Month: July 1751

1751 July 1 (Monday).  Mr. Twitchell and Mr. Daniel Warrin of the west-side, got stones and built upon the Wall at the West End of my Dwelling House.  P.M. Mr. Davis[1] of Holden and his Wife.  Afterwards Mr. Mccarty[2] and Mr. Wellman,[3] here in their Journey to Commencement.  A Clap of hard Thunder.  At Eve I rode to Mr. Martyns for my Watch (which he has made to go again) — and return’d immediately.

[1]The Reverend Joseph Davis.

[2]The Reverend Thaddeus Maccarty of Worcester.

[3]The Reverend James Wellman of Millbury.

1751 July 2 (Tuesday).  Mr. Cushing and his Wife here on their Journey to Cambridge.  Ebenezer and Thomas also rode down.  I visited Mrs. Pratt.  Din’d at Deacon Newton’s where my young Carpenters board.  I visited at Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s where two Children have the Throat Distemper.  Was at Mr. Charles Rice’s and at Captain Bakers.  An hot Day.  At Eve I was much tir’d with my Walks.  Wrote to Mr. Edmund Quincy[1] about my Collection of Poems.

[1]Squire Quincy (Harvard 1722) of Braintree.

1751 July 3 (Wednesday).  Keep Solitary Commencement at Home.  It was Mr. Martyns Lecture and he has ask’d me to assist him in it: but I was not without apprehension I should be oblig’d to attend upon the private meeting (if I tarry in Town); and therefore refus’d him: but if I could have forseen my not going to Cambridge I should have both appoint’d our own lecture, which I Should have endeavour’d to have him preach, and likewise have assisted him to Day in his.  P.M. marry’d Adonijah Rice[1] to Hannah Crosby.[2]

[1]The son of Charles Rice of Westborough.

[2]The daughter of David Crosby of Shrewsbury.

1751 July 4 (Thursday).  Last night were heavy rains and high winds.  This morning very rainy, even to floods.  P.M. came two of Brother Hicks’s Daughters, Viz. Hannah and Betty.  Would have gladly attended the private Meeting, which I hear is at Mr. Whitnys, but I expected an Invitation and an Horse, if they desir’d me; but neither Word or Horse had I.  Yet I do not resent it; for possibly they know not I am in Town — though I may think that enough has been Said to Spread the Knowledge of it.  It was also somewhat Showery.  P.M. Several Neighbours join’d together to levell the Bank of Gravell at the West End of my New House.  They were Neighbour Ebenezer and Nathan and Phinehas Maynard.  John Rogers and John Frost and Cornelius Cook.  Mrs. Pratt sinks yet lower.

1751 July 5 (Friday).  Rainy Day again.  Mr. Ebenezer Rice and his wife Sent for me; their youngest son being dead by the Throat Distemper, and their little Daughter ill also of the Same.  At the New House in my Return.  Very letting season.

1751 July 6 (Saturday).  Our Kinswoman (Hicks’s) return home to Sutton.  Weather dull yet.  Ebenezer and Thomas return’d from Commencement.  They came from Marlborough this Morning, having lodg’d at Dr. Gotts.  P.M. Funeral of Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s youngest Child.  Dy’d by the Throat Distemper.

1751 July 7 (Sunday).  Had not compleated what I design’d for the Sacramental Exercise, and by Reason of my Circumstances, together with my indisposedness (not without too Criminal Indisposedness of Mind and Negligence) could prepare no other; and therefore repeat’d both a. and p.m.  Read Numb. 6.  Preach’d on 1 Cor. 5.7.  Administer’d the Lord’s Supper.  My Wife and Daughter tarried at the Meeting House.  I din’d at the Justice’s.  P.M. read Acts 21.  Preach’d on 1 Cor. 5.6.7.8.  N.B. I expressly told the Audience it was not what I had design’d, but what they had had before.  Appointed Church Meeting and Catechizing at Mr. Joslins.

1751 July 8 (Monday).  Church Meeting at one p.m. at the Desire of Eliezer Rice, who wants to have his infant Child baptiz’d but acknowledges himself though not utterly to deny Original Sin, yet to be most apt to deny the Imputation of Adams Guilt to his Posterity.  Mr. Rice did not appear to be very expert in the Controversy: and was therefore perswaded to take things into better Consideration.  After Meeting call’d in to see Mrs. Pratt (as I frequently do passing backwards or forwards) but she is now as a breathing Corps.  Sir Forbush was with me — and Mr. Martyn and his wife were at our House.  N.B. Mr. Martyn Show’d me the Advertisement which is publish’d by my Direction of Proposals to print a Collection of Poems, etc.  He informed me also of a Fast which Dr. Gott proposes to have kept at his House next week, by the assistance of Mr. Smith, Mr. Martyn and Mr. Stone.

1751 July 9 (Tuesday).  Visited Mrs. Pratt who revives a little.  Visited Mr. Jonah Warrin who is ill.  P.M. attended the Funeral of another of Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s Children, which has dy’d by the Throat Distemper, and Mrs. Rice is in some measure troubl’d with it.  P.M. my workman Baldwin went to Shrewsbury.  He return’d and lodg’d at my House.

1751 July 10 (Wednesday).  Very hot Day.  My Sons Ebenezer and Thomas are daily Hilling and Mowing, except when the Rainy weather which is indeed frequent prevents.

1751 July 11 (Thursday).  Rainy at different parts of the Day.  But the forenoon Ebenezer and Thomas attend the Hilling.  I rode over to the New House, and down to the South East Corner.  Eat at old Mr. Garfields, for Dinner.  Catechiz’d at Mr. Joslins.  20 Children.  Was generously entertain’d.  May God reward ‘em!  My Sons Ebenezer and Thomas go over this afternoon to Hopkinton to the Marriage of Edmund Rice to Hannah Gashit.

1751 July 12 (Friday).  It being rainy, or Cloudy, and letting Weather, Ebenezer a.m. Carted over some slit work for stairs — and Boards to the New House.  When he returns he tells me that a very considerable number of persons — Lieutenant Tainter etc have been to Day and Hill’d my Corn at the Cook Field.  N.B. Mr. David Maynard junior brought me 12£ of Putty from my Brother Samuel Parkman.

1751 July 13 (Saturday).  Somewhat bright Day but we do nothing at all about Hay.  Ebenezer and Thomas after killing a Lamb, went to Hilling.  Sent Billy to Mr. Martyns and to Mill.

1751 July 14 (Sunday).  Read Numb. 7.  Preach’d a. and p.m. on Isa. 7.14.  P.M. read Acts 25.  Din’d as usual, at Justice Bakers.  N.B. Mr. Eliezer Rice proposes to offer his infant Child to Day on his Wife’s Right, but understanding that I Should Say so in the Congregation he resisted — and being willing and desirous to gratifie him I stop’d the Church to ask them whether it would not Satisfie them (Since they had known how the Case was, and they so would know that it was only on the Mothers Right) if I should proceed to baptize that Child when it shall be offer’d without saying anything Publickly at the time of the Administration.  Their Silence was propos’d should give Consent; and it did so.  I publickly desir’d the Members of other Churches would get their Dismissions.

1751 July 15 (Monday).  Undertook Something of glazing — one Small Garrett Sash completed.  P.M. Mr. Abijah Gale and his wife here with their Relations.  Thomas lies by, not well.

1751 July 16 (Tuesday).  Exceeding hot.  Thomas much out of order.  P.M. I set the Glass of another Sash.  Visit Mrs. Pratt, and Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s Son who has the Throat Distemper.

1751 July 17 (Wednesday).  Lieutenant Tainter here in the Morning and deliver’d me 22£ 10/ old Tenor.  My Wife and I rode to Captain Bakers, where lodges Mr. Thomas Chase, a young Practitioner in Physick and Surgery.  My wife blooded by him.  Neighbours John Rogers and John Frost reap Rye, p.m. but do not get it down, though it be but an Acre.  Mr. Fish of Upton here to ask me to preach his Lecture next Friday; but I am oblig’d to deny him.

1751 July 18 (Thursday).  I rode over to Mr. Martyns, but he with Mr. Smith of Marlborough were gone to visit Mr. Morse.  Thomas takes a Vomit.  Neighbours John Rogers and Frost reap’d again, a.m., and din’d with us.  P.M. Mr. David Baldwin here.  N.B. he counts the Doors which he made for me (which are four pannell, and raised and quarter rounded on both sides) at 2 Days work apiece — and at 3£ 5/ whereas Mr. Goodwin (who was the prizer of them from the account I gave him) had set them at far less.

1751 July 19 (Friday).  Ebenezer to the Meadow to Cart Hay; Mr. Samuel Hardy who has taken it to Cut and rake it having been with 4 Hands, the Day before yesterday to mow, and Two Hands yesterday to rake.  Mr. David Baldwin and I reckon’d — and he consented to take an hundred pounds old Tenor for work and stuff which I have had of him paid him 20£ old Tenor (which makes up 45£ of what I have paid him in Cash) receiv’d his Order to pay Mr. Stephen Maynard 40£ and gave him a Note for 15 more (old Tenor).  Mr. Morris[1] made us a visit — Mr. Stone and his Spouse with him.  But my wife exceeding ill: vomiting etc.  The Company din’d with us.  Mr. Morris lodg’d here.  My wife grew better.  Blessed be God!

[1][Additional note: This is probably a reference to Judah Monis (1683-1764), Harvard’s first instructor in Hebrew.  He was a brother-in-law of John Martyn, minister of the north precinct of Westborough (later Northborough); Sibley, VII, 639-46.  See also the references to “Morris,” July 20-21.]

1751 July 20 (Saturday).  Mr. Morris din’d with us, and Sir Forbush waiting upon him to show him the way to Mr. Martyns, he p.m. went there.  N.B. Sent Mr. Eliezer Rice word by Forbush (as he return’d to his Father) that I Should not be at home tomorrow.  (Otherwise, I should have expected him to bring out his Child to be baptiz’d on his Wife’s account.)  Ebenezer brought home Two Load of Hay to Day.

1751 July 21 (Sunday).  I preach’d at the North End on Hosea 2.8.9 and on John 6.12.  Read Numb. [blank] and Acts [blank].  Mr. Morris with us.  At Noon and at Eve heavy showers of Rain.  I rode to Marlborough to see Dr. Gott who is in a very low State.  I lodg’d there.  Talk’d plainly to the Doctor — left him.  N.B. Overtook Barnes; gave him 8/ old Tenor and we were reconcil’d.

1751 July 22 (Monday).  Call’d at Mr. Smiths: broke fast at Deacon Matthias Rice’s and came home in Safety.  Thanks to God!  Ebenezer and Thomas Mowing — part of the Barley.  Benjamin Gott came up with a Chair and carry’d down his aunt to See his Father.  Mrs. Mary Bradish pulls Flax.  Neighbour John Rogers, with his Oxen added to my Team, went with Ebenezer to Meadow and brought home Two Load of Hay.  Molly to Deacon Forbush.  Sent my Horse to Boston per Ebenezer Forbush for my Brother William.  N.B. On the 22nd at Eve, while I was in great Concern of Mind about Mrs. Rachel Pratts State (apprehended to be dying and yet uncertain whether she was ready) She receiv’d gracious manifestations and discoverys of the preciousness of the Lord Jesus Christ and her Interest in Him.  Glory be to the Name of God!

1751 July 22 (Monday).  Call’d at Mr. Smiths: broke fast at Deacon Matthias Rice’s and came home in Safety.  Thanks to God!  Ebenezer and Thomas Mowing — part of the Barley.  Benjamin Gott came up with a Chair and carry’d down his aunt to See his Father.  Mrs. Mary Bradish pulls Flax.  Neighbour John Rogers, with his Oxen added to my Team, went with Ebenezer to Meadow and brought home Two Load of Hay.  Molly to Deacon Forbush.  Sent my Horse to Boston per Ebenezer Forbush for my Brother William.  N.B. On the 22nd at Eve, while I was in great Concern of Mind about Mrs. Rachel Pratts State (apprehended to be dying and yet uncertain whether she was ready) She receiv’d gracious manifestations and discoverys of the preciousness of the Lord Jesus Christ and her Interest in Him.  Glory be to the Name of God!

1751 July 24 (Wednesday).  Ebenezer got home another Load of Hay from the Meadow, got in Barley etc.  Cousen Proctor[1] to Oxford in the Morning.  As we rose from Dinner came my Brother Parkman and having refresh’d himself began to assist me in putting my Glass into the Sashes.  N.B. He informs me that my Cousen Oliver[2] has lost her Alexander and that Samuel Bradshaw junior[3] lies very Sick.

[1]Parkman’s niece, Mrs. Samuel Proctor.

[2]Parkman’s niece, Mrs. Edward Oliver.

[3]The son of Parkman’s niece, Mrs. Samuel Bradshaw.

1751 July 25 (Thursday).  Ebenezer and Thomas Spend the forepart of the Day in mending the Fence at the Island.  Molly with Sir Forbush, to wait on the Reverend Mr. Fish and his Bride to Upton.  I rode over to Mr. Martyns, and borrow’d his Chair, in which I went to Marlborough to Dr. Gotts for my Wife.  The Doctor was insensible as in a Dying State.  We attempted to come away, but when we were dining at Mr. Smiths, came a Messenger that the Doctor was dying.  We return’d and tarry’d till after 4 p.m. and left him Still breathing.  Came home in Comfort.  To God the Glory!  My Brother sett Glass to Day.

1751 July 26 (Friday).  My Brother to the New House.  Ebenezer mows.  Thomas and William reap Rye.  Mr. Samuel Brigham came in the Morning and told us that the Doctor dy’d yesterday about 3/4 after 5 p.m.  Mr. Samuel Procter return’d to us from Oxford — in his Way to Boston.  Din’d and lodg’d here.

1751 July 27 (Saturday).  My Daughter Lucy and I rode down to Marlborough (using by his leave, Mr. Martyns Chair) to the Funeral of Dr. Gott.[1]  Mr. Smith[2] Said he was not well, and desir’d me to pray — but I refus’d.  Mr. Martyn and Mr. Stone being there the former of those pray’d.  Mr. Smith, when the Corps was carry’d forth, took the other Ministers home to his House.  I walk’d with Colonel Williams to the Grave.  When we return’d from the Grave I refus’d to tarry to Supper, because the Sabbath was so nigh.  We made haste home.

[1]Benjamin Gott, the physician of Marlborough, was Parkman’s brother-in-law.

[2]The Reverend Aaron Smith of Marlborough.

1751 July 28 (Sunday).  This week past also I was So prevented Studying that I was oblig’d today to preach old Sermons.  N.B. my Brother William sabbatizing with us.  A.M. I read Numb. 6.8 and preach’d on Heb. 1.3 — upholding all Things etc.  P.M. read Acts 26, and preach’d the Sermon on Col. 1.21 to page 14 but from 2 Cor. 5.18.  My Wife, my Brother, Son William, Jeduthan Baldwin and John Woods din’d with me at my New House.

1751 July 29 (Monday).  Deacon Newtons son Peter very bad of the Throat Distemper and three more are ill.  In the morning visited there.  My Brother who is setting Glass at my New House, and my Two workmen there, dine at Deacon Newtons.  Ebenezer and I dine at the New House.  When they return from Dinner they bring sorrowful News that little Peter is dead.  At Eve the Rain prevail’d so that my Brother and I lodg’d at the New House all Night; Ebenezer having carted over Bed — Bedstead and Bedding.  Baldwin and his man ran up to the Widdow Newtons and lodg’d there: for Deacon Newtons House was now in no fit state to entertain them any more.

1751 July 30 (Tuesday).  My Brother and I work at the New House, about the Glass.  Mr. Eliezer Rice call’d me hastily to Mrs. Pratt who is thought to be dying — yet she reviv’d by that I got to her.  Deacon Newton invit’d both me and my Brother to dine with him.  My Brother accept’d and din’d there accordingly but I din’d at home yet hasten’d to the Deacons, his son John being very ill.  P.M. Peter Newton burying.  After Burying we return’d to our work at the Puttying Windows.  Baldwin and his man lodg’d at the New House.  Brother and I came home.  The Waters are exceedingly rais’d by the heavy Rains of last night.

1751 July 31 (Wednesday).  Rain again.  Brother and my son Thomas to the New House.  Ebenezer getting a Well-Crotch for the Well at the New House.  P.M. I was there myself rubbing and cleaning Glass, as my Brother was engag’d in pinning it in.  Thomas with his Brother mow’d, Some part of the upper South Side.