Phoebe Ann Williams Diary, 1857 "The gift of my beloved Parents." Coomer, Niagara Co., New York Friday, January 1 Sewing for Mrs. Douglass. Mother at Mr. Fish's, I went for her. Trying to look over my past life feel more than ever that God has been very good to me. Thought much of what my beloved Father said to me upon my approaching marriage, reassured that I will not grieve them by leaving them before they think it right. Commit it to God. Saturday, January 2 Called upon Mrs. Ransom, saw her new babe. Eleanor, Margaret and self went over to East Wilson to quarterly meeting. Eleanor and self staid at Mrs. H. Elder Skinner preached prayer meeting. In the evening I spoke. Sunday, January 3 Went to love feast the Lord was with us. My mind is at peace. W. Skinner preached. I took the sacrement. Fitzer, Albert Thomas, Phnilip, Simeon, and self walked through the woods. A very high wind but good going for the food. Sat with Mrs. Ransom the rest of the day. Mr. Staats staid all night. All went to meeting, enjoyed the classes much. Monday, January 4 Called at Mr. O'Hara's. Mrs. Daby and Mrs. Peniels trying to get a home for. Mother to go to Somerset. She and Fitzer both went, wind still high. Tuesday, January 5 I washed and cleaned up. Mother came home at night. Fitzer had bought him a two year old colt. Wednesday, January 6 It stormed. Philip and Fitzer go for the colt. Thursday, January 7 Thursday. The boys came home. It still storms. I went to prayer meeting. Prayed with much of the spirit-feel as though I was growing in grace. I ironed. Friday, January 8 A girl by the name of Helen Brown came to ask for work. We agree to try and find some. Mrs. J. Moore here I went home with her. Her neices where there. The boys took me home. She sent 25 cents for her. Saturday, January 9 Sewed, then peiced my quilt. When I think of some things my heart rejoices and I wish I where with him more and then I look at dear Mother and think how good she always has been to me and yet I am going to leave her. If I could not cast my burden on the Lord I should be discouraged, and no not what to do, but I commit my all to him. Sunday, January, 10 Wrote to all. E. and Hester. Sat with the boys. In my own room, and bathed of heaven, and our future from fear. Went to meeting took Ellen. Mr. Staats preached. She seemed much affected by the service and class meeting. Monday, January 11 Mother started for Canada. Rice Harrington came for Ellen. I lent her the old cloak to ride in. Had quite a visit and talked of religion. Mrs. Ransom's babe is verry sick, sent for the Dr. He thinks he can help it. Tuesday, January 12 Tuesday. Washed and helped with the babe. Wednesday, January 13 Wednesday. Sat with the babe a great deal. It is dreadfull to see it. Watched with it all night. At three we thought it dead, it went into a fit but it revived. Thursday, January 14 Mrs. S. came with the Dr. says that there is no hope for the Babe. Went to prayer meeting had a good time. Watched with the babe till Midnight then Mrs. W. Leamon came. She had had company. Fitzer is 21 today. May the Lord bless him and make him a blessing. Friday, January 15 I can think of nothing but Mother and Hester. It is a reliefe to hold this poor babe and have my thoughts diverted from them. I feel as though I cannot be reconciled to have her die but know that she is in the hands of a kind Father who doeth all things well. The babe has had 30 fits in 24 hours from 15 minutes to an hour each. Saturday, January 16 Baked cleaned and washed. It is very stormy and the babe is so sick that only those who have taken care of him can do it, he is underfed still not having strength since Friday often being stiff for a bath to be dressed. Sunday, January 17 The babe is better. I thank God for it, hope begins to animate. Mrs. Ransom but Susan is very sick the Dr. fears a run of high fever. I wrote to Mother, Father. It was late when I closed as I tried to state my feelings to Father with regard to our last conversation. My heart was full. How should I bear to have them gone and Hester sick and other trials if I had not Jesus. Monday, January 18 The babe is much better. We feel as though prayer and faith worked, not to be vain. I washed and the boys killed the pigs. Prepared the guts for sausage and soap grease. Am very tired. What would I give to know Mother is safe. Tuesday, January 19 Tuesday began the land and made the sausages myself. Harvey and Mary Jane came, staid till eleven pm. The babe again has fits, own hopes are blighted. I pray God to help the Mother. Thursday, January, 20 I cleaned all up mended and baked. My heart is full. Where are my parents, How is Hester? Hate(Tate?) Condy is buried today and Helen B. is dead. I went to prayer meeting, but my heart was to full to pray but spoke with much feeling on death. Mr. Barbor called up and we closed with prayer which I did and when I opened my mouth the Lord prevailed. Eleanor, Margaret, and Philip an Mr. Fish watched the company and self till I made the shroud.