Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Took Heath allotment rents this evening. Drove to Shutford etc.

Taught in Boys’ Sunday School this morning.

Mt Hitchcox was at Church this afternoon and there was a good congregation though the weather was wet.

Visited Mrs Pearce and attended choir practice this evening.

Adkins’s little boy, aged 2½ died this morning of something like apoplexy. He had been ill about a week.

Mrs Way assisted at Penny Bank. School re-opened but small attendance. Drove to Brailes this afternoon. Charles Legge’s child has measles.

Visited Joshua Lines, Sam Woolgrove, Mr J Woolgrove – who promised to le me know whether Hands purposed selling corn on farm by auction next Monday. If he did not sell it I ought not to press for rent.

Harry Shelswell came to me this morning.

Visited School. Congratulated girl Webb on getting prize for needlework. Called registers and made entry in log-book. Mr Elley told me that a Miss Shemeld, who was a girl at the Friends’ School about twelve years ago was about to open a “dame school” in Sibford in a cottage – and had the promise of 11 children.

Drove to Brailes. Mr and Mrs Smith out. Visited Misses Dix and Mrs Hiorns.

Drove to Banbury. A very great number of female servants were standing about Parsons Street to be hired; the number last Thursday Statute fair day being much in excess of demand and wages being reduced in consequence. Brought out Chrissie Henderson.