Helliwell Diaries - Full Text

1
November 1830
26 Fryday I was brewing and began to Mash at half past six in the morning I
went to Stonehouses this fore noon for a trowel that I lent him Some time
since and which he neglected to bring home – This day was fine but at
night it began to rain a little --- We finished pumping up about half past
seven oclock --------------
27 Saterday Morning I drove the team to York an I found the roads in such
as state that no language can discribe I took out some beer and went again
in the afternoon It thretned rain verey much this day but it put off and the
evening is clear and I think it will freeze –
28 Sunday The road being so muddey that I could not go to church I was
lolling about sometimes reading and sometimes talking with Eastwood on
various topicks of conversation the weather this day was fine and pleasant
but in the evening it began to cloud up and threaten rain
29 Monday Morning was usherd in with verey heavy rain we began to mash
at half past seven The rain fell in torrents without intermishon the whole
of this day We finished pumping up the beer at nine oclock this evening
and it is still raining
30 Teusday morning I went to the bush to measure some fine wood which I
found to 131/4 coard I then drove the team to Town and took out two half
barrels And after dinner I went again and took five barrels down to the
wharf to go to Brantford for John A. Wilks the roads are knee deep every
step of the way to York – The weather was rather wet in the morning but it
cleers off and continues all day fine The river his verey high this evening -
-----
Wednesday Morning we mashed about half past eight oclock Messrs

Dunnington and Northout came and took a glass of beer as they was going
home from Shooting and Edward Charlton was here this day
The weather this day was cloudey with a little rain the morning which did
not last long We finished pumping up this eaveng at nine oclock the
weather still cloudey
1830
December
2 Thursday Morning I drove the team The team to York and I took a barrel
of beer to Colonel Chewit and after dinner I went again And as I came
home I went down to Galloways to look at a Yoak of oxen (as Thomas
City of Toronto Museum Services

2
desired me to do so) I need make no comments on the road as they are

much the same The weather still continues – gloomey with a little rain this
day
3 Fryday Morning we began to Mash at half past is the weather gloomey

and threatening rain which began to fall verey fast about one oclock and
continued till about four when it cleard off and – began to blow verey
hard ------
Rather a curious sircumstance occurd this evening with our boiler The
watter that supplies it was left running and consequently it became full and
the steam dieing away in the tub that conducts it to the water tub it form a
vacuum which draw the water from the water tub and as the top of the
supply pipe was lower then the the water it began to run from the tub
through the steam pipe into the boiler and over the top of the supply pipe
up on the same principle as a ciphon We finished pumping up that
evening at half past eight oclock the wind still verey high and boisterious
4 Saterday Morning I drove the team to York and took out a good deal of
beer Thomas came with me to Brights to look at a yoke of oxen after I
came home I was helping to put an artifishal surfice of brush on the road
in from of Jhn Playtors as it was got imposable And the neighbours turnd
out to fix it there was three teams drawing pine brush all day and I think
we finished about ten rod and I think it will answer well as it completely
settles into the mud and becomes settled so that a wagon can pass over the
top of it verey well. Bright came past us wile on the road with the oxen
and Joseph came home with him and gave him the steers as we swapped
with him ----
The weather was much finer and clearer then it as been for some time back
it was some what cold and windey and I think it will freeze this evening
5 Sunday I did not go to church as the road was so muddey – just as we

finished our dinner Thomas and Duncan McFarlane came up and after
they took dinner and looked through the Brewery they started home and
Joseph and me went with them through the meadows to Bloors – Brewery
whear we found Messrs Bloor Bell Atkinson and Beatey viewing his new
Malt Mill and water wheel Mr Bloor took Joseph and Me into the Brewery
and gave us a glass of beer we then came home as it was sund down we
found it difficulty To get through the flats there was so much water over
them we was oblige to travil on the fences -------
The weather this morning was clear and frostey and much the appearance
of rain aiming so but towards twelve or one oclock the skey became black
another and then rain verey much and the evening is verey gloomey

3
Mr. Beatty proffesed to lend me a treatice of gauging this evening and

said he wood send it to my brothers in York in the coarse of two or three
days at farthest
6 Monday I was brewing and began to mash about half past eight oclock and
after we finished mashing the second time I went to the spring to clear the
mass away from the head ------
The weather this day was chilley and verey much like snow it froze a little
the whole of this day and I think we shall have snow before long and I
should not be much surprised if some fell this night
7 Teusday morning the ground was so frozen that I could not go to town
with the team as it would not carrey the wagon ---
Joseph and me went to York through the meadows to the funeral of Mr.
John Robison but being to soon we was oblige to waite for some time
before the procession started. I then accompayned it to the church door
and then came to Thomases and took tea We then started to come home I
stopt at Mr. Milburns and bought a pair of gloves We then came on to
Nowlens in the park where we was to get three heifers but he wood not let
us hav them Se we went back to aquaint Thomas of it but he was gone out
I went to Moses Fisheses shop to look for him – but he was not there –
So we again started for home and came through the meadows and got
home just at dark ------
The weather this day was warm in the sun but cold and chilly out of it
8 Wednesday morning we began to mash at half past six The weather was
glomey and thretned snow which began to fall about one oclock fast and
continued till bed time and still snowing with every appearance of a
stormey night there is from two to three inches of snow follen We
finished pumping up this evening at half past seven the thermometer stood
at 24 o indeed this is the first winter day that we have had this Season and
I think we shall have it now with a grudge ---
9 Thursday morning the snow about three inches deep I took the wagon and
went to York and I found the Road in front of John Playtors worse then I
ever saw it being partley frozen the reminder of the road generally carreys
the wagon Except where the mud is verey deep -------
I took a barrel of beer to Mr. Elmsley on Young St. and a keg to the
Hospittle to Frances Swan and Thomas went with me to the Bishop Slays
and wagons was running cheek by cheek

4
This day in York but there is not sufficient snow to make good slaying ----
I got home about three oclock and it being so late I did not go again ----
The weather this day was gloomey and threttned down fall but not so cold
as yesterday
This Evening I was weighting Smiths barley and found it to be 39 bushels

and Eighteen pound
10 Friday Morning made its appeaerance gloomey and over cast. We

comensed Mashing about half past seven oclock After the worts was on
the cooler I took My gun and went up the revene at the back of Skinners
house and south to the pine grove but not finding anything to Shoot I went
through the wood to Siklear’s and I shot one Pheasant just behind his
house I then came home the short way from Sinklears I saw several hare
tracks in the woods -------
We finished pumping up abut half past seven The weather this day
remained gloomey with the appearance of snow it thoughed a good deil
this day
11 Saterday Morning I drove the teame to York and I took six barrels of beer
down to the wharf to go to head of the Lake for W J Skinner and after
dinner I went again to the town again and took four barrels of beer down
to the wharf The last time I drove the team through Playtors field to avoid
the Road in front of his house -------
The weather this day was gloomey and spitted a little snow but none of
any consequence I this Evening for the first time in my life saw the
northern lights they appeared verey plain in the north and moved from east
to west and from west to east verey fast ------
12 Sunday morning I went to church but being to son I walked up to the

Government house with the Soldier to hear the music As I was coming
from church I came in contact with Miss B-T and walked cheek by chowle
with here from the church door to the street and made some common place
remark about the weather to her
I stop some time with Thomas and talked with him for some time about
the Brewery
I then came home and I found the Roads quite sloppey in the top as the
sun shone verey warm and melted the frost The weather this day was
verey fine and pleasant I think I never saw a finer for the season after I
came home I went to Skinners for an houre or so and after that I was

5
looking after the beer and starting the tun and writing this and reading
Byrons works till bed time the stars shines verey bright this Evening and I
think it will freeze hard ---
13 Monday morning I found it had froze verey hard during the night of the 12
th and in the morning of the 13 th mercury in the tube of the thermometer
stood at 20º We began to mash at half past seven oclock after we finished
mashing the second time I went to the spring to clean the moss from the
head and in the evening Charles told me there was a wild duck in the river
at the bridg So I took my gun and went to shoot it but could not find it so I
fired the gun off at a chip but missed it --------
We finished pumping up about seven oclock The weather this day was
glory and in the evening it began to rain a little
14 Teusday Morning I found it had rained all night and was still raining a
little however I went to York with the team and I found the roads much
better then they hav been for some time --------
I came imeadiately back and I took out some beer this time and brote a
load of barley back. And I got completely drenched as it rained the whole
time I was out so that I found the road beginning to break throug the frost I
had some trouble to get up the hill the last time I went to York as one of
the horses refused to pull At nine oclock it still rained verey hard and I
think it will continue to rain the whole night.
15 Wednesday Morning made its appearance with the ground a little froze
and a verey high wind We began to mash about seven oclock The sun
came out in the forenoon and shone bright while the worts was cooling I
took the Prince horse and road up to Stonehouses Mill to see if I could
some dry inch boards As I came back I stopt at the house on the other
Side of the river to get the lanthorn that Peter left there yesterday
The wind roase to be verey boisterous this evening and we finished

pumping up about half past six oclock I let the worts from the cooler at
76º and when in the tun they was at 66º so that they cooled 10º in runing
from the cooler to the tun and the thermomiter Stood 26º at the outside of
the cooler I think it will freeze this night verey hard
16 Thursday Morning I drove the team to York and I took out some beer and
some barley to the Government house And after diner I went again to the
Government House And after diner I went again to York and brote a load
of hops home
The weather this day was verey cold at least I thought it so as I have never
felt it so much this Season before

6
17 Fryday I was brewing and began to mash about half past seven oclock I
was solving some problims in the Square Root this day after the worts was
on the cooler --- I let the worts run from the cooler at 75º and they arived
at the tun at 65º so that they cooled ten degrees on the passage and the air
was 24º two degrees lower then the last night and still they lost the same
number of degrees as their passage which I attebute to the wind as on
Wednesday the wind was verey high with this evening is quite still we
finished pumping up about seven oclock and the nigh is quite glomey and
dark
18 Saterday Morning made its appearance with the ground wight with Snow
being covered about half inch deep I drove the team to York this day twice
and found the road froze so that it bore the waggon quite well I took out a
good deal of beer this day and the last time I fetched 23 bushels and 16lbs.
wheat from Mr Wm Smiths bard at the Don Bridge
The weather this day was gloomey and cold and the lake roard verey loud
this day
19 Sunday morning it was snowing fast when I got up and continued till
about eight oclock where it cleard off I then road to to York but before
church I went to the Government house with the Soldiers to hear the
musick ---
After church I took dinner with Thomas and came down to Smiths to
come home where I saw John Smith and he told me to waite a little and he
wood come up and with me as far as the farm
After I came home I went to Eastwood and Skinners till tea time and after
that I went to Josephs till nine oclock The weather this day was cold
20 Monday Morning made it appearance with snow falling fast so that Joseph
rigged out the Slay and took it to York there fell about six inches before it
stopt
The water coming slow indused me to go to the Spring to see if aney thing
was rong but could see nothing amiss however John went with better
sucksess for he reported to me that eth edam was broke away so I went
with him back and took a spaid and stopt the breack I let the worts run
from the coolers at 16º and pitched them at 66º and the air 20º We finished
pumping up seven oclock
The weather after it quit snowing this day was verey cold and it will freeze
hard this night

7
After Joseph came home I went up to see what kind of Slaying it was and
he said it was tolerable passable particularley in the town where the road
was level
Charles this day wet to James F Smiths to serve him as apprentice to the
Grocery buisness
21 Teusday Morning William called me up before day ligt to look at the Mare
as he thought she had the belley ach we gave her about a tea cup full of
Spirits and peper and William road her to the top of the Meadow and back
which relieved her much ---
I took the Slay and horses and went to town and I found the Slaying rough
and having some trouble with the box when I came home I got Hew and
Joseph to make a rack before I went a second time I took but some beer
and fetched two loads of barley back --- The weather this day was cold the
air this morning was at 4 before the sun was up We had quite a snow show
this evening for a fiew minuits it froze My ink Sollid in The bottle this
day from the first this Season ---
22 Wednesday Morning drove the Slay to York and brote a load of barley
back and after diner I went again to town and took out some beer and
fetched another load of barley back after I came home I was filling half
barres with warm water as we discharged our Sellar Man this day in
consequence of his refusing to turn the grind stone -------
The weather this day was cold and the thermometer this morning stood at
16 below zero towards Evenine the wind rose and the skey became
cloudey ------
23 Thursday Morning I took the Slay to York and took out some beer and
brote a load of barley back and after dinner I took the wagon as the
Slaying was done This time I went to the garrison and I brote up some
hoop iron for the new mash tub -------
The weather this day was not so cold as it has been for two or three days
previous but verey gloomey and thretned snow
24 Fryday I was assisting Hugh to hoop the new mash tub and to place it in
its proper situation We had some trouble to get the hoop to fit for we
broke some of them several times. The weather this day was quite changed
in the morning it was warm and gloomey and continued to though all day
and in the evening it began to rain verey fist ---- I was ciphering a little
this evening in the Square Root ----

8
25 Saterday and Christmas day was a vacation from all labour about nine
oclock I took my gun and went up the creek that empties in to the Don at
the top of our meadow as far as the North West corner of Eastwoods and
Skinners land. I then took up the South basnk and followd the gallows hill
till I cam to the top of the hill above Mr Charles Thompsons saw mill
when I saw a man drawing Saw logs with a yoake of oxen and as he was
walking behind the oxen they ran against a stump and broke the yoake in
to two I then turnd about for home and I cam across a deer track and
followd it for some time till it came where the Snow was all off I then lost
it
I then made the best of my way home and arived in time to take a share of
a goose to dinner I the went to Josephs and Stop till evening and took tea
with him -------
The weather this day was wet all the forepart of the day and completely
took all the snow off the ground however it rained none after dinner but it
remained cloudey this Evening is quite mild and freezes little or none at
all -------
26 Sunday I went to town to go to Church but being so earley I walked up to

the Government house along with the Soldiers to hear them play after I
came home I went with Thomas and Joseph to look at the land where we
cut hard wood and through Smiths chopping and when we came to the
road opposite Smiths gate Joseph and me came home ------
The Weather this day was rather cool and the ground a little froze and the
river hear is completely broken up and a large jam formed at the bridg of
ice
It began to snow a little before dark and is still Snowing now Seven
Oclock
27 Monday Morning Joseph and me was cleaning out the back Sellar and
taking the new mash tub down to take a little off the staves as they were to
wide for the bottom and after that we was floting ice out of the cut of the
race as we was apprehensive that if it began to freeze hard it wood stop the
water from coming down -------
The weather this day was gloomey and dark --------
28 Teusday Morning I was helping the man to place the mash tub and I went
to the Spring to see if all was right -------
I went to town this after noon with the team and I took a barrel of beer to
Capt. McGill ---

9
The weather this day was gloomey All the fore part of the day and abut
two oclock it began to snow and continued the remainder of the day and
fell about two inches or three of lite snow ------
29 Wednesday Morning I was helping to fix the fols bottom of the mash tub
I sent for two wottels by the teamster but he did bring them so I took the
horse and went for them myself. And after I came home I was burning out
the holes in the fals bottom --------
The weather this day was fine and pleasant
30 Thursday I was racking beer jobing about the place all the fore part of the
day and after dinner I went with Joseph and gave Stanton a load of hey
from the reckin the meadow ------
It snowd all the forenoon so that our Teamster took the Hay it began to
rain about four oclock and is still raining now seven on. I think that
tomorrow will bring more snow or none at all As I think it will either
Snow or rain Sufficient to take it all off and add more to it --------
31 Fryday I found that it had rained all night a drizzling showre and was still
raining I was cleenening out the Sh[_____] from about the new mashtub
and grinding malt the fore noon In the after noon I drove the team to York
and I found the roads in the main road quite sloppey I got home about six
oclock ------
The weather this day was wet for the most part which made it quite
disagreeable in the Evening it cleerd off and began to freez verey hard ----
----
January 1831
1 Made its appearance with a fine cleen skey This morning while I was at
breakfast John Eastwood came and told me there was a Fox on the other
side of the river So I took the gun and went down over the bridge into the
meaadow where I got a Shot at him but did not kill him as I was to far off
I then came hom and went up the hill and round by Sinklears and I Saw
on pheasant but would not get a Shot at it Thomas came up to dinner and
after dinner we took our guns and wen to the rear end of 13 and 14 and
come through the bush
The weather this day was just cook enough to be pleasant but the roads is
covered with ice in consequence of the Severe frost of the night previous -
------

10
2 Sunday I went to York to got to church but before I went to church I

walked to the Government House along with the Soldiers I Stopt and took
dinner with Thomas and stopt some time after talking to him After I came
home I went to the consession at the top of our Meadow to see if Smith
had cut down the line tree as he was cutting wood on the consession but I
found that he had not ------
The weather this day was verey fine and pleasant and the Roads through
the bush is covered with ice ------
3 Monday I was brewing and we comsed to mash about seven oclock in the
new mash tub for the first time and I think it will answer verey well ------
I let the worts run from the cooler at 76º and they arived in the tun at 68º
so that they lost 8º in the passage from the cooler to the tun and the
atmosphere was at 34º ---------
The weather this day was thoughing and cloudy and this Evening looks
like rain verey much
4 Monday Morning I mounted bobey and road to York and took a ban of
iron to Perreys to cut to the rigt lenth to reach across the mash tub to ceep
down the fols bottom--------
Then started to go to Etobicoke to see if I could not get John Codling to

work. The road to Farrs Mills is indifferantley bad and thinley settled the
land being a yellow sand Farrs Mills are on the river Humber And there is
three run of stone in the Mill And a black smith shop and a cooperidg a
store a tavern and a church so that it ha the appearance of a village from
Farrs Mills to where Codling livs the roads are much worse the land being
a rich black soil well timbered beach and maple but rather thinley settled -
- I got to Mr. Harpers (that being the house where Codling livs) About
three oclock Mr. Harper told me he was out chopping and sent a boy with
me to where he was at work he did not giv me a disicive answer weather
he wood come or not he came to the house with me and I took a cup of tea
and started for home It was dark before I got to Farrs Mills and my horse
being joored (having had nothing to eate since I left home) I gave him a
gallon of oats the night was verey dark and I got to York at Eigh oclock
and at home at nine verey much tired-----
The weather this day was wet in the morning and continued cloudey and
soft all day
5 Teusday I was grinding all the fore part of the day. After dinner Mr.
Gibson came to servey the east half of lot 13 we chained accross the
Middle of the lot from the South west corner of the East half of 14 20

11
chains and planted a post and then came back and went to the rear of 13
and Measured accross 20 chains and squared a soft Maple tree for the
corner that is the Sout East corner of 13--------
The weather this day was rather cool and frosty and the roads quite hard---
----
6 Thursday Morning I took the wagon with the hey rack on to York and
Thomas went with me to Richmond Hill for empty barrels we Stopt at all
the tavern on the street and took dinner a John Montgomery and fed out
horses there as we was coming home we lost one of the forewheels of the
waggon and it being dark it was Some time before we found it out
however we put it on again without much trouble I got home about half
past nine and fetched 16 barrels-------
I never saw Yong Street so good in my life for the holes are ful of water
and froze hardd ------
The weather this day was pleasant
7 Fryday I was brewing and began to mash about eight oclock while we
was mashing Smith came and wanted me to go and show him where the
line betwen – Estwoods and Sinklear on the other side of the river so I
went across the bridg and went with him and we come back over the ice
on the Mill dam I let the worts run from the cooler at 75º and they arived
at the tun at 66º So that the lost 9º in the passage and the atmosphere at 18º
The weather this day was fine and pleasn and froze verey little or none at
all
8 Saterday I was grinding malt all the forenoon and in the afternoon I was
cleaning barrels-----
The weather this day was verey fine and I think I never Saw Such weather
at the time of Year The roads remarkable fine and good being hard froze
and was quite Smoothe on the Surfice which compencates in a measure for
the want of Slaying as we hav had but verey little this Season and that not
good-----
9 Sunday Morning I went to church and I walked to Government house to

hear the band play I stopt and took dinner with Thomas And after I came
home I was --- turning -----
The weather this day was fine and pleasant and the roads dry and dustey -
-------

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10 Monday I was brewing and began to mash about eight oclock in the
morning-------
As the water come Slow I was induced to go and look at the dam and I
found that it had been running over but as I could not see aney leak I
fetched the ax and cut away the ice but found no leak We finished
pumping up about eight oclock The weather this day ws fine the
Thermometer Stood this Eavening at 20º ------
11 Teusday Morning I was grinding Malt and at noon I got work that Thomas
wanted both teams down for barley So I took one of them and the Man the
other and went twice this afternoon --------
We had a Show Showr this day but it did not last long it just made the
ground white over --------
12 Wednesday I was brewing and began to mash at eight oclock And went
through the process Sistomatically I let the worts from the cooler at 78º
and they arrived at the tun at 68º and the atmosphere at 10º -----
The weather this was verey cold it froze My ink for the Second Time this
Season I mention this sircumstance to show that we hav not had so cold
weather since the 21 of Decr at which time it allso froze My ink ----------
13 Thursday Morning was verey cold the Thermometer Stood at 8 below zero
After breakfast Joseph and Me cleened Some Malt and started the mill
when Mr. Eastwood came and told us that it back waterd there Mill and
desired us to waite two houres before we ground As it wood be a greater
acomadation to them we agreed to do so After dinner we ground and it
took us 2 -1/2 hours which is 24 bushel per hour --------
The weather this day after the Sun was up was warm and pleasent ---------
14 Fryday I was brewing this day and began to mash at eight oclock And we
finished pumping up at half past six oclock I let the worts from the cooler
at 78 and they arived at the tun 66º So that they lost 12º in the passage and
the Atmosphere was 18º The weather this day was not so cold as the two
last days and it looks verey much like snow this evening -----------
15 Saterday I was grinding this forenoon and we ground 60 bushels in 1 hour
and 50 minuets After that I was cleaning casks and loading the Kilmn and
tun [_____] other jobs ---------
The weather this day was verey fine
16 Sunday I went to church this Morning and walked through the meadow
My reasons were ostensebley the cold weather though I had other secret

13
motives for so doing I took dinner with Thomas and came home the same
road that I went ---------
After I came home I was tunning The weather this day was verey cold and
a high wind ---------
17 Monday I was brewing this day and began to mash about ten oclock I was
up to the spring this After supper I was weighing a load of wheat that the
team fetched from Mr Smiths barn and found it to be 27-28/60 --------
We finished pumping up about nine The weather this day was verey fine
the thermomiter stood this Evening at 20º
18 Teusday Morning the ground was white with Snow I was grinding malt all
this forenoon and in the after noon I went to York with the team (as
Thomas was all full of barley) and fetched a load of barley home ---------
The weather this day was fine and pleasant And I never Saw the road so
good I think in my lif for the dust is flying in all directions and the Roads
are quite level and hard so that a team can take all most aney weight
19 Wednesday I was brewing and I had a good deal of trouble with the water
as the steep water froze up so tht we was only to take the other water from
the Steep which left us Short I went to the Spring adn cleened the roade a
little so that it let more water throug I finished pumping up about Seven ---
-----
The weather this day was a good deal moderated and it was spitting a little
snow most of this day --------
20 Thursday I was fixing about the water all this day I took the forser to the
head of the pipes and I made the water come faster I allso made a new
guage for the water tub which is a tin pipe sunk perpendicular in the tub
and an air tight tin vessel about eight inches in length and one and a half
inches diameter floats in it and raises the guage as the water increases -----
----
The weather this day was verey cold and the ground was coverd with
snow about three inches deep which fell the night of the 19th the
termomiter stood this evening at 6º blow zero
21 Fryday I was brewing and began to mash about eight oclock and finished
pumping up about eight at night The weather tis day was verey stormey
for it snowd all day long and fell about six inches so that the slay went to
York twice this day the thermomiter stood at 4º all the day and at night it
fell down to 2º -------

14
22 Saterday This Morning I took My gun and went to see how the chopper
was doing and I found the snow about half leg deep This evening when I
went to the brewery to see if all was right and I found the water stopt so I
took one of the men withe me and went to the dm to see if aney thing was
the mater there and I indeed found the water run away but still above the
long which quite surprised me I then came back and with all my indevours
I could not get the water higher then horizontal pipe above the boiler but
the reason I must trust tomorrow to demonstrate -------
The weather this day was moderate
23 Sunday Morning the first thing went to see if the water still come into the
Brewery and I found it did but verey slow So I went to the dam with the
men to stop the leak (whcih was no pleasant job especially withe the
atmosphere at 28º below zero wich was actually the cos) but all our
indeavours were in vain as we could not find it we came home and took
breakfast and returnd again with as little sucess as befor after dinner I
found it however and this evening before I went to bed I went again to see
if it was still safe and I found it broke away again I came home for the
pick and took one of the men with me and repard it again ---------
The weather this was Sunney and warm after the Sun got up but before so
cold as to be unpresidented in my memery
24 Monday I was brewing and began to mash about ten o’clock I went to the
dam this after noon and I found it broke away again so I came for the axe
and took William with me and repared it again We finished pumping up
about eight oclock ----------
The weather this day was verey cold the Atmosphere was this morning at
18º below zero but in the heat of the day was a allitle above that point but
in the evening it again fell to 12º below zero
25 Teusday this Morning I found the dam broke away again and I fixed it
after dinner I went to W robert Stone Mill for the fence boards
This evening I went with Mr Eastwood tot he Mechanicks Instituted at Mr

Thompsons School house in York – and the subject discussed was weather
having a lever accross a fulcrum and having a weight of ten lbs suspended
at each end or rather at an equal distance from the center and then by
taking nine lb off and removeing one lb to such distance from the center as
to ballance the tenth If there wood not be an equal weight on the fulcrum
in both cases and after much discussion for and agaist it it was plainley
demonsterated that in the former case there was 20 lbs and in the latter
case but eleven We got home about eleven oclock and beautiful night

15
The weather this day was cold and raw
26 Thursday I found the dam broke and after repareing it I went with Joseph
to the rear of lot 13 to see if aney person was cutting wood on it but there
was not when I came home I found the water had not reached the tub I
tryd every method to get it up but could not and after fighting with it all I
found that the coas was that the water being low in the dam this morning
the pips admitted air along with the water and that air still – remaining in
the pips prevented the water from raising to the tub
The weather this day was fine
27 Thursday Morning I tryd the water to the tub but it wood not go so we
bored the pipe and bored a hold in it in order to let the air out of it but it
wood not go Still after dinner I went to York to tell Thomas and I spoke
for a pair of shoes and bought an arithmatick I buy John Crags but he was
not at home and Mr Scadding being there he invited to take tea with him
which I did and stopt and hour or two with him and he coming to Playtors
for his wife I come with him in the Slay --------
The weather this day was mild
28 Fryday we was this day raising the dam to see if that wood have aney
effect to bring the water into the tub and it did run for an hour or so and
them Stopt This evening I turned it into the coppar as I could not get it
aney higher This day was warm and pleasant and the sun shone verey
bright and warm it made the roads a little sloppey
29 Saterday Morning we fixed the tin pump into the copper (as it was full of
water) and pumped the Steep full and after that the tub full as we could not
get the water to run up -------
The weather this day was fine and pleasant -------
30 Sunday Morning I went to York and before I went to Church I walked

along with the Soldiers to the Government house to hear the musick I
walked through the meadows and back the same road When I got home I
found thomas and Abram Gould (formerly Dibbles boy) the weather this
day was fine and pleasant
31 Monday I was brewing and had a good deal of trouble as we had the water
to pump out of the copper and as our pump was tin it got out of order we
began to mash about ten oclock and finished pumping up about nine we
brewd ten bushels of wheat malt this day and was quite surprised at the

16
quantity of Saccerine matter it produced as it was one third more the

barley malt -------
The weather this day was fine but it began to snow this evening quite fast -
--------
February 1831
1. This Morning I was baring the pipe is Several places to See if we could
find any leak but could not We connected the Steep pips with the brewing
pips (by means of a tine pipe with two elbows) to see if the water wood
rais to the Steep but it would not -------
After dinner I drove the Slay to York – and I took a barrel of beer to the
Bishop This Morning made its appearance with the ground coverd about a
foot deep with snow the greatest snow that we have had this winter and
this winter and the slaying is prettey good and they are verey busey in
York ------
2. Wednesday Morning after breakfast I went to look at the dam and on my

way I found a peg out of the pips (at the farther end of the malt house And
the water was boiling up two feet high) which has been the coas why the
water wood not to the tub after I peged it up the water ran to the tub
immeditatley --------
i. After dinner I took the horse and road out to the chopper to See
how he was coming on ---------
I went to York this evening and called on Mr Leslie the Secretary of the
Mechanicks Institute and enterd my name as a member and paid my
entrance 6/3 ----------
The weather this day was warm and took off the snow verey fast --------
3. Thursday Morning made its appearance verey stormey I was brewing this
day and mashed at half past ten and finished pumping up about nine
oclock
The weather this day was one continued fall of Snow it fell about 18
inches
4. Fryday This day I was doing nothing particular merely going through the
routine of buisness I tink there is more snow on the ground then there has
been for fair years it is about two feet deep ---------
The weather this day was cold and in the evening it became verey rough
and windey

17
5. Saterday I was doing little or nothing but reading and ciphering a little.
Mrs Prentice and Not the chandler came to look at the Brewery this day
and I joined them through it all ------
The weather this day was verey cold -------
6. Sunday Morning I went to York to go to church I took dinner with

Thomas and I stopt to see John Craig to borrow a Slay of him which he
lent me with the greatest pleasure ------
The weather this day ws verey cold the Thermometer stood at 20º below
zero this morning I never saw the slaying better then it is this day ----------
7. Monday I was brewing this day and I began to mash about eight oclock
and finished pumping up about a quarter past seven ------
8. Teusday Morning I drove the Slay to York and I took out some beer –
after dinner I went again I found the Slaying remarkable good ------
After I came home the last time I went again to York to Mechanics
Institute the question discussed was the princaple of a lever and the coas
why one lb at the long end of the lever is able to rais ten at the short end of
the same --------
The weather this day was fine inclining to cold
9. Wednesday I was brewing and began to mash at eight oclock after the
worts was on the cooler I went to look for some coal to Hyneses but
finding none I went to Pangmans but he was not home on My way home I
went to see Thorns new road and I think it is verey well laid out but I think
it might be still better by extending it a little farther on the hill side ---------
-
The weather this day was fine the snow is knee deep in the bush -------
10. Thursday I drove the team to York twice this day and brought two loads of
barley back I found the Slaying verey good ---------
The weather this day was gloomy and it thretned snow very much which
however did not come The road is one continuous streem of slays going
and coming in all directions it being the onley time that the back woods
man can get out to Market with his produce And everey person that had
aney thing to bring to Market takes advantage of this time to do it

18
11. Fryday I was brewing and began to Mash at eight oclock After the worts
was on the cooler I was piling wood at the Brewery door We finished
pumping up about seven oclock ------
The weather this day cloudey and it [______] a little this evening ---------
12. Saterday Morning I drove the team to York and fetched a load of oats.
After dinner I went again and fetched a load of barley The weather this
day was cold and remarkable so towards evening The Slaying still
remained good -------
13. Sunday Morning I went to town but so late was it before I started that with
all My exertions I onley arived at this end of the town and the Soldiers
came out of church so that I was to late to hear the musick I took dinner
with Thomas and come home about three oclock
The weather this day was find and [______]
14. Monday I was brewing and began to Mash at ten oclock and finished
pumping up at nine oclock
15. Tuesday I drove the team three times to York the last time I went to
Dutchers and got his turner to turn a neck yoke as one of ours was broken
After supper I road again to York to Mechanics Institute but when I got
there I found no person there so I called on Mr Lawson the librarian to
know the coas and he informed me that it was posponed on account of the
anual meeting of the bible society taking place this evening I got Plutarchs
lifes out of the Library ---------
The weather this day was thoughing and raining a little this after noon
however the Slaying is still verey good --------
16. Wednesday I was brewing and began to mash at 7 oclock and finished
pumping up at six oclock The weather this day was thoughing and a
drizzling showr all day so that it took off the snow verey fast and if it
continued till to morrow ther will be no snow left -----
17. Thursday I drove the Slay to York twice and I took out some beer and
brote a load of barley back ------
The weather this day was verey much changed and froze verey hard ther
fell a little snow on the night of 16th so the slaying is still verey good ------
--

19
18. Fryday I was brewing and began to mash at eight oclock and finished
pumping up at seven ---------
The weather this day was fine and mild altho the wind was verey high the
thermomiter stood at 18 this Evening
19. Saterday I drove the Slay twice to York and fetched two load of barley
back the last time I went with Thomas to hire a pleasure Slay as we intend
to take a Slay ride tomorrow -------
After I came home Mr John Scadding and Mrs Scadding ---------
The weather this day was verey pleasant and mild the Slaying is getting a
little the worse of wair about York and in the main road about the Don
Bridg --------
20. Sunday Morning I got up early and got Thomas to put the horses into the
lumber Slay and went to town and put the horses into the Slay (that we
hired yesterday) and took breakfast at Thomases and he being readey his
wife got into the Slay and we drove to Mr Brights where there ws three
Slays waiting for us The gentlemen of the partey was Mrs Brights Thomas
and William Elliots Christopher and John Therre was also Mr Stegmon
The Ladies was Misses Marey Nansey and Betsey Bright and Mrs
Helliwell We left York about seven and went down the lake the road to Mr
Smalls is indifferentley bad good Slaying through the pine woods to
Bateses where we stopt and took a glass and waited for one of the Slays
which had fallen back a little the road from there to Posts verey rough and
hilley well settled we arived at Posts at eleven oclock and ordered dinner
which in dew time was readey in the mean time we drank tot he Ladeys a
fiew glasses of wine we started for York at four oclock we stopt a fiew
glasses of wine we started for York at four oclock we stopt a fiew minutes
at Fishers at the hiland creek and as everey one was satisfied with himself
and everey bodey els we felt verey merrey we got to Brights to tea and I
stopt an hour and a half chatting with the girls and then came home --------
-
The weather this day was rather cold for pleasure Up on the whole this is
one of the pleasn test excurtions I hav had for some time -----
21. Monday I was brewing and began to mash at a quarter before ten and
finished pumping as half past eight o’clock The weather this day was fine
and pleasant and the Thermomiter stood this evening at 12º
22. Teusday I drove the team to York in the Slay twice the last time I took a
barrel of beer to Harrington on Yong Street

20
The weather this day was fine till towards evening when it began to snow -
--------
23. Wednesday I was brewing and mashed at half past eight oclock and
finished pumping up at seven -------
We had a fall of snow last night of about six inches The weather this day
was fine and warm and it thoughed considerable in the middle of the day
but it begins to freeze again this Evening ---------
24. Thursday I drove the team twice to York and fetched two load of barley
back the last time I took a barrel of beer to Recever General Dunns --------
The weather this day was verey fine and pleasant and the Slaying is verey
good
25. Fryday I was brewing and began to mash at eight oclock and finished
pumping up at half past seven oclock this evening I went to Josephs to
hear the news as it was reported that was declared between Greate Britton
and the United Stats of America -------
The weather this day was verey fine and warm and thoughed a good deal
in the middle of the day ---------
26. Saterday I drove the team twice to York the last time I spoke to Mr Bright
about taking a Slay ride tomorrow and we agreed to go I came up the ice
to the Shugar loaf and then up the meadow home ---------
The weather this day was verey warm and thoughed a good deal ----------
27. Sunday Morning I went to Brights and as soon as William and Christopher
Elliot got readey we put my horse along with Elliots and went to Old Mr
Brights and took in Misses Jane and Susan the slaying to the gallows hill
was rather bad but after that it was rather better we arived at Mrs Raymons
We left for home about four and we found the roads full of water and mud
as it thoughed verey fast all day We got back to old Mr Brights at about
six oclock and took tea with the girls and then drove to Thomas Brights
and took the horses out of the Slay and I stopt about an hour looking at the
cuts in the History of England I got home at nine ---------
The weather this day was verey warm the sun shone as if it was the month
of May -----------
28. Monday I was brewing and began to mash at about eight oclock and
finished pumping up about nine. David Patterson and his wife came up for
a Slay ride this day and to look through the Brewery ----------

21
The weather this day was verey warm
March 1831
1 Teusday I drove the Slay to town twice and the waggon once the last time
I took the Slay Thomas and me went to the Light house with a barrel of
beer and one of the horses fell through the ice in Block house bay twice
but we was going verey fast ad the other horse pulled him out I went down
the Don both times I took the Slay -------
The last time when I took the waggon I took out some beer I found the
streets about York verey muddey -------
The weather this day was verey warm and it completely finished the
slaying for the water was runing in streams from the hills
2 Wednesday I was brewing and began about eight and finished about eight
at night The weather this day was fine and warm in the morning but
towards noon it became overcast and about five oclock it began to rain
and continued verey fast ever since ---------
3 Thursday I drove the waggon to York twice and I took out some beer both
times one of the bay horses was so laim that I took the black horses the
last time the roads I found verey muddey and bad The weather this day
was gloomey --------
4 I was brewing and began to mash at eight oclock and finished about half
past eight I was at the Spring today The river was verey high and the water
ran over the ice ---------
The weather this forenoon was wet but it cleared off at noon and was fair
all the day
5 Saterday Morning I was fixing the dam at the spring and after that I was
giving Pangman a load of hey out of the barn After dinner I was nailing
boards on to the fence on the top of the feild behind the barn -------
The river is still verey high and the ice is begining to break up in some
places The weather this was fine and warm
6 Sunday As the roads was so mudey I did not go to York And as I had a
desire to be better acquainted with the Geographical Situation of the
country about the forks of the Don. Eastwood and I set out towards Leys
and we followed the line on the west side of his land till it made a junction
with a small brook that is tributory to the west branch of the Don We then

22
followed that till it joined the west branch of the Don and came on down
to the forks And then we took up the north branch to Mr richardson
Shantie And then we crossed the north branch and come down to the East
branch and crossed it and took up the hill just at the point wher the two
branches forms a junction And when we got to the top we found ourselves
on an iland as I may term it is a hill of about 4 or 5 acres on the top
serounded by verey large revines and [______] and admirable Fascility for
a fortifaction as it is verey difficult of access ---------
We passed round the east side of it and then down the revine till it came to
the Don and came by Thoms home ---------
The weather this day was verey gloomey all day and at night it began to
snow
N.B. the land in the visinity of the forks is of a verey rugged characture it
is all hill and dale and it has a verey romantic appearance
7 Monday I was brewing and began to mash at half past nine and finished
about nine at night ---------
The ground was coverd with snow this ------ but long before night it was
converted into water and mud the roads are verey bad ---------
8 Teusday Morning I was nailing boards onto the fence at the back of the
house and in the afternoon I was doing little or nothing The weather was
thoughing
9 Wednesday I was brewing and began to mash at half past eight and
finished pumping up about eight --------
The weather this day was thoughing as it has been for some time back and
freeze at night the water in the river is settled under the ice --------
10 Thursday Morning I went down to the bottom of the meadow to nail up

the gap in the board fence ----------
After dinner I went to the bush to see if all was right there --------
The weather this day was fine and warm
NB I was making a shoe horn today
11 Fryday I was brewing and began to mash about half past eight and
finished at nine at night

23
The weather this forenoon was black and cloudy and at eleven oclock we
had quite a snow showre but it cleared off in the afternoon and the sun
shone out bright --------
NB the ground was a little froze this morning
12 Saterday This day I was doing little jobs about the brewery such as
measureing barrels and corking them up and the like The weather this day
was verey fine and pleasant above head but the roads are bad
13 Sunday I was quite surprised to see the ground coverd with snow this
morning however I was determined to go to York in dispite of the snow
storm -------
I found the roads nee deep every step of the way to York --------
Where I was at church Thomas brote my horse away and came up to the
Brewery ---------
While I was waiting for the horse I went to Brights to have a bit of chat
with the Girls the three Miss Brights are verey fine dashing girls they pass
the joke with a verey bewetching smile in particular Miss Betsey – And to
add to this they are what I should call Beautifull so that there is no
wonder that I should be verey fond of their company I took tea with them
and came home about eight oclock -------
The weather this day was one continued showr of Snow but melted as fast
as it fell so that the roads receivd no benefit from it ------------
14 Monday I was brewing and began to mash at eight oclock and finished at
ten The weather this day was cloudey and at night it began to snow ------
15 Teusday this mronign after I got the grains out of the mash tub I went to
the bush to see after some charcoal And while I was there took in to my
head that I wood take a ramble through the woods so I down the East bank
of the Don adn crossed at the top of cedar hill and went up the west bank
and through Taylors cleering and to Mr Leys where I stopt almost and
hour chatting with Mr Ley about England and my intended jorney there ---
I came home down the flats and crossed the river at the foot bridge I got
home at dinner time And in the after noon I was corking up barrels -------
The weather this day ws gloomey and in the evening the wind roas verey
high and thretned downfall of some kind or other ---------

24
16 Wednesday I was brewing and began to mash at half past seven and
finishing pumping up at half past eight oclock The weather this day was
rather windey cold and in the eavening it began to freeze a little --------
17 Thursday Morning after I got the grains out I went to the spring to see if
all was right and I found it all safe I was jobing about the place the
remainder of the day in the after noon as I had not much to do I want to
take a look at the mill again ----------
This day was fine and pleasant but in the evening it began to freeze
18 Fryday I was brewing and began to mash at half past eight and finished
pumping up about half past nine The ground was so frozen that it bore the
waggon this day -------
The weather this day was verey fine till towards evening when it began to
snow and it freezes verey little this Evening or none at all --------
19 Saterday I was princaply ingauged in cleaning out the sludg from under
the mash house floor and scrubbing out the cellar The snow was so deep
and the ground was so frozen that it was verey good slaying and our slay
went to York four times and took 23 barrels of beer to York -------
The weather this day was thoughing in the Morning and freezing at night
the snow it about five or six inches deep on a level ---------
20 Sunday Morning I road to York and walked to the Government hous along
with the Soldiers to hear the band play After dinner I went to Brights to
spend an hour or two with his girls I found Misses Marey and Betsey at
home and I was verey much charmed with their conversation ----------
The weather this morning was verey cold but when the sun got up it was
quite warm and took the snow off the road
Note I took tea at Mr Brights and came home just as it was getting dark ---
21 Monday I was brewing and began to mash at half past eight oclock and
finished at half past eleven ------
The weather this day ws verey fine and warm
22 Teusday Morning after I got the grains out of the mash tub I went to Black
Peters to speak for some brooms The remainder of the day I was jobing
about the Brewery The weather this day was gloomey
23 Wednesday I was brewing and finished Mashing at seven oclock and

finished pumping u at seven at night ------

25
After we had finished I took into my head that I wood go to the circus as I
had never been in My life so I took the horse and went I found the roads
verey muddey all most knees deep the was some verey fine fetes of
horsemanship performed and allso gymnastic operations I got home about
12 oclock ----
The weather this day was cloudey and dul and rained a little at several
differant times through the day ---------
24 Thursday Morning I was helping to load the kilmn and in the afternoon I
was helping the kill Josephs pig I was up tot he Mill dam twice during the
day to see how it stood as the river is verey high and the ice is breaking up
There is a verey larg jam of ice in front of Skinners house -----
The weather since twelve oclock has been one continued showre of rain I
think the frost is breaking up in good earnest now the roads are in a
dreadfull condition -------
Note afte writing the above and retireing to bed I was called up to witness
such a scean as I never saw before on going into the Brewery I found the
water runing out of the Malt house door eight inches deep and bringing the
Matl along with it The coas was that the acumilated quantity of water
from the hill was more than the drain (that passes under the malt floor)
could tak and the consequence was that it brust up through the floor and
swept away about 100 bushels of matl as soon as I saw what was the
matter I took two men with me and went up the road and turnd the water
down the revine behind Josephs which stopt it in a great measure and by
pulling up a bord and letting the water through into the celar we stopt it
from washing the malt away aney more -------
25 Fryday Morning made its appearance with the flats completeley covered
with water and it was about two feet deep in the Brewery and every thing
was afloate --------
All the forenoon we spent all hands in getting the mud and malt off the
floor and putting it into the mash tub and washing it The river continued t
rais all day and presented a spectacle truley sublime t see the trunks of
trees and flaiks of ice passing down the rappid corrant it took the mill
dam away and most of the fence that borderd on the river Thomas came up
this after noon and we went onto Smiths point to look down the flats but
could see nothing but water I was at the dam several times and was once
into the cellar and it took me to the hips This has been a verey anctious
day and night brings no relief as the waters are unabated ---------

26
The weather this morning was wet but it cleared off about ten and
continued fine all the rest of the day ------
26 Saterday Morning the water was settled about a foot and a half Joseph and
Eastwood and me went up to Stonehouses to see if his Mill dam was till
standing but the river was so high that we could not asartain after we came
back Joseph and me worked two hours chopping the ice out of Skinners
Scow at the dam and after we lost our lowour for we could not get her out
of the ice --------
We then went into the cellar and replaced the Stillion and tunned the water
was about anle deep the water continued to fall all day and this evening it
has intireley left the cellar --------
The weather this day was gloomey and rather cool it rained a little in the
evening -------
27 Sunday but no day of rest for we had to work all the forenoon at the
Brewery floor to repair the consequences of the flood after dinner I went
down the bridge with much difficulty (for the river still over flows its
banks) I found the west end of the bridge settled considerable and a graite
number of logs on the flats after I came back I was standing above the
papermill and I saw three wild ducks settle in a pond in Eastwoods
meadow and I could not resist the temptation So I took the gun and went
to try to shoot them but I could not get a shot at them When I came back
over the bridg I thought it was still settling so I came home and took all
hands down and securd it I think and allso left off a large jam that was
above it with a greate deal of labour I wwent to the dam this evening along
with Mr and Mrs Skinner ------
The weather this day was fine the water fell verey little this day and it is
still running over the banks --------
28 Monday Morning I was helping to repair the malt floor after dinner
Thomas and Joseph and me went to the bridg but as we found we could
not do without a sciff I went to Stonehouses for one and with a greate deal
of labour I got it into the river and came down most majestically as there
was no obstructions in the way --------
We collected all hands that we could get and roas the bridge with a great
deal of trouble for our machinery broke two or three times --- however we
succeeded in raising it cleer of the water -------
The weather this day was verey fine and pleasant

27
29 Teusday Morning I went down to the bridge to see if it had moved aney
and I found it had not I went on down to the top of the meadow to see if
the wreck that the later flood made After I came back I was cleening the
cellar out and it took us all day It was one continued showr of rain all this
day ---------
30 Wednesday we had so far repaired the damage that the flood did us as to
be able to brew agan and began at half past seven and finished at nine at
night --------
The weather this day was verey changable for it raind one time and was
fine another
31 Thursday morning I was scowering the copper and after I finished I took
my gun and went up the creek I got a shot at some ducks in the dam but
did not kill aney of them When I got a little above the old mill it began to
rain so fast that I took shelter under a tree and stopt I dare say an hour but
it still continuing to rain I started amid showrs of rain and crossed on the
drift wood and came over the hill by Sinkler home. After I got dinner and
weather cleered off I went down the flats Where I fell in with Mr John and
Charles Scadding and richard Playtor and after wandering about the
meadow for some time we fired at a tree and then came home and they
came with me and drank a glass of beer and took a turn through the
Brewery --------
The weather this day was continually changing from a hot sunney gleem
to a heavy showr of rain
April 1831
1 And good Fryday was brewing -------- at half past eight and finished at
nine at night. There was a good maney shooters here thsi day and thomas
was up and I went to the top of the meadow with him on his way home
this evening The weather this day was verey fine and dryd up the mud a
good deal ---------
2 Saterday Morning after I got the grains out I took my gun and John
Eastwood and went down the meadows and we met with Charles Scadding
and richard Playtor and I turnd about with them and went up the creek
Richard Playtor shot two ducks above the old mill and as they crossed the
river to get them the ducks I left them and went on t the forks and up the
west branch I shot a duck flying at the top of cedar hill and saw tow or
three more but could not get a shot at aney of them I then came home got
my dinner and after resting a little Joseph and me went down the river as
far as Scaddings saw mill and I got a shot at a duck flying but did not kill

28
her We then took up the hill (that runs gradually down to the flats) and
came home over the hill ----------
The weather this day was cloudey and threttened a storm verey much ------
----
3 Sunday I went to church and I found the roads verey bad indeed After
church I went with Thomas down to the warf and to Mr Knots to look at a
hors wheel and after looking through Mr Knotts place we walked
backword and forward for some time talking about own business we then
went to his house and took tea I then came down to smiths to come home
but I found Charles had not brote the horse back as he had brote him
home so I took a walk down t the bay and waited till he came ----------
The weather this day was verey beautifule and it dryd up the roads a good
deal
4 Monday I was brewing and began to Mash at eight oclock and finished
pumping up at half past eight oclock at night ---------
I was over to the spring this evening and I found the water runing away ---
------
The weather this day was gloomey and it rained the greatest part of the
day and it is raining very fast now nine oclock ------
5 Teusday I was about home all the forenoon and after I got my dinner I
took the gun – went down the flats to York and as I did not like to carrey
the gun I left it at Taylors I spoke for a pair of boots at Shannons and got a
book out of the liberary as I was coming home I stopt and took tea at Mr
Beatys I by Scaddings Mill to see the damage that was done by the late
flood there was four men at work at the cam From thence I came to
Taylors and got the gun and Tailors boy game me two apples as I was
crossing one of the little brooks in Taylors meadow I speid a pike runing
up and I shot him
The weather this day was verey windey
6 Wednesday I was brewing and began to mash at eight oclock and finished
at half past eight at night I was making fence for a fiew minuets this
Eavening along the river side --------
The ground was a little froze this morning and sprinkled over with snow
but after the sun got up it was verey fine and pleasant

29
7 Thursday Morning I went with the man up the hill to help him drive the
oxen and so deep is the mud that I thought that we should not have got up
altho we had but two barrels and a half in the waggon and two yoke on the
waggon ---------
After that I was laying up fence (along the rive where the late flood took it
away) till about three oclock and then I was helping the casterate the
lambs ------
The weather this day was dark and gloomey and sprinkled a little rain
ocationally
8 Fryday I was brewing and began to mash at a quarter after eight and
finished pumping up at ten at night --------
This day the rain pourd down in torrants
9 Saterday Morning I was verey much serprised at the change of weather

for when I went to bed it was raining torrants And now the ground was
coverd with snow and freezing and the river was up to a flood and still
raising the water was beginning to come into the Brewery This we had
forseen and propt the floor down so that it could not floate I went to York
for some medican for Bobey as he had no passage throug him for two day
And I think I was never out on a rougher day for the Snow blew so that I
could scarsley see And the roads are in such a state it is uterly impassable
for a team to go ------
When I got home we gave the horse a ball that I fetched from Doctor
Moors and also raked him I found the had raised about six or eight inches
in the Brewery and as we did not now how much more it might rais we
took every thing that we could up stairs However the water began to
retrograde at about five oclock and at nine it was out of the Brewery -------
--
This as been one of the stormiest days that we have had this winter
especially the fore part
10 Sunday Morning we was saving saw logs that came down yesterday with
the flood This evening Bill Sinklear came and told me ther was some wild
ducks in the meadow so I took the gun and Thomas the teamster went with
me and I got two shots with out moveing at some ducks in Taylors
meadow but I got none altho I think I killed one or two I then gave the gun
to Thomas and he shot three at two shots we was down as far as wood
duck bay --------

30
It snowed verey fast from eleven to three and after that it rained a little the
river is gon down again to within its banks ----------
11 Monday I was brewing and began to mash at ten oclock (the reason that
we was so late was that the malt was to grind in consequence of the high
water on Saterday) And finished at ten at night ---------
The weather this day was fair and it freezes pretty hard this evening and
the thermomiter stans at 22º Indeed it has frozen for the two or three last
nights considerable
12 Teusday Morning I went a shooting down the river but I did not get a shot
at all After dinner Thomas William and antoehr man came up and told us
that Thomas had sent them up the river with a boat for beer but they could
onley get to Shugar loaf as the passage was stopt up with flood wood
However we went down and got the boat up to the bottom of our meadow
where there is another drift We took seven half barrels and three kegs and
the yest down in the ox cart and put them on board and I wnet down along
with them to Shugar loaf After that we was clearing the flood wood away
so that tomorrow the boat can come to the top of our meadow The weather
this day was verey fin and warm
13 Wednesday I was brewing and mashed at a quarter after nine and finished
at half past eleven We sent 20 barrels of beer down the river this day in
two boats the one took 15 and the other took 5 barrels The weather this
day was fair but I think it will not be so tomorrow
14 Thursday this morning one of the tuns broke down owing to the props
giving way under it also broke in a punchon so that we lost 20 barrels of
beer as no person was present it all ran out before it was discovered ----
I went to York to get some candles and some revits and to acquainte
Thomas with the misfortune -------
After I came home I was raising the tun out of its place and getting a
frame readey to wet a new one on --------
The weather this forenoon was rather overcast and in the afternoon it was
driziling a little
15 Fryday I was brewing and began to mash at eight oclock and finished
pumping up a quarter before twelve at nigh -------
It was with greate exertions that we got the new tun readey for the beer
this Evening The weather this day was verey warm and in the evening it
rained a little --------

31
The frogs are singing for the first time this season ----------
16 Saterday Morning after I got the grain out and finished other little jobs I
took the gun and went down the meadow where I roas nine gray ducks and
I also saw four pikes or else two twice over in the marsh and I shot twice
at them but did not kill aney of them I then returned and went up the river
and I shot one duck just above the old Mill and went on as far as the top of
cedar hill where I wounded a Sheldrake and altho I shot at hime twice
after I could not kill him for he dove at the fash I followd him a half a mile
untill I lost him in some drift wood --------
the weather was close and warm and it drizzeld a little rain tow or three
times in the coars of the day --------
17 Sunday Morning I went to York and before church I went with Thomas to
the Government Store to see George Munros wheat and it is really
discouraging to see it going to loss ---------
After dinner I went to Brights and found the girls all at home I took a walk
with Bright and Christopher Elliot down to the old Parliament buildings
and came back to tea -------
We may term this the first day of somer for we hav had nothing to
compare to it for warm and it consequently dryd up the roads verey fast ---
-------
Sinces writing the above I went to York for a farrier as one of our horses
was verey ill and I had a greate deal of trouble to get one as every boddey
was in bed --------
18 Monday I was brewing and finished mashing at eight oclock and finished
pumping up at half past eleven The horse that was ill last night dies at
about two oclock this day and on opening him the bots were found to be
the coas of death The weather this day was fine and in the evening it
sprinkled a little rain -------
19 Teusday I was brewing and finished pumping at twelve oclock And I

mixed the two brewing in the tun yesterdays and to days The weather this
day was verey fine and the roads are begining to mend in places where the
sun can shine at all
20 Wednesday Morning I was helping to repair the hill as several holes was
broke through and rendered it dangerous for teams to pass After that I
went along with william and the oxen up the hill and when we got to the
top word came that the boat was at the bottom of the meadow so we left

32
the beer there and came back to the beer down to the boat The oxen took
down 12 barrels at two load and I went with them and saw it on board the
boat and as I came back Joseph and me put up the fence that was taken
down to let the wagon onto – Eastwoods Meadow ------
21 Thursday I was brewing and it was twelve oclock before the beer was cool
We was oblige to fetch the Farrier for bobey as he had the bots adn he
gave him a doas of physic adn a Clyster adn we gave him another Clyster
after we finished pumping up and I think he looks better ----------
22 Fryday I was brewing and it was half past one before we finished pumping
up we gave another Clyster to the horse this morning and this evening we
poured 2 quarts of milk down him and also 2 quarts of grewil and I think
he is better ----------
The weather this day was verey fine and at night it began to rain ----
23 Saterday Morning I went up the hill to help the man to load the beer as he
took the lead up at twice In the afternoon we was drawing beer down the
meadow to the boat and I went with the team three time and took 13
barrels --------
The weather this day was verey wet all the fore part of the day but towards
Evening it cleard up and became fine ---------
24 Sunday Morning I went on foot to York and before church I took a walk
with Thomas along the beach and after dinner Thomas came come along
with me to tast some bad beer I went back with him to the Don Bridg and
it was dark before I got home ---------
25 Monday I was brewing and mashed at ten oclock and finished at one at
night. This afternoon Joseph came and told me ther was two wild ducks in
the pond in Eastwoods Meadow so I took the gun and went and I shot one
of them flying but he fell into the water and consceild himself in the bush
and I did not get him -------
The weather this day was verey fine and the night is cool the are at 30º ----
-----

33
26 Teusday Morning I went up the hill to help the man to load the waggon
After dinner I took the horse and road out to the bushe and as I was
coming into the gate Thomas came down the hill and we went down to the
bottom of the meadow Nail up the fence where we took it down to take the
beer through -------
27 Wednesday I was brewing and mashed at ten oclock and finished at one
This morning I went down to the bottom of the meadow to show the man
where to draw the sand off After the worts was on the cooler I went to see
how Eastwoods people was coming on with the dam and after dark as I
was verey I took a walk as far as Playtors to ceep myself awake ---------
The weather this day was remarkable fine and warm --------
28 Thursday Morning I was grinding malt but the mill did not go verey will
so we went and turnd more water into the race we took off our shoes and
stockings and went into the water and fixed slabs accross the stream After
I finished grinding I went down to the bottom of the meadow to see how
the man came on with taking sand off When I came home I felt verey
much – indisposed verey much like the Ague The weather this day is
gloomey and a verey high wind ---------
29 Fryday I was brewing and began at ten oclock and finished at one -----
This evening I was up to the dam to see them at work Verey cold working
in the water this season of the year The weather this day was verey fine
30 Saterday I was grinding Malt and – the Mill went verey slow so that it
took us till two oclock to finish I then went to the dam and after that I
went down to the bottom of the meadow with the man in the cart ----------
The weather this day was rather gloomey and in the evening it was rather
cool
May 1831
1 Sunday Morning I went to York and being to earley for church I went
down tot he wharf and as far as the Government House with the Soldiers
and came back in companey with George Stegman and he informed me
that he was going to take up to the Brewery along with Miss Brights and
he desired me to go with them after dinner Thomas and me went down to
the bay to see a man that had been drownd and I think I never saw a more
shocking sight I then went down to Brights and I found them at dinner and
they urged me to set down and take a little puding which I did. And the

34
girls being readey I took Miss Nancey on one arm and Miss Stegman on
the other arm Mr Baswell took Miss Bettey and Miss Wilmot and Mr
Stegman took Miss Marey Bright and we came up through the meadow
and I showd them through the Paper Mill and the Brewery and gave them
as much beer and wine as they wood drink and as I could do no less then
see them safe home I went back with them and staid tea I got home at ten
oclock verey much chafed and fatigued it was by miss chance that I got
linked with Nansey as Betsey is my favorite girl The weather this day was
cloudey and thretns rain indeed it did rain a little ------
2 Monday I was brewing and began at eight and finished pumping up at half
past twelve oclock I was up to the dam this day and while the worts was
cooling I walked to York to get a book out of the librerary but I found it
shut up I called at Smiths and bought four leamons for mother ---------
The weather this day was verey fine ---------
3 Teusday I was grinding malt and the mill went verey slow so that it took
us the greatest part of the day After we finished I went to Skinners and
stopt talking with Mrs Skinner for an hour and then went to the mill dam
The weather this day was very fine and we had a fine showr this evening
4 Wednesday I was brewing and finished at half past eleven After I let the
worts on to the cooler I took the Prince horse and went to York and he fell
down with me and threw me over his head and brused my face so that I
shall have a black eye I got a shoe put on to one of his fore feet and
Thomas came down to this end of the town along with me --------
The weather this day was verey cold for the season ---------
5 Thursday I was grinding malt all the fore noon and in the afternoon I was
repareing the fence round the meadow The weather this day was fine
rather cool
6 Fryday I was brewing and began at ten oclock and finished at a quarter
after one oclock After the worts was on the cooler I went up to the dam to
see Skinner gravil it We made an atempt to grind malt this evening but as
the Paper Mill stopt we was short of water and could not grind ----------
7 Saterday I was grinding Malt all the fore part of the day adn in the after
part I was tunning The weather this day was fine and pleasant and in the
evening it began to rain a little and I think we shall have a verey wet night
---------

35
8 Sunday Morning made its appearance verey we so that I did not go to

York – altho I drest myself for that purpose the forenoon I imployd in
writting a letter for Mother to go England After dinner Thomas and James
Scofield came up and notwithstanding the rain I went down to the bottom
of the Meadow with them on their way home ---------
I was greatley disapointed by the rain this day as I had made up my mind
to go and see Miss Betsey Bright (and try to form a corispondance with
her for I think she will make a verey agreeable Mistress she is young adn
handsom at least in my eye) But the heavey and continued rain put a stopt
to all my projects and laid an imbargo on all my schemes for the presant
and how far they may be put into operation at a future day I cannot even
guess Time that unfolder of misteries onley can bring forth
9 Monday I was brewing adn after I mashed I went down to the Meadow to
sow the men their work and after the worts was on the cooler I went down
and we pulled some fence out of the river in the clover field we finished
pumping up at half past ten oclock James Scholfield came and stopt all
night with us ---------
The weather this day was rather cool
10 Teusday Morning I was grinding malt and we finished at one oclock and
then I was making fence till half past four when I went to York and took
cloth to the Tailor for a new coat and bough a handerkerchief a George
Monros I also called on Mr Lesslie and paid my quarter subscription to the
Mechanics Institued 1/3 The weather this day was fine and pleasant
11 Wednesday this being my birthday I copleted my 20th year I was brewing

and I also ground 20 bushels of malt I let the worts remain on the cooler
all night and pumped them off on the morning of the 12th at witch time
they was cooled down 60 ----------
The weather this day was verey warm indeed we may term it the first day
of somer ---------
12 Thursday I was grinding malt till twelve oclock at wich time Rossia the
confections brote his filley to pasture and then I was helping Bushley to
rais the bridge till we broke down the windless ---------
This evening I was playing at ball with the boys for amusement I think it
is three or four years since I playd a game of ball before --------
The weather this day was verey windey and not so warm as yesterday was
and it thretenes rain verey much which if it comes it will on a greate deal
of good to the Meadows and pastures

36
13 Fryday this morning was verey wet and continued so till twelve oclock ----
----
I was brewing and in the evening I went to the stable and I found the mare
had foaled so I called Thomas to cut the naval thing as I did not
understand I then went to Sinklears to see Palmer to tell him to fetch home
a pair of wipple trees that I lent him ---------
The weather this afternoon was fine after the rain -------
Note we did not pump up till the Morning of the 14th at six oclock ---------
14 Saterday Morning I was grinding malt till ten oclock when I went to
making fence till about three when we again attempted to rais the bridge
but the windless gave way again I shot two snakes with Bushleys rifel and
hit a mark no larger than a [_______]
15 Sunday Morning I went to York and as I came down Caroline Street I felle
in with George Stegman and Misses Marey and Nansey Bright and walked
up as far the market I then went to the barber shop and got my hair cut
from thence I went to see the soldiers come out of church was was verey
much gratified with the sight as I never saw a hiland regiment before at
least in the hiland costume I went with them as far as the government
House and I never sow so maney people at once in York in My life --------
-
I took dinner with Thomas and spent the after noon at Brights along with
his girls I took tea there I stopt there till seven oclock -------
16 Monday I was brewing and in the forenoon I gave Turtons man a load of
hey and in the afternoon I was helping to rais the bridg which he
completed all to putting the plank down -------
The weather this day was verey warm we pumped up the beer on the
morning of the seven-----
17 Teusday Morning I was grinding malt and finished at noon and after that I
was making fencence up in the meadow between the meadow and the
pasture --------
The weather this day was verey fine and warm --------

37
18 I was brewing and in the afternoon I was helping the men to lay up fence
round the pottatoe patch by the bridge – We had a fine showre of rain
this forenoon and as it was verey warm after it will make the grass grow
verey much -------
19 Thursday Morning I pumped up the beer that was brewed yesterday and it
stood at 56 I was grinding malt this forenoon and in the after noon I was
planting pottatoes till Bright came (for some lambs and a fat cow) and I
assisted him to pick them out and then went back to planting pottatoes
again The weather this day was verey windey ---------
20 Fryday I was brewing and it is the last time for this season and it coplets
our 85 brewing I road the Prince horse down to pasture after dinner the
grass is grown verey much since I was down last -------
The weather this day was rather cool ---------
21 Saterday Morning I went and made a pen to fasten the sheep in so that we
could catch them to wash I then came home and took the hops out of the
copper When Charlton came with his Stallion and I went with him to the
pasture and cought the mare and she took the horse – we then drove the
sheep into the pen and I came back to measure a load of coal after that I
was cleening about the brewery till after four when I went to lay up fence
round the pottatoes patch ----------
The weather this day was verey showrey and warm between the showres --
--------
22 Sunday Morning I took the man and went down to the pasture for the
horse and went to York and I colled on Doctor Widmer and told him to
come and see Joseph I went up the main street with the Soldiers before I
went to church after dinner as Thomas came up to the brewery and took
my horse I took a walk up to the comissaritt store and up to King Stree and
came down King Stree as far as York Stree and then up into Lot Stree and
down Yong Street home or at least to Thomas and as he was not yet come
back from the Brewery I again went up King Street as far as Yong Street
and was standing at the corner when Dunnington came past and invited me
to got to Northcutts and take a glass of beer from that I went to a house in
Lot Street and took another glass of beer I then came back and met
Thomas at the corner of Caroline St and came home ---- The weather this
morning was rather wet and the roads was rather muddey it was showrey
all day --------
23 Monday Mornign I was planting pottatoes till about nine I then went to the
pasture with the man and cought bobey and brote him home and put him

38
into the cart and fetched Smith’s plow from the dam and took it down to
the meadow and cought the mare and put her along with Bobey to plow
the pottatoe ground there and after they went a fiew times round I left
them and came home ----------
Mr Willson Quandum my guardian tutot came to see the brewery and the
paper mill and I showd him all through them both and I went with him to
the bottom of our meadow -----------
The weather this day was dull cloudey and cold
24 Teusday Morning I was planting pottatoes in the far patch till about ten
oclock when one of the men came down and reported that there was two
men from York to thear the sheep so I came up home and we comenced at
them and I shered one and I think it is the first in my life that I sheared we
did not finish them ----------
25 Wednesday I was planting pottatoes all day and the weather was verey
fine -----
26 Thursday Morning I was planting pottatoes till about eleven at which time
we finished and went and set up the board fence bettwen Miss Playtor and
us that was turned over by the flood After dinner Thomas came up and we
went down the Meadow and fixed the gate I went to York with him and
brought the horses back and I got measured for a pair of trousers and a
pair of shoes and I allso bought a chip hat -----
27 Fryday after breakfast I went down to the meadow to see the gate finished
from there I took the men down to the bottom of the meadow and drove
wedges in behind the posts and after finishing that job we put up the fence
between the clover field and the corn field When I came home in the
evening I found some men that was come to look at the sheet and I showd
them
The weather this day was cloas and warm and in the evening it thundered
and rained
28 Saterday Mornign I went with the men to plant corn and about eleven
oclock we was out of seed so I went and crossed the river at the drift and
went up by John Playtors to Peter Thompsons and when I got there he had
none so I was oblige to go Sinklears where I got about a gallon --------

39
I came home twice this afternoon once for pumkin seed and once for corn
---------
29 Sunday Morning I went to church and after I took dinner at Thomases I

went to Brights where I found mr Stegman and the girls readey to take a
walk along with old Mr Brights girls and Messrs Blake and Boswell We
came out to Brights farm and looked about a little and came back to
Brights We was twelve in number male and female I took tea thee and
stopt there till nine
The weather this day was verey warm and much thunder and lightening in
the evening and a little rain -------
Note the new and elegant Steamer Greate Britton was at the wharf and I
promenaded her completely and she is one of the most beautifull boats that
I ever saw as well as the largest --------
30 Monday Morning I went with the man down to the meadow to set them to
wheel sand off and draw the flood wood off from behind the fence ------
In the after noon I was drawing rails and laying fence around the corn field
and bleedeing a cow in the back pasture -------
The weather this day was remarkable warm
31 Teusday Morning I went to the rear end of 14 to see if all was right there I
fell in with Hines and had some talk with him about coal I stopt and
Sinklears to get a drink of water and had a bit of chat with The old
woman. After diner I went down to the meadow to see how the men was
coming on with taking sand off -------
I came home at two oclock and stopt till five when I took some sale for
the cattle and horses and brote a calf into the bridge pasture --------
June 1831
1 Wednesday Morning I was filling barrels with cold water and after dinner
was drawing logs and rubbish off the meadow This day was insufferable
warm ---------
2 Thursday I was logging off the logs fromt eh pasture all day till abut five
oclock This evening I went over to Peter [_________] for a spade and he
told me that he had nothing to eate and wished me to give him an order on

40
Thomas for a barrel of flour I recommended Thomas to get him one This
day was not quite so warm as yesterday
3 Gryday I had nothing to do particular so I spend the day verey idolly In

the Evening I went with Jame to the back pasture to hold a cow for her to
mild and as I came home I saw some Pigeons and I fetched the gun and
shot two of them --------
the weather this day was fine and in the Evening at about seven oclock it
began to rain
4 Saterday This being training day I went to York to train it was half past
eleven before the officers began to call the role – They did not ceep us
long they onley wheeled us into line and back into divitions a few times
before they dismissed us ---------
I stopt in York till five oclock I called at Lesslies and bought a quarter
hundred of quils -------
The weather this day was verey cloudey but it remained fine --------
5 Sunday Mornign made its appearance rather wet I got up at five oclock
and took a walk as far as the mill dam – it cleerd up after breakfast and I
went to York and I fell in with George Stegman and he took me up to Old
Mr Brights before church After church Thomas desired me to go to see a
pair of horses at George Dennesons farm I went as far as bay street and
turned back and went to Brights but as they hav got a stranger (for
delicocy sake) I did not stop long I then went a second time to see the
horses and when i got to Dennesons I found that the horses was two miles
farther so I came back without seeing them I met George Stegman and
Boswell and went to Rosiar the confectur and took a glass of ginger beer
and a glass of ice cream --------
I got home at seven oclock ---------
The weather this day was showrey and wet
6 Monday This morning I got up at four oclock and set out to see the horses
on Dennesons farm I crossed over to Yong Street by Bloors Brewery and
followed the concession as far as the Collage ground and went down the
avenue to Dundass Street and so on past Colonel Givines I found the
horses much smaller then I expected I got back to York at ten oclock and I
met our team oposite the Government House I went with it up to the wood
yard After dinner I went with Thomas to see a cart before I came home ---
------

41
This Evening was fixing the bridge The weather this day was verey
pleasant
7 Teusday Morning I went to School and as I went down the meadow I saw
two deer I went to eh East York School I went up to Lesslies and bought a
book to practice Book Ceeping in which is the thing I will steodey --------
8 Wednesday Morning I went to school and I stuck verey cloas to it all day
with out ever taking aney thing to eate or drink from six oclock in the
morning to seven at night at which time I got home I was studying book
ceeping all this day The weather was verey fine and pleasant
Note I took the gun with me this morning in hopes of seeing the deer but I
was disapointed
9 Thursday I was at School all day till six oclock I then went up town as far
as the shoemakers and from thence to the wharf to the Steam Boat ---------
The weather was verey warm this day
10 Fryday Morning I took the gun along with me as I thought I might perhaps
see a Deer and when I got to the top of the medow there was two Deer in
the river but I did not see them till they was got rather to far off however I
fired but the shot took no iffect they apperd to be rather careless about
going for and as I hav ammunition with me I came back home and Joseph
went with me but we could not find them again I then gave Joseph the
Gun and I went on to School
11 Saterday I was at School till about three oclock at which time I was rather
tired and I went up to Thomases where I stopt two or three hours I came
home with the waggon ------
Mr. Charles Beaty and his wife came up this evening ad I took a walk
down to the top of the meadow both him and me went in a swimming as
we came back the water was verey warm it is the first time that I have
been in this season ---------
We had a verey heavy thunder storm in the night between the 10th and 11
of this month but the weather was fine all day after ---------
12 Sunday Morning I went to Church and after dinner I went down to Brights
where I found George Stegmon We took the Girls and called at Stegmans
for Misses Stegmon and went and we went to walking as far as the
western battery as we came we crossed the common to dundas street as far

42
as Newgate Street and down to the main street and stopt a little at
Stegmans before proceeding to Brights Where we took Tea I got home at
ten oclock
The weather this day was warm --------
13 Monday I went to Schoole this morning and at noon Charles came to the
school for me and I went up to Thomases he desired me to come home as
there was a man come to look at the sheep but I met him coming back
when I got home I found Walker the cooper he was come look for some
timer and I went with him to the rear end of our lot After that I was down
with the men hoeing corn --------
The weather this day was not so warm as yesterday was ----------
14 Teusday Morning I went to School and in the evening I went up to the

wharf to see the Steam boate Greate Britton She had on board 3 or four
400 pingers on board ---------
As I came hom I saw Miss Marey Bright Standing at the door and I went
up and spoke to her a fiew minuets -------
15 Wednesday I was at School and in the evening I went up to Thomases and

took tea as I came home I was looking for a cow that had been missing
since last but I could not find her and when I got home she was there ------
The weather this day verey warm
16 Thursday I went to School and in the Eavening I went up to Thomases and

down tot he Canada Steam Packet Thomas and me bought two Sythe
Snoths and a Sythe and I brote them home ----------
17 Fryday Morning I was getting the me to readey for mowing and I went
down to the Meddow with them about eleven oclock and Joseph and me
put bandages on to the colts legs after dinner I saw two or three bass in the
river and I got a line and caught tow of them -----
About five oclock I went to York with the waggon and a load of beer
which is the last beer that we have --------
Verey warm this day --------

43
18 Saterday Morning I drove the team to York and took 24 Bushels of wheat
to George Monro and I took the horses to Pereys to get them shod and in
the mean time I went down into town and bought three rakes and a pair of
suspenders from Stegman -------
The weather this morning was rather wet but it cleerd off at about Seven
oclock
19 Sunday Morning I went up to the Mill dam along with Skinners people to
lathe and after that I went to York and I fell in the Yong Coates and went
up to Rosie and took a glass of Ginger beer After church I went down to
the Steam Boast along with Thomas form there I went to Brights and
spend the day with miss Nansey till ten oclock at which time I came home
and Christopher Eliot came with me as far as the Don Bridg The moon
shone cleer and the bright stars twinkled over the wide expance of blue
skey -----
The weather was verey shourey ----------
20 Monday I was working at the hay and - putting Plaster of Paris on the
corn ------- this was a tolerable good hay day but it thretnes rain verey
much this Evening we hav our hay in cock and swoth so that if it does rain
it will do no verey greate damage ---------
21 Teusday I was hey making all the forenoon and in the after noon we drew
in three load The weather this morning was verey wild about nine oclock
it rained a little it was verey windey And at Sundown the Skey was cleer
and not a cloud to be seen but before dark it became black and rained quite
a shour
22 Wednesday Morning was so verey cloudey that we could not work at the
hey so I was hoeing corn till towards noon when we – opened out some
cocks Thomas came up this After noon and I went with him up to Prices
Mill and I think I never saw a grater dam in My life We came back
through the woods --------
This evening Mr Jones brote his horse to pasture and I went with him
down
23 Thursday Morning we went to the hey and opened out some cocks and
spred some swoths whent it began to rain and fell quite a Shour However
it was so – far dry after that we got one Load home and good deal into
ricklings before sun down -------

44
The weather this day was verey wild and the black and dence cloudes
flew about in all directions This Evening has rather better appearance for
the Skey is cleer and cold -------
24 Fryday this morning was rather cool and the Skey was verey cleer and not
a coulde to be seen in the horizon --------
After the dew was off we spread out all the grass that we had and after
dinner we drew in four load of hay ----------
The weather continued verey fine all day and it is beyond comparison the
bes hey day that we hav had since we began ----------
25 Saterday Morning was verey fine and we began to draw hey as soon as
the dew was off we drew eight load and finished the clover feild ----------
The weather remained extremely fine all day
26 Sunday Morning I went to the dam in order to bath but the water – was so
cold that I did not go in over my nees ----------
I then went to York and before church I took a walk up King Street till I
came to Bay Street I then went up the last mentioned street and came
Through Lot Street and Yong Street back After church thomas desired me
to take a walk along with him which I did in the rear of McGills and
Jarvices till three oclock at which time I went to the Scotch Kirk and stopt
an hour The reason I left it before the sermon was finished was that it was
so verey warm and I did not feel verey well ----------
From there I went to Brights and I stopt till half past nine the Girls were
very merey and pleasant and I think I never spent an afternoon more to my
satisfaction ---------
William Bright and George Stegman came with me a piece of the road
The weather was verey windey and verey like rain -----------
27 Monday Morning the rain pourd down in torrants so that I could do

nothing out of doors so I took the opertunity of Posting up the books and
settling with Eastwood & Skinner After dinner as it was fair I went down
to see the men put a pair of bar posts in the back pasture fence ---------
In the evening I went to Stonehouses to see about some lumber --------
There fell a verey greate deal of rain in the fore part of this day ---------
28 Teusday Morning I went at pulling down the old coal house and taking the
rubbish from about it in the evening I went to the bush to see if I could get

45
some saw logs from Hines and some shingles from Jack Craig but as
nether of them was at home I did not see them I was taken in a shoure and
got wet so that I was oblige to strip off my shirt The Weather this day was
verey cloudey -------- And in the Eavening we had a Shoure .
29 Wednesday Mornign I took the horse & went to look for Jack Craig I went
to his shantie but he was not at home so I went down on to the big road
and enquired at Hastingses and they directed me where I could find him
and he promised to make the shingles next wheek -------
After I came home I was digging and carting Earth from behind the seite
of the old coal house -------
The weather this morning was verey wet that there was nothing done out
of doors till ten oclock after that it was fair And this evening is quite cool
--------
30 Thursday Morning I went to ploug corn and ploud till noon and they
spread out some hay while the Mare was feeding and in the Evening I was
putting up hey till six oclock at which time I went with the men to the
bush for a load of stove timber and we saw a Deer and I never saw one so
tame for he never ofered to Move at all and we left him standing there
after we got home I took the gun and went to look for him but he was gone
before I got there ---------
The weather this day was fine and not a cloud to be seen above the
horizon
July 1831
2 I was hoeing corn till the dew was off and then went to making hey and
worked verey hard at it all day The weather remained fair although it
thretned verey hard for rain and put us in a dread several times during the
day ----------
3 Saterday I was making hey in the fore noon and in the after noon I was
drawing hey into the barn ---------
The weather this day was verey warm and fine ---------
Note Earley in the morning I went up to Stonehouses to give orders for the
[________] of some stuff for the cooler -----------
4 Sunday Morning I went to York and to church and after church I went
down to Brights and I found the Girles all absent except Miss Mary
However she invited me and it was not long before Miss Betsey and
Bright came home and Shortly after Mr Stegman came and we took a walk

46
ascompayned by Misses Mary and Salley Down to the bay where I met
Miss Nancy and she turnd about and went with us I took tea and stopt till
half past ten when Mr Stegman accompayned me as far as the bush road
The conversation was the merits and demerits of the – several girles and as
I am rather undetermined as to which I shall – choose I asked his advice
but he was an undetermined which to recomend as I to choose --------
The weather this day was exceeding warm and rather thretned rain --------
5 Monday I was plowing corn in the fore noon and in the after noon I was
drawing hey and drew four load ---------
The weather this forenoon was rather damp but the afternoon was verey
warm
6 Teusday Morning I was helping to sort the sheep as Mr Cook came for 28
of them and after we sorted them out I went with him to the Don bridg to
help him to drive them and I called to John Craigs distillery and got a
glass of wiskey after I got home I was picking out twenty ewes to put into
the back pasture and in the afternoon I was helping the man to draw stove
timber and while he came home with one load I went to the pine bush to
see the wood that was cut ---------
The weather this day was so wet that we could do nothing in the hey feild
7 Wednesday I was plowing corn till the grass was fit to spread and after
that I was working in the hey till six oclock at which time I road to –
Stonehouses to see about some lunch ---------
8 Thursday I was making hey all the forenoon and drawying hey all the
after noon and drew three load -------
9 Fryday Morning I went to the woods with four French man to show them
where to get out timber and I came back by Stonehouses to see how he
was getting on with his job ---------
After that I was making hey till three oclock at witch time I went to
Taylors and got three quarts of cherries to treate the men and gave four
pence a quart for them they gave me the belleyache The weather this day
was verey changeable for some times it looked like rain and at other times
fine ---------

47
10 Saterday Morning it rained a little so that we dispared of being able to

finish our hey but about nine oclock it cleerd off and the wind roas to a
Gale so that all hands turned out and got it readey and drewe it not
without a good deal of trouble as we brok the wagon rack and lost a load
we then borrowd Smiths and broke that also so that we was oblige to
borrow Eastwood rack to finish with we drew in four load to day which
makes it all 35 loads of hey
It was allmost nine lock before we finished
11 Sunday Morning I went to York and before I went to church I took a walk
with Thomas and after dinner he desired me to go with him to Mr Charles
Thompsons which I did but it was sore against my will Mr Thompson
gave us a glass of whiskey and showd us his mill and oxen we followd the
stream down t Prices Mill and came into Yong street at the blew hill.
There is a good deal of improvement in that hill since I last saw it as
likewis the wooden mill road from the sand hill to the concession -------
As soon and we got to York I went to Brights and during the coars of the
evening George Stegman proposed that I should draw cuts for Misses
Nansey and Betsey which I did and the lot fell on Betsey I stopt till about
ten oclock ---------
The weather this day was not so even and a verey high wind prevailed
12 Monday Morning I went to Stonehouses to see how he was getting on

with the lumber and after breakfast I road the mare to York to get her shod
and I bought a wach key and gave 12/6 for it and I also took a book out of
the Libarary In the afternoon I was digging out the foundation for the
cooler ---------
The weather was fine --------
13 Teusday Morning I was about the men digging till ten oclock at which
time I went to Stonehouses and he went with me to the woods to look for
saw logs and I set three men to cut them They are for the cooler --------
This after noon I possed in inactivity for the men all went to York Bright
and William Bright came for Sheep and they took three sheep and two
lambs --------
The weather was remarkable fine ---------
14 Wednesday I was digging all this day and nothing occurd worthy of a
remark

48
The weather was fine and warm ---------
15 Thursday I was digging all this day ----------
We had a verey heavy thunder storm about two oclock ---
16 Fryday Morning I was mowing – thistles till ten oclock when I went on
horse back to Stonehouses and from their to the woods to the timber
hewers ---------
In the evening I went down to the meadow to see if all was right I found
the cattle out of the pasture and got into the meadow
The weather was fine and pleasant
17 Saterday Morning I was about the men digging till ten oclock at which
time I went to Stonehouses to borrow a wheel barrow and when I came
home I took a York of oxen down to the meadow After dinner I was
cutting thistles up below the House till Thomas and Joseph came and I
went down to the meadow with them ------
The weather this day was rather cloudey and sprinkled a little rain ---------
18 Sunday I sent to York and before church I walked about the town for an
houre and a half After church I went down to the East York School where
David Wilson was preaching but the house was so full that I could not get
in however I saw his vergins and heard them sing From there I went to
Brights and stopt there till half pas nine ----
The weather this day was fine ---------
19 Monday Morning I went with the men to fix the dam at the head of the
Spring and I was up to my knees in mud all the forenoon in the afternoon I
was helping the mason to fix the foundation of the wall for the cooler in
the evening I sent to look for a cow as far as Playtors and then down the
consession into his – chopping I did not find her ---
The weather was rather wet in the morning but it cleard off and became
fine ---------
20 Tuesday Morning I went to the pasture along with the man for the horses
and oxen and we found the cattle all rong so that it took us some time to
get them right --------
After that I was helping the man to draw staves all the fore noon The last
load I went to the saw mill -------

49
After dinner I went to York with the team for the copper bottom and
Sheots --------
the weather was [_________] and we had a shoure in the fore noon --------
-
Note I was at the spring twice or three times to se how the men was doing
21 Wednesday Morning I went down to the Meadow to fix up the fence along
the river side as Taylors horses came in while we was there it began to
rain and verey fast so that it wet us It cleerd off before dinner and I went
to Stonehouse for Plank and after dinner we fetched three load and one of
square timber from the woods after I got home and got my supper I went
in search of the Heifer to the don bridg and I found her but as it was dark I
left her at Scaddings
22 Thursday Morning I fetched the Heifer from Scaddings before breakfast I

then went to holing Square timber till three oclock I then went to York for
a round-fased hamer for to rais the bottom of the copper I had a good
deal of trouble to get one I was at all the tins smiths in town and could
not get one – at last I got one from Dutcher -----------
23 Fryday I was drawing timber all day – In the evening I went to the Spring
to see how the men was getting on with the dam and I found that they has
let all the water off to puddle it in the front as it leaked and they could not
find out the leak -----
The weather this day was verey fine and

24 Saterday Morning I was drawing stone for the masons till half past nine at
which time I good the horses and waggon and went to Jack Craigs for
shingles And when I got there it began to rain which Stopt in from
loading for an hour after I got them loaded I came on about one furlong
when the waggon got down into a mud hole and one of the split rings that
connects the whipple trees with the double tree gave way so that we was
obliged to put a with in its place in the mean time the waggon sunk down
so far that we could not get it out we put the horses to the back post of the
waggon to see if we could get it out that way but here – our double tree
broke and while Craig made a new one I came to Hines and got
Stonehouses oxen and even then we could not get out se we was obliged to
tak three thousand and it was with difficulty that we then got out after
being stuck fast for four hours I met Joseph and Charles coming to see
what was the mater with me

50
The weather this day was wet for the most part --------
25 Sunday Morning I got the horse and set out for Mr Cooks on lot number
12 in the 2 concession of Vaughn I stopt at Michels and Montgomerys and
took a glass I arived at Mr Cooks at one oclock without aney accident or
mischance and they received me with a hartey welcom and Miss Cook
immediately set about getting dinner for me after dinner Messrs Cook took
me through the orchard and over the farm Here it began to rain verey
heavy so that we was oblige to take shelter under a hemlock tree But it
continueing to rain we ran for the mill not however with out getting rather
wet Mr Cook here showd me throug the mill which has four run of stones
and [_______] mashienery as for wood goes to make them so we then
returnd to the hous and took Tea Mssrs Cooks came with me as far as
Milburns Tavern on my road hom They seam to men of plain ploding –
industry and sober worth without aney of the polish that Education and
traveling gives to the man of fortune I fed my horse at Mitchels and got
home at ten oclock ---------
26 Monday morning I went with Joseph to the bottom of the meadow to nail
on some boards we brought the horses and oxen up with us and drew some
stone After that I was helping the carpenter to frame till six oclock when I
took the waggon to York and fetched the roalers from Perreys and some
chairs ---------
27 Teusday I was helping the carpenter all this day & looking after the spring
or rather the dam at the hed of it we raised one of the sills this evening and
it now hangs in blocks readey for to place tomorrow morning if all is well
----------
28 Wednesday I was fixing the sils for the cooler most of the day and
pla[_____] along with Thomas for to set the copper to the bes advantage
in the evening I went to the spring to see what kind of a job the men made
of it and I think it will do verey well and I am in hopes that we shall not be
so mush troubled with it next winter as we was last ---------
this was a verey fine day --------
29 Thursday Morning I went to Stonehouse to see if he could rip up some

lumber and he told me that he could in the afternoon if I came up to help
him
After that I was boiling water out of the wheel pit (as Dibble and his mate
came to fix it) and a verey herd job we had of it for the water came in all
most as fast as we threw it out ----------

51
After that I was pulling the mash tub down and in the evening I went to
the saw mill to help to cut up some square timber into joists of the cooler
The weather this day was verey fine and pleasant ---------
30 Fryday Morning I went to the saw mill till breakfast time and after that I
was helping to bail out the water wheel pit to put a new step in I then went
with the man for the timber to the saw mill This completed the fore noon
and in the after noon I was pulling down tubs and boilers in the brewery --
----- to make room for new and more extensive ones as it is our intention
to inlarge our business the next season if all is well ---------
31 Saterday I was clearing out the brewery all this day and we took to steam
boiler out and took it up into the Grainery The weather was fine till
evening whent it began to thunder and lighten verey much and come on to
rain verey fast
32 Sunday Morning was rather damp so that I dispared of being able to get to
York however it cleared off so that I was inabled to go with tolerable ease
– After church I went to Brights and I spent the afternoon and evening
there till ten oclock Realy they are fine Girles on leaving to come home I
speyed a bright streak extending from South East to North West across the
horizon it is phenonimy I never saw but once before in my life. It
disappeared before I got home
August 1831
2 Teusday I fetched the oxen up and put them into the cart wheels and took
two peices of timber to the saw mill to get split in the after part of the day
I was helping the carpenter to frame ------------
We had quite a shour of rain at twelve
3 Wednesday I was helping the carpenter all day and in the evening I went
to the saw mill to get some scantling sawed
The weather was fine and pleasant ----------
4 Thursday we was rasing part of the blding for the cooler in the forenoon
and in the afternoon I was drawing stone and pulling down some brick
work in the brewery ---------
The weather cool and pleasant particularly in the morning which was quite
cole ----------

52
5 Fryday Morning I went to Stonehouse and from there I went up to the dam
and round by Heyses to our woods to look for some timber After that I
was helping the men to fill erth off the race bank ------------
The weather was verey shourey ----------
6 Saterday Mornign I went to the saw mill to see about some scantling And
after that I was helping the Carpenter The weather was fine and we had a
little showr of rain at one oclock -----
7 Sunday morning I went to York and before church I took a walk up as far
as the Parliment house and round by lot Street After dinner I went to
Brights and stop there till Eight oclock ------
This day was verey pleasant ---------
8 Monday morning I went out to Craigs for Shingles and brought all he had
which was 5000 when I came back we moved the big copper in order to
rais the foundation higher -------
After dinner I was helping the carpenter to frame ---------
we had quite a shoure of rain this evening
9 Teusday forenoon was one continued shoure of rain so that I was of coarse
confined to the house I spent the forenoon in reading and looking over the
accounts
In the after noon I was helping the Carpenter to frame ---------
10 Wednesday Morning I went to the Saw mill to see about lumber --------
This day I was acting Carpenters mate ---------
Weather fine and pleasant ---------
11 Thursday Morning I went down to the meadow t see how all was coming
on there after that we was busey all hands getting up the timber for the
roof of the new bilding the Timber is verey heavy and we managed it with
roops and pulleys I pulled till the skin was all most off my hands -------
12 Fryday I was verey busey about the raising of the roof of the cooler -- in
the evening I sent down to the meadow and I found two horses that came
out of Smiths meadow and I brote them up to the gate and went to let
Smith know and while I was gone one of the brick leyors threw a stone
and took out an eye of one of them ------------

53
13 Saterday I was bording and shingling the roof at noon I went down to the
medow with two boys that came for Gambels horse And in the evening I
went up into the woods to see if I could find aney Blackbureys but I found
verey few I saw a Deer in the woods After I came home I went up to the
Mill dam and took a swim --------
This day was verey warm ---------
14 Sunday Morning as usual I went to York and took my rounds before

church and after church I went to Brights and I stop there till nine oclock
I think before I go again I will make my mind known by letter as I hav
never had an opportunity of telling my sentiments verbally without some
person being present The weather was exceedingly warm ---------
15 Monday morning I went to the tur[___] to see about some boards I then
went to boarding and shingling the roof -----
In the evening John Smith brote a calf to put in our pasture and I went
with him with it to the back pasture ---------
17 Wednesday I sent a letter to Miss Elizabet Bright of which the following is

a trew coppey it was wroate on the 15 ---------
Don Brewery August 15
Madam
I hav visited You for several months but during that time never had an
opertunity of declareing my sentiments known to You And as I am verey
desireus to pay my addresses I hav taken the leberty to Scribble these lines
hoping they may meet with a favorable reseption --------
Were it possible for You to know the uneasiness and anxiety of my mind I
make no doubt from the good opinion I hav of You that You wood at least
pity my case -----
Should You deem me worthy of your confidence and affection it will

needless to add that it will gladden the hart of Your Sincere and
affectionate Admirer
W Helliwell
P.S. Your answer is anctiously awated for as earley as posseble
To Miss Elizabeth Bright

54
I enclosed the above letter and sent by Charles in one to George Stegman
Don Brewery August 15
Der Sir If you will have the goodness to hand the inclosed
letter to Miss Elizabeth Bright the first opportunity You will confer a
greate favour an your humble servant
W Helliwell
P.S. Please take charge of her answer and ceep it till you see me and I
shall ever think myself obliged
WH-
the above two letters is an axact coppy to the original ----------
I was shingling all this day and I think never suffered so much from heate
in my life ---------
18 Thursday morning I was shingling tile about ten oclock I then was about
the brick layers till noon at which time I went with the carpenter and the
cart to the Saw mill for three pieces of Scantling in the afternoon I was
alternateley helping the carpenter and the brick layers --------
The weather not so warm as yesterday still verey warm ----------
19 Fryday I was princapally ingauged in superintending the setting of the

coppers ---------
The weather was exceeding warm ----------
20 Saterday I was shingling and we finished one side completely --------
In the evening I went to York to see if George Stegman had delivered the
letter and if he had got an answer for me I met him at the door and after
standing there for a fiew minuets we took a walk about the town for two
hours during which time he informed of the manner in which he delevered
the letter he thought it proble that I should get an answer to morrow -------
--
This evening was verey beautifull and bright moon light --------

55
21 Sunday Morning I went with Skiners people to bathe in the Mill dam.
After that I went to church and took dinner as usual with Thomas I then
came home where I arived about three oclock ----------
This day was verey warm altho there was a strong breeze and two little
showres of rain ------------
I got no answer to my letter this day -----------

22 Monday morning I went to shingling but I had not been at it long before it
began to rain and continued all day to drisle and at preasant (it is raining
fast) Seven oclock and it has every appearance of a verey wet night
23 Teusday forenoon I was shingling and after dinner I took the gun and went
up the river to see some implements that some Scotch men are making
there I saw a black Fox the first one that I ever saw of that collour I found
a verey passable [________] a half a mile past the forks of the Don where
was four men making a road up the east side of the hill They told me they
purpose to build a saw mill they are Yong men of I think about 24 or 25
and I should think from what they hav done that they are men of capitol
and Enterprise one of them came with me as far as the top of the hill I shot
a squirrel and a King fisher during this excurtion ----------
The weather this day was much cooler then it has been for some time –
indeed in the Morning and evening it was quite cold --------
24 Wednesday morning I was nailing on the ridge board and after that I went
down to the meadow to get some corn After dinner Thomas and Joseph
and me put a new hoop onto the steep
In the evening I went to York to see George Stegman and he took a walk
with me and informed me the all Bright family was aware of Betseys
receiving a letter from me but she has not as yet thought proper to answer
it --------
The weather this day was verey pleasant
25 Thursday Morning I was drawing a log and a stump out of the race with
the blocks and oxen in the afternoon I was pulling down one of the old
fermenting tuns and raising the other out of its site --- I was also employd
two hours this afternoon in making our Stonehouses account ---------
The weather was cloudey in the morning and at noon it began to rain and
rained with out intermission for the remainder of the day --------
26 Fryday I was doing various things about the place it was rather a wet day
In the evening when Charles come from School he brought me a letter and

56
on opening it I found it to be from Miss Elisabeth Bright in answer to one

I sent her on the 16 of the month of which the folowing is a coppey -------
-
August 24 1831
Sir
I hav received a fiew lines from You stating that you were desireous to
pay Your – addresses to me -----------
I am sorrey that you have fixed your mind on me for I am to young for
marriage -------
I hope you will not take it as any offence but that this answer may be
sufficient -------
I Remain Your Sincere
Friend E Bright
I think this answer is not unfavourable her scruples are I think rather from
motives of delicacy then indifference towards me however I shall send
another letter and sound her mind still further on the subject if possible
27 Saterday Morning I was planeing planks for the cooler all day and I think
I never had a harder job in my life
The weather was showrey --------
29 [28] Sunday Morning I went to York and went to the barber and got my
hair cut while I was there I saw George Stegman pass down the front and I
followd after and gave him a letter for Miss E Bright the following is a
coppey
Don Brewery August 27 1831
Madam
Yours of the 24th came duly to hand If I thought that Your scruples arose
from indifferance I should not hav troubled you aney more But as Your
excuse is extream Youth and You say that You are to Young for Marriage
I wish you to understand that when I solicited the honour of being
permited to pay may addresses to You I had no thoughts of an immediate

57
marriage but wished to cultivate friendship and affection which ultimately

lead to that tender tie
I remain Yours affectionately
W. Helliwell
After church Thomas and I went down to the new Brewery by the old
parliment building they are certainly making a fine building we met W.
Milburn and Thomas went with him and I came back to Brights it was
some time before I --- Miss Betsey made her appearance And when she
did se she was rather reserved I could not get an opertunity to speak to her
privately she was however rather indisposed from a severe cold and she
retired verey earley to bed and left me which however I do not impute to
indifferance but indisposition ---------
The weather was fine I got home bout half past nine ---------
29 Monday Morning I went up to the saw mill and after that I went down to
the meadow for a pumpkin. I took the gun and I shot one black bird I then
came home and after dinner I was getting plank out of the kilmn till four
oclock when I went to York to get a tool to bruse the edges of the cooler
plank when I got there Charles had brote it I got home again at eight
oclock ---------
The weather verey pleasant this day
30 Teusday Morning I caught salmon the first that we hav caught this season
I was ingaged this day in the Brewery pulling down tubs and making
other alterations in the Evening I went to the Saw mill and when I got
there all the men was at the dam so I went up to them --------
31 Wednesday Morning I took the horses and waggon and went to York and
when I got there Thomas was out so I went to look for him and after
runing about the town for an hour I found him at Dutchers and we came
down to the market and took the waggon and drove to the bottom of
Collage Avenue and left our waggon and took to it on foot about a mile
to look at some barley that the Collage wishes to sell on the ground I got
1-1 14 of hoop Torn from G.B. Wilburn
I got home at about one oclock after I got dinner I took the gun and went
down the meadows to see how the man was doing that was cutting weeds I
shot a squirrel and I crossed the river at the driftwood and came across the
flats belonging to Wm. Smith to the top of what the fisherman called the
long Soutt rappid where I crossed back again on a log ---------
The weather was rather warm ---------

58
Pete Thomas and me judged that there was about six acres of barley and
that it wood average about fifteen bushels to the acre which would be 90
bushels at 2/6 wood be 45 dollars we allowed 15 for cutting thrashing and
offered them 30lb for the field as it stood they did not give a desiceive
answer ---------
September 1831
1 Thursday morning I went to the saw mill and after I came back I went
with Joseph to put three calfs out of the Meadow After dinner I went to
give the people notice that we was going to work on the road – tomorrow I
went to Hines and Sinkler and Stonehouse and Hays and they all agreed
to come
the weather was fine we pulled down the steep and found that the dry rot
had completely distroyd it ----------
2 Fryday morning all hands went to work on the road we began to cut brush
at Scaddings and drew it down to Pangmans where we laid a good bed of
it and turnd piked on the top it began to rain at ten oclock and we ran for
shelter I ran to a Shantie on the East side of the road and it certanly
prevants a sean of watchedness that I never saw equaled in my life the
floor is completely coverd with straw and all kinds of rubbish there is no
chunking between the logs and in corner was a litter of straw on which
laid a sick child coverd with a wretched coverlet all in ribbons This abode
of wretchedness is inhabited with an old man and thre children two of has
the Ague and he likewise ---------
we passed the off verey good natured and cheerfull we had a companey of
ten persons ----------
The day was rather unfavourable as it was showrey all the day ---------
3 Saterday all hands was at work on the road we began at the turnpike in
front of Playtors and put pine brush a good coat of it on then carted sand to
cover it I think it will be a means of preventing the waggons from cutting
down so deep formally -----
This is one of the worst sections of road that we hav between the Don and
York in wet weather it is always knee deep The weather was beautiful and
pleasant
4 Sunday I went to church and after dinner I went down to the Niagara
Steam Boat I came back to Thomas but did not stop long from there I
came down to Brights where I found the Girl of My hart she gave me

59
some Bride cake and a glass of wine to drink the health of the Bride – as
Miss Bright and W. Stegman was married last Thursday and they and
Miss Nansey was gone out to the country I took tea there twice and stop
till nine oclock but I could not get an opertuntiy to speak to her alone It
was my intentions to bring her to an explanation and to get a desided
answer if possible weather she was willing to ceep company with me or
not it is hardly possible for me to form an idea from her behaviour what
her mind is towards me She talks willingly and cheerful towards me in
company and I think if I could hav an opertunity of being along with her
she wood hav no objections to -----------
The weather this day was fine ----------
5 Monday morning I was helping the carpenter to lay down the cooler and
place the new steep at noon I went with Thomas to the saw mill in the
evening I went down tot he meadow for a pumpkin ---------
The weather this day was fine and pleasant ----------
6 Teusday I was working on the road all this day along with all our men we
was putting an artifishal surfice of brush and sand (in front of John
Playtors on the road ----------
7 Thursday Morning I went again to the road and worked at it till noon
along with one of the men In the afternoon I was jobbing about the place
in the Evening I went down to the meadow to see the Man that was
weeding the potatoes but it came on to rain verey hard just when I got
throug the Gate so that I was oblige to turn back it continues to rain verey
hard ----------
8 Thursday I was princapally ingaged in helping the carpenters to lay down

the cooler floor In the Evening I went to York with Thomas in the waggon
and I spoke for a pair of shoes at Shannons -----------
9 Fryday Morning after breakfas I went up to the Saw mill to give orders
for the sawing of some boards after I came back I was numbering the
barrels till about ten oclock when Charles Thomson and Robert McIntosh
came for the oxen and as they was gone for a load of wood I went with
them till we met the oxen ---------
After dinner I took the gun and went throug the woods to Jack Craigs to
get him to come and split some staves and I found him rather indisposed
but he said he wood come as soon as was able I came back through the
first concession by Brights farm in this town I did not see anything to
shoot This evening we mustered all hands and all the dogs and went down
to the corn feild to hunt Raccoons but as nether men or dogs new how to

60
do we came back and we went without seeing any There is a greate

number comes into the corn ---------
10 Saterday I was imployd in helping to fix the cooler and the water to run in
to it it looks verey fast but I think it will swell before morning Charles
caught a salmon in the race this morning and Skinner caught two The
weather this day was verrey fine and pleasant
11 Sunday Morning I started to go to York and I had not got to Smiths gate
before it began to rain verey heavy I ran to Smiths Barn but not before I
got rather wet I stop about a half and hour in the rain before it cleerd up
the roads was verey muddey and slippery After dinner as I was to stand
God Father to one of Eastwoods children and it was not to be christened
till after the afternoon service I took a walk up to the upper end of the
town After the christening was over I went to Brights I stopt till nine
oclock but I was not able to speak to Miss Betsey ---------
The weather this evening is verey wild
12 Monday morning I was numbering barrels till about ten oclock when I
went down to the meadow to see if all was right And after diner I wen
again and I saw a man on the other side of the River with a arm full of
corn And I persued him over the river but I could not find him I came
home and Thomas and Joseph went down again but we could not find the
man in the Evening I wrote a letter to Miss Elisabeth Bright the following
is a coppey
Don Brewery Sept 12 1831
Madam
From your letter of the 24 of August I infer that if you were older you
would hav no objection to forming a connection with me --------
And it was under this impression that I wrote to you stating my intentions
in as comprehensive and plain terms as possible but I hav not yet been so
fortunate as to get an answer ---------
I have been at your house twice or three times since I wrote to You hoping
to hav an opertunity of confering with you on the subject but in vain
Your not being of an age sufficient to marrey does not interfere with our
ceeping company if you hav no other objections I pray that You will not
ceep in in suspence longer than you can avoid
I remain Your affectionate Lover

61
W Helliwell
After I wrote the above I took it to the post office ad I walked there and
back in less than two howers ---------
13 Teusday I was doing verey little I was down to the meadow twice and I
gave the cows some pumpkins this evening we put together the new under
back it is five feet diameter and five foot staves and it holds nearley 600
gallons of the measure ----------
The weather this day was fine and pleasant the evenings are begining to be
rather cool and much pleasanter then they was last month ----------
Note after writing the above I took in a load of barley The barley comes in
verey slow the crop I beleav is not verey good but the sample is fair -------
--
14 Wednesday I was imploy about the Brewery and I went down to the
Meadow at noon and gave the cows some pumpkins The men was ingaged
in putting in gates at the hed of the race across the iland -----------
The weather this day was gloomey and in the evening it began to rain a
little ----------
15 Thursday morning I cought three salmon in our tail race in forenoon I was
imployd in fixing the gates of the head of the race and in grinding an axe
After dinner I was scoring a stick of timber to place the forse pump on ----
-------
The weather was showrey all day and fair at intervals ---------
16 Fryday morning I cought two salmon and then went down to the meadow
to give the cows some pumpkins when I come home I took in a load of
barley Thomas came up and we was fixing the underback and the forse
pump ---------
The weather this day was fine and pleasant ----------
17 Saterday Morning I was fixing about the pump and the Mash tub in the
afternoon I was putting the fols bottom into the steep and pointing inside
of the kilmn In the Evening I went to York the trip business was to see if
Miss Bright had answered the ltter that I sent on Monday night The Post
office was closed so that I cold not get in I bought three sheets of large
paper and I called for my new shoes but they was not done When I got on
to the plains on my way home I wheeled to the lift and came past Bloors
Brewery and the reason I did so was to lengthen the walk and to look

62
about some as it is a verey fine night I stopt at Taylors apple treese and
got my pockets full I found Black John and William Lay fishing down at
the top of our meadow and I stopt there with them for some time ----------
I have been rather disapointed in not getting an answer from Miss Bright
as I strongly expected one before this time ----------
18 Sunday Morning I went to York and Thomas gave me a letter which

proved to be from Miss Elizabeth Bright the following is a copy
York September 16 th 1831
Sir
I have received another few lines from you unexpectedly from the answer
which was sent I told you that I was to Young for marriag and that I dont
wish to keep company with You no more at present
I Remain Your Sincere
Friend Elizabeth Bright
The world is wide which has no end And there is more fences for you and
friend
On Receiving this Letter I felt rather a disaprecable sensation as I did not

expect so cold an answer from the attention that she has shown me
oppressed with rather disagreeable reflections I took a walk up as far at the
Parliament House where I met the soldiers and came with them down to
church After dinner I went with Thomas to Charles Thompson at the
gallows hill to see his mill cam and we come by Prices Mill I took Tea at
Thomases and came home by seven oclock This day has been to me a
verey disagreeable one although a verey fine one but the storme raged in
my breast with feverish anxity I did not think it possible for any fair one
to get such dominion over my peace as I find now when it is to late that
Miss Bright has ------------
19 Monday Morning the first thing I went up to Sinklears to see if I could get
David Sinklear to hew some timber but I could not so that I was under the
necessity of going along with the carpenter I went and got Black John to
assist us to score I stopt in the bush till three oclock when I came home
and went through the woods to Charles Thompson for a Yoke of oxen I
come back by Bloors Brewery
20 Tusday Morning I went down to the meadow for the oxen and Joseph took
them for timber In the forenoon I was taking down the old Beams in the

63
Brewery and after dinner we put in the new ones and laid the bottom for
the mash tub in the evening I went down to the Meadow and put
Haggermans horses right as they was it the rong field -----
The weather this day was showrey -----------
21 Wednesday Morning I went to York with the wagon for some plank for
the new tun and I got 200 feet from Mrs Bird After dinner I went again to
York and got one of the horses shawn at Perreys and I brote 32 bushels of
barley back after I come home I was putting the timber into the drain to
conduct water from the race to the Brewery
22 Thursday Morning I took the oxen back to Charles Thompsons it began to

rain before I got home and rained verey hard After dinner I went to the
woods to look for a small and wedge which was left there some time since
frome there I went to Black Johns to go with him to look at some coal and
wood that he has for sale I bought the coal but could not agree for the
wood during the time I was with him it rained verey hard so that it
completely drenched me
23 Fryday I was imployd about the Brewery fixing a stand for the new
fermenting tun and several other things to trifling to mention I cought one
salmon in the morning and I was down the meadow in the forenoon The
weather this day was gloomey
24 Saterday Morning I was helping the carpenter to hoop the new tun about
seven oclock I went down to the meadow to put the cattle right and give
them some pumpkins Thomas came up at noon and I was helping to put
the [_______] shaft into order in the afternoon ------------
The weather was verey fine all this day and pleasant
After writing the above I amused myself by copying the following lines
from the harp of Ulster
Tis hard to forget the firs love that we knew

Though it hope and its promise may be prove untrue
The delight still to linger and roam by these flowers
Which saw in loves morning our happiest houres
As we there love to linger we never forget
The time when we loved and the scenes where we met
And though mournful the thought there’s a pleasure to dream
Near the bower of our lover, and to gaze on its stream
The above lines struck me verey forseably as there is something similar

between my case and the subject of those lines

64
25 Sunday Morning as it was rather wet I road to York and returned

immediately after church I found Thomas and Mr Perney here and I went
with them as far as the bottom of the Meadow on their way home After tea
I took a walk with Mother and Mrs Ambler and [_______] to the dam -----
The weather this day was during the forenoon rather wet but in the
evening it was fine This is the first time that I hav been absent for two
Sunday from Ms Brights since the 20 of Febury and it is rather against my
will as I would gladly pay my addresses to Miss Betsey if it was agreeable
to her However I think it is most prudent to show a little coldness as by
being to eager I might make her see to high a value on her self I made
these remarks mereley to pass away a tedious houre of sunday evening
which wen spent at home is the most tedious of aney night in the week ---
-------
26 Monday morning I was helping the carpenters to hoop the new tun and a
fine one it is it holds by calculation 2688 gallons of ale measure after
dinner I put a fire under the big coppery and altho it is the first time that
there has been fire under it since it was and all cold and completely full of
water it boiled in two and a half houres which greatley pleased me ---------
--
27 Teusday Morning I went up the River with one of the men for the sheep as
we wanted to kill one After that I took one of the men and the waggon
down to the meadow for a load of pumpkins and after dinner all hands
went down to husk corn In the evening I went to York for a pair of shoes
and I bought a book for a journal and a lock for my room door it was
rather slippery walking and verey dark I got home about half past nine
oclock the weather this day was fine and pleasant
28 Wednesday all hands was imployd in husking corn and I was with them all
day the corn turnd out a verey good crop When I come home I found that
Thomas had set the water into the steep but as it come slow I went to look
what was the matter and I found the spring low so I called Joseph and we
fixed the Brewery then so a to run to the steep ----------
The weather this day was verey cloudy and a very high wind prevaled all
day
29 Thursday I was with the men husking corn the whole of the day --------
The weather this day was verey squaley and black at times
30 Fryday Morning I went to York with the team and when I got there
Thomas was about trading for a span of horses and he desired me to try

65
them in our waggon so acordingly we put them into it and the owner came
along with me to the Brewery We put on 30 bushels of barley and I like
the horses verey well indeed but we could not trade for the man asked 80
dollars to boot and our prince horse which we thought was too much we
offered him 60 dollars but he would not take it so I put our horses into the
waggon again and brote a load of barley home After I got my dinner I took
the horses and went down to the corn feild and fetched a load of corn it
was then about half past four oclock and I thought it a good opertunity to
go to Papses to see about a Dancing School as I have been informed there
was one there – but when I got there I found that there was not nor never
had been ----------
October 1831
1 Saterday Morning I drove the team to York where I saw William Bright
and agreed with him to go to the village of Hope I brote a load of barley
this time and fetched another and then put the prince horse in the waggon
and went to York and called for William bright we found the roads rather
rough to Mrs Raymons where we arrived at half past eight and after
supper we drank a bottle of wine in cmpaney with James Dougal we
retired to bed about half pas ten ----------
2 Sunday Morning we left Raymons at half past five oclock as we were

desirious of getting to Davids town as earley as possible that we might
hav as much time as possoble to look about we found the roads over the
oake ridge bad and the country thinley sttled but having passed them a
prospect of a quite different kind opened to our view and in place of pine
trees fine farms and orchards and insead of sand hills gente slopes in a
high state of cultivation and thickly intersected with Farm houses and
barns we arived at Newmarket at a little before nine oclock and took
breakfast in companey with Captain Ross and two other gentlemen and a
laydie as breakfast was not quite ready we imployd the time to look about
there is several stores and two taverans one cept by George Playtor
(which we put up at) and one cept by Hewit there is likewise a grist mill
and saw mill belonging to William Robinson and immediately in the
vesinity is anoth grist mill After breakfast we hired a horse from the
landlord and left oures to feed till we returned and proceeded to Hope or
Davids town the Temple is a magnifficient building – serrounded with a
pallasading I am not archetech suffeciant to tell the order of the building
we wished to look inside of it but as it was just meeting time we could not
get an opertunity we was told that if we could wait till it was over David
Wilson wold show us through the whole premises but as we intended to
come home and the meeting wold not be over till one oclock we declined
we called at the tavern in the village and drank a glass of wine and

66
returned to Newmarket but before we arived there we was distined to

meet with a misfortune that gave us some trouble the horse that was
furnished us by the landlord being quite a poney and our harness a greate
deal to large for it the bridal sliped out of his mouth repeidly so that I got
quite tired of ajusting it and let him go with no control and as long as the
road was straight he did verey well but in turning round a cornor he ran so
close to the fence that the wheel ran upon it and threw over the waggon
fortuneatly without doing damage only coasing us some trouble to set
things to right after getting our own horse into the waggon we set out for
Raymons and arived there without any accident excep getting a complete
drenching with rain as it came on a heavy shoure and rained –
tremendiously which detaned us an houre and made the roads verey
slippery and muddey we broke a trace in Thornes Hill – and was oblige to
borrow a roape from Thorn to replace it before we could proced we arived
at home abut haf pas nine with out meeting with any more difficulty -----
----
3 Monday morning I went to the bush – with the carpenter to get out a stack
of timber which took us till three oclock
The weather this day was shourey ---------
4 Tuesday Morning made its appearance amid torrants of rain in the fore
part of the day I was imployed in spreading the corn on the grainery floor
and about 4 oclock I saddled the horse and road to York it was through
pure nessesity that I went in such tempestous weather as we had no
candols and could not do without
When I got to York I went to Perreys and Dutchers on some errands and I
likewise went to the chair makers to borrow a brace and bit to boar the
fols bottom in the worts receiver The rain poured down in torrats during
the whole time that I was away from home and completely drenched me It
cleered up in the evening and I went down to the cornfeild to see if the
horses was in it The day has been the stormyest that we hav had for some
time ---------
5 Wednesday Morning before breakfast I saw a wild duck fly up the river
and I thought it settled below the dam so I took the gun and went to see
but I could not find it After breakfast I went with the Teamster to the saw
mill for some plank and I took the gun with me after we was loaded and
got across the river I looked up and saw a flock of wild ducks and I
immediately set up the river in persute of them and they roase before I
could get a shot at them however when I got up as far as Stonehous dam I
saw a flock of wood ducks and shot at them and wounded two of the but
was not able to get but one and that I shot at them and wounded two of
them but was not able to get but more shots at them I also saw a Deer as I

67
came back I shot a Sheldrake and wounded two or three more After dinner
Joseph and me went onto the side hill above Skinners Meadow to cut a ox
cart tonge but could not find one we then came over to out own side hill
with as little sucksess and ultimately we was oblige to go to Smiths point
before we could finde one after we came home we was ajusting the
coolers ------------
The weather this day was gloomey & dark
6 Thursday Morning I was at the cooler till about half past nine I then went
down to the meadow to see if all was ripe In the after noon I was cleening
out the shavings from the grainery and I also went to Stonehouses to see
if I could get his oxen to draw the stick of timber that we got out on
Monday and he said that he wold send his man and oxen tomorrow This
evening Joseph and me had some words not extreamly pleasing as he
charged me with userping too much athority and with indeavouring to
make him a blank in the firm which I deny as fols -----------
7 Fryday Morning I was jobbing about the brewery and fixing the hop back
till ten oclock when I went with Stonehouses man and Joseph for the stick
of timber In the afternoon I went to York to see Thomas about the Pump
and I brote the irons for it from Perreys -----------
The weather this day was pleasant and fine
8 Saterday morning all hands was set to getting the stick of timber (that is
too carry the shaft that drives the pump) into such a position that the
carpenter will counter hew it And after by taking the advantage of the
intervals of fair weather we got it to its place though not ajusted The fore
noon was verey wet but in comparison to the after noon it was fair for the
afternoon was one continuous torrant of rain so nothing could be done out
of shelter and a more tedious day I hav not passed for some time nor do I
wish to pass such another --------
Note it continued to rain till the middle of the night ----------
9 Sunday morning I went up to the dam to see if the salmon was jumping as
the river was high but I did not see any I road to York and I took a walk
with Thomas before church after church I went down to look at Turnors
Brewery From there I went to Brights in dispite of Miss Betseys cold letter
as I hav a a prelidiction that she would not [_________] me personally if I
could but get an opertunity to speak to her I found the family at dinner and
after pressing invitations I sat down alth I had previously taken dinner at
Thomases I stopt there till five oclock and I was forsed to come away as I
went without having an opertuntiy of communicating my sentiments to the
person I wished to speak to -----------

68
She was in the room but spoke verey little though she gave me some
glances that I could not misunderstand -----------
10 Monday morning I drove the team to York as I wished to take the small
pinion that should hav drove the pump but form miscalculation it wold not
work Thomas and me took it up to Perreys and after giving them a lesson
we come back and went down to the wharf for seven empty barrels and
Thomas come up with me to take the length of the plunger for the pump
and in the mean time I went with two French men to the woods to set them
chopping when we had got the measure of the things we wished to get we
went to York and got them at Perreys I brote a small load of barley The
roads are getting bad and in some places quite so -----------
11 Tusday Morning I went to York with the team and I took down the iron
shaft that was to drive the pump to get alterd I brote a load of barley back
and after dinner I went again and as Thomas was out I took a walk down
to the wharf to the Greate Briton Steamer I come home by Perreys and
brote some Iron work home with me -----------
12 Wednesday I was imployd in the brewery all day gettin the pump going
and it works very well we pumped the wort copper two full but it
springing a leak where the wood joins with the copper prevented us from
filling We threw off the first kilmn of malt this day and it is verey good ---
--------
The weather this day was verey fine -----------
13 Thursday morning I went up to the saw mill for some [_______] boards
and after I was boiling the coppers and cleering out the brewery a
gentleman from the States com to look at the place at noon and I showed
him through Brewery and down to the bridge he was acquainted with my
Brother John ----------
In the evening I walked to York as I was desireous to see if we could get

some yeast tommorrow I stopt at Stegman’s and bought a black silk
handkerkief and a [________] ------------
The weather this day was pleasant and warm and the roads are recovering
from the effects of the late rain -----------
Note as I was coming down King Street I saw John Baldwen taking an
observation at the moon through a teliscope and I requested him to give
me permishon to look throug and he kindley did so There appeared
several dark spots on the strait edg and towards the center ----------

69
14 Fryday in the forenoon I was fixing the wash house floor and in the after
noon I was grinding malt and we ground 30 bushels
15 Saterday morning Perrys Millright come up to set the pump agoing by

[_______] and I assisted him (but previous to that I went to Hineses for to
see about some coal) After dinner two Mrs Stegmans came up they came
for a walk and to get some grapes they took tea and looked through the
Papermill and Brewery and as they desired me to go apeice with them and
get them some grapes I went withem on to the plains beyond Taylors
And I got them some grapes on the way as I come home I fell in with Mr
Gibson the surveyor and had a little conversation with him Mr Willard and
Thomas come up this evening for some hops I this day mashed a bushel
and a half of malt for to make yeast for Monday as we intend to begin
brewing them if all is well
The weather this day was remarkable warm
16 Sunday Morning I took a walk up as far as the dam before I went to York
and after dinner I went down into the park to see the new wind mill that is
a building then from there I went to Beateys and stopt there about an houre
and then I went to Brights I found them all at home & well and Miss
Betsey was verey sociable and kind she gave me two pieces of poetry to
read I took tea and stop there till nine oclock and a pleasater night for
walking I hav not seen for some time the moon shone as cleer and bright --
----------
17 Monday I began to Brew for the first time this season we got the pump to
go by water this evening and we was all waching the motion of the peston
rod when to our surprise it stopt all at once and on running out to assertain
the coas I found a child of Eastwoods coild round the shaft I immediately
shut the water off & Hugh took the child appearantly dead for it had not
the least movement but fortunately it had no bones broken and in a little
time he was come too his senses the Doctor was sent for and bled him and
he thought he the boy wood recover in a little time It appears the children
was playing about the shaft and it cought his cloths and by that means
drew him onto the shaft ----------
I pitched the beer at eleven oclock and at 60 and I afterwords set the pump
to work and pumped the returns out of the underback into the copper ------
------
18 Tuesday morning I went out onto the plains to see about some coal & it
took me till twelve oclock and after I went to York with the team as I
wanted some yeast for the beer did not work well I went up to John Farrs
and got two & a half gallons as I came back I called at Jemes and bought 6

70
yards of cloth for a greate coat and I gave nine shillings a yard for it I
took it to McLelon to make I got home about seven oclock-----------
The weather & roads was fine today ------------
19 Wednesday morning I was measuring the under back and found it to

contain 17 barrels of 32 gallons each After dinner I was grinding malt and
I ground 55 bushels in about two houres After we finished I went down to
the meadow and I saw a black fox in the evenig I tuned the beer that was
brewed on Monday -----------
20 Thursday in the fore noon I was imployed in taking out the cement from
between the copper adn the cirb and in the afternoon I was doing various
things in the Brewery The weather still remains fine and the roads good ---
--------
21 Fryday I was brewing and began to mash at ten oclock we brewd 55

bushels of malt & obtained 19 barrels of beer specifick 31, 5 we had good
luck during the process and I pitched the worts at half past ten at 62
atmosphere 48 -----------
22 Saterday morning after the things was settled a little I went to the woods to
se the wood that the French men cut and also to measure it and I found
there was 17 cords after I come home I was grinding malt & I ground 60
bushels in three houres in the after noon I was getting a pump log in the
place of the tin one whcih we found did not ansewre as it did not stand the
presure that is required ----------
The weather is glorious and fine ------------
28 Fryday I was brewing & getting stillion into the cellor I mashed 76
bushels of malt and obtained 684 lb of saccerine matter I pitched the worts
at 58 at the houre of ten and atmosphere 32 -------
The weather for the three last nights has been quite cold and frosty the
ground this morning was froze quite hard -----------
29 Saterday Morning I was fixing the stillions into the cellar and cleening it
out in the evening I went to York to see if my greate coate was done but it
was not
30 Sunday Morning I went to York and I took a walk up to the bottom of

Young where I met with William Doil and he invited me to go the Scotch
–Kirk with him which I did and it proved to be Sacerement day which

71
made the service verey long as it is the custome for all the congregation to
stop till the sacerement is administred
After dinner Thomas and me had some words about the ballancing of the
books but however we cooled down so far as to take a walk to geather I
then come off for home and as it thretned rain verey much I stopt at
Beateys and borrowed and umberlla which proved to be a verey good
pecoution as it rained very hard during my passage home -------------
31 Monday I was brewing and I mashed 80 bushels of malt from which I

obtained 825 lb of sacerine matter I pitched the worts at 61 Atmosphere
34 at the houre of eleven -----------
The weather this day was verey wet all the forenoon but it cleered off at
twelve & remained fine for the remainder -------------
November 1831
1 Tuesday I got up verey earley to tun & in the fore noon I was racking beer
& after dinner Josep and went down to York to balance the books and I
took home the umbrella that I borrowed on sunday and got on verey
amirably & friendly We stopt till eight oclock and we found it rather
muddey walking home and it was verey dark ----------
The weather this day was gloomey
2 Wednesday I was brewing & I mashed 80 bushels of malt from which I

obtained 800 lb of saccarine matter I pitched the tun at 61 at nine oclock
atmosphere 40 --------- When we took stock yesterday we found ourselves
to be worth 3627 lb exclusive of the Brewery and lot and lot No. 14 in the
second concession of the Township of York and barrels casks coppers &
brewery utentials ---------
3 Thursday This morning I went to Black Peters for some brooms but could
get but one we got one stillion in the cellar that morning which is the last
of the new ones And a verey good one it is The remainder of the day I
was scalding barrels and cleening out stillions ----------
4 Fryday I was brewing & I mashed 80 barrels of malt from which I

obtained 856 lb of saccerine matter but I had the misfortune to loose about
ten barrels of beer by the copper boiling over the coas was the furnice
door was closed and as the boiling worts ran down we could not get to
open it without the risk of being scalded I pitched the worts at 58 and after
that I was tuning so that it was past eleven oclock before I got to bed ------
-----

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5 Saterday Morning I was cleening out the Brewery from bottom to top and
scalding half barrels and kegs In the afternoon I was assisting the
Carpenter to fix the pipe that conducts the water from the well to the pump
& we had a good deal of trouble with it owing to the chips not being
properly cleened out of it to pipe which repeteddly choked the valvs of the
pump ------ We however succeeded in getting the water but not it such a
quantity as I could wish ----------
6 Sunday morning I went to York and as Hugh the carpenter desired me to

go by Bloors Brewery I did so down Yong Street we found the roads in
rather a bad state After church I went to Bright they was at dinner wood
hav me to sit down and take some I did not stop long as I had to come hom
to see about the beer The weather was very fine this day
7 Monday I was brewing I mashed 80 bushels of malt from which I obtained

26 Barrels of Beer Gravity 32.6 I pitched the worts at 64º the Atmosphere
34º at half past ten oclock
8 Tuesday I was washing casks and stillions the whole of this day as our
sellorman was sick In the evening I went to York as I wanted to see Thos
we went to Harrises Bought a large Brass cock for the pump When Thos
lef me I went to Brights I staid chatting with the Girls till half past then o
clock Certainly Misses Nancey and Betsey are two of the finest Girles
that ever I was acquainted with so verey pleasant and gay that I could hav
stopt till morning with them
9 Wednesday I was brewing mash from which I obtained 855.8 of Saccern

Matter and devided it in 27 Barrels I pitched the wort at 63º at nine o cl
Temperature of atmosphere 44º
The weather for the last three days has been charming so that the roads are
beging to dry up
10 Thursday I was scalding casks and stillions this day and in the I road to
Leys to see if Mother was there as she started to go this morning as she did
not come home at dark I though that perhaps she migh hav mist her way
and got lost When I got to Leys they told me that she was gone home
when I come back she was arived I got a complete wetting by going as it
rained verey heavey Indeed this has been rather a wet day in perticulr the
afternoon which has brote the rods to their primitive state of mud and
mire and to all probability they will remain so for some time to come
11 Fryday I was brewig and I mashed 80 Bushels of malt from which I

obtained 930 lb of sarrerine matter the greatest yeolds I hav had it is 11.7
lb per bushel I pitched the wort at 64º the Atmosphe 40º The weather this

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day was rather gloomey but it remaned fine the skey has rather a beter
appearace this Evening then it has had through the day
12 Saterday made it appearance with a gloomey horizon After breakfast and

while I was sitting at desk writng and taking account of the beer that was
gone with the team the teamster came back to inform me that he had broke
the cuppling pole of the waggon The oxen took fright and turnd about
and therby brote the waggon into a ditch and upset the Teamster took the
other wagon and I went with him and assisted to transload the beer I was
cleening casks and tending the beer in the puntions this day The weather
cleard up towards twelve o clock and became fine I passed this day
without learning aneything usefull I hav read a little of the first volum of
Lord Byrons work and some of the news of the day but without
elucidating aney thing of importance from either Indeed Byrons works
serves more to pleas the fancy then to enlarging the understandng
13 Sunday morning I was tunning before I went to York and after dinner I
went to Milburns as I promised to stand God Father for a little Girle of
his here I met with two Miss Turtons they are Girles of some attractions
particularly the elder they converse with a freedom of an old acquaintance
When Church time arived I took one of the Miss Turtons and Mr Milburn
took the other and we walked to Church and after service was over and
Mrs Milburn arivd with the child we proceeded to the communion table
where was aranged three other children and their Sponsers after the
christneing was over I went to Milburns with the companey and I took tea
and stopt till six o clock on leaving there I went to Brights and when I go
to the door I herd that they was at tea and as I did not wish to disturb them
I retreted and took a [?] up into the Town till it was over I stop till eleven
conversing with the Girls on various subjects ad should probably hav stop
longer had not Mr called out to the Girles and said that it was eleven
Oclock which I took as a hint that he wished me to retire and I immediatly
acted on it I found the roads somewhat muddey as it had drizled a good
deal through the day I got home at twelve much fatigud
14 Monday I was brewing and I mashed 90 Bushels of Malt from which I

obtained 954.6 lbs of sacchrine matter I pitched the worts at 63º the
temperature of the atmosphere 44º In the evening I was imployd in writing
the following letter one of which is as follows and sent to Miss Elizabeth
Bright
* Dr Betsey
I hope that you will pardon the freedom that I hav taken in a gain troubling
you with these lines But I assure you it is the verey greate regard and the
desire that I hav of coming to some definite understanding with you that
prompted me to do so I am verey well aware that we are both to young to

74
enter into the serious buisness of life But you know as well as I do that if
attachments are not formed earley the are never lasting I am in no hurrey
and would waite with pleasure for two to three or four or five years if I
could be certain that by doing so I should insure the object of my
affections I do not anticapate that your Parents will hav aney serious
objections from the verey kind manner in which they hav always received
me
As you hav been acquainted with me for a number of years and intimately
for several months I can see no difficulty in your being able to give me a
decisesive answer And as I hav been open and candid I sincerely hope to
fill a place in the hart of one who will ever be adord by her sincere
And affectionate Admirer

William Helliwell
Don Brewery
November 14, 1831
P.S. If you would give the answer to Mr George Stegman he will see it
safe deliverd and I should much rather it should come by his hands than by
the post
Yours in the Bonds of affection and

Love W Helliwell
Dr Sir
I perhaps trespas too much on your good nature when I request you to
take charge of an other of my billits But in the hope that you will forgive
me I have taken the liberty to do so I hav requested Miss Elizabeth Bright
to send her answer throug your hands I you wold ceep it till you see me or
an opertunity to send it safe you will much oblige your sincere Friend
Don Brewery W Helliwell

November 14 1831
*PS I need not request you to ceep it secret as no person kows the nessity
of ceeping things of this kind close better then yourself WH
The first of these letter I inclosed in the last and sent it by Charles to Mr
George Stegman
15 Tuesday in the forenoon I was cleening puntions and in the afternoon I

was cleening barrels till three oclock at which time I went to Black Peters
for some brooms but I could get none Playtors people was making cidor
and I went to them and stopt a fiew minuets with them I took down the

75
hill onto the flats and crossed the river at the drift wood and came up
through our meadow home I saw nothing in this ramble worthey of a
remark The weather was rather cool and indeed it has rather a gloomey
appearance not unlike snow
16 Wednesday I was brewing and mashed 90 bushels from which I obtained

1088.6 lbs of saccerine matter I pitched the worts at 63º Atmosphere 30
This has been a verey busey day with me and the weather has been fine
17 Thursday I was working in the Brewy all and in the evening I went to
York and took tea at Thomases from there I went to Harrises and bought a
razor and gave 2/6 for it I then came on to Scaddings and stopt there to
see John about some barley that is to be got in Whitby The weather this
day was fine and pleasant I found the roads to be quite dry
18 Fryday morning I quite surprised with the weather for when I went to bed
it was cleer moon light and froze quite hard but not it was raining fast it
continued to rain till noon
I mashed 90 bushels of malt and obtained 1147 lb of sachrine matter I

pitched the wort 63º Atmosphre 40
19 Saterday Morning I got up earley and went to York as it was agreed that I
Should go to look for a Malster as our old one was about getting married
and we was not certain that he wood stop When I got to York I received
my instructions from Thomas they were as follows that I should proceed
as far as Wards on Dundass Stre and there inquire where John Brain
resides and to proceed immediately there and find out if he could come
should we want him I then got Mr Arthurs poney a small canadian and set
out I met Ward on the humber plains he told me that I wood hav to go to
Posts inn five miles on the other side of the River Credit and there turn
North and travil eight miles then East two miles then North half a mile and
I should find him or rather this farm I found that I had to go at leas thirty
five miles and the greater part of it verey bad roads when I got to the
humber I called at Daniels and got a glass of wine and begged a piece of
cord to lenthen the sturrops as they was much too short Mathews an old
school fellow of mine over took me on the other side of the humber I was
very much pleased to hav companey as it made the time pass less tedious
and beguiled the long road we had not proceeded more then two or three
miles when our companey received an other recrute Frank _________ we
conversed verey cheerfull and gay till we arrived at the road leading to
Streets vil then they both left me and I goged along I passed apring field
about one oclock greate improvments has been made here since I las saw
it I counted five or six new houses and a large tavern was one The weather
now began to grow verey cold so that before I arived at Posts I felt quite

76
uncomfortable here I stopt and fed the poney and seated myself beside
the barroom fire and made some inquireier about the roads distance after
resting for an half houre I proceeded North into Traffalgar here I found
good land fine farms large cleering but the roads such a state that I verrely
thought that my poney would hav stuck fast however I goged along
through mud knee deep as fas as the horse was able night found me at the
North line of Traffalgar I now turnd East along the line betwent
Easqueasing and Traffalgar here I thought the horse would hav to swim
some parts of the roade being so full of water at lenth I spied a light and
judging it to be the house I so long wished for I pulled down the fence and
road up to the house and to my satisfaction it was the right one I found the
man at home and acquainted him with my errand he took the horse up to
the barn and tyd him in the barn floor after he came back we set down to
supper Mr Brain and his wife and myself I made a harty meal on buck
wheate cakes and I had not taken aney thing to eate since morning abut
ten oclock the showd me one of the two beds in the onley room in the
house for here was kitchen parlor and bed room all in one apartment I
found the bed an excellent one and I slept sound for I was verey much
tired
20 Sunday morning I roas betines and after feeing and wattring the hrs I was
about starting but Mr Brayn would not let me go before breakfast I may
hear remark that the object of the expedition was fully obtained for he
Brayn said he would come aney time that we should send for him he put
me into the road for Streetsvil and then left me I found the roads a little
frozen and the horse a little laim it took me till eleven oclock to get to
Streetsvil which is only eight miles from Lot Number 2 in the 9
concession of Easquesing which is the place where I stopt all night I gave
the horse a gallon of oates at Streetsvil and while he was eateing this I
took a peep throug the village it is a verey flurishing little place three
taverns and two or three stores _________ and mechanics of every
discription I counted six new buildings in an unfinished state Mr Streets
saw mill had been burnt down on fryday and the rewins was still
smoaking here is a greate fall of water and good mill sates The country I
hav passed this morng is thickley settled and the land is of an excellent
quality and in many places in a verey high state of cultivation But the
roads are an insurmountable barrier to locomotion and transportation of
produce to market I left Streetsvil about half past eleven and came down
to the Street at Springfield and two or three miles on this die I fell into
company with a young man that was coming to York and we came to
geather and arived just at dark My companion was verey good companey
and posessed a good deal of information After I put the horse up I went to
Thomases and took supper but Thomas not being at home I left and came
towards home however I met Thomas at this end of the Town and returnd
with for a fiew minuets When I got home I was quite fatigiued The
weather was remarkable fine and the roads on Dundass Street quite good

77
21 Monday I was brewing and mashed ninety Bushels of malt from which I
obtained only 857 lb of saccharine matter I pitched the worts 64º the
Atmosphere 38º the weather this forenoon was fine and pleasant but the
afternoon was verey wet
22 Teusday forenoon I was imployd in the cellar and in the afternoon I went
to York on horse back and Thos and me bought a new lamp and several
other things I then went to the House of Assembly to hear them debate for
a fiew minuets when I went in McKenzie was harranguing about the
Emigration and the Timber trade with the Mother Country After him
several others spoke But I did not stop long I then came down to Thomas
and he requested me to ride up to Elmeslys to see about some barley
which I did and I found Young Street in a wretched state indeed the roads
are verey bad all over as it rained the whole of last night and the greatest
part of the to day or rather it snowed all this forenoon which was much
worse then rain for the roads
23 Wednesday I was brewing and began to mash at eight oclock and mashed
100 Bushels of malt from which I obtained 1993 lbs of saccherine matter
when the Teamster came home at noon he brought me a letter which
proved to be from Miss Bright the following is a coppey of the same
York 18th November 1831
Sir:
I hav received another fiew lines for the 15th from you previous to the
letter you had written to me before that you wished a decided answer I had
given you one and am sorry I cannot comply with your request for I am all
readey engaged and that this be a definite answer for you from writing to
me aney more
I remain you Sincere

Friend Elizabeth Bright
William Helliwell
This ends my first of Love adventures a complete failure I hav been rather
to sanguine in my expectations as appears by the sequal if Miss Bright
had informed me that she was other ways engaged when I first made
overtures to her it wood hav saved me a deal of trouble and anxity of mind
I pitched wort at 64º Atmosphere 34º I feel verey much indisposed from a
severe cold I contracted in Esqueasing on Saturday evening

78
24 Thursday morning I found my self verey sick indeed I scarseley had aney
rest during the night I had a severe pain in my head and back and indeed
all over the whole frame I think I never passed a more tedious day in my
life I could not rest in aney posision
25 Fryday I found my self much better this morning then I was yesterday in
the forenoon I went to Black Johns to purchase some wood and I agreed to
give him 3/9 per cord for it In the evening I was writing a letter to my
cousin Charles Sutcliff of Great house clough Yorkshire Old England
26 Saterday I feld my self much better then I was yesterday but I did not go to
work as I thought perhaps it might give me a cold and again lay me up I
however walked round and see that all was going right about the place
The weather this day was verey disagreeable for it snowd all day and
melted as fast as it fell so that the roads are in shocking state and in all
probility will remain so till the frost sets in and the time cannot be far
distnt as the season is far advansed
27 Sunday Morning made its appearance with the ground coverd with snow
and still falling verey fast I started the tun and then went to York and to
Church I found it tolerable good for the snow that was on the ground
prevented the mud from sticking to the boots I did not stop long after
dinner and came back then as I went The weather this evening is rather
cold and I think it will freeze
28 Monday morning I went with the man and oxen to Stonehouses for boards
and when I came back I went to the bush with Jack Craig to let him see
where to get out staves the remainder of the day I spet about home
29 Tuesday morning it snowed verey fast for some time so that we began to
think of slaying and Joseph and I went to the bush and cut a slay tonge
After dinner I went to York to see the Dancing Master but he was sick I
then went up to Thomases and him and me went to look for Iron for to
make A kerb for the copper and we found it at Watkins I then went to
Mechanics Institute Library for a Book I fell into company with Henry
Scadding and came home with him he is really a verey converseable
companion I found the roads froze quite hard and the weather verey cold
indeed so that we may term this the first of winter
30 Wednesday morning I found everey thing froze up the pump and the pipes
that conduct the water to the copper I mashed 100 Bushels of malt from
which I botained 948 lb of sachrin matter I pitched the worts at 65º the
atmosphere 20º at the houre of nine It is snowing a little at preasant and
probboly it may continue for some time the Ground is completely froze
December 1831

79
1 Thursday I was imployd about the Brewery all this day and in the
Evening I went to York to go to Dancing School at the York Hotel I was
showne into a room where I found a small man giving lessons to about
ten or twelve urchins of from seven to ten years old I made nown to the
tutor that I wished to take lessons And he informed me that he could not
accept of me as a pupil unless it was agreeable to the class but that he
would give me privat lessons if I chuse to take them so I came back home
to consider up on it The weather this Evening is verey cold the
Thermometer stanes at 10º
2 Fryday I was brewing and mashed nignty Bushels of malt from which I
obtained 927 lb of sachrin matter I pitched the worts at 62º the
Atmosphere at 10º I never remember the weather so severe at this seson
as it has been for the last three days It is now ten oclock and it is snowing
fast
3 Saterday morning I went to the pine bush to see about some wood when I
came home I dressed myself and went to York for the purpose of taking a
lesson on Dancing I found the Precepter readey to instruct me and he
showed me all the positions and fundimental rules of Dancing for which I
gave him half a Dollar I proceeded up to Thomases and he requested me
to look for a cart to take out some beer which I did I then went to Irdales
for to speak for some stove pipes for Joseph from there I went to jachob
Hutchins to get a drill made for to drill a hole in the pump I called at
Lesslies and bought the Life of Nelson and gave 3/9 for it
The thermomiter stood at 10º this day and it is snowing this evening
4 Sunday morning made its appearance with the ground coverd with snow to
the depth of 8 or 10 inches and still continueing to snow verey fast so
that it laid an imbargo on all movements out of doors and the consequence
was that the passed away verey tedious I was reading the life of Nelson
the greatest part of the day In the evening I was superintending the
tunning of the beer after that I went to Joseps to spend an hour The snow
has fell with out intermishon and it is Knee deep
5 Monday I was brewing and mashed 100 bushels of Malt from which I
obtained 1047 lbs of sacchirine matter the weather this day was not so
cold and the slays are flying about in all directions as it is fine slaying now
about one foot deep on a level
6 Tuesday Snowing I went up on the hill side and cut stakes for a slay rack
and boared the top raves After dinner I went to York to get a lesson in
Dancing from Professor Thomas I found the roads tolerable good slaying
I got home about five oclock The Thermomiter stood at 10º this day

80
7 Wednesday Morning I went to the bush to see about some dry wood and I
set the choppers to cutting dry wood from there I went to Leys to see the
practibility of getting wood from there I went to the hous and stopt to
dinner I then came home down the flats And when I got home I found the
slay readey loaded And the Teamster told me that Thomas desired me to
go to York as he wanted to see me I brote a load of barley home and when
I got home I found the Malster absant and the malt readey to go on to the
Kilmn so I called the men and we put it on to the Kilmn
8 Thursday as we onley brew twice this week I had little to do this day In
the evening I went to the dancing school and being to soon I waited till I
was completely tire and no tutor appearing I went to Brights to pass an
houre I was received with sevility and good nature enough I tooke Tea
there and stopt there till seven oclock and from there I went to the dancing
school and when the schollars all assembled I found we had eight verey
respectibl schollars and we passed the evening greatly to my satisfaction I
got hom about half past ten oclock and a verey cold night it is
9 Fryday I was brewing and mashed 90 Bushels of malt from which I

obtained 830.6 I pitched the worts at 64º The wather this day was verey
cold The thermomiter stood at 10º this evening
10 Saterday morning I went to Black Johns to get him to cut some dry pine
wood and I allmost froze my ears The remainder of the day till evening I
was about home I then went to the dancing school and danced from six
till half past nine oclock The weather was bitter cold I got home about
half past Ten and after going my regular tower through the Brewery I
retired to rest and to wish my self Good nigh and sound sleep and rest
11 Sunday morning I went to York (after I started the tun) and I went to
church and after I took dinner at Thomases I went to Ms Beateys to see if
he and a treatice on Navigation and he showed me one which I think is a
good one he also showed me several Book on Trigenomity and
Mathematics in general I stopt there about an houre and got home at dark
verey tired as it was verey bad walking on the snow
12 Monday I was brewing and mashd 100 bushels of malt from which I
obtained 1261.4 lbs of sacchirine matter The mercurey in the tube of the
Thermomiter stood at 14º this evening A person came to day to request
that we would allow him to work In the malt house as he was desirous to
learn the trade I told him that at preasant we was not fully engaged for
want of barley but if would come this day weeke we wold indeavour to
give him a chance
13 Tusday morning I went to the pine bush to measure some wood and after
dinner I went to York I called on Mr Foster my old tutor for to get an

81
answer to an arithmattical question I gave him on the third of the month

to solve he gave it me on a piece of paper in full as it was worked I then
went to Thomases and got five dollars and went to pay Mr Cockshut for
three quarters of a yard of cloth thet the Tailor got on my account to finish
my greate coat I called on Mr George Stegman at his new shop and he
requested me to step up staires to see Mrs Stegman I found Miss Nancey
Bright there I stopt about an half houre and bought a pair of gloves I
went to Thomases again and as he requested me to go with the Team to
Perreys for some Iron work I did so and came with it to Charles Beateys
I stopt to Tea from there I went to Mr Brights and stopt about fifteen
minuets the invited me to stop to Tea but as the time was arived for to go
to the dancing school I did not stop though I hav since repented I did not
saccrifise the dancing for one night as Ms B was not at home I lost a good
opertunity which perhaps may never return At the dancing school I found
a greater number of schollars then I hav yet seen we was dancing figures
this evening I was a little surprised to see the proise a verey large
concourse of people cheering McKenzie I should think then was four or
five hundred of them and McKenz Setting on a chair supported on mens
shoulders and at every cornor the stopt and gave three cheers
14 Wednesday mornign I wen with old Peter Montgomery to show him some
chopping the remainder of the day I spent in goin throug the usial rout of
the Brewery The this morning was remarkable cold but the atmosphere
this evening is cloudey and not so cold
15 Thursday I was assisting to fix a stittion in the back cellar for the purpose
of puting puntions on to fill half barres and kegs in the evening I went to
the dancing school we numbrd fiften schollars so with the Tutor we made
two sets of quaddrils and passed the evening verey pleasant I got hom at
half past eleven
16 Fryday I was brewing and I [?] began verey earley so that I got the worts
into the tun by half past five I then dressed myself and went to the dancing
school I found the weathr bitter cold for the wind blew a gale from the
North west we danced till half past nine oclock
17 Saterday I was about the brewery all day and in the evening I went to
dancg school and being to earley I step up to Geroge Stegmans to buy a
pair of gloves for our servant girl The slaying is getting the worse of wair
The weather is remarkable cold for the season
18 Sunday Morning I was starting the water wheel and pumping water into
the steep after that I went to York and to church and after dinner I went to
Mr Brights and found the Family at dinner they also invited me to sit
down which I did I stopt ther till ten oclock Miss Betsey was verey

82
sociable and kind and I think I will send her another letter as it is utterly
impossable to get an Opertunity to speak to her privately
19 Monday morning I went with the man into the orchard to show him some
logs that I wished to hav split I then went to Stonehouses to look out
some plank to make a bridg accross the race I then assisted the malster
to load the Kilmn and after dinner I went to York to get measured for a
new vest and to get a pair of shoes I also bought a half quire of paper at
Lesslies
20 Tewsday I was brewing and began to mash at six oclock and there was a
verey [__________] so that the beer got cold before dark In the evening
I went to the dancing schoole I got home at half past eleven verey much
fatieuged indeed
The weather this evening is not as cold as it has been for some time back
the wind is however verey high from the west which drifts the snow in all
directions We was dancing quadrills all this evening
21 Wednesday mornign I went to see the wood that has been cut on the flats
bellonging to Thomas as he requested me to do so As I came back I was
taken in a snow storm that fell so fast that I could scarse see the road but
it did not last long when I came home I found three slays with barley and
on weighing it I found it to be 97 bushels After dinner I took the gun and
went to the bush to set the chopper to cut hard wood I found the snow
Kenn deep The wind was verey high this day
22 Thursday I was about the brewery all this day till evening I went to York
and to Mr Brights and stopt there for a fiew minuets I then went up the
main st intending to go to George Stegmans to buy a new from for my
God son but I met him and he told me that he had none so I turnd about
and came down to David Stegmans and bought two yards of scarlet
marieno and gav 2/6 a yard for it from there I went to the dancing school
and danced till half past nine I think I never passd an evening more to my
satisfaction The weather this day was verey cold
23 Fryday I was mashing this mornign at half past five oclock about eight
five slays came with barley and I took in 153 bushels I pitched the worts
about half past four and in the evening I went to dancing school and a
country dance was introudused for the first time The weather this day was
mild and I think we shall some Kind of down fall I hav now been on my
legs for 18 houres out of the last 24
24 Saterday forenoon Joseph and me went to Thompsons shugr bush to look

for a hand slay to draw wood out of the orchard we missed our way and
after wading throug the snow for an houre we found ourselves on the brow

83
of the hill above the meadow where we started from we then started
afresh and followd The revene till we came to the gallows we then
changed our coarse and followd the gallows hill we did not find the slay
the washes were all coverd with snow and the snow verey deep which
made it verey fatigueing we got home at noon the remainder of the day I
was about home as I was too much tired to go to dancing school The
weather this day was mild and thoughing which is the first time since the
frost set in which is better then three weeks I think there fell about three
inches of snow last night
25 Sunday morning I found my self verey much indisposed but as it was

Christmas day I resolved to go to York I made out to get to York with
tolerable ease but sitting in the cold church made me feel verey bad so that
almost immediately after church I came home This was the more to be
lemented as William Bright invited me to dinner with them and perhaps I
might have had an opertunity to wige my state with Miss Betsey as soon
as I got home I went to bed and I passed a miserable night indeed I was
verey much troubled with soar throat and pain in the head and in fact from
the crown of the head to the soul of the foot I was oppress I took a large
draft of penney royal tea on going to bed in the hope that it would bring on
a presporation and releve me
26 Monday I found my self rather better then yesterday but still verey unwell
Mr Charles Beaty and Brother and wife came to see us Mr Beatey is
man of fiew words but a man of greate mathamatical knowledge and
general information I shewd them through the Brewery and paper mill
we went to Josephs to Tea It has been dribling a little snow the whole of
this day
27 Tewsday morning I found myself some better than I was yesterday but I
did not venter out save as far as Skinners I mentioned on the 12th of
person came to desire to malt he came this This day to take his place in the
malt house The weather was not verey cold
28 Wednesday morning I went to see the how the man that was drawing
wood out of the orchard was coming on the remander of the day passed
without aneything perticular occuring worthey of a remark exept that the
taking in a load of coal is the reason I did this myself is that there has been
a differance between the collier and the malster in their reckning and on
ceeping account myself I think it is the malsters mistake The weather
was mild and pleasant and at preasant (nine oclock) it is snowing
29 Thursday morning I went with Yong Montgomery to show him where to

cut wood a tree or two in the flats In the evening I went to York and on
the way William Bright and Elliot overtook me on the road with a cutter
and I got in along with them and road to York I then went up to George

84
Stegmans And gave him a letter for Elizabeth Bright and desired him to
see it safe deliverd which he kindly promised to do the following is a
coppey of the same
Dr Betsey
Once more I humbly implore your forgiveness for again

persumeing to trouble you on a subject you hav shown so much
indifferance to But I find it utterly imposs to refrain from Loving you
and if I am not allowd to cherish hops of Miss Bright I shall be the most
miserable of all Human beings my hapiness or misery is in your hands
and will you consent to make me happy or condemn to feel all the pangs
and tortures of unreturnd and hopless Love If you are detrmned on the
latter will you hav the kindness to inclose all my letters in a peice of paper
and place them in the hands of Mr Stegman that I may get them again and
I will immediately return yours
I remain your sincer and

Affectionate Lover
W Helliwell
Don Brewery
December 29, 1831
From Mr Stegmans I went to the dancing school and

danced for two houres and a half I got home et twelve oclock the mild
indeed the weath for the last week has been verey mild an pleasant in
comparison to the weathe which proceeded it for three week
30 Fryday the cellar man came and woke me at half pas three oclock and
reported the water was hot and readey to mash so I got up altho I had not
been in bed more then three houres and a half we began to mas
immediately and we finishd at three oclock after dark and while I was
busey writing the above there came two loade of barley and on weighing
them Same I found it to be 33 bushels of barley each Load The weather
this day was mild and pleasant
31 Saterday morning I took in 38 bush of barley and our own team and a load
that a black fellow brote after dinner I took in 11 bushels of wheate in
the evening I went to the dancing school & being rather earley I took a
walk up to George Stegmans to see if he had deliverd the letter to Miss
Bright and he told me that he deliverd it last night I then came down to
the dancing school and dancid till half past nine oclock after I got home I
went through the Brewery and malt house s that the clock struck twelve
and I am in another Year (while writing the above) God grant that I may
live to see maney happey returns of the season is my sincere wish

85
January 1st 1832

1 Sunday morning I Went to Church and Mr Bolton gave a verey appropiate
discourse from the 12 chaptor of Salmus I saw Miss E Bright at church
and from the glances that she directed towards me I think that I hav made
some impression on her hart however I am rather anxtious to get her
answer to the last letter she must ether give me a favourable answer or
return my letters which will break off all corispondance After dinner I
came home by the way of Youngstreet and Bloors Brewery I never saw
Young street so good slaying in my life and as well as the people use it I
met several slays full of people all driving Jehu like I road with a farmor
about half a mile I found the roade from the Brewy but little beate and
verey bad walking so that I was rather tired when I got home in the
evening I went to Skinners to spend an houre
2 Monday morning I was starting the pump and had some trouble in doing
so owing to My neglecting to let the water out and it was in consequence
froze however with a some trouble I got it to go I then fixed my self a
little and started for the Ellection and Toun meeting held at the Red Lion
inn on Young street when I go there I found agreate assembledg of People
and Ensines flying and Bag pipes playing I was verey soon surprised
with the People shouting with caps off and completely at a loss to account
for it but I was not Kept long in suspence for presantly a large slay drawn
by four Horses and having a frame fixed on it to suport a second floor
crouded with peope made it appearance amid roars that would deafen a
person MCKenzie here began his hurang but my attention was called off
to the Toun meeting and Mr Washburn having taken the chair the business
of the day began by appointing a path master for our road I proposed Mr
Sinkleor but Mr Washburn saide I was the most fit person to be appointed
myself I was accordingly elected the magority of the people preasant as
the only roade that I cared for was provided with a path master I left the
meeting and went out to hear McKenzie hold fourth he was reading a
pamphlet containg all the greavenceses or immagenary greavenceses that
he could cull from all the acts of the assembly for the last five years he
made verey severe remarks on his Excellancy Jude Robinson arch decon
Strachon and others he likewise gave us an accont of his being expelled
the Bank the Agriculture Society and the House of Assembly with an
accont of the ship wreck of the waterloo steamar on the Sant Lawrace
where he was verey near being expelled the World altogeather After him
Timothy Street of Streetsvil came forword as a candidate he wished them
all a happey new year and would support the Freedom of the Press and the
Farmers intrest in all its branches I then came down to York Young
Street from the Red Lion to York was full of People and slays and every
slay was full and all roaring out hurra for MCKenzie
I took dinner at Thomases and I took a walk to bottom of Young Street

twice and I called at George Stegmans to see if he had a letter for me he

86
informid that he had some conversation with Miss Bright and that she told
him she wold give me a satisfactorey answer He also told me that she
was at his house and desired me to go up staires and se her But I am
resolvid never to see her more till she gives me an answer and if an
unsatifactorey one I shall cloas all corrispond with her When the team
came down in the evening I came home with it we me McKenzie
[mackenzie] an the tow decked slay with tow pair of [_________] and
several ensigns flying [________] And followd by a host of People and at
every cornor roaring out with all their might hurra for McKenzie I stop at
Charles Beteys and borrowd a work on Navigation The weather this day
was verey fine and pleasant et in the evening it began to snow Indeed for
the last week it has snowd more or less every twenty four houres
3 Teusday I was brewing and mashed at fiv oclock and finished about foure
in the after noon I went to dancing school in the evening and spent it
verey agreeable The ground was covered this morning with a fresh snow
about four inches This evening is verey cold
4 Wednesday morning I went down to see the choppers on Thomases flats

and after I came home I went to measure some wood cut by Peter
Montgomery The remainder of the day I was about the Brewery and
stending Navigation The weather was fine
5 Thursday I was buisely imployd pumping water to the steep and copper
taking barley In the evening I went to the dancing school and got home
about half past eleven It thoughed a good deal this day and when I came
home it was snowing vy fast
6 Fryday morning I got up at three oclock to start the tun and mash I
pitched the wort at five oclock and then cleaned my self and started for the
dancing school but I onley got to the sand hill when I met three loads of
barley and I turnd again to take it in and there was 136 Bushels The
weather was soft this day
7 Saterday morning I was sementing the copper with blood and lime I then
went to the bush to measure some wood I found the snow Kne deep in
the wood in the afternoon I was about the brewery and in the evening I
went to the dancing school but before I went up to Stegmans To see if he
had a letter for me but he had not he told me that he and several others
was going a slay riding tomorrow and he wished me to go with him if I
could get a slay I would go As I came down the street I stopt at several
places and at last a John Ernest he told me his slay was ingaged but if I
was first I might hav it
8 Sunday morning I got up at six oclk and took the mare as I was afraid that
I might be to late for the slay I therefore made all speed possible but I was

87
to late for the slay was gone I then went to Wilson Hunter to see if I
could borrow his slay but in vain I then went to langrels and from there
to Pilkingtons I went to eleven differant places before I obtained a slay
and then it had no wipple tree or aney thing to hold back by so that I had
to set too and tinker And fix it and then harness was the next thing the
Land lord said he had a set but they was not at home but he would send his
man for them and after passing an hour in the ut most anxity the man came
back without aney I thought I should now have to give up the thing
altogeather The companey I new had long since started however I went
to Prentice to see if he had aney single harness and he lent me them it was
now half past ten oclock and I had been runing about the since seven The
companey (which consisted of Mr Stegman and wife and M Eliot and
Bosswell and Misses Nansey and Betsey Bright and Miss Wilmot) was
gon so I set out after them with all speed but did not overtake them till I
got to Richmond hill where they was all in Mrs Barnards Ms Stegman
here introduced me to Mrs Barnard And Mr Lawrance after taking a little
wine we all set out for a Mrs Raymons I asked Miss Besety to ride with
me but she said she was going with Mr Elliot and as Mrs Barnard was
going down with us I took her into the slay We took Tea at Mrs Raymons
and passed the day agreeable enough we started for home at half past
foure when I again asked Miss Betsey if she would ride with me and she
again refused with the same answer Miss Wilmot said she would ride
with me we stopt at Mrs Barnards and Ms [_________] for a fiew
minuets Miss Wilmot is an uncommon sociable Girl she railed at me
about Miss Bright with greate eclat she told me that the reason Betsey
would not ride with me was that she was ashamed as her sisters joked with
her verey much and not from indifferance to me on the contrary she told
me that she had a verey favourable opinion of me which I am rather
inclined to believ from the glances she passes at at me
It began to rain shortly after we startd for home and continued to fall
prettey fast which made it rather disagreeable We got to Mr Brights
about eight oclock and after I took the slay and harness home and put the
Mare in Nevens Stable I came back to Tea and stop an houre Thus ends
the slay ridin which perhaps might hav given me more satisfaction if
Betsey Bright had road with me
9 Monday I was brewing and mashed at half past eight I pitched the worts at
60º the Atmosphere 33º It thoughed all this day
10 Tuesday morning I went the cooper to cut some poles to make truss hoops
went went up the flats above the Don adn a verey hard job it was to carrey
them out to where the team could get them In the eveing I went to the
dancing school for the last time The weather this day was mild and
thoughing but in the evening it changed and began to freeze verey hard I
got home about eleven oclock

88
11 Wednesday morning the called me up at six oclock to mash and we

mashed 90 Bushels and I obtained 830.4 lbs of sacchrin extract The
weather this day was much colder then it has been for some time that is for
two or three days This evening is blustrey and thretnes snow which will
be acceptable as it is bare at some place in consequence of the late though
12 Thursday morning I was imployd during the forenoon in putting wood up

to the copper and in the afternoon I went to York my princaple errand was
to see if Stegman had got a letter for me from Iss Bright but I was
disapointed as I firmly expected that she would hav ether given me an
answer or returnd my letters long before this time what ever may be her
Motives for so long delaying I cannot tell but it is verey painfull to me to
be thus treated by the onley woman living that I care for as I came home I
bought a Guntors scale at Lesslies and gave 2/9 for it the weather was
rather cool this day and there fell a little snow last night
13 Fryday I was brewing and went throug the usial routine buisness of the
day correctly and I pitched the worts at 65º The weather was mild and
sunney and consequently thoughed considerable
14 Saterday morning I went to the bush to see about some coal and I had to
go to the back of John Ashbridg farm to see [_________] [__________]
when I got home I was told that Thomas wanted to see me and I
accordingly went to York to see him I also called on Stegman but no
Answer yet I got home at half past seven oclock and a beautiful evening it
is so cleer and bright
15 Sunday morning I started the tun and examined the place all over to see
that every thing was right before I started to York and when I got to
Scaddings I met Thomas and he wanted me to turn again and I did so and I
went down the flats to see his wood and after I got dinner I wet to York to
Brights and I found all well it was some time befor Betsey showd herself
and she was rather shey I was princaply ingaged in conversation with
Betsey Wilmot in the coars of the evening Miss Wilmot got a Book and
would Marrey us which gave rise to a good deal of sport particularly when
she came to the part where the groom should selute the Bride but this
however she would not submit to and as I attempted to catch her she left
the room for a fiew minuets But soon returnd again I had not an
opertunity to speak to her privately in fact whatever is her motive she
avoids giving me an opertunity to break the subject to her
16 Monday I was cleening barrels and doing other work in the brewery and
cellar as our cellar man is left for a fiew days The weather this day was
mild and pleasant

89
17 Tuesday I was brewing and mashed 90 Bushels of Malt from which I

obtained 1060 lbs of sacchirine matter The weather this day was verey
mild and in the evening it began to rain and rained verey fast and to all
appearance it will take off all the snow and consequently spoil the slaying
18 Wednesday forenoon I was grinding malt and in the afternoon I was

measuring wood for Thomas on the flats and measured 52 ¼ cords and the
chopper called as he came Up and told me he had cut an other cord which
makes 53 ¼ cords of wood I was studing Trigenometry a little this
evening The weather this day was thoughing and at pressant (9 oclock) it
is raining verey fast our slay went to York this day but I think it will be
the last time till we hav more snow
19 Thursday morning I was tunning and the remainder of the day I was
racking beer and working in the cellor and in the evening I was studing
Trigenometry for an houre or two
20 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at six oclock in the morning 100
Bushels of Malt and I obtained 1047.8 lb of saccirine matter from it I
finished brewing at eight oclock and then set too and studed Trigenometry
till eleven It thoughed this day and the water runs over the ice in the river
a foot deep Yesterday was the first the waggon has run since The third of
december & it has been first rate slaying since that time
21 Saterday forenoon I was about the Brewery racking and cleening casks
And in the Evening I went to York to see if Miss Bright had yet placed a
letter in Mr Stegmans hands I had scarsely got in Stegmans when Bright
came in and consequently I had not an opertunity to spek to him on the
subject I bought a silk hankerchief from him from there I went to Mr
Cockshut and bought 2 ¾ yards of Marieneo and then came home without
doing aneything in my chief buisness
22 Sunday morning I went to York and to church and after I took dinner I
went to Brights I found Miss Betsey at home and Mrs Bright set in the
room for a fiew minuets and then left us I then drew up my chair along
side her and put my arm over her shoulder this she took verey kindly she
amused herselt with cutting a quill to give a turn to the conversation she
asked me if I could make a good pen I replyed that I could make one to
sute myself and asked her if she could write as she had not given me an
answer but I hoped she wold give me one now She replyd that she had
allreadey given me all the the answer she would give we then had a long
confernce on the subject when she told me that she could not posably give
her consent I then asked her if she would give me my letters again she
said that she had burned them all except the last and she would sed that
during next week At this junctur Miss Sally came in and consequently by
the conference was at an end I took my coate and hat She asked me if I

90
would stop and take tea but as I had to come home to tun I did not It
appears that I will have to give up the idea altogeather after all that has
passed between us
23 Monday I was brewing and mashed 100 bushels of malt I pitched the
worts at 64º The weather is rather colder then it has been for some time
back
24 Tuesday morning after seeing to the things about the place I went to the
woods to see abut some coal and staves In the after noon I was puting
wood up out the floor readey to Brew tomorrow the weather has been
verey changeable snow rain suney and freezing all through the coarse of
the day
25 Wednesday I got up at five oclock to mash and mashed 100 bushels of

malt and finished pitching the wort at fiv in the evening After supper I
started the pump and filled the steep I think this has been the sharpest day
I hav yet experianced this winter We had a little snow last night so the our
slay ran to York once
26 Thursday I was about the brewery all day till the evening when I went to
York and took Mr Beatey Navigation home and borrowd Boney Castle
Trigen from there I went to Stegmans and found him at home and as there
was several persons in the shop he asked me if I would take a walk and I
accordingly went with him and he gave me the ltter that I last sent to Miss
Elizabeth Bright and I gave him hers I asked him if he new who was my
rival and he said that Christopher Elliot was he also told me that her
Father was verey sorrey that she had refused me Mr Stegman came to
this end of the Town and I went back with him as far as the market and bid
him good night and left him I then went to Stennets and bought a silver
pensil and Gould Broach and gave two dollar a piece for them This was
beyond comparison the coldest day that I hav experianced this winter
27 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at six oclock and after that I had a
verey greate trouble to start the pump as it was frozen verey much The
thermomiter stood at 8º below zero this morning which is the lowest I hav
seen it this winter William Bright and John Elliot called here this day on
their way to Leys I gave them a glass of beer and showed them through
the brewery I pitched the wort at 68º The wind is verey high and
consequently this is the coldest night I remember to hav witnessed
I have suffered a good deal of anxity of mind in consequence of the verey

Unfavourable turn my Love afare has taken however I hope to be able to
sum up philosophy enough to forget it it is rather to hard to be oblige to
seacumbe to an old man after Eleven months and six days courtship I
neve thought that Elliot could stand aney chance to compete with me and

91
even when she told me she was engaged I did not beleave her I though
she merely wished to prove me and to find out weather I was sincere or
not
28 Saterday forenoon I was about the brewery and after dinner I went to York
by Bloors Brewery and Young Street I went to Robt Baldwins office to
hav his advice on Fathers will but I found the office door shut and labelled
that he was sick I then went to Mr Stegmans and he invited to take a little
dinner with him which I did I had a long conversation with him about
Miss Betsey he told me that he had deliverd her Letters and that Mrs
Bright was verey much hurt that the affair should hav taken such a turn
and told him (Mr Stegman) to tell me not to pass the house without calling
on that accoun From there I came down to Thomases and went to look for
Hugh Wear but could not find him I called at Stennets and changed the
Broach I bought there the other evening After I came home I called the
men and piled the beer in the back cells
29 Sunday morning after I started the tun I went to church and took dinner
with Thomas and came home about four oclock and spent the evening at
Skinners and reading the News paper
This was a verey cold day indeed I never suffered so much from cold feet
in church in my life The atmosphere was cloudey and not unlike snow
30 Monday morning I went to Young Street to the Election (As the

Assembley has expelled Mr McKenzie a second time and there by
rendered another election nessarey) when I got there I found verey fiew
people there so I took my station at the Barroom fire place till the
candidates arived and began to speak I then went up into the Ball room
for it was there the pool was held and from a window of the same room
that the candidates spoke McKenzie spoke first and a verey long yarn he
spun out Small spoke next but it was with difficulty that he obtained a
hearing at all and Washburn could not prevail on the people to listen at all
from without so he turned and addressed those within at some lenth it was
now about three oclock and I went down stairs and stood to see the
dancing that was going on to a fidler and a set of bag pipes and some
verey good dancing there was
In the evening the pool stood as follers
MCKenzie [Mackenzie] - 101 )

Washburn - 19 ) Votes
Small - 9 )
It snowend the fore part of the day and fell about four inches consequently
it mended the slaying much

92
31 Twesday morning I went to the woods to see after coal and came back by
Sinklers and stopt to see if he would sell a colt but he said he did not know
weather he would or not I stop there about two hours chatting with him
and the old woman In the evening I went to the Election to see how it
was coming on but when I got there the People was all leaving poll
accompayned by the pipes and ensigns I found the state of the poll as
under
MCKenzie - 325 Votes

Small - 55
Washburn given up
After I came home I was rooting up puntions in the cellor
The weather this day was mild
February 1832
1 Wednesday morning I was awakend out of a sound sleep by the cry of fire
and immediately sprang out of bed and on looking out of the window I
saw Tom the malster carreying a chair with cloas on fire out when I came
down I found the house full of smoke but happily no damage was done
more then burning the girls frock and stays It appears that the fire had
snapped out onto the cloathes on the chair and if Tom had not come in in
a verey fiew minuets all the house would hav been in flames I imediatly
began to mash and I picked the worts in the tun at five oclock at 63º the
atmosphere at 34º I began to snow this evening and if I may be allowed
to judg I think we hav a fall of snow be fore morning
5 ... And took dinner and after they was gone I went up to Eastwoods to Tea
where was Mr and Mrs Bety and Mr and Mrs Robson and all our family
Thomas excepted the conversation of the evening was princaply on
Navigation and trade as Robson is an old sailor and I wished to get some
information on the subject
The weather in the after part of the day was fine
6 Monday I was helping Hugh the carpenter to take the kirb of the copper
and put it on again as it leaked In the evening I went to John Playtors to
see if he would sell me a horse I met with Ritchard at the door and asked
him and he refered me to his father he showed me into the parlor where I
found Mr and Mrs Playtor and Miss Playtor Mr Playtor told me he would
not Sell the horse so I could not buy him I stopt a verey fiew minuets
with them

93
The weather this day was rather cold it however snowd so much that our
Teamster took the slay in in the afternoon
7 Twesday I was brewing and mashed at six oclock and pitched the worts at
five in the evening John Scadding and wife and Mother came and took
Tea with us this evening The weather this day was verey warm and
pleasant
8 Wednesday I was doing verey little in the evening John Milmine came
with a colt to sell and Joseph and me went with him down the flats in the
slay to see how he traviled and when we came back I offered him 55
dollars for him but he would not take it After he went I took it into my
hed that I would give him *60 Dollars for him so I got Joseph to go to
Sinklears with me and I got him to let me ride the horse a little and I like
the horse verey well and offered 60 dollars for him and after he saw that I
would giv no more he said that I might hav him so I told him to fetch the
horse down tomorrow morng which agreed to do
This has been a verey stormey day it has snowed the greater part of the
day and at preasant 9 oclock it is snoing verey fast and blowing verey hard
9 Thursday morning made its appearance with the ground covered with a
deep [_________] snow John Milimine brought the horse agreeable to
promse [promise] and I gave him an order on Thomas for the money 60
dollars and took possession of the horse I received a note from William
Bright about twelve oclock it was as follows
Der Sir
You must not thing hard the short notice that you get for I had the
letter for you but was affraid to give it to Thomas so you must be here by
4 oclock on fryday
I am your
Wm Bright
Inclosed in this note was a printed ticket
To Mr W Helliwell

94
Sir The favor of your compy and partner is requested to attend a

Ball to be held at Mrs Raymons Inn Young Street on Fryday Evening the
10th
Dancing to commence at 5 oclo
Robert Arnold
Edward Sweeney
C Scadding
Feb 6th
As I had no slay or partner I went to York in the evening to look for one
the first place I went to Stegmans and consulted him where it was likely I
could fine one after thinking for some time I thoug that as Mr Bright was
not at home that perhaps I could get Miss Nansey or Betsey so I
communicated it to Stegman and he kindley offered to go with me and see
When we got there Mr Bright had just come home consequently the
girles could not go Miss Nansey said she would hav gone if her Father
had not come home I onley got a glimps of Betsey past the door Mrs
Bright was verey polite indeed We then went to see Bosswell and he told
us we could get a Girl at Old Brights so away we posted there and Miss
Kittey promised to go I gave Stegman a letter for Betsey Bright
*This evening as I am resolved to try again if I make aney impresion on

her Hart the followg is a copy
My Dear Elizabet
Altho you hav given a negitive to my suite And the affair has
taken the most unfavourable turn posabe Yet I feel that if I did not adress
you again I should do the utmost violance to My feelings Words cannot
express the dreadfull state of My mind I might as well try to stop the Sun
in is daily touer round the world as to give you an adiquate idea of the
state of My feelings My Love for you is not based on aney selfish or
unhonourable princaples it is a love contracted when we were school
fellows and it has been gradually entwinig
*Round the most tender chords of My Bosom till it has at last got such
complete posession of my hart that I feel it impossable to liv without you
And if you will not cansil the answr you gave me when I last saw you I
fear that I shall loose my reckenang altogeather In the hope that you will
give me a favourable answer as soon as may be conveniant I conclude and
beleave Me
ever Your true and

faithfull
Don Brewery Lover
Feby 7th 1832 W Helliwell

95
As I came home I bought a vest and a pair of lite shoes and socks and a
pair of gloves and spoke for John Ernests slay I got home about eleven
oclock
10 Fryday morning I got up at three oclock in order to get forward with my

brewing so as to be able to go to the Ball I got the beer onto the coolers
by twelve oclock and left Joseph to see it cooled down to the proper heat
and dressed my self and saddled my horse and started about one Oclock I
got Ernest slay and and drove up to Perreys and got his hind feet shoes
taken off and new ones set on as he some times [_______ ________
_________] I then drove up to Mr Brights and took in Miss Kittey The
slaying is excellant and the horse travilled verrey well We got up to Mrs
Raymons at half past five oclock and as yet there was no person there at
eight we commensed with a country dance Mr Charles Scadding and Mrs
Raymond opened the Ball And we had reels french fours and country
dances without intermishon till twelve o clock when we set down to
supper where was everey thing that could be wished for As soon as
supper was over we led the Ladeys in to the Ball room Again and cept
them dancing till day light made its appearance We had twenty Ladies
not to be surpassed for Beauty or gay sprightly condesending behavour
the greater part of them was elegant dancers and displayed and affidity for
it not surpassed by aney of the other sex Every thing went on in the
strictest order and decorum and a more pleasant party could not be
assembled at day lite we broke up And got to York at nine oclock I left
Miss Bright at home and then came home and went to bed for three hours
and I got up a fresh as a lark The weather this day was thoughing and in
the evening it rained fast
12 Sunday Morning I rode to York and went to church As I came from

church I passed Misses Nansey and Betsey Bright and bid them Good
morning and they returned the compliment I spent some time at
Thomases when I came home Thomas came with me as far as Nevins to
see my horse he liked him verey well The weather this day is difficult to
discribe for it both froze adn thoughed I am all in anxious suspence about
the reception the last letter will meet with I sent to Miss Elizabeth Bright
13 Monday I was brewing and mashed at seven o clock and I obtained 1057
lbs of sacchirine matter from 100 bush of Malt in the evening I road the
horse down to the bottom of the medow for exorsise The weather this day
was fine and pleasant
14 Tuesday I was about the Brewery and making gagues for the tuns in the
Evening Clark (the man that has taken John Playtor farm) came for some
Indian corn and told me he had an ox to sell and desired me to look at him

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so I went down to see him to the old distillery he asked 28 dollar for the
ox and I offered 20 dollars for him
The slaying is superior and the weather was verey fine this day In the
Evening I went and spent an houre or two at Josephs The atmospher is a
little hazey this evening and I should not be much surprised if we should
hav a fall of snow before morning
NB Chief Justice Robinson and family and Brother William came to look
at the Brewery and I showed them throug the whole of the primises and
gave them a glass of beer
15 Wednesday I was brewing and mashed at seven o clock When the

Teamster came home the first time he brote word that the Mare had fallen
sick and he was oblige to leave her and get another in her place he took
my horse the second time and when he came home he brote word that the
Mare was dead & that the bots had Killed her This is the second in one
year that we hav lost by the bots
I was gaguing one of the Tuns and I found that I hav considerable over
reckoned the quanty by the deed reckoing
16 Thursday fore noon I was about home and in the after noon I went to York
and I went to Mr Stegmans to inquire if he had yet got a letter for me & to
buy a pair of pantaloons he told me he had not been to Mr Brights since I
went with him this day week he promised to go this evening to see Miss
Elizabeth When I came back to Thomases he desired me to go down to
his Water lot to assist Hugh Wear to nail on some siding I stop at Perreys
to get a cotter for the pump and came a good peice on my way home when
I remembered that I should get a sheet of Tin to make a flote for the Tun
so I turnd again and came to Willards and bough one I stopt at Mrs
Andrews and bought two wooden round barrels
The slaying is superior indeed I never Saw it better in my life The weath
is verey cold
17 Frydan I was brewing and mashed at half past six oclock and pitched at six
in the evening I also measured the other Tun this day In the evening I
made ten bungs for the puntions The weather this day was fine and not so
cold as yesterday was by considerable
18 Saterday I was doing my daily avocation in the brewery and looking afar
the buisness In the after noon Mrs Stegman and Mrs Barnard came to see
me and took Tea I showed Mrs Barnard through the Papermill and
Brewery and as they wished me to driv them home I did so Indeed I
should hav went to York aney way for I wished to see if George had yet

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got a letter for me he told me that he saw Miss Elizabeth last night and
that she told him that if he should see me befor she gav him a letter for me
To tell me not to be in a hurrey I took Tea at the Stegmans and came home
about ten oclock I found the roads coverd shoe top deep with fresh snow
when I came home
19 sunday morning was so stormey and the snow so deep that I did not go to
York and consequently the day passed very heavy on my hands I spent
most of the time in reading the life of Napolian Bonniparte In the evening
I took my horse and rod up to the Forks of the Don Just to give a little
novely to the time nd to see the improvements tht is going forward there
It is really grattifying to see the change that is making on the face of
nature I think there is bout six inches of fresh snow on the ground The
weath has not been verey cold on the contrary I think it thoughed a little
in the fore part of the day
20 Monday I was brewing and mashed at six in the morning and pitched at
six it the Evening The weather this day was fine and pleasant the slaying
is superior Mr Turner Brewer and Mlster came to look through our
Brewery and Malthouse I shoued him through the whole premises and
invited him to take dinner with us which he did
21 Tuesday I was thrashing Indian corn off the ear the whole of this day
excep what time I was seeing to the operations of the Brewery In the
evening I went to Stegmans to see if Miss Bright had yet given him a letter
for me But she had not Mr Stegman would hav me to take Tea with him
and he came down to the bottom of the Town with me nd told me that he
would hav a letter or me on saterday if possible This has been a verey
cold day
22 Wednesday I was breing and I mashed at seven oclock and pitched at half
past six oclock I am rather afraid that the returns used this day was not
verey swelt After I finished setting the worts I went up to Robert
Stonehouses to hear a woman preach and I found her standing on a box
and holding forth with great eclat indeed. She made verey good exorttion
and a verey Beautifull woman she is she quoted a greate deal from
various authors The weather this day was verey mild and pleasant
23 Thursday I was thrashing corn all the time I had to spare form the eusual
avocations of the Brewery In the evening I had a good deal of trouble
with the water wheel to get it to pump without throughing back the water
on the paper mill wheel

98
This fore noon was the roughest that we hav had for some time it snew
verey hard and was bitter cold Thomas and William Crookshak came up
to look at our old stean boiler this forenoon
24 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at seven oclock and pitched at about
seven in the evening This day has been the coldest that we hav had this
winter I am verrey sorrey that I did not take account of the Atmosphere
this morng In the evening the thermomiter stood at 6º above zero
25 Saterday I was threshing corn when I had time In the eveng I went to
York and I went through the flats and a difficult job I had for when I got to
Taylors all semblance of a broken road was at an end and the snow knee
deep I called on Mr Stegman to see if Miss Bright had yet given him an
answer to the last letter I send And he told me that he saw her last night
and she told him that she had set down to write several times and partley
wrote a letter but that she was at a loss what to write. This was like a
thunder clap to me However I am resolved to go and see her tomorrow if
all is well
26 Sunday I went to church and after that to Mr Brights and stopt till half past
ten Oclock I did not get an opertunity to speak to Miss Elizabeth privatley
at all She however appeared verey cheerfull and pleasant I think she is
just at that point where the mos persevereing will suckseed I am therefore
determined to hound her like a septer and let no opertunity of wiging my
suit slip and I yet thing I shall be suckcessfull
27 Monday I was brewing and mashed at eight oclock and pitched the worts
at about seven Oclock I was verey busey this day owing to our sellar man
being sick The weather was fin and warm the sun shone out Bright and
consequently the sno suffered I should be verey well pleased if all the
snow would go off by the suns rays and with out rain
28 Teusday I went to York to see about empty barrels and Thomas and me
went to look for some up Street we bought 9 six from Cockshut one from
Stegman and two from Cane. I wated for the Team coming and in the
interun I went to Look at the _________ when the Team came I went with
it for the barrels I stopt at the Stegmans for a fiew minuets and had a little
talk with him abut the subject that is most on my mind Whil I was hear
William Bright came and he invited me to a Tea party at his Fathers on
Thursday evening I then came down to the bottom of the Town with the
team when I took it into my hed that I would go to Betys and see how they
all was I took Tea with them and came home about sevn
29 Wednesday morning I went out to Hindses to see about some coal and he
promised to fetch a load this evening which he did The remaindr of the
day I was threshing out corn and we finished The weather was fine and

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pleasant the reason we did not brew this day was that we was short of
Barrels
March 1832
1 Thursday I was cleening corn all the fore noon and in the after noon I was
stowing away beer in the back cellar and writing a letter to Elizabeth
Bright the following is a coppey
My Dear Elizabeth
It appears that you wish to try my patience or you would ear how
hav answered my letter of the 7 of Feby I did not expect to be cept so
long in a state of the utmost anxity and suspence when I last wrote to you
Sweete Girl could you but know the racking anguish that agits my brest I
am sure you would not so long delay writing
I hav told you before and I now repete that I am in no hurrey to marrey but
would waite your own time *But I wish to be certain that you will
ultimately hav me My Dear Girl be assured that I hav no other motives in
solisiting your hand then pure affection and desire to spend my life in the
society of the only Girl I can ever Lov
Should I be so fortunate as to obtain your consent it will ever be my

greatest pleasure to see you happey I hav nothing more to add but that I
hope you will release me from the worst of pains (between hope and fear)
as soon as possabl
I remain your true and
Faithfull
Don Brewey Lover
March 1, 1832 W Helliwell
Not the Miser in the moment

Gould is glittering in hiss ‘ee
Feels the rapture knows the pleasure
That thy presance gives to me
This letter I put into the hands of George Stegman who has always
ben my messenger in this affair I wated some time for him to go with me
to Old Mr Brights agreebl to the invitation I received from William Bright
on Twesday last I found a slect companey of 15 persons About nine
Oclock Tea and coffee was was served roun to the companey in their
seats After this was over sevrl of the Young Ladies sung some Bea songs
and a play termed button button followed and at last we got the fiddle a
going struck off Dancing with greate sperit about three supper was served
up all standing round the table which was plentifuley covered with the
choisest vinds and wines The companey broak up at half past three And

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when I got home it was near four so I lay down on the Bench before the
kilnn fire till the water was hot to mash
2 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at half past seven oclock and pitched at
eight Oclock at 61º The weather this day was verey warm after the sun
got up but in the morning it was verey cold It took off the snow verey
fast
3 Saterday I was just looking over the place and sweeping up a little this day
in the evening Thomas came up and after he went home I borrowed a
fiddle from a Black man on Playtors farm for Tom the Malster to play a
little The sun shone verey warm this day and took off the snow verey fast
4 Sunday morning I went to York and before church I went to take a walk
up along the bay side and met Charles Scading and Henry Monhollan and
turnd back with them After church I went to Brights It was some time
before Miss Betsey made her appearc but when she did she was verey
pleasant and I stopt there till ten Oclock and I injoyed myself much to my
satisfaction They lent me an umberrela as I had to meandr my way home
amid clouds of snow and slete with a strong with in my face When I
came home I started the tun and called the man up This has been a very
courious day for in the morning it was sunney and fine and at noon it
cloudey and over cast and at night it stormid verey much
5 Monday I was brewing and mashed at six Oclock and pitched at seven in
the evening In the evening I took the violin home that I borrowd on
Saterday and gave the man a quarter dollar for the use of it The weather
this day was stormey
In the morning adn in the after noon it cleered up but it thoughed verey
much all day consequently it filled the roads with water and slush At
preasant (nine Oclock) it is freeseing a little and is likely to freeze hard
before morning I think we shall loose all the slaying verey son But we
cannot complain for we hav had it for three months allmost without
intermishon
6 Twesday morning I went out to Hinds to see about some coal In the after
noon I went up to the dam to see Skinners people at work at the race and
to see the nature of the damage that was done I found that the water had
got between the stone wall and the imbankment of earth which backs up
the wall and was in consequence running through the wall and would
probbaly hav taken down wall If it had not been discoverd in time When
they went to repair it they shut the head gates down and stopt the water
which let the ice fall so that so that there is no possabillity of a supply of
water coming down the race till the ice is thoughed The weather was
some what cold in the morning but after the sun got fairley up it wa warm

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and melted the snow verey fast which made the water run from the hills in
plenty and consequently our yard was swiming with water It freezes a
little this evening and I think will freeze hard before morning
7 Wednesday I was brewing and mashed at half past six and pitched at
seven in the evening I this day tryd the experement of letting the water
into the mash tub under the fals bottom but I think it is like Paddeys
improvement and improvement for the worse I do not like it at all The
old plan (letting the water on the top) I think is far preffabl The weather
was fine but did not though a greate deal
8 Thursday morning I went to Hines to get some coal and he promised to

fetch a load tomorrow morning In the evening I went to York and I went
by Bloors Brewery and Young Street I stopt [stopped] before Stegmans I
thought I saw Thomas and as I did not wish him to see me I took a walk
up to [________] and took a glass of perfect [______] I then came down
to Stegmans and asked if he had yet get a letter for me but he had not I
then came down to Brights and brough the umberrela home and took
Coffee and stopt till eleven The Girls were verey pleasnt Indeed they are
always as cheirfull and good natured as Girles can be I am rather at a loss
to accont for Miss Betseys not answering my letter I got home about a
quarter after twelve and a beautiful evening it is The weather was verey
warm and took all the snow off the roads
9 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at seven Oclock and pitched the worts
at ten in the evening This afternoon I took a walk up to the Mill dam as I
herd that the floom had again given way and from the appearance I think
it will continue to do so till the frost is completely out of the ground And
there is no way to prevent it but raising an imbankment of earth so high
that the frost cannot penetrate as low as the surfice of the water
It was verey warm and thoughed verey much this day
10 Saterday morning I took a walk down to the top of the meadow to see if
the plank was pinnd on to the bridg when I came back I was puting head
gates readey to put in at the head of our race if they should be required I
sent by John Eastwood to Mr Stegman to see if he had a letter for me and
he sent word that he would hav one in the eveng so accordingley I road
bobey down and he (Stegman) gav me a letter I immediately broke it
open and to my greaf I found it to be a verey unsatisfactorey one I
showed it to George and he said that if I would give him leave he would
ceep the letter and say that he had broke open the letter himself and seeing
that it was unfavourable he would not give it me But would tell her that
she must write another he said that he would also show it to Her Mother I

102
am extreamly sorrey that I cannot remember the words I thought that this
time I should hav got a favourable answer as she has been verey sociable
the three or four last times that I have visited her And now I am at a loss
to know weather she is onley trying me or weather she speaks the
sentiment of her mind As her actions contradict her words
I found the roads verey muddey
11 Sunday mornign I went to York and being rather earley I walked about the
streets till church time After church I went to Brights in rather a gloomey
statete of mind for I allmost made up my mind that it would be the last
time But Miss Betsey met me at the door and was so verey pleasant that
that my resolution began to falter In the evening George Stegman came
and stopt a fiew minuets I went to the don with him and he told me that he
had returned the letter to Betsey and that he told her that he would not
deliver aney letter of such an unsatisfactorey nature She said that she was
glad that he had not given me the letter and that she would write again
tomorrow I stop there till half past ten And a troublesome job I had to
walk home for the roads was verey muddey It thundered and lightened
accompanyd with some rain in the earley part of the evening But when I
took the road it was a cleer fine night I got home about whiching time
for it was between twelve and one Oclock
12 Monday morning I got up at five Oclock to start the tun and to mash In
the after noon Joseph and I went down to the Bridg at the top of the
meadow and pinned the plank on and tied it fas to prevent its floating
away if the water should get so high as to lift It out of its place There is
considerbl of water over the ice and the ice raisd up in the middle
The weather has been fine and it took off the snow verey fast this day
13 Tewsday morning I was surprised to see the rivr overflowing it banks in

maney places And the weather as differant from last night as cheese in
from chalk for it was freeseng verey sharp Papinaw came up to cut some
trees on Thomases flats adn I went to show him weather to go down the
flats but soon found that there was too much water on the flats So we
took up the hill and went the road to Smiths point we saw so much water
on the flats that it was no use to go aney farther So we came back After
dinner I went out to [_______] Pangmans to see about coal and came back
by the place where our Wood choppers is at work helped them to cut of a
cut with the cross cut saw The water was so high that our Mill would not
move at all so that in consequence we cannot Brew tommorrow
This has been the coldest day that we hav had for some time

103
14 Wednesday morning the water was a little abated and we tryd our mill but
found that she would not go After breakfast I went to York and called on
Baldwin to get his advice on Fathers will But he had not time to give it I
then went to Stegmans and he gave me the following letter
York March 12 1832
Mr Wm Helliwell
Gentleman
I received your letter dated the 28 – 1832 Still continue writing to me as

usial and if I do not make all the allowances you desire in the end of this
*letter I should not answer you at all But altho I am really unhappy to
find you so urgent and will not take no for an answer and more to fine my
self to be the Ocation of your torments If it had not been that I had
obligated my self to anothr person as I once told you I was engaged before
you put the the question to me of Marriage I would hav consented your
request with the Greatest of Pleasure for I am satisfyd that there could not
be aney one truer to a Lover then you hav been to me And all in vain I
am afraid As I hav refused you so maney times which you cannot blame
me as I wish to be as good as my word I still receve all the ltter you write
me with pleasure For the Generous proposal which you hav made me and
I thank you kindley for the well wish you hav for me
* As I hav given you a fair denial in consequence of pledging myself to

another that put the question to me before you did so William you must
not think hard of me for writing to you as I hav done for I assure you that
this letter was written with much pain to write you so plain a Denial It is
not that I hav aney Disrepect for you far from it for I hav the Greatest
Respect for you and the Family and I am Glad to see you at all times you
come But still it his hard to serve two masters altho my contience pricks
me when ever I see you thinking to myself weather am I doing wrong or
not I sometimes think to myself is it Possable that I could deceive one
that I hav already promised who has given me no provocation for the sake
of you Altho you hav been so true to me
* A long time it appears quite unknown to me from your conversation and in

walking out on Sunday thinking all the time was my sister Miss Nansey
that you came to see as you always was with her if you had put the
question to me in the first place there would be no objection as I never saw
aney thing in your manners or Behavour that would perswade me against
having you So do not slight the house on my account for I feel happey to
see you at all times being so long acquainted with you and perhaps you
may succeed in your Expectations if in case that the other deceived me O

104
how peoples hearts can deceive them There is scarcely a person that can
love for aney time without at least some distant hope of succeeding
I am wholley at a loss who to advise you in choice of a Lover
* insead of Miss Elizabeth which you pitched upon Excuse the freedom and
manner I hav written to you As I ment no offence I hope you will take
none
And still feel sorrey for you But cannot help it as repent ance is not so
much for what I hav done as fear of consequences So this is all that I hav
to inform you at preasant on the subject and hope that this letter will
deside mattes with you and that you may hearafter make yourself easey on
my accont
And Remain Your

Wellwisher
Elizabeth Bright
The above is nearly verbatim in her own words As I came home I stopt at
Turnors Brewery and looked through it When I got home I wrote the
following
* And should I never suckseed as a Lover I shall allways hav the greatest
regard for you and every Branch of your Family
I hope your engagement has not been iretreveably and fieally given for I
am satisfyd that I can never be happey without you
It is probbal that I shall com to see you on Sunday and I should like to hav
som conversation with you on the subejct if it is possabl Pray forgive the
plain and abrubt manner that I hav written to you And beleave me still
and I ever shall remain your True and
Faithfull
Don Brewery Lover
March 14, 1832 Wm Helliwell
15 Thursday morning I inclosed the letter in a sheti of paper and directed to

George Stegman and sent it by John Eastwood The river is so far settled
that our Mill will just job round and I was attending her all day it is now
nine Oclock and there is twenty bushels to grind yet and at the rate it has
been going all day it will take to one oclock The weather has been rather
milder to day the for the last three days The moon has a greate circle
round her this evening and it has everey appearance of rain for the
atmosphere is thick and hasey

105
If there falls a quanty of rain God onley knowes the consequence for I fear
that it will sweep all before it on the dam
16 Fryday I was brewing and mashd at six Oclock and pitched the tun at six
in the evening The weather was pleasant all the fore part of the day but
toward night it began to blow verey hard and becam quite cold
My mind is in a verey uneasie state on account of this Love affair of mine

but I hope to settle it some way on Sunday I think she is not altogeather
so far pledged to another as as she makes account on However I shall
onley try her once more and if I am not successfull I shall give her up
altogeather
17 Saterday morning made its appearnc a verey stormey one indeed and as
cold as aney day I hav experiencd this season and continued so all day I
was assisting to grnd and move malt and sundrie other little jobs I was
doing today The weather this evening is as cold as aney that we hav had
this winter
18 Sunday morning I went to York and after dinner I went along with
Thomas to see Dutchers Engine and came back with him and as I was
standing at the cornor Thomas Andr came past and I walked down the
street till we met Charles Scadding and we then turnd about and walked up
the street a little way and then I left them and came back to Brights on the
old buisness But still I did not hav an opertunity to speak to her altho I was
in the stable with her milking I got my arms round her neck But she
repulsed me in such a way as rather to give to give incourag then other
wise I stopt till half past nine and had a fine cleer night to awalk hom
altho verey cold
When I got home I wrote the followng letter to Miss Elizabeth for I am
determined to put an end to this doubtfull state of mind
* My Dear Elizabeth
Perhaps you will be surprised at receiving this letter But I
hav been so uneasie in my mind for a long time that I wish to bring the
affair to cloas at once And I now for the seventh and last time offer you
my Heart and hand. If you think fit to accept of them and give me yours
in return you will pleas let me know it as soon as possable But if you
cannot or Will not consent to My request you can give this letter back to
Mr Stegman and I will take it for a final denial As I do not with to giv
you aney more trouble then I can possable help

106
If I am unsuccessfull this time I am resolved to abandon a project that has

for a long time so disturbed My mind That I hav been in the greatest
misery Dear Elizabeth consider that in giving an answer to this letter
* you are pronnounceing My doom weather I shall be the most happey or
miserable of the whole Human race
In your last letter you gave me hops and will you now realize them
Next to being in your company and receiving your letters My greatest

pleasure is in writing to you
All I hav to offer is a Heart as true and faithfull as the Dove But if I was
posessed of all the wealth of India I should be prowd to lay it at the fee of
the Girl I must ever adore
I remain your True and

Faithfull
Don Brewey Lover
March 19 1832 William Helliwell
The above letter I inclosed in one to George Stegman which was as

follows
* Dear Friend
I wish you to take charge of another letter If you will not

think it too much trouble I now not when I can repay the obligation I am
under to you for the maney favours you hav done me Indeed I could not
carrey on a corispondance at all if it were not for your kindness This is
the last attempt I shall make so if you hav aney influance I hope you will
thro it into the scale
And oblige your Sincer

Don Brewey Friend
March 19 1832 William Helliwell
19 Monday I was brewing and mashd at nine Oclock and pitched at half past
nine at night The weather was not so cold as yesterday was by a good deal
20 Tuesday morning I went down onto Thomases flat to see Papinow and
show him to where to cut some trees out of the way of the ice I then
came home and dressed myself and went to York to see Robert Baldwin to
get his advice on Fathers will I saw him and he told me that he would
give me an answer in a fiew days I then came down to Beatys and stopt a
fiew minuets when I came back to Stegmans and I had a long conversation

107
with him on the Love buisness he invited me to dinner and I accepted his
invitation I went and came by Bloors Brewery and Young Street
The weather this day was foggey and warm and consequently thoughed
considerabl
21 Wednesday morning I was surpis to see the ground covered over with a
fresh snow as it was raining and thoughing fast when I fell assleep last
night I was brewing and mashed at seven Oclock and pitched t six Oclock
The weather this day was fine
22 Thursday morning I took the horse and road out to the coal bush to see
about coal and I bought a load from Hines and gave him six dollars for it
They was the onley coals in the bush After dinner I went for the four
mile tree but I met Turley and turnd abut as he promosed to bring a load
tomorrow or Saterday I called on Mr Stegman and he told me that Miss
Bright had been there and told him to aske me if Mother and Thomas was
aware that I had made overtures to her and if they had aney objections she
also told him to tell me that I might take what he should say as coming
from herself She said that she would ceep the ltter I sent her But she
would not write and if I liked I might take it for granted that she would
hav me Now this is what I call evation in the extreem and I think I shall
not visit her aney more till she does answer my letter for I think that if she
does not think it worth her while to write to me I shall not think it worth
my wile to give myself aney further trouble about her
23 Fryday I has brewing and mashed at seven o clock After the worts was
on the cooler I road out to the woods to see the choppers This day has
been verey fine
24 Saterday morning I road the new horse to York and got the bills from
Thomas As I intended to go to the Highland Creek to collect money I
found the roads tolerable good, in some places they are not thoughed at all
and in some places they are dry and dustey I got £11.50 from Fisher and a
note from Reynolds for £5 I like the new horse verey well he is a natural
galloper and I think he will travel well This has been the finest day that
we hav had for some time back
25 Sunday morning I went to York and before church I took a walk wh

Thomas along the beach and up Young Street and down the Main Street
After church I went to Brights and in the coarse of the after noon I was
alone with Betsey for a fiew minuets when the following conversation
took place Betsey did you receve a lttr from me last week?
“Yes” – smiling
why did you not return a answer?
“You, did not request one”

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But you might now that I wanted one

“Well I can give you one at aney time”
Well giv it me now
“What kind of answer do you want
A favourable one”
Certainly I do if I can get one
At this juncture Miss Nansey came in to the room and consequently put a
stop to the conversation and I had not an opertunity to renew it again
However I hav everey reason to beleve that she would hav given me a
favourabl answer as she was particlor in showing all the soft insinuating
kindnesses When I pressed her had she returned the pressure with a glanc
that I could not misunderstand and whenever she spoke to me it was in
such a soft tone which plainley told me that I hav a last made some
impression on her little Hart She lent me a book and pressed me to take a
lanthorn as it was verey dark But I declined I got home at half past
twelve
26 Monday I was brewing and mashd at seven Oclock and pitched at about
seven in the evening While the worts was on the cooler I road out to John
Craigs to see if he had yet set fire to the coal pit
The weather this day was rather cool Indeed it has greatly changed since
night for the ground was frozen hard this morning
27 Tuesday morning I went down the flats with an intention of seeing

Papinou but I could not get to him for the water as I came back I went up
to the spring dam to see how it was situated as I hav not been to see it this
winter I found the imbankment standing in good order and the dam full
of water The water in the river is verey high so much so that it back
waters our Mill so much that she will scarsely move It took all day to
grind 50 Bushels of Malt This has been a verey warm day
28 Wednesday I was brewing and mashed at eight o clock In the afternoon I

went with Tom the Malster to Taylors to buy a horse but we found he was
too small and the price to large The weather has been verey warm this
day and took till ten Oclock to cool the beer
29 Thursday morning I road out to Hineses and Jack Craigs for coal and after
dinner I road down to the fore mile tree on the same buisness I the came
up to York and went to Baldwins office to see about the Will but it was
after office houres and consequent to late I stop at Smiths and had some
conversation with him about ging to England I also stopt at George
Stegmans and had a good deal of talk with him about the Love affair I
then came down to Thomases and took tea from thence I went to Bateys to
give him the roal of the people that lives on the don Road I then called

109
into Brights and they was just sitting down to Tea and I sat down and took
a cup with them during the evening I was left alone with Betsey for a fiew
minuets and I asked her if she had made up her mind She answered by
asking me if my “Mother and Brothers new I was paying my addresses to
her?” I told her that I did know but I thought they must be aware of my
frequenting the house She also asked me “where I intended to live?”
But this was a question I could not answer as I did not know that myself
The remainder of the conversation was unimportant It rather served to
show that she was well disposed to wards me and if we had not been
interrupted she would hav satisfyd me
I posted the following letter this day
Mr John Schofeild
Dr Sir I expect to leave here for England about the first of

May next and if you hav aney letters or other messages that you wish to
send I will take them with the greatest pleasur if you send them here by
that time
I remain With Respect

Don Brewery Wm Helliwell
March 29, 1832
PS We are all well at preasant and hope you and all your Family are in
the injoyment of the same Blessings
30 Fryday morning John Eastwood came to tell me that there was two wild
ducks settled below the dam so I took my gun and went up and got a shot
and wounded one of them But it dove and I never say it more I was
brewing this day and pitched the worts at 60º at ten Oclock The weither
was verey fine indeed
31 Saterday morning I took the gun and went down the flats as far as the top
of the medow where I saw twoo men on the other side of the river So I
new that it was useless to go aney further so I turnd and went up the river
as far as the top of ceder hill I saw several ducks but could not get a shot
at them when I came home I saw two ducks oposite the paper mill and I
shot them but the shot did not take iffect this is the first day that the river
has been aney open at all and yet it is but verey partially so The remainder
of the day I was grinding malt The weather was verey fine and a verey
high wind afternoon even boisterous and squalley but it settled in the
Evening
*April 1st 1832 Sunday morning I got up earley and called all hands to go
and look for a hefer that has been mising fofr two days we searched for

110
two houres but to no purpose After breakfast I went to York and to

Church And after church I went down to Brights and as the Girles was
going to Mr Atkinsons to Tea and they invited me to accompaney them I
did so Mr and Mrs Atkinson Received us with Greate politeness and
Hospitalty and the evening passed off verey agreeabl till half past ten at
which time we left Miss Betsey took my arm and on the road the
following conversation took place
Hav you made your mind yet?

“I hav not altered it from what I told you several times”
Then you will not hav me?
“I do not with to hav aney one”
O do not say so Betsey?
“You will find better then me”
No I never can find one I love so well
“Perhaps you think so at preasant but you will soon forget me”
No never
“I thought you were onley in sport for a long time”
But I am not jokeing and why did you not send my letter back if you did
not give consent as you cept the letters I took it for granted that you were
willing and George told me that you told him to tell me so
“I did not, I told him to ask you if your freind were willing: I will send
your letters back”
No I do not want them ceep the letters and say Yes
“No I would not say so”
This brote us to the door consequently our conversation was at an end I

am at a loss to account for this change in her sentiment I rather attribute
it a fit of Coquettery
It was much better walking home then it was last Sunday I got home at
twelve Oclock
2 Monday morning I took the gun and went up the river to see if I could kill
a duck or two I followed them up as far as the forks and I onley got one
shot and killed one duck when I came home I set down and wrote the
following letter as I hav been in the utmost trouble of mind since last night
My Dear Elizabeth
It is now near fourteen months since I first came to see you

and near eight since I declared my Love And although in your letters you
gave me but little incouragement Yet as you allways receivd me with such
good natured cheerfullness I was let to beleave that as soon as you could
be satisfyd that I was serious and had no other then Honourable intentions
your scruples would be removed adn from the conversation I hav had with

111
you since I last wrote I drew favourable conclusions But: Alas how I hav
deceived myself For from your conversation on Sunday night I find I find
I hav now nothing left to hope And life or death are alike indifferant to
me Perhaps I may drag out a fiew years of miserable existance But my
peace of mind is completely distroyd and God onley knows what the
consequences may be It is impossable to discribe the dreadfull state of
mind that I hav in since last night And while I am writing this the
burning tears are roalling down my cheeks
Verey likely you will say that I will soon get over it And if I was a
person of a cold Heart and weake passions I [_________] might But the
verey reverse is my case for it is My misfortune to have a hart [heart] that
is succeptable of feeling the strongest emtions
And My Love for you is not of that kind that burns for a moment like gun
powder and is over But it a Love that is deep rooted and has been long
and gradual in its growth and consequently can never be eradicated but
must continue to burn to the last If you had given me a point blank denial
when I first wrote to you I might hav forgotten you
But after allowing me to visit you for so long a time and then refuse me I
think it is a hard case
I shall now bid you adew and I sincerely hope that it may be your lot to
meet with true hapiness and that you may be Blessed with all the good
things of this life will ever be the Prayer Dear Elizabeth of
Your ever constant and ever
Unfortunate
Lover
Don Brewery William Helliwell
April 2 1832
The above letter I took to George Stegman and the two books that I
borrowed from her and requested him to deliver them and he promised me
that he would tomorrow
3 Tewsday I was brewing and mashed at half past six and pitched the wort at
about six in the evening
I was down in the wheel pit this day to try and get some sticks out but I
could not I found the water verey cold it took up to the knees The
weather was rather coole and in the evening it blew a strong gale of wind
4 Wednesday I was grinding malt all day and ground 120 Bushels I was up
to the dam this forenoon The weather was rather cold and windey

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My mind is verey uneasey on account of this Love affair Rally are

troubleson things and yet we cannot do without them I hav suffered more
real axity and trouble of mind on account of Miss Elizabeth Bright
The [?] I thought it possable for aney woman in the world to make me feel
5 Thursday I was brewing and mashed at half past five in the morning and
pitched at six in the evening This was a verey cold indeed and froze
verey hard all day in the shade
6 Fryday I was also brewing this day to make up the brewing we lost on
Monday in the afternoon I went up to the dam to see Skinners people rais
it with scrues they had four or five of them under the plate and was rais
them up to admit the posts underneth It appears that the frost has by some
means or other raisd the upper works of the dam that the Posts slipt out
and let it down for nearly half the lenth
The weather this day was fine and pleasant altho it froze verey hard last
night
7 Saterday morning I went to York and to Baldwins office to see about the
will But he was at court I then came down to George Stegmans and
asked him if he had delivered the books and letter & he said that he had
he told me that Mr & Mrs Bright would be from hom tommorrow & I
think I will go and try Miss Betsey once more if I could hav an opertunity
to talk to her I think that she would yet give her consent I also stopt at Mr
Smiths and had a little talk with him about going to England
I bought a pair of shoes at Armstrong and Bateys I also stopt at Charles

Bateys and brote Thomas up with me I found the roads quite good and
dry This has been the finest day that we hav had for some time
8 Sunday morning I went to York and before church I took a walk about the
town and after I took dinner I went up to Geroge Stegmans to see if Mr &
Mrs Bright was from home and he told me that they was so I came
immediately down Miss Betsey was rathe reserved and spoke verey little
About four Oclock Geroge and his wife came and he succeeded in
drawing the attention of the Family into the other room and leaving Betsey
and me togeather when I caught her round the neck and smacked a kiss
(for the first time) she took it verey well and I asked her to pledge her
word that she would hav me but this she refused to do However she gave
me grater incouragement then she ever did before She had a book in her
hand and cept her fingares rappidley in motion – turning the leaves
without paying aney attention to their contents while I had my arms round
her neck and was wispering soft insiniating words into her ear And every
now and then pressing her rubey lips to mind which she showed no
disposion to prevent She tryd to perswade me from going to England I

113
stopt till ten Oclock and I had a beautifull evening to walk home it was
however cold I fell myself much more at eas then I hav for a long time
back as I do not think I shall hav much more trouble to get her consent
9 Monday I was brewing and mashed at six oclock and pitched at seven in
the evening While the wort was cooling I road out to Jack Craigs to see if
he had yet set the pit on fire There was a verey cold wind this day and it
froze verey hard last night and I think it will freeze hard this I never
remember seeing such a long continunce of cold dry weather as we hav
had this spring Nor do I remember to hav seen the roads in aney thing
like their presant state for they are as dry and dustey as midsummer
10 Tewsday I was grinding malt and it took us about six hours The weathe
11 Wednesday I was brewing and mashed at six Oclock in the morning, and
pitched, at then at night After the worts was on the coolers I went down
to the bottom of the meadow to see Papinou and when I came back I road
Squire Woods horse out on to the plains
We may term this the first of [________] at least if it continues for dit has
been the first warm day that we hav had and I herd the Frogs for the first
time this evening which indicates I think that we shall not have aney more
cold weather
12 Thursday morning I took the spade and went accross the river and up the
old Young Street road to get some sassefars for Tea as it allways thought
to be a good thing in the Spring of the Year In the afternoon I road Squire
Woods Horse to York and went with the team Down to the Steam Boat
with six barrls for Niagara I then came up by Baldwins office but it was
shut I calld at Smiths and Stegmans and after I came down I took a walk
with Thomas The weather this day was verey warm I came home just at
dark and took the men into the cellar to pile up the beer
13 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at six and pitched at half twelve And
as the evening was verey fine and I was oblige to be up I took a walk as
far as Playtors and hearing a violin at a little Black mans cottag I went in
and he playd several tunes for me This has been the warmest day that we
hav had this spring And this is as pleasant an evening I as I hav seen for
some time back
14 Saterday I was grinding malt and removeing a portion of it from one end
of the granery to the other
The weather was verey warm in the forenoon but in the evening it became
cold

114
15 Sunday morning I took a walk as far as the spring dam before I went to
church and when I got to York Thomas went with me to see Dutchers
Steam Engine after church I came down to Brights & I stopt till nine
Oclock I could never get Miss Elizabeth alone but she seemed rather shy
when I came home she lent me an umberrela as it rained a little
After I got home I sat down and wrote the following
Elizabeth
,can you, with cruelty scorn:
The Heart that so fondley adores you:
And, can you with pleasure, condemn me to mourn
Who would willing die, for for [?] to serve you
And, can you behold me with sorrow oppressed
Wish a life that is scarce worth the psessing [?]
While in you: all my hopes & my pleasures are lost
Oh, will not the thought be disteressing
Could, you with for to see me Heart broken
And stray, a wanderer over the earth:
While; pure Love was the coas that drove me
Away, from my freinds; and the place of my birth
Oh, if you could Love me, and say you’d be

Mine, how fondley that word I would cherish
And: if ere I prove falce may the sun never
Shine on my head or the waters replenish:
The earth, with their moisture; or streems with
Their rain, while the Globe on its axes roals round
And if, ere I forget the Sweete Girl that
I Love, my I soon be beneath the cold mound
I have followed you long and stuck to you

True, and hav courted you more then a year
And will you now consent to be
My, true and lawfull Dear
Your answer soon I wish you’d
send, And tell me plainley in it
If ‘ear you will become my wife

The, time, and when, you’ll be it
And now my dear I with you joy:

And Happey may you dwell:
Will ever be the constant prayer
Of William Helliwell

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16 Monday I was brewing and mashed at seven in the morning and pitched at
9 in the evening After the worts was on the coolers I transcrbed the verses
that I wrote last night and took it to S Stegman and desired him to give it
to Miss Elizabeth Bright which he promisd to do This was nearley one
continued shoure of rain all day
17 Teusday I was grinding malt and we ground 30 Bushels an hour and in

consequence we was soon done
In the afternoon I took the horse and road up the river above the forks of to
see the improvements Mesrs Maitland & Monro are making This was
rather a wet day which makes it rather muddey and bad traveling I
composed the two following verses to day
‘Tis pleasant to walk with the Girl that we love

‘Tis pleasant to sit reposed at our eas
‘Tis pleasant to be where no eye can observe
With the Girl of our Heart reclined on our knee
How sweete ‘tis to Love when that Love is returnd

And how sweete ‘tis to meet the fond Girl we adore
Yet sweeter by far is the time when we Greet

And our fears are all over and we part no more
18 Wednesday I was brewing and mashed at six Oclock and during the day I
composed the following verses
Farewell, to the land

To, the scenes of My youth
Where, My days passed in pleasure
My nights passed in truth
Where, I allways was happey:

Where, I allways was Gay;
Till a prettey fair damsil;
Stole My Heart away
No more, shall I stray

With a Heart that is lite;
by the sweete River Don
In a moon shiney night
No; My pleasures are gone

And My hapiness lost:

116
I find that Loves pleasures

Will ne’ar pay the cost
So forlorn; I will wander

Far far from My Lover:
I will range through World
And the wide Ocean over
I will try to forget her;

Though the hope it is vain:
But I ne’ar shall be with
Her: or, see her again
I will try to forget: the

Fond, houres that I’ve passed
Though near did I
Think it would end so at last
I will leave both My Parents

And friends for to morn
And I’ll face the rough
Seas; and the wide forming storm
I will range, over seas

And the ociens wide foam
In search of the Love
That’s, denyed me at home
So, Parents, friends, Lovers

I will bid you adieu;
For the proud swelling sails
Will soon part me from you:
It will be seen by these verses that I was in rather a gloomey state of Mind
when I wrote them. I pitched the worts at ten Oclock at 60º This has
been a very wet day and it still continues to rain verey fast
19 Thursday I was Grinding malt in the forenoon and we ground 110 bushels
in three houres and five minuets. In the evening John Eastwood came and
told me that ther was some ducks in a pond in their meadow So I took the
gun and went to see for them notwithstanding it was raining Verey fast I
saw three of them but could not get a shot at them as the flew befor I saw
them I thought they settled in the blind don and I accordingley went
down to the bottom of our Meadow & crossed over the drift wood but I
could see nothing of them I came up this side of the River Home It
Rained most of this day

117
20 Fryday I was brewing and pitched the beer at eleven oclock This was a
fine day and it dryed up the Roads considerable and the stood in kneed of
it for the late rain had broken them up terabley indeed
21 Saterday morning I was grinding and I finished at half past ten when I
went to York to Baldwins office to see about the will from there I went to
Smiths and had some talk with him about our pasage to Endland I then
called on Stegman to see if he had given the letter to Miss Bright and also
if she had given an answer to it he told me that she told him that she
would not write aney more But that she would hav some talk with me as
(she said that) I would be there before long The weather was rather
Gloomey and it rained a little about twelve oclock
22 Sunday morning I took a walk up to the dam before I went to York and
when I did I took back the umberrela that Miss Bright lent me last Sunday
evening after dinner I went down tot he wharf to see if aney schooner
was going to the head of the Lake as Thomas desired me to go but there
was none so we agreed that I should go on horseback I then came down to
Brights and I got Betsey alone and asked her if she would say yes or no
and she answerd I sopose so, which I consider as equevilent to my request
I spent the day verey much to my satisfaction indeed She alloud me to
incercle my arm round her neck and kiss her with the greetes good nature
I got home about eleven oclock
23
24 Monday I got up verey earley and started for the Head of the Lake I stop
a several places on the stree and when I got to Muns I turnd down to Oak
vill to see Merick Thomas I was much delited with the improvement that
has been done since I was last ther I saw an exellent Schooner allmost
readey for launching belinging to Chalmers and another just above
belonging to Chisholm I road on the cannell at the beach and called on
Captain Mann and went on to Hamilton where I arrived at sundown tired
enough and my horse was a good deal jaded I put up at the Canada
companey’s arms where I was put into a bed that was about a foot to short
and consequentl my feet had to take it
25 Twesday morning I took a look round and I found that Hamilton has
improved wonderfully since I was last there I went up on to the top of the
mountain to see a man (before breakfast) The prospect from the top of
the mountain above Hamilton stand unrivelled in upper Canada about en I
started for Dundass to see some barley that is there for sale I also went
through Pattersons Brewery and really it is a fine building however they
do little buisness they hav not spared aneything in the out fit I then came
back to Hamilton to settle some buisness there and left for home at two
Oclock and came to Turners where I put up for the night

118
26 Wednesday morning I stopt till breakfast was got readey before I started I
then came on to the twelve and went off the road to look at some cattle
that I was told was for sale but when I got there they was sold I stopt at a
little log building that bears the name of a brewery but of all the consarns
that I ever saw it beats them The propieter Was verey obliging and
showed me all that there was to be seen
I arrived at York about half past four and after I took Tea I with Thomas to
see a Mare that Bareney Roddey has for sale I then came home where I
got to bout six Oclock after an absance of three days The weather was
remarkable fine during the time that I was away from home I partley
failed in the object of My journey as I did not get maney emtey barrels or
much money all I could collect was 19-5-0 where if I had got all that I
ought to hav got it would be fortey pounds
27 Thursday I was brewing and mashed at six Oclock Mr Cook from

Vaughn came up and asked me to waite till August before I go to England
and accompy him As it was verey warm this eveng and the worts not
likely to be cold soon I thought I would take a walk and See the Girl of
My Heart and I spent two or three houres verey agreeable with Misses
Bright Betsey told me that for the future she would not set up with me
later then nine Oclock It was one Oclock before the worts was cold
28 Fryday I was brewing again to make up for lost time in the fore part of the
week It was twelve Oclock before the worts was cold I ground 80 Bushels
of Malt this afternoon after the worts was on the coolers
This was a beautifull day
29 Saterday morning I finished Grinding the Malt and after that I went to
York and got from Robert Baldwin the Opinion on Fathers will I then
called on Mr Smith and we agreed to start for England about the eight of
May I then called at Stegmans to see how they all was from there I came
down to Thomases and took dinner and he was unwell I did several things
for him about four oclock I started to come home
I stop at Batys a little while and from there I went to Brights and found the
Girls alone as Mrs Bright was out I wished Betsey to give me a definate
promise that she would hav me and she said that she would not I then
told her that I should not ask her aney more She then said that as I had
been at so much trouble on her accont she would say “yes” and aske me if
that satisfyed me And I replyed that it did I stopt till about six and then
came home This was a remarkable fine day

119
30 Sunday morning I went to York and was cought in a shour of rain but as I
had taken the precaution to bring and umberrela I did not get wet before
church I took a walk down to the wharf and was surprised to see so many
schooners in hrbour After dinner Thomas and I had some talk about My
going to Endland and really we got to such a lenth that my feelings did not
settle for a long time I then came down to Brights but as they had
company and I did not feel verey well nether in bodey or mind I did not
stop long and came back befor dark which is a thing I hav not done this
three months before The wind was verey high from the East to day
31 Monday I was brewing and mashed at seven Oclock I receivd three letter
from John Scholfield to day two for England and one fro My self which
requested me to take the other two to England In the after noon I went
out to the bush to count staves that was got out by John Craig and found
1650 pieces Headng and all
I was two Oclock in the morning of the first of May before the worts was
cold
May 1832
1 Teusday I was grinding malt and the mill went rather slow put a curb
round the water wheel she then went rather fast
In the after noon I went and bared the water pipes and pulled out the plug
at the lowest leavel to see if I could get aney dirt out of them as the water
came verey slow and the dam being full I though that the pipes must be
stopt up with dirt There came out a little but nothing of consequence
This was a vry fine day indeed
2 Wednesday I was brewing and mashed at half past seven in the morning
In the evening I took a walk down to the bridg to see how the men had
plowed the pottatoe patch The weather was gloomey and thretned rain
The beer was cold at twelve oclock this evenng
3 Thursday I was grinding malt and finished at one oclock I then clened the
steps down & in the evening I went to see Miss Bright and Mr Bright was
not at home I had the longest conversation that I hav yet had with her this
evening for I stopt till ten Oclock and I was alone with her the greatest
part of the time so that I injoyed myself in her companey more thn I hav
yet done She sat on my knee and allowed me to kiss her repetedley
without making aney fuss about it indeed she is quite an altered girl and
she acknowledges that she Loves me fondley She was verey particular to
enquire what was the reason that I came home so soon on Sunday The
weather was gloomey and sprinkled a little Rain to day

120
4 Fryday was a verey wet day for it rained incessantley from morning till
night so that there was nothing done out doors All that I did was washing
down the cellor and arrange my books and papers previous to my going to
England The folowing verses was written two or three day since but
never transcribed
Though fortune bids me far to roam

Eash new scene shall remind me
Of the Lively form and Gentle mean
Of the Girl I left behnd me
And when upon the trackless main

Whear nought but death surounds me
How fondley then my Heart will cling
To the Girl I left behind me
And when the rough seas raging surf

Dashes the white foam ore me
How Glad I’ll be to know she’s safe
The Girl I left behind me
And when fair Albions rockey cliffs

Rear their whitned surfice ore me
I’ll think upon the snow white neck
Of the Girl I left behind me
And when in crouded citeys where

Beautey and wit assail me
On everey side they onley point
“And when i veiw morns rising sun

How oft will it remind me
Of the roasey blush that ore sprea the cheek
Of the Girl I left behind me”
And when at evn the suns gone down

And darkness cloases round me
In some far distant land I’ll think
Of the Girl I left behind me
And in strange lands all I can see

Of this ‘twill but remind me
That life itself is not so dear
As the Girl I left behind me

121
Though fortune on my lot should frown

And friends would all betray me
Yet still my heart will allways be
True to the Girl behind me
If fortune prove [____]

And wind and tide befriends me
I hope I’ll soon be back again
Oh, if my pen could half express my Heart

And paint the feelings that in it do dwell
I should then be more able to impart
My Love to her who does my bosom thrill
5 Saterday forenoon I was planting pottatoes and we finished the patch by

the bridg After dinner I went to York and fineley agreed with Mr Smtih
that (as I wish to go to see Squire Wood at Santcathernes before I go to
England as he wishes to send a letter with me) I am to start on Tuesday
morning adn cross by the Canada Steam boat and proceed to Sant
catherines and return the next day Wednesday to meet the Boat when we
will proceed immediately on to England
I stopt at Brights and Miss Elizabeth was verey Loving indeed We spent
two houres Huging and kissing each other in the most fond manner
possable I got home about half past eleven Oclock and a beautiful
evening it is the moon shines verey bright
6 Sunday morning I took the bob horse and started for Vaughn to see Mr
Cook before I go to England I stopt at Mr Leys and asked him if he had
aney letters to send I also stop at Charles Thornes and he gave me his
Father address and desired me to see him in London Cook met me about a
mile from home he was affraid that I should not come and he was coming
all the way if he did not meet me he wrote two letters for me to take and
came with me to Montgomereys] on my road home I stopt at Thomases
but as he was not at home I came down to Brights where I stop till eleven
Oclock Miss Elizabeth gave me a lock of her hair neatley braded for a
ceep sake and I gave her a coppey of the verses the Girl I left behind me I
promised to go and see her tomorrow
7 Monday this morning I came to York to make arrangements for my jorney

I stopt at Mrs Scaddings to take a letter to England When I got to York I
went to Smiths to see if he had any alteration to make in our plan After I
had arranged my money affairs I went down to Brights to enjoy the
pleasure of clasping the dear Girl of heart to my bosom and to assure
myself that she was true She gave me sufficient proofs that she was by

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the endearing expressions that she used and the willingness with which
she receivd my imbraces I left her about two Oclock and went home to
bid them all adieu and parted with my Mother who gave me her blessing
and offered up her prayers for my safty I brote the horse down and the
Teamster took him back I took a walk with Thomas up to Haggermans to
see about some papers that he wished to send with me to England Mrs
Terrey came to Thomases and wished me to enquire about her husband
and children when I go to London I saw her home & came back and went
to bed for the last time for some months in York verey much fatuiged
8 Teusday morning I got up at five Oclock and went to bid my dear Girl and
all the Family good by I stopt about half and houre during which time we
renued our pledges of constansey to each other I kissed her over and over
and pressed her to my bosom repeteedly
At last the dreadfull moment arived and I shuck hands with Mrs Bright
and Nansey and then for the last time for several months kissed my ever
adored Girl and frsed myself from her She gave me George Stegman &
William Bright came down to the Steam Boate to see me off adn after
parting with my Brother & the Friends who came to see me off we put
from the wharf about ten minuets after seven I stood on deck till I lost
sight of the place that contains all that is dear to me and then went down
into the cabin to write At presant we are better then half way or at least
the stewart tells me so and my head is rather heavey and I am thinking of
the Friends I left behind me and the roaling waves that I must cross before
I see them again And perhaps I hav bid them adieu for ever
After a tolerable run of five houres we arived at Niagara and I

immediately walked up to McFarlands and borrowed a horse frome Mr
James to ride out to Sam’l Woods as he wished to send a letter by me to
London I am much surprised to see the rapid improvement that is going
on in Sant Catherines and the greate alterations that has been made since I
last visited it
I am now (ten Oclock) at Woods etting by the bed side writing & verey
much tired By the by I forgot to mention that we had Miss McCormick a
verey Beautifull & accomplished young Ladey over in the Boat with us
This brings to mind that my Girl will be wondering where I am this night
Sweet girl I hope I will find her well on my return
9 Thursday morning I got up prettey earley and walked about till breakfast
time when I sat down to good ham and eggs and as Mr Wood had not
finished writing I walked about for an hour or two before I started during
which time I was gratified with a sight of a schooner pass up the Welland
Canel She was drawn by one horse and looked most majesically

123
I got back to McFarlands about ten Oclock and after biding them adieu I
came to navey hall where I wrote a letter to Thomas And as soon as the
Canada Steam Boate arived Mr Smith and I immediately crossed the river
Adieu to Canada thinks I to myself it will be some time before I see it

again
We procured a staige at Youngstown for Lockport where we arived at

seven o clock arter quarreling with the driver for driving so slow but it was
of no use for he was determined that we should not get to Lockport in time
for the packet Boate So after some wrangeling with the Stage proprieter
we took supper and walked up to the Locks where we found a line Boate
and procured a passage her name is the National this is about twelve
oclock and we are about to lay down and take a comfortable sleep The
Boate goes along smoothely and we hav a verey good and pleasant
company of about seven men and three Ladies
10 Thursday I found myself moving along the canal at the rate of three miles
an houre Mr Smith gave me a letter from George Stegman the following is
a copy
Mr Wm Helliwell York May the 9th 1832
Sir you will receive from Mr Smith a letter which I hav

Written to Mr Terrey which you will Pleas take in charge and deliver it to
him self if you can as he would be very glad to see you Likewise you will
receive another one that I will trouble you with from a young man thet is
with My Brother which has written home to his friends his name is
Perron which you will take in charge and deliver that if possable
I wish to inform you that I had the pleasure of Going to Mr

Brights the same day you left to see them and there was greate inquireys
made about you wishing to know how you appeared to feel in leaving all
your friends behind you I told them that I coud not tell for where all had
our hearts so full that we could scarse contain ourselves and from that
your Dear Miss Elizabeth brust out crying and wished me to inform you to
write her every opertunity She then told me that she would show me a few
verses you had written to her which was the finest ones that I ever saw I
told her to read them to me in presence of her Mother and the daughters
which she did but could not get through reading them in consequence of
her heart bled for you which was the means of all sheding tears for you
Miss Nancy told me that Miss Elizabeth could not do any thing all day for
fretting She said she caught her crying several times through the day and
she would not tell her which it was for so you must think that she had a
greate regard for you The Old Ladey told me that she could not help
sheding tears herself to part a friend which seemed so much attached to

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the family So this is all I hav to inform you at presat I thought it my

duty to acquaint you all the news I could from your friends As I thought
it would be pleasing to you to read of your friends that had so much regard
for you
So this is all I can inform you at preasant and I wish you pleasant voyage
and safe back again
I remain you most affectionat friend
Mr Wm Helliwell Geo Stegman
During this forenoon we passed several small villages all appearantly in a

thriving state The land is tolerable Good and thickly settled along the
canal We hav met about ten Boates this morning all loaded heavey with
Te and Tobacco and a vast number of Emigrants About three Oclock we
passed Brock port by far the briskist place that I hav yet seen in the United
States This is tedious travilling no amusement of aney kind to pass the
time but walking the deck and sleeping which by the by is no verey greate
rest as the Cabin is crouded and it is all most impossable to lay down
We arived at Rochester at eleven I took a walk along the canal as far as

the Acquedock and returned to the Boate and lay till morning when I took
a walk as far as Lymans Brewry when I found Mr Beaham he took me
into his cellar and gave me a glass of beer and also went with me to
another Brewery We left Rochester at eight o clock where we Weighed
the Boate adn cargo which dun by takeng the Boate into a lock and she
rests on timbers which is lifted by means of Mechanical power About
two miles from Rochester there is five locks We met several Boates this
morning all crowd full of People which (by the bonnets of the Women
which resembles the bag of a pair of bellows which can be expanded or
contracted at pleasure) are all Yankeys
At preasant I am writing in the Cabin amid the clang of a dozen womon

who ceep up so so much chatter that I can scarse hear my self speak
Eight Oclock just changed Boates and got on board of the Packet which is
drawn by three horses and travils about as fast again as the line Boate
They are fitted up in the stile of a first rate Hotel with a Bar and liquors
and every thing that is wanted supurb cabins with walls hung round with
pictures mirrors The fare is four cents per mile and found We hav from
fiften passingers all buck of the first cut I hav just been walking the deck
by the lite of the moon and a delightfull country we are passing Good
orchards in full bloom fine buildings and delightfull scenery

125
My ears are just now greeted with a song that is sung by three Laides and
one Gentleman
About ten o clock we passed Palmyrea and a beautifull little village it is
At half pas ten the births was fitted up and and every one choosed our
births as our name was on the way Book My luck was to get number 14
uper birth where I slept soundley till five O clock on Saterday when I
found my self in the village of Lyons and was told that the Packet had
been detained for four houres in consequence of a Boate being sunk in the
lock and all the cargo had to be removed before our Boate could proceed
or the boate get out of our way by this delay our old Boat the National
overtook us Eight just passed a boate full of Swiss Emegrants going west
to Michegan
We passed a good deal of low swampey land this morning The Chyuga
marshes verey extens but so wet as not to admit of cultivation
Montizeuma is a small village at the east side of the march where the
Geneva Canal form a Junction It is a verrey small village containing no
more then a store or two & one tavern the country here is ridgey and lite
soil but in a good state of cultivation About four Oclock we came in sight
of Onondaga Lake and the village of Salina and the small village of Gedis
where are a number of salt works and the most beautifull scenery that I
ever saw in my life Farther on are the most extensive salt evaporating
coolers that I ever herd of One of the passingers told me that there was
upwards of forty acres of land covered with them They are about six
inches deep and are filled with water from the salt springs and are
evaporated by the sun They hav roofs that moves on slides so that when
it rains the are covered over to prevnt the admishon of water
Syracuse is the next village that presants itself to our vieu and the first
thing that is to be seen is the windows full of Splendid lottery to be draw
tomorrow 60000 Dollars Indeed I hav remarked that lottery speculations
are in greate fashon in every village that I hav passed through It is these
salt works that supplys all upper Canada with that article
It is now nine Oclock and for the last houre I hav been walking the deck in
companey with a Yankey and a verey communicative one too he is The
country is beautifulley deversifyed into hill and dale interspersed with
villages and hamlets in every direction I am informid that there is no more
locks for 69 miles a long leavel inded
Sunday morning we passed Raom a verey fine village it is situated on the

East side of the canal it has five churches and an Arsnal where are 40000
stands of arms in store for John Bull

126
If ever he should to logerheads with Johnson The land here is of the first
quality beautifull gardns and good orchards Farthe on is anothe village
Orscanney where is a verrey extensive woolen manufacty and I am
informed that they do a greate deal of buisness The general prospect of the
country is verey promising We hav just passed a Boat loaded with
English Emigrants which is the first that I hav seen The last houre I hav
spent on deck with an American from Rochester a verey well informid
man Now is in sight is a small place by the name of Whites Burrough
We arived at Utica about ten Oclock to late for the packet
Utica is a fine town the streetes are all paved and it presants a verey Good
appearance There was not much activ But I sopose as it is Sunday all the
People are dressing for church Utica has a population 10000 as I am
informid
The Boate owners got a staige and sent us after the Packet the roade is
down the fertile fletes of Mohawk and I am sure that Nature could nt form
nor the Heart immagine aney thing that is more beautifull then the German
flats we arived at little falls at one oclock where we overtook the Packet
This is a verey curious place it is situated between two precepitious rocks
which confines the river Mohawke in to a verey narrow channel A little
blow the Town the rive is divided into two streems by a large preceptous
rock of several acres in extent There is three locks here and the canal
runs along the side of the preceptious rocks for several miles divided from
the river by a stone wall But sevrel feet above the level of the river
This is a verey [_______] indeed We hav not so maney passinger in this

Boate as the last
Ten Oclock I hav been walking the deck by the lite of the moon in
companey with a Gentleman from the Newcastle District Upper Canada
The scenery is most remarkable the lmks [?] rise so perpendicular and
craggey and preasants one of the mos siblime sights by the lite of the
moon that I ever saw Really if Miss B T [Betsey Bright?] was here to
contemplat the scene with me it would be verey agreeable last Sunday
time I was with her and I wish I could be this We hav passed several
villages this after noon the names of which I do not remember The
Captain tell me that we shall be in Schenectady about four Oclock to
morrow morning In walking the deck I sopose that I hav layed down on
my face fifty times as there has been a bridge every short distance as soon
as we came in sight the cry of bridg bridg is herd on all sides and every
one on deck immediately falls on his face or runs down into the cabin
And it is not without danger that you pass even in this position bridgs are
so low

127
Monday morning about four Oclock we arived at the rail road which goes
between Schenectady and Albany It is a wooden rail with mettle plates
We got into one of six carrages which was all drawn full of people by one
horse at a good round trot We was drawn by the horse on the foot of an
incline plain about a quarter of mile long here the horse was taken off and
we was taken in tow by a strong howser that was drawn by a Steam
Engine stationed at the top of the assent When we got to the level the
whole six carrages was taken in tow by a Steam Engine and away we flew
at the rate of 16 miles and houre I was highely delighted by this noval
mode of locomotion We stop at half the distance to take in water But
onley for two or three minuets when arived at Albaney we had a decent to
go down Here the Engine was taken off and our own gravity took us
down at a good rate at the same time brote up a loaded car a staige took
us and our luggage to the Orange Battery Hotel After we got our
breakfast I took a walk to see the Town and as I came by chance to the
Museum I went in There is a great collection of wild fould and animals
with shel fish and in short evry thing A collection of wax works &
paintings I think it is well worth the wile [while] to see as it is onley 1/3
From there I went into several Book stores and purchased Popes Illiad I
then went in search of Mesrs Fidlers & Taylors Brewery I was luckey as
to find Mr Fidler and he directed the brewer to show me through the
Brewey And relly I was surprised to find it so extensive they mash 380
Bushels and brew sevn times per weeke they mash by a mashine drove by
a Steam Engine The brewer told me that that [?] they brewed 20000
Barrels of beer and that they had 3000 on hand which I think is an
exaggeration from the fiu I saw
I think the brewery and malt house covers and acre of ground They hav
three kilns and a brick floor
I also went to see Boyds Brewery which is verrey large he mashes by

steam and brews 5000 Barrels His Engine I could carrey on my back
verey well he has about 3000 bushels of malt in hand which he has
covered with malt [___________] To prevent the air from slacking it he
has three kilms But think that two would dry all the malt that the floore
can make About four o clock we got on board the Steamer Pheledelpha
for New York I think there is at least 200 passingers on board and such
another bustling scene I hav not witnessed
15 Teusday morning I found myself approching New York and the dence
mass of house [s] appeared as if the ground was litterly coverd to the
exclusion of streets with them
About four Oclock we got to the wharf and as soon as we could get at our
luggage we proceeded to Fulton Street and got our breakfast at Holts at the

128
cornor of fulton and Water Street after that was over we went in scearch
of a ship We expected to get a passage in the Hyburnia for Liverpool
But she was all full and consequently we could not get a passage in her
We then applyed to the Hudson for London and ultimately got a passag in
the cabin fr which we gave 15 pounds each After this buisness was
arranged we took a walk to see the city I was surprised to see the streets
so narrow there is a greate many verey fine buildings and churches and
beautifull pleasure Grounds inclosed with iron palings I saw verey fiew
Women in the street altho I visited the princapl street for Milinery and
what I did see did no way captivate me with their Beauty about four
Oclock we came back to Holts and I wrote a letter to Mother and another
to Miss Bright adn took them to the Post which is under the Exchange It
was now nearley dark and we returned to our logings This house beets all
that I ever saw in my life the table was set all day and three waiters
carrying full plates and taking away empty ones I rested verey well and
on the
16 Wednesday we came on board the Steam Boate Hercules to be taken on

board the ship which was laying out in the river And at ten Oclock we
started and padeled out to the ship
When I turned to look at the shore I saw
The waving’ kerchif of the croud that urge

That mute adieu to those who stem the surge
About eleven o clock we was taken in tow by the Steamer and New York
with all it Beautifull pleasure Grounds and tall spires began to recede from
our view and the wide Ocian Ruffled by a strong west wind showed a foay
surfice as far as the eye could reach over the Horizon About two the Pilot
left us and we bore away under a press of sail and soon left the American
Continant
The ship roaled and piched tremendiously and the consequence was that
every passinge on board was casting up their accounts without the aide of
a readey reckoner
17 Thursday morning not quite so sick as yesterday came on deck at five o

clock Sea some what roaling about nine o clock saw a Grampus
spouting water which is quite a novil sight to me The sea is allmost
becalmed at presasant and we make but slow progress at noon the Latitude
was 39-59 Ten the breeze has freshned a little and the ship glides
smoothley throug the water at the rate of five knots
The sea is all on fire as the Sailors term it that is it immits a bright
sparkling I walked the deck till ten o clock

129
18 Fryday morning lite breezes from NW the ship makes five knots A ten a
schooner on the lea bow which proved to be 69-58 Longitude by the
chronot Some black fish made appearance this morng but dice I not see
them About twelve the sea becalm calm Greate numbers of mother carys
chickings are flying about And just when I came on deck I saw a whale
about two miles off spouting water This after noon was rather wet and
consequent passed drearey as we cold not walk the deck Greate quantyes
of Gulf weed floating past and quntey of Porpoises swimming round us in
every direction
T The Captain immersed a thermomiter into a bucket of water and found

it to be 49º
19 Saterday morning wind fresh from E by S Ship heading south at eight

tacked and stood N E at the rate of five knots at noon found Latitude 39-6
Longitude 69-59 The wind remaind E by S all day and blew fresh We
saw a greate number of porpoises
In the evening the Ladies gave us a song or two which was every
agreeable indeed aney thing to varey the tedious routine of a ship life
20 Sunday morning wind E by S Ship heding E by N heading E by N Sea

moderately rough nine Oclock Longitude 67-18 Three P M the wind
increased took reef in main top gallant sail and furled Five wind still
increasing took down mizen top gallant and took another reef in in main
top sail at dark took down the jib & made other preparations for a Gale as
it was evidently increasing and has every appearance of stormey night
21 Monday morning made its appearance verey frightfull indeed
The rain falling in torrents and a strong Gale of wind accompayned whith
a high sea which broke over the ship and ran fore and aft sweeping every
loose thing off the deck All the cavas above except the main sail which
had two reefs taken in and the fore top sail which had also two reefs taken
in
Our Latitude this day at noon 40 – 30 and Longitude 64 – 1 The sea

continued verey high altho the wind died away so that the ship roaled
tremendiousely And it was with the utmost difficulty that we was able to
ceep the plates on the table at dinner now the ship would give a lurch to
larboard and glasses plates dishes all makes a sudden movement in that
direction and before you are aware she heaves to starboard and fills the
Laidies laps with baskets knives and forks About twelve the wind was so
far settled that we put up the studinsails as the wind was right aft Four
the sea is somewhat lower still the waves roals over the deck ocationly

130
22 Tuesday morning made its appearance under favourable auspices Fair

wind and plenty of it with a moderate sea saw two ships one astern and the
other to the north of us At twelve Oclock a Bird perched on the long boate
and was caught by one of the passingers At this time a wirl wind tore
our fore top gallant studensail Another ship in sight to the East *We are
making about eight knots with all the canvas set Latitude 40 – 10
Longitude 62 – 38 Six Oclock two vessels in sight one on each side of us
At seven we was visited by a thunder storm whcih however did not reck its
vengance on us in aney other shape then taking the wind from us
23 Wednesday morning when I came on deck the ship was cloas hauled and
wind N E however she is able to lay her coars Two Oclock ship is making
about eight knots A large white fin fish passed us Latitude 39 – 30
Longitude 58 – 30 at ten Oclock so that we hav made 4 – 8 of Longitude
since yesterday I spent much of this day readin which is the first time that
I hav been able to do so since I hav been on ship board for any lenth of
time for it allways gave me the Headach Ten Oclock we are going at fine
rate the sea ocationally slashing over the deck and completely drenching
evryone who may chance to be in its way which was my case once
24 Thursday when I came on deck the Mate told me that we had just passed a
brig close along side I am verey sorrey that I was not on deck
Eight oclock we met anothe ship going to New York she was about half a
mile from us Latitude 39 – 43 Longitude 54 – 30 About twelve it became
calm adn continued so about two houres when it began to blow again tack
5 knots for two hours and again died away And at dark it sprang up and
blew a good breeze we passed two vessels this day
25 Fryday morning I found the wind rather low but a beautifull day the Brig
that we passed last night just disernible I amused myself this morning
with attemping to catch some fish that was playing about the bow of the
ship but it was all in vain From eleven till four we had a calm But about
that time a breeze sprang up and we are now going a good rate It is
raining verey fast and is likely to be a wet night
26 Saterday last night has been one of the rougest nights that we hav had the
rain fell in torrants and the wind blew a gale the ship roaled and pitched
tremendiously This morning the wind is dead a head a heavy sea
About eleven oclock a brig hove in sht [?] she proved to be an American
We showd our ensin and she did the same At four oclock a large shark
passed us out Latitude 40 – 20 and Longitude 49 – 15

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27 Sunday morning a fair wind but rathr wet This is the third Sunday I hav
been from Home and Friends and it is the first time that I been so long
from them And altho I hav seen much to divert my attention and attract
my notes Yet my mind has been wandering back to the Sweet River Don
and the Friends I left behind However I hope to be back again in two or
three months if the Greate giver of all Good things bestow his blessings on
me
It cleered away about 11 oclock and was the most beautifull day that we
hav had since we hav been at sea A good breeze which drives us at a Good
rate
28 Monday Good weather a fair wind – Latitude 41 – 52 Longitude 45 – 37
29 Tuesday we Good weather and fair wind all day Latitude 41 – 10

Longitude 44 – 20
30 Wednesday morning was one fo the finest that we hv had we carreyed all
our canvas & went on cheerely In the after noon when I was writing in the
Cabin I herd the sound of music out on the deck so layed down my pen
and went up and found Miss Robinson And Mr Roger Mr & Mrs Owen
dancing a french four with great sperit Latitude 45 Longitude 35 – 30
31 Thursday morning was calm and we did not sail at all by an observation
Latitude 45 – 10 Longitude 32 – 31 so that we hav made 3º or 126
Geogeography icall miles since yesterday About five oclock a breez
sprang up and we started at the rate of nine knots
June 1832
1 Fryday Good breeze and fair with a drizling rain Ship going at eight
knots which continued all day about the same speed At noon our Latitude
was 46 – 33 But as there could not be an Altitude taken to assertain the
time of day we could not find the Longitude
2 Saterday morning made its appearance rather wet But it cleered away
about eight Oclock and as we did not get our Longitude yesterday
Nothing was to be herd but Great A (as Mr Courtany terms the sun) What
is the altitude time time time was to be herd from the different persons
who held the wach to assertain the precise moment that the Altitude was
taken
In the after noon the wind increased allmost to a gale and the sea in
consequence became verey rough In the evening Mr Courtny & Mr
Owen read to the company Tales of [__________] About ten Oclock we
prepared to go to bed but with little hopes of sleep as it was with the

132
utmost difficulty that we could ceep our seate even in our chairs and they
tyed fast to the Cabin floor
3 Sunday morning there was a general complaint of no sleep last night The
wind still blows a gale and a sea crowned with foam Roaling mountains
high
We passed a ship this morning and so high was the sea that altho she was
not above half mile off when she was in the trough of the sea we cold not
even see her top masts The Mate thought she was an India man from
Calcutta by observation
Latitude 47º - 0 ‘N
At nine Oclock Longitude 19º - 47 ‘W
A greate deal of water comes over the ships side and consequently every
person on deck is in danger of good ducking
In the evening Mr Courtany and Mr Owen again read to the

compy and they intend to do so the remainder of the voyage
The wind is some what abated but still blows fresh
The wind was verey cold and brote several squals of hail during the day
4 Monday morning a ship on the larboard bow with all her canvass set a
pleasing sight the Captain tells me she is a Falmoth packst from Halifax
The wind is dead and we hav a calm
In the evening Mr & Mrs Owen and Mr Rogers and Miss Robinson took a
turn of dancing on the quarter deck
5 Teusday morning was verey fine the wind E by E and consequently we we

could not lay our coarse We saw two ships this morning going west
About ten Oclock we was visited by greate numbers of Porpoises which
jumped and played about the bow of the ship very lively our Latitude at
nine was 47:35 and Longitude 14:4 and at three our longitude was redused
to 13:41
6 Wednesday this day we had a dead calm and the most listless lifeless dull
time that I ever passed About three oclock a ship that had been in sight
all day drew near and all hands thought that we should hear from England
but how was we disapointed when we saw her bare away and altho our
Captain altered our coarse three points to intercet her she bore away taking
our curses with her

133
Latitude 47:57 Longitude 11:51
7 Thursday morning we had a fine breeze and sailed at the rate of seven
knots. At two oclock we passed a Bark supposed to be bound for
Quebeck. At five oclock the Captain hove the hevy lead (or as the sailors
call it the blue Pigeon) and found soundings in 96 Fathoms water with a
red sandey bottom. So that we are approaching the shores of old England.
8 Fryday morning I was woke by hearing the Captian bawl out to a

Fisherman and inquiring if the Reform Bill was passed and if the cholera
raiged in London.
He answered that the Bill was passed and no cholera. Good news. When I
came on deck I saw four or five ships and two Pilot Boates. At two a
Fishing Boate came along side & offered fish for sail but we wanted none
of them. Their Boate was like an egg shell cut lenth ways and roade the
Sea like a feather there was six men on board. Our Captain asked them
which way cilley boar & they answered WNW and the Lizard & for this
piece of information they asked for a bottle of rum & the Mate made one
fast to a piece of plank and hov it over board and they pecked it up and
then waved their hats round their heads in triumph.
About five we was boarded by a Pilot who brote us News papers up the
first of June by which we learned that what the Fishermen had told us was
not correct as the Reform Bill was not yet passed but world soon pass
In about an houre we was boarded by an other Piolat - And at Sundown

there is 28 vessels of one discription or another in sight. Half past nine
oclock the Lizard lights are now in sight and those at [that?] hav never
been to sea can form no estimate of the Pleasure that it gives us At once
again seeing land
9 Saterday a fine morning & about twelve oclock the Stark to Point came in
view – We hev a gentle breeze and the tide set about two Knots an houre
We hav passed by the Edey Stone Lighthouse without seeing it as it lays in

deep Bay to our left
This is the most pleasant time that I hav passed since I left home. So
many vessels and boates in sight & the coast of Devonshire with its green
fields and Farm houses all in sight what a contrast with the drearey
reasons that we hav passed

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We hav a pleasant breeze and the vessel moves at the rate of five knots
and hour as steadey and withe as little motien as if She was at Anchor in
harbour
We hav passed Ton Bay & the Harlon of Portland this day.
10 Sunday morning we was completely b calmed With the Bluf Head of

[________] Alloud on our larboard bow & the Isle of White ahead – And
numerious Shoals of Mackeral were spoarting about the [_____] About
four oclock we came abrest of the Needals which are three spiral rock that
are detached from an immence cholk cliff about 300 feet high topt with a
Light House & covered with grass & spotted with Sheep
SECTION MISSING
11 Monday morning when I came on deck we was abrest of Cowes beating

against a head wind and winning our way as it wer perforse up the
Channel between the Isle of White and the main Land – About nine oclock
we came to an Anchor on the Mother Bank off Spit Head where the
quarentine officer came on bouard to inspect our bill of health & also the
packet agint for the letter bag & such passingers as chuse to go on shore
to Portsmouth – Mr Olven & Mr Courtany left us here Here is a fine
prosspect the Town of [_______] Ride and the inchanting Isle of White on
our left and Portsmouth & the naval Depost of England on our right with
tow Seventy fours and three transports all readey for Sea at a moments
warning laying at Spit Head & in the Harbour is to be seen the Hull of the
victory ship on which Lord Nelson fell at the never to be forgotton
Traffulgar – With steam Boates plying half hourely between Portsmouth
and Ride
We was obliged to ride at anchor for six hours to waite for the flood Tide
to inable us to get up through the Channel the greater part of which time it
rained
At two oclock we weighed and stood up through the Channel we passed

the Buoy that marks the pot where the Royal George went down
The wind just lasted long enough for us to cleere Calver Head which is the
Eastern extremity of the Isle of White when it became dead calm – And it
being now ten oclock I went to bed
12 Tuesday when I came on deck the Ship was going at a tolerable rate with
Beachey Head in sight 45 miles distant

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About twelve oclock we was the French cost distant about 46 miles & at
eight we was abrest of D _____ when a thunderstorm came on and blew
violantly in so much that our Captain took in all Sail it Thundred
lightend rained verey much indeed – It was rather an anxious time for we
had no Pilot on Board and it was quite dark – but what was our joy to
behold a light approaching us & during the flashes of lightning we could
plainly see the Boate
13 Wednesday morning I found myself oposite the Isle of Thannet on which

is the Town of Margate & also a decayed seate Lord Hollande A large
steamer from Hamburg to London passed us this morning She is a
superbe Boate
We had just sufficent time & tide to get over the Margate flats for a fine
West Indian Ship that was only one tack behind us could not weather it
and was oblige to waite for another tide
We however got over the flats nd allmost upto the Nore before e came to
an anchor Here was a scean worthey of the Painter Thirty or Forty sail
all waitin for the tide to enter the Magestic Thames with three of four
Steamers that seamed to mock both wind & tide leaving their hevy Stream
of black smoke behind them
We lay here till the Tide began to flow which was at Seven oclock during
which time I amused Myself with playing at drafst with Miss Moore
Our anchor stuck so fast in the clay bottom that it was with the utmost
difficulty that it was got up and it ocupeyed us so long that we was the last
Ship under weigh – But it was not long before we was first
We passed the Nose & Sheerness at eleven oclock and we could just
disemble the black form of 26 Sail of the line that are laying there – I then
went to bed and when I got up in the Morning I found the Ship at an
anchor off at Greevesend – this Ton is on the west side of the river and a
beautiful little place it is oposite to it is Tilberrey Fort the place where
Queen Elizabeth lay with her Army when she expected an invasion of the
Spanish armada
About nine oclock we again weighed and stood up the river with a Strong
head wind. The prospect on both sides of the Thames is so truley grand
that I all most thought I was got into an inchanted land so many
Gentlemans seates adorned with all that wealth and art can bistow and
such extended pastures filed with the finest cattle in the world – really in
Thousands

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About twelve we passed Woolwhich which is a fine arsnal & the place
where all the ordinance is prooved fit for Service they was buisey trying
common when we passed – Here are acres of land covered with artillery
gere are also several convics Ships which are lie [like?] mooning
[moving?] mountains – Here are also several hous under which Ships of
War are built and two or three are now on the Stocks. Here we ran foul of
a Smack and carreyed away here bow sprit and ________ and I wonder
very much that we did not completely run her under the water
It was what I had long looked for & indeed I should hav thought it was
immpossable to get so far without doing so so crouded was the river and
so fast did we run
After we got clear of the wreck (for it was some time before we could do
so) we passed the East India dock which was full of large Ships with their
top masts struck. Just as we passed a very large outward bound Ship came
through the dock gates
About half a mile below above Black Mole the Ship ran aground – The
Boate was imediately lowere down and a Hedge anchor carreyed into the
stream ad the windless mand & such a scean of confusion I never
witnessed in all my life – Well at lenth She began to floate But
unfortunately before She could get under weigh She drifted farther on
shore than ever – then hawling and pulling the captain & Pilot swearing &
one or two of the Ladies fainting with fear & all together Such hurry
bustle and confusion For it was very near high water and if She was not
afloate in quarter of an of an hour She would hav to lay another tide at
least Just at this time a Steam Boate came down the river and the captain
hailed him & desired him to give us a pull & he kindly stopt his Boate and
a hauser being taken on board he put on the steam and snap went the
hauser– The next time he put his power to moderately and fairly tryd for
half on hour but could not move Her at all in the meantime the Tide began
to ebb & all hopes of floating this day was over – And as ther was plenty
of boates along side the Passingers all determined on leaving the Ship
where She was so accordingly we all inbarked and landed at Black Wall
where we got into a Hackney Coach and away we drove for London where
we soon arived not however without my being lost in surprise for many
strange objects presented themselves to My Gaze – Such throngs of
carriages horsemen and foot passingers The streets all appearing with their
whole soul and boddey bent on prosecuting their way with the utmost
dispach crouding through as if life and death depended on their quick exit.
Here is to be seen Ladies of the most exquisite Beauty & dressed in the
richest dresses jostling cheek by chowle with Beggars Porters and Carters
and here is to be seen waggons that are like moving houses with doores
behind with large iron bars accross them as if they were Prison doores
labiled on the side The Honourable East India Company Leadenhall Street

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N 7844 &c These I am informd are Tea conveyances from the dock to
the India house
Here are also to be seen numbers of Ass carts filled with Greenes and
attended by old women and small handcarts with two or three dogs
drawing underneath while the man goes behind and has hold of the shafts
and it is surprising to see how the poor little things draw – These carts are
princapally loaded with Buchers Meats
Mr Smith and myself took up our loging at the Ball in Leadenhall Street
oposite the India House After we took Tea we took a walk into the
exchange or rather into the area in the ceter where was several hundreds of
people standing we had not stood here five minutes before a man came
up and asked us if we had had a long passage from America But how he
new that we was from America I am at a loss to conjecture
About ten oclock I went to bed but not to sleep for I was cept long awak
thinkin of the various scenes that had passed during this momentious day
15 Fryday Morning I took a walk down to Sant Palls Church and walked
round it for to see the Statues that are above the _______ on all sides
About eleven I set out to find Mr Terrey to deliver Mr. stegmans letter it
was directed to Weigham Street Bryanston Square – I took the omnibus
from the Bank to the top of Oxford Street the remainder of the road I
walked which was about a mile. When I got to the number to My
mortification I found the House uninhabited. I applyed at the next door
hoping to get some information that might inable me To find him out the
man of the house Kindly went with me about a mile to sho me the roade
[road] to a sisters of Mr. Terry where he thought I could get such
information as might inable me to find him.
When I got here to my sorrow I found it was five miles to where Mr.
Terrey lived A pretty Good walk thinks I to myself – But as there was no
alternative I took his card and set out I passed through Hide park and
Regents Park at the corner of Hide Park is a Statue of Acheilleus cast from
the cannon taken by the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo Hapsley House
the residence of Lord Wellington is at Hide Park corner and just as I was
passing it A Man looked up and exclaimed See how that damd rascal has
secured his windows from being broken by the People and on looking up I
saw that there was iron Shutters I was told that the Duke had proved
them to be Shot proof at fifty yards distance.
I passed that venerable pile Westminster Abbey and crossed Westminster

Bridg it now began fast and I took Shelter in a Shop & the man seeing tht I
was a Stranger ased me from what part o the country I came I told him

138
that I was from America up on which he asked me if I new Mr. Berryeman

Thorn & Mr. Godlin I answered that I did the Gentlean then called a
Young Lady of a verey preposessing appearance who asked me Several
question and talked with me I dare say an houre She invited me to call
Again in the mean time the Shower was over & I proceeded on to Portland
Street Wallworth where after a good deal of troubl I found Mr. Terreys but
he was not at home however his wife invited me to Tea which I gladley
accepted as I was rather fatigued – She also invited me to come to dinner
on Sunday – Mr. Terreys Brother came with a short way to London Bridge
and put me in the right roads home or rather to my loging Where I arived
at dark completely with my ramble.
16 Saterday Morning I went with Mr. Smith to see a whole sale Store and
really I was stonished to see the extent of the Establishment I am sure
there was at least 100 clerks – They told Mr. Smith that they verey often
took L15000 per day – I left Mr. Smith here and went down Ludgate hill
Through Temple bar and by Chairing Cross where is the statue of King
Charles the Second on a black horse and passed Somerset House this
building covered three or four acres of land with a large area in the center
in which is a Statue of some of the heathen Gods. The next is the
Admiralty office the War office the Seceretary office the Commisarat
office and the Horse Gards where was two of the lie Gards mountd
Standing Centery really they are the most warlike looking men that I ever
saw six feet & up wards wit large mustachoes. I called at the Treasurey
office to leave a package that I brote from York for Mr. Stanton it is to
go to Sirrealione Africa. I then came on past Westminster Abbey and the
House of lords to Market their Mill Bank to Mr. Thorne as his son Charles
desired me to do. I showed him his address which his son gave my and
asked him if he new the hand writing he said he thought it was his
brothers but he would show it to his wife and She new it immediately he
behaved with the greatest kindness and sevility - & invited me to dinner &
as he is a brother Brewer we got on very Gracious he took me through his
Brewery and brote me back to Tea and introduced me to his daughter who
had just returned from a Touer of pleasure whene she had been with her
sister so had just been Married. She is a lovely Girl indeed, so free and
pleasant and a pair of eyes that glistnes like two dimens. She is indeed a
lovely Girl – When I left Mr. Thorne invited me to come again and spend
the sunday with him which I promised to do.
In the evening I took a walk through White Chappel road just to see the
number of Women taking their nightley rounds, poor wretches. The
greater part of them are to be pityd. I was soliseted by half a dozen
different ones to go with them to their logings and some as Beautifull and
lovely women there are amongst them as the eyes of Man can look upon –
But totally devoid of all modesty and no wonder for Hunger is a pinching
thing and I am utterly at a loss to now how the tenth part of the number

139
lives at all – So numerious were they that I am sure that I could walk for
three miles on the Heads, indeed the Street was completely filled with
them.
17 Sunday morning I took breakfast earley and set out for Market Street Mill
Bank to Mr. Thornes and during my walk I was pestered with Jews
wishing to seel me walking sticks it was in vain that I told them I did not
want one. Still they followed holding them at me only shilling eight-
pence five pence four pince three two and at last one penney. I found Mr.
Thorne verey glad to see me. About ten oclock we got into his curriage
It is a sort of Gig and a beautifull carriage for two persons which was
drawn by a beautifull Mare. We went through Hide Park and round by
the Kings Pallace Buckingham House and also through Regents Park and
all through the most fashonable part of London – In the serpentine river in
Hide Park a flock of swans and in Regents Park are herds of Deer.
All the walks was filled with groups of the most Bewhiching Females that
they eye could rest upon which way soever I turnd to look nothing met the
eye but the same inchanting objects – really it wanted the poweres of
reason to convince me that I was not dreaming or in some inchanted Farey
land – Mr. Thorne was at much pains to explain the differant objects that
we passed and saw.
About one oclock we came back to Mr. Thornes and before dinner we
took through His Brewery when we returned to the House he introduced
me to his son in law Mr. Long a Mathamaticall instrement maker – After
dinner the older part of the company went to sleep and left me and Miss
Thorne who entertained me with Oranges and not content with that but
even peeled them for me and pressed me with the most bewhiching smiles
to accept of them – And who could refuse such an offer coming from such
fair hands.
I took Tea with them and it was not till I promised to meet Mr. Thorne
tomorrow at Mr. Longs in little Town that I could get away without
stoping Supper. As I came past Chareing Cross my attention was attracted
by a croud of People & My curiosity was excited to see wht it was and
when I came up what was it but the disgusting figure of a drunken woman
laying exposed to view on the street.
17 Monday morning I went with Mr. Smith to the whole sale Store and
bought four shawles at 33 Shillings each.
I then went to Mr. Longs in little Town Street to meet Mr. Thorne and
waited an hour behind the time agreed on to meet and he not coming – I
went down to No 17 Charing Cross to deliver a letter brote from Sam
Wood to Miss Eliza Thomas. She was verey polite & invited me to take a

140
Glass of win and a buiscet which I did verey willingley. She gave me
directions here I could fine Mr. Woods mother and sent a man with me to
The coach office at the Green man & still in Oxford Street as Mr. Woods
Mother lives in upper Clopton five miles from London on my way I
passed an Ass Stand where was a dozen Asses saddled and bridled for hire
they are let out at so much an hour to boys and young Ladeys. I passed by
the London orphans Asylum it was just at the midday ajornment when I
passed and I dare say that there was 200 Boys playing all dressed in blew
there are also as many Girls in another building gasant.
I found Mrs. Wood in good health and over joyd to hear from her son –
She has two Daughters living wih her both of which I dare say has been
handsom in their dawning time of day But alas time steals apace and son
distroys the fairest features.
They behaved with much kindness and wevility and as they requested me
to see their Brother who lives four miles off I stopt all night and on the
morning or the ___________.
18 Tuesday I went with one of the Daughters to Edmongton which is the

place where Mr. Wood lives – Here is the also the Bell Inn so fameous in
the Storey of John Gilpin we took dinner at Mr. Woods & came back to
Clopton in a coach where I took Tea about three oclock and then got into
the coach for Bishops Gate Street from which place I went to Mr. Terreys
at Walworth But fortunately I met him going to the Theatre which was
the verrey place that I wished him to accompany me to.
We went to the Surrey Theater which is a Splendid building the plat was a
tragidy that hapned in the Tyrol Such scenery and the play was acted
with such feeling that I could hardly persuade my self that it was not real
Men was shot down and fell as if they would never rise more & Mother
wept with such heart felt Sorrow, it all most made the hair of my head
stand on end to see some of the scenes.
It finished about half past twelve & I got to My logings at one.
19 Wednesday morning I went inside the British Museum & I got tot he Gate
rather to soon as it is not open befroe en I met a young man at the Gate
who like myself wished to Through we stept into the next publech house
nd went in we was met at the door by the porter and shown into a room
Where we enterd our names into a Book and then proceeded to look
through the several rooms the first thing that attracted my attention was a
large wild Goate brote by Captain Perrey from America & a large white
Bear from the frozen Ocian and also a verey large Camel lepord which
stood 15 feet high Here is a greate collection insects reptiles and a fiew
wild beasts A Good collection of Birds forighn & domestic This

141
together with the Fosils Shells occupeyd a room 120 yards long under
which is the Library presented to the British Nation by George the Fourth
it is about 25 feet high filled with books as cloas as they can be crammed
to geather edgeways – From ther we went into the depository of
Anticuteys Statues Sculpture &c Here was a greate number of young
artisans coppys from the Statues.
It was now past twelve and we went to a coffee house and took dinner
And then set out for the Nationall Picture gallery in Pall Mall Here is 120
of the
finest paintings on modern time this as well as the museum is gratis
From there we went to the _______ Sant Pall Cathedrial at the door we
was met by a woman who demanded two pence we walked round the
bottom which is as large as an acre field with a floore of stone layed in the
most curious devices possable – Here is the monument of the Immortel
Nelson & Abocromby and all the renouned warriors after we satisfeyed
ourselves with looking at thes we went up the stairs but did not get far
before we was brote to a pull up by a man who demanded six pence before
he would admit us aney further we now grooped our way through a
narrow passage till we reached the first terrace which we walked round
This is far above the tops of the Chimneys but not half of the way to the
top of the Cathedrial We now began to assend again and after groping our
was through the dark and by a narrow stair case for a quarter of an houre
we at lenth arived at the top from where if it had been a clear day we
should hav had the grandest prospect that ever man beheld – But as it was
we was just in the smoake & could see verey little After we came down
we went into a public House and took a glass of Porter togeather and
seperated one going one way and the other an oposite direction.
20 Thursday morning I took a walk through Ledenhall Market and down to

Billings Gate fish Market which is a roughish place indeed the Stench of
fish is intolerable and the language of the fish women is vulgar beyond
evereything. From there I went to White Chapel Market & came back to
breakfast – After that I crossed London Bridge and took down Tooley
Street to Dring & Fages saceherometer makers to see if there was aney
improvement in them They showed me the last improvement which is
just the same as the one we have at home.
I then came back to my logings as I expected Mr. Terrey I stopt half and
hour past the time appointed and he not coming I set out to lower Thmes
Street to Messers Calvert & Cos Brewery I made enquirey for the Brewer
nd [and] being shown to him I apply for permishion to look through the
Brewery He asked me if I had a recomendation from aney person. I
told him I had not that I was a stranger from America and new no person
in London – he answerd as you hav come so far you shall not be

142
disapointed. So he sent a man to show me round the whole premises The

first place he took me to was the Mash tub which is about 30 feet in
diameter and eight feet deep They had just stopt the mashien there was
120 quarters or 960 Bushels of malt in the tub. The underback is about 15
feet square and 6 feet deep cast iron one of the coppers holds 1200
Barrels and has a mashien drove by steam to rouse it and ceep the hops
from settling to the bottom The other copper is not quite so large The
Hop back is about 30 feet by 15 & 5 feet deep all cast mettle fals bottom
and all There is a reservoy for water on the top of the House as large as a
quarter acre field all Iron. There was about 100 Bales of Hops in the hop
room.
We now crossed the yard and went into the tun room they work off in
large round casks that holds 4 Buts each after which they pump it up into
one coman Square where it remains a fiew houres to settle before it is
transferred into the stoar vatts.
Their fermenting tuns are like little houses being built square with doors in
at the side above them is the range of coolers 4 in number about 126 feet
by 20 each from there we went to the engine house which is 26 Horse
power the roalers was going and put down a stream as thick as my leg
which is cawt by elevaters accross the yard to the Mash tun The Malt is
capt in large bins about 30 feet deep and 15 square from the top to the
bottom of the building with doors on everey storey there is 12 of these
Their reservoy for yest is made of stone and is sunk in the ground & about
10 feet square and six deep From there we went to the S_______ in
which was about 20 Hosses like elephants he told me that when they was
all in they had about 70
We now went to look at the vats in one room is eight about 36 feet high &
15 in diameter with 24 hoops on each – And in another room is three more
two of which is 40 feet high by 20 in diameter and holds seven brewings a
weeks work
We now went to see the Ale Brewery which is new and on the most
improoved plan & verey extensive The work their ale off in casks of
curious contrivance of pipes so that they allways remain full for as the
work out it runs into supply the loss
I could not help remarking the vast differance which appeared in these two
conserns with regard to cleenleness in the Porter brewery they appeared to
pay no attention to it at all but in the Ale Brewery everey thing was as
cleen as Parlors
I now crossed the London Bridge & went down to Rotherhithe to the
Thames Tunnel at the enterance I found a large fat man who demanded

143
one shilling for admittance and directions which I gave him and begand to
disend by a spiral stair 60 feet at the bottom begins the Tunnel which has
an imposing appearance it is divided into two by rows of pillors and
onlay one side is finished and this lighted up with oil gas and plastered.
The walls are rather damp as the water ooses through a little however
there is a steam engine to pump it out if ocation should require it. It is
finished nearly which reflects the part that is finished and gives the
appearance of being finished through This is one of the greates under
takings of Modern time but I am afraid that it will never be finished there
has been nothing done at it these four years immence capital has been
sunk in the undertaking
After I had satisfyed myself here I payed a waterman six pence to take me
to London dock where I went on Board my old Ship Hudson for a fiew
minuets The Mate told me that they floated the tide after I left her – I also
passed the Sant Catherines dock and went to the Tower and paid two
shillings to see it A man dressed in scarlet with a constables staff went
with me through the first place we visited was Queen Elizabeths armery
where she is on a Gray horse in the exact simely of the dress she wore
when she went to give thanks at Sant Pete Cathedril of the victory over
the Spanish Armada and also all the armes she took from the Spaniards
here is the ax that took off the head of Charles the Second which I had in
my hand and a rude toole it is
From there we went in another room where are all the Kings o England
dressed in the armour of their day and a great maney of the horses are
coverd with steel There is also the cannon that was used at the battle of
Cressey and the steel jackets of Boanaparties Curassiers taken at the battle
of Waterloo From this room we went into another where is 150000
stands of arms all new and complete flinted and all redy at five minutes
notice
The next place was the King manuquans there was nothing there that
attracted My attention perticularly but a pair of _________ from Arabia
I now shoped my way to Mr. Terreys who took a walk with me through
some of the Streets where pros round by Vauxhall Garden by the side of
which is laying iron pipes beloning to the water company so large that I
walked through them with stooping a little
21 Fryday being market day at Smithfield I thought I would take a peep at

what was going on there. After inquiring twisting and turning throug a
labrynth of Streets I at last came in sight of a large square of some five or
six acres all paved with stone but about half shoe deep with dung & slush
as there had been a heavy shoure of rain this Morning There is ranges of
rails to which are fastened Rows of Mooley Bullocks in hundreds & at

144
another side of the Market is pens full of Sheep and lambs and still farther
on are herds of swine and still farther on are hundreds of calves from two
weeks to two months old such a nois of cows bodeys Bullocks roaring
Sheep bleating pigs squeeling and calves bawling & Buchers and drovers
swearing & dogs barking that one could scarsely] hear themselves speak –
The Bullocks were not the largest size but the cows were verey large as
large as the common oxen in Canada I never saw aney thing to compare
to the calves for large and fat the Mutton was verey fine indeed but the
pork was not aneything superior – It came on to rain while I was there
which made it aney thing but a comfortable place for it was impossable to
stir without being covered with dung and bladder and no attention is paide
here wether you hav a clean coate on or not
From Smithfield Market I went to Cow Lane to Mr. Booths Distillery to

see if he would let me look through it The porter at the Gate directed me
to the office where I applyd but was told that it was not a common thing
unless they broke throug the rule in my ende they must give another the
same privelidge and the consequence would be that they would have
twenty applications every day – Taking all these things into consideration
they could not grant my request
I now went to Mr Thornes Brewery and was sorrey to learn that Mr.
Thorne met with a severe accident on Monday morning as he was
proceeding to Little Towne Street to meet Me by being throughn out of his
carriage and received a severe cut on the arm
Young Mr. Thorne was brewing and I had the satisfaction to see the
Mashung Mashine at work it moves around the tub about two times in
three minutes or once in a minuet & a half – I took dinner with Mr. Thorne
& as I was going to see Elliots &c Brewerey he desired me to come back
and let him know how I got on
Here I thought I would get to windward of them a little and by affecting an

Ignorance of everey thing I saw I thought that perhaps they would show
me more minutely the whole of the process I went into the office and told
them I was a Farmer from America & I had a particular curiosity to see
one of the large London brewereys
One of the clerks went with Me & the first place he took me to was the vat
room where 27 vats and the least of them hold 400 buts each and the
largest of them 1200 They hav a large stone resevoy into which they let
the Porter run from the rounds where it settles before it is pumped into the
stoar vats They cool the vats princapally by a Frigerator they hav two
engines one of 40 and one of 30 Horse Power they hav 260 Men imployd
about the whole primises and 160 Horses. The office was like the Bank of
England so maney roomes and everey one full of clerks I so far got to

145
the windward of My friend by affecting to know nothing and yet to

completely understand his explaination so readely That he got a verey
high opinion of my abilletys and before we parted got quite Gracious and
he invited me to call again before I left Town
I went to Mr. Thornes and took Tea and from thence to Astleys Theatre
where Mazippa and the wild horse was acted with such reality that it
completely petrefyed me – The next was a fox Hunt with 12 horses and a
real fox and dogs on the staige All the Men and Ladies for there was
several, were dressed in the True hunting costume They also brote onto
the Staige a large African Lion and a full grown Bengall Tiger and two
young ones which jumped through the Keeperes armes and over his head
Next following a Horse race with a grand stand and Stewrds & every thing
in order Ther came up three or four Staige coaches with four Hoses in
each one after another followed by _____ & Men on horse back with
Mountibanks and in fact the real scene of a racecourse. I never was so
much astonished in my life as I was this night – it broke up at one oclock
and on My way home four differant Girls took me by the arm and desired
me to go with them to their logings, but I was not to be caught so soft
I forgot that I was in Westminster Abbey this day and saw the place where
all that was greate and beautifull in their day are now no more then ashes –
And a line to mark the spot where their bones rest are all that we mow of
them
22 Saterday Morning I went to Park Street in the Burrough to see Barkley

Perkins & porter Brewery. It was with difficulty that I could get throug the
Street agasant to the Brewery so crouded was it with drays belonging to
the Firm. At lenth I got into the yard which as verey indeed but so full of
drays that it was allmost the labour of a Hercules to win my way through
them at last I was directed tot he office and was showen into a room where
was half a dozen clerks buisely imployd I made application to see the
Brewery and had a man sent round with me directley, the operative part of
the Brewery had lately been distroyd by fire which destroyd £100,000
worth of property. The fire was extinguished by 200 buts of Poter If I
had amazed in viewing the other Brewerys how much more was I
astonished at this There was some two or three hindred work men
imployd in repairing the damaged the was pulling the coppers to peicis
and I saw onley the bottom which I should judge to be at least 20 feet in
diameter – The room where the rounds stands is I think 60 or 70 yards
square and full of them 800 in number
There is 120 large vats most of them holding 2000 buts of Porter – The
thins that struck me most forsably was their method of cleaning casks by
steam which no doubt is improvement This is a joint stock consern as

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there are Eighty partners with nearly a million sterling of capitol and
beyond doubt the most extensive consern in the World it is like a Town
itself and imploys from three to four hundred men. From there I took up
Stamford Street to Westminster Bridge and crossed it and went to Mr
Thornes to bid him fare well as I had made up my mind to leave London
to tomorrow morning I took dinner with him and he intrusted [entrusted]
Me with a presant for his son Charles in Upper Canada which I promised
to deliver with my own hand (which pleas God I will) From there I went
to Mr Terreys & got two letters to take to Mr George Stegman
23 Sunday Morning took My luggage ther Spread Eagle in Gracechurch

Street about half past seven to be readey for the coach which did not start
till half past eight we was soon out of the Queen of citeys and the country
was in its riches dress every thing was in such a flurishing state and looked
so Beautiful in some places the new mown hey was spread out to the wind
and sun & sweetned the air with its fragrance
The day was rather windey and blew the dust into our eyes which made it
rather disagreeable – We was hurled on at a rate little Short of the wind it
self over roads as smooth and hard as the (Bay of York when it is frozen
over) We stopt to dinner at Northampton and at Leister to Tea for those
who chuse to take it but as I hav not half digested my dinner I thought it
was useless to take aneything at presant
When night came on it became quite cold and I got into the inside of the
coach where I got a little nap About twelve oclock we passed Burton
upon Trent
At daylite it began to rain verey fresh during which time I was on the top
of the coach being anxious to see the Staffordshire Pottereys which we
were then passing At Burslem I left the Red Rover which was the name of
the coach and stopt for the Manchester coach during which time I took
breakfast About seven oclock the Manchester coach came and we started
and passed through one of the Greatest coal mining counteys in England I
could see twenty steam engines at once putting up their hygh volum of
black smoke We passed through Stockport a greate manufacturing Town
which is to be seen at maney miles distance by the dence cloude of black
smoake which hover over it & the numerious chimneys whose tops are hid
in the cloudes .
We arived at Manchester at twelve oclock & I immediately made inquiry

when the Todmordin coach started and was told not till five oclock the
meantime I Spent in looking about Manchester I went to the rail road end
and saw the train start which was a very gratifying sight At the apointed
time I repaired to the Old Boards Head at the Bottom of Shude Hill the
office from which the Todmordin Coach starts And passd through

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Midleton & Rochdale and arived at Todmordin at seven oclock I could

hav passed throug the place and not hav known it so much altered since I
last saw it – It is impossable to discribe the state of My feelings on ariveng
at the place of my birth from which I hav been an exile for 14 years and to
which I am now returning an entire stranger to everey face that I saw
I took My Portmato to the Royal George which I was aprised was cept by
a cousin of mine & inquired for the landlord and was told that he was not
in so I left my Portmantau and made inquirey for Mr Scholfield for whom
I had letters and for Norman Foales as I had letters for him also And then
I shoped my way through the blind land toward Houstone the place where
I was born I passed by my Aunts and two or three of my cousins were
standing at the door and altho I was aware that they live there I did not
know them nor they me altho they naturly took notice that I was a stranger
when I passed by the Hole bottom the factorey was just losed and all had
their eyes fixed on me and I could here them wisper to one another who is
that felley where is he going &c I could call to mind the position of things
verey well but it seeamed to be on such a Contracted scale to what I
expected that I could scarsely beleave My own eyes – When I got up to
the Racher I met with a man and asked him who lived there which
completely asstonished [astonished] him as he thought I was a complete
stranger When I got up to the Houghstone I found it in such a
delapidated condition that I was not able or rather I felt so shocked that I
could not go in I was all most in a mind to turn about and leave the
country without making myself Known – I met a man in the yard and
asked him if he lived there to which he replyd that he did – I then asked
him what had became of the Golden Hollin that grew in the corner of the
gardin he said it was dead and pointing to a log that lay in the shead there
it lays say he but how did you know that a Hollin grew there are one of
Helliwells to which I answered in the affermtive he told me his name was
Standfield & asked me to go in but I did not wich to do so I then came
down to Meadow Bottom and went into My uncle Barker he was sitting at
the fire I inquired if Thomas Barker lived here he said that that was his
name to which I answered that I beleaved that I must call him Uncle, upon
which he jumped u an took me by the hand and said he was glad to see me
as he never expected to see aney of us more My aunt was not in but one
of My cousins was not long fetching her So quickley did the news fly
that in half an houre the House was full of Fathers old Tenants and
neighbours all ancious to here how all our family was & how we liked in
America
25 Tuesday Morning My Aunt Barker went with me to the Clough to My

Uncle Sutcliffs where they was glad to see me & all his daughters were
there to Tea who were all verey glad to see me they made a Thousand
inquireys about america and our family In the evening my cousin Charles
went with me down to the House fall to his Brother Johns where we stopt

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till twelve oclock Mrs Sutcliff showed me several things they had got from
Mother among which was a glass with T & S H on it being the initial of
Fathers and Mothers name out of which I drank wine
26 Wednesday After dinner I went with Cousin Charles to Todmordin to see

his Mistress Miss Hannah Gleadhill where we took Tea and returned by
the Land Holm where his sister & My cousin Ann Mrs Smith lives
27 Thursday My uncle Sutcliff accompaynd me to the Knowle to My uncle

Thomas Lords where I found them all well except my uncle who had
lately met with an axident [accident] by falling off the cart and cutting his
Head but which I am happey to say is not of serious consequences – I
stoptd all night and on the
28 Fryday I came with uncle down to Todmordin to the doctors to get his
head dressed where I left him and called at Cousin Lettys and Aunt
Barkers and went again up to the Houghstone – In the parlour I found two
pair of looms and one pair in the dining room – The floores are all in holes
the flags all cracked and broken and the upper floore all full of holes and
in face everey part of the House is in ruin No person is living in the
cottage at the end of the Barn and the roof is falling in – While I was here
one of Fathers old Tenants and servants came in Mrs Thomas Barker – I
never saw aney person so pleased to see as she said the son of her old
Land lord on whom she bistowed the greatest prais and invoked a blessing
on all his family I then went upon to the top of Racher from which I had
a comanding prosspect of the scenes of My child hood & could call to
mind maney things that occured to Me in My Child hood
They was buisey in the upper Meadow Mowing and making hay – but I
think the crops are from being as good as they used to be when Father
farmed it From there I went up to Greenhust hay to John Helliwell a
distant relations of oures Mr Helliwell was not at home his wife inquired
if My name was Helliwell for she never saw aney of our family and on my
telling her that it was she showed me into the Parlour and said that John
would soon be in She brote me a glass of wine and Newspapers to read
till he came home which he did about two oclock he made greate
inquireys about My Brother Thomas his old companion After dinner we
took a walk up on to the Moore. Which is now all taken in and a greate
deel of it in cultivation We went to Keb coate and got a pitcher of ale and
came back by the Bride Stones & top of Slack and windy harbour where
we called and came through his Meadow where was 13 hay makers and
most of the old weavers for Fathers and all made great inquiring about My
Brothers & Sisters I stopt all night with Mr Helliwell to see the Worlaw
Stones and after dinner he came with me to the Hay head where I called to
see Old Ann My old School Mistress She showed me an old Testiment
with the rude figure of an Ass in one and which she said I made in days of

149
yore in one end was written John Helliwell his Book 1807 which is
doubtless My Brouther Johns writing in his School boy day – And in the
other end My name was written
I then went down by the Hole Bottom and called on Mre George
Stansfield who was verey particular in her inquireys about My Mother
her old Neighbour from there I went to Norman Foules to make inquiries
about Mr Cooks Father at Coln he pressed me to take Tea which I did &
came to Meadow Bottom to Aunt Barkers & cousin Elizabeth went with
me all noon to the cross Stone where we met Charles Sutcliff and I Turnd
and went to Todmordin with him to the Royal George where we took a
glass of ale
From there we went to Gleadhills where I left Charles with his Mistress
and came to the clough
July 1832
1 Sunday I went to Cross Stone Church with My cousin Hiram Holingrake I

searched the grave yard and found a stone with the inscription on it
Here Layeth the boddey of Bettey

The Wife of John Helliwell of
Hill House who departed this life
September 10 1790
(This was my Grandmother.)
I sat in the Gallery in the midst of the Singeng Girls each of which had a
posey of Sweete smelling flowers in their hand so that it was verey
pleasant to inhale such delightful atmosphere
In the Afternoon I came to Todmordin with Charles Sutcliff he stopt at

Gleadhills and Miss Gleadhill directed me to their Pew 51 in Todmordin
New Church They have a fine organ and a good choir of Singers Two
among them is some verey Beautifull Girls After church I met Elizabeth
Barker and went home with her to tea And after that went to see my name
sake and second cousin William Helliwell & his sisters one of whome
accompayned us to the Knowlwood to see the Sunday School Girls walk
there was 32 couple all dressed in white frocks & black belts and
handerchiefs during this walk I had Elizabeth Barkers on one arm
Elizabeth Helliwell on the other some thing rather remarkable I came back
to My Aunt Barker to Sleep
2 Monday I got up earley to get the Burnety coach as I was determined to go

to Coln to see Mr Cooks friends and to deliver his letters When I got to

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Todmordin I was rather to soon for the coach so I stept in to see Sharlot of
old Aleeses
On the coach I met with Nash a cow jobber who desired me to give his
respects to My Mother & Brothers I walked from Burnley to Coln 6 ½
miles and arived there 12 oclock and found Mrs Cook Mr Cook having
been dead 4 months She was verey much pleased to hear from her son &
made verey much of me indeed and pressed me to stop four or five days
Coln presants rather a busey day as it is the aniversary of two clubs who
are walking the streets with a flag and a band of Music playing about 400
Men and everey one of them has a scarlet ribon over their shoulder At
Miss Cooks request I accompayned her About a miles to tell a friend of
theirs that they had receved letters from her Brother After we came back
Mrs Cook sent a friend of hers with me to see some power looms to Coln
water side where was forty of fifty pairs at work. They are a curiosity On
our way back we called at the Hotel where the band saw playing and heard
several tunes which they played and heard several tunes which they played
verey well
We also went into the Women club where was a fiddle and a grope of
young people ceeping step to its tune & displaying the lite fantastic tow
with the greates glee
When I came back I jockularly asked Miss Cook if she would go and take
a dance and She said she would. So away we posted and danced till twelve
oclock during which time I danced with several verey Prettey Girls and
what was more gratifying they was good dancers
3 Teuesday Morning Miss Cook asked me if I would like to see the country
over in Craven as she had several uncles there and would go with me if I
chused to this I agreed and after breadfast we set out to walk 12 miles
What wold our canadian Beuiteys think of that and a verey pleasant walk
we had of it We stopt at Gisburn and took dinner with an uncle of Miss
Cooks We went through Lord Ribbelsdales Parks which is swarming
with Deer and Hares a delightful place it is indeed We crossed the river
Ribble which is the most like the Don of aney river that I hav seen since I
left it it brote favreable to my mind the (code ....)
We stopt all night at a place called Moor House where another uncle of
her lives he is a widower & has three daughters all Beautifull & one son a
verey pleasant young man I was handed into a parlour where set the Good
Man of the House with two friends injoying themselves over a glass and
pipe With whome I entered into a conversation about America compared
with England the climate productions &c of the two countreys

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I accompayned the young Ladeys to see one of their relations and returned
about ten oclock when we found a supper prepared for us in grand stile
4 Wednesday Morning it was rathers wet and we did not stir till after dinner.
At one oclock we started for Coln where we arrived at five and after Tea
Mrs & Miss Cook & I went to a place called Ball Grove to see a friend of
Mr Cockshuts
5 Thursday morning I set out for [___?___] I passed Through Townley Park
and the old castle which in fudal [feudal] times gave protection and
Shelter to its Lord and his vassels
At Holms Chappel I called on John Wamsleys Brother & took a bite of

chees and bread with him – I also called on John Barker – Nots & looked
through his factory & William Barker Crosslee & old Daniel Eastwood &
John Barker Bank where I took Tea and he went with me as far as Cross-
Stone on My way to John Sutcliffs
6 Fryday Morning I went up to Hollinroyd to cousin Marth where I saw old

Alee & I could see verey little difference in her since She lived at
Houghstone
From there I went up to Swalloushow and bought six yards of velveteen

and took it to a Taylor to Make into a Jacket
I then went up into Duels gate to see My name Sake William Helliwell
brother to John Helliwell of Greenhurst hay
I took dinner and Tea with him & looked through his factorey which is
rather extensive He has a verey interesting wife and verey comfortably
situated indeed
I asked him to go with me to the Waterside to see Fieldings Factorey

which he did we first went through what is called the long room & it is
not mis called for it is indeed a long room being 300 feet in lenth which
was full of collicoes here we met Mr John Fielding and he introdused Me
to him He went with us to the Pour Hole where he left us Here was a
scene I will not attempt to discribe suficient to say that there is 800 pair of
looms all a going at once and the noise is easier conseived then discribed
they are turnd by one main shaft and branch shafts This room is 180 feet
square and ther is 800 people employd in it. The steam engine that drives
the looms is 60 Horse power made at Wibseylow Moore and is one of the
finest I ever saw there is not the least speck of gres or dirt to be seen
about it all as bright as silver ther room is carpeted.

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The method they hav of supplying the boilors with fuel is a greate
curiosity The coal is placed in a hopper above the fire and by Mashinery
it is so constructed that as the steam raises the supply is less and after it
gets to a certain height equal to the power required it stops and again starts
where the decreasing pours requires it
The cillinders where the gass is made (for they light their works with gas)
is well worth while looking at and the huge Gassomiters or reservoys of
Gass which are like little Houses made of Sheet Iron The self acting
spinning Mules are another verey greate curiosity
Here is a foundry a black smith shop a tinsmith shop and a carpenters shot
all in full operation making or repairing Mashienrey
7 Saterday I walked to Halifax where I went throug the coal Market the
swine market and then I visited the beef Market which is well supplyd
with a good article next to this is Stalls covered with cloth shoes womens
caps and frills and in fact everything A little farther is stalls with fruite
and greens fish &c – from there I went to the Pence Hall which is built
round a large square two storeys high all divided into rooms about ten feet
square – In these rooms the Manufactorers sell their goods and aney
person that sells after 12 oclock is liable to a fine – I also went into
Halifax old church which is a verey old building and is heated by steam.
The Herold Arms of all the Lords of the Kingdom painted on the top of
the church it is a verey interesting place to visit - I came back to
Todmordin in the coach and My cousin at Royal George pressed me to
stop all night with him which I did
Thomas Lau was here and he invited me to go and see him which I
promised to do some day late in the evening there came about half a
dozen from about the Houghstone who made me drink with them
8 Sunday Morning I started to go to church but being to late I went onto

Meadow bottom till the afternoon when I went to church with Elizabeth
Barker and this being one of the Yearley subscription days for the Singers
they called forth all their vocl power they was master off which really did
them credit After church I went home with William Helliwell and came
to church with him again in the evening After we came back from church
his sisters regularly questioned me about America and I had some thing to
do to answer them satifactoraly
9 Monday Morning I set out for Baccup on my way I called on W Helliwell

in Duels Gate who accompayned me to the top of Duels Gate
I called on Mrs Booth Fathers cousin & found her and family all well
About eight oclock I went to Mr Wm Sutcliffs but he had not yet come

153
from the Market & his wife was on a visit to the Clough so there was no
person but a son of John Sutcliffs there till about twelve – At which time a
tall slender Man came in for word and took me by the hand & said he was
verey glad to see me and said you will ceartainly stop two or three weeks
with me – After supper he informed me that it was his rule to make Prayer
every night before going to bed accordingly we all knelt down and he
craved a blessing for us all
10 Teusday Morning I set out for to go to Rochdale to see if I could find My

uncle Joseph Helliwell from Baccup to Rochdale is eight miles which took
me about 2 ½ houres to walk I had my instructions from Mrs Booth where
I could find him which was about a mile from Rochdale on the oldham
roade When I went in I saw a tall raw boned woman who asked if Joseph
Helliwell lived her to which She answered that he did I inquired if he was
at home she said he was not far off I asked her if she was his wife and
she said that she was. Well sais I he is uncle to me She asked what they
called me and said that My uncle would be verey glad to see me She
immediatelily set to and made some dinner after which she sent her little
girl with me to the Factorey where My uncle was at work – I asked
Liberty from the Master to go in to the factorey but this he would not grant
but sent for him to come and we went into an ale House and drank a quart
of Ale togeather which is probably the lat we shall ever drink togeather–
He is verey well in health but his sircumstances are like all persons who
drinks all that they can earn poor enough poor man it is a pitey but he must
reape the consequences of his folley– He wished me to stop all night but I
had promised to go back to Baccup to W Sutcliff and consequently I could
not nor neither did I wish to do so
It began to rain verey fast just after I set out for Baccup but I was fortunate
enough to hav an umberrela with me so that I did not get so wet as I
otherwise would have done
11 Wedensday Morning Mr Sutcliff asked me to go with him to Blackburn as

he had to Attend Market there I was glad of the offer The Morning was
rather shoerey so he found me a pair of leggings and a Great coate & a
fine Mure to ride
We passed New church in Rosindale & Haslingdon & Accrinton and

arived at Blackburn at twelve
This is a verey thriving place and a verey Good Market for vegetables and
frate The country this way is not so fine by far a it is craven there are a
Greate number of bleaching and printing works on this roade
12 Thursday Morning I came down to Wiliam Helliwells in Duels Gate

where I took dinner and took a walk up onto his farm with him

154
From there I went into Knowl wood to Ralph Taylor a cousin of Mothers
where I took Tea. He ceeps Bachelor Hall and has everey thing as cleen as
a new pin. After Tea we took a walk to Smithy Holm factory and then up
to Uncle Tommeys at Knowle where I stopt all night
13 Fryday My uncle went with me to Daynroyd to Thomas Lars has I had

promised him that I would go and see him before I returned back – He
went with us over into Ramsdin clough to see their factorey and a verey
fine one it is They hav a Steam ingine of the High pressure princaple the
onley on that I hav seen in England
We came back to dinner and after that I went to Sutcliffs at clough – In the
evening I went down to the horse fall to see Mr Sutcliffs Wife and came
back to the clough to sleep at night
14 Saterday Morning I went with John Barker of Holinroyd to the top of hall
Stone and took dinner with him after which I went down to Meadow
Bottom to My Aunt Barkers & she went with me to Hallroyd to see Mrs
Scholfields And from there we went to see a cousin of mine in Millwood
In the evening Elizabeth went with me as far as Crosstone during which

time she told Me that she was to be Married five weeks from tomorrow
15 Sunday Morning I came down to Meadow Bottom and Abraham Barker or

little Abb as he is most comonly called went with Me to the top of the
round hill and up into the Wickenberry clough to see his Brother Thomas
When we came back he wished me to take dinner with him which I did
In the afternoon I went to Stoodley Pike accompayned by Elizabeth

Barker – We went passt Lumberts and Monkinholes and Sorbey Gate
Stoop From Stoodley Pike we had an unbounded propect of the
Surrounding Country
We came back by Shaw and stopt at cousin Thomas Sutcliffs to Tea Mrs
Sutcliff is an uncommon talkativ woman She told me her Daughter was
going to be Married next week and asked me if I would go with her to
Hepoustat [Tonstat?] When I came back to Meadow Bottom I found
Wamsleys Brother waiting to see Me he said that he did not know yet
weather ge would go to America or not but would see me again
I slept at cousin Salleys this night
16 Monday Morning I went to Feildey Waterside to take another peep at their

extensiv works I applyed to Mr Jossey who told Me to blunder through
the whole of the works I met with Gibson Cockeroft My old School

155
Master with whome I had some talk he desisted Me to call at his house
some evening when he was at home & I promised to do so if I had an
opertunity From ther I came to Doctor Heworth where I stopt a little
while. Mrs. Heworth was much surprised how aney bodey could live in
America. She asked me a thousand of the most foolish questions that I
ever herd in My life. She was verey perticular in her inquireys about
Mother wished me not to forget to give her love to Her. In which the
doctor hartely joyned
The afternoon I spent with Abraham Barker who is a man of verey good
information and good companey– He appeared to take greate interest in
our Canadian affairs
In the evening I took all my finery from Royal George where My Port
Mantau was to Greate House Clough to be ready for the wedding which is
to take place tomorrow in all is well
17 Tuesday Morning after I was rigged I went with Hiram Hollingrake down
to the Rodwell end where we took breadfast after which there was a wine
posset handed round an old custom I am told before a wedding
About half past nine the Bride grom John Crabtree and two of his sisters
and me started to Meet the Bride and her partey at Stoodley Bridg Miss
Marey Crabtree was My partner a tall slender Girl of about sixteen with
fair hair and cheeks like roses and a countenance that is irresistable And
above all She was so cheerfull an lively in her remarks and told me the
names of all the places that we passed with so much good nature that I was
not a little proud of My companion
As the partey was all well known Myself excepted we scarsely passed a
houre without some joke being passed on us. And when we passed
Rodisons Factorey everey window was full of Stareers
We arrived at Heponstal at eleven oclock and went into the Publick House
and took a drop of the balson of life before we went into the Church
The ceremoney was soon over indeed much sooner then I expected And
we left the Church amid the Merrey chime of the bells struck our coming
out & rang us tot he Tavern where we stopt and took another glass to ceep
our spirits up
We got back to Rodwellend at three oclock where was a good dinner

provided for us and we all sat down with appetites fit to do it justice We
cept up the day with songs and good humor till twelve oclock at which
time I came back to Sutcliffs at Clough to sleep

156
18 Wednesday Morning I went up to Hollinroyd and spent the fore noon with
the Girls. At twelve I went down to Rodwellend to accompaney the
__?__ to the Brides Fathers where it was to be held up to day. I was
sorrey that Miss Marey Crabtree could not accompaney us. However an
older sister a verey Beautifull Girl but rather more of a prude supplyd her
place We was well entertained at Thomas Sutcliffs and stopt till eleven
oclock
When we got back to Rodwellend there was no person at home but the
Girls and I stop there an houre or two kissing the Girls
19 Thursday Morning I went down to the Rodwellend and fetched Miss

Crabtree up to John Sutcliffs where both weddings was held for his son
Charles was Married on the same day that his that his Grand Daughter was
and to day both parteys was entertained at his hous which was quite lively
place for this day at least
In the evening I saw Miss Crabtree home where for the first time I saw her
Father he was uncommonly cheerfull and said that he used to go to Market
with My Father & Brother he invited me strongley to come and stop all
night with him some time
When I came back to the clough I found Doctar Gleadhill waiting for Me
to go home and sleep with him He is a young Man of about one or two
and twenty of a good education & Jockular turn of Mind and consequently
he is good companey and an agreeable companion
20 Fryday I was much surprised on being told that there was a letter for Me at
the Royal George which when I got I found to be from Thomas Cook who
has arived at Coln from Upper Canada. I shall go tomorrow to see him for
to day I am ingagued to go with the wedingers to Moss Hall
After Breadfast Thomas Gleadhill and me went to the Clough where he

left Me and went foreword to Moss Charles Sutcliff and his wife and Me
and Miss Sunderland (a neice of his and half cousin of Mine) followed at
Moss Hall I was introduced to Mr Gleadhill who told me that he used to
Manchester Market with My Father for ten year togeather
After dinner (which was a sumptious one) we took a walk as far as Black
shaw Head to one of Mr Gleadhills sons and returned to Tea
In the evening I saw Miss Sunderland home and stop all night at her
Fathers
21 Saterday Morning I set out for Coln this time I took a differant rout and
went through Worsthavn and Haggot When I called on James Smith the
person who sailed with My Brother Thomas to America her made me stop

157
to dinner and came with me about a mile & told me not to pass his house
without calling
When I got to Mrs Cooks Thomas was not at home He was gone over
into Craven Mrs Cook sent a lea immediately after him but it was mid
night before he got back
He informid Me that My Mother & Brothers were all well when he left
York
22 Sunday Morning Thomas Cook and a cousin of his and Myself went upon
to the top Con Church steeple when the bells was ringing There is six
bells and at a little distance they sound verey Beautifull. We went to
Church which was verey well attended
After dinner we went tot he resevoy and a large dam of water which
covers about 60 acres of land it is to supply the cannal in dry weather
when the natureal resorses fails– There is a Boate cept here which we got
and a young woman went with us to hav a sail of the resevoy
23 Monday Mr Cook and me got up at five oclock and went with Mr Bolland
(an Attorney of Coln) a rabbit shooting we took a firrit with us to turn
into the holes but we could not get aney out So that after trying for three
houres we was oblige to come home without getting a single shot
After Breakfast we set out for the top of Pendle Hill. We stop at Carr
Hole. Conal Claytons Seate & looked throug the Gradins which are
superb
After stoping at several of Mr Cooks friend we Got to the top of Greate

Pendle at three oclock
From the top of this Hill is the most unbounded prospect that I ever saw in
My life To the Westword is the Greate Atlantic Ocion and Town of
Presston with Coln Burnley Accrinton Blackburn and Gisburn
We saw several Growse on Moor Game and ranged about the top of the
Hill till nearley dark We stopt to Tea at Mr Bollands Father to the young
Gentleman that was a shooting with us this morning – We got back to
Coln at ten oclock verey much fatigued
24 Teusday I waited till one oclock for Mr Cook to finish a letter & then Mr
Shuttlworth (a person for whom I am taking letters to America) & Mr
Cook came with me to the to of Boolsworth and set me in the right way
over the Moor for Greenhurst hay I passed by the Reaps and over

158
Noadale. I arived at John Helliwells at six oclock wet and tird as it rained
the greatest part of the way
Mrs & Mr was not at home but the servant made me a cup of Tea
25 Wedensday Morning Mr Helliwell & I took a walk upon to the Moor to

see his workmen and round by Redmired dam & Rebceate & Bride Stones
during this ramble Mr Helliwells dog cought a young grouse it was
nearley full grown but so stupid that it suffered itself to be taken by the
dog without attempting to escape at all
26 Thursday Morning I accompayned Mr H down to Hole Bottom on his way

to Todmordin But as Abraham Stoufield had invited me several times to
come and take dinner with him I did so to day
When Mr Helliwell returned I went home with him & in the evening we
took a small walk round the fields and onto the top of Worlow (Worlos)
Stones to injoy the Beautifull and pictureisque appearance of aney
landscape I hav seen in all My travels
27 Fryday after breakfast I took leave of Mr & Mrs Helliwell and came to
over to the Clough and took My clothes down to Todmordin and packed
them up readey [ready] for a start while I was at the Royal George Charles
Stucliff came for Me to go to Doctor Gleadhill where I stopt a verey little
time & from there I went to Sand Holm to My cousin Anns where I took
dinner & went to the Shaw to Thomas Sutcliffs
I took a walk with one of the boys to Monkinholes Town & stopt a fiew
minutes at ____?____ where I saw Miss Marey Crabtree the young Ladey
who walked with me at the wedding.
In the evening Barker Sutcliff went with me over the Ludge where I had a
cousin lives I new her as soon as I saw here by the likeness but she new
nothing about me however I soon made myself nown
She played me fifteen tunes on the organ Strongely invited me to come

again an not content with this she sent one of the boys after me to tell me
to be shure and not forget I stopt all night at Shaw
28 Saterday Morning I bid the people here all good by as the time for my
departure drew I thought it probably that I could not see them aney more
I came down to Todmordin to witness one of the greatest days that ever
was seen in this village IT WAS THE PROCESSION IN HONOUR OF
REFORM – I came over the fields from Stansfield Hall to Jump cloug
bridg and when I got there I was surprised to see Buckleys weavers

159
Marching with a band of Music at their head the Man walked first four
deep and the girls followed all in their best bib and Tuckers all in copt
Tythes Sinecures Nationals

Dept Taxes Englands Curse
Union is Streanth
Fielding & Brothers
Work Men
The Tryumph
of Liberty over
Tyraney
Earl Grey and all true Reformers may they
ever prosper And their oposers be Damd to eternal
Perdition
This is a specimen of their Ensines which I noted down on the spot
They marched with three bands of Music playing down as far as Lob Mill
& there turnd round & came back and was followed a pair of looms in a
cart and a man weaving calico and another winding bobins with an aten
coke and a red herring nailed fast to the top of the looms and ever and
anon the bobin winder would take a bit of the coke & offer the weaver a
small bit
They ad a largeloy tile suspended from the looms with the inscription on it
Distress
of Collico Wearers
Ocationed
By Poor Looms and
The exportation of cotton yarn Collico weaver
Wages 9 per day of twelve houres
The procession went up the Burnley road as far as the Mot Rilman &
turned round I stood on the top of the ridge above the church from which
elevation I had a good view of the whole colum which reached from the
Blind land end to Bloomleys accross the Connel bridg all four deep After
the procession had passed I went to Doctar Gleadhills and took dinner ad
then the doctar & Me went up to Waterside to see how they was all
coming on there
The field where the people was dineing is in front of the Factorey and is
about an acre Above the Gate was decorated with flowers the letter
Reform formid of wire and covered with flowers and suspended down the
gate From the gate to the other side of the field there was a large Booth

160
erected and covered with collico with two tables Here all the Beef &
Pudding was cut up and servd out everey one bringing his own plate knif
and fork
There was 24 table at right angles with this Mam [man?] till and all
covered with collico once about 20 Yards long – The was an orchestre
erected at the Head of the booth and as band of Music playing all the time
the People was dineing Here was all the Ladeys of the water side & maney
of their friends with Meddles suspended from their fair necks cutting up
Beef and Pudding and seemed to injoy the scene verey much The beef
was of the best possable quality and the Pudding was verey rich Hunters
Pudding the Ale & Porter was exelant and in sufficient quantity After
Messrs Feilding work people had finishd all that would come & such
crouding and shoving to get to the table I never saw before in my life
When a slide of Beef was cut a dozen hands would grasp at it to the greate
danger of the hands being cut by the carving knif
After eating was over Mr John Feilding made a speach in whcih he spoke
of the Reform as being of universal franchise & hoped that the time was
not far distant when every English roast Beef and a moderate good
pudding everey day By this time the Ale & Proter had made maney of
them forget their poverty and groupes began to dance on the green with a
sperit & animation not often witnessed & [___?___] the Music the dancers
& the vast [___?___] of people all in their Sunday finery made one of the
most picturesque scenes that I ever saw in My life
About seven oclock Mr John Feilding put up a Ballon something larger

then a beer barrel It assended nearly perpendicular till it got as high as
the surrounding hills and then the grass being all exausted it came down
again It fell just on the othr side of the cannal
In the evening as I was going down York Street I herd a fiddle and
dancing going on up Stones So I went streit up to them & there was some
18 or 20 shereing the lite fantastic toe Here I got hold of a Bonney red
cheeked Lass dressed in white and took two of three turns on the floor as
Merrey as aney of them
I slept that night with docter Gleadhill
29 Sunday Morning I took breakfast with Cousin Salley and after that went
upon to the top of Racher accompayned by Elizabeth Barker – From that
eminance I had a Good view of the little Dale the scene of My childhood
and a thousand little incedants occured to My mind while telling here over
looking the place of My birth. Most likeley for the last time My feeling I
will not attempt to discribe for I am convinsed that I am not equal to the
task

161
In the after noon I went to Uncle Sutcliffs where was My cousin from
Baccup William Sutcliff with whome I took a last fare well and came
down to the Horsefall to Sleep
30 Monday Morning Hiram Holingrake called for me and accompayned him

to his Sister Prudances at Ludge and I stopt with her till he went over in to
Monkinhole during which time I amused My self with [___?___] at an air
gun and turning a box organ that is there & also by looking through a
large Teliscope which daird Hartley as if he is one of the largest and best
that I ever looked through In the afternoon I called at James Barons at
Stoodley Bridge and took Tea with him & after that we took a walk up to
Stoodley to see Mr David Lassey who has been in Canada but he was not
at home
I came to Greenhurst hay to Sleep
31 Teusday Morning I went down to John Barkers at Bank. But he was not at
home so I just steped down to Crosslea to see old Eastman where I stop a
fiew minuets & came back to Mr Helliwells to dinner. I then took leave
[___?___] of Mrs H and Mr H promising to meet Me on Thursday. Since I
left home I hav [have] not see a place that I left with as much regret as
John Helliwells the Master & Mrs re so verey pleasant and lives so verey
agreeable that everey person is hoppery about them. And if aney Man in
this world injoys true falisty it is Mr Helliwell
August 1832
1 From Greenhurst hay I went to Knowle and stop all night and on the
Morning of the 1 August I took leave of My Aunt & all my cousins at
Knowle My uncle accompayned Me the Cloug where I bid them fare well
and left the Cloug verey probably for the last time I came with My uncle
Thomas to the Boke Head where I parted with him and went tot he
Rodwellend to see John Crabtree & his wife before leaving the country. I
took dinner with them and they came over to the top of laid Stones with
me wehre I left them and went down to the Horsefall wehre I stopt at John
Sutcliffs and John Sunderlands till the after noon and when I left John
Sunderland came with Me allmost to the Sanholm and when we parted the
poor Man Burst into tears When I parted with John Sunderland I called at
Robert Smiths to see My Cousin Ann & Miss Sunderland who was there
This night I slept with My cousin & namesake William Helliwell
2 Thursday I was getting readey for a start & packing up all this forenoon. I
called on W Scolfield and several others and at four oclock I went
according to appointment to Stackhills to meet Mr Helliwell we looked

162
through his Malt House and an excellent one it is he gave Me several

Newspapers and a Book for My Brother Thomas
About seven oclock I parted with Mr Heliwell on the cannal Bridge I then
went up to Meadow Bottom to bid Adieu to Uncle & Aunt Barker and all
My cousins there. I came back to the Royal George to stop all night My
John Sutcliff was here and we drank Gin and water till I was a little out of
the way
3 Fryday Morning was rather wet and had a bad apperance for travilling but
as I had apointed this day for Starting for America I was determined to
prosecut My jorney in dispite of the weather
I was accompayned to the coach by cousin Charles Sutcliff doctar

Gleadhill & James Heworth about eight oclock the coach started and
farewell My Native Land
We arived at Manchester at eleven oclock and I imediately proceeded to

the Railway office and learned the time the carriages starts which was two
oclock
The intermediate time I spent in finding out My cousin Marey Barker

which I did without much trouble as I had her address from her Mother. I
new her from the likeness she has [?] the family She is verey well I did
not stop more than half and houre At two oclock I got into the first rate
Carriages there were fiew in number Herold Express Expidition Traviller
& Royal Mail. We went off at a good rate & in about two Miles we got to
our full speed which was a mile in two minuets When we met the train of
Carriages from Liverpool the speed of both trains was so great that I could
distinguish nothing but a mooveng mass which flew past us like an Arrow
Farther on we met another train with one Hogs in cribs fifteen or twenty in
a crib. The whole line is throug a county in the highest state of
cultivation. But so quick do you pass over it that before you can form the
least idea of one object a thousand is past
At the Liverpool end we passed through a deep cut excavated through

solid rock upwards of seventy feet
At the end we passed through a tunnel that is upwards of a quarter of a

mile long we was drawn through this by a houser and a stationary engine
this tunnel is lighted up by Gass When we got off the Railway carriages
there was omnibuses to convey us to Dale Street I put up tat the Grapes
inn in Water Street being recomended by Thomas Cook I got to Liverpool
at half past three and took a walk round the docks to see about a ship for
Quebec

163
4 SaterdaymMorning I took a walk round Princess dock Georges dock and

Queens dock before breakfast looking for a ship and the onley one that I
can find is the Brig Maraget which is going to sail immediately for
Quebec.
After that I called on Mr Perron 95 Upper Islington the person for whom I
brote a letter I was received to dinner But I told them it was not
possable for Me to come they asked Me if I would come tomorrow to
breakfast and go to church with them which I promised to do
I now went to Robins Mills &c Warehouse Dukes dock for My trunk and
brote in to My logings
After that I took a walk and saw two or three small Breerys & went to Mr
Thomsons at Sow brow and applyed to see through his Brewery. and was
told that I might if I called on Monday
In the evening I went down to the river side to see the Steam ferrey Boates
arive and depart whcih there is on e every ten minutes I could not help
but take notice of the vast number of Beautifull Ladeys that arived everey
Boate
5 Sunday Morning I walked down to the river side and saw several vessels
that had arived during the night amon them was the American Packet
North America
After sever oclock I went to Mr Perrons agreeable to promis the servant

showed me into a room where was Miss Perron a young Ladey about
ninteen & verey agreeable mannered and of a rather preposessing
appearance In about half an hour Mr Perron came in & shortley after I
was introduced to two Methodist Preachers one of which read a chapter in
the Bible and Mad [made?] Prayers Before breakfast
I went with Mr Perron to the Brunswick Chappel which is the best

constructed in the inside that I ever saw. It has one round end and two
rows of pews on the Ground floor with a passage round them and from
what seates raises one above another ten or fifteen tear – From aney
station in the Church which was verey full and a greate majority of them
was Beautifull young Ladies My eye cought one of the most exquisite
Beauties that I ever beheld I absolutely could not ceep My eyes off her.
And it appeared to be reciprocal for She eyed me with equal interest and
when I came out of the Church she was standing at the door and gave Me
such a glance that I could not misunderstand it

164
I took dinner with Mr Perron and after that his son went with Me to the
Rail roade [road] to see the train of carriages pass It appears to be a
fashonable resort for the Beaux & Belles of Liverpool for the they was
assembled in greate number It is realey a grand sight to see a Train of
five or six carriages pass at a speed that is not surpassed by the Pigeon In
the evening I had some conversation with Mrs Perron which we was
obliged to carrey on by means of an elastice tube with a small end which
she incrts into her ear and the other end is like a speaking trumpet which I
put to My mouth for she is quite deaf
6 Monday Morning I went to the ship office in King Street and took My
passage in the Brig Margaret for Quebec and then called again on Mr
Perron and he strongley invited me to come and take dinner with him the
Young Ladies sung several songs and played several tunes on the Piano
fort for My entertainment
At three oclock I left them (but not without promising to return to Tea)
and went down to Princess dock to see when the Ship would sail and to
see about getting My things on Board
In the evening I called again when Mrs Perron gave me a letter for her son
in York she called her three daughters and son to dance a four handed reel
whil the fourth daughter played the Piano – With which was much amused
for they danced with eligance
After dancing was over the son went with me to the high ground back of
Liverpool from which place I could see all over the Town and the oposite
side into Cheshire When we came back we found a Man from York
Upper Canada who was onley thirty days from there – He told me that
when he left there the Cholera Morbus had Broken out and that they was
deying off like rotten sheep (which peice of information gave me greate
uneaseness) He also informid me that the United States had prohibeted all
intercourse with the Canadies on account of the Cholera
7 Teusday Morning I got up at five oclock & got a porter to assist me to take
My luggage down to the North end of Princess dock and put them on
board of the Margaret. It was two houres before She got completely out
of dock and into the river and the Captain & Me & Mr Moore went on
board in a small boate . When I got on board there one of the Salors
wives crying and swearing and both in one breath. You damd rascol you
it the likes a you that makes maney an honest woman go out onto the
Street and I might go for aney thing you care for me leaving me without a
bit to eat bad luck to you Such was the language that this woman used to
her husband at parting

165
We was taken in tow by the Steam Boate Ormorad and towed down the
river to Black Rock but here a strong head wind She could not stem with
us and after trying about half an houre to no purpose the Captain told them
to cast off and about ship we went up the river again a little way and came
to an anchor to lay for four & twenty houres for another tide
This is mortifying but no antidote but patience and those who goes a sea
voyage should lay in a good stock of it
At a quarter less five we are laying oposite the Battery and Black Rock
light House I hav just been counting the Wind Mill that Are in sight and
I can see 13 of them We hav at least the consolation of a Beautifull
prospect on one side is the green field of Cheshire and innumerable young
Ladies riding on Asses on the sand as it is now low water by the help of
the teliscope I counted nine in one groupe and these had a boy and a
woman walking along to drive the Asses on and are probably the owners
And on the other side is Liverpool which on the side of the river as far as
the eye can reach presant the appearance of a forist so thick are the masts
of vessels And the vast number of steam chimneys which seam to hav
there tops in the verey cloudes lower down and on the same side is
Waterloo Terrice famious as a bathing place which in ordinarey seasons
presants a sean of fashion but non totally uninhabited on account of the
Cholera
There are vast numbers of bathing carriages on the beach
And at the mouth of the river is a whole fleet of small craft drawing for
shrimps
The numerious Steamers that are gliding by us and the river studded with
ships as far as the eye can reach gives the prospect a truley a fine
appearance
The evening a verey greate number of American ships passed by us up the

River twenty and thirty in sight at a time
After dark when the dock light was lit up being of differant collours some
pale yellow and some blood red gave them a grand appearance.
8 Wednesdy morning we weighed anchor at six oclock and stood out for
sea. But at nine the wind shifted and as the tide was against us we came
to anchor again
While we was laying here homeward bound ships was continually passing
us I counted 24 all in a line at one anothers tail – It was really a fine sight
to see so maney ships with everey rag of convass set that they could

166
muster running right before the win . All of them with their signal masts
up and their private signals for the Merchants At eleven oclock we again
weighed and stood on under a gentle breeze from N W by N at one we
spoke the Dorchester ship from Quebec. She wished our Captain to report
all well
Eights oclock great Ormords Head bore W about four miles distant a light
breeze scarseley sufficient to Stem the tide with all Studen sails set
Ten oclock verey fine night bright moon light and the water sparkels like
as if it was on fire
9 Thursday Morning had the appearance of little wind. But about nine
oclock it began to blow Pretty fresh & the ship began to heave down to
the wind At half past one the Carnell point bore S ½ W distant about 15
miles when the captain ordered the helm to but up and bore away throug
the North Channel the Ship boying N ½ E and the wind right aft
Eight oclock greate numbers of Porpoises all sporting about the vessel
We hav passed the Isle of Man and are now in sight of Ireland we are
going at the rate of 6 ½ knots & our course is N ½ W the wind Southerley
10 Fryday morning was thick and mopreley and a strong sutherly wind
blowing. It was a time of greate axiety for the Captain as it was
impossable to know the exact position of the ship and the atmosphere
being so thick we might be on the land before we could see it
But hapily before ten oclock the sun came out and Showed us the Irish
shore about three miles off it prove to be fair hed a bold perpendicular
head land. The captain told me that in the last rebellion of Ireland the
Catholics drove a grete number of prodistons off at this Head Greate
numbers of porpoises are playing round the vessel and greate numbers of
Gannets are flying about us
We hier passed the Mull of Cantire & are now (twelve oclock ) between
the Isle of Raughlin and Ails Isle and the Noth highlands of Scotland are
rearing ther giant heads in our view
About three oclock the two paps of Jura are to be seen
At half past seven a ship passed us and I read her name on the stearn Ann
Gray She passed us as if we stood still
We hav rather a heavy sea runing and I am rather sick and hav Just been
casting the contents of My stomack to blue waves that surround us

167
11 Saturday Morning I found Myself rather squamish but when I went on

deck I threw up which released me much
The sea runing high with a strong S W wind blowing accompayned with
squalls of rain And no land in sight the last land I saw was Ireland at
noon the Captain got an observation and found our Latitude 55 44 &
Longitude 7 30
In the evening it being Saterday we took a glass of Punch to drink the

health of our Sweethearts agreeable to sea customs. I drank to the girl
that Loves Me best be where she may
12 Sunday Morning made its appearance verey roug indeed and a strong
head wind blowing accompayned with showres of rain and squals
I passed the day verey uncomfortable for the ship rolled so that it was
impossable to sit down in the Cabin and on deck it was so verey wet at
four oclock I turned in to bed for the best place I could find
Our Latitude was 56 33 N

And Longitude 9 44 W
13 Monday Morning the weather some what finer but the wind still ahead.
So that we are doing little better the running N and S
At noon our Latitude was 55 44 and at five oclock our Longitude 9 54 so

that we hav onley gained ten minuets since yesterday The wind for the
last three days has been dead ahead I felt much better this day then I did
yesterday
14 Tuesday Morning the wind was some what fairer and the day promised to
be fine but the wind was lite and consequentley our way throug the water
was slow
At noon our Latitude was 45 37 In the evening a gentle breeze sprang up

from the SE and gave us a little headway
15 Wednesday Morning I head the satisfaction to find the vessel under a press
of convas going right before the wind
At noon our Latitude was 55 15 and Longitude 12 50
In the after noon the wind died away and we became motionless
16 Thursday Morning little wind and what we hav unfavourable so that we

are doing no Good Our Latitude 55 1 at noon

168
In the afternoon we saw a brig to the west of us about eight miles distant
About five oclock a breeze sprung up from SE and we was inabled to lay
our course at the rate of six knots and our Longitude was 15 40 this
evening during the night the wind blew fresh from SE But about six
oclock on the....
17 Fryday it howled round to the SW and consequentley it was against us so

that we are doing verey little good on our way. At noon our Latitude 54
40 and Longitude 16 14
There has been a Brig in sight all this afternoon to leaward of us she is
bearing the same way that we are
[page missing from transcription, continued on 21st of August]
It is really discouraging to see how slow we get towards Canada which

does not suit Me for I am anxious to see the Sweet River Don & all My
Friends not forgetting (code...)
22 Wednesday Morning the wind was from the NW a verey good wind so
the ship goes W 1/2N at five knots Latitude 52 31 and Longitude 25 26
Numerious shoals of Porpoises wer sporting about us this afternoon
In the evening the Arroro Burleas were plain to be seen letting about in the
Northern Hemisphere
23 Thursday This Morning the wind from W by N ½ W the vessel lay SW

by W to which add 2 ½ points vareyation [variation] to the westward and
lea way the drifts of the sea &c which brings the true course S ½ N 9 off
her course Latitude at noon 51 30 About four oclock the wind howled
round to the North so that we was able to lay per compass WSW ½ S and
it blew a Gale the vessel roaled and pitched tremendiously so that it was
impossable to stand without holding. At supper we could ceep nothing on
our plates nor tea cups and if it was not for the shifting boards nothing on
the table. Such is the pleasure of a Sea voiage. In bed the Brains are all
most turnd inside out & the bodey brused by being nocked from side to
side
24 Fryday Morning the wind bleu allmost a gale but it was tolerible fair Our
Latitude was 49 48 the wind remained stationerey for the whole day.
25 Saterday Morning made its appearance with a dead calm and thick mistey
weather It cleared at eleven & blew lite breeze from the NW at noon our
Latitude was 48 50 and Longitude 30 0

169
26 Sunday Morning the wind was from the W by E and blew a gentle breeze
We passed a Barque this Morning homeward bound She displayed a line

of flags from the Mozzen Nast head 15 the quarter deck eleven and
another from Gaf end to the quarter deck Supoosed to be a timber ship
from Quebec
In the evening I was much amused by seeing two or three Whales spouting
water into the air one of which came cloas to the ships bow and shoed his
hugh back above the water
27 Monday Morning the wind was from the W by S and the ship lay NW by
N At noon our Latitude 49 36 And Longitude 34
28 Teusday I found the wind from the WSW ship laying NW by N The
atmostphere so thick that we could see more then the ships lenth Latitude
50 38 Longitude 35 15 In the afternoon it cleered off and the wind died
away
29 Wednesday this morning the wind is from the NNW and we are making 4
½ knots SSW Latitude 49 33 Longitude 36 00 A brig passed us this day
She showed English colours but we could make nothing more of Her
30 Thursday Morning was a Beautifull one indeed it onley wanted a fair wind
to make it agreeable which however we could not get. As soon as
breakfast was over Mr Moon & me sat down to play chess and played till
dinner time and after that till bed time with a little intermishon The wind
was right a head as it could blow
31 Fryday Morning the wind lite and verey infavourable. Our coarse was
NNW The weather is remarkable fine and pleasant And we hav two
ships in sight the one going the same way that we are and the other to is
going to the eastward. At noon our Latitude 47 29 and Longitude 38 37
This is certainley the most unpleasant time that I ever spent. Nothing to
varey the dailey routine of Sleeping and eating except now and then a
game of chess
About nine oclock I was happey to see the wind howl round to the N
alltho there was little of it. Yet everey little helps & it is more
satisfactorey to be going the right way
September 1832
1 Saturday Morning came with the wind from the East but very lite however
we are thankfull to get as it is still making the distance less our Latitude at

170
noon was 49 and Longitude 38 it appears that there was a mistake of a

degree in the reckoning yesterday which make us a degree farther
westward than we really was
At six oclock we spoke the Brig Marther of Liverpool 15 days from

Marimashei She gave Longitude 38
Immediately after we spoke the Barque Naverino of Bristol 31 days from

the Bay Honduras bound to London She gave her Longitude 39 by
Chronomiter
It is inpossable to discribe the pleasure it gave me our being able to speak

to the abov vessils after being so long at Sea
At indeed it was rather remarkable that we should speak to two vessels at

once on the greate Atlantic Ocian
2 Sunday this day the wind was fair for the first time since we left the
Channel and we in consequence had all the canvass spread and made a
good run of it
At noon our Latitude was 47 4 and Long 41
3 Monday Morning made its appearance verey rough and rain falling in
Torronts At eleven oclock the wind shifted to the westward and blew a
gale in so much that we was oblige to lay to under a verey little sail
Latitude 46 3 Longitude 44 434 All night it blew a gale and the ship railed
and pitched excessively so much so that I got no sleep
4 Teusday Morning brote no releaf The sea still runing mountains high
with a surf coverd with foam About eleven oclock a Schooner passed
under our stearn distance about a quarter of a mile yet so high did the sea
run that at times we could not see her top mast – It was really the most
auflley sublime sight that I ever saw in my life
The Ship however roade the sea like a duck and consequentely shipped
verey little water Our Latitude this day at noon was 46 4 and Longitude
44 50 At twelve oclock the weather moderated and the Master put on
more sail which however proved to be premature for a gust of wind tore
the main sail accross close to the yard and another split the main royal
into two this evening the weather is moderate and the wind from WNW
(a head wind) during the last 24 houres we have made of westing (a
glorious distance)
5 Wedensday Morning the weather was fine and but little wind & that little
unfair the vessel laying no better then SWS about ten oclock I was called

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on deck by the Captain called me on deck to see a drove of Black Bottle

noses which was crossing our bow & everey fiew minuets they showed
their high backs above the water and blue like so many Hogs snorting
There is a Brig about five or six miles astern following us at noon our
Latitude 45 17 Longitude 44 31 thus it seams that we hav not made aney
westing since the last 24 houres this is verey discouring indeed Half past
nine there is a fine breeze spring up from S by E and we are jus now
making a little head way through the water but how long it will last is a
problem that will take a wiser head then mine to solve. However patience
they say is a virtue & what we cannot prevent we must cheerfully bear
6 Thursday morning made its appearance thick and foggey And the wind
SSW we hav had a tolerable run during the night Latitude 45 0 Longitude
48 30
At eight oclock the Master hove the lead as he expected to be on the

Banks of Newfoundland. He got no sounding with 120 fathoms of line
7 Fryday Morning before I got up the Master came down into the cabin and
said that he was heaving the ship to sound I immediateley got up and
went on deck and I was quite surprised to see what a differant collour the
water had (It was a pale green)
We got soundings at 35 fathoms with a bottom of shells There was hooks

put on in the expectation of catching a Codfish but in vain. The wind is
due west At noon the Latitude 45 48 and Longitude 49 40
8 Saterday Morning a calm and the vessel being still I thought the time
favourable for putting a stich into My jacket the seams of which had
lateley given way And while I was implyed in doing this Mr Morr called
out for me to come on deck and see a whale But before I reached the
deck he had disapeared
But I was in time to see equally as novel a sight. This was the Thresher
fish making their attak on this Monster of the deep
Their method of anoyance is as folows if the whole is deep in the water

they run under him and prick him (with a horn they are provided with by
nature) which brings him to the surfice when three or four of them springs
up into the air ten or fifteen feet and by giving themselves a turn they fall
back down (which is armid with a hard sort of gristle) upon the whales
back and with such forse that I distinctley herd the blow half a mile (It was
really amusing to see three or four of this fish in the air at once)

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The poor hopliss whale has not the power of retaliating on these untoward
persuers which swarm round him like mosquatoes and attack him on all
sides at once Thus it is that the most powerfull of all animals and one that
could capsize a ship with the greatest ease cannot ___?___ itself against
the attack of a fish altho large is to the whale as a mosqueatoe is to an ox
While I hav been writing the above Mr Moor has cought a small codfish
which gives us greate pleasure. There is also another one cought
At three oclock we spoke the Brig Hope of London 13 days from Quebec
& bound to Sheerness with timber
She reported the cholera raging in Quebec
Our Latitude 45 41 Longitude 50 0
This evening we had a fine breeze from the sourtherd and Easterd and the
Margaret Sailed faster then I ever saw her
But this did not last long for at eleven oclock the wind howled round
ahead again
9 Sunday Morning made its appearance thick foggey and disagreeable

weather nether pleasant on deck nor in the Cabin The ship was heading
WSW at noon our Latitude 45 19 and Longitude 52 15 At which time the
blew Pigeon was here and found ground at 56 fathoms of line
This is fifth Sunday that we hav spent at sea and God onley knows how
maney more we may be confined to our moving prison
At five oclock the wind shifted and we stood on the other tack NWW ½ W
on this coarse she sailed till five oclock on Monday the 10 when it began
to run and it fell in torrants & this time the ship broke off to N by E and it
continued to blow from the Northard & westward all day At noon our
Latitude was 45 54 Longitude 53 45 W by which we found that we are off
the Greate Bank And the Island of Newfoundland & are on the edge of
the Green Bank And the Island of Newfoundland About 70 miles North
of us
About five oclock it began to blow fresh from WSW and at seven the top
boom of the Trysail broke in two. This is the more unfortunate as we hav
not a spare spar to replace it. But are obliged to take the fore spencer
mast which will depreve us fo the use of that sail hence further
11 Tuesday Morning calm and cleer. Hove the lead and the _____ and get
sounding in 64 fathoms At breakfast I was surprised to hear the Captain

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assert that he smelt the land last nigh altho we could not hav been less then
25 miles from it (IT was strange to me) but he assured me that he had
smelt it 100 miles before now. He said that it was the efluvia that was
emited from the Spruse trees
We saw a small Chicken Hawke flying about the Brig this Morning which
is a certain prooff that we are not far from Land. At noon our Latitude
was 45 38 and Longitude 54 0 About six oclock a breeze sprung up from
WSW and the vessal glided away about four knot on the course This
evening the new boom was bent
12 Wedensday Morning was fine and a fair wind at right oclock we spoke the
Ship Elizabeth from Quebec Bound to Liverpool. At noon our Latitude
was 45 49 Longitude 56 0 with a good fresh breeze from SW the Brig
making about 7 knots at which speed she contended till twelve at night
when it began to rain; violantely & blow a gale the ship roaled and pitchd
excessibely so that I got not sleep at all
13 Thursday Morning made its appearance rather thick But about then
oclock it cleered away and showed us land on the Larboard bow which is
Brton Island distant about 25 miles. Soon after this the wind shifted &
blew right down the gulf and we ____ away on the other tack and lost
sight of the land from the deck it was however visible from the mast head
at sundown
14 Fryday Morning still foul and squally At noon Sant Palls Island bore SW
distant 18 of 20 miles and Cape North bore SW by W 24 or 30 miles. At
five oclock we are in the enterance of the Gulf of Sant Lawrance between
Sant Falls Island and Cap Ray the NW point of Newfoundland and about
24 miles from the latter place
The wind about NW and still continued squally
15 Saterday Morning found us becalmed between Cape Ray and St. Palls.
Island near the place where we was last night I went up to the Main
Topmast crosstrees to hav a view but I could see verey little better from
that elevated station then I could on deck owing to the weather being
rather hazey
We may consider our selves fairley in the Gulf of Sant Laurance After
38 days of the most tedious time that I ever passed in My life. In the
evening a breeze sprung up and came from the SE
16 Sunday Morning the Captain called me out of bed to come on deck I found
it one of the most beautifull Mornings that ever saw and the Ship under a
press of canvas passing the Bird Island they hav a verey singular

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appearance rising perpendicular out of the water flat at top and white from
Birds dung & when we passed then thousands of Gannets or Solan geese
were to be seen flying about
At half past seven the Bird Islands bore SW ½ S distant about four miles
At eleven oclock we passed about four miles to the North of Bryong

Island another of this group which bears the name of the Magdalen Islands
of which their are eight in number two Bird Islands & Bryan Island, Wolfs
Island, dead Mans Island, Amhurst Island, Sunderland Island, & Coffin
Island The wind still continues to blow fresh and we hav lower top and
top gallant & royal studensails set and going throug the water at a fine rate
17 Monday Morning I found myself between the Island of Anticosti and Cape
Rosiere which has a barron appearance being covered with low scrubbey
brush wood without the least sine of human habitation
We are now in the mouth of that King of rivers the Sant Laurance and
about three hundred and ninty miles from Quebec
At ten oclock the wind changed and blew right down the river
consequently we had to stand accross towards Anticosti which land we
made about three oclock it has bold shores and covered with brush wood
There is a lighthouse with a revolving light on the SW point which we saw
at night
We was followed all day by a Brig which Gained up on us so much that at

three oclock She was about half a miles astearn of which time She
showed her signal numbers and by referring to our signal book we new her
to be the Brig cicely which sailed five days after as from Liverpool She
came up in our wake till her Gibboom allmost tuched our Tarrafel at
which time she attempted to weather us but could not he then held up a
letter and said that if our captain would back his topsails he would bring it
on board this our captain did with pleassure and he lowered his back
down and mand it with four seamen and came on board when he got onto
the quarter deck Mr Moor & myself was regularly introduced to Captain
Sewel of the Brig Ciciley He is a fine free harted good fellow and sailor
in every respect It was a verey kind thing of him to take the trouble to
heave the ship to and lower his boate down and come on board with the
letter but this was not all for on our informing him that we were out of
Tea he said that we should not be without for he would send us some
He stopt about half an hour and drank a glass of brandy with us and when
he went back he sent the boate back again with a paper of Tea and in
performing this act of good natur I am sorry to say the poor fellows got a
complete ducking when they returned to their own ship and got the boate

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hooked onto the davits a wave broke over her and filled her completely
and gave the sailors a complete ducking
After this we tacked and stood accross to Newbrinswick
18 Thursday Morning I was disagreeable surprised to find ourselves where

we was yesterday morning. So it seams that we have been beating
backward and forward for four and twenty houres without advancing a
mile for what we gain on the North Shore where the currant does to set so
strong to South & eastern We lost on the south shore where the currant
sets 3 knot to the Eastward
Seven oclock we hav been standing off and on all day without having
gained a mile on our course. About three oclock a Pilot came on board
whose number was 92
This had been a verey disagreeable day. So verey cold and in the evening
it raind
19 Wedensday Morning we hav at last got the weather gague of Anticosti and
are now abrest of Cape Sant Anns with the wind right aft and all the
canvass that we could spread was shuck to the wind But the breeze is
light and we are out making more then two knots by the land for the
currant is carrying us down two knots or two ½
Mr Moor & the Captain are catching Mackeril
About three oclock it became calm and remained so till two oclock or so
20 Thursday Morning it began to blow of 7 knots under all Studensails At

ten oclock the Light House on Cape des Mont Pelles Bore NW by W 3 or
4 leagues distant
Seven oclock the breeze is still fair but the weather is getting so thick that
we can see no land on eather side of the river
This is a Majestic River indeed. From Cape Rosere to Quebec is 360

miles And from Cape Rosere to Cape Des Mont Pelles is 140 miles & at
the narrowest part is 70 miles wide. Here it suddenly contracts to about
30 miles where it becomes about 22 miles wide from which it gradually
contracts to from 8 to 12 miles The depth is from 140 fathoms to 25
below the Isle of Bie
At Father Point there is a settlement which continues from this upwards on

the south shore. This point is 20 miles below the Isle of Bie which is the
Pilot station & where the regular ebb & flow of the tide begins to be

176
perceptable in the currant for below this altho there is a regular ebb &
flow of tide in Shore yet there is no perceptable flood in the river
At Bie there is seven houre Ebb & five houres flood at the rate of five
knots
21 Fryday Morning I found the ship laying to with the topsails backed it
being so foggey that we could not proceed with safety in this state we lay
till the ship drifted from 45 to 14 fathoms of not (which plainley told us
that we was drifting onto the shore) We then made sail & stood over
towards the North side of the river till we gradually deepned our water to
54 fathoms when we again stood in to 14 fahthoms and so alternately from
deep to shallow water. Grouping our way with the lead & line like a
person in the dark who is in momentary apprehension of breaking his nose
against some obstacle or of falling headlong into some pit
We could carrey no sail altho we had a fair wind for not Knowing where
we was we might be on the shore before we aney thing about it. At six
oclock the Pilot thought it was not prudant to sail aney further So he
howled off towards the South Shore into 14 fathoms of water where he let
go the anchor. He could not be certain where we was But from the
Soundings he judged us to be between Basque & Apple Islands. This was
a verey critical place to be in for if the wind had shifted round to N or E
and blew strong it should hav been impossable to escape going ashore
22 Saturday Morning it cleared up for about half and hour and we discovered
our situation to be about 1 ½ miles to the west of Basque Island & 4 miles
to the west of Basque Island & 4 miles to the East of Apple Isle. We
weighed and stood up under and easey sail the weather coming on as thick
as ever
About ten oclock it cleered away a little and showed us Green Island light
hous about a quarter of a mie off on our larboard bow When it again bid
thick and continued till four oclock when it again cleered off and we had a
fine view of the Light Hous and Green Island which is high and wooded &
inhabited onley by the light Keeper it is 6 or 7 miles long 1 ½ broad in the
widist part At half past four it was high water & we came to an anchor in
35 fathoms of water about one furlong from the Island and 1 ½ miles from
the Light House which bore ENE. At seven oclock it was as thick as
porrage. At low watrer which was ten oclock the crew attemped to weight
the anchor But the wind blew so strong ahead & there was so much oable
out that before it was all in it was high water and began to Ebb so that they
was oblige to let it go again without getting more then two miles
23 Sunday morning the wind blew allmost a gale down the river & it
appeered by Situation of the ship that she had drug her anchor two miles

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notwithstanding she was a range of 90 fathoms of Chain out. At nine

oclock the tide began to make and all hav us was mustered at the windless
But the wind blew so strong that we could not get more then ten fathoms
of Cable in & that we was oblige to let go again and make ourselves
content to ride our the tide where we was
I was rather unwell all this day and in the evening I took some Medicon by
Mr Moores directions
In the evening the weather moderated at eleven all hands to the anchor and
after three houres hard work they succeeded in getting it up and made
about 11 miles before high water
24 Monday Morning I felt myself better and when I came on deck I found the
ship at anchor about 4 ½ miles SE of the three little Island known by the
appellation of the Brandy Pots.
On the South Shore there is to be seen numerious Farm houses and the
country has the appearance of being thickley settled
But the North Side of the river is a Mountainous barren vast without a
single habitation on it or aney thing that betokened the presence of an
Human being on it
About half past elevan we weighted and got under weight with the flood
tide and beate up the river past Hare Island which is eight miles long and
at the widest part a mile broade it is covered with Wood and abounds with
those Animals from which it drives its name
At half past five we came to anchor in a quarter less seven fathoms of

water & about five miles from the North Shore & directley oposite St
Andrews Church & miles tot he NW of the Pilgrim Islands these Isles
called the Pilgrims are four in number but connected by reefs that are dry a
low water. The Eastermost is the highest and is covered with Brush the
others are barren white rocks
We hav turned to windward about twenty miles this tide
It was low water at twelve oclock and it was up anchor and off as fast as
possable and run as long as it was flood tide which was till seven oclock
when we came to in 12 fathoms of water about two League W of the
Kamourasca Isle. This is a groupe laying at the distance of two leagues
above the Pilgrims o the same side of the river The NE or greates Island
beons from the Pilgrims SW by W the bank between is dry at low water
The Settlement of Kamourasca is within the Isles above discribed. The
village of Kamourasca has a delightfull appearance from our Station the

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Houses are all white-washed & looks verey cleen and tidey This
settlement is fameous for Butter Foules Eggs &c grete quatiteys of which
it exports to Quebec
About two miles to the SE of us is a High Cape which is called Cape

Diable Here the Land on the North side of the river begins to be settled
and on the side of the Mountain numerious Wheit cottages are scattered
in clusters of three & four in a cluster which has the appearance of sheep
at this distance The river the numerious Island that are in sight the village
of Kamourasca & the mountains covered with white hous Forms a
remarkable picturesque scine
At Eleven oclock a breeze sprung up from the East and we weighed

anchor and made all sail we could and when the tide turned we ran at a
round rate
The South side of river is so thickly settled that it has the appearence of a
Town all the way from Kamourasca and everey eight or ten miles the spire
of a Church is to be see peeping its top above the surrounding houses
We passed numbers of Island the largest of which is Courdrie Island. This

has a greate maney houses and one Church on it There are also Goose &
Crane Island which are also settled which are also settled and lastley
Grasse Island where the Quorentine Station is and abrest of which we
came to Anchor at half past six oclock Here is a flagstaff and a
telegraph pole Hospittle Barricks and a battery mounting two thirty six
pounders the Island is rockey and covered with spruse
We found riding at Anchor two ship & brig the Cicely & a schooner. It
was so late that the doctor did not come off to us this evening
Before twelve oclock two ships more arived and took their births on the
quont ground. At twelve oclock the wind sifted round to the W and blew a
gale all night and the ship jumped and Jerked at her chain like a mad Bull
26 Wedensday Morning it was rather more moderte . About twelve oclock

we was visited by the Doctor who came in a four oared quoronteen before
we can proceed to Quebec
27 Thursday Morning when the second Doctar came on board he told us that
we might go on shore if we wanted to get aney fresh provisions. I asked
him if I could get a letter sent to Quebec he saed that the Cicely would be
cleered out to day and if we went on shore we might Just hand him the
letter as we passed so accordingly roate to Mother and abut eleven oclock
the Captian Mr Moor & Myself & four seamen got into the jolley Boate
and fortunatly we met the Doctar at the Cicely who gave us leave to come

179
board which we did Captian Sewel promised to put my letter into the Post
office at Quebec We stopt about half an hour on board of the Cicely &
Captain Sewel treated us to a glass of brandy and a slice of plum cake
from there we went to Grass Island, and when we landed we was met by a
soldier who asked us what ship we belonged to & if we had permishon
from the doctar to land and our answering in the affermitive he allowed us
to pass – we went to a store that is cept to supply ships with provisions –
The Captain bought half a sheep and two loaves of bread for which he
payed ten pence per pound and one shlling stirling a loaf This Island is
one soled rock with a little soil on it at some places
28 Fryday morning Captain Sutherland went on shor and got a permit to

proceed to Quebec, and we started with half flood & a lite wind and got up
as far as the East end of Madam Island before we came to anchor. And at
five oclock the flood tide set up and we again weighed with a breeze so
lite that we could scarseley ______ it Till about seven oclock when a little
breeze sprung up & we glided past the Island of Orleans without a ruffel it
was a beautifull evvening & broad water of the Majestic Sant Lawrance
showed a surfice as smooth and unbroked as glass not a sound to be herd
saave the long famillior cry of the Sailors which was herd at intervals from
the Crews of the Robertson which was a little to windward of us. At
eleven oclock we came to anchor
29 Saterday Morning at five oclock we weighed and stood up the River with
a lite breeze blowing right down the river But having the tide with u we
was able to work up past the Isle of Orleans. This is a beautifull pace &
indeed it looked like a paridice in comparison with the dreary lands &
desolate Island we hav left behind us. It is thickley settled & the oposite
Shore is so also
Above eight oclock we passed the Columbas was built & soon after the
Falls of MonMorancey came in view they hav a beautifull appearance
from the river. We now came round point Levey & Quebec with its
glittering spired & roofs came in our view. I know not wither it was
from seeing citeys so much Greater Magnitude on the Town show to
disadvantage from the river But it was stouc with the small size of the
place for it did not appear half so large as I expected There is between
two and three hundred Tail of Shipping in the river along side of the
wharfs
We came to Anchor about a mile from the town & After the doctar &
collecter of Customs had been on Board Captain Suterland & Me went on
Shore in the jolley Boate I went with him to the office of Finley Galespie
Moffat &C & then buisness there we went on Board the Cicely & Captain
Sewel invited us to take dinne with him and we accepted the offer Here I
left the C S & went to McCalloms Brewery is on an extensive scale And

180
W. McCallom was verey polite & sevil I also called in at Mr Raceys

Brewery which when finished will be verey longe
The lower town of Quebec is confind and dirtey beyond aney thing I ever
saw in my life & the foot way are so extremely narrow that there is
scarseley room for one person to walk so that foot passingers Horses &
trams are all humble cheeck by chowl in the mud togeather The upper
Town is much pleasanter ther streets being much wider & cleener But
the buisness is all done in the Lower Town
About five oclock we (the Captain & myself and Mr Moore) came on
board again and we had scarseley eten supper when it began to blow from
the East and came on a gale In that when the tide made up we could not
get our anchor, But on the contarey was oblige to let out mere chain to
hold her where She was.
30 Sunday Morning the wind was still blowing a Gale & so rough was the
River that it was dangareious to lower down the Boate so that we was
confined to our prison with Quebec just out of our reach but fair in our
view – but such a sea runing between us and it that it was impossable to go
on to shore
Most unpleasant About ten oclock a Brig that cleerd yesterday for
Liverpool came back with the loss of here two cables during the night &
having nothing to come to with she ran on Shore at Wolfs Cove as the
onley thing to save the ship
At two oclock the wind was some what abated & Mr Moor & Myself
being anxious to go on shore we persuaded the Captain to send his boate
with us it was manned by four seamen & the Mate to steer
With a good deal of difficulty we got safe on shore and took a strole
throug the Town & round some of the fortifications & as it ws just Church
time the Streete was full of people But among them all I did to see one
woman that was aneything at all like handsome. They are deminutiv in
Stature dark skinned with large feet & thick legs, which by the by they are
not affraid of showing for their petteycoates comes but little below their
Knees. Altogeather they are the most ordinarey set of Women that I ever
saw in my life. Mo Moore & me stood at the Church door sill two
regiments of soldiers filed past us and the bands of each had played a tune
in the yard We went in to the Church which is large but without aney
ornament The walls are six feet thick The Minister was a bad reader
drowled his words out so dull and monnotinous that I got quite tired of
hearing him and left the Church befor the Sermon was half done

181
I then went to the French Church & if I was surprised at the plain
appearance of the other I was struc with the grandure of this of all the
Churchs & Cathedrials I hav visited I hav not seen one so Grand as this I
counted 15 full sised guilt statues of the Apostols & Saints the sides are
hung round with painting of the most costley king Here was some
seventy or eighty Priests And such guestures & ____ they went throug as
would astonish aney man acquainted with them Ther was verey fiew
pews in the Church & the congregations was princapolly in the ails some
standing some kneeling & some setting like tailors on the floor Men &
women to togeather shuch a motley groupe of a congregation I never
before saw I stopt here til My legs ached with standing & as I did not see
aney chance of a seate unless I took the floor for it I came away & took a
walk out of to the plains of Abraham Where General Wolf was killed
After passing through to the gates I took several turns where the mussels
of cannon are stareing me in the face I passed three round Towers that
are bull for a sort of out works to the fortifications
The Plains of Abrham are very broken and eneaven – There is a race
course round there Here I counted 40 tents that was set up by order of his
Excellencey for the accomadation of Emagrants But I saw verey fiew
inhabitants in them & what I did I think was ____ .
When I got back to Quebec I took up My logings at the Neptune Inn at the
foot of Mountain Street where I met a young Scotchman who like myself
was a bond of passage & during the evening we got quite gracious
October 1832
1 Monday morning me & my companion went to the Exchang room which

is large & comodious & furnished with all the Newspapers But the most
remarkable thing I observed here was the mashinery to show which way
the wind blows which moves a large hand simeler to a clock upon a face
which is marked with the points of the compass
After we looked at the paper for a little time we went up into Lowis Street
t the adjacant Genrols office to procure a pass to visit the Citedol. And
we did procure one but when we got to the Cape gord the officer
commanding whould not let us pass on account of the pass Being signed
by Clerk insted of the General himself. So we came back again & by
castle Sant Louris where the band of the 24 Regiment was assembled to
play and a large number of the inhabitants was listing them & among I
saw the onley handsome woman that I saw in Quebec we then came to the
Lower Town & my companion & I seperated he going to his lodging & I
to the Margaret which was now alonside of the wharf I though to get my
things without aney trouble but in this I was disapointed for I hav to make

182
an entry of every thing I had and pass throug severol office before I could
get a permit to land them. When I got my papers properly executed I took
my luggage on Board of the John Molson Steamer & on my way I met
Frank Heward... what a pitey I did not find him yesterday
At twenty minuets past seven we started The Governor of Lower Canada

Lord Almer & suite was on Board & about fifty other cabin passingers.
2 Teusday Morning at half past seven we was at Three Rivers Here we lost
a greate maney of our passingers Students & young priests who came to
the siminarey at this place We stopt here onley half an houre. After
passing Three Rivers the river widens into a lake which is Called Lake St
peters There are a greate number of Islands some of which are settled &
had a remarkable fine appearance
At eleven we was at a place called Soroll on William Henery here the

Governor has a cottage and which he went to see during the time the Boate
took in a supply of fewel About half past ten oclock we cam to anchor off
Montreal & his Excellancy & suite went on shore But I and a number of
other passingers remaind on board all night On the morning of the 3d I
got on shroe at seven oclock but left my luggage till I could find a place to
take them to. I fell in with Mr. Parker & Baker of York & they
recomended me to Belemays where I accordingly took up my quarters
after Breakfres I took a walk round the Town & into the new French
Church which is a splendid building indeed Montreal is in size I think
equal to Quebec to like it a verey dirtey place
4 Thursday morning at four oclock I got into a coach & six and started for
Lashiene where we arived at nine oclock from Lachine to Caskades by
steam Boate from Caskades to Cote-de-Lac by coach from Cote-de-Lac to
Cornwall 40 miles by steam Boate & from Cornwall to Prescot 60 miles
by coach this part of the Jorney in the performed in the night and very
disagreeable it was
We arrived at Prescot at twelve oclock and immediately shipped on board
the John By for Kingston. (This is a Boat of a very novol construction
having her wheals at the stern) We arrived at Brockville at seven oclock
the moon was shineing remarkable bright & I and three or four more of the
passingers went on shore to look at the place & we was all much pleased
with it indeed I think it is the handsomest place that I hav seen in My
travels
6 Saterday Morning we arrived at Kingston and put up for the day at Mozers
After Breakfast we all seven of that had been fellow passingers togeather
went through the dock gord and arsnsl
At night as we expect the steam Boate in everey houre fore of us sat up
and every half houre went down to the lake side to see if she was coming
& about three oclock in the morning she came in & we all went down and

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took up our berths the William the Fourth. At sundown we stopt at

Coburg & we took a walk through the place it is a beautifull place and
fine cleen Streets being sandy soil – We onley stopt about half an houre
here. At four oclock I was awoke and told we was at the wharf in York
so I went up to Thomas and called him up and was glad to here that all our
family was wall at eight oclock I started for home & called at Mr Brights
& as I was to see her i thought I never saw her look so Lovely as then
from there I came home & found Mother in but tolerable health She was
verey glad to see me & indeed I was verey much pleasd to get home but it
did not stop long before I set out again for in the evening I went to Town
& Thomas & he wished me to go to Rochester for Hops & I agreed to start
on the following Morning as I came home I stopt to see My Dear Girl and
spent two or three houres verey pleasantly with her
7 The next morning I started before six oclock amid shoures of rain but I did
not leave York till ten oclock when I went to Niagara in the Canada steam
packet and a rough passage we had of it I scarseley ever saw the vessel
roal more on the Western Ocion it was half past three before we arrive at
Niagara & I immediately crossed over to Youngs town and got a passage
in a waggon to Lewiston where I stop till four oclock [on the following
morning when I started in the slay and arived at Rochester at half past
eleven at night I stopt to Lewiston at four oclock on Sunday Morning &
after breakfast crossed over to Queenston and walked down to John
McFarlands where I found Mother She having come voer to see if it
would hav aney benifishal effects on her health I stopt all night at James
McFarlands &
15 on Monday I came home again I called on Miss Bright & spent about two
hours with her
16 Tuesday I was walking round looking at the alterations that has [had?]
been rought in My absence
17 Wednesday I was brewing and in the evening I took a ride up the flats as
far as Stonehouses mill dam.
18 Thursday I was imployd about the brewery all day cleening casks &c
19 Fryday I was brewing and mashed 100 bushels of Malt form which I mad
30 barrels of beer
20 Saterday I was imployd about the Brewery the whole of this day
21 Sunday Morning I though I would go to see Charles Thorn & take the
small package that I brote from his Father – I found Yonge Street verey
muddey – When I got to Thomas he was gone to Church so I left the
Package and went on to Cooks where I ____?____

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22 Monday morning I started from Thornes, at six oclock & after cabling
through the mud for two houres and a half I arived home but not in time to
mash for Joseph had allreadey done it. In the evening I went to York to
see Thornes about getting the copper raised & a larger cock put in it I stop
two houres with My dear girl and was oblige to take the road amid torrants
of rain so that I got as complete a ducking as I ever got in my life – When
I got home I pitched the worts and went to bed.
23 Teusday I was employd in the Brewery all this day & in the evening I took
a walk down to the bottom of the meadow
24 Wedensday I was Brewing and mashed at seven in the morning
25 Thursday forenoon I went up on to the hill side above the orchard to cut
two Mash sticks the remainder of the day as in the Brewery
The weather was remarkable fine this day
26 Fryday I was brewing to mashed at six oclock & pitched the worts at half
past six at night while the worts was cooling on the coolers I road up the
river as far as Monros to see when Hugh Weir could come to work, where
is greate improvment since I was last up there on new saw mill aging &
another nearby finished & a good deal of land cleered
27 Saturday Morning I went to the hill side above the spring & cut
handspikes & the remainder of the day I was in the Brewery save and
except a short time that I went with a man to the barn field for a yoke of
oxen & roade down to the meadow to see how all was coming on there
28 Sunday Morning I went to York and before I went to Church I took a walk
along th ebay side – After dinner I started to go to Mr. Brights but met the
Girls going to Stegmans & as they asked me to go with them I did so &
took tea there about seven oclock I came home with Elizabeth & stopt till
nine with her
29 Monday I was brewing & after 2 got the worts into the cooler I took the
___?___ & went to worn the people to work on the roade tomorrow I
pitched the worts at nine oclock. (Cold night)
30 Tuesday I was working on the roade or rather superendending the men

The weather was remarkable fine and pleasant
November 1832
1 Wednesday I was brewing this day and mashed at eight oclock– In the
evening I took bobey and road down to see My Dear Girl till the beer
cooled The evening was rather cool – but the day was verey fine and
pleasant

185
2 Thursday I was ingagued for the most part of the day in the Brewery & in
the evening I roade the Mare to York and went to Duchess to see a pattern
for a new cock for the copper As I came bac I called at Smiths and
bought 22 yards of cloth at 10/0 per yard The weather was rather soft all
day & when I was in York it thundered & lighned & rained fast but when I
took the roade it was tolerable fair –
4 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at seven oclock and after the worts was
on the cooler I took the mare & roade out to the coal bush to see Joshua
Stanton about some money that he owes us but I did not find him at home
In the evening Joseph & me was making out an inventory of the stock &
loose property which is about the place The weather was verey fine all
this day & I hope it will remain so for some time to come – It is about the
time when we expect the Indian sommer
[Incorrect numbering?]
3 Saterday forenoon two shooters came to the Brewery & I shot at a mark
with them twice but missed the bead both times – After dinner Joseph &
me took the axes and went onto the hill top to cut hoop poles we cut about
fiftey In the evening I was writing a letter to my uncle John: Sutcliff
4 Sunday Morning I went to York and to church & after churhc Thomas & I
took a walk up as far as the Parliment Hous viewing the improvements
that is going on in that quarter – After that I went to Mr. Brights & passed
about two & a half houres with Elizabeth & the other Girls & I came home
at seven oclock.
5 Monday morning I took the gun & went down to the bottom of the
meadow to see if I could see a fox as there has one seen most everey
morning that there has been aney person down- B I did not see him
Thomas sent down for me to go to York as he wished to see me about
going to Niagara for barley in a day or two came back home to pitch the
beer
6 Teusday Morning I was fixing the binding at the thorn bush & in the
afternoon I went to Stonehouses for some lunch In the evening I took two
letters to Dalemers as a person is going from there to England I thought it
a good opening to and a letter to Uncles Sutcliff & Barker The weather
was wet for the most part
7 Wednesday I was brewing and mashed at half past six and while the worts
was on the mast I took the gun & went down to the meadow to see if I
could see the fox but no – I pitched the worts at eight oclock The weather

186
was fine & somewhat cold in the evening Joseph went to Niagara this
morning in my place
8 Thursday this day I was at Stonehouses in the morning & in the afternoon
I was at the plowers at the top of the hill & in the evening I went down to
the bottom of the meadow for an ox to kill tomorrow The weather was
fine and pleasant
9 Fryday I was brewing & mashed at six oclock. After the worts was on the
coolers I roade to York to see Thomas & after I left him I called to see my
mistress but did not stop long I was afraid that the beer would be cold
before I could get home
10 Saterday Morning I was busy getting a porch put t the Brew House down
& cleening up in the Brewery
The weather was fine & pleasant

11 Sunday Morning I went to York & to church I called at Mr Brights to
leave the umbrella that Betsey lent me last Sunday In the afternoon I
called again and stopt till half past eight oclock
12 Monday I was brewing & mashed at half past seven oclock after which I
roade up to Black Johns to get him ___?___ for Hugh as he went to get out
some timber. Josephs little boy Thomas fell backwards into a pot full of
boiling water and was scalded severely this afternoon
13 Teusday in the fore noon I was helping Joseph to cut down the ox and in
the afternoon I went to York to see about the cock for the copper I called
to see My Misstress & spent two or three hours very agreeable with her
14 Wedesday I was brewing & mashed at half past seven oclock We had
several squales of snow this afternoon & the weather is much cold then it
has been for some time back Indeed it is colder than it has been this
season before
15 Thursday I was imployed taking out the grains & washing the mash tub all
the forenoon & in the afternoon I was wheeling wood one the Yard &
putting it up onto the loft & also cleening out the stables and feeding the
cattle
This has been a bitter cold day it froze all the day verey hard In the
evening I went up to Skinners & had a little talk with Marey about the
Houghstone
16 Fryday I was brewing & mashed at half past seven and pitched the worts
at eight at night during the time the worts was cooling I roade up to Mr.
Leys to see Mrs Baty & children.

187
The weather was much more mild & pleasenter than it was yesterday.
17 Saterday morning I went down to the meadow with grains for the Cattle
there after that I was washing out the mash tub till dinner time & in the
afternoon I was doing little or nothing
The weather was remarkable fine & pleasant this day
18 Sunday as Thomas & his wife was comeing up I did not go to York in the
morning the fore noon I spent in reading newspapers and after dinner I
took a walk with Thomas round the flats & past the Barn on the hill. After
Thomas went home I went to see My Dear Girl & stopt till half past nine
oclock. Really the time I spend with her is the most pleasant of My life. I
got home about half past eleven oclock
19 Monday I was brewing and mashed at half past six oclock in the afternoon
I was putting at own the copper readey for the bricklayer tomorrow
The weather was wet the greatest part of this day
20 Wedensday I was over seeing the raising of the copper all day.
The weather was verey cold
21 Tuesday morning I went out to Thomases to see about some coal & when I
came back the Bricklayers was come and I was assisting & superintending
all day
22 Thursday I was assisting the bricklayers and drawing sand & in with the
oxen
Joseph went to York this morning and brote the new cock for the copper
and a smith to put it on which he did verey well
This was a verey fine day
23 Fryday morning I was expecting the bricklayer to come as he went to

York last night and at twelve oclock as he was not come I took the horse
& roade [rode] to York and when I was about starting Mr. Bright come for
his oxen & we went to town to get her I went to Robertes house and his
wife told me that he was gone up tot he Brewery I then came back to
Thomases & went down to the wharf to the Canada Steamer to see if she
had brote aney thing for us
After that I came immediately home
24 Saterday morning I began with the copper again & about five oclock we
finished it complete. And after dark I was cleening up and fixing the
hearth.
The weather was fine and pleasant this day.

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25 Sunday Morning I went to Church and in the afternoon I went to Mr

Brights to see Elizabeth & during the evening we had rather a
misunderstanding which originated in some questions I asked her which
she did not like however we made it up befor I left.
26 Monday I was assisting the cooper to put a cirb onto the copper – In the
afternoon Black Peter came and sold me his colt and promised to bring
him immediately but at night he not ariving I took the horse and road to
see what was ceeping him he told me that he would come directley but he
has not arived yet (seven oclock) I supose he will bring it tomorrow
27 Tewsday I was brewing and found the new cirb on the copper answer well
But the new Hop back does not do well the hops closes the holes & does
not admit the wort fast enough We was verey near having the hop back
over as we could not stop the cock & the hop back choaked [choked] up &
it would inevetably hav run over and perhaps hav scalded some person
But fortunately the fols bottom roas up and let the wort escape
As Blck Pegter did not come with the colt in the evening I went to see
about it and found it dead
28 Wedensday Morning I took the mare and road up to the bush to see if
there was aney timber fit for to make a platform to support the hop back –
And after that I went to Town to see about getting some wire cloth for the
hop back. I left the Mare at Perreys to get a shoe set on. While I was in
York I went down to the wharf with bags for to go to Niagara & I also
assisted Thomas to count the ready money that we hav on hand and found
it to be 3604 dollars. I came home about half past three & took Tea at
Josephs I found the roades knee deep with mud and In maney places
deeper
29 Thursday forenoon I was about the Brewery and after dinner Joseph & me
took a surveyors chain and measured from the Yoade [road?] to
Eastwood’s cornor along Smiths line and found the distance 16 chains &
36 links
After dark I took the horse and roade to York to see the Dear Girl of My
Heart & spent three houres with her verey much to My satisfaction. It is a
great effort to leave her when I get along side of her so fasinating is her
companey to me
of Toronto as a supporter of the Reform Mayor Thomas Morrison, shortly
before the Rebellion. There were also questions raised after the Rebellion
as to whether a 75 promissory note held by Eastwood from Mackenzie
was not really a hidden donation to the rebel cause. Eastwood also was
engaged in the printing business after the Rebellion.
30 Fryday a wet raining freezing day all the fences are covered with ice and
every twig is coverd with the same till they are as thick as my finger

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I was brewing this day
December 1832
1 Saterday morning I took a cart loade of Grains down to the Meadow for
the cattle there & after I came back I was assiting Joseph and the man to
fix a bridg at the back yard gate
After dinner Joseph and me went to Town to settle with Thomas & after
we got through I went up to George Stegmans & bought 4 handkerchiefs
It froze very hard all this day
2 Sunday Morning made its appearance with the ground frozen hard I went
to York and before church I went up the bay side as far as the bottom of
Young Street. After dinner I took a walk down by the wind Mill to see a
steam saw that is building there. A good from I am affraide it will never
pay
I then came back to Mr. Brights and found My dear Girl at home as
indeed she always is. I am shure she is attached to me verey much When
I left to come home which was at nine oclock the ground was coverd with
snow and it was snowing verey fast
3 Monday I was fixing a shade fro the young cattle this day and went to
Stonhouses twice for lumber The weather was some what soft to day
4 Tewsday I was brewing and mashed at seven oclock and pitched beer at
eight oclock at night
The weather was rather soft and thoughed considerable
5 Wednesday forenoon I was about the Brewerey and in the afternoon I

went to York to hav some talk with Thomas about our buisness.
After I left Thomas I stopt at Brights till half past ten oclock when I came
away she followed me to the door (as is always her practice) and
expressed her wish that I might always continue to Love her as I do now.
She has the greates confidence in me.
6 Thursday Morning I took two men and went as far as Black Peters to
repair the roade and after fixing two or three holes with brush I came from
and went to Hineses and came back by the evning I was looking for a cow
that was missing supposed to be off calfing Joseph & the man let her out
at the gat in order to go to the stable and in 20 minuets she was not to be
found at all

190
7 Fryday I was brewing & mashed at a quarter after six and pitched at eight
The day was fine but the roads are in a shocking state. It began to rain at a
quarter less eight and is still raining (eight o’clock)
What an anoyance it is for us to loose this beautifull season for Brewing

for want of material.
8 Saterday Morning I went down tot he meadow with Joseph and the grains
to cut some brush on the side hill above the hay stack to repair the roade at
the back yard gate the remainder of the day I was about the brewery
9 Sunday as the roades was so bad I did not go to Church But I took a walk
I the forenoon as far as the top of the hill above Bloores Brewery for the
purposes of reconnooitring as I came back I stopt at Walkers about half an
houre. The afternoon I was reading and loling about quite wery of myself
10 Monday I was brewing and Mashed at six oclock and pitched the worts at
six at night
The weather was remarkable fine & warm to day
11 Tusday I was about the Brewery doing little or nothing

The weather was fine and pleasant but the roades still continued in a
dreadfull state
12 Wedensday forenoon I was about the Brewery and in the afternoon I went
to York and bought cloth for a jacket In the evening I called at Mr. Brights
& stopt till nine oclock with Elizabeth
When I took the roade to come home it was verey dark and such a job I
had of it as I do not again wish
13 Thursday Morning I was busey in making a bushel measure to measure

coal. After dinner I went to the top of the hill to see if Samuel Wepnts
was building a house on the roade And from there I went to Leys to see for
some oake trees for staves
Sinklears people was buisey making good a breach in the dam which the
late run in the river had made the water gone round the extream western
side and I think will continue to do so till it crosses the flats and arives at
the hill Mr Ley had no oak timber fit for staves
14 Fryday I was brewing a small brewing onley 55 bushels After it was on

the coolers Joseph and Me went to look for some oak timber on the rear of
Mr Thompsons lot – We found some but it is difficult of access and rather
small for our purpose

191
15 Saterday forenoon I went with the man for a loade of wood and after I
came back I went to Black Peters to see about some brooms
In the afternoon Joseph and me went to look on Lyons lot for stave timber
we went up the gulley road and round by Leys roade we found several
trees that will make verey good staves
16 Sunday Morning I went to Church and roade the ball faced horse – After
Church I went to Tredale and had some talk with him about England and
his passage from there to this country
The roades are intolerable bad
I got home about dark which is a thing I hav not done for the last 12
months on a Sunday night
17 Monday morning Mother desired me to go down to the doctar and tell him
that she was rather unwell and I roade the bollfaced horse down & as he
has been verey laim for a fiew days I got Doctar Law to look at him & he
told me that I must not ride him home as he was hurt in the Kidneys so I
sent him home by the Teamster and fotteten it home through the mud and
I never saw the roades deeper It rained the greatest part of this day
18 Teusday I was brewing and Mashed at half past six oclock
We killed three pigs this day

The weather was quite changed and much colder than it was yesterday it
threttons snow
19 Wedensday Morning I went to York to see Doctar Law about the horse
that is laim and to get instructions as how we should continue with him.
After I got the nessarey advice I came to wards home. But I stopt at Mr
Brights with Miss Elizabeth about an houre. After I got home I was taking
in coal till dark at which time I took my hat and started to York to See My
Dear Girl I stopt at a shoe makers at the don bridge and got measured for
a pair of shoes. I spent three or four houres with the dear Girl Greateley
to my satisfaction indeed she never was so familiar and free with me as
this night
20 Thursday Morning I was Grinding malt till noon and after that I was
wheeling wood over the Yard
We had a fall of Snow this day which came down in large broade flakes
for a considerable time I think there fell six or seven Inches during the
day

192
21 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at half past six oclock There is about
six inches of snow and our Teamster took the slay to York
It froze verey hard all day and indeed it may be termid the first cold day
that we hav had this season
22 Saterday Morning I went to York with the Teamster to get the pump irons
fixed we took the slay but it was bare ground the greater part of the roade
I took the irons to Perreys and stopt till they was finished and then went
down to Thomases to dinner and then came home where I arived at three
oclock I think I never saw the roades so rough
23 Sunday Mornign I went to Church and after church I went to Mr Brights

and spent the remainder of the day there till half past nine oclock
As I came home I was surprised with seeing a fire that reached to the tops
of the trees But when I got neerer to it I found it to proceed from a coal pit
that was burst and was all in flames and gave lite for a considerable
distance round We had quite a snow storm this afternoon and when I came
home I think there was about two Inches of fresh fallen snow
24 Monday I was brewing and mashed at half past six oclock, the weather
Our Team took the slay the last time to day
25 Tuesday and Christmas day made its appearance verey promising for a
fine day About eleven oclock I started to go to Mr Brights as I had been
invited to take dinner there in company with Mr. & Mrs. Millram & Mr.
George Stegman and wife Mr. David Stegman & Mother we spent the
day most agreeable and dined and supt on the best the town could affourd
and did not break up till near whiching time of night I stopt till all the
companey left and a fiew minuets after and would hav stopt longer but
when Mrs. & Miss Nancey went out of the room I requested Miss
Elizabeth to shut the door and she would not so I took my coate and hat
and came out of the room in rather a bad humour indeed I was quite vexed
I got hom just as the clock was about to strik one
26 Wedensady I was grinding malt all this day
The weather was verey disagreeable it rained and froze all at once
27 Thursday Morning I was tuning and after I had done I went to assist the
Teamster to get out of a hole in the hill we took three barrels out of the

193
waggon before we could make it after that I went to York to see Thomas
about our busness . As I came home I called at Brights and spent two or
three houres with My dear Girl verey pleasantley
28 Fryday I was brewing and mashed 110 bushels of malt from which I
extracted 1148 lb of fermentable malt
Mother was verey unwell to day and Doctar Widmer came up and bled
her. And also Jame Small to make her will
The weather was remarkable fine
29 Saterday I was about the brewery and walking the laim horse about I also
bought a horse from James Pngman for 50 dollars. A bargen I think.
We had a flurrie of snow to day
30 Sunday Morning I went to York and went by Bloors Brewery and Young
Street. Whcih I found in a much better state then I expected indeed I
never saw it better hard smooth serfice. After church I came down to Mr
Brights and stopt two houres and was sorrey that I could not stop longer
but I had to come home to Start the tun
The weather was remarkable warm the sun shone out quite bright and
thoughed the mud soft on the top
31 Monday forenoon I went down to the meadow to show the man two him
trees at the bottom of the same that we wished to be cut in consequence of
their shading the meadow
After that Joseph and me was fixing stall in the stable and making two into
three when the Team went to York the last time I went with it to Playters
to assist if it should get stuck fast But fortunateley we got through
without aney accident save a key fell out of the waggon twice But without
sustaining aney ingerey
This is the last of 1832 and a momentious Year it has been and on that will
long be remembered in Canada for its dreadfull raviges and Devastation
it has made amongst it inhabitance . How many that was exulting in all
the pride of health and viger at the cloas of the last year now lays in the
silant dust And how maney more will there be ear another twelve
months goes round
January 1833
1 Tuesday I was doing little or nothing all day and at five oclock I set out to
go to York to spend the eavening George Stegman as he had sent me a

194
note requesting My company I called for Miss Elizabeth Bright and with a
greate deal of trouble I prevaliled on her to go with me
When we got there the company was at Tea which consisted of the
following persons Mr. & Mrs Willard Mr & Mrs Padfield four of Old Mr
Brights daughters and Mr & Mrs Adkinson Charles Scadding Herey
Holland & Mr Barnum Mr David Stegman and Mother and Misses
Nancey Bright and Galle Bright
After Tea the fiddler was called in and the partey stood up to dance but
unfortunately Poor Cuffers was found inadequate to the task of giving
Music The excuse he made was that he felt a little Scarey and said he
would do better when he got over his sarey fit But aftor three or four
tryals it was found that he was completely unable to play. So he was
dismissed and another one called in whcih Performid his task verey well
so that sith reels Jigs and country dances the evening passed away blythe
and merreylie till four oclock when the company broke up much pleased
with themselves and every bodey else
Mr Willard would hav me and William Bright and George Stegman to go

and take a glass of wine with him which he did
Miss Elizabeth Stopt all night
2 Wedensday Morning I lay in bed till ten oclock and after I got up I roade
the new horse out to the woods to see what was going on out that way I
found Sinklears and Taylors Cutting out the new roade on this side of
Sinklears and I also went as far as Thomas and saw Bushly cutting a new
road up the hill After dinner I went down out the flats to show the man
where to cut wood
I though most of this day and in the evening it sprinkled a little rain
3 Thusday Morning about nine oclock I was standing on the cooler and saw
Eastwood & Tom Smith go down the back side of the garden towards the
meadow And as he (Eastwood) had thretened to throw the fence on the
concession down I suspected he was going to do it So I followed down
and went to him and forbid him tuching it but he persisted in puiling it
down and did so before my face
I then came home and put on my coate and went to Town to with the
proceedings While I was in town I went up to the Parliment House the
first time I ever was inside it

195
I allso called at Brights or rather at the door for I knocked three times and
waited some time and no person opening the door I walked off again
weather I was heard or not I cannot tell
I came home with the Team The roads are in a shocking state being knee
deep every step
4 Fryday morning Joseph and I went down to the meadow and put up the
fence that Eastwood pulled down yesterday
After that I took the horse and roade out to the rear of our lot and to see
the wood choppers’
In the afternoon I was told that one of our cows was frolicking. So I took
one fo the men and went up the hill and found her at the top we put a
roap onto her head and took her to Mr Leys bull we had to drive her
through Stonehous Mill dam At five oclock I started to York to attend a
lecture at Mechanics Institute deliverd by Mr. Fenton on the chemical
annilisas of steel and theorey of cutting instruments I was let into a secret
that I did not know before namely that all cutting edges is in point of fact
saws & performs their operations in the same manner as saws. To know
this is important and usefull
It is the most remarkable weather I ever saw in my life it was as warm as

May not the least frost in the Ground and the roades are in such a state that
it may be said that the commune is shut up for it is bareley passable for a
team (if a good one) to take an empty waggon along the roade
Remarkable weather for the fourth of January indeed.
5 Saturday morning was rather wet but at eight or nine oclock it cleered off
and Joseph and me & one of the men went down to the Meadow to Spread
the cow dung that was laying about the meadow It began to rain soon
again so that we had to come back and till dinner time we was removing
wheat malt in the grainery
The afternoon was fair and we went down to the meadow again and
spreding all day
6 Sunday forenoon I spent at home till three oclock when I took the Hors
and roade down to Mr. Brights where I spent the evening Miss Elizabeth
and me had a fiew words about some libertys and I parted from her In a
verey bad humour. I told her as I came out of the door that I would not
come again which she did not like She answerd O, you will wont you
willingly I do not like these little differances at all they distroy confidance

196
and create discord. However I shall go again and make it up with her if
she is willing which I think there is little doubt of.
7 Monday Morning Joseph and me went to Prices tavern to attend Town

meeting which as usial I thought would commence at ten oclock but I
found on my arival that it did not commence till twelve oclock And when
it did begin it was conducted in such a manner that it was with the greatest
difficulty that aney resolution could be fairley passed all talking and none
hearing
We got home at four oclock. The roads are much worse to day then they
was yesterday being partley frozon on the top and not sufficient to bear up
the waggon.
8 Tewday I was about home all day till three oclock when I went to York I
stopt at Thomases till six oclock and from there I went to Mr. Brights and
stopt with Miss Elizabeth till half past eight
9 Wedensday I went with the Teamster this morning to draw the wood that
was cut along Eastwoods line at the top of our meadow and some also
from the bottom of the Meadow After that I rode up to the flats to
Stonehouses Mill and came back over the hill
When I came back I found our team stuck in the hill so I told the man to
take out two barrels and I sent the ox cart to fetch them back down I then
took a man with me and went up to the top of the hill to turn the water off
the roade And then I went down to the bottom of the race to assist Joseph
and two f the men to pull some trees tops that of the men had chopped and
it fell in to the race
The weather was cold and cloudey and at night it began to snow fast
10 Thursday morning I went down to take the tree out of the race but did not
quite succeed in geting it all out. After I came back I was splitting wood
This was a remarkable cold day the ground white with it
11 Fryday I was splitting wood at the door all most the whole of the day
And in the evening I went to see My Mistress and spent three houres with
her.
12 Saterday Morning was verey cold we was grinding again and a good deal
of trouble as the ice floated down the race in considerable quantity and
repetedly choaked the wheel

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13 Sunday I went to Church and came back by four oclock to see about
getting readey to brew tomorrow
14 Monday Morning we began to brew and was a good deal troubled with the
pump before we got it to go but this was not the onley difficulty we had
for when we had began to Malt the fols bottom roas. So that we had to let
the licquor into the underback and pump it up again into the copper till we
replace the bottoms
The day was cold and the ground hard frozen
15 Teusday Morning I took the bob horse and started for Stoney Creek I was
detained in York till near ten oclock and when I did went up the Lake
Shore I found a superb bridg over the Humber and Mimico and Etolecke
and Credit and the roade cleered of all stumps trees and logs and all
turnpiked since I was on the roade in May last
About twelve oclock it began to snow and became quite stormey so that
when I Got to Oakville I thought It would be most prudent to stop all night
with Mr. Butts
I called on Mr Up the Greree and he payed me the ballance of his account

I counted seven Schooners in the river And a Steam Boate is to be
launched on Saterday next of 375 tons burthen She is to ply between York
Burlington by and Niagara
16 Wedensday I persued my jorney through the snow which was about eight
inches deep
At the mouth of the twelve I left the roade and followed the coarse of the
river a mile to see a person by the name of Hickson with whome I had
some buisness – After transacting my business with him I came back to
the roade and crossed the Burlington Cannal and went to Stoney Creek
and done My buisness there and came to Hamilton to Keep I put up at the
Canada Compnys arms and that night I called on several of our customers
17 Thursday Morning I was runing about Hamilton till twelve oclock and was
disappointed in several person s that I expected to get money from. At
twelve oclock I started for Dundas where I called in Pattersons Brewery.
Not a bushel of barley in it. (dull times for Brewers) From Dundas I
proceed to Nelson where I called on Mr. Snith and had some conversation
with him about taking in barley there
I stopt at Bucks all night verey cold weather and wind high

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18 Fryday soon after daylite I started and called at several persons on the
roade perticularly at the Humber where I went in to Coopers Distillery
and had some talk with Mr. Cooper
I called at Mr Brights and stopt till nine oclock
At the west side of the Don Bridg I found two women standing over a man
that was lying on the ground the women asked me to assist the man up and
I did so and when he was up he could not stand But with the womens
asistance I got him on to My horse and as he wished to come this way I
took him home which is Monros house
19 Saterday I was at home all day there fell a little snow this morning which
mended the Slaying verey much
20 Sunday Morning I roade the Ball faced Horse to York and as Josephs
Babey was verey vell he desired me to see Mr Hudson and ask him to
Baptise the child And I accordingly spoke to Mr Hudson after the
morning service and he told me that if I could let him know if the child
was no better in the evening he go and christen it After dinner I went to
see My dear Girl and stop with till the afternoon service was over when I
again spoke to Mr Hudson and told him the child was no better
Joseph brote me word of it
Thomas roade roy Horse up and I waited for him to come back
It rained in the morning and in the afternoon it thoughed and took all the
snow off the roads
21 Monday morning we began to brew and found we had not enoug water to
drive the pump so I took one of the men up to the head race and set him to
cut the ice out and Joseph and the man cut a channel though the whole
lenth which brote plenty of water The weather was mild and thoughed all
day fast
22 Tewsday Morning I went to Josephs to give the Mill more water as it

would not grind. But we was unsuccessful for we did not get it to go at
aney speed. In the afternoon I went to York for express purpose of making
some arrangement with Thomas reletive to entering into Partnership with
him. But I came to no definate understanding with him
The roads are sloppy and wet After I came Joseph and one ron some
block tine into a cavity in one of our Malt roalers
23 Wedensday morning I took the gray horse and started to go to Dawsons in

York Township to see about some barley that he is oweing us I went up

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Youngs Street as far as ___?___ and comisioned him to buy Barley for us
I then crossed over below Colonel Welles to the Humber roade I did not
find Mr Dawson at home but I found his wife which is his better half She
invited Me to dinner which came verey seasonabley for I was rather
hungarey
I called at Old Mr Charltons and Edward Charletons he has got a fine little
wife and two children since I saw him last I also imbraced the opertunity
whiles I was there of seeing Stonehouses Hill & I think it is a good one It
was three oclock when I left E Charltonnd it being eleven miles to York it
was getting dark before I got there I called at the old place at the cornor of
Princess Street where I spent two or three houres with the dear little Girl
of My Choise I found the roads verey sloppy on the top but then they had
a good hard bottom and it was good travilling
24 Thursday I was all day about the Brewery going through the whole routine
of duty
Mother went to Thomases to day to stop a week or two by the advice of

the Doctors
The weather was fine and warm all day till eight oclock when it began to
rain violantley
25 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at seven oclock
The weather in the Morning was wet and sleet fell in considerable quantity
but in the afternoon it began to freeze at a round rate
26 Saterday Morning made its appearance verey cold and the mud is frozen
up hard
About half past nine I took the Gray Horse and started for the Highland
Creek to see a man by the name of Jones Fishers execter
Rough road and cold riding and to pay me for trouble I got five dollars out
of 53 that was due
I stopt at Johonathan Gates’es and fed my horse
I went on to Town to report progress to Thomas before I came home and

was glad to see Mother staring about quite smart I got home at seven
oclock
27 Sunday I was detained all day at home in consequince of Joseph going to

Old Mr Mitchells funeral and seeing to the tuning of the beer. In the

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evening however I contrived to get to York to see my Girl & when I was
about knocking at the door I herd Willard and retreated and took a walk up
town and I saw Mr Willard walking towards home And as knew the
coarse was cleer I alterd My bearings and steerd for the old haven where I
came to and moored till ten oclock when I traviced the road home amid a
snow sto
28 Monday I was brewing and Mashed at eight oclock Cold day and not
sufficient snow for Slaying
29 Teusday morning I took a walk down to the top of the meadow to see if
the fence was thrown down on the concession and I found it was so After
dinner I went out to the pine bush to see how the choppers was getting on
As I came home I took a new roade and folowed the Bank of the Don from
Thornes field to the top of the hill above Tailors new House where I
disended and passed throug Tailors wheat field and examined the
possability of crossing the river with a Team as we hav some Stave timber
that we with to fetch Home as soon as possable
30 Wedensday forenoon I was about Home and at three oclock I went to

York and while there I went with Thomas to James Chewet I called at Mr
Brights and stopt till eight oclock along with Miss Elizabeth
31 Thursday Morning as soon as it was day lite I took the Horse and road
down to Mr Scaddings to get a paper that related to the original survey of
the Mill Roade Mr. Scadding was not at Home so I came back as I went
I then went with Joseph to put up the fence at the top of the Meadow
where some person has malichously thrown it down
From there I crossed over by Thomp saw Nill and went to Mick Wilmour
(agreeable to a desire of Thomases) to get him to show me where the line
of the Second Concessin run But he would not go with me. So I came
back to York to acquaint Thos with the result of the Jorney
I left Thomases at two oclock But I stopt at Mr Brights till four oclock
This was a remarkable cold day
The roades are hard and smooth
Febuarey 1833
1 Fryday I was ingaged all the day in cleering the head race of Anchor ice
and in cutting up ice that threttned to prevent Teams from Getting up the
hill It was ocationed by water oosing out in the Road and freezing and so

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till it becomes such a mass of ice inn the race that it was allmos
impossable to pass it I took a man with me and cut it out
In the evening I attended a lecture given at the Mechanics Institute on

Chemestrey by Mr Brown the apothecary
2 Saterday Morning I was imployd in assisting Joseph in to rig out the old
Harness so that one pair of Horses could be put to the old waggon And
Joseph drove it to York twice
We got six load of Barley to day
3 Sunday Morning I herd to that Josephs child had died last night so I went
up and Joseph wished me to measure it for a coffin which I did
I stopt at home all the four noon reading and after dinner I went to York
by way of Bloors Brewery and Youngs Street
I found Mother rather better then when I last saw her
Thomas and I went to view a peir that Hewart has put out in the Bay I
would think there was some hundreds of Boy and men scating on the Bay
After tea I went down to Brights and as Miss Elizabeth came Home with
Mr & Mrs Stegman I accompayned them and spent the evening verey
pleasant indeed I stopt till half past eleven with her
4 Monday morning I went to invit Hases & Stonehouses & Sinklears to the
Feuneral of Josephs child which took place at two oclock
I drove the waggon in which was Mrs Baty Ley Eastwood & Skinner and
Salley Helliwell
5 Teusday I imployed all day in fixing the water to get the Mill to grind and
with all my indeavours I could onley get her jus to move which is a great
greef to me – I am affraid that the malt will not be all ground by tomorrow
morning
6 Wedensday I was brewing and mashed at nine oclock
I was a good deal troubled with the pump in consequence of its being still
for some time back I was verey cold to day indeed
7 Thursday this was a day of particular trouble with Mill for the water wheel
stopt with anchor ice repeatedly – In the evening I shut the Gate down
and got down into the wheel pit and cleered it out completely – But it did
not go more then fifteen minuets before it again froze the buckets full and

202
would not vent aney water at all We did not grind more then 20 Bushels
the whole day
8 Fryday Morning went at the water wheel the first thing and about twelve
oclock we got her agoing again And put a ruch before the Gate to prevent
the anchor ice from getting into the pit
I feel verey unwell to day in consequence of a violant cold I cought

yesterday by being in the water
9 Saterday I was doing little or nothing and indeed I was not able to do
much for I was very sick. I went with the man to Leys with a cow to the
Bull which was all that I did
10 Sunday I remaind at home all day and a tedious one it was
It snowd the greatest part of this day and fell about two inches
11 Monday I was brewing and mashed at half past seven oclock and pitched
at eight oclock in the evening
It was cold cloudey all day and now (half past nine oclock) it is snowing
fast. But how long it will continue I know not
12 Teuesday I was busey in the brewery all day and at night I roade into York
to Mr Brights where I stopt till half past ten oclock with My dear Little
Girl
13 Wedensday I was Brewing and had a good deal of trouble before we could
get the pump to go – but when it did start it went well all day
There fell about one foot of snow to da And our slay went three times to
York
14 Thursday this day was apointed by his Excellancy for a day of public
thansgiving for the removeal of the Cholera consequently we did nothing
that we could avoid But that was enough to ceep us busey till two oclock
and after that time I went to York and saw Mother I stopt at Mr Bright till
eleven oclock and it was one oclock before I got to bed
15 Fryday I was brewing and in the morning it was ten oclock before we
could get the pump to go which made us very late and it is now nearley
even oclock
I am verey tired and want Tired natures restoretive Balmey Sleep.

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16 Saterday I was busey about the Brewery all the forenoon But at noon I had
a writ servd on me by Eastwood & Skinner So I went to York to Consult
Thomas about it and I found he had one serrved on him also I took them
both up to the Lauers Hall and put them into Haggermors hands
I called at Brights and stopt till half past ten oclock
17 Sunday Morning I went to York and before Church I went up the street
and walked down with the soldiers for the Satisfaction of hearing the
music – After Church I went to the funeral of old Mrs. Bishop and after
that a coarting where I stop till eight oclock and came home amid bouts of
rain.
18 Monday I was Brewing and went through the process without aney
misfortune
Mother came home to day and much better then when she went to town
She sent for Mrs. Scadding to stop a day or two with her
The weather was mild and thoughed considerable to day
19 Teusday I was verey busey all day In the Brewery weighing Hay and it
was remarkable fine and warm to day
20 Wedendsay I was brewing and mashed at seven oclock and pitched at half
past eight
21 Thursday I was imployd cleening & moving malt in the Grainery
In the evening I took the gray Horse and road to York to see My girl and
stop about three hours with her She was verey pleasant
22 Fryday I was unable to Brew in consequence of not being able to grind on

the previous day
In the evening I went to York to see Thomas and his wife who had a
canser taken out of her brest Yesterday She was full as well can be
expected When I came home I called at Tyners and bought a pair of
shoes
And I think I never suffered more from cold in my life then as I came
home it was an uncommon rough night snowing and blowing verey
violantley

204
23 Saterday I was about the Brewery all day but not verey busey Verey cold
weather and in the evening it began to snow quite fast
24 Sunday Morning was so stormey and snowed so fast that I did not go to
York till afternoon and then I found the snow about one foot deep
I called at the old place in Princess Street and stopt till half past eleven
(Cold night)
W. Helliwell Lecture on Chemistry to be
Given at Mechanics Institute
On Fryday the fifth of Feb
--Paraphernalia—
Paid Peter Scot for 18 lessons
and gave him half a dollar
in advance on the hey brooms
Rough as the Swellowin

Adriatic Sea
Rough s the Rocking
Adriatic Sea
February 1833
25 Monday Morning I attempted to get the pump to go but could not so that
we could not brew in consequence.
26 Teusday I succeeded in brewing to-day though we had to pump all by

hand – I worked at the wheel all most all the day but could not get it to
move.
27 Wedensday I was trying to get the mill to go but could not. Remarkable
cold day.
28 Thursday after working at the mill till noon we gave it up and I went to
York to get a handle to pull on the rollers to grind by hand. I found
Thomas’ wife very ill indeed so much that her life is dispaired off. I stopt
at Brights about an hour on my way home.
March 1833
6 from the 28 of February to this day has been so severe that we have not
been able to brew and on the Second Thomas’ Wife died at seven o’clock
in the evening. The funeral took place to-day at eleven o’clock. After I
came home I rode out to Cunninghams place to reconnoiter the roade and

205
find out the practicability of going to Young Street that way with a team as
we will take some malt to Hogg ills to grind.
7 Thursday I was brewing fine day to-day
8 Frday I was brewing a verey fine day it was we mashed at six o’clock and
pitched the worts at eight.
9 Saterda morning made its appearance very fine indeed. I was about the
Brewery all day seeing to various things. It thoughe erey fast all day.
10 Sunday forenoon I was so much employed in the Brewery that I could not
go to York till two o’clock
After church I went to Bright nd stopt till half past nine _____ I came
away in a very bad humour in consequence of her urging me to go so
seriously.
In the morning it was warm and the sun shone out bright in the afternoon
it froze verey hard.
11 Monday I was brewing and mashed at Six o’clock But after we had
mashed we could get no water up the pump so we was oblige to take the
water out of the beer copper that was intended for to wash the coolers – In
the afternoon we had plenty of water and the pump went verey well. It
thoughe ast all day.
12 Tuesday forenoon I was measuring up the malt to send to Hogg ill to be

ground
In the evening I went to York and stopt at Brightss I came home about two
hours
As I came home I found our team sticking on the Don Bridge I put my
shoulder to it and the Teamster called on the Horses and they took it off - -
I never saw horses lay down better in my life than they did.
I got home at half past eleven.
13 Wedensday I was brewing and mashed at seven o’clock. Very cold day -
- and freeze severely this evening.
14 Thursday I was at Home all day and not verey busey. The morning was
very cold but it grew warmer to-wards noon.

206
15 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at seven o’clock The weather was
verey warm and took the snow off verey fast indeed.
16 Saterday I was engaged at home all day attending the ______ and seeing
to the work. The weather was fine and thoughed verey fast.
17 Sunday morning I went to York and before Church time I walked up as far
as Crookshanks to meet the soldiers coming to Church. I was most
delighted with the music. After Church I cam home to start the _____
and after I had seen to that I went back to York to see My dear little Girl. I
stopt till ten o’clock and when I came home it rained considerable so that I
was wet somewhat. The weather was beautiful. But the Roads are getting
muddy.
18 Monday I was brewing and mashed at seven o’clock. We was a good deal
Troubled to-day with ice that Skinner sent down into the wheel pit. The
weather was verey warm.
19 Tuesday I was grind Malt at the Mill went verey well better than it has, for
the last six weeks so that we finished grindin by two o’clock – I road out
to the pine bush this evening gto see how the choppers are coming on
The roads are getting into a shocking state.
20 Wedensday I was brewing and mashed at half past six and pitched the
worts at half past twelve o’clock. Warm night (as the length of time the
beer was cooling denotes) The River is breaking up and much water on the
top of the ice. Our mill ground 50 Bushels beside pumping out the water
that ran over the top of the gates to-day.
21 Thursday Morning I was grinding malt and at noon the water in the River
became so high that the mill would not go at all. I went to York to buy a
pair of pantaloons and to see how Thomas was getting on with his warf.
22 Fryday I was disperited to find the water in the Brewery about four inches
deep but the River broken up and a large jam of ice oposite the Brewery. I
went out to the wheel and hoisted up the gate which took the water out of
the Brewery for a time.
Joseph and me then went down the flats and with greate difficulty we got
as far as the top of the meadow by walking on the top of the fence.
We secured the Bridge at the meadow gate as well as we could and came
back.

207
When we got home Robert Stonehouse and Hays was there and told us
that there was a large jam of ice extending from Eastwoods dam to
Stonehouses and we went up and saw it.
I never saw anything like it in my life before. The ice was piled up ten
feet about the water and out to the land in great quantities and the water
was making a clean trench through Eastwoods wheat field __
In about an hour after we came back we was alarmed to see it all coming
down the River taking every thing before it when it struck the jam here it
all moved on a little and then stopped out damed the water back so that it
come into the brewery about a foot deep. (Which made it verey
uncomfortable wet as we was brewing and had to be in a great deal) I was
all the way from the Garden to the bridge on the jam.
It was twelve o’clock before the beer was cold and no abatement of the
water then – but fortunately it froze hard.
23 Saterday Morning all the water was out of the Brewery and so low that
with some trouble I got down the break water in the meadow and found all
well. Some fence down but nothing of consequence or as I expected.
The water continued to fall all day and in the afternoon Joseph and I went
down to the Bridg. I went in the ice and while I was on it it started which
alarmed me much but fortunately I got off onto terafirma. However the ice
jam stopped again and we attempted to start it but in vain.
This day was verey warm.
24 Sunday Morning. I went to York and before Church I walked up as far as

the Parlement buildings to meet the Soldiers and hear the musick.
I stopt at Mr. Brights till half past eight o’clock. I never saw the roades
deeper than they are at present.
It rained a little this afternoon but nothing of consequence.
25 Monday Morning. Joseph and I tried to get the wheel to go but could not
altho the water was very favourable for it. I am of the opinion that it is
choked up with gravel. I went down to the meadow and gave Degrassi’s
man some hay ___ and in the evening I took the gun and went down the
meadow to see if I could see any duck but did not.
The weather is rather cold.

208
26 Teusday After some trouble we got the mill to go and it went verey well
till we got 20 bushels of malt and then it stopped and we could not get it to
go ten minutes at a time after that.
Just at sun down I took the gun and went down to the Sugar loaf but saw
nothing to Shoot.
27 Wedensday I was Brewing and had the greatest trouble to get the pump
could not get it to go more than five minutes at a time and often had to call
all hands to start it again. I never passed as trouble some a day in my life
nor was fraught with so much anxiety. The day was warm but in the
evening it began to freeze verey hard. N B I attempted to open the pipes to
the spring this afternoon but in vain.
28 Thursday Morning I went to the Water Wheel the first thing and the water
being down I had no difficulty in getting into the wheel pit and on
decending I found a wedge between the top of the wheel and the floor
which has been the caus of all our trouble. With some difficulty I
extracted it and after that the wheel went verey well. At three o’clock we
had finished grinding and I went to town and while there I went up to
Johanson o look at a faning mill.
I stopt at Princess Street till a quarter past en.
29 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at ten minutes past seven. The weather
was fine and pleasant.
In the evening I took the gun and went down to the Sugar Loaf Hill. But
saw nothing to shoot.
30 Saterday. I was grinding malt all the forenoon and part of the afternoon.
In the evening I went to Sinclers with a cow to the Bull.
This was a delight full day.
The roades are getting dry very fast.
31 Sunday Morning. I went to York and walked up as far as Ned Wrights to

meet the Soldiers. But meeting Young Bell he informed me that they was
not coming to Church today.
After Church Thos and me took a stroll along the head and looked at the
wharf &c. It was a most Beautiful day and great numbers of careless
Beaus and dashing Belles were promenading the streets and gulping a
little fresh air.
I stopt at Princess Street till nine o’clock

209
April 1833
1 Monday I was brewing this day and mashed at seven o’clock. The weather
was exceeding warm. I pitched the beer at ten.
2 Tuesday forenoon I was cleaning malt and in the afternoon I was washing
the mash pale out.
In the evening I took the gun and went down as far as the bottom of the
meadow. But saw nothing as usual.
The weather was remarkable fine and warm indeed it was excessively war
for the season.
Now (Ten O’clock) it is a lovely night almost a pity to sleep on.
3 Wedensday Morning I mashed at seven o’clock.
In the afternoon I was laying up fence that was thrown by the ice.
I pitched the beer at twelve o’clock.
The weather was verey warm and at half past eleven o’clock it began to
rain pretty fast which if it continues will make the roads much worse.
4 Thursday forenoon I was ______ up malt and after dinner went to York
and up to Drapers office to see about the law sute with Eastwood. Draper
told me that it would not come on this Court. N.B. I called at Mr. Brights
both as I went up and came down. Betsy told me that Mr. Perron was
verey much put out at my calling on him to tell him how I left his friends
in Liverpool. (and verey justly too it has been negligence of mine but I
will endeavour to see him next time I go to York.
5 Fryday and Good Fryday too
I mashed at seven o’clock This day was famous for _____ I should think
there was over a hundred here there were also two of Drapers clerk who
came to see the ____ that has made such as disturbance. I walked as far as
the bottom of our meadow to show them the roade to Young Street. I
pitched the worts at ten o’clock. Rather cool this day.
6 Saterday forenoon I was grinding malt. In the evening I road out to the
pine bush. The weather was verey fine.

210
7 Sunday Morning I went to York and after Church I went up the lake side
with Thomas for a walk.
I came back and went to the Weslian Methodist Chapel after which I
stopped at Mr. Brights and when I wanted to come home it was verey
dark and rained torrents and I resolved not to come home. Mrs. B made
me up a bed and I lay down but not enjoy much repose. The thoughts of
how all was at home would not allow me.
After laying for some time I got up and finding it not so dark I dressed
myself and started.
The wind blew as it would blow its last. The rattling showers runs on the
_____ “And sic a sight” I took the road in as near poor sinners was abroad
in”
When I got home it was three o’clock and I was completely drenched.
8 Monday I was brewing and mashed at a quarter after seven and pitched the
worts at ten. The river grew so high in the afternoon that we could not
pump at all.
About five o’clock four hundred saw logs belongin to Robt Stonehouse
came past having broke the boom. Thus before the mighty torrents the
labors of man soon disapeer.
9 Tewsday Morning The water being so high we could not grind as the
water wheel was ____ back water.
Joseph and me opened the pluged pipes in fore noon. I was taking the
mud out of the Yard when I saw Eastwood and Gibson the surveyor going
down the meadow so I followed after them to see what they was about. I
found them measuring the distance from the disputed line to the fence.
In evening I went to York.
10 Wedensday I was assisting the man to clean out the yard all day and in the
evening I went to see my dear Girl and stop about an hour and a half with
her. It rained fast when I came home so much that I was quite wet.
11 Thursday I was employed about the brewery all day. Grinding malt &c.
In the evening it thundered verey violently accompayned with the most

vivid lightening I ever saw but yet eight o’clock. There has been no rain.

211
12 Fryday I was brewing and mashed a quarter after seven. This afternoon we
had quite a snow storm.
13 Saterday I was about the brewery all day till evening when I went down
the river to see the practibility of bring a boat up to take beer down to
York. The roades are so bad that they are killing our horses.
14 Sunday Morning I went to York and before Church I went to hear the
Soldiers play coming to the Church. After Church I took a walk with
Thomas along the bay and out. The wharf where saw one of the finest
schooners that I ever saw on Lake Ontario. The Adelade of Brockville it
really did me good to see her.
I then came down to Princess Street where I found my dear Girl waiting
for me. I stopt but about two houres and came home before dark.
15 Monday I was brewing and mashed at a quarter before eight and pitched at
eleven.
16 Tuesday In Morning I was measuring up malt and after I measured up a

brewing I went with Joseph to weigh hay for Stonehouse. After weighing
the hay Charles and I took the spud and went to the place where William’s
man lost his rifle on Good Fryday and after some time I succeeded in
getting it out. I dryd it out and oiled it and fired it off two or three times
and found it to be a verey good one.
This evening is soft and warm verey spring like.
17 Wedensday I was brewing and mashed at eight o’clock. In the evening I

road the grey horse down to the bottom of the meadow.
18 Thursday I went with a cow to Sinklers in the morning and after dinner I
went to York and while there I was busey going from place to place about
one thing or another. I called at Princess Street and spent two or three
hours there verey agreeable indeed.
19 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at eight o’clock and pitched the worts
at one o’clock at night.
The weather fine.
20 Saterday forenoon I was cleaning malt and after dinner I went to measure
pine cut by Brockman and measured 178 cords.
After I came home I went with Joseph to put a log under the bridge to ceep
the cattle out of the flats.

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21 Sunday Morning I went to York by way of Bloor brewery and Young

Street before Church I took a walk about Town ad up the street to hear the
Soldiers play. After dinner I took a walk with Thomas along the bay when
it began to rain and we returned. After the Shower was over I came down
to Brights and found Mr & Mrs Stegman there and we all took ____ walk
up as far as the Government House. We called for a few minutes at
Stegmans as we came back.
22 Monday Morning After breakfast Joseph told me that Eastwood and his
men was gone down the flats and I followed after and found Eastwood and
Skinner pulling down the fence and cutting it up. I charged them off the
ground but they did not go. When I came up home I took the Horse and
roade to York to acquaint Thos with their proceedings.
23 Tuesday Morning I was cleaning malt till about nine o’clock when I took
the horse and went out onto Mr. Jordans lot to look at some rails that is
there from these I went to York and Thos wishing me to step down to
James Small’s office to assist him in drafting a petition for a note of
occupation of the concession to the Governor.
While in town it rained very fast and during my travel home.
24 Wednesday I was brewing and mashed at seven and pitched at eleven.

The weather was fine and pleasant.
25 Thursday forenoon I was grinding malt and in the afternoon I was jobbing
about the Brewery.
In the evening I went Sparking and stopt with her till ten o’clock. I was
some what cold comming home.
26 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at seven o’clock and pitched at ten.
27 Saterday I was grinding malt all the forenoon and in the afternoon I was
drawing Hay up from the meadow.
28 Sunday Morning I went to Sinklers with a cow and after that I went to
York and before Church I went and met the Soldiers as they came down to
Church.
After dinner I went to Princess Street and stopped about half and hour and
then came up to George Stegmans as invited last Sunday and found no
person at home. I then took a walk up the Street and met Mrs. S Ind the
Miss Bright and Miss Stegman and returned with them to the house and
took tea with them.

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29 I mashed and then took the horse and went to York to assist Thomas in
getting sighners to his petition. The first thing I did was to take the horse
to get shod and went up to the Surveyor Generals ffice to get James
Chewit to draft a plan of the concession
After that I took a certificate and went with it to all the Old Settlers of the
Bay to sign it. The substance of the certificate was that the undersighned
had known the premises for upwords of 20 years and knew the Concession
impossible.
30 Monday I was taking out the grains and giving Robert Stonehouse Hay in
the forenoon and in the afternoon I was grinding malt and fetching up the
colt to casterate the Gray on. Tom Outlaw did it about six o’clock. The
weather was remarkable warm this day.
May 1833
1 I was brewing and was not able to mash till twelve o’clock as we had
about forty Bushels malt to grind.
In the evening I went to York and called at Princess Street and stopt till
nearly eleven.
2 Thursday Morning I roade down to the mile tree to Turleys to see about
some timber for Mr. Chewet and then went to York where I stopped all
day tending shop while Thos went to the Council.
3 Fryday I was brewing and mashed at eight o’clock. The day was much
cooler than yesterday was.
4 Saterday Morning I road out to the pine plains to see how the fire was
comming on as it was last night comming through the woods verey fast. I
found it rather dying away than other wise. After I came back I went
plowing the potatoes patch on the flats and in the evening I went to York
to take two letters to Mr. Smith to go to England as he starts on Tewsday
or Wedensday next – I called at Mr Brights and had a little conversation
with Miss Elizabeth.
5 Sunday Morning I went to York and took a walk up as far as the gard
house to meet the soldiers.
After dinner I walked down to see Miss E.B. and stopt there half an hour
and then came back to Thos to stand up for his children Thos and Wm.

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6 Monday I was brewing ___ In the morning I road out to see how the fire
was comming on and in the evening took the men to clean out the head
race across the island.
7 Tuesday I was about home all day ___ Verey warm
8 Wednesday morning I was planting potatoes and after that I went down to
the stacks and gave Hays some hay. In the afternoon I was clearing out the
head of the race and truning more water down. About four o’clock I saw a
great smoake down at the back of our meadow and went to see what it was
and found it to be a fire burning through the woods and making rapid
advances towards our fence. I came back and took three men and quickly
went down to attempt t stop it and after working till nine o’clock we so far
stopped it that I think it will not run much more.
9 Thursday I was brewing and mashed at seven o’clock. In the afternoon we

saw by the smoke that the fire was making rapid advances towards our
fence so all of us went at it and raked the leaves away from before the fire
from Glen ______ to the little creek which comes in at the corner of the
meadow. And lighting fire where the leaves were raked away the fire ran
till it met the other fire advancing.
By this means we succeeded in stopping the progress of the flames
10 Thursday morning made its appearance rather wet and continued so all
day at intervals. In the forenoon I was grinding malt and in the afternoon I
went to York. In the evening I stopped at Brights till about nine o’clock
and when I came home the rain was falling fast consequently I got wet.
11 Saterday This is the anniversary of my birth day and is my 22 Spring,

perhaps it is the last I may see. In the morning I took the Horse and roade
out to Mr. William Crookshanks to see about some barley I found Young
Street rather muddy in consequence of the recent rain.
I came back York. In the evening I went down to the meadow to give
Bushley man some hay.
N.B. Young Street is improving fast maney new and elegant Houses have
built since I last was up.
12 Sunday morning was so wet that I did not go to York and it continued
raining till about two o’clock and at three I went to York to see how
Mother was and found her rather weakly in consequence of being bled this
morning. I came home at dark.
13 Monday I was brewing and mashed at half past eight o’clock.

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The weather was warm.
In the afternoon I was employed in taking an Inventory of the property at

the Brewery
May
14 Tewsday Morning made its appearance very wet.
However as I wanted to go to York and Charles had the Saddle away I

took an umbrela and walked to Town.
My buisness was to post the Books of the firm but as Thos. was out and
did not come in for some time and when he did soon went out again So
that I got nothing done. I called at Princess Street and stopt about half an
hour.
15 Wednesday I was brewing. In the evening I took a walk up to the barley

fields and stepped around it to see how maney rails it would take to fence
it.
The weather was fine
16 Thursday I was hauling rails and fencing round the Barley field at the top
of the hill. I had the gun with me and shot one pigeon. In the evening
when I came home I found Bushleys man waiting for hay so I went with
him down to the Stack.
17 Fryday I was brewing and in the evening I went to York and after seeing
Mother Thos. I called on Miss Bright and spent two hours with her verey
pleasant.
18 Saturday I was down to York all day tending shop as Thos was at the
Council office. The weather was remarkable warm all the fore part of the
day and in the afternoon it rained fast at intervals.
19 Sunday Morning I went to York and waited some time for the soldiers to
come out of Church. A fresh Regiment the 66. I walked up to the
Government House with them. After Church I went to Mr. Brights found
Mr & Mrs Stegman there and they and Misses Nancey and Elizabeth and
me took a walk up as far as Old Mr. Bright there Miss Susan Joined us and
then came down Bay Street to the Bay and came on the front to Mr.
Brights.

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20 Monday forenoon I was about home and at twelve o’clock I started for
York as it was fair day and also Show day of Horses and Cattle of the
Agricultural Society.
When I got to York they was selling Bulls of the Society in the Market
Square There were fvour of them sold at from Six to Seven pounds
___?___ I did not think that they was verey good ones. After that ws over
the Stallions were exibted befoer the Court House. I believe there were 6
entered for the prize and nine pair of horses and seven brood mares and
three Yoke of oxen ___?___ There were a greate number of people in the
town from all parts of the country ___?___ I never saw York so throng in
my life – But there was not a greate deal of cattle for Sale. It came on to
rain at five o’clock and I came home with the waggon
21 Twesday Morning was some what wet and threatened rain. Joseph and I
was plowing a patch for corn down at the Bridge till the weather began to
clear up when I took old bobey and went to York to get David Thompsons
bill and was going to see if I could get aney money from him. I found the
roades through Scadding rough bad. And I found Old Thompson with an
amputed leg on Sunday lat. I came back to York and called on My Dear
Girl and spent two or three houres with her.
22 Wednesday Morning I went to York and took the light wagon and Josephs
wife down. I remained in town all day –posting the books.
23 Thursay I was brewing and mashed at half past seven o’clock
In the evening we missed one of the Steirs and I road down to the meadow
to see if I could get it but I could not.
24 Fryday I wnt to York in the morning and remained there all day posting up
the Books. In the evening I called at Princess Street and spent three hours
verey enjoyable Indeed. The Evening was fine and pleasant when I took
the Road homeward.
25 Saterday I was brewing ___?___ the weather was coolish and in the
evening it rained a little.
26 Sunday Morning I went to York and took a walk along with Thos along
the bay side till I heard the band start from the Church doors when I went
up Young Street and met them. I walk with them as far as the Government
House.
In the afternoon as usual I went to Princess Street and spent the remainder
of the day verey agreeable indeed.
27 Monday As I was not Brewing I went to York to post up the Books and
remained all day there. The weather was verey pleasant all day.

217
28 Tewsday I was brewing and mashed at half past six o’clock.
After mashing I roade up to the top of the hill to see Thos. Smith about
some rail timber.
In the evening George Stegman came up to the Paper Mill and called over
and took a glass of beer with me.
The weather was verey pleasant all day.
29 Wedensday morning was verey wet and I did not go to York till nine
o’clock when it cleared off a little and I road the Bob horse down _ And
remained there all day posting up the Books. Really it is a task that is
fatigueing in the extreme.
30 Thursday I was brewing & mashed at nine o’clock. In the evening I

walked down to the bottom of the meadow.
31 Fryday Morning I went to York and stopped there all day posting up the
books. In the evening I stopped at Brights till half past ten o’clock. And
when I came home it was the most beautiful evening that I ever was out in.
So clear and Serean.
June 1833
1 Saterday I was brewing and mashed at half past seven o’clock.
In the evening I took the gun and went down the meadow in the hope of
seeing deer but was disapointed. It rained considerable this evening and
had all the appearance of a wet night.
2 Sunday This forenoon it rained in torrants so that I did not stir out of the
house. At three o’clock it cleared up and I took the horse and road to
York_ And not finding Thos at home I took a walk up the main street and
fell in with Ellis at his own door and we walked up as far as Chewets new
building together.
I then came back to the market and took Bobey and road as far as the
Garrison and when I came back I found Thos. at home & stopt with him
till half past ten.
3 Monday Morning I went to York and stopt all day posings books and
shipping beer for Saint Catherines. The air is cooler this evening and
indeed it has been so for some time back.
4 Twesday being General Training day I went to York early for the purpose
of assisting Thos. before muster time. At half past tne I went down to the
ground but it was half past eleven before they began to muster and when
the did we had no higher Officer than Sergant to take command of the
company – nothing was done except partially calling the roll over once.

218
At about half past twelve o’clock we were dismissed and I came up to

Thos. and took dinner and at two o’clock walked up the street as far as the
Court House to see Cap’t Densons Cavelrey going through their
manouvers on the green in front of the Court House. The fire men and
Hook & Ladder Company next attracted my attention they made a very
grand procession – marching with the Regimental band from the Garrison
in front with the Engines drawn by a pair of horses each and the waggon
containing hooks and ladders U.C.R. they had two Ensines flying ___?___
the Engines. I accompanied the procession up the Government House
where the band struck up God Save the King and then gave three cheers
for Sir John Colburn and more – led on down Strahan Street and along the
bay and thus terminated the procession.
After standing about the streets for some time I came down to Brights and
stopt there till ten o’clock.
I was verey much fatigued when I got home.
The weather was remarkable warm.
5 Wedensday I was brewing this day and after I got the wort on the cooler I
took a pile of lumber to Stonehouse ill to get sawn.
The weather was warmer than it has been for some time back.
6 Thursday Morning I went to York and remained there all day busey
posting the Book
7 Fryday I went to York earlye and reained all day busey at the Books. I
called at the Old place in Princess Street and stopt there till ten o’clock.
8 Saterday I was brewing and mashed at a quarter before seven.

In the evening I took the gun and went down to the meadow to see if I
could see any Deer but could not.
The weather was pleasant.
9 Monday Morning I went to York and took a walk with the soldiers before
church. After dinner I called at Brights nd Mr & Mrs Stegman, Misses
Nancy and Elizabeth took a walk down to the wind mill and round by the
Steam Saw Mill and back by the Catholic Church.
10 Monday Morning I took the mare and put her into the light waggon but
she refused to draw for some time as she has not been in the harness since
she foaled, however she went off after rearing a little.
While in York I went with the Teamster to the Garrison.
In the afternoon I had a good deal of trouble with a cow one of oures that
strats down to town and Charles came after her but could not drive

219
through the Town till I went to his assistance _ I came with him down to
Small orner.
The weather was remarkable cold for season of the Year.
11 Tewsday Morning I went to York as was agreeable surprised to find a

small package of books and letter from My Friend and Relation John
Helliwell of Greenhurst Hey, Yorkshire England. One book fro me was
Watertons’ Wandering in South America a very interesting Book.
He also sent me a statment of the weather since Oct. last (a curious

document.) I was in town all day and when I came home I planted a tuft of
Heather which Mr. Helliwell sent and also four ash plants.
Just as it was getting dark I saw an officer pass through the Ford and went
out when he saw me he inquired the way to York as he appeared to be
verey much faigured I asked him if he would drink a glass of beer which
he verey willing did.
12 Wedensday I was in York all day and stopt at Princess Street coming
home.
13 Thursday I was in York all day. It rained the great part of the day. Verey
violently accompanied with Thunder and lightning. While writing I am
first thinking where I was – last year this time. I was riding at anchor at
the nose on entering the mouth of the Thames. What a variety of scenes
have I witnessed since that time.
14 Fryday I walked to York to-day. I saw Wilson one of my old Ship Hudson
companion to and it was worthy of remarking that I parted with him in
London this day twelve months and have never saw him since till this time
when I met him in the Streets of York.
I stopt at Mr. Brights as I came home and stopt there till half past ten
o’clock.
As I came home I found a man with a team at the Don Bridge in some
difficulty and as he asked me to assist him I did so altho by doing so I got
myself pretty well besmeared over with mud.
The roads were some what muddey in consequence of the verey heavy
rain that had fallen lately.
15 Saterday Morning I road bobey to York and remained there all day.
We had a verey heavy Shower of rain about twelve o’clock which
however did not continue long.
In the evening I took a walk down to the wharf and saw three Steam Boats
there _ It is but a few Years since that we had but one Solitary Steam Boat
visiting us once a fortnight now we have one or two daily.

220
Such is the growing trade of our Town of York. Really it would astonish
aney aerson to see York in its present thriving State and be told that thirty
Years since the bull Frog was crok his horse note to the tree Toad above
him.
I came earleyer than I have for the last week. The roads are rather muddey
and travelling is rather bad in consequence.
16 Sunday Morning I walked to York and stept the Ground with the Soldiers.
In the afternoon I called at Mr Brights and stopt till after Ten and then
walked home through the meadows where I arrived at dark
The weather was verey windey
17 Monday Morning I walked to York at Seven O’clock and remained there

all day. In the evening the fir bell rang on going to the door I was
surprised to see the number of people that was running in the Streets. I
could not have believed that so many people could be musrter in so short a
time in York hapily the fire was soon put out without doing aney damage.
18 Twesday morning I walked to York and spent the day there and in the
evening I called at Mr. Brights an stopped till nine o’clock.
19 Wedensday I road in to York and also called at Princess Street this

evening.
20 Thursday morning Joseph and me walked down to York as we were

decided to settle our business bet we did not come to aney definate
arrangement. In the afternoon I was taking out Bills and collect money but
was very unsuccessfull.
21 Fryday I took the Ball horse and set out for Streetsvill and Churchvill
where I arrived at about Six O’clock and returned to Streetvill to sleep.
22 Saterday Morning after taking breakfast with Mr. Embleton I started for
home where I arrived at Sundown as I delayed on the road with our
customers.
I partly suceeded in the objective of my journey which was to collect
money. I got from Mr. W. Young 15 pounds and from Mr. Embleton two
pounds ten and from Mrs. Hide ten shillings and from William Johnson
five pounds and from Andrew Freiburn fifteen shillings.
The country back of Streetsvill has improved verey much sinc I was last
there it bids fair to become one of the fairest portions of U.C.
N.B. When I came home I went up to the dam and took a swim which I
have not done from two years before.

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23 Sunday morning I went to York and being early strolled round the Town
till Church time when I went to Church and after dinner Joseph and me
walked down to the Wharf to see the new Steam boat that is being built
there or rather finished there for She ws Built at Coburg. I then called on
my intended and spent an hour or two with her _ Verey Comfortable.
24 Monday Morning it rained pretty fast and continued till about nine
O’clock at which time it cleared off a little and I took the mare and cold
and went to York where I remained all day while in York I went down to
the wharf with three barrels of beer for to go to Goderitch.
The afternoon was fair.
25 Tewsday morning I walked to York and remained there all day and in the
evening I brought Mother home in the light waggon _ After I got home
Joseph and me went down to the Meadow to see if the grass wanted
cutting.
26 Wedensday I walked to York and reamined there al day In the evening I

called at Mr. Brights and spent a short time verey agreeable. The weather
was remarkable cold and rained considerable.
27 Thursday Morning Joseph and me went to York in the Cart and had a good
deal of disputing with Thos. about the manor that the business has been
carried on for the last ten years.
In the evening we took the mare and Cart round to Mr. Richardsons where
there was a Cow Thos. had bought and after a good deal of trouble we got
her made fast to the Cart _ But our trouble did not end here for she would
not walk one step but as the Mare drew her by main forse.
28 Fryday Morning Joseph and me and Charles went to Chain off lot 14 in
order to divide amongst all of us Brothers. In the afternoon I was honord
with a visit from Misses Nancy, Sally and Jane Bright, Miss Stegman &
Miss Betchford. They told me that Miss E came with them to the top of
the hill but could not be prevailed upon to come down the hill _
I am sure she need not be so delicate.
The weather was verey fine and pleasant all day.
29 Saterday I was making a rack all day for the waggon to put on when we
cut hay. In the evening I went down to the Meadow with the Teamster for
some grass for the horse.
The weather was very warm.
July 1833
1 Monday Morning I took the horse and road down to the Don Bridge and
then turned up along the Don and come to Bushly to see him if he cold
come and repair the barn. From there I went to York and remained there
all day. In the evening I took Mother home in the light waggon.

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We had a very heavy show of rain after I got home.

We commensed mowing the meadow this morning.
2 Tewsday forenoon it rained very fast indeed and I was employed in

planing cabbages it cleared up about noon and Joseph and me went with
the mowers down to the meadow but did not stop long When we came
home we was weeding the garden.
I wrote a letter to Mr John Helliwell, Greenhurst Hey this evening.
3 Wednesday Morning was fine and promised to be a good hay day and we
spread out considerable when it came on cloudy and began to rain verey
fast indeed and continued all the remainder of the day at intervals _ In the
evening I took the Ball Horse a road out onto the plains to see if the wood
was all safe – from there I road down to the flats to Degrassi’s Saw Mill to
see the new Bridge.
4 Thursday Morning I took the Mare and went to York and stopt there till
three o’clock – After I came home I went down the meadow and turned
over out hay but as it was rather cloudy I brot the men up to corn field to
hoe and weed it.
Has been but a verey indifferant hay day as it has rained seven times
during the day.
It is rather cool this evening.
5 Fryday Morning We went down to the meadow and since the dew was on
the grass we made a bridy of fencing over the drain in the back field. After
the dew was off it was a good day and dryed the hay very much. I think if
tomorrow is as good we shall have a good quantity fit for harvesting.
6 Saturday Morning we went and spread out the hay and brote one load
home with us at noon. But it was the last for as soon as we went down
again we set to fork up the hay. But before we got a quarter of it forked
up it began to rain very fast so we was obliged to leaved it spread abroad.
In the evening I went up to the dam to bathe along with Joseph and two or
three more.
7 I went to York and before Church I took a walk with Thos. and we met
Knott and he invited us to go over to his place on the Island after Church.
So accordingly at two o’clock we imbarked on board a four oared skif at
Murrey ___?___ _ ___?___ UC Wharf. We had not gone more than a
quarter of the way over when it began to rain violently but fortunatly for
us we had taken the precaution to fetch umberelows.

223
But notwithstanding I got considerably wet. Mr. Knott Showed us greate

civility and Politeness and at five o’clock we imbarked and arived safe at
the Wharf without aney accidant _ I then went to Brights accompayned by
Thos. & friend where we took Tea. I remained there till ten O’clock.
8 Monday Morning as soon as the dew was of we went out to the hay field
and in the afternoon we drew in ten loads of hay. The weather was very
doubtfull for three times during the day and once or twice it rained a little.
9 Tuesday was a fine day and we drew in all the hay that we had ready
which was six load.
1 Wednesday was a fine day for the hay
11 -12 13 Thurs. Fri. Sat.
Wm Helliwell
Don Brewery
York Toronto
Wm Helliwell Brewer
Alfred Helliwell
My Father Diary
1834
January
12 Wet morning but notwithstanding resolved to go to York. Met Thomas

and Thomas Cook coming to the Brewery but as they told me that they
would return to York to dinner I did not come back with them.
In the afternoon went to Mr. Millbourns agreeable to an invitation to

celebrate the Christening of a child.
Spent the evening somewhat dull as most of the company was strange to
me. Accompayned Miss Stegman and Nancy to Mr. Stegmans nd about
half past ten came down to Mr. Brights and got My Horse and road home.
It was a rough night the wind blew a hurican all night and froze verey
hard.
13 Was Brewing and mashed at seven oclock.
14 Went to York this morning and remained there all day. Called to see My
Dear in the evening and remained there till a quarter less ten oclock.

224
15 Went to York this morning through the meadows and as I went past Mr.
Brights I saw Miss Elizabeth and went in and stopt there an houre and a
half.
Was at the Parliment House and heard Messors Perry and Bidwell make a
speach. I got home at seven oclock quite fatigued.
Remarkable weather for the season so mild.
16 Went to York and stopt there all day Inaking Bills and delivering them.
Called for a fiew minutes at Mr. Brights .
17 Was Brewing and mashed pretty earley. But the weather was so warm that
it was near twelve oclock before it was cold. It houghed verey fast all day
18 Was at home all day a fiew minutes that I went up to the barn to shut the
doors as Robin told me that they was open.
The weather was as warm as May and consequently thoughed erey much.
19 This morning Charles told me that Mr. Eastwood and his man was floating
something into the mouth of our race an on going to see I found a large
cake of ice jammed into the entrance and Eastwood and his man cutting
ice off the log. Mr. Eastwood said he had not floated the ice into the race.
However I shut the gate down and flaoted the ice back and cut it into small
pieces and then drew the water again and let the it pass throug the gate.
Walked to York and spent the evening with Miss Bright. When I came
home it was verey muddey
20 Was Brewing and I got through at nine oclock. Weather verey cold.
21 I went to York and borowed Mr. Brights Horse to go to W Cooks in

Vaughan
Verey cold indeed got to Cooks at five oclock and at seven the companey
began to come in and at half past eight we were to Brisk notes in cadence
beating and cept it up till six without cesation save to take refreshment
many of the Gols here elegantly attired and danced Beautifully.
At seven oclock I went to bed and sleept till half past eight.
Took breakfast and came off at ten oclock. Stopt at Mr. Brights till nine.
23 Went to York and remaind there all day went to the Garrison

225
Snowed considerable to day
24 Was Brewing and had this misfortune to scald my face verey bad by
raising up the ______ of the copper cock to prevent the silling and the
worts forsed themselves out by the side and flew into my face. Mother
cept linseed oil and Lime water onto it for two houres which so far took all
the fire out as to leave onley a fiew small blisters.
25 This day I was confined to the House in consequence of the scald I got
yesterday. But I am happy to say that my face is not so bad as I expected
owing to the promptness with which Linseed oil and lime water was
applied.
I can bear ample testamony of the value of the application.
26 Remained at home as I could not go out on account of My head
Messers Perren came to see me and I was verey much pleased with the
visit
27 Was Brewing and had verey good sucess
Thomas came up this evening and stopt a fiew minuets.
28 This forenoon I road up the don to see John Galloway about staves.
In the afternoon I went to York and called at Mr. Brights and stopt there
till ten oclock. It was my intention to have asked him for his daughter but
as I had not an orportunity I wrote a not to him on the subject and left it
for Miss Nancy to deliver
29 Was at home all day. Mr. Bright came up this afternoon to look at some
cattle and told me that he was verey willing for me to hav his daughter. So
if all is well we will be married on the sixth of February.
30 Was Brewing and had a good deal of trouble with the pump being short of
water till we cleared the head race of water which was nessareally a work
of considerable time which made us late in concluding our operations of
the day.
Mild weather
31 Was at home all day. Mild weather.
February 1834

226
1 Was at home all day save riding the horse down the flats to see where the
people goes onto the ice and found it was down in Scaddings land greate
numbers of people pass here with slays going down the ice
The weather was very mild and indead for several days back it has been
very pleasant.
2 This morning I road to York and to W. Brights where I remained all day
save a fiew minuets that I went up to Thomases but did not find him at
home.
I suppose this is the last Sunday that I am to be a single Man and God
grant that I may be a good husband and she a Wife.
3 Was Brewing this day and mashed at six oclock.
The weather was as warm as April the water ran from the Hills and the
roads were quite muddey.
4 Went to York and got Thomas and William Bright to get my Marriage
Licence and ingraged Dr. Phillips to Perform the marriage ceremoney for
me.
Weather mild Roads muddey.
5 Was Brewing and had to wait till eleven oclock for the worts cooling as it;
was a warm night.
6 Wedding day got married by the Rev’d Doctor Phillips at five PM took
supper and brot my Bride Home at twelve and in the one horse waggon
7 Remained in the House all day along with My Wife.
8 Stopt at home all day and did verey little.
9 Stopt at home all day.
Misses Nancy and Salley Bright, Mr. and Mrs. Stegman Mr. Bright and
Thomas and Gambele and Buccanan came to see us.
Fine weather but muddey roads.
10 This forenoon I went to the Bush to see about some Wood Cutting.
Verey fine day as warm as May
Had some difficulty with the pump this evening.

227
11 Brewing – very fine day.
12 Went to York and went to the Parlement House a fiew minuets.
13 Was a good deal troubled with the steep water leaking way.
In the evening I went to the woods with a frend Man to look for stave
timber but did not find aney.
14 Was Brewing this day and mashed at six oclock but owing to the weather
being warm I did not pitch the worts till late.
15 In the afternoon I took the Horse and road through on the side line by John
Playtors to see Jack Craig about staves and returned by the Dantford Road
to York where I stopt till dark seeing about a grave for Joseph child etc.
16 This Morning me and My Wife went to York in the light waggon and stopt
at Mr. Brights ll day save a fiew minuets that I went up into town to meet
the funeral of Josephs Child. Was not so fortunate as to see the waggon
till the Child was buried. We came home in the big waggon. Roads verey
muddy.
17 Brewing
Mr. Wilson from Stamford came to see us this day.
18 Walked to York this morning accompayned by Wife When in town took

the Horse and road beyond the Blue Bell to see some Hop poles that are
cutting there for us on Dennisons Land.
In the evening I borrowed Mr. Brights waggon and took old Bob to bring
us home.
19 This forenoon I took a walk up to the Don to see John Galloway if had got
out staves and if it was possable to get them down the Don
The ice is in maney places compleatly broke up a circumstance I do not

recolect happening before since I hav ben a resedenter on the Don
20 This morning went to cut a stick for a cart tongue had some difficulty to
find one suitable But did so at last in the hill side above Smiths flats.
21 Brewing

228
22 Was in town all day and walked through the mud and verey muddy it was
and midnight a fire broke out which burnt many houses and a boy about
ten years old.
My Good Man came home and informd me of possibly W. Gan ______

death which hurt us very much for he was a good ______
23 Forenoon was reading all the time and in the afternoon took a walk to the
top of the hill in the barn field and then down onto the flats and round by
the Crook (?) home. In the evening we went to Josephs to tea.
24 Was Brewing the weather somewhat colder then it has been for several
days back.
25 This morning made its appearance with the ground coverd with snow
about six inches deep Walked to York and worked there all day and
walked home in the evening.
Weather lowrey thretng snow.
26 At home all this day wrote a letter to John Sutcliff today.
27 Brewing and fixing the fireplace in Parlour.
28 Was Brewing. Fine weather but bad roads.
March 1834
1 Remained at home all day.
2 Was at home all day. Froze hard the night.
3 Brewing. Cold day and the ground hard frozen
4 Remained at home all day Weather verey fine
5 Walked to town and remained there all day Weather as warm as May and
the roads are in drying state
6 Went to York this day and walked up to the Parlement to see the Governor
Paraige the House which he did to the 15 day of April. He made but a
verey short speach about Education and the supplys for the current year
&c
7 Brewing this day. Fine weather. The Lake roars this evening

229
8 This forenoon Joseph and me went up into the woods to see if we could
find some trees that would make logs fit for a House
The afternoon I was at home
9 Went to Toronto in the light waggon rough road. Went to Church with My
Wife for the first time since our marriage Cold day
10 Walked to Toronto this morning and remained there till four oclock
posting books
The roads are in a good walking state
11 Brewing – Find day the Sun shone bright and warm
12 This morning I set out for Toronto and had not got farther then the top of
the meadow when it come on a shower and rained fast for half an houre
during which time I got wet. However I should hav gotten much wetter if
I had not taken shelter under a tree for some time.
It cleared up and became fine.
13 This morning I walked to York and remained there all day.

Beautiful weather drying the roads up fast
14 Brewing today Weather somewhat solder then yesterday

Snowed a little to day
15 Went to Toronto to day and remained there all day collecting money In
the evening I came home with the team
The weather was Beautifull and pleasant and the roads are somewhat
better than lateley.
16 I remaind at home all day though my wife walked to York with Charles
After dinner I took a walk and went to the Concession where Hays is
cutting saw logs When I came home I found My Wife and George
Stegman and his wife
After tea Miss Nancy and Elizabeth and me took a walk to the top of the
hill oposite to us
17 Brewing

230
18 This morning I went with Joseph to cut ______ coop poles down to the
meadow and up the Revine at the top of the meadow
After dinner I went to Hayses to speak for some fence boards
In the evening I was fireing hogsheads on top of the hill
19 At home and in the afternoon picked a load of boards from the saw Mill
20 Wash making an office between the Cooler and the House
A verey stormey day
Thos married
21 Brewing Verey cold weather the ground frozen hard
22 This morning I walked to York to see my new Sister in Law, Mrs. Thos
Helliwell Stopt in York or the City of Toronto till evening
Attended a meeting of the inhabitants to nominate Aldermen and comon

Counsil men for the City the Election takes place on fryday next
23 This morning I and my wife walked to Church Snowed the greater part of
the day so that when we came home it was bad walking indeed
24 Went to Toronto and stopt there all day and came home with the waggon
in the evng The roads was verey sloppey and dirty. Brought a pease of
cloth to mend by trowers and two buttons to mend my coat and a new
broom to sweep the carpet and floor
25 Brewing – Snowd all most the whole of the day but melted as it fell
26 Was at home all day. In the afternoon I went to the top of the hill and
counted the poles of fence round the even field
27 Godd Fryday Brewing – fine weather
29 Walked to Toronto and stopt there all the day
30 Walked to Church and came home at five oclock – fine weather.
31 Was Brewing and mashed at seven oclock
Mr Bright came up this afternoon to look at the situation of the tree for the
cutting of which I am Prosecuted and expect the case to come on this week
as the court begins on Wednsday Mr Bright is a witness

231
April 1834
1 was ushered in with a shoure of rain and continued to rain forth at

intervals all day I was principally inagued in fixing the roof of my office it
leaked verey fast
2 Went to Toronto this morning and stopt there all day. In the evening I brot
Mr. Brights young horse home to ceep for a short time till he can get
another Horse
3 This morning I roade to Toronto and from thence up to Sandfords

common on Dundass Street to count Hop poles that was cut by Lingham
and found 9050 – on Dennis land land exclusive of 355 that is cut on
Holbrook land.
Came Home at five and brot a Subponae for John Playtor to be a witness
in case between John Eastwood and Collin Skinner plaints and My self
defendant.
4 This morning I got up and mashed and then went to Toronto to attend
court
Went up the Surveyor Generals office and Subponed James Chewet as a

witness
The case did not come on to day
5 This forenoon I took the colt and roade to the woods to see if all was right
there. In the afternoon was making fence in the meadow.
Remarkable fine day – verey warm
6 Verey fine morning at eleven oclock Thomas and his wife came up and
after dinner we all took a walk down tot he bottom of the meadow
Beautifull day
7 This forenoon I was shingleing the office and in the afternoon I went to
Toronto City
The weather this day was cloudey accompayned with high winds this
evng.
8 Brewing – a verey wet day

232
This evening Charles brote home word that Eastwood intended to bring on
the case to day and would bring it on the first thing tomorrow morning.
9 This Morning I went to Toronto Called on My Raddenhurst and subpoend

him as a witness and also John McIntosh But when we had our Witnesses
in Court Mr Eastwoods attorney gave notice that he withdrew the case and
of coarse pay all expenses.
Roads verey bad
10 Wet this morning and continued to rain till eleven oclock I in the
afternoon I was spreading the cow hills in the meadow and turning the
sods back that was rooted up by the Hoggs when the meadows was laying
open.
11 Brewing
In the afternoon I roade up to Capt Degrasses saw mill to see about some
boards to send to town fine day Muddey rods thoug
12 Making fence the greater part of the day below the mill In the eveng took
a walk up to the top of the hill and round to the point above the flats
Verey warm.
13 Walked to church and after took a walk up to Stegmans for a fiew minuets
The Girls and Mrs. S accompayned us as far as the road end
14 Was Brewing Verey warm.
15 Road the colt to York this morning and remained there all day. Verey
warm.
16 Brewing – After I let the worts out the coolers I went to Rowens to get
him to make two gates and walked accross the drift wood and up throug
our meadow home.
My wife met me and told me that I had left the copper cock open and all
the return were pumped into the worts
This day was very warm. There is considerable Grass in the Meadows
17 This morning I walked to York accompayned by My Wif – at four oclock

I cam home and left Her to stop all night at her Fathers
The weather was not so warm as yesterday.

233
18 Brewing – in the evening – went to Toronto to hear a lecture at the

Mechanics Instut on Prenology and Phiseogemeney
It was a verey poor lecture indeed – it was the worst I hever heard
When I got home I let down the worts
19 Making boards fence all day
Rather wet
20 Stopt at home and spent the day in walking about the flats and &
At one oclock attend a Meeting at Sinklears for the purpose of passing our
opinion where the money for the road should be expended &c
Wet day
Digging in the garden
22 Brewing – Rained all day
23 Brewing
In the eveng road to Toronto – Wet in the forenoon.
24 Brewingg – Cold day
25 Was imployd cleaning off the corn ground and digging in the garden
The weather was much colder then it has been for some time previouse
hard frost last night
26 This mronign made its appearance with snow falling and all the forenoon
it fell as in as large Broad flakes as I ever saw about twelve it cease to
snow but begn again at two and continued with intermisions all the day.
In the afternoon I was nailing boards on to the fence – Cold wet
disagreeable job
I am affraid this cold weather will do much harm to the fruit trees and
early gardens But it cannot do much harm to ours for there is nothing
sown as yet
27 Cold morning the ground covered with snow. Went to Toronto and to
church and came home at five oclock The roads are verey muddey

234
28 Brewing – In the afternoon when the worts out on the coolers I walked up
to the top of the Hill to see the men that were having Oates in
The weather was much warmer then yesterday
29 This day I went to Toronto and remaind there all day in the evening I road
Mr Brights colt home
30 Brewing Had a brewer from Ireland cald to see the brewey and get
imployment
After the worts were on the coolers I road the Colt down onto the flats –
The weather was verey fine and pleasant
May 1834
1 At home all day making fence
2 Brewing – fine weather
3 Went to Toronto and was verey much fatigued with running about Walked
home accompayned with Miss Nancy Bright
Verey fine day
4 Went to Toronto and to church
5 This was a verey went day continued all night
Was brewing
6 This day I whit wash the house and wash room in the Brewey
Fine weather
Man imployd in planting Hops
7 Brewing – fine day showrey – planted some currant trees this eving – in
the lower Garden.
8 Imployd in the Garden the greater part of this day The Men planted
pottatoes – Went to Sinklears for Melon seed. Fine weather.
9 Brewing
After the worts were out I walked up to the barn field and the Oats are up.

235
The weather fine but somewhat cool.
It was twelve when I pitched the worts.
10 This morning I went to Toronto and spent the whole of the day there. The
weather was pleasant in the extream Came home at six oclock.
11 This forenoon I took a walk with My Wife up the don as far as Degrasses
Saw Mill pleasant weather In the evening it was windy Thomas Mr.
Bright and George Stegman came up this afternoon and went down the
Meadow
12 Brewing cold day Snow this evening
13 Went to Toronto and remaind in there all day – verey cold weather
14 Brewing This was a verey cold day froze hard and snowed the greater
part of the day Remarkable weather for the season pitched the worts at
eight oclock and 58
15 This day I went to Toronto and spent truging through the city collecting
(or rather trying to collect for I did not get aney money)
16 Brewing In the afternoon took five Horse and nine head of Cattle into the
back pasture The weather today was fine and warm.
17 This morning I walked to Toronto and stopt there all day walked Home in
the evening accompayned by Miss Jane Bright
18 Road to Toronto in the lite waggon and went to Church
In the afternoon My Wife and me took a ride up to the Garrison before we

came Home
Took a walk down to the meadow to see the mare which foulded a
hansome whited footed colt much like the mother very smart
19 Brewing Verey warm day in the after noon it rained considerable which
will do much good In the eveng I took a walk up to the new field to see
how they was getting on with clerng it up and making it fit for seed.
20 At Home all day doing very little but walking with Mrs. Stegman and
Miss Stegman and Miss Bright who came up at twelve oclock.
The weather was warm.

236
21 At home all day. In the afternoon I went up to the field at the top of the
hill to see how the Men was getting on & when I came back I found that
one of the Hillions had turnd over and the puncious in falling nocked two
more off and the hillions in All Seven Puncious were capsized and if the
men had not been on hand the contents would all hav been lost – but
fortunately there were not more then three hundred Gallens lost
The weather was very warm
22 Brewing Very warm day
24 Brewing mashed at seven oclock very hot rained very hard & thunder
25 Went to the City wife My Wife and to Church
In the afternoon took a walk down to the Steam Boat with Mrs. Thomas
and Betsey and Salley Helliwell.
26 Brewing verey warm
27 In the City to day all day.
28 Brewing In the evening I took the gun and went up to the oate field and
shot six pigeons five at one shot
29 Went to Toronto this day Was verey much indisposed a fit of the Ague
When I came home I went to bed for an houre
30 Brewing
In the evening took the gun and went to the top of the Hill and shot one
Pigeon.
31 This day as I expected the Ague returned and a dredful day I had of it A
raging fever the whole of the day so that I was but little out of bed.
Charles Scadding and his wife Mrs. Stegman and Sally Bright came up
this afternoon and stopt to Tea
June 1834
1 This day stopt at home all day save taking a walk down to the meadow

237
2 This day I went to Toronto and stopt there all day Thomas elected Bank
director Verey cold day.
3 Brewing very fine day Mr. Ross and Mr. Wdan Thos. Came up in the
evening too look in the pasture at their horse.
4 June training day
Went to Toronto in the morning with Joseph in the lite waggon
A very poor training
In the afternoon it was very wet.
5 Brewing fine day In the after noon sowed some Raddishes in the new field
at the top of the hill
6 Stopt at home all day save going down to the Meadow twice
It was a fine warm day.
7 Brewing Finished malting today
Very warm and sultry.
8 Went to Toronto and to church.

Took a walk in the afternoon with My Wife and Miss Nancy Bright
9 Brewing very warm day Indeed shearing the sheep all hands I suspect
this is the last day this season for Brewing good Beer.
10 At home all the fore noon In the after noon went with the Teamster for
Hop poles beyond the Blew Bell We brote 452 poles
11 Very windy with some rain walked to town today and returned with the
team alone a good deal of Buisness today with siting sill in the evening
took a bill of lumber to John Hayes
Cold this evening
12 This morning I went up the Don to see if I could get John Galloway to get
out some timber for the Barn.
Imployd two other in the afternoon bus hoeing corn.

238
13 This morning made its appearance verey wet planted cabbages
In the afternoon went up to the Oate field and shot three Pigeons. Came
back and hoed corn.
14 This morning I went to Toronto and remained there all day. In the
evening I walked home through the meadows accompayned by Jane
Bright
15 This morning we went to camp meeting near Mr Sinklears Thomas and his
wife was there
In the afternoon we all took down the meadow and crossed at the
driftwood and came back by the flats.
The women was much taken up with riding old Bob all the evening. Mrs.
Thos and Joseph and my Wife and Mrs. Stegman
16 This morning I took the horse to go and see if I could get Turner the
Mason to wall up the end of the Malt House. I went up the Don by Monros
and Warbicks and from there to the town line and along it some distance
thence throug several fields back again tot he Don and (with difficulty)
across saw Turner he promised to come down I then came back on
Milnes road In the afternoon was with the mean throwhing stones out of
the race. In the evng was working at home.
17 The morning was wet but had the appearance of clerring off soon. At
seven oclock however it commensed to rain and continued without
intermission all the day at six in the evening it thundred and the rain fell in
torrants and in the midst of it I had to turn out and pull chips away from
the grate at the mouth of the drain that takes the water from the backyard.
The water was runing in at the malt House windows and flooding the floor
The men was imployd in cutting wood & digging up parts of the earthen
growing floor (that was perforated by the Rats) in order to put it down
better and if possable so as to exclude rats from it in future.
18 This day was showrey and ull In the evening went up to the top of the hill
to shoot Pigeons but did not get a shot at one. Put a vain upon the Brewery
to tell which way the wind blows.
19 This morning was rather wet and in consequence imployd the Men in the
Brewry in the afternoon it was so fair and the Men were at work walling
up the end of the Malt House

239
20 Imployd in walling up the end of the Malt House all day. The weather
fine save a thunder storm at eleven oclock.
21 In the forenoon I was superintending the walling of the Malt House. In the
afternoon the wall underneath the Barn
In the evening I went down to the botom of the meadow.
22 this morning I roade to Toronto and went to Church at one oclock I felt
simptom of the Ague and called at the doctars after Church and he gave
me some pills when I came home I went to bed and was verey bad for
two or thre Houres
23 This forenoon I was quite well and went down to the meadow with
Thomas but at two oclock I began to shake and had the Ague and fever
very violently indeed for about four houres when I began to be some what
better.
24 Had not the Ague today but was not very well.
Down to the meadow to put Hosses out of the Grass.
25 Went to Toronto. Busey all day making out accounts for the head of the
Lake rout.
Fine day. Joseph had a Scold with Eastwood about stones Skinner told
him to kiss his Ass and before companey –
Got two dozen pill from Doctor Deikl
26 Went to Toronto and stopt there all day making out bills and delivering
them.
27 Went to the City and stopt there all day.
28 Walked to Toronto and remained there all day in the evening I Brote Mrs.
H Home in our light waggon and Mr. Brights horse. The weather was cold
and cloudy. Wind East with every appearance of rain which seldom fails
when the wind is in that quarter.
29 This was a very wet morning the rain fell in torrants It clered off at noon
was fair the afternoon.
In the evening We took a walk down to the Meadow.

240
30 Set out for the Head of the Lake and went as far as Posts on dundass Street
and then down to Oakville wheare I slept
July 1834
1 Went as far as Hamilton when it began to rain and continued all the
remainder of the day. However I got the Mountain and slept at Powels on
the top of the Mountain.
2 Got up at four and went beyong Ancaster as far as Capt. Roxberry’s where
I took breakfast when it began to rain violently and before I got to
Dundass I got completely saturated with wet.
Called on W. Thoorp and John Patterson who was very friendly indeed at
three oclock it became fair and I continued my way homewards Slept at
Phillip Bucks.
3 Arived at Toronto at three – Thomas wishd me to go to Milford Mills to

see Willilam Mitchell did so but go no Satisfaction from him probbably I
will pay him a visit tomorrow.
In this Jorney I collected 31-13-6 in cash and took several Notes of Hand
from differant individuals. A great complaint of scarsity of Money.
The wheat crops look very well but the Spring grain in general is but
inferior in appearance.
No rain hear notwithstanding the very heavey rains to the

Westward.
4 Went to Toronto and made out William Mitchell account and James Hogg
and then took them and got a settlement with Hogg but could not get one
with Mitchel.
The weather was exceeding warm this afternoon.
5 I was at work in the Hay field pitching hay on to the waggons all day
The weather was beautiful and we took in ten loads.
6 This moring I accompayned My Wife as far a the new ground on the top
of the hill on her way to Toronto
Soon after I got home We had a heavy shour of rain and after dinner we
had another shoure. At for Mr Bright brote My Wife home and after Tea
he took a walk down to the Meaddow Gate.

241
7 This morning I went with the team for a load of hop poles.
In the afternoon was in the hay field.
8 This morning I went to Toronto and stopt there till three oclock and then
came home and went down the meadow About five oclock a thunder
squall came blue very hard but did not rain much
9 This forenoon was fine and we drew in five loads of hay At five in the
evening it began to cloud up and to blow a hurrican So much so that we
was obliged to turn the horses heads to the wind to prevent the waggon
from being blown over.
When I came home I found the rooff was blown off the coal house – it was
a strong squall indeed.
10 This day was cloudy and in consequence we could get aney hay fit for the
Barn till four oclock after which time we took in four loads in tolerable
order.
11 This morning I went to Toronto and made out and deleavered several bills
in the Garrison and sevral other places.
12 This morning I was making hay and in the afternoon was pitching it into
the waggons – we drew seven loads into the Barn.
The weather was Beautifull. My Wife was so kind as to wash my face

neck and feet this evening. So much for the comforts of Matrimony!!! I
think we shall finish our hay by next Saterday if we hav good weather and
Gods blessing
13 This morning I took my wife into Toronto in the light waggon and I went
to Church and left her at Mr Brights in the afternoon Miss Nancy and me
and Betsey went down to Mr Brights new house.
Very warm weather today.
Came home in the evening When it was cool in the evening.
14 This morning I walked to Toronto and stopt there all day. Busey making
out bills and deleavering them. In the evening I roade Old Bob home The
weather was fine and very warm.
15 Road the mare to Toronto and remained there all day was verey busey
indeed collecting etc.

242
Heavey rain in Toronto but when I got home I found there had been but
very little here.
16 Heavey rain this morning – All the forenoon about the house after dinner
all hands went down and turnd over some hay – and made a stack bottom.
It rained a little in the afternoon planted some cabbages in the evening.
17 This morning I took the horse and road to Toronto and Thomas wished me
to go to see Mrs. Young near the Credit and get her to pay her Bill I did so
Wen I came Back I turnd down at the Mimico and came over to the Lake
near the timber bridg
Great Meeting in Toronto to day a deputation from Hamilton ____ on his

Excelancy Roasted an ox and had a good Spree
The weather was cool and pleasant.
18 This morning all hands went to the hay. We drew togeather with a horse
and rope a greate many cocks as we stacked it in the meadow it was the
most expeditious method
We left about three loads spread out which is the remainder of our crop of
grass
19 This morning I took the Mare and road into Scarborough to see Mr
Devnish as executor of David Thompson and rendered an a/c of 12 pounds
and upwards came back to Toronto and took a bill to the Archdeacon and
Colonel Bick
The weather was pleasant today.
20 Remained at home this day in the afternoon took a walk down to the
bottom of the meadow accompayned by my wife and Charles and Young
Boice.
21 This morning I took the horse and road to Toronto and when I got there
Thomas wished me to go and get a settlement with John Montgomery
accordingley I took Old Bob and the cart and took his not for £ 222-6-3
The weather was fine and very warm indeed.
Heavy thunder showre this morning earley before I was up.

243
22 This morning I set out to go to the Oak Ridges to collect money from our
customers in that quarter – Very hot and dissagreeable traveling. Called
on William Crookshanks, Esq. who showd me his stock of Hoggs which
is the best I ever saw. Went as far as John Mairs in the ridges and returned
to Crews to sleep. Caught in a thunderstorm and got a good ducking.
23 Started for Toronto at seven oclock and got home at five
We had several thunder storms during the day but I was fortunate enough
to escape them all.
We hav had allmost constant thundering since five till this time (near 6
oclock). Indeed I never herd as much in four and twenty hours as I hav in
the last.
24 At home all the day making a bridg over the race below the Malt Hous
Mr. John Helliwell of Greenhurst wrote on the 7 of May last.
Verey hot and Showry.
Thundered considerable.
25 Remained at home all this day pining the plank to the Bridg &c
About three oclock we had a violant thunderstorm.
26 Remained at home all day save in the morng I went Rowins for some
turnip plants.
The weather was exceeding warm but passed off without any
thunderstorm.
27 Road to Toronto in the light waggon accompayned by Mrs. Helliwell

After church we stopt at Stegmans and took dinner and we went over to
the Island in the Horse Boat accompayned by Mr. & Mrs. Stegman Miss
Alley and Nancy Bright Mrs. Wilmot Mrs. Stegman and Miss Stegman.
28 Went to Toronto and remaind there all day saw a man said to hav died of
Cholera – herd there had been three or four cases.
29 Went to Toronto and was there all day.
In the afternoon the Mare got away and I was down as far as the don Bridg
but could not fin her I therefore turnd about and had the good fortune to
meet with her near the Catholic Church.

244
McKenzie had a meeting in the Market Square the Cholera is raging in the
city to day I saw several corps going to be intered
30 Went to Toronto and stopt there all day in the evening the ajorned Meeting
met again and in a fiew minuets the platform on which the speakers was
standing fell and precipitated them to the ground the Butchers hook swung
several to pieces there was two died instantly and a greate number very
badly hurt.
31 This day in Toronto all day. Mrs. Helliwell & me went in the light waggon
I was verey busey all day.
August 1834
1 –went to Toronto today and stopt there all day !!! In the evening the
Cobour Steam Boat arivd bring the dead body of her capton Charles
McIntosh who died at Prescott yesterday
She did not bring a single article of freight.
2 Went to Toronto and stopt there all day putting up books and taking out
accounts &c
The weather this day was very warm.
3 Remained at home or rather took a walk upon the hill before dinner.
At noon Misses Nancy and Salley Bright came & stopt till evening when I
took them Home in the light waggon and as the cooper had reported that
Thomas was very sick I went to see how he was. He had been troubled
with a bowel complaint but was now better.
I got Home at half past six.
4 Went to Toronto this morning and remained there all day

Verey warm indeed
5 Went to Toronto and in the afternoon I took the Horse and went to the
third concession West of Young Street wo see a man that we had a note
against
Very warm weather indeed
6 Was in the City all day Very warm
7 In Toronto all day very warm indeed

245
8 Went to Toronto this morning. Cholera is rageing In the evening I was in a

Carpenters Shop where I saw 11 Coffins made and making.
!! Dredful
9 This morning I took the waggon down to Toronto and Thomas came up to
the Brewery in it
I did not hear of much Coholera to day
Late when I got home
10 This morning I went down the meadow to salt the Horses & cows when
we came back we went up out the Hill and picked black berreys
After dinner me and Betsey went to Mr. Bright in the light waggon and
stopt to ten.
Had some rain in the evening and was a little whet coming home.
17 During the past week I hav been at Niagara Sant Catherine Port Dolhousey
Port Robinson Chippeway and the Falls and back again Home. This was a
collecting tower and collected 312 Dollars Great deal of company at the
falls every bed ocupyed.
18 This I remaned at Home all day save going down to the meadow once or
twice.
The weather was showrey all day.
19 This day I went to Toronto and remaned there all day. The weather was
fine and pleasnnt.
20 This day I was in Toronto all day in the evening I went up to John Hayses
saw Mill to speak for three pieces of Scattling
21 This day I was at home in the forenoon I was spreading the oate shook ut
and in the afternoon we went to draw them in but found them too damp so
after taking in one load we quit and I went up to Degrasses Saw Mill to
see for Boards for the false bottom to the Mash tub.
22 This day I was about Home all the forenoon and in the afternoon I was
drawing oates into the Barn.

246
23 At home all the forenoon and making a Shade in the afternoon I was down
the Meadow turning the little Creek walking over the flats with Thos.
24 Went to Church and took My Wife in the afternoon took a walk to the
wind mill and through the Park after that took Miss Salley in the waggon
to Old Mr. Brightsand brok the waggon coming back and got a rope from
Latham to repair it.
Cool this Evening.
25 This Morning I was up to Monros Saw Mill looking for some boards for a
fals bottom Came home down the flats.
In the afternoon was raising the Coolers and preparing to begin Brewing.
26 Busey raising coolers and cleaning out the Brewery today verey cool this
evening
27 this day I went to Toronto and in the afternoon up Young Street to see if I
could get Tom the Malster to come and malt for us.
28 This morning I went with the team to Monros for boards and in the
afternoon I was about the Brewry
29 This morning I went to Toronto to get some things & come back at one
oclock.
30 This day I was at Home fixing the Mill &c and getting malt ground.
31 I was about Home all this day in the evening I took a walk with My Wife
as far as Sinklears Mill dam The weather was fine and pleasant.
The Cholera is abated.
September 1834
1 This morning I went to Toronto and borrowd a brace and bit to perforate
the fals bottom and returned again at ten oclock and was busey the
remainder of the day making fols bottom.
2 Brewing Mashed 50 Bshls cannot get the pen to write and consequenily
3 This day I was imployd about the brewry fixing up and getting in order.
It rained the greater part of this day.

247
4 Brewing Mashed at nine oclock. We had some very heavy rain to day
5 This day I was home looking aft the Brewery.
6 I went to Toronto in the waggon accompayned by My Wife took a walk to

the wharf before Church & saw a new Steamer the Comodore Bersey
Cloudy all day.
7 Brewing Mashed at nine rained al the afternoon warm and fuggey this
day.
8 This day I went to Toronto and remaned there all day roads muddey.
9 Brewing rather cool this evening
10 Was fixing about the Brewery all day getting a new horse (to stoud tubs in
place of puncious upon into the cellar.
11 This morning I went to Toronto with the waggon and came back in about
an houre. The remainder of the day superintending operations about
Brewery.
12 Brewing.
My wife went to se her Mother this afternoon who has (we hear) got a
Young Daughter and has not returned so in consequence I must turn into
be alone this evng rather night for it is now past twelve oclock.
13 This morning I walkd to Toronto as My Wife had taken the waggon and
horse yesterday and had not returned.
Went to Church and after Church came down to Mr. Brights to dinner and
stopt till half past five and then came back in the waggon.
14 this day I was busey about the Brewery
Poor Salley Smith formerly Salley Fry died this day at half past three
oclock.
Her sufferings were verey great.
15 This day I was Brewng and mashed at seven oclock Salley Smith Buried
to day.
16 This morning I went to Toronto to see Thomas as he had sent for me.

248
He wished me to go to the States immediatly to purchas hops and as the

Constitution was to sail at ten oclock I returned home and got readey and
to Toronto in time for the Boat
The following morning I found myself at Cobourg and in the evening at

the Geneseee landing remaind in Rochester till four oclock and then set
out for Syracus in Packet Boat.
Slep one night in Syracus and called on Mr. Moran the Brewer. The
following Morng proceeded to Morrisville in the Staig Coach passin
through Manilay Fayettville Cuznovia and Nelson and arrivd at
Morrisville at five oclock. Called on Mr. Lelland and several others but
could not purchase any hops from them. On Monday morning (20th) took
the Staig for Madison and Sangenfield Called on Mr Newberrey who
showed me pertictilar politeness I remaind with him one night and day I
now found that I could not by Hops unless at a very high rate.
So I resolved to retrace my steps back again with all possable dispach in

the hope that I could purchase at Rochester on my return I passed through
Auburny where I visited the States Prison and throug the villages of
Senica Falls, Fenera and Canandaigua At Rochester I purchased 2820 lb
Hops at 18 cents from Hinds and returnd by the Constitution to Toronto
where I arrived at eight oclock an evening.
P.S. I was at laast two weeks too soon as but fiew had their Hops readey
and of corse did not feel so anxious to sell as they would do if they had
them on hand for some time.
28 This day I was at home all day save a walk to the bottom of the meadow.
29 Brewing this day in the afternoon went to Toronto in the light waggon.
30 This day I was busey in the Brewiry putting things into order &c
October 1834
1 Busey in the Brewry all day fixing the rounds and getting them into order.
2 Brewing it was late before the worts was cold.
3 Brewing began rather late and it is now past midnight and I hav only just
set the worts.
Good maney fishermen about.

249
4 This morning I went down to the meadow to catch Old Bob and with a
greate deal of difficulty I succeeded.
Road to Toronto and remained there till half past six oclock had a violent
showre and squall this evening.
5 My wife went to Toronto and left me alone – At twelve oclock Thomas

came and we went to reconiter Mr. Lyond lot of land we found the South
East corner and followed the line to Mr. Leys clearing and then through
the center of lot to Tailor Cleering then down to the don and by Tailors &
Hayse Home
Called at Tailors and viewed his stock of sheep which are verey fine.
Brewing and it is two oclock PM and I hav only just pitched the worts.
The Elections commensed to day for the city of Toronto and the first
riding of the riding of the County of York Messrs Small and Jarvice are
candidates for the City of Toronto
5 Brewing
Fine all day till evening when it sprinkled a little rain beer long cooling
6 This day I went to Toronto see how the people were getting on with the
election and found that it was as complete a tie as I ever heard off
sometimes one was ahead and sometimes the other.
In the evening I walked home accompayned by my Wife and young James

McFarland from Niagara the weather was fine and pleasant
7 Brewing rained all day violently in the evening the weather changed and
became quite cold.
8 Brewing and was as busey as a nailor all day this is the fourth time this
week heard to day that Pat Burns wa stabbed through the Heart in front of
our office in Toronto on Wedesdy night.
9 This morning I walked to Toronto and remained there all day.
10 This day I went to Toronto and to Church with Ny Wife. In the afternoon I
took a walk with the Girls up to Old Mrs. Brights (also my wife) The
weather was fine.
11 Brewing this day Weather fine and pleasant.
12 Brewing and breaking in the colt.

250
13 This day I was in Toronto and took out Supoena for John Playter John
Thompson and E W Bushly as the case about the water with Eastwood &
Skinner is expected to come on tomorrow morning for the third time
My Wife purchased a fur muff & tippet and Boa to day for which she paid
62/6
The weather cool.
14 This morning I walked to Bushleys to take him to Court as he his a

material witness in our case.
I roade to Toronto in his waggon with him And spent the day in court Our
case did not come in consequence of the illness of Mr. Haggerman We
shall hav to attend court again
It rained the greater part of this day and of cource made the rods very
muddy
15 This morning I went to Toronto with Joseph in the light waggon to be in

readiness if the case should come on in Court.
After waiting till three oclock I found that there was no likelihood of its
coming on As the Judg commensed to try criminels and it was in
consequence put off till Monday.
It was remarkable dark and fuggey all this day.
16 Brewing and was very busey. My Wife went to the City this forenoon and
has not yet returned (twelve oclock) Soon after she left home it
commenced raining and has continued ever since with but little
intermishion.
17 This fornoon I road the colt down to the meadow and spent the forenoon
in looking about
In the afternoon I went with the light waggon to fetch My Wife home
The weather was cold to day.
18 This morning I walked to Toronto by Bushleys.
Was in Court all day but our tryal did not come on in consequence of the
Court being occupied by another case relative to backing water Between
Peter Lawrence and Mr. Easton which took up the whole day. It is

251
certainly the hardest case I ever herd in a court of Justice there were
eighteen or twenty witnesses examined.
19 This morning I road the colt to Toronto.
Our tryal did not com on this day as the Court was ocupied in trying a case
of Rape between Mr. Craig and Mrs. Button.
20 This morning I went to Toronto and our case came on about ten oclock.
William Quigley Robt Stonehouse Samuel Sinklear Thomas Smith
Norman Perey and Hugh Haney were examined on the part of Messers
Eastwood & Skinner they all clerly pruved that the backwater was caused
by the ice on the log. We only called Bushley and John Thompson who
both proved that ice formed in the tail race before our log was put there at
all.
Our Attorney Draper applyd for a nonsuite but the judg said that it would
be reserved for the court of Kings Bench to Express their opinion in the
mean time He recommended the jury to give a verdict for the plaintiv
which after retiring for about half an houre returned with a verdict against
us of £ 100 thus it will remain until the Judges desides upon it which will
be in about three weeks
21 Brewing and busey all day.
22 Brewing In the afternoon I road to Black Peters to speak for brooms
Had the misfortune to loose considerable of ale by the negligance of the

cellarman.
The weather fine.
Had a fiew words with Smith this morning about doging his pigs.
23 Brewing again The weather was cold in the evening it began to rain.
24 This morning made its appearance amid showres or rather torrants of rain
which confined me to the House all day
It continued all day.
25 Brewing
The weather fine and pleasant athough some what cold. Joseph receivd a
letter from Messrs Eastwood & Skinner thretning to prosecut for taking
stone out of river last June if he did not make immediate reparation.

252
26 Brewing
In the afternoon I roade to Toronto and stoptthere till four oclock
Very cold to day.
27 Walked to Toronto this morning with My Wife and remained there all day
and walked Home in the evening.
28 This morning I roade to Toronto and was busey posting books as I though
it a good opertunity as no person would trouble me in consequence of this
being the day appointed by the Governor for thanksgiving for the
disappearance of the Cholera.
29 Brewing. In the afternoon I went up to the top of the hill to see where Sam
Weymouth was chopping if it was on our land
It commensed raining this evening
November 1834
1 Brewing and mashed at eight oclock – too late by two houres.
The weather was fair though it thretned rain all the day.
1 Commenced Brewing !!! But alass I was not dittined to finish. About onr
oclock when I was about to start the worts from the copper and had just
put the fire togeather for the purpose of letting burn out before emptying
the copper I had onley just turnd my back when the bottom of the copper
gave way and our rushed the Boiling Wort adn struck me on the back of
the legs and nocked me down but fortunately I had the good fortune to fall
on some wood which cept me out of the boiling fluid which coverd the
floor. I retreated as soon as possable into the Grannery and pulled off my
pantaloons and shoes and hose adn with them the skin off my legs and
ancles. In this state I came through the window by the Mill and round to
the House where as soon as possable was applied Linceed Oile and lime
water and continued till about six oclock I began to be faint and was
taken to bed and a doctor sent for who when he came said that they could
not hav been better taken care off
For the space of nine days I suffered the most extreme pains after which
time I had more ease and now the 19th 16 days since the accident
happened I am able to sit up and write. My legs are heeled up and my
ancles nearly so But still I am unable to walk from weakness

253
I must now say something about he caus of the accident. The copper had
been without any support in front or over the fire for the greater part of
last season and of corse ought to hav been repaird but as I found the
copper boils with as little wood and indeed less that it was a subject of no
consequent as I never immagined that the copper was not sufficient to
support its weight but being so constantly exposed to the action of the fire
it became in some measure injured which was the caus of its breaking.
The whole brewing was lost which might hav been prevented if the cock
could hav been opned and let out into the coolers. It was attempted but in
the confution it was not effectiv.
- This day I hav been able to walk with the assistance of a cane into the
Brewery. Although my ancles are not quite Healed up. But I hope in the
coarse of a fiew days they will.
The weather was gloomy and the roads are in a very muddey state.
– This morning I was able to put a pair of over shoes on and walk about
the Brewery and as far as Josephs.
The weather to day was one continued showre of rain and snow in the
after part of the day.
- This day I was able to walk about with tolerable eas about the Brewery.
In the afternoon I went to Josephs and took Tea. The weather was very
cold and snowed considerable though it melted as fast as it fell.
- To day I was much better then yesterday. My ancles are now almost
healed.
The weather was cold and snew a little.
- Spent this day about the Brewery as I do not consider my ancles are in a
state to warrant my going to Toronto.
- About home all day fitting up a pump to fill vats.
- In the evening I walk down to the meadow gate which is the longest
walk I hav had since I was scalded.
- The weather was cold.
- This morning I roade to Toronto and remained there all day posting up
books
- The weather was moderate today.

254
- Again went to Toronto and remained there all day busey with the Books.
In the evening calld at Mr. Brights and took Tea.
The weather was cold and in the evening it sprinkled a little.
- Wet day rained all the forenoon so that I could not go to Toronto and
consequently remained at home all day about eleven oclock it cleared up
and became fair so that the teams went Toronto.
The roads are in a very bad state.
- This day I was at home as I did not think my feet as well as they had
been for some days back. I got some Slippery Flm bark to make a poultice
for them to night. In the afternoon I went up to Josephs and took tea there
and as I returnd I had the Misfortune to break my wack cristle against the
door cheek
The weather was chilley with snow shoures in the morning.
December 1834
1 Went to Toronto this morning and found the roads in a verey bad state
indeed mud up to knees.
I remained in Toronto all day as busey as a nailor.
The weather was mild.
Thomas and Joseph were served with a writ by Eastwood & Skinner to
day but what it is for remans yet in the dark most likely for taking stone
out of the river.
2 To Toronto and busey at the old trade. The roads are in a very bad state.
3 This morning I road to Toronto and found the roads in a very bad state
partially frozen.
Called at Brights and took Tea.
Cold weather.
4 Went to Toronto and stopt there all day.
The roads are frozen hard but very rough.

255
5 In Toronto to day again and was able to walk about the City considerable
as my feet are almos well.
6 In Toronto all day attending the Court of Request on a Summons of Old

Dads for 2-10-6 of waiges which we did not consider we owed him and so
thought the commissioner for they desided in our favour.
The roads are again soft in consequence of some snow falling last night
and melting to day
7 This morning made its appearance verey unfavourable in deed sleeting and
soft notwithstanding which I was prevailed upon to take the light waggon
and My Wife to Toronto to Dinner at Stegmans. I found the roads beyond
description. I left Betsey at Stegmans where she will stop all night. My
feet were very much swolen tonight and consequently I poulticed hem.
Saw Thomas at Brights who informed me that Vollar had arrived and not
brought our Hops which is rather bad news considering the lateness of the
season.
8 This day was a dredful stormy one it rained and snowed and blew and
froze so that I could not go to Toronto.
9 This day I road to Toronto and went up to Duchers to get a jornal for the
shaft and from thence to Bushleys to get him to come to put to rights the
shaft But did not find him.
The weather was cold and ground frozen.
10 Very cold morning. Road to Toronto and was there all day.
11 Was in Toronto to day as usual and was verey busey taking out bills.
12 Was at home all day in the afternoon was assisting Bushley to put the iron
and shaft in order. The weather was mild and pleasant.
13 This morning I road to town and about eleven oclock Thomas borrowed
Willma Horse for me to ride out to the third concession (As I did not think
our colt able) to see a man by the name of Elson who ows us three pounds.
I crossed from the third concession to Young Street and called on a man
by the name of Newhaven who also owes us and found that he has been
dead six weeks.
The roads are verey muddey but are not thoughed through intirely.

256
14 This forenoon I was at home in the House as it was very cold. In the
afternoon I took a walk up to the rear of our lot ad down to Degrasses. The
weather was extreamly cold and a good deal of anchor ice was in the river.
15 This morning the Don was frozen over and a greate deal of anchor ice in
the Head race and Eastwoods Tail race and also upon the log.
Road to Toronto roads very rough but very hard. The Bay frozen up to the
Garrison. Busey all day making out a/c and collecting very cold indeed.
16 This morning was verey cold and I roade to Toronto. In the forenoon I
went to the Garrison and took some empty barrels off the Government
wharf which were left there by the Canada Steam Boat.
Bay hard frozen up as far as the Commissariatt stores.
17 I roade to Toronto this morning and remained there all the day busey
collecting though God nows I did not collect much only two pounds all
day.
The weather was verey cold.
18 In town all day Still very cold roads rough.
19 Went to Toronto and remained there all day. The weather was moderate
and has the appearance of rain.
20 I did not go to Toronto this mornign as I expected. Mr. Hawkins the

Surveyor up to survey the part of lot 13 belongin to Joseph and Me. He
did not arive till eleven oclock when we set out the first thing was to send
for John Flator and to get him to show us the south east cornor of his lot
which he did from which cornor we chained across his lot and across the
lot that formerly belonged to Smith when we had done so we could find no
post or line save the one we made. We then searched and found a cornor
tree about three chains to the east (of the line that we had run out) which
tree was plainly an old corner as it had an Old surveyors marks upon it.
We then started from the said tree and chained 50 chaines down the side
line between twelve and thirteen and fell short 90 links of the distance that
Gibson gave.
Perhaps Gibson allowed the width of road to the west of the tree if so our
lines agreed verey well.
If John Playtors corner is right and the trees too there must be an offset in
the consession which if it is the case is a verey strang thing.

257
The weather was mild snowed considerable in the morning and in the
afternoon it was rather cold.
21 This morning intended to go to Church but My Wife overruled me and I

stopt at home. However in the afternoon I took a walk as far as the top of
the hill above Bloors Brewery.
from there I came through the woods to the back corner of our meadow.
the weather was cold and the race was full of anchor ice.
It threatned a snow all day and indeed it did snow a little the most part of
it.
22 this morning I went to Toronto and up to the Government wharf to ship

three barrels of Ale for Kingston and from there to the Garrison.
It rained a little to day and has the appearance of snow.
23 This day (as Joseph wished to go to Toronto) I remained at home in rather

an inactive state.
I was imployd a little in indeavouring to set more water down the race to
our mill but succeeded but very partially.
It forze hard all day. We had also some trouble with the steap water
breaking away under the post and escaping under ground.
24 This morning I road to Toronto and remained there all the day very busey
This evening has the appearance of snow
---
Christmas day went to Mr Brights to dine in the lite waggon roads rough
did not stop to Tea but returned home at dark
---
Mr Stegman came up this morning before we were up In a slay – as there

fell a flurry of snow last night Scarsely more than covered the ground
---

258
This morning I went to Toronto stopt there all day busy doing up books
and making out accounts The weather mild and pleasant
---
This morning I road to Toronto and during the day I was up at the
parliment buildings and round by Lot Street The weather was mild and
pleasant in so much that it thoughed considerable –
Mrs. Baty and my two nephews came up to day from Whitby and remain
with us for five days.
---
This morning Mr. Bell and I took a walk up to the mill dam and in doing so
we saw a black fox on the opposite hill
When we returned we dressed and walked to Church – Took dinner at

Thomases and Tea at Mr Brights The weather was mild and rather
pleasant
This morning I road to Toronto on the grey colt and stopt there all day
busey as a nailor
---
This morning I road to Toronto and staid there till night –
The weather was cloudy all the afterpart of the day and in the evening it
snowed considerable
---
This morning I road as usual to Toronto and stopt there all day
The weather was cold this afternoon
January 1835
---
The new year was ushered in with a very cold morning The forepart of the
day I was busey clearing out ice and getting the mill to move and the
afternoon I put the Gray colt into the slay (as it snowed some of the day
and fell about two inches) I team with Ball and drove them down to the
meadow gate He went very well

259
I was also imployed in putting a pipe into a new Tun
---
This morning no ground was coverd with snow
I road to Toronto and in the evening I put the colt into the slay and drove
him home he went very well but this road is very rough not enough snow
---
This day I stopt at home and was busy all the forepart of the day in
indeavouring to start the mill but could not till about three o’clock
Consequently we had to push by hand
The thermometer stood 10 below Zero this morning
---
Walked to Toronto and to Church called at Stegmans Mrs Stegman

desired me to stand God Father to her little Girl which I did after afternoon
service
This was a bitter cold day
---
This morning I took Mrs H to Toronto in the cutter very bad slaying took
the Horse out of the Slay and put the saddle on to him and road to Mr
Dennison to give him notice that his note indorsed by us at the bank of
Upper Canada ___?___ found him in bed sick
From thence I went to the Town meeting held at Thebleu hill Was
nominated Chairman but refused to act and go [so?] Mr. Milne appointed
Got Mr Snidear appointed path master for our land and then left the
meeting How far the meeting was lawfull I cannot tell but as it was not
called by any Magistrate neither did a Magistrate preside (which they
should know to be necessary) I think there ought to be some better way for
appointing road masters then the presant for very fiew people attend and
many persons are appointed that are not fit for the office from the
ignorance of the persons that are presant in not knowing other and more fit
persons
People may think it an infringement of their rights but I think it would be

much better if they were appointed by the Magister in Quarter Seasions

260
[Transcription Note: 1. Mr. DENNISON – this was most likely George

Taylor Dennison who was born in Canada of one of the pioneer families
of York and who married Miss Mary Anne Dewson. He was a member of
the Governor-General’s Body Guard. He had ten children only eight of
whom seem to have reached adulthood. All of the children seem to have
entered the military or married into it since the list includes three Lt. –
Colonels, 1 Admiral and one fo the daughters married a Colonel (44) 2.
MR. MILNE – this was doubtless Alexander Milne one of the most
important millers on the Don River. The 1885 History of Toronto and the
County of York gives the following full biography of him.
“ALEXANDER MILNE, deceased, was born in Forfarshire,

Scotland, in 1777, and on emigrating to the United States in 1801
settled at Oyster Bay, Long Island, where he followed weaving,
having at one time ten hand-looms in operation, from which place
the family removed to Duchess County, N.Y., where he had taken
charge of a woollen mill and in 1813 moved to New Jersey, and
engaged in the cotton bleaching business, having got out a patent
for that process. He remained there four years, and on the
recommendation of the British Consul at New York he came to
Canada in 1817, locating on the east half of lot 5, concession 2,
East York, where he took up five hundred acres of land. He erected
a saw-mill in 1827, which he carried on for five years, but for want
of power, he afterwards built another saw-mill on the east branch
of the River Don in 1832, which was in successful operation until
after his death in 1877. In 1800 he married Miss Jane Gibson, also
a native of Forfarshire, Scotland, who died in 1835 leaving seven
children. Mr. Milne again married, his second wife being Mrs. Ann
Kirk.” (45)]
3. MR. SNIDEAR – probably Thomas Snider who was born in New

Brunswick in 1810 but came with his parents to York in that same year.
He died in 1856 leaving a widow and five sons. He farmed land in the
Township of York and became a lieutenant of the York Militia in 1849.
(46)]
---
This morning I found the Steep logs on the logs that convey water to the
Steep frozen for about forty or fifty feet in consequence of the Malters
having put the plug into the end and thereby stopping the water
notwithstanding I causioned them only two days since on the duty etc. I
am at a loss how to remedy the case – I went to Toronto this afternoon the
hope of getting lead pipes to take the water from the pump to the Steep but
could not find aney Joseph thinks they could be taken up and thoughed

261
and then laid down again and perhaps it would be the best thing we could
do under the circumstances
---
This morning I went to Toronto and stopt all day In the morning I got the
men set to pump water out of the race for the steep
---
This morning I road to Toronto and stopt there all day
Very cold indeed
---
Walked to Toronto this morning and stopt there all day not quite so cold as
it has been for some time back was tired when I got home
---
This morning I walked to Toronto and was busy making out accounts and
delivouring them consequently I was walking about the city a good deal
and was tired when I got home
---
Spent the whole day at home as I expect Miss Bright up but they didn’t
come consequently I spent the whole day in reading
Mrs. Joseph was delivoured of a son about three oclockthis afternoon a

fine boy
---
Note: MRS. JOSEPH – most likely he’s referring to his sister-in-law, Mrs.
Joseph Helliwell, nee Sarah Glassco
---
This day in Toronto the weather was mild indeed it thoughed a very
considerable
---

262
This morning I went down the river Across Playtors meadow and on the
ice to Scaddings Mill and then up Scaddings road to the plains
I was induced to go that road to see if it were practible for a team it is so
The City Elections were held today and it will long be remmembered as
the overthrow of the McKenzie and O’Grady faction
The Tory candidates were able to return two to one The weather was mild
and thoughed all the day and in the evening it rained – considerable
---
[Transcription Note: McKenzie – William’s spelling of the name of

William Lyon Mackenzie, publisher, agitator, rebel and first Mayor of
Toronto. The Helliwells were very staunch Conservatives and supporters
of the Family Compact.]
---
This morning the weather was mild and the roads muddy – Went the
Toronto – The Toreys peraded the city with banners, music &c
---
This morning I went to Toronto
W Robt Sullivan was elected Mayor of the city and presanted the people
with 25 Gill of Ale which we gave out at our door
His Excellancy opened the House of Representatives this afternoon but did
not make aney speech The Chief Justice mearly said that his Exelancy
would acquaint them with the motive for assembling them when they had
chosen a Speaker They then returned to the assembly room But as the
crowd was greate I could not get in for some time at lenth I got to the side
door at which time Mr. Haggerman was making a violant speech declaring
against Mr. Bidwell and branding him as the most disloyal Man in Upper
Canada Mr. Perry replied in a speech equaly violant I left the House whilst
he was still speaking It rained pretty hard this evening consequently I got
tolerably wet coming Home The roads are very muddy
---

263
[Transcription Note: Mr. – BIDWELL, probably Marshall Bidwell,

although his father Barnabas Bidwell was also a member of the house at
one time. Bother were “Aliens” non-British subjects, and supporters of
Reform, and consequently of the Rebellion. They were felt to be
sympathizers with the Americans by the members of the Conservative
faction. (47) 2. MR. PERRY - another assembly supporter of the Reform
party. (48)]
---
This morning I road to Toronto and spent the day till three oclock in the
office
At three oclock I went up to Parliment House where the Governor give a

speech The Legeslative Council Chamber was honoured with the person
of all the beauty of Toronto and a very imposing sight it was
The Governors Speech was short but as usual it was read in so Surrios a
manner that I could not understand it at all
The Ladies were all elegantly dressed and of course gave a zest to the
scene
AS I returned home I stopt at the Wind Mill to see if our Malt was ground
as we were under the nessesity of sending a batch there to be ground
When I got home I succeeded in getting the mill to work at the rate of
about ten bushels per hour at first which increased to about fifteen before
ten oclock The weather was mild and the roads muddy
---
This morning I took the Ball horse as I was going to see about some hop
poles we had cut at Mr. Holbrook near the Humber – The roads were
muddy A good deal of improvement going on by the way – Saw the poles
can be got out of the swamp now as the swamp is frozen Called at Mr.
Brights as I returned home in the evening
This morning I took the waggon and drove my wife to Toronto and left her
at her fathers and went to Church After Church I went to Mr. Brights to
dinner and after dinner went up to Thomases along with Mrs. Helliwell
and Miss Bright who accompayned us to Stegmans where she remained
till we called on Mrs. Thomas. The roads was frozen hard and rough and
the weather was rather cold
---

264
In Toronto to day was up to the Parliment House McKenzie holding forth

with his usual grievances
---
This morning I road to Toronto and walked up to the Garrison to collect

some bills that were due
---
This morning was very wet and although it threatened to continue to rain I
took the light waggon and was accompayned by W. Bell to Toronto
The incessant and continued rain prevented aney thing being done out of
doors
We returned home at dark
Road to Toronto and remained there all day in the counting room The
roads had frozen and weather cold
---
This morning I went to Toronto and stopt there till three oclock at which
time I came home for the purpose of going to Milford Mills to a Ball given
by John Anderson of which I had receved timely notice But what was my
surprise and disapointment on Meeting our team with the Horse I had
directed to be left at home for my use so that I was under the nessesaty of
waiting till the Team returned which detained me till nearly dark I had
some difficulty in getting across the river as the Horse broke in and when
at lenth I did get on the river I met with sevral other obstacls in the shape
of trees fallen across the road and as it was getting dark I began to be some
what alarmed lest I should miss the D road and be obliged to bivouac in
the woods (which was once my luck in the same place) at lenth it got so
dark that I could not distinguish the road and had almost to give up hope
of being able to find the right road when I espied a coal pit t which I
directed my way and found a man who put me in my right way I arrived at
Milford Mills at about eight oclock Dancing had commenced when I got
there I soon found a partner and joined in with the rest There was a very
long party and dancing was cept up till day
[Transcription notes 1. The reader may wonder why Willia is going to this
party alone but at this time Elizabeth was about six months pregnant and
most likely not up to such a trip and especially not to a full night of
dancing after it. 2. JOHN ANDERSON – possibly a son of Cornelius and

265
Mary (Snider) Anderson. 3 Coal pit – this was most likely not a coal mine
but rather a place in which charcoal was made.]
---
This morning at about five I went to Mitchells and got a bed into which I
turnd till seven when I got up and came back to Andersons and took
breakfast and started home by Toronto got home at three oclock very
much tired.
---
[Transcription Note: MITCHELLS – probably James Mitchell who was

born in the County of Armagh, Ireland, in 1811. He emigrated to Canada
in 1832 locating in York Township where he engaged in lumbering and
farming and also kept a store at Eglinton. He continued this for forty
years before retiring to the city. He married a daughter of Jacob Snider by
whom he had nine children. During the MacKenzie Rebellion he was
arrested and detained for two days because he boarded at Montgomery’s
Hotel. It is thus uncertain whether William shared Mitchell’s room at the
Hotel or whether he slept at the store. (49)]
---
This day was a very wet one and of course I was confined at home
---
This day I was in down all day went in in the light waggon
The roads are very muddy indeed
---
This morning I rode to Toronto and was busey there all day The roads are
in a shocking state indeed allmost knee deep in mud It rained fast this
evening
---
In Toronto all day the roads very muddy compleate slush about ancle deep
---
In Toronto all day the roads muddy and weather soft

266
---
At Home all day in consequence of rain which continued the whole day;
Ingaged in working Arithmatical questions
---
Went to Toronto stopt till night began
---
Febry – Walked to Toronto accompayned by Miss Nancy Bright Mrs.

Helliwell and Mr. Bell
Left Mrs. Helliwell at her Fathers and came home through the meadows
---
Walked to Toronto very cold
---
Walked to Toronto Stopt there all day Was at Osgood Hall and heard
them give in their Discision on our case and Eastwood and Skinner They
gave it against us
---
[Transcription Note: This court case was a dispute over who had first
rights to the use of the millrace. The Helliwells had wanted to divert more
of it for the grist mill portion of their brewery. The Court decided in
favour of Eastwood and Skinner because their business (which technically
originated form the Skinner saw and grist mills) pre-dated that of the
Helliwells. This left to something of a rift in family relations since both
Eastwood and Skinner were brothers-in-law to William (Eastwood
married to his sister, Elizabeth, and Skinner to his sister, Mary).]
---
Walked to Toronto and staid all day in the city My wife walked home with
me
---
Road to Toronto to day very cold

267
---
Road to Toronto very cold indeed Was up to the Garrison to day
---
This morning I walked to Toronto through the meadow and past Bloor
onto Yonge Street and thence down Yonge Street
The wind was high and beyond doubt the coldest we have had this season
In all my life I never saw any road as bad to as Yonge Street was to day
The dust and snow blew so much a person could not see more than ten
yards befor him
---
Remaned at home all this day The weather being very cold
---
This day I was in Toronto

---
Was also in town Weather rather milder then for some time back
---
This morning I road to Toronto and was very busey all day as we have got
a new man who does not know the people and I was oblige to go with him
---
Was in Toronto all this day The weather was mild and thoughed in the sun
the greater part of the day
---
This morning it was snowing fast and as I was not very well I thought I
would remain at home it snowed lite about ten oclock when it became fine
and the sun shone out fine clear
---
This morning I road to Toronto and remained there all day The weather
was fine notwithstanding there was a cold air We put up our new bed (or
rather My Wife’s) to day

268
---
This morning I took my wife in to her Fathers in the lite waggon and left
her there and walked to meet the Soldiers coming to Church
The weather was stormy all day the snow falling constantly in the evening
Miss Bright came up with us in the light waggon
---
This day I road to Toronto and was there all day The slays are running in
considerable numbers in the city though there was but little snow
---
I was in Toronto as usual
The weather was mild and pleasant but the snow is all or nearly gone
---
This morning I did not go to Toronto as Joseph wished to go
I took my gun and went up the hill in front of Skinners and ranged the
woods on the top in search of partridges but could find none although I
found plenty of tracks after I had Searched there I was tired I crossed the
valley and I went to the grove of pines above the Old house in the meadow
and I also saw several tracts there but no Birds from thence I crossed the
Don and went to our Barn Field to see if I could meet with any Quails but
could not In the evening I again went onto the top of the hill thinking I
could meet the Birds Bedding but was not so fortunate The weather this
day was mild and thoughed a good deal it also snowed some in the
afternoon.
---
[Transcription Note: There are still some partridges in the Don Valley but
they are still very difficult to find. Like William it is their tracks and
sometimes their sounds that are more often noticed.]
---
Was in Toronto and stopt there all the day as usual The weather fine and
pleasant The roads are in a very good State being hard frozen and are
worne smooth

269
---
This morning I went to Toronto and stopt there till four oclock at which
time I came home as I wished to go to a Ball to be held at Sheppards
Tavern on Yonge Street Where I arrived at eight oclock and dancing
commenced soon after
They were a highly respectable company and it passed off remarkable well
every one appearing satisfied with himself and everybody else
Dancing was continued without intermission save to take refreshment till I

left at four and there was still a large company who cept it up till day
break no doubt – I arived home at half past five
---
[Transcription Note: SHEPPARDS TAVERN – most likely Thomas

Sheppard who came to Toronto in 1821 and built and kept the “Golden
Lion” Hotel, seven miles north of Toronto. (50)]
---
This morning I spent in bed till ten Then I went to Toronto and staid all
day
---
Remaned at home (save taking a walk to the meadows) all day the roads
are in a very muddy state in consequence of the though
---
This day I was in Toronto and remaned there all day
Took Miss Bright home in the light waggon and in the evening called for
mother at Scaddings but she did not come home as Mrs. Scadding is very
unable The roads are muddy
---
This day I as usual I road to Toronto and went to the Garrison and several
other places during the day – The roads are in a very muddy state indeed
the day was fine and pleasant as far as weather the ground is ancle deep in
mud
---

270
This day I was in Toronto and spent the day in shop The weather was very
windy and cold in the evening I found the roads was partially froze and
very stiff
There was a duel fought this morning in the rear of Colonel Allans the one
of the parties was found lying on the ground covered over with his greate
coate and his hat or cap under his head He was wounded through the left
brest
He refused to give the name eather of his antagonist or seconds if any

there were he said that they fired at fifteen yards distant
---
[Transcription Note: Colonel Allans – probably the Honourable William

Allan, a member of the Legislative Council who was born in Huntly,
Scotland, emigrated to Montreal when he was 16 and later moved to
Toronto. He died in 1853. (51) Scadding gives more precise – information
about him including the fact that his premises were on the east side of
Frederick Street at Palace (now Front Street). He was the postmaster and
had the first post-office in York on his premises. He owned the
Merchant’s Wharf at the foot of Frederick Street and ran the Customs
House there and was the Collector of Customs. He was also Inspector of
Flour, Pot and Pearl Ash and of Shop, Still and Tavern Duties. He was a
Treasurer for St. James Church for many years. He became an Associate
Justice by 1816 ad a major in the York Volunteers during the War of 1812
(later advanced to be Colonel). His residence was in a large grounds or
park at Front and Frederick Streets and was called Moss Park. That name
is carried on today by the Moss Park Armouries on Queen Street. (52)
It was his son who donated the land for the Allan Gardens and Greenhouse
for a park.]
---
This morning I walked into Toronto and up to the Parliment House – The
weather was very cold and the roads very rough indeed Mrs. H was in
town to day
---
This morning I roade to Toronto and remained there all day
Very cold weather
---

271
This morning I road to Bates old place by the way of the plains coming
out onto the Kingston Road at Samalls mills.
The weather was very rough – The Horse cast both fore feet shoes before I
got to Clarks and in consequence he could not travel very fast – My object
in going to Clarks was to see Henry Best about travelling on Horse this
season
As I came back I left the Horse at Miss Brights to be shod I went up to

Toronto and remained there till four oclock when I came home
I think I suffered more with cold this day then I have done this winter
before The wind was very high from the NW
---
[Transcription Note: CLARKS – probably Thomas Clark who was born in

1808 and emigrated to Canada in 1830. He lived in town for a few years
and then leased and lived on a farm in West York. In 1842 he bought and
farmed lot 15 2nd concession, East York. His first wife, Eleanor (Linton),
died 1844, leaving seven children. He re-married in 1847, Nancy (Miller)
the daughter of James and Mary Miller of East York. She had six children.
He lived on his farm till 1884 when he retired to live in Toronto. (53) –
there seems to be at least one error in this account since the 1878
Historical Atlas of the County of York shows lot 15, 2nd Concession to be
split between George Taylor and Jonathan Cudmore. He must have sold
the property well before 1884 as indicated here.]
March 1835
This morning I went to Toronto and to Church and after Church I took
dinner at Brights and stopped there till evening. The weather was cold
indeed
---
This morning I road into Toronto accompayned by Joseph
The weather was extremely cold
---
This morning I road to Toronto and staid there all day The weather was
very cold indeed

272
---
This morning I road to Toronto After dinner I tooke the Horse and went up
onto the Humber plains to see a Mr. Stamford who is owing us six or
seven pounds
---
In Toronto all day as usual The weather was fine and pleasant I was at the
garrison to day
---
This morning I took the light waggon for Thomas to go to Richmond Hill
The weather was fine in the extream The sun shone bright in the evening I
walked home
---
This day I walked to Toronto and remained there all the day In the evening
I came home in the light waggon
---
Went to Toronto this morning and before Church took a walk up to meet
the Soldiers Took dinner at Mr. Brights and then went with Mr. Bright
down to the new Bridge at the mouth of the don We went on the ice to
examine the Gate and found it open
---
This morning I set out for Richmond Hill on buisness The weather turnd
out stormey and snowed all day Slept at Cooks
---
Came home then roads very muddy Went back to the Third concession
Searching for a man whose name is Longhurst could not find him – Times
Hard money scarse collected only nine pound nine shillings and six pence
---
Was in Toronto The roads allmost Knee deep in mud
---

273
Was in Toronto all day roads very muddy
---
This day I was in town and returned home in the evening rather earlyer
than usual in order to a ball given at the British Coffee house There was a
very large and brilliant assembly I stopped till three oclock
---
---
I remaned at home and Joseph and me took a walk to the top of the hill
and took a look of the place and after dinner we all walked up to the dam
and round by the top of the hill The weather was very fine indeed
---
This day I was in Toronto and up to the Garrison The roads are in
shocking state
---
This day I was to Toronto and stop there all day princapally ingaged in
making out accounts for Niagara where I purpose going the first
opertunity The weather was cold and the roads frozen so hard that they all
most carry
---
This morning I walked to Toronto accompayned by Joseph we went down

the flats as far as Scaddings saw mill
The weather was fine and pleasant and the roads are getting rather better
ten they hav been for some time they are frozen hard and carry a waggon
---
This morning I road to Toronto and stopt there all day the roads are rather
in an improving State then Otherwise
---
The ground was coverd with snow this morning

274
---
This morning I went to Toronto in order to go across the lake in the

Schooner Woodduck
Set sail at eight oclock with a light brees The decks crouded with
passingers there being 35 and the most that croud into the Cabbin at one
time was four or six and it was quite cold on deck and the Hold was full of
women and children We had not got more then a third of the way over
before it became calm and of coarse we made but little head way
We arvied in Niagara at three oclock and a boate put off from the gard
House and took such of the passingers as chuse to go on Shore there and I
for one did so
I remained in the neighbourhood of Niagara making excurtions to Port

Dalhousie and Saint Catherines and Queenston the Friday the 27 when I
returned in the Canada and had a remarkable short passage PS during the –
unday I was in Niagara it snowed the whole day and blew a hurricane so
much so I never remmember to hav witnessed so stormy a day
---
On Monday morning then roads was knee deep in some places it was so
much drifted that the roads between the fences was full of snow
The roads to Sant Catherines was very bad indeed I stopped at Saml
Woods Esq all night
---
This day I remained at home Save that in the evening I went accompayned
by Joseph and Mr. Bell and children down to Scadding swamp to cut
seven barked Hasels for walking sticks
The ice is out of the don at some places
30 This morning I went Toronto and remained there all day The roads are in
verey muddey State indeed
31 In Toronto all day a very beautiful day indeed the sun shone remarkable
fine
April 1835

275
1 This morning I road to Toronto – The hill above the Brewery is in such a
State that it was with greatest difficulty that our waggon got up although
there was three yoke of oxen and three horses and only six barrels of beer
in the waggon he [the?] main road is getting dry and tolerable passable
---
This morning I went with Joseph to the top of the hill to sow some grass
seed in the field and returned at ten oclock and the oxen it the plow and
drew a furrow to take the water the road up the hill In the afternoon Joseph
and I was making a path up along the hill side to come out at the gate on
the top
---
This day I was in the city and remained there all the day The roads are
improving in some means
---
This day I was in Toronto and was verey busy We receved by the
Schooner Essep 14 Bales of Hops
It rained considerable this afternoon
---
This morning I went to Toronto and being too early for Church I took a
walk up the Street to meet the Soldiers
Took dinner with Stegman The afternoon turnd out to be very wet indeed
borrowed a coat and umborala from Mr. Bright
---
In Toronto all day – The roads very muddy
---
In Toronto and stopt there till night was up to the garrison &c
---
---

276
This day I was at home all day mooving our things up to Josephs House
and taking his furniture down as we exchanged Houses on our house being
the largest and his Family being the most numerious it is better adapted for
him and his House being more retired and in cleaner situation I like it
better and another reason is that his is more at home then me and being
near the brewery can more effectually over see it
The weather this day was exceeding warm
PS I caught one sucker and a pike in the race this morning and some
fishermen cought perhaps fifth
---
[Transcription Note: It thus appears that William had been living in the
family home which was a three-storey stone building attached to the
coolers portion of the brewery. It is most likely that Joseph’s house was
thus the back portion of what we now call the William Helliwell House
and that William added the front portion at a date which is generally given
for the entire house (1838).]
---
In Toronto this day The roads are getting a little dry
---
In Toronto all this day in the evening Duncan McFarland came up along
with me he riding my Horse and I got one at Mr. Bright
19 Very stormy day rained snowed and blew violently Mrs Stegman
weatherbound here all day She came up on Friday and intended go home
to day but the weather prevented her
20 This was also so Stormy that I could not go to Toronto consequently I

spent the day doing little jobs about the House
21 This morning promised to be a fine day – took Mrs Stegman home in the
ligh waggon in the morning About ten oclock it began to rain and
continued with very little intermission the whole day and when I was on
the road home it rained faster than it had done the whole of the day of
coasse I got a good ducking
22 This day I was in Toronto and remained there the whole day The roads are
in a very bad state indeed

277
23 Was in Toronto this day and was busy all day was collecting or rather
attempting to collect for I got but very little money Cold Weather for the
season
24 This day I was in Toronto till evening the Weather was rather chilly and
no so pleasant as it might be
25 This day I remaned at home putting a bridge or making a water coarse

under the road at the thorn bush and Whitewashing the House and plowing
down the Hill at the end
---
This morning I took a walk into the meadow along with Mr. McFarland –
Miss Nancy and Salley Bright came up this morning and as it rained they
stopt all night
---
This morning I walked to Toronto along with the Girls and the horse back
that McFarland took down yesterday
The wether was very cold and snowed considerable When I returned at
night I took a spade and turned water off the road
---
14 This morning I road to Toronto and remained there all the day Was very
cold indeed
The roads are impairing verey much
15 This morning I took Mrs H to Toronto in the lite waggon – The weather
16 This morning I road to Toronto and went up to the House of Assembly to

see the House prorogued – The forepart fo the day was fine but about four
oclock it came on to Snow and blow and freeze at a greate rate So that I
suffered sevesely from cold coming home in the evening
17 Good Friday I stopt at home as was a very Stormy day
18 This day I went to Toronto and remained there all the day

278
26 This morning I went down to the meadow to see how all was coming on
then found Calys cows in the meadow
Crossed at the driftwood came up Smiths flats to put some Horses out of
field – The weather was very fine indeed
Mr. Bright and George Stegman was up to day
27 This morning I was in Toronto and attended the Christning of Thomas &
Josephs chilaren
The weather was fine during the day but in the evening it began to rain
fast
28 This day I stopped at home all day whitewashing and cleaning up about
the House Had a good deal of trouble with the pipes that convey water to
the Steep thyy being stopped up with mud However we succeeded in
opening them at lenth
29 This morning as I was going to Toronto I met Thomas accompayned by

John Smith and Tom Smith I turned about & Came with them to where
Eastwood had been planting posts a considerable way over llne [line?]
according to John Smith Thomas set a man to dig up the posts and fill up
the hols And Forbid Eastwoods men tuching them again We then left them
and got as far as the barn field when we met John Thompson and again
returnd and he pointed out where the line was said to run 27 years since
and it agreed with John Smith line exactly
The weather was fine and pleasant In the evening I left my horse at Mr.
Brights and walked home accompayned by Miss Nancy
30 In Toronto this day
May 1835
1 Was in Toronto and was busy all day
2 Was in Toronto and was very busey – In the evening I returned home
rather earlier then usual in consequence of one of our Horses getting a cut
accross his thigh I brote a person up to see the wound
3 The weather was fine and pleasant indeed not allowed to remain long for
at about twelve Mrs H was taken very ill and I went for the Doctor Called
on Widmer but he would not come so I went to King who accompayned
me home found Mrs H growing worse and continued to do so till nine

279
oclock when mother desired me to go with all dispach for Dr Widmer I did
so did not find him at home followed him to Mr Bachalls He came at wons
Met Joseph at the top of the hill who told me that I had a daughter Born at
ten oclock a fine strapping Girl
4 This day I was in Toronto and remained there the whole day The weather
was Showrey
6 This day I road to Town and up to the Garrison before I put the horse up
7 This day I was in Toronto and remained till evening. The weather was fine
till the evening when it began to rain and fell quite a Shower.
8 This day in town The weather fine and pleasant The roads are getting fine
and When I came home I found the Malster [maltster?] and his mate had
Quarreled and it made a good deal of confusion in the brewery amongst
the men and it was with difficulty that I ___?___
9 This day I was in Town and returned home rather earlier than usual
10 This morning when I had got breakfast I accompayned Joseph to look for
the Peter colt up the flats and was so fortunate as to find him near Sinklear
Mil dam We had a considerable of trouble in getting him accross the mil
dam however at lenth we accomplished it and Brott him down to the
meadow and as we wighed to put him into the back field and the other
horses with him and they living on Smiths flats Joseph went over to drive
them accross and found a Mare (belonging to Mrs Bright) that had fouled
yesterday dead but the colt was still alive and Smart
Brought it home and gave it some milk and before night it was so strong
as to follow Joseph up the steps from the Lower Yard to the upper yard the
coas of the Mares death I am not able to state as She had been to all
appearance recovered
In the after noon Thomas and Mr Bell and I went down to examin her
more perticularly and came back by the barn field
The weather was remarkable fine and pleasant
11 This day I was at home all day and was busey doing a variety of things
such as making a pen for to confine the foules to ceep them out of the
garden and burning the straw in the stack bottomw &c &c

280
12 This Morning I took the horse and road out to the third concession West of
Young st to see a Mr Smith who promised to came and dress our hops but
having not done so I went to see what was the matter that he did not come
Saw him he promised to come tomorrow morning Saw several persons
who ous us and dammed them but cold get no money from any of them
13 This morning I went to Toronto on the gray horse I remained there till five
oclock when I came home I went to the bottom of the meadow
The Wind was very strong and blue the dust about in clouds so that it was
verey disagreeable to even out of the door
14 At home all day mading [making?] Garden planted onions and peas
15 In Toronto this day rather cool and windy
16 This day I remaned at home planting pottashes in the Hop ground
17 This morning Joseph and I took a walk to the bottom of the meadow and
came back by Smiths flats
In the evening we was out to the pine ridg and saw the woods this side of
Sinkelears [Sinklear’s] all on five roaring and runing at great rate
18 This morning I road to Toronto and remained there all day in the evening
I went down to the meadow and nailed up some board fence
19 In town all day in the evening brote up the colts for the purpose of having
them casterated
Fires are rageing through the woods in all directions
Went to Toronto at eleven oclock agreate deal of rain this afternoon got
went [wet?] comming home
20 This morning I was at half past four and took by [my?] gun and went
down to the bottomw of the meadow to look for Deer but saw none
Casterated two colts this morning by Mr Sanderson
Went to Toronto at eleven oclock agreate deal of rain this afternoon got
went [wet?] comming home
21 This morning I remaind at home making fence from the cornor of our of
Garden fence to the fence above the Barn and planting corn in the hollow
beyond the Hen Rosst

281
Sowd peas in the home field
23 I was in Toronto all the day went in to Town with the Gray Colt in the
light waggon
25 This morning I Joseph and me went down to the meadow and cought one
of the steers that had the rottenfoot and drew a corn between his cloves to
burn out the rot and applied tar and salt to the foot
26 In Town all the day
27 In Town took Mrs Helliwell to town in the light waggon
28 This day I was in Toronto had a fine showre this morning
29 This day I was drawing rails all day from Hindses [Hinde’s?] drew four
loads 46 rails at each load with the bay horse and George
30 Drawing rails all day weather fine and pleasant
June 1835
1 This morning I walked to Toronto through the woods to Bloors Brewery

my reason for going this day was to see how Mr Caby [?] was putting up
fever
2 In Toronto all day
3 This morning I was drawing rails in the afternoon
I was on the flats
Tailor people floating down wood carried awey our rack before the bridge
4 This day I was in town training. The greates farse that can be immagined
Officers not knowing more then the men
Came home early and went down the meadow with John Bishop to see
some Cattle
5 This morning I stopt at home to plant corn and potatoes
In the afternoon a showr came on the heavest I hav seen for some time

282
When we came home the don was getting high and when we got home
such a drift of rubbish came down that I though some mill dam was
broken away
We all run down to the bridg to secure our pole a great deal of drift wood
was lodged against them we got a rope and made fast to one end and then
let the chaine go at the center and away went one of our poles and one
chain
Our large saw log came floating down and stuck one of the butesses of the
bridg and made it shake The water ran down the hill in such Torrants that
drum could not take it or it got stopt up ad water ran in at the malt house
windows and filled the floor to the depth of a foot and left about two
inches of mud on the floor and ran down into the celler and into the
Shiltions and spoiled the Yeast
There was a large ditch on the upper side of the road it would prevent a
great deal of water coming down into the back yard
6 This morning I was busy cleaning out the mud from the Brewery that fell
yesterday
About ten oclock I went to Toronto and stopped there till evening
7 This morning I walked down the meadow and several times during the day
I was down ___ [line in text] The weather was fine and pleasant
8 Drawing rails from Hindses [Hind’s?] drew four loads
9 This day I was in Toronto all day Weather very warm –
10 At home overseeing the men hoing corn and planting pottatoes
11 This forenoon I was up to the top of the hill examinging the new field to
see if there was water in it for cattle
In the afternoon was getting logs to widen the bridg over the race
The weather was verey warm and at noon we had a heavy showre of rain
12 This day I was in Toronto all ther [the?] day the weather was cloas
[close?] and warm
13 This day was princapally Imployed in drawing logs and placing them for a
bridg

283
At twelve oclock the rain fell in Torrants so that in a fiew minuets our
back yard was full of water it accumulating faster them the sewer could
carry it off All hands was obliged to turn our in the midsts of a t___?___
rain to turn the water of the hill and a compleat drenching was got –
considerable water ran into the malt House and it washed up a good deal
of corn in the home field
Something to prevent the recurance of this every showr is very requisite
14 This morning I went to the meadow and afterwards I took Mrs H to

Toronto in the light waggon and went to Church and after dinner took a
walk over to the Island on Penensula
The weather was cool and cloudy but no rain.
15 This day I was in Toronto all the day and was very busey
The weather was pleasant
16 This day I was in Toronto and remained there all day
The weather was rather coool
17 This day I was in Toronto the whole of the day In the afternoon went up
Young St to see if I cold find a wheal barrow
18 In Toronto all day the weather was fin and pleasant
I took Mrs H in to Toronto in the light waggon
19 Was in Toronto
Heavy and continued rain the Greater part of the day feel rather unwell
bad cold
20 This morning I took the horse and road up the don to Alexander Milnes to
see about stuff for for floors for the new Malt house
21 This morning I took a walk down to the meadows accompayned by Joseph

Barker who arrived here last night from the states
The weather was remarkable Cold for the season
22 Busy all day excavating the foundation of the new malt house

284
24 In Toronto all the day
25 Busey with the men digging out foundation of malt House
26 Busey digging out the foundation for the malt Hous a heavy rain in the
afternoon
27 Busy digging
Weather fine and pleasant
28 This morning went to Town and had not proceede far when it commenced
raining and with little intervals continued all day However I escaped
tolerable well
29 This morning I went into Toronto with the Waggon as i had apointed to
accompayny Mr Roy an enginear to survey on the practibility
[practicality?] of taking the water of the Don from the Brewery to the don
Bridg for the purpose of making a Mill there if sufficent fal could be
obtained to warrant the expense
Mr Roy is of opinion that there would be greate difficulty in taking the

water along Scaddings land or at the lower part of it perticularly above the
swammp and past the deep bend on examining further he thought it could
be taken in at the deep hollow adn on returning we explored the hollow as
far Mosslys [?] lot and fount it Quite practicall following some revines
through Smiths land and crossing the road some were between the
Distillery and Pangman Town
If this rout were taken there would nessarely be deep cutting at the deep
hollow for some distance but the remainder of the rout would be very easy
to execute the land falling away tot he Eastword so that be coming west as
far as suited the purpose aney leavel could be found
Again along the edg of the Bank is the most direct rout but there would be
greate danger of the bank slipping in and filling it up and liable to
interupcions form that coase and also the loose nature of the soil would
under it extreamly liable to lead and thereby loose a portion of the water
so that if the cuing at the gollow is not too deep I think that rout to be the
most eligable
The River Don is very high all most bank full in consequence of the
greate Quantity of rain that had fallen lately
30 Was in Toronto all day The weather was very cool for the season

285
July 1835
1 This morning I went to Toronto and remained tere [there?] all the day
Thomas went to Niagara to day
2 This day I was in Toronto all day. People working on the road Very warm
indeed
3 This morning as I had squad of people to work on the road I walked to

Town so that I could give some directins to the work men This weather
was very warm and the roads dusty
4 In Toronto all day and as very warm day indeed it was in the evening it
rained a little
5 This morning I took Mrs and the little one to Toronto and in the evening
we got out [our?] little Girl Christened Sarah Jane
6 This morning I road to Toronto to see about buisness In the afternoon I

was assisting the men to take out stone at Smiths rapids The weather was
fine
7 This morning I was busy taking out the foudnaiton of the Building that we
though better to be on blu rock that it might not wast any if we should put
a water wheel into it at any time and as the foundatoin was only on the
gravil we took it out in order to sink it to the rock but was prevented doing
so as it set in rain and continued all the afternoon without ceasation
We commenced cutting our grass yesterday
8 Busy taking out the tail race and looking after the work
9 This day was superintending the Building
In the afternoon a sad accident happened. The Golle end of the old Kiln
fell down and fell upon one of the Masons and I belieave Killed himm
poor Man his leggs was mashed and his back very much injured If not
brok I sent eight men with him on a door to the Hospitall –
There was no person at the Wall work when it fell but they had been but a
fiew minuets before
We bottomed part of the new tail race and put some logs on the top this
evening
10 This morning I heard that the man that got hurt yesterday died during the
night

286
In the evening I road to Town to see Thomas
11 Was in Toronto all day
12 This Morning threatned to bring forword a day of rain but fortunately it

did not rain much at about eleven oclock I put the horse into the light
waggon and took myself to see Mother In the afternoon took a walk onto
the Island
There was a strong wind to Day
13 This morning was wet and I went to Toronto however it cleered off and I
returned at twelv and overlooked the Building the remainder of the day
14 At hom all day superintending the Building the weather cloudy and some
rain very h___ [hard?]
15 This day was busy superintending the Building.
In the evening I went to York The weather was due and threatend rain this
forenoon but in the afternoon it cleared off and was fine
16 This day same as yesterday fine weather
17 This day was busy about the Building This day was famous for all hands
getting drunk and Quarreling While was wring the above I was called to
Quell the riote and quite the disturbance
18 This day busy superintending the Building
Messrs Hasserman & Draper came up to visit the race see the log &c &c
19 This day I walked about the flats the greater part of the day In the evening
I took a ride to Toronto
Had a shoure in the evening
20 This day was busy at the Building & this evening I road out to Hinds to
see about some timber he is getting out for us
21 This day same as yesterday busey with the Building

287
22 This day same as yesterday busey at the Building
In the evening I went to Toronto
23 This day I was about the Building
24 Busy about the Building
25 Busy about the Building
In the evening I went to Toronto
27 Busy about Building
28 This Morning I got up very earley and went to the bush for some timber
after which I went up the Don to see about some lumber
29 Busey abt the building in the evening it rained a little
30 Busey at the building all day
August 1835
1 Overseeing the new building Fine weather drew in considerable of hay to

day but we did not finish
2 This morning Joseph and me road up the Don as far as Allexander

Millinies In te evening took a walk down the meadow accompayned by
my wife and Miss Caroline Bright
This day was fine Wrote a letter to John Helliwell of Greenhurt hay this
afternoon
3 At the Building all day
4 This morning I road to Toronto and remained there all day verey fine
weather
5 This day I was about the building all day fine weather
6 This day I was about the building
7 Busey about the building till evening when I went to Toronto for my wife
with the light waggon

288
8 Busey at the building got the whole of the princaple up at last and the
foundaiton of the Kiln
9 This day I was at home all the day verey warm weather
10 Busey about the Building in the evening fetched Mrs Helliwell home from
her fathers where she went in the morning
12 At the Building cutting out race and building kiln.
13 Same as yesterday at the Building Rained the greater part of the afternoon
14 Busey at the building all day
15 At the Building all day.
In the evening I road to Toronto Mr Brights little gerl died yesterday I got
a compleate drenching coming home and when I got home turning water
out of the now [new?] celler it rained violantly for an hour or two
16 This morning I got up earley as Mr Bright intended buereying his little

Girl at six oclock – The roads was muddy but we arived in good time and I
accompayned the corp [corpse?] to Mr Brights farm when she was buried
in the orchard – came back to Brights to breakfast went to Church.
17 About the Building
18 In the evening went to Toronto Some heavy rain fell to day
19 At the Building at noon went up to De Grasseys mill to see about Lumber
20 About home rained the greate part of the afternoon
22 Busey about the building and a verey fine day it was

23 This day I got up verey earley and accompayned Joseph to see the steam
saw Mill or rather the ruins as it was nearley distroyd last week by the
Boilers Burstingh two of the Boilers were torne assuner in the center and
thrown over the tops of pine trees a hundred yard ditant no persom was
hurt or one man slitley scalded The acciden occurred when the men were
at dinner Boilers overcharged When we returned I took me wif to Town
24 This day I was about the Building and a rainey day it was

289
25 Same as yesterday Heavey rain all day with scarsely aney intermission
26 In the afternoon I went to Toronto and found the roads verey bad indeed
mud up to the knees
27 Busey about the Building fine day
28 Busey about the Building fine day with no exceptin of a small shoure in
the afternoon
29 Busey at the Building and cleaining out the head race throwing stone out
&c
It rained considerable all the afternoon
30 This morning I road down to the meadow and saw an advertisement stuck
on our fence stating hogs had been put into pound and would be sold
tommorrow if not redeamed and damages paid – This made me begin to
think when I have seen our hogs last and has I could not call to mind
having seen them for some days back I went up Caleys accompayned by
Joseph to make inquirey about them and found that they were our and had
been in pound nine day – Mr Caleys man said that he had estimated the
damage at fifteen dollars
31 This morning I went to Town to see and indentify our hogs and took John
Smith with me – found they were sold on Stardy to William Arthurs and
four of them had got away from him and was again take up and put into
the pound Mr Arthers was willing for us to hav the Hogs again by paying
what he bought them for and the half dollar that was paid the boys for
impounding them the second time – I sent them home by John Smith fine
day
September 1835
1 This day I was about home looking after the building
The weather was fine and fair Cut the peas in th[e] Home field to day
2 This day as usual about the Brewery getting the new water wheel in and
the celler floor laid
The weather was cool and fine
3 This day I went to the woods to see about getting out az [?] thik [?] of
timber. Got the segments onto the water wheel and I hope that we will hav

290
the water into the race in a fiew day and I think the water wheel will hav a
good deal of power
4 Busey about the building fine day and good weather
5 This day I was as usual imployed about the Building – In the forenoon
went with Dike the Mill Whrite to the barn at the top of the hill to see and
count the revolutions of the faning [fanning?] mill with a view of making
something to answer the purpose go by water.
This evening put some logs onto the wall to cover over the race way that
conducts water into the Brewery Water wheal finished put [but?] not tryd
yet
6 This day was one continued showre of rain consequentley I was confined
to the House the whole day spare a fiew minuets that I strolled upon the
hill and picked a small bunch of Penney Royal
7 This forenoon I was about the Building At noon Thomas sent me word
that Mr Moor my old ship mate was in Toronto and wished to see me
accordingley I went down and saw him
He told me that Capt Sutherland died last year at Sant domingo (Poor
Man) And his wife is gon to the Isle of Man to live – Mr Moor look
remarkable well
8 Busey at the Building The weather was fine part of the day
In the evening I took a walk down to Bridg to look at some fishermen the
first I hav seen this season I did not see them take aney fish nor do I
beleave they will this night
9 Same as yesterday. This evening got the water or at least a portion of it

into the race and stated the new Water wheel which went remarkable well
considering that we hav not full head on
10 Busey about the Bulding and getting the Head gates in
11 Busey at the Brewery taking down the Coppers breading doors and
cleaning out the malt floors
12 Busey about the building planning out the pump &c This day was one
continued shoure of rain and greate part very heavy
13 This day I went to Toronto and remained there all day. The roads are in a
verey bad state owing to the late heavy rains

291
the mackadanized road is finished as far as the don Bridg ad I sopose by

next Sunday there will be a toll gate established
14 This Morning I took My Wife to her Fathers in the Light waggon and then
proceeded to Toronto where I remained till four oclock busey as a nailor
getting things for the Brewery
The weather was fine but in the evening rather cool
15 This morning I set the men to draw clay from the hill to mak the malt floor
In the evening I road up to Capt Degrasseys mill to speak for some lumber
The weather had been remarkable cold
16 This morning I road to the City and up as far as John Farrs to see if he has
began to pick his Hops.
He has not begun yet but will in a verey fiew days
Came home where I arived at noon The remainder of the day I was about
the Bulding The weather was fine and pleasant but some what cool for the
season We were working clay for the malt floors this day with oxen
treading it on the floor I think it was far the most expeditious method we
could adopt and is a great saving of labour
17 This morning I road to Toronto and up to Turtons foundrey to see about

the mashienire for the pump came home at noon weather fine laide some
clay on the floor to day and commenced the fire place of the copper
18 At home all the day superintending the Building
19 This morning I went to Toronto and came home at twelve oclock an

Easterly storm commenced at ten oclock and continued all day without
intermishon
20 This forenoon I took a walk accompayned by Joseph and his two boys as
far as Prices Saw Mill There is greate improvement there since i was last
at the spot After dinner a Boy came and told us that there was a horse
intangled amongst the brush in the Bil __?___ Don. Went down and took a
rope and three of [or?] four men found it to be Dr Telfers horse in a very
bad place made a rope fast around his neck and put a yoke of oxen to it but
some more men coming we took them off and drew him out by hand.
When we got him out he could not get up and when we lifted him up it
was some time before he could stand alone however after a time we

292
succeed in getting him home over the hill as the river was high we did not
think it advisable to bring him through it – Joseph went and let Dr Telfer
know
21 This morning I went to Toronto In the afternoon set the new copper on its
stone
22 This day we commenced picking Hops – Busey at the Brewery till four
oclock when I got so sick that I went to bed with a violant headach and
sick at my stomach
23 This morning I was much better and went to Toronto to see if I could aney
Hop pickers I went to the Park and got several Boys but they did not stop
long some of them said they would be back tomorrow but I doubt
24 This morning I went verey early to the park to collect boys and girls to
pick Hops and collected twenty two I got back at eight oclock & the
remander of the day I was in the Hop Garden
25 This morning I road to Toronto and was up to the Commission of brown

Lands office to pay an instalment on Land for Francis G Tr __?___
Came home at noon and was imployd in the Hop garden the remainder of
the day
26 This day I was busey picking Hops all day and had a troop of about thirty
boys and girls
27 This forenoon I was at home After dinner I went with Thomas down onto
the flats to look about and then went up to the mill dam.
The weather this Morning was fine and the sun shone out brileant till
about ten oclock when it began to rain and rained till twelve
28 This forenoon was about the brewery fixing for the pump and in the
afternoon I was in Town
29 About the Brewery all daycleaning out and rysing the pump
30 Busey about the Brewery fixing up the pump &c
October 1835

293
1 This day was busey about the Brewery getting the pump into operation
and she went verey well
2 This day I was in Toronto all day day settleing with the carpenters &
coopers
When came home I found the men all tipsey and resolved to discharge tow
of them
3 This day I was at the Brewery all day getting water into the steep &c and
steeping this evening.
4 This day I remained at home in consequence of the weather bing rainey

and the roads muddey In the afternoone I went to the meadow & put out
some Horses that were in and a good race we had before we got them out
5 This day in consequence of rain the greater part of the after-
I was at home all the day
6 This day I was in Toronto all day The roads are in a very muddy state
7 This forenoon I was assisting Joseph to put a connecting pipe between the
pump and underback and after dinner went out to the plains to see about
coals &c when I came home was putting on a stop to drive the roalers
8 Was at the Brewery all day Busey – In the evening went down to the corn
field on Smiths flats to hunt Rackoons but did not see aney
9 This day I went to Toronto about eleven oclock and ramined there till
night
10 This day I was at work on the roads with all the men putting brush into the
holes In the afternoon Thomas and William Cook came up and I came
home.
11 Went to Church this morning and after dinner took a ride with Miss Nancy
Bright onto the island
12 This Morning I took the light waggon to Toronto to fech Mr Castles to

survey a piece of land that formerly belonged to a Miss White by which
survey should run Mr James Small and John Thompson was with us We
finished at four oclock and I took Mr Castles home in the evening
13 This day at Home and a beautifull day it was

294
14 This morning I accompayned Mr Castles to survey the little island at the

top of the meadow with a view of adding it to the Miss White piece to see
if with all it would hold out to near the quantity specifyed in the original
survey
We also chained along the Bottom of Eastwoods Meadow from a post

planted by Gibbon near the gate and to the north of it and found from there
t the fence 12 chains and 17 links After that I went to Toronto and
remained there all day
It is expected that the c___ [case?] will com before the Court tommorrow
15 This morning Joseph wished me to ride up to Hays about lath boards

before I went to Toronto
When I got to Brights I found him no better but much worse as being
weaker and still suffering dreadfulley Staid by him till two oclock when he
expired without a groan He retained his p___?__ to the last. A fiew
minuets before he died he sent for me (I being at that moment it the
passage) and said “burey [bury] me in Potters feild and take up my child
at the farm and put her int he same hole do you hear”
About six oclock there was an inquest on the body and on examining the
body there was not the least sign of aney violance not so much as a red
mark The inquest examined several Wittnesse and by their testimony it
appeard was coming up McNabs Hill with a load of pottatoes and another
cart was coming down with a load of Stones that carter instead of being at
his horses head as he should have been was walking some distance behind
that the horse turned to wards Mr Brights and Mr Bright because confused
or had his rains crossed at aney rate pulled the rong rein and brote the cart
wheels in contact and himself between them
That the carter then took hold Brights horse by the head and turned him
off and released him that Mr Bright then took his rains and walked home
17 This morning I went to town and accompayned Gel Stegman to Potters

Feild to choose out a piece of Ground for Mr Brights Family –
Then to the Arch Deacon to request his attenance to the funral – Came
home at four oclock and was busey with the Mill till late
18 This morning was wet Went to Brights at ten oclock and remained there
till four oclock when the largest funeral that was ever in the City of
Toronto – The Street was litterally filled for half a mile with carriages
waggons and Horses and the side walks was crouded to excess and at
everey Street as the processions advanced it saw joined by large numbers

295
and as we still advanced to wards the bottom of Young Street the

congregations of the all the churches joined
SUCH A PUBLICK AND GENERAL EXPRESSIONS OF RESPECT

WAS NEVER SEEN IN TORONTO
and well did he deserve it fore a better Husand a kinder parent a more
dutiful child or a sinceare freing of a more charitable man is not to be
found I heard several say that he had not left another like him
It was dark before we arived back
High and low rich and was there all classes of society
19 This morning I mashed for the first time this season and after mashing I
left Joseph to conduct the remaining part of the process and went to
Toronto when I got there Thomas desire me to accompayned Mr Castles
back to the Don to make some alterations in a plan he has drawne and
wished to see the ground – Went back to Toronto at two oclock and stop
till five. Called at Mrs Brights for Mrs H but as it was raining in Toronto
She would not come home with me
20 Notwithstanding the rain was falling in Torronts I was under the nessesite
of going to Tornto as I expected our case would come before the court –
But it did not and in the afternoon I came home to make some alterations
in the roalers The rain fell in Torronts all day without intermishon
21 This morning I road to Toronto and remained there till half past three
oclock when I brote Mrs H home in the lite waggon –
The roads are in a verey muddy state
22 This morning I went to town and remained there all the day Was Brewing
to day at least Joseph did
23 This day I was in Toronto the Greater part of the day – The roads are in a
verey muddy state indeed at some places allmost impassable
24 This morning I road to Town and stopt till one oclock when I came home
and went down to the pottars field to see how the men was getting on
digging them
The weather was verey fine-
25 This morning I went to Chuch and stop at Mrs Brights till evening

296
26 In Toronto to day waiting on court as usual but no trial on – Came home at

four and was putting up some pies to tun through
27 In Toronto to day, no trial
28 I took Mrs H into her mothers this morning and remained in town till late
in the evening no trial on today but it will be the first tommorrow
29 This morning I went to Toronto earley in orde to be there in good time
Our case came on at about ten oclock and lasted the whole of the day after
eharing a mass of evidence the Jurey returned a verdict of £ 75 thus
making Mr Eastwood pay for his frolick of chopping down fences on the
22 day of April 1833 as will be seen by referance to my jornal of that day
The witnesses on our side were Myself Mr Small Castles Roy Chewitt
Raddenhuss
For Eastwood were Gibson Sinklear lay Price and Playtor
30 This morning I went to Toronto and had scarseley got there before
Eastwood brote on an action for taking stone out of the race and pavid [the
celler with them The judg said the through we had a right to taked the
stones out of the water cource we had no right to appropriate them to our
use
The jurey in a short time returned with a verdict of one shilling damages
for plaintiff
31 This day I was in Town and all the afternoon I was in court expecting the
case of Brights coming on but at seven oclock the judg dismissed the court
without bringing it on it will lay over to another term
November 1835
1 This morning I went to Church and after dinner I accompyned Miss Salley
and Jane to Potters feild to se their Fathers Grave rather a cold air
2 This day I was brewing for the first time this season after I got the worts
on to the cooler I roade up the don as far as Warbecks to tell him that a
note we indorced at the Bank for him is due But I did not see him as he
was not at the saw mill
The weather was verey fine

297
3 This day was Town all the day the weather was fine and pleasant
remarkable so
4 This day was in the city and accompayned George Stegman and William
Bright to De Powel to take out letters of adminestrations to the estate of
the late Mr. Bright the will was prove by James E Small
5 This morning I was in the city and stopt there all day and accompayned
Stegman & William Bright to Capt Fitzgibbon to take out letters of
Adminesteration
6 This day I was brewing.
Rained the greater part of the day
7 This day was in Town. The roads are in a verey muddey state
8 This day I remained at home save taking a walk down to the flats the
weather was fine and pleasant.
9 This day I was at home putting up a platform to hold grains and getting a
hed put into the copper cirb [curb?]. The weather was fine and pleasant.
10 This day I was brewing and consequently I was at home all day
11 This day I was in Toronto accompayned Geo Stegman and Johothan Durm
to the comissarett office to tell the commissaret that we as the Executors
of Theo Bright would decline the contract
The remainder of the afternoon and evening till ten oclock I was ingagued
i assisting William Bright to put up the books of the Estate
This was the windyest day that I hav seen for some time
12 This day I was in town the greater part of the day and at Mrs Brights the
remainder of the afternoon I was at Mrs Brights posting up Books
The weather was verey cold this after noon
13 This morning I roade up to DeGrasseys mill to Speak for boards and from
thence to Toronto and stopt at Mrs Brights posting up Books till half past
eight oclock
The weather was verey cold to day

298
14 This day I was at home till one oclock when I went to Mrs Brights and
stopt there till half past in The weather was verey fine and pleasant
15 This day I had intended to go to Church but the weather turned out rater
wet or at least it threatned to rain Took a walk to the top of the Hill and up
to the Mill dam The afternoon I spent at Josephs
16 Brewing to day and consequently I was at home all day.
The weather was verey fine and pleasant but in the evening it hailed verey
Heavey for a fiew minuets
17 This morning I got up at one oclock for the purpose of letting down the
worts and to malt again for another Brewing After which I left the
management of it to Joseph and went to the city my self where I remained
all day in the evening I attended to the pitching of the worts
18 This day I took Mrs H to Toronto and remained there all [day?]
19 In Toronto the whole of the day Fine weather
20 This day I was brewing and mashed at five oclock and again in the
evening at six oclock which tooke me till two oclock on 21 to get it into
the coolers
Went to Toronto at nine. Staid there till four. When came home. The
weather was windy and cold and the roads in a dreadfull state
21 This morning I road into Church and tooke dinner at Stegmans and
attended the afternoon servis and after the servis was over Mrs Bright got
her babey christend William John Myself and Mr Atkinson sponcers and
Mrs Atkinson also
The ground was hard frozen this morning and it continued verey cold all
day
23 This morning I was surprised to fine the ground covered with snow and
still continueing to fall fast
I had purposed to go to the Head of Lake this morning But the storm
prevented me from going and confined me at home the whole day-

299
I neavour ceased snowing Skinners people took slay into town this
afternoon and our Teamster reported that there were a greate maney slays
on the road
24 This morning I road to Toronto and found that it was tolerable good
slaying and consequently there was a greate maney people out slay riding
in the City
The weather was verey cold The Don was frozen over at and about the
Bridge
25 This day I was brewing and mashed at six oclock the weather was fine
slay went to Toronto twice
26 This Morning I roade to Toronto and remained there till three when I came
to Mrs Brights and stayd there till six posting Books
27 This morning I went into the city with the Team as I wished to see how he
managed a young Horse which we put into the slay Belonging to Mrs
Brights
Came home with the waggon in the afternoon.
Thoughed considerable to day and in consequence spoild the Slaying
28 Brewing and had this misfortune to loose a greate part of the fist worts
through the water cock into the race
The weather was cloudy and flurries of snow
29 This day was very cold and there was frozen over Stopt at home all day.
Thomas and his wife was up to day and staid till four oclock Some snow
in the evening.
30 The morning was verey stormey Snow falling verey fast and continued all
day fell about a foot staid at home all day
December 1835
1 Brewery much troubled with the pump leaking – Set up a stove in the
wash House and continued the pipe through the celler

300
2 Was in Toronto all day came home in the slay good slaying
3 This day went to Toronto in the cutter and took Mrs H the weather was
much milder this afternoon then it has been for some time back
4 This day I was Brewing – The weather was mild and thoughed the whole
of the day.
5 This day I was in Toronto and remained there all day.
Weather verey cold
6 This morning took Mrs H to Toronto in the cutter and I went to Churhc
and returned to Mrs Brights to dinner and after dining took Mrs H & Miss
Nancy up to Thomas’s.
The weather was cold
7 Was in Toronto all day. Drove Mrs Brights Colt in the cutter and left it
there Weather fine and pleasant
8 Brewing In the afternoon when I had gotten the worts onto the coolers I
took a ride with Joseph as far as Sinklears in the slay with the Bay horse
and the Peter colt the first time he has been in harness and he went verey
well
9 This day I was in Toronto came home at dark slaying verey nearly wore
out Slays and wagon are runing cheek by chowle Heard that Mrs Recever
General Dawn was over
10 Brewing and mashed at four oclock Had a good deal of trouble in getting
the worts down in consequence of the malt bring ground to fine
11 In Toronto all day and was busey taking in barley and taking out accounts
&c
12 Brewing to day and a beautifull day it was sone [sun?] shone warm and
bright
13 I remaned at home all the day or at least about home Thomas came up and
took dinner with us and I accompayned him as far as playtors on his return
home The weather was beautifull
14 This morning I went to Toronto and remained there all day The weather
was mild in the morning but it grue gradually colder and more boysterous
towards evening

301
15 Brewing and of coarse was at home all day
We had one of the most violant snow storms for a fiew minuets this
afternoon that i ever witnessed it was a complete hurrican however it did
not last long
But the wind continued a blow fresh from the north which made it verey
cold indeed
16 This morning was the coldest we hav had this season beyond dispute I
road to Toronto and a bitter cold ride I had of it I spent the [day?] in the
office and returned at dark. If all is well I intend going up Younge Street
tommorrow morning to see if I cannt imploy some person to but [buy?]
barly [for?] us as it is getting scarse
17 Although this morning was verey cold and stormey I started for Thorne
hill [Thornhill?] Had a verey cold and unpleasant ride.
Commissioned Clarkson to by barley 5 per cent com [commission?]
Snowed the whole of the day got home at seven
18 This day I was in the City and busey looking out for barley brote the cutter
home in the evening and Mrs H
19 This morning I road to Toronto in the cutter and brote up Mr Thomas in

the evening
20 This morning I thought it be the best slaying sown [on?] the ice so I went
and examined before we started and laid down the fences the road I took
was over smiths flats and down John Claytons meadow and on to the ice at
the reach above Scaddings saw mill Went off at the little con Bridg bore
ground to Mrs Brights After Church took Wife and Miss Salley to their
Grandfathers
21 Brewery and of course at home all day
22 Was in Toronto all day The team was twice down the cie [ice?] to day to
Toronto The slaying is intirely gone on the roads and particularly in and
about the city
23 This morning I got up at five oclock and mashed and eight oclock I went
to the city in the slay down the ice from the frord [fjord or road?] going
onto Smiths flats There was two or three places where the river was open
in the center at the long sow and at the drift

302
But we got past without aney difficulty we went round the end of the
wharf and up at the market remained in town all day and returned in the
evening with the team the same way
24 This morning I was called up at two oclock to superintend the Brewing

and at eight oclock I went to the city in the slay and was verey busey
taking in barley all day Bever so full a market I my life before –
As I returned I counted the Beuels in the Don and found forty between the
mouth of the Little Don and Brewery The weather was verey fine and
pleasant
25 And Christmas day. I took Mrs Helliwell down to her mothers in the light
wagon I put him into Wm Brights slay and took Miss Jane a riding onto
the ice we took a direct coarse from the wind Mill for the light Hous and
continued on that coarse till we made the shore and then coasted along the
island to the Big House and then took another large turn round in the
center of the BGay [Bay?] and returned to dinner. Came home at dark.
Weather verey mild thoughed all the day. The wheeling verey good
indeed.
26 This mronign I went to Toronto with Joseph in the slay down the river - -
Considerable of water over the ice perticularly in the Bay Staid in the city
all day in the evening the light waggon came for me and I came home in
it.
The weather was verey disagreeable cold and fossen [frozen?] and wisling
all day
27 This day I did not go out of the House or at least onley to the Brewery till
after dinner when I took a walk up the don as far as Thorns lot of [to?] see
the practibility of going up on the ice with a slay It is practible as far as the
top of cedar hill where it is open considerable distance up and so wide as
not to alow a passage on eather side
The weather was cold and in the morning it threatned snow but soon quit –
Mrs Thomas and the children came up on the ice this after noon
28 Was Brewing – Weather verey mild and thoughed considerable
29 This morning I road to Toronto I went down the flats and past Scaddings
saw Mill It snowed and raind some little to day

303
In the evening I was putting up a new S___?___ in the celler
30 This day I was brewing Weather mild and pleasant Thoughing and
threatned rain
31 This morning I took Mother home in the light waggon and remained there
all day. This is the last day of 1835 And God onley knows weather I shall
see the last of 1836 or not
This was a verey pleasant day Towards evening It became some what cold
Januarey1836
1 This morning I got up early and Joseph and myself and one of the men
took a surveyors chain and chained down the ice to the mouth of the little
Don.
The first half Mile commenced at the big rock it the river opposite our
garden and terminates at the top of the long sore the west half mile at the
drift wood at the bottom of our meadow the next at the bend where the
river strikes the Bank under Castle Frank and the west half mile which
makes up two miles at the old swath of Scaddings saw Mill creek then to a
place oposite Dushleys and the half mile and again to Morris place at the
upper side of his lot which makes three miles then to oposite Smiths
Tanery another half mile from there to the mouth of Boulton Canal
another half mile. The whole distance to Neat point four miles from tehnce
to the little don is thirty three chaines making the intire distance four miles
three furlongs and three miles.
The Teamster met us with the slay and brote us home. As soon as I got
dressed I started for the city in the light waggon accompayned by Mrs H.
to dine at Mr Stegmans We stopt at Mrs Brights and walked from there up
to Stegmans.
There was Miss susan and Marey Mr & Mrs. Milbourn Mr. Peron and
Thomas and his Wife and all the girls The companey was a verey
agreeable one and we spent the evening verey pleasantly till ten oclock
where we came home
The evening was a verey pleasant one and verey lite – I never saw so
maney people and slays on the ice over the Day in my life
The direct rout to the Peninsula Hotel ha the appearience of a thronged

Street such number of people and slays were up out it

304
There was a slay and a fax hunt but the slay being a tame one would not
run and the fox was to cunning and made his escape
The spot is new to most of the citezans of Toronto and they did not
properley understand it and more over the dogs were no properly trained.
2 Was brewing and consequently remained at home all day
3 This morning I went to Church and took dinner at Mothers. In the evening
I brote up Miss Stegman and Miss Nancy Bright
4 Brewing When I had gotten the worts into the copper I left them in charge
of one of the men I went to the Town Meeting which was held at John
Montgomereys on Young Street
5 Was in Toronto till three where I took the horse and roade out to Milford
Mills to see W Mitchell – got the two executors of old Michaels estate.
Vanostrand and Marsh to came down to the hollow and had some talk
with Hogg about taking Mitchells Taveron and advancing the rent to the
amount of £200 to pay off the debt tha Bitchess owes – which he agreed to
do provided Mr Bagwell would give up the Mortgage he has on the place
it was long after dark before I left the Hollow
6 This morning I mashed & then left the Brewery to Joseph and went to
Toronto for the purpose of going to see Mr Bagwell in Chiuguacousey.
it was half past eleven before I started and as it is 24 miles it was nearley
dark when I arived there I found Mr Bagwell quite willing to give up his
claim to the property if he was paid the fifty pounds he lent on it and the
interest all verey fair invited me to stop all night which I gladley accepted
7 Set out from Mr Bagwells about nine o’clock and arived in Toronto at two
I had no idea of the extent of the improvement that there is in
Chiuguacousey and the core of Toronto – large farms of a hundred acres
of cleared land and stumps all out Barns serounded with stacks of Grain
and every thing that betokens wealth and prosperity
8 This morning I took Miss Stegman home in the light waggon

notwithstanding it was a verey stormey morning snowing and sleeting
remained in Toronto till evening.
9 In Toronto the whole of this day dilivering accounts But taking verey little
money The roads are in a verey slushey state ocationed by the snow which
fell yesterday and the though and rain

305
10 This day I remained in the House the most part of the day the weather was
rather colder than yesterday and the slush was consequently frozen up and
of coarse made it much more comfortable The slaying in tolerable good
perticularly on the mill road –
11 This morning I went to Toronto and remained there all day I was up to the
blewbell and to the Garrison in the evening The weather was verey
pleasant
12 This morning I was in Toronto earley and remained there all day –
This was the election day for the Corperation and a majority of radicals
were returned after it was over they peraded the streets with banners and
ensigns flying One composed of chips and shavings
The weather was mild and soft thoughing all day
13 Brewing. at eleven oclock Joseph desired me to fetch the Peter colt as he

had been after him till he was tired and had not succeeded in fetching him
home. and he would attend to the Brewing till I returned I found him at
Black Peters and had no difficulty in taking him and fetching him home
The weather was very mild. Thoughing all day indeed it as thoughed
allmost everey day for a fortnigh back and frozen but little during the
night
Most extraordinary weather for Januarey in fact the claimate of Canada

appears to be much changed in not being so extremely hot and intolerably
cold as formerly
14 This day I took Miss Bright home and Mrs Helliwell to Toronto in the
light waggon His excellancy opend the house to day at three oclock I was
there and was much gratifyed with the sight of all the beauty and fashon
of Toronto. His Excellancy made what I call a verey good speach
15 This morning I mashed before I went to Toronto and I staid there till
evening and when I canme home I attended the worts till there were in the
Tuns which was about twilve
16 This day I did not go to Toronto. About eleven oclock I took a walk outt
he rear of our lots to see if aney person was committing depredations on
the timber did not find a thing rong in the evening was busey setting up
stillions nd putting a trough to take away the steep water – The weather
was much colder then it has been for some time back.

306
17 This morning I took Mis Helliwell to Toronto and she accompayned me to

Church after Church I took dinner at Mrs Brights and then walked up into
the city again and spend an houre or two with Mother The weather was
cold though pleasant
18 This day we could not brew in consequence of the pump mashienery being
out of repair –
I was busey there most of the day in the malt House assisting the malters
&c &c
The weather was pleasant Joseph went to the City in a slay down the ice
19 Was Brewing and of course was busey – In the evening mashed again and
bred all night or till four oclock when I called up Joseph and went to be
my self
20 This morning I went to Toronto by way of the ice and Scaddings mill was
up to the Parlement House and government House and College this
afternoon
21 This day I was in Toronto and stopt there all the day The weather was
verey disagreeable wet and sleety.
22 Brewing and of corse all my attention was directed to that The weather
was very cold and windy and at preasant (nine oclock) it is snowing verey
fast
23 This morning I road to Toronto and remained there till evening – When I
came home I found Mr & Mrs Burnham Miss Stegman and Mrs Wilnot at
our house They stopt till half past seven oclock
The weather was very cold
24 This day I was stationary at home from morning to night Cold in the
morning but more moderate as the day advanced
25 Brewing. In the afternoon I took one of the ox teams and went to the bush
for a load of pine wood. Saw a Deer as I came home which appeared
fatigued verey much – I was induced to hurrey home and get the gun and
go up the flats in the hope of meeting with it But it was too late I saw two
hounds across the dam on his trail I hav no doubt but they soon cought
him
26 This morning I went to Toronto early for the purpose of attinding His
Excellancy Sir John Colborne to Charles Smalls

307
At half past nine I went up to the government House where there was a
greate Croud of people and Sleghs about ten oclock his Excellancy came
out and was recevd with three cheers. Then followed as such a strife for
who should be the first I never saw Some idea can be forned by the fact
that there were one hundred and forty seven slays and a greate number of
people on horse back all crouding through the King St and all eager to be
first When Sir John got to Ashbridge he stopped and all the slays passed
him and formed two lines through which he passed bidding good by
everey slay as he passed I returned on the ice though Ashbridges Bay and
the marsh
27 This day I was in the city and went up to the House to see the New
Governor make his address The House but was too late to get into the
house But I got a sight of his when he came out He is a verey good
looking Little man appearantly five and forty Very cold
28 This morning I took Mis Helliwell to Toronto in the cutter by way of

Scaddings Saw Mill In the afternoon I went to Potters feild to see a man
who is owing us four or five pounds and who sent word by our man that
he wanted to see us as he was verey sick and thought he would die –
However I found him recovering and able to walk out
The weather was remarkable cold –
29 Brewing Weather moderater
30 Went to Toronto and remained there all day. Snowed a good deal and
thoughed
31 This morning was verey cold but notwithstanding I took Mrs Helliwell to
the city in the cutter I went to Church and took dinner at Mrs Brights after
which I took Salley out slay-riding as far s the end of the Macadamized
road left Her at Stegmans as I returned and when put up the horse I went
to Milburns as he sent me a note yesterday desireing my compney I stopt
there till nine oclock and then came down to Mrs Brights and put the
Horse into the slay and came home
February 1836
1 This day I was brewing and it was one of the coldest day we hav had this
season Joseph and one of the men went to Farrs Mills to day to collect
Barrels The Man got several of his fingers frozen
2 This morning the Thermomiter stood at twenty below Zero – At nine

oclock I started to Town and stopt at Mrs Brights and took the papers

308
relating to her land and went to office to have it explained found that there
is – due on all the Lots from the office I came back to Mrs Brights to get
the Letters of acminestration for them to make out the deed by The
returned to Clark Gambles to see if the old deeds that is all the prior
transfers down to this Ogradeys deed Mr Gamble said that he never had
aney old deed in his office but he thought they were in Washburns office I
did not go there I deferd that to another day –
The weather continued verey cold all day.
3 Brewing. Mr Stephen Secord called about nine oclock and I accompayned

him to the woods and measure out three acres of which are to have the
timber at ten dollars per acre I came back by John Playtors back feilds and
through our bush
The weather was much milder then it has been for some days back
4 This day I was in Toronto and paid to Mr Naiton – 20-9-6 for Mrs Bright
in payment of land – This weather was verey cold
5 Brewing. Was with one of the men surveying out a road to some wood
about a Quarter of a mile Back of the feild at the top of the hill – There is
ten cords of wood cut by some person or persons unknown We never new
about it till I found it in returning from measureing the three acres we
bought from Mafor Stephen Secod
This had been the coldest day we hav had this season
6 Was in Toronto all this day – Weather rather moderate or at least much
more so thon it has been for some days back
7 Was at home all day Thomas and Johm Martingdale of the Welland
Cannal came up and took dinner with us and after they went to the city Mr
& Mrs Atkinson came up and took tea with us it snowed this afternoon
verey fast
8 Mashed and then went to Toronto and staid there all day
10 Was in the city all this day
11 Went to Toronto and remained there till evning
12 Brewing. Considerable snow fell during the night previous and during this
afternoon it rained a little

309
13 This morning I took the cutter to Toronto and brought up Mr Roy the
Enginear to take the leavel of the water and assertain the fall from Plator
line to the log accross Eastwoods and Skinner tail race He commenced by
cutting through the ice at Playtors line and took his departure There from
he placed his instrement six times and looked both forward and back
He found 7 Feet 3 inches of Fall from the top of the log to the surfice of
the water at the drift wood –
We made a mark or rather cut a little step in the root of the oak tree on the
bank at the drift wood and that step is four inches above the log on leavel
14 This Morning I took Mrs Helliwell to her Mothers] and went to Church –
Took dinner at Mothers and returned home before dark Weather cold
15 Brewing. After Breadfast I roade out to the plains to see about coales.
Snow verey deep in the woods.
16 This day I was in the dity and was very busey collecting and taking out ale
&c &c The weather in the morning was cold but towards evening it
became milder
17 Was in the city all day
18 Remaed at home all this day and wa busey in the malt House as we had
new hands and they required sharp looking after
19 Brewing this day and of coarse at Home all the day
20 This day I was in the City – Snowed and thoughed all day.
21 This day I remained at home the whole of the day. As a splended day it
was the finest we hav had for some time The sun shone Bright and warm
and of coarse melted the snow verey fast a fiew days like this would leave
the ground bare
22 This morning I went to the City and remained there all day Thoughed fas
all day and in the evening it rained a little but at preasant (eleven oclock )
it is fair and freeses a little
23 This morning I took the cutter down to Toronto and Thomas accompayned
me to the Highland Creek for the purpose of examineng the pimises
prevous to having a settlement with Cornell weather we buy from him or
sell to him we offered him ten pounds to set a piece that he would either

310
give or take or we would sell him what we would either give or take for
ten puonds which last proposition he agreed to and promised to come to
the city tommorrow to hav it settled –
Called at Williams steam Mill as we returned great improvements in the

mashienery large quantity of logs several acres coverd with them and
verey good ones. We went down the marsh and Ashbridges Bay and ont
at the four mile tree and went out the Bay as we return at Ashbridges
Weather in the morning rather wet but cleared away and became verey
fine
24 This morning I went to Toronto and the first thing I did I went to Wash
adn took up some old deeds belonging to the estate of the late Thomas
Bright for which I paid him 65 s accompayned George Stegman to the
office of the Trustees of Park reserve but did not fine Mr Nation in. In the
afternoon went up again and took the deeds to the attorney general for the
purpose of his drawing out a releas &c &c
Cornell came up but after the bonds was drawn refused to sing unless we
would allow him four weeks to make up his mind. After we set the price
but we wold not do that so the affair stopped there and I do not know how
it will be settled
25 Was in Toronto this morning and remaned there the whole day.
Paid Clark Gamble in full for the Highland Creek property (at least for our
half) £ 166-8-4 being the full purchase money and insered up tot he
presant time the weather was much colder then it has been for three or four
days back
26 Brewing and stopt at home till evening when I went to an evening party at
W Atkinson there were about twenty Ladies and Gentlement and the
evening passed verey well but would have been far more to my tast of
there had been dancing &c &c
27 This morning I roade to Toronto and remaned there all day in the evening
I borrowed William Brights cutter and brote home and had the misfortune
to breadk] the shafts in passing through the gate into our yard
28 This day I was brewery and remained at home all day it snowed and rained
during the day
March 1836
1 This morning I went to the City and went with Thomas to Serwoods office
accompayned by Cornell and finally settled the Highland Creek Buisness

311
he paid us ten pounds and we set the price three hundred pounds which he
said he would take & immediately executed the assignment and we gave
him a check for the money The property now costs us £ 466.8.4 - -
Cornell made a great deal of Quivvication before signing the Leas and
Bonds to quit the primises in three months from this date – After that I
went up to the Attorney Generals office to see about Mrs Brights deeds
The weather verey stormy – Snowed and rained & thoughed and froze all
day alterntley
2 This morning the weather was verey cold – But as we are nearly out of
coals I roade out to the plains and to James Tailors previous to going to
Toronto I saw Hiram Pangman and he promise to commence a pit
immediately and he thinks he will have coals in about ten days or a
fortnight I then proceeded to the city and remained there all day the
weather was so verey cold that I did not go out aney but imployd myself
inposting up the Books &c &c The weather at preasant (half past ten
oclock) is much milder then it has been all day and I think we shall hav a
though] a large circle round the moon
3 This day I was at home as Joseph went into Scarborough with a load of
Beer from Mrs. Tailor
4 This day I was in Toronto and was verey busey I was up tot eh Garrison
and twice to the land office seeing about Mrs Brights Land The weather
was thoughing and took the snow off verey] fast it made the Streets bare
although it was good slaying up our road.
Indeed we hav been favoured with the best of roads for since the 23 of
November the ground has been covered with snow and good slaying the
whole of the time I do not recolect as much snow this ten tears past as we
hav had this season
5 This morning I went to Toronto by Scaddings mill – I this day got Mrs
Brights deeds executed and took them to the Registerey office to be
recorded
The weather was verey cold and the ground covered with ice particulry
about here which was one street of Ice so much so that the cattle could not
move – Such is th Suden Changes of weather yesterday it was all water
and slush and it is all ice
6 Remained at home all day and spent the greater part of the time in the
house

312
7 After mashing I went to the City and remained there all day The weather
was verey cold and the roads all ice our slay] went to the city to day
8 This morning I went with one of the Teams to James Smalls Barn to show
them some rails that Small said we might have but although I produced
Small order the Black man in charge refused to let me hav them alleging
that he hav leased the plased and all rails upon it for elevn years –
When I got into the city I found Mr Hanks sprouels adn Hennts Houses
burnt to the ground
I walked home and cu____ at the distilery to see the new Engine at work
and in my opinion She went well
9 This morning I went to examin the road that our people are cutting
through the woods to the back end of Smiths lot for the purpose of getting
out cedar posts I then went to the city and The weather was mild and
thoughed verey considerabl
10 This morning I road to Toronto adn remained there till three oclock when
it becam so Stormey and no buisness doing I came home it continued
Snowing all day verey fast It thoughed at the sam time
11 This day I was brewing – Was surprised when I got up to find a great fall
of snow and the weather verey cold which continued all day verey stormey
12 This mroning I went to the City in the cutter accompayned by Mrs Joseph
I found the Slaying as good as it has been aney time this winter Thomas
was down to the Highland Creek in the cutter to day
13 Went to Toronto in the cutter at ten oclock it commenced snowing and

continued all day with the greatest violance
I think there fell at foot
14 This morning I started for Brantford. Roads but little broke and snow
verey deep nearley] three feet consequy verey heavy trveling arrived at the
Grove Inn at five oclock waited and proceed on to Hamilton where I
arrived at eight oclock] I went accross Burlington Bay
15 After trancting some buisess I started for Brantford at half past eleven and
arrived there a ittle before sundown
Slaying was never better snow verey deep. Called on Mis Ashworth and
looked through Spencers Brewery &c &c

313
16 Came back to Hamilton and finished my buisness and came accross the
Bay to Wellinton Square where I put up for the night a verey good house
17 This morning was wet however I proceeded to akville to breakfast

Oakville is much improved since I was last hear indeed I may say the
same of all the places I visited The weather now became fine and
continued so the reminder of the day – I arived at Toronto at five oclock
Thomas informed me that he had a son born this morning and I
accordingly went to see it
It is a circumstance rather unusual of late years to see such a quantity of

snow on the ground and such good slaying on the 17th of March
18 Brewery and remained at home all day Save going to see the Seder posts
&c
19 Took Mrs Helliwell to Toronto this morning and remained there all day
A Greate Meeting in the City Hall to Take into Consideration the Conduct
of his Excellanceys in dismissing his Council &c
20 This forenoon I took a walk up the flats and round by Sinklears place
home again.
The weather was most beautiful Thoughed a little in the sun and on the
South side of a building.
21 This morning I went to the City on Horse back and during the day was at
the Garrison The weather in the morning was fine and pleasant but in the
afternoon it snowed and blew a hurrican for a short time but it became
much calmer in the evening The roads are verey sloppy and disagreeable
22 Was at home all day as Joseph accompayned the Teamster to the Humber
with a load of beer for Woodberey Card
23 This morning I went to Toronto after mashing and breakfast and remained
there all day The weather was fine but did not though much indeed
towards the evening it froze
24 This day I was in Toronto and stopt there all day busey attendeng to
sending out beer an o fourth
Weather fine although it was cold in the afternoon
25 This day I was brewing and remained at Home the whole of the day The
weather was fine and pleasant and thoughed considerable

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26 Was in Toronto all the day Thoughed considerable to day
27 Took Mrs to Toronto in the light waggon and spent the afternoon with
Mother rained a little this afternoon
28 This day I was busey Brewing and scraping up the manure in the yard &c
Thoughed verey fast and in the evening I began to rain but it did not
continue long. at preasant eleven oclock the skey is quite clear and the
appearance of a little frost during the night so far the snow as gone away
verey handsom indeed and _____ it will continue to do so till it is all gone
for if it rains fast for aney lenth of time I do not now what damage it may
do carrey away all mill dams and fences bordering on the don and most
probley into our ceiler nd if it is will do a greate deal injirey
29 – The ice is verey backward and long breaking up there has been several
slay down the ice to do but our did not go not from aney fear that there is
no slaying after they get off the ice in City and as a matter of coarse verey
difficult to get up to the office with aney load.
30 This day I was in Toronto and remained there all day - - The roads are
getting verey muddey perticularly in the city
31 This day I went to Toronto after mashing and remand there all day In the
evening George Stegman and me met at Mrs Brights and I prodused a
memorandon of partnership between Mrs Bright and William which was
adopted with a little alteration It was nine oclock when I left there a
beautifull evening –
Thoughed verey fast today and the streets of Toronto are in a verey
muddey state
April 1836
1 This day I was brewing notwithstanding it was good Friday Thomas and
George Stegman was up to day & Charles.
This river is begining rais but as yet no ice has moved considerable water
running over the ice at some places the ice is broken up considerable in
our Tail race
2 This day I was in Toronto and remaind there till evening The roads are
getting very muddy in some places

315
3 This morning I took a walk down to the botton of the meadow before
breakfast and when I returned I found that the young Mare had foaled in
the back yard
After breakfast I walked up tot he dam where I crossed on the ice and
continued up the flats to Tailors and so round over the hill back again
After dinner as the water still continued to rais I went down to the Bridg to
hav a look what was doing there – This one of our cows had halfed
This evening the water stans about half an inch on the lineing at the top of
our water wheel
After writing the above I went down to the brewery and found that water
raising so fast that I thought it best to roll all the beer out of the celer and
secure the floor which we did standing barrels upon the end upon it
4 This morning I was called out of bed by one of the men who came to tell
me that the water was in the wash house
When I went down I found it nearly covered the floor It soon fell a fiew
inches – I went down to the Bridg by walking on the fence as the water
runs over the Hop ground the ice had raised the Bridg in the center to as to
let the braces out of the k_____ parts
In the after noon I went over with the men and attempted to get the ice
awey from the Bridg but in vain –
The waters are still as high or higher then they hav been. All the flats are
under water
Great flood in the Don

5 This morning the water was higher then it was last night – I walked to
Town to accompaney Caroline and Margaret Bright home
I did not remain in Toronto long as I was affraid that the water might do
some damage when I came home I found the water somewhat lower then
in the morning With a good deal of trouble walking on the ice frome cake
to cake and on the fence Joseph and me suceeded in getting to the Bridg
we found it in the same state as we left it yesterday We remaind there
some time indeavouring to remove some pieses of ice but could not
We then came home when we had scarsely arived when one of the “most
aufilly sumblim sights I ever saw came down” The large jam of ice in the
dam gave way adn came sweeping every thing before it and throughing

316
large masses upon to the banks and eaven into the ajoining feilds making a
clean herach accross the island in front of Skinners House
fourtunately it stopped in front of our hop ground and a great quntity of ice
being thown out of the currant onto the banks prevented its going with that
forse that it outherwis would have done
Then the water swept over our yard taking a quantity of coals with it and
into the celler raising the floor and throughing over the barrels and putting
evereything into confution we all hands turned too and bunged the puntron
on the Stillions but before we got them all bunged the water bagan to
subside as the great rush was past and the jam oposite the hop ground was
in such as situation the effects demd water did not effect us as our race
carried off the water that ran accross the yard and down the Head race
6 This morning I found the water allmost out of our celler But such a
confution of plants and Barrels and all covered with mud However as
there was not help but to submit with patianc we set too it all hands with a
will and soon had then put down again in the mean time the was raising so
that we thought it best to prop the floor down which we did
It did not rais so as to run over aney of the floor but the lowest part
After dinner I road up to Martins place to see how all was there The ice
has not moved at all ther
The water is on the road at the low part on this side of the East Branch and
I did not go farther when I returned home I ws pulling some logs out from
amongst the ice by the Hop Ground &c &c
This evening the water is low considerabley and as it is p____ing I think

there is a probility of its being still lower in the morning
7 This morning I took three of the men and went down to the bridg at the top
of the meadow as I expected that the late high water would hav mouved it
out of its place and when I got down I gound it was floated down some
distance
Got it to its place and returned again stopt some time floating ice out of
the mouth of the race In the afternoon was repairing the celler at the howse
The waters are much lower intireley out of the celler adn off the Hop
Garden still the jam remains in part of the Hop Garden in its original State
save what it wasts by the influance of the weather – I think the ice has not
moaved in Eastwood & Skinners Tail race - - There is a greate flow of
water over the top of our wasts gats

317
8 This morning I went to the City and remained there all day The water in
the Don is much the same as yesterday
9 This morning a jam of ice came down and moved that at the Hop Garden a
little or rather shoved it up closer for I belieave the bottom did not move at
all
I took all hands down to the Bridg thinking we could move the ice below
and make a rout for th jam but after spending nearly all the forenoon we
was oblige to come home without iffecting our purpose
When we was at the Bridg three wild ducks came flying up and haw
pounded upon on eand took it some distance into Skinners meadow
However he did not injoy the repast for I fallowd after and recud he duck
and appropriated it to my own private use dispoiling the Sportes
In the afternoon I went to Toronto and found the road verey bad indeed in
consequence of the heavy rain that fell last night and during this day.
This preasant time half past eleven it is raining and freezing so that it is
forming a glazed ice upon everey thing The water is considderable higher
Then it was yesterday and I am affraid that we shall hav another flood and
perhaps greater then we hav had yet
10 I was surprised to see the ground covered with snow and snowing fast
which continued till about ten oclock when it became rather milder but
was cloudy and raw all day.
I spent the day in the House “like a sick Girl” till the evening when It took
a walk down the flats to Smiths flats – When I returned the water was so
far settled that I got the pump to work although it was a slow movement
11 This morning I went to the city and found the roads verey bad being
partley frozen and verey deep mud
When I came home I found the arch at corner of the Building had mouved
a little in consequence of the wash of water during the late flood
12 This morning I walked to Toronto as I was to go to Niagara if I could get

an opertunity
At twilve the Steamer Traviler came into the Government wharf and I
walked up to her and at one or a little after we started at a round rate and
crossed the Lake in little more then two houres

318
We had a stiff breeze in our favour and considerable of a sea
Walked up to John McFarlands roads verey muddey
13 Rainey morning did not attempt to move till after dinner then went to
Niagara People compang of hard Times
Weided through the mud to M Farlands drenched with rain

14 Went to the Corthouse to see a person who is in goal then down to
Howards and got a horse and roade to Queenston roads worse then I ever
saw them Rained the whole of the tim Came back to Niagara drenched and
cold After drying a ittle I went to look for Mrs Brights town lot fond it No
164 not far from the wind mill
Slept at Howards
15 Left Niagara at nine on board of the Traviller and arived t a Quarter befoer
twelve
Times are verey dull in Niagara no money to be had
16 Went to Toronto do day Roads verey bad indeed allmost impassable came
home earley and went down to the driftwood where our men was busey
pulling out logs and rails
The water is verey high so as to stop our pump
17 This morning I road to Toronto and before Church I took a walk with
Stegman and William Bright as far as the Government House Took dinner
at Mothers and then walked up to Old Mr Brights with Naney and Miss
Stegman
Came back and took tea at Mis Brights
Weather fine and verey pleasant
18 This morning I was early and took the gun and went down the meadow I
saw several Duck but did not get a shot at any of them
After breakfast I took three men and the oxen and went to repair the Bend
at the end of Playtors turnpike which took us till noon
In the afternoon I was pulling logs out of the driftwood and trying to float
it off but did not succeed It rained considerabl durng the day

319
19 This morning I went to Toronto and in the afternoon I roade round to the
Taveron on the penensla to see about money that is owing us there
This evening the Teamster was obliged to leave the waggon in Playtors
hill with onley a fiew bands of hoop iron and an empty barrel or two
I think I never saw the mud so deep
20 This morning I wnt to the city and in the afternoon I went to the Parlement
House see the Governor Por__them He certainly deleavered one of the
ablest speaches I ever heard
he gave the House of Assembley their deserts most cuttingly and full –
The deleaverey of the speach occupeyd half an hour
The weather was verey fine and pleasant but the roads are beyond aney
thing bad
21 This day I was Brewing and was verey busey putting up fence about the
door
At ten oclock I mashed again and stopt up with it till three oclock when I
called up Joseph and went to Bed myself
The weather was wet the after part of the day and about ten it began to
blow and increased to a gale and froze verey hard before morning
22 This morning when I got up I let the worts out onto the coolers.
Took the gun and went down to the meadow and shot a large Black Duck
Fishermen cought a quantity of suckes to day
23 This forenoon I was imployed in brushing the road betwen Smiths and the
thorn bush as it was impassabl and in the afternoon I was at Playtors hill
putting bush onto it also The weather was fine
24 Walked to Toronto and called at mothers before Church – In the afternoon

I acommpayned Thomas to Church and after the Servis was over I stood
sponser for his child which was Christened Francis Bond in honour of his
Excellancy Sir Francis Bond Head
The weather was verey fine and pleasant and the roads are so much dryd
up as to make tolerable good walking The waters of the Don are now
subsided to their natural state

320
25 This morning I mashed and afterwards went to the city and left Joseph to
complete the brewing
When I returned home at night I mashed again and made a night Brewing
of it - The weather was cold during the day but grew ward in the evening –
The ice was dreven out of the Bay to day so that
26 Was at home and about all day Joseph on the roads with the men and oxen
The weather was verey fine the warmest we hav had this season Thomas
Smith plowing for the first time this season
27 Took Mrs Helliwell to Toronto this day in the light waggon –
The weather was vereyfine and pleasant and the roads are getting much
better
28 Brewing after dinner I went up to Monros Mill to see about some fence
boards an then down to the bottom of Smiths flats to see about some rails
– We had gentle shoures this afternoon
At night oclock I mashed again and of coarse we shall be up all night I hav
adopted the plan of brewing night and day succession on acount of the
great saving of fuel and also that as we shold hav to ve up to attend to the
cooling we mights as well brew as not and save time By this plan we can
Brew four time with being up two night in the week whereas at would
require three nights (this warm weather) to Brew three times after the
usual manner
29 This day I was in the city The weather was damp –
30 This morning I went to Playtors and got two young plum and four cherry
trees and planted them on the side of the hill above the garden
I then assisted the men to set posts and repair fence till noon and after
dinner went and place the new ___ piece and laid down the plank at the
Bridg at the meadow gate and sowed grape seed on tall the raw plances
inn the meadow
The weather was verey fine and warm
May 1836
1 This morning Thomas came up and I went with him to the meadow and up
to the top of the hill above the meadow and up to the dam –

321
After dinner I walkd [walked] to Toronto to Mrs Brights for Miss Naney
and waited till She returned from Chuch when She walked home with me
2 Brewing and making fence and up to the Saw Mill to see about lumber and
Brewing again this evening
The weather was very fine with fine growing showers at intervals
3 This has been a busey day and I am berey much fatigued – I was up nearly
all the night previous and all the fore part of the day I was busey in the
Brewing cleaning out the race &c
In the afternoon laying up fence from the bridg to Eastwood line and
putting two ploles accross under the bridg to prevent cattle going down
4 This day I was in the City. Fair day a great show of Horses and Horned
Cattle
5 Brewing and in the forenoon I went with the ox team for Lumber to
Monros Mill weather vrey fine and pleasant
6 This day I was buisley imployd in dressing Hops in the Hop Garden
Verey fine day
Thom Smith planting pottatoes on the other side of the Don
7 This morning I set out for Richmond Hill to see Robert Arnold about a
yoak of cattle that he was to procure for us in payment of a note that we
hld against him when I got there the cattle was at is Brothers in the fifth
concession of Markham He put a saddle onto his hors and went out with
me I found the oxen so poor and small that I thought the would be of no
use for us So I declined taking them I then came down the fifth concession
to see a farm that we hav there and which I never saw before. I was much
pleased with it the land is excellant and 65 acres cleared and a good log
House and a small Bard upon it and a fiew young apple tress from there I
came down through Scarborough and by Milnies Saw Mill and
Degrassies Home.
I think it is not more than eight miles from here by that road
8 This morning I road to Toronto and after Church I accompayned Misses

Nancy Jane & Susan Bright to Patters field by way of the Collage Avinue

322
It is usefull and necessarey to visit the resting place of departed friends it

reminds us of our own frailty and that it will soon be our lot to follow
them
9 After mashing I went to Toronto and remained there all day when I came
home I road onto the Island to see the man at the Bridg who got a barrel of
Ale from us – The Lake is so high that it overfols the road leading to the
little don Bridg I found M George Read standing considering weather he
should ventuit and took a gallop accross the carreying place
10 This day I remained at home and it the morning I went down to the
meadow to layout a fence for two Black Men that are at work there
shifting the fence that divide the back pasture from the meadow
In the evening I was down again and took the gun with me and shot
twoplover one of them I did not get as he fell in the swamp
11 The forenoon I was busey getting the water to run in the steep pipes into
the garden and fixing the floor in the Spring House.
In the afternoon was fixing the fence at the lower side of the orchard and
assing the men to take out logs and stumps
12 Was busey planting pottatoes in the orchard all dya – This evening we
had a fine shower of rain which was much wanted
13 This morning I mashed and after getting the worts into the copper I road
up to the Saw mill to see about lumber
After dinner I went to the City and stid there till the evening
Finished planting pottatoes in the orchard to day
14 This morning I went with a Black man to show him where to put a fence
upon Playtors line and then returned and went to the City and remaned
there all day
Our little Daughter began to walk a little yesterday and to day she ran
about the floow verey smart –
Men planting corn on the hill sides above the Hosue to day weather verey
cold indeed

323
15 This morning I took a ride up to the Sinklears Mill dam and then down to
the bottom of the Meadow The remainder of the day I spent at the house
and walking about
We had to see us to day Master Charles and Misses Salley & Jane Bright
and James Worts and his sister M & Mrs Stegman and old Mrs Stegman
and Thomas so that all togeather we had a house full
The weather was verey fine and pleasant perticularl as yesterday was so
verey cold
16 Brewed this day had a fine showre in the afternoon intend to Brew again
this night Men plowing the Hops to day hav made no garden yet
THE JOURNAL OF WM. HELLIWELL

COMMENCED MAY 17TH, 1836
AND FINISHED 10TH OF SEPTEMBER 1837
17 This day I was about home making garden The weather was verey warm
18 This day I was in the city all day the weather fine commenced poleng hops
today
19 This day I was in the city and laying out hop ground before I went to
Town Men busy poleing hops Weather fine and pleasant.
Thru o’clock on the morning of the 21 Just come in to go to bed having

been up all night Brewing having brewd twice during yesterday and night
Yesterday we had several shours of rain Men poleng hops and plowg corn
ground over again
21 This forenoon I was ingaged about the Brewry and in the hop garden and
in the afternoon I was plowing on Smiths flats I do not think I ever plowd
so much in all my life put togeather I found I could manage it quite well
two Black men planting corn on Smith flats to day the rest in the hop
garden
Weather verey fine and growg warm and showry we have given up
Brewing for this Season Brewd the last time last night I am tired it is
rather sooner then we usually quit but we hav a large stock of Ale on hand
22 This morning made it appearance rather damp but cleared off so fart that I
went to Church however it began to rain during servis continued with little
intervals all day I borrowed a great coat and a real sowwester to protect
me from the rain it is now falling in torrants I did not get much wet After
writing the above I went to bed but was not got asleep when Mrs H said I

324
must get up and fetch the Doctor for she was going to be sick I fetched
Mrs Joseph and then took the horse and went for Doctor King who
accompayned me home and at half past five safeley delivered
23 Mrs H of a Daughter which I name Joshephine After Breakfast I took the

light wagon and fetched Miss Bright I then went down out of the flats and
plowd all day
24 This morning was wet and hot not withstanding I went to plowing and
finished the ground for the corn and after dinner I went down with the men
to plant corn and soon after Joseph came down with the oxen and wagon
to fetch up a young calf that was calfed yesterday on going over to when
she was he found the cow unable to stand We sent Gorgie for some warm
beer and ginger and also a pair of ___?__ but after bleeding and drenching
her she got no better We called the mend out of the feild and put her into
the waggon and brote her home and put her into the old granery and
covered her over but I am affraid She will die I can account for her illness
in no other way then She being exposed to the rain last night and having
caught cold
We planted the feild at the back of the Barn with hops to day It rained the
greater part of this day The hops are all poled
25 This morning I road to Toronto and remained there all day busey posting
books Roads are in a verey muddy State and the weather was damp -
___?___ Men planting pottatoes in the feild back of the barn NB The cow
was dead this morning
26 This day I was in the City and remained there all the day Weather verey
cold for this season of the year When I come home I was taking the colts
down to the pasture again as they hav been out a day or two It rained this
evening – finished planting the home feild to day and the men was
planting corn and pottatoes in Smiths flats Thomas concluded the bargain
of the Highland Creek property to day from the Government at one pund
per acre and five years to pay the purchas money roads are verey muddey
and bad
27 This day was one continued Showrs of rain at times it did not rain so fast
but it was never fair notwithstanding I was out the whole of the day
getting a drean accros the back yard to the Stable door to take the water
away to prevent it running down through the back yard and making a mud
hole or at least to indeavour to dry __?__ up the mud for at preasant it is
the muddyest hole I ever saw ____?___
We put the water through the logs into Josephs back kitchen and down the
old drean ____?___

325
The River is very high in consequence of the verey heavey rains latley
28 This day I was in Toronto and remained there all day The weather was
fine but the roads are in a verey muddy State Men busey finishing the
drain from the Stable the water was and high in the ___?___
29 This day I was at Home and spent a dull day only took a walk to the
bottom of the meadow it did not rain much
30 This morning I took the gun and went over the hill to playtors feild to see
if I could get a shot at Pigeons but did not see one
The colts broke out of the pasture and came up and we caught them and
road them down and found that they or the oxen had broken the fence
down in three places In the afternoon I went to Town found two trees
across the road at Playtors hill roads verey bad Raining ___?___ the
whole of the day
31 This day the weather was fine and the first for eight days was busey about
the garden Men imployd at the gardens
June 1836
1 This morning I took two Horses and went to Toronto go go with Thomas
to take posession of the Highland Creek this being the day on which
Cornell should give posess of the House and premises At the Highland
Creek we found Mr Small and Beaty road commissioners they went with
Thomas to examin the road on this side of the Rough and I went on to
Duffines Creek to see if I could get __?__ the mill right to come into the
Tavrn with me but he would not come
When I got back to Highland Creek I found Thomas waiting for me We

then took a walk to the south end of the lot and returnd to the creek at half
past six oclock when we set out for home
The distance I roade was fifty miles although my horse was verey laim
having sprained his leg a day or two since
2 Was planting pottatoes this forenoon in the afternoon I was repairing the
__?__ at the end of the granery This day Mrs got up and dressed herself
and took tea with us for the first time since her confinement __ Padfeild
called to see us for the first tim since our marriag Joseph traded George
horse away for a mare and we gave him the Grey horse
Weather was very fine Men tying up hops this afternoon

326
3 This day I went to Toronto and roade the new Mare and she __?__ very
well The weather was cloudey and very windey and sprinkled a little
several times during the day Finished planting pottatoes to day
4 This was the day that training usually takes place and __?__ all our men
was __?__ to attend and of coarse went in the City but there was no turn
out save the company of Artilerey that marched through the City I know
not what is the reason ___?___ Everey person appears to be occupied
electioneering as the Govenor his dissolved the House of Assembly and
issued new writs
I was in the city all day as Thomas was away electioning The weather
5 I went down to the pasture in the morning and returned and dressed myself
We had to see us today John Bright and wife and Misses Jane and
Caroline Mr & Mrs Stegman Weather was verey fine and pleasant
6 This day I was in the city to day weather was fine and pleasant
7 This day I was busey cleering out the race taking out the gravil from the
upper part of it In the evening Mr Peron came up to see me and left his
horse in pasture I accompayned him down to the pasture and showed him
the road over the creek and past the barn feild
8 This day I was in Toronto and returned home with the traces as I my horse
was laim and I left him to be doctord
Went swimming in the evg in the dam
Men employd cleening out race under the celler and tying up hops
The weather was very warm Indeed the warmest we have had this Season
9 This morning I took the light waggon and set out for Whitby to se Mr
___?___ and rent him the Highland Creek Tavern The weather was verey
warm and roads rough
There was a political meeting at the Babtist Meeting House in Morrison

was holding forth to the people about responsable Government and found
Mr Stone at the meeting got to Blacks at the Rough at eight o’clock when
I stopt for the night

327
10 Started early and came to the Highland Creek and left my horse and
walked down to the mouth of the creek Came to Toronto and remained
there till evening The weather to day was pleasant People working on the
road yesterday and to day
11 This day I was busey working on the roads end
The weather was shourey and warm at intervells
12 This morning I took the light waggon and Sarah Jane to her Grand
Mothers and to Church After Church I took dinner at Stegmans Brought
up Miss Nancey and Sarah Jane and came home at three o’clock
Went down the flats with Thos and Joseph and up the hill with Milburn
and Thomas
Weather was verey fine and pleasant
13 This day I took the light waggon brote up Mother In the evening I road
Peter to Degrassis Mill to speak for plank
14 This morning I was busey about the race at eleven o’clock I went to the
pine bush to see if I could get some small poles for rafter for a barn which
we are about building Was caught in a shour and was wet to the skin In the
afternoon I was busy making a drean along the road side at the end of the
Granery
In the evening fetched __?__ from the Barn at the top of the hill and put it
on the corn
Miss Bright was highly delighted with a mint pie
15 This morning I went out the rear of Playtors farm to see if I could get
Black Dan to hoe corn Saw Richard Playtor who said that they had drove
him away yesterday So I did not see him Came home and took the Peter
colt and road him to the City and stopt there all day The weather this
morning was cold and in the middle of the day some what warm
16 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to Toronto in the light waggon Heavey
shoures and during the day wet us a little coming home in the evening
planted cabbages this evning
17 This morning I went down to the meadow and brougt up the horses in
order to examin the bay colts foot as he has been laim for some days back
Was at home the greater part of the day planing for a barn _____

328
People hoeing pottatoes and ________
Ground very wet in consequence of the heavey showre we had last night
18 Working on the road Heavy shoures all most drounded with rain When I
came home found the river high and raising and as it still continued to rain
at dark I thought perhaps the cattle in the back field was not safe so I went
down to see I found them on the back side on high land near the elm trees
a greate deal of water running over the back meadow and swamp up to my
crotch as I waded through I thought they was quite safe and left them The
weather has been very bad for some time raining all most everey day
19 This day was one continued shour of rain river verey high washed away
some logs from the mouth of our little race and took away our spring tub
20 This morning I took Miss N Bright home in the light waggon Election for
the city commenced to day Commenced raining rainy at ten o’clock and
continued the whole of the day accompayned with a cold disagreeable east
wind this is certainly one of the severest storms I ever saw at this season
of the year
The river is still verey high considerable above the axal-tree of our water
wheel
21 This morning the river was verey high and I went with two of our people
and Joseph down to the Bridg to let off some flood wood that was lodged
against it – in going there I waded through water above the knees we
pulled out several logs that we thought would be of use as also a quantity
of boards and planks and floated off a greate quantity of flood wood I
walked down to the meadow and in doing so had to wade through water to
the crotch and above meadow nearly civered all over
In the afternoon I went to Toronto roads verey bad Election going on

Draper 45 votes before Small this evening Rained nearly the whole of the
day waters some inches lower than they were morning
22 This morning I went to the bush to see Pangman about getting out some
timber
When I came back I accompayned Joseph down to the flats to see if the
high water had done aney damage the River is now down to the banks
which are quite full
After dinner I went to the city to see how the Election was going on
Draper 82 ahead of Small when the Poll closed for the night a large

329
concoarse of people accompayned Draper to the British Coffee House I

think there were several hundred in the procession
The weather was some what better than it has been for some time back as
it did not rain this afternoon the roads are in a very muddy state
23 This morning I went down to the top of the meadow to see about the flood
Was busey about digging out a foundation for a barn at noon went to the
city – Found the Mr Small had given up the contest for the representative
of the City and Mr Draper was returned by a majority of 85 which would
hav been much grater if the poll had been cept open another day A
glorious tryumph for the Constitutionalists
This forenoon was wet and the afternoon cloudey but no rain Wind still
East
24 This morning I was busey with the men and then fetching up stone and
sand from the bridg We broke our old crotch drawing a large stone and we
cut another After dinner we put some large stones into the foundation of
the new barn and then I went up the Hill with the men to rais stones and
load them
Shourey again this afternoon and so cold that we are obliged to ceep a
good fire on in the House
25 This morning I was waleng large stones into the foundation of the wall
and then went up the hill to rais them out of the ground and remained there
till noon although it rained considerably
As the wet made the stone very bad to handle and the fresh erth that was in
the yard so soft that that the oxen stuck in it I did not draw aney in the
afternoon but set the men to draw sand and make mortar
It rained and misseled the whole of the day most extraordinary weather for
the month of June
26 This morning the weather was cloudey and drizzled a little
Towards noon it cleared away and after dinner I went with Charles and
another of Burnhams clerks to the plains to geather strawberreys when I
came home Thos came up and I road down the meadows with him and
across into Smiths flats I am in hops the weather is settled now and indeed
it is time for such another June I beleive was never witnessed in this
country
27 This morning I went with the man and ox team to Lewises Saw Mill for
fence boards had a good deal of trouble the roads being so verey bad in

330
the afternoon was about the primises – Men imployed in digging out
foundation for barn and drawing stone hoeing pottatoes
The weather was fine and warm
28 Was in Toronto all this day Weather fine in the morning but towards noon
it rained but cleared away again in the afternoon
29 This morning Joseph and me started for the Hustings by way of Oneals
and Milnes and came out onto Young St at Mercers found Young St
verey bad being much cut up and verey muddey
When we got to the Hustings Thorn was thirty four behind Gibson Joseph
and I gave our vots in favour of Thorn – I am afraid however he will not
get elected
The weather was verey warm and fair
30 This forenoon I was at home superintending the building up of the

foundation of the Barn In the afternoon I was in the City as Thomas sent
for me to go to the Humber to obtain voters for Thorn but when I got to
the city ___?___ Moore and Graham had gone and of coarse I had no
business to go
The weather was fine and warm In the evening we had a thunder storm
and lighned verey much although it not rain much
July 1836
1 This day I went in the City and remained there all day Greate and good
news – Bedwell and Perrey given up the contest
2 This forenoon I was assisting the men at the wall In the after noon I went
up the Don to ___?___ Mill to see about lumber
The weather was verey warm
3 This morning I took a ride round the meadow and when I came back I
took little Sarah Jane up the hill
The weather was verey warm
4 This morning I went with the Teamster for timber and then went to
Toronto and remd there all day

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5 This forenoon I was about the building at eleven o’clock I took the mare
and road over the plains to the town line – and then by the four mile tree to
John Bells and ___ to see if they had aney shingles neather of them was at
home
started four men mowing
6 This forenoon I was busey at the Barn putting the ____ together in the
afternoon I went with one of the men and oxen to fetch a log out of the
drift wood but was not able to draw it
I then came home and went to Town busey morning
7 This day I was busey [busy] about raising the new barn In the evening I
went down to the meadow and found the mowers Tipsey and discharged
one of them
8 This morning I walked round by the top of the hill and cornfeild to the
meadow came home and took Mrs H to her mothers and remained in the
city all day
9 This morning I went to Toronto and returned early it the afternoon I was
busy raising rafters on the new barn
Had a shoure of rain this afternoon
We had considerable hay fit to put into cock but it was caught in the rain
10 This morning I took Miss Jane Bright and Sarah Jane to Toronto and went
to Church
The weather was verey pleasant
11 I went to Degrassis saw mill this morning
The remainder of the day I was busey at the hay and got in eight loads We
had a verey fine day
12 Busey at the hay all this day verey fine and pleasant
13 This day i was in the city
Weather verey warm

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14 Busey in the hay feild and got in seven loads and several into the barn at
the top of the hill
15 Was in Toronto and visited a caravan of wild animals and after the
exhibition was over they took two Elephants down to the Bay and __?__
them to the end of the whorf
16 This day I was about the hay all day verey fine weather
The greater part of the men were a the top of the hill taking in the hay in
the barn field
17 This forenoon I remained in the house After dinner Mr __?__ came and I
went with him to see his horse in the flats In the evening I took a walk into
the medow accompaynd by Jane and Mrs Helliwell and ______
18 This day I was in the meadow all the time We finished the feild on this
side of the break water and three loads from below
The weather was verey fine and indeed I never saw a more favourable
19 In Toronto all day verey warm and Roads very dusty
20 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day
21 It rained all this forenoon Men ingagued in cleaning up in the Brewery
After dinner it being fair I set them to dig down to the old drain that
conveyed water to the well formerley and cut it off in order to prevent the
water following it and __?__ into the race when the gates are shut down as
it has been a constant trouble
We found the drain made with three larg logs we cut the top one and
stuffed hay down and then filled it up with gravil and after all it was not
quite tight
22 This morning I took Mr Parsons horse and went out to the bush to speak
for some timber befre I went to the city

333
In the evening brought up a cart I borrowd from George Stegman for the
purpose of useing it in excavating underneath the new barn
The weather was very fine and pleasant
23 This forenoon I was overlooking the men take the manure out of the yard
After dinner I went to the meadow with all the teams and men to fetch hay
and just when we got them all loaded it came on rain and prevented us
fetching aney more
Commenced excavating for the new stable at noon rained heavy towards
evening
24 Went to Toronto and took Jane Bright wit me in the light waggon
In the evening I went down to the meadow with Thomas
Weather was very fine
25 Busy in the back yard all day laying down logs to take the water off
26 Was in Toronto and road up to the blew Bell to see a person there for
money and after that I went to the Collage Arms to see a man about a malt
kiln
Weather was very fine
27 This morning I took the Bay horse and went out to Etobicoke to see about
William Price as he has sold his place and is in our dept
I got back to Toronto at one o’clock
28 Went in to the City and remained there all day Collecting money and
__?__
29 Rained all this forenoon verey fast was assisting to nail the boards onto the
Barn
In the afternoon was digging under the Barn

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30 Was in the City all day
Men imployd digging under the Barn breaking cinders for the Malt floor
hoeing corn and pottatos drawing wood and dung out of the yard
31 Took the horse and road down to the meadow After I went with Misses
Jane and Harriet Bright over the river and up the hill and as far as the
Gallows hill and got some ___?___
Soon after we came home Thomas came up and I went down to the
meadow with him
When we came home found Mr & Mrs Duggan Mr & Mrs Milburn and
two children took Tea
Weather was verey fine
August 1836
1 Went with the teams into the Black Creek for stones as Charles Thompson
told us on Saterdy we might hav what we wanted After dinner I went to
the city a greate turnout to see a Boat rais for a new Boat Men digging
drawing manure and stones and wood hoeing corn pottatoes and hops
___?__
2 I took Mrs Helliwell to Toronto to day and remained there till evening
Thomas was down to the Rough on the road busines commenced Jurney to
Brock
3 It rained this morning till about half past nine when it cleared away a little
And as I had promised to meet a person at the lot 14 in the first concession
of Brock yesterday but was prevented from going I was therefore axious to
get there as soon as possable I set out and went up the don past Milnes
through a corner of Scarborough and along the Town line of Markham to
the eight concession verey little of the hay cut along this rout called at
Armstrongs at Markham Village provided on by way of Stoffevill Stopt
there a little and got an umberela from Thos Shaw an old servant of our
left Stoffevil at half past five and entered the long wood that extends
betwen there and Uxbridg Mills fifteen miles and onley two inhabited
houses – rain falling in torrants got benighted and the night being so verey
dark that I could not see the horses head soon found trees across the road
and as it was not possable to find the road past them it was a serious
obsticle at lenth I succeed in forsing the horse over and had the same

335
difficulty again to _____ At lenth got into a clearing and came to a house
and call up the owner and told him I must stop all night put my horse into
the stable and found me a good feather bed which was a luxery I had not
expected to find here
Jurney to Brock
In the morning it appeard that I had turned my horse and gone the wrong
way which I could scarsely beleave but he assured me that was the right
way and on going I found that I had road my horse off the road and turned
him about and gone back – About an houres ride brote me to Uxbridg
Mills where I took breakfast the first I eat since I left home from there to
where I had to go is fifteen miles as at this season I could not go the most
direct rout on accont of a large impassable marsh I went through the north
part of Reach and for the whole fifteen miles ___ only four when I got to
the house I found the person there and he had been over the lot and found
it good land But the person who live on it had absented himself and his
Wife refused to let us enter the House alledging that we came to take
possessio and turn them out – Got back to Uxbridg Mills at half past four
and fed my horse and go a shoe put onto him by that time it was after five
I took the road to Newmarket which is twenty miles distant and 16 or 18

of them intirely forest without a single inhabitant – I pushed on with all
dispach being apprehensive of being benighted in the woods Nature reigns
in solitude here I saw a verey large Deer and two hares in passing This the
greatest wilderness I was ever in
I over took a man with two Horses riding on and leading the other when I
was about two thirds of the way through Got to New Market at half past
nine
5 This morning I went to the Red Mills to see Peter Robinsons Brewery took
Breakfast and dinner with Charles Scadding and started for home at half
past twelve got to Witmans tavern at dark and turned into the woods to
come through by Leys got off the road into the woods and wandered about
for an houre and I beleave should hav been there all nigh had not my
hollowing been herd and ansurd which directed me to find the road again
Got home at eleven o’clock with a better relish for its joys
6 Was in Toronto all this day Weather verey fine
7 This morning I went to Toronto in the light waggon and went to Church
Took dinner at Mrs Brights and came home immediately after
Mr & Mrs Stegman came up this afternoon

336
8 Was busey the greater part of this day trying to move the ox stable but as
the cils was completely rotten I found that it would be the ___ way to pul
it down and set it up again – had a heavy shoure this afternoon
9 Was imployd in pulling down and putting up again as we was not able to
move it bodiley the ox stable
10 Went to Toronto this morning and took Mrs Helliwell with me – was
verey busey – went to the Garrison – men employd in laying sils in the
new stable hawling stone sand and manure and digging diches in the
meadow and orchard
11 This day i remained at home over looking the men – digging out
foundation for kiln and laying sleepers in the stable diching in the orchard
underbrushing the hill side above the orchard
Weather was fair though it threatnd rain verey much
The weather this evening is verey cold
12 Over looking the works at home excavating underbrushing diching

plastering malt floor repairing celler floor – Weather fine and pleasant
13 This forenoon was at home In the after noon I went up the Don to ____
and from there to Toronto Put little Peter into the waggon for the first time
ran away down the hill and broke the ______ lose
14 This morning I took Peter and road down to the meadow and then up to
Leys to examin the place where I was lost for a short time the other
evening on my return from Brock In the afternoon Thos and Stegman
came up and I went with them down to the bottom of the meadow and
round by the corn and pottatoes
Weather was verey fine and cold for the season
15 Busey at the excavating weather verey fine and pleasant
16 The day I was in toronto and remained there all day verey fine day
17 I was at home all this day or at least till five o’clock when I went down to
Scarborough to John Thorns to see his cow stable as it might be of servis
to us in fitting up our stable I got home at nine o’clock

337
18 This morning I went to the city and remained there till three o’clock when
I came home It commenced raining about this time but did not rain much
Misses Nancy and Sally Bright and Mrs James Bright was up this day
19 This day I was at home and took the water wheel up and repaired the
_____ and mad some alterations in the gates and under pinned the corner
of the Brewery and cleaned the race of stones and gravel put some gravel
about the gates
Weather very fine
Commenced laying the lower malt floor with corse gravel and lime about
three inches thick Some of the gravel as large as hens eggs
20 Was in Toronto the whole of the day in the evening when I came home I
took Mother home in the light waggon
21 This morning was cloudy and threatned rain and at eight o’clock it
commenced and rained half an houre however it prevented us going to the
city for as we antisapated its continuing when it cleard up we was not
readey at eleven o’clock I took Peter and road out onto the plains round
Secords land and ____ the rear of John Playtors and to Mrs Brights place
and down the big ____ to Playtors hill home
In the evening I went down to the meadow and cornfeild with Mrs
Helliwell and children
The weather after the shoure was over was verey fine and pleasant
22 Was about the Brewery all the forenoon and in the after noon was cutting
and drawing into the old bed of the river at the top of the meadow small
button wood trees in order that they may retain the sand and sedement
when there is flood and thereby fill it up
23 Was bring about the building commenced walling one side today
24 Overseeing the building
25 This day I was at home in the morning I was with the Teamster assisting
to break the Peter colt and after that I went with the man to the bush to
show him where the pine wood is after that I was about the building

338
26 Was in Town all day took Mrs Helliwell
27 Was about home went to the Bush
28 This forenoon I went to look for out colts that get out of pasture on Fryday
last road all the forenoon without finding them But after I came home one
of the men that had been to Toronto reported that he saw them near
Scaddings Mill Sent these men after them who soon returned with them
29 This morning I had a good race after one of the horses that got away fromt
he man when taking him to water After that I went to the city and was
verey busey
30 This morning I was busey till eleven o’clock when I went to the city in
order to go to the Government house to obtain a governers certificate that
Clerk Gamble is a Notare Public could not as Governer is not at home
returned home immediately and prepared to commence Brewing
Tomorrow
Weather cold
31 This morning I commenced brewing again and got along tolerable well
The weather was not so cold as yesterday indeed this evening was much
warmer then in the morning
September 1836
1 Was busy all the day cutting and drawing logs and putting them across the
race in front of the old malthouse for the purpose of putting a hog pen
upon them over the race
2 Was in the city all this day Weather cold
3 Was at home seeing to the building of the new kilne
The weather was verey fine and pleasant in the evening it threatned rain
very cloudy
4 Went to Church this morng and took both children with us and I the
afternoon got the youngest Christned Marey Margaret Myself and Wife
and Mrs Stegman sponserd _____ was cloudy and threatned rain all day
and in the evening we had a shoure just sufficiant to lay the dust

339
5 Brewing and of coarse was at home till I got the worts out the coolers
when I took the horse to ride to the city but met Thos at the end of the road
and returned with him to Scaddings to see the people drawing logs
6 Was at home all this day Weather was verey cold indeed the ground was
covered with frost this morning
7 Brewing and in the evening mashed again and was up the greater part of
the night
9 Brewing this day in the forenoon went to Hollisters Mill for lumber
10 This day I went to the city and remained there all day It came on an
Easterley storm accompayned with rain at eleven o’clock and continued
all the remainder of the day
11 Was at Home all this day ____ and ____ the ____ I was walking down the
flats
12 This day I was Brewing and a hot day it was in the evening I mashed again
and of coarse was up all the night
13 This day I was in Toronto all day and was verey busey
14 This day I was in the city and remained there all day
15 This day was in Toronto and remained there all day was verey busey ____
Weather was very warm
16 Was brewing this morning but went to the city after mashing and remained
there all day and in the evening when I returned I mashed again and was
of coarse up all night
17 This day I was in the city and was verey busey all day in the evening I
went with the men down to the corn feild to look for Racoons but I did not
see any – The weather was verey warm
18 This morning we had a shoure of rain and after it was over I took Miss
Jane and Sarah Jane to Toronto and went to Church and after Church I
took Mrs Bright and children up to Potters feild
Weather was very warm

340
19 Went to Toronto and remained there all day in the evening it commenced
raining and fell as verey heavey shoure however I got home safe after the
rain was over
20 Went to Toronto and remained there the whol day
Weather verey fine and pleasant
21 This day I was in the city and remained there all day – The weather was
verey fine
22 Was in the city this day in the morning I went to the woods with the man
before I went to Toronto it drizzled rain the greater part of the day Thomas
not returned from Montreal where he went las Saterday wekk Men
imployd in underpining the old granery and drawing stone picking hops
brewing Drawing wood
23 This morning I went to the city and found that Thomas and his Daughter
had arived from Montreal – I remained there all day – The weather was
cloudey and at times sprinkld a little rain
24 Was at home all day seeing after the various works about the place the
weather was verey shourey and towords evening it began to blow and
blew a gale
25 This day I was walking about a greate deal on the top of the hill and round
the meadow The weather was windey and fine Charles and W____ and
Thomas was up this day
26 This morning I went down to the corn feild and took a load of Pumpkins
to the cattle in the meadow and brote another load home I then went up to
the top of the hill and spread out the clover and brote a load of stones
home After dinner went up again and pulled some large stones that were
blasted out of the hole with the oxen The weather was verey fine and
pleasant
27 Was busey and of coarse I was at home as Joseph was sick and unable to
be out of House
Had a house full of visiters up to day weather shourey and cold
28 This morning I went down to the corn feild with the boy for a load of corn
and from thence went up the hill into the barn feild and made hay till noon
in the afternoon I was putting a cock into the side of the copper for the
purpose of forming a communication between it and a tub that we placed
by the side of it to hold return worts when the copper is occupied with the

341
ale worts The weather was verey cold and at times threatned to rain and
shour
29 Brewing – In the evening I went to the city for a blister for Joseph as I sent
the Boy to Toronto twic and both times he returned without it The Doctor
came up to see Joseph as he ahs been ailing for a week past and not getting
better sent for him he said he has inflamation in the neck
This weather was fine this forenoon and we got considerable of cloves
readey for the Barn but when we got the Teams into the feild it began to
rain and prevented us
30 This morning I was called out of bed to go for the Doctor for Joseph I
went down and saw him and he really looked bad and was in greate pain
When I told the doctor how he was he said it was the effects of the blister I
went up into the city and told Mother and Thomas and then came home
and the Dr followed me and when he saw Joseph he pronounced him
better
It rained all this forenoon
In the evening I went to the wood with a Black man
October 1836
1 Brewing and in the evening I went to Toronto and up to the Garrison with
an account The weather was fair although cloudey In the evening it began
to rain
2 This morning I went to Toronto and called at the Doctors but did not find
him at home went up into town and took a walk with Thomas before
Church after Church I went and took dinner with Mother called on the
Doctor and came home Went down to the meadow with Thomas Weather
was verey windy
3 This morning I went to the city and went up to _____ foundrey to see
about getting some tiles cast I remained in the city till five o’clock when I
returned home It commenced raining this evening
4 Was brewing and seeing to the fixing the stable The rain fell in Torrants
the whole of last night and continued all day all about give when it off and
at presant (nine o’clock) it has the appearance of a windy night
5 This forenoon I went down to the meadow to see the men imployd in
putting down the drain after dinner took the horse and went up the Don to
Boyce Saw Mill to see if the plank was sawd and from thence round by

342
the town line and over the plain to see if the road was good as I intend to
fetch two loads from thence in a day or two
6 This day I was brewing and while the worts was a pumping up I went to
the city to see about buisness I returned immediatly In the afternoon I
was down the meadow geathering corn
This evening I got word that Thomas youngest child was dead it did not
rain to day and we got several loads of cloves into the barn
7 This morning I went to the city and took Mrs Helliwell with me when we
got there Thomas had bureyed his child I remained in the city all day
8 This day I was brewing and looking after the various operations of our
buisness In the afternoon I was up in the cloves feild raking hay one of the
teamsters let the horses run away and broke the Harness and injured the
waggon a little
9
10
11 In code except for end of Day 13
12
13 The weather was cloudey although it remained fair till dark when it began
to rain
We got all our pottatoes in this evening
14 Was Brewing during the time the men was ____ on I went up to Tailors
to see his Stable as we are about fixing ours
In the evening I went to Toronto and brought Mrs Helliwell home Was
husking corn this evening
15 this morning I went to Toronto and remained there all day posting Books
and keeping shop
Weather fine and cold
16 This morning made its appearance amid Torrants of rain which continued
till eleven o’clock

343
After it had ceased raining I went down into the meadows and took a walk
all round
thomas and Stegman came up this evening and stop a fiew minuets
17 Was brewing and remained at home all day In the evening was husking
corn ______
The weather was verey boysterious and snowed and froze hard this
evening
18 This day I was in Toronto and was busey all day posting Books The
weather was cold
19 Was Brewing and was up to Boyces Mill to see about lumber it was one
continued shoure of rain the whole of this day and the road are in
consequence getting rather bad
20 Was Brewing In Toronto the whole day and posting Books
the weather was verey cold indeed the ground this morning was covered
with snow
21 Was brewing finished the kiln wall to day verey cold weather had several
snow storms during the day
22 This day I went to Toronto and was up to the Garrison and several other
places at the upper end of Town The weather was verey fine although the
air was rather cold
23 This morning I went to Church and took Miss Jane and Sarah Jane to her
grandmothers and left them there and brought Miss Nancy Bright up
24 Was brewing in the evening I went to the city with the light waggon for
Thomas to go to Hamilton tomorrow but when I got there I found he was
detand by the Court as a witness on a tyral that is expected to come on
tomorrow So of coars he defered going till the next day
25 This morning I went to Boyces Mill with the team for lumber and went by
Monros had some difficulty in getting up the flats beyond Monros
particularly ingoing down a little hill whear we had to be the Horses off
the waggons and let them run down by themselves We brought 588 feet of
9 inch plank 91 feet of siding and 46 feet of Scantling The weather was
cold

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26 Brewing and looking after the different operations about the Brewery and
place When I got the worts onto the cooler I went to the city and Stopt till
Six o’clock The weather was cold
27 This day I was in the city for an hour or two in the middle of the day
In the evening was ingaged cutting tops off turnips The weather was verey
fine and pleasant although it froze very hard
28 Was Brewing and getting in turnips and laying down a floor in the new
Stable
The weather was not so cold as it has been for several days back
29 This day I was I the city and remained there all day The weather was cold
but fair and altogeather
30 This morning I road to Toronto and went to Church and after Church I
took dinner at Mothers and then came home earley
31 This morning I was brewing and after mashing I went up to the wood to
show the man the wood. In the afternoon I went to the city and up to Dews
furnice to see how he got on casting kiln plates Stop and saw him four
none of them good ones
November 1836
1 This morning I went to the city and remained there all the day The weather
was verey fine and pleasant although it froze very hard
2 this morning I took the light waggon down to the city for Thomas to take
to Hamilton and of coarse I had to remain in thecity all day and was verey
busey taking ing Barley
3 This day I was Brewing and after I got the worts out the coolers I went to
the city and when I returned I mashed gain and of coarse was up the
greater part of the night
5 Went to Toronto this morning for the purpose of accompaying George

Stegman to Pine Grove to witness him take posession of the place but
when I got to the city I found that he could not go till Monday as Mr
Smith would not go The weather was verey fine and pleasant

345
6 This morning Charles came up and wished me to take a ride with him up
the Don So I went with him and we went up as far as Boyces Mill and
came back by Scarborough and over the plains After dinner I went with
Mrs H and Miss Jane and the Maid and children to see how ____ was
getting on with the clearing land on the top of the hill The weather ws
remarkabl fine and pleasant
7 This morning I took the mare and accompayned Stegman to Pine Grove
We went by the Humber and arived there at about one o’clock (took
dinner at a Duch mans with whome Stegmans is aqquainted I was verey
much pleased with the appearance of the place we walked down the river
as far as Stegman thought his land extended and when we returned M
Smith went with us up the river to the north line and also took us to a
spring he called the cold spring where he has erected a little log house for
the purpose of keeping fresh meat in When we came back he locked the
door of the Mill and Gave three Sons and one or two others This
ceremoney being ore we came up to the Store and took a bite of bread and
cheese by this time it was dark however we mounted and joged along at a
good round trot and came by way of Young St and got to Stegmans at half
past nine o’clock where I took supper and then came home tired
8 This morning I was Brewing and went up the hill to measure wood while
the worts ran off the mash and after dinner I went to Toronto for the
purpose of giving Special Bail for John Nicholson but did not efficte it on
acont of the absance of the attorneys Parliment met to day and Choose S
McLean Speaker
9 This day I went to Toronto and went up to the Parliment House to hear the
Governor make his speach The House was very much crowded with
Beauty and fashion The Governor made a good speach
10 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day Weather was
verey fine and pleasant Mrs Joseph and Mr William went to Toronto in the
light waggon and I drove them home in the evening and tyed the mare
along side In the evening it commenced raining
11 Was Brewing and fixing the ox Stable along with men and in the evening
we got eleven head into it rained the whole of this day
12 This day I was verey busey assisting to make a rack and manger for the ox
stable
13 This day I was at home listless and tired on the afternoon I took a walk to
the bottom of the meadow the weather was fine

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14 This day I was in Toronto and remaid there all day
15 This day I was in the city and was up to the garrison in the evening The
weather was verey fine and pleasant
16 Was brewing adn working in the Stable putting up partitions the weather
was wet and shoured a little some of the day
The roads are verey muddey
17 This day I was in Toronto Took up an order from Mr Peron on Thomas for
two pounds some person having got posession of it by some means and
paid it to Peron Thomas remembers paying it before
18 This morning I mashed and after breakfast I went to Toronto and remained
there all day The last time the team came to the office the Teamster said
the horse was sick but I could see nothing rong as he started off very well
Just when i was getting out the Mare to come home the Teamster came up
on Ball and told me that the Horse had fallen down and was not able to
rais again I got a bottle of whiskey and ____ to give him and came on as
fast as I could but when I came up to the Horse at Pangman village the
horse was dead he having died soon after the Teamster left him as yet I
cannot assign any caus but if all is well we will open him tomorrow
19 This mornign I went man to skin the Horse and examin him he reported
that he could find nothing rong and so did Joseph who was with him I was
inguaged in putting up a ________ The weather was fin
20 This day I took Mrs Helliwell to Church The afternoon was wet
21 This morning set out for _______ Bay to see about Barley found roads
verey muddy arived at Mr Nashes at seven o’clock Mr Nash not at home
waited till he came he could not spare any barly invited me to stop all
night which I accepted willingly as I was tired and the roads verey bad
They hav a snug little Brewery with a water power attached Saw what I
consider an improvement and a great saving in wastage and time in
fermenting ale in open tubs insted of puncheons the usual way
22 Came to Potts to Breakfast called at Elliotts Mill good work doing there
commenced raining when at the rough and increased all the remainder of
the road great improvement between the Highland Creek and rough mack
Adamiging
got home at dark wet and wearey failed in the object of my jurney namely
get me barly

347
23 This day I was brewing and taking the heads out of five punchons to
ferment in to make a trial Mr Nashes princaple of clensing in open casks
The weather was disagreeable as it snowed and froze
24 This day I went to Toronto and remained there till evening feched 19
plates from the kiln from Nortons The ground hard frozen In the evening I
went over to Skinners to see Mrs Eastwood Snowed a little this evening
25 This morning was verey cold I was brewing to day Dyke came to plan
elevaters to rais Mall up the rolers
26 This day I was I the city roads hard frozen and som snow fell this day
27 This morning charles and John Eastwood came up the Don as far as the
Bridg on skates I walked down to the bottom of the meadow Mr & Mrs
Stegman and Miss Bright came up this evening They complained much of
the rough roads
I saw ____ as far as Playtors hill on his road home and I called at the
______ _______ and did my job
28 Was in Toronto and up to the Parliment House collecting money and took
about twenty pounds The roads are getting smooth They are quite hard
Don hard frozen people scating up on it Purpose going to Niagara
tomorrThis morning I mashed and then walked to Toronto for the purpose
of going over the Lake but found the Boat did not go till tomorrow
morning at ten o’clock
I came home with waggon
The weather was verey fine and thoughed] considerably in the middle of
the day
29 This morning I walked to Toronto and at ten o’clock I went on Board the
Trancit to cross the Lake had a verey rough passage arived at Niagara at
half past two o’clock was busey about the Town when I walked up to
McFarlins and stopt all night
December 1836
1 Came down to Niasgara early and called on several persons before ten
o’clock at which time the Boat started Verey cold and rough on the Lake
froze verey hard
2 brewing and braking colts

348
Weather verey cold
3 This morning I went to Toronto in the light waggon as Thomas wished to

go to the Rough to examin the road and he prefered going in the waggon
to riding on horse back
I was verey busey
4 This day I went to Toronto with Mrs Helliwell and went to Church Took
dinner at Miss Brights and after dinner I went up into the city to see
Mother but shee was not at home having gone to Church Met Thomas at
the corner and went into the House and sat an houer when he
accompayned me down to the Brights
The weather was mild
5 This Morning I went to the city and on my way there I went to Johnothan
Ashbridg to tell him to send in his report as path Master to the commission
as Joseph was requested to send him word – I remind in the city all day
and was up to the Garrison and called at the Parliment House on the way
It thoughed a little to day
6 Was Brewing – after the worts were on the coolers I went to the back end
of the lots to see if aney person was making _______ to the timber there
7 This morning I went to show the men where to cut a road through the
woods to the rear of the lots and to measure out two ten acre lots off the
front that we are clearing. In the first place I went through on the old road
that was made last winter but found it so crooked and wet that I desided on
making another on the line between No 12 and 13 which is also in a more
elegable place we took our departure from the cornor of Eastwoods
clearing and set up poles one past the other all the way through we ran a
verey streight line and came out at
_________ Surveying Dec 1836 the cornor planted by Gibson – We then

returned and took up a departure 10 chains from Eastwoods corner and at
right angles to the side line and measured 20 chains planting a stake at 10
chains and anothr at the end of the 20 chaines
8 This day I was in the city – hears by a letter that Mother received from
England that Aunt Susan Sutcliff Died on the 10 Sept. last

349

Was brewing and riding the colts when I had time I was once to the
bottom of the meadow and twice to the men cutting the road through the
woods – The weather was verey mild. In the evening it commenced
raining and rained hard
9 This day I was in the city and busey taking in Barley and taking bills out
The roads are getting muddey
10 This fornoon I was in the House and after dinner I walked to the woods
with Charles to see the new road
the weather was verey fine and pleasant
11 This morning I went to the city in the Light waggon and remained there all
day verey busey taking in Barley
12 Brewing – Snowed and sleated all day – thoughed and melted as fast as it
fell verey disagreeable day
13 This morning Stephen Secord came and I went with him to the rear of our
lots to examin the concession as he said our men was cutting wood on his
Land as he said the concession was on the west sid of the blased line and
not on the East as I thought it was – I beleave he is right.
I went on to the city and stop till evening – Some slays were moveing to
day although there is not more then two inches of snow
14 This day I was in the city and was verey busy – took in considerable
Barley. In the evening up to Blu Hill to see Dyke about the elevatrs was
not at home – Verey cold day.
15 Was Brewing Breaking colts and ______ The weather was verey fine but
it the evening it began to snow and at pressant is snowing and blowing
boysterously
16 This morning made it appearance with a deep snow but verey much drifted
in consequence of the strong wind last night. I road to the city this
morning and our slay went twice tolerabl good slaying.
17 This morning I went to Toronto in the cutter and went to Church and took
dinner at Mothers – came home early – the slaying is good saw some fieu
spots on the Kingston road where the snow blew off
18 Was in the city all the day – Took Mrs. helliwell in the cutter

350
19 Brewing and riding the colt ______ it rained the greater part of this day
and at preasant it is pouring down in torrants the team went to Spring feild
this day and luckey for if it had been defered till tomorrow it would not
hav been possable to go as the slaying is all done
20 This day I remained at home in consequence of Joseph going to Toronto I

was imployd in making a slay rack although at preasant there is no slaying
or but verey bad indeed – our team took the waggon The weather was the
coldest I hav seen this season
Strong winds and froze so verey hard – Such a change since last night and
it even continued till five oclock this morning
21 This day I was in the city and was busey. Weather verey cold roads a good
deal covered with ice and consequently verey slipperey
22 this day I was in Toronto weather mild although it snowd a little
23 Was in the city and verey busey all day The weather was verey fine an
24 And Christmas day made its appearance with a fresh snow on the ground
of about three inches deep – and raining – I sent the man to Mrs Brights
for their cutter (as Joseph was going to Toronto in ours) to take Mrs
Helliwell and children to her mothers to dinner – The rain continued
heavey and in consequence we had a wet ride of it
Mr & Mrs Stegman was there and all Mrs Brights family Stopt till seven
oclock – roads wet and slushy
25 This morning I went to Toronto expecting to do buisness but when I got

there I found all shops shut however I posted books for an houre and then
returned home stopping by the way at Mrs Brights where I took dinner
In the afternoon I took the Mare and cutter and gave my wife and
daughters a ride as far as the Second toll gate on the Kingston road We
met Mrs Stegman coming down the hill as we went up and she remained
till we retuned Thomas and George Stegman having came up earley in the
day They all took Tea and stopt till half past six
26 Was brewing and mashed at half past six oclock When the water was let
into the mash tub I found I had not water enough by five inches so that I
could not we the whole quantity of malt consequently the Brewing was not
so large as usual
The weather was verey cold indeed I think it froze harder then it has done
this season befor

351
27 This morning I went to the city in the day as Mrs Thos had the mare and
cutter away The weather was verey fine cloudy this evening
28 This morning I went to the city in the slay and remained there all the day
There was a little snow on the ground this morning (new snow I mean) but
it thoughed during the day and took it all off
29 Was brewing and fixing elevater for lifting and screening malt – lifting it
from the malt room up to the ____ and letting it run down out the granarey
floor through a screen to clean it We got it to go verey well Snowd
considerable this evening and it snowing at preasant (eleven o’clock)
30 This day I was in the city and busey all day Thomas having gone to Major
Wilmots to take his New Years dinner
I road the colt
The weather was verey fine and pleasant and slays was runing about in all
directions as the slaying is verey good ---
January 1837
1 This day made its appearance verey blustrey indeed so that I was at home
all day. it being so stormey that I dod not venter out – in the evening the
wind fell but still verey cold
2 this morning I went to the city with the team and made out bills for some
time as there was no buisness doing the shops being all shut – at twelve
o’clock Joseph came and I went with him in the cutter to John
Montgomereys to attend Town Meeting and nominated Colin Skinner for
our path master There was fourteen yoke of oxen sold by the Younge
Street road commissioners They sold well from fifty to sixty five dollars a
yoke at five months credit
The weather was most intence cold and accompayned by a strong wind
and a small spitting snow all togeather it was one of the most disagreeabl
days I ever was out in
This evening the weather is a little moderated and it is snowing

considerable
Slaying on Younge Street is verey good I never saw it better
3 this morning I mashed and after Breakfast I went to Toronto and remained
there all day verey busey writing out Bills it snowed the greater part of
this day

352
4 Was in Toronto all this day verey busey – Weather stormy Snowed all
day
5 This day I was in the city and verey busey taking out Bills Weather much
milder then it has been for some days
6 This morning I went to the city in the cutter went up to the garrison with
bills
The weather was verey fine and pleasant being quite warm
7 This day I was in the city and was verey busey indeed taking out bills The
weather was verey fine and pleasant – Slaying verey good
8 This morning I took Mrs Helliwel to Toronto in the cutter I left her at her
Mothers and went to Church after Church I took Mrs up to Mothers and
her Grandfathers and then a little way up Younge Street The weather was
verey fine and pleasant
9 This morning I went to the woods to look at some wood and give
directions to the teams before I went to the city was busey in the city all
day The weather was very fine indeed
10 Was brewing this morning and after mashing I took the bay horse in the
cutter to Toronto in order to let Mr Peron see him as he wished to
purchase him I took M Peron up as far as Crookshanks in the cutter to let
him see the horse travel. The City Elections took place this day and not a
single Radical was returned.
Snowed the greater part of this day
11 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to Toronto in the cutter and remained
there all day Weather was verey fine and pleasant This evening it is
snowing and has the appearance of being a considerable fall
12 This morning I went to Toronto and went up to the toll gate on Younge
Street to make inquirey about Barley when I came home I assisted George
to make a slay rack The weather was verey fine and the slaying still
remains verey good
13 This morning after mashing I went to the bush to see how the men was
getting on with drawing out wood after that I went to the city in the cutter
and Thomas came up in it accompayned by a mill wright

353
14 This morning I went wit the men and teams to the woods and remained
there all day assisting the men to load the slays The weather was verey
cold in the morning but after the sun got up it was quite warm I think we
got out about nine cord of wood
15 This morning I went to the city in the cutter and went down the flats and
ice and off at the Don Bridg It snowed a little this day the weather was
cold
16 Was in the city al day and till late in the evening – snowed some to day
17 Was brewing and after mashing I went to Toronto and remained there al
the day The weather was fine
18 This morning I went to the woods with the men to show two new men
where the wood was and where to draw it to Took leavel of river In the
afternoon George and me was traveling the fall in the river from the
bottom of the long _____ to our mill we took a long straight edg and put it
across to _____ an ajested it with a leavel and looked over the top and cut
a hole in the ice and put a pole to the bottom and took back sights front
sights The first sigh from the bottom of the long ____ to Bushleys trees
we found a fall of 1.8-1/2
Then from Bushleys tree to the mouth of the race 1.3
and from the mouth of the race to the maple log

across to race 11
and from the maple log to the sill of the old Mill 1.3
making in all five feet one and a

half inches from the bottom of the long ___ to our mill 5.1-1/2
(if we was right and I think we was) Where we brok the ice at the bottom
of the long ____ the water was to the hight of three feet whcih should be
deducted from the five feet inches leave only two feet one inch from the
surfice of the water where we started to till
19 This morning I took the slay down and Thomas came up and brote
Heather and his leavel up and they leaveled the river and said they made
it within one inch of what we made it but by his figures I could not see
that they made more then nineteen] inches

354
20 Was Brewing after mashing I went to the bush to see ___ and Pangman
about getting out timber but could not make aney bargan with them from
these I went to the city and remained there all day The weather was verey
fine and plessant
21 This morning I went to the woods to messure George ______ wood

counted 101 cords after dinner I and George traveled the river again
commencing at the same place but runing different rout as he came over
the flats and up the Hop ground this time we onley made three feet and
half and inch probably more correct then the first leavel we took
It snowed a good deal during last night and today and was cold
22 This morning was cold and a verey strong wind I remained at home all the
day and was in the house the whol day Thomas and Charles came up
indeed Charles came up and returned and fetched Thomas
23 This morning I was imployed cutting wood in the afternoon I was in the
woods assising the men to load and unload and repair slay and make
roads
24 Was brewing and in the forenoon was up to the woods and I the afternoon
after the worts was in the coolers I went to the city in the cutter and took
Miss Caroline home and brote Miss Jane back
It snowed the greater part of this day
25 this day I was very busey in the clearing all day – with three teams – The
weather was verey fine and warm in the middle of the day
26 this morning I went up to the woods and then went to the city and up to
the garrison and remained in the city all the day weather was verey
pleasant
27 This morning I mashed and after breakfast and while the worts was runing
down I roade one of the colts up to the clearing. When I got the worts onto
the coolers I went to Toronto
At dark when the cattle was putting up one of the cows was missing and as
I was apprenensive she was calfing I got the lanthorn and took George
with me and went down the meadow we found a fresh track across the
meadow and up the hill at the back of the old house we followd the trail
for some distance on the top of the hill till a bush threw some snow into
the lanthorn and put out the candle when of coarse we was under the
nessisity of returning which was inabled to do by folwing thru the brow of

355
the hill on the south side of the revine that terminates at the
________?______________
The weather was verey mild this forenoon and till about four oclock when
it began to snow and at pressant half past nine it is snowing fast
28 This morning George went and found the cow an calf and brote her home
We traveled the river again this forenoon and came up all the way on the
placing our leavel and station staff both on the ice this time we made 6
feet two inches and a half and I hav everey reason to think we were correct
as we was verey perticular in ajusting the leavel and taking the sight it
gives The same amount of fall from the bottom of the river where we
started from the cill at the mill and from the surfice of the water where we
started and the surfice at the mill the same depth of water being at both
places In the afternoon I was up in the chopping assisting and
superintending the taking wood out Fine day – weather pleasant Snow
verey deep in the woods
29 This morning I went to Toronto and to Church took dinner at Mothers and
called at Stegmans waited at Mrs Brights till Thomas came back he
having taken my horse and cutter
The weather was verey warm and thoughed verey fast
30 This day I was in Toronto went in the cutter the weather was mild and
thoughed rained a little the January although has come although late in
the month
31 This morning I went to the city early as Thomas wished to leave the office
early and go up the Humber with Milburn The weather was thouing and
took of the snow verey fast
February 1837
1 this morning I took Mrs Helliwell and the two children to the Doctor to let
him see the children has they hav had a breaking out on them for some
time and not getting aney better we was affraid it might be the small pox
The Dr said it was a humous in the Blood
It is freezing again this evening
2 This morning I road to Toronto or rather to the Blacksmith Shop for there
I left my Horse and walked into the city – remained there all day Sold the
Horse I bought from Mrs Bright to Hensey Watson for 25 pounds and
took his not for it one moity payable in six months and the remainder in
nine months with interest

356
It was a verey cold day indeed
3 This morning I mashed and after breakfast I went to Toronto and remained
there till after dark Thomas having taken my horse and gone to the
Highland Creek and did not return till that time I brote Mrs Bright home
from Stegmans with me
was verey fine and pleasant
5 Went to the city in the cutter and after dinner brought Miss Sarah and
Charles Bright up Mr and Mrs Stegman came up and stopt till the evening
When I took Miss Bright home we came up the ice and saw a fox at
Scaddings Creek and as we went back there was two of them on the river
at Playtors ford
The weather was verey mild and pleasant
6 I was about home all the forenoon putting up a small still for the purpose
of stilling our old ale In the afternoon I was up in the woods and out onto
the plains to see about the square timber Pangman is getting out for us
After Ten we ran one still of old Portor
7 This morning I went with the Teamster to the plains for timber and to
show the man where it is when I came back I went to Toronto and
remained there all the day
The weather was rather wet particularly the after part and in the evening it
began snowing
8 Went to the city in the cutter and Thomas went up Younge Street and did
not return so that I came home on the Team I Bailed William ogden for
his appearance at Court for passing forged notes
9 this morning I went to Toronto with the Team and remained there till the
afternoon when Joseph came and we took the Mare and cutter and went up
the Humber to see Gambles and fishers Mills We saw no person at
Gambles to show or explain aney thing Saw two fine Water wheel
axeltrees Was much pleased with Fishers Mill Good work is doing there
But a greate deal finer then I think nessary
10 Was brewing in the morning and after breakfast I went to the city and
remained there all day when I came home I went out to the pine woods to
see Pangman about getting out timber for Mill but did not agree on the
price

357
11 This morning agreeable to appointment I took Mrs Helliwell down to Mrs

Brights and Mr Stegman having come and put Mr Brights horse into the
cutter and taken Mr Brights in with him we set out for his place at Pine
Grove Slaying good arived there at four oclock found Mrs Stegman all in
a confution the House not cleaned and the furniture all in a heap
We all set to in good earnest and soon got things put to right went to bed
at half past one
12 Stopt at Stegmans till three o’clock then came home where we arived at
six having stopt to Tea at Mrs Brights
13 Remarkable cold morning however I went to the city and stopt there all
day
14 Was brewing after mashing I went up the hill to see how the choppers are
getting on after dinner I went up into the chopping again with the team to
assist and show him where to get some logs to take to Toronto for the
purpose of making the wharf to lay across the pears to lay the stone on In
the evening I went in the cutter and fetched Miss Jane from her Mothers
The weather was verey cold this morning the thermometer standing 10
degrees below zero but it moderated after the sun got up and this evening
it is quite mild and I think will snow or rain before morning
15 This morning I went to the city in the cutter and Thomas came up for the
purpose of purchasing stone from Mr Sinclair for the mill and Josephs
House and also to make some arangment about his sawmill for sawing our
heavy joists
It rained the whole of the day and took off the snow that fell last night
which was about four inches but verey soft Sinclair agreed to let Th hav
the stone all on his place at his own price it is still rainy nine oclock but I
think it will freez before morning
16 This morning I went to the pine woods to get Pangman to get out our Mill
timber he was not at home I left word with his wife I then went to Toronto
and from there to George Cooper on the humber plains to get him to
accept an order we hav on him given by James Mursey for fiv pounds he
would not accept it from thence I went on to the crossing to _____ _____
for money got onley one pound ten shillings Came back and remained in
the city till evening
The weather was cold and in the evening it began to blow and snowed and
turned out one of the storemeyest nights I ever saw

358
17 This morning when I got after to mash the first step out of the door was up
to the knees and so everey step to the brewry I never sa so much sno on
the ground before and it continued stormey all day so that the teams did
not stro out to the woods at all The team went to the city once – It froze
verey hard all day as hard as it has done aney day this winter
18 This morning I went to Toronto and from thence up to Fishers Mill at the
Humber to see ______ about the money he is owing us and which was due
on the first day of January The roads were scarsely broke and as the wind
was high the sno drifted about verey much
19 This morning I went to Church and dined at Mothers and came immediatly
home for the purpose of driving Mrs Helliwell out but as it began to snow
she would not go Miss Sally and James Worts came up soon after The
weather was mild and I think a though is at hand
20 This morning I road out to the pine woods to see if Iram Pangman had
began heighing the timber found snow verey deep and roads scarsely aney
broken Pangman not at home went round by Smalls to Toronto where I
remained all day Thoughed all the day and in the afternoon it began to
rain and continued for an hour or two when it began snowing and at
presant is continueing to do so
21 Was brewing and went to the city
22 This morning I went with the men and oxen to the woods for Mill timber
found the snow so deep and such a crust upon it that we was obliged to
drive the oxen back and forwards with the empty slay to break the road
several times before taking the stik on it was 17- ½ x 17.55 feet long With
breaking chains and sticking fast we was all day and till after dark getting
one stick to the top of the hill
23 This morning was verey stormy but notwithstanding we went to the woods
for another stick of timber and with a good dele of trouble se got it out
although the storm increased and long before we got out of the woods we
was wet to the skin it continued the whole of the day and fell about a foot
of fresh snow
24 This morning I was brewing after Breakfast I took the mare and road
[rode] out to the woods to see if there was aney timber readey to draw
The woods was loaded with snow and everey shrub and bush bent to the
ground with weight of snow bent compleatly over the road I was under the
nessisity of carreying a pole to strike the trees with to shake off the snow
before I could pass I found there was no timber readey

359
In the afternoon I went to the city and took Mrs Helliwell with me The
weather was very fine and pleasant and thoughed considerable
25 Was drawing timber all day and got on verey well in the forenoon but
verey badly in the afternoon only got three sticks part of the way Jaded
and fatiiged the oxen till they would not exert them at all
26 This morning went to Toronto and Church Took dinner at Mr Brights

took out Miss Jane in the Cutter The weather was mild in the forenoon but
in the afternoon it was cold
27 this morning I starte d verey early and Thomas having got his breakfast
we set out for Silver Creek in Caledon we had been informed that the
center road was the most direct rout so we pushed on up there till twelve
oclock and frequently inquiring for Silver Creek and finding no person
able to give us aney inteligance where it was we resolvd to go to
Churchvill Caleld on Messrs Dyson took dinner there and visited Mr.
______ grist mill. Think it is rather a complicated one prevailed on Mr
dyson to put his horse alongsid ours in his double slay and acomp us Set
out from there at three drove very hard road was getting worse and worse
snow deeper and deeper some verey fine farms in the Township of
Chinguscousy which we passed through the last three or four miles was
through a tamrock and cedar swam drearly enough arived at the widow
Murpheys at dark a welcome haven allmost perished with cold Some hot
tea and a roaring fire soon made us feel comfortable In the small house
there was seventeen persons Men women and children that the floor was
litteraly covered when we went to sleep I passed rather an uncomfortable
night
28 Went to the mill but was disapointed in not finding the new mill up as we
expected the timber covered up in the snow so that we could not form any
opinion of his work however he must be a person of good courage to
undertake to Bild a mill then and alone for there was no person with him
We came back to Wolfs to Chinguocusy to Breakfast and came home by
way of Streetsvill and Spring feild visited Streets and Bateys new mills
and arived at home at ten oclock verey cold night
March 1837
1 this day I was assisting the men to draw timber and got on very well The
weather was verey fine and pleasant
2 This day I was in the bush drawing timber off The weather was fine and
we had good luck as we got out six sticks

360
3 This morning I went with the teamsters for timber and we got out foru
sticks all there was hewed In the afternoon I went to the city and took Mrs
Helliwell Stopt there till after dark The weather was verey and pleasant
4 This morning was verey cold the thermometer standing at 16 degrees

below zero
About nine oclock I went with the men out to the woods for timber and we
drew four sticks all there was finished met some choppers in the hill and
went back to the chopping and measured their wood After the sun got up
the weather was warmer not withstanding it froz hard all day in the shade
5 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to Toronto and we went to Church took
dinner at Mrs Brights and after dinner took Miss Nancy out in the slay as
far as the Gallows Hill
Thoughed a verey little to day
6 This morning was verey stormey notwithstanding I went to Toronto

however it cleared away and was fine till towards evening when it began
to rain a little I think a though is at hand
7 Brewing this morning and after mashing went to Toronto in the slay and
remaned there all day brote up Miss Sarah Bright in the evening Shovled
the snow off the Brewery roff after dark for fear of its breaking inn it did
break the cow stable roof down
Thoughed all day
8 This morning the rain was falling in torrants and for an houre or two I was
busely inguaged in cutting Channels for the water at the back of the
premises at nine o’clock I went to Toronto in the cutter and took Miss
Sarah Bright home in the afternoon it cleared away and Thomas and his
wife set out for Pine Grove and consequently I came home in the team
9 Was in Toronto all day went in with the Team in the morning and came
back in the evening in the cutter
10 This morning I was brewing and after breakfast I took Mrs Helliwell to
Mothers where She remained all day The weather was fine and
consequently thoughed considerable Slaying in the main road is geting
rather the worse of wear
11 Was in Toronto and remained there all day till evening The weather was
coole and did not though much The water in the river is much lower then
it was yesterday all subsided under the ice

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12 Went to Toronto in the Slay and went to Church took dinner at Mrs
Brights and went to Church again in the afternoon after Church I
accompayned Miss Jane and Hariet up to old Mrs Brights
The weather was verey cloudy and threatned rain but it only sprinkled a
little
13 this morning was wet but notwithstanding I went to Toronto after I got
there it poured down in Toronto about four o’clock it cleard up as yet the
water has not risen aney but before morning I think it will
14 This morning I was brewing and went to Toronto after mashing took Mrs
Helliwell with me to spend the day with ___ The hill was one continued
sheet of ice in consequence of the though yesterday and the hard frost last
night
15 This morning I went up to the chopping accompayned by Joseph and

chained across the end of the lot to see weather we had cleared up to
Thomas line found we had cleared a chain to far
After I came home we went down below the Bridg to see if we could let
off aney of the back water that was preventing the mill working verey well
I was at home all the afternoon The weather was cold
16 Was Brewing and remaned at home all day and prepard for brewing again
at night which we did I was therefor up till four o’clock on this
17 After break I went to Toronto and as Thomas wanted the cutter to do down
into Whitby and I did not take it down I returned for it The ____ colt
followed me all the way to Toronto which was verey kind as it is abled
me to ride him home. This was Sant Pattericks day and the freinds of Sant
Patterick had a publick procession through the city with appropriate
banners
Thoughed verey much to day
18 Went to Toronto with the team and remained there till the evening when
Thomas came home with cutter and I came home in it We had all sorts of
weather in the morning it raind and in the forenoon the sun shone bright
and warm and then became overcast and snowed and towards evening it
froze hard
The ice on the river is getting rotten as one or two teams got into it
yesterday Still I saw them drawing logs in the bay to day

362
19 This morning Mrs and I went to the city in the light waggon the snow
being all off the roads In the evening Mr & Mrs Stegman came up with us
and staid all night
20 this morning I was surprised to find the ground covered with a fresh snow
took Mr & Mrs Stegman down in the cutter I remained in city all day and
came up the ice from the bridg to Scaddings and it appeared to be quite
strong
The weather this evening is cold
21 This morning I went to Toronto and from thence up to Collards on the

Humber plains to see if I could get aney money from him (but did not)
It rained and snowed and froze and thoughed at intervels
Lady Head arived her last evening from England
22 This morning was stormey – snowing and freezing notwithstanding I went

to the city and remained there till about four o’clock when I came home –
having a verey bad cold
It still continued to snow and storm verey much
23 This morning I was brewing and stopt at home all day Indeed I was so
unwell in the afternoon that I went to bed at dark I got up and bathed my
feet and took a dose of hot meadson – Joseph brewed again during the
night
24 This morning I was much better and brewed again which makes three
times in two days a thing which was never done in our Brewry before
This was good Frydy
25 This morning after compounding the worts I took the horse and was out to
the woods to see about timber
When I returned I measured the small timber that we got from Hiram
Pangman
The weather during the forepart of the day was cloudy but the sun shone
out a little during the afternoon
26 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to Toronto and being to earley for
Church we took a walk up the street as far as Young Street and returned to
Church took dinner at Mrs Brights and came home at four o’clock

363
28 Went to the city earley this morning and remained there all day
Assizes commenced this morning and I spent some of the afternoon in

looking up witnesses to be prepared for the case between the Estate of
Bright and Hall respecting the title to the lot on George Street and front
Street
The weather was mild and fine during the forenoon but in the afternoon it
was cold and snowed considerabl
The roads are getting muddy The water was so high that it was with
difficulty we could pump today it being over the axel tree
29 This morning I went to Toronto and remained there all day busey
attending court and looking after our own busness
The back water was so high in our tail race that we could not ____ tody
30 Was in the city all day in the morning before I went to Toronto I went to
the bush with _____ and measured his wood 53-3/4 cords
The weather was verey fine rather cold
31 Was in Toronto all this day took the light waggon in for Thomas to go up
Younge Street and soon after he set off it commenced raining and
continued all day when I came home I mashed and was up attending
Brewing till three o’clock it did not rain aney after dark
April 1837
1 This morning I went to Toronto having two or three cases in court of

Request – got our judgment and two or three begged off and promised to
pay soon came home early and pitched the worts and wrote a letter to John
Helliwell
The weather was cold to day
2 Went to Church and took Mrs Helliwell in the light waggon and found the
roads verey muddy The weather in the morning was bright and promised
to be fine but became cloudy and when we came out of Church it snowed

364
3 this morning I was brewing after mashing I went to the city and remained
there all day – Had a fluirey of snow in the morning
4 Was in the city all day – and Brewed when I came home at night
5 This morning I went to the city early in order to collect the witnesses
together and take them to Baldwins office the he might hav an opertunity
of questioning them and asserting what they could substantiate Stegman
tooke one wits and William Bright another and Myself another and met at
the offic with each a party of witnesses – Mr Baldwin having a case in
court was obliged to leave and of coarse we and our witnesses had to write
till he returned
The witnesses he examined was
1 Mrs Byrnes
2 William Wiggins
3 Walter young
4 John McMannes
5 John Kerr
The above named five person prooved the posession
6 Peter Pilkey
7 Isaac Collumbus
8 William Myers
These last named three persons proved byond doubt that the hair of Bele
was of age when he conveye ] us the property
9 Peter Tibedo was also examined both as to the age of the Boy and
to the posession and I think gave a clear and distinct evdance so
far every thing appears in our favour but Law is an uncertain
lybrinth of vexation and trouble
The weather was beautiful and warm
6 this morning I went to the city and remained there all day the weather was
verey fine and pleasant The ice is broken up and floated down from
oposite the upper end of the Hop garden
April 7 Death of Thomas Woodly
7 this morning I went to Toronto soon after I got into the city I hear that
Thomas Woodley our old Malster was burned to death he was in our
office yester afternoon for an hour or two it appears that he stopt all night

365
in a beer house on Young Street and slept on the floor and during the night
the women of the House was woke up with smoake and when she looked
up he was standing on the floor envelopt in flames – they took him to the
Hospitall but he died in a verey fiew minuets after he was left
After dinner I went to see him and such a spectacle I never saw – his skin
was burned off
Such is the uncertainty of Human Life we know not the moment we may
be called off – the hand that guides this pen may ear another day be stiff
and cold
there was a strong wind from the east all day and at three or four o’clock it
came on rain and at preasant (allmost ten) it is coming down in torrents
8 Was in the city and at four o’clock I went up to the Hospitall and
accompayned the funeral of pore Thomas Woodley to Potters field where
I saw him laid in his last bed from thence I went to ____ and took an
inventory of his goods there all their was not worth three pounds save the
twenty three pounds in money
9 I was surprised this morning to see the water over the Hop Ground and a
large jam of ice from the Bridg to the break water – went down to the
Brewry and found the water over the wash House floor after Breakfast
took the mare and went down to let off a jam at the top _____ ______
George went over on the ice and worked a long time in indeavouring to
loosen it without effect untill we went and loosened two or three large
cakes that was above and they started the whole drift George had wade
over the flats below the bridg and also across the Hop Ground – Joseph
and I then went to dam and saw a verey long jam there and the water
running across the oate feild I had only got home and set down to dinner
when the Gir came in and told me the ice was coming down and on
looking I saw that the jam from the dam was coming down – I fulley
expected to see it t4ake the Bridg away but it did not move the ice there
but forsed large masses of ice and logs over the Hop Ground Sweeping
fences away – At this time it was about a foot deep in the cellur
the water gradually settled till after Tea when I went down over the jamed
ice at the Bridg and found one of the bents drove out and the timbers of
the Bridg resting on the ice
The weather was verey cold and windey – which was a good thing as it
therefore checked the water
10 This morning I roas early and went up tot he top of the hill in the Born
feild to reconitor saw the flats all covered with water after breakfast took

366
all the hands and went down to the bridge and found the bent on the East
side drove out from under the Bridg
Secured Bridg
and the beams resting on the ice We pulled down the Rig posts and braces
and took all the planks and then took a pece of timber and lashed fast to
two trees one on each
let off jam
side the Bridg– then took a leaver and raised beams one by one clear of
the ice and lashed them fast to that peice of timber Then set the ice loose
and such another jam I never saw I thought for some time it would take
the Bridg after all It was really a grand sight to see it all moveing at once
It stopt again at the top of the meadow but after dinner the men went down
and cleard
River clear of ice
it away and now I beleave there is not aney ice on the river from hence to
the mouth
I went to Toronto in the afternoon
Weather fine
The weather was very fine and pleasant indeed it was the finest day we
hav had yet this spring – drid up the roads verey much indeed
11 Tryal expected
This morning I went with old Lawder to see Mrs Brights farm and from
thence to the city where I was in hourely expectation of the tryal coming
on however it did not as a criminal case occupyed the whole day
the weather was most beautiful and fine and the roads dryed up
considerable
N.B. In the morning before I went to the city I went down the meadow
12 Tryall
This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to the city
the tryal between Hall and Stegman and Bright on the first thing this
morning and for an houre I was busey collecting witnesses

367
I was therefore out of court when the case began – after I came into the
court there was examind in behalf of Hall
Witnesses for Hall
Pe________
Caleb Humphry
Mrs Jordons evidenc was read it having been taken by commison
John R________
______ Ruledo
Witnesses for Stegman and Bright
Then for the defence
Peter Tibedo
Peter Pelkey
William _____
Isaac Collumbus
Gave contradictry evidence
The witnesses gave contractry evidance Miars Pelkey and Columbus all
swearing that the child was born in 1805 and Mrs Jordon and Humphrey
swearing he was not born till 1808 However the Deed to young Belcore
was dated 1809 and then discribed him to be a minor of three years old
Mr Draper made a long and able address to the Jury in favour of
Defendants and Hagerman made one in behalf of Plaintiff The Chief
Justice in charging the Jury commented on all the evedance dwelling on
all the strong points on both sides
Verdict
the Jury retired for a fiew minuets and returnd a verdict for Defendants
Thus setting the question (I hope) at rest
the weather was verey fine and pleasant indeed I never saw a day more so
and dryed up the roads beautifull
13 This morning I went to Toronto to assist Stegman in this Tryal against

Hall for purchasing disputed to titles – after getting all the witnesses
togeather Hall made a proposition that if Stegman would withdraw the
Suite he would release all right and title to the disputed land which
Stegman excepted and finally set the question at rest

368
The weather was verey fine all the forenoon but on the afternoon we had
quite a showre But it cleared awy again and was a very fine evaning
14 This day I was busey taking out stump in the orchard but did get out once
then twice although I had five men with me all the afternoon
the weather was cloudey and raind a little
15 This morning I went tot he bush to measure Mr Bains wood before

Breakfast and measure 287 cords – after breakfast I went to the city and
remained there all dy
The weather was cloudy and raind some little during the day
16 this morning I took Mr Helliwell to Toronto and we went to Church took

dinner at Mrs Brights
The weather was cloudy and threatned rain and indeed did rain a little
Cold weather this Evening
17 This Morning I was brewg and after I had mashed I took the gun and went
down to the meadow and saw a good number of Ducks but could not get a
shot at aney of them
Returned to Breakfast and then went to the city and remained there all day
The weather was verey fine although rather cold
18 This morning I went to the city after breakfast and remaind there the
whole day
The weather was verey fine but cold
19 This morning I went to the city in the light waggon and Thomas took it
down to the Highland Creek
The weather was remarkable cold this day although it was otherwise verey
fine
The people was plowing in the orchard yesterday and today and if the
weather holds fair for two or three day s longer we will plant it with
potattos
20 Was brewing and repairing the Bridg that was damaged with the flood at
the breaking up of the ice had a good deal of trouble in gettin g the bent
und the string pieces

369
The weather was verey fine and pleasant finished plowing in the orchard
21 This morning I went to the city and remained there all the day
The weather was verey cold and disagreeable
22 This day I was in Toronto went in the light waggon and Thomas went to
the country to see oxen Greate number of oxen deying with rotten foot
through the country The weather was verey cold the People was planting
potattoes this day in the orchard they ware planted in drills and manure put
under them
23 Went to Church and took Mrs H went a walking before Church and met
Miss Jones sweetheart – Anthony Blackford in the street
24 Went to the city and witnesses the procession of the Saint Georges
Society and the two Sister Societies of Sant Andrews and Sant Pattercks
they met at the Town Hall and the Ladies of Toronto presented the Society
with two banners through the hands of Lady Wells from thence they went
to the Government House and returnd to Church and after Church dined at
the Ontario House
The weather still remains cold and unpleasant’
25 This forenoon I was busey making a flouer garden in the front of the
House and after dinner I went to the city and remained ther all
Sowed Barly
the remainder of the day The weather was some what warmer then it has
been latly The People sowed Barly in the feild at the back of the Barn
26 This forenoon I was laying up rails and in the after noon Burning brush on
the hill side above the orchard and also burnt up some of the board fence.
27 Was in the city all the day
28 Was logging and picking up the brands and on the hill side above the
orchard a verey disagreeable job
Weather warm
29 This morning I took the light waggon and Thomas came up to the Brewry
Joseph and Thomas set fire to the some chips and brush on the hilside

370
above the meadow and it got into the woods and when I came home all the
hilside and to good distance on the top was all in flame the men was all
down and I followd as soon as I changed my clothes and in order to
perserve the fence we was under the nescisity of fireing the wood from
the House in the meadow to where the fence in some places it kindled so
fast and rand so quick that we was obliged to pull the fence down and will
all our exertions several pannel of fence was burned – We was busely
ocupied till twelve o’clock I hav no doubt but all the fence on the back of
the meadow would hav been burned if we had not taken the precaution we
did – it fortunately raind towards morning and extngnd the fire or there is
no telling when it would hav run to or what damage it would hav done
perhaps burned up Prices Saw Mill
30
This morning it was raining and I did not go out of the House till after
dinner when I went down to Josephs for a fiew minuets and after Tea I
took a walk down to the meadow – It continued raining the greater part of
the day
May 1837
1 This day I was busey assisting and superintending the picking up of the
brands and old logs and brush on the hill side above the orchard and laying
up the fence at the back of the orchard which was pulled down when the
brush heaps was burned
the weather was verey cold indeed there was a hard frost this morning
2 This morning I went down to the meadow to set the men at work moving
fence I then came home and went to Toronto where I remained all evening
The weather was verey cold and disagreeable and during the day it hailed
and rained considerabl
3 This morning I went to the city in the light waggon and remained there all
day was up to the Garrison in the evening
the weather was fine though rather chilley
4 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to Toronto and remained there all day
The weather was verey cold this evening remarkable weather for the
Season
5 This morning I went to the city in the light waggon and remained there all
day Had a verey severe thunder storm of Hail and rain at ten oclock and
again at one I never saw so large a Hail in all my life they was as large as
muskit balls

371
In the evening when I was coming home a heavy showr of rain coming on
I was wet verey much
6 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day was tolerable
busey getting ale out of the celler and making out accounts for the head of
the Lake which rout I intend to start on monday if all is well
The weather in the forepart of the day was showrey and wet and in the
after noon was fine but cold and unpleasant
7 This morning I took the hors and roade up the hill to examin the wood as I
heard some of it was stolen last night I found that some person or persons
had taken part of a cord Went on to Milnes Mill to see Miln about some
plank he having promised to fetch it yesterday and did not - Promised to
fetch it tomorrow without fail
came home to dinner and after dining put the saddle onto the mare for
Miss Jane Bright to ride down the meadow
Took a walk accompayned by Mrs Helliwell and daughter to the meadow
The weather was verey fine but quite a cold wind Grass is beggingn to
spring a little in the flats
8 This morning I set cut for Wellington Square on a collecting tour called at
Port Credit Oakville and arived at my destination at sun down
9 This morning was verey wet and I did not start till ten oclock – came
down the front road as far as Bronty when I came up to Dundas St and
called at the Sixteen and Springfeild where then there was a verey heavey
shour of rain main it bad traveling – Arived at home at eight o’clock
10 This being fair day I went to Toronto and Foreman took our Bull and
heifer to show for the _____ The Bull took the third but the Heifer did not
obtain aney
11 This morning I went to the Highland Creek to see how the Mill Wright
and the men and oxen are getting on doing well will soon hav the frame
ready to rais heard that there was to be a sale of oxen at the Rough at
eleven – went down but found I had been rong informed as there was no
sale – I went to the bush with the men for a load of timber I stopt there till
past five o’clock
The weather was fine and pleasant although rather cool in the evening
N.B. This day completes my twenty sixth year

372
12 This morning I went to th city on horse back and overtaking Josephs boys
I took one up behind and the other before and took them into the city with
me
It commenced raining at ten o’clock and continued till about three o’clock
consequently made the roads very muddey
13 This day I went to the city and remaned there all day busey
The weather was very fine and warm being by far the warmest day we hav
had this season
Sent some sheep up to tread the barly in the flats
14 This day I went to the city and took the light waggon and Mrs Helliwell
and Sarah Jane went to Church
The weather in forenoon was verey warm and the sun shone bright and
pleasant It came on to rain at two o’clock and continued till six when it
cleared up and became fair
15 This morning was so wet that I did not go to Toronto but was ingagued in
making a Share for the light waggon and by that means got as wet as if I
had gon to Toronto – after dinner I went with the men down to the
meadow and assisted them to plant som fence posts and pack up chips and
clean the meadow
16 Making fence
Don raising
took sheep
Last night the rain fell verey heavy and this morning it was still verey wet
but not to but we went out to work in the meadow making up fence
at ten o’clock when we came home the water was over the road in many
places – after dinner I went with one of the men to take some Sheep to
_____ that we had on Saturday treading the barly in the flats When I
returned I found the don still continued to rais and about four o’clock it
came onto the Hop Ground when I am affraid it will do a good deal of
damage as the ground was only plowed yesterday at half past six I went
down the flats wadeing at maney places above the knees although I went
down Skinner meadow
verey high
This flood will undo a great deal of work that has been done lately

373
It rained several times during the after noon and the Don is still raising and
every prospect of continuing
Flats are good but there is as much loss and trouble with them as they are
worth
17 This morning the water in the River was some louer then last night I went
to the city and remained there till evening

In the evening the water down to within its banks
N.B. we turned out our cattle this morning to grass for the first time this
Spring
18 This morning was rather wet indeed it rained considerable during the night
– But it cleared away at Breakfast time and becma verey fine - I went
down the river to look for one of the Bents of the Bridg that the late flood
wood left it in the after noon took the men and oxen and sled down to the
meadow and picked up all the logs and chips that the flood left on and set
down two pair of _____ and made some fence
The weather was verey fine and pleasant and dryed up the roads verey
much indeed
19 run on the bank
Was in Toronto all the day – The run up on the Bank of Upper Canada for
Specia for several days is truly alarming the Bank has been invaded all
day but princapally with People with small amounts five to fifty dollars
The weather has been fine and pleasant and dryed up the roads
20 This day I went to the city and Thomas went down to the Highland Crek –
The run on the Bank was grater to day then yesterday the weather was fine
and pleasant
21 Remained about home all day Joseph went to Church
Weather verey fine and pleasant
22 This morning was rainey and wet notwithstanding I went with the men to
plant Pottatoes in the flats below the Bridg about eleven o’clock I went to
Toronto in the light wagon and left it at Brights to be repaired – there is
still a greate run on the Bank

374
the weather in the after noon was fine though rather cold this evening
23 This morning I was leaveling the gravel in the yard as it was well out of
the Hole digging for the foundation of Josephs House – I then went down
to the Potatto feild and stop there an hour or two and returned again –
during the day was over several times and was busey overlooking the
various oprations about the place Joseph having gon to the city
24 This morning I went to Toronto and remaned all day times are still in the
same unsettled state the People still crouding to the Bank for Specie
25 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell and the babeys to Toronto in the light
waggon and then put he saddle onto the mare and went down to the
Highland Creek and assisted the men to pull down the old mill and floom
– I came back at six
the weather was fine and pleasant
26 This morning I roase at four o’clock and with two men and the wagon
went down to the Highland Creek to assist in clearing away the old mill
and raising the new one – We got down there at eight o’clock we had a
very trouble some job in getting the old cills out having to cut them off
uncer the water which is a verey trouble some job However we succeeded
in getting them away and new cills in – I stopt at the Tavern all night in
order to be ready for the raising of the Mill tomorrow
27 Raising Highland Creek Mill
This morning I got up at five o’clock (although I felt verey stiff in

consequence of being in the water yesterday) and commenced getting the
timber ready and about eight o’clock Joseph came down with all the hands
and we immediatly commenced raising the bents verey large timber and
we had rather to few hands so that it was verey heavey lifting however we
got all the lower bents up before noon and in the afternoon we got several
more hands so that we got it up all well and without any accident by
Sundown so took supper and by the time we finished and got readey to
start it was eight we got home at a quarter past eleven
28 Rhia moeninf rook Mrs Helwl to Church after dinner went with Misses
Nancy and Selby for the purpose of going to Church but was to late so
took a walk and called on old Mrs Brights

375
Weather cold
30 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell and the children to Toronto in order to
get them vaccinated – Thomas went down to the Highland Creek and was
rather late returning so that we did not get home before nine oclock
31 This morning I took the oxen and Davey and went down the river and
brought up the Bent belonging to the Bridg that was taken away by the
flood After that I took Mother down to Scaddings Returned and
superintended the work at home all the rest of the day
The weather was verey warm indeed it was the warmest day we hav had
this Season
June 1837
1 This morning I was busey about home till nine o’clock when I went to
Toronto and remained there all day
In the evening George Stegman and William Bright came up with me
The weather was verey warm and in the evening we had a slight snow
2 This morning I was early and went up Hill in the hope of shooting Pigeons
but was not so fortunate as to get a shot – after breakfast I went to Toronto
and remained there all day
Weather was verey warm indeed
3 This morning I was laying up fence in the meadows till nine o’clock when
I went to the city and remained there all the remainder of the day
We had a verey severe shoure of rain during last night and it was cloudey
and showrey and windy all the day.
4 this morning I went down to the meadow and up the little creek in the
corner to Prices Mill and Thompsons Mill came home over the hill
This afternoon was one continued shoure of rain I apprehensive of another

flood
5 This morning I took the light waggon to the city that Thomas might go to
the highland Creek but when I got down he would not go to day – so I

376
returned again immedly and was busey pulling the old House down that
Joseph lived in – Joseph moved into the old Granery to remain till the
new House is readey
6 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell and the two Children into Toronto and
remained there all the day
7 This morning I went to the city in the light waggon and returned allmost
immediately and went to assit the men to pull down Joseph old House
Head the misfortune to fetch an old rusty nail into the joing of my big toe
which gave me severe pain the remainder of the day notwithstanding I
applied poultises it I got no sleep it was so painful all night
12 Since wrigint the above I have been confined to the House and a greate
part of the time to my bed till this day – I have been able to limp about a
little and road down the meadow and up the hill on the old mare
the weather was very fine and good People busey laying the foundation of
Josephs House
13 This morning I took the light waggon into the city and remained there all
day although I was very laime
Thomas went down to the Highland Creek
14 This day as our people was working on the roads I road up and remained
with them all day – although I was verey laime
15 Was on the road all the day Still verey laime
Weather was very fine and pleasant
16 This day I was it the city and remained there all day
17 This morning I went up the flats and round by Sinklers went to see how
the men was getting on in the river raising stone and then to see Sinklers
after dinner I went to the city and brote up the new light Waggon from
Mrs Brights

377
18 Took Mrs Helliwell to Church and remaind at Mrs Brights all the
afternoon being unable to go to Church my foot was so sore
19 This forenoon I went to Toronto and came back tot dinner and the after
noon was laying the joist in the new house This day was windey and blew
up an easterly storm and commenced raing about six o’clock
20 this morning made its appearance verey wet and continued all day with
little interupsion indeed the afternoon was a verey wet one
21 Thursday I was about the building and once down to the bottom of the
meadow The weather was verey fine and the River was verey high
22 This morning I went up the hill to see how the men was getting on raising
stones in the feild – After that I went to Toronto and remained there all
day
23 This day I was about the building Weather fine and pleasant all the
forenoon in the afternoon it was shoury
24 Was about the building all day – Cloudey and sprinkled a little
25 Was at home all day – Weather very fine and pleasant
26 About the building all day Ploued the pottatoes on the flats
27 Was in Toronto all day
28 This forenoon I was in the city looking for a man to blast stones did not
find aney In the afternoon I was up in the feild and assisted the men to
chisil a hole into a stone and prid it off and broke it into three or four
peics however it was after trying once unsuccessfully that we effected it
The weather was fair although it threatned rain very much
The weather was extreamly warm

378
July 1837
1 This morning I went to Toronto and staid there all day
The weather was verey pleasant
2 This day I took Mrs Helliwell to Church and in the afternoon I went again
to Church
the weather was verey fine and verey pleasant
3 this morning made its appearance with the rain falling fast – which
continued with intermition till noon in the afternoon it was fine and
pleasant I was about the building all day
4 This morning I took the Horse and roade up Yong st to see ____ to get
him to go to the Highland Creek as we heard the floom had given away
When I got to his house I found that he was at Sheapards Mills so I came
back that way and down the Second consession as far as No 1 when I
crossed to the Street I never saw Young Street in a worse state then it is
now above the _____ road
I came back by the city and remaind there an hour or two
5 This morning the rain was pouring donw verey fast and continued till ten
oclock when it stopped raining but was cloudey and dull all the day I was
busey at the House This evening it is raining again
6 This morning I took the light waggon to Toronto and Thomas went to the
Highland Creek It was after dark when he came back and in coming home
I had the misfortune to break the shaft and had to go to Arthurs to borrow
a rope The weather was verey fine and pleasant
7 This morning I went to Toronto but returned before dinner The afternoon I
was about the building
the weather was verey fine
8 This day I was about the Building
the weather was fine
9 This morning I took a walk down the flats and returned to dinner after
dinner I went ___ ___

379
The weather was beautifull
10 This day I was abut the building and hay field
The weather was verey fine and pleasant indeed
11 This morning ______ and me went to Toronto where we remained all day
When we came home the boy backed the mare into the race and broke the
waggon axeltree and shafts and seat and severely hurt Josephs _____ who
was in the waggon
12 This day I was busey laying the ____ out the second floor of the House
The People drawing with hay by the houer feod
Weather was verey warm
13 This day I was busey about the building all the forenoon and in the
afternoon I was about fixing the water wheel
14 This day I was busey putting new beams in the tun room and in the
evening after the men quit work was moveing the tun
16 Went to Church
17 busey fixing in the brewry
18 Busey about the Brewry preparing to brew all the Teams busey drawing
in hay
19 This morning I began brewing again In the evening took Mrs Helliwell to
the city
20 At home all day – weather verey fine and pleasant
21 This day I was at home looking after the building
The weather was verey fine and pl
22 This morning I took the light waggon down to Toronto and Thomas went
down to the Highland Creek

380
23 Was about Home all day
24 This morning I went and measured the _____ after breakfast and when I
returned went to the saw mill to get some plank for a tun bottom and in the
afternoon roade into the city
26 This morning I went to the city and remained there till ten o’clock as I lent
William Bright my Horse to go to the Country and he did not return till
that time
27 Went to the Highland Creek along with the team for lumber Found the
roads verey dusty and nery lost the tire off the wheel and had some trouble
in getting it on again
got home at eight o’clock
28 Was at the building We put on some of the celing josts this afternoon
29 About the Buildg all dy
30 This day I took ____ to Toronto and to Church
31 about the Building put one of the wall plates on
August 1837
1 Busey about the Buildg and put the other Wall plate on
2 At home all dy
3 This afternoon I went to the city and up tot he bleu hill to see tiles for the
House When I came back I stopt at Mrs Brights and found Mrs Stegman
had a son born at four o’clock this day
4 This day I was in the city
5 Also in the city all day
6 This day I was at home
7 This forenoon I was brewing and in the afternoon I went to Toronto

381
8 This was a verey wet dy raining allmost in Toronto all dy – all out door
operations were intirely suspend and I imployed the people in moveing
and fixing tuns repairing water wheel
9 This morning was still very wet and consequently unfit for out door work I
therefore set the men to plaster over the lower malt floor which they
compleated about four when it being fair they went to the Building
The River is high aproaching to a flood
10 This forenoon I was about the building – after diner I went to the City and
stopt ill dark waiting for thomas
11 This day I was about the building and Brewery and Took in tow or three
loads of ____ from the hill side
12 This forenoon I was about home assisting the carpenter to repair the
Brewry Roof and in the afternoon I was in the city
13 Went to Toronto and to Church in the afternoon I took Mrs Helliwell up to

Potters field
14 Was in the Brewery and in the evening went down to Mrs Brights to be
readey for the Steam Boat in the morning as Mrs Helliwell and Miss
Nancy and my self purpose going to Buffalo in the morning
15 Set out from Mrs Brights accompayned by Miss Nancy and Mrs
Helliwell – crossed the Lake in the Trancet and took the rail way cars from
Lewiston to the falls and from thence to Buffalo where we arived at four
o’clock and put up at the United States Hotel
16 This morning at eight o’clock we got into the Black Rock car and came
down and crossed the River to Waterloo with the intention of coming
down on the Canada side but found there was no staig and after
indeavouring till twelve to proccure a waggon without success we
recrossed the river and went again to Buffalo where we remained till five
and again got into the falls car – and arived there at seven – Went
immediatly down to the ferrey and crossed the River and walked up to Mr
Rosses but not finding them at Home we stopt all night at Slaters
17 Went down to the falls and visited the museum and Tabl rock and walked
down to the Clifton House and took Staig from thence to Niagara and got
McFarlands at noon
18 Went to Grantham to Squire Woods in McFarlands carrage

382
19 Left Niagara at three in the Transit and got home at dark
20 Was at home all day
21 This morning I went up to the clearing to see how it was coming on In the
evening I went to Toronto and had scarcely got there when a tremendous
storm came on
I scarsely ever saw such a tempest
However it cleared away and it was fair when I came home
22 This day I was about the Brewry and building was verey much indisposed
Weather windey and cool
23 At home all day People finished barly Harvest Weather fine
24 At home all day and busey excavating for root house
25 In Toronto
28 Was in Toronto all day purchased a load of barly ¾ Farmers are expecting
high prices for Barly
The weather was remarkably fine and pleasant
29 this morning I went to Toronto and remained there all day about ten
o’clock it began to rain and continued with little interrupsion all day
30 This day was a verey wet one and I was about the Brewry – planing
improvements in the mode of taking the worts from the coolers and
making valvs for that purpose
31 Was in the city all day previous to going in the morning I went up the
clearing and set Foreman to cut a dich to take the water off the land
September 1837
1 Busey all day hooping a tun and fixing a pipe to draw them off
2 It rained all this forenoon and I was busey in the tun room In the afternoon
I went up to the clearing and was caught in a shoure The masons finished
a section of the Arch over the root House
7 For the last five days hav been busey about the Brewery and ____

383
Siameas Twins arived in Toronto to day
8 This forenoon I was busey in the tun room and after dinner I went up the
hill to the cleering had not been long there when ___ came from the
Highland Creek for a yoke of oxen came down and went to the meadow
for a yoke with him
9 Took Mother home in the light waggon and remained in Town till evening
Mrs Thomas and Mrs Duncan McFarland having taken my horse and
waggon and come to the Brewry
I went to seet he Siameas Twins The ligament that binds them togeather is
a continuation of the brest bone They moved about with perfect east they
stated their age to be 26
Strange freak of Nature
10 this morning I went to the city and soon after we got to Mrs Brights it
began to rain and continued with but little interrupsion all day I went to
Church twice
18 This morning I set out for John Carrs at the cross keys on the Humber road
fond him moved to his farm beyond the Humber weather I went and
found him but could not get aney money from him Took his note got back
to Toronto at half past three o’clock The weather was verey fine and
pleasant fine crops of oates
19 This morning I made arrangements for turning all the water down our race
so that we would be able to stop it at the mouth of the new cut and turn it
and turn it down throug the cut ______ down _____ _____ yesterday
without effecting it I met Thos last night coming home and requested me
to try it today and I promised him I would When I went down the men had
the water stopt and with working with vigor we was able to rais the bank
as fast as the water roas and before noon the whole don went down the cut
At noon when I came to dinner the water was standing dead as high as the
cornor of Joseph place It washed out a _____ deal of sand during this
afternoon and undermined the banks considerably
It will not be long before ____ as this _____ was only 25 bus at bottom
and 30 at top it should hav been 40 at the least at the top the water is
leeking out from the tun about three feet ______ a ______
was very cold for the season We shall be under the nessity of pulling down
the arch at the back of the new house as it is forcing in the wall and would
I am affraid force it down

384
21 This morning I went to the clearing and assisted the men to pick up chips
and
After supper I got two men and props and drove wedges and set the wall
back a little but cannot tell weather we shall not hav to take it down again
or not This is a bad ____ at the best hav to take out all the earth and stones
and build another arch and it is all Thomas falt he was to position that the
Hous wold not move I was always afraid of it It will coas an expence of
about F50 too much to throw away these hard times _______ _______
22 This morning I went again to the clearing and continued all day and
wrought verey hard picking up chips and ________ Friday got ______
readey for the _________ It is a verey hard and fatiguing job to clear land
had ________ this forenoon which ________in the afternoon
23 This morning I was brewing and after mashing I went down the flats to
look for the hors to go to the city but could not find him as some person
had lift the gate open and he had gone away However I took _______
Peter and roade into Town where I remained all day _________
24 This morning I went to Town in some _____ as Mrs Helliwell would not
acompaney me to Church Stegman Christened both his son this afternoon
John – Frank Mr Millburn and Robison Sponsers _____ The weather was
beautifull and fine
25 This day I was busey assisting the carpenter to clearing the ox stabl a
verey dirty job taking up the floor
26 Wet morning busey all forenoon in the stable in the afternoon went to the
city
27 Brewing and working in the stable all day It rained the greater part of this
day
28 Wet day inguajed in the stable at night went up to the clearing to see how
things are going on ther The wheat should hav been sown two weeks since
29 Shourey in the morning and cloudey all day Was in the clearing the
greater part of the day
30 This morning was verey wet and stormey Went to the city and remained
there all day S Washburn and Mrs Joseph Rogers died this day – Poor Mrs
Washburn and Rogers will feel their loss severely

385
October 1837
1 This forenoon I remained in the House and after dinner I went down to the
meadow and on my return found four boys with bags of Butternuts and
made pretens of taking to goal when one of them empteyed his bag and
ran and two others ran through the river and up the hill the other laid down
and began crying and begged so hard and made such fair promises to do it
no more that I let him off with his nuts – The weather was verey fine and
pleasant
2 This forenoon I was up in the clearing burning _____ and in the afternoon
I went to the city _________ ________
3 This morning I went to the city erlyer then usual as Thomas had purposed
going to Dundass for barly but when I got to Town he would not go so we
purchased 100 bags for 1/5 each and sent them by the Burlington Boat
accompayned by a letter to Patterson ____ ______ I returned allmost
immediatly as we are anxious to get the wheat sowed as soon as possable
and it gets on much better when I am present then when there is not master
in the field
The afternoon I was firing and picking up chips and directing the drag out
4 This day I was in the clearing from morning till night loggin and picking
up ______ The weather was verey fine and favourable for sowing wheat
We hav a great deal of work that wants doing at preasant
5 Raining again this morning heavy went to the stable for an hour or two
when it cleared off a little went up to the clearing and set the Foreman to
sow wheat – in the afternoon was about the stable assisting the carpenter
Set the Malster to throw the dry off the upper malt floor as it is all full of
cracks and loose on the boards I think we shall batten it on the joints on
the underside as it will be less work then taking up the floor and jointing
them again and the boards would also be split in taking them up Under all
circumstances I think it will be the cheepest way to batten it
7 This morning I went to the city and at twelve oclock I started with George
Stegman for his place at Pine Grove We called at Dears place on Mud
Creek and examined his building I dare say he will have a snug little mill
when it is finished but a preasant everey thing is in such a state that one
scarsely judgit We also called and examined ________ mill and rase
8

386
*I came the Devenport road and across ______ Park and on to the
Kingston road at the Catholic Church
The weather was very fine
9 This morning I was brewg In the afternoon I went up to the clearing and
fond the chips and logs burning very will as there was a very high wind
and the two or three day s of dry weather we hav had made them burn very
will
The people was busy taking in the second crop of clover today
10 This morning I went to the city and took Mrs Helliwell with me and
remained there all day The weather was delightful People finished taking
in the second crop of clover this day and it was in verey good order
11 This morning I went up the hill to the clearing along with the men and
remained there till noon and went up again in the afternoon
The weather was delightfull
12 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day Thomas went to
the Highland Creek today It rained in the morning heavey but cleared up
at about eight oclock
13 Was Brewing and mashed early Went down to the Pottatoe field after
breakfast and when I came back went to the top of the hill to measure
wood for Worsly and had scarsely returned before Sprotts man came and
wanted wood measuring so hard to go again After dinner went to the city
and staid till dark
Weather verey cold this eveng
14 This day I was about the Brewry and clearing
The weather was verey fine and Pleasant
20 This morning I went up the Hill to the chopping and after that I went to the
city where I remained till after dark as Thos had my horse and did not
return till that time
21 this morning I went to the city and remained there all day weather was
verey fine and pleasant although some what cold
22 A beautiful morning and of coarse Mrs Helliwell and myself went to the
city and to church

387
23 Was brewing and about home all the forenoon and in the afternoon went
to the city and was up to Capt Boneycastles for a half barrel which he had
and would not give to the man The roads are getting very bad indeed there
has been so much rain latly perticularly last night and again to night it is
raining torrants Troops are all most all gone down to the louer province as
there is an insurection expected during the winter and the Governmts are
preparing as fast as they can to be readey for them it is said that French
officers are landing at New York to take comand of the insurectionary
forces in Louer Canada the will also fight in Upper Canada which I should
not like to see
We hav not quite finished sowing wheat yet on account of the wood beng
not all got off what was sowed first is up and looks verey well Barly is still
scarse and dear and I think will be so till slaying This morning I went to
the city and remained there all day The roads are in a verey bad state
indeed and will be worse I am affraid before they are better and what adds
materially to the incon the stumps that hav lately been dug up are still
incumbering the road and by laying still as they were dug they make large
cahasms and heaps of mud
24 This morning made its appearance verey wet and cold Went to the city and
remained there till night Put the store into order and Kindled a fire as it
was so cold
*I could not stand it It continued to rain and sleet all day and threatns to
continue all night
25 This day was one continued shoure of rain from morning till night
I was Brewing and during the forenoon was so much out the rain that I got
completly wet We brought up all the oxen and calfs and colts and put them
into the stable I do not remember witnssing a storm of equal lenth and
volune for the last two days and nights it has stormed with out
intermission and so cold with all the roofs are covered with snow and
slush
26 This morning the River was high and had washed away the Bridg that was
accross the new cut
Took the oxen and down and drew some plank out of the way of the water
and floated a stick from the Hog pen down the race and accross the old
bed of the River and then hiched the oxen to it and drew it to the side of
the new cut and parbuckled it over on the old bridg that lay with one end
up on the bank one of the oxen was down in the stable this morning and
unable to rais in consequence of being cramped we thought we pulled him
out of

388
*the stable and tryed to rais him but could not and as he did not get aney
better at noon we rigged the tryangle over blocks and hoisted him up but
he could not stand when he was up I think he will be dead in the morning
27 Was brewing and mashed at half past five
After breakfast we got the sick ox on to a slay adn drew him into the
threshing floor he seams to be parralised in his limbs for he has no use of
them perticularly his hind ones
In the afternoon I was up the hill measuring wood and
28 Thsi morning showed the ground hard frozen and the River at some places
*after breakfast I wend down to the meadow
In the afternoon I went with George to get a steer over the river but all we
could do could not forse him into the river at Skinners ford so drove him
down along the new cut and got a rope and put to his horns and I pulled
and George and Joseph pushed him into the river and by that means we
got him accross
The weather was cold and raw all day
29 This forenoon I was busy removing pottatoes from the floor of the new
house into the celler and in the afternoon I was in the pottatoe feild there is
a good maney frozen which is a greate pittey for they are verey good
pottatoes
The weather was very fine to day
30 this day I was Brewing and went to the city in the afternoon and remained
till after dark
November 1837
1 This morning I went to the city earley and remand till night Greate
quantities of muskets are ariving from Kingston to arm the malitia in case
of an insurection which is feared it is said there has 15000 store of arms
arived
the weather was verey fine and pleasant The people finished gigging
pottatoes to day

389
[Next page seems to be the end of November 5]
*and returned through the bush road found a pine tree blown down in the
wheate feild In the afternoon I went one with of our men and three of
Skinners to the top of the hill to repair the road about five oclock it
commenced raining and rained verey fast
The river is high in consequence of the verey greate quantity of rain that
fell yesterday morning
6 This morning I went up the Hill to the wheate feild to set Cramp to cut a
dich in order to lay the wheate dry when I returned I went to Toronto
where I remand till evening I think the roads are worse then I hav seen
them for some time
7 This morning I was brewing and after breakfast I went up to the top of the
Hill to see how Cramp was coming on in the dich
And again I went up in the afternoon (after Boiling the worts) and staid till
dark
8 This morning I went up the hill to see how Cramp was getting on in the
dich came home and then went to the city and remained there till night
when it began to rain
9 This morning I was brewing and after breakfast I went up the hill to the
wheat feild to see Cramp In the afternoon I went up again The weather
was verey fine and pleasant
11 This morning I went up the hill and through the clearing to Toronto where
I remained till night It rained heavey as I was coming home and
consequently I got wet
12 This morning I went down into Skinners meadow to see if our colts were
*there They was after dinner I went up into the clearing and from thence
down to Sinklers flats and over the river and up the hill to Leys to examin
his log fence as I intend making a log fence round our wheate I came back
bay the old road over the top of the hill and down the gulley at the dam
near to the dry way I saw a tree which I remember me and my Brother
John cutting light wood off some twlev or fourteen years since I
remembered it as well as if it had been yesterday The weather was very
fine and pleasant indeed

390
13 This day I was Brewing ad up the hill twice to see how the men was
getting on fencing and diching and so forth
14 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day greate agitation
about the Agricultural Bank refusing to take up their Bills payable in
Montreal
15 Brewing In the forenoon was up the hill measuring wood In the afternoon
was moveing the steep from the south north East to the south west cornor
of the malt house was verey busey till nine oclock fixing up pipes to
convey the water
16 This morning I went up the hill and brought down Cramp to open the drain
that carries the water off the back yard as it was stopped I also went up to
the head of the sprg and removed leaves from the mouth of the pipe and
put several plugs into the pipe Also picked up some stones out of the
mouth of the race
the weather was verey fine indeed
17 This day I was brewing and seeing about the place up in the clearing
Weather still continues verey fine and pleasant
18 this forenoon I was about the Brewery and down to eh bottom of the
meadow In the afternoon I went up to Jackops to see about some coles
The weather was verey fine and pleasant in the forenoon and in the after
noon it rained a little
19 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to Mr Brights and I went to Church

Found the roads verey bad Charles started for Mobile in Alabama this
morning I did not see him before he started which I should hav done
perhaps he may never return
20 Brewing and after mashing I went to the city and remained there all day
The weather was verey fine and pleasant But in the evening it began to
rain again
21 I was at Home all this day altering the speed of the elevaters by putting on
another pulley

391
It rained the greater part of this day
22 Brewing after breakfast I wend down the river to see if there was any
obstruction to the navagation as the roads are so bad I had some thoughts
of boating beer and barley I found a jam in Caleys meadow and had to
come back for an ax before I could let it off
which I soon did when I went back The river was then high and at noon it
was so high that we had to carry the worts up in pals as the back water
was considerably above the axeltree I went to eh bush with a man to
show him where to get out timber and when there it began to rain and
pured down so that I got compeltly wet about four oclock John Smith
came and said that the water was verey near runing over the embankment
at the mouth of the new cut so I went down with three men to throw up a
small mound to prevent the water from running over
While we was there the water roas nearly a foot I sent for the oxen to draw
the bridg log as the water was tuching it an would hav taken it away verey
soon When we returned the water was running over the Hop ground at
some places a foot deep The men was imployd in taking the pottatoes out
of the root House as the water was raining down on them Half past eleven
oclock it is now snowing and a verey high wind and I think it will freeze
hard before morning
23 This morning I found the waters much higher than they were last night
being all over the embankment and Hop ground
*I got onto the old mare and roade through the water to the Bridg to
examin the state of things found the road a good del washed and
considerable of flood wood collected against the Bridg
In the afternoon I went to eh city and found the roads in a dreadfull state
indeed being partially frozen
It snowed all the forenoon and was verey cold and extreamly unpleasant
We are at a stand for Barly not having aney in the steep since last Saterday
and I am afraid that it will be some time before there will aney come in
indeed it is impossabl till the roads mends
I am in hops that the waters will be down in the morning as they hav fallen
considerably during the day say one foot
24 Was about the Brewry all the forenoon and getting the flood wood from
under the logs in the race where there was greate quantities of it collected

392
The water was so low that the pump started about eleven oclock In the
afternoon I went to Hiram Pangmans to get him to get out timber At non
when the man went with the horses to water he saw a deer swimming
down the Don he gave the alarm but it was to late for he made his iscape
The ground was so hard frozen that I would not let the team go to Toronto
today
There is a light sprinkling of snow on the ground and I saw one slay out
yesterday when in the city
I think that by tomorrow the ground will carrey a wagon which if it does
will be a good thing
25 This morning I walked to the city as the roads was so rough and the
weather so cold I thought it more pleasant Heard of the insurrectionarey
forses and the constitutional forses having an ingagement in Louer
Canada
Snowed hard all day
Joseph moved into the new House to day
26 This morning after cleaning myself and seeing that all
*The cattle was attended to took a walk up to the dam and from thence to
the Bridg and after dinner I went up the don to Tailors flats to see a large
jam that is formed in the river I never saw aney thing like it it is the
greatest collection of drift wood I ever saw at one place Weather cold and
the skey cloudey and think we shall hav snow soon
27 Brewing in the morning I went to the woods to show Cramp some rails to
pile It thoughed a little this afternoon
28 This morning I went up the hill to measure wood and when I returned I
went to the city where I remained all day It rained considerable
29 This day I was at home all day Brewing Portor
30 this morning I went to the city heard that the Rebels in Louer Canada had
shot Capt Markham and eight men the roads are in a verey bad state
indeed it rained some little the frost is intirly out of the ground again
December 1837

393
1 Brewing and in the afternoon went to the city where the Roads are beyond
aney thing for bad I ever saw and it is raining again very hard
2 Went to the city in the light waggon as Thomas purposed going to the
Highland Creek It was a serious task to get to Toronto in the waggon
*There was news from the Seat of War (for Louer Canada is in a state of
revolt) that there had been an afray at St Dennis and _____ of the Rebels
had been slain and eight of the Queens Troops
Dreadfull times
3 This morning I went to the city and to Church The weather was verey
windey Heard that 17 special constable had been sworn in and armed to
gard the city from an expected attack of the Rebels Things are in a
dreadfull state indeed God only knows where it will end
4 This morning I walked doun to Toronto and at ten oclock went on Board
the Trancet
*for Niagara where we arived about two oclock and from that time till
night I was verey busy runing about the town doing business
Stopt at James McFarlands all night
5 Lift Niagara at ten oclock and arived at Toronto at a little after one
Before we got to the wharf the Captain said there was some bad news as
his wife who was standing on the wharf had given him the signal As soon
as the Boat tuched the wharf several peopl jumped on board and informed
us that the Radickls had made an attempt to take the city and had taken
several of the citisens prisoners and had shot Colonel Moody and was then
laying in forse at the Toll gate on Young St and was expected in every
momen to sack the city
*On going up to the market I found every shop shut and the inhabitants all
in arms with field peces placed in the streets Thomas was under arms at
the Bank and had been since two oclock of the preceeding night on
coming down to Mr Brights heard that the Radicls had fired Dr. _____
House and on looking up I distinctly saw the volum of smoke raising
Truly the city was verey much alarmd William Bright had been out since
three oclock of the previous day but they cold not tell here he was I got
home about five oclock
*There is not a doubt on my mind that if the Rebels had pushed on amid
the Terror and confution of Mondy night they would hav got possession
of the arms and amunition ad with them the city And I can hardly

394
contemplate the consequences that would hav insuid from such a

misfortune The city would hav been a prey to every specious of plunder
and repine
*I directed two men to ceep a look out for aney Rebels that might attempt
to fire the place and retired about eleven oclock and had not been in bed
more then an hour when the man came to my bed room window and said
there was a large party behind the wood pile and at the edge of the creek It
may be supposed that I was alarmed as I expected the was come with the
intention of setting fire to the place when I went down to the yard I found
three of the men with guns loaded I requested them to stand back in the
shadow as it
*the moon shone verey bright and sent anther man to inquire what they
wanted while I went cautiously along past the wood pile and to the garden
fence to see what I could make out they were then shoving a log accross
the river and preparing to cross I then went back to the brewery to hear the
mans report he said that they wanted to go to Young Street and that if we
would let them hav some Beer and Bread they would pay for it I sent them
a bucket of Beer and
*and two loaves of Bred and directed him not to take aney pay when they
crossed the River and took the old road to Young Street There were btwen
thirty and forty of them and all armed with Rifles
6 I went into the city with all the men who took up arms and joined the forse
in defence of the city
The Governor and all the Judgs the Attorney General and all the publick
functionareys in short all that could carrey a musket was under arms This
day was one of preperation and organizeation on our
*side and with the Rebels ________ inactivity Hundred of people flocked
in from Scarborough and Markham Toronto and all the Townships in the
vacinity and a Steam Boat full from Hamilton in the defence of the city.
7 This morning I went to the city and was sworn in as a special constable
and went up to the Parliment Building to get arms where they was giving
them out after some difficulty I got a fuser and went to get amunition
when Mr Small pressed me to stop and giv[e] out powder
*and shot where I remained till three oclock when I went with Ricky to the
Lead foundry to cast balls and continued till after dark
The Governor went out at the Head of several hundred men and two feild
pices to attack the Rebls at Montgomerys on Young St where they held

395
their Head Quarters They made a stand for a fiew minuets and fired uppon
our men and then took to the woods on both sides where they were
persued and a good number shot There were several men wounded on our
Queens troop but
*none killed While this was going on on Young St a party of 60 or 70

came through the woods and crossed the Don on Sinklears mill dam and
made all last down to the don Bridg where they shot a man off a horse and
drove in the gard placed there and set fire to Washburns place and the
Bridg and advanced as far as Mr Brights and threatnd setting fire to her
house when some men making their appearance from the city they
retreated However our men took to of them prisoners
*When I came home _____ I found two companeys _______ at the Don
Bridg which fortunately been perserved from the flames by the prompt
_______ of the fire engine Not thinking it safe to come back by the road I
came through the part and up the flats
8 This morning I went to the city again and cast 1400 Rifle Balls and took
them to the Parliment Buildings People continued to flock in hundred
from all parts In the evening when I came home I found Colonel
Thompson and 150 men placed at the Don Bridg I had onley proceeded as
far as the Distilery when I saw sevral
*Men run accross the ______ and heared more in the _______
I returned and left my Horse at Cusburns and reported to the Colonel what
I had seen who said that if I would wait till he had taken some refreshment
he would send a detach men up the road I did so an when he called out the
men to march they murmured about exposing themselves to an attack from
behind the cover So I walked home alone
9 This morning I went to the city again The Loyal People from Innisfill and
Guillimbury brot in 54 prisoners all tied togeather they took them with no
other arms then pickforks and pikes
I think the Rebls are all _____ and we shall soon hav the Ring leaders as
£1000 and a free pardon his offered for Mackenzie adn £500 for several
others
David Gibson
Jessey Loyd
Silas Fletcher
Samuel Lount

396
It is currantly reported that there is 2000 men under arms in and about the
city and they are sending out detachmts and bringing prisoners property
hey horses waggons and _____ belonging to the Rebls from all quarters
The Rebls hav robed several of the mails
*I understand the western mail was taken by Mackenzie himself at the

Peacock Taveron on Dundass St where he took the private Baggage of a
Lady passinger
*The weather was verey cold and windy and at night commenced snowing
violently and was verey Boisterious
10 This morning the ground was covered with snow about three inches deep
and Joseph went to the city in the cutter After dinner I went through the
woods to Young Street to see the battle grounds and the ruins of
Montgomereys House which was burnt down on that ocation I took notice
of one House that belonged to a leading Reble that was pearsed with
several shot so much so that I should hav been verey sorrey to hav been
inside
*another Proclamtion was isued offering £500 for the apprehension of

Doctor John Rolph
11 Went to the city which is still crowded with troops 1000 having arived
yesterday from Coburg Thomas had 14 billited on him Several prisoners
were brought in during the day
12 This morning I went to the city which is still full of Troops Several
prisoners were brought in during the day
13 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to Mr Brights to remain there till after
her confinement as during this troublesom time a Doctor cannot be had
who will come up to the Don
*They are still brining prisoners and the city is full of troops both Horse
and foot two companys of Durham Malitia ________ to Niagara today
accompayned by two feild pices
Buisness begins to resume its usual appearance and markets are well
supplyed with everey thing
14 I was surprised this morning when I got Mr Brights to find I was the
Father of another Daughter Mrs Helliwell having been deleavered at two
oclock of the preceeding night

397
I remained in the city all day Several prisoners were brought in from
Caloden and Albion
“On the seventh day of December 1837 was memorable day for Canada, the
Rebels under McKenzie, Lount and Gibson, were assembled at Montgomery’s
Tavern Eglinton menacing the City of Toronto. During the night previous or early
in the morning of that day Sir Allen McNab had arrived from Hamilton with
several hundred of the men of Gore, and a number had arrived from all over and
assembled at the Parliament Buildings, Front Street, Toronto, I walked into the
City from the Don and on arriving at the Parliament found the men assembling
and preparing for a march to dislodge the insurgents at Montgomery’s under the
command of Sir Francis Bond Head, Governor, and Sir Allen McNab. On arriving
there I immediately went into the building to procure a gun and equipment and
having secured one, was going out when I was met John Beverley Robinson, the
Chief Justice of Upper Canada, who stopped me and said he was in search of a
reliable man to take charge of the powder magazine ement of the building and
requested me to do so. I went with him downstairs and he put me tin charge with
instructions to hand out to parties applying for it. To some I gave a pint cupful
and some captains of companies I gave a keg, and they took it and divided it
amongst themselves. In this way I was employed until the men had all marches
away up Yonge Street. I was then asked by some person in authority (I do not
remember who at he present time) to go to a plumber’s shoop and assist in
running balls, which I did, and remained there all day and made two pails full of
musket balls. At night when I left to come home I met some of the men returning
with several wounded men in carts. On arriving at the Don Bridge I found a
strong guard, and sentries refused to let me pass. I then turned up a bush road
where the present River Street is located and came up by Castle Frank and the
flats to opposite the Brewery, where I hollered and one of the men brought a horse
and I rode behind him over the River and was glad to meet my wife all safe.
15 This morning I was Brewing – Went to the woods to see if Pangman was
getting out timber &c In the afternoon took a man and oxen and went and
cleared out our back road.
16 This morning all hand went to Training agreeable to notice. It began to

snow about nine oclock and continued all day verey stormey - - the men
was marched up to the Parlement House.

398
17 Morning was verey stormey Snowed all the nigh and was still continueing
very fast
In the afternoon it somewhat abated snowing and I went to Mrs. Brights to

see how M.H. and the Babey was I remaned there till dark There is now
enough to make tolerable good slaying although it is some what too much
drifted at places.
18 Dec. Was in the city all day Heard that Mackenzie had got onto Navy
Island with several hundred men and arms
19 Dec. This morning I went to the City heard at the Don Bridge that Julia
Murdoch had been hung at eight o’clock for poisoning Mrs. Henry
Remained in the City all day which was verey cold.
20 Dec. Was in the City this day went in on the team as we put a colt into the
team that had never been collard before so joint along with the teamster –
him he behaved, he did remarkable well – Good news from Lower Canada
Sir John Colborne is driving the Rebels before him and assizing them by
hundreds.
21 Was in Toronto all day heard that 3000 of the malcontents of Lower
Canada had laid down their arms and surrendered to Sir John Colborne
22 Was in Toronto today Strange rumours of Mackenzie having several

hundred men and field pieces on Navy Island and that they had taken a 32
pounder from Niagara to cannonade him from the Canada shore
The weather was extremely cold. The market was very full and quite a stir
in the city
23 This morning I went to the city and remained all day – The steamer
Trancit and Traveller took in a quantity of bomb shells, congrove rockets
adn mortar and five hundred men adn proceeded to it again that afternoon.
This armament is for the purpose of bombarding Mackenzie on Navy
Island there is also a large forse of Militia dispatched from Hamiltn to
meet the above at Chippeway and cooperate with them it is supposed
there will be 2000 men assembled on the Niagara Frontier in the course of
two or three days

399
24 Dec. This day I was walking about out to the woods and down along the
River &c
Thoughed considerable and took off the snow fast
25 25 & Christmas Day I went to Mrs. Brights and went to Church the New
Organ plaid for the first time
during the servis the fire Bell rang and a greater of the congregation ran
out of Church It was a small house in a new Street very little damage was
done by the fire but the house was allmost pulled to peas by the people –
After dinner I drove Miss Nancy Bright up Young Street as far as the
Gallows Hill
It thoughed all day – There was a greate maney men and boys on the Way
but as yet I hav not seen any teams Slay is all –one between here and
Toronto
26 Went to the City and staid all day. The weather in the morning was mild
but at noon it changed and is now verey cold.
27 I was in the City all day walked in the morning and rode out in the evening
with Jacobs
28 This morning I got two Teams rigged out and went with them to the bush
to show them where the wood was. Strolled through the wood and by
Sinklers with my gun and return ed Home at noone
In the afternoon I was getting a rush made for one of the slays and after
getting it well on I took a spade and leavelled the road through the woods
with snow till dark heard that the Rebels on Navy Island had shot a horse
on which a man was riding along the road on the river side.
29 Was in Toronto all day. Weather was mild indeed it thoughed verey
much.
30 Was in the City
31 Was at Church and Stegman came up and stopt with me
January 1838
1 This morning Joseph and me went to the Town meeting the people met at
the reverse of Montgomery House and adjorned to Andersons in the

400
Hollow where all the officers was chosed unamisly and with the greates
good nature. I was appointed path master for our road.
The weather was verey fine and pleasant thoughed all day
2 Went to Toronto early this morning in order to let Thos. have as much
time as possable at the Highland Creek to where he was going
It thoughed all this day and if it continued to do so another day the roads
will break up.
3 This day I remaned at home and was verey busey making out accounts
indeed I scarseley ever roas from the table during the whole day
4 This morning I went to the city and remand there the whole day The roads
are in a very mudey state in consequence of the uncomon open weather
we hav had for several days back The Bay is open again as far as the lower
wharf - There is news of a verey favourable nature from the frontier
which is now the seat of war The American authoritis having intimated to
Col. Hood and McNab that they will they will demand the arms ordinance
stores which the Pirates of Navy Island have stolen from their stores.
5 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day verey [very]
busy taking out accounts &c
The roads are verey muddy But I think it will freeze before morning
6 This day I went to the city and remained all day.
Mrs. Helliwell & daughter came home this day –
7 This was one continued showre of rain consequently I never moved out of
the House
8 This morning the ground was a little froze and covered with snow The
river very hgih being all over the hop ground &c went to Toronto roads
are in a dreadfull state being knee deep and slightly frozen on the top
9 The ground was partially frozen but not sufficient to carrey a team I went
to the city and remained all the day heard that three compaynes of the 24
Regiment came up yesterday and some artilery and ordinance and
ordinance stores &c The weather continued cold and in the evening it
began to blow a gale – I am affraid that we shall have a war with the
United States

401
10 This day the roads was frozen hard Went to the city Found the people in a
state of alarm in cause of a report that 1000 men had congregated on Navy
and was coming down to release the prisoners there was the two troop s of
Horse dispatched out on Younge Street and followed by a strong party of
foot and another strong party staied at the don Bridge and one sent out
Dundass St.
The weather continued cold all the day
11 Thsi day I remained at home as Joseph wished to go to the city in the

forenoon I went out to where Cramp is chopping and in the afternoon I
went with the man that is drawing pine wood off the ridge
The weather was very cold The roads are again frozen hard but verey
rough and disagreeable
12 Was in the city all the day
16 Was in Toronto all this day heard that the Rebels had evacuated Navy
Island and the Queens troops had taken possession of it – Governor Head
recald and Sir George Arthurs appointed in his stead
The weather is verey fine and indeed in thoughed all the day It is
remarkable weather for this season of the year being as warm and Sunny
as April
17 This morning made it appearance with rain poring down in Torrants It

somewhat abated after breakfast and I went to the city where I remained
till evening It was showrey all day and the roades are in a verey muddey
state indeed
18 This morning I went to Toronto and when I got there found that Samuel
Lount was taken and brought to Toronto he is the first of the Rebels for
whome there was a reward offered that has been taken
The weather was mild and in the evening it began to snow and I think
there will be a good fall of snow
19 This morning the ground was covered with snow but not sufficient to
make good slaying did not send the slays out west to Toronto

402
Weather verey cold indeed Militia still pouring into the city from all
quarters of the country particularly from the eastward – Some Rumours of
the Rebels raising again in the Wester District
20 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day – The weather
was verey cold indeed The roads are hard frozen again although they are
rather rough I think that we shall hav peace and quiteness verey soon for it
is impossabl that the Rebels can again make aney attempt at raising
There is 3000 men in and about the city under arms and being disciplined
21 This morning I went to the city in the light waggon found the roads verey
rough indeed Weather verey cold
22 This evening I road tot he city where I remaned till evening the weather
was verey cold – No news from the theatre of war
23 This morning I was surprised to see it snow which it continued to til

twelve oclock – I went up onto the plains to see one Collard who has
owed us this eighteen months or more but no money –
There was a report in the City verey currant that Gibson was taken
crossing at the falls cut but as yet I could get no certain information Ther
did not fall snow enough to make slaying
24 This morning after mashing I went with the team to Highland Creek The
waggon ran tolerable well allthough rather rough at places – We got down
at ten o’clock and I went up to Swallows and Taws to see about logs –
plenty of snow for drawing logs there and indeed there fell considerable of
snow this day – We got home at seven oclock and I was verey much
fatigued
25 This morning I went to the city and was verey busey all day taking in
Barley It thoughed all this day and I think it will rain before morning
26 This morning I went to Toronto in the light waggon and took Sarah Jane to
her grand Mother –
The weather was verey mild and thoughed all forenoon but changed about
twelve and began to freeze hard –
Certainly the most singular weather I ever new for Winter everey week a
though and not more than three days frost at a time
27 Went to Toronto on Horse back –

403
It commenced snowing the afternoon and continued and is still snowing

fast and has everey appearance of being a heavey fall
28 This morning made its appearance with the ground covered with snow
about six inches deep – It began Sunday to remain home I staid in the
House the greater part of the day In the afternoon it became some what
stormey – While ingauging in writing the above My Wife was so full of
play and nonsense that she would scarsely let me proceed
29 This morning I went to the city in the cutter and found the slaying to be
better
Troops are pouring into the city from Lower Canada and even Halifax by
70 slays the Rebels are all disperced
The weather was extremely cold being the coldest day I think we hav had
this season – It is said the Brittish Government has given the American
Government a definitive answer as to the North West Boundry Line which
is beleaved to be aney thing but satisfactorey to the American people and
Government everey thing that transpires though indicates war which if it
takes place will no doubt be general for the powers of Europe will most
likely take one side or the other in the contest
One report says that Mackenzie is in Rochester indeavouring to establish a

newspaper there another that he is in Buffalo Gaol for steeling the arms
from the United States arsnal it is impossible to tell which report is
intitled to the most credit
30 Went up the hill this morning to measure wood for Mrs. Brights man
before I went to the city measured 21 cords –
The Election for a member to represent the first riding of the county of
York in place of David Gibson expelled for committing high treason is
going on candidates John Gamble, Peter Lawrence, George Dougan Junior
–
fifteen prisoners arived from the western district this afternoon amongst
whome was General Theller and several other distinguished personnages
whose “hart and soul was in the core” of Bleeding canada they hav been
five days on the road – This day was verey cold – I herd that McKenze is
gone to Washington to meet with President Vanburn on the subject of
Liberating Canada from the banefull Domination of the Mother land Poor
oppressed People !!!

404
31 This morning I went to the city in the cutter was verey busey taking in
Barly in the forenoon
In the afternoon I went up the Hustings with the intention of voting for
Lawrence but when I got there he had given up and I voted for Gamble.
The pole stood Gamble 214
Duggan 188
Majority in for Gamble 26
I met a number of slays coming down the street loaded with barly Everey
thing appeared to be going on peacably at the election notwithstanding
there was a good number of people there the weather was verey cold –
Slaying good on the street
February 1838
1 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to Toronto in the cutter – My name

appeard in the Gazett of to day as captain it the first Regement of North
York malitia –
Name wrong spelt went to the adjutant General office and got it corrected
The weather was fine though rather cold
2 This morning I went to the city early and went up Young Street as far as
Ellis Tavern to meet the barley slays purchased four loads
3 This morning I went to the city and remaned there all the day
4 Went to Church heard Gamble had been returned member for the first
riding by majority of 35 notes Also heard that the Lower Canadiens are
rising in arms again and that the 24 Regement now laying in this garrison
are going down to Lower Canada again –
5 This morning I went to the city in the cutter and Thomas went down to the
Highland Creek
6 This was appointed a day of public Thanksgiving for the way blessing and
protection of the Almighty vouch saved us during the Late Rebellion
I road into the city on Horse back and walked up to the Church when I got
as far as the Market the soldiers were just fetching the corpse of the man
that was drowned in Eastwoods well I accompayned them to the grave
yard where they fired three rounds of blank cartridge over him

405
The church was uncomonly full and an excellant leson was delivered by
the Archdeacon appropriate to the ocation – I took dinner at Mr Brights
and in the afternoon walked up to see the comapynes of Malitia throngs
their manoure &c 25 slays full of the Perth Militia went down to day I
understand they are going to be quartered at Kingston for the winter I
beleave the 24 Regemens are also going down tommorror
The weather was milder than it has been for some days back and threatnes
no rain
7 This morning I went to the wood with the man to draw timber and broke
the Slay the first load In the afternoon I went again with the saw and
crotch and drew it out to a convenient place to Load and brote one Load
home
It was soft all the day
10 This morning I went to Hoggs Hollow to attend a Regemental meeting

agreeable to a letter which was sent me a fiew days since – the Township
or rather the East side of it was divided into beats and oportioned out to
the captains My portion is south of the first concession and East of the
Don to the Scarborough line – It was also resolved that the officers meet
twice a week in days and I atending at two oclock at Andersons tavern for
the purpose of drill
It was also ordered by the Lieut Colonel that all captains do procure a list
of the members and ages of all the men in their beats by next Saterday
12 This morning I went to the city and at noon I went up to Hoggs Mill to
attend drill along with the rest of the officers of 1st North York Militia We
done verey well, at least the colonel said so – The weather was very fine
13 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day – Weather
verey cold
14 Was in the city all this day which was also very cold
17 This forenoon I was in the woods with the men and oxen getting out
timber
At noon I went to Hoggs Hollow to attend drill and give in by list of the
number of men in my block which is 108, which is by the largest number
in the whole Regement
After the drill was orer we agreed to dine together next Saterday at John
Andersons

406
18 Went to Toronto and to Church twice Weather was very cold
19 This morning I went to Toronto and remained there till half past twelve
oclock when I went to the drill at Hoggs Hollow accompayned by Lieut
Taylor – Weather was verey cold suffered verey much from it during the
drill
20 This morning I went to the city rather earlier than usual as Thomas was
going to the Highland Creek
The weather was intenseley cold – Heard that the Americans were about in
crossing the Detroyt river and attacking Amerstburg “Let them come if
they dare” They will not all return if they do – I saw a letter from Detroyt
which stated that General Banrancelear General Sutherland Dr. Duncomb
and several of the greate Generals of the Rebel mob were there and readey
to attack Canada
21 This morning I got ready to go to the city but just when I was putting the
man into the slay Joseph said he wished to go, consequently I remained at
home and went with the man to the bottom of the meadow to let him see
where to saw wood from After dinner I went to the pine woods with the
teamster twice
22 This morning I went to the city with the team and was very busy all the
day –
The weather was very fine and took off the snow very fast
I saw Mrs. Burnham, formerly Miss Wilmott at Mr Brights this morning

She looks remarkable well
23 This morning I took Mrs. Helliwell into the city and remained there all the
day There is a rumour that Mackenzie was taken at Ogdensby but I do not
beleave it and another Mr report is that Niagara was burned last night as a
strong light was seen in that direction –
The People of Kingston are very much affraid of an attack on that place
fron the Americans
24 This morning I went to the city and at twelve oclock I went up Youngs
Street to Hoggs Hollow to attend the drill – After the drill was over we all
dined together on which ocation the Colonel honoured us with his
companey We parted in good feeling and friendly union at a very early
houre The Healths of the Queen and Colonel Cameron Lieut Colonel
Rochford were amongst the toasts drunk

407
There was a report today that the Rebels or rather the Mob of America had
taken possession of an Island in the Saint Lawrence near Kingston and that
our forses stationed there had gon on an expidition to dislodge them but
what degree of credit is to be given to he report I am unable to say
25 This day I remaned at home and was in the house nearley the day – The
weather was cold
Joseph said that there was an alarm in the city ocationed by the Parlement
House taking fire during Devine Service the bells were all set ringing and
the alarm drums beat ad the bugal gave forth its shrill clarion the prisoners
in the gaol made an attempt to escape and for some times there was the
greates confusion and alarm fortunately there was verey little damage
done to the Parlement Buildings
26 This morning I went to the city and hearing that there ws to be a general
review of all the militia in the city at the Parliment House I went up to see
them and was really astonished to see so many and in such good order At
noon went again to Hoggs Hollow to drill came home by the city to fetch
Miss Jane Bright home
The weather was not cold and perticularly the after part – Linches malt
House was burned down this afternoon by acident Kiln took fire.
27 Was in Toronto all this day –
28 Went to the city this morning on horse back heard that 300 slays full of
people had crossed at Black rock for the purpose of releasing the prisoners
confined in gaol in this city and also that a party had attached the steamer
Dolphin laying at Gananoquy but had been repulsed with the loss of four
killed and five prisoners and another report that the rebels or Americans
had taken possession of an Island near Amherstburgh and that a party of
our men had gone to dislodge them – Such are the reports but I o not put
much faith in them “Let them come if they dare”
The weather was verey fine and pleasant indeed it was verey warm and
took the snow off the ground verey fast
March 1838
1 This morning I did not go to the city as I expect Major Wilmot up

agreeable to his promise He did not come however Mr and Mrs Wood &
son came up and also Mrs Bright whome I took home in the evening

408
2 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to the city - Saw our official dispatch
of the success of out troops in driving the Rebels off Titing Island which
they evacuated on the approach of our troops leaving behind them one
brass cannon a quantity of arms muskets rifels pistols swords &c and also
some amuntion & provision barrels of crackers and boxes of herring –
The weather was verey fine and pleasant and indeed it was quite warm –
Slaying is gone in the vicinity of the city although I went down the river –
3 This morning I went to the bush to see how the people was getting on – At
noon I went up Young Street to drill on horse back the roads were bare
4 Went to Church and in the afternoon got our third daughter Elizabeth Ann
christened
5 This morning I was surprised to find quite a deep snow and still falling
fast - Went to the city and from thence to the drill
It continued to storm all day and towards evening it began to be verey soft
6 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to the city and she remand there all day
as Thomas went down to Highland Creek and did not return till seven
oclock– The Governor prorogued the House of Assembly this day at four
oclock I witnessed it the weather was verey warm and the snow ran off in
streams
7 This morning I set out with the team on a tour of collecting barrels even
went up the hill at Scaddings Mills and across Young St. and by the
Davenport Road to the Humber and on to B___?___ in the gore of
Toronto and from thence onto the 6 line or Chinguacousey and down that
line to Dundas Street and by the Davenport road home by this road home
by this rout we traviled forty or forty five miles – The slaying was verey
poor in places and other places was verey good
The weather was very pleasant We passed through some of the best land I
ever saw
Joseph was in the city and brot word that there has been an engagement at
the west and one general one major and Lieut. of the Rebels killed and
fifty prisoners taken and three of the Militia killed and wounded – The
remainder of the Rebels ran away
8 This morning I went down to Sergeant Turleys to see if he had named out
the men agreeable to an order I sent him went through our bush and out at
Hastings, came back by the ice Mrs. Helliwell was with me – It snowed
and rained all this day consequently the roads are in a verey slushey state

409
9 Was in the city this day The news Joseph brote home the other day is
authentic as the official despach is published in the papers the Bitters took
40 stands of muskets and a quantity of amunition and a flag Try coloured
and two starrs and the word Liberty upon it The weather was very fine and
pleasant although the roads are getting very muddy
In the evening I went up to Taylors to see Lieut. to get a list of the mens
names that had warned to muster on Monday next which is a general
Regmental Training
10 This morning I went to the city where I remained till one oclock when I
went up Young Street to drill
The weather was verey fine and warm though consequently verey wet and
sloppy under foot
11 This day I was at home all day The weather was verey fine and snow
water ran off the hills in streams the yards are getting verey muddey
12 This morning being training day I went up to Hoggs Mills to leave the
mare and returned to the toll gate at the top of the Hill to meet my men
where they was warned to attend at ten oclock
I waited till twelve before I called the roll and when I did I found more
than half of them was absant I think the sergeant had not done their duty
properly in warning them out We were not detained long onley remaining
in line till there was a company of grenadiers picked out of the Regement
General Sutherland and his Aide camp long was brote into the city this
day
The roades are veray muddy indeed
13 This morning I went to the city and hearing the general Sutherland was to
by tryed by court marshall in garrison I went up to see after some time we
was admitted into the mess room where the court was held and after
waiting some time the prisoner was brote him and the members of the
court was sworn inn and the comission read & also the indictment – a
copey of which and of the Law by which he will be tryed was given him
when the court ajorned till ten oclock tomorrow morning at which time he
will be tryd the weather was verey fine and pleasant The roads are verey
bad
14 This morning I went to the city and at ten oclock went up to the garrison to
see the tryal of General Sutherland after the court opened and the prisoner

410
called for Major Gurnett got up and stated that during the night he made
an attempt to bleed himself to death that he had opened a vane in both
arms and both feet in warm water to make the blood flow more freely – he
had done this while the constable who was in his room was asleep and
who was awaken by the prisoner falling down in a state of insensability –
and that he was in such an infebled state that it would be som days before
he would be in a state fit to be put on his tryal the court therefore ajorned
till Monday next a man mind must be in a wreched state who can thus
deliberately make an attempt at his own life
The weather was verey damp and rained considerable during the day
The roads are in a dreadfull muddey state indeed I scarsely ever saw them
worse –
The ice is begining to move a little in the river although the water is not
verey high –
15 This morning I went up into the wheate field to set men at work picking
up wood and clearing away for the fence &c continued up in the feild all
day and was verey busey laying up rails and getting log out of the way
The river was so high that we cold not Brew although the water was
heated ready the water was above the wheel was making fence round the
wheat feild all this day
17 This morning the ground was frosen hard but not so as to carrey a team
consequently it was a task to get to the city
When I got to the city I was surprised to hear that John Finch our old
carpenter had been shot while on parade in the market yesterday it appears
that some of the men came to parade with guns loaded and during the drill
it went off and shot the unfortunate man and severely wounded another in
the hand
18 This morning I took Miss Bright home in the light waggon and a serious
time I had of it Went to Church
19 This morning I walked to the city as the mare was so lame that she could
scarsely move

411
I came home in the team and I think I never saw the roads worse
The weather was verey fine and pleasant –
20 This morning I went to the city on foot –
General Sutherlands tryal is going on at the Garrison Heard the

Americans had again occupeyed Navy Island – The roads are in a verey
muddy state
21 This morning I went to the city and remained there till evening The
weather was some what cooler than yesterday The roads are beginning to
dry in places as for instance the hills
22 This day I was at home up in the clearing &c
23 This morning when I was going up the hill I heard the greate guns firing a
salute for the arival of Mr George Arthurs our new Governor – at three
oclock he was sworn into office and at five oclock he Sir Francis Head
left the Government House amid the cheers of several hundred persons
who were assembled to see him off I went to the government wharf and
saw him imbark on board the steamer Trancitt so fare well Sir Francis
your administration has been a Troublesom one
24 This morning I went to the city and at twelve went to Hoggs Hills to
attend drill
25 At home all the fornoon after dinner took Mother down to Scaddings the
roads are in a dreadful state
26 Went to the city this morning Samuel Lount and Peter Matthews were
arraigned for High Treason and plead guilty to the Charge after which the
court was ajorned till Wednesday. The weather was very fine and pleasant
27 This day was showrey I was in the wheat feild the greater part of the day
making fence &c
28 This morning I went up to the wheate feild to show Cramp to cut a dich
for taking off the water This morning it was with difficulty that three yoke
of oxen took up the hill six barrels of Ale the hill is in such a dreadfull
state I never saw the roads as bad in my life
29 Went to Church the city – Heard the Chief Justice pass sentence of deth on
Samuel Lount and Peter Mathew for High Treason The Chief Justice
addressed the unhappy prisoners verey feelingly setting forth the enormity
of their crime and comfortable situation they were placed in previous to

412
the rebellion and the amount of misery they had inflicted on their friends
and families by their most wicked attempt to Chang the government In
answer to the question wheather they had anything to say why the
sentance of death should not be passed upon them said that they had been
lead away and was verey sorry –
Maj Gunett inquired if I had signed the address of the Reformers to his
Excellancy Sir George Arthur as he had seen my name attached to the
adress on hearing which I immediately went up to the Governors office
and the secretary Joseph showed me the adress and the name attacked to it
which shure enough was mine or what I sincerely beleave to be a forgery
of my name as I do not beleave that their is another person of that name in
the city
30 This morning I took the light waggon to the city for Thomas to go
Highland Creek – I think I never saw the roads so bad in my life as they
are at presant there was another person found guilty of high treason today
31 This morning I went to the city had the misfortune to fall off my Horse in
consequence of his sticking fast in the mud and falling down – fortunately
for me it was soft falling though I got myself well mudeyed – called at
Mrs Brights and dryed and brushed myself – At noon I went up to the
drill where we had a verey poor attendance
April 1838
1 This morning I took the horse and road up the gulley to see if it is passable
for a horse as I intend coming that way home from the drill ocationaley –
There was people fishing for suckers and cought some this day for the first
this season at least it is the first I hav seen –
2 Was in the city all this day and in court the greater part of it hearing John
Mongomerys tryal It was not finished when I came home – The weather
was verey fine the Bay is intirely free of ice
3 This morning I went to the city and heard that John Montgomery was
found guilty – but recommended to mercy there was no court sitting to day
– Sutherland was also found guilty yesterday and will get his sentence on
Thursday the weather was verey fine although rather cold The roads are
getting some what dryer than they has been
4 This morning I went to the city and remained there till the evening –
General Theller was tryed and fond guilty of High Treason this day A true

413
bill of High Treason was found against William Ketchum this day and the
report was that he has fled
The weather was verey fine and pleasant the Roads are some what better
and dryer than yesterday
5 This morning I went up the hill to pick up chips and log up in the wheat
feild and see the man Cramp dich it in the proper place at five oclock
according to appointment I went over to Bloors Brewery to attend a
private drill where I stopt till near eight oclock It was a beautiful night –
moon light night when I came home
6 This morning I went up into the clearing again and did not return till
oclock after dinner set out to some log heaps on the hill side above the
__?__
The weather was cloudey all day and about five oclock it commenced
raining a little and my wife sent up Harry boy for my tea
the tea barrel leakes
like fun
the above three lines was written by my wife –
7 This forenoon I was up in the clearing and in the afternoon I was up at

Hoggs Hills (drilling – We are from this time forward to attend once a
month instead of once a weeke as heretofore
8 This morning was rather wet and for some time we was undecided weather
we should go to the city or not at lenth it became some what fairer and we
started in the light waggon – I went to Church in the forenoon but the
afternoon was so wet that I did not go
9 Went to Toronto and remaned there all the day the weather was cold and
we had a snow storm during the day
10 This morning I went up the hill and laid the bottom rail of the fence round
the small plott of new land there I then went to the city – John
Montgomery John Anderson and General Theller and Moden was
sentanced to be hung on the 24 of this month by Chief Justice Robinson It
is the opinion of most people that none but Theller will be hungn
notwithstanding the sentance of death has been passed upon them
The weather was remarkable cold quite a severe frost

414
11 This morning the ground was covered with snow and it continued snowing
at intervells all day Though the ground was verey soon bare and the snow
had the effect of making the roads verey sloppey –
12 This morning I went to the city expecting to see Lount and Mathews hung
but was too late they being cut down about half an houre [hour] before I
got there – We had a verey heavy blow this afternoon
13 And Good Fryday – In the forenoon I was hunting through the woods for
a cortch to make a waggon tongue I was some time about home and then
went down the don with my gun and the boys I went down as far as the
bottom of Scaddings wher I was returning and walking along carelessley
a duck got up and I shot at it but was far behind – when I came up I went
onto the barn field and stop some little time with the men plowing
[ploughing] and picking up stones there
The weather was verey cold all this day
14 This morning I went to the city at about ten oclock having previously
been up the hill making fence
I returned from the city early as we was not verey busey there – The
weather was very cold
15 This morning I took a walk up to the wheat feild and returned before
dinner In the afternoon took another walk with my children and Miss
Caroline Bright we went up the hill and went to Sinklears and returnd the
short road above the Mill dam The weather was fine although verey cold
16 This mroning I was imployd in mooring the fence at the top of the hill The
remainder of the day I was busey in the yard letting off the water &c
The weather was verey cold – The roads are getting rather better than they
hav been for some time back
17 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to the city –
very soon after we started it began to rain and continued without

intermission all day froze continually so that the boards was covered with
ice to the thickness of half an inch and every board and rail was hanging
ickls and had the appearance of a comb – It poured down in Torrants when
we came home and but for my Indian Rubber coat I should have been wet
to the skin
18 This morning I went up to James Taylor’s to make some inquiries about a

Bull that had been left at Andersons at Hoggs Hollow for sale and which
he new some thing about when I got there he advised me to go and see

415
him So I went through the woods and came out onto the street at Hales
When I got to Andersons I found the bull was at Colonel Camerons went
up to see him like him verey much – But the Colonel thinks he will
purchase him himself – The roads are again verey bad – There is a report
that the American and Canadian refugees are again assembling at Buffalo
for the purpose of invading Canada.
19 This morning I went with the men up the hill to the clearing and assisted
them to load wood which they drew off – At five oclock I went over to
Bloors to drill but no person comming I of coarse lost my jorney or rather
had it for nothing –
The weather was verey cold and indeed it snowed
October 1838
8 This morning I was busey pulling down the partision in the old apartmen
and rearanging them again and also altering the back door was verey
busey all day
9 At home all day
10 Went to Toronto and staid till four o’clock called at Mrs. Brights who
desired me to stop till William came home and hav some settlement with
him as he is going to start for England tomorrow morning – I was there till
eight o’clock settling with William Bright and Georg Stegman for Mrs
Bright
11 Was Brewing and about the new House getting door hung
12 Was busy all day laying floor in the mash room and diging pottatoes
13 Imployed same as yesterday
14 Went to Toronto
15 This morning I went out to Secords to get him to show me the boundry of
the lot we purchased from him Not at home gone across the Lake – Went
to City and remaind tell dark
16 Was at home all day busey in the brewery and in the evening packing up
pottatoes
17 This day I went to the city and was there till evening

416
18 This day I was at home
19 At home all day verey heavey rain the greater part of the day
20 This day I was Brewing and of coarse was at home all the day
22 This morning I went to the city and remaind there all day - Greate toke
of the Yankeys and Rebels coming to Canada
24 This day I was in the city greate excitement on accont of a threatned

invation which is reported to be on the eve of taking place there is an
order for all the militia in the city to be out tomorrow and they are raising
all the volunteers they can
Went to the city – great agitation verey busy inlisting men for to serve for
one year and a half both armey and navey When I came home I found that
Joseph had caugh a Salmon at the ford oposite the House and had seen
another so as I thought there was a chance of catching one I went up to the
clearing accompayned by Jessey and brote a log of light wood and Went
down the river We had no thought of going into the water tell George saw
a Salmon in the new cut when we resolved to go in at the bottom of
Smiths Rappids which we did I have not scarsely got into water and
befor the light was burning verey bright when I saw on but did not get it
We waded up as far as the Hop ground when I had the good fortune to
spear five _____ on the basck side of the Island I caught two more and
under the dam seven making in all 14 and after warming ourselves we
went down again and caught 4 more verey good nights work
29 This day I was in the city and remained there all day got notice from the
Colonel of a Courts Martial to be held at York Mills 24 Nov for the
purpose of trying militia delenquents
30 This day I was at home brewing and seeing to the leaveling before the
House
31 This morning I went to the city and remained there evening The weather
was verey cold indeed
November 1838
1 This morning I went to the city preparations for a war is going with
unabated vigor recruiting parties paradeing the street with drum and fife
continually Still I hope that the preperation for war will be the means of
proventing it but it is now all the talk and the news from Lower Canada is
that They are in a like state of excitement and preperation

417
2 This morning I went to the city and was there all the day verey busey
3 This day I was in the city the whole day
5 This morning I went to Toronto and remained there all the day Recivd a
letter form My Brother Charles the first I hav resevd from him since he
went to the South This evening is verey tempestus and indeed snowing
verey fast now nine oclock it is some inches deep
6 This morning I found the ground covered about six inches deep with snow
and trees all covered over so that everey thing has a winterey look all our
cattle was Housed this day I was Brewing and did not go to the city in the
evening a man brote up 100 Sheep that Thos has purchased from him
7 This morning made its appearance with snow falling and driving about in
a verey stormey way it till noon when it turned to rain and has continued
raining ever since the roads are in a dreadfull state of slush and mud
I was at home the whole day as it stormed to much for me to go to

Toronto
I do not remember seeing snow fall so early in the season before
8 This morning I went to Toronto and heard that there had been a skirmige
in Lower Canada between the Militia and Rebels and that one Militia
Captain had been killed and part of the 92 Rgt which arived here on
Tuesday had been ordered back again Things are in a most depresed state
War War is the cry on all sides Well the God of battles will deside which
is best The roads are in a verey bad state
10 This morning I went up the Don to Geo [George] _____ to see an ox he

wanted us to purchase I saw Creighton who informed me that the Rebels
in Lower Canada had destroyed a Steam Boat At noon the team brote an
extra Patriot which confirmed the news and also gave inteligance of a
general raising in Lower Canada and als of the Heroic conduct of the
Caughnawaga Indians who were surrounded in thes meeting House at
worship Is Sabeth by 64 armed rebls when they rushed out giving the
War hoop and ____ on the arms of the rebls they were so panic struck that
they surrenderd though they were double the number of the Indians Such
an act of daring we should hear of the Prisoners were all marched off to

418
Montreal Goal These has been a greate maney persons arrested for
Treason in the Lower Province
11 This forenoon I went to Church and in the afternoon I went up to the

garison to see how they are getting on with the fortifycations
12 Went to the city and found it in greate excitement on acount of a rumour

of the rebels raising up at Newmarket In the evening there a gard of 200
men placit on this side of the Don Bridge and another party at Young St
and another up Dundass Street – about eight oclock I took two of the men
and accompayned by Joseph went as far as the top of Thorns hill to see if
aney thing was sturring in that direction notwithstanding it was rainy and
the roads verey muddy could see nothing at all
13 Went to the city and had a tramp to garrison in search of the ordinance
store keeper to whome I was refered by Col _______ to get our claim of
rent and Damages ______ when I got there I found his office was in
Hospital St so I had to tramp basck again No news from Lower Canada to
dy it is the opinion that the mails are stopped
14 This morning I went to Toronto and after a good deal of running about
succeeded in getting the money from the comissaret at four oclock the
Governor recived a dispach with the intelejance of the rebels and pirates
having crossed over the river and taken our fort at Prescott it has been
repaired and put into a state of defence but I beleave there was no soldiers
in it when it was taken posession off by the rebels no news from Lower
Canada
15 This morning I went tot he city Thomas receved an anonmas letter

threatning him with distruction and all his family and also the buiss in one
night
It rained the greater part of this day
16 This day I was staying at home and laying plank from the brewry to walk
in at noon the Team brote us Gazet with the news of an engagement
between our forces and the brigands with the complete defeat of the latter
but notwithout some loss as there was one Lieutenant of the 83 Regt and a
_____ and several of the militia killed and a number was wounded The
loss of the brigands was soposed to varey greate as they battered down a
stone wind mill in which about 40 had loged themselves and it is reported
that a greate maney was killed on Board the United States Steamer and
on board a Schooner which mad three attempts to cross to Prescott but was
driven back by the little steamer experiement I had no sooner received the
gratifying news then Mrs. Brigth man came up with a handbill isued by
the common council of Toronto calling upon all the male adult popelation

419
to take up arms in defence of their country and Homes accompayned by

letter from Nancy stating that the Yankees were expected to invade the
city this night I took my Horse and road down to see what was news but
found that they were issueing arms and taking the names of all those who
are willing to stand forward in case of an invation – but not that they are
apprehensive of an immediate attack upon the city
17 Went to the city this morning and heard that two assasons had crossed the
Niagara river and shot Capt _______ in his own door and immediately
recrossed the river again This took place in open day and within a mile
and a half of Chippaway No news from Prescott as yet – greate number of
Militia are arriving at Toronto
18 Was at home all day in the afternoon it snowed and stormed considerable
19 Went to the city greate excitement prevailed on account of some person

giving information to the Government that they had seen Mackenzie on
Young Street on Saturday
20 This morning I did not go to the city – was not very busey In the evening
when Joseph returned from the city he brote word of the surrender of the
Brigands who were in the mill at Prescott 167 in number and he also brote
a note from Capt Price for me informing me that were 11 stand of arms an
acoutrements at this house for me – after supper I took five of our men
and John Smith and went for them We had a good load
21 This morning I went to the city Heard that Henrey Latham was taken up
fro writing three letters to several persons in the city – no further news
from below
22 This day I was in the city and sold my Horse and walked home
23 This morning I went to the city – about three oclock got a notice from
Colonel Cameron that the ______ Rgt had to form a contingent of 4 Srgt
and 100 Rank and file I gave the Srgt notice to warn the men tomorrow
after being to ______ I came home across the plains the 93 Highlanders
arived here to day It was reported in the city that Sir John Colburn had
hund 30 Rebls in Montreal and burned down all their Houses and
buildings in the country the suffering s of the Women and Children must
therefore be verey greate Poor deluded people they hav brote themselves
to a miserable state
24 This morning agreeable to instructions from the Colonel commanding our

Regt I went to the parade ground Hoggs Hollow for the purpose of
attending as Court Martial for the trail of delinquents verey fiew of whome

420
attend the Colonel said he would forgive all who attended the Court or
who made apoligy befor the first of the next month
I came home by the city and heard that as Dragoon had shot a man in
_____ for taking hold of his bridle and persisting in holding on and verey
properly
25 This morning I went to the city Bay frozen over and Boys scating on it
weather remarkable cold
26 Attended training at Hoggs Hollow and assisted in drafting 96 out of the

Regt for actual service at Hoggs Hollow until futher orders it took us the
greater part of the day disagreeable men verey unwilling to turn out
Rigerous measures must be resorted to to compel attendance or other wise
give it up intirely and not attempt to call out militia at all for the way it is
conducted now it is a complete farce
27 This day I was at home all day
28 Went to the city Weather verey cold people scating on the Bay in
hundreds
29 This morning I went up Young Street to see a man who resides in the 3
con of Markham who owes us $100 I found it verey cold and the road
after leaving the Mcadam road very rough I found the man Christian
Henricks at home and he promised to pay the money next week
30 This morning I went to the city and remained all day The weather was
beautifull
December 1838
2 Was at home all day Weather was verey stormey and cold
3 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to the city Was verey busey all day –
posting books The roads are getting smooth and quite hard The weather
this day was quite pleasant although somewhat cold
4 This morning I went to the city and was verey busey The 73 Regt arived
this day from Montreal they are all fine looking men

421
5 This morning I went to the city and remained in the office untill four
oclock when I returned home The weather was verey stormey all the day
raining snowing and hailing alternatly
There is news from Kingston that six of the Pirate Leaders are to be hung
immediatly
6 Was at home all this day
8 Went to the city heard that Stegman dwelling House and furniture was
burned yesterday in the absance of himself and wif[who were in the city
The fire originating from a stove pipe if all his furniture is burned it will
be a verey serious loss
The papers state that from 4 to 500 pirates crossed over from Detroyt on
the 3rd of this month and burned a Steam boat and barricks in which the
militia was quartered and also burned two men in the barricks killed a D
Hume who soposed them to be out militia and road up to them and was
immediatly killed and had his his leggs and arms broken after death
The pirates were attacked by Colonel Price and the militia and after killing
25 drove the remainder to the woods without loosing a single man at least
so says the report the 73 Regt and three pieces of Horse Artilerey left here
this morning for the west
There is now west of this the 36 34 85 73 and part of the 93 Regts of

incorporated militia I do no know but several who togeather with the
Indians was hunting the pirates through the woods like wild beasts I think
the next news will be a good account of them
9 Went to Church
10 This morning I went to the city heard that Colonel Prince had shot six of
the Pirates after they was take prisoners and that maney of them was killed
in battle
11 Went to the city and remained untill evening the weather was mild and
thaughed verey much
12 Was in the city got a letter from George Colter dated New York 3d Dec
Weather verey cold No further news from the seat of war Answered
Colters letter and enclosed his Bill of Exchange for $50 which he left with
me for that purpose No one he tok himself no two I send him by mail and

422
77 three remains with me subject to his order if the other two should be
lost by the way
13 This morning I walked to the city down the flats and passed Scaddings
Mill
That von Schoults was a honourable man notwithstanding he was leader of

the pirates it was a pity such a man would be led into such a scrape he
gave 400 pounds to the widows and orphants of the Militia who fell in his
capture and one hundred to the Catholic Simunarey at Kingston and one
thousand to the young woman he was to hav married
14 This being a day of Fasting and Humiliation appointed by the Governor I

went to Church and heard a discoarse from Dr Strachan appropriat to the
ocation
The weather was beautifull I walked to the city

15 This morning I set out for Pine Grove to see Stegman and how he was
situated since his misfortune
When I got there he was verey busey repairing damage and had nearly
completed them he had been verey industrious indeed he had set the rooff
on and upper floor bord and partions up his loss in furniture was not quite
as grate as I expected
16 Set out for home at two oclock the roads verey slipperey and verey
smooth had the greatest difficulty in traveling Weather verey cold
17 This morning went to the city was there all day
Americans hav offered 800 pounds for Colonel Prince dead or alive It is
snowing this eveng
18 This morning I took Mrs. Helliwell and the Babey to the city in the cutter
and took the baby to the Dr as she had been verey sick for some time the
slaying was but verey indiferant
19 This morning took the cutter to the city Was verey busey all day
20 This morning when I was about getting readey to go to the city Joseph
and he want to go so in consequence remad at home and made a wood
box for the hall and several other little in the afternoon went with the man
to cut out some trees that had fallen across the wood road
21 Was in the city all day – verey busey indeed buying Barly in the evening
I went with the man to the garrison no news of aney mor executions of the

423
Pirates probably we shall hav peace for some time untill the ice is thawing
It is snowing this evening and I think will be considerable of a fall
22 Was in the city all day and verey busey
23 Went to Church and after dinner took Miss Nancy out slay riding went
across the plains past Bloors Brewery and across Young St and continued
on that concession untill we came to Spadina Avenue and thence down to
Lot Street and returned home the weather was verey cold
24 This morning I went to the city earley and was verey busey all day There
is a report that there is another invasion at the West and another Regiment
of Provincial Troops are gone ther today Colonl Baldwins and a portion
of the Artilerey that were stationed in Toronto are also gone to the
Western Frontiere
25 Christmas day in the ____ I assisted the men to put the Colt into the slay
and drove him as far as Thorns and turned about and came back again and
went as far as Playtors he went remarkable well after we got out of the
gate he never made the least fuss at all but walked and trotted off like an
old horse
When I came home I dressed my self and went to dine with Mrs Bright
and took all my family with me
The weather was verey cold indeed being verrey blustrey We returned
home again before dark
26 This morning I roade the colt to the city and remained there untill the
evening
The weather was verrey cold )

Slaying but verrey poor in the city) These four lines are
pretty good in the country) written very clearly on drawn lines
No news from the west as yet)
27 This morning I went to the city and remained there till the evening Heard
that a party of Pirates had come from Buffalo in 50 slays across the ice to
Point Ebenaw with purpose of surprising a small forse of volunteers that
were stationed there but fortunly was discovered in time to get the man
under arms and defete them which they did in gallant stile
This evening I was imployd in drilling our men to the use of the musket
28 Walked to the city this morning and was verrey busey taking in Barley
all day In the evening I came home with the team It is snowing a little this

424
evening and has everey appearance of being a good fall which I hope it
will
29 This day I was in the city Red a letter from Charles
30 Remained at home all day
31 Went to the city was verey busey slaying verey good
January 1839
1 After dinner road the colt out to the pine wood came home took Mrs
Helliwell to the city called at Mrs Brights and took in Miss Sarah and
drove up to Peter Street and returned by Lot St Staid at Mrs Brights untill
half past nine weather beautifull
2 In the morning I was putting up a board with pins in the hall
Was in the city this day went in the slay and was verey busey all the day
The weather is quite mild this evening and I think it will snow more
3 This morning I went out to Young St and to the city that way my reason
for doing so was to see if I could meet with aney barley purchased one
Load returned the same way in the evening a thaugh has taken place and I
am affraid the slaying is going to leave us
4 This morning I went to the city in cutter and took Mrs Joseph with me She
returned in the cutter herself and I came home in the team The weather
still continued mild and thoughing
5 Went to Toronto this morning and went down on the ice the weather
continues mild There is a rumour that the sympatha ers and Pirates hav
again crossed over the lines near Lake Champlain and burned some houses
and retreated back to the land of Liberty and that Sir John Colburn had
demanded that they should be given up or he would follow them into the
United States and punish them
6 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to the city in the hope of going to
Church but what was our surprise on ariving at Mrs Brights to find the
Church in flames I left Mrs H and went up and was in time to see the
greate part of the galerey fall I could get no informatin of the orgination of
this sore calamity The splendid organ was all consumed and indeed
allmost everey thing in the Church I beleave the fire was breaking through
Rooff before it was discovered

425
I took dinner at Thomases but Mrs Helliwell so far forgot her duty and
respect to me and my friends as to refuse accompanying me there which I
felt verey much becaus it shows a want of respect and disregard of her
sacred duty towards me as it should be her highest pleasure to pleas me to
day nothing of obedience
The weather was verey fine and mild all this day and at preasant ten
oclock the cares are dropping
7 This morning I road the colt to the blacksmiths and left him to be shod
and walked up to the city and soon after Joseph came with the waggon
and I went with him to the Town meeting at Andersons Tavern Hoggs
hollow We was detaind there nearley all the day it continued to though all
day and this evening the water is running down the hill in greate quantities
if it continues much longer there will be a flood however it may pawse
before morning and check the water
8 This day I was about home riding the colt out and putting up a rack in the
little room The weather was verey fine and pleasant
10 Took Mrs Helliwell to the city in the light waggon Was verey busey
taking out bills all this day
The roads are getting verey muddey in consequence of the continued

mild weather and drissling shoure we hav had this day
11 This day I was in the city weather was still shourying
12 This day was in the city and verey busey taking out bills
The weather was quite change this afternoon having come freezing again
13 This morning took a walk up the hill and across Bennets feild to see
Black Dan with the children
Weather was quite changed freezing and began to snow about eight oclock
14 This morning the ground was covered with snow about six inches deep
consequentley the team took the slay but found the road to rough for
slaying and the second time took the waggon I went to the city and was
verey busey all the day taking out acconts The Royal William has arived
at Newyork and it is said that Lord Durham is in disgrace that her Majesty
refused to see him and that he was gone to _____ but the truth of which
news I doubt verey much

426
The weather this day was verey fine and pleasant and a greate number of
slays were out although it was not good slaying
16 This morning I went to the city and was verey busey taking out accounts
and
17 In the city all day
Weather mild and ______ snow
19 Was in the city
20 In the city again to day
Weather verey cold
21 This morning I went to the city down the ice and attended divine service in
the city hall
25 This morning I went down to the Highland Creek called at Gates and went
over to John Torrance to get him to go with me to see a lot of land N -6 in
the second concession With some difficulty we found it and traveled over
it nearly all ceder swamp
When we came back we went up the creek as far as Dr Fitzgeralds Lot
My object for doing that was to see what quantity of flats there was on
Richardsons lot
The roads are verey fine indeed
26 This day I was in the city came home early to take Miss Nancy Bright
home in the waggon
The weather was verey mild in the forenoon and in the afternoon rather
cold
27 At home all day

427
28 Was busey all day drawing rails from the bush and making fence to
replace what was burned in October last
29 Busey as yesterday drawg rails and makg fence
30 This day I was in the city
31 Was in the city went down the ice greate traveling on the river now
February 1839
1 This day I was in Toronto and up as far as the Humber Bridg to see Irish
and Hargrave for money did not get aney
2 This morning took Miss Bright out to Pine Grove to see Stegmans went
the Humber Road found slaying tolerable good after crossing Colonel
_________
3 This morning got Stegman to put his horses into slay and drove to the gore
road fine country superior land and good timber rather to flat and not well
watered came back to discover ________
4 About ten started for home came down the 3 concession of York Liked the
Land verey much indeed
5 This morning I went to the city and remained there all the day verey
busey taking in barley and posting up the Books the weather was verey
cold
6 This morning I was busey getting straw and putting it to the cellar door to
keep out the frost in the afternoon I was busey putting up a porch to the
back door
The weather was verey cold this day
Mrs. Helliwell was in the city to day she went with Mrs Joseph
7 This day I was in the city and up to the Garrison
The weather was milder then it has been for some time back It is verey
windey this evening and I should not be surprised if it snowed
8 This morning I was in the city and was verey busey all the day It thoughed
verey much all the day Indeed it was like a Spring day so mild and warm

428
9 This day I was in the city The weather was much changed since yesterday
being verey cold to day Dr Widmer informed me that a party of Robbers
had crossed from the States into Lower Canada and had murder a man and
his son and carried off all his valuable furniture and burned the remainder
and retreated across the lines under the protection of the Americans – iii -
The British Government will surely demand the punishment of such

murderers and inf the demand by forse if nessesry
10 This morning I took a walk up the gully by the dam as far as the ______
Cornell has made greate improvements in that road Miss Bright and the
children came up at twelve oclock and at three Miss Sarah and James
Worts
When Nancy was returning the _____ strop eather broke or came
unbuckled in the Hill and Charles jumped out of the waggon and un
hooked the traces when the waggon ran back and one wheel runing up
onto the high side threw the waggon over When I heard of it they had put
the Horse into the waggon again and was going up the hill so that I
thought there was not much harm done but on talking with Joseph who
saw it all I became aprehensive that William was much hurt
I put the Horse into the slay and drove down to Mrs Brights to see and
when I got there I found that William had his arm broken off close to the
shoulder and Dr Widmer had been and set it and Nancy was hurt in her
head she said she did not know where she was untill she came to the Don
Bridg It appears that in falling out of the waggon she fell on her head
11 This morning I went to the city called at Mrs Brights to see how William
had rested
12 Was in the city Came home by the way of Scaddings Mill through the
Park
Mr and Mrs Stegman came up this evening and remaind all night
13 Wend down the ice and up the hill at Scaddgs Mill for the purpose of
examining the ground that I might form an opinion as to the capability of
making a road that way to the city as some of the neighbours hav been
speaking about making one through Scaddings Land and I understand that
he has promised to give it for that purpose I am of opinion that a good
Road can be made and at a trifleing expence And by doing so the distance
will be shortned considerabl and the payment of the tolls avoided
14 This forenoon I was about home Immediatly after dinner I went down the
road as far as Peter Scotts and then down the hollow that is purposed to be

429
the line of new road I examined it all the way down to the don and accross
the river and up the hill on the other side
After I came home I took my gun and went out to the choppers on the Pine
ridg came back along Playtors line
The weather was verrey mild and warm indeed it thoughed considerable
Weather was remarable fine and pleasant
16 This morning I went to the city The weather still remain verey open The
roads are getting muddey
17 Went to Church in the morning at the Collage and in the afternoon in the
City Hall
18 Was in the city all day Weather quite changed being verey cold
Engraved
Calling card - H.N. Helliwells
Inland Revenue Dept Toronto
On back in pencil - 179

York Street
In diary – Oct. 8, 1838 – Feb. 18, 1839

430
[Another break in our diaries occurs at this point. The next diary takes up
the narrative on February 23, 2839.
23 For several days back I have not had aney paper or books to write in
consequently there is a break in my memorandum Yesterday I was down
to the Mill at the Highland Creek although it rained the greate part of the
day.
This morning I went to Toronto and having ocation to go to the Garrison I

called at the Hospitall to see how our man was that went there with a
sprained ancle day before yesterday.
I was showne into the ward where was with some half a score more poor
afflicted mortals. Really I think it is usefull to visit this abode of misery
and suffering If aney thing will humble the pride of us poor mortals I think
a sense of this kind will
It inspired me with a feeling of gratitude to that All Wise Being who has
thus far through his goodness and mercy kept me from being partisan to
their miserey.
The rain began to fall at twelve oclock and continued with but little
intermission during the remainder of the day. The roads are in
consequence in a verrey muddey state.
There was a report in the City to day and it is general beleaved that
Charles Babey had fallen in a duel with Colonel John Prince of the Essex
Militia. This is the fourth duel that Mr. Prince has fought inconsequence of
those persons with whom he fought calling him a coward – Some accounts
states the number of persons who are conserned in the charge against
Colonel Prince to be thirteen and other accounts states them at eight and -
that he is determined to fight them all if is spared to do.
It is a dreadfull situation for a man to be placed in to be obliged to rish his

Life 13 times to indicate his courage when to man in the Provence not
eaven the Libellers themselves doubted it
The disagreement of Colonel Prince and those persons is attributed to their

jealousey of his fame
I heard at the Garrison that the Americans had taken possession of the
disputed Territory If that is the case their will be warm work verey soon
between John and Johnathan .

431
24 This morning I took a walk up the Don as far Taylors to see their new
Bridg. I walk up all the way on the ice although ther was considerable
water running over it at places. I returned by the top of the hill - -
It began to rain in the afternoon and at present seven oclock it is raining

verey fast and there is quite the appearance of a flood in the don
25 This morning I went along with the team to draw a load of Lumber from
the Mill to Mr. Walkins who has lateley purchased Bates place. We took
four barrels of Ale for Gates and went accross the plains and came out at
Turleys left our Ale and ___?__ box and Gates and went down to the Mill
and Loaded up with Lumber and brote it to Mr. Watkins and then went
back to Gateses for Waggon horse and empty barrel.
The roads are in a verey muddey state where there is no plank.
26 This morning I went to Toronto Was there untill four oclock
The roads are in a shocking state. This evening it rained very hard indeed.
Received a letter from Mr. John Helliwell Dated 4 Dec 1838 Miss
Stegman came to visit us this day.
27 Went to the city and at two oclock went up to the Parlement House to see
the Governor open the Parlment house. His speach was verey long and I
think a good one he gave a Historey of the Rebellion and Fronten
agression from the first out break up to the presant time.
28 This forenoon I was in the woods cutting and loading pump logs. In the
afternoon I was breaking in a young Horse Nimrod
March 1839
1 This morning I went to the city remained there all day roads are verey
muddey indeed - - - -
2 This forenoon I was at home waching two Yankeys that professes to cure
smoaking chimneys. They were all day at one or ours but did it no good.
In the afternoon I was up in the barn feild breaking the colt and road him
for the first time
The weather this evening is quite changed being quite cold
3 This morning as the ground was frozen hard and being quite rough I
walked to the city went to Church in the city Hall twice

432
4 The weather verey cold and the ground hard frozen again. News that the
Americans from the State of Main was about invadeing the provence of
New Brunswick with 8000 Men and that Sir John Harvey had called out
the Militia out of the Provence to defend it
5 This day I was in the city greate talk of the State of Main having invaded
our Terretory to which they hav for some time set up a claim.
6 This morning I accompayned the Team down to the Highland Creek.

Found the road tolerable good. The weather was verey fine and pleasant.
7 Was in the city all day. Went to Toronto this morning and did not return
untill late in consequence of Thomas having the Horse and the waggon
away
8 Went to the City.
9 Was at home all day.
10 At home.
11 in the afternoon was riding the colt out to the plains.
12 This morning was in the city.
13 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day Set 150 dollar
to Wetumka for Charles to bring him home
Roabert Phair was buried this day with millitarey Honoers – He was
thrown from his Horse on Saterday last and ded on Sunday.
It has rained a little this evening and threatned more.
14 Thsi morning I road the colt out to the pine bushs – In the afternoon I was
chopping wood untill five oclock . When Mrs. Helliwell getting so ill –
(She had been complaneng all day) I walked to the city (as we had no
horse at home but the colt) or Dr. King who arrived before I did. I had not
been maney minuets home before I was informed that Mrs. Helliwell was
delivered of a verey fine Boy
I then took the Horses and waggon and went for Miss Bright. The news
pleased me.

433
15 I was in the city all day.
16 This morning I went to the city and roade on the colt and had a good deal
of difficulty in getting him along the road.
The weather for some time back has been charming and the roads are so
dry and dusty that the dust was blowing much remarkable for the monthe
of March.
17 This morning I walked to Church. Weather rather cold and cloudy In the
evening it began to snow and snowed verey fast.
18 Was in the city Verey stormey day. Snowed all day.
19 In the city roads sloppy in consequence of snow melting.
23 This morning I went to the Highland Creek found the roads verey muddey
where they were not McAdamized or planked.
The saw Mill was going though the ice was verey strong in the dam and
most of the saw Logs frozen fast.
The weather was verey fine and pleasant.
24 Was at home all day.
25 Went to the city and remained there all day.
26 Was in the city. Greate Meeteing in the City Hall. Mooved and passed
resolutions against the Union of the provences Which measure a majority
of the House of Assembly are in favour of.
A drill Segt in Magntts troop of Lancers by the name of Flood was found
out to be in corrispondance with the Pirates on the other side of the Lake
and was conspiring to burn the Government House
Letters and papers were found in his possession that proved his guilt as
also plans of the Garrison and the position of the Batteries and Magaziens
and of the Horse baricks in the city how the men were armed and where
the arms were deposited at night and where the ball cartradg was cept and
also the most advantagouse places of Landing a party for the purpose of
destroying the Public Building.
27 This day I was about home in the forenoon I was putting up a chimney pot
and in the afternoon assisting the men to load manure in the evening I
went out to the Pine Woods

434
The weather was very fine indeed
28 This morning I went to the city soon after I started It began to rain and
rained verrey hard untill I got to the Don Bridge when it became some
what fair and continued so untill evening when it again commenced
raining and now half past nine) it is pouring down and everey appearance
of continueing all night
29 This being good fryday I remained at home all day in the forenoon I
picking up the old waggon racks and old boards & in the yard and putting
boards onto the shead near the coopers shop for the purpose of putting
barrels under
After Tea I went up to Stoney Hills for Sasfrag roots to make tea on the
way I saw a bleu bird the first I hav seen this season It is an indication of
Spring – It rained heavey the greater part Or this day and consequently the
roads are in a verey muddey state
April 1839
3 This morning I took the gun and went down the flats and had the good
fortune to shoot a wood duck which is the first I shot for a number of years
– After breakfast I went to the city and remained there all day The weather
for the last three day has been remarkable fine and pleasant.
The frost is intirely out of the ground our people was imployd in bareing
the Elipes for the purpose of removeing the old ones and replacing them
with new ones
4 This day I was digging a place for the water pipes and also baring the old
pipes.
NB In the morning I went down the flats to see if I could see aney ducks.
Saw one but could not get near him
5 This day I was digging for the pipes.
Weather verey fine and warm greate numbers of persons fishing for
suckors

435
6 This day we commenced laying down the new logs. had a good deal of
trouble as the earth shipped in considerable
In the afternoon I took Mother home in the light waggon
This was a remarkable fine and pleasant day – Several people had
commenced making gardens about the city
7 This morning I went to Church. Was delayed some time by a showre of

rain which came on just as I was starting however it soon cleared up and
became fine and pleasant
8 This day I was verey busey Laying down pipes we Laid 13 down
Thomas sent me word that 8 Frygates and 4 line of Battle ships hav arived
at Halifax the first division of a fleet The government it seames opned
therr eyes to the treacherey and peridity of the Amercans
9 Putting down pipes and laid 19 - - The weather was verey fine and
pleasant
10 Putting down pipes this day also and laid the same number as yeasterday
(19)
The weather this morning was cloudy and overcast and about half past one
it began to rain and drizled all the afternoon - - -
11 Was verey busey with the pipes
12 Was putting in side pipes to convey water up to the House
13 Was putting in a pump the water not railing high enough by thru pat went
to the city in the afternoon.
14 Went to Church in the after noon I took a ride around by the Steam Mill
and over the Plains home
15 This morning I went to the city and remained there till two oclock when I
came home - - - -
16 This day I was busey puting up pipes in the brewery
The weather was wet and cold.
17 This day I was laying up fence In the morning from our back door to the
board fence along the road and in the afternoon up in the bush field.

436
The weather was verey cold and raw
Hav got a verey bad cold
Joseph went to Stiwell Wilsons and purchased a yoke of oxen for $76.
They are very poor - - - -
22 Since I last wrote in this Journal nothing of consequence has happnd I hav
been principaly in the city during the Day Where I was to day – Joseph set
fire to the log heap this mroning at the bottom of the Hill near the corn
feild in Smiths Flats and during the afternoon It ran up to the Barn and not
withstanding all the exertions that could be made to prevent it
There was consederabl quantity of straw laying around the Barn and when
that took fire there was no stopping it
When I came home it was leavel with the grounds and all that remand was
a few blackned and smoaking logs-
23 This morning I took Mrs Helliwell to the city -
24 This morning I was sowing grass seed on the feild and hill side and in the
afternoon I was sowing onion seed –
This was a verey growing day as we had a verey fine shoure
25 This day I was busey in the garden
26 This morning I went to the city and remand there all day –
27 Was in the city all the day The public mind is much agitated on account
of McKenzie Gibson and Montgomerey visiting the Traveller with a
armid Possey of 40 men on her last trip to Rochen under the pretence of
looking for State Prisoners They however offered no nore comitted aney
outrage
The Government purchased her the Traveller this morning and she is to be
immediately armed for a defencive precaution. And it is the general report
that there is to be a Militia general order to continue the Incorporated
corps for six months longer although maney of them were in coarse of
being disbanded.
Our people finished sowing spring wheat and a glorious deligtfull day it
was for such a purpose and in the evening it began to rain

437
28 This morning made its appearance with rain pouring down which
continued the greater part of the day
In the afternoon I took a ride up the river
29 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day –
30 This forenoon I was assiting the men to put up stumps in the pottatoe feild
at the top of the hill and in the afternoon I was planting pottatoes
In the evening I took the colt and rode out to the plains and met three head
of our cattle and brote them home
May 1839
1 This morning was rather wet having been shourey during the night – Went
to planting Pottatoes at the top of the Hill It rained several times during
the day which prevented us finishing the feild which we should hav done I
beleav if it had remained fine
We had heavey rain this evening - -
2 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day was up tot he
Garrison &c
The roads are getting verrey muddey .
3 This day I was busey in Toronto.
4 This morning I went up The Hill to Examine the state of the upper feild
and frome thence I road forward to Taylors to get our surveyors chain to
set out Hops by
I then went to the city and remained there till evening
11 This morning I went accross the Lake to Niagara in the Steamer Trancit
called on several people for money during the afternoon and in the
evening went up to McFarlands where I staid all night
12 This morning I accompaneyed the McFarlands to Kirk. And in the

afternoon took a walk over the farm with Young James and called at
Young Johns and took Tea there
13 Returned home again the Trancit at three oclock during this trip I collected
24 19 - - -

438
We had rather a roughish passage over the Lake and the weather was wet
and disagreeable
14 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day –
15 Was busey nailing up fence around the House The weather was verey fine
and pleasant
16 This day I was working at the fence the whol day The weather was verey
fine and pleasant indeed –
17 This day I took Mrs. Helliwell to the city and remained there all day
18 This day I was in the city –
19 Went to Church and after noon I took a walk with the girles to Potters
feild – The weather was verey fine and warm –
20 Verrey busey planting Pottatoes in the flats in the Hop between the rows –
Verrey fine and warm –
21 Was planting corn in the peice beyond the bridg–
22 Was planting pottatoes in the hop feild
23 Planting Pottatoes untill about eleven oclock when it began to rain and
came down in Torrants –
In the afternoon I was cleaning out celler and sorting pottatoes
24 This forenoon was planting pottatoes and in the afternoon went to the
city.
25 This morning went down to the Highland Creek.
June 1839
1 during the past week I hav been princapaly ingauged in the city. hav been
once to the Highland Creek.
The weather has been cold and wet - - -
The people imployd in extending the ditch to several springs beyond the
pond and conducting them into the Pond Mill Wright making a new Water
Wheel &c.

439
4 This being Training day I met my companey at Hastings on the bay. As in

consequence of the distance being so far to Hoggs Hollow the colonel
allowed me to muster my company at aney place I chuse near and
conveniant there were 49 presant and ten absant
5 This forenoon was busey about the water wheel & race untill noon when I
went to the city
The weather was wet
19 Since I last wrote in this Journal I hav been to Lock Port which ocupied
three days of last week. I went for the purpose of getting a Mortgage
against N ___?___ Brat recorded which I effected after some trouble as he
refused for some time to acknowledge it which ir he had continued to do I
should hav been under the necessity of returning to Toronto for one of the
subscribing witnesses to the document - - -
greate work going on in LockPort inlargeing the Canal cutting down the
rock and putting in new Locks - -
I traveled from Lewiston to LockPort on the Rail Road.
We hav been princapally ingaged in putting in the new water wheel and
cleaning out the race since I returned
Last Monday we had a Bee drawing slabs from Degrassies Mill to slab the
road through Playtors from I attended at the Mill and Loaded and Joseph
remained at the road and laid them down there were eleven Horse teams
and three ox teams presant and all wrought well we drew nearley enough
to finish the peice of road
22 Yesterday I went up to Oakvill for the purpose of seeing a Mashing

Mashine having been told that M. Hopkird had one of a pecular
construction – but when I got there I found I had rong informed – There
being no such thing in the place & collected 20 empty barrels and returned
in the evening
This day I was about the water wheel and race the weather was verey fine
indeed
This evening we was amusing ourselves with fireing musquets at a mark.
24 This morning I went up the Hill before breakfast to assit George to saw
out a waking beam for the pump.

440
The man from Town came and said that Thomas was gone to the Highland
Creek and that I was to go to the city.
The weather was very warm.
25 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day In the afternoon
I went up to the Garrison to see 93 Regt Revewed all in full Highland
costume They certainley made a verrey fine appearance – after being
reviewed they went through a sham fight which I did not see much of as I
could not stop. There was a very greate number of people presant and a
good sprinkling of the fair of the city and neighbourhood
29 Working on the road on Thursday and Fryday although it rained a good

deal of the time
This day I was in the city The weather was verey warm
July 1839
1 This morning went to the city and remained there all day The weather was
verey warm
4 This day I was brewing &c and got on tolerable well The weather was
rather cool and shourey our People finished cleaning out the race or
nearley so Corn crops are looking verey bad in consequence of so much
cold weather –
There is a report that the Ministers intend to bring before the Imperial
Parlemtn the Union of the Provences and removeing the seat of
government from Toronto
8 This day I was busey howing corn in the flats
The weather was verrey warm
The corn crops hav into growed much untill of verrey late in consequence
of the weather ceeping cold but now they begin to look promising
W Cornell is building a scow 65 feet long 13 wide at the top of oure corn
feild for the purpose of conveying wood down the don I hope it will
answer a good purpose
15 I hav just returned from Pine Grove weather I went on Saterday last with
the two Horse waggon and accompayned by Mrs H and her mother and

441
two Brothers and Sarah Jane I never remember seeing the cross look so
well perticularly wheate Grass I beleave is below an avrage crop - -
The weather is shourey and we was obliged to take shelter form one in
Finches
17 This morning I went to Toronto and remained there untill three oclock
when I returned home in the evening I went to invite people to the raising
of the barn tomorrow
21 Yesterday morning I was making a moddle of a new mashing tub and

mashiene I hav invented Which I think will be a verey greate
improvement in mashing.
In the after noon I was taking hay and the people drew in two loads the
first we hav drawn this season – It threatened rain verey much and indeed
did sprinkle a little in the evening but fortunately ror the Hay there did not
fall much
22 This morning made its appearance with the rain pouring down and
continued untill noon when it cleared off and I went to the city
The river is very high this evening
23 This morning I went to the meadow and commenced shakeing out sathes
and turning hay – And in the afternoon we drew in
25 Yesterday morning made its appearance rather cloudy and thretned rain.
We did not go to the Hay but waited to see how the day would turn out
about nine oclock it rained a little so the I saw there was not good to be
done at the Hay and a I though tha would not be much rain started to go to
the Highland Creek with the team when we got out to the Kingston Road it
began to rain and 90 that we was wet before we got to Smalls
We drove the Horses into the shead before the Black Smiths Shop and
staid there an houre and a half and seeing no prospects of its clearing off
we returned The rain now came down in torrants and completely drenched
us before we got home – It turned out such a days rain I never remember
seeing
This day was fine and dry and I went to the saw mill yesterdays rain has
done greate damage to crops having knocked them all flat

442
When I came home I found a flood on the don water runing over the
meadow
26 This day was fine and we made the most of it and drew in 14 loads of Hay
Thomas was up assisting us
The water in the don is still verey high but to overflow its banks It sanded
about two loads of hay in our meadow yesterday 80 as nearley to make it
useless - -
I have been told that several mill dams hav been taken away up the river
and a greate deal of damage done to the crops on the flats
August 1839
1 Since last wrote here we hav had a deal of rain and bad weather and hav
not been able to get in much hay before to day which hav been fine and we
hav made the most of it and got in 10 loads
There is a greate cry that the wheate in ingured verey much by the rust
and mildue
If we are blessed with a fine day tommorrow and no accident happnes we

shall nearley finish the meadow if not quite
2 Alas!! Man cannot tell what a day will bring fourth This morning was 80
cloudey and overcast that we could do nothing at the hay untill the
afternoon and after getting it all spread out and partley dry a shoure came
up in the coarse of a fiew minuets [minutes] and completely wet the hay
This forenoon we was laying the foundation of a Hogs pen &c
5 This day I was in the city all most the whole day weather verey fine
People commenced cutting the upper feild this morning
6 This morning I though was verey promising and that we should hav a
verrey fine day but at nine oclock it began to rain and rained for half an
houre when it cleared off and I set out for Toronto with Mrs. & Mary
Margaret in the waggon had not got farther then Playtors when it
commenced raining agan and continued with little intermission all the day
or at least untill four oclock
There is a greate cry out of the wheate crops being damaged verey much -
---

443
7 This morning I was brewing and fixing a lead pipe into one of the Tuns for
the purpose of a refrigerator or wort cooler
I remained in the brewery all day Superintinding the operations
8 This day I was assisting the men in the hay feild at the top of the hill from
which they were drawing in hay - About five oclock it commenced
raining and rained heavey for a fiew minuets and wet all the hay that was
fit to draw in - - This is certainly one of the uncertainest hay times I ever
saw.
9 This morning I went to the city in the light waggon and took a part of the
pump that was damaged by the frost last winter Thomas went up to the
Humber with the waggon
10 The past week has been rather more favourable for the Harvest then the
preceeding one although there has been some rain
Our team commenced plowing in Secords place on Fryday on new land
The wheate is a general failure
People are regretting the removeal of Sir John Colborne who is about to
return to England.
Yesterday I was in the city and attended the sale of John Montgomery
property which sold very well the upper place was sold for £700 over and
above the amount of our mortgage which is interest and princpl £900
19 This day I was imployd in pulling up the floor above the Tun room and
prepareing a way accross the same for taking wood &c into the upper
copper
In the evening I went to the city and brote Jane out
The weather was fine people commenced cutting wheate this morning –
21 Brewing and was in consequence about the Brewery the wold day The
weather was warm uncomonly so – Our people inguaged in Reaping
wheate which turn out uncomonly well
23 This forenoon I was up in the Wheate feild opening the stooks And in the
afternoon I was asquisting the men to draw in the wheat we drew in six
loads of about 300 sheaves each

444
24 Forenoon busey in the brewery taking down Tun & in the afternoon
assisting copper Smith to make refrigerator
People busey drawing in Wheate

29 I was busey this forenoon in the Brewerey putting up pipes to steam
barrels and several othere little jobs about the Building After dinner I
went up to the barn and unloaded a load of Wheate and drew in one
This afternoon Cornell launched his scow which was built by the side of
our corn feild
30 Was busey in the Brewery all day in the __?__ went up to clearing on the
plains
Weather verey fine
September 1839
4 This morning we commenced pulling down the Gable end of to rebuild it

as it is verey much out of the perpendicular and in danger of foling
13 During the past week we hav been busey rebuilding the Gable End of the
Brewery and making a stand for one of the coppers as the old stand is in
such a shattered condition that we do not think it admisable to reset it on
it
16 This day I hav been busey with the masons at the setting of the coppers.
18 Still busey with the coppers and gable of building – The last two days has
been rather wet – People busey drawing wheate on the plains
28 This has been a verey wet day perticularly the fore part of it did nothing at
the Brewery this day.
Harp and George were working at the new mash tub and I also did a little
at it myself
October 1839
7 This morning I went to the city to get somethings for the Brewerey as we
are about staring our new mashing mashine –
The weather is fine –
November 1839

445
5 This evening we started the mashing mashiene by water and found it to

work well – There is some little alterations to be made before it is perfect
– The princaple is a good one – Since I last wrote in this Book we hav had
some of the pleasantest weather I ever experianced in my life. The two
last days hav however been verey stormey having been a strong easterley
wind and driving rain – It will in all probility wind up with frost –
December 1839
5 One month since I wrote in this journal since which time I hav been to
Tockport and about the country a good deal trying to rais the wind but
with little success no money to be had – and verey little sale eaven on
credit –
The Governor General Sir Pawlet Thompson opened the Parlement on the
third of the month with greate splendour It is the general opinion that the
Provences will be united and some are so sanguine as to think the General
Government will be in Toronto
The fore part of las week was verey cold freezeing the don over in two
nights that would carrey a Horse since then we had verrey fine weather
and to day was as warm as May
27 The whole of last week and monday and Tuesday of this I was working at
a road accross Scaddings land along with a greate maney of our
neighbours as we were some days 35 in number and never less than 16 –
We made a good road down to the Don and up the oposite Bank to
intersect the Park Street and when there is a Bridg built it will some half or
three fourths of a mile nearer to Toronto then by the old road and without
tuching on the McAdamized road and consequently no toll to pay
I think it is one of the Greatest Improvements we hav made for some time
I took dinner on Christmas day at Mr Brights – And yesterday met M

Eastwood at a Party at Joseph to whome I hav not spoken before for
several years – However I harbour no malice to him or aney sould on
Earth and I freeley forgive aney injurey I may hav received as I hope to be
forgiven –
We hav had a little snow for some days past although not enough to mak
good slaying and this day it thoughed considerable but at presant (past
nine) it is snowing fast

446
28 This morning made its appearance with the ground covered with snow
more then a foot deep and continueing to fall so think that we could
scarseley see through it
All the forenoon I was busey making a rack for the slay and at noon the
storm was somewhat abated I went along with teams to the city the bottom
of the slays dragging along the snow all the way
Heard in the city that William Smith Don Bridg died last night The snow
is still falling fast at presant seven oclock I think I never saw a greater
quantity of snow fall at one time in my life
There is good prospect of a winters slaying - -
January 1834 [Note: should have put 1840]
1 Adieu 1839
Yesterday I was at the funeral of William Smith Don Bridg an old

acquaintance
And to day I was making calls – I accompayned Thomas to W Burnhams

Ketchems the Ridouts Harris Wavnages Rogers Chewetts Sir Geroge
Arthers and Governor Generals Mr Charles H Boultons Willars P
Patterson John Baldwins Ian Ridr and William Alans we went in the
cutter and a delightfull day we had we had for the ocation Greate number
at the Governor General –
After returning took Miss Jane Bright out driving up to her Grand Fathers
4 The weather is somewhat milder then it has been for some days past –
We hav been travelling the new road for the last three days
10 My Sister Marey Skinner has been laying sinces last Fryday in a verey low
state indeed and it is verey problematical if she will recover.
The weather for this week past has been verey mild and pleasant and to
day it has thoughed considerable and rained and it is now snowing
The forepart of this weeke we had the Thrashing mashine to Thrash out
the wheate
11 Yesterday was verey stormey in the forenoone and in the after noon it was
cold and clear there fell about one foot of snow Mrs Skinner is somewhat

447
better then she was yesterday and there is now some hope that she will
recover
Thursday Fryday and Saterday Thomas away from Home having gone to
Hamilton
28 This day I was in the city we purchased the lease of the North East cornor
of the market Block for £215 27 feet front by 95 feet deep
Paid the first Installment on Pew No 14 in Eastern Galerey 12.5 and also
gave three Notes at 6 nine and 12 months for alike sum of £12.5 each The
weather was verey stormey in the forenoon but this evening it is verey
pleasant
Mrs Wilmot Mr Burnham and Mrs Burnham Mrs Bright and the Girls was
up this afternoon
29 This day I remained at home as we was making a tryal of raw Barley with
malt smashed 95 Bushels of Barley at 150 and when I had the quantity
__?__ for mashine the malt it was at 178 when I let the malt in the
mashing mashiene had been at work the whole the liquor was runing in to
the malt
The worts came down unusually bright – we used 4 calves feet and about
1 ¼ bushels of ___?___ for finings in the copper and so far as the ___?___
has gone I am verey much pleased with it.
It snowed the whole of this day and fell about eight inches It appears that
we are never to hav done with snow this season as there is one heavey fall
after another there cannot be less then two feet of cleared snow on the
ground at preasant
February 1840
6 This day I was busey putting up the new millstones in the old kiln We got
the Stones all set up and readey for work when the shaft that connects
them with the water wheel is put up which I think will be tomorrow if all
is well.
The weather hav been mild to day and has rained a little
12 On Monday we started a pair of small mill stones in the kiln drove by the
little water wheel in the cellar they will I think answer a good purpose for
chopping and ocationally making flower as we hav a small bolt attached to
them We purchased them from Miss Forsyth Richardson &c of Montreal
for £40 - - They are three feet in diameter and are remarkable good buys

448
The River is verey high in consequences of the thoughing weather there

has been for a week past indeed water has been running in all directions in
abundance I never saw so dull times in all my life as at presant not a
dollar moveing
13 This morning I accompayned the teame down the Kingston road to

Scarborough we left our Barrel of Beer at I Smiths and two at John
Brownlies and two at John Bells
came over into the Town line called at J. Brodericks who insisted on us
taking dinner with him
We collected 19 Barrels in this rout –
The weather was verey fine and pleasant and the slaying tolerable good
15 Yesterday I was in the city – Was asked to accompaney a Mr Ritte to the

Parsons to Get Married and witness to the ceremony which I did
The Bride was a Miss Edward a person whome I never saw before I met
her at the Parsons door Her Father I hav a slight knowledge of I
accompayned them to the House of the Brides Father and took a glass of
wine with them –
This day I was in the city all the day –
23 The roads are getting verey muddy which is a thing verey unsual at this
Season of the year
Yesterday and the day before we were getting ice into the old Kiln – It
should hav been gotten in before but we did not expect the river would hav
brokin up at the middle of Febrary We drew one day from the river below
the bridg and the next day that water was all over the Hop gardens so that
we had to draw off the Spring pond and we hav not gotten all we want yet
Yesterday the water was up into the work House a little
Miss Stegman was up yesterday and I took her down this morning to Mrs.
Brights
To the Upper Canadian Lovers of the Brittish Constitution
Awake ye Awake ye the call hath gone forth

It hath echod along through the woods of the North
Awake ye free sons of the wide forest land

449
Awake from your slumber the struggles at hand
Arouse ye arouse ye the foeman are nigh

They dream they can triumph then their Boastings are high
Their watchword is treason their fa th but a name
Their breathings but ruin distruction their aim
Awake ye Awake ye come froth one and all

Could the sons of Your sires eer be deaf to that call
Sworn friends to your country remmember your vow
Tis the hour that she needs you be true to her now
Come forth from you homesteads wherever they be

By the dark rolling streams by the loneley prairie
From the woods by the sweep of the Huron shore tide
To the dark pines that wave by the Ottawas side
Unite ye unite in the patriot band

As your sires did of yore for their loved father land
When the banner of England streamd forth on the breeze
from the cliffs of Kinsale to the wild Orcounes
Awake ye awake see that flag is on high

The bright star of our hope see it gleam in yon sky
Tis the same that for ages hath flown oer the war
O’ve Cressys dark plain or thy waves Trafalgar
Long the Lion hath slept with his slumbers they’ve playd
Now he springs from his rest and they shrink back dismayd
And the cheeks of the cravens grow livid and pale
When the war shout of Brittan [Britain] rings out on the gale
In their treason they dreamed in the phrenzy they spoke

of the orations theyd call to bend ye to their yoke
But their power or their threats ye may fling to the air
For your Chieftain for ye bid them come if they dare
Oh rally around him the dauntless the true

Whom dishonour neer tained whom falshood neer know
Who hate wakned up your slumbering spirits to life
And the heart each patriot nerved for the strife
Awake ye awake ye arise to the call

Tis the crisis of fate ye of fate ye must struggle for all
Tis your country that calls tis the hour of her doom
Ye will shout oer her tryumphs or weep oer her tomb

450
Awake ye awake ye arise in your might

For your homes for your freedom for honour for right
By your sons yet unborn by your sires in their Graves
We conjure ye arise and be freemen or Slaves
March 1940
23 Since I last wrote in this journal I had been very busy making
prepareations for building up the Houses on the market Block getting
planns and specifications &c.
Times are verey dull and no sale for beer.
The weather has been verey fine and pleasants : indeed I never saw aney
thing like it in the months of Feby & March in My life
This evening I was down to the steam Mill and came home accross the
plains past our wheat feild
24 This morning made its appearance with snow falling fast and indeed it
continued to storm verey much all day fell about six inches of Snow
I was busey about the Brewerey and fixing up the tub for distilling &c –
25 This day I was busy in the brewery all day preparing for distilling &c
taking out the vats from the old cellar and taking the heads out of them for
the purpose of making fermenting tubs of them
27 This day I accompayned the team down to the Saw Mill at the Highland
Creek in order to pick out such plank as would answer for the purpose of
making a still and Dubler &c .ratbeer a cold disagreeable day
Langstaff commenced boreing logs for the steam pipes this day –
28 This morning I went to the city and remained there all day and took a
ducking when I came home as it was raining verey fast. The roads are in a
dreadfull muddey state
There is to be a grand festival and several oxen roasted on Thursday next

to commemorate the marriage of our Queen and an Eluminnation in the
evening from eight to Eleven oclock It is to be a verey splended affair
indeed
30 This morning It was Snowing when I got up and it continued to snow and
rain the forenoon after dinner I went with George to see Vanostrands

451
Distilerey for the purpose of measureing his stills previous to making ours
It rained some after we started but not much
April 1840
6 This day I was in the city Greate stir pulling down the old Houses in the
Market Block - -
A talk of War with the United States about the Boundry Question
8 This day was busey pulling down our office in the city – one Poor man
had the misfortune to be under the chimney when it fell and was carried
off the Hospital verey badley hurt am afraid that he will not recover - -
10 This day I was in the city busey attending to the excavation of the
foundation of the building and the deleaverey of the beer the weather was
verey fine and pleasant
11 This morning it was raining and had been during the night.
It was a verey growing morning and the grass appeared to have grown an
inch during the night it became fair about nine oclock and I went to the
city where I remand till evening
May 1840
22 Thsi mornign I went to the city and accompayned John Tailor up to the
Collaige to see Mr Scadding about the new road accross his land
As we are delireous of having it settled Mr Scadding said he could see no

objection whatever to the road and would there fore see Mr. Foster and
have a document down drawn up giving us the road on both sides which is
all we require
We are getting on but slowley with out Building in consequence of the

corperation obligeing up to pull down about four feet of wall because it
was three quarters of an inch to far on the street
In the afternoon I went up to the Garrison - - -
24 Yesterday morning the Young Mare was so bad with a swollen left that
she could not get up I thought there was greate danger of a mortification it

452
was ocasioned by a verey slight wound received from the end of a halter
chain on the inside of the thigh
Set the men to foment it with hot still slop and continued it untill this
presant time during the whole night the inflammation is some what abated
but still She is not able to put her leg to the Ground.
After that I went to Church and took Mrs and left her at Mr Brights and
am going for her immediateley.
July 1840
30 This morning I went down to the city in order to go to a meeting convened

at Queenston Heights by his Excellancy Sir George Arthur to determine
the best manner of restoreing Brocks Monument We went in consequence
of a Militia General order and consequently in full Militia costume
There was about three Hundred persons on board the Steamer Trancit the
princaple part of them Millitia officers there was also the Queen and the
Gore full of pasingers and also the Traveler armed Steamer which
conveyed the Governor and Suite
Eight Steamers met at Niagara 11 loaded with passingers and proceeded

up the river to Queenston togeather Such a fleet of Steamer never met in
the Niagara River before.
When we came in sight of Queenston the banks was lined On landing all
the officers formid into a double line and allowed His Excellency and
Suite to pass and then closed up and followd two deep with drawn swords
up to the monument His Excellancy took the chair and a series of
resolutions was proposed by the officers who served under the Renowned
Brock their resolutions were prefaced with a speech of some lenth by the
persons who proposed them and also by the seconders
the Governor then read the resolutions and asked the question if the people
of Upper Canada adopted that Resolution
The number of Persons presant has been estimated at 7000 I came down to
McFarlands at night where I slept Came home the day following verey
much gratified with my jorney
September 1840
30 8 oclock PM
This has been a very wet day indeed it has rained for the last 24 hours
without intermission

453
Every man has been obliged to remain under cover the whole of this day
Yesterday I was at work on the Road through the Hard wood bush onto the
plains and a verey fine day it was
Finished picking Hops yesterday hav not abov 100 bushels in consequence
of neglect in the Spring must mind better then that another year Hops are
dear - -
Had it in contemplation if this rain does not make a flood to clean out and
cover over with logs our Tail race But if the river rises it will be
impossable to do it this season as the water will be getting verey cold and
unfit for aney person to work in - -
We hav drove it off to long already - -
October 1840
1 This morning I went to Toronto and returned home about four oclock in
order to dress up for the wedding of James Worts and Miss Sarah Bright
about eight oclock The Revd Mr Matthews came and I gave her away. I
hope to a good Husband He is very steady and industerous which are two
of the best qualities a man can hav I stopt untill about twelve saw her
fairly a wife and returned home
The weather for the two lost days has been verey Stormey a continuous
period of East wind and rain
6 Yesterday we made a commencement at covering up our tail race from the

lower end of the orchard we are cleaning it out twelve feet wide and
timbering it up each side and covering it over with logs It is heavey job
but it will be of Greate benefit when done
This day was working at it Myself and at night we have thirty feet done
February 1841
4 It is now nearley four months since I wrote in this book and consequently
hav lost the thread of narritiv but it is not of much consequence for there is
nothing of importance to record during the time that has passed but I mean
to resume the practice of writing everey night as it was only idleness that
prevented me from continueing
Thus far we hav had a verey remarkable mild winter with a continuance
of good slaying in the country but very poor in the city

454
This was a verey fine day. It was busy all the forenoon in the Brewery in
the afternoon I was in the bush getting out stick for a water wheel It is a
yellow pine and as good a stick I ever saw in the evening I took a ride
down the ice and took Mrs. Helliwell along as far as Kendricks .
It snowd a little and is still Snowing and there is everey prospect of its
continuing
9 This has a meeting House for the purpose of raising funds to build a Bridg
accross the Don and making a road to the city of Toronto – there was but
verey fiew persons attended. It is so difficult to get people to do aney
thing at such a job as that - -
The rumoured report of the removeal of the seit of Government is causing

a greate sensation in this neighbourhood at presant and well it might for it
will be a verey serious drawback on Toronto for a number of Years to
come
The weather still remains verey mild and pleasant with a little snow falling
every day or two but still there is no slaying in or about the city although it
is verey good down the flats and on the ice
10 This morning I went to see Henrey Papts (agreeable to my promis to

Taylor yesterday) and make arrangements about building the bridg I
walked to his House as the mare was laim and I had no other idle Horse –
I did not find him at home but left word with his wife for him to come
down
In the afternoon I went out to the plains to see how the men are coming on
with the timber for the Mill which they are getting out from thence I went
over to Kings who is getting out the timber for the Bridg He says he has
got most of it out and will commence hauling it tomorrow if all is well
The weather was verrey cold and blusterey this day. P.S. It is said that the
Provinces were united last night at twelve oclock . Joseph was in the city
and brote that word.
Our people are busey getting in ice taking it out of the dam.
11 Well we are at lenth we are married to Lower Canada and are now
become Canad-United or rather I should say disunited from I am affraid
that we shall not agree with our yoke mate very well
The Proclamation uniting the Provinces was issued yesterday and the
function of Sir George Arthur ceases at that time –

455
There was a publick dinner given to him yesterday in the City Hall The
weather was very cold this day and blusterey same as yesterday
12 This forenoon I was brewing
Mr. Papts came and I accompayned him down to the siet of Bridg and
barganed with him to build it for £5 he having all the timber laid down at
the place after dinner I went up to Taylors to see John and about the bridg
&c – from thence I went out to see how King was getting on with the
timber and found that he has got it all out nearley
This was a verey cold day
16 This morning after breakfast I went to see if aney person was drawing the
timber for the Bridg Met with Richard Playtor at the concession who was
going to draw logs to fill up a hole in the road I assisted him to load them
and went with him to put them into the road and then put a load of timber
onto his slay and took it down to the Don we also brote one load from the
bush In the after noon I went again and meeting with Bates Robases I got
him to draw two sticks of timber down
19 This day we returned from Pine Grove where we went yesterday – The
roads were verrey good indeed I never saw the slaying better then it is at
presant We spent our time verrey plesantly while we was away and
found Stegmans family all well
24 This morning I went to the city down the flats and up the new road –
Yesterday I went up to Milnies to the city down the flats and up the new
road –
Yesterday I went up to Milnies for planks for the Bridg and got John Hays
to go along with his team our team brote 332 feet
Hays 304
636
March 1841
1 I hav been busey all this day raising the new bridg accross the Don on the
new road through Scaddings property We was also busey all day on
Saterday but owing to the braces not being framed right we was not able to
finish it before this night.
Thomas had a Daughter born this day at noon
I was in the city verrey dull time at presant not a dollar to be got hold of
in aney shape Greate talk about war with the United States

456
Weather verrey fine and pleasant indeed
5 Fryday This was a very cold day. I was Brewing this and at home all day
28 This has been a verrey eventful day for two days past the waters in the
river has been 90 high and the coarse of the 90 much stopped by jamed ice
at the top of Skinners dam forced the water accross the flats 90 much that
Wrights House was flooded to such a depth that they was obliged to run to
the Hill where all the Family hav been for two days and nights without
aney covering but a few boards and most of the time raining - their
sufferings must hav been greate –
This forenoon a number of persons was working to loosen the jam and
about one oclock they succeeded and it came down in grand stile it was
truly a fine sight but with all its forse it did not move the jam in the new
cite and consequently drove over the Hop garden sweeping away fences
and breaking the post off and litterley covering the Hop Garden with vast
masses of ice. The Water has been in the celler since frydy a little but on
the ice coming down it suddenly roace two feet
Old Mrs Skinner died this day at one oclock She was 72 years old Thomas
came up this evening and said that their died this morning and Mrs Cramp
has been in Labour since yesterday - -
I think I hav never seen such a flood in the Don
29 This morning made its appearance with snow falling and the ground
covered with snow – The water none abated – I collected the men and
went over the jamd ice to the bridg and wrote untill half past ten oclock in
indeavouring to remove the ice but could not
after we went down again having gotten Skinner scow and four of the men
took it accross Skinners meadow to the Bridg and with the assistance of
the scow we could not effect our object on account of the water falling and
the ice freezing togeather
This has been one of the most disagreeable days I ever saw such a
continued sleet and piercing wind and cold
April 1841
3 the deluge of waters hav subsided and returned to their ordinary height and
the river is clear of ice but not so our Hop garden which is covered full
three feet thick of ice and drift wood of all discriptions

457
7 I hav been all day working at replaceing the logs that was taken away by
the flood
The ice is still very thick uppon the Hop Garden
The weather this day has been verrey fine and pleasant
[Note: William Helliwell continued to live at Todmorden till 1848 when

he moved to Highland Creek. His wife, Elizabeth, died in 1843, when only
27 years of age. Her sister, Jane, came to look after the children and
married William two years later. William has six children by Elizabeth
and then eleven by Jane. Most of William’s children survived childhood,
the only exceptions being Jane’s last child and his first son William, who
was killed in 1844 in some sort of accident at the Mill. His mother died in
1842.
In 1847, a fire destroyed the brewery and the family home in
which Joseph was living. The family seems to have divided up the
property among themselves after that event. Thomas continued to live
downtown and seems to have concentrated on his banking and
investments. Joseph remained at the Don and concentrated on farming.
William moved to Highland Creek where he engaged in a number of
different activities over the years. At various times, he ran a grist mill & a
hotel and had shares in a trading ship. He even took part in an
unsuccessful oil-well company which hoped to discover oil in
Scarborough. Late in life he became a Justice of the Peace in Scarborough
and also held the position of Overseer of Fisheries for York county, both
of which positions he held until shortly before his death in 1897.
The property on the Don remained in the family until 1858 when
Joseph Helliwell sold the mill-side to the Taylor family. They also owned
the Eastwood and Skinner paper mill by this time as well as two other
paper mills of their own further up the Don. Later in the century they also
added a brick factory to their holdings (now Toronto Brick Co.) and a
chemical factory.]
March 1845
4 This morning I took several of the men and I went down to put the jam of
ice and masts that were at the cornor of The Hop Garden floate was under
the nessisty of cutting about three feet of small end of one of the masts
before we could note them it being jamed hard back of the Basswood
stump on one side and against the bank on the other – We succeded in
putting off 7 or 8 masts and square sticks and considerable quantities of
ice – We at it untill noone when we left off – In the after noon I was laying
up fence along the side of the new road back of Mr Bennets – The water
this evening is considerably lower then it was in the morning

458
5 This morning was snowing quite fast and had rained considerable during
the night about nine oclock I went with two men down the river to put off
the ice adn after putting off a jam at the rapids went down to see how the
river looked below found the river full of ice as far as the sugar loaf –
With some little trouble we got it going and moved the whol mass about
100 yards In the after noon I went to the west to the [____]
6 This morning I went along with the Miller down the river to put off ice
We found a large jam at the Pleytors line and soon set it off however we
was not so fortunate with two sticks of timber or rather one stick of timber
and one mast In the afternoon the water was so far down this afternoon
that [______] chopped a little Weather beautifull
7 This forenoon I was at the Hill showing Cramp where to make a dich
along the side of the Plank Road after dinner was moving the spars that are
lodged against the Hop garden so as to prevent the water washing the The
mill is going tolerably well this evening
8 This morning Marsh and a number of men came to floate off his timber
and I went down to see them preform the operation The masts are verey
heavy and difficult to move particularly where they are high and dry as
maney of them were – this lumbering is a verey laborious and precarious
business and doubly so on so small a stream as the Don I was busey today
and the weather was very fine indeed put down some planks in the yard
and not before they was needed as the mud is nearly up to the trees
10 Monday this forenoon I was ingaged in looking after a dich that is making
along the side of the new road and also looking after the wood in the
chopping The roads are getting some what dry and the river is down to its
ordinary leavel this season
12 Wedinsday forenoon I was busey about the premises and down on the
plank road In the afternoon I was up in Cramps feild with the oxen
drawing furrows to let off the water
17 March “Patricks day in the morning” Snow on the ground and the ground
hard frozen – Since I last wrote in this journal I hav had a violent fit of
sickness of a short duration on fryday afternoon I was taken with a violent
fever and sore throate symptoms of quinsey – I bathed my feet in warm
water and drank large drafts of herb tea in the morning I was some what
better and continue improving untill now when I am I may say recovered –
during the time I have been [_____] the House the weather has been verey
stormey freezing and snowing continue from fryday to Monday
Wednesday June 25 busey taking out wood from the clearing preparatory
to burning Joseph started to Buffalo his morning

459
1847
Fryday 26th day of March commenced [_____] timber for the mill and
drew six sticks on a bobslay although the ground was bare out of the
woods
Thus I have made a commencement towards establishing my self in a my

new home at Highland Creek
27 Saterday this being a verey cold day and as I was under the nesscity of
sending the team to the city for Miss Hock__?_ and the children nothing
was done towards forwarding the timber
31 Wedensday had a snow storm last night which assisted us much in our
timber hawling today – we drew 7 sticks two of them long ones – Pigeons
were flying verey plentifulley to day
April 1847
2 Good Fryday I took my gun and went down the mouth Highland Creek
and thence along the Lakeshore to the mouth of the Roagh quite a walk
considering the State of the ground about 4 inches of soft wet-snow which
compleatly saturated my boots at the mouth of the Highland Creek I saw
and shot at some wild Ducks but did not kill any thousands of Pigeons
were flying about when I returnd home I found Miss Margaret & Lucinda
Bright William Gooderham and John and Thos Helliwell and Joshua
___?__ to see about framing my mill
15 Busey pulling drift wood out of the creek at the Head of No_es Dam in
order to assertain what the depth of water is at my line and how far backs
the water onto me
1850
March
9 nearly a period of three years since I last wrote in the journal sinc which
time I have done a [____] hard work and made some substansial
improvements this day and thru previous ones I have been ingaged in the
counsil and have proposed and assisted in passing a number of By Laws.
Decemb 22 1886

460
went to Toronto and Ashbridgs Bay to collect Fishery Statistics for the
year 1886 I could not get to the Island as the ice was not safe Saw Mr
Lang who promised to send me a detailed statm of fish caught in
Ashbridgs Bay
Thursday 23
Went to the Rouge to see Maxwell and obtain his opinion of the quantity
of suchers caught this year came back by the side line at Knowleses there
was about 2 inches of snow where it had not been worn off
Maxwell if failing
24 One continuous snow all day though not verrey fast fell about 8 inches
suffecient to make good slaying James went to Markham for a new cutter
1886
Dec 25
Christmas day good slaying and cold
Sunday 26
Stormey day
27 Went to Mr Cowens to get the amount of fish caught in the Rouge – he

gave it as his opinion that there was 400 caught in the Rouge
Slaying verrey good
28 Election day for the provence Parliament GB Smith and Crosby candidates
good Slaying and a verrey cold day
29 Drove to the city with James and took the suburban train to the Humber
Mr Weeks informed me that there was a man working on the rail road who
could give me the information I required respecting the quantity of fish
caught in Etobicoke Creek accordingly I walked up the traack one mile
and found him after interviewing him I returned to the Humber and called
upon Mr Nurse who promised to send me the returns of fish caught by him
Returned to the city by six oclock train and took the Horse cars to Dwights
where I slept
30 The coldest morning of the season called upon John F. Taylor and got the
return of fish caught in the Don came home in the Staige
31 Snowing all day & cold
January 1887
Saturdy 1
Lots of snow this day and verrey cold kept the House

461
2 A verrey cold day did not stir out
3 Municiple Election in which the old council mangd to manpilate their own
return
22%
below
zero
4 Cold day did not leav the House
5 Drove to Whitby and French Mans Bay on Fishery business Called on Dr

Eastwood and spent an hour or two with him The slaying was exclent and
I was accompayned by William The forepart of the day was snowing in
the after noon it was fine
6 Remained at Home and in the House
7 Busey cutting wood in the shead
Saterday 8
Cutting wood in the shead weather verrey fine and slaying superb
9 One continued snow storm
January 1887
Monday 10
About a foot of snow fell yesterday there is now about two feet of snow on
the ground William Wood went to the Hospital this morning
11 A verrey cold stormey day did not leave the House-
12 Mild day was cutting wood in the shead deep snow on the ground
13 This morning went to Toronto in the staige after making all the inquiries at
the different places likely to heard of Ward in the city I set out to walk
across the Bay to the Island found the walking verrey difficult some place
clear ice and at other knee deep snow soon after starting the weaher
became hasey and I could not see when I got across I found my self at the
East side of the Gap luckely Montgomry and three other men were there
who returned with me to the City As it had now become stormy I stoped
at Horatio –
14 This morning made its appeare snowing and blowing and the streets
blocked with snow after waiting and walking nearly to Queen St I got on

462
the street cars and road to Union Station and after waiting an hour got on
the suburban cars and went to the Humber to get the returns from Nurse
and returned Home by the Staige found the roads verry much drifted the
groiund has a deep covering of snow
15 Verrey tired leggs aiking
16 Sunday Remained in House
17 This morning it was found that considerabl snow had fallen in the night
adn wind getting up drifted verrey much
18 A verrey colday ______ and much drifting the roads are now full of snow
20%
19 Verrey cold and flustry day was busey writing up my report to the
Fisherey Department
20 Weather moderated Boys gone to hawling wood again

I was finishing my returns to the Fisherey Department – at Ottway A noon
it commenced thoughing and continued during the remainder of the to
though violently blowing a Gale from the West
21 This morning everey thing was frozen hard but the sun came out beautifull
and it turned out a splendid day
Was cutting wood in the shead
22 This morning was thoughing and Raining Busey in the wood shead in the
forenoon
23 Rained most of the night and this morning was foggey and drisiling and
thoughing
24 Freezing again a good deal of the snow has disapear though the slaying
still remains good visited Thomas Chestr this afternoon found him as
usual suffering from a severe cough –
25 Thoughing busey with the wood in the shead
26 This morning I drove to the city with James in the cutte and found the
slaying verry bad most of the road and weather was verrey cold I called
upon A. Boultbee and had a conference related to the coming Election &c
I also went to the Hospitall to see William Wood came home with James
suffering much from cold

463
27 Busey the most of the day making up and writing my account to Ottawa
Weather mild and thoughing in the afternoon
28 Cutting wood in the shead this forenoon

In the afternoon attended a committee meeting of the East York
Conservative and was appointed Returning office for Poilling division No
2 Scarboro
29 Beautifull sunney day cutting wood in the forenoon in the afternoon I went
to R. Knowls to make afidavit to my quarterly returns to the Fisheries
Department and spent an hour with Thomas Chester on my way home
30 Sunday a beautifull warm morning –

In the afternoon I attended the funeral of my late naghbour and friend
Robert Dixon There was a verrey large assembley of People at his funeral
from 80 to 100 Rigs Just when the costage arived at the grave yard one of
the most violent Blizzards from the North West set in I ever witnesed
making the people run for shelter to the Church and sheads both shelter
from the sever wind and cold and driving snow
31 Stormy and cold did not move out of the House farther then up the Hill to
Moons & Mr Elliots
February 1887
1 Slaying renewed again by last nights snow storm was up the Hill to
interveu John Richardson relative to the Election
1%
zero
2 This morning was one of the stormeyest we have had this stormy Seson
and continued all day confined everey person to the House and blockaded
the Roads with snow and verrey cold
3 Fine Cutting wood in the shead
4 Weather verrey cold

Meeting of Election Committee at Moons to divide the wards into
sections for canvasers &c
5 Went to see the corps of Edward Littlejohns this afternoon
6 This day was wet and drizzeling rain and sleat & freezing and continued
all day in the after noon went to the Funeral of Edward Littlejohns
7 Another stormy day continued snowing all day

464
8 Wet morning and continued all the day though not verry heavy if it
continues thoughing we may expect floods in the streams
9 Fine day the frost last night suspended the though before the water began
to run In the after noon I and all the Boys attended a Conservative meeting
at Malvern where there was a greate geathering mostly Conservatives Mr
Boultbee and Smith addressed the meeting at lenth occupying one hour
each
Everey hollow was full of water and ice on the road to Malvern
10 Thoughing roads full of water
11 Went to the city this morning in Staige it turned out a verey stormy day
indeed I think the stormyest of this stormy season called at Boulbees
office and the Bank of Montreal to get my quarters disbursement thence
to the General Hospitall and to see Wm Woods who I found had left
thence I called upon Mrs George Simpson to see her Grand Child and my
greate Grand Child thence to Horatios where I remained all night
12 This morning I rook the street cars to Harton Walkers to see Mrs Walker
(nee Nelley Morse) and her son another Greate Grand Child of mine The
trees and fences were all coverd with snow and looked grand Mrs Morse
drove me to the lower part of the city where I again called upon Boultbee
and Mrs _______ to inquire after Kirr
13 Visted Mrs Wilsons and went across Stephensons feild which was half leg
deep in snow and no track The trees are all covered with snow which gives
everey thing a wintry look
14 A beautifull sunney day Snow dropping off the trees and fences
15 Went to see Richard Morrish and Larrey Sheridean to get them to vote for
Boultbee
Weather verey mild and thoughing
Nomination day at Markham for the East Riding of York
16 Went to Maxwells to get him to vote for Boultbee but the best I could do
was to get his promis not to vote at all The slaying is excellent and the
weather thoughing
17 Was confined to the House with a bile on the eye
18 In consequence of a post card from James Robinson Mark Returning

Officer for East Riding desiring me to go to Markham to be sworn in
depty returning officer for Ward No 2 Scarboro James drove me out to

465
Markham Mr Robinson was detained by snow drifts in returning from the

city and I had to waite three houres for him after compleating my
buisiness we started hom & had not got clear of the villeg when it came on
heavey shower and continued to rain all the way home so that we got
considerably wet
19 Was some what blustry I was at home studying up the instructions to

Returning officers
20 a beautifull day
21 This morning I went up to have a talk with John H. R_____ and appoint
him poll clerk after that I drove up to G Chiv____ to get the Ballot Box
where Jas Robinson promised to send it was not there returned home and
went to the funeral of Mrs Atkinsons Boy the Hearse stuck fast in a snow
drift coming u the line and was obliged to take the feilds and then could
not get near the House the corps was put onto a slay and conveyed to the
Hearse the weather was beautifull
22 At half past eight I went up to the Oring Hall and at nine ocl I opened the
poll and cept it open untill five oclock when the ballots were counted it
was found that there was 96 cast for Mr Boultbee & 8 for Mr McKern___
the day was verey favourable and there was a good turn out
23 This morning James drove me to Markham to delivr up the Ballot Box to

the Returning Officer James Robinson who was just going to Toronto but
instructed his clerk James Barker to take it from me
On my was home I called upon W. J. Mitchell and George Chester at the
request of Mr Adam Hood who wished them and me to go to Markham
and sit on a conspiracy case to be tryed on Fridy
24 Busey writing most of the day
25 Doing a little choreing Cold
26 This morning I went to Mark in response to a request sent me by Adam

Hood to be present at his tryal for alleged bryberry at the late Election
There was a vast crowd of persons and a large number of magistrates
present I never saw witneses condem themselves so planly except two or
three one of which was the presiding magistrate would have acquittd Hood
but the presiding magistrate exersised his perogitive and sent him up for
tryal
Got wet returning home in the evening
27 A verrey blustry and cold day

466
28 Was a moderately fine day had considerable magisterial Buisness on hand

came in with snow falling which continued most of the day had some Law
buisiness to transact
March 1887
2 This morning had a tryal between Thompson Jackson and John I

persuaded them to settle between themselves which they did and went
away togeather was busey
Thoughing in the afternoon sawing wood Thoughed verrey much this
afternoon
3 Thursday Went to the city to meet Mr Kerr was half an hour late at _____
the Union Station and did not find him visited all the pl in the city when I
new he resortd but could get no inteligence of him saw the conducter of
the train who said he saw him on the Train that was all the intelligence I
could get of him Went up to the Union Station when the afternoon train
left for Hamilton in the hope of seeing him did not do so Slept at Dwight
4 Visited the Union Station to get inteligence of Mr Kerr but did not suceed
again visit his haunts with a little ____ after I had got into the Staig to
come home Horatio came and wished me to stop all night and see some
__________ in his behalf with a view of getting an advance of salerey
Called upon John Small but did not find him at home
In the evening visited W.H. Gibb
5 This morning before going down Town visited Franks family and then
called upon Edward Meek who gave me a letter to Small which after
calling at his House and not finding him at home I gave to Horatio the
afternoon was one of the stormyest I ever was out in snowing and blowing
the Staige had the greatest difficulty in getting through the drifts
6 Sundey the ground covered with a great bed of snow and the weather
foggey and raining
7 This was a verrey fine day James Duncan and his Suritier for the Post
Office came to execute the Bonds before me
Was cutting wood in the yard the snow is melting fast
8 Went to Toronto to further R____ interest but as had secured a more

influencial then me I did verrey little for him
9 The Boys are drawing gravel and performing their Statute labor on the
Danforth Road

467
10 Though Hills facing the south are becoming bare Boys took a cow to
_____ that Henretta sold the other day
11 A beautifull day the snow though In the afternoon James was doing
gravell on to the Danford Road
Sabith 12
This was a verrey fine warm day and melted the snow verrey fast waggons
are begining to be used again after being laid up for severel weeks
13 Cloudy and threatens rain or snow
14 This morning I went to the city to meet I W Kerr at the Union Station on
his way to Ottawa and being rather to[o] early I took a stroll up to the
Parliament House and while there the thought passed through my mind on
the many diffirnt phases in which I have visited these buildings during the
last 50 years and the different people I have met here now passed from the
land of the living
At one forty give Mr Kerr arived and I spent the time with him until 6 o
clock in discussing the Fisherey matters for the coming season and the
suggestions he should make to the Depty Minister at the Capital
Slept at Horatios
15 This morning I called upon Mrs _____ as I promised Mr Kerr to inform

her that he would call on his return The time untill Staige time I passed in
seeing W Boultbee and the Publick Libry
Came home on wheels for the first time since Christmas – There is still
piles of snow on the road sides in many places as high as the fences
16 Was a cold day was choreing a little about the wood shead &c
17 Pattericks day and a verrey cold one
18 Rather milder but verrey windey choreing about the wood shead
19 Cloudy and damp busey in the shead old Dolly lost Her colt yesterday and
James had two lambs dropped
20 Still cloudy and threatining snow had a talk with Alexander respecting the
oil well which resulted in my writing to W M________ of Seaforth to
induc him to come and develope it
Snow gradually diminishing
21 Monday Cloudy and though Choreing

468
22 Wifes birth day as also My Dear Departed Elizabeths Was busey the
most of the day sorting papers
23 Fine thoughing day busey about wood Snow going verrey gradual indeed
24 Thoughing fast roads getting muddey Choreing &c
25 Quite a change in the weather since last night when it was raining the wind
changeing to north west and blew a almost a hurrican and very cold to-
day everey thing is ice
26 Find day though there is a cold air too much snow and ice to do much out
door work
27 Sunday a verrey cold rain disagreeable East Wind
28 This morning was verrey stormy snowing and blowing violently and
continued untill about one oclock when it cleared up
29 This was a verrey cold morng I drove to Toronto in the Buggy to get my
Quarters Salerey and accompayned by Harvey I suffered much by cold as
the wind was verrey high and _____ and the Roads much drifted Called
upon Sarah Jane to see Her Son in Law Charles Brouse on the eve of his
departure to Pensylviania
Got home at five oclock
30 Snow was melting in the sun and freezing in the shade was doing verrey
little but warming myself at the stove
31 A verrey fine day thoughed considerable

Attended the funeral of Mr__________ little child
April 1887
1 A verrey fine day went to see Moon & Thomas Chester and them both
verrey sick scarsly know which is the lowest –
2 A beautifull sunney day and water is running briskly Jame and Caroline
has gone to the city and William is drawing out manure into the Home
feild
3 Sunday a beautifull day overhead but verrey wet and sloppey

under foot - - - - -

469
4 A beautifull sunney day snow going off fast Wrote a lease between Mrs
Elliot and Joseph Moon who refused to sign it before Mr & Mrs Dickson
had done so
5 Quite a change in the weather verrey cold and windy Went to Toronto to
attend a meeting of Magistrates in Sessions Then to a meeting of Pioneers
where I saw many old acquaentances from there I went up to York Ville to
get G P Dickson and wifes signitur to a lease form Mrs Elliot to Joseph
Moon for Her farm not finding Mr Dickson at home I walked to Mr
Dwight on St George Street on my way I called to see James Hodgson
who is in a verrey dangerous and preci____ position
Slept at Dwights
6 Returned to Mr Dicksons where I got the desired signitures and afterwards

visited the several fish stores to give them circulars disignatinag the
aproach close season for Masknagong Bass and Pickeril and returned
home by the Staig
The weather much more pleasant than yesterday
7 Another fine day finished Mrs Elliots lease to Moon & spent some time in
the after noon triming apple trees – Snow has nearly all gone –
8 Good Friday and a beautiful day
9 Birds singing gaily this morning Spring has opened in ernist I think from
everey appearance of the weather was choreing around at several things
and writing up my fisherey accounts to send to Ottawa
10 Easter Sunday A most beautifull day verrey warm – Took a walk up the
River to Stephensons was much surprised to see the quantity of land the
River has washed away during the high water of the last fiew days it has
done a large amount of damage to the property of Stephensons verrey
little snow is to be seen today only in sheltered situations
11 This morning I drove down to Squire Knowles to Swear to my

disbursement a/c before sending it off to Ottawa
Sowed Pease After Harvey and I were hanging the Gate going into the barn on
the north hill James was sowing Pease on the south hill
Weather cloudy and threatening rain which would be verrey acceptable
12 Another change in the weather ______ cold and cloudy verrey much like
rain verrey little snow to be seen a fiew paches in shaded places
13 Busey choreing and walking around the farm frost is out of the ground –
Consert at the School house in aid of the Church the night was dark and
cold and it was not verrey well patrinized

470
14 Strong east wind and threatining rain still but noon comes James and
Harvey went to the city with 2 Horses to show ____ Walk who wants one
fro the saddle and one for the carriage Was digging round friuet trees this
afternoon
15 Went to the city to cash a cheque for my disbursements account and

purchase some seeds In the afternoon it came up a thundr shoure
continued shouring on and off till late in the night
I saw Coatsworth on behalf of John Quinn who wishes to get on to the Fir
department in Toronto who promised to do all he could
16 Went with William and the Team to John Duncans for seed oates and got
22 Bushels – In the afternoon was digging round friuet trees James
plowing on the Barn feild on the north hill for Spring Wheat
17 Sunday fine morning but the air is rather cold took a walk up to the
north side of the farm to see how James had proceeded with the plowing
for wheat
18 The ground was hard frozen this morning so that it was noon befor I could
commence digging round the Apple trees and the Boys was drawing out
dung in stead of plowing
19 Some what warmer this morning though the ground was frozen busey this
forenoon letting water off the East orchard James plowing William
hauling out manure
20 This forenoon Harvey and I ran the line along the concession at the north
Sowed end of the Farm for the purpose of putting up a new fence James finished
Wheat cross harrowing the peas ther sown some days ago but could not be
finished on account of frost Turned the cattle out to pasture though the
grass is verrey short but the Hay is nearly done –
21 Rainign a fine growing morning Went up to the store for inges and to the
Barn feild to see How the Boys was getting on plowing and spreading
manure In the afternoon was digging around friuet trees This has been a
realy splendid day
22 This morning went up to Clauson to borrow his post augur to make in

front of the old mill site and do some repairs to Moons fence found too
much frost to do any thing to the latter Sowend about an acre of Peas and
Oates next to Swallows & plowed in the Stable feild for tares

471
23 Planted a fiew early pottatoes & sowend some turnips in the stable feild
and also sowed tares ths morning was showry in the afternoon beautiful
and warm a splendid growing day
James plowed the garden this afternoon
24 Sunday quite a change in the weather again it being quite cold took
a walk around the farm befor dinner In the afternoon I went to see Thos
Chester and found him verrey low indeed I think He is verrey near his end
and He is quite conscious of position It is verrey doubtfull if I ever see
him alive again
25 This forenoon I was inspecting the farm in the afternoon attended Hugh
Gram of the Rougs funeral which was a verrey] respectabl one Weather
was shourey
26 Planting Pottatoes and Shallots and sowing lettice in the garden Boys
busey plowing and haroing in the stable feild and south Hill
27 Planting Pottatoes Beets carrots and Parsnips and sowing onions in the
garden James soweing Pease [ on South Hill Alfred boreing Post holes on
the South side of the Road in the hollow
28 Was setting posts on the south side of the Road and Planting Pottatoes in
Sowed the garden James sowing Wheat in the Stable feild
Wheat about 2 o clock it commenced raining and continued
in the the rem-inder of the day a regular easterly storm
Stable
feild
29 Rained all night heavey and accompayned by strong wind Busey all the
forenoon cutting wood in the shead and preparing posts for the fence on
the south of the Road - - -
30 Went to Toronto in the Staig for the purpose of attending a conservative

meeting at the Albion and the purchase of wire for fence the meeting did
not organize long before I had to leave to come home the adoption of the
minuets of the last meeting was not passed before I left There was a greate
maney passngers and much luggage broke down just after passing the Rail
way crossing and all passingers got out I walked on to Leslies to see about
some apple trees while in the Store the Staige passed me and I had to walk
onto Crews fortunatly I got a lift which brote me to Crews just as the
Staig was leaving so I got home all right
May 1887

472
1 Sunday a beautifull gowing morning warm and shourey took a

walk the north end of the Farm along with James
2 Monday a beautifull growing day plantd some pottatoes in the

garden Boys plowing the home feild
3 Toronto to purchase seeds and attend a meeting of the York Pioneers to

determin where the annual excurtion should go to It was desided that the
Falls should be the place this year
4 A beautifull day indeed putting wire onto fence at the old mill yard and
hanging a gate
5 This morning was assisting Alfred to hang the gate going into the old mill
yard and afterwards took a walk round the Tavern lot to see how the
fences were William was plowing the home orchard
6 Cutting posts on the north Hill and planting them in the fence on the south
side of Road
7 Fixing fence on the East side of the South Hill feild and planting pottatoes
in the garden and also Butter Beans
8 Sunday a beautifull day Attended the Funeral of Rosee Beldam

aged 19 a verrey large attendance 68 carriages passe the House and a
number came down the Road and met at the Church yard
9 Planting Pottatoes in the garden and putting wire on the fence at the south
side of the Road James Ridging up for turnips in the home feild
10 Planted cucumbers and sowed carrots mangolds and Earley turnips in the
home feild Weather excessively warm
11 My Birthday 76 years old to day Went to Toronto called upon the Chief of
Police to in form him that I have nothing to do with the fishing in
Ashbridges Bay and that the corporation must protect it from poachers
Went up Young St to _____ pump manufactory to get a nosil for Moons
pump from thence over to York St to inspect a fishery store where I was
infermed they were selling conterban fish but found none purchased some
wire and seeds and came home by the Staige trees in Toronto are out in
full leaf here they are only just starting
12 Planted Pumpkins and sowed turnips and peas in the home orchard
William clearing for Pottatoes on the north side of the Creek under the hill

473
13 Busey cleaning up the land on the north side of the creek for Pottatoes
James sowing feed corn broad cost in the home orchard everey thing is
growing fast and weather verrey fine and warm
14 Busy cleaning up the pottato land on the north side of the creek und the
Hill - - - - -
15 Sunday in the forenoon I walked round the feild on the South Hill and
after dinner round the farm on the North Hill and found the crops in a
growing state ______
16 Monday This forenoon I was cleaning and burning off the Pottato
Ground James and Swallow was pulling down the old stable and Wm
plowing the East Orchard and the girls and Alfred wite washing and
House cleaning and a general hubbub through the place
17 The cherrie trees are nearly in full bloom and the leaves are nearly all out
on the forest trees was choreing and planting a fiew pottatoes
18 Leaves and blossons are coming out fast and every thing is growing but
rain is much wanted
Hoeing in the garden &c
19 Cutting Burr Docks and other chores Boys making fence accross the north
feild Weather verrey dry rain much wanted
20 Helping William to plow Eastern orchard holding the young apple trees
out of the way of the whiffle trees Cherries and plums are in full blossom
and som of the apple trees also the forest trees in full leaf
21 Finished plowing the East orchard at noon and in the afternoon sowed it
with pease Rain is much wanted _______
22 Sunday Took a walk to the north end of the Farm to see the new
fencce James put up during the week I never saw so much growth in one
week befor the grass and crops are up six or eight inches and Rye shot out
and trees in full bloom with a greate show of fruete if nothing happens to
mas the prospect Called in at Mrs Ellits and had a little chat with Sam
Walton
23 Monday was busey burning and drawing logs off the Pottatoe Ground on
the north side of the Creek under the Hill
24 Quees Birth day had a fine showr last night much wanted hoeing in the
garden most of the vegetables are up I planted Pumpkins in the lower end
of the garden among current bushes

474
25 Choreing hoeing and cutting tops off the fence posts on the south side of
the Road William was planting pottatoes on the north side of the River
Everey thing looks beautifull and growing the little shour on the night
before last done much good About eight oclock this evening for Girls were
driveing in a buggey disaranged in the east hill the horse became
unmanageable and ran away striking a telegraph pole and throwing them
all out one of them Miss Hattey Kirkham had her thy broken about three
inches above the knee and was take into Mrs Woods
And Doctors sent for who set the leg at about 3 oclock on the morning of
the 26th
26 Busey in the _______ _______ this forenoon and planting pottatoes in the
after noon Mr Kirkham came with a democrat and two mettrasses on a
Spring bed to take his daughter home with the broken leg accompayned by
Dr Dales who performed the operation of setting the limb last night
27 This morning I went up to Toronto to see that the closd season for Bass
was observed by the fish dealers of the city and as I suspected that one
them residering at 199 ½ York was seling them in defianc of the law I
went up there & on going into his shop and inquireing for them he
produced two and offered them to me I told him who I was and said he
was breaking the law and I would have him fined he then said he only had
them for his own use and would give them to me
Came down to the police office and gave information about him
summonesed to appear on Friday next – I then visited Queen St _____
King and several other Streets as far as Seaton Village in search of other
parties who might be selling contraban fish but found none it was now
after six oclock I went to Dwights and remained all night
28 This morning I called upon Mrs Morse and Mrs Walker to see how my
Greate grand child was getting on found him growing into a verrey fine
child indeed from thence I walked the various streets to the north of Queen
Street before getting down to the _____ Called at Mr ______ to make
some inquiries about Mr Kerr and from thence I went to Leslivill to see Ge
Leslie Junior respecting his license to fish in the lake and from thence
when the Staige came along I came home
29 Sundy was a beautifull day indeed walked round the farm the crops are
growing beautifull and there is good prospect for a crop of friute if the
frost in June does not injure it
30 Monday cleaning up land and planting Pottatoes over the creek Alfred
hoeing pottatoes in the garden

475
31 Most of the day cutting seed Pottatoes in the root house weather driseling
and damp James washed his sheep
June 1887
1 An Easterly storm strong wind and rain prevailed prettey much all day so
that no out side work could be done ____ _____
2 Another wet day planted cabbages _________
3 Went to Toronto to attend the Police court to prosecute a man by the name
of Kronbury residing at 179 ½ York St for selling Bass illegally He
admitted the charge and I recomended the justices presiding to make fine
as low a possabl which they did one dollar John F Taylor informed me he
had a Daughter born a fiew days ago ______
4 Planting Pottatoes on the north side of the creek _____
James plowing up the Turnip drills that are eaten off by the flys to ree
sow them - - - -
5 Sunday some what cloudy and threating rain took a walk on the
south hill to see the crops the pease has grow much but are not thick
enough William was too spareing of the seed the clover will hardly pay to
keep for a crop I think it must be plowed under for manure & the land
sowed with Beans or Buck wheat - - - -
6 A drizzeling rain continued all day so that no outside work could be done
it is no doubt good for the growing crops but it prevents us from finishing
out Pottato planting
7 Planting pottatoes on the north side of the creek James resowing Turnips
8 Planting Pottatoes – A beautifull day
9 Sorting Pottates in the Root House and cutting seed

George Taylor and Wife paid us a visit on their way to Mrs John Elliotts
in Pickering
After going to bed I was called up to administer an oath to a deed by Dr
Glossonson
10 Finished planting Pottats in the low land on the flats south of the East
orchard weather was verrey warm Goeorge Taylor and Wife called on
their road home and took Tea 63 years to day I was picking straw berries
with Sarah Bloor at the Don 10 day of June 1825

476
11 Hoeing in the garden and planting Pottatos on the south hill under clover
sod – We hav now finished planting Pottatoes The weather is beautifull
12 Sunday a verrey fine day in the afternoon I took a walk up to the

top of the north Hill to see how Rye was comming on found it nearly as
high as myself called and spent an hour with Mrs Elliot
13 Planting Beans under clover sod on the south hill in the fore noon In the
after noon James went to fix up Mrs Elliots Bush for the Church picnic on
Wednesday
14 Planting Beans on the south hill plowing them in under clover sod ____ in
the forenoon
15 The day appointed for the Church picnic in Mrs Elliots bush was a
glorious one and everey thing was in apple pye order for the
entertainment And it proved a glorious success realizing upward of one
hundred dollars and a source of amusment and good feeling amon the
people not only Church people but the inhabitants generally of all
denomination
16 James had two men helping to weed and thin carrots - verrey hot and
threatens thundr verrey probable a shoure
This was the hottest day of the season so far and the night was verrey
oppressive
17 This morning ws cloudy and rained a little I was weeding and planting
cabbages all the forenoon
18 Hoeing and weeding in the garden and Boys preparing Turnip ground in
the hom feild weather beautifull
19 Sunday made its appearance with a heavey rain which was much wanted -
- - - After dinner I walked up to John Richardsons to talk with him about
the Shiriffalty of York and his cousin who is candidate for the office
20 Caroline went to the city to day to celebrate the Queens Simey centenial
Jubilee – I and the Boys was busey weeding and hoeing – I find my eye
sight is gradually failing cannot read fine print at all or any for long at a
time – Charles Swallow says that ther was any amount of Mullet on the
Lake Shore yesterday but the mouth of the creek was barred up and they
could not get in

477
21 Much thunder this forenoon and a heavey shoure stopped all farm
operations for several houres This day compleats the 50 years of Victoria
Reign and is the juble day for the British Dominions
22 This being the day of the Pioneers excurtion to the falls I got up soon after
thre oclock and as soon as we (William James and myself) could get
ready we started and drove to Adna Pherrils where we left our horse and
viehical and walked accross the feilds throug the wet grass to the junction
where the train verrey soon cam along and we proceeded to Young St.
wharf where the train stopped and we went on Board the Empress of India
and between ten & eleven arived at port Dalousey wher changed Boat for
cars and proceeded to the Falls ariving at Clifton about 11 oclock and
walked along the river up to the falls a great number of elegat Residents
have been built and a plank side walk and Iron fence put up on the River
Bank since I was hear last about 20 years ago found considerabl change at
the falls the table Rock all gone and the horse shoe changed into a triangal
by the breaking away of the center which has receeded 100 feet since I
first remember the appearance of the falls
The old Distillery where I resided with my Father and Mother Brother
John and sister Marey in 1819 & and 1820 is still standing though in a
verrey delapidated state I took William to it and explained that I spend
part of my Boy hood there We then returned to Clifton by the horse cars
and saw a man walk over the Bridges at a quater past six we left Clifton
in the cars for Port Dalousy wher the Boat was waiting for us and Eigh
oclock started for Toronto ariving there at 11 oclock I remained there all
night at the Hotel –
23 This mornign I went in seach of James Robinson and found he had gone
to Markham but would be in Toronto by the noon train and as I had time
to go to the Island I availed myself of the opertunity to see of Ward over
fishing
on returning I found Robinson who paid me for acting as dupty Returning
Officer at the late election - $12.00 came home in the staig -
24 Hoeing Pottatoes on the north side of the creek and the Boys were
weeding carrots in the home feild - - - -
25 Hoeing and weeding in the Garden Boys cleaning out carrots in the home
feild this carrot cleaning is a tedious job
26 Sunday A beautifull day took a walk round the farm found the
crops progressing favourably
Hay nearly all ready to cut and promises to be a good crop

478
27 Was hoeing Pottatoes over the creek all as up finely and growing
beautifully
28 Tuesday a verrey hot day was doing a little weeding and hoeing Hay
is about ready for cutting My eye sight is dim to day I can scarsely see to
write and it is painfull to read for any lenth of time
29 Verrey hot day was hoeing Pottatoes on the flats south of the Eastern
orchard
30 Civick Holiday and the Queen Jubilee Frank and his son came down to
visit us – was hoeing the Pottatoes in the flats the weather was verrey
warm and dry - - -
July 1887
1 Dominion day verrey Hot was hoeing Pottatoes in the fore noon and
sufferd much from heat in the after noon did not go out of the House in all
probabilety ther will be a thunder shoure soon –
2 An extreamly warm day was not able to do much outdoor work on account
of the heat was cutting a fiew weed in the pasture feild Frank and the Boys
was under pining the barn on the Hill
The garden party at Jerrey ________ last night was a greate success
3 Sunday another hot day I did not leave the House Frank and James
went to Church – The hot weather is telling on the production of milk the
cows are falling off considerable –
4 Drove Frank down to Port Union on his return home the crops on the way
to the Station are splended Dixon has a 20 acre feild
0/0 cleared and in the Barn The weath is verrey warm
94 Thompson Jackson made a complaint again his Brother – in law fro
trespass in cutting grass on a lot he purchsed from his Father in Law and
on bringing him up with a warrant it turned out to be a disputed tittile [and
in order to give him – Henrey McElmurrey an opertuntiy to prove his
claim I adjournd the hearing till Friday next at 3 oclock James commeced
haying
5 This morning was a drizzling Rain was hoeing in the gard James cutting
the old orchard
6 Drove up to Toronto with James in the Buggey and drew my Quarter

salerey from the Bank and paid Meridith and then went over to the Island
on fishery buisness there was crouds of pleasure seek on the Island

479
Woman & children being largely in excess drove myself home as James
went to Brampton to get his pay for Horses sold to J Green 7 month ago
7 Heate intolerable did not stir out William took in some Hay from the oil
Well feild Mrs went to Wexford to see Mrs Popplewell who is laying
verrey low there just now
8 All this forenoon I was putting Paris green on to the Pottatoes in the flats
Weather stil verrey warm In the afternoon had a tryal between Thompson
Jackson and Henrey McElmurrey for trespass gave judgment for
complainant and fine one dollar
9 This morning was cloudy and sprinkled a little rain was hoeing Pottatoes
on the north of the creek –
10 Sunday the weather is much cooler with a strong nor west wind
during the fore part of the day cloudy & threatening rain which would
have been greatfully received this will be a busey week in the Barley
harvest as it is nearly all ripe and fit - - -
11 This morning I went to the city to see a person who had written to me
respecting the Mills Seit I got Frank to go with me the partie is agent fro
another person I gave him the pric I would sell 20 acres including the
River and hill side for 100$ per acre I also went up to Bloor St to inform
the man who has a mare pasture ing here that she had foaled and the foal
had died – Thence, I went to Church Street wharf to get the Humber Boat
but was a fiew minutes too late then I took the Street cars to High park and
a bus from there to the Humber found fishing suspended – remained all
night
12 After breakfast I started on foot for Toronto called to see my Friend J.G.
Howard at High park but found him in bed left my respects and took the
Street cars for Toronto at Park Dale and several other points large number
of Oring men were assembling and marching to Head Qurters on Queen
Street from whence the procession started which took an hour to pass any
point so numerious were they with Bands and banners – I came home in
the Staig
0/098 and I got there I found D Crandle had pulled up and removed the wire
fence I lately put up in front of the old Mill some time between 11 oclk pm
on the 11th and 4 oclock ow 12th July the weather was excessively warm
and dry
13 This morning I went down the Road to see D Crandle and found him and
several others at work putting in culvert oposite Clawsons He admitted
removeing the fence he said by the Superintend orders Camp also
admitted having assisted him Crandle said Mr. Stoke told him to do it

480
quietly early in the morning befor there was much stir This was another
excessly warm day James was cutting Hay in the north feild prespirition
was pouring off the Horses –
14 This morning I drove to Squire Mitchels to lay an information again the

parties who pulled up my fence But I found Mr Mitchel in such a bad state
of Health that he declined to do any business I therefore had to come home
without accomplishing any thing – I never saw so much grain ripe and fit
for cutting as I did this morning There is also many feild cut and stooked
up and being cut the feilds are all full of an abundant crop The weather
today was much cooler then for several days past
In the afternoon I sowed Turnips where the Pottatoes had missed in flats
below the east orchard
James commenced cutting Rye
15 Cloudy and sprinkled a little rain after dinner I went up to John

Richardsons to Swear to my returns of disbursement for the Quarter
ending 30 June - -
16 The hotest day we have had yet this season out in the sun is like
0/0102 being in an oven I could nto show my nose out side after nine oclock - - -
Boys busey with the Hay and Turnips had to quit on accont of Heat In all
my experiance I never passed such a night of heat as this I scarsely slept a
wink was nearly baked untill toward morning when a thunder shour
cooled the atmospheer some what and was of vast benefit to the parched
earth
17 Sunday morning was cooler and cloudy but came out hot again at
noon - - -
18 The weather was some what cooler Was hoeing Turnips a little this
afternoon the hot dry weather has scorched everey thing up The shour on
Saterday night did a greate deal of Good to the grass and Roots –
19 Went to Toronto for the purpas of commencing proceeding against the

parties who pulled up my fence Mr Jones was not at home and Mr
Boultbee wanted some time look up authorities so I arranged to go in
again on Friday next - - - -
20 Paris Greening the Pottatoes cutting the Hay north of the orchard - - -
21 Was paris greening Pottatoes James cutting Rye in Barn feild and William
cutting grass at the north of the orchard
Weather cloudy
22 Cloudy and sprinkling a little rain Thinning and hoeing Turnips in the

481
Shoure Home feild

this
evening
23 Went to Toronto see Mrs Boultbee and jones about bring up the parties
who distroyed my fence on the night of the 11th inst Jones recomended
laying an information before Squire Wingfeild but unfortunately he had
gone on an excurtion for the day and could not be seen before Monday - -
I drove in the Buggey and went the back Road saw many new buildings
put up since I last travelled that Road
I took Caroline with me I never saw the Roads so dusty practicely they are
six inches deep of pure dust
24 Sunday This morning I went to see Robt Stefenson respecting the

removal of my fence and found he knew nothing about it In the afternoon I
went to see Mrs Wilson found Her and Family all well My eyes are getting
more and more dim and my hearing more and more dull and my legs more
and more weak and painfull so that I find myself gradually loosing my
faculties and becoming an old man - -
25 Went to Toronto to lay an information gant David Crandle and George

Crandle for pulling up my fence after some difficulty I succeeded in laying
an information before Squire _________ and returned by the Staige Boys
took in the hay from the Island a good crop
26 Did a little at thinning and weeding Turnips James cutting Rye on South
Hill Mrs went to Wexford to see Mrs Popelwell found her verry low
indeed Weather was beautifull not so extreamly warm
27 Working amongst the Turnips
28 Working at Turnips in the morning in the afternoon Parks greening

0/0 90 pottatoes on the south hill
in the
shade
29 Working amongs the Turnips James cutting Wheat William drawing in

Rye – nice ___ Turnips growing verrey fast
29 Saterday was busey in the Turnips – Boys drew in the Rye from the Barn
feild
30 Sunday another verrey warm day and verrey dry this is the
commencement of the fourth week of intence heat which is so trying to
aged people

482
31 This morning I drove to the city accompayned by James for
August 1887
1 of seeing the magistrate to whom I gave the Information gainst the

Crandle for destroying my fence he was out of Town and would not return
for a fiew days in order to make a report required by the Fishery
Department I wished to asertain the area of Granadier Pond sourc took the
Street Cars to the Humber Bay and called upon J.G. Howard who gave the
area at 42 acres after showing us all his curiosities and taking a glass of
grog with him we returned by the same rout[e] to the Hotel where we left
our Horse and Buggey and drove up to Yorkville James wishing to see
some parties here about Horses pastureing Arive at hom at half past nine
verrey much fatuiged indeed
2 0/0 90 A verrey hot day I did not go out to work
3 Busey amonst the Turnips Boys drawing in Wheat and Pease Weather
verrey fine Rain much wanted for roots and grass
4 In the morning was working at Turnips after dinner it was so warm that I
0/0 94 could not stand in the sun James cut the Wheat in the Stable out in the sun
James cut the Wheat in the Stable feild in the morning and drew it in in
the after noon poor shrivelled up stiff hardley fit for chicken feed
5 This morning I drove up to the city with James in the Buggey to see if Mr
tittley had had returned home found him in his office and he promised to
send the sumones for the parties who distroyd my fence tomorrow Thence
I called upon Boultbee and Frank by this time the weather had become
oppressively hot after dinner I took the Island Ferrey and went over to
Ward While there a thunder storm and rain came up an detained me there
untill 4 oclk when it cleared up and I cam over and found James ready to
come home When we got as far as Leslieville another thunder storm came
up and rain heavey most of the road home and though we had a covered
buggey the wind drove the rain into it so that I got wet –
6 Weather much cooler and pleasant Boys pulling Pease
7 Sunday This morning I went up to Swallows to see when he could

be found when the somenses came down for the parties who took down
my fenc The weather is much cooler and pleasanter then for sevrl days I
might say weeks past My eyes are growing more and more dim it is with
some difficulty that I can write and I have almost entirely given up reading
so painfull and dificult has it become for me to read ordinary print

483
8 Working at the Turnips James and Alfred went to Mrs Popplewells

funeral at Wexford – drawing in Pease from south hill in the forenoon - -
9 Still working at the Turnips Boys drawing in Pease
10 This morning I drove up to the Tabor home stead to make a survey and
valuation for the purpose of reporting to Messers Betty Blake and Co who
are advancing money upon it I found the building with no exception of the
Dwelling in a delapidated state and the fence it the same condition with
the exception of a new wire fence along the side line
Made a report to Bettey who desired me to put it in writing I then went to
see lettley about my case and he gave me the summonses to get served for
Monday week Greate improvements are being made in the Old Mill Road
now Broad View Avinue
11 This morning made its appearanc with a beautifull shour of rain falling
which was verrey gratifying indeed
did nothing this day as it rained most of the time
12 Verrey fine cool day busey at the Turnips James cutting Hay in the north
feild
13 Another beatifull pleast day working at Turnips and pulling Beans in the
garden –
14 Took a walk to the north end of the Farm never saw it so dry the pasture in
the north feild is good compaly Weather has much the apearanc of rain
which would be verrey welcom
15 Was pulling Beans and onions in the garden
16 Mrs went to Toronto to visit her freinds I was chorein a little in the garden
William commensed plowing behind the Mill yesterday to day
cultivating Turnips and carrots
17 Busey in the forenoon shelling Beans for seed next if I should so long
18 This forenoon was digging Pottatoes at the back of the Stable feild a
verrey poor crop indeed
19 This morning I took a walk round to look at the pasture as the cows are
falling off on their milk to an alarming extent grass all burned up and the
verrey roots appearantly burned to a crisp
James is cutting Hay in the north feild and drawing it in as soon as cut

484
20 Was troubled verrey much with tooth and face ache last night and this
morning not much better indeed I quite out of sorts in the head and legs - -
-
21 Sunday a foggey drizziling verrey suitable weather for the grass and roots
22 Drove to the city in the Buggey accompayned by Alfred and Bobbey

wood who are witnesses in the Crandell fence case to come off today at 2
o clock before Squire Winfeild and Miller got into the city at 9 and went
up to 33 Wellington Stoes to see _________ in answer to an advertisment
_________ for a driver _________ went Rogers office to see Frank thence
to Boultbee office Then having an hour or two on hand I walked down to
the late James Worts home stead and was shown through rooms by the
care taker What a contrast there is between luxurious furnished rooms and
bare walks how little Mr & Mrs Worts though their luxurious home
would be in the hand of Strangers after taking all the means in his power
to perpetuate in his Family for ever and in less then years after his death it
was under the auctionears hammr I turned away with a sad thoughts on the
un certainty of all Human affairs
At 2 oclock I was at the Court House and soon after the trial commenced
and after hearing my evidence and Alfreds and bobby Woods and Wm
Camps on one side and T J Stokes on the other the Magistrates reserved
judgement for a week We then drove home
23 Was digging a fiew Pottatoes in the garden and doing some chores such as
churning
24 Drove to the city wit James in consequence of a letter received from Frank
______ that the two Magistrates who heard the case aganst Crandels be
invited down to see the premises before giving their decision Accordingly
I waited up on Mr Wingfeild and Miller who promised to come and I hired
a liverey rig and Frank agreed to drive them down on Friday
25 Was digging a fiew pottatoes the Girls went to visit their cousins on the
Don finished harvest
26 This morning I drove to the city to meet Mr Wingfeild and bring him
down to see the situation of afairs regarding the fence torn down by David
and George Crandll preveious to his giving his decition
He did not make an apper at the Court house at the time appointed Later
he came but was so unwell that he declined coming
I then went up to Sant George Street to Mrs Dwight found she was not at
home Crossed over the street to Mrs Walkers and took dinner with Nelley
and Harvey Morse
On my way home I learned that Uncle John Bright was dyeing

485
27 Cloudy and threatening rain was digging a fiew pottatoes in the garden
not able to do much I find my legs gives out verrey soon with pains in my
hips
28 Sunday took a walk round the farm which is suffering much fro the
want of rain verey poor pasture the grass being all burned up The weather
is very pleasant indeed
29 Monday was digging Pottatoes in the garden – Weather verrey fine

indeed - - - - -
30 Digging Pottatoes in the garden
31 Digging Pottatoes in the garden Uncle John Brights funeral at 3 oclock

this afternoon did not go on account of its being so late to come home
September 1887
1 Still at the Pottatoes in the Garden Weather cloudy and threatens rain - -
2 This morning I went with Alfred to cut a log laying it the Barn feild into
shingle bolts for Jaems to take to the Shingle Mills at Adgin court William
busey plowing the Barn feild for Rye - - -
3 Doing some weeding and cut Thistles Weather still continued extreamly
dry Though the nights are getting cool and pleasant
This afternoon the B_______ men had a race of 20 from Norwey to the
Highland Creek hill twice forward and back I went to see them arive the
first time nineteen put in an aperanc at the Highland Creek hill many of
them appeare to be nearly played out - - -
4 Sunday The opening of the Presbitarian Church on the Hill and a

verrey greate geathering assembled to take part in the celebration and
hear the former Minister Donald Fletcher from Hamilton
5 Monday This morning I went up to the north end of the Farm to

pump water for the cattle The grass is so much burned up it is difiult to
see how they can exist in such bare pastures - - -
6 This morning I went to the city to join the York Pioneers in meeting Lord
Landsdown the Governer General at the Mounment erected on the old
French for or Fort Toronto after doing some buisness in took the Steam
boat for the Fair Ground and at 1 oclock we had a meeting in the Governor
Simco Cabin and trans some ordinary business at three o clock Lord
Lansdown arived and Dr Scadding read an address to him after which he
unveiled the monument and made speach after which we dispersed I saw

486
many old friends and acquaintnses which was verrey plesing after taking
a stroll around a part of the fair I returned by the Boat to the city and took
the Horse cars to Mr Dwight where I slept
7 This morning I called on my Brother Joseph found him much failed and
feeble still he new me but being so deaf could net enter into any
conversation after seeing Frank and Boultbee I returned hom home by the
Staig
8 Imployd picking up wind fallen apples after the high wind of last night
9 Choreing about the farm The Boys putting a new roof on the Shead in the
Barn yard
10 This forenoon I went to Mrs John Peters funeral from her late residence
over the Rouge to the old Church The weather was quite cool Feeling like
Autum- - - - -
11 Cool and Windy - - - -
12 Picking Hops this fore noon some verrey good and – more worthless
13 This morning was wet there having been a heavey shour during the night I
was shelling Beans in the forenoon –
14 I intended gong to the city but was prevented by a boil on the cheek had to
stay at home and poltice it
15 Did not do much but nurse my face weather was cloudy and misty - -
16 This morning I went to digg the Pottatoes in the lower flats but found
them to green in the afternoon I was baging up turnips for the mark and
they are verrey fine indeed quite a frost last night
17 Ice this morning –

James went to Toronto with apples and Turnips the day was warm and
beautifull
18 This A.M. I went up to Chas Swall___ to see him relative to his costs in
Jackson?___ - - PM visited Mrs Wilsons and met Mr & Mrs Muir there
Mr Muir is getting verrey feeble
19 This mornign I went to the city and after seeing Mr Boultbee took the
Street cars for Humber Bay when I get out of the cars a man came along
with a democrat and I get a ride to Humber after taking dinner seeing the

487
fisher men I returned on foot to the Street cars and arived in the city just in
time to take the Staige home commenced sowing Rye in the Barn feild
20 Choreing picking up apples – This P.M. commenced digging Pottatoes on

the north side of the creek
21 Digging Pottatoes
Stokes and his men making a survey of the Road
22 Digging Pottatoes over the creek
24 Frost this morning

Digging Pottatoes on the north side of the creek
25 Church Service at the old Church this morning and I walked up and being
rather early I walked around the grave yard and viewed the toom stones of
many an old acquaintance
26 Digging Pottatoes hard frost last night - - - - -
27 Still digging Pottatoes Cloudy weather
28 Went to Toronto to get my cheque for quarters salarey cashed Purchased a

truss for William called on the Clerk of the peace and mad my Quarterly
returns and paid a visit to Josh Bens the old farmer who put up Grist and
Saw Mills for me the old man in 88 years of age and is feeble but has
faculties all verey little impaired came home by the back road wonderfull
improvements are being made on the old mill Road now Broad view
avenue
Archey Elliot has the misfortune to have his right arm broken by a rifle
ball accidently shot through it between the elbow and shoulder the rifle
was in the hands of Thomas Leslie when it accidently went off Dr Dales
and the two _____ was sumonsed as yet they cannot deside weather it
must be amputated or not - - -
30 Wet and foggey to damp for me to be out – however I went up to Mrs

Elliots to see Arhcey found him insensable under the influance of
morphine
October 1887
1 Digging Pottatoes

488
2 Went to Church Service being in the old Chruch The appearance of the
trees is most beautifull arayed in all the hues of the Rainbow and forests
looks most gorgeos and the weather is splendid
3 Raining heavey this morning and continued Shourey all day dug a fiew
Pottatoes between Shours James went to Broham fair to exhibit a colt
If the rain we are getting now had fallen six weeks earlier it would have
been good for the crops now it is comparetively of little benefit
4 Shourey and windy intended going to Brougham fair was prevented by the
rain digging Pottatoes at intervills – and finsihed digging on the north side
of creek –
5 Choreing and digging Pottatoes – Boy working at the Stables – Grass

begins to _______ a green aspect since the Rain fell
6 Commenced Raining at eight oclock and continued all the forenoon so I

did not quit the House disagreeabl day for the Markham fair hope
tomorrow will be fair otherwise the Ladies will be disappointed
7 In consequence a letter from John F Taylor I went to the city and

accompayned him to Lawyer Leys office to consult about the arbitration
with the C.P.R. which was commenced more then a year ago and I had
been twice up to the place on the Don near Milne to view it before and
they want me to go again which I promised to do on Thursday next –
I went to Boultbees office to consult him about a surveyor making a plan
of the Rod and fence pulled down by order of the Superindant of York
Roads
8 This A.M. was cleaning out the apples from the East orchard and P.M.
gigging or rather picking up pottatoes in the flats where they have been
rooted out by cows and sheep Weather beautiful
9 Went to Church the Servis in was held in the old Church the weather was
gloomy and threatened Rain - - -
10 Shourey adn foggey Choreing and picking up apples and rubbish in the
Barn yard leaves are falling fast –
11 Scarboro fair Finished picking apples P.M. went to see Mrs Wilson
respecting her farm as John Lauder is about leaving it
12 Weather cold was digging Beets and carrots

489
13 This morning I went to Torot on account of Taylor arbit n and made an

appont with John Taylor to meet several others on the ground at the Rail
Road Bridge of the C.P.R. _________ at four oclock then I went to
Boultbees ofice to see about my Suite with the County for pulling down
my fence and informed him of the result of a simelar Suite that Hicks of
the Humber had with them and as he wish to know who is attorney was
that conducted the case I wen up to the Humber to find out then I went
home with John F. Taylor and slept at George Taylors
14 This mornign visited the Paper Mill with George Taylor and after dinner
Young George drove me up to the Rondevous where we met several
others and after examening the situation returned to Taylors to sleep
15 Young George Taylor drove me into the city and I called upon their
Lawyer _______ informed me that Monday next was the day appointed
for the arbitracion
I went took the Street cars to Leslieville to see Leslie who promised me
some fruite trees to know when I might come for them And when the
Staige came along came home
16 Sunday did not go to Church in the afternoon some Boys came and
informed me there was a fire on the hill side by the old Saw Mill and I
went down to see and found S Clawson the watching he said he had
______ it and was afraid it might do some damage
17 This morning I went to the city to attend Taylor arbitration which was to
meet at Osgood Hall at 2 oclock and on assembling there at the time
appointed the Arbitrators said they must visit the ground befor proceeding
to buisness and as it was too late in the day to proceed there was
nessesarily a post-ponement and it was arranged that the witnesses
should meet again in at the same place on Wed day at half past 10 oclock I
then hurried down to catch the Staige and came home
18 Busey all this A.M. writing In the after noon at the carrots
19 Went to Toronto and Osgood Hall to be examined as a witness for Taylor

Brothers v Ontario & Quebec Rail Road was not much cross quedstioned
and got throug the examenation Quickly then came down to Toronto
Street to see the Surveyors I want to make a plan of the Road for the Court
found the door locked and after waiting for an hour left and went up to
Dwights where I remain all night
20 Called on Lizzee and Nelley on my way down Town –
Saw the Surveyors and Mr Boultbee and came home by the Staig – The
weather was delightfull Indian Somer weather

490
21 Topping carrots and putting them into Root celler James gone to cider Mill
with apples for cider
22 A verrey cold windy day wind N.W. Topping carrots Jame drawing the
timbers of the old Saw Mill to use in the erection of the new driving Barn
oposite the House
23 Sunday went to Church this A.M. Cold and raw East wind and
threatens rain About 3 oclock we saw Mrs Thos Stephenson running down
the side line with all the speed she could command and on looking to
asertain the cause of such a movement discovered their House to be on
fire which was quickly consumed with all its contents Bedding and
clothing of the Family Tom and his wife had gone to Church and left their
fiv small children the oldest 10 years old on discovering the house on fire
verrey wisely collected them and made their escape from the burning
Hous
24 The wind changed to N. West and blew a Hurrican with thunder adn
lightning and in the morning was still blowing a gale and verrey cold - -
Went to view the Ruins of Stephens Hous
Toping carrots
25 This was a busey day Threshing and Trip commencing to put the old
driving Barn frame togeather and pulling carrots &c
26 Had frost this morning ______ more then an inch thick as soon as possible
I went at ______
27 Busey getting in the Roots and framing the new driving Barn Weather
beautiful in the day Though cold and frosty at night
28 Busy with the carrots

Weather splended during the day frsoty at night - - - -
29 Topping carrots in the fore noon PM filled up and signed Mrs Stephensons
and Thomas Stephensons Insurance papers to inable them to get the
money Spitting a little snow
30 A Beautifull day Topping Turnips

Tripp and the Boys fixing foundation of new Driving Barn
November 1887
1 A Splended day working at the Turnips Carpenters and Boys working at

foundation of the driv’g Barn -------

491
2 Drawing in Turnips this A.M. They was some what frozen in the morning
when I commend drawing but thaughed out before noon Commenced
raising the driving Barn and got up three bents this evening --
3 Men finished the raising the Barn I was busey with the Turnips Weather
just splended
4 Drawing in Turnips in the after noon when the rafters were ready for the
building the wind was so high they could not be put up -
5 Gun Pouder Treason & Plot

There is no reason it should be forgot
Hawling in Turnips
Weather cloudy and spitting snow
6 Sunday Reopening Service of the Church Mr _______ our forme

minister was there and gave us a verrey good service/sermon not much
changed considering it is 17 years since he left the Parish ther was a verrey
large congregation and the collection amounted to $42.25 verrey good
7 A Beautifull day was putting up the rafters on the new driving Barn AM
Road men retimbering the Bridge over the creek --- Sowed onions in the
flats this afternoon Ground in fine order to receive the seed --
8 Another fine day was choreing around the plaic a little
9 Quite a change in the weather cold and raw East wind an threatens snow
was burning up the pottatoes tops and weeds on the north side of the
creek Swallow and Alfred sheeting up the new driving Barn --
10 Mrs Nancy Tayler Birthday 75 years old

Wet morning Suspension to out door work
11 Went to the city to see Boultbee and the Surveyer relative to getting a plan
of the Road and fence pulled down by David Crandle &c I also went to
Seaton Village to see if the fish stores there was observing the close
season - The ground this morning was white and had a verrey wintry
appearance -
12 A cold raw day did not stir much out of the House dug round three apple
trees in the orchard John Lawders sale in the afternoon and the Boys went
to it
13 A lovely day warm and genial everey vistage of winter visable on Friday
disappeared

492
14 Monday cloudy and sprinkling Rain ocationally fixing up Barn yard

and choreing
15 Went down to French mas Bay and Duffin Creek on Fishry buisness
When I started I intended to go to Shoal Point but I found the Roads so
bad and it the weather was wet that I did not go
16 Went this morning to see the Rouge if there were any appear of salmon
and on the way called on several parties to get their names to a pettition to
remove Superintendant and the Section men from the York Roads - did
not get home untill after dark
17 Went up the Road and called on Kirkham who signed the petetion James
Shurk and John Collins & Thos Young who refused on the ground that
was affraid of the Crandles doing them some injury
This is Thans giving Day appointed by the Governor General
18 Imployed most of the day getting Signitures to the petetion to dismiss the
section men off the Road round the Town line and Portunion
19 Sunday This morning the ground was white and frozen crisp
continued dull all day - in the afternoon it was spitting a little snow now
and then --
20 Choreing Ground white - Administred an oath to John Moon who swore

to refrain from driking or tasting intoxicating liquor for twelve months in
consequence of som assault he committed upon Jos Murton who agreed to
settle it on that condition. It was an extra judicial oath but perhaps is may
do some good Stabled the cows for the first time this season no feed out in
the feilds
22 This AM I called upon Bil Cowen William Huxtable and John Curtain all
absent from Home on my return I followed the creek from _____ Point to
the Kingston Road was surprised to find so much ________ in volum Saw
no signs of salmon After dinner Henrey Hough called on me to value his
land as he wished to rais money upon it I accompayned him to lot 6 in the
second and after wards to 31 in C and examined both parcels - and my
valuation is as follows
Lot 6 in 2 eon 50 ____ 60$ 3000

“31 in C 6 ½ acres $100 650
Buildings and impremet 1200
16 apple trees 7 Peartrees 500
Total $5350
Mr Hough brote me home where I arrived at 10 oclock PM

493
23 This morning Mrs and I drove to Broham to see a man respecting renting
the Tavern as Mr Moon refuses to pay the Rent we think it is wirth found
the Roads verrey good on the Brok Road the man was not at home but we
left word with his wif came back by Green River and Ceder Grove found
the Roads much worse on this rout then the other the weather was verrey
foggey and damp got home just at dark
24 Went to Toronto to see Boultbee about my Law Suite and to present my

Pettetion to the County Council for the removal of some of the County
Officials was too late the council was just about adjourning Turned out to
be a verrey stormy day returned home by Staig
25 This morning the ground was white at noon the snow had all disape and
was raining
Was imployed all the A.M. writing
26 This morning had an altercation with David Crandle about puling down
my fenc on the West and North side of the Brige where it has stood
undisputed for 16 years - -
In the afternoon had a law cas between George Graham and Samuel
Pearce did not consid the case proven and dismised it
27 Sunday verrey cloudy set in Rain and continued all night when it
commenced to snow and fell two inches
28 This morning the ground and trees was covered with snow when the sun
came out it was verrey fine day
29 Went to Toronto with James in the Team to meet JW Kerr verrey cold
morning left the Team at Leslie and took the Street cars to Union Station
where at half past ten Kerr arived and we took the Suborben to the
Humber and returned to Gallagers where we settled some charge of selling
fish in close season
30 Verrey cold this morning but became fine and warm when the sun got up
-
Alfred Helliwell
My Father Diary
December 1887

494
1 The Ground is covered with abut [about] 2 inches of Snow and has been
Spttg a little at intervills The wether is cold I have not left the Hous to
day the Boys has been geathry up plows and putting them under cover
2 Cloudy and some what mild Boys cutting feed with the Steam
3 Much milder this morning Though there was a little more snow Went to
Malvern to pay my Taxes 50 years ago to day I went to Niagara in the
Steamer Canada Capt Richardson a beautifull day it was I slept at R
Howard near James McFarlands
4 Sunday Rained all night and continued all day at intervils Snow has all
disapeared Fifty years ago to day I returned from Niagara and found
everey man in the city with cross belts or a musket in his hand on ariving
at the Marke[t] there was a feild peice at each ________ pointing up and
down the Street and gunners standing mach ready to fire if anny foe was
approaching
5 Some waht colder and threate a Storm took a Horse to the Black Smiths
Shop and fixed up the yard & preparing for winter
6 Went to Toronto with James in the Buggey and called a little York to a
man who advertised for a run of chopping Stones He promised to come
down and see them Called upon Mr Boultbee and after dinner went up to
Gloste St to see Brother Joseph found him well but failing fast
7 Busey about the Barn yard Weather beautifull
8 This AM I went with James to Maxwells Mill to see Maxwell and get
information of the quanty of Suckers caught in the Rouge during the
Season of 1887 in his opinion 5000
Also called upon William Coun who gave his accont at $5 worth of pike
9 This forenoon I was writing a lease for Mrs John Wilson and John A
Murry who is renting Mrs Wilson Farm – Alfred was setting posts for a
wire fence on the East side of the east orchard
10 this has been one continued doun pour of Rain commencing some time in
the night previous All out door work was suspended
11 Sunday verrey misty almost rain took a walk round the And was almost
wet through by the mist Saw the posts that Wm Mosher has planted along
the concession at the north end of the farm

495
12 This morning I was assisting Alfred to plant posts on the east side of the
east orchard when Charles Ley came for me to see his Mother and J Murry
execute a lease of their farm Mrs H went to Toronto to visit for a fiew
days
Weather has changed and is much colder finished putting up the ridge
boards James plowing the Stuble feild
13 Busy with wood over the Creek James was plowing which indicates that
the weather was fine
14 Went to Toronto with James in the buggey on an order for examination by

the court to show my claim to that portion of the Kingston Road from
which they removed my fence last July and for which I am bringing an
action of damages accompayned by A Boultbee at 2 oclock I repaired to
the judges Room in the Court House where I was examined as my title and
ocupation of lot No 8 in the first concession of Scarboro – Crown patent
and 55 year occupation should give a little I think
15 this forenoon was sleating and snowing P.M fine and warm and melted the
snow verrey fast
16 A beautifull day was sawing wood in the shead & other chores put the
impliments into the new building this P.M.
17 Cutting brush on the north side of the Creek
Weather verrey cloudey
18 Sunday A rather cold raw day did not stir out of the House
19 In consequence of a letter received from J W Kerr I visited the city and the
several Fish dealers to find out if they were receiving Fishing from Sarnia
or Goderich which is being put up unlawfully after visiting several of the
dealers I went to the Grand Trunk Sheads to find out if any fish of the
description had been received there Could not hear of any
Slept at Dwights and on the morning
20 renewed my search did not succeed in finding any thing Came home by
the Staig
21 This morning the Ground was covered with snow the most of the season
Sawing wood in the shead the fore noon

496
22 The weather was verrey much Colder this morning Mr Brown the
Surveyor by appointment came down to Port Union and James met him
with the buggey and brote him up to make a survey of the Road to inable
me to show where the county had committed a trespass by pulling up my
fence
After making the survey James drove him up to Scarboro junction
This is by all ods the coldest day we have had this season
23 Milder and spitting snow
Confined to the House with a cold
24 The weather is cold and blustry spitting a little snow There are some slays
running a verrey little more snow would make good slaying
Charles Swallow was hanging the doors on the new driving Barn
25 Sunday and Christmas day not sufficent snow for slaying but a beautifull
sunshiney day James and Caroline went to Church
26 Snowing this morning and continued all the fore noon
27 Slaying is verrey good on the Kingston Road

28 A little more snow this morng Had a case of disturbance to Salvation
Army this P.M.
29 This morning I went to the city in the Buss and called on Boutlbee relative
to suite I am bringing a gainst the County for pulling down my fence
30 This morning I drove in the cutter to Whitby on Fisherey buiseness

collecting statisticks On ariving at Pickering Vil I was told Elm Dale
Mills had just been destroyed by fire and I drove round by Station and saw
the smoaldy and smoaking ruins of Mill and dwelling House I drove
down to Whitby Bay to Messers Proudfoot and White and returned to
Whitby wher I fed my Horse and while He was feeding I went over to Dr
Eastwoods and spent an houre Got home at six oclock
1888
The last day of 1887 was ushered in with a violent storm from the east
snowing and drifting violently and continued to do so the most of the day
2 Election day I went up and voted for Brown and Baird for Councellors the
Reeves were elected on nomination day by acclemation The Roads are

497
verrey icey in consequence of the though yesterday and the frost last
night
3 Verrey fine day cutting wood in the shead
In the afternoon I drove down to French Mans Bay to collect stattistics

Slaying tolerable good
4 Snowing and slaying verrey much improved Cutting wood in the shead
Though it snowed all day there was not a verrey gret amont of snow fell
5 This morning was verrey fine and bright My wife visited Mrs Atkinson of
Markham villiage this afternoon and found her a complete wreck mentally
such is life I do prey that my mental faculties may be left me to the end
of my days
6 Ushered in a verrey stormy day of snow and sleet
7 Was mild day thoughing in the afternoon I was cutting wood a small part
of the day in the shead
8 A verrey fine day and good slaying
9 A verrey fine day
10 This forenoon I was cutting wd in the shead after dinner I went up to

Thompson Jacksons thenc to the funeral of billy McIlmurry to the old
Schoch Church about twelve oclock the weath changed and became
verrey blustry and disagreeable – filling the air with drifting snow
11 This morning was verrey cold I walked down to Mr Knowels to see him in
referance to the licenses did not find him at home
12 Verrey cold morning Went to the city in the Staig to see Boultbee relative
to the law suite with the County of York took dinner with Frank in his new
House in Brunswik Avenue 10% below zero
13 Another change in the weather Thoughing this morning
14 In the forenoon I was cutting wood After dinner I went to Mrs Arthur
Annis funeral a Daughter of Thomas Chesters who died from cancers
15 Sunday
16 Went with James to the city who was taking a colt he had sold Called on
Boultbee who wished me to see John Batty of Park Dale formerly foreman

498
of the Roads for his uncle James Batty did not find him at home left a
summons with his wife
Walked on to the Humber to see Hicks was from home his wife promised
he would write to me Came back and called at Mrs McClareys in Center
Street to get her name to a pettitian to reduce Tavern licenses thens went
on to Dwights where I remained all night
17 Spent the day untill start time with the lawyers and witnesses the case is
put off to Monday next to get Thomas Chester and Alexander Neilsun
evidence
Came home in the Staige
18 This morning I went doun to Thomas Chester to see if he was able to be

examined by the commission to be sent doun to-morrow found him sitting
up but verrey poorly indeed In the after noon I went to Alexand Neilsons
[on the same errand I him in the Barn He came over to the House with me
and we had an hours agreeable chat of old times and places
19 This morning R Boultbee T I Stokes and Another lawyer and an examiner

or Short Hand writer met at Thomas Chester to examin him relative to the
width of the Kingston Road and after getting through they declined going
to Alexander Neilsons
20 A verrey cold day indee
12% below zero
21 I drove to the city in the cutter with James to see my lawyers and asertain
if possible when the tryal would come off – there is everey probability of
it coming off on Monday
22 Sunday a stormy cold day went below the Rouge to measer the width of
the Road and found it 29 feet 30 and 33 between fences
23 This morning I went down to Alexander Neilsons to get him ready by the
time James came with the sley he having to go to John Bennetts for John
Law who was going with us as a witness Neilson said it was too cold
And refused to go on ariving at the city I found the case was put off to the
next Court
I then went to see Frank who informed me there was a man who wished to
rent the Taveron at Coplands Brewry who would see me at 9 oclock
tomorrow I spent the night at Horatios

499
24 Went to Copland Brewery and found the man was James Lenox the man
who removed his goods in the night when he was my tenant once before
When the time came I came home in the Staige
25 Snowed all day and blew a moderate gale drifting the snow
I did not leave the House
26 A verrey blustry day
Cutting a little wood in shead
There is considerable snow on the ground
27 A verrey cold day and blustering large drifts in the Road
Sawed a little wood in the shead
Generally kept the House
28 Saterday a verrey cold day the coldest of the season so blustry and windy
the Road verrey much drifted so much so that the ordinary Staige could
not go and the mail was carried in farmers slay The Thermomiter did not
register so low but the wind and drifting snow made it impossable to travil
with safty
2 % below zero
29 Sunday Weather some wht milde still quite cold enough for comfort
I find myself failing particularly my hearing and eye sight are verrey much
impared It is with much difficulty I can see to write this diary ‘
30 This morning I went to the city with James in the cutter found the Roads
very much drifted and several gangs of men were digging them out
Saw Kingsford and Evan the parties imployd in getting the title of lands
formerly belonging to me and for which they wished an affirmation that
the fences was in the same position as when I parted with the Posession
and in order to do that I drove out to the Don in company with David
Gibson John Playter and Mr Evan and was joined there by David Cramp
and George Taylor found the fences in the same position I had myself
placd them George Taylor invited me to stop with him which I did

500
31 Came into the city with John F Taylor and a 2 oclock accompayned the
party to Osgood Hall where I was examined by the Master of Titles for
about 2 houres it was then to late to for the Staige and I passed the night
at Dwights
1 Strolled around Town and in the York Council Chamber untill Staige time
when I came home
2 This was a mild day was busey sawing wood in the shead
3 Was sawing wood in the shead and holding a Magistrates Court Kerr z
Kerr – Weather mild indeed it was thoughing in the afternoon
4 A some what stormy day the wind from the east was sawing wood and
writing
5 Sunday Thoughing and sprinkling rain Snowed a little during the night
6 This morning I drove down tot R Knowles to make affidavit o my diary

and accounts for the last quartr did not find him at home Thence I drove to
Westneys to sbppeoney him as a witness in my case against the County
which I am informed will com off tomorrow I also went to look for John
Law who is another witness
7 This morning I went up to Toronto with John Law as witness in my case

against the County I found my case would not untill tomorrow I slept at
Horatio
8 This morning at eleven oclock my case was called on and occupied the
whle day taking the evidence of my witnesses untill 7 ocl PM when the
court adjournd untill 9:30 to morrow
Slept at Dwights
9 When the court assembled the defence occupied the court untill 12 oclock
when the judge anounced [announced] he would give his decition in a fiew
days at Osgood[e] Hall
Took dinner at Franks and came home in the Staige
Verrey cold
10 Verrey cold indeed

501
11 This PM attended the funeral of Thomas Whites child Slaying verrey

good Roads verrey much blocked up with snow drifts except the Kingston
Road has been dug out
12 Another cold day did not stir out of the House
13 This day a law suite against parties disturbing the work of the Salvation
Armey was obliged to dismis the case for want of evidence
Weather beautifull & thoughing
14 This morning I went to the city to see Boultbee respectg Moon who
refused to leave the House at the end of his quartr or pay more rent
It was raining a little when we started out and turned out to snow and
began to blow and was a regular Blizzd as we was coming home
15 Another verrey cold morning fifteen or twenty below zero I find I cannot
stand the cold as well as formerly
15 % below
This is Ash Wedensday begining of Lent
16 This PM a person by the name of Hays called upon me to go with him to

Amos Herringtons and value his Farm accordingly I got into his cutter
and drove then with him and after viewing his place and examining his
buildings I left him As I had instructed Harvey to follow me in out cutter
as I wished to go to Maxwells We fortunately met him at the intersection
of the con and side line We then drove to Knowles but did not find him at
home
17 Agreeable to arrangement with John Maxwell yesterday I drove this

morning to his House and put his Horse into our cutter and drove to
Unionville to see the lease Inspector found him absent from home but was
expected by the 6 PM train we desided to wait for him we accordingly
lounged about the Taveron all day untill he arrived when concludeing our
buisiness with him we started for home called on our way at Squire
Mitchells and with difficulty amongst the snow drifts having on one
ocation missed the place where the travill went through a fie we got into a
drift and with difficulty lifting the slay we got round
took Tea at Maxwells an arived at home at 10 oclock
18 Choreing Mild Weather

502
19 Sunday a cloudy day
20 This morning I drove down to Knowles to see him respecting a deduction

of Taveron licenses
Thence to Amos Herringtons to get his answer as to the quantity of leased

land and other information for the Mortgee When I got home Andrew
Hough came after me to value his farm for the purpose of raising money
upon it
Had a verrey fatuiging walk through the snow which Knee deep I found
his farm much better then I had any ide of
Thoughing fast this day
21 Toronto in the Staige
Laid an information against D Crandle for pulling down my fence on the

26 day of November last went to see Boultbee but found him from Home
Went on wheels from Mount Sullivan
Streets are all bare
22 Cutting wood in shead and filling up papers for Andrew Hough

23 Mild and sprinkling rain – busy in the wood shead – Went to see Mrs
Wilson who had heard that her tenant was going to give up the farm and
wished me to see him and asertain if such was the case When I came
home I put the Horse into the cutter and drove down to Mr Murreys and
he told me he was going to give up the farm I asked him to give me the
lease which he did willingly and I took it to Mrs Wilson
24 A Beautifull day warm and thoughing James drawing out manure
25 Made its appearance with snow and rain falling togeather up to this tm I
have not seen a single team except the Staige pass either way
26 Sunday This AM I went up to Mrs Wilsons and she requested me to

advertise her farm to let
Roads verrey icey and bad walking
27 Posted Advertisements for Mrs Wilsons Farm to let to the Economest and
Toronto News in time for this mornings mail
Verrey cold again this morning

503
28 Rather milder – Went to ? Swallows to pay him some fees as Constable
29 Accompayned Mrs Helliwell to the city in the Staig to see Boultbee

relative to the remov of Tennant Moon from Her Taveron who refused to
give up posession
I left Mrs in the city who purposed to make George Taylor a visit before
returning Home
March 1888
1 March cutting a little wood in the shead this AM
PM it was snowing verrey fast
2 A verrey Rough day Snowing blowing and raining nothing moveing out
doors
3 Weather colder and clear
4 Cold this morning but fine and when the sun got up became warmer
did not leave the House
5 Monday Clear fine and cole
6 Cold cutting wood in the shead AM
7 Attended the funeral of young James Maxwell from his Fathers Residence
on the Rouge there was a large attendance
8 A fine mild day Choreing
9 A verrey fine day Cutting wood in the shead
10 Went to Toronto to get advice how to proceed against Moon to get

posession of the Taveron After consulting Boultbee I went up Jarvis Street
to see Mrs Thos Tayler and was much surprised to find Her looking so
dreadfull bad a mear wreck of her former self
The weather was thoughing and the Streets was full of water
-We came home on wheels as far as the Halfway House
11 Sunday Raining and thoughing all the forenoon Snowing and freezing all
the afternoon

504
Did not stir out all day
12 Verrey cold day
Attended William Rattles funeral from Dunbarton
Slaying verrey good
13 The coldest day so far on account of the High north wind
2% below
There has been days whn the glass was lower but the wind was so
searching it was dangerous to be out in the Storm
14 Another verrey cold day Mail carried in an open slay as the drifts are so
bad the coverd slay is in danger to capsizeing
15 Moderate this AM went to see Mrs Wilson if she had an applicant for Her
Farm
In the after noon had a Law case Master and Servant
16 Verrey fine and thoughing was cutting wood in the shead
17 This morning I went to see Mrs Wilson relative to the renting of Her farm
William and Alfred was putting wire onto the fence East of the East
orchard
18 Sunday I went to the Scotch Church this afternoon and heard of the death
of Thomas Kennady I sat in council with him one year
19 Monday Thoughing was busey choreing Alfred and Harvey to the Jersey
Bull that James sold to Pearson in the slay
20 Still continues thoughing and drizziling Rain
James brote a Jersey Bull from the city last night
Robbins made their appear to day and wild Ducks are in the creek and this
evening there is quite a flood
21 This AM went up to Mrs Wilsons to see Her execute the lease of Her
Farm Verrey muddey and wet crossing the feild

505
Weather changed freezing again
22 My dear departed Elizabeth birthday had she lived would have been 73
years old And it is also my Dear Janes birth day and she is 68 years old
Hard frost last night which checked the though and flow of water which
was beginning to run verrey freely
Finished and got the signiture of the parties renting Mrs Wilsons farm
23 A verrey cld day indeed I walked round the taveron lot and viewed the
state of repair the fences were in found them in a verrey bad condition and
all fruite trees all gron to wood and suckers distroying them
24 Saterday Still cold at night fine day and thoughing where sheltered from
the wind doing verrey little
25 Sunday fine day still thoughing
26 Monday High wind this morning
27 Twesday AM I was imployd triming Apple trees
This is the first really warm day we have had and the water is running in
streams
28 Wedensday Foggey wet and Rainey verrey little could be done outside
big flood in the River though the ice has not started in the marsh
29 Thursday A little frosty this morning but came out sunney Forty five years
ago to day my Dear Elizabeth departed this life aged 28 years and seven
days
30 Good Friday Still thoughing a snow shoure in the afternoon
Boys drawing out manure
Water in the River high
31 A Beautifull day overhead was pruneing apple trees
This morning the ground was covered with two inch of fresh snow which
had all disapeared by twelve oclock
April 1888

506
1 Easter Sunday Ground a little in the morning but soon thoughed out again
2 Monday mild and cloudy Snow gradually disappearg freezing nights

check the floods
3 Teusday drove in the buggey to Toronto and cashed my cheque for

quarters salery Saw Boultbee and several others made my returns to the
Treasurer and Clerk of the Pease and attended Pioneer meeting and paid
my dews for 1887 & 1888 Roads verrey bad
4 Wedensday This morng I went up to Reevs to get him to Examine my

witnesses
did not find him at home his wife told me he would be at home at noon
accordingly I went up at noon and we walked over the place and examined
it fences orchard and garden and barn yard fences
This is really the first Spring day
Harvey commenced putting new shingles on the Kitchen roof
5 Thursday Came in with an Easterly Storm of wind and rain and thunder
6 Friday verrey fine day with a strong west wind was busy choreing Boys
shingleing the Kitchen having last for 45 years doubtful of the roof which
now being put on will half of the time
7 Cold was busey paking up old shingles that came off the Kitchen roof
Boys drawing out manure
8 Sunday a verrey fine day in the afternoon I went up to Mrs Wilsons who
informed me that Her Daughter Lilley was married on Wedensday last
9 Monday Went to Toronto with James in the buggey called on Mrs Morse
and launched with Mrs Dwight Saw Boultbee respecting Moons case
The Roads are quite dry
10 Twesday A regular Easterly storm of wind and rain which will do a world
of good by taking the frost out of the ground and starting the firoughs
11 Wedensday a fine day and windy drying up the wet yesterday
After dinner Harvey drove me to John Maxwells to see if he was still in

mind to go into the Taveron if we succeeded in putting Moon off – he was
not at home His wife said she would send him down when he came

507
There was quite a flood in the Rouge
James was striking out land for William to plough on the South hill this
P.M.
12 Thursday
Tood a walk to the North end of the Farm to inspect fence making betwen
Mrs Elliot and me
William planted pottatoes south of the mill – James ploughing with the
sulkey plow on the South Hill
There was a cold north wind blowing
13 Friday went to the city in the Staige to see Boultbee respecting the
Taveron after transacting my buisiness with him I took the Queen St car
and road up to the Humr Bay thence to the mouth of the Humber on foot
just as I was crossing the Bridge Nurses fishing Boat came in with a full
load of fish numbering by Nurses estim 5000 Herring after seeing Hicks I
came back and called to see my old freind J.G. Howard and found him in
Bed where (he inform) had been all winter confind with Kidney and water
troubles After spending nearly an hour with him I came on to the Street
Cars and took the Spadina Cars to Dwights where I remained all night
14 Saterday morning I called on Nancy Tailor and Harriot and made some
purchases before the Staige left for Home
15 Sunday verrey fine day Roads getting dry and good
16 Monday This morning John Chapman sent for me at six oclock to go value
his Farm as he was going to mortgage it to buy Benjeman Hammons farm
– was imployed the remainder of the day choreing
17 Twesday was digging around the current bushes in the garden Some
fishermen catching Suckers
18 Wedensday digging around the current bushes verrey _____ Girls cleaning
House verrey disagreeable doors and windows open
19 Thursday I planted a barrel of Pottatoes behind the mill this forenoon and
also dug amongst the current bushes at the west end of the House
20 Friday Digging amongst the current Bushes in the Garden

508
21 Saterday In forenoon was digging in the afternoon was burnin off on the
north side of the River Verrey fiew suckers in the creek this Spring
22 Sunday this forenoon I walk to the north end of the farm to see the straight
fence the Reeses building for me – no growth in the grass yet
23 Monday was busey digging and assisting Alfred to put wire onto fence on
the East side of the East orchard Weather verrey cold and dry
24 Twesday digging around fruite trees & choreing weath still verrey cold
and dry no growth perceptible
25 Wedensday This morning I walked to the north end of the Farm to see the
new fence put up by Reeser and sowed lettice and planted shellots in the
Garden
26 Thursday was busy digging and burning brush on the south side of the
creek – Weather much warmer William commencd plowing the Eastern
orchard – James gone to Markham fair to exhibit a Bull
27 Friday went to Toronto to meet license Commissoners by appointment

Saw them and Boultbee done some other buisiness and returned in the
Staige
This was really the first warm Spring day
James sowed Barley in the Stabl feild
28 Saterday Cutting Pottatoes A.M. James sowing Oates on South Hill

William Plowing in Eastern orchard – Alfred cleaning up the yards
29 Sunday This mornign I went to Church The weather was beautifull and the
grass is begining to wear a gree appearance
after dinner I crossed the creek and went the bank past Swallows and to
the north end of the Farm to see if all was right thence down the Danforth
Roasd to the Hill betwen me and Clawson down to the creek and up
through the Eastern Orchard home Grass is growing verrey fast and the
weather verrey warm
30 Monday Planting Pottatoes in the Mill feild Weather much cooler and
Threatens Rain Boys sowing Oates on South Hill Rain during the night
May 1888
1 May 1st Came in with a good shour of rain which was much wanted and
the weather much cooler

509
Busey with the seeding in the afternoon
2 Wedensday busy digging Garden
3 Thursday Sowed parsnips Beets and Lettice in the garden and carrots in
the flats and assisted William to plow the East orchard
Finished seeding the South hill feild with Pease and Oates
Seeding
4 Friday This morning I walked to John Chapmans to see him relativ to

some papers were sent to me in regard to the valuation of His Farm he is
raising money upon to purchase other lands did not find him at Home
came back along the second con to the North end of our farm and through
the feilds home
James sowed Turnips on the south Hill this A.M.
In the afternoon it began to rain with a strong East wind
5 Saturday was planting
Pottatoes in the garden and digging the ground
6 Sunday A verrey find day though there is not much grouh in grass Took a
walk over the Farm
7 Monday was busy digging in the garden prepareing the ground for butter
Beans Weather verrey cloudy and cold
Filled up fresh papers for John Chapman to mortgage his farm to purchas
Ben Hammons farm for his son Harry
8 Tuesday Digging and planting Beans in the garden William sowing Barley
behind the work shop in the Stable feild [field] – ½ past 2 oclock
commenced raining planted some apple trees in the Eastern Orchard
before the rain
9 Wedensday Planted 39 Apple trees in the Eastern orchard to fill up what

died and the cattle distroyed Also sowed tares and oates in the middle
garden
Finished sowing Turnips on the South hill this afternoon

510
10 Thursday Sowed Pease Oates in the east orchard and corn cucumbers and
mellons in the garden A beautifull growin day and the Birds are singing
Chearfully in the apple trees
Seeding
I was much shocked at seeing the death of J.W. Kerr Fisherey Overseer at
Hamilton I was expecting a letter from him everey eveng for several days
past and the news of his death took me by surprise
11 My 77 Birth day I went to the city to see Boultbee and several others on
various buisinesses
The weather was verrey warm
12 Saterday This morning I took a walk around the farm and found the grass
growing verrey well indeed
13 Sunday was ingaged this A.M. in writing letter of condolance to Mrs

J.W. Kerr on Her sad bereivement in the loss of Her Husband and my
esteemed Freind and assoicate in the Fisheries
14 Monday Planting melons and walking round the Farm seeing if all was
right
Cloudy and cold
15 Twesday This forenoon it was snowing and sleeting so that nothing was
done out doors
In the afternoon it was fine and Farm operations were resumed Plowing
the Home feild for Turnips and carting out manure
16 Wedensday A.M. cutting seed Pottatoes P.M. Planting them in the East
orchard
Weather verrey cold
17 Thursday went up to Clauson to see what he knew about the time the fence
at the West end of the Bridge was built He promis to come down in the
evening and inspect it
18 Friday I went to Toronto for the purpose seeing if the fish dealers were
observing the close season for Bass I visited all the stores on Queen St
West of Young up Park dale and Seaton villiage and got to Dwights at
night where I slept

511
19 Saterday morning I visited Young St and Queen St East and part of King
St and front and esplanade St found them all observing the Law The
weather was verrey cold
20 Sunday a fine day I went to see Mrs John Wilson – found her recovered
from her late illness
21 Monday Planting Pottatoes on the flats south of the East orchard Weather
some warmer
22 Twesday finished planting Pottatoes and planted some corn in the home
orchard
23 Wedensday planting corn in hom orchard Weather fine and warm but
verry dry forest trees are nearly in full leaf
24 Thursday Queens Birth day Frank and Ernest paid us a visit and the boys
kept holeyday one of our Horses got into the old bed of the creek and sunk
down to the belley in mud so thet we had to get a rope rond her neck and
pull her out by main force She did appear to be any the worse for her mud
bath
25 Friday was burning off on the north side of the creek Boyd painting
driving barn and preparing Turnip ground
26 Saterday morning came with a fine rain and considerable had fallen
during the night about nine ceased raining and the Boys continued their
painting and plowing
27 Sunday A warm damp growing day the trees are all out almost in full leafe
and bloom buds of the fruite trees are just bursting with a promis of
abundant blossom
28 Monday planting Pumpkins and corn Boys hoeing and plowing and
drawing out manure
fine growing day
29 Twesday was planting corn in the Home orchard
William hoeing Pottatoes

30 Wedensday planting corn and sowing Turnips in the Home feild and
cutting dead wood out of the apple trees in the orchard now they are in
leaf we can see what is dead

512
31 Thursday Splended day for the Turnips sowed yesterday being damp and
shourey
June 1888
1 Went to Toronto to see Boultbe and purchase seed grain and also to see if
fish dealers were observing the close season for Bass
2 Saterday a fine shourey morning Sowed Hungarian grass and Buckwheat

and planted cucumbers at noon had a heavey thunder shour which will do
a power of good to the crops
3 Sunday I took a walk up to Mrs Wilsons thence to the old Church to see
the improvements that are being made there and was much pleased with
the appearance of things
4 Monday Was clearing up on the north side of the River Boys suiffeling
Pottatoes and hoeing Turnips
5 Twesday busy cleaning up on the north side of the Creek
Boys suffiling and hoeing Pottatoes and Turnips
6 Wedensday Still at the north side of the creek most of the apple trees are
in full bloom & has a greate how of fruit
7 Thursday Sowed Oates on the north side of the creek
8 Friday went to Toronto to see Boultbee on my return home I saw Joseph

McClure who wished to get a Search Warrant to search James Keeler
House for stolen Hams He having had 5 stolen out of His Barn on the 1st
of June Found none so for the present nothing can be done
9 Saterday I was verrey unwell from a cold caught a fiew days ago and
which has been increasing insted of mending
10 Sunday a verrey warm sultry day at six oclock PM a thunder shoure came
up and we had a verrey refreshing shour which was much wanted
11 Monday This morning I went to the Gardener and purchased 400 cabbage
plants as it was a favourable time for transplanting the ground being well
saturated with water
I then walked down to R Knowles to see if he remembred when the fence

was erected that Crandle pulled down – as I might possible want him as a

513
witness on the tryal on Thursday next He could not define it to a year but
could testify to its being up more then 12 years
12 Twesday this morning I went to Reeds and purchased 100 Tomatoe plants
Cleaning up on the north side the remainder of the day
13 Wedensday Cleaning up land on the north side of the River weather

cloudy
14 Thursday Went to the city to appear against David Crandle for pulling my
fenc down on the 26 November
After Hearing the evidence the Magistrate posponed giving his decition to
some futer day of which He will give noticc
Slept at Dwights
15 Friday Came home in the Staig a verrey Hot day
16 Saterday this AM took a walk to the north end of the farm the Rye in the
Barn feild is looking splended and promises to be a good crop Sowed
Bukwheat
17 Sunday A beautifull day and only moderately warm Things are growing
verrey fast fruite is setting abundantly
18 Monday Hoeing cabbage this A.M. untill the day grew so warm I had to
retreate into the House
19 Twesday Hoeing corn and watering the young apple trees Weather verrey
fine and warm
20 Wedensday the Pioneers Excurtion to Brantford – could not rais the wind
to go – Hoeing corn
92%
21 Thursday was a verrey warm day part of the day I was hoeing Pottatoes in
the East orchard
22 Friday this forenoon I was hoeing Pottatoes in the East orchard untill the
weather got so warm I had to give up George and Mrs Taylor paid us a
visit
96%

514
23 Saterday finished hoeing Pottatoes in the east orchard George Taylor

called an took Tea on his return home
92%
24 Sunday was cloudy I took a walk to the north end of the farm After dinner
it commenced to rain and fell a verrey refreshing shour This is the day
appointed for the reopening of old St Margarets Church I am afraid there
will not be a greate erowd in consequenc of the rain
25 Monday Hoeing corn – Had a little sprinkle of rain
26 Twesday this morning Mrs and I signed the Lease to John Maxwell of the
Taveron for 5 years from the first of May 1889 at 250 Dollars a year This
is the Annual Church picnic in Mrs Elliots grove
27 Wedensday a beautifull day cool and pleasant hoeing corn in the orchard
28 Thursday when I awok this morning it was rainy and continued all day a
steady down pour a glorious Rain and will save the crops A regular old
fashoned Easterly storm of wind and rain
29 Friday A beautifull day and everey thing is springing up after yesterdays

rain – was hoeing corn
30 Saterday Fine day hoeing corn in the orchard – Boys hoeing Turnips in
home feild
July 1888
1 Sunday Fine morning I went to the renewed old St Margarets Church and
found it fitted up superb stile and the Roads and Graves all in first class
order all due to the energy of Mr Cheape our new Church Warden
This is the 20 anversary of Dominion day what changes that 20 years has
brote
2 Monday verrey fine day hoeing corn in the home orchard
Boys Paris greening Pottatoes
3 Twesday I drove to the city to see Boultbee and draw my quarters salerey
from the Bank and attended a monthly meeting of Pioneers
4 Wedensday Hoeing weather cloudy

515
5 Thursday Still hoeing corn verey Hot Some people are beging to cut their
grass which is a verrey light
Boys busy with the Turnips
6 Friday This morning I went up to the Store and purchased two shirts and a
straw hat
put ashes on the corn and salt on the cabbages
7 Saterday I was busy hoeing Pottatoes in the flats below the East orchard
Boys finished hoeing Turnips in the home feild
8 Sunday I went to Church on foot The weather was cloudy and threatened
Rain And at 2 oclock it came on verrey genly
9 Munday Hoeing Pottatoes William commenced cutting Hay Boys sowing

Turnips where the missed in the Rows Sowed Turnips broad cast
10 Twesday Hoeing Pottatoes in the flats
Sowed Turnips on the south Hill
11 Wedensday Hoeing Pottatoes Boys taking i the first jag of Hay
12 Thursday this AM I finished hoeing Pottatoes in the afternoon I was

hoeing cabbages in the home feild A fine cool day rather windy indeed it
blew half a gale all night and continued the whole day
13 Friday In consequence of a card received from son Frank I went to the city
and found that the judgement of the Court had been given in my favour
with $75 and costs
14 Saterday Doing a little hoeing
15 Sunday went to Church
16 Monday Hoeing corn in the orchard Boys drawing in Hay off the Island
17 Twesday was hoeing corn and racking Hay
18 Wedensday too wet to work in the corn feild
19 Thursday hoeing corn heavy shour during the night
Cherries ripening fast

516
Barly and Rye almost fit to cut
20 Friday Hoeing corn After dinner went to James Hulets
Funural who fell dead yesterday when eating his lunch
21 Saterday Still hoeing corn Boys cutting and drawing in Hay
Weather beautifull
22 Sunday Last night I was called up twice to give order to Dr for sick
persons to get Licquor As I was going to Church it began to sprincle rain
and threaten to wet but it soon cleared off and became fine I find my eye
sight growing dimmer and dimmer
23 Monday was hoeing corn in the fore noon After dinner was holding a Cour
Hough & Cavenaugh adjourned the case till Saterday the fourth of August
to get more evidence
24 Twsday Hoeing and choreing a little did not feel overly well James was
cutting Rye with the reaper Alfred setting posts on the north side of the
Home orchard
25 Wedensday hoeing Turnips Boys picking cherries Weather splended
26 Thursday busey hoeing – Boys at the Rye
Mrs Perserving cherries
Fred Kirkham had a Horse poisoned by eating Paris Green mixed with
flour yesterday and he died to day
27 Friday was hoeing and weeding
28 Saterday hoeing and weeding finished cutting Rye a good crop also cut
the Barly in the Stable feild
29 Sunday walked to the old Church in the morning afternoon round the Farm
everey thing is growing fast
30 Monday went to Toronto in the Staige cash the cheque for disbursements
acconts and see Squire Wingfeild
31 Twesday this morning I went up to the north feild and found all the
Gislers Horses an[ cowes had broken down the fence and was in the rong

517
feild I compleatly exhausted my self in indeavouring to put them righ and

was obliged to leave them
Boys drawing in Barly
August 1888
1 Wedensday I did verrey little the weather was so verrey warm Boys
finished hauling in the Barly and commenced the Rye
2 Thursday was busy writing sumonses untill my eyes becam so dim I could
not see and was obliged to call Harvy
In the evening I went to the Rouge to see if I could get any information as
to who was on the road last night with the purpose of discovering who
pulled my fence down did not gain any information
3 Friday was choreing in the evening went to Squire Secord to get him to sit
with tomorrow on the Hough vs 11 Conspiratirs – heavey thundershour
in the night
4 Saterday this morning I went to Squire Knowles to get him to sit with me
on the case Hough vs others but althou all admitted the perpetration of the
charges noone saw who was the party but all swore that they did not know
who
90%
5 Sunday – Paid Mrs Wilson a visit
6 Monday too warm for me to do anything – It is with greate difficulty I can

see to write and still more to read it after it is wrote
90%
7 Twesday raking Hay in the fore noon after noon went to Mrs McClellands
funeral
8 Wedensday was rakin round the Headland of the Turnip feild at about four
oclock we had a Thunder shour James commenced cutting Oate on the
South Hill Horatio and his two boys paid us a visit
9 Thursday was choreing putting up Hay and hoeing the weather was cool
and pleasant

518
10 Friday this morning I took a walk as far as Joe Martons as I wanted to see
him did not find him at home
Boys picked three barrels of early apples for the market tomorrow making
up the load with early Turnips
11 Saterday Was foggey and damp could do nothing on the land commenced
leaveling up under the driving barn prepatery to building a wall
12 Sunday This morning I took a walk to the north end of the farm Things are
growing verrey fast
13 Monday Horatio and his Boys went home this morning and I was glad to
get rid of them worse ruder Boys I never saw
Hoeing Broad cast turnips in the Home feild
14 Twesday hoeing Turnips weather cloudy
15 Wedensday Still hoeing Turnips James cutting Oates and William pulling
Pease
16 Thursday I went to Toronto in the Staig and up tot he Humber called up

Mr Howard found him sitting over hot fire though the weather was
extreamly warm He was chearfull and chatty though he thinks his end is
approaching Stopped at Parkdale and took tea with Hays – and spent the
night at Dwights
17 Friday morning I spent in hunting up a pickle factory to see what they was
giving for cucumbers came home by the Staige
18 Saterday I do not feel well had a disiness in my head and a weakness in

my legs
hoed and turned over a fiew Oates in the eastern orchard
19 Sunday A verrey fine day
20 Monday I had a dizzines in my hed this day which unfitted me for doing
much Indeed I find old age is fast creeping upon me
Boys are hoeing in Oats & Pease
21 Twesday pulling Beans
Boys drawing in Oates and Pease from South Hill

519
22 Wedensday Mrs went to Toronto this morning in the staige and the Boys
are busy taking in the Harvest I was hoeing a little when I felt well enough
but was much troubled with a dizziness in the head
23 Thursday was gathering up the onions and getting Pottatoe digger fixed
ready for work... Boys finished taking in Oats from South Hill
24 Friday Gathered Beans William pulling Pease in Eastern orchard
25 Choreing turning Pease
Frank and His wife paid us a visit this afternoon
26 Sunday A verrey warm day
27 Monday I went to Toronto and the Humber for the purpose of seeing O L
Hicks respecting an application he has made to the fisherey Department
for liberty to catch specimens for the aquarium of the Exhibtion Saw him
and returned hom by the Staige
28 Twesday In the fore noon I was cutting weeds out of the pottatoes in the
after noon I drove to Ceder Grove to procure carp for industrial exhibition
Found they were all dead Sam Reesor had removed them out of the pond
to make some alteration and put them into insufficient Water and they all
died
there is a good deal of improvement since I was last up the 10 con

Markham
29 Wedensday commenced taking up the Pottatoes in the flats below the

orchard
30 Thursday digging Pottatoes
31 Friday morning commenced digging Pottatoes but a Thunder shour came

on and drove me from the feild
September 1888
1 Saterday Had a heavey rain during the night digging Pottatoes
2 Sunday I went to Church and a beautifull day it was

520
3 Monday I went to Toronto and the Humber to convey to O L Hicks

permission to fish for samples for the Exhibition walked to and from the
Street rail way to the Humber
4 Twesday was digging Pottatoes the ground is verey weedy and takes up a
greate deal of time
5 Wedensday was digging Pottatoes a beautifull day
6 Thursday digging Pottatoes James brote 10 Barrels lime from James

Maxwells
Weather verrey fine
7 Friday Still digging Pottatoes and the weather is magnifsient
8 Saterday This morning was verey wet having rained heavy during the
night was choreing about the foundation of the driving House directing
Alfred to build the wall
Working in the Pottato feild in the afternoon
This evening the Telegraph reparing party made their appearance and
pitched their tent in the open space by the Mill being the 7 annual time at
my place
9 Sunday went to Church In the afternoon visited Mrs Wilson
10 Monday In the forenoon I was digging Pottatoes William and Alford

commenced underpinning the new driving Barn In the after noon went to
James Greens funeral an old resident of Teapot Street
11 Twesday This morning I went to the city to attend a meeting of the York
Pioneers to meet His Excellency Lord Stanly the new Governor General
who came up from Ottawa to open the Industrial Exhibition accordingly I
made my way up to the Exhibition grounds and at 2 oclock the Hour ap
ted He made his appearance attend by a gard of honour and an escort of
the Dragoons after the formal opening of the Exhibition he presnted at the
request of the Pioneers the Pobate of our president the Revd Henry
Scaddign from the Pioneers to himself afterward a fiew of the Pioneers
were presen and shook hands with him I amongst the number I was
afterwards picked up by Harton Walker who with his carriage Mrs Dwight
was on the ground and driven to Mr Dwighs where stoped the night

521
12 Wedensday after breakfast I went over to Major Street to see my Daughter

Sarah and her two daughters and three grand children and my greate grand
children
Thence I went along Bloor Street and called at Hodgsns and found him
sitting in his chair by the window unable to move being parilizd in his
lower limbs and I think much impaired in his intolect
Thence I went to Rose Dale to see my Brother Joseph where I found his
Wife compleatly paralized and in bed and Brother little better then an
embisile quite unable to converse Still he new me which was a greate
satisfaction to me On my way to the Staige I called upon Mrs Nancy
Taylor and lunched with Her and came home by Staige
13 Thursday I was digging Pottatoes
14 Friday digging Pottatoes
15 Saterday digging Pottatoes William and Alfred working at the stone wall
under the driving Barn
16 Sunday A regular Easterly storm of wind and rain commenced early in the
night and continued
17 Monday Was digging Pottat did not feel well dizziness in the head and
pain in the limbs the simptoms of old age which I feel gradually
appraochg I hope my mental faculties may be spared to me as long as I
live but I some times am afraid my eye sight and hearing are verrey much
impaired already James sowing Rye it he Barn feild
18 Twesday was digging Pottatoes
19 Wedensday digging Pottatoes had a thunder shoure at noon commenced

cutting Oates on the north side of the creek though they are not ripe but
was afraid to leave them longer they wer sown on the 7 of June
20 Thursday digging pottatoes Thomas Johnson the Mute came knocking at

the door afte we were in bed
21 Friday digging Pottatoes
22 Saterday do do do Trees are beging to change their colour and leaves to

fall everey thing shows the Autum is fast approaching
23 Sunday Went to the old Church a beautifull day

522
24 Monday digging Pottatoes
25 Twesday digging Pottatoes
26 Wedensday do do do
finished in the lower flats went to John Collins to see Wm Camps Junier to
asertain what He Knew relative to D Crandle sawing my fence
27 Commenced digging Pottatoes in the Mill feild
James sowing Rye on the South Hill
28 Friday digging Pottatoe in the Mill feild
29 Saterday In consequence of two letters received one from the Fishermen

on the Island and one from Mr Boultbee I went to the city I saw Mrs Ward
and told Her tell Her Husband to write to me As the ferrey to the Island
had stopped regular I could not go over Mr Boultbee wantd me as a
witness in Lenox s Westney and gave me a supbeoney to attend court on
Monday
30 Sunday I went to Church in the morning after dinner I went to John

Lenoxes to see if I could get any information respecting the evidence that
Boultbee wants in his case in the evening it began to rain
October 1888
1 Monday Went to the city to attend court in Lenox s Westney but was not
called I then went to the Island to see George Dornan He not being at
home I made an appointment to meet in the morning at the Royal Hotel
then came over and took Street cars to Horatios whe I stopped all night
2 Twesday went to the Royal and met Mr Dornnon and went with him to see
the City Solisiter respecting the prospective abolishing on the Island
thence called on Mr Goldring and collected $ for his fisherey licence for
the current year – thence went up to Franks to dinner after that called on
Montgomerey In for his license but did not find him at home Came home
with James Weather verrey cold and disagreeable
3 Wedensday digging pottatoes back of the Mill
4 Thursday started to digg Pottatoes when it began to rain and I had to

abandon it verrey bed weather for the Markham Fair which is now going
on

523
5 Friday diging Pottatoes Boys gone to the Markham Fair David Crandle
and his gang cleaning out the dich on the north side of the Road by the
Hoggs back
6 Saterday diging Pottatoes James sowing Rye on South hill
7 Sunday this morning I took a walk to the north end of the farm to see the
plowing Harvey is doing there In the afternoon attended the funeral of
Mrs D Annis which was largely attended
8 Monday As I was standing on the Road waiting for the Staige Andrew
Hough came along and asked me to ride with him which I did – He drove
the back Road Greate improvements since I last passed this way – Cashed
my cheque for quarter salerey and paid my Hardwar bill and returned
home by Staige
9 Twesday diging Pottatoes
10 Wedensday Ground hard – frosen this morning Raking up Hungarian that

has been cut for some time but owing tot he wet weather could not be
gathered
11 Thursday Scarboro fair day pulled up and turned 300 Cabbages Boys all
gone to the fair
12 Friday This morning Mrs went to city Commenced raining at half past
nine and continued a steady down pour all day and the succeeding night
13 Saterday morning still raing and continued at intrvills all day between
shoures Alfred and I was putting wire on the post round the orchard
14 Sunday this AM walked to the north end of the farm to inspect the
plowing
In the afternoon I went to see Mrs John Wilson
15 Monday Choreing a little – William commenced picking apples
16 Twesday finished digging Pottats I have had quite a long job but they
was verrey weedy and I took my time to them Shourey weather
17 Wedensday Putting wire onto the fence north of the Home orchard
18 Thursday Boys picking apples and I was pulling carrots

524
19 Friday made its appearance with rain and continued all the day so that no
outside work could be done
I isued Warrants to apprehend William Irwen and D Daniel Lannon for

attempting to break into the dwelling of Mary ORily on the night of the
fifteenth
20 Saterday I went to the city for the purpose of collecting Wm Wards

License for the current year Could not find him in Toronto and left a letter
for him at Nasmiths where He comes for his supply of bread
21 Sunday the weather was cold I took a walk to the north end of the farm
22 Monday Was pulling carrots Boys picking apples
23 Twesday pulling carrots
24 Wedensday this A.M. I was toping carrots and putting them into the root
celler
In the after noon I visited the Rough to see if there was any appearance of
salmon found none but found the Stream much altered since I visited it
last year in several places moved more then the width of the Stream
25 Thursday a glorious day picking apples and topping carrots
26 Friday was picking apples
27 Saterday morning was verrey wet and had been raining all the night and
continued all the forenoon cleared up at noo
28 Sunday this forenoon I took a walk round the farm
29 Monday Gathering apples William and Alfred commenced Topping

Turnips in the Home feild
30 Twesday A regular Indian Somer day Busy with the turnips and sorting
apples over for the market
31 Wedensday This day is the last of October 1888
Was cutting off Raddish seed pods from the root and putting them away to
dry
November 1888

525
1 Thursday a beautifull Indian Somers day was pulling Turnips on the West
Hill
2 Friday was pulling Turnips on the South Hill and Boys busy doing the
same in the home feild
3 Saterday A fine day busy with the Turnips pulling and getting them into
the Root House
4 Sunday Took a walk round the farm much pleased with the plowing done
by Harvey
5 Monday This morning I went to the city with James and called upon Post
the whole sale dealer by appointment to view his stock of frozen Fish and
also Mrs Doyls thence I went by rail to the western junction to see if there
were any fish stores selling contraband fish thence on foot to the mouth of
Humber to see Mr Nurse and asertain if He had paid his License to Mr
Kerr for the year 1888 He said he had but had not received his license I
rather doubt his assertion I remained at the Humber all night and called
upon My Old Frind J G Howrd
6 Twesday but did not see him His House Keeper and Nurs said he had not
left his bed thence I did Queen and King Street and came home by Staige
verrey much fatuiged with the walking around the city
7 Wedensday I went up to John Taylors to see his son David who had
agreed to do some ditching at the north end In the after noon stowing away
Turnips and picking up apples a lovely day
8 Thursday was one continued down pour of rain and in consequence no

work could be done out of doors
9 Friday another wet day nothing doing outside a little at the stone
foundation of the driving Barn
10 Saterday Another rainey day the third and continuouly untill three oclock
when it cleared up
11 Sunday quite a change in the weather windy and cold though no frost
Took a walk to the north end of the farm but on account of the 3 day rain
of last week verrey little plowing has been done
12 Monday was busy corn Boys and 2 men and a Boy getting in Turnips as
the weather was verrey fine

526
13 Twesday picking corn Boys busy getting in the Turnips which turned out a
splendid crop
14 Wedensday I went to the city on fish business Beautifull weather
15 Thrusday a verrey dull day misty and threatening rain
16 Friday cold this morning was busey about getting stone for the foundation
of the driving Barn
17 Saterday Ground hard frozen stopped the plow banked up celler windows
and made preperation for winter
18 Sunday a cold raw day freezing most of the day visited Mrs Wilson this
P.M. In the evening it began to snow and in the morning of
19 Monday the ground was all white and raining by noon the snow had
disapeared and the ground was all slush and mud Boys imployd putting tar
paper under the floor of the root celler to Keep out the frost
20 Twesday went to French mans Bay to asertain if Mansfeild had paid his
license and His wife informed me that he had paid for and got his license
to McDermot of Port Perrey I also foun a person by the name of Joice
located on the beach with three fishing Vessels and 10000 yards of Gill
net and doing a verrey successful fishing taking as many as 7000 at a lift
who informed me they had applied to McDermot for a license to fish off
the county of Onario
Found the roads south of the Kingston road in a dreafull state
21 Wedensday this was the coldest morning of the season the ground hard
frozen I was picking up the lumber and rubish in the Barn yard
22 Thursday Killed 2 pigs and choreing round the place moveing stone and
lumber and generally tideing up before snow falls
23 Friday Hard freesing James went to the cider mill and the other boys were
filling in behid the wall under the driving Barn
24 Saterday a fine warm day Choreing and getting wood It will give parties
and opertunity of getting out their Turnips that was caught in the late cold
snap with them out
25 Sunday A beautiful day Ground hard frozen

527
26 Monday I went to the city on Fisherey buisiness and also I expected my

case with the county to be argued before the court of which was advertised
to be brote before the Judges Falconbridg Street and Armour
*when I got to Osgood Hall I found that owing to the death of Judges
Streets [‘s] son it was posponed untill Wedensday I then took the Street
cars for the Humber and called upon Mr Nurse for his license but he said
he had paid it to Mr Kerr on the last day of April on coming back to the
city I went to Dwights where I remained all night
27 Twesday Morning I deliverd the licenses to William Montgomry and

Frederick Goldring and called upon Mr Boultbee who informed me my
son had been there and told him my Brother Joseph was dead I soon after
met Mr Lea and told him and he Said he would have the Pioneers flag
hoisted on the Sant Lawrance Hall in the morning
The weather was mild though the ground is covered with snow
28 Wedensday a verrey dull day nutral neither thoughing or freezing
Was much disapointed at not receiveing a letter with information when

Brothr Joseph funeral is to take place
29 Thursday a dull rainey day was imployd most of the day cutting wood in
the shead The snow has all disappeared and the ground is wet and muddy
30 Friday This morning I went to Toronto for the purpose of attending the
funeral of my Brother Joseph on ariving at the city I learned that the
funeral took place yesterday
After transacting some business I returned home verrey much disapointed

at not being able to see the last of my Brother The roads are verrey bad
indee I have not seen them in as bad a state for years
December 1888
1 Saterday Ground hard frozen and cold was choreing Mr Brown with an
assistant and David Crandle and James Keeler passed through the hollow
wit their survey of the Kingston Road which they have made from
The wood bine and are making it to the end of the York Roads on the
other side of the Rouge
2 Sunday was a cold cloudy day I scarsely left the House

528
3 Monday was cutting wood in the Shead James went to the cider Mill
Harvey making a Road to get wood off the Hill side William building wall
under driving Barn Alfred choreing weather cloudy
4 Twesday This morning the ground was white at noon it had all
disappeared was cutting wood and choreing
5 Wedensday the ground was wite this morning by noon the snow had
nearly all disapeared Harvey was hauling wood accross the Creek
6 Thursday Ground hard frozen again was busy cutting wood in the Shead
7 Friday I beautifull day this A.M. went down to Morriss to asertain the
quantity of fish he caught in the Marsh during last somer and he estimates
the quantity caught by Troller to be 300
8 Saterday cloudy threatening weather took a walk to the north end of the
farm
James took a load of Rye to Toronto
9 Sunday I went to Church great improvements since I was last at Church

Iron fence and new walks and stand to get in an out of vechicles which is a
great conveneance to Ladys and old people
10 Monday Cutting wood and choreing Weather verrey fine and mild though
some what hasey and threatening downfall
11 Twesday a splended day was cutting wood in the Shead
12 Wedensday A cold north wind blowing though otherwise verrey fine

cutting wood in the yard
13 Thursday verre cold PM went down to Charles Whites to purchas two

geese for Christmas did not get any Mrs White having sold all she intends
selling
14 Friday went to the city to get measured for an over coate
My Daughters Maggey & Lizey are making me a present of Thence to

Posts the Whol Sale Fish dealers to leave a license for Mr Ward Toronto
Island Thence to the Police Court to asertain aproximit quantity of fish
caught in Ashbridges Bay during the present year from the constable in
charge Thence to Boultbees office to asertain if the Court had given its

529
decision in Helliwell v County of York Thence to see Horatio and Frank

and returned by Staige Home This has bee the coldest day of the season
Mr & Mrs Walton came down to celebrate Mrs Elliots 84 Birthday

tomorrow
15 Saterday a dull cold day threatening a down fall
16 Sunday was a wet day and thoughing consequently did not go out of the
House – continued raining all night
17 Monday was verrey foggey and damp indeed one could scarsely see one
hundred yards so thick was the atmospheir
18 Twesday morning made its appearance with the ground covered with snow
and blustry and freezing and continued to storm to PM
19 Wedensday was cold Boys getting brush to decorate the Church for
Christmas
20 Thursday verrey cold and I was poorly with a cold – Boys drawing wood
and preparg for thrashing
21 Friday a verrey blustry morng had prepared to thrash and got the Engine
and thrasher and men all ready but the weather was so blustry that we had
to postpone it to another day
The People are busy decorating the old or St Margarets Church
22 Saterday verrey cold did not stir from the house
James was decorating the old Church
2% below zero
23 Sunday much warmer and threatens a though Went to Church on returning

the Roads was quite muddy
24 Monday I went to Prot Union to get Portwines return of fish caught during
the year about to expire
Portwine drove me home
Weather was beautifull

530
25 Twesday and Christmas day mild and sprinkling rain Took a quete
Christmas dinner at Home with my Family
26 Wedensday a verrey misty and rainey day Roads verrey muddy and feilds
verrey soft Boys threshing and cutting the straw into feed
I attended the School meeting but took no part in the proceedings as I have
no one to send to School
27 Thursday Went down to the Rouge with Harvey to Maxwells to get an

estimate of the quanty of Suckers caugh and he gave it as his opinion that
there was 2000 The Roads was verrey muddey
28 Friday I went to Toronto in the Staige got off at Ashbrid Bay to see Mr
Crouthers who keeps Boats for Hire to get his opinion of the quantity of
fish caught in Ashbridges Bay dur the year 1888 and he gave it as his
opinion that it would be a safe estimat at $500 worth I then at Wm
Montgomereys and found he had gone to the Island I went to the mouth of
the Don with the intension of getting a Boat to put me over and walking
on the break water to the Island found the Don frozen over but not strong
enough to walk on I therefore abandoned the idea Called upon Goldring
and went up to the Union Station *to cross to Hanlons poin but found out
the person I wish to see George Durnan had removed to Britton Street I
then returned to that place but did not find him at home his wife promised
to keep him untill I called in the morning Thence I went to Dwights wher
I remained all night
29 Saterday was busy all day looking up Fishermen and mak arangements to
meet them on Monday
Came home with James
30 Sunday a verrey dull day
31 Monday I went to the city & the Humber on fisherey buisiness to get the
returns for the year
January 1889
1 Twesday and new years day was imployed writing up fisherey returns
This was an exceptional fine day more like April then January
2 Wedensday This morning I went down to Richard Knowles to make

affadavit to the fisherey accounts

531
This was also a splendid day
3 Thursday went to the city with the intention of crossing to the Island to see
Wm Ward and get his returns of fish caught could find no person willing
to row me over the Bay being rough through the weather was like April
weather
4 Friday another Indian somer day was cutting wood in the shead Alfred
putting post wher Crandle pulled them out one and a half years ago
5 Saterday Cutting wood in the Shead Harvey and James shingling the
cottage in front of the taveron Alfred planting post for a new fence in fron
of the Grist Mill Yard
6 Sunday Rained all day in the fore part at froze as it fel but in the afternoon
it thoughed and the Roads became verrey muddey
There was service at the old St Margarets Church which I attended
This is a most extrordinary winter so mild and pleasant
7 Monday This morning the Ground was covered 2 inches with snow After
dinner I went up to the poll and voted thence over to Mrs Wilsons and
found Her in bed but some what better
The Roads a dreadfull wet and slushey
8 Cutting wood and makin up the yearly returns of the Fisheries
9 Wedensday was one continunal shour of rain so the snow has all
disapeared again I was cutting wood in the Shead part of the day
10 Thursday morning was verey stormy snowing adn blowing violenly

Charley Wilson come to tell me His Grandmother Mrs John Wilson was
verrey bad and wished to see me accordingly as soon as I got my breakfast
I brested the storm and went up found Her very low scarsely able to speak
She wished to tell me that she Wanted Her Daughter Annie and Her Grand
Daugh Kitty Barham to have Her House hold goods
There is quite a flood in the River which took away the Bridge Harvey put
over the Creek to get the wood off the hill side
11 Friday Heard this mronign that Mrs Wilson was just alive Was cutting
wood in the Shead The ground is again covered with snow but not

532
sufficent to make slaying indeed the roads are bare as the strong wind
blowg when the snow was falling blew it all off the Roads
12 Saterday a verrey fine was busy cutting wood in the Shead This morning
hears that Mrs Wilson was still alive
13 Sunday I went to see Mrs Wilson and found Her some better About eleven
oclock it commencd snowing and at the present writing it is continueing
to fall
14 Munday a verrey fine day the ground just covered with snow Cutting
wood in the Shead Alfred setting posts where they was pulled up by D
Crandle 11 July 1887
15 Twesday This fore noon I took a walk round the north end of the farm and
found some person had been with a hands a cutting stumps I followed the
trail accross Mrs Elliots bus to Bass Moshers door
16 Wedensday a foggey dull thoughing day I was cutting wood
*17 I went to the city to see William Ward of Toronto Island as I written
several days previous to meet me When I got to Toronto I found He had
got my card and consequently Knew nothing I visited the Lawyers office
and telegrm printing establismen and returned home Roads were soft and
muddy
18 Friday The ground was hard frozen this morning was imployed cutting
wood and walking round the Farm
19 Saterday verrey cold this morning went to Mrs Jas Greens to show Her a
letter I receevd from Toronto regarding a legacy she suposed she had left
Her
20 Sunday morning was very cold and a high north wind blowing and spitting
a little snow – I went to see Mrs Wilson and found Her somewhat better
though she is still in a verrey weak condition
21 Monday I went to the city to see Mr Boultbee and mak an affadvet of

disbursements in my case against the County of York
At half past one I went in a cab slay to the Don my old place of residence
and where I spent my youth and early manhood accompeyned by two

533
artist from the Telegram News paper office to scetch the old place for an
article that is now being published under the name of the land mark of
Toronto and they wish to have a discription of the old Brewery as it stood
before the fire of 1847 – I can not discribe the feelings with wich I gased
on the scenes of my youth and the fruite trees I planted with my own
hands now groan into large trees
On returning I went to Mr Dwights where I stoped all night
22 Twesday morning on my way down Town I called to see Mrs Emile Smart
and the people of the Telegram office
The city was verrey lively with slays being the first chance they have had
23 Wedensday I took a walk to the north end of the Farm through the snow
which is about six inches deep
24 Thursday Mrs Helliwell Went to the city this morning The weather was
mild and the snow was thoughing off Harvey was putting a bridge over the
creek to get fie wod from the hill side
25 Friday a beautifull day melting the snow and quite war was cutting wood
in the Shead Harvey drawing it over the creek
26 Saterday like a day in April was cutting wood in the fore noon after
dinner I walked down to Knowles to talk with Him
*respecting the County carrying my case up to the Court of Appeals at

Ottawa
27 Sunday It commenced snowing at noon and continued all day I went to see
Mrs Wilson and Her better then She had been durg the pas week Still
verrey low – and in a verrey precareous State
28 Monday This morning there was a foot of snow on the ground and still
snowing a little and did not stir out of the House
29 Tewsday Another cold snap I did not go out of the House to do any thing
30 Wedensday much milder today cutting wood
31 Snowing and then turn to rain and cleared up fine and warm Thoughing
with a brigh sun in the afternoon Boys inguaged cutting Straw for feed

534
February 1889
1 Friday This morning I went to Toronto in the Sley Staige and found the
slaying superb Called upon Mr Boultbee John Ross Robinson and Mrs
Walker expecting Fred Morse had sent a bottle of medecines to cure fits
from some man in the north west who professes to be able to cur fits It has
not ariv yet
2 Saw and had a conversation with Wm Ward respecting his Fisherey

license
3 Sunday There was a little flurrey of snow fell last night After dinn I went
to see Mrs Wilson and found Her much better then I last saw Her
4 Monday was a verrey fene day and good slaying I was busey cutting
wood in the Shead and Harvey was hauling it accross the Creek
5 Twesday Had quite a fall of snow during the night
Cutting wood
6 Wedensday this was the coldest day of the Season Hardly safe to put ones
nose out of doors
55 years ago this day I married my Dear Elizabeth and brote Her Home in
the Buggey to the Don Brewery
12% below
7 Weather still verrey cold verrey little doing out side in consequence of the
cold 0/4 4 below
8 Friday Morning made its apperance with three inches of fresh snow on the
ground and still snowing Weather much milder Killed the jersey Bull
weighing 1315 live weight
9 Saterday a blustery day was cutting wood in the Shead
Snow drifted considerable
10 Sunday I verrey fine day after dinner I went to see Mrs John Wilson and
found Her much better being able to converse with me
11 Monday morning Snowing and blowing through the weather was mild
even thoughing

535
I was inguaged all the fore noon churning
12 Went to Toronto to cash my cheque for disbursemt and see Boultbee and
bring Home the medicines that Fred Morse sent from north west to cure
Alfred of fits and called on the Telegram and gave him some points on the
Land Marks of Toronto
Slaying is verrey good
13 Wedensday a verrey cold dy verrey little was done beyond keeping

ourselves warm
14 Thursday another verrey cold day Could not leave the House – much
15 Friday a verrey fine day Cutting wood in the Shead
16 Saterday cutting wood drisseled rain alld ay and at night rained heavy
17 Sunday morning was thoughing
Boys removed the Bridge over the creek north of the orchard that had been
used for bringing wood from the Hill side to prevent its being carried
down by the flood as was the case a fieu weeks since and we lost the plaks
and timber
18 Monday was a snowey and rainey day cutting wood in the Shead
19 Twesday about 6 inches of fresh snow fell during the last night and the
weather was verrey blustry all this day
Cutting wood in the Shead
20 Wedensday another verry cold Blustry day did not stir out of the House
21 Thursday Still verrey cold George Durnan came with a Lawrance Salmon
to get His Fisherey license transfered to Him as Durnan is going to the
Brittish Columbia to settle there
22 Friday Boys cutting chaff for feed with Horse power I was doing a little
wood cutting in the Shead
23 Saterday a verrey cold day
24 Sunday a verrey cold day the coldest of the season

536
% 4 below
25 Mondey I went to the city with James in the cutter to see Boulbee and
severa other parties it was a verey cold day but the slaying is good with
the exceptions of some drifts which wer
26 Twesday another cold James is 28 years old this day
27 Wedensday cutting wood
28 Thursday This A.M. I went with a committe of the Council to examine the
place for a bridge over the creek on the side line between Stephenson and
me At 2 oclock I went to Clausons funeral The weather was thoughing
and mild
March 1889
1 Friday went to the city to see Boultbee and Ward Mr Boultbee says the
law suite is all right The County he thinks will abandon the appeal tot he
Suppream Court
Slaying was verrey good and
the weather verrey mild and thoughing in the city
2 Saterday Thoughing fast Mrs & Henrietta took a slay ride to see Mrs
Wilson
3 Sunday A beautifull Sunday the snow melted verrey fast
4 Monday another beautifull day This morning I went down to R Knowles

to talk with him about the York Roads robberey Bill
5 Twesday was a dull foggey and thoughing day
Cutting wood in the yard
Boys busy drawing out manure
6 Wedensday a verrey find day Sun shone bright and the snow was melting
fast Boys drawing manure
7 Thursday everey thing hard frozen up this morning
8 Friday Cold and blustry in the aftnoon I went to see Mrs Wilson and
found Her much better thought she has not been up yet since Christmas

537
9 Sateray another cold blustrey day Snow falling and drifting
10 Sunday a rather cold morng with a fresh covering of snow on the ground
11 Monday Change in the weather sun shone out bright and warm and the
snow was melting fast
Working at wood
12 Twesday A beautifull day Boys took a load of turnips to the city cutting
wood
13 Wedensday I went to the city found the roads bare of snow save the drifts
at the sides called on Boultbee who informed me the County had
abandoned the appeal and that in a fiew days now I might expect a
settlement
Went up to the Parliament House a got a coppey of the Bill introduced by

T G smith respecting the survey of the York Roads and I found it was not
so bad as expected as it gives the parties who wish to mak alterations 12
months to do it in
14 Thursday Cutting wood
15 Friday a beautifull day warm and sunney cutting wood in the Shead
16 Saterday Thoughing and very warm William sawing the tops off the posts
on the south side of the Road oposite the Hoggs Back
P M Harvey and Bill Thorn triming Apple trees in the old orchard
17 day a beautifull day the feilds are nearly free of snow Went to see Mrs
Wilson found Her much better though still in bed
18 Monday I went all round the Farm considerable of snow still remains on
the feilds William finished topping the fence posts Harvey triming apple
trees James gone to the city
19 Twesday Still thoughing Spent most of the forenoon getting the apple
pruner repaired William making gates for the feilds
20 Wedensday a dull foggey day was nto well having caught a cold did not
leave the House To jews caem to complain of John Moon having abused
one of them I think they had been trying to take the advantage of John
Moons wife in a trad for old iron

538
21 Thursday a beautifull day Choreing boys preparing for Spring work
22 Friday My Dear Elizabeth and Janes Birth days and the Aniversary of my
moving to Highland Creek Forty two years ago
I went to Toronto in the Staig and called to see Boultbee did not find him
at home thence I went to the Humber by way of Street cars and on foot
Found Vance fishing both with Herring gill nets and drawing seine on the
Lake shor for Suckers off the mouth of the Humber
Got back to Toronto in thime for the Staige
When I got home Harvey told me he had plowed ½ and acre at the north
end although there large quantities of snow in the fence cornors and in
sheltred places
23 Saterday a beautifull day was doing a little choreing Snow has almost all
disapeared and the prospect of Spring is verrey flattering
24 Sunday This morning I took a walk round the north end of the Farm found
the snow allmost all gone some in the ditches and fence cornors
25 Monday doing a little about the House and yard but my sight is so dim it is
with difficulty I can see to write and I cannot see to read at all unles the
print is large and plain
26 Twesday cloudy and thretens a strm was busy all the fore noon hanging
Gates Ground to hard frozen to plow
27 Wedensday this forenoon I was assisting William to hang the Gate at the
cornor of Mrs Elliots orchard when I came home Boultbee cam and
wished me to show him the place where D Crandle pulled Thomas
Stephensons fence down at the bottom of the West Hill and half way up
the hill which I did the weather is beautifull
28 Thursday quite a change in the weather verrey cold did not leave the
House
29 Friday cold and spitting snow
was imployed boiling turnips for stock
30 Saterday morning was verrey cold Henrey Martin wished me to go with

him to the Rouge to witness a bargain between him and R D Taber for
three seperate picies of land Martin is to clean up for two crops and after

539
going over the groun Mr Tabor made a written greement & both signed it
and I witnessed their signitures to the agreement on our way home the
poney Martin drove was completly exhausted and fell down and we left
Her on the Road side oposite Clawsons
1 Munday This morning the ________ the ground was covered with 6 or 7
inches of snow as greate a fall as we have had at one time this winter Mrs
went to Toronto this morning in the hope of meeting our Daughter Minnie
and James went to Port Union with the same object
2 Twesday the ground is still covered with snow which effectually suspends
plowing though not altogeather fencing and pruneing fruite trees
On the arrival of the Staig Mrs Helliwell brote word of the safe arival of
our Daughter Minnie in Toronto last night at 11 oclock
3 Wedensday the most disagreeable day of the Season Snow sleet and rain
with thunder and lightning in the morning
4 Thursday a warm thoughing day was hanging a gate at the top of the
South Hill
Woods left the Highland Creek after 12 years sojourn
Afternoon walked round to the north end of the Farm and saw Harvey
cross plowing the ground for Pottatoes there is still some snow on the
feilds [
5 Friday I went to the city partly on Fishing buisiness and partly to see Mr
Boultbee and to see my Daughter Minni whome I found at Mr
Gooderhams
*Where I have not been since Mrs Gooderhams funeral I was much
pleased to see Her and I think Her 5 ½ years in England has improved Her
Thence I called upon Wm Birk who informed me that the Court had paid
the judgemen and costs and if I called tomorrow when Hiss son was in he
would giv me a cheque for my portion of Thence I called upon Mrs
Walker and Mrs Morse who invited me to remain all night
6 Saterday when I got up I went to see Dwights and take breakfast I then did
the fish Stores on Queen and King St and called upon boultbee and got my
cheque for 50 Dollars the balance coming to me after paying my Law
costs
*in the County and Moon cases

540
7 Sunday A most beautifull day after dinner I went to see Mrs Wilson and
while ther Mr Jobbins came with the intelegence that his child Mrs
Wilsons Grand Child was dead
I came home by the South Hill
8 Monday a beautifull day pruneing apple trees James sowing Barley on the
South Hill
9 Tewesday I went to the city with James in the buggey for the purpose of
effecting an Insurance on the Taveron & driving Barn and Barn on the Hill
and considerabl running I effected it in the Insurance office 1500 on the
Taveron and 400 on the driving House and Stabl and also 500 on the Barn
for three years
Came home in the Staige as Minnie came home with James in the Buggey
10 Wedensday this morng I went to the North end of the Farm to see if it was
sufficently dry to seed not quite dry enough but will in a fiew days if the
weather keeps fine in the afternoon I was pruneing apple trees in the
Eastern orchard
11 Thursday a fine day I was pruneing apple trees in East orchard
12 Friday Went to the City to compleate the Insurance and pay the mony to
Insure the Taveron and Driving Shead and also gave my note at four
months to insure the Barn for $500 for three years
Visited a number of fish Dealers and gave them circulars of the Close
Season for some kinds of fish
13 Saterday I was pruneing and letting water off the land
14 Sunday Morning I took a walk to the north end of the farm to see how the
land was drying and found it progressing finely soon be fit to seed
15 Monday Josep Moon had a sale of his effects choreing burning letting off
water and cutting Pottatoes to plant James sowed tares and oats behind
the Barn
16 Twesday was cutting Pottatoes all the forenoon & after dinner was
pruneing apple trees
Harvey sowing Oates in the north feild and James plowing the Home feild
for barley

541
17 Wedensday cutting Pottatoes Harvey planting them at the north end and
soweing Oates
18 Thursday repeating yesterdy operations Weather continues verrey dry
19 Friday was digging round current bushes
20 Saterday I went to Toronto to attend a meeting of Magistra in General

Sessions a verrey small attendance called upon Mr Boultbee and John
Ross Robinson
Had a splendid shoure of rain during the night and grass and everey thing
looked so green and refreshing this morning
21 Sunday a verrey windy day I went to see Mrs Wilson and found Her much
better able to walk from the bed room to the citting room walked round
the Farm and found the Rye looking verrey well and the grass growing
finely
22 Easter Monday verrey windy and cold Went to the vestry meeting and
called to see James Humphrey Sener
23 Twesday a verrey fine day was busey in the garden James sowewing
Barley and Grass seed in the home feild
24 Wedensday was cleaning up land on the north side of the Creek
A thunder shour this evening and the rain was much wanted
25 Thursday a dully cloudy day verrey good for the crops was busy grubbing
up bushes and briars on the north side of the creek
26 Thursday another cloudy dull day busy on the north side of the River
cleaning up Pottato ground
27 Saterday foggey morning had to get Martin to finish soweing Barley in

the orchard as James met with an accident and sprained his ancle badly
and could not put his foot to the ground I was cutting brush in the fore
noon after dinner it came on to rain
28 Sunday Rained all night and continued drissling and misty all the fore
noon a glorious growing time Grass is a finger long since yesterday
29 Monday a dull cloudy day finished sowing Barley on the north side of the
creek – and commenced plowing the East orchard

542
30 Twesday Cloudy and dull forenoon was working north of the creek in the
afternoon was inspecting the Tavern on the Hill as Moon brote the Key
and paid the quarters rent due considerably delapidated and out of repair
but on the whole not so bad as I expected
May 1889
1 Went to the city to see Inspector of Taveron Licenses and deliver some
Fisherey licenses did not find but one at home Golding to whome I
delivered his license the weather was verrey cold for the first of May
2 This forenoon was at work on the north of the creek after dinner went up
the Hill to get some draining tiles for the Taveron celler train and secured
them from I.H. Richardson
When in Toronto yesterday I sent off the two returns to the Fisheries
Department for the Month of April
3 Friday Sowed Oates and Pease in the east orchard *Alfred putting in the
drain to the taveron celler Harvey stumping a the north end James laid up
with a sprained ancle Crops are coming up finely and grass is getting
plentifull
4 Saterday Put the wire on the posts in from of the old Mill and restored the
fence as it stood on the night of the 11 July 1887 previus to the road men
pulling it down I has taken me nearly two years to over come the rascality
of the Road Superintendant Stokes and his backer in the North part of the
County
William sowed Pease in the South or old orchard Weathe verrey fine and
warm
5 Sunday a beautifull day Balmy and warm and making everey thing grow
6 Monday A verrey fine day Burnind on the north of the Creek Alfred
cleaning out the Taveron celler William Harrowing Pease in the old
orchard and Harvey plowing in the north feild
7 Twesday went to Toronto called on Williamson the build to get an

estimate for a varanda for the Taveron Thence to 71 Hackney Street to see
some parties applying for a Fisherey license the wife informed me Her
Husband worked in Church Street where I went and found the M Thence I
went up to York Street and took the Ferrey for Hanlons point to deleaver S
license and returned to Church Street Whrf and took the ferrey for Wards
found He was not at Home got his sone to row me accross the gap to
deliver Montgomerey license and returned to Wards to find he had not

543
yet retnd it was now dark and I thought it bet to remain all night and
transact my Buisiness with Him
8 Wedensday morning after breakfast Wards son Rowed me over to Toronto

and I called at the World and Telegram Office thence in search of Horatio
to several cigar manufacting and the Revenew office but did not find him
thence to Williams office to make some inquiries respecting lumber for
the varanda thence I called upon Mrs Nancey Taylor From then I went to
Horatios found no one at home but the servant girl From there I went to
see Garrard Street Bridg and from thence to Williamsons wher I saw him
and he promised to forward me an estima of the varanda by post then
having a couple of hours to spare I took the Dover Court cars and wen out
to see that locality and returned in time for the Staige Home The weather
was verrey warm
9 Thursday was imployd most of this day writing up my diary and writing
my letter to the Fisheries Department weather verrey warm
The leaves are almost at their full size
10 Friday planting Pottatoes on the north side of the Creek everey thing is
growing fast
11 Saterday was planting pottatoes on the north side of the Creek 78 years
ago a squalling thing made its apperance in the world at Thoughstone
near Todmorden Yorkshire Englan which in coarse of time developed into
what is now Known in the County of York as Wm Helliwell Esc J.P.
William was drawing manur from the Barn yard to the orchard where I
intend planting corn and Pottatoes Cherrey trees as in blossom
12 Sunday A beautifull day the trees are looking Green and the plumbs &
cherrey trees are almost in full bloom Took a walk round the north end of
the Farm the Rye is almost out in head and the Oates and Barley feilds are
looking Green and beautifull
13 Monday Planting pottatoes on the north of the Creek trees in full leafe
William drawing manure for corn in the orchard
Mrs made a contract with Tom Ellis to put a varanda all compleate and
furnish material at 2 dollars per foot running measure
14 Twesday this morning we had a beautifull shour which continued most of

the fore noon I was cutting Pottatoes after dinner I was planting them on
the north of the Creek William was plowing in the orchard for corn

544
15 Wedensday Finished the Pottatoes on the north side of the Creek A short
time after going to bed which was verrey earley before dark I heard a
noise and on going to the window I saw a wagon with one Horse on the
ground and the waggon close up to the wire fence and on dressing and
*going out I found John Graham sitting on the varanda and in greate
distress and in an pain and People collecting in Numbers One Horse had
got free and rand off the other was laying with a telegraph pole on top of
Him and on freeing Him from the wreck it was found that His hind leg
was broke in two places Mr Graham and his waggon was taken home
almost immediatly a thunder storm and rain came on
16 Thursday morning the Horse with the broken leg was standing on three
legs where he was left last night and on going up to the Taveron I learned
that Had his sholder out of join and the Dr had put it in at eight oclock
some of Mr Grames freinds came and shot the mar and drew Her away to
burey her and informed me Mr Graham was doing a well as could be
expected
17 Friday William and I was planting the middle garden with feed Harvey
planting Pottatoes at the north end of the Farm
18 Saterday Planting corn in the middle Garden weathr verrey warm Apple
trees are almost out in full bloom
19 Sunday This morning I walked round the north end of the Farm and was
much pleased with the appearance of the growing crops I walked over Mrs
Elliots farm and down Tea pot Street to the Kingston Road and soon home
Had a beautifull shour this evening
20 Monday fore noon I was imployd getting a mason to break a door in the
celler of the Taveron In the after noon planting corn in the Home orchard
21 Twesday a drizzeling foggey day finished planting corn and was imployd
getting the door put into the Taveron celler
22 Wedensday cutting weeds and choreing Weather quite cold Apple trees
are in full bloom may of them waneing and bloom falling off
23 Thursday was busy – cutting weeds and choreing Rye out in head fulley
10 days earlier then I remember ever seeing it before
24 Friday The Queens Birth Day was Kept as a Holey day or visiting and
pleasureing doing a little choreing
The Apple trees are all in full bloom and a verrey promising appearance
for a crop of fruite they make

545
25 Saterday cutting weeds Boys scuffelling turnips wind cold
26 Sunday This RM took a walk to the north end of the farm PM went to see
Mrs Wilson
27 Monday I went to the city to deliver Wm Wager and William Wards

licenses after delivering Wager license I went to the Wharf to go over to
Wards but found there would be not boat going there this day I then went
up to York Street wharf and went over on the Hanlons point ferrey and
called on Mr Salmon who said He would send me down to Mr Wards on
his Yot the wind was blowing fresh and dead ahead but we set out with
two men to manage the ship and I as passinger to beat up the Bay which
we did in good stile though she was near over on her beam ends then I
liked However we got to Wards all right with a little wet Mr Ward was
much pleased to get His license and invited me to remain over night and as
it was raining fast and blowing I was only to glad to do
28 Twesday morning was a tempestous one with a gale of wind from the
north west Mr Ward purposed to take me and two others who wished to
cross in his large Boat and we walked some distance West to where he
poled his Boat along the shore to get sufficent to wind ward to clear the
point of the Island When we was getting in it was so rough that I gave up
the Idea and refused to go and walked to the centr of the Island where the
Steam ferrey came over a little after nine and I crossed in Her it was a
rough passage I called on Mr Walker and returned Home in the Staige
Weather was verrey cold and disagreeable
29 Wedensday I was doing verrey little the fact is my eye sight is so verrey
poor that I can scarsely see to do any thing it is with greate difficulty that I
am writing James is so far recovered from his laimness as to be able to
paint the new varanda at the Taveron Harvey took a load of Ry Straw to
the city today
Frost last night scorched the Pottatoes that were above ground what the
result to the fruite will be it is too soon to tell
30 Thursday A wet and windy morning so that nothing could be done out
doors
So far this week has been a wet and stormy one
31 Friday A wet night and continued raining all the fore noon

546
We are getting quit sufficent rain for all agriculteral purposes
In the afternoon I started to go to Knowles to make a declaration of my

accont to send to the Fishy Department When I got to Leslies He told me
Knowles had gone to Malvern to a political meeting consequently I went
no farther
June 1889
1 Saterday morning immediately after breakfast at 6 oclock I went down to

Knowles to make declareation when I got there I could not get into the
House and after Knocking several times I concluded I would waite their
rising After waiting nearly an hour Mrs Knowles came from the Barn with
milk pails and said there was no one at home but Her Mr Knowles and the
Family were all at the farm in Pickering
When I came home I met Jerrey Annis at the Taveron who did what I
wanted but the Staige was gone and of coarse I could not send it forward
before Monday
The day turned out fine and warm the first of the kind we have had this
week
2 Sunday Another dully foggey day but no rain up to the prest time twelve
oclock
3 Monday Fore noon I was helping William to draw back the boom that was
carried down stream some time ago and put it accross the stream under the
bridge to keep the cattle from passing to the north side in the after noon
was heaving post to put a new wire fence on the south side of the south or
old orchard
4 Twesday Choreing cutting weeds and looking over the farm Alfred
commenced planting posts on the south side of the South orchard for a
wire fence James painting the varanda at the Taveron
5 Wedensday Cloudy shoury day Boys working on the Road all except
James who was painting at the taveron
6 Thursday A clear fine windy day and moderately warm walked round the
north end of the farm everey thing is grow fine Boys still at the Road work
7 Friday I went out to the gravil pit to see Richard Knowles to see if He
would present a petition to the Country Council for me and I also called
upon John Taylor He is verrey near His end He told me he had fallen

547
down twice this morning and it is with difficulty He walks at all Alfred is
planting posts round the orchard
8 Another dully foggey day
9 Sunday A verrey foggey misty dull day took a walk round the Farm
everey thing is growing splended
10 Monday went to the city to cash my official cheque and other buisiness
called upon Boultbee to show him a petition I was going to present to the
County Council I then took the cars for the Humber to inspect the
Fishermen Stokeses men were setting posts on the Lake Shore Road with a
battering ram driving them through the brush and it appeared to me to
make a good job called upon my old Freind Mr Howard of High Park and
quite lively
Slept at Walkers
11 Tewsday Found Frank and showed him the Pettition to which He made
some correcting and advised me to write it over accordingly I went to
Newsons Store and got a sheet of paper and rewrote it and then went in
search of R Knowles to present it to the Council when they meet this
afternoon found Him at the Clide and gave it to Him Came Home by
Staige
12 Wedensday Walking round the farm and sorting Pottatoes
Weather fine and warm
Harvey sowed Turnips at the north end and west side
13 Thursday sorting Pottatoes Mrs went to Toronto – Harvey plowing Stable

feild for Turnips
14 Friday sorting Pottatoes in the Root House – Harvey plowing in the Stable
feild William hoeing and James painting at the Taveron
15 Saterday I was sorting and sprouting Pottatoes At noon we had a verey

heavey shour of rain for half an hour or more
16 Sunday After dinner I went over the river and up the Hill and to the north
end of the farm found the crops all doing well When I got back as far as
Mrs Elliots gate it commenced to rain and I took shelter in Mrs Elliots
House and for an hour it rained heavey
17 Monday Heavey rain all night Hoeing and replanting Beans

548
18 Twesday this forenoon I was putting wire onto the fence at the south side
of the south orchard
Pioneers annuel picnic to Niagara to-day
19 Wedensday this morning made its appearance with a down pour of rain
and continued all the fore noon This was a greate disappointmen to may
as it was the day appointed by The Lord Bisshop to Hold a confermation
in the three churches of this Parish
20 Thursday A fine warm day I was hoeing corn in the home orchard Put the
colts into the pasture feild north of Danford Road
21 Friday Another wet morng nothing could be done outside
22 Saterday a fine windy day drying up the wet ground
Sowed Turnips
Hoeing corn in the home orchard
Sowed Turnips in the Stable feild
23 Sunday morning I took a walk round the north end of the farm the crops
are growg verrey well but dry weather would be desireable perticulrly in
the north feild
After dinner I went up the South Hill and to Mrs Wilsons The weather
was remarkable fine
24 Monday was hoeing corn in the Home orchard
25 Twesday Church Picnic was hoeing and cultivating corn all the fore noon
in the after noon the Family all went to the Picnic in Mrs Elliots Grove –
accompayned by Mrs and me there was a good geathering and the
weather was all that could be desired
Mrs Elliot was unable to go poor woman I think is fast approaching Her
end being verey feeble
26 Wedensday a verrey wet morning and continued till maredian when

ceased raining but continued foggey and damp no work could be done on
the farm

549
27 Thursday Hoeing corn in the orchard Weather was fine untill four oclock
when a thunder shoure came on
28 Friday fair this morng was hoeing corn in the orchard all the fore noon
after dinner was pulling mustard out of the crops at the north end of the
farm
29 Saterday A verrey fine day indeed Hoeing corn and pulling mustard Boys
working pottatoes and plowing the flats for Turnips
30 Sunday verrey warm I took the usual Sunday walk round the Farm to see
that cattle was poaching
82%
July 1889
1 Monday Dominion day Fine Frank came down this fore noon William
cutting Hay in the orchard between the apple trees and where the plow did
not run
2 Tuesday A beautifull Hay day was making Hay amongst the apple trees in
the Home orchard
3 Wedensday Went to Toronto to cash my cheque for Quarters salery and to

see Wm Montgomery relative to His license to fish a hawling seine Hired
a Boat and was rowed to the east side of the Gap where I found
Montgomery
Weather was verrey warm Saw several feild of Hay cut
4 Thursday was hoeing corn a little though I did not feel verrey well having
a dizziness in the head James commenced cutting Hay with the machine
James finished sowing Turnips in the flats below the Eastern orchard
5 Friday Hoeing Boys putting Paris Green on the Pottatoes
6 Saterday This morning James and I took the Team and drove down to
Frenchmans Bay for a barrel of salt and plaster the Staige driver having
told me that I could get them there but to my surprise when I got there
none was to be had However we got a barrel of salt at Parkers Store
Dunbarton
People are busey cutting & making Hay and some are drawing it in
When we got home James drew in the Hay from the orchard

550
7 Sunday A verrey warm day did not stir out of the House as I was rather
poorly last night sick stomach and dizzy headed
90% in the shade
8 Monday verrey Hot could not go out into the fields to work for fear of sun
Stroke
88%
9 Twesday Another intolerable Hot day was not able to be out after 9 oclock
the sun was so hot. Boys had to lay over in the middle of the day Crops are
ripneing verrey fast and corn grows rapidly
90%
10 Wedensday not nearly so warm as yesterday was hoeing a little today

James cutting the Grass in the Oil Well feild and that at the north of the
orchard commonly called the Island
83%
Mrs Wilson and Annie paid us a visit this after noon had a small thunder
shour this eveng A second thunder storm at nine oclock accompayned by
a verrey heavey shour and wind which broke one of the large limbs off the
elm tree in the Home feild
11 Thursday a fine windy day to dry up the wet of last evening
12 Friday all hands busy cutting and making Hay verrey fine weather for Hay
making
13 Saterday This forenoon I went into the Hay feild for an hour or two but
was obliged to leave and go home and was verrey sick all at the stomach
and dizze throwing up all day In the after noon had a thunder shour
14 Sunday misty dull day did not feel overly well in the after noon went to
the Presbyteerion Church
15 Monday I beautifull cool day Afore dinner I went up to the north end of
the farm to see if the Rye was ripe enough to cut It will stand a fiew days
yet James raking up hay on the Island
16 Twesday Went to Toronto with Harvey in the democrat to cash my

disbursement cheque and purchase some articles got home at 4 oclock

551
Boys finished the Hay today
17 Wedensday fine morning I went to see Mrs Wilson as She had sent for me
to consult on some buisiness matters Boys enguaged hoeing Turnips I do
not feel able to be out in the sun nor is my eye sight sufficent to
distinguish the young plants therefore I remain in the House
18 Thursday morning I went to see Mr Burt the minister to see if there could
not be devine service held in Old St Margarets Church at least everey
alternate Sunday during the summer months and he promised to do so
commencing Sunday after next
Weather verrey warm
19 Friday the Boys got the Horses into the Reaper to cut Barley and went up
to the South Hill to commence when the weather clouded up and
commenced to Rain and put a stop to further operations of Barley cutting
for this day at least
20 Saterday fine morning I was hoeing all the forenoon
21 Sunday Attended Service in St Margarets Church the first service of the

season – owing to some misund nding between the Church wardens and
the incumbant there was a verrey fair congregation the weather was verrey
fine
walked round the farm after dinner
22 Monday I did not feel verrey well Dizzey in the Head and pain in the
limbs with Quamish stomach
Harvey and William Paris greening the Pottatoes James gone to the city to
get some repairs to the Harvester
23 Twesday Commenced cutting the Barly on the South Hill
a beautifull Harvest day Sunney and drying wind
24 Wedensday Boys cutting Barly Caroline picking cherries
25 Thursday a splendid Harvest day was doing a little raking round the fences
in the Barley feild
26 Friday went to Toronto to see some parties respecting the salt well did not
find parties at Home

552
27 Saterday Boys drawing Barley from the Home feild
Weather was rather cloudy in the morning but cleared up as the day
advanced
28 Sunday morning went to St Margarets Church and was much pleased with
the sermon The weather was cloudy and threatned Rain
At nine oclock in commenced raing and rained heavey all night
29 Monday morning it cleared up Harvey dug a load of Pottatoes for the

market
James commenced cutting Rye I went to see Thomas
Chester and found him suffering verrey much from Astma
30 Twesday This morning I went to see how the self binder that James had
hired to cut the Rye was working
found it not verrey satisfactry the Rye is too long to work well Heavey
thunder shoure
31 Wedensday Boys cutting Rye an extreamly Hot day I was quite unwell
and did not quit the House
August 1889
1 Thursday all the fore noon was verrey foggey and threatned Rain but
cleared up at noon and became fine Boys cutting Rye
2 Friday A Heavey thunder storm at an earley hour this morning put a stop
to all harvest work for this day These frequent shours are verrey much
against the harvest as the grain cannot be got dry between shoures
A verrey heavey shour during the night
3 Saterday the ground was to wet for Harvest operations James went to
Mxwells for lime and Harvey to Toronto with a load of Pottatoes
I hoed a fiew rows of Turnips in the Stable feild
4 Sunday a fine day I took a walk up to the north end of the farm to see how
they are getting on cutting Rye
5 Monday I beautifull harvest day I was hoeing Turnips Boys cutting Rye

553
6 Twesday another verrey fine harvest day hoeing Turnips in the Stable feild
James cutting Barley on the north side of the creek Harvey mowing round
the Rye on the South Hill preptory to putting the machine in
7 Wedensday Fine hoeing Turnips in Stable feild Boys cutting Rye on South
Hill
8 Thursday fine day hoeing In the afternoon the Boys were drawing in the
last of the Barley from the north side of the creek
Caroline went on visit to the city this morning
9 Friday hoeing Turnips Boys drawing in Rye from Barn feild George
Tayler and Mrs Tayler paid us a visit and took dinner on their way to see
his sister in Pickering Thunder Shoure
10 Saterday I was hoeing Turnips the Boys finished hawling in the Barn feild
and the middle feild on the north of the Danforth Road George Tayler
came back from Pickering but would no[t] stop for Tea reports a barn
burned down by lightning last night during the Thunder Storm
11 Sunday Took my usual walk round the farm the feilds that were in stook
last Sunday are now bare Oates and Pease are ready
12 Monday Toronto Civic Holey day I was hoeing Turnips on the flats below
the eastern orchard Boys drawing in Rye from the South Hill
13 Twesday a dull foggey day was cleaning Turnips in the flats Boys cutting
Rye on South Hill
14 Wedensday Shourey could do no harvesting did some weeding and other

chores Horatio and his two Boys paid us a visit this evening
15 Thursday A beautifull harvest day clear and winday Boys cutting Oats at
the north end of the Farm I was hoeing Turnips
16 Friday cloudy James drew in the ballance of the Rye and Harvey cradleing
oates
17 Saterday Fine day This morning James took Horatio and his Boys to Port
Union in the afternoon finished hauling in the Rye rakings
Harvey cradeling Oates where the Reaper could not work
18 Sunday I went to Church in the morning with James in the Buggey

554
It was a beautifull day
19 Monday Shourey and dull Boys preparing to Thrash getting wood for the
Engine I was hoeing Turnips in the Stable feild
20 Twesday all the fore noon the Boys was getting ready for the Treshers
who were expected to make their appearance at one oclock but
unfortunately they did not arive untill three when our patience was almost
exhausted
21 Wedensday Trashing and the steam Engine does its work splendidly and
the yeald is moderately fair
I did not go near them at all left the management intre with James and
Harvey
22 Thursday A verrey fine day commenced Pulling Pease in the south

orchard and finished cutting Oates in the East orchard
23 Friday a fine day Harvey commenced cutting tares on the north end of the
Farm James took a load of early Turnips to the city William was Pulling
Pease in the south orchard
24 Saterday a fine warm day was hoeing and transplanting Turnips on the
flats
25 Sunday morning I took a walk to the north end of the Farm Things are
looking verrey well what remains on the ground
26 Monday fine and warm hoeing and weeding Turnips Harvey commenced
plowing in the Oate stubble of the north feild James drawing in Oats from
the east orchard Alfred commenced building wall under the driving Barn
27 Twesday verrey fine and warm imploy same as yesterday the ground is
getting verrey dry
28 Wedensday a verrey warm day Still at work at the Turnips Harvey gone to
Toronto with Pottatoes and Turnips
29 Wedensday verrey warm imployd same as yesterday
30 Thursday Still warm and dry took in the Peas from the south orchard
31 Friday another verrey warm day too hot for me to work

555
September 1889
1 Sunday Service at the old St Margarets Church in the morning where I

walked thoug the weather was verrey warm and the Roads verrey dusty
the sermon was well worth the walk and heat
Rain was and is verrey much wanted
In the afternoon went up to Mrs Elliots and had a talk with G.P. Dixon
about startin the Salt Well
2 Monday finished the Turnips weather verrey warm and dry
3 Twesday a verrey hot and sultry day the Boys all lay off in the middle of
the day for three hours the heat was verrey oppressive
88%
4 Wedensday Another verrey Hot day was doing a little about the wall
Alfred is building under the driving Barn
5 Thursday I went to the city to see parties respecting the salt well some of
them was not at home and Mr Rutten an old well operater promisd to
come down on Sunday and see the locality He lives on Major Street 2
doors south of Bloor quite a walk after leaving the Street cars on Collage
St James was in with Pottatoes and came home with him when half way it
commenced raining and soon came on heavey but as we had two
umberrellas we did not get much wet
The city is full of fruite and vegitables
6 Friday was cutting corn Weather was verrey fine
7 Saterday Topping corn fine and warm finished cutting Oates in the north
feild this fore noon
When James came home from Toronto he brote the Globe which had a
notice of the death of William P Helliwell which occurred yesterday and
of which I have received no notice only as above
8 Sunday Went to Church in the morning in the evening I went to see Mrs
Wilson
9 Monday morning James drove me up to Levi E Annises to see his process

of curing corn for fodder green during the Winter He has put up a splendid

556
Barn with stables and root cellers under neath and an air tight room for the
corn He intends cutting it up and filling it from the top and tramping it in
as tight as possable to exclude the air
10 Twesday was busy topping corn and moving stone up to the wall for
Alfred to build in the foundation of the driving Barn
11 Wedensday morning I went up to Reeveses to purchas some red pepers

before going to work topping corn
Weather verrey hot and dry Harvey drawing in the last of the Oates from
the north end of the Farm and tares from the center of the north feild
12 Thursday finished topping corn
13 Friday took the corn stalks into the Stable and packed them away for
uselege fodder
weather verrey fine and warm
Received news this evening of the death of Wm Gooderham last night

sudenly while conducting public worship an in the Haven on Seaton Street
After spending the afternoon with the inmates of his House at the
Industrial Exhibition such is life in the midst of life we are in death
14 Saterday Mrs went to the city this morning to assist at Wm Gooderhams

funeral picking hops this afternoon
15 Sunday Went to Church
16 Monday I went to the city with James in the Buggey who is intending to
exhibit his colt at the Fair I went up by Bot to the Exhibition ground and
spent the fore noon there to my surprise
In all that vast croud for there was an immence geathereing I only saw one
person I knew men of my generation are appearantly all passed away
At noon I came back and took the Street cars to Wm Gooderhams late
residence on arriving there I found a large croud already assembled at the
Church door and on the Street and on going into the House found a large
geathering of freinds and the corps had already been removed to the
Church on the freinds going to the Church we expearenced great
difficulty in forcing our way through the croud
*the door of the Church was kept by two Policemen who refused
admission to all untill the freinds were in and the Church was immediatly
filled to its utmost capacity and thousands could not get in there was ang

557
service and on the cortage starting for the cimetary the street as litterally
filled with People I could not go farther then Parliament Street and
returned to Norfolk Villea where Mrs H was and remained there all night
17 Twesday morning after breakfast I came down to the Bay wishing to cross
to the Island to see the Fishermen but could not find any Boat going there
they were all taken up with conveying People to the Exhibition I called at
one or two places where I had buisiness and having a little time to spare I
went up to the Normal School and walked through the room s then came
down to the Hotel when it began to rain at a quarter past three Mrs came
down and we came home in the Staige
18 Wedensday fore noon I was digging Pottatoes on the north side of the
Creek at one oclock I went to Alexandr Neilsons funeral
19 Thursday morning it was raining and continued till about nine oclock
when it cleared up but continued verrey cold
20 Friday was imployed about the driving Barn putting in foundation for
cross wall partition
21 Saterday was digging Pottatoes on the north side of the River
22 Sunday I went to Church weather verrey cold quite a contrast to last

Sunday
23 Monday this forenoon I was turning over tares that the wet weather of last
week had prevented drying After dinner I went to value Thomas Watsons
farm on the NW cornorer of Lot No 8 in 2 con Called to see old Mr & Mrs
Duncan
24 Twesday My Daughter Elizabeth and Her son Fred paid us a visit
25 Wedensday A beautifull warm day did not feel well chored about a little
26 Thursday working at the wall
27 Friday do do
28 Saterday I went to Toronto to meet Thos Watson to acompny Him to the

Lone compny office to give in my valuation of his farm
Called on Boultbee and several other people with whome I had buisiness
29 Sunday Went to Church in the afternoon I went to see Mrs Wilson

Weather Splended Harvey sowed Rye at the north end yesterday

558
Monday damp morning choreing
1 Twesday this forenoon I went to dig Pottatoes at the north and at about 11
oclock there came upa thunder storm and heavey rain which drove me
from the feild
2 Wedensday I was digin Pottatoes in the north feild
Weather cold and windy
3 Thursday morning proved to be verrey wet Second day of the Markham

fair James took two Horses to exhibbit notwithstanding the rain
4 Friday was digging Pottatoes in the north feild a cold raw day
5 Saterday was a down pour all day from daylight to dark nothing could be
done out side
6 Sunday morning made its appearance with the ground covered with snow
and snowing which continued till about 9 oclock by 12 the snow had all
disaprd
7 Monday A cold rau day was busy at the Wall under the driving Barn Boys
digging Pottatoes in the north feild
8 Twesday A cold raw day busy at the wall Boys digging Pottatoes in the
north feild
9 Wedensday working at the wall a dull foggey day
10 Thursday Scarboro fair working at the wall
11 Friday A beautifull warm day was working at the wall Mrs Helliwell
commenced picking Apples
12 Saterday a verrey dul day threatening Rain all day but never came I was
busy at the wall Harvey and James in Toronto
13 Sunday and Aniversarey of the Battle of Queeston Heights in 1812 Cloudy

and dull
14 Monday This morning I went to examine and value D G Stephensons Lot

No 9 secon con of Scarboro at his request and arived at the following
value

559
35 acres under cultivation 875

L6 do wooded second gwath 1702
Buildings House & Barn 400
$2977
15 Twesday a beautifull day
16 Wedensday do do Choreing
17 Thursday verrey foggey intill noon when it cleared up I went to picking

Apples in the old orchard the poorest crop we have had for 40 years only
six bags off [of] the whole orchard Spring frost
18 Friday in the fore noon I was working at the wall in the afternoon picking
apples in the Eastern orchard
19 Saterday the same program as yesterday both days were verrey fine
though cold nights
20 Sunday in the afternoon I went to see Thomas Chester found him better
then he has been for years
The Roads and feilds are all covered with the falen leaves and the
country has a desided Autumnal appearance
21 Monday I went to the Rouge to see if there was any appear of salmon in
the River Saw none Chas White told me He had heard that there have been
Salmon seen in the deep water if so they have not got up to the Spawning
ground
The water is verrey low
22 Twesday I went to the city for advice respecting the Taxes due by Moon
on the Taveron He told me the only remody was to sue Weather was
verrey cold Saw D g Stephenson who said I had not valued his timber high
enough and wished me to reconsider my valuation which I promised to do
23 Wedensday I went to see Larey Sherdain who has cut an acre of wood on
Stephens Land to ascertain the quantity of wood it produced did not find
him at home
24 Thursday morning the ground was hard frozen and verrey cold but turned
out a splend day I was choreing the Boys were getting ready to thrash to
morrow

560
25 Friday rather cloudy an threatened rain Boys threshing and cutting straw
by steam
26 Saterday was choreing and commenced Topping Turnips
27 Sunday morning I went to see Lawrance Sheridian to see the quantity of

wood he had cut off an acre of D G Stephensons land He told me
Dunnigan could tell me better as he sold the wood to him accordingly I
went to Dunnigans who said it was 40 cords cut of 1 ¼ acres on my road
home I called at Thomas Stephensons who confirmed Dunnigans [statemt
28 Monday morning wet and a cold East wind blowing at maridian it cleared
up and is now decidely colder
Boys preparing loads for the city Tomorrow
29 Twesday morning I went to Toronto and called on the Fish dealers and
distributed closeseason papers and examined the frozen stock of Post and
Galaghar took the papers to the Chief of Police then crossed to the Island
with Wards son whr I remained all night
30 Wedensday came over with Wards son and took the High park car for the
Humber and after visiting Nurse called on Mr Howard and found Him in
bed in a dark room having had an operation performed on his eye
thence I walked the lenth of Queen Street calling at all the fish dealers to
notify them of the close season came Home with James
31 Thursday was one down pour of rain all day nothing could be done outside
November 1889
1 Friday was cleaning up the old lumber round the Barn yard and writing
my monthly returns to the Fisherey Department
2 Saterday A dull foggey day with sprinkles of rain
drawing in Turnips
3 Sunday somewhat brighter I took a walk up on the south Hill After dinner
I went to see Thomas Chester and found him fully as well as usual
4 Monday A bright day though a little cold was fixing about the Barn yard
Harvey drawing in Turnips from the north end of the Farm Mrs reduced
Maxwells rent Fifty dollars on condition that he pays the Taxes

561
James took a load of Barley to the city
5 Twesday this forenoon I was fixing about the Barn yard and after dinner I
went down to Knowles to make a declareation of the amount of the
Disbursement of Fishereys account
6 Wedensday This afternoon I went to the Rouge as I had heard that there
was salmon in the River but I could see no signs
7 Thursday and Thanksgiving day And a Lovely bright warm day greate stir
on the Road And the Rifle mach in Stephensons flats
8 Friday I was pulling Turnips in the flats the calves has been runig in them
and eate a large portion of them
9 Saterday I was making door frames with William and placing them ready
to mak a conreate wall accross the lower storey of the driving Barn
Weather beautifull
10 Sunday morning I walked down the valley of the Highland Creek to Still
water and was much surprised to see the alteration and the shrinking of the
bed of the stream what formeerly was water is now sand banks with a
small riverlet at one side It is two years since I took that walk last
11 Monday I was imployed fixing guides to make a conreate wall accross the
lower story of the driving Barn
12 Twesday a splended day took a fiew carrots that the calves ha left in the
Mill feild beautifull Indian Somer weather
13 Wedensday Raining this morning and continued untill about 10 oclock

when it stopped raining but continued verrey foggey verrey little was done
on or about the Farm
14 Thursday rained the greate part of the day in the evening it turned cold and
froze hard during the night
15 Friday Choreing
16 Saterday a cold day
17 Sunday I took a walk up to the north end of the Farm and in the after noon
I went to see Mrs Wilson and spent the evening with Mrs Elliot

562
18 Monday choreing
19 Twesday a wet dry not much to be done outside
21 Thursday a dull foggey day I was working at the driving Barn
22 Friday another wet day was fixing in the driving Barn
23 Saterday dry day the first this week in the morning I went with Thomas
Stephenson to make some measurements of the place where D Crandle
pulled his fence down on the night of the 11 July 1887 as He expects his
case to come off the ensueing week
24 Sunday Turned out to be a Beautifull warm sunney day
25 Monday Went to Toronto to see that the Fish dealers were Keeping the
close season
Called upon James Hodgson at York ville and found him a compleate
wreck unable to move or scarsely talk or speak so that I could understand
him Mrs Hodgson was verrey gld to see me and pressed me to stay to with
them which I did and it being dark one of the Girls came wit me to the
Street cars which brote me to the Royal where I slept
Renewed my visits amongst the dealers untill Staige time when I came
Home
27 Wedensday morning was stormeyest I have seen for years Snowing and
sleeting and blowing a Hurican not fit for anything living to be out of
doors Put the cows for the first time this season into the Stable
Snow
28 Thursday was a snowey day and fell 7 or 8 inches quite a number of slays
were running In the after noon Tom Stephenson came for me to go with
him and Thos Young and George Scott to make some measurements
relative to the law suite now pending between him and the County
29 Friday morning Thos Stephenson called for me and took me to the city
with Thomas Young and George Scott witnesses for him in his case
against the County for pulling down his fence on the 12 July 1887 The
case came on at two oclock and lasted untill 6 the judge did not give his
decision
After the court was over I went to Mrs Dwights where I remained all night

563
30 Saterday After breakfast I went to see Elizabeth and Mrs Walker and spent
half an hour with them thence I went by Street car to the Market and came
home by the Rouge Staige
December 1889
1 Sunday was a verrey fine and melted the snow considerable
2 Monday I was choreing and aranging the young cattle it was a mild
thoughing day
3 Tewsday fine and cold in the afternoon I was carting earth behind the
foundation wall of the driving Barn the ground is still covered with snow
and some slays are running though it is not good slaying [sleighing]
4 Wedensday verrey cold the Thermomiter was doun to 2 below zero last
night was cutting a little wood when I could stand out doors
2% below zero
5 Thursday Sleeting and Thoughing
6 Friday a mild thoughing day cut some wood in the shead
My eye sight is getting dimer
7 Saterday A beautifull day was pruning Apple trees part of the day In the
afternoon I took a walk round the north end of the farm to see if any
person was meddleing with the fences
On returning I found there had been an accident with a Brewy Truck

loaded with 8 50 Gall casks of beer by slueing round in the west hill
breaking the tongue and upsetting fortunatly there was no person seriously
hurt
As far as I could judg I think it was careless driving to allow the truck to
slue round
8 Sunday I went to Church it commenced raining soon after starting an

continued the whole day a steady doun pour
There was the smallest congregation I ever wittnessed in Christs Church
9 Monday Fine morning Snow all most all gone In the afternoon I went to a
vestry meeting at the church where there was a verry tumultious meeting
more fit for a public Bar room then a Church I think the minister was

564
some what to blame for hasty conduct in pronouncing the offices of

Church Warden being both vacant and insisting in appointing and electing
fresh ones I took no part in the proceedings as I was doubtfull of the Legal
of the proceedings
10 Twesday I was working at the filling up of the ground round the driving
Barn
11 Wedensday morning was fine though it Rained heavey the greater part of
the night Mrs Helliwell went to Toronto this morning in the Staige
busy filling up behind the wall of the new driving Barn As the day
advanced it becam finer every hour
12 Thursday was busy at the filling up behind the wall under the driving Barn
13 Friday In the forenoon I was at the filling in roud the Barn After dinner I
went to Wm Muirs funeral and was one of the Pall bearers and we carried
hom from his late residence to the Presbitarian bureying ground
14 Saterday morning I wen down to Charles Whites to purchase 2 geese for

Christmas dinner but found Mrs White had sold all she had to spare and
recomended me to Dewett Stotts but Mrs could not sell without Her
Husband there was a strong East Wind blowing when I left Home and it
commenced snowing and continued for two Hour verrey stormy
Mrs T Elliots Birthday 85 years old
15 Sunday A dull cold day the ground again white
16 Monday a dully foggey day cutting wood and doing chores
Boys drawing straw form the barn on the Hill
17 Twesday Boys went to Tomey Little funeral who died of cansor in the
throat Weather mild again frost all out of the ground
18 Wedensday a verrey dull drizzeling day not fit for man or beats to be out
doors
In the afternoon I went down to Morrishes to collect fisherey statistics
19 Thursday a fine day
20 Friday One continued down pour of rain Roads are getting almost
impassable

565
21 Saterday a fine fair day Boys drawing out manure from the Barn yard I
was scarsely able to walk from pains in the calf of my legs perticularly the
right one
22 Sunday Another disagree day
23 Monday I went to Toronto to cash my Fisherey cheques and purchase

some articles
The weather was verrey fine and warm but the Roads were verrey muddy
24 Twesday Another doun pour almost continuously nothing could be don
25 Wedensday and Christmas day after dinner I went up the Hill to have a
look at Archeys Hall that is being build ton the south side of the Road
thence I took a walk to the north feild and was almost don out when I got
home my are being used up We had a verrey heavey rain last night But
today was bright clear and warm with a gentle breeze drying up the wet of
last night
41 Christmas day at the Highland Creek
26 Thursday fine and verrey windy
27 Went to Toronto and called at Ashbridges Bay to see the Cruthers the
man who keeps Bot for hire to asertain the aproximate quantity of fish
caught thence I called upon Goldring and Montgomery and had a walk up
to the Union Station where I went for the purpose of going over the Bay to
see Sol Solomans but was told I could find him at the Toronto Opera in
Adelade Street there I went but he was not there it was now dark and I
took the cars to St Georges St where I remained all night at Dwights
28 Saterday morning I went to Walkers to breakfast as Maggey had told me

they was going to Texas in a fiew and probably I should not have an
opertunity of seeing them again before they went Thence I went to the
Humber to see Nurse called upon my old Freind Mr Howard and got back
in time for the Staige Home During the above two days the weather was
all that could be desired though the roads was some what muddey
29 Sunday Still mild and shoury did not leave the House all day
30 Monday the ground was hard frozen but the weather was fine busy with
wood in the shead

566
31 Twesday and the last of 1889 a lovely day sunny and bright cutting little
wood and choreing and writing up returns to Fisherey Departm
January 1890
1 Wedensday Horatio paid us a visit
commenced raining at mid day
2 Thursday a dull dark day attempted to write out my report but was obliged
to stop could not see the lines I am greately afraid I shall grow blind
altogeathor
3 Friday Still dull and foggey was cutting wood and writing up report of
Fisheries the ground is hard frozen and accident occurred at the mouth of
the Highland Creek whereby a breakman was Killed and Four car loaded
with Beef was wrecked and Thrown over the embankment ocationed by
the breaking of an axel tree
4 Saterday A verrey fine day Roads hard frozen
5 Sunday a dull rainey and foggey day did not leave the House untill
evening when I went to see Mrs Elliot
6 Monday Heavey rain all ngiht and still continues at intervills Planted
stakes along the ditches to define the Kingston Road and blased and
marked the telegraph poles where the formed the boundry but the greater
par of them are standing on my land but I supose they have got a
settlement having stood 42 years
quite a flood in the River
made my Neweyears call on Mrs Elliot this afternoon
7 Twesday I went to Toronto to get returns from some of the Fishermen

called in Trinity St at Wm Montgomeries who gave me his returns and
paid me for His lisence for 1890 to Charls Goldring who also paid for
license thence by Street cars to the Humber to see Chas Nurse who
promised faithfulley to send it tome by new years day He said he could
not give it me then but would certainly sent it tomorrow and as I could not
do any better I was obliged to take His promisI got back just as the Staige
was starting
8 Wedensday was imployd in the wood shead The weather is much colder
and the ground again frozen hard Took a walk down the flats and up the

567
side line between me and Clauson up to the Kingston Road and to Thomas
Chesters and found him better then I have seen him for years
9 Thursday Snowing was working at wood
10 Friday A stormey day and I was verrey poorly consequently I did not
leave the House
11 Saterday Still storming Snowing Raining and freezing
Still un well and remained in the House
12 Sunday a dull day there are some cutters on the Road but the slaying is not
good
13 Monday a verrey windy though otherwise a fine day I was some what
better to though I did not leave the House The snow has disapeared from
the south side of the Hills again
14 Twesday a sick House Harvey William Alfred and my self on the sick list
15 Wedensday a went foggey day was imployed in the wood shead part of the
day
16 Thursay This morning the ground was white and a strong cold wind
blowing from the north I was cutting a little wood in the shead my eye
sight is not improving it is with the greatest difficulty that I can read a
sentance or too and write a fiew lines
17 Friday a fine day though a little cold the Roads are begining to be smooth
and hard greate quantities of Hay is going into Toronto daily
18 Saterday A beautifull day intirely (as the Irish man would say ) doing a
little wood cutting in the Shead
19 Sunday A fine day and mild Took a walk to see Mrs Wilson in the
afternoon
20 Monday was a verrey windy day and thoughing Went up the East Hill to
Archey Elliots new Hall just finished and ready for use It will be an
acquession to the villiage
21 Twesday A verrey fine day sunny and bright was triming trees and
choreing getting saw set
22 Wedensday a verrey cold day was imployd in cutting wood in the shead

568
23 Thursday forenoon I took a walk round the Top of the East Hill to look for
wood and came back by Stephensons it commenced snowing just when I
started and has continued and is continueing
24 Friday About 3 inches of snow on the ground
25 Saterday a dull foggey day cutting a little wood in the shead
26 Sunday was a mild day As I was getting ready to go to Mrs John Collings
funeral David Bennet came and said His Mother wished me to go and
write Her will as she was verey ill After going with the Funeral to the
Church yard gate I turned and James drove me to Mrs Bennets I found
Mrs Bennet in bed but quite able to give me instruction but by this time it
was so dark I could not see to write so I told Her I would write Her will at
home and com in the morning for Her to sign
27 Monday After prepareing Mrs Bennetts Will Harvey drove me over and
She signed it in presence of me Harvey and David Bennett The weather
was beautifull bright and warm
28 Twesday morning I walked over to Bennetts to sugest an alteration in Her

will which she gladly adopted and I agreed to write another and bring it
over tomorrow morning for signiture
The weather is delightfull
29 Wedensday morning after I wrote the Deeds for Wm Bennett Harvey

drove me over to Mrs Bennetts who signed the Will as altered I went
down to Wm Bennetts to get His and His Wifs signiture to the Deeds
conveying 28 acres of Land part of Lot seven con; D to Mary Bennet
30 Thursday I was choreing a little Weather mild and pleasat and the Roads
hard and smooth
31 Friday Mr Burt came and wished me to up to Cheapes and show him a

letter He had received from the Bishop and try and effect a reconcileation
between Mr Burt and the malcontens But Mr Cheape was denied me
though I beleive he was in the House I called on Mr Burt and informed me
of the result of my mission and that I was the Raven Envoy and brote
back no olive Branch Heavey rain this morning Roads again muddy
February 1890
1 Saterday morning found the ground again hard frozen and much
pleasanter then the mud of yesterday

569
2 Sunday Attended the funeral of John Neilson from His late residence on
the Lake Shore to the Pesebitarian Church on West Hill There was a
verrey large attendance I think more then one hundred carriages The
weather was cloudy and warm
3 Monday morning Cheap son brote me a letter for the Revd Burt
respecting the meeting that was to take place today respecting His
resignation of the Parish after which I went to the meeting to wach the
proceedings all present showed a verrey decided oposition to Mr Burts
remaining in the Parish
4 Twesday I went to Toronto to deliver the Fisherey licenses and collet the
fees
Had considerable running about finding the parties who reside on the
Island but who were in the city when I did not suceed in accomplishing
my buisiness I then went up to Dwights when it commence to rain heavily
5 Wedensday morning I took the Street cars to the Union Station then the
suburban Train to the Humber where I transacted my buisiness with Mr
Nurse and cam back to the Bank of Montreal were I deposited the money
58 Dollars to the credit of the Govermt Then I went to see Mrs Taylor and
Harriot before coming Home in the Staige
6 Thursday was imployed writing out my returns for the Government
7 Friday I Kept the House all day not feeling verrey well and the weather
was cold windy when I was in the city last I made a fals step on the stairs
and fell against the bannisters and my side is verrey sore to day I was
luckey I did not break a rib
In the evening it came on to snow and blow boisterously
8 Saterday morning mad its appearance with the ground covered with snow
and during the day maney slays were running through there is not more
then four inches of snow I did not feel verrey well
9 Sunday A fine day cutters are running in numbers
10 Monday cold slaying here tolerably good did not leave the House
11 Tuesday James and Caroline went to the city in the cutter for the first time
this winter I was quite un well my breast where I fell against the
bannisters at Dwighs when in Toronto was verrey sore

570
12 Wedensday I was imployed writing my Diary for the Fisherey

Department and my eyes are getting so dim that it is quite a task for me to
do it
no alteration in the weather or Roads
13 Thursday a verrey fine day sploilt the slaying
I went to see Thomas Chester found him not so well as when I last saw
him
14 Friday A steady doun pour of rain all day I was cutting a little wood in the
shead
15 Saterday A change in the weather quite cold and windy from the norwest
Cutting a little wood in the shead
16 Sunday fine day though some what cold in the morng but thoughed in the
afternoon
17 Twesday Busy in the wood shead
18 Wedensday Fore noon I walked down to Tredways to have some talk

about the Conservative meeting that is to be held in Markham tomorrow
He thinks it would not be wise to nominat Mr Boultbee as He think He is
not popular with the Party having twice been defeated
19 Wedensday verrey cold the last night and it is now cloudy and
threatening snow cutting a little wood
20 Thursday A verrey stormy day Harvey and James went to Pickering to a

Sale
21 Friday morning was verrey cold Slaying is tolerable good Harvey went to
East Toronto for Lumber fro Mr Marchall to repair D.G. Stephensons
House on lot No 10 in the first con
22 Saterday A fine day Was at the Black smiths and round the north end of
the Farm Harvey went to Pickering for a load of Hay the He purchased at
a Sale the other day with a slay
23 Sunday I went to Chruch in the mroning After dinner I went to see Mrs
Wilson When I came home it was snowing fast
24 Monday Thoughing again Slaying almost spoiled

571
25 Tuesday This morning was a heavey doun pour of rain and continued all
the fore noon completly filling the guters with water After dinner Harvey
and James went to Ceder Grove to Sam Reesors Sale of farm Stock and
Implimts
26 Wedensday Morning – Thoughd and raining during the night Cleared off
and became fine – at mid day the River is verry high and the feilds on
both sides of the Road are flooded with water
27 Thursday The ground is hard frozen and it was spitting snow most of the
day but did not accomplish much Boys drawing out manure
28 Friday Rained heavey all night and continued all day
March 1890
1 Saterday verrey cold James went to the city to bring His sister Minnie
home
I was cutting a little wood in the shead and Keeping myself warm in the
House
2 Sunday a beautifull day Kept the house all day
3 Monday a beautifull day cutting wood in the Shead David Crandles

funeral has just passed on its way to the Church yard A verrey respectibl
turn out
4 Tuesday I went to Toronto & called upon Boultbee the Ladies Journal to
see about the prise advertised in the name of Jane Helliwell the manager
was not in I left the advertisement with son Frank to look after
Saw to some other buisiness and returned with the Staig while in Toun it
snowed contin and was a verrey disagreeabl day
5 Wedensday morning verrey cold In the afternoon I went doun to see

Tredway on Political buisnes at the request of Mr Boultbee
Zero
6 Thursday Colder still I could not work out at all I promised yesterday to be
a pall bearer to Mrs Debrough Stols who had resided with Her Grand
Daughtr and Her Husband who worked for John Heron consequently I
was driven doun there from where the Funeral started the Pall Bearers
were Self Levi Annis Wm Tredway Richard Knowles William Stanyard
and James Shackleton

572
7 Friday fine day was sawin wood Went to Shackletons to get saw sharped
8 Saterday I was imployd cutting wood in the shead The weather was fine
though a little cool perticularly in the morning
9 Sunday A verrey fine day I had a laim leg having fell and sprained it
yesterday and this day it is much sorer then yesterdy
10 Monday mild and thoughing again Was cutting wood in the yard Boys
cutting wood on the Hill sid
11 Tuesday a wet disagreeable day Roads muddey cutting wood in the shead
12 Wedensday another dull foggey Rainey day roads verrey muddey nothing
can be done outside
13 Thursday a fine day Minnie returned to Mrs Smails in Toronto In the

forenoon I wnet up to Thomas Chesters to see some stock that and
English Gentleman by the name of Mathuse had brote from England to
take onto a Farm in 3 con there was three Horses a Jersey cow two sheep
two dogs and one cat geese ducks and Barn door fowles with saddles
bridls including a side saddle so it appears there must be a Lady
equestarian in the party they arrived from England yesterday
14 Friday a beautifull suney day I never saw the Roads in a worse condition
the Kingston Road is cut up to the depth of a foot or more If the weather
continus warm and dry the will be all right in a fiew days
15 Saterday Morning was all white but nearly all disapeared by mid day
16 Sunday High and cold wind In the afternoon I went to see Mrs Bennet
found Her in bed not improved any since I last saw Her
17 Monday and Pattericks day fine and the roads dry though rough Was
cutting wood in the shead
18 Tuesday a flurrey of snow on the ground but disapeared by noon I went to

the gravil pit to see the prospect of getting sand as we want a fiew loads to
cover the stone pavement in the Taveron celler Was not verrey favourably
impressed with the prospect
19 Wedensday morning I went to see Tredway if he had seen Boultbee He

said he had not being unable to spare the time when in the city

573
After diner I went accross the creek to see where the Boys had cut some
fire wood
The weather was beautifull and the snow has all disappeared
20 Thursday Was picking up the brush cut from the apple trees in the Home
orchard along with William
21 Friday Rain in the morng came out fine and warm in the afternoon Was
choreing a little There is everey appearance of Spring
22 Saterday went to the city in an open waggon doing duty for the Staige & I
do not rember the Roads in as bad a state for the 43 which I this day made
up of my Residence at Highland Creek My principal buisiness was to
purchase articles for Alfred to compleate a set of Harness I met several old
Freinds and acquaintances among whome Charles Hood Thomas
Armstrong Francis Silverthorn Thomas Helliwell Joe Thompson and
others
23 Sunday Ground hard frozen and a cold north wind
Went over to Thomas Stephenson to ask a question relative to Mrs

Helliwells prise for Scriptural answers in the Ladies Journal
24 Monday was pruneing trees and choreing
25 Tuesday Quite a shour at mid day – appearance of Spring
26 Thursday cutting wood in the yard
27 Friday the Roughest day of the year Snowing and blowing

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1

Wednesday Morning we mashed about half past eight oclock Messrs

City of Toronto Museum Services

desired me to do so) I need make no comments on the road as they are

3 Fryday Morning we began to Mash at half past is the weather gloomey

5 Sunday I did not go to church as the road was so muddey – just as we

City of Toronto Museum Services

Mr. Beatty proffesed to lend me a treatice of gauging this evening and

City of Toronto Museum Services

This Evening I was weighting Smiths barley and found it to be 39 bushels

10 Friday Morning made its appeaerance gloomey and over cast. We

12 Sunday morning I went to church but being to son I walked up to the

City of Toronto Museum Services

The wind roase to be verey boisterous this evening and we finished

City of Toronto Museum Services

City of Toronto Museum Services

City of Toronto Museum Services

26 Sunday I went to town to go to Church but being so earley I walked up to

The weather this day was gloomey and dark --------

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The weather this day was fine and pleasant

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2 Sunday I went to York to got to church but before I went to church I

Then started to go to Etobicoke to see if I could not get John Codling to

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The weather this day was pleasant

9 Sunday Morning I went to church and I walked to Government house to

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The weather this day was verey fine

City of Toronto Museum Services

City of Toronto Museum Services

The weather this day was moderate

This evening I went with Mr Eastwood tot he Mechanicks Instituted at Mr

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The weather this day was cold and raw

The weather this day was fine

The weather this day was mild

The weather this day was fine and pleasant -------

30 Sunday Morning I went to York and before I went to Church I walked

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quantity of Saccerine matter it produced as it was one third more the

2. Wednesday Morning after breakfast I went to look at the dam and on my

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The weather this day was verey cold -------

6. Sunday Morning I went to York to go to church I took dinner with

The weather this day was fine inclining to cold

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The weather this day was find and [______]

The weather this day was fine and pleasant

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After I came home Mr John Scadding and Mrs Scadding ---------

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City of Toronto Museum Services

The weather this day was verey warm

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10 Thursday Morning I went down to the bottom of the meadow to nail up

The weather this day was fine and warm

NB I was making a shoe horn today

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