The journals of N. E. Hansen 1879-1892

Transcribed by Helen Hansen Loen, Granddaughter

Introduction

Niels Ebbesen Hansen liked to write. He wrote poetry and essays. He wrote speeches and recitations. He wrote scientific reports. He corresponded regularly with his sisters. But perhaps the written work that reveals the most about a young Niels Hansen can be found in the journals written from seventh grade until after he graduated from college. The journals, preserved by Niels’ son, Carl, are in fragile condition. The originals can be found in the Archives of the South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. He apparently enjoyed the discipline of recording events, no matter how inconsequential. He noted impressions on everything from the content of Sunday School lessons to his academic achievements. They span the growing up years and reveal a literate and serious minded young man. Niels began writing in his journals at the age of thirteen and kept a daily record faithfully for about a year and a half. Entries after that are sporadic and summaries of what he did. The lack of daily entries is understandable given the circumstances of his life at any given time. When Niels had a job working for the Secretary of State, J. A. Hull as a messenger boy, in the years of 1881-1883, his responsibilities probably interrupted his writing. The death of his stepmother in 1882 may also have been a factor in the scarcity of records. In 1883 when he entered college, he recorded his freshman year with daily entries, but from 1884-1892 his entries are summaries of what went on in the intervening months Transcription of the journals was not a difficult task. Niels wrote with a fine hand, with few grammatical or spelling errors. He liked to make lists, and often recorded complete programs of events he attended. These have not been included because they seemed to have no consequence in Niels’ life. The rest of the text is a faithful reproduction of his entries. A synopsis of the year in which the journal was written will give a background surrounding the events mentioned in the manuscripts. Understanding the times and places in which Niels lived give a flavor of what it was like to be a young man growing up in the 1880’s in Iowa.

Journals of NEHansen

September

6th Saturday. The Fair has been a glorious success; the entire receipts has [sic] $28,600! Enough to pay the $8,000 debt of last year, pay every debt and premium of this year, and have a little nest egg of more than $1,000 for next year. Next year there will be two brick buildings or halls erected, one for a Fine Art and the other a floral, I believe. Turning to day. I took my map home yesterday. Was at the City Library today. 7th Sunday. The Sunday School lesson today was in James II 14-26. Central text: Gal. 5:6. “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” 8th Monday. This is the last week of our Simmer Vacation. Today I went over to the Secretary’s office on Court Avenue and got my $1 premium. The 1st premium is $1 and the 2nd is $1. I was also up in the City Library. 9th Tuesday. Went turning. I have not been to turning for quite a while. 10th Wednesday. Nice warm weather. It is my sister Helen’s birthday today. [Helene, still in Denmark, was 16] 11th Thursday. Last year School commenced September 16th, so this year we have a little shorter vacation. But, anyhow, it is long enough. I wonder how the High Schoo will be. Last year when school commenced I began in Miss Helen Crandall;s room, now I am in High School; so I have passed through 4 classes during the last term of school. Today it was rainy and stormy and thundered and lightninged.

12th Friday. My name was mentioned in last Sunday’s “Register”, in the Array of Awards.” 13th Saturday. The schoolbooks I used in Mrs. Seigler’s room were White’s Complete Arithmetic, Veneable’s U. S. History; DeWolf’s Speller; Bartholomew’s Drawing Book, No. 1, Dinsmore’s Blank Speller; Eclectic Copy Book; Eclectic Geography, No. 2. I wonder what we are to have in High School? 14th Sunday. Our S. S. Lesson was in James I: 5-15. Central Text: Gal. V:16. “This I say then, Walk in the spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Walk in the paths of righteousness, and ye shall not give way to temptation. 15th Monday. Today school began after a Summer Vacation of about three months and five days. I first went up to the old Sixth Ward School, where I stayed some time in Mrs. Seigler’s room, when Mrs. Seigler told us to go up to the new o Fifth Ward School House, and we started up there. The High School is one very large room, with two recitation rooms. The whole day was mostly occupied in taking names, and other things. It will take a week, anyhow, to get in good running order. 16th Tuesday. This afternoon as soon as possible after school I went Turning. The A class had Indian Clubs, and the B had long and fancy jumping, and then high jumping by both A & B classes. 17th Wednesday. This evening, at about 7 o’clock, there was turning. We had the parallel horizontal bars. 18th Thursday. This evening there was preaching at the German Church, on 2nd St., East Side, by Rev. Mr. Kirkekberg, a Danish preacher, and the Supt. of the Danish High School at Elkhorn, Iowa. Both my parents and I attended. 19th Friday. We have two new books in the D Class in High School, viz., Swinton’s Word Analysis and a blank book: Barber’s Complete Speller. So that now our books are Veneable’s United

States History; White’s Complete Arithmetic; Greene’s Grammar; Swinton’s Word analysis and Barber’s Complete Speller. Our first lesson in History this term was the discovery of America by Columbus, and in the next we commenced to the Revolutionary War. 20th Saturday. Today another boy and me went wallnutting [sic] out to Four Mile, or very near there. We got quite a large quantity of them. We started pretty early but we did not get back in time for me to go turning, so I missed today. 21st Sunday. The S. S. L. today was in James IV: 7-17. Central Text: Matt 6: 33. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these worldly things, as riches, honor, fame, etc. shall be given thee as God sees fit. 22nd Monday. It was very rainy today. 23rd Tuesday. Today, at turning, we had the Indian Clubs. 24th Wednesday. Teacher today announced that Prof. Thompson, Superintendent of the West Side School, is dead; and this afternoon as soon as school began, said that there was to be no school this afternoon, as a tribute of respect to deceased, who is to be buried this afternoon. 25th Thursday. The announcement was made by teacher this afternoon that tomorrow there was to be a lecture held on “World Making.” 26th Friday. This afternoon there was a lecture held by L. P. Seeland, (I believe his name is) on “World Making,” up in the high school. There was quite an audience assembled, composed of the scholars themselves and of scholars and teachers from other schools, and parents and friends of the pupils. It was a very excellent and instructive lecture and I would not have missed it for a great deal. There was a large diagram drawn

upon the blackboard of the different planets and moons and asteroids and their relative distance from the sun. The audience was held spellbound when he described the multitude of stars and worlds, the great telescopes of Sir Ross and Herschel, and many others. He said that about 6,000 stars are visible to the naked eye, but if you have a telescope with object glass 1 inch in diameter, 34 times 6,000 stars are visible. The planet nearest the sun is Mercury, which is 38,000,000 miles from the sun; the next is Venus, 68,000,000 miles from the sun; next comes our earth 95,000,000 miles from the sun. The next is Mars, the planet of war, which is the fourth from the sun, and next is Jupiter, with four moons, is 95.000 miles in diameter, and is 500 times the size of our Earth, and is . . . . . miles from the sun; next is Saturn, with 8 moons, and 9,000,000 miles from the sun; Uranus 1,8,000,000 and Neptune with one moon and 2,850,000,000 miles from the sun. There are about 200 asteroids discovered: the beginning of worlds. He also told about how worlds were first made and hosts of other things, but this will be sufficient. 27th Saturday. At Turning today we had besides the general exercises, both fancy, long and high jumping. 28th Sunday. It was rainy and dismal today and I did not go to Sunday School. Our Sunday School Lesson this afternoon was in James V: 10-20. It is the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. Central or Golden Text: Job I: 27. “The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Would that every Christian would be as patient and long suffering as Job. The above verse is what he said when God took way the possessions of Job. 29th Monday. The High School is divided into four classes; viz., the A, B, C, & D Class. We have two teachers: Mrs. Wolfe and Miss Parker, and sometimes Mr. F. H. Smith, who teaches sometimes in the afternoon Latin and Grammar classes.

30th Tuesday. Turning this afternoon.

October 1st Wednesday. This afternoon, after school, I went up on top of the New Capitol, where I had a magnificent view. On a clear day, one can see about 15 miles in every direction. I also climbed up on high ladders, the two southern cupolas. I then went up in the State Library and wrote a sketch of John André, the British officer, who was hung as a spy at Tappan, Rockland Co., N. Y. Oct 2, 1780. He was born in London in 1752. It was with him that Benedict Arnold held his treasonable conference on the night between the 21 & 22nd September in 1780. 2nd Thursday. Today I received a letter from my teacher, Miss Mary E. Bonsall. It was dated Sept. 27th. [Mary Bonsall taught Niels in Newark, New Jersey] 3rd Friday. I went to the State Library this afternoon after school and got a sketch of Benjamin West, the distinguished American painter, who was born in Springfield, Penn., Oct. 10, 1783 and died in London March 11, 1820. (I also compiled a sketch of Benedict Arnold, the base traitor to America, born in Norwich, Conn., on Jan. 3d, 1740, & died London, June 14, 1801.) 4th Saturday. Turning today. 5th Sunday. Today was my dear father’s birthday. Father was born in North Farup, near Ribe, Denmark, Europe, in 1826. This afternoon, at 2 o’clock, the thermometer registered 93˚ in the shade, with a slight southern breeze blowing. 6th Monday. Was up in the State Library and compiled a sketch of Ethan Allen. 7th Tuesday. Went Turning this afternoon. 8th Wednesday. In the State library I finished by sketch of Ethan Allen, an American revolutionary officer, which I

commenced last Monday. He was born in Litchfield, Conn., in 1739 and died Feb. 13, 1789. 9th Thursday. Was up at the State Library. There are about 30,000 volumes in this library, most law books. 10th Friday. This forenoon, we had our sketches in the History class: B. Arnold & Ethan Allen, and in the afternoon, we had some Rhetorical Exercises. (Niels lists the entire program). After school I went to the State Library and compiled a sketch of John Hancock, an American Statesman, born in Quincy, Mass. Jan. 12,1737, died same place, Oct. 1793. 11th Saturday. In the forenoon was up in the State Library and made a sketch of Francis Marion, an American Revolutionary general, born in Wiyaw, near Georgetown, S.C., in 1732, died at Eutaw, S.C. Feb 18, 1795. In the afternoon was up in City Library. On returning home in the evening, I was up for a short time in the Turner Hall where a German Fair is held at present to lift the debt upon the German-American schoolhouse. I went home, ate my supper, & returned and stayed till late in the evening. I saw some splendid tumbling and a humorous shadow pantomime. There was no Turning today. 12th Sunday. The S. S. Lesson last Sunday (Oct. 5) was in Heb. XI: 1-10. Central Text: Mark IX: 23: “All things are possible to him that believeth.” Everything is possible to him who has a strong faith. We find many instances of this in the Bible, as Abel, Enoch, Abraham and Daniel. The lesson this Sunday is in Heb. XI: 11-22. Central Text: 2Cor. V: 7: “We walk by faith, not by sight.” I was not to S. S. today because I went out in a wagon, about 4 or 5 miles into the country and got a whole lot of walnuts and butternuts. There was a slight rain, but it soon stopped.

13th Monday. In the State Library this afternoon, I commenced ona sketch of La Salle, a French explorer in America. 14th Tuesday. It is Election day today. There was not Turning, as they have not cleaned up from the German Fair, which closed yesterday evening. I then went up in the City Library. 15th Wednesday. Yesterday those who were not prepared last Friday with Essays, etc., read or recited them today. Firt there was an Essay, a journey from France to California; 2, Essay, Rats; 3, Essay, Chewing Gum; 4, Declamation, the priest in the mulberry tree. I worked on my La Salle sketch in the State Library this afternoon. 16th Thursday. The rain just poured down today. 17th Friday. In the History Class, we had our sketches of John Hancock and Francis Maarion. 18th Saturday. At Gymnastics today we had, beside calesthenics [sic] (which we have every time) both Fancy, Long and High Jumping. Was up in the City Library after Turning. There is a new Librarian of the city Library now. The former one was Mrs. Ada North, who is now Librarian of the State University at Iowa City, I believe. 19th Sunday. Our Sunday School Lesson was in Heb. XI: 23-31. Central Text: I John V: 4. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. I got a turning pole or horizontal bar fixed up today. 20th Monday. In the State Library today, I compiled a sketch of Aaron Burr, the American soldier, politician, and 3rd Vice President of the United States, who was notorious for his attempt to, in connection with the romantic Harman Blennehasset, to found a monarchy in the West. He was born at Newark, N. J., Feb 6, 1756, and died neglected on Staten Island, September 14, 1836. Burr had great personal magnetism and was a combination of great intellect, boundless ambition, and bad

morals. He is notorious for having challenged and killed in a duel, Alexander Hamilton. 21st Tuesday. There was no Gymnastics today, but there will be tomorrow. Today, as last Tuesday, I went over on the streetcars. 22nd Wednesday. I did not go to Gymnastics but went up to the State Library and compiled a sketch of Alexander Hamilton, a celebrated statesman, orator and soldier, born in Nevis, one of the West India Islands, Jan. 11, 1757. He was the first secretary of the United States Treasury from September 1789 through January 1795. He was killed in a duell at Wehauken or Hoboken, July 17, 1804, by Aaron Burr. It is said that Hamilton, who utterly condemned dueling, but was forced into it to preserve his honor, shot into the air on purpose, but Burr, who had challenged him from political animosity, took unfair advantage of Hamilton, when he had fired, and shot him, which was very strongly condemned by the whole civilized society in America and other countries. 23rd Thursday. There is a Rhetorical every other Friday, and the High School is divided into three divisions. I am in the third division, I believe. If a division speaks every other Friday, any one in any of the divisions would have to speak once every six weeks. One who has an Essay one time will have just the opposite next time, viz., with a Declamation, if a boy; or recitation, if a girl. Those in the highest class have nothing but Orations, I believe. 24th Friday. We had the sketches in the History Class this A.M. of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. In the afternoon’s Rhetorical, we had: (Niels lists the entire program of 36 subjects.) 25th Saturday. I missed Turning or Gymnastics today. I stayed at home all day, nearly. It was rather cold or chilly. 26th Sunday. It is the twentieth Sunday after Trinity, and the Reformation Festival today. The S.S.L. was in Heb. XI:32-40. Central Text: I timothy VI:13. “Fight the good fight of faith.” That was what Martin Luther did and freed the people from the

ignorance and darkness in which the Pope had so long held them, 27th Monday. I compiled a part o the sketch of Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat; he was born at Little Britain, Lancaster Co., Pa., in 1765 and died at New York, Feb. 21, 1815. He built the 1st steamboat, the “Clermont”, in 1807, and traversed the Hudson between Albany and New York at the rate of 5 miles an hour. 28th Tuesday. T Gymnastics we had Calesthenics, [sic] Tableaus on two ladders, and horizontal bar. At the City Library I got some material for an Essay. 29th Wednesday. At the State Library I finished Robert Fulton, that is, the sketch of him, and commenced on Gen. Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the U. S. A. , born at Waxhaw settlement, S. C. March 15, 1767, and died on his farm, the “Hermitage” near Nashville, Tennessee, June 8, 1845. He served two terms and was very popular. He is also called “Old Hickory,” a complimentary sobriquet given him by his soldiers. He was so called because, when destitute of supplies, he is said to have set an example of endurance by feeding on hickory nuts. In Tennessee, in the fights against the Indians, in which he was very successful, he gained from the title of “Sharp Knife” & Pointed Arrow.” 30th Thursday. I finished my sketch of Jackson in the State Library and read an article in the ”American Cyclopedia” about “Gymnastics.” 31st Friday. Were let out at 3 P.M. and played several exciting games of “Shinny.” We had Jackson and Fulton today in the History class.

November 1st Saturday. In the State Library this forenoon. I read part of the “Life of Caniel Webster,” by Curtis. At Gymnastics this

afternoon, we had, besides Calisthenics, tableaus on two ladders. 2nd Sunday. I was not to Sunday School because we went on a visit to a friend of the West Side. The Sunday School Lesson was in I Pet. I: 1-9. Central Text: Psalm XXXIV: 19. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” 3rd Monday. I got part of the sketch of Danile Webster at the State Library. 4th Tuesday. At Gymnastics we had the two swinging rings, a ring trapeze, as I will after this call them, and the parallel bars. We also learned how, in marching, to gradually increase from single file to a rank of 16, and from that back to a single file again. It was very interesting. 5th Wednesday. At the State Library I got some material for an Essay, upon “Butterflies and Moths,” from the “American Encyclopedia Brittanica” and in the evening at home I worked some more on it, and improved it generally. 6th Thursday. I handed my Essay to Mr. Wolfe for correction this forenoon. Of course I will not speak it, but I shall get just as much credit for it. A very good Essay, Recitation or Declamation counts 10, which is the highest and it counts just as much as any other study in your standing. This is the first regular Essay I ever wrote, thou in Newark I wrote some small compositions at home for my own amusement. 7th Friday. This forenoon, in the History Class, we had the sketch of Daniel Webster, though I did not have him. In this afternoon’s Rhetorical there was: (Niels lists the entire program.] There was [sic] quite a number of visitors this time. After school was out, we boys had several exiting games of footfall, a short distance from the schoolhouse. It began to rain quite violently this evening.

8th Saturday. It rained steadily and hard all the forenoon, and early in the morning it thndered and lightened. In the afternoon I went to Gymnastics. We had, besides Calithenics, which we have everytime, Long Jungping and the Ring Trapeze. Teacher also said, that, commencing with December, all those whose parents did not belong to the Turner society, should pay 15¢ a month. Father says that I can go, of which I am very glad. 9th Sunday. The Sunday School Lesson today was in I Peter I: 15-25. Central Text: I John IV” 20. “He that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” Our pastor, Rev. Mr. John Tellen, has been away in Colorado for the last few months for the benefit of his health, and I read in the “Mail Car” that he had returned last Friday, Oct. 31. Our teacher was absent, and we had the pleasure of having him for a teacher. 10th Monday. It commenced to rain this noon, and kept it up most of the afternoon, and in the evening also. Was up in the State Library and compiled (or rather commenced to compile) a sketch of John Caldwell Calhoun. Teacher told us in the History Class today the origin and meaning of the word Bosporus, the strait which connects the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea in Turkey in Europe from Asia Minor. He says it comes from two Latin words meaning cow-ford, so many persons who call their cows Bos do not know they are talking Latin. It is so called because, according to an old fable, a goddess had been changed by an enemy into a cow, and that was pursued by a poisonous fly. She fled until she came to this strait, which was a deep and mighty stream, which she could not cross, but the waters subsided until she could easily ford it. Teacher talked about what study we should take up when we had finished our history. Some said Physioly [sic] but he thought geography would be best, and so do I.

11th Tuesday. At turning or Gymnastics this afternoon we had Calisthenics, Horizontal Bar, which was set rather low down, and Tableaus. An immense amount of rain fell last night, and it also thundered and lightened [sic] all night. It rained steadily all day and evening. 12th Wednesday. In the State Library, I finished the sketch of John Caldwell Calhoun, and commenced on a sketch of Washing Irving. Calhoun was one of those smart, southern seceders and state rights men. He tried, while he was Vice President of the United States, Andrew Jackson was President, to make the Southern slave states secede, because in 1828 the tariff bill passed in Congress. South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Alabama gave in their adhesion to the notorious resolution which he carried into the Legislature of S. C. in 1829, “that any state in the Union might annul an act of the Federal government.” But they were intimidated by the iron will and great firmness of Jackson. Calhoun was born at Abberville, S. C. March 18, 1782 and died at Washington, March 31, 1850. 13th Thursday. I finished my sketch of Washington Irving, the distinguished American author, who has written the “Sketch Book,” “Life of Washington,” “Alhambra,” etc., etc. He was born in New York City, April 3, 1783, and died at his home on the Hudson R. “Sunnyside”, Nov. 28, 1859. 14th Friday. We had, in the History Class, this forenoon the sketches of Calhoun and Irving. It is a long Friday at School today. I went up in the State Library and read some in the book “The Best Reading,” by Perkins, and made up a list of books I intend to read either in 1879 or 1880, or anyhow in ’81. 15th Saturday. At Turning today we had calisthenics, Long and High Jumping and Fast Running. I went up in State Library this forenoon and got a sketch of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born in Hardin Co., in the part now included in Larue Co, Kentucky, Feb. 12, 1809, and was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in Ford’s theater April 14, 1865, and died at half past seven o’clock in the

morning of April 15, 1865. The three great Presidents of the U.S.A. are Washington, Lincoln and Grant. That arch-traitor and rebel, Jeff. Davis, was born in Christian Co., in that part which now forms Todd Co., June 3, 1808. I compiled Lincoln from three different books. 16th Sunday. The S.S.L. today was in I Peter II 1-9. Central Text: I Cor. XV:25, “For He must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet.” 17th Monday. It rained in the forenoon and paart of the afternoon, at noon a small quantity of snow fell, the first of the season, though it disappeared as soon as it fell. In the State Library this afternoon I finished my sketch of La Salle, which I commenced some time ago. Sieur de René Robert Cavelier La Sallle, a French explorer, was born in Rouen in November 1643, and was murdered by two mutinous companions on the banks of the Trinity River, in Texas, March 19 or 10, 1687. The books which I mostly use in compiling my sketches are the “American Encyclopedia,” Chambers Encyclopedia,” Dr. Thomas and Drake’s “Biographical Dictionaries” and sometimes the “Encyclopedia Britannica.” 18th Tuesday. I was excused at recess this forenoon, or rather, a little before it, as soon as the History Class had finished reciting, so that I could bet time to transact some business over the river at the Post Office. I sent $23 away to Louis Bagger and Co., Washington, D. C. for my father, to pay the last Government fee on my father’s patent, which was “allowed” Nov. 11, 1879. At Turning we had the Horizontal Bar and the B. Class, the parralel [sic] bars. Clear and cold. 19th Wednesday. All day today there was a very high wind, and it was also a very a cold one. It froze very hard last night. At the State Library this afternoon I did not compile any sketches, but I looked a little at the “Life of Lincoln,” and I commenced reading the “Life of Horace Greeley,” which I intend to read and compile a short sketch of him.

20th Thursday. A few days agap the school voted on the question of having recess, if we did not have recess, we would be let out 15 minutes earlier. The great majority voted not to have recess, and so that now we do not have any recess. Cold again today. Winter has commenced in earnest. Down near the engine house there is a large pond; there is now such thick ice that boys are skating there. I was down there after school this afternoon. Last Friday teacher commenced a new and better way of reciting our Grammar Lessons. The boys are on one side and the girls are on the other, and we speak alternately, like “spelling down”, only this is grammar. Last Friday the boys made two more mistakes than the girls, or the girls beat us 2. Monday the boys beat the girls 2; Tuesday the girls and boys were equal; Wednesday the girls beat us 1, and today the boys beat by 5! So that we are now 4 ahead. 21st Friday. The Thetorical this afternoon was rather short. (Here Niels lists the entire program) After school was out, I visited the State Library. In the History Class this forenoon we had the sketches of Lincoln and Davis. 22nd Saturday. I wrote a letter to sister Helen [sic] and Kristine, and we received a letter from Kristine, also one from Louis Bagger & Co., Washington, D.C. 23rd Sunday. The S.S.L. today was in 2 Peter I: 5-15. Lesson 52. 24th Sunday after Trinity. Central Text: Psalm XC: 12. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” 24th Monday. In the Grammar Class this afternoon the boys made one more mistake than the girls, so that we are still 3 ahead of the girls. At present we are analyzing sentences. We have been learning to analyze sentences for quite a long while. We are to have a general examination next week, or next. Thursday it will be Thanksgiving Day.

25th Tuesday. Went to Gymnastics. We had the Horizontal Bar (B Class) and the parallel Bars (A Class) and Calisthenics. This evening I was invited to a birthday surprise party on a boy, (Harry Kuehner) of my acquaintance. I went and spent a pleasant evening, together with 10 or 11 other boys and girls. I gave Harry a present. Harry is 13 years old today. 26th Wednesday. Yesterday in the Grammar Class the boys and girls were even; today, the boys made 70 and the girls 77 mistakes, so that we are now 10 ahead! There will be no school until Monday. 27th Thursday. Thanksgiving Day today. We dad a large, fat turkey, with all the “accompaniments.” The weather was not much to boast of; very cloudy, damp and dreary. Thanksgiving Day comes from the Puritans or Pilgrims came over in the “Mayflower,” in 1620, landing at Plymoouth rock, Mass., December 21, 1620. John carver was chosen first governor. Before spring came he and nearly half of his associates had died from exposure and bad food. William Bradford was their elected governor. The Puritans got a bountiful harvest, and Bradford appointed a day for thanksgiving to God, which custom has been continued. I got a splendid suit of clothes today. $10. Gold stone. 28th Friday. Today father went east on the 1.20 train to Brooklyn, (60 or 70 miles east.) Father had three men to help him; they went there yesterday. Father is going to fresco a large Free Mason Lodge or Hall, & will be back in about 3 weeks. This afternoon I commenced on a letter to my sister Helen. [sic] 29th Saturday. I wrote a letter to sister Helen and Kirstine and we received a letter from Kristine, also one from Louis Bagger & Co., Washington, D.C. 30th Sunday. S.S.L. Isaiah LXI: 1-3, 9-11. Fifth Series. Lesson 1. Gospel Blessing foretold. Central Text: 2 Cor. VI: 2. “Behold, now

is the accepted time. Behold now is the day of salvation.” 1st Sunday in Advent. Not to S.S. Visit to Mr. Tomsen.

December 1st Monday. Rather cold. There was a subscription paper passed around among the scholars some time ago, to buy a carpet for the rostrum. I subscribed a quarter. Last Monday when I came to school, the carpet had been put down, and there also had been matting carpet put down in the aisles. Prof. Wolfe was absent this forenoon, and Miss Parker heard us recite the History Lesson. 2nd Tuesday. I did not go Turning this afternoon, but went in the evening. 3rd Wednesday. Today we received a postal card from father. Before this we got w ditto from Mr. Jensen. All of this week there has and will be oral examinations of all the classes except ours, by Prof. Smith. We will be examined next week. 4th Thursday. Wrote two postals to father and Jensen. In the afternoon, I was up in the State Library, and finished the sketch of Horace Greeley. He was born in Amherst, New Hampshire, February 3, 1811. He was a noted American journalist. His name is intimately connected with the history of New York journalism and especially with the “New York Tribune,” Of which he and Henry J. Raymond issued the first number April 10,1841. He was nominated for President by the Republicans, but died near Pleasantville, Westchester County, New York, November 29, 1872, before the official counting of the votes for President was completed. One of his sayings, which has become proverbial, is “Young man, go west, and grow up with the country.” When a child, he was very precocious; he could read almost as soon as he could talk, and read with avidity all the books with his reach. Very windy.

5th Friday. The Programme for this afternoon’s Rhetorical was: [Here Niels lists the entire program.] After school I ent up to the State Library. 6th Saturday. At Gymnastics we had Long, High, and Standing and fancy Jump (A Class) and Parralel [sic] bars (B) and Calisthenics. (Douglas see 8) 7th Sunday. The S.S.L. was in Isaiah II 1-5, 17-21. Topic: Success of Christ’s Kingdom. Central Text: Heb. IX: 29. “Unto them that look for Him, shall He appear the second time, without sin unto salvation.” 8th Monday. This afternoon, after school, I worked on my sketch of Daniel Webster. Webster was a celebrated American statesman, orator, and lawyer; he was born at Salisbury, New Hampshire, January 18, 1782. His greatest speech was with the Senate, in reply to Hayne of S. C. It has been said to be, next to the Constitution, the most correct and true exposition of the power and functions of the Union and the Constitution. He died at Marshfield, Mass., Oct. 24, 1852. (See 6th) I got a sketch of Stephen Arnold Douglas in the State Library. He was born at Brandon, Rutland Co., VT. April 23, 1813; died Chicago, June 1861. 9th Tuesday. It was too cold this forenoon in the school room to have any school, so we were dismissed til this afternoon, when we had an oral examination in Arithmetic. I had two examples in Denominate Numbers to do, both of which I did correctly on the blackboard. The 1st was reduce 3.65 lb. Troy ounces, and the 2nd, How may acres in 12 3/5 sq. miles? In the forenoon I was up in the State Library, and worked on my sketch of Webster. 10th Wednesday. It was too cold today to keep school. It is indeed, exceedingly cold. In the State Library in the fore and afternoon, I got the rest of the sketch of Daniel Webster. It is the longest sketch that I ever compiled, I believe, but I think Daniel Webster was a splendid

orator. We received a letter and a postal card from father, and I wrote a letter to father today. 11th Thursday. There will be no school until Monday. I was in the State Library both in the fore and afternoon, and got two sketches, Putnam and Pulaski. Major-general Israel Putnam, a celebrated revolutionary soldier, was born in Salem, Massachusetts, January 7, 1718, and died at Brookline, Connecticut, May 29, 1790. Count Casimir Pulaski,a brave officer who rendered good service to the struggling patriots during the Revolution, was born in Lithuania, Poland, March 4, 1747. He was mortally wounded in the unsuccessful attack on Savannah, October 9, 1780, which city was then held by the British. He died two days after, Oct. 11, and was buried on St. Helen S Island. A monument was erected to his memory by the citizens of Savannah in 1825. Wrote 2 postals: Mr. Jensen & Mr. Hansen. 12th Friday. Cold as usual. I got three sketches today in the State Library: Cornwallis and Tecumseh and Philip Schuyler. Charles Cornwallis, Second Earl and First Marquis, commonly know as Lord Cornwallis, was a celebrated British general; he was born in 1738 December 31, and died at Ghasepore, in the province of Benares, India, October 5, 1805. He is admitted to have been by far the ablest British general who took part in the war of Independence. Tecumseh or Tecumtha, a celebrated chief of the Shawnee Indians, was born near Springfield, Ohio, about 1768 or 1770, and was killed in the battle of the Thames October 5, 1813. Philip Schuyler, an American general, was born at Albany, November 22, 1733, and died at the same place November 18, 1804, aged 72. 13th Saturday. Winter has commenced in earnest. It was rather unexpected after so much mild weather.

14th Sunday. The S.S.L. was in Isaiah XLII: 1-12. Topic: “The purpose of Christ’s Coming.” Central Text: Psalm CXXX: 5. “I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope.” 15th Monday. Today we had school as usual. 16th Tuesday. I compiled a sketch of Osceola (Indian Asseholar Nikkanochee). A famous Indian chief of the Seminole trive, born in Georgia in 1804, died at Fort Moultrie, neaar Charleston, Jan. 31, 1838. 17th Wednesday. In the fore and afternoon the D Class was examined orally in Arithmetic by Prof. Smith. After School I went up in the State Library and commenced on a sketch of Black Hawk, another Indian chief. 18th Thursday. In the forenoon we had examination in Arithmetic again. After that was over Prof. Smith read the standing of each member of the D Class in Arithmetic: Mine was 96. 19th Friday. This is the last day of the Fall Term of 1879. This afternoon the A Class had a Rhetorical. The Programme was : [Here Niels lists the entire program.] The large schoolroom was completely filled with the pupils and visitors. In the History Class this forenoon, we had the sketch of Stephen A. Douglas. Father came home from Brooklyn about 3 o’clock this afternoon, after having frescoed the Odd Fellow’s Lodge or Hall, satisfactorily to all parties, including himself. After school I went up in the State Library and worked on a sketch of Black Hawk and commenced a sketch of Philip Freneau, the political editor and poet. There will be no more school for two weeks. 20th Saturday. I finished my sketch of Philip Freneau in the State Library today. Philip Freneau was born in New York, Jan. 3, 1752, and (died) perished in a snow-storm near Freehold, New Jersey, Dec. 18, 1833, in his 80th year.

21st Sunday. This is the fourth Suncay in Advent. The S.S.L. was in Isaiah LXII: 1-7, 10-12. Topic: Preparing Christ’s Way.” Central Text: Malachi III:1. “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me.” A heavy snow tonight. 22nd Monday. This is the first day of our two weeks Holiday or Winter Vacation. About three o’clock this morning Carl Jensen went away on the train to Brooklyn, New York State. Last night father, John Hansen (a painter just arrived from Norway) and I followed him to the depot. He was to have gone on the 12 o’clock train, but for some reason or other the train was late 3 hours. He went to Brooklyn so as he could spend Christmas with his intended and many other of his friends. 23rd Tuesday. Terrible cold weather. In going over the bridge this afternoon, I very nearly froze my left ear off, or at least the tip of it. 24th Wednesday. Everywhere you see evidences that Christmas is coming. Almost all the stores have Holiday goods. Santa Claus must have a good many head-quarters, for most of the stores claim to be his head-quarters. Speaking of head-quarters reminds me of a soldier’s definition of a kiss: a kiss is a report at Head-quarters! Tonight is Christmas Eve. In Denmark this is the time for the presenting and giving of presentns; we also had, as the ancient Danish custom is, our Julegröd [a hot rice porridge] And turkey, etc. Father gave me for Christmas a splendid Photograph Album, with room for 152 pictures in it. It is the largest I ever saw. It came from Chicago in a large package of books and photographs which was not to be opened ‘till this evening, so it was a complete and joyful surprise. There was candy and such goodies from mother. Carl Jensen had left with my mother before he went East, a book, full of nice stories an adventures for me, and this was also brought out. It is a nice Danish book; its title is “Julegave.” [Christmas Gift] There was also a pretty motto and

letter from him. The wish or motto was “Glædeligt Jul og Nytaar” [Hapy Christmas and New Year] printed in nice let5ters. There was to father an envelope with a poem by Carl Jensen, tobacco from mother and a shving mug from me. Mother received from father, cloth for two wrappers and a spool-box, and a silk scarf from me. I presented Carl Jensen before he went away an egg paper- weight. My father presented him with a nice, double ink-stand, and my mother: to his intended, a handkerchief and glove box of Japanese lacquer ware. 25th Thursday. Christmas Day. Cloudy weather, rather. Santa Claus had come the night before, but I got two stockings filled with English walnuts, apples, candy, etc. This evening there was a Christmas tree at our Sunday School. The exercises lasted some hours. Candy and apples were distributed. There was a present for me from my Sunday School teacher, but by being mislaid, the pastor did not get to distribute, but I will get it soon. Here is a nice Christmas Poem: ‘Twas eighteen hundred years ago, In Bethlehem, the record shows, A child was born, a Royal Babe, And in a lowly manger laid. A Child of promise, long foretold, By prophets in the days of old, He came at last, the looked for One” ‘Twas Mary’s Child and God’s dear Son. O’er Bethlehem’s plains a gleam of light Disppelled the darkness of the night, While Angels, from the realms above, Brought down sweet messages of love, The Shepherds, who on earth recline, Beheld the glory ‘round them shine. An angel, clothed in robes of light, Appears to them in glory bright: “All hail! To you good news I bring, For unto you is born a King.

In Bethlehem, that lowly place, You’ll find the Savior of your race.” And then a host, a heavenly throng, Began the Heaven-indited song. They sang of peace, good will to man, And this the heavenly message rang: “The Anointed Child to you is given, The last and best great gift of Heaven; Go now and worship at his feet; The Royal Son of David greet.” In haste the shepherds take their way Unto the place where Jesus lay, And, in the stall with oxen laid, In Bethlehem they find the Babe. They see in Him an infant King’ And unto Him rich presents bring. Long, long years have passed away, Since that sweet Babe in Bethlehem lay; The Lamb on Calvary was slain, But Judah’s Lion comes to reign We’ve seen His star and we have come To crown Him on His rightful throne. 26th Friday. The Christmas Carol on the preceding page is by H. G. McCulloch, Pastor of A. C. Church, 97 Green St., Chicago. Bill Patterson was over here this afternoon, and we went to the State Library together. 27th Saturday. I went to Gymnastics this afternoon. We had Calisthenics and the Parralel [sic] Bars. 28th Sunday. The S.S. Lesson was in Luke II: 1-14. Topic: “The Birth of Jesus Christ.” Central Text: John IV: 42. “This is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” 29th Monday. Father is at present at work on Hardbach’s residence. I was over to see him this afternoon. Cold.

30th Tuesday. This evening we went to hear a Danish preacher, Rev. Mr. Gjÿdesen. He preacged in the Swedish Lutheran Church about “Julen.” Snow and cold. City Library p.m. 31st Wednesday. The lst day of 1879. Soon the new year 1880 will begin, and this year will be in the Past. This year has witnessed the return of good times,aand I hope 1880 will continue what 1879 has begun. This year also demonstrated the success of resumption. Here are two verses of my own composition. The old year is fast speeding away, And the new one will soon be here, The old year lies in the past behind us, And the new in the dim future lies near. The old year brought both joy and sorrow To all, both the high and the low, Good fortune to some, misfortune to others, The new will bring the same, I trow. A Brief Journal of My Life before I Commenced this Journal

I was born in Lustrupholm, Denmark. Lustrupholm is a small farm so-called, near the town or village of the same name, [Lustrup] near Ribe, and here I was born in a large farm house, which is now changed into a high school, January 6, 1866. When I was about one year old my father built a house [Damhus] near Ribe where we lived three years. While I was there, my beloved mother, Bodil Marie Hansen (her maiden name was Midtgård) died. She was born March 22, 1833, and was married to my father, Andreas Hansen, October 15, 1857 in Lundsmark. She died November 18, 1867, so that I was a little more than 1 1/2 years old at the time of my mother's death.

Two years afterwards, father married my present mother, Ellen Katrine Marie Hansen (maiden name Petersen) May 1,

1869 in the large church or cathedral in Ribe. She has been a good mother to my two sisters and me.

We went to Copenhagen July 16, 1869. We were there two years and then went to Århus. Father went to America a year before we did. He sailed July 5, 1872 and arrived at New York July 26, 1872. He then sent for us and we left Copenhagen August 1, 1873 and arrived at New York August 21, 1873. Father met us at Castle Garden and we lived 1 1/4 years at 277 Monroe near the corner of Monroe and Jackson St. Here I first began school. I waited some time so that I could learn a little English.

I first attended the Primary School No. 12, Carrie V. Franklin, Principal. I have 11 small and 5 large rewards of merit from this school, where I had several teachers, whose name I cannot remember. In October, 1874, we removed to Newark, New Jersey, where we lived in No. 271 Rail Road Avenue near Vesey St. Here I attended school at the Lafayette Street Public Grammar School, Joseph Clark, Principal. In the Primary Department I had for teacher Helen Russell and in the Grammar School I had for teacher M. E. Bonsall. I have yet from this school three Monthly Certificates of Approbation. In 1875 I was in the F Class in the Primary School, in 1876 I was in the Grammar School in Class C 2nd, in which I earned three rewards, at least this is all I have left. I also received four other cards. From the Primary School I have yet three term cards, in which my standing each week is recorded, and from the Grammar two. When I left this school the Principal gave me this letter of introduction: Newark, N.J. July 29, 1876 Master Neils E.Hansen has been a member of the Fourth Grade Lafayette St. Grammar School for the year last past.

His deportment and attention has been good during the entire year. His Annual Examination was 87% Arith. to fractions. Geog. Guyot’s Elementary through U. State, Oral Gram. Swinton’s Page 50. Reading and Spelling through Sander’s Third. I can cheerfully commend him for his honesty, truthfulness and deportment. Joseph Clark. Prin. Lafayette St. Public School. We removed from Newark August 1, 1876, and went to New York. Here quite a number of friends and acquaintances followed us to the railroad station, where we went aboard the train and was [sic] three nights and two days on the road to Hampton, Franklin County, Iowa. While changing cars at Chicago, we missed the train, and we had to wait about 6 hours for the next train. Father, having been here two weeks, went to Omaha, stayed there a day and a half, and then went to this city Des Mines. After mother and I had been in Hampton two months, (9 weeks) we left it, father having sent for us and we arrived at Des Moines October 25, 1876. We moved into the Denver House, opposite the Eagle Iron Works, between Third and Fourth Street, E. Court Avenue October 27, and left and removed to 608 E. Court Avenue, our present home, August 12, 1877. I soon commenced school in the Sixth Ward School,, first in Miss DePew’s Room where I remained but a few days, and then in Mrs. Seigler’s Room. I had lost me first letter of introduction, which I afterwards fond, an so Mr. Clark sent me another as follows: Oct. 20th ‘76 Mr. Neils E. Hansen was a member of the 4th Grade Gram. Dep. of this school for the school year 1875 & ’76 and won the highest regard for his deportment and attention to study and the regularity of his attendance. His annual

Examination resulted as follows: Arith. 61%; Geog. 89%; Spell. 85%; Gram. 93 1/6 %; Ave. 83% +. We cordially commend to those who may have charge in the future. Joseph Clark Prin. The first examinationI can remember having in school was the first in 1877 as follows: Geo. 100+; Spell. 100+; Gram. 100+; Arith. 100+, Average 100+. After having been sometime in Mrs. Seigler’s Room, I was promoted to the Fourth Reader Room, Helen Crandall, teacher. Then I was promoted into the Fifth Reader Room, Naomi Garton, teacher. Just before the summer Vacation of 1878, we were examined for promotion. The result of mine was: May 21st, Drawing, 95 May 23, Language, 97 May 23, Science, 98 May 24, Spelling, 100 May 24, Phonetics, 90 May 28, Arithmetic, 100 May 29, Geography, 94 My average was 96 2/7. The summer Vacation of 1878 was from June 1 to Sept. 16. I was promoted up stairs to the B Class. On the afternoon of Sept. 25, ’78, after having been in the B class for 7 days, I was promoted up in the A Class. November ’78, we had an examination as follows: Nov. 5, Spelling, 100 Nov. 5, Phonetics, 90 Nov. 5, Science, 95 Nov. 6, Geography, 95 Nov. 7, Grammar, 88 Nov. 8, Arithmetic, 80 My average was 91 2/6, though teacher said it was 90. In Science 3 were added for good answers. Miss Lawrence read my paper on Science aloud to her class, among several others from other rooms; and she said that mine was the

best. Monday afternoon, Nov. 25 ’78, Miss Crandall promoted those four that had stood highest in examination, who were three girls and I, up to B Class in Miss Seigler’s Room.

Synopsis of 1880 Andreas continues to work as a free-lance fresco artist and house decorator in and around southwest Iowa. He receives a patent on an Improvement in Comb Frame Tongs in March. The invention is a tool to remove the honeycomb frames from the

hive. Sisters Kristine, 19, and Helene, 17, are servant girls in Denmark. Niels and his father keep in touch with letters. Niels is finishing his freshmen year in high school and will begin his sophomore year in the fall. Unfortunately, his daily journal writing ends at the end of his freshman year in June. Entries for his sophomore school year are missing.

1880 January

1 New Year’s Day. Today another year, 1880, has commenced his reign, with mild and sunny weather. As this leap year, 1880 will reign longer, by one day, than his predecessor 1879. The regular January thaw this afternoon made it rather muddy. We stayed up until 12 o’clock to welcome the new year, last night, like we did last year, and at exactly 12 o’clock all the engines commenced their whistling and kept it up a long while. 2 Friday. Mild. Sometime ago I bought a set of checkers or draughts, and ma and I, or John H. and I play checkers once in a while. It is a very nice game. 3 Saturday. A regular January thaw. This is the last day that I am 13 years old. 4 Sunday. Today I am 14 years old. My father and mother gave me several nice presents. Father gvr me three nice books in the Danish language (1) “Skildringer of Jordens Mierkvierdigheder” af K. E. Möhl, a book of 558 pages; (2) “Gjenganger Fortellinger,” af Vilhelm Bergsöe; (3) “Fra Synderjÿlland” af Bendix Hansen. Father also gave me a very fine set of dominoes, pair of points, and mother gave me two pairs of nice stockings an abundance of cake, candy, nuts, apples, etc. I spent a very pleasant day.

At Sunday School this afternoon, the lesson was in Ex. I: 7-14,11; II: 23-25. “Pharaoh’s Cruelty.” Central Text: Acts IV:27. “Against Thy Hold Child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the People of Israel, were gathered together. Rainy. 5 Monday. Today School began again after a Holiday or Winter Vacation of two weeks. Very muddy and rainy. Foggy this eve. 6 Tuesday. In the State Library I commenced a “Sketch of Grant.” Muddy as usual. It is Epiphany today. 7 Wednesday. Foggy all day. Both in the forenoon and afternoon the D Class was orally examined in Word Analysis by Mr. Smith. In the State Library I finished the sketch of Grant, and made short one of Angelica Kauffman. 8 Thursday. This forenoon (Mr. Smith) the D Class was examined in Grammar. It was a written Examination and very severe. We were examined from the beginning of Syntax through the rules. This forenoon the D and C Classes were examined: the A and B classes were not present. This afternoon the A and B Classes were examined and the C and D had a ½ holiday. The Examination in Word Analysis yesterday was most oral, though Mr. Smith gave each something to do on the blackboard. We were examined from the beginning of the book through “Fruit”, of Page 38. I was in the City Library this afternoon. Got a pair of new shoes. The reign of mud in this region is complete. 9 Friday. The D Class was examined in History this forenoon. It was written, and was quite severe. We were examined from the to of page 90 to the bottom of P. 198. In the afternoon the A and B Classes were examined and the C and D had a ½ holiday. Very windy and cold this forenoon, but sunny this afternoon. In the State Library this afternoon I compiled a sketch of Robert

Edward Lee. Grant and Lee were about the two best generals in the late war or “unpleasantness,” as the Southern rebel Congressman flippantly call it. Ulysses Simpson Grant was born in the quiet little village of Paint Pleasant, in Clermont County, about twenty-five miles above Cincinnati, on the north bank of the Ohio River, April 27, 1822. Robert E. Lee, an American Confederate soldier was born at Stafford House, Westmoreland Co., Va. Jan 19, 1807, died in Lexington, Virginia October 12, 1870. 10 Saturday. Windy and cold. 11 Sunday. This is the first Sunday after Epiphany. Epiphany celebrated the public manifestations and ministry of Christ. The S.S.L. was in Ex. III: 1-10. “Moses at the burning bush.” C.T.: John I: 14. “We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” “We beheld His glory” such as only shines around “the only begotten son of the father, full of grace and truth.” 12 Monday. The Legislature opens today. I got my Examination papers in Grammar, it was marked 92. 13 Tuesday. My standing in Word Analysis is 95. Got a letter from John H. in Elkhorn High School. Was in the State Library. 14 Wednesday. Finished sketch of R. E. Lee in S.L. 15 Thursday. There was not school this afternoon, because the governor John Gear was inaugurated at Moore’s Opera House. I went over there. There was a fearful jam in the street. The Opera House was overflowing with people. The governor’s inaugural address was very good, especially the last sentence, in which he told the legislators that quantity in legislation was not so important as quality! After the inauguration, I went up in the City Library and read a book through, the “Signal Boys.” It was a splendid book. It told about the adventures of a party or company of boys commanded by “Capt. Sam,” a boy of about 18 years old. “Capt. Sam’s Signal Company” was composed of about 7 boys at first, but 6 afterwards. The company was in the service of Andrew Jackson

before and after the battle of New Orleans. It was very interesting. The story opens with a battle between the American gunboats and the British boats, in which the latter are successful. This is just before the landing of the British (1812-15). Capt. Sam and his company in a light canoe have been busily employed all through the battle, carrying dispatches for the commodore’s boat to the other boats. When he sees that all is lost, he ordered Capt. Same to carry the tidings to Jackson. The British see this, and give chase to Capt. S’s canoe, and finally captured after a long chase and stout resistance. They are treated as prisoners of war, and put on board a British gunboat, but escape in the dead of night in a riving rain and fog. Three straddle themselves on one spar, which was moored by the side of the boat; on a raft, and three on another. After a long and exhausting ride, they reach the shore. They subsist on clams and other shellfish, and march towards New Orleans; they are captured by a band of smugglers, escape and after numerous adventures, arrive at or near Orleans in time to take part in the night battle of December 28, 1815. After the war they disband and each goes to his home. 16 Friday. The program of this afternoon’s Rhetorical was as follows: [Niels lists the entire program.] 17 Saturday. Very mild and pleasant. Bill Patterson came over this afternoon and we went up on the top of the New Capitol. The horizon was rather cloudy, but in spite of that, we had a magnificent view. This evening I went to see Major Tot, a diminutive manikin. He is on exhibition, and has been for the past week or more, in a hall underneath the Academy of Music. This evening was his last exhibition in this city. He said that is he 15 years old, was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and weighs only 10 ½ pounds. His parents are French.

It was curious to see him stand upon a man’s hand, and held high in the air, to see him walk like an old man, like a Broadway swell, and especially to see him on his little velocipede. He has also a little miniature coach, which the advertisement says cost $1000, with a little Shetland pony. Tot hides himself in a satchel 16 inches long! 18 Sunday. The S.S. was in Ex. IV: 1-12; “Moses endowed with Power.” C.T. John II: 23. “Many believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which He did.” A large class of the common peaople and uneducated in the Holy Land would not believe when Jesus told the Bible truths, but when the Lord healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, and raised the dead and many other miracles, they could see with their own eyes, they believed in His name. In this respect they were better than the educated Pharisees, who could not believe, even when they saw the miracles. This is why missionaries to idol-worshiping heathen sometimes find it difficult to convert them to the true doctirine of our Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul says, there is an inner conviction in even the most savage beasts that there is a Superior spirit. But the savages and semi-civilized have got a wrong notion of this. They want something to worship that they can see, and so we have the star, fire, moon, sun, idol, and animal worshiping, and rebel against anything which takes this away, and gives instead the true worship of the, to mortal eyes, invisible God. This afternoon, my S.S. teacher Emma Harleen, gave me the present which was mislaid at Christmas. It is a nice storybook entitled, “Gilbert’s Treasures,” nicely illustrated with 4 full page pictures. Some friends from the other side of the river visited us this afternoon, and presented me with a pretty notebook. Weather like a spring day. 19 Monday. I read this afternoon in the S.L. ]State Library] the articles on “Chess “ and ”Draughts” in the British Encyclopedia. Rather windy.

20 Tuesday. Got my History Paper and Recitation Record today. The first was 95, and the other 80. My Examination Average is 94 ½. In the S.L. I read the articles on “Dominoes,”in the “American Encyclopedia.” 21 Wednesday. Windy and muddy; it snowed slightly in the afternoon. This month January has quite an interesting History. January (Latin Januarius) consists of 31 days. It is said that Numa [mythical king of Rome] added it with February to the Roman year. It is named from the double-faced god Janus, to whom its first day, which looks back upon the past year and forward to what is to come, is sacred. Originally it had but 29 days, but when Julius Cæsar reformed the calendar, he gave it two extra days. In Rome January was symbolized by a consul in consular robes, because those magistrates were installed in office on the 1st day. It corresponded in the Athenian calendar with the latter half of Poseideon and the 1st half of Gamelion. The early or primitive Scandinavian called it the month of Thor, or Ice month. The French revolutionary calendars merged it in parts of Nivose and Pluviose. It was not uniformly the beginning of the year among Latin Christian nations till the 18th century. 22 Thursday. Was up in the State Library and read a little in a book on Mytholy [sic], also studied at home in another book on the same subjects, namely Tyr or Tiusco, Woden or Odin, Frigga, Thor and Saturn. 23 Friday. Short Friday. In the S. L. in P.M. I read in a book, “Wonders if Optics”: one of the Wonder Library. In History class this forenoon we had the sketches of Grant and Lee. Mild. Five of the D Class have fallen below the average in Examination and have gone back. 24 Saturday. Mild and sunny. Went to gymnastics. Had Calisthenics, Parallel Bars and Pulling. Was at City Library both before and after Turning.

25 Sunday. My Grandfather’s 90th birthday. [Niels Hansen, North Farup, Denmark, born in 1790] This is Septuagesima Sunday. The Sunday School Lesson this afternoon was in Ex. IV: 14-23, 27-31. Sbject or Topic: “Moses and Aaron.” Centeral of golden Test: “For we are laborers together with God.” This text is in I Corinthians III: 9. All good Christians are labor [sic] together in the vineyard, but dissensions frequently separates [sic] and enstranges [sic] them. Took a walk on the West Side. Windy. 26 Monday. Teacher read our general averages today. Mine is 89. The following is my complete standing: December 17 &18, 1879, Arithmetic 96 Recitation average 91 January 7, 1890, Word Analysis 95 Recitation record 81 January 8, 1880, Grammar 92 Recitation record 79 January 9, 1880, History (U.S.) 95 Recitation record 80 Record in Rhetoricals 90 Record in Deportment 98 897 Average 89.7 27 Tuesday. Went to Gymnastics. Had the Horizontal Bars and Calisthenics, also Fast Running. It commenced to be very cold this afternoon and in the evening. 28 Wednesday. I compiled a sketch of Gen. George Henry Thomas and Gen. Jackson. Gen. Thomas, an American Union Soldier was born in Southampton County, Virginia, July 31, 186, and died in San Francisco, California, March 28,1870. Wrote a letter to Miss Bonsall, my former teacher. It commenced to grow veryl cold late this forenoon and evening. 29 Thursday. I finished by sketch of Jackson. In the forenoon and afternoon we had a sort of hard rain at intervals, which froze and made it very slippery.

30 Friday. The Programme of this afternoon’s Rhetorical is as follows: [Niels lists the entire programme.] 31 Saturday. Very cold. I forgot to write that yesterday, after school I compiled, at the State Library, a sketch of Keary, and commenced one of Sheridan.

February 1880 1 Sunday. The Sunday School Lesson this afternoon was in Ex. V: 1-9, 20-23. “Pharaoh’s refusal.” Central Text: Heb. III: 15. “Today if y well hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” If ye will hear his voice preaching salvation, harden not your hearts, as Pharaoh did, but listen in humility and not accordingly. Today is Sexagesima Sunday. 2 Monday. In the State Library I got the rest of Keary’s sketch. 3 Tuesday. I read the articles “January” and “February” in the “American Cyclopedia.” 4 Wednesday. “February” comes the Latin “Februaris,”, from “februare,” to purify, so called from februa, the festival of expiation and lustration ( or sacrifice, or a ceremony, by which cities, fields, armies, or people, defiled by crimes, were purified) which was held on the 15th of this month. It is the second month in our present calendar; it has 28 days every common year and 29 every leap year. It was not in the calendar of Romulus, Numa added two months to the year: January at the beginning and February at the end. It was first placed after January by the decemvirs [ Roman magistrates] about 450 B.C. 5 Thursday. February this year will be a queer month. It will have 5 Sundays, something that happens only once in 28 years, so that I will be 42 years old before this happens again. It

begins and ends on a Sunday. It has an odd number of Sundays and an odd number of days, 29. 6 Friday. In the History Class this forenoon we had the sketches of Kearny and Sheridan. This afternoon’s Rhetorical’s Programme was as follows: [ Niels lists the entire program.] 7 Saturday. I went to Gymnastics this afternoon. We had, as usual, Calisthenics and the Pony. 8 Sunday. The S.S.L. for today was in Ex. VI: 1-13. “God’s Promises Renewed.” Central Text: Romans VIII: 31. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” If God is on our side, who can withstand us? I was not to S.S. this P.M. as my mother and I paid a visit to a friend living on the West Side. It is Quinquagesima Sunday today. Coming home, we went into the Baptist church and heard an excellent sermon; text in Jer. 5:3. Four were baptised [sic]after the sermon. 9 Monday. I got my ticket for the Turner Masquerade tomorrow night. I also bought a mask. The Masquerade promises to be a grand affair, as all the masquerades held by the Turners are. Mild weather. 10 Tuesday. This afternoon there was a grand procession of the Turners in Masquerade. I did not go, as I was in school. There were many hits at the principal political affairs, as the 3rd term; the Glasgow Bill (represented by 3 men with plug hats, walking in a ring); the Orphan’s home, etc. The weather was splendid for the purpose. I am going this evening. 11 Wednesday. I went to the Masquerade last evening in the character of a New Yorker. There was an immense number present. The masks were of all kinds: Princes, Fishermen, Dominoes, Clowns, Negroes, Cavaliers, Knights, Germans, George Washington was there; also a bottle, an agent for Milwaukee Beer, a washerwoman, a professional dentist, ape,

harlequins, “Topsy,” a Chimney Sweeper, Trolians, hunters, etc., etc. The prizes given were for best character amsk, to “George Washington,” and the “Tyrolese girl,” and for the best humorous masks to the “German,” and to “Topsy.” Dancing began about 8 and continued till 4 o4 5 this morning. I left at about 3:30. Altogether, I spent a very pleasant evening, or rather, night. Was very sleepy all day today as I got up in time for school. 12 Thursday. The income from the Masquerade was about 400 dollars. Got sketches in S.L. 13 Friday. This forenoon, in the History Class, we had the sketches of McPherson and Andrew Johnson. The program of this afternoon’s rhetorical was as follows: [Niels lists entire program.] 14 Saturday. There was no Turning, so I visited the City Library and read in a book entitled “Charity Hurlburt.” 15 Sunday. I forgot to say that yesterday forenoon, in th S. L. I finished my sketch of Henry clay. I also visited the State Legislature to hear the debate. Nice weather. The S.S.L. was in Psalm LV: 1-7; 16-23. “Deliverance from the Enemy.” C. T. Heb. II:18. “For in that he Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.” Missed S.S. With mother I visited Mrs. Tomsen. 16 Monday. Today it is my dear mother’s birthday. 52 years

old. To celebrate it, she had a little party of friends and acquaintances this afternoon and evening. Father and I presented ma with a ½ doz. Cups and saucers, and a very fine cup and saucer with much gilt on it, and also the motto “Forget me Not” in gilt letters. Also from Mrs. Tomsen, a cream pitcher and from Mrs. Lauaritson, a vase, glass obelisk paperweight. Played several games of checkers and dominoes.

17 Tuesday. Windy and cool. I compiled this afternoon, in the S.L. a sketch of Sherman, Gen. William Techumseh Sherman, distinguished American general, was born at Lancaster, Ohio, February 8, 1830. 18 Wednesday. Nothing much today. 19 Thursday. Remarkably mild weather for this season of the

year. 20 Friday. Short Friday, was let out at 3 P.M. Was at the State

Library and Legislature to hear debates which were quite exciting.

21 Saturday. At present father is working at Hiram Y. Smith’s residence (the lawyer). Was over there today. At gymnastics we had Calisthenics and Indian clubs. Visited the City Lib. after Turning. Mild weather. 22 Sunday. This forenoon I took a walk to the Capitol & this afternoon we all took long walk, hence I missed Sunday School. The Sunday School Lesson this afternoon was in Psalms LXIII. Topic: “God, Our Helper.” Central or Golden Text: Hebrews IV: 16. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” This is the second Sunday in Lent. Very mild and sunny weather. 23. Monday. I was absent from school this forenoon: the first time this teerm or lst term. The High School desks were formerly of two sizes, An A and a B. Now the B desks have been removed since last Friday and larger ones substituted, so that we all have A Class seats. Mild. 24 Tuesday. This forenoon we had the last lesson in our History; I commenced this book December 1, 1878, and ended it today, February 24, 1880, 14 months & 24 days. As we will commence with Civil Government tomorrow, I got a “Shorter Course in Civil Government, consisting of Seventy Lessons. Arranged in Topics with numerous questions for convenience in teaching. By Calvin Townsend.” It has 240 pages.

25 Wednesday. After the Arithmetic Lesson this afternoon, the D Class Boys had that long-hoped for quarter holiday for winning in the competion between them and the girls in Grammar last year. I went to the S.L. and the Legislature. Very pleasant weather. 26 Thursday. There was not school this forenoon. Teachers went to visit the schools. 27 Friday This afternoon’s Rhetroical was as follows: [Niels lists the entire program.] After this, I visited the S.L. 28 Saturday. It grew quiet cold today and quite a quantity of snow fell. Missed Turning because of it. 29 Sunday. There was not regular Sunday School lesson today, but we had a sort of review of the preceding lessons. I was present this Sunday.

March 1880 1 Monday. Parnell, the member of Parliament who is speaking all over the country in behalf of Ireland, has arrived in the city. He is to speak at the Opera House. The Legislature voted him the freedom of the Legislature. I went to the Legislature right after school and was out, this afternoon, and I heard him speak in the House of Representatives. There was a torchlight procession and guns were fired in honor of him. 2 Tuesday. Mild again. It is marble time now, but ball time has also commenced. 3. Wednesday. We are soon to have Examination again; in about two weeks. Was in the S.L. and read some of “Arabian Nights.”

4 Thursday. Nice weather, as usual. 5 Friday. It was Short Friday, as we were dismissed at about 3 o’clock. (see March 8). Went to the Legislature and heard a very fine speech in the Senate in favor of submitting the constitutional amendment forbidding the sale, manufacture of all intoxicating liquors to the people. The Senator’s speech lacked 10 minutes of being 2 hours long. 6 Saturday. Went Turning. We had the Indian clubs, the Parallel Bars, and Fast Running. After Turning I visited the State Library. 7 Sunday. The S.S.L. was in the Psalms CXLV: 8-21. “God’s Loving Kindness.” Central Text: Matt. V: 6. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” 8 Monday. I forgot to mention that last Friday we received a letter from H. E. Paine, Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D.C. that father’s “Application for a Patent, No. 225,519 (two hundred and twenty-five thousand, five hundred and nineteen.), dated March 16, 1880. It is expected that the Patent will be perfected and ready for delivery at that date.” 9 Tuesday. In the afternoon, was to the Legislature and State Library and visited the top of the Old Capitol. In the evening I went to hear the Scotchman, Mr. ----, who traveled with the Parnell party, and stayed behind in this city to answer questions regarding the famine in Ireland and to hold lectures on the same subject. He is editor of “The Highlander,” and dresses in regular Scotch custom. He spoke at the East Side or Lewis’s Opera House. 10 Wednesday. Nothing especial. 11 Thursday. We have examination next week. S. L. “Arabian Nights.”

12 Friday. The Program of this afternoon’s Rhetorical was: [Niels writes out the entire program.] State Library and got a sketch of Van Buren. 13 Saturday. Snow fell today and it was quite cool—d. I missed Turning this afternoon; at present I onllly go once a week, viz., every Saturday. 14 Sunday. Martin Van Buren, who formed the subject of my Friday’s sketch, was the 8th President of the United States. He was born at Kinderhook, N. Y. December 5, 1782, and died at the same place July 24, 1862. This is the 5th S. in Lent. The S.S.L. was in Psalm XXXII: “The Forgiveness of Sins.” Central Text: I John II: 12. “I write unto you little children, because your sins are forgiven you of His name’s sake.” 15 Monday. We are to have examination in Word Analysis tomorrow. In afternoon half holiday. 16 Tuesday. We had a written examination in Word Analysis in the afternoon. It was not very easy. It was from Page 1 to Latin pre& suf fixes. The C and D Classes were examined this afternoon and the B and A half holiday. My standing was 95. 17 Wednesday. The C and D had this P.M. a half holiday while the A and Be were examined. This is only a monthly examination, or rather a test examination. 18 Thursday. This afternoon the D Class was examined in

Arithmetic; we were examined from the beginning of percentage through to interest. (98 standing.

19 Friday. Civil Government was what we were examined in

the fore and after noon. We took the first 3 questions this forenoon, and the remaining 7 this afternoon, so that we could be dismissed at three o’clock. We were examined in the first 20 lessons. My standing was 92 in C. G.

20 Saturday. Turning. Indian clubs and Horizontal Parallel

Bars and Calisthenics.

21 Sunday. This si the 6th Sunday in Lent. The S.S.L. was in

Isaiah LIII: 3-10. “Christ’s Sufferings Foretold.” Central Text: Rom. V: 8. “God commandeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

22 Monday. Last Friday my father got his patent for Comb-

Frame tongs. The patent was issued March 16, 1889; the number of the patent is 225,519, and the application was filed August 23, 1879.

23 Tuesday. Tuesday come from Tyr or Tuisco and the Anglo-

Saxon deg, day. Tyr was a god of the old Northern European mythology. He was a son of Odin; he was strong, large and brave. He was the War God and warriors called on and prayed to him for victory. He is represented as one-handed, the Tenris wolf had bitten off the right hand. Tuesday was sacred to him, hence it is called by his name.

24 Wednesday. Wednesday come from Woden or Odin, also

a god of the Northern or Scandinavian mythology. He was the greatest of all the gods. He is represented as a large, handsome, old, one-eyed man in magnificent clothes, and with a spear in his hands. Two ravens, Mind and Memory sit on his shoulders and tell him all that happens. On his eight-footed horse Sleipner he rides on land, water, and in the air, and with his pear Gungnir hits whatever he aims or throws at. He owns a valuable ring, Draupner, which every ninth night drops eight like itself.

He sits in his throne Hlidskjalf, in his hall Valaskjalf, from where he sees over all the world. Two wolves, Gere and Trek sit by his feet, and eat his food, because Odin himself drinks only wine. He meets in the hall, Valhalla, with the men that have fallen in battle, Einherierne. The hall Valhalla has 540 doors so broad that 800 Einherierene can go out side by side. Everyday the herves go out to battle, but the fallen stand up again and go together to Valhalla, where they were waited on by Valkyrierne, goddesses of fate, who brought them mead, which comes from the goat Heidrun, and with flesh

from the wild boar Sæhrimmer; it is cooked in the kettle Eldrimmer, by the cook Andrimmer.

25 Thursday. Thursday comes from Thor, also a god of the Scandinavian mytholy [sic]. Thor meant the Thunderer; he was the god of Thunder and lightning and War, though Tyr was the one whom warriors called on for victory. He dwelt in the vault of Heaven, and was the son of Odin. He is represented as driving through the clouds in a cart, Hlorride, drawn by two goats, Tangnioster and Tangrisner. When he thus drives across the heavens, it lgitnings and thunders. High, large, and of immense strength, with beard as red as fire, and piercing glance, he swings his mighty hammer, Mjölner; on his hands he wears iron gloves and around his waist his strength-giving belt, Megingjarder. The peasant children Tjalfe and Röskva often accompany him on his journeys. His dwelling is called Thrudvang, with the immense castle Bilskirner, which contains 540 chambers.

26 Friday. This afternoon, there was no school in the East D.M. H. School, so I went over on the West Side to that H. S. to hear the Term Exercises of the A Class. It was very good. Some very fine music formed part of the Exercises. The large room was filled to overflowing. City Library afterwards, and saw a description and drawing of father’s patent in Patent Office Official Gazette. 27 Saturday. At Gymnastics we had the Indian clubs and the Horizontal parralel [sic] bars. 28 Sunday. There was no Sunday School today, as it is Easter Sunday today, and 8 or 9 was [sic] to be confirmed. My mother and I went to the exercises. Pleasant weather. The Sunday School Lesson we was [sic] to have had this Sunday was in Mark XVI1-8. “The Resurrection of Christ;” Central Text: John XI: 25, “Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” This is whyJesus descended into Hell and preached to those who died before he came here on earth, that they might hear His

word. After kirke, vi visitere de Mrs. Tomsen. [After church we visited Mrs. Tomsen.] 29 Monday. Monday comes from two old Anglo-Saxon words, mona and dæg. Mona means moon, and dæg, day, moon’s day. Another word from mona is month. The Anglo-Saxon word for month is monath=the course or rim of the moon. 30 Tuesday. For sometime I have been reading Edgar Allan Poe’s works; so far I have read his “Baloon [sic] Hoax,” which tells of a trip across the Atlantic in a baloon [sic]; the “Gold Bug” which tells of how a couple of millions of dollars of treasure which Captain Kidd had hidden, was found through the help of a piece of parchment, containing an intricate cipher explanation of how to find the treasure, and most of a sketch of his life, and several others. I think his poem, the “Raven”, is his best piece. The “Raven” did for Poe what “Thanatopsis” did for Bryant: it ws the basis of his fame. He had one great failing, his uncontrollable passion for drink. 31 Wednesday. Maarch (Lat. Martinus, Mars) was the 1st moth in the earlllly Roman calendar, & it also marked the commencement of he year among some of the Latin Christian nations till the 18th century. The English legal year began March 25, until the change of style in 1752. The Anglo-Saxons called this month Hlyd or Hraed monath, i.e.,loud or stormy month. The Romans called this month Martinus from Mars, the reputed father of their nation. There is an old English and Scottish proverb, “March borrowit from Averill three days, and they are ill. “The first, it shall be wind and weet; The next, it shall be snaw and sleet; The third, it shall be sic a freeze, Shall gar the birds stick to the trees.”

It is disputed whether these “borrowing days” were the last three in March or the first three in April. Dr. Jamieson, in his Entymological [sic] Dictionary of the Scottish Language, explains that when they were stormy March was said to borrow them from March [Mars] that he might extend his power so much longer. Those who are much addicted to Superstition will neither borrow or lend on any of these days.

April 1 Thursday. April Fool Day today. I fixed up a little package, with a large gate painted in front; over the entrance are the words, “Sesame Open,” and “The Entrance to the Cave of the 40 Thieves, which Ali Baba entered.” You open the two little doors and you see immense sacks labeled gold, rubies, etc., and a little gate leading further into the cave. It was labeled, “Open; diamonds,” you open it and you see “April Fool,” revealed. I fooled a good many by this. 2 Friday. The A Class had a Rhetorical Exercise this afternoon. There was a very large attendance. The Program was as follows: [Niels lists the program.] 3 Saturday. At Turning this afternoon we had the Indian Clubs and th Pony. Visited the City Library. 4 Sunday. As I went on a long walk this afternoon with (father, mother og J. Hansen), I did not attend Sunday School. The S.S.L. was in Genesis 10-22. “Jacob’s Vision and Vow.” Central Text: John XX: 19. “Then came Jesus and stood in the midst, and said unto them, Peace be unto you.” This must have comforted them exceedingly, like the time he walked upon the sea. 5 Monday. It is nearly time for the Chicago Republican Convention to meet and meanwhile the merits of the several candidates are being thoroughly discussed. My first choice for

President in Grant, second choice James G. Blaine, “the plumed knight of Maine.” 6 Tuesday. Here is a piece I made up on the late war: “The Late war was a battle between the goddess of Liberty and the horrible ghoul Slavery. The battle was long and bitter, but at last the goddess of Liberty conquered, killed Slavery, and freed and broke the chains of the Negro, January 1, 1863. And may he remain forever free. But Slavery is not put down yet; he yet flourishes in the West Indies and Africa, but God grant that before many years he may be completely crushed out of existence.” 7 Wednesday. Very pleasant weather. The West Side Schools have had a week’s vacation, a Spring Vacation, all last week. We will not have any Spring Vacation, but have Summer Vacation so much longer. 8 Thursday. April (Laatin Aprilis) the fpirtj month of the year in our present calendar, with the Rimans was the second month of the year. Julious Cæsar added the 30th day to it. In the time of Nero it was called Neroneus. The name is sup[posed to be derived from aperire, to open because the buds open themselves at this period. In the Athenian calendar the latter portion of Elaphebolion and the greater part of Munychion correspond to April. Charlenmagne, in his new calendar, called it grass month, the name still given it by the Dutch (grasmaand). The French revolutionary calendar merged it into the greater portion of Germinal and the commencement of Floréal. On antique monuments Aprilis is represented as a dancing youth with a rattle in his hand. Among the Romans, this month was sacred to Venus. 9 Friday. It was short Friday, w were dismissed at 3 o’clock 10 Saturday. Turning teacher Dippel had gone to Davenport, so we did not have turning. I went to City Library and read part of “Tattered Tom.”

11 Sunday. The S.S. Lesson was in Genesis XXIX: 1-13. “Jacob withLaban’s Flock.” Central Text: Psalm XCV: 7. “For He is our god, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.” 12 Monday. In Arithmetic we had the last of Partial Payments today. I got my turning-pole fixed up yesterday. 13 Tuesday. Very windy. Handed in my Essay on “Air.” Teacher said it was very good. I went to the State Library. I am reading some nights in the “Arabian Nights.” 14 Wednesday. It was more windy today that that “September Gale, in the 6th Reader. The wind was very high, and it made the fine dust fly about in immense clouds. Was late this afternoon. The Republican State Convention met in town today. Was on top of the Capitol after school. Called on Shuck, the beekeeper. 15 Thursday. A little colder but more pleasant. 16 Friday. Rained hard last night, it was long wished for to allay the dust. Darwinograph [sic]. This afternoon’s Program of the Rhetorical was as follows: [Niels lists the program.] 17 Saturday. I was up in the Capitol and was up in one of the

domes with Bill Patterson. Missed turning. Was over to 18th Street Court House.

18 Sunday. Rained. The S.S.L. was in Gen. XXXII: 1-12. “Jacob

Encouraged Yet Afraid.” Central text: John XIV:18. “I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you.” Jacob was encouraged by God; yet he was afraid. An instance of stronger faith was that of Daniel, who was in the lion’s den.

19 Monday. Very,very windy today. Was on top of the Capitol

and in the towers with E. Haartmann. State Library. Wright Harris from Boone. Visit to J. M. Shuck.

20 Tuesday. ‘Twas hot all day. Visited Capitol again. It is rather risky going up in the towers on two rickety ladders.

21 Wednesday. S. Library. Going to Boone to M. 22 Thursday. My father and I started at 8:30 for Boone, in Boone County. We went on the Narrow Gauge R.R. up as far as Ames, when we took the Chicago & Northwestern R.R. to Boone after waiting 20 minutes. We arrived at Boone at noon, and proceeded directly to the boarding house of A. J. Warrick, Esq. Father went down to Boone to stay 3 or 4 weeks frescoing the elegant residence of a Mr. Mac Farland, a banker. Shortly before and after leaving Ames, we could see the Agricultural College, about 2 miles or 1 ½ miles from the city; it is a very large building. The stations after Des Moines was [sic] in the following order: Ankeny, Polk City, Sheldahl, Kelley, Ames, Ontario, and then Midway, Boone. I played checkers in the evening with the boarders. We went out to Mac Farland soon after dinner. There was [sic] funny songs with accompaniment on the organ, by he son of A. J. Warrick; he is about 21 years old. After we went to bed it rained & thundered and lightened [sic] all night. 23 Friday. I am still in Boone. I was up to McFarland’s residence again, helping my father. I went away on the 3:45 P.M. train, and arrived in Des Moines at 6 o’clock in the evening. Very wet and muddy in the streets. Missed two days of school. 25 Saturday. Went Turning. Had the Indian Clubs and

Calisthenics. Indian Clubs develop the muscles of the wrist, arm, and elbow.

26 Sunday. This morning my mother and I went to the West Side EnglishLutheran Church. A fine sermon was preached. The S.S.L. was in Genesis XXXII: 22-32. “Jacob Prevailing with God.” Central Text: Luke XI:13. “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him:” If the

evil sometimes do you good, how much more good will the Heavenly Father not do you? Frau Tomsen. 26 Monday. After School I went to the City Library with Clinton

Scholtz. 27 Tuesday. We keep several apers and periodicals. I keep one

magzine, the St. Nicholas; of the Danish papers, we keep “Skandinaven,” a weekly; “Kirkelge Samler, ” a semi-weekly; “Börenebladet,” a semi-monthly; “Dannevirke,” a weekly; and “Skandinavisk Journal,” a monthly, 6 in all. By exchange, we get the “Pioneeren,” a Danish paper, and American papers, “Saturday Night,” and “New York Weekly.”

28 Wednesday. Commencing to be warm. 29 Thursday. We are having some hard test examples in our

Arithmetic class. 30 Friday. Short Friday today, being let out at 3 o’clock.

Religion—One sure sign that a religion is false is when the Creed of that religion says that none but those who embrace that religion can be saved. Such narrow-minded bigotry is not true Christianity.

May 1880 1 Saturday. [in Danish] Det er den 11 ärige Bryllupe dag idag af min kjiere Foreldre. Today is the 11th year of my dear parents’ marriage. [Andreas Hansen married (Ellen) Katrine Pedersen on May 1, 1869 in Ribe, Denmark.] Exchanged some Postage Stamps with another boy. Warm. 2 Sunday. The S.S.L. was in Genesis XXXIII: 1-22. “Jacob meeting Esau.” Central Text: John XVI:24. “Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

3 Monday. Was in the State Library. 4 Tuesday. Very hot. State Library. 5 Wednesday. Warm again. We have had an old hen setting in the coalhouse for 21 days, and some chickens hatched out today. 6 Thursday. Still warm. The rest of the chickens came oout today. We got nine out of 14 eggs. Ascension Day. 7 Friday. This afternoon the C Class had a Rhetorical as follows: [Niels lists the program.] There was [sic] quite a number of visitors this time. 8 Saturday. Father is yet up in Boone, but will be home some time next week. I write frequent letters to father, and we have also received several. He says Boone is a very nice place. It is of some importance, too, because the machine shops are located there. Boone is divided into two parts, the old town and the new town. The old town is known as Boonesboro, while the new is styled Boone. The old town is about a mile from the new town where the railroad runs through, and is the county seat. When the R.R. came through, they would not grant any subsidy, so the R.R. Co. ran it by some distance from Boonesboro. 9 Sunday. The S.S.L. today was in Genesis XXXV: 6-15. “Jacob Re-enters Canaan.” Central Text: Heb. IX: 24. “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, but into heaven itself, not to appear in the presence of God for us.” 10 Monday. Father writes that he will be home either Wednesday or Thursday. 11 Tuesday. Yesterday, May 10th, it was 105 years ago since Ethan Allen, with a handful of Green Mountain boys, so called, “not because the boys, but the Mountains were green, surprised Ticonderoga and demanded its surrender in the name of the great Jehovah and the Continental Congress.” Seth Warner also

captured Crown Point on the same day, and two hundred pieces of artillery and a supply of powder were obtained from the two forts. 12 Wednesday. It is 284 years ago today since the great King of Sweden, Gustaf Wasa (Vasa) first saw the light in 1496. He died in 1560. Father did not come today. I was at the depot. 13 Thursday. Father came home from Boone this morning at 3 o’clock. He left Boone at midnight. Both he and McFarland are very well satisfied with the work. 14 Friday. This faternoon the B Class had a Rhetorical. It was advertised in the “Iowa State Register,” and the room was filled to overflowing. The exercises were very pleasant. The Program was as follows: [Niels lists the program.] The exercises began at 1:30. State Library. 15 Saturday. Nothing particular today. 16 Sunday. It is Whitsunday today. It comes on the same day that Pentecost, the old Jewish festival, which came 50 days after the Passover or Easter, occurred. Whitsunday celebrates the descent of the Holy Ghost on the apostles; Acts II: 1-5. The S.S.L. was in John XIV: 23-31. “The Coming of the Holy Ghost.” C. T. Rom. V: 5. “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” 17 Monday. Today school commenced in the forenoon at 8 o’clock and let out at 2 P.M. After school about 10 of we boys went down to the river to bathe. 18 Tuesday. Went up to Thompson’s Bend to swim with 10 or 12 other High School boys. Played Croquet; it is a very nice game. 19 Wednesday. Same as yesterday. 20 Thursday. Am learning to swim fast. It is about time to go for butterflies. I have seen several nice specimens.

21 Friday. Was dismissed t noon, as it is short Friday. Friday comes from Frigga, a goddess of the old Northern European mythology and dæg , an Anglo-Saxon word meaning day. Frigga was the wife of Odin, who was the moving life-giving breath of air or heaven, the father of all. She sat beside him on his throne, and surveys the world. She knows all, and exercised control over all nature. She was the goddesses’ queen, and was the goddess of all fruitfulness both in nature and in marriage. She is represented seated with the golden spindle by her side with which she sometimes spins, and is attended by her handmaiden Tylla or Tulla. She lived in the palace Fensal. She has two other pages or servants, Hlyn and Gnaa.

22 Saturday. Examination is drawing nigh. I am studying

hard to prepare myself for it. 23 Sunday. Trinity Sunday today, is so called, because it

celebrates the doctrine that there are three Persons constituting the one true God. The S.S.L. was in Psalm VIII. Central Text: Romans XI: 33. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom an knowledge of God!” The rest of this verse is, “how unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out!”

24 “May (Latin Maius) , the 5th month of the Gregorian

calendar, consists of 31 days. Among the Romans it was sacred to Apollo, and almost everyday was a festival. On the 9th, 11th, and 13th days was celebrated the festival of Semuria in the memory of the dead, and consequently it was believed that marriages contracted in this month would result fatally.

There is a French proverb: Noces de Mai, noces de mort. From the ancient Floralia or festival in honor of Flora, celebrated from April 28 to May 2, is perhaps derived the medieval and modern custom of observing May 1, (Mayday) with festive and floral rites. The Druids also were accustomed to light large fires upon the summits of hills on the eve of May. Tolydvie Vergil says it was usual to adorn not only houses and

gates, but churches, with flowers. Hall mentions in his “Chronicle” that Henry VII rode a-maying with Queen Catherine and many lords and ladies from Greenwich to the High ground of Shooter’s Hill.”

25 Tuesday. Examination tomorrow. Oh! 26 Wednesday. This forenoon the D class was examined in

Word Analysis. We were examined on the whole book. It was very difficult. I take my dinner now, as do 10 or 12 other boys, and we eat in the cellar, where there are some excellent seats and also water.

27 Thursday. This forenoon we were examined in Civil

Government. We were examined on the whole book. I filled a little more than five pages. Quite hot. It was rather severe, the examination.

28 Friday. This forenoon were examined in Grammar from the

beginning of the book till Adjectives on page 58. Very hard indeed.

29 Saturday. We have subscribed for the “Bee Keeper’s

Magazine,” a monthly journal devoted exclusively to Bee Culture. It is published by Albert J. King & Co., 14 Park place, N.Y.

30 Sunday. No regular S.S.L. today as this is the 5th Sunday this

month. 31 Monday. My standing in Civil Government was – 100! In

Grammar, it was 89, and in Word Analysis, 92, Average so far: 93 2/3.

June 1880 1 Tuesday. The hot summer has fairly begun. It is a comfort to know that school will soon be out. The average you have to have for the whole year to secure promotion to the C class will be 75 which I am pretty sure of getting.

2 Wednesday. This forenoon the D Class were examined in White’s Arithmetic from the top of page 107 to “Annual Interest” on Page 205. All we have gone over during the year. It is the hardest examination that I ever had. I was the last one done. 3 Thursday. No school today. 4 Friday. This is the last day of school. There was school only in the forenoon. We got our papers and our Promotion Cards, that is those that passed the examination. My standing was, or rather is: May 26, Word Analysis 92 May 27, Civil Government 100 May 28, Grammar 89 June 2, Arithmetic 70 351 Average this exam 87.75 Average other Exam 92.25 Average for the year 90 The averages of the other members of the D Class is, as far as I have found out, as follows: Average of the boys Average of the Girls Schiller Richter 78 Della Rees 82 Elmer Hartmann 62 Della Richardson - Charley Holm 88 Gabriella Hurly 92 George Redhead 81 Clara Church 73 Charley Wright 72 Ella Knowleton 75 Thomas Stewart 63 Minnie Randolph 70 Willie Rey 65 Belle Hierb -- James C. Meara 75 Marion Stansbury 61 Neils Hansen 90 Hannah Jacobs -- Mary Davis 71 The girls have the highest individual average, but on an average, the averages of the boys are very much higher than

those of the girls. I got my Promotion Card, and a nice one it is, too. 75 is the Promotion Average. 5 Saturday. The A Class of 1889 held their Graduation Exercises at Lewis’s Opera House this evening, I did not attend, so I copy the program from the “Register.” There was a very large attence [sic] thosugh the weather was inclement. The Program was: [Here Niels lists the entire program.] The “Register” says, “the members of the class are all exceptionally bright looking, and the orations, taken as a whole, evinced many sentiments that would do credit to older heads and hearts.” 6 Sunday. I have neglected my Journal a long, long, time. I write this Dec. 31, instead of June 6. I don’t know just how it happened that I have neglected it so long, but I will commence bright and new tomorrow, with January, 1881. But first I will write down a few of the principal things that have happened to me since June 6, as near as I can recollect. June 14. June 14 which came on Monday, was the day I commenced the German School, and I kept it up for about two months, till about August 14, 1880. The school, most of the time, commenced about 8 and lasted until 12 o’clock noon. Herr Gerhardt Zuchow was our teacher. Charley Holm was the only one beside me from the East Des Moines High School. There was a School Picnic sometime in July or August, which I attended. It passed off quite pleasantly, except there was [sic] a lot of roughs and ruffians, who fooled around and tried their best to stir up a row, and, as they were expert at that kind of business, they accomplished their object, and there was [sic] five or six fights, but the City Marshall cooled them off rather suddenly. I went home about 6 o’clock. My parents were also there a short time. There were many pleasant games played. Political. There was been very great excitement in politics this summer over the election of a President. The Republican candidates were: for Pres. Gen. James A. Garfield, of Ohio; Vice Pres. Gen. Chester A. Arthur, of New York; the Democratic

candidates were: for Pres. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock of Pennsylvania, for Vice. Pres. William H. English, of Indiana; the Greenbackers nominated for Pres. Gen. James Weaver, of Iowa; Vice Pres. B.J. Chambers of Texas; the Prohibionist [sic] Ticket is, for Pres. Gen. Neal Dow, of Maine, for Vice Pres. ------and I believe that there is a Masonic or rather Anti-Masonic ticket also. The campaign was very exciting. I attended many of the meetings. My father and I are both Republicans. The Republicans triumphed, of course, electing Garfield by a majority of 29 Electoral Votes. August and September During the latter part of my term with Herr Zuchow I was working on a large map of the U. S. and a week or two the fair commenced, I worked quite industriously on it. It is the largest map I ever drew. It is about 14 X 20 inches. I finished it Saturday, Sept. 4, and took it out to the Fair Grounds that same afternoon, but first I took it up to Mr. Clarkson’s residence, and showed it to the; that is, I met Mrs. Clarkson and her son John who is about my age, and Frank, about 7, down town, near Morrison’s Grocery Store, and they invited me to ride up with them in their buggy. [Here Niels left three blank pages, with a beginning heading of September, “State Fair.” No doubt he intended to fill in the pages with a description of the State Fair. The next entry beings on January 1, 1881.]

1881

Synopsis of 1881 Niels’ sister, Helene, 18, having received her inheritance from her mother's estate, emigrates to live near her family in Des

Moines, Iowa. She finds work as a servant girl, but she may also have come to help her stepmother who is ailing. Kristine, 20, remains in Denmark as a servant. Andreas continues work as a freelance fresco artist and house decorator. Niels finishes his sophomore year in high school in the C Class. He is confirmed at Easter. The journal for this year begins in January, but ends after about a month with only a few comments about the second term of his sophomore year. The next record occurs in the fall of 1881, shortly after Niels begins his junior year. He writes a one-page commentary on a page from a tablet. Dated Wednesday, Oct 12, 1881, it tells of his excitement over being appointed to a job as a messenger for the Secretary of State in the state Capitol. His new job seems to have reduced the amount of time he can spend journal writing. For November and December, he makes comments on a ledger page that allows only one line per day.

January 1881 1 Saturday. Another year has begun today. The old year, 1880, has passed into the Past, the new year, 1881, no comes upon the scene, and the dim future lies before us. 1881 commenced his reign with very mild and pleasant weather, in which respect he has differed from his two predecessors. This is almost the first mild spell so far this winter. From the middle of October, about, till now, it has been very cold. Though we staid [sic] up till 12 o’clock to welcome the new years, as usual, the railroad whistles did not blow. Write this January 19.

2 Sunday. In Sunday School today there was an election of S.S. officers. Mr. George H. Maish was re-elected S.S Superintendent, and most or all of the other officers were re-elected, I believe. (Jan 19) We got the “Augsburg Sunday School Lesson Book” today. There are 40 pages in it, and contains all the S.S. Lessons from January to June 1881. The Lesson taught for today is God’s faithfulness and tells of the sotry of Zacharias and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. Cold. 3 Monday. Today school commenced after having a week’s vacation. In the C Class today there was [sic] 10 pupils present. Wrote letters to my sisters in Denmark. (19) 4 Tuesday. Today I am 15 years old. From Father I received a very fine paperweight, and from mother I received a very handsome book, “Getting on in the World,” by Prof. Matthews. New Year’s Day father presented me with a fine set of Chess. I don’t know to play, but I hope I will learn it soon. Mother baked me a very large birthday cake, to which we did full justice in the evening when we had a very fine supper in my honor. (Jan. 19) 5 Wednesday. Mild weather at noon. 6 Thursday. Sleighing has not been very good for the last two or three days, but last night a slight snow fell, which restored sleighing again. (Jan. 19) 7 Friday. It is the fashion now, coasting. (Jan. 20) 8 Saturday. Last Sunday I talked with my S.S. teacher, Mrs. Steiner, and the pastor, Rev. Mr. Behring, about me being confirmed. So this afternoon about 2 o’clock, I went over to the Pastor’s house and commenced my instruction preparatory to my being confirmed next Easter. (Jan. 20)

9 Sunday. The lesson taught for today was the “ humble and joyful acknowledgement of God’s mercies.” The Song of Mary is a poem of lofty character. 10 Monday. There will be about 21 scholars or more in the High School if the A Class in Mrs. Seigler’s Room, who are now being examined for the High School, pass the examination. There is no school for the C,B, & A Classes today nor tomorrow on account of it. (Jan. 24) 11 Tuesday. Very pleasant weather and splendid sleighing. I enjoyed myself very much riding down the long Lyon Street Hill on a ‘bobsled” all the afternoon. I went up there after supper. There was a very large number of boys and girls there, and the coasting was “magnificent.” My German teacher, Gerhardt Zuchow, has commenced a German Class in the High School; to meet three times a week after school, twice up here and Friday’s down at the Bryant School House. He organized the class last week and commenced the first regular lesson this afternoon at about 4 o’clock. The lesson lasted about an hour. (Jan. 24) 12 Wednesday. School commenced again today. No new scholars came up to day, but I suppose that is because the papers have not all been examined. (Jan. 24) 13 Thursday. This afternoon a whole lot of Mrs. Seigler’s A Class scholars came up into the H. S. Immediately before they entered the room, the teacher had prepared for them, by changing around the seats of the pupils a great deal. 14 Friday. Several more new pupils came up from Mrs. Seigler’s room today. We boys often shorten our way to and from school considerably by riding on the farmer’s “bobsleds” of which there are many in town, as the roads are excellent. Short Friday. 3 o’clock dismissed.

15 Saturday. I went over to Rev. Mr. Behringer, and he catechized me on the Introduction to the Catechism and the Introduction to the Ten Commandments. 16 Sunday. The S.S. L. was about “the Prophecy of Zacharias” and the Lesson Taught, “A lesson of praise and hope in view of God’s covenant faithfulness.” 17 Monday. We commenced on “Involution and Evolution,” or “Square Root” today. 18 Tuesday. There are now 7 in the High School. The A Class has---, the B ---, the C --, and the A --- pupils. 19 Wednesday. This is a regular old fashioned winter. (Feb. 5, 1881) 20 Thursday. My little favorite dog, “Thor,” which has been sick a long while is ---dead. I found him dead this morning in his box or kennel. I was made a present of him by my father Tuesday, September 7, 1880, at which time he was about 11 weeks old. 21 Friday. German this P.M. after school at the Bryant or Sixth Ward School House. 22 Saturday. Went to Confirmation Class. 23. Sunday. Our S.S.L. was about the Prophecy of Isaiah, and the Lesson Taught, “Light, Hope, Victory in Christ, the Son of God and Son of Man” (Lecture this eve. See Jan. 30.) 24 Monday. Today began the latter half of the school year. (Feb. 6, 1881) 25 Tuesday. German as usual . Grandfather’s 91st birthday. [Niels Hansen, born 1790, North Farup, Denmark] 26 Wednesday. Last Saturday there was not enough at the Confirmation Instruction, so there was hardly any lesson, so this

evening the pastor catchised [sic] quite a large number at the church on the First Commandment and some of the first of the “Order of Salvation,” in short and simple Questions and Answers. 27 Thursday. In Arithmetic we are now in Square and Cibe Root, and it is rather difficult, expecially the explanation of it by symbols, that is instead of tens+ units, you have t+u, an in stead of in Squar Root of saying that the square of the tens + twice the product of he tens by he units = the square of the units= the square of the number, you say that (t2 + 2 tu + u2) = (t+u)2. 28 Friday. German as usual. 29 Saturday. There was [sic] present 7 in the Confirmation Class this afternoon. 30 Sunday. The S.S.Lesson today was about Simeon and the Child Jesus, and the Lesson taught, “The expectation of Salvation is satisfied in Jesus, he Christ.” The glorious expectation of salvation and eternal life, is only realized by faith in Christ, because “there is no name in heaven or on earth, whereby man may be save, but His.” (Feb 12) Last Sunday evening the pastor commenced a series of sermons or lectures on the Ten Commandments in the Decalogue, and spoke about the first commandment, “I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt have not other gods before me.” This is found in Exodus V and Deuteronomy 20. Many so-called Christians have other gods, for instance, Mammon, dress, love of position and honor, etc. and their own little self. Not in a gross manner perhaps, but in refined idolatry. If a Roman should arise from his grave, and should visit a great city, what would be his impression. If he should visit a church, and see so many having such a poor attendance, he would say that this must be the temple of one of the lesser gods and inferior. If he should visit a court of justice and see it filled to overflowing when a great scandal trial is in progress, see it filled with an audience reveling in the filthy and disgusting details of

the scandal, he would say, that this court must be the temple of a greater god; and if then he should visit the gold exchange and see the splendid furnishing both out and inside, and see it filled to overflowing with men, greedy after gold, he would say that this was the temple of the greatest god of all. This evening the pastor gave the second sermon of the course on the second commandment, that against image worship. The pagans worship idols, Brahma, Budda, etc. The Roman Catholic Church uses crucifixes, etc., and pictures, very much in their worship, they say it helps them. The Greek Catholic Church uses only pictures. They go to the one extreme. The iconoclasts went to the other extreme. (Feb18) They would exclude all pictures, statuary, etc., from the House of God, even the cross. Some hundreds of years ago, the iconoclastic excitement grew to such a height in Europe, that for instance, in Holland, the iconoclasts sacked about 400 churches, and destroyed every statue, picture, etc., they could lay hands on. This commandment by no means forbids the making of works of art; it only forbids the worshiping of them. The iconoclast misunderstood this commandment. (original) The miser who makes gold his idol will find that it will turn to clay. When on his deathbed he will bitterly realize that the idol to the worship of which he has devoted his life, and thereby lost his own soul, has turned into useless dross, and he will bitterly curse his own folly. For what doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul? 31 Monday. (Feb 20) In his first sermon on the Ten Commandments, our pastor told of a statue in the great cathedral of St. Peter in Rome. It is a bronze statue of St. Peter and his great toe has been worn smooth and shiny by the constant kissing of enthusiastic worshipers. It has been discovered that this statue is an old, heathen, bronze statue of – Jupiter, that Greek god, which the old monks or priests had got ahold of and consecrated it and called it a statue of St. Peter.

February 1881 1 Tuesday. Already one twelfth of the near year gone! The First Division will have a Rhetorical next Friday. German Lesson every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. 4 Friday. The program of this afternoon’s Rhetorical was as follows: [Niels lists the entire program.] 5 Saturday. Confirmation Class this afternoon. 6 Sunday. This is written Sunday March 27. Every Saturday since I last wrote in my diary, I have attended the Confirmation Class. I have been examined. I have attended a course of Lectures by Dr. O’Leary. We have had several Rhetoricals, which I will tell of further on, but 1st I will tell something about Dr. O’Leary’s Lectures on Physiology, etc. The time originally set for the 1st lecture was Friday, March 4, but the doctor was snowbound and could not get here. But on 8 Tuesday Evening, he lectured 1st on the eye, Ear and the Skin, to a crowded house. [Niels left a page blank, no doubt thinking he would come back and fill in more details.] 18 Friday. [Niels lists the program for the Rhetorical.]

October 1881 [Six weeks into his junior year in high school, Niels wrote the following on a sheet of tablet paper:] Wednesday, October 12, 1881 Glory Halleluiah! I have just been appointed to a splendid place in the office of Secretary of State Hull. I just had an interview

with Sec. Hull at about 4:30 P.M. City time. I am writing this at 4:37. Miss Hamilton, my High School Teacher, requested me to stay this P.M. after school, and she told me that the position was offered me, and that I was to come to Sec. Hull’s office after school. I immediately went there, and Sec. Hull (God bless him!) told me that I could commence my duties as a Messenger right away. So I am to come tomorrow morning. God bless Miss Hamilton, Mr. Fleming, Sec. Hull, and all who have been instrumental in getting me this position! My wages at first will be $5 a week and perhaps $6 a week, if I give good satisfaction.

November 1881 Niels digresses from his journal at this point and notes his activities on ledger paper, which has numbered lines. He writes very little on the small space allotted to each date. He titles the manuscript, “November Notes.” In addition, he begins an accounting of his financial picture He receives about $26 per month for his duties as a messenger for Sec. Hull.

November Notes 1 I commenced keeping an expense account today. 2 I commenced Short Hand, Oct. 27, ’81. It is very difficult. 3 This evening the last (5) lesson was given in Short Hand. 4 Cold and Windy. Slightly Cloudy. This eve I went to High School Literary. Interesting. 5 Bright and sunny. Clear and nice weather. 6 Sunday. Pastor’s resignation was accepted by congregation. 7 Very windy. Short Hand Class was reorganized. A new janitor Mr. Birch. 8 Recorded in Book of Articles of Incorportation.

9 A severe hoarfrost this morning. Was introduced to the Hektograph. 10 The first snow fell this evening. Rather heavy. 11 Very slushy, miserable weather. Rain, mud, snow, etc. 12 Weather ditto, only worse. 13 Sunday. More snow. My. SS teacher Mr. Welday’s Thursday party. 14 Boot Black Messenger. I sent returned with decline. 15 Have concluded to stop Short Hand in class but keep it up by self study. 16 Thanksgiving proclamations to fold. Very Cold. 17 “ “ “ 18 I am working on a list of Newspapers of Iowa. 19 Ditto 20 Sunday. Went to church & SS on E.S. [East Side] Eve, Big Party at Mr. Welday’s. Very pleasant evening. 21 N. P. L. of Iowa 22 Have lots of messages to carry just now, but its better to have exercise than not. 23 Commenced on “Our Country.” Hope I’ll get through before next centennial. 24 Thursday and Thanksgiving. Splendid dinner. Recorded in

Book Incorp. Eve. Academy, A1. Little Detective. 25 Sent away most of the statistical blanks to Legislature. 26 Recorded & finished it a little in a.m. and p.m. Very mild

weather. 27 Sunday. Went to church and 2 S.S. Pastor Behringer leaves

for Brooklyn tomorrow. Began “Odds and Ends.” 28 Sent letter to Lillienschiold. 29 Ditto as 22. Was very tired last night. My Scrapbook “Odds &

Ends” is progressing famously. 30 Was received of $26.00 today. What a big sum! Heavy sleet &

rain last night and in consequence very slippery today.

December 1881

December Doings

1 Bought a gold pen today, $1.75. Spent a very pleasant

evening this evening at Mr. Hull’s house. Dominoes, played coins inspected, etc. 2 There was a very pleasant Lotus Masquerade last evening.

Muddy weather. 3 Last evening I sent to the Emerson Literary at E. D. M. High

School. [East Des Moine] 4 Sunday. Mr. Pomeroy of Callananle College preached in

our church today. 5 Monday. Commenced reading poem Hiawatha by

Longfellow. 6 Continued “Hiawatha” and read through page 90 to

Hiawatha’s Moon. 7 Ditto Hiawatha through about page 170. 8 Today I finished Hiawatha. What a grand poem. 9 This evening I found my Journal Book which had been lost

to me since Oct. 17. Hence I will not keep a Journal in this way any more, I think.

1882

Synopsis of 1882 Katrine Pedersen, Niels’ stepmother, dies on April 30 of an unknown illness. She is buried in Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines. The family is too poor to erect a gravestone. Andreas begins fresco work in the State Capitol a month later. Helene, 19, works as a servant girl in Des Moines. Kristine, 21, is still in Denmark working as a servant on a farm. Niels does not begin his journal until June. Entries are sporadic, but filled with future plans and dreams. He continues his messenger job at the State Capitol and begins delivering and writing for "The Mail Car", a local newsletter. Although Niels is

no longer in school, he is already thinking of going on to college. He considers attending the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, but chooses Iowa Agricultural College in Ames, Iowa. He begins taking private lessons in Latin and Algebra and studies Elocution alone. He belongs to a Young Men’s Society that studies arithmetic and geometry. From the middle of July until the end of September, Niels, 16, lives alone as his father is gone on a job in Omaha.

June 1882 1st Thursday. I have concluded to start my Journal again. My old journal, which I began Jan 1st 1879 I have not written in for about a year, and since that time I have only taken a few notes now and then. I will not try to write about any of the many things which have transpired during the past year, but will begin fresh and new, and will write all the events and incidents between my last Journal and this in my old Journal. 2nd Friday. Very rainy and disagreeable. Was over to Mrs. Wood’s Private School last eve., and she said that she would not teach evenings till October 1. She gave me instructions how to go ahead in Algebra and Latin alone and I ordered two Latin books on my way home. Bought Rubber Coat. 3rd Saturday. Last evening I went to Lewis’ Opera House to hear the Graduating Class of East Des Moines High School. [He probably knew some of the students.] As a whole the orations were well delivered, and were full of good thoughts and sentiments. (See papers. Register June 3.) 5 Monday. Yesterday I went to my S.S. and church, and in the afternoon I went to the Presbyterian S.S. East Side. Was invited & accepted the invitation to dine at W. Patterson’s house. My sister [Helene] is sick with a malarial attack. 7 Wednesday. All this week I have carried the afternoon mail for Townsend, he janitor, who is sick. Monday afternoon after I

took the mail over to the P.O. (I take the mail at two o’clock and have to stay around the P.O. til 3:45, when the Mail is all distributed) I went up to the Mail Car office to see about being appointed East Side correspondent. Clarey was not it, but Tschuddi (the assistant, he was in the Leader office when I was) told me to go ahead and try it for a week. I can’t get up much of a column this week because I only have till tomorrow or maybe Friday afternoon, to write in. 8 Thursday. Last Tuesday eve. I attended the reception given by the B & C Classes to the graduating class of the High School, at the house of Miss Anna Rocky. Had quite a pleasant time. Good refreshments were served. Yesterday I bought a pair of dumb bells, 9 lbs. a piece, over at the foundry of Langhran & Hollis. I paid 80 cts. for them. Also ordered a book of instructions of Redhead, Wellslager & Co. Very hot weather for three days. 9 Friday. Yesterday eve. I went over to Redhead & Wellslager and received my two Latin books which I had ordered June 1. I studied in the first one today. I will have to go ahead alone in Latin til October, I guess. I also dropped in the Mail Car office and talked with Clarey, the editor. He said that I should keep on. Rainy. Bought a “Spanish sombrero” straw hat, a day or two ago. It looks like a cross between a city and a country straw hat, but is a very good sun protector. I am steadily going ahead on Algebra. 12 Monday. Saturday my items appeared in the Mail Car, and this forenoon I dropped in when I had an errand over there, and, though I didn’t ask anything for the first week, Clarey gave me 75 cts. for the items that I did bring in. My first recompence [sic] for anything in the reporting line I have ever rec’d. After this I will get $1 a week for “items” and 25% commission for the “ads.” Yesterday I went to my church & the E .S.P. S. S. [East Side Presbyterian Sunday School] My dumb bells are splendid to exercise with. 13 Tuesday. I carried the P.M. mail today for Townsend. 15 Thursday. I have sufficient material for over a column of items for the Mail Caar. Last Tuesday eve. I went to an ice cream

and strawberry festival in Fairall& Teachout’s festival. The Secretary’s office was (house) cleaned out yesterday & today. 17 Saturday. Thursday eve. I went to another Ice cream festival, for particulars, see “Mail Car.” 19 Monday. My items appeared again Saturday in the “Mail Car.” There was over a column of items. Went to S. S. in the afternoon. What an awful calamity has befallen Grinnell! [A town about 25 miles east of Des Moines] Saturday evening the whole eastern horizon assumed a most wonderful aspect. The clouds were piled up in the most curious shapes, and were of all colors, mostly red, orange, yellow and purple, and the almost constant flashes of lightning were of a blue color. I stood out on the sidewalk for a long time and watched them and my father and I remarked at the time that there was a fearful storm there. Words could not describe, and art could not copy, the unparrelled magnificence of the whole eastern horizon. And sure enough Sunday morning Des Moines was shocked by the tidings of that awful calamity. For particulars see papers. 21 Wednesday. Yesterday I was paid $1 for my items last week. Bought a checkerboard and men last eve. of Burzacott. Played five games in his store with three different persons. “Skunked” two of them and beat the other three nearly as bad. Played quite well. Father began work yesterday in the New Capitol. Monday I I ascended into the highest possible point in the New Capitol. What a splendid view! What a grand and diversified panorama unfolds itself to view. 25 Monday. My items, over a column of them, appeared again in Saturday’s Mail Car. It seems easier to write up anything now, than it was when I commenced.

I have made arrangements to recite Rhetoric with Mrs. A. B. Billington, formerly a teacher in Coe’s College, Cedar Rapids, but now a clerk in the office of the Supt. Of Public Instruction. My first recitation is Wednesday eve. between 5 & 6. Thursday P.M. we had a very severe storm of rain and wind which damaged a large number of trees and blew some down. Nearly every evening I play several games of Croquet at the Iowa House, where I take my meals. [Since his stepmother’s death in May, he and his father are apparently eating out.] It is very heating and exciting. Went over to Mr. Iblher’s house, with my father, yesterday forenoon, and I played chess with him. He is an old player and a skillful one, but I managed to resist him for quite a while. 27 Tuesday. Today is the great question of prohibition or license to be decided. The amendment is sure to carry, I think, and the larger the majority, the easier it will be to enforce it. My father voted for the amendment and I wish I was old enough to vote for it, too. It is a very pleasant day to go to the polls, which I think will hurt the cause some, because many of the farmers will improve the favorable opportunity to cultivate their growing crops. Yesterday eve. I played seven games of croquet with an English boy—and won five. Then played four handed – my partner and I “whitewashed” the other two very easily. Items are scarce.

July 1882 1st Saturday. I am writing this at 4:30 A.M. For the last two nights I have been the night watchman in the Capitol, in place of McFarraugh, the janitor, who is sick. I have been so busy for the last few days that I haven’t had time to write in my Journal. Since June 29, the governor and secretary have been signing Notarial Commissions, and helping to send them away has taken up all my spare time and will for some time to come.

The Amendment was carried and by a splendid majority, nearly 30,000. It is very likely that there is going to be an extra session of the Legislature this winter – to enact laws to enforce the Amendment. 3 Monday. Went to church yesterday. Slept but very little last night, must make up for it tomorrow. I hope McFarraugh will return soon as I don’t get sleep enough. 12 Wednesday. Have been very busy in the office – so much so that I haven’t had time to do any writing for myself. Father went out to Omaha last Monday afternoon on the 1:15 train. He expects to stay a couple of months. 15 Saturday. It has been very cool for several days. Strange weather! I have received a postal card and a letter from father and have answered once. Will write very often.

September 1882 13 There has been very little transpiring since I last wrote in this Journal that is worthy to be transcribed. I was to the State Fair Sept. 5 & & and enjoyed it very much. Last evening I took my first lesson in elocution. My father is till in Council Bluffs, Iowa. It is quite warm for September. 14 Thursday. After this I will write more frequently in my Journal. I intend to take violin lessons this winter. I believe that I can earn quite a snug little sum when I go to the State University [Iowa City] by playing at entertainments of various kinds – that is, if I can become sufficiently proficient in two years time. Tomorrow evening a Reading and Gymnastic Club, which I and some other boys have been thinking of organizing, will hold a meeting at Dr. Hammer’s office. The club was organized with eight members about two weeks ago, but we have not commenced operations yet. I am Treasurer of the Association.

16 Saturday. A meeting was held last evening and we decided to engage the room in Dr. Hammer’s block and to hold a meeting to ratify a Constitution. Monday evening. It is not quite so easy to start a Club as I thought it would be, on the contrary, it is very difficult. Next Wednesday, Sept. 30, I expect to go to the Danish High School at Elkhorn, near Atlantic, to attend the annual meeting of the Danish Lutheran Church in America, which is to be held at that place When I come back, I intend to begin taking evening instruction, which will fit me for the State University in two years. This winter I will take Latin and Algebra with a teacher, and will study Rhetoric alone. I have catalogue of the State University and from that I know just what and how much I will have to study. I calculate I will have to save $15 a month; with my father’s help I think that I can do this. The lessons in elocution that I am taking of Prof. E. M. Chamberlain will, I hope, help me to secure an unimpeded utterance. I may conclude to take violin lessons this winter. Miss Callesen, a boarder at the Iowa House, has offered to teach me free of charge. A knowledge of violin playing would greatly assist me in going through the Iowa University as I could earn a little every now and then by playing that instrument. If I stay with the Mail Car, my time this winter will be pretty well occupied. If I take violin lessons, I will probably quit the Mail Car, though it would be a profitable job, when the fall advertising begins. 18 Monday. The Reading and Gymnastic Association or Society will meet tonight to adopt a constitution and some By-Laws and elect officers. There are ten charter members. It has been quite sultry for several days. 20 Wednesday. Monday evening a Constitution was adopted and officers elected by that Society. I was chosen Secretary. ----My sister Helen, Mr. Lauritzon and wife and others. Left on the 3 o’clock train this mornig for Elkhorn High Schoool near Marne, in Cass County and will remain until Monday or Tuesday. The

annual meeting of the Luterhan Church in the west is being held at that place. My father will be in attendance. I think that I will be able to go tomorrow. I rec’d a pass on the R.R. this morning which Mr. Hull [Secretary of State] procured for me. 26 Tuesday afternoon. I returned yesterday from my trip to Marne. I left Thursday Sept. 21 on the 1:15 train and arr’d at Marne at 4:51 P.M. Hired a farmer of $1.75 to take me out to the school. Stopped on the way at his house to ”partake of an evening repast.” Arrr’d at church about 9 P.M. Met father and sister. Father looked as though his trip had agreed with him. Our mutual joy was great at meeting each other. Slept in three different houses during my stay. Father concluded to go back with me to Des Moines. Will be back tomorrow—ditto sister. Very pleasant time. Very dusty and dry. 30 Saturday. Father has commenced keeping house & I now board at home.

October 1882 5 Thursday. Father’s 55th birthday. When a man is fifty-five years old, it is about the time that he ceases to do active work at his trade or profession. To work 10 hours a day is not so easy for an old man. If our plans succeed, in 2 years from now, father will own a farm which he can superintend and perhaps he will live to be as old as grandfather is. [Niels Hansen in Denmark is 92] Helene and I concluded to postpone giving father presents till Christmas when we will present him something A No. 1. 17 Tuesday. I have been in the Secretary of State’s office ever since Oct. 12 1881 – now a little over a year. If possible, I will try

and remain til September 1884 when I will try and enter the State University. Perhaps I may conclude to enter the Ames college; it is not so easy to decide such a question. It is momentous one, indeed, for me. But I hope that it will be easy to decide when the time comes. On the score of economy, Ames would be the best – but if I want a more literary education, Iowa City would be the best. During the past year, I have bought over $25.00 worth of books, have some nice clothing, have loaned and given father quite a sum of money, and would have been quite a good deal ahead, but the sickness and death of my mother prevented me from doing much towards saving for school, but I have two years yet to save, and if father secures steady work on the new capitol, I will be able to “lay by” for school quite a snug little sum every month. God grant that I will be enabled to. I have taken 5 private lesson in elocution @ $1.30 a lesson and will take 5 more. When I have taken those 5 I believe that I will sstop for the winter, because it is too great a drain on my purse, especially when I begin taking lessons inLatin & Algebra with a teacher. I am studying Algebra alone at predsent. Geometry I am studying in a class which has been formed by some of the members of the Society to which I belong. We are also reviewing Arithmetic, and a class is soon to be started in German. I quit the Mail car about two weeks ago, because I found that my Mail Car duties and my studies conflicted too much. Will occasionally, however, for the funny column and other sketches, which I may think of. Have thought of “S. C. Ribler” as a nom de plume. Wonder if it has ever been used before?

November 1882

15 Wednesday. Since my last entry in this Journal, I have been going ahead in Geometry in the Young Men’s Society of which I am a member. An election of officers was held Monday eve., and I was elected Secretary for the ensuing two months.

October 26, Thursday, I commenced taking lessons in Algebra and Latin of Miss E. E. Hamilton, assistant State Librarian. I recite on half hour every afternoon after 5 o’clock and I recite Latin every other afternoon, and Algebra alternates with Latin. I have been assisting Mr. W. H. Fleming on the census some, have carried the noon mail for Ryden for over a week, and will continue for a week, and all this, together with my weekly lesson in Elocution, has kept me pretty busy. Next Tuesday I will take my 11th lesson in Elocution and then I will stop for the winter. I am nearly through with “Te Rising” and will finish it next week. Then I will practice faithfully all winter on the sounds of the letters, and in the spring I think that I will take another ten lessons or more I can afford it.

December 1882 8 Friday. Yesterday forenoon the official count of the votes cast at the recent election was commenced. The Board of State canvassers, who count the vote, held an extra session last evening to listen to the arguments in the contested election case in the Fifth District. This morning, the State Board of Canvassers were enjoined by Judge McHenry to count the returns from Marshall County. The Board decided to pass over Marshall County until the Attorney General could express an opinion as to whether the Judge had any jurisdiction over such a matter. 14 Thursday. The Board finished its Canvass last Monday, Dec. 11. Judge Henry’s injunction was ignored, and James Wilson was declared elected in the Fifth District. The Supreme Court is at present in session in the Senate Chamber, and yesterday and today the test case as to the legality of the Amendment was under discussion.

18 Monday. The Supreme Court adjourned Friday Dec. 15, and will reassemble January 16th 1882. The test case as to the legality of the Amendment will then be decided. Some very able arguments were presented by both sides. If mere clerical errors are sufficient to defeat the will of the people expressed so clearly last June, then there has been a sufficient number of mistakes made in the passing of Constitutional Amendments to make every Amendment adopted since the adoption of the Constitution unconstitutional and illegal. I hope that such a harmful precedent will not be established. Long live the Amendment! I had a long talk with father yesterday, with the following result. If father continues to work in the new Capitol at frescoing, then I will enter Ames College in the beginning of March 1882 [sic]. That will be over a year and a half sooner than I had any hopes of entering school. I can live cheaper at Ames than here in Des Moines. The education at Ames is more practical than that at Iowa City, [University of Iowa] I believe. After finishing at Ames, I might take a year’s course at Iowa City, and specialize in literary studies, fitting me more especially for the journalistic profession, if I choose that for my life work. God grant that I may be enabled to get a good education, and that I may enjoy good health so that I can use that education to the best advantage. 19 Tuesday. Damp weather. This forenoon I sent for a new Catalogue of Ames College, the catalogue I have is an old one. Mr. Hull’s son, Albert, also intends to enter the college in March. 20 Wednesday. Rainy and muddy weather for shopping. 21 Thursday. A very fine display of holiday goods is to be seen at present in most of the stores of Des Moines. When one’s purse is “light and airy” it is not so easy to choose, from among such a display, a suitable present. My father finished today the ceiling of the Lieutenant Governor’s room in the new Capitol. The frescoing is quite a work of art.

Father began working November 1st. [Note: The ceiling escaped a disastrous fire in the Capitol building, and can be seen today – one of the few original works of art that remain.] 27 Wednesday. Christmas has come and gone. It passed of quietly in Des Moines. I presented father with a nice “bone-headed” cane, a nice scarf or tie, and an eagle match box, and to sister Helene and I gave $3.00 for a new hat, an autograph album and a bottle of perfume. I was presented with a Sacred Calendar for 1883 by father and a nice linen towel by sister, who also gave father one. Mr. And Mrs. J. A. T. Hull gave me a splendid book called a Casket of Literary Gems, and Mr. Wm. H. Fleming gave me a very fine pair of mittens made of some fine kind of skin. God bless the givers! For myself I bought a combination pocket inkstand with extension pen holder, a very ingenious combination. 30 Saturday. Old gray-headed 1882 is about to relinquish his scepter, and will soon pass into the past.

1883

Synopsis of 1883 Andreas finishes his fresco work at the State Capitol, including the Lieutenant Governor's office and the Speaker's room. When that commission ends, he obtains other decorating jobs in the area. In Denmark Kristine becomes engaged to Lars Hansen who is serving in the military. Helene works as a servant and attends a winter term at the folkehøjskole (folk high school) in Elk Horn.

Niels begins his first year of college at Iowa Agricultural College (IAC), which starts in February and ends in the middle of November. His grades for the first term are A’s and B+s. Niels works for two weeks during the summer break to earn money, but by October he runs out of funds. He finds work as a janitor on campus for 18 hours a week, for which he is paid 10¢ an hour. He remarks in his journal, “This will help me get through the term.”

January 1883 3. Wednesday. Another year has slipped into the past, soon to be forgotten. Another year, fresh, young, and vigorous has come from behind the mysterious veil of the Future and has commenced his reiegn. Last Sunday night, Dec. 31, I wrote some “Midnight Meditations” which unfold my plans for the coming year. Today is the last day that I will be 16 years old, for tomorrow is my birthday. But it is late, and I must go home.

5. Friday. I would have written yesterday in my Journal, only I an a message for the State Printer when I was about to write. Yesterday was my birthday. I was 17 years old. S-e-v-e-n-t-e-e-n. Only four more years and I will be a voter., if alive. In that time I hope I will be through with the course of study at Ames. –But is is late and I must go home. 9. Tuesday. Very cold weather ever since January. Sunday it

snowed nearly all day. For a birthday present father gave me a splendid nickel plated “Perfection,” a student lamp, a very beautiful and useful present. Sister [Helene] gave me a nice silk handkerchief. We had a very nice supper on my birthday.

10. Wednesday. A high wind all day. Yesterday a snow soorm. 1883 uses an icicle for a scepter, and rules with a rod of iron. It is

the coldest and “snowiest” winter for several years. ---I am steadily “going head” with Latin and Algebra. .