January, Friday 1. 1886
Saginaw, Mich: With Katie & John. Finished the preparations for the little expected - a small pillow. Katie able to preside at the New Year's dinner and to enjoy a walk which our trio took in the P.M. I had not intended to write again in a diary but this was a parting gift from Inglis as he left me on the train for Mich. Katie & I end the day with music piano & violin.
(Editor's note: The author is Margaret Elizabeth (Dunbar) Stuart, age fifty-nine, widow of Homer Hine Stuart, who died October 5, 1885. "Katie" is her daughter, Katharine Dunbar (Stuart) Dunscombe, married to John Godfrey Dunscombe September 29, 1884. As the diary begins she is thirty-three years of age, and John is thirty-eight. "Inglis" is Margaret's younger son, twenty-six years old. The "expected" is Margaret Stuart Dunscombe, who would be born in a few weeks, on January 26. John & Katie are the editor's great grandparents. I met my grandaunt Margaret several times as a young boy, when she was in her declining years as an Episcopal nun in a convent near Peekskill, New York).
January, Saturday, 2. 1886
Katie & I spent a serene day together. She wrote a letter to (Mrs.?) Recorder. John rec'd a letter from Inglis. Gone to Fishkill. Read Life of George Eliot.
January, Sunday, 3. 1886
Quiet day. At home with Katie. Wrote Mrs. Prof Noyes letter of condolence. Read and destroyed old letters. Oh! The sadness of recalling the dear past. John read aloud to us in the evening. I read with interest the Jan' (?) of Woman's Work.
January, Monday, 4. 1886
No letters. 12 days from the city only one letter that from Inglis. The world has dropped this relict. Bought & made bolster covers for Katie's spare bed. Her hands swell obliged to get the rings off. Great excitement. Katie called to me to stop the Fish man. I rushed into the street calling "Hulloh Fish! Hulloh Fish"! A man for up the road with a handcart stopped & then came back. What have you? "Perch." Are they fresh? "Alive. Sure enough 12 for 15 cts. They were put by the (?) window in a (?). They all disappeared - were finally found in a bag of rye flour into which they jumped. Fresh? I should say so.
January, Tuesday, 5. 1886
Went to the shops in a snowstorm. Mrs. Jenkins the nurse came & settled preliminaries. At evening John br't me some letters. Burr's was a curiosity from misdirections. Inglis tho' from Roseneath dictated by a bereved (sic) heart.
January, Wednesday, 6. 1886
Cold, windows galvanized with frost. Katie & I walked at a stately pace to the butchers. 3 Saginaw ladies called. Katie urged me to see them & I went in. One of them asked me if coconuts grew in the ground. Her impression was that they were dug like peanuts! 2 mails br't letters from 3 Mesdames Goodrich, 2 from Inglis. A lovely Head from Ed Goodrich by a Florentine artist. My letters cheered me.
(Editor's note: "Ed Goodrich" is probably Edward Elizur Goodrich, Margaret's first cousin once removed. He was twenty-two at the time).
January, Thursday, 7. 1886
Mercury 4 above zero. Walked with Katie ½ mile & back. Sent Inglis Pass Book. Finance Co. papers & endorsed checque. John finished reading aloud Nicholas Nickleby to us.
January, Friday, 8. 1886
A blizzard from Nebraska begins to arrive in spite of the cold. Took three walks, once with (?) & twice to the P Office. Quite pleased to get a suitable frame for the pretty picture Ned sent me. Bought frame of deformed man who mends harnesses & makes frames dissimilar (?).
January, Saturday, 9. 1886
Blizzard continued. Danced attention upon the P Office but no (?) from Inglis. Wrote to Ned & Sara. John began to read aloud to us in the evening "The Cloister and the Hearth."
(Editor's note: The Cloister and the Hearth (1861) is a historical novel by the English author Charles Reade. Set in the 15th century, it relates the story revolving about the travels of a young scribe and illuminator, Gerard Eliassoen, through several European countries. The Cloister and the Hearth often describes the events, people and their practices in minute detail. Its main theme is the struggle between man's obligations to family and to Church).
January, Sunday, 10. 1886
Frightful cold. I feel as stiff as an old horse. It is rather rough to come to this climate to spend one's minutes at my age. I am almost converted to flannels & furs which I have thus far eschewed as too enervating.
January, Monday, 11. 1886
Tribunes from Inglis. No letter from him for seven days! Such a long silence fills me with dismay. Katie and I found our walk cold. John read Cloister & The Hearth in evening.
January, Tuesday, 12. 1886
No letters! (?) (?) (?) called upon Katie. She related interesting case of sick woman. Her husband is sexton of the church she taught him to read - is the mother of six boys, youngest 4 yrs. She makes all the clothing of her husband & these six, does the cooking & washing, knits the stockings of the boys one in the choir. When the Dr. was called & asked what is the matter "Worn out" was his reply.
January, Wednesday, 13. 1886
Sent off an anxious line to Inglis asking what is the matter. At 1 PM recd a mail from Inglis & Homie & others. Each affectionate and kind in his own sweet way. God has taken away the desire of my eyes but I have still three of the best children. Inglis wrote in good spirits & mine rose correspondingly.
January, Thursday, 14. 1886
I think Katie took her last walk with me to day (sic). It was a great effort and she was very tired after it. John was made a Director in the Sag' Min'g Co. He read to us Cloister & Hearth in eve'g. Finished & sent a yachting shirt to Homie for his birth-day Jan. 30.
(Editor's note: No pages for January 15-18)
January, Tuesday 19. 1886
Snow falling still. In the PM the snow ceased for a short time & I enjoyed a brisk walk to the P.O. Rewarded by various letters, a good long one from Inglis being devoured first. He fears Homie has suffered during the recent Florida frosts. I tho't that was one danger dear Homie was safe from. Katie 6 PM with great distress near her heart. The paroxysms seemed like nothing but Angina Pectoris. The Dr. came but could do nothing. I remained with her all night. She was finally relieved & fell asleep.
January, Wednesday, 20. 1886
This Wednesday snow falling harder than ever. It is a God send to the lumbermen who can not drive their logs without snow for the sledges. Louise (?) me a cheering mail from dear friends kind enough to remember me in my hibernation.
January, Thursday, 21. 1886
Interval in the storm. The sun came out & so did (?) a red (?). Katie in bed & John (?) (?) (?) evening. After Cloister & (The Hearth?) (?) (?) in clouds & (?) (?) (?)
January, Friday, 22. 1886
Snow Storm resumed with some fury.
January, Saturday, 23. 1886
Sunshine. Sleighing.
January, Sunday, 24. 1886
Letter from Inglis the event of the day. Wrote some letters. Read Christian Union. Katie & John played sacred tunes on piano with violin "I would not live always" is an heavenly air upon
(Editor's note: no pages for January 25-28)
January, Friday 29. 1886
All goes well. Katie's delight in her baby is funny. She is always discovering a new beauty - an eye lash or a finger nail. The child at this stage of its existence is the image of John. A telegram of felicitations came from D Evans (Cameron?).
January, Saturday, 30. 1886
Rec'd a letter from Emily Curtis that was indeed an inspiration. Telegram from Inglis asking about Katie.
January, Sunday 31. 1886
Attended church with John. The choir boys sang "Send Kindly light" which I enjoyed as also the liturgy - But the sermon was made up of platitudes and absurdities about Baptism. In the PM John went to see the Dr. The nurse was out and I held the small child. A box full of letters of felicitation.
February, Monday 1.
More letters of felicitation.
February, Tuesday 2. 1886
More felicitations. More addresses to Grand-ma ma upon the advent of Grand-Babe.
Wednesday 3.
Katie's ninth day. Danger of fever past. Baby seems weak.
February, Thursday 4. 1886
Cold as Dante's inferno. Slippery-fell upon the ice with a great thump.
February, Friday 5.
Colder than the Inferno. Mercury near Jumbo 48. No water to use but by melting snow. Borrowed a pail full from a neighbor's cistern & it smelt rotten! Sat down at the butcher's this A M. I tho't I was burnt it felt so cold. Began feeding the grand-baby with condensed milk.
February, Saturday 6. 1886
Baby thriving. Presented her with a feeding bottle. Broke my eye-glasses for the third time in Saginaw. Why don't some one raise a monument to the invention of spectacles? According to an Italian antiquarian it was Salvino. He quotes his epitaph "Here lies Salvino Armolo D'Armati of Florence inventor of spectacles. May God pardon his sins. The year 1318."
February Sunday 7
A long day to read and think. John was with Katie and I could indulge in memories. I read parts of HHS article "The Soul" that seemed almost an inspired message from him. The day closed with a sunset of such beauty my heart cried for him to look upon it with me. An after glow with Venus scintilating (sic) above soft clouds twinged with rose. A little higher a green crescent moon and beneath the whiteness of untrodden snow.
(Editor's note: "The Soul" is a treatise written by Margaret's husband, Homer Hine Stuart (1810-1885). It was published, along with a memoir of his life, in a book titled "Occasional Papers for M.E.D.S. in MDCCCLXXIX" published by Styles & Cash, New York in 1880. It is available on Google Books).
February Monday 8. 1886
Spring Temperature.
Rec'd from Homie the scale of a Tarpon a fish 6 ft long caught by him. The scale is three inches across either way, beautifully lined and the part exposed covered with silver - one of the prettiest curiosities from Florida. Homie has a hen & she laid an egg!
Tuesday 9. 1886
Summer heat carrying off winter snow. Neuralgia & Rheumatism rampant in this town. It is decided to call the grand-baby Margaret Stuart!
February, Wednesday 10. 1886
None of Borden's condensed milk to be bought in Sag' City. I started for East Saginaw in the horse cars. Turned at the river there was no bridge, no boat running, ice rotten with a foot of water on top! I got a carriage, two horses, a driver to take me across the upper bridge (half a mile off) & bring me back to the cars. Charge ten cents! So I returned in triumph with two cans of milk for the Daisy.
Thursday 11.
(no entry)
February, Friday 12. 1886
One day tilleth another except perhaps the mud is more hopeless than yesterday, the sky greyer, the atmosphere more diptheretic! (sic). I should say there is small hope of raising a babe in this climate.
Saturday 13.
Weather still in the Sulks. Tried to buy a Century to read, not one in Sag' City.
February, Sunday 14. 1886
St. Valentine's Day. Miserable wet snow storm no going out. Wrote nine letters and tended baby. Nurse went out & maid went out and there remained a grand-mother!
Monday 15.
(no entry)
February, Tuesday 16. 1886
Went with John to look at a house. It proved to be a little gem with all conveniences. Reported to Katie who became eager. At evening J. came home and said the house had been rented before him to his book-keeper. So ends that prospect. At 10 PM J left for NY City and other places a two week absence.
Wednesday 17.
Katie walked into the Dressing room & back.
February, Thursday 18. 1886
Went to the Bank - drew J's check $40 for house keeping. Katie wrote to J - which made her head ache. Mrs. Rose sent Katie Marion Harland book about babies.
Friday 19.
To East Saginaw in a storm for nourishment for the grand-baby. Katie dressed for the first time. Inglis breakfasted with J at the St. Denis.
February, Saturday 20. 1886
Read In Memoriam all the evening. Some of it is beyond my understanding.
Sunday 21.
A worrying baby & nervous mother! A tired nurse & grand mother half distraught. Inglis' letter br't news of a possible connection with (?) (?/s) office.
February, Monday 22. 1886
(no entry)
Tuesday 23.
Mrs. Jenkins otherwise Mrs. (Camp?) left. Katie came down stairs.
February, Wednesday 24. 1886
Took charge of grand baby all night - fought against feeding her so frequently as the nurse had accustomed her. Felt like a wreck in the morning.
Thursday 25.
Katie & I putting our heads together to take the best of care of the infant. I get so mixed up sometimes I think I am the mother and Katie the grand ma!
February, Friday 26. 1886
It is a happy law of Providence that women do not often have babies sent them after fifty years but by some mis-adventure I find myself with this one and I am living over the experience of thirty years ago only with less of courage, less of youth, less of enthusiasm than when Katie was a crying baby.
Saturday 27.
(no entry)
February, Sunday 28. 1886
(no entry)
March, Monday 1.
(no entry)
March, Tuesday 2. 1886
(no entry)
Wednesday 3. 1886
(no entry)
March, Thursday 4. 1886
John returned from New York. A happy reunion with wife and baby.
Friday 5. 1886
Early in the morning came a telegram from Inglis to the effect that the Washington mortgage is paid with Feby interest. So that investment of (?) (ended?). Mrs. Higgins came from East Saginaw - Baby Margaret's first visitor.
March, Saturday 6. 1886
Letters from Homie. He bids me be ready for Florida when he writes for me to start. His hens give 6 eggs per day. He is eating Irish potatoes raised from potato peelings. His Blue Jays sit at table with him and he shares his last crust with them. Some tourists call for water & leave them a feast - a bushel of oysters.
Sunday 7.
Inglis' letter with particulars of Washington mortgage. The day is so warm and fine Katie went out for the first time & walked two blocks with John.
March, Monday 8. 1886
Snow. Telegraphed Inglis that I would return next Friday to attend to business.
Tuesday 9.
Margaret Stuart six weeks old to day & very worrisome. But she is as individual as if she were sixteen years old. Vigorous, wilful, (sic) serene at times and always interesting. Drew check $50.
March, Wednesday 10. 1886
John drove Katie to East Saginaw to get a bonnet & look at Baby-wagons. The drive was very refreshing to Katie who came in fresh as a lark. Wrote Inglis I would start Friday.
Thursday 11.
(no entry)
March, Friday 12. 1886
At 4:45 PM John put me on board the train for Detroit & I said a tearful fare-well to my daughter and grand-daughter. Mailed a Postal back to Katie at Detroit & found my way to the Buffalo sleeper where I laid me down to rest - very tired.
Saturday 13.
Mailed 2 posts at Buffalo. The Porter awakened me at 6 a m to look at Niagara which I did from my pillow as the coach waited two minutes in front of the Horse Shoe Falls. The green water sported gaily along to the reckless plunge. Sick- head-ache all day. Made the acquaintance of a Miss (?) in the coach. Inglis met me at GC Depot in a high hat - (mounted?) because he is an uncle. A sad return to only Inglis.
March, Sunday 14. 1886
Awoke at 23 (?). Refreshing sleep. Took off my clothes at night for the first time in 18 days since Feby 23 when I took charge of Margaret Stuart at night. Trunk was not delivered in (?) for church. Inglis & I took a walk - (?) (Prof?) & Belle, went to see Hilda. In the PM to Miss Inglis. Evening Brick Church (Prof?) & Belle sat with us. Dr. Potter discoursed of the entities & finalities 1 ½ hours. (Prof?) & Bell walked down with us. Lost my purse in church.
Monday 15.
Went to Brick Church for my purse which dropped in my pew. The under-sexton had already been there & it was gone! Met Inglis at Safety Deposit - was (?). Endorsed mortgage check of Childs, examined other securities. Mr. Mitchell gave us a director's room. Inglis came in to 10th St. in the PM for a Bible on his way to take anti-(?) testimony from a patient in Presbyterian Hospital.
March, Tuesday 16. 1886
CCG & LGG came in the evening. Read The Leavenworth Murder a very sensational story by a Miss Green - friend of Mr. Recorder. Plot wonderfully sustained with surprise at the end - the best detective story I ever read.
(Editor's note: "CCG" may be Charles Chauncey Goodrich, Margaret's cousin. "The Leavenworth Case" was a novel by Anna Katharine Green).
Wednesday 17.
Morning at the dress-maker. Then shod myself with "common sense" shoes. In the evening Inglis & I called upon Mrs. Monell and Mary. Met Mr. Eldridge there returning left a card for Frank & Ella who were at the opera.
(Editor's note: She is probably referring to Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Monell, wife of John James Monell, and her daughter Mary, then sixty-five and thirty-four years of age respectively. The elder Mary was a cousin of Margaret. Her husband had died the year before. "Mrs. Eldridge" may be Alice Lee (Goodrich) Eldridge, another cousin of Margaret's and wife of Frederick Gideon Eldridge. Margaret's cousin Frank Booth Goodrich (1826-1894) was an author, journalist and playwright and married Ella Dumont Schmidt (1834-1909) October 12th, 1859. Frank was the son of the author Samuel Griswold Goodrich (see September 3rd entry).
March, Thursday 18. 1886
Miss Inglis, Mr.& Mrs. JB Goodrich called while I was out.
Went to Mme Schmidt's & thence to see Roswell about investments. He is to (?) (?) on Saturday if he will take $22000 of (?). To the Morgan concert with Inglis & the divine Augustus - After the concert Inglis took A- to the Green room & introduced him to the Morgan ladies. Thence we sped to 56th St. to dine at the Recorder's. Beautiful dinner flowers, wine, wit & diamonds but all made uncomfortable for me by the great heat of the house. Employment society. Met a welcome from my Brick Church sisters - a little chat with Dr. Van Dyke. Bought a Mother Hubbard dress for Margaret. Inglis & I called at 33 W. 9th upon Mrs. Noyes.
March, Saturday 20. 1886
As Roswell had proposed I went to see Annie. The day was rainy & I had a bad cold, but not wishing to disappoint an invalid I went. I don't know which caprice seized her, or if she felt too ill to see me, but she was frigid & stiff & I sat without removing my wrap a while then took leave. I lost a charming lecture by (Bayseen?) broken (?) an hour at the hair-dressers to have my hair washed. (Prof?) & Belle came before dinner. Inglis read Shakespeare in evening aloud.
Sunday 21.
Inglis & I were met at Brick Ch by (Prof?) & Belle who sat with us w/ Dr. Van Dyke preached an excellent sermon upon frivolities. They walked home with us. We found Burr awaiting us & talked with her till tea when I went to Miss Inglis & Inglis to dinner with Eldridge's at (?).
March, Monday 22. 1886
Mrs. Monell came surprised to find her so full of vivacity. Found Frank & Ella at home. Warm greetings. They gave me some points about investments.
Read (?) book "Conspiracy" - a polished novel setting forth with a powerful pen our relations with Cuba during Arthur's administration while Baden was our consul at Havana. The Prologue is written almost with the poetic style of Victor Hugo & very touching.
Tuesday 23.
Read The Mill Mystery by authoress of The Leavenworth Case but not equal to the latter. Terrible strike (?) in the west by The Knights of Labor. Not a freight train permitted to go out from St. Louis. While the principles of these Knights of Labor are all right, their methods are all wrong. Its most serious objection is that it is a secret organization.
March, Wednesday 24 - Thursday 25. 1886
Inglis Born 1859
If for any gift of God I am thankful it is for the dear one so endowed with noble & interesting qualities. It is only in daily intercourse with his mind and heart that I find courage to live. We tried to be a little festive on this day & celebrated it by a visit to the great flower show at the opera house. Besides the wonderful orchids and monster roses we got a glimpse of the world of fashion. In our deep mourning habilliments (sic) we were ourselves looking at a phaze (sic) of life in which we have no part. Ladies in attire not less beautiful than the flowers dazzled our admiring eyes. There was one who seemed a Jacques Minot Rose incarnate as she swept in ruby velvet by the boxes blazed with diamonds. But the odor of Hyacinth were too much & we bro't away each a head ache. Too much sweetness is out for us.
March, Friday, 26 - Saturday 27, 1886
Went yesterday to the Morgan (?) & in the evening with Inglis to Recorder's. Met him (Inglis) this a m at Life & Trust Co 52 Wall St. Made a deposit of $21000 at 1 per ct interest. My entire income is therefore for the time being at the rate of $210 a year. My expenses for the last five months have been at the rate of $46000, This includes money paid out in ERR suits, for the office, repairs at Jamaica, Inglis' support, something for Homie & Katie. My own expenditure is inside $600. Mrs. Hutchins came in the PM and sat an hour with me. Her nature is so sympathetic she can cast herself equally into your joy or your sorrow. It was a great solace to have her with me-so bright yet so tender. Her life has been prosperous and happy. She has no need of the baptism of sorrow for she is sympathetic without it. Sunshine does not harden her.
(Editor's note: Julia Sterling Hutchins was the wife of Margaret's 1st cousin once removed, Henry Goodrich Wolcott. Margaret might be referring to Julia's mother, whose name I do not know).
March, Sunday 28. 1886
Inglis walked with me to the Brick church. I think he could hear most of Dr. Van Dyke's sermon which was good. He enjoyed another walk returning - we talked together well into the afternoon when we went to see Mrs. Hutchins. Cousin Ella came and coaxed me out so I took a third walk with her. How thankful HHS used to be for our walking (powers?) which we enjoyed together to the last.
Monday 29. 1886
Burr came bright & early to sew for our baby. Went to (?) Schmidt to be fitted to the Prof where Belle patiently & carefully cut patterns for "Margaret" short dresses. Inglis bro't a letter from Homie dated Eau Gallie - waiting a high tide to float him out with his lumber. Katie writes that Margaret weighs at 2 mo less 2 days 12 lbs. Rain.
(Editor's note: "Eau Gallie" is a community on Florida's east coast, north of the area of current-day Stuart, where Homie was residing at the time).
March, Tuesday 30. 1886
Rain Rain continued. Short dresses continued. Inglis bro't me the cup from a jewellers (sic) we selected for the grand-daughter - Her name beautifully engraved. I hope Katie will like it.
(Mrs.?) Soule bro't me "The Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde a marvelous story. Hyde is the incarnation by a transformation of all the evil qualities of Jekyll - a being of unmixed evil.
Wednesday 31.
(No entry)
April Thursday 1. 1886
If HHS had been spared to us till this day he would have reached the age of 76. A year ago I gave him a purse for carrying silver which he accepted with expressions of great pleasure and carried to the day he died upon his person. Oh! Precious past. Oh! Melancholy future. This day goes to join the list of sad anniversaries.
Friday 2.
I went at 3 PM by invitation to Dora's studio to meet her grand-mother Mrs. Thurber. What was my surprise to find a reception! I was greatly taken aback but Mrs. Thurber came forward asking me to forgive the deception as she wanted so much to see me As they are all to go to Europe in a few days. I proposed to take the large & airy studio for the summer. Inglis is much pleased preparatory (?) in the evening.
April, Saturday 3. 1886
Sewed with Burr steadily all day on the little dresses. About 5 PM Belle came to buy a jacket and Hilda's first shoes and stockings. She has just graduated into short dresses. Inglis bro't me a letter from Mrs. Wolcott - the first time she put pen to paper since her extreme illness. Inglis & I spent the evening in calculating the expense of living in the studio this summer.
(Editor's note: Inglis was twenty-seven years old at this time. The following is a brief biographical sketch:
Examined for entrance to Columbia College, May 1876 and passed without conditions. Began reading Kent's Commentaries in a Wall Street law office September 1, 1879. Admitted to the bar after examination by Committee of General Term 1st Dept., NY Supreme Court. Practiced thereafter in N.Y. City and Dutchess County till retirement 1931. For notable cases see 104 N.Y. 268; 112 N.Y. 189 and 194 N.Y. 495. Representative of American shareholders of Exchange Telegraph Company Ltd. at the Annual Meeting in London July 1895. Elected member of Board of Directors of the North River Insurance Company in March 1896 and has served continuously ever since. Elected to Association of the Bar of New York City 1883. Trustee of Howland Library (since 1912) and Life member of Railway and Locomotive Historical Society of Boston, Massachusetts; Republican, Bachelor (Stuart, Inglis. Mayflower ancestry of Elizabeth Ely Goodrich and her descendants. Rhinebeck, NY : Rhinebeck Gazette Press, 1932). Inglis died in 1942, having never married).
Sunday 4.
Communion at the Brick church. Dr. Van Dyke preached a sermon upon Christian joy which I was most glad to have Inglis hear. After dinner Helen came. I was very glad to see her. She looks more than ever like her father and very handsome. But she was more constrained in manner than before. When Burr came into the room she abruptly left saying it was time for her train. A few hours after came a telegram to Burr that her sister Maggie had died this morning. She was a sweet & gentle soul with a gift of exquisite Irish wit.
(Editor's note: "Helen" is Helen Stuart, aka Helen Stuart Campbell, Margaret's step-daughter. Homer married Jane Elizabeth Campbell (1815-1846) in 1837. Helen, their first child, became a journalist, educator, social reformer and author with a special interest in the labor conditions of women. Their second and third children, Anna Maria and Mary, died as toddlers.)
April, Monday 5. 1886
Rain.
Burr left & went to Ellen before I was awake. Sorry rainy day. Read a very fair article about Knights of Labor by Lyman Abbott. Sewed for the grand child. About 5 PM took some pamphlets to Mrs. Soule in a driving rain. In the evening Inglis & I took a walk to 23rd St. while the floods descended.
Tuesday 6.
Rain Rain Rain.
Inglis closed (Helm?) estate & received his fee $200. Mrs. Willis came in water proof with some hand painted Easter Cards for me to buy, Rose Cleveland's book to read, and a ticket to the Society Library. Soon after Belle br't in her bright face. Took a Photo of HHS to Dora to see if she could paint from it. She decided she could not. Alas! No semblance of that noble face.
April, Wednesday 7. 1886
Evening service at Brick church. Subject modern missions in Syria. Inglis in our walk home called at (?) & found tickets to concert. We stopped at Chickering Hall, found the concert in full blast. Maud Morgan made her debut on the stage as a singer. She was called out three times. Flowers sent up in great profusion. Discovered the diamond in my engagement ring is quite loose.
Thursday 8.
Inglis went to nine oclock breakfast at Murray Hill Hotel with Dr. Madison Grant. Gave Inglis my precious ring to take to Middleton to set the stone. Burr came to sew. She looks stricken by her sorrow for Maggie. Inglis & I went to the Recorder's in the evening, thence to the Prof. Meanwhile Prof & Belle were calling here!
April, Friday 9. 1886
Inglis declares that he has lost the ring! For a few moments I was in anguish. I tho't I could not bear it- to part with this sacred link with all my past and with the one love of my life. If any one but dear Inglis had lost it I would never have forgiven it. This misfortune grieves me keenly but Inglis' pain is so great I will only blame myself for trusting so sacred a token to his treacherous pocket. Within the ring is engraved Homer H Stuart to Margaret E Dunbar April 28th 1849.
Saturday 10.
Inglis engages with Coudert Bros to go Monday week. My only regret in this arrangement is that the unfinished ER Road suits are relegated to the Recorder- a disposition that would I think be sorely against the wishes of HHS who spent the strength of his days upon them to bequeath them to Inglis & to the estate. The Prof & Belle came about 5 PM. He looks badly & I am anxious. Her bright face too is sharpening a little with concern.
(Editor's note: Coudert Brothers was a law firm in business from 1853 until 2006)
April, Sunday 11. 1886
Inglis & I attended the Brick ch in the a m. After dinner I sent him to walk with the Prof. I spent the time till tea alone with my own thoughts recalling the convene of Oct. 4th. My hand looks lonesome without the accustomed ring- not more lone than my heart feels. Be content poor heart to learn all life's lessons and bear thy sorrow with obedient grace.
(Editor's note: Margaret's husband Homer died Oct. 5 of the previous year)
Monday 12. 1886
Went with Inglis to buy Margaret's trunk also to Brokow's to enquire if perchance he had dropped the ring in the dressing room last week. No account of it. Selected at Wilsons some Bonsiline Roses for Mrs. (Stalincott?). After dinner Inglis & I started with them for Brooklyn. We went by the Bridge- even seen from the cable cars- wonderful, beautiful, impressive. (Stalincott?) welcomed us & presented (?)- a beautiful brown eyed plump vivacious little creature. I was surprised to find her so beautiful.
April, Tuesday 13. 1886
We have Love in a Flat now.
Much lass laborious than "Love in a Cottage." This pair have started in an unworldly yet national fashion. Inglis was obliged to go to the (Burdsell's?) after dinner. I beguiled time reading Fred Van Vorst's novel- "Without a Compass- a very unpleasant society novel but not without power & some fine passages like this "There is a potent mysterious element in individual destiny-that fortuity by which a dark thread is caught up by the noiseless shuttle of nature & woven into the fabric of our fate.
Wednesday 14. 1886
Tired & head-achy from sewing- took the petticoats to a sewing machine woman. Went to see Prof & Belle- found them bright & surprisingly well. Sent Inglis to say good bye to Mrs. Hutchins. After he came home we sat till 12 talking of the black Greyhound the joint dog to be given Katie Wolcott on her birthday by the 3 Hutchins & Inglis. Our great delight is in the name Inglis has given Syama- the black one of the two dogs of Yama in the Indian myth. In the Rig Veda he is addressed as a protector of the sleeping house hold.
(Editor's note: In the earliest Rgvedic hymns, Yama is a benign god who looks after the well-being of the dead, whom he entertains with food and shelter. His two dogs are associated with the judgment of souls).
April, Thursday 15. 1886
Mrs. (Brickby?) came to talk over her prospective duties as God-mother. The little Margaret is blessed in the progress of this devout sponsor.
Friday 16.
Burr came from the (Doremins?). Her face has become pitifully small and her eyes almost closed from weeping for her sister Maggie. In the evening Inglis went with me to a fair by the children of the Brick Church to aid sick children. We had a few pleasant words with Dr. Van Dyke. He says his baby holds "evening service" from eight to nine when he lifts up his voice. The remainder of evening we spent with Prof & Belle calling at DK after.
April, Saturday 17. 1886
Burr insisted upon buying a silk Normandy Cap for Katie's baby, an extravagant thing but very cute & beautiful. Inglis sent his father's desk & papers to storage & bade farewell to 63 Wall. I sewed till midnight on the little dresses to get them off before Easter. Another week closes without tidings from Homie but I am sure Gosling would write if aught were amiss with him.
Sunday 18.
Inglis was so tired I let him sleep till the last moment, too late indeed for us to reach Brick Ch. We turned in at University Place & (?). Our seat was near & Dr. Alexander's voice incisive so to my joy Inglis could hear a sermon remarkable for its subject- the duty of the rich cultured classes towards the poor as demonstrated in the discontent of the Knights of labor at the present time. We spent the evening at Miss (Inglis?)
April, Monday 19. 1886
Inglis enters office of Coudert Bro's. Blessings upon his head in the new departure. He casts off all expenses of an individual office all anxiety & scramble to secure business & his income is assured. For one so conservative & sensitive this is best.
A telegram from John dated Boston. Here tomorrow evn'g.
Tuesday 20.
Busy with last touches to the little dresses for Margaret. Ran out of money having forgotten to draw a check. Borrowed five dollars of Miss Inglis to buy a lace cover for the parasol of (?) (?). Cost of this outfit for M $51.75. John arrived about 8 PM & was comfortably established in the extension. Tho' tired he is looking well. He Inglis & I talked eagerly of Katie & her baby till midnight.
April Wednesday 21. 1886
John rose much refreshed. We walked out together for the first time in New York. Bought tumblers at Macy's. Went to see the Boycotted Bakery of Mrs. Gray & sent Katie a loaf of her Boston Bread. Walked up & down Broadway which John greatly enjoyed. Mary gave us hot chops for lunch. At 5 PM he said Good Bye. Inglis & Augustus go to spend the evening with Miss Maud Morgan- an interesting study.
(Editor's note: From the New York Times, April 10, 1886: "The Boycott at Mrs. Gray's Bakery." Mrs. Gray's Bakery on Hudson-street, between Christopher and West Tenth streets, was still being boycotted yesterday by Baker's Union No. 1, because she would not let the union run her business for her. The organization had many more men out distributing circulars against the plucky little woman, and the patronage of the neighboring saloons was correspondingly increased. The boycotters behaved as rudely to customers of the store as on Thursday, and the solitary policeman stationed in front of the bakery did not arrest any of them when complaint was made to him. The boys and girls of public school No. 3, on their way to and from school, had to listen to the profanity of some of the men, and altogether the neighborhood of Mrs. Gray's little store was made as offensive as possible. The lady says she will stick out to the end."
Thursday 22.
Cousin Ella & Miss Inglis met here in calling. Inglis more than ever pleased with Coudert Bro's.
April, Good Friday 23 1886
Received a Dividend Scrip Certificate of $1000 from Finance Co. payable in a Rail-way Bond. I know not if it be worth the paper it is writ on.
Baptismal birth day of Margaret Stuart Dunscomb at 9 a.m. Saginaw Mich.
Saturday 24.
Annie Coe made a long promised visit. We shopped lunched at Clark visited her dress maker. She presented me with a fan at (?) & I left her at CC Depot having enjoyed an old time (?). Prof & Belle came in the evening. His face was sharper than when I last saw him and his smile pathetic. What has become of my exuberant boy- Prof? Inglis & I visited the florist & enjoyed flowers for Easter morning.
Easter Sunday
April, Sunday 25. 1886
We tried for some flowers but could get none. The florist said his force had been up for four nights working to fill orders & flowers had given out. Inglis & I had a good walk to
Church- a refreshing service. In the PM he bro't me a wealth of cherry blossoms gathered on his walk with Prof in the annex.
Monday 26.
Left six Jacques Minot Roses at the door for Mrs. Recorder. The Post bro't this eloquent acknowledgement (editor's note: Margaret has apparently inserted the response from Mrs. Recorder into the journal. It is mostly illegible, but snippets may read as below):
Dear Cousin- I (?) ever close (angel?) twilight me to such (?). I will breath of Eden (?) in these crimson (?).
News from Homie
April, Tuesday 27. 1886
He & George had a hard voyage from Eau gallie with lumber. He sends me the tidings of Edith Otis' dangerous illness, for one year it has been a battle for life. Write him & Katie long letters.
Wednesday 28.
37 yrs ago the PM an interesting interview transpired. The session was long lasting into the eve'g. When finally HHS led me to my mother saying "M- has consented to become my wife"- she was surprised that the citadel had surrendered. Evermore this 28 of April was his day of days, his day of birth of betrothal of marriage- his Christ-mas his Easter. On the anniversary of this day he was always debonair, bro't reminders of flowers. A year ago today he came early from the office & taking a single glorious rose out of his hat, presented it to me as shyly as a lover. To night I sit alone no flower- my ring lost & I am sobbing with desolation. Oh that t'were possible After long grief and pain To find the arms of my true love Around me once again! Beloved- dost mind me so lone, dost remember this 28th of April?- With thee existence is one long vernal day & earthly records are merged in the beatific vision.
Mrs. CC Goodrich fell & fractured her knee (?)- a serious injury.
(Editor's note: there is a gap in the journal at this point, picking up with May 5)
May, Wednesday 5. 1886
Feeling great anxiety about cousin Sam's sudden departure and also solitude for Mrs. CCG's injury. Life seems to be very intense in these days.
(Editor's note: "Cousin Sam" is probably Samuel Griswold Goodrich (1829-1900). I cannot determine who "Mrs. CC Goodrich" is).
Thursday 6.
Cousin Frank came for an hour in the morning. In the evening at the (dog) show with Inglis. Very interesting. Here is a first prize "Duke"
(Editor's note: Margaret has pasted a picture of a dog into this entry, between the words "the" and "show." From the New York Times, May 6, 1886: "Scenes at the dog show. A chorus of yelps in Madison Square Garden. Champion canines which attract admiring crowds. The prizes awarded yesterday. A cheerful chorus of barks and yelps greeted the first rays of dawn that broke yesterday through the graceful festoons of cobwebs on the skylights of Madison-Square Garden and penetrated the gloom below. Something like 1,000 dogs took the opportunity of expressing their disgust at the thought that they had to be made a show of for another day… Among the champion rough-coated St, Bernards the great Duke of Leeds…"
May, Friday 7. 1886
Mrs. (Jarman?) sent me cousin Libbie's last letter.
Letters from Homie.
Saturday 8. 1886
Went to 54th St & opened trunk stored there to get spring outfit for (?) D. I locked the door & surrendered myself to a paroxysm of grief as I took out the garments of my beloved. The beautiful linen shirts were so suggestive of his dainty attire I kissed them. What a beautiful personality he had- a pure mind in a pure body!
Roswell & Annie invited me to visit at Newport this summer- but I decidedly declined.
May, Sunday 9. 1886
A good Sunday. I greatly enjoyed the walk to and from church with Inglis and to have him sit beside me there in his father's place. I watch the speaker's lips for every word anxiously lest he should fall his voice & Inglis not hear. Oh! Jesus- all pitiful, all powerful- that my son might receive his hearing.
Monday 10.
Katie Wolcott came to No 26 for a week. She bro't me a posie from the garden & greenhouse at Roseneath.
(Editor's note: Katharine Rankin Wolcott was a first cousin once removed, born 1855. She would marry Samuel Verplanck in 1896. Margaret lived some of her later years at Roseneath, the country estate of the Wolcott and Verplanck families, in Duchess County, near Fishkill-on-Hudson, New York).
May, Tuesday 11 - Wednesday 12. 1886
Inglis got an evening free & took Katie W & me to see Prof Gleason tame horses at Cosmopolitan Hall. He had the worst kicker in New York State but subdued him. The performance was wonderfully interesting. It diverted Inglis & gave him a good rest. I think HHS & I have indulged too little in innocent amusements- but I really did not miss them while I had his society. He was my library, my society, my theatre. We walked together looked at the shops at pictures went over Brooklyn Bridge looked at the black shadow of the leaves in Mad Ave Square from the Electric light sat in the Park Everything- together.
(Editor's note: From the New York Tomes, April 20, 1886: "Vicious horses tamed. Rarey eclipsed at Cosmopolitan Hall. Three dangerous animals mastered by trainer Gleason. A splendid exhibition of horsemanship. Cosmopolitan Hall was transformed into the liveliest sort of a hippodrome last evening. A firmly knit young man, blonde, 5 feet 10 inches in height, wearing a black silk jockey's jacket, corduroy trousers, and a pair of high riding boots was the principal actor. His name was Oscar R. Gleason…"
May, Thursday 13. 1886
Note from KW at No 26. Prisoner from blistered feet. Sat with her an hour. Tried to get to Dr. Waldstein's but driven back by great downpour of rain. Too wet for Partridge's recital in Julius Caesar and so lost my ticket. Telegram poor Inglis- gone to Poughkeepsie in this cold rain sans over-coat- sans night-shirt. A pretty thing for a deaf person to do! Letter from Berlin. Wm Bulkeley secured satisfactory board for me near the cemetery.
(Editor's note: Margaret is referring to Berlin, Connecticut, where she was born, and to the Maple Grove Cemetery, where she rests today. Many family members, including Margaret's parents Daniel Dunbar and Katharine Chauncey (Goodrich) are interred there. The Bulkeley family are also relatives. This is the first reference I have seen that Inglis had a hearing problem, although it may explain earlier references to Margaret taking steps so that Inglis could hear sermons in church).
Friday 14.
(no entry)
May, Saturday 15. 1886
(no entry)
Sunday 16 - Monday 17 1886
Inglis & I hastened from dinner to Brooklyn & arrived a little late to attend Edith's funeral. The house was well filled. Some one read the 14th (Cor?) then there was sweet singing by a quartet. Then a recitation from In Memoriam and the Sight of Asia- more singing a prayer- the casket was carried out heaped with flowers & followed by her mother & two sisters. I do not know where they took her but I suppose to Cleveland. I learned from the nurse who attended her that she expressed much pleasure in the Jacques Roses I sent her about ten days ago.
Bought a blanket for Homie.
(Editor's note: Apparently the funeral of Edith Recorder - see the April 26 entry. I have no information to indicate the Recorder's were related).
May, Tuesday 18. 1886
In a great drive. Sent a (?) to Homie from Park & Tilfords. Shopped- packed met Katie Wolcott at the 3 40 PM train for Fishkill. Found a warm welcome and Roseneath as beautiful as a dream of Arcadia. Mr. W, in Boston! Julia in Riverdale. Henry with us. Talked mortgages with him.
(Editor's note: Margaret has gone for a visit to the Duchess County, New York home of the Wolcott's. "Mr. W." is most likely Charles Mosely Wolcott (1816-1889), Katie Wolcott's father. "Henry" is Katie's brother, Henry Goodrich Wolcott (1853-1906). "Julia" is Henry's wife, Julia Sterling (Hutchins) Wolcott (1855-1930), referenced March 26 & 28 and April 14).
May, Wednesday 19. 1886
Mrs. Wolcott & I drove to the Howland's Place. Miss Wolsey invited me to see the views and the house- Organ room very interesting- designed by Hunt- a very unique but restful and harmonious interior with a galley for the servants.
(Editor's note: No doubt a reference to Richard Morris Hunt (1827-1895), Victorian-era architect whose work includes the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty and the Vanderbilt's Biltmore House in Ashville, North Carolina. There seems to be a close connection between these families. Hunt's wife, Catherine Howland, was the sister of Joseph Howland, a Civil War officer. Joseph married Eliza Newton Woolsey of New York (possibly misspelled by Margaret in the above entry). Homer Stuart Jr.'s wife's mother was a Howland, so there may also be a connection there. Joseph Howland was the founder and namesake of the Howland Public Library in nearby Beacon, New York, donating the land, furniture, building, and money to purchase books. Inglis became a trustee of the Howland library in 1912. Hunt also designed the library building. The Wolcott's are cousins of Margaret).
Thursday 20.
(no entry)
May, Friday 21. 1866
(no entry)
Saturday 22.
Drove the train for Inglis & Burr. Neither came but a telegram to the country. Mr. Wolcott from Boston- his brother Huntington failing. Mrs. Wolcott tripped over a rug & bruised her knee. Dr. forbid her going down stairs for some days.
May, Sunday 23. 1886
Drove to church with Mr. Wolcott Mr. (Fritze?) was very ambitious in his illustrations and rather mixed in his metaphors- talked of persons who had no horizon above them & c. When we return lo! The boy Inglis at Roseneath. The scene so lovely seemed decked in (?) dyes for his coming. We talked by snatches then Henry took him off for a drive. At 8 PM he left us & we heard his train rattle off to the city.
Monday 24.
(no entry)
May, Tuesday 25. 1886
Mrs. Wolcott & I went in the slate carriage to the depot for Burr- the creature did come and we took her a drive and delighted her eyes with the highlands & the river. We missed a call from Mrs. Monell & Mary.
Wednesday 26.
Katie Wolcott & I took Burr to Eustatia. Mary in bed with her teeth. Mrs. Monell promised to come to tea on Thursday. This is the first time I have entered Eustatia since Judge Monell died. I sat in the room where he breathed his last and it all seemed very fresh to me. Katie Wolcott went to the Newlands to play the (banjo?) in evening.
(Editor's note: "Eustatia" overlooking the Hudson River in Beacon, was built in 1867 by noted architect Frederick Clarke Withers for his friend, Judge John Monell. Another Monell, John James (not the son of Judge Monell) was married to Mary Elizabeth (Smith), Margaret's 1st cousin, so there was a relationship between the families. Eustatia is now a private residence, and is on the National Register of Historic Places).
May, Thursday 27. 1886
Mrs. Eldridge & Mary called.
In the evening Mrs. Monell came to tea. I enjoyed seeing her very much. Julia returned with the children. Oliver & Charles gave me a drive in their donkey cart. Charles rushed in seized my hand saying "I am going to give this woman a ride."
(Editor's note: Margaret did have some Eldridge cousins, the Eldridge's having married into the Goodrich line. Oliver (1880-1893) and Charles (born 1882) were sons of Henry Goodrich Wolcott and Julia Sterling (Hutchins), Margaret's 1st cousins once removed. "Removed" indicates that there is an intervening generation - the children of your first cousin would be your first cousins "once removed." This is opposed to "second cousins." Cousins have the same grandparents; second-cousins have the same great grandparents).
Friday 28.
Last day at Roseneath. We all went to the circus including Burr. I took tea with Julia & Henry. Gave Julia some thing I crochet for her future use. Took leave of Annette. Mrs. Wolcott very kind and regretful about my leaving. Fannie Jenkins arrived. Inglis declines the part up Storm King.
May Saturday 29. 1886
Katie Wolcott put Burr & me into the cars with a box of Roseneath's choicest flowers for decoration day in Berlin. Met Inglis at Coudert Bro's was introduced to his head who gave me golden opinions of Inglis. I hope they will turn to gold in Inglis' account. We lunched together- transacted various business & I left him for the Berlin train. Burr there with Jacques roses for the Berlin Cemetery. Arriving found my quarters more agreeable than I expected.
Sunday 30.
A foretasting of the heavenly Sabbath. Spent three hours in the cemetery reading a diary of HHS. The West Wind whispered softly in the leaves. The birds sang Nature was at her best. Everything as he loved it. Was he near? During the night I woke affrighted in a severe thunder storm. It was the first since he left me and as I tho't of him lying so low deaf to the thunder I felt awfully alone.
(Editor's note: no entries through June 3)
June, Friday 4 - Saturday 5. 1886
I judged about 5 yrs. It seems he had followed me in & said he would walk home with me which he did. To day we have made good progress. Two patient oxen have driven five enormous loads of fine loam which Mr. Sage has spread upon the raised plot. I sat with him this a.m. while he rounded the corners & shaped the sides with turf. He placed a wheel-barrow in the shade & spread his coat thereon in kindest fashion for me to sit. I went again with a fresh wreath when the sun was low & detected two wood thrush busy at their nest close by. The sky & clouds have been so beautiful to day I could scarcely look at the Earth. What pleasure he had in these "angels from the sea" which he talked of that last Sunday while even then he was dying by my side.
(pages for June 6 - 13 are missing)
June, Monday 14 - Tuesday 15. 1886
Cold rain continued. It suits me since it greens the turf Mr. Sage has laid around the family plot! Wrote a letter to Miss Otis one to Will to Homie & 2 to Inglis. Then read the Black Book steadily thr'o the long rainy day. It is an autobiography- shows strong endeavor great ability- even genius- but sad reverses. There were great opportunities some successes, but for some reason the Goal was never reached, the brilliant promise was not fulfilled. It is a sad story, but at even tide there was light, the last days were the best days- so spiritual, gentle tender content. He always said in looking back that his happiest period of life was at Jamaica. There was an old twisted mis-shapen apple tree half way up the hill to Willow tree station. There he always expected to (sic) much "the lovely (Phubsy?)" on his way from the train. He called it the trysting tree. It was absurd how much he tho't of this & how dark & disappointed his look if I allowed anything to detour me.
June, Wednesday 16 - Thursday 17. 1886
I have such a lovely window looking towards the east- slopes of grass, trees, beyond an uneven line where blue hills meet the sky. To day the drop curtain is down. Yesterday the forms and tints of the clouds upon the azure back ground were infinite, enchanting. Last evening a full orbed moon rise. At four in the morning a scintillating star hung in the east like a great gem 'till put out by the splendor of the sun. What a gifted creature the Oriole is!- Such a song, such a graceful form such glory of plumage and then he has such a handsome wife. I believe she sings too, and they have brains and skill to make such a beautiful nest hideing (sic) the lovely sitter in its depths. When the wind blows him it rocks the cradle of the little orioles.
June, Friday, 18. 1886
(no entry)
Saturday, 19.
(no entry)
June, Sunday 20. 1886
(no entry)
Monday 21.
(no entry)
June, Tuesday 22. 1886
(no entry)
Wednesday 23. 1886
Spent the day in Hartford.
June, Thursday 24. 1886
Left Berlin for NY
Friday 25. 1886
(no entry)
June, Saturday, 26. 1886
Left NY with Miss Inglis for Cresson. Arrived at Altoona at 5 PM. Took tea at the Logan House & left for Cresson. It was light enough to distinguish the wonderful Horse Shoe Bend and dark enough to see the coke ovens in full blast. We reached Mapleton House & were pleased with our landlady- Mrs. Hall.
(Editor's note: Cresson, Pennsylvania is in the Johnstown area, about 75 miles east of Pittsburgh.
Sunday 27
Dismayed to find Miss Inglis confined to her bed. Fixed her pillow so she could see a marvellous (sic) sunset from the window followed by an evening sky so lovely I am sure it will never be forgotten. We like Mapleton House and Mrs. Hall. Table excellent. Napery dainty.
June Monday 28. 1886
Drove with Miss Inglis to the Mountain House & to the summit. Glad enough to have her out of bed. Talked with Mrs. Hall- all her rooms engaged for August but she tho't there might be failures & she ventured to engage to take Katie and me till Oct 1st. Rejoiced to look no further for board and wrote to Katie to come at once.
Tuesday 29.
Miss Inglis and I took a drive at evening to the old postage RR & to the Iron Spring. Encountered an encampment of gippsies (sic) which interested us. Saw plenty of Laurel
And Rhododendron but what was far more beautiful- most exquisite Eglantine of a deeper tint than in lower latitudes (I don't mean latitude but elevation).
June, Wednesday 30. 1886
Hot. Dry. Dusty. Gnats.
We kept ourselves on the cool breezy piazza- the road too sunny, stoney & dusty to invite us out either to walk or drive. Thus far we were the only guests, but a family from some little town near St. Louis- Judge Welsh, his wife, niece & wife's sister took possession of the annex. He is invalid- the three women have the precision of school teachers. Mrs. W.'s card:
July, Friday 2. 1886
Katie with Margaret arrived at 11 a.m. Great excitement. Miss Inglis and I met her at the train. Katie looked tired. Margaret was friendly & came to her grand-dame. Katie well pleased & satisfied with all the arrangements I have made for her here- charmed with the fresh air and the pure water.
Saturday 3.
Miss Inglis & I wondered over Margaret.
July, Sunday 4. 1886
(no entry)
Monday 5.
Called in the Dr. to decide upon Margaret's nourishment. He ordered milk from a cow called Spottie with a calf ten days old.
July, Tuesday 6. 1886
(no entry)
Wednesday 7.
(no entry)
July, Thursday 8. 1886
(no entry)
Friday 9.
Letter from Homie dated circa the 30, read it sitting on the stile down the road. Truly thankful to hear from the boy.
July, Saturday 10. 1886
Telegram from Inglis. Will start for Cresson at 6 P.M. to day- to accompany Miss Inglis to N York on Monday.
Sunday 11.
Waked at 2 a.m. Dressed & went down stairs to be ready to open door for Inglis at 4. Heard the train come in on time, went down the road & met him with Mrs. Hall. He had his hair shingled close behind in unbecoming style. What an inartistic, trying style! We had a happy day together. He said Margaret was "splendid." The first thing she did was to cram his finger into her mouth which he thought informal.
July, Monday 12 - Tuesday 13. 1886
Bridget knocked at our door at 4 30 a.m. Miss Inglis- Inglis and I breakfasted at 5 a.m. At 6 took train for Altoona. An interesting ride down the mountain- the morning mist lying in the valleys and making the peaks into islands. Left Miss Inglis on piazza of Logan House to go and buy a nursery chair for Margaret. It took so long I was obliged to rush for my train without a good bye to Miss Inglis who was to go in the Limited with Inglis at 11 a.m. Red 3 Postals from Inglis en route. Miss Inglis had a comfortable time & arrived in NY abt 6 30 P.M. a little stiff but not greatly fatigued. Inglis returned to the office having spent his Sunday 400 miles away.
July, Wednesday 14. 1886
Queer names in these parts.
Mr. Feaster
Mr. Riffles
Thursday 15.
Margaret weights 17 lbs. She measures 26 ½ inches.
July, Friday 16. 1886
Another $1000 div declared by the "rotten heap" as Inglis calls it.
Saturday 17.
Biddi the chamber-maid is a native of the mountain. We said to her she ought to have perfect health reared here. "Well I never did take no doctors stuff and I was never very sick but once, then I were very sick." What was the matter? "I had the tooth-ache. My nephew is very sick now with ammonia of the lungs and worms of the stomach." A lady sprained her knee & Mrs. Hall advised to bathe with pneumonia.
July, Sunday 18. 1886
Sweet corn. Cucumbers.
Water-melon Harvest Apples.
A perfect day. If HHS were here he would say "Come (Martie?), let us take a turn" and we would wander tho these by paths and look upon these cloud views, he would muse and utter finest imaginings and this would be to him perfect happiness.
Monday 19.
(no entry)
July, Tuesday 20. 1886
(no entry)
Wednesday 21.
(no entry)
July, Thursday 22. 1886
(no entry)
Friday 23.
(no entry)
July, Saturday 24. 1886
Mrs. Forsyth and daughter Willa (aged 11) were placed at our table & promise pleasant acquaintance. They are from Pittsburg (sic) & Willa was born six months after her mother became a widow.
Sunday 25.
(no entry)
July, Monday 26. 1886
Margaret aged 6 months. Weighs 18 lbs.
Tuesday 27.
(no entry)
July, Wednesday 28. 1886
The Welsh family from St. Louis departed to make room for the August guests.
Thursday 29.
Great excitement at Mapleton House. 3 families with 3 nurses, 9 children & 20 trunks arrived. Our landlady did not know whether she was on foot or on horse-back.
July, Friday 30. 1886
House swarming with happy children. Mr. Andrew Carnegie's teams pretty lively around Mapleton House. Our land lady remarked with exultation. He himself was a figure head on the pi-azzy, only think of it a man with a million dolls a year! I must get a look at this little god with the (?). Frightful clap of thunder at evening stuck on the summit
Saturday 31.
Thunder in the morning. I have noticed that a thunder storm on this mountain lasts three days. Interviewed Mrs. Hall about a room for Burr- secured a section of a sleeping room & wrote her to come at once.
Letter from Homie- obliged to kill his pet hens to release them from tortures of insects.
August, Sunday 1. 1886
Hot. Muggy. Rain. Thunder.
Margaret felt the influence of the weather and kept Katie and me in close attendance all day. No mail but a Tribune. No service. Hope Inglis is somewhere in a cool sea breeze.
Monday 2.
Mercury 63.
Breezy, cool, tonic, inspiring. After breakfast K & I started off with Willa Forsyth & drew the baby in her basket to Summit PO where Mr. McConnell the venerable P Master gave us seats upon his piazza commanding the heights of Penna. He told me that he had several times confessed to Prince Galitzen. (sic). Post-mistress told us of a sick infant bro't here for mountain air- disease "The Take Off"!
(Editor's note: Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin (1770-1840), was a Roman Catholic priest, called The Apostle of the Alleghenies, born at The Hague on December 22, 1770).
August, Tuesday 3. 1886
(no entry)
Wednesday 4.
Katie & I drew Margaret in her wagon to Cresson Spring where we imbibed.
August, Thursday 5. 1886
Mr. Dunscomb arrived.
Friday 6.
Mr. D- conveyed a message from Inglis that gave me disturbance- regarding the possibility of leaving Coudert Bro's. I should be very sorry to have the boy's future sacrificed to his obligations to the ERR suits or the interests of the Estate.
August, Saturday 7. 1886
Inglis went to Montclair to board.
Burr arrived at 9 PM & was conducted to the cradle of the sleeping baby whereon she gazed with clasped hands & strong expressions of admiration. In the morning we drove to Loretto & visited convent the church & the tomb of Prince Galitzen (sic). So Margaret's first visiting was to this convent where Sister Margaret conducted us through.
Sunday 8.
Margaret looked earnestly at Burr but surrendered herself and went quietly to sleep in those faithful loving arms.
Mr. Dunscomb left at 5 PM in the Limited.
August, Monday 9. 1886
Hottest day on the Mountain for 3 yrs. Mercury at 8 a.m. 71 degrees.
Tuesday 10.
Katie Burr & I drew M- to the summit and sat an hour on Mr. McConnell's steps. Burr delighted with the Mountain breeze and the wide view.
August, Wednesday 11. 1886
Burr obliged to go to bed affected in the same way Miss Inglis was upon arriving.
Thursday 12.
Burr still under the weather.
Harvest Home at Montclair. Katie & I walked to Cresson to post letters. The moon hung over the Mountain House & seemed to (?) to the decorations of that Hotel.
August, Friday 13. 1886
Baby Noyes born- Boy.
Burr better & with less rheumatism than for a long time.
(Editor's note: The Stuart's were somewhat distant cousins of the Noyes family. Alfred Noyes (1825-1904) and his wife Rebecca (Stewart) (1825-1901) had sons, Frank and Charles, who might be the father of the baby mentioned).
Saturday 14.
(no entry)
August, Sunday 15. 1886
(no entry)
Monday 16.
Fred & Annie Coe married. Little Caddie Coe born. AE. Coe wrote me a letter of sad reminiscence.
(Editor's note: Margaret's first cousin Frederick Coe (1816-1870), whose mother was Elizabeth Goodrich (1787-1864), a sister of Margaret's mother Katharine Chauncey Goodrich (1791-1873), married Anne Eliza Mitchell (1818-1900) on August 16, 1841. Frederick graduated Yale in 1837 and was a prominent New York lawyer. Their only child, Caroline Mitchell Coe (1843-1846)- presumably "Caddie" was born on their second anniversary, but died at the age of two on April 30, 1846. "A.E. Coe" would have been Caddie's mother, Anne Eliza (Mitchell) Coe).
August, Tuesday 17. 1886
(no entry)
Wednesday 18.
The Iron King- little big Andrew Carnegie came to tea with his secretary. Great excitement in the Mapleton House. A high tea. The millionaire ate waffles just like any hungry mortal.
August, Thursday 19. 1886
Mrs. Forsyth & Willa went to Pittsburg for the night.
Hopeful letter from Homie asking me to meet him at Titusville in Nov. Inglis wrote about claim against Fischer and repairing back piazza for Quinlish. Replied to both letters. Katy- Did singing at ev'g.
.
Friday 20.
Mrs. Forsythe came back bringing us a beautiful vase of carnations, roses heliotrope citronella, a dish of Almeria grapes, peaches and a cantelope (sic) melon. I had nearly forgotten that such things were. Jessie King's Birth-day 3 yrs. Cake with 3 candles another with 10 cts in Each cut for all the children- presents flowers & a drive 3 carriages (with?).
August, Saturday 21. 1886
Mr. Carnegie & Miss Whitfield on horse back.
Began to read Kidnapped aloud to Katie & Burr,
(Editor's note: Louise Whitfield (1857-1946) would marry Andrew Carnegie on April 22, 1887. At the time of the horseback ride Margaret observed she was 29 to his 50. They would have one child, Margaret (1897-1990).
Sunday 22.
Letter from Homie dated Aug 18th only 4 days ago.
August, Monday 23. 1886
Finished "Kidnapped."
Tuesday 24.
(no entry)
August, Wednesday 25. 1886
(no entry)
Thursday 26.
Margaret seven months old.
August, Friday 27. 1886
Mercury 86 Mapleton-House.
Saturday 28.
(no entry)
August, Sunday 29. 1886
(no entry)
Monday 30.
(no entry)
August, Tuesday 31. 1886
Earth-quake Charleston knocked over.
(Editor's note: The Charleston Earthquake of 1886 was the most damaging quake to hit the southeastern United States. It occurred at 9:50 p.m. on August 31, 1886, and lasted just under a minute. The quake caused severe damage, some 2,000 buildings and $6 million worth in damages, while in the whole city the buildings were only valued at approximately $24 million. Between 60 and 110 lives were lost. )
September, Wednesday 1.
Mrs. Forsyth, Katie, Burr the baby in her wagon and I made a procession to Mr. Carnegie's domain top of Penn'a and viewed the land-scape o'er. It was a great climb for Burr but she enjoyed it spite of one weak and one lame ankle.
September, Thursday 2. 1886
(no entry)
Friday 3.
Mailed receipt for interest to Roswell Smith at Newport.
(Editor's note: publisher, born in Lebanon, Connecticut, 30 March, 1829. Roswell Smith was educated at Brown, in 1850 married Miss Ellsworth, granddaughter of Chief-Justice Oliver Ellsworth, studied law, and for nearly twenty years practiced in Lafayette, Indiana. Mr. Smith came in 1870 to New York City, where, in connection with Dr. Josiah G. Holland and Charles Scribner, he established "Scribner's Monthly" (now the "Century Magazine"). In 1873 he began the publication of "St. Nicholas," a magazine for children. The first organization was under the firm-name of Scribner and Co., which subsequently became the Century Company, with Mr. Smith as president. Under his direction these magazines have enjoyed great popularity and an extensive circulation on both sides of the Atlantic. He died in 1892. Smith's wife, Annie Goodrich Ellsworth, was Margaret's second cousin. As Margaret apparently wrote some pieces for publication, the receipt may have had something to do with Smith's literary connection. Note also that Margaret was the niece of the noted publisher, editor, and children's author Samuel Griswold Goodrich (1793-1860) aka Peter Parley).
From the New York Times, August 15, 1886: "A deluge at Newport. Rain and slush prevent the polo games. Preparing for the grand subscription ball-society gossip and latest visitors. The elements played the mischief with Newport's festivities to-day. Rain fell in the morning, and in the afternoon there was a deluge, which was accompanied by thunder and lightning. The heat was intense, and mud was found everywhere. It was decided not to have any polo games, as it was deemed inadvisable to cut up the wet sods with the ponies' feet… Cornelius Vanderbilt has subscribed $100 to aid in paying expenses to bring the English polo ponies to Newport. So far $900 has been pledged… John H.P. Dodge and Mrs. C.L. Dodge of Boston, and Roswell Smith, of New-York, are at the Ocean House.")
September, Saturday 4. 1886
(no entry)
Sunday 5.
Inglis arrived to breakfast.
September, Monday 6. 1886
(no entry)
Tuesday 7.
Mr. Feaster drove Inglis Burr & me to the Big Trees and to Loretta where we visited the convent & Father Galitzen's (sic) tomb.
September, Wednesday 8. 1886
Elizabeth Ellsworth Wolcott Born. Pic-nic in the Carnegie Woods. There were present: Katie Inglis Self Mrs. Forsythe Willa (?) Whitfield Miss Louise Estelle & Harry (?) Lamberton, Mr. Willie (?) Paisley Mr. King, Mrs. Alex, Bertie, Belle, Jessie, Mr. Landers, Andrew Carnegie German Artist Miss Tomlinson.
(Editor's note: Elizabeth Ellsworth Wolcott was the daughter of Margaret's first cousin once removed Henry Goodrich Wolcott (1853-1906) and his wife Julia Sterling (Hutchins) (1855-1930) - see March 26th entry. She would marry Kenneth Carman Sayre in 1925).
Thursday 9.
(no entry)
Friday 10. 1886
Inglis Burr & I climbed the mountains in a train with 600 excursionists to Rhododendron Park.
(Editor's note: From "Brief summer rambles near Philadelphia" described in a series of letters written for the Public Ledger during the summer of 1881: "There are saw-mills up here, hid away in the woods, that cut this timber into boards for shipment. Great lumber-piles surround them. Whenever the train stops all the passengers stand up and look around, and so does the entire population of the mountain-top,-which is not numerous. Thus, in the midst of a forest, we cross the summit of the mountain, and rattle along at a quick pace on the level ground, the little cars surging and jumping about on the narrow road. Reaching Lloydsville, on the mountain-top, our little observation car, grandly named the " Val Halla," lands us at the Rhododendron Park. Here, among the laurel bushes, in this wild and romantic region on the top of the Alleghenies they have established a lovely picnic-ground, to which Altoona pleasure parties like to go. There cannot be imagined a prettier place than this Park. A little spring comes out of the rocks near the railway, and the brook flowing from it runs through a grove of enormous trees. The water is dammed into miniature lakes, into which little islands have been put, whereon sweet flowers grow. Rustic bridges have been thrown across the water, some of them merely the trunks of trees that lay just as the axe has felled them. A little fountain splashes into a rustic basin in front of a pavilion, where refuge can be taken from the rain-storms that sometimes come so quickly, and where there is a platform for the orchestra to lead the dance, or for the orator to exhibit himself upon. The cold spring-water supplies all the wants of the thirsty in this elevated elysium, and rustic tables are scattered under the trees, whereon the lunch-baskets can have their contents spread when the keen mountain air has created an early appetite. Here on the top of the Alleghenies, in one of its wildest and loneliest parts, has been made this Paradise for the picknicker of "Little Blair" County. It is about eleven hundred feet higher than Bell's Mills, and probably two thousand three hundred feet above tide-water. The laurel bushes, some of immense size, surround the Park, and when all the rhododendrons are in full bloom it is a magnificent sight. Yet, how many Philadelphians know that such a place exists, or that it is within the compass of a few hours' journey from the Delaware?"
Saturday 11.
(no entry)
September, Sunday 12. 1886
(no entry)
Monday, 13.
(no entry)
September, Tuesday 14. 1886
(no entry)
Wednesday 15. 1886
(no entry)
September, Thursday 16. 1886
Most oppressive Hot day of the season. Baby Margaret suddenly succumbed to the weather and the teething. Her milk spouted from her mouth half across the room and she lay back feebly. This was repeated in the night. Dr. Devereux bro't her Bisimuth. Letter of directions from Homie how & when to go to Florida and what to bring.
Friday 17.
Inglis decided to return to the city to attend to urgent matters. Packed his trunk in a hurry. Great down-pour of rain. He walked to the station thro' pitch darkness carrying a lantern which he swung from time to time down the road as we looked after him. The joy of the summer is over now that he has come and gone.
September, Saturday 18. 1886
Coterie-Carnegie went to view his iron works. Margaret had a comfortable night- but about 2 PM the vomiting returned. Katie keeps her out of doors as much as possible. An agreeable lady from Columbus Ohio took Mrs. Forsythes place at our table. She proves to be an old pupil of Miss Haines. She and Katie exchange school experiences, name (Turney?). She is taken ill we tried for Dr. D- for her & M but he had gone with the party to Pitts'g
Sunday 19.
Noisy breakfast. Carnegie clique returned late & still full of admiration & wonder over what the Iron King had shown them. Truly the Works must be prodigious. They use 22,000,000 gallons water daily. They turn out of the coke ovens a train of cars daily filled with coke four miles long. 1 mile of this train is used in the works, the other three is sold. Margaret better. My heart is desolate without Inglis.
September, Monday 20. 1886
Margaret unable to retain her nourishment thr'o the night, appears ill this morning. Dr. D calls it a "tooth fever" says this (?) are inevitable as she gets teeth hard.
Tuesday 21.
Mr. Earle one of Philadelphia club bachelors came to our table.
September, Wednesday 22. 1886
Carnegie clique of Kings & Whitfields left with children, nurses & trunks making a great calm in Mapleton house.
Thursday 23.
Dugie Stewart died at 8 a.m. Mrs. Williams two daughters & maid from Mountain House entered upon the Whitfields rooms & Mrs. Turney was transferred to the rooms vacated by the Kings. Mrs. Turney & Mr. Earle make our table lively. The house is now made-up of agreeable people.
(Editor's note: ""Dugie" was Dugald Stewart (1857-1886), the son of Dugald Stewart and Sophia C. (Allen). Dugald Sr. was a first cousin of Margaret's husband Homer Hine Stuart (1810-1885).
September, Friday 24 - Saturday 25 1886
These autumn days I try to recall the walks we took the words we spoke last September. I remember the golden rods thistles and purple asters with bright black-berry leaves. HHS and I enjoyed for a week on our table carefully putting the bouquet out under the dew every night. The flowers of the field, the beeches and maples on this mountain bring to me memories of him and do give thoughts that lie too deep for (tears?). I sat this after-noon in a wood alone remembering with a kind of rapture all that has been.
September, Sunday 26. 1886
Margaret 8 mo old.
Monday 27.
(no entry)
September, Tuesday 28. 1886
Margaret 8 months old celebrated the event by giving her the first chicken bone. This is a mistake. She was eight mo old on Sunday the 26th & I made the error in entering it.
Wednesday 29.
Katie's wedding day 1884. Mrs. Turney took me a drive on the left Portage.
September, Thursday 30. 1886
Mrs. Turney & I drove to Loretta. Mrs. Forsythe surprises us with a visit. She bro't Margaret the Barley food and about twenty lbs hot-house grapes and peaches.
October, Friday 1.
Walked after breakfast in old Portage road with Mrs. Forsythe- a charming ramble. Saw her off in the 4 PM train. Mr. Earle took his leave at 6 PM. The Barley-Oat food has transformed Margaret. She devours it eagerly and digests it with comfort.
October, Saturday 2. 1886
3 letters from Homie full of directions for my journey and the things I am to bring for my comfort. Margaret continues to flourish upon Barley-Oats. Wrote letter of condolence to Sophie Stewart upon the death of Dugie. This month of October is with me a month consecrated to the dead.
Sunday 3,
An autumn day without clouds- serene sky- sweet balmy air, beauteous tints upon the forest, brown chesnuts (sic) falling from gaping burrs.- Such an environment as HHS loved- nature was to him more than books, or society. Sweet converse we held this day a year ago our last Sunday, one last day, the last of Earth for him.
October, Monday 4. 1886
The year has rounded and tomorrow will being round the fateful day in our family life. April 28th Sep 4th 1849 Oct 5th 1885. These are the dates that begin and end my married life. I have lived my first solitary year. Here after one year letteth another 'till my own summons come.
(Editor's note: April 28 is her engagement dat, September 4 her wedding date, and October 5 her husband's death date. In the journal Margaret has pasted large numbers on September 4 and October 5).
(no entry)
October, Wednesday 6 - Friday 8 1886
This day on the mountain is without clouds. But I well remember how the rain poured in the street's of New York this day last year as I was making the preparations necessary for our grievous journey on the morrow. In the PM a few friends gathered around me in the extension at 10th St. At evening Homie came all unnerved with the shock. Later seven of us drove to that awful room where my dear love lay in his narrow (house?). We went to Berlin where we looked our last at the majestic face so still in the repose of death. It seems to me now that I realized everything except that I was burying him forever from my sight. I realized that the air was chill, the ground damp that Inglis stood without an overcoat that Mr. Curtis' uncovered head was bald, but my heart was paralyzed & I could not feel that awful hole was receiving the beautiful personality of my husband. Now that he has lain low for a year and a day I wonder how I could give him up. I long so for the living presence it seems in looking back as if I passed thro' the last offices with unfeeling indifference, as if I suffer more now than then.
Saturday 9.
I took Burr the long walk to the Iron Spring to show her the glory of the Allegheny's in Oct. Her poor ankles pained her so she made a face at every step but she said she was glad she tugged it out.
(Editor's note: Here Margaret has inserted a death notice for William Mitchell, 86 years old, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, died Oct. 6. I do not know the significance, perhaps an associate of her husband Homer, who was an attorney).
October, Sunday 10. 1886
Mr. Turney came for his family and left at 4 PM. Katie & I walked to the Carnegie woods. Only Miss Sallie Williams left with us of all the summer guests.
Monday 11.
(no entry)
October, Tuesday 12. 1886
Wrote Miss Harriet for a room at No 23 W 10th.
Wednesday 13.
Mr. Dunscomb arrived to breakfast. He bro't Katie divers and sundry things that filled her heart with delight $18. worth of flannel which Burr straight way cut into night-gowns for K and M.
October, Thursday 14. 1886
Almost a tornado of wind and rain. Katie & the Dunscomb went chesnuting (sic). They were drenched & he was obliged to put on his dress suit till things dried. In the evening Miss Williams sang to the piano while D accompanied on her mandolin. We had a burr of boiled chesnuts (sic).
Friday 15.
Cold enough to snow. This has been a day of days.-preparing for the Journey with Margaret. Burr cooked quarts of nourishment packed in bottles. There were bags of napery, bundles of (wraps?), 3 trunks, a wagon. It blew a hurricane. When old Riffles appeared he had every curtain off his miserable binacle. The child was frightened with the wind- there was a great crowd at the station, no parlor (?) & I felt great anxiety- (?) they wild (fare?).
October, Saturday 16. 1886
The 11 a.m. train bro't a Postal from the Dunscomb that they were safe in Pittsburg- Mother and child in excellent condition had made the journey without discomfort. Margaret had partaken of her bottle- all of which was as gratifying as news could be. Burr put the (?) into material for my wrapper and toilet sacque. I think she cried all night over the loss of Baby Margaret.
Sunday 17.
Warm. Wrote letters in the a.m. Went with Miss W- to Catholic Vespers. The music was exceedingly sweet and made me weep as all church music does in these days. To enjoy the service I was obliged to close my eyes. The fat priest in his lace dress, his (coretta?), his gold vestments, his prostrations, his elevation of the holy sacrament, his incense all seemed Pagan.
October, Monday 18. 1886
A delicious piazza day. Burr driving at my clothes. Miss Williams went with me to gather beech nuts. Mr. Carnegie ill- threatened with typhoid fever. Katy Dids singing at evening in the maples on this mountain. Our little Margaret was taken during the only rough weather that has befallen.
(Editor's note: From "Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie": "I was first stricken, upon returning from a visit in the East to our cottage in Cresson Springs on top of the Alleghenies where my mother and I spent our happy summers. I had been quite unwell for a day or two before leaving New York. A physician being summoned, my trouble was pronounced typhoid fever.")
Tuesday 19.
(no entry)
October, Wednesday 20. 1886
(no entry)
Thursday 21.
At 11 A.M. Burr & I said good bye to Mapleton-House & took the train for N York. A long uneventful ride the first part among the (varriegated?) mts. & beside the beautiful Juniata. We were met by Burr's nephew who put me into a carriage & I found Mary awaiting me & a nice supper in my room.
October, Friday 22. 1886
Found Inglis at his post in Mr. (Holetin's?) room at Coudert's. He looked as sweet as an angel. We went to Safety Deposit to Life & Trust and Lunched. In the PM he came to dinner. Kittie Ashton's here and a comfort. A bright (?)- comfy at the house. Prof came. Also George Gosling talked of Homie & Florida.
(Editor's note: "Kittie" is Katharine Ashton (1849-1908), the daughter of Sophia Upson (Goodrich) and John Ashton. Sophia was Margaret's first cousin. See Homer Hine Stuart Jr.'s letter from Florida dated November 24, 1886 for a mention of George Gosling).
Saturday 23.
Prof & Belle to lunch. Letters from Homie. Saw Park & Tilford about lost bbl. Inglis to dinner. Shopped some for Fred.
(Editor's note: Park & Tilford, founded in 1840, was one of New York's most prominent grocery stores during this time, known for importing products from Europe and repackaging and manufacturing products).
Park & Tilford's (center) on Fifth Avenue, New York
October, Sunday 24. 1886
Went to Montclair to spend the day with Inglis. Julia came to his house & took us to tea. Saw her four interesting children. Came to tour & spend the evening with Miss Inglis. Afterwards called upon Kittie & looked at her water colors. Inglis remained the night in his old room at 10th St.
(Editor's note: Another reference to the Wolcott children (see May 27th entry). Two younger children, Henry and Elizabeth, are in addition to Oliver and Charles. Katharine and Julia would be born 1888 and 1892, respectively),
Monday 25,
Met Annie Coe at L & (?) & remained with her 'till 12:30- out first meeting since she lost Caddie. She has aged with this sorrow as well as with years. Went to Lincoln Storage & took out two trunks. Inglis there to identify me. Called to see Mrs. Noyes baby. Dear Inglis read me his argument & left by midnight train for Albany to appear in the Court of Appeals.
(Editor's note: See August 16th entry for a discussion of the Coe's. The court case was "George Lahr v. The Metropolitan Elevated Railway Company" in which Inglis represented the plaintiffs; seeking damages against elevated railway companies for loss of property value when elevated railways were constructed on their streets. Argued October 27, 1886, the case was decided February 1, 1887 in favor of the plaintiffs).
October, Tuesday 26. 1886
Balked in my endeavor because Inglis has the keys to my trunks. Saw cousins Frank & Ella. Bought house hold goods at Macy's. Miss Inglis spent an hour with Mrs. Ellis. Pouring rain.
Wednesday 27.
Spent the a.m. at 1275 Dean St. Brooklyn. Miss Otis received me in bed- a pleasing invalid, a beautiful head broad intellectual brow short thick curling hair intense blue eyes, the upper part of her face is noble- the lower is irregular. She showed joy at my coming & related the sad story of Edith's illness & end.
(Editor's note: Margaret has crossed off the dates "26" and "27" and reversed them).
October, Thursday 28. 1886
Yesterday Inglis passed the ordeal, his first appearance in the Court of Appeals- almost his debut in any court- argued an important test case with Julien Davies, Mr. Rapallo & David Dudley Field against him. Argued it creditably to himself & to his father. The Court heard him for an hour & forty minutes with close attention. He came home about 10 PM looking bright & happy. We talked far into the night.
Friday 29.
Inglis returned to his clerkly duties as quickly as if he had not made a stir among the big guns in the high Court. His name is appearing with honorable mention in Albany & New York papers. This is the fruition of seed sown by his father. Alas! That he was not permitted the gratification that fills me with such joy & pride. I opened my trunk at Roswell's & selected winter garments for Fred.
October, Saturday 30. 1886
Looked on the jump all day marking & preparing Fred's winter outfit. Got it off by express at 4 PM- a great relief.
Sunday 31. 1886
Inglis walked with me to the Brick church. We had a good seat where he could hear. Mr. Van Dyke preached a political sermon- a (?) communion, Lordly necessary to those conservative old Bricks. Helen came to dinner. Later Frank & Ella- then we went to the Recorder's to tea.
November, Monday 1. 1886
Spent an hour with Miss Inglis, bought a looking-glass, a lamp & a filter for Florida. Met Alice at bontine's. Inglis brot me two $1000 bonds of Rutland RR.
Tuesday 2. 1886
Election Day. Inglis cast his vote for Roosevelt. Burr came for an hour to hear about Inglis' successful effort in the C- of Appeals. Inglis & I went to (Mountain Station?) to visit Prof & Belle & (Hilda?) in their idyllic home- dined & viewed the landscape oe'r. Went back to Orange & took a stage to (?) (?) where we found Helen with her books, her two dogs and a lovely home. The hour we had to stay was all too short.
(Editor's note: Another reference to Helen Stuart aka Helen Campbell. Theodore Roosevelt was running for Mayor of New York. Just 28 years old, Roosevelt was defeated by Abram S. Hewitt. Women were not granted suffrage until 1920).
November, Wednesday 3. 1886
(Editor's note: Margaret has pasted a clipping regarding the Mayoral election)
Thursday 4.
(no entry)
November, Friday 5. 1886
(no entry)
Saturday 6.
(no entry)
November, Sunday 7. 1886
(no entry)
Monday 8.
(no entry)
November, Tuesday 9. 1886
(no entry)
Wednesday 10.
Left NY for St. Lucie River
November, Thursday 11. 1886
(no entry)
Friday 12.
Slept at the Togni house Jacksonville
(Editor's note: In April 1900, the City bought the old Togni Hotel property near the southwest corner of Forsyth and Newnan Streets and converted this building into a new police station. Barely a year later, the building was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1901).
November, Saturday 13. 1886
Reached Titusville after dark. Homie boarded the train. We talked far into the night. He slept on his boat and I at the Titus-house.
(Editor's note: The Titus House became the community center of the fledgling settlement and the surrounding Indian River Region. It was a wood frame building with a large central block and two long wings, all rising one story in height and surrounded by verandahs. It was located on Washington Avenue, just south of Main Street. At the hotel Titus served many of the exotic game, fish, fruits, and vegetables which abounded in the Indian River region. He paid for the clearing of land at the new town and the laying out of many of the first buildings. Titus helped establish a mail route to Sand Point and served as postmaster and as justice of the peace. He shipped freight to Titusville by boat and wagon and then filled them with citrus and pineapples for re-shipment north).
Sunday 14.
Breakfasted & dined at Titus house. Was introduced by H- to Dr. Graham, Mr. Robbins Carl Curtis Judge McLane & S. The wind being formidable we set sail in the PM.
November, Monday 15. 1886
Sailed all night. Sounded at Melbourne. Purchased cot-bed. Flora. Grits. Rice. Sugar. Bacon. Cups & saucers. Reached St. Lucie in the PM., dinner (at?) Anchored in the river not knowing exactly where we were and struck by a flaw of wind.
Tuesday 16.
Reached Traveller's (sic) Rest at St. Lucie to dinner. Made the acquaintance of the Paine family also Mr. & Mrs. Jo Hurst. Sailed in the PM till dark when we landed for the night at Turtle camp.
November, Wednesday 17. 1886
All day at Turtle camp.
Thursday 18.
Set sail after breakfast. Reached Eden Cap Richards to dinner- before dark to Gardner's Camp- took Mr. L. Gardner aboard. He took the helm & H rested. Reached Homer's dock by the light of the stars. Afraid to land the dock was so unsafe & spent the night on the Goose. (Editor's note: The "Goose" is Homer's ship).
November, Friday 19. 1886
Sounded at Homie's Bungalow.
Saturday 20.
12 M mercury 84 in the house out of the sun.
Sunday 21. 1886
12 M Temperature 84.
November, Monday 22.
(no entry)
(Editor's note: This ends the daily journal entries. The reader may follow Margaret's stay in Florida by reading the correspondence of Homer. Margaret stayed with Homer in Florida until at least March 18, 1887. The following are miscellaneous entries at the end of Margaret's journal):
Memoranda
May 9th. Owe Inglis ($1.80?)
Memoranda
By Emeline Sherman Smith.
The rushing trains & ships they come
From over the land & the sea
But they never never bring to his home
The friend I long to see
Over the wires & thru the mails
Fly messages fond & dear
But always my tender yearning fails
Message from him to hear
Never a token, never a sign
That I may understand
Never a whisper, never a line
Comes from the silent land
Oft in the twilight calm & still
Oft in the starlight clear
My thoughts are stirred by a mystic thrill
And I seem to feel him near
But vainly I strive to pierce the veil
That falls so darkly between
My tear-dimmed eyes & the much loved form
Lost in the vast unseen
Letter Register
Name Received Answered
Anna Sayres Dec 31
Zabriskie "
Homie " Jan 1st
Inglis " "
Miss H Stewart " "
Wrote the 2 (?) "
Mrs. Jane P. (Jasman?) Jan 2 " 2
Mrs Prof Noyes "3
Inglis " 5 "5
Burr " " 6
Ella Goodrich " " "6
LH " " " "6
Mary Woodworth " 6 11
Sara Goodrich " 9
MB Kenney "
Inglis with checque " " "
Mrs. Noyes (lost) 7
" Monell Calendar " " 10
Mrs. Gosling Nov 27-85 10
" Prof Sprague-Smith Jan 11 " 11
" (Jasman?) " " 13
Homer 10
Mrs. Monell 10
Inglis 11
Katie Wolcott 11
Letter Register
Name Received Answered
Inglis Jan 13 14
Homie " "
Annie Roswell " "
" Coe " "
(Stulnecht?) 14
Miss Inglis 15 24
" " 15
Homie (BDay gift) ""
Belle 18
Will "
Mrs. Buckley "
" Waldstein 19 20
Inglis " 18
Prof "
Watson "
Burr "
Helen (PO order) 19
Katie Dutton " 20
LG Goodrich "
Mrs. Monell "
Inglis (to Katie) " 20
Annie Roswell 22 24
E Curtis 22
Mrs. Recorder Smith "
Addresses
Name Rec Sent Ans
Inglis 24 27
Mrs. F. B Goodrich 27 27
Homie " 28
Inglis " "
Miss Inglis "
Burr 31 "
Mrs. C Smith Feb 4 "
" Sprague " Feb 2d "
" Buckley " Feb
" AE Coe Jan 31 11
" Lathrop Feb 6 "
" Shafter 18 "
Bertha " "
Roswell=Smith Feb 2d " 21
Dr. Waldstein "
Burdsall "
KR Wolcott Feb 1 " 21
Mrs. Ely Feb 27 "
" (McKinney?) "
CE Ely 4 " Feb 21
Mrs. Dutton Feb 27 Jan 31 " Feb 21
" Recorder Smith Feb 26 1 " 11 21
" Higgins 6 '
Helen 29 29
Inglis Feb 3,4,5 29, 30, Feb 1,2,4
Letters
Rec Sent
Burr Feb 4 29 Feb 14 21 29
Miss Inglis " 29 Feb 14 19 25
Emily 30 21
Mrs. Hutchins Feb 1 Feb 14
" Wolcott 1 Feb
W L Sayres 7
Mrs. LH Goodrich 1 5
Homie 26.7 6 10 14
Inglis " 7 8 10 12 14 18
Monell 1
Zabriskie Feb 6 1
Gray " 1
Bible Brown 15 7
Mrs. J C Mills 18 10
R L Bachman " "
Miss Crozier 10
Mrs. C Miller 13 14
" Thurber "
" Taylor "
Miss Kenny 14 27 Mch 5
(Froulein?) 18 Mch 5th
Prof 24 " March 5
Noyes 26 20
JGD "
Inglis 24 26 27 " 21 22 24 26
Letters
Rec Feb Sent
Mrs. E E Rose 27 18 20
Homie 29 March 4 17 18
Inglis " 4 5
K Wolcott 20 18
K Stuart 19 20 M H 22
Kenny Apl 26 20 17 Apl 27 28
W S Sayres May 4 20 " Apl 23
Roswell Smith 25 22 22 25 May 4
JAC Gray 22
AE Coe 27 Apl 14 " 30
Katie 27 28 30 25(R) 27 28 30
Dora Wheeler 29 Apl " 30
Mrs. Wolcott 3 1
Mrs Prof Noyes 6
Katie 12 15 24 26 Apl 9 12 15 23 27
Homie 27 " 5 12 25 27
Ed Goodrich Apl 14 20
Emily Apl 17 20
C Wolcott 20 18 23
Mrs. (Jasman?) 20 22 May 9th
Sara G. 26 Apl May 9th
WW Elsworth 27 Apl 27
E Otis May 3 28 4
CC Goodrich 5 May 4
LG Goodrich " 9
Letters
Received Sent
Homie May 9th 9th
W Bulkeley " 13 "
AE Coe " AE Coe 28
31 " Inglis "
Roswell-S "
(Annie?) R.S. "
CR Wolcott
HG " "
Katie "
Knapp 31 (Symon?) Abbott
KR Wolcott June 2 Miss Inglis
WS Sayres sent J" 14 30 Camp
Inglis
Homie 14
Roswell S 4th
(?) (?) Goodrich "
5th EE Goodrich
Camp 8
Prof 11
Otis June 14
Cash Account-January
Date Received Paid
1 Baby blankets 4 50
" Sheets 2 70
4 (Cloth (K) 56
5 Carpet 1
9 Express 75
" Water Biscuit 80
12 35
19 Towels 1
21 Table cover 50
31 Oranges 60
Feb 3 " 26
6 Farina (Borden?) 1 75
" Baby Bottles 25
8 Rubber 25
9 Oranges 30
Broom 30
11 Oranges 30
" Maple Syrup 35
Sundries 1 00
March
14 Bonnet 5 00
19 M Hubbard 25
27 Main (soap?) 3 00
" Jones Combric 1 10
Mch 30th Silver Cup 16 00
Embroideries 6 00
Apl Contents Trunk (additional) 41 75
Aug Cresson 20
Sept " 20
Oct 10
May 2 Sofas Oil painting
Curtains & blankets
Cartage & freight 7 58
Florida
Date 1st Bbl 25
Oct Dishes $ 5 00
Nov Shirts (Flannels) 8 00
" Lamp 3 75
" Filter 3 50
" Mirror 1 75
" Shirts (Hickory) 1 50
" Drugs 3 25
" Groceries 20 75
" Journey 50
" Cash 15
Hogg 9 10
Dec Banker 11
(?) Bessey Bro's 30
Jany Curtain Rolls 5
" Oliver Lumber 16 88
Feb 7 Check Sundries NY 25
" L Gardner (Lumber) 20 81
March J Hurst (Lumber) 10
" Wire & Hinges 8
April Peter Cobb (check) 20 00
Hammock " 5 00
May Check 10 00
" 20
Date Received
Miss Inglis 1 1
" Otis 2 2
" Crozier 3 3
" Ashton
" Goodrich 4 4
" Burr
" Wolcott 6 (?)
" Stallknecht 6 (?)
Mrs Forsythe 7 (?)
" FB Goodrich 8 (?)
" Coe 9 8
" Sophie Stewart 10 9
" Dunscomb 11 10
" Wood-house 12 11
" Inness 13
" FM Wheeler
" Recorder Smith 16
" Monell 15 12
" BW Hitchcock 16 18
Mrs. CH Babcock 17 14
" Madison Grant 18 15
" HH Stuart 19 16
" Ed Goodrich 20 17
" JAC Gray 21 18
" (Korne?) 22 19
Bertha 23 20
Saville 24 21
(?) 26 22
Southworth 26 23
Robertson 27 24
(March?) (?) 28
W.S. Sayres
(?)
1 L.M. Wheeler
2 Recorder-Smith
3 Madison Grant
4 F.E. Watts
5 C. Fayette Taylor
6 Wagner
7 Lahr
8 Baker
9 (?)
10 (?)
11 (?)
12 (?) Thurber
13 E.A. Brinckerhoff
14 Fowler
15 (?) (?) White