Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

I was busy all this afternoon sending out copies of the Analytical Classical Series as presents to the Libraries of various Schoolmasters’ Associations. There were about 3 dozen which had been in the house a long time having been returned from John Heywood’s of Manchester. I sent them only to associations having over 100 members.

Strawberries on bloom in my garden.

Rev Mr Whitehead of South Newington called this afternoon with one of his sons. The latter told me of daughter of Archdeacon Burney of St Mark’s Surbiton whose daughter had been laid up for 14 years, but had rapidly recovered the use of her limbs after treatment by Sir Lionel Playfair.

Mr Whitehead is resigning his Benefice of South Newington and going to Shustoke ? Warwickshire where he was brought up and where, I am told, his brother is squire of the place.

Dull and cold.

Ellen Hone sent note begging for food as only one of her boys has work which brings in 4/- per week. I gave her 3 loaves of bread and some lard. The youngest of her boys looks half starved.

Attended meeting of Band this evening. Richard Gaydon gave up his instrument and resigned. £2 was allowed him, but as his arrears etc amounted to £1. 10, he had only 10/- to receive.

James Hone and W. Green’s cases were reserved for a fortnight.

Bright morning. Windy afternoon. Rain at night all way to Wroxton where I went to preach Harvest Festival Sermon for Horton Infirmary. I was one or two minutes late. The congregation were singing processional hymn when I got to the church, some delay having been caused by having to show Burdon the Vicarage and going into the yard with him, though there was no one at home. After service I had some supper at the Vicarage with the churchwardens and choir. Rev B. Smith, Vicar of Alkerton, who read the Lessons. Fine drive home but intensely cold, and all our rugs etc were intensely wet.

School reopened.

Maria Hone, daughter of Widow Mary Hone, who has two bastard girls age 14 and 10 respectively, sent for Penny Bank half-crowns of the younger (the elder has left school and had hers out long ago) on the ground that she is leaving Sibford this week to be married to Henry Upton, widower, of Shenington. I did not give the half-crowns, but told the girl to say she could have it when she was 13 years old or passed 4th Standard. The girl said her mother has been “asked” at the Board of Guardians’ Office. A week or two after this, however, the banns were put up in my church.

Visited Richard Walker and Mrs Austin Gardner. Her boy is gone to New Brompton and they have heard that he has arrived safely.