Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Attended Board of Guardians Meeting at Banbury. Took Mr and Mrs Davies and Frank in.

Old Mr Wills a very lame man (a quaker, uncle to Mr John Wills) who has lodged with Mr Elley for some time, died suddenly aged 84. He had been poorly since Wednesday, but up to that time had been wonderfully well and active, though “stone deaf”.

David Hone died aged 82.

Buried Mary Evans, aged 70.

Visited John Reason, Hannah Keene, Hannah Simmons, Mrs Elley, Mr W. Fox, Phoebe Payne.

Intensely cold today. I had a severe shivering fit this evening. Never felt so queer in all my life.

Hannah Keene died at 2 pm, age 82. W. Bonner called before H. Keene died and spoke about arrangements for nursing her. I told him he had better see Mr R. Lamb.

I am suffering from a cold, and therefore did not go out all day.

Attended Boys’ School this afternoon.

Held Children’s Service at 3. Service at 6.30pm. Mr Davies preached.

Mrs Davies was here during evening to stay with Rosa.

Webb is better. I visited him.

My cold is better, but not gone.

Slight fall of snow.

Visited School this afternoon.

Buried David Hone, age 85.

Charles Holder called and asked about land which Trustees will have to let at Michaelmas. I told him there would be a meeting for letting the land in allotments. He said John Lively wanted to give up his 2 acres. I afterwards ascertained that Lively does not want to give up the land.

The meeting for Sunday Closing of public houses was held this evening. I did not go as I had a cold, and the meeting having been held at a different time from that arranged with me I did not feel any responsibility in the matter.

Webb returned to his work.

The ground was covered with a thin coating of snow this morning.

Webb drove Mr Davies to Banbury on his way to Peterborough to see the Bishop about Hellidon, but he took funeral of Hannah Keene for me before he went.

Late Mr Wells was buried in Quakers’ ground this afternoon.

Bright and frosty.

Rev. Ambrose Short came and inspected School in Religious Knowledge.

Mr Cox rector of Hook Norton, his sister-in-law, Miss Fagan, and Mrs Davies were here to luncheon.

Paid Charles Barnes for 23 days work during Webb’s illness.