The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

This is our dear Little Fred’s fourth birthday. I got him a Little birth day present after his own heart. A wise hoop with a horse in the center. I could have him something much nicer but he was with me and this only would he have. I do hope my Little pet will be a good boy – and if he lives will grow up rite (?). A good man: it is good boys and men we need. – for there are too many bad ones now - _ the world is full of them. 20 May Wed. Chilly and very gloomy. Mr. Mc. and Charlie and Waddle & the others in for dinner. Mr. Mc Fannie Fred and I attended the opening meeting of Synod (?) at three O’clock this P.M. At our church. Sermon by the retiring moderator Rev. S. Young. Most of the member were present. Harlan and Homer staid with Lizzie at Mrs. M_s. Evening all at home. 21 May Thurs Pleasant. All of us very busy all forenoon. Charlie Mc and Mr. Waddle here for dinner with the other men. At two O’clock Mr. Mc and Fannie and I attended Uncle John McMillan’s funeral. The funeral services were conducted by the Synod. Uncle John was a native of Ireland and was ninety one years of age, 91 years, Uncle Daniel McMillan died on the same day of the month and was buried on the same day by the Synod eleven years ago. – Fred, Harlan, & Homer staid in town with Aunt Jennie(?) and at Grandfather’s. Father and I took our three boys with us to the Cemetery. Fannie rode down with Uncle Silas & Aunt Jennie. When we reached home Katy had supper awaiting us. Charlie here this eve. This day has been beautiful. 22 May Friday. This has been most a beautiful day and very pleasant day every way. Had company drive out from the meeting of Synod to take dinner with us. Dan Dallas and wife & Martha Steele. Mr. Morton’s brother Hugh Mr. Wm Scoot from Phila”a Rev. Mr. Smily from Sparta Rev Kaber_________ from Caulterville, Illinois I felt quite disappointed this morning that Katy had to leave once she was called home by her parents to go to Xenia to day. She went this morning on the Seven O’clock train Charlie took her down to town. Mrs. Miller came bright and early and took her place in the kitchen – dinner was a success [double underlined - Bennett] – had a pleasant home – our friends went back at two for the afternoon session Mrs. Miller here the reminder of the day. Mr. Mc drove up to the Packer Sheep pasture returned after dark. Mr. Mc us around the lamp Bro Hough with us to night. 23 May Sat. Pleasant Mr. Mc, Hugh, and Miller at C_ in pursuit of some fellows who passed and frightened the team on the pike. Mrs. Miller here morning and assisting with the work. She went down home for dinner. This afternoon Hugh returned to Madison. Jamie at the Sheep pasture again. – returned in time for supper – Eve all at home. 24 May Sabb. Quite pleasant Harlan and Homer with Lizzie at Mrs. M_S. Father, Fannie, and Fred, and I at church. Had sermon this morning by Rev. Scoot from Rebulican City Kansas. This afternoon by Rev. Nevin (?) Woodside of Brooklin N.Y. lept “The fathers where are they and the prophets do they life forever.” Sab School appointed to meet at our School house at five this eve 58