February 28, 1737

1737 February 28 (Monday).  The weather was very Raw Cold.  The Wind was north and very bleak.  I visited Mr. Beeman’s[1] Family and Mr. David Brigham.  The Dauter of the former and the Wife of the Latter were ill.

 

Monsieur Thyery came to my house P.M. and I had some Expectations of Mr. Prentice of Grafton, and his wife to visit me, but they did not come.  The Doctor spent the evening and good part of the night with me, but presently after he got to Bed came Simon Tainter jun. upon a most urgent message from Stephen Fay,[2] to have the Doctor visit him forthwith.  Howbeit he would not rise till he had taken several naps.  I did not get to bed till past Three o’clock.  N.B. Town Meeting to add to the Seats in Meeting House.

[1]Forbes: The Beeman family lived on the Flanders road.  David Brigham’s house stood about 60 yards east from where the Hospital now stands.  His farm comprised about 500 acres.  His house was burned Oct. 16, of this year (see entry for that day).  He rebuilt the house with the help of his son Jonas, who after his father’s death lived in it.

Walett: Ebenezer Beeman of Westborough.

[2]Forbes: Stephen Fay, in spite of this severe illness, and lack of attention on the part of Dr. Thyery, lived many years.  He was the son of Capt. John Fay and was born May 5, 1715.  He lived in Westborough until 1743 when he moved from town, and later became one of the first settlers of Bennington, Vt.  He built the first tavern west of the Green Mts., a house which had a stirring history during the Revolution.  He had five sons in the Battle of Bennington, and Peter Fay, of Southborough, tells the following touching account of his learning after the battle that his oldest son John had been instantly killed by a ball through the head.

“A messenger was sent to bear the solemn tidings to Capt. Fay as gently as possible.  He told him he had something bad to tell him concerning one of his sons.  The Capt. instantly asked him:

“‘Did he disobey orders?  Or desert his post?’

“‘No.’

“‘Did he falter in the charge?’

“‘No, worse than that.  He is dead,’ was the answer.

“‘Then it is not worse,’ exclaimed the father. ‘Bring him in, that I may once more gaze on the face of my darling boy.’

“And when they brought him in, covered with dust and blood, he called for water and a sponge, and with his own hand bathed the disfigured features; declaring at the same time that he had never experienced a more glorious or happy day in his life.”