January 1796 Summary

Ephraim had spent approximately 59 nights in the woods as a surveyor. Martha had spent more time attending births. Both were getting older by 1796. Ephraim was over 70 years old, and Martha was over sixty.

Martha had begun to feel tired. Martha's daughters had married and left. Martha had no reliable help at home, and her midwife practice was still growing. Martha was constantly in pain, but wanted to keep up with Ephraim.

The fact that Ephraim endured the hardships of surveying the wild lands of Maine well into his seventies showed he was not ready to slow down. The hardships most often associated with surveying were wild animals, bugs, and lack of food. Plus, surveyors had to provide and pay their own crews, and at that time had to pay outrageous sums, especially around harvest or planting time.

Ephraim, during one trip, ran into...