Sarah Jane Norton Diaries: An Emigrant's Life in Ypsilanti

In the spring of 1864, 24-year-old Sarah Jane Norton, her 28-year-old husband Austin, and the couple's infant son Charlie emigrated from Sharon Springs, New York, to Ypsilanti. Sarah kept a diary over the next 43 years until her death in November of 1906. Her 1864 diary will be serialized here during 2012. To see all entries to date, see the "Sarah Jane Norton" tag at bottom.

At left she is pictured in 1888 at age 49. Introduction to the Norton family.

3/18/1864: Ironed today

3/19/1864: Father, Mother, Charlie and I were over to Mr. Millingtons today visiting Aut would not go I had a very good visit Charlie stuck close to me all day. It was very cold

3/20/1864: Father and I went to Church Ma and Aut stayed home and took care of Charlie

3/21/1864: Washed. Had some calls

3/22/1864: Down to the store and traded some. I have plenty of sewing geting Aut ready for summer Nelly Davis and her man called he is going of tomorrow to join his regiment

3/23/1864: Charlie's arm is working nicely. he is breaking out with the chicken pox

3/24/1864: We had not been to bed but a little while last night when Charlie was taken very sick I was up with him all night. he did not sleep more then fifteen minutes at a time all night his neck is swelling it looks like the mumps

These diaries were written by Sarah Jane Norton and are the property of the Norton Family. They may be used and reproduced for genealogical and historical purposes only. No commercial use is allowed without the express, written permission of Dennis Norton and no charge may be made for, nor income derived from their use.

Sarah Jane Norton Diaries: Arrived in Ypsilanti

In the spring of 1864, 24-year-old Sarah Jane Norton, her 28-year-old husband Austin, and the couple's infant son Charlie emigrated from Sharon Springs, New York, to Ypsilanti. Sarah kept a diary over the next 43 years until her death in November of 1906. Her 1864 diary will be serialized here during 2012. To see all entries to date, see the "Sarah Jane Norton" tag at bottom.

At left she is pictured in 1888 at age 49. Introduction to the Norton family.

3/11/1864: Ma is not very well she has pain in her head a great deal she has grown some fleashey since she left Sharon

3/12/1864: Ypsilanti is a very pleasand palce our nicely situated our folks are very nicely situated

3/13/1864: Aut took care of Charlie and the rest of us went to Church We did not any of us go this evning

3/14/1864: Washed. Ma took care of Chalie

3/15/1864: I am making Aut some blue shirts to work in he thinks he cannot get work here. We were vaxinated to day. there is a good many cases of the smallpox

3/16/1864: [no entry]

3/17/1864: Father Aut and I went to Aunt Lucindas this forenoon we did not intend to stay long but they would have us stay untill after dinner Charlie and ma stayed home

These diaries were written by Sarah Jane Norton and are the property of the Norton Family. They may be used and reproduced for genealogical and historical purposes only. No commercial use is allowed without the express, written permission of Dennis Norton and no charge may be made for, nor income derived from their use.

Sarah Jane Norton Diaries: "Baked some to take on the road to Ypsilanti"

In the spring of 1864, 24-year-old Sarah Jane Norton, her 28-year-old husband Austin, and the couple's infant son Charlie emigrated from Sharon Springs, New York, to Ypsilanti. Sarah kept a diary over the next 43 years until her death in November of 1906. Her 1864 diary will be serialized here during 2012. To see all entries to date, see the "Sarah Jane Norton" tag at bottom.

At left she is pictured in 1888 at age 49. Introduction to the Norton family.

3/4/1864: Baked some to take on the road to Ypsilanti Charlie is not very well Albert came home from Rochester. he went up to Mr Sprongs and stayed till one o'clock then he came home and slept on the floor untill morning

3/5/1864: Washed, picking up a little every day so that I will not have so much to do next week Albert started for his regiment it is hard to have him go again such is war friends must part

3/6/1864: Lib Smith called in the forenon. We went George Smiths and took dinner we were agoing to stay all night but Charlie was to sick

3/7/1864: commenced packing this morning Charlie is not well at all he takes cold so very easy Susy Stafford helped take care of Charlie I could not do much we were agoing to stay Johan Moaks if Charlie had been well enough we took dinner to Mr Staffords went to Mother Nortons and stayed all night

3/8/1864: Charlie was sick all night I was up with him from half past twelve he coughed so hoarse we did not know but what he woud have the croup I stayed up and doctred him and he got better Aut and I called to John Moaks the[y] are disappointed because we do not stay there

3/9/1864: Charlie is quite smart today we started for ypsilanti at half past eaght we went to Canapharie in a wagon We took the 8 o clock express

3/10/1864: We rode all night on the cars We crossed the suspension bridge about midnight it was so dark I could not see much Charlie slept good we had a double seat and laid him on one of them we crossed on the ferry boat to Detroit. we arrived at Ypsilanti at noon it was raining father was waiting for us

These diaries were written by Sarah Jane Norton and are the property of the Norton Family. They may be used and reproduced for genealogical and historical purposes only. No commercial use is allowed without the express, written permission of Dennis Norton and no charge may be made for, nor income derived from their use.

Sarah Jane Norton Diaries: Preparing to Leave Sharon Springs, NY

In the spring of 1864, 24-year-old Sarah Jane Norton, her 28-year-old husband Austin, and the couple's infant son Charlie emigrated from Sharon Springs, New York, to Ypsilanti. Sarah kept a diary over the next 43 years until her death in November of 1906. Her 1864 diary will be serialized here during 2012. To see all entries to date, see the "Sarah Jane Norton" tag at bottom.

At left she is pictured in 1888 at age 49. Introduction to the Norton family.

2/26/1864: Rained Aut went hunting and shot a rabbit Josh an Flora were here to tea Charlie was quite sick again this afternoon

2/27/1864: Snowed it looks as though we were a going to have sleighing

2/28/1864: Raind to day we were to Floras this afternoon took tea there Charlie acts like himself again to day. Aut spent the evening to home

2/29/1864: Washed. Mother Norton Elma and Mrs Spong were here to look at our things We think we will go west a week from Tuesday or Wednesday

3/1/1864: Hung up my clothes this morning then I went to Jack Smiths a little before noon. Mrs Lingered and Mrs Best were Charly was very cross he has a cold and cutting teeth

3/2/1864: Went to George Fondas Eve was home and Bettesy Like was there Charlie worried some

3/3/1864: Aut read till after two last Charlie woke up early. I got up at five and finished ironing I went to Mrs Wilds this forenoon and John Harppers this afternoon drawed Charlie in his wagon

These diaries were written by Sarah Jane Norton and are the property of the Norton Family. They may be used and reproduced for genealogical and historical purposes only. No commercial use is allowed without the express, written permission of Dennis Norton and no charge may be made for, nor income derived from their use.

Sarah Jane Norton Diaries: Sharon Springs, NY

In the spring of 1864, 24-year-old Sarah Jane Norton, her 28-year-old husband Austin, and the couple's infant son Charlie emigrated from Sharon Springs, New York, to Ypsilanti. Sarah kept a diary over the next 43 years until her death in November of 1906. Her 1864 diary will be serialized here during 2012. To see all entries to date, see the "Sarah Jane Norton" tag at bottom.

At left she is pictured in 1888 at age 49. Introduction to the Norton family.

2/19/1864: We started at ten this morning for Charleston and arrived there a two* at was very cold but we did not suffer we found them well Lib, Albert and the others went to a society in the evening we stayed uncle Charles all night

[*four hours to travel 15 miles as the crow flies; less than 4 miles an hour]

2/20/1864: Albert, Nelson Austin Mary Lib and I went Uncle Billy Chamber's in forenoon we took dinner there in the afternoon Aut went to Mill Point to see Kate and the rest of us went uncle Rob's Ira is very low. we went Uncle Charles in the evening the young folks went to the hollow Phebe and her husband made down

2/21/1864: Went to Pheobes in the morning. Uncle Charles and Rhod were there to eve stayed to dinner and started for home 1/2 past one it thawed and the roads were not very good bad time for takeing cold we got home all safe a little after four

[it only took around three hours to make the trip home to Sharon Springs, leaving right after "dinner" (lunch); did the party stop for a picnic lunch on the way out?]

2/22/1864: My throt is soror on botle sickes [?]. Mary Moak visited here this after noon Aut and Josh are agoing to set up with George to night

2/23/1864: Charly came very near having the Croup last nigh. I went to Georges after but I did not like to be alone with him Earnest Bowen Bowen and John Whites boys were here to day

2/24/1864: [no entry]

2/25/1864: Mss Georege Fonda was here a little while this afternoon I sold her my gdas [?] dishes Flora called this evening Charly was quite sick this forenoon

These diaries were written by Sarah Jane Norton and are the property of the Norton Family. They may be used and reproduced for genealogical and historical purposes only. No commercial use is allowed without the express, written permission of Dennis Norton and no charge may be made for, nor income derived from their use.

Sarah Jane Norton Diaries: Sharon Springs, NY

In the spring of 1864, 24-year-old Sarah Jane Norton, her 28-year-old husband Austin, and the couple's infant son Charlie emigrated from Sharon Springs, New York, to Ypsilanti. Sarah kept a diary over the next 43 years until her death in November of 1906. Her 1864 diary will be serialized here during 2012. To see all entries to date, see the "Sarah Jane Norton" tag at bottom.

At left she is pictured in 1888 at age 49. Introduction to the Norton family.

2/12/1864: Mary Jane sent word that they were coming a visiting in the afternoon I had to work to get ready Em Henson called between 10 and one Mary Jane were here in the afternoon. Johan Whites wife and Mrs Schuyler and Irena Smith called

2/13/1864: Flora and I went up to Em's this foornon (forenoon). I we stayed untill five o'clock Aut work for Jake Antony in the woods

2/14/1864: Albert came home this fornoon. Delos Jones was with him. the both stayed all night

2/15/1864: Washed. Albert here today

2/16/1864: Town meeting. Harlow's wife was here visiting. They were both here to tea

2/17/1864: Albert and I were agoing to uncle Bens to day but it stoomed and was to cold to take the baby

2/28/1864: Albert hired Mr Schuylers team for three days. for six dollars to go to Charleston [New York] Aut and I and Lib Smith are going

Note: Charleston, NY is about 15 miles from Sharon Springs as the crow flies.

These diaries were written by Sarah Jane Norton and are the property of the Norton Family. They may be used and reproduced for genealogical and historical purposes only. No commercial use is allowed without the express, written permission of Dennis Norton and no charge may be made for, nor income derived from their use.

Sarah Jane Norton Diaries: Sharon Springs, NY

In the spring of 1864, 24-year-old Sarah Jane Norton, her 28-year-old husband Austin, and the couple's infant son Charlie emigrated from Sharon Springs, New York, to Ypsilanti. Sarah kept a diary over the next 43 years until her death in November of 1906. Her 1864 diary will be serialized here during 2012. To see all entries to date, see the "Sarah Jane Norton" tag at bottom.

At left she is pictured in 1888 at age 49. Introduction to the Norton family.


2/5/1864: Elma came for us to go to Mr Vooreses. but I thought I would wait untill Almire came here

2/6/1864: Eve Vansaltinberg came here this afternoon. I sold her my carpet-rags Albert came about 4ockock. I very glad to see him. I was so glad I did not know whether to cry or laugh. he has enlisted again for three years I am sorry. he had been home but a little while he gave me 58 dollars and ring that he paid 2 for he did not go to bed till after ten

2/7/1864; We sat up with George last night I set up untill three, then Aut got up and I went to bed Albert went to Uncle Bens, Aut went as far as Henry Smiths with him

2/8/1864: Washed the flanel to day. I had a good many and I thought I would divide it.

2/9/1864: Aut work for Jake Anthony Albert a Delos came between ten and eleven I was washing my white clothes they stayed a little while. then went down to Gardnersville to see [Sile]. I Irond part of my clothes this afternoon. Chalie as very cross I do not believe he is very well

2/10/1864: finished Ironing and baked some Albert an Caroline Noyes came a little before noon. I got dinner at three. Aut was down street allmost all day We were to Mr. Collins donation this evening to Rockville. there were a great many there he got 188 dollars. Albert and his couses [cousins?] were there we had charlie with us he was good. we got home half past 10

2/11/1864: Went to the stoar this morning. Albert did not get up untill nine o'clock then he went of with Seth Merenus and Barny Davis

These diaries were written by Sarah Jane Norton and are the property of the Norton Family. They may be used and reproduced for genealogical and historical purposes only. No commercial use is allowed without the express, written permission of Dennis Norton and no charge may be made for, nor income derived from their use.

Sarah Jane Norton Diaries: Sharon Springs, NY

In the spring of 1864, 24-year-old Sarah Jane Norton, her 28-year-old husband Austin, and the couple's infant son Charlie emigrated from Sharon Springs, New York, to Ypsilanti. Sarah kept a diary over the next 43 years until her death in November of 1906. Her 1864 diary will be serialized here during 2012. To see all entries to date, see the "Sarah Jane Norton" tag at bottom.

At left she is pictured in 1888 at age 49. Introduction to the Norton family.


1/29/1864: Aut work in the woods day

1/30/1864: Albert is coming home soon he is in New York

1/31/1864: Rains and freezes [ah] so splpery one can hardly stand up Charly is begining run alone

2/1/1864 & 2/2/1864: [is Charlie writing "sick" here? on behalf of his mother]


2/3/1864: Mr. Wort had his donation to day. we were going. but we could get no shoes for Charlie to wear I tried to make a pair and spoils them Aut wanted me to go and he would take care of Charlie. but I did not want to

2/4/1864: Spent the evning George Fondes. Tad and Elma were there we had a good visit it is a good place to go a visiting. Charlie was good we did not get home till most twelve

These diaries were written by Sarah Jane Norton and are the property of the Norton Family. They may be used and reproduced for genealogical and historical purposes only. No commercial use is allowed without the express, written permission of Dennis Norton and no charge may be made for, nor income derived from their use.

Sarah Jane Norton Diaries: Sharon Springs, NY

In the spring of 1864, 24-year-old Sarah Jane Norton, her 28-year-old husband Austin, and the couple's infant son Charlie emigrated from Sharon Springs, New York, to Ypsilanti. Sarah kept a diary over the next 43 years until her death in November of 1906. Her 1864 diary will be serialized here during 2012. To see all entries to date, see the "Sarah Jane Norton" tag at bottom.

At left she is pictured in 1888 at age 49. Introduction to the Norton family.


1/22/1864: Ironed at home all day Flora called this evening Aut to work and boards from home. he has boarded from home but a very little since we have been married

1/23/1864: Pleasant. Charlie has been very cross today I do not think he is very well. Received a letter from Ypsilanti to day our folks seem to be well pleased at the idea of our coming out there Mr. Scrum was busied to day

1/24/1864: I was going to Church but it thawed so that I could not go Aut was running down street a back he was home in the evening Marie and Mary J Smith called

1/25/1864: Thawing yet Aut is to work for R Hanson to day I washed. Charlie was very cross he is more trouble than he used to be. full of mischief to, as he can sh[r]iek I went to the stoar and left Charlie with Mrs. Stoffor[d].

1/26/1864: Aut is chopping Lenard Larpunge and boards home. but I do not mind a little more work it is plesanter to have him here at meal time than to eat alone. Mr D Potter has his donation to night. we do not go. he is to much of a Loafer Flora was here this afternoon Mary Moak called this evening

1/27/1864: I was going to Marie's to day and Mother Norton sent for me to come there and visit with Mr and Mrs [Work] the Lutheran minister and wife Edhna and Flora were there I had a good visit

1/28/1864: Went to Marias Aut called for one when he came from his work thawing very fast

These diaries were written by Sarah Jane Norton and are the property of the Norton Family. They may be used and reproduced for genealogical and historical purposes only. No commercial use is allowed without the express, written permission of Dennis Norton and no charge may be made for, nor income derived from their use.

Sarah Jane Norton Diaries: Sharon Springs, NY

In the spring of 1864, 24-year-old Sarah Jane Norton, her 28-year-old husband Austin, and the couple's infant son Charlie emigrated from Sharon Springs, New York, to Ypsilanti. Sarah kept a diary over the next 43 years until her death in November of 1906. Her 1864 diary will be serialized here during 2012. To see all entries to date, see the "Sarah Jane Norton" tag at bottom.

At left she is pictured in 1888 at age 49. Introduction to the Norton family.


1/15/1864: we are having good going there is a g[r]eat deal traveling

1/16/1864: I felt little better today Mrs J Mallet was here visiting this afternoon

1/17/1864: Did not go to church up to Floras a little while Aut don't like to taek care of Charlie very well and let me go

1/18/1864: I did not wash to day I was glad I did not get it for about ten oclock Anna Wills came and stayed till four. rained this afternoon Aut went hunting and shot a Rabbit

1/19/1864: Raind hard Aut went hunting did not get any thing but a good soaking Eve Ann Van Wantinberg and Lizzie Lingerd visited here this afternoon. the old saying is that if one has company on mondy they will have all of the week it looks like it now

1/20/1864: Washed. had a large wash Aut helped some. there was a town meeting to day on the hill Aut bought a peck of walnuts they are very nice ones. two dollars a bushel. Flora was here this afternoon. Lib Smith and Anna Wills called this evening

1/21/1864: Aut is choping for Theadore today. I spent the day to Floras and her mothers

These diaries were written by Sarah Jane Norton and are the property of the Norton Family. They may be used and reproduced for genealogical and historical purposes only. No commercial use is allowed without the express, written permission of Dennis Norton and no charge may be made for, nor income derived from their use.

Sarah Jane Norton Diaries: Sharon Springs, NY

In the spring of 1864, 24-year-old Sarah Jane Norton, her 28-year-old husband Austin, and the couple's infant son Charlie emigrated from Sharon Springs, New York, to Ypsilanti. Sarah kept a diary over the next 43 years until her death in November of 1906. At left she is pictured in 1888 at age 49. Introduction to the Norton family.

1/8/1864: My ride home yesterday was much pleasanter than going down. I never was so pleased in my life as I was when I found out out that he was not going back their names were not called on and came home. it seemed good to get home again. I could not feel like stayin home while he was gone.

1/9/1864: when we came home everything was froze up that could freeze my dishes were dirty that eat breakfast of from Tuesday morning I did not care whether they were washed or not [Natom] Eldridge was busied to [dat] is very sickly

1/10/1864: I have taken a bad cold. I cannot tell how we are having quite cold weather

1/11/1864: I have such a bad cold I did not wash Aut has a cold to he got out see for Teadore Smith to day. he says he is a going to work all he can stay home nights and save his money

1/12/1864: Aut worked for The half of day George Fonda and his wife spent the evening here George has the western feaver as well as we have but his wife does not want to go

1/13/1864: I am alone Aut is chopping for Teadore Smith I took tea up to Mother Nortons this evening

1/14/1864: I such a cough and cold that I feel to lazy to stir. Josh and Flora came home from Albany today they both of them almost sick with a cold

These diaries were written by Sarah Jane Norton and are the property of the Norton Family. They may be used and reproduced for genealogical and historical purposes only. No commercial use is allowed without the express, written permission of Dennis Norton and no charge may be made for, nor income derived from their use.

Sarah Jane Norton Diaries: Sharon Springs, NY

In the spring of 1864, 24-year-old Sarah Jane Norton, her 28-year-old husband Austin, and the couple's infant son Charlie emigrated from Sharon Springs, New York, to Ypsilanti. Sarah kept a diary over the next 43 years until her death in November of 1906.

Her 1864 diary will be serialized here during 2012. To see all entries to date, see the "Sarah Jane Norton" tag at bottom.

At left she is pictured in 1888 at age 49. Introduction to the Norton family.

In January of 1864, Sarah's first diary begins with her life in Sharon Springs. In just two months she will leave home for Ypsilanti, where her mother already resides. Sarah's diary is reproduced as faithfully as possible, with no changes to spelling, grammar, or the like.

1/1/1864: Quite cold. at home all day. we expected uncle Jo [after] us but he did not come. Mary is maried and they were to have kind of a party. Thon Like called and Aut* went to [Sprongs] and got some oysters. he got home at nine. there is plenty of reding there is a dance on the hill

*Sarah's nickname for her husband Austin

1/2/1864: I received a letter from Ma [in Ypsilanti] New Years eve. they are very anxious to have us come out there to live Aut talks of enlisting they get thirteen hundred dollars bounty. quite and inducement Lib Smith and Anna Wills called to day

1/3/1864: Aut keeps talking about enlisting I dont want him to go. but I tell him if he really wants to go he can

1/4/1864: Washed. Aut went of this morning he did not tell me where he was going [hid] did not come home till night. he was hoping for [Add] Parmby then he went on the hill and did not come back till nine then he said he had enlisted it of no use to discribe any feelings we did no sleep much

1/5/1864: Aut got up early. we had breakfast before daylight I felt as though it might be last meal I would have to get for him he had to go at nine. so soon before he could settle up his business it was a trying time when he kissed [his son] Charly and me as it seemed for the last time I stayed to John Moaks all night

1/6/1864: Kate came to Johs this morning I was agoing to Lad's but I thought I would wait till till tomorrow I would give all of thirteen hundred if I had it to get Aut back agan. this is trouble that I never had before. I was so disappointed I thought he would get a furlough and be home to night but he did not. I went home with kate and stayed all night

1/7/1864: Was going to Lad's and Eve sent for one to go to Albany with she was agoing to see her father we were afrid they would not get home again we went with th[e] mail it was very cold I bundled up Charlie so that he did not take any cold. while we were waiting at the depot, the eastern train came and the sharon boys got off the cars

These diaries were written by Sarah Jane Norton and are the property of the Norton Family. They may be used and reproduced for genealogical and historical purposes only. No commercial use is allowed without the express, written permission of Dennis Norton and no charge may be made for, nor income derived from their use.

Introduction to the Sarah Jane Norton Diaries

In the spring of 1864, 24-year-old Sarah Jane Norton, her 28-year-old husband Austin, and the couple's infant son Charlie emigrated from Sharon Springs, New York, to Ypsilanti. Sarah kept a diary over the next 43 years until her death in November of 1906. At left she is pictured in 1888 at age 49.

The family's story is detailed in a 2006 Gleanings article by Austin, Dorothy, Cindy, and Dennis Norton. An excerpt from the story gives some background on the Norton family:

Toward the end of the Civil War, Austin and Sarah Jane Knapp Norton and their young son Charles got the “western fever” as it was called then, and migrated westward from Sharon Springs, New York. They arrived in Ypsilanti on March 10, 1864, to the open arms of Sarah's mother who had already moved to Ypsilanti some years before. Sarah's father, Lucius Knapp had passed away sometime prior to 1862, and Sarah's mother, Zada Jones Knapp then married Timothy Showerman a member of another long time Ypsilanti family. Timothy was the widower of Zada's sister Eunice. Also living in Ypsilanti at the time Sarah and Austin came from New York were two of Sarah's aunts, Lucinda Jones Casey, and Mary Jones Elliott. Lucinda was the wife of Sam Casey who had a large farm on Prospect near Clark Road, and Mary was the wife of Parmer Elliott. A third aunt, Eunice Jones had married Timothy Showerman and was living in Ypsilanti at the time of her death in 1862.

As was not too uncommon in those times, Zada, the widow of Lucius Knapp, and Timothy, the widower of Zada's sister Eunice, married in 1862 and were living in Ypsilanti in 1864. It is interesting to note that Nathalie Elliot Edmunds, a well known Ypsilantian, is a direct descendant of Mary Jones Elliot. So at one point in the late 1850s and early 1860s, four of the Jones sisters, Zada, Eunice, Mary and Lucinda were all living in Ypsilanti, having moved there some years before from Amsterdam, New York, just west of Albany.

After moving to Ypsilanti, Austin Norton worked as a stone and brick mason constructing cellars and chimneys. He built the foundations for many buildings which are still in existence. The diaries list the names of many well known Ypsilanti families for whom Austin built foundations and in some instances entire buildings. These include Elliott, Gilmore, Kirk, Cornwell, Dusbiber, Meanwell, Bassett, Lamb, Ellis, Lawrence and more.

Austin and Sarah's son Frank founded the Norton Flower business in 1892. The business would be continued for five generations in the family until the retirement of Austin and Dennis Norton in 1998, when the concern was transferred to the company's management team.

The 1864 diary is one of the oldest in the Archive's diary collection. It offers a rare look at late Civil War-era Ypsilanti. Over the next year Dusty Diary is serializing Sarah Jane Norton's 1864 diary with the permission of its current owner. Read along to learn about the life of this 24-year-old mother making a life for her family in an unfamiliar Michigan town over a thousand miles from her childhood home.