Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

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.

Bright day – hard frost.

Wrote to Aunt Emma.

Mrs George Harris died at 4 am.

Buried William Brown. The funeral was 25 minutes late. Poulton who was the undertaker said it was the fault of the women – who on his telling them it was time to start said there was no hurry. I told him that as undertaker he must use his best endeavours to secure punctuality by telling persons in future that they must not expect me to wait at the Church after the time appointed as it was very cold up there – and I had other duties to attend to.

Visited
Edward Fox
George Harris, my tenant
Joseph Messenger
Ann Fox, W. Poulton.

Dr Routh came this evening to audit School and Charity accounts. Routh told story of his groom – a Tysoe man – very stupid. To Charlotte Webb, female servant

“Some oats be coom, when they be done, th’master ‘ll want to know when they com’d in. What day be’t Charlut?”

“Why, you silly, don’t you know it’s new year’s day?”

“Ay, I know that’s well as you do. What I wants to know is what day o’th month is it.”