1723 August 9 (Friday). Returned to Worcester. We call’d to See Captain Jones[1] but he was not at home. Here I had the Information by a Dispensation of Providence in the Burning of the House of Captain Keys[2] of Shrewsbury with 3 of his Sons and Two workmen finishing the house in it. It broke out about Midnight. I visited Mr. Gershom Rice[3] (the Man that first Invited me up) and Thence Strait home. Old Mr. Gray[4] and Mr. Flagg were to see me. Lieutenant Lee being gone to Boston, It was very lonely During his Absence, for he was Sociable.
[1]Captain Nathaniel Jones.
[2]Captain John Keyes (1675-1768). The three sons were Solomon, John and Stephen. The carpenter’s apprentices were Abiel Bragg and William Oakes. See The Boston News-Letter, Aug. 15, 1723.
[3]Gershom Rice (1666-1768), the second settler of Worcester, who arrived m 1715. Lincoln, Worcester, pp. 40-41.
[4]John Gray, an early proprietor.