Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1885, June 21, Sunday 

Bright, but windy and cool.

Taught in Boys’ School this morning.

Visited Ezra Green. The little boy, age about 7 who is ill looked so dreadfully dirty and neglected that I felt it my duty to reprimand the mother very severely. I told her to get some warm water and wash him for his neck looked as though it had not been washed for two or three weeks and the bosom of his shirt was wet and soiled with linseed. I told her that no such woebegone, neglected, ragged half-starved looking children as hers were to be seen anywhere else in the parish – and that if this one died she would have his death upon her conscience that she had contributed to it by her neglect. I told her also about her gossiping habits, and reminded her that her husband got better wages than most of the working men and that he did not spend them in drink.

Visited Mrs Shelswell, Miss Dix, Mr W. Fox.

Attended Choir practice this evening.

1885, June 22, Monday 

Cold, windy and showery.

School opened and continued with 60 children.

Took choir children to Edge Hill to tea in two wagonettes driven by Austin Gardner and his son William. Miss M. Dix undertook arrangements. Miss Dix was also of the party.

I drove Bell, Frank and Webb. We got back about 8.15.

Sent text of Grammatical Notes of Latin-English Vergil to Hughes.

Jesse Bishop called and paid me his rent for Sibford Heath Farm to Michaelmas next.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.