As Frank entered the army in 1865, unbeknownst to him, the Civil War was in the last few months of conflict. In his previous year's diary we have seen him fulfill his duties of a frontier cavalryman, from riding and guarding to mounted drills and standing picket. I have felt his elation at the news of Lee's surrender and the post's 200 gun salute in celebration. And I feel his shock over Lincoln's death, in awe of actually seeing this event forever recorded on paper in his own hand. Life didn't seem to become any easier after mustering out in June, and months of hard farming were what faced him in post-war days. When the family decided to move, it must have been difficult to leave his hometown of Middlebury, - "over the mountain" - but it appears that his good friends were there with him through many of these days: Lancey Forbes, Norman and Joel Boardman and the others. And there seem to have been some fun times squeezed into into this rugged life as well - games of euchre, dancing, going to the "Citty", and singing school. By now Norman has moved west, as has Julia Yale. A search for a farm has begun and will continue into this next year, even with the move to Ripton... or is it Granville? This is one of the secrets that has yet to unfold as I continue my search for family records and why this took place. Other mysteries are to confirm whether the George and Joshua chronicled here are brothers of Frank. This second diary does reveal one key to Frank's family - a sister Lizzy, with her having written this in his book:

	Frank - May you always be happy an live at your ease, 

	and get a good wife and kiss when you please.  

	Your Sister   Lizzy  

It is amazing to me how extensively Frank traveled, making it seem easy in those early days. The diaries which follow will show continued travels, including leaving Vermont, spending time in Ohio, Michigan and later the Nevada-California territory for awhile. What brought him back East? Read on...

January 1, 1866 - Monday

Killed our hogg.  Father went to Shoreham and Cared

Aunt Mary.  Mr Abbott helpt and had his horse to go to

the Citty.



January 2, 1866 - Tuesday

went to the Citty to mill.  Joshua oiled harnesses.



January 3, 1866 - Wednesday

Joshua and I went to Middlebury.  got back.  found ant

Harriet here.  Mr Judge here and docterd sheep.



January 4, 1866 - Thursday

Father and I went to Bristol  the farm was Sold. 

Father came back home.  I stopt to Singing School.  

Mr North came home.



January 5, 1866 - Friday

Father and I went over to Rochester.  got to Mr

Hubberd about 6 oclock.  very Cold.



January 6, 1866 - Saturday

went over to Mr Seagers to look at farm and then went

up to Hancock to Mr Carys.



January 7, 1866 - Sunday

very Cold day and night.  Staid to Harvys all day. 

had a good time.  choped wood for the parlor stove.



January 8, 1866 - Monday

still Colder.  Came back to Mr Seagers and went up to

see Laura Pearsons.



January 9, 1866 - Tuesday

Came over to Brandon.  bought Harnes and Cutter.  got

home about 6 oclock.



January 10, 1866 - Wednesday

went to the village with Albert.  road out with Almon

Enos to the Citty.



January 11, 1866 - Thursday

went to the Citty and went up north to Henry Abbeys to

a dance. 



January 12, 1866 - Friday

went to Whiting to a dance.  Lancy and Frank went. 

Joel and Ansel Came out.  



January 13, 1866 - Saturday

Stormy Some.  got to Frankes about 3 oclock.  had

supper.  got home about 6 oclock.



January 14, 1866 - Sunday

very Cold.  Lancy and I went down to Joels.  Lancy

staid all night with me. 



January 15, 1866 - Monday

went to the Citty to get horse Shod but could not.



January 16, 1866 - Tuesday

went to the Citty.  got the horse shod.   got back

about noon.  went up and got a load of wood.  



January 17, 1866 - Wednesday

Father and Lizzie went to Shorham after Aund Mary.  I

went to the village with Joel.

  



January 18, 2866 - Thursday

wirked for Lancy Choping wood.  Father got back to

night.  got pants and vest.  Checked factory clock.



January 19, 1866 - Friday

drawed wood from the the (**written that way) Citty

Father and I.



January 20, 1866 - Saturday

went to Brandon.  bought over Coat and under Coat and

Fur Colar and Neck tie.  Stormy Some.   



January 21, 1866 - Sunday

Colder.  Mr and Mrs Forbes Came over here to day. I

staid at home. 



January 22, 1866 - Monday

Cold.  went over to uncle Glovers in the afternoon

with aunt Mary.  staid all night.



January 23, 1866 - Tuesday

pleasant.  went to the village.  Caried Mrs Balard and

Father to the Deapot.



January 24, 1866 - Wednesday

went to the Citty and down to Ancels.  went Skateing

in the evening.



January 25, 1866 - Thursday

Stormy.  Ansel Came in here.  went over to Lancy. 

went to the Citty in the evening.



January 26, 1866 - Friday

Stormy.  went to the Citty to Mill.  drawed some hay. 

Mr Goodrich burried to day.  got letter from Father. 



January 27, 1866 - Saturday

went to the village and to the Citty.  Joshua Came

home from Vergens.  went down to Mr Sheldens with

Joel.



January 28, 1866 - Sunday

pleasant.  Joshua and I went to the Citty. Mr

Boardmans folks Came up in the evening. 



January 29, 1866 - Monday

pleasant.  Joshua and I went to Brandon.  got Back

about 6 oclock.  went up North to Singing School. 

bought Cutter and Harnes.



January 30, 1866 - Tuesday

helpt Mother wash.  went to the Citty.  Stormy at

night.



January 31, 1866 - Wednesday

wirked up wood in the foornoon.   Carried some buck

wheat up to Enos.  Stormy.



February 1, 1866 - Thursday

went up to the Citty and up North to Singing School. 

Staid all night to Mr Judge. 



February 2, 1866 - Friday

went over to Herbert Abbeys to see Lancy.  went to the

village with Lancy with wood.  staid all night with

Lancy. 



February 3, 1866 - Saturday

Caled to Darius Severance.  went out to the village.

got home about 8 oc.



February 4, 1866 - Sunday 

went to the Citty.  Came to Ferrisburg.  staid all

night to Martins.



February 5, 1866 - Monday

Came to Keesville (**New York).  found Father.  Staid

all night to Mr Ballard. 



February 6, 1866 - Tuesday

went up and Looked at farms.  Mr Fletcher went with

ous.  staid to Mr Ballard.  very Cold. 



February 7, 1866 - Wednesday

Came from Keesville to Altona (**New York).  Staid to

Roberson all night.

  



February 8, 1866 - Thursday

Came to Constable.  staid all night at Mr Lanck.



February 9, 1866 - Friday

Caled to Dennes and Duglas in Constable.  Came to

Happington to uncles.  got here about 7 oclock. 



February 10, 1866 - Saturday

Staid with Edd in the foornoon.  in the after noon

went over to Nutens.  Vane went and Ed.



February 11, 1866 - Sunday

Staid to uncles all day with Edson.  Stormy.



February 12, 1866 - Monday

went over to Nutons and Hanalens.  Ed went to.



February 13, 1866 - Tuesday

stop in Malone (**New York).  Came to Duglasass. (**in

tiny writing here: Be a good boy.)  Julians was there.

had a good time.  bought a watch.



February 14, 1866 - Wednesday

Came to Altona to Roberson.  Stormy,  Staid all night.



February 15, 1866 - Thursday

Came to Mr Ballards.  Stormy.  Staid all night.



February 16, 1866 - Friday

Came to Vergens.  Staid all night to Mr Deans.



February 17, 1866 - Saturday 

Came to Middlebury to Mr Hydes.  Staid a while.  



February 18, 1866 - Sunday

Lancy and Frank Came over here.  went down to Joels.

went to the Citty in the evernang.



February 19, 1866 - Monday  

Stormy.  Staid at home.  went over to Lancys.  he Came

home with me.  went down South to singing school. 

Staid all night.



February 20, 1866 - Tuesday

went up to the Citty to Mill.  got the horse shod.



February 21 - 1866 - Wednesday

Father and Mother went down to aunt Esters.  I Caried

Alonzo Yale home.  pleasant. (**Alonzo may be Julia's

brother)



February 22, 1866 - Thursday 

pleasant.  I went to Ferresburg.  got thare about 2 oc

thoughy (** thoughty)



February 23, 1866 - Friday

got home about 6 oc.  thoughed (* thought) a good

deal.  went to the village with Fr.(**Father)



February 24, 1866 - Saturday

the snow is most all gone.  Mary Chanyh (**Chaney?) 

down here to day . the river very high.  



February 25, 1866 - Sunday

snowed a little. wrote letters one to Edson one to

lab.  (**?)  Franklin Forbes Married to day.



February 26, 1866 - Monday

Sawed wood and went up to the Citty.  found Lancy. 

went up North with him.  staid all night with Albert

Austin.



February 27, 1866 - Tuesday

went over to Filos.  Caled to Emersons.  had some

music.  staid all night with Filo. (**Filo Severance) 



February 28, 1866 - Wednesday

Lancy helpt his uncle.  I staid to Henry.  Lancy came

over in the evening. 



March 1, 1866 - Thursday

Lancy Came down home with me.  Harvy Perry Staid here

all night.   



March 2, 1866 - Friday

Lancy and I went out to the village.  Came back to Mr

Wainriiet (*Wainright). staid all night.  beat them at

eucar.



March 3, 1866 - Saturday

Lancy went up to his uncles.  I drawed wood.   went to

the Citty.



March 4, 1866 - Sunday

pleasant.  Walter Bradley buried.  went up to the

Citty with aunt Mary.



March 5, 1866 - Monday

went up to Partridge raising.



March 6, 1866 - Tuesday

went up and got some wood on Forbes lot.  pretty Cold.



March 7, 1866 - Wednesday

went and got a load of wood.  went to a Sociable. 



March 8, 1866 - Thursday

got home abut 4 oc.  had a quiltin (*quilting)  here.



March 9, 1866 - Friday

Staid at home.  wirked up wood. 



March 10, 1866 - Saturday

Father went to the village.  I staid at home.  



March 11, 1866 - Sunday

Father ant (**written that way) I went over to uncle

Glovers.  Staid to Supper.



March 12, 1866 - Monday

Lancy Came down here to day.  went over to Mr Forbes

and to the Citty.  (**written on the side of the page:

to my Colt.  **also:  Mr Forbes)  



March 13, 1866 - Tuesday

Josh got home.  uncle Glover over here.  went to get a

load of wood.    



March 14, 1866 - Wednesday

Father Started for St Co Ny.  I wirked for Alanzo

Boardman.



March 15, 1866 - Thursday

wirked for Alanzo in the after noon.  rainy.



March 16, 1866 - Friday

went over to uncles.  went and see Selan Gipson.  very

winday.



March 17, 1866 - Saturday

Colder.  fixed things to home.  went to the Citty.



March 18, 1866 - Sunday

Staid at home all day.  



March 19, 1866 - Monday

went to the Citty.



March 20, 1866 - Tuesday

had an auction.  Sold most all of our Stufl. (**stuff)

very pleasant.  



March 21, 1866 - Wednesday

went to Brandon to drive the  Cowes.  Lancy went with

me.  Staid to A Trays all night.



March 22, 1866 - Thursday

Came up to Brandon.  Staid to dinner.  got home about

4 oc.  went up to Almons in the evning. played

(**something crossed out here - eucre?)



March 23, 1866 - Friday

settled wilth Hiram.  went to the village.  Father got

home.  went over to Hirams in the evening.  played

euchre.



March 24, 1866 - Saturday

Came up to the Citty with Lancy and up north.  danced

to Henrys in the evening.  Staid with Lancy all night.



March 25, 1866 - Sunday

snowed sum.  went over to Judges.  Staid in the

evening.  Lancy Carried Lizzie home.  



March 26, 1866 - Monday

Stormy.  Lancy fetched me down home and went to the

village.  I drawed wood 3 loads.



March 27, 1866 - Tuesday

Father and Alonzo went over the mountain.  Joshua went

to vergens _______ Alonzo horse.



March 28, 1866 - Wednesday

went to Carrie Allice to get a School.  Halnan Came 

and got his things.  Alonzo got back.   



March 29, 1866 - Thursday

Came to Hancock.  found Father at Mr Wilsons.  Staid

to Harvy Perrys all night. 



March 30, 1866 - Friday

went to Grandville and looked at a farm.  Came back to

Harvy Perrys.  staid all night.



March 31, 1866 - Saturday

went and see Vintons back lot.  bought a harnes. 

Staid to Cary all night.



April 1, 1866 - Sunday

(** this entry is in someone else's handwriting - very

feminine)

We got  home from over the mountain about 2 Oclock. 

Mr Farr went to Lincoln.



April 2, 1866 - Monday

went to the Citty.  helpt George and Oscar fix sheep

rack.



April 3, 1866 - Tuesday

went to the Citty and to the village.  staid all night

to Turners.



April 4, 1866 - Wednesday

Father went to the Citty.  hired Charles Pipper place.

I went over to Crocks.  



April 5, 1866 - Thursday

went to the Citty.  Father went to the village. 

bought a Stove.



April 6, 1866 - Friday

Father went to the Citty.  I staid at home all day.  



April 7, 1866 - Saturday

I went over the mounting (*mountain)  bargaining for a

farm.  Staid to Harvy Perry all night.  bought a

waggon $50.



April 8, 1866 - Sunday

Came up to Charly Mannords.  staid to supper.  Came

home.  got home about 8 oc.



April 9, 1866 - Monday

Father went out to the village with Mr Farr.  deded

(*deeded) the farm.  



April 10, 1866 - Tuesday

went up to see Lancy.  he Came down home with me.



April 11, 1866 - Wednesday

Lancy and I went over the mountain with a Load of

goods.



April 12, 1866 - Thursday

we got back home about 6 oc.  Lancy Staid all night

with me.



April 13, 1866 - Friday

(**this entry is made in another person's handwriting

- very feminine)

Fast day to day.  I went up to Mr Henry Abbs to a

dance.  had a good time.  



April 14, 1866 - Saturday

Father went over the mountain with Some things.  I

went up to the Citty with Joel.



April 15, 1866 - Sunday

went to Furnerwell (*funeral)  of Mrs Hill.  Father

got back 12 oc.  I went up north.  staid with Lancy.  



April 16, 1866 - Monday

went to the village.  got home about 12 oc.  went up

to the Citty to get a team. 



April 17, 1866 - Tuesday

Came over to Grandvile.  Father and Mother staid to

Carys all night.  



April 18, 1866  - Wednesday

fixed things in the house.  Mary Smith helpt Mother.



April 19, 1866 - Thursday

fixed up things around the house and so on.



April 20, 1866 - Friday

George went down to Mr Perys.  Father went to

Rochester.  got a barel of flour $11.50 and Some

Sugar.



April 21, 1866 - Saturday

Father went to Rochester.  got Mrs Persons.  I staid

at home.  



April 22, 1866 - Sunday

pleasant.  George was home.  he and I went down to Mr

Perys.  our Cow taken sick.



April 23, 1866 - Monday

rainy.  Father and I fixed fence.



April 24, 1866 - Tuesday

rainy.  Staid at home all day.  went down to Harvy

Perys.  Staid all night



April 25, 1866 - Wednesday

went to Hancock.  bought 6 hens.  got home abut 3 oc. 

rainy.



April 26, 1866 - Thursday

fixed fence and knocked monoure.  (*manure)



April 27, 1866 - Friday

helpt Mother wash and soon. (**?)



April 28, 1866 - Saturday

fixed fence on South Line.  George came home.  



April 29, 1866 - Sunday

Very pleasant.  Father went to the post office.  got

the mail.  I got 2 Letters.  Caried George to Mr

Perrys. 



April 30, 1866 - Monday

fixed fence.  not very well.



May 1, 1866 - Tuesday

Father Mother and Lizzie went down to Mr Perrys.



May 2, 1866 - Wednesday

pleasant.  drawed Manner. (*manure?)  Alonzo Levens

staid here.  



May 3, 1866 - Thursday

drawed sum manure.  plaude (*plowed) some about 1/2

acre.



May 4, 1866 - Friday

drawed maneuer.  Father and I on potatoe ground. 

drawed in all 35 Loats.  



May 5, 1866 - Saturday

fixed fence with Foard (*Ford) on the North line.  Mr

Smith here.



May 6, 1866 - Sunday

Father and Mother went to Hancock to Meeting.  Mr

Abbott Preached.  he came here.



May 7, 1866 - Monday

plaude (*plowed) some. had Anar Hubburd old Mare. 

took our hog of. 



May 8, 1866 - Tuesday

ploude Some.  got out 3 loads of Manure.  Henry

Goodrich staid here all night.



May 9, 1866 - Wednesday

went to Hancock with Henry.



May 10, 1866 - Thursday

finished drawing Manure.  Horrowed out Ground.



May 11, 1866 - Friday

went Harry Perys.  Soad our oats.  J  Vinton Soad

them.  Harrowed potato Ground.



May 12, 1866 - Saturday

planted our potatoes.  Mother went to Hancock.  George

came home.



May 13, 1866 - Sunday

Mr And Mrs Perry Came up here.  George went home with

them.   had a very hard Storm.



May 14, 1866 - Monday

plaude Corn ground.  had Deming oxen.  



May 15, 1866 - Tuesday

horrod (*harrowed)  ground for Corn and Grass seed in.



May 16, 1866 - Wednesday

rainy.  got a letter from Joshua and Mr Ballard.  



May 17, 1866 - Thursday

plaude for Demick and planted some potatoes.



May 18, 1866 - Friday

went to Middlebury.  got to the Citty about 3 oc.  had

Supper with Porter.  Staid all night with Albert

Boardman.



May 19, 1866 - Saturday

went over to uncle Glovers and to the village and up

north.  Staid all night with Lancy.



May 20, 1866 - Sunday

Josh went to the Lake with Henry Boardman.  I Came

down to the Citty.  Staid all night with Joel.  



May 21, 1866 - Monday

Came over home.  had a little rain. 



May 22, 1866 - Tuesday 

George Came home.  he did not wirk.  I helpt Arna.



May 23, 1866 - Wednesday

helpt Arna plant Corn.



May 24, 1866 - Thursday

planted our Corn.  Josh helpt Some.

Maly 25, 1866 - Friday

finished planting Corn to day.



May 26, 1866 - Saturday

went down to Harvys.  helpt him Some.  



May 27, 1866 - Sunday

H P and Wife Came up here.  Mr Haden and Ford Caled. 

Harvy and I went to see the back lot. 



May 28, 1866 - Monday

went down to Hancock with Joshua.  helpt Harvy fix

School house.



May 29, 1866 - Tuesday

picked up Stone.  Father and I went down to Hancock.  



May 30, 1866 - Wednesday

drawed Stone and Cut bushes.  fixed the river.  Mr

Elmer staid here. 



May 31, 1866 - Thursday

Father went with Mr Elmer to Look at farm.  rainy.



June 1, 1866 - Friday

Harvy Perry and Mr Cary helpt make fence on our back

lot.



June 2, 1866 - Saturday

finished the fence. Father went up with ous.  George

went to took ovr the Cattle.



June 3, 1866 - Sunday

George was at home all day.  I and Lizzie Carried him

back.



June 4, 1866 - Monday

rainy.  Father and I went down to Hancock.  Bought a

Con $3500.   got some hay. a Calf $250.



June 5, 1866 - Tuesday

Staid at home in the foornoon.  afternooon George and

I went down to Rochester.  rainy.



June 6, 1866 - Wednesday

Father and Joshua went over to Middlebury.  rainy.



June 7, 1866 - Thursday

I staid at home all day. rainy.  helpt Mother. 



June 8, 1866 - Friday

I staid at home all day.  rainy.  Churned.



June 9, 1866 - Saturday

Washed Sheep for Denric.  42 in foornoon.  went down

to Mr Perrys.  Olaver and Father Came.  



June 10, 1866 - Sunday

Mr Perry and I and George went up to the back lot.



June 11, 1866 - Monday

went to Hancock to Look at a horse.  Uncle Glover went

home.  fixed fence.



June 12, 1866 - Tuesday

Father and I wirked on the road.



June 13, 1866 - Wednesday

Father wirked on the road in the foornoon.  I went and

got some boards.  



June 14, 1866 - Thursday

finished the fence.  George came home to day.  



June 15, 1866 - Friday

fix the yard by the barn.  H P and I drawed durt. 

went to Rochester.  got a pair of boots.



June 16, 1866 - Saturday

finished the yard.  Demic had our waggon to go to

Rochester.  



June 17, 1866 - Sunday

pleasant.  George went down to Mr Perys.  Harvy and I

went up to the lot.  



June 18, 1866 - Monday

rainy.  went to Hancock.



June 19, 1866 - Tuesday

hoed potatoes and garden.  got a letter from Lucian.



June 20, 1866 - Wednesday

finished howing potatoes and hoed some Corn.  Girthe

and I road horse back.



June 21, 1866 - Thursday

hoed Corn.  went down to Alvin Fords in the evening.  



June 22, 1866 - Friday

finished hoing Corn.  went to Rochester and to

Middlebury.  Staid with Major all night.



June 23, 1866 - Saturday

went over to uncle Glovers and to Moses Shelden and to

the village.  Staid to  A Board(*man)



June 24, 1866 - Sunday

Joel and I and Lance went to the Lake.  Came to

middlebury.  



June 25, 1866 - Monday

Came to Addison to Mr Elmer.  hoed Corn.



June 26, 1866 - Tuesday

hoed Corn.  went to Vergens at night.



June 27, 1866 - Wednesday

wirked on the road.  rainy.  Eli staid here.



June 28, 1866 - Thursday

fixed the water wirkes (**?)  and made fence. 



June 29, 1866 - Friday

fixed the yard in the foornoon.  afternoon wirked on

the road.  



June 30, 1866 - Saturday

hoed Corn all day.  pleasant.