Category: Diary

1771 June 19 (Wednesday).  Expected a large Team to plow up new ground, if it had been suitable Weather: but by reason of the Wet weather, it is deferred.  I could not attend Mr. Whitneys Lecture.

1771 June 20 (Thursday).  Deacon Wood and a Yoke of Oxen, Mr. Tainter with two Yoke, Mr. Nathan Maynard and one Yoke, Mr. Joseph Bond and one Yoke, Mr. Barnabas Newtons, Mr. Ebenezer Maynards, Mr. Beetons, Mr. Levi Warrins and my own, with Lt. Bakers great Plough, broke up the Corner of Land, north of my great Field.  The plough was not good, or they would have plowed more, but they broke off by about 5 o’clock p.m.  I went to Southborough and preached the Lecture on Matt. 14.14.15.  Returned safely at Eve.  D.G.  Miss Eunice Andrews came kindly p.m. to assist Mrs. P________ in quilting.  N.B. All the Behavior of that Family is benevolent.

1771 June 21 (Friday).  Letter from Sophy at Rochester, that Mrs. Moore remains very poorly.

1771 June 22 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1771 June 23 (Sunday).  Read Ezek. 48 and preached on it especially the last Clause.  Cousin Betsy Gott dined here.  P.M. read 2 Tim. 1.  Preached on Cant. 1.6 as Introduction to what I had further to deliver on Prov. 4.23.  Appointed a Lecture to Young people and the Church and Congregation to meet to choose Such as may lead in the Singing.  Letter from Mrs. Cushing.

1771 June 24 (Monday).  Lt. Baker blooded my Oxen.  We settle our Accounts.  I owe him £41.9.0 O.T.  Paid him in part by a Note to Constable Gleason, viz. £22.10 old Tenor.  Mrs. Tainter makes a Visit and dines here.  I read World displayed.

1771 June 25 (Tuesday).  P.M. Mr. Whitman of Hartford and his Daughter, in their Journey from Boston, Came, drank Tea and lodged here.  My Son Ebenezer came from Brookfield — acquaints me with the great Disturbance there, about ministerial Rights, in the 2d Parish.  Insomuch that Mr. Forbes talks of leaving them.  N.B. Ruth goes to Ashburnham.  Joseph goes with her to Coll. Wilders at Lancaster.

1771 June 26 (Wednesday).  Mr. Whitman and Daughter leave us to return home.  Ebenezer to Cambridge.

1771 June 27 (Thursday).  Preached a Lecture to Young People from Eccl. 12, v.13.  After Lecture Stopped the Church, to choose Choristers.  The Males of the Congregation from 21 years old and upward, were permitted to join.  Four were Chose.  Two out of the Church and two out of the Congregation, viz. Mr. Eli Whitney out of the Church and Mr. Phinehas Maynard out of the Congregation, Mr. Seth Morse out of the Church and Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlain junior out of the Congregation.  It was accomplished without much Dissention.  D.G.  After Meeting a great [deal?] of Company at my House.  Master Taylor in particular.  Cousin Betty Gott tarrys and lodges here.

1771 June 28 (Friday).  Here Began Dr. Chauncy on Episcopacy, and World displayed vol. XI.  Cousin Betty returned to Capt. Maynards and Elias goes with her and lodges there.  My son Ebenezer came from Cambridge and lodges here.

1771 June 29 (Saturday).  He leaves us for Brookfield.  I write by him to Mr. Sumner to change tomorrow, and receiving nothing to the Contrary I rode up to Shrewsbury (tho’ it was very Showery, and I was very wet when I got there) and lodged there.

1771 June 30 (Sunday).  Preached a. and p.m. (at Shrewsbury) on 1 Sam. 4.13.22.  N.B. Mr. Nathaniel Monroe’s Child, Nathan, was baptized.  My Sister Cushing, having returned from Yarmouth, I asked to Mr. Sumners.  In returning home, Stopped a little at Dr. Crosbys, where also Mr. Sumner came.  Tells me he has Preached on Ps. 119.155, both a. and p.m., and that as to Singing, Mr. Whipple Struck the Pitch, and at the 2d Note others fell in and assisted.  When I came home I understood that Joseph Chamberlain went this Morning, and on Foot to Hopkinton which was not agreeable to me.  N.B. Mr. Levi Stone of Sutton brought up yesterday a great Number of New Psalm Books to Deacon Woods — but [illegible] not delivered yet.

1771 July 2 (Tuesday).  Reuben Maynard having come for me yesterday [torn] go and [torn] Jonathan Childs Wife, I went — Conversed [torn] and [torn].  Her Case very dubious.  P.M. Preached [torn] Whitneys on Josh. 34.15.

1771 July [3] (Wednesday).  [Torn]ily expected Mrs. Cushing and Mrs. Sumner from [torn]bury, and prepared for them and Mr. Sumner, with them [torn]ing agreed and appointed to come, but came not.  Read the world displayed Vol. XI.  Jonathan Willard came from the Rev. Mr. Whitney, desiring to change next sabbath.

1771 July 4 (Thursday).  Visit old Mrs. Hardy, whose Cancer Still advances.  Conversed and prayed with her.  Call at Mr. Sever’s and to see old [Mr.?] Warrin.  N.B. Mrs. Spring made us a visit, most of the Day.

1771 July 5 (Friday).  Alexander came from Leicester — says Jones is in Jail yet.  I have informed Mr. Whitney that I changed last Sabbath yet I have received another Letter from him in which he still requests it.

1771 July 6 (Saturday).  Rode with Dr. Hawes in his Chaise, to See Mrs. Snow [torn]se grows more and more desperate.  Discoursed with [torn]isted her what I could — prayed with her.  [Torn] of Friends present.  In returning dined at the Doctors.  [Torn] Taylor here.

1771 July 7 (Sunday).  [Torn] Whitney came here and Preached on Gal. 3.10 and [torn] v. 21.  I rode over to Northborough and preached on 2 Cor. 4.1 to 4.

1771 July 8 (Monday).  Mr. Taylor is here and is about to go to Brookfield.  I wrote by him to Mr. Forbes.  Read world Displayed — Vol. XII.  Mrs. Snow dyed yesterday at 4 p.m.

1771 July 9 (Tuesday).  A Mr. Wheelock I hear, buys the Woodland back of my [Barn?] of old Lt. Forbush for 100£ old Tenor.  Mrs. P________ goes to Capt. Maynards.  Sisters Cushing and Sumner visit here.  They Soon return as far as Capt. Maynards.  Mr. Nurse assists Mr. Jonas Bradish in Removing to [blank].  A Number of Gentlemen are prizing the younger Widow Williams Place.  Attended the Funeral of Mrs. Snow (wife of Ensign Jabez), aged 56 last [blank].  I rode with Deacon Wood.  N.B. He Speaks to me about Mrs. Eunice Rice.  At Night Levi Brigham junior and Tabitha Hardy were marryed.

1771 July 10 (Wednesday).  Extremely put to’t for want of an Horse to plow amo[torn] the Corn.  Was oblidged to Send to Ensign Snows for [torn].  N.B. I this morning spoke to Lt. Forbes [torn] his Wood Lot nigh me to Mr. Wheelock [torn] Since he had offered it to me, and I had not refused.  Mr. Morse lent me his Horse to go to Upton, where [torn] a Lecture on Joh. 1.11.  Which may God be pleased to bless to [torn].  Mr. Willard of Mendon was there, and prayed.  After serm[torn] I returned at Eve in Safety.  Thanks be to God!

1771 July 11 (Thursday).  Called at Lt. Forbush’s to Speak with him again about his Wood lot joining to me: but found that though no Deed was Signed to Mr. Wheelock, yet he had given his Word.  Mr. Samuel Forbush offers me his Lot, which lyes near me, but he asks 350£ old Tenor for it.  Mr. Taylor is returned from Brookfield.  Mr. Crosby from Brookfield also, calls here.  Mr. Forbes in great Trouble.  N.B. Am informed that the Thunder yesterday killed [torn] man in Hopkinton.  One Daniel Parmintor, ab[torn] old: Son of Mr. Elias Parmintor.  [Torn] in the most High in his operations!  May we learn to [torn] His great and dreadful Name, for it is holy!

1771 July 12 (Friday).  Mr. Wheelock came and asked me to Shew him Mr. For[torn] Bounds of the Hill north of me.  I reasoned with him [torn] the unneighbourliness of his interposing, at least [torn]ing on to buy out of my Hands what lyes so peculiarly handy to me, at the very Time whilst I was reasonably expecting that I Should proceed in it: and to [illegible] as I remember did not refuse the Offer which the Lieutenant made me of it.  But Wheelock was in a [Toss?] presently, and went off without going to see the Bounds.  N.B. Benjamin How came and mended the Back of one Chimney, and repaired the Hearths of both [illegible] in most Common use.  Miss Judith Stone and Miss Sarah Smith visited and dined with us.

1771 July 13 (Saturday).  Lt. Baker here in the Morning with a Letter from Mr. Zebu [torn] Rice of Brookfield containing an Account of the present Trou[torn] and Perplexities there.  Lieutenant wants another Note or Order to the Constable Gleason for the rest of my Debt to h[torn].

 

[July 14 – August 11 missing.]

1771 August 12 (Monday).  Visit Mrs. Parker, under the remainder of her Bruises and Jarrs by her Fall.  She seems to be in many Spiritual Troubles.  Discoursed and prayed with her.  At my returning home I grew more indisposed.  P.M. had aguish Turns, repaired to the Bed.  At Evening came Mr. Forbes from Brookfield and Mr. Aaron Crosby with him.  The latter does not lodge here.  I had a feverish turn; gentle perspiration was promoted — a Pultice of Malt was doubtless beneficial.

1771 August 13 (Tuesday).  I rise this Morning through Gods great mercy and Goodness, and am in some Comfort.  D.G.  William Crosby came here.  Mr. Forbes is going to Cambridge to present him to Examination.  A great deal of Trouble by the breaking in of Swine into my Corn; and the Destruction that they made there.

1771 August 14 (Wednesday).  Though I am much indisposed, yet both my Lads being Engaged, the bigger in waiting on his Lameness, the Less in assisting at the Hay-making, I am therefore obliged to the Small Offices that may promote the urgent Business of the Season.

1771 August 15 (Thursday).  Joseph and Gould brought home the last Jaggs from the Interval.  Paid Gould at the Rate of 5£ old Tenor per week for his Labor.  That is, having paid him two Dollars before, I now delivered him £3.16.8 more — being his full Demand.  He returned to his own Family.  I droop for want of Ability to take necessary Food.

1771 August 16 (Friday).  I have had but a poor night — pained in my Mouth, Sweating, restless: am to day very uncomfortable.  God is righteous in thus dispensing!  Am lonely also, my wife tarrying So long, am full of Fears that all is not well among them.  Still I am pained and disrested — but I attend to my preparations — and can look after my domestic Affairs.  No News from Ashburnham.

1771 August 17 (Saturday).  One Patrick Bonner, a poor blind Man came.  Says he has been blind Sixteen Years — that it was occasioned by taking too great a Quantity of Jesuits Bark, when affected by Fever and ague.  I was affected with his Condition.

1771 August 18 (Sunday).  Read Dan. IV to v. 18, which afforded the forenoon Exercise.  P.M. Read 2 Tim. 1.  Preached on Rom. 15.29, which may God Please to bless to each of us!  In composing had Some view to make it, with proper Additions, the Subject of the Concio to the Ministers next Tuesday, at our Association.  N.B. Mrs. Molly Taylor dined with us.

1771 August 19 (Monday).  I was much taken up in various family Affairs relative to the Ministers Meeting.  Master Taylor offered to get my Horse kept at his Fathers Pasture, and rides him there; leaving me his to ride as I have Occasion.  Having heard nothing from Mrs. P________ I went over to Capt. Maynards to see what help I can have from thence.  N.B. Mr. Spring kindly helps me in Sundry little Jobbs: putting in several new squares into my sashes, etc.  At night Mr. Abraham Bond helpfull and neighbourly in killing and dressing a Pig, etc.  But my Young woman, Anna Batherick too much indisposed to help us — especially p.m. and Evening.  N.B. We have had Mrs. Garfield p.m. to Scower, etc.

1771 August 20 (Tuesday).  Anna went home — paid her 53/ old Tenor for her labor.  Cousen Maynard her self came and helped me — to my great Comfort.  About 10 o’Clock came Father Loring and Brother Stone.  Afterwards Messrs. Goss, Whitney, and [blank] More — a Candidate.  P.M. at the Desire of the Ministers I drew up a paper, manifesting our dissatisfaction with the Conduct of the Brethren and People of Bolton.  I was employed about this, while the Ministers examined Mr. More.  Not hearing him I did not sign the approbation.  At Eve, to my Joy, came Mr. Cushing with his Mother.  They relate that my dear Daughter Sarah went through a tedious Travail last Friday and Night following and through the Great Goodness of God was delivered of a Son, on the 17th about 4 in the Morning.  To Gods name be Glory and Praise.  Ps. 30.5 weeping may endure — but etc. Job. 16.21.  Mr. Green has [torn] 4 Volumes more of the World displayed, viz. 13, 14, 1[torn].

1771 August 21 (Wednesday).  Mr. Cushing leaves us early to return to Ashburham by Shrewsbury and that he may attend upon the Solemnity of giving out Commissions at Lancaster.  Mr. Moses Hitchcock of Brookfield and his Sister Sally here — dined here — Mr. Forbes, and a little Boy with him from Boston returning to Brookfield.  Dr. Crosby, and Mr. Aaron Crosby, who is going a Missionary to Onohoquage, met Mr. Forbes here.  They go to Dr. Crosby’s, to lodge.

1771 August 22 (Thursday).  We have so many Swine and have so Spent our Meal that I went to Mr. Thomas Temple’s and got two Bushels and brought it home my self.  In my way was at the Whipple’s.  Dined at the Squires.  Was at Mr. Ed[torn] Rice’s and at old Mr. James Maynards.