Naomi Deselms Cox born in OH 19 Oct 1855 died in OH 22 Jun 1938
She married John Hughes Cox in Wood Co OH 27 April 1879
Naomi was a school teacher in Perrysburg OH when she married John. She became a farm wife and the mother of eight children in Wood Co in northwestern Ohio. We are so lucky that she kept diaries which mentioned the activities of her family and neighbors from 1911-1938. She frequently refers to John her husband, whom she calls "Pa" and her children: Ethel Ewing, Johnny (and his wife Anna), Ralph (R.E.), Clyde (my grandpa who was in dental school in Columbus) and Jason. Her youngest grandchild is always "Babe". It is not unusual for some of the little grandchildren to spend days with her. Some years her "little books" just consisted of a few lines for each day. Other years on the bigger pages, she leaves us even more. Here follows just a smattering of the entries. The italics are my own added notes.
Sunday, Jan. 1, 1911
I suppose I must begin spoiling the pages of my little diary a Xmas gift.
What a nice Christmas we had and remembered so nicely by each one. As Ethel
and Babe could not be with us she had us all there at Toledo with them today,
have got home but rather tired. It has been a very nice day we had a lovely
dinner and a good time in general. It thawed a good deal and was very icy.
Ralph took his camera and was going to take some pictures but the sun did
not shine.
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 1911
Pa went to mill and got a barrel of salt he went with the bob-sled and I
went along and got paper for the kitchen
Dora Johnson went with us.
The sleighing was quite good most of the way tho the snow was blown off
some on the stone road it was icy enough to go all right.
Got a letter from Clyde, is doing fine I think, is going to take some senior
work
We have a new cow old Peach.
Thursday, April 13, 1911
Another bad day but I cleaned the parlor bedroom as Jason could help me.
Pa went to Bowling Green this afternoon.
Bellville was around with his delivery and huckster wagon. We are getting
to have the advantages of town people very fast with Free Delivery, Telephone
now have our groceries delivered, of course this cant last the year round.
but are thankful for it through the busy season
Baby Ewing (Ethel's baby) is 5 months old today is getting on nicely
with the whooping cough.
Friday, May 5, 1911
This has been a nice day most too nice to stay in the house but I had to
iron and tend the churning but went out and fixed up some new nests and
cleaned up the hen house a little, set a hen with Turkey eggs etc, etc.
Ralph quit his job on the St. Car (street car) and turned in today
and went up to Johnnys to help him. I am so tired I can hardly go tonight.
Tuesday, July 4, 1911
This has been a hot Fourth. Pa cultivated all day and nearly melted the
boys went away this P.M. Jim (Ethel's husband Jim Ewing) went home
tonight but Ethel and children will stay and help me in the cherries awhile
longer. We had ice-cream and fire-works in the evening.
Saturday Aug. 19, 1911
Pa and I delivered the butter early then put the horse in the barn and went
to the Cox Reunion at Navarre Park (in
Toledo).Johnny's folks, and Bulah and her husband came home with us
and staid over Sunday. Clyde didn't get down till night from Napoleon, Jason
didn't get to go on account of the voting in that contest.
Thursday, Sept. 7, 1911
We ironed and Ethel canned her pears and some more grapes, then this after-noon
we, Ethel and I went up to Daisy Coen's to the Reading Circle. The children
thought they would have more fun playing Indian getting fixed up with their
feather caps and going out where Grandpa was, Hazel was Minnie-Ha-Ha, Glenn
was Sun-in-the-face and Light-foot was proposed for Donald but he said no
he was little Son-o-gun
The boys went up to Johnnies. Ethel and children went home on the 7=16
Sunday, Sept. 17, 1911
This has been a lovely day, we went as far as Toledo with Clyde on his way
back to Columbus or rather met him and Grace (who would become my grandparents),
who came down on an excursion, Ethel's family came over and we ate our lunch
and spent a little time together at the park before they had to start back
at 4-30
Jason went but Ralph took us to the car then went up town and met us at
the car again then took the same car back up town. We were both about sick
when we got back.
Thursday, Oct. 19, 1911
Pa and Ralph husked corn this A.M. after coming back from helping Dan with
his horse that got down in the barn. Pa went to B.G. to mill this afternoon
and Ralph turned the clover seed again so it will probably rain again about
tomorrow
Jason hauled beets again.
I cleaned upstairs besides the usual work, and am pretty tired Ethel and
children sent me a lovely Birthday card it being my 56th birthday. Jason
went to North Baltimore. (a little town nearby).
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 1911
The boys husked corn all day but Pa went up town this afternoon with a load
of chop-feed and got a barrel of salt and brought home the quarter of beef
we got of Manson. I ironed and did usual work. The boys went up town with
Old Bob (a horse) tonight. We got a letter from Ethel the children
ar'n't a bit well they are having bad colds.
Thursday, Nov. 30, 1911
This is Thanksgiving but they came and finished our shredding then went
to Harves but our men came over home to eat Turkey with us at dinner and
supper.
It has been a very nice day but a little cold.
John and Anna went up town in the evening but I kept Babe.
Monday, Dec. 25, 1911
Christmas day and a very nice day but no snow so it was a green Xmas. They
finished husking this afternoon and we are all very glad of it. Jims folks
came down to his fathers to dinner he went back but she and the children
came over here tonight, to spent the week all together.
Tuesday, Dec. 26, 1911
We fixed up a little tree for the kiddies after they went to bed last night
and they were very much delighted with it this morning, Little Dorothy's
hand that she burned so bad Sunday bothers her quite a good deal she didn't
rest good last night and Ethel is nearly tired out today. Johnny came over
from Luckey tonight and Ralph went up and they went to the Lodge together.
Sunday, Dec. 31, 1911
Jim came down this morning and Jason brought Lorena and we had our turkey
dinner today instead of New Year. then Ethel's folks went home this evening.
It was rather warm this A.M. but turned real cold and windy and was freezing
by noon. The youngsters had a very good time and watched the old year out.
Monday, Jan. 1, 1912
I must begin spoiling the pages of another little diary given me by the
two little boys Christmas. I shall have to stop calling them that I suppose.
I hope I may be able to write something of interest this year. Clyde and
Grace went back to their schools this P.M. Ralph took them and staid up
for evening, Jason took Lorena home. Johnny's are still here or I should
be very lonesome.
Tuesday, Jan. 9, 1912
The gas was gone again this morning and they have to fuss with it a good
deal today and left a fire near the place where it freezes the worse so
it won't bother tonight for it is terrible cold and has been all day way
below zero and blowing a perfect blizzard and the sun was shining most of
the time while it was blowing the snow that fell yesterday in sheets through
the air. All staid near the fire today.
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 1912
We churned and did the usual work and I sewed rags I have the rags ready
to send away as soon as I can find a weaver to send them too, but I will
keep on at the hit and miss till I send them away, I sewed 1 1/2 lbs. Jason
didn't get home till this A.M. so only took one load of corn. It has been
another bad snowy day. Ralph hasn't tried to go out any thhis week it has
been so bad.
Sunday, Feb. 11, 1912
This has been quite a good day but we couldn't get round to go to church
so went up to Manson's for dinner Had a dandy dinner, his mouth is getting
better where he hurt it on the clothes-line. Jason staid alone till the
middle of the afternoon then went up to town. It is snowing hard tonight.
Tuesday, Feb 27, 1912
This is the day of all day to Jason and Lorena, they were married at noon
then took the train at one for Hillsdale Mich. I did a large washing then
Pa and I went up town to a doings at the church called a winter picnic.
I was very tired though. They delivered Jasons goods today as they was afraid
it was going to break up, but it is getting colder. Johnny phoned that Babe
is getting on fairly well.
Tuesday, Mar 5, 1912
Jason and Lorena staid in their own little house which was all ready for
them but came down for breakfast after that Ralph and Gene both went down
and helped them straighten up the house then in P.M. they took her home
and got a few more things they needed and went to keeping house in earnest.
Dora staid here and Jack went with Ralph to the Lodge tonight. we went down
to Jason's a little while.
Sunday, Mar 17, 1912
It begins to look very much like breaking up and how we wish it would be,
nothing but snow and ice to be seen every where except where the snow was
thinner there it has thawed and got muddy but there are banks as high as
the fences in lots of places and the fields look like ponds frozen over
the children were skating over them yesterday. Pa went down to Ethels this
morning and will stay all night.
Friday, Apr 12, 1912
It has been dark and rainy looking and thundered a little all day till toward
evening it went to raining quite hard, the boys had to stop plowing about
5-oclock, then they went to clipping Old Bob. Lorena came up and brought
her embroidery and we worked together they stayed to supper. pa sprayed
trees till his stuff run out then he churned for me. A letter from Ethel
says the children are better.
Monday, Apr. 15, 1912
This has been a lovely day for any kind of work but rather windy this afternoon
an ideal wash day and every one round here improved it. I washed my blankets
and upstairs curtains. Pa and R.E. worked at the fence all forenoon and
Jason disced on Goodenoughs but the boys went to putting in the oats at
home this P.M. and Pa went to the shop and worked at fence. The boys and
Lorena went down to John Johnsons this evening. The great ship the Titanic
sunk, loss 1,634 lives.
Friday, May 17, 1912
They plowed up on H.G.s this A.M. and as it was a little wet we all went
up to B.G. in the P.M. and stayed to see Pres. Taft, it made it late home
as his train was late but we felt repaid for it. Pa and I got our suppers
at the Restaurant but the kids didn't and Jason had the sick headache, it
was rather cold and windy. There were about 5,000 to see Taft. Laura has
a new little boy.
Tuesday, May 22, 1912
Clyde went back for Commencement this morning. Pa and Jason and Dan went
up to vote this P.M. Johnny phoned from B.G. that he hadn't found any place
yet. It has beenb awful warm today but has turned cooler tonight and looks
lots like rain. Lorena came up this P.M. and we sat in the swing and worked
most of the afternoon. They staid to supper.
Friday, June 21, 1912
We did two more churnings this morning 25 lbs. It rained a little last night
and it was a little wet to cultivate so Jason and Lo. picked cherries, after
Pa churned he hoed in the garden but they cultivated this P.M. and we canned
8 qts. more cherries and I got my butter ready for tomorrow 47 lbs. My young
turkey came off with 14 little turks.
Thursday, July 4, 1912
It has been a very nice 4th. Pa and I staid at home. He picked a pail of
cherries and I canned 7qts and 4 of berries. the youngsters all went to
the club-house this P.M. and took their supper along with Orley and wife.
Pa raked and bunched up the hay.
Saturday, July 13, 1912
Oh! what a warm day this has been but threatens rain some and did rain some
Pa isn't so well, had fever all night and Clyde took him to see the Dr.
this A.M. He says he must keep quiet for there is danger of typhoid. Clyde
and Grace delivered the butter this P.M. he got some towels and muslin to
make pillow-cases. he got a dispatch from Toledo tonight that he had passed
(the state board dental exam)
Saturday, July 20, 1912
Well we have had quite a mix-up this afternoon, I was trying to get ready
for town, when Clyde was going to take Mabel over to get her shod and left
her standing and stepped in the house a minute when she found she wasn't
tied she got the start of him, upset the buggy and got away from it and
ran. They found her on the Dunbridge road. No damage done except the buggy
broken some. The boys took her and rig to the shop.
Sunday, July 21, 1912
It rained quite hard this morning early quite a thunderstorm, no one went
to church. Jason and Lorena went up to Floyds. Clyde went up town tonight.
no one came and we all had a sleep this afternoon as no one slept well last
night except the kiddies as we were feeling rather nervous and bad over
the accident each one feeling ourselves to blame in some way.
Wednesday, Aug 7, 1912
Coen's furniture Auto took Clydes things and came in this way and took what
he had here with him-self included and went to his new office in Toledo.
It has been trying to rain today and has finally succeeded and has rained
hard tonight they are still hauling manure. I tore out 3 aprons.
Monday, Aug 26, 1912
My but we had a hard thunderstorm last night tho it didn't rain scarcely
any but the lightning and thunder was awful. Clyde and Hazel (Ethel's
daughter) went back to Toledo this A.M. and we are all alone and it
seems rather lonesome. It is the first we've been alone, Pa and I, since
in June. Jason commenced hauling H.G's corn, brought his new push cart home.
Pa went over this P.M. to help thresh at John Opperman's. I washed and baked
etc etc.
Tuesday, Sept. 3, 1912
I washed, baked bread and pies and tended the churning and feel awfully
tired tonight. Pa and Jason went up to vote on the Constitutional Amendments.
Lorena was up this P.M. She is feeling rather tired from her trip and don't
feel like doing much. It seems quite a little cooler than it has been.
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 1912
Pa and I went to the Fair today had a lovely day and a very good time the
crowd was rather small so we had a good chance to see things. Mrs. Crass
and I got good seats where we could everthing going on nicely, the passing
crowds the Balloon, the Acrobats etc etc. A baby girl came to Floyds and
Lorena went up there for the day. Jason cut corn for Harve then went up
after her tonight.
Monday, Oct. 14, 1912
Poor little Dorothy has been real sick this afternoon with quite a high
fever. Aunt Em was here to get some cucumbers, apples, etc. Phoebe Wilson
and Mains girls came over to get some apples too. Ellsworth was here again
with his aluminum ware again. Teddy R. was shot tonight but hope not seriously,
he made his speech before he gave up to go to the hospital to have anything
done.
Saturday, Oct. 19, 1912
This is my 57 Birthday but am working just as hard as I did 20 years ago.
I got two postcards from Ethel and the children and Anna sent me a letter
with a lovely crochet jabot which is something I have always wanted. I worked
all day and feel nearly sick with a pain in the back of my neck and head.
Gene came out to Jasons. Lorena went down to meet her. Jason went back to
hauling but it real wet and cold.
Monday, Nov. 11, 1912
I did a large washing today. Jason phoned for gene to come back as Lorena
is feeling very badly today and she came on the 1:16 car, she was better
this P.M. but is worse this evening again.
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 1912
Well I was up all night and am feeling pretty bummy tonight. Jasons had
a little boy come to them this morning at about 3:30 and as it is premature
about six weeks it is a very little, weak little mite of a baby and they
have to be very careful with it in order to get it started. Laura and little
ones came down this afternoon a while. Johnnies folks came tonight, they
were all surprised as well as ourselves.
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 1912
Anna insisted that I go up and get my comforter cloth and batting so she
could help me while she was here so Pa and I went up this P.M. and got that,
and linoleum for the kitchen, she kept the children and did the work. Ralph
came out for dinner and he and Johnny helped husk awhile then he went back
and John to Toledo, they stopped to see the baby. A little girl was born
to Ethel and Jim this evening.
Thursday, Nov. 28, 1912
Well another Thanksgiving has gone by. John and Anna came and Jason brought
Lorena up in the buggy to eat dinner, so they were all here but Ethel's
family, Zoe (John and Anna's little girl) and Baby Hugh. Mrs. Abbott
(Lorena's mother) stayed and took care of him and we sent her Thanksgiving
dinner down to her. John and Anna and Ralph had to go back tonight to go
to work in the morning. Clyde and Grace went up town tonight.
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 1912
It has been a much nicer day than yesterday, rather cloudy but hasn't rained,
a good day for husking shock corn. I washed, churned and got my table-cloth
nearly hem-stitched Mrs. Abbott ws in this P.M. and phoned to the Dr. about
the baby. he is doing so poorly, so little and poor and Jason had to go
up tonight and get some medicine for him and some different food.
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 1912
This has been another lovely day and Pa and I went up town and spent quite
a little time shopping and went down and visited with Freed a little while,
and went down to Mansons (Pa's brother) but they had just started
out to Laura's to spend Xmas. I got a card from Grace saying she couldn't
come out.
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 1912
Well we have had an ideal Christmas with enough snow remaining to call it
a green Xmas. Ethels folks all came down to Christmas dinner at his folks
and came over here tonight. Jim went on home but they staid R.E. came down
tonight. Pa and I took dinner with Jasons and came back and fixed up a tree
for the kiddies. The children got us a lovely gas lamp. Jason set it up
and had it burning when we got up without our knowing it. Lorena and Jason
brought the baby up awhile for the first today.
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 1912
I washed and did my baking for tomorrow, swept and straitened up. Jasons
went up town tonight and I kept the baby then they stayed right here when
they came back. Pa went and met Anna and Babe at the car John and Clyde
went on to town and came back with Ralph. Pa and the boys finished up the
husking today. I got a letter from Hattie (Naomi's sister) saying
she couldn't come now. Well, well, this ends another year.
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