Category: Diary

1759 May 12 (Saturday).  My Family much indisposed.  My Wife has much of her Illness remaining, though she is about House.  Sarah lies by.  Suse has grievous Head-ach.  Alexander lame.  Samme Fever and ague.  Hannah very tendfull.  I am much affected with what was done at the Council, and write my Exceptions against our last vote.  Do something in preparing a Sermon on Phil. 2.1-5 but cannot make Dispatch by reason of the abovesaid Troubles.

1759 May 13 (Sunday).  My Wife goes to Meeting.  Read Neh. 5.  Preach a.m. on v. 10 using my Exposition on the 8th Commandment that part which is on Usury.  P.M. read Act 15.  Preached on Ps. 34.14, using sermon on Rom. 12.18 from p. 14 at the bottom to the End, omitting the Additions.  Mr. Fessenden dined here; as did Mrs. Tainter and her sister Harrington of Framingham.  N.B. I publickly acquainted the Church in general with what we did at Sutton; and both the Church and Congregation with the Association Fast at Shrewsbury next Wednesday.  Sundry Upton people here, Mr. Fish being confined by the Meazles.

1759 May 14 (Monday).  Suse breaks out with the Meazles and keeps her Bed.  Mr. Richard Kelly comes to work for me.  Alexander gets a Yoke of Deacon Bonds Cattle and a Yoke of Mr. Warrins, and they harrow the Ground at the Island and behind the Meeting House.  Thomas returns home from Sudbury so as to be at Dinner.  I visited Mr. Nurse, whose sore has now turned out as big as an Egg.  I prayed with him.  My Samme and Sophy have each of them their Fit of Fever and Ague.

1759 May 15 (Tuesday).  Suse’s Meazles come out full.  She keeps her Bed, but, through Mercy, is not extreme bad.  Am troubled about my planting, having no body to work, not so much as Alexander freely, he having much Lameness in his wounded Legg.  Yet many of my Neighbours have done planting.  I went to Mr. Ebenezer Forb. and obtained him to come, some time before noon.  Neighbour Batherick Sent two of his Sons and his Horse to furrow in my Island — but they neither came to dinner nor worked the afternoon.  With much pains got a Team for Mr. Forb. to carry out Some Muck, but by various hindrances he accomplished but part of the work.  I was obliged to go away from home, to visit Mrs. Bowman who is very bad: and sent for me.

1759 May 16 (Wednesday).  Mr. Joseph Bruce, Mr. Zebulon Rice with a Boy, Isaac Woods and Benjamin Flood, came kindly and gratis to help me plant: and they accomplished the Island Field of about Two Acres.  I left them to themselves and went to the Fast which the Association has appointed to be at Shrewsbury first parish.  Messrs. Martyn, Stone, Morse, Buckminster, Maccarty and Davis at Mr. Cushings.  Mr. Cushing prayed a.m.  Mr. Davis preached on Isa. 1.11.  P.M. Mr. Martyn prayed.  I preached from Josh. 24.15, first and last Clauses.  Returned at Evening.  Suse’s Meazels turn as it is vulgarly termed.

1759 May 17 (Thursday).  Mr. Martyn Pratt and Mr. Thomas Twitchell came to help me in my planting and bringing Horses, they furrowed both ways and finished the Field by the Meeting House.  I visited Mr. Nurse and prayed with him.  I also visited Mrs. Bowman again, she being in a very hazzardous Condition.  Mr. Bowman drooping, several of his Children have the Meazles: I dined there, and prayed with ‘em.  N.B. Mr. Ephraim Wards Wife here.  Suse Sits up, and is (through divine Goodness) considerable comfortable.

1759 May 18 (Friday).  Thomas goes with Lieut. Rolf to Bruce’s to the Mustering of the Bateau-Men; and the Lieutenant tells me he expects he will be Clerk, there being no other that he knows of.  I myself confined to my Study Send Alexander in Vain to one Neighbour and another for their Help to plough my North-East Yard.  Neighbour Batherick here in Difficulty about his Deed of the Rogers Place, which he buys of Capt. Maynard.  Little Hannah much out of Health.

1759 May 19 (Saturday).  Though Suse keeps her room, yet She is able to work with her needle.  A fresh Token of the divine Goodness!  D.G.

1759 May 20 (Sunday).  Read Neh. 6, Acts l6.  Preached a.m. on Col. 3.9 and on Eph. 4.17.18.  Stopped the Church and read the Result of the late Council at Sutton.

1759 May 21 (Monday).  Visit Mr. Nurse and pray with him.  P.M. rode to Marlborough to Mr. Ephraim Hows and pay him my Interest.  Return and call at Mr. Larkin Williams but he was not at home.  Saw his Wife; his Child ill.  N.B. Neighbour Seth Morse works for me in fencing a Yard on south side of the Road and moving the Fence near the Burying place.  N.B. A great Number of Men with their Teams are at work in making a Wall on the South Side of the Burying Place.

1759 May 22 (Tuesday).  Visit Mrs. Bowman who is in a low Condition still, and prayed with her.  Mr. Bowman has the Meazles.  My son Thomas leaves us to go into the service.  He has bought him an old Horse to ride on.  Mr. Joseph Manning, and one Dr. Dean with him, visit me and dine here.  Towards Evening come Mr. Williams of Long Meadow and Mr. Breck of Springfield and lodge here.

1759 May 23 (Wednesday).  They leave us for Boston.  Thomas returns, and goes off again.  Mrs. Tainter and her sister Harrington dine here.  P.M. came Mrs. Maynard, and with her Master Wheeler, Miss Patty Smith and her Aunt Little, heretofore Dean, to See us.  Miss Betty Johnson part of the Day.

1759 May 24 (Thursday).  Visit Mr. Nurse.  Talk plainly with him in private, of some particular sins.  Pray with him.  Mr. Daniel Miller works for me clearing and sowing Hayseed.  Miss Betty Johnson — also Persis Rice work here — turning my Coat.  Mrs. Knowlton here and dines with us.  Try in Vain for an Horse to go to Boston next week — my Mare being ready to foal.  Visit Mrs. Bowman again, who is yet alive, and pray with her.

1759 May 25 (Friday).  Visit at Mr. Timothy Warrins.  Deacon Livermore with Banisters for my Stairs.  The young Women aforesaid are at work here.  Alexander goes with John Wood to get Sand.  My Perplexity very great about an Horse to go to Boston — because I am necessitated to go, and none will shew Compassion.  It sits very heavy upon Me.  Surely they have not that Affection which they ought to have!  Surely I deserve it not, through my own unprofitableness!  At Eve came Mr. Foster of Berwick and lodged here.

1759 May 26 (Saturday).  He left us.  I visited Mr. Nurse.  He desired his Wife and the Nurse to go out of the room.  He would fain defend himself against what I said to him on the 24th.  He wonders how he can be thought to be guilty of those sins which he says he always hated in others.  Yet I endeavour to fasten the Admonition: prayed with him: he desires I would not so much as once think he is angry with me for my plainness.  Mr. Marshall Baker here.  Mr. Thomas Twitchell informs me that Mrs. Bowman dyed to Day about 12 o’Clock.  By my visiting the Sick, by various Company etc., this week, have been greatly taken off from my studys: but especially by Mr. Fosters’s coming; and then pleading off from preaching for me: and by Time spent in trying to get an Horse to go to Boston next Week.  Cousen Needham came.

1759 May 27 (Sunday).  Read Neh. 7, Act. 17.  Preached on Col. 3.9 a.m. and p.m. on Eph. 4.17.18.  Mr. Fessenden dines here.

1759 May 28 (Monday).  Cousen Needham left us.  A.M. attended Funeral of Mrs. Bowman.  Obtain of Deacon Bond his Horse to go to Boston, but I was obliged p.m. to go to Mr. Jonathan Fays for money.  His wife delivered me £100 old Tenor.  N.B. Esquire Goddard of Sutton here.

1759 May 29 (Tuesday).  I sat out upon my Journey.  Called at Coll. Brighams to Congratulate him and his New Wife upon their late marriage.  Called also at Coll. Buckminsters, where were Rev. Messrs. Bridgham, Jones, Buckminster and Parsons of Brookfield.  I dined at Mr. Cushings of Waltham.  Went to Cambridge.  Visit Brother Champney — and sister Barrett who has grievous Lameness.  Did not get to Boston till 9 at Night and in the Rain.  Put up my Horse at Brother Samuels and lodged there.  N.B. his House repairing.  Cousen Winter very low.

1759 May 30 (Wednesday).  Mr. Parsons of Bradford preached the Election sermon on Esth. 10.3.  Dined in Faneuil Hall.  Attended the Convention at Dr. Sewalls.  Mr. Wigglesworth of Ipswich Hamlet moderator and prayed.  A message from the Honorable Board, signed by the Lieut. Governor to the Convention concerning the Indecencys and Disorders at Ordinations.  A Committee was Chosen to consider this important Affair: All the Convention, as one Man, heartily desirous to have those great Disorders reformed.

 

I left the Convention before they proceeded to the Choice of a Second to Mr. Balch, the preacher for Next Year.  Visit Mr. Procter.  Visit my Daughter Baldwin at Dr. Wheats.  In the Way there Mr. Jones of Western saluted me as Elected etc.  May God grant me a due sense of my Insufficiency, and Direct me to what is my Duty upon this Special Occasion!  Lodged at Brother Samuels.  N.B. First Visited Mrs. Simson, heretofore Messinger.

1759 May 31 (Thursday).  At the Convention — expressed my Sense of the Regard Shewn me — but that I know not what to think of accepting it.  Was soon overpowered by Mr. Moderator, Mr. Appleton and a Number More.  Report of the Committee in Answer to the honorable Board read — and after a few amendments Voted, and a Contribution for printing it.  Mr. Pemberton preached on Rom. 11.13.  N.B. the Lt. Governor and a Number of the Council present.  The Collection something more than £300 old Tenor.  Dined at Mr. Pembertons.  N.B. His Honour the Lt. Governor, Rev. Messrs. Chipman, Josiah Cotton, Byles, Morehead, Thomas Prentice, Mat. Bridge, Badger — and Mr. Cary, were the Company.  [illegible] I Returned to the Convention it was but a few Minutes, having much Business and many visits to make.  At Eve at Mr. John Brecks.  Lodged at my eldest Brothers.

1759 June 1 (Friday).  Visit Dr. P________s Widow.  Am grieved to see the Decay and Destruction of my dear Brother Elias’s Estate.  Little Elias sick of a Fever.  Breakfast with sister Rebecca.  Bought my Wife a Chints Gown at Deacon Simsons.  Leave Dr. Wheats (where my Daughter Baldwin is) after noon.  Rode to Mrs. Hills at Cambridge.  Payed her principal and Interest £115 and odd money, old Tenor and took up my note.  Dined there, at near 4 o’Clock p.m.  Visit Mr. Stratton of Waltham and widow Baldwin of Sudbury.  Got to Wards of Marlborough about 9.  Paid my Interest there.  Arrived at home about 11 at Night.

1759 June 2 (Saturday).  Visit Mr. Nurse and pray with him.  Am exceedingly tired and worryed with my Journey so that I am very incapable to Studying.

1759 June 3 (Sunday).  Read Neh. 8 and Act. 18.  Preached a. and p.m. on Heb. 11.16.  Mr. Stretton of Waltham and Mrs. How dined here.

1759 June 4 (Monday).  Visit Ensign Josiah Rice who is Sick and low.  Pray with him.  N.B. The Bridge over Assabet River repairing.  Capt. Maynard leaves home for the Army.  Visit his Wife.  Received a Letter from Billy Dated Albany May 27.  N.B. Called to see Mr. Nurse.

1759 June 5 (Tuesday).  Read Cornelius Nepos Lives of illustrious Men, which I borrowed of Dr. Wheat.  Visit and prayed with Mr. Nurse.  My wife and I at Lt. Rolfs who is sick: and his Family have the Meazles.

1759 June 6 (Wednesday).  Cornelius Cook of Wrentham here.  Lecture on Mal. 3.7.  Master Fessenden here after Lecture.  I visit the widow Warrin, whose little son Daniel is sick.  N.B. I had visited Mr. Nurse a.m. who after his sore was dressed (which I saw and assisted in) was thought to be dying, but revived.

1759 June 7 (Thursday).  Was much hindred by the Affair of Mr. Noah How — yet he came not as was agreed.  My Daughter Baldwin had appointed to come up from Boston, and with her Miss Hannah Wheat, and her Brother would wait on ‘em — but they did not come as was expected.  It proves very difficult stirring by Reason of the Rain.  Mr. How came near night — so that I was obliged to dismiss him and his Affair, Sending him up to Squire Baker to help him.  After nine at Night Moses Nurse sends for me to Visit his Father who they think will not live out the Night.  Went in the Storm — conversed and prayed with him.  Returned about 11.

1759 June 8 (Friday).  Am greatly distressed on Account of the British Fleet in the Eastern Seas and going up St. Lawrence — it being very Tempestuous.  The Lord remember his people and His Cause!  at this Necessitous Juncture!  for his great Mercys Sake!  P.M. Mr. Noah How here.  I finished the Draught of his Will for him, because (being a Batteau-Man) he is to march tomorrow morning.  At Eve I went to see Mr. Nurse and prayed with him.

1759 June 9 (Saturday).  At Eve came My Daughter Baldwin accompanyed with Master Moses Wheat and his sister Miss Hannah Wheat.  They came from Boston last Wednesday night and tarried over the storm at Squire Brighams at Marlborough.  My Daughter Seems Somewhat better.  N.B. Master Moses went to Capt. Maynards where he left his Sister, and there they lodged.  N.B. They bring sad News of Cousen Winter’s being at the Point of Death, being given over, in great measure, by the Physicians.

1759 June 10 (Sunday).  Read Neh. 9 and Act. 19.  Preached a.m. on 1 Cor. 11.23 — p.m. on Eph. 4.18.  Administered the Lord’s Supper.  Admitted Mr. John Belknap and wife and Mrs. Pratt wife of Hezekiah into the Church.  Mr. Ebenezer Nurse dyed about 2 this Morning, having lain in a very afflicted Condition for about 5 Months, under the holy and Sovereign Hand of God.  May it be sanctifyed to all of us who are round about; but especially to those more nearly concerned!  N.B. Mrs. Maynard and Miss Hannah Wheat dined here and the latter lodged here.

1759 June 11 (Monday).  Mr. Moses Wheat came with Chair and Horses; and my Daughters Baldwin, Sarah and Susan rode with him and his sister to Capt. Maynards, where having dined, they went to Capt. Allens at Shrewsbury.  Cousen Maynard went not with them for she was taken ill of the Meazles.  I visited Lt. Rolfs Son who is very ill.  I sell 7 Barrells of Cyder to Adam Rice for 40/ per Barrell.  P.M. attended the Funeral of Mr. Ebenezer Nurse.  At Eve My Children returned from Shrewsbury and Mr. Wheat and his sister lodged here.  N.B. Rev. Mr. Jacob Eliot of Goshon in Lebanon here.  Master Fessenden here.  He borrows Dr. Souths Works Vol. 2, fol.

1759 June 12 (Tuesday).  My Daughter Baldwin and the Company that kindly waited upon her here left us to go to Concord and Newtown, and design to return to Boston tomorrow.  I carryed my Wife over to see her Cousen Maynard who is confined by the Meazles.  N.B. Much perplexed and disappointed in the Article of an Horse to plough among my Corn.  None to be had, though it is only for a beginning, that a Number of Hands who propose to come to hoe for me tomorrow may not stand still when they come.  But I can obtain none — till I ride to Deacon Tainters — who presently told me he had purposed to come to my House upon this very Affair.  He takes his Horse from his own plough and rides with me and (Alexander being gone to Neighbour Nathan Maynards to work for him in his Weeding, since I can’t go about my own, the Deacon) takes Samme and goes to ploughing in my Field at the Island.  For whose His kind and generous Disposition, may God Himself reward him!  Deacon Bond p.m. brought two load of Wood.

1759 June 13 (Wednesday).  I rode to Southborough.  Dined at Mr. Stones.  Sundry of his Children have the Meazles, viz. Miss Mary, Joanna, Thomas and Peter.  I preached the Lecture on Eph. 1.7, former part, to page [blank].  In returning called at the Widow Bents and paid her my Note (the principal), which I gave her on my son Ebenezers Account with Mr. Ebenezer Rice.  N.B. she could not find the Note; so she gave me a Receipt, viz. of 3£ old Tenor.  N.B. Deacon Tainter ploughed in my Island Field, and Mr. Ithamar Bellows and son, Seth Woods, James Bellows, Ebenezer Chamberlin junior, [blank] Belknap, and [blank] Woods came and hoed the most of that piece.  For which I desire to thank God who inclines them thereto — and may God Bless Each of them.

1759 June 14 (Thursday).  Held a Catechetical Exercise to Young Women on the Decrees of God — 21 or 22 present.  Such Weather we cannot do any Thing at hoeing, nor can we get Help if we had Weather.

1759 June 15 (Friday).  Mr. Moses Twtichell works for me, hoeing and ploughing.  Dr. Crosby acquaints me that Mr. Tainters Child has the Quinzy and desires me to go and see it.  It is with great Difficulty — yet I went — dined there — went to Monsr. Leblanc’s, because his son in Law Joseph [Prowaer?] from Manchester, with Wife and Child were there.  Mr. Moses Twitchell plowing and hoeing.