Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Fine. Visited William Barnes. (No one in), Widow Anna Aris, David Hone Senior, William Holland (all out).

Sally Barnes who told me that her son William and his Father in law Charles Holtom, a bad fellow, were very nearly having a stand up fight together outside the Wykham Arms on Club night on account of some rough words which the latter gave his daughter Eliza, Barnes’s wife on the morning of that day, when she remonstrated with her father about his bad goings on, especially with William Barton’s wife. Eliza Barnes was so upset at the prospect of a fight between her husband and her father that she had a sort of fit which was repeated at intervals for a day or two so that the doctor had to be called in.

Visited John Reason, Charlotte Harris, Dorcas Scruby, Eleanor Hone, Ezra Green, also the school. Also John West, Thomas Henry Hone, Charles Legge (out), Thomas Lively (out), Thomas Holland, Thomas Green (out), B. Messenger, Widow Hancox (out), Mary Hone, Sarah Hone (out), Widow Wyatt, Misses Dix, John Horsman.

Administered Holy Communion to Rosa, Cassie Hemming and Bell.

Rev Thomas and Mrs Smith came and stayed to tea.

St Barnabas. Divine Service at 9.15. Miss Mann, and Dr Routh’s “mental” patient Miss Lewry called this afternoon. Also Miss Shelswell and Mrs F Milburn with her baby. Also Arthur Shelswell and Miss Maria Dix.

Very fine day. Did not attend the Guardians’ meeting at Banbury to day, as my carriage is under repair and I do not like driving my mare in the dog-cart whilst her cough is so troublesome lest she should fall.

Went to Dr Routh’s this evening.

Brought Rosa down – with help of Webb, Cook and Bell and carried her into the garden.

Very fine and warm.

Visited Adams at Chilloway Barn, Mr Mann has brought him and his family including a married son from Chesham.

Visited William Barnes and saw his wife who said her father had been going better of late and had apologised to her for his roughness on Club day.

Walked to Swalcliffe this evening to meet Cassie Heming and Frank where they had been to return basket brought with flowers and strawberries by Miss Norris.

Fine and bright. Miss Dix called this evening.

Taught in Boys Sunday School this morning.

Band of Hope Tea. Many children away from school this afternoon in consequence.

Visited Joshua Lines; who told me his child Kate had been much frightened by a dog belonging to Lewis Poulton which was “set on her” by his farm boy, a nephew of his wife’s. The boy denied it, Lewis took his part. So he and Joshua almost came to blows.

Visited Sam Woolgrove, Widow Robinson, H. Keene, B. Aris Senior, J. Reason.