Name/Title
Diary, Volume 16, 1810-1811Entry/Object ID
1874.150.13Scope and Content
Sixteenth volume of the diary of Benjamin Simpson of Saco, 1781-1849. This volume covers the period April 1, 1810 through July 31, 1811. 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.
In May 1810 Simpson attended court at York for a week. On Monday, May 28, he was plowing. It was so warm that a number of oxen gave it and some died with the heat. Late in the month he framed an addition to his barn. On Monday, August 13, Simpson began to work on the powder house. He continued for the rest of the week and the next several following. In late October Simpson went to the falls to attend the ordination of Mr. Cogswell. On Monday, November 5, he went to town meeting to “choose a representative to Congress.” He also laid bricks with George that month. In March 1811 Simpson appeared to be working on his own house.