Edna Clair Ferris - The End is Near


Aug. 24, 1928
     We went to Clear Lake Monday, Aug. 13. Lived in Gordon Cottage Monday and
Tuesday and until Wednesday p.m., then we moved to Mah Jong Court in the
cottage West Wind until Wednesday Aug. 22, then we came home as it was cold and
the lake too rough. We had a good time and we had Gene and Judie take swimming
lessons of the Hawaiian. I learned to swim too - we took Lois Schrock too and
that helped as I didn't have to work. I made a trip to Mason City last Monday
and will go again next week. I am anxious to get rid of my adhesions now.

Grandmother is very weak and tired all the time and looks terrible.

Sept. 3, 1928
     Grandmother surely is nearing the end. For three days she has been quiet,
just in a doze, and will rouse up when she is spoken to, but is too weak even
to keep her eyes open. Nettie has sent for Frank and I have written to tell
William. I haven't heard from him for a long time since Aug. 9. Do hope he is
well and happy. I feel so uneasy about poor ma. I hate to go to bed. I was sick
Friday, then Sat. night Gene got sick and Sunday Judie did all stomach and
bowels, but all are better.

At 7:30 this morning, Grandmother breathed her last. I was there from Wed.
Sept. 5 - and sat beside her. She was so good, she told me to give her love to
William and tell him his grandma was awful sick, and tell him to always write
to his mother. She did not complain of anything except being tired to death,
but her breathing got worse and worse and she could not swallow very well. She
remained conscious all the time until last night and would smile and nod yes or
no. At two o'clock she began to breath very short and went rapidly down to the
end with Nettie and Frank and me beside the bed.

Sept. 16, 1928
     Yesterday we buried dear old frail ma - a lovely day and the loveliest
flowers I ever saw - quantities of them. I never can forget that little parlor
banked with marvelous baskets and pieces and her nice casket and peaceful face.

Dec. 11, 1928
     Have been trying to get something to send to Wm. for Christmas.

Thanksgiving just Nettie and Gene were here as F.M.F. did not get home until
7:30 at night. Judie was sick all day. Little Patsey Cronan died Nov. 13, just
two month's after grandmother.

I have had no girl for over a month. Getting along pretty well. Lois went home.
Judie got new sled for Christmas.

Feb. 9, 1929
     This has been a record breaker for winter weather, cold and snow, etc.

Kirkwood was married to Dorothy Burnet Jan. 20. Ed and Effie in the south for
winter.

So many deaths last month - Mrs. Noggle at Des Moines Jan. 25 - Mrs. Rex Manatt
the next day - and I. W. Myers - Mr. Val Pelt and so many others during the
month. Mrs. W. H. Richards too is very ill.

Judie and I took our long walk Feb. 3. Went down 65 around by Dirsts and home
by Bochinlers - lots of snow and lots of fun.

Belle came back to work in Jan. and will stay until March.

Mar. 10, 1929
     Lois came back March 1st. The boys built a snow house March 2 and 3 east
of the house. Gene could stand up in it and it would hold 14 or 15 boys - Gene
and Wilbur, Bob Wolfe and Juddie and David Bud and Frank Mariatt were the chief
workers.

William's twenty-fourth birthday has come and gone and he is so far away.

B. H. took a load of boys, our two included, to Clear Lake today to see them
ski. The roads are terrible - more snow this winter than I ever saw before.

Apr. 15, 1929
     Gene had a birthday last week. He was 16. He is a good boy, honest and
good natured and smart. He is no mixer and I want him to have a good time and
for other boys to like him for he deserves it. He is nearly six feet tall and
slim too. Gene is my own good boy, never made us a single moment of worry. He
deserves all good things.

We just finished papering the hall and painting the kitchen and bathroom this
week, and I am in the midst of house cleaning - Lois helping - and we entertain
the Cemetery Society Wed. at Iowa Falls - Mrs. Mott, Mrs. Wallace, Cummings
Robinson, Fults - Clawson - Mallory.

June 24, 1929
     Just a year ago today since William went away. Hope he is fine. Have heard
no complaints from him. He is in San Francisco since June 1st.

Uncle Ben Ferris fell and broke his hip June 17 and is still living. They took
him at once to the Lutheran Hospital.

Mrs. Funk and Anita Wheeler visited here last week in May and for part of June.

Aug. 30, 1929
     Uncle Ben died June 27 and was buried June 30th.

We went to Clear Lake July 27 and stayed until Aug. 10th. We lived in the
Cooney Cottage and Saley's lived the first week in East Wind. Lois went with us
and we had lots of company, the most important of which were Auntie and Mrs.
White, Mrs. Smith who spent July 30 with us. Bob Wolf and Rex Miller visited us
also. We had a good time and were sorry to come home.

The boys took thirteen lessons each of Mr. Albert I. Shimimura, the same
Hawaiian who started them last year and did well and I also improved my
swimming a lot.

William is going to sail Sept. 22 for Hawaii. From there he goes to the
Phillipines. He is happy to go and surely will be some trip for him.

We went to Iowa Falls today. Gene was able to read next to last line and never
could before. We took a nice ride on River road west and back east by Siloam
Springs and home west road. We ate dinner at Iowa Falls and coming home Gene
Jr. drove. I got some rimless glasses and go back Monday for them. Lois quit
last night to go to Hansell school - now I wonder who'll be next.

Martin Fisher killed in terrible accident on Gene's corner Aug. 17th.

Nov. 6, 1929
     William sails today for Manilla. He has divorced Margy - she was "silly
and extravagant" so he says. I guess he has had his share of trouble the past
year. Wish I could have seen him just once before he left.

Gene and I accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Ed Knoll to Chicago Sunday, Nov. 3rd, and
returned yesterday. Drove up here about 5:30. We did not do well with cattle,
are 14.60, best $15.00.

William's itinerary is as follows:

San Francisco Arrive Oct. 31 Leave Nov. 1 San Pedro Nov. 2 Leave Nov. 4 San
Diego " Nov. 5 Leave Nov. 6 Honolulu Nov. 14 Leave Nov. 15 Guam Nov. 27 Leave
Nov. 29 Manila Dec. 6 Shanghai Dec. 15

William was never to return from the Phillippines. He married a native girl
there, gambled a lot and either comitted suicide there over his debts or was
killed. Uncle Ben went to great effort to insure that the Phillippino wife got
no part of the family assets (EHM 2)

Nov. 9, 1929
     Judson had his 13th birthday yesterday. He is such a fine boy, beginning
to look tall in his high top boots and corduroy breeches. He made his own cake
and frosted it himself with the electric beater he made for me from my hair
dryer. He got two shirts, necktie, pocket comb and luminous dial wrist watch
and I hope had a happy birthday. He is so good and kind and thoughtful - no
better boy than Juddie.

Dec. 9, 1929
     Am waiting every day to hear from William for he landed in Guam Nov. 27. I
got one from Honolulu and Aunt got a long one from there. Judson got his dog
Wahb Nov. 27 - he was six weeks old then.

Ely Nelson came to work Nov. 16.

Jan. 14, 1930
     William wrote interestingly from every port - at Guam he received orders
to proceed to Shanghai on the U.S.S. Henderson which he did and landed there
Dec. 15 as per schedule. Have had a letter from there - he is with 4th Regiment
U.S.M.C. He has a servant, Kung Gee, and is busy and happy.

Ed and Effie are in McAllen, Texas, having started the day after Thanksgiving,
and Ben is in Florida with Margaret.

Mrs. R. M. Harrison is slowly dying of cancer - such a lovely sweet woman.

Mrs. White is in New Orleans and F. D. Smith's are in Iron Mountain, Mich.

Mar. 12, 1930
     Mrs. Harrison died March 2 and was buried on William's twenty-fifth
birthday. He landed in Shanghai Dec. 15, 1929, having been transferred to the
Marine Corp. Fourth Regiment, so must have had an unusual birthday this year at
least.

Ely Nelson working here since Nov. 18.

Apr. 13, 1930
     Little Wahb was run over and killed about 4:15 p.m. Friday, Apr. 11, by
Fred Morgan. He was not out of the house 5 minutes, until Juddie came carrying
him limp and dead. I surely do miss my little boy dog - dear little Wahb.

I am through house cleaning. I started on March 22.

April 9th was Gene's seventeenth birthday. He is building a lily pool over to
Aunt's. I gave him $5.00 to stock it with. I celebrated his birthday by going
to Mason City and buying new parlor curtains and drapes for east window. Also
bought new bedroom curtains of Mrs. Nescott this spring too and have also a new
rug for bedroom.

Gene and Juddie are sure my own good boys, never could ask for better ones I am
sure.

I weigh 114 lb - no clothes - now.

May 24, 1930
     I weigh 110 lb no clothes now.

Gene Jr. won in U.S. Government in the high school Academic Mental tests in
competition with 62 juniors and seniors, so he was entitled to go to the
district contest at Waterloo with the twenty-one others who won here. He came
back confident of victory and sure enough he won first there - the only first
our school got. Frieda Blum got two seconds, so they are now entitled to go to
the state contest. The district was May 13 at Waterloo. His lily pool is a
great success and holds water, is full of fish and today he and Auntie and
Juddie and I went after cattails, etc. for it.

Juddie also won the election and is mayor of the seventh grade.

William is now on the U.S.S. Isabel, the private yacht of Admiral McVey, and
sails on June 3rd for a cruise. Wonder if I'll ever see him again. I am not so
good for so long.

Gene and I drove Uncle F.M.F.'s car to Mason City May 16 and got Gene's glasses
changed - Dr. O'Brien. I have new tan coat and brown hat.

Dr. Evan Evans died at Iowa City Friday May 16th. Louie French also died
recently.

I entertained Cemetery Society on April 16th - had 52 beside 8 on committee.

May 31, 1930
     On Sunday, May 25th, Gene got up as usual, went to the farm and home
again. I was in yard talking to Mrs. Smith. He came on in the house and soon
called me and said he felt sick. We went up stairs and he laid on the couch a
while and said his arms ached and his chest also and he sweated until he was
clammy. Wouldn't have the doctor, but after perhaps 30 minutes we went to Dr.
Allen. He took his blood pressure - it was 170 - said he had angina. I've been
worried ever since he was sick in bed Memorial Day.

Gene Jr. goes to Iowa City tomorrow to complete in State Academic Mental Tests.

We sent William Cleghorn Tootes check April 14 and it was returned today, May
31st.

Judson is fixing an old camera they found. They went out today and got fish for
lily pool.

I would love to have Gene win and hope he will.

June 2, 1930
     Gene went to Iowa City yesterday with Rankins - started at twelve o'clock.
Mr. and Mrs. Rankin and Gene in front seat of the Essex and Frieda Blum, two
Rankin girls and girl from Daws in back seat. I felt sorry for Gene, he hates
to be crowded so.

Yesterday, the Recorder having given him scant notice two weeks ago, suddenly
becomes excited and wants his picture and what not all at once. We have no good
picture of him either.

William expects to sail away today around in Oriental waters.

June 6, 1930
     Gene did not win first at Iowa City, but he had a fine time and and came
home smiling in spite of his getting a gash.

June 25, 1930
     Two years yesterday since William went away - what a mistake he made - had
I known then, I surely would have been ill. He is on the Admiral's yacht - the
Isabel.

Gene is not so good, hard for him to talk too. He has to clear his throat so
much and whispers most of the time. He staggers some too and walks so weak. It
is hard for him to comprehend also. I feel so anxious.

July 4, 1930
     We did not have much of a Fourth this year. Judson and Father and I stayed
at home till afternoon, then went out to water hogs. After Gene Jr. got home we
took him to Aunt's, then got Mrs. White and we rode out to Hansel corner on new
pavement, that was all.

Gene Jr. and Richard Kreiner and Bob Wolf went to Pine Lake in Kreiner's car,
also Mrs. Kreiner and Mrs. Potter. When Gene got home, he said "Mother, Mrs.
Kreiner and Mrs. Potter are awful. Nice enough to us, but nasty to Kreiner. I
tell you they're not much like you. I congratulated myself all afternoon". And
that was the only nice thing about the Fourth this year. Ely went to Clear
Lake, had no fun either. The day was wet and rainy at times and threatening
most of the time.

July 27, 1930
     Elizabeth was operated on July 24th, seems to be doing well.

We go to Clear Lake Aug. 4th for two weeks. Lois will go with us and Ely will
go home.

Gene had his blood pressure taken today - it was 150. He weighs 160 and I think
he is doing alright. I weigh 112 now.

Aug. 24, 1930
     We came home on the 13th as we were afraid it would be cold and Gene was
ill. He had four boils in one ear and one in the other and had been ill since
the Sunday before the Fourth. Judson caught cold the Sunday we were there, so
we came home. I was disappointed, but I was the only one swimming.

Tomorrow I go with Edith Marken to Columbia. Mrs. White and Mrs. Andrews drive
down and I come back with them. Frank's birthday, he is listening to ballgame
over my radio now - 54.

Sept. 28, 1930
     Weighed Gene today. He weighs a little over 150 in his night shirt. Do not
think he is so well, is very dependent.

Poor old Peter has lost an eye, I guess infection. Too bad.

I had a real session with Rankin & Luce about Gene's typewriting. I guess he is
in alright.

This turned out to be important. Edna fought to allow EHM 2 to be allowed to
take typewriting class in school. The school insisted that this was for women
only. The fight was bitter but Edna won out. I found out that this fight was
said to be the cause of Edna's death. She died following a perforated ulcer
that was followed by a heart infection. This is the last entry in the journal.

I believe that my father, EHM 2, carried this burden all of his life. To my
knowledge, he never used a typewriter after her death. (EHM 3)

Gene Jr. has to dope his ears still and has no wax in them yet.


PREV <==    NEXT ==>

Edna Clair Ferris - Beginnings
Edna Clair Ferris - Raising William
Edna Clair Ferris - Raising William 2
Edna Clair Ferris - Married Again
Edna Clair Ferris - Gene is Born
Edna Clair Ferris - Jud is Born War
Edna Clair Ferris - Peace
Edna Clair Ferris - Sickness
Edna Clair Ferris - The End is Near
Edna Clair Ferris - Epilogue


Preface to these. (Brief)
Ancient history and Introduction. (Long)
Ben Franklin Ferris - Memoir
Edna Clair Ferris - Diary
Mallory Home Page