Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Rain. Mr Perkins, the schoolmaster of the Friends’ School Sibford Ferris called to ask for information respecting the “Physics” in the Oxford Local Examination for seniors. He is out of a situation having been dismissed or requested to resign his position at the Friends’ School. It appears that they have found the place very expensive to carry on. Accordingly Mr Routh (senior) whose health has given way after 40 years service first as Schoolmaster and subsequently as Superintendent, has retired and gone to live in his farmhouse with his son John. Miss Clarke the Matron has left, and so has Mr Perkins the School master. A new Master and Mistress, man and wife, have been appointed to do the work hitherto done by the three. They will thus effect considerable saving on their yearly expenditure; probably not less than £250 to £300 a year. Mr Perkins has not yet succeeded in getting an appointment, and being middle aged, a Quaker, and uncertificated, will probably find a difficulty in getting one. I have offered to speak in his favour to anyone whom he may refer to me.

Epiphany. Divine Service at 9.15. Visited School this afternoon also William Barton – and Widow Sabin who was in great trouble because her grandson William had enlisted in the 52nd the Oxfordshire regiment – he is now at Cowley Barracks. She thought he would have such dreadful hardships to undergo. But she says he is a total abstainer and appeared likely to keep the pledge. I told her I thought soldiering was a much better thing for a young man in the present day than loafing about a country village and that he would not have to endure the hardship of being out of work and half starved in the winter; and that he would have many inducements for good and steady conduct. She seemed to take comfort in the thought that he would be obliged to keep himself clean.

Heavy fall of snow all day, but very little wind. Roads blocked in every direction. No post – Railway lines blocked and telegraph communication interrupted. I never seemed in so much danger of my life as in going to and returning from Epwell yesterday. I went up to School this morning – only 6 children were present. I ordered School to be closed for this afternoon at least.