Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

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.

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.

Drove to Moreton in Marsh.

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.

I hear that a bonfire was lighted in the school close this evening and a good deal of noise was made, but I neither heard nor saw anything of it.

Received from Charity Commissioners the trust deed for new feoffment of Town Estate together with a notice to be affixed on or near the church door to the effect that the former would lie at the school house for a month for public inspection from 11 till 3. Also 13 copies of the deed for the Feoffees’ personal use.

Called on Montagu this evening.