March 1, 1880 -- Monday
The weather was very pleasant, clear all day. The roads are getting very nice again. I passed the day in my school. With this day I have twenty-two days or one month to teach yet. I would not care much if the time was up now, although I am not at all tired teaching yet. I have gotten along with the school very well so far, and I hope and expect to get things all right. Pap and Jake were at Pharez McFerrin's sale, which was a very large one. I was at Lesher's school-house in the evening. There was practice for an entertainment to be held there in a few weeks, "If it don't fall through." The principle persons in it at J.F. Pfoutz,T.F. Deardorff, D.G. Hoover, G.B. Dysert, Annie Wertz, Annie Snyder, Clar Snyder, and myself.

March 2, 1880 -- Tuesday
The weather was very clear and pleasant all day. It appeared to be quite smoky at times. I passed the day in my school. I was at the New Franklin school-house in the evening. The Literary Society convened. There was no reading, nothing but debate, but that was very interesting and entertaining. The Question "Resolved, that Secret Societies are beneficial," was discussed on the affirmative by Messrs H.J. Pfoutz and Amos Stouffer, and on the negative by I.J. Schaff and D.M. Benedict. The decision was ordered in favor of the Aff. The Society adjourned "sine die." I took Miss Alice S. home after the Society, but it will be the last time I will be with her for a while, until after I come from St. Thomas, anyhow.

March 3, 1880 -- Wednesday
The weather was cloudy all day. It rained a little in the afternoon, but was almost too cold to rain much got very cold, but partly cleared off toward evening. I passed the day in my school, which was very small on account of Mrs. Hassler's sale, especially in the afternoon. I had fourteen scholars in the forenoon and ten in the afternoon. I left out school at a quarter before four, and went to Mrs. Hassler's and got my supper and came along home with Pap in the buggy. When we came through New Franklin, Pap got the two little picture frames which he made and put the pictures in the frames in the evening.

March 4, 1880 -- Thursday
The weather was very pleasant all day, but toward evening, it got quite cloudy, and about 11 o'clock PM it began to rain. I passed the day in my school I dressed up to go to school and did not come home in the evening, but went to Abram Wingert's and got my supper, and Jonathan Beam and I went to Davison's school-house in the evening. There was Reading school., and a pretty good crowd, or rather a pretty large crowd was present, and there was quite a number of selections read. I read the piece "Jimmy Butler and the owl," and delivered as a declamation "Hon. J.M. Stubbs' views on the situation," which was well received.

March 5, 1880 -- Friday
The weather was somewhat cloudy in the morning, rained quite early in the morning, but cleared off very quickly before 9 o'clock, and got very windy. I was almost afraid the wind would carry my school-house off, but it did not. I went from Wingerts to my school-house in the morning and passed the day there. I have now but seventeen days yet to teach. I was at the Falling Spring school-house in the evening. There was a debate by H.J. Pfoutz, C.A. Suesserotte and J. Amos Miller, on the question "Resolved, that a legal rate of interest should be established by law." There was quite a crowd there, and the debate was rather dry, not much fun or ridicule. The debate was very solid.

March 6, 1880 -- Saturday
The weather was very clear and pleasant, and the roads are getting very nice for travel. Mother and I were in town in the forenoon, and did not get home till nearly two o'clock. The school-board met and I received my salary for 1 month teaching and for cleaning the house, and so forth, twenty-nine dollars and ten cents. I got myself a new suit at David Frank's for $11.00, a pair of shoes at Dyson's for $3.00, and a hat from G. Henninger for $2.00. I also bought a book entitled The Common School Question back from W.A. Reid for $1.00. I paid to Pap $2.00, and to Mother $1.00. Pap and Uncle John were in Greencastle in the evening. The Odd Fellows are practicing for a grand concert soon.

March 7, 1880 -- Sunday
The weather was very inclement. It snowed very fast all day, but it melted almost as fast as it fell. The ground was white in some places, but the snow is very slushy, and in some places there is none at all. The roads will now get very muddy again. I was at home all day, and passed a gloomy Sunday. I passed the day studying Mental Arithmetic and Natural Philosophy, and reading. Mother passed the day sleeping, mostly. Hiram A. Fleck was here in the afternoon, got the loan of a book and of our rat-trap. This day four weeks will be my last Sunday for a while to spend at home.

March 8, 1880 -- Monday
The weather was somewhat cloudy in the forenoon, then it somewhat cleared off till toward evening, then it again clouded up. I passed the day in my school, my school has now dwindled down to an average of about fifteen. I suppose it will be small from this out, as the spring work will soon open up. I was at Wertz' in the evening. We had practice of our dialogues for our entertainment. Our party was all present but Clara Snyder, who, I suppose did not know about our meeting at Wertz'. I received a catalogue of Clinton T. DeWitt's publications, and I will send for the dialogue "Pete and the Peddler," as soon as possible.

March 9, 1990 -- Tuesday
The weather was very inclement all day. Snowed all day, but melted considerably. The roads will now get very bad. I wish the weather would soon become settled. I passed the day in my school which was as full as usual, despite the inclemency of the weather. From to-day three weeks, my school will end. There was to be practice here in the evening, but owing to the inclement weather, only D.G. Hoover, C.B. Dysert, W.A. Ferguson, and G.H. Dysert were here tomorrow evening if the weather is favorable, and I hope it will be so, as I have some confidential matter to fix, which I would like to have fixed now soon. 

March 10, 1880 -- Wednesday
The weather was very pleasant, although not clear. The sun shone the greater part of the day, but I think we will have more snow before long. The roads are very muddy. I passed the day in my school. There was practice of our dialogues for the exhibition. The persons who were here were as follows: Misses Clara E. Snyder and Annie B. Wertz, and Messrs D.G. Hoover, C.B. Dysert, G.H. Dysert, C.C. Wertz,.G.D. Wertz, W.F. Ferguson and Ed. Snyder. We had a fine time, practiced all our dialogues and then had reading, talking and singing. I fixed things all right for Stoufferstown next evening i f only the weather is favorable.

March 11, 1880 -- Thursday
The weather was very inclement almost all day. It was just as I expected, and we had a right good fall of snow, which, before evening had melted considerably. These snows will make the ground and roads in particular, very muddy. I passed the day in my school, and there was present the least number yet this winter I believe -- there were only eleven scholars present. I broke the hour-hand off my watch in trying to move it, that will now cost me twenty-five cents. "That's the way the money goes" &c. We were playing dominoes in the evening. We played both match game and euchre, but I was beat out in both games. I got an introduction to T[...] St[...]ms,

March 12, 1880 -- Friday
The weather was cloudy all day, very damp the forepart of the day, about 2 o'clock it began to snow and continued snowing until after dark about sundown it was very disagreeable to be out of doors. I passed the day in my school, had twelve scholars.  I had the loan of Uncle John's watch. mine being broken. Pap and Mother and Jake were at Jonathan D. Klopp's sale. D.G. Hoover sold his buggy to Doc. Burkholder at the sale for the sum of $76.50 I suppose he will now go along to school at St. Thomas this summer. I would very much liked to have gone to the Stoufferstown Lyceum in the evening, but the "bad inclemency" of the weather did not permit.

March 13, 1880 -- Saturday
The weather was very inclement all day, snowed almost all the time. It was I think the most disagreeable day we have had this winter yet. I was in town in the buggy  in the forenoon. I took my boots to town to get fixed, also my flutina and my watch to get fixed. I got the prizes for my scholars who merit them in spelling. I got two books and to chromos, the titles "Captain Christie's Granddaughter," "Helen of the Glen," and "Awake and Asleep." I was at Beard's sale, which was not very well attended and not very brisk on account of the inclemency of the weather. D.G. Hoover was here in the evening. We were playing dominoes. Jake and Pap were the best.

March 14, 1880 -- Sunday
The weather was cloudy all day, but did not rain or snow, but it was a dreary day, few persons traveled the road. I was at home all day. Pap was at the Grindstone Hill in the forenoon. The was preaching by Rev. H.J. Comfort. Pap was at Uncle Henry Snyder's in the afternoon and Jacob was at Wertzs. Mother passed the afternoon mostly sleeping, & I passed it mostly reading. David, Sarah, and Sue Senger were here in the afternoon, and remained here till about half-past nine o'clock in the evening. I wish the weather would soon become settled as I am tired of this kind of weather. I wish for a nice night to-morrow.

March 15, 1880 -- Monday
The weather was very cloudy all day, began to rain about four o'clock and continued until after five and then stopped but did not clear off. I passed the day in my school, and I don't suppose will have this winter any more, as it is drawing towards spring and school is beginning to get dull. I received the dialogues from C.T. Dewitt, entitled "Handy Andy," and "Pete and the Peddler," for which I sent on last Wednesday. I hitched up in my buggy after I arrived from school, and took Miss Annie Wertz to Jake Snyders, at which place we had practice for our Entertainment.  Our party was not quite all there but the most of them, were.

March 16, 1880 -- Tuesday
The weather was cloudy the greater part of the day, rained the greater part of the night and part of the forenoon, did not rain in the afternoon, but remained cloudy and foggy till about 4 o'clock and it then got partly clear, and somewhat cold and stormy. I passed the day in my school. I now have but two weeks or ten days yet, then I am free and have my work done for this winter. I partly traded watches with Charlie Hassler, in the evening, after school, at the Hall. I have his watch and he has mine. I think I will trade for good the next time I see him. We were playing dominoes in the evening. Pap was the champion player.

March 17, 1880 -- Wednesday
The weather was clear and pleasant, somewhat cool in the morning, the mud in the road was frozen a little. If it does not rain the roads will get very nice again in a few days. I passed the day in my school. I stopped at the hall in the evening as I passed, on my way home, in the evening had lots of fun with Jno Pfoutz, Jno Deardorff &c. C.A. Hassler was at me strong for a watch-trade, but I put him off till Saturday. There was practice for the Entertainment. Our whole party was here except Clara Snyder, in all there was about 13 here. We had practice for the first time of Pete and the Peddler. We got through very well but we will get off better yet.

March 18, 1880 -- Thursday
The weather was somewhat cloudy the better part of the day. The sun was shining almost all day, but very dimly at times. I passed the day in my school, had sixteen scholars. I have now eight days to teach yet. I stopped at Jackson Hall as I came past in the evening, on my way home from school. I got my watch back from Charles A. Hassler. I will not trade, for his watch stopped for me last night. There was lots of trading going on. I traded off my cap, and got from John Pfoutz the cap he wore. Gust Wertz was here in the forenoon and took his meat which was here smoking. Geo and Charlie Wertz were here awhile in the evening.

March 19, 1880 -- Friday
The weather was cloudy all day, raining and snowing the great part of the day. The snow came in very large bunches, but as soon as it alighted on the ground, it melted. It reminded one of pleasure, which is like a snow drop on a river, one minute bright, and then gone forever. It partly cleared of about 5 o'clock, but rained again before 10. I passed the day in my school, had but ten scholars, and reminded me of my school last summer. I would have gone to Stoufferstown Lyceum in the evening, but on account of the weather I did not go. Pap was at Levi J. Heifner's sale. We were playing dominoes in the evening. I was beat out again. I suppose I had better stop playing.

March 20, 1880 -- Saturday
The weather was somewhat of the cloudy order, and got very windy toward evening. At night "the wind howled mournfully, and dry leaves from off the hickory trees were flying before the angry blasts." The evening was beautiful. The moon was shining in all its emulgency. I was in town in the forenoon, went in, in the buggy, and D.G. Hoover came along out. I was at home in the afternoon, but not in the evening. Mrs. Klopp fell over in her kitchen, early in the morning, while Mr. Klopp was at market. She had a rush of blood to the head. Mother went up and found her lying there, got the doctor there, and others. She was very sick all day, had spasms. Mother and Jake were there in the evening. They say it is an awful time.

March 21, 1880 -- Sunday
The weather was very clear and pleasant all day. This was the nicest Sunday we have had for a good while. The evening was beautiful. The moon shone beautifully. I was at the Grindstone Hill church in the forenoon. D.G. Hoover went up together in my buggy and had Mr. Gipe's horse. There was preaching by Mr. A.H. Shertz. I was at home in the afternoon by myself. Pap and Mother and Jake were in New Franklin and at Klopp's. Mrs. Klopp was very sick, had spasms all day, and She died in the evening about 9 o'clock. Mike Helman was here awhile toward evening. I was at the United Brethren church , at Marion, in the evening. There was exhorting, &c.

March 22, 1880 -- Monday
The weather was very cloudy the greater part of the day, although the sun shone very brightly at times. The roads are getting nice again. I was in my school, passed the day there, had a right good sized school -- seventeen. I was at the Hall a while after school. There was practice of dialogues for our entertainment. The persons who were here were Misses Annie B. Wertz, Edith and Katie McFerren, Messrs J.M. Snively, D.G. Hoover, C.B. and G.H. Dysert, C.C. and G.D. Wertz, Wm and Rob Ferguson, Wm McFerren, &c, &c. We had very nice times lots of fun. We are getting along with our Entertainment very nicely. Mr. Pharez Duffield died last evening at about 9 o'clock. 

March 23, 1880 -- Tuesday
The weather was very changeable . It was nice and clear in the forenoon, but got very cloudy about noon, and about 3 o'clock it got very stormy, and a shower of rain went around. It then cleared off, and at 5 o'clock again got windy and rained a little shower. The evening was beautiful. I passed the day in my school, had seventeen scholars I was at Lesher's school-house in the evening. We had practice for our exhibition, there was only a part of the members present, and there was some boys who cut up pretty high, and who better take a little care. We are getting better at our dialogue. I went a little piece around to come home, but for fun.

March 24, 1880 -- Wednesday
The weather was very clear, somewhat windy. The roads are very nice again. I passed the day in my school at "Retreat." I have not very long any more to teach. Pap and Mother were at Mrs. Klopp's funeral. Poor Tizy! She is now gone to the eternal realthms, to render an account of deeds done in the body. There are now two of our own "harvest band" of last harvest gone. Mrs. Klopp and Pete Dick. The funeral was well-attended. Mr. Pharez Duffield was also buried to-day. He is now no more in this world. These surely remind us that "Death is certain, and life uncertain." I was at Lesher's school-house in the evening. We had practice of our dialogues for the entertainment to be held Wednesday eve.

March 25, 1880 -- Thursday
The wather was very clear and pleasant all day, and the evening was delightful, But I do not think this weather will hold out this way very long. The haze is beginning to hang around the horizon. I passed the day in my school, had seventeen scholars. Pap helped Jonathan Klopp to move his things over to Jake Zug's at Stoufferstown. Samuel Mertz, near Stoufferstown also moved to-day. There was Spelling-school at the New Franklin school-house in the evening. I was not there. I was at Lesher's school-house. There was practice of dialogues for the entertainment. We will not meet now till next Monday eve at which time we must get to work in good earnest.

March 26, 1880 -- Friday
The weather was somewhat cloudy all day. The sun shone but dimly at times. It was I think too cold to rain or it would have rained. It sleeted a little in the evening. I passed the day in my school, have now but two days to pass at "Old Retreat," I will close on next Tuesday God willing. I passed the evening studying my part for the entertainment. It is almost a new thing for me to be at home in the evening. D.G. Hoover, C.B. Dysert, G.H. Dysert and Jake were at Lesher's school-house in the forenoon and fixed up a good substantial stage. I was to go to a party at Joseph Hoover's in the evening, but I did not go.

March 27, 1880 -- Saturday
The weather was very inclement all day, cloudy and rainy the greater part of the day. The roads will now get very muddy and bad. I cleaned out the stables in the forenoon. We then got ready and and Pap, Mother and I were at the Grindstone Hill church in the forenoon. There was preparatory service for our communion on to-morrow. The crowd was small owing to the inclemency of the weather. I was at home in the afternoon and evening. D.G. Hoover was here in the afternoon, and Pap was in New Franklin. I put up two bills one at the Hall and the other at Zitzman's store for the entertainment. We spent part of the evening playing dominoes. There was no preaching in the eve.

March 28, 1880 -- Sunday
The weather was very cloudy all day, sometimes it looked as if it was going to rain, again it looked as if it was going to clear off. It was showery in the evening. I was at the Grindstone Hill church in the forenoon. We were all there, went up in the carriage. There was communion by our church, the reformed. There was a right large crowd there, although the weather was inclement. Mr. Comfort was assisted by Rev. Mr. Herbert of Landisville Perry Co. Pap and I suppose he will get a call to come and preach, as Mr. Comfort has resigned. I was at home, in the afternoon and evening. There was no preaching in the eve. Day after to-morrow I will be done teaching.

March 29, 1880 -- Monday
The weather was cloudy and cool the greater part of the day. It was nice and clear in the morning, but clouded up and there were snow storms went around in the evening. I passed the day in my school. Miss Clara Snyder was here in the afternoon, toward evening. As I came through New Franklin, I got a linen coat and a wig to be worn at the entertainment. I was at Lesher's school-house in the evening. There was practice for the entertainment. Our party was all together for the first time. We practiced till ten o'clock, and after we left the school-house somebody broke into the school-house and stole our curtains and almost all the things we had there, including my coat and wig and Dysert's hatchet &c.

March 30, 1880 -- Tuesday
The weather was very pleasant all day and the roads are getting dry again. I passed the day in my school, and it was the last day I will pass there this winter, my term has expired and my work completed.  I got along very well the whole winter, had not the least bit of trouble. Perhaps I will get the Retreat school to teach next winter if I live. I had visitors. Misses Annie B. Wertz, Clara E. Snyder, and Mr. D.G. Hoover and we spent a happy and jolly time together. I drove to school. When I arrived at home in the evening, Calvin L. Klopp was here and he staid all night with us. D.G. Hoover, C.B. Dysert and W.A. Ferguson were here in the evening. Dave and Charlie got to teasing each other, and produced great laughter.

March 31, 1880 -- Wednesday
The weather was very pleasant all day and the evening was beautiful. I was at Lesher's school house all day, and almost all night. We met and fixed up our stage, which was a very nice and solid one, and devoted the afternoon to practice. We had our entertainment in the evening. There was quite a large crowd there, and the proceeds amounted to $5.60. We stayed till three o'clock at night. There was eleven of us: J.T. Pfoutz, C.B. Disert, G.H. Dysert, D.J. Hoover, Annie Wertz, Clara Snyder, Edith McFerren, Jake, Charlie Wertz, Wm Ferguson, and myself. The best piece played was "Pete and the Peddler," between Annie Wertz, J.T. Pfoutz and myself. Everything passed off nicely and all went away very much pleased. I do very much enjoy to be in an entertainment.

Continue to April