The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

23 Dec. Monday. Pleasant. Bob and Maria washing - _____ ____ ____ _____ (someone else added in four -penciled lines here - Wood) Cristie has been sick yesterday and this forenoon. Afternoon - Cristie here at work. James at C - took supper at Mother’s brought some potatoes home from C - Little Dave Mc here for supper spent the eve with us (67-68). 25 Dec. Wed. Christmas. Quite gloomy and damp. Rain most of the time. Cal Wilson called for cream for the festival which is going on at Cedarville. James over the greater part of the forenoon at Galbreath’s did not get back till John Mc and I were nearly through with dinner. My Oh ! one would hardly think it was Christmas, everything seems more quiet than usual. Eve. dark and cloudy. A little after four James started to C - came back before seven in a pelting rain. brought two books? for presents for Maria and Bob. This evening one year ago James came out home to see me - now we are married and “keeping house” What a change (!) yet it is a pleasant change much happier; ever so happier now than then. All is perfect confidence and assurance tinged with misgiving, or at least this was my experience. Byron says: - Ah love was never yet without A pang, and agony, a doubt, That rends my heart with ceaseless sigh - While day and night roll darkling by. Now I believe that these or rather his sentiments are true. If we were only conversant with heart histories we would find them to be so (68-69). 27 Dec. Friday. Forenoon. busy sewing. Sam G. called - after an early dinner he and James went to Xenia. James returned before supper (70). 28 Dec. Sat. Pleasant. James and I went into C - this morning- he attended a congregational meeting at the church while Jane and I took H? and the buggy and drove out home - Father took our buggy and came into the meeting after Jane and I got there. Mary made Bob’s coat today on the machine. It was late before we got started home, did not get to C - till dark. Lost my muff in Ced- but James found it again, for me (70). 29 Dec. Sabbath. James and I at preaching took Bob with us. Mr. Morton preached this forenoon Text - “We spend our years as a tale that has been told.” Afternoon - Mr. Morton preached - text - “Prepare to meet thy God.” Rev. Cunningham Jackson was in the pulpit in the afternoon - made the closing prayer (70-71). (Wood - This is the first time she records the texts of the sermons from Sabbath preaching.) Last day of 1867. Quite cold. Jane is still with us. Mr. S. Anderson called - We are all at home. Just to think that another year has gone with its many dreams and bright anticipation as well as with its blighted hopes and shifting clouds and darkness. It has gone! yes, it has gone to the eternal burial ground of the past where side by side with a thousand more it sleeps mantled in its 26