Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Visited Thomas Wilks, Widow Thomas Lamb, Ezra Green, Elizabeth Holland whom I accused of falsehood to me last night. She said she had given 2/- to her husband a week or two ago and told him to pay it to Charles Barnes, and thought he had done so. She was huddled up over the fire and seemed very unwell and very miserable. She said tomorrow would be pay night and she would pay him the whole sum due. As a fact however, she paid him only one half of it, i.e. 2/-.

Visited Canon Payne and paid him Loggins rent.

Damp. Thick fog.

Visited Joseph Messenger. He was not at home, but I found his wife at Mrs Lamb’s. They have left the cottage which they have occupied so many years and taken one of Mrs Turner’s where James Hancox has been living. It appears that Joe has been somewhat “off his head” of late – and has an idea that he is being robbed, that his wife gives away his goods and that she is guilty of infidelity with other men. Now he is pretty well and denies that he ever said anything of the sort. She told me this with tears in her eyes. They both sleep at old Mrs Lamb’s, as she is not fit to be left alone.

Visited Hannah Keen, Hannah Simmonds, John Adkins, John West, Thomas Henry Hone, David Hone.

Thomason brought Charity Clothing, which was sold in the School room as usual.

Visited David Ainge, Burdrop…

…who has been laid up with a cold.

I have advertized again in the “Times” with the view of getting a more suitable and more remunerative post than this. To my previous advertisement for the same purpose which I repeated 5 times at 8/- for each insertion I received no reply whatsoever; only some applications from the proprietors of other papers to be permitted to insert it in theirs. This appeared today, 1st of 5 insertions twice weekly.

TO ECCLESIASTICAL PATRONS, &c,—An experienced and successful VICAR desires another sphere of duty, with fair remuneration and suitable residence, which he has not now, or the opportunity of purchasing or renting one. He is a sound Churchman, M. A. Oxon, married, strong, robust, and active ; a good reader and can preach extempore. Accustomed to manage charity lands and allotments. Good references. Apply, by letter only, X. Y. Z., 4, Clephane road, N.

Drove to Banbury. Took Frank and Lloyd Davies. Rosa did not come down today…