Category: Diary

1770 February 15 (Thursday).  The great Thaw, Rains etc. had made the Roads very hollow and difficult, but we got home to dinner.  Sir Bradshaw here from Stoughtonham, returning to Brookfield.

1770 February 16 (Friday).  So stormy and the Ground Hollow I could not go to Marlborough nor Sir Bradshaw to Brookfield nor Alexander, his Wife and Child to Framingham.  P.M. Mr. Jonathan Walker from No. 4 with Flax: bought 21½ lbs. of him, part of 5/, part 5/7 1/2 per pound.  Gave him a note for £5.16 old Tenor to Mr. Daniel Forbes.  At Eve came Breck from Ashby, and much tired.  His Brother William has writ to me of his Trouble and Difficulty at the Time of the great Thaw in January last.  He himself got over a swift stream which he was endeavouring to pass — but his Horse was carryed down the Current — but was at length stopped and was got out — the Saddle and Housing finally lost.  Sermonizing nigh finished for a.m. what I had been before providing.

1770 February 17 (Saturday).  Go on in preparations.  Begin another Discourse which is on Prov. 15.16.  Mr. King of Suffield, Mrs. P______s Kinsman, came to see us.

1770 February 18 (Sunday).  On consideration of Some Peculiar Circumstances I thought it best to wave the preparations I had composed and with New Introduction delivered two Discourses on Isa. 66.2, accommodated to follow upon what was delivered last Sabbath.  Mr. King, Ruth Bellows.  Dined here.  Old Mrs. Kelly can’t get home — travelling being extreamly bad.  She tarrys here.

1770 February 19 (Monday).  My Sons Alexander and Breck, also Kezia and little Betty detained here by the weather.  I read the Life of Sir William Phips in the Magnalia.

1770 February 20 (Tuesday).  Alex, his Wife and Child yet here; the weather too rough for them to go.  But Breck, upon my Colt, undertakes a Journey to Wrentham, Medfield, and Boston.  Mr. Joseph How of Marlborough brings me a Letter from Mr. Smith requesting me to attend their Church Meeting next Monday.  I consent with submission to Providence.  Mrs. Kelly here yet and Spends her time profitably; Spinning excellent Thread.  Magnalia.

1770 February 21 (Wednesday).  Alexander gets Mr. Thaddeus Warrens Horse for his Wife to ride home upon, and carrys his Child himself before him.  Thus they return to Framingham.  I visit poor Garfields Child that has the Canker.  Call at the Doctors to see his Wife.  Hear that Mr. John Maynard (Shooe maker) is very bad with bilious Cholick.  Mr. Hezekiah Maynard of Marlborough here and wants to relate the story of the present Contest between Rev. Smith and Alpheus Woods, but I refused to hear it.  Alexander returns from Framingham.  I wrote a Mortgage of the Leicester purchase, which Alexander offered to give me if I would be bound for him.

1770 February 22 (Thursday).  Alex. signs the mortgage.  Mr. Nurse and Jonas Kenny are Witnesses.  Alex. leaves us — takes the mortgage with him to acknowledge it before Squire Whipple.  P.M. Old Mr. Chadwick here to inform me that another of Mr. Seth Gashitts Children is dead of the Throat Distemper, and that they desire me to attend the Funeral tomorrow, at 2 p.m.  I visited Mr. John Maynard in his sickness.  Was also at Deacon Woods to visit them so newly after her Lying in.  But She was asleep, and I did not converse with her.

1770 February 23 (Friday).  Attended the Funeral of another of Mr. Seth Gashitts Children, about 3 years and 5 months old.  The name was Betty.  It dyed yesterday morning.  I dined at Mr. James Bowmans.  Deacon Cheney of Ashburnham here.  He informs that my Daughter Cushing is better.  He also acquaints us that there was yesterday a dreadful Riot at Boston.  The Mob besett Mr. William Jacksons House: that a Gun was shot from the House and a Lad was killed.  Upon which a Soldier rushed into the House and seized a Young man with the Gun in his Hand.  My Kinsman Elias was wont to live there: but can’t yet know whether it was he or no.  Expected Breck from Boston last night, and fear whether he is well, Since he delays his Coming.

1770 February 24 (Saturday).  At Eve Breck came from Boston.  He rectifies the News about the Mob on the 22 and informs that it was Richardsons House was beset — that it was he that killed the Lad, and was committed to Jayl.

1770 February 25 (Sunday).  Preached a.m. on Prov. 28.13.  P.M. On Prov. 15.16.  N.B. P.M. Squire Campbel was at meeting and in our Pew, but went out Suddenly and I suppose went on his Journey home.

1770 February 26 (Monday).  Breck goes to Brookfield to work there.  I rode to Marlborough at Mr. Smiths and the Churchs Request to assist Mr. Smith at a Church meeting.  Dined at Mr. Smiths, with Mr. Stone and Mr. Steward.  P.M. Mr. Smith went with us to the Church meeting.  By Desire I prayed.  Mr. Alpheus Woods who was complained of and also Complainant, was there.  He was bent upon beating off and deferring the Business for this time.  And after many Debates, to gratifie Mr. Woods the Meeting was adjourned again; and according to his Desire, to the first Tuesday in May next.  Mr. Stone, Mr. Steward and I returned to Mr. Smiths: where, it being late and very Cold, I tarryed all night.

1770 February 27 (Tuesday).  I rode up to Northborough and dined at Mr. Richard Martyns.  Visit at Mr. Whitneys — and Mr. John Martyns — Saw old Lady, but her son and his wife were come over into the Town, and were here, but I missed of them.  I saw also Mr. Whitney, returning from a Journey to Billerica.  Came home at Eve.  Mr. (or Brother) Brown of Framingham had called here while I was gone.

1770 February 28 (Wednesday).  Dr. Hawes brought home my Sleigh, partly new built, from Mr. Whipples.  I rode in it to Mr. Timothy Warrins junior to have him compleat it and strengthen it.  Called at Dr. Hawes, where Mrs. P______ was visiting.  Mr. Thaddeus Warrin builds me a Goose House p.m.

1770 March 1 (Thursday).  My grandson Elias goes to School to Mr. James Parker at the Whipple school House.  A number of Loads of Wood brought.  I rode to Mr. Haskells.  Gave him a note for 4£ old Tenor for the use of his Chaise to Rochester.  It was deferred till now by Agreement.

1770 March 2 (Friday).  Dr. Hawes brought home my Sleigh from Mr. Warrins, strengthened, but the new work not Painted.  Elias (of Brookfield) to school.  Mr. Benjamin Garfield here and dined.  Am but poorly.  My Son Baldwin, having been at Boston, returns this Way.  Confirms the Sorrowful story of Ebenezer Richardsons Shooting among the Boys, gathered about his House, and killed a Lad of about 11 Years, and was committed to Goal.

1770 March 3 (Saturday).  Mr. Baldwin leaves us for Brookfield.

1770 March 4 (Sunday).  I rode over to Northborough and preached there a. and p.m. on Rom. 13.11.  Mr. Whitney here a. and p.m. on 1 Cor. 9.24.  I returned at Eve, as did he also.

1770 March 5 (Monday).  Town Meet.  Was desired to go and pray with them which I did; and after Prayer I, from the stairs, Spoke to them, wishing the Presence of God and good Success, that they might have Wisdom and unanimity.  I gave Charge that those who were to be Sworn, would fear the Oath, and take heed to perform that Act of worship in Spirit and in Truth.  Also would observe to them the growing Evil of resorting to the Tavern and prayed they would not any more than was necessary.  I took this Opportunity, moreover, to manifest my Gratitude for their Kindness to me respecting Wood — that with what was already brought and what I had reason further to expect, I believed there would be a good sufficiency for the Year, and would render my Circumstances Comfortable, for which I offered my hearty acknowledgment to them.  Gave Notes to sundry persons that I was indebted to.

 

Viz. To Mr. Seth Morse for Beef and Tallow, £9.1.6 old Tenor.

To Mr. Daniel Stockwell Shooemaker, 12.2.0 Ditto.

To Solomon Batherick for Rails and thrashing, 51/ Do.

1770 March 6 (Tuesday).  Dr. Hawes accommodates me and Mrs. P________ with his Sleigh (my own not coloured in the new work, yet that would not have hindered using it, but he rode hither in his and it was ready tackled) and his Horse, for Mrs. P________ was afraid either to ride with mine in the sleigh or on the Doctors single; the Doctor therefore rode mine, to the Family Meeting at Mr. Daniel Forbes’s; where I preached on Act. 13.36, former part to page 9, omitting the 5th particular in p. 7 and 8.  Which may God bless to us!  Brought home 20 lb. of Flax which Mr. Forb. bought for me of a Flax-man from Western @ 5/ per pound.

1770 March 7 (Wednesday).  Attend the Funeral Solemnity of Mr. Gashitts eldest Child, Hannah, and pray with them.  Old Mr. Dunlop very low.  Am sent for to visit him.  I accordingly went.  Discoursed with much Earnest Affection to him and prayed with him.  Stopped at Mr. Martin Pratts and Eat there.

1770 March 8 (Thursday).  Sad Accounts of Tumults in Boston — a Number killed by the Regulars.  I read World in Miniature Vol. 1.  Mr. Henry Gashitt here to desire me to attend another of his Brother Seths Childrens Funeral tomorrow.

1770 March 9 (Friday).  Squire Whipple here to desire me to go and See his Grandson Francis, who is very ill of the Throat Distemper.  I went, Spoke with the Child — prayed — returned a.m.  P.M. rode to See old Mr. Dunlop who Seems somewhat easier and freer — Sits up and smokes his pipe.  Says he is doing all he can (for his Salvation).  Prayed with him.  Attend the Funeral of a fourth of Mr. Gashitts Children.

1770 March 10 (Saturday).  Mr. Thomas Twitchell here and informs me that Mr. Dunlop dyed this Morning about 3 o’Clock.  About which Time also (as I hear) Francis Whipple tertius dyed.  P.M. The Squire here and acquaints me with it, and the Time of burying.

1770 March 11 (Sunday).  Preached a.m. on Prov. 2[5?].13.  P.M. on 1 Tim. 2.5.  At Eve in the Family read part of Mr. Henrys Discourse on Ps. 25.5.

1770 March 12 (Monday).  Attended the Funeral of Francis Whipple tertius and prayed.  Was desired to go to Mr. Phinehas Gleasons, to See his little son Josiah who has the Throat Distemper.  Went — and conversed with them and prayed.  Visit also Mrs. Deliverance Fays Daughter who is Sick, and prayed with her.  Visit at Mr. Samuel Fays, whose Children, a Number of them, have been sick of the terrible Distemper but are better.  Dined at home, notwithstanding.  Reckoned with Capt. Jonathan Fay, and paid him.  At Eve Mr. Samuel Fay here.

1770 March 13 (Tuesday).  Attended the Funeral of Mr. Robert Dunlop.  The Widow and Children came in here after the Funeral.  Began to write a Sermon on Cant. 5.10.16.  Both my Eliass oppressed with Coughs and are much indisposed.

1770 March 14 (Wednesday).  Mr. Whitney came — dined — preached the Lecture on Amos 6.1, first part, “Wo to them that are at Ease in Zion.”  May God succeed!  Dr. Hawes, Mr. Tainter and his wife here after Meeting.  A Sad Report of Mr. Thomas Temple’s Conduct at Mr. Edwards Whipples the night before last.  A Warrant has been issued to apprehend him for his abusing his Neighbour Mr. Edmund Rice.

1770 March 15 (Thursday).  Visit Mr. Thomas Whitney’s Child, sick of a Fever.  Mr. Gleasons little Josiah, of 5 Years old, dies of the Throat Distemper.  I dined at Rev. Whitney’s.  Mr. Morse and his Wife, and Mr. Sumner there.  Mr. Morse preached on 1 Cor. 11.29.  A very useful Exercise: which may God bless!  N.B. Mr. Morse and I, after Meeting, and Mr. Dummer being by, had some Discourse concerning the Difference which prevents their Harmony and Communion as Ministers etc.  Mr. Whitney has a very great stone for his Front Door.  In returning called to see Mrs. Martyn.  When I came home Mr. Eli Whitney here.  He tells me that there has been a Court held to Day at Squire Whipple’s.  E. Rice and Temple agree.  Also Widow Martha Warrin and Temple, who had defamed her, agree.

1770 March 16 (Friday).  Capt. Fay came to call me to visit his grand Daughter, Polly Wood, who is sick, tis feared, of the Throat Distemper.  And I hear of Several more that are taken with it.  Went and prayed there.  My son Cushing from Ashburnham came.  He left his wife better.  Waited on his Mother yesterday from Ashburnham to Shrewsbury.  P.M. Went to Mr. Phinehas Gleasons who burys his little son Josiah.  Prayed there.  Divers other Children in several Familys are taken sick.  Mr. Edmund Rice requests me to go to his House.  His son Edmund and Daughter Dolly are ill.  Went, prayed there.  Called to see Mr. Amasa Maynards little Bernice: and Mr. Joseph Bonds Patty.  Prayed with the last.  Mr. Daniel Forbes here at Eve and pays me £32.10 old Tenor in Cash.

1770 March 17 (Saturday).  I have been attempting to prepare one Sermon, at least, for the Sabbath — but by reason of various Avocations and interruptions, could not finish it.  Mr. Cushing is returning to Ashburnham.  Gave him Six Dollars to be delivered to Mrs. Winchester of Ashburnham for Six Chairs bought of her for Sarah.  P.M. Mrs. Martha Temple (Wife of Mr. Thomas) came here to complain of Mrs. Martha Warrin for defaming her Husband.  The said Mrs. Warrin here also.  And Mr. Daniel Warrin to assist his Cousen.  But I refused to hear their Contests, the Communion being So near approching, and there having been no preparatory Steps taken, and no room to lay their Matters before the Church: Neither could I be any further disturbed by them and therefore dismissed them all.

1770 March 18 (Sunday).  Delivered the last sermon on 1 Cor. 11.23 to 26, especially on 24.  Administered the Lords supper.  Mr. Parker, Deacon Bond, Mrs. Maynard dined here.  Mr. Parker prayed and preached p.m., his Text Rom. 1.18.  Began to sing the 2d Time in the Afternoon Exercise.  At Eve read in the Family the latter part of Mr. Henrys Discourse on Ps. 25.5.

1770 March 19 (Monday).  Visit Mr. John Woods little Daughter Polly again and prayed.  Mr. Nurse brings me a Kegg of [blank] Gallons of Molasses, bought for me by Mr. John Maynard.  P.M. I rode to Mr. James Maynards to See his Daughter Lock’s Children, Nancy and Fort., who have the Throat Distemper.  I prayed there.  Visit Mr. Amasa Maynards Children, viz. Bernice, Loretta and Cloedicea, which have the Same.  Prayed there also.  Mr. Edmund Rice acquaints me with the Death of his Daughter Dolly last night, about 11 o’Clock.  When I returned home, found Mr. Forbes and with him Messrs. Fisk of Brookfield and Mr. Enos Hitchcock who preaches at Paxton.  Mr. Forbes tells us that Ebenezer has called his last Son Benjamin.  Brings the uncomfortable News of Alexanders shop being broke open while he was at Westborough etc., that he had lost about 30 yards of Cloth, and was in pursuit of the Thief who was gone into Connecticut.  A Letter also from John.  Mr. F. goes to his Sister Kendals; the other Gentlemen lodge here.

1770 March 20 (Tuesday).  Wrote to Mr. Moore, by Mr. Forb. to the Care of the Rochester Representative.  The abovesaid Gentlemen proceed on their Journey.  P.M. attend the Funeral of Mr. Edmund Rice’s Daughter Dolly.

1770 March 21 (Wednesday).  Deacon Wood here a.m.  His grand Child Polly is better.  He sows Hay seed for me, West of the Meeting House.  This Day (March 21) is the Day for the solemn Inauguration of the Rev. Mr. Samuel Lock, President of Harvard College: whom may the Father of Lights yet further endow and enrich with all needed Gifts and Graces, and make an illustrious Blessing in that important Trust!  Am diligently employed in preparing for Tomorrow.