Category: Diary

1750 April 9 (Monday).  Took a Walk first to visit Nathan Maynard who is Sick: to old Mr. Whipples where I din’d.  P.M. was at Deacon Newtons and got him to go with me to view Mr. Cooks Island — we had Lieutenant Bruce and Mr. Cook there to shew the Bounds.  At Eve at Mr. Nurse’s.  N.B. he has got a Barrell of Tar, to make Tar-Water.

1750 April 10 (Tuesday).  I went to Captain Maynards — he grows Still crosser, and appears angry at Every Thing.  Nay even at Goodhues rates being mix’d with his on the Same Paper, though I was desir’d one Time after another to have Goodhue’s reckon’d at the same Time, Mr. Stephen Maynard being to Act for him — But the Captain would have nothing to do with Goodhue’s Affairs.

1750 April 11 (Wednesday).  Mr. Richard Barns has my Young Horse to go to Boston.  Agreed with Lieutenant Bruce for the Cook Island.  250£ old Tenor for what he has of Mr. Cook, being at least 7 Acres; and 300£ old Tenor, if I have the whole Island, and which he assures me I shall when he can be able to give a Title to it.

1750 April 12 (Thursday).  Visited Nathan Maynard who is very ill.  Mr. Stone din’d with us and preach’d my Lecture.  His Text, Rom. 5.6.  After Meeting we view’d Several Parts of my new bought Land to find a suitable Place to build an House on.

1750 April 13 (Friday).  This Day 4 Years ago my ever honour’d and dear Mother dy’d.  May I ever remember her Example and imitate her excellent Vertues!  My Horse is return’d to his Boarding place.

1750 April 14 (Saturday).  Jonathan Fay here for Corn for keeping my Horse.  Have let him have 3 Bushels.

1750 April 15 (Sunday).  Read Exod. 20, to number 18.  Expository Exercise on the Commandments in general and on the first and second in particular — and the application adapted to the Occasion of the Lord’s Supper.  My Wife and I din’d at Justice Bakers.  P.M. on Zech. 1.5.  Not a few Strangers among us.

1750 April 16 (Monday).  My Wife and I rode up to Mr. Winchesters to see their Daughter Prudence who is consuming away.  We din’t there.  In returning call’d at Mr. Benjamin Fays.  N.B. Mrs. Miles of Concord there in a very gloomy disconsolate Condition.  Catechiz’d at the Meeting House, 43 Children, males and Females.  My wife waited for me with the Chair, at Mr. Fays and at Deacon Newtons.  The Earth wears a pleasant Green again.  Blessed be God!

1750 April 17 (Tuesday).  Mr. Ezekiel Dodge came here last Night from Abington with Letter to our Church to request Assistance in his Ordination, and with a Special Request to Me in particular which I am full of Fears I can’t comply with my reason of my great Perplexity about my Building.  P.M. I made a visit to Mr. Stephen Fay and his Wife who are tomorrow to move to Lambs Town.  N.B. Neighbour Benjamin Fay and Neighbour Eliezer Rice there when I talk’d to them.  In returning I call’d at Esq. Bakers.  N.B. Consult him about my Building.  N.B. Strange accounts about Mr. Jonas Child, his Conduct about his bargaining away his place and beating his wife and Children.

1750 April 18 (Wednesday).  Rainy — rode to Deacon Matthias Rice’s, to Mr. George Oaks, where lodges Mr. Woods late of Sudbury, Clothier, that I might secure Some Brick among them for my intended Stack of Chimneys and thence I made a Visit at Mr. Martyns.

1750 April 19 (Thursday).  I rode down to Mr. Amsdens[1] to get his son in law Abijah Gale to go into the Ministerial Lott and cut Timber for my intended House.  He consents and I procure Neighbour John Rogers to go with him.

[1]Jacob Amsden of Westborough.

1750 April 20 (Friday).  Messrs. Gale and Rogers go into a Ministerial Lott as agreed Yesterday but they find only Two sticks and cutt but one of them.  It rain’d also and beat ‘em off in the forenoon.  I rode to the South Side as far as Mr. Charles Bruce’s — din’d at Mr. Bowmans.  Proceeded to Mr. James Bradishes accompany’d by Mr. Bowman and engag’d him to work on my intended Frame.  Was at divers Houses besides, promoting the Same Affair.  For the Time of preparing to build is so far elaps’d that unless I am very industrious and Successfull there can be little Hopes of getting into an House before next Winter.  But I meet with considerable Encouragement — and especially from Mr. Bowman, who likewise presented me a Bushel and half of Indian Corn, and carried it to Lieutenant Tainters, in order to its being Sent to Mill.  Visited Mr. Bonds[1] Family who are newly come into Town.

[1]Jonathan Bond had lived earlier in Waltham and Mendon.

1750 April 21 (Saturday).  Brother Hicks here from Cambridge and brings me the very Sorrowfull News of the Death of my Reverend and valuable Pastor, Mr. Webb of Boston.  May God Sanctifie this Dispensation to me, to the Bereaved Flock at the New North in Boston, and to the bereaved Colleague, and Family in particular!  We have great reason to mourn and grieve for the Interest of Religion in this Day when such Sound, pious, usefull Men are, one after another removed from us.  O that God would have mercy on us when So many Sad Aspects appear!  N.B. Remarkable Gusts of Wind.

1750 April 22 (Sunday).  A.M. read Exod. 20 from number 18 — gave some Exposition of the Second Commandment — din’d at Justice Bakers.  Walk’d up and back.  P.M. read Luke 23 to number 27.  Preach’d on Eph. 2.8 latter part.  Us’d my Sermon on the forepart of this number from page 10 to 16 with many alterations and added some Account of Reverend Mr. Webb.  After the Exercises read the Letter from Abington, requesting the Church to assist in the Ordination of Mr. Dodge[1] — the Church votes Complyance.[2]  But some did not vote among the Rest Deacon Newton,[3] who gave this Reason that the Church had no Return made ‘em of Shrewsbury Council’s Proceedings — No Result.  This answer of the Deacons Troubled me because the Deacon had several Opportunitys to have Spoken to me in private but never gave me any hint of disquietment.

[1]Ezekiel Dodge (Harvard 1749) had been a supply preacher in several towns of central Massachusetts.

[2]The church voted to send Francis Whipple and Simon Tainter to Abington ordination.  Westborough Church Records, April 22, 1750.

[3]Josiah Newton.

1750 April 23 (Monday).  Mr. Martyn brought Mrs. Molly, his Daughter here, and rode himself to Grafton-Church Meeting which was concerning the Ordination of Mr. Hutchinson.  N.B. Mrs. Sibyl Child in distress about her Husband, Mr. Jonas Child, who is Supposed to be delirious.  She Send for me and I went today.  Din’d at Mr. Harringtons — went to Mr. Grows and Ensign Millers.  I went also and talk’d with Deacon Newton.  Mr. Martyn here at Night.

1750 April 24 (Tuesday).  Rain is very seasonable.

1750 April 25 (Wednesday).  Neighbour William Rogers junior work’d for me.  I rode to Mr. Jonas Brighams to Send an Answer to a Letter from my Brother William concerning Captain Stansbury’s Negro.  But they Set out Early — however I put on hastily after them and proceeded down the Road till overtook Mr. Twitchell with the Team.  From thence I rode to Mr. Stones but he was again gone to Boston.  Was at old Mr. Johnsons and at Mr. Amsdens and took particular Demensions of the Timber for my House, of Abijah Gale whom I employ’d to undertake my Frame.  When I return’d, Mr. Morse of Shrewsbury was here and din’d with us.  N.B. Joseph Bruce came to work for me this afternoon.  N.B. Mr. Jeremiah Fowler and Captain Maynard here.  The former brought a Jackal, an Entertaining Sight.  How wondrously are the Works of God diversify’d!  How manifest are thy Works, O Lord!  in wisdom hast thou made them all!

1750 April 26 (Thursday).  Joseph Bruce works for me.  Mr. Martyn and his Spouse made us a Visit.  My wife and I, in our Chair, wait on them in theirs, over to the Meeting House Ground, to see the places which are recommended for my building Spot.  N.B. We went round by Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s, where was Mr. Fowler with his Jackall, who invites us up Chamber to See him and his pranks.  So many resort there to see this Strange Creature that I am doubtful what the Event will be.  N.B. Mr. Martyn as Moderator of the Church in Grafton draws Letters Missive to the Churchs which they invite to the Ordination of Mr. Hutchinson.

1750 April 27 (Friday).  Mrs. Sally Gott[1] and her Sister Betty came to See us.  Din’d here.  Joseph Bruce works here.  They begin to plant Indian Corn.

[1]Sarah, the daughter of Dr. Benjamin Gott of Marlborough.

1750 April 28 (Saturday).  Forbush (from College) lodg’d here last Night.  Ebenezer and Joseph ploughing and planting.  Extraordinary high Gusts of Wind.

1750 April 29 (Sunday).  Read Exod. 21.  Gave an Exposition of the Third Commandment a. and p.m.  Din’d at Justice Bakers; my Wife, Ebenezer and Molly, Lucy and Sarah and Alexander likewise.  Joseph Bruce and Patty Pannell, who were all of my Family that were at meeting — came home to Dinner.  I rode to meeting p.m. on Justice Bakers Horse.  P.M. I read Luke 23 throughout.  O that we might not take the Name of our God in Vain in our religious Services!  and that we might not miss of the Blessing of the Sabbath!  Very weary at Night So that I lay down.

1750 April 30 (Monday).  Rode to Mr. Dunlops to see him in his Sickness.  Lieutenant Tainter blooded him.  I return’d with him to his House, as a terrible Storm of Thunder and Rain arose.  Din’d at Lieutenant Tainters.  P.M. visited old Mrs. Dorcas Forbush.  N.B. Mr. David Batherick fell upon me as I was coming out of the Door with bitter Resentments of Abuse, because when I yesterday, for the last singing in Publick appointed Mean Tune to be sung, and he instead of Mean, Set Canterbury (as I thought through either Mistake, or because he could not strike upon Mean at that Time) I set the Tune mention’d myself.  Nor did I know that this or the other Triple Time Tunes were displeasing to any, till he now makes it one aggravation of the Offence that I knew that people did not like it and yet I would Sett it.  N.B. Mrs. Batherick Said there was one who said he would go out if that Tune was Sung.  I answer’d that (who ever he was) he was (or would be if he Should do so) a Blockhead for his Pains.  N.B. Lieutenant Thomas Forbush sat by and heard his Bitterness.  N.B. I was very much mov’d, and gave him Some deserv’d Correction.  But the Lord forgive what was amiss in me at this Critical Juncture.  When I came home, I found here Mr. Samuel Haven[1] of Framingham who desires he may come and board at my House and study Divinity.

[1](Harvard 1749).  The son of the prominent office holder of Framingham, Joseph Haven.  Temple, Framingham, p. 579.

1750 May 1 (Tuesday).  Very pleasant after the Rain.  All Nature blooming and flourishing whilst (alas!) my Heart is as a barren Wilderness.  Mr. Haven left us to go back to Framingham.  My Wife and I rode to Mr. Twitchells.[1]  Ebenezer and Joseph Mending Fence, ploughing and preparing the Fields for Planting.

[1]Jonas Twitchel (Twitchell), of Westborough.

1750 May 2 (Wednesday).  Wondrous pleasant and Delightfull.  A beautiful Prospect all round; the Air every where perfum’d by the Blossoms; and a Tunefull Chorus of different kinds of Birds, which Sing their Makers Praise.  Lord!  all thy works praise thee; and may thy Saints bless thee!  Bless the Lord O my Soul!  Agreed with Joseph Bruce to live with me for three months; from yesterday, till the first of August, for 41£ old Tenor.  But then by taking in the Days that he had work’d for me before this month came in on one hand, and allowing him two Days to Spend for himself of the Time to come, on the other; we agree that I shall pay him 42£ in the whole, when his Term shall be up.  N.B. Sent home Mr. Dyers Emlyn[1] by one Ephraim Bacon of Dedham.

[1]Possibly a work by the English Unitarian minister, Thomas Emlyn (1663-1741), which belonged to Jonathan Dyer of Dedham.  [Additional note: On January 20, 1749, Parkman borrowed “Mr. Thomas Emlyn’s — Tracts Volume I,” which Walett identified as A Collection of Tracts relating to the Deity, Worship, and Satisfaction of the Lord Jesus Christ (London, 1719).]

1750 May 3 (Thursday).  Consulting all the authors I can, on the Sabbath.  Visit Mr. Cushing and din’d there.

1750 May 4 (Friday).  Ebenezer finish’d planting Indian Corn.  P.M. Ebenezer and Molly to Mr. Martyns.

1750 May 5 (Saturday).  A.M. Ebenezer went for a pair of Cart Wheels to Mr. Joseph Miles[1] and brought ‘em Home.  Price 10£ Old Tenor.

[1]Of Shrewsbury.

1750 May 6 (Sunday).  Read Exod. 22.  Expounded the Fourth Commandment a. and p.m.  My Wife and I din’d at Justice Bakers, he having provided and handed an Horse ready tackled for us both.  P.M. read Luke 24.  After Exercises Mr. Charles Bruce brought me the Earnest Desire of Mrs. Kelly (wife of [blank] Kelley a member of the Church of England in Hopkinton) to visit her, She being very sick — I comply’d.  Rode to Deacon Forbushes in my Chair, left my Daughter Molly there, and borrow’d Mr. Jonathan Forbush’s Horse, and with Mr. Bruce to pilot, I saw her and pray’d with her.  Return’d home the same Evening.

1750 May 7 (Monday).  My wife rode with me to see Adonijah Rice,[1] sick of a Fever; and thence to Marlborough.  Deacon Tainter making me a black Cloth Jacket out of an old Broadcloth Coat.  We din’d Dr. Gotts.  N.B. the Doctor gives me his Hand in token of reconcilement.  Design’d a Visit to Mr. Smith but he was gone to Cape Ann.  N.B. Mr. Hezekiah Bush[2] who suddenly drop’d down dead last — Saturday a.m. bury’d to Day.  A very awful and awakening Dispensation when a man is taken away So very Suddenly!  The Lord quickens us all hereby!  that we may be in an immediate Readiness.  Visited Colonel Williams and return’d at Eve in safety.  Thanks be to God!

[1]Son of Charles Rice of Westborough.

[2]Of Marlborough.

1750 May 8 (Tuesday).  As the Earth has needed Rain notwithstanding the late Rains, this Day increases the Dryness.

1750 May 9 (Wednesday).  But especially this, which is very warm — the sun burns as in Summer.  Finish’d Secret History of Europe[1] Part I, which is volume I.

[1]The editor has not located a record of a work with this title.  There are, however, a number of “secret histories” of specific reigns, etc.  [Additional note: This may have been John Oldmixon, The Secret History of Europe.  Shewing that the Late Greatness of the French Power…Treachery and Corruption of the Ministers Abroad… (London: Printed for the Booksellers of London and Westminster, 1712).]

1750 May 10 (Thursday).  A good Air, but burning sun.  Brother Hicks and his Daughter Betty going to Cambridge.  At Eve Rain, Thunder and Lightning.  Lieutenant Tainter here; wants to know where people shall lay the Timber which they provide for me.  Jonas Child in sad Distraction Still.

1750 May 11 (Friday).  [No entry.]

1750 May 12 (Saturday).  Captain Maynard and I renewed Bounds where the old Meeting House stood and agreed that the Stake and Stones, exactly East of the old Meeting House East Door, Should Stand where we have now placed it, till it Should appear by a Survey with Instruments that it is not according to the Plott.  Reverend Mr. Joseph Bellamy[1] of Woodberry in Connecticut came to See me, and he brought a Letter to me, and another to the Church from Mr. Edwards[2] of Northampton requesting us to assist them in Council on June 19 next.  Revd. Mr. Stone came p.m.  N.B. Mr. Stone came in answer to my Desire to change tomorrow, but when he perceiv’d how, in divine Providence I was Supply’d, he went over to Mr. Martyn and Succeeded.  Brother Hicks also here, from Boston and brought me a kind good Letter from Mrs. Pierpoint.  I bless God for this Correspondence!  I am fill’d with Shame and Grief that I can Sustain it no better.  O that God would manifest His Grace towards me and qualifie me!

[1]Bellamy (Yale 1735) became the first minister of the church in the northern part of Woodbury (now Bethlem) April 2, 1740, and served this parish for 50 years.  Dexter, Biographical Sketches, pp. 523-529.

[2]The Reverend Jonathan Edwards.

1750 May 13 (Sunday).  Read Exod. 23.  Mr. Bellamy preach’d from Job 22.21.  He din’d with me at Justice Bakers.  P.M. I read John 1, Mr. Bellamy from Luke 16.30.  His Exercises were very moving as well as enlightening.  Would fervently pray and hope there may be a Saving Influence of the Spirit of Grace accompanying.  N.B. I am much concern’d for our Brother Jonas Child, who I hear is often making attempts upon his Life.  If it did not rain So hard this Evening I Should not rest without going to See him: yet he was at meeting to Day, and Set the Tune, Sweetly and agreeably as ever.  Savoury and entertaining Conversation with Mr. Bellamy, whom I find an ingenious as well as Pious Man.