Martha Ballard's Diary, December 15 - 19, 1791

15 5
X. Birth mr Selvestr Son & 3rd Child. XX.
Clear & Pleast. mrs Selvestr was Safe Deld of a Son which wd 8-1/2 lb at 3h morn. I left her Cleaverly at 11. Calld at Capt Filebrowns & Jene Whebs. walkt part of ye way home, wrode the other. receivd 2 lb Coffee, 1yd ribbond & a [Cap boader] as Extraodenary for waiting on her. I went to mr Densmores, was informd that mr Ezeliel Pages youngest Child Expird last night. at Ditoes. Birth [35]th. fee receivd. mr [sic].  
16 6
Snowd. mr Ballard & Epm got wood. the Girls went to mr Densmores to have Parthenia a Gown made. I have been at home Sewing. at home.  
17 7
Clear. mr Ballard went to mr Savages, had his Oxen Shod. when he returnd he informd yt mr Pollard turnd my Son Jon a out of his house. it is very Strange yt men Cannot behave like rational beings. Parthenia finisht makeing her Goun. I have been at home mending Cloaths. Cyrus went to mr Joness mill, brot 1 Busl wheat meel, 1 Bsl Indian, 1 Peck rie. mr Ballard bot 1 Gal molases of mr Wesson, Some Pork & Beef & a Loaf of hoggs fatt of mr Dumer. at home.  
18 B
Snowd. mr Ballard went to meeting to Colo Duttuns, mr Smith performd. I was Calld to See mrs Jones who was unwell. I tarried all night. gave mrs Jones medisin & Shee got a good nights rest. mrs Savage & Dagt there. at mr Jones.  
19 2
Snowd ys morn. I Came home Early. mr Balld & Ephm went for Jonas Hay. Clear towards night. I have been mending my Cloaths. Moses Pollard waited on my Dagts & Parthenia to his Dads this Evng. this day is ye Anavarsery of Marriage. I went to hous keeping the Same Day, have had 6 removes Since. my next may be into my last abode, may I be prepard. Cyrus went to Pittstn this morn. my Girls returnd after the moon rose. at Dtos. 37 years this Day Since I was Joind in wedlock with mr Ballard. many Sines have past Since yt Day.  

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