The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

1898 Transcribed and edited by Kathy Roberts (2015) September 1 Sept. Thursday: A beautiful day. Some people take the train at an early hour to the state fair in Columbus (she first mentions the state fair on Aug. 31). Clayton and Jason go to Jamestown to the (Street ?) Fair. Paul plays at the Waltons while I attended the (W. ?) Missionary Society meeting. (Uncle ?) Joe around all day. Albert cutting wood. Casey cleaning in the stables. Harlan brought me a beautiful Bible he got for me when away on this trip - Something to appreciate and to be proud of. This is a most beautiful night of clear of day. It is very lonely here - the boys are not home yet_ I will be glad when they come. 2 Sept. Friday: A beautiful day. Robert gone -- for good --- The men return from the state fair and have “a conveyance from Walter”. All the returnees are over for dinner. 3 Sept. Saturday: I have not been well all day and was in bed when they (Mr. Mc, Harlan, Adam S-J, and Mrs.Bailey) came. Mrs. Webster had a faithful day sweeping (out/up ?) stairs and down putting the house in order _ She is with us to night and what a blessing she has been to me. This afternoon Clayton at the B- Shop - (& ?) Uncle (Joe is pencilled in above the line!) went down with him. Jason and Paul around home. Casey and Albert busy to day. 4 Sept. Sabbath: “Rain this morning. This Webster still here going right along with the work. Mrs. Bailey not at church but with us here at home. I am still sick. Aunt Mary came home with the folks from church and took charge of the Sabbath School class at the School house. Jason & Paul went with her. This Evening she went back when Clayton and Jason went to the Young folks meeting. (Mrs ?) W - here this evening and waited on (Mrs ?) B - and the folks at lunch _ The cloud that has settled over me yesterday and to day is beginning to clear away this evening.” 5 Sept. Monday: All out at an early hour (by ?) this is the day Clara goes back to Monmouth. Mrs. B- goes too. By the way Miss Wylis opened her School this (morning ?) in our School house on the ( I can’t guess this word) - and Paul was there this Forenoon. A group went into Springfield. This was Labor day - and the town was full and teeming over with crowds and crowds of people. Clayton took advantage of the day and went out to the fair, & round to their exercises. As usual I felt Sad when the last good bye came. Harlan took Clara (& ?) me to supper at Adams. Then after the train moved out he took Father and Clayton and Paul with him - after supper we lighted up at the stove and (I ?) spent a little while with him. He is far from well - I do not know when I have seen him look so badly. Clara started on the 6” last year to the College in Monmouth I think - Now this is the beginning of another year. 136