The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

7 Nov. Sat. Quite pleasant— Sam G- called this A.M. Dave Barber— Robt. Wilson, Hugh’s Jim & Joe C-, George here for dinner— James here for dinner today for the first time for several days— This P.M. everything moving on quietly. This eve, Papa and Fannie and I took sister Jennette down home— George keeping house— Martha Jane down at Cristie’s. Left Fannie at Mother Mc’s while Matt? and I called at the drug store. Came back and called at Mrs. ? Mcloreys?. I ? a little from Bro David tonight— he is at Howard Lake, Minnesota at Mack Matther Murdock’s old home— It is on the banks of that lake that Mack was buried. He died at the house of John King’s on the 2nd of Dec. 1863 after a few days sickness— he was nearly alone, having no friends save the family with whom he lived. 8 Nov. Sabb. Had a nice shower this morning. James & I went to church in the carriage. Left Fannie at Cristie’s. This A.M. had sermon by Mr. Morton. This P.M. by Rev. W.S. Bratton?. Martha Jane rode over to M? Adams to her sisters— returned in time to do up the evening work. Had a long pleasant Sabbath evening— James and I finished in the book of Ezekiel. 9 Nov. Monday. Quite pleasant. Sam G. and bro Silas here, took refreshments, after which they left with James ? for the London Sale. There were sixteen in number— Sister Matt came up on horseback to help me with the work— Dave Barber, Robert and Santie Wilson, Joe C-, Hugh’s Jim, George, Riley C- and James here for dinner— This P.M. we were busy baking. Matt went down home this eve— Hugh’s Jim took the carriage down for Jane and some of them to come out in the morning. James down at C- tonight. 10 Nov. Tues. Rain on last night, damp and cloudy today. Sister Jane and Matt came up to help preparatory to our barn raising. Matt went back to C- to tell Riley Caldwell go up on the train to London at noon to see about James’ cattle. James not satisfied with the location of the foundation for the barn— Carpenters busy the changes. Dave Barber, Robert & Santie Wilson, Hugh’s Jim, Joe C-, George ? and James in for dinner. Eve. Riley C- came back on the seven O’clock train— James went down to see him this eve— he is well pleased with the sale of his cattle. 11 Nov. Wed. The great day of the raising of the barn across the pike. Quite cold— real winter like— Sister Jane & Matt— Sister Mary and cousin Bell, Sister Betsy and Joe Caldwell here for dinner— Had two tables sat in the back sitting room and dining room— forty four men here for dinner— taking everything into consideration, the day passed off pleasantly— Bro Silas returned from London to day— here for supper this eve— Jane and Matt went back home this eve. 12 Nov. Thurs. James & Sam G. went down to Xenia on the train— ? Landaker drove the wagon down— Martha Jane washing— I have taken care of Fannie and got the dinner. Dave Barber, Hugh’s Jim, Robert and Santie Wilson, Joe C- and George— It has been? warmer than yesterday. James reached home after nine— Had Fannie asleep in her wagon by the fire when he came. 45