1738 August 9 (Wednesday). Eliezer Rice and John Rogers carted Hay from the Meadow. Two Load apiece. Moss Mowing in the Morning and raking and Cocking the rest of the Day. At Night the Carters got in my Rie into the Barn, almost wholly. Mrs. Williams[1] and Mrs. Rachel Rice[2] visited Mrs. Parkman. Fine weather.
[1]Probably Mrs. Abraham Williams of Marlborough, the sister of Mrs. Parkman. Hudson, Marlborough, p. 470.
[2]Probably Mrs. Luke Rice of Marlborough.
1738 August 10 (Thursday). A fine Day again. Moss at the Meadow. Ebenezer being troubl’d with a bad swelling in his Neck went to Marlborough to wait upon Dr. Gott[1] for Advice. David Baverick wrought for me at the Meadow with Moss, in poling, mowing, etc.
[1] Benjamin Gott, the physician, of Marlborough.
1738 August 11 (Friday). Very good weather. John Rogers Carting Hay from the Meadow. Captain Forbush Sent for me to the Funeral of his Infant (Still born) and both my Wife and I went to the House but not to the grave because of the Hurry and Urgency of my Business at Home.
1738 August 12 (Saturday). Was in Some perplexity for Some Hand to help Moss in poling and Carting the remainder of the Hay from the Meadow. Went to old Mr. Maynards[1] and talk’d with him again about agreeing with Hicks,[2] and he told me that as to the methods which I propos’d, he would think upon them. Ebenezer went to Marlborough again about his Neck and got a Plaister for it.
[1]David Maynard, an original settler of Westborough.
[2]John Hicks of Westborough, Parkman’s brother-in-law by his marriage.
1738 August 13 (Sunday). On Mat. 9.1-8, a. and p.m.
1738 August 14 (Monday). Brother Samuel Breck (who came from Springfield last week) brought up Sister Gott here. Mr. Abraham Rice of Marlborough and his Wife here in order to their owning the Covenant. But I was engag’d to go to the Funeral of Mr. Simeon Howards Second Son who was about in his 5th year and dyed somewhat suddenly by a stoppage in his Throat yesterday morn. After the Funeral Captain Eager[1] and Lieutenant Holloway[2] Stood with me at the burying place discoursing, and the latter Shew’d his displeasure at my not coming over more frequently to visit their side of the Town, partialy my not being at the Funeral of Neighbour Silas Fays Child of late, and my not being at the Funeral of his own Child — but I Strongly vindicated my Conduct and gave my Reasons for each. Captain Eager came home with me and supp’d with me. N.B. They went down, at my earnest sollicitation to Old Mr. Maynards to try if possible to make up the Difference Subsisting there, and Stop the Law suit Commencing. Bezaleel Frost[3] of Framingham who had difference with Abraham Moss came up late in the Evening to be reconcil’d and I us’d my friendliest Endeavours to put a period to their Contest. He lodg’d here.
[1]James Eager.
[2]William Holloway.
[3]The son of Samuel Frost of Framingham. Temple, Framingham, p. 554.
1738 August 15 (Tuesday). Both Hicks’s and Moss’s Law suits put by by persuasions and methods of peace and reconciliation. Borrow’d Colonel Nahum Wards[1] 1 Volume of Pools English Annotations.[2] Moss gone to Worcester with Bezaleel Frost.
[1]Of Shrewsbury.
[2]Matthew Poole’s Annotations upon the Holy Bible was first published in 1688. Other editions soon appeared.
1738 August 16 (Wednesday). Ebenezer rode with me to Marlborough to Captain Peter Rice’s,[1] to the widow How’s[2] who carry’d Ebenezer to Uncle Gott’s (with Captain Amsden[3]), to Mr. Phelp’s,[4] Mr. Peter Butlers, to Mr. Brown[5] the whitesmith, Colonel Woods’s, and to Dr. Gotts. When the Doctor had advis’d respecting the Sore upon Ebenezer’s Neck, we return’d home, although it was nigh nine when we set out from Marlborough. N.B. Moss return’d before Day, this morning. He mow’d over the Bushes.
[1]Prominent citizen and captain of the “train-band.”
[2]Lydia Howe, widow of Jonathan Howe who died June 22, 1738. Hudson, Marlborough, p. 384.
[3]Isaac Amsden of Marlborough.
[4]John Phelps of Marlborough was a cordwainer. He moved to Rutland, Mass., about 1742.
[5]James Brown.
1738 August 17 (Thursday). Moss mowing Bushes. P.M. I rode up to Mr. David Crosbys in Shrewsbury to get him to make me a pair of Boots. Call’d at Mr. Cushings — supp’d there. Between 10 and 11 o’clock at night when I return’d.
1738 August 18 (Friday). Rainy Day.
1738 August 19 (Saturday). [No entry.]
1738 August 20 (Sunday). On Coloss. 4.1, a. and p.m.
1738 August 21 (Monday). In the forenoon I went over to Mr. Jonathan Whipples to desire him to be with me at Mr. Samuel Fay’s and sent Ebenezer to Ensign Forbush’s to request the Same of him. I proceeded to Mr. Winchesters by whom I sent to Boston, and then Return’d to Captain Fays to meet with Mr. Whipple and Ensign Forbush, The former of which was there. I went down to Mr. Samuel Fays and Mr. Whipple came to me. I us’d all the most Serious and affectionate Methods with Mr. Fay and improv’d Mr. Whipples assistance to compose a Reconcilement, but in vain. Upon which I took a formal Leave of him. N.B. In going up to Mr. Winchesters I met Mr. Campbel,[1] Mr. Hall,[2] Captain Larnard[3] etc. going to a Council at Concord. When I had been at home some time Captain Warrin and his wife came, upon the Affair of their Relations preparitory to their admission into the Church.
[1]Reverend John Campbell of Oxford.
[2]Reverend David Hall (Harvard 1724), second minister of Sutton, Mass. Sibley, VII, 345-356.
[3]Isaac Larned, selectman of Oxford, Mass. Daniels, Oxford, pp. 580-581.
1738 August 22 (Tuesday). Rode to Lancaster Association not without being Sadly bewildered in the Woods, having lost my way once and again in going over. Mr. Loring,[1] Mr. Williams[2] of Weston, Mr. Cushing,[3] Mr. Nathan Stone,[4] Mr. Solomon Prentice, and Mr. Stearns[5] present. Mr. Loring’s Concio on Acts 10, part of 38th example who went about doing good. See Association Records. N.B. One Mr. Carter[6] dyed over there — a person of some Worth.
[1]Reverend Israel Loring of Sudbury.
[2]Reverend William Williams.
[3]Reverend Job Cushing of Shrewsbury.
[4](Harvard 1726). First minister of Southborough, Mass. Sibley, VIII, 99-105.
[5]Reverend David Stearns (Harvard 1728). Sibley, VIII, 496-498.
[6]Samuel Carter died August 22, 1738. He was a former selectman of Lancaster, Mass.
1738 August 23 (Wednesday). I preach’d publickly on Isa. 53.1. Very hot, Dry Time. N.B. Mr. Stearns propos’d to have Mr. Prentice of Lancaster Dismiss’d that he might assist in founding another Association to the Northward, but the Motion was oppos’d.[1] I rode to Marlborough, in Company Mr. Stone, Mr. Rogers[2] (preacher at Marlborough) and Captain Amsden. Lodg’d at Dr. Gott’s.
[1]See Allen, Worcester Association, p. 19.
[2]Probably John Rogers (Harvard 1732), later the first minister of Leominster, Mass. Sibley, IX, 189-198.
1738 August 24 (Thursday). Mr. Rogers and Dr. Gott rode up to our Lecture. Mr. Rogers preach’d on [blank].
1738 August 25 (Friday). My wife weaving Fringe for new, Horse Furniture.
1738 August 26 (Saturday). Moss picking up Apples for Cyder.
1738 August 27 (Sunday). Sacrament. Captain Warrin and his wife admitted notwithstanding her Waste and Languishment in her Limbs. Sermon on Song 4 and Heb. 10.29. Captain Williams of Marlborough here. N.B. remarkable Thunder and Lightning, yet he went to Marlborough in the Evening when the Rain was over.
1738 August 28 (Monday). My wife rode behind Ebenezer to Marlborough and return’d Safe at Evening.
1738 August 29 (Tuesday). [No entry.]
1738 August 30 (Wednesday). Mr. Silas Witherby and his Lad came to make the Leaves of my Front Gate.
1738 September 1 (Friday). Mr. Witherby finish’d and put up my Gate, and although he Set the price of his work to be 20 Shillings, yet considering he frequently came to Meeting here, he gave in Ten thereof. He made an End and went off Sometime before Night. Mr. Pannell and his son came to my Rye-Thrashing. They went home at Night. Moss fetch’d home the Cyder from Mr. Hows and Cut Stalks a.m.; work’d at Brother Hicks’s p.m.
1738 September 2 (Saturday). Mr. Panel and his son came again to Thrashing and finish’d the Rye, Moss gathering up and pikeing the Stalks.
1738 September 3 (Sunday). On Coloss. 4.1. Heb. 10.39. N.B. Mrs. Leeds of Groton in Connecticut (sister of old Mr. John Greaves) and Mr. Livermore din’d with us. N.B. I acquainted the Congregation that I know not but that I should be absent on the next Lords Day, and therefore desir’d that all such as could would wait upon the Christian Assembly where they could go the most Conveniently to, and hop’d that those who could not go to other meetings would, as Gods people meet together and worship him here, and if they should do so I wish’d them the Divine Presence among them and Blessing upon them.
1738 September 4 (Monday). N.B. A very great Drought. Great Trouble about getting Corn Ground. A burning Day. N.B. Moss in a great Fret after Dinner. He gathered the little piece of Corn of the South side.
1738 September 5 (Tuesday). I [was] interrupted greatly in my purpose and Endeavours of this Day by the kindly intended visits of Mr. John Barrett and Mr. Benjamin Gerrish[1] of Boston on their journey to Middleton in Connecticut, and of Mr. Cushing and his Wife. Vid. Natal.[2]
[1]He later moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and became a prosperous merchant.
[2]Despite Parkman’s reference to the Natalitia there is no entry in it for this date.
1738 September 6 (Wednesday). At about 9 a.m. My Wife and I set out upon our Journey to Springfield and New Haven, on my Own and Cousen Winchester’s Horses. Mr. Tainter bore us Company to Mr. Cushings at Shrewsbury. N.B. I bought a Foot Wheel at Mr. Cushings which Mr. Tainter was So kind as to bring home. Din’d seasonably and agreeably at Colonel Chandlers[1] at Worcester. P.M. rode to Richardsons at Brookfield by about l/4 after 5. N.B. These Richardsons were heretofore Malden Milk Folks to our Family at Boston. They were very obliging and would receive no pay but for our Oats. We got to Mr. Cheneys[2] a little before Candle Light, but were so unhappy as to find neither Mr. Cheney nor Madame at Home. Mr. Cheney was gone to wait upon a number of Gentlemen who were upon the Road, Scil. Colonel Wendell,[3] Mr. President Holyoke,[4] Mr. Appleton,[5] etc. We tarried with and were entertain’d decently by Mrs. Dolly Hanley expecting Mr. Cheneys Return, but he came not. Dr. Pyncheon[6] of Springfield came in and tarried over night likewise.
[1]John Chandler, a very prominent citizen, who at one time or another held virtually all the offices in the town. Lincoln, Worcester, pp. 296-298.
[2]Reverend Thomas Cheney (Harvard 1711), first minister of Brookfield, Mass. Sibley, V, 561-563.
[3]‘ Jacob Wendell, merchant of Boston, member of the Council of the province after 1737 and commander of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery.
[4]Edward Holyoke (Harvard 1705), President of Harvard College. Sibley, V, 265-278.
[5]Reverend Nathaniel Appleton of Cambridge, Mass.
[6]Joseph Pynchon (Harvard 1726), physician of Springfield, Mass. Sibley, VIII, 90-92.
1738 September 7 (Thursday). In the Morning, just as we were mounting Mr. Cheney (who had lodg’d with Mr. Bridgham[1] at Brimfield) came, and stay’d us whilst we made a visit to Colonel Dwight.[2] N.B. Colonel engage’d in building a new House. About 3/4 after 8 we set out with Dr. Pyncheons Company. Light at Ashleys.[3] Left Ashleys between 10 and 11. At 1/2 after one arriv’d weary and tir’d at Scots in Kingston. Din’d there. Left Scotts 1/2 after 2. One Mr. Ball of Springfield and an Irishman bound to Glascow added to the Company. At Lambs in Springfield 1/2 after 3. N.B. Norwich Indians at Lambs. Left Lambs 20 minutes after 4. Mr. Breck came out to meet us a little before we got up to the Town. We arriv’d by Day Light — and not so tir’d as last night, nor as I was at Scotts in Kingstown.
[1]Reverend James Bridgham (Harvard 1726), minister of Brimfield, Mass. Sibley, VIII, 7-10.
[2]Timothy Dwight of Northampton, Mass.
[3]The Ashley family kept a tavern in Westfield, Mass., for many years.
1738 September 8 (Friday). Rainy Day. The Heavy Showers were a great Blessing, it having been a Time when there has been an unusual Drought. Mr. President Holyoke remains in Town — takes up his Lodging at Colonel William Pyncheon.[1] Colonel Pyncheon din’d with us. The President with us p.m.
[1]Of Springfield.
1738 September 9 (Saturday). Fair, bright Day. I waited upon Colonel William Pyncheon after I have view’d the River, the burying Place, etc. N.B. Some remarkable Inscriptions. N.B. Whilst we were at Colonel Pyncheon’s with the President, Mr. Williams[1] of Longmeadow came and after him Mr. Hopkins of the other Parish. They shap’d a Scheme for my assisting Mr. Williams by Mr. Hopkins[2] preaching there and my preaching on the west Side, which I consented to after we had all din’d together at Mr. Brecks. N.B. Mr. Breck and I paid our Regards to old Colonel Pyncheon and his son Captain William, And p.m. Mr. President, Mr. Breck and I waited upon old Madame Brewer.[3]
[1]Reverend Stephen Williams (Harvard 1713), minister of the First Congregational Church of Longmeadow, Mass., 1714-1782. Sibley, VI, 25-35.
[2]Reverend Samuel Hopkins (Yale 1718), minister at West Springfield, Mass., 1720- 1755. Dexter, 184-187.
[3]Widow of Reverend Daniel Brewer (Harvard 1687) of Springfield, Mass.
1738 September 10 (Sunday). In the morning I cross’d the River and went up to Mr. Hopkins. N.B. The first and Second Drum beating to give Notice to the People. Preach’d on Luk. 16.23. N.B. The Women all sat upon the wrong side of the Meeting House. Deacon Parsons[1] very Courteous to me, and walk’d with me to the Ferry at Eve. At Mr. Brecks Mr. Hopkins in his return from Longmeadow. Cold Night.
[1]Ebenezer Parsons of West Springfield.
1738 September 11 (Monday). Mr. Holyoke and Some Number besides were going up to Mt. Tom (call’d So as Tradition has it from one Rowland Thomas) and to Mt. Holyoke, (call’d so from one of the Presidents ancestors) and from thence they purpos’d to Mr. Rands[1] at Sunderland. But we rode to Long Meadow, when the Frost of this Morning which was very great was in great Degree gone, met Mr. Allis[2] hastening to join the foresaid Company. Mr. Williams set out with us, so far as to guide us to the way to Enfield. We cross’d the Ferry and rode (with one Kebby in Company) to Mr. Devotions[3] at Suffield. N.B. A fine prospect on the North of Suffield Meeting House. After kind Entertainment, dining, etc. we set out from thence in the middle of the Afternoon, rode to Windsor and Hartford and were kindly entertain’d at Mr. Austins.[4] N.B. His Honor Governor Law,[5] Captain Wadsworth,[6] etc. at Mr. Austins. N.B. 500 Hogsheads of Tobacco ship’d off last year from Connecticut River to the West Indies and chiefly from Windsor.
[1]Reverend William Rand (Harvard 1721), second minister of Sunderland, Mass., and one of Parkman’s classmates. Sibley, VI, 549-553.
[2]William Allis of Sunderland.
[3]Reverend Ebenezer Devotion (Harvard 1707), third minister of Suffield, Mass. (now Connecticut). Sibley, V, 329-331.
[4]John Austin of Hartford, a merchant of that town.
[5]Jonathan Law (Harvard 1695), Governor of Connecticut. Sibley, IV, 237-242.
[6]Joseph Wadsworth of Windsor, Conn.
1738 September 12 (Tuesday). Mr. Austin persuaded me to go up on the State House to take a View of the Town, the River, etc. We visited Mr. Secretary Willis.[1] There was Mr. Woodbridge[2] of Symsbury and Mr. Case,[3] who were going to New Haven. This therefore was our Company. Stopp’d at Beckleys[4] — at Aspinwalls[5] in Kensington. N.B. In Wallingford or North Haven, a vessel building some Miles from the Water. N.B. Corn field 5 miles Long. N.B. A Late sorrowful occurrence by Thunder; the steeple shiver’d and a man thrown down from it and kill’d. N.B. 4 Persons buryed in the highway for suicide. N.B. Pleasant Fields appear’d at an agreeable Distance on the North East side of the Mountain. We stopp’d again at Hammerstones[6] in North Haven. There Mr. Wheelock[7] who had been Some time with us on the Road left us. N.B. College illuminated, seen Two Miles off. Call’d first at old Madame Pierponts[8] where was Mr. Russells wife,[9] of Middleton, Mr. Pierponts sister. Found Dear Mrs. Pierpont Well and our meeting was with reciprocal Joy. Mr. Pierpont[10] was Still at Boston.
[1]George Wyllys (Yale 1729), Secretary of the Colony of Connecticut. Dexter, 399-400.
[2]Reverend Timothy Woodbridge (Yale 1706), minister of Simsbury, Conn., 1710-1742. Dexter, pp. 57-58.
[3]Benajah Case (Yale 1733), later minister of New Fairfield, Conn., 1742-1753. Dexter, pp. 475-476.
[4]Lieutenant Joseph Beckley of Wethersfield, Conn., was the proprietor of an important tavern on the road between Hartford and New Haven.
[5]Eleazer Aspinwall of Farmington (Kensington Parish).
[6]John Hamaston, Jr. (1685-1767).
[7]Reverend Eleazer Wheelock (Yale 1733), minister of the third church of Lebanon (Columbia), Conn., 1735-1770; later the founder and first president of Dartmouth College.
[8]Mary (Hooker) Pierpont, the widow of the Reverend James Pierpont (d. 1714), survived until Nov. I, 1738. She was the granddaughter of the Reverend Thomas Hooker, the first minister of Hartford, Conn. Her daughter, Sarah, married Jonathan Edwards, D.D., the president of Princeton College.
[9]Mary Pierpont was the wife of the Reverend William Russell (Yale 1709), minister of Middletown, Conn., 1715-1761. Dexter,90-91.
[10]James Pierpont, Jr. (Yale 1718), son of the Reverend James Pierpont of New Haven. Dexter, 189-190.
