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Amzi and Lizzie Jones compiled journal entries and financial records in this approximately 350-page volume between 1863 and 1893. Most concern the daily operation of their farm near Smyrna, Tennessee, between 1873 and 1881.

Amzi and Lizzie Jones compiled journal entries and financial records in this approximately 350-page volume between 1863 and 1893. They repurposed an unused, pre-printed "Commission Book" (15.5"x10") formerly owned by J. B. Dunn. The Jones' entries concern the daily operation of their farm near Smyrna, Tennessee, between 1873 and 1881.

The first pages (7-15) and final pages (325-350) contain financial records Amzi Jones kept between January 1, 1867, and September 7, 1878, as well as additional records dated between 1870 and 1880. These reflect his expenses and income. The Jones family occasionally earned money by operating a cotton gin.

The bulk of the volume (pp. 16-319) consists of a "Diary of Farm, Field, Household, and Mill," which Amzi and his wife Lizzie wrote between January 1, 1873, and December 5, 1881. The diary is continued on 6 loose pages laid into the volume (November 6, 1881-December 20, 1881). Amzi composed entries from 1873 until his final illness in late 1878, and Lizzie continued to write regularly until 1881. The couple described aspects of their daily lives, such as social activities and visits, farm work, and finances. Occasionally, they mentioned elections or other important political events, such as President James Garfield's assassination.

Two brief original poems written in 1881 are on page 10; a copy of an 1874 land and labor contract is on page 330; and 2 pen sketches of people in profile are on the front cover and on page 339. Scattered notes on the final pages are dated as early as 1863 and as late as 1893. The volume is accompanied by an undated tintype photograph of Amzi Jones and a sewing pattern or template.

This collection contains letters that Robert E. and Elizabeth Elder of Urbana, Illinois, wrote to their children William and Emma in the 1880s. They shared news of friends and family members and discussed livestock and crops.

This collection (76 items) contains letters that Robert E. and Elizabeth Elder of Urbana, Illinois, wrote to their children William and Emma in the 1880s. They shared news of friends and family members and discussed livestock and crops. Robert Elder composed most of the letters, which also include some brief contributions from his wife. The Elders often discussed news of their son Erwin, who had a nearby farm; Erwin's daughter Nettie, and neighbors, including members of the Clayton and Ruggles families. Robert Elder reported on prices for hogs and cattle and Elizabeth Elder discussed fruit production and canning; in one letter, she shared her suspicion that the 1885 fruit crop would consist primarily of raspberries and plums due to the destruction of peach trees. In his letter of October 18, 1886, Robert Elder described the destruction caused by a recent severe storm, which uprooted trees and destroyed at least one house. Undated items include a letter by Elizabeth T. Elder reflecting upon the recent death of her husband.

This collection is made up of letters that Velma Reynolds Loehr received from family members and a friend between 1904 and 1908. Her correspondents reported on farm life, social events, and other news from Danvers and Le Roy, Illinois.

This collection is made up of 9 letters that Velma Reynolds Loehr received from family members and a friend between 1904 and 1908. The first letter, written by Sadie Yoder in Danvers, Illinois, largely concerns the women's upcoming marriages (February 14, 1904). Members of the Reynolds family, including Velma's father, Gould J. Reynolds, and her siblings Ora, Dolly, [Clinton], and Maude, wrote the remaining letters. Writing from Le Roy, Illinois, they commented on farm work, household chores, news of family and friends, and their social activities, including trips to Bloomington, Illinois, and a street fair in Le Roy. Dolly Reynolds reported that an acquaintance continued to make paper flowers, despite having been married (May 5, 1904), and C. Reynolds (likely Clinton) discussed his plans to work in a canning factory (June 6, 1906). Several of Velma's correspondents mentioned the growth of her sons. Maude Reynolds enclosed two small plants in her letter of July 31, 1906.