Category: Diary

1756 October 7 (Thursday).  Early in the Morning walked to Mr. Daniel Adams’s to See his son, being in a very low and dangerous State.  Mrs. Rebec. Warrin here, and dined with us.  P.M. attended the Funeral of two of Mr. Daniel Warrins Children (of the other Precinct).  The Children were Daniel of about 6, and Asaph, of about 2.  After waiting upon that Duty I turned in to Mr. Noah How’s to see his Wife who is yet alive.  I endeavoured her instruction and Edification by the most Seasonable Discourse I could think of, as also of those who were in the room besides  but when I put Some Questions to her that were very close and trying (indeed whether they were the Closeness of those or no that caused her to say so, I cant tell) she said, my Discourse worryed her desperately.  Upon this I desisted and bid her farewell, nor did either of them ask me to pray with them.  This was to my great Grief, as I never expect to See her alive again.

 

A Number of Persons, about 32, came and husked out my West Field of Corn, and that by the Barn.  My son Thomas helped me Yesterday and to Day in Cutting it up and gathering it into Heaps.  Mr. Alph. Newton likewise assisted part of p.m. and Mr. Moses Nurse in the Evening got his Team, and by the help of Some of the Hands brought in what was not carted in the Day.  Lt. Tainter and his son, Deacon Bond, Mr. Jonah Warrin, Mr. Eliezer Rice were part of the Company.  N.B. News of a great multitude of French and Indians consisting of many thousands, coming against our Forts and Frontiers.

1756 October 8 (Friday).  Very rainy Day.  All my Corn and Husks lie abroad.  N.B. Mr. Samuel Fay junior burys his Son Nehemiah to Day, though So rainy: he had sent to me but I could not Venture in so wet a Season to go out.

1756 October 9 (Saturday).  It has been a very rainy Night and Morning.  Mr. Daniel Adams’s only Child is Dead and the Appointment of Burial is nine this Morning.  A Child of Mr. Edmund Rice, Samuel about 2 1/2 old, lies dead, and the appointment Ten, this morning, also: Mr. Noah Hows Wife dyed last Evening and is to be buryed this afternoon.  Mr. Ebenezer Forbush’s Ebenezer dyed last night.  So that there are 4 lie dead in our Parish at this time.  My son Thomas having Watched with Mr. Rogers, brings word that he is but just alive.  By reason of the Rain I could not attend either of the Funerals of the forenoon: but p.m. it so held up that I went to the Funeral of Mrs. How.  May God be merciful to us in this Day of Adversity and Calamity!  This has been a very remarkable Week for mortality among us.  Every Day since last Sabbath there has been either Death or Buryal: Eight have dyed in 4 Days, viz. the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th, and 7 of them in 3 Days.  Such is the Will of the holy and Sovereign God!

1756 October 10 (Sunday).  Although the People are, as I apprehend, too backward in moving for a Fast, yet I thought it my Duty to stop the Church at noon, and propose it to them.  They complyed by a pritty general Vote.  The Day to be next Thursday (God willing) — and p.m. I recommended it to the Congregation and requested them to join with us therein.  A.M. I preached on Heb. X.31.  P.M. repeated Sermon 1 Hos. 6.1.  After Meeting attended the Funeral of Mr. Ebenezer Forbush’s son Ebenezer which dy’d the night before last.  N.B. There were 18 Notes and Requests for Prayers etc.

1756 October 11 (Monday).  This morning we have the sorrowful News that Neighbour John Rogers is dead; and that Neighbour Bathericks youngest Daughter Lydia, Aets. 5, dyed also this Morning.  Mr. Jabez Snow came to work here; layd a Floor over the Bed-Room.  My Daughter Lucy returned from Brookfield, Capt. Baldwin with her.

1756 October 12 (Tuesday).  Capt. Baldwin to Boston.  Mr. Snow makes Window Frames for the Kitchin.  Deacon Kimbal works for me: plaisters in the Cieling [sic] of my West-Chamber, Entry and part of Stair Case.  Attended the Funerals of Mr. John Rogers and Mr. Bathericks Daughter.  They had appointed the Same time of Day, and therefore met at Mr. Rolfs and I prayed with them both there.  At Night Mr. Grout being very ill, Sent for me.  I went: it was between 9 and 10.  Found him but poorly able to converse: tarryed there till between 12 and 1 and then took leave — lodged at Mr. Moses Brigham.  N.B. John is ill; Lucy not well.  Brother Harrington here at Eve.

1756 October 13 (Wednesday).  Mr. Grout dyed this Morning.  Mr. Snow and Deacon Kimbal at work.  I rode to Shrewsbury Fast on the Account of the Wasting Sickness among them.  Called at Mr. Daniel Warrins as I went, his Daughter Abigail (of 17) sick, and their Daughter Elizabeth very low.  I did not arrive at Mr. Cushings till noon.  Mr. Morse had prayed and Mr. Hutchinson preached.  P.M. I prayed and Mr. Maccarty preached.  His Text Gen. [blank].  I returned at Eve, called at Warrins again.  My little John worse.

1756 October 14 (Thursday).  John’s illness increases upon him.  May God fit him and us for the divine Will!  This Day was observed as a Day of Fasting and Prayer on the Account of the Sickness.  Mr. Hutchinson prayed a.m. and Mr. Martyn preach’d on Hos. 6.4.5.6.  P.M. Mr. Cushing prayed and Mr. Stone preached.  His text Ps. 146.4.  May God accept our Offerings and spare His People!  Dr. Crosby here.

1756 October 15 (Friday).  John grows Worse.  Ebenezer Stone at Lt. Brighams who was So very bad, dyes this morning.  I visited there a.m. and attended Mr. Grouts Funeral p.m.  Sent for by Mr. Bezaleel Smith being in a low and dangerous Condition.  Took my final Farewell of him.  Capt. Baldwin here.

1756 October 16 (Saturday).  He takes with him the Horse and Tackling that Lucy rode upon, to return to Brookfield.  I attended the Funeral of Ebenezer Stone.  My little John a little better.  Dr. Crosby here both Yesterday and to Day.  Alexander is followed with the Fever and Ague, at t’other House.  I am informed that a Family of Neutral French, as they were called, are come into Town and dwell in Mr. Hammonds House.

1756 October 17 (Sunday).  Could not Seasonably accomplish my preparation of one Sermon which I undertook; So continual were my Interruptions and Engagements every Day last Week.  I therefore repeated with Additions my Sermon on Prov. 14.9 a. and p.m.  Which may God most gracious please to bless and prosper!  Mr. Bazaleel Smith is yet living and desires prayers for him.  My little John is worse; his Flux continues, and a great Aversion to take either Medicine or Food.  Must leave him in the Hands of God who alone can help him.  My son Ebenezer is ill also.

1756 October 18 (Monday).  John remains in a very low Condition.  We are waiting the divine Will: but need His Special Aids that we may be conformed thereto.  Visit Mr. Zebulun Rice, Two of his Children being ill.  Mrs. Death, Wife of Mr. Jotham Death, for whom we Contributed, was here; and I delivered her the Money that was collected.  Mr. Jabez Snow Shingling the north side of my Kitchin.  Mr. Thomas Frost with Billy carting in Stalks, Husks, Pumpkins.  I visited Mr. Ebenezer Maynard whose youngest Son is Sick.  And made a Visit to poor, Miserable Mercy Maynard, and find her in Some Penitent Way, which may God please to forward and ripen!  At Eve little John still continues; but very ill and Weak.  My Wife almost disheartened about him.

1756 October 19 (Tuesday).  I ‘waked early; a great while before Day: being full of deep Concern for my little Son, my Heart wrought much.  Was very fervent and importunate in Addresses for him: as also for Pardon of Personal and Fam. Offenses — for the great Grace likewise of preparation for the divine Pleasure.  When I went into the room where my Wife and son were, I found he was much revived; and hopes gladdened us of his Recovery.  D. Opt. Max. Grates per plurim. ex imo Corde per solva!

 

I made a Visit to the French Family lately brought among us.  They dwell at Mr. Biglows.  The Mans Name is Simon LeBlanc.  He is about 55.  From Nova Scotia about 9 Leagues off from Annapolis.  Has with him a Wife and 4 Children: himself Rheumatic — appears Sociable; is a roman Catholic; but is able to read.  N.B. My own Rheumatism continues in my right Arm so bad that I have applyed another Blister.  Breck fetches Winter Apples from Mrs. Barnes.  N.B. towards Night a strong Tempest.

1756 October 20 (Wednesday).  Mr. Snow came to work again.  Little John grows Still better.  D.G.  Dr. Crosby here.  Mr. Bezaleel Smith dyes.  P.M. Mr. Hutchinson here, returning from a Fast at Framingham.  N.B. his Talk about Mr. William Crawford.  Mr. Snow breaks off before Night, to go to Lt. Maynards to choose some Boards for me, but without success.  Finished reading Fordyce on the Art of Preaching and the Eloquence of the Pulpit.

1756 October 21 (Thursday).  Mr. Snow came (from home) to work here.  Visit Mr. Reuben Maynards Family; his Wife and two Children being Sick of the Distemper.  And I attended the Funeral of Mr. Bezaleel Smith.  N.B. Mr. Snow lodged here.

1756 October 22 (Friday).  Mr. Snow at work here.  Visit Aged Mr. Bradish being Sick.  P.M. to Mr. D. Hardys for Boards for Mr. Snow to Work.  And called to See the French Family again.  Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlin kindly brought me a Barrell of Cyder; and another from Mr. Ithamar Bellows, both gratis.

1756 October 23 (Saturday).  Mr. Snow worked ½ a Day.  My right shoulder Lame yet with Rheumatic Pains.  Such is the holy and sovereign Will of God!  To which I beg Grace to enable me humbly to submitt.

1756 October 24 (Sunday).  Mr. Pierpont of New Haven on his Journey from Rochester home, came here this Morning: and tarrys with us over the Sabbath.  I preached a.m. on Heb. 10.31 and p.m. repeated sermon on Jer. 6.8.  May God give His Blessing!  At Evening I had the great Pleasure of Conversing with my dear Friend Pierpoint about his late eminent and memorable Spouse.  He has brought me her private Papers, containing many of her Spiritual Experiences.  He has also a Draught which the Rev. Mr. Jacob Johnson, minister of New Groton, has made therefrom; containing with all an Account of her Life and Character — in order to publication but imperfect.  And Mr. Pierpont requests me to review both this Draught, and the Journals, and if I think it may be for the Divine Glory and for the Service of the Christian World to publish Memoirs of her, to prepare them accordingly.  He Shewed me also divers Letters, upon this Affair.  I accept the Papers to read, but under my present Circumstances, can’t give him Encouragement that I will do it.  N.B. Alexander in a relaxed state, after Fever and Ague, returns to tarry at Home.

1756 October 25 (Monday).  Mr. Pierpoint and I rode over to Mr. Martyns and dined there.  In returning home visited Several Sick Familys, viz. Mr. (Over the River) Daniel Warrins; and Mr. Edmund Rice’s.

1756 October 26 (Tuesday).  Mr. Pierpoint was purposing to set out for home, but I importuned him to tarry another Day with us.  N.B. he shewed me Mr. Edwards of Stockbridge’s Letter, directing him to Me to publish an Account of the late worthy and pious Mrs. Pierpont.  I visited Lt. Brigham, who with his Wife and most of his Children are Sick of the wasting Sickness — his Son Antipas in Special very ill.  P.M. attended the funeral of the Youngest Child of Mr. Reuben Maynard.

1756 October 27 (Wednesday).  My Wife and Daughter Lucy rode over to Mr. Martyns to Lecture after parting with our dear Friend Mr. Pierpoint, who this Morning left us to pursue his Journey home.  I was called to go to Mr. Edmund Rice’s, to the Funeral of his Child, his son Edmund.  After prayer at the House of Mourning I rode to the Lecture though late.  And Mr. Stone, who was spoke to to preach, not being come, I preached — Text 1 Sam. 4.22.  We all returned home at Evening in safety; Except that My Rheumatic Pain in my right Arm is increased.

1756 October 28 (Thursday).  N.B. Mr. Daniel Stone in trouble, on account of my Son Thomas who had sued him for a Debt of his sons which he had undertaken to pay, but neglected.  Fast at Southborough.  Mr. Stone had Sent Mr. Ephraim Woods to me to assist him; but it proved so rainy that (under my indispositions especially) I could not venture to go in the morning.  After 11 a.m. it held up so that though Cloudy and lowery, I rode there.  Mr. Stone had prayed and Mr. Smith preached a.m.  P.M. Mr. Bridge prayed and I preached the Same Text as Yesterday, viz. 1 Sam. 4.22.  May it be accompanyed with the Divine Blessing; especially into my own Soul!  That I may be duely concerned for the Ark of God, the Signs and Tokens of the divine Presence among us; that I may be humbled for the Hand I my Self have had (which has been alas!  not small) in provoking the Lord’s Displeasure against His People and that I may do my Utmost to prevent the Glory departing from us!

 

N.B. Mr. Stone, when I returned to his House, in Conformity to one Head in the Discourse (he said), viz. concerning Brotherly Admonition gave me his fraternal Correction, for stopping to Speak with Some Persons near the Meeting House after the Exercise was over, which I gave him an account of — Scil: that it was to Enquire how my Wife’s Nephew, Dr. Gott, did; we having heard that he was dangerously sick at Marlborough and my wife was greatly concerned about him, so that She had been endeavoring for some time to go and see him, but she had been prevented by the Sickness of Several of our own Children and Several Other Things that had occurred.  This Enquiry was made by me of Mrs. Susanna Gleson who had been nursing Dr. Gott and was lately come from him.  The Other person I Spoke to was Old Mrs. Phillips who stopped me as I passed along, She being glad to see me abroad again, and wanted also to Enquire of me concerning her Children who dwell among us.  When I gave Mr. Stone this Account he said he was Satisfied as to this.

 

In returning home I was detained some time at Bruce’s by a Storm of Rain, Thunder and Wind.  N.B. Mr. Huston, a preacher, was there.  When it cleared up I came home, though late, in safety.  D.G.

1756 October 29 (Friday).  My Wife and Lucy to Marlborough in the Chair, to See Dr. Gott etc. etc.  Mr. Francis Gardner from Stow, calls here; and is better in Health, than when he left our School.  N.B. I have applyed another Blister to my right Arm, to remove the Rheumatic Pains which still affect me.  May God give His Blessing, on which alone Success depends!

1756 October 30 (Saturday).  Mr. Solomon Woods here and informs me they are very ill at Deacon Forbushs and desire me to visit them.  I went accordingly and found the Young Deacon not well, but growing worse.  Several of his Children ill, but especially two of his Daughters in a Dangerous State, Joanna but especially Sarah.  Rufus Putnam also very ill there.  All of them the Distemper.  I dined there.  Old Mrs. Forb. is also drooping.

1756 October 31 (Sunday).  A.M. preached on Heb. 10.31 and p.m. Rom. 11.33 which I had delivered some Years ago, for, except Friday, I was obliged to be out from home every Day of the week, so that I could prepare but one sermon.

1756 November 1 (Monday).  The Committee for the Burying Place — I offer them that if they have a Mind to Alter the Bounds on the East side I will give them two Rods for one, on the North — but Nothing is done to Effect.  The Precinct met to see whether they will Alter and settle my Yearly Sallery — or if not, add to my Sallery for this Year.  The former they would not do, though it was long debated.  Mr. Daniel Forb. came to me from them.  I sent them a paper of this Day — but the Vote went in the Negative notwithstanding.  A Majority of one only carryed it so.  The latter was granted — and they made this years to be in old Tenor 470 and 30 to Lt. Tainter for wood; in all £500 old tenor.  At Eve visit Deacon Forb. who lost his Daughter Sarah; his Daughter Joanna very bad; his son Jonathan ill — So is his Mother, and the Young Man Rufus Putnam, whose Mother, Sadler, is with him: but especially Deacon Forbush is himself very bad and growing worse still.  He took a Vomit to day, but still renches and Strains; nor does any thing relieve him.

1756 November 2 (Tuesday).  A.M. at the funeral of another of Mr. Reuben Maynards Children, the Name, Bethiah.  Dined at Mr. Joseph Bruce’s with his Wife, he being from home.  Visited and prayed with Mrs. Hannah Tainter, who is sick.  Thence I rode to Deacon Forb. who is grown extremely bad and fears he shall not live through the Night.  His Daughter Sarah buryed.  The rest of the House, not worse than they were.  Am much affected with the Deacons low Condition.  Wrote to Mr. Forb. of Brookfield.  N.B. Dr. Minot of Concord here to invite me and my Wife, my Son Thomas and Daughter Lucy, to his Wedding next Thursday come se’nnight.

1756 November 3 (Wednesday).  So Stormy I can neither visit Deacon Forb. nor expect Mr. Martyn to preach.  Was obliged to preach my self, to an handfull of people.  Text was Heb. 13.14.  Deacon, I hear, is somewhat better.  D.G.  But his Daughter Joanna is dead.

1756 November 4 (Thursday).  I hear that to Day there is a Fast at Hopkinton and that I am sent to, but no Message has reached me.  I attended the Funeral of Deacon Forbs. Daughter Joanna.  The Deacon Seems to be more comfortable both in Mind and Body — thinks he knows in whom he has believed etc.  Sister Forb. low yet: and the Youngest Child ill.  But Rufus Putnam is recovering.  My Daughter in Law here, and is very earnest to know what I will do for her Husband.  She lodges here.

1756 November 5 (Friday).  Daughter Eliza urges me still with the Same Affair.  Billy brings over 4 Bushell of Turnips from Ebenezer and works for him p.m. in gathering or cutting up his Corn.  Am sent for to visit at Lt. Brighams (am forced to borrow Mr. Nurse’s Horse) and went.  Antipas very bad — Barny also dangerously ill; and Jonas (the oldest son) taken sick.  So that now all their Family, but a Boy that lives with them (Jonas Twitchell) have had the Distemper.

1756 November 6 (Saturday).  Mr. Forbush of Brookfield here: came last night to his Fathers.  He returns back as far as Worcester that he may preach there tomorrow.  Billy thrashes Rye.  Mr. Mason here and informs me his Idiot son Aaron, is dead of the Distemper.  He has Gloves here for the Funeral; and engages me a Shoat in payment — but leave my Wife to trade with him, being Shortned for Time for my Preparations in these Extraordinary Times.

1756 November 7 (Sunday).  Preached a.m. on Heb. 10.31 and finished the Subject.  Administred the Lords Supper.  Desired Mr. Francis Whipple to assist instead of Deacon Forb. who is Sick.  Deacon Bond and his Wife, and old Mrs. How dined with us.  P.M. I repeated sermon on Rev. 22.14 to page 68.  Mr. Forb. having preached at Worcester, returns hither and goes to see his Mother and Brother this Eve.

1756 November 8 (Monday).  Sister Forb. very ill yet: but especially her Son is very low, and his youngest Child, Hannah.  As I went to see them I called to See the French Family — and it being p.m. when I was there, they made Tea and I drank with them.  Thence I walked to the House of Chief Distress and tarried into Evening.  Assisted in writing Deacon Forb.’s Will.  Find him very much composed in his Mind as to his Spiritual state also, and willing to depart and to be with Christ which is best of all.  He said he wanted to Speak to the world round about him.  (I suppose it was upon the Same head that he Spake once before, viz. to exhort to get ready for dying) but says he, it must be by your Mouth.  The young Child dyed while we were at prayer.  I left ‘em about 10 at Night, commending ‘em to the infinite Mercy and Grace of God through the Glorious Redeemer.

1756 November 9 (Tuesday).  I catechized at Mr. Joslyn’s.  Had about 20 Children.  N.B. After the Exercise came Mrs. Judith Bellows again but it was much the Same fruitless Talk as it used to be.  The Lord pity her, and grant her the Grace of true Repentance!  N.B. Mr. Jonah Warrin with a Yoke of Oxen, Billy with his Brothers Oxen, and Mr. Nurse’s Plough, ploughed part of my Field behind the Meeting House: but Mr. Warrin tarryed only a.m., the Coulter of the Plough being worn too much, and we could not get it immediately Mended.  Billy having done Some small Jobbs with Ebenezers Oxen, went home with them before Night.

1756 November 10 (Wednesday).  Am informed this Morning that about ten o’Clock last night Deacon Jonathan Forbush junior departed this Life.  I hope in Christ, and that he is gone to Glory!  But an heavy and sorrowfull Loss to his dear Wife, to his distressed Parents and Children, to his mournful Brethren and sisters, Nei[gh]bours and Friends; in a Peculiar Manner to the Church of God here, of which he was a shining Ornament, especially for his Integrity and Uprightness.  This Death affects me very much, as he was a very singular Friend to the best Interests among us; and one on whom I might as well depend (under God) as upon any Man in the whole Place.  I may take up Davids Lamentation, “I am distressed for thee (on the Account of the Loss of thee) my Brother Jonathan.  Very pleasant hast thou been to me!”[1]  May God teach us all, and me especially to profit by His holy Stroke upon us!  O for Grace to be ready also!  Mr. Jonah Warrin with his Oxen, and Billy with his Brothers plough again.  P.M. instead of burying Deacon Forb.’s Child at one, the Funeral of both the Father and the Child are appointed to be at 3.  They are buryed in one Coffin.  There is an Universal Lamentation.  N.B. Capt. Baldwin brings my Daughter Forb. who came from Brookfield yesterday, and her Daughter Lydia.

[1] 2 Sam. 1:26, “I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.”