Collections : [College of William and Mary]

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."

"March 2nd - 4th, Elijah, Sarah and myself made ourselves ready for a visit to Dea Winans just as we were ready to start news came of the death of Henry Steven's little girl……Yesterday the 3rd Sarah and I went to Henry's and assisted in making preparations for the funeral. I stayed all night. Sarah came home with Elijah on his arrival with Caroline, 8 o'clock this morning. I came home and prepared myself to attend the funeral which was to take place at 10 o'clock. Sarah and I went at 9 to assist them. After funeral exercises, I came home. Elijah and Sarah went to the grave at Lima….." "May 13th, I left home after breakfast with father to take Amelia to her new home in Canandaigua. About 11 o'clock we arrived at Franklin, stayed there and took dinner. Visited awhile and then proceed on our journey. We arrived at Melford's about 4 o'clock p.m. Sister was very glad to see us and Amelia was ready to take possession. We tarried there till this morning when we took our leave and proceeded homeward. Father met with an old acquaintance and had a little chat with him. He then stopped on Baptist Hill to get a horse shod and I visited the grave yard. We then went to Shubael Ferren's and took dinner……." "June 2nd, ….The sewing society met here this p.m. consisting of 17 young girls. The widow Phillips and Lucina called here awhile. Mrs. Sheppard from Rochester come here this eve to visit her son George. I have had great conflicts of mind today."

1861 "January 1st, New Years Day. I would desire to engage with new zeal in all the labors I may be called to perform and whatsoever my hand finds to do, do it with my might. When my work is done may it be well with me. It has been a pleasant new years day. I have spent the day in a quiet manner at home…….Elijah has taken a load of wood to Mrs. Davis, the colored woman. Annie Docherty has done the housework……." "February 6th & 7th, …..I went to see Mrs. Moses this morning. Think she cannot long survive……Snowing and very blustery today. I have been occupied about my work as usual. Elijah and Sarah watched with Mrs. Moses last night but she did not heed them. She died 6 o'clock p.m." "May 2nd, I have cleaned my kitchen and some other work. Mr. John Norton has been here and left a little orphan boy 5 years old, Willie Stiles, with some expectation that E. and S. will adopt him if they like him." "July 3rd, Very pleasant day. Very busy at house work this a.m. This p.m. have been to the Corner's West to a pole raising and the hoisting of a flag. Heard speeches at the church after which we had a picnic supper. No accident happened and passed off pleasantly…….." "July 4th, ……After dinner we all took a ride. Went to Hemlock Lake and see the new steamboat then we come home through Livonia Center……" "July 24th, ……Called to Mr. B. Briggs and to W. Winans. Went to Elton Bolles to dinner. P.m. all visited Mrs. Melissa Tompkins. Visited with an Indian lady, quite intelligent. Also met some old acquaintances……." "November 14th, Have been to the concert hall to a ladies meeting for the purpose of doing something for the sick and wounded soldiers…….." "December 31st, 11 o'clock eve. I have done my work as usual and sewed some today. Father has been to market with some fowls. Elijah and Sarah went to Canandaigua to M. Hopkins yesterday and returned this evening. All the family have retired and I guess are now sleeping and when they wake it will be a new year. The old one is almost expired with all it's joys and sorrows, cares and anxieties and as I bid farewell to it I am reminded of very many occurrences in the past, some joyous and some grievances. I have great reason to be thankful for the health given me and very many blessings bestowed beyond what I deserve….I pray that all wrong may be forgiven."