Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Mrs Stevens assisted at Penny Bank.

Visited Job Harris, Buckingham, Dr Routh, Mrs Woolgrove.

Drove to Hook Norton. Bought 8 fruit trees for garden and orchard.

Mrs Charles Lines of Burdrop called and asked me to ascertain from the War Office whether her husband’s brother Sergeant John Lines was slain by the Zulus at Isandlwana in January last. The last letter from him contained his address as follows: Sergeant John Lines, 2227 A Company, 2/24 Regiment, Petermaritzburg, Natal. I accordingly wrote to the Secretary for War and made enquiry respecting him.

Received circular letter from Ecclesiastical Commissioners to the effect that they could not make me any grant towards new vicarage.

Received report from Surveyor respecting Heath Farm. Wrote to Mr Norris and Canon Payne asking what day would suit them for Trustees Meeting.

Preached at Brailes for Mr Smith this evening, he being in Oxford on a short holiday.

Horsman, mason commenced repairing my walls thrown down by frost. Cut down old apple tree in orchard which had forced down portion of wall of cottage garden. I had a pear tree planted in its stead.

Mr Kirkland walked to Stratford on Avon with Clarkson Smith and returned same evening.

Received note from Mr Payne about Trustees meeting but not fixing a day.

Mrs Norris called and spoke to me about Fardon’s daughter who is in a decline she says.

Evening Service in Church at 7.

Clarkson Smith and his sisters came to tea and supper.

Visited school morning and afternoon.

Walked to Swalcliffe. Called on Mr Norris and Canon Payne. Arranged for Trustees Meeting at 2 pm on Monday 24th inst.

Received reply from War Office respecting Sergeant John Lines saying official list of killed, etc at Isandlwana had not been received and asking me to write again in a week or two if necessary.

Visited Charles Lines, Dr Routh, Job Harris, Widow Ann Lines, Dorcas Scruby, Richard Scruby, Mr Woolgrove. William Harris, late farmer and butcher; saw his wife who said she wanted to send 5 children to school but could not afford to pay more than 3d per week each. I said she might send them, and I would mention the matter to the trustees at their next meeting.

Visited Blacksmith Hathaway, Tailor Hall, Widow Harris (not at home) and Buckingham.

Taught in Boys’ Sunday School this afternoon.

Visited Sally Green and gave her 1/-.

Mrs Turner assisted with Penny Bank.

Held girls’ Confirmation Class in vestry at 3 pm and boys in schoolroom at 7.

Eliza Lamb called about her Son in Law Lovell and the Farm which he appears very anxious to have.