January 1892

Josephine Jordan was my great, great, grandmother. She lived the
life of a common farm wife in northern Maine. She kept a line-a-day
diary. I have her complete diaries from 1892 to 1898. You can
learn more about Josephine, her diaries, and some historical
perspective by going back to the first installment of this series.

Your questions, insights, or comments about this month's diary
entries are welcomed.

January 1892

--Friday, January 1, 1892
Clear and fine. I have a great deal to be thankful for--all the
mercies of the year that has just passed. May I be more faithful this
year that has just commenced. May my children repent and turn
unto thee. Thou knowest how I want my children to give their
hearts to thee and in thy good time wilt thou answer my prayers.

--Sat, January 2
Snowing most of the day. I expect we will have plenty of it now.
Laurie is helping his father saw part of the day.

--Sund, Jan 3
Raining but we all went to church, but Hubby.

--Mon, Jan 4
Raining and snowing most of the time. Was down to see Mrs.
Varman in the afternoon. All well, thank God.

--Tues, Jan 5
Snowing quite fast. Went down town and did some shopping quite
a lot for husband. All well.

--Wed, Jan 6
Very busy washing. Got through nice and early.

--Thurs, Jan 7
Am quite sick. Did not feel able to sit up.

--Frid, Jan 8
Lovely and fine. Feel nice and smart. I am able to do some baking.
How good the Lord is to me.

--Sund, Jan 10
Lovely and fine. We all went to church.

--Mon, Jan 11
Fine and mild. Mr. & Mrs. Shaw, Mr. & Mrs. Hutchings were here
and spent the evening.

--Tues, Jan 12
Our Laurie is fifteen years old today. He weighed 88 pounds today.
Hope he may have many happy returns.

--Wed, Jan 13
Storming quite fast. Made Gertie some under clothes. Called on
Mrs. Crockett. Had a very pleasant call.

--Thurs, Jan 14
Got up real early for the men could go to depot and load a car of
bark. But they had to come home for it stormed so bad they could
not work until noon.

--Fri, Jan 15
Got up about four. Got the men off by daylight. They got the car
most loaded but it's a very cold day.

--Sat, Jan 16
Lovely and fine. Men finished loading the car.

--Sund, Jan 17
Very cold. Yesterday we went to Presque Isle. Started about noon.
Was gone about three hours.

--Mond, Jan 18
Very fine. Husband went down to start the car.

--Tues, Jan 19
Storming very fast. Husband sick. Fear it's Erysipelas.

--Wed, Jan 20
The storm has abated. Husband had a bad spell last night. We
made a fire and sweat him, then he seemed better.

--Thurs, Jan 21
Doctor Sincock came this morning. He thinks it's not Erysipelas. I
hope it's not. Hope he’ll soon be better.

--Fri, Jan 22
Am thankful to say he is better. Bless the Lord.

--Sat, Jan 23
Husband a little better. I feel very very glad.

--Sun, Jan 24
Blanche, Frank and I went to church and sabbath school.

--Mon, Jan 25
Husband a little better. I feel so glad about it.

--Tues, Jan 26
Fell sick myself. But I sweat and feel better.

—Wed, Jan 27
Husband much better, I think. Bless the Lord.

--Thurs, Jan 28
Husband does not feel so well. Feels discouraged.

--Fri, Jan 29
Lovely and fine. Husband better. Thank the good Lord. Mr. Shaw
our neighbor is sick.

--Sat, Jan 30
Baking for Sunday. Hubby is better. I am so glad.

--Sund, Jan 31
Fine but cold. Blanche & Frank and I went to church and Sunday
School.