Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Cold and dull, but dry and calm. Attended Choir Practice this evening. Visited the Misses Dix.

Miss Dix assisted at Penny Bank.

Mr John Spraggett called and asked me to baptize his two children tomorrow morning after service which I promised o do.

Visited Mrs Dix and Miss Sommerton.

William Brown died this afternoon. I had seen him once during his illness and prayed for him by his bedside – he was conscious. He had never attended Divine Service in Church during all the years I have been here – and was much given to drink. He had a Widow Tennant living with him as “housekeeper?” – and she was there when he died. His sister was also there. He left no will but expressed a wish that his property should be equally divided between the two women.

Mr Elley came and went through the School Registers with me and helped me in filling up Form IX for the Inspector.

Epiphany. Divine Service at 9.15 am.

Baptized John Spragett’s two children.

Thomas Barnes asked me to give him the larch loppings at the Heath Plantation. I declined to do that without seeing them but, as he had no work, I told him he might tie them up and get them brought down here. Then I would give them to the poor widows and others.

Visited Joseph Messenger.

Baptized privately the infant child of Thomas Rymell, Sibford Ferris.

Visited Hannah Keene.

Drove Bell to Shutford and called on Mr Gerahty the Curate.

Library tea meeting, followed by Entertainment of Music and Readings and Presentation on behalf of the Committee of a Timepiece to Mr Elley, who has been Librarian ever since the commencement, and Treasurer for great part of the time. The late Mr Turner and he were joint Librarians and Mr John Enock was Treasurer. On death of latter Mr Turner was appointed Treasurer, and on his death Mr Elley took both offices. Between 70 and 80 sat down for tea, The usual regulations were observed.

Went to Banbury and took Frank – Webb drove. Rain and snow – very cold.

Bessie Thame called to say goodbye before returning to School at London Orphan Asylum, Watford.

Fine, calm, bright, frost.

Visited School, Susan Hunt, Widow W. Keen, Anna Aris, Misses Dix, Joseph Dale, William Holland, Thomas Aris, George Payne.

Gave faggots of Larch to various persons.

Visited Brass Band who played “Sun of my soul” and “The Old 100th”.

Received a letter from Mrs Aris saying her son or his father would like to have part of the Heath Farm.

Visited wife of George Harris, my tenant, who is very ill.

Called on Dr Routh – not in. Zilpah Rymell’s baby died.

Taught in Boys’ School – many absent.

Congregations small – very much coughing.

Baptized David Hone’s child and churched the mother.