Category: Diary

1751 September 20 (Friday).  Mr. Willson and Abner Rice on the Top of the Chimney a.m. but having work’d up my few Bricks, it is left still unfinish’d.  The Company return’d to Boston: Molly accompany’d them to Marlborough.  N.B. Neighbour Eliezer Rice here at Evening and asks for another Church-Meeting.  I give him Several Reasons why it is at this Time utterly unsuitable — especially considering the present frame of many persons by Reason of the Contentions at Court — besides that it is but a little while since we had one at his Desire.  Nor was there any Time for me to think of it, my Preparations for the Sabbath being now in Hand, and have but little Opportunity for them.  But he went away dissatisfy’d.  See a loose paper.

1751 September 21 (Saturday).  A great Frost last Night.  My Mind much taken off with Neighbour Rice’s Conduct last Night, which was the more to my perplexing as I am thereby So much hinder’d in my Preparations for the Sabbath.  Out of wood — and no where to go to get any — forc’d to pick up, round about the House.  Have taken Cold and have a grievous Pain in my back.

1751 September 22 (Sunday).  Very cold Morning.  Very great Frost.  Sometimes doubted whether I could venture to meeting, having Such a Pain in my Back.  With much Difficulty I went.  Read Numb. 16.  Forenoon Exercise was an Exposition of the former part of the chapter to number 15.  P.M. Read Rom. 6.  Made some brief Observations upon it.  Preach’d on Col. 3.7.8.  Made use of the greatest part of what is under Doct. 4 from 1 Cor. 6.11, but with Alterations and Additions.  Heard that Mrs. Mary Bennett, Shopkeeper in Boston dy’d lately.  May God Sanctifie this to me, as I was considerably acquainted with her!  She was a person of uncommon Abilitys and Attainments.

1751 September 23 (Monday).  Mr. Hezekiah Pratt kindly brought me a Load of Wood — he had my Oxen with his.  Sir Forbush[1] goes to Boston by whom I wrote to my Brother William.  Was at Mr. Clafflands.  P.M. I visited Neighbour Bathericks Family — Mr. Daniel and Timothy Warrin — Mr. Twitchell — and Patty Pannell being Sick I visited her also at Mr. Jonas Brighams.  When I return’d at Eve, heard that my little Breck is ill.

[1]Eli Forbes or Forbush, the son of Deacon Jonathan Forbush of Westborough.

1751 September 24 (Tuesday).  Went to See little Breck at t’other House — found him better.  Mr. Jotham Maynard came from Mr. Joshua Townsend to desire me to attend the Funeral of a Child of his (about 5 Years old) who has dy’d of the Throat Distemper — He having bury’d his son Joshua, near 10 years old, of the Same Distemper — Mr. Martyn gone to Stow.  I rode over, and din’d with Mrs. Martyn.  N.B. Messrs. Whitney (of Nitchewog),[1] Maccarty, Davis, and Humphreys[2] — going to the Ordination at Weston.  Mrs. Martyn rode with me to the Burying at Mr. Townsends.  N.B. very few males only 2 from the Neighbourhoood there, till they were oblig’d to send out for Neighbours to come and assist by which means they made it late.

[1]The Reverend Aaron Whitney of the plantation called Nichewoag, which became the town of Petersham in 1754.

[2]The Reverend James Humphrey (Harvard 1744), the minister of Payquage or Pequoig plantation (later the town of Athol), 1750-1782.  Sibley, XI, 416-418.

1751 September 25 (Wednesday).  This Day Mr. Woodward[1] (as I understand) is to be ordain’d at Weston in the Room of Mr. William Williams but I could not go.

[1]The Reverend Samuel Woodward (Harvard 1748), the minister of Weston, 1751-1782.  Sibley, XII, 349-352.

1751 September 26 (Thursday).  The Reverend Mr. Maccarty din’d here.  Tells me that the Ordination went on yesterday without any Lett.  The Reverend Mr. Townsend[1] of Needham preach’d on Mat. 11.16.17.  Sam. Bumpso undertakes to mow Bushes on the North East part of my Brigham Lott.  Mows a little, and moves off about his Scyth — See no more of him to Day.

[1]Jonathan Townsend.

1751 September 27 (Friday).  After a turn of Frosts and rugged Weather, a very fine Warm Day.  My Wife went over to the other House, to See Breck who has been ill — and about some necessary Affairs.  Mr. Joseph Knowlton and his Wife with a Present (a Legg of Pork, large piece of Pork, a Cheese, and a parcell of dry’d Huckleberrys).  N.B. Mr. Knowlton rode over to my other House and brought back my wife.

1751 September 28 (Saturday).  Fine Warm Weather.  Sam. Bumpso part of the Day mowed shrubb Bushes.

1751 September 29 (Sunday).  My Wife through Gods Goodness, So happy as to go to Meeting again — we offer public thanks.  Read Numb. 16 from 15 to 35, and for the forenoon Exercise, gave Exposition.  P.M. Read Rom. 7, and preach’d on 1 Sam. 2.1.6, repeating Somewhat Considerable of Sermon on that Text, but now adding in many places; especially in the Close.  But it was a Subject so Suitable (Hannah with her Samuel now come to the House of God) that (as I conceiv’d) I could not resist it.  May God pardon what is amiss and graciously accept of me and mine.

1751 September 30 (Monday).  Samuel Bumpso mows Shrubb Bushes all Day.  P.M. This Parish met.  I sent a Memorial to the Meeting at the very juncture that a Committee (Mr. Williams and Ensign Miller) were coming to me to see if I had any Thing that I would communicate to them.  By and by Lieutenant Tainter came to me from the people to acquaint me that they had granted no otherwise than they us’d to do (400£ old Tenor).  I Sent a Reply and Request in Writing.  At Eve Captain Baker and Mr. Whipple came and acquainted me that they had consider’d what I Sent to them and had granted 50£ old Tenor more.  But had done Nothing about the Wood, That being an Article which they could not manage by virtue of this present Warrant: But people would have it in their Thoughts — and doubtless prepare themselves to Say Something about it when there could be Preparation Time for it.

1751 October 1 (Tuesday).  Fine Weather Still.  Let Mr. Jonathan Forbush junior have 212 feet of White Oake Boards, to go to Boston, to Mr. James Allen Merchant, Taylor.

1751 October 2 (Wednesday).  I rode to Grafton and preach’d the Lecture on Eph. 1.3 and return’d home at Eve.

1751 October 3 (Thursday).  Preach’d my own Lecture on 1 Cor. 11.26, from page 12 to 19, from Jam. 4.8.  Sir Forbush brought me from the Reverend Mr. Commissary Price[1] Deism Reveal’d volume I.[2]

[1]Roger Price of Hopkinton.

[2][Philip Skelton], Deism Revealed (London, 1751).

1751 October 4, 5 (Friday, Saturday).  [No entries.]

1751 October 6 (Sunday).  Read Numb. 16 from number 35 to the End.  Preach’d on Jam. 4.8.  Us’d Sermon on 2 Cor. 11.26, page 19 to 23.  Administer’d the Lord’s Supper.  P.M. read Rom. 8 and preach’d on Isa. 7.14.

1751 October 7 (Monday).  Rode over to Mr. Gashitts for Lath — was at Mr. Chaddocks also.  Rain at Deacon Forbush and at Neighbour Bonds.

1751 October 8 (Tuesday).  Mr. Hutchinson came and rode with me to Ministers Meeting at Mr. Martyns.  N.B. Sir Forbush examin’d (as well as Mr. Jacob Cushing[1]) and approbated.  Several Brothers of Mr. Lorings[2] Church.  Mr. Loring inexorable.

[1]Jacob (Harvard 1748), the son of the Reverend Job Cushing of Shrewsbury, became the minister of the First Congregational Church of Waltham, 1752-1809.  Sibley, XII, 252-257.

[2]The Reverend Israel Loring of Sudbury.

1751 October 9 (Wednesday).  Mr. Stone[1] preach’d the Public Lecture on Eph. 2.11.

[1]The Reverend Nathan Stone of Southborough.

1751 October 10 (Thursday).  Mrs. Esther Edwards[1] at the other House and lodg’d there, but I saw her not.  Heavy Rains.  The Day appointed to gather my Island Corn but disappointed by the Weather.

[1]Esther, the daughter of the Reverend Jonathan Edwards, later married the Reverend Aaron Burr, the president of the young College of New Jersey.

1751 October 11 (Friday).  Mr. Martyn and his Wife (though a wet Day) with their Sister Monis[1] din’d here.  Mr. Gay[2] and his wife lodg’d last night at t’other House, the last night and to Day they Set out in the Rain.

[1]Abigail Marrett of Cambridge, who married Judah Monis, was the sister of Mrs. John Martyn of Northborough.  Kent, Northborough, p. 287.

[2]The Reverend Ebenezer Gay of Hingham.

1751 October 12 (Saturday).  Exceeding Cold, yet no Wood.  Sent to Mr. Jonah Warrin, but none came.  Pick’d up pine and what I could find, for the Sabbath.  N.B. Packet from New Haven by President Burr,[1] but he was not here.

[1]Aaron Burr of the College of New Jersey.

1751 October 13 (Sunday).  Mr. Martyn here and preach’d on Mat. 11.16 and onward and read Numb. 17.  P.M. Luke 12.1, and read Rom. 9.  I rode over to the Northside and read both a. and p.m.  Preach’d a. and p.m. on Eph. 1.3, concluding the subject.  Return’d at Eve — but miss’d of Mr. Martyn.  At Mr. Joslins etc at Eve.

1751 October 14 (Monday).  I rode to Lieutenant Tainters to see what was like to come of my Island-Corn.  N.B. Mr. Charles Rice makes a Corn-Binn with poles brought by my son Ebenezer.

1751 October 15 (Tuesday).  Lieutenant Tainter with his Team (a Load of Wood, Quarter of Lamb and a present of Salt Pork) to cut up and Cart home my Island Corn.  Joseph Grout junior with his Team, my William also came with our own — 8 Load of Cutt up Corn were brought home.  Old Mr. Rice and his sons (3 of them) and his son-in-law with a small number more, came in the afternoon and Evening and husk’d — till about Nine o’Clock at Night — a very Cold Evening.  Mr. Breck[1] of Springfield here and lodg’d here.

[1]The Reverend Robert Breck, Jr.

1751 October 16 (Wednesday).  My Corn was laid expos’d where there was no fence, so that I rose Early to look after it.  Mr. Breck went to Marlborough to carry up Cousen Betty Gott[1] to live with him.  Mr. Jonathan Bellows came and work’d for me to Day, in taking Care of the Husks, building up the Corn Bin etc.  N.B. Ephraim Bruce, Barnabas Newton and Jonathan Bellows.  P.M. Sent Billy into the Whipple Corner for help in Husking.  Nobody came till about 4 p.m. when Mr. Samuel Fay junior, Mr. Joseph Green junior, and four Ladds — Viz. Abner and Francis Whipple and two sons of Mr. Fay aforesaid came and husk’d.  N.B. Mr. Amsden came to see us.

[1]Elizabeth was the daughter of the late Dr. Benjamin Gott of Marlborough.

1751 October 17 (Thursday).  My little Daughter Susan very much indispos’d — but we ventur’d to go to Mr. Martyn with the Child, having appointed and engag’d it.  The last night so cold that the Horse was not able well to break the Ice through the Brook at Widow Tomlins.  Din’d at Mr. Martyns.  Mrs. Eager and her sister, Mrs. Patty Ward there.  We return’d at Eve.  Susen so ill we sent for Dr. Chase — who came.  My God prepare us for his holy will!

1751 October 18 (Friday).  Warmer Weather.  Mr. Ithamar Bellows at work here in making my garden-yard — Carting and stacking stalks etc.  P.M. Lieutenant Tainter brought another Load of Wood and helps clear the Island Field, of Pumpkins, Beans, Turnips.  Mr. Charles Rice cover’d and Secur’d my Corn Binn.  Suse took a Vomit.

1751 October 19 (Saturday).  Suse very bad (of a Fever) Dr. Chase[1] tends upon her diligently.  God prepare us for His holy will!  hear that several Children and Youth are ill of Fever also.  The air much Warmer.  Suse (D.G.) better.

[1]Thomas Chase, born in Sutton, April 3, 1732, studied medicine with Dr. Benjamin Morse of Sutton.  He lived and practiced in Westborough in the 1750’s.  Some time after 1760 he moved to New York.

1751 October 20 (Sunday).  Read Numb. 18.  Preach’d on Exod. 20.14.  Many Grafton people with us.  P.M. Sir Forbush, Mr. Joseph Miles, and his son Abner, and Mrs. Twitchell din’d here.

1751 October 21 (Monday).  Ebenezer with the Team brought Boards from Maynards Mill — and Two Turns from Forbush’s Mill — Viz. 700 of Mr. Joseph Woods’s Boards.  P.M. Mr. Jeduthan Baldwin and his apprentice John Woods came to work, to finish my East Room.  Sir Forbush to Boston on the Affair of Stockbridge.  Grows colder.

1751 October 22 (Tuesday).  At the Widow Beeman’s[1] (who was very bountiful, Sending Pork, Beef, and Cheese to my Wife).  N.B. The remarkable Number of Teams and market Horses going to Boston, yesterday and to Day — no less than 19 Teams only from Sutton yesterday.  P.M. visited Samuel Hardy junior who is very ill of a Fever.  Was at Mr. Moses Warrins, Mr. Grouts, Phinehas Hardys, etc.

[1]Mrs. Eleazer Beeman.

1751 October 23 (Wednesday).  Susen So well that the Doctor ceases his visits, and generously gives his Medicines and visits also.  Sorrowful News of Two Young Women, Daughters of Mr. William Brewer[1] of Shrewsbury, who were drown’d yesterday at Lancaster as they were going to visit a Relation.  Ebenezer design’d to have an Husking this afternoon but being belated in his Invitations was oblig’d to defer it.

[1]Abigail and Elizabeth Brewer were drowned “in a saw mill pond” in Lancaster.  Ward, Shrewsbury, p.245.

1751 October 24 (Thursday).  The Wind high and Southerly, the House, especially my Chamber, So fill’d with smoke that I was oblig’d to put out my Fire; this is to my great Disappointment after so much trouble and Charge to obtain Good Chimneys.  Sam. Bumpso Clearing by the Stack Yard.  N.B. Mr. Phinehas Hardy goes to Bolton for Lime, for Deacon Newton and me, and return’d at Night empty, bringing only a Bag of Hair from Mr. Samuel Bakers.  P.M. 25 Hands help’d Ebenezer husk.  N.B. Baldwin, John Woods and Sam. Bumpso went.

1751 October 25 (Friday).  [No entry.]