The Diary of Mary Melissa [SPARKS] CLARKE on CD Disk [200+ pages]. This book was originally compiled in April 1980, by Myra Del [HODSON] MANLEY. Myra found old diaries of her great grandmother, Mary Clarke, which were transferred from 'Olde Farmer's Almanacs' into this book. It starts in July 1879, and runs up to 1897 -- almost 20 years of every day activities from the life of one who lived it. Mary begins her stories in central Iowa, at 16 years of age, and then she follows their trip by 'covered wagon' across Missouri and Kansas, to their new home near St John [Stafford County] KS. Mary marries Sam Clarke there, in 1881, and the stories continue to tell of their life and move to near Cherokee [Alfalfa County] OK. Over 500 names are given by Mary in the daily accounts of those from Sigourney IA to Aline OK. Many births, deaths, marriages, and other daily needs are written in her own handwriting. This would be a great book for anyone researching these several areas of the country. Or, for anyone who desires a 'first hand' account of pioneer life on the prairie.
CONTACT: Myra Manley, 8200 W Prospect, Ponca City OK 74601