The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

Martha E. McMillan Journal 1867 Transcribed and edited by Michelle Gaffner Wood (1867) (2015) Rankin MacMillan notes for 1867 Rankin MacMillan is the grandson of the diary writer. James MacMillan and Martha Murdock were married January 15, 1867. James was 33 - Martha 22. (She turns 23 eleven days after her marriage.) James’s father (David) had died in 1856. In January of 1867, James’s mother (Nancy) and his three unmarried sisters (Jane, Jennette, Martha) were living at the farm. (This was the household to which James brought his bride! Evidently this was too many for the newlyweds, so by October 1867, a house was purchased on Xenia Avenue in Cedarville and Mother Nancy and the three sisters moved there.) Later, Jennette married Bigham Harbison (see page 80 of the Blue MacMillan Clan Book.) Interesting comments in this diary: January 15 - page 1; October 7 to October 10 - pages 43-45; December 25 to December 31 - pages 68-72. Flyleaf: “Journal of Martha E. McMillan (notice alternate spelling of MacMillan) Tuesday. 15 January 1867. “‘Thoughts vanish but writing is eternal.’” M.E. M. January Tuesday, January 15, 1867 Murdocks-Plenty of snow, excellent sleighing - bright moonlight - Evening - James and Sam G(albreath) took tea with us - after which we went to preaching at U.P. church. On our way home, called at Mr. Morton’s were married. ‘Blessed be the tie that binds- In union sweet according minds.’ Tonight James and I stand upon the threshold of a new existence while the future like a great unfathomed ocean is spread out before us, ‘forward to the setting sun.’ Oh! may we glide along its bosom in unity, peace, and love - until at last we reach its sunset shores, and amid the burst of angel song pass forever behind the bright curtains of immortality - Oh! how different we will be: ‘Then it will be heart to heart; and love the sweetest flower will bloom in perfection in the sunlight of a Savior’s approbation.’ Yes - ‘We’ll find the Joy of loving, As we have never loved before, - Loving on, unchilled (?), unhindered, Loving once and evermore’” (1-2). 9