Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1877, October 28, Sunday 

James Barnes the Clerk was taken unwell in church this morning. He got better after having been taken home; but he has been failing for some time.

Sent fruit, etc from Harvest Decorations to Widow Keene, Widow Cakebread, Sally Green and  Mrs Padbury.

Visited Mrs Hillman of Sibford Ferris. She has had two letters from her son Ezra during the week. He says he thinks he is better.

Visited Mr Woolgrove who is suffering from face-ache.

A large number of men at church this afternoon.

Taught in Boys’ Sunday School this morning.

Banns of Marriage published first time between Jesse Green (son of Joshua Green) of Sibford Gower, Bachelor and Lavina(?) Jane Hillman of Shutford, Spinster.

1877, October 30, Tuesday

Very stormy. Went to Brailes Missionary meeting (C.M.S.). Took Webb. Wind so high it blew lamps out. The ?deputation? was Rev Mr Mason. Mr Nettleship, Rector of Barton on the Heath was there with his son.

1877, November 1, Thursday

All Saints Day. Divine Service at 10.

Betty Wilkes called to make arrangements for funeral of a little girl age 4(?) daughter of Reuben Sabin at Stocks Yard who has died of scarlatina whilst on a visit at Banbury.

1877, November 2, Friday

James Barnes called and told me that Reuben Sabin purposed having his deceased child brought from Banbury to his mother’s house and opening the coffin.

I therefore saw the mother and her mother as well as Reuben Sabin and his mother and after some little difficulty induced them to meet the corpse at the church gate. This was done, the funeral taking place at 2 o’clock instead of 3.

Reuben Sabin urged as a reason for his not being prevented from having the remains of his child brought to the house that William Webb the postman was not prevented from going about delivering his letters, although he had several children at home suffering from scarlet fever. I made of course the obvious reply.

Visited Miss E Dix this evening, and her Evening Class of boys in her kitchen. She had 9 boys there who were writing from dictation on slates. I suggested books, especially for the better scholars among them.

A boy Spicer was there only 9 years of age. I told him I thought he should be at school in the day.

Edward Holland came about allotment lately held by James Sabin. He could not pay the money but promised to do so on Saturday. week.

Visited Schools. Mrs and Mr Routh came and stayed to supper.

1877, November 4, Sunday

Holy Communion. 29 present. Offertory 16/6.

Taught Boys’ School this morning. Visited Widow Cakebread, gave her 2/6, and Widow Manning. Gave her 2/6. Sent an anti-rheumatic plaister to Nanny Hone.

Attended choir practice this evening and spoke about the bad conduct of the boys last Sunday evening. They behaved extremely well tonight.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.