Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Charles Holder called. I offered him the Furze Land at £10, and gave him 3 days to consider it.

Drove Bell and Frank to Banbury, the former having to go to the Dentist Heygate Brooks.

Showery and dull.

Visited Richard Austin, George Harris (out), Widow Hathaway, Jane Haynes, Joshua Lines, Sam Woolgrove, Thomas Rymill.

Attended Band meeting. William Green has left  the village, being unable to get work here, and has given up his instrument. His debts to the Band come to as much or more than he could be allowed on his retirement.

My birthday, age 54.

Visited Mrs Dix before church in consequence of a message from Miss Dix. She is very ill and not far from the end of her journey, though apparently not “sinking”. The prayers of the congregation were asked on her behalf.

The Banns of marriage were published between Henry Upton, Widower of Shenington and Maria Hone, spinster of this parish.

Received note from Henry Dixon, farming pupil at Joseph Pettipher’s asking for use of schoolroom on Nov. 12 for a dance to raise funds for the Sibford Cricket Club. In reply I sent him a form of a letter addressed to myself, to be signed by two respectable men ratepayers of Sibford Gower asking for the use of the room at the time and for the purpose named and undertaking to be responsible for any injury done to the buildings or furniture, as well as for good order, etc. I told him that if he would get it signed and forwarded to me I would entertain the application.

Called on Mr Woolgrove this evening.

At home all day with severe cold.

Still indoors all day with severe cold.

Mrs Dix died this morning in her 78th year.

Saints Simon and Jude. No service in church owing to my having a severe cold.

Mrs Shelswell and Miss Maria Dix called this evening.

Mr Oddie also called. Received estimate for printing and binding “The Teaching of the Prayer Book” Part 1, from Butler and Tanner.

Still confined to the house with a bad cold, the weather being somewhat severe – dull and east windy.

Charles Holder called and agreed to take the Furze Land for £10 a year. Rent due half-yearly at Lady Day and Michaelmas with the customary three months’ grace. Last years straw to be left on land when tenancy expires. He may ask Trustees to allow him something for artificial manure the present year. I made no promise, but said they might perhaps allow him £2 or £3 under the circumstances. The land is left in a very bad state.

Buried Mrs Mary Dix, age 78, widow of the late Joseph Dix uncle to the Misses Dix and brother of Mr George Dix. She was sister to the present Mrs Shelswell’s husband, her father having been the medical man of the parish.

Visited John Coleman, Thomas Cakebread, William Gaydon.