Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Widow Humphrey Sabin came and told me the Doctor said her boy was not fit to be removed to the Infirmary.

Sent advertisement for Pupils to the Times, though so many of my other £2 advertisements (10 at 4/-) have been failures, I have not very much hope of this.

Sale by auction of late William Brown’s effects. Fetched very low prices. I saw in the few moments I looked on Lewis Poulton buy an eight-day long case clock for 1/6.

Drove Bell and Harry round Winderton and Brailes.

Mr and Mrs Davies called this evening. He and I went for a walk.

Rather unwell. Did not go out all day.

Sent advertisement to Times as follows 5 at 8/-

TO ECCLESIASTICAL PATRONS, &c.—An experienced and successful vicar desires to meet with a larger and more remunerative sphere of duty than his present benefice affords. He is a graduate, a sound Churchman, and a good reader. Is married, robust and active, and about 50 years of age. He can intone and preach extempore, and can refer with confidence to his present bishop, patrons, and neighbours. Address, by letter only, Rev. X. Y. Z., 4, Clephane Road, Canonbury, London, N.

having previously asked Aunt Emma to receive and forward replies. The advertisement appeared 5 times. I got no reply except from touting advertisement contractors etc – and one from a gentleman directing my attention to an advertisement for Rector for a High School in New Zealand; which however I answered politely, as it was evidently well-meant.

Bad headache – did not sleep a wink last night.

Attended Guardians & School Attendance Committee at Banbury this morning. Drove Mr Davies in and out. He called in the evening and we went for a walk.

Mr Willy, of Epwell, with his son and younger daughter called this afternoon.

Sent hamper of apples to Aunt Emma.

Lovely morning. Am much better than I was yesterday.

Paid T. J. Brown law expenses for Harry of £1.11.6.

John Manning, carpenter, of Sibford Ferris, removed on Tuesday with his family to a village near Reading, where he has work on an estate belonging to Mr Benyon. Manning and his brother were in business as Builders at Oxford and Didcot and were doing pretty well – but were ruined by failure of the Oxford Land & Building Society. He has been in Sibford about a year and a half but could get very little to do here. He served his apprenticeship with old Thomas Manning and returned to the old place to find all the business gone into the hands of more energetic men than Joseph Manning, who took to his father’s business.

Visited Mr and Mrs Davies.

Visited Misses Dix and Mrs Shelswell.

Visited Tay, Blacksmith.