This journal contains daily entries that Ohio farmer John Rockhold composed between 1834 and 1858. Rockhold discussed the weather, farm work, interactions with family members and neighbors, and a trip he took to Des Moines, Iowa, in the summer of 1852.
The earliest pages in Rockhold's journal contain financial accounts, many of which pertain to sheep; the inside cover contains a short description of the manufacture of whiskey. Rockhold kept his diary between November 12, 1834, and January 31, 1858, writing most frequently in the 1850s. The bulk of the journal is made up of single-line entries, in which Rockhold described aspects of his life as a farmer, noted deaths, and maintained an account of his family's genealogy. In 2 entries, Rockhold mentioned the 1844 Presidential election and the Liberty Party (page 20).
In October 1854, Rockhold suffered a paralyzing stroke, and his later entries frequently reflect the state of his health. He also commented on his relationship with his son, particularly after November 1856. In addition to diary entries, Rockhold copied some legal documents, including a petition to erect a religious meeting house at Cove Spring (April 12, 1840, pages 10-11). Seven loose financial records and fragments are laid into the volume.
Joseph Rockhold was born on October 8, 1774, in Frederick County, Maryland. His father served in the Revolutionary War. Joseph Rockhold became a captain during the War of 1812. In the early 19th century, he moved to Paint Township in Ross County, Ohio, where he farmed wheat, corn, and other crops, and also served as a justice of the peace. He married Mary Rickets on October 12, 1796, and they had 12 children: Hannah, Rebecca, Elijah, Ruth, Joseph, Samuel, Hezekiah, Matilda, Alfred, Mary, Parry, and Mahala. Joseph Rockhold died on June 15, 1860.
