1773 August 25 (Wednesday). I have sent my Request to Mr. Fitch to preach my Lecture but he did not come. I preached my Self. My Text was Prov. 9.1-6. After Lecture Mr. Peter Whitney and his wife called here in their way home from Southborough. N.B. Their Brother Hammock late of Boston is dead and bury’d: also Mr. Jacob Biglows Wife, of Sudbury. And I perceive by the Public Papers that my generous Friend Mr. Richard Surcomb is dead![1] The Lord sanctifie this Dispensation to Me, that I may prepare for my own Departure! The Lord extend also His Pity to the Desolate Widow, and to Mrs. Flagg the Daughter of the Deceased! Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlain and his Wife here with their Relations. Hannah very poorly to Day: can’t keep off from the Bed. Elias also not well. Vendue of front Gallery Pews.
[1]“Last Saturday Night departed this Life, Mr. Richard Surcomb, Aged 57, a Noted Baker of this Town; his Funeral is to be on Tuesday 5 o’Clock, when his Friends and Acquaintances are desired to attend.” Boston Gazette, Aug. 23, 1773, Issue 959, p. [3]. His widow Mary announced that she intended “leaving off the Baking Business very soon,” taking “this Opportunity of returning my hearty Thanks to those Gentlement and Ladies who had favoured me with their Custom since my late Husband’s decease.” Boston Evening-Post, Feb. 28, 1774, Issue 2005, p. [3]. She also had “A very good Horse and handsome Chaise to sell.” At the same time, William Flagg announced that “the Baking Business will be carried on as usual by the Subscriber, who is determined to give universal Satisfaction.”