This diary was not found in a hidden compartment of an old desk at ‘Beckford’ in Princess Anne, Maryland, Somerset County as was once supposed. Actually, it was found in a box of "stuff: at the sale when the house was emptied and the buyer passed it along to Mr. Bill Lankford who transcribed it. A cousin provided a copy to ghote Judy, who has shared it on this website.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lankford has visited our site and says he had a great time. The diary refers to "Marion's baby"; Marion is Mr. Lankford's great grandmother and the baby was his father. Our thanks to both Bill Lankford and to Judy Marshall.

Ida was the daughter of Charles Marshall and wife of Fillmore Lankford, a lawyer. It gives the reader a view of Eastern Shore life just before the turn of the century. It may be Somerset County, but a look at the surnames will quickly give you Accomack and Northampton roots.

Ida’s parents were both dead by 1880. Stelle and Hattie (then aged 3 and 1) came to live with Ida, while her brother, Frank, went to sister, Mary Whittington, in Missouri, and brother, Rush, went to relatives in Philadelphia. Ida ran the house and farm and her main occupation appeared to be visiting people, probably from her church. It’s fun to get a glimse of this life and Ida also noted new babies, deaths and funerals in town.

Monday, January 1, 1894 - pleasant
Spent a quiet day at home. Stelle with us. Willie Logan called. Etta went back to school. She spent the holidays with us. Mr. Lankford went to the Sabbath School Christmas entertainment. Stelle and Clarence went down to Cousin Em Gunby’s. We killed two hogs today. Mr. Maddox came over this evening.

Tuesday, January 2, 1894 - clear
Busy cutting up lard, made 9 gallons, which makes in all 33 gallons. I went to Mr. Miles this aft. Mrs. Rider and I went out to collect money for Mr. Logan’s heater, we paid Mr. Doughty $30. Stelle came back tonight. Will Logan here. Hattie went to school this morning.

Wednesday, January 3, 1894
Stelle and I went calling today, went first to Mr. Charlie Long’s, who was not at home, and from there to Mr. Logan’s. Will Logan here.

Thursday, January 4, 1894 - clear
Stelle and I went over town, after I came back I fixed her blue serge. This afternoon Brice Coston, Will Dickinson, Uncle John, Mrs. Long, and Mrs. Sam Smith here this afternoon. Mr. Crisfield had a stroke of paralysis today. Roger Powell brought home his mind is impaired.

Friday, January 5, 1894 - cloudy and rain
Stelle left this morning and how I miss her. Emily Haines came over and spent most all the forenoon with me. This afternoon I went to church to preparatory service, from there went to Mrs. Haines’ and Mrs. Dougherty’s who is sick and to see Marion’s baby. My slumber robe came tonight, very pretty. Hattie did not come home today. Wrote to Frank.

Saturday, January 6, 1894
Wrote to Hattie. We had a rainy afternoon. Letter from Aunt Lizzie.

Sunday, January 7, 1894 - rain
Went to Sabbath School and church, today was Communion day, Mrs. Dennis joined church. Mrs. Maria Holbrook was buried this afternoon in the Episcopal church yard.

Monday, January 8, 1894 - clear
Court commenced today. Made carriage cover this morning. Went up town this afternoon to see Estelle Morris and Annie Fountaine. Uncle Billie here tonight.

Tuesday, January 9, 1894 - rain
Court over today. Made Stelle an apron. Letter from Jennie.

Wednesday, January 10, 1894
Letter from Stelle. Harry got new shoes. Sent puzzle to Agriculture. Wrote to Stelle.

Thursday, January 11, 1894
Made Columbus cushion this morning. Went to see Marion and baby this afternoon. Marion gave me piece of her begonia. Extracting this evening.

Friday, January 12, 1894 - clear and cold
Embroidered this morning. Went this afternoon to Lecture Room to help fix the carpet, the room has been newly papered and painted. Hattie came home, Mrs. Miles here. Wrote pedigree of Polk family tonight. Mr. Maddox here tonight.

Saturday, January 13, 1894 - clear

Sunday, January 14, 1894 - clear
Our first Sunday in the Chapel since the papering and painting was done. Had a good attendance both at Sabbath School and church. We also went to church this evening.

Monday, January 14, 1894
I went to Mrs. Haines and Dr. Wainwrights this morning. Went to church tonight. Wrote to Mame.

Tuesday, January 16, 1894
Sick all day with headache. Letter from Aunt Sallie. Did not go to church tonight.

Wednesday, January 17, 1894
Letter from Stelle. She has been sick. Hemstitched linen sheet today. Went to church tonight and church improvement. Mr. Whitney died tonight. Wrote to Stelle.

Thursday, January 18, 1894
Commenced pillow slip for Marion’s baby. This afternoon Mrs. Rider and I went to see Mrs. Slemons who is sick. Mr. Crisfields, Mr. Sudlers, Mr. Leggs and Mr. Wm. Longs. Tonight I went to church.

Friday, January 19, 1894
Gave my flowers a good washing this morning and commenced embroidering pillow slip. Went to Mrs. Haines and Mrs. Collins this afternoon. Old Mr. Whitney buried in the Episcopal church yard. Went to church tonight. Mr. Maddox came home with us.

Saturday, January 20, 1894
Nellie Dashiell paid milk bill this morning, $2.40. Hattie and I went to see Mrs. Fontaine and Nan this afternoon. Started to Mr. Dennis’ but met Mrs. Dennis coming up town, so did not go. Bob Duer and Mr. Gordon Tull here tonight.

Sunday, January 21, 1894 - cloudy
Sabbath school and church, all my class present. Fillmore went to see Mr. Bratton this morning, says he looks very badly. Wrote to Clara and Jennie.

Monday, January 22, 1894
Went to Mrs. Collins to have my wrapper fitted this morning. This afternoon Mrs. Dougherty and I went to see Mrs. Ball and Mrs. Carey.

Tuesday, January 23, 1894 - clear
Home all day except a short while this afternoon I went over to see Marion’s baby. Finished extracting July. Clarence home tonight.

Wednesday, January 24, 1894
Went up to help fix the carpet on Bible Class room but the sexton was not there. So went to see Mrs. Slemons. Went to prayer meeting.

Thursday, January 25, 1894 - rain
Rain. Hattie came home, expected to go to Billie Scotts this evening, but it was so stormy, she could not go. I sent Mame’s pillow cover today.

Saturday, January 27, 1894
Hattie went to Mr. Scotts this afternoon.

Sunday, January 28, 1894 - clear
Daisy and Ben here today. Sam Coston here this afternoon and went to church with Hattie. We did not have service in our church tonight.

Monday, January 29, 1894 - rain
Stormy day. Had headache today. Wrote to Gutman for samples and to Maxim for Lanota.

Tuesday, January 30, 1894
Mr. Wimbrow and Mr. Tull are called before the school Commissions tonight. Letters from Stelle and Frank.

Wednesday, January 31, 1894 - pleasant
Letter from Alice Cohn. Harry has been sick all day. Marion and her baby here this afternoon. Also Mrs. Crockett and Mrs. Landon.

Thursday, February 1, 1894
Wrote to Stelle. Also wrote for seed and palms.

Friday, February 2, 1894 - pleasant
Today is Ground hog day, if there is anything in the saying we will have rain for 40 days. I went to St. Peters for Hattie, Lizzie came home with us. No one here tonight.

Saturday, February 3, 1894 - rain
It has rained all day long not a glimpse of the sun. Mrs. Slemons died last night. I feel miserable today. Am afraid I will have the gripe.

Saturday, February 10, 1894
One whole week since I have written in my diary, have been in bed ever since last Saturday, with grippe. Am up today for the first time. Uncle William planted my palms from Henderson today. Mrs. Rider, Marion Lankford, Emma Lankford and Etta here this afternoon, Mr. Logan here this morning. Mr. Joe Smith died last night. Letters from Stelle, Clara, Aunt Lizzie and Mame since I have been sick.

Sunday, February 11, 1894
I did not go to SS or church as I was not well enough to go out. Aunt Sallie came from church. Fillmore took Mr. Bratton out riding this afternoon. Mr. Wilmer Lankford and Marion, Mrs. Crockett, Sam Coston and Mr. & Mrs. Miles here this afternoon. Harry took Hattie down to school.

Monday, February 12, 1894 - rain
It has been a very stormy day. Mr. Joe Smith was buried this afternoon. Four of his sons were pall bearers. Aunt Sallie is here with us. Wrote to Stelle.

Tuesday, February 13, 1894 - cloudy
Aunt Sallie and I spent a quiet day together.

Wednesday, February 14, 1894
Aunt Sallie went to Will Lankford’s this afternoon. I spent most of the day darning stockings. Wrote to Frank and Minnie.

Saturday, February 17, 1894
I went over to Mrs. Morris’ this afternoon, the first time I have been out any where since I was sick. I took the baby’s pillow to it. Marion seemed much pleased with it.

Sunday, February 18, 1894
Went to SS and church, after church I went over to see John Page who is right sick. Daisy and Ben here awhile this afternoon. The new Episcopal preacher held service tonight, on trial.

Monday, February 19, 1894 - cloudy
The carpenters are at work on the fence around the garden. Wrote to Aunt Lizzie.

Tuesday, February 20, 1894 - clear
I went over to see John Page this afternoon. Mr. Tull sent in his resignation.

Wednesday, February 21, 1894 - cloudy
I had headache all day yesterday. Mrs. and Miss Legg here this afternoon. Letter from Stelle.

Thursday, February 22, 1894 - cloudy
Went over to Mrs. Harrises’ this morning and ordered a new mattress. Made some pillow slips today. This afternoon I went to see Emma and Annie Smith, and Mrs. Crockett and Mrs. Landon. Hattie came home today. Mr. Maddox here tonight also Aunt Sallie.

Friday, February 23, 1894 - clear
Headache all day. Hattie home today. Mr. Lankford had his whiskers shaved off today. Aunt Sallie here. Wrote for Doin Manual.

Saturday, February 24, 1894 - clear
Willie Dashiell paid for mile, $2.10.

Sunday, February 25, 1894 - snow
Went to SS and church this morning and when we came home from church it was snowing and has continued to snow all the afternoon and is still at it. Hattie did not go to school this afternoon.

Monday, February 26, 1894 - snowy
The snow was six inches deep when I went to bed last night, this morning nearly all gone, s it rained all night. Extracted and hemmed some napkins today. Wrote to Alice Cohn. Nellie Dennis and Maggie Fitzgerald have baby girls.

Tuesday, February 27, 1894 - clear
I went to see Ella Dixon who is at Mr. T. J. Dixon’s this morning. Finished extracting August. Late this afternoon I went over to see Marion’s baby and came home by Estelle Wainwright’s and stopped to see her awhile. Harry and Clarence have gone to hear Mr. Jefferson the Elocutionist. My new mattress came today.

Wednesday, February 28, 1894 - clear
Fixed the new mattress and changed the others today, emptied pillows and had ticking washed. Extracted this afternoon. Daisy Reid here about Harry’s music lessons, he commences on Saturday. We went to prayer meeting tonight. Harry stayed to practice for Sunday School. I wrote to Reads for SS hair tonic.

Thursday, March 1, 1894 - clear
Mrs. Miles spent the morning with me. I went up town this afternoon and paid Mrs. Harris for my mattress. Spent the evening looking over a file of old Somerset Heralds for 1838, 39 and 40 that Mr. Crisfield sent Mr. Lankford.

Friday, March 2, 1894 - clear
Hattie came home this afternoon. No one here this evening.

Saturday, March 3, 1894 - clear
Harry took his first music lesson this morning from Daisy Reid.

Sunday, March 4, 1894 - clear
Beautiful day. Went to SS and church. Aunt Sallie came for dinner and spent the night with us.

Monday, March 5, 1894 - clear
Gardening today, sowed lettuce, radishes and planted onions and peas. Hattie came home from St. Peters, school closed as the scarlet fever is in the village. Hattie and I went over town. I went to see Willie Lankford who is sick, afterwards to Mrs. Miles.

Tuesday, March 6, 1894 - clear
Finished violet center piece. Letter from Stelle. Wrote to Mame and Stelle.

Wednesday, March 7, 1894 - clear
Have been gardening today. Wrote to Scott about roses. Went to Estelle Wainwright’s this afternoon. Mr. Maddox and Hattie have gone to Blanche Barnes’. I went to prayer meeting.

Thursday, March 8, 1894 - clear
Hattie went out on train to see Daisy and Blanche.

Friday, March 9, 1894 - clear
Finished violet center piece and washed my embroideries. Finished extracting for September. Letter from Jennie.

Saturday, March 10, 1894 - clear
Marion and baby here this afternoon. Harry took music lesson. Hattie came home from Daisy’s.

Sunday, March 11, 1894 - cloudy, rain at night
Church and SS. Mr. Logan gave me the poem he read to the school. I sent it to Willie Lankford to read. Mr. Cohn came home with us to dinner. Aunt Sallie, Daisy and Ben here also. Mr. and Mrs. Smith here this afternoon. All went to church except F & L

Monday, March 12, 1894 - cloudy
Bagged my hams this morning. This afternoon have been making satin waist. Write for silk and ribbon.

Tuesday, March 13, 1894 - clear
Clarence brought Harry ball and glove, also a doll for Louise.

Wednesday, March 14, 1894 - clear I wrote all day. Went to prayer meeting tonight. Harry sang in the choir. Sowed celery seed, and set peas today. Heard that Mr. Eben Hearn had been appointed to teach in Mr. Tull’s place.

Thursday, March 15, 1894 - cloudy
Hattie and I went up town this morning. She had her red waist fitted. We saw Dr. Wainwright. He told her that there were two more cases Scarlet fever in St. Peters. Letter from Stelle written every third line backwards which I answered. Mr. Logan and Mary here tonight, also Mr. Maddox.

Friday, March 16, 1894 - clear
Warm and sunny day. Hattie and I went to Mr. Logan’s and Mrs. Legg’s this afternoon. The Whiskey bill defeated.

Saturday, March 17, 1894 - clear
Mr. Logan and Mary took supper with us tonight, Aunt Sallie also here.

Sunday, March 18, 1894 - clear
SS and church. Willie L. at SS first time since January. Fillmore and I went to Daisy’s and took supper. Went to church tonight.

Monday, March 19, 1894
Planted asparagus roots this morning, 150 palmetto and 150 barr’s mammoth. Burnt the marsh this afternoon. Sent Gutman silk. Mrs. Collins here tonight.

Tuesday, March 20, 1894 - clear
Aunt Sallie and I busy all the morning getting Hattie ready to go to Philadelphia. She left on the afternoon train, Sarah also went to Pocomoke. Etha Porter here. The girls came over the Daisy curtain. I commenced reading “15.”

Wednesday, March 21, 1894 - stormy
We had thunder storms and rain both morning and afternoon. I have new extracting today. Did not go to prayer meeting tonight.

Thursday, March 22, 1894 - clear
Etta came this morning sick. I took her over to Will Lankford’s. I went over town this aft. Wrote to Stelle and Carrie Croswell. Mr. Tull taught his last day at the Washington High School.

Friday, March 23, 1894
Good Friday. Finished extracting for October.

Saturday, March 24, 1894
Heard that Mr. Cohn’s mills at Money Point burned last night. Fillmore brought me some paper, he sent to Baltimore for it.

Sunday, March 25, 1894 - rain
Easter Sunday. It has rained all day. Went to church and Sabbath School this morning. Mr. Logan preached a good Easter sermon. I wrote to Hattie this afternoon. She is in Philadelphia and Stelle in Baltimore spending their holidays. Didn’t go to church tonight as Mr. Logan preached at Palmetto this afternoon and we had no service.

Monday, March 26, 1894 - temp. 28 - cold
Was surprised this morning to find a sight snow on the ground. The fruit trees are in full bloom, and I suppose the fruit is all killed. Hattie came home today. Louis Lankford came up from depot with her. Tonight we went to an entertainment given by our boys and girls for the benefit of the school library. It was quite a success, they made $24.15. The boys quartet furnished music.

Tuesday, March 27, 1894 - temp. 22 - clear
Clear and cold. Harry’s new teacher, Mr. Hearn. Harry reports that he is much pleased with him. We went this evening to see the mind reader, Mr. ___ at the Court House, his exhibition was good.

Wednesday, March 28, 1894
Harry went to a 5 o’clock tea at Jas. T. Dennis’ to meet Miss Anginia Wilson and Emily Graves. We took Ella McMaster and Jane Wilson, as he did not get home until nearly 8. I did not go to prayer meeting. Wrote lots of business letters this morning.

Thursday, March 29, 1894 - rain
Letter from Jennie today. Been fixing old stamps for Harry.

Friday, March 30, 1894
Sarah’s mother is very ill and she did not come today. Hattie and I went to preparatory service this afternoon, and to church tonight. Mrs. Page here this afternoon. Letter from Stelle. We have bought six sheep to keep on the lawn to graze. They came today.

Saturday, March 31, 1894
Betsy came today and helped me. I went up town and got hat and ribbon for cape.

Sunday, April 1, 1894 - rain
Went to SS and church. Communion. Mr. Wes. Fontaine joined church. Daisy, Blanche and Louise came today. Hattie went down to school this afternoon.

Monday, April 2, 1894 - clear
I am my own cook today. Fillmore sent strawberry plants to Joe. Mrs. Miles came this morning about roses. Wrote to Jennie and Stelle. Commenced Egyptian Princess.

Tuesday, April 3, 1894
Aunt Sallie and Amanda came.

Wednesday, April 4, 1894
Betsy came and helped me today, Sarah still at home. I went to Mrs. Collins’ and had my silk waist fitted. Went to prayer meeting.

Thursday, April 5, 1894
Sarah’s mother died this morning. Wrote for roses.

Friday, April 6, 1894
Mr. Lum Lankford has been putting wire around the trees. Tonight Fillmore and I went to Mr. Logan’s, they were not at home so we went to Mr. Wm. Dashiells. Letters from Hattie and Aunt Lizzie.

Saturday, April 7, 1894
Charlotte Hayman buried this morning. We sent for Hattie this afternoon. Letter from Stelle.

Sunday, April 8, 1894 - SS and church

Monday, April 9, 1894
Court commenced today. Uncle Wesley came this afternoon. Letter from Mame. Betsy helped me today. Rec’d invitation to Rattie Hall’s marriage.

Tuesday, April 10, 1894 - rain
It has been a very stormy day. Uncle Wesley, Uncle Bille and Clarence here tonight. Letter from Mame.

Wednesday, April 11, 1894 - cold and rain
Mrs. Mary Polk was buried in the Presbyterian church yard this morning. She died at Columbia, Missouri. Harry has gone to dancing class for the last lesson. Wrote to Stelle.

Thursday, April 12, 1894
Raw, cold day. Circus here today. Harry went. Wrote to Posner for books, also to Wanamaker.

Friday, April 13, 1894
Wrote to Hattie. I went to see Mrs. Miles and Aunt Sallie this afternoon.

Saturday, April 14, 1894 - clear
Betsy here today, this makes seven days she has helped me. I paid her $2.00 and credited balance, $1.50 on cloak. Letter from Alice Hodson.

Sunday, April 15, 1894
Went to SS and church and to church in the evening

Monday, April 16, 1894
Sarah came back this morning. I went over town this afternoon, ordered silver match box for Fillmore. Mrs. Vaughan has left Mr. Lankford’s.

Tuesday, April 17, 1894
Letter from Clara Hodson this morning. Mr. Sterling (sheriff) is here tonight. Wrote to D__rst for album.

Wednesday, April 18, 1894
Ratie Hall married today. I went to call on Mrs. Lou Miles. Night session of Court and I went to Mrs. Haines, spent pleasant evening. Mrs. H__Em and I went out to hear White Chief. Planted string beans.

Thursday, April 19, 1894
Letter from Stelle

Friday, April 20, 1894
Planted lima beans

Saturday, April 21, 1894
commenced having asparagus

Sunday, April 22, 1894
SS and church, and to church at night

Tuesday, April 24, 1894
Betsy came and we cleaned some upstairs

Wednesday, April 25, 1894
Went to prayer meeting. Mr. S am Smith and Sallie Tull here this afternoon, also Daisy.

Thursday, April 26, 1894
Finished cleaning all upstairs rooms and garret today. Mr. Logan came this evening, found us out burning brush. I went over to see Mrs. Miles this afternoon. Mr. H. Lankford spent the day at Uncle Frank’s.

Friday, April 27, 1894
commenced planting corn. Sallie Lankford here this afternoon.

Sunday, April 29, 1894
SS and went to the Methodist Church. We had no service. Aunt Sallie came home with us.

Monday, April 30, 1894
Spent most of the morning in the garden. Went up town this afternoon and had my silk waist fitted.

Friday, May 4, 1894
Wrote to Stelle. Hattie came home, school closed.

Sunday, May 5, 1894
SS and church. Daisy and Ben here, Etta, Joe Scott and Sam Scott here in the afternoon.

Monday, May 7, 1894
Cleaned my room today. Went to teacher’s meeting tonight. Hattie and Emily Haines appointed delegates to SS Convention at Snow Hill. Mr. & Mrs. Logan and Mary here this afternoon.

Tuesday, May 8, 1894
Cleaned dining room today. Thunder storm tonight. Hattie and Harry at the M.E. Church.

Wednesday, May 9, 1894
Cleaned parlor today. Went to prayer meeting and church improvement tonight.

Thursday, May 10, 1894
Hattie and I drove down to see Cousin Em Gunby today. The first thing we heard was of Mrs. Annie Bunby’s death. Mr. Brattan died this morning after a long illness. Shipped first strawberries two 32-crates.

Friday, May 11, 1894
We went to Mrs. Gunby’s funeral, and from there came on home, stopped few minutes to see Lizzie Davis.

Saturday, May 12, 1894
Mr. Brattan buried today at 4 o’clock, very large funeral, there was a delegation from Congress and Senate. Letters from Frank and Stelle.

Sunday, May 13, 1894
went to church and S. School and church at night

Monday, May 14, 1894
Shipped four 60 crates berries today. Clarence came up tonight and brought me soft crabs, first we have had. Hattie and I went over town this afternoon.

Tuesday, May 15, 1894
Harry got his bicycle today, and is delighted, has been riding all day. Etta came today and she and Hattie made some calls. Mrs. Legg and Delia came this evening. Pekin duck eggs from Mrs. Hall came today.

Thursday, May 17, 1894
first peas today

Friday, May 18, 1894
sheared our sheep today. Wrote to Jennie.

Saturday, May 19, 1894
Had a good rain last night. Joe Scott here this evening. Wrote to Jennie.

Sunday, May 20, 1894
SS and Church, Mr. H__k preached. It rained very hard during service and about the time it was over. Wrote to Alice Hodson and Frank.

Tuesday, May 22, 1894
Mr. Irving Handy lectured tonight, subject “American Ideas.”

Wednesday, May 23, 1894
Headache, stopped shipping berries, prices too low

Wednesday, June 6, 1894 Ned Carver was killed by ten negroes at Miller’s Store tonight. The men arrested and brought to jail.

Thursday, June 7, 1894
Mr. Rider and I have been riding all day, begging for festival. Went to old Westover farm for one place

Friday, June 8, 1894
A mob masked came up to Princess Anne last night and shot the leader of the murderers. Great excitement this morning. Fears of another lynching tonight. The men taken to Salisbury on a special train tonight. We met Mrs. Miles this aft. to make arrangements for festival next Sunday.

Saturday, June 9, 1894
The prisoners were taken to Baltimore today for safety. I went to Mr. Crisfield’s to see Mrs. Dennis this afternoon.

Sunday, June 10, 1894
We expected to have Children’s Day exercises today but Mr. Logan was away so we had to postpone it

Wednesday, June 27, 1894
Stelle came home, and Herman Cohn came.

Saturday, August 25, 1894
Aunt Lizzie came today

Sunday, September 23, 1894
Sarah left today. She has been here over five years. She leaves for Baltimore tomorrow. This is my birthday. Fillmore gave me $5.00 gold piece. The children gave me Mrs. Rorer’s Cook Book.

Monday, September 24, 1894
Rush and Marion came today, he says for the biggest loaf of his life.

Tuesday, September 25, 1894
Alexine came.

Friday, October 5, 1894
Eva Crouch Benson and little Madelaine came today, the first time I have seen her since 1882.

Saturday, October 6, 1894
Eva went to Crisfield today

Tuesday, October 11, 1894
Mr. Charles Long here

Friday, October 12, 1894
Witnessed the test of the new fire engine, on a frame shanty. It was very satisfactory. Hattie came home. Rush went for her.

Saturday, October 13, 1894
Rush and Marion left today. Hattie and I went to Mr. Logan’s today.

Tuesday, October 23, 1894
SS Convention, Mr. Fucher stopped with us

Wednesday, October 24, 1894
Last session of SS Convention this morning. Mr. Stevenson took dinner with us. Went to Mrs. Page’s after noon to her 5 o’clock tea. Annie Cottman came today to live with me. Zenia went home.

Thursday, November 1, 1894
Stelle and I went to Philadelphia. Stelle expects to purchase her outfit and I am to help her. Rush met us at the depot. This is the first time I have ever seen little Hayward. Rush is a beautiful boy and Marion is as nice as ever. Aunt Lizzie and Aunt Sallie will stay and keep house while we are gone.

Thursday, November 15, 1894
We arrived home today, after two weeks shopping, tired out. Fillmore and Harry met us. I bought Harry a chiffonier and Fillmore set of shirt buttons. Miss Julia Covington died while we were away.

Saturday, December 8, 1894
Bettie Revell came today to be present at Stelle’s marriage on the 12th. This is the first time I have written in my diary since I came home from Philadelphia. All these days I have been so busy.

Sunday, December 9, 1894
Mrs. Wm. Gale died this morning very suddenly. Dr. Rufus Dashiell and Bob Duer here this afternoon.

Monday, December 10, 1894
My dear brother Rush and Mame and the three children arrived. Aunt Lizzie is still with us. We are all pretty busy getting ready for the wedding. Hattie taught today but will not teach tomorrow and Wednesday.

Tuesday, December 11, 1894
Mr. Eugene Nathan of Annapolis arrived this morning. He is to be one of the ushers. Mr. Church from Crisfield another usher came this afternoon. Messrs. Nathan, Church, Tull Maddox, the ushers and Bob Duer best man here to supper tonight. My menu was as follows: oysters on half shell, cold turkey, sliced tongue, chicken salad, warm rolls, crackers, bread sticks, olives, pickles, Jelly, chocolate, coffee, almond cake, fruit cake, orange cake, perfection cake, Minnehaha cake, vanilla cream.

Wednesday, December 12, 1894
Clarence Lankford and our Stelle married today. At one o’clock took express for New York. The church was beautifully decorated, and Stelle looked her prettiest in dark blue mixed g--ds, md-vest of bluet cloth. Rush went with her and Bob Duer with Clarence. She has a great many handsome presents, and still they come.

Saturday, December 15, 1894
- Rush, Mame and the children went home today

Monday, December 24, 1894
Clarence and Stelle came home today. They will stay with us during the holidays and after go to Crisfield to live.

Tuesday, December 25, 1894
Christmas day. Daisy and Louise took dinner with us. Fillmore gave me my sapphire ring, and Hattie a beautiful Jardiniere. Willie Lankford sent me two china baskets and I certainly appreciate them.

Thursday, December 27, 1894
We had our Christmas entertainment this evening

Monday, December 31, 1894
Stelle left today for her new home. Mary Stewart and Ray Stewart here. Mr. Lankford and Harry went to Watch meeting.

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