June 1, 1751

1751 June 1 (Saturday).  At five in the morning set out from Boston.  Broke fast at Mr. Dix’s[1] in Watertown.  Visited Mr. Williams[2] of Waltham who is very low.  Pray’d with him.  N.B. Mr. Cotton[3] of Newton and Dr. Convers[4] there.  Visited Mr. Williams of Watertown.  He seems very much humbl’d — yet defends himself in many respects.  Din’d with Mrs. Baldwin in Sudbury; her Husband Captain Baldwin from Home, but her sons there.  Was again refresh’d at Mr. Jonathan Strattons in Marlborough.  Before I got up to Amsdens it rain’d hard — stop’d a great while in the Storm at Mr. Amsdens — before dark set out again, but the rain pour’d down so violently I was oblig’d to turn in to Lieutenant Bruce’s — Pray’d with them, lay’d down and Slep’d.  At 11 o’Clock attempted to ride Home — and arriv’d in Safety.  Blessed be God!

[1]John Dix, the selectman.  Bond, Watertown, p. 199.

[2]The Reverend Warham Williams, who died later this month, June 22, 1751.

[3]The Reverend John Cotton.

[4]Josiah Convers (Harvard 1723), a physician of Watertown.  Sibley, VII, 159-160.

June 3, 1751

1751 June 3 (Monday).  Lieutenant Tainter was here — wants a Receit of the whole Rates, although above one hundred pounds behind; he offering me his Note of Hand — I comply’d and gratify’d him.  Mr. Grout here — Mr. Grout desires a note to the Collector for 40/ which is the price of the Timber which he got me for the Frame of my New House.  It was so contrary to my Expectation from one who pretended to be so generous, that I was surpriz’d at it.  I was also in a great deal of Consternation at the view and prospect of our Family Circumstances — my sons Ebenezer and Billy not able to accomplish our Weeding at Home — yet have the Cook Island to tend besides — my Mind could be in no Composedness for the Exercises of the Solemnity of Ordination at Upton which approaches — told Mr. Grout I did not see but that I must Stay at Home and hoe.  I took my Horse and rode out — din’d at Lieutenant Thomas Forbushs.  Was at Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s etc.

June 4, 1751

1751 June 4 (Tuesday).  I rode over to Mr. Cooks and to Mr. Martyns in the Morning — Then to the Island with Victuals and Drink, supposing I should find Some Hands at Work there — but though it was not (I suppose) past 10 a.m.  A number had been there and had finish’d the work.  Lieutenant Tainter and Mr. Charles Rice ploughed and young Mr. Tainter, Mr. Joseph Woods, Two Hands from Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s, Two from his fathers, and one from the widow Newton, in all Seven that Hoed.  Young Mr. Jeduthun Baldwin, my Carpenter, and his Prentice John Woods came about Noon — they Eat with us and went to work to finish the New House.  Whilst I was gone from home came the Reverend Maccarty and Major Keyes.  Also my kinsman Mr. Needham and his wife.  Mr. Breck of Springfield and Mr. Martyn and his Daughter.  Mr. Haven also — but went with Forbush.  Baldwin and his Man lodg’d at old Mr. Maynards.  Mr. Maccarty and Major Keyes went home: the rest lodg’d here.

June 5, 1751

1751 June 5 (Wednesday).  Mr. Martyn and his Daughter rode with me and my Daughter Lucy and son Thomas to Upton Ordination.  The rest went their respective ways.  But by means of So much Company I was later in setting out than I had appointed.  The Churches met and Mr. Dor[1] was chose Moderator.  N.B. My Enquiry, in the Council, whether Mr. Fish had been at the Shepards Tent?[2]  which was Satisfy’d by Mr. Owen,[3] his Pastor who gave a good Testimony of the Candidate.  N.B. Mr. Fishs having sign’d an agreement with the people about Church Government which I could not approve of; yet did not think it sufficient to break Communion and therefore proceeding.  Mr. Hall[4] open’d the public Exercise with Prayer.  Mr. Owen preach’d on Eph. 4.12.  Mr. Dor the Charge.  I pray’d after the Charge.  Mr. Barret[5] gave the right Hand.  N.B. our Entertainment was at Lieutenant Woods.  We return’d to Westborough at night and Mr. Martyn and his Daughter lodg’d here.

[1]The Reverend Joseph Dorr of Mendon.

[2][Additional note: See Richard Warch, “The Shepherd’s Tent: Education and Enthusiasm in the Great Awakening.”  American Quarterly 30 (Summer 1979), 177-98.]

[3]The Reverend John Owen (Harvard 1723), the minister of the First Congregational Church of Groton, Conn., 1727-1753.  Sibley, VII, 244-247.

[4]The Reverend David Hall of Sutton.

[5]The Reverend Samuel Barrett of Hopkinton.

June 7, 1751

1751 June 7 (Friday).  Visited Mrs. Pratt.  Read to her my sermon on Ps. 23.4.  But having been much worried of late and broke of my Rest, I was very dull and drowsy.  Ebenezer finish’d weeding at home.  P.M. hir’d William Wood to work at the New House to clear out the stones from the Chambers etc.  Lucy Bowker still.

June 10, 1751

1751 June 10 (Monday).  Return’d home.  My Carpenters diet at Widow Newtons; the Deacon and his wife going from Home this Week.  Lucy Bowker, who went home Saturday Night, here again to Day.  N.B. Saw Lieutenant Tainter who seems offended that I said, last Monday, that I saw not but that I must go to hoeing instead of going to Ordination on Wednesday, but I endeavour’d to render him some answer to his Opposition as well as Some Thanks for his Assistance in the work done for me.

June 11, 1751

1751 June 11 (Tuesday).  I rode to Shrewsbury to ministers meeting.  N.B. Mr. Morse and Mr. Davis[1] indecently laugh’d out at reading my Collection — which was Judge Dudleys Elegant Translation of Dr. Thomas Burnets Dedication of his Archaeologia to King William.[2]  I return’d home at Night.  N.B. Mr. Morse asks advice in his Case with Mr. Silas Brigham, one of our church.

[1]The Reverend Joseph Davis of Holden.

[2]Burnet’s work first appeared as Archaeologiae Philosophicae: sive Doctrina Antiqua de Rerum Originibus (London, 1692).  Other editions, some in English translations, followed.  The editor has found no record of publication of the translation of the dedication by the late Justice Paul Dudley.

June 12, 1751

1751 June 12 (Wednesday).  Went to my New House to know how my Carpenters proceeded.  Visited Mr. Pratt.  Visited Neighbour, Eliezer Rice whose Infant is ill.  They desire it may be baptiz’d in private — but I was going to the association.  Rode to Shrewsbury to Association Lecture — call’d at Mr. Charles Woods’s.  Mr. Loring[1] preach’d on Tit. 3.5.  The sermon an hour and 36 minutes long.  Captain Flagg[2] of Worcester we hear is dying.  Mr. Edwards of Northampton call’d to see us.  He is appointed Missionary to the Indians of Houssatunnock to whom he is going.  I ask’d advice of the Association respecting my Baptizing of Eliezer Rice’s Child, especially if he should declare himself against the Commonly recognized Doctrine of Original Sin.  Some advis’d one way and Some another.  In returning home I went to Mr. Martyns, in company with Mr. Loring, Mr. Stone and Mr. Seccomb.[3]

[1]The Reverend Israel Loring of Sudbury.

[2]Benjamin Flagg, Jr.

[3]The Reverend John Seccomb of Harvard.

June 13, 1751

1751 June 13 (Thursday).  I went to Mr. Eliezer Rice’s whose Child is Sick.  He still ask’d me what I thought of his proposal about baptizing it?  I told him that if he was in Charity, and profess’d what he us’d to do; (and the like was offer’d to his wife) I was willing — There ensued a discourse concerning original Sin and how for the Belief of it was a Term of Communion.  He plainly deny’d both the Imputation and Corruption: his wife did neither but profess’d as she us’d to do.  I told Mr. Rice that if I was even of his opinion and ever so willing to administer, yet as it was the first Instance, it would not do to do it without laying it before the Church, to prevent Disquietment.  But especially to do it in private would be altogether impudent but if he would consent to it I would do it on his wife’s Right, but he refus’d.  I offer’d to do any Thing within my power to oblige him.  He desir’d it might be laid before the Church, and I consented on Condition he would send his Request in Writing; which he promis’d.  N.B. Mrs. Hannah Maynard the Nurse was present.  P.M. at New House and visited Mrs. Pratt.  N.B. Jonas Bradish undertakes to Split a Stick of Timber of nigh 40 feet long for a Trough with his Saw; but gives out.

June 14, 1751

1751 June 14 (Friday).  With Mrs. Pratt who grows still weaker.  Ebenezer and Thomas yesterday and to Day at Half-hilling.  P.M. at the New House to see what becomes of the Timber-sawing; and there was Mr. Biglo and Alpheus Newton at it.  N.B. Great frustration about Clabboards — from 1400 which are needed, am reduc’d to 7 or 8 hundred.  N.B. Boards for my Floor prove too hard, knotty, unequal in Thickness — and Difficult to find fit Boards for another Floor — Viz. the West Chamber, but they have laid the west lower room floor.  Though there are so many Boards provided, Those which Lieutenant Tainter brought, which were design’d for the floor having been thrown by as much too knotty: O how perplexing and incumbering these avocations and Disquietments to a Minister!  It is very grievous to be thus kept from my Studys.  Yet I meet with Some other Things which are of a different Kind: Scil. Mrs. Pratt in her Languishment of Body, Shows a flourishing Soul; and seems to be full of affectionate Regard to me — Says She has been hopefully thinking she shall be part of my Crown in the Great Day — which Expression of her fill’d me with deep Humiliation at the Sense of my own infinite unworthiness of any such Honour and Happiness — but fervent Desire and Longing that it might be so!

June 15, 1751

1751 June 15 (Saturday).  Sent Billy with a Letter to Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlin about Clabboards — and another to Jonas Bradish.  Mr. Cook here and reckon’d with him.  P.M. attended the Funeral of Mr. Abijah Gale’s Infant Child.  N.B. Mr. Biglo in the morning finish’d Sawing the Trough.  Baldwin with his son John came home to me: but Parkhurst went to Deacon Newtons.

June 16, 1751

1751 June 16 (Sunday).  Read Numb. 4.  Preach’d on Prov. 16.31.  Din’d at the usual place, my wife and Sundry Small Children Stay’d at and nigh the meeting House.  P.M. read Acts 22.  In preaching, repeated sermon on Tit. 3.12, from page 121 to 127 from Gen. 17.1.  An Hour after the public services I went to Mr. Hezekiah Pratts and read to his wife some of my Notes on Mat. 11.28.  She having express’d to me divers Times that she receiv’d much of the Benefits of God’s Ordinances thereby.  A Number of Neighbours also were present.

June 17, 1751

1751 June 17 (Monday).  David How junior of Sudbury here to acquaint me that the Designed Council is put off to Some future Time.  Ebenezer So out of Health that he goes to Day to Dr. Smith,[1] is blooded and took Physick.  A Showery Day.  At Eve came Mr. Zebulon Baldwin in behalf of his Father David Baldwin with a Load of Work and stuff for my New House, Viz. 13 Frames and 15 setts of Sashes (Jeduthun Baldwin makes the 2 Frames for the Garrett But Mr. Baldwin of Leicester all the Sashes) he brought also 3 inner Doors — and 425 feet of white pine Boards which I bought of him at 30/ old Tenor per Hundred.  He and his Team were entertain’d here over night — and

[1]Dr. Joshua Smith of Shrewsbury.  Ward, Shrewsbury, p. 436.

June 18, 1751

1751 June 18 (Tuesday).  In the Morning put in my Three Creatures and carry’d over the Load to my New House.  N.B. Lieutenant Tainter there and paid me 15£ old Tenor which I paid Mr. Baldwin for his Father.  N.B. Lieutenant Tainter was very Sharp upon me about the pride of Ministers, when he saw the Window Frames — and though I reprov’d him, for the unseasonableness of it, being before such a Number of Strangers, yet I endeavour’d to let him know that I was myself griev’d that the windows were so large and I have often said it that I wish’d they were less — but I was much more surpriz’d and troubl’d when I found that the posts of the House were a full foot shorter than I gave orders for and depended upon.  This was a Disappointment which Somewhat mov’d me — being laid with a number of other Afflictions — but may God grant patience!  Mr. Cushing[1] and Mr. Martyn with their wives, here; I and mine waited upon them to Southborough to See Mr. Stone and his New Spouse.[2]  We all din’d there; Mr. Loring also with us; and return’d at Eve.  N.B. Mr. Elisha Jones[3] of Weston here, but did not lodge.  Sister Hannah Champney[4] here from Sutton, brought by Brother Hicks who return’d home.

[1]The Reverend Job Cushing of Shrewsbury.

[2]The Reverend Nathan Stone of Southborough married his second wife, Mary, the daughter of the Reverend Peter Thacher of Middleborough, May 16, 1751.

[3]Jones held various town offices and later represented Weston in the General Court.

[4]Parkman’s first wife’s sister, who had been visiting her sister, Mrs. John Hicks of Sutton.

June 19, 1751

1751 June 19 (Wednesday).  Ebenezer not well — but mow’d a little — the Yard and Garden.  I Sent my son William to the Island with my Mare to plough to Day under the Guidance of Mr. Williams who with Esquire Baker and a son of his with an Horse and Plough, Mr. David Maynard junior and A son, Mr. Eleazer Williams, Mr. Benjamin Fay, Adonijah Rice, Abner Whipple, Daniel Grout.  These plough’d and hoed till between 10 and 11 — when they finish’d it.  I waited on them with some refreshment and acknowledg’d my great indebtedness to them for it.  P.M. Mr. Benjamin Fay here.  He desires, in behalf of the Committee that I would step to them which I did — they Sat at Mr. Ebenezer Maynards.  What they requested of me was to give them a Receipt in full of the Grant in February 8, 1744/5 and which I offer’d to do for them if they could assure me it was the Desire of the Precinct that I Should do it; which they did — or at least, they desir’d it in their Name.  Whereupon, I comply’d therewith though I did not deliver it now; but told ‘em I would write over again, what I had written and it was requested that I would give it to the Precinct Clerk, Mr. Benjamin Fay.  I made them also several offers of my part with a Number (if Such would join) and poor as [illegible] I am and Family as I have yet would stand Equal with the richest in the precinct to put an End to the Quarrell with Mr. James Maynard.  Some of the Committee gratefully acknowledg’d themselves oblig’d to me — but Deacon Newton Said he did not think the precinct expected or desir’d Mr. Parkman to be burden’d with that Affair, but would do their Duty about it themselves.  N.B. sent to Boston for Colouring by Thomas Whipple.  Lucy Bowker at Night.

June 20, 1751

1751 June 20 (Thursday).  Lucy Bowker works here again for Ebenezer.  Thomas to Sutton, to the Raising of their New Meeting House.  I Catechiz’d a.m. at the School-House, but no one ask’d me to dinner anywhere; so that I return’d home, din’d with my own Family.  P.M. I rode over to the North End to get short Clabboards of Captain Eager, but he, as was also Mr. Martyn and his wife at private meeting at Lieutenant Holloway’s.  So that I went there also — did not succeed about more Clabboards — went home with Mr. Martyn.  Send by him (if he goes to Boston next Monday) to Mr. Kneeland concerning the Collection of Poems which is propos’d to be printed.  Supp’d with them by Day Light and return’d home.  Ebenezer still not well.

June 21, 1751

1751 June 21 (Friday).  Part of the forenoon assisted Ebenezer in mending Fence in the furthermost Pasture — a large Steer being very unruly.  My wife is grown much lamer ever since we rode to Southborough.  Sarah Sick — no doubt by eating Currans and Cherrys.  P.M. Necessity obliging I rode to Mr. Whipples[1] for Nails, Bradds and Colours, brought up from Boston by his son Thomas.  Carry’d ‘em to the New House — rode to Mr. Twitchells at Eve.  My son Thomas return’d from Sutton Meeting-House-Raising.

[1]Francis Whipple of Westborough.

June 22, 1751

1751 June 22 (Saturday).  Ebenezer is better: he mows between the House and Barn.  Thomas mows over the Clear’d ground at the New House.  Lucy Bowker here still.  P.M. Mr. Hutchinson,[1] in complyance with a Letter which I sent him Yesterday, came — but it was So late I did not get up to Grafton before Sun Setting.  By Mr. Hutchinson’s Desire I call’d to see the Child of Mr. Samuel Cooper and at Mr. Cooper’s request I pray’d with them.  N.B. Dr. Morse[2] there.  I lodg’d at Mr. Hutchinsons.

[1]The Reverend Aaron Hutchinson of Grafton.

[2]Dr. Benjamin Morse, the physician of Sutton.  Benedict & Tracy, Sutton, p. 698.

June 24, 1751

1751 June 24 (Monday).  Ebenezer mows at home.  Thomas carrys a Barrell of Cyder to the New House and mows over the Clear’d Ground to it.  Neighbour Eliezer Rice, in his Feebleness here, more Discourse about his Childs Baptism.  P.M. I visited Mary Lattiner who lies sick at Deacon Forbush’s.  N.B. Jonas Bradish leaves Word that he cannot get me the Clabboards which my work-men are now ready to call for, which Disappointment putts me into no Small Difficulty.  N.B. Lieutenant Tainter and his son, Messrs. Harrington, Solomon Woods and Zebulon Rice came a little before night and pulled away Some of the Gravel at the fore side of my New House.  Dr. Smith at Eve.

June 25, 1751

1751 June 25 (Tuesday).  My Wife growing very Lame, I waited on her to Lieutenant Bezaleal Eagers,[1] where She was blooded by Dr. Smith.  I left her and proceeded up the Road to enquire after Clabboards — hearing of Some at Worcester I road up there — call’d at Mr. Cushings and at Captain Jennisons[2] — din’d at Mr. Maccartys.  Bought a thousand of White Pine Clabboards of Captain Chandler, for 20£ old Tenor.  Return’d to my Wife at Eagers, were both of us decently entertain’d: and, with my mind much reliev’d by my Success, came home in peace.  Another Swarm of Bees, or Two which Captain Maynard hives — and is much Stung.

[1]Of the north precinct, and later a representative of Westborough.  Kent, Northborough, pp. 280-281.

[2]Israel Jennison of Worcester.

June 26, 1751

1751 June 26 (Wednesday).  Sent Mr. John Rogers with my Team for Clabboards at Worcester, who brought ‘em, though in the Night first.  N.B. Mr. Robert Jennison (William Parkhursts Master) here, with his Wife and Brother.  Mr. Stephen Maynard here, and we reckon’d.  His Mother also was here.  N.B. Their Extraordinary bountifulness in the Reckoning particularly in sinking the account of 43 pounds of Butter to 23, and this at 4/ per pound when I suppose the price is not much less than 5/ — and in throwing in the bringing up of the Box of Glass for my New House; and in some other Respects, which Things are besides many presents of Meat, Cheese etc.