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AMOS SMITH : 1894 ORIGINAL HANDWRITTEN DIARY AUTHORED BY AMOS SMITH, A FARMER AND A VETERAN OF THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG FROM ELLENSBURG, WASHINGTON

4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. On offer is a handwritten diary documenting a year in life of a strawberry farmer and Civil War veteran, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Independent Order of Old Fellows from Kittitas county, which gives an excellent insight on what life was like in rural Washington in 1890s. The diary has about 90 pages, all of which except two are densely filled, covering February 1st through December 31st, 1894, 4-5 entries on each page. The cover has reasonable wear, and the pages are slightly yellowed. The handwriting is very legible. The diary measures 5'5x11'5 inch. There is no author's name, but based on the information provided in the diary and search in genealogical records, it can be said with high level of certainty that it was Amos Smith Jr. (1834-1916) from Massachusetts, a veteran of Gettysburg, who served at the 2nd US Sharpshooters, and who later moved to Yakima Valley and became a successful farmer. The family lived in the vicinity of Ellensburg, their daughter Atha lived nearby with her husband Emil Becker and son Leslie, and was growing vegetables, fruit and strawberries, Amos also repaired farm equipment. In addition to farming, he is actively involved in community life, and activity of G.A.R. (The Grand Army of the Republic), an influential fraternity organization of the Civil War veterans, that had about 490, 000 members at that time. The author lists his daily dealings, work on the farm, purchases, correspondence, earnings and expenses, he helps organize and participates in many of G.A.R events. Here some of the typical entries: "Mercury down to 10 below zero this morning, but it is a clear bright day, the girls walked to school this morning. We went to town. I paid Wood six dollars for the use of his acre of land south of me.", "I took the girls to school this morning and went after them at night, saw Lawrence, received a letter from IOOF Herald, also sample package of medicine from Egyptian Drug Co. E.F. Landerdale called and took away his wagon tongue. I commenced work on L. Kinkades box to hack", "Eliza's birthday, she is 18. Ma went to Athas took down some bread, traded a rooster for a hen with Mrs. Suver. Got a notice from N. S. Berlin pension agent at Washington D. C. I made some pickets for the fence. Went to Post [David Ford G.A.R. Post ]meeting. Post made a donation to the Sons of Veterans of fifteen dollars to help pay for organ"; "June 30. Decoration Day. We go to both cemetery in forenoon, and go in Parade to Opera House and we have a very nice program..." He was also a member of the I.O.O.F (Independent Order of Old Fellows): "March 15th. ...I went to sub-Lodge tonight. Nominations for Reb's to Grand Lodge were made, also conferred the 1st degree on Henry Boterson.", "April 25th. I go down and help decorate the Hall for IOOF anniversary. We to R [Rebekah?] Lodge in the evening", "28th. I go down and help decorate the Hall and it looks fine. I sent 8.60 to Baltimore for badges for Post. We all go down in the evening and have glorious time...". He refers to November elections "Good news of Great Republican victories all over the county." On November 8 he was called to serve as a juror: "I go on the jury today...The jury go out and agree in few minutes". He served on the jury until November 21, and he mentions some cases and decisions. There are many names of local residents, including early settlers of the county, and many local events are mentioned throughout the diary. It is replete with small details characteristic to 1890s and has references to historic events, like 1894 NPRR (Northern Pacific Railway) strike in June, celebration of 75th anniversary of IOOF (Independent Order of Old Fellows), and elections to Congress.. Illustr.: /. Manuscript. Book Condition: Good

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