23 1904 James and Martha with son Paul went to California Dec. 18, 1903 to be with son Homer and his wife Mary. They did not return to the farm until July 21, 1904. [Note: The California trip of James and Martha is described by Martha in a separate diary volume.] During this period Cousin Mary Murdock and Mr. Charles Baskin moved out to the farm [from Cedarville]. Between them they kept the diary up to date. Clayton was in charge of the farm operation and seemed to do a very good job. It is likely that older son Fred planned his parents extended stay in California, so that Clayton could prove his “wings” were strong enough to “fly” (to operate farm). The diary notes the day to day work on the farm–and the weather, during this time. May 2. The Reformed Presbyterian Church congregational meeting to discuss and vote on union with the United Presbyterian. Motion tabled indefinitely. June 15. Mary’s remarks about two Mormon missionaries (page 72). July 21. James and Martha and son Paul return from California visit. August 4. The MacKenzies arrive. August 8. Homer, Mary & son arrive [from California]. August 13. Jason arrived home, having been in Des Moines from Tarkio. Been away 11 months. August 20. Fred and Harlan arrive from Des Moines. This made all of the family home for about 10 days. September 5. Clayton and Jason leave for Tarkio College. September 8. The MacKenzies return to New York. September 13. A. B. Henry installed as pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Charles Baskin and son Paul enroll at Cedarville College. September 15. Clara left for Des Moines. She and Fred will attend World’s Fair at St. Louis, then she will return to her school in Philadelphia. September 16. Homer and Mary leave for Columbus where a Dr. Hunt will operate on Homer’s bad lung. October 11. They [Homer and Mary] return to the farm. December 1. Homer and Mary & baby Richard leave for a new work in Buford, Ga. December 20. Chas. Baskin goes home to So. Carolina for Christmas. December 21. Clayton home from Tarkio–Jason went to Greely, Colorado (to see Rankin sisters.) 1905 January 2. Murdock family dinner party - 25 present. January 10. Charlie Baskin returns from So. Carolina–he and Paul in Cedarville College. January 12. Clayton returns to Tarkio College. February 10. Fannie MacKenzie visits Clara in Philadelphia. February 14. Harlan starts a new work with same company but in St. Louis. March 10. Jason wins oratory contest at Tarkio. March 13. Dinner party at Silas Murdock’s - 45 guests. March 27. Clayton sick with mumps. May 4-5. Jason represents Missouri colleges in oratory contest at Monmouth, Il.
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