Category: Diary

1760 January 12 (Saturday).  My Wife and Billy came home from Boston, and dined with us.  To God be the Glory, who has preserved them especially as my Wife had Two Falls from her Horse.  N.B. My Watch is brought from Mr. Pecks, but it Stops and is useless again.

1760 January 13 (Sunday).  Read Job 5 and Rom. 8.1 to 21.  Preached a. and p.m. on Luk. 2.14.  After sermon was a Contribution for Mr. Jonathan Morse of Shrewsbury.  And admitted Mrs. Joanna Fay into the Church, before the Congregation, having first asked the Church whether they consented to my doing so, for redeeming the Time, for it would be sunsett if I dismissed the Congregation according to Custom.  There was no Objection.  N.B. Dr. Gott dined with us, as did Silas Biglow.

1760 January 14 (Monday).  Deacon Tainter came (but without Deacon Bond though both were desired and both consented to) this Morning, to count the Money Collected yesterday.  It amounted to £45.14.1 old Tenor.  With Deacon came his son Bowker and his Cousen Kendall.  This latter (it seems) visits the Widow Forbush.  Mr. John Maynard here, dines with us.  Wants to discourse with me about his wife.  We had a great deal of Time together.  I endeavor to perswade him to a reconciliation; but in Vain.  Mr. Samuel Fay junior here p.m.  He goes over all his Troubles and especially what he has Suffered from Lt. Elizer Rice, till he got into a great Heat, though I patiently heard — but he went away Somewhat Calm.  N.B. Send my watch to Neighbour Barny Newton that he may carry it to Mr. Peck again, with a Letter also to him.  N.B. Kennebeck Meeting at Hopkinton.

1760 January 15 (Tuesday).  P.M. made a Visit to Squire Baker.  And retiring with Young Mrs. Baker, at her Request, I went on with my Examination of her.  N.B. Squire Bakers finding fault with Mr. Stoddars Book of the safety of appearing in the Righteousness of Christ; and with Mr. Harveys Meditation on the Tombs; and sells this last, right off, to his Cousen Moses who was there, and ventures far in making a Flourish.

1760 January 16 (Wednesday).  Deacon Tainter came with his Whirrey and two Horses to wait on my Wife and me in Visiting the West Neighbourhood and part of Shrewsbury.  We first went to Mr. Samuel Fay’s junior where we dined and Spent some Time.  But no Word of the Difference.  Thence to Mr. Gleasons, then to Lt. Eli’zer Rice, Dr. Crosbys, where we stayed to Tea, and left the Contribution Money for Mr. Jonathan Morse — then to both the Knowltons; to Mr. Gershom Brighams and Mr. Francis Whipples.

1760 January 17 (Thursday).  Billy returns to Brookfield.  Alex goes with him to Worcester with my mare.  Capt. Wood invites me and my wife to dine at his House with Mr. Barrett and Dr. Wilson.  We went.  Dined well and pleasantly with those Gentlemen, and agree to Change with Mr. Barrett, Next Lords Day come sen’night.  At Eve Mr. Joseph Baker here to be Examined, and went through what I apprehend is necessary.  N.B. having received two of Willisons Sacramental Catechism, from Mr. Winter, let Mr. Baker have One.

1760 January 18 (Friday).  At Eve Mr. Richard Kelly (long Kelly) and his son John, who was with my son Thomas at Still Water, are here and make Demands — first 2 Dollars being pay for a new Shirt he says Thomas was buryed in — Next, Twelve Shillings York Money, due from Thomas to one Chesnutt, and from Chesnutt to Kelly.  I defer the payment until I can see Capt. McKeen.

1760 January 19 (Saturday).  Mr. Daniel Forb. brings me what his son has brought me from Boston, viz. brass Knop[d?] Latches 15/ old Tenor apiece etc. etc.

1760 January 20 (Sunday).  Read Job 6 and Rom. 8 from 21 to the End.  Preached a. and p.m. on Song 6.4.  The Widow of the late Mr. Noah Rice of Sutton and Dr. Crosbys Wife dined here.  P.M. propounded Joseph Baker and his Wife.

1760 January 21 (Monday).  Mr. Beeton puts on my New Latches.  Deacon Tainter brings Artemas Bruce, and we had sent for Neighbour Hezekaih Pratt, to help us kill an Hog — weighed 11 Score and 7 pounds.  At Eve Mrs. Prudence Hardy and her sister Rice of Sutton and her son Asahel, Supped here as did Deacon Tainter who not only killed, but cutt and salted up my Pork.

1760 January 22 (Tuesday).  My Wife Walks to t’other House and to her Cousen Maynards.  At Dr. Crosbys Request, I drew a Petition for him and Mr. Simon Maynard of Shrewsbury to present to the General Court.

1760 January 23 (Wednesday).  Visited at Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s, his son Joseph being Sick of the long Fever and brought very low.  N.B. he voided by Stool about 2 Quarts of bloody Matter last night in about an Hours time or less.  Dr. Crosby receives the Petition I drew yesterday.  Suse rides (Daniel Hows Horse) to Marlborough to get her black Gown made and tarrys there for it.

1760 January 24 (Thursday).  My Son Baldwin came from Brookfield by Rutland — going to Boston: he dined here.  I visit Lt. Forb.’s Wife — Thaddy Warrin and his Wife.  Admonish them for their Fornication and call ‘em to Repentance.  Visit Mr. Williams and widow Newton.  Reckon with the last.

1760 January 25 (Friday).  Attend to various necessary repairs etc. about the Barn.  No Suse, but we attribute it to the Cold that she is not returned.

1760 January 26 (Saturday).  Mr. Fessenden here — brings Heliodorus’s Ethiopic History, and the Court and City Register.  I rode (on a Horse Capt. Wood Supplyed me with) to Hopkinton and dined at Mr. Barretts.  Mr. Barrett rides to Westborough.  No News has transpired from North Sutton — but I am very uneasy by reason of my Fears of what will be the unhappy Event.  But the Lord is at the Head of His Church, and not only most Supremely, but most wisely rules all Things.

1760 January 27 (Sunday).  A rainy, Stormy Day; yet a Considerable Congregation (at Hopkinton).  I preached on Rom. 8.28 a. and p.m.  May God Himself add His almighty Blessing!  May I experience it in my own Soul!  That I might have the Evidence of my Effectual Calling and that I may bring forth the genuine Fruit of it!  But alas!  What do I, upon Examination find in my Self!  And what Reason to be deeply humbled before God!  The storm was so great of Wind and Rain, that neither Mr. Barret nor I could return home.  I therefore lodged again there.

1760 January 28 (Monday).  Rose early and it being bright (though the roads very Slippery and Icy) I rode home to Breakfast.  Went up to Capt. Woods, where Mr. B. was and lodged last night, and they had not yet been to Breakfast; therefore drank Tea with them.  Waited on Mr. B. to See Mrs. Baker.  He dined here.  P.M. he returned to Hopkinton.

1760 January 29 (Tuesday).  Exceeding Icy, Slippery and therefore dangerous travelling and my Mare lame yet.  Mr. Forbush from Brookfield and dined here.  P.M. he proceeds upon his Journey to Boston.  N.B. He informs me that the Council last week at Sutton, were very thorow and effectual as to the Dismission of Mr. Wellman; and that he is accordingly dismissed from that people.  He will have great Cause to reflect upon the Advice I have from Time to Time given him, that it would be best for him to remove from them, that Surely it would some time agoe, have been best for him to have asked a Dismission; and Especially presently after our last Council, in May last: when he might have gone well recommended.  For I was fully persuaded he would not be able to stand what would follow if his adversarys Should themselves get a Council.  O Lord how unsearchable are thy Judgments and thy Ways past finding out!  N.B. I began Dr. Thomas Sherlocks Discourses at the Temple Church, having brought ‘em with me from Hopkinton Yesterday.

1760 January 30 (Wednesday).  I rode to Worcester to wait upon Judge Chandler for Power of Administration of my son Thomas’s Effects.  I called to see Capt. Allens wife — dined at Mr. Cushings, where were Messrs. Morse and Wellman.  So that we had over the Sutton Affair.  The Church there have dismissed him; 20 Votes against 19.  That is including the Delinquents, or withdrawing members.  Mr. Wellman accompanys me to Worcester.  I put him in mind how much I have wished and how I have repeatedly told him of it, that he had asked a Dismission, when our Council gave a Result.  Coll. Chandler not at home — is at Boston.  Madam Chandler advised to write to him.  After Tea (where our Company was young Dr. William Crawford and two young Ladies with him, besides Mrs. Pain) I complyed — and wrote also to Mr. Forb. at Boston to wait upon the Judge; and wrap up both to Esq. Pain who is there also.  All to be sent per Coll. Gendley as Crawford tells me.  It was a storm of snow and the Roads extremely Slippery, it was also late and against the invitation of Madam Chandler to lodge there, that I Stood along, and got to Mr. Cushings where I lodged.  N.B. Mr. John Greenough schoolmaster, lodges there.  Mr. Fessenden begins to keep School at Mr. Francis Whipples.  Alexander and Breck go.  They are in the Nomenclature.

1760 January 31 (Thursday).  The Wind high and Sharp, the Snow blown about so that the Air is at times much filled: Besides the Slipperyness of the Roads.  I ride to Capt. Allens: thence to Capt. Maynards where I dined.  Got home in safety.  To God be Glory!  My Tabernacle also being in Peace.  N.B. Mr. Stone came to see me Yesterday, and dined here.  Last Night Mr. Prentice brought my Watch from Mr. Pecks at Boston.  To Day Mr. Joseph Baker brought me his own and his Wife’s Relation.

1760 February 1 (Friday).  [No entry.]

1760 February 2 (Saturday).  Deacon Tainter brings me from Boston, framed, the City Hambourgh, and the River Elbe.  Also a Letter from my eldest Brother inviting me and my wife to the Marriage of his Daughter Langdon to Mr. Joshua Winter.  The Deacons Neece, Miss Molly Whitney came up with him.

1760 February 3 (Sunday).  Read Job 7, Rom. [blot].  Preached on Song 6.4 a. and p.m.  Dr. Crosby dined here.  Admitted Joseph and Martha Baker into the Church.  Read a paper of gratefull Return from Mr. Jonathan Morse for our Contribution, which he had received.

1760 February 4 (Monday).  My Wife probably hurts her Health by her rising so much before Day.  Yet I highly commend and am used to early rising.  Dr. Moses Baker here p.m.  Also 3 Young French Men.  One of them Edward Robishow of Cambridge.  At Eve young Mr. Tainter, his Wife and Miss Mary Whitney made us a visit, and Supped here.  As did also the Widow How.

1760 February 5 (Tuesday).  My Wife and I rode to Mr. Daniel Hardys to the Private Meeting.  I preached on Mat. 24.12 to page 11, and though it was a rainy dark Day, yet there was a good Number attended.  At Night Mr. Forb. of Brookfield comes from Boston.  He had kept sabbath there.  He preached for Mr. Eliot a.m., for Dr. Sewall p.m.  For the latter he received 10£ old Tenor.

1760 February 6 (Wednesday).  Mr. Forb. went to see his Father.  P.M. he rode to his Aunt Holloways.  Mr. Batherick and Mr. Daniel Adams came to work to make me a Sleigh.  I rode to Mr. Whitneys to get some turned work and dined there.  Visit LeBlanc.  N.B. Delivered Mr. Forb. 2 Dollars on the 29th last, for my Son Ebenezer on Account of an Hat which Mr. Forb. bought for him.

1760 February 7 (Thursday).  Mr. Batheric and Adams on the Sleigh.  Sarah and Suse ride to Capt. Maynards.  Mr. Fessenden having come to visit me last Evening, it was too dark and muddy for him to return to his Lodging.  Therefore he tarried and lodged here.  This morning goes to his School, but he Seems not to be well.  Mr. Ebenezer Wheeler with his Wife’s Verses on the Death of his son.

1760 February 8 (Friday).  Mr. Batherick and Adams on the Sleigh.  My Boys who were sent to School, return home again and say their Master is Sick.  My Workmen by 4 p.m. finish what they are to do in building the Sleigh — and ask 38/ apiece for their work.

1760 February 9 (Saturday).  Master Fessenden sick o’Bed — therefore the Boys return again.  P.M. Mr. Ebenezer Wheeler brings the Thursdays Paper Extraordinary by which it appears that there are Insurrections in Old France, urging Peace with England — and remarkable Speech from the British Throne, expressing the Goodness of God to the Nation in the Remarkable successes of the Last Year.  D.G.

1760 February 10 (Sunday).  Mr. Joseph Baker calls up my Wife at 3 o’Clock in the Morning to assist his Wife in her Labour.  Read Job 8, Rom. 10.  Preached a.m. on Song 6.10, carrying on the Subject of Last Lords Day.  P.M. was not prepared with a New sermon by Means of the Interruptions and Avocations of the Last Week — (but may God forgive my Negligence through Jesus Christ!) On Consideration of the News from Europe preached on Deut. 32.15 with some Alterations.  At Eve Merchant Rice sent for me to Visit him being Sick of a Fever.  And I accordingly went.  My Wife did not return till nigh midnight from Mrs. Baker.

1760 February 11 (Monday).  Visit Mr. Solomon Baker and Wife.  Meet Mrs. Abigail Whipple going to her Daughter Warrin (though not sent for), her Daughter having Sent for Women last night.  And was delivered about Midnight, though her Mother had not heard of it.  An Heart-breaking Thing to the Poor Parents!  I visited Master Fessenden in his sickness, at Mr. Whipples — while I sat there Alex came for me, Mr. Stone being at our House.  I therefore returned — he lodges here.  Is in great Trouble by Reason of the Contentions in Southborough.  Is so worn out that he read a paper to the Church there last Lords Day in which he proposed to ‘em to give up the principal Vote against the Young People who had not Submitted them Selves — And left it to Consideration and was come to advise with me about it.  I could not but be surprized at Such a Proposal, especially so Suddenly.

1760 February 12 (Tuesday).  Mr. Stone and I (at his Request), ride over to Mr. Martyns, and we dined there.  Mr. Martyn as much surprized with and as much against the abovesaid Proposal as I.  We advise him ra[ther?] to withdraw it — and to have a Church Meeting, or a Council than go into this Measure, as their Circumstances are.  I visit Mr. Ebenezer Rice.  Was with Silas Frost at Eve.  Agree with him to get Posts, trim apple Trees.  N.B. Mr. Solomon Baker p.m. trims in my old Orchard.

1760 February 13 (Wednesday).  Alex and Breck thrash Rye one Day after another.  Capt. Jonas Brigham here and acquaints me with Sorrowful Accident of his Brother Levi’s.  About 9 this Morning his son Joseph fell from an Hay-Mow in the Barn; by which he dyed presently.  The Lad was in his 13th year.  May God sanctify it to those that are most nearly concerned and to all round about, but especially to poor thoughtless Youth!  Mr. Francis Robishow and his sister Anne, Modesty Landre and one Dowsett, waited upon by Peter and Ammon Blanc, here.  Mr. John Maynard brings me the Copy of his Wife’s Oath against him, taken before Judge Ward; but he (as he says) not notifyed.

1760 February 14 (Thursday).  Read Dr. John Brown’s Estimate of the Manners and Principles of the Times.  A piece, for Sentiment and Dichon, Seasonableness and Impartiality, highly deserving.  Deacon Tainter fitting Thills to my sleigh.  Mr. Joseph Briant junior from Stoneham.  Mr. Robert Cook from Wrentham here, and renews his Desire that he may be recommended in Order to his Children being baptized — or if that may not be done, that his Wife may be, or that the Children may be baptized here, upon her Account.

1760 February 15 (Friday).  Attended the Funeral of Joseph Brigham.  Viewed the Place where the Lad had his Death’s Wound.  He jumped from a Parcel of Hay on the South Scaffold of the Barn, upon the Mow in the Bay, which being hollow underneath by the pulling away Hay for the Cattle; and Hay having been taken away from the Top of the mow, it was become thin, he fell through, and his Head, most probably, Struck against the Ground cil before where the Cattle stood; his Head when his Father came to him being under the Cill, and Blood came out of his Right Ear.  I gave Some Exhortation and Warning there, to Children and Youth.  At night came my son Baldwin from Boston.  He informs me that My Kinsman Winter was marryed last night to My Cousen Mary Langdon, Widow.