Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Attended Ruridecanal Chapter at Cropredy (Dr W. Wood’s).

Had a meeting for C.M.S. in evening in my Schoolroom. Mr Mantle one of the Society’s agents exhibited Magic Lantern with views of China, Japan, etc. Mr Smith, of Brailes and his Curate, and son in law Mr Garrard brought Mr Mantle here. He had to leave early because of a telegram announcing his father’s serious illness. Mr Smith continued and conducted the lecture. The collection amounted to 30/-.

Attended Board of Guardians Meeting at Banbury. Took Frank – Webb drove. Called at Bloxham on way home and took lunch with Mr and Mrs Ommanney.

William Webb, son of my groom and gardener called and begged my pardon for all he had done wrong (though he had done me no wrong) and would I be kind enough to see if I could get him a Situation. I had some serious talk with him about his conduct to the manager of the Temperance Hall at Banbury when he was there – and reminded him that I had told him very particularly to leave his situation in a proper manner if he found it did not suit him. I said I would do what I could for him this time, but he must not expect me to do so again if he behaved ill. He must go and earn a character for himself, and the sooner he got away from Sibford the better.

The Bandsmen called this evening and paid me some more money which they had collected on my letter.

Mr Woolgrove called about Church Accounts.

Miss Shelswell was here to tea. I saw her home about 9 o’clock. At Burdrop Widow Thomas came up and complained of a man (brother to Walker the Blacksmith’s wife) who had used very vile language to her which she repeated in the ears of myself and Miss Shelswell. It appears that Horsman’s daughter Eliza was staying and gossiping with the young man in question for a long time and neglecting her sick parents. Widow Lamb spoke to her and told her to go home to look after them whereupon the young man abused her. I did not stop when she began to talk but I heard him abusing her again as I returned but I did not interfere as she was close to her own door and and had acted very unwisely in coming up to me in the way she did. I afterwards spoke to Eliza Horsman about the matter, and on Mrs Lamb too. The young man left Sibford soon after this.

I sent to Skinner & Son Fruit Salesmen of Covent Garden for 6 dozen baskets in which to send them my apples for sale, the dealers here not offering what I consider a fair price for them.