Diary of Ebenezer Parkman

    Diary of Ebenezer Parkman, 1738

    1738 January 1 (Sunday). Nothing less than Patience and Forbearance which is Divine could permitt me another Year Still! A.M. on Mat. 8.5—p.m., on Eccl. 1.2. I would Committ to God the Events of this Year, and I would enter a fixed Resolution, by the Grace of God to Serve Him in Fidelity in Some preferable Degree to what I have done heretofore.

    1738 January 2 (Monday). Was at the Funeral of the Young Child of Mr. Thomas Bruce.

    1738 January 3 (Tuesday). Was at the Funeral of a Child1 of Mr. Josiah Russell, of about 5 years old, an hopefull, desirable Child—The Third that has dyed of late by the Quincy, and the 10th that has dyed in 10 weeks.

    1738 January 4 (Wednesday). Captain Eager called me in the morning to go over to Upton to the Ordination of Mr. Thomas Weld.2 Mr. Tainter also went over with us. The Churches sent to were, the Church in Mendon, Brookline, Hopkinton, Attlebury, Uxbridge and Grafton; Mr. Barrett prayed before Sermon, Mr. Allen3 preach’d on Isa. 6.8. Mr. Dorr4 gave the Charge; Mr. Weld of Attlebury the right Hand. Entertainment was plentifull at Ensign Woods. N.B. Deacon Millins5 of Hopkinton Disputes for Ruling Elders, in opposition to the Doctrine deliver’d to Day. A very fine, bright, moderate Day. Return’d at Evening.

    1738 January 5 (Thursday). At Private Meeting at Brother Hicks’s. Preached on Ps. 73.25. Received the melancholly news of the Death of Madame Chandler, who deceased on [blank].

    1738 January 6 (Friday). James Bradish, Junior, carryed away my Flax to dress it.

    1738 January 7 (Saturday). Visited Mr. Increase Wards Family, 4 of them being sick. Rebecca very low.

    1738 January 8 (Sunday). On Matt. 8.5–1, Cor. 15.31. Moderate Day. Large Company.

    1738 January 9 (Monday). Visited Mr. Wards Family again. Rebecca still living, though exceeding bad. Sent by Mr. Whipple to Boston—Letters from New Haven. Moderate, bright Day. N.B. Mr. Campbell of Oxford here.

    1738 January 10 (Tuesday). Visited old Mr. Forbush.6 Returned by Mr. Cooks7 and Mr. Wards.

    1738 January 11 (Wednesday). Ensign Maynard here from Boston. Provisions exceeding Dear there.

    1738 January 12 (Thursday). I rode to visit the Indians, Old David,8 etc., at their Wigwam. At Captain Warrin’s about Pork; and rode up to Mr. Reuben Maynards on the same account but he not at home, being gone to Mr. Joseph Miles’ wedding. N.B. I visited Mr. Samuel Fay and Family, and Mr. Bezaleel Smiths.

    1738 January 13 (Friday). Mr. Elias Havin,9 on his journey to preach at Leicester here and lodged here. N.B. Captain Fay here at Evening also, and Mr. Reuben Maynard. It has been a Week of remarkably warm, pleasant Weather little freezing even o’nights. N.B. I had visited Rebecca Ward, p.m. being called by Mr. Samuel Fay, junior.

    1738 January 14 (Saturday). Mr. Haven left us. Very high winds, but not very Cold. Rebecca Ward10 dy’d.

    1738 January 15 (Sunday). Matt. 8.14.15. John 16.8. Raw Cold. Many Weathers.

    1738 January 16 (Monday). Very Cold. P.M. at Captain Warrins, but he was not at home.

    1738 January 17 (Tuesday). Rebecca Ward was buryed.

    1738 January 18 (Wednesday). [No entry.]

    1738 January 19 (Thursday). Rode up to Captain Fays, to Mr. Reuben Maynards and to Cousin Winchesters.

    1738 January 20 (Friday). The Weather has been for Some Days wondrous fine and moderate.

    1738 January 21 (Saturday). [blank] Miller, a Glazier, mended our Glass.

    1738 January 22 (Sunday). Matt. 8.16.17. Luk. 1.6. My Spouse was taken into the Church. Rained hard in the night.

    1738 January 23 (Monday). At Eve Mr. Miles (son of Deacon Miles) from Concord with a present of Onions. The same Eve Mr. Horn, Mr. Daniel Fay, and Mr. Joseph Woods of Southborough were here. In the Hands of the Former were a pair of Gloves for my wife and me from Colonel Chandler11 of Worcester.

    1738 January 24 (Tuesday). Read Dr. Edwards12 on the Use and Abuse of Apparell.

    1738 January 25 (Wednesday). Mr. Cushing made us a visit and tarried into Evening.

    1738 January 26 (Thursday). Mr. Increase Ward and his son had requested that we would keep this Day in humiliation and Prayer on account of the Frowns of Heaven upon them in their grievous Sickness and Bereavment. Considering also that the Providence of God had been remarkable in the Late Mortality. The Exercise was publickly mentiond in the Congregation the Sabbath past, but because of Mr. Ward’s and his Familys Circumstances we kept it at his House. Mr. Prentice13 came at our request and assisted in the Prayers. I preached on John 2.2. Repeating with some alterations and Additions, part of my sermon on 1 John 4.10. Many were gathered together and the Family provided a decent refreshment afterwards.

    1738 January 27 (Friday). Rain, Cold and windy. But in general the weather has been unusually Moderate, or rather warm.

    1738 January 28 (Saturday). My Kinsman14 came up from College upon my Horse, which I sent down for him, by Ensign Maynard.

    1738 January 29 (Sunday). On Eph. 3.10, a. and p.m.

    1738 January 30 (Monday). How different my State from what it was 2 years agoe! God has Set one Thing over against another. We should Sing of the Mercys of the Lord for Ever, but not forgetting his Judgments! Mr. Seth Rice’s wife here. We went down to Ensign Maynards in the Evening. N.B. Mr. Haden here.

    1738 January 31 (Tuesday). Very Cold windy day. Dr. Gott and his wife and Mr. Timothy Harrington made us a Visit and din’d and spent the Afternoon among us, except what time divers of us were down at Ensign Maynards, where were a Meeting of Houssatunnoc Petitioners for the drawing their Lotts. N.B. Colonel Woods there also. Very Cold Evening but they all returnd to Marlborough. January leaves us like itself, but the most of the month has been the moderatest that most can remember.

    1738 February 1 (Wednesday). [No entry.]

    1738 February 2 (Thursday). I cannot but remember the Wormwood and the Gall of the Funeral Day Two years agoe15 and Desire my Soul may still be humbled with me. But God has turned the mourning of the Day (Day Two years agoe) into rejoicing and my sorrow into Gladness. But O that I may neither forget the Blessing enjoyed in my Dear Molly, nor the holy, Severity of the most high in So Sorely and grievously bereaving me of her! [Illegible] Storm of Snow. Clear’d Somewhat when it was towards Evening.

    1738 February 3 (Friday). [No entry.]

    1738 February 4 (Saturday). [No entry.]

    1738 February 5 (Sunday). Matth. 8.18.19.20. Eph. 5.25. Rain a.m.

    1738 February 6 (Monday). Cold. Slippery. Mr. Francis Whipple and his Wife visited us at Eve.

    1738 February 7 (Tuesday). Considerable Storm of Snow. Ensign Maynard at Evening. Reading Potters Greek Antiquitys.16

    1738 February 8 (Wednesday). Bright fine Day. Ensign Maynard went to Boston. I rode down to the South East of the Town, visited Mr. Bradish,17 Goslin, Jonathan Bellows, Chamberlain, and at Evening Old Mr. Forbush.

    1738 February 9 (Thursday). We rode to Marlborough, our Kinsman in Company, he being accommodated with a Horse by Mr. Aaron Forbush.18 Mr. Bliss19 preach’d to the Young Societys in that Town, from Ps. 119.9. N.B. Confusion in the Singing by the young man’s reading the Longer meeter in Standish Tune, throughout the Singing. After Service we went to Dr. Gotts, where we were refresh’d for we did not dine at Captain Williams’s where we call’d before meeting. Divers of us Spent the Eve at the Colonel’s. My Spouse and I lodg’d at Dr. Gotts, but my Kinsman with Mr. Bliss.

    1738 February 10 (Friday). Settled all accompts with Colonel Woods,20 unto this Day. Visited Mr. David Goodenow of Westborough under Lameness and Confinement at Marlborough. Din’d at the Doctors and then rode up home. Snow’d while we were upon the way. Town Meeting at Westborough. N.B. I gave Mr. James Miller a request to be admitted into No. 3 of the Houssatunnocs. Ensign Maynard brought up divers Things from Boston for me. N.B. Oysters, Salt Fish, etc.

    1738 February 11 (Saturday). Ensign Maynard din’d with us upon Salt Fish, etc.

    1738 February 12 (Sunday). Mr. Grow21 dined with us. Variable Weather. Eph. 5.25. Repeated Sermon 2 on Matt. 20.6. From 1 Tim. 5.13.

    1738 February 13 (Monday). Mr. Tainter came and kill’d our Hog. Weigh’d about 12 score. N.B. Mr. Tainters Cousen Kendal22 of Suffield here. They din’d with us. N.B. I wrote to Mr. Timothy Woodbridge23 junior of Simsbury by Mr. Kendall. Brother Hicks just at night pinch’d up the Barn Floor, and cutt up and Salted my Pork at Evening. Potter’s Antiquities.

    1738 February 14 (Tuesday). Mr. Weld of Upton came to See me and [illegible].

    1738 February 15 (Wednesday). Mr. Weld left us. Pleasant Day. Jotham Maynard thrashing Rye. One of my little last year Twin Lambs found Dead at the old House. At Evening Neighbour Hezekiah Pratt, Mr. Whipple,24 Mr. Livermore,25 and Mr. James Fay26 here.

    1738 February 16 (Thursday). I visited Edward Fay Sick at Mr. Increase Wards. Jotham Maynard thrash’d Rye, and p.m. he clean’d it up. 5 ½ Bushels. N.B. I reckon’d with Mr. Josiah Newton. N.B. I deliver’d up to Mr. Hezekiah Pratt a Bond of 900£ which he had given his Parents and which was repos’d in my Hands.

    1738 February 17 (Friday). Very Cold, windy. Dr. Gott din’d here.

    1738 February 18 (Saturday). Mr. Weld came at Candle Light. I had a troublesome Cold ride—got no further than to Mr. Phinehas Hardy at Grafton. Lodg’d there.

    1738 February 19 (Sunday). Mr. Hardy was so kind as to ride over to Upton with me. A Cold windy Day. I preach’d on Heb. 13.17. Was entertain’d at Ensign Jonathan Woods. Went into Mr. Sadlers27 after the afternoon service. Conversation on his wide Difference with Mr. Weld.

    1738 February 20 (Monday). I rode down to Mrs. Dorrs at Mendon, and din’d there. Mr. Dorr acquainted me with the Disquietments at Bellingham and the late Councils there. Mr. Weld and my Kinsman came to Mendon. When we return’d from thence we call’d at Mr. Sadlers and at Captain Hazletines.28 Late home and Cold. My wife had a very ill turn, and had been very ill for Two Dayes. Keeps her Chamber. Abort,29 etc., etc.

    1738 February 21 (Tuesday). My wife keeps Chamber. Mr. Stone30 of Southborough made us a Visit.

    1738 February 22 (Wednesday). Read Eusebius Hist. Eccl. by Valesius.31 Mr. Maynard and Sister Hicks were kind in visiting my wife.

    1738 February 23 (Thursday). It was generally very good pleasant Weather.

    1738 February 24 (Friday). Mr. Jonathan Whipple was So kind as to present me with a Store Pigg about Six weeks old.

    1738 February 25 (Saturday). [No entry.]

    1738 February 26 (Sunday). Matth. 8.21.22. Eph. 5.25.

    1738 February 27 (Monday). Very Cold. Brother Breck32 of Springfield came at Evening.

    1738 February 28 (Tuesday). My Spouse first got down stairs after her illness. After Dinner Brother Breck and my Kinsman rode to Marlborough. I rode as far with them as my visit to old Mr. Forbush led me. Mr. Forbush in a very low State and not likely to Continue. At Evening wrote by Neighbour David Maynard, junior, to Brother Samuel Parkman by who I sent the Ballance of Mr. Billings (Taylor at Boston) Accompt, being 9£.

    1738 March 1 (Wednesday). Expected my Kinsman but in vain. N.B. Our Brethrens Interest in Marlborough sold by auction for 113£.

    1738 March 2 (Thursday). Lecture on Gal. 6.15. Church Meeting. See the Records.

    1738 March 3 (Friday). Brother Breck and my Kinsman return’d and din’d with us. P.M. Brother Breck went from us on his Journey to Springfield.

    1738 March 4 (Saturday). Fine Weather—invites to Guardening. The Chive and parsely Sprung.

    1738 March 5 (Sunday). Rain. Sacrament. Heb. 10.35. P.M. Exod. 18.21. Mr. Greaves, Deacon Fay and his wife din’d with us. Very much tir’d at night.

    1738 March 6 (Monday). Town meeting. Chose only 4 select men all Day. Rain, Cold.

    1738 March 7 (Tuesday). Adjournment of Town Meeting. Grows Cold again. N.B. Mr. Jonathan Forbush helped me in laying a front Hearth Stone in my Study.

    1738 March 8 (Wednesday). Cold, windy Day. Visited old Mr. Thomas Forbush. My Kinsman (accommodated with Mr. Francis Whipples Horse) rode with me to Shrewsbury. N.B. Mr. Cushing gone to Lancaster. N.B. A Meeting of the Proprietors of the Houssatunnoc Township No. 333 at Captain Daniel Hows. And on Consideration of my paying 15£ I was admitted into their Society. N.B. The peculiar Friendliness of those who were Westborough Members, and especially of Mr. James Miller, who in a Singular manner espoused my Cause. The remaining Right (of the Seven that were to be disposed of) was sold to the highest Bidder for 26 10s. Late in the night when we got home, and very Cold, but through the Goodness of God we got home Safe and well.

    1738 March 9 (Thursday). Catechizing at the Meeting House forenoon and Afternoon.

    1738 March 10 (Friday). I visited old Mr. Thomas Forbush being esteemed to be near his End. He acknowledged his Passionateness, and rash Speaking, especially in the Times of our Contention, and ask’d forgiveness.

    1738 March 11 (Saturday). A very sharp Storm,—the Snow deep for it fell all Day.

    1738 March 12 (Sunday). I had prepar’d a Discourse to Wives, but I did not care to deliver it because there were So few at meeting. I repeated a. and p.m. Sermon on Gal. 6.15.

    1738 March 13 (Monday). It was a Day appointed to get Wood for me, but the Depths of the Snow prevented Captain Eager and his Neighbours. But Captain Warrin and his Son Jonas came with a good Strong Team, and Neighbour Aaron Hardy and his Boy, Samuel Forbush (son of the Ensign) and Charles Bruce, and in the afternoon John Rogers and John Bradish came; and they got me a good Pile, 10 very large Loads, though it was heavy, troublesome Stirring and but one Team.

    1738 March 14 (Tuesday). A.M. John Rogers with their Oxen and mine sledded stones from the Chimney of the Old House, but the Rain prevail’d upon us in so much that we were beat off before noon. N.B. Lieutenant Holloway34 brought News from my mother, Brother, etc., with Flower, etc. N.B. Mr. Wheeler here. Talk of Jason again.

    1738 March 15 (Wednesday). Very much troubled with the Tooth ach by means of the Cold I took yesterday.

    1738 March 16 (Thursday). The Tooth ach prevails upon me.

    1738 March 17 (Friday). With great difficulty attend’d at all to my Studys, by means of Pain.

    1738 March 18 (Saturday). Blistering relieves me as it has been wont, but am much indispos’d.

    1738 March 19 (Sunday). On Eph. 5.22.33. N.B. So ill a Night last that when I awak’d in the morning I concluded I Should not be able to go to meeting. But Samuel Forbush came with an Earnest Request from his dying Grandfather that I would step down to him. I rose, and wrapping up well I ventur’d, pray’d with him, etc. As the Day rose I grew more lively, and by Divine Favour I got through the Exercises. N.B. Mr. Samuel Mason35 of Stonington din’d and Supp’d and lodg’d here.

    1738 March 20 (Monday). Under Indisposition still and great Fear of the Return of the Rheumatism. N.B. Old Mr. Forbush dy’d last night about 10 o’Clock. Mr. Mason rode to Mr. Peabodys.

    1738 March 21 (Tuesday). A Dull Day but I ventur’d out being it was the Funeral of old Mr. Forbush. N.B. Mr. Reuben Maynard of Shrewsbury brought home the Pork I bought of him. The weight was 239£. Mr. Tainter was so kind as to come and Cutt it out and Salt it down.

    1738 March 22 (Wednesday). Obadiah Walker36 here.

    1738 March 23 (Thursday). Mr. Daniel Whitney of Watertown here with Mr. Tainter, having been up to view Mr. Thomas Wards Farm.

    1738 March 24 (Friday). [No entry.]

    1738 March 25 (Saturday). [No entry.]

    1738 March 26 (Sunday). On Ps. 146.3.4.

    1738 March 27 (Monday). Captain Abraham Williams37 here and din’d with us. P.M. My wife and Kinsman, with Captain Williams and me, rode to Cousin Winchester, who had lately lain in, and leaving my wife, we rode to Grafton. But Mr. Prentice was gone to Cambridge. Captain Williams, in returning, continued his Journey to Marlborough, but we stay’d So long at Cousen Winchester as to sup.

    1738 March 28 (Tuesday). My Wife and Kinsman and I were at Ensign Maynards at Eve.

    1738 March 29 (Wednesday). Proprietors Meeting of the Houssatunnock Township No. 3. A mistake of Date of what was transacted at last Meeting at Shrewsbury by which what was then done is render’d somewhat uncertain. N.B. Some Considerable writing done of Conveyance of Titles, etc.

    1738 March 30 (Thursday). My Kinsman left us, upon my Horse, accompany’d by Mr. Francis Whipple. Did something at Gardening.

    1738 March 31 (Friday). [No entry.]

    1738 April 1 (Saturday). Mr. Whipple return’d with my Horse from my Kinsman.

    1738 April 2 (Sunday). On Eph. 6.4. Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlains Wife din’d with us.

    1738 April 3 (Monday). Raw Cold.

    1738 April 4 (Tuesday). I rode abroad for Help in my Farm Business. Went to Mr. David Brigham’s and found their Daughter Deberah very ill of a Fever. I took a ride round by Captain Forbush38 and old Mr. Wards.39 Silas Brigham here at Evening, his sister Deborah being at the point of Death. Easterly lowering Weather.

    1738 April 5 (Wednesday). Deborah Brigham very low and dangerously ill. A very great storm of Rain, Cold and tedious, especially in the Morning. When it was more moderate I went down to see Deborah Brigham. Our maid boiling Soap.

    1738 April 6 (Thursday). Mr. Pratt, with his Cattle, Brother Hicks’s and my own, to which we added Mr. Rogers’s in the Afternoon broke up the Grass Ground on the West and South of the old House. P.M. I visited Mr. Josiah Russells Child which was Sick. Cloudy and Raw weather yet. Mr. Pratt, p.m., plough’d Stubble Ground.

    1738 April 7 (Friday). Easterly Wind, Cloudy, Cold—Rain at Times throughout the Day.

    1738 April 8 (Saturday). The Same Weather still. Captain Brigham40 of Marlborough here. P.M. I rode to Shrewsbury and met Mr. Cushing41 coming to Westborough. Mr. Burr42 at Mr. Cushings.

    1738 April 9 (Sunday). I preach’d at Shrewsbury on Rev. 3.1. Return’d at Eve, home, and there found Mr. Andrew Boardman43 School Master of Hopkinton who lodg’d with us.

    1738 April 10 (Monday). I rode to Marlborough. Mr. Burr (who preach’d at Marlborough yesterday for Mr. Bliss) was there when I went down. Conversation with him about Bedforth Lands in Connecticut. Din’d at Dr. Gotts. Talk’d with Ensign Gotham Ward touching what had been reported of the neighbouring ministers in the Affair of Marlborough against Mr. Benjamin Kent.44 In returning Home, had Colonel William Wards Company. N.B. Took down a Jack at Father Breck’s.45

    1738 April 11 (Tuesday). David Baverick wrought for me.

    1738 April 12 (Wednesday). David Wrought to Day also, and Mr. Aaron Forbush wrought with my Team in Splitting Hills.

    1738 April 13 (Thursday). Fast. On Ps. 65.2.

    1738 April 14 (Friday). David Batherick again. He Sow’d Rye.

    1738 April 15 (Saturday). David Still. He Carted stuff and mended Fence. Neighbour Aaron Hardy came with a Yoke of Oxen and plough’d up the rest of the stubble ground. I was necessitated a.m. to assist at the Team my Self to my great Trouble and affliction.

    1738 April 16 (Sunday). Sacrament. Repeated Isa. 50.10. P.M. Eph. 6.4.

    1738 April 17 (Monday). I rode into the Southwest part of the Town for necessary Supplys for the occasion approaching. N.B. Mr. Hall of Sutton here. N.B. Mr. William Caruth planted Potatoes for me.

    1738 April 18 (Tuesday). Brother Hicks and his wife rode upon my Horse to Cambridge. The Association met at our House, Viz. Mr. Prentice46 of Lancaster, Mr. Loring,47 Mr. Cushing, Mr. Stone of Southborough, Mr. Prentice of Grafton (who also brought his Spouse with him). Mr. Jabez Richardson48 and Mr. Andrew Boardman likewise came. No Body was prepared to give a Concio. At their Request I repeated my Discourse on Eph. 3.10. Our Conversation turn’d upon the Affairs of Marlborough as they respected the Settlement of Mr. Bliss among them. Mr. Stone and Mr. Boardman left us.

    1738 April 19 (Wednesday). Mr. Bliss and Mr. Haven came. Mr. Prentice of Grafton laid some Difficultys he was labouring under, before us. Mr. Prentice the Moderator gave Mr. Bliss reasons why he Suppos’d the Association would not look upon themselves call’d to meddle with the Affairs of Marlborough. The Moderator preach’d the public Lecture on Ps. 73.25. I pray’d the Church to receive their Votes for a Deacon or Deacons. The First (which was not ripen’d till the 3d Trial) was for Brother Thomas Forbush, For whom (at last there were 24 Votes out of 36 Members). Then the Church unanimously mov’d for a second to be Chosen—to which I consented. But seeing the Association were waiting for me I (with the Church’s Consent) appointed Deacon Fay to receive the Church’s Votes whilst I withdrew. When I returned I found they had chosen Brother Seth Rice to be the other Deacon.49

    1738 April 20 (Thursday). John Rogers wrought for me—ploughed in Rye and Barley.

    1738 April 21 (Friday). Simon Tainter, junior, came and wrought for me. He plough’d the remainder of the Stubble, with Brother Hicks’s oxen join’d to mine. P.M. Plough’d in Barley, with only my Cattle. I planted Cucumbers, Squashes. At Eve visited Mr. Hezekiah How, his Daughter being Sick.

    1738 April 22 (Saturday). Rain a.m. Held up p.m., yet Brother Hicks comes not with the Children.

    1738 April 23 (Sunday). Eph. 6.4. Very pleasant weather.

    1738 April 24 (Monday). A Fine, forward season. Brother and Sister Hicks came up from Cambridge and brought home my Daughter Lucy, who had been at Cambridge for 2 Years, and through the Favours of Heaven she had a fine, Comfortable journey. D.G.

    1738 April 25 (Tuesday). Mr. Haden here, and help’d me mend the Boxes of my Pump.

    1738 April 26 (Wednesday). John Rogers wrought for me, plough’d my ground second Time.

    1738 April 27 (Thursday). Catechiz’d at the Meeting House. N.B. 42 Boys a.m. [Blank] Girls p.m. Mr. William Caruth came and p.m. planted more potatoes.

    1738 April 28 (Friday). The Spring advanc’d mightily, but today was very Cold. Suse Cutting had today to visit her Friends in the South of the Town.

    1738 April 29 (Saturday). Trees put out very much—begin to Bloom.

    1738 April 30 (Sunday). Eph. 6.4. God grant that all Parents might have a due sense of the weighty Duty incumbent on them respecting the Education of their Children! their Important Chance and tremendous Reckoning!

    1738 May 1 (Monday). Mr. Habijah Bruce sent his son Charles with a Yoke of Oxen to cross my Grass-Ground and they began to work, but old Mr. Greaves gave me so much of his Experience of planting upon the sods, that offering also to assist me in it, we proceeded to have it harrowed and then planted it. His Brother Francis Pierce also help’d in it. N.B. Goodman Gore of Marlborough here. Pleasant weather. P.M. Charles ploughed over the rest of the stubble ground.

    1738 May 2 (Tuesday). Hired James Bradish and Noah How to cart out Muck, but before noon came Mr. John Watkin from Upton and offer’d to undertake my Work for longer or shorter Time. Accordingly a little before noon he went to work. P.M. Noah went home, and Mr. Watkin wrought at the Team in his Stead. Cool, raw weather, p.m. Great Expectation of Rain at the dry Time, but Clouds fail.

    1738 May 3 (Wednesday). Watkins burning Brush all Day on the Hill and in the Low Ground as well as on the south side.

    1738 May 4 (Thursday). Watkins carted muck and Harrowed. P.M. came Abraham Moss, whom I at Eve hired for 4 Months for 20£.

    1738 May 5 (Friday). Abraham Moss began to work. Watkins work’d till noon and then, with Consent, left us. Carting Muck and harrowing and furrowing out.

    1738 May 6 (Saturday). Furrowing and planting. Fine refreshing Showers of Rain upon the Thirsty Earth.

    1738 May 7 (Sunday). Repeated the greatest part of Sermon 4 and 5 on Mat. 20.6 from Rom. 12.11 and p.m. preach’d on Eph. 6.1.2.3.

    1738 May 8 (Monday). Rode to Captain Forbush, Captain Warrins, and to Mr. Joslins. N.B. Mr. John Swift, junior50 here. Abraham Moss planting.

    1738 May 9 (Tuesday). High Cold winds. Moss plough’d up the lower south side Stubble. P.M. plough’d it again and furrow’d it out.

    1738 May 10 (Wednesday). A.M. finish’d planting Corn. Abraham planted more Potatoes. I sent 5 Young Cattle into the Woods in the Drove of Captain Warrins,51 etc. Susanna Cutting rode upon my Horse designing to visit her Parents at Waterton. P.M. a great Storm of Rain. Yesterday Mr. Bliss deny’d Marlborough.

    1738 May 11 (Thursday). [No entry.]

    1738 May 12 (Friday). [No entry.]

    1738 May 13 (Saturday). Deacon Miles52 of Concord and his Wife were here. P.M. I rode down to Southborough intending to Change with Mr. Stone; and Mr. Stone was accordingly dressing himself when Mr. Man53 from College came and so earnestly requested and importuned me to change with him that (at Mr. Stones Desire also) I rode over to Marlborough whilst Mr. Man rode up to Westborough.

    1738 May 14 (Sunday). I preach’d at Marlborough on Rev. 3.1. At the Doctors54 at Eve, and lodg’d there.

    1738 May 15 (Monday). Town Meeting at Marlborough to choose a Representative, and church meeting to choose a Pastor. My Business lay with divers persons at both the Meeting House and School House (at the former the Town, at the latter the church met), So that I was unavoidably up there—but lest I Should fall under some Reproach I refus’d to pray with the Church notwithstanding their Sollicitous Messages one after another. N.B. Discourse with Mr. John Sherman about Mr. Brecks pew which some had disorderly and clandestinely pull’d down in Marlborough Meeting House. Having call’d at Captain Warrens I returned home.

    1738 May 16 (Tuesday). Susanna Cutting returned home.

    1738 May 17 (Wednesday). Mr. Whiting and his Wife, with her Daughter Mrs. Hall made us a Visit and lodg’d.

    1738 May 18 (Thursday). They took leave for Concord.

    1738 May 19 (Friday). Abraham Moss went to Framingham.

    1738 May 20 (Saturday). [No entry.]

    1738 May 21 (Sunday). Eph. 6.1.2.3.

    1738 May 22 (Monday). Town Meeting to choose a Representative. Captain James Eager chosen. N.B. Mr. Thomas Baker, a Taylor, at work here. N.B. Abraham return’d. N.B. I rode to Mr. Beemans55 and took up 20£ of Bills of the Colony of Rhode Island, of him, and gave him Bond.

    1738 May 23 (Tuesday). Brother Hicks56 rode to Cambridge and carry’d Ebenezer57 down with him.

    1738 May 24 (Wednesday). I rode into the South part of the Town as far as to Mr. Millers where I din’d and to Mr. Samuel Harringtons. N.B. at my returning there was at Captain Fays Mr. Whitman,58 minister of Farmington, and one of his Sons. N.B. I visited Mr. Samuel Fays wife, but he was himself at New Medfield.

    1738 May 25 (Thursday). Lecture. Repeated Sermon on John 20.28. Church was Stopp’d to receive the answers of the Brethren who were chosen Deacons.59 They each of them answer’d in the Negative. There was much debating whether we Should accept Such Reasons as they Supported their Denyal with except what Brother Forbush offer’d concerning his Bodily Infirmities which considering the End and Design of our Choosing Deacons was esteemed of avail by all that Spoke. There were so many differing Sentiments that I was oblig’d to offer to them to Dissolve all that had been done hitherto upon the Business and adjourn to this Day fortnight. N.B. Mr. Livermore put down the New Box, which I had of Mr. Reed of Boston, into the Pump, on the long Spire that it might work in the lower Part of the pump.

    1738 May 26 (Friday). Variously moving about from house to house for Horse and Tackling60 for my wife to journey with me next week. N.B. The Pump works well and delivers the Water plentifully. N.B. Colonel William Ward61 here just at Eve.

    1738 May 27 (Saturday). Benjamin Forbush came to lead Horse to plough. Sent him to Ensign Forbush’s for his Horse for my Wife, and succeeded.

    1738 May 28 (Sunday). Sacrament on Heb. 10.38, and Eph. 6.1.2.3. N.B. Very Seasonable Rain.

    1738 May 29 (Monday). When the Rain in the Morning permitted, My Wife rode with me first to Mr. Joslins62 which was a great hindrance to our Journey; then we proceeded to Marlborough, but the Rain prevailed to such a Degree that we were confin’d there all Night. N.B. The Wooden Horse which some of the Rabble had fastened at Colonel Woods’s Door. N.B. Proprietors Meeting but I had not Plot with me. N.B. This Rain a great Mercy.

    1738 May 30 (Tuesday). We waited till after dinner for weather, but then ventur’d to undertake our Journey. Mr. Cushing of Shrewsbury and Master Harrington in Company. N.B. just at Evening from Captain Wells to Father Champney’s63 we were in a heavy Shower of Rain. Lodg’d at Cambridge.

    1738 May 31 (Wednesday). We rode to Boston. Mr. Webb64 on Isa. 9.6. We din’d at Brother Parkman’s. P.M. an Ague utterly indispos’d me for going abroad till the next Day. So that I was not at the Conventions at Dr. Sewall’s.65 Lodg’d at Brother Elias’s. N.B. Mr. Weld66 of Upton and Mr. John Hunt67 (preacher) Supp’d at Brothers. N.B. Ebenezer Rode with us from Cambridge to Boston, which he had not Seen Since he was a Babe, but he in no wise likes it, because of the Evil Smells etc. He is under great Infirmitys—weak and Sick and a bad cough.

    1738 June 1 (Thursday). Was not at the Convention, but was at the public Concio by Mr. Barnard68 of Marblehead on Coloss. 1.18. The Collection for propagating the Gospel amounted to 207£. I din’d at Mr. Edmund Quincy’s69 where also din’d Colonel Chandler70 of Worcester. P.M. I visited my wife’s Aunt Mrs. Loring,71 and her Kinswoman Mrs. Keggell.72 I also waited upon Dr. Delhonde73 for Ebenezer who remains feeble, Sick and Coughing. In the Evening I was at Brother Alexander’s where also was my Wife, and we lodged there.

    1738 June 2 (Friday). Visited in divers places but particularly was at Mr. Thomas Tylers.74 N.B. Discourse of Mr. Pierponts75 Circumstances and Affairs at New Haven. P.M. My honored and aged Mother undertook the journey to Westborough with me, my wife riding Single and my mother behind me. We proceeded as far as Father Champney’s at Cambridge and lodged there, but were oblig’d to leave poor Ebenezer behind at Boston.

    1738 June 3 (Saturday). We chang’d Horses and my wife rode upon mine and my mother and I upon Ensign Forbushes, and by these means my mother had a very Comfortable Journey, and got up in good Season whilst the sun was a Considerable Height through the great Goodness of God. N.B. Mr. Prentice76 of Grafton with us. N.B. Weeding finish’d in my Absence.

    1738 June 4 (Sunday). Repeated Sermon on Ps. 119.136. N.B. Very Crowded assembly by means of Shrewsbury people and Some of Grafton.

    1738 June 5 (Monday). Abraham Clearing up on the Hill. N.B. My Ague hangs about me yet.

    1738 June 6 (Tuesday). Abraham Clearing, hoeing Beans, Covering Potatoes.

    1738 June 7 (Wednesday). Mr. Joslin here.

    1738 June 8 (Thursday). Mr. Prentice of Grafton, his wife, and little son Nathaniel with Mrs. Elizabeth Rolfe of Boston, here and din’d with us. P.M. was Church meeting. I was oblig’d to leave the Company. About 28 members were together. Brother Nathan Ball would not vote at all. The First Business was to Choose more Deacons. Brother Jonathan Forbush was elected by 17 votes out of 26 or 27. And Brother Josiah Newton by 15. N.B. I did not my Self vote for either. Brother Newton answered by way of Acceptance. I then enquir’d whether the Brother who did not vote or any other of the Church had any material objection against either the Churchs proceeding in this Affair or against the persons elected to be Deacons. But none was made. As to the other part of our Business See Church Records.77 When I return’d home Mr. Hall of Sutton had been there to request me to preach for him next week. But All the Company abovesaid were gone off. N.B. Mr. Joseph Wheeler here after meeting, and we had Some more Discourse about the old Disquietment respecting Jason. He still goes away disquieted. A very Cold wind at Eve. N.B. I hear that this Day Captain Ephraim Williams of Newton with his Family are on their Journey to Houssatunnoc. N.B. Abraham Moss gone today Upon his Business at Sutton.

    1738 June 9 (Friday). Cold wind to Day. Moss begins half hilling.

    1738 June 10 (Saturday). [No entry.]

    1738 June 11 (Sunday). On Consideration of its being the first of our Sending a Representative to the general Court, and that he had obtain’d Liberty to come up, and was now in Town, and on Consideration of our having So much to do in the Affair of Deacons which calls men to Serviceableness, generousness and public Spiritedness, I preach’d on Act. 13.36. N.B. A great Congregation, many Strangers here, and besides them, many Southborough people, Mr. Stone being gone to Harwich. Dr. Matthew’s wife78 din’d with us.

    1738 June 12 (Monday). Captain Ware79 of Sherborn came over from his Brother Williams’s to See me. Cathechiz’d at Lieutenent Holloways. Was at Mr. Billings’s to have a plough made. Fragrant Showers. Abraham Setting plants, Clearing, etc.

    1738 June 13 (Tuesday). I help’d in the ploughing among the Corn. Let Mr. Winchester80 have my oxen to go to Boston.

    1738 June 14 (Wednesday). [No entry.]

    1738 June 15 (Thursday). My wife rode with me to Grafton. It look’d showery. When at Grafton it rain’d too hard for her to proceed with me according to Design, but Mr. Prentice went with me to Sutton Lecture. I preach’d on 2 Thess. 2.16.17. N.B. The Church of Sutton dissatisfy’d with Mr. Peres Rice.81 Mr. Prentice and I at Mr. Rice’s in the Evening and Justice Dudley82 there also. Mr. Prentice and I rode down to Grafton, where I left my Spouse and we lodged there.

    1738 June 16 (Friday). We returned from Grafton. N.B. Captain Fay83 with us. Din’d at Captain Fays. P.M. Cousin Winchester brought up Ebenezer from Cambridge.

    1738 June 17 (Saturday). Abraham mowing about the Barn.

    1738 June 18 (Sunday). I preach’d on Act 13.36. P.M. repeated Sermon Jam. 1.21 from 2 Pet. 1.20.21.

    1738 June 19 (Monday). Captain Eager84 and Captain Warrin here at Evening.

    1738 June 20 (Tuesday). Trooping and Training. Mr. Cushing pray’d with the Foot. At Association at Southborough, where were Mr. Prentice of Lancaster, Mr. Loring, Mr. Cushing, Mr. Seccomb,85 Mr. Jabez Fox86 and Mr. Josiah Brown.87 See Association Records. Mr. Seccomb and Mr. Brown deliver’d each an exercise.

    1738 June 21 (Wednesday). Mr. Loring at the public Lecture on 1 Thess. 5.19. N.B. Colonel Woods88 and Dr. Stanton Prentice89 with us. N.B. receiv’d a Letter from Mr. Timothy Woodbridge Junior90 at Hartford.

    1738 June 23 (Friday). Hot Day. The Children went a Cherrying p.m. to Captain Fays. Abraham mowing Some Spots about the House.

    1738 June 24 (Saturday). Abraham mowing Bushes. P.M. Mr. Stone came up to change, without any previous agreement or Intimation of it. Yet I gratify’d him immediately and rode to Southborough. Hot Day.

    1738 June 25 (Sunday). Very Hot. I preach’d at Southborough on Rev. 3.1 a. and p.m. Mr. Stone came at Evening. Hot night again.

    1738 June 26 (Monday). Weather continues hot.

    1738 June 27 (Tuesday). Kill’d a Calf which at Eve (though an hot Season) I sent to Boston by John Rogers at Eve. P.M. near Evening came our Two Brethren of Springfield, who lodged here.

    1738 June 28 (Wednesday). Brother Breck91 rode to Marlborough. Hot weather still. P.M. came Dr. Gott. And after him Dr. Crouch with Two more, from Hadley call’d a while.

    1738 June 29 (Thursday). My wife and Brother Samuel Breck92 rode with me to Marlborough, the weather being cool, cloudy and pleasant, and we din’d at Dr. Gotts. P.M. I preach’d to Three societys of young men who were met together at the Meeting House, on Eccl. 11.9. N.B. Mr. Jabez Fox of Woburn present. After meeting the Societys Sent me four of their Number with their Gratitude. N.B. I went to Mr. Peter Butler and agreed with him to make a Side Saddle for my wife, And an Housing for my Self of Homespun Cloth which I carry’d to him. In our returning home we were late, in the Dark and Wet and alone—but our Family not o’Bed.

    1738 June 30 (Friday). Wet forenoon. Moss went to Mr. Thomas Billings’s for my plough which he made for me. N.B. Mr. Jonathan Forbush here p.m. Moss mowing southside, upper End. N.B. Benjamin How brought home an irish or Foot Wheel which he had made for Molly.93

    1738 July 1 (Saturday). Brother Samuel Breck return’d from Marlborough. Raking and getting in Hay.

    1738 July 2 (Sunday). On Mat. 8.23–27, and on Acts 13.36.

    1738 July 3 (Monday). Undertook to wait upon my Honored Aged Mother to Cambridge. At the widow Harringtons94 in Marlborough we were oblig’d to Stop; my Mother could not ride upon the Pillion which we us’d any longer. She lay down and was refresh’d. We borrow’d Mrs. Harringtons Pillion and remounted. We had a prosperous Journey by the will of God and got down in season to Father Champney’s where we lodged.

    [July 1738]. “I came home from westborouigh to boston the 3d day of this month.” Parkman Almanac Notes, 349.

    1738 July 4 (Tuesday). We rode to Charlston and din’d at Cousen Soley’s. My Mother in great Comfort return’d to her own House. Blessed be God for his sustaining Mercy to her in this observable undertaking! (N.B. When my Mother took her Leave of my Family, and bless’d them among other of her Expressions, these were remarkable when She kiss’d my two Sons in the Language of the patriarch Jacob when he lay’d his aged hands upon Ephraim and Manasseh “God almighty bless the Lads and make them a Blessing,” etc.). I return’d to Cambridge at Evening. N.B. Mr. John Osborn junior, of Rowley, with his mistress lodg’d at Father Champneys. Mother Champney and Sister Lydia were disquieted with me that I had remark’d to Brother Hicks their Sending So over strict a Charge by Cousen Winchester, about Ebenezer, when she brought him from Cambridge to Westborough on June 16 last. N.B. Mrs. Suse Champney there.

    1738 July 5 (Wednesday). It being Commencement I was chiefly at the following Chambers, Scil.: Sir Lorings,95 Sir Davis’s.96 I visited Several others, as Sir Tyler’s,97 where I broke fast. I din’d but poorly in the Hall. P.M. The Presidents98 Oration was very excelling. Lodg’d at Father Champney’s and Sir Mower99 with me.

    1738 July 6 (Thursday). I was again at College. Broke fast at Sir Mowers. Din’d at Sir Davis’s at the Chamber they kept over the Common. N.B. I admonish’d Daniel Champney, junior,100 at Sir Davis’s, for his Drinking. N.B. Mr. Robert Sharp101 and his Sister Mrs. Susan102 at College. Mr. Robert led me to his Sister at Sir Whites103 Chamber, but it was at Eve and they were soon removing home. I lodg’d at Father Champney’s. My Kinsman Parkman walk’d over with me.

    1738 July 7 (Friday). In Riding to Boston I first call’d at Captain Sharps104—then I stop’d at Judge Dudleys and din’d there. N.B. Mr. James Cushing105 and his wife there. The Judge very entertaining and instructing in his Conversation. He led me into his Gardens, into his Library, etc. Stop’d again at Mr. Benjamin Eaton’s Hatter in Roxbury. At Boston my Honored Mother and sister Willard106 were both ill and kept therein Bed, which was the occasion of my Staying in Town all night. Lodg’d at Brother Elias’s.107

    1738 July 8 (Saturday). Mother Somewhat better. I rode to Cambridge and thence to Westborough. One Mr. Caleb Johnson of Shrewsbury my Company the upper part of the Journey. Found the Family, through the Favour of God well.

    1738 July 9 (Sunday). Repeated Sermon on Gal. 3.14.

    1738 July 10 (Monday). Mr. John Caruth here, whom I paid. Mrs. Bulah Bent108 of Marlborough here.

    1738 July 11 (Tuesday). Very dry Season. Yet there was a little Shower at Night. N.B. I put up a Flap at the pulpit.

    1738 July 12 (Wednesday). Old Mr. Lord109 of the Cape was here upon a journey upward. Mr. Rand110 of Sunderland and Mr. Billings111 here and din’d with us.

    1738 July 13 (Thursday). Brethren Breck and Samuel here returning to Springfield. N.B. Samuel has been Examin’d and accepted at College when some Number were turn’d by. My Lecture was on John 6.53. Mr. Jonathan Forbush accepted of the Deaconship. The Committee from Mr. Samuel Fay advis’d that I should make him a visit for that he had intimated that he should be glad to See me. N.B. Mrs. Rice of Hopkinton who was heretofore Whood was with me.

    1738 July 14 (Friday). My Wife began to Spin Worstead.

    1738 July 15 (Saturday). [No entry.]

    1738 July 16 (Sunday). Sacrament. On Song. 4.16. Heb. 10.38.

    1738 July 17 (Monday). Pol’d Hay from the lower South Side. Dry Time.

    1738 July 18 (Tuesday). I rode to Mr. Ephraim Allen’s112 and to Mr. Daniel Bartletts. A plentifull and very Mercifull Rain while I was at Mr. Bartletts,113 which detain’d me there (I suppose) Several Hours. When it Slack’d I got as far as Mr. Eliazar Hows114 at Marlborough where I was kept till almost night. My Business from thence carry’d me to Mr. Peter Butlers.115 At Colonel Woods in the Eve, Colonel Sent for Mr. John Rogers116 and Sir Loring, who came accordingly. I lodg’d there.

    1738 July 19 (Wednesday). At various places. Din’d at Dr. Gotts. Raining, yet I was oblig’d to get home. I was very wett, rode hard and it pritty much indispos’d me.

    1738 July 20 (Thursday). Catechiz’d at the meeting House. Rain’d—not many Children. Moss mow’d p.m.

    1738 July 21 (Friday). [No entry.]

    1738 July 22 (Saturday). Mr. Jotham Brigham of Marlborough came up with the Request of Mrs. How the wife of Jonathan How, that I would go down to her Husband, who was under terrible Distraction, and Mr. Rogers would come up to Westborough to change tomorrow. We had a great Deal of Hay to take care of, but towards Night I rode down. Mr. Rogers came up but I miss’d of him. Mr. How was in a piteous State intirely wild and confus’d, continually talking and worrying and Several to hold him. When I had pray’d with them I repair’d to my Lodgings at Madame Fisks.

    1738 July 23 (Sunday). I preach’d at Marlborough on Luke 19.42. Was very much tir’d and Spent at Evening. Mr. Rogers came from Westborough. I lodg’d at Madame Fisks again. N.B. A Frost in low Ground.

    1738 July 24 (Monday). After having been at various places as my Business call’d, I visited Dr. Gott and (with him) Mr. Jonathan How again. N.B. In Time of prayer he had a very violent Convulsion fit. After prayer and a great part of an Hour Spent whilst he was yet Striving in his Convulsion, I return’d to the Doctor’s and having din’d with them, I came up home.

    1738 July 25 (Tuesday). I visited Mr. Samuel Fay as the Committee had desir’d on the 13th. He deny’d that he had Said any Thing as if he desir’d any visit from me. His chief objections and offence against me were what arose from my bringing in new Singing and my wearing a Wigg. I reply’d that I was not aware that I had at any time given him just Reason of Offence but if he judg’d I had and we could not succeed in Reconciling the matter our Selves it was our Wisdom to get the Assistance of Some prudent, Serious, Christian Brethren about us; and I desir’d him to choose who he pleas’d that were such and I would be advis’d and guided by them. N.B. I inform’d him of not only what notice I took of his Conduct when my Brother Parkman was with me at his House to make him a Visit and he would not So much as come down from the Chamber to Speak with us, and of what I have divers times heard of him having for Several Years kept himself from seeing me in the pulpit, etc.—Which he own’d with a Laugh. He was urg’d to choose some Christian men to hear his Grievance—but he gave no reply to any of those Proposals. He did vouchsafe to thank my visit when I withdrew. At Eve A black thunder Storm arose. I got Shelter at Lieutenant Bakers. There was an heavy Shower and Sharp Lightening—but it clear’d up finely before it was too late to come home.

    1738 July 26 (Wednesday). Mr. Thomas Brigham of Marlborough came up to acquaint me that Mr. Jonathan How dy’d last Night and that his widow earnestly desir’d me to go down to the Funeral tomorrow. Our Barley was mow’d and rak’d.

    1738 July 27 (Thursday). My Wife and I rode down with Neighbour Hezekiah How and his wife to Marlborough to the Funeral of Mr. Jonathan How. At the Doctor’s after Funeral. N.B. Mr. Dyer of Boston there trading with the Doctor for his House down in the street.

    1738 July 28 (Friday). Moss began p.m. to mow in ministerial Meadow.

    1738 July 29 (Saturday). Moss mowing in the Ministerial Meadow again.

    1738 July 30 (Sunday). On Heb. 10.38. O that it might please God to Succeed so moving matters!

    1738 July 31 (Monday). I rode to South West part of Town Sent to Boston and my Kinswoman Winchester was at Mr. Tainters117 in the Evening. Moss raking in the meadow till Eve and then he went away to go up to Sutton.

    1738 August 1 (Tuesday). At the Earnest and repeated Sollicitation of Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlain my wife and I rode down to the South East Corner of the Town, took the most of the Familys, but din’d with him, and at an handsome Entertainment his wife having lately lain in, and Every Thing very flourishing with them. N.B. Captain Warrin’s wife118 in a languishing State, and N.B. whilst we were at Mr. Jonathan Bellows’s, Mrs. Belknap had one of her Fitts. We were in a Second Time at Ensign Forbushs.119

    1738 August 2 (Wednesday). Moss return’d from Sutton very Early this morning—laid down to Sleep but went to work afternoon. N.B. Jonathan Forbush junior and Simon Tainter junior came very kindly and gave me a Days work each of them in mowing at my Meadow. The widow Rice120 (heretofore Oake) here. P.M. I rode over to the North Side of the Town and visited Seven Familys, particularly Silas Fay who buried a Still born child yesterday. My son Ebenezer has a bad Swelling behind his Ear. Dr. Matthews121 call’d in, accidentally.

    1738 August 3 (Thursday). Rain. Moss gone to mow what he can in the Meadow. Captain Forbush122 and others at work upon the highway before my Barn; but p.m. the Rain was heavy and beat Every Body off. All that we have done at the Meadow lyes expos’d in this wet Storm.

    1738 August 4 (Friday). Rains very hard all the morning. Latter part of the forenoon Moss bor’d a pole for a Ladder. Captain Forbush mending the highway before my House.

    1738 August 5 (Saturday). Fair Weather. Moss rak’d and cock’d Some of the Hay at the Meadow and mow’d Some more, But the Meadow very wet.

    1738 August 6 (Sunday). A.M. on Mat. 8.28–33, p.m. on 10.34.

    1738 August 7 (Monday). Early in the morning I rode down to Mr. Bradishes to get James to help me in the Meadow and mett him going there. Both Moss and he rak’d all Day except a little turn of mowing in the Morning. I went to see them and to Mr. Eliezer Rice’s and Mr. James Maynard’s123 where I din’d. N.B. I was bit by Mr. Eliezer Rice’s124 Dog. Mr. Pannell reap’d part of my Rie.

    1738 August 8 (Tuesday). Moss at the Meadow. Fair good weather. Captain Warrin and his wife and Joanna Tainter125 here in order to their joining to the Church. Mrs. Baker126 and Deacon Newton’s wife127 visited Mrs. Parkman. N.B. Mr. Pannel came again to reaping and finish’d my Rie.

    1738 August 9 (Wednesday). Eliezer Rice and John Rogers carted Hay from the Meadow. Two Load apiece. Moss Mowing in the Morning and raking and Cocking the rest of the Day. At Night the Carters got in my Rie into the Barn, almost wholly. Mrs. Williams128 and Mrs. Rachel Rice129 visited Mrs. Parkman. Fine weather.

    1738 August 10 (Thursday). A fine Day again. Moss at the Meadow. Ebenezer being troubl’d with a bad swelling in his Neck went to Marlborough to wait upon Dr. Gott130 for Advice. David Baverick wrought for me at the Meadow with Moss, in poling, mowing, etc.

    1738 August 11 (Friday). Very good weather. John Rogers Carting Hay from the Meadow. Captain Forbush Sent for me to the Funeral of his Infant (Still born) and both my Wife and I went to the House but not to the grave because of the Hurry and Urgency of my Business at Home.

    1738 August 12 (Saturday). Was in Some perplexity for Some Hand to help Moss in poling and Carting the remainder of the Hay from the Meadow. Went to old Mr. Maynards131 and talk’d with him again about agreeing with Hicks,132 and he told me that as to the methods which I propos’d, he would think upon them. Ebenezer went to Marlborough again about his Neck and got a Plaister for it.

    1738 August 13 (Sunday). On Mat. 9.1–8, a. and p.m.

    1738 August 14 (Monday). Brother Samuel Breck (who came from Springfield last week) brought up Sister Gott here. Mr. Abraham Rice of Marlborough and his Wife here in order to their owning the Covenant. But I was engag’d to go to the Funeral of Mr. Simeon Howards Second Son who was about in his 5th year and dyed somewhat suddenly by a stoppage in his Throat yesterday morn. After the Funeral Captain Eager133 and Lieutenant Holloway134 Stood with me at the burying place discoursing, and the latter Shew’d his displeasure at my not coming over more frequently to visit their side of the Town, partialy my not being at the Funeral of Neighbour Silas Fays Child of late, and my not being at the Funeral of his own Child—but I Strongly vindicated my Conduct and gave my Reasons for each. Captain Eager came home with me and supp’d with me. N.B. They went down, at my earnest sollicitation to Old Mr. Maynards to try if possible to make up the Difference Subsisting there, and Stop the Law suit Commencing. Bezaleel Frost135 of Framingham who had difference with Abraham Moss came up late in the Evening to be reconcil’d and I us’d my friendliest Endeavours to put a period to their Contest. He lodg’d here.

    1738 August 15 (Tuesday). Both Hicks’s and Moss’s Law suits put by by persuasions and methods of peace and reconciliation. Borrow’d Colonel Nahum Wards136 1 Volume of Pools English Annotations.137 Moss gone to Worcester with Bezaleel Frost.

    1738 August 16 (Wednesday). Ebenezer rode with me to Marlborough to Captain Peter Rice’s,138 to the widow How’s139 who carry’d Ebenezer to Uncle Gott’s (with Captain Amsden140), to Mr. Phelp’s,141 Mr. Peter Butlers, to Mr. Brown142 the whitesmith, Colonel Woods’s, and to Dr. Gotts. When the Doctor had advis’d respecting the Sore upon Ebenezer’s Neck, we return’d home, although it was nigh nine when we set out from Marlborough. N.B. Moss return’d before Day, this morning. He mow’d over the Bushes.

    1738 August 17 (Thursday). Moss mowing Bushes. P.M. I rode up to Mr. David Crosbys in Shrewsbury to get him to make me a pair of Boots. Call’d at Mr. Cushings—supp’d there. Between 10 and 11 o’clock at night when I return’d.

    1738 August 18 (Friday). Rainy Day.

    1738 August 19 (Saturday). [No entry.]

    1738 August 20 (Sunday). On Coloss. 4.1, a. and p.m.

    1738 August 21 (Monday). In the forenoon I went over to Mr. Jonathan Whipples to desire him to be with me at Mr. Samuel Fay’s and sent Ebenezer to Ensign Forbush’s to request the Same of him. I proceeded to Mr. Winchesters by whom I sent to Boston, and then Return’d to Captain Fays to meet with Mr. Whipple and Ensign Forbush, The former of which was there. I went down to Mr. Samuel Fays and Mr. Whipple came to me. I us’d all the most Serious and affectionate Methods with Mr. Fay and improv’d Mr. Whipples assistance to compose a Reconcilement, but in vain. Upon which I took a formal Leave of him. N.B. In going up to Mr. Winchesters I met Mr. Campbel,143 Mr. Hall,144 Captain Larnard145 etc. going to a Council at Concord. When I had been at home some time Captain Warrin and his wife came, upon the Affair of their Relations preparitory to their admission into the Church.

    1738 August 22 (Tuesday). Rode to Lancaster Association not without being Sadly bewildered in the Woods, having lost my way once and again in going over. Mr. Loring,146 Mr. Williams147 of Weston, Mr. Cushing,148 Mr. Nathan Stone,149 Mr. Solomon Prentice, and Mr. Stearns150 present. Mr. Loring’s Concio on Acts 10, part of 38th example who went about doing good. See Association Records. N.B. One Mr. Carter151 dyed over there—a person of some Worth.

    1738 August 23 (Wednesday). I preach’d publickly on Isa. 53.1. Very hot, Dry Time. N.B. Mr. Stearns propos’d to have Mr. Prentice of Lancaster Dismiss’d that he might assist in founding another Association to the Northward, but the Motion was oppos’d.152 I rode to Marlborough, in Company Mr. Stone, Mr. Rogers153 (preacher at Marlborough) and Captain Amsden. Lodg’d at Dr. Gott’s.

    1738 August 24 (Thursday). Mr. Rogers and Dr. Gott rode up to our Lecture. Mr. Rogers preach’d on [blank].

    1738 August 25 (Friday). My wife weaving Fringe for new, Horse Furniture.

    1738 August 26 (Saturday). Moss picking up Apples for Cyder.

    1738 August 27 (Sunday). Sacrament. Captain Warrin and his wife admitted notwithstanding her Waste and Languishment in her Limbs. Sermon on Song 4 and Heb. 10.29. Captain Williams of Marlborough here. N.B. remarkable Thunder and Lightning, yet he went to Marlborough in the Evening when the Rain was over.

    1738 August 28 (Monday). My wife rode behind Ebenezer to Marlborough and return’d Safe at Evening.

    1738 August 29 (Tuesday). [No entry.]

    1738 August 30 (Wednesday). Mr. Silas Witherby and his Lad came to make the Leaves of my Front Gate.

    1738 August 31 (Thursday). Mr. Witherby and his Lad here Still at work upon the Gate. Moss carry’d a parcel of Apples over to Mr. Hezekiah How,154 who made up a Barrell, and part of a Second, of Cyder.

    1738 September 1 (Friday). Mr. Witherby finish’d and put up my Gate, and although he Set the price of his work to be 20 Shillings, yet considering he frequently came to Meeting here, he gave in Ten thereof. He made an End and went off Sometime before Night. Mr. Pannell and his son came to my Rye-Thrashing. They went home at Night. Moss fetch’d home the Cyder from Mr. Hows and Cut Stalks a.m.; work’d at Brother Hicks’s p.m.

    1738 September 2 (Saturday). Mr. Panel and his son came again to Thrashing and finish’d the Rye, Moss gathering up and pikeing the Stalks.

    1738 September 3 (Sunday). On Coloss. 4.1. Heb. 10.39. N.B. Mrs. Leeds of Groton in Connecticut (sister of old Mr. John Greaves) and Mr. Livermore din’d with us. N.B. I acquainted the Congregation that I know not but that I should be absent on the next Lords Day, and therefore desir’d that all such as could would wait upon the Christian Assembly where they could go the most Conveniently to, and hop’d that those who could not go to other meetings would, as Gods people meet together and worship him here, and if they should do so I wish’d them the Divine Presence among them and Blessing upon them.

    1738 September 4 (Monday). N.B. A very great Drought. Great Trouble about getting Corn Ground. A burning Day. N.B. Moss in a great Fret after Dinner. He gathered the little piece of Corn of the South side.

    1738 September 5 (Tuesday). I [was] interrupted greatly in my purpose and Endeavours of this Day by the kindly intended visits of Mr. John Barrett and Mr. Benjamin Gerrish155 of Boston on their journey to Middleton in Connecticut, and of Mr. Cushing and his Wife. Vid. Natal.156

    1738 September 6 (Wednesday). At about 9 a.m. My Wife and I set out upon our Journey to Springfield and New Haven, on my Own and Cousen Winchester’s Horses. Mr. Tainter bore us Company to Mr. Cushings at Shrewsbury. N.B. I bought a Foot Wheel at Mr. Cushings which Mr. Tainter was So kind as to bring home. Din’d seasonably and agreeably at Colonel Chandlers157 at Worcester. P.M. rode to Richardsons at Brookfield by about l/4 after 5. N.B. These Richardsons were heretofore Malden Milk Folks to our Family at Boston. They were very obliging and would receive no pay but for our Oats. We got to Mr. Cheneys158 a little before Candle Light, but were so unhappy as to find neither Mr. Cheney nor Madame at Home. Mr. Cheney was gone to wait upon a number of Gentlemen who were upon the Road, Scil. Colonel Wendell,159 Mr. President Holyoke,160 Mr. Appleton,161 etc. We tarried with and were entertain’d decently by Mrs. Dolly Hanley expecting Mr. Cheneys Return, but he came not. Dr. Pyncheon162 of Springfield came in and tarried over night likewise.

    1738 September 7 (Thursday). In the Morning, just as we were mounting Mr. Cheney (who had lodg’d with Mr. Bridgham163 at Brimfield) came, and stay’d us whilst we made a visit to Colonel Dwight.164 N.B. Colonel engage’d in building a new House. About 3/4 after 8 we set out with Dr. Pyncheons Company. Light at Ashleys.165 Left Ashleys between 10 and 11. At 1/2 after one arriv’d weary and tir’d at Scots in Kingston. Din’d there. Left Scotts 1/2 after 2. One Mr. Ball of Springfield and an Irishman bound to Glascow added to the Company. At Lambs in Springfield 1/2 after 3. N.B. Norwich Indians at Lambs. Left Lambs 20 minutes after 4. Mr. Breck came out to meet us a little before we got up to the Town. We arriv’d by Day Light—and not so tir’d as last night, nor as I was at Scotts in Kingstown.

    1738 September 8 (Friday). Rainy Day. The Heavy Showers were a great Blessing, it having been a Time when there has been an unusual Drought. Mr. President Holyoke remains in Town—takes up his Lodging at Colonel William Pyncheon.166 Colonel Pyncheon din’d with us. The President with us p.m.

    1738 September 9 (Saturday). Fair, bright Day. I waited upon Colonel William Pyncheon after I have view’d the River, the burying Place, etc. N.B. Some remarkable Inscriptions. N.B. Whilst we were at Colonel Pyncheon’s with the President, Mr. Williams167 of Longmeadow came and after him Mr. Hopkins of the other Parish. They shap’d a Scheme for my assisting Mr. Williams by Mr. Hopkins168 preaching there and my preaching on the west Side, which I consented to after we had all din’d together at Mr. Brecks. N.B. Mr. Breck and I paid our Regards to old Colonel Pyncheon and his son Captain William, And p.m. Mr. President, Mr. Breck and I waited upon old Madame Brewer.169

    1738 September 10 (Sunday). In the morning I cross’d the River and went up to Mr. Hopkins. N.B. The first and Second Drum beating to give Notice to the People. Preach’d on Luk. 16.23. N.B. The Women all sat upon the wrong side of the Meeting House. Deacon Parsons170 very Courteous to me, and walk’d with me to the Ferry at Eve. At Mr. Brecks Mr. Hopkins in his return from Longmeadow. Cold Night.

    1738 September 11 (Monday). Mr. Holyoke and Some Number besides were going up to Mt. Tom (call’d So as Tradition has it from one Rowland Thomas) and to Mt. Holyoke, (call’d so from one of the Presidents ancestors) and from thence they purpos’d to Mr. Rands171 at Sunderland. But we rode to Long Meadow, when the Frost of this Morning which was very great was in great Degree gone, met Mr. Allis172 hastening to join the foresaid Company. Mr. Williams set out with us, so far as to guide us to the way to Enfield. We cross’d the Ferry and rode (with one Kebby in Company) to Mr. Devotions173 at Suffield. N.B. A fine prospect on the North of Suffield Meeting House. After kind Entertainment, dining, etc. we set out from thence in the middle of the Afternoon, rode to Windsor and Hartford and were kindly entertain’d at Mr. Austins.174 N.B. His Honor Governor Law,175 Captain Wadsworth,176 etc. at Mr. Austins. N.B. 500 Hogsheads of Tobacco ship’d off last year from Connecticut River to the West Indies and chiefly from Windsor.

    1738 September 12 (Tuesday). Mr. Austin persuaded me to go up on the State House to take a View of the Town, the River, etc. We visited Mr. Secretary Willis.177 There was Mr. Woodbridge178 of Symsbury and Mr. Case,179 who were going to New Haven. This therefore was our Company. Stopp’d at Beckleys180—at Aspinwalls181 in Kensington. N.B. In Wallingford or North Haven, a vessel building some Miles from the Water. N.B. Corn field 5 miles Long. N.B. A Late sorrowful occurrence by Thunder; the steeple shiver’d and a man thrown down from it and kill’d. N.B. 4 Persons buryed in the highway for suicide. N.B. Pleasant Fields appear’d at an agreeable Distance on the North East side of the Mountain. We stopp’d again at Hammerstones182 in North Haven. There Mr. Wheelock183 who had been Some time with us on the Road left us. N.B. College illuminated, seen Two Miles off. Call’d first at old Madame Pierponts184 where was Mr. Russells wife,185 of Middleton, Mr. Pierponts sister. Found Dear Mrs. Pierpont Well and our meeting was with reciprocal Joy. Mr. Pierpont186 was Still at Boston.

    1738 September 13 (Wednesday). Being the Day of their Commencement I attended at College and at the Meeting House. Mr. Gay187 of Hingham, Mr. Storer188 of Waterton, Mr. Pemberton189 of New York, Mr. Smith190 of Weymouth, and Mr. John Hunt191 preacher, were there. N.B. Mr. Dickerson192 of Elizabeth Town—divers Clergymen of the Church of England, especially Mr. Johnson193 and Wetmore.194 N.B. Mr. Elmer195 of Cohanzy. N.B. Mr. John Barrett and Mr. Benjamin Gerrish, Merchants of Boston, there. I din’d in the Hall. The Exercises and Entertainments handsome and agreeable, and especially the Valedictory Oration. The Company was not very numerous. The Custom of giving Diploma at the time of giving the Degree is most fit and proper in my Eye and what I could wish our College would come into.

    1738 September 14 (Thursday). Went up to College a.m. In returning I carry’d down with me to Mrs. Pierponts, to Dinner Mr. Bliss, Mr. Case and Mr. Hunt. P.M. Mr. Elmer and Mr. Pemberton came to us. N.B. Sarah Cunnabel, Mrs. Pierponts Maid in a Fit.

    1738 September 15 (Friday). We (Scil. Mrs. Pierpont, my wife and I) din’d at Mr. Noyes’s.196 N.B. Mr. Edwards197 of North Hampton with us. P.M. Mr. Noyes, Mr. Edwards and I visited Mr. Isaac Dickerman,198 a middle Batchelour, who was in a Languishment. Visited Mr. Daniel Edwards199—the Rector—and went into the Library—still with Mr. Jonathan Edwards. Mr. Woodbridge accompany’d us home to Mrs. Pierpoints. I was much indispos’d although I kept about, and was in Variety of Company, but especially I was very uncomfortable in the Evening and through the Night.

    1738 September 16 (Saturday). Mr. Edwards of North Hampton came to see me and walk with me to College, which I attempted although I was not well. Mr. Woodbridge200 conducted us into the Library and I Spent Several Hours diligently in viewing the Books. A most Curious and Costly Collection. Din’d at Old Madame Pierponts. P.M. I return’d to the Library again. At Mr. Noyes’s. I was very feeble, and my stomach deprav’d. Return’d to my Lodging before Night. N.B. Sarah Cunnabel another Fit.

    1738 September 17 (Sunday). Too much indispos’d still for my public Service, yet was oblig’d to try. Mr. Hunt preach’d a.m. on Tit. 3.2. I din’d at Mr. Noyes’s. N.B. I left my Bible at Home when I went to meeting p.m. I hastily fetch’d it. Mr. Noyes pray’d. I preach’d on Job 19.25. Supp’d at Mr. Noyes’s. N.B. Old Mr. Warham Mather,201 the Rector and Mr. Daniel Edwards there after Supper. Walk’d to Mr. Prouts202 where we were very kindly receiv’d. From thence we retir’d home. Several very Cool Nights.

    1738 September 18 (Monday). Mr. Prout, his Lady and Daughter, Mr. Hunt and Sister, and Mr. Pomroy, all came in to see us at going off. Mr. Hezekiah Pierpont203 came and waited upon Mrs. Pierpont Some Miles with us. I rode up to College and to the Rectors for Mr. Woodbridge who had appointed to go with us, but he did not go. Mr. Daniel Edwards and Mr. Belden of Norwalk were our Company. Sorrowful Leave-taking of our Friends. Mr. Pierpont and Madame his Sister rode as far as Hamesdens and there parted. We set out from thence at almost noon. We din’t at Halls204 in Merrydan, a Corner of Farmington (as I remember) at 3/4 after one. Set out again just an Hour after. Stopp’d at Beckleys. Mr. Thomas Goodwin,205 late of Boston, now of Weathersfield, in Company. We halted at Mr. Goodwins at Weathersfield, and then though weary’d and tir’d we stood it out to Mr. Secretary Wyllys’s in Hartford, and there were friendly receiv’d and lodg’d that Night. N.B. The Ancient Pedigree of Wyllys.

    1738 September 19 (Tuesday). In great Doubt in the Morning about prosecuting our Journey being it was so lowery—but Mr. Edwards being waiting, we mounted from Mr. Austins in order to go to Windham; but the rain prevail’d so much that we bid farewell to Mr. Edwards, who being Clerk of the Court was oblig’d to go, and we return’d to Mr. Austins and spent the Day. P.M. Mr. Ellery’s206 Musick. At Eve Mr. Ellery and I visited Mr. Whitman and Mr. Wyllys. We Lodg’d at Mr. Austins.

    1738 September 20 (Wednesday). In the Morning Mr. Ellerys little sons was Scall’d with hot Chocolat, which as it put every one into great affliction it much retarded us and prevent’d our journeying Early. Mr. Wyllys and Mr. Ellery were so good as to ride with us. N.B. One of our Horses blunder’d overboard of the Ferry Boat, wet the Sidesaddle etc., but we receiv’d not much more Damage than the Hindrance to our Journey thereby. N.B. Our Great Suspence whether we Should ride Springfield Road again or to Windham. One Mr. Stebbins was going to Springfield. Many Arguments were us’d against Bolton and Ashford Road, but most of all my Wife’s Circumstances prevail’d to go Springfield way. Mr. Willys and Mr. Ellery accompany’d us as far as Grants207 Tavern, where we din’d, oated etc. and all at their Expence. At almost 3 p.m. we took leave of those Gentlemen, mounted from Grants. Call’d at Mr. Reynolds’s208 in Enfield. Continued on to Long Meadow where we overtook Dr. Pyncheon. Arriv’d at Mr. Brecks a little before Day Light down, nor were we so overtir’d as at some other Times.

    1738 September 21 (Thursday). Mr. Breck rode with us Two or Three miles. Stopp’d a little at Lambs but din’d at Scotts. Lost our way before we got to Ashleys and wander’d some but found our Road so seasonably as to get to Mr. Cheneys in the first of the Evening. Were cheerfully received and handsomely lodg’d.

    1738 September 22 (Friday). We set out early from Brookfield. Saw nothing of Mr. Bliss at Richardsons as was appointed though we tarried some while there. Din’d at Mr. Goddards’s209 at Leicester (whose wife had lately been deliver’d of a son). He set out with us for Worcester. Met Mr. Abijah Bruce of Westborough on the Road. Call’d at Mr. Burrs210 and at Mr. Cushings. Got home in Safety and found all Things well and in Prosperity. Moss211 went off the Monday morning after we departed. Blessed be the Lord who hath smil’d on our going out and returning Home, who hath been our Shade upon our Right Hand and preserved us and ours from all Evil. To His Name be Glory from henceforth and forever!

    1738 September 23 (Saturday). I had agreed with Mr. Brown212 of Lexington to preach last Sabbath but he came not by which means our people were without preaching Two Sabbaths.

    1738 September 24 (Sunday). Repeated Sermon on Matt. 26.41. Rainy.

    1738 September 25 (Monday). Rainy. Town Meeting upon my Support and to See what is best to be done about a Meeting House. I put in a Memorial to the Town and they made my sallery and support 200£. The other Affair was adjourn’d for a Fortnight.

    1738 September 26 (Tuesday). Abraham Moss came here, acknowledg’d his unfit Conduct and Language in his Passionate Heat on the 4th Instant. P.M. I rode out to Several near neighbours. Mrs. Byles,213 etc. Raw Cold. Perplex’d concerning a well, my Pump and Well being altogether dry.

    1738 September 27 (Wednesday). Rainy again, and continued all Day very Wett. Arbitrators of the Affair between old Mr. Maynard214 and Brother Hicks met today. Scil. Colonel Wards215 of Southborough, Captain Williams216 of Marlborough, and Captain Eager217 of Westborough.

    1738 September 28 (Thursday). Rainy Still. Old Mr. Maynard came and requested me to go over to his son in laws, Nathaniel Oakes218 to see their Young Child. P.M. It held up. I went over with him. The Child was thought to be in great Danger of Death. They requested that I would baptize it. They sent about to the Neighbours to come in. There came upward of 20 persons, and I baptiz’d it by the name of Ebenezer. After that Exercise I rode up to Lieutenant Holloways,219 visited Silas and Timothy Fay, and call’d at Captain Eagers at Evening.

    1738 September 29 (Friday). Silas and Timothy Fay came and began a New Well for me.

    1738 September 30 (Saturday). Stormy Day again.

    1738 October 1 (Sunday). Very Stormy. On Heb. 10.39. P.M. repeated on Mat. 26.41. Mr. Townsend220 din’d, and by reason of the Storm continuing lodg’d here.

    1738 October 2 (Monday). Rainy morning, but when it slack’d Mr. Townsend return’d home. Eleazer Rice call’d me to visit Mr. James Maynard and his Children who were sick. I went and found Mr. Maynard very bad. P.M. I was at the Funeral of Mr. Nathaniel Oakes young Child (vid. supr.)

    1738 October 3 (Tuesday). Expecting Moss for his Money, I rode to Mr. Joslins to provide it for him. When I return’d home Colonel Richard Saltonstall221 was at my House upon his Journey from Springfield Court. N.B. Mrs. Eager, Mrs. Holloway, and Mrs. Wheeler to visit my wife. At Evening having rode with Judge Saltonstall to See him well out of Town, I visited Mr. James Maynard again and those Two of his Children which were Still very Bad. N.B. John Rogers carted me 500 Bricks from Pelatiah Rice’s.

    1738 October 4 (Wednesday). [No entry.]

    1738 October 5 (Thursday). Old Mr. Maynard Winnow’d 12 Bushels and nigh 3 Pecks of Rice [sic] for me. N.B. Mr. Pannel had winnow’d 2 Bushels before. Susan Cutting rode to Shrewsbury. At Eve rode to Mr. Grouts222 where I Supp’d. Mr. Tainter and his wife, etc. there. N.B. Mrs. Tainters high Disgust at our Dining the Sabbath before last in the Kitchen—She surmizing that it was done with design to keep People from coming to warm themselves, which had not entered into our Thoughts, but was done because the House was Cold by the Storm and we had no fire in the Dining Room. At Winchesters223 and at old Mr. Samuel Fays.224

    1738 October 6 (Friday). Visited Mr. James Maynard in the Morning, who grows Somewhat better. Thomas Winchester gather’d in our Beans, pick’d winter Apples, etc. Susan return’d from Shrewsbury at Night.

    1738 October 7 (Saturday). Children picking Apples.

    1738 October 8 (Sunday). On Eph. 6.5.6.7.8.

    1738 October 9 (Monday). All the officers met together at Ensign Maynards upon the Affair of a Regemental Muster. Mr. Prentice225 of Grafton, Mr. Cook,226 preacher at Marlborough, Dr. Gott, etc., were here. Town Meeting by adjournment to See what Should be done about a Meeting House. Dissolv’d. Divers Neighbours kindly help’d David Baverick (who wrought for me to Day) in Cutting up my Corn and carting it into the Barn. N.B. Noah How help’d David a.m. in carting in stalks, and Noah and his Brother Daniel227 carted my Apples to their Mill. At Night 10 or a Dozen young men and Lads Husk’d part of my Corn.

    1738 October 10 (Tuesday). Rain’d hard in the morning. P.M. it ceas’d and then I rode to the Southermost Houses towards Hopkinton. Supp’d at old Mr. Graves’s.228 N.B. Colonel Ward,229 Captain Williams and Captain Eager, Arbitrators upon Mr. Maynards and Hicks’s Difference. They brought in to Hicks’s Dissatisfaction.

    1738 October 11 (Wednesday). David Baverick wrought for me carrying up Corn, making a Partition Fence. Susanna Cutting230 left us. She rode to Waterton upon my Horse.

    1738 October 12 (Thursday). Receiv’d Three Barrells of My own Cyder from Mr. How’s Mill, and 4 More of Mr. Whitney231 which I bought for 11 shillings per Barrell. Mr. Prentice of Grafton and Mr. Samuel Cook came and din’d with me. Mr. Cook preach’d on 1 Cor. 6, ult. Church meeting after Lecture on the Affairs of Mr. Samuel Fay, etc., and Concerning the Fragments after the Lords Supper, and concerning Vessels of the Table and a Baptizing on. Adjourn’d to this Day sennight. Ebenezer Maynard brought 2 1/2 Barrells more of my Cyder from Mr. How’s.

    1738 October 13 (Friday). We boyl’d Cyder this Forenoon.

    1738 October 14 (Saturday). [No entry.]

    1738 October 15 (Sunday). The Lords Supper was administered. Preach’d on Matt. 22.12, Eph. 6.8. At Eve I visited Mrs. James Maynard who lay in an extremely Dangerous state. When I return’d from Mr. Maynards I found Mr. James Pierpont at my House, who this Evening came up from Marlborough, and was upon his Journey to New Haven.

    1738 October 16 (Monday). I Catechiz’d at the Meeting House a. and p.m. Rain a.m. Did not clear off p.m. Yet Mr. Pierpont was intent upon his Journey home. Mr. David Buys232 of New Glascow being here and going upwards, Mr. Pierpont was not to be persuaded to stay. He design’d for Worcester tonight.

    1738 October 17 (Tuesday). Mr. Stone and I rode up to Shrewsbury to Ministers Meeting. See Association Records. Mr. Aaron Whitney233 offer’d himself voluntarily to Examination. Mr. Tainter here at Eve with Lads who Husk’d more of my Corn but did not finish it.

    1738 October 18 (Wednesday). Mr. Stone preach’d a very useful Sermon on Col. 1.27. N.B. Mr. Loring absent, ‘tis Thought on the Affair of Woburn, where there was a large Council last Week. Mr. Stone return’d home with me.

    1738 October 19 (Thursday). Deacon Forbush234 somewhat after noon. Church Meeting was not duely attended either by any Number of Members or Seasonably by those who did come. See Church Records. Mr. Whipple235 and Mr. Bradish236 here at Eve.

    1738 October 20 (Friday). Neighbour Hezekiah How brought 500 more of Bricks home for me.

    1738 October 21 (Saturday). Mr. Williams here. P.M. Ensign Maynard237 brought a Kegg of Rhum from Boston.

    1738 October 22 (Sunday). On Matt. 9.9. P.M. on Ex. 10.11. Mr. Chamberlain238 din’d with us.

    1738 October 23 (Monday). At Deacon Tomlins,239 Seth Rice’s, Jedediah How’s. P.M. getting up Corn from the Barn.

    1738 October 24 (Tuesday). Captain Forbush came and invited me to Dinner to Day at Ensign Maynards. Trooping and Training. I pray’d with the Company, din’d with the Officers and pray’d with the whole Body at Night and we sung part of Ps. 144.

    1738 October 25 (Wednesday). Very Rainy Day. At Eve I rode to Ensign Forbush, Master Townsend’s, etc.

    1738 October 26 (Thursday). Mr. Hezekiah How and Mr. Francis Whipple accompany’d me to Grafton Lecture. I preach’d on Jude 10.21, 1st Clause. We return’d at Eve.

    1738 October 27, 28 (Thursday, Friday). I desire to take some serious Notice of the Longsuffering of God towards me and his Church in this place in continuing under the precious advantage of the Gospel these fourteen Years. I see great Reason to humble myself for my unfaithfulness, Negligence and Unprofitableness and I would penitently repair to God in Christ for forgiveness.

    1738 October 29 (Sunday). We meditated upon What it is to be in Christ, what Benefits there are thereof, the Great Advantages of having been in Christ some years, and the great Privilege, advantage and Comfort of Knowing and being Sure of this; with Reflections adapted to the present Time and our present Circumstances. From 2 Cor. 12.2.

    1738 October 30 (Monday). Very rainy and exceeding high Winds.

    1738 October 31 (Tuesday). Meeting of proprietors of Houssantunnoc No. 3 at Ensign Maynards. My admission (on Condition of my paying 15£ and 6£ more towards Meeting House, etc.) Confirm’d. Mr. Palmer, Mr. William Manning and Mr. Thomas Hastings came up.

    1738 November 1 (Wednesday). Mr. Palmer had my Horse to go to Worcester his own being Lame. Mr. Manning, Hastings and Hicks din’d with us. Mr. Palmer return’d and he and Mr. Manning lodg’d here.

    1738 November 2 (Thursday). Mr. Palmer etc. return’d home. Church Meeting. See Records.240 Had a pair of Turkeys of Mr. Jonathan Bellows brought home.

    1738 November 3 (Friday). [No entry.]

    1738 November 4 (Saturday). The Boys dug potatoes. Aaron Forbush, junior, and his Brother Benjamin dug p.m.

    1738 November 5 (Sunday). 2 Cor. 12.2 and 1 Pet. 4.4.

    1738 November 6 (Monday). Rainy. Town meeting again about a Meeting House, but it fell through for want of selectmen.

    1738 November 7 (Tuesday). Mr. Tainter Sow’d and plough’d in Rye for me. John Hicks junior dug Potatoes. Captain Goddard241 here. I visited Captain Warrins wife.242 Very fine Weather.

    1738 November 8 (Wednesday). Fine Weather Still. I rode up to Mr. Garfields Lime Kiln now in Burning. Return’d by James Maynards whom I visited as he is Slowly creeping up from his low Condition, and his little son John worse again. N.B. Molly243 went with Mr. Tainter up to Mr. Joseph Miles’s and then home with Mr. Tainter.

    1738 November 9 (Thursday). My wife rode with me to visit upon the North side of the Town. Din’d at Captain Eagers and proceeded up to the Bowkers. Supp’d at Lieutenant Holloways. N.B. I bought a Swine of him for which I agreed to give him 3£. In returning we visited Mr. Josiah Rice, whose wife was sick of a Fever.

    1738 November 10 (Friday). Mr. Peter Smith244 of Shrewsbury and his Daughter245 here. A Glazier also (one Child of Roxbury) to mend up my Glass. Salt brought up gratis by the Teams which went from here.

    1738 November 11 (Saturday). Abraham Moss here. He mention’d a mistake he thought was made in the Counting the money which was paid him, which expos’d him to loose 20 shillings.

    1738 November 12 (Sunday). Mat. 9.12.13. Eccl. 9.3. Mrs. Byles and widow Pratt246 and others din’d. It was a Cold Day, and the more tedious as it came upon us Suddenly. First time of Snowing at all, this Year.

    1738 November 13 (Monday). The Cold increas’d and was very pinching. Ty’d up as many Cattle as we could.

    1738 November 14 (Tuesday). More Moderate. Training Day. Andrew [Cwees?] brought the Swine which I bought of Lieutenant Holloway last week, price 3£.

    1738 November 15 (Wednesday). Sister Hicks247 brought to bed of her 10th Child—my wife over there till 5 o’Clock this morning. Mr. Aaron Forbush came to go up to Wachuset. Ensign Maynard rode with us to Captain Eagers and Lieutenant Holloways but the Rain prevail’d so that we return’d back after dining with Lieutenant Holloways. N.B. snow’d this morning.

    1738 November 16 (Thursday). Rainy.

    1738 November 17 (Friday). [No entry.]

    1738 November 19 (Sunday). Eccl. 9.3; Ps. 51.15.

    1738 November 20 (Monday). Sold Mr. Tainter 3 Largest Weathers I had. Eve I visited Mr. Noah Rice’s wife who was very sick and dejected. Very cold Night.

    1738 November 21 (Tuesday). Snow.

    1738 November 22 (Wednesday). [No entry.]

    1738 November 23 (Thursday). Thanksgiving. Heb. 13.15.16. Neighbour Joseph Green Supp’d with us. A very Cold Day.

    1738 November 24 (Friday). Ensign Maynard and I reckon’d and settled accounts. Deacon Newton here at Evening.

    1738 November 25 (Saturday). Cold season. Dr. Gott248 here. My Wife has for some time had her Limbs exceedingly swelling insomuch that she can’t well go about.

    1738 November 26 (Sunday). Sacrament. Matth. 22.12. Ps. 74.17. Very cold. 3 Deacons and Neighbour Thomas Bruce din’d with us. P.M. Snow.

    1738 November 27 (Monday). Out of wood, except very great Loggs. Stephen Maynard at my desire brought a Load. Town Meeting the 4th Time about a Meeting House or repairing the old one, or Dividing the Town. N.B. 23 votes out of 47 for the first. Mr. Tainter249 alone my Butcher in killing the old Cow. Weight 327, Tallow 42, Hide 50. Sold the hide to Captain Eager for 25 Shillings. I was at Ensign Maynards in the Eve. N.B. Lucy Forbush came to work for us.

    1738 November 28 (Tuesday). Snow’d. Mr. Taynter and his wife here cutting up and Salting down my Beef. At Mr. Cornelius Cooks.250 Evening at Deacon Newtons.251

    1738 November 29 (Wednesday). Mrs. Dorothy Rice252 here. We rode over to see sister Hicks. We supp’d there. Brother Samuel Breck253 came up to see us, and tarried.

    1738 November 30 (Thursday). Read Andrew Marvels254 Rehearsal transpos’d.255 Evening made up accounts with Mr. Hezekiah How. N.B. Mr. Ebenezer Johnson of Southborough and others here.

    1738 December 1 (Friday). Snowy Day. Brother Samuel Breck went to Marlborough. Mr. Tainter came and got up Wood for me.

    1738 December 2 (Saturday). Snow’d hard. My wife grows more and more indispos’d.

    1738 December 3 (Sunday). Bright Day. Mat. 9.14–17. Ps. 119.5. Mr. Bradish and Mr. Samuel Harrington din’d with us. Lucy Forbush went home at Eve.

    1738 December 4 (Monday). Very Cold morning. I rode over to Old Mr. Ward256 and got his Daughter to come and Serve us. Thence to Deacon Newtons and after that I went to Cambridge. A troublesome cold Journey. Sister Lydia257 had been very ill but was recovering.

    1738 December 5 (Tuesday). Rain and cold. Din’d at Father Champneys. P.M. I rode to Boston. Small Pox in Town, in several places. Lodg’d at Brother Elias’s.258 N.B. Brother Samuel259 had bargain’d for an Irish Lad of 15 years, with Captain Solomon Lombard—for £7.15, and he was lodg’d at Brother Elias’s till my Coming to Town. The Boys Name was John Ridney, born in the county of Waterford in Ireland.

    1738 December 6 (Wednesday). Din’d at Brother Elias’s. P.M. at Brother Alexander’s.260 At Eve at Mr. Webbs261 with Brother Elias. My aged Mother still in a measure of Comfort. D.G.

    1738 December 7 (Thursday). Mr. Checkley262 on Amos 3.2 at public Lecture. N.B. great Trouble occasion’d by my having an hat left me in the Pew which was not mine by (as I found the next Day) Mr. Daniel Lagg of Cambridge. Din’d at Brother Samuels. At Eve John consented to be bound and go up with me forthwith. Whilst I was concern’d about the means and way of getting John up to Westborough Brother Hicks was at Brother Elias’s. By various impediments we were hinder’d going over the Ferry till after nine o’Clock at night, but they ferry’d over, Brother and John and my Self for 2/6. Rode to Cambridge. Lodg’d John at the blue Anchor,263 whilst Brother and I with our Horses were taken care of at Mr. Whittemore’s.264 N.B. Mr. Whittemore and wife and their sister Fisher from Boston not till after 12. A Cold Night.

    1738 December 8 (Friday). Finish’d the Indentures and binding of John. Was at Colonel Goffs265 for my Hatt. At Brecks Chamber at College. Sent John over to Father Champney’s and upon Brother Hicks’s mare I undertook my Journey home. N.B. Colonel Fullam266 at Mr. Woolson’s267 Tavern. Not home till very late and Cold and Spent. N.B. In my absence a good Ewe (that which Mr. Ball268 presented me at the Setting up my Flock) fell into the old House Cellar and dy’d there.

    1738 December 9 (Saturday). Brother Hicks and John Ridney came up on my Horse. A very Cold Day. Jerusha Ward269 went home.

    1738 December 10 (Sunday). Ps. 119.5, and p.m. Repeated sermon 2 on Ps. 90.9 from Ps. 39.5.

    1738 December 11 (Monday). Patience Forbush270 tarried last night that She might Serve us two or Three Days. Mrs. Knowlton and Mrs. Whipple to visit my wife. Mrs. Maynard and Cousen Winchester here also. In the Evening her Husband came. They tarried and Supp’d with us.

    1738 December 12 (Tuesday). Snow. Ensign Maynard.

    1738 December 13 (Wednesday). Mr. Cushing271 made me a kind visit. Patience went home at night.

    1738 December 14 (Thursday). I rode to Marlborough, Ebenezer272 with me, to Colonel Woods’s273 (who was gone to Charleston) to Mr. Butlers,274 Mr. Tainters and Dr. Gotts. At the last place was Mr. Samuel Cook and others. We return’d home though late.

    1738 December 15 (Friday). Abiel Allen came p.m. to serve us. Mr. Grout at Eve to consult upon the affair of getting wood. Snowy Night.

    1738 December 16 (Saturday). My wife has not only Swell’d greatly in her Limbs but (besides her pregnancy) in her Body, and is exceeding full of Pain. I sent Ebenezer to Marlborough to the Doctor’s. A warmish, thawy Day. Wind at Sundown.

    1738 December 17 (Sunday). Rom. 8.16 occasioned in part by the growing extravagance of Velvet and scarlet among people of low Rank. P.M. repeated sermon on Ps. 119.9. My wife very ill. Public Prayers for her. At night extream full of Pain, and continued all Night. N.B. Mr. Eliezer Bellows275 and Granny Forbush276 din’d with us. Exceeding Cold Night.

    1738 December 18 (Monday). The Morning Exeeding Cold. Dr. Gott here. Mrs. Knowlton and Mrs. Williams here to see my wife. She continues Swell’d and full of Pain.

    1738 December 19 (Tuesday). Mr. Grout with a Team, and Mr. Samuel Harrington with his oxen to make up another Team with my oxen and Sled, Mr. Groe,277 Mr. Tainter, Mr. Beriah Rice,278 Mr. Jonathan Forbush, junior, Thomas Winchester, Edwards Whipple, Ephraim Whitney,279 Samuel Rogers, Thomas Whitney, junior. Mr. Aaron Forbush280 came p.m. to Cut and sled me wood from the further side of the Hill. N.B. One Mr. Daniel Damon of Leicester, who was born near Sydmouth in old England hear with Dears Leather. Bought a skin and a Brass-Albany-Tobacco Box of him. Brother Samuel Breck came up from Marlborough and lodg’d here. With him came sister Gott281 and Mrs. Bulah Bent,282 and after them came Captain Williams. These latter went down to Marlborough at Eve. N.B. Mrs. Byles and Mrs. Bruce to visit my wife and at Eve Mrs. Susanna Forbush.283 A very Cold Night.

    1738 December 20 (Wednesday). Very Cold and windy. Brother Samuel rode away upon his Journey to Springfield.

    1738 December 21 (Thursday). The Cold Somewhat abated. Sister Hicks here.

    1738 December 22 (Friday). Snow. The Boys Sledding up the remainder of the wood which was cut on the 19.

    1738 December 23 (Saturday). Cold. Sledding again. N.B. My wife in much Trouble by Headach last night.

    1738 December 24 (Sunday). Rom. 8.6. P.M. Snow. Storm’d hard at Evening and very Cold. N.B. very few at meeting. My wife’s Headach extreme.

    1738 December 25 (Monday). Moderate, pleasant, bright morning. Neighbour Oak came with a Team, neighbour Jacob Rice,284 Jonathan Maynard,285 John Oake and Lieutenant Holloways men came to get wood. Fitted up our Team to go with them but after 4 Turns our sled was crush’d down. It rain’d when they came to Dinner and the rain preval’d So as to prevent their going for any more.

    1738 December 26 (Tuesday). A little after 4 in the morning my Wife call’d Me up by her extreme pains prevailing upon her and changing into signs of Travail. I rode over to Deacon Forbush’s286 and brought her over as our midwife. Sister Hicks, old Mrs. Knowlton, Mrs. Whipple, Mrs. Hephzibath Maynard,287 Mrs. Byles and Mrs. Rogers were call’d and brought and stay’d all Day and Night. The Weather Moderate and ple[a]sant.

    1738 December 27 (Wednesday). In the morning the Women Scattered away to their several Homes except Mrs. Forbush who did not leave us. At Eve Deacon Forbush and Mr. John Pannell here. N.B. My Two Youngest Cattle and one of my Oxen not well. We cut off a part of the Tails. Mr. Tainter here to mend the sled. At night it grew exceeding Cold.

    1738 December 28 (Thursday). At about 4 in the morning Mrs. Forbush call’d me up with great earnestness to gather some women together. It was very Cold, and I ran on foot to sister Hicks and to old Mrs. Knowlton—sent to Mrs. Maynard and rode to Mrs. Byles, all which came together by Daybreak. We were in the Article of Distress. About Seven o’Clock my Fourth Daughter was born. An exceeding Small Child and great doubt whether it would continue alive. But my wife in a good State, through the wondrous Goodness and Mercy of God. A Cold Day. Sent Ebenezer Maynard to Dr. Gotts, and to call Mrs. Mary Sherman288 to Nurse. N.B. Sear’d the Ox which continued bleeding. N.B. Suse Cutting,289 being married to John Rogers, as I concluded, is come up to dwell at Neighbour Rogers’s. Nurse watch’d.

    1738 December 29 (Friday). Mrs. Forbush carried home by Ebenezer. N.B. Mrs. Tainter here to discourse with me upon the Offence I had manifested at her Daughters being the Introducers of Velvet whoods among young persons of low Rank in the Congregation and she in a Christian manner Submitted and ask’d forgiveness inasmuch as She had been the Author of it. Martha Maynard290 watch’d.

    1738 December 30 (Saturday). My wife in great Pain. Mrs. Maynard here. At Evening my wife exceedingly pained under her Breasts—thought to be the Coming of her milk. Molly Lee and the Nurse watch’d.

    1738 December 31 (Sunday). Cold, p.m. Snowy. Concluded the Year with Rev. 20.12 and Discourse before the Baptism of my Daughter Elizabeth God hath Sworn on Mal. 3.17. My Wife Easier to Day. Rebecca Hicks291 watch’d. As I have renewed my Engagement unto God and given up my Self and mine to Him, So, on the other Hand, God himself hath Sworn that they that Fear Him Shall be His in the Day that He will make up his Jewells. And O that We might be of that number! And that this Dear Infant in particular may be a rich Jewell in the Cabinet of God! In finishing the Year God enable me to have a reallizing thought of the finishing of all Things, and that Great Day of the Eternal Doom for all both Small and Great, that I may be found ready for it whenever it Shall break forth!

    1 The death of neither child is recorded in Westborough Vital Records.

    2 (Harvard 1723). Sibley, VII, 273–79.

    3 Probably James Allin (Harvard 1710), the first minister of Brookline. Sibley, V, 506–10.

    4 Reverend Joseph Dorr of Mendon.

    5 Henry Mellen.

    6 Thomas Forbush.

    7 Cornelius Cook, son-in-law of Thomas Forbush.

    8 David Monanaow or Munnanaw.

    9 Elias Haven (Harvard 1733), schoolmaster at Hopkinton and later minister of Franklin, 1738–1754. Sibley, IX, 304–09.

    10 Daughter of Increase Ward.

    11 John Chandler, Jr.

    12 A work by the English Calvinist divine, John Edwards (1637–1716).[Addition to note: “The Use and Abuse of Apparel,” in John Edwards, Sermons on Special Occasions and Subjects . . . (London: Printed for Jonathan Robinson . . . and John Wyat, 1698).]

    13 Reverend Solomon Prentice of Grafton.

    14 Elias Parkman (Harvard 1737), Ebenezer Parkman’s nephew. Sibley, X, 223–24.

    15 The first Mrs. Parkman died Jan. 29, 1736.

    16 John Potter, Archaeologica Graeca: or the Antiquities of Greece, 2 volumes (Oxford, 1697–99). Numerous other editions followed.

    17 James Bradish.

    18 Son of Deacon Thomas Forbush.

    19 Daniel Bliss (Yale 1732), later the minister at Concord, Mass., 1738–1764. Dexter, pp. 439–440.

    20 Benjamin Woods of Marlborough.

    21 Samuel Grow of Westborough.

    22 Susanna, daughter of Deacon Simon Tainter, married Thomas Kendall of Suffield, Conn.

    23 (Yale 1732), tutor at Yale College at this time and later minister in Hatfield, Mass., 1740–1770. Dexter, p. 469.

    24 Francis Whipple.

    25 Jonathan Livermore.

    26 Son of Captain John Fay.

    27 Captain John Sadler, one of the first selectmen of Upton. Upton, Mass., 1735–1935 (Upton, 1936), pp. 11, 14.

    28 John Hazeltine, an early resident and prominent citizen of Upton.

    29 Old usage for an untimely birth or miscarriage.

    30 Reverend Nathan Stone.

    31 An English translation of Valesius’ edition of Eusebius, History of the Christian Church, 3 volumes (Cambridge, 1720).

    32 Samuel Breck (Harvard 1741), Parkman’s brother-in-law, married Elizabeth Cooley of Springfield, Mass., in 1744. He became a surgeon.

    33 Later the town of Sheffield, Mass.

    34 William Holloway of Westborough.

    35 Descendant of Captain John Mason of Pequot War fame.

    36 Of Marlborough.

    37 Parkman’s brother-in-law of Marlborough.

    38 Samuel Forbush.

    39 Increase Ward.

    40 Nathan Brigham.

    41 Reverend Job Cushing of Shrewsbury.

    42 Reverend Isaac Burr of Worcester.

    43 Andrew Bordman (Harvard 1737), later minister of the First Congregational Church in Chilmark, 1746–1776. Sibley, X, 121–22.

    44 Minister of Marlborough.

    45 Home of the late Reverend Robert Breck of Marlborough, father of Parkman’s second wife.

    46 Reverend John Prentice.

    47 Reverend Israel Loring of Sudbury.

    48 (Harvard 1730), an itinerant preacher and schoolmaster at Woburn. Sibley, VIII, 778.

    49 See Church Records, April 19 and May 25, 1738. Both Thomas Forbush, Jr., and Seth Rice declined election.

    50 (Harvard 1733), son of the Reverend John Swift of Framingham and later the first minister in Acton. Sibley, IX, 333–36.

    51 Daniel Warrin, one of the original settlers of Westborough.

    52 Samuel Miles.

    53 Hezekiah Man (Harvard 1731). Sibley, IX, 65–67.

    54 Dr. Benjamin Gott, Parkman’s brother-in-law.

    55 Eleazer Beamon of Westborough.

    56 John Hicks, Parkman’s brother-in-law.

    57 Parkman’s oldest son.

    58 Reverend Samuel Whitman (Harvard 1696). Sibley, IV, 315–17.

    59 Thomas Forbush, Jr., and Seth Rice had been elected April 19, 1738.

    60 An old term meaning the harness of a draft animal.

    61 Of that part of Marlborough that became Southborough.

    62 Joseph Joslin of Westborough.

    63 Samuel Champney of Cambridge, father of Parkman’s first wife.

    64 Reverend John Webb of the New North Church.

    65 Reverend Joseph Sewall of the Old South Church.

    66 Reverend Thomas Weld.

    67 (Harvard 1734). Hunt did some preaching and then settled down in his home town, Watertown, to become a prosperous merchant and Representative to the General Court. Sibley, IX, 414–18.

    68 Reverend John Barnard (Harvard 1700), minister of the First Church of Marblehead, 1715–1770. Sibley, IV, 501–14.

    69 (Harvard 1722). A well known resident of Boston. Sibley, VII, 106–16.

    70 John Chandler.

    71 Mrs. Daniel Loring.

    72 Mrs. Parkman’s cousin, Hannah Breck, married Abel Keggell, a merchant of Boston.

    73 Louis Dalhonde, a physician of Boston.

    74 (Harvard 1730). A Boston merchant. Sibley, VIII, 791–93.

    75 James Pierpont, Jr., son of the late Reverend James Pierpont (Harvard 1681) of New Haven.

    76 Reverend Solomon Prentice.

    77 ‘The church was also concerned with “the Conduct of Mr. Samuel Fay in keeping from our Communion himself, and withholding his Wife therefrom also, although he had permitted her to bind herself thereto by Solemn Covenant.”

    78 Wife or widow of John Matthews, physician of Marlborough and Southborough.

    79 Joseph Ware, prominent citizen and operator of a grist mill in Sherborn. Abner Morse, Genealogical Register . . . and History of the Towns of Sherborn and Holliston (Boston, 1856), pp. 253–254.

    80 Benjamin Winchester of Brookline, who married Elizabeth (Champney) Chamberlain, the first Mrs. Ebenezer Parkman’s cousin, was living in Westborough at this time. He later moved to Grafton where he died in 1762.

    81 A former resident of Westborough. Son of Thomas Rice.

    82 Paul Dudley, a judge of the Massachusetts Superior Court.

    83 John Fay of Westborough.

    84 James Eager of Westborough.

    85 Reverend John Seccomb of Harvard, Mass.

    86 (Harvard 1727). Son of the Reverend John Fox of Woburn, Mass. Jabez did some preaching but was not ordained. He became the notary public and representative of the port of Falmouth, Maine. Sibley, VIII, 134–37.

    87 Josiah Brown (Harvard 1735) sometime preacher and schoolmaster of Lancaster and Sterling, Mass. Sibley, IX, 476–78.

    88 Benjamin Woods of Marlborough.

    89 Stanton Prentice, son of the Reverend John Prentice of Lancaster. Charles J. F. Binney, The History and Genealogy of the Prentice or Prentiss Family, in New England (Boston, 1852), 178.

    90 A tutor at Yale College.

    91 Reverend Robert Breck of Springfield, Parkman’s brother-in-law.

    92 (Harvard1742). Parkman’s brother-in-law, who later became a physician at Worcester and Great Barrington. Sibley, XI, 131–32.

    93 Mary, Parkman’s oldest child, who was born Sept. 14, 1725.

    94 Mrs. David Harrington.

    95 Jonathan Loring (Harvard 1738), the son of Reverend Israel Loring of Sudbury, who later became a lawyer in Marlborough. Sibley, X, 298–99.

    96 Jonathan Davies (Harvard 1738), later a Roxbury physician. Sibley, X, 285.

    97 Andrew Tyler (Harvard 1738), minister of First Congregational Church of Westwood, 1743–1772. Sibley, X, 329–34.

    98 Edward Holyoke (Harvard 1705) became the ninth President of Harvard College, Sept. 28, 1737. Sibley, V, 265–78.

    99 Richard Mower (Harvard 1738) of Lynn. Sibley, X, 306–07.

    100 Of Cambridge. He was the nephew of the first Mrs. Parkman.

    101 Son of Captain Robert Sharpe of Brookline.

    102 Susanna Sharp, whom Reverend Parkman had courted after the death of his first wife. See Diary for February 17, 1737 and March 3 and 4, 1737.

    103 Benjamin White (Harvard 1738), sometime schoolmaster at Gloucester. Sibley, X, 338.

    104 Robert Sharpe, Sr., of Brookline.

    105 (Harvard 1725), minister of Plaistow, New Hampshire, 1730–1764. Sibley, VIII, 499–501.

    106 Parkman’s sister Susanna, who married Josiah Willard of Salem.

    107 Elias Parkman of Boston.

    108 Daughter of Peter Bent.

    109 Reverend Joseph Lord (Harvard 1691), minister of Chatham, Mass., 1718–1748. He was also a schoolmaster and physician. Sibley, V, 101–06.

    110 Reverend William Rand (Harvard 1721), minister of Sunderland, Mass., 1723–1745, and Kingston, Mass., 1746–1779. Sibley, VI, 549–53.

    111 Edward Billing (Harvard 1731) of Sunderland, who later became the first minister of Belchertown, Mass., 1739–1752. Sibley, IX, 22–28.

    112 Of Westborough.

    113 Ensign Bartlett lived in Marlborough.

    114 Captain Eleazer Howe.

    115 Of Marlborough.

    116 (Harvard 1732). Later the first minister of Leominster. Sibley, IX, 189–98.

    117 Deacon Simon Tainter of Westborough. [Correction: Simon Tainter was not elected deacon until 1757. Westborough Church Records (Westborough Public Library), 107 (Jan. 16, 1757).]

    118 Mrs. Daniel Warrin or Warren of Westborough.

    119 Thomas Forbush, Jr., also selectman of Westborough.

    120 The widow of Thomas Rice, formerly Mary Oakes.

    121 Dr. John Matthews, the physician of Marlborough.

    122 Samuel Forbush, an original settler of Westborough.

    123 An original settler of Westborough.

    124 Eleazer Rice lived in Marlborough close to the boundary of Westborough.

    125 The daughter of Simon Tainter of Westborough.

    126 Mrs. Edward Baker of Westborough.

    127 Mrs. Josiah Newton of Westborough.

    128 Probably Mrs. Abraham Williams of Marlborough, the sister of Mrs. Parkman. Hudson, Marlborough, p. 470.

    129 Probably Mrs. Luke Rice of Marlborough.

    130 Benjamin Gott, the physician, of Marlborough.

    131 David Maynard, an original settler of Westborough.

    132 John Hicks of Westborough, Parkman’s brother-in-law by his marriage.

    133 James Eager.

    134 William Holloway.

    135 The son of Samuel Frost of Framingham. Temple, Framingham, p. 554.

    136 Of Shrewsbury.

    137 Matthew Poole’s Annotations upon the Holy Bible was first published in 1688. Other editions soon appeared.

    138 Prominent citizen and captain of the “train-band.”

    139 Lydia Howe, widow of Jonathan Howe who died June 22, 1738. Hudson, Marlborough, p. 384.

    140 Isaac Amsden of Marlborough.

    141 John Phelps of Marlborough was a cordwainer. He moved to Rutland, Mass., about 1742.

    142 James Brown.

    143 Reverend John Campbell of Oxford.

    144 Reverend David Hall (Harvard 1724), second minister of Sutton, Mass. Sibley, VII, 345–56.

    145 Isaac Larned, selectman of Oxford, Mass. Daniels, Oxford, pp. 580–581.

    146 Reverend Israel Loring of Sudbury.

    147 Reverend William Williams.

    148 Reverend Job Cushing of Shrewsbury.

    149 (Harvard 1726). First minister of Southborough, Mass. Sibley, VIII, 99–105.

    150 Reverend David Stearns (Harvard 1728). Sibley, VIII, 496–98.

    151 Samuel Carter died August 22, 1738. He was a former selectman of Lancaster, Mass.

    152 See Allen, Worcester Association, p. 19.

    153 Probably John Rogers (Harvard 1732), later the first minister of Leominster, Mass. Sibley, IX, 189–98.

    154 An original settler. Parkman’s neighbor and friend.

    155 He later moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and became a prosperous merchant.

    156 Despite Parkman’s reference to the Natalitia there is no entry in it for this date.

    157 John Chandler, a very prominent citizen, who at one time or another held virtually all the offices in the town. Lincoln, Worcester, pp. 296–298.

    158 Reverend Thomas Cheney (Harvard 1711), first minister of Brookfield, Mass. Sibley, V, 561–63.

    159 Jacob Wendell, merchant of Boston, member of the Council of the province after 1737 and commander of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery.

    160 Edward Holyoke (Harvard 1705), President of Harvard College. Sibley, V, 265–78.

    161 Reverend Nathaniel Appleton of Cambridge, Mass.

    162 Joseph Pynchon (Harvard 1726), physician of Springfield, Mass. Sibley, VIII, 90–92.

    163 Reverend James Bridgham (Harvard 1726), minister of Brimfield, Mass. Sibley, VIII, 7–10.

    164 Timothy Dwight of Northampton, Mass.

    165 The Ashley family kept a tavern in Westfield, Mass., for many years.

    166 Of Springfield.

    167 Reverend Stephen Williams (Harvard 1713), minister of the First Congregational Church of Longmeadow, Mass., 1714–1782. Sibley, VI, 25–35.

    168 Reverend Samuel Hopkins (Yale 1718), minister at West Springfield, Mass., 1720–1755. Dexter, 184–87.

    169 Widow of Reverend Daniel Brewer (Harvard 1687) of Springfield, Mass.

    170 Ebenezer Parsons of West Springfield.

    171 Reverend William Rand (Harvard 1721), second minister of Sunderland, Mass., and one of Parkman’s classmates. Sibley, VI, 549–53.

    172 William Allis of Sunderland.

    173 Reverend Ebenezer Devotion (Harvard 1707), third minister of Suffield, Mass. (now Connecticut). Sibley, V, 329–31.

    174 John Austin of Hartford, a merchant of that town.

    175 Jonathan Law (Harvard 1695), Governor of Connecticut. Sibley, IV, 237–42.

    176 Joseph Wadsworth of Windsor, Conn.

    177 George Wyllys (Yale 1729), Secretary of the Colony of Connecticut. Dexter, 399–400.

    178 Reverend Timothy Woodbridge (Yale 1706), minister of Simsbury, Conn., 1710–1742. Dexter, 57–58.

    179 Benajah Case (Yale 1733), later minister of New Fairfield, Conn., 1742–1753. Dexter, pp. 475–76.

    180 Lieutenant Joseph Beckley of Wethersfield, Conn., was the proprietor of an important tavern on the road between Hartford and New Haven.

    181 Eleazer Aspinwall of Farmington (Kensington Parish).

    182 John Hamaston, Jr. (1685–1767).

    183 Reverend Eleazer Wheelock (Yale 1733), minister of the third church of Lebanon (Columbia), Conn., 1735–1770; later the founder and first president of Dartmouth College.

    184 Mary (Hooker) Pierpont, the widow of the Reverend James Pierpont (d. 1714), survived until Nov. I, 1738. She was the granddaughter of the Reverend Thomas Hooker, the first minister of Hartford, Conn. Her daughter, Sarah, married Jonathan Edwards, D.D., the president of Princeton College.

    185 Mary Pierpont was the wife of the Reverend William Russell (Yale 1709), minister of Middletown, Conn., 1715–1761. Dexter, 90–91.

    186 James Pierpont, Jr. (Yale 1718), son of the Reverend James Pierpont of New Haven. Dexter, 189–190.

    187 Reverend Ebenezer Gay (Harvard 1714), minister of Hingham, Mass., 1717–1787. Sibley, VI, 59–66.

    188 Reverend Seth Storer (Harvard 1720), minister of Watertown, Mass., 1724–1774. Sibley, VI, 412–14.

    189 Reverend Ebenezer Pemberton (Harvard 1721), minister of the Presbyterian Church, New York City, 1727–1753. Sibley, VI, 535–46.

    190 Reverend William Smith (Harvard 1725), minister of the First Congregational Church of Weymouth, Mass., 1734–1783. Reverend Smith’s daughter, Abigail, became the wife of President John Adams. Sibley, VII, 588–91.

    191 (Harvard 1734), of Watertown, Mass. He preached at Dedham and at Bellington, but in 1740 became a merchant at Watertown. Sibley, IX, 414–418.

    192 Reverend Jonathan Dickinson (Yale 1706), minister of Elizabethtown (Union), New Jersey, 1709–1747, and later President of Princeton College. Dexter, 45–52.

    193 Reverend Samuel Johnson (Yale 1714), minister of Christ Church, Episcopal, Stratford, Conn., 1723–1754 and 1764–1772. He was the first President of King’s (now Columbia) College, 1754–1763. Dexter, 123–28.

    194 Reverend James Wetmore (Yale 1714), minister of Christ Church, Rye, New York, 1726–1760. Dexter, pp. 133–38.

    195 Daniel Elmer (Yale 1713). Formerly of Westborough, Mass., and at this time minister of the church of Christ of Cohansey, Fairfield, New Jersey, 1727–1755. Dexter, pp. 110–111.

    196 Reverend Joseph Noyes (Yale 1709), minister at New Haven, 1715–1761. Dexter pp. 85–89.

    197 Reverend Jonathan Edwards (Yale 1720), the great divine of Northampton, Mass., and later President of Princeton College.

    198 (Yale 1736). Dexter, p. 558.

    199 (Yale 1720). Dexter, pp. 216–17.

    200 Probably Timothy Woodbridge, Jr., tutor at Yale College.

    201 (Harvard 1685), sometime preacher and teacher, and Judge of the Probate Court at New Haven, 1716–1727. Sibley, III, 319–20.

    202 John Prout (Yale 1708), a merchant of New Haven and Treasurer of Yale College. Dexter, pp. 76–77.

    203 The youngest son of the Reverend James Pierpont of New Haven.

    204 Reverend Theophilus Hall (Yale 1727), first minister of Meriden, Conn., 1728–1767. Dexter, pp. 352–53.

    205 (Harvard 1725). Sibley, VII, 517–18.

    206 John Ellery (Harvard 1732), originally of Boston, was a prominent merchant of Hartford. Sibley, IX, 148–50.

    207 Ebenezer Grant (Yale 1726), a leading merchant and inn-keeper in the East parish of Windsor (now East Windsor). Dexter, p. 328.

    208 Reverend Peter Reynolds (Harvard 1720), minister of Enfield, Conn., 1724–1768. Sibley, VI, 396–99.

    209 Reverend David Goddard (Harvard 1731), second minister of Leicester, Mass., 1716–1754. Sibley, IX, 40–43.

    210 Reverend Isaac Burr of Worcester.

    211 Abraham Moss, Parkman’s hired man.

    212 Josiah Brown (Harvard 1735), sometime preacher and schoolmaster of Lancaster and Sterling, Mass. Sibley, IX, 476–78.

    213 Mrs. Joseph Byles.

    214 David Maynard.

    215 William Ward, justice of the peace and holder of several town offices.

    216 Abraham Williams, Parkman’s brother-in-law.

    217 James Eager.

    218 Nathaniel Oak married Keziah Maynard, June 7, 1736.

    219 William Holloway of Westborough.

    220 Joshua Townsend, the first schoolmaster of Westborough.

    221 (Harvard 1722). Sibley, VII, 117–21.

    222 Joseph Grout, selectman of Westborough.

    223 Benjamin Winchester of Westborough.

    224 An original settler of Westborough.

    225 Reverend Solomon Prentice.

    226 Samuel Cooke (Harvard 1735), later minister of the First Congregational Church of Arlington, Mass. Sibley, IX, 500–08.

    227 Sons of Parkman’s neighbor, Hezekiah How.

    228 John Graves of Westborough.

    229 Nahum Ward of Shrewsbury.

    230 Mrs. Parkman’s helper.

    231 Nathaniel Whitney, a selectman of Westborough.

    232 Probably one of the Boies family of New Glasgow (Blandford), Mass.

    233 (Harvard 1737), later the first minister of the First Congregational Society of Petersham, Mass., 1738–1777. Sibley, X, 260–63.

    234 Thomas Forbush, an original settler of Westborough.

    235 Francis Whipple.

    236 James Bradish, an original settler of Westborough.

    237 Stephen Maynard.

    238 Ebenezer Chamberlin.

    239 Isaac Tomlin or Tomblin.

    240 The church debarred Samuel Fay from the communion because he had prevented his wife from coming to church. On Dec. 17, 1738 Fay’s acknowledgement of his offence was accepted.

    241 Edward Goddard of Framingham.

    242 Mrs. Daniel Warrin of Westborough.

    243 Parkman’s oldest child, Mary.

    244 One of the founders of the church in Shrewsbury.

    245 Elizabeth Smith, born Dec. 22, 1724.

    246 Mrs. John Pratt, Sr., mother of John Pratt, Jr., an original settler of Westborough.

    247 Mrs. John Hicks of Westborough, Parkman’s sister-in-law.

    248 Benjamin Gott, the physician of Marlborough, Parkman’s brother-in-law.

    249 Deacon Simon Tainter.

    250 The blacksmith of Westborough.

    251 Josiah Newton.

    252 Wife of Seth Rice, son of Edmund Rice, an original settler of Westborough.

    253 Parkman’s brother-in-law, the son of the late Reverend Robert Breck of Marlborough.

    254 Andrew Marvell (1621–1678), an English poet and satirist.

    255 The Rehearsal Transpros’d, or Animadversions upon a late book intituled ‘A Preface showing what Grounds there are of Fears and Jealousies of Popery’ (1672).

    256 Increase Ward, an original settler of Westborough.

    257 Lydia Champney, Parkman’s sister-in-law.

    258 Elias Parkman.

    259 Samuel Parkman of Boston.

    260 Alexander Parkman of Boston.

    261 Reverend John Webb of Boston.

    262 Reverend Samuel Checkley (Harvard 1715), later minister of the Second Church of Boston, 1747–1768. Sibley, VI, 74–78.

    263 An old tavern in Cambridge operated at this time by Joseph Bean. Paige, Cambridge, pp. 225–226.

    264 Probably Deacon Samuel Whittemore of Cambridge.

    265 Edmund Goffe (Harvard 1690) of Cambridge, onetime selectman and representative, who was commissioned colonel in 1724. Sibley, IV, 57–60.

    266 Francis Fulham of Weston, Mass. Bond, Watertown, 227.

    267 The Woolson family had operated a tavern in Watertown since 1686. Bond, Watertown, 668–669.

    268 Nathan Ball, an early settler.

    269 Daughter of Increase Ward of Westborough.

    270 Daughter of Deacon Jonathan Forbush of Westborough.

    271 Reverend Job Cushing of Shrewsbury.

    272 Parkman’s oldest son, now eleven years old.

    273 Benjamin Woods.

    274 Peter Butler of Marlborough.

    275 Eleazer Bellows came to Westborough in the 1720’s. The Westborough Vital Records record the births of three daughters and one son to Eleazer and Sarah Bellows, August 18, 1728. [Correction: That was the date on which the children were baptized, not born. Westborough Church Records, 15.]

    276 Widow of Deacon Thomas Forbush who died in May 1738.

    277 Samuel Grow.

    278 Son of Thomas Rice, an original settler of Westborough. Beriah lived in Westborough until about 1742 when he removed to Annapolis, Nova Scotia.

    279 Son of Nathaniel Whitney of Westborough.

    280 Eldest son of the late Deacon Thomas Forbush.

    281 Parkman’s sister-in-law, the wife of Dr. Benjamin Gott.

    282 Beulah was the daughter of Peter Bent of Westborough.

    283 Mrs. Aaron Forbush.

    284 Son of Jacob Rice of Marlborough. Jacob and his wife were admitted to the Westborough church in Dec. 1731.

    285 Son of David Maynard.

    286 Jonathan Forbush.

    287 Wife of Captain John Maynard.

    288 Mrs. John Sherman of Marlborough.

    289 John Rogers of Westborough married Susanna Cuttin in Watertown Dec. 26, 1738.

    290 Daughter of David Maynard of Marlborough.

    291 Mrs. John Hicks, Parkman’s sister-in-law.