Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Visited the Japanese village. What amused me most was the fencing and wrestling. How the men did bang one another about to be sure! They did not hurt one another I suppose for they had strong iron wire masks and helmets on and were protected as to their shoulders etc with stout leather guards.

Saw in papers today a notice of the death of the Rev H. Hughes (late Curate of Burton on Trent) at Mentone on Saturday last. Wrote to his brother W. Hawker Hughes at Oxford a letter of condolence.

Received note from Miss Norris about Loggin Charity.

Went to Ludgate Hill and called at Samuel Bros. about an overcoat for Frank.

Returned home. George Burdon was late with the carriage at Banbury.

Received postal card from W. Hawker Hughes at Mentone telling me of his brother’s death.

Maria Walker, executrix of late Eliza Harris, called with Mrs Wilks to ask about certificate of death and I told her she must get that from the authorities of the Quakers’ graveyard where she was buried.

Taught in Boys’ School this morning.

Emma Lines brought a note from Louisa Lines asking me to visit Sarah (“Sally”) Lines, her mother in law, which I did this evening. The old woman is very ill. She wanted me to witness her signature, or rather mark, to an order to withdraw her money from Banbury Savings Bank and to empower her daughter, Mrs Widdows, to receive it. The old woman when young had a very indifferent reputation and had several bastard children. She then “married” James Lines, her own nephew, who died a year or two ago from the kick of a horse belonging to Richard Lamb which he was driving when the worse for drink.

The old woman seemed very penitent this evening and very thankful to me for going to pray with her. She wished very much to receive the Holy Communion but was afraid I would refuse it to her. Barber Haynes’s wife is nursing her.

Snow.

Joshua Lamb called for Sibford Ferris (Loggin) Poor Rates.

Visited Sally Lines and gave her the Holy Communion. Barber Haines’s wife and Polly Lines received with her. Mrs Haynes told me afterwards that Sally seemed very much happier in her mind since she had seen me last night.