The volumes are arranged first by size (for conservation reasons) and then chronologically.
Stephen H. Ludlow was born on March 16, 1809, in Ludlowville, near Lansing, New York. He relocated to Springport, Michigan, in 1837. Stephen married twice, first to Anna Starr (d. 1869) and, later, to Catherine Joy (d. 1900). Ludlow was a successful farmer and an active community member. With Anna, the couple appears to have had six children. Ludlow died on April 18, 1886, in Jackson County, Michigan.
Stephen H. Ludlow's six journals provide daily accounts of his and his family's life in Jackson County, Michigan from 1877-1885. Ludlow was civically active, an elected member of agricultural associations, and a member of the Greenback Party.
The majority of Stephen's diary entries focus on his family's daily and social activities, including domestic chores, matters related to husbandry and agriculture, beekeeping, religious practices, and Fourth of July observances. Mentions of his wife's sewing, his daughter's participation at Literary Meetings, his son's attendance at the funeral for George Jocelyn (Principal of Albion College), or the family's annual attendance at the State Fair in Detroit create a nuanced picture of the their day-to-day lives. Stephen actively participated in the community, was a member of the Greenback Party, and was an elected member of various agricultural associations. The diaries also include practical information, such as Ludlow's expenses or income connected to travel, repairs, and agricultural earnings. He gave daily summaries of weather conditions and often noted the effects of those conditions on travel and crops.
Ludlow mentioned numerous organizations in his journals, including the Mutual Protective Union, The Grange, Citizen's Caucus, Union Agricultural, Greenback Party, and the Landon School House Annual Meeting. A few example entries include:
- In January 1877, Stephen noted that the United States presidential election of 1876 remained undecided.
- In August 1877, the family went to Springdale to hear "a converted Jew preach temperance."
- On January 22, 1878, Stephen issued "a summons . . . to be served on John Cochran for killing [a] dog." Court proceedings took place on January 31 and February 8. Stephen noted that the jury was out four hours before coming to a verdict.
- In August 1878, he traveled to Concord, Michigan, "as a delegate" to vote for a representative of the Greenback party.
- On September 19, 1879, Stephen commented that "President [Rutherford B.] Hayes & suit were [at the State Fair in Detroit]. He condescended to look at the [hogs] in His Rambles. He was followed by a Host, anxious to touch the Hem of His Garment."
- November 25, 1880, Stephen, rather wryly, remarked that "Thanks Giving Day, by Order of Governor and President . . . As it is Generally Observed, I consider it a Regular Humbug."
