Underneath... ... written mysteries

Standing in my hallway is a narrow chest of drawers, made a long time ago by my father. The outside is made of mahogany, but the back and drawer bottoms have been made out of, what appears to be, salvaged wood. Underneath this drawer I found some writings.

Morgan Griffiths Nov 29 1889 Frosty Day

J R Jenkins Nov 23 1892 Nice Day

Conscription is at the Door Arthur James Evans

The names mean nothing to me, but this chest is treasured.