Preface -- Introduction -- Family tree -- Footnotes -- The Massachusetts years: Henry, John, Jabes, Sr. -- The Connecticut years: Jabez, Jr., Samuel -- The New York years: Sarah's story -- Sheldon: Young manhood, 1836-1838, The wandering years, 1838-1842, Ohio, Working on the railroad, The sea voyage -- Life in Redfield, 1842-1856: Farmer, Physician, Public servant, Educator, Family, Health, Social life -- A new era: The trip to Minnesota, June 1855, The move to Minnesota, 1856, The beaver years, The second Minnesota legislature, 1859-1860 -- Brooks brothers, 1861-1874: Health concerns again, National concerns, The boys become partners, Formation of a company -- Retirement: Health problems, 1874-1879, The last diary, January 1, 1880-July 2, 1882.