Diary and Account Book for 1844 (edited transcript)

January 1844

1
(Monday). Showers. I have been in Llanerchymedd fair on the black mare. Come home at 4 o’clock.

2
Tuesday. Fair. I was plowing all this day in cae adlod. At night go and look for the sheep.

3
Wednesday. Frost. I was plowing all day ditto. 2 carts in Frondeg. William Rowlands came here. Rain.

4
Thursday. Fair. I was plowing all day ditto with W.R. 2 ponies, Star and Boos, 2 cwlltwr. Been in smithy Thomas Roberts puts things to hold the reins. (Note: cwlltwr – Welsh for coulters.)

5
Friday. Rain. I was threshing this (morning). In the afternoon fetch ton of coal.

6
Saturday. Fair. I was plowing this morning. In the afternoon go to Amlwch and Frondeg.

7
Sunday. Ditto. I was home all day.

8
Monday. Fair and fine. I was plowing all this day with mule and Seren in cae adlod. 2 carts in Frondeg.

9
Tuesday. Rain. I was ditto in the same field. At night go to Amlwch and sent the rent to Ty mawr inn in club.

10
Wednesday. Wet. I was ditto.

11
Thursday. Dirty. I finished cae adlod. John Parry, painter told us to go to carry paint.

12
Friday. Fine. I was plowing all day in bonc cae newydd with Boos and Seren all the week.

12
Friday. Rain. I sent 8 qr:0:1:2. Get wet. A lot of water.

13
Saturday. Fair. I was plowing this morning with Boos and Seren. In the afternoon go to smithy with Boos and the swch of the little plow. (Note: swch – Welsh for plow-share.)

14
Sunday. Fine day. I was home this morning. In the afternoon go to Wesleyan chapel to hear David Griffiths preaching. Home after that.

15
Monday. Fair. I was plowing all this day in cae Frwd fadog.

16
Tuesday. Ditto. I was plowing this morning. In the afternoon go to Frondeg and Amlwch.

17
Wednesday. Fine weather. I was plowing all day in cae mawr gwaun forfyd. Thomas came home. (Note: Thomas – his brother.)

18
Thursday. Ditto. I have been in Ty fadyn. Fetch load of gorse and come home with Thomas from Amlwch.

19
Friday. Rough weather. I was plowing at night. Go to Madyn for the dogs.

20
Saturday. Fair. I was courseing all day with William Gent, Thomas and Mr. Timewell.

21
Sunday. Fine weather. I was home this morning. In the afternoon go to Owen Pritchard’s house with Thomas, Richard Edwards and Mr. Timewell.

22
Monday. Very fine week. I was plowing this morning. In the afternoon go with Mr. Owens with the beagles. (Note: Mr. Owens – the parson of Llaneilian.)

23
Tuesday. Fair. I was plowing all day. Change horses in pen uchaf cae mawr.

24
Wednesday. Ditto. I was plowing this morning. In the afternoon go to see the mountain and Amlwch.

25
Thursday. Ditto. I was plowing all day. Rain at night.

26
Friday. Fair. I was plowing all day.

27
Saturday. Rain at night. I was plowing all day. At night go to Amlwch with Mr. Timewell on mule and black pony.

28
Sunday. Rough. I was home all day. O. Jones, Pengorffwysfa was here.

29
Monday. Fair. I was plowing all this day in pen isaf cae mawr with Boos and mule.

30
Tuesday. Fair. I was plowing this morning. In the afternoon go to the plowing match to Trewyn.

31
Wednesday. Ditto. I was plowing all day.

February 1844

1
Thursday. First day of February. I have been in Frondeg and Amlwch with Mr. Jones, Ty mawr. See the gorse come home with Edward Owen, Tyn llwyn.

2
Friday. Rough. I was plowing this morning. In the afternoon go to fetch gorse to Ty mawr.

3
Saturday. Fine day. I was plowing all day. Done pen isa cae mawr. The black pony kicked me this night.

4
Sunday. Rain. I was home all this day.

5
Monday. Fine. I was plowing all this day in cae mawr.

6
Tuesday. Ditto. I was plowing all day in cae crussul with change(d) horses. David has been in Llanerchymedd to mend the plow. I have been in Frondeg this night. Have £10.

7
Wednesday. Showers. I was plowing in cae crussul all day with Boos and mule.

8
Thursday. Ditto. I was plowing all this day in cae crussul with Boos and mule, in the afternoon (with) mule and black pony. Done the field.

9
Friday. Ditto. I was plowing all day in cae cefn ysgubor with mule and black pony.

10
Saturday. Fine day. I was plowing all day ditto.

11
Sunday. Very fine day. I have been in Llaneilian church with Owen Mostyn and come straight home after that.

12
Monday. Rain. I have been in Croesa plowing match.

13
Tuesday. Ditto. Fair. I was plowing in cae cefn ysgubor this morning. In the afternoon finish cae newydd.

14
Wednesday. Fair. I was plowing this morning, about the house in the afternoon.

15
Thursday. Rain. I was plowing in the afternoon.

16
Friday. Fair. I was carting stones to the drains. In the afternoon go to Castell to bleed the chalfs.

17
Saturday. Ditto. I was putting stones in the drains all day.

18
Sunday. Rain. I was home all this day.

19
Monday. Rain and snow. I was about the house. Mind the horses. Lewis was plowing in cae mawr. Change the horses.

20
Tuesday. Fair. I was making drains in cae mawr with Thomas Jones. Lewis was changing the horses. At night I went to Amlwch to the lodge on the black pony.

21
Wednesday. Snow. I was about the house and fetch load of gorse from Ty mawr. Evan has been in the coal pits fetching 9 hundred(weight) of coal.

22
Thursday. Frost and fine. I have been to the funeral of O. Pritchard with the club.

23
Friday. Frost. I was carting muck to cae tros y lon. In the afternoon it rained very fast. I was about the house.

24
Saturday. Fair. I was about the house all this day. The little cart has been with R. Williams, Hen groesa fetching gorse from Rhosmanarch. John Parry, Cross Keys has been here getting straw. (Note: Rhosmanarch – Rhosmynach, a farm in the parish of Llaneilian.)

25
Sunday. Rain. I was home all this day. Jame was here since Thursday. (Note: Jame – ? Jane.)

26
Monday. Rain. I was home this day about the house. I have been in Tum’s smithy. He was in Llugwy.

27
Tuesday. Fair. I was shutting the drains and carrying the top of the stack of short oats to the barn. Thresh that and begin to winnow 22 qrs of oats.

28
Wednesday. Changeable. I was home all day, plowing in the afternoon. We are very forward with the plowing – only about 2 days (more) work for oats. (Get) load of gorse from Ty mawr – 4 loads.

29
Thursday. Wet weather. I was about the house. Lewis was plowing. I threshed ½ qr of barley. Rain at night.

March 1844

1
Friday. The first day of March. Very wet. I was plowing in cae pant headland and from there to llain near barn hill. Rain. (Note: llain – Welsh for patch or strip.)

2
Saturday. Fair. I was grinding gorse and mending the hedges about cae talcian y ty. The horses ran this night to cae newydd and I was after them with the mule.

3
Sunday. Fair. I was home all day.

4
Monday. Birlaw oer I was this morning setting gate on rhos. In the afternoon go about the house. (Note: birlaw oer – Welsh for short, sharp showers, cold.)

5
Tuesday. Snow and fine. I was mending the hedges all this (day).

6
Wednesday. Fine. I have been in Amlwch. Go with Mr. Jones, Ty mawr to the port to fetch Pana. Stop late. (Note: the port – Amlwch Port.)

7
Thursday. Fine. I winnowed 5qr:2s:3:1qt of short oats and sent that to Mona Mill. Bring 14 cwt.:2qr of coal and go to smithy with swch and cwlltwr and pick. (Note: swch – Welsh for ploughshare; cwlltwr – Welsh for coulter.)

8
Friday. Rough. I was carting muck to cae tros y lon. In the afternoon second plowing in bonc cae newydd with Star and Bees. Bees went to Ty mawr to go to Llangefni.

9
Saturday. Wet. I was shopping gorse this morning. In the (afternoon) go to Amlwch Port. I got a box of tea from Liverpool from Mr. Timewell and go to Amlwch. Get £5:17s:6d from Mr. J. Paynter for oats. (Note: Mr. J. Paynter of Maes y llwyn, Amlwch was a corn merchant.)

10
Sunday. Showers. I was home all this day. John has been here.

11
Monday. Ditto. I was home this morning. In the afternoon go to Llanerchymedd fair on Black Satan.

12
Tuesday. Rough here. I have been in Glan traeth. Buy a pig to send to Liverpool. In the afternoon go to the port. Buy a pig from R. Gwyn. Let Cornelius (Williams) have the other.

13
Wednesday. Fine weather. I have been in Amlwch this morning. Have the pig killed. In the afternoon go to the Port to put the pig aboard.

14
Thursday. Rain. I have been in Nebo with Mr. Jones, Ty mawr. See tithe papers and write a letter to Bodlwydan.

15
Friday. Fair. I was carting muck for early potatoes this morning. In the afternoon fetch 2 loads of sand with Boos, farlan goch and Star. Done (i.e. finish) second plow bonc cae newydd. (Note: farlan goch – Welsh for red pony.)

16
Saturday. Blowing hard from the east and rain. The barley stack fell down. We carried it to the barn and put ropes on the stacks. Chopping (gorse) after that.

17
Sunday. Ditto. I was home this morning. In the afternoon go to Penysarn to meet Connor and he did not come.

18
Monday. Ditto. Fair. I have been to the seashore fetching sea-weed – 7 loads. In the afternoon ditto.

19
Tuesday. Fine. I have been fetching guman. The cart sank. Been for one tryte. John Roberts, H. Hughes have been here, William Hughes, Chwyllan bach.

20
Wednesday. I have been in the smithy all day with the harrows.

21
Thursday. Fine day. I was plowing in Frondeg all day.

22
Friday. Rain. I was carting muck for fitches and spread it. (Note: fitches – vetches.)

23
Saturday. Fine day. I was sowing wheat this morning. Try red filly. She fell down in cae dan clawdd newydd. In the afternoon sow fitches in cae cefn ysgubor and go to Amlwch.

24
Sunday. Rain. In morning cousin John, Penrhynoer was here. Go to Nebo cyfarfod ysgol. Black pony got kicked. Cool lard to wash the pony. (Note: his cousin John Jones of Penrhynoer in the parish of Llangwyllog was baptized at Llanfaelog church on 29 December 1800. He was a bachelor and farmed Cors yr Eira, Llangwyllog. He died on 16 July 1883, aged 83 and was buried at Llangwllog; Nebo cyfarfod ysgol – Welsh for the school meeting at Nebo.)

24
Sunday. (Two entries for Sunday.) Fine. I was home till 4 o’clock. Go with John, Penrhynoer as far as Rowland Evans’.

25
Monday (calendar correction). Rain. I finished threshing this morning and winnowing 11:0:2:0 of  oats. Send that to Mona Mill with Star, Boos and mule. Thomas Jones ran away last night.

26
Tuesday (calendar correction). Ditto. I was setting potatoes in (their) bed this morning. In the afternoon with Mr. Connor. He was here about the tithe.

27
Wednesday (calendar correction). Rain. I was threshing ½ qr of barley with Lewis this morning. In the afternoon carting muck for potatoes to cae tros lon.

28
Thursday. Fair. I began sowing oats in cae mawr uchaf. Sow 6 sacks today.

29
Friday. Ditto. I was sowing 2 sacks. At night go to (the) meet and to Glanrafon, Llanallgo. Been in Menai Bridge for cask for Hills. (Note: Llanallgo O.S. Grid Reference 501851.)

30
Saturday. Dry from the east. Very likely to get hard. I sowed 3 sacks in cae crussul. Cut gorse and send D to the mountain with load of casks. In the afternoon sow 2 sacks in bonc cae cefn ysgubor.

31
Sunday. Ditto. I went to Mr. Connor and to Frondeg about the casks from Menai Bridge. Come home through Amlwch.

April 1844

1
Monday. Fair. South wind. I sowed 5 sacks of oats in cae ysgubor. Done the field. Sow 10 sacks there. Mr. Crowther was here.

2
Tuesday. Ditto. We finished harrowing cae cefn ysgubor at 9 in the morning and went to cae adlod. Sow 4 sacks today and put goman for potatoes in cae mawr. It begins to rain this night.

3
Wednesday. Rain. I have been in Frondeg today and Amlwch. Get £15. I went to Madyn to see George. Been in Amlwch late.

4
Thursday. Fair. I was sowing oats in Frondeg this morning. In the afternoon cross-harrow in cae adlod. The old pony of H. Parry began here today.

5
Friday. I was in Frondeg sowing all this day.

6
Saturday. I sowed 3 sacks of oats in cae adlod and went to Amlwch.

7
Sunday. Fair. I was home all this day.

8
Monday. Ditto. I sowed oats in cae adlod – 1½ sacks. In the afternoon go to Tyn y rhos, O. Roberts to buy 2 heifers but I did not get them. Been in John Parry’s house.

9
Tuesday. Ditto. I sowed 2 sacks of oats in ditto. Finish this field. Cross-harrow crincae.

10
Wednesday. Fine. I sowed 6 sacks of oats in pen isaf cae mawr. Get load of gorse from Ty fadyn.

11
Thursday. Changeable. I sowed 2 sacks of ditto 1 in pen isaf 1 in pen uchaf. In the afternoon sow clover in pen isaf 1qr of ditto in pen uchaf. (Note: pen isaf, pen uchaf – Welsh for lower and upper end.)

12
Friday. Rain. I sowed 3 sacks this morning. In the afternoon rain.

13
Saturday. Rain. We were setting 12 rows of potatoes in cae mawr and sow 2 sacks. In the afternoon in cae mawr gwaun y forfyd.

14
Sunday. Rain. I was home this morning. In the afternoon go to Brindasi.

15
Monday. Rain. I was planting beans in cae mawr and sowing oats. Sow in the side next to the rhos of cae mawr gwaun y forfyd. At night go to Amlwch Frondeg about H. Parry’s old horse.

16
Tuesday. Fair. I was home till night and go to John Tyn y canol a wither make egg ale in R. Williams’ house.

17
Wednesday. Fair. I was sowing 3 sacks in cae frwd fadog. Done 3 o’clock and sow 1 sack of barley after that.

18
Thursday. Ditto. I sowed 3 sacks of barley, carting 17 loads of muck for it.

19
Friday. Rain. I plowed the piece where there were early potatoes with dairy plow and sow clover in cae dan clawdd newydd. In the afternoon go to bonc cae newydd. Sow 2 sacks of oats and cart a heap of muck for barley and spread it. (Note: dairy plow – ? Deri plow.)

20
Saturday. I sowed 1 qr of barley and 2 sacks of oats. Done and everything.

21
Sunday (calendar correction). Fair. I was home all day. R. Williams, Glasgrig bach was here.

22
Monday (calendar correction). Rain last night. I have been in Bodafon, Mr. Williams for potatoes and they were gone. Went to Thomas Pryther, Tyddyn melys, bought 180 quarts for 4 per qr.

23
Tuesday (calendar correction). Fair. I began plowing for potatoes in cae tros y lon. Second plow with Frwd fadog plow. Lewis has been in Llanerchymedd with 2 plows to mend them.

24
Wednesday (calendar correction). Fair. I was plowing all this day. Ditto 2 carts in Frondeg.

25
Thursday (calendar correction). Ditto. I was ditto.

26
Friday (calendar correction). Ditto. 3 harrows in cae tros lon for potatoes. Been to fetch potatoes.

27
Saturday (calendar correction). Ditto. I was third plowing cae tros y lon for potatoes all day with Star and black pony.

28
Sunday (calendar correction). Ditto. I was home this morning. In the afternoon been with Richard glof. (Note: glof – Welsh for lame.)

29
Monday (calendar correction). Ditto. I was plowing for potatoes all day.

30
Tuesday (calendar correction). Ditto. I was making rows for potatoes all day. At night go to Fron, send bill and go to Odd(fellows) Lodge.

May 1844

1
Wednesday. First day of May. I was carting muck for potatoes all day.

2
Thursday. Ditto. I was ditto.

3
Friday. Ditto. Ditto. Done with potatoes.

4
Saturday. I was with the potatoes this morning. In the afternoon go to Frondeg and Amlwch. Stop late. Take Mr. Roberts’ horse to come home.

5
Sunday. I was home all day.

6
Monday. Fair. I have been in Amlwch this morning. In the afternoon go to Llanerchymedd in the gig with my father. Come home at 7 o’clock.

7
Tuesday. Ditto. We got a load of potatoes from Ty mawr. I was setting them.

8
Wednesday. I was ditto.

9
Thursday. Fair. I was home till night. Go to Amlwch. The coach came there. Two carts were carting bricks to Ty mawr.

10
Friday. Ditto. I was plowing all this day for sweeds.

11
Saturday. Ditto. I have been in Amlwch. Try the black pony in the coach.

12
Sunday. Fair. I was home all this day.

13
Monday. Fair. I was home all (day) with W. Hughes, Chwyllan bach.

14
Tuesday. Ditto. I was plowing cae llwyd head-land. In the afternoon go to Llyslew. (Note: Llyslew, Llanidan – the home of his uncle, William Jones.)

15
Wednesday. Ditto. I have been in Carnarvon, from Llyslew.

16
Thursday. Ditto. I came home through Llangefni. Swap pony with Owen Williams. (Note: Owen Williams, son of William Jones, Llyslew and the diarist’s cousin.)

17
Friday. Ditto. North wind. I have been in the mountain. Sell the pony to W. Jones. (Note: the mountain – Parys mountain O.S. Grid Reference 445905.)

18
Saturday. North wind. I sent 2 loads of gravel to Frondeg. Bring load of stones home with me.

19
Sunday. Ditto. I was home all this day.

20
Monday. Ditto. (I) was turning the potatoes all this morning. In the afternoon send 7:1:1:2 of oats to Cornelius (Williams). Been in Amlwch.

21
Tuesday. Ditto. I was turning the potatoes all day. Cpt. Roberts has been here with his mare.

22
Wednesday. Ditto. I was home all this day. David (Williams) Tynygongl has been here. (Note: David Williams – Tailor: Tynygongl – a village, O.S. Grid Reference 500827.)

23
Thursday. Ditto. I was shutting the boundary between Tyn rhos. Went to Amlwch.

24
Friday. Ditto. I went to Liverpool to see Thomas in the warehouse. (Note: Thomas – ? his brother, baptized at Llangristiolus church on 9 March 1817, died 18 June 1856 and buried at Sardis chapel, Dulas.)

25
Saturday. Ditto, ditto, ditto, ditto.

26
Sunday. Ditto, ditto, ditto, ditto

27
Monday. Ditto. I was coming from Liverpool. Home at 9 o’clock.

28
Tuesday. Ditto. I have been in posation in Amlwch. Been in chapel. Hear Mr. Roberts, Rhos.

29
Wednesday. Ditto. I was home all this day. Fetch 1 load of stones from Croesa quarry.

30
Thursday. Ditto. I was mending the hedge between cae talgian and cae mary.

31
Friday. Ditto. I was shutting the drains this morning. In the afternoon open the ditch ditto.

June 1844

1
Saturday. I have been in Amlwch, selling horse to Mr. Hughes, Madyn all day.

2
Sunday. Dry. I have been in the Wesleyan chapel this afternoon. Home after (wards).

3
Monday. (We) want rain very badly. I was home all this day. Work in cae bach. Set the paint to carry today from Gadfa pool.

4
Tuesday. Ditto. I have been with Mr. John Hughes in Bodewryd in the gig. Stop late. Buy horses from him. Been with Conner. (Note: Bodewryd, O.S. Grid Reference 400907.)

5
Wednesday. Rains a bit. I have been in Llanerchymedd. Engage with a man, John Hughes for 3 : 5/0.

6
Thursday. Ditto. I fetched a load of sand this morning. In the afternoon shut the drains in cae bach.

7
Friday. Blowing hard from the south. I was waiting this day. W. Hughes, stonemason was here.

8
Saturday. Dry. I have been in the smithy this morning with Thomas with Star, Mona and my new horse. In the afternoon (in) cae bach with the lads.

9
Sunday. Fair. No rain yet. I was home all this day.

10
Monday. Ditto. I was carting muck for the turnips all morning. In the afternoon go to Llangefni fair on Bees.

11
Tuesday. Fair. I was carting mould in cae llwyd all day, beginning this day.

12
Wednesday. Ditto. I was ditto.

13
Thursday. Rained a bit last night. I was carrying mould in cae llwyd all this day. At night go to Amlwch to send the horses for the coach.

14
Friday. Dry. I was in Amlwch this morning. In the afternoon home.

15
Saturday. Ditto. Carting mould all day,

16
Sunday. (We) very much want rain. I have been in Penysarn this afternoon. John has been here tonight.

17
Monday. I was carting mould from buarth to cae llwyd all this day. Mule was in Frondeg all this day. Brobrich gets bull. (Note: buarth – Welsh for yard.)

18
Tuesday. Ditto. I was home carting mould in cae picksofl this morning. In the afternoon carry turfs and go to smithy with mule. Been in Bodafon. (Note: Bodafon – O.S. Grid Reference 472855.)

19
Wednesday. Rains a bit. Very dry yet. I was plowing all this day in cae picksofl with Star and Mona. (Note: Star and Mona – names of horses.)

20
Thursday. Rains a bit. I was plowing all day. At night go to Port for to see the gro to Mr. Jones, Ty mawr.

21
Friday. Fine. Rain. I was carting mould from Rhos to the road. Done work in the mountain with Mr. Hills. (Note: the mountain – Parys mountain.)

22
Saturday. Fair. TD go to Pentre berw. I was turning from the potatoes this morning. In the afternoon go to Fron and he was not home. I went to Amlwch.

23
Sunday. Fair. I was home all this day.

24
Monday. Rain. I sent TD to the fair with a cow as far as Pen y lon and I went to Frondeg and to the fair from there. Get wet.

25
Tuesday. Fair. I was plowing for sweeds. Been in Park. Fetch greed grinding the scythe.

26
Wednesday. I was carting muck for sweeds. In the afternoon go to the Port. Fetch smithy tools.

27
Thursday. Fair. I was mowing hay all day in cae dan clawdd newydd. (Note: cae dan clawdd newydd – the field below the new fence.)

28
Friday. Fair. I was mowing hay all this day. Owen Thomas, Brindasi and Jane were here tonight. I send them and stop with O. Roberts. (Note: Brundasi – a farm in the adjoining parish of Llaneilian.)

29
Saturday. Fair. I was mowing hay in bonc cae Frwd fadog. In the afternoon raking hay in cae dan clawdd newydd and go to Frondeg. Get £10.

30
Sunday. Hot. I have been to the sea-shore to see the baptizing. In the afternoon go to Wesleyan chapel. Get my tea with John Jones, gof. Been in Wesleyan (chapel) at night.

July 1844

1
Monday. The first day of July.
Ditto. I have been in Red Wharf Bay fetching culm and (bring) load with us home. (Note: culm – coal-dust.)

2
Tuesday. Fair. Hot. I was finishing mowing hay. Rake waun bach.

3
Wednesday. Ditto. I was carrying hay this day.

4
Thursday. Rains a bit. I have been in the smithy mending the cart’s axletree. In the afternoon fetch load of lime from there.

5
Friday. Fair. I was waiting to wash the top of the house this day. The son of Ty waun has been here.

6
Saturday. Ditto. I was fetching 2 loads of lime this (day). David goes to Liverpool.

7
Sunday. Hot. I was home this morning. In the afternoon in Penysarn Baptist chapel. Hear Levey Thomas. At night go to Penysarn. D. Griffith didn’t come.

8
Monday. Ditto. I fetched a load of lime this morning. In the afternoon stretch and go to the mountain. Hear them set the winsey and the copper-cart. At night go to Bodafon about culm. Stop late in Refail fawr. (Note: winsey – a rotating machine worked by a horse walking round in a circle.)

9
Tuesday. Fair. I have been in the smithy mending the cart-axle with

10
Wednesday. Fair. I was fetching a load of lime this morning. In afternoon carry hay. Have it all in. Very poor crop.

11
Thursday. Ditto. I have been fetching a load of lime this morning. John turned the cart. Swap for horse with R. Thomas. At night go to Amlwch.

12
Friday. Ditto. I was home this morning. In the afternoon fetch load of stones. Try the new mare and clean the big pool.

13
Saturday. Rain. I was clearing the pool this morning. In the afternoon make ropes and go to Mr. Owens the parson and to Amlwch. (Note: Mr. Owens – Rector of Llaneilian.)

14
Sunday. Fair. I was home this morning. In the afternoon go to church. Get tea in Plas uchaf with George, Madyn and H. Hughes, baker.

15
Monday. Shower. I have been in Fron and Amlwch. Get something for Brandy from Peter Webster. (Note: Brandy – ? name of horse.)

16
Tuesday. Fair. I have been in Menai Bridge. Fetch Sara.

17
Wednesday. Ditto. I have been fetching 2 loads of lime. Take the kill out today. (Note: kill – ? kiln.)

18
Thursday. Hot. I fetched 2 loads of mwnus mawn. In the afternoon go to smithy with Star and Mona. (Note: mawn – Welsh for peat.)

19
Friday. Ditto. I was carrying mwnws mawn (all) day. John Marshall was here painting the house.

20
Saturday. Hot. I have been in Frondeg this morning. Get £5. In afternoon bathing the horses.

21
Sunday. Hot. Shower. I was home till 6 o’clock. Go with Sara Jane Sedon to Nebo and down to Plas uchaf field and home. (Note: Nebo – a village O.S. Grid Reference 468904.)

22
Monday. Hot. I was carting earth from Rhos. In the afternoon fetch load of stones from the mountain. Go to Refail fawr. Settle about the lime. Stop very late. John Marshall was with me. Get good fun.

23
Tuesday. Ditto. I fetched load of sand and load of hay to R. Williams, Hen groesa from O. Thomas, Tyddyn. Go to Amlwch to the lodge. (Note: the lodge – ? Oddfellows.)

24
Wednesday. Showers this morning. I have been carting culm for D. Mostyn and go to Llanerchymedd.

25
Thursday. Hot. I have been in Bodafon. Bleed Boos in harp and home after Will Hughes, Chwyllan bach was here making smithy. (Note: Chwyllan bach – a farm in the parish of Llanwenllwyfo.)

26
Friday. Hot. I was in the highway today carting from the wharf. Been in Refail fawr with John Marshall. Stop late.

27
Saturday. Ditto. I was in the highway carting from Rhos fadog quarry. I painted the plow. Been in Pen bryn. David Williams, Tyn y gongl has been here.

28
Sunday. Small rain. I was home all this day. Doctor Llaneuddog was here. (Note: Dr. Thomas Humphreys of Llaneuddog, Llanwenllwyfo who had qualified L.S.A. in 1844. Dr. Humphreys was twin to Anne Humphreys, whom William Jones later married.)

29
Monday. Fair. I fetched 4 loads of sand. Go to Refail fawr at night about lime.

30
Tuesday. Ditto. Ditto.

31
Wednesday. Ditto. I fetched 4 loads of sand. Been in the mountain with Hills. (Note: the mountain – Parys mountain; Mr. Hills, manufacturer of chemicals at Amlwch.)

August 1844

1
Thursday the first day of August.
I fetched 2 loads of sand this morning. In the afternoon been in Pen bryn with RE. Brandy in smithy. Mend the spade.

2
Friday. Fair. I was plowing this morning (and) in afternoon till 4 and thatching hay. Hugh Hughes, Plas uchaf has been here.

3
Saturday. Rough. Shower. I was thatching hay all day. Done (i.e. finished). I went with my mare as far as Croesa. Been in Castell with R. Evans.

4
Sunday. Fair. I was home this morning. In afternoon go with Sara Jane to Deri garden. I went to Rowland Evans and got tea with him. I have 2 horses, 1 bull, 2 yearlings, 5 sheep, 5 lambs at this present time. (Note: Deri uchaf and Deri isaf – farms nearby.)

5
Monday. Fair. I was with Thomas, gof all this afternoon. Begin to work here.

6
Tuesday. Blowing very hard and rain. I sent hay for William Pendu. At night go to Amlwch.

7
Wednesday. Rain. I was home all this day.

8
Thursday. Ditto. I have been in Amlwch. Get paint to paint the cart. Thomas, gof, was here. Make nails for the cart wheels. (Note: gof – Welsh for blacksmith.)

9
Friday. Fair. I was fetching 4 loads of sand.

10
Saturday. Ditto. I was beginning to top trees in cae llwyd. In the afternoon send hay for E., Tyn y caeau.

11
Sunday. Rain. I was home all day.

12
Monday. Fair. I was carting stones for Mr. Hills in the Port. (Note: the port – Amlwch Port O.S. Grid Reference 449931.)

13
Tuesday. Ditto. I (together) with J. Jones, gof, shoe the cart. Get heart stitch.

14
Wednesday. Rain. I have been in Llanerchymedd fair Go with the coach to Amlwch.

15
Thursday. Fair. I was mowing oats in cae mawr uchaf. Begin the harvest.

16
Friday. Rain. I painted the cart this morning. In the afternoon Decktor Loyon.

17
Saturday. Fair. I was mowing oats in cae cefn ysgubor. Very poor crop.

18
Sunday. Ditto. I wrote a letter to Thomas. In the afternoon go to Amlwch. Been with R. Parry. Been to see Mr. George Hughes and in the port. (Note: Thomas – his brother who was baptized at Llangristiolus church on 9 March 1817. Thomas and Owen were twins; the port – Amlwch Port.)

19
Monday. Ditto. I was in the harvest all this week.

26
Monday (calendar correction) Fair. I was mowing barley cae (   ). In afternoon till in cae mawr gweun. (Note: gweun – Welsh for marsh.)

27
Tuesday (calendar correction). Ditto. I was making stacks all day. Carry cae mawr, cae cefn ysgubor, cae adlod.

28
Wednesday (calendar correction). Ditto. I was mowing this morning. Go to Amlwch to Mr. Hills.

29
Thursday (calendar correction). Ditto. I was mowing and tilling all day.

30
Friday. Ditto. Hot. I was carting crin cae mawr gweun and send load of lime to the mountain. (Note: the mountain – Parys mountain, O.S. Grid Reference 445905.)

31
Saturday. Hot. I was mowing barley and oats. In the afternoon go to Amlwch and Fron deg, Madyn.

September 1844

1
Sunday, the first day of September.
I was home all this day.

2
Monday. Hot. I was home. Cynull in morning. Fetch load of gro in porth for to Ty mawr. (Note: cynull – Welsh for to gather at harvest.)

3
Tuesday. Ditto. I was making barley stack and cynull laid (corn).

4
Wednesday. Ditto. I was cynull oats in crincae. In the afternoon carry all the barley.

5
Thursday. Ditto. I was with Mr. Hills. Shot and make the rick ready for thatching.

6
Friday. Rain in the morning. I thatched the barley stack.

7
Saturday. Showers. I thatched stack of oats.

8
Sunday. Fair. I was home till 6 with David Williams, Tyn y gongl. (Note: Tyn y gongl – a village, O.S. Grid Reference 511828.)

9
Monday. Ditto. I began to thatch the big stack. Go shooting with Mr. Hughes, Madyn – 6 partriches. Go to Thomas, gof, to make a big hammer. John was here and ordered us to go to Menai Bridge. (Note: Mr. William Hughes, attorney of Madyn Dysw, Amlwch was a shooting friend of William Jones; gof – Welsh for blacksmith.)

10
Tuesday. Ditto. I thatched and (went) to Frondeg and stopped till night.

11
Wednesday. Ditto. I finished the big stack.

12
Thursday. Ditto. I was in the stackyard this morning. In the afternoon go to the port to the Dissenters’ meeting. (Note: the port – Amlwch Port.)

13
Friday. Rain. I was threshing this morning. The carts were drawing stones in the port. In the afternoon put rope round the stack.

14
Saturday. Rain all day and night. I was thatching and killing sheep. Go to Tom, gof. Get two shoes for brock mare and go to Amlwch. Get wet. Meet Thomas. (Note: brock – black and white.)

15
Sunday. Rain. I was home all this day (with) W. Williams, Hengroesa. (Note: Hengroesa in the parish of Llaneilian.)

16
Monday. Ditto. I was home all day digging potatoes for pigs and boiled them.

17
Tuesday. Ditto. I was home all day. Baron de loyon has been here. I was spreading manure.

18
Wednesday. Fair. I was filling the carts all day in cae pant for haver. (Note: haver – oats.)

19
Thursday. Ditto. I was in the stackyard all day. Clean it and finish.

20
Friday. I was filling the cart this morning. In the afternoon spread for wheat. We are very forward. Cattle prices are very low.

21
Saturday. Ditto. I was filling the carts with manure for potatoes to cae mawr, and go with Hugh Hughes, Madyn. Shot 2 partrich. Go to Amlwch. Start at 9 o’clock at night.

22
Sunday. Fine day. I was home all this day. Thomas came home this day with the Henry. (Note: Thomas, his brother; the Henry – ? a ship of that name.)

23
Monday. Ditto. I was filling the carts with manure to cae mawr for potatoes. In the evening go shooting with Thomas.

24
Tuesday. Ditto. I was home this morning. In the afternoon go to Glasgrig bach.

25
Wednesday. Very fine weather. I was carrying earth from the bottom end of cae mawr for potatoes. Been in Ty mawr. Fetch the car (for) Llyslew wife. (Note: Llyslew wife – his aunt Elinor Jones of Llyslew, Llanidan, wife of his uncle William Jones. Elinor was born in 1800, the daughter of John and Anne Hughes of Rallt, Llangaffo. She died on 23 Dec. 1850, aged 51 and was buried in Llanidan churchyard.)

26
Thursday. Ditto. I was in Menai Bridge. Sell brock mare for £10.

27
Friday. Ditto. I spread cae picksofl. At night send Ty mawr car home with brother Thomas.

28
Saturday. Ditto. I was mending the hedge under clawdd newydd.

29
Sunday. Ditto. I have been in church with Hugh, baker.

30
Monday. Fair. I was home spreading (manure) all day. At night go with Thomas to Amlwch. Mrs. Hughes, Castle was quail. J. H. Treweek. (Note: quail – languishing.)

October 1844

1
Tuesday, the first day of October. I was home. At night been in Lodge. I am right-hand support. (Note: Lodge – ? Oddfellows.)

2
Wednesday. Shower. I have been in Llanerchymedd. Stop late. Come home with the coach.

3
Thursday. Ditto. I was home this morning. In the afternoon send load of culm to Ty mawr. (Note: culm – coal-dust.)

4
Friday. Fine. I have been drawing stones in the port this day. Boil potatoes for pigs.

5
Saturday. Rain. Home this morning. In the afternoon go to Amlwch to pay Mr. Palmer £1, S. Marshall, ditto and W. Francis for 1 quarter’s schooling for Joseph 15/6. (Note: Samuel Marshall of Methusalem Street, Amlwch was a saddler; Joseph was William Jones’ youngest brother. Joseph was baptized on 29 July 1832 at Llanwenllwyfo church, and died on 28 March 1900 aged 67. He was buried at Sardis chapel.)

6
Sunday. Fair. I was home all day. R. Edwards was here.

7
Monday. Fair. I was home boiling potatoes for pigs. At night go to Amlwch and Frondeg with Thomas.

8
Tuesday. Ditto. I was home all day. The monthly meeting was (held) at Penysarn Baptist chapel. Go to Mr. Owens, parson at night. Thomas. (Note: Rev. John Owen, Rector of Llaneilian, the “sporting parson”. His age was recorded as 45 in the 1841 Census Returns.)

9
Wednesday. Blowing hard from the east. With Mr. Hills. Hughes shot shot Evan.

10
Thursday. Fair. I was filling the carts in cae llwyd. At night go to Llaneilian church. Get super in Brundasi. (Note: Brundasi or Bryndasi – a farm in the parish of Llaneilian. John Thomas, farmer aged 60 and his family were there according to the 1841 Census Returns.)

11
Friday. Fair. I was filling carts in bonc ynys felan. Been in Amlwch. See Samuel Marshall.

12
Saturday. Ditto. I was spreading (manure) in cae llwyd and go to Amlwch. Jame(s), Penrhynoer, stopped late. (Note: James Jones of Penrhynoer in the parish of Llangwyllog was William Jones’ cousin. He was the son of John and Margaret Jones, was born in 1819 and died on 28 Feb. 1845 aged 26. He was buried in Llangwyllog churchyard. John Jones and David Jones, William Jones’ father were brothers.)

13
Sunday. Rain. I was home all this day with James.

14
Monday. Ditto. I have been to the wedding of Jane, Hengroesa this day.

15
Tuesday. Fair. I was with Mr. Owens hunting all this day. At night go to Oddfellows.

16
Wednesday. Rain. I was home all day. At night go to Sardis chapel. R. Owens.

17
Thursday. Fair. I was digging potatoes this morning. In the afternoon send the pigs to Amlwch Port to Cornelius for /3 lb. Been in Frondeg. (Note: Cornelius Williams of Glanrafon, Amlwch was a corn and flour merchant.)

18
Friday. Shower. I was spreading (manure) in ynys felan.

19
Saturday. It rained very much. We begin carting. Mow in the afternoon. Go to Moelfre for samples of limestone for Mr. Hills. (Note: Moelfre O.S. Grid Reference 514865.)

20
Sunday. Ditto. Showers. I was home this morning. In the afternoon I went to Glasgrig. Ride the red filly. Come home with Rowland Evans.

21
Monday. Fair. I was raising potatoes all day. Go to Frondeg. Have £5.

22
Tuesday. Ditto. Ditto. I shot 2 pheasants.

23
Wednesday. Ditto. I go to Amlwch. Send pheasant to John Henry.

24
Thursday. Ditto. Sow wheat and go to the funeral of John’s child.

25
Friday. Dry. I was done (i.e. finished) sowing wheat.

26
Saturday. Ditto. I was carting earth in bonc ynys felan. R. Hughes gelded 2 calves.

27
Sunday. Fair. I have been in Castell. Get my tea (there).

28
Monday. Dry. I was raising potatoes all day.

29
Tuesday. Ditto. Ditto. At night go to the Lodge.

30
Wednesday. Ditto. Ditto. Very good crop of potatoes.

31
Thursday. Ditto. I was raising potatoes this morning. In the afternoon send S. Marshall to the grave. (Note: Samuel Marshall of Methusalem Street, Amlwch was a sadler.)

November 1844

1
Friday, the first day of November. Blowing from the east. I was picking small potatoes. In the afternoon with Mr. Hughes, Madyn shooting. Been in Refail fawr. Get hare in ponciau.

2
Saturday. Rain. We got the potatoes all in. At night go to Amlwch. Been with Mr. J. H. (Treweek). Late.

3
Sunday. Fair. I was home all day.

4
Monday. Ditto. I was making potatoe-stack. At night go to Thomas, gof, and Bodafon. Get glass of rum. (Note: gof – Welsh for blacksmith.)

5
Tuesday. Rain. I was with Thomas, gof, in the smithy. Hear (that) Thomas, Talbountan’s, son was here making axletree for the water-wheel.

6
Wednesday. Shower. I was in the smithy. Tom makes screws.

7
Thursday. Fine. I was with Will Griffith, saer all day. (Note: saer – Welsh for carpenter.)

8
Friday. Rain. I was threshing this morning. In the afternoon plowing by the road (in) cae mawr.

9
Saturday. Fine. I was shutting drains in cae bach.

10
Sunday. Ditto. I was home all day with James. (Note: James Jones of Penrhynoer, Llangwyllog, his cousin.)

11
Monday. Fair. I was carting in bonc ynys felan. At night go to Mr. Owens. (Note: Mr. Owens – the parson of Llaneilian.)

12
Tuesday. I was plowing cae bach. Been in Amlwch.

13
Wednesday. Wet. I have been in Llanerchymedd fair. Sell 2 oxes to Mr. Roberts, Plas for £10:10s.

14
Thursday. Fine. I was home. At night go to the port, give £8 to boatswain to go to Thomas. (Note: Thomas, his brother.)

15
Friday. Rain. I have been in Moelfre about Ty mawr stones. Get wet.

16
Saturday. Fine. I was plowing in cae pigsofl. In the afternoon cut grass in pen isaf cae tros y lon. Been in Amlwch. (Note: pen isa cae tros y lon – Welsh for the lower end of the field across the road.)

17
Sunday. Fair. I have been to see R. William bach Hen groesa. He was sick. (Note: bach – Welsh for small.)

18
Monday. Ditto. I was about the house all day.

19
Tuesday. Rain. I was fetching stones to Ty mawr from traeth. (Note: traeth – Welsh for beach.)

20
Wednesday. Fair. I was home all day.

21
Thursday. I was ditto, winnowing 10:2:2:1 of oats. Sell 18.

22
Friday. Ditto. I caught piget. I went with Mr. Jones, Ty mawr to Moelfre in the gig.

23
Saturday. Fair. I was home this morning. Shot partrich. In the afternoon go to Amlwch. Sell 3 loads of potatoes.

24
Sunday. Ditto. I was home all day.

25
Monday. Ditto. I was home all day.

26
Tuesday. Fine. I have been in Penysarn hunt. Stop late.

27
Wednesday. Ditto. I went to Trewyn with James but calves. (Note: James Jones, his cousin.)

28
Thursday. Ditto. I was home all day. D plowing for potatoes.

29
Friday. Ditto. I was home all this day.

30
Saturday. Fine. I was home this morning. In the afternoon (go) to Amlwch. Stop late.

December 1844

1
Sunday. Ditto. Home all day.

2
Monday. Ditto. I was home this morning. In the afternoon send 1 ox and cotan to attorney Roose. Swap mare with H. Roberts. (Note: Benjamin Roose of Parys Farm, Amlwch and George Bradley Roose of Bryntirion, Amlwch were both attorneys.)

3
Tuesday. Frost. I was with Tom, gof, this morning. Fetch the mare. (Note: gof – Welsh for blacksmith.)

4
Wednesday. Ditto. I was plowing all day. Done cae crussul.

5
Thursday. Ditto. Ditto. The mole-catcher left.

6
Friday. Ditto. I was top-dressing cae tros y lon.

7
Saturday. Ditto. Carting muck for barley to bonc ynys felan.

8
Sunday. Very cold frost. I have been in Glasgrig.

9
Monday. Ditto. I have been carting paint for Richard Parry, 2 carts. The sadler was here.

10
Tuesday. Ditto. I was home till night. Been in the club.

11
Wednesday. Ditto. I was threshing oats all day.

12
Thursday. Ditto. Snow. Thresh in the morning. In the afternoon been in Llangefni.

13
Friday. Ditto. I was threshing all day.

14
Saturday. Ditto. I have been in Amlwch all day. Received £6:10/ for bull from Richard Evans J Row(lands).

15
Sunday. Ditto. I was home all day.

16
Monday. Rain. I was home all day. At night go to Frondeg. Have £9:6s:3d and bill from Richard Parry for painting the house.

17
Tuesday. Fair. I was about the house this morning. In the afternoon been in Amlwch Bank and from there to Glasgrig bach. Ride my own pony.

18
Wednesday. Fine day. Father has been in Ty fry to pay his rent. I was threshing barley and chopping.

19
Thursday. Frost begins. I was threshing went (? wheat) and winnowing 2s:2h:0qr:1s of wheat.

20
Friday. Frost. I was with Thomas, Talmigno mending the engine (for cutting) gorse. Ask Tom, gof, to come here. R. Williams and Ann have been here.

21
Saturday. Ditto. I was cutting gorse and chopping all this day. Been with the gig (to) meet my mother in Amlwch. Very cold night. (Note: gorse was chopped-up and used as feed for the horses.)

22
Sunday. Hard frost. Cattle-meat is very scarce. I was home all day.

23
Monday. Ditto. I was carting muck to top-dress bottom end of cae tros y lon.

24
Tuesday. Ditto. I was carting paint to Richard Parry, 2 carts.

25
Wednesday. Christmas Day. Fine day. I was home this morning. After dinner go to Amlwch and with Mr. J. H. (Treweek) to Ynys y rhyrch to see mule.

26
Thursday. Ditto. I was carrying paint for Richard Parry.

27
Friday. The frost melts. I was ditto. At night been in Amlwch. Have egg-ale with R.P.

28
Saturday. Rain. I was cutting gorse this morning. In the afternoon chopping gorse. Robert Hughes gelds little pigs.

29
Sunday. Fine. I was home all day.

30
Monday. Fine. I was threshing all day.

31
Tuesday. Ditto. I was with Tom, gof, this morning. In the afternoon cut gorse.