Diary of Ebenezer Parkman, 1725

September 1725. My mother rode up with me to Westborough.

1725 September 14 (Tuesday). This Morning was very Cloudy, Not only abroad as to the weather but in the house with respect to my wife who for about Three hours was in great Extremity. I thought I had not been earnest enough with God yet, notwithstanding what passt last night, etc. Then again Engaged in a Short but Fervent Devotion, and Ten Minutes past Eight my wife was delivered of a Daughter. I cryed unto God most high, unto God who is a very present Help in time of Trouble and performeth all things for us, and He brought Salvation. He put joy and Gladness into our Hearts; and O that we may never forget his Benefits!

1725 September 17 (Friday). My Father came up to us.

1725 September 19 (Sunday). The Child was Solemnly given up to God in Baptism (My Father holding it up). I call’d it (by my wife’s Name) Mary.

1725 September 28 (Tuesday). My Father and Mother rode to Boston. My mother stopt at Marlborough being ill.

1725 October 4 (Monday). Mother Champney came up, being brought up by Father Champney. My wife a very Sore Breast. Breast Broke under Mrs. Whitcombs Care. Breast Broke a Second Time.

1725 November 8 (Monday). I rode down with Mother Champney to Cambridge.

1725 November 9 (Tuesday). I went to Boston with Sister Lydia.1 My horse was carried back to Cambridge by a Boy. I Supp’d at Brother Alexander’s2 (who was married Last month, just after my Father left home for Westborough).

1725 November 11 (Thursday). Mr. Thatcher3 preach’d the Publick Lecture. The Boy having brought Back my Horse, I toward night prepar’d, and understanding, by Sister Lydia, that Mrs. Dorcas Bows4 (my wife’s Kinswoman) would ride up to Westborough with me, and that Mrs. Dorcas waited for me at Charleston, we went over by Ferry and we overtook her at Neck o’Land. We proceeded on Horseback with good pace; and Sister alighting at a place whence she Could with much Ease walk to Sister Hicks’.5 I returned and took up Mrs. Dorcas and by these means we got up Comfortably.

1725 November 12 (Friday). Brother Champney6 and Sister Lydia accompanied Mrs. Dorcas and Me to Westborough; and we got home in good Season. I was forc’d to ply myself to finish my Preparation for Sabbath, which besides what I could do at Boston must needs be Thought to take up the whole Thirteenth Day of the Month.

1725 November 14 (Sunday). I preach’d a.m. and p.m. from Eccl. 9.10.

1725 November 15 (Monday). I was call’d out to see Mrs. Tomlin7 who was in Travail and in terrible Fits. She continued in them in a very awfull and Ghastly manner. The Infant was Dead at the Birth. When I return’d home I found Mr. Cushing8 at our House.

1725 November 16 (Tuesday). Mrs. Tomlin dy’d, a Sore Trial to the Young Man, Who in such a mann’r Lost his First wife and Child.

1725 November 17 (Wednesday). Brother and Sister return’d home to Cambridge. Mrs. Tomlin Buried. Mrs. Dorcas rode with me to the Funerall and after it we went up to Captain Fays.9

1725 November 20 (Saturday). I rode down with Mrs. Dorcas to Cambridge.