Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Attended reopening of Brailes Church by Bishop of Worcester. Fine and successful day.

Cold, wet and windy. Called on Mr Hiorns about drainage of portion of Heath Farm, intending to visit the fields where it is being done but ground was too wet. Stephen Hands called and asked a few days grace for payment of rent which I allowed.

Mr Herbert called and paid me his rent. Dr and Mrs Routh came this afternoon also Robert Braddell with Harry, Minnie and Annie and Miss Shelswell.

Windy morning, fine afternoon. Attended Boys’ Sunday School this morning. Visited Ann Fox and John Padbury. A son of his, a soldier lately died in India and I obtained from War Office £17 odd amount of pay etc. due to him. I gave the order duly signed to John Padbury today.

Visited Hannah Keene, Mrs Shelswell and Mrs Dix, Widow Sabin, Thomas Sabin (not in) and Benjamin Aris.

Fine day. Drove Mr Maclean to Brailes where I took up Mr Smith and drove to Sutton, took up Mr Bradley and drove onto Honington where we dined with Mr Thoyts who showed us his church. In the afternoon we walked to Tredington and saw the Church there. Mr Williams the Rector was away from home as he told me at Brailes reopening he would be.

I learnt last night from Mr Maclean that my dog Juno who was given me by Mr W. B. Morgan, of Bristol Cathedral Grammar School in 1871, had flown at his face very savagely on Saturday last. I therefore sent Webb to the Doctor for some poison. This we gave her this evening, but it took no effect.

I afterwards learnt that Mr Morgan died this very evening.

St John’s Day. Service at 9.15. Storm of Thunder and Hail.

Sent for fresh poison to the Doctor who sent some hydrocyanic acid. Webb gave it to Juno in some milk. It took immediate and fatal effect – we were all very much grieved. Webb buried her in the garden.

Mr Smith and Mr and Mrs Cooper, Sophie and Annie, Bob and Minnie came. They went on to Dr Routh.

Miss Mawle called.

Attended Clerical Club Meeting at Great Bourton Vicarage.

Took Charity Commission Order appointing Mr. Page as trustee of Charity in place of late Mr Greaves and deposited it there to remain a month for public inspection. Put notice to that effect near Church door.

Received note from Miss Morgan, 6 Belle Vue, Clifton saying her father died at 12.30 am yesterday.

Mr Smith and self joined North Oxon Archaeological Society’s excursion from Oxford to Bicester, Launton, Stratton Sudley, Bucknell, Caversfield, Middleton Stoney and Bicester.

Very wet day.

Visited David Hone, Widow Robinson, Mrs Bond, Joseph Gibbs (not in).

Mr and Mrs Izatt called this afternoon (Mrs S not at home).

Visited Mary Wilks. Went to Banbury. Stephen Hands called and paid his rent according to promise.