Diary Six 1862-80

Diary Six

This diary covers the time period from February 18, 1862 through 1866 and a short period in 1880. Patty's life moves along at its accustomed rate with its accustomed activities. She does illuminate a few important events during this period. For the most part, however, she focuses on what she is doing. 

          

Alice James recognized the same characteristics in herself when she wrote,          "You must remember that a woman, by nature needs much less to feed upon than a man, a few emotions and she is satisfied: so when I am gone, pray don't think of me simply as a creature who might have been something else. Notwithstanding my outside experience, I have always had a significance for myself, and every chance to stumble along my straight and narrow little path, and to worship at the feet of my Deity, and what more can a human soul ask for?"

Patty was largely concerned with herself and her own doings. Although she cared enough about other people to name them in her diaries, it was their impact on her environment and personal well-being that she generally described. Nevertheless, Patty's own "doings" continued to impact the community and individuals whose lives mingled with hers. Despite the fact that her profession of midwifery was winding down, she continued to contribute to the welfare of others with her fruit farming, land development, support of education, and activity in the benevolent Relief Society. Unquestionably Patty's life, as told in her diaries, reflected, chronicled, and contributed to the growing economic and social life of the community.