1888-1897 Ledger and Journal of a Widowed Woman Independently Running a Large, Successful Nebraska and Iowa Family Farm Operation

On offer is an outstanding record book and journal of a 19th century midwest farming woman who successfully operated and managed her husband's extensive business following his death. This manuscript exemplifies the power, practicality and success that was possible for one 19th century rural woman. 

This journal belonged to Phoebe (Calder) Osborn (1828-1906). Born in Washington County, Ohio to John and Elsa (Rathburn) Calder. Phoebe married the widower Henry Lyman Osborn (1812-1870) in 1851.They lived in Scott County, Iowa and had two sons, Henry and John. Just six months before Henry died, in December of 1869, the family relocated to McWilliams Precinct, near Talmage, Nebraska. When he died, Henry left Phoebe with a large farming operation with farms in both Iowa and Nebraska. Phoebe was known to be a “skillful and profitable” business person, farm and property manager (Osborn Origins). Phoebe remained in Nebraska, managing the farming business until her death at age 77.  

With pages touching on the years 1888-1896, Phoebe has created a comprehensive record of the experience of a woman managing a large business operation while also being a mother, grandma and positive member of the community.

The majority of the pages are used as a combination of financial ledger and daily diary, where Phoebe has carefully tracked her income and expenses related to the farming business as well as her daily activities. At the beginning of the diary, Phoebe has written out a few pages of medical remedies she recorded. To add further context, there is a collection tipped in ephemera featuring letters from her grandchild and documents from the Talmage bank where she did her business. 

Phoebe kept this journal between 1888-1896. When she began recording in this dairy, she had already been managing the farming business for nearly 30 years. The combination of extensive financial details (such as purchases of products and services, loan payments, bank deposits, rent received, etc) and personal details make for a really deep dive into Osborn’s life. Some excerpts follow: 

“Turpentine for bleeding from lungs in 10 drop doses..” [undated]. 

“Rope 10 c sugar 5 c butter 10 dried beef 10 cheese 20 crackers 10” [June 12, 1888]. 

“Came home settled with Greenwood…Nice weather…Paid Mr. Becker 7.85” [Jan 31, 1889]. 

“Mr. Whitney note due paid 86.10…Peter Berge note due paid 12.65…Whitney note due paid 300.00…James Dunn paid rent 74.00…E. Tibbits 100.00…”[June, 1890]. 

“Letter to Keys to buy land” [April 8, 1892]. 

“Sent money to Oberlin…Ken, Mr Keys for Land 400.00” [April 14, 1892]. 

“Rent for Old pace 429.00” [March 1, 1896]. 

“Lyman loans Mr. Whitney money from Gusse Cast note…Paid it back with interest. Received to his Cr. Lyman” [1897].

For a social historian, this is a superb look at the economic realities of life on the prairies in mid-western United States in the late 19th century. For a gender studies program this is an excellent primary reference showing the skill and ability of a woman, left on her own, building a successful life in a male dominated society.

The book measures approximately 7.5x4.5 inches and contains 138 pages. It is about 95% complete. The covers are worn. The front cover has a corner missing and there are wear and stain marks front and back. The spine is glued and sewn, although the stitching is loose. The front cover has partially detached from the spine. The pages have some staining, especially on the corners. The pages are filled with notes and the handwriting is legible. Overall Fair to Poor.