Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1884, October 10, Friday 

Miss Dix and Mrs Henry Stevens called, and told me of the arrangements for funeral of late Miss Stevens. She is to be buried at Swalcliffe tomorrow at 2.45 pm.

Miss Emma Mann and a Miss Berridge called. The former brought word from her father that having caught a severe cold yesterday he would be unable to meet Mr Woolgrove here this evening as had been arranged, to go through church accounts.

I visited Mr and Mrs Stevens at Miss Dix’s.

Mr and Mrs Woolgrove came to tea.

1884, October 11, Saturday

Joseph Tarver and his son Esau Tarver of Handy Water Farm who received notice to leave their two acre allotments this Michaelmas independently brought me a notice this morning that they would give up their allotments Oct. 11 1885. They have already held them nearly two years since taking their farm, which is contrary to the intention of the Trustees, and simply want to wear the land out. I have already let both the 2 acre pieces as I have understood all along that they were going out this Michaelmas.

I therefore wrote to Fortescue & Sons, Solicitors of Banbury stating the case and asking them to write to them on behalf of the trustees.

Funeral of Miss Stevens at Swalcliffe. Mr Payne and myself officiated. Mr and Mrs Stevens, Miss Dix and myself went down in Mourning Coach. My carriage took Bell, Frank and Miss S Dix. Called on Payne afterwards. Miss Dix took tea here – and Miss S Dix came in afterwards.

My cold still troublesome.

1884, October 12, Sunday 

Bell caught a severe cold yesterday and did not go out all to day.

Rosa is not so well. My cough is somewhat troublesome and colds are extremely prevalent, owing I suppose to the change in the weather.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.