Category: Diary

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.

1751 August 1 (Thursday).  At Deacon Newtons[1] whose son John is thought to be very dangerously ill.  At Mr. Pratts.  Neighbour Stephen Maynard going to Boston with his Team, my Brother after Spending the forenoon about my new Windows, and dining with us rides my Mare to Boston.  Ebenezer Carts a Well-Crotch, Bed, Powdering Tubb with pork etc to the New House.  Boards also from the Mill.  Thomas and William reap Wheat.  P.M. they rake Hay in the Southside and Ebenezer mows.

[1]Josiah Newton.

1751 August 2 (Friday).  John Newton sends for me being near his End.  Went: he wants I Should repeat to him the Discourse I had with him yesterday.  Pray’d with him.  Stephen Newton[1] is taken ill with the Same Distemper.  Call’d at Mrs. Pratts — she is just gone — has inward Comfort, but great outward Trouble.  Molly and Sarah go over to tarry at the New House to dress the Carpenters Diet.  They lodge there; a Second Bed being Set up there.  P.M. heavy Showers of Rain.

[1]Another son of Deacon Newton.

1751 August 2 (Friday).  John Newton sends for me being near his End.  Went: he wants I Should repeat to him the Discourse I had with him yesterday.  Pray’d with him.  Stephen Newton[1] is taken ill with the Same Distemper.  Call’d at Mrs. Pratts — she is just gone — has inward Comfort, but great outward Trouble.  Molly and Sarah go over to tarry at the New House to dress the Carpenters Diet.  They lodge there; a Second Bed being Set up there.  P.M. heavy Showers of Rain.

[1]Another son of Deacon Newton.

1751 August 4 (Sunday).  Read Numb. ninth Chapter a.m. and preach’d the last Sermon on Col. 1.21 from page 31 with additions.  Din’d with my Family at the New House.  P.M. read Acts 27 and preach’d on Job 15.11, with a View to the Afflicted Cases of Several Familys in the Parish.

1751 August 5 (Monday).  Deacon Kimball[1] of Hopkinton came to Plaister the West End of my New House.  Mrs. Rachel Pratt, the Wife of Neighbour Hezekiah Pratt, dy’d about 1 p.m.  I was with her a.m. and we talk’d of her Decease — she having comfortable Evidence of Grace.  Mr. Pratt has carry’d himself in a very exemplary Manner towards his Wife; and his House is now turn’d into a Bochim.[2]  The Lord Sanctifie this Death not only to them but to all of us!  Stephen Newton Sick of the Throat Distemper but is thought to be better.

[1]Ebenezer Kemble.

[2]Judges, II, 1-5.

1751 August 6 (Tuesday).  Deacon Kimbal at the New House.  Baldwin and his Man John all this Time there and my Daughter Molly lodges and works also, tending upon the Workmen in their Meals etc.  Mrs. Pratt was bury’d and with much Lamentation.  May it please God to enable us to improve this Breach.  Mr. Martyn[1] came here while I was gone to Mrs. Pratts Funeral.

[1]The Reverend John Martyn of the north precinct.

1751 August 7 (Wednesday).  Deacon Kimball, as well as the Carpenters.  I am over there Daily.  Go to Mr. Bradishs and fetch upward of 200 Lath upon my Horse before me.  Ebenezer Carted Stuff for Cellar Stairs, and for a Stack Yard.  Thomas assisted him part of the Day.

1751 August 8 (Thursday).  Deacon Kimball etc.  Ebenezer and Thomas Carted Two Load of Hay from the Meadow to the New Stack Yard which was mow’d last Saturday was sennight, and was made up the Friday following — being drench’d by the Storms of Rain.  Enough for Some Number of Cocks was left finally, and lost.  Yet I suppose Mr. Samuel Hardy (who had the work in his Hands) took what Care he could but it prov’d a very wet Season.

1751 August 9 (Friday).  At the New House.  Deacon Kimball, and his Son Ebenezer lay on the Plaistering.  Cornelius Cook[1] tends them.  The Carpenters Still there and Molly and Suse to provide for us.  Ebenezer and Thomas Cart one Load more from the Meadow to the New Stack-Yard — having stack’d up the remainder of the Hay at the Meadow, there till some better Season for Carting it.  Towards Night they came home to mowing.  Have much of our haying to do, when many others are done.  Deacon Newton came for me to visit his son Stephen who grows worse.  Went according and discours’d and pray’d with him.  Visited also the Widow Newton.[2]  At Night the Walls of my New House being so green and damp, with the New Mortar, no body cares to lodge within them.  Deacon and Baldwin make up a Couch in the unfinish’d part of the House.  Molly and Suse go to the Widow Newtons.  Others disperse otherwise.

[1]The son of Parkman’s neighbor.

[2]Mrs. Thomas Newton.

1751 August 10 (Saturday).  Ebenezer mows, and tends Hay all Day.  I am in the morning in no small Trouble for an Hand to tend Plaisterers.  Am forc’d to Send Thomas.  They finish to Day.

1751 August 11 (Sunday).  Read Numb. 10 and preach’d on 1 Cor. 6.9, the first 4 pages, which I deliver’d in the Year 1727/8.  My Family din’d at the New House.  Mr. Stephen Maynard at noon came for me to go up to Stephen Newton who is nigh expiring and I comply’d.  P.M. read the last Chapter of Acts.  Went on with 1 Cor. 6.9.10.11.  Deliver’d page 5 and from page 13 to 19.  (For although I had prepar’d in part on Job 15.11, Yet I could not finish it, having So many Different Cares and Encumbrances at the Time of So many workmen, and at such a Distance from home.)  Stephen Newton Expir’d p.m.

1751 August 12 (Monday).  At the New House with the Carpenters.  P.M. at the Funeral of Stephen Newton.  N.B. had Din’d at Mr. Martyn’s — and Committed to his Care a paper for Subscriptions to My Collection of Poems, he being about to go to ministers Meeting at Stow tomorrow, or likely to see several ministers in their Journey there.  Hot Day.

1751 August 13 (Tuesday).  Hot Weather; and yet I go to the New House my Workmen finishing for the present, what they can do for me.

1751 August 14 (Wednesday).  Jeduthum Baldwin and John Woods go over to work at the Meeting House at the North End of the Town.  Their Tools carry’d over in Mr. Martyns Chair, drawn by my mare.  I agree to give Baldwin 18/ old Tenor per Day for 60 Days, to his Journey man, William Parkhurst, 15/ per Day, 26 Days and to his Apprentice, John Woods 10£, lumping the Latter part of his Time.  (The former part he was so new and raw, nothing more than his Diet could be expected.)  In all, my Debt to Baldwin is 83£ 10s, old Tenor — his Credit 3£ 10.  This Day due to him 80£.  N.B. he offers to take 75£ if I pay him 40£ within a Month, and 35 within 2 months More, or give him Bond for it.  The Same Day My Son Thomas carted over my Desk, Study Table, and a Number of Books, etc.  Ebenezer went over and with Edwards Whipple and a few more, rais’d the Well-Crotch and sweep.  P.M. They went to their Haying at home.

1751 August 15 (Thursday).  Molly has liv’d at the New House ever since we dieted the Workmen, to Day she went home, and after much hard work in the Day return’d at Eve.  I visited Mrs. Martha Warrin[1] in the Morning.  Over to the other House to point sashes though I do but little of it.  I tarried all Day at the new-House.  Din’d there alone, but went back to Mrs. Parkman at Night: She being full of pain; has strange Cramps.  Has also Indications that her Travail is not far off.  The Lord prepare her and all of us for the Changes before us.  Rainy and stormy Night.  N.B. my mind in much Exercise by Reason of the great Urgency that we remove and yet our House and place there exceedingly unfit to receive us.  The Hearth’s unlaid, the Banks of Gravel at Each Door unlevelled.  No pasture for a Cow, or feed or Hay for an Horse etc. etc.

[1]Mrs. Daniel Warrin.