Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Frost, the ground was covered with rime, almost as though there had been a slight fall of snow. The trees and hedges presented a much more beautiful appearance than they ever do after a snowstorm as the frost clings to the underside as well as the upper of every twig.

Visited Tay.

Taught in Sunday School morning and afternoon.

Baptized Thomas Fox’s child “Frederick George” and Admitted Charles Legge’s child “Alfred”.

Attended Choir practice this evening. Miss M. Dix complained to me of the rude conduct of William Webb and other boys who attended the Choir practice this evening. It appears that she lets them into the room before she has got the lamps alight and they “kick up a rumpus.” I told her she should keep the door locked till she was ready for them. But I said I would see what could be done.

The Doctor gives poor hopes of Tay and says he will probably last not more than 24 or 36 hours. I went to see him. His wife is in great trouble and asked me to write to Farnborough near (blank) for the character of a young man who (h)as applied for situation of blacksmith in Tay’s place. I therefore wrote to the clergyman of the parish.

Visited Schol. On my way back I met Thomas Stock, formerly a labouring man, but who, by industry and frugality has amassed a good bit of money. I am told he broke his collarbone whilst I was on the continent and I therefore enquired about his health. When I left him he turned round and said “But I’ve had a wus accident nor that, Sir” – I did not understand what he meant at first, but on enquiry found that he was alluding to a pecuniary loss. He had lent Mr R. Routh senior, farmer and formerly Master of the Friends’ School at Sibford Ferris, who was always supposed to be a well to do man £300, and that he had now become bankrupt – that Thomas Meadows had lent him about £200 and Eliza Barnes, widow of my late Clerk had lent him – or rather I should perhaps say deposited with him at interest, the whole of her money £100 and that several other persons in poor circumstances in Sibford were sufferers too.

Very foggy day.

Thomas Coleman called and I let him S.F. allotment no. 8.

Visited Miss Dix, Mrs Dix and Ann Payne. Tay is better.

Harry returned from Oxford – “ploughed” 4th time for Responsions.

Tay is still better.

Rosa kept her bed all day, her hip being very painful.