Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Drove to Banbury. Mr Maclean returned but walked out as he missed the train by which I expected him. Met Canon Payne at Swalcliffe as I was going to Banbury and had a long talk with him. He leaves for his holiday next week.

Visited School and taught a class.

Buried remains of Charlotte Harris, wife of John Harris Senior age 67.

Visited Ann Fox, Widow Henry Sabin was nursing her.

Drove Bell to Hook Norton.

Whitsun. Holy Communion at midday. Visited Sunday School, Boys and Girls. Visited Mrs Mawle.

Club Day.

Drove into Banbury and brought out Rev Julius Henderson, Vicar of South Banbury who preached the sermon. I dined with members of Club. The only farmers there were Mr Henry Hiorns and Mr Frederick Manning. The Doctor was also there. Mr Henderson dined with family at Vicarage.

Band played on my lawn in afternoon attended by many members of club and others, but the rain was coming down heavily all the time. Mrs Stevens supplied them with tea, coffee, cake and bread and butter. Things passed off very quietly. As Mr Henderson had to return to Banbury for an early celebration tomorrow morning and I could not let him walk home in the rain, I sent Webb to drive him to Banbury.

Divine Service at 9.15.

Drove to Brailes – “Tea-pot club” – a branch of the Tysoe Insurance which has £2000 in the Bank.

Visited Misses Dix.

Heavy storm passed over Brailes – we did not get much of it at Sibford.

Received a letter yesterday from War Office stating that George Williams alias (Daniel Padbury) died on February 9th last of Addison’s disease. Ann Payne called today with letter her father had received from War Office saying there was £8 odd balance to come to representatives. I wrote and claimed it for the father.

Drove Bell and Frank to Ratley to call on Mr Evans, the Vicar who was not at home. We went into the church.

Visited widow of Thomas Aris who lately died in Littlemore Asylum – but she was not at home. Called on “Betty Wilks” her daughter. Visited Thomas Wilks, Joshua Aris, S. Woolgrove not at home, Reaven, Z. Rimell, Goughs, Hathaway not in, Widow Keene, John Padbury, Barber Haines and Richard Haines.

Very wet.

Trinity Sunday. Holy Communion at 8 am. 17 communicants. 6/3 offertory.

Very heavy showers at frequent intervals throughout the day.

Visited Anne Fox – who was downstairs. She cannot talk though she seems to understand what is said. Anne Payne is with her.

Visited John Harris Senior and Sally Green.

Baptized Ernest Arthur son of my servant Percival Webb.

Mr Maclean read the lessons today and last Sunday. He also played the harmonium this afternoon.

Preached sermon this afternoon on consecration of Sibford Church 39 years ago. June 14 1840. Since that time there have been 784 baptisms in the church or privately by minister. 469 funerals and 157 weddings.