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]