Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

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.

Visited Sunday School this morning. Very stormy afternoon.

Visited Thomas Wilks and Jarvis. Saw Mr Hiorns’s servant boy staggering about the road, drunk – followed him home. I told him to go to bed. He said he got the beer at Bishop’s.

Mrs Turner assisted at Penny Bank. Very stormy. Bob and Minnie came.

Visited Widow James Barnes, Mary Wilks, Sam Lines (not in), Joseph Lines, R. Haynes, A. Hillman, Hannah Keene, John Padbury, Oliver Harris, Tailor Hale, J. Holton (not in), C. Holtom, Eli Webb, Job Harris, Widow Scruby, Edward Scruby, Ann Fox, Thomas Sabin, William Barton, Mrs Shelswell.

Very cold, wet and windy. My grass in Slinket was cut on Monday and yesterday by Ben Messenger. Drove to Hook Norton this afternoon. Mr Hiorns called for allowance for drainage of Heath Farm. I paid him £20 on production of voucher for labour which alone came to nearly that Amount.

Visited the Misses Dix.