The pencils at the top of this pic were found on an inside pocket.

While they may or may not have been used in the earlier entries, they could also date from later days when others added to his diary to chronicle the passing of family and friends.

This years' diary is larger and much denser in detail than his previous one; with much overwriting of figures, recipes and daily notes, as well as later footnotes and dates penciled in next to the original entries.  Some entries were written over earlier ones or with the stub of a dull pencil and shaky hand, such that they can be a real challenge to transcribe!

We have since found out that our schoolmaster passed away only a few years after these diaries were written.  Since his father died the year before Hayden, it's likely some of the later entries were added by his mother, who lived to be 60 or even one of his sisters.

It is a much more ornate book, with not only the additional pockets and more detailed printed pages inside but gold leafing on the page edges.

Saturday, January 1, 1870

Remember the day you came to Granby January 1st '70. What a splendid day it was and what nice travelling too.

                                      Belle

Arose at 9 o'clock this morning. Dwight Judson and his Ladies had not left the hotel, when I came down to breakfast.

The Ball was a perfect success. Fifty-six couples went down to supper. Some evil-minded sinner had the depravity to purloin my best Sunday hat. There is two dollars and a half gone to ___. Bought a new hat at Mr. Doolittle's this morning.

Started for Granby at 10-15 this forenoon with Mr. Brown's gray mare; arrived about one o'clock. Spent a delightful evening with Belle. Commenced storming about dark.

Sunday, January 2, 1870

It rained all night last night and has kept it up all day. I intended to attend church at N. Granby with Miss D. but  the storm prevented.

Mr. D. went to church, he reports the roads to be badly washed in many places. If it had been pleasant I should have returned to Riverton tonight but as it is must remain until morning.

Sat up with Belle until ----, had a most delightful evening, an excellent commencement for the first Sabbath evening of the year.

Belle's sister Mary teaches the school in this place. She is smart and good-looking.

***********************************************

Edwin Richards

This photo was taken in the later 1800's, it's from my personal collection.  On the back is glued a newspaper clipping marked from 1927.

Another piece of the puzzle.





Monday, January 3, 1870

Arose a little past half six this morning. Took breakfast at 7 oclock and soon after bid my kind friends adieu and started for Riverton.

I found the roads very good in most places, the mud froze last night after the storm abated, very large holes are washed in some places.

I arrived at Riverton at 10 1/4 oclock, too late to teach school.

Miss Sarah at the hotel expressed herself delighted to see me. She urged me to come to the dance at the town hall next Thursday evening and I think I shall go.

Taught school this afternoon. Received a letter from "Mollie."

Tuesday, January 4, 1870

My school was visited today by a couple of young men in the forenoon and Mrs. James and Mrs. Hiram Smith. The committee appointed by the "Ladies Benevolent Association" met this evening. at Mrs. Tufft's to prepare for an exhibition of Tableaux tomorrow eve.

As I have the honor and pleasure of being a member of said committee, I attended; we selected seven Tableaux which will no doubt instruct as well as entertain the good people of this city, both young and old.



Wednesday, January 5, 1870

Attended the Sociable of the Ladies Benevolent Association at Brown's hall this evening. Formed the aquaintance of a Kentfield of New Haven. She is visiting at Mrs. Lawson's.

-added at a later date:-

Married Sept. 18, 1889

Will Cooper

Mary Messenger

Mrs. Birge Died Jan. 26 - 1897

Aunt Sam Died Oct 29 1898

Sermon Read

Thursday, January 6, 1870

Miss Kentfield visiting school this afternoon. I went to the dance dance [sic] with Miss Kentfield and Myron Hart took Miss Lawson. We had a gay time after we stopped dancing.

I saw Andrew B. and his wife, "Sarah" and Celia; also Mrs. Sa. Gregg (?) and several other acquaintances. We had an oyster supper at Heigh Parson's

"Oats"    "Oysters"

       "Napkins"

"Snowstorm"     Dancing

"A devil of a time generally"

Friday, January 7, 1870

Mr. Daniel Alford and Mr. Cram called a ;my school this afternoon. Arrived home from the dance at six o'clock this morning. Felt somewhat sleepy this afternoon Charlie Spencer also called this afternoon.

-added at a later date:-

Bought of Batch:

Beef                DT1  30 Apr 26

   Beef                    5-2  May 3

    Sept. 28                       ct 50

    Oct. 4                                50

    Oct. 11                              50

    Oct. 25                             50

    Nov. 1                               50

    Feb. 18 (1892)               50

    March 28                         50

    May 22                            300

    June 19                            1.00

Saturday, January 8, 1870

Arose at eight o'clock this morning and got ready and took the stage for Winsted. Fred Spencer and Johnny Proper went over with me.

Met Charlie York; also called on Howell Dutton.

Hear of the death of Julia Gillette of Bakerville; she was a lovely young lady. A great loss to B. I also heard of the death of Mary Arnold of So. Berlin N.Y. She used to be a correspondent of mine. I agreed to carry her out riding the next time that I visited Rens(selaer) Co. but that can never be. Frank Young is dead also. It seems if death was making ravages among my friends. It is a warning to prepare for my great and last change.

This next entry was written sideways on the page.

Sunday, January 9, 1870

When at night you kneel down

to petition "Our Father"

And thank him for blessings

He has showered upon thee,

After praying for Father, Mother

Brother and Sister

"ask that his mercy be shown unto me

Amen " so may it be"

Sadie E Kentfield

                                continued....