The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

June 24 June. Wed. Quite pleasant. Bro Hugh’s Little Willie ? sick. Not expected to live. All the friends were called in this morning. James and I went down, left baby Fannie with Mrs. Cristie. We came back before dinner. Sister Jane came with us— Fast John around at work. Jim Stormont? here for dinner as he is around peddling flowers— Afternoon. James and baby Fannie and I all dressed and ready to go to the Commencement exercises of the U.P. Seminary in Xenia tonight, but as Willie was worse when we got that far, I concluded to remain at home— but as James had some business to attend to, he went on to Xenia taking ? ? with him— I feel a good deal disappointed tonight as I wanted to go so bad as sister Mary is to read an essay before the Alumni Association and Crissie Moodie to recite a poem & a -. For the evening Mrs. Galbreath called. Also Mrs. Mattie Wright— and her niece Eliza Lake?— James did not get back till late— sister Jane with us tonight— July 14 July Tuesday. Very warm. Nancy washing. Fannie very fretful— James not at home today— He and Sam Galbreath have their sign out for the poor house— either that or else they don’t consider they have much business to attend to at home or do not attend to what they have got— As they are not trifling away their time with a patent Hay Fork. Talking about making money! A large pee ct? [Wagner note: I’m guessing this might be akin to a penny or a cent] on each one that they sell. But— I am willing to venture this whole farm that if they should spend every hour of time between this and coming Christmas in the enterprising business of circulating patent Hay Forks, they would not have twenty five dollars clear money, to say nothing about the waste of time or neglect of business, or to say nothing about the whole train of petty ? they entail upon themselves and everyone else with in the hearing of [a] patent Hay Fork. James did not get home till after night having taken supper at Melanchthon Harbison’s— October 1 Oct Thurs. James down at C- on business. Sister Mary took Fannie & me down with her & left us at Mother McMillan’s— Fannie & I went to James C-‘s and spent the day. James came down with Riley for dinner. This P.M. Riley C-- and John ? went out with James to the Archer farm to look at hay. In the eve, James and Fannie and I at Mother Mc.’s for supper— Mother and Jane started out to ? John’s— but as they were away from home, they went onto Father’s to spend the day. Clementine has left mother’s. She has been boarding there all summer— Rained this P.M. 38