Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Called on Field & Castle, 18 Merton Street, Oxford about Heath Farm. Returned to Sibford.

Drove Mrs Stevens, Rosa and Annie Martin to Wroxton. Called on Mrs Izatt at the Vicarage – no one at home.

Received note from Mr Richard Routh asking me to attend meeting of Bible Society at Friends’ School next Friday evening. Mr Kempson Vicar of and Mr Smith of Brailes are to be there. The former as a deputation.

Misses Gadson and Rev Canon Payne called during our absence.

Very sunshiny day. Holy Communion. Offertory 10/-. Attended Choir practice this evening. Visited Mr Richard Routh, John Padbury, Widow Keene Sibford Ferris, Mrs Woolgrove, Mrs Dix and Miss Shelswell, Mrs S being away from home.

Also Miss Dix. She had her boys class and sent John Young to speak to me privately. I talked with him and prayed with him. He seemed anxious to be confirmed – says he was not able to get to the classes in time as he is working at Hook Norton Leys.

William Spicer was not at Church but I saw him strolling about Sibford Ferris and lounging at the corner with some other lads.

Called on Canon Payne and gave him numbers of my candidates for confirmation, viz. 31 altogether. Last time it was 17 only.

Bessie Rimell came at 12. Mrs Stevens assisted with Penny Bank. Took girls’ confirmation class at Mrs Elley’s at 3 pm.

Visited Mrs Jarvis, Widow Sabib, Eli Webb, Job Harris, Dr Routh, Thomas Keene’s wife.

Buckingham, who is still laid up with a bad foot. Gave him 1/-. He gets 8/- per week from his club and 3/- from parish. One boy is at home earning his living. One girl is out at service. Three children at home who ought to go regularly to school, but don’t. I spoke to the father about the matter and he said he would tell his wife to see that they went more regularly.

Met Charles Hands and spoke to him about the allotment rent, which he promises to pay. Took Boys’ Confirmation Class at school at 6 pm. W. Spicer was there.

It was the Quarterly Club night.

Mrs Jarvis came at my request and I examined her for Confirmation. Mrs Eliza Lamb came and said her son in law R. Lovell of Chipping Warden would like to take the Heath Farm.

Funeral of Mrs Kaye.

Boys came this evening for their Confirmation Cards – and signed my book promising with God’s help to remain faithful members of the Church of England. John Lines, who had been irregular in his attendance said he had had a bad foot etc. On his making good promises I gave him his ticket. Spicer did not come this evening, though I heard he was outside.