Torrence Diary - 1874

Jan. 10 - It is so long since I recorded anything in this book it will be difficult to know what to write and what to leave out. The children’s teacher, Miss Beebol, came to stay with us overnight on the 17th of Dec. That day I did a big day’s work and it is the last I have done. The next morning I woke with cramps and chills, severe headache. The second night after I took a terrible vomiting and purging at midnight. Papa ran for doctor while Ella tried to quiet Willie, who was continually crying to Papa to “rockie me.” Jimmie did his best to wait on his mama. Papa and the doctor were soon here and soon I was relieved, it did seem to me I could not have endured it much longer. The bilious attack then run into intermittent fever until Tuesday the 23rd when the fever abated. Mother and Martha (Sarah’s younger sister, who was 27) started on the train to see Benton (Thomas Benton Wade, 36, a Civil War veteran who was married to Sarah’s other sister, Mary, 31.) Papa and the children got along with the work and took care of me (the latter being no little job).

Jan. 16 - Martha returned. Benton was able to enjoy the visit but is not able to get up or down without help. I was able to be dressed and helped to the kitchen. Papa did a washing.

Jan. 17 - Miss Hunter came and Papa left for his place of preaching in Illinois and Wisconsin. I was able to be dressed but did not gain strength and in the evening was suddenly taken with pleurisy. Miss H. applied hot cloths to no effect, then mustard but no better, then ran for the doctor. He came and they did get me relieved by eleven so I got to sleep until the remedies took effect about seven in the morning. Friday I had another severe attack and another on Saturday, the latter was severe indeed. My jaws cramped. I used remedies promptly but Sabbath morning my neck and face were sore and in pain. Jaws still inclined to cramp but do not get bad. On Tuesday night the pleurisy again came on me, every time in the left breast. That was the last, can now breathe easy when quiet and not tired. I get tired sitting but dread to lie as the pain is then so much worse. Slept well last night, can turn a little in bed now and no one knows how thankful I am for life and what comfort I now enjoy. I can do but little but am of great benefit to the children for when I could not see to them, it was not so well with them. My sufferings have been great but will still cleave to Him who yieldith the rod. I feel today as though I were going to get well again. Have set up some today. Am in the most critical condition my health ever was. Will be so thankful if God spares me for my family’s sake. I have a good nurse and housekeeper.

Jan. 21 - Read letters in the last week from Maria (Sarah’s widowed sister-in-law, wife of her half-brother, William, who died in 1872). Joseph (Sarah’s oldest half-brother, who never married) has read the New Testament I sent him in July through 225 times; the Book of Psalms 325 times.

Jan. 23 - Received letter from Mary. Benton low. They want Mr. T. Papa will go. Deep snow fell last night.

Jan. 24 - Ella has been ill since Friday evening, like pleurisy; has not been dressed she went to bed Friday. Think it was caused by her wading through that fall. It was over her knees most of the way. The other children were not at school. Snow melting today.

Jan. 29 - Received a letter from Papa today with the sad intelligence of Benton’s death on yesterday at eleven o’clock. He expired in the full hope of a rest beyond the grave; he has suffered long and hard. While our hearts bleed, we are comforted with the thought that his sufferings are ended and now he is engaged in the celebration of his Maker’s praises. Mr. T. and Mother were there. This is Mary’s first night without her companion, it will be a desolate night for her. Papa is to be home Monday night. E. getting well, looks bad, eyes so large they look crooked. The funeral took place at 12 today, just when we were reading the letter. Then I wrote to Mary. I am thankful the letter came so I could be with them in solemn meditation as they were about to take their last long look.

Feb. 2 - Papa came home, after preaching in Elvira, Clinton Co., Iowa for the first time. Brought me this new gold pen for a present - old one worn out. Wednesday Papa and I went to (?) in sled with Mrs. Johnson. I stayed until evening and was to come home on the train, was Providentially hindered from getting on. In a short time after was astonished to learn that the car I was to get on was ditched and tumbled over. Mr. T. had to get home in the sled (16 miles) in time to meet me, but there was no one there. When he learned the car was turned over, fearing I was on it and perhaps not able to get home, he took the eastbound train and was back at (?) to come home with me. He made two trips in one day. Thanks to an Almighty presence.

Feb. 21 - Miss Hunter leaves tomorrow. She has been here 8 weeks; worked at $2.50 per week. I now owe her $16. Mother came on Tuesday.

Feb. 22 - Very stormy. Pump froze. Papa came home on late p.m. train.

Feb. 23 - Papa spent whole day thawing pump. Weather very cold. Hens have been laying for a week.

Feb. 24 - Hugh (Sarah’s brother-in-law, husband of her sister Martha) came to help Mr. T. write an article of agreement between Mother and Mr. Williams, renter. We are having a pleasant visit with Papa this week. I wish I could be well when he is at home. Cough very troublesome.

Mar. 1 - Mother, Ella and I went to hear the Methodist minister preach and after sermon was over, as we were riding with Mr. Johnson, we went to the creek to witness the baptism of 6 persons. Mrs. Bloodgood, she is the Baptist minister’s mother, is 84 years old. She was baptized by the Methodists years ago. She had on a white robe, her choice; the others had on black robes. The blocks of ice were removed to make a hole to dip in, it was a shocking sight. A chilly, murky day. It almost chills me yet to think of it now.

Mar. 19 - Mt. T. preached for us on Sabbath. It sounded good to hear him invite sinners to come to the Savior again. Weather pleasant Sabbath but cold, stormy Monday. W. washed, I was just too tired. Tuesday baked and ironed. Papa helped all day. Received letters from Mary and Maria. The latter brought the sad news of Nettie (Logue) Alexander’s death, also of David Nesbit’s death. Lizzie is left with 5 children, one born since he died. She is left almost, if not all together, destitute as well as desolate. We feel deeply for them all.

Apr. 10 - Sad news again. Willis Leslie, William and Maria’s oldest son, died on Sabbath the 5th of inflammation of the bowels after one week’s illness. We pity Maria. She is a little over one year bereft of her husband, then after 6 months she gave birth to a son who died in a few months and has now lost her first born. Papa and I were at the funeral of Wm. Atkinson’s babe today, then in the evening we all went to a Stereopticon exhibition.

Apr. 14 - Walked twice to Billie’s this week to wash and dress little babe. Miss H. is there. This is their 5th child; their oldest is the age of my Nettie, 6 and a half years.

Apr. 15 - Willie took a terrible fright in the night. We got but little rest from 2 o’clock. We think he has worms. He is now 3 years old. Papa has gone to Hugh’s for Mother. B. dragged and then marked the garden today; it is half planted now. I baked and ironed; am nervous from Willie’s fright. Still making soap.

Apr. 18 - Papa left on the morning train for Rock Rim again; expects to be away two months this trip. This has been a very long day. I have dreaded this separation on account of Willie taking such frights in his sleep. We got a long letter from Maria yesterday giving the particulars of Willis’s sickness and death. He was aware of the near approach of death and talked freely about separating. Jesus was precious in the hour of death.

Apr. 23 - 13th anniversary of our marriage. Miss Hunter spent the day with us, her last before going to Penna.

Apr. 29 - Jimmie’s and Nettie’s teacher took them from school to Baptist Church. We spent one long hour in anxious suspense before Hugh found them.

May 9 - Children run barefooted in the evening. Warm. Most no rain this spring. Our corn, peas, onions, tomatoes, beets and lettuce are up. Hoed part of them.

May 12 - Papa came home. So glad.

May 29 - Received letter from George (George Watt Torrence, oldest brother of Sarah’s husband, James) bringing word of the death of two of their little ones, Wallace and Mary, since they moved to Missouri. (Four-year-old James Wallace Torrence, born in 1870, is said to have died saying, “Now I lay me down to sleep.” Young Mary Ella, who was born in 1868, was 6 years old when she died. Both children died of diphtheria.)

June 23 - Torrence family happy today. Willie walks or slips about in Papa’s slippers, he has a beautiful cup and plate this morn. Papa’s coat is on the wall, his pants in the closet, and satchel too. He came home last night.

July 18 - We went to Hall to hear Mrs. Smith lecture on temperance. Left the children all in (?). Anxious about W. as he is at his worst now. Sometimes does not get his breath for so long. Nettie and Jimmie are going to school again. Our raspberries are nearly done; we canned 17 quarts.

July 31 - Nettie’s 7th birthday. Papa went to Cedar Rapids to trade, got for N. a swimming doll and a shawl, for Willie a little horse and wagon. He was so pleased, he sang “diddle diddle” while undoing it and for some time after.

Aug. 8 - Papa left yesterday for Wyoming. Lonely here. W. frightened terribly today at the cat bringing in her kittens. Mary and Mother here. Made Mother’s grenadine for Mrs. Johnson. Wrote to Papa, the children (did) too. Making shirts for Jimmie and his Papa.

Aug. 11 - My 34th birthday. Short years. The children and Mary and I went to Mr. Johnson’s this morning to gather cherries. Weather hot. Miss Vorhees was here for dinner and supper yesterday. Expecting Miss Gilroy today. Heard from Papa.

Aug. 15 - Grandma Bloodgood here all day. Took Lizzie Manoher’s quilt out of the frames. (Lizzie Manoher was Sarah’s half-sister. After Sarah’s mother’s first husband, John Manoher, died, Mary Mathews Manoher married Sarah’s father, Jacob Leslie. Mary and John Manoher had had two children, Gordon and Elizabeth or “Lizzie.” Jacob Leslie had had six children by his first wife, Janette McClellan, before she died in 1818. After Jacob and Mary were married in about 1833, they moved from Pennsylvania to Northfield, Summit Co., Ohio, traveling by oxen-drawn wagon and taking Jacob’s six children. Apparently feeling that they could not care for all 8 children, Mary left Lizzie and Gordon with her parents, where they remained for the next 12 years.)

Aug. 16 - The children and I went to the Johnson’s grove to gather cherries. Mother took cholera. Wrote to Papa.

Aug. 17 - Mother better but not able to come downstairs. None of us well.

Aug. 31 - Papa came home, to our great pleasure. Willie had another spell of screaming last night. He thought he saw a big hog by Mama. He and Jimmie have almost had cholera marks these last few days.

Sept. 2 - Mary went to Cedar Rapids on the train. We washed in the morning.

Sept. 5 - Papa rose, took the train; I did not awake until the train was gone, felt disappointed all day.

Sept. 9 - Chickens disturbed last night, wakened children and all. I have not had but one good night’s sleep since Papa left. Willie is nervous and I fear he will have frightful dreams. I am wakeful and talk to him or rub him to prevent the paroxysms.

Sept. 11 - Lizzie Manoher and family came. Martha and children here for dinner.

Sept. 14 - Papa came home today (Monday) to see Lizzie. I wrote for him on Friday.

Sept. 15 - Mother went with Lizzie and the boys to visit Gordon’s grave.

Sept. 16 - We got L.’s picture taken. After dinner they left. Had a pleasant visit. We had not seen them for seven years. They left a few days after Gordon was buried.

Sept. 17 - We did a large washing. Papa and the children digging potatoes.

Sept. 28 - Mother made Willie a blue woolen suit (pants and blouse) Friday and Saturday, then Papa, W. and I went to Cedar Rapids Saturday evening. Took W. to Dr. Mansfield’s to see what could be done for this nervousness. Dr. thinks it is caused by a weakness in the spine. Papa preached twice on the Sabbath on the East Side, we stayed at Mr. Cooper’s, came home this morn. Got Ella a changeable red and black dress. Evening I gave Willie a dose of his lineament in a mistake: 10 drops. It is made of olive oil and (?), it made him terrible sick. He vomited 6 times. then at eleven o’clock we went to bed. It ran off at his bowels until 2 o’clock the next day; we gave the dose at 7 in the evening. I was afraid I had killed him.

Sept. 30 - Polished and moved stoves, put the little one in the parlor, cook in the kitchen.

Oct. 2- Baked and ironed. Papa left for Des Moines. A sorry heart I now have. The future looks dark to me, am so alone and so much to do in the next six weeks. We have swept down the flies twice. Made tomato butter yesterday.

Oct. 5 - Papa through safe; received his card. Mother has gone to knit for Martha. Children and I here alone, am very busy at needle now.

Oct. 8 - Mary’s birthday. She and Hugh and Mrs. Huffman here for dinner.

Oct. 12 - Hard freeze last night, brought in our squashes and green tomatoes. Flies most done, have swept them down for more than a week.

Oct. 20 - Mary’s school out yesterday. The children and I did a large washing. I am very lame. Willie had one of his worst screaming spells Sabbath night, another Monday night. Elizabeth has sent us a box of fruit.

Oct. 28 - Took up potatoes. Washed. First high wind this fall. Terrible strong wind all night, frightful cold today. We will kill flies again.

Nov. 12 - Weather still pleasant. Have had a little snow once. Flies not done yet. I have either swept them down or picked them off the walls nearly every morning for a month and still flies will come in through the heat of the day. The children have been gathering and sawing wood this week. We made our crabapple butter today. Mary left for Jackson Co. on the 5th. The children are asleep now except E., she is writing to Lena Lester. When Willie gets sleepy he says over and over again, “Me not seepy” when he is just too tired to sit up another minute. He will say, “Me ditten’ seepy now” and “aferwhile I dits tired,” then he will let me dress him for bed.

Nov. 13 - Papa came late in the evening. We were not expecting him, but we were never more in need of and better pleased to see him. I have not been well for 10 days now, very anxious I should be confined before his return.

Nov. 18 - Am still attending to my work but feel every night as though it will be my last. Papa has done most all the last two washings. Mother does the mopping. We did a large baking and cleaned floors today. The winter school commenced and I miss the children’s help. Mother, Papa and the three older children went to visit Hugh’s on Sat. I have worked hard all fall to get my sewing done and other work in shape for me to rest, and now have the satisfaction of knowing it is almost done. Finished packing butter today, 5 gal. to have when the cow dries up. We make about 5 lbs. per week. Have the sauces made, canning done. House not all cleaned after the flies, but if I can get a girl to work she can do it. We have but little work to do now. I have not in many years been so well on in my sewing, do not think there will be a new garment needed that is not made this winter. Old garments are in good repair. If now I can have safe travel and get along without another sickness such as pleurisy I still count myself fortunate and happy. I desire health for the comfort of the rest of the family. The weather has been very cold. Put barrel of rain water in cellar to keep from freezing. Put up window shutters. Now it is probable I shall write no more in this diary until after my confinement. May He who has heretofore preserved me still be my helper.

Dec. 11 - Our fifth child, third daughter made an appearance on the evening of the 29th of November Sabbath about two o’clock. Ella is 12 years and nine days older than Grace Elvina, (if we continue to call her by that name). When one week old she weighed 6 lbs. in her diapers and bandage. At first she weighed 7 lbs. in her clothes. Papa and Mother have done the work from beginning to end and called in no help or physician. I dressed and sat up a little the fifth day. Am now (the 12th day) commencing to work a little. Weather pleasant. We are in the parlor. Papa and the children have been attending scientific lectures on light, heat and electricity. Papa married Kate Higgins last Saturday. Mrs. H. called yesterday to see the babe and bring a piece of the cake.

Dec. 12 - Washed. I got dinner and made a raisin corn loaf. Sent three dollars to Elizabeth for canned fruit. Weather pleasant. I wrote to Maria and Martha this week. We stay in the kitchen in the morning and in the parlor p.m. Papa sold his hogs. We will not keep any this winter.

Dec. 23 - The two Mrs. Smiths and Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were here for dinner. Making preparations of the Christmas tree. Grace is good. I think she knows when she is spoken to.

Dec. 28 - Hugh and Martha were here. Had a good visit. Papa and I baked bread and pies. Our well pump has been out of order for some time. H. and Papa took it out, a part of it slipped from them and came near to taking them down with it. Dreadful to think of. Mother is now at Hugh’s.

Dec. 29 - Very cold last night and today. Gracie has gained a half pound every week. I think she noticed Willie moving some chairs today. She lies awake some every day now, is very red-faced yet. She is the longest getting white of any of the children. She is just one month. She tends to her business when I hold her out; I did not train the others until they were six weeks old.