Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Fine and bright but cool. I took the boys to church morning and afternoon. Harry read prayers this morning and I preached. In afternoon he preached I read prayers. Mrs John Shelswell took dinner and tea with us. It is her last day in Sibford. She goes to Shenington tomorrow, where she and Miss Elizabeth Shelswell are to reside together and take charge of Ada Grimbly. The family have lived in this parish more than a century I believe. Their departure is a very great loss to the parish. I walked round “Pig & Whistle” with Harry this evening. The Evangelists’ tent is gone. The congregation this morning was about 150, this afternoon about 200.

A child, Elizabeth Dale, came for her and her brother’s Penny Bank money this morning. Her parents have removed from Chilloway barn on Mr Mann’s farm, to Shutford; so I paid her 15/- of which 1/10 was added from Interest fund. Laura Webb called and asked me to marry her and James Dyer tomorrow at 11.30.

Harry drove his mother and sister to Tadmarton to call at the Rectory. I visited Jane Messenger and left her a rough draft for Last Will and Testament. Visited Mrs Ainge. Her husband has had a relapse and was in bed. I did not go up to see him as he was sleeping. Bell, Rosa and Harry called on Rev C and Mrs Wyatt at Broughton Rectory.

Fine, bright cold. Married Laura Webb and James Dyer. Rev Mr Trumper, Curate of Shutford, called and asked me to sign Letters Testimonial for him. He has, he says, the offer of a living in his own county, about 12 miles from Hereford. He stayed to lunch. Mr Riddle had signed it, and I added my signature.

Harry walked to Banbury to take Rev Mr Elton, Curate of St Mary’s to Whichford Harvest Festival with Gulley. But Mr Elton went out with Rev J R Izat, who preached at Whichford. He went from Banbury to Hook Norton and drove them to Whichford with Gulley. After the service at W, Harry walked home, arriving here at about 11.45. Bell and I walked round Sibford Ferris and Tyne Hill.

Fine. Miss S Dix and Bessie Thame were here to tea. Miss S Dix, in the absence of Mr Langley, took choir practice in school-room which I attended. I then walked round Alcocks Lane and “The Elm” with Harry. He called at Dr Routh’s, but the latter was not at home so we walked a little farther and returned to the Vicarage.