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.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.