Missouri Memories

Henry C. Fike (1832-1919), Diaries, 1851-1919

Henry Clay Fike was born and raised in Mascoutah, Illinois. After the Civil War, in which he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, he, his wife Cimbaline (1835-1906), and daughter Ellie (1861-1950) migrated to Warrensburg, Missouri, where he established himself as a miller. In later years, he worked as a claims agent and bookkeeper. Fike was active in the Methodist Episcopal Church and was instrumental in the establishment of the State Normal School at Warrensburg. A prolific diarist, Fike wrote everyday and at the time of his death had completed 43 volumes. The following entries, from volume 28, describe his trip to the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.

October 1904

19. Wednesday- Went to Exposition in afternoon and remained for the illumination in the evening, which was very fine. We visited the agricultural and horticultural buildings. We met Col. J. Merriam & wife; also Dr. Clint Aber & Judge W.W. Wood's son. Turned blustery and cold about 5 P.M. Geo. E. Remick and wife of east St. Louis met us at Exp. grounds at 5 P.M.

20. Thursday Quite cold and windy. Cimbaline went into the city, and I went to Exposition at noon. Visited the Fisher's building and large bird cage (100 ft x 400 ft (?) ).

Had a talk with Spencer and his wife about the amount Spencer owed me, on an old note for $57.60 dated Dec. 27, 1889 at 10 p.c. interest, and an account of $9.00 I paid for him January 20, 1891 to McLaughlin Bros. of Sedalia, Mo. In settlement for the same he proposed to apply our board bill of 11 days @ $3.00 per day= $33.00 and pay me $50.00 cash. I agreed to accept same. Rec'd letter from Delia Fike.

21. Friday This morning Ida Fike (wife of Spencer) paid me $50. the amount agreed upon; and I gave her the note and account I held against Spencer. Cimbaline and I returned home on Train no. 1, arriving at Warrensburg at 4.00 p.m. Found all well. Found several letters at home awaiting my attention. Our trip (besides our board) cost $47.95.