The Journals of Emily Millikan Blair

Today, we're embarking on a special segment that will bring you closer to the fascinating life of Emily Millikan Blair. In this series, we will be selecting some of her journal entries to share with you, giving you the opportunity to see the world through her eyes.

Emily Millikan Blair was a descendant of the Millikan and Blair families of North Carolina, both who contributed to the Revolutionary War by aiding patriots and and promoting the emancipation of slaves. Her journal provides a personal insight into the period following the Civil War, spanning up to the Great Depression. Her reflections provide a unique perspective on her challenges with disability, her resilience in dealing with these challenges, and the unwavering Quaker faith that characterized her existence while in Randolph County, N.C.

Our guide on this journey is Emily W. Skinner, great granddaughter of Emily Millikan Blair. Driven by a strong love for her family's past, she has graciously offered her wisdom and understanding to shed light on the context of the journal entries in her book Until We Sleep Our Last Sleep, which we highly recommend reading!

The work belongs solely to her, and our only aim is to incorporate it into The Mendenhall Blair House's records, as there is mention of members of The Mendenhall family as cousins to the Blair family. We are always looking for ways to provide further insight into what life at The Mendenhall Blair House might have been like and are excited to share Emily's work with you all.

With that, we leave you with our first addition. Join us as we delve into the life of Emily Millikan Blair and her family, one journal entry at a time.

With love,

The Mendenhall Blair House Foundation

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 8th month 19th 1889

“Lord teach me to know thy will and to do it, is the fervent desire of my heart this morning. I am thankful that I feel my heart filled with praise to the Father of all our mercies for blessings past and present. Oh that He will be pleased to keep me and my little family as in the hallow of His holy land that we go not astray.”

Emily Millikan Blair (March 13th 1885 - May 5th 1930)