Martha Ballard's Diary, February 16 - 25, 1788

16 7
Snowd all Day. mr Ballard Came home this Eving. Ive been at home.   
17 F
Clear. mr Ballard attended public worship, the rest of us tarried at home.   
18 2
Clear. mr Ballard went to Varsalbo. I have been at home. Peirly Pollard Came here.  
19 3
Clear. I have been at home. Shereb Town here, left all well at home. mr Elis & wife here.   
20 4
very windy. mr Town Left here for home. mrs Stackpol went from mrs Goodins. I am 53 years old This Day. my birthday.  
21 5
Clear & pleasant. I was Calld to See Jamy Weston who is very unwell. mrs Belcher there. mrs Betsy went in a Sleigh Ride.   
22 6
Clear & Cold. mrs Lois Harris and mrs Betsy Chever here. mr Savage & his wife Spent Eving with us. my Son Ephraim was Siesd with a fitt at Ten O Clok; had a very Severe one. my famely were all in Bed Except my Self. Cyrus Calld & I went in haste with a Light. we all Expected he was Expireing But were in the use of means, put his feet in warm water, pryd his teeth a part & put down Salt & water. he came to his Sences in about half an hour, and rested Pritty well the rest of ye night. I Sett up till Two O clok. Ephm had a fitt. this is ye 3D. first, Decem 18 in 1784; ye 2d, March 26 in 1787.  
23 7
Clear. I have been at home. mr Ballard Came home. Ephm is as well as usual.   
24 F
Clear. I went to meeting aftern. mr Nason had a Dat Baptised by ye name of Lidia. Theophs here.   
25 2
Clear. mr Ballard & Theophs went to Varsalboro. Revd mr Foster Came for me to See his infant; it has a Coald. I Came home at Eleven o Clok; walkd; was much fatagud. Jono & the Girls were gone to Ride in a Sleigh. [   ] Came home half aft 12.   

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