Martha Ballard's Diary, January 1 - 5, 1789

1 5
A Clear & very fine morn. I spent ye Day with Polly. Shee had two turns which we apprehinded Shee was Expireing. Dolly Came to See her. mr Allin Came at Eving to acompany me home. I made Some Capnip Tea for Parthena. mr Ballard & Cyrus picking mill. at mr Livermores.  
2 6
Clear. I went to Colo Howards & mr Livermores. Polly is very Low. mrs Williams Sleeps here. I receivd Letters from my friends, from Hannah of Dec 20th, from Broth Collins & fm Sist Bartn. at mr Livermores. receivd Letters.  
3 7
Cloudy, Snowd at night. I was informd by mr Livermr that Polly Whealer Expired at 1h ys morn. mr Ballard went to inform her Father. Clarrissa Barton Came here. Parthena is very unwell. mrs Wilms Left here ys morn. at home. Death Polly Whealer. Snow.  
4 D
Cloudy. Parthena is Easier. her pain returnd at Evin very Sever. mr Hamlin & wife here. mr Ballard went to ye revd mr Foster to inform him yt mr Whealor Desires him to attend the funeral of his Dagt to morow. at home. mrs Hamln here.  
5 2
Clear. mr Ballard attended funeral of Polly Whealor. I got fixt to go but Jono had wrode the hors away which prevented me. Clarrissa & Dolly went to mr Hamlins. Ephm very unwell. Parthena is better. [    ] Williams moovd to mr Voces. at home. Funeral of Polly Whealor at 4 PM.  

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