Category: Diary

1758 November 18 (Saturday).  Send Alexander to carry a Bushel of Indian Corn to Mill, which when Ground I direct him to present to the widow Elizabeth Rogers in her lonely Condition.  Mr. James Cordwell of Sutton dined here.  P.M. Mr. Nehemiah Putnam my Kinsman, here.  William Stone going to his sick Brother Samuel at Sheffield, carrys a Letter and stuff for a Gown, to be left at Capt. Wolcotts at Brookfield for my Daughter Sarah.

1758 November 19 (Sunday).  Read 2 Chron. 31, Joh. 19.1-22.  Preached a.m. on Rom. 12.2.  P.M. on Heb. 12.14.  Delivered from p. 9 to 14 of Sermon on Rom. 12.18, with various Alterations.  N.B. Capt. Maynard and Sundry others who have returned from the War, at Meeting.

1758 November 20 (Monday).  Several of our Children are conceived to have the Chicken Pox — tis Supposed they have taken it from some or other of my Son Baldwins Family who have been here.  Miss Betty Johnson is here making a Coat for John, as Mrs. How (Noahs wife) is making one for Samuel.  Mr. Joseph Robishow and his Wife here.  I resent to him the Conduct of some Young French people (Maran Gordow and two or three with him, and one or more of the Blanc’s, who travelled by the Meeting House in time of divine Service yesterday).  I wrote also a Letter in French (as well as I could) to Monsieur Le Blanc, testifying against it.  P.M. I rode with my Wife, in the Chair, to See Mrs. Tainter, Benjamin’s Wife, who is indeed very Low.  Saw Monsieur there, and delivered and read my Letter my self to him.  N.B. The Taylor woman lodges here.

1758 November 21 (Tuesday).  Mr. Thomas Whitney brought me two Barrells of Cyder, one from himself, the other from Mr. Reuben Maynard.  Miss Johnson goes a.m. with Mr. Tainter, as Company to his wife.  Mr. Zachary Hicks dines here.  At Night we had the Favour to See Billy again who came from Brookfield on Foot to Day; and is in good Health.  To God be Praise and Thanks for His great Goodness and Benignity!  Miss Johnson returns here at Night and lodges here.

1758 November 22 (Wednesday).  She works till near night, and then Alexander goes with her home to Southborough, notwithstanding the Rain.  Deacon Tainter comes from Boston and informs that my Young Kinsman is still living, but has been several Times thought to be expiring.  Mr. Amsden came and presented a young Turkey to roast tomorrow: he having fatted it on purpose for me.  May God grant him the Grace of seriousness!

1758 November 23 (Thursday).  Thanksgiving.  Preached on Ps. 48.9.  N.B. In the sermon I mentioned the private Family Meeting’s dwindling to nothing; For so I was informed by Deacon Tainter, and that there was a proposal of some to meet at my House this Evening.  And accordingly the following Persons came Esq. Baker, Deacon Tainter and Deacon Bond, Capt. Fay, Capt. Wood, Messrs. Whitney, Grow, Daniel Hardy, Daniel Adams, Daniel Forbush, and they entered into fresh Engagements to revive and attend the Meeting at a better Rate for the future, and agreed that they would meet on Tuesdays at 1 p.m.  Next meeting to be at old Mr. Bradish’s, next Tuesday come se’nnight.  N.B. No Blanc to Day though I invited him and his wife.

1758 November 24 (Friday).  Alexander goes for Miss Johnson and She comes to work again.  I rode to Upton to see Mr. Elijah Warrin and his Wife, who has lately lain in, and they have a son.  Brother and sister Hicks there.  In returning, visit Mr. Samuel Forb., Widow Whitney — and Mr. Grow goes with me to Mr. Bowmans, who is upon the recovery, and was able to converse sensibly and Seriously.  Thomas carrys Suse to Marlborough and they lodge at Esq. Brighams.

1758 November 25 (Saturday).  Miss Johnson was ill last night and this morning.  Thomas returns but leaves Suse.  P.M. rode to Marlborough and Mr. Smith to Westborough.  N.B. one Mr. Treadwell a soldier goes to Mr. Smiths; tarrys there all night — he is high in Religious Discourse, but by the account given at Mr. Smith’s, he is not equal in Morals.

1758 November 26 (Sunday).  I preached at Marlborough a. and p.m. on Prov. 14.9.  Suse dined with me — and I carryed her home at Eve.  Mr. Smith preached on Heb. 4.11.  In his returning he told me, the stir against Mr. Stone had risen to a Tumult beyond Imagination.  Miss Betty Johnson tarrys over the Sabbath with us and

1758 November 27 (Monday).  She is at work here still.  Mr. Joseph Rice yesterday desired my son Thomas to acquaint me that a soldier, Arthur Brown, was sick and very low, at his House.  And he desired me to go and See him this morning.  I was accordingly on the Road there, when Mr. Edmond Rice met me to inform me Mr. Brown was dead — and I was requested to attend the Funeral in the afternoon.  Mrs. Pratt (wife of Mr. Martin Pratt) and her son Martin dined here.  P.M. I attended the Funeral of Mr. Brown.  N.B. his Brother came before the Corps was put into the Coffin.  I had ordered the Grave-digger to digg within my Ground, that no exception might be made (as heretofore in the Case of Mr. Alexander Kelly) against burying in the burying Ground.  This Mr. Brown (the Brother of the deceased) took in good part.  At Eve Mr. Hutchinson who had been to preach at Springfield (part of Dedham) and Deacon Merriam, who was his Companion in Travelling, were here.

1758 November 28 (Tuesday).  Esq. Baker and Capt. Fay, the Delegates came here to go with me to Southborough.  I carryed Miss Betty Johnson to Mr. Timothy Warrins.  To The Council at Southborough.  Mr. Maccarty and his Delegates in Company.  Dined at Mr. Stones.  But Eight Churches came.  Did not go to the Meeting House till 3 o’Clock — had the Public Hearing.  Lodged at Mr. Stones with Mr. Gardner.

1758 November 29 (Wednesday).  A.M. at the Meeting House.  Cold and Rain till 11 o’Clock.  Dined etc. at Mr. Stone’s.  While the Council review the Minutes and Papers, Capt. Josiah Richardson improves his Influence with Capt. Ezra Taylor, Mr. Stones principal Antagonist — but to small Effect.  Yet Capt. Taylor and a Number of them come into the Council at Eve.  After much labouring with them the Council is by them Selves for their Debates and votes.  N.B. Mr. Sheffield of Mendon dissents very much.  Mr. Maccarty and his two Delegates Major Howard and Mr. Brown dissent, so does our Capt. Benjamin Fay, except in the first vote of Capt. Richardson’s Scheme of votes.  See the Minutes of the Council.  N.B. When I saw how Slender the vote was, that the Church and Pastor were to be justifyed in censuring the young persons who were complained of, I declared my Self amazed and griev’d that the Brethren would shew no more regard to their Pastors, nor would assist them in putting away Evil.  All the Council sat up till long after Midnight.  I did not go to sleep till nigh 3 in the morning.  Four of us are a Committee to prepare a Result.

1758 November 30 (Thursday).  A.M. About the Result.  The moderator obtains of Mr. Martyn to draw up the Exhortation.  N.B. Mr. Belknap chooses a number out of the Council, to sit at a Convenient Time and hear his Affair.  N.B. at Dinner Capt. Taylor with us.  P.M. published the Result, after which Mr. Stone very affectionately addressed all his Brethren who were of one side and t’other.  But to little Effect on the Adverse party.  Returned home at Eve; and find all in Comfort.  D.G.  I Said, all in Comfort — but I am to Except the sorrowfull News we have of the Death of my dear Kinsman, my Brother Samuels only Son, William Bowes Parkman, who dyed on the 22d.  May God most gracious please to Sanctify this Breach to all of us!  But especially Support my poor Brother under this distressing Bereavement.  And may both his and my own Children have Grace to think Seriously of the Vanity of Life, and prepare for their own Death.

1758 December 1 (Friday).  Deacon Tainter having had my Mare to Boston and carryed a Calf for us (for which he got 6£ without the Skin) returns, and brings a Letter and Mourning Gloves for us — and a Pair of white Gloves for Thomas, who had watched with his Billy in his Sickness.  My son William is under Indisposition and fear what it will increase to.  Alexander to Mr. Stones for the Result — but comes without.

1758 December 2 (Saturday).  He goes again, and meets it on the way.

1758 December 3 (Sunday).  Read 2 Chron. 32.  Preached on Joh. 19.34.  Administered the Lords Supper.  N.B. Mr. Jonathan Burnap with us — and he dines here.  As does Deacon Tainter and his Wife.  P.M. omitted public Reading.  Repeated (with Alterations) sermon on Mat. 6.25.  The Day being short and Cold, when I desired the Church to tarry, told the Congregation that Such as were o mind to stay were welcome (for it would take a great deal of Time for the Congregation to go out) and then read the Result of Southborough Council.  N.B. After Meeting Lt. Whitney of Watertown, and his son were here, and Lt. Tainter and his son Warrin came in with them.  N.B. The Discourse chiefly in easing Mr. Warrins Mind about the Proceedings at Southborough.  Am sorry there needs so much to be said in Vindication.  But the world is full of unkind Reflections.

1758 December 4 (Monday).  Tis grown very Cold again.  Alexander and Breck thrash Rye.  We fear our Children have the Chicken pox but they dont lye by.

1758 December 5 (Tuesday).  Write and Send an Answer to my Brother Samuels mournful Letter.  Preached at the private Meeting at Mr. Bradish’s on Luk. 9.62.  N.B. The Articles of the Family meeting which were signed Feb. [blank] 1756/7 were read and Consent called for — or if any body had any thing against either the Meeting itself or these articles — very little if any thing was said in answer.  Esq. Baker was desired to keep them and he put them in his pocket accordingly.  N.B. The next meeting to be at his House.

1758 December 6 (Wednesday).  I visited old Mr. Fay and his wife.  Jeduthun not at home.  His wife is composed.  His Son Hezekiah, whose Leggs a loaded Cart run over, is recovered.  Dined at Mr. Joseph Grouts where I visited also: at Mr. Jonathan Fay’s.  N.B. Capt. Bezaleal Eager and Wife there.  Visited at Mr. Joseph Bruce’s — at Monsieur LeBlanc’s.

1758 December 7 (Thursday).  Dr. Hamilton here — dined with us.  I can’t recommend this place for him to settle in.  He goes to Mr. Daniel Forb.  I invited him to return and lodge here: which he did.  P.M. to t’other House and to Mr. Noah Hows to gratifie him about some Pine in my Hill; but he was not at Home.  At Capt. Maynards but neither was he at home.  Miss Betty Johnson works for Thomas.

1758 December 8 (Friday).  Miss Betty.  Dr. Hamilton returned to Brookfield.  Received a Letter from Mr. Maccarty manifesting some Disquiet at my Asking him at Southborough Council when the result had been read, and he wanted to go away, whether he was disgusted at the Result etc.  P.M. Master Nathan Stone with a Letter from his Father to desire me to change.  At Eve Master Charles Coffin of College; but had been to Hardwick, came to see us and lodged here.

1758 December 9 (Saturday).  Coffin left us to go to Cambridge.  Miss Betty Johnson here still making a Coat for Thomas.  P.M. I rode to Southborough.  Mr. Stone here.  N.B. Deacon Bond and Mr. Warrin are frequently coming with Wood.

1758 December 10 (Sunday).  I preached at Southborough on Job 33.27 a.m., former part: p.m. latter part of the v.  At Eve I returned home.  Mr. Stone tarried and lodged here.  He preached on Deut. 7.10.

1758 December 11 (Monday).  Miss Betty Johnson goes from us to the Widow Joanna Forb.  Mr. Stone goes back to Southborough.  My son William setts out for Boston.  P.M. I rode over to see Mr. Martyn.  N.B. I carryed my Maynard Jacket to Lt. Woods to be dyed.

1758 December 12 (Tuesday).  Mr. Jonah Warrin and Deacon Bond are daily carting Wood.  Mrs. Cushing and Mrs. Allen from Shrewsbury make us a Visit.  They dine and drink Tea — and take a Letter from me to Mr. Maccarty in Answer to his of the 4th.  They return at Evening.

1758 December 13 (Wednesday).  Mr. Warrin has (with his Load of to Day) brought (as he says) 23 Load, Deacon Bond 20.  And they now determine to desist a while.  N.B. Ensign Harrington has heretofore brought Two and Mr. Timothy Warrin one.

1758 December 14 (Thursday).  A storm of Snow last night and troublesome Travelling this morning, but (with Lt. Rolf’s Horse) I rode over (and alone though I took no Small Pains for Company) to Upton, it being Fast there on Account of the Throat Distemper.  No Others were sent to than Mr. Hutchinson and I — he came So late that Mr. Fish and I were obliged to perform the forenoon Service.  I preached on Micah 6.9.  Mr. Hutchinson p.m. on Mic. 6.9.  It proved a very pleasant Day and moderate Eve.  I rode home — had Deacon Tainters, his wife’s and Daughter Forb. Company.  When I came home Billy was returned from Boston — and Capt. Wood here.

1758 December 15 (Friday).  My Boys are cutting Wood and piling it up.  At Eve Daniel Forb. junior here.  He was confined by Fever and ague a great while; and since that has been out hunting and therefore has not been here before.  He asks me 20/ old Tenor per Day for his work in the summer.  I payed him 3 Dollars.

1758 December 16 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1758 December 17 (Sunday).  Read a.m. 2 Chron. 33.  Preached on 2 Cor. 4.16.  Mrs. Tainter and Mrs. Foster dined here.  I earnestly wish a Blessing on the Word of Gods Grace!  N.B. p.m. by reason of the Shortness of the Day and rigor of the Season omitted public Reading.

1758 December 18 (Monday).  Billy is cyphering, but has but little Instruction from me.  At Eve I was at Capt. Woods.  N.B. a Vendue of Silas Rice’s Tools etc.  Am Reading London Magazines for year 56.

1758 December 19 (Tuesday).  Am variously employed in reading and writing.  At Eve Mr. Martyn Pratt here, with a bad Deed of his place.  I write him one that I hope is better.

1758 December 20 (Wednesday).  Deacon Tainter goes to Boston and carrys divers sorts of Edibles for my Wife to Markett.  Butter, Fowls — Mr. Whitney receives one of Mr. Edwards on Original Sin.  P.M. I visit Mr. Samuel Fay to talk with him about his withdrawing from Special Ordinances.  Our Discourse ended with mutual forgiveness of what was personal, and we give our Hands and part in peace.  Mr. Benjamin Tainter and his Wife came after Dinner.  Drank Tea and tarried till Supper: She being much recovered.

1758 December 21 (Thursday).  Mr. Francis Whipple here most of forenoon.  P.M. rode into the Southerly part of the Town.  Visit at Mr. Daniel Hardys, the two Bigolows, especially Father Graves: Barachias Morse, Arte Bruce, and the two Widows Woods.  At Eve Mr. Winchester here about his writings for the Settling his Estate all which are writ, viz. a Will, Deed and Bond.  Mr. Zebulon Rice also Spends the Evening here.

1758 December 22 (Friday).  Capt. Wood killed a sow pig for me, weighed 143 lb.  Lieut. Stone of Brookfield here and dined with us.  Mr. Barachias Morse brought 91 Rails at twice from his place.  At Night Capt. Wood, who Supped with me.