Tuesday, January 31st, 1860

Still in Crockett and on to day had a settlement with Mrs. C.C. HALL in which which she fell in my debt [$1006.76?] and for which she executed her note which may be discharged [for land?]. I also paid to Mr. WHITLEY the balance due him for 2 yoke of oxen heretofore purchased being 80#. At home Albert did not work in consequence of the cold for the weather to day had greatly changed. The wind from the North with a heavy freeze and ice plenty. No other incident to day.

Friday, January 27th, 1860

To day Mr. WHITLEY brought home the two yokes of oxen I traded for several days ago. I paid him [20$?] on [acct.?] of the same; still owe him [80$?]. Still at work in the clearing, though but slowly. weather clear but cold with strong winds out of the North. at night a heavy black frost.

Friday, January 20th, 1860

I this day contracted with Mr. WHITLEY for 2 yoke of oxen with yokes bows rings & steeples and 1 chain all for the sum of [$150?]. Mr. WHITLEY left for the oxen which are to be delivered in a week. still clearing. done a pretty fair day's work.

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FYI . . . Oxen YOKES were made to fit the needs of a particular team. The design depended upon the shape and size of the oxen. . . . The average yoke was more nearly 45 inches wide. Beneath the yoke itself, two BOWS for the necks of the oxen were attached. The bows were usually hickory because hickory bends easily without breaking. The bows were seasoned. . . . A metal STEEPLE, usually iron, was nailed into place at the bottom of the center of the yoke. Two RINGS, one smaller than the other, were attached to the metal steeple. CHAINS, leatherstrips or, more commonly, hempen ropes were tied to the rings for pulling. All the woodwork was rough hewn with an ax or a hatchet and then smoothed with a drawing knife. The yoke was drawn on one block of wood. . . . Susie Dewey

Thursday, January 19th, 1860

To day Sam* Sharp went to Crockett. I am still at work in the clearing. Old man Keen & Mr. Whitley visited the house remaining for supper. No other incident occurring. 

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog.