Where was Oshkosh, Dakota Territory?

Lizzie Davie was my grandfather’s older sister, born in 1854.  In August of 1877, she was there. Lizzie was a young woman when she died, in her 30s. (Mom thought she might have had tuberculosis.)

We have a couple of pages she wrote, when she was a new teacher, away from home, and homesick. She has only a handful of “scholars,” as she calls them. She mentions some contacts, by name. My favorite description is “Freddie the torment.” All we who teach have felt her pain, at many points in our careers.
(See scanned originals, below.)

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August 4th, 1877

Well, I did not teach yesterday, I stayed home to wash, that is, I am at Mrs Moscrip’s, today is Saturday, I do wish I could go home… I get so tired staying two weeks at a time. Only two scholars so far. I made up my mind that I would not have any more this term, well, I guess I could get along very well without them. I work more fancy work than I should otherwise.

August 6th, 1877

Hurrah, I am in my elements today. I thought they would come to their senses pretty quick if I held my tongue.

I have five scholars. This morning, I declare, I don’t know how it will agree with me having them all at once. I guess I will have to have a straight jacket on. I feel better satisfied this morning anyway; I shall try to teach them to the best of my abilities.

August 7th, 1877

All’s well on the Dixon place today, five scholars on the roll. I hope I can get home Saturday, I am tired and homesick.

Today is my mother’s birthday. How I wish I could go home. I would like to make her a present of something nice. Well, I wonder if I shall live ’til I am forty-eight. That is my mother’s age.

What would become of me if I did not have a mother to look after me and take care of me in trouble. I do not like being away from home teaching. I would much rather stay at home. I hope Pa can make enough to live comfortably and some to spare, in case of meeting with some needy one, and I will try to be more contented.

August 8th, 1877

Four scholars today, three girls and one boy, pretty hard lines for the boy, but I guess he will hold his own. I have to scold him considerable — he is so full of mischief that I cannot keep him still, it is an utter impossibility. He is a boy, that is saying enough.

August 9th, 1877

Today is Thursday and I have only three scholars today, Annie, Elvie, & Freddie the torment. Mrs Sabines went to town today and Gracie & Daisy had to stay at home. I expect I shall go there next week visiting. I think I shall like her better than I did at first. I hope so, anyway. She does considerable talking. I shall have to be careful what I say and how I say it. I talk too much anyway, for my own benefit. I am too wild to let run loose.

I shall try to be more discrete in my old age. They say that a young girl spoils her chance of getting married by teaching, but that does not trouble one. I am not troubled by such thoughts, though I am twenty-three, pretty well along in years, for such a young girl.

August 10th, 1877

Freddie has been sick, I should think he would be. He is a mischief, always on the go. Well, I am glad today is Friday, for I want to go home so bad. I feel quite badly lately, I don’t know why I should have the headache a good deal and I feel so weak I can hardly stand up part of the time.

I hope Pa will send for me to come home. I can hardly wait for four o’clock.

August 20th

Quite a difference between the tenth and twentieth. Well, when I get home, I don’t know when to leave, but I am glad that I have a home to go to. I have only a few scholars but I guess I can fill the bill. Of course, they ought to learn a great deal more than they would in a larger one, for I have so much more time. Well, I hope all will be satisfied if I can get any pay.

I would like to have a room full of scholars, and have maps, charts, and other necessary articles to boot.

Instead, I have three most of the time. I have neither maps, charts, nor any other man. Only three scholars at a time. I guess they are afraid of making one sick. I  must go to the Sabines tonight and see about board, or visit one or the other.

Adieu,
Lizzie Davie

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Miss Lizzie Davie
Harrisburg
Lincoln Co.
D.T.

Teacher
Town of Oshkosh
Lincoln Co.
D.T.

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My visiting list:

1. Minnie Robbins — June 9th, 1877 (young lady)

2. Dora Nichols — June 9th (young girl)

3. Mr. Husby — June 14th (gentleman)

4. Professor B. C. Jacobs — June 19th (gentleman)

5. Mr. John Robbins — July 10th (gentleman)

6. Mrs. Mary Robbins — July 13th (lady)

7. Mr. Peterson — Aug 22nd (lady)

8. Mr. John Robbins — Aug 25th (gentleman)

Mrs. John Robbins (lady)