(Transcribed by "Carolyne L. Reeves" carolyne-r@webtv.net)
'No fiction, but some of his adventures'
Intro 1: Whit [sic] the permission of P. Jacobin our Father we print some of his life exploits as the same were stranger and unknown to us, but a surprise. He was born in South of Italy "between Naples + Rome" 1841. Student, graduated in the Naples University with the Diploma of Civil Engineer exerciting [sic] his Profession for few years has been an officer of Natiol [sic] Guards. In time of the Italian Revolution, beginning in 1860 and subsequent years he was meshed [sic] up with Revolutionary party, and picked up with a great number of the big class of citizens without process ??? to several prisons and fortresses. Deported in Sardinia Inland "Cagliari". After 2 years escaped Corsica Island France. In 1872 embarked from Havre port to U.S.A. In New York gave Italian lessons to several rich people, and Meditist [sic] Preachers who afterward implanted churches in Rome. He was Railroad Foreman in time the R. Ru?os built from N.Y. to Terrytown.
He had been employed Coal Miner in Pensilvania [sic], Ohio, and Illinois. Manager in a Coal Mine Co in Pensilvania [sic] as geniral [sic] Merchant
Intro 2: store. Kept Store in Coalburg Ohio, Pittburg [sic] and Alleghine [sic] Pa and in Sparta Ills [sic]. Miner and Mines Surveyer [sic] in Roslyn Wash, Homestead squatter, Prospector, Store Keeper and Saloon Keeper in Hamilton where at present still live "Age 75" says It is the mysterious law of nature which humble one to exalt the other __ and the life is immajination null + void the death nears (?). P.J.
{At top of Intro 2: N.B. [Note Well] In time the Italian Revolution he belonged to the Republican group which corrisponded [sic] with Moshing (?) Club in London where ??? exile! They went to implant ??? in Italy.
Diary 1: A true biography and adventure of the arster [sic].
I was born Feb 1841 in Pietranairan Province of Terra di Lavoro at present Caserta. My parents and precedessors [sic] were of Civil class generally occupying some profession as Architecta, Civil Engineers, Priests, Canon, or high public service. When I was a Boy had private teacher afterward s???ed self ?? teaching. At the age of 19 I was sent to a town close by to study under an Archiprist [sic], e celeber Matem, atician as I was to learn Architect for over a year and one half. Just in that year or several subsequent one begin the revolution war between the King of Naples, Garibaldi, and Victor Emanuel, a year before I gave a substitute for the army service accord that time law. Having returned to my town and the revolution and war was in great progress. I took no side of the conflict, except with some high class of town people ?? sometime we met to discuss the Revolution, joining to a party who were favoring an Italian Republic with Garibaldi as President or Dictator. Soam [sic] in that conflict hundreds of people shot dead by the Piedmontese troops "only as suspects" or because they were fugitives soldiers of Bourbon. "Digging a long trench and buried ?? In 1862 I was arrested together with several respectable people, and in other town through the Neapolitan province were arrested in great numbers of every class of people, and we were put in prisons without any complaint ?? process, i.e., having been in several prisons for several months, and day we were called out with irons locks to hands tightened one by one along Naples Streets as real convicts and connected to the warfes [sic] where Steamers were ready to transport us without any knowledge across to be dumped and drowned. Well after siven [sic] days we were landed Cagliari Capital of Sardinia Island which is one of
Diary 2: ?? and the Authority gave us all instructions to how to live, behave, to beg, to call, respond and restrictiones [sic]. Return to prison life N.B. the first prison was in the County seat called Pet??, about 6 miles from my town and that I was well known and acquainted. In that cell where I was assigned had for prisoner company a Priest, a Duke, and several rich people, so we got a??side any particular things we needed for comfort, and every afternoon we had free walk in a large yard for about 2 hours. Attached to this prison there was the court house and there was also the Judge residence + that time the Judge Calabrese ?? was in another Province "for vacation" but had left there his man, cook, and an [sic] handsome lady perhaps 25 years old, believing was his wife, as every believed but afterward found out was his private mistress. I got well acquainted with said Lady who several times came visit me inside the prison in a Private office where are brought outsiders to visit the prisoners. Often I received from her refreshment, fruits, ec [sic] through such friendship I could get home if I was willingly [sic] to escape from Prison, ec [sic], ec [sic] but as I was not guilty I or Aristocrat refused her offer. After incarcerated in prison for over 3 months - every day visit from my relation ?? town and other town friend - we were transferred to another prison about 8 miles, and this prison and this prison there was great severity being allowed only by prison fares, not being allowed to procure outside comforts, other severe rules. In about a month in this hard retrict [sic] prison was transferred to another about 40 miles for the Jailer was a kind young man helped by a Sister who was a nice girl about 24 year old. In this prison one had any comfort asked for, and treated very kindly. We were ?aying liberally. Having made this girl a good friend, she falled [sic] sonnot in love not passion with me and by jocking [sic] I asked if she would let me escape. Well she consented to let me escape by night time, but as I had mentioned to other intil [sic] last. I not desire to escape. In this
Diary 3: jail there was in my Co[mpany] a middle age Baron, a old Dr., a Lawyer, a Monk, and several capitalists, beside a number of low class of peoples. Having stayed in this prison for about 1 month, we were transfer, red at the State Capitol Prison "St. Maria di Capua" and in that Prison said Prison contained about 6000 people. Their prison was very severe disciplined and only fare from Prison fare, "money can't buy Comfort". In every evening all prison iron bars windows was inspected with hammer sounding on bars, ectro [sic] beds, ec [sic]. Having stayed there about 2 months we were transferred by trains manacled hand by another man hand to the greatest prison called "the Vicaria" in Naples where confined for about 15 days. Kind reader how you like to be thrown in several fetid and vermin infested prison inferring informal domination without any indictment, legal process, or trial. "I was then 21 year of age" and my folks already severalthousand letter as to let me free ec [sic] ec [sic]. Well, we were taken out from the Vicaria manacled hand by hand walking a good deal the Naples street being insulted as convicts to the Warfs [sic] and just on to a large steamer "without knowing where to be dumped" as noted above.
Exited at "Dominilio Coatte as political offenders" in Cagliari. There were about 20,000 of us comprising any class, profession ec [sic]. We were left free there. The Government furnished building to lodge to those who in needs and those had means rented houses, or boarded in Hotels ec [sic]. The government payed 8ct oo + 2.46 a month as to live on a day for each individual, and 1 day every week each Exile needed to be present to the Chief Police call. One day I was surprised to learn that the Insland [sic] Governor was a former Governor of my Province, and this Governor was
Diary 4: well acquainted with my Cousin who was National Guard Major. So I called on said Governor and put my complaint for the injustice I was persecuted for. He said know well my family and particular my Cousin, but the Government had taken such steps for security as there is in Italy, e [and] particularly in the meridionol [sic] Province great foment of rivolution [sic], rebellion, brigantage ec [sic]. It is know well that several innocent people are suffering, but the must fault are the local Autorities [sic] who furnished lists of parties who the present Government, and fafvored another form of Government or the previous Bourbons. His Excellency gave me the favor to not be present at every week call beside furnished free pass to all Sardinia Insland [sic].
Sardinia is a great Island contains two Provinces Cagliari Sossari. The people generally talk a dialect differently of Italian language, their dresses also differ from other Country. The dress for men is a short tunic, + Breach pants. They wear large gold or silver buttons to the tunic front to collar and shoes. The Woman wear a kind of skirt open from the neck to the bosom and this opening is cover with a kind of silk handcrchief [sic]. Their wear large ear pendants and at the wrist large round gold or silver buttons attached to the shirt sleeves. The people are of high stature, good natured kind and accommadatives [sic].
Diary 5: The women generally beautiful ?? ??. Sometimes, they lodge 3 for accomodation [sic]. The [sic] lodge strangers and let sleep in one end of ?? bed where is the wife too but the stranger ought to behave otherwise never will be found live or dead.Having lived in this Insland [sic] for over 1 ½ year the life was very agreeable just like having a vacation, passing the time traveling from one place to other, fishing, sporting and any recreation possible. This Insland [sic] growing kind of fruits, extensive vine yards which they make the celebrated Lacrima Christy Wine. There are ?? silver lead mines and Salt manufacturies [sic] controlled by Government. I made there several friends and particular with a young widow about 20's who husband had a high Government position. This lady was a knight is Chevalier's daughter and very refined. Well a great friendship sprang among us, and often received from her several presents ec ec [sic]. After one and ½ year one day I and several others were notified that the Government had granted us pardon and next day we embarked on a Steamer for Naples and got fare. My lady left very sorrowfull [sic] would like to accompany me ecc ec [sic] but this is the young irrequiete [sic] life. Having reached Naples returned to my Home where was visited and congratulated by Townsmen. Ten months after I went to Caserta City where I started Studies under an Architect named V. Mungilli who was residing in the Real Palace his Father was a keeper of said Real Palace, so every day I was taking lesson in one of the Palace Room. This Palace was former residence of King Bourbon family. The palace villa surrounding is one of the most elegant one, as anyone had seen it can attest.
Resided in Caserta about 2 years then returned at Home and after few months left to finish study at Naples University where I got a Surveyor diploma. Just that year was born the present King in Naples and his little bed ?? in a great Stone in Toledo. Then leaving returned to my home. I made a deal with a Feudatory Baron to ?? ?? presented to Some Society and was ?? in solid silver and precious stones.
Diary 6: Survey some tracts of his vast Domain and kept busy practing [sic] my Profession. It was in year ?? I was fond of hunting so one day I went hunting in a Hill about ?? miles from town, and while in the woods I was surrounded by 5 armed men. These men were fugitive old bourbon Soldiers that for several years took to Brigandage. Well they captured me for a ransom. They took me about a mile far in a secluded cave and ordered my [sic] to write my family for ransom. Among these was one who had cognition of my government trouble and exile and pleaded with them for the past I had suffered by the government hand ec [sic]. So they let me go but let swear to not reveal nothing of their meeting ec [sic]. Another day while hunting I stepped on a large poisonous snake which struck and then ?? up my right leg. I had on a soft high leather boot ?? ?? ?? The snake fang penetrated to the ?? with little scratch. I went in a farm close by and applied some remedies and immediately went home and then applied other remedy ecc [sic] and till at present can seen the wound and scar in my leg that never obliterated the wound. Other time I got a close call while hunting carring [sic] the double shot gun in hand and got some way the trigger and shot went off tearing the left side front end coat.
Another time while on horse back the horse bolted and got a heavy fall without being hurt. Another time I was hunting with others in a thick forest a pack of several large wolves gave chase toward me and another fellow. They were infuriated by the hounds following but me exercise greatest care as by ?? our gun killing one ?? ?? instead to fight us encircled around the dead companion
Diary 7: by tearing his flesh, so we got out of way and got time to scale a big ?? tree in meantime we called other companion for help, but after ?? while the Dogs were coming to the Wolf direction so they left at full speed. Examining the Dead Wolf we found that he was torned [sic] open at the belly and several pieces internally intestines of flesh devoured.
The most sport I was fond wild pigeons, shooting by the following tricks. Several hunters have domestic homy pigeons which they learn to stand on a small piece of board the shape of a stove fire shovel. This wide part of board are driven two holes putting the pigeon on with ankle tight by a soft bandage of cloth pass the ends in the holes were tighten, then the long end of the handle is attach a long cord and by the mid leg of this board shapes as a shovel is bored a hole. Then the person go on a large tree generally oak choosing some tall straight branch and on this is attached said board with a gimlet smaller than the hole so the pigeon remain in balance. Then drop string down as take the string in hand in a little cabin built of brushes with enough hole view to manage the gun and to see whacht tree and surrounding. When the pigeon fly on air or on trees there is manipulated the string so the pigeon on str?? may fly "open string" any desired motion. Now not difference how far are the wild pigeons they see the pigeon in motion. They circle round, round this tree and then set on so the hunter knose [sic] which one to shoot several times set a ?? that in the flock and several pigeon come down death.
Diary 10: after first that they get allarmed [sic] and fly, but the operator let fly again said pigeon sometime little slow, sometime it fall near, and again the pigeons gets on branches, and are shot. This is repeated several times so one or two hunter sometime get hundreds pigeons.
Another sport is when the black birds .. The Robins are of passage by Feb to Apl [sic] we used as fallow. Choose a oak ?? promontory where is a good view around. Then we make several long shaped sticks about 5 to 6 feet long and about 5 to 6 inches in diameter every half ft to 1 ft is bored holes around then is shaped a quantity of little stick size a Pencil. These varnished with a viscous glue or gelatin then going on the tree and in several branches is ?? on these sticks perpendicularly tighted [sic] with cord or gimlets. Then when ?? is made some branches settle slack. Then when the birds are flying on in other trees we use a little round tin whistle for a call so the birds come and settle on the little glue stick and instantly the wing got glued and by little shaping the birds and little stick falls on ground and picked up, sometime we were filling several sacks.
About fishin, we used making a paste with some ingredients. Then by ?? little pellets which thrown in creeks or River the fishes swollow these pellets and after awhile they come sensless [sic], intoxicated on water surface ?? close by surf, then is gathered. This method of hunting and fishing is wrong and unsportlike, but that Country had not the law that time as to preserve fishes or birds.
Diary 11: Several times with other parties we went poaching in a Royal hunting reserve called Silva di Torino, few miles far from Town then by night after killing deers or wild hogs ec [sic] which abounded there. These animal were transported away on burros [sic]. One evening late while I and a friend were standing guard to Boars. This was close to a road we heard near by the horse gallop of the guardian preserver e [sic] by a mixe [sic] chance they missed to see use [sic], [without] a moon light. Well when this Custodians catch a poacher they arrest him, confiscate the arms, and is tried by a justice of peace which condemn in a fine of $25.00 to 100.00 or from 1 month to 6 months jail. It is very foolish and risky, but a jung [drunk] man have not enough judgement ec [sic].
One year before escaping my native Town I was enrolled in the National Guard with Sargent Major grade and this was the beginning of 1872. In that time many outlaw and brigands existed and several times we were compelled to make excursion in the woods, passes, ec [sic] Once we were engaged with a number of these outlawed killing 4, and 3 wounded. The militia Co lost one man, and two wounded. Another time we were posted by a River Bank called Volturno. In night time from other River Side were trying to ford stream in general Horseback. When they reached in middle stream the Militia was order to fire. The horsemen then begin a fusilade [sic] at random. The horsemen escaped and a young respect young man wounded, and I was shot through the coat, so the militia stampeded and not was noted. They left the wounded on field, so after reached a half mile we were ordered to return and finished up mess.
Diary 12: Wound fellow was transported at home, and next day dead. By my believe, he was shot by same militiaman in the melee and that shot was reserved to the Militia major by an enemy just afterward was treshed [sic] out. This young fellow was close by and in middle of me, major and others.
In the Summer of said year another revolution frenzy sprang up and the Government began the same tactics as few year before to incarcerate the former and other political subjects, and I and some others got a tip to being again persucuted, so bid good bye to my folks and regrettably escaped in France crossing Mt. Cinisio. Having stopped some time in Paris under an assumed name, as several other did the same, and after we went in Havre the maritime port, some engaged passage for New York paying high price for our passage. From Havre to New York were 16 days on July as by that time of year November we encountered high ice, tempests, lightning ec [sic] The steamer ?? not disabled at any event reached in N.Y. Nov 19 1872. The first night we were recovered at Castle Garden "Battery". On next day I was recovered in a hospital at Ellis Island. My sea sickness was produced by too much vomit by the sea and got some fever. In that hospital there was an English Dr who conversed with me in latin [sic], as I was expert to that language, not understanding the English. I was well treated. One night I was robed [sic] of a little ?? [purse]
Diary 13: which contained lost money I had beside several trinkets. The thief took the money and clothing in the closet hole the ?? bag + content, but next morning been complained to the Hospital Superiors, so the thief who was an Irish young fellow was arrested and tryd [sic] by some N.Y. Authority. After 15 days in Hospital I recovered and went to N. york [sic] City where found some old friends and we made plans what to do or how to live ec. ec. [sic] That time my age was 31. I was of strong constitution and was willingly to be employed by any labor.
The first thing I did went to the publisher of an and only Italian journal called l'Eio d'Italia. This publisher was an old Italian Emigrant by Name Secchio de Capole. I explained my position ec. [sic]. He gave me a good deal of help and advised beside. I contributed several articles in Italian in that journal. In winter I gave Italian lessons to 2 Protestant pastors and 2 other businessmen. These Protestant ministers want to learn some Italian as they going to Rome to open a Methodist Protestant Church. In this way I was Earning good living beside I was learning the english [sic] lesson given to me and few other by an high Respectable Lady Mrs. Crosby who somewhere was learned also in Italian. Her husband was a Protestant Minister.
In beginning of Spring I got a Commission to get about 150 Italians to work on Terrytown R.R. [railroad] just that year started from N.Y. ?? I got a Foreman for about 2 months. Afterward I was introduced to a Protestant Mission at Five Points since I received some good kindness. Among these Pastors there was a Greek who beside English was preaching also in Italian to there congregated [sic] in said local mission. This mission also had a kind of free Employment agency to supply foreigners laborers
Diary 14: to Several states. This rascal Pseudo Preacher made a plan to defraud giving understand that a Construction Co of a Pennsylvania Town wanted a quantity of labor mechanicks [sic] and the employment was a long one with fair wages but the R.R. fare ought to be paid by the men, and afterward the Co will refund ec [sic] and the leave was in 10 days for about 300 men foreigners defrauted [sic] to this preach [sic] each one of 7.00. I was engaged as a kind of clerck [sic]. When the day came every men were ready to go, but the Preacher already had obsconded with the money and by mob scandal the mission parties were shaken up, but promised to find other jobs ec [sic] after few day. They got a call for men from an Ohio Mining Co. I with number of Italians and other Nationality went to this Coal mine neither approve the danger which is liable in the mines. This mine was a large one dip about 150 ft. The hoist apparatus taking up + down about 20 min each trip. We received tools, lamps, ec [sic] and the pit bosses assigned us what to do ec [sic] We were inexperienced but in few days learned the work. This was the first real hard + dangerous work then I had never before done, but being a stron, coragious [sic] young fellow + short of funds took the matter as indifferently possible, so I bented [sic] and started the hard work without any displeasure. Having worked in this mine for over 3 months and saved some money, then I heard that not very far there was 2 great mines were a large number of Italian, Frenchmen and other Nationality were working. This place was called Coalburgh few miles from Youngstown so I went there, and found several old acquaintance
Diary 8: place and all went to Pittsburg to get paid, most of the Coalburgh miners went back to that place, other in different other mines. I stopped in Pittsburgh for several days and I made acquaintance of one young Switzxx [sic] Italian who was past owner of an iron work in St. Louis. He said that know some mineral land owners in Joplin, Mo who would lease 500 acres to parties who would prospect and open mines on that land. I and and [sic] young French Civil Engineer agreed to try this enterprise, so we went to St. Louis closed a lease deal and I found about 20 Italian and some French of former acquaintance. Made a contract that we were buying all provisions, tools, as needed and they will get profit one 4th of all galena mined. This land was about 1 mile from a large galena mine where there was many miners working and the mine was producing plenty of ore. The mine was on a level zone, and our land leased lay somewhat high rolling ground. About 3 quart of mile far, we brought all provisions, tools, bedding, built several shacks, ec [sic], and start work by sinking several shaft. Some one deep over 50 ft ?? "O" xx who one of his Bros Co had invented an incubator to hatch chix [sic] as in this time was not any in this country, so we found some moneyed party to invest let come one Incubator, rented a 2nd story Hall in Pittsburg and in hatching time we let admit people to see the wonderful invention charging admission 10 to 25 cts. We made a hit on this as the Hall was nearly always packed, but in about a month the machinery went out of commission and we abandoned "O". We struck some small ledges, also a quantity of pure lead some about 2 to 3 fit [feet] underground. This was just as potatoes on ground hill nodes bunched together. In old time the lead
Diary 9: was liquified and cooled to this shape. After about 4 months we quit as the right ledges were not one truck, and we went back to St. Louis, having we lost about 3000.00 dollars, and left me penniless. I borrowed few dollars from a St. Louis Friend a Mr. F. de ?? and after few days I and several others we went to New Athens S. Claye Co Ills [Illinois] as we heard in S. Louis [sic] Employment agency that there wanted Coal Miners. Reached there in evening time unable to find any lodging were comforted to sleep in a barn. Next morning we found the Coal Co office and we got work. This mine was about half mile from Town. A a [sic] shaft deep about 150 fit [sic]. The Coal was good solid bituminous about 6 ft high, and we were making fair wages, and well treated. I had for partners 2 strong young fellows, but not very sharp, and they often teased me telling why I was an educated intelligent don't find may how to mine a great quantity of Coal wicth [sic] little work. These partners were green, but as I had worked or seen work at other Eastern mines know how oW [sic] expert miners used to make good blasting ec [sic]. So I directed them to excave under the coal seam "laying down at full tent" for about 5 to 6 ft, and the stone cutting from top to bottom for some length, only at one end of the seam. Then the other end drilling a hole about 5 feet charging it with a stick of powder about 12 to 15 inch tamping the hole with wet slick clay + dirt. Then drive in the ?? and in that outside ?? hole putting a little fuse lighting it while we were some ?? ?? in the Entry
Diary 15: ?? everybody runned for life in the wood. This fire left nearly penniless with a large family. In sept [sic] of said year was born another child who at present is publisher of Concrete Enterprise Concrete Works since 1908.
Two months after fire the Coal Company imported about 400 coloredes [sic] from Eastern states, several of this were armed with ?? ?? ?? of mitts ??. In general ?? ?? few nigers [sic] got killed so the strike brock [sic] up, most the white miners left, this went to ?? the Town, started building again and builded [sic] a two story house. My wife open a millinery store. After some time I got a job to mine Coal. I had a good place and got a good strong young fellow for partner. The seam was in steep inclination. When car was filled with Coal needed to be taken out in the Entry, or main Road where the Driver to take it way and returning empty one. To take the full car from the seam to outside was needed to go on top the front car. For some time I was taking out the cares, sometime my partner but that car was taken out by the partner, so he jumped on, and started the car moving. When reached nearly a mid way he lost control of it as the lever was not in in [sic] the front of car, passing it on his body and instantly was killed. If I was going in that trip I was rewarded some after that time. The Co was ?? by relatives of dead man. They called me for witness. The Co wanted that I should say the lever was in good order ec [sic] but I said differently ?? the truth, so I got the Co enimity ec [sic]. I quit and went to Wilkinson mines. There there [sic] was a my friend, so I
Diary 16: worked there for some time, making good wages. This mine was a deep one starting the cars from Engine house down an inclination about 150 ft then entering the shaft mouth from this perpendicularly to bottom about 150 ft. One day while going down with several others when the car rode nearly in middle of the shaft the car stopped with a great jerk. One fellow broke his arm, and we left suspended on the car as the hoisting machinery went out order for about 2 hours. We were in that position believing that in a moment or other we would fall out [free interpretation] and killed, but after elapse of 2 hours the apparatus put in order and we descended in security. This mine has several working levels. While one day I was walking from 1st level to go in 3rd level someway I missed the foot and was precipitat[e]d in a chute rolling about 25 ft. The Iron door chute was closed, otherwise falling down on next level surely was killed.
I quit Wilkinson went back to Roslyn staying there for some time. I resolved to settle in West Wash + coal miner life ec [sic] leaving the family at Roslyn, I went to Fair Haven. new Town What come now B??, Anacostia, Ar??, Burlington, Sedr?, Hamilton. That time was in Spring 1890 and these Town I visited some were new. Town just started either Old one with small population. Someone can buy cheap lots, other took off at Hamilton that time there was a great boom and just few month before was platted. The Town is situated on the North Bank of Skagit River in Skagit Co Wash, occupy a favored position there was some Coal seams. I ran ledges, timber, good soil, and [next time split in printing image] miners I found an old my friend Dick Tuffin who before the
Diary 17: who were glad and surprised to see me ec [sic]. This place was a ?? settlement of Americans but large Mining Camp for about 500 workers. There was not any Store except a buxom Irish Woman had a kind of Restaurant + blind pig. I rented a house from a Ranger and start with a stock of Grocerys [sic] ec [sic]. After doing well a year + half there happen a strike in the mines and the place got dead, so I moved to Pittsburgh Pa, and bought out a Confection fruits Cigars Store from an Italian, having kept it for several months sold out bought another of same kind in All[e]gheney [sic] after 2 months sold out and just in that time I met in an Italian Saloon some parties who wanted miners for an anthracite coal mines at Armstrong Pa so I get the Commission to find about 100 foreigner miners, so I went to Coalburg + some other I got in Pittsburg[h] and went to Armstrong where this mine was shut down cause a big strike one or two months before. We thought to not have trouble as in that place there was no resident as the camp belonged to that Co. There was a large Store with any kind of grocerie [sic], Clothing Shoes ec [sic]. This camp was alongside of a River perhaps Monongehala and in the other riverside there was a small Town where after found out there were a quantity of former strike miners. We settled there and several of there [sic] new miners had family too. This Co had several armed men walking the place fearing trouble with old miners, as after I found out there round that Country was the Society of Molle Maguire whose in that time ?? terror in that parts of Country. I was put in the Store to attend that line of ?? cause I was to do interpreter
Diary 18: and keep back selling ec [sic]. There was another ?? Store Manager for a long time before, but this fellow after was heavy drinking and when drunk layin [sic] inside under the Counter for hours so all trade generally was done by me. I was to get 100.00 a month. The miners start work making good wages every one satisfied and so runned [sic] smooth for about 10 days when the trouble began. Night by night there was some shot in the Hills above, and 1 night they shot several times at the Superintendent house so the miners began apprehensive, on Sunday party of one of the young was trying in a small padle [sic] boat to cross the River for the other side village when nearly in the middle of the River we were shot on, only 1 fellow was slight hurt in the arm. We soon returned back this was reported to the law officers, but no one was arrested. After 15 more days one Sunday about 7 in morning while several miners were on the road and outside the buildings all at one [sic] fusilade [sic] of many shots was directed to any miner on sight this guns discharge came from an Hill where several old bikers were hided and by this shooting 3 men shot dead, and 4 wounded. I was inside the Co. Store warehouse close by a stove and two bullets went through the wall hit the stove passing just close by. I was seated was just a close call for my life, some of the guards and other armede [sic] ascended the Hill but the shooters went off the bushes and timber. Soon was dispatched new to the Co office in Pittsburgh and come day came several policemen, Sheriff, Mine Co owners, Coroner ec [sic] train ?? ?? ec [sic] and in same evening we decided to quit the
Diary 19: We renewed the correspondence, and she agreed the [sic] come and meet me outside Town and going to get married. Of course she said not a word to her father about, so I met her who was in buggy riding with her Sister, and Miller the Coalterville mine Foreman. We went to a justice of peace and married. At first we agreed that after marriage she was going back at Home with her Sister and Miller, but after the marriage she changed the idea, and came with me at Rosborough where we got a good reception. For some cause the Rosborough mines stopped to work and I found another job in Murphysboro Ills [sic] mine where getting good wages and this was of year after marriage and just in time was born our first baby girl. In same may [sic] I got one of my eyes sore inflamation by neuralgia. I consulted a Dr Mahoney. He rubbed the eyelid with a caustic stick which caused burning my pupil, a destroyed the right. Next day he called in consultation 2 other Drs rubbing some medicine on the pupil, but without any benefit. Before that castic [sic] rubbing the eye was sore but I can see, after blinded with that eye. Soon I went in S. Louis Missoury [sic] seeing a good oculist. He made some operation ec [sic] but he said that Mahoney destroyed my eye. Several Oculists advised me to let out the eye, otherwise I was liable to destroy other eyesight, but I never had done so, and the sight of other eye got good strong sight that I can read in dark the minute writing also candle very clear for ??. Soon used ??
Diary 20: never got eye sore since over 32 year. I lost the eye and as of now I am over 71 year of age. I can see better than any young man with both eyes.
I left Murphysborough and settled in Sparta Ills [sic] where I bought out a Colored fellow grocery store which I put in a large stock of goods and the former mine manager Moffett took a half interess [sic] as he still was attending at the mines business. Forty year the business progressed finely and for some cause I sold out, and open another business the first of a kind open in Sparta. This business was a 5.10.25.50.75 ct 1.00 Counter goods comprising a great variety of articles. At first opening and for about 6 months this store generally was a big rush, but I was not satisfied of that part of Country as I wanted to take Franklin advice go to West. I had resided in Sparta about 11 years Having born to my Wife 3 boys an a girl. All Sparta people liked us very well and Till at present I claim there very warm friends. One day while I was in St Louis Mo in business found out that a Superintendent of the Roslyn Coal Co was arrolling [sic] a great number of miner for that mines short time before opened, and others opened afterward. This was in March 1888. I talk with president a Mr Anderson, I told that I had experience in Coal mines as miner and
Diary 21: and Surveyor, so he promised to give a job till was needed as Surveying ?? lines to open Entry main roads open crosscuts Rooms ec [sic] in the new open mines. Having nearly 300 miners ready engaged fixed the day free transportation. These mines were interested North Pacific R.R. Co.
I went back to Sparta telling my Wife that after 2 other days I was leaving for Roslyn Wash and after some time I was calling her + children so as soon she can to dispose the business ec [sic].
The day fixed for depart came so I and about 300 men got on the Emigrant train running night + day. When the train reached somewhere in Montana the Engin [sic] cabosse [sic] derailed killing the Engineer, a Brakeman, injuring several, others got a bad shake. When reached at Posco we were transferred across Columbia River by steam ferry boat, stopping at this station for about 1 hour, that time must of the around Posco "fine people" was open for settlement. The land was covered with sage brush, people joying [sic] the land can't raise nothing. I said it is very good for Orchards ec [sic]. We got on train again and reached Cleolum where we stopped for ??. Cleolum contained small settlement. By special Engines we reached Roslyn Wash. Roslyn was a new Town settled about 2 years before. The Town site belonged to North Pacific R.R. Co. There was a Saloon controlled by the Co, Several Stores, and the Co Store where all miners were trading at Co Store.
When reached Montana + Wash we saw first sign of green grass. After 2 or 3 days rest everyone got busy at their work and in that time the Coal Co was paying $3.00 per day to
Diary 22: each minor [sic]. I got $5.00 each day. Having kept this job for over 3 months and in that time 2 new slops were put in regoler [sic] working order so my Service was dispensed and I got another contract job to open crosscuts. Having chosed [sic] a partner we worked at this contract job making from 4 to 5 dollars each daily [sic] and this lasted for about 2 month. One day my partner was killed. A car loaded of coal runned [sic] on him from ?? to the car and Entry. I was lucky not on car. Me and few Station friends bought a lot and builded on a large 2 story House. About the end of Summer I let come my family. Afterward I built one then 2 story houses [sic].
After 3 Months the Company made a contract with miners to pay by Town [tons] instead by wages, so the miners were making from 3 to 4 dollars a day. When the Company found out that the Miners were making high wages, pulled down the price. Then happened a big strike. The Miners generally belong to the knight of labor, so the strike kept on for about 3 months. Then the Co send several agent in East to get strike breakers and this was the month of July 1889. When Seattle burned down and in Same Month July 19 1889 also Roslyn was destroyed entirely by fire. Everybody lost heavy as the fire insurance Co would not insure property in Roslyn. That time my Wife had a store of Millinery, dry goods, body appearel [sic]. Everything went in smoke only saved a small showcase full of ribons [sic] + feathers. This showcase were taken on a Hill, other voluable [sic] taken outside store or houses from ¼ miles, but all destroyed, as that day was blowing wind. Left us only the clothing we had on [rest of last line of printed scan illegible]
Diary 23: the Roslyn Coal mine strike he was a Superintendent of the Coal Co, his Wife baptized my son borned there. So I concluded to move here. I went back to Roslyn after short time move with family here. That time there was no R.R. at Hamilton, but a steamboat was coming every day or two day generally full of people who were coming here to buy lots, find job, starting business ec [sic]. Here was several Real Estate Co selling lots from 200.00 to 1000 dollars each. In that time there was great huslting [sic] an rustling building, clear town site, Roads opening ec [sic] Block + Hotel brick building ec [sic]. [Crossed out: In the fall start the R.R. Construction] In that time there was extending R.R. from Ledres [??] M?alley and by fall finished to Hamilton, so by fall Hamilton was already considerable town of over 700 people, and ?? ?? ??. The Town embraced all kind of business. I bought a lot builded [sic] on, my Wife started the first millinery Store, and I got the first job to Clear some Town site land who hired contract Henry Hurshman. In the end of fall of 1890 I took a squatter Hd [sic] about 20 miles up Baker River or 7 miles from Concrete. This land was unsurveyed. I was last settler next to John Flick hd. That time was hardship to reach an land from Concrete. There was no roads, trail, and every thing pack on shoulder. I built a strong log Cabin, some improvement ec [sic]. Concrete that time was called Baker. There was only Ma? Miller + family keeping a small
Diary 24: Hotel, next settle are Everett across the Baker River now East Concrete were is Wash portland Cement plant. Baker now Concrete where is Superior Cement plant, and a good Town about 1300 people. While few years ago can be bought whole Baker Townsite for few hundred dollars, while at present a lot of 25 feet by 100 in moore St cost over $1200.00. Once felled in Bear Creek, and wet head to foot walked 15 miles home. In Feb 1891 I got very mired in soft clay bank to the waist. Once cougar followed for over ½ mile. Once a snake on bunk on a ?? ??. In Feb 1891 I got some trouble with my Wife, perhaps my fault, perhaps her fault, perhaps better she left me with the children. After 2 months she got a divorce uncontested, and left town with the children. I sold my squatter hd, and got 40 acre relinquishment about 5 miles across the River from Hamilton. I stayed on this land for sometime and 1st september with a ?? friend went to pick hops across the River from Mt. Vernon a Mr Denny Ronch making about $3.00 daily. After 20 days Returned to Hamilton I relinquished my 40 acres to a party, and the Spring of 1902 I bought a two story building and opened a fruit Confectionary tobacco ec [sic] Store. Doing well. In fall 1892 the former Wife and children were living in Seattle + by intervention of some good people I got my children, raising them and send to School.
1893 cam all once the Country that financial Panic, "very hard times", so this Town + others new one got bad stuck and the people started leave Town and in few months over half population left and the Real Estates tumbled down. In 189? The Shegit River overflow, my building was about 100 ft from the River which is high up about 10 ft to street level.
Diary 25: In this River bank there was a ferryboat. In day time the River began to raise, and every one thought the night will fall but when night came happen the overflow. I and my Son were in Second Story and about 7 PM the streets was like rivers. Street in front my building there was a large ?? 2 story brick building which caved in and fell. Fortunately there was nobody in, and several bricks struck window glass + door shaking so much the building that I thought to be carried away by current. Inside the building was about 5 ft of water destroying all stock. Early in morning came ?? Indians with a Canoe and by a raf?? ?? ?? ?? from the window into the Canoe ?????????? there was ?? the street about 5 ft of water. This Road destroyed, several buildings, garden, loss in fences, streets, bridges ec [sic] ?? ?? animals drowned. This gave a black eye to the Town that it ill ?? ?? [sic] had recovered. At that time and sometime after nearly another half of people went away. The property worth thousand dollars went sell for hundred, and few years after most of the Town site lots where sold for taxes. Town building move northeast higher ground. July 1888 [1898?] I and another opened a Saloon, as there was no Saloon. While few years before there were 12, so I next spring 1900 I sold my Saloon share. In that time start this R.R. extension to Rock Port so I and another started a Saloon about ?? miles from here. ?? ?? ?? ?? we had a large ?? after 2 months we moved. One day went prospecting with 2 [rest of printed scanned line illegible]
Diary 26: in South twelve miles above. In fall 1901 moved in Hamilton after went prospecting [most of scanned last lines illegible]
Signed: Life of our Father P. Jacobin
Keep
F Jacobin