Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Visited Emma Horsman, Thomas Henry Hone, Charles Legge.

Buried Thomas Holland age 8. The first child of our school who has died since I have been here, over 10 years, and for several years previously. The poor child was I fear much neglected – and was semi-idiotic. I have had to put his name on the Exemption list for H.M. Inspector 2 or 3 years. He could not learn his letters and told Mr Elley “he didn’t want to”. I hear that the poor child had no bed to sleep on nor even a mattress – only some old clothes. yet the father is in constant work and the family receives considerable help from the charity estates.

Miss Mawle who is on a visit to Miss Dix called this afternoon.

Mr Willy, curate of Epwell called.

Visited T. H. Hone whose child looks better but has inflammation of the kidneys.

Visited Emma Horsman.

Very fine and hot summer day.

Prayers in Church for Emma Horsman whom I visited after Service this afternoon but found her insensible. Her husband was there – also her sister Mary Monroe.

Visited Miss Somerton, Mrs Dix, Mr George Dix and T. H. Hone.

Taught in boys’ school and visited Girls’ School. More boys than girls were present.

Attended Choir practice this evening.

Very few children at School this morning and consequently closed it again for the week.

Dull and cold compared with yesterday.

Visited Heath allotments and Sibford Ferris allotments.

Drove Bell out this afternoon and then sent carriage to George Harris to repair front wheels.

Sent to enquire about Emma Horsman, who was still insensible, and died in the evening leaving 4 children, the eldest only 8.

Ezra Green called and asked me to write an order for medical relief as the Doctor refused to attend his children. I told him I had no authority to do that and that he ought not to need it. He had not asked the Doctor himself but the latter had told Green’s wife he could not attend unless he were paid, and they owe him an account which they make no effort to pay. I told Green to go to the Doctor himself – to tell him he would pay as soon as he could, if he would take the amount by instalments, and ask him to see the children. If the doctor then still declined to attend, he should go to the Relieving Officer and state his case.

Dull and cold. Visited Joshua Lines.

Mrs Shelswell, Miss Mawle, Miss Dix and Miss M. Dix came to tea. Miss Shelswell came afterwards.