Diary, 1846/1851

Containers:

Box Small Collections Box 96, Folder 1

Scope and content:

1846 January 25th, Another Sabbath has made its appearance and I am permitted to live but my bodily health is not good but I have great reason to be thankful that I am not confined to a bed as my afflicted mother is. Yes her body is racked with pain and she can find no rest but I consider God a merciful being and one that does not afflict willingly……..Mother has been an extreme sufferer and this eve I had well nigh concluded that we must be separated for a short time, O the anxiety I feel for her recovery. I consider if I lose my mother, I lose my best earthly friend but I can only say God's will be done…." "February 28th, The scenes of this day will long be remembered by my Elizabeth who has been a resident in my father's family for more then 13 years. She has left and gone to a resident in her father's family. She has not left under as pleasing circumstances as I could desire but I have learned the truth of what the savior said in the world ye shall have tribulation. I find it difficult to get along without trials but Christ says in me ye shall have peace and it is also said cast thy burden on the Lord and he shall sustain thee, precious promises. She is 18 years old and she has left without evidence of conversion……" "May 21st, Thurs eve visited Mrs. Philips this p.m. Had some conversation about establishing a Sabbath School. Here are children among us who are not taught to regard the Sabbath or the truths of the bible as they ought. The question seems to be what is duty as regards to the S.S. After some consolation we agreed to meet the children next Sabbath at 5 o'clock and see what could be done." "1847 May 13th, "Heard of the death of my cousin's husband. Went to the house of mourning and truly found it as such. There lay one who was cut down in the morning of life and in the midst of usefulness. His mourning widow and weeping friends stand around his lifeless form gazing upon his pale face now cold in death. His spirit has taken it's upward flight I trust to mansions in the skies…….I hope all who witnessed this scene may learn the important lesson, be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the son of man cometh….." "November 12th, Was out for to assist in taking care of a sick woman who was near her end and while permitted to administer to her wants, I was led to reflect of the importance of being prepared for a sick and dying bed…….I took leave of Mrs. B. (Beeber) Sat. morn. 9 o'clock expecting our next meeting would be in eternity and so it proved. She died about 4 p.m. and I trust is now happy with her savior." "November 14th, I remain at home, but am led to reflect the great change in Mrs. B. last Sab. She was released in this world, her body racked with pain. Now she is released from her sufferings and enjoying one eternal Sab. above." "1848 "January 24th, "Sister's little boy, 5 years old, goes out engaged in his play as usual. Soon I hear the cry of alarm. I hasten to the spot and I behold him in his father's arms apparently lifeless. I need not speak of the agitation of his parents. But soon symptoms of life appear and through the kind providence of God he recovered his former state of health….." "June 17th, Sat p.m. I am permitted to attend covenant meeting. Glad of the opportunity. But O, I am astonished and almost discouraged with myself. I am led to exclaim O that it was with me as in days past and gone when the candle of the Lord shone round about me and I walked in the light of his continence. Truly I am very much in the dark…….." "September 12th, (She left home on Sept. 7th. Writes about her journey to Niagara Falls and visiting family along the way, then on to the falls.) "I take my leave of this family and proceed on my journey. The roads are very muddy in consequence of the heavy rain that fell during the night. But we proceed quite rapidly until we could proceed no father. We had come to a ditch so deep that there was no alternative but to turn back and retrace our steps and the consequence was we did not arrive at Niagara till 1 o'clock. We then took dinner and with friend William proceeded to take a view of the falls that I had heard so much about and truly it was the most sublime sight I ever saw. I crossed the river into Canada and there I could stand and gaze upon those waters and seemingly never should be weary of looking at them. I was led to contemplate how it happened that here the waves should dash amid the rocks and the waters fall in such mighty torrents to the depth of an 100 and 50 feet. I could but look up from nature to natures God and behold the work of his hand in all this. I passed the night at Niagara and in the evening as the moon shined bright I gazed again upon this mighty fall of water and also discovered the lunar bow. Oh how was I delighted to behold such a scene as this and as I turned away I thought it would never be obliterated from my mind. The wondrous works of God."

1851 January 26th, Have attended meeting at Lakeville. After meeting went to the widow Norton's and took supper. Elijah took Sarah home and then went after Ann Benton and we arrived home about dark. Laura and Marsena stay with Sarah today. After meeting Jonathan and Mary call and take supper." "March 4th, Soon after rising this morning, on looking out at the window, I saw Elijah and Sarah had already started with Mary B. to the Doctor's for the purpose of having the tonsils cut from her throat but they were disappointed the Dr. being absent. They returned home about 9 o'clock…….I have attended to the accustomed duties of the day, ironed my clothes and this eve I have a severe pain in the head which unfits me for work." "March 10th, Have been washing some and attending to household duties. Doct. Campbell and Mr. Wilson called here and cut the tonsils from Mary's throat, poor girl. I felt sorry for her." May 29th, In the forenoon done housework. Sewed some and visited. P.m. Elijah takes Sarah and his 2 girls and I with them to Lima and we have a Panorama View of the city of New York." "July 26th, This day is my birthday, as time waits for none but speeds it's way onwards, onwards. Have employed myself at housework and sewing very busily and now another Sat. night has come and Terry Bolles has come to pass the night. Also Misses Emily and Amanda Bolles from Rochester. Sarah Norton is also here. Our folks is all very tired and the cows are gone and cannot be found." "August 5th, ……About 5 o'clock the Doct called to see me, administered for the relief of my head. The operation was a very painful one. I did not get over it immediately, felt in hopes it would do good but can't tell yet." (she has more of them in coming days) "August 14th, ……Elijah and Sarah have just returned home. They have been to Conesus Lake a fishing and sailing with a large party……." "September 4th, …..Cousin took his final leave for the present and perhaps forever. Father took him to Bristol. Did not expect to return tonight. Mrs. Dea Winans, Mrs. Bloomer, and the widow Norton has visited here this p.m. Sarah's Irish woman has commenced laboring for her today and now I must undress my two little girls and put them to bed. 1 sleeps with her grandma and the other with me. Another day is gone."

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