Category: Diary

1750 May 14 (Monday).  Accompany’d Mr. Bellamy 2 Mile or more on his Journey.  Was at Mr. Beemans at the moving of his Barn.  Oblig’d to improve every Opportunity to forward my Building — I must undertake it under So many disadvantages.  P.M. to Deacon Tainters and Dr. Gotts at Marlborough.  At Eve at Mr. Bradishs who and his wife likewise are sick.  I was not very well while I was there.

1750 May 15 (Tuesday).  Lieutenant Forbush and I went to view the Ridge or Nole, which joins to the Land I lately bought of Lieutenant Nathan Brigham, and he Stak’d out how much I Should have if it Should Suit me to build upon it.  P.M. Mr. Martyn here.  My Concern very great about Mr. Hutchinson[1] settling at Grafton.  Rain Eve.  I have been hinder’d visiting Mr. Child.

[1]The Reverend Aaron Hutchinson.

1750 May 16 (Wednesday).  Was at Mr. Jonas Childs, but neither he nor his Wife at home.  Hear that Mr. Biglo has taken him with him to Marlborough to work at a Stone-Wall, which I hope will prove a good thing, and proper means of diverting his Mind and helping his Body.  Ebenezer and Billy went up to Brother Hicks’s with 5 Young Cattle.  I visited old Mr. Fay.  N.B. Colonel Buckminister and Lady here when I was from home, They being in their Journey to Brookfield and Rutland.  N.B. Captain Maynard fences the old Meeting House Ground.

1750 May 17 (Thursday).  My Wife rode over to Mr. Woods (the Clothier) with a Message from Me, of my Dependence upon him for Bricks.  She was also at Mr. Martyns.  I rode to Mr. Twitchells and to Mr. Bradishs, for Girders for my design’d Building.  N.B. Mr. Broad of Natick here.  N.B. Mr. Cushing at my House (while I was absent and knew it not) waiting Some Hours to Speak with me concerning going to Mr. Dodge’s Ordination and that he purpose to preach.

1750 May 18 (Friday).  Ebenezer over at Mr. Benjamin Hows, making a Cart.  Mr. Hutchinson din’d here — have more Satisfaction about him and their Affairs at Grafton than I had.

1750 May 19 (Saturday).  Mr. Martyn, in his way to Grafton Stops here; he approves of the proposal that Mr. Hutchinson preach for me tomorrow and I to the Northside.  Mr. Hutchinson here at Eve and lodg’d here.

1750 May 20 (Sunday).  Mr. Hutchinson preach’d for me, and I for him at Mr. Martyns.  N.B. I preach’d on Mat. 25.46, latter part all Day.  Honourable Samuel Watts[1] and Colonel Richards[2] at Meeting, and I ask’d ‘em to dine with me; which they comply’d with.  At Eve I return’d home — as did Mr. Martyn also.  Mr. Hutchinson lodg’d at my House.

[1]Watts was a leading citizen of Chelsea, a justice of the peace, and councillor of the province.

[2]Joseph Richards (Harvard 1721), a class-mate of Parkman’s, practiced medicine in Dedham, served as selectman and Representative, and was lieutenant colonel of the Suffolk regiment.  Sibley, VI, 553-555.

1750 May 21 (Monday).  Mr. Hutchinson to Grafton.  My Wife and I to Mr. Beemans raising his Barn.  Ebenezer and Joseph there.  After Dinner we went to Lieutenant Bruce’s to move his Barn.  Whilst I was there came Lieutenant Tainter, and told me we had Some other Duty to attend, for that poor Jonas Child had hang’d himself and was Dead: and it was desir’d that I would go to his House forthwith.  I did So, Mrs. Parkman with me.  I went up to the Scaffold and Saw him (miserable Creature!) a ghastly, lifeless Corps.  How awful the Dispensation!  One of the Members of the Church!  God’s Judgments are a great Deep!  unsearchable!  and his Ways past finding out!  A multitude were gather’d, and the Coroner came, Lieutenant Hezekiah Ward, the distress’d widow and Relatives desiring it, I pray’d with them and took Leave.  May the Lord (of his infinite Mercy) Sanctifie this terrible Stroke to us all!  Tis very worthy of my Notice that I have never had opportunity to Speak with this poor Man in all this Time of his perplexity and Temptation though I have been to his House to see him one Time after another.  It fills me with Grief and Trouble.  O that we might all be quicken’d — to a consciencious Discharge of every Duty; careful improvement of the Day and Means of Grace; watchfulness against the Snares and Temptations of the Devil; against quenching the holy Spirit of Grace, or so much as grieving the Spirit or provoking Him to withdraw from us.  Jury Satt up all night.

1750 May 22 (Tuesday).  Verdict “in a Fitt of Distraction.”  Though I was full of Sorrow yet having promis’d to go over to Mr. Martyn my wife and I went; and din’d there.  P.M. Mr. Martyn and I rode to the Mason Hastings,[1] and thence to Mr. Morse’s[2] — but neither of them at Home.  Went to Mr. Bush’s, Representative, but the Town do not send.

[1]Daniel Hastings of Shrewsbury.

[2]The Reverend Ebenezer Morse of Boylston.

1750 May 23 (Wednesday).  At Mr. Jonas Childs Funeral.  A great and sorrowful Burying.

1750 May 24 (Thursday).  Mrs. Bowker[1] (heretofore Sarah Tainter) taken leave and goes to live at Summers.  Mr. Hutchinson came up from Boston and preach’d my Lecture.  Text John 14.16.17.  After Exercise Mr. Hutchinson, my wife and I were refresh’d at justice Bakers.  N.B. Brother Edwards Whipple Set the Psalm.

[1]Mrs. Joseph Bowker.

1750 May 25 (Friday).  Mr. Bellamy din’d here upon his return from Boston to Northampton: tells me that neither Mr. Foxcroft,[1] nor Mr. Wigglesworth[2] will go to the Council at Northampton but hopes Mr. Hobby[3] will.  Mr. Bellamy did not tarry.  I was forced to Send a Denyal to Mr. Edwards.  N.B. Ebenezer and Joseph Weeding.

[1]The Reverend Thomas Foxcroft of the First Church of Boston.

[2]The Reverend Samuel Wigglesworth of Hamilton.

[3]The Reverend William Hobby of Reading.

1750 May 26 (Saturday).  Justice Charles Brigham[1] here.  I enquir’d of him why his Children were not baptiz’d?  He answer’d that many Things had occurr’d to his Disappointment.  Towards Night came the Reverend Mr. Samuel Hopkins[2] of Springfield and his Daughter.

[1]A prominent citizen of Grafton.  Pierce, Grafton, pp. 463-464.

[2](Yale 1718).  Hopkins was the minister of the First Congregational Church of West Springfield, 1720-1755.  Dexter, Biographical Sketches, pp. 184-187.

1750 May 27 (Sunday).  I administered the Lords Supper.  A.M. read Exod. 25 to number 23.  Mr. Hopkins preach’d on 2 Cor. 6.1 a. and p.m.  He was with us at Communion.  Mr. Hopkins, my wife and I din’d at justice Bakers.  P.M. I read John second Chapter.  N.B. Brother Edwards Whipple set the psalm.  N.B. When the Church was transacting the Affair relating to the Ordination of Mr. Hutchinson at Grafton the Choice of one of the Delegates was much clogg’d.  Deacon Forbush was nominated, but the vote not clear — he excus’d himself.  Lieutenant Tainter was nominated, but no vote.  At length Brother Whitney was chose; Scil: together with Esq. Baker.

1750 May 28 (Monday).  I waited on Mr. Hopkins and his Daughter as far as Mr. Bathericks, on their way to Boston.  Thence I visited the Sorrowful widow Child and din’d there p.m.  Visited Adonijah Rice who is still weak and low; his Case dubious.  Catechiz’d at the Meeting House, at 3 p.m.  40 Children if I mistake not.  Ebenezer and Joseph finish weeding.  From Mr. Nurse’s, Sent by Mr. Samuel Fay to Mr. Kneeland,[1] an Account of Mr. Jonas Child.

[1]Samuel Kneeland, publisher with Timothy Green of The Boston Gazette and Weekly Journal.

1750 May 29 (Tuesday).  My Kinsman Nathaniel Parkman[1] accompany’d by Daniel Hastings came to See me.  My Son Thomas also came home to See us.  They all lodg’d here; and their Horses are all kept here.  N.B. A Most Shocking Account of Mr. William Williams[2] of Weston.  And hear of Sudden Deaths from Day to Day.

[1]Parkman’s nephew, the son of William Parkman of Boston.

[2]Williams was accused of “heinous miscarriages,” and a church council of Oct. 24, 1750, which dismissed him, found him guilty of “gross Lasciviousness in Diverse instances.”  Sibley, V, 297-298.

1750 May 30 (Wednesday).  Endeavour’d to keep Election at home.  After Dinner we Sung part of the eightieth psalm.  P.M. came old Mr. Maynard and old Mr. Whipple to see me.  Read ‘em those parts of Mr. Prince’s Chronology[1] which contains the Beginnings of the Plymouth and Massachusetts Colonys.  Endeavour’d to be myself and to make my Family etc. sensible of God’s Favours to New England.  The Lord make us truely Thankfull for them, preserve them and grant Grace to improve them!

[1]Thomas Prince, A Chronological History of New England in the Form of Annals, 2 vols. (Boston, 1736-[1755]).  The second volume was published with the title Annals of New- England.

1750 May 31 (Thursday).  Mrs. Nanny and Beckky Gott, Mr. Martyn and wife and Mr. Morse and wife here.  My Son Thomas cutts off his Hair.  He and his Brother to Upton.  My Kinsman Nathaniel went over to Lieutenant Tainters to dine there and did not return.  Every Day confirms and increases the sorrowful News from Weston.  N.B. My Wife’s Neices lodge here.

1750 June 1 (Friday).  Thomas return’d to Concord; and Mrs. Nanny and Beckky Gott with him as far as Marlborough.  Ebenezer and Joseph put up a Partition Fence from South to North in the upper part of the Great Pasture.  I finish’d the Life of Miley Ismael Emperor of Morocco.[1]  P.M. Mr. Millen[2] and his Spouse, accompany’d by Mr. Palmer,[3] Schoolmaster, here.  The Weather, especially in the Nights, very Cool for Some Time.

[1]John Harrison, The Tragicall Life and Death of Muley Abdala Melek, the late King of Barbarie (Delph, 1633).

[2]The Reverend John Mellen of Sterling.

[3]Joseph Palmer (Harvard 1747) kept school in Westborough and neighbouring towns for about 2 years.  He was the second minister of the First Church in Norton, 1753-1791.  Sibley, XII, 197-199.

1750 June 2 (Saturday).  Wrote, and sent to Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s for Conveyance a Line to Mr. Hutchinson concerning his preparing a Confession of his Faith against his Ordination.

1750 June 3 (Sunday).  Read Exod. 25.23, preach’d on Rom. 11.33, latter part, a. and p.m.  Din’d at Justice Bakers.  N.B. an Horse is provided for me and my wife statedly to ride up to Dinner.  P.M. read John third.

1750 June 4 (Monday).  Cousen Nathaniel and I rode to Mr. Twitchells.  P.M. came Mr. Samuel Haven to dwell here.  He was accompany’d by his uncle Deacon Burnap of Hopkinton.

1750 June 5 (Tuesday).  A Day to be remember’d — as for my Accepting the Call of the Town in the Year 1724.  So now for my undertaking to begin the World again on the South Road — a Number of Neighbours came to Clear and plough down the Knoll which I purpose to build on.  It was very much owing to Lieutenant Bruce, and accordingly a.m. there was a number to clear the ground, Scil. Neighbour John Rogers, Thomas Frost, and Abraham Beeman, besides my own Ebenezer and Joseph, and p.m. a considerable Number with their Cattle to plough and levill it.  Lieutenant Bruce and Oxen, Mr. Timothy Warrin with Oxen both his own and his Brother Daniels, Mr. John Rogers with Oxen, which with my own oxen made up Ten.  Other Hands were Ephraim Bruce, Ebenezer Forbush, Neighbour Cook, Eleazer Williams, Timothy Warrin, Samuel Harrington, Simon Tainter, Abner Newton, Junior.  N.B. Lieutenant Forbush and I transacted the Affair of our Conveyance of the Title to the Knoll and Land adjoining.  He gave me a Deed of an Acre and Quarter — for 11£ old Tenor.

1750 June 6 (Wednesday).  My Wife, Mr. Haven, Son Ebenezer and Two Daughters Molly and Lucy rode in the Rain, in Company with Mr. Martyn, his wife and Daughter, to Grafton to the Ordination of Mr. Aaron Hutchinson.  Council met at Mr. Ebenezer Brooks’.  Consisted of the following Churches.  West Church in Sudbury, the 2 Churches of Westborough, First Church in Sutton, Church in Southborough, and the First in Hebron, and the Church in Worcester.  Mr. Loring Moderator, Mr. Martyn Clerk.  Moderator pray’d, Mr. Hutchinson was examin’d.  Mr. Ebenezer Wadsworth came and objected against our proceeding.  N.B. Captain Sadler and his wife, his witnesses on the one part, to prove falsehood upon him.  Mr. Joseph Batchellour and his wife were to be the other, but they could not be had, nor were prepar’d — but if they were, the Subject Matter of the Difficulty was not thought to be sufficient to retard the Council.  About 2 p.m. went to Meeting.  Mr. Martyn pray’d, Mr. Pomroy[1] of Hebron preach’d on Acts 20.28.  Mr. Loring gave the Charge.  Mr. Hall[2] pray’d after the Charge.  The Right Hand I deliver’d was much the same with that which I prepar’d for and gave at Mr. Buckminsters Ordination at Rutland.  N.B. Thunder Storm at night when we got home.  Mr. Martyn etc. Stay’d till it was over.  Mr. Smith of Marlborough tarry’d over Night.  N.B. Mr. Haven and Mr. Dodge went up to Sutton, and carry’d my two Daughters to Esq. Goddard’s;[3] and Deacon Burnap of Hopkinton came hither, and led home Mr. Havens Horse.  Thus have we Seen the Vacancy at Grafton, which has given the Churches so great Trouble, from Year to Year, thus far happily made up; and God grant the Joy may not diminish!  N.B. Wrote to Mr. Pierpoint by Mr. Bliss of Concord.

[1]The Reverend Benjamin Pomeroy of Hebron, Conn.

[2]The Reverend David Hall of Sutton.

[3]Robert Goddard of Sutton.

1750 June 6 (Wednesday).  My Wife, Mr. Haven, Son Ebenezer and Two Daughters Molly and Lucy rode in the Rain, in Company with Mr. Martyn, his wife and Daughter, to Grafton to the Ordination of Mr. Aaron Hutchinson.  Council met at Mr. Ebenezer Brooks’.  Consisted of the following Churches.  West Church in Sudbury, the 2 Churches of Westborough, First Church in Sutton, Church in Southborough, and the First in Hebron, and the Church in Worcester.  Mr. Loring Moderator, Mr. Martyn Clerk.  Moderator pray’d, Mr. Hutchinson was examin’d.  Mr. Ebenezer Wadsworth came and objected against our proceeding.  N.B. Captain Sadler and his wife, his witnesses on the one part, to prove falsehood upon him.  Mr. Joseph Batchellour and his wife were to be the other, but they could not be had, nor were prepar’d — but if they were, the Subject Matter of the Difficulty was not thought to be sufficient to retard the Council.  About 2 p.m. went to Meeting.  Mr. Martyn pray’d, Mr. Pomroy[1] of Hebron preach’d on Acts 20.28.  Mr. Loring gave the Charge.  Mr. Hall[2] pray’d after the Charge.  The Right Hand I deliver’d was much the same with that which I prepar’d for and gave at Mr. Buckminsters Ordination at Rutland.  N.B. Thunder Storm at night when we got home.  Mr. Martyn etc. Stay’d till it was over.  Mr. Smith of Marlborough tarry’d over Night.  N.B. Mr. Haven and Mr. Dodge went up to Sutton, and carry’d my two Daughters to Esq. Goddard’s;[3] and Deacon Burnap of Hopkinton came hither, and led home Mr. Havens Horse.  Thus have we Seen the Vacancy at Grafton, which has given the Churches so great Trouble, from Year to Year, thus far happily made up; and God grant the Joy may not diminish!  N.B. Wrote to Mr. Pierpoint by Mr. Bliss of Concord.

[1]The Reverend Benjamin Pomeroy of Hebron, Conn.

[2]The Reverend David Hall of Sutton.

[3]Robert Goddard of Sutton.

1750 June 8 (Friday).  Mr. Dodge din’d with us.  My son Ebenezer ill with a Cold.  P.M. a Number of Neighbours went to my Knoll, with Two Yoke of Cattle besides my own, and with Shovels, Hoes and Barrs to levell it further.  They were chiefly Mr. Charles Rice, Lieutenant Thomas Forbush, Lieutenant Bruce, Lieutenant Tainter, Mr. Grow, Bowman, Harrington, Simon Tainter Junior, Jonathan Forbush, Charles Bruce, Ephraim Bruce, Adams, Rogers (with oxen), Timothy Warrin, Abraham Bond, Samuel Forbush junior, [blank] Miller, Eleazer Williams, Abner Rice, and Daniel Forbush junior with a Cart and Oxen.  N.B. Neighbour Ebenezer Maynard raised his House this Afternoon.  I supp’d there.  A Time of remarkable and great Colds.

1750 June 9 (Saturday).  A Cool Air — most people oppress’d with Colds.  Ebenezer unable to do any great matter.  Mr. Dodge came p.m.

1750 June 10 (Sunday).  Read Exod. 26, and gave some Exposition of it.  Mr. Dodge preach’d on Prov. 3.17.  He, my wife and I din’d at Esq. Bakers, where was Mr. Thomas Cheevers[1] of Lyn.  Mr. Haven din’d at my House.  P.M. Read John 4.  Mr. Dodge preach’d on Heb. 2.3.  I gave Notice to the Church and Congregation of the Association Fast next Tuesday at Mr. Martyns.  N.B. Mr. James Maynard was at Meeting.

[1]Cheever was a prominent citizen who had represented Lynn in the General Court several times.

1750 June 11 (Monday).  Very rainy.  Mr. Dodge left us, a.m.  Mr. Jonah Warrin here; tells me he has got me 6500 Shingle.  I gave him a Note to Lieutenant Tainter for 26£ old Tenor.

1750 June 12 (Tuesday).  Mr. Haven and I rode over to Mr. Martyns it being Association Fast there.  But a few Members came, viz. Mr. Cushing, Mr. Goss,[1] Buckminster and Maccarty.  Afterwards for the last service came Mr. Barrett — and when we came home at Eve Mr. Seccomb.[2]  As to the Exercises, Mr. Martyn pray’d and Mr. Buckminster preach’d on Rev. 2.3.4.  P.M. Mr. Goss pray’d and Mr. Maccarty preach’d on Mat. 16.28.  It was committed to me to draw up an Answer to the Letter which was sent us from the Association of which the Reverend Mr. Townsend[3] of Needham was Moderator in reply to a Message from us to them by a Committee which we sent them upon the Affair of guarding our Pulpits and Examining Candidates.  I lodg’d with Mr. Maccarty at Mr. Martyns.  Most of us indispos’d with a great Cold.

[1]The Reverend Thomas Goss of Bolton.

[2]The Reverend John Seccomb of Harvard.

[3]The Reverend Jonathan Townsend.

1750 June 13 (Wednesday).  I walk’d over from Mr. Martyns in the Morning to Mr. Gideon Haywards and talk’d with Mr. Lull about my Land in Townsend.  Says he’ll go over with me to Townsend as soon as Hay Time is over.  Mr. Haven who rode home to my House last Evening in my Chair, return’d to Day (at my request) to carry me back.  N.B. Mr. Barrett with me most of the p.m.

1750 June 14 (Thursday).  Ebenezer and Joseph are mowing Bushes.  I rode to Mr. Bonds and left a Letter for Mr. Beriah Rice about his meadow in Chauncy.  Was at Lieutenant Tainters who was mowing.  Money extreme difficult to be got; receiv’d 30£ old Tenor when the whole sallery should be finish’d.

1750 June 15 (Friday).  Brother Hicks brought up sister Hannah Champney[1] from Cambridge.  Ebenezer and Joseph Clear over by the new Meeting House.

[1]The first Mrs. Parkman’s oldest sister.

1750 June 16 (Saturday).  Brother Hicks goes up to Sutton with Sister Hannah.  Ebenezer and Joseph clear again over at the New meeting House.  Samuel Bumpso lends ‘em an Hand.

1750 June 17 (Sunday).  My illness was much increas’d that I did not go to Meeting without a great deal of Difficulty.  My wife and I rode in the Chair, and Mr. Haven and Molly on the Horse.  I read Exod. 27, and preach’d on Exod. 20.8.  Din’d (together with my wife) at Esq. Bakers.  P.M. read John 5, and carry’d on the Exercise on Exod. 20.8.  Very much indispos’d and worried at night.