An 1880s Autograph Album

In July I posted an 1890s Autograph Album that once belonged to a young lady named Millie. I love the album's illustrations, and, of course, the quotes within are delightful. Since then, I've run across more autograph albums. One belonged to my grandmother and is circa the 1930s. Most people simply signed their names in that one. A few people posted quotes, but there was none of the creativity and flowery prose that Millie's album had. A second album I found belonged to my grandfather. It had no quotes, just people's signatures and addresses. 

Not long ago I came across yet another autograph album. This one belonged to my great-great-grandfather, Frank (born in 1866). While lacking the colorful illustrations of Millie's, it did have some great signatures and notes. I'm posting it below. Enjoy!

* * * * * 

* * * * * 

To Frank   -   Kirkville Iowa

Passing through life's field of action

Lest we part before its end

Take within your modest volume

This memento from a friend

August 2 1885

* * * * * 

* * * * * 

Remember well

and keep in view the

pleasant hours I've spent

with you 

the grave will soon

be my bed 

remember me

oh when I'm dead. 

Remember me when far away 

remember me on your wedding day 

think of me when half awake 

and when you get married 

send me a piece of your wedding cake

Your friend,

Ella

* * * * * 

* * * * * 

The Green Leaves will wither

and the roots will decay

and the beauty of a fair maid

Will never die away

-Thas Green

* * * * * 

* * * * * 

Dear Frank:

Fall from the ship

fall from deck 

fall down stairs and break your neck 

fall from the starry heights above 

but never never fall in love.

D.W.

* * * * * 

* * * * *

Where's the small and simple four 

that twines around the humble colt(?)

 and in the stillness of the hour, whispers

low forget me not

I will rite by the roses 

The girls loves posies

and I do the same 

so here is my name

-Wm. Shirman

* * * * *

* * * * * 

Dec the 24 1884

To A Friend - 

[?] in your happiest hour

when sorrows are all forgot

take one lingern(sic) glance at this

and oh forget-me-not

Bettie C. Harris Lisbon

* * * * * 

* * * * *

Dear Frank,

Remember me

For Gods sake

And sent to me

Your wedding cake

Norah Huffin

* * * * *

* * * * *

To Frank - Feb 2, 1885

Forget me not forget me never

Until the golden sun has set

Forever

-Leonard Schroch

* * * * *

* * * * *

Remember me when this you see

Though I am out of sight

And I will do the same

By you with pleasure and delight

Your friend,

Annie Gardner 

(1 -30 - 1889)

* * * * *

* * * * *

Jan the 3 '83

When the evening sun is setting 

and your mind far from care is free 

when of absent friends you are thinking 

won't you some times think of me

Yours truly, Fannie A. Bailey

* * * * *

*Sarah Rigsby was Frank's fiancee at the time; they were married shortly after this was penned.

* * * * *

The air is soft

The sky is blue

Honey is sweet

And so are you

Frank

* * * * *

* * * * *

To Frank,

When you are sitting

All alone reflecting on the past

Remember that you have a

Friend that will forever last

Your friend,

Katie Barnes

Feb the 5th 1883

* * * * *

* * * * *

To Frank - 

Long may you live happy

May you be sitting on a wood pile drinking onion tea.

-Mollie Wills, Kansas City, Dec 31

Fin.