Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1878, November 19, Tuesday 

Visited Reuben Sabin – gave him ticket for 10 cwt coals and told him that as he had gone into business he would not be eligible in future – he was out of temper as usual – said I had taken the land from him and he meant to keep it. I told him I could not have taken it from him as he had never been the tenant. He said he had consulted a solicitor who had offered to see him through it. I told him he had probably not stated the facts to him correctly – and recommended to him not to be foolish and burn his fingers.

Went to Brailes. Box of astronomical slides lent by Mr Hurst of Linden House Littlemore for use of Dr Routh arrived. Coal distribution today under Charles Barnes’s supervision.

1878, November 20, Wednesday 

Coal distribution continued.

Visited Jarvis, Geydon at the Farm, Dr Routh, Widow Hannah Keene, John Padbury and Mr J Woolgrove.

Spoke to John Harris Junior telling him that Reuben Sabin had stated that he was neglecting to cultivate his 2 acres properly and that it was in consequence in a much worse state than when he took to it. He said he would take care that no one should justly make such a statement about his farming in future.

1878, November 22, Friday

Wrote to Mr Hemming, Clerk of Banbury School Attendance Committee for authority to insert ages, etc. Also to Registrar for two certificates. Paid Charles Barnes for superintending coal distribution. Visited Mrs Mawle.

1878, November 23, Saturday

Drove to Banbury to meet Hubert Hancock who comes on visit till Monday.

Buried Austin Gardner’s baby.

Joseph Manning called with account for felling etc larch for sale at Heath. I had not enough cash in house to pay him.

1878, November 24, Sunday 

Very wet. Taught Boys’ Sunday School. Morning and afternoon. Attended choir practice this evening.

Banns of Marriage between Charles Coleman (son of John) of Burdrop and Elizabeth Holland of Tysoe, were out today.

Mr Thame, Miss Dix’s brother-in-law died yesterday or Friday.

1878, November 25, Monday

Mr Fred Manning called for Rates. Took Penny Bank morning and evening. Charles Coleman called for Certificate of Publication of Banns. Told him to ask Charles Barnes to bring book down tomorrow and I would write it out.

1878, November 27, Wednesday

Went over the Heath Allotments and examined Larch Trees that have been felled for sale by Joseph Manning. Three Scotch Firs at the corner of the Plantation opposite Epwell Turning have been spared through the kindly interposition of Canon Payne who it appears requested Manning not to cut them down without first consulting me and saying that he would like to have them left as they were not worth much for timber and looked very well as they were.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.