Missouri Memories

Mary H. O'Neill (1875- ), Diary, 1899

Mary H. O'Neill was born on March 3, 1875, and resided in Osborn, DeKalb County, Missouri, during the 1890s.

Friday, August 18, 1899

Rex Ruth Grace James and I went to the Maysville Chautauqua. Grace and James came over early in the morning and helped us get ready. I was ailing. Ruth rode with them. Miss Harvey tenting with the folks. Was with Mrs Urban all afternoon and evening. Ate supper with them. In morning heard Maj. Hawks on "Sunshine" 2:30. Col. Bain on "The New Woman & the old Man". In evening Dr. and Mrs. B. King in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and Macbeth in costume.

Saturday, August 19, 1899

Papa and Mr. Phelps kept bachelor's hall yesterday and could not find the salmon so we had it for breakfast. Mr. Phelps went to Osborn in afternoon. Mrs. Jno. Hartford brought him home. Papa took cream over in evening. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps came to the other house to stay all night and go to the chautauqua tomorrow. Ruth and I canned lots of tomatoes. Letter from Nettie Judd.

Sunday, August 20, 1899

Ruth Rex and I went to Maysville Chautauqua in the ark. Mr. Phelps came behind with Daisy in the on the road wagon. Then his brother and wife. Mamma stayed at her tent all afternoon. Will Shreve sick also and stayed there too. Had dinner with Tom Read's and Will Shreves. Miss Harvery rode with us to Morgan's corner and walked to Osborn to the train. Papa entertained visitors from Mable to buy sheep.

Monday, August 21, 1899

Wash day. Reaping the benefits of Chautauqua in dirty clothes. Mamma still not well so Ruth helped her instead of helping wash. Pretty warm day. Papa hanging the gate at the road. "The Crazy Gate" and painted all his clothes red paint of course. Mr. P. returned home between 10 and 11 oclock last eve. We came home for chores.