Category: Diary

1757 May 5 (Thursday).  Mr. Zebulon Rice works for me in Carting Muck — 9 Load.  I visited Mrs. Green again who remains sick and low.

1757 May 6 (Friday).  Mr. Jonas Twitchell comes to acquaint me with the Death of his son Samuel, in his 5th year, by Fever and Flux; and that his Wife and another Child are ill of the Same Distemper.  William Stone, ‘prentice to Mr. Rolf, works for me, carting out Muck.  He and my Boys got out 10 Load.  Jane Kelly here p.m. to quilt for Lucy.

1757 May 7 (Saturday).  Another Son of Mr. Twitchell being dead (Josiah of 2 years) they were both buryed this afternoon — on which I attended.

1757 May 8 (Sunday).  Read 2 K. 13.  Preached on Ps. 78.36.37.  Mrs. Joanna Chamberlin (wife of Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlin) and Persis Crosby (who resides at present with my Daughter Elizabeth) dined here.  P.M. read Mark 6, and taking v. 39 to 44.  I repeated my Exposition of Mat. 14.19 to 21.

1757 May 9 (Monday).  My wife went to Southborough with Miss Huldah Stone.  Peter Blanc wrought for me, partly in the Garden.

1757 May 10 (Tuesday).  Peter.  We plough with a feeble Team.  My old Mare and my sons Steers, and Sometimes the Boys put in a pair of steers of Mr. Nurse’s.  Much of my Time consumed in going about in the Neighbourhood to forward our Business.  My Wife returned from Southborough.

1757 May 11 (Wednesday).  Peter.  Mr. Ebenezer Forb. harrows some new ground turned up by Mr. Nurse.

1757 May 12 (Thursday).  Peter furrows out for planting.  I complyed with Mr. Edwards Whipple who requests me to dine with them at the removing his Barn and I took the Opportunity to visit Mrs. Green again.

1757 May 13 (Friday).  Peter.  We planted.  But on God does all attend.

1757 May 14 (Saturday).  Mrs. Judith Bellows here — returns me the Confession which I drew up for her; She says She can’t comply with it.  N.B. I had about this time a great deal of Talk with Jonathan Cook; chiefly about his admission into the Church of the North side.  Boys finish planting.  My son Alex goes to help Mr. Rolf in ploughing.  I rode to Southborough — Mr. Stone hither.

1757 May 15 (Sunday).  I preached at Southborough a. and p.m. on Ezek. 22.30 and p.m. I read also v. 31.  O that I had the Qualifications of a Gapman, and that God would please to quicken me to the Duty!  I tarried at Southborough.  Mr. Stone returned home.

1757 May 16 (Monday).  The End of my staying at Southborough was that I might go to Marlborough this morning which I did (having Mr. Abijah Gales Horse which I borrowed for this purpose).  Rode to Esquire Brighams — to Mrs. Betty Eagers, where I got two young Mulberry Trees — dined with my wife’s Kinswoman Mrs. Anna Brigham — gave her a note of 50£ old Tenor upon Interest, as part of pay for Lucys Curtains, Chairs, etc.  Went to Mr. Ephraim How’s but he was not at home.  Paid his wife 7£ Old Tenor and took her receipt.  Capt. Storer of Boston going to Worcester.

1757 May 17 (Tuesday).  Capt. Storer comes to Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s with an Officer and attaches his House and Land.

1757 May 18 (Wednesday).  Lucy and Suse ride to Marlborough in my Chair.  I am much taken off my Studys by being obliged to look up Money, the Collector being deficient in paying me.  The French Girls bring 33 Yards of Cloth, which Magdalene has Spun and wove for us.  They dined here.  P.M. was to See Mrs. Woods.  N.B. She is come (with her Husband Capt. Benjamin Wood) to live here nigh us again.  I walked as far as Cornelius Biglow juniors after money — but without any success at all.  The Boys clearing at the Island.  My Burthens heavy; but may God sustain me!

1757 May 19 (Thursday).  Catechized a. and p.m. at the Meeting House.

1757 May 20 (Friday).  Went to Worcester with Mr. Edwards Whipple; my Son Thomas with me, we being the witnesses of Old Mr. Whipples Will; which was now proved.  We all dined at Capt. Curtis’s — and gratis (though a Tavern).  Returned at Eve.  N.B. in this Journey called to see poor Willson and prayed with him — also Miss Mary Johnson and prayed with her.

1757 May 21 (Saturday).  Was obliged to go into the Neighbourhood for Money and Horse for my Journey to Boston.

1757 May 22 (Sunday).  Read 2 K. 15 (Mr. Stone had read the 14th).  Repeated sermon on Song 2.11.12.13.  Mrs. Mercy Chamberlin dined with us.  P.M. preached on Jer. 6.29.30.  On the Death of Mr. Cotton of Newton — read Mark 8.  N.B. Cautions to the people at Noon concerning the profanation of Sabbath and at Night concerning Disorders at the ensuing Election.

1757 May 23 (Monday).  I obtained, though with Difficulty, Capt. Woods Chair and Horse and my Wife and I rode to Watertown.  For our Journey Mr. Forb. the Collector, paid me only 5£ old Tenor.  Wherefore I took up £59.10.2 old Tenor of Capt. Fay: and we went to Marlborough and took up £44.3.0 old Tenor of the widow Grace Barns.  We dined at Esquire Brighams — had Mr. Maccartys and his mother’s Company on the Road to Waltham — lodged at Brother Harringtons.

1757 May 24 (Tuesday).  We rode to Cambridge and having visited my relations there, I went to see Mr. Lewis Robishow and his Family.  At Boston visit Cousen Procter, who has the Care of the Alms House; but we put up at Brother Samuels.  He keeps a stable and an Horse but is gone a Journey to Nottingham: N.B. Pito dyed last Friday, at Chelsey.  Visit Brother Parkman and his new Wife.  At Eve my wife goes to Savage’s Vendue — but buys nothing.  We dined and lodged at Brother Samuels.  N.B. Dr. Sayer of Wells there.

1757 May 25 (Wednesday).  Mr. Pemberton preached the Election Sermon on Deut. 5.29.  I dined in Fanuil-Hall.  P.M. at the Convention.  Dr. Sewall Moderator and prayed.  Mr. Cooper Scribe.  After Meeting visit my Cousen Oliver: but neither he nor his Wife at home.  At Mr. Eliots.  At Mr. John Brecks with my Wife.  Brother Robert Breck and Mr. Williams of Sandwich Sup there with us.  We lodge at Brother Samuels — he came home p.m.

1757 May 26 (Thursday).  In the morning at the Alms-House.  Pray there in the Hall, with the many variously miserable Members.  At the convention.  The Sermon by Mr. Rand of Kingston on 1 Thess. 2.4.  Dined at Mr. Mather’s.  Brother Samuel and I at Brother Parkmans to Settle our Mothers Estate; but Cousen Briant and Oliver not with us, we did not finish.  Supped and lodged at Brother Samuels.  N.B. My wife at Church’s Vendue and buys only a piece of Garlix.

1757 May 27 (Friday).  Breakfast at Cousen Winters and dined there.  Mrs. Winter and her sister Carser in languishing state.  My wife and I, both of us variously employed in buying Household goods for Lucy.  We leave the Town, and get up to Mr. Isaac Browns, where we were kindly and generously entertained and urgently invited to lodge there; but stood along to Mr. Woodwards, where we designed to put up.  Neither He nor his Wife came home.  We still continued our Journey to Sudbury, to my new Brother Baldwins –’twas nigh 10 o’Clock and they were all fast asleep.  We called ‘em up and we lodged there.

1757 May 28 (Saturday).  In our Journey home, we stopped at Miss Mary Sherman’s, and were well refreshed.  Got home but a little after 12, so that we dined at home.  Our Tabernacle in peace.  D.G.  N.B. Billy here.

1757 May 29 (Sunday).  I read 2 K. 16 and p.m. read Mark 9.  Preached, a. and p.m. on 2 Song. 12.  At Dinner were Mrs. Tainter and her Daughter Forb. as were Mr. Cutting of Sudbury and his Wife.

1757 May 30 (Monday).  Training Day.  Capt. Fay comes to view my Arms.  I visit Mr. Jonas Twitchels young Child, being sick — dined there.  Towards night visit Mr. Blanc.  Pay Magdalene one Dollar.  Mr. Fish here — informs me of the Design of a number of Ministers to preach at Cumberland, and asks my Concurrence; to which I Consent.

1757 May 31 (Tuesday).  LeBlanc and his Daughter Mary, with his son Joseph LeBlanc (from Cambridge) are early this morning on their Journey o’foot to visit their Friends down below.  I rode over to t’other House to see how my Daughter in Law and the Children that are with her, do; and to enquire after my son who does not come from Brookfield as expected: but hear nothing of him.  I also visited old Mr. Maynard to read his Will to him again; it being his earnest Desire to hear it.  He Said upon it, that it was all in every part, as he would have it to be.  This I told Mr. Nathan Maynards Wife, and Miss Hannah Maynard, in the hearing of Dr. Crosby.  P.M. I visited Mr. Joseph Greens Daughter Mary who is sick and at Dr. Crosby’s Desire, went to the raising of his House.

1757 June 1 (Wednesday).  I understand that Ebenezer came from Brookfield last night.  Daniel Wyman, ‘prentice to my son Baldwin, came here last night, from Sudbury; and lodged here.  This morning Billy and he drove my Bell-Cow (of Cambridge breed) to their Master Baldwin: And they are to take my Young Cattle with Ebenezers along with them to Brookfield.  Judge Ward brings me a paper of Subscriptions, headed by Mr. Stone and a great number more of Southborough people to print my sermon on Ezek. XXII.30.  Dr. Crosby here informs me that this morning poor Mr. Wilson of Shrewsbury escaped his House and Watchers, and is not found, though many are in Search for him.  Mr. Wilson had got away into the Woods of Phinehas Gleasons place and was found there.  My Wife at Ebenezers to assist them in going away.  And stays there all night.  For Eliza goes away in middle of the Night with the two little Girls, Betty and Molly; in my Chair drawn by my Mare, and my Daughter Sarah goes with her to help her.

1757 June 2 (Thursday).  Ebenezer Setts out this morning with a Load of his Goods, for Brookfield, Mr. Hezekiah Pratt and his oxen with him, to help him.  As I was over there, at t’other House to take leave of them (and carry them Some money to assist them in their Journey) So I was there this morning to help my wife in setting the Things that remain, in Order: and that Mr. Batherick may move into the House.  Which he begins to do by bringing Some of his Goods.  P.M. Lecture on 2 Chron. 6.26.27 on Occasion of the great want of Rain.

1757 June 3 (Friday).  Alex. and Breck carry Ashes in the wheel barrow to the Field and lay it on the Indian Corn.  Mr. Batherick moves into my t’other House, to live there according to our agreement in which he undertakes the work of that place, the profits being to the halves.

1757 June 4 (Saturday).  The Boys carry Ashes.  The Dryness of the Earth increases.  N.B. Mr. Eliezer Rice comes here p.m. and complains of Brother Samuel Fay junior and tells he has taken the previous Steps etc.  But there being no Opportunity now to call the Church together before the Communion (tomorrow being appointed to be sacrament Day) I wrote to Mr. Fay (which Rice promised to send to him right away; and Rice gave me under his Hand <to go on with> that if he did not Support his Complaint he would make Mr. Fay proper Satisfaction) to Advise him to suspend coming to the Communion for the present.  N.B. My Daughter Lucy not well.

1757 June 5 (Sunday).  Read 2 K. 17.  Preached on Joh. 14.6, last Clause.  Administered the Lords Supper — but not till I had spoke to Mr. Samuel Fay junior.  I asked him whether he had not received a Letter from me?  He answered that he had received one this morning but did not know what was in it, for he could not read writing.  I told him I Sent to him as Soon as I received the Complaint and related to him the Substance of the Letter.  He asked me whether the man was of the Church.  He said he Supposed that person was not allowed privilege etc.  I answered him that I conceived he was not cut off from Such privilege as these.  However, I advised Brother Fay to withdraw, that the Communion might not be disturbed.  Upon which he withdrew, saying as he went that he counted he had met with hard Treatment.  The Deacons, Tainter and Bond and Mr. Moses Twitchells Wife dined with us.  P.M. read Mark 10 and having delivered all my preparations in one Exercise, p.m. I repeated, with Alterations my Expositions on Mat. 15.12.13.14.  Signs of Rain go over.

1757 June 6 (Monday).  Mr. Moses Nurse has brought up from Boston two iron Kettles, an Iron Pott, Andirons etc., which were lately bought chiefly for Lucy, Safely and gratis.  Mr. Phinehas Hardy makes me a Cart Gate.  Mr. Zebulon Rice helps him part of the forenoon.  Amon Blanc ploughs among my Corn.  Mrs. Rachel Rice Sick.  I visited her twice: prayed with her.  My Daughter Lucy So ill that at her repeated, earnest Request I write a Letter to her Husband at Brookfield; and send it by Abner Newton who goes Express to inform Charles etc. Rice of their Mothers low Condition.  Amon Blanc goes home at Night.  A Shower goes over to the South West, but none here.

1757 June 7 (Tuesday).  Called up before sun rise to visit Mrs. Rice who draws near to Death.  My wife went up with me.  Prayed with her.  She was hardly Sensible of anything.  What She Said was very imperfect.  Onesiphosus Ayres of Brookfield came with a Team and carryed off Lucys Goods.  Mr. Jonas Twitchell helped load.  Dr. Crosby here to see Lucy who was very ill in the morning.  Ayres dines here: he setts out about 3 p.m.  Amon Blanc ploughs among my Corn again.  Yesterday had merchant Rice’s Horse; to Day Mr. Ebenezer Maynards.  Very hot dry Weather.  May God be merciful or we soon perish!  Mrs. Rachel Rice died p.m.

1757 June 8 (Wednesday).  Amon Blanc and my two Boys Alex. and Breck hoe my Corn.  Capt. Baldwin (who came a Little after Midnight) to Day takes his Wife out in a Chair, and they ride over to Mr. Martyns — and return at Evening.  P.M. came his Father and Mother; and at Evening his Uncle Samuel (with whom he served apprenticeship).  They Supped and lodged here.  I would view the kind Hand of Providence that when I was Somewhat put to’t for fresh Meat, Mr. Maynard kindly Sent me a Quarter of veal and some Butter.  Mrs. Dolly Rice an old Cheese. Thomas went to Southborough to invite Miss Huldah Stone to go with his Sister to Brookfield; but returned without her, it being too short Warning, yet longer could not be given because Lucy was So ill yesterday that it was uncertain whether she could go her self.