08/31/2026
On this day in 1836, Margaret Worthington, the seventh of Thomas and Eleanor Worthington’s 10 children, wrote in her diary.
“’Tis the last day of summer and oh, how many vain regrets are striving to slip from my pen’s point. This past summer, 'tis gone now, why speak ill of it? It might have been [as] full of happiness as it has been of mercies to sinful me. But it has rather worn away rather than passed with me. Many domestic cares (such as a large family and no, or very poor, servants) have contributed their share...
“For a month past I have remained closely at home and have been much engaged attending on Lizzy and her babe and my charge, Mary. I have had a severe cold and cough and though I do not rejoice in it, yet I am glad that it has been in my power to remain entirely at home.”
“Lizzy” was Elizabeth, Margaret’s younger sister. Mary was her older sister Mary’s daughter, who came to live at Adena after Mary and her husband had both died.
Margaret had been 16 when Thomas passed, and she helped her mother at Adena until she was 27. Margaret married Edward Mansfield, Cincinnati newspaper editor, in 1839 and went on to have four children of her own.
Visit Adena Mansion & Gardens to learn more about the Worthington family who built it and made it their home!
![On this day in 1810, Thomas Worthington wrote in his diary:"The hands above mentioned [Diary Entry Aug. 22, 1810] begin...](https://img4.ngos1.com/882/904/1466655198829041.jpg)
