The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

2 July. Sabbath. Quite a beautiful summer day. This morning at half past nine Uncle John and the two Aunt Marys and I attended Sabbath School at the Christian church. Uncle John teaches the young ladies class. In the evening Aunt Mary and I, “our Mary,” attended the Christian E. at the Christian church. We had quite a nice meeting so many bright promising girls in the (work?). The girls graded higher than the boys. How bright the outlook for our country when the young folks are wide awake and in earnest. 4 July. Tuesday. Quite a warm day. Much cooler this evening as it has the appearance of a shower. The town all in a stir this morning. And about ten the processions formed for the picnic grounds. Most all of Lyons have gone out. Uncle John and I and the two Aunt Marys were up to see the procession. Came home and Aunt Mary took two letters for me along with her own to the office. It being the “4th” we had a nice dinner. I have been writing and resting ever since. They were to have fireworks tonight but this evening a heavy shower came up. It poured while it lasted. They are having this fireworks, but none of us attended. 8 July. Saturday, A beautiful day. Grandmother Clogston called to see us this morning and spent an hour with us. She is a dear old lady. She is a great church and temperance worker. She is a member of the White Ribbon Army having heard of our position she was anxious to see us. She was 78 the 6th of this month. She connected with the M.E. Church at the age of eleven and has been following in that way ever since. To see her is to love her. She is growing brighter and brighter. This afternoon Miss Ora (Flater?) called to tell us good by. She lives within three miles from Worthington. She is quite a bright educated girl. She is about seventeen. She has been here at our next door neighbors for a week visiting. I was sorry to see her go as it is hardly likely that I ever shall meet her again. This afternoon Mrs. Holtsman called. She is a widow. Her only son, a boy about 18, is going down quite rapidly from the effect of cigarette smoking. The mother is sad indeed and so is the son. But he can not undo the evil now. He must die. This eve the two Aunt Marys took a walk. I finished reading “The Belle of Wyandotte” by James B. Goode. Some fine points but there might have been more- not much Christ in it. This eve Mrs. Baughn and her little girl called, (_athie), this little one made me think of Florence. She is very sweet and attractive. 9 July. Sabbath. One thing that impresses me more than ever that the Lord’s Supper belongs to all Christians alike. The church laws or creeds do not have anything to do with that. It is the Lord’s Supper. 155