The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

Martha E. McMillan Journal May – August 1874 Transcribed and edited by Sara K. Bennett (2015) Rankin MacMillan Notes for 1874 At the beginning of this year: James was 40 years old. Martha was 30 years old. Daughter Fannie was 6 yrs., son Fred was 4 yrs., son Harlan was 2 yrs., and baby Harlan [sic. Homer] was 2 weeks. This is a good diary to read if you want to know what “the good old days” were like in the 1870s. On the entry for September 3, you will read how discouraged Martha (my grandmother) was. Good help was hard to get as it is now. May 1 May Friday. Quite pleasant indeed. Beautiful May Day full of sunshine and bird songs. Fannie, Fred, Harlan, and Homer, and I enjoyed a bright happy day. Tom Conly took us down to town this morning. We spent the day at Sister Jane’s. Louisa Bratr (?) there spending the day also. Father in town at his new house Sister Mary and Cousin Bell & Jennie Murdock there papering. Father took dinner with us at the girls. Clemenes moved out of Father’s property on Tuesday. This eve Father brought the children and me home. Mr. Mc here when we came – he had been up at the Sheep pasture this afternoon. Katy attending to business when I was gone. 2 May Sat. Gloomy most of the day. Smith Buek (?) called this A.M. Mr. Mc and his men putting rings in his hog’s noses – rings were put in one hundred and fifteen head today. Mr. Mc very tired to night. Mrs. M – quite sick with sick headache I took care of her little girl today. Mrs. M- called for her this eve. Katy worked down home. Men in for supper at dark. Communion at the U.P. Church tomorrow. Their men elders were ordained on last week Mr. Waddle was among the number. 3 May Sabb. Gloomy… 4 May Monday. …The evening pleasant Mr. Mc and the children and I at home. Every thing very pleasant. 5 May Tuesday – Smith Buek here showing his dry goods … Mrs. Hoghin washed for us today…. 55