Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Brighter morning with occasional showers.

Divine Service with Sermon at 7 pm.

Harriet Colegrave fell down in a fit this evening on the hill between Burdrop and Sibford Ferris, was carried home to her sister’s Mrs Turner where she died very shortly without recovering consciousness. She had been ailing for some time. A sister of hers died suddenly in Pound Lane eleven or twelve years ago. Richard Wilks who died suddenly a few weeks back was a cousin of hers.

Miss Sarah Dix called. Visited Jane Legge who was taken in a fit about an hour after H. Colegrave.

Paid a visit of condolence to Mrs Turner and Mr Fox.

Drove Bell and Frank this afternoon round Epwell, Shutford and Lower Tadmarton.

Rain and snow. Very cold.

Visited Jane Legge – found her sensible – Mrs Shelswell was there taking charge of her. I asked her to be good enough to employ some women to look after her until her friends could come and left money with her to pay them and provide what was necessary.

Attended Committee Meeting of the Brass Band.

Bright day, but rather cold.

Bonner called about Jane Legge – who has received Parish relief for many years. She was a very respectable, God fearing woman and a regular church attendant and communicant.

Her sister who was formerly a School mistress, but is now lady’s maid to the daughter of the Clergyman under whom she served has come to take charge of poor Jane.

Spoke to boy Jarvis, Walker the Blacksmith’s apprentice. He says he gets on very well with his master now.

Bright and warm morning. Dull and cold afternoon.

Visited Jane Legge and saw her sister.

Mrs Shelswell spent the afternoon here with Rosa.

Administered Holy Communion to Rosa and Bell between morning and afternoon services.

Gave Mrs Mann last Sunday’s offertory 12/- towards debt due on organ.

Attended Choir practice this evening.

Very cold wind.

Buried Harriet Colegrave. The wife of Mr Berridge (brother of Mrs Shelswell) residing near Rugby, died somewhat suddenly last night.

Austin Gardner, James Coles and another were pitched out of a dog-cart at Shennington on Saturday. Gardner was driving a new horse – tandem – which he had purchased of Mr. Jenkins, Upton House the same afternoon. It appears that Austin Gardner and Coles were both insensible for some time, the former being cut about the face and hands, and the latter, who was not brought home till yesterday, having several ribs broken. It is said, I do not know with what truth, that they were all somewhat the worse for drink.

Visited Jane Legge, John Horsman and Mrs Shelswell.

All the boys were present at my Confirmation Class this evening. But Mrs Hancox and her daughter did not come, being unwell.