Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Drove Edith Brooks and Bell to Banbury. Met Chrissie at Railway from Birkenhead at 4.55 and brought her out on a visit.

Frank’s birthday. Aged 10 years.

Received a letter from Mr Staff, 6 Hedgerley Park Terrace, High Road, Chiswick, my co-executor and trustee in the Brown Estate – saying that William the youngest boy will come of age next month – that they all wish their property to remain intact and transferred to them jointly. Mr Staff does not think this will do. I wrote a letter to each of them asking what their wishes were in the matter.

Received a letter from Cassie Heming saying that her sister Adelaide, recently home from school in Germany wished to get a situation as governess and would be glad if I would act as referee. I replied that I would say all I could say with truth – but not more : for however estimable Adelaide Heming may be, I have only seen her once and that was several years ago.

Frank had Oddie children and others to tea. Mr Oddie called and I walked with him to Hook Norton and back.

Miss Summerton called for my signature to her Annuity Receipt.

Visited Tay, and his mother in law Mrs Stockford, Joseph Dale and George Payne.

No rain.

Drove Bell and Edith Brooks to Edge Hill with Frank.

William Poulton and W. Kay called about a fraud which had been perpetrated on the Benefit Club by a man named ?John Sabin and his wife living at Banbury. The latter had forged medical certificates, and got several months’ sick pay in her husband’s name when he was in good health and at work. Sabin has refunded the money.

Preached two sermons on behalf of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. 40 communicants. Prayer for Rain in afternoon. Collections £2.12.3. There was a singular absence of farmers. Mr Mann, James Rimell and Isaac Padbury not there at all. Mr Woolgrove was there twice.

Walter Mann and his sisters Elizabeth and Louisa were there in the morning only.

Visited Mrs Shelswell and the Misses Dix.

Miss Shelswell and Mrs Milburn called to see Rosa.

Slight rain this evening.

Took Bell, Chrissie Henderson and Frank to the annual prize-giving and concert at Bloxham School.