William is a young carpenter and cabinetmaker in Norwich.  He was born in New York State and moved to Norwich where he met Martha.  As his diary opens in 1834, he is busy with his trade and enjoying their first year of marriage.  In 1835, they have a son, Joel, named after William’s father. The last two months of 1836, he is in Michigan preparing for the family’s move and Martha is keeping the diary.  She writes: “feeling quite unwell and lonesome… looking for the return of my absent partner.  Will he ever return? Hasten ye moments.”