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Note: Born in Sullivanville, NY., 1881. Moved to Illinois with family at the age of 2, in 1883. Graduated West Aurora High School 1899 (in same class as her future husband). At times, driven to high school in a buggy from Sugar Grove by her father, James Fitzgerald. Attended Northern Illinois State Teacher College, DeKalb, IL, in 1902, taught in rural schools in Kendall County, IL, then in Morgan Park / East Aurora schools, until she married in 1906. Her Kendall School pupils presented her with a teaspoon as a parting / wedding gift, engraved 'Mae' on the handle. Raised three children on the Lett farm just south of Sandwich, IL, until about 1915-1918 when the family moved to a farm on Base Line Road, west of Montgomery, IL, and then to a farm on Randall Road just north of Galena Street, Aurora, IL, into Aurora on Blackhawk Street. Upon the death of her husband, Ward, in 1923, she began to teach after attending Wheaton College and NITC in DeKalb again, earning her Second Grade Teaching Certificate by August 1923, which brought better wages and she became eligible for a pension. She taught in Aurora schools in 1931 and was taking classes in DeKalb at NISTC She spent 6 months in an Aurora hospital in 1936, healing from a fractured hip incurred one day while teaching. All hospital expenses were paid by the School District. The hip bothered her the rest of her life. See her son's Life Notes for details on where she moved her family while going to school again. They were apart for about 2 years until she could pull them back together as she began teaching again. She retired from teaching in 1947, having taught in the Aurora schools for that entire 25 years. MAY’S DIARY - THE DIARY OF MAY BELLE MONTGOMERY - January 1 to February 4, 1913 Transcribed from the original pages with original spelling by May’s granddaughter, Jean Montgomery Bjorn, daughter of May’s son, J. Robert Montgomery, December 1997. January 1, 1913 Rose at 4:45 AM. Father Montgomery, Ward, the children and I went to Maude’s on 8:25 train. All our people and Nate’s were there for dinner - 34 in all. It was a beautiful day - not very cold. Had a fine dinner and fine time. Ward, the children and I stayed all night. Mama brought me a pair of embroidered pillow slips - other gifts from Ella and family for all. Retired at 11:00 P.M. January 2 Had late breakfast at Maude’s, then Nate drove us to Oswego to the train. Reached home about noon, Clare and family came for supper. Had popped corn and expected them in afternoon. Ward helped me with dishes after they went and we retired about 10:00 P.M. January 3 Felt all tired out all day. Received letter from Edith and card from Mrs. Blackwelder. Wrote Mrs. MacFarland. January 4 Did baking and cooking all morning. In afternoon swept and cleaned all the rooms. Father did the kitchen for me. Marilla had fever 101 degrees at bedtime. Ward dressed a chicken. We were all pretty tired when we got through. Had cold coming on - used alcohol all day. Sunday, January 5 Was busy all day long. Marilla still had fever so we could not go to Jessie’s with uncle S and Aunt P. Snowed and sleeted some in P.M. Ward and father worked all day getting cobs under cover. Bathed Robert in A.M. and Marilla at bedtime. Had bad sore throat in evening - felt very sick. Monday, January 6 My cold has been some better today. Marilla has felt more like herself. No fever all day. Has played with her dolls a great deal. Robert has been good as usual - such a dear happy boy. Ward took a big load of cobs to Aunt Delia today. Brought home a barrel of Belflower apples and a box of prunes among other things. Aunt Delia sent me two quarts of her own mince meat in the jar I sent her full of buttermilk. I ironed some this afternoon and washed out some diapers. Robert has dirtied several the last few days. Tonight since supper I have washed my dishes, made applesauce, set my bread, made hash for breakfast, put Manila to bed and saved some buttons on her dress and mine. I’m very tired and my throat is bad again tonight, Think I shall retire as it is toward ten o’clock. Father made me a new woodbox today. Tuesday, January 7 and Wednesday, January 8 I had such a sick headache I couldn’t write last night (Tuesday). I baked bread and with Ward’s help in the afternoon canned 17 quarts of apples. They got jammed in the barrel coming home Monday. Ward churned - got about four pounds butter - while I got supper. Was too sick to eat so lay down while men ate. Today we washed. Had a big washing and I did the flannels after three o’clock. It has been a most beautiful day. Jessie and children went to Aurora today to visit mother and Edith. Expected E. to call me up as she was due at Dr. Miller’s today but haven’t heard from her. Ward went to town this afternoon to take things to E. Sent 2 1/2 dozen eggs and about 7 or eight lbs. Butter besides other things. W. isn’t home yet. He got a late start. Had letter from mother M. and also from Mrs. MacFarland today. Mrs. M. is to send us a girl very soon. I am so thankful and hope she wilt be good. If Ward doesn’t come soon I’m going to bed, for Robert likes to get up so early. My cold has been better today altho it is still bad enough. Thursday, January 9 It has been cloudy with a cold south wind all day. This morning Ward helped me change beds around and clean the east room for the girl. He expected to go to Aurora on noon train but the clocks were slow so he didn’t get ready in time. F. called up from Dr. Millers. Ward went up town to go with her on four o’clock to Aurora. I don’t expect him back until tomorrow although he said he’d come on the midnight. But I told him to stay. Had card from Maude today. Compton’s sore mouth is much better. She expects to come down soon. Have to fill the rack up with damp clothes and get Robert’s milk first. Have the children both in my bed so don’t expect to sleep very well. Saturday, January 11 I was too tired to write again last night. Cleaned the pantry thoroly in the morning and worked all afternoon changing our clothes around and cleaning up generally. Had headache all afternoon. Ward came home on noon train. Had bought a new overcoat - very pretty and I’m so glad he has it. He scrubbed the kitchen floor for me after he had his lunch. Was quite moderate with south wind all day. Today it is colder - quite a north wind blowing tonight. Have felt used up with my cold all day. This morning I baked bread, beans, macaroni, and an apple cake besides my other work. We expect Mr. Kecham to butcher Monday so Ward cleaned up the cellar and washed the crocks this morning. Father churned for me this afternoon and I did innumerable things. Bathed Robert and just now (9:00) have Marilla bathed and in bed. W. has gone to Sandwich. Expect him back soon. Have a chicken to dress so must go and do it, then bathe and go to bed. Sunday, January 12 This has been a beautiful day, but rather cold - 3 degrees below zero this morning, Ernest told me. Robert seems to have more cold in his nose. Marilla has felt well all day. Father is sick with his cold. He will not put on a coat but just sits and shivers. We had roast chicken for dinner, Was busy all forenoon. Mr. Macatee called this afternoon and he and Ward went up to Arthur Breuer’s a little while. Am so very tired tonight and my cold seems worse. Didn’t get to bed until 11:45 last night. Will wash my dishes and go to bed at once. Marilla stands here watching me. She is tired too. Monday, January 13 It has been another nice day, tho cloudy part of the time - not so cold as yesterday. My cold seems no better - am hoarse and coughing again tonight. Mr. Kecham is here - they butchered four hogs today. He and Ward are down cellar, cutting up lard now for they want to get thru tomorrow. Robert has quite a little cold in his head today. He is so very good and happy, tho. I bathed him and oiled him well at bedtime. Manila has felt ill all day. Was out doors a long time this afternoon. Can scarcely keep my eyes open. Must get ready for bed. Wednesday, January 15 If I am not careful I won’t keep this diary at all - I am so used up every night. Yesterday Ward and Mr. K. tried out the lard - 32 gallons. Mr. K. packed the meat 300 lbs. And made about 170 lbs. Sausage, They stuffed some of it last night and didn’t get thru until 12 o’clock. This morning I made some casings and they finished stuffing it. It surely looks fine. Had letter from mother M. today. Sent her a card - also Mr. MacFarland a note. Ward went to Millington this afternoon and sent mother some money. I am going to sleep writing so am going to bed. Thursday, January 16 A damp misty day. Is raining tonight and a little colder. Helped Marilla get a letter off to mother this morning. We sent mother a box by express today. Sausage, lard, ribs, tongue, tenderloin, liver, half a shoulder, bread, fruit and a few apples. Ward went to Sheridan with the box and took a bag of corn to the mill. I took all the head, feet, and backbone meat from the bones this afternoon, Can make the scrapple and the pickled meat tomorrow. Robert’s cold seems a little worse - mine a trifle better, Must go now and give him onion syrup and his bottle. Then I’m going to bed, Mother called up this afternoon. Said J, wouldn’t go home until the morning train. Saturday, January 18 I am afraid I’ll have to make a greater effort or I’ll never keep this diary up. I am so used up every night that it seems that I can’t write. Yesterday Ward and I put in a busy day. We didn’t get up until a quarter to seven for Robert had been awake two hours in the night. We fried down the ribs, Have a gallon jar packed as tightly as possible. Made two kettles of scrapple and one of pickled meat. Didn’t have vinegar enough to finish the pickled meat, It isn’t as nice as it should be any way - meat is too fine and not enough jelly. Think perhaps we’ll make it into scrapple as it isn’t sour. Ward churned - got about four pounds butter. Rose came over in the afternoon. Had a real nice visit with her. Jessie came borne from Aurora - called up about 1 o’clock. Ward went to Sandwich after supper to see Mr. Faxon. Today father helped me wash flannels and baby’s things. Ward took George to Millington to see the Dr. this forenoon, Dr. wasn’t there. They got Prince shod. George has been feeling miserable since Thursday A.M. Is feeling better tonight - ate some supper. This afternoon Ward cleaned the kitchen floor and mopped up other floors after I swept. He moved the kitchen stove around facing the east window Think (shall like it much better. Ethel called up this morning and invited us up tomorrow, but we can’t go. Haven’t any rig and I have nothing to wear but my old black dress, Hope I get a girl soon so I can sew. It’s after ten, I’ll wash, go to bed, Have bread set and Robert has his bottle. Sunday, January 19 This is my sister Maude’s 29th birthday anniversary. I intended to write her but now it is so late - will have to wait until another day. I rose about 5:20 this morning and bathed Robert as soon as I was dressed. Then got breakfast, etc. and just started to bathe Marilla when Ethel called up. Ward told her we would go so we hustled. Had to iron Robert’s things and wash and iron Maxilla’s gimple and drawers. Got the bread into the oven and took my bath. We started at about eleven, Had a real nice time but we were all very tired riding four in the single buggy. Have been working ever since we got home at (?):30. It’s ten o’clock now so am going to bed. Ethel gave me a pattern like Helen’s dress. We took them a liver and some sausage. Monday, January 20 Of all the surprises I ever had I think today’s was the greatest. Ethel has a baby girl born at (?) A.M. today. Clare called me just before five but it was very hard to hear him. Yesterday I couldn’t quite make up my mind whether Ethel was in family way or not. She looked just stout. She was planning on attending Charlie’s wedding in about three weeks. Am afraid it was premature and am anxious about her but can’t get anyone tonight. Will call Aunt Phoebe in the morning. I hope she and baby are all right, poor girl. It has snowed all day and blown quite hard. Tonight it is clear, still and getting very cold. Ward and George cleared out the open end of the shed today. Made a shelter for the horses. I scarcely know what I have done but have been busy as a bee all day. Did some ironing kite this afternoon and just now (8:30) finished. Am going to feed Robert now and go to bed. Wednesday, January 22 Too tired to write again last night. Ethel’s little baby died. It was a premature birth. Poor Ethel. I am so sorry for her as she has no mother. I must write her tomorrow. Aunt Phoebe said she is getting along all right. We washed yesterday. It was a most beautiful day and the clothes dried fine. Ward helped me until 2:o’clock then went up the creek and got Iwo rabbits. After that he went up to Aunt Delia’s and brought Edith home. She brought me a tennis night gown and a white pique dress for Bobbie. Mrs. Sweetland called up in afternoon. Inquired about everyone. Won’t be back until April. Mrs. MacFarland called up and said my girl won’t be here until tomorrow morning. Today I baked bread and Ward churned. Had card from Maude. Edith and Marilla went to Jessie’s tonight and go to Aurora tomorrow afternoon. Sent a loaf of bread and the butter to Mother. Friday, January 24 My girl, Sylvia Reynolds, came yesterday. Father took Ward to the Roger’s sale and went on to the train. They got here soon after twelve. I had a headache all day. Robert bit the end off his old nipple and had quite a crying time before he would take a new one. Ward rode home with Frank. He bought a brood mare for $23, a milk wagon and various other things. I wrote Mama last night. Sent her the recipe for curing the meat. Sylvia is going to be a good girl, I think, She is not as very capable but is very willing and wants to do things right. That is a great deal. She is stout and has red hair. Is neat and clean. Will do very well, I think. Ward and I looked over most of the papers in the desk last night. Had stayed up until eleven the night before planning the kitchen cabinet he is going to make me out of the desk. This morning Ward [and] George went up to Roger’s for the things he bought yesterday. Sylvia cleaned the kitchen floor and I cleaned one of the cupboards and finished the ironing. Made a pie for dinner. This afternoon Ward worked on the cabinet and got a big start. It’s almost nine o’clock and he will scarcely stop now. I never saw such a boy. I made five more pans [of] scrapple this afternoon and dressed three chickens, two of them for mother. We are going to send her a box in the morning. Must help pack It and go to bed, Jessie thinks maybe they will come up Sunday. I hope so. Monday, January 27 It was so late when I got thru Sat, night that I didn’t write and last night I was at Jessie’s. Saturday Sylvia cleaned and I did the baking - bread, brown bread, cake and snow pudding. Cooked a chicken for dinner and baked beans for supper. Jessie thought they couldn’t come up so I told her we would go down. Sunday morning we went down about 10:30. Took us two hrs. Had a fine visit. Adelle came in afternoon and stayed to supper. Came home this afternoon. Brought Jessie’s blue surge dress and some of Stanley’s dresses for Robert. Jessie has enough of Mary’s dresses that I don’t need to make any long ones. It is such a big help. I’ll help her make some for Mary instead, Ernest went to Streator and expected to go on to Bloomington today. Ward went to Johnson’s sale today. Bought a hay loader and a corn boiler. He and father had the cabinet all finished and in place and the cupboard moved when I came home. They haul the hogs in the morning and we are going to wash so must go to bed. Tuesday, January 28 I have put in an extremely busy day. We had a big washing and Sylvia can’t manage herself two minutes. I made a pie and apple sauce this forenoon. Did all the dishes and helped a lot with the washing. This afternoon did same. Made a brown bread and cooked lima beans for supper. They were fine. Sent Marilla a card this morning. Will be so glad to have her come home, tho I know she is having a fine time. Ward went to Urv Harvey’s sale when he came back from hauling hogs. He bought a harness for the ponies. It looks fine, Paid only $2.00 for it. Went to Sandwich this afternoon. Isn’t home yet, but hope he will come soon for I have his supper on the stove.Sylvia has gone to bed without setting bread so I must go and do it. It’s colder tonight and clear. Will be pretty cold by morning. Wednesday, January 29 Ward went to Herbert Rohrer’s sale today and bought 13 brood sows. From there he went to Sandwich. Didn’t get home until supper time. Sylvia and I cleaned the kitchen cupboards and I got the cabinet in order. It was a big job and I’ve had a headache all afternoon. Gave Robert a goo bath before I put him to bed, He is so sweet and good. Guess he misses Marilla. Jessie had letter from mother today, They are sewing for Marilla. Am glad she is happy and enjoying herself. Must go to bed [indecipherable] nearly 8 o’clock, but my head aches. Friday, January 31 I forgot to write last night. Made Robert some oatmeal gruel and then staid in the kitchen and read until bedtime so forgot to write. We ironed yesterday and I canned two quarts apples and did various other things. Ward went to Somonauk to see Mr. Wright. Got home just at supper time. We ironed again today. Sylvia finished this afternoon. I made Robert two pads. Bless his dear little hear. He needed them badly. He has been so very good all day. He is such a little blessing. So full of fun and happy all the time. Ernest got home from Bloomington today. Jessie thinks they won’t be up Sunday. It has turned very cold. Must be zero or below and a high wind blowing. Ward and George put the harness on the ponies this forenoon and this afternoon Ward drove them to Millington and had them shod. George goes tomorrow. I hope we won't be sorry to have made the change. Paid Sylvia her weekly allowance 10 cents today. Saturday, February 1 It is 8:20 and I am going to bed soon. Robert was awake before 4:30 this morning and we rose about 5:30. Have baked bread and cookies, made butter and dressed a chicken besides sweeping and cleaning floors all over downstairs and cleaning the pantry. Will do the dusting in the morning while Sylvia does her kitchen work. Ward took George to the noon train today. Said he was going to Aurora and then perhaps to Battle Creek. Ward brought the zinc for my cabinets, also a mop pail among other things. Stopped at Aunt Delia’s a moment. She offered to make my bedding for me. Invitations to Lillian and Charlie’s wedding come today. Scarcely think we shall go. No other mail except papers. Tuesday, February 4 Here I am way behind with my diary again. Sunday night I was all in. Worked all day dusting, hanging pictures and cleaning up here in the library. Hope we are settled now for a little while. Ward and Father worked all day on the new wagon box. Yesterday we washed and Sylvia scrubbed. Had a hard day’s work. Ward put the zinc in the cabinet. It is just grand. I wrote to Mother. W. had letter from her and I one from Jessie. E. is going to get voile for me to make up over my old brown silk for the wedding. I started to rip it out last night. Today Sylvia did the ironing. I baked a cake and some cookies and various other things. Ripped my waist all up this afternoon and made a mush. Have started to rip the skirt. Ward and Father have the wagon box nearly done. Had card from Maude. She is at Mama’s. W. had bill from Dr. Montgomery. E. called up this morning. She goes to J. in the morning and Marilla comes to Millington. We will be so glad to see her. Almost fainted while talking to J. right after talking with E. Guess my condition is telling on me but I’ve been so thankful to have been so well this far. This was the last entry.
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