This 242-page diary documents the daily life of Sophia "Sofa" Miller, of Albion, Michigan, from 1875 to 1876. She frequently recorded weather observations, details about her sewing work, and social calls received and made. As a devout Baptist, much of her social life centered on attending church services, prayer meetings, and choir practices. Miller was a teacher for Sabbath School, secretary of the Albion Baptist Women's Missionary Circle, and Vice Grand for the local Rebekah's lodge. Miller's relatives were also members of the Good Templar Society for temperance.
Miller copied several letters into the diary, including two to The Herald and Torchlight (a Baptist newspaper published in Kalamazoo). She also copied a number of hymns, including "Take My Life and Let It Be" and "I am Trusting, Wholly Trusting." Major events noted include house remodeling, visiting boarders, and Miller's niece, Altha, coming to live in her house while attending Albion College. Several entries concern rumored affairs, including one involving Miller's husband. The last page of the diary shows a recipe for chocolate cake.
Sophia "Sofa" Miller was born in Cambridge Township, Michigan, on August 26, 1838. Her parents, Isaac Powers (1789-1868) and Hannah (Burrows) Powers (1799-1867), were among the earliest settlers of Lenawee County, Michigan, and her father was a township supervisor and Justice of the Peace. Following her marriage to James L. Miller (1829-1904) on November 11, 1856, the two resided in Albion, Michigan, where they raised their son, Isaac (1860-1904). Sophia Miller died of malaria on October 15, 1881, and is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Albion.
