Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1885, January 20, Tuesday 

Elijah Hancox called to pay Balance of rent for Furze land.

George Green’s wife called and spoke about her brother Albert Young’s bad behaviour at the Brass Band Committee Meeting. I encouraged her to do all the good she could by persuading him to do right. She has had a very good influence over him ever since he has lodged with her.

Visited old Benjamin Aris. He was asleep – no one was about, so I did not awaken him.

1885, January 21, Wednesday

Richard Wilks died suddenly this morning. Old Benjamin Aris died a few hours after. Both were under care of Widow Bond, daughter of the latter.

Visited Benjamin Aris before he died, but he seemed unconscious. Visited Benjamin Aris junior his son, at same house; ill.

Visited Eliza Harris, Widow Bishop, John Horseman, Thomas Lively, Thomas Green and Miss Dix. Gave latter 3/- towards old folks’ tea.

1885, January 22, Thursday

Attended Board of Guardians Meeting. Webb drove and I took Frank.

Took out Summons at County Court for John Holtom of Sibford Ferris 25/- allotment rent due last Michaelmas and 12/6 up to next Michaelmas total 37/6.

Visited Mr Woolgrove, Dr Routh (not in) – saw Mrs Routh.

News of Battle of Abu Klea in the Soudan on Saturday last when 1500 British defeated 10000 of the Mahdi’s troops.

1885, January 23, Friday

Visited John Horsman and wife. Their boy Harry is ill with rheumatism and bronchitis.

Went over Heath farm and examined work done there by Poulton, carpenter during year.

Visited Elizabeth Bond and Mr George Dix.

1885, January 25, Sunday

Taught in Boys School this morning.

Rev Mr Fessenden preached this afternoon for S.P.G. He is Rector of Chippewa in Diocese of Niagara. He came in cab from Broughton which took him to Bloxham after tea.

Attended Choir practice this evening.

1885, January 26, Monday  b

Buried Benjamin Aris senior aged 83.

Visited Widow Thomas Manning, John Manning, Sibford Ferris and John Reason.

1885, January 27, Tuesday 

Report received from H. M. School Inspector.

59 presented
56 passed in reading
50 passed in writing
44 passed in arithmetic

i.e. 85 per cent. Some severe remarks about needlework and infants ; but higher report for general efficiency and better grant than we have had before.

Visited School and spoke to children about their passing and otherwise.

Returned Rev A. Short’s Subscription to Sibford Parsonage account, £3.3, and interest 16/6 – as I see no hope of getting new house and his was the only subscription I received in reply to my advertisement and letters when I first came out here.

Drove Bell to see Mrs Mann and Mrs Woolgrove.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.