Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

William Holland’s wife called this morning and asked me to lend her money to pay her grocer who has threatened to put her husband in the County Court. I told her I had found it necessary to make a rule against doing anything of the sort. Her husband was at work and earning regular wages and it was his business to pay his way. She said he had been ill some time ago. I told her that he was not ill for long and that when he was well he would not get up in the morning to go to his work. She replied that that was the case and she repented having had anything to do with him or his father. I reminded her that none of them ever came to church, and that she had brought herself into trouble by her own wickedness. She had two bastard children in the Banbury Workhouse and then came out to live with her present husband long before she was married to him, living with him, his father and her two children in a wretched place with only one bedroom.

Mr Thomas Rimell died this afternoon aged 83.

Visited school this morning. Drove to Banbury.

Robert Braddell and Minnie Sophie and Hattie Smith came to tea and supper.

Taught in Sunday School this morning. Gave out Confirmation Notice. Some called at my house and gave in their names this evening.

Mrs Ann Coles of Sibford Ferris, sister of Richard Austin, died this evening. I did not know she was ill.

Visited old Thomas Sabin who is over 80 years of age. Read and prayed with him and sang “While shepherds watched” with him which the old man apparently much enjoyed. He sang and I helped.

Mr Richard Lamb called this morning and asked me to vote for a Mr Bliss who is candidate for the Actuaryship of the Banbury Savings’ Bank and in whom he is interested. I told him I could not pledge my vote – but that probably I might find I could vote as he wished in which case I should be pleased to find that his views coincided with my own as to the merits of the candidate.

Attended meeting of Savings’ Bank Managers and Trustees at Council Chamber, Town Hall. I voted for Mr Bliss who had 49 votes. Mr Skinner 13(?) and Mr Henry Stone who a year or two ago was mayor of Banbury, 12 votes.

Called at Rev Mr Henderson’s and brought out “Chrissie” for a few days’ visit.

Rapid thaw. The frost has lasted several weeks.

Dr and Mrs Routh and a cousin of his came to tea and supper. He and I went through the Charity Accounts and Government returns relating to the school.

Charles Barnes called and asked whether I could bury Mrs Coles at 3 o’clock on Wednesday. I said I could not, having to attend the Trustees’ meeting, and that they must come at 4 on Thursday.