My Tree

Deeply Rooted

Journal

Source 093 – Journal of Helen E. Cooper, 1909

by

Author: Helen E. (Nelson) Branch Cooper
Title: Diary excerpts 1909
Date: 1909
Curator: Christine Fisher
Note:

[in New York with sister, Valeria, and Aunt Hannah]
January 1 – I am not well, have an attack of indigestion and severe pain in my stomache. Am taking Bliss Herb Tablets
January 3 – Am reading the Bible through again in regular course, as rapidly as possible. My eyes are troubling me quite a little which interferes with reading or writing. Glasses need changing, but can’t get to the city yet, and no money to pay for them so must wait.
January 4 – Stomache quiet, but still rejects food. Cannot eat very much and only certain kinds or there will be trouble. Am losing flesh and strength, am very nervous and tire easily.
January 5 – Should mail letters to Iva with postcards to cheer her. Will try to keep cheerful for her sake and…bear the separation as best I can.
January 9 – The great earthquake of December 31 (1908) in Italy is causing world-wide sorrow, but God reigns and prophecy is being fulfilled.
January 14 – Amanda’s birthday
January 17 – A year ago I was taking care of Carl (lost his right hand)
January 28 – 74 years today since father and mother (Moses & Nancy Nelson) were married here in Westmoreland, NY
January 31 – Elam Branch birthday (would have been 66)
February 11 – Roy Branch 20 today
February 14 – Leo Branch 22 today
March 3 – Elam’s birthday; my mother’s death anniversary (Nancy Nelson) – six years
March 4 – Today is the great inaugeral when Taft begins his work of governing a nation
March 17 – One year yesterday since I arrived here (Westmoreland, NY)
March 23 – Meetings have begun in the Congregational Church; Rev. Renshaw as singer, Wyman as evangelist
April 10 – My birthday, 63 today,
June 3 – Watched the eclipse till after 10 p.m.
June 12 – Card from Mrs. Schuyler, Liverpool, England
June 14 – I am losing my hearing
June 27 – Utica, NY – Forest Hill Cemetery
August 5 – Iva’s birthday
August 14 – Valeria’s birthday, 72 years old
August 17 – Have signed a petition for Suffrage
September 6-9 – Celebration in Utica of Blue and Gray; New Hartford
September 21 – Iva in hospital 16 months; that is home to her now
September 24 – Visiting New York City
October 8 – Went to see Naval Parade at Wharf. I have seen the two most noted boats: the Clermont and Halfmoon
October 12 – Valeria is chosen one of three Delegates to the County WCTU at Taberg [Women’s Christian Temperance Union]

Source 095 – Journal of Iva M. Cooper, 1906

by

Author: Iva M. Cooper
Title: Diary excerpts 1906
Date: 1906
Curator: Christine Fisher
Note:

February 12 – Pa was taken sick in a.m.; he died at 10:50 p.m.
February 16 – Funeral for pa. Stayed at Uncle Atwell’s for dinner
February 21 – Grace Babcock is very low. Had a council today; she died at 8:10 p.m.
March 9 – Junia and I head north
April 7 – Ma saw Doc in p.m. They made arrangements about pasture and talked Texas considerably
April 10 – Emma & George were married in eve at Doc’s. Today is Ma’s birthday – she is 60
May 26 – Mr. Smith wants to buy the place
May 31 – Began work in northern office today. Fed job press all day.
June 6 – Worked on the little press today. Printed some election ballots.
June 30 – Got my uniforms in evening ($7.80)
August 5 – Another birthday for me, I’m 23.
September 18 – Got word from Charles that Junia was sick and for me to come
November 4 – Ma and I took a trip to the eagle’s nest and such a time as we had climbing over logs and through brush, up hills and down. O! My!
November 17 – My back is worse. Dr came in evening. Says it is rheumatism and uterine trouble and that I have a small tumor.
November 29 – We did not have any Thanksgiving dinner…we had popcorn in evening
December 2 – We had the old rooster for dinner
December 20 – Elam and I went for a walk in he evening. Went to his church and saw it. Viewed the prison buildings and the city in general from the bluff.

[NOTE: Junia died 23 July 1933]

Source 094 – Journal of Iva M. Cooper, 1905

by

Author: Iva M. Cooper
Title: Diary excerpts 1905
Date: 1905
Curator: Christine Fisher
Note:

January 22 – Frank Lawton’s birthday
May 18 – Amanda’s baby boy born @ 9 am
June 27 – Frank Lawton must have operation to remove appendix
July 9 – Frank Lawton dies
July 12 – Funeral at Lawrence; Elam preached from John 13:7
August 5 – Pa started for camp meeting at noon
August 15 – Pa came home
November 27 – Ma started for New York
December 14 – had my picture taken; also Jesse and baby