beef and bread were handed round. They all ate heartily. I was offered a share and suppose I declined the hospitality. One of the prisoners advised me to take some as the dear only knows when we will get the next. After a while they began to talk about the battle.

Most of them said we were not among fighters only looking on. Well about ten at night the door opened and in walked Tom Taylor, a son of Judge Taylor, that I have mentioned in one o f the back pages. Tom was a lawyer and sometimes a visitor at our house. He effected to treat my imprisonment as a joke or at the least as a mistake. So do not be cast down, you will be out before morning. I am now on my way to the Attorney General. Will state your base and get an order for your release. His bright cheery face was like sunshine. Other friends came to see me. My prison changed into a drawing room and I doing the honours and to cap the climax, a waiter entered with a tray on which was tea, toast and sundry. Delicacies and respectfully laid it before me. The prisoners looked on in wonder and could not comprehend how it was that one like themselves should be treated with such respect. Some asked me to try and get them free. Soon after day light, Capt. Ransom, made his appearance. He had some good qualities, but awfully profane. He looked around and seeing me calling me by name at the same time letting of a Volly of Oaths told me to come out of XXXXXX. I responded lie a flash down the stairs. Bounding like a stag. It was a cold, wintry morning. A keen wind blowing. Oh the luxury to be at Liberty. The wind to me was a balmy as a summers evening zephyr. I ran, I bounded, would stop and inhale the blessed air of freedom. Those I met might naturally suppose I had just escaped from an asylum. Rec. many congratulations, attended to some business and then for home. All were in blissful ignorance of my imprisonment and listened with intense interest to the story of my adventures. Soon after it was said that McKenzie with a lot of rebels and sympathizers from Buffalo had taken possession of Navy Island belonging to Canada and about three miles above the Falls and were fortifying it and that from there would invade the Province. Several Regiments of Militia were ordered out the 5^th gore among the rest in which I held a commission and turned out with the rest and acted as Quarter Master. Not an easy task to hire teams to transport the men to the front, to furnish the men with food and details too numerous to mention. Our orders were to Chippewa, just above the Falls. Our regiment however was stationed at Drumondville, close by the great Cataract. There we remained three weeks, idle all the time. Discipline none, eating and drinking. Every morning I sent wagons to head quarters for supplies. Some of our men knew the localities of the hen roosts and many a bee hive stolen .

At length it was told us that all the regiments were to assemble opposite the Island to be inspected by Sir Bond Head. This was done, the Gov. complimenting the regiments on their fine appearance and their

Royalty. The burlesque closed with cheers for the Queen for the hero who had just addressed them and then dismissed. Soon after a Council of War was held. The result a night attack was to be made on the Island. A large number of the men were ferried over the boldest of course. On landing, found the Island evacuated, not a soul to be seen. Like a King of France who marched up a hill with many thousand men and then marched down again! Soon after got the route for home. This closed my military career. Not weighted with laurels, there was another rising in the West promptly put down. Many of the leaders, prisoners, a special commission appointed to try them. I was one of the Jury. Miles O’Reilly defended the accused. Few were convicted and the punishment light. Lord Durham was sent out to investigate and report on the cause of the outbreak. Gov. Head of Pompous Fool was recalled. Lord Durham in his report said there were many grievances which should be at once redressed. A M. Thomson was the next Gov. General, said if he had been here or a Canadian, he would have been a rebel. The tumult now had dwindled to a calm. The power of the family compact so long the Bane of Canada broken. All that the so called rebels asked for granted. McKenzie returned and was sent to Parliament. Since then Canada has been fairly prosperous. Confederation of all the Provinces welded into one. Sir John has been at the helm for many years. Sinner as he is but no hipocrit. H should be forgiven his sins of omissions and commissions. He is in every respect a Statesman. I like him,. The heroes of Navy Island had all returned and fell into their old way of life. Mine to the farm. We made many improvements, an addition to our house and out buildings put up. A stationary, threshing mill, also one for clover. To meet this outlay we put in a large part of the farm in wheat. Ploughed deep, reploughed, manured, bought the purest seed sowed in good time. How beautiful the fields looked in the fall so green so beautiful. In the spring, all was right. The frost of winter never harmed it. It grew tall and strong headed. Out blossomed, the grain fully formed when sad to say a few days of rainy weather with fog and intense heat the result, mildew all, all lost totally. Worthless. On the lot adjoining called. The following year we cleared twenty acres of the woodland and put into fall wheat.

It provided a glorious crop, had it all but stoked, ready to haul into the barn when there was a week of warm showery weather. The stooks were green, the wheat only fit for feed or distillation. How I bore up under these disasters. I cannot tell must have had an attack of the blues.

William ever happy cultivating the muses, fairly reveled in their society and any of his new creations would read to me to criticize or to praise. White Oak Staves at this time were in great demand. Prices high and still advancing. We thought it would be profitable to make the venture. Bought the oak timber, on two lots built a shanty, set a gang of men to work. Staves fell in price. The loss to us was serious. Even now while I am writing, the events I am writing the thought chill. They un-man me. Deeper, deeper down, down. Soon to reach the bottom. But not to anticipate. On a settlement with the firm with whom we did our business and at whose instance I may say we entered into the oak speculation we were heavily in debt. Gave our note for the balance due. The firm saying they would make the payments easy. Soon after got a notice from a wholesale merchant in Toronto that our note was in his hands and expected it would be met at maturity. I called on him. He was pleasant. I may say agreeable. Asked about our circumstances. Our property and how we held it and said he would not push for payment. He said that he and his wife were about going to Lundy’s Lane near Niagara and would like me to drive them there and back. As the sleighing was good, consented. His wife was pretty agreeable and talkative. The husband when he did open his mouth, it was property, property and for a change, property! We paid him all we could, but the debt was not reduced as we often bought from him small parcels for family use. When the idea got into our heads of opening store, who originated it I can’t tell, we however acted on it and carried it into effect. Opened in the village of Norral near home. Bought from the merchant who I will call Charles. It was the act of madmen. We knew nothing of the value of goods and far less of business. We opened in the village mentioned. Had a fair run at the first, then our business dwindled into almost nothing. All at a stand. A man came into the shop. I suppose in conversation was complaining of the dullness of trade when he told me he knew of a good opening for business in the Township of Erin about ten miles from where I was that it on; the main road dividing the two counties. This property belongs to me and will sell it cheap as I am going on a farm.

I have carried on business for some years a blacksmith. On the property there is a good farm house and I suppose a shop. I told him I would go and see it, which I did. The location please and bought it. Part of the house fitted as a store. The other as a Bachelors Hall. No time lest in getting at work. Business good with fair profits. Hoped the tide was turning. Among those that occasionally, was a Miss McEnery. A blending of beauty, simplicity and innocence. She was attending a school close by a Mrs. Merry. She was a wild wood flower. She interest me. In complexion, a brunette, a wealth of hair and such a bloom upon her cheeks. She captivated me. Made her my study. I commenced paying her some small attentions and may be some few compliments, gradually increasing. As Mrs. Merry was an old friend formerly living in Esquesing, I had opportunities almost every day of seeing her with pleasure. I could see her heightened color when we met. Her side glances and he quick withdrawl when observed. Tis no use saying anymore. I was married to the wild wood flour. Never, never had reason to regret. She developed into a charming woman with a fair share of dignity and grace. Never a frown on her countenance. A meek and quiet spirit. A thorough housekeeper with all was order I named the place Batinafad. It still is know by that name tis a Village Post Office now. I will now for the first time speak in the first person, singular. After some time I sold out to my brother, Thomas. Who opened out. His beginning was small but gradually grew. He married a daughter of an old and valued friend, James Armstrong, of Toronto. His wife was a favourite of all.

But to resume my story we went back to the farm and lived in the addition lately made. My mother and sisters were somewhat distant at first but her mild and gentle manner soon won their hearts. N due time, Tom made his appearance. His advent hailed with great delight. In the spring, built a comfortable house on No.9. While we lived there, Anna and Ellenor were born. My mother often in an evening would come to see the mother and the children. I can see her now. How plain I see her, dear, dear, loving mother. The debt due Charles still increasing some of the legacies due or rearly so the legacies would amount to fully four thousand dollars. No alternative but to sell to Charles. He to pay the sums as they fell due. We to be in possession till all was paid. My memory is now at fault. All is misty and confused. Dark and dreary. Nothing appeared to prosper. One blessing we loved one another. Our dear and beloved mother had been ailing for a long time.

I do not know what her complaint was but it was pronounced to be beyond cure. How patiently she bore her sufferings. A complaint or murmur, Scotts family bible. Her only book. How she would pore over it, tell of the comfort, the joy and happiness in its perusal. My sister, Ellen, her faithful tender, nurse day and night, ever beside her. Moy Toms wife, Sally, was ever near to help but Ellen, dear Ellen, was my mothers ministering angel. The hour came when all was over. Peaceful, calm and tranquil was the closing scene. She died as did my father and sister in the hope of a glorious immortality. For them, death had no sting. Blessed are they that die in the Lord. She sleeps beside my father. All side by side. She was born to the resting place by her Six sons, little Henry following. What a blank her death caused. It would seem as if the house were empty. The vacant chair, the bible would bring her to our rememberance and then her watchful love over us all. Had a life in all her children. When we were cast down, ever a word of cheer. Dear, dear mother your memory to me is still green.

To my mother

By William

Who is she now so weak and pale

Whilst all the powers of nature fail

Fast sinking in the narrow vale

My mother

Who is she now racked with pain

Whilst all the cares of love are vain

I ward off death approaching reign

My mother

Who is she now so meek and mild

As gentle as an infant child

Before by wickedness defiled

My mother

Who is she while the hopes of earth

Have vanished, feels his matchless worth

Who gave the hope of heaven birth

My mother

Who is she speaks his wonderous love

Whose head sustained the ……dove

With all her thoughts and hopes above

My mother

Who is she that with humble voice

Confesses Marys honoured choice

And dares in weakness to rejoice

My mother

Who is she speaks with contrite soul

Her own unworthiness – the whole

Of ease on Jesus roll

My mother

Who is she lifts her feeble eyes

To him who reigns above the skies

And prays her children may be wise

My mother

Who is she that we hope to meet

Where crowns are cast at Jesus feet

And angels sing in chorus sweet

My mother

Oh! May the saviours presence be

In the last mortal agony

To comfort and to bless with thee

My mother

And then may you in triumph sing

For me, oh death thou last no sting

While thou art borne on angels wing

My mother

At the beginning of winter an evangelist from the States held a series of meetings. All or most I attended. Interested as I never was before. One evening his text was as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness so must the son of man be lifted up. The day dawn had at last risen the next day was Baptized and like one of old, went on my way rejoicing. My dear Ann, Moy Tom and hi wife soon after made the good confession and were added to the church. How happy I was the joy of sins forgive and peace with heaven. But sad to say soon I became luke warm.

The cares anxiety with many troubles stopped my religious growth. The world, the weary world still uppermost, but now all is peace. In humble hope of sins forgiven my brother, Thomas, who succeeded me at Ballinafad opened his account with Mr. James Connel, wholesale merchant in Toronto. As he was far from the city and kept no clark. I often transacted business with Mr. C. In this way we got acquainted. I may say intimate. I received a letter from him asking me to have a conveyance ready on a certain day and to go with him to Owen Sound. He had a store there under the management of Mr. Boyd. He said that he was not satisfied and wished to look into the business and if it is as I fear will turn over the concern to you. At the time mentioned he made his appearance accompanied by one McDonald, a Commission merchant from Toronto. On our way up Mac spoke of a valuable property he owned in Natawasaga on the Lake Shore and that there was a grand water power. A glorious site for a village or town. Now Connel you had better buy it. I will sell it cheap. Mr. C. told him he would have nothing to do with it , in fact laughed at the idea, so absured. On arriving at the Sound and looking into the business, found as far as Mr. Boyd was concerned all was right at all events. I would not be the one to supersede him. At all events matters were amiably arranged and to leave on the morrow. Mr. Connel, myself and McDonald were in a room chatting when McDonald again asked Connel (How well I remember the scene) to buy. Connel rose from his seat and snapping his fingers, said I would not give you a sixpence for it. When he left the room McDonald soon followed. I alone. Strange as it may appear, but true, in a short time Mr. C. burst into the room glowing with excitement. Telling me he had bought out McD. Lock, stock and barrel and you are to go and superintend the putting up a saw and housing mill. Erect houses. Is it not grand, to put it mildly? I was astonished as I well might be and told him I would rather go to the Penetentiary. You must go. You shall go. I will furnish ample means. All will be left to you and you will be the first man in Natawasaga. My brother,

Allexander as also Mr. Boyd strongly advised me to close with his offer which I did. Articles of Agreement and signed. Mr. C. and an engineer returned by the way of Natawasaga. The engineer fixed the site of the Mills and an agreement with a man to get out the timber for the mills as per Bill.

As per arrangement I was soon after my return to go to Toronto to get all that was necessary to carry out this magnificent project and make it a reality. At once commenced buying in an ample stock of all that would be required. Staple dry goods, groceries, one item bought by Mr. C. was one thousand dollars worth of leather another twenty boxes of chopping axes as also the iron for the saw mill for the grist mill. The stones bolts were left to be forwarded in the fall. After full supplies were bought, when they were all packed, invoices made out, all ready for shipment in a vessel then in Port, I returned home and at once made arrangements for a start. The mother and children were to remain with William, so I could get a house ready. There were two men members of the church that I held in high esteem in rather poor circumstances. It occurred to me that I could give them both employment and as I was going to a strange place among strange people it would be pleasant to have two friends in whom I could have the confidence. Both had families. They both accepted my offer and in the last week in April 1854 started for the scene of operations. It was on a morning we left and on Friday following reached Natawasaga. A weary, weary journey. The roughest of roads. On Saturday I left for the Lake. The others with the team a day behind me as some of the bridges were swept away by the freshets obliging them to make detours. As I have said, left for the Lake. It was over six miles through a dense bush, scarcely a wagon ever traveled it here and there a sapling cut. An ox sled road. As I knew nothing of the way, I had a guide. It occurred to me that he might attempt to rob or something worse and made him lead the way, I following. My fears were groundless. As he was an honest man. It was in the afternoon when I reached the Lake. Tired and weary. The only building a wretched shanty. Its occupants, the man who had the job of getting the timber out for the Mills. His wife and the girl and a number of men. Hewers and choppers. The prospect was not a pleasant one and the fare in keeping. It was now dark. The man, wife and girl stowed themselves in a sort of crib. The men stretched on the floor with out a pillow or any sort of covering. It was a night of horror. I sat upon a log by the smouldering fire. Away til morning at day light I left the den. Sunday morning a stiff N. Western was blowing. The waves closing and foaming to the shore. All that day I passed up and down the beach. All was new, all primeval. In front the lake in the rear the woods. I would say along the shore there was a dense thicket of under brush.

So dens that a rabbit could scarcely get through it. I have no recollection how the next night was passed. On Monday morning a few of the settlers made their appearance. All eager for work. At once the shanty must be built and had one large enough to hold twenty men or more. The cedar twigs and hemlock made a comfortable bed. Each man provided his own blanket. The wash basin, the lake in front. All completed by night fall. When my friends arrived with my luggage and bedding and my personal effects. What a task before me, would require the labours of a Hercules. The first was to cut the underwood, even with the ground near where the mills were to be built and burn it so as to get the timber in a fit place for framing. It was a heavy job some of the timbers of great length and thickness and at a distance. But patience, persaverence and determination over came, all now in its place. Framers at work. Next a road to the settlement. Then to chop and clear and burn the timber in the neighbourhood of where the dwelling and store were to be built. All I have mentioned, store and dwelling finished in a month from commencing. All went on without a hitch. What a change in so shot a time. I forgot to state there was a small store in the settlement belonging to McDonald which went with the mill. Property with the debts due by the farmers and they were only too glad to pay in work. I was in my element and drove all before me. When the house and store were finished, I left for home, anxious to see Ann and the dear little ones. Mr. Connel furnished me with a horse, a fine traveler. I returned by Barrie on to Toronto of course had business. T’was on Sunday morning at sunrise I left the city and for home. It was a thirty miles ride. The horse seemed to understand I was in a hurry lengthening his strides, made for the meeting house. My arrival caused some commotion and the joyful look of Ann. Glad when the meeting closed. How much we had to say to one another. How vivid all appears while I am writing. Although over twice twenty years have passed and are with the years beyond the flood. William and the rest were still on the farm. I forget if I mentioned that after my fathers death, we entered into partnership. We now dissolved. It was quickly done. A favourite cow of my mothers and a valuable mare and two hundred dollars to be paid in the future. That future never arrived. I never asked it. At the finale all was brotherly love and kindness as it was during the many years we were together with loving farewells we left the dear old home and after a journey of four days arrived in safety at the village of Hurontario.

The name I gave it found all right on my return. The saw mill near ready to raise. In the rear of the house put up a large kitchen with an immense fireplace. Hired to stout servant girls, boarded the men, Their sleeping place the large shanty. I got my supplies of provisions from the establishment in Owen Sound. How much I enjoyed the

trips. Had a safe and staunch boat and two reliable men to row. By water it would be over on hundred miles to the Sound. At night would make fast the boat, make a fire, boil the kettle, fry the ham or brawn, make the tea, then gather cedar boughs. A fragrant couch, a blanket over and the soft murmuring of the ripples our lullaby. As captain, I made it a point to hug the shore vessels large might venture more. After breakfast the ditto of the supper we would launch our boat. No hotel bills or waiters to tip. In all my voyages never met a vessel, sometimes a few Indians in their canoes. Now all changed. Steamers, schooners, barges where all was still a solitude. Now all is life onward, onward. A race. Railroads, electric lights, science almost every day making new discoveries. At length the mill is ready to put up. Word was sent to the settlement which they did with a will and it was raised without accident. A good dinner as well as supper aws given which all did justice to . How happy the settlers were. It was to them a dawn of a new day. All before was dismal dark and dreary shut out as it were from the outside world. At last after long and anxious waiting the long expected vessel hove in sight.

All were fairly frantic with joy and suppose I felt something of the effervesence. The vessel came slowly on and last anchored boats at once put off to get the goods. Trip after trip the heavy articles were I suppose brought on a raft. I observed that some of the men were drunk. In fact all had been indulging. I observed that they had bottles filled with whisky, some in pails. I broke bottles and emptied pails. They were sobered on the instant. I told them I would not allow whisky to be used by any man in my employment. The result ever after order, peace and quiet. Soon the vessel had discharged her cargo and at once left. Soon the goods were unpacked, marked and the store opened. Soon had crowds of customers. Boots, shoes, jackets, trousers, gray cotton, blue and orange prints, tea, tobacco and even sulphur all met a ready sale. Three shoe makers set to work mill wrights pulling in the machinery in the saw mill, others at the damn. Again some at the flume.

Many hundred feet long place on bents ranging from four to ten feet high, lined with two inch mill to bring the water to the mill. The lumber got at a mill near the mouth of the Natawasaga River. At this time was a poor health from dyspepsia and another complaint not dangerous but painful, which did not improve my temper. At times in agony, however, was always at my post and kept all moving. On one occasion, had to go to Toronto to order what was necessary for the grist mill such as the mill stones, smut machine, boiling cloths and other articles. Hurontario would be over one hundred miles from Toronto. The route first to Barrie on horseback, thence by steamer to the Holland Landing. On my return and when within a few miles from home was fairly done out. Weak as a child, as I slowly rode on passing a number of shantys, expecting to meet one where I could get some refreshment, but all seemed so uninviting, at length I saw one. A shanty like the rest but there was something about different from the rest that I thought I might get some before going farther. Let me describe a shanty. All after one pattern, the walls about eight feet high, few had even windows, one apartment. The man, wife, children. By way of ornament a calf or ewe and lamb. Now all is changed. Many of the residents of those primitive abodes are now living in houses of stone, brick or frame with every comfort smiling around them. But to resume, I tied my horse, knocked at the door. It was opened as if by an angel, an ideal of perfect woman. Grace and dignity. The bloom still lingering o n her cheek. Her dress plain but exquisitely neat. The on room in perfect order and to me vied with a drawing room. The children in keeping all was perfect. Having apologized for my abrupt visit and stating the reason she at once handed me a tumbler of milk and bread and butter. No doubt apologizing for the humble fare and I from my heart thanking her took my leave and wondered that one so gifted . so good, so accomplished should be in such a habitation and lowly surroundings. The name of this lady was frame. She and her husband from Scotland immigrated to New York, commenced a small business there. It did not succeed, heard glowing accounts of Canada and particularly of a township called Notawasaga of the purity of its air, the beauty of its scenery and the richness of its soil that they and some of their determined to settle in a place so highly favoured. Their friends soon tired and left. It was impossible for them to follow as their means were at low ebb. This short sketch I heard afterwards. Mr. Frame came down to Hurontario some time after.

He resembled his brother Hugh. I invited him to dinner. Soon after I was startled at hearing of his death. It was sudden. I sent up some small articles which might be useful. But from some cause or other did not attend the funeral. But she and her helpless children were often in my thoughts. On a Sunday morning in November I thought I would go and see her and the children. She was pleased to see me but not effusive. The embodiment of resignation or may be patience smiling at grief. How little did we know of the blending in the near future. There is a divinity that shapes our ends rough. Hew them as we will. The schooner has made its second appearance bringing all that was necessary for the full equipment of the grist mill. The building being ready to receive it. Expect it will be grinding by the New Year. There has also been a few comfortable dwellings built and Hurontario begins to look like a village. The saw mill has been sometime in operation giving us plenty of lumber. Mr. Connel made me a visit and was please with all he saw. This to me was gratifying. At this time I bought a farm of two hundred acres on the lake. These in the township of Collingwood. About thirty acres cleared a house and stable. I got it at a great bargain. The owner for some cause left for the States empowering his son to sell. Moy Tom and family occupied it for three years. I after sold it to Mr. Fleming. Father of the great engineer, Sandford Fleming.

April tis near a year since I commenced. It has been a busy one. The flour mill has been at work for over three months turning out fair flour and a steady gristing. A fine lot of saw logs delivered. Over a thousand bushels of wheat in the mill, all difficulties surmounted. No complaints. No murmurs. Hurontario was platos. Eutopia in miniature. A happy little community but the foundation it had none built upon the sand. One morning one of the friends brought with me said he had some business unsettled at homed and as it was a slack time would like leave of absence for a short time. Of course I said. Certainly and gave him what money he required. A few minutes after the clerk made a similar request. That it was a slack time and that he had friends in Toronto he wished to see. I recollected giving him a package of furs, mink, marten and otter, telling him he would get quick sale for them in Toronto. They both left together the following morning, twin traitors. On the first Monday in January the town meeting was held. The place the old school house.

The most officer to be chosen was a counceller assisted by a clerk. The formers term of office was three years. I was asked by many would accept the office if elected. I told them I would the first time I met the Natives en Mass, mostly Hilanders. I rather liked them. All so glad to see me. Was proposed, seconded as a fit and proper person for Councillor and elected by acclimation. Great shouting and cheering. The bag pipes began to skirl. Two men lifted me on their shoulders and carried me to the head hotel followed by the crowd. A perfect satunallia and no doubt there was some whisky circulated. I held the office for three successive terms, three years. To attend the county council three time each years. On my first appearance was cordially received. The councillors were the elite of the county. Men of intelligence and refinement. I believe I am the only survivor of the council of 1844. I was also chosen to look after the interests of the Townships of St. Vincent, Collingwood and Sunidale. Soon after they managed their own affairs. "There is a divinity that shapes our ends rough hew them as we will". Being a councilor turned the whole current of my life. But of this here after. Tis now April about a year since I broke ground. It has been a busy year. The grist mill in operation doing good work. Gristing steady. One thousand bushels of wheat in store. A large lot of saw logs delivered. All difficulties overcome. No complaints or murmurs. Hurontario was a miniature of platos fanciful Utopia and I was happy in my wife and little ones! Ne morning, one of the men brought with me said I would like you would let me away for a short time as I have some unsettled business at home.

There is but little business at present of course I consented at once gave him what money he asked. About twenty minutes after the clerk made a similar request that he thought he could be spared. He wished to see some friends in Toronto. I consented. The pair left next day. Soon after I rec. a letter from my brother, William. It concluded by saying that he had seen these two persons in Toronto on their way to Montreal. (Mr. Connel had removed to Montreal) and from the secrecy of their movements I fear that it forebodes you. No good and only hope that you have all in order. I forgot to state that Mr. Connel gave me another call ere he went to Montreal and again expressed his satisfaction at the way all was conducted. He brought me a lot of rare and expensive tea for my families

He could not possibly be more cordial. I naturally wondered what took the pair to Montreal. A few days solved the mystery. They returned on Saturday night. On Sunday morning I saw the one, my friend walking backwards and forwards on the flume. His hands under the tails of his boat, as if he was monarch of all he surveyed. He or the clerk handed ma a letter from Mr.Connel. It was short, sharp and incisive. He had no further use for my services. That the clerk would attend to the store, the other to the mills. In words of fire, denounced their treachery. Took the notes and important papers to the House of Charge of Ann. Then crushed down , trodden, left at once for Montreal. The torture, the agony I underwent, no words can describe or penned picture. Even now I feel what I felt then, the whole scenes so vivid. Perhaps I should not resurrect them but they are links in the chain which cannot well be left out. I give you my auto biography. Not in parts but as a little light and shade alternating. On arriving in Montreal at once went to Mr. Connel place of business. The warehouse was of great depth. At the far end Mr. C. was in the office. He at once saw me, rushed out to meet me, quivering with emotion. Wrung my had, I know I sacrificed you but I will make it right. I will make it right.

When he calmed we were at this time in the office. Then stated that two men from Hurontario, mentioning their names, handed him a letter from the millwright, one of the friends I have before mentioned, in which he enumated many charges against me of mismanagement and dishonesty. After which he closed by saying I am sorry for them as they are so reduced in circumstances !! In his letter he referred him to the two men mentioning the names for further particulars, I would merely say that these men never hinted that I was guilty of any impropriety. I was astonished, continued Mr. C. not knowing what to think, asked them to my house in the evening. You were the subject of their discourse. Be sure they did not flatter, my wife was in the next room and heard all the conversation. It was the first time she heard of Hurontario. She was furious at the revelations she heard of me and insisted on your dismissal. (the same lady afterwards changed her opinion!) To pacify her I did so,. Adding we have not spoken to one another since. You are now restored to your former position and lay off what goods you require to make up your stock. At the same time giving me a certificate of character. Summing up, I have the same high and honourable opinion of Mr. Stephens that I ever had.

So this fearful tempest subsided into a calm but the fell, the ingratitude could not be forgotten. I laid off what goods were needed, Mr. C chuckling at the idea , at the discomfuture of the conspirators on my return. Mr. C. was a strange character. Acted upon impulse. My thoughts now were turned towards home. Home , sweet home. There is no place like home. The joy of meeting the mother and the children and the triumph over my enemies. All, all happily arranged. And went to take my leave. He told me that I could not leave today. I have some business for you to attend to.. I told him my anxiety to get away but consented to his wish. On the following morning I met him at his place of business and told him I am off. He begged, intreated me to remain. In fact appeared crazed. Do stay. Tis impossible. Well I must tell you I am ruined, yes ruined. What am I to do,. Oh tell me what I am to do. He was beside himself with despair. How sad the sight. At one time he would cross the lines into the States. He would do this and would do that. Calming down he spoke of Hurontario. At last fairly shouted I have it. I will sell you Hurontario!! He named the price. Take your notes at different dates. Payments easy. Take your brother at Owen Sound as a partner. Come, what do you say?

I told him that the proposal had come so sudden that I must take time to consider. He was annoyed that I did not at once close with his offer. There was a person of the name of Jackson frequently in and out of the warehouse while I was there. I afterwards learned that Mr. C. had met him in Toronto and had formed an intimacy. Mr. Jackson just from England. Mr. Jackson telling him he was anxious to get into business at the same time stating his means, Mr. C. told him there was a good opening in Montreal to start a wholesale grocery business. Come to Montreal. At a certain time and will go in with you Jackson was delighted and handed over his Capital to Mr. C. to invest. Mr. Jackson and I were friendly. He said I do not know what to make of Mr. C. I am here which is to me important business. I have been here for a number of days and I cannot even get an interview. Mr. Jackson was aware of the offer made me. I still undecided when Mr. Jackson said, When if Mr. Stephens declines the offer, I will take it on the same terms. I at once replied or to Mr. Connel, sell to Mr. Jackson which was done. The necessary papers drawn up. Notes signed. All of which I witnessed. As it would be some time ere he could go and take possession he empowered me to take charge to his arrival. Home again, found all well.

Ann not cast down, sympathizing and trying to comfort and console. Stung to the quick on the verge almost of madness at the ingratitude of those I trusted. Mr. Jackson and wife soon arrived when most transferred their allegince to the rising sun some few remained true and loyal. I had written William, stated what had happened and at once to send teams to take us away. In due time, all ready. A good-bye to Mr & Mrs. Jackson. I must mention that Mrs. Jackson was my warm and generous friend. None so quick to resent any imputations against me. We remained the first night at Mrs. Frames. I told her my tragic story. She gave me her warmest sympathy. How kindly she entertained us all. In the morning left. Took a last long lingering look at her and her children, so helpless, to me so deeply interesting. Intensified by the thought never in this world again to meet. I walked beside the wagons great part of the way. Rough and hilly, jolt after jolt. No spring seats. It was nearing sundown,. Mother and the children. It was in the township of Mono settled principally by Irish, I called at a house near the road for lodging for my family. Refused at another the same answer and son on to the ninth. No admittance. All and every one Irish. I said to the last had any one told me this morning that nine of my country men would in succession refuse me a nights lodging would have resented it as an insult. You are the ninth. I beg your pardon you can stay and welcome.. Profuse in his apologies.

From our appearance upon a closer examination, found out his mistake. I refused his offer and drove four miles to a comfortable Country Inn. I was told afterwards that they had a sorry opinion of all from Nattawasaga. So many of them had sponged that their hospitality was exhausted. Had they known who I was my treatment would have been different At last we came to our journeys end. Took a house near Mr. McEnerys. Remained there a short time and took up our quarters with my brother William, who gave us all a brother welcome. He had left the old home and opened a store in Morril. As it might be expected it was a failure, not partial but complete. It would be in June when we went to live with William. The weeks or months following were to me a blank. Nothing to do and as little to do it with. It seemed as if "the compass of my life was gone and only point in vain, the shore my to which my tattered sail would never reach again". I mentioned in a back page being appointed a Councillor and what would happen in the future consequent on that appointment.

I was still in office. Two years of my term still to run. To change the mutiny I attended the summer meeting of the council. All were glad to see me. When we adjourned and paid, I thought I would go home by Natawasaga. Perhaps to see Mrs. Frame, once more. I met a number of old acquaintances, all glad to see me. I must say the highlanders were mostly my true fast friends, far more so than my own country men. I told Mrs. F. and others that I would return at the beginning of winter and commence business. The idea came upon me like a flash. It was I may say an inspiration. How wild you would think the idea! But the idea became a fact. There is a providence directs our ways, our steps, how often mine have been guided. Soon after my return, was notified that I was to be brought before the Church of which I was a member at the instance of two men. Both members, in due time my accusers attended. There was a full attendance. On the opening, one of the men handed a letter from the clerk to the one presiding, I suppose observing that the letter would state the charges against me. This the Bishop or Elder refused to receive, telling my accusers to state from their own knowledge what were my transgressions. I forget how the trial proceeded nor my defense but their charges were not sustained. I was not even reprimanded. All their charges fell still. Born and remained in full fellowship with Brethren and I think a general favourite with all.

I have long since forgiven them but tis impossible to forget. While writing all loom up as vivid as of recent occurrence. We were still at Williams. A sort of an oasis in a dry and weary land. It was a quiet and sake harbour we had entered after the storms, tempest and shipwreck. Not to speak of the agony " a man may leave his infirmities, but a wounded spirit who can bear", but returning to Natawasaga was ever in my thoughts. How to make it a fact was the question and would try to solve it. It would be in October that I went to Toronto, interviewed a number of business men. Among the rest, Ross Mitchel & Co. at the head of the dry goods business, Harington Hardware, Whittenmore and Rutherford Grocers, Mullholland Crockery and lastly Barters and Brothers, Georgetown Woolen Goods, chiefly what was known as Barters Grey. To these persons I had no introduction, no recommendation, I simply told them I wished to go into business, and where. That there was a fair prospect of success and would they furnish me with goods. Strange, strange wonderful but true. All consented. The doors ere not opened partially but town up wide providence was kind, oh how kind.

My heart have must been cold indeed to withhold my gratitude to the giver of all good. Having made all arrangements as to terms and times of payment, I returned and told them the good news. All rejoiced. I then left for Natawasage to get a place to open out. My intention to commence at the Scotch Corners near Duntroon, but failed. The only house vacant was one opposite Mr. T. It was a comfortable log house and for a wonder , a shingle roof ,an upstairs and a lean to. I also bought a five acre plot opposite the old school intending to build in the spring. Soon after went to Toronto, laid in a well selected stock and had them forwarded and stored with my brother at Norral. As I was leaving, Mr. Mitchell, the senior partner, suggested that I might buy wheat as it was then in great demand. Handing me six hundred dollars as a commenment. It would be the 26^th November, good sleighing when the final start was made. William a short time before brought home a wife. It proved a happy marriage. She proved loving, faithful and true. I hired a number of teams, loaded them. This was the order of March. First the loaded sleigh, next a comfortable sleigh, well supplied with wraps in which were a sister of my wife, a most affectionate girl, Tommy as he was called, Anna and little prattling Ellenor and Davy who was to assist at the opening. The sleigh driven by Moy Tom, while I in a cutter, a pair of buffalo robes with Ann and baby Clara brought up the rear. It was a imposing looking caravan. I was excited. What a triumph. On we went securely we go. We traveled slow but sure. All was auspicious and looking at the dear one at my side asking what will they say in Natawasaga when we arrive. She smiled, we were both so happy you will not wonder that I was in the clouds triumphant and exultant. But oh! The change the awful change. Darkness and despair, tis sad to write. I see the overthrow of all my hopes all appears before me! On the second night we put up at a farm house.

It would be four miles from any other habitation. Glad to get a shelter, my company filled the house. The rough, was warm. Owned by a Yorkshire man who did his best as did his wife with a rude but king hospitality. During the night she was seized with chills and fever. All remedies that we knew of failed to alleviate. In the morning, unable to leave her bed, I told the teams to unload in an out house, settled with them and left Davy going with them in search of a doctor. Moy Tom, the children and sister going on. The children and sister and Tom to be with Mr. Frame hoping we would soon join them.

She appeared to be a little better and in the after part of the day I removed her to a nice comfortable place about eight miles farther on. In the morning she felt better and said you better go and get the house in some sort of order and come for me mentioning the day. Did so and with the help of Mr. F. was fast putting things to rights when a messenger arrived saying Mrs. Stephens was worse! At once returned, Mr. F. with me. Oh James, James, what I have suffered since you have left, spoke of her dear little children. She knew that she dying, silent for a short time. Then in a voice, clear and distinct, in a sort of rapture, oh death, where is the sting, oh grave, where is the victory.

The sting of death is sin and the strength of sin is the law but thanks be to god who grivet me the victory through my Lord Jesus Christ. That name a above every name the last that passed her lips, all was over! It might be at the supreme moment she might have had a glimpse of the coming glory and heard the whisper of angels say sister spirit come away!! How sudden the desolation. She silent, the infant motherless but will draw a veil. Mrs. F. gave me her silent sympathy and returned to her home. The team was sent down and the sister, I have mentioned, placed in her coffin, the coffin in the sleigh. The sister and I took the homeward way. What a change a few days brought about. On leaving how bright the prospect. Hope, joy and happiness in the ascendent. Now gloom, darkness, almost despair. About mid day we met Davy returning with the doctor. All! All! Too late. The second day early we reached Mr. McEnerys, sent word to William to have her resting place prepared to lie beside my father, my mother and my sister. She was laid at rest on Christmas day. Many friends attended and offered to console me with me in my great sorrow. Rachal said James you must return at once and attend to the children. Dear sister what a comfort she was to me.

Davie also returned with us. Little Clara was left in charge of Mrs. Bates, a kind motherly woman who took charge of it to a proper nurse could be obtained but in a few days Mr. McEnery and the daughter, have mentioned and Mrs. Merry arrived and took the dear little one away with them and was gladdened to hear that the little darling was in the perfection of health and so pretty. So glad to see my dear, dear children fairly yearned over them. They could not understand or feel their loss. Theirs was the happy heedlessness of childhood. Davie was in his element. He got the shop in shape. Counter shelves in position all so plain so simple. The goods arrived, unpacked, marked and in their several places.

He stayed with me till all was fairly under way. When he left for Montreal, my children, especially Tommy and Anna were constantly at what they called their Aunt Frames, away as soon as dressed and not returning till night & my sister became attached to her and the friendship mutual. Change of friendly offices between the two houses. In a back page I gave an account of our first meeting and my impressions. These remained. Yes deepened in intensity. How strange that we should meet again as if it were thrown together without our wills being consulted. The widow and the widower. The one side, children without a father, again children without a mother. Was it not natural for me to think what a mother she would be to my children. Three of them daughters and could return her care by my doing the best I could for the happiness of hers.! The meeting of the Co. was near at hand which I had to attend. She had shown me the will made in N.York but not attested.

I advised her to get a legal opinion. She went with me to Barrie, consulted a lawyer, what advice he gave I do not know or maybe forgot. She remained till the session was ended when we left for home. I had a coal black mare of splendid action and famed as a trotter. We sped along homeward at a rattling pace when at once she slackened her pace and it was with an effort I got her to a house near by. She was unharnessed and in a comfortable stable. The man I knew and said he would attend to her. At the same time giving me his animal to take us home which would be about twelve miles off at the same times cautioning me to keep a tight rein lest she would run away. He must have been joking a more lazy brute I never drove. To quicken his progress made a free use of the whip would make a spasmodie at a trot then subside into a walk. At this time we were entering a dense wood of four miles.

Creeping along at a tortoise gallop, it was a keen frosty night, the sky illuminated by countless myiad of stars, a solitude so profound, no doubt we were both thinking. What her reflections were and what were mine, if curious to know, turn over to the next page. Well my reflections were that now was the time to break the ice. I forget how I commenced but did it effectually. She listened to my thoughts in words that breathed the truth. She told me that if she read me right, I was rash and acted from impulse! What makes you thin so! For you to take the burden and responsibility of me and my children, tis not to be thought of, I assured her that the burden would be never felt and now you know my thought.

Ponder over what I have said. I ask not tonight for an answer but on a certain day in a coming month will ask you is it yes or no. In the interim will be silent and only hope your answer may be all that I could wish. I never hinted at the scene in those long dark woods, tis all before me so vivid and so plain. The Supreme crisis of my life. I would see her occasionally. Her counterance was to me a barometer and always presaged pleasant weather. At the last the eventful day came round. I asked her to take a drive. The sleighing was at its last. When under weigh I said what is it to be, yes or no. Her reply was promptly given, Yes! I learned from her after she had written her favourite brother James of the offer I had made. No doubt she gave me rose colored character. He advised her to accept. Margaret the eldest, the only one she could consult was pleased. My sister happy in the thought of having such a sister. The clouds had passed away and she! May have been permitted to see and happy that her children would have the care of a loving mother. Soon the day came round, Moy Tom was sent for a minister, found one forty miles away. Had prior obtained the license. The knot was tied which made us one. Not in name but in reality. A happy union. She often said that it was a special providence that brought us together. The children blended into one family, while she, like the sun, diffused light life and joy

To all around her. It was an Eden, an earthly paradise regained. Forty five years are passed since the event. I have noted, I am now in my eighty fourth year, feeble as a child, I can not write but a little at a time, this is 22^nd day of April 1891. Spring opening buds, bursting into leaves, flowers blooming on the prairie. I am now and have been for years living in the City of Winnipeg. Will now retrace my steps and year by year as far as memory will allow will continue my story. At once after my marriage, I set about improving. My health had returned with strength and energy. The shanty was soon made a comfortable dwelling. A kitchen added. A store at the same time built. There would be about twenty acres cleared. The stock, a yoke of oxen and two cows. I found the stumps of six apple trees planted the fall before. Replanted with care. They grew up into vigorous trees. One in particular you will recollect it was in the lawn. Branches out stretching and yet the trunk as hollow as a drum. It ever was to me a favourite. Every season laden with fruit. The spring following set out an orchard. The trees from Toronto adding every frequently new varieties.

In a few years they were in full, bearing apples, pears, plums, cherries, strawberries and goose berries. Particularly fine currants, red, black and white in bushels. I mentioned that Mr. Mitchel gave me some money to buy wheat. What was bought, ground into flour. It was shipped in June for Toronto did not arrive til August. Had soured and sold for starch. I had to bear the loss. How I managed to meet my engagements I can not tell. One source was the wild land. Tax due year by year to the Township. As councilor, I had the power to lay it out bridges opening roads. These jobs were advertised and given to the lowest bidder, generally the jobs were taken by my customers. Glad to have the opportunity of paying me! In the winter gave out jobs of chopping, logging and clearing and fencing and sowing with fall wheat. In a short time had seventy acres cleared and under cultivation. Next bought the lot adjoining known as the tannery lot.

Cleared it as if by magic. Fifty acres in one year. Put in wheat a splendid yield all cut with the sickle and mostly by women. N those days only had to whistle for labourers and they came in troops. The same year built a splendid barn, a cellar stable under it of stone. A portable threshing machine. Happy, happy days then the barn large as it was packed to over flowing. Also a comfortable and roomy stable for the horses. Part set aside for the cows giving mild. All was order without peace, love and plenty within. I am giving no fancy sketch but a reality. Also manufactured some tons of potash using my own ashes and those of the neighbours around me. A tannery was ever my fathers hobby. He would like to have gone into the business. I carried out his wishes and put up a large building and having secured the services of a good workmen. It was soon in operation and turned out a good article of leather, soles upper, calf and harness. Set a number of shoemakers at work. Also a man to make harness. A family pleasure sleigh, a pair of fine horses lots of bear skins. It was a grand turn out I must mention Margaret who was my right hand. She attended the store. I never knew her make a mistake. About this time my brother made his appearance and at once relieved Margaret.

He was as one of ourselves. An special with the customers. His drollery, his flow of wit putting all in good humour. I took a job from the government. A very large one. It was in the Township of Melancthon. Twenty miles from tally ho! Your mother asked me to name our home and on the spur of the moment said Tally Ho. Its meaning, go ahead, but about the job.

Six miles was through a swamp, all to be causewayed. The rest to be cleared the usual width. I wrote William to come up and oversee the work. At this time he had left off business, or rather business had left him. He responded at once. Shantys were built. Men engaged, supplies went in and commenced. It was in the fall, sometime after he sent me word that the job would be a dead loss. I at once went to see how things were getting on. William had gone to see his family, all was in confusion. At once dismissed one half of the men and put things in working shape. I may have stayed til he returned and told him the job must be completed as to agreement. That he would be paid his salary and should there be anything over after paying expenses he could retain it. Soon after as the winter had set in work closed, renewed in the spring, finished and found there was a handsome overplus.

After paying all expenses which was handed over to William. He never told me the amount but it came in good time. He soon after left for Owen Sound with his family. One evening sitting en family around the fire, a man came in and announced himself as Hugh Frame. He took all by surprise but as a matter of course received a cordial welcome. He had spent some months in the State of N.York in the employment of a farmer and got liberty to visit his relatives in Canada. So pleases with the country that he decided to return and settle beside us and telling me to buy a lot that I thought would suit him. I bought the right of a lot of two hundred acres in which there was a small clearing and a fairly comfortable house from a man who was leaving for the States. I forget the price but it was a bargain on Glen Huron.

He soon returned pleased with the purchase as well he might. He lived on it during the summer, in the winter part of the time at Tally Ho. Sometimes posting my books and making out accounts. Henry and he seemed to take to each other. I forget who made the suggestion but it was this. That they would go together as partners in a cording and fulling business. I to build the mill. After some consideration as to agreement . I forget but one thing remember perfectly, I built the mill. When all finished gave them possession. The partnership in the three weeks dissolved. Henry returning saying he could not get along with Mr. Frame. Giving his reasons, not necessary to state them, Mr. Frame insisted the mill should be made over to him. Making at the same time threats. Your mother was present, she burst into tears and asked him. How could he speak so to Mr. Stephens after all that he has done for your brothers children.

It was the first and the last time I saw Her tears, he calmed. I gave him the use of the mill for I think two years at a nominal rent, more likely no rent at all and fairly friendly after. It was a mistake, a dead loss, never made any return. This I will say, mistake (or) no! will it be the last time, will tell! My brother Marshal now comes upon the stage, when paid his legacy went to Owen Sound. Bought some town lots and engaged with brother, Allexander as a clerk. I do not know how long he remained. He took sick, unwell for a long time, wretched and unhappy. Thought a change of scene would do him good by visiting his brother James. He as a matter of course received all a brother love and welcome. He was ever a favourtie. As a child he would follow me and my regard still continued when he arrived at manhood. Tis needles to say he rapidly recovered.

Kindness with attention and good nursing works wonders. The long talked over long expected rail road now a fact the terminus at the hen and chickens, now named Collingwood, all hopeful and exultant. Sometime before Marshal and Margaret were married. At this time a number were wishing to get linked but the difficulty in getting a minister, none nearer that Barrie or Owen Sound. I told them if they would club together I would get a minister. To this they agreed and I filled out each a Marriage License. I wrote to one of the Pastors of our church to come at once which he did the first day. He married Marshall and Margaret who left for Owen Sound. The next day the parties arrived in several sleighs. A full contingent of relatives. Flags flying, bag pipes screaming. Some more or less elevated. The crowd filled the house. The first couple were dully made man and wife. There were four more to be made happy. I mentioned to the Minister it will take a long time to marry them singly. Do it by wholesale. Let them stand in a row each pair, a little apart. After the lecture comes the prayer which will do for all. Then ask the usual questions. When answered, pronounce them man and wife. He acted on my suggestion and all left happy. At this time I was councilor, a magistrate, a commissioner in the Queens Bench and an Issuer of Marriage Licenses. No shops nearer to mine than Barrie or Owen Sound.

I was a potential despot. Settled all their disputes, free of expense. I do not recollect taking fees. Peace, peace I ever aimed at and generally succeeded. Supplied their many wants, never sold them. Whisky or took a mortgage on their farms, your mother was the Lady Bountiful. Universally loved and respected. Gave them advice in their sickness, as well as medicine.

Had unlimited faith in the virtues of rhubarb and cream of tartar and in place of Mother Winslows Soothing Syrup, black currant jam, such simple medicines often worked wonders in the way of healing. In colds, infallible. I omitted giving an account of the death of my daughter which happened soon after my marriage. The little darling was ill but a few days she was in her third year. So engaging. The pet of all. My sorrow for sometime was intense but consolation came in knowing my lamb was safe in the arms of the good sheppard! I have not been well for some time. No humour to write. Yesterday was dull listless. No appetite. Allice and Clara tried to rouse me but failed. George brought me up a tumbler of a pleasant tonic and urged me to drink it but loathed the very look of it.

He asked me if I recollected old Mary McQueen. Yes what has she to do or say! Well continued George, he nephew, shamus, was sick. Old Mary got a dose of castor oil from the doctor. Here Shamus. I have got something will make you so well. What is it? Castor Oil. I won’t take it. Oh shamus, you must take him, it will make you all well. Shamus was obdurate. Mary then said, then Shamus I will take him myself and down it went. The ludicridnes of the story and the manner in which it was told convulsed me with laughter and when it ceased at once drank the tonic and really felt almost well.

An old Adage: Care to our coffin, adds a nail, no doubt

But every laugh, so merry, draws one out

(This auto biography was written by James Dawson Stephens – he died – this facsimile copy was made by Marjorie E. Kingsmill – March 1934)

Diary – September 27, 1882

Left the dear old home on Wednesday evening 27 Sept., Tom, Lizie, Clara, Kathleen, Percy, little Mary accompanied me to the train. Dear little Norah was inconsolable at parting and it was not pleasant to say the last farewells to the dear ones who came with me. Slept at W. Frames at night.

Thursday 28^th

After attending to some business and farewell calls took passage on the Campana for Prince Arthur Landing. My dear Clara accompanies me to the Sound. Some dear friends big me good bye as the ship was leaving. Called at Medford. David Layton and daughter, Eliza, were on the wharf to meet me. Another good bye and then for the Sound. Arrived at midnight. My brother, William, his wife and sister Rachal were waiting my arrival. We all went up to his house and remained about two hours and then the farewell had to be said. Dear, dear Clara was the last to part with. May god almighty bless, shield and protect her. Then aboard and en route for Winnipeg.

Friday 29^th

Got up rather late. Breakfast just over. Asked for some but was met with a NO! but consoled with the remark that dinner would be a 12 o’clock. Out fairly on the Georgian Bay gliding on beautiful. A full complement of passengers and freight. The Campana is a most magnificent vessel fit to content with storm and tempest. Relished very much my dinner as well as tea. The lake or bay a perfect calm. The moon shone bright and all as pleasant as a summers eve

Saturday 30^th

Crossed Lake Huron during the night and entered the Sault River early in the morning. Arrived at the lock about ten p.m. Put ashore a large amount of freight and about fifty men bound for the lumber country in Michigan. Spent the evening in taking in coal and then entered the lock, said to be the finest in the world and as the sun was setting entered the largest Lake in the continent. Its waters as smooth as plate glass.

Out of the window of my room I could see the moon in all it glory and its reflection on the waters was grand. As if spangled with myriads of dancing diamonds. I watched to the scene closed. One never for beauty to be forgotten.. All perfectly serene as quiet as the babe on its mothers breast, about day break (Sunday).

The vessel commenced to roll and plunge. I lay quiet for a long time, the motion increasing. I dressed and went into the Saloon. In the distance I saw four gent at table with difficulty reached it. The waiter went to get me some porridge while he was away I beat a retreat, a hasty one and into my berth. Soon I tried it again and when half way to the table the ship gave a rock, I fell. Plates, knives and forks had a dance as vigorous as the highland fling. Once more I got into my snuggery,. The lake calmed and the tables were again filled. About fifty cabin passengers, I made some pleasant acquaintances. Stopped at that wondrous deposit, Silver Islet and at dark arrived at Prince Arthur’s and took lodgings at the Queen

Monday Oct. 1^st

Took the train for Winnipeg distance 430 miles. We steamed out of the Landing and when out about three miles the train went at a slow walk. So slow that many of the passengers got out and picked choke cherries which lined the track. The country not inviting in its appearance. Totally unfit for agriculture. The fire having passed over some years before destroying all the wood. Here and there a house and small attempt at cultivation and abandoned. Our stoppages were so frequent and annoying. The road in many places not balasted. Our rate of speed, nine miles an hour. The engine screaming without almost intermission. At two stopped at a station for dinner and again started, then stopped and then moved. To vary the monotony ran off the track or at least one of the bars. After some delay got under way. Late in the afternoon we were upon a long trestle bridge. One of the cars while we were there on it jumped off the rails splintering some of the ties. Our escape was almost miraculous. One solitary inch between

Us and destruction. After a long delay we got all right and proceeded at a snails pace to eleven at night, where we got a comfortable supper. When we again moved on a young friend made me a lounge on the seats but sleep was out of the question. Day at last dawned. Everything bleak and dreary.

Nothing but rock, muskegs and lakes. The wildest country I ever say. Hills almost mountains of solid rock. To make the road was you would thin the work of titans not of mortals.

Tuesday 2 Oct.

Day at last dawned. The prospect dreary, dreary. No breakfast. A remnant of sandwich and a biscuit, done duty to seven in the evening. When we saw the first thing like civilization. At Ratportage, an Indian name.

It lies at the head of Lake of the Woods and is really a beautiful place and is already a famous resort in summer. Boating and fishing in perfection. Put up at the hotel. Tis a first class, a comfortable supper, a well furnished bedroom with every attention made me think that this world has its bright shades as well as the dark.

Wednesday 3

Up in the morning vigorous and refreshed. Took the train for Winnipeg, distance 130 miles, at 10 p.m. The road well ballasted, 50 miles of rock it passes through at the end of which you get the first glimpse of prairie. Stretching out in all directions and bounded only by the horizon. On, on we drive. Tis a New World I am entering, soon to be at the end of my long, long journey soon to see the loved ones. At last we cross the Iron Bridge over the Red River and steam into the station. My son is there to meet me. I am driven to his pleasant home. Allice is at the door pleasant as a sunbeam and what a welcome I receive from both. It was worth the journey of twelve hundred miles to get such a greeting. How thankful I should be to the great giver for all his goodness, his mercys, endure forever. And my his blessings so richly bestowed on George and Allice be shared by the dear ones at home could they be here. I trust they may. That a way may be opened that we might all be near each other my earthly happiness would be perfect.

Thursday 4 Oct. 1882

After breakfast went out to look at this wonderful city which exceeds out does all my expectations. To think that a few years past it was an insignificant village. Its inhabitants, the half breeds. A trading port of the Hudson Bay co. and now 25000 inhabitants. Some of the buildings are equal to what you see in Toronto or Montreal.

The display in the shops windows which are of plated glass, show the richest goods. The product of every clime, the rarest fruits. In fact every luxury can be obtained in Winnipeg as easily as in London Paris or New York. The houses built this season count by thousands and yet late as it is in the fall there are hundreds in the progress of erection. From early morn to night the sound of the hammer never ceases. Hammering to the right of you. Hammering to the left of you. Hammering in front of you. Hammering in rear of you. Almost the same is under and over you. Water drainage and gas works in a forward state, nearly completed.

Also street railway. Wonderful, wonderful, all is activity and energy and it needs no prophet to foretell that this city will be without a rival in the Dominion. The only foil is the mud which is simply diabolical. You might fancy it a vilanous compound of everything execrable and in wet weather it is all pervading. In the streets the sidewalks, in the halls and tis at home equally in the parlour and the kitchen sticking like glue and when dry as hard as concrete. Winnipeg is an Elysium for merchants. Carpenters, brick layers, plasterers get from 350 to 450 a day and they are talking about striking for an advance. You might think building is over done but there is a tenant awaiting every home and tis said the coming year the building mania will be even still greater. Many are living in tents. Even in main street there are canvass tents 30ft front 100 ft. in depth used as stores filled literally crammed with goods. A large number of first class hotels and one in progress of erection named The Pacific which when completed will leave the Montreal Windsor in the shade. Such is a short sketch of the most wonderful city on the continent and has within itself all the elements of even increasing. Prosperity. Has a country in its rear extending 1000 miles, fertile beyond conception, destined to be the happy home of millions of agriculturists.

Friday 5^th

Day dull and cheerless, kept close at home. Busy thinking of the dear ones a Tally Ho. What pleasant music to hear the voices of the light brigade or even the shrill treble of little Rachal.

Saturday 6^th

Nothing scarcely to note. Took another look at the progress of the city. Such building. I think was never known homes going up in every direction. Carpenters, masons, plasterers, painters as busy as bees.

Sunday7th

Today all is quiet except at the depot which is in full blast. Went with George and Allice to the Baptist meeting which was held in the Court House til their New House is completed which will be in about four weeks. The congregation was large and very respectable. Their Paster is from Ottawa. A pleasant sort of man and appears to be a favourite. He was with us to dinner. I did not go out in the afternoon but wrote to the loved ones at home.

Monday 8^th

Took several walks abroad. The day very pleasant and the roads getting dry. Main Street is nearly double the width of King St. Toronto and wide as it is. It takes it all to let the traffic pass, while the sidewalks present a constant stream of surging humanity all, all in a hurry. Spent sometime in the warehouse. All the clerks very busy. Goods going out and coming in. All appears to work smoothly. George is fortunate in having such an efficient staff

Tuesday 9^th

After breakfast took a stroll in search of adventures or rather to explore the suburbs of this singular city. Go where I will. You see buildings going up. All is hurry without confusion. The mechanics appear to work with energy and spirit. As well they may as their wages are about three times what they are in Ontario. After lunch went to Georges place of business. Had a long walk on Main Street. Our dinner hour is seven which we all enjoy, read and chat and retire at 10 p.m.

Wednesday 10^th

Day bright and bracing. George left in the morning for Emerson to attend as a Delegate the Baptist Confession. He appears to be one of the main pillars of that body. In the afternoon drove out with Mr. Wm. Patterson of Richmond Hill to get a view of this magical city. First to fort Gary which is now demolished.

The stones utilized for cellars. The old Hudson Bay buildings are still intact but look quaint and antiquated. Then to the Red River, saw the great Iron Bridge. The center of which was carried away by the great flood. But is now repaired so as to admit travel. Then along the banks of the Asiniboine.

Crossed a fine new bridge and had a fine view of the Palaces of those who were successful during the great land furore. G.M.Ross has a castle. The brick pressed and brought from Philadelphia. Tis not yet finished. It will be a perfect palace. Sutherland of Fort Francis notoriety has also a beautiful residence. The grounds in exquisite taste equal to anything I ever saw. There are many others whose appearance please me very much. After a drive amongst them recrossed the river. Here you have a view of the prairie boundless as the ocean extending west for thousand of miles. We then drove round part of

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Tis to stable the engines. I think it will hold forty loco motives and yet the buildings are not anything like completed while the engineers, stokers, brakesmen, the workmen are a small army. All is done in the best style and so far excels anything at least in the Dominion. The scene to me was bewildering how it could be all managed without confusion passes my comprehension but all seemed perfect. Like a drilled body of soldiers all and every one knew their place each had a certain duty to perform and did it. In the afternoon walked down to the warehouse and then wended my way home. Main Street presented a most gay and animated appearance as the evening was fine. The ladies turned out in full force. The dresses of some as Snyder of Owen Sound would say, were perfectly GORGOS but the style of beauty, I should say scarcely comes up to that of Beatrice Cenci. Our dinners at seven are very pleasant such taste and elegance and the cookery supreme and my appetite has returned. Heightening the enjoyment and my daily walks are extending rapidly it seems I am renewing my youth like the eagles.

Sunday 15 Oct.1882

Rained most of the day with a sprinkling of sleet. Winter fast approaching. Did not go to meeting . Wrote a long letter to Clara. My thoughts of the past and the loved ones I am so far from. Will I ever see them again. I hope it may be so I fancy the joy of the little ones at once more seeing their grandfather. George and Allice went or attended meeting. The evening pleasant and cheerful that is within doors, without wind, rain and sleet.

Monday 16 Oct. 1882

Sunshine by fits and starts. Kept in camp all the day. Nothing to note down. Day and chilly mud, mud, nothing to be seen from my front window but mud. But still the time passes imperceptibly without ennui. George comes hoe every day at lunch and his presence diffuses life and light happiness and joy. This is a happy, happy home. A happy man and wife and a happy father.

Tuesday 17 Oct. 1882

Sun shining. Day cold and bracing. Had some amusement sawing wood for kindling. Nothing to do but walk, read, write, eat, sleep and smoke, some friends of George and Allice to dinner. A very pleasant evening. Rec. a letter from my dear Clara which amused me. Her description of the old home and its inmates was I am sure to the very life perfect pen picturing.

Wednesday 18 Oct. 1882

Again a lovely day. George left early in the morning for Brandon. Distance 130miles. Had a walk to the warehouse. Such racing in building was never known. Quite a famine for workmen who get almost any wages they ask. House very quiet. No visitors did not feel the want of them. Read some interesting stories of how true love after many cascades and rapids at length got into smooth water.

Thursday 19 Oct. 1882

I think tis the beginning of Indian Summer. A glorious day. Had a very long walk. At the commencement, felt as tho there was a pinion to each foot but at last tired out. I am not as enduring as I used to was. Called on Sproute brothers, once ……boys, now of the rich men of Winnipeg. Their brother the member I also met. He is on a visit. I meet some I know or knew frequently. George returned just as we were sitting down to dinner and Dawson soon after. The evening was Noctes Ambrosiana.

Friday 20 Oct. 1882

Another balmy day of Indian Summer. As usual strolled to the warehouse. Main St. as full as ever. Tis a sight to see the multitudes that throng it. Building or rather finishing is in full blast. Soon winter will be on when there will be a lull. To be succeeded by renewed activity in the spring.

Saturday 21 Oct. 1882

The Indian Summer still continues. Glorious and bright. The mud is now congealed. The roads all that could be desired. Took a walk to the C.P.S. The warehouse are of great extent and filled with freight cars of all the R.R. in the Dominion and also from the States all mixed up together. How they keep track of them is past my comprehension. A letter from Lizie today.

Sunday 22 Oct. 1882

Still beautiful. The day delightful. It would take a poet to describe it. George, Allice and self attended meeting. The Pastor gave a good practical character which was listened to with marked attention by a large congregation. After dinner to a long walk. The prairie extends as far as the eye can reach. Land and sky appear to meet. George at meeting in the evening. Allice and I kept each other company in pleasant conversation and in singing.

Monday 23 Oct. 1882

Another golden day. After lunch went to town with George. The roads dry and glazed. Fairly glistened. The mud had this appearance from the action of the wheels. Stopped awhile at the warehouse and then out for a stroll. Met Lockie Hamilton. Went with him to C.P. office. Had a talk with him. Into the Hudson Bay Co. store. The finest in the dominion. The store pillars from Ohio, the brick from Philadelphia very grand and intend to add to its extent. The coming season I find a great improvement in my health, can take long walks and eat with appetite and relish. Wrote to Tom. Wish much that all were here, think of them almost constantly. If they were near me I would indeed be happy. Never tired looking at the magnitude of this wonderful city. What hurry in getting the new unfinished housed ready for the winter which is close upon us and when it does come tis in earnest.

Tuesday 24 Oct. 1882

Indian Summer I fear is on the wane day. Dark, the sun made many attempts to pierce the gloom but failed. The prairies on fire but do not think they will harm the city. Wrote Tom and Clara. Rec. a letter from the latter. Had my accustomed walk. All goes on as usual. Calmly, quietly, without a ripple or cascade. I have named our dwelling, Ambrosia Cottage, every way appropriate.

Wednesday 25 Oct. 1882

A struggle between the Indian Summer and winter. The former it seems has gained the day and bids fair to continue sometime longer. Tis much needed. As should Winter now come on many will be taken unprepared. Wrote Aunty and Maria long letters mostly descriptive of this wonderful city. Nothing of moment to note down. All is peaceful, serene and tranquil. A few snow flakes, a hint of what is coming

Thursday 26 Oct. 1882

Today part Indian Summer and part something else. On the eve of a change felt dull. A sort of home sickness, tried to get rid of the feeling by sawing wood. In some measure succeeded. Nothing to do is not pleasant. Took a long walk by the station. All life there. The business doing emense. Train after train coming and going. Grand Station House building. Round house nearly completed, said to be the largest in America.

Friday 27 Oct. 1882

Foggy, gloomy and dispiriting. Such a change from the grand weather of the past few days. How time passes. A moth today since I left. My old home broken up. Soon to pass into the hands of strangers and the place that knew me so long to know me no more. This is not an abiding place. If I can get that home, whose maker and builder is god, it will be a glorious exchange. Our dinner as usual so pleasant. Afterwards reminiscence of past days of the long time ago. George recounting many of his youthful pranks. A letter from Clara

Saturday 28 Oct. 1882

Rained all night. Day cold, drizzling and very dreary. Time past heavy as lead, kept the house and near the stove. Read a little. Thought a good deal. George came home early to lunch. When things brightened a little, slept a good while to wile away the time. Dinner as usual very pleasant. Afterwards talked of poetry and poets, recited some of the gems from Burns, Scott and Byron and tho last but first Shakespeare.

Sunday 29 Oct. 1882

Did not go to meeting the day raw and unpleasant, besides I have a cold which is slightly troublesome. After dinner George persuaded me to go out with him for a walk. I did so. It was on the outskirts of the city on the Prairie extending on all sides boundless as the ocean, millions of acres of the richest land in the universe. This is a wonderful county. After tea wrote a letter to Clara, I think she would like to get one daily

Monday 30^th Oct. 1882

Snowed all day the first of the season. Kept the house. We seldom have visitors and George always at his place of business. Allice and I are left to our own resources. The pipe is a solace and whiler away the time and is an incentive, at least to me, of thought in an instant I am at Tally Ho and in another . Can review the scenes of the long past, all the joys the sorrows, the ups, the downs of my checkered life but I can say His Goodness, His Mercy has followed me all my life

Tuesday 31 Oct. 1882

Day fine, Snow melting. Roads abominable. The mud and snow mixed. The mixture terrible. Copied for George Minutes of the Baptist conference of which he is secretary. A letter from Lizzie, giving news from home. Wrote her. Sawed a lot of wood, feel so strong , so well. Tonight is Halloween, tis a quiet one here. Tis getting out of date. Took my accustomed walk. As usual a pleasant dinner, cookery here is one in the highest style of art.

Wednesday 1 Nov. 1882

Last night Halloween passed quietly. The day warm. Sun shining pleasantly. Took a walk. The roads fearful. Teams sticking in the principal streets. Mud, Mud. Even the sidewalks covered with it which with the melting snow is something horrible. Dawson was with us to dinner The evening passed so pleasantly.

Thursday 2 Nov.1882

Snowed heavily all day. Winter appears to be on in earnest. However, the oldest settlers say we will have a month of fine weather. Yet kept under cover all day. Read some stories. Rec. a letter from Clara and replied. Her letters are a cordial. How pleasant news from those we love when they are from a far off country.

Friday 3 Nov. 1882

A lovely day. Some sleighs made their appearance. Tis to be hoped. The mud, the weary mud has received its quieties for a season. Amused myself in the wood yard. Finished the pile and now have nothing to do. Took my accustomed walk. Quite well. We have a Scotch maiden rather ancient who is fond poetry and quotes. Burns extensively. I have many a pleasant crack with the Douce antiquated body……

Saturday 4 Nov. 1882

Sun shone brightly all the day. Snow melting fast. Mud again in the ascendent. Went to the warehouse in the morning and remained til time to return with George for lunch. I am tired doing nothing. Nothing to do. I have lost the relish for reading. Nothing to interest me. I should be the happiest of mortals being with George and Allice who show me love and tenderness without stint or measure but have nothing to do.!

Sunday 5^th Nov. 1882

Day dark. Snow nearly gone. George, Allice and I went to meeting in the New House. Which is roomy and plain. Well adapted for a place of worship. The Pastor speaks with fluency and may be called eloquent. At all events he appears to be in earnest but is=till his style of speaking is so different from what I have been accustomed to.

The opening is to be next Sunday. A Presbyterian Minister is to preach the first discourse. Christian Fellowship is the basis of it is one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, one Father of all through all and in all!

Monday 6^th Nov 1882

Like yesterday, dark and cheerless. Streets and crossings like liquid blackening. A letter from Lizzie and a note from Clara. Tis pleasant to hear from the old home. Nothing to note. One day like another. Time passes almost imperceptible. Tis a river flowing out into eternity. I must soon realize its realities. Fast approaching the Bourne, from which no return. He has brought me thus far, I with trembling faith, trust he will not forsake me at the last.

Tuesday 7 Nov. 1882

Dull day. Amused myself part of it in shoveling a load of coal into the bunker. Started the burner in the hall. It makes the temperature of the house delightful. Turning cold and hope that the fearful mud is at an end. At least for a long time. A young gentleman and lady newly married were with us during the evening which passed most pleasantly

Wednesday 8^th Nov. 1882

Day mild. Froze slightly last night. Roads better. Sawed a large lot of wood by way off exercise rather like it as I have nothing else to do. Wrote a long letter to Clara. In the evening walked down to the city. The traffic on Main Street, well tis most tremendous. One unbroken line of wagons going and coming. The side walks corresponding. It was dark when I returned. The street brilliantly lit up by that marvel of beauty, the electric lamp. George and Allice at meeting and the writer is solus.

Thursday 9thNov. 1882

Today bright and pleasant. A day appointed for thanksgiving. Only partially kept carpenters, masons and painters busy as usual. Appearance of snow and frost. Went to meeting with George and Allice. The Pastor gave an animated discourse. Spoke of the Hebrews offering the first fruits of the goodness and beneficence of God in nature and providence.

Spoke of the grain of wheat put into the ground. Its various stages of growth to it arrived at full perfection and the greatness of its product.

Friday 10^th Nov.1882

Snowed gently all day turning cold. Winter appears to be on in earnest. Sawed some wood for amusement. A letter from Clara and not from Lizzie. Nothing to post. Day passed very, very quiet.

11^th

Winter in earnest. Day very cold. Wind piercing. Sawed some wood by way of exercise. Wrote Clara and Lizzie. Nothing of note to write about, only that I am surrounded with every comfort I could desire!

Sunday 12 Nov. 1882

Day bright and bracing. The opening of the new Baptist meeting House took place. There were three services. Morning, afternoon and night. All well attended by. In the evening the house well filled. I attended the morning and night meetings. The discourses I suppose were very good from a Baptist view but I thought there was something wanting and that was the way to show sinners, the way to obey the gospel.

Monday 13 Nov. 1882

A beautiful day. Sun so bright. Finished the sawing of the wood. Quite a pile. More than I sawed in all my life. (at least I think so) Walked down to the warehouse and after dinner went with George and Allice to witness the inauguration of the new Pastor. The stand was filled with Ministers of the different denominations. It was a sort of millennium. All fraternized. The Lion and Lamb met together and for the present seemed to merge their differences of opinions. I uniting in attaching the common foe.

Tuesday 14 Nov. 1882

A very warm and pleasant day. The snow fast going. Appearance once more of mud. Took my accustomed walk to the warehouse. All business bustle and activity in the city but layers, painters, plasterers. Painters busy, some magnificent stores near completion.

The more I see of Winnipeg the more I wonder at its vigor and the prospect of its future but it has its shades, drunkenness and depravity. Its dens of infamy, the crime near its beauty. Rec. letters from Aunty and Clara.

Wednesday 15 Nov. 1882

A slight fall of snow during the night. The day mild and pleasant. Kept the house all day. Wrote and read and at night went with George to the Baptist weekly prayer meeting.

Thursday 16 Nov. 1882

The day bright and glorious. Sleighs making their appearance and the merry jingling of the bells. Moon light nights, my accustomed walk to the busy city. Read and smoked and thought. A good 10 o’clock . dinner and a first rate relish for it! Wrote Mr. Frame.

Friday 17 Nov. 1882

Sun shining all day. Remained at hoe not feeling well, a cold seems to be the matter. All unstrung , no life or energy. Brooding over the past, the present and the future. The past cannot be recalled. The present is ours. The future is Gods. I should note be cast down but trust in Him who has brought me so far and will be with me to the close. Oh that I could praise him and adore to offer up a humble and a contrite heart.

Saturday 18^th Nov. 1882

Another glorious day of constant sunshine. Such a day, seldom seen at this season inn Ontario. Brick layers, carpenters and all others plying their vocation. Not very well for the last tow days, a touch of my old complaint, the blues, however, it is wearing off. Took a walk to the warehouse and waited til it was closed when George and I walked home to dinner. This is the end of the week. How fast they fly soon two months since leaving. I wonder what they are all doing. Lizzie sewing, Tom reading or smoking, the little ones in their beds and Clara in her room, perhaps thinking of her father as he is of her! And of them all.

Sunday 19^th Nov. 1882

Another day of glorious sunshine but it was rather dull with me. The cold still keeps its hold. I kept the house or rather my room to tea time when I joined the party that surrounded it. I felt much better the good things upon the board, the warming loving faces were as reviving as an elixir. George is going to put me through a course of treatment. A mustard plaster, a dose of rhubarb and cream of tartar, some cough mixture with feet in warm water. This he thinks will effect a cure.

Monday 20^th Nov. 1882

Still another day of almost Indian summer. The weary mud once more in the ascendent. The cold which has troubled me for some time past. Is better. A long and pleasant letter from Clara. Posted to Tom and her.

21^st Tuesday

day dull. Mild with gleams of sunshine. Much better. Took a short walk. George and Allice out to tea. Dawson and Melbourne with self to dinner. Prairie chicken and splendid pudding. The dinner epicurean.

Wednesday 22 Nov. 1882

Day dark but mild and pleasant. Wrote to Mr. Russell. Read awhile. Went to the city to the warehouse. Main Street all bustle. Streets and side walks a perfect jam. Houses still going up and tis expected the coming season will as far as building is concerned, will equal the last. I am so tired. Tired out in having nothing to do. A life of idleness does not suit to be a drone in the hive, eating the honey gathered by others is not, at least to me, pleasant.

Thursday 23 Nov. 1882

Freezing hard all day but the sun shining bright making things pleasant. After lunch took my accustomed walk to the warehouse where business appeared to be brisk. Goods sold going out in large quantities. George has every prospect of success. None more deserve it. A more kind and tender husband could not be and as a son he is the perfect ideal, so rarely met!

Friday 24 Nov. 1882

Today rather mild looking like snow. The roads were smooth. A letter from Lizzie. Wrote brother marshal, to Tom and Lizzie. My usual walk to the city. All busy. A new side walk on the opposite side of the street on which we live commenced today over a mile long. Houses still going up. It looks as if the winter was no hinderance. Business brisk at the warehouse..

Saturday 25 Nov. 1882

Day rather dull but mild and yet cold. Strange to see brick layers at work on houses. Four stories with stoves on the scaffolding to keep the mortar from freezing and I hear that it tis the intention to go on with work all the winter. On Wednesday morning there was a pile of materials on the ground. Tonight there is a two story house covered with tin, the windows glazed and tis likely the coming week it will be lathed and plastered and veneered with brick. Wrote tom again today,.

Sunday 26 Nov. 1882

Day keen. Bracing with constant sunshine. Every way pleasant and delightful. George not very well with a stitch in his side. He and Allice remained at home. I went to meeting. A large congregation. The sermon not bad. I have heard better. Broth. Sherman could have done as well perhaps better. Allice has gone to the evening meeting. George and I remained at home. I would like to see the dear ones at home. My dear little Gip and Nina,Twins like tendril round my heart. All, all, so dear!

Monday 27 Nov. 1882

Mild and pleasant. The roads perfectly smooth, the mud over for a time. A few inches of snow is needed. Split up a lot of wood for kitchen store. Rec. a letter from Clara. Replied and also wrote Lizie. About the time I am writing, two months past since left home. No more to be my home. Will I ever see it again. If I should, it will be occupied by aliens. At one time, I thought it would have descended to my children. Man proposes, God disposes!!!

Tuesday 28 Nov. 1882

A glorious day of constant sunshine. Almost balmy and near akin to Indian summer. I split a lot of wood. Some of it as tough cross grained and knotty. I am quite strong and rather like it. I have nothing else to do and tis an amusement not thought so by many.

Took my usual walk to the city in the evening and returned with George. His business continues good and every prospect of it increasing. The threats of rebellion on the disallowance are fainter and will end in smoke. A tempest in a teapot, a puddle in a storm.

Wednesday 29 Nov. 1882

Bright, clear and frosty. Finished splitting the wood. Nothing to do . Tired reading. Wrote to dear little Aunty. George and I went to the weekly meeting, the place so crowded and so warm that we did not stay. All serene.

Thursday 30^th

Day mild, very pleasant. I like the climate. So clear and bracing. Have not felt so well for years. If necessary could do a fair days work. Took two long walks and enjoyed dinner very much. This is the last day of the month and tomorrow ushers in the last month of 1882.

Friday 1 December 1882

Snowed in the morning slightly, very cold but pleasant. Masons and all others at work. A letter from Clara. Wrote her. Nothing to note, All quiet. Not a ripple but expect that winter has at last seized the helm and for a time will be master.

Saturday 2^nd

Today an exact duplicate of yesterday. Strange to see brick layers at work. The mortar freezing the moment tis used. Rec..letter from W.A. and Clara. Am in the best of health. What a blessing.

Sunday Dec 3 1882

A heavy fall of snow all day now night and still continues. George and I went to meeting. The Pastor spoke very well from a Baptist stand point. He appears to speak in all sincerity. There were to be two Baptisms in the evening. I remained at home. George and Allice attended. How much I would like some our ernest and gifted Evangelists, could have an opportunity of preaching as did the Apostles in the olden time. It would revolutionize some of their ideas.

Monday 4dec 1882

Day bright but very cold. Good sleighing. Kept the house with the exception of a very short walk. Wrote Tom and Clara, nothing to dot down.

Tuesday 5^th

Sun all day. Brilliantly bright but cold very cold but not unpleasant. Took a short walk and enjoyed it. Rec. letters from Wm. Frame, Maria and Clara. Wrote Tom. Health continues good and appetite excellent.

Wednesday 6dec 1882

Mercury this morning 27 below zero. Sun bright all day but nipping cold. Kept the house. Afraid to venture out. Rec. a most affectionate letter from one I hold very dear Mrs. Knight, late Katy Stephens. Read, wrote, smoked and a great deal of thinking. In imagination calling to recollection scenes that transpired in the once dear old home. The last link about to be broken. The last strand severed!

Thursday 7^th Dec 1882

Day conterpart of yesterday. Cold, cold with constant sunshine. Attempted to walk into the city but failed. The frost was piercing. Wrote to Lizy. Nothing of moment to dot down.

Friday 8^th

Getting mild and pleasant some appearance of a thaw. Wrote Clara and Lizie. Had a walk to the warehouse. After dinner, called on Mr. Orgue, the Methodist Minister, and passed the time most pleasantly.

Saturday 9^th Dec 1882

Slight Snow, mild and pleasant. In the fore part of the day, split and piled a load of empty glass boxes. The servant says she has kindling for the winter. George was home for lunch. I then walked with him to the station. As he is expecting a case of plate glass. Each pane to fill a window, but yet not at hand. The freight houses are immense structures. We went through three of them. Such quantities of freight. I never saw and the cars, without number, the workmen would make an army, Main St. from end to end alive. Sleighs darting in all directions, like meteors.

Sunday 10^th Dec,. 1882

The day a gem. Sun in its brightness. The air so pure and bracing. I like the climate. We have had two days of cold but it did not stop work. Brick layers, painters, carpenters at work as usual. Went with George and Allice to meeting. The Pastor being unwell, an old man took his place. I like him for his earnestness but tis different from the style I have been accustomed to. The New Testament speaks of the way to enter in to the fold. This way is never pointed out. As far as I can see, sinners leave as they came, nothing the wiser.

Monday 11 Dec. 1882

Mild and genial. Remained at home til evening when after dinner went with George to the tea at the congregational church. A beautiful edifice at a cost of $50,000. It was filled to overflowing galleries and all music, piano, violins and other instruments. Many Ministers were on the platform who gave short speeches. Many attempts at the humourous and as many failures, all had to fall back on the Irish for instance as the Irishman said, poor Pat had to do extra duty, all eulogized , the Pastor, Mr. Silcox and gave him credit for as many excellencies. As you would expect in an Apostle, the flattery intense, to me fulsome.

Tuesday 12 Dec. 1882

Another installment of snow fallen during the night. The sleighing now superb. Turning colder. There may be a blizzard any moment. A letter form Clara yesterday and one from Lizie today.

13^th

Day as usual, bright and bracing. Wrote Lizy, took my accustomed walk to the city. Masons building up the walls of the New City Hall. Bricks freezing as laid down. Sleighing fine and all appear on the alert. Extra Busy!

Thursday 14 Dec. 1882

Intensely cold. The thermometer some where about forty and yet people do not appear to mid it. Brick laying going on at the New City Hall and other places. A battalion of workmen at the Opera House. A large hotel burnt in the evening. The fire just under control. Our house warm and cozy. My room like a Cygnets nest. The dear, dear ones home. How often they are in my thoughts. Absence makes the heart more tender and tis hoped they are all well.

Friday 15 Dec. 1882

Cold. Stayed in doors all day. Am not in love with the winter. Too much of the artic. House rather chilly but more genial at night, at evening. Our dinner hour very pleasant. George in his usual flour of fun and humour. His business cares and anxieties seldom intrude. He leaves them locked in the safe and enjoys to the full, the comforts and pleasures of on of the happiest of homes.

Saturday 16 Dec. 1882

Temperature today so mild and pleasant such a change from yesterday. At the warehouse and from there called on Lockie Hamilton. How fast the weeks pass. The month half over. The days now at the shortest scarcely over eight hours in length.

Sunday 17^th

Still mild during the day. Did not go to meeting. Had a slight pain in my back. Not serious. Read a portion of the Word and some chapters of the Seven Thunders which are most interesting.

Monday 18 Dec. 1882

Mild all day. In evening snow from the east falling. We may have plenty, then likely cold and for variation of blizzard. Rec. a letter from brother Marshall, Clara and Lizie. Wrote tom, Clara, Mrs. Knight and Maria. Took a short walk. Snowing so hard turned back.

Tuesday 19 Dec.

Today bright and glorious. Mild with constant sunshine. Sleighing superb. Down to the warehouse. As usual busy. My health upon the whole good. The climate appears to suit me full as well as that of Ontario

Wednesday 20 Dec.1882

Dark day. Threatened rain. For amusement sawed and split wood. Allice busy, very busy in preparing for the Christmas feast.

21 Thursday

dark and dreary in the fore part of the day. In the afternoon the sun came out bright. Sawed some wood then down to the city. Rec. a letter from W. Frame and wrote Tom.

22 Friday

Fog in the morning, very cold. Brightened at noon but still cold. Sawed a lot of wood. Nothing else to do. Must rub off the rust someway.

Saturday 23 Dec. 1882

Sharp but very pleasant day. Never saw finer sleighing. Finished sawing wood. A large pile of it. Almost wonder how I did it. Could not perform such a feat in Ontario. After lunch strutted to the city. Large bodies of men at the City Halls and Opera House and others digging cellars and stores. Will soon be built. Winter does not stop building. The stores look very fine. Rich goods in profusion. Mt a Ferguson and hi cousin Cambell on their return from the far west. They like the country. Bought two fine geese and a turkey. House filled with good things.

Christmas Eve – Sunday 24 Dec. 1882

One of the finest days of the winter perfectly lovely, with George and Allice to the Baptist meeting. The Pastor is a good man. Has an excellent record but his sermons or discourses do not interest me. He is fluent with facts, figures, illustrations but they do not touch me that is I can not respond as I could wish. In the evening heard the Congretional

Minister. Great is the mystery of Godliness, the text. It was a rich treat to me. I listened with pleasure and rapt attention. He said there were mysteries in nature, in our every day life. In the grass the flowers, in our being, our life as great as the Mystery of Godliness.

Xmas 25 Dec. 1882

George and Allice kept up the old honoured custom of hanging up the stockings and decided I should be no exception and did so. Santa Claus or one of his agents filled it. On examination found a case of exquisite tobacco, velvet smoking cap highly decorated and with tassels, candies, neck tie and a pair of nice overshoes. In the toe of the sock, a five dollar bill, a beautiful number of the London Graphic. Besides an autograph letter from the Saint that in future I will have to provide a larger stocking. I took a long walk after breakfast in order to hunt up an appetite for dinner and succeeded. Our dinner was in all respects superb. Taste and elegance in harmony. I never enjoyed a repast with greater zest. George as host, was a host and Allice, genial, smiling, graceful winning and bewitching. We were a happy party. Six in number.. Will we all meet again on the next anniversary, time will tell. Change and decay in all around, we see oh thou! That changest not abide with me.

Tuesday 26 Dec. 1882

A glorious day of constant sunshine. So clear the atmosphere healthy and vivying. Busy most of the day splitting and piling wood. The days work mad a fair show. I could not do it in Ontario. Well about as easy as to jump over the moon. At the Sunday school celebration a Christmas tree loaded with gifts for the children who were delighted. There was a large gathering. All treated with tea cake. Etc. etc. Letter from Clara. Christmas card from Etta

Wednesday 27 Dec. 1882

The day bright and pleasant as usual. Split and piled some wood. Worked moderately. Heigh Ho!. Three months ago at about this time I was preparing to leave where I dwelt so long. Feel very sad at the recollection. Since then haven given up all claim. It will now pass in the hands of strangers. I thought at one time it would while life lasted be my resting place. To the time of my death. Then to be take to the place appointed for all living and placed by the side of her loved so well. It is my desire as it was hers that we should rest to sleep together, to be made alive at the sounding of the last trumpet

Thursday 28 Dec. 1882

As usual, sunshine, bright and pleasant. Finished cutting and piling wood. A pleasant walk to the city. Master and Miss, Mrs…..for tea. Brick layers at work on City Hall.

Friday 29 Dec. 1882

Continued pleasant weather. Sleighing all that could be wished. Snow about twelve inches. So far neither drifts or blizzards. At the City Hall, masons at work and other building finishing or new ones building.

Saturday 30 Dec. 1882

As usual, sunshine, bright and pleasant. Finished cutting and piling wood. Early in the morning Mrs. Cameron and children, the wife of the Pastor, arrived from Ottawa. Breakfasted and dined with us. Their house is in the same terrace. She will be an acquisition to Allice, will be an agreeable companion. Will fill a void, long wanting. Spent some time in the reading room of the young mens C.A. and intend to do so frequently. The selection of papers and current literature appears to be good. Rec. a letter from Clara from Toronto. Her visit bids fair to be very pleasant. I also got a note from Mill, from England. So kind, so loving. Have rec. a large number of cards. I am not forgot. Day delightful!

New Years Night 31 Dec. 1882

1882 tis near the end and will soon be with the years beyond the flood. The coming one will pass away as soon to be succeeded by another til time will be no longer but there is one who changes not but is the same yesterday today and forever, Our Heavenly Father, our God and our Reedemer. May it be given unto me if spared , the coming one to be able to redeem the time and walk in a new life looking to Him for help to guide ma and to bless the dear ones He has given me. Amen.

New Year 1 Jan. 1882

Opened cold with constant sunshine. The frost in Ontario would be thought intense. Here it is not minded causing no cessation in out of door employment. I remained at home all day. Mostly in my room. George was out part of the time making calls. Allice remained to Rec. visitors who were treated not to wine but coffee, sandwich,, laughter and cake. Posted letters to Tom and Clara and papers to old friends. The New Year has opened pleasantly and hopeful without a cloud on the horizon.

Tuesday 2 Jan. 1883

Dark and very cold. Took a walk in the afternoon to near the station. Young Wilkes the Lawyer, to dinner. A pleasant evening. A paper from Medford, Owen Sound.

Wednesday 3 Jan.

The brightest of sunshine but cold. Intense. Said to be forty below zero. Kept the house all day. I think tis one of the most pleasant homes in the Dominion. George quite musical. Gave us the Louisianna Low Lands Lo. Old John Brown, Allice and Mel joining in the chorus. I sang a few verses of Old Songs. It was in reality a Nodes Ambrosiana!

Thursday 4 Jan. 1883

Still cold and bright. Moderated towards evening with light fall of snow. Rec. a long letter from dear little Lizie telling me all her cares and troubles and all about her little ones. She has a heavy burden, the care of so many but hope she may be strengthened and enable to bear up and to be able to cast all her cares all her burdens at the feet of Him who will never leave or forsake those who do so.

Friday 5 Jan. 1883

Milder, with a light snow in the afternoon. At tea, we had the Pastor, Mr. Mcarthur and their wives. The table was in holiday style. George and Allice, the genial host and hostess. The Pastor and Mr. McA. Did the conversation. I attempted to take a part with out success. My presence ignored. Non Est, De Trop, A Blank, A Nonentity. Not a word addressed me during the evening. The lady guests discussed their servants peculiarities as they did the virtues and accomplishments of a lady in Montreal.

Saturday 6 Jan. 1883

Intense cold and the brightest sunshine. One should neutralize the other. However cold is supreme. Kept the house all day. In fact nearly all the week. The atmosphere so bright and clear. Almost everyday the sun shines without a cloud, not a breathe of wind for the last month. When it does, there will be a blizzard in earnest. The snow like sand, dry hard and round. I would like to see an Ontario thaw not likely I will.

Sunday 7^th Jan. 1883

The day pleasant with constant sunshine but still a high temperature. Attended meeting in the morning with George and Allice. A Mr. Groat from Ontario here on business, a most intelligent, disciple, was with us to dinner. We had a long talk with George on the difference of opinion betwixt us and when analyzed it was found to be very slight and hoped that at not far off day the bodies might be united and be one. One thing stands in the way the Baptists would not give up their name nor would the disciples take theirs.

Monday 8 Jan. 1883

Not so cold. Day pleasant calm, pleasant and peaceful. This is the day that brings the weekly mail which I read with interest. Tis like an old friend. Wrote Clare!

9^th

The weather mild and pleasant. Took a walk to the city. Spent an hour in the young mens C.A.R. Read the mail. From there to the warehouse. A fall of snow in the afternoon. A small blizzard. Rec..letters from W.A., & James Frame. As usual all serene.

Wednesday 10^th Jan. 1883

The sun gloriously bright but very cold. Brick layers at work on the walls of City Hall.

Stoves on the scaffolds. Called at the young mens R.R. It was crammed. Took a walk on Main Street. Pulled up at the warehouse and with George home to lunch.

Thursday 11^th

Day dull, cold and for a wonder without sun. Men at work on City Hall and Opera House. Feel rather dull myself. This continued idleness is becoming oppressive. To get a load of wood to saw would be a relaxation.

Friday 12 Jan. 1883

Day mild without sun but pleasant. Enjoyed a long walk to the station, the young mens room, the warehouse. A letter from Clara. Wrote her and James Frame. Snowing at night. Wind up a blizzard, turning cold.

Saturday 13 Jan.

Bright and cold almost piercing. Kept the house. Part of the day spent in reading a history of the Kingdom of Ireland, a most interesting history, one of turmoil, bloodshed and tyrany. For ages Englands record towards Ireland is one of oppression and injustice.

Sunday Jan 14^th1883

A glorious day. The sun in all its brightness. The cold keen but still pleasant. Alone I went to meeting. The Pastor and wife being unwell, George and Allice sat up all night. Tis to be hoped they will soon be better. Professor Bryce of the Presbyterian College took his place. He is a fine speaker and listened to him with great pleasure. My thoughts today with the dear ones from whom I am separated. May God bless them is my prayer, my earnest wish.

Monday 15 Jan. 1883

Day keen and bright. Read a good deal of the history of poor old Ireland. England has much to answer for. Treatment of Poland by Russia is humane compared with England to Ireland. Rec. a letter from W. Cloy, a very old friend. Took a pleasant walk. Day perfection. Mild, bright and genial. All on the Q.V. as elections approach. So many willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of the country.

Wednesday 17^th Jan. 1883

Day bright but bitter cold. Kept the house. Nothing of note to cronicle.

Thursday 18

Cold less intense. Sawed some wood, quite well. George left in the morning for Brandon and other places. We miss him. He is our sunshine.

Friday 19^th

Day dark and gloomy. Cold intense. George returned in the evening. So glad to see him.

Saturday 20^th Jan. 1883

Cold, intense. In its intensity the mercury forty below zero. The temperature in the Sound pleasant.

Sunday 21 Jan. 1883

Still cold. The sun beautifully bright. Attended with Gorge and Allice the meeting. The pastor still being unwell, a Presbyterian Minister took his place. I was pleased with what he said and think he is an earnest and good man. In the evening a very young man, a son of Mr. Kean of Orillia, a law student, gave a lecture to young men. His text , where with all shall a young man cleanse his way by taking heed to His Word. For one so young, he spoke remarkably well and tis to be hoped that those addressed will not forget.

Monday 22^nd Jan. 1883

No change. Frost till continues and likely to for some time. Sawed and split some wood. A letter from Clara.

Tuesday 23^rd

Somewhat milder with bright sun. General election for Local House. Result not yet known. Sawed and split some wood. Feel so strong and well.

Wednesday 24^th

A cold but pleasant day. Rec. a letter from Lizie. Also a call from Frank Stephens. Elections over. A large majority in favour of the Dominion Gov’t. disallowance.

Thursday 25Jan. 1883

Still cold and for a change no sun. Sawed and split wood. Towards evening much colder. Melbourne on coming home had his cheeks slightly frozen.

Friday 26

A delightful day. Mild and genial. Such a change from the arctic to the temperate. Sawed wood on and off curing the day.

Saturday 27^th

Mild and pleasant. Took a walk to the warehouse. Masons laying brick at City Hall. Four months today since I left home. How time flies. Wrote Clara. All in statis quo. Here, one day like another.

Sunday 28 Jan. 1883

Mild and pleasant. Did not attend meeting in the morning but out in the evening. Flossie and Maggie arrived last night. Flossie, Frank and Dawson for tea. Maggie too tired to leave the hotel. George leaves in the morning for Montreal and will be away about three weeks. We will feel his absence and hope he will be prospered and protected on his way and return in health and safety.

Monday 27 Jan. 1883

Still mild and genial. One of the very pleasant days of winter. George left in the morning for Montreal. Will be away for about three weeks. We will long for hi return. Called to see Maggie, nee Simson, at the Queens. She was so tired could not come up. Flossie and Dawson for dinner. Flossie sang and played to our great delight.

We spent a very happy evening. There are now in the N.W. Eight of the Stephens., two nieces, five nephews and a son. Besides a step son and more coming. Myself not included.

30^th Jan. 1883

A model day. Bright, bracing and delightful. Flossie and two of the infant Simsons at lunch. Maggie at the hotel, not well. I remained at home, not very well. Something like a cold.

Wednesday 31 Jan.

Cold and bright. The winter is getting monotones. A thaw would be a pleasant change. Dawson and Flossie fro dinner. A pleasant evening. Flossie played and sang with fine effect. So sorry she could not remain some days longer but leaves with Maggie in the morning for their new home.

First of February 1883

Cold, cold, very cold. A good Ontario thaw would be very pleasant but such an occurrence has at this season, never happened. Very pleasant at home. Warm, bright and hospitable, peace and plenty.

Thursday 2

Still cold and piercing. A letter from George, from St. Pauls, stuck for a time with drifts. A telegram from Chicago. He expects to be in Montreal on Saturday morning. Rec. a letter tonight from Clara. All well here. Stayed in the house all day. Writing and reading.

Saturday 3 Feb 1883

Cold less intense. The day really pleasant. Took my walk to the very busy city. Remained some time at the warehouse and with measured steps and slow for home. Wrote Aunty. Rec. a letter from W. Frame and then is posted my weekly ledger.

Sunday 4Feb

Opened with a cloudless sky. The sun in its glory but cold and piercing. Did not attend meeting for fear of being congealed. George in Montreal at this time among the worshippers at Ollivet.

Thoughts of him gave rise to the following:-"In the hallowed court of Ollivet, George bows his head in prayer, asking for his chosen one, His tender love and care, for his Father not forgotten, His origins will rise, to Him who doeth all things well. Whose dwelling is the skies.

Monday 5^th

Last night the coldest yet. Moderated in the afternoon. Sawed some wood & shoveled a load of coal into the bin. Wrote Mrs. Hamilton, Allice. Rec. Letters from George, quite well but delayed by snow storms.

Tuesday 6^th Feb. 1883

Today delightful, The temperature all that could be wished and the sun gloriously bright. Such a change from the long, long hyperborean. Finished the sawing of the wood. Took a long walk up and down Main Street. All alive with cutters, sleighs and cabs. Some shooting past like meteors. Attended the Baptist Social Duets solos songs.

Wound up with an anthem by the choir. It was rather pleasant. At all events it was a change and will add to the organ. Exchequer assist was largely attended. Called at the warehouse.

Wednesday 7^th Feb 1883

The facsimile of yesterday felt somewhat dull and inclined to be restive. This inferred idleness. Is not agreeable. In sheer desperation, split and piled wood. The feat accomplished felt convalescent. Anxious very anxious to hear from home. The last letter dated 16 .

Thursday 8^th

Constant sunshine. Just cold enough to be pleasant. Healthful & invigorating, split wood. After lunch my usual walk to city & warehouse. Wrote Clara & Lizie. Very anxious to get word from home. Why do they not write. Echo why.

Friday 9^th Feb 1883

An ideal winter day. Cloudless sky. Constant sunshine. The air sharp, exilerating & bracing. In walking you felt the elasticity of a feathered mercury. Finished the wood, all split & piled. Am now out of employment. Might do worse than write the rise, decline and fall of gritism. It would be a sad and touching monody to blasted hopes and ruined expectations. They were to virtuous, too pure for this corrupt and untoward generation.

Saturday 10^th Feb 1883

Light snow. Day dark & mild. I felt dull and depressed all the day but like other ailments must run its course. I felt as follows: weary, weary, dull and dreary, thoughts corroding. Ills foreboding, hopes like leaves fallen, withered. The sport of every wind and blizzard no purpose in my life and it would seem to pass like vapour or a troubled dream, but this cloud will break and I trust the day star will drive away the darkness and all be right. Rec. tonight a letter from dear, dear Clara which cheered me a little. No letter from home. I am anxious, very anxious about them and try and commit them to His care.

Sunday 11 Feb. 1883

No pen painting can describe the beauty and splendor of today. It was simply glorious. How much I would have liked to go out but a severe cold prevented. Last night the servant being out, Allice prepared a foot bath, a mustard blister and bowl of gruel. So kindly, tenderly, her nursing, her voice like the breathing of a lute. I might say to Allice as I often said, to come who has passed it is a luxury to be sick when tended by such affection and such love.

Monday 12 Feb 1883

Still the cold is troublesome but hope it will soon give way that I might get out for a walk. The weather so delightfully pleasant. We are looking for Georges return by the end of the week.

Tuesday 13

The day all that could be desired. The golden sun by day the silver moon at night. A cloudless sky, no storm, no blizzard, no drifts or stoppages to travel. No floods, all peaceful and serene. The air charged with o-zone. The life renewed the invigoration, my cold still holds its grip not with standing

Wednesday 14 Feb 1883

Mild, pleasant but dark and cloudy with slight snow. A severe cold for the last five days. The doctor called in who says it will pass. There is no danger.

Thursday 15^th

Snowing mostly all day turning into a blizzard. Am some better today. Another visit from the Doctor who says will soon be all right. Allice so kind, so attentive, anticipates every wish, counting the hours to Georges return. Strange! No letters from home. A month since such a thing happened.

Friday 16 Feb 1883

Very pleasant. The snow fall heavy of yesterday, but as yet no drifts. My attack of cold Is going away and feel every way better (hope still differed) No letters from Home! A telegram from George. Homeward bound. How glad to see him. How we will hail his return!

Saturday 17

About 11 at night seized with a fit of shivering. Allice & Melbourne got up. Took a dose of pain killer, then ginger tea, a mustard plaster, hot applications to feet side, drank gruel tea then threw up. Perspiration broke out. Slept sound and woke free from pain.

Sunday 18 Feb. 1883

A glorious day. My room bathes in sunshine. Much better, slept well at night. I have had two doctors attending. The last attack was pleurisy but it tis subsiding and the medicos tell me I must keep my room from all exposure else a relapse is to be feared. How tenderly I have been nursed by Melbourne and Allice. Words can not express my sense of what I owe them. In the evening George returned from hi long, long journey in health and safety. Gave me news pleasant news of all the dear ones at home. How thankful. I should be to the Giver of every good.

Monday 19 Feb 1883

Very pleasant day. Feel much better but have to take care lest I get a relapse. George met many of my old friends who kindly enquired about me. The little ones all looking well with plenty to eat and drink and Tom preparing to find his fortune in the N.W. Maya he this time be successful.

Tuesday 20

The day radiant in its loveliness. Atmosphere mild and genial. How I wished to get out but have still to keep the house. Scarce recovered from the late attack. Dear Allice is also unwell. A sever cold but is much better.

Wednesday 21 Feb 1883

Day after day of glorious sunshine. Now three months of splendid sleighing. Not a vestige of a thaw, winter pursues the even tenor of its way some days the cold intense but looked upon with indifference. I am a little better. Allice not so well. Rec. a letter from Lizie. All well.

Thursday 22

Calm, mild, constant sunshine. Allice still poorly. Has suffered acutely. The house dull and dreary when she is sick but hope the worst is over. I am much better. The cough nearly left.

Friday 23 Feb 1883

No sun today. An exception to the rule. Some wind & slightly drifting. Nothing yet lie the storms and blasts of Ontario. Steady winter for the last three months with superb sleighing and constant sunshine. So far as I have seen Manitoba winter is to be preferred to Ontario. Allice still poorly suffers a great deal but hope in a day or so she will be able to take her accustomed place at the little table she is so much missed. I am some better. Trying the wonderous St. Jacobs Oil. Wrote Lizie!

Saturday 24 Feb 1883

After the eclipse of yesterday the sun appeared if possible brighter than usual. For the first time in many days I took my walks, one in the forepart & again in the afternoon and felt better from the exercise.

Allice still poorly, called in a new doctor who it is to be hoped will be able to relieve her from suffering. I have no great faith in doctors. One defined doctor as on who poured drugs of which he knew little into a body of which he knew less. In some measure I agree with the definition

Sunday 25^th Feb 1883

As usual the day bright & bracing. Did not go to meeting. Not quite recovered but nearly so. Allice some better. Poor girl, she has suffered greatly. A long and entertaining letter from Eliza Layton. How pleasant to hear form those we love when separated so far.

Monday 26

As usual very pleasant took a short walk. Cough somewhat troublesome. Allice not much better. Has settled into neuralgia and will have to run its course. Rec. a package of papers from Medford.

Tuesday 27 Feb 1883

The wildest day for months. The snow really in some places melting. Allice much better and hope soon to see her once more in health. Wrote to Clara. How the months pass. Five have gone since I left the dear old home and the dear ones there. How I wish to see them once more. I hope to be able to do so during the summer. This must have been an exciting day in Ontario. I only wish that Mowat & his following will like Nebuchadnesser be turned out to pasture

Wednesday 28 Feb 1883

The second month of the New Year has passed. How fast time flies. Onward ever onward. Nothing stays or can stay its course. The day has been very warm. The snow melting rapidly. Took a walk to the warehouse. The first since my illness. It was rather too long a walk & felt tired. Allice a little better. Tis hoped she will be able to get up tomorrow. Her illness throws a gloom over us all. How much my thoughts are with the dear ones at home. What exctasy to see them once again.

1^st March 1883

Its advent like the lamb and tis likely its exunt will be like a lion. Allice better. I am also much better & had a short walk along the railway

Friday 2 March

Pleasant a walk in the fore & afternoon. Allice much better. Nothing of moment. Current flows as usual with searce a ripple.

Saturday 3 March

As usual the day delightful. Down to the warehouse. After lunch walked towards the prairie. Allice much better. Was down to lunch and dinner. Felt dull today. Thoughts with the dear ones at home.

Sunday 4 March 1883

The day pleasant. Venror to the contrary who said it was to be cold with a blizzard. At home not feeling very well. Cough troublesome. Allice getting well. A letter from Clara. Wrote her. Mr. & Mrs. Wilkes for tea. A pleasant evening.

Monday 5^th

Slight fall of snow during the night. Very mild, alternate clouds, sunshine. Wrote Eliza Layton. Rec. a letter from Aunty.

Tuesday 6^th

Very cold but bright and pleasant. A letter from Maria. At home all day cold troublesome. Allice much better. Glass 24 below zero.

Wednesday 7^th

Outside, bleak, cold, dreary. Inside pleasant, warm, cheery.

Thursday 8 Mar

Day without sun but very mild and pleasant. Had a short walk. Allice and I still not quite well. Soon to move on to a new house.

Friday 9 March

Day mild, quite like a harbinger of spring. No appearance of storms foretold by venror. Had a short walk. Allice like herself once more.

Saturday 10^th March

Day bright, bracing not too cold. A regular orthodox winter day. George took Allice for a drive after lunch. Did the same friendly act to myself. The drive was through a part of the city quite new to me. I enjoyed it so much. It was the first sleigh ride to me of the season and it done me service. I also in the evening had a short walk and am better than I have been for some time and hope that soon I will be as usual. I am anxious to hear from home. What I would give to see the dear ones once more. Tom I suppose will be preparing soon to leave and try what he can do in the N.W. I hope he may succeed and get a home for the dear ones.

Sunday 11 March 1883

Bright and beaming. Attended meeting in the morning with George. The first time for many weeks and in the evening also. I cannot say the Pastor impressed me, however, I liked his night discours better than the morning. The congregation is a very large one. The organ is now in position to the great gratification of a majority of the members. Much can be said for and against instrumental music but it seems to be popular. Fine church’s , fine choirs and fine music.

Monday 12 march 1883

Sun today coming in its strength. So delightful in its warmth. Had a long drive over to S. Boniface by one bridge returned by the other. Gained strength and renewed spirits. Wrote Clara just when sealing it, rec. one from her. All well at home preparing to leave for Collinwood. Saw our new house. A brick cottage in a good locality and very near the warehouse. It will be so much more pleasant doing away with long walks of a mile and a half. Allice nearly well.

Tuesday 13 march 1883

A spring day so warm and beautiful. Snow melting fast and in some places mud appearing. Wrote Tom. Down to the warehouse. Getting well & strong.

Wednesday 14

Golden & glorious day. I hope we may not yet have to suffer and that the last of the moth will be as rough as the first has been pleasant. Wrote Maria.

Thursday 15

Bright and bracing. A little colder but so pleasant. Down to the warehouse. A letter from Clara. Wrote Aunty.

Friday 16 March 1883

No sunshine , an exception to the rule but mild and pleasant. My usual walk to the place of business, feel getting strong and fair appetite. Wrote Clara & rec. her photo which gratified me so much.

St. Patrick Day 17 March

Snowed heavy in the morning for about two hours then a blizzard or drift. At noon the sun came out very warm. In the afternoon cold, cold & still getting colder. A day of varidness. All kinds of temperature. Inside every way equitable.

Sunday 18 March

Much colder but sunshine all the day. Did not go to meeting. The temperature too keen. Dawson with us at dinner. George, Allice & he have just left for evening service. The servant is also out and I am alone. How time speeds on nearly six months have passed since I have left the old home and the dear ones it inmates. After the long and dreary winter, how pleasant the approach of spring. I am nearly quite recovered. How thankful I should be to the Giver of all good for his continued goodness, loving kindness & tender mercies.

Monday 19 March 1883

Day somewhat cold in the commencement but in the after part very pleasant such glorious sunshine. Tis almost perpetual. Walked to the station. Building going on and large preparations for the erection of warehouses.

Tuesday 20^th

Day bright, cold & bracing. The perfection of a winter day. Called on Lockie Hamilton had a pleasant cutter drive. A friend lending me his turn out. Wrote Tom and Clara, also at the warehouse as usual. Will pull up stakes in a few days and pitch our tent in a better

Locality. Attended the opening of the Reading Room in connection with Baptist Church. I was pleased and delighted with its appearance. Brilliantly lighted. The floor covered with oil cloth of an attractive pattern. The tables covered with green baize. A writing table & a fair assortment of the leading papers of the Dominion. Magazines & it is the intention to supply the best literature of the day. It is a most admirable commencement and will be the means of doing great good. Many young men (and it tis for them it is intended) will embrace the opportunity of spending their evenings in this quiet. I may say hallowed retreat, and those who attend will be the means of bringing others. It will be a blessing which will go on extending and distill like the dew. George suggested the idea and was warmly seconded by some of his Brethren and by their liberality they have made his idea a fact and all who promoted and carried it out to its successful issue. Must have been pleased and gratified at its successful opening. May it go on and prosper, be one of the mental electric lights of Winnipeg.

Wednesday 21 March 1883

The forepart of the day dull and cloudy with a slight sprinkling of snow. In the afternoon bright and pleasant. Walked as far as the Opera House, soon to be finished. I may describe it at some future time.

Thursday 22

Took unwell during the night. Kept in bed part of the day. Am now much better. The day more than ordinary fine. The sun so warm and bright. March has altered its program. So far has not given us a storm worth the name.

Friday 23 march 1883

No rule without its exception. No sunshine today but mild & pleasant. No appeance of the Vernal Equinox but may expect it very soon. Rec. a letter from Clara. Was pleasantly surprised by a call from Allice Stewart, one of the Peerless girls of the Dominion. She is good, better, best.

Saturday 24^th

Charming day. At the warehouse. Packed my trunk for the move on Monday. Allice, Stewart & Dawson with us at dinner. Nothing of consequence to cronicle but that time is still upon the wing.

Easter Sunday 25 march 1883

Bright but rather cold. What wind is from N.W. George is attending meeting. The attendance large and respectable. The Pastor spoke (and for him rather eloquently), more than the usual amount of tropes, figures and metaphors. All that he said was very good but a large amount of repetition. In his discoursed he never enters upon first principle but generalizes and his hearers leave as they come.. Some thinking no doubt the lecture or sermon excellent. I am alone at present. George, Allice, Melbourne, Dawson and servant out to the evening meeting. It does not agree with me being out at night especially in cold weather. I have just finished this evening, Early Days of Christianity. Part the first, by Canon Farrar. It is deeply interesting. It commences with the fearful persecutions by Nero, you almost witness or see them. They are so vividly described and then dissects if the expression my be used the Epistles of Peter. The one to the Hebrews and that of James, speaks of St. Pauls justification by Faith & of St. James by Works shewing that they Harmonize that the only difference is in expressions.

Monday 26 march 1883

A day of beauty. Sun glorious, the snow fast disappearing. Such a genial March beyond the memory of living man. Busy, busy preparing for a stampede in the morning. Carpets up and dusted and laid in the new domain which will be a dulci as the last. Letters from W. Frame, Clara & dar loving Millie (Mrs. Kingsmill)

Tuesday 27 March 1883

This was a busy day and very fortunate it was so pleasant. Well we are in a new home and filled with all that is required for comfort and enjoyment. It will save George many a weary walk and then the surrounds are so much better. I have the best room finely furnished, spring bed, lounge easy chair, large glass, pictures almost epicurean and both George & Allice are untiring in their love. Six months and at about the time I am writing seven in the evening, I left the old home .

I suppose never again to enter or perhaps to see it. What changes. I at one time thought that there I would end my pilgrimage and that it would descent to those, my children, but it was not to be and all is for the best. I hope that it tis so, he who is the creator also appoints our habitation and it would be well if we could say he does all things well and to say thy will be done.

Wednesday 28 march 1883

Busy, busy, very busy getting things in position, to bring order out of confusion. Three moves tis said are as profitable as a fire. However the change is for the better every way . Near business and in a more pleasant locality. Day brilliant as usual. Business improving and all hopeful for the future. I am quite over the late illness and feel buoyant and in fairly…………..

Thursday 29 march 1883

Still putting the house in order. All removed and nearly in shape. The piano will be placed tomorrow. When with some slight touches all be in apple pie order. My room is really a gem, roomy & from the window a fine view. I have a book case, writing table an easy as well as an arm chair lounge, spring bed, carpeted and as perfectly luxurious. Nothing wanting everything. Perfect.

Friday 30 March

The day bright and pleasant, March will pass away leaving a pleasant record for almost constant fine weather undisturbed by storm or bluster. Everything in our new home is fasting getting into status quo!

Saturday 31

The last day bright beautiful. Came in as a lamb and out as a dove. The March of 1883 will be marked by a white stone. What will April be like. Time will answer the question.

April Sunday first 1883

The month opened mild and very pleasant. Sunshine. Did not feel like going to meeting in the morning with George & Allice. Took a long walk after dinner which revived me.

While at tea rec. a letter from my dear Clara and at once replied. Dear Girl, I know it gives her pleasure to hear from me. Then went to hear Mr. Silcox the Congregational Minister. His subject was the Social Evil. It was a great discourse and showed nerve and courage in the speaker.

Monday 2 April 1883

Day dark with slight rain. The first moisture for over four months. Mud mud. The exerable mud in the axendent for a time.

Tuesday 3

Mild & very genial. Snow melting fast. Spent part of the afternoon at the reading room of the Y.C.A. A visit from T. Christie of Regina. Rec. a letter from Lizie, wrote her and Clara.

Wednesday 4

A lovely day. All serene. Wrote Tom. Lots of mud. An hour at the warehouse.

Thursday 5 April 1883

Steady sunshine. Mud, mud colour of tar. Tough as gutta perca. The more you try to rub it off the more it won’t. When dry takes a polish like Japan. Fairly horrible. Wrote Lydia, Glencairn.

Friday 6^th

Day bright & mild. A pleasant dinner party, extra style, really exquisite with the feast of reason and the flow of soul.

Saturday 7^th

A day like spring. Winter leaving, full time. A letter from Clara & Maggie Russell. Wrote Clara. Pictures put up in my bedroom. Curtains on the window all elegant.

Sunday 8 April 1883

All and every appearance of spring. Snow melting rapidly. Lakes of water on the prairie. No outlet I can see to drain so perfectly level. To meeting with George & Allice. In the evening to hear Mr. Silcox and like him very much

Monday 9^th

Rather cold but a most pleasant day. Wrote brother W.A. Tis his birthday. We both have seen very many, nearer the last both have passed the allotted time of three score years and ten and when entering the dark valley may his rod & staff be our stay and help.

Tuesday 10 April 1883

Bright and calmy . Sun driving off the snow on the prairie and also drying the side walks making city perambulations pleasant . Rather down. Dull spirits so low as if I had lost all vigor and vim. Heavy, heavy is my soul with doubts and cares distressed could I but on trust in Him who gives the weary rest

Wednesday 11 April 1883

Day opened dark & gloomy. Soon the sun burst out so warm almost sultry. The vapours rising lie a fog there is every appearance of an early spring with rapid vegetation. Sent an article to the enterprise with George to the weekly prayer meeting. Melbourne, dear boy taken suddenly, unwell pains & cramps. George away for the doctor. He is now much better and tis to be hoped the worst is over.

Thursday 12 April 1883

Heavy rain during the night. Day warm, sultry roads running with liquid blacking horrible, horrible . Flossie on a visit. All glad to see her. Nothing but mud.

Friday 13 April 1883

Day not bright. Like the lark but somber and dark. The sky one dense cloud. Sun wrapped in his shroud. Go try for a walk – you will find it a black sidewalks reeking – foul with the mud. In the streets wagons-sinking down to the hub. Some gentlemen fond of change and adventure wear the strangest of boots. Reaching up to their center. I pity the ladies. Fast as birds in their cages but it would be badder and worser to have fever and ages.

Saturday 14 April 1883

A more disagreeable day, can’t be imagined. Dar, dirty, dismal, drowsy, dreamy dismal, drizzling and draggle tailed the mud in quantity and tenacity beggars all description. The sidewalks flowing with what is like liquid blacking but in reality diluted mud. A fair description or rather a foul. Would be a fitting chapter to the mysteries of Udolpho, but glorious to say the sun came out in the evening giving promise of a glorious morrow.

Sunday 15 April 1883

The promise of last evening a failure. A fall of snow during the night. The day bleak, cold with high wind. Remained at home all the day. Troubled with a slight cold. There were five of our name at tea. George, Dawson, Frank, Flossie and self without including Maggie and the two Bairnes. Our generation muster strong. Tom and Hawley on their arrival will swell the list.

Monday 16 April 1883

Still unsettle gloomy weather. The streets near impassable. Sidewalks that slippery. In constant danger of a fall.

Tuesday 17

Change for the better the sun out, bright, warm. A spring day. Took a walk to the station to see L. Hamilton. Young men in hundreds looking for situations. These are all filled up will have to go as Navies or return Imigrants. Daily arriving. Servant left today not yet replaced.

Wednesday 18 April 1883

Day dark with slight showers of snow. Troubled with an attack of cold. Had several during the winter. Cannot help brooding over the tragical collapse of Tally ho. How bright & full of promise its beginning. How dark & somber is the ending. I had every reason at one time to believe it would descent to the next generation. Its door ever to open to relatives and friends. All, all changed and it seems to be the burlesque of a caricature. Its present occupants,, Sic Transit Gloria

Thursday 19 April 1883

Spring at last is come. Day warm beautiful. My cold is troublesome and has made me almost dear. At dinner I could not hear the person opposite. I hope it will not continue but tis very often an attendant to one of my age.

Friday 20

Warm, genial & pleasant. The side walks & crossings now passable. Cold much better and deafness left. After lunch went to the Reading Room than had a look at the Opera House near completed. Than to the warehouse and then home. A little tired. Frank left for the survey.

Saturday 21 April 1883

Pleasant but cool,. Street drying fast & crossings passable. In the afternoon took a long walk in a part of the city I never yet was in. Beyond the Hudson bay and Cauchon block & then to the St. Boniface Bridge of Iron over the Red River. A beautiful structure and of great length. The River is far larger than I thought. Ice still holds fast and tis said it is the intention to break it up with dynamite. The explosive will do more good that way than blowing up public buildings

Sunday 22 April 1883

Attended meeting morning and evening. The discourse in the evening was in the Mount Sinai style. Thunder lightening, fire wrath eternal and never ending on the disobedient. The speaker seemed to revel in the contemptation of the severity of the Wrath of God, such discourses will not convert, it is love, his love will alone convert sinners. The conversion by fear is not genuine. It is right the Preacher should mention the fate awaiting the wicked quote the passages as written without amplification they are full, explicit and possible may in some degree be metaphorical.

Monday 23 April 1883

A perfect day. Tis now the spring time of the year. The mud the weary mud is fast disappearing. Wrote brother Marshall. Rec. a letter from Aunty last night and postal from Clara today.

Tuesday 24

A charming day. Warm as June Must be fine for seeding. The streets drying up so fast. Spent an hour at the R. Room. In the afternoon down to the Broadway bridge over the red River. The ice coming down in small islands in endless succession. The sight very grand.

Wednesday 25 April 1883

Continued pleasant weather. Would be better of a shower to start the grass. Some preparing their gardens. The ice still careening down the rivers and no danger of an overflow. Spent a very pleasant evening at Mr. Sharps completely at home with them and am so glad I have made their acquaintance & intend to cultivate it. Mr. Sharps father, a genuine Irishman fifty one year out and speaks and looks as if just from the sod but is a gritty as a grindstone.

Thursday 26

Another glorious day. Almost as warm as June. How farmers will rejoice at the pleasant seed time giving promise of an abundant harvest. A shower of rain would be the crowning blessing.

Friday 27

Continued sunshine. A day to hear the ploughmans whistle and the milk maids song. How jubilant the farmers. The seed time is absolute perfection. Five hundred immigrants today. All going west train after train with horses, mules, cattle, implements & merchandise

Friday April 27 1883

Seven months since I left Tally Ho. They have passed so quickly. I can scarcely realize that tis really so . Spring has now come to be followed by summer. To be succeeded by autumn, winter to bring up the rear. How true it tis. Our lives pass as a dream that is told and how well it would be to number our days and apply our hearts unto wisdom to secure while here that better part which will never be taken away, lead mo O Lord that I may lay hold upon the promises & for Jesus sake forgive the past

Saturday 28 April

Day calmly every way delightful. A letter from my dear Clara. Its tone pleased & saddened. Dear girl, the work is all before her. May His Providence be her guide and raise her friends. She has many and few of an enemies. Warm ardent, affectionate & so impulsive. So quick to do wrong, so ready to attone, I wish to see her. We are so far apart but present in spirit but hope we may meet again. Wrote her today.

Sunday 29 April 1883

The day all that could be wished. Bears away the palm from Ontario. George, Allice and self at meeting. After dinner walked to the junction of the Asinaboine & the Red River both pouring down an immense body of water. The banks are pretty and many fine residences. After tea alone to evening meeting. The house fairly packed, a number of Baptists were expected (which were put off) No doubt many attended to see the solem rite out of curiousity may be some who came to skoff remained to pray.

Monday 30^th April 1883

The last day of the month and one of rain, snow, cold, dark and unpleasant. The change from the spell of delightful weather is depressing but it cannot be always sunshine. I suppose Tom would leave this morning for here The separation must have been painful, so far away. I suppose his destination will be over six hundred miles from this. I hope he may be prospered and that Lizie & little ones will be cared for by one those unseen, ever present

Tuesday 1^st May 1883

Cold, very cold and yet the sun is beaming in all its glory. Walked to the station,. Interviewed the Ass. Commissioner, Lockie Hamilton, accompany him to the end of the track. Leaving on the 8^th. Inst. It will no doubt be a very pleasant trip. The more so as it will be free. Expect Tom up soon who will be one of the party & it will be satisfactory to

See him located & at work. Got hair cut & beard trimmed. Cost forty cents. Moderate charge is it not!

Wednesday 2 may 1883

Pleasant but still cool rain, much needed but it will come in good time. Find my haring much impaired. Age with its infirmities exempts none.

Thursday 3^rd

Very pleasant with an appearance of rain. A letter from Clara. Not very well. A cold with slight deafness. Sowed two boxes of lettuce.

Friday 4^th

Awoke out of a sound sleep in the morning by Toms arrival. It was a glad surprise to see him. So much to tell so much to ask him. It will take a time to get through. Wrote Clara. A lovely day. Cold still sticks to me.

Saturday 5 may 1883

Day dark and cold such a change from the long continued brightness. Took a walk with Tom through part of the city. He has been very busy most of the day preparing for the start on the 8^th. Inst. Tuesday. It is my intention to go with him and also see the country and may perhaps give my opinion of it through the press. Tom has a splendid opportunity. Can bring up(that is if he is energetic) His leeway and achieve an independence! My cold some better

Sunday 6 May 1883

The day much warmer & sunshine through out. George, Tom & self attended meeting at the Baptist Church. Tom & Melburne have gone to the contreats. George and Allice to the Baptist. Not feeling very well remained at home. Am so glad to have Tom with me here so much to hear & say. He is in the best of spirits and says he has now an opportunity to make up for past time. I hope trust 7 pray that such may be the case and that his wife & little ones may be safely kept.

Monday 7^th 1883

Day bright & balmy. Rather poorly in the fore part of the day but much better in the afternoon. Tom leaves in the morning for the West & may he be blessed and every way prospered.

Looking to heaven for help and guidance to pray to him for strength to resist the evil & pursue the good and my his dear ones be under the care of that good & merciful being who abounds in loving kindness and tender mercies.

Tuesday 8^th May 1883

The morning cold. Wore a fur cap & over coat. About noon it turned warm and pleasant. Tom left by the early train with his party. I felt very sad at parting and I think we both had difficulty in restraining our feelings. My earnest prayer for him that he may be kept in safety and that he may prosper in all his ways that he may commence a new existence that his wife & little ones be cared for by our Heavenly Father sheltered under the cover of His Wings. Wrote Lizie also Tom

Wednesday 9May 1883

Day opened dull & cloudy then a fast fall of snow. Melting as it fell. Cleared up bright and cold at noon. The farmers have had a fine season for seeding which is now about completed. Imigrants in large numbers arriving daily and pushing westward. The farther you go in that direction the better the climate much milder. Business in the city dull and overdone and tis expected a brash is inevitable. Feel still the effects of the cold sometimes deaf and fancy I hear a Nor Wester or a Hurricane

Thursday 10^th may 1883

Cold very cold not like what you would expect in the pleasant month of May. Still poorly from the cold. It seems almost impossible to shake it off. Kept the house all day. Wrote a short letter to the enterprise. The Ed sent me a complimentary note that my letters were appreciated by my many friends & the public and hope they would be continued . My thoughts much with Tom and the loved ones so far away. I pray to heaven to bless and keep them all.

Friday 11 May 1883

Still cold and cheerless. Towards eveneing some warmer heart & rain badly wanted. Hope the cold is leaving ma as I am much better. Rec. a very cheering letter from Clara. Had just written her and to niece, Cassy O.S.

Saturday 12

Charming day and the cold at last is broke and hope soon to be quite well. Took a walk to the Station. All the immense sheds filled to the roof & the amount of freight going west is immense. Over 2000 Imigrants this week. Tis a great country & no mistake

Sunday 13 May 1883

The day delightful. Glorious sunshine. With George to the meeting there appears to be a revival frequent meetings during the week, in the evenings. Fifteen of the young members have been appointed to visit the saloons and other doubtful places and distribute cards of invitation to the young men who patronize these places. The result that many very many attended both morning & evening and many deeply impressed. For the last three Sundays there have been many invitations. The evening meetings filled the house. The Baptists are in earnest. George among the foremost.

Monday 14 may 1883

Bright and balmy. In good health and fine appetite. Went to see L. Hamilton on his return from placing the inspecting parties. Hoped to have a letter from Tom. He told me that he did not know that he was leaving says Tom Fell into the work all right which gave me pleasure. Just rec. a letter from …. Wrote Clara

Tuesday 15

Day warm & bright much pleased to see Mr. Watson of Duntroon. Gave me some news from the old locale intended to write a long letter to Tom. Poor fellow. He will often think of the dear ones.

Wednesday 16 May 1883

No finer day could be. Really glorious. A shower of rain with the present heat would start the crops rapidly. George bought a horse today. A fine animal but to me it appears a large price. Two hundred & twenty five dollars. Almost eighty dollars beyond Ontario Prices.

Wrote Tom. Done a very little at the garden. Took a walk to the station. Parliament her is to meet tomorrow. It will be like the Simcoe Co. Counsel but not more than half as numerous. Imigrants still arriving. All going West

Thursday 17 may 1883

Drizzling rain, very warm. The sown grain will come on rapidly. The garden dug, virgin soil, rich oh how rich. Can’t describe it. Intend to put in the seeds tomorrow. Ought to hear from home, feel pretty well

Friday 18

A very dull very cloudy very dismal day. The sidewalks covered with liquid past or soft soap. In danger of falling. Must pick your steps & move with caution but good for the grass & grain. Another attack of the cold & a little deaf

Saturday 19 may 1883

Cold dark & chilly. In the afternoon it cleared up and much warmer & the sunset gives promise of a glorious morrow. Sent a letter to dear little Aunty. Spent the afternoon looking over papers & letters of a long time ago . Tore up and burnt up the most of them. Feel much better and hope the cold will soon leave. My thoughts are often with Tom. He

will feel the separation from his wife & little ones so keenly.

Sunday 20^th May 1883

Day delightful & think the cold unpleasant weather is at an end. The leaves on the shade trees are making an attempt at expansion. Not many of them to be seen. Attended meeting with George. The text I am the Vine ye are the Branches. A text full of meaning but the exposition was lame. Fully one half of the or at least many of those present were not in the Vine nor were they told how to get in but if they were not branches they would be burnt. The sermon was a failure. What an opportunity was lost of showing the way.

Monday 21 May 1883

A May day in its prim & glory. Sowed and planted the garden. It is a small affair not much larger than the dining room at Tally Ho. Rec. Letters last night from Lydia, Clara & Duncan of Medford. Sent off letters & packages of papers to Tom

Tuesday 22

Warm pleasant a day to be delighted with. At the Reading Room in the forenoon. In the afternoon went to hear the debate in Parliament. Heard Mr. Norquay , the Premier, speak. But my deafness appears to be on the increase. Difficulty hearing.

Wednesday 23 May

On getting out of bed in the morning was seized with a severe attack of giddiness could with difficulty stand. After a wash and partially dressed had to go back to bed. My head as if filled with air & yet as heavy as lead. George brought up my breakfast but could not taste it . some hours after felt much better. Allice like a ministering Angel brought me a cup of tea, bread, butter & sliced oranges, sometime after some broth and in the evening tea. I am to take a blue pill it seems to be a bilious attack . I am thankful to say I am much better.

Thursday 24 May 1883

Queens birth day opened wet and dismal. Rain fell in torrents during the night,. I may say the first of any consequence for six months. At noon the sun came out so warm and bright. A salvo of artillery ushered in the day and the red cross flag flying in all directions and over the American consulate, The stars & Stripes. I met Mr. Melville and had a with him a long talk and a long walk and exchanged our ideas of the present and the future of the great N. W. and of Winnipeg in particular. What were our conclusions or whether they were correct time will tell. I had a visit from the doctor who says I must leave this country and at once as it is not safe at my age to remain. As ran a risk of taking a prevalent complaint which would be difficult to get over so I have made up my mind to leave in a very short time. It will cost me a pang and a sever one to leave dear George and Allice who have shown me so much loving kindness

Friday 25^th May 1883

Day bright and warm. The roads drying fast. The late rain will do every good. Rec. a letter from Clara & replied. Had a long walk and the usual talk with Mr. Melville. I think o f Ontario next week.

Saturday 26

Felt poorly all day kept mostly in the house. George & Allice think I am thinking too much. That my thoughts are not of the brightest. The thoughts of soon leaving them is not inspiriting but I may be spared to see them both once more.

Sunday 27 May 1883

Day bright but cold. Called on Mr. Melville & we both attended the Baptist meeting. The subject was the Coronation of the Emperor of Russia which was at the moment. He was speaking in progress, he spoke of the splendor, the pomp attendant on the ceremony & then reverted to the greater coronation of the King of Kings & the Lord of Lords. In the evening the discourse was the Prodigal Son, one of the grandest of the Parables. The speaker scarcely done justice to the subject. Two young men at the close were Baptists. It was a solem act and the manner it was performed was the same as done by the Disciples. Mr. Melville dined with us.

Monday 28 May 1883

Beautiful and bright. George took me out. Had a ride up Portage Avenue for a long distance. Saw some of the farms. The fields under cultivation. Rich beyond description. The soil is beyond anything I had conception. It has, that is this country, has its drawbacks. Chief the scarcity of timber for fencing and building but when the coal fields which are said to be inexhaustible are fairly opened and branch on tramways are opened those difficulties will in great measure vanish. This is the last entry of my diary in Winnipeg for at least a time. I purpose leaving in the morning for Ontario to see the old familiar scenes to meet some of the loved ones to see old friends but tis hard, very hard to part from George & Allice. They both have twined the tendrils of their love around my heart. Such tenderness and kindness they have shown during the last eight months that I have been with them. How I rich, I am in their affection & all the other dear ones. May the Giver of all good bless them, keep them is my constant prayer.

Tuesday 29

Left Winnipeg at 9a.m.. George, Dawson & Melbourn were at the parting. Rained all day. Arrived at Rat Portage at ½ 4 p.m. Raining heavily. On arrival got a cup of tea at a sort of place. Told the train would leave at 5 p.m., did not till 10. Started and when 24 miles, again stopped. Today light. The night cold. The car dirty and shabby. Glad to see the day. Frequent delays & stoppages. 30. Slowly moving on, told me will get to the landing at 10 p.m. The country passed through. Wretched beyond description, rocks, morass, sand, no trees, shrubs, scarcely a sign of vegetation. A land of desolution. Night has come cold and chill. Now told we will not get to the landing till morning. Tried to make the best of it. Mr. Melville & I tried to make a bed of the cushions of the seats. It was a failure. One small stove. It would not draw.. Took turns round it to get a little warmth. Horrible night passed. So glad when the morning dawned. Ice formed ½ inch thick during the night. Sun came out warm & bright and at last came to the end at 8 a.m. Put up Queens Hotel. Shown a room. A good wash, the first since leaving Winnipeg and then a fair breakfast. The Landing is much improved and at present will be the summer terminus of the R.R. At noon the Frances Smith came in to sail the next morning. Undecided how to act, would have liked the Campina. Friday 1 June took passage on the F. Smith. The Campina had arrived but would not leave to the following morning. Mr. Melville thought it better not to wait. The Smith is a fine boat and I think perfectly safe. We had fine roomy state rooms, clean beds, a good table and every attention that could be expected. The most careful cautious Capt. I ever sailed with. He will not risk his boat & in doing so ensured the safety of his passengers. We went to Nipigon to leave freight for the R.R. the scenery very grand. It rained all day 2June. On Sunday 3^rd crossed Lake Superior. A dense fog all the time. The whistle constantly sounding, we had also rain. It was a cheerless and unpleasant day. In the evening the sun. A blank for over two months. I almost regret that my diary was not continued. I may say that on my arrival remained a few days in Collingwood & a week at Glencairn. Returned to Collingwood and then left for the Sound. The first week with brother M.A., the rest of the time at dear little Aunties, one of the best, the kindest and affectionate of sisters. I have received love & kindness from them all and will bear them in remembrance while I live. Clara & little Nina have been here also which makes it m ore pleasant.

This 14 August is my anniversary and I now have completed my 76^th year. I am in good health, in the possession of all my faculties, my step elastic for, erect without a pain or ache. How wonderfully I am blessed. How many at my age are helpless, feeble with acute suffering, without friends or sympathy, while I have in large measure the two latter blessings. How thankful I should be to the Giver of every good for His never ceasing loving kindness and tender mercy. Today was Aunties anniversary as it was mine and at tea we had Aunt Miller & George, Uncle William and his wife, Margaretta and Clara. We spent the evening most pleasantly recalling old events in our history, of our parents and other loved ones passed into the skies. In the course of nature, the first generation will have passed away and no doubt we will be recalled to the recollection many times by our children who will tell of the sayings and doings of their parents and thus it will go on from generation to generation til time will be no longer. When the trumpet will sound and all will hear His voice.

Winnipeg 31 Oct 1883

My dear Clara left here this morning for Collingwood. Poor girl, she felt no doubt great sorrow at leaving us. We will miss her so much. Her present and future costs me much anxiety. She is so unfit to combat with the ups and downs of life but try to commit her to the care, as I do all the other loved ones to a kind , good and gracious Heavenly Father. I trust he will be with her on the journey and bring it to the close in safety.

Sunday 4 Nov 1883

Day fine. At the meeting in the morning with George. In the evening at the Methodist with Allice and Dawson. On our return found George and baby fast asleep. The latter nestled on his fathers breast, a sight to make an angel smile. Received a letter from Clara dated from Port Arthur. So glad to hear of her safety so far.

6^th

Bright & cold. Streets hardened by frost. A change for the better from the tearful mud of the last two weeks.

April 7 – 8

Tom left with his party this morning will all a fathers wishes and prayers for his prosperity.

STRAY JOTTINGS

From the 12^th of April to the end very pleasant. Seeding, a large amount sown. May a most delightful month for farmers. Warm and genial. All that could be wished. June has been from the commencement intensely warm. Tis now the 23^rd & the heat excessive. The thermometer sometimes 94. A long time without rain which is much needed, however, the crops are said to be promising all over the great North West.

June 28

Allice, baby & servant escorted by George left for change of air near Selkirk. I miss them so much. George returned after seeing them settled. I miss baby so much.

Winnipeg 31 July 1884

My Dear, dear children,

Tis sad, very sad to leave, to leave you! You have twined around my heart like Tendrils of the Vine. You have born with all my infirmities of temper, anticipating, my every wish and thought. My boy, my darling boy, how can I part from him. Dear Allice, his is a fruitful soil, watch with all a mothers solicitude and care the growth of the seed you will sow. Pull the weeds as soon as they appear and my he be to you what his father, mother have been to me. I can have no other wish and may His blessings descend and rest upon you

To cure a love of string drink: A decoction of ground Quassi (1/2 ounce) steeped in a pint of vinegar and put a teaspoon full of it in water. Drink it every time the liquor thirst come on violently. It satisfies the cravings, also stimulus & strength. The writer says it has cured him and many others.

(This auto biography was hard copy for this Web Site by Jerry Stephens, 2001)