Cabrach Diaries Transcribed by Phyllis Goodallmyweb.tiscali.co.uk/stuartpetrie/Cabrach Diaries... · Web viewCabrach Diaries Transcribed by Phyllis Goodall JOHN. T. DUNCAN BUCK CABRACH,

Cabrach Diaries Transcribed by Phyllis GoodallJOHN. T. DUNCAN

BUCKCABRACH, BY RHYNIE ©

Born 25th Dec 1861Died 2nd February 1915

Excerpts from The Buck Diaries from 1891 to 1915

John Thomas Duncan 25th December 1861Elizabeth Reid 9th September 1877William Souter Duncan 13th April 1903John & Elizabeth married 8th July 1903John Thomas Duncan 29th October 1904Lizzie Ann Duncan 9th November 1906Mary Jane Duncan 30th September 1908Maggie Helen Duncan 18th August 1910

1891February 18912nd ...old Bell of Auchmair died today aged 86 3rd fresh today misty and wet James Smith here tonight telling me James Law and Cryle had quarrelled about eating new grass the bargain was all the pasture on both the places but one park of new grass beside the house John Smith to go down tomorrow 4th I cleaned the bees broad and pruned the gooseberries bushes in upper garden John Robertson plowing stibble a very fine day. John Smith at Conttach . Cryle not at home. Mother down at Auchmair 5th Old Bell buried today....A. Gordon took Love away tonight. Mother not well. Marjorie here working. Isa Innes stopped and milked cow at night. 6th Mother a little better I milked Cow this morning. pruned all the red Currants in lower garden today Sorted fireplace out of an old dip tin. May Reid here today took in turnips to byre a fine day 7th ... pruning bushes in upper garden James Beattie Wm Kellas & Milloy on Buck shooting hares 8 and 5 9th pruning bushes forenoon I let on the water Mother Lizzie Reid & I thrashed a little at dinnertime ... 10th Sent sock and culter with Legerwood to Howtown in bed all day a fine day 13th A. Gordon brought home Love mare 14th James Reid [father-in-law] took mare down to Auchmair again I unable to get up to attend her. Mrs Gordon Bracklach sent over lintseed meal for my leg, its none better 16th ...Peter Simpson's son died today19th Feb A. Gordon came up with mares this morning and started to plow lea....Cow served by Bracklach's bull. Sandy Duncan & Garrow here tonight Sang a lot of Songs. a fine day. 21st Saturday A. Gordon finished lea and started stibble. Mrs Gordon Bracklach here played a few springs on piano. A.G. took home his mare with him tonight. took sock and culter to Smithy to be sharpened. a fine day 24th A. Gordon finished stibble and started clean land forenoon he went to plowing match afternoon. A very fine day 26th A.Gordon finished plowing clean ground ...left Love. I got up this afternoon for the first time. Leg healed up....fine day...Wm. Kellas ans John Clark here tonight. sent ducks with Thomson to Auchmillan March 1891 2nd 1891 A.Gordon took away Love and cart today a terrable day of wind and showers of snow

4th a year today since William Souter died at 5.35pm gone but not forgotten [William Souter 1864-1890, son of David Souter & Ann Reid] 5th a foul sort of day. James shand here tonight putting Lock on room door 6th James Shand sorting stable and bed 9th Monday A stormy day John Smith here today telling me he was going to Huntly on Wednesday and that Murdoch wanted all accounts as he is to wind up the estate 19th John Smith, Alexr. Gordon and Helen Souter or Gordon, John Robertson, James Reid here today. John Smith paid Alexr Gordons, Helens & Mothers Legacies. J. Reid & J. Robertson witnesses to the discharge deed. Mother & Helen & Sandy & I divided the clothes. M £40. H £37"18"3 A. £1"89 20th ...A Chapman's man collecting money for horse service to mares I paid him £1 for serv. to mare Love 26th ewe lambed today first one 31st Wm. Gordon here with Census SchedulesApril 18912nd ...J. Dawson asking loan of sturdie instruments 6th J. Reid cleaned snow out of mill wheel. May Reid & Jane Nicoll took in turnips. took in a rick "Rover2 killed 4 large rats they had made a terrable mess of rick 8th Maggie Beattie 20 years of age today [dr of James Beattie & Rachel McCombie] 9th I was up today for first since 21st march with my leg. Let out mare and cleaned her, she has a terrable udder and two big lumps on belly. A. Gordon here for her, took her to Smiddy to get on a shoe. 11th Auchmair sowed today first in the place 16th a very bad day dinging on sleet ground all white. A. Gordon brought home mare Love, he through with sowing 17th Apr a better day. J. Reid brought up Missy mare tonight. 18th Apr... Love running out milk today 19th Sunday, mare's (Love?) colt born at 3am 24th Friday harrowing lea corn, had Love in yoke today for first time after foaling very quiet. Helen of Auchmair up. Maggie Beattie and Isa Innes washed the foal with carbolic soap for to destroy dog ticks that were biting him he is very sore bitten. 25th dunged and digged a bit of the gardenMay 1891 1st Friday A. Gordon brought up his mare & left her & sowed rye grass and clover. thrashed last of corn Dawson commenced to plow this park of clean ground behind kiln. John Souter started to plow other half of his lea. heavy rain afternoon. 2nd a cold day with snow; carted up peats with Missy. Browns egg man brought me bee feeder price 1/- 4th ...J. Reid planting potatoes and sowing his corn 5th At Mary Fair... 8th ..Mains of Elrick plowing at Bodiebae J Law grubbed and harrowed ground for potatoes 11th opened drills for potatoes I n morning. I went to Rhynie with Missy brought home 2 bags bran @ 7/6 each, bag of dist 2/-, bag of meal from carrier he brought 1 boll meal and 3 stones prone. I paid him for everything but the meal, gave him £1"13-, due him 16/-. Troup 8lbs nails 8lb staples 2/10. 1/4 lb tobacco 1/- 12th ...Love to smiddy two new fore shoes, took her and foal to Auchmair I stopped all night there. 16th J. Law allowed Rover to cut 3 of ewes. A ewe with twins drowned in ditch; gave ewes corn and bran today, stormy day, snow on ground. Charles Gordon insured James Law for £100. 18th J. Law cleaning out ditch, also 19th & 20th 27th J. Law spreading mole heaps 30th Sorting waterworks... June 1891 1st Monday ...I gave Alexr Gordon Auchmair a £20 pound note to pay my rent £13"4 2nd a very fine day, Simpson linking, May and I breaking clods forenoon, May and Simpson afternooon gathering weeds

8th ... I went with Missie for AG's cart manure & Maggie Duglas trunk.. dunging with both carts afternoon. I received £6"15 from A. Gordon the change of £20 after paying the rent 17th Wm sowed 12 drills of turnips a second time 19th ... a terrable warm day 20th ... clipped hogs today 23rd Bank clipped 600 sheep today 26th Cabrach concert I went down with Jane Souter. Simpson mossing today; expensses at con 1/8 27th I was at the Cabrach Picnic today; came on a bad day, a terrable spate in Kinny burn; expenses 1/2.. July 18912nd Fast day ... shepherd of Clova here bidding to his clipping. fine day 3rd mossing 4th Wm went to Clova's clipping but they did not clip owing to wet 11th finished casting peats at dinnertime...on of the big twins died with the gilding, a few very stiff and blooding 17th wet forenoon, howing afternoon, I up, leg worse 18th ...Wm laying casy... 24th John Souter's great feast and rejoicing that he has got a new house to hold his pretty wife darling Meg. 25th Bank clipped his ewes today 28th a very cold wind and rain Wm. Simpson away to Glass market had no errand took Bright dog with him 29th a very bad day Simpson not home yet 30th Cabrach Market I unable to be at it 31th A very fine day. Simpson and dog came home this morning. Mother not well. Stock hive swarmed today Second time, and hived. Quey calved, cow calf red. i up and down at Bees when swarming. Ewe hogs back to hill again August 18911st Saturday Misses L. Gordon & Maggie Smith here today. Wm. Nicoll Wm Simpson & I weighed wool today weight of wool without bags cwt 14" qr1"lb9 or 1605 lbs. finished Setting of peats by dinner time 3rd Willie went for Wm Kellas's mare and cart to take away the wool Sim(him?) and Wm. Nicoll took inover 6 bags to Blackhills a terrible spate of rain 4th Wm. Simpson went to Gartly with wool John took on two of our bags. he brought home bag of Inch(?) meal and bag of prone from Sim Carrier and 2 stones of sugar from Troup put on super on top swarm 5th Simpson with mare at Smith 4 removes a scythe board from Wm Smith at upper Howbog afternoon for two hogs cutting bents after he came back 6th cutting bent forenoon ran potatoes 7 set them up and a few drills turnips and howed. a Second time 7th driving bent forenoon running turnips afternoon and howing Muckle Jock finished howing first time. I made a cover for bees 8th Carting up peats from other house forenoon and howing afternon I making cover for bee hives 10th leg feeling bad received returns for wool they have made the weight 1qr 16lb more than me £38"4"8 1562 lbs @5/ 11th George Gordon here this morning I gave him £15 for quey £1 to get back I laid up with leg again worse than ever this time John Smith tok off his lambs today 12th Wm. howing Sent May to post took her 5 hours to go and come 13th My leg burst and bled today a good deal. Wm howing Muckle Jock cutting his hay at Sharps rather cold day 18th a bad day Wm cutting thistles forenoon went to Mill of Auchindoir for meal afternoon 3 bolls meal 8st hash for dogs and sack of prone 19th Wm cutting thistles all day. Miss I. Innes and Miss M.J. Bain calling afternoon a fine day 21st Friday George Sangers Circus at Huntly today a lot at it from here. Wm Kellas cemented his room today .... a very bad day a lot of rain

24th ....paid Legatwood 2/4 for beehive, from R Murray 30lb McDougall's sheep dip 27th Willie and May gathering and binding up hay. finished by night then it commenced to thunder and rain. from R. Murray 6oz olive oil Very warm today 28th ...Willie went away to Johns fair without telling that he was going a good market John Robertson 21 lambs @ 9/6 John Souter sold mare 3 year old £28 31st ....Cowie horse dealer here trying to buy mare and foal offered me £51 for both September 1891 1st Alexandr Gordon at Mary Fair ... Willie driving grouse 7th ..Eben Beattie here I syringed out his ears as he was a little deaf in one of them 8th Wm Duncan here tonight pulled all the berries bad crop destroyed with wind and birds 9th ...piner gimmer died today 10th Sent for Wm kellas & John Robertson to take in hay a very fine say for it. A Gordon came by dinnertime & JR went home. Dr Galloway at Wm Simpson disease Erysipelas, he was up at night. I was told to keep my bed for awhile yet. 15th Simpson & May setting up peats 23rd Willie cutting rashes and Mains of Elrick he has taken away 6 loads; rather cold day. Mrs & Miss Ferguson here begging, gave her 3/- 24th ...took off supers not much (honey) in them. John Smith cut corn at Craig today 25th...Bracklach driving Jane Daun's peats afternoon 28th Aldunie commenced harvest and Auchmair too, first in the place, Factor of Tornie commenced on Saturday. Bracklach driving Jane Daun's peats forenoon, J. Reid afternoon. Willie and May helping, not very dry, a fine day. I up today. 30th Willie carting up bedding 4 loads forenoon, carting peats afternoon 6 loads. J. Reid bought John McDonalds Gun, over with it tonight. October 18912nd ...corn frosted this morning 3rd ..Alex Scott wanting £40 for his winter foggage 5th Cut all clean ground corn today but little bit at end. John Souter & Fettis began today. Aldunie leading. 8th Raking and binding up clean ground, time at it to cut and bind May & Willie 22 hours. Drew out lambs tonight 10th Simpson left this morning for me speaking to him about having my sheep shut out and his in; and he kept 16 all summer instead of 4 ewes which was the bargain. May with Wm. Kellas all day; a fine day 12th a fine harvest day, most of them leading. Bracklach hewking. J. Souter started reaper today. May with W. Kellas afternoon. Bright dog off today. 13th a fine day.W. Smith came up for mare and took her down and shod her and let her come herself. J. Souter begun to lead. a strong wind and rain tonight. Mother & May hewking today, put up six. I cleaning clock. 14th I whistled Bright dog away from W. Simpson today 15th ...A man came tonight James Stewart engaged him for a few days at 4/- a day 16th-20th thatching ricks 21st Man James Stewart left paid him 4/6 per day for 3 1/2days 4/6 26th ...no wind to dry stooks. Ramsy cutting grass for rapes, making rapes and thatched rick 27th Ramsy mending bridge at end of J. Reid's garden to get over with peats 28th ...paid Ramsy tonight 29th ...cows on stibble....Bob came tonight brought his bicycle 30th Bob and may taking up potatoes forenoon. George Reid in over asking the loan of a dog, let him have Bright 31st Bob taking up potatoes finished them today. Ramsay's rick hot Mother took it down and stooked it out. Wm Kellas to come and build it but too late before done raping his ricks; two socks and culter to smiddy. J. Dawson 3 bottles honey ale

 November 18912nd A very fine day. Bob pitted potatoes & cleaned ditch back of peatstack. Wm. Kellas came up went to moss with Bob took home one load then took up hewks and built rest into two ricks 3rd Wm Kellas took Love and took down the two cripples to McAdam butcher, brought home sack of dist 60lb dip, staw collar for foal... [William Kellas at Powneed s of Alexander Kellas & Helen Bain] 5th Wm. Kellas went to Clova for wood with Love for workbench and ladder and 15 second deals. Bob to Bracklach's ball. 6th ...Wm Simpson here tonight I paid him his fee less £5 for unexpired time, I gave him £4 tonight and £3 before. So we are clear. 7th Maggie Douglas got a son this morning 9th ...A. Gordon away seeking pasture a few minutes late. Mains of Kildrummy let for £14 - cannot get pasture. Feed James law wages £12- 10th Bob took down foal to Auchmair & up Missy. 50 loads of new peats home 11th a terrible spate...Bodiebae bridges flooded 12th Bob building up peats. A.Gordon came up and feared & started Bob to plough afternoon 13th ..rambs in back park one got out & among ewes all night.. 14th ..croft style left open tonight ewes among turnips Sunday morning had been in all night badly cut 16th market Rhynie 17th Wm Hendry came this morning carted home rashes and bedding 18th ...Concert tonight 19th Bob went down to Auchmair for slates took back mare. I thatched bees. Hendry thatching mill afternoon Wilson slating afternoon about 30 slates did not finish 20th Hendry finished thatching by dinnertime Bob and him fastened netting afternoon. Slater back and finished repairing; charge for work & slates 7/- I paid Hendry 6/- 21st I let out 4 rambs today. Bank let out his. 23rd Bracklach out rambs tonight 25th Helen of Auchmair here early this morning telling me that Sandy took her money from her and would not let her take the ewes. May to Auchmillan for Bright came home without him. Bob took cow to Auchmair tonight stopped all night for market tomorrow. 26th Bob at Dufftown market with black cow best bid £18"10, my reserve £19"10. Stopped at Auchmair all night. I gave Bob £1. 28th Term day, gave May her fee £3 - George Reid brought home Bright; terrible night, drifted; our sheep down among Kirton's turnips. Wm. Kellas got them and brought them home 30th ...at Mid Clova trying Bruce for his pasture offered him £24 would not let it till he saw the shepherd, splendid foggage on it December 18911st James Law back to Mid Clova to see if we were getting it; the Laird will not let him let it to any other one 2nd Bob took cow to Rhynie Murray gave him £19 3rd James Law plowing and 4th & 5th 5th James & Johnnie Smith here tonight. Bob clipped their heads I not able. 7th J. Reid offered Bruce £30 for his pasture keep shepherd & dogs by far too much by £7 8th Bob & J.Reid went to mill of Auchindoir for wood and hens meat...1 bag dist for Jane Daun. J. Robertson sheep away to Auchinleath for wintering 12th Sent away offer for wood of Tonley for sheep to 1st April £16"10 and £17"10 if they extend time to 10th April....paid poor rates £1"10"71/2 and Wm smith's account 10/2 14th Bob preparing for foal coming home went down for it afternoon took mare with him left her to thrash 15th and onward shooting white hares 23rd Gordon McWilliam here tonight about dinner at Ardwell

24th sent letter with bills for pasture to Hunter & Gordon Advocates. Bob's fiddle came tonight. Case smashed, fiddle very narrow escape 25th Bob at Christmas tree, Diarist 30 y.o.

1892March 189214th G.Reid & Bob winnowed up last of corn 11/2 qrs for seed still stormy. R. Simpson says Muckle Jock has over 30 of his sheep dead with poverty, a perfect shame to keep beasts and hunger them & himself well able to buy meat, but perfect greed will not let him, the old miser. 18th Friday Still a very forcy fresh, water very big today. Cow set off to Bracklach to the Bull herself She swam the water it was so big, like to take her down. So she got two jumps. 21st Bob thatching little house back of stable, took mare down to Auchmair at night. John Smith here tonight. a fine day. 22nd fine day. Foal followed Ligerwood to Blackhills, Bob went after him at night, both stopped there all night, Auchmair plowing match today. Plowing. 23rd Bob home with colt from Blackhills 9am. Spreading mole heaps today, fine fresh day, every one plowing. ...Mrs Clark delivered of a Son about 11pmjust my mother and Mrs Fettes with her child born an hour before Dr Grant arrived 25th This is a very fine day. Bob spreading mole heaps finished; cleaning out ditch while afternoon ...Muckle Jock has sent the strongest of his sheep away to the hill to look for munth and the Invalids are put in the Hospital. This is the night of the Concert for guide poles. 26th Saturday storm again 31st ...A.G. went down with Love to Powneed for another load of lime April 18921st ...the Dillet all in a blaze; sent old coins to Mr Nicoll 2nd ...Draughts between Upper & Lower Cabrach... 4th ..hoggs...very ill with foot rot 6th A.G. sowed all our lea 31/2qrs of Scotch birley 4 ewes lambed 9th (Sat.)... Bob &JL driving peats... 12th ... Mrs Duncan Pisgah here... 14th Brother & Alfred his son here 18th ... brought up McDonald's glass to examine clover seeds.. 21st ... five ewes died with a weed last night.. 23rd Brother & son left this morning by 5am. I not up.. 26th ...traction engine up with manure today..ewes corn done today cannot get any here about to buy; a fine day 27th ...snowing this morning... 28th always snowing very bad day forenoon. Bob and James took hay to hill to the hogs; among sheep all day. Bracklach ironing withers. Thompson brought Clover seeds, Red 7lb. White 4lb. Alsike 1lb. Meadow Fescue 1lb. Cocks 1lb. 29th April v. frosty, to Gartly for sheeps food, locust beans ground 3cwt. Cotton Cake 3cwt. oilcake 1/2cwt. lamp glass from Ligertwood, from Mitchell 2lb pease, 1lb writing paper, fresh afternoon, Bob dinner 1/- from Murray 1doz rhubarb pills 30th other swarm of bees dead. So they are all dead now all loss and no gain ...Mrs Gordon of Bracklach delivered of a son May 18924th Rolled clean ground put on 6 bolls of lime harrowed. Sowed grass seed, harrowed sowed clover harrowed with grass seed harrows and started to roll again. A.G. that sowed it. Rather rough and cold today. Sheep got nothing today. 5th James Law sowed and harrowed Reid's farm

7th ..dipped hoggs with High 65 dip 6 of them awanting 9th Bob carting off stones and finished rolling... 10th finished cross plowing of turnip ground..,. 12th ..breaking clods 13th James Dawson & Bob at Blackhills fiddling tonight. Bank got down their potatoes 14th (Sat.)...James and Bob in garden forenoon planting kale cabbage & potatoes 18th opened dunged and planted 4 drills of potatoes gave them 6 loads of dung & 1/2bag each of mixed bones & mineral Stag 7 manure 20th ..old Annie McHardy buried today aged 81 years [dr Samuel McHardy & Isobel McOmie] 21st James to Peter McWilliam's funeral his age 84 years [s John McWilliam & Helen Black] 23rd feed Wiliam wilson by the week 8/- per week 27th James Beattie started to cut peats. auchmair sowed about 1 acre turnips today first in place, Milton sowed today 28th ...James left at dinnertime gave him his fee ú12 and 2/6 for faithfullness...Wilson came home tonight, fine day 31st Love served tonight with Jock o'Bogie. Wm Kellas carted Bodiebae's young mare tonightJune 18922nd ...Eben Innes up for wire strainer 4th Bob...he feed tonight to Bodiebae for ú10 7th Sent ú20 to Bracklach to pay rent.. a fearful heat 98 degrees in shade 8th James Dallas & Alex Scott here, I insured colt against accident & disease and risk of cutting for 25s 10th Mr Morrison & son round cutting colts Cut J. Robertson's and ours here with a new instrument an American invention; it is very quick work besides the sticks 13th stormy shower half snow half rain 17th David Morrison here looking at colt.. 22nd ...Wilson cleaning out mid byre.. 27th Dawson drilling at Howbog, A. yeats man drilling at Powneed; clipped yeld sheep. A. Gordon,James & Johnnie Smith, W. Dawson, P. Gordon Mearns, M.Giles, Bill Gordon, Jane Daun,Mary Reid, Wilson & myself 28th mare served 2nd time JoB 30th Cabrach fast day, Clova shepherd bidding to clipping on Saturday (July 2nd) July 18924th terrible rain, Wilson cleaning henhouses 6th St Sair's Fair, G. Robertson here asking blBright 7th ..fearful hurricane, Wm Robertson Gentle shepherd up with bitch & got her lined with Bright dog 11th very fine day, Towenreef clipping today. Bank started hoe 13th John Gordon Shepherd's Gaugh's wedding 16th M. Dawson Haddoch operated on in Rhynie by Dr Gordon 18th clipped ewes, tarred lambs 12am to 4pm; Mrs Reid, Mary Reid, Jane Daun, Mr&Mrs Law, Mary Giles, Wm Duncan & A. Gordon packing wool and Wilson taking. gave Mrs Reid 2 fleeces, Mrs Nicoll 2,Mary Reid 1, Mrs Law 1, A. Gordon 1 20th Wilson left. i gave him his wages in full 21st Very fine day. Thomson has a new horse today. Mrs Law sent fresh herring our first of the season. every body hoeing but us no one to hoe or do anything 22nd vfd, engaged John Grant drafts player @ 1/- per day per day...I started to poultice leg today 25th V.fine dya all day; man hoeing turnips all day, did 4 drills; A Gordon came up and after 6.45pm set up potatoes and ran 14 drills of turnips. Bracklach here afternoon. Forsyth left Howbog today. john souter started hoe. 26th Tues. man hoeing all day. Helen of Auchmair up with Annie & Maggie & Peter III here. ..Wilson over for his kist offered to come back to hoe turnips and drive peats; very fine day.

27th ..Jeannie Reid to Elrick to se if Jane Gordon would come to hoe; she is to come...A. Gordon engaged a girl Maggie Menzie 15 years from now to term, wages ú3"10 and 5/- more if she does well. 28th Very strong heat today. Miss Jane Daun & Jane Gordon hoeing today. Cabrach Market 29th just man & Jane Gordon at turnips today; Jane Daun at Back of hill setting peats; day...I think hottest we have had. 30th James Dawson for riding saddle & bridle going to Glen Rinnes August 18921st rather wet & cold forenoon ...hoeing finished 7pm. time taken in hoeing 111/2 acres 9 days of one man 2nd Man in moss all day setting up peats; Wm. Beattie cutting hay afternoon. Our woman came home to- night. Nice like girl will do if she is as good as she looks 3rd Man in moss forenoon, heavy rain before dinner-time. Wm. Beattie finished hay forenoon, time he took cutting 11/2 acres 8 hours, all three in moss afternoon Willie, John & Maggie; paid Wm Beattie 5/- for day & half. A.G. Scott & Mr Richie here & James Law with petition. 8th ...Wilson wanting back; to take him 1/- a day 12th Fri Wilson at Dufftown for lime (21/2 bolls), took fleece of wool to Jane Peadie, brought home Maggie's kist 15th ...marking ewes to sell, 39 broken mouthed & 63 whole mouthed...Wm. Kellas taking measure of trough going to put in a diper to A.Yeats 19th Wilson boiling arsenic and prepering for dipping lambs 22nd mare & colt to smiddy, mare 1 remove, colt fet pared 23rd James Smith, Wilson & Dawson at Lonach games 24th Wilson mending road for driving peats. James Reid cutting rashes to himself in back park. James Smith, Lizzie and Jane Sharp landed here between 4 & 5pm from games. Lizzie looking very white in face. A very warm day. 25th Wilson driving peats(and following days) 27th Bracklach's lambs came home, about 450. Bob won Bicycle race at Rhynie prize 2/6 & he paid 14/- for hire of Bicycle.That's making money fast. 29th Driving & rashes to James Reid. James law & him thatching Reid's house... Loads of peats today 10. 30th ...Wilson at Lodge 31st Wilson at Lodge for Alex Gordon who was at Culsh taking pasture, did not succeed September 18921st Cutting bent. ..J. Reid sent away 43lb clean wool & patterns to Galashiels 3rd ...took plow to smiddy of Howtown 5th forenoon Wilson took inover 122 ewes & wedder hoggs and left 185 in back hill 7th Wilson flauchtering divotts for peat stack which fell all down last night, building at it afternoon. Barbra to Auchmair Alex. Gordon came up & builded up hay John McDonald & Isa Innes here. John Souter dipping at Bracklach J. Mearns dog muzzle, wrote to Petrie and Alexr Roberts 8th carted up divotts and thatched peat stack forenoon, to smiddy with mare hind shoe off, afternon Mrs Beattie & Helen Henderson here, Barbra at Rhynie. Bracklach at Lanark sales. Very fine warm day. 9th cutting crested dogs tail for rapes forenoon. Barbra came home by 11am 10th Wilson driving peats to Jane Daun all day 13th Reach Greenloan buried [John Riach, s of James Riach & Margaret Shearer] 14th Mains of Elrick seeking 2 loads of rashes, Barbra pulling berries 15th Rhynie market, Kirkton ú16"10 for his stots, J. Robertson ú14"15, Bob bottle whisky from Mitchell 16th 2 rams ú2"10 each and 1 ú1"10 20th Maggie took mare to smiddy to get on a shoe. Smith away on hill shooting did not get her shod. 21st Maggie took mare to smiddy got on her shoe 22nd Gillan came by 1pm engaged him for a week at 9/- 23rd Wm. Kellas up plastering windows 28th .. Maggie & Mary Reid away to their harvest today

29th ...I took a very severe pain in bowels a sort of cramp...Gilling left tonight I paid him 10/- 30th most of them harvesting, Mary Giles over; Nelly delighted with bees feeding, eaten 4lb alreadyOctober 1892 3rd ...I ill last night with pain in bowels poulticing all day not better yet 5th a terrible day of rain had to give beasts meat in house. Snow afternoon. Very cold 6th fine day. Mr Spence Finglenny & his shepherd here for ewes 60 whole-mouthed... our corn very green yet afraid it wont ripe 10th Alexr kellas here seeing about feeing. John Sharp here saying I am to get their grazing pasture the same as before; wrote to M.Lumsden & Brother 14th James reid & Wilson at Dillet road all day. Very fine day. Cabrach market. Milton sold 10, Bracklach 5, Pisgow 5, Redford 4 cattle 15th Sat ...Bracklach begging for Dr Galloway.. I clipped Bob's head. Mary Giles over with trout & milk 17th a great storm on country, all white and snowing all day...Alex Scott here for fire insurance 18th James Reid & Wilson cleaning out water pipes, very full of growth 19th ...put some lime in cistern 20th carting stones & gravel to road afternoon; 4 days of 2 men & afternoon of horse 7 cart. Most of them cutting afternoon, fine day. 21st ground covered with snow, corn laid flat. Wilson to smiddy new blade & scythe hung and scythe stone, put lime in duck house, cleaned up cart shed. Wilson for away. 24th want 10 sheep, afrad they are smored 25th Wilson got 9 of them, left them in the broad Saugh 50. He says Clova is wanting 100 & that he saw a fox on K(R)ibbock

1893January 2 Monday : very cold & stormy. threshed twice & winnowed some corn took in over 2 loads turnips put into byre. Miss Lizzie Scott Milton here afternon looking well. Mrs Stewart away to work for her sister. powis had a tea party.3 James Dawson, Alex Scott, John Taylo Mill out shooting 5, 5, 2 white hares. Snowing near all day.4 Playing brod. Snowing . wm Kellas up tonight.5 a big storm . Thomson giving 2/9 for brown hares6 Mary Giles over for churn, theirs broken, back with it at night7James Reid to post, his watch came but no glass, sent it back9 stormy. Jane Daun here asking if she could milk to Maggies loon as long as here. my side rather painful today10...Wm Kellas bidding to Helen Yetts funeral...threshing twice scarcely any water...Ligertwood round with sledge11 Helen Yeats Redford buried today, aged 64... no water in dam .Reid, Bracklach & Aldunie to play brod12 Great Diorama at school tonight. Mrs Peter Scott delivered of a daughter13 Friday fresh threshed a big thresh...Mary Giles over for churn14 winnowed 5 bushels 34lbs per bushel ...Mary Douglas bidding to her marriage16 fresh17 dinging on sleet..Harry took mare to smiddy to be sharped..ligetwood round with tandem.. I wrote to Souter18 Harry to Rhynie with foggage and our mare brought home sack of bran from carrier...Troup two lamp glasses & wick and a few screws..Powis let out his horse, fresh but slippery19 ... Harry carting up turnips 11 loads to the pit..Archibald asking rashes for bedding20 very stormy...Maggie Douglas married to Joss 7 child baptised...total number of mouths at the wedding 40 Mother Bracklach Powis & me were not there21 Wm Smith up measuring for a swey..

23 fine fresh day snow all away... Mrs Stewart & Jane Nicol taking home the dishes... brods24 ... Muckle Jock leading home his rakings 25...Isa Innes up asking for rashes to thatch her house.. it was mains of Elrick's 2 sons that were cutting rashes not Archibald26... Harry took Love to Auchmair..Alex Gordon plowing with his colt going fine27 Harry cleared out stroup pipe choked28 Mother in bed all day not well30 ...fine day all plowing .. washing day31.. Eben Innes cutting rashes in back parkFebruary 18931 Thur..AG up with mares.. sorted mill wheel, colt & cows' stalls.. started Harry tp plow lea. I sent Jane to Auchmair for long swingletree2 Harry in plow all day Wm Kellas telling me I am to get his mare on Saturday he can't plow for frost.. driving dung3 Harry in plow.. I over for Robertson's cart at night..Wm Kellas driving dung from Lodge.. Mother at Bodiebae.. Muckle Jock spreading mole heaps4 Alex Gordon & Harry to Gartly with W Kellas mare Love and Migsy for seed corn6 fine fresh day.. Harry carted 2 loads of dung on to stibble for turnips 4 loads of sheep dung .. Alex up with mare and Big Jock's cart & his mother's clock7 ...Jane spread dung.. Harry plowed lea 22 hours to 11/2acres8 * about an insch of snow9 ..Jane looking for lost lamb, could not find it10 * Harry took down harrows to Shand & mares to Auchmair11 * Harry to Clova for wood for stable door ..Jane Nicoll to post..Alex Yeats died today13 very bad day14 a terrible night15 A.Yeats funeral aged 58 years [Alexander Yeats s of John Yeats & Elspet Bain]16 gave J. Reid a great licking at brod17 took Love to Auchmair this morning.. Shand came, him and mason started work at 10.30.. sent Jane to smiddy for 2 bolts & 2 eyes18 Shand back by dinnertime got door on too late for Wm Reid going home20 Wm Reid pointed door and left after dinner. I paid him 3/- for stones he would not have anything for work. shand finished door, made 2 lids, sorted bed & piano21 Harry cleaning harness all day went for mare at night cleaned till 3am next morning I helping him and has hurted my leg and it getting on so well22 Plowing match came off 1st John Sheed 2nd Gordon McBain, Harry, J Dawson & Wm Kellas not at it23 frosty but some plowing. Alex Gordon came up for the mare tonight24 Sandy up with sheep, Dancy and him fiddling25 Alex brought up Love tonight, wants a shoe.. Reid at Aldunie playing. Cow ill tonight gave her 2 glass whisky and some ginger among tea28 ...gave sheep some straw... more of them dying, will soon be all dead I am thinking. I never saw them so badMarch 1893Friday 3 ...Peter McConachie & James Jopp her with petition for school at Ballochford4 Isa Innes house thatched today8 ...Lizzie Smith & P. Scott came up from Forgue. Big Wright here all night. J Dawson and him playing on fiddle grand night.9 .. Mrs Milloy up10 ... Harry skinned & buried 4 sheep

14 Harry to Huntly to fee. Wiliam reid mason came by dinnertime to sort fireplace. I rose & let mason see how to do & saw sheep poor poor pelekins. Alex Gordon up for Love. I cut his hair and he mine. 16 Wm Reid broke one of the upright stones in three bits has not made a good job of fireplace at all. Mrs Duncan's boy up with letter from A.G. Gave Mrs Clark notice about house.20 Monday I up and out a fine day. Alexr Gordon brought my 2 qrs hamilton oats... a very sore inside & leg with being up... took in rick today just 2 out now.22 J. Robertson driving seed corn from gartly station. Very fine day.23 .. Lizzie & Maggie Smith here fine music H. Robertson over, Alex Gordon weighed her. She is 9st 21/2lbs.McDonald up tonight.25 Bodie sowed cleanground at Littletown, I think he would be first in the place.27 Bob left this morning at 3 a.m. on bicycle to be at Wellheads by 6 a.m....Auchmair sowed 21/2qrs Scotch birley28 Auchmair sowed 2 qrs. his lea very ill to harrow gave it 5 double tinings & still not right. Factor of Torney sowed. Bracklach here tonight 7 games I 6 wins & 1 drawn. Jane & Mother washing blankets. 29 Jane to Rhynie, from saddler bottle of oil for harness, Murray 1 oz steel drops, 2oz Laudanum, 1/4lb sulphur, stick of s.wax. Bodie to Dufftown for seed corn. Blackhills sowed first today. I up & out.30 J. Reid burning heather at Bracklach yesterday & today. ... Bodiebae sowing his lea below the kiln. 31 LIB. reid at Bracklach burning heather A Gordon up... had to take harrows to smiddy to get holes bored for the tines. April 18931 A.G broke in & sowed lea 11/2qrs Hamilton oats my first...A.G. took to Bracklachs bull. Bank sent for him to sit with unwell horse. fine day.3 A.G. broke in yavel very ill to do Scotch birley at this end, Hamilton & potato at far end. sandy harrowing afternoon. A.G. took colt to smiddy and got on fore shoes on him. Dr Farquharson at school tonight.4 Sandy Jane Daun & Mother ironed all the hogs with DSB near horn 136 in all out of 159 + 23 dead. A.G. finished harrowing by 4P.M. took mares cart & big backed chair with him. 5 Ditto cleaned all the ewes udders. gave Jane Daun 1 bushel Hamilton oats to sow her farm.

1894January 18941st Some frosty & ground white Pisgah’s shooting match Wm Gordon at it best 7 prizes: Wm Nicoll here all p.m. playing fiddle. Elsie to post 5/- of postage stamps. Sent 5/2 for jersey to Mother off Bro. New Years box from Aberdeen. G Reid came. J Reid in Bracks hill got (?)2nd We took in rick Wm G iron from smiddy J Reid, G Reid & him to hill just J Reid 1 hare Wm to Kirkton for 60 lb high dip home tonight Elsie took Fiddich cow to Auchmair. Gordon came up with her, thrashed.3rd Morren came with sheep p.m. J & G Reid in hill all day got no hares G Reid & I played 6 games he 1 win, I 4 wins 1 draw.4th Morren to Rhynie home 15lbs Highland Dip & 16 pounds soft soap from Ligertwod. sent pr Thomson white hare to David Souter Aberdeen J & G Reid, Eben Beattie, J. Clark, Wm Kellas, 4 dogs & 4 guns total of hares got 3 Rover took 1 of them & Bright 1. No beef this week. 5th ... gave G Gordon 1/- for guide poles8th ... J reid to Mrs Charles McDonalds funeral her age 87 years...[Isobel Duncan dr John Duncan & Elspet Moir]10th ..... Wm law up asking for character for James John hendry. Here too J. Dawson. Mother at Bodiebae. received calendar from Aberdeen.11th ... Wm Law up for a certificate to James to try to post. I near killed, fell into mill wheel & more than full water on very bad bruised no one near to help me out, got little thrashed, water came into mill.Wm Kellas up. No Thomson. No beef.13th... I made a crutch in bed before I got up and cut myself very badly in left hand in glack between finger & thumb; we thrashed water still coming into mill; Elsie got rams among Bodiebaes sheep.

15th James cemented head of mill spouts ...16th .. thrashed... had to stop, water coming into mill, none better.19th ... Formed debating Society in School tonight.22nd ... Elsie to Crofthead with Poor rates did not come home, came on bad night.24th Wm Gordon £1”10 for 16 days work 3/- more than bargain he to Auchmair p.m.26th A good storm on drifting a little. Elsie to post letter to Middleton saddler & cheque for 13/- we thrashed when she came back. This the night of concert, her to it.27th .... Jas Dawson over for flight to spinning wheel.29th Johnnie Smith in Bodiebae hill shooting February 18941st Very frosty all day snowing at night got a very small thrash, I sorting at mill & stick to keep Jock from dunging in his mothers pail of water. Jas Dawson brought home big ram had been fighting Thomson to Powneed.2nd I sorted mill wheel got a big thrash no water came in fine fresh day bought netted petticoat 2/6 for Mother stuff for bed cover 2/- from pack merchant Elsie to post p.m. 3rd I working a sheep hake made some straw had out rams horse set off to Powneed J Robertson over & J reid I weighed John Robertson tonight he is 12 stones 6 lbs very good for an old man.5th Wm Gordon came by dinnertime ploughing stibble p.m. almost finished I sent 1/4 1/2d to Walker & Com. booksellers. Annie & Mary Smith here weighed them, Mary 9st 12 1/2 lbs, Annie is 8st 10 1/2 lbs7th Wm gordon to Auchmair to plough for A. Gordon he away seeing my sheep at Fernybrae very cold rough day. I made box to hold ale bottles with bottoms upwards. Maggie Souter over tonight with Mothers boots.8th .... Sent with Thomson leter to Mr Skinner Factor with cheque for £12”17”6 ...9th fresh day we dipped ram put in some tobacco juice amongst dip, Elsie to post p.m. for papers.10th Very bad day I not up today; this the last day of old post Mr Thomson & first of the new one John Kellas Hillhead a fine start for him.12th Stormy today. jas reid, elsie & I winnowed 1 1/2 qrs corn .. I bored hole for swey & put up stick I n stable to keep Jock from turning round. J Dawson over at night with music.13th ... Reid at Bracklach to kill a stirk.14th ... Mrs Duncan over with her fathers clock a sad mess.15th .. Wm kellas & Wm Smith up & put in swey.. I sorted old Barrons clock.16th I not up today Elsie took in some neeps from pit a.m. at post office p.m. got no papers Post will not carry the unless stamped, that is our fine obliging new postman. ...19th Elsie & I took in part of a load of neeps she carried & I filled bags could not get at them for wreath with horse also took in hay rick because mill wheel is blocked with snow. Mary Stewart brought papers a sort of fresh night.20th .. Elsie to smiddy with thing for swey to get cut, Smith the blockhead has cut & turned it the wrong way....21st ... took out swey & sent Elsie with it 7 al the rest of the things to be made right I must have it right done when at it. Mrs Duncan over for her clock.22nd ... masoning & plastering & putting in swey has made a fine job & works fine. Thomson not further than Powneed.23rd ... J. Reid & I has Peoples Journal between us...24th Elsie doing nothing today for the last three mornings unable to get up until Mother had fire on, beast all sorted & breakfast made by that time 8 a,m, then elsie was well 7 fine fit for her breakfast & supper & as cheery as a lark all day when morning came again could not get up.27th very frosty today. J Reid & I cleared mill wheel & got it to thrash some hay but the drum broke & mad a bad smash. sent Elsie to tell James Shand to come up.....March 18941st Thomson not further than Powneed today. Elsie got him & at end of loan of Powneed for horse..

2nd ... Lizzie & Maggie Smith at Bodiebae & here. Johnnie Smith came for them at night had a fine concert Jas Dawson on fiddle, Lizzie & Maggie on piano & Johnnie sang 2 songs. Elsie to Post office.3rd I wrote letter 3 a.m & sent Elsie to post in time for him in the morning.6th I not up today... wrote letter to Post Master in Aberdeen... 7th ... I made a frame for picture “Sweet seventeen”...10th ... shot 1 white hare weighedc7 1/4 lbs... A. Gordon up I signed his bill for £9 for 3 months. I took out a tooth to Jock horse.12th ... J Robertson & Isa Innes here asking for rashes to thatch their houses all stripped like our own. A. Gordon with J. Cromb to asylum.13th Miss Gordon Bank here on horseback to see about postal arrangement & getting it altered..... A.Gordon up for mare Love ... letter to Day gamekeeper to come & burn heather.14th ... From Murray Chemist bottle of acetic acid & bottle china cement... Isa Innes shearing rashes.15th ... old John Gordon Kirkton died this morning aged 82 years [s of John Gordon & Christian McKay]17th... Rev McMillan here I reading his head gave him phren book with him.19th very fine day Wm Gordon finished lea a.m. & stibbles & harrowed claen ground p.m. done by 4.30 thrashed & bruised corn midday kirkton buried a large funeral. I paid Wm Gordon 5/- Elsie started to spread mole heaps p.m.20th ... Mother not well. I saddled mare rode down to end dyke Nelly Reid & I tried to burn bruntin it is too wet yet. elsie mole heaps p.m. Cow seeking bull.21st ... I paid D Bain for Mothers, Elsies & barrons boots. .. I see Powis young mare carting neeps she is not 3 years old. Mrs Duncan Bodiebae delivered of a son.22nd ... Eben Innes, J Reid & Wm Kellas at Isa Innes house thatching & sorting it. 26th ... 50 of Muckle Jocks sheep in my hill.. most of them sowing except myself.27th My tramp left this morning paid him 4/-.. Donald came to burn heather had no one to go with him Wm Gordon yoked Bodiebae colt....28th ...George Dawson [s Alexander Dawson & Ann Fettes] married Jane MacHatty. 29th Elsie to Auchmair for Love, left at 7 aa.m. back at 11a.m. Wm Law came by 1 p.m. ploughed till 6 p.m.30th ... I bought 13 1/2 sq yds Linoleum for room floor for 10/-, asked 18/6 for it. 31st 4 big loads potatoes to pit at back of peatstack . Wm Law finished ploughing cleanground 2 acres time at it 23 hours thrashed & bruised at midday very fine day. April 18944th Harrowed 2 hours then I cut AGs hair, saddled Jock colt & rode to auchmair sandy on his own one I brought Love home with Jock. AG dipped Factor of Torneys sheep.5th I started Elsie to roll clean ground & break clods p.m. seed not half covered ...6th ... Morren came tonight with sheep...7th I up before 6 a.m. workong hard all day sorted shedding pen drew & ironed hoggs with new irons BUCK put back to hill 152 hoggs & 59 wedders ...9th ... I went on to Loves back without a bridle. She ran off & threw me & near mischieved me.12th ... Ewe lambed, lamb died.14th ... I gave Morren £5 to himself & £5 to pay Mossatside for his neeps which was £3 & sent cheque to Mr Walker Aurdhunkard for £14 stg16th Morren ploughing J Reids farm forenoon ... 9 ewes lambed too soon lambs dead17th Bracks ewes home..19th .. I went in over to Blackhills riding a very warm day , very fine music with Wattie Mitchell on the fiddle 20th Morren working in garden planted potatoes ... Daniels funeral aged 65 years21st Wattie & I home here by 11 a.m. .. paid Wm Law 8/- for 4 1/2 days work23rd a fine gimmer died with mortification was very ill in lambing...25th ... James Sharp offered me a gig & harness for £6

28th a very warm day opened & dunged 5 dreels taties; at near side 2 drills Wm Kellas; then 2 drills Champions & 1 drill Blue Hearts. I at Blackhills for them & Howbog for chilled plough. Morren to Ferybrae tonight.30th ... Eben Innes ploughed & linked & harrowed Jane Dauns farm. Bodiebae planted their taties. G Hay here wanting to fee me as shepherd.May 18941st ... Ligertwood laired in back park a job getting him out..2nd Auchmair for Missy brought home meal...3rd I had to rise & help Morren to yoke Missy he afraid...5th Elsie away early this morning to speyside...Morren carted 3 loads neeps the last a.m.8th Maryfair... I paid P Sutherland Macharshaugh £5..10th... Wm Law bidding to Mains Sharps funeral...11th ... I at Mains funeral riding his age was 84 years nearly 85...[John Sharp, s William Sharp & Isobel Roy]12th Scurdargues sale15th... it never faired the whole day could not get thrashed for water in wheel pit. School examination today.18th working in garden very hot, rain at night.19th ... Booking here tonight John Henry [s of John Hendry & Jean Simpson] & Maggie Elsie Grant to be proclaimed in Church tomorrow.22nd ... Feed Maggie Taylor for £3”10 & gave her 1/- arles25th Morren .. I paid him & let him away 3 p.m. his fee £10”10 I gave him 4/6 to it. 26th a terrible spate all day. Mearns helping us to thrash & rub stirk p.m.I paid Elsie her fee £4 gave her 2/- to it. J Dawson over.29th ... This the day of P scott Miltons dinner of honour given to him on his leaving Cabrach30th Maggie Taylor came this morning Matthew Lumsden came p.m. engaged him @ 13/- for week he is to stop as long or as short as I like. 31st rather warmer today. matthew to Lumsden brought 3 cwt wirw 28 lb staples from E Mann. The galvanised wire to be 10/- per cwt & barbed wire 13/- per cwt, staples 1 1/2d per lb. I not well, did not get posts at Mill Auchindoir.June 18945th Matthew .. started dung at 9.30 ...has down 22 loads requires about 30 minutes to the load fine afternoon Mother & Maggie picking taties & putting into little byre.7th ... Lewie & I bruised some corn a.m. he away to Circus & show in Rhynie p.m. Mother in bed unwell...9th clipped rams & sowed neeps .. Matthew inover to Lumsden tonight & to come past shepherd of Clova to see if he will come & cut lambs.13th Alex Gordon & shepherd of Clova came & cut lambs before dinner time.21st Vert fine day finished laying down of neeps by 9 a.m. has been a long stiff job. Matthew in hill got a ewe on her back dead lamb beside her plucked & buried her. ... Bodiebae & Bracklach finished neeps.22nd Matthew started to prepare moss bank a.m begun to cast by 3 p.m. ..... Laws stallion here mare would not take him. Wm Kellas up.26th clipped yeld ewes started by 10.30 a.m. done by 6 p.m. at it Jas. & John Smith, Jas Ferguson, A. Gordon, Jas Mearns, Mary Giles, Jane Daun, Mary Reid & Matthew. 5 bags full, clipped & to hill.28th Matthew... him & Maggie in garden p.m. he planted 250 kale plants ... to Howbog at night to see if any of our sheep were in at Jock Souters clipping.29th Fast Day. Maggie at Church ... Annie & Maggie Smith here afternoon at Fit of Buck seeking a woman to fee. Matthew bought dog from Wm Wilson for 2/6 very warm day.30th ... Wm Sim & his nephew James came for calf about noon a strong heat today.July 18941st Matthew & Maggie in moss 9 hours Jockie Reid filling barrows...3rd Matthew sowing neeps at end with bobbin john a.m him & Maggie, Mary Reid & Mearns in our moss p.m. 5 hours of 2 spades Glenadder horse here tried mare no use....

6th Clipped ewes maggots started with a lot of them; at clipping Mary Giles, Mary Reid, Jane Daun, Mearns, Matthew & myself. gave Mearns, Jane Daun & M reid 2 fleeces each started at 9 am finished by 4 p.m. Concert tonight.7th ... Matthew, Maggie & I at Cabrach picnic very fine day9th Matthew to Howtown with dreel plough & got on 4 new shoes on Jock & to Rhynie for dip got none brought 4 lb soft soap not paid & 1 lb helebour 7d paid, covered moss, paid A.Law 10/- Mary & Annie Smith at Bodiebae feed Wm Gordon Gaugh £7 to term from 12th August.10th Matthew, Mary Reid & Jane Daun at Clova clipping not a very good day for it none of my sheep there16th Begun hoe today Mary Reid with us 2 hours a.m. & 3 hours p.m. Bracklach did not get clipped.18th ... I at cooking class & preaching..21st ... I went down past Smithston on my way to Berryhillock there by 3 p.m. Mary Souter away to Aberdeen as a clerk very fine day.23rd James sharp & I left Berryhillock by 9a.m. went straight to show yard got a good sight of them bringing in & fitting up things. 24th I did not go into show today. John Gordon & wife Lizzie Cooper & I on Broadhill got a fine sight of it all with glass. Lizzie & I at our tea with John Gordon.25th I had a good sight of the Duke of York on his way to show yard. Lizzie & I down at seaside, I in menagerie & circus from 2 p.m. till 5 p.m. it was really splendid. She would not come. 26th... Lizzie & I at our tea at Mr & Mrs Burns had strawberries & cream... some rain today.27th I went to Mr Ormiston dentist & got out a tooth...28th I up at 6 a.m. walked to Kittybrewster station Lizzie & Jane Cooper came to station with me I left with 9.49 train came off at Oyne tried to walk to Berryhillock failed sent a boy to tell them to come for me. I left 3p.m. at Rhynie 6p.m. home 8p.m.30th Matthew rinning neeps, Maggie at hoe, I at it awhile, them gathering & binding up cut hay a fearful heat today.31st Mearns & I away to Glass market by 6.30 a.m. Matthew, Maggie & Mary Reid at hoe & raked up hay. I stoped all night at Belherrie. I paid Geo beverley £3 for dip.August 18941st Matthew & Maggie at hoe all day Mary Reid afternoon. I home from Market at 6.30 p.m. I gave Matthew cheque for £5”15 he left tonight.6th Wm Gordon came this morning to mare to smiddy of Howtown 4 removed & stirrup strap from saddler. Maggie in moss a.m. & p.m. Jane Daun & Wm Gordon p.m. John Taylor of Back of Hill has offered me 23/- for ewes & chap Dawson wanting to fee for winter as shepherd.9th Wm Cutting dockings & tansies a.m. away home p.m. to drive his peats Alex MacIntosh came by dinnertime took rover & looked through sheep.14th Maggie after dinner went over to Gaugh to see what was keeping Wm She went there & back in the remarkable time ot 1 hour 15 minutes. J Cooper at top of Buck, Wm came tonight.15th Wm to hill... stupidly took in over all the Blackhills sheep. ...16th m did nothing forenoon at bedding cutting all afternoon. 18th Wm to Dufftown for lime brought home 3 bolls Maggie at Blackhills Finglenny & his shepherd here offered me 24/- for my ewes got a fine ewe of mine on her back, carried her home cut her throat good fat letter Bob.23rd Wm driving sand all day 8 loads. I at Culwine with Wm morning. Maggie & I in garden. Play of Mill of Tifties Annie at school tonight. 29th Wm done cutting hay by noon has been 2 days in cutting less than an acre rinning neeps pm Maggie & me at hay. I in house of Howbog today. 30th ... Maggie Smith & Lizzie Gordon here p.m. fine music weighed & measured them.September 1894

1st Wm in hill morning in moss rest of the day. Jock Souter assaulted me with a big stick on head, put me down & kneed & compressed my throat when down. I & Jockie Reid at Rhynie, colt shod paid sadler 8/- Geo law up with me.3rd Wm Dufftown 2 1/2/ bolls lime, masons here by 7.45.a.m. two of them, Wm Cook by 9a.m. .. Wm Kellas & Gardener of Clova p.m. ..letters to... Police Constable Dufftown.4th ... masons at fishing p.m. Police here took statement between 1&2 p.m. 8th .... Wm Lumsden & Mary here bought 40 ewes at 24/6 each.10th ... from Harvey, Gartly, 4cwt Indian corn masons here, Mother & Maggie in moss 12th Very fine day Alexr Gordon here took in hay, Mary & Jane reid helping head mason here p.m.14th ... Wm Wilson left Jock Souter.24th Wm at road all day. I left keithmore in the morning after seeing binder working, at Drumin by 12 noon. Back at Keithmore 6 p.m. ..October 18941st Jockie Jamieson & I at Keith court. Jock Souter convicted & fined £1 or 14 days in jail.2nd started to drive peats 12 loads today not very dry most of Cabrach people begun to cut. Maggie Innes & Mrs Beattie begging for Sick childrens Hos. 3rd... I took in old rick, not so many mice as I expected.6th James Reid & I cementing mill wheel & dreeper a.m. him & Wm laying drain in mouth of close p.m. Bracklach over tonight.10th ... Powis white horse killed & away... Matthew Lumsden here has a fine telescope.11th Cutting all day finished clean ground but not all rake, time at it 3 1/2 days ... I painting windows very fine day.13th Wm casting flaughter divots near all day. Alexr donald mason here a.m. Alexr Jessiman & Geo Law p.m. mended mill wheel & turned iron on porch very bad wet day..15th Wm to gartly for 4 cwt Indian corn & 1 cwt cement from harvey Murray Rhynie cask of paraffine @ 4 1/2d per gall; he got drunk & left mare & cart at Blackhills all night. John Smith, Lizzie & Nelly Sharp here p.m.18th Snowing near all day. 19th ... Bracklach & James Beattie away to Factor about new road...20thWm... & Jas Reid put in Paraffine barrel on covers on mill lade & up wire at end.23rd very hard frost this mornning Wm started to cut not in very good trim; stoped cleaned up mill & thrashed old corn a.m. cutting all p.m. Bracks & Bodies over, Helen of Auchmair up. Bodiebae started to cut corn on little hillie p.m. 24th Sale today & a very bad one, sold 62 gimmers @ 20/6 each. 69 wedder hoggs 2 15/- & quey @ £11”15 a very bad day for the purpose.25th Wm & I at Gartly with 30 of the fat wedders sold them to Dallas @ 32/6. I stoped at Mrs McPhersons all night & Wm with his daughter. I & Sandy Sheed at concert30th Very frosty today... Wm pulling juniper & binding rashes all dayNovember 18941st Old simpson here about 2 hours p.m. casting divots ... took a load of corn to mill to thrash to wedders.5th rain last nighht, Wm setting up stooks a.m. to Auchmair with mare to lead p.m. he stoped all night. Maggie & I made 3 clues & some edderings. Mr Brown here all night. Bargained with him to take all my sheep from now till April 1st for £47”10 [May 7th 1895 paid R. Brown £33]6th Mr Brown & us started to hewk sent Jockie Reid to Auchmair for Wm.. mr Brown away with 97 lambs 2 ram lambs 2 old rams & 1 gimmer total also Bright dog. Put all the corn in hewks.8th Wm to moss in the morning. A. Gordon, his man & horse came by 10 a.m. started to lead all in by 4.30 p.m. in fair trim ...10th Wm & Maggie at taties all day took up 2 dreels covered them with clean straw (old) James Smith here at night I cut his hair.

13th frosty this morning & all day up all the taties by dinnertime they are in a bad state so wet & foul harrowed gathered & kept out diseased & small ones in a pit by themselves covered with heather & divots Powis taking up theirs Bracks Ball.15th Brown away with sheep, 300 ewes of his own 114 ewes of mine & one wedder & 2 rams & 20 ewe lambs of A. Gordons Auchmair.. Wm cutting rape grass a.m. Lizzie & Maggie & Johnnie Smith here, J Dawson & J sharp. us at Bodiebae G Christie here working.16th Wm at peats all day ... Bracklach & J Robertson here about new road.17th Wm working at new road all day. ...19th James Reid, James Beattie, Wm Kellas & A. Gordon here thatching houses, all done but front of byres... Road meeting at Powneed ..20th Wm to Dykeside for plug to mill dam a.m. & him & I fastening wire on to houses ... I sorted Mary Reid sowing machine Mrs Stewart got home one today. Nicoll G keeper bidding to funeral [ no word of whose]21st To Gartly with 13 of my own fat wedders & 14 of Bracks & 2 ewes left lamb at Howtown with G Law. 6 wedders McAdam to kill. Wm had colt at Morrison. Love, Rover, sheep & I at Gartly all night.22nd I to Aberdeen with sheep to reith & anderson s Sale just sold 10 wedders & 2 ewes of Bracks & 5 wedders of my own sent rest to butcher to kill...23rd AG Scott & I left Aberdeen with 9.45 train a.m. ... I stoped at Blackhills all night. Winter supper & Ball at Elrick at Peter Simpsons. Thanks giving day in Cabrach & Rhynie.24th... Annie Gordon came home with me.26th Rhynie feeing market I feed Maggie for winter half year £3”10...27th Wm carting home peats all day 7 loads Maggie & I singling out the best & stacking up the wet. 28th Wm took home 5 loads peats. I paaaid him his fee £6”18 and 6d to himself Maggie £3”10 very fine day Maggie stacked peats & thatched them.December 18941st James Reid, Mary Reid, Maggie & I turned 2 ricks turned inside out of all the bad sheaves & left them out to dry a very fine day thrashed.3rd Very fine day. John Robertson dipped his sheep 260 with Highland dip. I would not let Jane Dauns be dipped for her impidence ... Maggie away p.m.4th Maggie holding her term. P Stewart over for his & Jane Dauns sheep took them to Bracklach.Wm Wilson away with his flock.5th Auchmair thrashing with steam thrasher. Maggie stopped to help them . Jas. reid there too; engine burst coming out of cornyard; stuff in very bad trim.7th ... received Peoples Journal & farming World from John Sheed Aldunie, the first; stoped them from Mitchell Rhynie. Steam thrasher at Milton. 8th Mother not well in bed all day. I at Blackhills for scyrings & to see if Mains Willie could come a few days to drive up neeps p.m....10th I at Lumsden & Rhynie got mare shod at Howtown I fee’d Annie Gordon Elrick from now till term £4 she came home with me & Harry Nicoll up with us. Maggie Taylor left today.12th ... Charlie here & started to pull neeps by 9.35 a.m. Annie & him he carted 10 loads neeps p.m. Jas reid at mill for dist & Post Office for Miss Stewarts kist.13th a fearful day of wind ... Annie away to make marriage dinner by noon Geo Hay came I engaged him for 9/- per week ...14th Geo Hay carting up neeps a.m. ploughing p.m. I at Mary Stewarts booking & them & Hay & me at concert Cabrach school a very poor affair indeed ball not so bad.15th Hay left this morning I paid him 1/6 for his days work .. I engaged Jock Reid for a few days work at 1/- per day. 18th Jock pulling neeps a.m. ploughing p.m. with Jock horse in furr went fine a fine day.19th ... I at Mary Stewarts now Mrs Fettas marriage it was very good about 26 except themselves at home at it ball continued till 2 o’clock.

21st ... Annie awy to go to Dr did not go further than Elrick. Maggie came up. Charlie plowing Bodiebae.22nd This has been a devil of a day with wind rain snow & frost taken off iron off cart shed thatch off houses & neep pit & very near away with roof of cots & I fastening it down a.m. ... Bodiebaes sheep home.24th Jock came by 9 started to plow 9.30 ... thrashed Isa Innes loused to me received from her a fine pair Shetland mittings 25th Jock ploughing forenoon James Beattie up thatching p.m. Jock helping to fasten wire done ploughing stibble. Maggie Gordon up for Annies things she is not coming back a very fine day. 26th Jock carted out some top dressing he left when he got his dinner I paid him 9/- & gave him a pair of trousers to himself. Mary Reid & I took in a rick & thrashed some cold I gave her 1/627th James Reid took inover tables planks &C & up coals from little house we cut sturdy...28th ... I killed ewe for J Robertson not fat; had to kill my own sturdy & dress it when I came home at night...31st a very bad day drifting snow ... tried to thrash no water dam full of snow

1895March 189522 Friday...Mother not well Isa Innes up & milked cow, her brother William diedMarch 23rd... Lizzie Reid inover a while I milked cow myselfMarch 25th At Wm Innes funeral, he 70 [s Alexander Innes & Beatrix Bain]30th Sent for Dr for Mother, no better. Jane Daun in asking for Mother brought up loaf from SouterApril 18951st Monday At Post Office with Love & Jock for drugs for Mother4th Lizzie Reid at Aldunie5th Mother very ill this morning Sent with Post for Dr. She died at 1.15 p.m. [Jean Souter dr William Souter & Jane Gordon] Sensible to the last. Isa & Maggie Innes laid her out. got big Findlater to measure her & help to carry her to room. James Smith here tonight8th MondayHelen of Auchmair came up p.m. stopping all night. Mary & Maggie Smith, Mrs & Betty Reid, Mrs Gordon, Mrs Beattie , Jane Nicoll & some bairns here all to see Mothers corpse; very cold & stormy pm she aged 74 years9th funeral24th Wednesday Very fine day Sandy ploughing am finished broke it in p.m. reaady for sowingwinnowed 1.1/2 qr new corn for seed & put it out on the land. Jock Souter dipping all his sheep. Reid pruning berrie bushes at Bracklach May 189514th Tuesday ...2 dreels next to corn of blue hearts, 2 next champions and one dreel of Wm Kellas16th .. a terrible cold day and snow21st a great party at the Bracklach tonight22nd Wednesday Sandy to store a.m. for 4 bags manure and Lizzie Reid’s trunk23rd ... this the last round of Thomson with Mitchell’s cart25th Sandy started to dreel had to stop him he making a poor job. Nelly & Lizzie Reid planted a dreel of taties next neeps a.m....I let House to Peter Stewart for £2”10 27th I at Rhynie feeing market feed Alexr Kelman his wages £14”528th Dr Galloway up at Bodiebae at John RobertsonJune 189510th Mannie engaged for a week at 9/- John Robertson died at 5p.m. [s of William Robertson & Helen Glennie, b1827] Took inover Mrs Stewart’s flitting with Jock horse mare Love foaled tonight some before 12p.m.12th Mannie & I fencing at blue craigs Bracklach bidding to J Robertson’s funeral

13th Jim at fence a.m. but did nothing, cut some grass for mare p.m. that was all he did14th ... I did not go to Harry Nicoll’s marriage.[James Harry Nicol s of John Nicol & Jean Daun, married Jane Cameron from Mortlach] Dr Grant here seeing Miss Reid & Peter Stewart16th Sunday I at church & was thrown by Jock horse at end of Culwine but was able to preceed to church but was very sore indeed stinking pride would not let Nelly, Lizzie nor Jane Reid open the Styles for me but William Nicoll did it coming home.17th Monday my back hip and neck very sore today with my throw yesterday unable to move. mannie cleaning ditch at back of stack a.m. put him to mend road p.m. but he failed to do anything18th a very wet day Mannie cleaning harness and cutting meat for beasts but did very little at that19th very wet this morning my man would not get up. I paid him and let him go.20th ... rode to Aldunie to see the 6 cattle that was killed yesterday with lightning23rd Sunday Dr Galloway at Peter Stewart p.m. he took a look at Jock’s side Mary & Jane at Johnnie Anderson’s lecture on China24th Monday clipped all the sheep today, at it J Reid,A Gordon, J Law, Wm Gordon, J. Beattie, Jane Daun, Lizzie & Jane Reid & Mrs Gauld & her sons James & Willie I engaged Jim to wheel peats @ 3/- per week & a chap Adam Shearer came in about & helped us.25th engaged Adam Shearer for a month26th came on a terrible night of thunder & lightning27th ...came on a terrible spate & burns came down big29th ..gave Mains Willie shears to clip his sheep30th Peter Stewart died about 12 noon aged 26 years [b Mortlach 1st Jul 1869, died at Buck]July 18952nd .. I up seeing corpse8th took home 16 loads peats10th Adam , Lizzie & Mary Reid at hoe a.m. I in garden Adam ran all the neeps13th Adam & Mary at hoe all day I at picnic pm. Mains Willie let Jock run off.22nd I making mole traps & setting them. Maggie up with young cat a perfect beauty27th Saturday very wet all day Reid & I at fishing he took 11 & I took a dozen &7 and did not fish near so far30th Tuesday A Gordon & I yoked his horse into gig & went to Glass MarketAugust 18951st Cabrach market day3rd Saturday picnic at Fit of Buck23rd Friday St. John’s fair24th Adam at Belna boddach for lambs. I drew a teeth to James Reid27th Tuesday I at Mary Fair His Grace the Duke of Richmond callin on his tenants in Cabrach today29th ball at Lodge31st Adam & Mary turning peats. I at Gartly with Jock & horse hoe & arm chair to be mended at HowtownSeptember 18952nd Monday Adam thrashing hay6th Adam & I putting iron sheets on cartshed9th came on terrible night of thunder & lightning12th Adam riddling grass seed, killed & skinned wedder that was ill with foot rot13th driving peats all day 9 loads. Adam went home with Jane Reid between 8 & 9 o’clock & he declairs he took her maidenhead, and it must have been a stiff job for they were a long time at it.15th Sunday Adam in hill Mary at Church John Kellas post came from Church with Mary Souter then after dinner they went up to the craigs and had a long lie at the back of a big stone16th Jane Daun has got hers (peats) home tonight, 2 carts driving, Harry building her stack. We have home 44 loads, very fine day26th I feed Adam today for winter

27th a terrible hot dayOctober 18952nd Snow and very cold all day. Adam in hill looking for sturdy wedder but did not get it5th Saturday ...Bodiebae took in a rick by the light of the moon very fine night6th Adam in far hill brought home sturdy wedder. I saw nothing but the skin of him beside the barn next morning dogs had eaten him11th ...Powneed click12th Saturday... Bracks & Wm Kellas has click18th Cabrach market fine day21st ...snow23rd ...a lot more snow30th Lizzie Reid home from her harvestNovember 18951st sturdy ewe died Wm Gauld away home. Jane Reid to post. I still in bed very sore back.2nd. Adam skinned sturdy ewe. A Gordon & Donald Day shooting grouse among Bodiebae stooks.6th Thrashed. ..could have thrashed all day for water burns very big.7th Adam thatching ricks8th Friday taking up potaties. Adam & Mary graping, Lizzie Reid & Jackie Jamieson gathering...I carted up potatoes, put a load into cellar.23rd Thanks giving for a good harvestDecember 18952nd Lumsden Market Adam did not come home.3rd Adam came home with a blue eye & a swollen cheek.10th I down at Gartly 8am in Aberdeen 9.55 just 50 minutes in going from Gartly to Aberdeen. Got a very bad job for sheep. Had my tea with Mr Park & wife & at a great affair at John Duncan’s church at night30th I went over & weighed Bodiebae’s pig 10st 12lb31st hares, rabbits and Bracklach &I playing 11games, he 2 wins, 1 draw I 8 wins

1896January 16th Adam came tonight17th Adam & Mary winnowingFebruary 1896 1st Lizzie Reid away to Mains of Lesmurdie14th Leg burst of itself between 12 & 1 o’clock & I got relief. Sent letter to DrMarch 1896 10th Miss Maggie Innes died this morning about 5a.m. poor thing I feel very sorry for her indeed age 32 years [dr of William Innes & Helen Bain]19th ... I gilding & cleaning pictures p.m. 21st ... I making furniture cream & polish26th ...I finished making mouth bag for LoveApril 1st Adam & Mary ironed hoggs ...6th ...Adam working in garden all day Mary to Powneed for setting of eggs from Mrs Beattie John Souters man ploughed Jane Dauns farm she inover & paid me rent13th Adam to Rhynie with Mary to Dr in cart got mares shoes toed...27th Adam got 2 lambs worried dead this morning one almost eaten the other buried wholeMay 1896 4th Dr came tried to take out a tooth failed I drew the tooth myself with a severe twist as it had 2 long roots. Mary drunk7th in my bed got out water & bladder.. Mary gave me a clean bed

8th I not well today 9th Saturday Jock Reid tramp here tonight has taken casting of Bracklachs peats @ 2/- per 100 barrowfuls of 12 peats. 16th Adam in moss a.m. him & Mary p.m.20th looking for new moss banks p.m.21st ... Eliz Mathieson over with hens for marriage feast22nd ... Mary Nicoll or Mrs Stewart married today to a George Forbes just 10 months & 23 days since Peter Stewart her late husband died [Mary Nicoll dr John Nicoll & Jean Daun married at Buck to George Forbes s Disney Leith Forbes & Mary Grassick]28th Adam clipped rams & sowed tares & manure grubbed in then sowed corn & harrowed it a.m. At Elrick seeking sheep p.m. Mrs fettes here all night Adam spread one of the wool bags on floor of cart shed & then played with Mary Reid on wool bag 29th Adam away this morning to hold his term. Mary Reid in a state all day for fear he gets drunk . Mrs Fettes & Nelly Reid here all night. Mary Reid not pleased for letting Adam away.30th Mary Reid to Rhynie & Jock with her to hold her term & find her Adam which she did & brought him home with her. Isa Innes here keeping house Jockie here all night . Very fine dayJune 189615th Monday Adam in moss Mary forking very warm day. so I looked bank & caught Adam & Mary hugging & kissing & him feeling her then I made answer & said that is sweet17th Adam to Reids to his dinner had to go there because Mary was there washing ;they cannot keep from each other24th Elsie Mathieson here at night practising on piano an hour & a half26th Bodiebae started to hoe Adam 15 hours in moss & Mary10 half days27th Adam & Mary working in garden all dayJuly 18961st Friday Mary & Adam away to hill for averins7th finished hoeing neeps first time11th ... Adam & Mary to picnic sticking on to each other like two crabs very fine day16th I made salve for Jock with burned leather & vaseline1896 18th Mrs Duncan of Bodiebae delivered of a son, Annie McWilliam of a daughter21st.... Mrs MacDonald, bairns & things thrown out of schoolhouse today...22nd Adam at dockings29th Jane & Mary pulled berriesAugust 18961st Saturday Adam at drain all day Mary making gooseberrie jam p.m.. My leg opened today; a very fine day3rd Adam working at drain Mary washing out beside him Dr Wilson Rhynie here tonight at me4th Reid inover at night & showed him how to lay stones in drain...6th Mary & Adam to Fit of Buck with rasps8th I very ill last night again & today Miss Jane Nicoll delivered of a daughter by Helen Robertson Dr came afterwards11th John Reid came tonight he won 2 games, I won 4 games, & 1 draw12th John Reid & I played 21 games 5/15 & 1 draw . He shot 4 blackbirds & a pewit18th John Scott’s funeral aged 69 years [s David Scott and Elspet Sievright, d at Aldunie]19th ... Jock horse shod Howtown. Adam got drunk & lost horse. J. Souter brought them home20th Paid Mary Reid her wages to this date she has in hand 13/- of mine21st Friday Mary away to Lumsden & Alford, Jane Cooper letting her away28th A Gordon to Johns Fair with Jock horse sold him had Love riding on29th ... Feel Jock buried today...September 1896

8th Tuesday Took inover 2 loads of rashes morning then was 8 hours thatching the 2 hay ricks & half raking them must say he is a speedy worker....An old mannie here tonight9th ... I engaged a woman Jane Innes from now to term wages £3”10 has to gather harvest10th scholars got harvest play tonight for 6 weeks 14th Adam to Blackhills took outover Mary Reids clothes & sewing machine15th Adam away looking for lost sheep all day but got none . Lizzie Smith & Mary Reid here p.m. Mary waited long to get Adam home with her16th Started cutting this morning Adam & Jane & Mary Reid binding 4 hours17th ... I made & fixed up pulleys for lamp21st ... To Muiriend at night paid George Fraser £1”10 for 5/- worth of damage to neeps22nd ... Adam with 15 fat wedders to Craigellachie stopped all night at Keithmore Mary Reid came at night & took in mare a fearful bad night23rd Mary Reid sorted mare had to keep beasts in all day till 3.30p.m. a fearful day Adam came tonight24th Adam setting up stooks ... Jane cutting rape stuff at Culwine . To Fit of Buck at night to see his darling Mary25th Jockie came today. ....Adam seeing his dear tonight again.26th Began to get milk from Bodiebae.... Adam to Mary again, appears to be hot, off as soon as the spoon is out of his mouth.28th I busy painting lamps & soldering same (Adam seeing his Mary)29th ...Mary Reid working at Bracklach.... Adam at lass last night & tonightOctober 1896 1st Started to lead p.m. Mary Reid driving cart, Adam building2nd Mary Reid driving cart, Jane forking on land & Lizzie in yard, Adam building Jockie to post. Adam home with Mary at night3rd ... Adam & Jane took in a rick of lea corn . Adam to Fit of Buck every night never misses one5th Fine leading day strong wind all day has it all in but the rakings Mary Reid gathering at Bodiebae. Jockie at post. Adam with his Mary dear. Jane & Lizzie at Jane Daun’s getting their Fortunes read like 2 fools6th ... Jane gathering tares awhile p.m. Mary Reid at Bodiebae. Adam to see her at night a very fine day7th Adam cutting tares a.m. Took 122 lambs to James Petrie p.m. Jane gathered up & stooked the tares p.m. Lizzie Cooper to Auchmair p.m. came home at night very fine day. .Adam to Mary12th still stormy Adam gathered inover sheep from far hill Jockie to Auchmair, Lizzie to Bodiebae for milk13th ...thrashed rakings fand did not work...14th Adam letting out rapes all day, 9 clues. Jockie, Lizzie & Jane twining time about . Lizzie finished my stocking tonight...17th ... Adam came home 6.30 a.m.from market, has given his bitch for Peter Simpson’s dog...20th Adam to Rhynie with yearling quey. Bracklach sold herto Frank Jamieson for £16 luck 4/- Bracklach over with money...21st Adam came 2.30 p.m. gave him his leave & good dressing for his conduct he got Reid to try me to let him stop till term22nd Adam beam filling cots with stones & lime all day...23rd Adam beam filling cots with stones & lime awhile 30th ...Adam & Mary Reid filled 2 bags chaff for themselves ... bad day November 18962 Monday Adam at rashes all day. Bodiebae and Bracklach taking up taties. Dod Gordon over for our cart with frame to go for a sow. Wm Gordon Auchmair here P.M. A very wet foul day.3 Adam to mill A.M. 2 bolls & 3 stones out of 2 qrs of 40 lbs per bushel. And to Kirkton for goods from R Murray and took him some neeps P.M. Very foul wet day

4 * Very frosty. Adam & Jane started potatoes took up a dreel, put in to byre all night in bags. Jockie up for milk. James Smith here at night.I cut his hair left at 2 a.m. next morning.5. Very frosty morning Adam, Jane, Mary& Jane Reid at taties p.m. & bags champions & 3 pink eyes into house fresh at night Winter Supper at Bracklach Adam & Jane Reid at it.6. Adam, Jane, J. Reid, Mary& Jane Reid at taties finished Reid had 18 bags out of his dreel, more than I had in 2 dreels. Rather remarkable having same, taties, time and treatment. Johnnie & Lizzie Smith here afternon ..gave him loan of breach loading gun.7.Adam pulled a few neeps a.m. & covered the pit & took in a few neeps p.m... Jockie inover for gallon of paraffine9. Adam to Gartly with last of my fat withers 61 and 40 of Bracklachs. J. Reid at Lumsden bought corn from James Hay home in good time came inover & sorted beasts.. fresh night10. Adam just landed 8 a.m. with cut face.. him and Mary at Bodiebae leading from 10 a.m.J. Reid in all Bracks 3 ricks . drew 51 ewes & let Leicester ram among them .. very rough windy day. Helen of Auchmair up here P.M. and Rev. MacMillan11. Jane & Adam took home 5 loads rashes a.m. & threshed & dipped a few left sheep P.2 Reid thatching his house. Dawson in all his corn today .. fine day.. Bracks over.. Adam killing ram to him tonight12. Reid thatching his houses. Adam cuttind rashes and binding all day. Mary Reid to Rhynie with Dawsons cart buying her braws. Very fine calm day.13. (Friday) Adam carted rashes to cots & home some bedding a.m. puting out top dressing p.m. Dawson dipping p.m. A great spree at Mary& Adam’s bosk(book)ing. At it J. Dawson, Alexr Rhind, Jane Innes, & Jock Horn danced to morning. Adam & Mary kissed & cuddled before them all. 14.J. Reid, Dawson & Adam thatching my houses today, very rough day. Reid to Manse with cries at night. Adam to Alford Mary Reid bidding to her marriage. Callers Alex Simpson & Alex Anderson.21 (Saturday) Adam stopped at Reids all night came home this morning. Mary Reid & Adam Shearer were joined in wedlock today. At marriage 34 in all. I not at it. [Adam b c 1870 Tullynessle, Mary b 1865 Buck to James Reid & Isobel Gordon]28th Wm Gordon came30th Wm to Dufftown for woman Maggie Burgess & her kist December 1896 5th Dr Grant here seeing my tongue9th I lanced my tongue tonight10th Helen Gordon Kirktowns funeral aged 8630th ... J. Dawson & I married Wm Gordon & Maggie Burgess .Wm Kellas came after it was through31st J. Reid here at night. him & I played out the old & in the new year. Cow calved between 12 & 1 this morning bull calf

1897January 31st Sunday Mary Reid delivered of a still-born son 8 pmFebruary 18971st ... I sent Willie to Shands pm he did not go but went to Roberts for whisky & tobacco to himself7th I went to door naked & charged Willie for kicking the mare with his feet and thrashing her with a stick. He could not yoke her into sledge so I did it myself & took neeps to cots.April 8th Lost gimmer could not find her,saddled mare & went to hill to see & find her. I laired the mare coming home. Mary Reid got ewe in cots very ill gave her linseed oil & laudanum.9th Ewe worse. I washed sledge & painted door blue. Powneed folk had a fine chase after a calf. Wm Kellas & Charles Nicoll seeing old Gardener of Clova.10th ...Mary Reid at Rhynie, Adam up tonight...11th Ewe died this morning15th Willie helping Wm Kellas yoke his colt pm17th ... Bracklach at new schoolboard meeting

19th Willie sowed lea corn & Bracklach his first today. Him & I took his blood shilt & my machine & went to Dufftown. I stopped at Keithmore all night. A fine day.28th Wednesday Willie building garden dyke am down working at Wm Kellas pm. I very busy all day.Alexr Gordon here bidding to Donald Dey’s lassies funeral. I cut his hair. May 1897 5th ...lining walks in garden. To grass roups in Lower Cabrach pm...7th ...about an inch of snow all over the country12th ...I got a fine gimmer dead with braxy & left a fine lamb..14th We planted kale & some tatties & sowed leeks, carrots & peas pm.15th Saturday ..a circus in Lumsden...17th ...Wm Gordon up & fee’d May Reid to Bank24th At Rhynie feeing market...I engaged John Robson wages £15 & 2 sheep kept in hill.26th Willie gathered weeds & Wm Kellas & him yoked colt & ploughed 5 rounds carting off weeds rest of yoking colt did splendid28th Maggie left 9.30 am. Mary Reid here. Willie left pm.Maggie Burgess fee £7”2”6 Wm Gordon £14”1received off hens & cow £1”17”729th ...received summons to coourt at BanffJune 18975th ...Pindars circus at Rhynie Miss Mary Yetts married today.8th Wm Gordon & I at Gartly by 4.20 pm at Banff court, Dow failed to appear. Donald Day died today.11th I on top of Buck. Came on rain & I got a steeping.12th Jock took posts to top of Buck with mare& sledge & then went for shepherf of Clova a.m. We cut lambs at cots & put them to Culwine. A terrible warm day.13th Jock seeing his wife14th A fearful day of rain...15th I at Banff court. Won my case with Dow & my expences for both days. Witnesses Jas. Ferguson, Mary Dow, Alexr Gordon, Wm Gordon Snr. Wm Gordon Jnr. Alexr McHattie & Robert Garden Jnr. Jock puttiing in strainer in hill.16th ... a perfect spate kept the beasts in all day...18th ...I at top of Buck fencing Eben Innes & Dod fencing on Buck made a very poor job.19th ...Dr. at Dod’s loon; horse all afternoon among hay.20th Jock’s oldest son here seeing him & on top of Buck22nd Jubilee day...leg sore in bed.. the rest at top of Buck seeing fireworks23rd ...very wet afternoon Jock cleaning out henhouse & rams house...25th Jock mossing a.m....home Jane ’s kist & 8lb tar27th Very fine day. Jock away at wife. Adam & wife at church. Vis Harry Adam & Reid gave him a dose of castor oil. My side not so well today. Jane relieved yavel ewe in hill.July 18972nd Friday Fast day. I at church...Jane at Post office p.m. Mrs Fettes & Mrs Clarke calling afternoon. 4th I at church took sacrament today very rough day. Robbie & Jock Simpson, Harry & Willie Nicoll calling.5th Jock mossing all day Jane in moss a while7th Wet morning Jock made ditch round cots& building up stones on dyke a.m. & put 2 new strainers in dillet pailing. I went to Torney & saw quey & bought her, price £14”12”610th Saturday Jock, Adam Shearer, James Reid & Dod Reid and Jane a while in moss all day. Jock away with his cow tonight. Reid Dod & Adam to fishing at night. J. Dawson & Miss Park calling pm. Jockie & I fencing all day dillet pailing.11th Jock at wife. Vis J. Reid , George Reid , Jock Simpson & Jockie Jamieson. A fearful warm day. Adam at Alford.

12th Clipped Ewes today clippers Mary Reid , Jane Daun, Jock & Dod of the Bracklach whiles, Jockie Jamieson taking. Quey calved a bull calf pm. A very warm day. Red quey served with Howbog’s bull.13th ... I herding & shooting crows am, building up peatstack pm, Mains Dod has home 10 loads of new peats15th Started to hoe, morning at it Jock, MaggieTaylor & Mary Reid am. Jock rinning neeps awhile pm & hoeing Maggie at hoe. Mary Reid & I at Bodiebae clipping pm.16th Friday Maggie left tonight. I paid her 6/- Jock at Library with books. A very warm day.19th ...finished hoeing22nd ...Reid & Adam at Lodge all drinking & fighting24th ... a fearful night of thunder, lightning & rain29th Jock & Jane finished casting of peats noon 14 days casting of peats30th ... Maggie Beattie married at Powneed today a great spree a very fine day. [Margaret Beattie dr James Beattie & Rachel McCombie marr William Richardson]31st ...fearful warm, had to take off my shirt & dry it it was so wet with sweatAugust 18976th Friday Powneed driving Jane Daun’s peats today...I still in bed. Jock helping Wm Kellas to build Jane Daun’s stack.8th Jock at wife. I still in bed. Visit J. Reid , Adam Shearer, Rob Simpson, Harry Nicoll& Willie of Bracklach a.m.11th I to Aberdeen13th ...to Reith & Anderson sale14th Wm & I called on Miss Walker & saw the large ship Aberdeen of Aberdeen sail out out of the harbour15th Lizzie Cooper & I at the North Church a.m. at Bathing Station Wm & I pm. Lizzie & I called on Mrs Brown & Mrs Bisset in the evening16th ...drive from Bridge of Don to B of Dee17th ...salt bath ..theatre Duchess of Coolgardie saw Miss Bain & the 2 Murrays19th tea with Mr & Mrs Burns20th Friday J Gordon & I left Aberdeen with 8.5a.m. took bus to Rhynie Jock met us at mill of Lismore held on to concert20th picnic1897 August 22nd: J Gordon & I at Fit of Buck a.m. visitors Lizzie, Jane & Mary Reid & Nelly & Lexy Duncan & also Bob. The Misses Duncan stopped all night23rd Jock carting peats am at it Mary Reid , Jock, Jane ; 2 Misses Duncans, J. Gordon & Bob & myself Eben Innes clipped his sheep. I cut a sturdy hogg of J Reid s a fine day27th I went to Blackhill tonight to sort their clock stopped all night John Gordon round the Cabrach28th ...I to Rhynie flower show a splendid show...bought 5 yds flannel & 2 dickeys at Troups 6/1029th James Smith his mother & little Annie Scott & I at Free Church; Lizzie, Annie, Johnnie Thomson & his wife drove to Comisty & back today fine day I stoped all night at Milton of Lismore30th....I photographed J. Gordon & J. Dawson & he took me & J. Dawson & Jane September 18971st ...I at Oldtown with mare in gig p.m. got a steeping of rain coming home2nd A fearful spate4th A strong frost since last night, potatoes all frosted...Jock to Finglennie p.m. put in all the beasts tonight5th a most splendid sermon the Glenbucket minister7th mare to smiddy 4 new shoes9th Jock to Dufftown for 3 bolls lime...Jane at hill gathering berries12th not very good preacher Tulloch of Lower Cabrach14th ...Reid & Adam thatching their house today very warm18th James Sheed & Helen Sim at top of Buck, took home his wedder19th ..Hugh Hay & party called on way to top of Buck

20th I paid J. Sheed for papers 10/-22nd Them building all day Jockie cutting thistles Bell sorting up wool & rags p.m. Henry Spencer here all night I busy all day24th a very fine harvest day... took off nipsticks off lamb27th Monday I at Rhynie meeting Misses Cooper & Crocket very fine day receive a dram from Sarah Souter28th ...had very good music October 18974th I at Gartly with ladies they left at 12.44pm5th ...the Shooting Lodge all burned to ground since last night. Charles Gordon married today [Charles Gordon s of John Gordon & Janet Sheed to Isabella Grant b5th Feb 1874 Mortlach]6th Jock & Jane cutting took click by 4p.m.Wm Kellas took it too tonight Sarah Souter married today George Mearns came here tonight with bicycle a very fine day7th Bracklach click a.m. very fine day12th A very cold day dinging on snow Bodiebae took click tonight22nd wedders sold in Aberdeen at 3/- more per head than was bidden on Tuesday for them 25th I took mare & went to Lumsden took 42lbs wool to C Mann. Stoped all night with Gardener & cleaned his clock measured for suit of clothes. fine day26th cleaned a clock at Whiteley...Jas Dawson & I at a fine winter supper & ball at Blaackhills28th Jock & Jane carting home rashes31st Adam & I at church Mary Reid pastNovember 18971st I at Gartly with mare for iron it did not come had to come home empty2nd I at Shands fo cart axle and rings Jock thatched henhouse foal weaned yesterday3rd Wednesday Thanksgiving day for good harvest I at church & Haddoch for Bright dog vis Jas Shand, Jas Dawson, Jas Reid & Jockie Jamieson. Paid Jas Reid for 13 days £1”17”44th Jock & I at Balvenie sawmill for wood did not get enough left half at Lodge8th ...up a load of caseeying stones let Leicester rams among ewes 94 bound foal rode on Kate I made syer for Sharp10th thrashed & winnowed 2 qrs corn & tok it to mill a.m. Jock thatching p.m. groved post in stable p.m. Reid home his meal 8 bolls out of 6 qrs of 43 lbs corn. I got 1 boll.11th John Sheed & Alexr McConnachie here at night played 11 games13th Jock causewaying stable Adam casting drain...17th fresh snow... Jas Shand & I made cuples Jock causewaying a.m.they fixed couples p.m. Jane to Auchmair with hen Dufftown feeing market day19th Adam p.m. Jocj & Jane pulling and heading neeps all day a fearful day of wind at Maggie Gordon’s wedding a most splendid affair I enjoyed it well21st Sunday ... let out highland rams amongst ewes22nd I at Rhynie market feed Adam wages £13 he run in for fighting23rd ...Adam at Aberdeen fined £1 home about 9p.m24th ...Adam at drain all day25th Jock cut Kate’s main & tail...Adam at drain26th ...Adam at drain p.m. Mary Reid & Jane at neeps27th ...Adam finished drain29th ...Jock left morning...Willie Kellas old mare shot today30th ... Reid at Shands I gave him 17/5 to pay poor ratesDecember 18973rd Adam sweeped chimney...I made 2 tubs for Mary Reid 6th fresh and burns big I went & took Archibald of Dumeath pasture to 1st of April for £7’10. Shand & Adam put on iron on cots. Jane home tonight. Took Leicester rams up today8th ...I to Cuticks nest with 2 nets & 50 stakes & mall

11th ... Adam away with sheep 200 of mine & 5 of Reid s to Cutcks nest p.m.15th ...Reid at Bracklach sold his gun to muckel Willie £1”2”6 shot bag & all16th I at Rhynie mare & gig saw through E. Church & up on tower with Wm Mackie17th Friday Lizzie Reid & Jane pulling & heading neeps...20th ...fiddle from Bob tonight gave Reid a good thrashing at brod22nd Jane & I washed gig morning Jas Dawson at Annie Smiths marriage a most splendid affair & we enjoyed it well home by 2 o’clock next morning23rd got 2 hares a white & a brown in snares today24th I tok mare & gig took 2 nets to Dumeath got Christmas tree concert & ball coming home a splendid affair...25th my birthday27th set up snares & thrashed. Thrashed Reid at brod28th Frosty kind a.m. Jane , Jockie & I pulled & headed 12 loads in 2.1/2hoursa.m carted 13 loads p.m. Mary Reid helping to fill 3 hours p.m.has them all pulled29th Jane , Jockie & I took in a rick a.m. only one out now carted home & loads neeps p.m. all home now rather wet day30th Jane , Jockie & I thrashed a.m. I to Auchmair p.m. paid Jas Shands account a very cold rough day31st A very fine day Jockie & I working at cots; a great ploughing match at Greenlone, Sim of Lynbain first, Mickle Willie 7th

1898January 3rd Monday I to Rhynie with mare & cart Lizzie & May Reid with me bought 2 cwt maize 11/- 2.5 st.flour, 2st. stand bran 4th ...thrashed p.m.5th Mrs Kellas of Torney’s funeral, her age 49 [Jane Murray, wife of John Kellas]6th a fine fresh day I to Blackhills riding p.m. measured pig & a rick of hay. James & I played 3 games7th very frosty all day; engaged a man to work @ 1/- per day, Charles Ferguson, started him to cart out dung p.m. I to Bodiebae8th Man carting out dung a.m. started him to plough p.m. Jane spreading dung I held 2 rounds of the plough myself. Adam home with sheep a fine fresh day10th Man ploughing a.m. Adam picking stones 2hrs p.m. & poling out a big one. Jas Smith, Jas Reid & I at Aldunie playing draughts, Mcconnachie, Sheed, Shewan & Rattray11th Mannie ploughing a.m. he left at dinnertime, could not manage the horse I bored a big stone and blew him to pieces. I received my braw new Draught board tonight, Mary Reid carried it from Post office12th Adam & I carted 4 loads of stones to drain morning started plow at 9.30 a.m.I at Bodiebae measuring off field for ploughing match... Dr Forbes at Jockie & Jamie they have measles 13th ... killed cripple wedder ...soldered Powi’s copper kettle14th ...cut up wedder, girl of Blackhills for 1/2 stone of him sent Jane to Auchmair with a bit of mutton15th A great ploughing match at Bodiebae 16 ploughs 1st Hugh Kellas; 2nd Wm. Gordon; 3rd Wm Smith 4th John Sharp ...17th fencing, ploughing, thrashing18th ...put wedder under brine, gave 4 lbs to Reids, sold 4 lbs to Dod Gordon; a very fine day17th Adam & Jane filling in drain with stones all day. I at Howtown; got mare shod; 2 socks & culter laid & home dogs pot20th Eben Innes & Jas Reid at Dufftown sales; had my gig & broke one of the lamps22nd I filled up holes in henhouse Miss MacDonald came afternoon24th ...Adam away back with sheep to Auchindoir . Miss McDonald left morning; mended gig lamp & made sieve to Jas Dawson All ploughing today25th left 6 a.m. for great ploughing match at Tallyhalum

28th engaged John Horn to work @ 10/- per week started him to plough29th Saturday Jock ploughing all day Adam laid up in bed with sore throat received no papers todayFebruary 18983rd sent Adam away with sheep to Dumeath, Jock to Redford for Bright dog8th A little soft kind . Sent a white hare to our Bob, parcel & brown to Brander Brothers Huntly. Bob Ligertwood kindly took them down. Jas Reid to Postoffice.9th Fresh kind today. Chas. Emslie, Jas & Wm Beattie Wm Kellas & I & 4 dogs hare hunting on Buck & all the sport was only 3 white hares which I shot; the rest got nothing...10th rode mare to Auchmair & spent the afternoon with Helen11th Friday ...ploughing match at Milton 1st medal Wm Smith 2nd Hugh Kellas 3rd Gordon McBain22nd Jas McCombie buried today aged 79 years [s James McCombie & Margaret Duffus, widr of Isabel McCombie]24th ...bruised corn25th...Jane left p.m. on one of her high gees....Mary Reid came & made super & milked cow26th I at Rhynie with wedder in sledge....Jane home again before I got home28th Monday... took in last straw rick p.m.March 18982nd Wednesday I filling cartridges p.m. making rope traces for sledge3rd more snow in Lower Cabrach than here but none at Dumeath10th Jas Reid & I at Aldunie with sledge, played 6 games 12th Saturday night of the brod here, Jas & John Sheed , Jas Reid & Jas Smith14th took Wm Horn neeps 12 loads at 2/6 per load23rd Jock at Whitehillocks with socks & culter24th ...paid John Horn & let him away for 15.5 days £1”7”6 1/8 more than due26th ...p.m. Reid working at Powneed for Eben Innes29th... Traction stuck in brae of Blackhills with seed corn 30th Annie Kellas died today about 5 a.m. aged 64 [dr of Alexander Kellas & Helen Bain]April 1st I ordered from Troup today the Daily Free Press to receive it the day after date @ 3d per week2nd Nelly Robertson very illApril 18984th Monday ... Alexr Duncan here gave us a few songs5th... I engaged Adam at £13- a ? to cast peats & horse to drive them & a half dreel of tatties & let him at £3 of rent per year. Gave G.Gordon notice to leave7th Adam ploughing a.m. I took mare & went to Blackhills for hoggs p.m. Adam & Jane took in last of hay; market hoggs Buck off horn 4am near & red paint on horn, put hogs & wedders to back hill a fine fresh day9th Saturday I burned a bit heather ...Fire Brigade in hill of Bracklach11th Harvey here a.m. I paid him £5”4 for seed corn. All sowing corn today but myself. A fine day Lizzie Smith & Mary McBain at Bodiebae p.m.14th A very fine day Adam harrowing all day, I busy amongst Ewes lambing put a twin to a ewe that lost her lamb15th dinging on rain all day16th Jackie & I in garden transplanting leeks17th Sunday Mrs Shearer delivered of a son today, Adam went for Dr early in the morning [Adam Shearer & Mary Reid have son Adam]20th ...to Huntly market engaged a woman Mrs Milne26th Adam finished ploughing clean ground a.m. rolling lea corn p.m. Wm & I took Kate & rode to Auchmair for hoggs p.m. & took 2 doz egs for Helen to set or hatch, a fine day28th Rhubarb to Mrs Smith 29th A fearful bad day a perfect spate Adam & I amongst ewes all day had to change clothes 3 timesMay 1898

2nd A very fine day, Adam building dyke ploughing stibble 4th ...dipped all yeld sheep9th Adam building at dyke, I at Powneed’s roup 10th I at Mary fair11th snowing 12th at Dumeath paying pasture & neeps ... cinematograph at Lower Cabrach School it very good Adam ditching13th Friday John Sheed’s roup at Ardwell18th ... Wm., Mrs Shearer, Nellie Reid & I preparing seed (potato)25th Morrison & son here & cut colt 5p.m. G. Gordon, G Reid, Adam, Wm & I helping. He cut 7 today. G. Gordon had Love carting away his furniture p.m. a cold day26th cross lamb died of woolball. Jane to Auchmair for hen & 20 chickens a.m. I shot a wood pigeon, killed & dressed a lamb & made a besom27th George Gordon left little house today28th Saturday Adam shifting wife & furniture into little house p.m. Wm & I working in garden Jane left 3.30p.m. Isa Innes up & made supper & milked cow31st ...woman & girl came about 3p.m. with post Isa Innes left at nightJune 18981st Hills all white with snow Adam to Post office for woman’s trunk & took down Jane’s 4th Saturday Mrs Shearer at RhynieJune16th a cross lamb died today there was tape worm 86 feet long in it & the longest worm was 17.5 ft long13th John Gordon Gaugh’s funeral aged 84 years [s of John Gordon & Jean Forbes] I rode through the moss on Kate15th John Sheed’s funeral aged 87 years [s William Sheed & Isobel Gordon]20th ...tarred cut lambs24th Adam mossing to himself & the wife with him...July 18982nd ... Reid, Wm Kellas & Wm Wilson building bridge at Powneed today6th St Sair’s Market day9th I turned ill at picnic and was very bad before I got home unable to louse mare14th ... Jane Daun & Adam clipping, George Reid taking & making up wool & I tarring and sharpening shears then about 5 p.m. Alexr Sheed , Alexr Gordon & Wm Duncan came & we we managed to finish by 6.15. a very fine day16th Saturday Woman left by 7 a.m. went away without consent. Jane Daun inover for her. I very ill today18th Adam mossing all day Keithmore calling p.m. & Mrs Shearer & Jane Nicoll. Lizzie Reid laid up today19th Adam mossing all day George Reid went for Dr to Lizzie then he examined Nelly Bell Reid, Adam’s bairn & me & at Helen Robertson. He says I have bronchitis & influenza both20th I some better Adam been mossing 14.5 days very warm day22nd Dr Grant 11am I very fevered he ordered my back to be blistered had to get Mrs shearer to put them on, received box of grapes & strawberries from Wm Cooper23rd Woman Annie Milne & girl left 7 a.m. of her own accord I gave her her money as I was glad to get clear of her as she is the worst I ever encountered. Mrs Shearer is to try & manage26th ...hoeing match at Kirkton Glass Market Bodiebae finished setting peats I still in bed 27th Bracklach family away to sea30th Eben & Adam at hoe I tried to hoe a bit Good plants but fearful foul with yarrAugust 18981st ...hoeing finished tonight = 11days of one hoe. Paid Eben he would not have but 4/- for the 3 days3rd I working in garden, still very weak5th ..girl came p.m. let her go again too long in coming

8th carrying liquid manure from cots to garden Wm Kellas & Harry driving Jane Daun’s peats9th ..I working a while at cots pulling dockings11th... in Aberdeen by 10a.m. Wm, Lizzie, Mary & 3 children & I went for 4 hours sail in White Queen 5p.m. to 9p.m. All of us very sick except Wm ,very rough. I got bottom of stomach proper12th Wm & I at Bathing Station a.m. calling on Seedsman & through Ben Reid & Co works a splendid sight very warm day18th I left Aberdeen at 8.5 a.m. home by 2p.m.19th ...Mains(?) Isa & boy took away her kist from little house20th Adam & Lizzie Reid at hoe all day23rd... Jas Reid home his peats today had a horse from Bracklach & one from Wm Kellas. Wm Kellas turned his cart in the moss...26th Sandy Souter left today past Cutticks nest... I pulling berries in garden27th I at flower show in Rhynie29th at Wm Gordon’s funeral his age 65 years [William GARDEN husb of Christina Gordon]30th at Mary Fair sold cross lambs 41 to Peter Cowie 2 16/6.September 18982nd ...Alexr Souter went home with Lizzie Reid & had tea with her alone5th Adam driving peats 10 loads building stack very warm day. Charles Cow & Gordon Gauld passed6th Adam driving peats 10 loads building stack very warm day a.m. at top of Buck with Mr & Mrs Wakingshaw & 3 daughters & a Miss Petrie & John Sheed left this between 5 & 6 p.m too much haze for seeing far9th ... Adam pulling dockings I sorting road & bridges to peat moss p.m.13th... Adam carting peats & helping me to put on a new dip can on chimney & sweeped the vint15th Adam & I at Rhynie Market with Stirk & calf sold stirk for £11”12”6at Barflatt seeing reaperJas sold his 2 year old stotts at £13”1017th Saturday I to Comisty ...country looking very well some of them leading19th .. Bracklach, Bodiebae, Howbog, both Powneeds, Whitehillock, Milton & Torney begun the harvest21st ... yoked Kate in cart for first time at Dufftown for lime 2 bolls on her & 2 bolls on Love; she behaved very well; corn very ripe about DufftownOctober 18981st ... Dr Grant here seeing Adam’s child2nd...Adam at Rhynie for drugs to his child, riding on KateDecember 189825th Reid, Adam, Jockie & I at church a very fine day Jane Reid not well.

1899January 6th Very frosty cold & stormy dinging on & drifting I at Rhynie with cart for sofa & boll meal to Isa Innes from Mill of Milton. In Bank & heard the gramaphone, a most wonderful thing. Jas Reid & George Gordon at a court in Aberdeen . Settled case settled out of court.11th ... Powneed case settled today .Jas Beattie lost27th ... saw 14 deer in Kinny burnFebruary 18992nd I at Auchmair with Love in sledge seeing old man, he is a good bit keener & more sensible knew me fine...4th ....Johnie & I at Merdrum seeing Cockburn’s queys; did not buy9th .. old Auchmair very poorly & Lizzie Smith taken down to Mill of Lismore today I am told.10th ...old Auchmair died about 1 p.m. [William Gordon husb of Elizabeth McCombie, s of Alexander Gordon & Margaret Gordon]14th Reid & Adam at Auchmair’s funeral, I unable to attend

15th ... Jas Dawson a fine fire in hill. I am thinking he has burned some of mine & the paling posts17th Adam ploughing all day; he is very cripple .with a sore heel which he thinks is frosted21st ...A. Souter away. I cut his hair; he is off for Canada about the end of this week22nd I put Kate in gig & drove Adam down to Dr...23rd Adam in bed most of day poulticing heel. Jockie & I sorting beasts Always very hard frost. Quey took ill in calving at noon; sent for Jas Beattie 7.30 p.m. so him, Reid, Adam & I took the calf from her, a black bull calf; cow a kickerMarch 18993rd ...Dr Grant here p.m. vaccinating Adam’s child & at Bodiebae drawing teeth from Jas Dawson. This the day of champion ploughing match at Tomnaven, 1st John Smith Invermarkie...11th ...at school at night hearing debate between John Taylor & John Kellas. Subject: : is the present Government worthy of support? John Taylor yes John Kellas no14th ... Jockie & I on hill heather burning... when on top of Buck saw a great wood on fire22nd .. always snowing Reid at Whitehillock & Postoffice. I in bed had to cut off mustache & poultice lip, very soreApril 18991st Adam to Aberdeen today to buy furniture 2 ewes lambed both black-faced 5th I to Huntly engaging a woman; went & came with John Thomson fare 2/6...10th ...Wm Duncan Bodiebae buried still born child today [William Duncan s of William “Pisgah” Duncan & Ann Henry, m to Mary Ann Barron]May 5th ... Jockie took Rover to Powneed & Beattie shot him. Poor old fellow I could not help shedding a few tears for him I am so sorry for him . He was a true & faithful friend & always ready at my hand.11th ... Reid’s dreel next paling, then Adam’s then my 4 (potatoes)16th I at Westerclova sale; everything very dear bought 3yr old cow at the calving £16”10..17th Adam & Jockie went away early in the morning but she calved after they landed at Wester clova so had to come home without her19th Hills white with snow.. Adam, Jockie & Jamie to Westerclova with Love in cart for cow & calf. I at Dufftown with Kate in gig to let Dr Innes see my lip; he would not see me, saw Dr Grant, told to continue what I was doing; musical entertainment at school at night22nd Rhynie feeing market today. Engaged Adam again at same wages £13- ... I at Dr with lip very sore 23rd Helen Robertson died today at 1.15 a.m. [dr of John Robertson at Bodiebae & Isobel Archibald ]... Jockie at Tolaphin p.m.26th ... David Morren came & bought red calf p.m. price £3”7”630th ... woman home tonight. Mary & the rest left31st I at Kirsty Gordon’s funeral her age 86 years [Christina Gordon widow of William Garden]June 18997th Wednesday I engaged 2 men John Webster & George Watson to gather weeds & C pm. from till Monday at 5/- each10th Saturday ... John & George has all the weeds gathered...12th my 2 men left today... Dod Gordon, Peter Jopp & I at Bowmans land-measuring today, very warm day; size of farm 29 acres3 roods 8 poles 18 yds15th.. I at Dufftown at Dr Innes ...17th ...thunder & lightning19th Monday a lot of rain since last night..Adam looking for sheep I mending peat barrow George leveling midden then we washed cart Adam & I sowed & linked whin seed in hill Started to clip 3.30p.m. Jas., Nelly & May Reid , Jane Daun & Adam, George & I. 21st Started mossing today. I out over awhile helping mannie; not much of a mosser in fact little use at anything... Love served with Prince Royal.22nd Adam & Geordie in moss all day23rd ..Kate ...got her shoes removed.. mannie did nothing in moss a.m.

27th I washed gig & Annie cleaned harness... Love served with Black Duke30th Adam to Rhynie for Dr to Mary she delivered of a son [George Shearer] ... Geordie & I putting up a new fence; he is a useless thing I had to do it allJuly 18991st Adam & Geordie in moss all day has just been 7 days in all3rd Adam & May stared hoeing taties & did a dreel or two of neeps let Geordie away this morning8th Saturday a splendid picnic & it kept up a fine day11th ... at school hearing Scott Skinner the great fiddler13th Mrs Jamieson’s funeral she 77 years old14th pulled 3 stones rhubarb tonight15th took 14lbs rhubarb to Helen of Auchmair22nd... May & Nelly Reid in hill gathering averings27th Adam & I at Gartly with two carts 7 bags of wool to Russel & Ramsden29th I went up to hill a.m. stopped Haig’s men from putting up butts in near hill took down all their names & addresses... at Auchmair paid James Shand for new cart & Helen Reid for hoeing neeps31st Monday I at splendid picnic on top of Buck p.m. & charming young ladies & the Rev. G. McMillan had fine music & singing when we came downAugust 18998th to Keith Show10th I went to Macduff very warm day got lodgings & dinner with Mrs Armour had a salt bath Jas Hay slept with me11th met in with a lot of acquaintances holidaying like myself very warm day12th Saturday Jas Dawson, Mary Giles, Helen Smith, Lizzie & Maggie Smith Jane Hardy, Miss Annie Cran, Joan Law & a chap Smart & I all through Banff Museum...14th Monday the only blank so far15th A fearful warm day I at Bathhouse early in the morning got shaved & razzor trimmed a.m. At Banff Bridge station had a long conversation16th Us all at Duff House Flower Show17th Adam came with Kate in the gig to meet me, got drunk at Rhynie ,came from Rhynie to Gartly at the mad gallop all the way; he was mad & did not know what he was doing I am astonished he was not killed & the mare also18th Adam very sorry for his conduct yesterday I have given him his last warning... Inspector of Police round about sheep stealing took copies of my sheep marks to try to find traces of my lost ones21st Adam making ditch to keep cot water from getting into stroup or house water22nd Isa Innes up for berries... constable away with Wm Gordon24th peats all home Adam 26 loads & we have 59 all home very dry Wedders bad with maggots never seen them so bad26th Mrs Gordon & Mrs MacDonald at Rhynie Flower show; I at Mr Haig’s supper enjoyed it well, home & loused 12p.m.Sept 18991st Annie at cranberries p.m.2nd ... Jas Watt bid me £31”10 for colt but I would not sell5th ... got Peter Gordon’s young bitch tonight to try & learn her7th .. & a gimmer of my own from Blackhills... was insulted by John Souter Senr who followed me along the road a good bit challenged me to fight & threatened to knock out my brains with a stone hammer; he is a perfect disgrace9th Adam & him (Alexr McIntosh) got a fine coup off the sledge coming home & I got a fine laugh11th Emslie & John Sharp bough t 2 year colt for £3415th I at Aberdeen seeing Barnum & Baileys Greatest Show on Earth

November 14th ... at May Reid’s marriage p.m. a memorable marriage . Bridegroom drunk & unable to stand. A very wet day.16th.... I took Kate & out begging all day.... Engaged Mary Rose as housekeeper & to work out @ £627th ... Adam at steam mill at Powneed29th Mary Rose my housekeeper came tonight. May Reid now Mrs Melvin here todayDecember 18991st ....took Backsides pasture £6”10 till 28th March shepherd & dog kept8th John Souter Jnr & George Gauld here at night reported old Barron lost9th Saturday Adam away with Wm Duncan & rest of them in search of old Barron. Found him in burn of Howbog at end of Roughward ...... George Gordon here a.m. I bought his bitch & paid him £1-12th Thrashed a.m. George away with sheep 198 & Bright dog & Nelly bitch. At Barron’s funeral he aged 78 years.[presumably Alexander Barron at Bodibae, father of Mary Ann Barron] Eben Innes up seeing his sweetheart tonight14th Adam & I at Rhynie , he to mill for meal home 2 bolls & bag of dist & sewing(?) machine 1/2 cwt sugar from R. Murray & 3 bottles oil18th ....I cleaning & trying to sort Mrs Shearer’s sewing machine21st ...received 7 Christmas cards tonight25th ...Nelly bitch ran off, frightened at mill going27th ...gave a rabbit to little Jamie for going for bitch yesterday30th ...Adam away to his brother’s marriage,,,,,I drove Jas Law(postman) to Fit of Buck & then to Culwine in sledge.

1900January 5th Friday Adam away to Dumeath to see if hill was let but it was... This the day of Wm Duncan of Pisgah’s shooting...8th Sheep neeps & on to Dillet took inover bedding to cots in sledge and thrashed a.m.I to Auchmair with sledge p.m. & took home chimney & board for sledge from Jas Shand. Paid George Gordon for being with sheep 16/-9th To Rhynie with Kate in sledge to get mare sharped & took glass ball trap to smiddy to be strengthened... took to Troup part of Mrs Shearer’s sewing machine.13th ... neeped sheep at Bruntland... Diary & Mrs Shearers parts of machine came tonight from Wm Troup.19th fresh today. Adam carting out dung a.m.Sheep neeps him & I pulled neepd & gathered them into big heaps p.m. Mary paraffine 1 gallon unpaid Received 7/6 from her for 1/2 cwt sugar which I brought home to her some time ago; thrashed tonight.29th More snow & Dod casting out snow all day. I to Aldunie with Kate in sledge more snow here than at Braeside I at Jas Sheed for poles as guides through the DilletFebruary 19001st ... Great marriage at Hillhead Miss Isa Kellas to Wm Gordon Aldivalloch.. [William son of Alexander Gordon & Ann McWilliam, Isabella dr of James Kellas & Jean Gordon]3rd... I to Bracklach p.m. & round by Whitehillock, Kirkton & Powneed... paid John sheed shoemaker 3/7.5 for mending boots & shot powder15th I to Lumsden with Kate in sledge with stakes & nets a very bad day snowing & drifting Adam & Reid to Rhynie with sheep came on a fearful night I stuck in brae of Blackhills and had to leave sledge in wreath stopped at Blackhills all night it almost defeat me to get there27th ....threshed twice... I sorting things in mill & soldered 2 milk basins to Mrs Gordon Bracklach thrashed Reid at brod tonight.March 19007th Wednesday Thrashed morning then Jock & I to Howtown with Kate in sledge loused there & walked to Rhynie. From Murray 1/2 boll flour & 9 lbs bacon @ 7d per lb 5/3 collar stuffed 6: 3lb suet 1/6 11/2 loves 71.2 very bad roads John Souter & Wm Beattie down too with sledges

16th Friday I pulled 4 sledgefuls of neeps... put belt on fanners & thrashed noon... very frosty old snow carrying horse Liby tonight & Ploughmans ball stayed at home19th ... Jane Daun here for birn of sheaves for her sheep. Robert Mackintosh buried today aged 85 years I unable to go to his funeral [Robert widr of Sarah Cow, father of Mary McIntosh with Margaret Sharp]April 19007th Saturday Jas Beattie & I first to poll had Bracklachs sledge to Clarks then John Thomson drove us to 1.36 train. Helen & William Beattie & I called on Dr Gordon & he examined both at Bensons Hotel they both put up there & I with Mrs Gordon10th Tuesday ... I engaged Maggie Helen Kellas for housekeeper & to hoe turnips & lift in harvest wages £714th Adam started to plow old lea today ... I had Jane Daun & Mary for shepherds let a lot of my sheep into Howbogs hill I home 80 hogs 6 awanting18th Wednesday Wm Beattie here riding for me 5.30 a.m. to a ewe in lambing I took lamb from her then went to back hill with hoggs & wedders came home & took dinner & went back with shovel & broke in snow bridges I very tired at night30th Monday Adam harrowing lea a.m. harrowed up some neeps & carted up 2 pits p.m. very cold foul day Wm Beattie sowed his first sowing today & Jas Dawson sowed his last of lea.May 19007th .... Wm Kellas’ Jess mare shot today.8th I at Mary Fair had Love riding... Adam & both Maries taking up neeps all day11th ... All the Tenants of Cabrach at Cabrach meeting Mr Factor(Mr Skinner). settling about their farms. Some of them more & some of them less rent. I am 8/- down. Very cold day.19th Reid & I working amongst sheep near all day & Adam dragged harrowed & opened ten dreels for taties & dunged 6 of them & Reid filled dung. Mrs Shearer Mary & Nelly Reid cutting seed taties fine day Bracklach planting taties today too.21st I at Rhynie market with Kate in gig drove Helen Reid down & back Adam down too did not engage I cut a sturdy hogg to Thomson Reid looking after things.... Traction up with manure23rd ...Engaged Adam @ £27”10 & house28th ... Housekeeper Miss Maggie Helen Kellas came tonight..June 19002nd Saturday Adam & I gathered weeds awhile a.m. then he started links & grubber & Mrs Shearer & I gathering weeds p.m.John Souter sowed first of his neeps tonight very warm day frosty morning thrashed. Adam started his moss tonight7th Adam opening dreels, tink & I gathering weeds yavel ewe in hill died later . Little tink, Mary & I gathered weeds then a big tink came at 3 p.m. 7 helped us till night...asked £1 a week & meat.8th ...little tink & Jane Daun breaking dung a.m. Paid off tinks noon. Adam down dreels & sowed manure & Jane Daun carried it... Jane & I putting weds in dreels Adam to Auchmair for Maggie’s kist27th Fast day I at Church cut Jane Daun’s lambs a.m. & Elrick & Blackhills p.m. ... Maggie & her sister on top of Buck... Mary Rose delivered of a son [Richard Fraser, illegit] between yesterday & today July 19007th Saturday wet morning started to hoe taties a/m. Adam Maggie & I at Picnic p.m. cleared up a fine day Adam to Rhynie for Dr to Lizzie early in the mornning so she has got a daughter [John’s own illegit daughter??? Isabella with Elizabeth Reid]10th Eben Innes & Adam in moss all day & I awhile a.m. I ran taties & hoed them & sowed manure & set them up p.m. & to Bracklach with black cow to bullp.m. hoeing garden at night John Reid came tonight engaged him to work @ 10/-per week as long as I want him.11th .. at Dufftown market engaged a boy Wm Macman to term at £4 & Kate served with Lobban’s horse Dufftown Eben Innes Jock Reid and Adam in moss all day finished peats very warm day16th Adam Jock Mary Willie Maggie & I at hoeing rather wet a.m.Jock Souter clipping p.m. I went over to see about sheep & Jock ordered me out. Then went to Blackhills for a ewe & lamb & a 2 year old wedder

unclipped & got a ewe & lamb & hogg unclipped at Howbog clipped them at night gave Mrs Shearer 3 fleeces17th ....sent letter to Jock Souter telling him to send my wool & apologise for his conduct yesterday So Mary & Johnnie came here tonight & apologised & pleaded with me to pass him this time very fine day & warmAugust 19001st Wednesday I at Glass market Adam & Willie finished hoeing of neeps a very fine day9th Adam drove me to Rhynie with Kate in gig then I got down to Gartly with Grant’s brake 9d then to Aberdeen 3/- train; at baths 6d10th At Georgas Sangers Circus from 2.30.till 6 p.m. then Lizzie & I at theatre the Rich & Poor of London 4/-11th ...at baths over in Tory ..saw Sangers horses swimming in the river Dee 4 of them nearly drowned 15th I at Dr Scott Riddel about my lip16th I left Aberdeen with the 11.50a.m. train at Gartly at 1.27 p.m.22nd Wednesday Adam & Willie road mending a.m. a fearful spate which washed down one end of Jas Dawson’s new house about 6 p.m.September 190010th Monday ball at Bracklach tonight11th John Hay & I working at little house he harling & I pointing... Maggie Kellas came tonight14th ... Adam carting peats to Jane Daun ... Forester here measured from porch to cistern 238 yards15th very fine day Adam & Willie driving Adams peats all day 18 loads & I cementing & masoning in mill. Charles Emslie shot willfully by Dunn the other keeper about 9 p.m. last night & then shot himself about 9a.m. Emslie still alive but dangerously wounded17th ... Love very cripple 18th ... Willie pirling at road John Dunn gamekeeper buried today but Haig nor any of his folks there at funeral25th Adam carting peats all day has mine all home ... seeing Jas Beattie’s corpse aged 67 years [s of James Beattie & Isobel Bain, husb of Rachel McCombie]26th ... Morrison the farrier here seeing LoveOctober 19003rd ... started Adam Mary Maggie & Willie to cut roads p.m. in clean ground 5 hoursNovember 12th winnowed 2 qrs corn & I took it to mill very frosty morning Adam & Willie tok in hewks, sheaves & rakings p.m. has 14 ricks & about 1 in mill ... at harvest home ball at Bracklach tonight19th I at Balloch & feed woman Lizzie McWilliam..27th Adam at Auchinleith for 3 sheep ... I fencing at Jane Daun’s had 225 sheep today fine afternoonDecember 19001st Saturday ... Adam away to hold his term.... I feed Mary McWilliam for nurse at Bracklach £4”5 [Why????]13th ... I at Maggie Helen Kellas marriage about 5 p.m. about 20 at it I home about 12.30 p.m. [dr of William Kellas & Margaret Davidson at Bridgend, m James Donald from Mortlach] very bad afternoon wet & cold17th ... 70 sheaves of broom to her (Mrs Shearer) house...19th ... Received aneroid willed to me by the late Alexr Nicoll Coreen Cottage Auchindoir24th I to Bruntland for 80 sheaves broom ... paid Mrs Harper for cutting 150 sheaves broom 6/1. Adam thatching the stable .. I at Christmas Tree so was Lizzie26th ... woman refused to do what she was bid so I paid her off Mrs Shearer came up & milked cows & did the work . Wm Kellas & I carting Reid’s broom from road went twice27th ... Ross the sculpturer came noon & I went down to churchyard with him to show him what to do Wm McWilliam came back with his daughter Lizzie tonight so I gave her another chance upon conditions that she do her work better & do whatever she is told

28th ... rubbed calf with stuff to cure its cary & ringworm

1901January 1st Adam & I gave sheep neeps then to hill to hares.... Lizzie McWilliam left today & I am not a bit Sorry but rather glad for she is really a dirty pig, Mrs Shearer acting as housekeeper meantime.2nd Wednesday ....thrashed at night little Mary loused to mill she is a splendid louser11th I at Rhynie with Kate in gig a houskeeper Jane Wight @ £6”5...15th ... Adam thatching byre a.m.17th Adam ploughing all day at old lea ... Reid cutting rashes for John Sheed callers Rev G McMillan Mary Giles John Souter Jnr & Reid fine fresh day18th... I in hill measuring fence between The Duke & Ogston Kildrummy.... Jas Reid got Mains of Elrick spring cart & brought his mother to Fit of Buck today19th ... woman left noon unknown to anyone Mary came up & made supper & milked24th .... engaged Maggie Taylor to come until I got another...25th .... had a fine ewe choked on a turnip head28th ... got Bracklachs pet lamb in burn of Culwine near starved... Maggie Taylor came noon29th Bad stormy day... Maggie Taylor left noon...Ligertwood’s cart did not come today... I milked & did the cookingFebruary 19013rd Sunday visitors Jas Reid Jas Dawson Mrs Shearer & little Adam 7th Thursday Adam away to Rhynie to meet woman she did not come12th .... Reid at Bracklach got his licks at brod14th Adam away to Rhynie for Jane Cooper... country white with snow as far as I could see from top of Buck 15th Adam & I sorted beasts & neeped sheep & thrashed twice Harry Nicoll away to Glen kindy today Adam & I pulled neeps p.m. Bracks Wm Beattie & Wm Kellases sledges at Rhynie for coals to school Jane Cooper came to Howbog with John Souter19th ... Peter Scotts funeral he was taken in a sledge from Smithston road, aged 83 years..[s of David Scott & Elspet Seivwright, widr of Jean Gordon]26th ... p.m. reid at Whitehillocks for tobacco for us all him Adam & I at Bracklach at our bannocks tonight Bracklach quey calved calf dead28th ... Wm Beattie at man Taylor’s funeral aged 71 years left a lot of moneyMarch 19011st A fearful bad day... gave sheep 24 wisps of straw & took in a lot of peats for Jane 4th ... Kate to Lumsden market she took ill before I got to Rhynie had to get Farrier to her.. stopped at Grants with mare all night5th I paid Farrier £1 brought Kate up to mill of Lismore left her there got their shilt to come home with a fearful bad night home by 8 pm.m walked from below Blackhills round by Howbog & Powneed till Culwine . I feel very tired.7th ... Adam rode down Johnnie Smith’s shilt & brought home Kate ... Reid round amongst the folks seeking men to clear the rods of snow14th I not well unable to get up I went to bed after I sorted beasts in the morning chap Gordon here wanting work he sorted horse noon & Reid at night & Jane the cattle very fine day20th ... Kate very lame on fore feet 26th ...at Whitehillocks for syrup...27th ... Peter Gordon Reekimlane round with Census papers p.m.31st Sunday ... I took worsted thread out of Jammie Gordon’s hand April 19011st ... Peter Gordon round collecting Census papers9th & 10th no entry

13th ... I paid Petrie £5 & Jane Cooper £219th Adam broke in old lea a.m. & sowed it 1.5 qrs & Jane Daun carried then Adam harrowing p.m. I busy among ewes put yeld sheep in far hill very warm day21st Sunday .....Mr & Mrs Gauld at Fit of Buck today Lizzie Reid’s child baptised Isabella24th ... Adam sowing & Lizzie Reid carrying seed ...30th & 1st May no entryMay 190110th Adam sowed 3 qrs bought seed in clean ground at this side Jane Daun carried seed ... I finished laying of drain p.m. 13th .... Lizzie Reid carried seed... very fine warm day22nd ..... Mrs Shearer delivered of a son this morning no Dr required24th ... I at George Ritchies & Mary Duncan’s marriage the bigest I was ever at a most splendid affair [George Ritchie s James Ritchie & Helen Duncan to Mary Ann Duncan dr William Duncan & Mary Ann Barron - ½1st cousins once removed]28th .... Lizzie Reid & Jockie Inglis came tonight31st Jock & I fencing a.m. & p.m. has new grass fenced ready for cattle Adam dragging above & belowJune 19013rd Adam at Lumsden holding his term Jockie Jamieson harrowing & linking all day Jock gathering weeds p.m. 11th ... had to stop for rain... to mill for dogs hash Jane Reid’s kist & wool bags 27th Adam in bed unwell Jockie in moss a.m. at dockings & thistles p.m. ... stalion round none of the mares would take him paid him £1”5July 19013rd ... John Kellas & Jane Yeats married today John Grant Kellas (postman) s of James Kellas & Jean Gordon, Elspeth Jean Yeats dr of Ebenezer Yeats & Jean McAdam] & Adam Shearer’s son Wm christened p.m. a very warm day6th Saturday Adam & Jockie in moss all day. I at school at three meetings meeting about dressmaking & new road to Powneed & picnic. Kirkton clipped his ewes tonight badly with maggots10th Stallion round today for last time Love served again ... I took Love & rode to Auchmair paid man for lettering grave stone 4/10 thunder & rain tonight12th ran neeps & atarted hoe 4 hoes awhile Adam Jock Lizzie Mrs Shearer & myself... Lizzie & Jane Reid at concert 4 a clock next morning before they were home 13th ... Jock Lizzie & I at picnic... a chap Blackhall & Lizzie were very sweet on each other they stuck so close all day one would have thought they were glued together & Jane reid & chap Taylor do August 19011st Adam finished cutting of hay & Jock & him finished setting up peats a.m. a great rain p.m. ... Dr Grant here seeing me And he gave my housekeeper Something on Sofa she wont forget before he left. This Cabrach market day.5th ... I still in bed. visitors Miss Law a man 2 women & children Jane Reid at Rhynie at Dr6th .... 3 men started to make new road from Powneed to Lodge today ...8th Adam & Jock carted home bedding a.m. rickling up peats p.m. Lizzie pulling berries & I working in garden weeding kale & thinning carrots p.m. fine day 12th Monday I at Dufftown with Kate in gig Mrs Shearer at Dr Innes with her baby. 6 p.m. before we got away from Dufftown got a short chimney can from Wilson price to be 1/2 Adam carting his own peats 17th Wm Kellas Adam & Jock taking in Reid’s peats has them all in Adam’s mother, brother wife & child calling on them. Mr & Mrs Melvin & child at Fit of Buck ,came on rain at night28th Thrashed twice today cutting bedding a.m. & p.m. not a very good day Rob Simpson here at night seeing Lizzie he would not go home with Jane Reid it is Liz he is after but she is afraid he would be of little use in supplying her wants.September 1901

1st Sunday Visitors J Reid Jane Reid Mr & Mrs Fettas & a neighbour woman over with a spring cart Lizzie turned sick & had to bed before dinner time Mary milked cow at night & Monday morning14th Saturday Adam & Jock working at dam finished ditch I at Dufftown with Lizzie reid to Dr Innes had Kate in gig October 19017th Snowing & raining all day & a fearful wind cutting & taking up tares a.m. Adam to Elrick & Blackhills p.m. & Jock raking . Lizzie in her bed all day...10th I at Dufftown sales had Lizzie over to Dr InnesNovember 190125th sent Jock to Wm Smith with my withdrawl from Parish Council this morning ...26th ... I at mill for meal a.m. millert said we wanted 1st of 5 bolls out of 4 qrs of 41lbs corn per bushel...28th This term day. I took up my carrots a most splendid crop took bagful into house & rest into pit in garden30th Adam & Jockie away at Lumsden & Rhynie holding their term. Jock, Jamie & I carted in all the headed neeps somewhere about 30 loads fine day but windy. Jane McRobb came p.m. & Lizzie Reid left tonight December 19012nd ... Reid away at Lumsden taking house for his mother... Lizzie at bank feeing 6th Reid & I at Lumsden with his mother & her things had the two carts7th Adam ploughing stibble I cutting rashes in back park a.m. I at Powneed for Wm Kellas skim culterp.m. Wm Dawson bought a mare 7 Jas Dawson a colt & brought home both from the same man Lizzie Reid home to Bank tonight23rd Lizzie Reid came from Bank tonight25th Took sledge to Howtown Mrs Shearer & Jas Reid went with me & John Souter riding. Reid went on to Lumsden. Mrs Shearer & I got splendid dinner at Howtown had very ill getting home came on such a night of snow 31st I to Howtown for new sledge A strong fresh & water big I stuck in burn of Culwine with sledge & all went to bottom but I got safe out with mare.

1902January 1st Adam & I took home sledge & things from Culwine ford a.m. he to hill hare hunting p.m. ... Jas Reid & Jockie away with Bracklachs Ewes 226 today very frosty 2nd ... Mrs Duncan a still born child 6th A fearful day of wind all day broke in cartshed door & would have taken thatch off Adam’s house ... fresh today & waters big12th Sunday ... Harry Nicol away with his wife to the Infirmary to see if anything can be done to her eye. John Thomson met them at the Elrick16th Adam got ram drowned in dam tonight 17th ... Adam & wife Jane McRobb & Lizzie Reid & I at Xmas tree concert & ball tonight a big turn out but a poor affair19th Mrs Ritchie Bodiebae delivered of a son today before Mrs Beattie or the Dr landed20th ... I at road with 2.5 qrs corn to J. Reid & Lizzie Reid’s kist ... 23rd ... Jane Cameron & Wm Nicoll to Aberdeen Jane to Infirmary to get out her eye 28th Very bad day... Reid making besoms all day. I sold old clogs to Wm Nicoll for 4/-...February 19022nd Sunday This is Candlemas day it is wet & foul. I at Mrs Shearers & Fit of Buck Reid sore head. Vis Harry Nicoll Mrs Shearer & sons & Lizzie Reid & her daughter4th This rent day I did not go. I on Buck. Hugh Lumsden young laird of Clova discharged his rifle at my bitch so there was like to be a fight...

7th Mrs George Gordon of Elrick’s funeral , aged 63 years very stiff road with the snow11th Did little but sort beasts this is bannock night Adam wife & family Jas. Reid Lizzie Reid & Jane Spence at their bannocks p.m. then Adam & I at Bracklach at night at bannocks 14th Started early this morning Jane Adam & I & the 2 sledges & went to Rhynie with 6 qrs corn & sold it to Jas Gordon butcher for 19/- per qr 43 lb per bushel & brought home wood for cartshed door from P Anderson a fearful bad day17th ... blistered Kate’s leg tonight ...19th ... schoolmaster’s wife very ill has had a shock of paralysis23rd... Vis Wm Nicoll, Lizzie Reid & child ,Mrs Shearer & sons & Jas Dawson very fine dayMarch 1902 4th ... Reid’s old ewe died when I was giving her gruel & cattle oil..7th Adam to Auchmair for black colt8th ... Adam sprained hand bridling colt noon... & Wm Beattie came up & bridled colt & I ploughed a few rounds ...9th I had to sort beasts Adam unable to do it with his hand. Jane & little Mary at church.11th ploughing match Long boards 1st Alexr McBain 2nd Hugh Kellas 3rd Wm Gordon 4th Wm Taylor Short boards 1st George Gauld 12th ... I to Auchmair & pruned bushes & let Peter see how to do...16th I at church also Lizzie & little Mary & Jammie vis Jas Dawson Jas Reid a very fine day. Adam managed to sort beasts.17th ... Eben Beattie up bidding us goodbye..19th... I bought a new plough from Sellar Huntly 2 wheels & plain culter & skim culter for £3”15 if it pleased & if not back it goes 20th Adam & I working in mill a.m. I cutting out a hatch for the taking up of corn on to loft with the pulleys he ploughing p.m. & I sorting beasts 25th Jane McRobb over at the Bracklach feeing as housekeeper26th ... to Gartly.. a fine day down about..28th .. I got Mains shilt went down the Burn of Craig in Search of neeps then to Rhynie & Clatt took 2 acres at Blairduff @ 2d per head per week shepherd & dog kept had dinner at Parkyside & tea at Auchmenzies & Howbog home here 12 p.m. Adam sledging stones to mend road31st Adma away with 188 of my sheep & 110 of John Souters to Blairduff to neeps..April 19021st Tuesday I took 4 loads of neeps a.m. into shed Lizzie Reid came inover & helped us to thrash p.m.2nd ...I tried my new plough but it will not clean itself...5th ....I went to bed at 11p.m. & left him (John Souter) & Jane sitting billing & cooing...6th ... Adamm up seeing his wife last night10th... Wm Weir Sellars man from Huntly here looking at plough11th Snow today Jane & I took in a lea rick & her little Mary & I winnowed up corn & thrashed p.m.21st Adam & John Souter Jnr away to Blairduff for left ewes... I harrowed worst bits in back park with Love...25th ... I to Post office for grass seed with Love riding...28th Adam harrowing old lea with Love...May 19021st I to Rhynie with Love in cart for nets & stakes ...A Gordon to Infirmary...2nd ...some louds peals of thunder..3rd ... fearful bad day.Wm Murray Tolaphin here ridiing wanting straw5th John Sheed shoemaker here for straw gave him 60 wisps not paid7th ...Wm Murray bought a rick gave him 12 wisps with him & Peter Simpson 32 wisps. Adam & Wm Beattie came home without the sheep both got drunk & lost them. Peter Simpson brought them home. Jockie rode to Whitehillock for 1lb nitre 6d

9th ... on Culwine for whins...Love mare served with Star of the East..13th Jock & I to Tillyminnates neeps. Left Love at Merdrum & walked the rest. I bought the pony 7 years old for £10 & Jock & James Smith rode it home ...16th ... watching Kate for foaling..20th Kate foaled mare foal about 7 a.m....26th I at Rhynie feeing market riding on Dasey. Adam took in last of neeps & fencing & preparing for going away tomorrow... I did not get a man nor hay. Home & thrashed & helped to pack Adam’s things.27th Wm Beattie John Souter Jr & I to Dufftown with Adam’s things , wife & family. Lizzie & Jock all the way with them ..28th Jane McRobb left 5.15 a.m. Nelly Reid here all day ... Lizzie & Jock came tonight 11p.m.30th ...got Love shod at Howtown..31st ... Jockie over for his own & Jane McRobbs kist a.m. & I took outover taties to Reids & inover Lizzies kistJune 19022nd I over to Rhynie riding on Dasey p.m. went up past Bogencloch to see & fee a man but he would not engage had no one but Alec looking after beasts...3rd Harry Nicoll came to me to work this morning...4th Bob wife & family here vis. p.m. Harry & I started to roll but had to stop for rain went to fishing I got nothing Harry & Bob did.5th ... thunder storm then heaviest rain I have ever seen...6th Harry to Redford with red cow but no bull there then he went to Milton & got her served7th no entry8th Sunday ... Jane Daun came & told me a dog had worried 3 of my lambs beside her house . So I saw him at one myself & followed him home & found him to be John Taylors Mill9th Hills white with snow this morning Harry away to Aberdeen with his wife. Lewie here for him. Lewie Lizzie & I winnowed 7.5.qrs corn & thrashed. Another dog hunt at Bracklach. Dog of Gaugh shot.10th ... let horses out to grass tonight... another of worried lambs died & I buried it13th Friday ... Dufftown police here seing about sheep worrying.14th ...Isa Innes up filling chaff for herself...18th ....Love served again tonight19th ....Love served again this morning21st ... I at Lodge meeting Factor & Party p.m. then over seeing new road25th ... Reid & I dipped ewes & lambs p.m. in a fearful mess of kebs28th ... I wrought in garden till 10 p.m.29th Lizzie & Nelly Reid at church & I cooking dinner... a very fine dayJuly 19022nd Fast day . Harry fishing & took 3.5 dozen trout I at Church then to Auchmair riding on Dasey... Powneed Gaugh & Gordon Gaugh working all day5th Saturday ... at clipping Peter Simpson Jas. Smith Jas. Reid Wm. Beattie Helen Reid Wm Gordon Jane Daun, Harry & I & Lizzie Reid clipping whhile a very fine day7th Harry tirring moss8th ... I cut hogg in sturdy had it on both sides brain wasted had to cut her throat a.m. ... I feed Harry Nicoll for half year12th Harry Lizzie & I at PicNic & games they were very good John Souter Jr first for both hammer & 56lb weight amongsy locals I home by 9.30 p.m. a very fine day17th The Highland Show in Aberdeen a fearful rain in Aberdeen & when we came to Gartly it was starvation26th a fearful spate ... had to put horses in to stable 28th Jane Gordon Aldivalloch’s funeral she was aged 70 years [dr Alexander Gordon & Jean Sheed]

30th Glass Market bought a fine roadster for £20 sold her for £24 then I bought a yearling filly for £11- 2/6 back . Stayed at Belcherrie all night also Johnnie SmithAugust 19024th ... I over at Howbog at night & helped coffin my uncle5th ... Love served Mac Gregor paid him 2/- for a jump6th...John Souter’s funeral p.m. he was 75 years [s William Souter & Jane Gordon, husb of Margaret McDiarmid] he was laid between his mothersgrave & little Willie’s my brother’s son..9th... I yoked & drove Mrs Shearer & family & John Reid’s wife & family down to our coronation picnic and games p.m. John Reid Jas. Reid Jane Reid Jane Spince Lizzie Reid Harry & his mother & daughter & I all at it a fine afternoon11th no entry 12th ... Lizzie to hill to gather averings p.m. came home with half a cupful of trash...14th I at Dufftown with Love in cart, ddrove Mrs Shearer & family to Dufftown & also Jessie Beattie there & back16th I at Howton for part of reaper got Love shod & took down a load of peats out of Badnieman... Lizzie James & Harry hoeing. Engaged a chap James Stewart he called himself to hoe & cut hay @ 1/6 per day stayed here all night17th Sunday A Police from Dufftown & one from Keith here & arrested a notorious thief Matthew Macquin , a chap about 18 or 20 years of age he called himself Jas Stewart farm servant....18th John Souter here for the loan of Nelly bitch to gather his sheep. Harry to Howbog for bitch & sheep p.m. 22nd Us all at John’s Fair, Wm Duncan walking, Jas Dawson & I riding, he Malby & I Dasey, went & came Kinny burn & Harry went through Glenbucket, he sold his horse25th ...p.m. set up taties with Love alone26th I at Mary Fair riding. Harry in bed all day with sore back27th ...took out reaper & put in readyness noon cleared roads & started reaper about 3 p.m.September 19028th Monday I at Rhynie with Love in cart . Jane Reid went down with me to get her child pocked .10th ... Howtown Dasey to get a shoe on called at Mill of Lismore got a good feed of berries . Harry setting peats awhile a.m. him & Jamie pulling juniper p.m.15th Home 2 loads juniper from Kinny burn a.m. riddling & carrying up sand & grouting for cementing of little house . This is the day of Milton of Noth Pedegree Sale of cattle18th Harry & I at Rhynie market he did not sell his cattle. riding on Dasey . She won the race home with Scott Milton & Mains of Elrick.20th Harry & Jas gathering & binding rashes 25th Wm Kellas & I carting in Jane Daun’s peats Harry building stack a.m. Wm Beattie helping him p.m.26th ... John Souter helped us to turn a hay rick a.m.... dressed cattle for ringworm in a terrible mess 27th ... dipped all my own & Fit of Buck’s 438 Alex Gordon Auchmair helped us I cut his hair & he mine .29th ...Harry pulling juniper...October 19022nd ... I paid George Beverley for 2 pails sheep dip4th A fearful frost this morning potatoes all frosted & I am afraid most of the corn 13th Carted 8 loads of peats and headed part of stack a.m. Harry & I started to cut corn p.m. in back park . Took click to Jane Daun with moon. dressed cattle again.23rd ... Jas Reid’s mother buried today aged 80 years [Marjory Reid]. I left Dufftown 3,30 p.m.24th Lodged at Mrs Keirs Temperance Hotel Perth very bad trade both at Swans & McDonalds & Frasers I left Perth 4 p.m. stoped in Aberdeen with Lizzie CooperNovember 1902

3rd A fine morning made a start to leading just got in two loada and had to stop for rain then Harry & I set up all the stooks in the clean ground a.m. & he set up lea p.m. Stewart Auchensoram left with 8 gimmers. Reid at Milton. Wm Beattie leading long after rain came on. 5th ... I to torney for ripture belt6th... John Sheed caught going into Dufftown with 64 brace of grouse.10th I at Rhynie Dasey. Let Wm Smith see my hand he says it is blood poisoned he made a poultice & put on it ... took in a rick p.m. Jas Reid building Jane Daun forking11th .....p.m. for rupture belt for foal... 13th ... I in bed all day arm very sore14th A very fine quiet day. A. Gordon Auchmair up building all day all in by 3 p.m. in fair order. Sent with post for Dr to see my hand he came about 4 p.m. & lanced it nothing but blood came out. Jane Daun 7 hours.30th Sunday I at church very cold & int but a few 11 counting the minister & all. Jas Law & Jane Gordon proclaimed todayDecember 19022nd Adam came tonight3rd John Souter, Adam & I to Dufftown for his Adam’s wife & things took sledges to Ardwell & Inverharrach got carts from there a Devil of a job before we got home in the dark great wreaths of snow above Powneed5th The day of James Law’s marriage .[James s of James Law & Mary McHardy, Jean Gordon dr of Peter Gordon & Elspet Milne] Reid going post for old Law. Adam & I to store p.m. for rest of his things so they are all here now.8th I took Dasey & rode to Edinglassie & took all the pasture except one park of new grass @ £1- per 100 per week shepherd & dogs kept. Had my supper at Belherrie played him 5 games of draughts I won them all . Got Dasey sharped at Bridgend paid 2/- At Auchmair 9 p.m. Stoped there all night.11th Willie & I at Rhynie ... Bought trap & harness lamps rug & C from Riddle for £8”15. Home 2 bags coals to Mrs Shearer; to self bag bran 6/3 2cwt Thorley cake 17/- 2 pails dip £1-. Mary Giles left Bodiebae today.15th Harry Willie & I put reaper into cots18th Jas Dawson to Rhynie for his new housekeeper Jessie Archibald20th I at Rhynie market took trap home with Dasey 23rd ... Adam & Willie started to plough on Culwine put in one feering a.m....24th Willie cutting rashes on Culwine25th A fearful wind did a lot of damage blew big door of cot court posts & all26th Mill of Noth for meal one boll & one stone out of the qr but fine meal...27th ... a right fine day.29th ... Jas Dawson off to Aberdeen to see Mary Giles , got a telegram that she was dying30th ... Willie took down 2 loads of peats out of new stack to Mrs Shearer... I made besom to Lizzie tonight ... Adam to Auchmair with sheep...31st ... I made a lid to pot & a stand to my ink bottle glued stained & varnished it at night. This is the night of the Christmas tree none of us at it Willie down with Mrs Shearer Lizzie & I at home

1903January First page removedSunday 4th I at Bodiebae a.m. telegram saying that Mary Giles had died last night [dr James Giles & Isobel Archibald, aunt of James R Dawson at Bodibae]8th very frosty Willie pulling neeps... I to store for 2 bags of coals with Love in sledge for Mrs Shearer p.m.9th ... I oiled mill & we had a thrash p.m. our first this season nothing in it worth thrashing. I mended mill stair.

10th ... Wm Duncan Pisgah’s shooting today.15th Willie away to Dr to let him see his leg.16th... sent Wm Duncan away to see how Adam was getting on with the sheep p.m. I got milk from Jas Dawson & am to get17th Adam came this morning, Wm Duncan herding for him 20th ...washed horses’ legs & 2 stirks with McDougall’s dip...22nd I at Rhynie got Dasey shod on 4 new shoes & 8 sharps Mary & Maggie Smith & I at Cinomatagraph in Grant’s hall. It was splendid...24th Adam up from Glass last night..26th Mrs Shearer & Jim amongst peats in moss all day selecting dry ones...most of them ploughing... Wm Duncan holing fir to himself27th .. Mrs Shearer & I took inover 2 loads of peats p.m. then she helped me to sort beasts28th I very bad today just managed to sort beasts in the morniing had to go to bed Mrs Shearer sorted beasts.29th Mrs Shearer came up & sorted beasts in the morning. Jas Reid went over for Wm Duncan. Wm Wilson came noon them taking in a rick. I very ill with pain in bowels.30th ... William Wilson not able for his work so I advised him to go to the Aberdeen Infirmary. I paid him £3 for the time he had wrought he left p.m. I fearful pained all day took a dose of laudanum which eased the pain. February 19034th ... Johnstone the gamekeeper helped to yoke Jas Dawson’s young mare p.m. A fine fresh day.5th I at Dufftown sales riding on Dasey. Telegraphed to Adam to come home with sheep he came tonight. Lizzie left tonight.7th Reid & Adam holling fir in hill of Bracklach... 20th ... Adam & I trained foal to lead & washed her & Poly for lice.noon...March 19032nd ...Wm Wilson took away his kist tonight.3rd ...Adam away with sheep noon to Edinglassie . Has Nell bitch with him . I at Bodiebae at bannocks at night.17th ... Police up with Summons to Jas Dawson to appear in Aberdeen as a witness on Thursday.April 19035th Sunday Black cow calved when Adam went into byre this morning twins cow one dead & bull one lived awhile till 10 p.m. two mosters of calves both black bull weighed 77lbs cow one 70lbs7th Two ewes lambed today one dead cold stormy day. I sowed Reid’s waterproof coat on machine p.m.11th I in bed all day with a sore back. Maggie Gordon buried today.12th Black cow not well tonight I put daisey in trap & went to Rhynie for farrier left this 9.45p.m. in Rhynie 10.45 Farrier would not come out tonight13th Monday Home from Rhynie by 1.30 a.m. gave cow a bottle linseed oil went to bed 4.30 a.m. up & off to Rhynie again 6.30 a.m. for Dr to Lizzie Reid. Had breakfast with Wm Smith. Farrier came to cow today. Elsie Mathieson [Robert Smith Yeats s of Alexander Yeats] & Lizzie [Reid] both deliverd of a son today [William Souter Duncan?] Very stormy gave sheep neeps. Took in last straw rick p.m.15th .... I very cripple...16th Always snowing nothing can be done ... I very cripple with strained ankle.20th Snowing Snowing nothing but snow & death21st Always snowing Ewes lambing & leaving their lambs no milk & strong big lambs they are this snow has ruined them clean. Thrashed & gave some of them corn & bran. 22nd Adam & I busy amongst sheep & lambs allday a heartless job ruin staring us in the face at every hand.24th Six lambs worried & taken away by dogs Since last night & Jas Dawson 2 from beside his house25th I at Rhynie.. sent Dr up to George Shearer26th a great slaughter amongst lambs. Since last night 15 or more taken away with dogs... and all so quietly done

30th Adam & I marked 29 ewes without lambs that has had lambs....May 19031st Adam casting drain & I at Auchmair Torney & Aldunie p.m. had Daisey in trap. Signed Register. Auchmair Torney Milton & Kirkton sowing corn today.2nd ... Lizzie Reid at school p.m. 3rd Sunday ... Jane Reid & her Tarland Tailor at Session & MacMillan at Fit of Buck & christened their daughter Jessie Beattie. Adam Shearer & his wife at christening . Wm Kellas old mare died today. 8th I at Dufftown with Love in cart11th Hill white with snow... Adam broke the clean ground & sowed the cleanest of it . Lizzie carried seed.23rd .... Star of the East round & served Kate but would not serve Love..26th ...Harry Nicoll to Dufftown for Lizzie Scott’s tocher cow..27th Adam ploughing all day Jim & I at drains. Lizzie Scott’s bag & baggage came to Bodiebae tonight 2 lorries 2 horses in each of them they stuck ever so often between Powneed & Bodiebae...30th Adam & his wife away to Lumsden & Rhynie walking... I at Howbog at night helping to take a mare out of ditch.June 19031st Adam ploughing stibble in back park a.m. & p.m. Jim & I filling drains a.m. Jas Reid & I at Annie Dauns or Mrs Jessimana funeral buried in cabrach aged 68 years. [dr of Harry Daun & Margaret Duncan] Jessie Archibald back to Bodiebae received an invitation to Jas R. Dawson & Lizzie Scotts marriage.2nd Adam ploughing stibble in back park a.m. & p.m. Jim & I filling drains... cut John Souters hair. Lizzie Reid at her fathers tonight.6th ... I sowed neeps with Daisey. Jas Dawson to Brae Essie trying to fee a loon Cook had Daisy riding on. 7th Sunday Over 100 people out searching for Gordon McWilliam . Reid Adam & Harry from this. Nell & Lizzie Reid at church. Very warm.13th Saturday I at Jas R Dawson marriage at the Royal Hotel Bridge Place Aberdeen 38 at it. [James Robertson Dawson illegit s of Alexander Dawson & Helen Robertson, Eliza Scott dr Peter Scott & Jean Gordon at Milton]14th Alexr Gordon & I drove to Shenval with Daisey to see Mrs McDonald she is very poorly. 17th ....Lizzie to Rhynie & her son with her..20th Love served with Star of the East . Tried Daisey but he could not manage. Left 7 p.m.21st Mary & Maggie Smith & I at Free Church today had dinner with Wm Smith home by night.. A lot of folk looking in the woods of Clova for Gordon McWilliam but did not find him.27th ... Lizzie & I at Huntly drove with Daisey all the way a fine day called & had dinner with Mr & Mrs Morrison...28th Gordon McWilliam found by the search party hanging to a tree in Clashenrae he had been hanging there for a month & 2days. [s of Peter Mcwkilliam & Ann Gordon] Mrs Dawson to Shenval to see her sister. [Mrs Elsie McDonald nee Scott]July 19031st This our fast day. Adam & Mary to Lumsden Reid & I to Gordon McWilliam’s funeral from Cabrach shooting Lodge at 10 a.m. & we stayed church service McHardy of Rhynie preached very warm & droughty4th Us three mossing all day I sledging with kate ... casting awhile to Adam at night Lizzie to Rhynie walking5th This Sacrament Sunday Adam Mary & Jane Reid at church Lizzie & I proclaimed today. A wet day, dinner at Reids.6th a terrible day of rain & cold had to take in the beasts forenoon. I at fishing p.m. just got 2 trouts wind would not let line stay in water.7th Adam Jim & I mossing all day. Old Reid at Rhynie with Love in cart for things to marriage a.m. Mrs Gauld came with him & Lizzie Hay with Post she is to be cook.8th we were mossing a.m. came on rain. This afternoon Lizzie Reid & I were joined in wedlock at Fit of Buck by the Rev. George McMillan Best man James Smith, Bridesmaid Jane Reid.

11th Little Mary & I drove to PicNic with Daisey a splendid PicNic home by 10 p.m. Jane Reid & Taylor was at it too.12th James Smith, Jane Reid and my newly made wife Lizzie Reid at church at what you call the kirking.14th Adam Jim & I gathered sheep a.m. Started to clip noon . Clipping: Adam, Mary, Jane Daun, Jane Reid, John Souter, Harry Nicoll & myself. Jas. Reid making up wool, Jim & loon of Bodiebae catching. Sheep finished 5 p.m. Cut lambs after supper. a fine day. 16th I at Elsie Scotts or Mrs McDonalds Shenvals funeral [Elspet Scott dr Peter Scott & Jean Gordon, w of James McDonald] drove all the way to Dufftown rain all the afternoon. 21st ... Jim to Shands for feet to cradle .. Adam at hoe & Mrs shearer & I at Bracklachs clipping. p.m. Gordon McGregor round with horse paid him 5/- for the two mares price agreed on at first round . Signed his book.23rd At Rhynie brought up James Reid from Bruntland to his grandparents at Fit of Buck.29th I at Glass market . Paid Wm Duncan Edinglassie for neeps & pasture £20. Adam Mary & Jim finished hoeing 6 days.August 19031st .. I a very sore throat. I shot old Prince dog of Bodiebae. Then to fishing awhile with fly, would not take. Bracklach & I Bodiebae at Gartly with their wool.5th ... Wm McMillan calling with stallion Star of The East had him in trap. None of my mares would take him. Lizzie & I at meeting tonight. 6th ... driving peats to Burns the schoolmaster... Peter Gordon Bowmans here for rupture belt.7th ... I at Auchmair with Daisey at stallion. She would not take him. Paid McMillan 7/6 I at fishing in Howe water took 3 dozen & 7 trouts. too late for going to meeting tonight .18th Adam & Jim second hoeings a.m. & I working at cots. Adam wife & family photographed Harry Nicoll wife & family, & Lizzie Willie & I . I drove old Harry down to Kirkton p.m. rain rain every day.23rd Preaching at church at 3.30 I at it a Mrs Rae from New Deer a fine day but thunder & rain towards night24th Adam & Jim & I working at Bridge at head of Culwine & Adam building up peat stack & I cutting grass in garden a.m. turning & coaling hay p.m. Adam wife & family & myself 4.5 hours frost this mornning , fine warm day.25th I at Alexr Jamieson’s funeral buried in Rhynie Church yard aged 48 years Jas Smith kindly drove me back to Blackhills.September 1903 9th I at Rhynie with Lizzie & child to get him vaxinated by Dr Turnbull...12th Another bad day. Adam & Jim cleaning Daisey’s harness & shifting a fence. I cut 10 lambs a.m. Reid & I at fishing p.m. he 4 I 4 trouts. Jas Dawson at Rhynie for his new gig harness & Elsie Mathieson her son vaxinated.15th ... a fearful frost this morning the corn & taties frosted Adam & I Stipped taties with a rope, Took in hay from 4 p.m. till 8 p.m. 24th Jas Dawson & I at Dufftown sales a lot of beasts at them not selling very well. Adam & Jim driving peats. harry Gordon left today. He photographed Daisey in trap & Lizzie & baby & Jim as driver. Jas Dawson & I had his mare in my machine.October 19031st Carting peats a.m. & I building stack a.m. home 2 loads p.m. Stack finished & fenced 42 loads in new bit not very dry. Old Reid at Dufftown with Daisey in machine home drunk as usual. Very fine day.2nd John Souter & I at Dufftown by 8 a.m. on our way to the Duke of Richmond & Gordon’s funeral drove from Dufftown & back a big funeral a fine day a most splendid drive lost John Souter coming home. Adam thatching hay rick.4th My son William Souter Duncan baptised today by Rev, George McMillan com. Mrs Beattie, Mr & Mrs dawson, Jas & Helen Reid Adam Shearer wife & family wet cold day.

5th ..a lot of rain since last night burns big Adam at rapes awhile a.m. away to look for lambs Jim to Aldunie about my boots had Daisy riding . John Souter fishing down below the manse just got 3 each fine p.m.6th I over at Howbog with John Souter’s top coat seeing his rams. Cleared water pipes a.m. ..12th .... Adam at Howbog at night killing a ewe & took over a present to Annie Souter a new blanket brought inover John Souter’s rake.14th Began cutting today. Cleared roads at Culwine a.m. Adam Jim & I took down reaper & cut with her p.m. Adam Jim & L. Mary lifting . a fine day but cold. Bodiebae cutting roads for a start. 15th a lot of rain since last night. I cut out Culwine by 12p.m. & broke reaper pole at last round . Ground so wet & wheels sinking . Adam Jim & L. Mary lifting a.m. Adam Jim & L. Mary & I lifting p.m. 17th ... Adam ...8lb syrup.. got binder pole mended at Howtown... loused cart at Powneed late before he was home.18th Annie Smith & Jas Hunter proclaimed & also John Sheed & Jane Kellas . Old Reid & I at church My wife & I & baby at Howbog p.m. at tea & also Mrs Gordon Auchmair & Burns schoolmaster.25th John Rose & I over at Rhynturk & saw the patent sheep dipper ... a right fine day Lizzie & loon over calling on Mr & Mrs Dawson her sister May husband & family at Fit of Buck.November 190318th Dufftown feeing market Adam & I putting stones on the road at our gate quarrying & carting up blinding p.m. Reid helping us in with reaper to cots. Let out the rams today 153 sheep & 3 rams. I cut Dawson ‘s calf a big stirk.20th Friday This thanksgiving day for the harvest . Reid & I at church Adam at to Kirkton for his goods from R. Murray...30th Adam holding his term him & his wife & her son John away to Lumsden. Jim & I looking after beasts Harry Nicoll away to Rhynie with a sledge for bag of cake.December 19031st Adam to Rhynie with sledge for bag of cake, pail of syrup & 4 bars of soap from Wm Smith. Jim at Howtown with Kate to get her shod. Adam got drunk & John Souter had to bring home the mare & sledge he at mill of Noth with corn for meal 35lb per bushel a great fall of snow since last night.2nd Adam did not come up to his work today none of them put in an appearance I did not get to Wm Beattie’s funeral [s of William Beattie & Jean Grant, husb of Margaret Gordon] having to look after the beasts gave sheep sledgeful of neeps p.m. 3rd Adam did not come up today either ... Reid & I threshed ourselves. Mrs Shearer up today says Adam has a festered foot.4th Adam today. Spoke to him about his conduct on Tuesday. He gave sheep neeps & sorted beasts. I over at Reekimlane spent the day had my dinner there then called on them all at the Gaugh had my tea with Nelly Smith & called at Bracklach & Bodiebae very frosty all day.5th ... 28lb per bushel what came off Culwine8th Adam & I at mill with 3 bags of corn for hash to dogs & hens had both mares Love in sledge & kate tracing... Elsie Mathieson visiting with her son.10th ... Reid rabbiting at Bracklach Jim & I with him had Wm Beattie’s firret a bad worker...22nd A strong fresh burns big Adam carting neeps a.m. ploughing p.m. All the folks & things left the Bracklach today, hens & all ...23rd I at Rhynie had Daisey in machine up past mill of Lismore had down 11 white hares Reids sent 6 to Greenock & I 4 to Aberdeen to friends & one to William Smith . Adam ploughing lea all day. Reid shooting in Bracklach hill got 3 hares25th Adam & I carting up neeps a.m. Adam ploughing lea p.m. & I with John Souter dipping his sheep at my trough. Reekimlane Bodiebae dipped at Bracklach. Very frosty all day. 26th I at Rhynie Market with Daisey in trap Mrs Shearer with me Jas Daawson with cart Elsie Mathieson & Jane Daun with him. John Souter down with his mother in cart.28th Adam away to Tough to John Rose with 43 ewes 5 wedders 1 ram.. I herding rest & pulling neeps a.m.

29th I sorted beasts then to Auchmair with 102 sheep away with Alexr Gordon Reekimlane to winter ewes 94; wedders 6 rams 2. Reid hare hunting at Bracklach got nothing always frosty Adam home tonight.30th Adam & I took in a rick & home a load of rashes a.m. winnowed some corn & thrashed p.m. Reid here hunting on Bracklach just shot one. John Souter & Alexr Clarke here tonight.

1904January4th Little Jim & I at Howbog with Jas Dawsons ferret ferreting5th I at Dufftown wth Jas Reid to Dr Innes.... Adam carting out dung on to face of stibble8th Adam carting out dung all day. I at Bodiebae for ferret he has been in a hole since Tuesday Jas & I got him out. I on top of Buck p.m. shot one white hare ...9th Adam carting out dung to Culwine a.m. I got Jas Dawsons ferret & went to Blackhills to rabbit. Jas Smith away to Comisty.11th Adam carting out dung. I at Bodiebae for milk. Jane Cameron .. wants me to take out a wisdom tooth has nothing to draw it with.12th I at Rhynie with Daisey in gig paid £50 into Bank... got 2 instruments from John Smith for drawing teeth & 2 from W.D. Smith . Adam carting out dung all day.13th Adam carting out dung a.m. spreading dung p.m. thrashing. I drew a back tooth to Harry Nicolls wife a.m.14th Jas Dawson & wife at Dufftownsales had my gig. Adam spreading dung ... thrashed. I cliped a bit more of Daisey.18th Adam cutting rashes.. I at Blackhills with Jas Dawsons ferret. Mrs Cockburn Meldrum aged 95 years buried today. [Helen Horn dr James Horn & Margaret Bremner, wid John Cockburn at New Merdrum Rhynie]19th ... I in hill caught Johnston the gamekeeper & James Murray shooting hares in my hill between 12.30 & 1.30 & when I came home I saw A Murray with a gun driving my low ground between 1.30 & 2.30 20th ... sent with post today for a gig licence 15/- Salmond poaching case in Banff.21st Frosty Adam ploughing stibbles below his own house all day...22nd Adam ploughing ... Packey Sim stayed here all night a right fine day23rd I at Rhynie market with Dasey in gig. Packey Sim spread some heaps of dung a.m. & left p.m.25th Johnston the gamekeeper at Drumin getting a lesson from Mr Skinner29th Ploughing Match at Milton 19 ploughs Longboards 1st Hugh Kellas 2nd Wm Gordon 3rd Wm Taylor 4th George Gauld 5th John Sharp 6th Alexr McConnachieM.P. ploughs 1st Adam Shearer 2nd Wm beattie 3rd Wm Nicol Feering Stephen Boghead Finish G. Gauld Grooming & Harness Alexr Yeats very frosty cold rough day31st Lizzie & Little Mary at Church I nursingFebruary 19042nd I at Dufftown paying rints & Jim at Dr Innes I ridiing Love & Jim on Daisey... ploughing about Dufftown & snowing here4th .. I to Powneed for milk noon8th Always snowing Adam took in some hay last of rick. Then walking horses Daisey threw him .. he put up sticks to hold harness behind Daisey.9th Snowing I took Love & Jock Bess & we rode to Dykeside a.m.10th ... I washed colts for lice11th ...meal I had 1 boll 3 st out of 7 bushels corn. Adam met me with Kate at Bridge of Badneyman came home by Kirkton14th ... Lizzie over seeing Mrs Dawson afternoon18th ... Adam & Jock yoked Bess to stick & she went fine ...

22nd ... Johnston & his man fired 12 shots at a hare on Culwine ... and went home with nothing to all appearances but Harry Nicols pipes.23rd I in bed all day with sore inside. Adam Jock & Jim thrashed twice & winnowed. Wm Duncan Pisgah’s shooting match. A. Murray Lodge was going to shoot Wm Beattie but old John Sharp Whitehillock sent his gun over his shoulder & prevented him.24th ... Peter Jopp calling tonight to get loan of my Lograthims book...29th I at Inverharrach riding on Daisey. Wm Merson & I up at Shenval seeing oil engine started, fairly made the mill go. Jas Reid at Tillyminnate & John Jamieson away to Mary Park Ballindalloch March 19041st Adam sledging out dung with Love...4th John Jamieson away to Tillyminnate took down cow from Backof hill with him... Ploughmans Ball at school.5th ... I walked inover to Mid Clova & back, went over the top of the Buck & through the hill & came over Corse of Laigh very bad walking ... Peter here from the ball to his breakfast.7th ... Adam to Whitehillock for nitre to Love she bad with a weed foreleg & breast swelled, took her out & gave her exercise9th Love none better sent Adam to Rhynie for a ball to give her... Malcom did not come farther than Powneed today10th Wm Beattie came up & gave Love a ball a.m. Adam held on hot water on her leg from noon till 6p.m. every second half hour... harry Nicol to Belcherrie for coals &C11th Wm Beattie home with seed from Corsiestane ... Love not out today but swelling down.13th red cow calve 10 p.m....I at Powneed for milk a.m.14th Monday Reid, Wm Beattie’s horse, Adam John Souter’s mare & I Love went to Mill of Noth for meal... I got Love shod...19th A strong fresh & burns big. I down at Shand’s ordering a new harrow ... Wm Kellas home from Aberdeen with an old mare price £13”1525th ... McMillan round gathering up his foal money28th James reid & I drove to Dufftownwith Daisey then hired from Dufftown to Drumin . A fearful cold day going up through Glenrinnes. The Factor promised me pipes for the house water. Adam ploughing all day at lea.April 19042nd ... Alexr Gordon Reekimlane came with ewes 99 in all 3 to came a lot of them lame with foot rot...4th... I drove to Rhynie with daisey after 7p.m. for druggs to Red Cow & a cake of oil cake.6th A fearful hurricane... Annie Sharp’s funeral7th ... Adam & I limed 19 of the sheeps’ feet..11th ... Dr up at Mrs Dawson p.m. then Harry to Rhynie for druggs12th ... Adam started to sow & Jane Daun carried. Nell bitch has 7 pups. Morrison shoemaker measured me for boots.16th ... Bodiebae sowed their clean ground & Wm Kellas17th Jas reid & I at Church. Both the gamekeepers & wife fell out on Wm Beattie & thrashed him at Kirkton on their way to church & John Sharp had to go to Wm Beatties rescue a fine day.19th ... The police over seeing Wm Beattie about the two gamekeepers 7 the wifes fight going to church on Sunday22nd for the Farrier for a stirk of Jock’s, would not come up.23rd Kate unable to move she has strained hind leg26th Jim to Rhynie for Farrier to Kate ... folaed a horse foal about 5p.m. 29th A dog hurt lamb worrying in Howbog hill tonight. John Souter, Adam, Jock Jamieson & I in the chaice

found him to be Jas dawson’s Bodiebae dog Sharp.

30th ... took home Mally. Harry shot Sharp dog 2 shots , morning Jas Souter got 6 lambs worried last night by Sharp.May 19041st jim feed to Bodiebae £62nd ... I limed some calves stalls. Lizzie at Bodiebae & Bracklach seeing Mrs Duncan & her baby.3rd .... Dawson has got about 20 lambs worried by his own dog. Sheep one load of neeps. 4th ... John Souter has got 11 lambs worried...6th ... I down at Powneed seeing Wm Beatties foal p.m. Police over at Howbog seeing about the lamb worrying. 3 sales in Lower Cabrach today of grass.7th Adam gathering sheep a.m. wants 18 hoggs. I threw the hills of Buck Silverford Elrick & both Howbogs & Powneed p.m. just got 4... Police here but I did not see him. Lizzie to Rhynie walking. Cold stormy day. Jas Dawson at Howbog swearing like a dragoon. 110th ... I paid Tillyminnate £26 for wintering 83 hoggs 26 weeks & John Rose £8 for 50 ewes for 16 weeks .11th ... I up in hill & got a lamb all torn about the neck & body...14th ... Adam rolling all day with Kate. Alexr Gordon Reekimlane brought home Rover dog & I paid him for wintering 101 sheep 13 weeks £13.16th .... milk (mich?) to Whitehillock for tar 10lb 2/6 paid tared 77 lambs ...18th I at Dufftown feeing market feed a girl 15 years old Mary Gordon @ £3”10. Adam dunging taties with Love... gave John Sheed shoemaker Aldunie loan of 10/-19th ... at farrier about Kates leg20th I sorting Kates leg. Planting taties I 7 dreels ; Reid 2; Adam 2; Jane Daun 1.21st Bathing & sorting Kates leg.22nd ... I sorting at Kates leg...Adam at Bruntland for a bicycle ... a lot of folks on top of the Buck today.23rd Adam delving in the garden all day. I at Rhynie feeing market & seeing farrier about mare. James Smith is to give me Prince horse for a few days which is very kind of him.24th... sowed carrots & leeks & pease25th .. planted kale & taties, sorting Kates leg.27th ... I inover to Deskry & bought an old mare £5 from J. Tough. A very fine day. Man with stallion Star of the East here late tonight kept him & two horses all night.28th... Paid Adam Shearer £13”15...29th Adam & his wife had Dasey & machine 7 drove to Rhynie & to Lumsden & I looking after beasts. Adam took old Prince down to Blackhills.30th Adam ploughing with both old mares on Culwine, new mare doing fine.June 19041st ... This is the day of Wm Beattie’s court case with the keepers, found not proven. I down with Mrs Reid & home with girl box. 4th I at hill forenoon looking for Janet took her home & clipped her & down 3 young lambs & also clipped Wm Souter Duncan’s head for first time a.m.5th ... a fine day Lizzie & son down at Cottage seeing her parents 8th ... girls & I gathering weeds at Culwine9th Adam opening dreels. Isa & Elsie Innes Jane Daun the two Maries & I putting weeds into dreels. Blistered Kates leg tonight.11th ...Served old mares with Star of the East tonight.12th Put Kate mare out to grass just managed on three legs.... Lizzie Willie & I drove to Milton of Lesmore & spent the day very warm Mrs Shearer kept house & milked cows. Jim looking through my hill p.m. 13th Adam started his mossing..17th Minister calling. James Dawsons mare foaled in hill unseen. I went & told them they were all in bed. 18th ... sowed neeps... ground too dry27th Began mossing today I casting Adam forking...

29th This is the fast day. I at church. ... woman of Bodiebae chased with cows into burn & hurted her leg.July 19041st Adam & I mossing finished filling of long bank 3 times up it . Wm Beattie helping John Soutr to put up new fence up the buck. Some rain like thunder showers. Lizzie at Lumsden. 3rd This Communion Sunday Lizzie & I at Church drove down to Kirkton Cottage Jane Reid looked after the boy stayed our dinner & tea .. a . Mrs Souter had my old gig to Church.lot of rain4th Adam & I tirring bank & casting down peats.... Adam sledging out peats with Susie.... Woman of Bodiebae home to Silverford.6th St Sair’s Fair7th ... Mr & Mrs Dawson at their lawyer with Johnstone’s shilt,9th ... I drove wife & son to picnic, girl at it12th ... at clipping John Souter; Jas Taylor; Jas Reid; Jane Reid; Mrs Shearer; Adam & I; a fine day for it. Bodiebae clipped too. We were through before 6 p.m. 16th Adam & I with two carts & Wm Beattie with 1 & old Reid with Wm Kellases mare & cart driving & old Law building stack carted 26 loads very warm day I 2 hoe shafts from smiddy. 17th I at Church Jane Reid & John Taylor proclaimed 21st ... I drove wife & son to Rhynie23rd Adam at hoe all day. Star of East round for last time Love served again. Lizzie & I & son drove to Jane Reids marriage [Jane Reid dr James Reid & Isobel Gordon] they were married in the cottage kitchen & dinnered in school & teaed in cottage a fine day.30th Adam girl & I hoeing on Culwine a.m. girl away to Dufftownp.m. Mrs Shearer hoeing with us & Lizzie an hour p.m. John Souter finished hoetonight. Old Reid calling 24th Mary Reid & Mary Gordon & I at Church 31st Sunday Adam in hill at averingsAugust 19045th A fearful Jane Daun got old mare Susie fixed in pailing beside her house. I had to cut the 7 wires before I got her out. ... I mended pailing p.m. 6th Adam setting up peats all day. I hoeing turnips bits of dreels that was left & at fishing awhile p.m. came on a heavy rain 6 p.m. Wm Beattie sold his cross lambs to Farquharson @ 19/- John Souter sold 2 stots.9th Adam & I gathered sheep & dipped them also Reids & Jane Dauns.10th I cut 18 lambs & also a sturdy ewe a.m. then we started water works & cleaned out pipes & got the water to come Packey Sim landed here at night & stayed all night.11th ... girl Mary Gordon left late last night or early this morning.12th ...fenced coble to keep loon from falling in.13th Adam & I yoked Bess in machine & drove to Auchmair & back p.m. did fine 16th Adam & I caught colts & made ready for going to Broomend to be nearer market 17th ... did not sell a beast. Polly got very lame after we left the market . So we came past Netherton & Mains Charlie & I & the three horses stayed there all night & Adam went home. a fine day.18th Mains Charlie & I & the 3 mares stayed last night at Netherton of Insch with the Robertsons; tis a very nice place. Polly very lame left her at Rhynie with Riddell ... Dawson & wife home from Macduff.22nd Adam at Edinbanchory for a ewe & lamb & at Allanterecy for another ewew & lamb both uncut. I to Rhynie on Dasey got her shod & brought Polly she on 2 fore shoes.23rd ... carted home 6 loads of peats to Shearer & cut grass for horses p.m....25th Adam & I driving peats 8 loads a.m. & 8 loads p.m. & building them a fine day a little frost this morning has home tonight in stack before the door 30 loads.26th Adam & I at Johns Fair with the 2 colts & Dasey made no trade.29th ... I feed Mary Reid from now till the term @ £2”1031st I drove with Dasey down by Glass to Huntly 7 old Reid with me to Buffalo Bills Wild West Show, came home by Rhynie. Adam came with his bicycle.September 1904

3rd Wet morning Sorted causeway in Susies stall & mended henhouse door a.m. ...5th Adam & I carted 4 loads of peats to cottage then him & I, Jas Reid Sne & Jas Reid Jnr Haddoch Jane Reid, Peter Simpson & Jas Smith all at Howbog being examined by Fleming solicitor Keith anent the Howbog lamb worring a,m, carted 8 loads peats p.m.6th Adam & I carting peats all day to him 14 loads today he has home 40 & two or three to come . Adam at upper Howbog with black cow at bull.7th ... I at Aldunie getting boys boots sorted,,, them all taking in their hay. Traction up with coals19th ... John Souter started harvest22nd I at Dufftown sales Wm Beattie went & came with me. Jas Dawson tok me in to see his . McPherson to be examined upon the Howbog lamb worring case...30th I at Howbog driving reaper a.m....October 19041st Howbog folk & their horses here today & we cut the clean ground crop in croft & below the damn.2nd I in bed near all day my leg sore after setting in cold reaper seat. Old Reid 4th ... sold Polly to Wm Smith7th Snow on the hills this morning.John Souter away to glenbucket to see his sister Jane. Adam & Jock setting up stooks 2 hours a.m. 7 I over for Howbogs reaper & horse cut a god bit at end of lea p.m. Mary, Maggie & Peter Adam & Jack & his wife lifting . I at reaper. Very cold tonight.8th ... I rode down for Reid & Jane noon to harvest p.m. if it faired up started reaper about 2 p.m. two old mares fine & dry but very rough11th cutting all day Howbogs folks , 3 of them had 2 reapers going p.m. till 3p.m. finished lea and near finished all the back park clean ground a fine dry day, had old Reid & Jane. 23rd Adam awya with his mother to Alford has Dasey in machine ... I busy bathing Love’s leg & sorting Susie’s sores4th I drove Mrs Kellas to Dufftown with Dasey and took up old Bell with me at night... Adam cutting thatch & bedding... home worsted to MrsShearer from mills Dufftown.29th Adam to Rhynie for the Dr to Lizzie early this morning . She was delivered of a son [named John Thomas Duncan] at 5 a.m. Wm Smith & Tom Mackie along with Dr Mrs Beattie & Mrs Shearer here with Lizzie till better... took inover reaper & put her into cots...30th... I nursing Willie Mrs Shearer doing the work. Old Reid calling afternoon. Nell bitch has 9 pups today.November 19047th Adam thatching ricks & I & Mary making rapes all day. McCary Police Constable Dufftown here between 2 & 3 p.m. charging me with driving without lights on the night of 24th October, Johnston the gamekeeper having reported me.15th ...Johnston had police at him today for killing old horse19th ... old Green here today looking at old mare29th .. I rode down to Whitehillock today to see about a girl p.m. Paid Adam £13”15 & Mary’s fee £2”10December 19045th A fearful wind forenoon tirred our byre. Adam had to louse plow & come & help me with it. Thrashed then Adam & Jock bound up thatch & prepared for winnowing . I pulled neepd over the burn & Jock & Adam carted them up p.m. winnowed 3.5 qrs corn for mill at night.10th .... Wm Nicol & Maggie Souter [William s of John Nicol & Jean Daun, Maggie dr John Souuter & Isabella McNaughton] married yesterday and jessie Gordon Gaugh today.18th Adam to Lumsden Jock sorted beasts19th ... to smiddy for rasp to sort Kates feet... Wm Kellas buried his old mare today25th... Adam Shearer’s son Edward baptised & also Mrs Duncan’s daughter TinaBella [dr of William Duncan & Mary A. Barron] both done at Shearer’s house p.m.26th ... John Jamieson away to Tillyminnate today. I cut his & my Willies hair 27th ... I took Dasey & rode over to Aldunie with Willies boots to be mended Souter not at home so I mended them myself.

1905January 1st Sunday I at Church Adam at Lumsden had my New Years dinner at Kirkton Cottage a fine day but rather cold.2ndAdam linking lea. Wm Beattie, Jas Reid & I in hill hare hunting, I 3 Wm Beattie 2 Reid1. Pm. shooting match at Bridgend very windy day.5th I clipped Dasey all over face & all ...7th ... Adam & Reid thatched byre... School masters peat stack set fire to early this morning by someone unknown9th ... I at Jane Walkers funeral she aged 94 [mother of 3 illegitimate children in Cabrach]13th .. I drove Lizzie & bairns down to Cottage then I held on to Aldunie ploughing match17th red quey calved a bull calf 4.30 a.m....February 1905I drove Lizzie to Rhynie with Dasey in machine took out licence for machine went to match at school13th .... got Kates feet dressed pm I painting draughts board14th Adam ploughing all day. I at ploughing match in Lower Cabrach the Farmers one 1st & £6 cup Jas McDonald 2nd Alexr Shand 3rd Wm Gordon 4th Charles Robertson 5th John Horn 6th Alen McConnachie 7th John Merson 8th John Green Wm Kellas down with me. 24th Adam carting out dung. This is the day of Alexr Yeatts marriage with Elsie Mathieson [Alex s of Ebenezer Yeats & Jean McAdam, Elsie illegit dr George Adam Mathieson & Christina Smith] ; old Reid calling p.m. Murray the keeper assaulted J. Burns Schoolmaster today.26th .. Reid calling p.m. & Schoolmaster & Wm Beattie at night with a petition to the Duke to have the gamekeeper removed.27th ... Adam & I washed Boll & Bess for lice... Dr Grant calling about 11p/m/ wanting to vaxinate my boy he did Shearers & at Bodiebae at DawsonMarch 19051st ... us all at draughts match tonight Alexr Rattray ve I one win each & one draw4th Adam sledging out dung a.m. I at sheep him & I washed Bess Polly Kate & the foal with carbolic soap at draughts match John Sheed v I I 3 wins no draws13th... yoked Polly for first time ... Police away with Murray tonight14th Adam ploughing & I at Rhynie riding on Bess over seeing them burning Jas Stewarts cow she died off Anthrax. Murray gamekeeper at Banff before the Sherriff his trial is to be on Tuesday 21 inst. 20th Adam carting neeps & ploughing I at Torney all day measuring Hugh Kellases farm ackerage 31 acres 3 roods 29 poles 21st This the day of A Murray gamekeepers trial at Banff for assaulting J Burns Schoolmaster & Alexr McConnachies boys he was fined £2 or 14 days in jail...22nd ... George Duncans funeral aged 58..[s Alexander Duncan & Isobel Dawson, husb of Jane Wright]25th ... Adam carting up neeps & I at Rhynie market riding Dasey got fine fun with Wm Dawson on the way home.28th Old Susie doubled up across her stall & unable to rise had to get Wm Beattie, Wm Kellas & John Souter & his pulleys to lift her had to leave her hanging she has lost the use of her hind quarters 29th Sussie not much better but can take her meat. Adam took sheep to Auchmair & I to Bridgennd riding on Dasey . Sent telegram to Douglasbrae. Cut xalf & a sturdy gimmer a.m. calf bled fearful.30th Wm came up with his 2 horses he shot Susie & took her took her to back park & buried hera.m. then I went to Auchmair to sheep.31st Adam pulling neeps .... the Dr up at the Laird of Torney he is very badApril 19051st Adam up with a load of neeps. Us all very ill with the cold & sore heads... a foul wet afternoon.2nd Willie & I in bed most of the day bad with Influenza ; us all bad

4th Adam not up to his work today I sorted beasts a.m. then to John Kallas Laird of Torneys funeral. [John Kellas s John Kellas & Jane Horn, husb of Margaret McDonald] I had to sort beasts after I came home at night.6th I sorted beasts then went down for Shearer & wife to thrash. Then I roaded for Auchmair met them coming with sheep above Powneed. I put out a sledgeful of neeps to sheep p.m. Thrashed Reid at draughts Received a cat & a present from Isa Innes to little boy10th no entry11th Adam at Rhynie with Kate & Polly getting them shod...12th .. I took Dasey & rode to Rhynie to see about a girl & neeps to sheep. Alexr Inglis buried at Essie today. Adam & I over & helped to lift J Smiths Sally mare. Nelly Reid home tonight.14th ... I engaged Jocj Reid & his wife for a fortnight @ £1- ... to Rhynie for druggs to J. Souters mare..16th ...I among ewes all day Adam refused to do them so I gave him his leave19th I corned ewes & Jock went to Auchmair for neep cutter then him & I started away with ewes & lambs had to send him back for mare & cart with peat frame put lambs into cart 28 of them & ewes followed fine went past Rhynie & got Loves shoes removed.20th ....engaged a girl called Agnes Bridget Galacher...22nd Lizzie & I at Dufftown getting baby vaxinated... Mary Gordon & a girl here for her box. I at Rhynie early this mornning for Dr for Jane Reid or Taylor . She has got a son. 24th I at Newton of Auchindoir seeing sheep26,28, 29 no entry27th Sowed th first of our lea todayMay 19053rd I took sheep down from hill gave them their neeps am. put up nets in Cards Howe & closed them p.m. got the loan of Cryles shilt & rode home at night...4th I left at 4 a.m. this morning at Newton at 6a.m. Adam came with both carts one for the nets & stakes & the other for young lambs paid A. Nicol £2”7 home here by 6 p.m. Eben Innes met me at Silverford.8th no entry10th Adam ploughing with Kate & Polly & I with Love & Bess going fine.Eben sorting beasts.11th Adam & I ploughing with 2 pair a.m. Sowed Culwine with 3.5 qrs Adam sowed Agnes carried ... Maggie Smith died at 8 p.m. aged 27 years13th ... I to Dufftown for clover & other seeds 14th I at Church Ordination of Elders today Wm Smith Alexr Gordon Hugh Kellas & James Roy a fine day.16th ... I at Mrs Scotts Hillosks sale bought riding saddle 18/-... Reid 5 chairs @ 8d each18th ... girl at Dufftown feeing market... MacGregor & stallion round ..21st Jane Daun got a hogg of mine fixed between stones on Barestones & I got a lamb of hers in a hole both alive 25th Adam & I cleaned mares feet morning then we went to Howbog colt cutting but we were behind J Souter & Alexr Law came here with Farrier & son & helped us with our one a.m. ...30th Adam away holding his term. Eben harrowing with Love & Bess...June 19056th Adam opened a few dreels & I gathered a few weeds awhile...I had to go to bed with a sore back unable to move.8th Adam dunging a.m. girl spreading ... Old Reid at Lumsen with Love driving away his daughter Mrs Taylor familty & luggage. Kate mare srved with Scotch Thistle terms 2/6 & one pound.11th Lizzie & Mary & JTD at Howtown today walking I at home with Willie Jane cameron inover letting Mary away 12th ... Annie Gaulds son buried today13th ... Tried Dasey with Star of the East ... Adam & I at Elsie Innes funeral she was 75 years old [Elspet Innes dr Alexander Innes & Beatrix Bain] ... we finished with neeps18th Adam at Lumsden on his bicycle . Lizzie at Kirkto Cottage & also JTD & girl Willie at home with me.

20th ...at clipping Jas Reid Wm Beattie John Souter & his loon Jane daun & Mrs Shearer... Johnston the keeper wife & family left the lodge this morning21st ..... John Green married today to a girl Taylor [John Green s William Green & Elspet Sellar m Elizabeth Taylor dr Peter Taylor & Isobel McDonald]24th Adam tirring bank & preparing for mossing25th Adam to church then to Lumsden. John Jamieson here all afternoon28th This is the fast day Adam at church I drove my wife & two sons to Lumsden 6lb staples 1/- tobacco 1/- sweets 4dJuly 19051st ...Adam at Lumsden at night2nd Mr & Mrs Shearer & my wife at church I at home with bairns 6th ...Dunn of Mid Clova shepherd here tonight... red cow bulling I washed her out with Condy(?)8th ... Then everyone of us to Picnic Adam had Love & cart & I had Dasey & gig a fine dry day J Souter won near all the prizes wrestling & all11th Adam & I hoeing & Lizzie whiles12th Adam & I hoeing all day. Lizzie down trying Isa & eben Innes to come to hoe This is St Sairs Fair & Dufftown feeing13th Adam & I hoeing . Lizzie Mary Jane Daun p.m. Huntly Peter Fair day.14th Adam & I hoeing & Lizzie& Mary whiles. Jane Daun at Bracklach clipping . Dasey kicked & crippled by Wm Beatties horse this morning.15th Adam & I hoeing & Lizzie, Mary & Jane Daun awhile. finished hoeing Jane Daun picking taties16th I keeping house Lizzie at church & Adam at Lumsden27th ... Alexr gauld here tonight.28th Adam & I took in remainder of rick & killed about 20 rats29th ... The Scholars Trip to Aberdeen today.August 19052nd Sold Bess in Glass market @ £22”10... Wm Smith his mare @ £16 & dawson his horsie @ £16”5 & Wm Beatties blind horse @ £13..9th Wife 7 I & 2 sons at Annie Gaulds marriage & als Mrs Shearer & her 3 sons & daughter & John Reid wife & family Helen Reid & Jane Spence12th ... I making a new well above the tree wells about dry.20th ... Lizzie & Johnnie at Cottage p.m. Poor Willie got a nasty fall & made a deep cut in his forehead tonight22nd Lewie carting peats all day 10 loads & Adam & I at pipes Mrs Gauld visiting & Nelly Reid up for berriesSeptember 19052nd Little Nelly Smith Bracklach died today [Helen Smith dr William Smith & Beatrix Gordon]5th Adam & I both at her funeral aged 10 years7th Adam filling inn drain all day & I drove to Craigellachie tile works to see about tiles for drain I am to get 100 4 inch tiles for 6/- a fine day.8th Adam to Craigellachie for tiles took Love to Auchmair & left her & took Sandys black mare back to Auchmair about 5pm.12th Adam & I fenced cistern then working on stroup Keithmore & his brother Thomas & two nephews Glennies from London they loused here & I went to the top of the Buck with them & to mineral well.19th ... George Gordon Elrick here want me to act as his valuator at carniefarroch on Friday first I advised him to get Mr Cran Scurdargue a fine day.21st ... Lizzie & bairns at her fathers houseOctober 1905

2nd I at Howbog forenoon Jock & I yoked his young mare into reaper went fine Adam & Bridget over at Howbog harvesting Peter Dawson & loon here for 2 old rams received £1”10 for one & has to get a good swarm of bees for the other one .3rd Adam Eben & Bridget at Howbog harvesting all day also Love & Kate. Lizzie at her mother p.m. ...I went to meet Lizzie & missed her about Powneed.4th Adam Eben & Bridget at Howbog harvesting a.m. had Kate & polly over Kates first start. Took in all the cattle tonight very cold.8th Adam at Lumsden & Bridget away all day down about Lower Cabrach9th Stared reaper cut all the lea above the drain today. Kate & Love a.m. & Rose & Kate p.m. 3 from Howbog Mrs Moir Laggan & Wm Green here & bought 40 ewes @ 26/6 a right fine day10th cut all Culwine today done by 4p.m. 3 from Howbog Isa Innes here all day Kate & Love a.m. Rose & Polly p.m.11th Adam Eben & Bridget at Howbog harvesting I cut with scythe above Adams house p.m.15th Lip the keeper calling noon23rd Lumsden & Rhynie paid John Simpson shoemaker Lumsden for Lizzie & girl 13/6 & a pound of tea 1/6 sweets 3d dasey 1/2 feeth (?)3d26th Adam & I finished cutting out the tares a,m, Mary & Jane Daun gathered...27th Adam Mary Eben Innes & Lizzie down at Cottage cutting Reids farm . Willie girl & I at home I raking lea corn 28th ... Adam to Lumsden . Saw Lizzie at Howtown she off & left her bairns with me 31st Adam & I cleaning cattle for cary & ringwormNovember 19052nd A fearful rain waters so big I could not get to Dufftown sales... I paid John Souter for ram £1”15 thrashed him at draughts tonight.3rd Adam & I at ditches girl gathering rashes 11th ... I paid Bridget her wages & let her away. My wife could not put up with her any longer.14th ... I at Dufftown at Dr Gunn letting him see my arms16th .. I at Dufftown with Mrs Shearer & her boy Willie letting Dr Gunn see his leg it is very bad... a box of Thorleys powders home for horses21st Adam to Mid Clova for ram let him out among ewes ... Jas Reid here at noon him & John Kellas had a fught about the croft crop & dung & fences..27th at Alford mart went & saw Adam’s mother then rode to Balflig & stayed the night Dasey Nelly & I 30th A strong wind took a sheet of iron of shed & down most of stooks ..December 19055th ... I at Rhynie with Lizzie at Dr Grant letting him see her sore foot9th ... I yoked Dasey & went for Mrs Gauld to wait on Lizzie 11th Taking up taties all day Dr Grant here at Lizzie p,m, a case of Eczema a fine day for the taties.13th ... Adam not up today bad with his insides16th Adam ploughing stibbles had Kate on land & Poly in furrow... we rubbed cattle for carry with Calverts Specific & black carbolic 21st ... I drove home Mrs Gauld 24th Adam away at Alford Jim sorted beasts morning & I sorted them noon & p.m. a fine day Mrs Shearer at church & little Adam with her.29th I at Rhynie a bad day Mixture & Dr Innes ointment for Lizzie. Adam & Eben thatching mill . Shearer & all his family at Xmas tree 7 I at it too with my own Willie & Annie Gauld. 2/-30th Lizzie worse again. Annie & Maggie Gauld home tonight.

1906January 1st Adam away at Lumsden holding his New Year Eben sorting beasts ... Mrs Shearer here.

6th Dr Grant here at Lizzie at night. Nelly Reid & Bell up p.m. 9th Adam & Eben at dung & I pulling neeps a.m. 14th Sunday Alexander Gordon Reekimlane & Helen Sheed Aldunie Proclaimed today17th Adam & Eben pulling neeps .. I poteying windows. Helen Sheed Aldunie married to Alexr Gordon Reekimlane a great marriage. [Alex s of John Gordon & Janet Sheed, Helen dr John Sheed & Helen Watt]18th thrashed morning then Adam & I to Lumsden to polling...19th a stormy day Eben looking after beasts Adam nor old Reid home yet 12.10 p.m. I rode inover to Elrick to see about Reid & Adam then to Whitehillocks for lamp glasses20th Eben sorted beasts Adam only landed here at dinnertime thrashed & Adam & Eben took in a rick from Culwine & I to Shands for a pane of Glass22nd Adam & Eben spreading dung I started to clip Dasey clippers would not work a.m. I went to Rhynie for Dr to Willie Shearer’s eyes & to see Lizzie.last mention of Eben23rd Dr Grant here noon Seeing Lizzie, Willie’s head & Willie Shearer’s eyes....I rode to Rhynie after 6 p.m. Wm Smith & I played draughts from 9p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday I 5 wins Wm 3.25th No ploughing here for frost... I at Lower Cabrach seeking a woman did not get one . Them all ploughing down there home a pane of glass for Shearer’s window 8.5 x 9.526th Adam ploughing stibbles today Wm Gordon Elrick here this morning telling about Rover being at his uncles Wm Gordon of Braeside of Clova. So I rode inover on Dasey for him p.m. pd 5/- for fees & advertisement a fine day30th Ploughing match at Bracklach 1st & 2 cups Hugh Kellas 2nd George Gauld 3rd Jas Law 4th John horn 5th Alexr Yeatts M.P. ploughs 1st Adam Shearer 2nd Gordon McBain 3rd John Scott 4th Alexr Gordon 5th Wm Kellas to much snow on the ground to start with. A. Dunn & Jas Sharp judges February 19062nd A wild snowy day. No players came to the Club yonight Wm Beattie stuck with biscuits on the loan. Alexr Gordon Gaugh’s marriage [s of Alexander Gordon & Helen Aird m Sarah Third dr Simpson Third & Barbara Craighead – Sarah’s brother John Craighead Third narried Alexander’s sister Janet date unknown]5th I down at Cotage & looking at road for getting to the mill for meal. Adam casting snow out of foord at Culwine...6th I at Dufftown at rents riding Dasey. Adam spreading dung... took home glasses to Willie Shearer 2/6 rent £13”2”6 expences 10d9th p.m. stopped ridging of mill to keep out snow I fell ladder & all from top of mill & peat sledge above me hurted a leg & arm at wrist10th I in bed all day with sore arm & leg Adam gave sheep neeps & his wife helped him to thrash13th Old Reid up we yoked Polly for the firdt time into shafts put her into sledge & drove back & fore to cots she went fine never gave a jump. I shot a white hare here at night in the dark16th sheep 2 sledgefuls neeps & cleared roads for getting up rick from Culwine a.m. took up small one 2 sledgefuls had Love & Poly in sledge Poly doing fine . I shot brown hare 85 yds dead..17th ... broke broke driving sledge shaft turning with the neeps. Took up from Culwine last rick into mill. Eben with us Chalmers up & put shoe on Love18th Sunday John Scott & his bride Annie Dawson kirked today none of usat kirk [marr 16th – John s of Alexander Gordon Scott &Margaret Sheed, Annie illegit dr Alexander Dawson & Helen Taylor]20th ... paid Eben Innes £6”3”6. The Manse fire brigade entertaine by Mr Mcmillan each received 3/6 but Lipp the keeper received £3”321st Adam clearing gaits & ford at Howbog Jim to Rhynie for Dr to Willie Shearer.... I made a sledge to Willie22nd I at Rhynie with Mrs Shearer & her boy Willie to the Dr had Love in sledge driving...a bottle of household ammonia & a pair of boots to Jockie..

27th Adam & I clearing roads for sledge round houses...here at their bannocks Jas Reid & Jane Daun & Mrs Shearer & family..Black cow ran off to Powneed to bull herself over fences burn & C28th ... a great feast at Schoolhouse Mr & Mrs Reid & Mr & Mrs Law & lot moreMarch 19061st... Lizzie got a brown hare lying dead at porch door this morning4th Sunday... Lizzie not well this morning I milked cows6th Red quey slipped calf ...I at Rhynie riding on Dasey got her shoes removed...Adam sorting beasts & cutting bedding.7th ...gave red quey Terebene Balsam to make her cleanse13th Red cow calved I got calf behind the door this morning15th Adam not here today said to have a sore belly I sorted beasts Willie Gauld landed here this afternoon & stayed all night17th a strong fresh wind. Sorted beasts I pulled some neeps & willie out a load to sheep & one for tomorrow needing in a rick but too rough & windy to take it in took in 2 loads of neeps into shed Adam not up here yet.18th Sunday Shearer not up yet but he manages to give performances every night on the phonograph so I don’t think he can be so very ill.19th Adam pulling neeps & in 2 pit of swedes I over at Bracklach seeing about Maggie Duncan Wm Smith at Tillyminnate a mannie & wifie stayed here all night20th Fresh today.. I down at poor house to see about a girl22st Gauld & I left this 6a.m. I Dasey riding & Gauld & Wm Rattray driving cattle a bad sale I went up past Ardlewie & played Wm Rattray 4 gamesAdam finished ploughing lea but end rigs23rd Eben came up here 9 a.m. to work for Adam...I drove Mary & Willie to Rhynie & Adam walked there are away with him to infirmary a very bad day25th Sunday ... Adam & Mary walked home from Howtown today. They had Willie into Infirmary yeaterday & left him came out Saturday p.m. to Howtown.27th Adam taking in neeps & Gauld & I on hill as white down the country as here29th I down at Blairindinnie looking for hay past Cuttle hill & Bogieside & Newseat got a sample of their corn for seed ... Adam & Gauld carting out dung & pulled some neeps home boots to Willie gave Proctor 5/-31st Adam carted snow & dubs out of corn yard... lea corn 40 lb per bushel . Bella Noah (?) came tonightApril 19067th Adam harrowed out lea then ploughed a bit stibbles... I sorted beasts then I drove Lizzie & Willie to Rhynie I measured Scurdargues rick of hay paid him £3”16 for 4 qrs seed corn ... up past Mill of Lesmore13th Good Friday Adam ploughing a.m. tried Dasey with Star of the East no use.... carted neeps Bella helped me to fill.14th Adam ploughing all day & sorted beasts I among & headed some neeps with Love a.m. I at Alexr Duncan Pisgah’s funeral he was 84. [s of Alexander Duncan & Isobel Brown, husb of Margaret Kellas] riddochs man with cart.. a fearful lazy fellow hurled all the way19th...Eben Innes sowed Wm Beatties corn a.m. 24th ... I at todholes at Wm Beatties funeral 78 years old [s Alexander Beattie & Margaret Reid, widr of Jean Grant]29th Sunday Adam away at Alford & I looking after beasts Mary at church & Bella down at her grandmothers.May 19066th SundayVisitor John Jamieson I busy amomg sheep. Adam & Mary away to Alford p.m. on their way to Aberdeen for Willie Shearer. Eben here p.m. a fine day.7th Eben ploughing stibbles... Adam & Mary at Aberdeen for their son Willie went away yesterday8th I at Mary fair came past Rhynie brought home Mrs Shearer & her boy Willie

9th Kate mare foaled a mare foal between 2&3 a.m. broke partition had to go to Shands for wood & fixed it up ... Eben here morning then away to Lodge12th ... I at William McWilliams funeral aged 52. [s Peter McWilliam & Ann Gordon, h of Jane Grant] Adam harrowed in grass seed then ploughing bit for taties p.m.15th I at Rhynie seeing abou t hay Lizzie & Jockie with me she engaged Mina Smith for the summer I over seeing sale at Netherton of Clatt. Jas fettas bought 3 y.o. pedgreed mare @ £43”6. Adam making tatie ground.17th A great big fall of snow 20ft wreaths .. Adam & I in hill holed 20 hoggs out of snow want 8 of them19th ... Jas Milloy gathering for Mr Riddell Rhynie I gave 2/- & 6d for Adam21st I at Rhynie feeing market feed Alexr Gauld @ £4 & paid George Gordon Tillyminnate £33 for wintering 106 hoggs 27 weeks 26th I at Rhynie market bought things at Riddells sale Mrs shearer down with her Willie at Dr I drove her down & back Adam harrowing with spring tines 27th ... had horse out at grass for the first time.. a fine warm day.31st star of the East here tonight. Adam opening dreels for taties & swedes... a lot of Dawsons sheep on my hill besides what is down among my ewes on grass.. Adam & Alick braking p.m.June 19061st ... A great letter war between JR Dawson & I about his sheep3rd Sunday A great letter war between JR Dawson Bodiebae about his sheep he refuses to keep up his febces or keep his sheep off my grass & corn 7th Adam grubbing all day the 3 mares .. I inover at Toldaquhill seeing John Sharp left there 8p.m. here before 11p.m. Alick in bed fell off mare last night & hurted his foot8th Jim Elrick her with postcard to read9th ... George Gordon Elrick & John Gordon Cromdale & his law agent here asking a few questions 10th Alick away at his mothers morning home late at night I looking after beasts11th Adam opened 24 dreels & Alick & I putting weeds into dreels then Adam & I dunging & Alick braking. ... Jock Jamieson mossing to his mother. Robert here offered me 8.25d for my wool.14th Alick harrowing awhile a.m. & Adam & I preparing for clipping old Reid John Jamieson Mary Shearer Jane Daun Adam self & Alick a fine day clipped hoggs 98 + 11 yeld ewes kept wedder hoggs down & 2 ewes to lamb15th received a Summons to attend a Sherriff Court at Elgin 28th inst between Craik of Craig & Cromdale16th ... Adam set up 32 dreels & I sowed them all with Golden Yellow & Purple Top. John Yeatts marriage today a right fine day.17th Sunday I drove wife & children down to Cottage p.m. Alick looking after beasts Adam to Lumsden John Jamieson away to the Bank a very warm day20th Srarted mossing today... Howbog horses going idle today27th This is our Fast day Adam away to Lumsden I to Elgin stayed at Hunters ( Mount Piller Bishopmill) all night had a look through the Cathedral & Cooper Park Love laired in back park Harry Nicoll & women digged & pulled her out with ropes 28th I had a look through Elgin & on top of Lady hill then to Court which began at 11.30 a.m. lasted till after 2 p.m. left Elgin with 2.48 train had dinner at Dufftown. John Gordon Cromdale lost the case. Adam & Alick mossing all day rain today.30th Adam & Alick in moss I nursing Johnnie all day he very ill & fevered & neck swollen . Alick away home tonight.July 19061st Sunday This our Sacrament Sunday Mrs Shearer & I at Church Alick at Howtown Smith the keeper & Foresters men on top of Buck3rd Adam & Alick in moss finished 4 peat up back 2 in top & down near side. I at Rhynie with Lizzie & Willie got Dasey’s shoes removed4th .. Alick in Adam’s moss with Jojn Jamieson all day

6th Clipping ewse & cut lambs John Souter Adaam Jane Daun Mrs Shearer & John Jamieson, Jas Reid made up wool & I tared & cut feet left 3 ewes to clip came on rain This concert night. Alick to Powneed with red cow to bull.7th ... Everyone about the place at PicNic afternoon a fine day home here 10 p.m. Mrs Taylor Mill delivered of a son today8th Sunday 5 men & one woman on top of Buck noon. Annie Gauld or Henderson away home tonight . Alick went with her a bit to carry her baby16th Us three hoeing neeps a.m. I rode over to Aldunie got Willie’s boots mended had over Lizzies shoes & Edward Shearer’s boots 19th John Robertson Jnr & I drove to Craigellachie sales he down 6 young pigs 15/6 & 18/3 for them him & Tom at funeral Mr Mathieson Fife Arms funeral tomorrow & a.m. going to Skye. Adam & Alick hoeing all day21st Adam cleaning in garden & Alick cutting thistles & tansies27th ... took young Mary Reid to Dr with her finger has to get it off 2lbs suit 1/- B whisky 3/- tobacco 1/1 Adam & Alick hoeing neeps . I engaged Bella Gauld from now to term £429th Alick at Howtown last night& today Adam in hill at averings no vis today a fearful warm day.August 19063rd Friday I left this 8.30 a.m. & drove to Bogs of Noth left Dasey & trap there then took train to Aberdeen with Mary Reid to infirmary to get off a finger called at Infirmary saw house Doctor then had a look through town bathing station & harbour we both stayed with Mrs Mearns a fine day. 4th I down to Infirmary with Mary Reid 10.30 a.m. I stayed untill her opation was past 2.30 p.m. Dr Marnoch took off her finger. I then went to Police Sports the I went back to Infirmary for Mary 6.30 p.m. & brought her to Mrs Mearns house (4 Rosemount Place Aberdeen). I slept at Mr Woods house tonight Thunder & rain today. Adam cutting hay. 6th I up at 6 a.m. breakfast & bade the Woods good bye then at Infirmary seeing Mary Souter & through New Market & town a.m. Mary & I left Aberdeen with 2.20 p.m. train had our tea with Mrs Harvey did not stop in Rhynie Adam cutting hay Alick at neeps Bella Gauld came tonight.10th .... to Bracklach & cut sturdy ewe p.m. Alexr Robertson came here tonight & stayed with me for which I am very well pleased11th Adam & Alick carting peats all day to Shearer12th Sunday ... Alick at Howtown last night & Bella today14th Jas Reid & I at Keith Show drove to Dufftown then train put Dasey in at Balvenie had splendid supper at Laggan I called at Thomson the srchitect at houses. Adam carting home his peats18th opened all the drain at back of stack & laid it all with 4 inch tiles from coble to dyke then 3 inch tiles to end of stack. Adam to Howbog for 20 tiles sledged off stones. I laid drain & Alick & I covered it in received a brace of grouse from Messrs Paget & Menzies. John Souter at Glenlivet games today.19th A fine day none of us at church. John Jamieson here at dinner the last Sunday he will have in Scotland for awhile . Teacher & a chap on top of Buck Gordon McBain here at Shearers p.m. 20th Adam carting out top dressing from back of stack. John Jamieson to hand for his kist with Love21st Party at Shearer’s as it is John Jamiesons last night at Buck for awhile he leaves tomorrow for New Zealand.22nd I up before 4 a.m. drove John Jamieson to station with Wm Kellas shilt & Mrs Fettas machine Adam bicycled down to Gartly to see John off. I at Huntly sales expences train 10d shilt 1/- parting drink with JJ 6d tobacco 8d sweets 2.5d Adam home 1 p.m. did nothing but went down to Whirehillock at night.23rd Adam not up today said to have a sore leg ... wrote to Gauld about his son Alexr leaving28th Adam at Rhynie with Poly in cart meeting my brother & his daughter Annie I at Maryfair with Dasey in trap Mary Shearer with me a fine day29th Started to drive peats home 20 loads fine & dry Rober Rose here needing drains to cut p.m. 31st Adam & Sandy carting peats a.m. & p.m. I building stack & throwing up cleaned clock at dinnertime My niece Anna trying the baking & milking.

September 19061st ... carting peats.. I sore head with the heat . P.m. visitors Nelly & Bella Reid Wm Kellas Jas Reid & John Souter he has sold old Sally mare @ £8 & away to Kildrummy a fearful warm day.2nd Sunday Adam to Lumsden & Mary Reid at Church Another warm day 3rd Carted home 10 loads peats a.m. I amongst shep & fencing at Jane Dauns a.m. I yoked Dasey & drove Alick & Annie to Auchmair Annie & I down seeing Jessie Gordon at Dalriach. left Annie at Auchmair5th ... yoked Dasey in trap & Alick & I drove to Rhynie & Nell bitch took the ewes then I walked down to New Noth with them & put them in Shanquhars park 6th Adam & Sandy cutting thatch for hay rick I in bed forenoon a fearful sore head last night. Peters wife delivered of a son last night or this morning7th Adam up neyying between hens & corn then him & I dressed wedder that was baly struck with fly & looked the rest & put lambs to hill ... Burned mare of Kirktons that died of Anthrax tonight.10th I at Duftown today with Dasey in trap. Nelly Beattie with me. To Alick tobacco 1/4 P. cards 6d 1 lb alum 5d 1lb sweets 6d Book 6d To self b whisky 3/- dinner &C 1/8 4 dickies 2/- hat 6d lambs cross away today 30/- each13th Alick Mary & two boys down at Shearers hearing Phonograph 17th Adam at Dufftown for a load of tiles to Wm Beattie also a cart from Bodiebae one from J Souter 2 from Upper Howbog & one of his own18th started to open drain in back park20th Adam carting up sand & working at drain I at Rhynie market put £70 in Bank 21st took out reaper & fixed her up then working at drain I laid it with 2 inch tiles22nd Adam & I at drain opened about 10yds & filled it in a.m. p.m. started to cut hens croft Mrs shearer with us. 28th Adam setting up stooks & Sandy raking started to reaper at 9 a.m. Yoked cart & took both wives & bairns down to Cottage & Adam & I cut Reids field Mary & Jane gathered it & Reid stooked it p.m. Sandy at home raking. October 19065th I at Gartly with my brother & his daughter ...then I held on to Lumsden to Annie Smith or Souters funeral aged 80 years [Anne Smith dr James Smith & Elizabeth Souter, wid of Alexander Souter] A. Gordon Aulton here looking at ram lamb.6th Gaugh Hillhead Aldunie Torney & Milton finished cutting also Bracklach. I want a bit yet.7th Sunday Adam & Jim at Alford Sandy toonkeeper I over at Bracklach looking at sturdies 8th I to Wm Gordon Silverfords funeral aged 78 years [s Alexander Gordon & Jean Sheed, h of Isobel Gordon]. Started to lead 2 ricks & rakings & 2 loads into mill. has all the lea secured.11th took up reaper & put it into cots mornning then I yoked Dasey & went to Rhynie and up past Mill of Lesmore to see Johnie Smith did not see him very low..13th Snowing all day. Adam setting up stooks then him & Sandy letting rapes of straw. Jas Fettas here & bought my ram @ £1”5 had the beasts in all day. Johnnie Smith Mill of Lesmore died this morning at & a.m. I am very sorry for him he was a great friend of mine. 16th Adam Sandy Mary & Jane leading with one cart all day 7.5 hours tok in 4 ricks of clean ground I at Rhynie market & Johnnie Smiths funeral aged 36 years a very large funeral.22nd I at Rhynie with Love in cart down old ram & put ram lamb to Jas Gordon butcher. Jas Dawson at Portsoy bought a new thrashing mill.24th Dipped Ewes Rams & lambs 95 lambs 4 rams & 124 ewes a fine day Constable here.26th Started taties forenoon does not look like dry day. Mrs Shearer & Mrs Nicoll & Reid & Jane Spence working at Reids taties & Adam & I at mine a.m. came on a fearful rain afternoonNovember 19065th ... Bodiebae new mill home tonight...6th ... at Bracklach & paid Parish rates 9/9

7th I at Hunttly & feed a girl for winter Jane Winchester Avochy Smithy Huntly @ £4 “10 rode to Gartly & then train ... A fine day Adam ploughing.8th Adam ploughing ... Eben Innes up. Went to Braclklach for Mrs Smith & Adam to Rhynie for Dr to Lizzie ... Harvest Home Ball at school ... George Gauld here for Alexrs clothes noon. 9th Friday My wife delivered of a daughter at 12a.m. had it before Dr came Mrs Shearer & Mrs Smith Bracklach with her. This thanksgiving day for the good harvest13th ...let out rams amongst the ewes the two old ones fought terrible 15th I at Dufftown sales & over seeing about a girl for winter did not get one 19th Took out sledge & drove Helen Reid home ... learned Kate’s foal to lead put Dasey into dogs house22nd ... Wm Fettasa away with Kate mare to plow for her meat.26th ... registered daughter Lizzie Ann Duncan28th George Gauld here noon for Alexrs wages £3”2”7.25 less 5/- for the cleaning of his bed.30th Adam away holding his term his fee £13”15 kess meal, etc.December 19065th Ground white with snow Adam pulling neeps I yoked dasey in trap & drove to Corsemaul to engage a girl not at home went by Glass & came past Dufftown coming home. 17th ....John Souter over for Love to thrash18th Love lame unable to work. Adam pulling neeps Reid shot 10 white hares in Bracks hill & in my own hill I had 12 white hares. Sent Adam to hill for them. 19th... I at Dufftown with Dasey in trap had 23 white hares of my own & 6 of Reids for which I received 10d each & sent 4 to J Reid Greenock wife & family down at her fathers brought them home with me 22nd At Rhynie... bought a ringing 8 day clock. Steam mill up at Bracklach tonight23rd Sunday Adam at Lumsden I town keeper Jas Reid here & Mrs Shearer p.m. & both Maries at Post Office & Cottage p.m. 26th ... John came noon Came on fearful tempest of wind & drift out of north p.m. 27th ...it defeat Adam & the whole day to to take inover sheep from Burn of Bank 28th John Robertson left this morning not any settled today yet. I to hill to see about sheep every one of them smored up from 4 to 10 feet deep I casting whole day Adam & Harry helping p.m. 5 of them dead & 11 wanting & some of what is got will die.29th I up by 5 a.m. Adam & I to hill to look for rest of ewes in wreath got them all out 11 dead 9 not able to stand took them home in sledge & rest walked to cots Polly mare took ill in sldge had to louse her & give her a draught cleared mill wheel & thrashed Harry Nicoll with us from 10 a.m.30th Sunday ... I meated invalid ewes gave them corn neeps & gruel 3 of them unable to stand yet will not eat but what & force into their mouth very hard frost Poly a bit better today.31st Monday ... Adam to hill with peat sledge & took home rest of dead ewes we dressed one Harry home with 2 to himself drifting from south tonight been a bad year for me 20 sheep lost by being smothered in snow & no post since Thursday

1907January 1st Adam Harry & I skinning & dressing sheep all p.m. in better order than anyone would have expected . Thrashed John Soutter here tonight ... a very night & drifting2nd ...noon Adam to smiddy got 3 hoops onto churn...3rd ...p.m. gave Jas Law a peace of mutton I cut up 5 ewes & one to do yet4th Jas Reid here p.m. a few peaces of mutton & 2 heads 9th ... got Wm Beatties to take meal from mill to Burn of Culwine as burn is blocked & our own cast... A great spree at school in honour of John Milloy going away to Dundee 10th ... 4 white hares with 3 cartridges wedged mill wheel with wood down at school by lecture Taylor V.S. 12th... Mary at Cottage with 2 B hares her sister came home with to try to get her away with her15th ... Tea Man round

16th ... I rode over to Keithmore on Dasey p.m. stayed there all night played 5 games with George Robertson I 3 wins 2 draws17th I left Keithmore noon & went to Corsemaul & saw Kate mare . She is to be taken to Keithmore home to Lecture played 2 games with George Rattray he 1 win 1 draw 23rd ... Adam spreading dung a.m. I put bar on cot & oiled locks of Reids gun. Adam cleaned henhouse & in bedding into byre p.m. John Souter to Ardlewie with his 2 fat stots. Adam & Mary at Milton with gramaphone tonight .24th I at Dufftown sales riding John Souters 2 stots sold one 10cwt sold at £19”15 = 39/6 the other 9.5cwt 2 £16”12”6 = 35/-. I paid County Rates 6/225th .. Old Love bad Sent Adam foe Morrison VS better before he came. This is the night of the tree I not at it Shearer & the 2 Maries & 2 loons at it . Sheep no neeps today.26th... Seeing old Mains of Elrick took inover a peace of mutton to himFebruary 19071st Mary Thomson left this morning saying she had a sore throat...3rd Sunday I nurse today...had dumpling for dinner6th p.m. a few shots with Harry Nicolls rifle 8th ... John Horn married today9th ... a fearful night of Merry Dancers both south & north12th ...Mary Thomson came tonight 8.40 p.m. 14th ...at Powneed drew 2 teeth to Mrs Beattie..16th ... Adam meated beasts then home with a sore back I went for Harry Nicoll a.m. old Reid up we thrashed & took in a rick of lea for seed.17th I in bed forenoon Adam up & sorted beasts19th ... Shearers here at their bannocks...20th Shearer not here I sorted beasts wheeled out neeps to sheep & sorted fence below the cots a.m.21st Adam not here today Harry here p.m. 22nd I sorted beasts Harry here p.m23rd Shearer here today Thrashed & bruised & winnowed 25th I at Rhynie... combinations to Jockie 1/4... George Gordon Elrick died this morning26th Powneed cleaning Mrs Beatties clock a bit of her broken which I took home & soldered Adam spreading dung & cleaning out neep shed.28th ... Gordon Elricks funeral his age 75 years [George Gordon s George Gordon & Isobel Slorach, widr of Barbara Thomson]March 19073rd Sunday daughter christened today at christening Jas Reid nelly & 2 girls Mary Stewart or Fettas Mrs Shearer & family & Mrs & Miss Smith Bracklach Adam at Lumsden I had to sort beasts5th ...started to plough stibbles p.m. ... I making a cart to Jockie...6th ... p.m. I down at Ardwell seeing Farmers ploughing match 1st & cup Wm Gordon 2nd Peter McConnachie 3rd Charles Robertson 4th Jas McDonald 5th G Rattray 6 J Horn 7th J. McHardy 8th John Sheed 9th Jas Sheed 11th.. I in bed with a sore back12th... I some better ... Lizzie calling on Mrs Nicoll & Mrs Shearer today16th Adam ploughing all day & I in bed all day very bad with back neck & head. A fine day. Lizzie fed the mill for the first time.19th I up today... sorting sowing machine & making a peace to Jockies gun22nd ... going to Huntly tomorrow Charles Mitchell to take the Lower players & John Thomson to take the Upper ones at 2/- each play to start at 3 pm.23rd Draughts Huntly 17 wins Cabrach 21 & 14 draws 15 players aside... a fine day 2 balls for boys 6d.25th Bodiebae sowed first of his lea also Jas Law Gaugh26th ... Keepers in my hill burning

27th Adam sowed 3 qrs corn in back park & harrowing all day. I at Reekimlane ploughing match keeping them in order. long boards 1st & cup Wm Taylor 2nd George Gauld 3rd Wm Burgess 4th John Horn 5th Wm Gordon Mps 1st & medal George Duncan 2nd Jas Kellas 3rd Gordon McBain 5th Alex Gordon28th ... Sent Mary to Whitehillock with mineral water to Mrs Chalmers 31st Sunday Adam at Alford I town keeper April 19071st Adam finished harrowing out of lea then started to plow clean ground a fine day2nd Adam ploughing allday. Harry Nicoll & I in hill p.m. burning heather made a good job but wind was rather strong4th ... gig licence 15/- Insurance 10/-8th Ground all white with snow . My ewes begun to lamb. John Souter brought home foal paid him £1”2 for 11 weeks keep.12th Adam at Rhynie with Polly in cart ....my wife & all the family with him got daughter vaccinated ... gave wife £1”213th ... working in garden awhile a ewe choked on a turnip got her relieved14th Sunday Lizzie & Mrs Shearer & some of the bairns at Bracklach vis, p.m.17th ...old Reid up seeing John Jamiesons letter 20th I at Rhynie market Mrs Shearer went & came with me a big sale of Bogencloch stuff & dear 26th one of the young ducks died today27th ... country all white with snow a wild stormy day... I drew a tooth to Isa Innes at nightMay 19071st ...Adam harrowing turnip ground awhile p.m. big colt broke through pailing & tore his leg & breast on the barb wire I washed leg at night4th ... Mary Reid feed to Hillhead for summer7th I at Maryfair had wife & daughter with me ..12th Sunday Willie has given himself a nasty cut in the temple a deep cut.13th Adam sowed grass seeds J Souter Bodiebae & Powneed sowed theirs also harrowed it in then rolled it Mrs Shearer & I took in a rick no rats or mice. Drew a tooth to Lizzie she let me do it which was a great wonder to me.16th I fencing round garden Adam ploughing ... Mrs Shearer at Aldunie visiting my folks busy this last few days house cleaning polishing &C17th I at Cocklarachy sale drove to Bucharm & walked over home with nothing19th I at Church Adam at Lumsden25th ... I at Rhynie market ... paid G Gordon Tillyminnate £27 for wintering 90 hoggs 24 weeks at 3d per head per week...26th Lizzie & Mrs Shearer at church I kept at home to nurse27th ... Adam harrowing & linking I working in garden planted cabbage kale & taties Mary Reid at Lumsden Rhynie feeing market today28th ... paid Adam& Mary their fees Mary left noon.29th Adam away holding his term I fencing & gathering weeds 31st I rode inover to Elrick to see Dods loon he looks a delicate boyJune 19074th I at Rents .. I got permission from George keeper Lodge to fish on waters above the church and am to get a line from Phimister for water below the church F Bank £8 rent £13 5th ...George Smith round with petition against Small HoldingsBill did not sign it8th Bogs brought home Kate mare from Keithmore... old cow bulling tonight wont serve her this time9th Adam at Lumsden I washed out red cow & had young red cow to bull tonight but likely of no use10th ... got Kate shod... John Souter here with his loon to get a tooth out. I did not manage it. It broke & I stupidly took out a wrong one.

11th Adam linking & carting off weeds & Charlie Gordon & I gathering weeds a.m. Adam opened 38 dreels p.m. & Charlie & I gathering weeds12th ... Charlie braking dung ... I at fishing caught 11 trouts13th ... Charlie braking dung14th ... Charlie braking dung. Mutch mercahnt laired his cart in the Dillet Jas Law & I helped out. 15th Adam carting out dung & I braking a.m. .. I sowed 39 dreels Purple Tops (steeped seeds) 24 dreels with 5 holes open & 15 dreels with 4 open Charlie not here today.20th ... 5 pair horses working at Upper Howbog22nd ... clipped wedder hoggs 43 & rams Adam Mary & I clipping Harry made up wool.. a lot of thunder but no rain here... I at Bracklach for herring24th ...cut ambs except 14 & finished clipping of yeld sheep Ewe hoggs 48 wedder do 43 yeld ewes 23 7 3 rams heavy rain but we clipped inside25th ... Jas R Dawson at Upper Howbog has employed Wm Smith negotiate in this chils case of his26th Adam mossing to himself I working in arden cutting walks . Mary McBain [prob Mary Jane McBain b ca 1888 dr Gordon Lennox McBain & Jean McWilliam] delivered of a son this morning. And the father of the child is said to be James R Dawson Bodiebae [who married Eliza Scott in 1903].27th Adam working in his own moss all day I working in garden a fine day for killing weeds.28th Adam & I working in gardem limed 7 dunged bushes & rhubarb a.m. & awhile p.m. he to moss to tirr bank 29th Adam & I mossing30th Adam at Redfords bull with red cow & I fencing a.m. & mossing p.m.July 19073rd This is the fast day Mrs Shearer & I at Church then Reid & I drove down to Bridgend to see about a girl McPherson none of them at home a fine dry day for a wonder6th Adam & I mossing till 4.30 Wm Nicoll shifted from Howtown to Cabrach poors house Adam & Harry mossing to themselves at night.7th ... children behaved very well with their grandmother when we were at Church12th mossing had Willie Sutherland 6 hours @ 2.5 d per hour 13th Adam & I mossing a.m. Willie Sutherland lay in bed all forenoon pd him 1/3 for 6 hours work. Adam at PicNic with Poly in cart his wife & all the children I had Dasey in trap wife & daughter a very fine day.16th ... clipping a.m. Jane Daun Mrs Shearer & Adam I taking & taring & making up wool had John Souter clipping & Jas Reid making up wool p.m. finished by 4 p.m. Little Lizzies foot burned with hot tea. Mrs yeatts buried today. Sad day 17th Adam to Gartly with 5 bales of wool.... I down at Rhynie with Love got her shod.21st none of us at Church Adam & Jim at Alford29th ... John Jamieson & John Souter here wanting support at the Bank....31st Adam & I at Glass market with Kate Jock & Dasey sold Kate for £4...August 19071st ... I shifted Mrs Reid into room...2nd ... Kildrummy Cattle show ... Alexr Dunn got the cup for best horse 3 y o Sold him to R Jessiman for £70.3rd Lizzie & Mary at [Kirkton] Cottage. Their mother died about 9 a.m.[Isobel Gordon dr George Gordon & Isobel Grant, m to James Reid] before they were down Alexr Dunn here a.m. Police & G.Gordon . I to Cottage for Lizzie at night.4th Sunday I drove Jas Reid to Auchindoir Churchyard then on to Rhynie had dinner with Wm Smith home then over to Cabrach Churchyard & pitched on a fine spot to bury his wife in at top of our graves5th Mary & Lizzie at Cottage6th ... Us all at Mrs Reids funeral also all her daughters & sons 9 of them buried in Cabrach churchyard aged 70 years.7th ... Jas Reid up with New Zealand document which came today to be signed by his wife

8th Adam hoeing some & then cutting hay... Jas Reid & I at Dufftown he at McPherson about New Zealand will. I paid Lime Co acc £1”1513th Adam at Keith Show I at Lumsden with wife & daughter boys at home with Mrs Shearer she town keeper14th Adam cutting hay all day & I working in garden. Lizzie down seeing her daughter Bella she not well. Jane Spence up for her.16th .... Yoked horse into peat sledge went fine then into gig did fine untill harness broke then into cart broke away from Adam & John Souter went over the dyke & landed in the burn on his back. Horse cut cart & harness smashed17th Adam not up yet has a sore foot which he hurted yesterday with the horse ...20th I at Dufftown riding at McPherson about Jas Reid business. Rode up to Glack of Clunymore & engaged a girl Mary Pirrie from now till the term @ £221st ... received brace of grouse from Lord Buckley Paget22nd ... hay loons & I hewked up most of it. Girl Mary Pirrie came tonight.23rd I at Johnsfair went & came by Howewater25th John Souter & Isabella Rattray proclaimed 27th .. Jas Dawson brought inover Bell Archibald his grandmother30th ..Adam to Rhynie with grubber. I at John Souters marriage at Ardluie. I not well hurted myself lifting grubber into cart. Jessie Beattie went & came with me. Mary Pirries mother came & took her away a fine day.31st I in bed all day very sore pained. Adam at Blackhills with red quey at short horn bull...September 19072nd ... I still pained no food for 30 hours...6th Adam could get no one to help him with the hay took a load then to moss for a load of his peats then Jane Daun came 9 a.m. & hay started hay again..7th Adam carting peats to Reid with Poll 2 carts from Milton 2 from Auchmair & one from Gaugh & one from me all day & one from Wm kellas forenoon his peats not dry not all home a fine day.8th Sunday Adam & Jim at Tarlan11th Adam carting peats to himself all day. I painted turnip sowing machine out over seeing peats & working in garden a fine warm day Jane Spence not back yet I made a panful of gooseberries tonight made a very good job of them. 14th Saturday I drove to Gartly with Dasey & boys & wife & baby with post to Rhynie then buss on to boat at 4 p.m. I was very sick by the time we were 20 miles out. [Origins]16th Round by Shotley Bridge & up seeing Busty coal pit Medomsley where Jack Wilson works a.m. At Leadgate store where Alick works p.m. had a fine evening of music & tea at Wilsons17th I round seeing Bob & Alf at their works ...18th I over at Leadgate then through Blackhill to Shotley Bridge to the place where I was born saw through the flour mills, then walked on to Ebchester. Alicks house is 500 feet higher than Ebchester & so is Hat & Feather 19th ...steel works at night worth going a long way to see they are awful going on night & day Sundays & all Some of the men are making £2 a day.25th Newcastle Boat left at 2.15 p.m. 26th We landed in Aberdeen at 2.15 this morning I was not sick this time Baby & Lizzie some.27th Lizzie Wm Cooper Willie & I through the picture gallery p.m. then at theatre at night very good28th Saturday left aberdeen 10.10 a.m. Adam net us at Gartly with Polly & cart30th I at Rhynie taking down Mrs Shearer & her Willie to Dr Dasey came down with a stone in her foot & broke machine & harness. Adam came with cart & took them to Rhynie. I got shaft & left britchen with saddler. Into bank £25October 1907

2nd I wrote to Thomson & sent plan of houses5th I painting cart 2nd coat Adam mending causey at byre ... took inover Jane Dauns hay6th Sunday Adam at Alford seeing his mother. Mary & Jim at their mothers9th at Rhynie signed Bank book & Bill for Wm D Smith £10 for 2 months10th a fearful spate waters big11th Adam & I started to clear roads round clean ground corn & hens croft both scything a.m. Mary gathered & Adam bound it p.m. I wrighting Mary 4 hours 12th I got out reaper & put it together a.m. Adamcutting Mary gathering & I binding p.m. Mary 4.5 hours14th Mary 4 hours 15th Started reaper just cut 2 hours when it came on a heavy rain. Mary 2 hours 16th Mary 4 hours 18th I drew 2 teeth to Mrs Beattie I sold my old ewes to Jessiman 20 @ 25/-21st ...tethered 2 ram lambs & one old one into cots John Reid & his Mrs came tonight kept them for the harvest22nd at Rhynie paid £20 into bank. Mary 4 hours 24th started reaper26th Started reaper 9 a.m. cut all day Jack 8 hours Teny 7 hours Mary 5 hours 27th Sunday Jock & Teny at Jane Dauns afternoon28th .. Mary & Teny gathering & Jock binding in back park Jock 8 hours Teny 6 hours Mary 6 hours a fine day29th Jock to bed with sore inside I drew a tooth to myself Farrier up to Dawsons mare (dead) Wm Kellas up & I cut his corns 30th ... Adam to Kinny burn pulling juniper for ricks . Jock doing nothing wanting away.31st Jock & Teny left this mornning paid Jock 12/- & Teny 3/6... Adam pulling juniperNovember 19071st a very fine day started reaper at 9 a.m. Mary & Adam lifting & binding Mary 6 hours 2nd ... started reaper & cut out lower half of neat lea Mary 5 hours 3rd Sunday... a right fine day I expect a lot of people will be leading today although none are doing it here about4th .. I at torney for Jas Shand to come & mend reaper Adam & Mary cutting in back park a fine afternoon Mary 4 hours 5th Adam & I working at reaper. My watch stoped & was too late in coming to go to funeral of Jas Smith of Mill of Lesmore for which I am truly sorry...6th Started reaper 9 a.m had Mary Shearer & Jane Cameron a.m. corn very wet had Wm Beatties 2 men & Isa Innes p.m. Jane Daun instead of Jane Cameron p.m. m 5.5 JC 2 JD 47th similar team8th ... Alexander Gordon of Aldivalochs funeral aged 93 years [s Peter Gordon & Helen Lindsay, widr of Ann McWilliam]11th ... dipped then I took Dasey & Nell and went to Mid Clova with wedders...12th at Alford with wedders sold the 43 @ 23/- each Adam & Mary harvesting14th ... Reid at McPherson the lawyer15th ... had Jane Daun & Jas Reid 6 hours & Mrs Shearer 4 hours Adam building & Reid forking in yard Mary & I ddriving a cart & Jane Daun forking M 4 J 616th... Adam setting up stooks .. I to reekimlane with 87 lambs of mine to winter..17th Sunday The two Adams & I looking for the ram I took from Reekimlane last night I got him amongst Bracklachs Vis Nelly Reid & Bella Reid & Maggie Souter & Mary Reid & the teacher all at Shearers a right fine day. Wm Beattie Powneed leading today it is in fine order tonight18th leading Mary Shearer & Jane Daun 4 hours each19th + Jim Nicoll & George Shearer hewking Jane Daun 7 hours Mary 420th Mary drove carts & Jane forking to Adam in yard

21st leading allday Mary & Jane 6 hours each22nd ... a tempest of wind ...Lizzie 2/3 7 hewks to take in yet23rd ...came on snow at night24th Sunday Adam away to Lumsden I looking after beasts started to draw a tooth to myself a wisdom one broke it & it put me about mad the pain fearful all p.m. & most of the night I had to take laudanum Vis Jas Reid & John Souter frosty ground white with snow last night28th Wm Smith here riding tried to take out a tooth failed 4 times29th... Adam at mill of Noth ... a boll of flour & 10 gallons paraffineAdam got drunk & spoiled flour with paraffine December 19071st Sunday I at Church up past the Bracklach my wife & family & I had our dinner & tea with Mr & Mrs Souter at Bracklach3rd... Jas R. Dawson his wife Harry Nicoll & Jas Reid away to Banff for their Court tomorrow...4th This is thanksgiving for the good harvest Mrs Shearer & Dod at church I herding sheep. . This the day of Jas R. Dawson of Bodiebaes court case at Banff as being the father of Mary McBains son.7th Paid Jane Daun for harvest work 8/6 for 34 hours Helen Reid & Bella here p.m.13th ... I at Kirkton p.m. to cut a sturdy lamb did not find the water14th .. gave Jane Daun 2 stone of flour.16th...my sheep went through the water & mixed with Bracks Willie & I had a job getting them out...18th ... met Craig & his party of 9 guns on top of Buck got a dram from them 20th Adam driving hares to me p.m. could not see for drift on Buck23rd I at Rhynie with Dasey & 25 hares Sent 22 to Mrs Mearns to dispose of for me but to retain one for herself & one for Jane I sold a white @ 1/- & a brown @ 2/6 to Troup.24th... I drew a tooth to Rev G McMilan. Dr Grant up at Wm Shearer he can do nothing for him he says25th This is my birthday Christmas at school none of us at it.26th Adam at Ardwell for a bottle of wine for his Willie27th Adam to Rhynie to Dr stayed all day & did not see him 28th Adam carting out dung all day... Reid at Shearers twice but not here29th ... Lizzie sta up all night with Willie Shearer & I at home with children old Reid at cottage but not up here31st William Shearer died this morning at 9 a.m. aged 6 years & 7 months. Adam away all day. I,looking after beasts. I made a sledge for boys. A present from Mrs Wilson my niece . Snowing & like more.

1908January .. A hare hunt Craig party were on my hill & Powneeds. Adam at Ardwell & making arrangements for funeral. Jas Reid & Lipp(keeper) here, A quiet New Year here all sorrowful.2nd Adam at home forenoon. ... Poor rates to Mrs Smith 9/43rd William Shearer buried beside his grandmother Mrs Reid aged 6 years & 7 months...February 1908March 1908April 190827th I at Dufftown with Dasey in gig home grass seeds from Wm Sheed. Adam shepherding & Dod (Gordon) had the two mares ploughing to himself...May 190812th Adam spring tining in back park a.m. & p.m. I at John Kellas Aldivallochs funeral he aged 82 years. [s John Kellas & Isabellas McHardy, h of Isabella McWilliam] Harry Nicoll over for our pulleys to lift Mally mare . I planted 200 cabbage at night. Haddoch & Redford working at taties. traction at Powned with lime & manure

13th Adam at Elrick with Poll & Bob putting in Dod’s crop took inover a qr of my corn for seed I working in garden ...14th Adam spring tining & Mary & I took in a rick & Nell killed 2 rats & some mice...16th Saturday...sale of Dawsons furniture to Powneed18th Adam spring tining all day Dod Gordon here working helping me in garden I planted Sharps Victors in garden & Dod took out a strainer to Reids with Love for a bag of taties to his sister. A fine day.19th Adam spring tining a.m. & grubbing with the 3 horses down hill & up teem has on the 5 tines ... Lizzie Mary & family at Churchyard & Reids p.m. 21st Adam grubbing a.m. & I to Powneed with Dasey for Dasey morning. Us all at Bodiebae sale p.m. I bought 50 posts @ 7/9 scales & weights 3/3 basket 2/- & sundries 1/4 a dear sale 23rd I at Carniefarrochs sale such fun with old John Gordon Cromdale & the whisky. Reid did not buy stirks 25th Jas Reid & I at John Robertson of Keithmores funeral aged 80 years a big funeral...[s Thomas Robertson & Helen Duncan, h of Helen MConachie] mole traps &C 1/427th ... I at Blackhills sale bought 2 ladders & a chair 3/6 a fearful heatJune 19083rd ...Dod & I repaired the fence between us & Bodiebae in far hill very warm day... Wilson planted his taties at Bodiebae today5the Adam dunged 10 dreels & I broke it mixed manure & he sowed it &I linked down dreels. Dod not here today. John Jamieson Mossside married to Macintoshes the roadmans daughter at Rhynie.8th ... I made Adam louse about 5 p.m. & go to Rhynie for the Dr to Lizzie she worse he did not come Old reid up p.m. 9th Adam Rhynie for the Dr to Lizzie early in the morning he came at 1 p.m. ... I to Rhynie riding on Dasey for druggs to Lizzie Mina Smith came & stayed with us fine day11th Lizzie worse last night & today Adam to Rhynie for Dr in the morning. Mrs Shearer bad too Dr at her I to rhynie for druggs to them both..15th Adam to post to tell Dr about his wife ...16th ... motors passed through Cabrach to Inverness today19th ... ear marked & tared 101 lambs clipped 18 hoggs & 3 rams p.m. at clipping Reid Wilson Wm Gordon Dod Gordon Adam & Jane Daun 15 hoggs awanting I got 10 of them in Bare of Buck20th clipping Adam & Jane Daun & wilson & Wm Gordon awhile Wilson sowed 50 dreels of neeps at night with PolyJuly 190811th I gathered sheep & put clipped ones ewes & gimmers 63 to back hill & out 40 of Powneeds 2 of Howbogs 11 of Bracklachs & clipped 2 wedder hoggs a.m. Adam Mary & I hoed till 4.30 then us & the bairns & Jim held our own PicNic none of us at other PicNic rain heavy at night..18th Watrs very big ... I at fishing caught 7 big trouts... has damaged the neeps this storm of rain20th clipped ewes & cut lambs one of the big ones ruptured so I had to kill & has one to cut yet. Clipping Adam Mary Jane Daun & Wilson till 3 pm.m finished at 8 p.m.21st ...I went to Aberdeen with the 7.35 train (from Gartly) & stayed with Mrs Mearns train 3/922nd Wm Cooper & I went to show...23rd Wm & I at Milne optician & I got my eyes tested for eyeglasses and bought a pair 3/- then we had a walk through the town & down past the bathing station &C a.m. we left Aberdeen with the 3.40p.m train home here about 9 p.m. Dasey 1/- trout hooks &C 10d24th Adam setting peats all day Wm setting too p.m. I hoeing all day Mary finished setting up hers tonight.25th Adam setting peats p.m. I hoeing a.m. Adam set up taties in the morning then ran turnips a.m. Wm & Mary with him setting peats ..p.m. I finished hoeing27th Wm Cooper & I on top of Buck & pulled some averings in Clova hill. Jas Sheed of New Zealand & party on top of Buck too.August 1908

1st Adam cutting hat & Wm Cooper & I hoeing neeps in back park Adam & Wm hoeing p.m. I at top of Buck with Helen John & Jane Robertson & a Miss Bowman from Aberdeen had tea here Powneed dipped today & Howbog too.2nd Adam from home Mrs Shearer & 2 boys Adam & George at Church. My horses amongst Powneeds so before I got them home I was too late for Church3rd Adam & I gathering hay & Wm raking & stooking a.m. a fine day for the job.4th Adam Wm & I finished coling before the rain came ... Adam rinning neeps & Wm & I hoeing p.m.5th cold wet day Adam Wm Cooper & I winnowed 1.5 qrs corn for meal the Adam to Rhynie with Poll & Bob & got them both shod.6th ...dipped.. Adam caught & I dipped 316 of my own & some strangers all with Robertsons non-Poisonous Highland no police put in an appearance a very fine day for the job7th Reekimlane.. brought home hogg clipped tared & ironed her gave Mrs Shearer fleece8th Adam carting peats to Jas Reid has 30 loads all fine & dry. I ticked wool bags a fine day... has caught 19 moles in back park amomgst neeps9th .. G Smith keeper at top of Buck with a few women a fine day12th James Adam Mary & I at Wm Smiths of Lumsdens funeral buried in Towie Churchyard aged 54 went all the way with brake crops looking as well in Cabrach as anywhere else Frost this morning taties frosted in Lumsden13th Adam cutting cornyard... sold red cow to Dunn @ £16-17th Adam carting home his peats had 3 men & 2 carts from Bodiebae & Poll took them all home 25 loads. I cutting ragwood a.m. Little Adam & I to Silverford with red cow p.m. Wm Cooper working at Howbog23rd Adam at Kumsden a.m. Jim & him & boys at berries p.m. a chap ran from Lodge to top of Buck & back to Lodge then 4 women & 5 men started from Pownrrd to top of Buck but most of them failed24th Wilson came with Charlie & him & Adam carted home last of peats total 41 loads & fine & dry. I building stack. Wm Cooper here asking for Dasey to drive Mary Souter to Gartly station. Rain came on at night.25th ... I drove Mary Souter to Gartly at station 5 p.m. Insurance paid 15/- Into Bank £46”2”4 expences 2/- . a heavy rain all day.28th George Robertson Wm Wilson & I at Johns fair Wilson riding on Bob I on Dasey & George on his 4 year old mare. Symon Huntly bade me £30 for Bob; went & came by Glenbucket home by 4.30 Adam at rashes & looking after Bidiebae lambs & home my lamb from Bracklach30th... I got a present of riding whip from Wm SmithSeptember 19083rd Adam carting peats to Jane Daun Wm Cooper & I at Dufftown sales I bought 30 BF lambs off Laggan @ 10/3 per head = 315”7”6 50 yds wire netting 1.5 X 36 inch 8/- yard rake 6d Dasey 10d 4th... I rode down to Forest to see & engage a girl 17 years old could not bake & needing at the rate of £10 per half year.16th A cold wet day after the thunder I took out the dam plug a.m. then I went to Mrs McWilliams funeral aged 83 years [Ann Gordon dr John Gordon & Jean Forbes, wid of Peter Mcwilliam]. Wm cooper joined me at the Cottage & we drove on to Keithmore John & George Robertson & their uncle over at Bodiebae p.m. took away 10 of their worst stirks for sale tomorrow.17th Wm Cooper & I had a look round Keithmore then down to sales at Dufftown. George Robertson sold 10 stirks at £9 each profit of £2. Adam working at dam.18th Adam & Wm working at dam all day I over at Bodiebae seeing mill taken out & put on lorry. Wilson would not let Wm Baettie & the rest of them into mill till Dawson came. Ploughmans ball at School tonight a fine day.20th Mrs Shearer & al her family at Church... Harry Nicoll youngest son to be baptised..21st Adam Wm & I breasting mill dam a foul job23rd I at Balvenie saw mill to see & get a plug for mill dam did not get one. .. harvesting about Dufftown. Provost John Symon buried today aged 83. [Provost of Dufftown, h of Isabella Duncan from Cabrach]

25th ... I at Milton putting Scotts side delivery reaper in order it is a Plano reaper. Got no one but Mrs Scott Scott himself in bed & the rest at Aldunie harvesting a fine day.27th A fine day Mrs Shearer & Jane Spence at Lumsden Vis here Nell Reid Bella Reid Mary Reid & Maggie Souter or Nicoll & her daughter & Peter Simpson. Jas Dawson & Wm Beattie took a look round Bodiebae p.m.28th Adam Wm Cooper & Jane Daun at Howbog harvesting all day... Tok out reaper & put it together & fencing at dam.29th Mary & Lizzie washing...30th Adam to Rhynie for Dr morning Lizzie bad. Mary Nellie & Mrs Smith Howbog with her delivered of a daughter at 3 p.m.[Mary Jane Duncan dr John Thomas Duncan & Elizabeth Reid] I reapering 3 hours a.m. & 3 hours p.m. Wm & Jane Daun a.m. & Adam & them 2 p.m.October 19081st finished cutting out of ripe bit am. Adam Wm & Jane Daun binding up Adam & Wm stooking up & raking p.m. Jane Daun home & I down at Ardwell meeting Mitchell solicitor from Huntly2nd Jane Daun at Elrick harvesting.3rd ... cutting hens croft & clearing roads for reaper round lea corn p.m. a fearful warm day Jane Daun at Elrick harvesting6th finished cutting end of clean ground by 4 p.m. I to Howbog to see if it was fit for leading a right fine day.7th Started reaper by 8.30 & cut a.m. set up 2 rick foons ready for leadiing in the morning cutting all p.m. corn valuation at Bodiebae Wm Cran & Finlay8th finished cuttong of lea by dinnertime & set up stooks started to lead clean groound took in 2 ricks only in fair trim came on a shower of rain 4 p.m. took down wire netting & let hens to their freedom. Drdumdelgie here & feed Adam.9th... I helped Bodiebae folks with their reaper & put own mill in order thrashed our first tonight strong wind10th... Bodiebae started cutting most of them leading & has it all in12th ... all in but 1 rick by night Wm & I carting & Jane Daun forking in field... Wm to Howbog with Rose to take in their rakings Jane Daun with Bodiebae p.m.15th Adam cutting thatch Jane Daun with him...16th Adam & I mending nets hares cutting them he carted home thatch & Jane Cameron forked I & the boys at Cabrach market I sold Jas Reids 2 queys to Farquharson @ £21. Lizzie turned bad tonight sore head & sick17th ... home plug from Shands p.m. I down at Reids at night & feed a woman Elsie Bruce @ £1 per month arles 1/- Lizzie better mornning bad at night again18th Lizzie worse Mrs Shearer here working19th A bad wet day . Cannot get dipped. Put new plug in to dam & opened a bit of mill lade. Shand has made a botch of plug not watertight. Home a few loads of neeps tonight.21st... dipped all 352 of our own & 5 strangers Farquharson & Craig of Gauldwell here & bought BM ewes @ 17/- woman Elsie Bruce came tonight23rd Adam & I over at Howbog with Poll 7 thrashed out a ricka.m. took in 2 ricks of green corn ... Police here afternoon. A great fire kindling at Powneed tonight.24th ... Adam to Ardwell for Elsie Bruces kistNovember 190812th ... Wm Cooper on top of Buck. Adam ploughing all day. Wm Wilson thrashed Alexr Kelman first in the house then after he went home has cut his ear & blackened his eye & kicked him with his foot13th Thanksgiving for the good harvest Adam at Lumsden I at Church14th in hill, let sheep down for the first time Wm & I took up Mrs Forbes dreel of taties...

15th Adam & Wm Wilson over at Auchindoon his wife & all his family at Church. Elsie away among her chaps p.m. I looking after beasts Jas Reid hereafternoon a fine day16th I let out 3 rams amonst the ewes17th Wm Cooper & I at Howbog took all Mrs Souters till Strau? at £518th Adam killed ram I let out all the rams 5 of them & took sheep to Howbog25th Wild stormy day snowing all day Adam to Rhynie with Poll in cart Lizzie with him he got drunk & Lizzie left him & drove to Postoffice & Alexr Law took her home 8.30 10 gallons parrafine & half cwt sugar & boots to boys26th Adam not here off to Lumsden. Dod Gordon came 10 a.m. thrashed, him & I carted 7 loads of neeps to Mrs Souter Howbog27th Adam pitted all the pulled swedes & I Willie fencing at Howbog... Adam wife & family left tonight & stayed at Reids28th... Wilson driving Mrs Shearer & family away. Wm Rattray up a BM ewe to Mrs Souter29th ... a right fine day like summer30th...no sign of my man coming he is a perfect swick. Dod & Jack Gordon had Charlie horse & my cart away with a load of Shearers peatsDecember 19081st Lizzie to Cottage p.m. ...sorted own beasts & wilsons he to Rhynie & got chaff off shilts eye with farrier. Telegramed to J. Black he not coming3rd ... to Rhynie in gig seeing about getting a man did not succeed5th John Robson here p.m. gave Wm Wilson loan of £2”5 . Alexr Kelmans father & Wilson had a great row at the plow.6th Lizzie vis both Howbogs & had her baby with her... Jas McDonald kirket today7th a man Gordon Stewart calling noon to engage him . So I engage him to do whatever he is told & his wages to be £14 & if he makes a good job of yoking & learning young colt I am to give him one pound extra. He is to be here tomorrow noon.8th ... a man Ferguson called wanting work I am to give him a few days pulling of neeps If weather keeps good. Gordon Stewart turned up tonight10th Gordon pulling neeps...11th ... started to plough Culwine with Love & Poll12th Gordon ploughing on Culwine with Bob & Poll.. to store for barrel of apples & box of oranges from Wm Cooper & up a boll of flour for Jane Daun13th .. I looking for sheep most of them on Craigwatch gate left open. Elsie away amongst her lads tonight.14th ...shooting white hares on Buck Gordon driving he lost himself...15th Gordon ploughing... I taking Bodiebae mare out of bog in the dark had to pull her out with Bob & Charlie16th Gordon ploughing..17th Gordon ploughing...18th Gordon ploughing...19th Gordon down 2,5 qrs corn to mill for meal then held on to Essie for his kist home 4 p.m...21st... Gordon ploughing22nd Gordon ploughing23rd Gordon ploughing24th Gordon carting home neeps & sorting beasts I at Dufftown sales 25th Gordon ploughing then to mill for meal Lizzie & all the family except Willie got a hurl down to the Cottage p.m. Willie & I did not go to the Christmas tree Elsie at it though.26th Gordon finished ploughing bit above Mary’s a.m.27thSnowing & drifting near all day ... Minister & Jas Reid up to baptism of Mary Jane Duncan. Elsie Bruce had to come to Howbog for me as I never expected him the minister to come out in such a day.

28th Gordon & I at Howbog at sheep30th Gordon over & let sheep out of cots in the morning31st I over at Howbog to let out sheep. Gordon pulling neeps a.m. took over in sledge to Mrs Souter corn to her hens... Elsie to Cottage after 9p.m.

1909January 1st House all in a pish of drops after the fresh with the snow being drifted in cleaned out snow of house & mill & thrashed a.m. Gordon away & I at Howbog at sheep & sorted beasts p.m. Jas Reid here p.m. a fine fresh day.2nd Gordon & I dressed ram & he to Howbog to see sheep a.m. he pulling neeps p.m. I at Mary Jane Gordon of Banks funeral [dr of Alexander Gordon & Margaret Umohray] a right fine warm day a lot of the snow away thrashed tonight.3rd A fine day I brought home sheep from Howbog tonight Elsie down with a letter to A Duncan from me her sweetheart John Duncan came home with her & came into the house for the first time tonight.4th a right fine fresh day Gordon & I dipped all the sheep 135 with Robertsons Highland poisonous 16 lbs to 60 gallons. Old Love not well today.5th Gordon & I took in a rick of clean ground corn & pulled some neeps... John Robertson Keithmore shooting hares... slept with me all night.6th Gordon carting home neeps a.m. & I at ploughing match at Auchmair Jas Law has won the cup to keep Alexr Yeatts the gold watch for harness.7th A very stormy day. ewes all mixed up with Bodiebaes last night with Robertsons leaving the gate open8th A wild stormy day... Gordon looking after beasts Old Love none better. Adam Green over for dips gave him 32 lb of Highland poisonous to dip Bodiebae hoggs.9th Love had fallen down none better cant eat nor drink. Gordon bedded cots & put Love outover.10th Elsie at Church..old Love some better11th Gordon to Rhynie with Bob to be shod & two socks to be sharped gave him 15/- of his wages not home at 12 p.m. not good a wild stormy night & drifting I sorted beasts & at Howbog at sheep at night. Thrashed bruised corn p.m.12th Gordon had landed sometime this morning lay in his bed all day & never looked up I had to sort beasts thrash & twice at at sheep stormy looking tonight stormy looking tonight Howbog 13th Gordon came up at 8.30 a.m. & I paid him off & I sorted beasts then to Howbog John Souter here p.m. I engaged him to do whatever from now till term @ £11”10 He to look tosheep & I sorted beasts at home.14th John Souter to Dufftown for meal to himself I looking after beasts Maggie to look to puting the sheep not good a wild stormy night & drifting Elsie & I thrashed15th ... I made a rug to Love..16th Jock Souter to old McCombie of Burntrebles funeral aged 88 years [s William McCombie & Isobel Smart] also John Sheed of Dufftown 47 years.. Jockie Ingrahim here to fee.... Jock came about 10a.m. .. I writing.. vis Wm Smith Jr & A. Kelman Howbog & John Duncan Kirkton18th ...Lizzie Jane Daun & I thrashed ...19th .. at Howbog thrashed out a rick had Poll & Wm Smiths horse Wm Jnr drove horse Maggie loused I fed & Jock made straw...20th ... man & boy from Muirend wanting to fee..21st ... Willie & Johnnie at Howbog with me..22nd Wm Beattie shot Poor Old Love at 10.30 a.m. & John Souter shot George Gordon Elricks old dog both buried in back park I am so sorry for good old faithful Love She is the last of my dear cousin Wm Souters beasts & liked her best of any beast I ever saw. Poor old Love Poor Lovey.

24th I at Howbog at sheep morning & put them to hill... Jock sorted beasts.. Willie in house all day with sore leg.30th ... told Jock to take in a rick but he did not do it just sorted beasts & out a load of neeps to sheep for tomorrow..31st...7a.m before John Duncan got home to Kirkton from his sweetheart ElsieFebruary 19097th Jock townkeeper Elsie going to have tea with her good mother afternoon her sweetheart John Duncan in bed with her last night, left this morning9th Jock Souter did not get up till 8.30 a.m. I had to sort beasts14th ..Jock sorted beasts then away to Auchmair. Jock Duncan left Elsie this morning at the stroke of 6 o’clock20th Jock Souter to Aberdeen to his sister Annies daughters funeral aged 14 months...21st I sorted beasts & sheep onto neeps a.m. Jock has not come this morning24th... Lizzie sorted beasts..26th Dod here working for Jock he away at ploughing match. I at Dufftown with my hares sold 15 white .. Peter McConnachie has the cup 1st for feering, ploughing , finish & straightest furrows, 2nd John Horn 3rd Robertson Tomnaven 4th Shenval 5th A. Yeatts27th Jock Souter has not turned up to his work today..28th Jock has not turned up from match yet So I have to look after beasts he is an awful man my Jock Souter stormy day.March 19091st no Jock Souter appeared landed about 1p.m. 3rd Jock Souter left this morning for having to get up so soon in the morning 6.30. .. Wm Wilson & carried rick in & helped us to thrash4th Jas Reid here forenoon. Sent a letter to G Gordon to come inover. Jock Souter to Dufftown sales to buy cow for his mother was behind sales took too long in his bed as usual5th Dod here in good time...6th Dod & I sorted beasts....7th A fearful wild stormy day... doors drifted up8th ... Dod not come today yet...9th ... Wilson helped us to thrash noon..10th ... Wilson helped us to thrash... Alick Shand came here 5 p.m.11th ... Alick plucking neeps12th Alick sorted beasts..13th Alick sorted beasts14th Snowing & drifting all day. Alick Shand sorted beasts & neeped sheep. I in bed near all day with a sore leg. Alick Shand lay in kitchen bed last night with Elsie Bruce both got out of bed at 6.30a.m.19th Alick pulling neeps I gave Meg mare first of worm powders20th ... Alick at neeps21st Alick sorted beasts then down home. I sorted them rest of the day. Elsie to Bracklach Jas Reid here. I caught Jock Duncan in bed with Elsie Bruce this morning at 4 a.m. but he did not leave till 5a.m.22nd I at Thomas Robertsons funeral aged 68 years [s of Thomas Robertson & Helen Duncan, h of Helen Ellis]23nd .. Alick & Wilson to clearing of Rhynie road24th ..vis here tonight Jock McBain Wm smith A Kilman Jas Milloy Jock Duncan & Nelly Raffan25th Alick & Elsie with each other last night both arose out of bed at 5.25 a.m. Engaged Wm Duncan to term at £4”1228th Very frosty this morning . Sheep down in good time & over among Wilsons. Ewe lambed this morning lamb dead. ..Jock Duncan up seeing Elsie tonight.30th ... Alick left p.m. I paid him 35/- & a white hare

April 19094th Sunday Strong wind & fresh Sheep neeps I in bed forenoon .My sheep out on to end of dillet p.m. Willie like a fool tried to take Wm Beatties through the water & it big. Wildie dressed him. Raffan here tonight Duncan home with her.5th Sheep neeps then Willie pulling p.m. . Took in some hay & he cleaning out cots & I took out 2 strainer holes innlow down gate inti back park. A fine day but frosty Wm Beattie ploughing all day. Duncan home from the raffan at 5 a.m.11th I up at 5a.m got Jock Duncan in bed with Elsie both sleeping & Willie he came home from Kirkton at 6 a.m. I busy amongst ewes lambing got a ewe dead in back park ditch drowned Strong fresh today. J Reid up Lizzie & Daughters at Powneedp.m. Wm Beattie up at night left him with Elsie at night..12th Sheep neeps then filled in midse over the burn with Poll & down iron harrows ready to break in then I helped him to yoke Bob & started to plough clean ground going fine Jock Reid & wife landed tonight wanting stopping.18th I amongst ewes by 4.30 a.m. Lizzie at Church Duncan at Rhynie Jock sorting beasts. Helen Reid & girls up p.m. with Lizzie from Church Jock Souter at Howbog a fine day.23rd Jas Reid Lizzie annie & baby away to Carney to see the Shearers with Dasey in gig...24th Duncan finished breaking lea on Culwine then Wilson helped us to winnow seed a.m. Wilson sowed Elsie carried Duncan harrowed. Then Wilson helped me to put up nets & let ewes on to neeps p.m.25th Sunday Jas Reid Lizzie & bairns home by 3 p.m. they were at Corsemaul all night left Adams yesterday...30th A wild stormy day snowing & driffting a fearful day on ewes & lambs. Mains Dod here we ironed some hoggs with Buck iron 92 of them ... Elsie at Aldunie with Jockies boot & my clog . Elsie 10/-May 19099th Sunday I at Church... Jock Duncan & Elsie on top of Buck...14th A wild cold stormy day Farquharson & man Leslie from Ellon here & bought Bob horse at £40 I am to give him £1 back of luck . I at Willie Kellas sale bought 5 prize hens @ 1/10 each ... pot at 2/- bridle 1/8 grindstone 6d Willie ploughing all day.15th... Willie at Rhynie 6 teething powders & boots to Annie from Angus no use too big18th Dod & I at Laggan sale delivered Bob Dod rode him over & home new horse a dear sale.. Willie ploughing with Poll & grey mare p.m. 24th I at Rhynie market I feed Jock Gordon Elrick @ £15 26th Wednesday... Wm Duncan left tonight28th Dod here mucked 4 dreels 7 set them7 covered in taties I have 13 dreels Reid 3 & Jockie 2 all my seed. Poll turned ill in plow & lay down very bad for awhile I made up a drench & gave her Elsie away noon Jock souter here I paid him £3 & Elsie £5”10 Wilson at laggan with Dod mare.29th Dod of Elrick has my horse today laying his tatiesJune 19092nd No Jock he left last night about 11 p.m. tried Dod to go with him. I sent Dod to post with letters3rd Dods Charlie this morning he grubbing I working in garden delved sowed carrots & pease & set cabbage..4th Charlie spring tining & harrowing I in Rhynie... got Lizzie bad in bed when I came home Willie was with me had to make his own supper wash dishes milk cows & feed chicks&C a fine day5th Charlie by 8 a.m harrowing & linking Poll served with Briery side...7th I harrowing & linking back park... besom Jamie here & stayed all night8th ...besom Jamie failed to come back ... served Meg mare with Royal Charlie15th I grubbed ... motor car race through Cabrach16th Charlie Dod & I gathering weeds..21st I spring tined with Poll & Dod harrowed with Jock Charlie harrowing & linking ...Mains I shot his old bitch & buried her tonight Jim Reid came

26th I with Jock Reid in moss a.m. him & Tinie in moss p.m. I sowed Purple Top neeps p.m. A great PicNic on Buck today from Aberdeen & Dufftown held by Keithmore folks & their friends Teaed at Bodiebae a fine afternoon.28th Lizie not well in bed ... I doing housework Jock & his wife in moss..July 19094th I at church at Sacrament Adam Shearer & wife came up here to dinner Adam had to go home tonight Mary & her 2 boys stayed at Cottage a fine day8th I at Dufftown sales... engaged a chap Wm Leslie from now till term @ £11. Dod had left as soon as I went away.9th Willie Leslie came tonight10th Willie Leslie to Dufftown with Poll for his kist. I at PicNic with boys.11th Vis. Mrs shearer & her 2 boys Adam & Edward Dod Gordon & Dod Duncan12th Willie setting peats Jock Reid finished casting his 2000 barrowfuls 12 breast peats each Paid him £1”6”6 before 13/6 off £2 off to Ardwell him & teenie & got drunk14th ... I set Macpherson on Jockie Gordon16th Thrashed & Willie away to his sisters marriage. Clipped ewes & cut lambs Jane Daun Harry Nicol George Duncan Wm Beattie Wm Gordon Wm Wilson Jock Reid & I17th I at Wm Beatties marriage at Bridge of Alford [William s of James Beattie & Rachel McCombie mar Elizabeth Downie]2 p.m. Willie Leslie & his sister came & took away his kist.29th Thursday Jock Harry (Nicol) & I hoeing... Cabrach market a lot of drunks31st ... I to Bridgend for Adam shearers mother paid her fair 1/- Nell Reid Jane Spence & Bell away with Mutch to DR... August 19091st Sunday Willie Annie & baby very bad with whooping cough5th Jock on spree this morning ... is to stop till term @ 11/- per week meal & milk6th ... dipped 172 ewes 109 lambs 42 wedders 5 rams Lizzie in bed all day Jane Cameron milked10th Jock & Harry cutting hay all day Harry a scythe from Wm Beattie. T at Keith Show home a fine berrie pan to Lizzie supper at Laggan home 11p.m a fearful warm day.16th Jock Reid & Teenie off this morning. Advertised for a man . Engaged Alexr Davidson or Gunnie for a week at 11/-17th Gunnie turning peats & I finished hoeing of neeps & cut dockings in cornyard.19th Gunnie Jane Daun 2 tramps & I gathered & stooked up hay20th... I to Rhynie with Dasey to meet my brother Alexr & his daughter Mary [origins]21st ... Engaged Wm Duston @ 12/- per week from now till the term29th ... got a brace of grouse & a hare from Paget30th Willie started to take home peats. Alic & I gutted James old house & Willie carted it home here31st...... Wm Beattie had a fight with 2 tinker women on way home from Maryfair Gillies had a race to top od Buck from Lodge & back Bob Duncan won.September 19092nd ... Deston to Mill of Noth for meal & took up his wife baby & furniture had the 2 carts... Alick & Mary to Auchmair to visit Sandy & Nelly kept out of sight....5th Sunday Willie at Rhynie for druggs to his baby7th A fearful day all day Finlay from Agriculture College here seeing about hay experiment... 14 sheep drowned at Bracklach crossing end of Alt water Harry & Wilson helped to skin & dress them9th Diston pulling juniper in Kinny burn Lizzie & Willie pulling berries & Wilson Jockie & I looking for sprotts a fine afternoon.15th Diston & I sorting peat road... I met William Nicols funeral above Howbog 1.30 aged 34 years [s of John Nicol & Jean Daun, h of Margaret Souter] Findlater here tonight fiddling17th Willie carting peats... I at Charlie Nicols funeral aged 58 years Dufftown a big funeral

18th Willie carting peats I drove to Adam Shearers place Raemurrick with the 2 boys Willie & Johnnie got a good day19th Sunday Up early Adam & I round his hill his hill is 300 feet lower than our house & his house 600...October 19096th Tom Robertson & I at Huntly sales I looking at a binder Woods New Century 4 years old price to be £11... Willie spent the day dressing 2 ricks.11th Willie & I took out the reaper & I put her together ... we got a fearful steeping I had to change shirt & all15th cutting corn below the garden Jane daun gathering her first day 29th diston at Rhynie with mare Meg to be shod & to send up th Dr to Mary Jane .. he thinks it is nettle rashNovember 190913th Saturday.. Such a destruction since last night cart shed blown down all but the walls into cornyard hay ricks & hewks down gigs to Bodiebae Dod & Wilson helped us with shed roof. Such a smash14th ... I had to meat beasts Diston never looked up.16th ... Dod of Elricks cow dead this morning he to Bridgend & got Jock horse sharped & sent telegram to Douglas brae to come for his cow. I gave Diston £117th Diston & I to Dufftown market I engaged a man G Rennie @ £15. Diston did not fee29th Wm Diston & his wife left in the morning Dod of Elrick took his furniture to DufftownDecember 19091st ...Rennie to Dufftown station for his kist11th A very bad day ... I herding sheep a.m. on top of Buck p.m. got nothing never fired a shot Wilson shot 3W. hares. Rennie gathering bedding & pulling neeps.13th Gordie linking lea. 29th ... Alex Sheed of Aldunie married to Isa McBain at Bentons dinner laid on for 93. [Alex s of John Sheed & Helen Watt, Isabella Mitchell McBain dr Gordon Lennox McBain & Jean McWilliam] Gordie took in a rick it took him all day to do it which could have been done in 1.5 hours.no word of a bannock night this yearThe first mention of Gordie who features almost daily in the following months. It is G. Rennie 1910 cash account 28th May Gordie Rennie £14”1531st … I down at Powneed at night at Mutch

1910January1st Saturday I ill last night & all day today with sore head & pain in bowels in perfect agony. Gordie doing nothing today a fine fresh day.2nd ..ditto3rd most of them leading & turning ricks Gordie ploughing a.m. then him & I turned a rick such a wind it almost went over me to build it but it got a fine shaking up. Wilson busy leading all day.4th Gordie ploughing all day.. Wilson & I hares.. gave Jane Daun one Alexr Souter landed here tonight a right fine day5th Gordie ploughing all day... Sandy & I sorted beasts6th Gordie carting in neeps a.m. & ploughing p.m. I down at G Duncans Powneed with sheep. Wm Kellas Day Wilson & Jas Shand putting mill.8th Gordie ploughing all day10th I herding sheep Gordie ploughing ...11th Gordie carting out dung...12th Gordie carting out dung13thTook up rick from Culwine... Wm Duston calling stoped all night with Wilson

14th Gordie spreading dung all day15th Gordie spreading dung a.m.17th George took inover ewe to little house ...Duston Wilson Dod & I yoked Meg...Gordie carting in neeps with Poll19th Jane Cameron helping Lizzie to wash Gordie carting out dung...21st Gordie carting out dung... Jane Cameron or Mrs Nicol delivered of a daughter 9.30 p.m.22nd George sledging out dung... Ben dog worse today he wont take any food certain he wont live23rd My Fine dog “Ben” died this morning I was sure last night he could not live...24th gave sheep 6 pailfuls of corn for first time Gordie out some dung Thrashed morning ordered daily paper from Troup “Dunde Advertiser” but they are always so slow in getting anything.25th... Gordie smashed lantern & lamp glasses again never saw the like of him26th .. I sore head, Jockie in bed & Mary Jane not well either27th... I to Powneed p.m. Wm Smith Jas Reid Wm Beattie Jim Milloy & I at Days thrashing did not go long when 2 teeth broke again...28th... Wilson brought Dod of Bracklachs pup to me Raffan left Bracklach today pig away to Cransmill cow & hens left at Bracklach Wilson will look after them 29th Gordie & I took in peats...30th James came over with letters today 6 p.m. when post landed last night ... I over at Wilson p.m. advised him to have nothing to do with cow & hens & neglect his own work unless with G Robertsons concent.31st sheep no corn Gordie casting burn at Culwine & I to Powneed with washer to Days millFebruary 19101st Tuesday I over to Dufftown at rents with Jock horse... home worsted from mills.. I am to get a new stable henhouse & mill cemented but I asked if there would be interest put on as I paid rent enough & he said there would be no interest put on . Paid Charles McPherson 2/62nd... Gordie pulling neeps3rd ... George sledging in neeps4th Wilson Jim Nicol my Willie & I in hill... Gordie & Jockie taking a rick the best kept one...5th I at Rhynie riding Dasey came past Blackhills Gordie herding sheep & sorting beasts a fine fresh day Alexr Souter landed tonight6th Sunday Alexr Souter calling on Jane Daun a.m...7th... I gave Alexr Souter a pen & received a knife as a keepsake Gordie spreading dung8th Gordie casting snow to let plough over burn. James Roy came to call before going away to America10th Gordie spreading dung11th I herding sheep Gordie ploughing stibbles over burn with one furrow all day.12th very hard frost Gordie carted in 4 loads neeps a.m. out some dung on to middle of lea to form a dung heap for next year. Thrashed & winnowed..14th Gordie ploughing stibble below house... I builded wet sheaves round harrows...15th Gordie ploughing stibbles all day... John Inglis died today. This bannock night16th Hard frost Gordie carting out dung... wrote to Granny & McIntosh in Lumsden [origins – NOT maternal grandmother]17th I at Jock Inglis funeral aged 80 years.. Lizzie not well in bed Jane Daun stayed with bairns till I came home. 18th into Aberdeen took a drake & a white hare to Mrs Mearns 19th Gordie tried but frost not right out21st Gordie ploughing stibbles over burn then he started the lea ploughed all day22nd Gordie carting out dung23rd ..Gordie to Rhynie with Meg mare to let Farrier see her leg24th Gordie carting out dung Alexr Shand up to yoke Meg but frost too hard25th Alexr Shand & Gordie carting out dung a.m. Gordie to Bridgend with Jock horse to get his shoes removed Alexr Shand left at night

26th I at Rhynie market riding Dasey got a wash for Megs leg. G Findlater landed here tonight.28th Gordie plucking neeps G Findlater left a.m. I sprained ankle & could not walkMarch 19101st I in bed all day.2nd ... No Dundee Advertiser today3rd .. Gordie ploughing all day I at Dufftown riding on Dasey4th I at Rhynie with Dasey for Mrs Shearer home by 3 p.m. weighed G Duncans neeps 13 tons 15 cwt per acre offered him £4 per acre he was needing £5 from Troup bed chamber 1/- Gordie ploughing5th Gordie ploughing all day7th Gordie ploughing ... fenced from dam to big tree & Wilson put up a net across to his pailing so I have a place fenced in to neep sheep below the dam8th Gordie ploughing stibbles below dam11th Gordie feered & I set & started him to plough with MP plough. 12th Gordie ploughing lea14th Gordie ploughing all day15th sheep neeps then Gordie away to Rhynie with Meg mare to let Morrison V.S. see her leg did not get home till 6 p.m. very drunk & in past Elrick ... I very sore head Wilson not well 7 in bed. a very fine day.16th I very sore head all day took weder inover from dividing pailing killed dressed & examined his brain no sturdy Gordie ploughing lea17th I at Dufftown sales riding on Dasey21st ... Two tons of Potatoes from R Young Huntly @ £3”5 per ton22nd Gordie ploughing. George Robertson here from Laggan & bought Dasey for Phimister factor @ £15 I am very unwilling to part with her.23rd I at Lumsden with wife & Mary Jane Sent telegram to George Robertson Laggan24th Gordie ploughing stibble on ulwine Bodiebae sheep away to Pitglassie to neeps25th I neeped sheep then drove to Laggan with Dasey then George Robertson & I drove to Colagreen ... I bought 2 qrsSandy oats 10 qrs Earlt Hamilton I left Dasey & trap at Laggan & drove home with Laggans shilt & machine 27th ... G, Gordon away with his cow & Laggans shilt to Laggan. John Robson Finglennie calling p.m. a right fine warm day.29th ... I sowed 2.5 acres of Lea with Early Hamilton Lizzie carried seedApril 19101st ... Sandy Mann Sandy Duncan & Wilson burning heather in my hill I jooined them p.m. 2nd Gordie at Rhynie to Rhynie with both carts for potatoes Mrs Souter 1 cwt Jane Daun 4 cwt & myself 7 cwt... Willie & I heather burning awhile 7th Gordie ploughing clean ground above houses ... At Mrs Gordon of Bowns [Bowmans] funeral p.m. her name Elizabeth Emslie [wife of Peter Gordon] aged 70 years 8th Gordie ploughing all day pain came into my leg & back Scarcely able to come home lost power of legs & back11th George Gordon Elrick here all day helping with potatoes also Jane Daun & Granny & Willie & Johnnie Gordie ploughed them up & harrowed up. Tramp came with Mains did not stay landed again at night is to stay a week & do anything I in bed all day up a while at night.12th Gordie rolling lea all day with Jock horse. My tramp man off over the hills after he got his breakfast never started work I up all day. Willie & Johnnie at school13th... I some better but not much14th ... Willie & Johnnie at school none of the Nicolls15th Gordie carting neeps16th... Gordie carting neeps 18th 2 sledgefuls of neeps down to Bruntland...20th Gordie ploughing clean ground all day I busy amongst sheep

21-27 torn29th A wild stormy day Gordie braking in clean ground above house Wilson sowed awhile & I sowed it out Alexr Shand carried seed such a wind cannot be right done Alic rolling new grass with Jock & Gordie harrowing with 2 mares...30th Gordie harrowing all day at clean ground above houses I busy amongst ewes. Wm smith Elrick planted taties today.May 19102nd Gordie broke in back park & Jane Daun carried seed & I sowed it 2 qrs a fearful wind a..m. Gordie harrowing with 2 mares & I finished rolling of lea corn.4th Gordie finished rolling of new grass & out grass seeds a.m. spring tining tatie ground p.m. ...6th Gordie... opened 21 dreels for taties10th I at Maryfair walked all the way Wilson looking after ewes & helping Gordie & Lizzie to plant taties.. I paid Rose £16”16 for wintering hoggs11th ... earmarked lambs 109 & 8 to mark kept down ewes to lamb 30 put ewes with lambs & hoggs to far hill14th Gordie drubbing below little with Poll & Jock a.m. & Meg & Jack p.m. Willie Jockie & I fencing on top of Buck p.m. ...gave a ewe lamb for a pet to Peggy Dawson18th Gordie & I at Dufftown market Jock in cart I feed a man Harry Walker Sauchenward Botriphnie @£15”10... Jock Fin in garden & Wilson looking after beasts20th Friday This is the day of King Edward VII funeral I told men not to work today but when they saw the rest in the place they started too Gordie spring tining & John in garden sowed pease & carrots .. a fine droughty day.21st Gordie spring tining & harrowing John in garden thunder & heavy rain midday I planted 200 kale & 100 cabbage24th Gordie harrowing over the burn ... Poll mare foaled 10.45 p.m. a horse foal & big ...25th Meg not well would not let foal suck...strapped up her leg & exercised her. John at Jane Dauns today.26th Gordie spring tining on Culwine with Jock & Meg. Meg yoked for 1st time after foaling.. John fencing in College plot of grass27th Gordie finished spring tining on Culwine then harrowing all day with Meg & Jock. I at Rhynie got a lift with post 28th ... keepers to hill to the foxes . Paid Gordie & Mrs Shearer their fees (£14”15 & £1”10 for 12 weeks) Wilson home with pair of mares to Bodiebae30th I helped Wilson to yoke his mares & he helped me to mark lambs . Harry Walker landed tonight...31st ... John tp moss a.m. Harry closed dreeels with Poll & Jock ...had to stop broke sowing machineJune 19101st Harry opening dreels with mares..Jock mossing...I levelled down dreels with wheel ring with Jock ...2nd Harry closing dreels 2.5 hours a.m. left 9 a.m. Such dreeling was never seen I yoked & finished closing a.m I went over all his dreels with Jock p.m. too wet for sowing John away too.3rd I sowing bit below the house Gordie Rennie landed noon he harrowing on Culwine p.m. I down at Charles Mitchels sale I bought 2 queys for Jas Reid at £10”5 & £9”16 & a bicycle at £1 a ratchet boring brace at 3/3 cart reins 1/3 I let Reid have the bicycle at £1 but I have to get the use of it when I need it.6th John Souter here early in the morninf started to open dreels with 2 mares & I to Bridgend to get Jock horse shod took Gordie Rennie & his kist down with me up a load of manure from cottage p.m.8th ... John Souter opening dreels John Fin sowing manure..12th Jane Ann & I at Church vis Gordon Elrick & old Mrs Shearer Bowmans14th John in moss... I put up a feering to Wilson16th clipping hoggs & yeld ewes & 2 rams 2 awanting Jane Daun G Duncan Wm Wilson James Gordon John Fin & self tared lambs27th (Account) John Souter 10/-29th Wilson & I at Huntly mart. I did not get a man. this our Fast day.

July 19102nd ... I made wind mill..4th John hoeing neeps... James Gordon brought over pup. I paid him 10/- for her6th St Sairs fair Tom Robertson bought a 3 year old shilt for £27 I feed a man Alexr Ledingham from now till term £13”10. I stayed at Netherton Insch all night7th ...Man came tonight. Masons came tonight would not let them start8th I drove to Dufftown station Wilson went with me to marraige I went on to Keith & saw Thomson the architect & got plan altered called on Jane Bruce & had tea there9th Saturday Alic Willie Jockie & I at PicNic p.m. John at home we walked all the way turned out a fine day10th Sunday G Black loon from Keithmore Mary Reid Jane Ann loons & I on top of Buck.. a lot more on Buck too Miss Thomson the champion dancer & 3 Smiths from Howbog Jane Spence here too but did not go to hill a fine day.18th Alic 7 bags wool to Dufftown & home wood for doors & windows I drove over with Bess got Rose horse shod 19th ...some dirty wool to haker got some dishes for it20th ...sent parcel of worsted & 1lb weight to Mrs Shearer...21st I at Dufftown & bought a 5 year old cow to calve tomorrow £16”7”6 took her to Laggan & left her 2 Constables & vet at Bodiebae examining sheep just got one affected . Alic hoeing at Bodiebae John setting up peats.22nd John to Laggan for cow Wilson to Laggan with shilt & machine for dip23rd a fearful day of rain John & Alic working in mill...24th J Black Wilson & the Nicols all at the averings..25th a bad day no use for dipping Alick & John quarrying gravel for road & I at fishing a.m. Constable came to stop me dipping John Finn £1”526th Anderson Goodall & strath landed noon looked every sheep just found one affected at Beacklach which I hold is not sheep scab then they came & went over allmine found nothing.27th John Finn off I paid him 46 days work £1”1”6 Alic & I dipped all the sheep over 400Constable here...28th ... A. Dunn came up past here from market bought Meg cow @£19- Grant of Alford offered £18”1529th Jane Cruickshank left early this morning between 5& 6 a.m. ... Jas Law tells me Jane is at Kirkton30th I drove Mrs Mearns to station to 1.36 train... I engaged Georgina Mackie from now till term wages £631st Alic down at Essie brought home Dod Mackie with himAugust 19101st... J Taylor Gouls Glass here for his 2 ewe hoggs a.m. he left 1 fleece for keep & 1/- Wilson & Johnnie to Inverharroch with May cow to bull service 1/-2nd... I at Gordon Lenox Scott funeral aged 74 years [s of David Scott & Elspet Sievwright, d Aberdeen] corps taken into church & service held there Rev Anderson Lower Cabrach3rd... carting sand from Bodiebae with Jock & Rose4th I set Alic to sort road made a poor job of it & I drove to Keith show... saw flying machine but not flying5th Wilson & I sorting with old mare we have made a good job of it9th I with Poll up masons tools from Ardwell 4 masons landed p.m.10th cutting hay. Masons made a start to build p.m.11th wheel of cart with load of sand went over Annies foot at Bodiebae took her home on top of sand12th... Wm McDonald at Rhynie quarries p.m. had shilt with him & got her shod at Rhynie. Mary Jane got her and burned & very badly too.13th Alic carting sand all day with Jock horse I to Ardwell for 14 planks of scaffolding to masons ... John Finn landed back tonight.14th Alic & woman away today. Adam Shearer calling today. Wilson James Gordon & John Hendry mason away to Laggan with shilt & machine a fine day.15th John Finn started work. James Gordon Bracklach & I at Rhynie quarries his mare & Wilson & Jock horse 8cwt of stones on each ..

loused 2 carts on Culwine16th Alic & I took up 2 carts of stone from Culwine in the morning Alic & John in moss setting peats a.m. Wilson at Dr about Mary Jane she is very ill & fevered..17th Alic at Dufftown for 4 inch tiles like a fool brought 2.5 feet faucet pipes 60 of them has to take them back tomorrow John in moss18th John Finn working with masons a.m. & at hay p.m. Alic at Dufftown for 100 4 inch tiles Wilson for Dr to Lizzie delivered of a daughter 12.55 p.m. Mrs Smith & Mrs Reid with her. I could not get away from Mary Jane she is very bad.19th ... Laggans 3 carts here with lime 10.5 bolls20th John Willie Jockie & I finished coling & raking of hay a right fine day. John Hendry mason left this morning22nd I cut College hay no masons here today just labourers Nell Reid left today24th.. Alic carting stones to masons a.m.25th Alic carting stones to masons a.m26th I paid Alic Ledingham off this morning27th ..Wilson to Rhynie Flower Show took Mrs Gordon Johnnie & Georgina with him28th Mrs Shearer here seeing Lizzie had a man Simpson driving her to Cottage. My woman has not got back from the Flower show yet 8 p.m. 29th a bad wet day .. labourer landed back last night but no masons till afternoon.Jas Reid here for mushroms him & I at fishing below church came on a fearful spate I had tea with Mr & Mrs Souter I engaged a man for a week @ 12/- till I would see what like a worker he is31st ... I at Rhynie quarries for 5 base stonesSeptember 19101st I looking all the water for causwaying stones & I rode down to Milton to Shand to see about lintils Mrs Kellas Kirkton told me to take the one they had2nd A wet morning man started to cart out dung had to louse. John & I to Kirkton for 3 lintils 3rd Willie & John finished carting out dung then Willie carting stones to masons Laggans carts here with 12 bags of cement. John in moss & Willie helping Wilson to dip.5th ... Wm Alnach carting stuff a.m. I paid him his wages. Engaged Wm Gauld from now till term £76th Wm Gauld to Dufftown for tiles & a bag of cement John & I fishing causeway stones out of the water all day7th Wm Gauld & John carting causeway stones I gathering them out of the water all day.8th Wm Gauld left this morning10th Milton up with cart for masons tools morning finished here. I to Rhynie with Bess16th .. draw & mark ewes for sale 17th John carting peats p.m. boys & I building stack 29 loads home a right fine day19th Willie Johnie & I at Church. vis Adam Shearer& Jas Reid & housekeeper & Bengie from Laggan19th -24th John carting peats (them all home a total of 61 loads) & cutting thatch25th my woman down seeing John Sharp Mains a lot on top of Buck a right fine day26th ... Wm Beattie shot poor old Nell bitch at Powneed at 8.35 a.m. I am sorry for her she was truly a good bitch & a faithful servant & companion to me 28th... Laggan offered me his binder to cut my corn Laggan cutting & leadiing both 29th Dod Gordon Bracklach here for cart to take his pig to Redford Wilson & I helped him to cart herOctober 19101st VS inspecting sheep at Bodiebae 2nd Sunday Lizzie & baby at Cottage p.m. A tramp landed here p.m. & stayed all night3rd John cutting roads round lea... John & Jane Daun harvesting p.m.4th . At Huntly bought Leicester ram lamb £2”15.. John Wilson & Jane Daun harvesting p.m. Mackie away at her mothers all p.m.6th John & I cutting Jane Daun & Mackie gathering 8 hours

7th Wilson away to Keithmore with 260 cross lambs 8th I at Laggan with Poll & Jock for the binder they had a bit to cut so it was after 3 p.m before we got away . Wilson drove binder & I took his mare Rose & cart. It was dark before we got home but we managed fine a fine day.9th sorted put binder in order a.m. then I drove old Mrs Shearer to Rhynie to Dr. Vis Mrs & Miss Duncan Powneed Mrs Nicol & family10th Wilson got binder in order & yoked Poll & Jock into it & cut till dinnertime Wilson & John stooking. Put Poll Jock & Rose in & Wilson drove all p.m. & John & I stooked did fine & a big bit of it.12 a fearful day no harvesting13th Dufftown sale sold 50 wedder lambs at 10/6 & left 48 wedders & 6 rams with Sheach14th I started binder with Poll & Jock cut end of lea on 3 sides all above on one side across had Rose in p.m. & Wilson driving & John stooking I did not go to Cabrach market15th Wilson cutting with Poll & Jack in binder all day & John stooking. I took in 3 ricks from back park with Rose mare Jane Daun forking ion land & loons building cart Dod forking to me in yard A man James Meldrum landed in about I engaged him from to term at 12/- per week.17th heavy dew then frost Jamie & I set up stooks . John in bed forenoon I yoked binder p.m. & finished cutting by 4.15p.m. Jamie stooking & John raking18th Taking up taties John & Jamie a.m. Jamie & I took in a rick of cleanground has it all in from back park & raking into mill a right fine day ricks heating some19th John & Jamie taking up taties a.m. Grannie back tonight [origins]20th a bad day raining men making rapes all day21st John Finn left this morning I paid him £3”1 having been 9 weeks & 4 days Wm Beattie away with shilt to Jas McDonalds marriage. I took foals from their mothers & put them in cots 22nd Jas cleaning up mill I making flags mannies & windmills to frighten away the grouse23rd Sunday ..to Laggan for meal to Wilson & took home Jamie Barrie with me 24th Jamie dipped Bodiebae sheep then we took in a rick & thrashed p.m.25th to Mid Clova with sheep, 78 ewes 47 wedders & Wilson 22 wedder lambs , & got shilt shod27th ... Jamie thatching bit of mill & taking up taties G Smith shooting grouse on stooks28th to Shands to see about wood got a sight through Shooting Lodge29th Jamie & Jas Reid taking up taties all day & I away through Clova & Kildrummy hills looking for sheep got 16 of my own & 2 of Allans 30th a very bad day Wilson Nicols & I looking for blind ram Wm Beattie got him amongst his ewes & shut him into cots he is in a fearful rage they tell me & ram got out at his own part of the fence31st Jamie & Dod taking up taties. At Rhynie paid into Bank £55 & G Mackies mother £1November 19101st James setting up stooks we dipped all the sheep with McDougalls dip.2nd ... dipped & ironed lambs took in a rick snowing near all day3rd Leading today Jas Reid forked to me in yard Jane Daun on field  Jamie & Dod driving carts a.m Jamie building & I wiling sheaves p.m.4th To Dufftown & Laggan5th dipping Jamie herding grouse6th Sunday Georgina Mackie away at Rhynie at the Dr to be examined for itch or scab7th... Stewart made a kite would not work I shot at a falcon.9th ... Jamie up 2 sledgefuls of neeps from Culwine10th Jamie & I took in half a rick of hay. Then he away to Dufftown with Jock in cart to take wood off truck & home rigging stone to stay all noght & come home tomorrow Mrs Shearer away to Bank & Bowmans .. grouse will not herd & kites will not keep up.11th grouse will not keep off ... Jip bitch had 8 pups today Wilson killed them all & we took chaff off cows eye . Mrs Shearer landed at night. Jamie not come at 8 p.m. 12th Jamie my man landed with horse & cart at 11.40 p.m. last night. sledged up neeps from Culwine a.m.

13th boys & myself herding grouse off corn will not herd.14th Jamie & Wilson sledging off stooks nearer houses I to Birkenhill with cart for rams snow on roads till you get to Belhinnie15th from Birkenhill brae of Blackhills snow deep Jock horse clean done . Most of them ploughing below Belhinnie16th snowing & drifting I did not go to Dufftown feeing market I at grouse at stooks Jamie up some neeps & inover some bedding17th I in bed all day not well a very wild stormy day Jmaie gave sheep some sheaves18th taties to Reid Meg in sledge did fine 19th ...let rams amongst ewes tonight...20th herding grouse will not herd21st sheaves to sheep herding grouse thrashed 22nd .. loons & I herding grouse Jamie pulling neeps gave sheep sheaves23rd G robertson Laggan here left Dasey at Bodiebae & took home Bess24th I at Dufftown sales Laggan there snow away & all ploughing home Jamies kist with me Jamie looking after beasts gave sheep sheaves26th Jamie to Dufftown to hold his term27th Jamie landed about 9 a.m. 28th Wilson helped me to top of Craig road with sheep a fearful job to get them there with snow he turned with Dasey & took them to Mrs Gregors Nether Howmill Mossat I stayed there all night no snow after Whitehillock paid Mrs Gregor 4/- for keep sheep to J Rose 176 in fall29th I walked all the way home got a steeping. Ewes among stooks when I came home. Jas Strath Constable here riding delaining(?) shifting of ewe of ewe & ram at home . It is a perfect humbug the Sheep Scab order & for no good.December 19101st Jamie & I winnowed 3 qrs corn a.m. Goodall & Strath & Anderson the vet inspected Bracklach & Bodiebae sheep today found nothing wrong but they have to dip them perfectly clean & do it twice within 28 days4th old ewe dead today & a lamb yesterday drowned5th a fearful spate coming into house & mill6th.. James Gordon Bowmans here looking at Jock horse7th Bracklach & Bodiebae dipping today Thanksgiving for harvest & it not in yet8th I at Dufftown sales riding on Dasey Sent over new Dr Stewart to see Lizzie10th I at Dufftown with Jock in cart at Dr Stewart about Lizzie I had my dinner at Meldrums & my supper at Reids Jamie started to plough lea with Poll & Meg11th It never faired Jamie looked after beasts I in bed all day 12th Jamie ploughing . G Mackie came up for awhile13th Traction with wood stuck above Lodge last night they could easily have put it to Powneed but they would not try but threw it off where they were .. Jamie rigged up 2 wood carts & up a load I to Aldunie Milton & Kirkton & Reid to Auchmair asking for help to take it up. 14th carting up wood all day from above Lodge Jamie & Alex shand 4 loads each Milton & Auchmair men 3 loads each & Kirkton man 2 loads a better day Reid helping to load wood.15th I herding ewes a.m. & Jamie & Alic Shand carting up wood iron &c judt themselves with Jock & Poll. Wilson & I at Lumsden at Poll saw Henderson & shaking hands with him Wilson had Meg & I riding Dasey a fine afternoon All the wood & iron up from above Lodge.17th shot 5 hares on Buck wet to the skin Jamie to Dufftown at night gave him a hare to his mother I sorted beasts at night.18th I sorted beasts ... rain rain forever it will never dry up... vis Harry Nicol & Wilson & Jane Spence19th Jamie ploughing washed cattle & thrashed a few wet sheaves too wet to take in a rick hay just about done

20th. did not go to hares I not well Jamie & I took in 3hewks dinging on & as wet as can be 21st herding sheep & grouse Jamie ploughing a fine windy day all day22nd Jamie Dod & I hewked the lea corn Jamie ploughing & herding sheep & grouse took in 2 ricks of clean ground corn p.m. not good ... 3 carpenters here today Strath Constable here too.24th thunder & rain at 5a.m. wet all the sheaves fearful that was down. Jamie pulled neeps & carted home Jamie ploughing p.m. 25th ... Day Duncan here at dinner ... Jamie the 2 boys & I hewked all the stooks after dark with lantern dinging on snow. This is my birthday. 26th snow on this morning Jamie leveled down midden & buried two lambs .. Bodiebaes sheep all amongst my neeps noon. Jamie ploughing.27th I to hill for sheep & gave them corn...28th I at Dufftown Jock in sledge had Willie with me ... lotion & ointment to Lizzies leg...dinner at Meldrums Wm & I29th Jamie took in a rick in back park yesterday right fine stuff30th Jamie ploughing... Carpenter here today31st Jamie & I pulling neeps in Culwine. I counted 33 at Hunt Craig party treated us to plenty of drink & a hare to each driver.ist reference to Granny

1911January 1st Sunday a bad day snow & drifting Jamie looking after beasts I in bed all day Vis Mrs & Miss Duncan Powneed & Bella Reid Wm Beattie not able to rise with strained ankle with his fighting2nd Jamie carting up neeps a.m. Jamie to Dykeside with Poll in cart for windows to stable I corned sheep winnowed orra stuff & then thrashed a very bad day .. carpenters here today3rd Jamie at neeps4th Jamie at neeps... Wisons sheep among my neeps 5th Jamie carting out dung all day. Wm Smith howbog here with 2 dentists from Rhynie name Gordon he drew 4 teeth to G Mackie & 5 to Lizzie. I gave G Mackie 10/- to give to Dentist.6th Jamie carting out dung Wilson & I rabbiting p.m.7th Jamie carting out dung...thrashed.. 3 carpenters here today8th fresh today Mackie away at her mothers Jamie clipped Meg mare & washed both mares manes & tails9th leading hewks stuff not in good order 3 carpenters here 10th ditto 11th A bad day fresh rain Jamie pulling neeps a.m carting them p.m. 12th a very wild forenoon ewes drifted to back of hill Jamie & I took them inover forenoon & gave them corn & straw in hakes... thrashed p.m. 13th Jamie sorted beasts & helped Miss Mackie to take in peats I at Cottage & at Lodge .. gave ewes sheaves tonight14th Jamie pulling neeps and taking them home thrashed p.m. I at Bridgend with Dasey pd Smiths acc & County Rates to Rachel McCombie Police at Bodiebae & Elrick15th Sunday Wilson inover showed me his Summons to Banff Court16th Wilson away to Laggan with Dasey on his way to Banff Court as a witness against G Robertson17th... at Bodiebae sorting & meating his hens & dogs had to take dogs back & took over corn to hens Jas Reid & Jamie spreading dung18th Jamie ploughing lea all day I at Bodiebae sheep morning Carpenters has in glass windows & pointing up 19th Wm Kellas at Dufftown sales with Dasey Jamie ploughing a fine day

20th Jamie & I cutting up swedes Jamie spreading dung I at rabbit ferreting at Bodiebae21st Jamie taking up neeps a.m. ploughing stibbles p.m. I at Dufftown at Batchelors ploughing match... Dasey & 6d...supper at Laggan pd Mrs Shearer £2”622nd G Mackie & her sister away to Essie this morning Jamie Willie & I on top of Buck23rd Wilson away to Birkenhill with flock... Jamie ploughing stibbles25th Jamie pulling neeps... we shifted horses into new stable & foals inover from cots & into loose box & dogs into old stable & thrashed 26th Jamie spreading dung & ploughing stibbles.. Jane Spence here for carron oil for her arm which she burned Monday last27th Jamie carting out dung & ploughing stibbles I at bridgend with Jock horse to get shoes removed took a hare to Smith one to Granny & one to Rachel McCombie... Jane Spence away from Powneed tonight a great battle28th Jamie spreading dung & I pulling neeps Jamie ploughing stibbles G Mackie sorted cattle p.m. Helen Reid & Bell up visiting p.m.29th a very fine day Lizzie & boys at Church James Meldrum on top of Buck30th Jamie spreading dung & ploughing ...I buried Wilsons lamb & my own wedder a right fine fresh day Jamie & I winnowed orra stuff in mill at night31st Jamie ploughing stibbles till 4.30 then home a load of neeps from Culwine I plucking neeps on Culwine a.m. & p.m. very hard frost all day thrashed ...February 19111st Jamie pulling neeps and taking them home ...2nd ... winnowed & thrashed 4th ... Jamie pulling neeps and carting them home5th .. at church at days wrote out advertisement about his last bitch G Mackie away to her mother Jessie Nicol here7th sent for Dr Grant to Lizzie he came & saw her & vaccinated baby8th Ardlewie ploughing match 22 plows 1st Jas McDonald 2nd John Horn 3rd Robertson Tomnaven 4th A Yeatts 5th Wm Gordon6th Peter GordonBelherrie9th Jamie carting out dung all day...Jane Spence calling p.m.11th Jamie carting out dung ... Jamie & I took in 2 ricks G Robertson & Adam Green Alnaboyle hare hunting on Bodiebae hill12th Jessie Nicol & I corned sheep a.m. & put them to far hill p.m. G Mackie & Jannet at Reids at night Lizzie not so well today Barbra Duncan or Wilson my niece died this afternoon.13th Jamie carting out dung...14th Jamie ploughing stibbles... 15th Barbra Duncan Wilson buried at 2 p.m. ...16th Jamie ploughing...18th a very bad day Jamie with cart to Belhinnie for turnip cutter wheeled neeps into old stable John Thomson Belhinnie with Jamie19th Jamie went to Dufftown home by 5p.m. snow & drifting a wild night20th I in search of Bodiebae sheep winnowed & thrashed Milton & post up at Fit of Buck & feed Jessie Nicol p.m. Jane daun in bed not well21st... Jane Daun still in bed22nd ...pulled neeps .. I at manure lecture at school at night at manure lecture.. I buried 2 of Bodiebaes lambs today.23rd Jamie pulling neeps a.m. I fencing ricks from foals ...24th I pulling neeps Jamie ploughing I took turnip cutter off cart altered it & fixed it on again25th Jamie ploughing I pulling neeps a.m. boys & I winnowed orra stuff noon then thrashed Tramp turned up to mill26th a wild stormy day. G Mackie down at Elsie today27th very frosty cut neeps to sheep morning Jamie pulling neeps p.m.

28th Jamie ploughingMarch 19111st Jamie ploughing lea all day I at days at night for cream home a cock in exchange for one of ours2nd carting neeps ... ploughing stibble3rd ditto5th Lizzie not well had to bed with sore back7th very frosty10th Jamie at ditch .. I gave Mutch a £1 for G Mackie 11th Jamie at ditch... J S Mackenzie Dentist here took out 4 of Lizzies teeth he is to put in a set of the best @ £3 ten years guarantee & no pay til you get satisfaction every way. Jamie at Dufftown tonight.15th Willie & Jamie sledged up neeps from Culwine.. I drew a tooth to Mrs Duncan Powneed... to whist match at school tonight Day & I v. Gordon& Alex Mann we won by 517th ... Howbog Redford & Auchmair to Gartly for their seed corn..18th ... Willie & Jamie sledged up neeps .. I drew a tooth to Mrs Duncan20th ... Jamie buried 2 of Bodiebaes lambs & a ewe of mine..21st .. took Days neeps @ 2d per head per week...boys at school today22nd ... I dressed mares legs for cracked heels..Nell Reid Jane Spence & Bell at Dufftown24th ..sorted Mary Janes boots... dentist brought me another instrument for drawing teeth25th at Huntly riding Jock McMillan offered me £13 for him26th G Mackie away to her mothers did not come home tonight27th G Mackie not home... Wm smith here with Census paper28th ... we dressed foals with powder for lice..30th .. I at Dufftown sales had tea with Jocks folk31st .. Jockie in bed not well & the Nicols alsoApril 19111st Sheep neeps then I carted 1.5 qrs corn over to room of Bodiebae house a.m. Jamie springtining down Bodiebae neep dreels where no neeps grew I sorted beasts thrashed & winnowed p.m. a fine day.4th Jamie not well but he managed to sort beasts I in bed all day5th NoMination & heckling meeting of School Board 17 members up. 7th Jamie to Elrick to see if Mains would go to Lumsden to meet Ewes p.m. Wm Taylor with telegram that ewes were coming pd him 9d8th Mains to Lumsden for my Ewes 72 & 3 rams9th Lizzie & Annie at Church10th Jamie at Gartly for seed corn..11th Jamie ploughing clean ground... College man here measured off ground...13th Jamie braking lea Mains loons here for Jock horse I sowed 3qrs Early Hamilton Jamie harrowing G Mackie landed home 2 p.m. a fine day17th ... Mains away with feeders to Mid Clova20th.. I sent for Farrier to foal ,,,The Rev McMillan found dead at Craig this morning a fearful spate21st VS Morrison here looking at big foal he says he has lockjaw... Jamie to Rhynie for powder to foal24th Wm McDonald mason here p.m.25th .. Rev McMillans funeral aged 56 years. Morrison here looking at foal p.m. James Sheach came with hoggs 72 out of 80 pd him £2026th wet morning Jamie cleaned out foals house & cleaned up mill & thrashed ... G Mackie & I took in a rick of lea killed 6 rats27th ... sold Jock to John Kellas Kirkton @ £14 a right fine day.29th Jamie to Dufftown at night30th Jamie landed at 5 a.m. G Mackie at home at her sons baptism named Alexander John MackieMay 19111st Jamie cleaned out foals house & disinfected it with Jays fluid.. harrowed Culwine ..a fearful night of rain

4th Jamie to Howbog with straw to Mrs Souter them building up garden dyke am.& p.m. I fencing 6th ... Dod & I winnowed 0.5 qrs corn to Jane Daun Day Duncan ploughing Jane Dauns farm... Laggan over with meal to Wilson left Dasey with me ... Jamie rolled culwine7th Sunday ..counted sheep got 12 on Mount Middim & bigest wedder hogg starved in a ditch dead so I have them all but 48th Jamie opened tatie derrls .. Lizzie to Cottage all day9th I at Mayfair riding Dasey pd John Rose £35 bought 6 yo cow from R Young calved @ £11 he to take her back next year in calf @ £20 ... a fine warm day10th ... to Rhynie on Dasey for cow left her at Belhinnie ... Mains Jane Daun Jane Spence & dod set taties Jamie covered them in a fearful day 11th I sowed pease & tares .. G Gordonto Belhinnie for cow left her at Elrick & to Elrick for her at night a right fine day12th...I let out 2 colts to grass awhile I buried Nell bitch & a ewe & a lamb p.m. 13th .... Nell Reid & Granny to Raemurrack15th ... I at Chuch electing a committee to select a minister I the first one proposed 13 of a committee Hugh Kellas convener & Peter Gordonvice conv.16th ... 1 lamb died with wool ball Jamie home with powders to foal ..17th Jamie & I to Dufftown market he feed to Belcherrie 18th Jamie not fit to work forenoon I busy among sheep a.m. Jamie grubbing & harrowing p.m. a right fine day19th ... I & Lizzie at Rhynie 21st I at Church Rev McHardy Rhynie preaching22nd to Rhynie feeing market did not get a man23rd .. Mr Morrison here & cut black colt noon helping Wm Beattie Jas & Alex Gordon Wm Wilson Wm Mcdonald J Meldrum & myself..Wilson & I shed out 32 ewes & 32 lambs & 4 rams & put them down to Days park a fine day mason came today I drew a tooth to Jas Gordon24th Jamie & I carted manure from market stance over 2 tons 22 bags turnip manure 4 bags supers 1 bag potato25th Wilson away to Hhuntly feing market I sowed turnips ..Meg mare not well fell down a fine day27th ..a meeting at Church at night29th Jamie set up 10 dreels & I sowed them a.m. I paid Jamie his wages & let him go. G Mackie left too. Wilson to Laggan with Dasey & machine he engaged to go to Laggan as shepherd. Harry Nicol landed home tonight.30th ...very warm day horses out on grass all day.31st I clipped the 4 rams at Powneed forenoon. Mary Reid calling today. I gathering weeds p.m. man Willie Gartly landed tonight.June 19112nd ... Willie covered in 2 dreels a.m. I helping Harry to clip. I washed 7 dressed cut colt he was swelled & stiff in a leg3rd Willie dunging spread dung sowed manure sowed dreels & closed dreels. I got a ewe dead on her back & a lamb dead with woolball. Marked lambs & clipped 60 hoggs & 40 ewes . Jane Daun Harry Nicol James Gordon & I clipping p.m. loons catching a fine day4th I at Church hearing Rev Wills from Aberdeen not much of a preacher but a good looking fellow5th ... Mains shifted Harry Nicol over to Bodiebae Jane daun & I clipped 32 ewes p.m. 6th Willie at Rhynie for his kist...7th ... Laggan has 87 lambs out of 215 ewes10th Willie & I earmarked 121 BF lambs forenoon. Wm Gartly springtined linked dunged & away by 5 p.m. I at meeting at Church 4 p.m. home by 7 p.m.11th .. My Willie & I at Church hearing Rev Guthrie got a good sermon a fine day he is 47 years old

13th I at Manse sale bought easy chair 13/- ashet 1/6 books 1/6 & 2 chairs 2/6 2 umbrellas spitoon barrel &C for 7d Willie down with cart for them at night14th ...6 cwt Superphosphate on lea18th I at Church hearing Rev James A stephen he is 27 years of age & is married he is not a good preacher19th... a lot of thunder & lightning20th A fine morning I casting peats & Willie forking ....21st I in Clashinrae for some sheep got some unclipped... A woman Mina Stewart calling & I engaged her for a month @ £1 to be here on Friday.22nd This is Coronation day of George V I & my boys walked down to Burn of Ault haugh to PicNic Wm Gartly went away last night23rd Willie in moss himself a.m. & John Finn p.m. & I casting down & boys forking...24th Willie & John Finn mossing all day.. got 1 ewe dead on her back.. my Willie & I mending gate... dentist.here p.m. cold night fearful wind & rain took in beasts25th I at Church hearing Adam of Kelty got a splendid sermon he is the best we have had as yet a fearful day of rain & cold27th John & Willie mossing a.m. I clipped dead ewe & put strings on potatoes Mina Stewart landed here forenoon Jane Daun helping Lizzie to wash my Willie & I mossing p.m. 28th John & Willie mossing & I making ready cart to take wife & children to Coronation PicNic Willie with Poll in cart drove us all to Inverharrach had a splendid entertainment ... I stayed till 1.45 p.m. walked all the way home 29th 30th John & Willie mossingJuly 19111st Little Willie & I at Adam Greens funeral aged 19 years. John & Willie hoeing taties2nd Lizzie 2 boys & I at Church hearing Rev MacFarlane Hamilton of Renfrew a good preacher & a nice like man a lot of rain3rd David Morrison VS & Alic here & cut colt standing ... John & Willie finished hoeing taties5th .. a lambs inside came out after cuttting so I killed him6th John & Willie hoeing all day8th John hoeing ... clipped ewes Jane Daun Harry Nicol James GordonG Duncan Alex Gordon& myself. Willie made up wool & boys took sheep & tared.9th Lizzie Willie Jockie & Annie & I at Church hearing Rev McPherson Edinburgh not so good as the two before a very warm day11th ... Lizzie Jane Daun & Betty Smith in hill at averings..12th ... took gig from Bodiebae & put her in damn... & up two carts & put in wheels Laggan cart over for his wool & sheep net a fearful warm day.14th ... John & Willie finished hoeing all day Dunns shepherd away with two fleeces but not sheep15th ... John & Willie finished hoeing all day & I fencing hens in from neeps16th .. Rev anderson Lower Cabrach a good sermon we got Mr Smith the Minister & I our tea with Mr Newlands 17th ... John & Willie finished hoeing .. 4 bags wool to stewart Brothers 3 to Reid & Robertson.. I down at Shands very ill with headache had to bed at Reids after 9p.m. beftore I was fit to get up. 18th ... Jihn with Jane Daub p.m. Willie carting Jane Souters things down to Tilfbridles... to meeting at Church p.m. thunder & rain19th I paid John Finn off £1”820th setting peats Jane Daun & Mina in Clashenrae gathering averings a fine day23rd Mr spark preached ...24th ...cutting hay had to stop for rain took gig out of dam & washed her25th G Duncan Pegy & I to Glass market with his shilt had a fine day. Willie cutting & binding up hay all day he has not burst himself with all he has done

26th I sent Willie to Rhynie with both mares to be shod 7.30 a.m. before he managed to get away home 5.30 p.m. 29th Willie & Mina gathered & bound hay. Willie & Jockie to Aldunie for my boots not mended 30th Rev. Mr Jack Towie preaching a very good sermon he gave 31st Willie driving peats to Jane Daun I at Rhynie & back with post jane Reid & family here Rob Simpson callingAugust 19111st ... Lizzie jane daun Harry & I at Church polling for minister p.m. Hamilton 55 votes Will 42 Guthrie 23 MacPherson 5 against all 4. harry to laggan for old mare today.3rd ... Jas Kellas here wanting Meg mare to Keith Show for shoeing ... very qarm day4th .. Willie carting peats.. I cutting dockings & tasys & pulling berries 5th Willie & I to Reids to drive peats both mares Willie with Meg. my cart broke down second load came home & broke wheels to bits..6th Rev Thomson from Cargarff a good preacher & splendid singer the best I have heard..7th Willie carting peats I building stack... Mina Stewart landed today willaim Fettas died9th Willie carting peats 11 loads A ewe struck with maggots...10th Willie carting peats has them all home 50 loads 9 days casting of 2 men Willie & I took in all the hay My brother & his daughter Mary landed here p.m. never saw them coming until landed a fine day11th a ewe dead with maggots Willie buried her cutting ragwood p.m. Lizzie & I at Church at night polling for a minister Hamilton 65 votes Will 65 and 6 against both so the election a failure12th Willie cutting ragwood building up peatstack away home at night13th I was not at Church todat vis. James reid Mary Reid Mrs Reid & her son Edward & G GordonElrick Mina to Elrick at night to meet her solger G Duncan a fearful warm day Wm Gartly not here today14th ... Jas Reid Lizzie & I at Jane Reids babys funeral...16th dipping cutting sprots my brother his daughter & I at Church meeting about selecting a minister. Returned Lizzies teeth to Mackenzie unsatisfactory.18th brother awaay home today I drove him over to road with cart then he went with Post to Rhynie in the morning a fine warm day.19th ... started to thrash a fell got into sluice & stoped water received a brace of grouse from Mr walker like rain Willie & Jovk away at night to meet Adam & Dod Shearer20th Mary Annie & I at Church a meeting of committee held after Service Hugh Kellas convener & Newlands the clerk & John Sheed absent & no minutes book22nd at Mrs Taylors funeral aged 52 years24th Willie at rashes I at Tolaphin seeing a shilt 4 years old I offered him £18 he wanted £19”15 at end £21 at first25th G duncan & I at John fair he riding on Meg I on his Meg Went & came by Howe water.. had horses in at Mill of Newe26th Willie at thatch. I left at 5.30 walked to Belcherrie got a lift to station Aberdeen 9.55 a..m. bought a binder for £9 or 2/6 per acre of corn cut to be railed to Gartly on Tuesday I received a cover with her from Robertson seedsman.28th I left Aberdeen at 8.55 train then up with bus & post. Wilson & man over for Binder Willie helped them down to Powneedd with her I started to cut corn below garden Willie to Rhynie got a new blade in scythe p.m. 29th boys at Maryfair with me30th took lambs off the ewes marked ewes for sale31st Thrashed Willie & Mina harvesting cut a sturdy eweSeptember 19111st Willie & Mina harvesting below little house all day my Willie & I at Rhynie... new boots to Willie Annie & baby had tea at Scurdargue saw new binder working2nd I cutting Mina gathering & Willie binding & stooking what he cut yesterday below house a.m.

3rd I at Church twice hearing Rev Kellas a big turn out of hearers Mary Annie & Jockie with me 4th Willie cutting with Day all day I at howbog & cut sturdy & saw King passing 5 minutes past 12 noon at Milton seeing binder working & had a drive of her p.m. 5th Willie at Laggan with Poll for reaper left it at Powneed left it at Powneed. Dik Mary lover landed Mary & boys went to meet him but failed to find him fine day.6th Willie & I at Powneed with Poll put Days mare in reaper & I ddrove reaper near finished sold 15 of my lambs at 13/97th Finished cutting out Day & took reaper up a.m. cutting here p.m. Day & wife & Willie & Mina lifting Days Janet & Poll in reaper most of them leading... Dik & Mary on top of Buck8th Put Meg mare in reaper for first time did fine had to stop for rain Dik away home this morning 9th Started to cut 7 a.m. broke Laggan reaper 10 a.m. took out my side one & put her together started to cut 12 noon finished lea by 4.30p.m.then we hewked all the clean ground Day home and he hewked all his lea a fine day.10th I at Church & 2 boys hearing Rev David McLean MABL had dinner at Reid down at Shands Wilson & housekeeper of Laggan & a girl here with Dasey in gig a fine day.11th started to lead bits beside little house John Finn landed he forking to me in cornyard Willie carting & Mina forking on land & raking foons in a rick a.m. then John raking lea & Willie & Mina clearing roads on Culwine p.m.12th took down reaper to Culwine... cutting a fine afternoon15th a wet day thrashed & winnowed all the orra stuff. John Willie & my Willie at Lodge driving grouse ... Inspector here looking at houses16th College corn Golden Rain.. at Mrs Shands funeral aged 72 years. 17th Willie Jockie & I at Church hearing Rev McDirmid had dinner at Reids him & I at Service 4 p.m a right fine day.18th Willie & Mina putting up bedding then he to Rhynie to get both mares shod ... My Willie at Lodge today19th .. Lizzie forked in yard to me21st .. I gave my Willie a watch with him today24th Us all at Church today hearing Rev John Barbour a big turnout to hear him from Rhynie Gartly & Dufftown did splendid25th ... I at meeting at Church I could not get on Barbour just McLean & Kellas26th Jas Sheed here begging for a present for the Dukes daughter28th Willie & I started to build the face of the dam inmorning fell went done had to cut more & sledged them down with Meg mare & laired her in moss bank p.m.30th ..I gave Mina Stewart £1 she going to Huntly today we winnowed 2.5 qrs old corn 42lb per bushel October 19111st Willie & I hearing Rev Forbes from Tullynessle 2nd Mina landed home little Willie to school & Jockie too7th Started to plough stibbles Willie a.m.& p.m.8th Rev Thomas Anderson preaching10th Harry Nicol & Willie in Clashinrae & gathered inover all the sheep a.m. then Willie to Laggan with 69 BM ewes 5BF wedders & 3 BF rams p.m. I marked ewe lambs red paint on off horn 60 of them p.m. I put 20 ewes to Powneed at night. 11th ...poll for minister ... McLean on by 5 of a majority... Willie turned cart & broke shafts taking up neeps12th Willie ploughing all day I met Wilson at well of Auchmair with sheep. mended shaft of cart & thrashed p.m. Steam mill at Milton & Aldunie today Scotts.14th .. Willie & Mina taking up taties p.m.16th... taties p.m. Willie & I graiping Bell & Mary gathered to me & Nell Reid & Mina gathered to Willie up all the blue Roseberries & irish Cups & some Champions17th I pulled all the tatie shaws & as yesterday

18th I ploughed taties gathering Jas Reid Maggie Souter 2 Willies jockie Annie Lizzie & I p.m. has them all up A. Gordonbrought my ram tonight.19th Willie harrowed tatie ground Mina gathered I fencing thrashed winnowed 3 qrs corn20th Willie to Mill of Noth with 3 qrs corn for meal with Meg mare in cart let VS see her mouth I to gartly with Mary Duncan 10 I.36 train.21st Willie cutting thatch & helping Harry dipping my Willie & I to hill to gather in the sheep too misty to see Annie Smith & Peg Duncan begging for a gown to Minister22nd McHardy from Rhynie preaching 4 p.m. I not at Church in hill looking for lost sheep Adam Shearer & Jim Reid calling I up ewes from Powneed at night23rd Willie at top of Buck got 2 hares I through Powneeds Howbogs sheep & gathered in all my own & counted them has all but 6 I to bracklach for old ram. (Wm Law died this morning) I bed with sore back & bowels, got a fearful steeping tonight.24th... Willie gathered rashes & covered potato pits & scraped cot courts ... Jim Reid round post25th Willie spreading dung William Law buried in Cabrach Churchyard aged 35 years I unable to go to funeral26th a fall of snow Willie to Mill of Noth for meal took down to Jane Souter Burn of Craig some neeps taties & straw from her Mother I still in bed pain will not go away.27th... Willie to Glass with my boots28th Willie at top of Buck got 3 hares... Harry to Laggan for straw Wilson landed here tonight with Dasey James Gordonaway to Tillyminnate with sheep today I still in bed.29th .. wild day none of us at Church30th dipped sheep today Harry Nicol went to Rhynie did not come near us Alex McRobert dipped & Doy Duncan & Willie catched & I mixed up dip used McDougalls dip got a fine day.31st ... McRobert came & took away old ewe & cross lamb I did not charge him for the keep nor the advertisement...November 19112-4th Willie ploughing4th Willie away to his fathers tonight Harry Nicol home 6 L rams & let them out among ewes.5th Willie away to his fathers I sorted beasts6 & 7th Willie pulling neeps9th Day & I at Dufftown sale went with C Mitchell home with John Scott I bought a BF ram @ 25/- from James McHardy & sold him to John Scott for Jas Sheed @ 29/- one of my own breeding10th .. Willie at Rhynie with both mares & got shoes holed for sharps . I at Aldunie then to near Hillhead and on to Shenval & bought his BF ram @ £1”10 walked all the way very tired dipping at Aldunie Auchmair & Ardwell11th Willie went to Auchmenzie with 60 ewe lambs & I to Gaugh to Wm Gordons wifes funeral aged 85 years12th I not at Church I let out rams13th... little Willie received his pay from G Smith for driving grouse 7 days @ 3/- = £1”114th I at Shenval for ram paid J. Mcdonald 29/- for him John Rosse here when I was away did not see him.15th I at Dufftown feeing market feed Jas Reid @ £14 I had Poll with me in gig... Manse women away today16th Willie to Bridgend with telegram to J. Rose morning & I gathered sheep out of hill Willie to Todston with sheep p.m. ewes 186 lambs 64 rams 4 = 254 I sorted J Reids clock.17th A big storm on I sorted beasts then to hill for ewes then to Church riding to the placing of the new Minister Rev DW McLean had a good dinner after ceremony at the school Willie at Mid Clova wit the ewes last night met J Rose with them below Mossat18th ... Wm Stewart over with hawk from Donald Lindsay gamekeeper Glenfiddich... 19th busy among sheep did not get to Church to hear Rev Mr Grant introduce new Minister

20th Willie pulling neeps & to Aldunie with my boots & clogs & to Bridgend with telegram to J. Rose riding on Meg21st I in bed with sore back & bowelsWillie looking after beasts & thrashed24th I down at Reids with Poll in sledge & sorted his clock ... I put a new bottom in Laggans sledge. John Souters son baptised today the first with the new minister26th I at Church today hearing new minister a good sermon but has begun his begging in good time for the poor in Glasgow & it the richest city in Scotland The rich in Glasgow can keep their poor the same as the Cabrach has to do.27th Willie & I at Rhynie Market ... had 2 sledges to Belhinnie & then a cart took home Jane Spences kist ..28th Willie & Mina away forenoon I sorting the beasts Harry Nicol left Bodiebae with sheep yesterday with sheep to Laggan29th I sorted the beasts & sorting clocks a fearful sore head all day Jamie & jane landed at night 9p.m.30th Jamie to Belcherrie for his kist with PollDecember 19112nd ... boys & I pulled & pitted a pit of swedes3rd I in bed all day a collection in Church for the poor in Glasgow today4th, 5th,6th ... loads of swedes7th Jamie pulling neeps all day9th ... I cut rafters & shifted up ties of couples to get straw better into hakes10th Boys & I at Church maggie Helen baptised tonight by Rev DWMcLean at baptism Betsy & Annie Smith Jas helen & Bell Reid & ourselves11th sheep neep heads boys not at school today Mrs Addisons man John Henry here p.m. James Milloy here at night12th ... belt of mill broke 1 rat & a few mice in rick13th This fast day Jim away to Carnie Jane Spence at Church John & George Robertson Grant Pitglassie & George Smith Lodge in Bodiebae hare hunting Dasey to carry the game14th ...G. Findlater landed here at night15th steeping all day never faired John Finn landed at night steeping the boys the same from the school wet coming in in every direction in all the houses16th hare shooting jane had all the beasts cleaned out & neeped 17th Sacrament conducted by David Walker McLean..18th ..neep heads to sheep Alex Shand put shone on henhouse & up a new sneck on stable door19th I started to thatch mill rather windy neither but I managed a good bit old Reid nor Mains of Elrick turned up 20th James Reid & I thatching houses Jim holding the thatch has mill & part of old stable done ... got a fine day for the job21st dufftown 27/- each for 5 fat wedders22nd Jockie & I at Christmas tree at night gave hares to Reid & Law23rd Jim sorted beasts then to his bed & slept all forenoon24th Jim away at Carnie .. Mary Gordon Bracklach & her husband kirkrd in Cabrach today25th .. I put neep cutter on cart & made it all ready for cutting neeps to ewes Miss Mackie calling p.m. got some fine music from her26th hare hunting27th Jim carting out dung & cut neeps to sheep a.m took in a rick of clean ground from little house Jim pulled some neeps p.m a right fine day for thatching but I not fit 28th cut neep to sheep then carting out dung on to the face I looking for lost ewe a.m. sorted beasts p.m.29th I thatched front bit of byre Jim ploughing Eben Innes did not come up came on rain I got a steeping thrashed at night

30th Jim ploughing & thatching back of byre a.m. pulling neps p.m. I finished thatching bit & fixed on wire p.m. Willie giving me up thatch a fine day.31st John Kellas Crofthead here today Jane Spence Willie Johnnie & annie at Church I did not get.. vis, also Jessie & Libe Nicol & old & young George Gordon Elrick a right fine dayThese dates boxed in red by diaristWhere is the £9 binder? There is no £9 noted in accounts for 1911, was it a co-operative venture ?why not Aldunie/

1912January 1st Jim away p.m. holding his new year. Jane sorted cattle & I horses a fine day2nd... Jim ploughing ..burued dead ewe a very fine day3rd Jim pulling neeps carting Meg in cart & Poll tracing I wheeling them into byre & Jane throwing them in ... Jane Daun home tonight boys at school today4th Jim ploughing... I took round cheese press stones & set them up beside the porch p.m. Annie Smith begging for Church schemes 5th Jim cut neeps .. I set up neeps & pulled neeps & Jim set up neeps Lizzie Jane & I thrashed & briused noon then I at Miss Mackies presentation a fine clock & she in return gave all the scholars & friends a splendid tea & fruit6th Miss Mackie teacher left today7th ewes got nothing today8th ewes neeped thrashed riddles of fanners broke a wild night ewes into cots9th ... It took Jim & I a whole day to clear mill wheels of snow ... had to give beasts sheaves did not get thrashed10th Wednesday Jas Law here this morning tells us that James Kellas Hillhead is dead, starved in hill of Gaugh coming from Glenbucket on Monday night died 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Sheep neeps at cots rain all day12th Jim sheep neeps then pulling neeps all day I made riddle for mill fanners then thrashed at night 13th Jim sheep neeps then pulling neeps & I at James Kellas funeral aged 69 years a big funeral16th ... rain thrashed winnowed17th funeral of old Mrs McCombie of Burntreble I would have liked to go 20th Dr to Bracklach to Mrs Esson this morning23rd.. took up ferret from Lodge... I have the toothache very bad24th toothache I tried to pull one but it broke & I did not get the root. Jas Reid up with clog26th frosty... sledging neeps 30th ... I skinned a ewe which Jim had killed with driving the cart over her31st... sledging neeps carting out dung burying a ewe which died todayFebruary 19126th ... I over seeing Jane Daun at night a wild day at times & drifting7th .. I made sledge to boys..8th .. Jim & I plucking neeps with shoulder pick a.m. 9th .. Jim & I neeped sheep took in a rick of lea corn thrashed ... Lizzie turned bad p.m. Jim to Bridgend with & wired Dr Mrs Nicol Mrs Smith & Nell Reid came Dr delivered her of a daughter at 9.35 p.m.10th ...Mrs Nicol & Mrs Smith left at 9a.m.11th Boys & I at Church past Cottage Nell & Bella here12th Boys at school Jim ploughing & I casting snow ... took a load of neeps into march burn for Harrys cow 13th Jim ploughing ...Lizzie up14th Mrs Smith & Mrs Nicol here washing

15th I at Auchmair seeing John Souter p.m. he is far from well17th... Jim away to Carnie today Mrs Duncan up seeing Lizzie also her daughter Bella20th ... Bell Reid & the Nicolls here at the bannocks tonight21st Jane Daun here washing today22nd... Cosmo at Bracklach ploughing just now23rd ... I mended cradle & fanner...24th Boys & I to ploughing match at Manse 21 ploughs G. Rattray 1st & cup 2nd Wm Taylor 3rd Jas McDonald 4th G Robertson 5th G Duncan a right fine day A, Dunn was judge26th ... Nell & Bell Reid here at night28th ... down at school at night registered May Victoria29th I to dufftown sales with 3 hoggs & rams did not get a chance to sell them. Took them over with Poll in cart & home again. Wm Beattie sold 2 queys @ £10 eachMarch 19121st Friday Jim ploughing lea all day finished I took sheep to far hill Shot 2 hares thrashed a fine day some mist in hill3rd Jim away to Carnie today7th I put 2 new handles on ploughs & painted them..8th Ploughing match at Tomnaven 13 plows ist John Gordon Aulton 2nd Wm Taylor 3rd Jas McDonald 4th A Yeatts 5th R Dow 6th G Rattray 7th Wm Gordon 8th Belcherrie 9th Burgess 10th J stables 11th Stephen10th Lizzie Willie Johnnie & Lizzie Ann all at Church I at home nursing 15th ... Jane sorting beasts a right fine day Howbog breaking in lea Bank sowing16th I in bed unwell...17th Jane Spence at Church old Mrs Shearer here p.m. I in bed very pained in head & bowels Juno bitch not seen since last night must be puped somewhere 18th ... Juno found below rick with 8 pups 20th took in College rick & weighed it in the sheaves John Souter here & helped us the weights are Golden rain 403.5 lbs; Sandy 439 lbs; yelder 394 lbs; own 440 lbs foul day killed 3 rats & 7 pups kept one21st Golden rain 43 lbs per bushel25th opened potato pits & riddled out seed & took big ones into cellar for use29th Willie to Mid Clova for ewes has home 183 ewes & 4 rams... not well winteredApril 19121st Monday ...snowing 2 ewes lambed today 1 dead. Gave ewes 2 loads neeps.6th always too windy for sowing Alex Dunn here bought 2 stots @ £31”10 luck 5/-. Ewes lambing 7th Jane at Church..Jjim sorted cattle but away after tea to meet Jane8th came on snow & drifting9th Ewes in Burn of bank some lambs drowned & smored10th A fearful stormy day ewes & lambs unable to stand against it & I have no shelter on this Devil of a place with the wind out of the North gathered ewes round cots at night11th very wild & drifting Jas Law away with Jip bitch to John Souter13th began to sow corn today own Sandy at top of lea, then College Sandy, then Golden Rain then Yelder & the rest Early Hamilton Jim gave it a double tining up & down Wm Beattie sowing too a fine day14th Boys & I busy among ewes all day 13 lambed 14 laambs gave one to Leby Nicol Janet vis here Baptism at Mains of Elrick15th ... started to plough clean ground ... keepers burning in little hill16th 3 keepers in my hill burning heather a.m. I burned a moor p.m.17th 20 ewes lambed between noon yesterday & noon today18th ... boys turned & did not go to school afraid of master he is thrashing fearful I am told 19th Jim & willie & Jane helpping to fill carts carted off all the neeps into a heap I put net round them20th Reekimlane shepherd landed here with hoggs home 58 2 dead 22nd Jim ploughing all day... Lizzie down at Cottage seeing her father Wm Baxters 3 y -o stallion here

23rd marked 42 yeld ewes jane Annie & I on Buck fencing p.m. wires will not mend clean done very warm day27th Lizzie at Howbog seeing Wm smith28th Jim Reid away at Carnie29th ...corn Jane Daun 2 bush 5/-30th ... women lifted a pit of potatoes.. Day Duncan farming to Jane Daun. Quantity of grass seed on field is my own ryegrass 10 bush cockfoot 63 lbs red clover 36, white 14, alay leg (49?) Timothy 36 lbsMay 19121st Jim rolling clean ground...2nd To far hill with Poll in sledge for 2.5 rolls wire for dividing fence then I fencing till 11.30 home 12 noon dressed took my dinner & at Bowmans by 1.30p.m. to Peter Gordons funeral aged 72 years Jim ploughing tatie ground p.m. home & through ewes Mains here for supering to his mare at night Thrashed today3rd.... Rev McLean vis tonight..4th... Jane Daun at potato seed p.m. Lizzie away at Cottage Annie & baby5th Jane Spence & Willie at Church Bob Ligertwood at Cottage7th I at Maryfair got a lift with Mr McLean & Scott Milton.. sheep last of neeps10th Meg mare served with Moonlight terms 12/6 at end of season for both mares and £1 for each foal. John souter here with Jip.11th Meg not well went to Farrier got powders for her.12th Boys at Sunday school...13th Jim working in garden all day. I at Rhynie riding on Love cashed Dunns cheque £31”5. Mains of Elrick sold white cow £9 today a right fine day. Engaged G Mackie for half the year @£8 she is to be home on 28th inst. 15th Jim at dufftown feeing market...16th A fearful spate...17th I drove to Gartly with Poll & went into Aberdeen with 8.50 a.m. train back at Gartly 5 p.m. called on WM Findlay Marischal College & on my friend David Souter, had dinner with a man who is married with a niece of Mr Souters. Jim planted Cabbage & gathering weeds a fine day18th Jim gathering weeds. Boys & I docked cross lambs ... Jim broke a draw road of roller.19th Jim away today I ill with sore head Vis John Finn woman of Powneed & Nell Reid & Nicols a lot of rain afternoon20th let mares out to grass 20 minutes on bare brae Meg took ill after she came in & ate her corn. I gave her a drench of linseed oil sweet spirit of nitre & laudanum21st Jim to Rhynie for VS to Meg could not come sent up a drench.. College man here22nd Mr Morrison & his son Alick here seeing Meg mare & cut colt at Powneed, Howbog & Aldunie. I at Milton trying to fee Chas Gordon did not manage. Jim dunged dreels & broke it.23rd I at Dufftown sales had poll in gig home malt 2/6 Jim working in garden24th... Poll mare served with Moonlight.25th ... I sowed 20 dreels of swedes & 20 dreels of Purple Yellow Top.26th Whit Sunday Annie & I at Church Minister of Clatt preaching . Wm Gordon Bank here for Jip bitch Mains of Elrick here for his mare (borrowed because of Meg’s incapacity) p.m. Bella Reid & girl of Bowmans here. Jane & Annie & boys on top of the Buck p.m.27th Jim spring tining with Meg & Poll & carting off weeds. I at Rhynie feeing market did not get a man got a hurl down & up with Mains of Elrick.28th Mains dreeling with Meg & his mare & Jim carting out dung with Poll & I putting weeds into dreels a.m. Jim & Jane away together. Mains has Poll & his own mare away dreeling to himself p.m.29th Mains Willie here in the morning for Poll. Dod brought her back at night. I busy fencing all day. I sold 5 BF ram & 3 BF wedder hoggs to Wm Gordon Bracklach £11 for the lot. I met him at the road wit them morning.

30th Thomas Mackie Mains of Rhynie here looking at colt we did not deal. G Robertson Laggan also calling p.m. I took two of his parks for £6 neither man nor woman come yet.31st Chas Gordon came this morning... G mackie landed tonight.June 19121st ... dunging & sowing neeps 26 dreel2nd Wife, Johnnie, Annie & I at Church today past Cottage Jas Reid came up with us Charlie at Elrick all day a fine day but some cold.4th Charlie grubbing with his fathers mare..5th Lizzie & Willie at Lumsden walking..8th ... at Dufftown George Robertsons marriage to Lizzie a fine affair home by 11 p.m.9th No Charlie here today nor last Sunday G Mackie away home rather drier day11th I fencing a.m. Charlie started to gather weeds but left forenoon sometime faired up a fine afternoon.12th... Harry came & opened all the dreels about 50 & I put weeds into dreels p.m.12th I carting out dung 11 loads had to stop for rain G Mackie braking awhile I at meeting At School at night about Insurance.14th John Finn casting oeats to Jane Daun15th John Finn came here today him & Willie braking dung... Jockie & Annie at Milton for kale plants16th none at church man Hay farmer of Upperton calling on way to Elrick seeking lost sheep.17th John carting out dung G Mackie spreading.. Harry covered in dreels ...18th John Finn left morning... John Souters cow blown up gave her terebene19th Young Dod of Elrick here wanting Charlie’s money.20th... Harry dreeled...21st ... engaged man to cast 2000 barrowfuls at £1 per 1000 12 peats per barrow22nd Harry Nicol & his mother & I clipped hoggs & some yeld ewes 103 & Jas reid made up wool. Man Mitchell casting peats.23rd Willie & Johnnie at Church G Mackie away home. Chap from Upperton here for 4 ewes & 4 lambs.24th... John Mitchell in the moss a.m. clipped greedy ewes p.m. Jane Souter up for chaff25th .. at Mill of Noth... G Mackies mother a bag of taties & 5/-26th Thunder & lightening today & very warm. Wm Duncan of Pisgah here tonight taking up ages of children. 28th I got Miltons Pheaton & went to Mossat for Mr & Mrs Souter 11.45 a.m...29th I among sheep & at man at moss & hoeing taties. Mr & Mrs Souter at Howbog McKay keeper here after 5 bush taties pd me 5/-30th I at Church. A wet day. Mr & Mrs Souter did not visit any today July 19121st I drove Mr & Mrs Souter & baby to Milton of Lesmore had Miltons Pheaton a cold day. Old Mrs Beattie & Nellie came to Powneed tonight.3rd This is the fast day. G Mackie, Annie, Willie, Johnnie & I at Church McHardy Rhynie preaching jas Reid here p.m. John casting peats.4th G Mackie away down home. I gave John Mitchell £1 went to Ardwell & got drunk landed home at night a fine day....5th I hoeing neeps & Willie & Johnnie learnning & John Mitchell away drinking G Mackie not home yet... Poll mare served again tonight.6th Willie & I hoeing neeps all day he doing well John still on spree G Mackie not back yet Poll mare served again today. Maggie a bushel of potatoes.7th G mackie not back I did not get to Sacrament just Lizzie a fine day.8th G Mackie landed home tonight a fine day She brought her daughter with herher mother put her out.9th John & Jane Spence hoeing... Post begging for a present for Morrison VS I promised 5/-10th John & Jane hoeing a fine day for the job11th I gathered in sheep & drrew them Jane Daun Lizzie & I clipped 60 ewes Jas Reid made up wool

12th John & Jane hoeing Jane Daun Lizzie & I clipped 50 ewes. John took sheep & made up wool & tared some. G Mackie mother here at night I gave her 6/- of her daughters wages.13th I gave John Mitchell 10/- morning he away to Rhynie. I took scholars to Picnic in cart. John landed home mad drunk threatened to murder every one about the place could not get to bed for him wet morning fine p.m.14th None of us at church had such a night & morning with a drunk man put Jane Daun out of her house 2 a.m. I had to let her in here. I never put such a morning over my head, with a perfect mad man.15th I cut calves Wilson held them then I gathered in sheep & Jane Daun Lizzie & I clipped 20 a.m. Wm Gordon clipping p.m. Willie catched & tarred & made up some wool. Wm Gordon held some lambs till I cut them. Jane Spence nursing.16th I hoeing swedes all day Lizzie hoeing awhile Wm Beattie left today. Willie turned bad at school had to bed at Cottage Jane Spence setting peats at home came here at night.17th Lizzie Jane & I hoeing.18th a wet kind of day. Jane Spence in moss I hoeing by myself a.m. at Howbog with 6 bush taties p.m. she had a bush before received 7/- for them. My brother arrived today he is not well. My Willie still in bed. G Mackies mother took away child today. 19th Jane Spence in moss I hoeing by myself... brother Alexr in bed all day not well. I at Milton at night with big cow no use had to go to Haddoch.20th Jane & Dod at peats Willie & I hoeing.21st Boys & I at Church I past Reids then him & I came up past Howbog to see John Souter a very fine day.22nd I hoeing neeps a.m. A tramp landed in about wanting work noon him & I hoeing p.m. engaged him at 1/6 per day very fine day Jane Spence not here today.23rd... John & Mary Souter here at night McRobert here all night I stayed at Reids24th I left Cottage at 6 a.m. with wool took it to Dufftown station 4 bags to Stewart Brothers Leith & 3 bags to Reid & Robertson total 11cwt. My tramp left this morning25th Jane & Dod setting up peats & Willie, Jockie & I hoeing a.m. came on rain noon. Lizzie Dod boys & I hoeing p.m. managed 20 dreels today. Peg Duncan up & paid me 10/- for 10 bush taties.26th hoeing rained had to take shelter Gave G Mackie 5/- tonight.27th Us all hoeing all day finished Lizzie Jane Willie Jockie & I, Alick awhile thundering all day came on rain at night...28th G Mackie to her mother jane Spence working for her29th I gathered sheep a.m. dipped with Robertsons Special Feby dip ewes 280 BF lambs 125 cross l 45 tups 3 Alexr McRobert & Jas Reid catched & I dipped a fine day for the job.30th I to Glass market Nell reid with me I did not get a man expences 1/6 good prices for good horses kept up a fine day.31st This to have been the day of the Cabrach market but no market took place I gathered sheep & G Mackie & I dipped all the lambs again with other dip. 128 BF lambs & 45 ewes.August 19121st A fearful day of rain & cold... Nell & Bell Reid here tonight.2nd My brother left today. Dr up to see Lizzie & Maggie Helen.5th a very wet day. I cutting ragwood all day got a big steeping put BF ewes & lambs to far hill & kept down crosses & a few other beasts.6th ... cutting thistles among corn. robertson & a friend here trying to buy colts.7th A. Jessiman blacksmith here at night8th came on heavy rain noon I caught 13 trouts9th Jane Spence here today. I paid her 18/- for 12 days work Lizzie £1 Wm Gordon 2/- Jas Reid 5/- I filled up Peggs Duncans Insurance paper Jane Spence signed it.10th A man Thomas Thomson landed here p.m. engaged him to do whatever he is told from now to term for £7

11th Thomas Thomson & Willie at Haddoch with Bell cow cow at bull morning. I at Church & past Cottage. Nell Reid & Bell up here.12th I got Miltons pheaton & took my wife, Maggie Helen & baby, Nell & Bell reid with me got Poll mare shod at Rhynie for to take the prize for shoeing at Keith show tomorrow. Landed at Raemurrick at night. Big cow served with Milton bull.13th I drove Poll to Keith in Pheaton. Adam & Dod Shearer with me. I was there by 7.15 a.m. A Jessiman was there & dressed her feet. So sh e took the red ticket & 20/- to A jessiman but what a day of rain & cold a perfect spate the whole day.14th I left Raemurrick at 9 a.m. Nell & Bell reid came with me to Howtown left Lizzie & bairns at Raemurrick came past Huntly & Rhynie home here by 9 p.m. Willie at Lodge yesterday & today.15th Thomson at peats a.m. cutting bedding p.m. I at moss a.m. writing letters & putting door & press in stable & a lock p.m. Willie at Lodge today.16th Man cutting bedding a.m. started to ciut hay p.m. I put ewes & cross lambs into park at Bodiebae a.m. & mending gates p.m. & also turnip rinner a fine day Willie at Lodge G Mackie 10/- She to Kirkton for tea at night. Jane Spence here p.m. calling.17th May & I cutting hay a.m. he is a poor hand at the scythe mist came down & like to rain had to stop cutting 4 p.m.18th I at Church Kildrummy minister preaching today.19th Man cutting bedding a.m. & gathering p.m. I at auchmair p.m. had Love riding on. Willie at gents today. Wet day.20th I at Bracklach & cut a sturdy ewe to Dod they have taken off all their lambs & away to Yillyminate with them a.m. My man gathering bedding awhile a.m. .... G Mackie away tonight.21st Manie at bedding. I got Miltons pheaton & drove to Raemurrick took Jockie & Annie with me ... g mackie at Keith with her daughter today.22nd Manie cutting hay most of the day. I left Raemurrick 12 noon turned a fine afternoon. We called & saw John Souter. G mackie home today.23rd Man cutting hay all day did little. I at Johnsfair riding on dasey shilt...24th Manie cutting hay & I turning a.m. Mason here & cemented pillars of stable. Ogstons Greve & West Clova here seeing colts did not sell. Man & I coling hayp.m. A fine day G. Mackie away to Rhynie p.m.25th G. Mackie away at Rhynie Shpow yesterday not home jane Spence here none of us at Church. I on Buck p.m. & 6 women & 7 men from Lodge on Buck p.m. a fine day.26th...John McGrimmon trying to buy my crosses a.m. ...27th I at Maryfair riding on Poll to Todston had tea going & coming. I bought a new hat 2/6 sweets 6d glass to Willies watch 3d.28th A wet kind of forenoon. G Mackie boys & I coled some hay p.m. Bell Reid up for Jane Spence. She landed here last night & came in at the window. She had been shut out at home. Wm Beattie home with a binder. Willie not at Lodge.29th A very wet forenoon. Willie not at Lodge. I workoing in stable a.m. & at fishing p.m. caught 2 trout.30th .... I engaged a man John Thomson from now to term @ £7”10. I dwon aat Powneed saw Wm Beatties new binder. Annual ball at school tonight. Willie at Lodge today.31st Man away to Dufftown for his kist with Poll.....I coling G Mackie & her sister helping. Willie at gents today.September 19121st Lizzie, Annie & I at Church past Cottage. Jane Spence here at night. Edith Thomson still here. a fine day. Man & Willie at Haddoch with big cow at bull. She is not like to settle.2nd Thomson setting peats then turned hay a.m. I in Clashenrae got 2 ewes unclipped ... gathered in all the sheep & took off lambs tared a few ewes came on heavy rain p.m.izzie at Blackhills Mrs henderson here p.m.3rd Thomson & I fencing in hill...a fearful afternoon of rain...Ebeb Innes to Dufftown with cart... Edith Thomson away.

4th... I at John Kellas funeral aged 74 years .. Laggan ewes to Bodiebae5th ... a fearful cold day.. Douliks here for 74 BF lambs left at Bodiebae yesterday6th ... fearful cold... children did not go to ministers picnic7th.. Mearns bought Wm Beatties 3 year old horse £43 8th I a fearful headache ...wife & two boys at Church10th ... man cutting beasts meat...11th Jock & I setting up peats.& working at hay..13th... A Dentist here & drew 5 teeth to me & 3 to Lizzie & took impression of her mouth for upper set of teeth price to be 310 he drew 8 to Milloy & 14 to Beatties woman.14th Jock & I cleaned ditch at moss then he cut some thatch a.m. I turned some hay & took home into cornyard 9 loads. Willie drove Poll Jock coled it in yard a fine day.15th I gathered inover all the sheep from far hill a.m. drew out all the lambs p.m. right fine day. vis. Wm Gordon Bracklach G Mackie away home today.16th Jockie & I left this 11a.m. with 45 cross lambs landed at Laggan 6 p.m. stayed there all night. Jock turned hay a.m. took it home p.m.17th... Dufftown Special Sale G. Gordon Bracklach bought my cross lambs 37 @ 21/- & Allan Dufftown 8 shots @ 14/- did not sell BFs Jock home 3 loads of peats & at thatch. 19th Jas Reid taking in his peats today Milton 2 carts John Scott one Auchmair one & I 2 . Poll lost a shoe. Home 33 loads....20th John away to Rhynie with Poll to be shod walking. ... I put to far hill ewes 199. broken m. in near hill 91 & ewe lambs 68 & down to Culwine wedder lambs 54, ram lambs 4 , & old rams 4 = 62. Jock home about 5 p.m.21st... G Mackie left tonight without any excuse at 9 p.m.22nd Thomson, Willie & Jockie on top of Buck today. Wm Smith & Miss Coutts the teacher vis here p.m. a right fine day.23rd Jock & I ricked hay 1 rick a.m. 1 rick p.m. Willie at Lodge today but not well.24th I went to Mid Clova with 90 BM ewes & 53 wedder lambs of my own 103 of Wm Smith of Howbog shot ewes & shot ewe lambs & his wedder lambs25th I left to Mid Clova with sheep 5.30 a.m. & at Alford at 10a.m. I sold 90 BM ewees to Jas McHardy @ 14/- did not sell lambs. Wm Smith sold out. I came home with Wm Smith. Jock at peats all day. 26th Jock wiling & driving peats. Jockie & I at Clova for lambs. Dentist here with teeth for Lizzie. she paid him £3”10 paid Jane Spence 7/627th Jock to Elrick with Meg mare. C gordon to Huntly with her & his own mare for a binder for me then Jock carting all day 9 loads. I at Jake Bruce funeral aged 76 years. Jane Spence not here today. Binder pole broke in Rhynie so had to leave it dinner 2/-28th Thomson carting peats 5 loads a.m. I sore head a.m. ... sorted stalls for stirks & calves & took them all in for the first time gave them green corn p.m. Thomson away to Dufftown tonight.29th... I sorted beasts gave Jane Daun half sovern rain today & cold.30th Jock & I in far hill gathering sheep a.m. I took 46 wedder lambs & 5 ram lambs to Powneed & Wm Beattie took them & his 40 ewes & 12 wedder lambs to Laggan & stayed there all night...October 19121st A fearful morning of rain, waters big. I drove to Dufftown Special Sale. Sold wedder lambs 46 @ 9/6 & 2 ram lambs @ 12/- each. Wm Beattie 40 ewes @ 11/3 a bad day all day took home 3 ram lambs. Jock just sorted beasts. Wm beatties lambs @ 9/6.2nd Jock Thomson in his bed forenoon not well. I cut bout up backside & in head of corn a.m. Snowing all day. Day Duncan home with saddle & bridle noon. I to Powneed for rams. Jock Thomson sore & left afternoon. Mains of Elrick here p.m.3rd I gathered & bound up corn & in a load into mill.... Wm Beatties woman away today.

4th Mains of Elrick & I to Rhynie with both mares for binder got Megs shoes removed. We working at binder all day till 5 p.m. & just managed to get her to Newseat & left her there. Transport wheels gave way. A fine day. Jane Souter washing to Lizzie awhile charged her3/-.5th Mains has Poll carting peats today. I set up my peats a.m. cutting a bout around corn field gathered & stooked it up p.m. Alexr Gordon Reekimlane here at night a fine harvest day.7th I carted home 2 loads peats a.m. At old Wm Gordon gaughs funeral aged 91 years p.m. rather cold kind today.8th I took Meg mare & rode to Belhinnie then drove to Huntly with John Thomson to ram sale did not get one. At Sellar about binder wheels repaired today. I paid Alexr Gordon Reekimlane £16 today & £9 before for wintering ewe hoggs 58 of them. John Thomson 3/-9th peats, wiling & setting10th.. carting peats, has home 40 loads...11th Harry Nicol to Newseat for binder got her home allright home by 2 p.m. I down at Powneed for let stuff & in some meat to beasts  before night a right fine day.12th I working at binder & cutting a bout down sidea.m. cutting & Jane Daun gathering 4 hours p.m. a fine day.13th I at Church the Rev Spark preaching.15th ...received telegram tonight informing me of my brothers death he died this morning. [origins: Alexander David Duncan]16th Wet forenoon Willie at post & Elrick... Sellar man here noon to start binder got a start but not sheafing well.17th I cutting with binder 2 hours a.m. notmaking good work ... Jas Anderson here noon wanting 20/- to redeem a bicycle.18th Cabrach market day & sale of growing crop of corn at Manse... Jane cameron gathering awhile p.m. 3 hours.19th A right fine day. I cutting with binder a.m. & p.m. and to Bridgend at night with Poll in cart for old Mrs Shearer. Wm Kellas blacksmith grandson here gave him £3 in payment of acc. Jane Daun harvesting here 7 hours.21st A very hard frost this morning Istooking sheaves a.m. kept Willie at home. cutting with binder p.m. & in a load of sheaves for horses. nell reid here p.m. vis. Jane Daun not here today a right fine afternoon.22nd ... wet & small rain all day I cutting lying corn. Willie to school today.23rd... I down seeing Wm Beattie binder...24th A very bad day of rain the whole day.... I cutting lying corn & pulling neeps a.m. carted in 2 loads neeps & home a load of peats p.m. Harry Nicol driving in his mothers peats.26th ... hard frost... 2 tramps landed here at night, slept in stable. 28th I cutting with scythe & John McMillan gathering a.m. I started to binder p.m. making bad work. man cutting & Jane Daun gathering 3 hours. I was forced to stop.29th Man & I seting up stooks all forenoon 7 it dinging on we were dreeping to skin did nothing at harvest p.m.30th I stooking till 9 a.m then to hill & gathered in sheep came on a fearful afternoon of rain. Adunn & Wm Smith here p.m. sold big cow to Dunn. My man gathering corn & setting up stooks a.m. & awhile p.m.31st John to elrick with big cow a.m.November 19121st I to Dufftown with Poll in cart took wool to mills home from Watt Brothers 1 boll meal @ 17/6 self & 0,5 boll to Jas Reid; a bag of pron 1cwt maze 10 gallons paraffine @ 7d bellows 2/- boots to Annie lantern 1/-, 56 lb dip 18/6, 6 loves of stone sugar; got Poll shoes holed for sharps2nd I down at Lodge riding on Meg a,m, John sorted beasts a.m. to Lodge for bag of coals & home a few sticks out of wood... Jas reid here noon a fine day above .. took colts inover to stable ....3rd Mains of Elrick here noon & Mina Stewart p.m. a right fine day but frosty.

4th I on top of Buck took 2 hares gathered sheep from far hill a wet foul day Harry Nicol to Laggan for rams. John cleaning out ash pit put it on top dung not all out. 5th dipping6th Mains of Elrick & I took out reaper & fixed her up a.m. Ingram Mains of Kildrummy here looking at colts noon I cutting with reaper & John & Jane Cameron (3.5 hours) lifting I stooked at night a right fine day. 7th I cutting with reaper a.m. & p.m. cut a round or two with binder p.m. Jane Cam here p.m.3.5 hours.8th John cutting with scythe a.m. & p.m. I cutting with binder 4.5 hours p.m. Harry stooking 4 hours, Jane Cam gathering 5 hours.9th I cutting with binder finished lea. Harry stooking a.m. he to Manse p.m. John cutting with scythe & Granny & Jane Cameron gathering...10th I got a Lce ram lamb among my ewes this morning so let out 2 Leicesters among 84 ewes & 4 BF rams among the 1 & 2 Shear ewes14th John gathering bedding a.m. & p.m. & holed 3 bags of taties .. I to Todston for a gimmer of my own & 3 of Reekimlanes & 1 of Bracklachs p.m. had Meg mare riding on to Silverford... a wet day as usual 16th I cutting with reaper a.m. broke 2 rakes John & Harry cut it out with scythes p.m. Jane & Granny gathering, Willie & Dod binding & I stooked it all finished by 4 p.m. a fine day but no wind. 20th I at Dufftown feeing market had Meg mare over to Anderson VS and got her mouth sorted out a half of broken tooth & her shod. Wool weighed 40 lb BF & 20 lb WF ...22nd leading; a brace from Leca Smith pro his father23rd leading all day Jas Reid building John forking in yard Harry & Willie driving a cart I wiling sheaves & setting up all day Granny forking on land a right fine Harry 7 hours. 24th Sunday I hewking & setting up sheaves also Harry & john25th John pulling neeps & Jas Reid & I set up sheavesa.m. took in a rick of hewks of clean ground corn p.m. I building Jas Reid forking to me in yard.26th a perfect hurricane. Jas Reid came up to help to lead but no use.. G Smith came up & paid Willie 3/-27th a fearful wild night of wind & snow all last night hewks & stooks all blown down & through the fields our work all in vain ..28th... I at Mrs Beatties funeral aged 81 years ... corpse came in a motor from Aberdeen29th Harry Nicol & his 2 boys & Lizzie at Rhynie today with Poll in cart....John McMillan left this morning paid him £2”5 & 3/- in tobacco. Cold frosty day. Willie, Johnnie & annie & I thrashed today. 30th ... Willie let Poll run off in sledge when lousing. Granny away to Lower Cabrach p.m.December 19122nd ... Granny home tonight..5th I at Dufftown sale... Wilson came home with me...6th Wm Wilson, Willie, Jockie & I took in 2 ricks.. 9th I rode to Gartly on Poll & took train to Huntly there 8.45 a.m. left this 5 a.m. G Mackie case & mine did not come off it was continued home by 8 p.m. very windy day cutting at Boharm & leading at Colithie14th Wilson, Willie & Mains of Elrick took Poll & Meg & 2 carts & took loads of Mains Manse corn to Elrick...19th William Wilson left today...21st At rhynie market... ordered a ton of potatoes from John Ritchie price to be £3”2”623rd... Lizzie Cameron pulling neeps...25th Hare hunting. Lizzie & 2 boys & 2 girls at xmas tree I stayed at home & milked cows &C... engaged Wilson till term. 27th... sent Jockie & Annie to Howbog with hare to Mrs Souter28th hare hunting29th George Black landed here at night. Lizzie at Church.30th G. Black ploughing stibbles all day.

31st Gordie ploughing I prepairing for going to Dufftown for potatoes tomorrow. John Scotts girl here with letter about potatoes. This must be a Love II or he has inadvertantly used the wrong name. Th original Love died in the spring of 1909, see diary.

1913January1st Wednesday John Scott Aldunie here by 4 a.m. about potatoes. Bob Harvey, Tom Robertson, G. Robertson & Harry Nicol hare hunting got 13 hares; and Wm Beattie, G. Smith, Jas Reid & I on Buck got 13 hares. I sold 2 colts to Tom Robertson @ £72 a fine day.2nd G Black & G Gordon Elrick to Gartly St for a ton of potatoes ... left half at Reids...John Scott Aldunie at Gartly too for his ton of potatoes...3rd I to Cottage with Meg mare for 5cwt potatoes left 5 cwt with Reid. G Black & Willie took rick from off the field into mill a.m. in 2 loads neeps & ploughing p.m. Thrashed at night. Minister calling tonight a fine fresh day.4th G Black ploughing... I took reaper to cotts & dismantled her...5th Willie & I at Church...6th Frosty today G Black & I pulling neeps & carting them... G Black & I at Powneed at night taking chaff off stirk eye. I home 11.15 p.m. I left him with him to examine Pegs lower, fresh again at night. 7th .. ploughing... paid Lizzie Cameron 2/- for pulling neeps.8th G Black dreeled up taties & 40 dreels of neeps. I winnowed tails & we thrashed. Gordie & Willie at Powneed at grocer next morning before they came home.9th... pulling neeps10th .. over a load of neeps to Harry Nicols cow a.m. Thrashed at night mill empty. received for £72 stg cheque from Tom Robertson Birkenhill. I buried Willies ewe.11th a fearful tempest of wind ricks like to be blown & roof off stable ... I sheep at cots 128 of mine & 2 strangers12th a fearful wild day Gordie saw to beasts. No vis but Jane Daun13th A very wild stormy day drifting all day Gordy over at post in the morning with letters to Cop, Mrs addison& Stewart banker. Took ina small rick some to mill & some to stable... no papres nor post ... big wreaths blown in from South east14th Gordie & I cleaned out mill wheel of snow and thrashed dam half full of snow15th peats to porch & we cleared gate to let sheep into park. Jas Law here a.m.16th pulling neeps... clearing roads17th took in a rick with sledge alst one of Dods building it was watered.18th Gordie sledging out dung onto face of stibble above the snowa.m. loused 3 p.m. & away to Auchindoon20th Thrashed & winnowed some orra stuff & sorted beasts fresh, a foul fresh21st Bracklach ewes away today I & Willie helped them to road above Howbog... gave my sheep sheaves. Fresh today thrashed 22nd Very frosty today gave sheep sheaves Thrashed a.m. made a sledge for girls. Willie 7 Jock at Bodiebae near all day. No sign of G Black yet. I got 2 rabbits today.23rd I made a sledge for Jockie & sorted beasts. Thrashed twice ...Lizzie & Jane Daun down at Cottage at merchant forenoon.24th I sorted beasts & gave sheep sheaves am.m thrashed a.m & p.m. G Gordon & I pulled 2 sledgefuls of neeps & took them in came on a very close misty night. I gave Jane Daun & Dod a hare each received 6 eggs from Jane Daun

25th G Gordon Elrick here & helped me to take in a rick to mill, them all up from far field now, fine kept. Still very frosty. G Gordon lost himself going home last night was 3.5 hours in getting home.26th ... Willie sorted beasts p.m.27th Boys at school. Dod Nicol home from Laggan....28th gave sheep sheaves & thrashed then to hill after dogs a.m. shot 3 hares did not get them. Sold Bell cow to G Gordon Elrick for £14 & if she turns to be with calf £17 or the calf back & he keeps a stirk free till Whitsunday. I went to Powneed for boys tonight a bad day 29th Boys not at school today. G Gordon not here today. I pulled neeps, carted & thrashed. Boys & I winnowed orra stuff for horses.30th Both Dods here today. Cold wet day, snow melting ... Lizzie at Cottage at grocer took boys home with her.31st A very hard frost... G Black landed here after we were in bed.February 19131st Very frosty today.... Dod of Elrick, Jas Reid & I winnowed 3.5 qrs corn p.m. about 30lb per bushel. Gave G. Black £1 & engaged him from now till term £112nd Sunday. This Candlemas day. Sheep neeps. Very restlesss all day, I had to stand & hird them all day it was cold & clear.3rd I not well in bed forenoon. ... G Gordon & I tried to clear burn no use every place in flood, boys at school, could not get over Culwine burn had to go over Deveron at Powneed & past Bracklach. Thrashed.4th I went over with Wm Beattie in cart to Rents... I cut sturdy ram at Laggan & stayed all night....5th G Robertson & I had a look round old castle of Auchindoon then called on Helen Black & Keithmore... Harry Nicol drove me to Lodge, left shilt there ... John Souter up at fire & playing draughts with Wm Rattray.6th... G Black away to Dufftown with 3.5 qrs corn to steam mills with Meg in cart. I went with him to Poor House with Poll took home groceries from Cottage7th I kept boys at home as I am not well...... G Black home between 4 & 5 with just a boll of meal instead of 2 bolls & a bag of dist and a pail of treacle from Watt Brothers 37.5 lbs.8th G Black .. started to plough lea... G Gordon here him & Willie spread dung took his plough from Bodiebae wants sockbar & feather, hammer & wheel, thrashed.. Lizzie & Jockie at Cottage. I very bad with pain in stomach & bowels all day. 9th I still bad with head & stomach. Victoria May baptised today 5 p.m. by Rev DWMcLean. Strangers at baptism Jas Reid Snr & Jnr, Helen & Bell Reid, Annie Smith & Jane Daun & old Mrs Shearer & ourselves. cold wiind & frosty.11th Gordie ploughing.. Bell Reid & bairns of Bodiebae here at Bannocks. Annie got ring among brose & bannocks. Annie Smith did not come.12th... Willie not at school with festered heels came home last night from school barefooted.14th.. Imending dreeper & cleaning out cots & prepairing for dipping.. ploughing Lower Cabrach today at Greenloan16th .... Minister preached on South Pole explorers who were lost Cf Scott & C17th Gordie ploughing ... I sent a hare to RL Duncan England 7d19th Gordie & I carting neeps 16 loads 22nd Frosty.. Gordie neeps to sheep cleared road to cart out dung... I to Elrick pm. Douglasbrae motor there for Mutterton mare she died yesterday morning. Eben Innes here for a cheese tonight.24th Gordie carting out dung... Wm Beattie burned Dillet a good fire Maggie Souter here p.m.25th Gordie carting out dung ...I burning heather26th... Day Duncan ploughing at Bodiebae lea today.27th Misty in the morning showers of snow during the day. Gorge Black away to Dufftown to buy a cow for his Mother. Harry Nicol away to laggan with his flock 407 Day Duncan ploughing to him p.m. I pulling neeps.March 1913

1st... G Black shifted down to little house tonight.2nd None of us at Church3rd G Black spreading dung...4th I a very sore arm worse today ...5th ... G Gordon Elrick here with corn to bruise p.m. Willie & his Mother at Powneed at grocer tonight6th G Black sheep neeps in the morning then to Rhynie with Day Duncans plow irons as he is to plow at ploughing match at Bowmans tomorrow. I sorted beasts & bri=uised corn for myself & G Gordon Elrick. Snowing more or less all day.7th G Black away at ploughing match 17 ploughs turned out did not get a start came on a wild stormy day had to come home. I to back of hill seeking sheep.8th... G Gordon Elrick up for his bruisedcorn with gray shilt.9th I at Church past Cottage10th Lizzie & I at Huntly at Court case with G Mackie her agent John Stewart threw up the case. So I got decree against her. 22 cases on the roll. We called at Bogs of Noth going & coming also on G Reid & Mrs Morrison....11th G Black finished ploughing of stibbles & I put new cleathing & feather on MP plowa.m started to plow clean ground p.m.....12th Black, boys & I at Match at Bowmans LB6 plows 1st Wm Taylor, 2nd Jas Law, 3rd G Rattray SB (5) ist John Innes, 2nd G Black, 3rd Henderson. MP (6) 1st G McBain, 2nd A. Gordon, 3rd Alexr Shand. A. Dunn judge, I field master fine day came on bad night.14th .. Wm Beattieup here a.m. he sent Jas Milloy with telegram to Milne to meet ewes at Rhynie tomorrow ..15th I to Howbog with sheep. Jas Milloy away to Rhynie with them & Wm Beatties to John Milne... Fred Gray landed here p.m.16th Fred Gray & I at Churchyard then we yoked Posts horse & drove down & saw John Souter & called at Auchmair...17th Fred Gray away with Post I over with him to road morning19th ... snowing .. Black rode down with Meg to Powneed for groceries21st... Jim Milloy ploughing stibbles p.m.22nd... Bill Reid here today24th a big storm.. we finished spreading dung25th ..Mrs Nicol here washing...26th ... into mill one of Jas Reids built ricks watered a bit on one side Reed of Reid & Robertson calling about wool27th I at Dufftown sales rode on Poll to Laggan gat a lift down to sale in Reids motor & up again in Dr Stewarts. Paid Sellars man for binder &C £9”7”6...30th I at Church..April 19131st Cabrach all white in the morning away by noon. Winnowed & thrashed a.m. carted in 3 loads neeps ... Black at Aldunie at night for Jas Sheeds shilt for me to go to Huntly tomorrow.2nd At Huntly seeing about seed corn left shilt at Rhynie past seeing Mrs & Mary Smith both very low.. Black at Aldunie at night with shilt.3rd...6 qrs seed corn from Mr mackie Milton of Noth @ £1 per qr..4th ... Black sowed, Mrs Nicol carried & I harrowed..5th... I to Mrs Smiths funeral walked to Lesmore... a man Cow here looking at Daseys machine6th G Black at Auchindoon G Gordon Elrick here for me to go & see my stirk I went & gave it some terebene...7th... I put turnip cutter onto cart..8th.. Gray Draper Huntly here tonight9th ... 11 lambs today...

10th ... willie let his finger into pinions of bruiser & damaged a finger12th A big snow on ...13th 2 lambs frozen dead to ground.. turned fresher through the day snow near all away by night.14th My stirk at elrick dead.15th I gave Jas Law 7/7 for Insurance Stamps to stamp G Blacks card.22nd I sowing black harrowing & Mrs Nicol carrying23rd .. Gordie opened half of taties & boys & Jane Daun & I gathered a fine day... Mrs Souters corn sown today.26th... Willie rolling clean ground27th G Black looking after sheep I to Church. Jim Barrie here today.28th sheep last of cut neeps....29th I not well took cutter off cart had to go to bed with pain in bowels & let everything take chance. J Black to dufftown for 2 bush ryegrass & 2 bush pease tares& beans mixed...May 19131st G Black looking through sheep.. plucked & buried 3 ewes & a ram & some lambs ... I still in bed3rd we keeled al the lambs with red kee; a strip across the back4th ..a lot of thunder all afternoon7th .. Scholars not at school today them & I busy all day. Lizzie bad & in bed all day. Cross lamb dead with wool ball.8th ...Lizzie still in bed. tried up had to bed again awhile. Boys at school today9th a fearful spate of rain all day water big all the haughs covered every place in perfect spate lambs drowned & starved had to put ewes & lambs into cots. G Black busy among sheep all day.10th Mary duncan my niece landed here today. I at Bridgend with long axle of grubber dreel sock stop & culter laid ...12th G Black building up garden dyke all day & I to belhinnie for parcel...13th ... a fine warm day14th .. G Black to Mill of Auchindoir for meal he to Lumsden with boys to get measured for suits. I working in garden found lost spade in garden.15th ... dunging & planting taties..17th ... I working in garden a.m. Willie, Jockie & I measured field at Manse content 7ac 2ro 16 pol... sale of grass at Manse & displenish at Whitehillock18th I at church did not vote for Elders19th G Black grubbing a.m. dinging on snow all day I working in garden a.m.21st G Black to dufftown feeing market had both carts & took home Mains lead piping &C for his water to road above Howbog. I sowed 1 lb pease planted 200 kale 100 cabbage & 11 dreels of potatoes & sowed a bed of carrots.22nd G Black harrowing & linking 7 carting off weeds Willie at home not well... I gatherd all the hill has just got 16 hoggs . At home got 2 ewes dead marked yeld ewes blue on side23rd ... I put 58 yeld ewes to far hill a.m. Measuring field at Whitehillock Mr Newland & I p.m. G Smith & John Sharp fencing. Lizzie at cottage p.m. baking.24th ... Beaumont stallion her & served first Poll & then Meg an hour after terms 10/- each mare & £1 for per foal.25th I at Church voting for Jas Law & Wm Gordon Belcherrie; gave Minister measurement of his cornfield & Miss McHardy measurements of Whitehillock 14 ac arable 7 8 ac outside.27th John Milne here tonight & I paid him for keep of sheep by cheque 318 & 5/- cash28th ... he (G Black) closed 16 dreels & away by 4 p.m.29th ... let horses out on grass30th Willie linking & I gathering weeds... big stirk not well... Harry to Laggan for old mare31st ... Jock & I burning weeds Willie harrowed & linked June 1913

1st Boys Annie & I at Church.. past Howbog seeing dreel plow2nd I out manure then to Howbog for Mrs Souters dreel plow3rd I not at Rents gathered & burned some weeds Lizzie & I sowed manure a.m. still druchty...4th Mians landed here 10 a.m. him & I watered manure his horse not well his loon came for him to go home ... another fine day.5th.... Lizzie gathered weeds...6th ...p.m. had to louse came on a fearful thunderstorm washed down dreels took Mrs souters plow home at night.8th Boys & I at Church in seeing Peg Duncan not much better..9th I in hill gathering sheep all day wants 15 hoggs. G Gordon has my mares making ready his neep ground all day. One of my ewes broke her neck running into a fence at Broadsaugh.10th G Gordon my horses all day..11th Willie Gordon helping me & shifting dung at cots12th Willie Gordon shifting dung at cots then him & I started mossing at dam p.m. I looking for hoggs a.m. got other 10 among Willie Beatties I over Mrs Souters clock to Howbog & fixed it up.13th Willie Gordon & my Willie & I mossing a.m. Jane Daun Lizzie & I clipped clipped 52 hoggs & Willie Gordon catched & my Willie made up wool baged it p.m. G Gordon had my horses all day laying down his neeps finished home with them 9 p.m. a fine day received from G Gordon £314th gathered in sheep a.m. & Jane Daun Lizzie & I clipped 52 yeld ewes & 3 hoggs p.m. G Gordon & his son mossing. Made up wool & baged it at night Willie & Jockie catched sheep a right fine day. Jockie at Post morning.15th Lizzie Mary baby & Jock at Powneed & Cottage and called at both Howbogs. I at home with rest of children a fine day.16th I cleaned all the ewe docks & tails 7 put them to far hill ran taties got a ewe that had died in lambing above cots clipped 2 yeld ewes17th I mossing up at Dam.. G Robertson here p.m. took bottle of mineral water home with him.18th... Willie & I went to far moss & mary & lizzie with us awhile p.m. Minister & his sister calling..19th ... bought a frock to Mary Jane & Maggie Helen 2/6 for the 2 & a front to self 1/-20th... Willie his Mother 7 mary wheeling out turned out a very fine day. Wm Beattie clipping today. Jane Spence & Bell here at night.21st mosssing all day Willie wheeling his Mother & Mary helping22nd I at Church down at shands & at old Lizzie Bob Ligertwood at Reids & Jim Reid & Jane Spence away at Kinny burn together. Willie & Jockie at Elrick with letter to PG a fine day. a fine day a lot of rain p.m.23rd Lizzie& I mossing & Mary awhile p.m. has far side done Boys & Annie at school24th I tirred near bank then Lizzie & I mossing 6 hours Mary & bairns out over p.m.25th ditto but not Mary26th & 27th mossing29th Boys & I gathered inover sheep from far hill got 6 dead. G Gordon Elrick here forenoon.30th I rinning neeps a.m. workiing in garden & hoeing neeps p.m. a fearful warm day..July 19131st clipped 69 ewes today At clipping A Gordon Bracklach shepherd of Reekimlane jane Daun & myself & Jas, reid & Willie catching & making up wool a fine day.2nd I hoeing by myself all day Lizzie setting up peats at dam has them all set not good peats Lizzie £13rd I hoeing boys & I marked 61 cross lambs & 3 BF do 62 ewes 7 22 hoggs with red marking fluid on near side.4th Friday ... hoed taties boys & myself p.m. none of us at Church. Nell & Bell Reid here p.m.5th Boys lizzie & I hoeing turnips all day has 33 dreels done but bits at end a fine day some rain.6th this Sacrament Sunday just Lizzie at Church7th I hoeing. Mrs Nicol delivered of a son 8.15 a.m. None with her but my wife. Dod Nicol hoeiing awhile p.m. & Willlie & Jockie at night.

8th I hoeing & Lizzie in moss setting peats p.m. Mrs Nicol had a son on Monday & up out of bed today.10th Lizzie boys & I hoeing Mrs Nicol washing today....11th Lizzie at Rhynie went & came with Post. Boys & I hoeing all day & Lizzie awhile p.m. after she came home, a very fine day12th Boys & I hoeing awhile a.m. Took Poll in cart & drove wife, Mary & all the children to PicNic left mare at Auchmair kept up fine all day.13th Mary Duncan & Annie & I at Church vis here p.m. Mr & Mrs Melvin (Lizzies sister) & 3 of their family, Nell & Bell Teid... Jane Spence left Auchmair last night or today.14th Lizzie, boys & I hoeing.. Annie at school15th Jockie in bed not well Lizzie , Willie & I hoeing.. Annie at school16th Willie, Johnnie & Annie at school. Lizzie & I hoeing....17th I hoeing all day by myself Mrs Esson home to Brackla, Lizzie & Mary washing.18th I to far hill & gathered inover sheep keeled BF lambs & tared clipped 2 ewes has 18 strangers a very fine day.19th making dor dipping . Poll mare served twice today this the last round paid him £1”15 a.m. Dipping p.m. Willie Jockie & I20th I in bed sore head... boys at Sunday school21st I hoeing a.m. & p.m. Lizzie Mearns came with post. Jane Daun & Lizzie setting peats p.m. & Lizzie Spence about 2 hours.23rd took wool to Powneed & left cart loaded there ready for tomorrow...24th I at Dufftown Station with 7 bales of wool to Reid & Robertson & small bag of wool to carding mill Dufftown... Keithmore folk & mine at averings got a great lot.26th Willie driving peats with poll to his grandfather.. hoeing match at Gaugh tonight27th Boys at Sunday school. Lizzie Mearns & I at Church. Mrs Shearer her son Edward & her daughters daughter here today.29th I at Glass market Feed Wm Simpson from now to term @ £14 I had Poll riding on to Belcherrie. Auchmair sold brown mare @ £33 a very fine day expences 3/-30th Lizzie, Mary, Lizzie Mearns & all the children seeing through the Lodge had tea from Mrs smith...31st I carting home peats all day 10 loads.August 1913I mending peat raod leading peats..2nd I cutting roads round hay. Lizzie Mearns left today.3rd Adam Shearer, Willie, Johnnie & I in Clashenrae got a lot of averings & I got a ewe with cross lamb unclipped 4th I gathered in sheep. Harry Nicol held & I cut BF lambs 2 of them ruptured & their inside came out. I put them & tied them expect them dead by tomorrow working at hat took out reaper p.m. very fine day.7th cut hay with reaper in 5.25 hours...a fine day building peat stack at night.8th School shut from today till end of September...9th .. boys at todston for berries a.m.... Nellie innes or Milnes funeral came from Aberdeen to cabrach in a motor Howbog ricked his hay today has home 45 loads peats a fine p.m.10th Scholars at Sunday School & Church Lizzie, Mary Jane & I at Church none of us past Cottage a very fine day Lizzie & Mary over at Bracklach seeing Mrs Esson & son. p.m. 11th carting peats 7 coling hay12th Lizzie, Willie, Johnnie, Harry Nicol & I to Keith show drove with Poll in cart to Bridgend then to Dufftown with C Mitchell left this at 6a.m. home at 11 p.m.14th carting home peats has them all home 63 loads15th George Reid Huntly calling & Dove & Dod Melvin17th Willie, Johnnie & annie at Sunday school & Dove & Dod Melvin away to Church Jas Reid went to Tillyminnate last night.

19th Boys & I took in all the hay & coled it in cornyard Dod of Bracklach over looking at my cross lambs bid me 21/- for 56 of them. John Sheed of Hillock & Alexr Gordon of Aulton here begging for bridge gave them 9/-20th I ain garden. Mary Janes pet lamb died in less than 5 minutes I buried it skin & all ...21st ... I finished cutting ragwood in new grass a.m Willie & Johnnie with shooters today22nd... Lizzie & I at Dairy lecture at night... Sutherland landed at night & frightened Mary & boys.23rd... Lizzie & Mary at Rhynie show & Annie too boys with gents rest of children at Bodiebae I milked cows at night & had children bedded before they came home.25th a very wet forenoon boys at gents26th I up at 4.15 a.m. & Harry & I took inover all the sheep & I shed out the lambs Laggan 300 tops & 60 seconds & 25 shots left at home. his tops 22/3 7 his seconds 19/6 I sold my 61 tops 7 tail after I was on the way home with them @20/6 a bad sale.28th dod & I put old gig into dam ... boys at gents...29th I cut sprots a.m. & at old Mrs Gordon Silverfords funeral p.m aged 80 years I stayed Dairy calss Lizzie, Willie, Jockie & Annie at berries the Lizzie & the 2 boys at class. a very warm day.30th I cleaned out henhouse & shifted nests I took gig out of dam Lizzie, Willie, Jockie & Annie in hill gathering berries pm. & Nell, Bell & Jane Spence came on a heavy rain p.m.31st Lizzie & I at Church & boys at Sunday school. I at Aldunie with Day & peg Duncan p.m. Ppoll mare turned bad & Wilie Beattie at her.September 19131st I putting neting on couples of henhouse to keep down the hens a.m. cutting rashes till 3 p.m. then Lizzie & I at school at night annie & her gathering berries in the hill & the boys with gents3rd I in far hill gathering sheep. Lizzie at class & boys at gents today4th Boys & I marked ewes & put them to far hill. I want a lot of my sheep just had 21 wedder lambs & 22 ewe lambs 7 226 ewes 33 awanting a very fine day.5th I took mare in sledge `& took posts & tools to hill Boys & I in hill febcing all day. Gents out shooting but did not let my boys know in time. Lizzie at Class tonight., 6th I gathered in sheep from far hill a.m. Lizzie, Annie, Maggie Helen & Willie & Jockie at Lodge at PicNic p.m. & Lizzie at her class after I drew out Bracklach & Reekimlane sheep 38 & put 224 of my own ewes to far hill...9th... Lizzie at her class at night10th Lizzie & I at dairy class at night11th I cemented hole in mill & mill door a.m. Wrote out Lizzies Dairy lectures p.m & tied up sprots12th I washing byre with lime.. This is the day of Dairy class examinations at school13th I cut & Willie & I took in tares... Mary Sharp took round letters & Maggie Souter ran off here they had been fighting with her14th A wet day. I at Church. Mary Duncan & Richard T Browell proclaimed for first & last time. I past Cottage. very few in Church today.15th A very bad wet day. Dick landed her about 1 p.m. had a hire from Gartly. I to Post Office for beef & white bread & Dicks parcels from Powneed. I took in tares in the morning got wet & had to change my shirt.16th I let out rapes & boys twined Dick tried his hand has them all let out that I have inside.17th Ministers fee for proclamation 2/6 I cut & took in tares a.m. Mary Duncan my niece married to Richard Thomas Browell here @ 1.30 p.m. by Rev D McLean Minister of Cabrach Jas Reid best man & Betsy Smith bridesmaid [Richard 24 a grocer in Medomsley, Durham; Mary 23 dr of Alexander David Duncan dec. electrician & Elizabeth Snowdon]19th I cutting thatch & Dick & Willie binding up..20th... Dick churning & making up butter.. football match tonight Cabrach & Lodge servants 21st Jas & Bell Reid came uo & went to Church with newly wed pair Dick & Mary Browell boys & I at Church too. Nell Reid came up to dinner

22nd Dick, Mary & Annie to Aberdeen I took them to raod at 11.30 & John Thomson to Gartly to 1.30 train. Jane Nicol went with them.25th ... Harry Nicol carting his mothers peats... Day Duncan cutting roads for reaper Jane Spence & Bell up for taties gave thema cock to Jas Reid Mary & Annie home today26th Wm Beattie started binder & Day Duncan reaper & a binder up to Bracklach today. Harry Nicol helped me out with my binder 7 I fixed her up p.m. Old John yeatts here at his tea.27th marked ewes & wedder lambs for sale a right fine day all busy at harvest28th Annie & I at Church past Cottage saw Dod of Elrick he to be here on Thursday with his shilt @ 7/- per day when shilt not working 5/- for himself29th I to Laggan with sheep for sale tomorrow 107 of my own & 8 of Wm Beatties. Willie Poll riding on.30th 53 WM ewes @ 26/6, 25 BME @ 17/- 24 BF we lambs @ 13/- 4 rams £3’19 bought 2 Leicester tup lambs @ £2”10 & £2”15 away to KeithmoreOctober 19131st I in bed all day with sore back holding on fomentations...2nd I none better unable to get up.. Willie, Johnnie & Annie at school. 4th I arose & Willie & I & Johnnie took in a load of tares & some neeps a.m. I sorted binder ppole & has her for yoking in Meg mare tonight my back very sore Harry Nicol home tonight.6th Jas reid came here with John Sharp to harvest,,,7th G Gordon Elrick & John Sharp here by 8 a.m. John cleared road & Dod & I yoked binder cut round & round. I very bad forced to bed. John sharp, Lizzie & Willie stooked Dod Gordon drove binder Wm Beattie finished cutting tonight.8th George Gordon here today too wet for harvesting .. Jas Reid here with Bogs engaged him to term @ £169th Dod, Lizzie & willie clearing roads in cleanground cornfield not very dry Lizzies skirt wet.10th Bogs came this morning he driving binder. Dod, Lizzie & Willie binding unbound sheaves & stooking finished lea a.m. & cutting clean ground p.m. Bogs making a rough job. Nell reid up for taties. I still in bed unable to move. 11th wet kind of a.m. turned out a fine afternoon Dod did not come today & Bogs left after he got his dinner most of them leading.12th ...I worse today ...put on poultices to see if it would ease pain.13th G Gordon here today started binder in the morning Jockie to Powneed for 2 balls of twine 6lb each a strong wind all day Dod finished the cutting tonight all cut in 3 days but near all the clean ground to stook most of them leading today14th I engaged a man Dann stewart to work @ 12/- a week him Jas Reid stooking a.m. sheaves very wet a heavy shower of rain a.m. turned out a fine p.m. they took in a load of tares in the morning. Johnnie & Annie at school16th Willie to Elrick for Dod did not come but Jas Reid, John Sharp & Day Duncan came 7 they took in all the lea except 3 loads Day building, John Sharp & Jas Reid on fork & Willie & Dann carting. Dr Stewart here seeing me p.m. he says I have bruised a kidney.17th Dod, Jas Reid & day here & took in 2 ricks a..m. Mrs Browell left to go with Post too late had to walk to Belhinnie Jockie 7 annie went to Belhinnie with her I gave her a £1 today.18th man & boys taking in taties a very fine day.19th I very ill with sore head & runny at nose. Pegy Duncan Powneed died tonight 8 p.m. aged 15 years.20th Jas Reid here by 5.30 in the morning then came H Nicol, A.Esson, Auchmair, Wm Beatties man & John Sharp had in all the corn by 2 p.m. Man raking p.m. I very ill & fevered temp 103 pulse 90 all the bones in head & body sore a very fine day.21st H Nicol at Rhynie market with his cow & Nell reid with her stirks. Lizzie Down seeing Pegus corpse ... man raking.. I some bettter... steammill to Bracklach tonight22nd Man , Jockie & willie at Bracklach at mill. Willie & Jockie at Pegy Duncans funeral p,m, she is so young & fair to be cut off so soon. Man at mill all day & Willie after he came back from funeral.

23rd snow & cold this morning Jessie Beattie, N Reid & J Spence here noonboys & Annie at school. steam mill thrashing at Powneed24th I very ill with head today... steam mill at Gaugh... I sent my bankbook & £100 in letter to Jas Stewart Banker in Rhynie25th Dan Stewart away to Keith this morning I gave him 17/6 he is to be back on Sunday. Mrs Gordon auchmair up seeing me today p.m. a very fine day my head very sore all day.26th Sunday H Nicol, Willie & Johnnie gathered inover my sheep a.m. vis here p.m. Dod of Elrick, Jas Reid, Jas Roy, Wm Taylor & John Sharp. A fine day.27th Jas Reid, Nell & Bell Reid taking up taties & also Dod of Elrick but he turned ill & had to go home noon. H Nicol came p.m. & helped up 6 dreels 3 big loads. gave Jas Reid present of a shirt & he well deserves it.28th Willie at home looking after beasts but no one to take up taties.29th Willie sorted beasts & to Elrick to ask for Mains. Wm Beattie brought here 2 BF rams from Dunn Mid Clova 1& 2 shear price 33”7/- for the two. I gave Wm Beattie £4 & Lizzie £1 I up awhile & outside a fine day.30th H Nicol & Willie made ready for dipping & I ironed lambs fig 4 off horn a.m. Wm Beattie & Harry dipped my sheep p.m. with Little dip Ewes 158, lambs 26 rams 4. Constable here & Jas Smith Nell Reid & Jane Spence. Jockie in bed not well today. I up awhile today.31st George Reid Newton here seeing me today. Harry Nicol took inover some of his mothers corn & thrashed it.... This is the day of Alexr Kelmans Court at Keith.November 19131st Harry Nicol clipped his ewes tails, Willie with him Nell, Bell & Jane Spence here at taties a.m. & 2.5 hours p.m. Harry ploughed up 5 dreels. Jas Reid at taties too p.m. up 2 loads a fine day. I wrote to John M Cooper Nebo Mackay District Queensland Australia.2nd Vis, heere today William Kellas, Mrs Esson & son & Mackay shepherd of Clova son brought home Ben dog a fine day. Willie got BF ram among ewes he shut them both in cots.3rd Willie, Jockie & Annie at schoool. Harry took in half load of neeps, thrashed some of his corn at night, broke mill by feeding too thick; cold & windy.4th This the day of opening the New Bridge at Newton; no schooling today. Willie raked all cleanground field with Poll, Jock & I put binder on transport wheels & I sorted pole & sorted mill;Lizzie & bairns gathered 4 bags of taties which they had left.5th Scholars at school, a very fine day like summer; I mended dog house door & byre steps & cleaned out byre.6thVery frosty this morning. Gordon Elrick, Jas Reid, Nell & Jane Spence here taking up taties 2 loads to me & down a good load to Reid, 3 dreels to take up. Mr & Mrs McLean & a lady friend here looking at houses had their tea. Mrs McLean seems a nice woman. Bodiebae rams out.7th 8:3908 This Thanks giving day for good harvest a lot of rain since last night & cold & wet today. Bracklachs sheep away today.40208th Willie & Johnnie at Auchmenzie with 22 ewe lambs, 1 BF ram lamb & a cross do. G Gordon took Poll in cart Meg behind got them shod & home Jas Reids meal. Engaged Peter Gordon till term 35/- I fenced cornyard &C a fine day.9th Peter Gordon did not come today as promised. Vis Jas Reid p.m. a fine day.10th I took in a load of neeps & sorted beasts & covered tatie pit a.m. took up taties in garden & pited them there & up carrots. Peter Gordon came 2 p.m. he cut out tares & spread midding small rain near all day.11th ploughed up last 3 dreels of taties then Peter , Willie, Jockie, Annie & Mary Jane gathering a.m. & p.m. Alexrgordon Reekimlane & I on top of Buck & gathered inover all my sheep , he away with his & ram; has up all the taties 2 loads & in 2 loads neeps a right fine day. 160 ewes & 2 lambs12th Took in a load of tares, the last. Then Peter caught & held & I clipped all the ewes tails and let out all the rams amongst the ewes. Some wet & misty today gave harry a few bags of taties Jas Murray taking in orders.

13th Peter pulling neeps & I herding sheep on new grass & took down fence & dismantled binder a.m. Started tp plow & just got up a feering when Rhynie & Lumsden police man came & took Peter away, poor fellow, very fine day.14th I sorted beasts then ploughing 3 hours a.m. & 3 hours p.m. Lizzie sorted beasts Willie in bed all day a very fine day Wm Beattie let out his rams today.15th I ploughing & Willie pulling swedes & Jockie herding sheep & Annie at Aldunie with her own & Willies & Jockies boots a.m. Willie & I carting in neeps 2 carts 10 loads & Jock & Annie & Mary Jane gathered taties p.m. & we thrashed at night a fine day.17th I ploughing a.m. a fearful wind has nocked heads of some of the ricks; children at School Wm Beattie has begun to plow lea.18th I tying & sorting heads of ricks & herding sheep a.m. took down fence & with Mains of Elrick casting divots p.m. greased carts & on new signs on carts & made ready for market tomorrow a bad wet night19th Jockie & I at Dufftown feeing market with Poll in cart from watt brothers 2 cwt Thor cake & bag of bran & pair of boots to Maggie Helen & 10 gallons parafinne20th I put bag of bran & 2 cwt oil cake into corn kist. Lizzie, Mary Jane & I thrashed first of new corn gave feeders first atste of cake.21st I ploughing all day. Peter gordon here for his things & I paid him 6/- for 3 days work Factor & Commissioner over looking at Bracklachs neeps damaged by deer a very fine day.22nd I heading neeps over again & thatching has 5 done Lizzie tied rapes thrashed at night boyd headed neeps a right fine day.24th Willie & I at Rhynie feeing market had Poll riding on I feed man that is in Redford for £12”10 & gave him 1/- of arles paid acc. to A&R Angus, Sim carr A Legge A Morrison VS a very fine day.25th sorted beasts & ploughing a.m. ploughing p.m. Lizzie measured me for a suit & sent away order to H Thomas London 19/51/2 d26th I sorted beasts then to far hill for sheep & pulling swedes a.m. carted in 2 loads headed swedes & a load of yellows thrashed at night bad day, sleet & rain Willie & Jockie to Howbog & paid poor rates Murray carts round with good today sent order to London for suit27th I shed off Bracks ewes & 2 BF rams from amongst my ewes which I am crossing thatched 2 ricks a.m. thatched one & buried dead ewe & to Powneed with cart for goods which came from Murray Rhynie Mrs Nicols too mrs Souters quey here tonight28th Some wet & stormy looking & pulled & headed neeps Maggie Souter over for her stirk I ploughing p.m. thrashed at night Measured stotts big one 6feet 7 inches the other 6feet 3 inches tight measure29th Willie, Jockie & I pulling neeps a.m. Man william John Stevenson came noon he carting in neeps with Meg & boys & I wheeling them in to old stable p.m. 9 loads Harry Nicol at Rhynie with Poll mare for goods to himself fearful wind all day but dry30th man sorted beasts cold & windy day Jas Reid here p.m.December 19131st Man & I pulling swedes a.m. he ploughing 7 I mending windows in little house p.m. thrashed at night wet & sleet today cold ay2nd Willie carted in swedes with Poll 3 loads & man yellows with Meg & up 2 loads divots to thatch mill a.m. man ploughing & I thatched 2 ricks & Dod Jockie & 3 girls & I took in a rick to mill & Willie pulled some neeps p.m. I at School at night polling for members to Parish Council.3rd I ploughing & man pulling neeps a.m he pulling & I ploughing awhile & sorted beasts p.m. a fine day came on snow at night & stormy looking4th stormy day I to far hill to look for sheepa.m. yoked sledge drove to Kirkton the took Post young mare & drove to James Smiths marriage Mr & Mrs Kellas & Lizzie & I was a little behind a wild stormy day all day left Rhynie 8.30 p.m. at Kirkton 11.15 home here 12 p.m.5th man pulling neeps p.m. & I trying rabbits ferret stuck & got none cold & frosty all day Huntly marriage folks just got home from marriage today John souter came to Howbog today in sledge

6th man got in to his breakfast by 9 a.m. just sorted beasts forenoon we winnowed 4 qrs new corn for meal & thrashed p.m. Jas Reid here today a fine day above but frosty7th I in bed most of the day man sorted beasts not so frosty...8th a strong fresh Man pulling neeps a.m. & p.m. Jas Reid up & I sorted corn barrel & took it & 1/2 qr corn to Jas Reid withcartp.m. snow near all away9th Man ploughing a.m. & I made ready & man & I took in binder & was near at cots with reaper when I let on motion & horses bolted & ran off & broke reaper & broke reins all in bits all through having open bridles in their heads ploughing p.m.10th man to Mill of noth with 4 qrs corn for meal & 1/2 qr for mash home pail of H dip from troup & 29 1/2 lb treacle from Jim Murray & pair of plow reins from Troup I helped him till a brae of Blackmiddens with Meg & in a load of neeps p.m.11th Man sorted beasts & ploughing & I to Dufftown Xmas sales got a lift over with Wm Beattie & home with A. yeatts A fined A. Morrison VS Rhynie buried today sorry I did not get to funeral12th 11.18 Man ploughing a.m. & p.m. I pulling swedes a.m. & p.m. sorted beasts made ready bruiser & Lizzie, Willie, Jockie & I thrashed & bruised new corn to stots at night cold windy day & some showers of rain a.m. & p.m. 11.2113th Man carting headed neeps all day & Willie helping has in all the swedes from mid rig I putting them inside a.m. johnnie & I in hill got no hares but 2 rabbits G Gordon here for Meg & cart to cart stones to reid Wm Taylor took her home afraid they would let her run off cold day.14th G Gordon here a.m. I drew a tooth for him I herding a.m. down at Reids p.m. cold forenoon turned out a fine afternoon & night I killed a rat in Reids porach him & I had a fine hunt after him15th Willie ploughing stibble all day & I thatching mill with divots & thatch did front side a.m. & back p.m. & sorted beasts a right fine quiet day for the purpose would have been a fine day for the hill wind up at night16th Man carted in some neeps a.m. a fearful day of wind & rain thrashed twice & winnowed 2 qrs corn ready for mill sheaf end empty ready for old rick17th Man to Mill of Noth with 3 qrs corn home with meal & hash got sock & culter slip & feather to plow I in hill a.m. shot 11 hares gave 1 to Mrs Nicol & one to G. Gordon Elrick a very fine day I went to Elrick for Meg p.m. a fine day.18th man finished ploughing stibbles & in 2 loads neeps a.m. began ploughing lea such a feering he made I herding sheep & taking down fence a.m. I went to top of Buck to hares got 8 sent 2 to England & one to John Souter & one to Mrs Gauld fine day19th Tried plow too frosty took in old rick to mill fine kept man pullin neeps p.m. & I over to Bracklach & back of hill p.m.20th Man pulling neeps all day I down at Culwine with hare to Eben. Day Duncan, Dod Nicol, Bob Smith, my Willie & Johnnie driving hares to me just got 4 gave 2 to Day & one to Bob & one to Dod. Jas Daawson & Pitglassie shooting on Howbog hill.21st I at Church & past seeing Nell Reid came home to my tea Jas Reid to Elrick p.m. a fine day.22nd Man ploughing all day I herding sheep & pulling swedes a.m. I in hill p.m. got 7 hares & sorted beasts then down to Eben Innes & wrote a letter for him a very fine day ewes 7 rams all mixed23rd Man ploughing all day I pulling swedes a.m. & pitted them p.m. 3 pits 60 yards of 10 dreels a fine day but frosty in the morning looks like snow tonight Dr at Bodiebae seeing Jane Cameron has pox on her face24th Man to Mill of Noth for meal took a hare to Banker one to Jas Murray & one to miller. I at Bracklach a.m. & measured turnips J. robson has pulled 5ac” 2 rds” 33poles I over to Howbog at night a wild stormy day, snowing near all day.25th Foul wet day snow melting redding up cots a.m. thrashed p.m. Poll mare not well has cast a foal since last night. Lizzie, Willie, Jockie & Annie, Mary Jane & Maggie Helen at Xmas tree tonight. I stayed at home with May & milked cows a bad night.26th Man pulling neeps a.m. & I pulled & pited all the swedes then down to Reids with w hare & rinner tines from Kirkton & groceries from Powneed

27th I tok 2 loads neeps to cots & boys took them in & 2 loads home with Poll a.m. I to Annie Ingles funeral p.m. her age is 58 years boys sorted beasts man on sulks has done nothing today very hard frost Insurance stamps 2/1128th I in bed all day man sorted beasts29th Man did not come up today he says he has sore head boys & I looking after beasts Jas Reid & G Gordon Elrick here I oiled lock s of gordons gun & cut Reids hair & I gave them a white hair each very frosty today30th Man not up today boys & I sortred beasts thrashed & took straw into stable took in a lot of peats to porch Willie carried them all him & I exercised the horses a big snow on since last night Wm Beattie away with 6 fat cattle for sale at Dufftown tomorrow31st Man noy up today yet boys & I sorted beasts & I made blade to hasher a.m. winnowed thrashed & bruised corn p.m. & mended stots sales still frosty

1914January 1st a strong fresh; snow going away fast Willie & I sorting beaasts & he to Powneed for groceries & we exercised horses; no visitors here but Jane Daun then Dr Grant came to see man told him there was nothing the matter with him & he was fit for his work 2nd A fine fresh day man up him & I took in 2 pits of swedes a.m. him & 2 boys carted 8 loads of yellows & I put them into old stable p.m. Jas reid & Esson here at night I drew tooth to Esson & soldered tricker of his gun.3rd I gave Willie John Stevenson his money & let him away morning I pulling neeps & herding sheep a.m. boy helping Willie to Bracklach with sock of Essons gun Thrashed & bruised set up a few dreels of neeps with Poll p.m. Gordon Elrick here at night a fine fresh day. 5th Boys at school I sorted beasts Snow &and hard frost Carted in 5 loads of headed neeps p.m. Put a load into Coble to freshen. Came on a bad night.6th Wild stormy day. Boys not at school. Thrashed & bruised some corn & clipped cattle’s backs. Hard frost took sheep to Cots at night.7th Boys at school. Frosty forenoon , turned fresh p.m. I sledged in 2 pits of Swedes, 4 sledgefuls p.m. A strong wind & cold. Jackie at grocer at night.8th A fine fresh day Jas Reid here a.m. I over at Bracklach for A Esson, he came & put up 3 feerings for me p.m. Boys at school. 2/- worth of tobacco with Post. Snow all away.9th I sorted beasts then ploughing lea 1 1/2 hours a.m. Bad wet afternoon, did not go to plough, cleaning harness & sorting beasts p.m.Wet all day 2 lbs nitre from Troup with post.10th I ploughing 2 1/2 hours a.m. Jas Reid & John Sharp here noon for me to take cartrage out of gun they got no hares. I ploughing p.m. & holed out some stones a fine day I paid John Sharp 5/- for harvesting.11th I at Church today was behind Sandy rung the bell 10 minutes soon past Cottage seeing Jas Law & Eben Innes foot.12th I sorted beasts then went to hill brought home 9 hares & was home before 1p.m. 3 hours away hard froast today can get no ploughing done13th I wheeled a rick of clean ground corn into mill then I down at School at night at meeting about getting a Government bull. Harry Nicol came over with straw.14th Jan 1914 I & boys put rashes into a rick a.m. Then to Gordon Elrick & my Willie away to Laggan with stots. Johnnie & I went to Cottage with them. Still frosty.15th I at Dufftown sales, went & came with E Esson in cart. Sold 2 stots, big one was 11cwt. Sold at £21”17”6, a poor price; gave a hare to John Souter, one to Saddler Frapt & one to John Black; Maggie Taylor’s boots mended & new paint tray from Watt Brothers

16th Boys & I thrashed morning; Jas Reid here a.m. I drew out rams & counted ewes. Still hard frost. Gordon Elrick here at night; measured stirks, quey 5 feet 3 inches & and big stot 5ft 61/2”and calf 4’9 “17th Ewes away with A Gordon Reekumlane 158 ewes and 2 hoggs. I met him on road. I in past Elrick. Dod came up with me. Jas Reid here all day; none of us went to hill, too wett.19th X I sorted beasts and mending gate a.m.G Gordon Elrick came here with Jas Reid’s 2 queys noon. John Robson here looking at drains, he helped me to thresh. Still very frosty. Some snow. Engaged John Robson from now till term @ £14. He has to cast drains.20th Jas Reid here today , I sorted beasts, him & I at Bracklach seeing Essons feeders p.m. black quey 5 feet 8 incnes, and stot 6 feet.. Esson has out all his dung & spread today. 21st Still frosty. I sorted beasts & shot 2 rabbits. Lizzie & Johnnie at Freer at night. Jas Reid & John Sharp here huntiing, just got one hare. 22nd I sorted beasts & making a scul. Jas Reid here with 50 cartreges for me from Troups & son in Rhynie; him, Mary Jane & I thrashed p.m. John Robson came tonight.23rd Robson & I took in a rick a.m. he carting out dung with Poll p.m. & I sorted beasts & mended 2 sculsp.m.Still hard frost; sheep away from Bracklach today24th Jas Reid, G Gordon Elrick & Wm Beattie hare hunting on Buck. Wm Beattie & Jas Reid none, J Gordon 2 & I 6. Willie, Johnnie, Dod Nicol & Willie Gordon driving. I paid jas Reid 315 stg today . Robson cutting thatch a.m. thrashed a.m.25th A fine fresh day. Johnnie, Annie & I at Church. Past Cottage came on rain at night. Dr in seeing Nell he is fine pleased with her.26th Frosty today. Robson carting out dung. Jas Reid & I in hill hunting. He shot 1 & I 4 with 4 carttidges. I gave him 3 of mine & I sent one to Alf Duncan England. 27th I had 2 w. hares in snares today. Robson carting out dung. I down & wrote out letter for Ebenezer Innes. Steam mill working Kirkton today, a big shooting in the hil of Bracklach.28th Robson carting out dung all day & I working at Cots, very frosty. Johnnie & I down at Powneed at grocer.I sent a white hare with Lewie to Jas Srewart Banker Rhynie.29th Robson cutting rashes for bedding to cots all day & I making & mending gates at Cots. Jas Murray merchant Rhynie here noon canvassing for seed order. Very hard frost but fine day.30th Robson & I carted in a load of bedding& bedded cotsa.m. came on showers of sleet; winnowed up some orra stuff.31st Took a rick of clean ground corn into mill a.m. frost not right out yet. February 19141st.. Willie up a.m. had to bed again2ndRobson ploughing, I in hill hunting, shot 3 hares, a rabbit & 2 Stoats A fine fresh day, most of them ploughing.3rd Robson casting a drain; I over at Dufftown at rents, had Poll in cart, left at 5.30 a.m.,in Dufftown at 9.15 a.m.from Watt Brothers 1cwt cake, 10 gallons paraffine,& 6 clothes pegs. I gave Rachel McCombie a white hare, a right fine day.4th Robson ploughing a.m. winnowed corn to horse setting up neps p.m. L Smith & I looking for stoats I killed on Monday could not get them. Lea shot black rabbit helped us to thrash. I down at grocers at Powneed5th Robson ploughing; I mended chain, sorted beasts & at school at night hearing Mr? Smith’s lecture on Cooperation a good lecturer; like a change of weather tonight.6th Robson ploughing all day. Jas Reid & I walked over hill of bank & C to ploughing match at Hillock. 14 plows, 1st Jas Kellas for ploughing feering and straightest furrows, 2nd Wm Taylor, 3rd J Mcbain 4th John Gordon7th frosty this morning. robson ploughing endrigs of lea above houses a,m & p.m. thrashed & took in a load of bedding for horses to Jas Law to ploughing match at Reekimlane a week from today. Robson away home tonight.8th John Robson came home tonight Vis Jim Reid & Mrs Duncan Powneed none of us at Church

9th started to plough lea in back park one furrow down hill John ploughing all day frosty this morning broke feathers of both plows Willie to school today10th Robson at Rhynie & got both mares shod took qr corn to mill for hash Lizzie, annie & Johnnie with him Willie at home WM D Smith here calling a very fine day got feather to one plow & sock bars sharped.11th John ploughing all day Wm D Smith left p.m. him & I planted some trees at Howbog.12th Robson ploughing all day. I down at Shands & auchmair Jas Reid here p.m. Alexr Souter landed I tok up from Postoffice 2 sockbars & 2 feathers from A. Jessiman I dressed Reids arm a fine day13th Robson ploughing a.m. & I sorted plows thrashed & Robson & I took in a rick of lea corn with peat barrow a fearful wind A. Souter down to see Wm Beattie & Jas Reid14th Robson took my horses to Reekimlane ploughing match to Jas Law & Esson had my plow A. Souter & I walked over to match p.m. I took home horses LB 1st Wm Taylor, 2nd G Rattray, 3rd A. Yeatts, 4th Wm Gordon15th none of us at Church A. Souter & I vis at Upper & Nether Howbog p.m. Dr at Reekimlane seeing Tenny Gordon a very fine day16th Robson ploughing all day. Esson over with plow he took over 1/2 qr corn from me to Bodiebae Jas Shand & I in hill hare hunting he shot 6 & I 7, gave him 5 with him Alexr Souter stayed in house with Lizzie all day.17th Robson ploughing all day I put tins in clothes poles & sorted beasts Jas Reid up & I dressed his arm. Alexr Souter away inover the hill p.m. cold day came on a shower of rain at night.18th Robson ploughing a.m. I winnowed some corn & wahed cattle with soft soap a.m. Mrs Nicol here washing, gave her a hare & Jas Reid one Mrs Shearer here tonight.19th Robson ploughing all day finished lea. Alexr Duncan here for drag p.m. with a sledge went down to Cottage with Mrs Shearer p.m. Jas Law very poorly tonight.20th robson to Mill of Noth for hash; from Troup 1 cwt mize meal & clothes line & home sids & syrup to Mrs Nicol. I gave Robson £1 of his wages I working in garden & sorting beasts frosty in the morning21st a big rain last night & this morning. John pulled some neeps a.m. Jas Roy & Jas Reid landed here noon Robson carted in some neeps p.m. Him & Johnnie away to Finglennie 3 p.m. Willie sorted beasts Roy down to Kirkton tonight I bruised corn p.m.22nd Willie sorted beasts morning Lizzie away down to Postoffice to se Jas Law a.m began to snow forenoon a big snow on by 2 p.m. a big snow by night Robson & Johnnie landed by 5 p.m.23rd A bad wet day. Robson cleaning harness then dasted home some divots to thatch mill 7 we thrashed I put double bar on mill door to open from both sides.24th Took up a load of divots & Robson put the on to back of mill & thatched it & I helping a right fine day for the job. Jas Roy landed here tonight.25th Frosty morning Robson cleaned out ash pit today & in a load of neeps Jas Roy left 3 p.m. I down at grocer pd 1/8 saaw new bull at Powneed a fine day Jas Roy gave children a shilling each.26th John carting out dung a.m. gathering bedding awhile & to Elrick p.m. I at Howbog with rams 7 got them dipped with Wm Neatties a.m. a big dipping there today Powneeds, Redfords, Howbogs & Kirktons. Jas Reid here. Jas law Post office died today 5a.m.27th Esson Bracklach 2 carts & G Gordon Elrick one cart & I one with Poll mare to Dufftown for 1000 3 inch tiles left 200 at Jean Peadies Robson casting drain & sotring beasts I took down 3 bags chaff to Reid left tiles at little house.28th Willie & I to Powneed for left tiles 165 & took them outover to drain & Robson working at drain a..m. he ploughing at Bracklach & I mending Mains cart p.m. Lizzie down seeing Jas Law p.m. Eben Innes here p.m. helped boys & I to thrashMarch 19141st I in bed near all day Robson sorted beasts Gordon Elrick here wanting Poll mare to roll roads on Monday

2nd Robson & I working at drain a.m. he at drain & I, Willie & Johnnie at Jas Law’s funeral p.m. his age 70 years [James Law s John Law & Elizabeth McPherson, h of Mary McHardy] G Gordon had Poll mare rolling road today3rd, 4th, 5th do7th... To ploughing at Manse all dinnered in school 7 Sunday school scholars their prizes 25 ploughs & done by 2.15 a fine day above.9th very frosty Robson carting dung a.m. working at drain p.m. D Thomson tea man & Albert Robson here p,m, Lizzie paid Tea man £1”2 I churned & sorted beasts & filled in part of drain.10th began to snow morning Robson at drain. I down at Shands & got saw sharpened & took back his bit then Reid & I to Milton & aldunie I getting cowsserved with Braesides bull dipping at Aldunie sow piged at Milton 15 pigs11th Robson carting dung a.m thrashed & did a bit of drain.. I pruning bushes a.m. & at drum.12th snowing a.m. robson & I to Bridgend with Poll in sledge to get her teeth rasped took down round table to shand & up a pane of glass 33in x 20in & I put it in bird case I played a game with A. Rattray a draw.13th frosty this morning . Robson at drain awhile this morning; I cleaning sowing machine a..m. Jas reid here with my coat. Robson & I at Aldunie with old cow & horned quey to bull he served old cow but not quey I dont think she was on tiles to drain 97.14th A very wet forenoon we thrashed & winnowed some tails a.m. at the drain 1 1/2 hours p.m. Robson & Willie away to finglennie 3p.m. Mains of Elrick needing a stick for axle of his cart I gave Robson £1 of his wages tonight.15th Lizzie, Annie, Mary Jane & Maggie Helen at Church, Johnnie, baby & I at home, Willie & robson at Finglennie fine day16th Robson working at drain awhile cold stormy day Alexr Scott Milton & Jas Reid here with cart for potatoes I gave him 9 bags full for nothing17th Robson at drain a.m. carted in 5 loads neeps & outover 100 tiles to drain Wm Newlands wrote out Petition for steam roller & I at Shands Auchmair Torney Milton & Mill with it.18th Robson & I working at drain a.m. & awhile p.m. till 3p.m. received prescription for cow from Wm Brown VS Marischal College Aberdeen19th Robson & I working at drain Alexr Duncan Whitehillock here riding wanting seed corn a.m. I working at drain & Robson ploughing cleanground p.m. came on heavy showers of snow.20th A very bad day I down at Whitehillock calved a cow Robson a load of neeps to cots & up swedes & 210 tiles outover to drains Robson opened a bit of ddrain p.m. Mains here I cut his hair.21st A bad day shifted neeps out of old stable thrashed & Robson sorted bits of old causeway in stable Rhynie market today.22nd I in bed a.m. none of us at Church G Gordon Elrick here p.m. wanting my horses to plough tomorrow23rd Robson ploughing with my horse to G Gordon a.m. working at drain p.m. I at Mary Sheeds of Upper Ardwells funeral aged 25 years [dr of John Sheed & Elizabeth McDonald] I walked all the way a big funeral I opened 10 yards of a drain morning24th Robson & I took in a lea rick morning then us two pulling neeps very wet 7 foul dinging on snow us working at drain p,m, a better afternoon.25th Robson & I draining all day thrashed at night Jas Reid here gave him a good thrashing at draughts he did not get a game26th A very bad day snow & rain I at Dufftown sales riding on Poll bought a 2 year old quey in calf time up 4th April from Keithmore for £17”10 day Duncan bought one at £13 he took my one home with his Robson opened a bit of drain &C stuff came for cow.27th frosty this morning Robson & I pulling neeps a..m. Robson carting home neps p.m. Eben up for me to come & cut a sturdy ewe for Wm Beattie did not find bladder then I down to reids bought his black quey for 314 frosty morning fresh p.m. gave cow her first dose of stuff

28th robson carting home neeps a.m. & p.m. till 3 p.m. then away home boys helped him to fill & sorted beasts I pulling neeps a.m. finished top bit noon I filling in drain p.m. finished gave Robson £1 fine fresh day29th Lizzie, Johnnie & Annie at Church & past Cottage & Upper Howbog Robson at his home Willie & I looked after children & beasts vis. Gordon Elrick30th Robson carting stones on road with Poll all day & Gordon elrick had 2 carts some wet a.m. a fine afternoon I measured drains opened & closed in back park 270 yds I sorted cattle stalls & boys & us thrashed at night31st Robson ploughing cleanground all day & working & liffting old drain & sorted beasts then I at school at night at Nomination meeting for numbers to School Board a perfect day of wind calmed down at night.April 19141st Robson ploughing & I draining awhile a.m. had to stop for rain then him & I winnowed 4 1/2 qrs corn for seed a lot of rain2nd Robson ploughing a.m. sledged off stones off lea oats field & up harrows & ploughing p.m. I working at drain & sorted beasts a very fine day Jas Law sowing oats today Esson finished ploughing cleanground & broke it in3rd Out 3 qrs seed & Robson sowed Johnnie & I carried seed & Willie harrowing a.m. Robson harrowing p.m. I working at drain p.m.4th frosty in the morning Robson harrowed out lea a.m ploughing cleanground p.m. boys & I winnowed seed corn & sorted beasts5th Boys & I at church Robson looking after beasts Lizzie & 3 youngest girls at Bracklach p.m. Jas Reid came up afternoon he did not tell us he had Ligertwood last night & today.6th Robson broke in lea in back park a.m. he sowed 2 qrs & 6 bushels & I carried seed a fearful windy day I working at drain a.m. & awhile p.m. & sorted beasts. A. Gordon Reekimlane landed here with the flock stayed all night7th Robson harrowing all day till 3 p.m. A. Gordon & I drew out my ewes home 138, 19 to come one of his lambed a dead lamb & gimer of mine a cross lamb new quey calved a bull calf 4 p.m. Gray Huntly calling p.m. a cold windy day I finished drain8th Robson pulled neeps & out 2 loads to ewes & one load to cots & out 2 1/2 qrs seed corn a.m. sowed it Jane Dann carried seed I busy among ewes 10 lambs today a.m Robson harrowing p.m. finished I casting ditches a pain came into my back breast & arm yesterday & not like to go away9th Robson pilled & out 2 loads of neeps to ewes & running neeps a.m. A Gordon came with 18 lambs & 19 ewes & Alexr Duncan here & away with 2 1/2 qrs seed oats a.m I busy among ewes all day cold wet afternoon Robson put up 2 nets to enclose neeps10th Good Friday I unable to get up today very ill all night Robson looking after sheep & harrowed up neeps a.m cold windy day11th Johnnie at Post to send up Dr & Farrier man with stallion here noon & Dr at me & VS at big stotMary went to rhynie for stuff to me & willie to Howbog for stuff to stot Jas Reid here at night with druggs for me Robson busy with ewes lambing &C12th I still in bed with Rheumatism in arm & back Vis, here toady Gordon Elrick, Jas Reid, Jas Nicol & Jane Dann cold windy day Robson busy among ewes & gave stot his powder draught13th Robson busy among ewes & Alexr Duncan here for seed corn away with 1 1/2 qrs I still in bed none better a fine day14th Robson & Sandy Duncan took in a cleanground rick thrashed & winnowed 1 qrs corn Sandy away with 1 qrs corn & 33 wisps of straw Robson looking after beasts & ploughing tatie ground A. Duncan paid me cheque £4”5/- for 5 qrs seed corn Mrs Gordon Elrick here today & Esson Harry Nicols cow calved.15th I still in bed Robson busy among ewes 7 sowed corn I n tatie bit & harrowed it Willie at home helping him16th Willie at home helping Robson. Hoggs landed today all home but one dead I up today Dr here seing me p.m. none better neuralgia in rib & arm Wm Smith Howbog fixed a shoe on Poll mare

17th Dod Elrick her 9 a.m. Robson out 2 loads neeps to ewes dod ran neeps & Willie rolling & robson & I ironed hoggs BUCK near horn & red paint off a.m. Dod rolling & Robson harrowing uo neeps.18th Robson & boys carting off neeps & thrashed a.m. he to Kirkton for seeds & flour p.m. then away to Finglennie. This polling day for School Board I not able to go to poll G Gordon here at night looking through ewes a right fine day.19th G Gordon Elrick here looking after ewes & beasts Willie & Johnnie helping him Robson away to Finglennie yesterday noon vis Jas Reid.20th Robson, Willie & Dod nicol carting off neeps all day he them all off Jockie looking through ewes Bracklach ewes & lambs up to Bracklach today very warm day.21st Robson ploughing a.m. & p.m. Willie & I mixed grass seeds boys looking after beasts very warm today Bell up p.m Mrs nicol here I bought her calf for £3”15 Robson out neeps to sheep at night.22nd Robson ploughing a.m. & p.m robson to Bodiebae for calf put both calves to farrow cow is taking them fine boys winnowed orra stuff thrashed at night Jas Reid helped them ewe dead in lambing a fine day.23rd Robson ploughing a.m. & p.m cold day Dr here at me p.m. I none better Mrs Nicol here washing a.m.24th Robson finished ploughing of cleanground & boys & him winnowed corn for seed a.m. sowed lower half of cleanground 2 1//2 qrs Jane dann & Willie carried seed & Robson sowed it then harrowing Eben Innes up seeing me.25th Robson sowed grass seeds & linked them in ran short has none for bit at back of cots where potatoes were minister here tonight I in bed all day a fine day stallion here I paid the man £1 for Meg mares foal.26th I still in bed Vis G & J Gordon Elrick, Jas Reid & Alexr Duncan Whitehillock a very fine day.27th Robson & Willie carted up manure from Powneed to Little House a.m it came on Friday Willie rolling with Poll & Robson to Bodiebae with Meg mare & 1/2 qr corn & sowed 7 harrowed it p.m. a very fine warm day.28th Robson rolling a.m. Boys & annie at school today sowed grass seeds in potato bit at back of cots & linked it in with Meg mare then Rolling wit Poll I put on 2 fly blisters 9 p.m. one on breast & one on back.29th I kept blisters on 12 hours then poultice on top for 4 hours & let out. robson fencing in back park a.m. & p.m. Returnrd Jas Murrays clover seed bags today.30th Robson taking hay in stable a.m preparing potato ground p.m. came on snow tonight sent letters to Dr & Jas Murray May 19141st Ground white with snow this morning Robson harrowing neep ground a.m. Jas reid here p.m. Robson took off weeds & opened 12 dreels for tatiesJohnnie at home today to elrick p.m. to tell Dod to come tomorrow. dr here seing me tonight Boys & Annie at school at night at Snady duncans presentation2nd Robson dunging taties & G Gordon preparing seed Bell & Helen Gordon planting & Dod Nicol & william spreading dung a.m. They were through setting taties by 3 p.m. 12 dreels 165 yds long 6 dreels next dyke Crofter 4 dreels up to dates & 2 dreels Blue hearts jane Dann helping3rd Vis, wm Beattie & son & gr, Mr & Mrs esson 7 Mrs Duncan Powneed my Meg mare foaled a mare foal 10 p.m. Willie went for Esson to help Robson.4th Robson rolling a.m fencing & among sheep p.m. Wm Smith howbog here seeing me p.m. a very fine day. Mary Jane to school today for first time I am sorry to hear that John Souter is not so well again.5th Robson rolling and fencing came on a heavy rain p.m. G Gordon Elrick ploughed & sowed Jane Danns farm here for 3 bushels corn. She paid Dod 15/- for laying down her crop & taties at Bodiebae.6th Mill gooing at 3 a.m breast of dam broken out. robson working at dam all day Gordon Elrick up & put down H Nicols taties a.m & took away 6 bushels taties to robson & 4 to himself. John Kellas Post here seeing me tonight Bodiebae cow bulling today.7th Robson fencing Mrs Gordon Elrick here for chickens a.m Mrs Souter Howbog down seeing her son John, Smith Lodge drove her a very fine day8th a very wet day J Reid here a.m. G Gordon Elrick to Bridgend with 4 bags taties & about a boll of meal to John souter Lizzie went wiyth him to see John Boys at school, girls at home robson sorting beasts

9th A boig snow on this morning Robson in far hill among sheep a.m. Annie & Mary Jane at Howbog, Willie & Johnnie down to see John Souter10th G Gordon Elrick here looking after ewes & beasts Willie & Johnnie helping him Robson away to Finglennie yesterday afternoon vis. Jas Reid very warm day11th Robson working at dam failed to make it keep in a.m. took in a rick of corn p.m. cold stormy day12th Robson working at dam all day thrashed at night A. Legge shoemaker & measured Willie, Johnnie Annie, Mary Jane & Maggie Helen for new boots.13th Robson lifted potato pit in garden & fencing a.m. put fence round face of dam p.m. I up out of bed. Mrs Smith Lodge seeing me p.m brought a section of honey Lizzie £1- cold day14th James Shand & Robson working at dam all day trying to take out box bottom is out & a big hole washed away I up & out in cornyard15th Jas & John Shand & Robson working at dam all day & Wm Beattie came & helped them out with box morning back & helped them again p.m. Jas Shand has put in a new bottom in box A, souter landed here tonight a fine day but some cold. 16th Robson breasting at dam A. Souter away to see John Souter a.m. Minister here seeing me noon . stallion Beaumont here noon. Robson left off work 4 p.m. & away to Finglennie Willie sorted beasts gave Robson £1- John Souter died tonight poor John I am very sorry for him.17th Willie sorted beasts morning A. Souter & Johnnie let down sheep & away to Howbog a very fine day I out seeing foal vis. Jas Reid & Wm Newlands Schoolmaster18th Robson working at dam a.m making turnip ground 3 hours p.m. took in some do 7 sorted beasts A. souter to silverford for 2 BF rams p.m. I sent letter to Dr Grant.19th Robson ploughing a,m, & p..m. A. Souter, my Willie & Johnnie at John souters funeral aged 32 years I unable to go. I am told he is in my mothers grave.20th Robson ploughing all day put cattle on to good grass today & kept yeld cattle out tonight for 1st time a very fine day thrashed I up at dam today.21st Robson ploughing all day old cow bulling today I washed her out with Condys fluid . A. souter dunged & delved a bit in garden for kale & cabbage. Eggs landed tonight. G Gordon Elrick away with Reids Dunn quey. she has been here 17 weeks & 3 days22nd Robson ploughing & spring tining all day Poll mare served today with Ardmeallie horse A. souter & boys fencing at Bluecraigs p.m. cold & showerie Willie at post office with 4 P.C.24th I headache all forenoon no vis today. Robson on top of Buck p.m. & A. Souter at Bodiebae a.m. snowing more or less near all day.25th Robson spring tining a.m. To Howbog for dreel plow p.m. & then to neep ground Old Mrs shearer away home this morning I gave her £1- a souter in far hill looking through sheep a.m.26th Robson & Souter gathering weeds a.m. Robson prepairing a bit beside taties p.m. Lizzie washing today a very fine day.27th I working in garden sowed carrots robson carted off weeds & Souter & Willie gathering them a.m. Robson opening dreels p.m. he left tonight gave him £7”14 & 6 bushels of potatoes for nothing28th Willie springtining, harrowing & linking today Souter & I planted & dreels of taties in garden. A. Souter away to Howbog with Maggie law he is smote with her a very fine day.29th A. Souter, Willie & I winnowed orra stuff & took in botttom of hay rick. Reid here noon. Souter & Willie carted off some weeds p.m A. Gauld landed tonight a very fine day.30th A. Gauld dunged 13 half dreels & 4 long & Willie spreading dung a.m. sowed 2 bags manure linked down taties sowed swedes 3 long dreels & 8 half dreels below taties & 5 perple top yellows A. souter away today he gave 10/- to children31st cold stormy day, some showers of hail. 276 min 5155 wordsJune 19141st Gauld dunging dreels that Robson opened Mains girl here with collar & ratting spade Harry Nicol landed at Bodiebae with his flock tonight.

2nd Gauld broke dung sowed manure & closed 20 dreels today I fencing a..m. & p.m. a fine day I winnowed & bruised corn for Meg mare.3rd Gauld linked & opened 20 dreels a.m. Springtined, harrowed & linking lower half p.m. I had in sheep & gathered & burned weeds p.m. a very fine day4th Gauld carting out dung & braking I busy among sheep & gathered some weeds I cut & docked & marked cross lambs 38 of them a fine day although a bit colder Harry Nicol at Rhynie with gig got my dreel plow sock laid.5th Gauld braking dung a.m. he has a sore back I put ewes with BF lambs to hill a.m. 2 ewes lambed today BF lambs. I linked down dreels & Gauld sowed manure & opened dreels & I gathered weeds & put into dreels wet kind of day Mains working at Bodiebae p.m. 6th Meg mare served with Ardmeallie today. Gauld carting out dung & I gathered all the weeds & Willie & Jockie broke dung Gauld closed dreels sowed 22 dreels p.m. Jas Reid here Mains finished Bodiebae neeps I gave him 1/2 qrs corn for 9/- Cow with calves bulling today.7th Willie, Johnnie & Annie at Sunday school & stayed service Gauld down at Cottage a.m. a fine day Alexr Gordon Reekimlnae here I gave him £27”10/-8th Gauld linked down the dreels & finished opening 21 dreels a veru wet forenoon we thrashed a.m. him & I fencing & shifted gate at garden p.m. had out mares at night killed a big rat & 10 young ones & 10 mice9th Gauld carting out dung all day has it all dunged I breaking dung a.m. cleaning weeds off top of dreels p.m. a fine afternoon 2 tramps landed at night slept in cots one of them George Watson the other Willie Ramsay.10th Gauld linked down a few dreels and out manure & then sowing it Watson braking dung a.m. Wm Smith & A. Gordon Auchmair here begging for Church Watson away noon11th Gauld closing dreels a.m & till 4 p.m. 36 dreels sowed them at night finished but end rigs I picking taties in pit a very fine day12th Gauld ploughing endrigs & I sowed in corn & planted a whole dreel of potatoes. Alexr Duncan Whitehillock here and away with 6 bushels of taties. I clipped 6 hoggs & the 4 rams.13th Gauld rolled endrigs picking taties neeps into midding away home tonight I clipped 12 hoggs a.m. boys & I gathered sheep from far hill cut & marked 11 cross lambs & marked 83 BF14th a very warm day Vis Jas Nicol, Nell & Bell Reid & G.Gordon Elrick. Boys & Annie at Sunday School.15th Gauld started mossing & I clipped 21 ewes & 6 hoggs & made up wool & clipped a few dirty docks A. Gordon Auchmair here & away with 8 bushels taties Sold quey to Reid. Poney came tonight16th Gauld & I mossing today. teachers called here today he on top of Buck Gauld at Whitehillock riding on poney tonight a very fine day Willie to Ardwell for poney last night.17th Gauld & I mossing he to Rhynie with Poll mare & got her shod p.m. & up to Lumsden to see & get a man or boy to wheel peats. Thunder afternoon.18th I at dufftown had poney to Bridgend & got shod took Poll to Inverharroch to stallion, no use Gauld mossing a fearful day of thunder & rain I got a drive from Bridgend & back with Rob Cran. 19th Gauld at Aldunie with old cow at bull a.m. . took a rick into mill killed 9 rats misty & wet kind of forenoon Jane Souter here at night about their dreel plow & needing corn.20th Gauld & Willie mossing today Lizzie & Annie at Rhynie I housekeeping Gauld & Willie to Howbog with dreel plow & 2 bags od taties & on to kirkton for wool bags & box of stout at night my arm & head sore all day21st Gauld away to Howtown today Js Reid here p.m. Thunder & rain p.m. Boys & Annie at Sunday School.22nd Gauld & I mossing he casting & forking a.m. & awhile p.m. I wheeling p.m. we thrashed at night a fine dry day. Some thunder & rain tonight cut boys hair23rd Gauld & I mossing today he home to dinner but not me I cleaned out ditches.24th Gauld & I mossing all day did not come home to dinner thrashed at night25th Gauld & I mossing a.m. he mossing p.m. I at Bracklach & at Eben Innes dooing some writing for him p.m. cold showerie kind of day Jas Murray here.

26th Gauld mossing by himself I gathered sheep off far hill a.m. marked yeld clipped sheep withred stuff off side 18 hoggs & 22 ewes & clipped a hogg p.m. a very warm day. Willie to Elrick at night with poney27th Gauld, Lizzie, Willie, Johnnie, Annie & Mary Jane at Huntly to Circus had Poll in cart to Rhynie then hired a motor. Maggie Helen and Dally at home with me. I working in garden & milked cows a fine day them about 11 p.m. 28th Boys & Annie at Sunday School. Vet here looking at big stot does know what is the matter Vis Jas Reid.29th Gauld linked down 16 dreels of neeps set them up & sowed them a.m. mossing p.m. finished Jas Kellas took off Meg mares shoes I paid him acc 18/- New cow served with Aldunie bull tonight Gauld & Willie with her.30th Gauld ran taties & in a few dreels of neeps a.m. hoeing ataies p.m. a cross lamb dead tonight wool ball. Clipping at Howbog today. Gauld away home tonight. July 19141st This Fast day in Cabrach. Lizzie & girls at Church. Gauld at home.2nd Gauld winnowed corn a.m. he to Bridgend with dreel plow home 2 hoe shafts. Sent telegram to Craigellachie for VS left carts at Shands to get wheels fillied. VS came tonight examined stot found nothing in his throat3rd Gauld to Mill of Noth with 3 1/2 qrs corn one qr to Reid, 2 to self & 1/2 for hash to doge a fearful forenoon of rain Rhynie VS came p.m. & he examined all his mouth & could find nothing wrong a fine afternoon from Troup dip Sulphur & ginger & box Thorley Sen bran.4th Gauld, Willie, Johnnie & I hoeing all day. Willie to Howbog with shilt a.m. Powneed clipping today a very fine day.5th Vis Jas Reid, Blacksmith & George Reid & Day Duncan I at Church at sacrament but not Lizzie I took home cattle from Cottage with me a vert fine day.6th came on a very wet day had to stop hoe thrashed & I went fishing p.m. water big did not get clipped today 7th I in hill gathered in sheep a.m Jane Dann, Gordon Bracklach & I clipping & Gauld catching & making up wool we baged it cut lambs clipped 82 ewes Willie ran a few neeps8th Gauld, Willie, Johnnie & I hoeing I looked through sheep a very fine day9th Boys at school Gauld hoeing yellows & I swedes all day old cow bulling today a very warm day I drew a tooth for Lea Smith noon.10th Gauld boys & I hoeing all day Gauld ran 20 dreels at night I shot 20 rabbits at Bodiebae they are eating their neeps a very fine day11th Gauld & I hoeing till 10 a.m. Architect here looking at houses. He tool me to PicNic on his motor cycle Gauld took Lizzie & all the family to PicNic in cart & home again he to Howtown at night.12th Gauld at Howtown Vis : G.Gordon Elrick. Boys & Annie at Sunday School. a very fine day I loking at peats13th Gauld, boys & I hoeing all day. very warm Jane dann setting my peats today I gave her a Leicester rams fleece a very warm day.14th Gauld & I hoeing awhile then he ran taties a.m. sowed on manure then him & Jane Dann setting peats p.m. I finished hoeing of neeps & dreel of taties Mains girl here for peat spade & Jas Reid15th Gauld to Mill of Noth with 3 1/2 qrs corn for meal & home Reids meal & mine & 5 gallons dip from Troup, Mcdougalls liquuid bloom. Iin Clashenrae looking for sheep gathered inover sheep from far hill very hot day.16th a wet day all day Gauld cleaning harnes. Shepherd of reekimlane here with pup stallion here tried both mares & paid him £1”5/- stayed here all night.17th Gauld took cart wheels to Bridgend & home dreel plow I mending dipping trough & cleaning cots & water run. Mr Anderson VS Keith & a brother here tonight seeing stot he says he wont get better disease is pressure on the brain.

18th I in far hill & gathered inthe sheep a,m, I dipped & Gauld catched used Mcdougalls liquid bloom dip & sulphur, got an unclipped ewe a very fine day Powneed, Howbog & Redford dipped today aswell.19th Gauld at Howtown Jas Reid here p.m. & Dod Reid from Huntly. Horned quey bulling tonight & no one to go with her.20th I ran swedes & set up taties & Gauld & Dod Reid to Aldunie to Aldunie with horned quey to bull no use off season a.m. I running neeps & Gauld & Jane Dann setting peats p.m a fearful warm day smith keeper here at night.21st Gauld setting peats & I running neeps a.m. Thunder & rain after dinner time. Gauld cleaning harness.22nd I hoeing neeps & Gauld setting up peats a.m. us both hoeing swedes 2nd time awhile then he started to cut hay & I hoeing p.m. day Duncan started to cut hay too thrashed tonight.23rd Wet showerie dy hoeing neeps had to stop Gauld picking taties & we thrashed. I working in garden weeded carrots. Jane Souter away to asylum today.24th Still cold & wet Gauld & I weighed 5 bags of wool, 8 cwt 0qr 19lbs then he picking taties thrashed at night. Dod Reid left today p.m.25th Gauld & Johnnie to Dufftown with 5 bags of wool to Reid & robertson I washed & cleaned rams & 3 lambs a.m. made sheep cleek soldered pail & cleaned one & made spurtle cold wet stormy day.26th Cold & wet today. Gauld at Howtown Willie & I at Aldunie with Bet cow her that has the 2 calves suckling & has been farrow for 2 years & never come on season so I got her served today27th Gauld picking taties & Williw Smith here for a load of tatiesa.m. Gauld & I thrashed & we put up a rick of straw in cornyard p.m. Wm Beattie shot stot to put him out of pine turned very bad wet kind a.m.28th I at Glass market bought 5 year old poney for £15”10. Willie with me. G Gordon Elrick drove us in Smiths sp cart. Dod sold his mare for £9. Gauld took a rick into mill a.m. Setting up peats p.m. Stot away to Douglasbrae.29th Gauld cutting ragwood all day away tonight I down at Shands on poney p.m. no Cabrach Market Boys & I thrashed at night Policeman here seeing about dipping old cow bulling.30th I to Bridgend for cart wheels & brought them up to Shands & got Polls hind shoes removed & lilled (hilled?) Mrs Shearer came up & stayed all night Gauld hoeing neep awhile then cuttting hay a fine afternoon.31st I finished rinning of neeps a.m. Iover at Bracklach & cut sturdy hogg p.m. Gauld cutting hay a fine day.August 19141st Winnowed 1 qr corn & thrashed a.m. Gauld cutting hay p.m. Willie & I harnessed shilt & got Wm smiths spring cart & drove Mrs Shearer, Ned & baby to Raemurrick, left 2 p.m. there 5.30 shilt did fine.2nd Adam through his sheep a.m. Willie & I left Raemurrick 2 p.m. at Howbog 6 p.m. got a fearful steeping rain from Glass market hill till home about 6 inches of water in cart. Left berries &C at Howtown. 7273 words3rd Gauld took 1 qr ofcorn over to Mrs Souter & to Upper Howbog for things & hoeing neeps a.m. I mending harness & Gauld cutting hay p.m. Jas Reid here & him & I squared up. I received from him £45 rain at night again.4th A lot of rain last night. Hay too wet for cutting a.m. We thrashed & I mending harness & Gauld bags a.m. He cutting & I tried a few bouts p.m.5th Gauld cutting hay & I cutting awhile then I turned a few bouts of hay then we coled it.6th Gauld cutting hay & I too finished a.m. Coling hay p.m. thrashed at night. Lea Smith here noon wanting me to draw 3 teeth did not do it for spoiling his looks.7th Gauld to Aldunie with horned quey to bull Johnnoie driving her morning. I turned hay & coling. We put up 20 coles of hay today a fine day.8th Coling hay a.m. came on rain then we hoeing turnips cold afternoon Gauld away tonight.9th I at Church. Jas Reid here seing his quey p.m. Adam & George Shearer here seeing us today. Gauld at Howtown.10th Gauld at Reids with 5 planks & bag of taties & bag of small ones to Day Duncan & to Willie to Bridgend & got shoe on Dasey & Johnnie & I at haay a.m. us all at hay p.m. home tea 12lbs.

11th Finished coling of hay by 9 a.m. then Gauld at peats & I went over coles & tightened rapes Gauld peats p.m.12th Gauld away to Howtown to drive in his pats peats. Stayed there all night. Harry Nicol away with sheep. Boys & I hoeing neeps a.m. & p..m. we thrashed.13th I turning peats in moss a..m. & p.m. Jas. Reid here noon got my spirit level. Gauld driving peats to himself yesterday & today took home meal with him. A. Souter landed here at night.14th Began to drive peats. Gauld driving 10 loads I fencing back park a.m. reids quey calved 11 a.m. A. Souter calved her . I drew a tooth to Bell reid. Very warm day.15th Took corn rick into mill & put straw rick into cornyard a.m A Souter & Gauld took up rick & boys & I took round straw. Home 3 loads peats p.m.16th Wm Smith Lumsden here a.m. seeing Reids calf. Annie & boys at Sunday School & stayed Church with me very warm day vis: Jas Reid, E. Innes & G Gordon p.m. Gauld away.17th Took in 2 ricks of hay. Willie & I took hay in about with Dasey & Gauld, Reid, E. Innes & A. Souter put up ricks p.m. Gauld & I fencing a.m a very fine day.18th Fencing a.m. in back park. Souter, Gauld & Willie took in & ricked last of hay has 3 ricks p.m. & Johnnie & I gathered sheep out of hill & took lambs off ewes p.m. has 50 crosses & 84 BF19th I at Dufftown sp. sale riding on Dasey had tea at Laggan left about 7.30 John Robertson, Mrs Robertson & Miss Bowman there too. Harry cutting hay Gauld fencing hens into cornyard & cutting thatch.20th Willie, gauld & I fencing all day from Burn of Bank to bog at Bodiebae part of fence.21st Gauld to Shenval with Poll to horse but no use. A. souter & I at Aldunie with Dasey. Saw the Eclipse of the Sun. came on a fearful afternoon of thunder & rain & some hail. Gauld at Aldunie with Bet cow at bull. Souter & I at meeting in School.22nd At Huntly lamb sale. Boys with me. Johnnie away to Carnie drove with Dasey to Huntly, paid Jas Murray £10 & A. Jessiman £2”2”6 a very fine day. Gauld cutting thatch. Jas Reid cow & calf away tonight.23rd Elsie Bruce or Duncan calling today. Gauld away inover to Largue for a ewe & lamb of mine p.m. A. Souter, Lizzie, Willie & annie at School tonight at preaching a very fine day.24th Gauld cutting thatch & I washed some dirty lambs a.m. Gauld, A. Souter & Willie winnowed 9 qrs corn & mending mill wheel & then we thrashed p.m. Bell Reid came here tonight.25th G. Gordon Bracklach over looking at my lambs offered me 24/6 for 40 & 16/- for 9 shots. Alexr Souter away inover the hill tonight Gauld at Gartly with 4 qrs corn to Harvey.26th Gauld carting peats all day & G. Gordon Bracklach, my Willie & I at Alford sale of lambs. I sold 40 of my cross lambs @ 24/6 & 9 shots @ 16/- to  G. Gordon.27th Gauld carting peats 10 loads has home. Willie & I to Glen of Largue for unclipped ewe & ewe lamb had dinner at Toll of Frake(?) I looked Clashenrae for more sheep got none of mine.28th Gauld at Gartly with 4 1/2/qrs corn to Harvey. I clipped ewe & marked lamb which I got yesterday. I have today 50 cross lambs BF ewes do, 43 & 41 wedder 7 1 ram lamb. Mackay boy here for Ben dog noon. 29th Gauld carting peats all day has home 45 loads. Willie & I hoeing neeps.. Wm Beattie ricked his hay today. A. Gordon up with sheep to Bracklach.30th Annie & I at Church & Bella at meeting at School at night. Gauld at Howtown. Vis Jas Reid & George Rennie. Jane Spence staying at Duncans Powneed some rain noon. 31st I sorting low peat road & gathered in lambs & Gauld carting peats from low bank p.m. I took gig down to Shands to mend. 8237w 497 min September 19141st I at Maryfair riding took home Ben dog. I drew a tooth to Jas Reid on way home at Elrick.2nd Willie & I at Dufftown Special Lamd sale. G. Gordon Bracklach away with his flock 49 cross lambs from me Gauld cut some sprots & thatch & thrashed very warm day. I drew a tooth for ernest of Lodge.3rd Gauld at Dufftown for a boll of lime & home cart from Shands. I painting other cart wheels & cart & mending Dasey gig. Willie at Bridbend with Dasey getting a fore shoe p.m.4th Gauld cutting thatch all day. I mending cart & painting same.

5th I at Huntly sp. lamb sale went past Raemurrack for Johnnie stayed there all night. Annie with me very warm day. gauld at thatch & thrashed.6th left Raemurrick 2 p.m. came past dufftown & at Cottage 6 p.m. a fearful warm day. Lizzie & 2 bairns at preaching I drove them home.7th Frosty this morning. gauld at thatch & I gathered in sheep a.m. Boys & I painted 1,2 7 3 shear ewes p.m. Gauld for sprots & thatch p.m. has in today 1 shear ewes (25) 2 shear (52) & 3 (41 4 shear (61)8th I marked ewes for crossing whole m. Red 39 Broken M. Blue 22. Gauld cutting bedding all day. 9th Made ready for dipping a.m Willie, Jockie & Gauld catched & I dipped Ewes 180, Lambs 85, Rams 6. Dipped lambs with McDougalla Bloom 1 gallon & 6lbs sulphur & ewes with Morrisons & Robertsons Highland Poisonious dips. 10th we took out binder & put her together. Gauld pointing up byre with lime p.m. I at sale of corn & wood at Manse at night. I bought a lot of wood @ 1/6 Jas reid 1/2/ acre corn £3”511th gauld to Manse for load of sticks & home 2 loads of rashes & I put 118 ewes to far hill & 61 in near hill a.m. I letting out rapes a.m. dunns shepherd here for his sheep. I promised the minister 5/- for the War fund.12th Gauld to gartly with 4 qrs corn I sorting binder pole painting same & let out rapes. Bell & Willie harvesting to Jas Reid today some showers of rain. good home 2 lbs nails 4d Bricacid 2d vaseline 2d pencil 1d Keatings powder 3d.13th Gauld away by 5 a..m. to Howtown he does not stay at home a single Sunday. Lizzie & I at Church. Boys at Sunday School. Bell, Annie & mary Jane to cottage p.m. I dressed a lamb nearly eaten alive with maggots p.m. cold showers today.14th Boys at Lodge & Dasey poney. Gauld & I shifted straw up to sheaf end of mill a.m He to Bridgend with both mares & got them shod & let out rapes p.m. Took foal away from its mother.15th Boys at Lodge also poney. Gauld clearing roads in clean ground for binder, I fixed up manger in old stable & masoning some.16th At Bracklach with Poll mare in binder a.m. Alix gordon came & we took down binder & yoked in mares but Meg would not go so we loused & put them into sledge with big stones on. Gauld tells me Bet cow is bulling today. Boys at Lodge but not poney today. 17th I at Rhynie Market, wife & baby with me to Howtown. I paid Jas Murray acc £6 & Andrew shoemaker £3. Wife & I called at Mill of Lesmore, got a steeping before we got home a very bad day. Gauld cutting some grass. Boys at Lodge.18th I at Elrick riding & Gauld cutting roads in lea above house a.m. cold showerie day I saddlering p.m. Boys at Lodge.19th Boys at Lodge but turned home. Reid here I cut his hair & made box for nails. Gauld & Willie carted home thatch p.m. Mains here with cart a.m. & away with 5 bags of chaff; wet showerie day.20th Gauld down to Scurdargue. I & Bell down at Cottage p.m. wet & showerie a.m. more settled p.m. Jessie Nicol here p.m.21st Gauld cutting wiith scythe all day & Bell & Lizzie binding. Maggie Law helped awhile. Wm Beattie took click tonight a very fine day we cut lying bit of clean ground 22nd Willie to Bracklach for A. gordon to help us yoke Meg in binder & Jockie to Powneed for horse muzzle. I let Gauld on to binder & I stooked. 23rd Cutting with binder had to stop for rain before night. Gauld stooked up what we cut first at end of park. 24th A frosty dew in the morning cleared roads a.m started binder & cut out bit at top finished by 5 p.m. then we cut a bit at foot of park. Willie to Powneed for 4 balls of binder twine. Binder will not work with Cop twine.25th Cut out clean ground at end & bit of lea above houses a.m Gauld cutting with binder & I stooking p.m. a very fine day windy most of them leading Howbog cliack today.26th Started binder 7 a.m finished cutting back park at dam 12 noon clearing roads in back park p.m. Gauld & I cutting, & Lizzie & Bell gathering most of them leading a fine day rain at night.

27th Gauld away home. I at Church & Willie in his bed. A fearful tempest of wind stooks all down & I had to get Harry Nicol to help me to tie down hay & straw rick with ropes. 9169 words28th A wild showerie day stooks all flat. We hewked all the clean ground but falt at end of field. Jas Roy landed here. We set up near all the lea stooks.29th Gauld & Jas Roy set up lea stooks morning then we started to lead end of clean ground took in 3 ricks I built 2 & gauld one. Jas roy forked in yard a very fine day.30th started binder in bavck park morning & gauld let horses run off first bout. I got them stoped & cut out the field by 5 p.m. Jas Roy cut with scythe & Jas Reid Jnr here helping a very fine harvest day.October 19141st rainiing all forenoon. Jas Roy down at Reids a.m. Gauld cut beasts meat & I mended hay frame a.m Jas Roy, Gauld &I set up lea stooks p.m.2nd A big dew in corn all forenoon Gauld set up stooks in back park & Jas Roy & I set up rick kilns a.m. Jas reid came noon & we yoked 2 carts & we took in 2 1/2 ricks all the clean ground came on rain at night.3rd Started to lead at 5 a.m. got rick finished had to stop for rain started again & we took in all below the dam Jas Roy forked to me in yard & Willie on field. Jas Reid here for shilt & machine to go to dufftown with bicycle strong wind p.m.4th Jas Reid came home with shilt & machine Gauld away to Howtown. Jas Roy, Jockie & I gathered lambs out of hill p.m.5th Cattle taken in tonight. Started to lead about 10 a.m. G Gordon brought up paraffine Wm Smiths man & cart & G Gordon & cart & my own 2 carts leading p.m. took it all in by 4 p.m. 4 ricks Jas Reid here p.m. & drove Dods mare , Gauld Meg, Willie Poll, Roy forked.6th Wet morning Roy & I to Dufftown sales with Dasey in gig I sold 20 broken mouthed ewes @20/- each & 34 BF wedder lambs @15/3 & old BF ram £1”3 Gauld raking p.m.7th Gauld raking with Poll below dam & I raked bit at cots a.m. we took inover binder to hay ricks I raked out back park & Gauld took rakings into mill with Meg from above houses p.m. a fine day Jas Roy helped Harry Nicol to cut his farm.8th Jas Roy left this morning I to fsar hill with him & gathered inover sheep & counted them wants 15 ewes Gauld took in rakings from back park & raked out clean ground I down at School at night at the Duke of Richmond & Gordons recruiting meeting just 2 joined Alex Kelman & a chap Smith.9th Gauld thatched hay rick & I sorting heads of ricks a.m. had to take down Gaulds big rick it hot to foon made 2 ricks out of it & Dods hewk & a load of rakings off clean ground p.m. I had to take the head off another of Gaulds ricks or it would have watered to foon.10th Turned a rick of Gaulds building of lea & he took in tares & a load of rashes a.m. him & Willie taking up taties & Johnnie & I making rapes p.m. a very fine day.11th A very fine morning Bell, Mary Jane & I at Church. Gauld did not go away today, a fine day.12th Gauld & I setting out rapes a.m. then he to Auchmair with foal. Gordon Elrick here with peat spades I left this 4 p.m. & drove to Mid Clova.13th I left Mid Clova 6 a.m. & was in Aboyne 9.30 went past Boltenstone & threw Tarlan a big sale of sheep I crossed the Bridge of dee 134 yds wide & had a look threw Aboyne a beautiful place I stayed the night with Matthew Lumsden at Wartle farm.14th Matthew Lumsden & I at top of Craigleah hill morning then we drove in to aboyne sale of rams I sold Ben dog to Matthew for £2 I left Aboyne 2.30 p.m. came past Crossroads of Lumphanan & past Alford & Lumsden home here 10 p.m. a very fine day.15th Gauld thatched a hay rick & 5 straw ricks & I helped him to rape them I gathered in sheep from far hill a.m. I drew & marked 41 ewes for crossing & I had 41 marked before so that is 82 marked.16th Gauld took in tares & him & I ironed 44 ewe lambs fig I off horn a.m. he pulling heads off taties & gathered taties off top & I at Cabrach market.17th Gauld & I pulled heads off taties & carried them off & I made pit a.m. just managed before dark. Gauld away with Ben dog to go to Matthew Lumsden tomorrow with him. I gave him 2/6 to go. a very fine day.

18th Gauld away to Wartle Aboyne with Ben dog I looking after beasts none of us at Church today a very fine day.19th Very frosty this morning. gauld feered stibbles below dam then 9 a..m. dreeled up taties. Bell, Willie, Johnnie, Mary Jane Annie & I gathering a..m.20th I at Rhynie market paid into Bany £46”9/- Gauld down to Cottage with load of taties to Jas reid a.m. harrowed potato ground I paid Jas Gordon Butcher acc. 8/621st Gauld thatching ricks & I raped them thrashed rakings came on rain him & I letting out rapes .22nd Gauld thatching ricks & I raped them & bell & I let out rapes & boys & I took in a hewk of rakings to mill I covered up potato pits a.m. some wet today.23rd Gauld thatching ricks & I gathereed in sheep & Gordon Elrick raped ricks with Gauld a.m. finished I soldered a pail to Gordon I sol;d him 5 BF wedder lambs @ 18/- each a cross E lamb @ 15/- & a 2 shear ewe at 20/- = £5 he away with them & a ewe lamb of mine (cripple) I to Redford with 43 ewe lambs away to winter with Alexr Gordon Reekimlane. 24th Gauld ploughing stibbles in back park & put in strainer at cots a.m. Willie at Bridgend with dasey & got on 4 new shoes gauld & I fencing p.m. a bad wet day Steam mill thrashiing at Kirkton had to stop for rain. began to ploughin back park yesterday.25th Bell Reid away to church went to Cottage & not Church Gauld not away today. Lizzie & I at Bodiebae at the baptism of..26th Gauld ploughing & I ploughing at cots. A BF ram amongst ewes this morning. So I shut the 2 old BF rams into cots & fixed up gates.27th Gauld ploughing all day & I looking at Bridges to what is requiring a.m. I took wood & tools & Eben innes & I took down bridge at Culwine & turned & fixed her up p.m. a fine day. Steam mill came to Powneed tonight.28th Gauld took in half of old rick of straw then him, Willie, Johnnie & I at Powneed at steam mill all day.29th I to Elrick & dressed George Gordons fingers then to Shands 7 got a new barrow wheel & took it to Bridgend & got it mounted Jas Reid jnr with me gave him £1 to pay Morrison shoemaker Glass for me a very bad day Gauld ploughing & took neeps to cots & home. 30th A very bad wet day. Gauld & I to Bridgend with Poll in cart for a swarm of bees from Wm Kellas paid him £131st A very wet day. Gauld cleaning out court at cots a.m not finished. I mending sheep trough & making cover for bees. Gauld all day cleaning cot court which could have been done in an hour. Willie & I took up bees from little house & I thatched them. Wet all day. November 19141st I in bed all day not well. G Gordon here p.m. Gauld not away today.2nd gauld at gartly for 80 corn bags from Cop 7 4 bags of coal for mtself 7 2 bags for George Gordon Elrick & a bag or bran for self from Lime Comp a very bad wet day I ditching a.m. & boys & I let out some rapes Jas Reis here p.m.3rd A fearful spate today. Scholars not at school; took in a rick morning; we made rapes today, & thrashed, water kike to break out of the dam had to leave dam open all night.4th gauld in 2 loads of neeps then him & I cleaning out ditch at tail of dam a.m. he cating out dung with Meg p..m. & I gathered down sheep to back park 160 ewes a very fine day.5th I roade d to Dufftown sale did not get further than Bridgend for bleeding at nose it bled for more than 3 hours Dr Stewart at me. Harry Nicol & willie clipped my ewes tails Gauld at dung Bet cow bulling wet day. A. Gordon came with my druggs 10.30 p.m.6th Heavy rain morning my children not at school. I in bed all day. Jas Reid here seeing me. Gauld at dung & they thrashed p.m.7th Willie & Johnnie at Rhynie getting their boots mended. Gauld carting out dung all day. I still in bed. BF ram broke out of cots& amongst ewes today.8th I up out of bed all day Vis Mr & Mrs Esson & son p.m. A fine day Bell at cottage. Gauld & Jockie down at night.

9th Gauld pulling neeps a.m. him & I took into mill an old rick of straw a windy day . Steam mill up to Bracklach tonight.10th Gauld & boys at Bracklach at steam mill allday. I mending gates at cots a.m. & beasts; over at mill awhile p...m. Gauld away to Howtown tonight going to Towie market tomorrow.11th gauld at Towie feeing market. Boys to Bracklach to mill had to stop a bad day snow & rain. I fencing a.m. Jas Reid took in 2 loads of neeps with Meg & Harry Nicol a load to himself with Poll.12th Gauld shifted straw & then spreading dung a.m. & p.m. scholars not at school a bad stormy day snowing. willie & I to Reekimlane for BF ram paid him £1”5 Harry took inover his corn to mill to get thrashed. 13th Mill thrashing at Bracklach a very bad day rain & snow. Gauld at hill. I thatched H Nicols 9 bushel out over corn to his mother & the straw to Bodiebae.14th Frosty & ground white Gauld pulling neeps & taking in same. Willie & I at Elrick p.m. Mill left Bracklach morning but stuck at Powneed Bracklach & Powneed driving away corn.15th none of us at Church today.16th Gauld ot Bridgend with both mares & got their shoes holed for frost, there all day. I down at Cottage p.m. thrashed Reid at Draughts home & sorted beasts p.m.17th Thrashed then Gauld & I took in a clean ground rick with sledge a.m. killed one rat; he pulling neeps p.m. thrashed again at night. 18th I at Dufftown feeing market did not get a man riding on Dasey. Gauld took home foal from Auchmair & they thrashed p.m.19th Gauld spreading dung a.m. pulling swedes & I pited them p..m. hares & rabbits will soon have them all eaten if not secured; thrashed; a fine day. 20th Gauld pulling swedes & I pitting at them all day fearful damaged with hares & rabbits. Steam mill thrashing at Whitehillock all day. 36 qrs oats firsts a fine day.21st Gauld wisping straw & I pulling neeps & thrashed a.m. he carting in neeps & Willie 7 I at Elrick at steam mill thrashing to Dod frosty morning fresh night.22nd I at church today riding. Bell at Cottage a very fine day. Man kennedy from Cransmill here lost his way coming from Kinnyside.23rd Gauld furring up lower half of turnips & I at Rhynie feeing market & feed a man Charles Cameron Lumsden for £17”10 home by 3 p.m. frosty morning fresh p.m. 24th Gauld & I headed straw rick over again a.m. winnowed 6 1/2 qrs corn & thrashed & I pulled some swedes p.m. a fine day A. Gordon Bracklach here for his ewe.25th Gauld at Mill of Noth with 5 1/2 qrs oats for meal & over for hash both carts. Pol took ill before she got into stable. Jas Reid went for VS he here by 12.30 last night . A. Gordon Bracklach away with his sheep. 26th I sat with Poll mare till 6 a.m. then went to bed 2 hours. Gauld carted up damaged swedes with Meg a.m. ploughing an hour p.m. then spreading dung & I in hill look for sheep caught 5 hares p.m.27th Gau;d ploughing & I making ready for dipping a.m. him & I dipped 159 ewes & 7 rams of mine 6 of G Gordons & 3 of Reekimlanes & one of Howbogs with McDougalls dip got a fine day. Post here at night begging for Infirmary. I gave him 2/628th Gauld ploughing & I at Post office for insurance stamps a.m. Gauld left noon.29th lizzie & annie at church & past Cottage Bella still here Vis Jas, Dod & Jessie Nicol.30th Willie & I pulling neeps; he to Post in morning . Bell left today came back at night with Bright dog. 11477 704 minDecember 19141st I heading neeps a.m. & carted in 4 loads & put them into shed & took in swedes no man come yet only a medling day. Bell away morning.2nd I to Elrick with Dods lambs a.m. he gooing to Lumsden p.m. to see about my man not coming home. Came on bad afternoon of rain Willie to Elrick at night with shilt.

3rd I to Elrick with Poll in cart then Willie took Poll & Dod took his mare & cart & went to Mill of Noth for my meal . Wife, bairns & I took a rick into mill a.m thrashed p.m. Mower VS dressed Polls teeth. Imet carts at road home here at 4 p.m. fearful windy day.4th I carried up meal 7 bolls & kisted it & a qr hash for dog 7 hens meat a.m. wisped up straw , winnowed & bruised corn for horses p.m. & mended old cows sale. Wm Beattie calling, snowing near all day.5th I to hill for sheep & let them alltogether a fearful wild stormy day put sheep in cots at night.6th a rather better day but came on a fearful night of drift afraid of sheep on Culwine.7th Scholars not at school & boys & I took in 4 sledgefuls of neps a.m. took inover a firlot of meal to Jane Dann took nothing for it & wenthrashed & bruised corn p.m. fresh kind today I want 4 ewes today.8th fresh kind today I found 4 lost ewes smored up in wreath at Blue Craig all alive a.m. received 24 cartridges from Eben Innes. I pulled some neeps p.m. 9th Willie & Johnnie to Lumsden to meet Dovie Melvin did not come took a hare to Isa Reid took lamps from Elrick & also tongs I took down barbed wire & tore all my hands; like a storm.10th I very sore head this morning & unable to go to dufftown Xmas sale when head got better boys & I pulled some neeps & we sledged 6 sledgefuls. Willie to Elrick p.m. with Dasey.11th A stormy looking morning none of them at school today. My hands very sore can hardly touch anything. Rob andres landed here with Dovie Melvin. I offered him £18 from now till term noon.12th I pulled 1 1/2 sledgefuls neeps & took them to cots a.m. Jockie & I to Burn of Bank to see & get a hare got nothing. Snowing & drifting p.m. We thrashed p.m. a wild stormy night.13th A big storm on since last night and snowing all day no vis today.14th A big storm on & great wreaths ; raining all day. I shot 3 rabbits & one snipe. thrashed p.m. every place blocked up sheep can get nothing Maggie Law round for as bad a day as it is. 15th Still a bad day raining more or less all day. Culine & Dillet in see of goor or half melted snow boys cleaned out henhouse & we thrashed. Jas reid Jnr here with letters for Maggie Law.16th frosty today & fair. Boys at school. I pulled 3 sledgefuls of neeps a.m. & took them in p.m. Jas reid here & I cut his hair p.m. I shot 2 white hares at night coming to neeps.17th Fresh kind today. Wm Beattie & day Duncan on Buck hare hunting. I shot 3 rabbits sent a white hare to Alf Duncan & a brown one to Mrs Browell. Dovie at Cottage p.m.18th I pulling neeps a.m. & p.m. fine day Oeter Gordon Auchmair here calling.19th Thrashed morning then to hill hare hunting boys driving justgoy 2 a.m. we took into mill rick of old straw p.m. very frosty could hardly keep our feet on snow. 20th sheep all amongst neeps this morning has made a mess of them a most fearful frost today as hard as iron.21st Jas Reis here today he to hill hare hunting p.m. got nothing. Sheep will not settle. Wm smith here for his ewe a fearful frost sheep can get nothing.22nd a very hard frost today. Jas reid sledged inover neeps to cobble to to take out the frost as hard as stones a.m. thrashed last of rick I kept busy herding sheep.23rd Willie & I at Mrs Robertson of Keithmores funeral aged 81 years had Dasey in gig. J Reid Jnr & Jockie looking after beasts hard frost & snowing some.24th Still very frosty Dovie away to Lumsden & I cleaned out cobble for thawing frosted neeps boys 7 girls at school. I shot a white hare 7 caught a rabbit.25th Still frosty Sheep not settling today cold & a change working no schooling today. Dovie did not come home yesterday landed home at 3 p.m. today He & scholars at concert tonight fresh kind tonight26th fresh kind today I plucked some neeps a.m. Willie carted in 4 loads p.m. & jockie threw them in Dovie to grocer with 5 rabbits & I sent a brown hare to Troup & son.27th atempest of wind & rain this morning hard to frost before night. vis James & Dod Nicol and Wm Beattie. 28th I sorted beasts then I went to Bridgend with Dasey & got a new shoe & rest removed & pickes for her & work mares & Mains tongs paid 8d for sorting & a bolt for hasher a fearful road of ice.

29th Johnnie & Annie to Whitehillock with trousers & vest to sort & a white hare to A. Duncan. I shafted 2 graips.30th Frosty a.m a man andrew Clark landed noon needing work I engaged him @ 10/- per week. Willie & I at Cottage p.m. sent a b hare to Jas Murray for L. Reid; received leg of deer.31st Fresh kind morning turned to frost p.m. . A. Clark to Bridgend with brown hare got feet in pot & home 50 cartridges from C Mitchell p.m. 4 pairs away with L Reid to shoemaker. 12498 words 766 min

1915January 26th still very frosty Jas Reid helped us to thrash & bruise corn Alexr Duncan here with my clothes & a pair of new leggings I down at Powneed with them at night.27th A very frosty day took straw up to stable oiled harness carted 2 loads neeps to cobble to thaw thrashed at night 28th I to Dufftown with Poll in cart Willie with me Anderson VS Keith examined Polls mouth nothing wrong with her teeth from Sheed 7st Thorley cake February 19151st I gave sheep neeps today for first time gave them a sledgeful today & one out for tomorrow a.m. Jas Reid here noon gave us a hand to thrash fresh kind today I plucked some neeps p.m. still a hard grip of frost Maggie Law begging for Belgian fund

2nd

Died this dayBorn 25th Dec 1861

The following was written by his widow.April 191513th commenced sowing lea today all the pieces beside the little house Willie harrowing22nd Sandy Souter landed today24th sowed half cleanground George Gordon away with 9 bus, corn Willie harrowingMay 19151st Wilson & Willie amongst sheep a.m. gather them then Wilson to Bridgend for plow Father working in garden2nd father down home3rd Willie & Jockie at Rhynie Wilson & father winnowing corn & took in a rick Geo Gordon 4th Father away at Lumsden Wilson making ready tatie ground Bairns all at school Jane Cameron over for straw & paid me 28/- for corn & gave baby 1/- two girls from Elrick for terebene for horse I cleaning milkhouse. 5th father & Dova taking hay & thrashed Wilson still at tatie ground Bairns all at school Jane Dann paid me 10/- for corn. & gave baby 2/- A. Souter landed tonight again with M Law.6th Wilson over working H Nicoll’s farm Sandy Souter sowed got 12/- from old Jane for doing it Bairns all at school Bella stayed all night A. esson here needing straw for Tillyminnet did not sell him any Dova & I washing blankets 7th Wilson, Father, Bell & Dova all working at taties planted them all Sandy Souter helping them ... Bright dog started to cut the lambs 10 of them 8th Willie down at Cottage with load of turnips Wilson & Willie marking the lambs ... Dr at Nellie ... Sandy Souter left gave Baby 6/- . Hornie cow calved last night a bull calf.12th cabbage plants from Lewie 10013th ... father planted cabbage plants a.m.10617th ... Bairns all at school Jane Spence up with loaf & chessel

18th ... Bairns all at school Jane Cameron over for straw I set two clocking hens today19th ... Bairns all at school. Jock Reid landed tonight21st ... Bairns all at school Cleaned kitchen. Mary Reid here.22nd Dova away to see her mother.25th Betsy Smith over & put spring in sowing machine .26th father getting ready taties for Mrs Shand then to Mrs Shand’s funeral Gaugh Bairns all at school Jane Spence her washing 28th This term day Wilson away Fathger looking after beasts Bairns all at school29th Father at Rhynie with Daisy took Nellie home ...30th Sandy came tonight Janet Nicoll visJune 19155th ... I sent £3”1”1 to Dova Melvin14th Sandy Souter left for Canada gave bairns £1July 191514th.... Bairns at School Bella at School at her music. Mary Sharp round for post bought 2 flags for France relief fund.August 19153rd Mrs Duncan here night for a cheese paid me 4/68th Baby baptised today, James Alec Robert Duncan Vis Father, Mrs Duncan, Bella, Annie at Cottage Sandy in hill a.m. very fine day Rev D. McLean went to Elrick from here did not take his wife as promised9th ... Father got Old Aged pention for first time 5/-12th Sandy, Willie & I putting straw out of mill into cornyard Juna dog killed 21 rats... I made 2 pinnies one for Hellen & one for Dolly.13th Willie at lodge driving rest of bairns at school got their holidays Mary Shearer & her father up. I went down to grave yard & past Cottage.14th Sandy cutting thrustles a.m.15th My sister & I away a drive with baby went by Lumsden & Dr & baby at my sisters Isa then came home by Rhynie & called at Maggies came on a wet night. vis James Reid & Edward Shearer. Daisy did splendid I never tried to drive in my life before she is afraid of nothing. 16th Sandy cutting ragwood19th ... I, Dolly & baby down at Bodiebae & I & rest of bairns picking red currants22nd This is the opening of Church a minister from Glasgow after being repaired25th I & Jockie working in garden up hill for white heather & planted in garden fine day. September 19154th Sandy in moss all day Father up. I, Jockie, baby & James Reid drove to Raemurrick with Daisy All the rest of the bairns at home. 5th Home from Raemurrick by 7.30. got a lot of apples & a big jar of black currants from Aunty . Sandy down at Howtown. 15th ... a motor car up to Bracklach for first time. 17th ...Annie in bed all day got a box of chocklates from Dick. 19th ... Dolly ill & sick today Annie some better..23rd ... Jockie very bad with his throat ..25th Sandy driving peats home 4 loads all home a.m. then finished stack a boy up with a letter telling him his son has been killed at the Dardanelles so he is away down to see them at home poor lad26th Sandy still at Howtown29th Father Dolly & I at Aberlour at the bone Dr McAther...October 191513th Sandy cutting with binder... Father away at Jas Crampshee funeral he died from wounds received in action at a hospital in Manchester..25th Shewan up a& challenged Harry about shooting...

29th ...bairns herding grouse....November 19154th .. Daisy not well Sandy away for VS he came at night gave her a ball Sandy home & went back to Howtown got word of his brothers death 5th Sandy at his brothers funeral...... Daisy not better..6th .... Daisy not better..7th ..Willie & Jockie at Powneed for bran to Daisy. She would not take it.9th ....this Annie’s birthday10th ..Daisy some better ...17th... G smith here & accused Jamie for shooting grouse & Jackie for lifting it which is not true18th... Willie at Lodge got his pay & for Jockie £8”4”6...23rd ...Jockie in bed...25th ...sent cheeses to Murray got 7 1/2d per lb 62 1/2lb £1”13”1026th ... John Sheeds funeral Upper Ardwell28th... Jamie, Willie & Bella away to Cairnie.Wm Dawson Haddoch leading fresh day29th Sandy Souter died 10th August in a Calgary hospital. [Alexander Souter s Alexander Souter & Ann Daun, b 1864] December 19151st Juny bitch got 6 pups2nd... Gauld working about houses... Shewin came & accused him for potching 6th Gauld clipped Daisy a.m. Jockie & Gauld at Rynie to dentist but not his day so Jockie is home again daft with toothache. Jamie & Law in Aberdeen getting tested for the army Jamie did not pass. 21st father landed here last night 1 a.m. sent Gauld away with Daisy for Dr to Jane Spence delivered of a daughter 26th ...sheep ... got one killed with someone’s dogs