Martha Ballard's Diary, January 24 - 31, 1798

24 4
Clear. mr Ballard went to Son Jonas to work on ye Barn. I have been at home. at home. Bakt Pies & Biskit.  
25 5
Cloudy, Some Snow at Evn. mr Ballard workt on the Barn. I have been at home. Hepsy and I Botomed 4 Chairs with old Leather. at home. botomed Chairs.  
26 6
Cloudy and Some Snow. mr Ballard went to work on the Barn at Son Jonas. I have been at home. Ephm Sleeps here. at home.  
27 7
Clear. mr Ballard went to Son Jonas, Son Ephm to work here. mr Carter, his wife and mr Burtun Came here, tarried but a little while. I have been at home. Hepsy washt the rooms. at home. mr Carter & wife here.  
28 1
A Severe Snow Storm. Ephm went home after noon. mr Ballard unwell with a Soar throat. we Did not attend public worship, any of us. I Shoveld a path round the house after the Storm was over. at home.  
29 2
Birth mr Pattins Dagt.
Clear. Sons Pollard & Lambart Came for me to go and See mrss Pattin who was in Labour at 7h morn. our Sleigh over Set before we arivd, but we were not hurt. the Patient was Safe Deld about 8 of a Dagt. I left her Comfortable at noon. mr Pattin is yet alive but very low. we had the Company of Sister Pollard. all my Childn that are living by Birth and Affinity (which make 10 in number) toger with mr Gill & Pitts & their wives and Babes to Dine and take Tea with us. Sister Pollard tarries all night. Son & Dagt Town went to mr Gills. at mr Pattinns till near noon. my Childn and someother friends Dind and took Tea with us. Birth 3d.may God Bless and prosper my Dear Childn. if weShould never meet Again in ys life, may we meet togetherin a future.  
30 3
Clear. Son Jona took Breakfast here. he is on his way to . mr Ballard went up to his house, Stephens went to get wood for him. Son Pollard Came at 30m pm and Conducted his mother to his house. Son & Dagt Town Came here at 10h Evn and Sleep here. at home. mr Ballard is unwell, but has been out all day. Son Town & wife Sleep here.  
31 4
Clear and pleast. Son Town & wife tarrie here, hopeing to have the road better tomorrow. mr Dingly, his wife & Childn here. mr Ballard had a fit of Collic this morn, but he went up to town aftn. I have been at home. at home. mr Ballard had ye Collic. Son & Dagt Town, mr Dingly and wife here.  

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