Name/Title
Diary, Volume 17, 1811-1813Entry/Object ID
1874.150.14Scope and Content
Seventeenth volume of the diary of Benjamin Simpson of Saco, 1788-1849. This volume covers the period August 1, 1811 through January 26, 1813. It is handwritten in ink on rag paper with a handsewn binding; it is now housed in a modern paper cover. Most of the entries are a single line. The date is listed at the top of each page, with individual entries (without dates) listed below. Simpson noted his major task of the day and the weather. His entries reflect the seasonal nature of the work of a man who owned a farm but also was a skilled mason.
Simpson begins this volume collecting taxes in August 1811. He continued to collect taxes into October. He also spent time in September and October working on a stump machine.
On Wednesday, February 5, he went “to falls summond a jury to examine the body of Benj Mason which was found and taken out of the river.” In March he hurt his back by slipping on the stairs. He was in pain for several days. Two days after his injury, on the 28th, he had the doctor and “was let blood.” Simpson was still unwell and in pain, mostly unable to work, into mid-April. The only things he noted that he accomplished were house chores and the minor mending of things. On Sunday, June 14, he went to the falls to meeting “Samuel Scamman and his wife with Mrs. Marshall were Baptised by immersion by Elder Converse.” In July Simpson was working on the highway again. On July 4 “to falls for the celebration of the Fourth, oration by W. P. Prebel.” In November he was hewing mill stones for William Moody “at Captain Milicans.”Dimensions
Height
5-7/8 inWidth
3-5/8 in