This 1865 diary records the daily farming activities of Newton Persons as well as the farm's production. On a daily basis, Newton recorded the weather conditions. Newton mentions neighbors and family. He was called to St. Paul to register for the draft but was not needed. He recorded the murders of President Abraham Lincoln and a neighbor.
This 1878 pocket diary records the daily farming activities of Newton Persons as well as the farm's production and employment. It includes weather information as well as details on neighbors and family members. He also visited friends and relatives in Indiana and met his future wife, Phebe Grills. The diary records their wedding on September 19, 1878. Daily entries consist of a few short lines, and the book contains a cash account, calendars, and other information.