The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

14 Dec. Sat. Morning. Jonathan Smith and Sam G here - They together with Jane went with James to Xenia today. Mrs. Christie here helping me put down the carpet in the front sitting room. James did not get home till after night (64). 15 Dec. Sabbath. James and I went to church in the sleigh (64). 16 Dec. Monday. James at home all day. Fast? Jns. Mc Millan here for dinner he and James put up the blinds in the front sitting room this afternoon. Joe Caldwell called. Eve - James and I had our first sitting in the front room, this eve, it is so very cheerful. I like it ever so much. Dr. Holland says - home is the temple of our sweetest kinsman? love - It is here characters are shaped into manhood or womanhood - the highest earthly estate. It is here that ___ are to work out the problem of our lives. It is a place of dignity. Therefore give it honor; make it beautiful; make it ___ (!). Could we only do this. After all there is something in a true life worth striving for - worth our highest efforts (64-65). 17 Dec. Tuesday. Forenoon. Jane came to help me make Bob’s clothes - Afternoon. James and I went down to town in the sleight. Took some little provisions to the Morton’s. Called a few minutes at Mother’s - around to the drug store. I called on Alice while there. We expected a colored girl to come up on the train from Xenia today for our service but were disappointed. Near dark - Jane went over to spend night with Mrs. G. Eve. Silas and Jennie Little called sat till ten o’clock (66). 18 Dec. Wed. Morning. Jane came back from Galbreath’s. Amos Creswell called. Fast? John Mc came here to work today. Afternoon - James took Jane down home. The colored girl came today James brought her home with him this eve. Cristie hauling corn from Hempills (66). 19 Dec. Thursday. Pleasant. James at home all day. Ria washing. I attended to dinner. Before sunset Silas and Mary came - Oyster supper here tonight - quite a number at it. Mary stayed all night did not retire till near 3 o’clock A.M. (66). 20 Dec. Friday. Morning - did not have breakfast till after nine o’clock - Silas came for Mary before we sat down to eat - they started for home a short time afterwards. Cristie finished hauling corn from Hempills today. Noon - James and I took dinner at Mrs. Galbreath’s given in honor of Lieut Gage. quite a little company was present. Eve - James and I drove down to C - sleighing very nice or at least it was so warm and pleasant that it seemed almost like Spring, so therefore, I guess it was the evening that was so nice not the sleighing (66-67). 22 Dec. Sabbath. Last night the rain fell in ____. James and I at church. Jon, Mc, Bob and Ria at home (67). 25