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Farm work has become too much for Ellen Kimberly and her husband, and they are going to retire from business and move to Salem, Henry County, Iowa. Salem has a large Seminary, with excellent teachers. Describes school accommodations and education in Iowa. Concerned that niece is socializing with a rough crowd and visiting bad neighborhoods. Mentions John Ellyson's steam saw and grist mill operation and a horse-riding accident.

Reminiscences about her time in Michigan and laments the decline of correspondence that follows marriage. Family updates and preparations for visits. Worried about Joseph Gibbons possibly moving to California. Mentions health concerns, division of family land, finances, prices of food, and the appreciation of bonnets. Notes a visiting minister from Tennessee who seems "inclined to Gurneyism" and displeasure with ministers visiting members without approval.

Compliments Rebecca's talents as a historian. Yearly Meetings will be trying until they come to a decision on “the great question” and laments the slow progress on resolving the divide. Discussion of actors on both sides of Wilburite separation, illness, and the American Medical Association at Cincinnati. Description of domestic duties, family visits, and travel.

Essay on the calm, dignity, and helpfulness of Quakers, along with their history of oppression.

Welcomes Scatergood’s visit. Included embroidered band “I love thee AS.”

Learned of H.A. Meader's safe arrival. Doing well at home and at the store. Health news, including reflections on the expected death of a local woman, her composure and family, and illness of her daughters with scarlet fever.

Approves of attending school. Attended a Quaker wedding at Richland, “quite a curiosity.”

Invitation to funeral of Friend Robert L. Pitfield.

Affectionate, joking letter to his children discussing letter-writing and education. Cautions them to ignore the "foolish bird that chirps in the bushes," and details how Native Americans attempted to avoid distractions and bad advice.

Schoolgirl’s diary noting visits, weather, and attendance at school.