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GEMS
GLEANED FROM CYRUS KNOLL’S DIARIES
BETWEEN 1879-1899
PART
1, 1879 to 1885
Complete
Knoll Diaries in PDF Format
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| Cyrus
Knoll (1855-1899) |
James
P. Knoll (1892- ) |
By
Son, James P. Knoll
(Words in parenthesis inserted
by James for better understanding.)
These
diaries are now on display in the Fleetwood Area Historical
Society Museum
1879
January
1—I am still assistant
station agent at $15 per month. Band serenaded from 12 o’clock
on in town. Then went to Lyons and Bowers. I weigh 112 lbs. (Dad
had typhoid in the fall of 1878. He was sick eight weeks and went
down to 104 lbs.)
January
3—Very cold temperature—6
degrees below zero. Six inches of snow on the ground.
January
7—Last evening Augustus
Barlet was run over and killed by a train near Blandon. He drew
his pay, got drunk, and fell on track on way home.
January
9—Henry Schaeffer,
formerly ticket agent here, died of erysipelas.
January
14—Henry Schaeffer’s
funeral in fore noon. The mourners ate dinner at Brumbach’s
Hotel at 23 cents a meal. There were 402. Charles Sharpe and James
McDonnell, Molly McGuires, were hanged at Mauch Chunk.
January
16—General Grant sails
for India from Marseilles. Heavy snowfall, 13 inches deep. At
singing school and at depot in evening. Trains late.
January
21—Gov. Hoyt takes seat
for 4 years. Harrisburg crowded. Twenty bands and 5,000 soldiers
there. The legislature chose Donald Cameron for U.S. Senator.
January
25—Mr. D. B. Brumer from
Reading delivered an interesting lecture in the school house. The
title was ‘Wonders of Science” (School house was built in
1877).
January
26—Was in Sunday School
in school house in A.M. School was reorganized with P. H. Gehris,
Superintendent; J. F. Hunsicker, Assistant; T. J. Kreidler,
Secretary; and G. W. Clous, Treasurer. Rev. J. S. Herman led
Reformed Service in P.M. in St. Paul’s Church. Rev. Kramlich had
Lutheran Services in School House in evening.
February
1—Wilson Dumn married to
Annie Saylor. Band was there. Had good dinner. I weigh 116 lbs.
(The local band was called Ringing Rocks Band. Dad played the
piccolo.)
February
4—I quit work at the
station today. I could no longer stand being under Agent Bunyon.
February
5—Surprise birthday party
at Jacob Noll’s Hotel. Amanda Noll’s birthday.
February
14—105th monthly drawing
of Louisiana State Lottery with 1857 prizes, totaling $110,400.
February
15—F. B. Barto estate sold
by sheriff. Jacob Rothermel bought the home for $1200.
February
18—Borough Election. I was a
clerk. Partial results: Justice of Peace - Win. Bernhart; Burgess
- Win. S. Merkel; Council - Geo. Keller, G. B.
Yoder; School Directors - Lewis Schaeffer, Geo. Dewes.
February
21—Howard Rothermel was
appointed assistant ticket agent.
February
22—I weigh 127 lbs. Got
$3.00 for clerk at election.
March
6—Ordered a ticket in the
Louisiana Lottery for $2.00. Visited Annie Knauss primary school.
March
12—Helped brother James
sweep his local secondary school in P.M. Then went to Yoder’s
Hotel and saw a trapeze performance and tight rope walking.
March
16—Clear and cold. Was in
Sunday School in A.M. Joshua Schlegel’s children, who go to
Kansas tomorrow, were presented with Bibles.
March
25—The local school
closed today (School then only lasted 5 months).
March
27—Roads quite muddy. I
taught for John Hunsicker at Stone Lane today. I had that school
in 1874.
April
1—Went with a surprise party
to Zimmermans who moved to Blandon. Took supper there. I danced
for the first time with Amanda Noll.
April
9—Dug half of our garden
today. Planted onions and potatoes. We have 2 clucks breeding out
eggs.
April
14—This A.M. Emily Peter
left for Lititz Academy. W. C. Kline and Peter Gehris go to school
in Reading.
April
26—Started white-washing
and till evening had done fence, pig stable, and privy. Helped
with borough account. In treasury - $16.29. I weigh 142.
May
5—Today David Moyer and
John Leibeisperger started West. They provided 1/6 keg of beer at
Herbein’s Mill. R. Peter and I helped empty it. Was in Allentown
and Bethlehem looking for work.
May
10—Fire in the Blue
Mountains. The sky was well illuminated.
May
13—Very dry and dusty.
Jacob Lutz began sprinkling the streets. Business men pay him.
May
20—Contracted with
school-board to whitewash school fence for $3.74.
May
23—Battalion here today.
Hampden Fire Co. of Reading here with 75 men. Gave a hose fighting
exhibition at Koch’s dam. Kutztown Band and Snyder’s Drum
Corps here.
May
25—In S. School in A.M.
In Evangelical Church in P.M. on N. Franklin St. Church had been
renovated. Revs. Stauffer and Bowman preached.
May
30—Band helped in Blandon
parade in A.M. Later paraded here. Sunday School, 2 lodges and
Blandon Lodge in line.
June
4—Worked at Schaeffer
Merkel helping Tom Kreidler send out hand bills advertising the
machinery made by firm.
June
11—At shop again. Hands
dissatisfied with pay. Bosses raised wages 10 cents per day.
June
14—Today our choir
traveled to Ziegel’s Church to help in a concert of 5 choirs.
They were Fleetwood, Fogelsville, Lehigh, Ziegels, and Bowers.
June
17—Received $7.00 for
work at shop. Took 10:04 train to Reading, then stage to
Bernville. Walked from there to Uncle Dan Christman’s farm near
Schaefferstown, where I will help on farm.
July
14—Tried to sell fence
gates to farmers in Schaefferstown area. Walked a lot but sold few
gates. Had ice cream often at Uncle Dan’s. While there attended
Church at Host.
August
20—After the farm work
was done at Uncle Daniel’s, I helped his neighbor Zerbe with
some work, plowing and harrowing. Had watermelon afterwords.
September
12—Came home on the 10th
and today met with Band to parade with firemen in Reading.
October
7—Our well has gone dry.
We fetch water from the shop well.
October
8—Helping out at
Schaeffer Merkel again. Tom Kreidler went to Nazareth Fair.
October
—Today the shop bosses are at the fair. Peter McManus hanged at
Sunbury. He is the 20th Molly McGuires to be hanged (The McGuires
made a lot of trouble in the mining regions).
October
13—At shop office again.
Today the local schools started. The teachers are Solomon Hoch,
Grammar; Albert Kline, Intermediate; James H. Knoll, Secondary;
Annie Knauss, Primary.
October
14—Helped Tom Kreidler
levy school tax. Total was $1260. Paid 65 cents to have shoes
soled.
October
20—Stone Lane School
opens. I. W. Rauenzahn, teacher.
October
29—The firm of S. H.
Rothermel and Brothers is now changed to Melot Schaeffer & Co.
M. B. Melot and Nathan Schaeffer bought the property.
November
11—Mother complains of
chills and fever. Dr. Lentz attends. We have Kate Koch as maid.
November
14—Mother’s better.
There are only 3 wells that are not dry. They must provide water
for 1000 people.
December
18—Father went to
Jefferson to attend his brother Israel’s funeral. Israel had
been helpless with rheumatism for 6 years.
December
23—William Madeira
accidentally shot himself with his revolver. Bullet entered
abdomen.
December
24—William Madeira died
of his wound. Sunday School entertainment was held tonight to a
crowded house.
December
25—In Sunday School in
A.M. The children received their gifts.
December
29—Madeira buried. Great
concourse of people. 543 mourners ate at Yoder’s Hotel.
1880
January
1—I still work at
Schaeffer Merkel & Co. Not in bed during night. Band played
all night at Fleetwood, Lyons, Pricetown and Stony Point.
Collected $53.26.
January
4—In Sunday School in
P.M. These officers were elected: Supt. - P. H. Gehris; Asst.
Supt. -Solomon Hoch; Secy. - I. W. Rauenzahn; Asst. Secy. C. F.
Knoll; Treas. - C. F. Reifsnyder.
January
19—At noon Adam Schaeffer
returned from Indiana with 2 carloads of horses.
January
31—At shop as usual. My
pay was raised from 80 cents to 90 cents a day. All hands were
raised 10 cents.
February
6—Was at shop. In
Evangelical Church in evening. Annie Merkel and Nathan Hoch are at
the bench.
February
14—Band serenaded Adam
Schaeffer and his bride, Agnes Rothenberger. We got $5.00.
March
6—Dramatic Club went to
Topton and put on 4 plays.
March
8—Was at shop. Tonight I,
Uriah Eisenhart, and Conrad Keller joined the K. of P. Lodge.
March
10—In town tonight and
joined the P.O.S. of A. They elected me secretary.
March
14—Sunday. Today Rev.
Adams, the new Evangelical preacher, delivered his first sermon.
March
18—James’ school ended
today (They only have 5 months).
March
27—Was at shop. My boss
Lewis Schaeffer brought gold from Reading to pay the hands. I got
$10, the most gold I ever owned. Father got $50 for his labor.
April
5—Today George Moyer, Oscar Angstadt,
Nathan Schaeffer and I dug graves to bury Sallie Dumn, who died of
consumption April 2. Funeral in P.M. conducted by Rev. Adams. At
taffy party with brother James in evening.
May
28—Went with band to
Kutztown, where we played at the 10th anniversary of the Keystone
Literary Society.
June
1—Was at shop. This A.M.
Henry Wieandt, who worked at Melot & W.N. Ore Mine, was
instantly killed by a bucket falling down the shaft on his head.
He leaves a wife and 11 children. C. A. Messersmith began taking
census in town.
August
21—Band went with St.
Paul’s Sunday School excursion to Bowers to play for picnic. Big
crowd.
September
2—Many from town went to
camp meeting at Oley. Brumbach takes passengers in his carriages
and Yoder carries them in his omnibus.
September
4—Band played today at
Gernant’s Church picnic. In evening serenaded David Moyer and
his bride, Charity Schlegel.
September
29—Went to Reading Fair
with Peter Yoder and H. Gehris to set up machinery exhibit. Saw
Schearer go up in his balloon, Ariel. He sat on a ring below the
bag.
October
3—In Herman’s Church in
A.M. Took Lord’s Supper. James M. Rothermel, aged 30, buried
today. Not all the mourners could get in church. Rev. Apple of
Hamburg officiated.
October
11—Melot’s pump gave
out. Local schools began with Solomon Hoch in Grammar department:
A. M. Kline, Intermediate; Miss Kaufman of Reading, Secondary; and
Miss Bieber from Kutztown, Primary.
December
1—Snow and slush today.
Was at shop and Camp 103. A new station agent arrived in town,
Jacob Schaeffer.
December
13—Bernhart began
harvesting ice with new shute. Sarah Rothermel, daughter of James
Rothermel, buried today.
December
24—Xmas entertainment
held in church. It lasted from 7 to 10 P.M.
December
29—Snowed all day. By
night snow was 13 inches deep. Good sleighing.
December
30—Very cold.
Lenhartsville reported 22 degrees below zero. Reading 18 degrees
below.
1881
January
1—Very cold. At 6 o’clock
it was 10 degrees below zero. Band played a short time on Main
St., but the instruments froze. Father and I are still at shop.
January
2—In Sunday School in
A.M. P. H. Gehris is Supt., Solomon Hoch Asst. In Evangelical
Sunday School in P.M. Dan Keichner, Supt. and Lewis Wanner, Asst.
January
7—Went with sleighing
party to Rothrocksville. There were 8 couples in single sleighs.
Had turkey & waffle supper and danced. I had Brumbach’s
horse and Nathan Schaeffer’s sleigh. Cost me $4.96.
January
14—In band meeting. I was
elected president and treasurer.
January
18—Paid 25 cents to poor
woman. More snow this winter than at any time since we came to
Fleetwood in 1871.
January
21—Rain. Was in
Evangelical Church in evening. Annie Hoch, Annie Gehris, and Mary
Angstadt found grace at bench.
February
15—Borough election
today. I helped as clerk. Part of result: Burgess, Cosmos Schwoyer;
Council, Dan Schaeffer and E. M. Mill; School Director, C. A.
Messersmith & Levi Lutz.
February
27—In Sunday School in
A.M. In Koch’s Meeting House in P.M., where they had Lord’s
Supper and feet washing (Koch’s Meeting House is now the
Missionary Church).
March
28—Solomon Hoch and Mrs.
Bieber are teaching summer school in school building, completed
1877.
May
4—This was Barnum show
day in Reading and 204 people went down on first train.
May
18—Helped whitewash
cemetery fence. There were 25 whitewashers.
June
19—Amos Melot died last
night of consumption.
July
2—Great excitement in
Washington. President Garfield was shot twice at Union Station. He
is expected to recover.
July
6—Guiteau, Garfield’s
assassin, attempted suicide.
July
12—Hot and dusty. Shop is
sending threshing machines to many places everyday.
August
25—Local camp meeting on
Heydt’s Hill well attended. The’e are 60 tents up. Big crowds
came with every train. Total collected for missions is $700.
September
3—Band played for picnic
at Clay Valley. Martin Schaeffer’s barn burned to ground.
September
19—Pres. Garfield died at
1:35 P.M.
September
20—Martin Kelchner’s
house burned down.
September
25—Played with band in
Firemen’s Parade in Reading. Fifty musical organizations and 60
Fire Companies in line. Parade 3 miles long.
October
8—I resigned from the
Ringing Rocks Band.
October
10—James Boyer killed
under a falling bank of ore in Leiss, Delong & Schwoyer’s
Mine. Age 43.
October
14—Samuel Fox died of
apoplexy while attending funeral of James Boyer in Pricetown.
October
18—School began today.
Primary, Sallie Bieber; Secondary, Emma Kalbach; Intermediate,
Albert Kline and Grammar, Solomon Hoch.
December
9—Local institute held
with 61 teachers present. Cecilia Heydt, Dr. N. C. Schaeffer, Miss
Bieber and Miss Bareford of K.S.N.S. had part in program.
December
24—We packed 280 packages
for Sunday School children. I got a nice hat band and silk
kerchief from Amanda Moll.
December
25—Green Xmas. In church
in A.M. In Sunday School in P.M. We presented Supt. Gehris with a
new suit. I gave my Bible Class each a Bible Dictionary.
December
29—For New Year’s gift
I bought A. Noll a $1.40 silk kerchief and cologne.
1882
January
15—In Sunday School in A.M.
In Evangelical church in evening. Annie Merkel and Emma Miller at
bench. Good skating on Koch’s Dam.
January
23—Very cold. In K. of P.
Lodge. People cutting 7 in. ice.
January
27—Helped to raffle off a
bull weighing 2200 lbs. Owen Koller and Geo. Shade won bull, both
throwing 46 at dice.
February
1—Mother is ailing. Heavy
snow 16 in. deep. Snow at Wilkes Barre 32 in. deep.
February
7—The prize fight between
Ryan and Sullivan for $5000 was won by Sullivan In 9 rounds.
February
13—Was vaccinated by Dr.
Fretz. He is also treating mother.
February
25—Mother not well; getting
weaker every day.
February
28—Mother died tonight at
7:15. We sat up with her day and night. Her last words were: “Won
mer so gut obgawort gright, geb ich nix meh drum” (‘When I am
waited on so well, I don’t care anymore”).
April
1—At shop. All hands paid
up to April 1. It took over $5000. I got $33.76. Went to Reading, to
see “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
April
4—Wilson Peter of Lyons
died. Hotel owner Brumbach moved to Oley and Geo. D. Schaeffer took
his place at Fleetwood House. Brother James is telegraph operator at
Long Branch, NJ.
April
6—Annie Hoch, daughter of
Ben Hoch, died. She had been burned at Stone Lane School.
May
30—At shop in A.M. No work
in P.M. Keim Post of Reading came out with the Cumru Band. Our band
paraded with them to the 2 cemeteries, where the graves were
decorated with wreaths.
June
30—Guiteau hanged for
murder of Pres. Garfield.
July
15—Helped harvest Mrs.
Messersmith’s wheat. Each got 75 cents and supper at Jacob Noll’s
Hotel. Morris Melot married Clara Kemp. Band there. Many got drunk.
July
25—Went with father, Geo.
Moyer and Jacob Keim with an excursion to Gettysburg. Saw a fine
dress parade of the G.A.R. and a sham battle.
August
5—Went with Sunday School
excursion to Lititz. Train had 15 cars all full - 245 local and 355
from Blandon.
September
6—Morris Melot’s wife
presented him with a baby girl and boy.
September
7—Made a trip to Mauch
Chunk to ride over the switchback to Glenonoko.
September
28—Big day for Reading
Fair. Gen. Beaver, Rep. Candidate for governor, was there.
October
24—Attended the
Bicentennial at Philadelphia commemorating Penn’s Landing in 1682.
Vast parade - 20,568 people in line. Big fireworks display.
November
9—Dan Koch sold his mill
property to Frank Fritch.
November
27—Laid off at shop. I have
a tumor on my left hip; Dr. Fretz calls it a “schlur.” Nothing
but black blood comes out. Very painful. We poultice it every day.
December
12—Dan Yoder filled his new
ice house with 6 in. ice. Kelchner Bros. and Bernhart were also at
it.
December
16—C. A. Messersmith
married Sallie Bieber.
December
18—Father went to Blandon
to attend the funeral of Alfred Machmer, who shot himself on account
of a girl. He picked his own pastor and pall bearers. He also picked
4 girls to sing “Safe in The Arms of Jesus” at the house, and at
the church they were to sing, “I Want To Be an Angel.” His
wishes were carried out and church was crowded.
December
25—Green Xmas but ice on
dam. Received a nice photo from A. Noll.
December
30—My sore is improved.
Have many visitors. Dan Schaeffer died at 5:00 A.M.
1884
January
1—Was in store. I now work
as clerk in Schaeffer Messersmith’s store at $180 per year. Father
is still at shop. Brother James is operator at Reading Depot. I
weigh 134.
January
5—Very cold. Geo. D.
Schaeffer filled his ice house with 9 in. ice.
January
6—In Sunday School where I
was elected secretary.
January
25—Fine sleighing. Nathan
Schaeffer took a group of ladies out to Rothrocksville.
February
3—Cold. In Kramlich’s
church in A.M. Presided at the organ. In Sunday School in P.M. (Dad
seldom missed church or Sunday School if he was well).
February
9—In school house in
evening. Heard Henry Houck lecture on “School and Home.”
February
19—Borough election. Father was judge.
Partial results: Justice of Peace - Win. Bernhart; Burgess - John
Herbein; Council - George B.
Schaeffer, Henry Schlegel, Adam Schaeffer; School Directors -
C. F. Reifsnyder, C. A. Messeremith; High Constable - Jacob Lutz.
March
1—Cold. Thermometer at
zero. Got two teeth filled by Peter Gehris for $1.00.
March
19—At store. Dan Schaeffer
sick. Hallie Reifsnyder, aged 18, died.
March
22—Very muddy. Henry Houck
delivered a lecture on “Heroes and their Deeds” in the new
chapel.
April
29—Was in Reading to
Forepaugh’s show. About 25,000 people saw the two shows.
May
5—Was at store. Not in
lodge. Peter Heffner was at Coleman’s saloon playing pool when his
wife came in with a pick and knocked a hole in the table (a
pre-Carrie Nation stunt).
June
4—Shop working 11 hours.
Monroe Kelchner lost his hand in a fodder cutter (That hand was
buried in Fleetwood Cemetery).
June
17—In store. We pay for
butter 16 cents, eggs 16 cents and bacon 10 cents.
July
12—Washington Kemmerer and
horse were killed on the railroad near Walnuttown.
August
1—At store. Paid father $10
board for August. The Seventh Day Adventists put up a tent for
meetings in George D. Schaeffer’s orchard.
August
8—Was in tent meeting.
Services are well attended. Rev. Conrad is well liked.
September
6—Went with excursion to
Mt. Gretna, when near the park our train collided with a ballast
train. Both engines badly damaged, but nobody was hurt.
October
12—At 8:30 A.M. Sunday
School was held for first time in Chapel. Rev. Herman addressed
school. At 10 A.M. Rev. Groh from Boyertown preached. Rev. Hancher
of K.S.N.S. in evening. Collections totaled $69.00.
October
26—At Herman’s Communion in A.M. The
Menonnites baptized Mrs. Bower in dam. In P.M.
the Evangelicals baptized Ed Moll and Griffith Scholl. Then the
Adventists immersed Mrs. Cosmos Schwoyer. People wore overcoats.
November
17—This morning I began as
clerk for Wanner, Schaeffer & Co. at their grain lumber and coal
plant.
November
26—Second heater put up in
Chapel. At mill we pay 80 cents for wheat, 58 cents for rye, 30
cents for oats and 45 cents for corn.
December
5—In Literary Society in
evening. Subject for debate, “Fire Is More Destructive Than Water.”
Affirmative won.
December
19—Clear and cold.
Thermometer at 2 degrees above.
December
26—Second Xmas. In chapel
in evening, where Xmas entertainment was given the second time.
1885
January
1—I am still clerk at Wanner & Schaeffer. I weigh
136 lbs.
January
4—Had skating exercise before going to Kramlich’s
church. Substituted for R. Peter at the organ. In Sunday School in
P.M. where P. H. Gehris was elected supt. and myself, secy.
February
11—Very cold and 6 degrees below zero. John Kline, a
young swell, was caught at Biehi’s hotel for stealing $2.00 from
Mr. Herring.
February
17—Borough election: C. Burgess - J. P. Koch; Council -
Henry Reider, George D. Schaeffer; High Constable - Jacob Keim;
School Directors - Gottlieb Demand, Sam Dumn.
February
19—Father was married recently to Amelia Kline, but I
just learned about it this A.M. Chapel bell, 2043 lbs., was put in
position and rung for first time.
February
22—Sunday School bell used for first time to call
people to services.
March
3—Daniel Rothermel died, aged 39. Bell was used to toll
his age.
April
15—Dan Schaeffer’s child, which was burned by oil
lamp yesterday, died today.
May
12—Fire was discovered at Win. Leibensperger’s barn,
It burned down with most of livestock and contents.
June
10—O’Brien’s Circus here, the first railroad show
that ever stopped here. Town full of people. The 17-year locusts are
here by the thousands. The chickens gobble them up.
June
26—County Supt. Keck held teachers’ exam here. There
were 17 applicants.
July
2—Moses Folk’s boy Ollie (6) died today of lockjaw.
Stepped on nail June 10.
July
17—Went swimming with Brother James tonight and when we
got home, there was a surprise party for me with 30 present. Only
then did I realize it was my 30th birthday.
July
23—Gen’l Grant died today in New York State. He was
63 yrs. old.
August
10—Got a letter from Brother James. He was in New York
on the 8th and saw Grant’s funeral in Riverside Park. James paid
$2.00 for seat on shed to watch cortege of 30,000. The catafalque
was drawn by 24 black horses each attended by a colored groom.
August
22—Attended Sunday School excursion to Calypso Park at
Bethlehem.
September
6—In Sunday School in A.M. Mrs. Joshua Schlegel and her
4 children each received a Bible. They leave on the 8th for Topeka,
Kansas.
September
21—School began Friday. Win. Zechman, Grammar; Welder,
Intermediate; Fretz, Secondary; Ida Sell, Primary.
September
29—Very hot. Mrs. Issac Hoch died. Dan F. Keichner
married Emily Peter. They left for Washington, D.C.
October
31—Lewis Wanner and wife are now at Colorado Springs.
He went west for his health.
November
26—Yesterday Vice. Pres. Hendricks died. Also King
Alfonso of Spain.
December
31—Not cold. Much shooting at 12 o’clock. Church
bells were rung. Band was out as usual.
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