Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1877, July 23, Monday 

J Fowler butcher married to Sylvia Bishop by Mr Montagu, curate of Epwell acting for me in my absence.

1877, July 29, Sunday

Visited Widow Hillman and her son who is better and about again but unable to work.

Visited Mr Joseph Dix and read and prayed with him. He appears to be gradually getting weaker.

Visited Widow Cakebread and Elizabeth Gibbs.

Attended Boys Sunday School this morning.

1877, July 30, Monday

Girl Anna Hone daughter of Thomas Hone senior called and asked me to sign her papers as candidate for free passage to New Zealand at expense of Colonial Government. I told her I would do so when she had got the other necessary signatures. Her father was imprisoned some few years ago for a criminal assault upon this daughter. Two of her brothers were as boys convicted of burglary and sent to a Reformatory. They are now in America.

1877, July 31, Tuesday 

Horsman, mason, sent note to say that plaster was bad in places at Heath Farm. I said I would go up and see it.

Went with Warwickshire Field Club to Cropredy, Willscote, Edgcott, Wardington, Chipping Campden, Aston le Walls, Farnborough, where we lunched at Archdeacon Holbeck’s, Warmington and Shotteswell – dined at White Lion, Banbury.

Mrs Walton daughter of Elizabeth Gibbs stopped me in Chipping Warden and asked me about her mother.

Widow Young called to say that Sydney Bond’s baby was dead and to ask whether I would bury it tomorrow and wait till Saturday for the certificate. I refused.

1877, August 1, Wednesday

Girl Hone called again and asked me if I would give her a pair of boots towards her outfit. I replied that I would when I was sure of her going.

1877, August 2, Thursday

Spent the morning at the Heath Farm giving instructions to the masons and carpenters as to the work.

Visited the Misses Dix and Elizabeth Gibbs who was much pleased to hear I had seen her daughter.

Funeral of Sydney Bond’s baby.

1877, August 3, Friday 

Visited

  • Mr Routh surgeon
  • John Buckingham who is ill with pleurisy, 3/-.
  • Also Widow Hillman, wine.
  • John Padbury, 1/-
  • Richard Scruby, wine.

Mrs Liddiat (wife of a clerk to Mr Aplin, solicitor of Banbury) who has been afflicted with religious mania for past 18 months and during 2 or 3 has been staying with Mrs Elley at school house as patient of Mr Routh’s called this evening. I had a long talk with her. She is going home to her husband and family tomorrow.

Brailes Flower Show and Bazaar.

Harry came home July 30 accompanied by Mr Bradshaw, organist, of Chippenham.

Misses Geneva and Annie Martin came on visit July 31st.

1877, August 4, Saturday

J Horsman called. Paid him for masons’ work at farm where they have finished up.

Paid Aplin, solicitor Banbury account for slates etc for repairs at Heath Farm, due to Davis brothers of Banbury, bankrupts.

1877, August 5, Sunday 

Holy Communion 29 present. Offertories for fontlet etc £1.3.1.

Visited Mrs Dix. Did not see her husband as he was sleepy.

Visited Buckingham of Sibford Ferris. He is a little better.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.