Diary: Caleb E. Iddings, 1898

Cloudy & Clearing 52 Ther. MON. APRIL 18^th, 1898. Variable Wind.

Some thunder & lightning about 1.o'clk this a.m, but it did not amount to much of a storm. The sun came out & it was quite hot part of today. Went to the store & P.O. before & afternoon & again after supper. Helen Lea of "Spring Dale" was here to see Dora and also Lizzie Scott & Ellen Stabler Alcinda Thomas was here at supper time for advice & medicine for her mother Mary, wife of Jno Ed Hill. The two houses of Congress seem to be quarreling over the form & wording of an act virtually declaring war against Spain. "the House" desiring to sustain the President in his desire to commence it in a manner that will command the respect of the entire world & the Senate in a foolish fire & brimstone manner that would place "us in the wrong" from the start.

Cloudy_ 45 Ther. TUES. APRIL 19^th, 1898. N.E. Wind.

Quite Raw & chilly this morning threatning rain, it did rain several times during last night. I went to the Store & P.O. several times during the day & evening. News from Washington in relation to the impending war with Spain, is the all absorbing subject of interest at this time. Congress having agreed upon such a resolution as the President will sign demanding the evacuation of Cuba by her army & Navy; it now awaits Spains reply before commencing hostile demonstrations

Clear 50° Ther. WED. APRIL 20^th, 1898 N. W. Wind

Clear with strong N.W. wind - Hallie Bentley called & took Dora to make calls at "Longwood," at D^r Green's & Rev. Mr Boyden's they were at home before dinner. After noon I walked to Ashton & back. Went to the P.O. and after supper to the toll house. War has been virtually declared, the President having sent an "ultimatum" to Madrid in which he gives them until Saturday to evauate Cuba after which time he will (if they fail to comply) he will employ the army & navy of the U.S. to enforce his demand. The Spanish Minister left Washington this evening It now only remains for the first gun to be fired to commence war with all its horrors, to be upon us.

Clear & Cloudy 51° Ther. THURS. APRIL 21^st, 1898_ Variable Wind.

Warmer weather today. Edwd. went to "Marden" & tuned their piano. Dora went to Mrs Ellicott's & back before dinner. Afternoon Henry Powell was here for advice & medicine After supper Edwd rode to "Fairfield" to stay tonight & help Willie tomorrow. War with Spain has been delcaired, and it remains only for the meeting of the hostile war ships for the strife to begin God defend the right, should be our prayer & hope.

Clear & Cloudy. 52° Ther. FRI. APRIL 22^d, 1898 Wind.

Went up to the Mill bought butter from Jno Hill's market wagon, went to the store. Afternoon Henry Powell called again. Edwd telephoned from Brighton that he might stay all night again at "Fairfield". After supper I went to the toll house.

Clear & Cloudy. 56° SAT. APRIL 23^d, 1898. S.E. Wind.

I rode to Ashton with D^r Brooke & walked home before dinner. We received letter from Charley telling of his house having been "burned to the ground" on thursday last (the 21^st inst; he was at home but fortunately Ida & the children were over at Mr Mathew's; he had $1200 insurance on house & contents. He came over after Ida immediately & they probably returned to Lincoln today. Edwd came home before lunch. Afternoon Willie Fanny & baby came before supper. Mrs Cissel. widow of Charles Cissel came to the office for advice & medicine her arm having been poisoned by "Rhus Tox"(I believe). W & I went to the toll house & store after dark. There is little else than "war talk" in all the public places now.

Cloudy58 Ther. SUN. APRIL 24, 1898 Variable Wind.

Cloudy & threatning rain. Edwd & I went to meeting & heard a sermon from Edwd Farquhar. Willie & Fanny went back to "Fairfield" before dinner. Afternoon I went to the toll house. Notice was served upon John Maynard D^r Geo. Cook & Edwd Scott, to report at 8 o'clk tomorrow morning in Washington for duty with the military Co. to which they belong. They will learn the difference between "playing soldier", in time of peace, & a soldier's duty in time of war.

Cloudy & Showers 60 Ther. MON. APRIL 25^th, 1898. Variable Wind.

Dull cloudy day with showers Went to the mill & to store & P.O. Went again to store & toll house after supper. Henry Powell was here again in the afternoon. Read letter from T. H. Bordeu.

Cloudy & Rain 56 Ther. TUES. APRIL 26^th, 1898 E. & N.W. Wind.

Another disagreeable day cloudy & rain, it rained at intervals all through last night. I was about home all day except going to the P.O. & to "Fairall's shop". John Maynard, who went to Washington to report to his company for Military duty, came back today, having been dismissed until called upon again. Geo. Cook & Ed. Scott also came home upon the same conditions. After supper Harry Fairall came to practice telegraphy with Edward. Mrs Robison came in to learn to play "solitaire". It is drizzling and disagreeable at bed time.

Cloudy 50 Ther. WED. APRIL 27^th, 1898 N.E. Wind.

Still raw & chilly with NE wind & threatning rain. I went to store & P.O. before dinner & after supper. Harry Fairall here again to practice with Edward in the evening. Edwd attended to the telephone next door part of the day to relieve Miss Mary & Bessie Robison. The wind changed to N.W. at sun set & it is clearing off at bed time. but still cold for the time of year.