Sorry the first thing recorded in this Book is an accident this morn at 10 Ocl as Teeter was coming from the *P.G. with this Book for me & a bottle of vinegar Bitters & a Bottle *Buchu Extract each one Dollar - all $2.85. Book 75 - also a Bottle *Magnetic Balm for himself for rheumatism. He heard a cry of fire in G. (George) Othout's house. George's house was on fire, his wife badly Burned. Pa helped tear her dress off & get her to *L Monties house where she now lays in bed Suffering very much. I go over to see her, find every woman in town there doing all they can & most of the men are there. The new minister & his wife are there doing all they can. George's hands are badly burned. the Doctor is there, orders them to take off the Cotton Batting Linseed Oil & Flour all of which they used freely until the Doctor came. Now they must paint the parts burned with a paste of white Lead & Linseed Oil. They send the child to Mrs. Othout to take care of.
The passage above was written by my great, great, great, great Grandmother, Anna Christina Palmer Cook Teeter. It is the first page of a journal with entries spanning the years 1871 through 1875.
The journal came to me by way of a curious and dedicated stranger who was given the book and took it upon herself to read it and locate a member of the family to return it to.
I do not know how this book will effect me. Its existence, its presence in my house, the written and scribbled words throughout the journal, to have an account of what life was like for a woman living in America 140 years ago. Whatever the result, I plan to write about it here. I also plan to transcribe the journal, take pictures and add more information about her family, her life and the places she lived.
Notes: Though the writing is quite legible, there are some words I cannot fully make out. Though I am learning the specifics of Anna Christina's handwriting. I've had to look up some words.
*P.G. - assume this is the local General Store but not sure what the initials stand for
*L Monties - not sure what this persons name is...
*Buchu Extract - I couldn't figure out what the first word was as I was unfamiliar with it. I was able to find a number of references to "buchu" extract which is still in use and I read that "It was also popular in the 1800's as a hangover cure and in patent medicines for treating coughs and colds."
* Magnetic Balm - I was also unfamiliar with what balm would work for rheumatism but was able to find it pretty easily.
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