Category: Diary

1770 November 22 (Thursday).  Mrs. P________ and I undertake a Journey to Concord to see William and his Family in his New situation.  Went in Dr. Hawes’s Chaise drawn by my Horse.  Arrived there in Safety and found them well.  To God be Thanks and Praise!  N.B. had din’d at Coll. Weeks’s — Coll. Charles Prescot at Billys (as a Tavern) in the Evening and fervently invites me to his House.  We lodge at our sons.

1770 November 23 (Friday).  Take a View of Williams Possessions there.  Lodge another Night there.  N.B. By the News Paper I find my dear Kinswoman Mrs. Elizabeth Langdon, is Dead; aged 82.  To be buryed from her Daughter Eliot’s.  I dont remember any other of my first Cousens are now living, on either my Fathers or Mothers Side.  Neither did I ever see either of my Fathers or Mothers, Brothers of sisters, but Cousen Langdons Mother, who was my mothers Sister Susanna.  I once saw my Fathers Uncle Deliverance, who was of Salem; Father of Mrs. Curwin, wife of Rev. Mr. George Curwin.  I also Saw old Mr. John Trask, my grandmother Parkmans Brother.  O that I might be suitably impressed with this Death, that I may be ready also!

1770 November 24 (Saturday).  We took leave of our son and his Family to come home.  But N.B. he waited on his Mother with his Horse in the Chaise, as far as Deacon Rice’s.  We dined at Mr. Smith’s at Marlborough.  From thence (in the Rain) p.m. home — and found our Tabernacle in peace.  Blessed be God our Preserver!

1770 November 25 (Sunday).  Not being able to prepare any new Sermons, I delivered Expository Exercises on Mat. 11.27 a. and p.m.  And may God graciously add His Blessing!  N.B. I spoke to Mr. Daniel Forbes before I went in to Meeting in the Afternoon — acquainting him that I was obliged to propound Mr. Levi Warrin and his Wife (for there had been no Objection brought me, as he had given me Reason to Expect); and he no way opposing it, I proceeded to do it.  I read the Proclamation for public Thanksgiving.

1770 November 26 (Monday).  Am much concerned about my sheep, which we cannot hear of with any Certainty.  Was at Deacon Woods to Enquire after Mr. Barrett, who I hear has had a Shock of the numb Palsie.  Read Vol. 2 of Winter Evening Entertainment.

1770 November 27 (Tuesday).  Ruth goes to her Mother — Miss Sarah Woods (daughter of Mr. Alpheus) at Work here making two Gowns of Irish Camblet (bought of Mr. Hopestill Capon of Boston) — one for Mrs. P________, the other for Sophy.  I rode to Northborough.  Received of Capt. Maynard 70/ old Tenor.  Payd Dr. Ball for his Chaise 56/3 Old Tenor.  Bought a Square leav’d Table at Lt. John Martyns.  Visit Mr. Whitney — at Mr. Allens about Malt.  Returned home at Eve.  Mr. Elijah Returned from Boston — having paid for me to Mr. Capon for a piece of Irish Camblet £16.1.0 Old Tenor.  There remains due to him, including Quality for binding, 49/.

1770 November 28 (Wednesday).  This is the Day appointed for the Ordination of Mr. Brown at Sherbourn, and of Mr. [blank] Thayer at Paxton — but is a great Snow Storm.  May the almighty and most gracious Presence of the Great Head of the Church be with each of His servants in their Solemn Consecration — with His people in each society, and with all those who may perform, that may attend and that may be in any wise concerned therein!  May I be seriously Thoughtful of the Solemn and awful Charge which I my Self received in the Name of the Lord!  And may I remember how I have delivered the like to a Number of others, on whom I have in that sacred Action laid my Hand!  O that God would pardon my numberless Defects, and wash me in the Blood of the Lamb!  Miss Sarah Woods here still.  Mr. Daniel How, in his Delirium here though so stormy; he tarrys all night.

1770 November 29 (Thursday).  Paid Miss Sarah for her work and she returned to Marlborough.  I got Mr. Levi Warrin to Spend what time he could to Day in looking and enquiring after my Sheep.  I rode to Hopkinton to see Mr. Barrett, who last Saturday Night was struck with the Numb Palsie.  Called at Mr. Abbys and prayed with him.  Dined at Mr. Barretts.  Carryed and returned to him, Dr. Mathers Magnalia: and borrowed of him Henry on the prophets.  Prayed with him.  Was called away to go to Deacon Jason Walker, whom I found in great Extremity of pain in his private parts through Retention of Urine etc.  Prayed with him.  Visited also Lt. John Wood’s Wife and prayed there.  N.B. Bethiah Parmenter sojourns among them.  Called at Biglows in returning — and at Warrins.  Little news of my Sheep.  Much chilled by my Evening Ride.

1770 November 30 (Friday).  Ruth Bellows returns to work for us.  At Eve came Messrs. Joseph Harrington and Eli Whitney about the Affair of Levi Warrin.  I told them if they would have a Church Meeting they must write the Request and Sign it.  I must also have it Seasonably.

1770 December 1 (Saturday).  Employed Mr. Thaddeus Warrin to Search for my Sheep.  He Sets out on my Horse — northerly etc.  He finds them North of Mr. Andrews’s; and drives them home.  For which I gave him a fat Goose (when picked) for Thanksgiving.  The sheep had been gone nigh a Month.

1770 December 2 (Sunday).  Omitted Reading a. and p.m.  Preached a.m. on Luk. 11.4.  “Lord teach us to pray.”  P.M. on Isa. 50.10.  Young Mr. Barrett here.  Tells me his Father is somewhat better.  He dines here; as does Deacon Walkers son and his Kinsman Jonathan Burnap junior of Windham.  At Even in the Family read Dr. Owen of Spiritual mindedness.

1770 December 3 (Monday).  Deacon Wood came with the Desire of Mr. Daniel Forbes etc. that I would draw up something for them to sign for Church meeting relative to Levi Warrin, but I declined it.  My Kinsman Bradshaw from Great Barrington and lodged here.

1770 December 4 (Tuesday).  Sir Bradshaw went to Boston.  Mr. Jonathan Grout (as Mr. Batherick had spoke with me also on the same Account) Shewing uneasiness as to the Admission of Neighbour Levi Warrin and his Wife.

1770 December 5 (Wednesday).  My son John came from Brookfield.  Says Mr. Parsons is so weak and low that he is not capable of moving any Limb except [blank] that he is quite emaciated and longs to dye.  Alexander came at Night and brought a Cow to be kept here this Winter.

1770 December 6 (Thursday).  Public Thanksgiving.  Preached on Zech. 14.6.7.  N.B. Mr. Daniel Forbes was here before Meeting to acquaint me that a Number of Brethren were at his House last night upon L. Warrins Affair and could not come here with a written Request, but desired that the Church might be stopped and Opportunity given to confer upon this Matter: for, with them that were at his House, who were 9, there were many more (about 11 more were reckoned) who were too uneasy to vote for their Admission.  Accordingly the Church were detained and Voted that their Admission be deferred for a short Space, that those who were unacquainted with the Case, may inform them Selves better, that the uneasy may discourse with the persons, and that if the Church must come together there may be proper preparation for it.  In the Evening Ebenezer Maynard was marryed to Hannah Roberts.  N.B. Breck was with us to day.  He came over from Upton in the Morning.

1770 December 7 (Friday).  Alexander and Breck rose before Day — and returned to their respective Business.  Breck has been So closely engaged in his Work, that he has worked (he says) 40 hours together without breaking off, except to Eat only.  John and Sophy went to Shrewsbury: to Mr. Cushings and to Mr. Sumners.  Mr. Seth Morse came to speak with me upon what the Church did yesterday, on his Brother Warrins Case.  William came from Concord — brought my Heiffer, and some onions.

1770 December 8 (Saturday).  William returns home.  Isaac Parker and his Wife Margery, heretofore Maynard, came to offer them Selves as Penitents and were examined, as the Time and Circumstances would allow.

1770 December 9 (Sunday).  Preached on Zech. 14.6 a.m.  Administered the Lords Supper.  Deacon Bond, Mrs. Maynard and Mrs. Abigail Parker dined here.  Preached p.m. the other Sermon on Joh. 15, v. 9.10.  (See Oct. 21.)  Evening Family Reading was Dr. Owen on Spiritual mindedness.  Mr. Lords MS.

1770 December 10 (Monday).  John returns to Brookfield.  N.B. Bought his Six sheep for 40/ per Head old Tenor.  P.M. Benjamin Brigham from Douglass.  Mr. Nathaniel Whitney at Evening.

1770 December 11 (Tuesday).  Elias returned from Brookfield.  Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Nat. Prentice call here as they go to Boston.  I visit old Mrs. Hardy and her Daughter Adams and pray with them.  Visit Mr. Levi Warrins Wife, and make Opportunity to talk with her alone.  She talks in much the Same strain that her Husband does.  Says She knows and can bring Suitable proof that She was not with Child a month before She was marryed — and if She must say whether She was innocent, She would have every body else examined as well as them: etc. etc.  Mrs. Maynard makes us a Visit, and stays till night.  My Wife and She visited Deacon Woods Wife.

1770 December 12 (Wednesday).  Mr. Levi Warrin (who was not at home when I was there yesterday) came here, accompanyed by Mr. Daniel Hardy; and Deacon Bond.  The Effect was a Paper requesting a Church meeting was headed and subscribed by those two.  Read Winter Evening Entertainment Vol. 2.

1770 December 13 (Thursday).  This is the Day of (I suppose) the Execution of [blank] Shaw at Springfield.  P.M. Deacon Cheney of Ashburnham here with Letter from Sarah.  He is in Spiritual Trouble and Darkness and desires to be alone with me.  At Eve Deacon Samuel Baker of Bolton here, and discourses of their Divisions and Contentions with Mr. Goss.  I perceive that he is himself under Uneasiness with him.

1770 December 14 (Friday).  [No entry.]

1770 December 15 (Saturday).  Mr. B. Brigham going to preach at Uxbridge, accompanys Sophy to Upton.  Deacon Bond has brought the Paper subscribed by Four, requesting Church meeting on L. Warrins Affair.

1770 December 16 (Sunday).  Preached a. and p.m. on Zech. 14.7.  Widow Bellows and Widow Thurston dined here.  Appointed Church Meeting.  Letter received from Mr. Moore.  Little Suse sick.

1770 December 17 (Monday).  Mr. Zephaniah Briggs going to preach at Great Barrington, calls and dines here.  Tells me Mr. Bradshaw did not come because his Grandfather was not well — feared numb Palsie.  He has Sent me from my Son Samuel a Gown of Plad and chocolate coloured Calamanco.  Mr. Abijah Gale here upon the Warrin Case: he seems to be for his enjoying Privilege.  Isaac Parker asks me to write his Confession.

1770 December 18 (Tuesday).  Capt. Jonas Brigham and his wife called here.  Sent to Samuel by Lt. Baker.  P.M. The Church met on 1. Levi Warrins Case.  He gave two papers, one was signed by himself and wife: the other was a Certificate from Dr. Ball.  N.B. Nine out of 28, vote that we proceed to their Admission.  They were Mr. Daniel Hardy, David Maynard, Capt. Benjamin Fay, Capt. Jonas Brigham, B. Taynter, Seth Morse, Thomas Twitchell, D. Adams, and Mr. A. Gale.  2. the Church were asked whether they would establish the old Psalm Book, or choose some other Version?  3. Choose a second Chorister.  4. Watch over Delinquents — reference to Jonas Bradish’s Case.  In the Eve Dr. Hawes and Wife here.  Sophy returned from Upton.  Mr. B. Brigham not returned.

1770 December 19 (Wednesday).  Rode to Mr. Ithamar Bellows to See him and his Wife in their Lameness and Confinement.  Find her very bad with her Leg.  Doctors Wilson and Hawes there.  We all dined there.  Thence I went to old Mr. Chamberlins, and officiated in the Solemnity of marrying his Daughter Lydia to Mr. William Brigham of Southborough, after which was an handsome Entertainment.  In returning home I was by their Desire at Mr. Bellows again and prayed with them.

1770 December 20 (Thursday).  Sold my little Flock of 12 sheep and Lambs to Mr. Barnabas Newton for 28£ old Tenor and he sent for them and had them accordingly.  Visit a New Family who are come to live in Deacon Woods House, viz. Mr. William Spring, his Wife and Child.  Mr. Spring not at home.  Mr. Peter Coffin of Gloucester from Brookfield here, but goes on his Journey to Framingham.  Mr. Seth Morse here at Evening to talk about his Brother Warrin — and of a Paper which he says Deacon Bond has got ready for subscriptions of those that desire to have another version of Psalms.  N.B. I direct him to wait upon Lt. Forbush.

1770 December 21 (Friday).  [No entry.]

1770 December 22 (Saturday).  Lt. Baker paid me for Mr. Daniel Forbes £41.0.1 old Tenor.

1770 December 23 (Sunday).  I preached a. and p.m. on Isa. 50.11.  Widow Kendal dined with us.  At Evening family Exercise read Dr. Owen of Spiritual mindedness.  In my study read Mr. Lords Diary.

1770 December 24 (Monday).  The following Teams brought Wood — viz. Capt. Jonas Brigham, two Loads from his own Land.  Mr. Timothy Warrin and Mr. [G.?] Andrews two Load apiece, from Capt. Ephraim Brighams Land and from thence also Mr. Tainter, Samuel Forb., Ebenezer Forbes, Seth Morse, Thomas Bond, each of them three Load.  And there were 13 Cutters, viz. Mr. Batherick, Lt. Baker, Mr. T. Frost, Joseph Harrington, Eli Whitney, Moses Sever and Samuel Sever, Phinehas Forbes, Joseph McCulloch, Samuel Lamb, Benjamin Tainter junior, and Benjamin Whitney, and William Low.

1770 December 25 (Tuesday).  Elisha Forbes brings a Quarter of Beef.  Weighed 86.  [Marginal notation: This Beef came on the 26.]  P.M. I rode to Southborough.  Paid Capt. Ward £8.19.6 old Tenor in full.  Mr. Stone and his wife were gone to Marlborough.  I followed them there, to their son Rice’s.  N.B. I had never seen them since the marriage till now.  Mr. Luke Drury was my Company from Southborough.  They are preparing for a new session of Grafton-Council.  In returning I called to see Mr. William Brighams new Wife, and Mr. Andrews Children, ill of the Canker.  May God be praised for my Preservation when my Horse threw me down.

1770 December 26 (Wednesday).  Mr. Warrin came to desire me to preach at his House.  P.M. Visit Mrs. Sever, Mr[s.?] Biglow, and Mrs. Hardy, whose Daughter Adams is still extremely low.  I prayed at each of the last Houses.  At Eve Master Taylor visits me.  Mr. Joseph Grout supplys me with a side of Beef, at 15d per pound.  Weight 192 lb.  Sold 3 Geese at 15/ apiece to Deacon Wood.