Martha Ballard's Diary, August 19 - 25, 1787

19 G
At mr Hinkleys. Shee remaind poorly till afternn, then by remedys & other means, Shee got Esyer. I tarried all night.   
20 2
Clear. mr Hinkly brot me to mr Westons. I heard there that mrs Claton Childs Departed This life yesterdy & yt Shee was thot Expireing. I went back with mr Hinkly as far as there. Shee Departed ys Life about 1 PM. I ascisted to Lay her out, her infant Laid in her arms. ye first such instance I ever saw & ye first woman that died in Child bed which I Deliverd. I Came home at Dusk, find my famely all Comfortable. we hear that three Children Expird in Winthrop last Saterday night. Daniel Stayd at mr Cowens.   
21 3
a rainy Day. I have been at home kniting.   
22 4
I atended funeral of mrs Claton & her infant. am Enformed that mrs Shaw has Doct Coney with her. I Calld to see James Howd, find him low. mrs North also is Sick. a thunder Shower ys Evinng.   
23 5
Birth. mr Shaws Dafter. X.
I Sett out to visit Joseph Fosters Children, met Ephm Cowen by Brookss Barn. Calld me to See his Dafters Polly & Nabby who are Sick with the rash, find them very ill; gave directions. was then Calld to mrs Shaw who has been ill some time. Put her Safe to Bed with a Daughter at 10 O Clok ys Evinng. Shee is finely.   
24 6
Birth. James Hinkleys Son. X.
Calld from Shaws to James Hinklys wife in travil, put her safe to Bed with a Son at 7 O Clok ys morn. Left her as well as is usual for her. Came to mr Shaws, receivd 6/8; received 6/8 of mr Hinkly also. Came to mr Cowens, find his dafters & Jedy ill. Claton & David Came inn from Sandy river, People well there. arivd at home at 5 aftrnn. Doct Coneys wife Delivrd of a Dafter Last Evng at 10 O Clok.   
25 7
I went to Isaac Savages ys morn, his wife here afternn, Deby Shaw allso. I was Calld to mr Cowens. Set up all night. our men at ye meddow.   

Source: www.doHistory.org. Transcription courtesy of Robert and Cynthia McCausland.