[Richard Austin] Diaries, 1869, 1871, 1883

The collection consists of three bound diaries for the years 1869, 1871, and 1883, all potentially kept by Richard Austin. On the flyleaves of the 1883 volume is the name Willie L. Austin, and on the front flyleaf the additional words "Sing Sing." According to United States Census information, Willie L. Austin did live in Sing Sing, New York (now called Ossining, New York), but at the time the author kept the diaries he would have been a small child. The author is most likely Richard Austin, Willie's father, although a cursory examination of the diaries' contents does not directly state the author's name. Many of the entries mention taking a "Flo" to the village, which could refer to Flora Austin, oldest daughter of Richard. The entries consistently record when the author arose and retired, his activities--chiefly business transactions--over the course of the day, and the weather. Each volume also contains detailed monthly financial accounts. The author was evidently a very meticulous record-keeper.