Yuba County
Diaries
Records of Isaac McComas
1856 Diary
Tuesday, January 1
Quite cold this morning. Went to work at 9 o’clock on the Hudson House. In the evening I listened to discourse at the M. E. Church. It is not good for man to be alone and then be married a couple. ( Miss Fall )
Wednesday, January 2
The weather continues quite cold it freezes quite hard at nights. I am ranching at our cabin by myself this week. I am still forman for Mr. Payne.
Thursday, January 3
Quite cold last night & this morning but quite pleasant in the middle of the day. Worked all day staid in the house this evening.
Friday, January 4
The nights continue quite cold and freezes quite hard. Worked all day. In the evening went to the S. S. Teachers meeting. We had a very good meeting 4 Ladies and 4 gentlemen present. 4 of us tarryed a while and sang.
Saturday, January 5
Quite a pleasant day, finished Mr. Hudson’s House today & I measured the walls. He has about 80 thous brick in his house.
Sunday, January 6
Very pleasant today. At S. School and church all day. Mr. Wallsworth has returned from the states and preached. In the afternoon we went out with tracts.
Monday, January 7
Quite cool this morning but turned out to be a very pretty day. Went to work this morning for Mr. Rimears on the corner of First and D St. aultering the corner building. Evening went to fire men’s meeting.
Tuesday, January 8
Cloudy and rained a little today. Worked all day. Promised Mr. Grant to let him have my lot on C St. for $ 275. He agread to take it. In the evening went to prayer meeting.
Wednesday, January 9
Rained very hard last night & today. Worked all day. In the evening went to a lecture on Japan delivered by a man Gentleman from S. Francisco.
Thursday, January 10
Very pleasant today. Worked all day. in the evening I staid at home and read.
Friday, January 11
Rained quite hard part of the day. Worked all day.
Saturday, January 12
Very pleasant today. Worked all day. Worked 5¾ days this week for Mr. Rimears.
Sunday, January 13
Very pleasant day. At Sunday School & church all day. The classes in school was all numbered. I have No. 5
Monday, January 14
Today has been quite pleasant. Worked all day. Sold my lot on C St. today to Mr. Grant for $275 Dollars & received the money. Loned $150 at 2½ per month.
Tuesday, January 15
Most of the day has been quite pleasant but it rained a little this evening. Mr. G. Crowell started for home this morning. Loaned Burlingame & Co. $100 on demand at 2 per cent per month.
Wednesday, January 16
Very pleasant today. Worked all day. In the evening went to a Concert given by Mr. Hamilton and others for the benefit of Mssrs Briggs and Wallsworth.
Thursday, January 17
The weather continues quite pleasant. Worked all day.
Friday, January 18
Very pleasant day. Worked all day. In the evening went to the Sabath School teachers meeting.
Saturday, January 19
The weather continues quite pleasant. Worked all day.
Sunday, January 20
Very pleasant day. At church and Sunday School all day. In the evening Bro. Cross and I went out with tracts. It rained in the evening.
Monday, January 21
Rained part of the day. Worked all day. in the evening went to prayer meeting. We are holding a protracted meeting. We have very good meeting.
Tuesday, January 22
Rained most all day off & on. Worked all day my work is inside work. Went to prayer meeting in the evening. It rained quite hard but we had a very good meeting.
Wednesday, January 23
Today has been very pleasant it rained but very little. Worked all day. Rec. a letter from Mr. Chittenden from Nevada City he is there teaching school.
Thursday, January 24
It rained quite hard part of today. Worked all day. In the evening went to prayer meeting. It rained very hard but we had very good attendance & a very good meeting.
Friday, January 25
Quite windy today. Worked all day. Went to prayer meeting in the evening. We had a very good meeting.
Saturday, January 26
Quite cool last night it froze a little and today has been quite cool. Worked all day. Started the front work for Mr. Rimears at First & D. St. I signed a paper to have the side walks paved on D. St. I have 40 feet.
Sunday, January 27
Very pleasant day. At church and S. School all day. Went out with tracts in the evening. Visited the Hospital again and gave them tracts.
Monday, January 28
Rained most all day did not work today. Wrote a letter to Mr. Chittenden this evening. I commenced reading a book published in S Francisco title The Wedge of Gold or A chan(?) in El-Dorado.
Tuesday, January 29
Another wet day. I went a gunning this morning but I did not shoot anything. Went to prayer meeting in the evening. We had a very good meeting.
Wednesday, January 30
The weather continues quite wet and the streets as usual at this season of the year are very muddy. Worked part of the day.
Thursday, January 31
Rained but little today. Worked all day. In the evening went to prayer meeting. Commenced the circler cornor on S. E. cornor of D & First St for Mr. Rimears.
Friday, February 1
Very pleasant day. Worked all day. Went to the Teacher’s meeting in the evening. Rec. a letter from Bro. James.
Saturday, February 2
Very pleasant weather. Finished Mr. Rimears work on D and First St. today. Had my coat cleaned today.
Sunday, February 3
Very pleasant day. At S. School and Church as usual. In the afternoon I went to the funeral of Mr. Vandike’s child, just 14 months old it died with the dropsy in the head.
Monday, February 4
Weather continues pleasant. In the afternoon Mr. Kendly and I measured Col. Rowe’s building on the corner of D. and 3rd Streets did not get through.
Tuesday, February 5
The weather continues pleasant. We finished measuring this morning. We made 77 brick. In the afternoon I done some jobbing at the Court House.
Wednesday, February 6
Very pleasant day. Done some little jobbing today some at the Court House and some at Mr. Hudson’s for Mr. Pain. In the evening called on Mr. Tolles and went to a lecture.
Thursday, February 7
The weather still pleasant. Commenced some jobbing ( Josiah & I ) for Mr. Pain at his dwelling. Stayed at home this evening and continued reading the Darian Expedition.
Friday, February 8
The weather continues very pleasant. Worked all day and finished up all the work that we have on hand.
Saturday, February 9
Very pleasant day. Walked about all day with Warren. Feel very unpleasant when not at work. In the evening Jas. McDonald & I talked about going in as partners.
Sunday, February 10
Very pleasant day. At S. School and church all day. We had quite a fire. In the afternoon went out with tracts. The Rev. Mr. from San Francisco preached today Mr. Briggs absent.
Monday, February 11
The weather continues quite pleasant. I am not doing anything now. At the Court House part of the day wating for a trial to come off between Paine & Fall. Went to prayer meeting in the evening.
Tuesday, February 12
The weather pleasant. Spent today about as I did yesterday. The tryal did not come off today. in the evening went to prayer meeting. a fire
Wednesday, February 13
The weather continues quite pleasant. The Trial came off today. I was a witness or rather to decide in the price of the Brickwork what it was worth more than other work.
Thursday, February 14
The weather still pleasant. Josiah went a gunning and killed 14 Ducks. Wrote a letter to Bro. Jacob. Mr. Pain appears to be quite angry with me for leaving him.
Friday, February 15
Very pleasant today. I settled with Mr. Pain the balance was $1000 he gave me 500 in cash and his note for the balance. I gave the 500 to my partner Jas. McDonald to use. Evening went to the teacher’s meeting.
Saturday, February 16
The weather continues very pleasant. It looks a little like rain this evening. McDonald and I was looking for a place to have our brickyard. We have not decided where yet.
Sunday, February 17
Very pleasant day. At S. School and Church all day. In the evening Bro. Halkings(?) and I walked out to the grave yard.
Monday, February 18
The weather continues very pleasant. Mr. McDonald and I was together part of the day trying to get a place to make brick on.
Tuesday, February 19
Very foggy today & rained a little in the evening. Josiah and I went a gunning. We went out to the Slough on the Fether Ri. About 5 mi. did not shoot much.
Wednesday, February 20
Very pleasant today. In the afternoon Josiah & I went a gunning but only shot 2 Larks. In the evening went to a lecture delivered before the Libria Association.
Thursday, February 21
The weather has been rather cool today. McDonald and I went a prospecting for a brickyard. We have not as yet decided where we will make brick. Went to prayer meeting in the evening.
Friday, February 22
The weather continues about the same. Our military company ( Yuba Gards ) were out today they had a ball at night. Went to prayer meeting in the evening.
Saturday, February 23
Very pleasant day done nothing much all day. in the afternoon, Moxley, McDonald & I walked out a piece to see some lots. Evening went to prayer meeting 6 present.
Sunday, February 24
The weather continues quite pleasant. At Church and Sunday School all day. In the evening we went out with tracts.
Monday, February 25
I commenced board at the brickyard. Today has been quite pleasant. We valued McDonald’s ( my partner ) 2 Houses, 3 oxen & carts, wagon & tools & co. and I paid him. In the evening went to prayer meeting.
Tuesday, February 26
The weather pleasant but a little windy. We bought a lot to make bricks on. It is on D. St. cornor of 14th St. Block #14 range D. Lot one for $350. It is 80 by 160 feet. In the evening I went to a meeting of the American Party.
Wednesday, February 27
The weather cool but pleasant. We got a job today on D. St. to do for Mr. Shafer that will take about 30 thousand brick. We bought old brick to do it with and we agree to pay back new bricks in the spring. Evening went to a lecture. Subject Nineva.
Thursday, February 28
Quite windy today. Commenced to underpin Mr. Deardwarfe House and laid out the foundation walls for Mr. Shafer’s house on D. St.
Friday, February 29
The wind continued to blow today but not quite so hard as yesterday. Worked all day. We bought a lot of old brick to do our job on D. St. We pay them back in the spring with new brick. Mr. Moxly went our security.
Saturday, March 1
Very pleasant today. I finished at Dearwarfes and then we commenced to clean a lot of old brick we bought. We have 4 men stoping with us at the yard one is the cook and one a preantist boy.
Sunday, March 2
Very pleasant day. At S. School and church all day. Took tea with Joal Burlingame & Dinner at the Dourson House. We had a very good Sabbath School today Mr. Briggs was with us.
Monday, March 3
The weather continues very pleasant. We started Mr. Shafer’s house on D St. In the evening went to a lecture given by Mrs. Garnham.
Tuesday, March 4
The weather continues very pleasant. We worked all day. in the evening went to the second lecture given by Mrs. Garnham.
Wednesday, March 5
The weather still continues pleasant. We worked all day. In the evening went to a lecture given by the Rev. Mr. Briggs of this place before the Library Association.
Thursday, March 6
The weather continues quite pleasant. We finished up the Basement of Mr. Shafer’s House. I agread to take a lot from Mr. Rimeares on D. St. It is Lot 2, Range D, Block 14. Went to prayer meeting in the evening.
Friday, March 7
The weather continues quite pleasant. We commenced our House at the Brickyard for the men to live in. We bought some old lumber to build it with. We had an alarm of fire this evening. Went to the Encampment and also to singing.
Saturday, March 8
The weather continues pleasant. We worked all day on our House at the yard. We found today that the clay in the yard is not deep enough for us to make bricks on. We are only obliged to take one of the Lots and that one we have paid for it. Evening went to singing class.
Sunday, March 9
Very pleasant day. At Sunday School and church all day. In the evening 4 or 5 of us took a walk out in the woods a piece. We had a very good Sunday School today.
Monday, March 10
The weather continues pleasant. No rain yet we have had but very little this winter. The miners are complaining very much on that account. In the evening went to singing class. We had a very good time.
Tuesday, March 11
The weather pleasant and a little windy and looks a little like rain which is very much wanted. We moved some of the things up to the new yard & we are now living there but I still sleep in the old shanty.
Wednesday, March 12
Very pleasant day. Worked part of the day at Mr. Shafer’s on D St.& done some work at the yard. Evening I went to a lecture with Miss Lee. Mr lectured from San Francisco.
Thursday, March 13
Rained a little in the afternoon. Done a little job for Mr. Samson. We bought of Mr. Covillow a Lot situated on Range C Block 12 Lot 1 for $267. Planted a Fig tree on my lot on D. St. gave $1.00 for it. The other trees have commenced to grow very pretty.
Friday, March 14
Rained quite hard most of the day which is very much wanted. I bought me some drawing instruments and I am now practicing drawing at my leasure. It stoped raining this evening.
Saturday, March 15
Very pleasant weather today. We commenced to get ready to build 2 sisterns for Mr. Judge Fields at his new place on D St. We find the materials and lay the brick for $32 per thousand. Mr. Hamilton paid $50 loan money.
Sunday, March 16
Very pleasant day. At Sunday School and Church all day. In the afternoon we went out with tracts. We had some chiney tracts today.
Monday, March 17
The weather continues very pleasant but a little cool. Today is the ellection day for Mary. & co. We commenced Judge Field’s 2 sisterns. In the evening went to the singing class.
Tuesday, March 18
The weather still continues very pleasant. Worked all day. In the evening went to prayer meeting had a very good meeting 9 of us present.
Wednesday, March 19
The weather continues quite pleasant in the middle of the day it is quite warm. Worked all day. in the evening I had quite a talk with Mrs. Vandike on Spiritualism but I believe that it is the work of the Devil.
Thursday, March 20
The weather continues quite warm. The thermometer stood at 80 degrees today in the shade. Worked all day. I received $17.00 from Joal Burlingame.
Friday, March 21
The weather continues about the same. We finished one of Mr. Field’s sisterns today. Rec $225.00 from Mr. Moxley today. in the evening went to the teacher’s meeting. After meeting we spent a while in singing.
Saturday, March 22
This weather continues quite warm for this season of the year. We finished Mr. Shafer’s house. It measures 37505 bricks. I subscribed for 2 copys of the Christian Advocate one for Mrs. Slicer. In the evening went to singing.
Sunday, March 23
Very pleasant day. At Sunday School and church all day. In the afternoon we walked out to the graveyard. In the evening I went to church with Miss Wingham.
Monday, March 24
The wind is blowing from the south east and we are very much in hopes that we will have rain which is very much wanted. In the evening went to lecture, Subject Frenology. Mr. Briggs lectured.
Tuesday, March 25
No rain yet but the weather is very pleasant. We commenced the second sistern for Mr. Fields. We pay for brick $13 delivered, 9 per barrel for sement and we get $32 per thousand for laying them.
Wednesday, March 26
The weather continues very pleasant but no rain yet. Worked all day. In the evening I accompanyed Miss Wigham to the sing.
Thursday, March 27
Quite unwell with disentary. The rain keeps off but it has been cloudy most all day and sprinkled a little in the evening. I went to the prayer meeting very full meeting. I worked all day.
Friday, March 28
Showery weather today. Worked most all day. In the evening I went to a lecture given at the M. E. Church. ( P. S. 29th Mr. Tolles paid me $100 that I loned him some [ time] ago.)
Saturday, March 29
Quite pleasant this morning. We finished Judge Field’s sisterns. We had quite a Thunder Storm this afternoon and it rained very hard, it is still raining. I took the agency for selling Lime for D. Royal. I am to get 7 per cent.
Sunday, March 30
It rained quite hard part of the day. At Sunday School and Church all day. Mr. Briggs delivered a Temperance lecture at 3 o’clock at the Templer’s Room. Called on Miss Richardson in the afternoon with Mr. Warren.
Monday, March 31
Showery weather. We commenced to get our brick yard ready today. In the evening I went to a lecture given by Mr. Briggs. Subject, Spiritualism. The evening was unpleasant but quite a number came out.
Tuesday, April 1
The weather continues cloudy and showery of which we are of much need. We worked all day at the yard it is very hard work to me not being ust to that sort of work for some time past.
Wednesday, April 2
Today has been quite pleasant. I worked all day diging a well. In the evening I went to a lecture. Mr. Hagar of this place lactured & Frank Soul(?) read a poem. Quite a full house.
Thursday, April 3
Weather is very pleasant. I worked all day in the well. We struck water at 14 feet. We stoped in the evening to get the pump to keep the water out. In the evening went to prayer meeting.
Friday, April 4
A little cloudy today but very pleasant. We did some brick work at the grave yard for Mrs. Sanders. Some of the hands worked on the yard. Mr. Did----- came to see me this evening he has been absent for some time.
Saturday, April 5
Very pleasant day. I worked in the well all day got very wet and mudy. We did not get it quite finished. All the hands worked on the yard today.
Sunday, April 6
A little cloudy but very pleasant. At Sunday S. and Church all day. In the afternoon Warren and I walked out to the grave yard. In the evening went to the installation of Mr. Wallsworth Pastor of the Presbitarian Church.
Monday, April 7
The weather continues very pleasant. Worked on the yard all day prepairing for making brick. In the evening I went to a lecture given by Mr. Briggs on Spiritualism
Tuesday, April 8
The weather pleasant. We worked on the yard all day making the Brick Mills &co. In the evening I went to prayer meeting.
Wednesday, April 9
Today has the appearance of rain. We commenced about 9 o’clock with one gang to make brick. We are going to work two gangs. In the evening I went to a lecture Subject, airristocricy.
Thursday, April 10
Rained all day. I moved my bed over to the yard. In the evening I went to prayer meeting we had a very good meeting.
PS Yesterday noon McDonald & I measured Rimears Building on First St. for Mr. Paine.
Friday, April 11
Another wet day. Stayed at home most all day. I call my home now at the Brick Yard.
Saturday, April 12
Rained most all day it thundered quite hard in the mountains. We done nothing all day. We board the hands but dont pay them when not at work. Went to preaching in evening.
Sunday, April 13
Quite pleasant today but a little windy. At Sunday School and Church in the afternoon. We communed in the afternoon.
Monday, April 14
Cloudy and rained quite hard part of the day. We done nothing all day. In the evening I went to Mr. Briggs fourth Lecture with Miss Wingham. Very interesting lecture.
Tuesday, April 15
Very pleasant today. We started with 2 gangs making brick ( 10 men ). I received a letter today from Annie giving sad news of Uncle James death and also that Sister Eliza is married.
Wednesday, April 16
Very pleasant but it has the appearance of rain. We all worked on the yard. We are making 18 thousand bricks a day. We sat 3 grates for Shafer on D. St.
Thursday, April 17
The weather continues very pleasant. All at work on the yard.
Friday, April 18
Very pleasant today. We all worked on the yard today. We have a good deal of trouble with the hands one or two gives out most every day. I had to fill the gum(?) this afternoon on that account.
Saturday, April 19
Today has been very pleasant but it looks very much like rain. We bought one thousand feet of lumber to cover the brick with in case it dose rain. We commenced our kiln today. Part of the kiln fell but did not do much damage.
Sunday, April 20
Very pleasant day. At Sunday School and Church all day. Visited the Hospital with tracts and then Joal Burlingame & I took a walk up Feather River and got some very pretty flowers.
Monday, April 21
The weather continues very pleasant. We started in with two full gangs making bricks. Everything seems very favourable for us. In the evening I went to the firemen’s meeting paid my assessment $20 to get a new engine.
Tuesday, April 22
The weather still continues pleasant. All hands at work on the yard. We ‘[re] making 18 thousand bricks a day. Mr. Rimears came to see me about takeing Lumber for brick. We expect to take what we can work in & pay part in brick.
Wednesday, April 23
The weather continues very favourable for our business. Everything goes on very well on the yard. Excepting some of the men giving out every day. At night McDonald & I sat a cooking Rainge (?).We worked all night.
Thursday, April 24
The weather continues favourable but yeaterday & today has been quite windy and dusty. I slept part of today. We finished the Rainge at night. I saw Mr. Capt. Wells doing some work at his dwelling.
Friday, April 25
The weather was quite cool this morning. The molders did not go to work untill noon. I was seeing about some work part of the day. In the afternoon I had to appear before a private court to give my testimony about some work done for Mr. Rimears when I was foreman for Mr. Paine.
PS In the evening went to a lecture.
Saturday, April 26
Today has been quite pleasant. All the men at work on the yard. I commenced to sat a marble mantle piece & grate for Mr. Hudson. Mr. Moxley paid me $50 today. In the evening I went to a lecture given by Mr. Briggs.
Sunday, April 27
A little cloudy and rained a little in the evening. We covered up our brick as far as we could with the boards we had at the yard. Went to church morning & evening and at prayer meeting in the morning
Monday, April 28
Windy and cloudy and thretening rain most all day. I finished Mr. Hudson’s mantle piece and commenced one for Mr. Miller. In the evening I went to one of Mr. Brigg’s lectures in company with Miss Lamee and I. Burlingame.
Tuesday, April 29
Weather not very pleasant. Commenced to rain in the evening. I finished at Mr. Miller’s & commenced some work for Jacob Gingles on the corner of High & 2nd St. Mr. Dupree came to see us about our wood wanted to give it up to the grant holders.
Wednesday, April 30
It rained all day. It is very bad for our brick but we prepared for the rain as well as we could. We did not work any today. I collected $100 from Mr. Moxley. In the evening went to a firemen’s meeting.
Thursday, May 1
Cloudy and rained part of the day. We fired our first Kiln today of about 140 thousand bricks. I worked all day in town. We did not mold today. I went to see Mr. Pain in the evening on business.
Friday, May 2
Quite pleasant today. We commenced to mold at noon. I worked in town part of the day. The mail arrived this evening but I did not get any letters.
Saturday, May 3
Very pleasant today. I staid at the kiln and burnt. It is very pleasant work in cool weather. We bought a lode of new hay from Mr. Tolles.
Sunday, May 4
The weather continues quite pleasant. I was obliged to stay at the brick kiln and burn. I went to church in the evening. I felt very much out of the way working on Sunday.
Monday, May 5
The weather still is pleasant. I stoped at the brick kiln last night and today I tried to sleep a little but found it very hard sleeping. In the evening I saw Mr. Wells about some work.
Tuesday, May 6
The weather continues very pleasant. I was up all last night again & today I stoped in bed a while but sleeping in the day time goes very hard with me. Did not go to prayer meeting this evening.
Wednesday, May 7
We finished burning today at 10 o’c. The weather continues very pleasant. I was up again all last night in the day I tried to sleep a little. In the evening went to firemen’s meeting and worked a while in the afternoon.
Thursday, May 8
The weather continues quite favourable. I done some work for Mr. Gingles at his row of cottages on 4th St. in the evening I went to prayer meeting and enjoyed myself very well.
Friday, May 9
The weather continues very favourable. We have about 18 hands at work on the brick yard now. We are making Press Brick for this kiln, did not go out this evening.
Saturday, May 10
No change in the weather. I worked in the yard all day pressing front brick. McDonald went up to Overville to see about getting a Court House to build. Stayed at home in the evening.
PS. I settled that note with Mr. Moxley
Sunday, May 11
Very pleasant day but quite warm at Church and Sunday School and in the afternoon 3 of us went out with tracts. A young man preached today. Mr. Briggs absend.
Monday, May 12
The weather has been quite warm yesterday and today. We commenced to lay some of our new brick this afternoon. We have 4 or 5 small jobs to do. We are seeing about starting a brick yard up at Oreville.
Tuesday, May 13
Today has been very pleasant,. I started a Basement for Capt Wells. We had 3 or 4 small jobs going on today. In the evening I went to prayer meeting. I felt very much cast down only 4 present.
Wednesday, May 14
The weather continues very pleasant. I was busy all day. We had 3 or 4 small jobs on hand & all was in a hurry to get them done. It looks a little like rain this evening.
Thursday, May 15
The weather is quite warm. I worked all day at Capt. Wells. In the evening I went to prayer meeting and then we went and had some ice cream and then a walk.
Friday, May 16
The weather has been very warm. The thermometer stood part of the day where I was at work at 120 but we had a good breeze. We have been quite busy for a few days but we are most through.
Saturday, May 17
Today has been about as warm as yesterday. I finished at Mr. Capt. Wells. I felt unwell today.
Sunday, May 18
Very pleasant today. At Church and Sunday School all day. I stoped in the church after school a while and read then Mr. Cross and I took a walk and came back to Church. Mr. Briggs preached.
Monday, May 19
We had quite a rain this evening and we all got very wet in getting the bricks covered on the yard 7 in the kiln. We finished Mr. Gingles arz(?) wall and began a little house for a Colman. Evening I went to a lecture given by Mr. Briggs.
Tuesday, May 20
It rained a little this morning but cleared off through the day. We commenced a new yard on the upper side of C St.and we are about to have some trouble about the title with one of the Lots with Pinkum. In the evening went to prayer meeting.
Wednesday, May 21
Cloudy in the morning and rained most all the afternoon. I am afraid that we will loose a good many bricks on the yard. In the afternoon we squared up our back accounts. I am oing him a little.
Thursday, May 22
Today has been very pleasant. I worked all day in Town on some jobing. I think that we lost about 2000 bricks on the yard. In the evening I went to prayer meeting Casey and Corey was hung today in San Francisco.
Friday, May 23
Weather very pleasant. We finished a little jobing for Lowery and done some work for Lawyer Whealler today. The mail came up but I was again disapointed as usual.
Saturday, May 24
Quite pleasant today. Rafe and I worked all day at Lawyer Whealler’s doing some jobing in the yard. I spent the day very pleasantly. In the evening I had some ice cream. No letters this mail.
Sunday, May 25
A little cloudy today but pleasant. At Sunday School & Church all day.
Monday, May 26
It has been quite warm today. Worked part day at Mr. Whealler’s. In the evening I had a very pleasant walk out to Mr. Tolles but they were all abed when I got there.
Tuesday, May 27
Very pleasant today. I done some work for Mr. Hudson. Bought some Hay it sells for $25 per Ton. In the evening I went to prayer meeting. We had a very good meeting.
Wednesday, May 28
Very pleasant today. I worked all day at Capt. Wells doing some paveing in his basement. I got a little House to build for Mr. Bouckians on C St at his Livery Stable.
Thursday, May 29
Weather continues very pleasant. Worked all day. in the evening I saw Mr. Rimears and corrected a mistake that we made in over paying me $88.00.
Friday, May 30
The weather continues pleasant. Worked all day. We are burning a kiln now with about 280000 bricks we sat fire last Wednesday. In the evening went to teacher’s meeting.
Saturday, May 31
No change in the weather. Worked all day at Capt. Wells. We sold the old ox got 12 cord of wood at $5.50 per cord. We have been getting along very well.
Sunday, June 1
Very pleasant day. At Sunday School and Church as usual. In the afternoon I went out to Mr, Tolles and stayed till evening. He has a very prety ranch.
Monday, June 2
The weather continues very pleasant. I finished up at Mr. Wells in the fore noon and in the afternoon I done some work for Anderson & Peal. We have taken 2 or 3 jobs, were doing work for $15. 16 & 17 dollars.
Tuesday, June 3
The weather continues about the same. I have not done much today. I was up last night at the kiln I finished at one o’clock burning.
Wednesday, June 4
Very pleasant day. this afternoon we started Jacob Gingles job and the house joining. The walls are to be groutted. We are to get $15 per thousand find all the materials and labour.
Thursday, June 5
The weather continues fanourable. We started a little house for Bouckian on C St. I subscribed for the San Francisco Evening Bulletin at 37½ cents per week. In the evening went to prayer meeting.
Friday, June 6
The weather pleasant. Worked all day. In the evening I went to the teacher’s meeting. We had a very full attendance a good meeting.
Saturday, June 7
The weather continues about the same. McDonald went up to Oraville to try and get the Court House to build.
Sunday, June 8
Very warm today at church and Sunday School & in the afternoon Halkings and I went out with tracts. The most that we distributed were six.
Monday, June 9
Not so warm today. Worked all day at Bouckians on C St.
Tuesday, June 10
The weather continues warm. Worked all day. in the evening went to the young men’s prayer meeting. The Law and Order men had a publick meeting.
Wednesday, June 11
Very warm today. I worked all day. I signed a pertition today to go to San Francisco to help the Committee if they required help.
Thursday, June 12
Very warm today. Worked all day at Mr. Jacob Gingles job on 2nd St. We are putting in the foundations.
Friday, June 13
The weather keeps very warm. We worked part of today then we had to stop on account of the joist not being down. In the afternoon R. Gable & I went after black berys.
Saturday, June 14
Today has been quite pleasant. We worked all day jobing. We bought a load of hay at $20 per ton today.
Sunday, June 15
The weather moderate. At Sunday School and Ch. all day. In the afternoon Mr. Mathews and I took a walk cross Fether River.
Monday, June 16
The weather warm. We put in our Bidd for the hospitle. We got J. C. Fall and Mr. Rimears for security. We worked all day at Jacob Gingles. In the evening went to fire company.
Tuesday, June 17
The weather continues very warm. Felt very unwell today a coald in my head. Rec. a letter from Bro. Jacob they are all well. I helped Mr. Westcoat to get the corners at a job on First St.
Wednesday, June 18
Very warm today. The thermometer stood 90 in the shade. I worked all day but I felt very unwell. We are very busy now. We have 34 men employed now.
Thursday, June 19
Today has not been quite so warm. Worked all day. I felt a little better this evening. We got the contract to Build the Jailer House today.
Friday, June 20
Very pleasant today. I felt a little better today. We are still very busy.
Saturday, June 21
The weather continues pleasant. We are now at work at five different places & it keeps us very busy.
Sunday, June 22
Very pleasant today but I did not get to prayer meeting this morning on account of not getting my shirt in time. Our Sabbath School meets at 9 in the morning.
Monday, June 23
The weather quite mild and pleasant. We set fire to another kiln this evening. It has about 235000 in it. I stayed up all night and burnt.
Tuesday, June 24
The weather continues pleasant. I felt prety tired after setting up all night at the kiln but I worked all day. Today has been quite a day with the spaniards they have been rideing all day about Town.
Wednesday, June 25
Weather pleasant. I worked all day. in the evening I went to a lecture. A gentleman from San Francisco spoke.
Thursday, June 26
The weather continues pleasant. Worked all day.
Friday, June 27
The weather continues about the same. Worked all day.
Saturday, June 28
The weather is pleasant but a little dusty. I sat up at the kiln last night. Felt very tired today.
Sunday, June 29
Very pleasant day. At Sunday School and church in the morning. In the afternoon I layed down and took a nap untill about 6 o’clock then I went on at the kiln and stayed on all night.
Monday, June 30
The weather continues quite pleasant for this season of the year. Worked most all day at Mr. Gingles and got ready to do a job for Mr. Gruder. Went to bed very early.
PS finished burning this morning.
Tuesday, July 1
The weather continues about the same. Worked all day at Mr. McGruder’s In the evening I went to prayer meeting. We had a very good meeting.
Wednesday, July 2
Today has been quite warm. Nothing of interest to note down only that we are getting along very well with our work and got as much as we can do.
Thursday, July 3
The weather continues warm. In the evening I commenced to build a Rainge on First St. The first I ever commenced. Got along with it very well.
Friday, July 4
Quite warm today. in the morning McDonald & I squared up our books. In the evening we ( S. School teachers ) had a little sing together and then went and had some ice cream.
Saturday, July 5
The weather is quite warm. I finished the rainge on First St.
Sunday, July 6
The weather continues very warm. A Church and S. School. In the afternoon I went to E. H. Sherwood’s funeral. ( the man that got killed on the stage ) I went in Mr. Tolles carage.
Monday, July 7
The weather continues very warm. We started the House for Mr. Fandy(?) a cross the slew.
Tuesday, July 8
The weather continues warm. Worked all day. In the evening went to prayer meeting we had a very good meeting 6 present.
Wednesday, July 9
The weather continues warm. Nothing of interest to note down.
Thursday, July 10
Today was very warm. We started the Jailer’s House today. I started it. The building is 41 by 24 feet with a back building 13X27, front part 2 storeys high.
Friday, July 11
Today has not been quite so warm as it has been. Worked all day. I was up at the kiln all last night.
Saturday, July 12
Today has been quite pleasant. I worked at Mr. McGruder’s today.
Sunday, July 13
Today has been quite warm. At Sunday School and church as usual. I did not go to the sacrament today. I was very tired and I slept all the afternoon at Dawson House.
Monday, July 14
The weather continues warm but not very opressive. We have 3 or 4 jobs on hand and it keeps me very busy McDonald being sick.
Tuesday, July 15
Today has been very windy and very dusty. Worked all day. In the evening went to prayer meeting. had a very good meeting.
Wednesday, July 16
We had a very big fire last night but I did not hear it untill morning. The lost is very great. It was on the block that the Woodard house was on it burnt with 4 or 5 other bricks
Thursday, July 17.
Today has been pleasant. We finished up the first story of the Jail House today. I rec. a letter from Bro. James yesterday giving me bad news about my Building Association.
Friday, July 18
Very pleasant today. We finished Mr. Fandy’s house. McDonald is still unwell. In the evening I went to the teacher’s meeting.
Saturday, July 19
Part of today has been quite warm. We only worked 3 brick layers today. I tried very hard today to collect some money but could not suceed.
Sunday, July 20
The weather is warm. At Sunday School and Church as usual. Mr. Briggs is preaching he is very well thought of by all who come to hear him.
Monday, July 21
The weather continues warm but the nights is allways pleasant. Commenced the second story of the Jail House this morning. My partner is still sick.
Tuesday, July 22
The weather continues about the same. We worked at the Jail all day. We got a job today for our Bucher for $16 per thousand. Evening went to prayer meeting.
Wednesday, July 23
The weather continues pleasant. We finished up the second story of the Jail today. I started again at Mr. McGruder’s on E. St. In the evening went to singing school.
Thursday, July 24
Quite warm today. Worked all day. My partner has got about again. Did not go out this evening.
Friday, July 25
Today has been quite pleasant but the wind blew quite hard and made it quite dusty. In the evening went to singing.
Saturday, July 26
The weather continues quite pleasant. We finished up the Jailer’s House today. in the evening I went to singing class.
Sunday, July 27
Very pleasant but a little warm in the sun. At Sunday School and church all day. We are trying to do the singing at the church. Now the course is now stoped on account of no pay.
Monday, July 28
The weather continues about the same. We are not very busy now but we have enough to keep us going. In the evening went to singing school.
Tuesday, July 29
The weather quite warm. Plenty of work to do. We are all at it. In the evening I went to prayer meeting.
Wednesday, July 30
The weather continues warm. In the evening I went to singing school with Miss Wingham and Miss Richardson.
Thursday, July 31
The weather about the same. I Figured on a House yesterday for Mr. Rimears. In the evening I went out to Mr. Tolles and stayed all night. Spent a very pleasant evening, came back in the morning.
Friday, August 1
The weather quite warm. We are still busy. In the evening I went to teacher’s meeting with Miss Wingham. We had no meeting.
Saturday, August 2
The weather continues about the same. I rec one Hundred dollars from Mr. Tolles.
Sunday, August 3
The weather continues warm. The Rev. Mr. Taylor from San Francisco Preached to us today. He preached 3 times once on Murry’s corner. In the evening I wrote a letter to Mrs. Slicer.
Monday, August 4
The weather continues warm. In the evening I went to singing school about 12 or 14 present we had a very lively time.
Tuesday, August 5
No change in the weather. We commenced a House for Mr. Fall back of his store. & a house for our gurmin(?) bucher on F. St. in the evening went to prayer meeting.
Wednesday, August 6
The weather continues about the same. I was up all last night [--] a rainge in First St. in the evening went to the Firemen’s meeting. We set fire to our 5th kiln.
Thursday, August 7
The weather warm but it has not been as a general thing as warm this summer as last. Take it all together it has been a pleasant summer.
Friday, August 8
The weather continues warm. Nothing transpired of any intreest. In the evening went to the teacher’s meeting.
Saturday, August 9
Today has been quite close and warm. In the evening went to singing school.
Sunday, August 10
The weather continues warm. At S. S. & C. as usual. In the afternoon Bro. Halking and I visited the Hospitle and gave them Tracts about 15 or 20 sick people there.
Monday, August 11
Quite warm. Working on F. St. yet. In the evening we had a little sing at the church.
Tuesday, August 12
Not quite so warm today. we finished our 5th kiln this evening which makes in all 61 arches. First kiln 9 arches, 2nd 15, 3rd 12, 4th 13, 5th 12.
Wednesday, August 13
Weather quite pleasant today. This evening we bricklayers & makers held a meeting at Mr. Pain’s House to take into consider the price of brick on a certinjob that is to be let &co.
Thursday, August 14
The weather continues very favourable. We barganed today to take a lot of Wood at $6.00 delivered. I saw George Waterson today.
Friday, August 15
The weather pleasant. We are kept quite busy yet. In the evening went to teacher’s meeting 4 Ladies and 9 Gentlemen present.
PS. We are only molding with one gang now.
Saturday, August 16
This morning was quite cool but the middle of the day is quite warm. Bought a frock coat this evening for $16.00.
Sunday, August 17
Weahter pleasant. At S. S. in the morning and heard the Presbitearan minister from San Francisco today. Mr. Briggs being at conference. He preached 2 excellent surmins.
Monday, August 18
The weather pleasant the mornings are quite pleasant cool. We commenced to make Press Brick today. In the evening went to singing school.
Tuesday, August 19
The weather continues pleasant mornings cool. We are still kept quite busy. Went to prayer meeting in the evening only 3 present.
Wednesday, August 20
A little windy today but pleasant. We commenced a Basement for Mr. Gillmore today & paved the side walk of Mr. Gingles. In the evening we had a good time at the sing.
Thursday, August 21
The weather pleasant. We are getting along very well with our work.
Friday, August 22
Today has been quite warm. I commenced a Privey at the Jail House today.
Saturday, August 23
Today has been quite pleasant. We are grting quite slack with our work now but we have enough to keep us agoing.
Sunday, August 24
Very pleasant day. At S. S. & church as usual. The Rev. Mr. Wallsworth preached for us this evening Mr. Briggs being absant.
Monday, August 25
The weather pleasant. We finished at the Bucher’s on F. St.
Tuesday, August 26
A Balloon went up today. The weather continues very pleasant. We got a back building to build for Lawyer [--]. I measured Mr. Magruder’s House. In the evening went to prayer meeting.
Wednesday, August 27
The weather quite pleasant. We got a large stable to build on the corner of 4th & D. St. today.
Thursday, August 28
The weather very pleasant. In the evening I went to prayer meeting. We gave up the job on the corner of D. & 4th Sts on account of a bad title to the [--].
Friday, August 29
Part of today was quite warm. In the evening went to singing and also to a political meeting at Murry’s corner. Gov. Foot spoke.
Saturday, August 30
No change in the weather. We are still kept busy, a Gillmore & Donelson was started tonight and I joined it.
Sunday, August 31
The weather pleasant. At church and S. school. In the afternoon Bro. Halking & I went out with tracts. We went all about Murry’s & 3 or 4 other Hotells.
PS. I sat up tonight with Mr. Claiborn.
Monday, September 1
The weather continues about the same part of the day is warm. I helped Mr. Westcoat to measure up the Bucher’s House on F. St. It measured 11 5000 deducted all openings. Price for laying $16.00 per thousand. In the evening went to singing.
PS. We had a good prayer meeting this evening.
Tuesday, September 2
The weather continues about the same. We finished Mr. Olds House on E. St. The Brickwork we have all the House to finishe per contract. Another balloon assented but a failure. We commenced back building on my Lots on D. St.
Wednesday, September 3
The weather continues warm we worked all day on our back buildings. I am going to let McDonald, my partner, have 20 feet or half of 40 feet that I have on D. St. In the evening I went to the Fire Company.
Thursday, September 4
Very windy and dusty today and I have felt very unwell with a bad cold. We worked all day on our 2 rooms. In the evening I measured a Lot of Wood on the yard. We give $6.00 per cord. We finished a kiln today with 400000 Press Brick.
Friday, September 5
The weather continues quite windy. Worked all day but felt very unwell with a bad cold. We started a House for Mr. Fall on the corner of 2nd and E. Sts. We sat fire to our kiln today.
Saturday, September 6
Not quite so windy today. I did not work today on account of not being well. We had a very large Fire Friday night about 40 Houses burnt. The Italians Brick houses also burnt but he was partly covered by insurance.
Sunday, September 7
The weather still is a little windy. At church and S. S. all day. Mr. Bland preached for us today. Mr. Briggs is a going to leave us and the Rev. Mr. Bruner of Ohio is on his way here to preach for us.
Monday, September 8
The weather still continues a little windy and dusty at times. I went to work this morning on Mr. J. C. Fall’s House on the corner of 2nd & E. Sts. My cold is not well yet.
Tuesday, September 9
The weather pleasant. We started a Blacksmith’s shop close to the corner of 4th & E. Sts. In the evening I went to the young men’s prayer meeting very good meeting.
Wednesday, September 10
Part of this afternoon was quite warm. We are quite busy now. We are getting along very well burning our large kiln. I called to see Bro. Warren this evening.
Thursday, September 11
The weather continues quite warm in the middle of the day we are still quite busy. In the evening I went to prayer meeting we had a very good meeting.
PS. We finished burning the kiln.
Friday, September 12
The weather quite warm. I commenced to raise the second story of Lawyer Auds house on E. St. in the evening I went to the teacher’s meeting and called on Miss Lemee.
Saturday, September 13
Quite windy and dusty today. We have plenty to do yet. We are building some Houses for Mr. Sampson down where the last fire was.I bought some furniture for my room on the corner of D. and 7th Sts.
Sunday, September 14
Weather pleasant. Mr. Taylor from Balt. Preached twice here today. He is a going to stop with us for a few weeks. Mr. Briggs preached his farewell sermon. We held a prayer meeting in the afternoon at Mr. Richardson’s.
Monday, September 15
Weather pleasant. We are still kept quite busy. In the evening I went to a singing school which we are about commencing. Mr. Hamilton is agoing to teach us for $5 per night.
PS. I moved in my room this evening.
Tuesday, September 16
The weather pleasant but a little warm in the middle of the day. I went to prayer meeting in the evening we had a very full meeting.
Wednesday, September 17
The weather continues about the same. I am taking out Lawyer Aud’s House today. This evening I called to see Bro. Warren at his store. Joal Burlingame called to see me this evening.
Thursday, September 18
The weather was quite warm today. I toped out Mr. Aud’s House today. In the evening I went to prayer meeting. We had a very large meeting. Bro. Taylor from Balt. Was there.
Friday, September 19
The weather continues quite warm. PS. I was at a party last night given by my partner McDonald. In the evening I went to the teacher’s meeting. I bought a book for Mrs. Lowery ( a Philopeno ) gift
Saturday, September 20
Not quite so warm but little windy and dusty. I toped out Mr. Sampson’s Houses on C. St ( extended ). In the evening I went to singing school in company with Miss Wingham. We have quite a large school.
Sunday, September 21
Quite warm today. At S. S. and church as usual. In the afternoon we went over to Yuba City and organized a sabbath school. There was very good turn out Bro. Taylor officiated.
Monday, September 22
This evening J. Burlingame came to room with me. The weather warm and dusty. We are still quite busy. We are getting 9 or 10 dollars for brick now at the kiln. In the evening I had the pleasure of Miss Lamee at the sing. We have 35 Mail schollars.
Tuesday, September 23
The weather continues about the same. Worked hard all day. In the evening I went to the young men’s prayer meeting. Bro. Bailey was there ( a Baltimorean )
Wednesday, September 24
Quite warm today. Worked all day.
Thursday, September 25
The weather continues very warm. In the evening I went to prayer meeting. Not very many out Mr. Taylor was there.
Friday, September 26
No change in the weather. We are still kept quite busy. Joal Burlingame and I had quite a long talk in the evening. about crossing the plains &co.
Saturday, September 27
Very warm today. we are finishing up Mr. Fall’s House on 2nd & Mr. Sampson’s House on C St. in the evening I went to singing school.
Sunday, September 28