Background: Eliza Ogden Mead, one of eleven children of Daniel Ogden,  was born in 1812 in Walton and married Gabriel Mead in 1837.  They had one son, George Mead. Other people mentioned in the diary who seem to be living in the house were a relative, James, and a few boarders.

Some of Eliza's siblings moved to Illinois and Wisconsin. A relative, William Ogden, was the first mayor of the city of Chicago, Illinois and also was the entrepreneur  who created the lumber town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin. (In one week in October 1871, William lost much of his property in the Great Chicago Fire and the Peshtigo Fire (one of the greatest natural disasters in American history).

 Eliza kept her diary from 1853 - 1869.  The excepts below were selected from the years 1853 and 1860.

March 1853

(March 1853) Sun 6th Clear most of the day the sun thawed the snow some but there is enough left to make good sleighing yet. I have not been out at all. Aunt Lucy staid here till about dark then went down to Mary’s. Gabriel and Roswell have been to church three times. George went through the day staid at home with me this evening.

(March 1853) Mon. 7th Clear in the morning but clouded up this afternoon and is snowing now at bedtime washed and got the clothes dry and in the house. Abram and Lydia Ann came down here this afternoon and spent most of the evening, but we could not persuade them to stay all night and they have gone home in the snow storm. Isaac and Rhoda are visiting at John Alexanders and Roswell has gone over there since Abrams folks left.

(March 1853) Tues. 8th Clear and pleasant thro the day the snow that fell last night has pretty much disappeared. It is cloudy again this evening and will probably storm before morning. I have ironed and done the mending chopped and pickled a jar of cabbage had four calls for milk to day. George went up to his Uncle Abrams this forenoon after a load of hay with James Crandall turned over coming home. I received a letter from sister Melita to day friends in Elkhorn usually well. She spoke of James as being in Ohio or here but we do not see him yet.

(March 1853) Wed. 9th This has been a dark rainy day the wind turned to the west just at dark and is blowing pretty cold now but the storm has ceased basked bread and churned. Have not much to do now days but knit. The Doctor has given me a wash for this humor in my face and it makes me look pretty much like an Indian Gabriel and Roswell have both been out this evening and George and I have spent it alone playing dominoes.

(March 1853) Thurs. 10th Clear and pleasant. The sleighing is about gone and people travel mostly in wagons Marcus Mason called here this forenoon. He has come to town to attend his sister Louisa’s funeral she died in Owego last Tuesday was brought here yesterday and the funeral was attended in the Presbyterian church this afternoon at two o’clock Mr Pattergill preached the sermon and she was buried in the new burying ground over the river. Gabriel went to the funeral I did not go because my face looked so bad. Mr and Mrs Hess have spend the evening here. George went over and staid with their boys while they were here. I wrote a letter to Frances Clark this afternoon and sent it to the post office this evening.

(March 1853) Fri. 11th This has been a real snowy day if it had not melted a good deal it would have been deep as it is. I should think it was about six inches did not have much to do about the house have worked all day on a muslin cap that Phebe Smith gave me when I was in Chicago finished the strings and crown Gabriel has been tending shop for John yesterday and to day while he is gone to Delhi to have his teeth fixed.

(March 1853) Thurs. 17th Quite warm and looks very much like rain have been at work on the skirt of a silk dress that was given me while I was on my journey last fall. Matilda came over here early this morning to twist some yarn had but just got to work when Henry came over and said all of Elizabeths children had come there and Elizabeth was coming pretty soon so she left her work and went home. after Elizabeth got up there she heard she was going to have company this afternoon and she went home after dinner. Matilda came back and twisted till after four then went home. Sister Abbey spent the afternoon here she is getting ready to go west. Doctor O spent the evening here

(March 1853) Fri: 18th It rained quite hard most of the forenoon the wind turned to the west this afternoon in a thunder shower and it is some colder with occasional showers of snow and rain I have finished the skirt of the dress that I commenced yesterday fried some cake this morning Matilda came over this afternoon and finished her twisting had a call from Mr Beers just at night.

(March 1853)  Sat. 19th Mostly clear cold and windy, churned put up a bedstead filled a straw tick and made up a bed in the room that George used to occupy just after I got my dinner dishes washed I looked out of the window and saw Brothers Lindsly and James driving up to the house. Brother James has come to live with us now I don’t know but always. He left Wisconsin about a month ago. Visited at William Campfields, Chicago and Brother Silas on his way.

(March 1853) Sun. 27th A cold cloudy raw day we all went to church this morning George and I staid at home this afternoon and we have all been again this evening Roswell came home this afternoon. There was a wedding at White Griswolds this afternoon at five o’clock. George Kirshner the Dutchman that worked here in the factory was married to Mary Ann Banker they start tomorrow for Pittsburgh. I have written a letter to Phebe Ann

(March 1853) Mon. 28th Cold and cloudy, washed and got the clothes dry and in the house. Gabriel started for New York this morning in the stage. Had a call from Newton early this morning Mr Graves called in the course of the forenoon and left some black silk to make his girls some capes. Wished me to see to the making of them. Old Mrs. Basto, Mrs. Crawley and Maria Patchin visited here this afternoon. Mr Crawley and their little Abram came to tea. James went to town to buy him a pair of pantaloons. Went over to Smiths to tea and did not get home till about bedtime.

(March 1853) Tues. 29th A clear and beautiful day this has been a busy day. Baked bread made hop emtins. Churned, done the ironing and mending and have got the clothes all put away to their places mended some for James and this evening I have been cutting some knots to fasten my cushion with Father called here this afternoon. James and George have been fishing caught a dozen trout. They look real nice and will make a fine dinner tomorrow.

(March 1853) Wed. 30th It was cloudy and sprinkled a little very early this morning but it cleared off before nine o’clock and has been very pleasant but the wind has blown pretty hard. Finished the cushion for the church slip and have done some mending it is getting so near spring that it keeps me pretty much all the time mending old clothes. The evenings are getting so short I don’t try to do much but talk and read?

(March 1853) Thurs. 31st Clear early in the morning but clouded up before noon and rained a little this afternoon and now it is raining for good. Aunt Lucy and Lib Sawyer came up here this morning and spent the day Lib is braiding a straw hat for herself. Gabriel got home to day about noon. Had good luck while he was gone brought home some white embroidered window curtains and some white shades. George has gone down to stay all night with Charley Townsend Doctor Mc Loury called here this evening Gabriel got some furniture paper for him to paper his new house with he has bought Mr Stoddards house and moves into it the first of May

April 1853

(April 1853) Fri. 1st It rained while this morning but cleared off just at night and is freezing a little. Had no big work about to day. Spent most of the afternoon making calls. Bought of A P St John a hair brush and some cotton yarn for tidys have been doubling it this evening. Called at Mary Sawyer. Ann Eliza was there making Mary a black satin dress. Called at Fathers on my way home Adeline was making over a black silk dress James took dinner over to the Doctors to day he and Gabriel have been to the village this evening to look out for a chance to go down to Lindslys to morrow on a raft. There is rather a low fresh but some have gone and more are wanting to go in the morning. Roswell took tea up to his Fathers to night has just got home.

(April 1853) Sat. 2nd We had a fog and white frost this morning but the day has been clear and pleasant. Baked bread and cake and churned. James went down to town early this morning to start for Cannonsville if there was a chance but water has got so low they could not run and he came back before noon. This afternoon Gabriel, James and I got into the lumber one horse wagon and went up to Abrams found them all well. Gabriel went on up to Biram Warrings James and I staid and eat warm sugar. James staid up there we got home between seven and eight Roswell has gone up to Isaacs to stay all night He milked the cow and got his supper before he went. George went over to his Uncle Johns and staid till we came home. Abram think they have made about four hundred weight of sugar

(April 1853) Sun: 3rd Cloudy and cold. Commenced snowing just at dark but melts as fast as it comes. We all went to the Presbyterian meeting this morning to the Episcopal this after noon. And to the presbyterian again at half past four. Gabriel did not go to the third meeting. Staid and sung awhile after meeting. Roswell came home this evening.

(April 1853) Mon: 4th Cloudy and commenced raining before noon washed and spread the clothes out. Twisted a run of cotton yarn this afternoon. George started about nine o’clock to go up to his Uncle Abrams. Was going to catch a ride in the stage if he could Gabriel and I have been down to Johns Townsends this evening had a nice treat of warm sugar.

(April 1853) Tues: 5th Got up this morning and found the ground covered with snow. And it has blowed hard and snowed some. But there is not as much on the ground now as there was this morning. I packed a part of our hams and dried beef in ashes this morning and put them away am going to try an experiment and see if we can keep them any better than we have formerly. Matilda sent over this morning for me to go down to William North’s with her and spend the day. So I fixed some grub for Gabriel and Roswell and went had a good visit. And plenty of warm sugar Henry carried us down and Gabriel came after us. Ellen Johnson and her little brother were there spending the day. Charlotte and Johnny and Williams two little ones made lively times. I have mended the wollen clothes this evening since I got home.

(April 1853) Wed. 6th Clear a little while this morning but soon clouded up and we have had April showers of snow and rain all day it is clear again this evening mended Gabriels over hauls made some paper bags for hams and dried beef and have got them all put away. Abram came down and brought James and George he stayed here to dinner then went home. Isaac and Rhoda called here awhile this afternoon. They said Esther talked of teaching the school in their district this summer

(April 1853) Thurs. 7th Clear and pleasant churned. Rinsed up the clothes and got them dry and ironed this afternoon done the mending and commenced knitting up a streaked mitten for George. Samuel Fitch here to work laying a cellar wall. Gabriel and James have been to the village this evening. Charlotte and Henry came over just at dark and I gave each of them a hen. They are getting a flock together

(April 1853) Wed. 20th It rained awhile this morning but is clear now and very pleasant. Mrs Hoyt started for home early this morning went as far as Aunt Lizzys a foot and then took the stage. George carried her bags up to Aunt Lizzy’s for her. Abram and Lydia Ann came down this afternoon and stay with us all night. Their little girl grows nicely and is very good. Isaac St John called here awhile this afternoon he brought his children down to the singing school, George has been and tomorrow evening closes up the school with a concert.

(April 1853) Thurs. 21st Clear and pleasant. Have not done anything to day but visit. Lydia Ann went over to the store this forenoon while the baby was asleep. Mary and Emma St John and Charlotte came over here this forenoon and staid till the singing school this afternoon. After I got the dinner dishes washed Abram took Lydia Ann and me and carried us up to Mr Graves we said about an hour and a half. They stopped at Fitches store when we came back and I walked from there home and they went directly home met Mary Sawyer and Eliza Gardiner in the street and had quite a chat with them this evening we have all been over to the church to attend the concert and it was first rate. It was a shilling admittance and the house was pretty well filled Jane Crandall and her little boy stayed called here awhile just at night. Aaron St John here to tea. I gave Lydia Ann of the rugs Gabriel bought in New York

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(April 1853) Tues. 26th Cloudy early in the morning but cleared off before noon and is very pleasant now. Washed and churned. Spread the clothes on the grass. Finished the carpet this afternoon and covered a ball for George. Brought in the wollen clothes mended and put them away. Went over to Mr Crawleys just at dark to see when Ann Elize was coming to sew for me she was to have come last week but her sister Mrs. Dutcher is at home and she don’t know as she can come in two or three weeks saw some daffodils in blossom at Mr Crawleys Matilda has some very handsome cactus in blossom in the house. Charley Townsend has come to stay with George to night.

(April 1853) Wed. 27th Clear and pleasant. Fried cakes and fussed all the forenoon. Mary Sawyer came up this morning and spent the day had a first rate visit. Lib and little Gabriel came up to tea. They have raised the shop this afternoon and when they set the roof on it will hide all of the buildings between here and the church. Took up the clothes to night and put them a soak

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(April 1853) Thurs. 28th Another clear and pleasant day. Baked bread rinsed up the clothes got them dry and ironed this afternoon. Aunt Lucy came up this morning and spent the day. She brought up a ball of yarn to twist on my wheel Abram came over here this morning and brought twelve pounds of maple sugar and a bag of husks to fill up my beds with Father made us quite a call this afternoon is complaining some of a lame back and arms.

June 1853

(June 1853) Thurs. 16th Edward Ogden started about noon for their Uncle Lindslys went in the stage. Edward returns Saturday. The girls expect to stay a week or two James picked another nice mess of strawberries to day it has taken us all the evening to hull them. Betsy went over to Ann Eliza this afternoon and got her dress cut and baisted. She and Mrs. Crawly have been up on the hill to night to call on their minister Mr Davy. Mr Willis from Rockford called here just at night he is trying to get friends to assist about their Rockford Seminary. Gabriel get home about six o’clock has had a warm time but a good jaunt for all.

(June 1853) Fri. 17th We had a nice shower this forenoon and it is a little cooler to night but does not look quite like settled weather yet. Finished a pair of pantaloons for James and finished a white sun bonnet that Phebe commenced before she went away. Malona and Hen here to day making mortar for the new building. After tea I went St John and Norths and bought a yard of linen for shirt bosoms. Two dozen shirt buttons a pound of castile soap and a yard of muslin to make a sunbonnet of made Fanny quite a long call on my way home.

(June 1853) Sat. 18th A clear cool and beautiful day. Churned burnt coffee baked bread and pies. I went over the picked a mess of poke for greens, then went out and picked strawberries with James got about three quarts. Found Ed here when we got home has just returned from Cannonsville found them usually well and had a good visit he staid with us till after tea then walked home George has been up the turnpike strawberrying with Charles and Willie Townsend did not get but very few. James went again this afternoon and I have been hulling till just dark have got four pounds to preserve besides a nice dish for tea tomorrow night this is my forty first birthday.

October 1853

(October 1853) Fri. 7th Clear cold windy day. Cleaned the dining room. Took up the yarn carpet and put down a rag carpet for winter. Moved the stove out into the room, and put the stove in the parlor. Right after dinner James, Roswell and George intend coming home to morrow. I went down to town this afternoon called at Fathers Adeline and I went to St John and Norths and I bought a green vail, some lining for dresswaist and some lace edging called on Miss Tiffany to see if she could fit a dress to morrow she cannot do it till next week. Went over to Mary Sawyers and made quite a call then came home and made my vail before dark Gabriel and I have been up to Platts this evening found them all at home and well Abram called here to day - was down on business and did not stay long

(October 1853) Sat. 8th Clear and pleasant but cool baked bread and pies and cake and stewed apples cleaned the carpet and mended it sewed some braid onto the skirt of my dress and made two night caps. Roswell and George got home about two o’clock Roswell has gone up to Isaac s to night Betsy started to go and set up with the sick but heard they did not need her and came back.

(October 1853) Fri. 14th A clear cold day. Gabriel and I started this morning about eight o’clock for Richfield Springs. Took the new road to Franklin from there to Otego and up the river to Shepherds Plains when we took dinner at Hathaway s and not much to brag of either. Came on to Oneonta and Gabriel stopped and bought a boot tree then we came on here to Milford where we put up for the night. It was after dark when we got here and I have not learned the name of the house. Got supper and am about tired enough to go to bed. Sweet is the name of the hotel.

(October 1853) Sat. 15th Another clear cold day got started this morning about eight o’clock came on to cooperstown and stopped long enough for Gabriel to do some trading rode around the village some the Cooper place is the elephant of the place and a beautiful summer residence took the plank road to Springfield stopped at and got dinner it on the bank of Otsego Lake a very pleasant place and they gave us an excellent dinner. Came on to Hallsville turned to the left and soon came on to the Cherry Valley and Fort Plains turnpike which led us here the Richfield Springs got here about four o’clock and put up at the Spring house kept by Joshua Whitney they have some eight or ten boarders but it is past the season for the crowd and boarding houses are mostly closed. Gabriel and I have been out this evening to consult a physician and finds a private boarding house the physician was from home and we shall have to wait till morning to see him. Called at a Mr Carys and partly engaged board there they have no family except the man and wife and don’t keep any girl in the winter but thought they would let me in to accommodate me as I prefer a private boarding place. The grounds around the Spring are very pleasant but the water is awful however I shall drink it freely if it will be beneficial.

(October 1853) Sun: 16th Quite a heavy fog this morning and staid on till nearly ten then cleared away and was warmer than yesterday, got up about seven went to the Spring and drank two tumblers walked about a mile and took breakfast about eight sit awhile after breakfast then called on Doctor Manly he thinks I am pretty well pepered and that it may take some time to effect a cure but he thinks the springs will benefit me without a doubt. They have three churches in the place but no preaching to day except at the Universalist house Gabriel went to the Presbyterian house this morning and heard a sermon read have got somewhat acquainted with the folks and house and like it pretty well but think I should prefer going to a private house when Gabriel goes home. He has paid me twenty five dollars and I have packed his thinks for early start in the morning.

(October 1853) Mon. 17th Another clear and beautiful day and delightful moonlight evening rose about six went to the springs and took two tumblers of water took an early breakfast with Gabriel and came up here to Mr Cary s with him when he started for home and now I shall have to work out my way alone for a few weeks to come. Miss Whitney came in soon after breakfast to know if Mr Cary was going down to his farm and if he was she wanted a chance to go with him. Gave me an invitation and three of her nieces and we got into a lumber wagon with boards across the top and rode seven miles down to Lake Otsego where his farm lies he stopped to fill his wagon with corn and oats and we went on down to the lake shore. Could see nearly the whole length of the lake it was a beautiful view. And we took quite a ramble through the grounds of a summer residence owned by a Mr Clark it is situated at the head of the lake and the shrubbery and ground are beautifully laid out from there we went to a Mr Whites place and gathered chess nuts till Mr Cary came for us to go home. He had filled his wagon with corn and oats. The oats were in bags and we each of us took a bag one right behind the other and started for home followed the plankroad to the turnpike and came the same way we did Saturday. We had some funny remarks made about us as we passed along but Mr Cary bore it well and we had a real nice time got home about two oclock found dinner ready and I had a good appetite to eat after first taking a drink of the water Mrs Cary has a niece here making dresses for her she rooms with me. Two of Doctor Manlys daughters called here this evening.

(October 1853) Tues. 18th Another pleasant day but not quite so clear as yesterday rather late getting up this morning went to the springs and took two tumblers of water then walked awhile and took the third Miss Whitney was there when I went the first time an said she had been up an hour then the water operates on me as physic and this morning it nauseated me so that I could not eat any breakfast. Eat some dinner and had a good appetite for supper. Have staid in the house pretty much to day taken one walk and drank seven tumblers of water I have been working on a muslin cap that Phebe gave me when I was there last fall the dress making moves briskly they have four different ones commenced and one silk about finished have not seen the Miss Whitney s only as I met them at the Springs to day

(October 1853) Wed. 19th Just as clear as ever it freezes quite hard at night and is cool enough through the day to need a little fire. Rose about sunrise went to the spring took two tumblers of water came back to the house and exercised on the piazza about half an hour then went back and took another tumbler it me so sick as to vomit once but I got over sooner than yesterday and was ready for breakfast in time drank two before dinner and two before tea. I have been working on my cap most of the time done a little stitching for Mr Cary started to call at Mr Whitnys but the young ladies were out riding and I went on a took a walk. Miss Manly called here this afternoon and gave the dress maker an invitation to spend the evening with her. She said she had been making cake. Ice cream and candy and was going to have some belles there Mr Cary has spent the eveningup town. Mrs Cary and I have had thehouse to ourselves Clarissa Cary George B Cary

(October 1853) Thurs. 20th Just as pleasant as ever and a little warmer have drank the usual quantity of water but have not felt quite so bad from the effects of it as I do some days. Have written a letter to Phebe Smith and sent it off. Mr Cary came in this evening and brought me a letter from Gabriel it came rather sooner than I expected but none the less welcome for that he arrived home Tuesday evening found all well and in good order, sent me some Post office stamps in the letter the mantua makers mother and cousin came after her this morning and she went home with them will come back sometime next week.

October 1860

(October 1860) Mon. Oct. 1st.  Commenced raining soon after we got up and has been a cold rainy day   washed clothes an a soak most of them.  washed four windows and the most of the paint in the buttery and kitchen.  have made a pair of shirt sleeves for George.  the first sewing I have done in a month to amount to anything.  Mary Ann came back this noon   she has the Ladies paper to read this week and did not go to practice tonight but came home and went to compositions.  the girls had a sloppy time going an coming from school   Matilda came over and got two gallons of vinegar to make mangoes with.  the wide awakes have been out to night with their torches and they make quite a display   Gabriel thinks it is foolish.

(October 1860) Thurs. 4th  Cloudy and commenced raining about eleven.  rained most of the time til four   had two thunder showers in that time.   baked two ovens full of bread and some cake.  had a long talk with George trying to decide what is best for him to do for a living  tis a hard job but it must be done for he is old enough to begin to help himself.  he has not been and work at the papers today and we have a clear coast for once.  it seems real good to have them out of sight.  got two pounds of sausage from Uncle Lewis.

(October 1860) Fri.  5th  Cloudy the fore part of the day and warm as summer.  mostly clear to night pealed and stewed pumpkin baked apples.  got the work done up and sat down to sewing before nine o'clock.  had time to go over to the Dr's before noon and got Maria to stitch a pair of wristbands for me   have nearly finished Georges shirt and hemmed a hankerchief for James.  Went to Fitches and got some lace of a bonnet cape    Ann Eliza cut it out for me and Maria is coming to-morrow to trim my straw bonnet.  have been over to exercises this evening with the girls.   Mary Ann read the paper and got along with it very well.  there is a mass meeting at little York this P.M. and the Wide Awakes and the band have gone  George with the rest.  and his lips are so sore he can hardly blow his instrument at all.

(October 1860) Mon. 8th  Commenced raining about the time we got up and rained till ten o'clock then the sun shone and I thought it was going to be pleasant and hung up my clothes but is has rained by spells ever since and it is cold and dreary. don't know where they will be by morning for it blows a gale some of the time.   []un a pair of stockings heels this afternoon and washed them out.  Mary came back this noon.   all the family have been over to the Dr's this evening to help them peel apples.  George took his machine  should think we peeled four or five bushels and they were all strung and hung up before we came away.  Maria played for us on the piano and we had a nice treat of pumpkin pie two kinds of cheese and apples.   If George had stayed instead of running away after the wide awakes and I had kept within bounds while I was on the street I should not have reason to feel quite so much like having a fit of the blues but I always commit some misdemeanor that Gabriel is ashamed of and needs to correct me.

Transcription courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association Archives, 46549 State Hwy 10, Delhi, NY, 13753. Retranscribed for this web site by Margaret Monaco. Misspellings were preserved.