Category: Diary

January 7, 1752

1752 January 7 (Tuesday).  A.M. at the other House — Mr. Daniel Bond of Watertown with Ebenezer.  Ebenezer has Mr. Barns’s Cattle and Sled and sledds Loggs to the saw-mill.  P.M. Parish met and one article, but at no motion of mine, is my wood for the year Currant passes in the Negative.  Messrs. Samuel and Daniel Hardy a Load of wood [illegible].  Lieutenant Tainter dined here; and was very helpful to get me an Horse for my Journey to Holliston.  Had his Mare which he had delivered to Justice Baker for him; and he provided him another.  I rode to Hopkinton and lodged at Mr. Barrett’s.[1]

[1]Samuel Barrett.

January 8, 1752

1752 January 7 (Tuesday).  A.M. at the other House — Mr. Daniel Bond of Watertown with Ebenezer.  Ebenezer has Mr. Barns’s Cattle and Sled and sledds Loggs to the saw-mill.  P.M. Parish met and one article, but at no motion of mine, is my wood for the year Currant passes in the Negative.  Messrs. Samuel and Daniel Hardy a Load of wood [illegible].  Lieutenant Tainter dined here; and was very helpful to get me an Horse for my Journey to Holliston.  Had his Mare which he had delivered to Justice Baker for him; and he provided him another.  I rode to Hopkinton and lodged at Mr. Barrett’s.[1]

[1]Samuel Barrett.

January 10, 1752

1752 January 10 (Friday).  We proceeded in our Debating, but we understood that by means of some unseasonable Discovery of the votes of the Council last night, Deacon Mellen was much dissatisfyed, and at Eve he came into the Council and indecently vented his Disgust and was sharply rebuked for it.  My spirits were roused with this, but in general I was much worried and waited.  Mr. Bucknam and I lodged together at Captain Littlefield’s throughout the time of the Council.

January 11, 1752

1752 January 11 (Saturday).  The Council has been very unanimous.  Finish our Result and publish it before Dinner.  The Church and the other partys retire while we dined.  Return and manifest their Gratitude and acceptance.  Except Mr. Mellen who desires a little Time to think of the first articles.  We return home — calling at Mr. Barrett’s a short space where I was informed that as to the Fast at Lieutenant John Woods (to which I was desired to come and assist) Yesterday, Mr. Stone[1] of Southborough preached, and they had but one Exercise.

[1]Nathan Stone.

January 12, 1752

1752 January 12 (Sunday).  Read Numb. 30, and 1 Cor. 4.  Preached on John 12.35.  Acquainted the Church in the face of the Congregation that I was not prepared to lay before ‘em what the Council at Holliston had done, but I hoped I should be enabled by another Lords Day — for I had not an whole copy of the Result, but expect one from Mr. Bridge[1] of Framingham.

[1]Matthew Bridge.

January 14, 1752

1752 January 14 (Tuesday).  My daughters Molly and Lucy were last Wednesday at Mr. Martyns, and heard their Disgust at my not having been to see ‘em for so long time.  They pitched upon to Day for us to go, and they would stay at home for us — but though it was a most agreeable Day and fine slaying, yet I was so very ill that I could by no means go.  Mrs. Parkman and Molly went.  I grew so ill, so faint, feverish, etc. that I sent for Dr. Chase,[1] who came.  N.B. The Vagrant Baker dined here: and I gave him some friendly admonition, he seemed to thank me and to take it kindly.  Mr. Thomas Axtell of Grafton here about his keeping of my piggs.  He leaves it to Mr. Phinehas Hardy to judge between us.

[1]Thomas Chase, Westborough’s young physician.

January 16, 1752

1752 January 16 (Thursday).  Another Comfortable Night (through Divine Mercy) yet very faint Morning.  I perceive I go down Hill apace.  Though Dr. Chase is very faithful and very generous, yet he is young and I am not content without further advice.  Sent for Neighbour Pratt, that he might go to Dr. Scammell;[1] he came but could not go for the Doctor.  He went to Deacon Newton and he consented and went.  He returned at Evening without him, but brought a portion of Rhubarb corrected with oyl of Cinnamon.  Memorandum.  I consumed Number 1.2.3.4.5.6. of Journals from February 19, 1719 through to April 1723 containing numberless puerilities and better destroyed than preserved.[2]  As Mr. Jonah Warrin brought a Load of Wood on the seventh at Evening and on the eleventh Day Mr. Sam Harrington another, this Day Mr. Samuel Hardy and James Miller junior brought each of them a load as they went to the meadows for hay.  At Eve Dr. Chase here and advises to take the Rhubarb ut Supr.  N.B. Forbush receiv’d a call from Brookfield and is here at Eve.

[1]Samuel Scannell, the physician of Milford.

[2]It is regrettable that Parkman destroyed these early years of the diary, kept while he was at Harvard College and before he accepted the call to Westborough.

January 18, 1752

1752 January 18 (Saturday).  Exceeding low and faint at first waking which was long before Day and continued so till I got up, and some time in the morning about 11 a.m. came Dr. Scammell.  He says I have no Hectick, advises to Bitters and nutritious Diet, but forbids all Volatiles.  I sent for Dr. Chase but he was gone out of town.  Dr. Scammel to Colonel Nahum Wards and returned p.m.  Captain Maynard[1] visited me.  Mr. Jacob Cushing[2] came to assist me tomorrow and lodged here.  In general I was better through the Day than I expected.  D.G.

[1]Parkman’s old friend, Captain John Maynard.

[2]Jacob (Harvard 1748), the son of the Reverend Job Cushing of Shrewsbury, became the minister of Waltham in 1752.  Ward, Shrewsbury, p. 254.

January 20, 1752

1752 January 20 (Monday).  Somewhat stormy in some parts of the Day; yet such the goodness of Brother Stone that he came to see me in my lowly, feeble state.  Dined here, he also prayed with me.  At Eve Captain Eager[1] and afterwards Justice Baker,[2] Mr. Hastings[3] of Watertown and his wife and others to see me.  Was very feverish, weak and faint.  N.B. Justice Baker prayed with me — the Lord accept the offering!

[1]James Eager of the north precinct.

[2]Edward Baker of Westborough was a justice of the peace.

[3]Joseph Hastings, a selectman.

January 22, 1752

1752 January 22 (Wednesday).  Mr. Francis Whipple a large load of wood.  N.B. Mr. Williams here.  P.M. Mr. John Martyn junior and his sister, my son Ebenezer and Daughters Molly and Lucy here.  I rode out again as far as Mr. Claffands.  N.B. Lieutenant Tainter carry’d to Boston a Calf for me which he killed the Eve before last.  Was not in general so well as yesterday.  May I wait the Will of God!  N.B. Dr. Smith[1] and Granny Forbush[2] here.

[1]Joshua Smith, the physician of Shrewsbury.

[2]The widow of Deacon Thomas Newton.  [Additional note: Walett meant to describe her as the widow Thomas Forbush.]

January 24, 1752

1752 January 24 (Friday).  A stormy Day — snowing all Day.  Through the divine Goodness I enjoyed much comfort.  O for grace to improve my Strength to divine Glory!  for I find myself extremely prone to wax cool again though I have been deeply Concerned and very fervent.  At Eve Lieutenant Tainter from Boston where he had marketed a poor calf for me — brought me Madera for Bitters.

January 25, 1752

1752 January 25 (Saturday).  Had another good Day (through the great Mercy of God!).  P.M. Mr. David Maynard[1] brought Dr. Samuel Gardner[2] (the School-Master) to board here.

[1]Parkman’s old friend, one of the original settlers of Westborough.

[2](Harvard 1746).  Gardner, the son of the Reverend John Gardner of Stow, kept school at various places before settling as a physician in Milton.  Sibley, XII, 27.

January 26, 1752

1752 January 26 (Sunday).  Mr. Jacob Cushing going yesterday to Southborough that to Day he might preach for Mr. Stone.  Mr. Stone was so kind as to come up this morning and preached all Day for me, two seasonable sermons on Isa. 27.9, and I had the Liberty to the House of the Lord again for which I would praise his Name with rejoicing.  Mr. Stone read a.m. Numb. 3.  I read p.m. 1 Cor. 6.  N.B. Judge Ward was at Meeting here.  He and widow Child[1] (besides the above mentioned) dined with us, who (with my own Family, all of them together) make a considerable Company.  Mr. Stone returned to Southborough this Evening — the Lord graciously reward him for his Labor of Love and bless his endeavors among us!  especially to me who am now immediately concerned in it.

[1]Mrs. Jonas Child of Westborough.

January 28, 1752

1752 January 28 (Tuesday).  Brother Hicks and his son John here.  They are going down to Cambridge to old Mr. Hicks’s[1] Funeral.  Mr. Whitney here with 10 chairs which he has bottomed for me, Two arm chairs and 8 others.  Mr. Eliezer Rice here, he desires to discourse with me and asks Mr. Whitney to go along with us.  He asks a Church Meeting again and I immediately grant it.  I say all I can safely to him for reconcilement.  He says there is nobody that takes any care of his Soul, (referring, I suppose, to his absenting himself from meeting without anybody minding it, for which reasons might be given).  N.B. He asked whether we should not strive to forget as well as forgive — when there had been nothing ripened so far as forgiveness.  I asked him whether he was sorry for his passed Conduct and would endeavour after true affectionate regarded to me hence forward?  but he made me no answer to it.  He goes away temperately.  My Daughter Molly came and lodged here in order to my riding abroad with her Mother to Marlborough if I be able — but the weather proves too rough and Cold.

[1]Zechariah Hicks, a carpenter of Cambridge, died Jan. 27, 1752, aged 94.  He was the father of John Hicks of Sutton.  Paige, Cambridge, p. 580.

January 29, 1752

1752 January 29 (Wednesday).  This Day 16 year Was a most gloomy time when I lost my former wife.  I would remember the wormwood and the gall, and my soul has reasons to be humbled within me.  But how gracious God has been in preserving and sparing me so long!  May God grant me His Grace to enable me to improve his long suffering!  Mr. Smith[1] came from Marlborough to see me, and brings a young lady with him, one Mrs. Lydia Coit of Boston.  Their coming prevented our going abroad to Day also.  They dined here and tarryed till nigh night when it snowed and the storm increased.  At Eve Mr. Williams and Mr. Batherick here.  N.B. the errand which the latter acquaints me with from Daniel Bond of Watertown concerning Mrs. Elizabeth Harrington.  Ebenezer here likewise.  N.B. Messrs. Daniel and Jonathan Forbush, Martin Pratt, and Elijah Rice, brought each of them a load of wood, and Mr. Edwards Whipple ditto.

[1]The Reverend Aaron Smith.  The matter concerned the future marriage of Elizabeth and Ebenezer, Jr.

January 30, 1752

1752 January 30 (Thursday).  Messrs. Charles Bruce and Eleazer Whitney, each a Load of Wood, Mr. Edwards Whipple came with his mare, and putting her into my slay drove my wife and me to his House, and we dined there.  I read Dr. Souths sermon on January 30, there.  Mr. Walker has made me a pair of Boots.  We went to Mr. Eliezer Rice’s, he was not at home, but I discoursed with his wife, she having lately lost her mother by sudden Death.  Ebenezer drove our slay home.

January 31, 1752

1752 January 31 (Friday).  Cold Weather, yet through God’s Goodness I am very comfortable and able to read and write again.  Dr. Gardner goes to Marlborough after school and I sent a message by him to Mr. Jacob Felton; and a letter from Mr. Josiah Swan[1] at Lancaster about Eusebius which I bought of his mother in his name some years ago.  Thus I finish the first month of this year, in which I have gone through both deep affliction and memorable mercy.  May God afford his Grace that I may walk in newness of life.

[1]Swan (Harvard 1733) had been the minister of Dunstable, 1738-1746.  He was now keeping school in Lancaster.  Sibley, IX, 331-332.

February 2, 1752

1752 February 2 (Sunday).  Read Numb. 38 and preached on Job 33.27, last clause.  P.M. read 1 Cor. 7 to number 24 omitting the rest.  Stopped the Church and read the Holliston result and Neighbour Eliezer Rice’s request for Church Meeting.  At Eve was very much worryed and tired, but I bless God He has enabled me thus far, May His Grace be perfected!

February 3, 1752

1752 February 3 (Monday).  Rain.  I attended the Church Meeting at which Mr. Eliezer Rice gave a paper containing his opinion about Original Sin.  I made some reply to it which the Church was desired to show their minds whether he should enjoy the priviledge of baptism for his child.  No hand was lifted up.[1]  N.B. Dr. Gardner returned from Marlborough last Eve to t’other house.

[1]There was some debate over Rice’s petition and Parkman opposed it.  Westborough Church Records, Feb. 3, 1752.

February 4, 1752

1752 February 4 (Tuesday).  Cold and blustering weather.  The season is still severe.  Read second volume of Secret History of Europe.  Mr. Grow here and brought me £12, 12 shillings, Old Tenor.  Never were the times more difficult with me than now respecting money when I owe so many and have so little to pay ‘em with.  This troubles me chiefly that I should be so unrighteous especially when not only a professor but a preacher of Righteousness.  Lord deliver me out of this snare!

February 5, 1752

1752 February 5 (Wednesday).  Dr. Gardner would find Horse while I find slay to ride to Mr. Martyn’s.  His horse proves too untractable.  We put in my Mare.  It is cloudy and cool and nigh Eve but we got over comfortably and lodged there.  N.B. Mr. Martyn has bought Ridgely etc.[1]

[1]Thomas Ridgley, D.D. (c. 1667-1734), a nonconformist English divine, was the author of several works, none of which was published in America.  The work mentioned here may have been A Body of Divinity: wherein the Doctrines of the Christian Religion are Explained and Defended, 2 vols. (London, 1731, 1733).

February 6, 1752

1752 February 6 (Thursday).  We feared a Storm but have a very fine Morn.  Return home.  N.B. Sir Forbes[1] has received a call from the town of Waltham and he is come up.  Captain Baker was here in the morning to acquaint me that the private meeting is appointed to be at his house today and yet that he must unavoidable be at Worcester — therefore requests me to be in his stead.  I accepted and preached there — Jer. 6.16 from page 13 on.  Lieutenant Tainter came home with me.  The sorrowful news of Mr. Peabody’s[2] Death which was confirmed,

[1]Forbes did not accept this call but later in the year was ordained at North Brookfield.

[2]The Reverend Oliver Peabody of Natick.