Name/Title
Diary, Volume 9, 1796-1797Entry/Object ID
1874.150.6Scope and Content
Ninth volume of the diary of Benjamin Simpson of Saco, 1781-1849. This volume covers the period May 19, 1796 through January 31, 1797. It is handwritten in ink on rag paper with a handsewn binding. 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.
In July 1796, Simpson spent a couple of weeks cutting, raking, and hauling hay--an example of the type of farm work that occupied him when he wasn't engaged in his trade. In July and August he plastered for Joseph Barnard of Kennebunk for at least five days. In mid-August, Simpson noted that he was "at Watterborough went to see the people cald Shakers." Later in August he spent a couple of weeks laying bricks for Samuel Boothby. In October he did plastering for Phinehas Kelly and others. In November Simpson was working for Col. Cutts again, this time picking up bricks at the falls, making mortar, and digging a "toomb."Dimensions
Height
5-3/8 inWidth
3-5/8 in