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John E. Benitz | Page last modified: |
|
John E. Benitz | Page last modified: |
(Source Robin Benitz)
The diary consists of a single record book of 44 pages, beginning end of February, 1904, and ending mid-July, 1911. The random start and end dates suggest John was in the habit of keeping a diary of short notes to himself. At "La California" he had kept a day-book, so it is very likely he continued the custom at "Los Algarrobos" during the period between 1896, when he left "La California", and 1904 when this diary begins.
We do not know if he continued to keep a diary after his one. His very brief notes for 1911 and 1912 could have been made in lieu of a diary or made as reminders of major itmes to include. If he did keep a diary subsequent to this one, it was likely destroyed in the same flash flood that took his life in 1916.
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Background photo: The corrales & casco at “Los Algarrobos” (croped, the original photo is much wider — see ‘Photos’). John photographed this scene facing east from atop a windmill. This is the second of two versions. It has horses in the foreground and by the presence of the two motor cars it was taken no earlier than 1910. The first version of this photo has cattle in the foreground and was taken before the 2-storey galpón (white barn) was built in 1908.
Transcription Notes: We standardised the format of his date headings. For clarity, we added the year to the first day of each month, and created year separators. We maintained his writing style, spelling, and sprinkling of Spanish, which we have either translated [shown between square brackets] and / or have explained in our Spanglish Glossary of Argentine camp terminology. He wrote in short incomplete sentences, with random use of capitalization and punctuation, and very few accent marks.
All monetary transactions, unless otherwise noted, are in Argentine pesos moneda nacional (m/n), often denoted with a $ sign: in 1905, $1 m/n is approx. 11.70 USD in 2000. All measurements are metric (metres, hectares, litres, and kilograms).
To follow along, we recommend you open and have available our Reference Pages — Names (people & places, including maps), Spanglish Glossary, and Measures (length, area, weights, volumes, currency).
First Page
Left Los Algarrobos - for Buenos Aires, to meet Mr Thomas Agar + family who arrived on the 21st from England.
Left Buenos Aires for Cruz Grande, accompanied by Mr + Mrs Tomas Agar + little girl + companion Miss Kennedy.
Arrived at Cruz Grande with Mr T. Agar + family
Received from Mr T. Agar 15 shares of 10£ each [approx. 1,050 USD-2000 each] in the Scottish Estancia Co. Ltd, the shares are dated July 7-1903. Gave him a letter to the Co. asking that these shares be alloted to me. dated the letter July 7-1903 See copy of this letter in copying book.
Left Cruz Grande for Bell Ville. drove out to El Victoriano where I slept that night.
Arrived at Los Algarrobos.
Left for Bell Ville to catch the 5 a.m. train tomorrow for Cruz Grande.
Sent by encomienda to La California to Clara [wife of WOBz] as a loan three books on architecture. - Keiths Magazine on Home Building, Sedgwick + Saxton Arte collection + " Modern Dwellings by Geo F Barber + Co.
Arrived at Cruz Grande.
Gave Mrs Amy England a cheque № 138 - $394.79 to pay the account with Cruz Chica up to date.
Left Cruz Grande for the Estancia, accompanied by Mr T. Agar + family.
Received from Juan Kurth y Cia $2.500 [28,000 USD-2000]. in exchange for a cheque № 137. Paid him his ac. with Cruz Grande, $125.95.
Arrived at El Victoriano with Mr T. Agar + family. the stop there and I stay with them to show them over the Estancias.
Mr T. Agar + family left “El Victoriano” for La California. Received from Mr T. Agar, a letter written (+ copied) by my book keeper Mr E. Williams, putting in black + white, the outcome of our conversations, re. management, books, + about purchase of more land.
Left Los Algarrobos for Rosario, via Bell Ville.
Discounted at the Banco de Londres y Brazil, a pagare for $20,000. m⁄n. due October 23rd 1904. Liquidation
| pagare descontado | 20,000 | [discounted note = 234,000 USD-2000] |
| menos 6% | 600 | [less 6%] |
| 19,400 | ||
| menos sellos | 40 | [less stamp tax] |
| 19,360 |
Deposited in the Banco de Londres $11,534.50⁄100 m⁄n
Bought store + other things.
Went to Buenos Aires by night train, accompanied by Marjorie with little Johnie + Alfred and nurse girl.
Saw Mr T. Agar + family off, by the Danube.
Left Buenos Aires for Bell Ville
Arrived at Bell Ville, on the way to the Estancia, called at the Estancia of Benjamin Sastre, + arranged the purchase of ¼ league of land adjoinging the “El Victoriano” for the Scottish Estancia Co Ltd. at 40.$ the hectaria. [625 ha.@ 40 = $25,000 or 292,500 USD-2000]
Installed Pedro Cabrera as Capataz of El Victoriano. Mr Barry left. also Doña Mercedes the Cook + Martin the Coachman.
Went to Bell Ville to see Benjamin Sastre + the Escribano Publico about the titles of La Escondida.
Made a Boleto with Benjamin Sastre before the Escribano Publico. Castellanos, for the fraccion of camp joining La Minnesota to the east. and El Victoriano to the south, this piece of camp is called “La Escondida.” and by the titles + plan it comprises. 939 hectareas 9 areas, 17 cent areas, [939.917 ha. or 2,321 acres] made the boleto for 30.$ so as to evade paying too much contribucion Directa. but the real price is 40$ per. hect. The N. side measures 1.567.50 m. the S side 1.585.70 m. the E side 5.956.50 + the W side 5.958.50. m.
The surveyor who made the plan of El Victoriano, measured La Escondido on the E side. adjoining La Minnesota, and made it 5972 m. and on the S side adjoining El Victoriano. 1593 m. comprising a total of 961 hectareas.
In the evening returned to Los Algarrobos.
Bautista Mottino left today with his family. he has worked here as a mason in charge of the building just 12 months. Have working on the building at present, eleven peons, five masons, seven carpenters, 1 painter.
Gave my power of attorney as manager of the Scottish Estancia Co. Ltd. to Castellanos the Escribano in Bell Ville, to send to Cordoba to be registered, to make it legal in the Prov. of Cordoba.
Went to Bell Ville.
Signed the titles for La Escondida, gave Benjamin Sastre an order on Agar Cross y Cia. for $37.596.68 m⁄n. for 939 hect 9 areas 17 ct areas at 40$ per hect. Señor Sastre gave me some old papers of the measures of La Escondida camp, also the copies of original titles. as this is the last land to be sold of that camp. [939.917 ha. = 2,321 acres; 37.596.68 m⁄n = 439,881 USD-2000]
Received a letter dated the 6th from Richard Agar, in which he offers to pay out of his pocket all expenses for planting trees at La Minnesota.
Left for Cruz Grande to bring down the family, as the upper rooms of the house are completed.
Arrived at Los Algarrobos with the family, also three servants.
Grahame Paul arrived from England, as Pupil.
Received the pagare for $25.000. m⁄n. [280,000 USD-2000] with the Banco Britanico de la America del Sud. for 6 months, will fall due on the 12th February 1905. Paid in cash the interest 6% and stamps, $800. m⁄n.
Bought at Flores a second hand phaeton for 300$ took it to Mendiondas carriage factory and arranged with them to paint, retire, repair, furnish extra pole, for 150.$.
Received from Don Ricardo $3.000. for account of La Minnesota.
Returned from Buenos Aires.
My Birth day. Planted out 110 select peach trees.
Started making up the manadas for the year.
Began to plant out trees bought in Buenos Aires. Platanas [sycamore maple?] and Pinos Maritimas [marine pine] in front of house and along drives.
Went to Rosario took little Elsie along.
Acted as Judge of Shorthorns at the show in Rosario.
Returned from Rosario, in Bell Ville signed the titles of the Escondida camp bought from Benjamin Sastre for El Victoriano.
Made up the manadas and turned out the five stallions.
Went to Buenos Aires with Marjorie.
Received from Don Ricardo 100$ to invest in sheep for little Richard. This is to be kept seperate from the Estancia.
Bought from Mr Candy 13 Hampshire rams at 140$ each.
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos.
Paid the bill due at the Brazilian Bank for 20.000$
Discounted a bill at the British Bank for 20.000$ with this money paid the Brazilian Bank. This bill falls due Jan 15th.
Left with all the family + servants, also Mr Paul for Cruz Grande
Left Cruz Grande for Buenos Aires to meet Mr M. Cross.
Left Buenos Aires for Cruz Grande, took along Emma + Clarita [Schreiber nieces].
Left Cruz Grande for Los Algarrobos.
Left Los Algarrobos for Cruz Grande took Mr Cross + Mr Williams along.
Left Cruz Grande for Los Algarrobos.
Went to Monterey. met Mr Cross, who arrived from La California.
Returned from Monterey with Mr Cross.
Left for Buenos Aires with Mr Cross.
Mr Cross sailed by the Magdalena.
Left Buenos Aires for La California.
Returned from La California. brought 9 young ostriches.
Bought a trunk and left it at the Grand Hotel with all my town clothes, and a hat box with my black hat.
Sent a peon to La California to get more young ostriches. Had a meeting at La Dora Galpon of all the Dora colonists. Vecario + H. Fea also there, gave Fea the contracts belonging to Olds + Denton. raised the contracts. arranged for alfa sowing.
Went to the Monterey took down Mr M. Francis, who is to take over the management of the Monterey in Mr Lamberts place. he will enter next week. but Mr Lambert will stay on for a while to help and advise him.
Returned from the Monterey. Mr J. Campbell of San Marcos here. wants to take horses to England.
Mr J. Campbell took away 15 cart horses and 1 mare, to his place in San Marcos, where he is to feed them and gentle them for a month. we pay maize and one peon. he takes them to England to sell for our account. he to get 5% on the price fetched in England. all expenses for our account. he will bring out a thorough bred stallion which we will buy and keep on halves. I to give the mares. he to feed and care for
Made a contract with Juan Lunati for lotes [fields] 63 + 64 for 4 years from date. 3 cosechas [harvests] @15%
Drove to Bell Ville + back. gave Crispin Carballo a cheque for $2.500. to change for cash at the bank. cash for the end of the month. Crispin Carballo gave me Boleto de Compras [purchase order] for alfalfa seed he had bought for me. from Luis Spinazzi 20.000.K @$6.00 + from Augustín Rodriguez 2.000.K @ 5.90
Crispin Carballo brought me the change for the cheque, 2500 less 5$ the Banks comission.
Counted all the cattle for the yearly inventory.
Sold to Crispin Carballo (by telephone) 200 of the La Minnesota novillos [steers]. (to pick out of the lot) at 65.$ each. with time to take away in up to 10th Mayo, with the money he will pay the alfalfa seed bought through him, and any cash we may need, he will take 50 at each time.
Mother arrived from La California. Juan the Coachman brought her out. he met her at La California.
Ramon Casas returned from La California. brought 52 young ostriches with him.
Arranged with Italian to work in garden at 40$ all the year around. he is to keep his family at the Old Estancia. Arranged with a French Gardener to work in garden at 60.$ a month. he promises to stay three years. he is to have a room at the Old Estancia.
Gave Mr Himers a cheque for 15.000.$ to buy sheep with. he goes tomorrow to Alcorta + Pergamino to look at Rambouillet sheep.
Left for Buenos Aires to see about selling the Monterey
Left for Cruz Grande direct from Buenos Aires.
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos from Cruz Grande, with family + servants. fifteen in all. cost of trip down $221.40
Received back from V. Soto $1.250. of the money given to him to buy potros [colts] with.
Drove to the Monterey.
Came back from the Monterey.
Received from Vicente Soto on ac of horses he sells. $310.00
Went to Rosario and on to Buenos Aires by night train.
Heard that Angeloz + Bussolini had failed. they owe us over $6.000.
Met Mr Marty in Rosario and instructed him to attend the meeting of the creditors.
Went from Retiro to Campana. attended a cattle sale there. but did not purchase anything. returned to Retiro + took night train to Diaz F.C.C.A. [Ferrocarril Central Argentino]
Visited Sanaleguies Estancia La Varcossia. saw cattle dipped. took measurements of dip + bretes [see glossary].
Visited Las Leones. Seemans Estancia. saw cattle worked in bretes. took measurements + plans. rained hard. returned to Rosario by Classon F.C.C y R [Ferrocarril Córdoba y Rosario].
Gave Mr Marty a “poder general” [general power of attorney] to represent me in all judicial matters. (made especially to act in Angeloz y Bussolini failure)
Returned to Bell Ville + Algarrobos. in Bell Ville at Bank cashed the giro [draft] from the Scottish Estancia Co. for $5.000. and registered my signature (Juan Benitz) in the Bank.
Vicente Soto returned me 500.$ of the money given him to buy potros [colts] with.
John Todd. holds to my credit £6.2.11 money returned from inshurance money on Monterey bulls, told him to hold the money untill I asked him to buy something for me.
Mother left for La California, took little Johnie with her.
Miss Baker, (governess) and our three little girls went to Rosario to see the English Opera Co.
Miss Baker, the three girls also little Johnie returned from Rosario. the cost of this trip was, $114.80
Arranged that of the 295 Criolla sheep bought for La Minnesota by Vicente Soto. cost put on the place $1.70 each sheep. 95 were to be marked with tar + bottle [tarred wine bottle bottom leaves a black circle] and be used by La Minnesota for consumo [butchered for food]. and 200 were to be kept for little Richard Agar. towards payment of which he had given me 100.$ and the rest on the money 240.$ was to be charged to Mr R. Agar
A boleta de Señal [certified brand] is to be taken out [registered] for little Richard. Muesca de atras en cada oreja. [notch in the back of each ear].
Went with Mr Williams to the Monterey to take up stock.
Counted all the live stock at the Monterey.
Returned to Los Algarrobos.
Eugenie Origlio arranged to take 200□ lotes [fields of 200 squares, 339 ha.] № 30 + 38 for 4 cosechas [crop seasons] - from 31 March 1905 x 31 March 1910. (5 years.) he also takes lote 39 which is all alfalfa for pastoreo [pasturing]. of only his working animals, any alfa [alfalfa] cut for seed he also delivers percentage of seed, rent 15%
John Birmingham sent me the guia [permit to move livestock] for his mare, called Patricia which he wants me to take care of untill he returns from England. if he does not return I am to keep the mare.
Wrote to J. Birmingham asking him to buy me in England a young Shire Stallion. for service in Oct. 1906.
Spent the day going over all of the Colonia Margarita. with Vicente Sota. arranged with all of the colonists to sow alfalfa for pastoreo [pasturing]. put Vicente Soto in charge of the work.
Left with Marjorie for Rosario.
Selected a carload of Cortoneras [beams, rafters??] at Van Oppens assesodero [saw-mill].
Registered my signature at the Banco España del Rio de La Plata.
Went to Buenos Aires.
Marjorie left Buenos Aires for Los Algarrobos.
Left Buenos Aires from the Once [train station] for Bragado, Dennhy + 9 de Julio. visited varias [various] Estancias looking for Anglo Normands Stallion [breed of draft horses] + bulls.
Left Buenos Aires for Santa Teresa. Estancia “Los Pinas” to see bulls
Returned to Buenos Aires.
Bought from Juan Ortiz de Rosas an Anglo Normandy Stallion that I saw at the Estancia San Bernardo. at Dennhy F.C.O. for $1.500.
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos.
Sent Vicente Soto to Pergamino to buy cattle for El Victoriano up to 600 al corte [arbitrary cut/selection]. up to 30.$. gave him for expenses 300.$
Wrote to J. Moore asked him to send me one Hampshire Ram for stud.
Recived from Crispin Carballo $3.452.30 with this we are ****** up to date.
Sent to Marsted y Raquette giro [draft] on Agar Cross for $19.760. for cattle but at Rojos by V. Soto for El Victoriano, and one tropilla of horses.
Renewed the pagare [note] for 25.000. due at the Banco de Londres y Brazil. at 5½ % interest. this bill will fall due on the 10th February 1906 liquidation. interest 691.30 stamps 50.$ = 741.30
Cattle purchased at Rojas for El Victoriano, arrived at La Escondida.
Went to Rosario. to be judge of Shorthorns at Show. took Jo along
Returned from Rosario. bought 21 bulls at sale at show.
Sent Soto with 4.000.$ to buy potros
Signed Marjorie and myself. Alfred + Johnie + nurse went to Cruz Grande.
Left Cruz Grande for Cordoba
Signed in Cordoba title deeds of land bought from the Zapatas.
Returned to Los Algarrobos from Cruz Grande.
Drove to the Monterey. Mr Paul along.
Drove from the Monterey down to La Porteña Estancia. near Canals, Mr Paul and Lambert along. attended Remate Feria [cattle auction] there. and returned to the Monterey in the evening.
Took train in the evening from Monte Maiz to Buenos Aires. took Mr Lambert along. Arranged with Stroëder y Cia. to send up a man to revise [inspect] the Monterey. if he does not purchase then the Monterey is to be put up by Auction by Ramon Bruno.
Left Buenos Aires for Monte Maiz.
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos.
Mr Lambert went to Buenos Aires ac. Monterey sale.
Went to Buenos Aires by Monte Maiz. Marjorie Johnie + Alfred + Marjorie Daw.
Had nose operated upon by Dr E.V. Segura.
Left Buenos Aires for Bell Ville.
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos.
Left with all family for Cruz Grande. fourteen in party
Left La Cumbre for Bell Ville.
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos.
Left Bell Ville for Cordoba and Cruz Grande.
Left Cruz Grande for Buenos Aires.
bought mares, stallion + bulls.
Left Bueno Aires for Cruz Grande.
Left Cruz Grande with Marjorie for Rosario.
Attended Hattie's wedding in Rosario.
In the evening after dinner at Dr Infantes Studio in Rosario. held a meeting, and formed a
meeting to make a Company of the Estancia Los Algarrobos. to be called.
“Sociedad Anonima Ganadera Los Algarrobos” [roughly: “Los Algarrobos
Livestock Company, Inc.”] the capital to be 1.200.000$
m⁄n.
in 1000 shares the duration of the Company to be untill 31 March 1950
2006.
The following helped with their names to form the nessesary number required to form a Company.
Guillermo Benitz. Alfredo Benitz. Josefina C. de Benitz. Dr. J.D. Infante. W.S. Martín. Pedro Mancera. Dr N. Mancera. Juan Arrellaga. Jose Mata and F.C. Marty.
Returned to Los Algarrobos from Rosario.
Left for Cruz Grande to bring down the family
Arrived at Los Algarrobos from Cruz Grande with the family.
Left for Cordoba to make declaracion [statement] before the Juez de Crimen [Criminal Judge] in the case of Mr Francis against Austin. took along as witnesses Mr Lambert. Williams. Doctor Santucci and the Matasminio (scouts) [?] Mr Grant the lauer [lawyer] paid the expenses of this trip.
Went from Cordoba to Rosario. the rest of the party went to Bell Ville + Los Algarrobos.
Arrived in Rosario from Cordoba.
Attended Doctor Infante our lauer [lawyer] and the Escribano [notary] and signed the documents asking for the transference of the Los Algarrobos titles to the Sociedad Anonima Ganadera. Los Algarrobos, also saw about having the shares + statutes printed, and about the new books.
Returned to Los Algarrobos from Rosario.
Went to Bell Ville with Mr Russciman to look at Nicolomihes alfalfa. returned in the evening. did no business.
Drove to Monte Maiz + back
Drove to the Estancia La Victoria + back. four leagues to the S. of Medano de Las Canas. arranged with the owner. Luis Medaruiz to put 1500 head of cattle on his camp @ .80 cts per head for 4 months. on pasto fuerte.
Sent a letter dated the 23rd to Harold Sessions. England, comissioning him to send me an Anglo Normandy Stallion. to pay up to 200 £.
Drove to Bell Ville + back, cashed a cheque on London Bank for $7.000. at Banco de La Nacion. paid 7.$ com.
Paid Contribucion Ganado [livestock tax] of La Minnesota + El Victoriano and the Contribucion Directa [real estate tax] of “El Victoriano.”
Sent the “Boleta de Señal” [brand certificate] to the Receptoría [recorder’s office] in Bell Ville to be changed to the name of “Sociedad Anonima Ganadera Los Algarrobos”
Marjorie + little Johnie drove to Monte Maiz to go to Fermat to visit R. Macintosh and on to Villa Constitucion to the Storeys
Made the Inventory of La Minnesota. [required for taxes, likely for having incorporated]
Went to Rosario. took little Alfred along and his nurse Delia.
Mr Williams also went along.
Held the first meeting of the Co. “Los Algarrobos Sociedad Anonima Ganadera”. in Mr Martys office. Dr Infante presiding, and the representatives of the shareholders attended also. Marjorie was also there.
Went from Rosario to La California. with Marjorie and the two children on a visit.
Returned to Rosario from La California.
Left Rosario for La Cumbre.
Left La Cumbre for Cordoba.
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos.
W. Warnock took charge at La Minnesota as Mayordomo @ 150.$
Signed and sent to Mr Marty a pagare [note] for 20.000.$ to discount at the Banco de Londres y Brazil. this is to renew one that falls due July 12th and will fall due itself on the 12th Jan 1907
Signed and sent to Mr Marty a pagare [note] for 25.000. to discount at the Banco de Londres y Brazil to up a pagare for 15.000$ falling due at the British Bank of S. America on the 10th Aug. and a pagare for 10.000$ falling due at the London + Brazilian Bank on the 10th Aug.
This pagare for 25.000$ falls due on the 10 February 1907
Rained at last. finest rain of the season. saved.
Went to Buenos Aires over Monte Maiz. took little Elsie along.
Backed a bill (the 1st time I ever backed one in my life) for Robert Macintosh. 20.000$ falls due on the 4th Oct. this is to enable him to take off the mortgage on his camp. to sell it to Douglas.
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos again. over Monte Maiz. little Elsie and Dr Jackson came along. brought also from B. Aires a Carpenter, Cook, + Store keeper.
The Break bought in Buenos Aires for 500$ arrived
Charged the cattle dip for the 1st time. for lice in cattle.
Set up the windmill in lote [field] № 20, “My Birthday”
Brought back the cattle we had on pastoreo [rented pasture] at La Margarita.
Bay Don, the Shire stallion bought for me by Birmingham in England arrived at Los Algarrobos.
Made up a manada for Bay Don. of 28 fillies daughters of the Imported Shire [sire?], Disraeli.
Left for Rosario to be one of the Judges of the Durham cattle at the Rosario Show held by the Sociedad Rural Santafecina [Santa Fe Rural Society]. the other judges were Larden + H. Reid. took little Marjorie Daw along.
Returned with Marjorie Daw from Rosario. by Monte Maiz.
Went to Buenos Aires took little Elsie along. to attend Palermo Show.
Returned from Buenos Aires.
Horacious, the chestnut Anglo Normandy horse. stallion bought from Alfred for 500.$ arrived at Los Algarrobos. from Las Rosas.
Backed Roberts bill again, for 20.000.$ (for the last time)
The Anglo Normandy stallion Talisman, arrived at Los Algarrobos, he was sent of from France by Harold Sessions. chestnut. he cost, with expenses + com. to Buenos Aires, £254-3-6
Sold to Sulivan Marcos of Bell Ville 200 capones [wethers] at 9.50$ to pick from El Vict. + Los Algarrobos. Received 250.$ on ac.
Sold a saino [bay, deep red] stallion. son of Disraili to Alfredo Avalis for 200.$.
Sold to Harley Storey 80 capones [wethers] at $9.50 loaded today at San Marcos.
Miss Elsie Macintosh arrived from Cruz Grande.
Finished shearing the sheep. 3867 sheep at 6 ct. (rams double)
Loaded the wool at Monte Maiz. shipped to Enrique A. Thompson. 208 lienzos. [bundles of raw wool] 15.073 Kilos.
Mr + Mrs William Benitz arrived from Bell Ville in a hired coach.
Mr Herbert Fea was here in the morning.
Gave Desiderio Ponce a vale on Crispin Garballo for 100.$ loan
Mr Hinners left for Buenos Aires. over Bell Ville.
Signed a pagare for $25.000. m⁄n on the Banco Britanico del America del Sud. at 7½% for 6 months. due on the 7th May, 1907
Sold to W. Benitz 25 potros 3 year olds, to select out of the 27 potros at 200.$ each. (one died on the 15th)
Gave Juan Mottino a cheque for $2.000. to cash in Bell Ville, on the Banco de la Nacion Argentina there.
William + Clara left for Bell Ville + La California.
Moved cuadrilla [crew] of represa [dam] men from lote [field] 50 to lote 45 where they are to begin another represa.
Started Ludueña to dig a well in lote № 52 to try for good water.
Finished work on aguas corrientes [running water] + well in front yard.
Was demandared to appear before the Juez [judge] in Medano de las Cañas. by Salvador Baurman y Fernandez.. But neither Juez or Baurman were at the juzgado [court offices]. took Pedro Cabrera + the locust Inspector along. as witnesses. returned in the evening.
Went to Bell Ville. cashed a cheque for 5.000. for ex of end of month.
Marjorie went to Rosario. took Marcela along.
Returned to Alg in the evening.
Marjorie returned from Rosario. via Monte Maiz. with Marcela.
Mr Paul went to Rosario.
Deposited in the Bank in Bell Ville the giro [draft] recd from H. Thompson. $6.185.54
Gave Vicente Soto a cheque on the Bank in Bell Ville for $5.000. to buy potros [2-3 year old colts] with. in Rio 4th or Mendoza. not to cost more than 35$ put here. I pay all expenses and pay him 150$ a month and give him a peon along.
Mr Paul + Mr Himmers returned from Bell Ville + B.A. + Las Rosas.
Put Bulls at La Minnesota to the cattle
" " " Los Algarrobos " " "
Elsie Macintosh + Mr G. Paul left for England. Marjory + little Elsie went along to see them off at Montevideo.
The four children, Miss Baker Mr Williams. the Cook. and the four servant girls left for Cruz Grande, cart took luggage.
Went to Bell Ville in the evening
Went from Bell Ville to Cordoba and arrived at Cruz Gande in the evening.
Marjory + little Elsie arrived at Cruz Grande from Monte Video.
Left Cruz Grande for Cordoba. stayed the night there. called on Dr Thomo in the evening.
Arrived at Los Algarrobos. met Mr Marty in Bell Ville + drove out together.
Mr Marty brought out from Rosario the shares of the Co. made in nine books, all signed by Mr Marty as Secretary of the Company, and stamped with the official seal.
The following is copy of Mr Martys letter that
accompanied the Shares "
Rosario de Santa Fe
Diciembre 28 - 1906
Tengo el agrado de remitir a Vd sellados con el sello oficial de la "S.A.G. Los Algarrobos” y con mi firma como secretario los siguientes Acciones de este Compania.
| Serie A. Titulos de 1. Accion c/u de 100.00 m⁄n | $ | |||||
| № 1 | al 100 | de Juan Benitz | 10.000.00 | |||
| № 101 | " 200 | " " " | 10.000.00 | |||
| Serie B. Titulos de 10 Acciones c/u de 100. m⁄n - ($1.000.) | ||||||
| № 1/100 Acciones | № 201 al 1200 | de Juan Benitz - acciones | 1000 | - 100.000.00 | ||
| № 101/180 " | 1201/2000 | " " " | 800 | 80.000.00 | ||
| Serie C. de 50 Acciones de $100. c/u ($5000) | ||||||
| 1/5 Acciones | № 2201 al 2450 | de Alfredo Benitz | " | 250 | 25.000.00 | |
| 6/10 | " | 2451 al 2700 | F.C. Marty | " | 250 | 25.000.00 |
| 11/21 | " | 2701 al 3250 | Dr. J.D. Infante | " | 550 | 55.000.00 |
| 22/25 | " | 3251 al 3450 | Rob. Macintosh | " | 200 | 20.000.00 |
| 26/30 | " | 3451 al 3700 | G.O. Benitz | " | 250 | 25.000.00 |
| 31/34 | " | 3701 al 3900 | H.P. Storey | " | 200 | 20.000.00 |
| 35/39 | " | 3901 al 4150 | W.S. Martin | " | 250 | 25.000.00 |
| 40/44 | " | 4151 al 4400 | Josefina Benitz | " | 250 | 25.000.00 |
| 45/ " | " | 4401 al 4450 | Pedro Mancera | " | 50 | 5.000.00 |
| 46/ | " | 4451 al 4500 | Dr N Mancera | " | 50 | 5.000.00 |
| 47/ | " | 4501 al 4550 | Juan Arrellaga | " | 50 | 5.000.00 |
| 48/ | " | 4551 al 4600 | Jose Mata | " | 50 | 5.000.00 |
| 49/100 | " | 4601 al 7200 | Juan Benitz | " | 2600 | 260.000.00 |
| 101/200 | " | 7201 al 12200 | " " | " | 5000 | 500.000.00 |
| 12000 | $1.200.000.00 | |||||
Un millon doscientos mil pesos- m⁄n legal cuyos acciones seran validos en lo que Vd los tenga firmadas
por Vd. Van igualmente los siguientes certificados 181/200 numeros accion 2001 al 2200 de acciones impresos y sellados
con el sello social. pero sin mi firma:
Serie B. Certificados 181/200 № de Acciones 2001 al 2200 de $1.000.00
Serie A. 100 " de $100. c/u sin numeros
Serie B. 25 Certificados de $1.000. c/u Sin Numeros.
" C. 25 " " $5.000. " " "
Esperando Vd hallara todo conforme. queda de Vd muy att Oss.
signed F C Marty.
Signed the Shares of the Directors of the Co. as follows
| Alfredo Benitz | 2201 al 2400 |
| F.C. Marty | 2451 al 2650 |
| Dr J.D. Infante | 2701 al 2900 |
| Rob. Macintosh | 3251 al 3450 |
| Guillermo Benitz | 3451 al 3650 |
| H.P.Storey | 3701 al 3900 |
| W.S. Martin |
These Shares had to be given to comply with the Ley de S. Anonimas but I. keep there shares, and hold an acknowlegement from each Director also from the other founders of the Co. saying that the shares do not belong to them. and have there shares in an envelope ready for the inspection of a Goverment Inspector of S. Anonimas should one appear and ask to see if we had complied with the law.
Signed a pagare [note] for $25.000. due at the Banco Español del Rio de la Plata on the [blank space] This pagare is in exchange of our CE Corriente [current account] in this Bank
Left Los Algarrobos for Bell Ville. Cordoba + Cruz Grande.
Discounted at the Banco Aleman Transatlantico in Bell Ville a pagare [note] for $20.000. interests + sello 790.$ liq. = $19.210. also opened an account Cuenta Corriente [current account]. and can have an overdraft of $5.000. drew in cash for cheque. $17.000. and paid $17.055 to the Banco de la Nacion Argentina. and closed our account with that Bank.
Sold all our wheat to Carlomogno Hnos at 4.85 $1**d at $8.20
Gave Mr Marty a cheque on the London + Brazilian Bank for $25.000. to meet the pagare [note] due on the 10th Feb. this 25.000. is to be charged to Cuenta Corriente [current account].
Left Cruz Grande for Bell Ville.
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos.
As per arrangement with Mr. Marty who sails for Europe on the 25th I sent him a letter as follows.
Confirming our conversation of a few days ago, you will oblige by endeavouring to negociate on behalf of our Company, during your visit to England, a loan of about £20,000. - stg arranging terms etz. as per our arrangements, and to which we hereby authorize you to negotiate.
This loan is to be guaranteed by a deposit of shares in the Company, and the money is to be used to pay off debts of about $175,000. owing to various Banks, debts incurred by putting down alfalfa, fences + wells, stallions + bulls, and chiefly by the disastrous past winter, followed by a worse summer. no sales having been made at all.
The El Victoriano & La Minnesota are indebted to me for about $23,000.m⁄n.
We received this year for Dr
Thom from La Margarita 79 L. 963 K linseed, sold at $8.20
= 79.$ and 29859 K wheat sold at 4.85$ = $1,448.15
m⁄n.
this wheat was carted to our galpon [barn] by
our carts. and sold from there.
Rain at last. in 48 hours it has rained 14 m/m not very much but as it was gentle and accompanied by mild weather it will do a world of good, and maybe break this dreadfull drought. so general all over the country, it will nearly ruin us if it goes on longer, no cattle can possibly survive the coming winter.
Left Los Algarrobos for Bell Ville + Rosario.
Rosario by nocturno [night-train] for La Cumbre + Cruz Grande.
Arrived at Cruz Grande.
Left Cruz Grande for Cordoba + Buenos Aires.
In Cordoba at Escribania [notary-office] of Rodriguez + Peralta signed title deeds of 2½ hect. of land sold to J. Schreiber [sister Josephine] + a piece of the land bought last year from Mauricio Zapata. sold it at $1.000. with certain rights to water, as per boleto [bill of sale].
Arrived in Buenos Aires. meet R. Agar. who has just come out from New York.
Left Buenos Aires for Isla Verde. attended Sale of Stock at Lassecas Estancia. did not buy anything. (23) Arrived at Los Alg.
Took up Stock a Los Algarrobos. Counted all the live stock.
Splendid weather for the camp. damp dull days, no wind at all
alfalfa very luxuriant. could not be finer, a great deal of alfalfa seed coming up in amongst the alfalfa. Cutting alfalfa
The newly sown alfalfa. (with the last wheat) has come up remarkably well in the whole of the southern part of the camp. 1250 □ [cuadras, i.e. squares].
Left for La Carlota via Bell Ville + Villa Maria to attend liquidation sale of La Eselina. took Pedro Cabrero along. but did not buy anything as the cattle are all tuberculosis.
Went from La Carlota to Cordoba. Pedro Cabrera returned alone to El Victoriano.
Went from Cordoba to La Cumbre + Cruz Grande.
Left Cruz Grande for Cordoba
Left Cordoba for Bell Ville.
Richard Agar arrived from Buenos Aires
Left with Richard Agar for La California via Bell Ville + Armstrong.
At La California arranged with J.G. Stratter Bron Edge Lodge, Buxton Derbyshire England. to bring for me from England, a thoroughbred Pony Stallion for breding Polo Ponies. to cost put in B. Aires 200£. with 10£ Com. to be out 13 Aug.
Left La California for Bell Ville over Armstrong. attended sales in Bell Ville by Lamas y Villasoro. sold 15 Potros [colts] + some pigs.
Returned to Los Algarrobos.
Renewed the Pagare [note] for $25.000 due at the Banco Britanico de la America del Sud on the 7. May. will fall due again Nov. 3 - 1907.
Left for Buenos Aires, via Bell Ville. took Vicente Soto + little Johnie with me.
Attended the liquidation sale at El Venado, Felipe Semillosas, at Grl Belgrano. did not buy anything.
Left Buenos Aires for Lezama to go to Estancia Belen of Manuel Juan Cobo. bought there 16 bulls for La Minnesota at $500. each.
Left Buenos Aires for Monte Maiz.
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos. with little Johnie.
Wrote to J.A. Moore. Coventry House, South Place, Finsbury Pa**urt London E.C. to send me two Hampshire Down rams to cost 30 or 40 £ each put in B. Aires.
Left for Cordoba
" Cordoba for Cruz Grande.
" Cruz Grande for Cordoba.
" Cordoba for Rosario. (by day train.)
" Rosario for Los Algarrobos via Monte Maiz, accompanied by Miss Elsie Macintosh, Mr G. Paul + Mr Turner.
Parted out of Talismans manada [brood mares] of chestnuts. eleven of the best mares. and out of the Bay Dons' manada of Shires. twelve of the best mares. these mares are for inscription in the Stud Book of the Sociedad Rural Argentina. in the “Registro Preparatorio.”
Wrote to Mr Cross. sent him receipts from A Ernest Williams for $1.462.22. and Murray Francis $6.000. gifts from Mr Cross. making the total of $7.462.22 which I was owing Mr Cross as for his Auditors declaration. This closes the Monterey business. and will pack all the old papers away.
Went to Rosario via Bell Ville with Miss Baker, Joe + Elsie on our way to Los Palmares. to pay a visit to Alfred.
Left Rosario for Santa Fe + Calchaqui.
Rode + drove out to Los Palmares from Calchaqui with Alfred.
Left Los Palmares for Calchaqui.
Left Santa Fe for Paraná. left Miss Baker there. she goes o to Concordia as she is no longer to be governess with our girls. left Santa Fe for Rosario.
Left Rosario for Bell Ville + home.
Went to Bell Ville + back.
Discounted a bill for 25.000$ at the Banco de La Nacion Argentina [National Bank of Argentina]. with 20.000 of this took up the bill that falls due + the Banco Aleman Transatlantico.
Went to Rosario via Bell Ville.
We placed his anuual report (memorio) at the end of 1907.
Held the annual meeting of the Directors of this Company. at Mr Martys office. see my memorio [memorandum] presented to the Directors.
Left Rosario again for Bell Ville + Algarrobos.
Left for Cruz Grade via Bell Ville + Cordoba
Spent the day in Cordoba, seeing the Ministro and the Gefe of the Oficina Depto Topografico [Head of the Survey Dept.] about the road that Dr Passe had fenced near Bell Ville.
Arrived at Cruz Grande. saw the builders + carpenters who are building a new house.
Left La Cumbre for Cordoba. went straight to Buenos Aires.
Arrived in Buenos Aires. bought gas outfit, bath outfit + Aguas Corrientes [running water].
Saw Mr Schearer. manager of Banco Britanico about raising a house [mortgaging?].
Saw Mr Urdaniz about buying the piece of camp he bought from Gibson Hnos. adjoining the Algarrobos to the south. 2114 hectares mas o menos [more or less]. offered him 65$ per hectare. he asked for time to answer.
Left for Bell Ville + Los Algarrobos.
Señor L. Urdaniz was here, drove out in hired carriage from Bell Ville he came to accept my offer of 65.$ the hect for the camp. told him that I would first have to make arrangements for payment. and that I had instructed Mr. Marty to make the necessary arrangements.
I told Mr Marty that if the business was carried through I would give him a commission of 1%. and so much again if it was sold at a good profit.
My Birthday, gave the peons [workmen] a dance, tonight, Saturday, + full moon. hired 6 musicians in Bell Ville. all the women made about 500 pasteles [cakes & pastries], killed two big fat cows, 6 lambs, a box of ginger beer, a box of chocolate to make chocolate + lots of coffe. no spirits.
Señor Medina, mayordomo [ranch-manager] of El Carmen, had lunch here. he looked at the pigs + sheep with a *** of purchasing.
Left for Rosario via Bell Ville. to attend show in Rosario of the Sociedad Rural Santafecina. and to be one of three Judges of Galpon [Barn] Bulls, together with H. Read + Señor J.N. Altalaguierre.
Was all day at Show Judging bulls, bad day Santa Rosa storm.
Left Rosario for Cañada de Gomez. drove out to A. Morenos Estancia. looked at bulls + cows but did not buy. stayed the night with H. Petty.
Left Cañada de Gomez for Bell Ville + to Los Algarrobos-,
The mares began to foal. first foal of Bay Don appeared last night. Had notice from J.G. Stratter. Montevideo, that he was arriving in Buenos Aires on the 5th with a pedigree horse for me. ordered on the 4th May.
The imported Polland China sow. “Cherry Bloom 2nd.”died.
Shipped to H.A. Thompson, 583 old ewes.
Left for Buenos Aires with Marjorie, two boys + nurse.
Returned from Buenos Aires, by River Steamer by Rosario.
Mr Williams, the book keeper left. he had been here for 4 years + 10 months.
Wrote to W.L. Miller, asking him to bring me a boar from the States.
The fifteen bulls bought at Palermo Show arrived.
Mr + Mrs Schiele arrived from Las Tunas, driving.
Shieles left for the Monte del Toro.
I left for Cruz Grande.
Returned from La Cruz Grande.
Lent V. Soto 4.000.$ to buy Potros [colts] with for his own account. he is to have pasturage free. but we are to have choice of his animals at the cost price.
Dr Infante + daughter arrived from Rosario. he came out as Sindico (auditor) of the Co. to examine books, and to suppress certain accounts.
Dr Infante left again.
Left for Cruz Grande
Returned from Cruz Grande.
Left for Cruz Grande via Rosario.
Left Cruz Grande for Buenos Aires. Marjorie joined me in Bell Ville.
Returned with Marjorie from Buenos Aires.
Revised V. Sotos potros [colts] and horses + mares. but did not keep any. but took 5 mules @ 48.$.
Mr Paul and Mr Brown arrived from Brazil + Corrientes with a large troop of potros + horses to sell.
Signed a pagare + sent it to Mr Marty for $25.000. @ 8% falls due on the April 4 - 1908. this is to renew the one falling due Jan 4.
Signed a pagare + sent it to Mr Marty for 50.000. @ 8½% due July 4. this is to renew the bill falling due Jan 4/08. This bill is with my private signature and is to be transferred from the Co. to my private ac. so that I will not owe anything to the Co.
Left with the family for Cruz Grande. with Governors. Cook + house maids. thirteen in all. (trip up cost $335.50)
Met Mr Marty in Bell Ville. on his way out to see about the purchase of land from Urdaniz.
Discounted a bill for 100.000.$ in the Banco de la Nacion. Rosario. this money is for paying for the land bought from Urdaniz. this bill was backed for me by Alfred. it falls due 31st March. 1908
Deposited with the London Bank one book of shares of a value of 360.000.$ worth of “Algarrobos” Shares as guarantee for the 50.000.$ changed to my private account from the Algarrobo account. for details of this transaction see Mr Martys letter dated Jan 10/1908 I have the receipt for the deposit of these shares. (not negociable) and also the receipt for the parcel of the remainder of shares.
Mr Marty received from Agar Cross y Cia. $12.000. for account of R. Agar. this morning is to go to help pay for Urdaniz camp.
Arranged with Urdaniz for 60.$ the hectarea.
CALLE CORDOBA 831
---------
ROSARIO DE SANTA FE
---------
To the Shareholders,
In accordance with our by-laws, we report to you the business activities of the fiscal year that ended on the 31st of March of the current year.
It has not been a good year for the company, cold and dry the winter, and exceedingly hot and dry the summer, we twice faced utter disaster, which fortunately did not happen thanks to rains on 30 of July and 22 of February.
We have had to remove more than half of the livestock to rented camps, and stay I believe for long periods; on 3425 farmed hectares obtained by rent [to tenant farmers], 2553 quintales of wheat and 145 of linseed and the maiz was completely destroyed by the locusts. [See ‘quintal’ in glossary.]
However, the estancia has been greatly improved.
We have sown 1939 hectares of alfalfa, erected 17,106 meters of new fencing, put in 16 large gates and 10 smaller gates, repaired and reinforced with new spacers and two additional wires, one of them barbed, 33,844 meters of ten year old fencing, prepared 27 triangles [field corners] in which to plant trees; built a barn in which to house the workmen cutting alfalfa; bought hay-stacking machinery; planted thousands of paradise trees from our own tree nurseries; put into operation four watering facilities including their wells, tanks with a capacity of one million litres, wind-mill, water-troughs and fences; built a barn to be used for salting [hides] a rooming house for the supervisors and workmen who are not part of the company’s permanent staff, another barn for supplies and carpentry shop, enlarged the coach house, improved the structures in the garden and added another set of small modifications to various buildings, which will produce in many cases economic savings and in all improvements that are always valued.
We have increased the number of our pure-bred animals with an Anglo-Norman stallion “Talisman”, another Shire, “Bay Don”, especially imported also another Anglo-Norman “Horacio” bought from Mr. Alfred Benitz and two male pure-bred boars (Polland China).
The poor weather during the year and the many expenses made to the structures that we have just listed, have reduced to a minimum the earnings but the Shareholders will understand the need for them, compensated in part by the added value gained by the Estancia.
Being so small the amount available for distribution to the Shareholders, we propose all agree it not be distributed and that it be put into the Reserve account.
We anticipate the Shareholders will approve of our management and the financial statements we have presented. We should appoint a Board Member, the Trustee, and the alternates.
The purchase of the land from Urdaniz is posponed untill the 1st of February as the law courts will be closed untill then and the land is in question with the sellers Gibson Hnos.
Returned at 11 P.M. from Cruz Grande.
Received back from Vicente Soto
650. $700. on account of the loan of 4.000.$ of October 24th.
Left for Cordoba and Cruz Grande via Bell Ville
Attended Margarita Thomas wedding at the Observatory
Arrived up at Cruz Grande.
Left Cruz Grande for Cordoba + Los Algarrobos.
Had an interview with the Ministro de Obras Publicos [Minister of Public Works] about roads.
Arrived at Los Algarrobos from Cruz Grande.
Went to Bell Ville and back. Had an interview with the Gefe Politic [Jefe Politico – county political leader] and the Sect. of road Com. Beyados about roads. also attended a meeting of a Comision apointed to take up a Census of all the live stock of the Republic.
Received from Vicente Soto 1.500.$ on account of loan of 4.000.$ to him on Oct. 24th.
Began to make the inventory of the Algarrobos.
Went to Bell Ville, attended Remate Feria [cattle auction]. stayed the night.
Discounted two bills [took out two loans] in the Banks in Bell Ville. one for 25.000$ at the Banco de la Nacion for 180 day, and the other also for 25.000.$ at the Banco Aleman Transatlantico for 180 days. took this 50.000 and the 54.000$ from the La Blanco for the novillos [steers] sold. to Rosario to take up the bill of 100.000.$ taken up for the purchase of land from Urdaniz. but which purchase did not come off. went to Rosario in the afternoon.
Spent in Rosario the day.
Left Rosario for Cordoba. had an interview with the Ministro de Obras Publicos [Minister of Public Works] about the Roads, in Union + Punilla.
Left Cordoba for La Cumbre and Cruz Grande.
Backed a bill for Harley Storey for $5.000. at the London Bank for 6 months. date not fixed on pagare [note].
Left Cruz Grande with my family and four servants. stayed the night in Cordoba [city].
Signed the title deeds of the bit of the Cruz Grande lands taken back from Josephine. Mr Marty signed as apoderado [legal representative] of Josephine.
Received from the Escribano [notary], the Poder General [general power of attorney] that Alfred gives me for looking after his place in the mountains. also the title deeds of the land he purchased from Mauricio Zapata and from Mercedes Gonzales de Zapata.
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos found the camps beautiful
Took the plan of the new Administracion building to “La Minnesota.” put some peons [workmen] to work clearing off the ground where it is to be built.
Marjorie and little Elsie went to Buenos Aires via Bell Ville to attend Emmas [Schreiber] wedding.
The Engineers of the F.C.C.O. [Ferrocarril Central Oeste - see names] passed the El Victoriano with the survey for the new R.R. line to be built from Juarez Celman due west. the line passes just infront of the house. on the north side of the division fence between La Minnesota + El Victoriano.
Sent Josephine a cheque for a thousand dollars in payment of the land at Cruz Grande bought back from her.
Marked out the La Minnesota Administracion building foundations.
Proffessor Herbert Mumford of the Illinois Agricultural College, U.S.A. spent the day here looking over the place.
Received from Vicente Soto 1.000. on account of the loan of 4.000.$ on the 24th October last.
Went to Bell Ville + back. had a meeting with Carlemagno and Fco. [Francisco] Tase about naming a Secretary to help the honorary Sct. Beyados.
Received the first notice that the El Victoriano was to be liquidated, from James Agar
Marjorie returned from Buenos Aires.
A Polland China boar sent out from the States by Miller arrived.
Alfred sailed from Buenos Aires for the States.
Made up all the manadas [brood mare herds]. began to serve, with 6 stallions. three by hand in corral and three loose in camp with their manadas.
Went to Buenos Aires over Monte Maiz.
Left Buenos Aires for La Cumbre + Cruz Grande.
Arrived at Cruz Grande.
Left Cruz Grande for Cordoba.
Stayed in Cordoba all day. saw the Ministro de Hacienda [Minister of Finance] + Dr Thome.
Left Cordoba and arrived in the evening at Los Algarrobos. while in Bell Ville saw Beyados about roads.
Sent the pedigrees of Bay Don + Talisman to Higham + Vincent to have them registered in the Sociedad Rural Argentina. as the mares - being served by these two stallions are registered in the Registro Preparatorio [pedigree breeding registry?].
Drove to Bell Ville + back. attended to a meeting of Estancieros to form a Sociedad Rural in Bell Ville. drew up the summary acta [proceedings] and paid my subscription of 100.$ as Socio Fundador [founding member], am vocal [board member]. Also attended a meeting of the Road Comision. received the first instalment of funds, $5,000. from the Receptoria [treasury]. which I handed over to Fco. Carlemagno, Cajero [treasurer]. drew up a programe of work to be started on at once.
Signed a bill for 85.000.$ to the Banco de La Nacion of Rosario. this is to part pay for the land to be bought from Gibsons. this bill is discounted on the [ blank ] and due on the [ blank ] .
Drove to Bell Ville + back. attended to meetings of the Sociedad Rural and Comision de Caminos [Roads Commission].
Left for Buenos Aires, with Marjorie, Elsie Jo + Marjoriedaw who will sail for England on the Aragon on the 10th. Jo + Elsie will remain at school. St Katherine's Lodge St Andrews Fife N.B.
Began the foundations of the new galpon, barn with loft, measures 10. m. x 40. m.
Left for Rosario (from Buenos Aires)
Held the anual meeting of the Sociedad Anonima Ganadero “Los Algarrobos” [Los Algarrobos Cattle Company, Inc.]
Left Rosario for Los Algarrobos. Mr Marty came along.
Sold to La Blancos buyer, now of Los Algarrobos El Victoriano + La Minnesota.
Left for Cruz Grande + Cordoba, in Bell Ville attended a meeting of the Sociedad Rural [Rural Society] of Union and Comision de Caminos [Roads Commission] del Depto Union.
In Cordoba had an interview with the Ministro de Obras Publicas [Minister of Public Works]. Achiaval about roads in Union + Punilla. received from him 1.300. Subvencion [subsidy] to Punilla Roads and 2.000.$ to Union Roads.
Left Cordoba for Cruz Grande.
Received La Quebrada for Alfred from Belisario Cabanillas and Exceq*** [Ezequiel?] Casares with an order from Merzedes Z de Gonzales, to whom I gave a check for $2.702. on the 20th July. in the office for the lawer B. Paz.
Started cuadrilla [crew] making the road to La Quebrada along side of mountain.
Left Cruz Grande for Bell Ville. stayed the night in Bell Ville.
Attended to meeting of Sociedad Rural + Com de Caminos and drove out to Los Algarrobos in the afternoon.
Attended reception of the Governor of Cordoba and his ministers in Bell Ville. with banquet + dance at night.
Returned to Los Algarrobos
Received from Higham y Vincent the pedigree of Bay Don. Shire stallion. which they had registered in the stud book of the Sociedad Rural Argentina.
John Law arrived from La California, he is a nephew of R. Agar and will stay at Los Algarrobos untill the administration building at La Minnesota is finished.
Mr Hinners went to Rosario to attend to the Show and to Select costoneras [rafters] for Cruz Grande and Los Algarrobos.
Mr J. Law fell from horse and broke his Collar Bone, sent him to Bell Ville.
Could not attend the Show in Rosario on account of an attack of influenza was named Judge of Durhams. but had to resign.
Mr Hinners returned from Rosario.
Wrote to J. Moore, Sharsted Works. Kensington London S.E. England. asking him to send me two best Hampshire Rams for plantel [purebred stock].
Made up the account of all the trees planted and replanted in place of dead ones in triangulos [field corners?] and represas [water tanks]. planted by Mr Turner and his men. 1930 trees planted by the gardener. 147 trees total ==
The Polland China boar sent out by Miller from the states died today.
Went to Bell Ville. attended to meeting of the Road Com.
Returned from Bell Ville. had lunch at La Minnesota.
Sent to Mr Marty two signed bills. one for 40.000.$ one for 10.000. to be discounted at the London Bank. to take up the two bills falling due on the 26th at the two Banks in Bell Ville for $50.000.
Went to Buenos Aires. via Bell Ville. attended to business at the office of the Road Com. in Bell Ville.
Bought all the things for the Gas instalation at La Minnesota.
Bought a Plantel [breeding stock] Bull for La Minnesota for 4,400.$ bred by Martinez de Hoz. Bulls name is “His Grace.” <13368>
Bought from M. Cobo. Belen to select at his estancia. 15 pedigree bulls at 600.$ each.
Arrived in Bell Ville. was judge of the cattle at the Show held by the Sociedad Rural Union. the first show. was judge together with Crispin Carballo and Madrid.
The Show in Bell Ville was inagurated. we won 1st prize with 5 Hampshire Ewes of two teeth and with 5 potros [untamed colts] for Army Remants [remounts] won Coronel Rodriguez prize, a gold medal. donated the five ewes and a fat pig to the ladies who are collecting funds for a hospital. total proceeds of sale $4.200.
Returned to Los Algarrobos.
Saw announcement of Dr. Thomes death in the Standard.
The red bull, His Grace bought at Palermo Show for La Minnesota at $4.400 arrived at Los Algarrobos from Monte Maiz.
The 15 bulls arrived at Los Algarrobos, bought from M. Cobo La Belen at 600.$ each. were selected by Mr Warnack.
Backed a bill for 5.000.$ for Harley Storey for 6 months. London Bank.
Magnificent rain. 79 m/m in the day.
Drove to Bell Ville in the evening. slept there.
Went from Bell Ville to Cordoba. had
interview with Ministro de Obras Publicos [Minister of Public Works] about
roads in Depto Union. accepted the Presidency of the Comision Departamento
de Caminos de Union Punilla [Roads Commission of Punilla].
Left Cordoba for Cruz Grande.
Held a meeting of members of Road Com. of Punilla at Cruz Grande. organized the work + members - as accts + treasurers.
Left Cruz Grande for Cordoba + San Genero. frost in the morning
Arrived at La California from San Genaro. frost in the morning.
Attended Sale of stock at La California. bot 40 heifers at 69.$
Returned to Los Algarrobos over Armstrong + Bell Ville.
The first locusts arrived at Los Algarrobos this year.
Began to make the roof trunes [rafters?] of galpon [barn]. with 3 carpenters.
Locusts began to lay eggs. never have seen them so bad.
Mother left for Cruz Grande. accompanied by Mr Campbell.
Sent Mr Turner to Rosario to select 10.000 K. Cortoneras [beams?] for the Comision Departamental de Caminos de Punilla. to be sent to La Cumbre.
Went to Bell Ville and back. attended to meeting of Road Com. Depto Union
Mr Turner returned from Rosario.
Took Romulo the tin smith to “La Minnesota” started to put in the gas and water piping in the new administration house.
The two Pauls returned from the Chaco.
Finished putting the zinc [galvanized corrugated iron] on the roof of the galpon.
Went to La Minnesota again.
Drove to Las Lagunitas Estancia and back. attended remate feria [cattle auction] there.
Marjorie and Marjoriedaw leave England today on the R.M.P. Avon.
Drove to Bell Ville in the evening. stayed the night there.
Received a telegram from Alfred that he had arrived back from the States.
Drove south + S.W. of Bell Ville with Sect of Road Com. inspecting the roads and the work being done. Drove back to Los Algarrobos in the evening.
Drove to Leones + back today.
attended the Liquidation of D. Benvenutos cabaña [pedigreed herd]. bought
29 pure bred vaquillas [maiden cows] and three five pure bred
bulls.
Left for Buenos Aires. via Bell Ville to meet Marjorie and Marjoriedaw who are to arrive on Saturday by the “Avon.”
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos bringing Marjorie and Marjoriedaw and a Miss Flattoe. a young sister of Mrs Wilkinson, comes on a visit.
Started to cut oats with our combined header + binder.
Mr Campbell the assistant book keeper left. returned to Buenos Aires.
Drove to Bell Ville to attend meeting of the road Com. returned.
Started to remake all the mattrasses.
Mr. W.H. Warnock died at 5.30 P.M. in Bell Ville of gastric fever. + complications he had been manager at La Minnesota for 2 years 10 month
Mr William Paul arrived from England. on a visit to his nephews.
Mrs Bischoff. Mrs Fernald + Mr Marty arrived in big carriage from Bell Ville. also a lot of English neighbors and natives to attend the criolla dance held in the galpon [barn]. Yearly dance to the peones [workmen] and house warming of galpon. Killed three cows for carne con cuero [side of beef barbecued with the hide on] 5 lambs. 22 kegs beer 30 doz ginger beer. 2 boxes ice big pots of chocolate + coffe going on all night and five musicians from Bell Ville
Buried poor Mr Warnock in Bell Ville cemetary.
Left with family for Cruz Grande. Marjorie, Marjoriedaw, Johnie Alfred. Miss Baker Mrs Bischoff and four servants.
Returned from Cruz Grande. frightfull Seca [drought]. camp looking dreadfull. cattle + stock hold out well still.
Rained 20 m/m last night. fine. the situation is saved.
Harley Storey accompanied by Agnes and the three boys arrived at La Minnesota, to take over the management.
Wrote to W.L. Miller. Peru Indiana U.S.A. asking him to send me a Polland China boar.
Mr Law moved for good up to La Minnesota.
Left for Rosario via Bell Ville.
" Rosario for La Cumbre.
" La Cumbre with Marjorie for Buenos Aires. by express train over Mumais [??] new line to Buenos Aires. with the Gelderdales + large party from Cruz Chica.
Left Buenos Aires with Marjorie for Rosario.
" Rosario for La Cumbre arrived on the 13th at Cruz Grande with Marjorie.
" La Cumbre for Cordoba.
Stayed in Cordoba on business connected with the Roads Com.
Left Cordoba for Bell Ville + Los Algarrobos.
Weather getting very dry. no wind at all.
Taking up stock for inventory
Signed blank pagare [note]. backing H. Storeys signature for $5.000. that he is discounting at London Bank in Rosario, due in
Left for La Cumbre via Bell Ville. to Cruz Grande.
Signed (at Cruz Grande) a pagare [note] for 50.000 $ to be discounted by Mr Marty at the London Bank. (for 6 months) in my private name. this money is to be disposited on the Co.: ac. to cover my private ac. {falls due Oct. 29th.
Left Cruz Grande with all the family. Marjorie. Marjoriedaw. Johnie Alfred Elsie Macintosh Miss Baker. and Doña Isabella, Angelina Rila + Bernabe also a boy for peon [workman].
Stayed the day in Cordoba. saw the Minister de Obras Publicas [Minister of Public Works] and the different heads of Dept's about Roads. also the Escribanos [notaries] about the Solicitud [Petition] about the Toma [water intake] to be made in the Rio Cruz Grande for Alfred. and received from him the titles of Mothers place. Villa Josefina.
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos with all the family.
Wrote to Mr Tom Agar asking him to put up Marjorie's name for St. Katherines school to begin in September.
William arrived from La California in his 50 H.P. Motor Car. 5 hours.
Went with William + 6 other persons - in his car to Bell Ville + came back. to go it took 62 minutes + to return 57 minutes.
Signed a pagare [note] for 25.000 $ to be discounted at the Banco Espanol on the 17th May. at 7% it falls due on the 17th of November.
James Ferguson (nephew of the Agars) arrived from Buenos Aires. he is to go to La Minnesota to learn Camp work.
Left for Rosario. in Bell Ville took up the bill due today at the Banco de la Nacion. 25.000.$ paid with a cheque on the London Bank, renewed the bill for $25.000 due at the Banco Aleman. for 6 months, pd. $1.050. for interest + stamps.
Left Rosario for Buenos Aires.
Bought a Daimler Motor car 38 H.P. 5 seated.
Left Buenos Aires for La Cumbre.
Arrived at Cruz Grande.
Bought at Cruz Grande a chacra [farm] of 8 hectareas. Chacra Lujan from Manuela Z de Calanilla for 1.800.$
Left Cruz Grande for Cordoba.
The Daimler Motor Car driven by the chauffeur that came up for 8 days with the car from Buenos Aires ran against a gate post + destroyed the car + injured nearly all those that were in the car. but none seriously.
Signed in Cordoba the titles for the land bought at Cruz Grand.
Saw the Ministro de Hacienda [Minister of Finance] in Cordoba. got more funds out of him for the roads of the two depts. 6.000.$
Arrived back at Cruz Grande.
John Ferguson, (nephew of the Agars) arrived from Buenos Aires with his mother. he is to stay on to learn camp work, as his health is not good for town life. he was in Agar Cross y Cia. in the windmill depto.
Sent the Daimler car to Buenos Aires to be repaired. Sent Hector Hermann our mechanic to B. Aires with the car to help repair it, and to learn to care for it + handle it.
Left for La California via Armstrong. took Marjoriedaw along.
Attended the sale of the stock of the Las Tres Lagunas. did not buy anything.
Returned to Los Algarrobos. via Armstrong + San Marcos.
The mason. Jackie. finished the mason work of the big galpon [barn] that he began on the 10th July last. and started work on the big algibe [water cistern] that is to water the patio and the galpon. with a mill.
Left for Buenos Aires via Monte Maiz with Marjory. Marjoriedaw. Johnie Alfred. Miss Elsie Macintosh + Miss Baker.
Miss Elsie Macintosh. Miss Baker + Marjoriedaw. left Montevideo for England on the S.S. Rimutaka, Marjoriedaw goes to join Elsie + Jo at St Andrew School in Scotland. Miss Baker + Miss Macintosh go for a holiday.
Left Buenos Aires for Los Algarrobos via Monte Maiz. accompanied by little Johnie.
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos.
Put the 1st alfalfa hay up into the loft of the new galpon [barn]
Received a poder [power of attorney] from Mrs Thume to manage La Marguarita Colony.
" the Titles " Escribanos [notaries] for the land bought from Manuela Calanilla de Zapata
Marjorie + little Alfred returned from Buenos Aires via Monte Maiz
Left for Rosario via Bell Ville, to sign books of the Cia.
Returned to Los Algarrobos via Bell Ville. drove out with Hector in the new Daimler car that just arrived at Bell Ville from Buenos Aires.
Marked out + began to make the two corrales + feeding trough on the north side of the newgalpon [barn].
Went to Bell Ville in the Daimler Car. went to the Banco de la Nacion discounted a pagare [note] 25.000. at 180 days. due [-empty space-]] ordered a giro [funds transfer, bank draft] of 15.000$ to be made. this sum is to be placed to my credit in the London Bank in Rosario. and the remainder of the liquidation to be placed to my credit in the Banco Aleman Transatlantico in Bell Ville.
Went to Cordoba via Bell Ville.
Stayed in Cordoba on road business.
Arrived at Cruz Grande
Left Cruz Grande for Bell Ville. direct train.
Left for Bell Ville. for Buenos Aires
Left Buenos Aires for Bell Ville.
Left for Rosario
Returned to Los Algarrobos.
Left for Cordoba
Arrived at Cruz Grande
Left Cruz Grande for Cordoba
Returned to Los Algarrobos.
Left for Buenos Aires
Bought bulls in Palermo [show].
Left Buenos Aires for Bell Ville.
Judged the durham cattle at Bell Ville Show with H. Reid.
Bought 19 bulls at Bell Ville show.
Marked out the Polo Ground at Los Algarrobos.
Left for Cordoba
Arrived at Cruz Grande
Left Cruz Grande for Bell Ville
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos.
Signed Pagare. to renew the bill due in my private name for $50.000 in the London Bank. Sent Mr. Marty a cheque for $51.725. for six months. falls due on the 29 April 1910.
Held Polo tournament + dance.
Left for Buenos Aires, with visitors, in Daimler Car. to Bell Ville the car on returning with the driver to Los Algarrobos met with a bad accident. the driver had drank + overturned the car.
From Buenos Aires went out to Vedia [in Bs.As. province] to Benito Villanuevas Estancia El Dorado. bought at Remate there 9 bulls at 350.$ and 1 at 500.$ for La Minnesota. and 9 at 475.$ from Mr. Stent for El Victoriano.
Returned to Buenos Aires from Vedia.
The 15 Hampshire Rams ordered from J. Moore England arrived at Los Algarrobos. (one ram died on road from Bell Ville) the price of these rams is £17.10 for 12 rams and £12 for 3 rams.
Left Buenos Aires for Cruz Grand.
Arrived at Cordoba
Cordoba to Cruz Grande.
Santiago Paul left Los Algarrobos to join his brother up in the Chaco. made him a present of a good riding horse. and sent a present of a good alazan potro [chestnut colt] to Benito Rumazon at Reconquista. Also sent Paul, Hugh, a present of two good stallions for their mares
Disraeli the old Shire stallion died suddenly. we have had him a great many years. and was a good stock getter and is the father of the fillies served by Bay Don. Disraeli was sent out to me by William Kemmis when he left Las Rosas.
Mr Pinnell sent young Holland to pick out a potrillo [colt] to race with. he took a nice little Alazan [chestnut].
Sent a draft for 252 £ to J. Moore to England for 15 rams.
Signed a pagare [note] that Mr Marty sent out for my signature. it is for $150.000 m⁄n on the Banco de La Nacion in Rosario. and it is to help Alfred to pay for the Tres Lagunas camp it renews a bill due on the 27th. this bill falls due 27 May 1910.
Romulo the tin smith returned from Cruz Grande from putting up the gas instalation at Villa Josefina.
Marjorie + Elsie Macintosh returned from Buenos Aires. on the 27 June. Miss Elsie went to England with Marjorie Daw to place her at school.
Paid 20.000. to each of Don R. Agars + T. Agars private accounts at Agar Cross + Co. monies to their credit for sales made.
Robert Warnoch, brother of William Warnoch who was Mayordomo of La Minnesota + died last Dicimber the 24th. [-blank-] was here, just arrived from Ireland to settle up his brothers affairs.
Mr Robert potter left Los Algarrobos.
Mr Nicolayson took over the books as head book keeper at 200.$ a month.
Mr Haakon Bryhn, the new assistant bookkeer arrived. a swede. salary 50.$ a month.
A frost fell last night. 1/2 degree of frost. it froze and ruined all our maize 200□ [squares; 339 ha. - see Cuadra, in Measures page]. it must have done enormous damage all over the country.
Miss B. Baker returned from England. she left with Miss E. Macintosh + Marjoriedaw in June. on a holiday.
Went to Rosario via Bell Ville.
In Rosario gave Mr Marty a cheque on the London Bank for 2500.$ received of it 1.000.$ in cash to take to Cruz Grande, and gave Mr Marty 1.500.$ to place to our credit to our account
Signed the Libro de Actas [Records Book] of the Sociedad Anonima Ganadera, Los Algarrobos [approx: Los Algarrobos Livestock Co., Inc.] as Director Gerente [Chairman of the Board].
Left Rosario in the evening for Cruz Grande.
Arrived at Cruz Grande from Rosario.
Finished putting down the piping to lead water from a tank built above Alfreds house [El Rincon] over to a tank I. built in our chacra [farm] for irrigation. the pipes pass through Villa Josefina and the pipes for their house use are connected with this pipe line. the Cruz Grande pipe leading from the Villa Josefina tank has been cut, and joined on to the pipe line. as the water from the Cruz Grande River is better + purer. I pay for half of the cost of making the acequia [irrigation channel] and the tank and have right to the use of the water.
Sent William a cheque for 1.532.97 in payment of the last account sent me, dated Oct 1. Wrote to him protesting to the unjust charges of interests he makes me, and against charging pastage [pasturage] for my potros [colts].
Left Cruz Grande for Cordoba
Saw the Ministro de Hacienda [Minister of Finance] in Cordoba and tried. (but did not succeed) to get the 2.000.$ the government still owes me for the Road Commission of Punilla of the Decreto [Decree] of Aug 2 - 1909.
Yesterday and today was at the Escribano [notary] Felix M. Rodriguez y Peralta with Pantaleon + Medardo Heredia to get the titles of the land they sold. one piece they sold to Alfred for 1.300.$ and one piece they sold me for 300.$. but as there were some delay. I could not stay to sign the titles. but the Heredias will stay to sign tomorrow. and I. will sign on my next visit to Cordoba. Gave Medardo 200$ and Pantaleon 300$ and this with the 500.$ advanced in small sums before, makes 1.000.$ they have received on ac. of these sales.
Left Cordoba for Bell Ville. Arrived at Los Algarrobos at 10.15 P.M.
Mr Mac.Cormick came to revise [inspect] our novillas [steers] for the Frigorifico [packing plant] River Plate.
Sold a two year old Shire Stallion, “Bay Dons” son to, Señor Lowrie of the Estancia Monte Christo for 500.$. he took the stallion with him.
The Saltena are joining mangas and beginning to march. [translation: The hoppers are swarming and beginning to move. See ‘locusts’ in our Glossary.]
Had a Christmas fiesta for all the children at Los Algarrobos. gathered 35 children together. showed them the Magic lantern and cakes + chocolates.
Mr + Mrs Richard Agar arrived at La Minnesota early in the morning. came on before lunch to Los Algarrobos.
Accepted offer of the River Plate Fresh Meat Co Ltd. for 105.$ each for 500 novillos [steers] to be parted out of our lot of 683 at the end of January.
Sent by Rail to Cruz Grande, in charge of Jesus Ponce who takes some animals of his own also, 3 harness mules. + one horse for carriage this is the horse tamed by Jose Schmeidlin. also send a horse for single harness to Arturo Pagliari in Cordoba.
Mr + Mrs Richard Agar left for La Minnesota where they revised [inspected] all the stock. they stay the night there. and go on to La California tomorrow.
Colonists began to thrash wheat in La Maya potrero [field].
Locusts [see glossary] very bad, putting up barrera [barrier] all around the maize.
Maize is splendid. quite recovered from the frosts.
Left for Cruz Grande. Marjorie myself. Johnie + Alfred. Miss Baker the governess. Rita + Angelina servants. arrived at Cruz Grande the same day.
Began to move the furniture into Mothers new home which is just finished.
Miss Elsie Macintosh, Miss Dawney, Mr + Mrs Higham [niece] + two children Alfred Benitz + Mr Marty arrived, J. Ferguson. to celebrate Mothers birthday
Mothers birth day. 80 years old today. tea party at Villa Josefina.
Mr Marty left for Rosario.
Mr J. Ferguson returned to La Minnesota. took fruit + rhubarb with him.
At Cruz Grande. received from Alfred a cheque on the London Bank for 25.000.$ a loan to meet the pagare [note] due at the Banco de la Nacion in Bell Ville on the 28th for 25.000.$ our novillos [steers] are to be delivered to the River Plate Fresh Meat Co on the 26th. 500 nov. @ 105.$ but will not receive the money in time to meet the bill.
Was in Cordoba. saw the Governor + the Minister. received 2.000.$ the last of the $4.000. given to Depto. Punilla Road Com. on Aug 2 - 1909
Asked for 3.000.$ more to carry on the work but could not get it.
Cashed in Cordoba the cheque given me by Mother. $1.333.33/100 Alfreds + Williams share of the allowance to her for Oct + Nov.
Mr + Mrs R. Agar arrived at the Greystone on a visit.
Alfred + William Higham went
up to the Palmares.
At the Escribano [notary] Rodriguez + Peralta I. signed for Alfred. the title deeds of the land he purchased from Pantaleon + Medardo Heredia.
I also signed the title deeds of the bit of land above Villa Josefina on the River Cruz Chica that I. bought from Pantaleon Heredia for 300$
Returned to Cruz Grande from Cordoba.
Sent to Mr Nicolayson. (the book keeper) Los Algarrobos - a cheque for 25.000. received from Alfred on the 17th on the London Bank, to take to Bell Ville on the 28th to meet the bill due at the Banco de la Nacion.
Sent Mr Marty a cheque for $25.000. to be deposited in the London Bank to Alfreds credit. in return of the 25.000. he lent me. Jan 17 - 1910.
Doctor Lloyd came to see Mother to treat her for her rheumatism.
At Cruz Grande. Received a paper from Alfred binding himself to let me have the use of the water of his deposit + canal of “La Quebrada” to carry water by piping to my properties, in exchange for my having born half of the cost of building the deposit and canal. I gave Alfred a paper binding myself to let him have the use of my days (8) of the water of Rio Cruz Grande for the use of his place “La Quebrada,” it being understood that he only takes of that which does not diminish to any extent the flow of the River.
At Cruz Grande. arranged with Willie Benitz that he is to write to Proffesor Mumford in the States to send out some Polland China pigs, a boar and a young sow in pig for myself. they are to be shipped out through Agar Cross N.Y.
The Shire Stallion, “Bay Don” died at Los Algarrobos.
Left Cruz Grande for Los Algarrobos -
Left Bell Ville early in the morning. had lunch at La Minnesota tea at El Victoriano and arrived at Los Algarrobos in the evening.
Sent Anastacio Zeballos to La Cumbre with two tostado [mahogany bay] cart horses for Mr Garrett, to be charged at 300.$ plus gastos [expenses]. these are the two horses that used to be at the Monterey years ago.
Sold to Bernabe Moyano 15 potros [colts] from El Victoriano at 140.$ c/u [cada/uno - each]
he + his son + Lorenzo Mir came out from Bell Ville in a Motor Car.
Carlemagno came out from Bell Ville in a Motor car. sold him the wheat from La Margarita at 6.50$ and the Algarrobos 7.00$ on the place.
I returned to Bell Ville with Carlemagno in his car. + with Lorenzo Mir went over the Road Com. accounts.
From Bell Ville I went to Buenos Aires.
Sent to Mr Marty from Buenos Aires a bill with my signature to have discounted at the Banco Britanico del America del Sud, in Rosario for 25.000.$ due 4th Sept 1910 at 7%. this money is to be deposited in the London Bank.
Saw Don Ricardo Agar + Mrs Agar off for England on the Amazon.
Left Buenos Aires for La Cumbre at 4.10 P.M.
Arrived back at Cruz Grande from Buenos Aires. brought five Plymouth fowl along. two cocks and 3 hens.
Received a cheque for a thousand dollars from Alfred ac. La Quebrada
Left Cruz Grande for Los Algarrobos. slept the night at La Minnesota.
Arrived at Los Algarrobos.
Dr Hanley + Mr Neild arrived on a visit.
Dr Hanley + Mr Neild left again for Buenos Aires
Gave Mr Potter a recomendation to the Nac. Bank Bell Ville so that he could have some money to buy some more of Gilpins land.
Finished taking up stock. making the yearly inventory at Los Algarrobos- for the year ending 31st of March. = 6903 head of horned cattle. yeguarizo working animals + mules - 518 Yeguarizo mestizo manadas + potros 618. lanar = 3483 pigs 309. [= 6903 head of horned cattle; work horses + mules = 518; mixed breed brood mares + colts = 618; sheep = 3483; pigs = 309.]
Backed a bill for 5.000.$ for Harley Storey to be discounted in the London Bank in Rosario. to meet one I. backed before which falls due April 6= this bill will fall due 3 Oct - 1910. Gave him a cheque for $3.000. loan untill
The Italian horse trainer left for Buenos Aires with 12 animals he has tamed to single + double harnes. he takes them down to sell them the 12th or 20th.
Had a meeting of all the colonists of La Margarita colony at Jose Miglioris house. arranged with them that this year they pay 18% of the crops - put in the station which I select on the new line in construction.
Left Los Algarrobos for Rosario. in Bell Ville attended a meeting of the Sociedad Rural, de Union. and saw Lorenzo Mir the Secretary of the Road Comision of the Depto Union. he had just received 3.000.$ from Bernabe Nogano (Señador) [signatory] from the Goverment for the Road Com. At Cañada de Gomez old Manuel Sosa, handed me 200.$ on ac. of the loan I made him long ago.
Left Rosario for Las Rosas, to Alfreds Estancia Tres Lagunas- stayed the night there.
Went to La California from the Tres Lagunas-, had lunch there + tea, and took the train back to Rosario in the evening.
Had the poder [power of attorney] from Mr Tom. Agar. protocalizado [certified] in Rosario.
Today, in 1875 my father with my brothers Frank, William, Charlie and Alfred, with Uncles Frank + Marr arrived on the La California camp and began to poblar [settle/stock], set up the tent and began to make a sod rancho [hut], which stood for a good number of years afterwards, it was built just behind where now stands the row of buildings comprising office + rooms for book keeper, sitting room, and my old rooms-, 35 years ago.
Left Rosario for Los Algarrobos again, via Leones-. La Colu***ia.
Received from Lignion Hnos vacine for inoculating all the cattle of the 3 Estancias.
Left Los Algarrobos- for Rosario, accompanied by young Pearse.
left Rosario for Reconquista.
Alfred gave Mr M Saw Benito Ramayon in Reconquista about Chaco lands-, found nothing
suitable, also met G. Paul + Mr Anderson.
Left Reconquista for Vera. stayed the night there.
Left Vera for Reconquista. … [missing, cut off at bottom of page]
Presented letter of introductions to Dr Vadilla and to Señor Obligado
Dr Vadilla presented me to Nicolas Siffredi a com agent, who offered me 20 000 hect of land on the Bermejo River. camp known as Campo de Araoz offered at 14.$ the hect.
Arranged with J. Maclean, (an old Chaco man) to take me + young Pearse out to revise [inspect] the campo de Araoz. for 300.$ he furnishing the horses + peones [workmen], + pack mules- and two armed peones-. we left for Las Palmas by boat the same day. MacLean with men + horses going overland to meet us on other side of Las Palmas. we arrived at Las Palmas the same day we left Resistencia.
We left Las Palmas on Mr C. Hardeys, little narrowgage line for the punta de los Rieles [Punta de los Rieles = End of the Line]. where we met J. Kennedy, the man in charge there, who put us up.
Mc.Lean with peones [workmen] + horses met us, and we started for the Araoz camp.
We arrived at the S.W. part of camp, revised [inspected] it, rode all around it.
Revised the remainder of the camp. that occupied by Uriburros puesto [house], and rode as far as the Rio Bermejo, where we slept the night.
Finished revising [inspecting], and left the camp again.
Returned again to Las Palmas.
Telegraphed to N. Seffredi to Resistencia, accepting the camp at 14.$ hect.
Pd of Mr Mac.Lean. and me, Don Pancho + I. took steamer for Buenos Aires.
Arrived early in the morning in Buenos Aires. Mr Marty got on board in Rosario.
Met N. Siffredi, who introduced us to Dr Blanch. the oner of the Campo de Araoz. arranged everything. saw the Escribano [notary] and the Agars about the payment.
Left Buenos Aires for La Cumbre, to take the family back to Los Algarrobos.
We all left Cruz Grande for Cordoba.
Marjorie, the two boys Miss Baker + the three servants took train for Bell Ville, for Los Algarrobos, and I stayed in Cordoba to see the Minister. tried to get a thousand dollars donated to Punilla. but could not get it. Left at 3 P.M.
Arrived back in Buenos Aires. met Mr Marty. Dr Blanch + N. Siffredi at the Escribano [notary] Saavedra at the Banco Hipotecario Nacional. signed the titles of the campo de Araoz. and paid 280.000$ in cash.
Made a boleto [purchase offer] with Dr Blanch for three months. for his remainder of the camp. 5 000 hect at 18.$. me to pay Siffredi 2.500$ as com. should Mr T. Agar accept the camp.
The Escribano [notary] transcribed my power from T. Agar. Mr. Cross + Col. Ruston - to Mr Marty. so that he could sign the titles in case we bought the land.
Asked Shiffredi to try to get me a boleto [purchase offer] for the 10 000 hect of land adjoining + belonging to General Winter, to pay up to 20.$ the hect.
Left Buenos Aires for Rosario. with Alfred.
Alfred and I. and Mr. Marty went to the London Bank, received my package of the Shares of the “Los Algarrobos” Sociedad Anonima Ganadero, that were deposited there took out shares to the value of 200.000$ which I. gave to Alfred as security for the same sum he has lent me to pay off all my Bank obligations untill I. return from England, or for a longer period, paying him 7% the shares are not negociable, and must be returned to me whenever I. redeem them. the shares delivered to Alfred are = No 201/1200 = $100.000 = No 7201/8200 = $100.000
Resealed the package of the remaining shares for 500.000.$ and redeposited them in the Bank and received a receipt for them from the Bank.
Alfred also gave me a receipt for the shares - given him. he also deposited them in the same Bank. sealed with our seal. and I. gave Alfred a receipt for the 200.$ of which we have received up to date only 150.000.$ the remainder he lets me have by the end of the month.
At the Escribanos - in Rosario
Moises Garcia. I. had a Poder General [general power of attorney] made out
one giving power to Mr F. C. Marty to act for me and manage all my
affairs for me during my absence to England.
Returned to Los Algarrobos-. having been absent since the 10th April.
Mr H. Miller + E. Carlomagno came from Bell Ville to see me about founding a branch of the Banco de Cordoba in Bell Ville. asked me to help by being one of the directors + subscribing some capital. as this Bank will do a great deal of good. I. accepted. and promised to contribute with $25.000.
Drove in to Bell Ville to attend a meeting of the Sociedad Rural de Union and of the Com. de Caminos del Depto Union [Union county Roads Commission]. also a meeting of merchants about establishing a bank in Bell Ville, with capital subscribed by neighbors. I. promised to subscribe with 25.000. and to be one of the Directors.
Mr + Mrs Hill + child arrived. from Tucuman. Mrs Hill was Margarita Thome. daughter of the owner of the Margarita camp.
Took Mr Hill all around the Margarita camp.
Centenario de la [centennial of] Republica Argentina. had carne con cuero [side of beef barbecued with skin on] and horse races for the peones [workmen].
Sent two letters to the Minisiterio. saying that as I. was going to Europe. I. left Lorenzo J. Ledesma, the Tesorero [cashier] of Punilla in my remplazo [replacement]. and in Union Enrique Carlomagno, also Tesorero.
Mr Byrhn brought four mares which he asked me to have served for him.
Mr + Mrs Hill left for Cordoba + Tucuman.
Sent by Encomienda [courier] to La Cumbre, 2 crates with 4 young pigs. = 8 pigs.
" " " " Malaya 2 Hampshire Down Rams to Bech.
Sent Ponce, the Capataz [foreman], James Ferguson + a peon [workman] to Olmos Estancia San Sebastian to part 100 potros [colts] AO at 50$.
Made a plan of the Estancia on a large black board to hang in the office.
Marjorie + I. left for Buenos Aires on our way to England.
passing through Bell Ville I. saw Mr Miller about the Bank we were forming in Bell Ville. capital already subscribed 890.000$
While in Buenos Aires we stayed with the Highams [niece Bertha’s family]
Paid to the Com. agents Pareja + [-blank-] 5.050.$ for the 100. potros [colts] that Ponce + James Ferguson parted at the Olmos Estancia San Sebastion at 50.$
We left Buenos Aires on the Aragon for England. Alfred, Mrs Bischoff + Miss Dawney. made the party. Mr Lambert going on the same ship joined our party of six at a table.
Took cash along for the trip. 50£ in gold + 600 francs in gold. and letters of Credit of the Spanish Bank on London + Paris for 100.000 francs + 4.000.£
At Monte Video was handed a letter from Mc.Lean enclosing a plan of the Bermejo + camps, north.
Arrived in London, stay at the Hotel Victoria
Drew from the Banco Español 200 £ on my letter of Credit.
Attended the Peterborough cattle + horse show, saw some fine Shires.
Attended a meeting of T. Agar, Mr Cross + Col. Ruston. discussed the “Bermejo Camp” business, it was decided to form a company of the business, with a capital of 80.000 £. to stock the camp, to fence + poblar [stock] it. an aggrement was drawn up which I. signed. I. am to be given 3000 £ worth of shares in exchange for relinquishing (giving up) my rights to a profit arising from ultimate sale of land, and am to be lent 5.000 £ by Mr T. Agar + Mr Cross to buy that ammount of Shares -. I. am to pay them 7% interest. I. am to have the management of the Estancia.
The Cia [company] is to be called, The Bermejo Estancia Co. Ltd.
Left London for France. with Marjorie, Alfred and Mr Mews. (the agent. H. Sonioses man)
At Nugent le Rotrou [Nogent-le-Routrou, about 150 km. SW of Paris]. Alfred bought 3 Percherons for himself and I. bot one for William.
At Caen bought a Anglo Normandy
stallion for Los Algarrobos from through Alfred Gallier a dealer
or breeder, the Com. agent or Vet, who took us to see the horses
was named Jude Jourdan The breeder or dealer from where I. bought the
stallion is Jude Jourdan. The horse is named “Heretier” 3 year old. a
brown horse, for 4000 francs-. was sired by Quaiscon.
Left Paris for London where we arrived in the evening back again at the Hotel Victoria.
Drew 200 £ from the Banco Español ac of letter of credit.
Left London for York. slept there
Motored all about York + Peterborough, looking for Yorkshire + Shires. slept at Peterboro.
Motored about Cambrige + to Waldon. where I. bought for £200. a Hackney stallion for La Minnesota. the horse is called Waldon Active John, a light active chestnut. then we motored across to Tring Park. Lord Rothchilds place. at Tring. where for £200. I bought a Shire stallion, called “Champions Heir”, sired by Chidwick Champion age 2 x 3 year. bay color left fore foot a little white.
Drew 800 £ from the Banco Español del Rio de la Plata. in a cheque which I. sent to Mr Mews ac. of payment of stallions. Frankie Benitz lunched with me.
Drew 300 £ from the Banco Español del Rio de la Plata in London on ac. of letter of Credit.
Arrived at St Andrews: joined Marjorie, Mrs Bischoff + Miss Dawney at the Renack hotel. saw the three girls
Left St Andrews, Marjorie, the three girls and myself for Lochearnhead, where we arrived in the evening.
Left Lochearnhead for Dumfries (where we stay with the Turners) passing through Glasgow. I bought an old grandfathers clock for Mothers house, Villa Josefina.
Left Dumfries for London. back to the Hotel Victoria
Went to Coventry. visited the Daimler Motor Works, ordered a 25 HP. 2 seated car
Left London for the Headlands Hotel at New Quay in Cornwall. where the Agars are staying.
Left New Quay for Clovelly, where the Birminghams are staying.
Arrived at Dublin. stay at the private house of the Manager of Shelbourne Hotel. Visit Horse Show.
Left London Dublin for London. back to the Hotel
Victoria.
Received a cable from Buenos Aires advising that the 1st. and long looked for rain had fallen at Los Algarrobos, Los Algarrobos. 12 m/m El Victoriano 21 m/m. La Minnesota 37 m/m.
Bought a Shire Stallion “Champions Wiseman” from Lord Rothchild at Tring Park for £210.-
Marjorie + I. took our three girls back to their schools at St. Andrews, their holidays have ended!
A meeting was held at the office of Agar Cross + Co. London and the Articles of Association of The Bermejo Estancia Co. Ltd were signd by the following. Thomas F. Agar, Malcolm Cross, J.S. Ruston, Clara Agar, Muriel Amy Ruston, Marjorie Benitz, John Benitz, James Orr, H.M. Brodie T.H. Wrensted, all Shareholders.
Held the 1st. meeting of the Directors of “The Bermejo Estancia Co. Lt.” the following were present Mr. T. Agar, Mr Cross, John Benitz, Mr Wrensted, it was resolved to appoint Mr T. Agar as Chairman and with him Mr Cross + Ruston as- Directors. As Auditors to the Co. were appointed Rattray Brothers. (Alex + Francis of Glasgow. Poderes [power of attorneys] were drawn up authorizing me to sell + buy the camp in the Chaco to the Co. and to Register the Co in the Argentine, an aggreement was drawn up appointing me as Manager. with a renumeration of half of the profits after deducting 7% interest on the Capital. another aggreement was drawn up + signed by which I. pay Mr Cross + T. Agar 7% on the £ 5000 they lend me to buy 5000 £ of shares in the Co.
I. am to have a certificate for 3000 £. of shares in renumeration for my services in buying the land.
Marjorie is to have one share (£10.) in the Co. this share is to come out of the 500 that I. buy, with money borrowed from T. Agar + Malcolm Cross.
Received the following papers from Mr T. Agar to take out to the Argentine.
* 1 poder [power of attorney] to sell the Chaco land to the Co.
* 1 " " purchase for the Co. the above land.
* 1 " " Administrate.
* 1 " " secure registration of the Co in the Argentine.
* a memorandum of the Articles of Association, duly legalized + attested to by the Argentine Consul. to be used for the Registration of the Co.
* a duplicate agreement for services as administrator + attorney.
* a duplicate agreement as to Shares with Mr Agar + Mr Cross.
Motored with Mr + Mrs T. Agar to Southampton.
Saild for Buenos Aires on the Amazon. with us go Miss S.a Court a governess we take out with us for the boys. Kenneth Avery a nephew of Mrs R Agars who goes out to learn camp life at “La Minnesota” and Tomas Sympson who goes out to Los Algarrobos. [Seven years later, 20 Aug. 1917, Tommy married Elsie in England.]
Today is Elsies birthday. 17th
Arrived in Buenos Aires. was met at docks by F.C. Marty + V. Morando
Arrived back at Los Algarrobos.
John Ferguson arrived down from the Bermejo.
The Daimler Motor car arrived back from Buenos Aires where it had been sent to be repaired a year ago. when it was wrecked by Hectors drinking.
Received by registered letter from London Share certificate No 7 for 300 shares (@ £10.- each) and one Share certificate No 8 in Marjories name for one share. of The Bermejo Estancia Co. Ltd.
Went to Rosario via Bell Ville. “by Motor to Bell Ville.”
In Rosario ordered new stove with hot water instalation for the house. and telegraph posts of quebracho [v. hard wood] + estacones [large stakes] for altering telephone system.
Had a meeting in Bell Ville of the Directors of the Banco Agricola Comercial. of which I. am President. also a meeting of the Road com. of Union. of which I. am also President.
Arranged with Sixto Yrrazabal of Las Garzas. sent down + recommended by Mr Paul, to go up to the Bermejo camp + to take charge of it if he finds it safe to take his family up. at 100.$ a month.
Went to Bell Ville. stayed the night and on the 27th went to Cruz Grande.
Left Cruz Grande for Cordoba, next day went to goverment house about Rondo -
Returned to Los Alarrobos.
Left Los Algarrobos - early in the morning for Cruz Grande, arrived there the same day. with Marjorie, Johnie + Alfred. Tommy + Harley Storey. Rila, Angelina, Dona Ageda + Canducho.
Sent Mr Marty a pagare [note] for $30.000 to be discounted in Rosario at the Banco de la Nacion in Rosario. for 6 months. falls due -
Left Cruz Grande for Cordoba. took the two Story boys with me.
Attended a meeting of the Banco Agricola Comercial in Bell Ville. and returned to Los Algarrobos.
Bautista Mottino came from Medano de
Las Cañas, took him to La Minnesota + gave him the plan of the house to be
built at Woodgate Station for a business Station house at the
Station. he will make us a presupuesto [budget] to build it by contract.
Sunday. left Los Algarrobos for Cordoba + Cruz Grande.
Stayed the day in Cordoba and saw the Minister de Obras Publicos [Minister of Public Works] about roads-.
Left Cruz Grande for Rosario via F.C.C y R. [RR]
Stayed the day in Rosario. slept at Mr Martys house.
Left Rosario for La California. in the afternoon visited Las Tres Lagunas-.
Visited Mr Bohtlingk at Santa Clara and went around La California with Willie [son of brother William].
Left La California for Los Algarrobos via Armstrong to Bell Ville.
Great drought all over the Republic. camps in frightfull bad condition. maiz crop total loss, all live stock excepting fat novillas [steers] very cheap.
Went to Bell Ville in the Car with Bautista Mottino. who is building our house for Almacen [store] at Woodgate. to see the bakery at Bell Ville to see how they had their oven and breadmaking machinery.
Began to Count cattle for the añual Stock taking.
Went to Buenos Aires by Bell Ville
Ordered a lot of machinery + plows at Agar Cross + Co. for the three Estancias.
Saw Mr Monteith Drysdale about the Registration of the Bermejo Estancia Co.
Received from Agar Cross + Co. for account of " " " " $13.000
Left Buenos Aires for Cordoba. when I. met Mr Marty. together we went to the Escribano Luis Alberto Arguello and instructed him to take steps to get a loan of $450.000 from the Banco Hipotecario Nacional on a mortgage of Los Algarrobos. drew up and signed the petition which we left with the Escribano who will do the business for us. paid him 10.$ for stamps.
Left Cordoba for Cruz Grande.
Received a telegram from Mr Marty advising of receipt of a cable advising us of our brother Williams death on April 1. at Corsicana Texas- U.S. of heart disease. he had been suffering for some time. he could not go to the Greystone as the altitude did him harm, and was unable to be on the La California to work and was recommended to travel so Clara took him to the States, with Nena, Bernice + Marion. Alfred went to the States from England upon his return there from his shooting trip in Africa. he was with William when he died.
Began to work clearing off and leveling land to build a house next year at Buena Vista. laid down a pipe and began to make adobes [mud-bricks] for a puesto [house] there.
We all left Cruz Grande for Los Algarrobos for the winter. stayed the night in Cordoba. saw the Ministro de Obras Publicos [Minister of Public Works] about the permission for putting up the telephone line to the Station. also saw the Escribano Arguello about the mortgage.
We all arrived back at Los Algarrobos-. found the camps dreadfully bad. the drought is general all over the Republic. and is causing enormous losses to stock after ruining the wheat and maiz crops-. camps are dreadfully bad.
Went to Bell Ville attended the meeting at the Bank
Señor Fausto F. Funes-. came to revise the Estancia for the Banco Hipotecario Nacional.
Went with the motor car + Mr Storey to revise [inspect] an Estancia called Las Bebidas due west from here, with a view of renting it for cattle. but could not come to terms.
Made up the manadas [breeding herds] for the year. culled out a good many mares and only put in a few of the very best potrancas [fillies]. The Stallions in use are Dinan (Anglo Normando) Heretier (Anglo Normando) Fregoli (Anglo Normando born in the Country) Baird (thoroughbred.) Champions Wiseman and Champions Heir. (Shires) and an Arab Stallion lent me by Mr Cox of Santa Catalina. also a Welsh pony given by Willie Benitz as a present to the Children. total mares in manadas [breeding herds]- 224. not counting 13 belonging to the children.
Went to Buenos Aires
Met Alfred on his arrival by the S.S. Verdi on his return from his trip to E Africa.
Alfred gave me $500. on account of his expenses at his place. La Quebrada.
Engaged a new Capataz [foreman] Patrick Dineen for Los Algarrobos at $100. a month.
Engaged an assistant Book keeper for Los Algarrobos. Francis Logan @ $50.
Left Buenos Aires for Los Algarrobos by Woodgate Station.
Made a Contract with Santiago Renny for a legue of pasto fuerte [harsh native grass] camp for pastoreo [pasturage] at 7.500.$ for 6 months. this is for “El Victoriano” to remove their cattle to as the winter is very severe and cattle starving.
Paid Johnie + Alfreds St Georges College fees: for one term $854.00
Marjorie left with Johnie + Alfred to put them to school at St Georges College.
Champions Heir, our Shire Stallion had a piece of his right ear bit off.
Old Doña Manuela Zapata died at La Cruz.
Discounted a bill for $25.000 at the Banco Agricola Comercial in Bell Ville due 30 Aug.
Mr Marty bought a piece of land for building an Almacen [general store] on at Woodgate Station for $3.400.
Went to Bell Ville on business of the Road Commission of which I. am president.
Paid the agent of the Touring Club Argentina $50. for two ensignas to put on car.
Left for Cruz Grande
At Cruz Grande bought land from the heirs of Manuela Zapata for $11.500.
Traded part of the above land to Antonia Zapata for a piece she had adjoining. made a boleto [bill of sale] with her. signed by witnesses.
Left Cruz Grande for Cordoba
Cashed in Cordoba the cheque for $4.985.00 which Alfred gave me in payment for expenses paid by me for his place La Quebrada.
Gave to Manuel Tanano Mothers cheque for $4.000. to give in cash to Juan.
In Rosario I. signed the Libro de Actos [Registry Book] of the “Los Algarrobos” Sociedad Anonima Ganadera.” [approx.: Los Algarrobos Livestock Co., Inc.]
Alfred and Mr Marty signed at the Escribano [notary] “Garcia” the poder [power of attorney] authorizing me to mortgage “Los Algarrobos” for $450 000m⁄n in the Banco Hipotecario Nacional
Went to Buenos Aires from Rosario.
Sent to the Escribano [notary] Peralta in Cordoba. the boleto [bill of sale] made with the Zapatas.
I visited Johnie + Alfred at St. Georges college in Buenos Aires.
Bought things for Marjories + my trip to El Bermejo, a brake. buggy rifle, revolver, ploughs + tools.
For the account of The Bermejo Estancia Co. paid to the Escribano Saavedra the expenses of titles stamped paper and Contribucion Directa [real estate tax].
At the Escribano Saavedra I. signed the titles buying the Estancia El Bermejo for the Bermejo Estancia Co. sellers. T. Agar, Malcolm Cross + Col Ruston + myself.
Left Buenos Aires for the Estancia “Los Algarrobos.” via Bell Ville.
Left with Marjorie in our Daimler Car for La California.
Visited San Andres. El Rafango + Tres Lagunas in our car
We returned to Los Algarrobos-.
Contracted with Agapito Ruiz to bore a well at Los Algarrobos for $1.500.
Sent to John Nelsons Estancia, 6 umbrella paraiso [an ornamental variety of chinaberry tree, see glossary] trees + some seed
Wrote to England to J. Moore and asked him to send me 10 Hampshire Down Rams to cost £ 18.-- put in Buenos Aires.
Mr Goodliffe, Inspector F.C.C.A. came to enquire about our complaints about the Station Master at Woodgate.
Attended meeting of the directors of the Banco Agricola Comercial, and the Sociedad Rural de Union in Bell Ville.
Last page
Went to Cordoba and back in the same day. signed at the Escribano Arguello a poder [power of attorney] for Señor [-blank-] to sign the Hipoteca [mortgage] of Los Algarrobos- during my absence to the Chaco. to Estancia El Bermejo.
Sent Juan the Cochero [coachman] and the boy Canducho to Resistencia by train with 11 horses for our trip to the Bermejo.
Gave to the Escribano Peralta in Cordoba a cheque for $11.500 for him to pay the herederos [heirs] of Manuela Zapata as soon as they Escriturar [register].
Received in Cordoba the Permit from the Goverment allowing us to put up telephone posts along the Road to Woodgate from Los Algarrobos.
© Peter Benitz (Benitz Family)