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Burin Peninsula Region ~ Burin District

Historical Information

LIFE OF WILLIAM HARDING

1793-1877

Transcribed by:
Marilyn Collins Pilkington
April 2016

Throughout the transcription of this document, I have endeavoured to transcribe it as closely as possible to the original text. However, on occasion I have taken liberties with punctuation and the formatting of the dates. (MCP) © 2016

Table of Contents

Burin,Newfoundland


Devon, England

I was born in Bideford, England in the county of Devon, November the fifth, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Three.

My father was a Blacksmith by trade and kept the Torrington Turnpike gate.

My dear mother died the first day of May 1800, in the forty-eighth year of her age.

My father died in March 1801, in the sixty-second year of his age.

They were both members of the Church of England and brought myself and a Brother up the same.

My brother George was born October 30, 1795.

At the death of my Father my Uncle James Halls of Bristol took my brother to bring him up to the Bread and Biscuits and Sugar boiling Business.

Mr John Halls, Blacksmith of Bideford, took me to bring me up to that Trade. Then my brother and I were separated two hundred and two miles apart.

My Master did not live to see me complete my trade, but died of consumption in 1808, in the thirty-fifth year of his age, leaving a widow, but no child. I, and a nephew of theirs by the name of John Hopgood, two boys, lived in the house with her. She was a Mother to us, she carried on the trade after her husband’s death, and for a time we were obedient to her commands for we both loved her as a Mother, but by degrees we grew wicked associating with wicked companions, soon learnt their ways by beginning to drink. Drunkenness, gambling, cursing, swearing and fighting were our besetting sins.

Our dear Mistress often wept over us as if we were her own children, and often told us the awful end we would come to, if we followed so sinful a course of Life. But deaf to all her entreaties, at length we both determined to leave so kind and good a mistress, and to pay her for her goodness to us we both enlisted for soldiers (June 10, 1810). I in the 28th and he in the 31st. Regiments of Foot. But his Father being interested with a Minister of the Church of England, procured his discharge and he was sent back to his friends. While I had to leave the comforts and kindnesses of so good a mistress to carry the musket.

We marched for Plymouth Docks May 20, 1812. There we remained until July 10th, when three hundred of our Regiment embarked on board the transport Brig "Mars" for Lisbon. Lord Wellington was then with his army near "Salamanca".

As our squadron was proceeding on its way a French privateer gave chase to us, for our Brig sailed so badly that we were behind all the rest. Orders were given to be ready to fight, for the Captain of the Brig and Captain Thomas English, who commanded us, were determined to engage her, so a signal was given, and one hundred of us placed each side of the Brig, at it we went, and it was not long before a ball passed close to my face and took away part of my left whisker. Soon after another ball entered my right knee, which caused me to fall. I was taken below and the ball extracted and my knee bound up.

Just at this time we heard the roar of a cannon from the "Commodore" that had sailed away from us, but hearing our firing she turned back to discover the reason. She hove in sight about sunset. The French privateer made off, but the ship followed and took her. They had her in tow when daylight appeared.

This took place July 29th and we arrived in Lisbon on the 31st. We lost one man and eighteen wounded in the skirmish. If the "Commodore" had not returned, the privateer would either have taken us or sunk us to the bottom, for both Captains were determined not to give up to them.

I, with the other eighteen wounded, was not suffered to land, but were put on board the Brig "Ruby", "Captain Underhill", with two hundred men that were wounded at the Battle of Salamanca just before we arrived, to be sent Home to Plymouth Hospital.

We arrived in Plymouth Sound the 20th of August. We were put in the Militia Hospital at Storn House.

After lying in Hospital for a few weeks my knee began to get well. My heart and soul for the first time were filled with a strong desire to see my dear Mistress and Friends once more, but how to do this without leaving my regiment and run the risk of being taken again. I could not, for I was informed that as soon as my knee was well I should be sent off again in the next Division. But my mind was fully set to see if possible my dear Mistress, run what risk I might, and if possible to repay her for her former kindness. And as I had liberty to walk out a little every day as my leg got better, one day I fell in company with an old man that kept a shop and sold apples and gingerbread. I went in day by day as I passed along, and the old man began to inquire how and what could possess one so young to become a soldier. I told him all the truth and as I found I could confide in him, I asked him to give me his advice, how I should act in future, and he strongly advised me to desert and to return to my mistress. He told me if I would make up my mind, he would furnish me with clothes to disguise myself, and we fixed on a day for my departure. Accordingly, on the morning of November 6th I went to old Mr Thomson’s, for that was his name, and he furnished me with a suit of sailor’s clothes, and a hat with the name "Suberb" in front. He gave me an old "Pass" of his son’s, for he was in the Suberb sloop of war.

The next morning, being the 7th of November, at daylight I started, for I had not returned to the Hospital that night.

I left the old man with many thanks and he told me he hoped the Lord would protect me and carry me safe to my friends.

When I arrived at Tavistock, 14 miles from Plymouth, I went into a Public House and to my great surprise a Press Gang was there. I thought that it was all over with me, but I mustered up all the courage I had and called for a pot of beer. The Press Master said "What ship are you from?" I pointed to my hat. "When did you come into the Sound?" I told him, on Sunday, and that I only had eleven days’ liberty to see my friends. I begged them to drink and not to delay me. He asked if I had a "Pass", I told him I had, and began searching it out, but he told me not to mind it. I called for another pot of beer, paid for it, and drank one glass. He asked where my friends lived. I told him at "Bristol" and "Bideford" where I was truly bound. I left them and was thankful that I had thus escaped. Now I knew I should not meet with any more gangs until I came to my native place, except they might be carrying a deserter down to "Plymouth" which was the case sometimes.

I made up my mind not to enter into Bideford till after dark, and I slept at "Oakhampton", an inland town, that night, and knowing that I had plenty of time I stopped ‘till after breakfast. I had then 28 miles to travel before I came to my native town. At two o’clock I arrived at "Great Torrington", six miles from Home. I took a little refreshment at the "Sign of the White Hart" public house, started from that at 3 o’clock, knowing that I had plenty of time to walk those six miles.

Oh! how many things came into my mind in walking those last six miles, I shall never forget.

I asked myself many, very many questions.

"Shall I", I asked myself, "See my dear Mistress well? Will she, can she forgive me? Will she receive me and hide me from being taken again or will she, as I feel I deserve, sent for the Press Gang and take me up and send me away as a Deserter?" These and many more occupied my mind as I drew near the Town.

But when I came in sight of the Turnpike Gate, the very house I was born in, and in which my Mother and Father died, my heart began to beat heavily.

I passed it, but a man stood at the door. He said, "How far have you come?" I made no reply but passed on. Just below stood my Father’s old Blacksmith shop and a man by the name of "Alexander Rooke", an old apprentice of my father’s, was at work.

At the death of my Father he bought the tools and continued to work to this day.

To pass away the time a little that I might have it dark before I entered the Town, I went to the door and spoke to him. After a little conversation with him about his business and a few questions he put to me, I said "Do you know, sir, if Mrs Halls is living?" He said "yes and lives in the same house still. Come in and take a horn of ale." I thanked him, but he little thought it was to his Old Master’s son that he was giving the horn, the very same horn that my father drank out of for many years. I drank it and thanked him and went away.

By this time it was nearly dark. I went along the street, saw many people, they seemed to be afraid, as they could see I was dressed as a Man of Wars man. I spoke to none of them but went on. At last I arrived at the door of my dear Mistress’ house, but before I ventured to knock on the door, I listened but heard no voice but that of a woman. I knocked pretty loudly and a young woman came to the door. I asked if Mrs Halls lived there, she said "Yes" and went back. I heard her say "Tis a Man of War’s man asked for you." "Tell him to come in." Oh! how did my heart leap for joy at the sound of my dear Mistress’ voice that I had not heard for years. The servant girl told me to come in. I did so very quickly and I could have flown into her arms and embraced her but was not willing to frighten her.

"Sit down," she said.

"Is this Mrs Anne Halls?" said I.

"Yes," was the reply.

"Then," said I, "I am right. I have a message for you."

"Where did you come from?" she asked.

"From Plymouth. I left yesterday morning and this is the first house I have entered since I came to this town."

"You must have something to eat and drink then."

I thanked her, but said I, "It will be right to deliver my message first. Now, Madam, I ask you, did you not have an apprentice that ran away from you upwards of four years ago and enlisted as a soldier by the name of William Harding?"

"Oh! Yes, "she said. "Do you know him? Where is he? Tell me for I would be glad to hear, but much more to see him, poor dear boy, he was wickedly enticed away and went for a soldier. Since, I have never heard whether he is living or dead."

"Well, Mam, I have promised him that I would find you out and tell you all about him. He is living and well now, but hath been wounded twice, but is quite recovered, and as I was coming to see a sister of mine in this Town, I promised to call and tell you, he did not write but I have fulfilled my promise."

"You say you have a sister [step-sister]. Pray, what is her name?"

Here I was brought up entirely–"Why, Mam, her name is Ann Harris."

She paused a moment or two, then "What is your name?"

Then I was just about to say "William Harris" when the word "William" dropped from my lips. She sprang from her chair, fastened her arms around my neck and cried out, "It is yourself, my dear, dear boy". After embracing me over and over she said, "I thought you went for a soldier, if so, how came you by this dress?"

"So I did, but in order to see you again I have deserted, and here I am. Those clothes are all I have and they were given me by a man whose son is in the "Suberb" sloop of war, that I might return to you. Now I ask your forgiveness. Can you, will you forgive me all my ingratitude to you?"

"Yes, my dear boy, from the bottom of my heart I freely forgive you and Pray God to forgive you also and I hope you will be steady and sober in future."

I promised her I would amend my ways and be steady.

"Come," she said. "Before you eat or drink, you must change your dress."

A suit of good clothes, even to a shirt, was brought to me and I soon changed my dress. The hat I wore I burnt and the clothes I gave to an old washer-woman to cut up for a little boy.

While I was taking my tea I sat in my Father’s arm chair.

She sent for her brother, the foreman of the shop, to see how he would establish me in the Forge. He came and was glad to see me and wished me to serve out my time; to this I readily consented, and offered to work and get new indentures and pay for them myself, as I burnt my first, previous to my running away.

We spent several hours in conversation, I telling them what I had passed through since I left. We sat up to a late hour and then retired to rest. She put me in the bed I often slept in, but my sleep went from me owing to the multiplicity of thought. How thankful I felt that I could once more say I was home in the house of so kind a friend.

Next morning when I went down in the shop they were all surprised to see me. The foreman did not tell them I was come and they only thought I was home on furlough. My Dress was that which betrayed me as I had coloured instead of Regimental Clothing.

That day I went to see my sister Ann Harris. At first she did not know me, but when I told her how I came away, she was glad.

In a day or two I went to work. It seemed rather strange but I freely gave up the musket for the hammer.

The first thing was to get fresh indentures. This was done, and the time that I had served before I went away was dated back, so she gave me the four years I was away.

"Charles Carter", Attorney at Law, made out the indentures, and kept them in his possession until the expiration of my apprenticeship.

I had not been long home before a draft was issued to draw men to serve twenty-eight days in each year, apprentices not exempted past fifteen years of age, and when the Constable went to take down the names of those that were old enough, Thomas Short and George Crew informed them of me. My name was taken and in the first Draft we three were drawn to serve in the Torridge Local Militia, twenty-eight days in the year, fourteen in the spring and fourteen in the fall, Great Torrington being the Headquarters under Lord John Roll, commanding officer.

About the end of the French War with Bonaparte, our Regiment was called up to Torrington for the 3rd of August. This was to see how many would turn out to do garrison duty for six weeks.

Out of the two Regiments (viz "The Torridge Local", "The East Budly") eleven hundred turned out, I among the rest.

In the month of May, the 11th day, we left our Headquarters for Plymouth and were Marched into "Frankfort Barracks" and from that to "Stowe House".

We were billeted in Public Houses, so many at each House according to its size. We did the duties as required until the news arrived that the "battle of Waterloo" was fought and "Bonaparte" conquered.

What rejoicing there was! Poor mothers and sisters rejoiced to see their children and brothers come back safely, and the Main Street that we had to pass through–there was an arch erected across the street with "See the Heroes Come" on it. We had our discharge the 10th of July and went home.

Shortly after I returned, Mr John Wood of Appledore sent his daughter to my Mistress to borrow a man to help him for a few weeks as he was busy making the iron work for three vessels, and the son would not assist him. A few years before, Mr Wood lent two men to my Master for some months when he was very busy. My Mistress came to the Forge and asked her brother if he could spare a man for a few weeks, to go to work with Mr Wood at Appledore. He told her that "Richard Spearman, "James Harver" or I might go, as we were competent for the business. The Mistress asked if either of us were willing to go. "I will, "said I.

The young woman said, "I hope you will not deceive me." "You may depend on my coming to-morrow morning," said I.

After the young woman left, my shop-mates began to make sport of me and said that old Mr Wood would make a Methodist of me for they said "He is a rank one."

I said "I do not care, he will make no Methodist of me."

After we left work I made myself ready and in the morning of the 24th of May went off for Appledore three miles from Bideford.

When I arrived at the town I did not know where Mr Wood lived, but I met a little boy and asked him to show me where old Mr Wood lived. "Yes," said he, "He is my grandfather" and showed me the house.

I knocked at the door. The young woman that came for me opened it. "Does Mr Wood live here, "said I. "Yes," she said, "Are you the young man that is come to work for my father?"

To this question I said "Yes."

Then she showed me the Forge. The old gentleman welcomed me, he asked my name, he knew my father well, he said, and the name was a familiar one as his wife’s maiden name was "Harding". He showed me what work I was to begin with, and gave me a boy to work with me by the name of Thomas Moulton.

Before breakfast, the boy said, his Master read a chapter and went to Prayer morning and night. "I know that," said I.

When we were called to Breakfast, "Mrs Wood" welcomed me and seemed glad to hear my name was "Harding". I thought it strange to see the Master take the Bible and read a chapter, but when we knelt down and I saw no book in his hand, but that he prayed without, I was astonished altogether.

When we arose from our knees, he said "I suppose this is not what you are accustomed to."

I said, "No, sir, not in the morning", leaving him to think we said our prayers at night, which then I thought was quite sufficient.

The boy told me that next Monday a Methodist Preacher was coming there, that once a fortnight they came there and preached after night in a house close by, that they took their meals at Mr Woods’ house every time they came.

Accordingly, on Monday "Mr Wavil" (for that was the name of the Preacher that came that week) arrived. At Breakfast the young Mistress told me that I should dine with them in the parlour. I begged to be excused, thinking that the Preacher would have something to say to me, but they insisted on my dining with them.

At this time he said very little to me and you may be sure I was glad when dinner was over. At four o’clock we were called to Tea, and told to get ready for Preaching at six o’clock.

We went, and when they began to sing the Hymn, I would join with them as I was always very fond of singing, being one of the choir of Bideford Church.

He prayed without a book also and gave out his text from St. Matt - 11th chapter, 28th, 29th and 34th verse.

I liked his Preaching very much, but I thought he must have learnt his sermon by heart as a boy his task.

After the sermon was over, he gave out for "The Members of the Society" to stay behind. I was a little surprised at this. I thought this must be what I had before been told was "Class Meeting" and was resolved to ask the boy next day and did so. He told me it was "Class Meeting".

When the family came home they asked me how I liked the Preaching. I said "Very well and I believed it was very good." They were glad to hear me say so.

The next week a day was set apart for all Trades to walk, being the Jubilee, it was kept in memory of "King George III", reigning fifty years. All prisoners and deserters were free.

In Bideford the 14 of June was set apart for it. A Dinner was cooked for hundreds of poor people in a large street where most of the gentry of the town lived called "New Buildings". Tables were placed each side of the street from end to end, and the Ladies and Gentlemen served out plenty to eat and drink to the poor men, women and children. The Band playing their instruments of music all the time of Dinner; they played many pretty tunes and among the rest were "God Save the King", "Rule Britannia" and "The Roast Beef of Old England".

Before and after dinner every Trade and Calling marched in succession with a specimen of their different Trades and Callings.

Each Trade had its "Coat of Arms". Cursas (?) Blacksmith was a yellow silk flag with three crowns and under the crowns three hammers. It was sent down from the Board in London and cost Ten Pounds; that was paid for by ourselves.

At night the Town was illuminated, and beautifully. Thousands of people from the neighbouring towns and villages were there to see the sights.

The Church was crowded in the forenoon and a sermon was preached on the occasion, by the Rev Mr Walters. The Choir sang in the Church "God Save the King" and "Rule Britannia".

Among the thousands of spectators that were there to see the marching (every man with a cockade in his hat; it was a grand sight to behold) I saw Miss Harriet Wood with a niece of hers.

I had drinked a little freely that day and when I saw them, I boldly asked Miss Wood if I could accompany her home, but she refused, as she saw that I had drunk a little too much in her estimation.

I stopped the whole night looking at the Fireworks, and after the Bell Ringers gave up, for they had been ringing all day, it was about 12 o’clock at night when they rang their last peel. I went into the Butchers Shambles and lay down on one of the blocks to take a nap, and when I awoke in the morning someone had cut off my cockade and carried it off.

The 16th I returned to Appledore again to work. In the course of the week, one Mr [?] and Mr Wood and his wife and daughter talked to me many times about Religion and about my soul. They held Prayer Meeting twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday. They asked me how I liked their way of worshipping God. I said, "I like it all very well except Class Meeting, and as to that I do not, for it can’t be anything good."

"Why?" they said. "What badness do you know in it? If you do we would be very glad for you to tell us."

"Well," said I, "It is a private meeting, no one is allowed to stop but what you call "Members of the Society". In those meetings I am told you put out the lights, and then both Preacher and Men do what they like to the young women and to married women also."

Miss Wood said, "Thank you, you must think we are a very wicked set of people and you must have a very bad opinion of us."

"Pardon me, Miss, I only said, ‘As I have been told. I do not confirm it for Truth."

"When Mr Wavil comes," she said, "I will tell him all about it."

Monday came and Mr Wavil came also. He said nothing at dinner; at tea he said, "Well, my good young man, are you coming with us to Preaching this evening?"

"Yes, sir," said I.

"I am very glad to hear you say so."

I well knew that he had been told what I said about Class Meeting.

At six o’clock we all went to Preaching. The first Hymn he gave out was No. 319, "Watched by the World" and his Text was "Prove All Things".

I thought as he was preaching that I could die for him. He applied his subject very plainly. At the close of the sermon, before we sang the last Hymn, he gave out for the Class to meet and begged any that was desirous to know what Class Meeting meant to stop in and hear for themselves. Then they sang and concluded.

Before I had time to go out, the Preacher came to me and said, "I wish you would stop in." "Not now," said I. "Another time will do." But he said, "I particularly wish you to stay. I shall ask you no questions."

I consented. Then he commenced by singing and Prayer. He prayed that God would give me clear sight and that I might be convinced all was wrong that I had been informed about the private meetings. He prayed that God would convert my soul.

I thought this was very good, yet I could not think that this was "Class Meeting". He then began to speak to each in turn, asking them one by one how they felt, the state of their minds. They said something I could not hear distinctly, from some others I could. He gave them advice suited to their case. When he had done talking to them, he gave out a verse of a Hymn and concluded by Prayer.

Now the Preacher turned to me and said, "How do you like this?"

"Is this Class Meeting?" said I.

"Yes," said he. "This is the way it is conducted in all our societies throughout the world."

"Well," said I, "I am glad that I stayed in for I know more now than I ever did and have felt more than I ever did in my life. What a fool I must have been to listen to such lies. I hope you will all forgive me."

"That we will, freely," they replied, "And hope before long that you will join us to serve God and save your soul."

Miss Wood, after that night, often spoke to me more freely and offered me the loan of any book they had, to read after my days’ work was done. I chose the Methodist Magazines; in them I found great good, in reading the Biography of many that had been brought to God through Methodism and had died in the Lord. I prayed that like them I might die in Peace.

About the 9th of July, 1814, this day was working very hard and at night after Prayer, Miss Wood said to the boy, "Tommy, you must stop up with me a little while for I am going to write to my sister in Wales."

"Well, Miss," I said, "If you have no objection I will sit with you and let Tommy go to bed, as he hath been hard to work this day, and you can give me a book to read.."

"You are welcome to stay," she said, "If not too much trouble as I shall not be long."

Her Mother and Father and the boy went to bed and she began her letter and I to read, but she had not written half her letter before something came over me. I put down my book and went and looked over her shoulder and said "Excuse me", putting my arm around her neck and giving her a kiss, saying at the same time, "Oh! my dear."

That word went to her heart. She dropped her pen and we fell into each other’s arms and fell asleep. We slept several hours. When we awoke we talked over what we felt for each other.

We made a promise there and then to keep company with each other and if God should spare us that when we could bring things to our expectations, we would be married.

From that night I believe I can say we were faithful to each other for three years. We kept company for the aforesaid three years before we were married, I going to see her every Wednesday night and Saturday night and spending the Sunday with her Family, attending Public service with them at a Calvinish meeting, as I said before that the Wesleyan Ministry was not preached or exercised regularly, only the Preacher attended once a fortnight.

When my apprenticeship with Mrs Hall was expired, which was June 24th, 1817, I went to Appledore to live with Mr Wood.

He had a daughter married to a man by the name of Richard Chapman, living at Plymouth Dock. He was a shipwright. He wrote me a letter, wishing me to come there and set up my Trade, assuring me that I would get plenty of work.

Mr Wood told me that if I would go, he would assist me. I consented and sent Mr Chapman a letter, telling him that I had made up my mind to come and that he might expect to see me soon.

Mr Wood gave me a complete set of tools to commence with, a ton of iron, and forty pounds in money.

I went to Plymouth Dock April 6th and took a Forge in Richmond Walk for Ten Pounds per annum, with all out goings.

I worked about one month when I had to go home to Appledore. I left Plymouth Dock Thursday, May 7th, at four o’clock in the morning and arrived in Appledore about eight o’clock the same morning, a journey of 55 miles. I found all the Family well with the exception of Mrs Wood. She was glad that I was come home, for her daughter Harriet was the only one left unmarried, and she knew our intention that (as we had our Banns published) we should be married before the year was expired, and she knew her time would not be much longer on earth, so she wished to see her only single daughter married before her death.

I was sitting by her bed-side talking to her for she had been confined to it for some months. She said, "My son, I have one thing to request of you before I die."

"What is that, Mother?" said I. "Anything that I can do, I will, with pleasure."

"Well, my dear, I wish to see you and Harriet married."

"Well, that you shall," said I, "If Harriet is willing."

She being asked and having no objection, the next two days were engaged in providing for the wedding and on Sunday, May 10th, 1818, we were united in the Bonds of Matrimony by the Rev Thomas Hills in the Parish Church of Northam, one mile and a half from Appledore. We were married so privately that my wife’s two brothers came to the house and went away without knowing we were married.

My wife’s Mother for the last time got up and with the assistance of myself and wife walked out in the garden that day.

Next morning I sent for my two brothers-in-law, their wives and my wife’s sister, with a few other friends to Breakfast. They were first a little surprised at our not letting them know of it, but we spent a few joyful days with each other, and everyone I believe was well satisfied.

Three weeks after we were married our joy was turned for a time into mourning, for on Sunday, June 1st, our dear Mother Wood departed this life, in the seventy-sixth year of her age.

I was with her in her last moments. She was sensible to the very last, and so comforted, she knew in whom she had believed. For upwards of forty years she had been a steady member of the Methodist Society.

She called all her children that were present and gave to each her parting and dying advice. My dear wife was the last. As she saw them weeping she said, "Harriet, don’t you grieve, my dear, for you will not be long after me." After she had said this and had given us a parting kiss and blessing, she turned to me and said, "My dear son, feel my feet, whether they are straightened out or not."

"Yes, Mother," said I, "They are straight."

"That will do. Is not your Father come yet?"

As it was Sunday and we did not expect her end was so near, he went to Church that day, as the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered, to partake of which he was hardly ever missing if sickness did not prevent him.

I said, "No, he has not returned yet."

"I cannot stay then," she said.

She asked me if I did not see anything in the room.

"No, Mother," I replied.

"Oh! I see," she said, "The Blessed angels and they are pointing upward. There is my Blessed Jesus with open arms to receive my soul."

These were her last words and she fell asleep in Jesus.

Oh! that my last end may be like hers. Father was too late. Her spark of life had fled about half an hour before he came.

Owing to this and other circumstances, I did not return to my place in Plymouth until July, and carried an apprentice by the name of Thomas Moulton with me.

I left my dear wife to come in the stage wagon. We had a comfortable house and I had plenty of work. I had the work of four vessels to do, with plenty besides.

I had to pay twenty-two shillings per year for water and under a penalty of a fine of five pounds if known to give away above two gallons.

It was let run to us twice every week, and while it was running we could take as much as we had a mind to.

We were settled there about four months, when I received a letter from my brother, then living in Bristol, whom I had not seen for sixteen years, telling me that if I would decline business and come to Bristol, that he would get me a situation of twenty-eight or thirty shillings a week to work journeyman.

On this subject I consulted with my dear wife and she thought if I could get that wages, it would be much better than carrying on business and running any risks. She advised me to sell off all the tools and then go to Bristol.

At her request I left her to get up the advertisements and sell off everything and come after me.

I left her November 7, 1818 and went by Coach. The first day we arrived at "Exeter", about ninety miles from "Plymouth", and the next evening about eight o’clock we arrived at "Bristol". When the coach stopped I found it very strange, as I knew no person, and had I not known the name of the street, and number of the house my brother lived in, I might have wandered about I cannot tell how long, but I soon found by inquiring and seeing at the turn of every street, the name on a board at the corner, for altho after night it was so light, the gas shined so brilliantly, that you might see a pin in the street, at last I found "Cherry Alley", for that was the name of the street my brother lived in–No. 6–with one Mrs Riggs, a widow lady with two daughters.

I knocked gently at the door and a young lady came out. I asked if "George Harding" lived there. ‘Yes, sir," she said, "Walk in." I did so. The old lady said, "I think you are his brother."

"Yes, said I, "I am."

They called him, as he lived above stairs. They–that is, my brother and his wife–were in bed. They got up and were very glad to see me, and put on the kettle and got me a cup of tea.

While my sister-in-law was getting the tea, my brother went out to get me a lodging. I felt surprised at this. When he came back he told me he had procured good lodgings for me. I asked him if he had a place for me to work in or any situation. He said "No." I did not like this a bit too well but I said nothing.

We talked together about two hours, then he took me to the place I was to lodge at. It was a very decent house and a good family, Wesleyans. He wished me "good night" and went away.

After he was gone I asked the lady what I had to pay for my night’s lodgings.

"I suppose," she said, "You will be here more than one night."

"Perhaps not," said I.

"One shilling."

I paid her, I went to bed, but I did not sleep much for I was rather disappointed; however, I made up my mind to return immediately that I might be home in time to stop the sale of my property. I got up early enough as I thought to catch the coach, but when I arrived at the coach house, he had been gone about five minutes. I returned. My brother had been at my lodgings while I was gone. He asked where I had been. I told him if the coach had not been gone I would have returned to Plymouth, for I was quite disappointed.

"Oh," said he, ‘There is no fear but that you will get work." And said that he would go out with me after breakfast. Accordingly, we walked a good deal through the city. I did not succeed this day or the next. It being Saturday we did not stop very late. When we were at tea I asked George where we should go on the morrow, being Sunday, to Church or to the Wesleyan Chapel. He said nothing, but turned the discourse into another subject, yet I saw the tears trickle down his cheeks. After tea he said to his wife, "Charlotte, you had better go out and buy a bit of meat for dinner to morrow." After she was gone out, I said, "George, why did you not tell me where we are to go to morrow?"

He sighed greatly–

"What is the matter?" said I.

He went to a drawer and gave me a bundle of Duplicates; that is, papers he had received from the Pawn Brokers, where he had pawned his property, telling me at the same time that the only suit of clothes he had was on his back.

I overhauled the papers and found that the last that was pawned was a suit of clothes, consisting of a coat, vest, a pair of small clothes boots, hat and a pair of white stockings, for eighteen shillings.

"Well," said I, "George, I saved you Three Hundred Pounds before owing to your Dandy wife, and this is all on her account I presume, that those things one after another have been pawned."

"Yes," said he, "It is true. I thought when I married her, with her two hundred pounds, I was a man made, but now I have nothing left or money to redeem the last of them."

"Well," said I, "Eighteen shillings shall not keep you from the House of God to-morrow, and when she comes back you and I will go and if you do not like to go in the Brokers shop, I will, and get his suit of clothes for you, that you may appear decent, to go with me to the House of God."

So when the Lady returned, we went off and believe me, I could have found it in my heart to have given her a good "set-down" but for my brother’s sake.

When we arrived at the Pawn Brokers House he gave me the duplicates and I went into the shop. Said I, "Here is a Duplicate, and I am come to redeem those articles."

"You are not the man who brought them here," said he. "Here is your duplicate," said I, "And I insist on your giving me the articles. If not, I will take your Licence from you, and then you will be done with your Roguery."

"You call me a Rogue, Sir?"

"I not only call you a Rogue, sir, but a Robber and a Swindler. Your Licence specifies that you or any of you Pawn Brokers shall be under a Fine of One Hundred Pounds if you take anything on Pawn less than one-third its value. Now the articles I demand are worth at least Nine Pounds, and you gave him on them the paltry sum of eighteen shillings. Now I do not care if you give them or not for be you well assured that I will bring you to Justice, that you may account for all that you have wronged him in. I tell you, sir, I am his brother, and am determined to see into it."

"Oh, sir," said he, "Take the suit of clothes without any interest on them:

"You have had interest enough already," said I, "And that I will soon let you know, sir."

I paid him the eighteen shillings and took the clothes and went off.

As soon as I was in the street, George came to me there. Said I, "George, this is one of your foolish doings."

He said not a word, only thanked me for the trouble I had taken.

We went home and the next morning, being Sunday, he and I went to the Wesleyan Chapel in Kings Street. After dinner we went up to Clifton for a walk, his wife and little daughter with us. They had a daughter; her name is "Mary"--called, they told me, after our dear mother.

As we were walking along, George’s wife and daughter ahead, I spied two great holes in the heels of her black silk stockings, for be it remembered she was dressed in black silk from head to foot.

The moment I saw it I said, "Look at the heels of your Dandy Wife, except she returns back I will, for she is a scandal to us. I wish Harriet was here, then you would see the difference of choosing wives."

He called her and told her to go back. I saw she did not like it, but I did not care.

When we returned, Tea was ready; not a word for spoken for she knew it was her own fault.

Next morning the Pawn Broker came and brought a Ten Pound Note and said that he would give him that, if he would say no more about what he had pawned.

My brother would, I believe, have taken the money only for me. I stood out that the matter should go before the Court and that on each duplicate he would have to pay the Fine. He went away and next day brought a gentleman to intercede for him.

My brother said he did not like to hurt his family as he had a wife and six children.

The gentleman called me out and asked if I was really determined to enter an action again him. Said he, "It will ruin him forever."

"Well, as to that," said I, "It is not my intention to ruin him, but to show the rest of the Pawn Brokers that they are living on that abominable trade of robbing poor people and distressing their families."

"Well," said he, "I hope we can settle without going to Court. On behalf of my friend "Mr Clark", Pawnbroker, I will guarantee, in addition to the Ten Pounds already offered, to let you select the five heaviest duplicates and the articles shall be given up without returning any of the money advanced on them.:

Said I, "If my brother is agreeable to do so, I am satisfied."

My brother thought it best to settle in that way, so the next morning we went and selected, I should say, goods and clothes to the value of Ninety Pounds that had been pawned for the paltry sum of Nine Pounds and five shillings. This we took with the Ten Pound Note and left the rest in Pledge.

The next morning after Breakfast we went out in search of work, but did not settle anywhere that day. I could get work but I did not like it.

The next morning, walking by myself down through Marsh Street, I saw a sign "Berry Whitesmith" on it. I went to the door and asked if they wanted a man. I was told to come in. The men told me the Master would soon be in and they expected he would employ me, as their foreman was very old and sick. Before long the Master came and I asked him if he wanted a man.

"Yes," said he, "Very badly, as one of my men is ill." He asked if I had my indentures.

"Oh yes," said I, and showed them to him.

"That is all right," he said, "You can commence at once for we are very busy."

"Well, sir," said I, "In the morning I will, for this evening I must write to Plymouth to my wife."

"You are a married man, then," he said. "I like all my men to be so, as I may expect they will be the more steady at their work."

I went home and told my brother that I had settled with Mr Berry in Marsh Street.

We did not settle on any wages. He told me if he liked my work he would give me Foreman’s wages. I set down and wrote a letter to my dear wife, desiring her to come to me as quick as she had settled by Business.

I took a room for two shillings per week from Mr Gregory, one of my shop mates.

Next morning with Mr Gregory, Wednesday, November 16, I went to the shop to work and when Saturday night came we were called to receive our wages. I was paid eight shillings for the four days’ work at the rate of twelve shillings per week.

"Sir," said I, "If I had known this is the wages you give, I’m very sure I should not have worked for it."

But it was as much as he gave any of his men and I could say nothing. I saw my best way was to work on until I could suit myself better, for I had to pay my brother twelve shillings per week for my diet and two shillings and sixpence for my lodgings, so I was two shillings and sixpence out of pocket each week.

But it was only three weeks as my dear wife arrived in Bristol to me Thursday, December 8, 1818.

I took her at once to see her Brother and Sister-in-law and little niece; they were glad to see her and insisted on her stopping to take Tea, which she of course did at my request, but she told me when we left that she did not like her manner and that she should not visit her house much. She was pleased with my Brother’s manner, and she said she felt sorry he had not looked out for a more suitable partner.

The first Sunday after I began working with Mr Berry I went to the Quakers Meeting to hear them, as I had heard so many strange things in reference to their mode of worship. I had not been long in the "Meeting House" before I saw a gentleman come in that I knew. It was Mr George Eaton, Iron Merchant, that my Father and Master bought their iron from. He noticed me, being a stranger.

We sat two hours, it being the time appointed by them to tarry at their Devotions, and to my surprise not one word was spoken. It was what they call a "Silent Meeting".

When I got home to dinner my brother asked me how I liked Quakerism. I told him that I heard nothing, but that I would go again in the afternoon. I went again. A man put me very politely in a pew each time. Mr Eaton came again and he looked at me very earnestly. It was a "Silent Meeting" again!

I told my brother when I went home, "I am determined to continue to go until I hear someone speak, suppose it is for a whole month." At six o’clock in the evening I went again. Mr Eaton came and brought a little lantern as the night was dark, and that part of the city he lived in there was no gas burning. We had not been long in before a woman stood up, put off her Bonnet and spoke from these words: "I am the vine and my Father is the Husbandman", not naming either Chapter or Verse. What she said was very good for it treated all on Christ and His Church.

When Service was over I went for home. I had to go through the same street that Mr Eaton did. When we were about half way down the street, he turned around and said, "Thou art a stranger, art thou not?"

"Yes, sir", said I.

"Where did’st thou come from?"

"Bideford, sir."

"What is thy name?"

"William Harding, sir."

"Not John Harding’s son, the Blacksmith?"

"Yes, sir, that was my Father."

"I knew thy Father, he bought many tons of iron from me."

"Yes, sir, I know that and I have dined with you before now."

"Where at?"

"At the ‘White Packhorse Inn’ with my Father."

"Who did’st Thee serve thy apprenticeship with then?"

"With Mr John Halls and his widow."

"What? John Halls at the end of the Bridge?"

"Yes, sir."

"And where dost thou work at now?"

"With Mr Berry in Marsh Street."

He shook his head and asked me if I was a Married man or single.

"I am married and have a wife in Plymouth."

"That place will not do for thee to work at," he said, and we parted. I wished him "Good Night."

I went on to work with Mr Berry and took work by the job so that I could earn a great deal more wages.

On Wednesday, February 7, as I was at work, one of the boys came and told me a gentleman wished to speak to me outside. "I don’t know anyone," I said, not thinking who it might be. One of the men said I had better go out. I did so and to my surprise it was Mr Eaton.

"Call at my office when thou art going home this evening," he said. "I want thee."

In the evening I called at the office and he gave me a letter of recommendation to "Mr Acraman" that kept a large establishment.

I went home and changed my clothes and carried the letter. When I got to the house I knocked at the door. The servant came. I asked, "Is Mr Acraman in?"

"Yes," he said, "Walk in." He showed me into the Parlour.

I gave Mr Acraman the letter. After he had looked it over he said, "You may come tomorrow morning, a place shall be provided for you."

"Thank you, sir," I said, "But I think it would be right to finish the week with Mr Berry as I have been working some time."

"That is right and I like your plan very much."

"On Monday morning I will come."

"That will do," he said.

I wished him good night and went home.

Accordingly, I finished the week with Mr Berry and Saturday night I settled with him for the work I had done and told him I should not work there any more, that I had agreed to work at Mr Acraman’s.

And on Monday, December 14th, I went there to work. I was shown to a small shop with only one fire in it and a boy to work with me. Mr King, one of the foremen, told me that I must make my own tools for to make chain shackles with. And a man that I was to work alongside of would tell me what sort I wanted.

I was engaged all that week in making them. And in that week a new fireplace was erected, new bellows, new anvil and everything was provided for me against the next week.

Saturday evening came and we were called to get our wages. Mr King asked me, "How much do you expect for your week’s work?"

"Oh, sir," said I, "You know what my work is worth better than I do."

"Well," he said, "Will twenty shillings do for this week?"

"I suppose it will, sir," I said.

"Well, here take twenty-four shillings for this week and next week when you make the shackles, we will see more about it."

I thanked him and thought, "This will do" for it was double what I had with Mr Berry.

The next week I was put alongside one "Timothy McCarty" to work. He to make swivels and I shackles for chain cables. After a little instruction from Timothy, I got on very well and at the end of the week I was called to get my wages. Mr King said, "What did I pay you last Saturday night?"

"Twenty-four shillings, sir," I said.

"And will that sum do you this week?" he asked.

"I suppose you can afford to give me a little more, sir, can you not?"

"He smiled and said, "I like the shackles very well that you have made and they will answer very well. Here is thirty-seven shillings for you, and if you will ship for seven years I will engage to give you that wages weekly."

"I will consider of it, sir, and let you know."

But Timothy advised me not to ship, as he said I would get forty or fifty shillings and perhaps more as he had two pounds twelve shillings per week and twenty pounds every year’s end.

We lived very comfortably, for after supporting ourselves with every necessity, even fire and candles, we could put by twenty shillings per week.

I worked on very comfortably and we were as happy as Man and Wife could be until Tuesday, March 9, 1819. My dear wife brought my dinner to the Forge that day, she having business out in the City, to buy something that she needed. She stopped with me in the shop about one hour, gave the boy three pence to go out for a pint of ale to drink with my dinner, as I did not drink anything but what she gave me.

After she was gone an impression fastened on my mind that I should find her ill when I got home, but I tried to banish the thought but it worked powerfully on my mind. I worked on ‘till the clock struck six, then threw down the hammer, saying that I could stay no longer. I ran home as fast as I could. When I got to the foot of the stairs that led to our apartment, Mrs Gregory called out and asked if it were I.

"Yes," I said.

"Oh," she said, "Your wife is very ill."

I went in. I said, "My dear Harriet, what is the matter with you?

"I cannot tell," she replied.

"Stop here, my dear, while I make in the fire."

"No," she said, "I will go up with you."

And as soon as she was in the room, she fell across the bed and began to struggle very much. I had hard work to get off her pelisse, but I succeeded and as soon as I got her in bed, I ran off to the First Public House and bought a half pint of gin and gave her a little hot, sweetened with sugar. It turned her stomach. She cast her stomach and found herself a great deal better. I made in the fire, boiled the kettle, she got up and took her Tea and seemed quite revived. We talked about what she had seen out in the City. One thing that struck her was when she went into a Quakers shop to purchase a few things for the child she was not permitted to bring forth; she was not acquainted with the manners of Quakers and thought they talked to her rather queerly.

When she came out of the shop, she met a person. As she thought, he looked her in the face and said, "The Lord be with thee and what thou art carrying" and disappeared.

After tea she cut out a whittle for her baby and partly made it. We sat talking of what she saw and heard out that day until nine o’clock, when as was our custom I read a Chapter and went to Prayer and then went to bed, but before we lay down she said, "I would keep in the light if I were you." She was first in bed and as soon as her head was on the pillow she fell in a dead sleep. I thought it was through fatigue, so I crept into bed as quiet as I could so as not to disturb her and put out the light, and was just going off in a sleep when I was startled by a dreadful screech from her. I jumped out of bed and got a light in a minute, but what did my eyes behold but the blood flowing out of my dear wife’s mouth, her teeth clenched with her tongue between and almost bit through. I ran to a drawer, got a silver table spoon and tried to open her mouth, but I could not and even bent the spoon in the attempt. I bawled aloud for one Mrs Hodge that lived in a room below us, and told her that I believed my wife was dying and begged that she would come as fast as possible. She and Mrs Gregory came and got her up and gave her something that relieved her a great deal as we thought. They stayed with us some time and I sent Mr Gregory for the Doctor, a gentleman that had been engaged to be with her in her confinement. After a little while he returned and told me the Doctor was called off to a woman in labour. The women said there was no fear of her and went away, but they told me if I saw any alteration in her to call and they would come, as they said they would not take off their clothes any more that night.

After they were gone, she lay back on the bed and as before, as soon as her head was on the pillow, she was off in a dead sleep, snoring very loud. I went in and lay down by her. I did not put out the light but lay with my hand under my head, with my eyes fixed on her. I had not lain long before I saw her open her eyes, clench her hands, with her eyes fixed and go into such a fit that I thought she must die immediately.

Who can tell my feelings that moment. None of her dear friends to see her. In a strange place away from all her relations. I was almost distracted. I called again on Mrs Hodge and Mrs Gregory to come and when they came I said I would leave her with them and find a Doctor, cost what it might, for she shall not die without assistance; this was about one o’clock in the morning.

Away I went and the first Doctor’s shop I came to I rang the night bell. The Doctor came to the window and asked what was the matter. I told him and begged him to come at once, he did so, taking his clothes in a Handkerchief, having on only his night-dress.

We came to the house, but before I would suffer him to see her I said, "I hope you will be faithful with me and tell me what your opinion is of her." He promised that he would, and then we entered the chamber. At first she seemed afraid of him as he was a stranger.

I said, "My dear, this is a Doctor I have brought to try to do you good. He is going to bleed you, put out your arm.: She did, so he bled her, but the fits followed her "till four o’clock in the morning, then they left her. The Doctor stayed ‘till that time and then left us, but before he went away I asked him what he thought of her state. He said he only saw one in that state before and she died.

From four o’clock till nine and the fits returned again. I sent for the Doctor. He came and sat watching her with his watch in his hand.

I said, "My dear, do you know me?" She would look at me and smile, as her tongue was bit so much, she could not speak to be understood. I asked her if her mind was happy in God and if she was not afraid to die to squeeze my hand as a token that she would soon be free from trouble and pain. She did squeeze my hand very hard several times as I lay across her weeping. She pressed me to her bosom and kissed me as well as she was able.

The Doctor watched her until ten o’clock and then bled her in the left temple. She laid her dear head on my arm, with my hand on the cloth that was put on her temple, and about eleven o’clock she fell asleep in Jesus. March 10th, 1819, in the twenty-sixth year of her age.

I leave to you to judge of what I at that sorrowful moment felt, could you enter into my feelings at that moment. No kind friend near to speak a comforting word to me. My dearest earthly friend was gone from me. Ah! that solemn hour I shall never, never forget. I felt as if my all were cut off at a stroke, after being Married only ten months to the very day.

About one hour after she died, the Doctor that she had expected to be with her in her confinement and that we first sent for came, and he told me after he had examined her that if he had been there he would have saved both the mother and the child.

If what I felt before was sorrow, what did I feel at hearing this. I thought my heart would break, at the thought that he was not there.

As soon as he left and I got the house clear of people, I locked the door and would not let anyone in for the night, but lay with her in my arms all night. Many came to the door but could get no admittance and so went away, leaving me and my dead wife together. But in the morning when they could prevail on me to open the door, an undertaker that lived at the corner house of the same street I lived on was sent for, to get everything requisite for her funeral.

It may be remarked here that this man kept coffins ready made, in readiness if they should be wanted quickly, and the first time I passed his door and saw the coffins, and impression was fixed in my mind that I should have to buy one of them. Tho it was months before I had the sorrowful cause to do it, the impression never wore away from my mind, and it was from that very bulk of coffins that Mr John Hewlett, the undertaker, selected one for my dear Harriet.

All things being ready, her funeral took place Sunday, March 14 – she was interred in Bedminster Churchyard, Bristol City.

There were six corpses in the Churchyard at the time and we were the last, and such a rainy day I scarcely ever witnessed. We were drenched to the skin, as we had to wait our turn for interment.

At the return of the Funeral when we were scarcely seated, Mr Hewlett put his Bill over my shoulder and demanded his payment, which was Thirteen Pounds and Thirteen Shillings. I was rather surprised that as we lived close to his house, to hear him say that he must have the money at once, as I had but very little in the house, I had to pay at the vestry to the Clark of the Church Three Pounds, Ten Shillings for opening the grave, also Minister, Clark and Sexton fees. I had lodged Ninety-Eight pounds in Mr Eaton’s hands a few weeks before. I said if he was near I could get the sum immediately, but this would not satisfy him. But God saw my grief and sent me a friend in this extremity as in many before.

A good woman, that kept a little shop that my dear departed wife bought her Tea and Sugar from, was there and she came and asked me if I had the money in the house. I told her I had not. She went with the Bill and brought me the sum immediately. In that woman I found a friend that tried to console and comfort me and in a day or two I drew my money and paid her.

The day after my dear Harriet was buried her sister came, but too late to see her. Her husband Captain John Nicholas had put to sea three times and had to put back again owing to contrary winds and a heavy sea in the Channel.

I had written to her to come and stop with us until my dear wife was confined and she wrote to say she expected to be at Bristol about the first of March and so she would have been if they had had fair wind.

My Brother-in-law sailed the next day for London with coals. My Sister-in-law stayed with me three weeks, three sorrowful weeks, for her, not only the loss of her sister, but my turning out to drink, forgetful of God, owing to so much trouble, being led astray by wicked men, fell from Grace and fell into that damning sin of Drunkenness, trying to drown sorrow, not sober for three weeks and I am ashamed to say spent my ninety-eight pounds.

My sister-in-law tried every way she could to persuade me from it, but to no purpose. The human heart is so deceitful, this I felt, and very wicked, so that afterwards I had to mourn for my sins and my neglect of God, and good advice of friends.

My sister-in-law saw that she could not by entreaty or persuasion get any good of me. As she told me afterwards, she resolved to try to get away my clothes with her when her husband came for her. He returned from London, called in at Bristol for her, and on Friday, April 2nd, they sailed. They took their leave of me and succeeded in taking all my clothes except one check shirt.

After they were gone, Mrs Gregory talked to me very much. She related many things my sister-in-law had told her and what she feared respecting me, if I did not forsake my sins and return to God by true repentance.

When I was alone that night, I began to think of my awful condition before God, how I had slighted His Mercy, grieved His spirit, brought an evil report on His Cause and more than all, the broken vows I had made to my dear departed wife.

Those thoughts with the awful account I felt I should have to give, brought me to my knees. I wept, I prayed, and I was almost distracted. I had a faint hope that God would pardon me. I caught hold of that promise "When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive" and I was resolved by the Grace of God to amend my ways.

I thought I would go to Chapel on Sunday to hear from the Preacher something that would give me encouragement to seek for Pardon from my much offended God. I felt I had "sinned grievously" and who but my Blessed Saviour could I look to, or go to. He said "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." Precious Promise.

But when Sunday came I was greatly disappointed, for when I went to my Trunk I found all my clothes gone. I asked Mrs Gregory if she knew anything about it or what had become of it. She told me my sister-in-law had taken all with her in order to get me home.

You may think that I found myself in a sad condition, no clothes and no money to buy more. I went out to take a walk to pass away the time and to ease my mind from grief. Walking along the Quay I met Captain Hoskins of Barnstable; he knew me and asked what I was doing. I told him all that had befallen me. I asked him when he was going to sail and if he would give me a passage and I would pay him when we arrived home.

"I am going to sail when the tide turns and will give you a passage, but you must walk down to "Pitt", a distance of three miles, and I will take you on board there."

So after I had settled with Mrs Gregory and carried my things on board the vessel, I started off for "Pitt" and waited until they came and took me on board. We put to sea on Sunday, April 4th, and on the following Sunday arrived at my sister-in-law’s house. Oh what sorrow did my dear old Father-in-law feel when he saw me, and thought of his dear daughter’s death, and my bad conduct. As soon as he saw me he fell on his knees and prayed to God for my forgiveness. Oh how did we all weep together! I felt condemned as if I never could find forgiveness, when I thought of the promises I had made to my dear departed wife, and broken them.

For some days I was almost distracted. I had no rest day or night, but God who is slow in anger and of great Mercy had mercy on me and healed my soul. I could say like David, what shall I render to my long suffering God for his loving kindness to a poor sinner? I will take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. Glory be to my Saviour for his Love. I felt happy that I had been rescued from the Jaws of Death and Hell, what I had justly deserved.

After I had been home about a week, I went to Bideford to see my old Mistress. This was another sorrowful meeting. She went over my misfortune. My dear Harriet was much esteemed and loved by her and all that knew her.

My Mistress said if I would come and work for her as before, she would give me fourteen shillings per week with Meat, Drink, Washing and Lodgings. I did so, and on Monday, April 18, 1819, I was again at work in my old place.

I continued to go home every Saturday evening to my sister-in-law at Appledore, a distance of three miles, so that I might accompany my dear Father-in-law and the Family to Chapel on Sunday and on Wednesday nights met in Class. Mr Randall’s Class, as he was the Leader.

My mind was once more happy and settled, as I had given up that sin of Drinking to excess, but even so, wicked shop mates would tempt me to take more at times than I knew was right. Yet by the Grace of God I was kept from Drunkenness.

I continued to work the beginning of the year 1819 but unguardingly I got intoxicated and going home I saw what I am not at liberty to publish here for it is between myself and the dear departed one.

Mr Samuel Cook and his brother William had an Establishment in Newfoundland. Mr Sam Cook came home in the Fall of 1818 to get young men to go with him the following spring. He shipped five and they sailed down the river, waiting a time over the Bar. Thursday, April 22nd, after our dinner hour was up, I was working in the Forge, when looking out of the door I saw Mr Cook pass. I said to him, "You are not gone yet, sir."

"No," he said, "But intend to sail this evening."

I was struck all of a sudden to go!

I said, "What will you give me to go with you for eighteen months?"

"Twenty-five pounds," said he.

"Then," throwing off my apron, "I will go."

In spite of my mistress, my sister, and all my shop mates, I was determined, and into the boat I went with him, down the river to the vessel that lay at Appeldore.

When I got there I went to my Father-in-law and Sister-in-law and told them I had settled with Mr Cook to go to Newfoundland for eighteen months.

Poor dear old man! how did he cry and entreat me not to go, saying that if only I would content myself and stay home, while he had a farthing I should want for nothing and not go.

I said, "I will come back after the eighteen months are up."

I stayed with them that night as the wind was not fair. I left with them all my clothes, my dear wife’s clothes, also Beds, Trunks, and Chest of Drawers full, my Father’s Watch and all behind and on Friday, April 23rd, 1819, about three o’clock in the afternoon, we started.

I shall never forget how my dear old Father-in-law knelt down on the beach, with uplifted hands prayed for me, committing me to the care of God my Saviour. This I confess I did not deserve from him, but rather his displeasure. I thought if I could get on shore again I would never leave him while he should live, but it was too late, we soon lost sight of him.

My brother-in-law Capt John Nicholds piloted us over the Bar. When he took his leave of me we both wept aloud, and as a token that I did intend to return, when my time was expired with Mr Cook, I sent back by him the only decent suit of clothes that I was taking with me, tied up in a white pocket handkerchief of my dear Harriet’s, with her name written in full with Indian ink.

The Pilot Boat was soon out of sight and we were left to proceed on our watery way.

How mysterious are the ways of Providence! I was truly resolved to return after eighteen months, but God’s ways are not our ways.

We sailed on and at eight o’clock at night were ordered to go to our Berths. After I had been in bed about half an hour, the mate came to me and told me to get up and come to the Master. "He is going to give you a dose of Physic."

"I will not," said I.

He went off, but it was not long before the Captain came forward and called me and said, "You must get up, the rest have taken their Physic and so must you."

"I will not take it and neither will I get up.:

But after he had bothered me a while I jumped out of bed and went to the cabin in my drawers and stockings. As soon as I entered the cabin the master said, "Drink that", showing me a tea cup on the cabin table.

"I will not drink any Physic," said I, "For I do not want it."

"You shall drink it," he said.

"But I say I will not drink it for you or any man on board this ship."

"Then if it comes to that, sir, you are able to act the old soldier," said he.

"Oh yes," said I, "We are two well met."

For he was Lieutenant in the same Regiment that I was in under Lord Roll.

"Well, then," said he, "If you do not drink that, you shall cook for all on board, all the voyage."

"That I am well able to do," said I.

"You shall take the galley to-morrow morning."

"So I will, and I wish you good night, sir."

I went to my Berth again, but the multiplicity of thought that occupied my mind that night won’t be easily forgotten by me. You may conceive of my feelings at this time. Knowing how I had lived all my lifetime and only for my own foolishness I need not be here.

But I thought the time would not be long before I would return Home again.

At four o’clock next morning I was called to commence my business as Cook. I got up, lit the fire and cooked breakfast for all on board, which was fourteen in all, four in the cabin and ten forward.

We had fair weather from day to day all the passage.



Newfoundland

Great Paradise - 1819

We started from the Banks and in two days saw the Land. It was a joyful sight, you may be sure, after so long a time looking only at sky and water.

We set all the sail we could and stood for the Land and found it to be St. John’s, the Capital of Newfoundland. We stood so near as to be able with the glass to see the Flagstaff on Signal Hill. Our Master asked us if we would like to go to St. John’s. We all with one voice said, "Yes, sir."

He and the Captain went below, and returned on deck and ordered the ship to be put about; he would not go in for fear anyone of us should run away.

Then we steered our course for Great Paradise, Placentia Bay, the place of our destination and the Master’s Residence. We arrived there June 4th, 1819.

I was the first on shore, as I had to go with the warp to make it fast to a large rock, to haul the vessel in.

I said to the Captain, "Well, sir, you have brought us to some place at last"–meaning that we were brought up for our Folly.

We were soon sent from the vessel to the Cook-room, with a set of Irishmen, and we soon found that we were not in Old England enjoying our liberty for we had to work from the dawn of the day to dark night, about the Fishery, as well as in the shop and at all calls. This we did not like. But even Sundays we had to work also, spreading fish on Sunday morning and taking it up again in the evening.

We spoke of it as contrary to what we were accustomed to in England. But were soon told that we were in Newfoundland and so I found it.

When I had been in the Country about a week, I was forced to go as a hand in the bait skiff to haul bait, a sort of punishment because I would not sign my shipping paper for Twenty-Five Pounds. As I worked my passage to the County as Cook, they had to give me extra wages, so they thought to punish me for it. But I told them I did not care for them, what they could do to me I was well able to stand, and I was not more than a fortnight in this place when I and seven men more was sent in a cod seine skiff hauling codfish. We were sent off Sunday after dinner, and not to return to the Cook-room until Saturday evening.

No place to sleep at, only take a nap in the skiff, while one would be watching for a haul of fish. And only one meal of victuals cooked in twenty-four hours. If we wanted more there was Bread and Butter and Water in the skiff. Saturday evening we went to the Cook-room, put the seine on shore and spread to dry, and Sunday after dinner take it in, with our week’s allowance and be off again, so we had only one night in the week to sleep in our bed.

This continued six weeks and in that time we hauled six hundred qtls codfish.

After this was over I, with Henry Bennett, and an old sailor by the name of John Trick, was sent away in an open boat the distance of seven or eight leagues to jig another sort of bait called squids at a place called "Boat Harbour", where boats would come from all parts, sometimes to the number of two or three hundred boats, after those squids, and they would go to "Cape St Mary’s" to catch fish with them.

We were there a fortnight, no place to sleep nor any place to eat in, but when we could get in some boat or other.

At the end of the fortnight we were ordered home and were sent under one Jeffery Walsh, the Master Voyage (one that superintends the fish making), a very kind good man, he was an Irishman and a kind-hearted man to "youngsters".

The second Sunday that I was in Paradise, after dinner as I was walking over the hill towards the Master’s house, I met a young woman that was servant to the Master. She was dressed exactly corresponding with the one I saw in a dream I had seven years ago in England.

In reference to this dream--I was led to fast the first Friday in the month of May 1812, to see in a dream who I was to have in a future day for a wife. After fasting all day, I went to bed at night and dreamt I saw three women, but I did not know either the one or the other. The First I saw but a very short time and awakened. The Second was dressed in yellow clothes with a bonnet of the same colour; she was in my view a long time, I thought, but did not speak. The Third I saw in a house across the sea, I thought, a long distance off, and then awakened, just as wise, I thought, as before.

In reference to the first of these women, I did not see for some time after so that the Dream was quite forgotten. We lived together but a short time so that the first dream was fulfilled, and in reference to the second, as I said before, I met a young woman dressed in the very clothing, both in dress and colour. That very moment the Dream came fresh in my mind, just as fresh as if I had dreamt it that instant, and the moment I saw her, I think if a sword had been forced into me, I should hardly have fled, and I was fully convinced that she would be my wife.

She lived a servant in Mr Cook’s house; they were the only Protestant family in the Harbour.

This [?} on until the Fall of the year and the men’s time was out.

A crew was sent out into the woods to repair a boat, then the Cook-room was shut up for the winter.

It was not long before I got acquainted with this young woman, for from the first time I saw her my blood warmed towards her so that I could not help being kind to her.

After I had been acquainted with her a little while, I told her my intentions of making her my wife if she would consent. She after a time consented to my proposals.

After the Christmas Holy Days were over, the Master thought it would be necessary to fit out a Boat and send after firewood into Paradise Sound, that this Planters were cutting for him, and because the Clark neglected to send for any in the Fall while the Master was at St. John’s. So a Boat was fitted out and a Master put in her; the crew consisted of Jack Redman: Master, Patrick Roark, Midshipman, Thomas Carrol, Foreshipman, and myself Captain. A fine crew, two Blacksmiths, one Cooper, and a Skipper. Away we went, the distance was only six or seven leagues and we commonly made one trip in the week. This continued until April 22, 1820 that we finished our seafaring business. On that self-same day Mary Brushett and I were Married according to the Rights of the Church of England, by Wm Cook Esq. and Merchant of the Harbour. This Marriage was made lawful by act of Parliament, being at the distance of twelve leagues or more from any clergyman.

So my dream was answered and so far fulfilled.

After we were Married we went in a house to live provided by the Master, and lived there till the last of October when my servitude was out.

I was intending to take my wife home to England, as I had my passage free. If I had done so we could have sailed from close to the place where I stood my time without any experience whatever. But in the previous summer I received a letter from "Burin" where my wife’s friends lived, wishing us to come there in the Fall to see them. My wife too desirous to see her Mother, brothers and sisters once more, saying that we could get a passage from Burin any Fall if I did not like to settle in the Country.

I consented to stay a year and when my time with Mr Cook was out, got a passage for my wife and self to Burin. We arrived to my wife’s stepfather’s (Mr John Purse) November 18, 1820 and were received very kindly by my wife’s stepfather, mother, brothers, and sisters.

Burin - 1820

The next day, being Sunday, we accompanied them to the Wesleyan Chapel and heard Rev Mr Oliver preach from Amos - 4th Chapter, 12th verse, "Prepare to meet thy God", this the first sermon I heard since I left England.

On Monday, November 20, I went with my wife to see a sister of hers, "Mrs Sarah Strong". At her house I saw "Mr Fred Vincent". He asked me if I intended to stay in "Burin". If so, he said, his partner wanted a man to work in the Forge with him, as they had more work than they could do. I told him I intended to stop for a year and had no objection to ship if he would give me the wages.

"What wages will you ask?" said he.

"Forty Pounds and my diet."

"Well, come down to Bulls Cove tomorrow and we will settle, if my partner is satisfied," he said.

Accordingly, my wife and I walked down the next day to Bulls Cove and saw the man that was partner so I shipped to Messers Fred Vincent and Philip Lesbrill for Thirty Pounds from that time, November 21, to the last of October 1821 and to be found in Diet.

In the spring of 1821, the Rev Thos Hickson, Wesleyan Minister, was appointed to Burin to labour. The first Sunday that he preached, I with my wife and Family attended and it was a blessed day to my soul. In the afternoon he preached from the 10th of Numbers, 29th Verse, from that portion of Holy Writ that Moses said to Habat his Father-in-Law, "We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said I will give it you, come thou with us and we will do thee good, for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel." A most delightful and encouraging discourse. I thought it the best I ever heard. He spoke of wandering of God’s people, of the means made for their return, and of the help that they may expect by rejoining the ranks of the Redeemed and of their eternal happiness in Heaven if Faithful unto Death. Every part of the sermon suited me in my experience as a backslider. But I had a strong desire to return and as all my wife’s people were Wesleyans, I thought that some of them would talk to me when I got home, but at the close of the service Mr Hickson gave out for the "Members of the Society" to stay as he intended to meet the Class. When I got to the bottom of the stairs, Mr Richard Willy took me by the hand and said "Come thou with us and we will do thee good." I went with him and Oh! what a blessed season it was to my soul. I found it to be a refreshing time from the Lord. I then and there entered into a fresh covenant with God for Him to live and die.

The year passed on very pleasantly, for myself and wife joined ourselves to God’s people and enjoyed sweet fellowship in the means of Grace. With them we erected an Altar to the living God, and morning and evening presented our sacrifice of Prayer and Praise to Him, so we were happy in the Lord and went on our way rejoicing.

At the end of the year we were blessed with a dear little boy. Our John was born September 5th, 1821. But the Lord saw fit that we should not keep him, for He afflicted him with a sore neck which carried him off. He departed this life November 23rd. His dear little remains were interred Sunday, November 26th, by the Rev Thos Hicksons and he preached a funeral sermon from 2nd Samuel, 12th Chapter, 23rd Verse. We felt the loss of our dear child and were sorry to part with him, but we were satisfied that it was God that gave him to us and He had a right to take him, so I trust we could give him up and like "Job" of old say "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Then I went to Mortier Bay to live the winter as my Master did not do much this winter, and I settled my mind to go and live in the woods the winter and many of the Burin Wesleyan families went there also, but not very near us, some families five miles down the Tickles or Reach.

Mr Hickson, wishing that there should be some kind of service on the Sabbath kept up among us, asked me if I would hold service with them, read the Church Service and a sermon. I consented to do so.

The Rev Hickson gave me a commission to hold service with them that were near on Sunday, and once in the week go down the Tickles and hold service with them. This I was not competent to do, so I would say "Who is sufficient for these things", but my sufficiency was of God, for I did not labour in vain. To my own soul I found it good and many others could testify of the Good they had received. To God be all the Glory.

It was a pleasant and happy winter. How delightful to serve God. Well may it be said "Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are Peace."

In the spring of the year 1822, I shipped again to my former Master, "Philip Lesbrill", he and Mr Vincent being parted. He shipped me and I went to work at my Trade with him.

Mr Hickson came to our house and as it was the custom to read the Church Service Sunday mornings in the Chapel, he wished that I would stand as Clark and respond the Psalms with him. I continued so to do for that Summer, and in the Fall went into the Woods. Again in that winter held service with the people as in the winter before, and in the month of March had to leave the Woods as my wife expected confinement and on the 17th April 1823 the Lord blessed us by giving my dear wife safe deliverance to a daughter, whom we called "Harriet Wood" after my first wife who died in England.

I again shipped to Philip Lesbrill until the spring of 1826, when I shipped myself to one Captain Wm Fox to go to Rock Harbour, a distance from Burin six leagues, to look after his Business both in shop and store. After I got to this place I found that I had acted wrongly in shipping to him, for in the first place I was deprived of the means of Grace as there were no pretensions whatever to Religion as they, for the most part, were careless about their souls. I lost part of my love to God by being often in the company of wicked men.

My dear wife was delayed for a time in Burin after I left, being confined of a second daughter born May 30, 1826. When my wife came to me, she as well as myself found that we were not so happy there as at Burin, where we could enjoy all our Religious Privileges that we were then entirely cut off from. I soon made up my mind if spared, not to stop longer than the Fall, altho Mr James Hodder Sr would have set me up in my Trade to commence business for myself, if I would settle among them. But no persuasion could induce me to stop there.

I had lost the Love of God in my soul, and I could not rest in such a state, and was determined to return to Burin and seek again for the Pearl of Great Price.

Accordingly, when the time was expired that I shipped with Captain Fox for, I took my little Family and returned to Burin, and again settled with my old Master, "P. Lesbrill" and continued to work with him until October 31, 1828, when I settled myself in Great Burin and began business for myself. I hired a Forge from Mr G. Moulton for Four Pounds per year.

In the year 1829 my wife’s Stepfather and her mother were brought low in worldly circumstances owing to the small-pox breaking out in Burin that summer, and taking their eldest son, a young man of twenty-one years, and Master of their Boat that put them so much behind with their Merchant that the Boat was sold and the Family separated.

My wife’s Mother came to live with me and her Stepfather with a Daughter and Son-in-Law.

The Fishing Room was divided between me and Philip Malzard. I had to support Mother and P. Malzard to support his Father-in-Law.

They had another son George Purse. He shipped to Mr Morris for the twelve months.

The next year 1830 he came to Great Burin and shipped to Mr G. Moulton to go midshipman of his Boat to "Cape St. Mary’s".

May 25, 1830. Our son "George" was born.

In the latter end of August, George Purse was taken ill in the Boat to sea, and coming home were like to be lost, running down the land before they saw it, in a dirty night. The noise had such effect on him that when they arrived and he was brought to our house, he was for days out of his mind, the bustle and uproar of the crew in trying to get the Boat away from the Cliff kept sounding in his ears, and he ever would be engaged in trying to get her off. This threw him into a great fever, so that he continued to be so until he died, which was on the 3rd of September.

His poor Mother and my wife were in trouble about him for a time.

I had to bear the expenses of his Funeral.

I lived in Great Burin four years, and in that time had many heavy trials. But the Lord who is Faithful brought me through all. Glory be to His Holy Name. I trust I can say I enjoyed the Love of God in my soul. We were a Happy Family and, tho unworthy, daily received many blessings. To Lord be all the Glory.

At the end of the year I took down my house and removed to "Little Salmonier in order to get a Farm and some cattle. We went into our House in Burin Bay, Lt Salmonier in October 1834. We were engaged in fencing and clearing ground from year to year, rearing potatoes and cabbages and other vegetables, enough for ourselves and to sell. I reared forty barrels of potatoes and upwards each year, also cows, pigs and goats.

I built a Blacksmith’s shop and made the iron work for two vessels, a schooner and a Brig, besides other work that was wanted in the way of my Trade.

In the year 1833, September 18, "John Samuel", our third son. was born, in Burin Bay Arm.

In the spring of 1835, one day as I, and a man I had with me, were sliding out wood, I saw my wife’s Stepfather lying under a bush crying. I went to him and asked him what was the cause of his trouble. He said that his son-in-law and daughter had turned him out of doors, and they said that he should live with them no longer. I told him to go in the house with the wood and I would go to Philip Malzard and know what reason he had for turning him out, and see if I could reason with him.

I went in the evening after I had finished my sliding and found both Philip Malzard and his wife determined that he should live with them no longer, and that they would not live on his "Room" at the Path End any more.

I went back and told him, and advised him to go to Mr Hooper and tell him. He did the next day. Mr Hooper told him if they had broken their agreement in not keeping him that they could not hold possession of the Room and he strongly recommended him to give the part that Philip Malzard claimed to anyone that wanted to engage to support him while he should live. He then went and settled himself with Mr James Foley for the spring to repair nets and sails.

I was sent for to go to Burin and Mr Hooper and Mr Benning strongly advised me to take him, as I had his wife and one part of the Room already, and by taking him also I should have full possession of all the Premises and support him while he lived, then after his death it would be mine.

I did so, and took him and possession of the Premises April 6, 1835 and John Purse gave me a deed that the Premises should be mine and my Heirs forever, if I supported him while he should live.

I built a Forge and purchased a Cape Boat and shipped a crew and fitted her out for the Fishery Voyage.

She sunk Sixty Pounds the first year, owing to some bad conduct of the skipper, not trying for fish as he ought.

Then in the Fall we went into the Woods to live and to do something to the Boat, shipped a new skipper for her, expecting that he would do better than the former one.

After we left the Harbour my wife’s sister died, after confinement; this sister’s name was Ann Malzard. She died December 5, 1835, leaving behind her five children to mourn her loss.

After her funeral, we took two of her children for a time, until their Father could place them with some that would take them.

In the spring of 1836 we again returned to our House, having Mother and John Purse with us.

We commenced the Fishing Voyage again, and I worked in the Forge, but had occasionally to work at the Fish, to help split and make it. This year was no more successful, for a very poor voyage was killed and the price of Fish was low. Only for the work that was done in the Forge I should have been greatly behind with my Merchant.

In the Fall we blocked up the Boat for the Winter, and continued to work in the Forge and did a great deal of work. But it must not be forgotten here that the loss of keeping the Boat was not all I sustained, for owing to the bad voyage, I could not collect in my payments for the work I had done in the Forge, so that in that respect I made about Ninety Pounds bad debts that year.

In this respect I had my mind often tried to the utmost, but the Lord still enabled me to keep up my spirits and trust Him, that it would be better the next year if spared.

So in the year 1837 the same skipper went in the Boat again, but did nothing, so that I found at the close of the year I had sunk with Mr Tall the sum of One Hundred and Thirty-Eight Pounds, after turning in Eighty-Four Pounds by my work, with the voyages for two years, so that I can say the Boat sunk, in the three years, when my lost time is accounted for, in getting bait and helping make fish, upwards of Three Hundred Pounds. Then I thought it was high time to get rid of her, so I sold her, all as she stood, for Twenty-Five Pounds, to be paid for the September following, the 20th day 1838.

In this year I commenced building a new House, which cost me One Hundred Pounds. In the summer our youngest daughter was born–June 14, 1838. We called her "Mary Hennigar" after Mrs Hennigar, the Missionary’s wife.

In reference to the Boat I sold, when the day aforesaid arrived, which was September 20th, they men brought her back without payment for her, saying that they could not purchase her, they had done so badly with the Fish.

"Well," said I, "You have deceived me very much. Now if you will go for a load of wood, I will take back the Boat and say nothing about any hire of her." They said if I would put victuals in her, they would.

I thought it best not to do so, as I had lost plenty by her, so I told them to make her fast to the stage-head. After they left her, I stripped off her sails and rigging and next morning at high water put her in the land wash and broke her up, altho she was new flanked from the bends to the keel the winter before.

Trouble after trouble seemed to follow, for on the 29th December dear Mother departed this life in the 76th year of her age. She had been blind seven years and a Bedlyer for four years. She was interred the last day of the year 1838.

The next year I bought a small boat from Mr E. Mitchell for Sixteen Pounds, and had a man that worked with me and a lad to go in her. They did very well in her, cleared her and something over. I shipped him for the next twelve months, to work with me in the Forge in the winter and to go in the little Boat in the summer, fishing.

On the 20th December 1839 John Purse died, in the 73rd year of his age. I had to bear the expenses of both and buried them decently. They were both interred by Rev Thos Angevin, Wesleyan Minister.

After they were both dead I had full possession of the Premises for my own and my Heirs forever.

I remained there carrying on the Fishery and working at my Trade until the year 1848, when I left the Premises and had a Forge built on the Mission Premises at Collins’ Cove, to pay Twenty Pounds per year rent. I continued to work in it until the year 1853, July 4th, then left the Forge to my son George, and took to teach school for Collins’ and Kirby’s Cove children and continued until December 15, 1859, when I left the house I had built on the Mission Premises, to go to Flat Islands as agent and school master for Wesleyan Conference.

Accordingly, my wife and myself left on Monday, December 20th with Mr Edward Collins Sr. We were twelve hours going down. It was so calm. My dear wife was very sick. We arrived twelve o’clock at night. We were kindly received by Mrs Harriet Collins and Mrs Reader and by all the people that live on the Island in the winter.

We found it very lonesome leaving our dear children and friends behind us.

The Reason of my leaving Burin is as follows. At the last General Election at Burin, the Candidates were "James L. Rodgerson", Esq., a Wesleyan Class Leader and a great supporter of the Cause. And "Ambrose Shea", Esq., a Roman Catholic, on one side. And Mr Harris, a High Churchman, and Mr Edward Evans, a Wesleyan, on the other. I and many more Wesleyans signed a requisition to bring out James Rodgerson and we would support him and did so. Now because I voted for Rodgerson and Shea, my Burin friends turned against me on that account. They threatened to turn me out of the Church and school from officiating any more to them in either. The Rev Henry Daniel, Chairman of the District, and James L. Rodgerson, Esq., hearing of the persecution I was labouring under, made me an offer of nearly three times the salary I had at Burin if I would take the school at Flat Islands to the first of July 1860.

This was the only evil they were permitted to do me. Men may rage but God ruleth on High, to Him be the Praise and the Glory.

I entered on my labour. I trust in the Fear of God. On Christmas Day held Service twice, but owing to the boisterous weather and so few living on the Island, our congregation was not more than fifteen souls. We could hold no Prayer Meeting at night during winter.



Flat Islands - 1860

February 28 about four o’clock in the morning I went to Red Harbour Woods to see some of our people that went to reside there for the winter and stayed for a week. March 4th held Service twice at Mr Geo. Stainer’s house. All the people that lived there attended and we had a good day. Blessed be God. I hope good was done, to God be all the Glory.

On Tuesday, March 6th, I returned to Flat Islands and found my dear wife and the few people with Mrs Reader well. Thanks be to my Heavenly Father.

Continued our services as usual and on April 1st commenced School as the people are getting out of the woods and the place does not feel so lonesome. Our Sabbath Services are much more lively. We have as goodly a number as circumstances will allow.

Sunday, April 29. Held Service twice and Prayer Meeting at half past six. Called the people together after Service to ascertain what they were willing to give towards supporting a Teacher, that it might be sent to Conference.

I was appointed by the Chairman of the District to go to Burin to supply in the Rev J.S. Phinney’s place while he attended the District Meeting at Brigus. Oh! how wonderful are the ways of God. He moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform. Mark, to the very place and people that persecuted me and caused me to leave, I was appointed to labour. And on Sunday, May 6th, I left my dear wife and people for Burin, arrived safely and found my dear children well. Blessed be God for all His Mercies.

The first week I was engaged in seeing my children and visiting the people from house to house and they appeared glad to see me.

I stopped mostly to my son George’s house, slept there. Mr Coady kindly invited me to stay at his house, but for reasons I had I refused, but was at their house every day and was kindly treated by them.

Sunday, May 10th. Mr Phinney preached in the Chapel twice. I took my place in the Desk. The people said they felt glad to see [me] in my place that I had occupied for so many years.

Mr Phinney and Family left on Monday 14th in Mr Pine’s schooner for St. John’s and I commenced the labour of the Circuit, in meeting the Classes, holding Services, visiting the sick, also in keeping the school at Burin Bay as the Burin Bay Schoolmaster had to take my school at Flat Islands in my absence.

The weekly Services of the Circuit, viz (at Burin):

Sunday–Service twice in the Chapel and Prayer Meeting in evening.

Monday–School twice at Burin Bay. Class in Mission Schoolroom.

Tuesday–School twice at Burin Bay. Class 7 o’clock Burin Bay.

Wednesday–School twice at Burin Bay.

Thursday–School twice at Burin Bay.

Friday–School twice at Burin Bay.

Friday–School twice at Burin Bay. Class and Prayer Meeting in Mission Schoolroom.

Saturday–In the Bay to see my children and this ends the week’s labour.

I held Service Sunday, May 20, and the three following Sundays. Most all the people attended that was so much against me owing to the late Election. Mr G. Inkpen made so rash a promise and did not like to break it. That kept him away, but he was very friendly to me.

Sunday, June 10th. Mr Phinney arrived with Mr Thos Coady at Beau Bois and walked to Burin. I stayed at Doctor Moran’s Sunday night and Monday night. Monday I went in the Bay and took leave of my two daughters and their children and on Tuesday bade farewell to my children and friends at Burin, and was kindly brought to Flat Islands by Mr Nicholas Coady and found my dear wife well. Thanks be to God for all His Mercies towards us.

Held Service Sunday, June 17. First Sabbath after coming home. Had a full house. May the Lord prosper His Work and Bless His Word to the souls of the People. I gave out for the Sunday School and Classes to meet Friday, June 22. Prayer Meeting and Class for those that can attend in the week.

Week’s Services as follows, at Flat Islands:

Sunday–Service twice, Sunday School, Class for those who cannot attend in the week, Prayer Meeting at six o’clock.

Monday–School and visiting the sick

Tuesday–School

Wednesday–School and Class Meeting in evening

Thursday–School

Friday–School and Prayer Meeting in evening

Saturday–Holiday from school.

Mr John Haddon came in Saturday and stayed Sunday and attended Service. He is the Inspector of Schools. Mr John Cran took him up to Jean de Bay Monday.

Monday, August 27, I was awakened about twelve o’clock by a knock on the door. When I opened the door, to my great surprise who should I behold but Rev Mr Phinney, my son George, his wife and baby, my son-in-law Wm Henry Collins and Hennigar.

On Tuesday 28th went around the Harbour with Mr Phinney to visit the [?]. He preached and administered the Sacrament and baptised two children for Mrs Kitty Monks, then came back and held a meeting in reference to building a new place of Worship, formed a committee and made a collection towards building. It raised or promised £25 - 15 s - 0 d.

Friday all day engaged with Mr Phinney in collecting his Fish for Books, etc.

Saturday morning Mr Phinney left for Burin in the "Lark". Thos Collins landed him in Jean de Bay.

Tuesday September 2 - Isaac Collins went for Burin. George, his wife and child and Mrs Harriet Collins went with him. They had a fine time, Bless God.

When Mrs Collins returned, she brought the news that the "Measles" was in Burin, bad.

Saturday, my son-in-law, Wm Henry Collins, came down, but as no bait could be got here, he waited ‘till Tuesday morning and then sailed for Burin, took his wife, and my dear partner went to see her children and friends. They had a lovely time; they were only two hours and twenty minutes in going.

A whole month my dear wife was absent and how lonesome in the house by myself at night. But I had the preserving eye of my Heavenly Father to watch over me and protect me.

October 1 - Samuel Collins came here with Mr Phinney bound to Sound Island, left Mrs Collins on the Island and proceeded immediately for the Bay. Mrs Collins stayed only until Thursday, then left to go home to get ready for St. John’s as the family are going there to reside.

Monday, about nine o’clock at night, my dear wife arrived with Wm Loughlin and Henry Butler. Susan Collins and Eliza Loughlin were also with them and they brought the Measles from Burin with them and many took it. After my dear wife returned from Burin she was very ill. Thinking it was a cold she took while away and coming down, little was thought of it. She was home almost a month and then to our great surprise her affliction was found to be the Measles and she suffered very much and was brought so low that her life was despaired of for weeks. She lay and no one came to do the least thing but myself. I had to watch her Day and night and I often thought of the unkindness of the people not coming in; they were afraid of the Measles, but the Lord found them out for every family was visited with them.

Everything was arranged for my wife’s funeral and our servant girl was taken down the sixth of November, but by the care I took of her she had them lightly. My dear wife was taken down October 7.

How thankful I am that Thou, my dear loving Lord, art better to me than my doubts and fears.

Blessed be God that we are preserved and helped through another year in this very barren and lonely Island. All the people are gone in the Woods. No Service on the Sabbath, no Prayer Meeting or Class Meeting in the week. Oh! the loneliness! No families, only Mr Smith’s. Oh My God, direct us for the Best and if spared another year, may it be spent to Thy Glory more than any former year.

********************

[Note: The following excerpt, consisting of four hand-written pages, has the notation "1861" at the top of the first page. However, the closing paragraph of the excerpt suggests that Mr Harding is then heading into 1863–a span of two years. Since there were separate bundles for 1861 and 1862, I suspect that the following was written in a different notebook and perhaps at a different place (for example, some of the day-by-day entries could have been made at Flat Islands and more general notations recapped, all at once, in a different notebook at Burin). In any event, the entries for 1861 and 1862 follow this excerpt.]

Out of sequence excerpts - 1861

Oh! thou Blessed God, we have entered upon another year. When I look back on the mercies I have received I look back with shame on my part and mourn my ingratitude to my loving God for every Mercy bestowed on such an unworthy creature.

In reference to what is said above, that no one came to visit us in the affliction, all the families with the exception of Mr Smith’s left the Island, and my dear wife still getting worse. When I think of the situation that I am in here, with no one to comfort me, I think that my very heart would break. Only for the comfortable hope I have of my dear wife’s happy state of mind, I should have been more miserable, but Blessed be God that her whole reliance and hope was grounded on the merits of her Saviour’s Precious Atonement. She trusted in nothing else but Christ. This kept up my spirits; otherwise, I am sure that I must have sunk under it, but Blessed be God, he hath been better to me than my doubts and fears. Glory he to His Name, He spared and restored my dear wife once more. But for months she was not fully recovered.

Owing to my dear wife’s late affliction and the fact of her being so far from her children, I petitioned to be removed off the Island, and accordingly on the 12th of March I received a letter from the Rev Mr Phinney to return to Burin, as he had intelligence from the Chairman that I was to be removed to Burin once more, and on the 16th of March I left my dear family for Burin and arrived there in three hours. I was very sick, but Blessed be God the sickness was not very long and on the 18th I saw my dear children and grandchildren and friends and found them all well. Thanks be to God.

On the 22nd Sarah Sophia, infant daughter of Rev Phinney, died with an ulcer in the throat and as I was in Burin, I had to inter the dear little remains in the Wesleyan Cemetery, on the 23rd. As Mr Phinney had to go to the Annual District Meeting, I had to officiate in his absence, as I had done in the past forty years.

I was also appointed to take the Burin Bay School at the end of the term, which was June 30.

While at Burin I spent some very excellent times in the means of Grace. I found it spirit and life to my soul to attend Service and meet God’s people in our social means of Grace.

I remained at Burin until Mr Phinney returned from the District Meeting and on the 10th of April I returned to Flat Islands with Mr Coady, who kindly gave me a passage. I found my wife better and the rest of the family, that is a granddaughter and the servant girl well, Bless the Lord for all his mercies to us.

As the spring is beginning to break up, the people are coming from their winter quarters and I opened school for what children were there.

Monday, April 15, had nine children, continued to keep school and hold the Services until the 15th of May. Then I had to leave to be in Burin to conduct the Services while Mr Phinney attended the District Meeting in St. John’s. After taking our Breakfast we took leave of the dear people, they were very much opposed to leaving from the very first time I told them I had to leave. About four o’clock of the same day I arrived with my dear wife and granddaughter at my son George’s.

After visiting my children, Mr Phinney and I visited the people. He left for St. John’s the 22nd and left me the work of the Circuit to perform in his absence. He returned in the Steamer June 28, bringing a young man for Flat Islands. Oh that God may make him useful to the people.

July 1st I took charge of Burin Bay school and had fifteen children the first day. I continued to go there twice each day and when I held Prayer Meeting Tuesdays, go three times, which was 12 miles Tuesdays and 8 miles each day else, as it is 2 miles from my house. I continued until October, then once each day back and forth until April 1862.

Many have been the trials and temptations, yes, and many, oh many, have been the blessings I have received from my merciful God. Yea, unnumbered blessings, both spiritual and temporal that I and my dear partner and children have experienced from the Lord.

Oh! I have cause to thank my Heavenly Father that he hath not visited me for my unfaithfulness and heart wanderings. Yea, many have been called to try the secrets of Eternity while I am spared and Oh my God, why is all this Love bestowed on me, the vilest of thy creatures, but to show the willingness of a Saviour’s Love and God’s long suffering Mercy. Lo His Matchless name be the Glory forever and ever, Amen.

I still kept the school in Burin Bay to the end of June, when Miss Betsey Darby took charge of it and I took charge of another school in Path End in another part of the Mission, a distance from my home two miles, and continued until first of October when it was found needful to close the school for the coming winter, as the children would perish without fire, and no way to make a fire place until they get a schoolhouse up in the spring.

I bless God that I am brought so far on the journey of life.

We are permitted to see this year bringing to a close, it is nearly at an end.

We ended the year with a Watch Night Service. Mr Pyke, the young man that came to Flat Islands in my place, was there. It was a glorious time. Service commenced ten o’clock and ended half past twelve.

O Lord, I thank thee that I have seen the year closed, but shall I see the close of the one we have now entered upon. My Saviour help me to buckle on my armour and fight more manfully the Battle of the Lord, and if I shall die before the year 1863 shall close, may I be found ready to meet my Judge with You and not with Grief. May I and my dear partner and children and friends that I love so dearly be all found ready to meet the Bridegroom with our loins girded and our lamps trimmed and the oil of Grace in them, so that we shall all be admitted to the Marriage of the Lamb. Amen.

Flat Islands - 1861


January 5 - Saturday

About 12 o’clock this day Thomas Isaac and Andrew Riggs came in here bound in the Bay herring catching. They told us that "Charles White" in Mortier Bay had a child burnt to death about a fortnight ago. Told us that our dear children are all well. Blessed be God for every mercy. They told us that Mr Brushett has buried another child and "James Brushett" buried his daughter "Mary". May God prepare us for our exit, may it be Peace.


January 6 - Sunday

This Old Christmas Day. But Oh! how lonesome. My dear wife very poorly indeed. Oh! Lord, I Pray Thee to spare her life. May we not be called upon to separate at such a time and under such circumstances. No one near to do any needful thing if required. I pray Thee, Oh Lord, to grant us Grace to submit to all Thou sees right to lay upon us in this desolate Island. May we content ourselves a little longer here, praying that Thou wilt guide and direct us aright, that we may be found at least to praise Thee in Heaven where earthly trials are over, for Christ’s sake.

Amen

Thomas and Andrew left his morning about 10 o’clock. A fine moderate day, snow squalls.


January 7 - Monday

Nothing particular occurred this day. My dear wife very poorly. Oh Lord, remove the pain and ease her if it is Thy Blessed Will and bring us out of this desolate island once more in safety.

A fine moderate day. Snow squalls towards evening.

 

January 8 - Tuesday

This is a dirty, snowy day, wind E.N.E. In the fore-noon, Isaac Collins, Henry Butler, Henry Dicks and John Kingsway came here bound for Burin with herring. They came home to Red Harbour Sunday night. They met Thos Isaac about dinner-time Sunday going. My dear wife a little better. Bless the Lord.


January 9 - Wednesday

This day Wm Henry Collins came from Herring catching. He told us that Thos Isaac got to Isle of Vallen before night Sunday. Nothing particular occurred to-day. Rather cold and snow squalls. Wind E.N.E.


January 10 - Thursday

This day nothing particular occurred, only Mr and Mrs Smith were here and took tea with us. Wrote letters to Burin. Rather a soft day. Wind S.E.


January 11 - Friday

This is a very soft day. Rained all last night and blew very hard.


January 12 - Saturday

Nothing particular occurred this day. Was expecting to hear from Burin, but no news arrived. From the Look-Out I saw boats pass down but none of them came to this lonesome place. Oh! My God, make us patient a little while longer. May Thy providential arrangement be for our Good and They Glory. A fine hard day. Wind N.W.


January 13 - Sunday

This morning was aroused by a knock to the door and getting up to see what was the matter, saw a boat at John Butler’s stage. I dressed myself as quickly as possible and went down through the snow for it had snowed very much and was drifting very hard with a strong breeze of wind to the E. Found it was Ed Collins, John Butler and Robert Clark from Oderin. They went down and could not get home. Ed Collins breakfasted with us. About 10 o’clock it moderated and became fine. Ed Collins, John Butler were with us to Dinner. Oh! what a lonesome Sabbath with no means of Grace.


January 14 - Monday

This day Mr Isaac Collins came and brought 13 Barrels of Flour to be given to people that are in need. Received letter from our children and had news of Mrs Edith Kirby’s Death. Oh! Lord prepare us for all Thy Will and when Death shall be our lot to bear, may we depart in Peace. Isaac Collins, Henry Butler and John Kingsway were here ‘till 12 o’clock. A boisterous day. Wind W.N.W.


January 15 - Tuesday

This day writing Petition to the House of Assembly for money to build a school house. Writing letters to Burin, and giving out flour to poor people. May God Almighty help them and keep them from starving. Writing letters to my children. A fine, moderate day. Wind W.


January 16 - Wednesday

Wm Henry Collins came to-day with wood for himself and G. Stainer. He brought about two cord. He and his son were with us ‘till ten o’clock. Nothing occurred. Fine day. Wind N.E.


January 17 - Thursday

This day Isaac Collins and Henry Butler brought their wood; they were with us to dinner. They brought two cord of wood. Isaac put his boat in the land wash for the winter. Was informed that old George Vaters died in Boat Hr last Saturday. Put in the wood. A beautiful day. Wind N.E.


January 18 - Friday

This day engaged in bringing up the wood that was brought yesterday. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day. Wind N.E.


January 19 - Saturday

This day by Mr Lockland I received a letter from Mr Phinney, one from my son George, and one from Mr Charles Parsons at Sound Island. Bless the Lord that all my dear children are well. Keep them so, Oh Lord. We are brought to the close of this week safely. Thanks be to God.


January 20 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Still shut up in this barren Island, no means of Grace. I look back to the day when I was blessed with such privileges and pray that the time is not far distant when I shall again join with God’s people. I feel the want of my Class meetings.

I pray for a Blessing on the Word that God’s Servants have this day advanced in His Name. May it have been spoken to the Praise and Glory of His Name. Fine day. Wind about N.N.E.

January 21 - Monday

Nothing particular occurred. Was sawing wood to-day, and I feel more and more a longing to be where I again can meet with people that I love.

Moderate day. Wind N.N.E.


January 22 - Tuesday

This day, as yesterday, sawing wood. Nothing particular occurred. Thos Bailey and wife were here. The people on the other Island are getting over the measles.


January 23 - Wednesday

This day my mind hath been very much cast down owing to a dream I had last night. I thought I saw my daughter Charlotte very bad in bed. I thought she was almost burnt to death, and being so far aware from her and not able to hear. I feel very uneasy, but I trust in the Lord that it is not so. I long to hear from all my dear children. A fine moderate day. Wind N.N.E.

Old Mr Vaters was buried to-day at Oderin.


January 24 - Thursday

This day nothing occurred. Fine day. Wind N.N.E.


January 25 - Friday

This day received letters from my children. We have cause for thankfulness that I find they are all well. May God accept our sincere thanks for all mercies.


January 26 - Saturday

This is a very windy day. Wind N.E. Snow squalls. Was engaged in writing letters part of the day, to my children at Burin. Another week is gone. Oh! Lord, accept my thanks for all mercies. Help me to live more and more to Thy Glory. Amen.


January 27 - Sunday

This another blessed Sabbath Day passed over us. If it is a sin to covet, I must pray for forgiveness. St Paul said, "Covet the Best gifts", and I must say I do covet to be with the people of God to join with them in the means of Grace. I feel the want of my Class meetings and Prayer Meetings; to be for months shut out from it all, is what I feel very much. I pray God to undertake my cause and bring me to Thy House again. A fine moderate day. Wind N.E. About 6 o’clock Thos Isaac and Andrew Riggs came to the house. They were down herring catching, had 35 barrels. I got to Rights to go with them to see my dear children and friends.


January 28 - Monday

This morning after Breakfast Thos Isaac and they went off for Burin. A lovely time they had, the wind N.E. I was not able to go with them, my dear wife was not fit to be left by herself, so sick and lonesome.


January 29 - Tuesday

This has been a Beautiful fine day. Nothing particular occurred, only very lonesome. Saw no one. Wind N.N.E.


January 30 - Wednesday

This day nothing particular occurred. Fine day. In the evening snow squalls. Wind S.S.W.


January 31 - Thursday

This is a very stormy day. Snow squalls. It blew tremendously hard all the night and this day. At times the wind S.S.W. Nothing particular occurred.

Blessed by Thy Holy Name, O Lord, that Thou has brought us safely to the close of another month. Oh for a thankful heart to praise Thee for all Thy mercies. Keep us faithful unto Death. Amen.


February 1 - Friday

This is a cold blowy day. Saw to-day Mrs Harriet Collins and Wm Henry’s flakes carried away by the wind and sea; most of the beams, shoves and longers gone. Nothing particular occurred to-day. Bless the Lord for His mercies. May we be faithful.


February 2 – Saturday Candlemas Day

This is a very fine day; but nothing particular occurred. How fast the days and weeks and months pass away. We are brought to the close of one week more. No doubt numbers are longing for the dawn of the Blessed Sabbath. But what shall I say? My heart will go with my friends to that dear Sanctuary, altho shut out from all means of Grace in this barren Isle.

Oh! Lord I pray for Deliverance and may I rest satisfied.

Wind N.N.E.


February 3 - Sunday

This another Blessed Sabbath. Oh how many have this blessed day sat under the sound of a Preached Gospel. Oh how I long to join in the sweet service of God’s House, for it hath been sweeter than Honey to my soul. Soon may I enjoy it again, I pray. Nothing occurred. A blowy day. Rained last night. Wind W.S.W.


February 4 - Monday

This day Sally sick in bed all day. Nothing particular this day occurred; a fine day, wind N.W. Oh! how lonely are our days in this very lonesome island. Oh! that Thou Great God would direct our future course.


February 5 - Tuesday

This day Wm Henry Collins and son Gabriel were here. They informed us that Wm Collins of Burin went home to-day; they were speaking to them. Henry Cran and wife were here also. Nothing else particular occurred. It was well to see someone come in, in this desolate place. Bless the Lord for all Mercies that are enjoyed. A fine day. Wind N.W.


February 6 - Wednesday

This day engaged cutting ice from under Isaac Collins’ boat. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day. Wind S.S.W.


February 7 - Thursday

This day we were over to Mr Smith’s to Tea. Nothing particular occurred. Snowed, Rained and Blew hard last night. This hath been a fine soft day. Wind S.W.


February 8 - Friday

This hath been a very rough day: snow squalls and a very heavy gale of wind to S.W. It blew down Robert Joyce’s house that he was building. The House was all ready for the roof. I pray Thee O Lord to preserve us and keep us from harm and I pray that we may not hear of any serious accident from this Gale.


February 9 - Saturday

This has been a very rough day. Snow and vapour, and so cold that in this very blighted place we are scarcely able to keep ourselves warm. Oh! Lord, I pray Thee to accept my praises for another week. Keep us Faithful unto Death.

 

 February 10 - Sunday

This another Blessed Sabbath Day over in this Desolate Isle. No Service, no means of Grace. Oh My God, I long to be again privileged to enjoy the society of those that worship the Lord and tread the Courts of His House. This hath been a fine moderate day. Wind N.W.


February 11 - Monday

This day engaged with W.H. Collins and Isaac Collins helping to take down their Flakes that were wrecked by a gale of wind and ice. They were at our house to dinner. Nothing particular occurred; a fine day, wind N.W.


February 12 - Shrove Tuesday

This is a fine moderate day. I went and secured Mr Henry Collins’ house. Saw the Packet Steamer go down through the Flat Island Reach. This is the first time I saw her the winter. Oh Lord, good it seems to see anything that comes from Burin. I thank Thee, Oh Lord, for The goodness to us as a Family. May we live to Thy Glory. Amen. Wind S.W.


February 13 - Ash Wednesday

This is a rainy day. Nothing particular occurred. No one to see us. Oh! how very lonely. But Blessed be God every day brings the spring so, so that ere long we shall see someone or other to cheer our minds. Oh Lord, Bless and Keep us Faithful unto Death. Wind S.S.W.


February 14 - Thursday

This day nothing particular occurred. It hath been very cold. Heavy winds. O Lord, Bless and Keep us safe and faithful. Wind W.N.W.


February 15 - Friday

This day was engaged in making a box for my [?]. No news from any quarter. Oh! Blessed God, at this time, which is six o’clock, I am thinking of the dear Burin people, just going to Prayer Meeting, and here am I and my dear wife, destitute of such blessed means that we have often found it good to join in. O may we soon again find our way to those Blessed services to God be the Glory. This is a fine day. Wind N.N.W.


February 16 - Saturday

This is a snowy, Drifty Day. Nothing occurred particular. Blessed be God we are brought safely through another week’s lonesomeness and trials. I have been blest with Health and Strength; but my dear wife suffers greatly from swellings in the legs. O Lord, support her and keep her Faithful. May her trust be in Thee alone for all and every mercy. Keep us to the end. Amen.


February 17 - Sunday

This is the Blessed Sabbath, but how unlike the Sabbaths that I have spent in worshipping God in His Sanctuary at Burin. Here we find ourselves shut up and cut off from all those ordinances of Social and Public Service. Oh my God, I pray Thee to Bless Thy Word to those that have been privileged to sit under the sound of the Gospel this day; make it spirit and life to their souls and for They Glory. Amen.

This has been a moderate day. Wind from N.N.E. to S.W. Thos Bailey was here and informed us that John Ryan and one of Stephen Vater’s children is dead and buried last Thursday at Oderin. About 7 o’clock this evening Isaac and Ed Collins came to our House from Boat Hr bound to Red Hr. They stayed all night.


February 18 - Monday

Isaac and Ed Collins went away for Red Hr after Breakfast. Nothing this day particular, only saw a boat from the Look-Out go by and pass Flat Island point; rather rough all last night, sleet and snow. Wind to-day S.S.E. to S.W.


February 19 - Tuesday

This is another fine but very lonesome day. I have been on the Look-Out but can see no sign of anyone coming this way to bring us good news from Home. I am anxious to hear from my dear children and friends. The wind hath been from N.W. to S.W. and to N.E.


February 20- Wednesday

This day saw W.H. Collins and George Stainer. They told us that Samuel Collins went into Red Hr. But did not hear any news. A fine day. Wind N.N.W.


February 21 - Thursday

This has been a dirty day. Snow, sleet and rain. No arrivals yet. Have not seen S. Collins to hear anything from Fortune Bay. Oh Lord, I pray Thee to Bless us with making a way that we may hear from our dear children and may the Lord help us to trust in Him at all times. Wind to-day from S.E. to S.W.

February 22 - Friday

The Old Story. Still no arrivals to bring Good News from Home. I saw four boats go down but none came in here to this lonely spot. I am rather uneasy in reference to my dear wife; her legs and feet continue to swell so much I fear it will end in some serious consequence. But I trust the Lord will still stand by me as He hath ever done. Praise His Holy Name. Fine day. Wind W.S.W.


February 23 - Saturday

This day was very boisterous, drifting, the wind very high. Received a letter from daughter "Mary Hennigar", written the 11th instant. Bless the Lord that all my children are well. Oh Lord, keep them safe and may the time soon come when I shall see them all in the Flesh. Amen. Wind N.W.


February 24 - Sunday

This another Blessed Holy Sabbath, a profitable day no doubt to hundreds of precious souls that have had the happiness of sitting in the sanctuary. While we dead and barren souls here are still deprived of those Blessings. O Lord, undertake for us and bring us to a place where we shall again enjoy sweet communion with Thy people. Amen. Mary Anne Bailey and Henry Collins were here this afternoon and Wm Joyce for Hymn Books. A Dirty day, snow, sleet and rain, wind S.S.W. to S.E.


February 25 - Monday

This is a very rough day, the roughest the winter. Snowed and freezed very hard. Wind almost a gale to W.N.W.


February 26 - Tuesday

This day Isaac Collins came to the Harbour to fix his house. Nothing particular occurred. A fine day. Wind N.W.


February 27 - Wednesday

This day Isaac Collins took my letters to Red Harbour to send them to Oderin to put in the Post Office. Mr Smith’s boat went off to Burin after the Priest for Betsey; they went off unknown to me. Saw Wm Vater from Boat Hr. The whooping cough is there. This is a fine day. Wind W.


February 28 - Thursday

Mr Smith’s boat returned about ten o’clock last night with the Priest. This a squally day. In the afternoon, snowed. Nothing occurred. Wind S.S.W.


March 1 - Friday

This day Mr Smith’s people carried up the Priest. I had thought of going up myself but delayed so long, that I stayed too long until I let them go without me. Mr Senior carried my letters to Oderin. Nothing particular occurred, just received a letter from Oderin with some papers from Mr Coady. Bless the Lord, they are all well. A Fine day. Wind N.


March 2 - Saturday

This is a fine day, nothing particular occurred. Since I lost my time to Burin yesterday, my mind hath been rather unhappy.


March 3 - Sunday

This another Blessed Sabbath and no service, barred out from every means of grace. I was priding myself that I would be in Burin this day, but I neglected to improve so lost my passage. I saw the steamer go by this afternoon for Burin. Mr Smith came back this evening, heard that George was to the boat. I trust to see them this coming week. This is a very fine moderate day. Wind W.N.W.


March 4 - Monday

This is a Dirty Day. Sam and Isaac Collins and Mr Paddle were here this evening. For a couple hours was engaged in writing. Nothing occurred. Wind S.W.


March 5 - Tuesday

This is a fine day. Strong Breeze. Wind S.W.


March 6 - Wednesday

Nothing particular occurred. Squally, Wind N.E.


March 7 - Thursday

This is a fine day. Was over to Mr Wm Senior’s and bought half cord wood; we are getting very short. Nothing occurred. Wind S.W.


March 8 - Friday

Forepart of this day and all last night very dirty, it snowed and drifted very much, more snow than was on the Island the winter. The afterpart of the day fine, was engaged in shoveling snow. The well was about five feet in it. Wind from S.E. to N.


March 9 - Saturday

This is another rough day, all the forenoon blowing and drifting. It was very cold. Mr Isaac Collins launched his boat. We are longing to hear from Burin. O may the Lord so order it and give us fine fair weather and an opportunity of going up this next coming week.


March 10 - Sunday

This another Blessed Sabbath. No meeting with God’s People to join in worshipping in the Sanctuary. This has been a very dirty day. Nothing particular occurred. Wind S.S.W.


March 11 - Monday

This is a snowy day. In the afternoon John Brushett and John Butler came from Boat Hr bound to Burin. Nothing particular occurred. Wind N.N.E.


March 12 - Tuesday

This is a fine day. John Brushett, John Butler, Wm Senior and Wm Clark went off for Burin; they went off in a punt. Mr Smith’s wife confined of a daughter last night. Oh Lord, Bless us and give us a time to Burin soon to see our children and friends. Wind W.S.W.


March 13 - Wednesday

This day Mary Ann Bailey and Tryphena Joyce were here. W.H. Collins and G. Stainer came out to go to work about the House for Stainer. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day. Wind N.


March 14 - Thursday

This morning very dirty, snowed and drifted, nothing occurred. No passage to Burin yet. Oh Lord, I pray Thee to grant Thy unworthy dust a quick and pleasant passage soon. Wind E.N.E.


March 15 - Friday

This day, like yesterday, dirty. Isaac Collins came out last night with a load of wood to carry to Burin but the wind was Head. I pray Thee, O Lord, to send us a good time soon. Wind S.S.W.


Burin – March 1861


March 16 - Saturday

This day left my dear partner and came up with Isaac Collins. Was very sick for a little while. Got to George’s about 11 o’clock. Found them all well. Bless God.


March 17 - Sunday

This is a glorious day: attended meal of Grace; found it a good day to my soul. O Lord, I pay that Thy word may be answered in the salvation of precious souls.


March 18 - Monday

This day went in the Bay, saw Harriet, Charlotte and John, was informed of the awful end of James Isaacs by getting drunk in St. Peters, was drowned. I stayed in the Bay ‘till Thursday.


March 22 - Friday

This morning Sarah Sophia, infant daughter of Rev Mr Phinney, departed this life; she died of an ulcer in the throat.


March 23 - Saturday

This day saw the steamer at Rd Marshall’s. In the afternoon attended the funeral of Mr Phinney’s child. I was appointed to inter her; sang a hymn and prayed in the house, then went to the grave and interred the corpse, returned to the house and took Tea. Very rough last night. More snow than was the winter. Oh Lord, I pray Thee to bless my dear wife.


March 24 - Sunday

This is a Blessed day to my soul. Heard two very excellent sermons and held Prayer Meeting at night. Had a good time, Bless the lord, O my soul.


March 25 - Monday

Breakfasted this morning at Doctor Moran’s with Mr Evans. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.


March 26 - Tuesday

This morning went to Spoon Cove. Breakfasted at Mr Bartlett’s. Dined at Mr Goddard’s. Saw old Mr Beazley there, is quite smart. Fine Day.


March 27 - Wednesday

Arranged this day about the Burin Bay School and settled to have my own house to live in. O Lord, Bless us all. Amen.


March 28 - Thursday

This afternoon was at Mr G. Inkpen’s and took Tea with Mr and Mrs Inkpen and Doctor Moran. Nothing particular occurred.


March 29 – Good Friday

Attended Church, heard an excellent sermon on the Death of Christ. May we all feel that we are redeemed by that Precious Blood.


March 30 Saturday

Was in the Bay, saw all that live there. They are wishing that Mother will soon be up. One of Harriet’s cows has a calf.


March 31 – Easter Sunday

This is a glorious day to my soul. Heard two very excellent sermons on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead. After evening service the Sacrament was administered. At 7 o’clock, Prayer Meeting. Oh, my dear wife, I wish you had been with us to share in the Blessings. May God Bless you, my dear.


April 1 - Monday

This morning the Burin and Flat Island boats went off for St. Peters. Sent a letter to Mr Frecker by John for Tea, etc.


April 2 - Tuesday

This morning was at the Doctor’s to Breakfast. Was by him informed that Patrick Molloy was seized yesterday about five o’clock in the afternoon with apoplexy, fell into Vincent’s porch and lay there about 1 ½ hours, then was taken home. The Doctor was sent for about 7 this morning and remained ‘till nearly nine, then returned and said that he believed he would not live. The Doctor was home about 15 minutes when the news of his Death was announced. May God prepare us for our latter end. He left a wife and seven helpless children. Mr Phinney and I went to Burin Bay.


April 3 - Wednesday

This day very cold, as the former weeks have been. Was at Mrs Hannah Mitchell’s to Tea. Patrick Malloy was buried this evening. Oh my God prepare us for our end. Amen.


April 7 - Sunday

This is a glorious day. Found it good to be thus privileged to hear the Word of God. I feel anxious to get home to my dear wife, longing to see her. O God, I pray Thee to Keep and Bless her in body and in soul. Took Tea with Mrs Riggs.


April 8 - Monday

This is a very dirty, cold day. Feel very much in trouble. How my dear wife gets on for wood, etc. Was at Charlie Bungay’s. He hath partly promised to take my place at Flat Islands.


April 9 - Tuesday

This day assisting Hennigar to remove to her own house. I wish the wind would come right.


April 10 - Wednesday

This morning breakfasted with Hennigar. Dined at Mr Coady’s, after dinner saw Isaac Collins come in from St. Peters. I had to get ready for Flat Islands. We started about three o’clock. Had a smart breeze till we got at Mortier Rt; then died away calm, we had it very moderate until we opened Mortier Bay, then we had a smart breeze and got home just before dark. Found my dear wife and family well. Bless God for it. I was not a bit sick.


Flat Islands – April 1861


April 11 - Thursday

This day getting boughs from the hills. Saw most of the people to-day. They are out of the woods. Nothing particular occurred, only very cold. Very cold day.


April 12 - Friday

This day engaged in writing letters to Burin. Saw many boats come into the Harbour. Nothing particular occurred. Very cold.


April 13 - Saturday

This morning was cutting boughs on the hills. Went to Samuel Collins’ for wood and brought it home. Saw Mr Henry Collins from the Westward. He and his family are all well. Saw Mrs Harriet Collins also; she came from the woods yesterday. Fine day.


April 14 - Sunday

This Blessed Sabbath Day held service twice. Many attended. Nothing particular occurred. Fine Day. Oh! Lord, unite our hearts to fear Thy Name.


April 15 - Monday

This day opened school. Had only nine children. They are not all out of the woods yet. Was at Uncle Henry Collins’ to tea. Fine day.


April 16 - Tuesday

This day attended school. Mrs Ellen Collins was with us to tea. Fine day.


April 17 - Wednesday

This is a very dirty day. Wet and cold. No school as there is no fire.


April 18 - Thursday

This day attended school. Received a letter from Mr Coady, wrote an answer. Nothing particular occurred; very rainy day.


April 19 - Friday

This day attended school. Nothing particular occurred, only in the woods for boughs.


April 20 - Saturday

Engaged most of the day in writing. Nothing of consequence occurred. Rough cold day.


April 21 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Attended service twice; very few attended service owing perhaps to our going to leave the Island. O Lord, keep up faithful until Death. Amen.


April 22 - Monday

This is 41 years since my dear wife and I were Married. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.


April 23 - Tuesday

This morning saw Mr Reader. He came to the Island on the Election affair. Was sent for to Mrs Fanny Butler, she was very bad; sent for her Father and Mother to Burin.


April 24 - Wednesday

This morning Reader left for Jean de Bay. Henry Collins Sr carried him. We sent Sally Bailey up to Hennigar with Wm Collins yesterday.


April 25 - Thursday

This is a grand day. The Blue Packet Steamer came here with Mr Hoyles and several gentlemen besides from St. John’s to solicit the votes of the people on Flat Islands to support Messrs Hoyles and Evans in this Election. Mr and Mrs Phinney, Miss Hooper, Mrs Riggs, Mrs Hennigar Collins, Mrs Hannah Collins, Mrs Robert Dibbon, Mrs Charles Hodder, the Misses Dibbon (2) and Mr Bishop and Mr Isaac Collins and many others came in her. Mr Hoyles made a short speech in the school room after speaking to the people in their houses. They left for Rock Hr about three o’clock. Fine day.


April 26 - Friday

This is nomination day. No opposition to Hoyles and Evans. Very dirty. No school. Was writing part of the day, and after dinner went around to enquire if the people were agreeable to send their children to Harriet Collins the summer but found them all dissatisfied and won’t send their children.


April 27 - Saturday

This a dirty day. Nothing particular occurred. O Lord Bless and keep us all. Mrs F. Butler is much better.


April 28 - Sunday

Held service twice this Blessed Sabbath. A goodly number attended. May the lord bless His Word to all their souls. A Fine day.


April 29 - Monday

This day was informed that on the Nomination day, no one opposed Messrs Hoyles and Evans. In that case we have no need of attending to Burin to give our votes. Mrs E. Kirby and Mary Ann Collins went for Burin with Isaac Collins. I sent a box of books and letters by them.


April 30 - Tuesday

This morning saw John and Wm Butler. They came from Burin. All is correct is reference to Hoyles and Evans. About 10 o’clock Mrs Drake informed us that Mr Meek was to hold service at John Cran’s. Accordingly, I closed the school and went and stood Clark to him. He gave us a nice discourse. He baptised John Cran’s child; her name is Elizabeth. May we all be led to work out our salvation more earnestly than ever.


May 1 - Wednesday

This is a fine day. Was engaged before and after school in packing up our things for Burin. O Lord, Bless and Keep us all forever. Amen.


May 2 - Thursday

This day Miss Hollett from Sound Island was here. Nothing particular occurred. Wrote a letter to George at Burin.


May 3 - Friday

This day took down the little house. Mrs Smith and Elizabeth and Anne Collins were here. A raw cold day with snow.


May 4 - Saturday

This morning the ground was covered with snow, but it turned out a fine day. Was informed that Lucy Collins is very ill.


May 5 - Sunday

This morning about six inches of snow on the ground. Held service eleven o’clock. Only 12 of us there, it was so dirty, rained hard. Held service again. [Illegible] rained and snowed very bad.


May 6 - Monday

Attended school. This day very few attended. It was so bad, particularly in the morning. Brought some wood from Mr Butler in the evening.


May 7 - Tuesday

This morning ice in the tubs as thick as stout window glass. [Illegible] Old Mr Murphy went away from his house last Monday weak and was found Saturday evening at [illegible]. His body [illegible] land wash; this afternoon came to [illegible].


May 8 - Wednesday

Attended school but few attended, it was so [illegible] dirty. [Illegible] to see if anyone was coming out. It was so foggy that I [illegible] nothing.


May 9 - Thursday

This day attended school; it was very cold this morning. Had fresh fish to-day for dinner. Nothing particular occurred. Fine afternoon. Looking out occasionally for someone to come after us.


May 10 - Friday

Attended school. Cold morning. Very few children attended. Nothing particular occurred.


May 11 - Saturday

This day was engaged in getting things ready for Burin; was on the Lookout, saw no boats. Another week brought to a close. Thanks be to the Lord, I was informed that my daughter Harriet is out of her trouble, safely delivered. Glory be to God for his mercies to us all.

 

May 12 - Sunday

This is the Blessed Sabbath. Held services at eleven and three o’clock. Had good congregations. O Lord, Bless Thy Word to all our Souls. Amen. Amen.


May 13 - Monday

To-day getting to rights for Burin.


May 14 - Tuesday

This day, as yesterday, putting things on board of Isaac Collins’ [boat] for Burin.


May 15 - Wednesday

This morning breakfasted early, then went and took our leave of the people. Went on board and stated about 8 o’clock, leaving with a fair wind out of the Harbour, but as soon as we turned Dog Point, the wind died away and changed ahead so that we had to turn all the way. My dear wife and the little girl were sick. But Glory be to God, we arrived safely in Burin about 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Thanks be to our Heavenly Father for His Mercy to us all.


Burin – May 1861

May 16 - Thursday

This day engaged in bringing our things to the house. Slept at Hennigar’s. Bless the Lord, O our Souls, for His love. My dear wife is better than I expected.


May 17- Friday

Worked in the garden, fixed flower bed and onion and chives bed. Sowed cabbage seed for Mr Phinney and beans and peas for myself.


May 18 - Saturday

This morning Mary Ann

and I went into the Bay, saw my dear children. Baptised Harriet’s child. They are all well. Bless the Lord for all His mercies.


May 19 - Sunday

This a Blessed Sabbath to my soul. Heard two very excellent sermons from Mr Phinney. O Lord, Bless the Word to our souls. Amen.


Monday 20 - Tuesday 21 - Wednesday 22

Was engaged in the garden for Mr Phinney and myself, was very tired each night.


May 23 - Thursday

Mr Phinney left for St. John’s to attend the District Meeting. Sailed with Capt Foley. O Lord, protect him and keep him safe from all harm.


May 24 - Friday

The steamer came, brought news of last week in St. John’s. O Lord, put a stop to all Rioters.

 

May 25 - Saturday

To-day, as well as yesterday, engaged in building the little house. Nothing particular occurred.


May 26 - Sunday

Held service twice and Prayer Meeting in the evening. O Lord God, I pray Thee to awaken the people. May Thy Word this day prove a Blessing to our souls.


May 27 - Monday

This day was informed that a Boat had been seen wrecked on Placentia Shore, and it is very likely Mr Allen. Yes, poor man, it is true. Met the Class this evening in the school.


May 28 - Tuesday

This day was engaged in fixing a window to prevent its leaking. Held Prayer Meeting in Burin Bay school, and met the Class. Oh Lord, Bless and Save us all.


May 29 - Wednesday

To-day working about the House. Nothing occurred.


May 30 - Thursday

This morning Mr Inkpen and I swept Mr Phinney’s chimney. Saw Mr Goddard’s schooner, went on board, they brought the news of the death of Rev F. Davis’ child, died in the croup, last Saturday. They also brought the news of the disturbance in St. John’s and Harbour Main still going on. O Lord, if it is Thy Will, stop it.


May 31 - Friday

This day was at John Mitchell’s, bought coals and wood. Held Prayer Meeting and Class Meeting. O Lord, Bless all our souls. Amen.


June 1 - Saturday

This day went into the Bay to see the children and came out and saw poor Ann Brinton that lost her son with Mr Allen; found her very low and sorrowful. Saw Mrs Allen, prayed with her, left her in Prayer to the call of Him that said "I will be a husband to the widow and a Father to the fatherless." O God, undertake for them. Amen.


June 2 - Sunday

Held service twice and Prayer Meeting at half past six. Many young people attended, but none but myself to pray. O Lord, stir up Thine own people to diligence.


June 3 - Monday

Frosty morning, very cold for the time of the year. Was at Robert Isaac’s, Ann Strong’s and Mr Gaulton’s and at Dinah Allen’s and baptised her dear little babe. Mr Bradley brought home the boat yesterday. Met the Class, only two attended.


June 4 - Tuesday

This day not well from the cold, find it hard to breathe. Went to Burin Bay, saw Ann Paul read and prayed with her, returned home. It rained so hard I did not stay to hold meeting, felt so poorly. O Lord, I pray Thee give me strength and Grace to serve Thee.


June 5 - Wednesday

This day the girls assembled to clean the Church. A fine day.


June 6 - Thursday

This day in the Garden saw Wm Senior from Flat Islands. All the people are well. Not much fish coming in. O Lord, I pray Thee to Bless us all and keep us Faithful.


June 7 - Friday

Working in the Garden and Forge all day. No meeting in the evening, no one to attend–all sick.


June 8 - Saturday

Was in the Bay to-day. Brought out Mary Ann. Saw a boat from Flat Islands. Isaac Collins and his mother came up. Was informed that Hannah Dibbon died. O Lord, prepare us for our departure that it may be Peace.


June 9 - Sunday

This morning Mrs Harriet Collins breakfasted with us. She and Isaac and Mary Butler went away just as we went to Morning Prayer. Held service. No school as Dr. Haddick is not well. Service at three o’clock. O may God Bless His own Word to the souls of all who have heard it.


June 10 - Monday

This day heard from St. John’s. Mr Phinney is gone to Brigus to wait till the Packet Steamer is ready for Burin as no opportunity offers itself for home.


June 11 - Tuesday

This morning helping George in the Forge. Went to Burin Bay. Held Prayer Meeting and Class Meeting. A Blessed Time. Glory to God.


June 12 - Wednesday

This day went with Mr W. Paul to Spoon Cove to see Mr Bartlett and old Grandma Beazley. Poor Mr Bartlett very poorly. Read and prayed with the family. Hannah’s dear baby is very ill. O Lord, prepare us all for affliction and Death.


June 13 - Thursday

This day in the Forge and Garden all day. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day. Bless the Lord, O my soul.


June 14 - Friday

This is Hennigar’s birthday, 23 years old. Held Prayer Meeting - no Class met. No one attended.


June 15 - Saturday

This morning in the Bay. Thomas is home–his man sick. Nothing particular. Fine day.


June 16 - Sunday

Held service twice, very small congregations, it was so wet, it rained all day. O Lord, bless the Word to our souls. Amen.


June 17 - Monday

This day set out 320 cabbage plants besides white turnips and Rumferds. Met the Class. Oh Lord, Bless and keep all Thy People.

June 18 - Tuesday

Went to Burin Bay intending to hold service but no one to attend, came back again. Nothing particular occurred.


June 19 - Wednesday

This day setting our plants. Dr Haddock lanced our dear little Mary Hannah’s thigh; a great discharge came from it; about four o’clock she had symptoms of convulsions and at five o’clock convulsions fits came on and continued until they carried her off. She died at six o’clock; her angel spirit flew away to her God. O that we all may meet her there, when our time shall come. She was one year and sixteen days old.


June 20 - Thursday

This morning arose at five o’clock, went into the Salmonier to let Harriet and Charlotte know of the Death of our dear little Mary Hannah, was out before nine o’clock, then went and got Uncle Dick and John Collins to make her coffin, then her father and I looked out for a place to dig her grave. Mr Phinney arrived in the steamer, brought a young man, Mr John M. Pyke, for Flat Islands, and the Rev Joseph Gatze. Mr G. went off for the westward in the steamer 12 o’clock. Was engaged in bringing Mr Phinney’s and my own things till almost night.


June 21 - Friday

This morning Uncle Dick and I dug the grave for dear little Mary Hannah. Went to Mr Pine’s for things for George. Attended the funeral; four girls carried her: Mary Collins, Betsy Barfit, Betsy Mitchell and Jane Kirby. O Lord, sustain the parents.


June 22 - Saturday

This morning arose early and went and banked up the grave of my dear little Mary Hannah. Nothing particular occurred to-day. Many of the boats went off with the cod seines. Many of the crews are still sick. Wm Abbott had to come home, his boat had like to fall to pieces. O Lord, preserve our poor fisherman from watery graves.


June 23 - Sunday

This is the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two excellent sermons by Mr Phinney. Held Prayer Meeting half past six. Very few attended. O Lord, stir up thy people.


June 24 - Monday

This morning arose at two o’clock, bringing cods heads and setting out the garden Met the Class at five o’clock, a blessed time we had, our dear members are unanimously determined by God’s Grace to live nearer to Him. O that the Lord would enable us so to do for his Great Name’s Sake. Amen. Mr Phinney called to Great Burin to buy an infant belonging to James and Elizabeth Adams.


June 25 - Tuesday

This day nothing particular occurred. Wrote a few letters to Flat Islands and sent by Mr John Pyke. O Lord, Bless and Keep us all. Amen.


June 26 - Wednesday

This a fine morning. Weeded the Flower Bed. Wet in the afternoon. Saw Mrs Harriet and Mrs Ann Collins from Flat Islands. The people are well.


June 28 - Friday

To-day was with Mr Phinney twice at the Jersey Room with Mr John M. Pyke’s things. He went down with Thos Collins, Henry’s son. O Lord, bless his labours to the people.


June 29 - Saturday

This day was in the Bay, saw the children. Most of our dear grandchildren are ill in the whooping-cough. O Lord, spare them if it is thy will.


June 30 - Sunday

This day heard two excellent sermons. O Lord, may we improve by them, let not Thy Servant labour in vain. I pray and beseech The Good Lord save sinners by him and get for Thyself a Great Name in their conversion. Amen.


July 13 - Saturday

Was into the Bay to see the children. They all are down in the cough. Little Philip and Harriet’s little James are very bad and all the children. Was to the Doctor’s to get him to go and see them. May the Lord spare them.


July 14 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. At service this morning. After dinner went in the Bay to see the dear children. Called at the Doctor’s to inform him of them and desired him to go and see them to-morrow.


July 15 - Monday

This is a wet morning; attended school. Mr Phinney, Dr Haddock and George Harding went goose-hunting. Saw Flat Islands people, no fish, poor news. O Lord assist them for the coming winter. No one attended meeting.


July 16 - Tuesday

This day attended school. After afternoon school interred James Newport’s child, Mr Phinney not home. Wet day.


July 17 - Wednesday

Attended school, fine day. In the evening John Harding’s wife was confined of a daughter. O Lord, I thank Thee for Thy Mercies to her.


July 18 - Thursday

This a wet dirty morning. Attended school.


July 19 - Friday

This day attended school. After evening school went into the Bay and slept at Charlotte’s. Little Philip is still very ill. O Lord, restore him if it is Thy Blessed Will.

July 20 - Saturday

This is a very wet morning, got very wet coming from the Bay. It cleared off very fine. Was engaged in whiting end of Mission House and wood-house.


July 21 - Sunday

This morning saw John Cram from Flat Islands. No fish. Attended service. Had a good day. Class and Prayer Meeting at night. Not many attended. O Lord, revive Thy Work.


July 22 - Monday

Attended school. In the evening Mr Phinney met the Class and renewed quarterly Tickets. Saw Sam and Reuben Murley from Mortier Bay. Nothing else particular occurred.


July 23 - Tuesday

This morning white-washing the House. It thundered very hard in the morning. Attended school. Heard that George Richard Moulton and George, son of G. Moulton, died this morning owing to the whooping-cough.


July 24 - Wednesday

This day attended school. My daughter Harriet and James were here. The two dear little boys were interred in our burying ground by Rev Mr Phinney.


July 25 - Thursday

This a fine day. Bless the Lord. Attended school. Nothing particular occurred.


July 26 - Friday

This morning very wet. This our Quarterly fast day. Prayer Meeting at 12 o’clock. Afternoon went into the Bay to see the children. Little Philip is better. Thank God.


July 27 - Saturday

This morning came from the Bay after breakfast, was in the wood; then began to put down posts to fence a piece of Mr Phinney’s garden.


July 28 - Sunday

A wet morning. Attended service twice and Prayer Meeting after the Sacrament. O Lord, I pray Thee to Bless the means to our souls. About 11 o’clock at night Mrs Vigus and her two children came to Wm Collins.


July 29 - Monday

This day no school. The holidays commended. Very wet with heavy thunder, working about the fence. In the evening went round to Mr Pine’s with Mr Phinney in the punt in order to collect his Fall subscription.


July 30 - Tuesday

Was at Burin Bay with Mr Phinney collecting, not a good day. Took about 4 qtls fish. Landed at Mr Pine’s. Dined and took tea at Mr Pine’s.

July 31 - Wednesday

This another anniversary of my dear wife’s. She hath been spared by the Mercy of her Saviour to see this, the 64th year, while thousands have died. Bless God she still lives. Dined and took tea at Mr Pine’s.


August 1 - Thursday

This day went to Burin Bay with Mr Phinney. Took no fish. Dined at Mr Pine’s.


August 2 - Friday

This day was collecting with Mr Phinney. We collected 29 3/4 qtls of Fish and landed it into Mr Bartlett’s store. Saw Mr Pyke from Flat Islands. N.C. ill used both wife and children!


August 3 - Saturday

This morning went into the Bay. Poor George Vincent cut his heel yesterday with the reap-hook. Came home, found all well. Thank God.


August 4 - Sunday

This is a blessed morning. Service twice. Heard two very excellent sermons from Mr Phinney. In evening commenced Prayer Meeting and Mr Phinney concluded. Bless the Lord. A good day to my soul.


August 5 - Monday

Sent Mr John Knight, Green Bay, a book Path of Life. Gave my son John Economy of Salvation. This was a dirty day, could not go collecting. O Lord, Bless all our souls. Amen.


August 6 - Tuesday

This day was at Spoon Cove collecting. Saw thousands upon thousands of caterpillars or some other insects that are destroying the grass. O Lord, is it for our sins that Thou art sending them in judgement upon us. O Lord, have mercy and enter not into judgement with us, but spare us, O Lord, and bring all to repentance. Saw Mrs C. at Mr Pine’s, trying for a passage for herself and children.


August 7 - Wednesday

This a fine morning. Went to Burin Bay collecting, went from that to Mud Cove, from that to Whale Cove, from that to Inkpen’s Pint and Shalloway, and brought home 20 qtls fish. It blew very hard all day. Heard in the evening that John Mayo’s child is dead. The caterpillars still increasing.


August 8 - Thursday

This a dirty morning until 12 o’clock, then cleared off. Saw the funeral of John Mayo’s child. After went with Mr Phinney collected, at G. Hamilton’s and then Mayo’s. Got 6 ½ qtls fish, landed them at the Doctor’s for Mr Frecker. Bless the Lord for another day.


August 9 – Friday

This a foggy morning. Went to Great Burin with Mr Phinney; we collected and brought home 25 qtls fish and left 8 qtls with James Inkpen. It rained hard in the day.


August 10 - Saturday

This morning went into the Bay, saw the way that the insects have served the Hay. Coming out I went into Mr Butler’s meadow. I saw millions so that the water was Black as Ink with them. O Lord, I pray Thee to put a stop to it.


August 11 - Sunday

This a very wet morning, not many at service. No Sunday school. It continued raining until we came from evening service and Prayer Meeting. Bless the Lord for all His mercies to us. Make Thy word a blessing to all our souls. Amen.


August 12- Monday

This fine day was at Stepaside and Foote’s Cove, collecting with Mr Phinney. Carried part of the fish to [illegible].


August 13 - Tuesday

This fine day was engaged in carrying Mr Phinney’s fish on board Mr Bride’s vessel. Nothing particular occurred.


August 14 - Wednesday

This fine morning Mr Coady went down to Richard Marshall’s to take in fish. Mr Phinney put 28 ½ qtls in Mr Bride’s vessel. Then we went to Path End, collected 3 qtls. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day, but rained in the evening.


August 15 - Thursday

This a wet day, was at Burin Bay; put the rules of the school up. Saw Mr Bride’s vessel go into Spoon Cove. Nothing particular occurred.


August 16 - Friday

Was at Burin Bay and Spoon Cove putting Mr Phinney’s fish on board Mr Bride’s vessel and helping Mr Paul.


August 17 - Saturday

This day was in the Bay to see the children; found them well. The Judge came in the steamer and proceeded on to La Poile and Hr Breton.


August 18 - Sunday

This a fine morning. Attended service twice. Prayer Meeting in evening. O Lord, Bless and Keep all Faithful; May we live to Thee and serve Thee.


August 19 - Monday

This a fine morning. School twice. After went the Court-house to hear a lecture on Temperance by the Captain of H.M. Ship Storm. The Court-house was full. O may it be to the Glory of God.


August 20 - Tuesday

Fine morning. Attended school twice. Nothing particular occurred.


August 21 - Wednesday

This fine morning, attended school. Saw Mrs Amelia Collins from St. John’s. Received a letter from Mrs Isaac Collins.


August 22 - Thursday

Fine day, attended school, nothing particular occurred.


August 23 - Friday

This a very wet morning. Was at school, got very wet in coming home to dinner. After dinner it was not so bad. Nothing occurred.


August 24 - Saturday

This a fine day. Was at Burin Bay but got no fish, was promised it or part. Saw my dear Hennigar going to Mr Goddard to procure a passage to St. John’s. O God, carry her and hers safe wheresoever they go and protect and bless them both in soul and body.


August 25 - Sunday

This a fine day, attended service twice, Prayer Meeting in evening. Dined with Hennigar and Wm Henry and had them to tea with us. Gave Wm Henry "The Life of Rev John Wesley" and Hennigar "The Pleasant Pathway" by Wyse.


August 26 - Monday

Attended school and after collected 42 fish for school fees. O Lord, Bless and save us all. Amen.


August 27 - Tuesday

This morning helping Wm Henry get his things on board. Attended school, after, collected 42 fish. O Lord, Bless and Keep us Faithful.


August 28 - Wednesday

This a fine morning. Bless the Lord. At school in morning, afternoon went with my daughter to Spoon Cove to see them go off for St. John’s, but had to return before they sailed as the wind came in.


August 29 - Thursday

This a fine day, the wind ahead. Wm Henry and Hennigar had to come back and stay with us. O Lord in Thy Good time send them a time off.


August 30 - Friday

This a wet morning, went to school, but so wet that no scholars attended.


August 31 - Saturday

This morning went in the Bay to see my children. Very wet all day. Nothing particular occurred.


September 1 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Attended service twice. Heard a most delightful discourse on Christ being lifted up; taken from the Brazen Serpent and Moses. Hennigar and Wm Henry went to Spoon Cove to go away, but the wind is wrong. Thunder and rain. Wind E.N.E.


September 2 - Monday

This a wet morning. Wind E. No time for my dear children off. May God Bless them and give them a quick and safe passage when they go. Was informed that Wm Clark is sentenced to four months in jail.


September 3 - Tuesday

This morning about six o’clock Mr Goddard’s schooner sailed. My dear daughter and husband went in her. O that the Lord may give them a good time and carry them to their desired port in safety.


September 4 - Wednesday

This a very fine day. School twice. Nothing particular occurred.


September 6 - Friday

This a fine day. Attended school and held Prayer Meeting in the evening, opened Candle Box and took one for the meeting.


September 7 - Saturday

This day in the woods for wood and altered the door of the little house. Nothing particular occurred.


September 8 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons. The afternoon sermon was an account of some evil report that someone raised up about Mr Phinney and myself; he reproved them in his sermon. Mr Phinney held Prayer Meeting and had to reprove some boys sharply for bad behaviour in the House of God.


September 9 - Monday

This a fine day, attended school. In the evening when I came back, Mrs Ellen Paul and Dinah Allen and Mrs C were at the house and took tea with us.


September 11 - Wednesday

This morning had a letter from Hennigar. Thank God she is well. Had a quick passage, only a day and one night.


September 12 - Thursday

Mr Phinney, E. Collins and Joe Inkpen went off for Flat Islands.


September 13 - Friday

Attended school in the afternoon, the morning was very wet. Nothing particular occurred.


September 14 - Saturday

This day was in the Bay to see my children. After I came out forced to go the Doctor’s, Mary Ann very ill, but the medicine relieved her. Thank God.


September 15 - Sunday

This morning conducted service. Mr Phinney not well after coming from Flat Islands. Mr Pyke came up. I had a letter from Mr Smith, nothing particular occurred, only Thos Bradley is very ill. O Lord, prepare him for his change if he is to die.


September 16 - Monday

This a dark, gloomy morning. Attended school. In the evening received a box and letter from Hennigar and wrote to her again this night, sent her a letter from her sisters also. May God Bless her.


September 17 - Tuesday

Got up this fine morning and as Mr Coady will be going away soon, dug some potatoes and filled a barrel with cabbage and turnips and sent it away by England. Mr Hadden examined the school this afternoon in Burin Bay.


September 18 - Wednesday

This a fine day. Attended school twice. Met the Class. Harriet was with us to-day. Mr Coady sailed for St. John’s.


September 19 - Thursday

This a fine day. My dear wife and Mrs Coady were at Ellen Paul’s. I went after them after I came from school in the evening.


September 20 - Friday

This day received a letter from Wm Henry and Hennigar. Bless the Lord that they are well. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.


September 21 - Saturday

This day engaged in getting wood and banking up the little house. Had 10 gal. molasses from Mr Phinney. Nothing particular occurred.


September 22 - Sunday

This a rather dirty day. Attended service twice. No Prayer Meeting, it was so stormy. Saw Mr Coady. Nothing particular occurred.


September 23 - Monday

Attended school, saw at Burin Bay Harriet Collins of Flat Islands. She was at our house to tea.


September 24 - Tuesday

This day attended school. Nothing particular occurred.


September 25 - Wednesday

This day attended school and met the Class in the evening. Mr Phinney is at Great Burin to paint the schoolhouse.


September 26 - Thursday

This day attended school, nothing occurred. Fine day.


September 27 - Friday

This day attended school and attended Prayer Meeting but no one came. Fine day. Collected fish.


September 28 - Saturday

This morning was into the Salmonier long before day, was home again about three o’clock.


September 29 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons. May God impress all our hearts.


September 30 - Monday

This day attended school. Saw Mr Goddard’s schooner come. Was wishing for a letter from Hennigar.

 

October 1 - Tuesday

This a fine morning. Attended school. Was informed that Mr Goddard’s schooner brought Hennigar’s likeness but have not seen it yet.


October 2 - Wednesday

This day attended school. Sent a letter to Hennigar. Mr Phinney met the Class and renewed the quarterly tickets.


October 3 - Thursday

This day attended school. Nothing particular occurred.


October 4 - Friday

This [a] fine morning. Blew hard all night and rained. Some of the Boats are not back. Had my dear Hennigar’s likeness this day by Mr Coady and a letter. Thank God she is well and her dear husband. Had a letter from Mr Bugden.


October 5 - Saturday

This day engaged in bringing wood and erecting Flagstaff in Burin Bay and banking up the schoolhouse.


October 6 - Sunday

This morning received a letter from Mr Pyke, Flat Islands. Attended Church, heard two excellent sermons on the New Birth. John had his little daughter baptised and called "Harriet Wood". Oh long will it be before that dear name will cease to be heard. Had Prayer Meeting, a good time. Bless God.


October 7 - Monday

This day opened the school half-past nine and closed three o’clock. Engaged in the evening in writing letters, to Hennigar, Mr S. Collins and Mrs Bugden. Nothing particular occurred, only Thomas Collins and Jane Paul were Married. O Lord Bless the Union. Amen.


October 8 - Tuesday

This a fine day, attended school. Mrs Vigus and Hannah Collins left for Halifax in Capt Croucher’s vessel; he is bound to Sydney, then they will take the steamer.


October 9 - Wednesday

This a very wet morning and continued so wet I did not go to school. Fine in the evening.


October 10 - Thursday

This dark morning attended school. My dear wife very poorly. I bathed her and gave her a dose of mints.


October 11 - Friday

This [a] fine morning after a night of trouble. My dear wife very ill; she fainted off several times in the night.


October 12 - Saturday

This day was in the Bay, saw the girls and brought out Hennigar’s likeness that Charlotte carried in to let the children see it. Received a letter this evening from Jersey, giving us the sad tidings of Philip Malzard being drowned. O Lord prepare us for every event of Thy Providence. Very heavy frost; the ice is thicker than window glass.


October 13 - Sunday

This a very rainy day; very few to service, held it twice in the Church. No Sabbath school or Prayer Meeting, so very dirty. Was around to the Post Office to send a letter to John Malzard to Jersey.

October 14 - Monday

This a fine day, only very wintry. Nothing particular occurred.


October 15 - Tuesday

This a fine day. Attended school.


October 16 - Wednesday

This [a] fine morning. Began to stog the little house.


October 17 - Thursday

No school to-day. Vessel came in with a load of coals. Was engaged in taking out Mr Phinney’s and my own coals.


October 18 - Friday

Boats returning from Cape, no fish. Was engaged in bringing up my coal. Saw Mr Wm Senior from Flat Islands. Delivered him 9000 shingles for Flat Islands schoolhouse.


October 19 - Saturday

This wet morning engaged in stogging house.


October 20 - Sunday

This day held service twice in Church. Mr Phinney came home this morning, but he did not attend service, not very well. It turned out a very wet evening. No Prayer Meeting.


October 21 - Monday

This a very blowy morning, rained and blowed very hard all night but turned out a fine day. Wind very high. Attended school. At night writing letter to Hennigar.


October 22 - Tuesday

This day attended school. Saw Mary Ann from Flat Islands. Had 20 sticks wood from Mr Phinney, wrote another letter to Hannigar.


October 23 - Wednesday

Attended school. In the evening met the Class. Had from Mr Phinney Flour and Butter. Nothing particular occurred.


October 24 - Thursday

This a fine day. Attended school. Saw Mr Pyke from Flat Islands. Cyrnious was here and we gave him a cat.


October 25 - Friday

Attended school and Prayer Meeting in the evening. Mr Pyke, Mr H. Collins and Edward were there. Was bringing up wood till ten o’clock.


October 26 - Saturday

Was in the Bay, saw Thos and Harriet and Charlotte. Wrote a letter to Mr Brian (?) to England.


October 27 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons from Mr Phinney. Held Prayer Meeting. Mr Coady went off for St. John’s but had to come back again. Deborah Pierce and Kitty FitzPatrick were with him.


October 28 - Monday

Attended school. In the evening sawing wood and helping Mr Phinney clear a drain.


October 29 - Tuesday

Attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Very dull, the wind up still. S.E.


October 30 - Wednesday

This day attended school, met the Class, was informed that Mrs G. Inkpen lost 6 qtls of fish stolen off the Flake. Mr Inkpen in St. John’s. Very foggy, wet weather since last Saturday.


October 31 - Thursday

Still very foggy, attended school. Nothing particular occurred.


November 1 - Friday

This a wet morning, rained very hard all night. Attended school and Prayer Meeting in the evening.


November 2 - Saturday

This morning went into the Bay, saw the children, came out and brought home on my shoulder a grate from Ann Brinton. Found Mr Coady gone and carried the dog. Mary Ann Bailey left for Flat Islands.


November 3 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Mr Inkpen arrived from St. John’s. Mr Phinney went off last evening for St. Peter’s. Mr and Mrs Davis came last night from Sound Island. He preached twice and I held Prayer Meeting. Had a letter from Hennigar.


November 4 - Monday

This day was at school. In the evening at Tea to George’s with Mr and Mrs David, spent a comfortable evening with them. Mr Goddard’s schooner came from the Lakes, bringing turkeys, pigs, sheep, fowls, Pork, Butter and Potatoes.


November 5 - Tuesday

This the 68th day of my birth. O Lord, Bless Thy Holy Name that I am spared to see 68 years of age. O my God, what shall I render to Thee for Thy mercies to me. May I love and serve Thee forever. I was not at school, so very wet. In the evening Mrs Davis gave us an exhortation in the schoolhouse and I pray that it may be blessed by Thee.


November 6 - Wednesday

Attended school, met the Class in the evening. Nothing particular occurred.


November 7 - Thursday

This day attended school. In the evening saw Ed Hollett and Susan Jane Beck Married.


November 8 - Friday

This morning very wet, rained hard all night. Saw Sally Senior, Ann Cran, and Eliz. Moulton at our house. They came up with Henry Moulton and Charlie Senior; they were Married by Rev Phinney, and in the afternoon Thos Reed, son of Wm and Mary Ann Reed, to Susannah Buffett by Mr Rosier, C of E.


November 9 - Saturday

This morning went into the Bay, carried Mary Ann the last print of butter from Harriet. The Flat Island People went off for Home. This a fine day.


November 10 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath morning, very frosty. Heard two very excellent sermons. Mr Phinney held Prayer Meeting, two baptisms in Church.


November 11 - Monday

Rainy morning, attended school, saw Mr Pine’s schooner. Had a letter from my dear daughter. Bless God that they are well. Wrote again this evening and intend sending it by Mr Hodder.


November 12 - Tuesday

This a fine morning. Attended school. Came to rain in the evening and rained very hard.


November 13 - Wednesday

This a very wet day. Attended school. No Class, it was so very wet. Wind E and S.S.E. this almost three weeks.


November 14 - Thursday

Very windy morning. Attended school. Nothing particular occurred. The wind still the same.


November 15 - Friday

This morning wet as before. Attended school, Prayer Meeting at night. Nothing particular occurred.


November 16 - Saturday

This day snowing, engaged in picking moss and doing jobs about the house.


November 17 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heart two beautiful sermons on the Faithful and Slothful steward. O may it be our happiness to be applauded in that Great Day with "well done, good and faithful servant." Partly fine to-day.


November 18 - Monday

This a wet morning, attended school. In the evening saw Mr Phinney and G. Hatcher planning out the road for poor people to work on for two shillings, sixpence per day. O Lord, help them.


November 19 - Tuesday

Attended school. After I came back put about 35 cabbages into a house for the spring.


November 20 - Wednesday

Attended school. Had the new stove in the school. Saw the men working about the road.


November 21 - Thursday

Attended school. A snowy, rainy day and very cold. Nothing particular occurred. Had stick wood from Mr Phinney.


November 22 - Friday

Attended school this day. No Prayer Meeting at night, so very dirty.


November 23 - Saturday

This a wet day. Engaging in cutting posts for garden; the wind still easterly.


November 24 - Sunday

This a fine hard morning. Heard two excellent sermons and Prayer Meeting at night. Gabe Collins from Flat Islands was with us to tea. Wind same way.


November 25 - Monday

This a very wet morning. Rained with snow all day. Attended school. Gave Mr Phinney the account of the roads that are to be made at Flat Islands that was paid when I was at Flat Islands last autumn.

November 26 - Tuesday

This as usual very wet and dirty. Attended school. The men began to make the road up to the schoolhouse. Removed my fowl-house. Still wind easterly.


November 27 - Wednesday

This is a very wet morning. Attended school. Class in the evening. Only one attended besides ourselves.


November 28 - Thursday

This is a frosty morning. Continued all day. Attended school.


November 29 - Friday

Attended school. No Prayer Meeting at night. Dirty and the wind still E.


November 30 - Saturday

This morning went into the Bay. Found my children well. Bless God. The weather still the same, wind easterly, rain and snow. The month is brought to a close. Blessed be God. Brought Mary Ann Isaac out with me.


December 1 - Sunday

This is a snowy, dirty morning. Attended service. Heard two excellent sermons. May they be blessed to all our souls. Held Prayer Meeting. Mr Phinney at Great Burin. O Lord Bless and keep us all faithful.


December 2 - Monday

This a very dirty day; it came to snow very fast in the afternoon. Was at Whale Cove to see Mrs Pittman, prayed with her. Blessed to God her hope is fixed on Him. Was to see Hannah also.


December 3 - Tuesday

This day attended school. In the evening buried cabbage. Nothing particular occurred. Wind the same, rather inclined to rain.


December 4 - Wednesday

This a very snowy morning. Blew a gale all night, was not able to go to school, it was so rough. In the afternoon went to Whale Cove with Mr Phinney to see Mrs Pittman. She is fast approaching Eternity. Mr Phinney administered the Blessed Sacrament to her. Mr Pittman, Mrs Watts and I partook with her. O that her soul may rest as it is on the merits of Christ’s atonement. Glory to God, she is building on the right foundation. O may we all meet at Last with those who have safely arrived. Amen.


December 5 - Thursday

This fine morning attended school. Was informed that John Golding on going on board last night, with Joseph Inkpen, his Master’s son, fell between the boat and stage and was picked up to-day and drowned by Mr Hooper. O Lord, prepare us that we all may be ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the sin of Man cometh.


December 6 - Friday

This a fine morning. Attended school and at two o’clock attended the funeral of John Golding. I tolled the Bell for him. Mr Phinney went to Burin Bay and I held Prayer Meeting in the schoolhouse.


December 7 - Saturday

This a fine moderate day. Saw Henry Cran and Mr Pyke from Flat Islands. Jarvis brought no wood. John and George went down to Path End and brought home parts of John’s garden’s posts to burn. Wrote a letter to Mr G. Inkpen to send to poor John Golding’s mother. Direction -- Mary Golding, sent to Mr Robt Gregory, Road Harbour, Bridport.

December 8 - Sunday

Fine soft morning. Attended services. Heard two beautiful sermons. In the afternoon Mr Phinney preached a funeral sermon for John Golding from 90 Psalms 12 verse. O Lord, impress it solemnly on all our minds. Prayer Meeting at night. Not many attended, it rained so hard.


December 9 -Monday

This a fine day. Mr Collins brought back the boat–could not sell her.


December 10 - Tuesday

This fine morning. George and John went into the woods. Charlotte was here. Mr Coady returned to-day from St. John’s. Also Wm Burfitt. He brought a box with apples and letters from my dear Hennigar. Bless the Lord that they are well. Heard of the sudden death of John Manning.


December 11 - Wednesday

This fine day received a letter from John Malzard. Nothing particular occurred. Attended school. Met the Class.


December 12 - Thursday

This day attended school. Nothing particular occurred. O Lord, Bless and Keep us all.


December 13 - Friday

This a fine frosty morning. Attended school, Prayer Meeting in Mr Phinney’s parlour.


December 14 - Saturday

This morning went into the Bay. Saw John and George at Charlotte’s. They were brooking down wood in the Brook. Came out with Thos Isaac. John Brushett came here with wood. Put in the furnace in the Church.


December 15 - Sunday

This [a] fine morning. Fire lit in the Church the first time. Mr Phinney, Robt Moulton, Elias Mayo, Robt Riggs, Ben and Ed Collins and I put in the furnace last night. Heard two excellent sermons. In the afternoon Mr Phinney read the address from the conference. Billy Isaac was with us to-day. Held Prayer Meeting.


December 16 - Monday

This a most boisterous day. Attended school. Was at Mr Paul’s. He came from St. John’s in the "Shantie Thos Citch". He told me that "Mr Bride and Kean" stopped the schooner and all his effects to be sold to pay the debt of £900. Also Charlie Butler’s things were in Hodder’s boat and owing to some stories they took it all out and sent him home without anything. Mr Paul slept two nights at Mr Sam Collins’ where Hennigar lives. I expect a letter tomorrow.


December 17 - Tuesday

This morning I did receive a letter from my dear daughter Hennigar with a packet of currants, Rice and Cake. O Lord, Bless and keep them both safe. Attended school. Mr and Mrs Coady were here. Was engaged after school in carrying wood.


December 18 - Wednesday

This day attended school. Wrote a letter to Hennigar. Met the Class. O Lord, Bless and keep us all. George and John still in the Bay. Fine frosty day.


December 19 - Thursday

This day attended school. In the evening I went to Ship Cove, brought home five barrels of flour for Mr Phinney. I had from Mr Phinney Bottle of Redways R.R.


December 20 - Friday

This day attended school and closed it for the next fortnight as it is Christmas Holy Days. Had from Mr Phinney one barrel flour.


December 21 - Saturday

This the shortest day. Was into the Salmonier up the Brook to see the boys at the wood. Came back. Had a letter from Mr Hoyles, St. John’s.


December 22 - Sunday

This the Glorious Sabbath. Attended service. In the afternoon Mr Phinney gave a very pleasing lecture on the success of missions in our own, that is to say the Wesleyan connection. O how cheering to hear that in every Nation great ingatherings have been to the Church of Christ. Collections to-day for worn-out ministers and ministers’ widows.


December 23 - Monday

This day engaged in taking John’s bed down and putting Hannah in the parlour of Wm Henry’s house and writing to Mr Hoyles and to Jersey.


December 24 - Tuesday

This a very wet day. Blew a gale of wind. Waited on Mr Hooper in reference to the appointment of assizer on Weights and Measures; had his sanction. Posted a letter to Jersey and one to St. John’s to my daughter.


December 25 – Wednesday - Christmas Day

Attended service. Heard an excellent discourse from Mr Phinney on the Birth of Christ. Dined and took Tea at Mr Phinney’s. My dear wife and Miss E. Darby also. O Lord, Bless all our souls.


December 26 - Thursday

This St Stephen’s Day. It blew very hard all day. I wrote a letter to England to Rev Charles Williams.


December 27 - Friday

This a fine day. Was at Ellen Paul’s. Heard that the Salmonier was fast with ice. Held Prayer Meeting. Mr Phinney not well. Had ½ qtl Fish from him. Sent letter to Rev C. Williams, England.


December 28 - Saturday

This morning went into the Bay. The children are all well. It came to snow very hard and a dirty evening it was. Poor old Mick Curewick is supposed to be dying. O Lord, prepare him for his Change. Mr Benning is also very ill.


December 29 - Sunday

This the Glorious Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons. The last Sabbath in another year. Held Prayer Meeting. Mr Phinney not well. Heavy fall of snow last night.


December 30 - Monday

This morning was informed that Uncle John Brushett was dead, but it was false. Old Michael Curewick died last night. I was down to see James Brushett and Uncle John. I was at Ellen Paul’s. Sally Bailey left Rosiers. She was at our house to-night.


December 31 - Tuesday

This a fine morning. John and George went after wood. Was at the Post office. Informed of the Death of Prince Albert; and that fifteen Sail of the Line passed Cape Race last week for North America with troops. Was at the funeral of Old Michael Curewick. He was 89 years of age. Mr Phinney held Watch Night service. After meeting went to Mr Phinney’s for supper, not home ‘till two o’clock in the morning. O Lord Bless and keep us Faithful and if spared to live the next year, may we realize to our comfort and happiness that we are nearer Heaven. Sent letter to Hennigar by Mr Forsey’s vessel.

 


Burin - 1862


January 1 - Wednesday

This morning went into the Bay and assisted George and John loading the boat. Went to dinner at Philip Vincent’s, then came back, the boat came and Philip came with them. My wife, Mary Ann and I were at Mr Coady’s till eleven o’clock. O Lord Bless and Keep us all. A fine day.


January 2 - Thursday

This day assisted George and John to unload the boat and put the wood in the stove. A fine day till 3 o’clock, then snowed. Heard that Mr Benning is fast approaching is latter end. May God prepare him.


January 3 - Friday

This a fine day, engaged in cutting up wood and shoveling snow. Attended Prayer Meeting. O Lord Bless the means of Grace to our souls.

January 4 - Saturday

Forepart of this day engaged in getting wood for house and Church. About eleven o’clock Wm Isaac came after me to go in as his little brother James was dead. He was taken very ill on Thursday evening and continued all night and Friday all day and night until this morning eight o’clock, had convulsions and then died. O Lord prepare us all. Amen.


January 5 - Sunday

This is the Blessed Sabbath. After morning service Mr Phinney went to Gt. Burin to hold service. I held service in afternoon and Prayer Meeting. O God Bless the means to all the souls that were present and Thy Grace to all mankind.


January 6 - Monday

This a hard day; snowed very hard last night; went into the Bay this morning, had to wade almost to my waistbands in snow it was so deep. I met John and George and Wm Marks and Anthony Lundrigan going out to dig the grave for little James Isaac; they carried him to Ship Cove and Mr Rosier buried him. The snow was so deep and it drifted so that Harriet and Charlotte could not venture out. May God prepare us all for our change.


January 7 - Tuesday

This morning was called at seven o’clock to go after Mrs Paul for Mrs Phinney. Dressed myself, let the fire, went to Burin Bay and called up Mrs Paul. Was back with her at our house in one hour and a quarter. Was engaged in sawing wood and in the evening went to Burin Bay again. Held Prayer Meeting and Class Meeting. O Lord I Bless and Praise Thy Name for all Thy mercies to us all. Amen.


January 8 - Wednesday

This a fine day. Was informed that Thomas, son of Saml Brinton, died last night. About eleven o’clock this morning Mrs Phinney was safely confined of a daughter. Had a letter from my dear Hennigar--all well. Bless the Lord.


January 9 - Thursday

This a fine day. Engaged in sawing wood. Went to Post Office with letters. Saw the funeral of James Moulton. John went to work for Mr Marshall at the Wall under the Court house.


January 10 - Friday

This day sawing wood in part. Service at 12 o’clock being our quarterly Fast day. Nothing particular occurred. Very boisterous this afternoon.


January 11 - Saturday

Forepart of this day very rainy. It continued till three o’clock when the rain stopped and the wind came around in a moment and blew tremendously; carried off some boards from John Collins’ stage.


January. 12 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons. After evening service Mr Phinney went to Spoon Cove and I held Prayer Meeting. O Lord, I pray Thee to Bless Thy Word to our souls.


January 13 - Monday

This a very wet rainy day. Not at school, it was so very boisterous. About three o’clock the wind came off shore and blew very hard. Hauled up Wm Henry’s punt and Ed Collins’. Shipped and put Abbott’s boat upright.


January 14 - Tuesday

This day attended school; a very cold day, freezing very hard. Saw ice in the Public Well. Thos Isaac was here to-day, told us that Harriet had a broken breast. O Lord I pray thee to Bless and Sustain her.


January 15 - Wednesday

This a very snowy morning. Attended school. When I returned saw Thos Collins from Flat Islands. He told us that Old George Moores died about a fortnight before Christmas. I met the Class and wrote a letter to Mr Henry Collins.


January 16 - Thursday

This a very wet morning. It snowed very much all night. Found it a very indifferent walk to school. Attended school. After I came back saw at Mr Phinney’s Tom Monks, Henry Cran and Thos Senior. They are looking for support from Government.


January 17 - Friday

This a very cold day. Attended school. Little Bill Isaac was out from the Bay after iron work. Attended Prayer Meeting.


January 18 - Saturday

This morning Bill Isaac went home. Was engaged sawing wood. Sent a letter to Mr Henry Collins by his son Thos to Red Harbour. They sailed for home and carried Sally Bailey down to her friends.


January 19 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. A fine morning. Attended service and heard two very excellent sermons. O that the Lord may fasten conviction on all. Mr Phinney gave out for Prayer Meeting Sunday evening at Whale Cove. May God’s Blessing attend them. Mr Collins and John Collins came home to-day from herring catching but had very few.


January 20 - Monday

This day attended school. Saw several boats come from catching herring, but could get very few. Saw this evening at Mr Phinney’s. Saml Collins and James Lockland up from Red Harbour with Mr Pyke looking for provisions. O Lord help them out of their distress.


January 21 - Tuesday

This day attended school. Saw Mr Coady, he came from Buffett. All well. Wm Collins and crew were up yesterday to Little Lawn; in the wreck they got 3 barrels flour per man. Fine day. Carried away the cat.


January 22 - Wednesday

This day attended school. Came back and was informed that Mrs Coady’s brother Capt Robert Knight was the captain of the vessel that was lost at Little Lawn. He had two sons with him. The crew consisted of 11 in number; one lost on the passage, one died at Lawn. Fine day.


January 23 - Thursday

This day attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Mr Phinney met the Class at our house and gave Tickets for year. Fine day.


January 24 - Friday

This day attended school and in the evening I received letters and book marks from my dear Hennigar. Bless the Lord that she and all hers are well. I also received a letter and the Act from Mr Hoyles in reference to the testing of weights and measures. Came very snowy in afternoon.


January 25 - Saturday

This morning went in the Bay. Saw the dr children; they are all well. Harriet came out with me after Mary Ann to take her home for a spell, as smallpox is at Mr Coady’s, brought by Capt Knight. O Lord, do Thou step in and not let it spread.


January 26 - Sunday

Service this morning, but none in the afternoon, owing to the smallpox. The services and Sunday schools are closed for a week to see if any more will break out. Saw Father Cullen at Mrs Coady’s; he came to see the sick man. The captain is gone to see for a suitable place to put him, but could not succeed at Mr Morris’ or Mr Marshall’s. Harriet carried Mary Ann home. O lord Bless and Keep us safe.


January 27 - Monday

This day attended school. The poor man is still at Mr Coady’s. The people are not satisfied that Mr Hooper shall bring him to the Point; that is, to his own house. Gave my letter for Hennigar to Captain Knight.


January 28 - Tuesday

This a snowy morning. Attended school. Was at Mr Coady’s to inquire if the man was gone, but found he was not. The Stepaside people would not let him be brought to Hoopers Point. They watched till 10 o’clock with guns and swore that they would shoot the first man that made an attempt to land him there. I was informed that Father Cullen is going to have him over in his stable and Rd Hodder is going to take the crew to St. John’s.


January 29 - Wednesday

This day attended school. As I returned I saw a crew taking the man that has the smallpox to the narrows of Burin Bay to a house belonging to John ______. Was informed that on Sunday last Harriet’s little Robert fell into the fire and burnt his throat and ears. Mr Inkpen’s cow blasted with something and they were forced to kill her.


January 30 - Thursday

This day attended school. Saw Mr Hodder bringing his boat up to take Captain Knight

and his crew to St. John’s when it comes a time. Heard no tidings from the Bay. O Lord do Thou Keep and preserve us from the smallpox.


January 31 - Friday

This day attended school. After school I went into the Salmonier and out again. Was out by six o’clock, found Harriet’s little boy not so much burnt as we heard. His throat, ears, nose and lips were burnt. His clothes was burned off him. O Lord how thankful ought we to be for all Thy mercies to us poor sinners. Mr Coady came home about ten o’clock.


February 1 - Saturday

This day sawing wood. Mr Coady brought home 1600 sticks of firewood. He had to saw out the distance of 113 paces; the ice 18 in thick. In the afternoon, Mr Butler, Constable, was sent over to burn Mr Coady’s sheep house owing to the smallpox; it was burnt to the ground. We hear the man is very bad.

 

February 2 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons. Was informed that the poor man that had the smallpox died this morning about eight o’clock and was interred this evening from the chapel. Was also informed that 16 people are down in the smallpox at Lawn and one in St. Lawrence. O Lord I pray Thee to stop the progress of the Disease and prepare us all for Thy Will. May our trust be in Thee.


February 3 - Monday

Attended school. Was informed that the house the man died in was burnt down as soon as the corpse was out. About 12 o’clock last night Mr Hodder sailed for St. John’s, taking Capt Knight and crew. May they be brought to their families in safety.


February 4 - Tuesday

This day attended school. Was informed that Mrs Mary, wife of Samuel Pittman, died half past six this morning. About 12 o’clock Old Mrs Eleanor Beazley departed also this life. Their happy spirits have safely landed in that Holy place with angels. May we all be among that Blessed company. Amen.


February 5 - Wednesday

This day attended school. Saw the people digging the graves for our departed sisters. Was informed that a meeting was held yesterday and to-day at the Court house to consult and settle where to build a hospital for sick people. May God prepare us all for our change from Time to Eternity. May our end be Peace. Amen.

February 6 - Thursday

This day no school. Attended the funerals of our dear departed sisters. O that we all may triumph as they have. May we meet them on that Great Rising Day. Forever with the Lord.


February 7 - Friday

This day attended school and Prayer Meeting. Nothing particular occurred.


February 8 - Saturday

This day engaged in sawing wood first part of the day. In the afternoon went down to see poor Uncle John. Poor man, I trust the Lord will be pleased to make him ready for his latter end.


February 9 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Attended services. Heard two very excellent sermons by Mr Phinney. In the afternoon he baptised his little daughter, called her Jessica Ella, and improved the death of Mrs Beazley and Mrs Pittman. O that we all may when our end is come know that to die is gain. I held Prayer Meeting. O Lord Bless the means to all our souls.


February 10 - Monday

This day attended school. John Harding, Mr Coady and Isaac Collins went in this morning for partridge. Nothing particular occurred. Snow to-day.


February 11 - Tuesday

This day attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Fine weather this last month. O lord Help us to praise Thee for Thy goodness to us.


February 12 - Wednesday

This day attended school. Met the Class in the evening. John, Mr Coady and Isaac Collins returned from partridge shooting. John, 2; Mr Coady, 3, and Isaac Collins, 1. Fine day.


February 13 - Thursday

This day attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Still fine weather. Bless the Lord.


February 14 - Friday

This day attended school and Prayer Meeting at the new schoolhouse. Was informed that a man at St. Lawrence died in the smallpox a day or two ago.


February 15 - Saturday

This day went into the Bay; my daughter Charlotte not very well. Was informed that Mr Brushett’s wife had a twin of daughters on Wednesday last.


February 16 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Attended service this morning. Mr Phinney delivered a good sermon on those words, "The Wages of Sin is Death". He went to Gt Burin to hold service in the afternoon and I held service at three o’clock, but it came so boisterous that we could have no Prayer Meeting. O Lord Bless Thy word to our souls.


February 17 - Monday

This morning it was very boisterous, a gale of wind to the W.N.W. I went to Burin Bay but no fire or school open so I came back. The people thought it too cold to send the children.


February 18 - Tuesday

This day attended school. A very cold day. In the evening saw Mr Pine and the Streets go to Mr Collins to settle about the boat. He is to have her this summer.


March 1 - Saturday

This day was in the Bay and saw my children. They are well. Thank God. Brought out Mary Ann. Was informed that Brother in law Wm Brushett died last night. O that he may have found the Rest that remaineth for the people of God.


March 2 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two excellent sermons. No Prayer Meeting this evening, it was very dirty with rain and snow all day. O Lord Bless us all.


March 3 - Monday

This day attended school. Saw Thos Citch come out of the ice from Spoon Cove. Saw several people of the ice below Charley Craw. Nothing particular occurred.


March 4 - Tuesday

This day attended school. Fine day. The ice is still in the Harbour and Reach.


March 5 - Wednesday

This day attended school. Soft day. Met the Class.


March 6 - Thursday

This day attended school. Nothing particular occurred. The ice still in the Harbour.


March 7 - Friday

Attended school. Prayer Meeting in the evening. Nothing particular occurred. The ice seems to move. Strong breeze N.E.


March 8 - Saturday

This day not in the Bay. This morning saw the Reach free from ice. Sawed up the last of my wood. Expecting all day that the Packet would come but did not owing to the wind so high. Job Ware sailed the morning. A gale of wind, E


March 9 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two most excellent sermons from Mr Phinney. Prayer Meeting at night in the vestry. O Lord make all our souls Thine.

March 10 - Monday

This day attended school; saw Mr Bartlett’s boat come into the Harbour. Was in hopes she brought the mail but she left Placentia a week ago; she brought Mr Marshall’s flour that was left that was not stolen. Soft fine day.


March 11 - Tuesday

This day attended school. Fine morning, but about 12 o’clock came very dirty. Snowed very fast and blew hard. Nothing this day occurred. Still disappointed not hearing from my dear daughter. No packet yet.


March 12 - Wednesday

This day attended school and in the evening a meeting at the vestry to settle about the school being kept as for the next 15 months. And Doctor Haddock is to remain Master for the time. Nothing particular else.


March 13 - Thursday

Attended school. Saw a crowd and was informed that old Wm Penney died this morning. O Lord prepare us all for our change. Amen.


March 14 - Friday

Attended school to-day and Prayer Meeting in the evening. A schooner from Halifax bound for St. John’s, 21 days out. No Packet yet. O Lord soon send us good news.


March 15 - Saturday

This day was in the Bay. They are all well, Bless the Lord. No Packet yet. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.


March 16 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two excellent sermons on the Carnal Mind. O Lord Bless the labours of Thy servant. Prayer Meeting at the vestry. Saw that Nathaniel Day was come but he did not get to St. John’s for ice. The Packet arrived but we had no letters to-day. Was informed that none of the sealers are out owing to the quantity of ice; it is said 150 miles on the shore. Little Bill Vincent was here to-day.


March 17 - Monday

St. Patrick’s day and a very dirty day. No to school, the weather so boisterous. Had a letter from Hennigar and wrote one in answer, one to Mr S. Collins and one to Mr Rodgerson. O Lord Bless us all.


March 18 - Tuesday

Attended school. A great fall of snow so that I had a very poor walk. Sent my letters off and borrowed 25 sticks of firewood from Mr Coady.


March 19 - Wednesday

This day attended school at 3 o’clock. Attended Trustee Meeting, found that I am to give up Burin Bay school the last of June. I trust that God will provide. The Trustees made Mr Phinney sensible that the house I live in was mine while I live and if my wife lives after me, till her death it’s hers. Present at the meeting–Rev Mr Phinney, Mr Rd Willy, Mr Wm Kirby, Mr Thos Foote, Mr Henry Hollett, Mr Rd Moulton and myself.


March 20 - Thursday

This day attended school. After I came home in the evening went and measured the burying ground. Saw many boats come in. Charlotte was here.


March 21 - Friday

This day attended school. Prayer Meeting at night in vestry. Mrs Hodder had her child baptised. Elias and Sarah Mayo stood to it. "Charles" is his name. Saw a Brig belonging to McBride and Kerr from Porto, could not get to St. John’s for ice. It’s a long way off and Placentia Bay full.


March 22 - Saturday

This day not in the Bay. Mr I. Inkpen and I went on the Man of War Hill with the spy-glass and saw a great body of ice, apparently in to the bill of the Cape, and two vessels in it under sail. McBride’s vessel that came in last evening 43 days from Porto and three weeks in the ice. O Lord protect poor sailors.


March 23 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard a good sermon in the morning from Mr Phinney. He went to Great Burin in the afternoon. I held service and Prayer Meeting in the evening. Foggy.


March 24 - Monday

Attended school. Saw the ice off to sea. Mr Hodder cannot come owing to it. My wife was at Mrs Mayo’s. Mr Coady went off with Isaac Collins to Flat Islands. O Lord Bless and Keep us all.


March 25 - Tuesday

Attended school, saw the ice off to sea. Mr Hodder cannot come owing to it. My wife was at Mrs Mayo’s. Mr Coady went off with Isaac Collins, Flat Islands. O Lord Bless & Keep us all.


March 26 - Wednesday

Attended school, met the Class. Bless the Lord, it was a fine time. The Lord was with us, Glory to his Name. Saw a Fore Topsail Schooner come in with Indian Meal for the poor people.


March 27 - Thursday

Attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day. Mr Hodder not come home.


March 28 - Friday

This day attended school and Prayer Meeting in the evening. The Examination was held at the Vestry for the children, several attended. In the evening Capt Croucher and a schooner came in. They had it very rough. A great deal of ice on the Coast.


March 29 - Saturday

This day was in the Bay. Found my children well. Bless the Lord. Saw a Bark and a Brig come into the Harbour bound to St. John’s but could not proceed for ice.


March 30 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons from Mr Phinney. Held Prayer Meeting in Vestry. Harriet was out to-day. A schooner came in from the ice.


March 31 - Monday

Attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Saw Mr Pyke from Flat Islands. G. Inkpen went off for St. Peters.


April 1 - Tuesday

Attended school. Some of the boats went off for the French. Nothing particular occurred.


April 2 - Wednesday

Wm Collins went off this morning. John went with him. O Lord Prosper them and keep them from all evil. Attended school. No Class meeting, no one attended. Wrote a letter to Hennigar and sent a handkerchief, and wrote to Mr Isaac Collins. A Large Brig came in to-day.


April 3 - Thursday

Attended school. In the evening carried my letters on board. Capt Thos Kitch for St. John’s. Nothing particular occurred.


April 4 - Friday

This day attended school and Prayer Meeting in the evening. The ice is still binding the coast so that the vessels cannot sail.


April 5 - Saturday

This day down to see Uncle John Brushett. Was at Mrs Paul’s. Saw the "Osprey" Halifax steamer from Trepassy. She hath been delayed.17 days owing to the coast being blocked up with ice. Brought the news that St. John’s shore is jammed and that the ice is 600 miles off. O Lord, do thou have mercy on us and send suitable winds to carry it off that there may be communication to and fro.


April 6 - Sunday

The Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons and attended Prayer Meeting. Saw the steamer go off this morning bound for Halifax. O Lord, grant that the coast may soon clear of ice, that we may hear from St. John’s. Finished lighting fire in the Church; all the coal burnt.

April 7 - Monday

This day attended school. No arrival yet. The wind still on the easterly point, strong breeze to-day. E.S.E. Snow in the evening.


April 8 - Tuesday

Attended school. A very wet snowy day with sleet. Wind still E.S.E. O Lord, if it is Thy Blessed will, alter the weather and send favourable winds that we may hear from our dear child.


April 9 - Wednesday

Attended school. Met my Class in the evening. Saw the shipping go off. 3 brigs and a schooner for St. John’s. Wind N.W. O Lord, I pray Thee to send Mr Richard Hodder back soon to his family with good news for us.


April 10 - Thursday

Attended school. Nothing particular occurred, only saw John Brown, Charles Brinton and Samuel Hollett putting down the foundation of Mr Coady’s house in place of the one that was burnt owing to the smallpox. Saw Jersey James. Fine day. Thos Kitch sailed for St. John’s.


April 11 - Friday

Attended school. Prayer Meeting in the evening. Saw several vessels come into the Harbour. The ice still blocking up the coast. Thos Kitch came back and Con Butler. They were bound to St. John’s.


April 12 - Saturday

This day was in the Bay to see my children. Found them all well. Bless the Lord. Was at Mrs Paul’s; had 1 lb Tea from her. A strong breeze of wind N.E. carried the ice out of Burin Bay. O that it may soon clear the coast that we may hear from St. John’s.


April 13 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very eloquent sermons on "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast him out." No Prayer Meeting in the evening; a very cold boisterous rainy day. Very few could attend service. The wind still E.N.E.


April 14 - Monday

Attended school. Fixed up my currant trees. Carried manure in the garden. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.


April 16 - Tuesday

This day attended school. Met the Class in evening. Saw a vessel of McBride’s come in; was not able to get on for ice. A fine day. We took tea at Mrs Coady’s with Miss Darby. Was to see Mr Inkpen.


April 17 - Thursday

Attended school. Saw Mr Henry Collins from Flat Islands. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.


April 18 - Friday

Good Friday. This morning heard a fine discourse from Mr Phinney on the Death of Christ. O Lord, help us all to realize that Jesus is our Redeemer. Prayer Meeting in the evening in Vestry. A fine day. Bless the Lord. Wind N.W. May it soon clear the coast of ice.


April 19 - Saturday

This day was in the Bay, saw my children. All well. Helped to haul out Thos Isaac’s punt. Philip Vincent brought out my pickets and three rails and some firewood. Fine day, the wind still hanging E.N.E., that the ice cannot clear the coast.


April 20 – Easter Sunday

This day heard two very excellent sermons on the Resurrection of Christ. O that we may rely on the salvation that Christ hath made perfect through suffering. Held Prayer Meeting as Mr Phinney went to great Burin.


April 21 - Monday

This day was at Bull’s Cove, took tea at Mr Martin’s. Went to Mrs Isaacs’ and got cabbage seed; saw Mr Hodder come from St. John’s. Received letter from my dear daughter. Had invitation to come to St. John’s. O Lord, direct me for the best. The ice is not entirely gone.


April 22 - Tuesday

No school. Attended Miss Foote’s funeral. Nothing particular occurred, only began to put up fence at road side garden.


April 23 - Wednesday

This day attended school. Mr Phinney met the Class and renewed the Tickets. Rob Riggs and Wm Hollett came this morning from the French. Nothing doing. O Lord, prepare us for all trials. Mr Phinney told me I must give up the school at Burin Bay.


April 24 - Thursday

This day attended school. A wet day and very few children attended. Nothing particular occurred. Sowed cabbage and turnip seed.


April 25 - Friday

This day attended school. Prayer Meeting in the evening at the vestry. Saw two vessels go for St. John’s. Fine day.


April 26 - Saturday

Was in the Bay, carried Mary Ann home. Was at Mr Isaac’s, Bull’s Cove. Heard of Mary Allen having twin of children. Was at Mr Gorman’s after 2 gals molasses (sic) and 1 1/4 lbs tea. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day. Hen sat.


April 27 - Sunday

This the blessed Sabbath. Heard a beautiful sermon on Remember thy Creator in the Days of Thy Youth. Ecel 12-1-. Prayer Meeting in the evening. Thos Isaac was here to-day.


April 28 - Monday

Attended school. To-day had a letter from my dear daughter. All well. Bless God. Sent a letter by Mr Coady to her.


April 29 Tuesday

Attended school. Mr Coady went off for St. John’s. Fencing garden. Was at Mr Paul’s to dinner. Mr Giles came up to Mr Pine’s for the summer. Mrs Britt and Susan helped paper the parlour.


April 30 - Wednesday

Attended school this morning but it was so wet no school in the afternoon. Mr Coady came back. The wind ahead. No Class meeting.


May 1 - Thursday

This day attended school. Nothing very particular occurred. Saw a large island of ice off Shollaway. Mr Pine and Mr Coady sailed for St. John’s this morning.


May 2 - Friday

No school to-day. Fast day. Prayer Meeting as 12 o’clock and 6. Sowed cabbage seed and turnip seed. Planted stumps and beans and made a strawberry bed. Dined and took tea with Mrs Coady. Fine day.


May 3 - Saturday

This a snowy wet day. Got up 4 o’clock. Saw Wm Collins come home and G. Britt. John and all are well. Bless the Lord. Was not in to the Bay, fixing garden fence.


May 4 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath, but a very wet day. Very few attended service either morning or evening. No Prayer Meeting. O Lord, Bless all our souls.


May 5 - Monday

This day attended school. Received from Jersey two letters and by the "Richard", Mr Falls’ vessel, some seeds from John Malzard. O Lord, I thank Thee that he and his dear family are well. I received two letters dated February 22 and March 27. Made an onion bed.


May 6 - Tuesday

Attended school in morning, but it blew a terrible gale of wind so that I did not go in the afternoon. Met the Class. The garden fence blew down. Sowed beans and stumps.


May 7 Wednesday

Attended school this day and in the evening put a letter in the post for Jersey. Fine day.


May 8 - Thursday

This morning got up at four o’clock to repair the garden fence. Attended school. Saw an island of ice in the mouth of Burin Bay.


May 9 - Friday

This day attended school. A very rough snowy day. Blew so hard that it took down my garden fence again. Saw the island of ice go into Burin Bay. Wrote to Messrs Brittle, Peach and Dove.


May 10 - Saturday

This day busily engaged from four o’clock in the morning until 6 o’clock in evening repairing fence of garden that was blown down and finishing the new. A squally day. Poor George Brett brought home sick. O Lord, if it is unto Death prepare him for his change.


May 11 - Sunday

This a Glorious Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons on those words "This do in remembrance of Me." Luke 22 - 19 verse, and after the sacrament was administered. Upwards of 100 communicants. O may it be refreshing to all our souls. Went in the evening and saw G. Brett and Josh Inkpen that are sick. O Lord, restore them if it is Thy will.


May 12 - Monday

This day attended school. In the evening was down to Mr Hooper. Made Hot Bed in Garden. Nothing particular occurred, only George and John brought out John’s house from Black Duck Cove.


May 13 - Tuesday

This day attended school. John Ware came from the Westward shore full of fish. He brought two ministers bound with Mr Phinney to the District meeting. Saw them. It was Rev Mr Gatze and Rev Mr Landross. John began to carry up his house. Sowed beets, carrots and beans.


May 14 - Wednesday

This day Mr Phinney, Mr Gatze, Mr Landross, Patrick Morris and Father Cullen went off in Con Butler’s schooner for St John’s. O Lord, give them a good time. No Class this evening. No one attended, a heavy frost tonight. Made garden gate.


May 15 - Thursday

This day attended school. Saw Mr Bishop and by him I received a letter and papers from Mrs I Collins. Sarah Jane arrived at George’s. Nothing particular occurred, only I helped put the foundation of John’s house in its place.


May 16 - Friday

This day attended school. Had two letters from my dear daughter Hennigar and one from Mr Coady. They are all well, Bless God. Henry Collins and Miss Dicks are married to-day. Put up the frame and partly studded John’s house.


May 17 - Saturday

This day was into the Bay and saw my dear children. They are well. Have part of their potatoes set. Came back and helped John stud his house.


May 18 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Held service twice, but felt so poorly could hold no Sabbath school or Prayer Meeting. Susan Harding was confined of a son between six and seven o’clock this evening. A glorious fine day. O Lord, I thank Thee for all Thy mercies to us. Keep us all safe. Amen.


May 19 - Monday

This day not to school, very poorly in my head. Nothing particular occurred. Jersey James was here.


May 20 - Tuesday

This morning was called up by Thos Isaac. He came for the Doctor for his daughter Hannah. She was very ill. Was informed that Rd Marshall’s son John died this morning. May we be prepared for our change. Attended school twice to-day.


May 21 - Wednesday

This day attended school. Met the Class in the evening. Charlotte, my daughter, was here to-day. Martha Burgess is turned away from Mr G. Inkpen. She is in the family way.


May 22 - Thursday

This day attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.


May 23 - Friday

This day attended school. No Prayer Meeting in the evening; no one attended. Saw several boats come from Cape. The fish is getting plenty on the ground. Bless the Lord for all his mercies. Fine day.


May 24 - Saturday

Was in to the Bay. Saw Hannah. Poor girl, she is very ill. O Lord, prepare her for all They Will either for life or death. Thos killed a calf. I brought out one quarter to George. Saw a great many boats in the Bay looking for bait. Strong gale of wind. W.N.W.


May 25 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Held service twice and Prayer Meeting in evening. Not many attended services owing to strong gale of wind. W.N.W.


May 26 - Monday

This day attended school, was informed that Mr Wm Knight at St. John’s had his house and all his property in it burnt about a fortnight agone; it was not insured. Mr John Wood, shipbuilder, was at Mrs Coady’s and told her. Mr Knight is her brother. Wind same way and very high. Was informed that Rd Marshall’s farm took fire and burnt a great part of the wood.


May 27 - Tuesday

This day attended school. In the evening saw Ed Collins’ new boat from Flat Islands. Began to drag stumps and boughs again from the hills. O Lord, give me health and strength for my work and to Thy name be the Glory.


May 28 - Wednesday

This morning attended school but it came so wet that in the afternoon there was none and no Class meeting. The rain was in torrents all the evening; was at Mrs Coady’s all the afternoon.


May 29 - Thursday

This a fine day. Attended school. Saw Mr Henry Nichol from Grand Bank. He came in here last night from St. John’s on his way home. He told me that several boats were lost up to the Island.


May 30 - Friday

This day attended school and Prayer Meeting in the evening. When I came home at noon I found George’s little child very ill, having symptoms of convulsions. He continued so all the evening, but as night came on he seemed a little better. Betsy Collins and George stopped up all the night.


May 31 - Saturday

This morning got up 1/4 before four and went to see the child. He appeared no worse. I went into the Bay but when I came back found him getting worse, the convulsions following him.


June 1 - Sunday

Was called up at four o’clock and told that our little "William Thomas" was dead. He died about half past three. O Lord, sustain the parents and prepare us all for our end. Conducted service twice and Prayer Meeting. O Lord, bless the services of Thy Day. Amen.


June 2 - Monday

This morning got up about half past four. Saw Capt Kitch at Mr Bishop’s. Saw Mr Phinney and he told me that Wm Henry and my dear daughter Hennigar were come. Went into the house and had the pleasure of seeing them well in health. Bless the Lord. They are living with us the summer. Attended school in the morning but in the afternoon attended the funeral of our dear little boy Wm Thos After Mr and Mrs Phinney and I went to Whale Cove to see Susan Hatcher. May God Bless her and prepare her.


June 3 - Tuesday

No school to-day. Was engaged in superintending washing the Church and blacking the stoves and pipes. Wm Henry and John put down shores and rails to stage-head.


June 4 - Wednesday

This day attended school. No meeting. No one attended. Heard that Thomas Martin died yesterday. O Lord, sustain his poor wife in her bereavement.


June 5 - Thursday

Attended school this morning and the funeral of Thos Martin. G. Sturbridge came from the Gulf. Bless the Lord, no accident happened to them as it was reported. Robert Riggs came also.


June 6 - Friday

Attended school and Prayer Meeting at night. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.


June 7 - Saturday

This morning Hennigar and I went off at four o’clock in the Bay to see my dear children. Found Thos Isaac not very well. Came out to Mrs Paul’s and had our dinner. Came home and wrote letters to St. John’s.


June 8 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Attended services. Heard two excellent sermons by Mr Phinney for the benefit of the young and addressed to them in particular. O may the labour of Thy servant be crowned with great success. Received from Mr John R. Knight of Green Bay a letter by Mr Coady. May God Bless and keep them. Amen.


June 9 - Monday

Attended school. Saw Mr Hurney measuring Doctor Haddock’s land. Was informed that Eliza, daughter of Mr John Hodder, and wife of Henry Brown and Elinor White are dead. O Lord prepare us for our change.


June 10 - Tuesday

Attended school. Nothing particular occurred.


June 11 - Wednesday

Attended school and met the Class in the evening. Mr Coady went off for caplin hauling. Charlotte and Harriett’s Mary Ann were here.


June 12 - Thursday

Attended school. No Prayer Meeting as they fresh painted the porch.

June 13 - Friday

Attended school. No Prayer Meeting as they fresh painted the porch.


June 14 - Saturday

Went with Wm Henry and John in the punt to Path End and walked into the Bay. Found them all well, came back at one o’clock. The boats are bringing in fine trips of fish. Bless the Lord for all His mercies.


June 15 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two blessed sermons. Held Prayer Meeting in Vestry. Saw Joseph Troke; poor man, he is quite helpless, hath been for the last eighteen years.


June 16 - Monday

This day attended school. Received a letter from Susan Collins, Flat Islands. Mr Pine’s schooner came home, upwards 300 qtls fish. Saw Mr Pyke. Brought home potatoes: 1 brl for Mr Coady, ½ brl for John Collins and ½ brl for myself.


June 17 - Tuesday

Attended school. Found it very cold. It hailed very much in the forenoon. Was informed that old John Mayo died yesterday morning. Nothing particular occurred. Fine afternoon. Fine afternoon. O Lord, prepare us all for our change.


June 18 - Wednesday

This day attended school. Met the Class in the evening. Mr Inkpen’s boat brought home 35 qtls fish.


June 19 - Thursday

This day no school. Attended the funeral of old Mr John Mayo. After went to Whale Cove to see Mrs Watts and Susan Hatcher. Found Mrs Watts had taken her departure to a world of spirits; she died this morning about 11 o’clock. May her soul rest in peace. Mr and Mrs Phinney, Percy and Baby went off to Flat Islands with Philip Pine and Mr Ryke.


June 20 - Friday

Attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.


June 21 - Saturday

This the longest day. Arose at four o’clock. Engaged in collecting cods-heads for garden. Saw poor Mr Watts; he is really dejected on account of the removal of his dear partner from him and his children. May God the Eternal Spirit cheer his drooping spirits and preserve him and his.


June 22 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Held service in the morning. In the afternoon attended the funeral of Mrs Watts. Went to Whale Cove and came with the corpse. Kept it in the Church during service and then interred it. Mr Phinney away. O Lord, sustain poor Mr Watts and comfort his mind.

June 23 - Monday

Attended school. My wife went down to Path End to see her brother, John Brushett. When I came home at noon I saw the steamer moored off our cove.


June 24 - Tuesday

This Midsummer’s Day. Fine day. Attended school. Wm Henry and John had punt-load of fish. O Lord, make us thankful for every mercy.


June 25 - Wednesday

Attended school. No Class. Wet in the evening. Not one attended. Nothing particular occurred, only Mr Pippy’s son came with goods and is to have part of Samuel Collins’ and Wm Henry’s house to keep shop in and to store his fish, etc.


June 26 - Thursday

This day attended school. Fine day.

 

June 27 - Friday

This morning saw that Mr and Mrs Phinney came last night from Flat Islands. Attended school and closed it for the last time as I am unjustly turned out. Mr Phinney brought W.H. Collins’ daughter Ellen with him for a nurse.


June 28 - Saturday

Was in the Bay; saw my dear children. All well, Bless God. Came out and was engaged in setting out cabbage plants. Nothing particular occurred.


June 29 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Mr Phinney preached a funeral sermon for Mrs Watts from First Thess [?], 4th Chapter, 14th verse. O Lord, prepare us for our latter end.


June 30 - Monday

This day clear of the school. They, that is Pine and Co. turned me out to get Miss Darby into it, very unfairly. Went to Bull’s Cove, saw poor Mrs Martin. She seemed very disconsolate after her poor husband. May God sustain her and be a comfort unto her. Was from Bull’s Cove to the narrows of Burin Bay looking for plants and succeeded at Mrs Keating’s.


July 1 - Tuesday

This day engaged in setting out the plants that I got yesterday.


July 2 - Wednesday

This day engaged in the garden and at Whale Cove to see Mrs Hatcher. Met the Class in the evening.


July 3 - Thursday

This morning was over to Whale Cove Pond, cutting pea sticks and working in the garden. Nothing particular occurred.

July 4 - Friday

This morning engaged in the garden and in the afternoon went into the Bay. Stopped with Harriet all night. Thomas is at the Cape.


July 5 - Saturday

This morning came out of the Bay. Was at the Post Office, brought home letters and papers, etc. Was informed that Mr Phinney is to stop another year with us in Burin. O Lord, prosper thine own Cause. Amen.


July 6 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard an excellent discourse. O may we improve by what we hear. Held Prayer Meeting in evening.


July 7 - Monday

Was at the Post Office early to put letters in for Halifax and St. John’s. Mr Phinney sent for me to take Path End school for six months. Went to Mr Birkett’s and from that to Mr Willy’s for him to go and make arrangements about the stove for the school.


July 8 - Tuesday

This day was at Spoon Cove. Dined at Mr Goddard’s. Saw Mr Bartlett’s family come across to Mud Cove and then across the Bay. Saw Mrs T Beasley, went to Mrs Paul’s and John Paul’s and then came home. Very wet evening.


July 9 - Wednesday

This day was down looking about the school at Path End. Saw Mrs Gaulton, saw Uncle John, saw John Phelan’s funeral. Saw at Mr O’Neil’s wharf the steamer "Blue Jacket". She brought a lot of St. John’s merchants to see their dealers and to see how the fishing is getting on.


July 10 - Thursday

This a very wet day. Mr Phinney and family went to Spoon Cove to paint the schoolhouse. Was informed that Thos Inkpen’s little boy fell over the stage into the water and was so ill that Doctor Haddock was sent for but found him better.


July 11 - Friday

This day was at Mr Birkett’s and Rev Mr Rosier’s and got some books from Rev Mr Rosier. Nothing particular occurred.


July 12 - Saturday

This morning went into the Bay, saw the children. All well. Returned to Mr Birkett’s and got school register from him. Fine day.


July 13 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Attended service and in the evening Prayer Meeting. O Lord Bless the Word to our Precious Souls.


July 14 - Monday

This day opened Path End school. Had 12 children. Nothing occurred, only plenty squid jigged in Path End and Ship Cove.


July 15 - Tuesday

Attended school. Nothing particular occurred. 20 children.


July 16 - Wednesday

Attended school, 23 children. Was informed that Mr Philip Hollett died Monday. Met the Class. Dull day.


July 17 - Thursday

This day attended school. Was informed that old Mrs Lundrigan died this morning. O Lord, prepare us all for our latter end.


July 18 - Friday

This day attended school. Went into the Bay. Stopped at Charlotte’s. Was informed that old Mrs Lundrigan was to be interred tomorrow.


July 19 - Saturday

This morning saw the funeral of old Mrs Lundrigan. Came out, saw Uncle John, read and prayed with him. Was at the Post Office, brought letters to Mr Phinney and the Dr. Fine day.


July 20 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Bless the Lord that this is 43 years since I by the Grace of God forsook the intoxicating cup. Heard two very excellent sermons; the afternoon one was to improve the Death of Mr Philip Hollett. O Lord, Bless the word to our souls. No Prayer Meeting; it was so very wet.


July 21 - Monday

This day attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Foggy day.


July 22 - Tuesday

This day attended school. 35 children. A foggy day.


July 23 – Wednesday

Attended school this day. Harriet was out from the Bay. John bought a clock yesterday from Mr Langmead. Met the Class. Very fine day.


July 24 - Thursday

This day attended school. The "Pearlers" McBride brig came and brought John McBride and wife.


July 25 - Friday

Attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Opened the Prayer Meeting.

July 26 - Saturday

This a very dirty morning. Was engaged in hilling up my cabbage plants. The cod-seine was returned last night. Wm Collins only 90 qtls for entire time and Mr Burfitt only seven. This very poor.


July 27 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Attended services, found it good to be engaged in God’s house. Held Prayer Meeting in the evening. O Lord, keep us faithful. Let not the Devil have the upper hand of any of us, and it is to be feared he hath with old Mr Joseph Bartlett.


July 28 - Monday

Attended school this day. Nothing particular occurred. Dull day.


July 29 -Tuesday

This a glorious day for fish. Attended school. Mrs Harding (Susan) was at Mrs Mitchell’s.


July 30 - Wednesday

Attended school to-day. A very fine day. Mr Phinney met my Class and renewed the Quarterly Tickets. O Lord, Bless and keep us faithful.


July 31 - Thursday

This a dull morning. Bless the Lord that my dear wife is spared to see her 65th annual birthday. Nothing particular occurred.


August 1 - Friday

This foggy morning attended school, went into the Bay. Stopped at Harriet’s, found them all well.


August 2 - Saturday

This a very wet morning. Came out of the Bay, was very wet. Nothing particular occurred.


August 3 - Sunday

Attended service. Heard something about back biting. Held Prayer Meeting in evening. Harriet, Hannah and Mary Ann were out to-day.


August 4 - Monday

Attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Very poor weather for fish. Little Philip Vincent came out with me after school.


August 5 - Tuesday

This day attended school. Poor day for fish. O Lord, if it is Thy will, alter the weather that it may be fine to save the fish for the poor people.


August 6 - Wednesday

Attended school. Saw Harriet and Charlotte, my two daughters, out for flour. Met the Class in the evening. Fine evening.


August 7 - Thursday

Attended school. Fine day for the fish. Bless God. Charlotte was out to see her mother.


August 8 - Friday

This day attended school. Fine day. Was informed that Mrs Martha, wife of Thos Moulton, died in confinement. Was not delivered before she died, but Dr Moran opened her after and took the dear little female baby from her; she was in such a way that she could not be delivered. O may her soul rest in Peace. Amen.


August 9 - Saturday

This morning went to Port au Bras to see Mrs Richard Dibbon according to promise; the family all well. Saw the blind daughter of Job Fudge, 40 years old. I read a chapter and prayed with her. She was very thankful for the opportunity to show her love of god. We sang the three following hymns: "The Morning Flowers," "Come Away to the Skies," and "Lord Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing". I found it a very comfortable day. Bless the Lord.


August 10 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard a very encouraging discourse from Hebr 4-16 by Mr Ryke. O that God may own the labours of His young servant. In the afternoon attended the funeral of Mrs M Moulton. A very large congregation assembled at Gt Burin. The school house was full and I think nearly 200 people in the burying ground. Mr Phinney preached in the open air. O that God may bless the word to our souls. Rained very hard in evening.


August 11 - Monday

This day attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Fine part of the day.


August 12 - Tuesday

This day attended school. Mary Ann Isaacs came up with me to see her Grandma. John carried Josiah last evening out for the first time fishing and kept him out all night. The little fellow caught 20 fish and not a bit sick. Little Harriet was like to be drowned; she fell through the wharf.


August 13 - Wednesday

This day attended school. Wet day. Met the Class. Nothing particular occurred.


August 14 - Thursday

Attended school. Saw Mr Hodder come in loaded with cod. Was to see poor old Mr Gaulton. O Lord prepare him for his change from Time to Eternity that his end may be Peace.


August 15 - Friday

Attended school. Went into the Bay in evening, found my children well. Bless the Lord for all his mercies.


August 16 - Saturday

This a wet morning. Came out of the Bay, found my dear wife well. Bless God.

August 17 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very good sermons from Mr Phinney. Had to superintend the Sabbath school. Held Prayer Meeting in the evening.


August 18 - Monday

This day attended school. My dear wife went with me to Ellen Paul’s to go into the Bay to see her children and went in in the evening. Fine day. Lord Bless and keep her safe.


August 19 - Tuesday

This day attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Sent a letter to Mr Dove by the Post. Fine day but came to rain in the evening very hard. Heard that my dear wife is well.


August 20 - Wednesday

Attended school. Hear that my dear wife is well. Thank God for his mercies to her. Mary Ann Isaac fell over Ellen Paul’s gallery and cut her head in two places, but not very much, thanks be to God. No one attended Class meeting. Mr Coady sailed for St. John’s to-day.


August 21 - Thursday

Attended school. Received a letter from St. John’s in reference to weights and measures. Heard my dear wife was well. Bless the Lord for his goodness.


August 22 - Friday

Attended school. Went into the Bay, found my dear wife and children well. Bless the Lord for all his Mercy.


August 23 -Saturday

This morning came out of the Bay. All well.


August 24 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two sermons on "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" After evening service I accompanied Mr Phinney to Burin Bay; took tea at Mr Pine’s, then went to Spoon Cove, held Prayer Meeting there. After, Mr Phinney examined the members of the Class in reference to Mr Bartlett’s "Fall" and they agreed to forgive him. He is put out from being a leader and member and took on trial. The families exchanged forgiveness with each other re Mr Goddard and Mr Bartlett. O that God may return unto him once more the joys of His Salvation and keep us all Faithful unto Death. Amen.


August 25 - Monday

Attended school. Heard that my dear wife is well. Bless God for all his Mercies to her. Mr Hooper informed me that the weights and measures were come and I am to take them in my possession.

 

August 26 - Tuesday

Attended school. Heard that my dear wife is poorly. May God strengthen her and bring her back safely. Was furnished with a lawyer’s letter from Webb of St. John’s.


August 27 - Wednesday

Attended school. My dear wife came out to Ellen Paul’s from the Bay. In the evening attended the Temperance lecture in the schoolhouse. Mr Phinney gave a good lecture; about 12 joined.


August 28 - Thursday

Attended school and stopped at Ellen Paul’s with my dear wife. Had a good night’s rest. Bless the Lord.


August 29 - Friday

This day attended school. Blew and rained very hard the first part of the day. My dear wife came home with me this evening.


August 30 - Saturday

This day not in the Bay; was engaged in getting home the weights and measures for inspecting. Very wet day. The judge and lawyers all went off to-day.


September 1 - Monday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard a very excellent discourse from Mr Phinney. Prayer Meeting in the evening. Spent the evening at Mr Coady’s in singing and prayer.


September 2 - Tuesday

This day attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.


September 3 – Wednesday

This day attended school. After, met with Class. O Lord, make us faithful unto Death.


September 4 - Thursday

Attended school. Susan and Hennigar went into the Bay to see Harriet and Charlotte. No berries to be got.


September 5 - Friday

Attended school. Nothing particular occurred, only Capt Keach arrived this evening from St. John’s, only 8 days gone, brought Mrs Amelia Collins. No Prayer Meeting, no lights.


September 6 - Saturday

This day attended Court in order to receive my appointment as assizer but the justices were gone to a picnic in the Bay. In the evening Bishop Mullock arrived. A bonfire was on Rd Marshall’s hill and John Power fired guns. Mrs Collsey [?] with us to tea.


September 7 Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons from Mr Phinney. O Lord, may we improve by them. Held Prayer Meeting in the vestry.


September 8 - Monday

This day attended Court and was sworn in as assizer of weights and measures before Mr Hooper, Stipendiary Magistrate and John O’Neil, J.P. Engaged in making out notices. Mary Abbott, wife of Wm Abbott, was confined of two daughters after long struggle. Bless God for all his mercies.


September 9 - Tuesday

Attended school. Mrs Amelia Collins, Mrs Coady and children went to Spoon Cove. It rained so hard that they got wet coming home. Put up notice.


September 10 - Wednesday

Attended school. Susan and Hennigar was at Ellen Paul’s. Nothing particular occurred. Very fine day.


September 11 - Thursday

Was at Burin Bay this morning before daylight and put up notice on Thos Moulton’s store. Attended school. Made out account for the quarterly fees and books. A very fine day.


September 12 - Friday

Attended school. Fine day. Prayer Meeting in the evening; only 13 present. O Lord, revive thy work.


September 13 - Saturday

This day waiting on people to bring weights and measures to be [blank]. Mr James Inkpen the first that brought two half cut; found them very light. In the evening went with Dr Haddock to Spoon Cove to join the Temperance Society, but he was rejected. Spent 3 or 4 hours with Mr and Mrs Bartlett.


September 14 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. O Lord, make thy name Glorious in loving sinners. Held Prayer Meeting in the evening.


[Note: Diary jumps to November 1862]


November 18, 1862 -Tuesday

A fine day. Nothing particular occurred.

November 19 - Wednesday

This day a crew came and tarred the south roof of the Church. Assized weights and measures for Mr Marshall.


November 20 - Thursday

Was informed of John Brushett’s death. Received Mr Coady’s letter and wrote him one.


November 21 - Friday

Assized weights and measures for Mr Gunn and Mr Pine. Nothing else occurred.


November 22 - Saturday

This day went into the Bay, saw my dear children. They are well, Bless God. Baptized Hannah’s little child. Thomas Isaac killed his cow. Went down and saw poor John Brushett.


November 23 - Sunday

Dirty day. Very few to service.


November 24 - Monday

This day at Mr Pine’s. Fixing his and Mr Goddard’s weights and measures. Mr Giles went home.


November 25 - Tuesday

This morning went to Mr Pine’s and brought back the weights. Thomas Isaac came and brought us a little wood and ½ barrel potatoes.


November 26 - Wednesday

This day went down to Ellen Paul’s. Thomas Isaac and I went to Mr Hooper about the land and had the papers signed. Wm Henry and John and their families went into the woods. No Class meeting.


November 27 - Thursday

This a dirty morning. Snowed and rained all night.


November 28 - Friday

This a dirty day as yesterday. Took out my coals from Mr Coady.


November 29 - Saturday

Mr Phinney left for St. Peters. The boats not come home; that is, the Dolphin and Alma.


November 30 - Sunday

This a dirty day. Very few at service. Snowed very hard. No Prayer Meeting or collection. Mr Phinney at St. Peters.


December 1 - Monday

This day at Mr Rd Marshall’s, Mr Butler’s and Mr Powers’ assizing weights and measures. Was informed that a vessel drove into Lawn with 3000 barrels flour on board. Most of the boats from Burin are gone up to Lawn.


December 2 - Tuesday

Was at Mr Reddy’s and John Brine’s and inspected their weights and measures and also Mr Gorman’s. Fine day.


December 3 - Wednesday

Was at Mr Harney’s and inspected his weights. The boats are coming from the wreck, got nothing. Wm Collins lost his skiff and got only one barrel flour but what peas he’d like to bring home.


December 4 - Thursday

To-day fixed the garden fence, got ½ barrel peas from Wm Collins. Mr Coady went off for St. Peters. Got Mr Inkpen’s stove for the winter.


December 5 - Friday

This day was engaged in fixing the stove. Had no Prayer Meeting owing to my hurting my face and giving myself a black eye last night by the elbow pipe of the stove. It struck me in the face. Mrs Coady and her three children were with us to dinner and tea. Fine day.


December 6 - Saturday

This a very rough day. A heavy fall of snow with a gale of wind E.S.E. O Lord, protect and save the mariners. Let no accident happen for Thy Great Name’s sake.


December 7 - Sunday

This day held service twice in the Church. Mr Phinney not back from St Peters. It was very dirty in the morning and a very few attended service. It cleared off in the afternoon but a small congregation held out to them the word of Life. May it prove spirit and health to our souls.


December 8 - Monday

This day was engaged in repairing the stove. Was at the Division, returned at half past nine. My wife was at Mrs Coady’s all day.


December 9 - Tuesday

This day helping Mr G. Inkpen about the wrecked flour. Ellen Paul and Dinah Allen were here. Paid Mrs Paul £1 16s 4d that I owed her husband. Mr Phinney returned from St. Peters.


December 10 - Wednesday

This day helping Mr Inkpen part of the day. Had a barrel of flour for 25s. Philip Vincent was here and landed Dr Haddock’s wood. Wm Henry was out all well in the Bay, Bless God. Mr Watts landed the coal for the Church. My wife, Mrs Inkpen and Mrs Coady was engaged in baking up the wet flour. Met the Class, 6 in number.


December 11 - Thursday

This day engaged in taking up cabbage. Nothing particular occurred, only attended the meeting of the Temperance Division to investigate the case of Job Taylor breaking his Pledge; found that he had done so by drinking two glasses wine, but as he was not present, it could not be settled.


December 12 - Friday

This day went to Mr Gorman’s and brought home 32 feet lumber to board up the chimney and three lbs candles. Helped to get up the stove in the Church. John Harding was out to-day and I went in to Harriet’s with him. Slept at Hannah’s. O Lord Bless and keep us all.


December 13 - Saturday

This morning arose and went with Bill Isaac into the woods at John’s and Wm Henry’s. They have two snug houses. I had breakfast at Hennigar’s. Came out to the Harbour, saw Charles Bungay. He informed us that Ruth, wife of Uriah Brown, was dead. O Lord, prepare us all for our change. Amen.


December 14 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath and a fine day. Heard two beautiful sermons on Quench not the Spirit. O Lord, help us to examine ourselves and act by Thy word. Held Prayer Meeting.


December 15 - Monday

This day was at Ellen Paul’s and Mr Marshall’s. Brought home 1 yd white serge and 1 pr stockings. Attended Division. Very wet coming home. Was home half past nine.


December 16 - Tuesday

This day sawing wood first part of day. In afternoon attended funeral of Mrs Brown. Was at Mrs Coady’s. Wet day.


December 17 - Wednesday

This day sawing wood. Helping Mr Inkpen, Mr Kirby and Mr Mitchell haul up their skiffs and put Mr Coady’s punt on the Flake. Mr Phinney met the Class and renewed tickets.


December 18 - Thursday

This day was at Jersey Room and finished Mr Fall’s weights and brought home 6 lbs sugar, 1 pr boots, 2 boxes matches and left 6 lbs butter till I go down again. Was at Ellen Paul’s; saw Susan Harding there. Fine day. Sent a letter to John Malzard on board "Gem".


December 19 - Friday

This day Wm Henry and John Harding were out of the Bay. All well, Thank God. Was at Prayer Meeting this evening.


December 20 - Saturday

This morning went into the Bay. Saw my dear children. Returned and had my dinner at Ellen Paul’s. Wrote a letter to England to John Purse’s father. Came to Charles Hollett’s, from that to Post Office, then home. Snowed very hard.


December 21 - Sunday - shortest day

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very good sermons. In the afternoon, the Death of Mrs Ruth Brown was improved from these words, "The Righteous hath hope in His Death". No Prayer Meeting, so very dirty.


December 22 - Monday

This a very rough drifty and snowy day. Went and fetched water and wood for Mrs Coady and hay for her sheep. My wife busy in making buskins out of a coat. Not to the Division tonight; it was too dirty.


December 23 - Tuesday

This day cutting wood. George killed his pig; weighed 153 lbs. Was at Burin Bay to a special meeting of the Division. It was a very bad walk; the snow was so deep. Home half past nine. Peter Bennett was proposed.


December 24 - Wednesday

This day before dinner cutting wood; after dinner helping Mr Phinney clear his gallery from snow and bringing wood up from Mr Inkpen’s wharf. Snowed very much last night. Wrote a letter for Mrs Susan Reid to her brother at Petites. Mr Shaw and Mr Coady came home tonight.


December 25 - Thursday - Christmas Day

Attended service in the Church and heard a good discourse on those words, John, 1st Chapter and 29th verse, "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the World".


December 26 - Friday

This day sawing wood. Dirty day. Had a few herring from Mr Coady.


December 27 - Saturday

Was engaged in helping to decorate the schoolhouse. Wm Henry and Hennigar came out. Uncle Edward and Wm Collins came to-day. Mr Pyke came up also.


December 28 - Sunday

This a blessed Sabbath to my soul. Heard Mr Phinney preach on the necessity and design of the Sacrament and after the evening service administered to 75, including himself, the memorial of the dying Love of Jesus. O Lord, Bless it all to our souls. Amend. Had a letter from Samuel Collins.

December 29 - Monday

This day partly assisting to fix the schoolhouse. Went to Burin Bay to the Division. Was re-elected as Chaplain. Read our by-laws. Came home at eleven o’clock. My back was bad.


Tuesday, December 30

This a cold day. Attended the Temperance Meeting held in the schoolhouse. Mr G. Bishop, Mr Pyke from Flat Islands, Dr Haddock and Rev Mr Phinney and I spoke and Mrs Phinney instituted a Temperance Society for females; 50 gave their names, also 17 men.


Wednesday, December 31

This day partly engaged in fixing the Church for meeting tonight to watch out the old year. Commenced at ten o’clock. Mr Pyke preached first and then Mr Phinney. A Blessed time. O Lord, keep us faithful and may the Year that we are now entering upon Prove the Best.

Burin - 1863


January 1 - Thursday

This is the first day of another year. Oh Lord, I feel that I am laid under fresh obligations to serve and love Thee. In our Love Feast, hearing the experiences of many, how my heart and soul were drawn out in Love for all Thy tender mercies to me, an unworthy sinner. Oh Lord, bless all our souls. Amen.


January 2- Friday

This our quarterly Fast Day. Mr Phinney held two Prayer Meetings, one at twelve o’clock and the other at half past six. A goodly number attended. A Revival broke out; four females were convinced they had to stop and pray with them. Oh Lord, carry on Thy work and let Thy servant have souls to his ministry. I Bless Thy Glorious Name that I feel that my unworthy prayers are partially answered in reference to Mrs Coady. Oh may God the Eternal Spirit carry on His Work in her soul until she is soundly converted. Hear my Prayer for Christ’s sake.


January 3 - Saturday

This day I have been bad in my back, but I bless God for what my eyes saw and my ears heard last night. Glory be to God for one precious soul that I so dearly love and I pray God to strengthen and uphold her unto Life Eternal.


January 4 - Sunday

This hath been a glorious day. Heard Mr Ryke and Mr Phinney preach two heart searching sermons. Prayer Meeting, and after, an invitation for any that would serve the Lord to stand up and come forward to the Communion Rail. Upwards of 20 came and I had the happy satisfaction of seeing Mr Coady among the converts. Glory be to God my prayer is heard. May he and his wife prove Faithful. Amen.


January 5 - Monday

This another fine day. Was engaged in going around to investigate the candidates to be initiated in the Temperance Society. In the evening we met in the schoolhouse at Collins’ Cove. There were 26 new members added to our number. They were admitted to see the ceremony of installation of officers and after they were dismissed we finished the business for the night and adjourned half past eleven.


January 6 - Tuesday

This morning assisting in taking down the things in the schoolhouse. In the afternoon attended Preaching, hear Mr Phinney from St Matt. 11-28. A lovely inviting sermon. May we all lay hold on Christ by Faith. At 7 o’clock attended Prayer Meeting and after, many came and professed to believe in Christ and flee from the Wrath to come by coming to the Communion Rail. My dear Mrs Coady came and is gone home much burdened. Oh Lord, giver her what she is seeking for, Sweet Peace to her soul.


January 7 - Wednesday

This morning visited Mrs Coady. She is still cast down, cannot as yet find Peace with God. As far as my weak capacity is able, I shall still pray for her and will not let go my hold or my plea till for her I obtain the Prize. And Glory be to God that she found Peace tonight while Mr Phinney invited them to step into the Pool, and I had the happiness of witnessing my son George and five more young men come to the Penitent Form, seeking to find Mercy. Oh that they soon may step into the liberty of God’s dear children. Amen.


January 8 - Thursday

This morning went and prayed with my dear son and admonished him to keep his mind fixed and to direct his prayer to God for a great manifestation of His Love. In the evening Prayer Meeting, and Blessed be God many penitents found Mercy. Oh Lord, keep him faithful to his life’s end. Amen.


January 9 – Friday

This day was engaged first part of day in sawing wood. Service at two o’clock, what is called Fellowship meeting conducted something like Love Feast. Several arose and spoke to the Honour and Praise of God. Prayer Meeting in the evening & glory be to God the Power of the Lord was present to kill and to make alive. Glory, glory be to God, my dear son found mercy. Oh Lord, keep him faithful to his life’s end. Amen.


January 10 - Saturday

This day in the forepart of the day after wood and cutting it. In the evening Mr Pyke held Prayer Meeting and gave an exhortation to the people. Several came to profess to seek, and save their souls. Sent a letter to Samuel Collins, St. John’s.


January 11 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard Mr Pyke in the morning; afternoon, Mr Phinney; and at Prayer Meeting I gave an exhortation and invited the people to come forward and show themselves on the Lord’s side.


January 12 - Monday

This day was not doing much. Was at the Division; there was 15 added to our numbers. O Lord, make us all faithful. Amen.


January 13 - Tuesday

This day sawing wood and got my back bad, so bad that I was not able to attend the meeting, but Glory to God for what my ears have heard. So many converted and others convinced. Oh my God, carry on Thy Work, I humbly Pray.


January 14 - Wednesday

This day in the house all day with a bad back. Met the Class and after, attended Service. A glorious time. Many converted to God, be all the Glory.


January 15 - Thursday

This day confined indoors as yesterday, but at two o’clock was to a fellowship meeting. No meeting in the evening. John was with us; all the children are well.


January 16 - Friday

To-day was writing out several pieces from "The Revival Melodies". At Prayer Meeting a great many came forward to the Communion Rail. Some found Mercy, Glory be to God. Oh Lord, carry on Thy Work and save all.


January 17 - Saturday

This day was in most of the day writing, and in the evening attended Prayer Meeting, and had the unspeakable pleasure of again hearing my son George pray in a Prayer Meeting. Oh my God, keep him and all of us faithful.


January 18 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard a good inviting sermon from these words, "Come thou with us and will do thee good"–Numbers 10-18–by Mr Pyke, and in the afternoon by Mr Phinney a most impressive sermon from 1st Kings, Chapter 18, Verse 21, "How long halt ye between two opinions". Oh may God fasten conviction on the souls of those that are halting and bring them to Himself. At the Prayer Meeting in the evening, oh what a time we had–many crying for Mercy, while some found pardon. Backsliders were also reclaimed. Oh Lord, carry on Thy Work until all are brought to know Thee. Bill Isaac and Bill Vincent were here to-day to Service; they came out on their horses.


January 19 - Monday

This day was engaged in cutting wood. In the evening the meeting of the Division; 18 were added to our number. Was informed that Joseph Brushett broke his leg.


January 20 - Tuesday

This morning arose at 6 o’clock and went to Salmonier with Charles Coady and Henry Clark. Found my dear children well, Charlotte and her dear little boy; this is the first time I saw him. I came out with Thos Gorman and attended service. Mr Phinney preached and about 40 penitents came to the Communion Rail and Glory be to God several found Peace. Mr G. Inkpen was among the penitents.


January 21 - Wednesday

This a fine day. Meeting of the Division of the Sons of Temperance to sign a petition to the House of Assembly to get some money to help create a Temperance Hall in Burin; 135 sons of Temperance signed. Attended service; many came forward and found some Peace. G. Inkpen among the Rest. May the Lord Bless and keep us all. Amen.


January 22 - Thursday

This day sawing wood first part. Writing afternoon. Attended service in evening. Mr Phinney preached from St. John, 3rd Chapter, 7th Verse. After, Prayer Meeting. Many came crying for Mercy, many backsliders also. Oh that they all may find Peace.


January 23 - Friday

This morning was at Mr Rozier’s and at Doctor Moran’s with the petition of the Sons of Temperance to get it signed. At two o’clock attended Fellowship meeting in schoolhouse. Many spoke of the Goodness of God to their souls and among those that could give evidence that God had pardoned their sins was George Inkpen. Bless the Lord, Oh keep them faithful unto Death. Attended Prayer Meeting and a Blessed time it was. Many young converts prayed. Oh Lord, Bless us all. Amen.


January 24 - Sunday

This morning sawing wood. William Henry was out. All well in the Bay. Bless God for all his Mercies to them and me. Attended Prayer Meeting, held the meeting. Glory be to God, it was good to be there. Many young converts prayed. Oh Lord, Bless us all. Amen.


January 25 - Sunday

A glorious morning. Bless the Lord. Attended service. Heard two excellent sermons this day. In the morning, Mr Phinney, Mr Pyke in the afternoon. Mr Phinney went to Great Burin to inter Mrs Isaac Hollett, 20 years old. Attended Prayer Meeting. Glory be to God for what He is doing. Oh Lord, carry on Thy Work. Mr Pine, Mr Bishop and many other backsliders were out. Oh Lord, save their precious souls and Bless them.


January 26 - Monday

This day home all the forepart of the day. Snowed a little, writing in the afternoon, and in the evening went to the Division. Fifteen were entered. Mr Coady and his son Charles, Mr George Inkpen, Mr Mark Rideout and eleven more. May they all prove faithful.


January 27 - Tuesday

This morning arose at six o’clock and went into the Bay to see my children and Bless the Lord, they are well. Came home at four o’clock. Attended Prayer Meeting half past six. A glorious time. I think between forty and fifty at the Penitent Form; many found Mercy. Glory to God. Wm Coady and Thos Maying came from Flat Islands.


January 28 - Wednesday

This morning met Mr Phinney and Mr Pyke in Mr Phinney’s study for the purpose of engaging in special prayer for several that are convinced and seeking salvation, and in the evening a great number were at the Communion Rail. John Kirby on the Point and Elias Mayo. Oh Lord, work on, I pray Thee.


January 29 - Thursday

Sawing wood first part of day. Writing afternoon. My wife was at Mrs Coady’s. Attended Prayer Meeting in vestry. Mr Pyke gave an exhortation. George Inkpen prayed for first time in Prayer Meeting. George Bishop was greatly cast down. Oh Lord, come to his help.


January 30 - Friday

This morning sawing wood. Attended Fellowship Meeting 2 o’clock. Several spoke of what the Lord had done for their souls. I felt as I had not felt for a long time. Oh Lord, I Pray Thee to carry on Thy Work. After I returned from the Meeting, Sarah Mayo came after me; her husband was in great distress. Mr Pyke and I went and prayed with him and I hope that he has found Him of whom Moses and the Prophets did write "Jesus", the sinner’s friend. At the Prayer Meeting some new ones came, found Wm Coady was among the penitents. Oh Lord, carry on Thy Work.


January 31 – Saturday

This a snowy day and very slippery. Writing most all day. Prayer Meeting in the evening. I had to hold the meeting and give an exhortation on Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness; so must the son of man be lifted up. It was a good time, Bless the Lord.


February 1 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two blessed Sermons, first in the morning Mr Pyke, in the evening Mr Phinney. At the Prayer Meeting a glorious time. I believe upwards of forty were out to the Rail. Mr Mullay again came back. Several found Peace. Mrs Stroud was rejoicing in God her Saviour. Lord keep them Faithful.


February 2 - Monday

This Candlemas Day. Was writing. I wrote to Mr Henry Collins, Flat Islands. Attended meeting of the Division. Wm Coady, Mr Pyke and John Brinton were initiated. Oh Lord, prosper us and save us.


February 3 - Tuesday

This day not doing much first part of day. In the evening at the Prayer Meeting; a glorious time we had. Many crying for Mercy, and some that have been coming night after night have found Peace with God. Among them were Henry Green, Daniel Bishop, Edward Collins, John and Mary Frances and others; upwards of ten. Oh Lord, we will praise Thee. Upset the Devil’s Kingdom and save souls.

February 4 - Wednesday

This a very rough, snowy, drifty morning. Blew a very heavy gale of wind about N.N.E. and around to W.N.W. The boats, viz. G. Inkpen, John Kirby, Wm Collins, John Collins, Mr Coady, Wm Coady and Wm Abbott, all got adrift and went on shore, broke down a great deal of Wm Henry’s Flake, and tore the quarters of Wm Abbott’s boat. No service this evening, the weather very rough and cold.


February 5 - Thursday

This a very cold day. Sawing wood and shoveling snow. Inspected two half hundred weights and one gal. for Wm Coady. Attended Prayer Meeting. Several found Peace through believing and several brought to cry, "What shall I do to be saved". Oh Lord, give them the assurance of Pardon.


February 6 - Friday

This morning investigated Richard Hodder for Sons of Temperance. Attended Fellowship Meeting in the vestry at two o’clock. Many spoke of what the Lord had done for their souls. In the Prayer Meeting, Bless God, some found Peace; others came seeking. Oh that they may find God to the joy of their souls. Thomas Bradley and his wife were with the penitents. May the find Mercy. Amen. Amen.

[Jumps to]

March 24 - Tuesday

This morning went into the woods where by daughter lives in order to cut pickets for my garden. Did not cut any to-day. Found my children all well, bless the Lord. Slept at Hennigar’s.


March 25 - Wednesday

This "Lady Day". I went cutting pickets. I cut 120, John cut 100, Wm Henry cut 80, making in all 300, and they are going to slide them out for me.


March 26 - Thursday

This morning after breakfast I came home and hauled a Rampike after me all the way from Grand Pond. Found my dear wife well, Bless God. Attended a meeting at the schoolhouse, when the proprietors of the school objected to giving Dr Haddock any more salary, so that he will up when the time is up and they will get another teacher. Visited Mr Mitchell, found him very low. Oh Lord, make him ready for his change.


March 27 - Friday

This morning visited Mr Mitchell, found him still sinking, visited him again after dinner. I always read and pray with him. Was informed that Mrs George C. Roberts was confined this morning of a twin of children, a boy and a girl. Attended Prayer Meeting at twelve o’clock as this is our Quarterly Fast Day. On returning from Service was informed that Mrs Dr Haddock was also confined of a twin of children, a son and a daughter; both lived just long enough to be baptised, then died, dear little lambs. I held Prayer Meeting and met Mr Phinney’s Class. O Lord, Bless and keep all Thy people.


March 28 - Saturday

This morning visited Mr Mitchell, found him just the same. The Lord is taking down the tabernacle very gently. Oh Lord, Bless his soul. Amen.


March 29 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very impressive sermons from Mr Phinney. Oh Lord, grant that the Word spoken may be attended with Thy Blessing. May souls yet be saved. I held Prayer Meeting in the Church. Mr Phinney went to Spoon Cove. Was informed that old Mr Mitchell is gone into Eternity. I trust his end was Peace. A very snowy evening.


March 30 - Monday

Went over to see the corpse. Poor old man, he looks very bad; was appointed Pall Bearer. Kirby’s Cove people and Collins’ Cove people sawing out ice to clear the Harbor. Attended the Division and not home till half past twelve o’clock. Elected new officers. I was re-elected Chaplain for the next quarter. Bill Isaac out to-day.


March 31 - Tuesday

This morning John Troak went off for home in Mr Pine’s schooner. John came out this morning. At two o’clock attended the funeral of old Mr Mitchell. After, I went to Burin Bay and held service in the schoolhouse and met the Class, 23 in number. Oh Lord, may they prove faithful. Amen.


April 1 - Wednesday

Bless the Lord, I am spared to enter on another month. Several have gone to the Eternal World since March began. Oh Lord, prepare us for our change. I Bless the Lord I am still enabled to keep looking ahead. Snowed some last night but this is a soft day; the ice is still making its way out of the Harbour. Held Prayer Meeting in the schoolhouse.


April 2 - Thursday

This morning the Harbour clear of ice except Ship Cove. Wm Henry came and went over it. Bless God they are all well in the Bay. My wife at Mrs Phinney’s. Mr Phinney went to Path End to preach at John Brushett’s for the first time. Oh Lord, make him useful, may good be done. My Class met; it is our Monthly Prayer Meeting. Mrs Coady prayed. Oh Lord, giver her Faith and Courage and bless her soul. Amen.


April 3 - Good Friday

This morning found that it snowed very hard last night. Attended service.


[Jumps to]


May 12 - Tuesday

This day was investigating members for Sons of Temperance and in the afternoon attended Trustee Meeting but nothing settled. Took tea with Sara Mayo.


May 13 - Wednesday

This day was down to Bull’s Cove investigating. Nothing particular occurred. Saw Reuben Keeping. Freezing hard.

 

May 14 - Thursday

This day rinding pickets. Met the Class this evening. Snowed to-day. A meeting at the school house this evening.


May 15 - Friday

This day snow and then rain. This evening attended Prayer Meeting. Nothing particular occurred.


May 16 - Saturday

This morning to Whale Cove investigating and in the afternoon writing. Attended Division of the Sons of Temperance, 17 admitted to our order. Oh may they all keep their Pledge.


May 17 - Sunday

This a glorious morning. Heard a very impressive sermon from Mr Ladner in the morning and in the evening from Mr Hart. Oh that God may give us grace to improve by what we have heard this day. I held Prayer Meeting in the Church, and a blessed time, Glory be to God, we had. Mr Ladner was at Spoon Cove, Mr Hart at Foote’s Cove, Mr Phinney at Great Burin and Dr Haddock at Willy’s Island. Oh Lord, work on and get Thyself the victory over sinner’s hearts.


May 18 - Monday

This day sowed radish seed and cabbage seed that came from Jersey this spring. Went with Dr Haddock and carried nine stools to Court House. Attended the Division and walked in procession from the schoolhouse, Collins’ Cove, around shore, around by Mr O’Neil’s and Benning’s to the Court House–about 140 of us, the remainder not home. The Court House was crowded. After the W.P. had opened the meeting by singing and a short address, Messrs (Rev) Hart, Ladner, and Phinney gave very important speeches on the evils of intemperance and in conclusion gave an invitation to any that wished to join our order. Some gave their names to become Sons of Temperance. We closed by singing.


May 19 - Tuesday

This day engaged in writing all day. Nothing particular occurred.


May 20 - Wednesday

This morning Samuel Murley’s son came and brought us wood and a jar of milk from Mortier Bay. John brought home is boat from Spoon Cove. Had from Mr Phinney ½ brl potatoes to set on the halves. Had ½ brl flour and 2 lbs butter. Charlotte came out this evening.


May 21 - Thursday

This a fine morning. Was at Foote’s Cove and Farwells investigating. Mr Phinney and Family, Messrs Hart and Laidner sailed with Capt Keech; they left at 9 o’clock this morning. Writing part of the day. Mrs Coady was with us to dinner; she gave Charlotte some things. George Dober was here to have weights tested.


May 22 - Friday

This a very lazy day. John Kirby killed Mr Coady’s billy-goat. My wife and I were at Dr Haddock’s to dine on fresh salmon, were there to tea also. Attended Prayer Meeting, not many attended.


May 23 - Saturday

This morning went into the Bay to see my children. Came out one o’clock; it rained and snowed and the weather was very cold. Attended Division of the Sons of Temperance; nine added to our number. May they prove Faithful.


May 24 - Sunday

This a very cold raw morning. Wind E. Held Service twice in Church. Subject John 14, verse 2. Met the Class after afternoon Service. Held Prayer Meeting; a goodly number attended.


May 25 - Monday

This George Harding’s birthday, 25 years old. Oh Lord, grant that he may live to serve Thee all his days. It blew so hard we could not set potatoes.


May 26 - Tuesday

This a dull cold morning but became warmer so that we began to set the potatoes, and in the evening I went to Burin Bay and held Service and Bless the Lord we found it good to wait on the Lord.


May 27 - Wednesday

This day setting potatoes in Mr Phinney’s garden. Nothing particular occurred.


May 28 - Thursday

This day fixed the drain in Mr Phinney’s walk. Met the Class - 12 present. Bless the Lord for every mercy to us. Oh Lord, may we all walk in the way that leads to Eternal Life.


May 29 - Friday

This day writing all day in readiness for Sunday. Held Prayer Meeting in evening; not many home to attend. Brother Haddock met Mr Phinney’s Class.


May 30 - Saturday

First part of day writing. Attended the Division. One was admitted to our Order. Was informed that Mr Hooper is given up by the Doctor. May God prepare him for his change. Amen.


May 31 - Sunday

This a fine morning. Dr Haddock and George Harding are gone to Mortier Bay to hold service at Butler’s Cove. I held service twice in the Church. Met the Class and held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for this day; it hath been a good day to my soul. Dr Haddock sick.


June 1 - Monday

This a dirty cold wet day. Nothing particular occurred. It thundered and lightened (sic) very much.


June 2 - Tuesday

This day a goodly number assembled to wash the Church. I went to Burin Bay to hold Service as Dr Haddock is ill. Lightning and thundered very hard and rained very much. Oh Lord, I Bless Thee for Thy care of me.


June 3 - Wednesday

This day writing part of day. Saw a steamer come in this evening. Helped Wm Henry shear his sheep. Was told that Mr Pak is in the steamer to inspect the Lighthouse. A fine day.


June 4 - Thursday

A wet day. Writing all day. Nothing particular occurred.


June 5 - Friday

This morning went with John Collins to Jersey Room to see if the salt hogsheads and stamps were made, but they were not. Came back and saw the Packet steamer come in. Mr Pyke and Mr Hart came in her. Mr Hart is bound to Channel and Mr Pyke to Petites in place of Mr Ladner, who is to stay in St. John’s. Mr Hart went off again this evening. Held Prayer Meeting.


June 6- Saturday

This day engaged in building a wall of sods around our house. In the evening attended Division. No one admitted; this is the first night since the organizing of the Society that no one hath joined.


June 7 - Sunday

This a blessed day and a day of great spiritual love to my soul and I trust to many more.

Mr Pyke preached two most excellent sermons. Oh Lord, Bless him and make him a blessing to the people where he is to labour. I held Prayer Meeting and met my Class. Oh Lord, keep us faithful. A fine day.


June 8 - Monday

This day waiting for Capt Keech and Thos Isaac all day. It was a wet day. Was on board an American and got him to come and have his weights inspected.


June 9 - Tuesday

This day was engaged in taking Mr Phinney’s things and my own from Capt Keech. Nothing particular occurred.


June 10 - Wednesday

This day writing. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.


June 11 - Thursday

This day writing. Nothing particular occurred.


June 12 - Friday

This morning arose at four o’clock. Found Thos Troak at the stage with my wood. Assisted in taking it out and spelled it up in Mr Phinney’s garden. Ellen Paul and Dinah Allen were here. I put up part of fence as far as I had any pickets. My Pyke held Prayer Meeting and met Mr Phinney’s Class.


June 13 - Saturday

This morning arose at half past three and went into the Bay to see the children. Found them all well, except dear little Rosanna. Came home and attended Division; two added to our number and one expelled. Thos Moulton by name.


June 14 - Sunday

This day held Service twice in Church. Met the Class. On the whole I found it a good day. Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits.


June 15 - Monday

This day fixing fence and bringing wood. Was at Mrs Coady’s in the evening to tea.


June 16 - Tuesday

Writing to-day until evening, then went to Path Ed. Held Service at Mr Thos Brushett’s. We had a good time; about 24 attended. May our labours be blessed by God. Took tea at Ellen Paul’s.


June 17 - Wednesday

Working in the garden until evening, then attended a meeting where Dr Haddock organized a "Bank of Hope". I believe 16 children joined.


June 18 - Thursday

This morning John Collins came from Cape St. Mary’s, brought ten qtls fine large fish. Met my Class and blessed by God we had a good time. May God preserve and keep us all faithful. Amen.


June 19 - Friday

This morning Wm Collins brought in ½ qtl of fresh caplin. Was at Jersey Room with George, carried old tin. Bought one brl flour and crockeryware. Wm Henry brought home barrel pork. Held Prayer Meeting.

June 20 - Saturday

This fine day, writing. John and Joe Inkpen brought in John’s £7-10-4. Attended Division. Not any new business. No one admitted. Adjourned half past nine.


June 21 - Sunday

This a blessed morning, the longest day. Saw a steamer in the Harbour this morning. Held service twice and met the Class. Held Prayer Meeting in Church. Blessed be God that this has been a glorious day. I trust that many, if not all, found it good to wait on the Lord.


June 22 - Monday

The steamer sailed this morning. Mary Ann Brushett and Mrs White brought home Mr Phinney’s cow and calf; she calved on Saturday. All the boats and punts out. May God give them good success. The steamer arrived again, bringing six prisoners from St. Lawrence: 4 Pykes, James Walsh and one of the Strangs. Mr Burton went bail for the Pykes and Mr O’Neil for the other two.


June 23 - Tuesday

This a very wet morning and continued until late in the afternoon. Went to Burin Bay, held service. Not many attended; all out fishing.


June 24 - Wednesday

This Midsummer’s Day. The Packet steamer arrived. Mr and Mrs Phinney and Family came in her. Bless God they are all well.


June 25 - Thursday

This morning setting out plants. Was with George to Mr Odell’s and brought home three tubs coal for him. John had 1 3/4 qtls fish to-day. Met my Class.


June 26 - Friday

Was at Mr O’Neil’s and had two hbds [?] coal for myself. Nothing particular occurred, only Mr Inkpen and others went off for Cod Seine. Mr Phinney held Prayer Meeting.


June 27 - Saturday

Went with George to Mr O’Neil’s for three hbds [?] coal and carried six tubs to Mr Phinney. Attended Division, was elected Worthy Associate for this next Quarter.


June 28 - Sunday

This a glorious day. Hear Mr Phinney preach two excellent sermons on the Pride of the World. Met my Class and attended Prayer Meeting.


June 29 - Monday

This day went to Burin Bay. Writing for Mr Paul. Harriet was with us to-day; went in with her and stayed all night. Nothing particular occurred.


June 30 - Tuesday

This morning came out with my daughter Charlotte to Bull’s Cove. I went to Jersey Room. Mr Phinney went to Flat Islands. Saw the Right Rev Bishop Field’s yacht; she came in yesterday. Fine day.


July 1 - Wednesday

This a lovely fine day. Was informed yesterday that the Lawn people beat Abraham and Isaac Street and cut their faces very much. Was in the garden all day weeding.


July 2 - Thursday

This day weeding as yesterday. Nothing particular occurred. Met my Class.


July 3 - Friday

This day was down and trenched Mrs Coady’s potatoes. Mr Phinney and Mr Pyke came from Flat Islands. Mr Pyke held Prayer Meeting.


July 4 - Saturday

This morning arose at three o’clock, drew a lot of plants, both cabbage and turnip and carried into the Bay to Harriet and Charlotte. Came home twelve o’clock; Hannah Isaac came with me. Was informed that Richard Bonnell lost his son Saul yesterday coming from Cape and is gone home to Petites. Attended the Division. John Kirby came home with load of cod seine fish.


July 5 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons, from Mr Pyke in the morning and Mr Phinney in the evening. I held Prayer Meeting in the Church. Bless the Lord, Oh my soul.


July 6 - Monday

This day gave Mr Phinney my consent to go to Flat Islands for three months. Mr Coady came from Westward loaded with fish and went off for St. John’s about eleven o’clock.


July 7 - Tuesday

This day in garden part of day. It rained hard a little while. Fine afternoon. Oh Lord, Bless and keep us all Faithful.


July 8 - Wednesday

In garden part of to-day. Saw a bough house built by the Roman Catholic Party on the government wharf, to receive the Bishop and Nuns when they come in the steamer.


July 9 - Thursday

This day finished setting cabbage plants in garden. Set 1337 out. Met my Class. Nothing particular occurred this day. No fish or bait. Saw the triumphant arch erected on the government wharf.


July 10 - Friday

This day in the garden weeding and hoeing potatoes until the rain came and it rained very hard throughout the night. Prayer Meeting. Mr Phinney led it.


July 11 - Saturday

This day in garden partly. Rained so in the morning I could not go in the Bay. Attended the Division. Mr Jonathan Parsons, schoolmaster, was received into our order. May he be faithful to his Pledge.


July 12 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons, one from Mr Pyke and the other from Mr Phinney. Met the Class, held Prayer Meeting. Saw the steamer come in about 5 o’clock, with the Catholic Bishop and the Sisters of Mercy Nuns. Guns firing and flags flying in rejoicing at their coming. Steamer left again in night about one o’clock. Mr Pyke went in her Petites; the Bishop went also.


July 13 - Monday

This morning arose about half past four o’clock and went into the Bay with Hannah Isaacs; from there I went to the Fresh Pond and stood up 118 sticks wood and also assisted Charlotte to get home her cow and calf. Wrote a letter to Rev E. Brittle and one to Samuel Collins; put them on board "Santia". Fine day.


July 14 - Tuesday

This day Dr Haddock and went with Mr Phinney to Pardy’s Island in the Reach and Stepaside, great Burin, Mod Cove and Spoon Cove collecting; collected 152 fish and put on board Capt Keech for St. John’s.


July 15 - Wednesday

This day finished trenching my potatoes. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day. George went with Mr Phinney to land Mrs Phinney to Great Burin to stay all night.


July 16 - Thursday

This day nothing particular occurred. Very hot.


July 17 - Friday

This morning finished hilling plants, went into Salmonier, slept at Harriet’s all night. Saw Ellen Paul. Steamer went off to St. John’s, carried Betsy Vincent and two children.


July 18 - Saturday

This morning came out from Salmonier; brought Mary Ann Isaac out to school. No fish or first squid. Attended Division. Mr Charles Butler was admitted to our order. May he be faithful to his Pledge.


July 19 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very fine sermons from Mr Phinney; [in] the afternoon was his farewell sermon. Mr Phinney held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for this day.


July 20 - Monday

This morning Mr Coady arrived from St. John’s. Brought a Yorkshireman with him selling silk dresses for ladies. Helping Mr Phinney to get his private case ready.


July 21 - Tuesday

This day had 10 gals molasses from Mr Phinney. All day assisting Mr Phinney in packing and carrying his things on board Ed Collins’ boat for Grand Bank.


July 22 - Wednesday

Assisting to carry Mr Phinney’s things and putting them on board the boat.


July 23 - Thursday

Mr Coady came from Lamaline and Mr Phinney agreed with Mr Collins to give up going to St. Peters and Grand Bank owing to the boat being so small and agreed with Mr Coady; took it all out of the one and put it in the other. Fine day.


July 24 - Friday

This morning was informed that two boys, sons of the widow Walsh of Great Burin, upset their punt yesterday, coming from the Fishing Ground, and were both drowned and went to bottom to rest until the Archangel shall call the Dead from the earth and sea. Oh may they be among the righteous then. Mr Phinney and his dear family left with Mr Coady for Grand Bank. May the Lord carry them safely to the place of their destination. Held Prayer Meeting, very small congregation.


July 25 - Saturday

This morning arose at four o’clock, went into Salmonier, stayed to breakfast, then returned, went to Jersey Room with old iron stove and got glazed table-cloth, a jug and two small mugs. Attended Division; it was concluded that a donation of £4 shall be given to Mrs Walsh as a gift from the Division as her son John was a Son of Temperance.


July 26 - Sunday

This a Blessed Day. Held service twice, as dear Mr Phinney is gone and the other is not yet arrived. Held Class and Prayer Meeting in the evening. A good day. Bless the Lord for all mercies.


July 27 - Monday

This day dirty most part. Looking out for our new Minister’s arrival but no sign. Writing out notices to put up respecting the weights, etc.

 

 

July 28 - Tuesday

This morning arose little after four and went around to Court House. Put up a Notice there and at Church and Chapel gate. Came back a little after five. Went to Burin Bay, wrote out 22 accounts for Mr Paul, then returned. Nothing particular occurred.


July 29 - Wednesday

This day nothing particular occurred. Fine day.


July 30 - Thursday

This day writing out George’s accounts or rather part of them for him. Met my Class.


July 31 - Friday

This day writing as yesterday. Held Prayer Meeting.


August 1 - Saturday

This day in the Bay, returned and attended the Division, was informed that Mr and Mrs Teed arrived in the Packet; they went to Mr Inkpen’s. I went to seem them, found them well. Bless the Lord for His Mercies.


August 2 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Held service in the morning, the Rev S.T. Teed in the afternoon, a delightful sermon. Mr Teed held Prayer Meeting; a goodly number assembled.


August 3 - Monday

This day writing for George. Nothing particular occurred.


August 4 - Tuesday

This day weeding potatoes. Went to see the people before leaving for Flat Islands. May God Bless and keep them safe. Amen.


August 5 - Wednesday

This morning carried my trunk, box, etc., on board Mr Coady (sic) for Flat Islands. I parted with my dear wife and family and friends about 12 o’clock and had a very pleasant time down, the water was so smooth. Bless God I was not a bit sick. Arrived about four o’clock at Mrs Harriet Collins’ and was received by them all in the greatest kindness. Went around the Harbour and saw all the people; they were glad that I was come, to God be all the Glory. Retired to rest 10 o’clock.


Flat Islands – August 1863


August 6 - Thursday This day in part visiting the sick, viz. Mrs Ann Collins and her son Isaac. Prayed with them. Visited Mrs Monks, prayed there also. Wrote a letter to my dear wife and to Mrs Coady. Bless the Lord for every mercy of this day. Keep me faithful for Thy Great Name’s Sake. Amen. Read, prayed and retired at 10 o’clock.

August 7 - Friday

Oh Lord, I thank Thee for Thy sparing Mercy to me another night, that I am still in health. I trust and pray that my dear wife and friends and children are also. Visited Aunt Ann Collins, found her better. Helped to put 150 qtls fish on board Wm Coady and Ed Collins for St. John’s. Held Prayer Meeting; not many there, they were out looking for bait. Oh Lord, Bless the feeble endeavours of Thy servant, grant that Thy word by him may be made a Blessing to their souls. Thinking of those I have left behind and praying that in God’s good time I shall see them all again. Read, prayed and retired to rest 10 o’clock.


August 8 - Saturday

Feel well this morning, bless the Lord. Was engaged in writing to Rev Mr Peach, on the cause of the people here and farther down. Visited Mrs Ann Collins, who is sick. Helping Mr Coady to stow away some fish in the boat. Read, prayed and retired 10 o’clock.


August 9 - Sunday

This a Blessed Sabbath morning. Arose with some misgivings [about] how I would be able to conduct service and how the people would feel under me after losing so fine a man as Brother Pyke, but the Lord was better to me than my fears, and I trust we were all blessed together. I hope and trust that the word spoken as not in vain. Several felt it and all could say ‘twas good to be there. May God add His Blessing.


August 10 - Monday

School this day; 24 children attended. Visited Mrs Ann Collins in the evening, found her better. Bless the Lord. Took tea with Mrs F. Butler. God Bless and keep my dear wife. Retired 10 o’clock.


August 11 - Tuesday

Arose at five this morning. Writing letters to my wife, to Mr Teed and to others. Attended school twice and Prayer Meeting in the evening. Ed Collins sailed 6 o’clock this evening. Retired 10 o’clock.


August 12 - Wednesday

This morning arose ½ past 5, after good night’s rest and engaged before school time writing to my children and to dear friends. Attended school, visited Mrs Paddle. Nothing particular occurred. Oh Lord, Bless my dear wife and children. Returned ½ past 10.


August 13 - Thursday

Bless God it is a fine morning. Arose ½ past five; after breakfast went with Mr Coady to Red Harbour. Rowed over four miles, had dinner with Mr and Mrs Laughlin. Mrs Ellen Collins, a young woman from the Bay, was there with us. Found Mr Pine’s schooner there. Received a short letter from my dear wife; none from anyone else. Had a great breeze of wind coming back. Met the Class and retired to rest ½ past 10.


August 14 - Friday

Arose six o’clock. Wrote another letter to my dear wife. Attended school twice. Prayer Meeting in the evening. Not many attended, too much engaged about the fish. Oh Lord, Bless the means to all our souls. Amen. Retired to rest 10 o’clock.


August 15 - Saturday

Arose at six o’clock, a fine morning. Wanted to go to Western Creek but could get no passage. Went to Wm Smith’s to try to send letters to Burin, but he did not go. Visited the people on the South Side and returned before the rain came. Spent most of the evening in reading. Oh God Bless my dear wife and friends in Burin and my children, is my earnest prayer. Retired to rest 10 o’clock.


August 16 - Sunday

A fine morning. Arose ½ past six. No one else up on the Island. Held service 11 o’clock, Sabbath school ½ past one. Held service again 3 o’clock and met the Class and Prayer Meeting ½ past six. Oh Lord, I thank and Praise Thy Glorious Name for the privileges of another Blessed Sabbath day. Oh Lord, I trust that the feeble efforts of Thy dust in setting forth Thy power to save hath not been in vain, on this people; if Lord, Thou canst work by such an unworthy worm, to thy Name be the Praise and the Glory. I pray Thee to Bless my dear partner and children and those whom I bear in my mind from time to time. Retired to rest ½ past nine.


August 17 - Monday

This a glorious morning. Arose ½ past five. Attended school. After evening school visited the families at Bully’s Creek. Oh may we all be thankful for the Blessed Gospel.


August 18 - Tuesday

Arose this morning 10 minutes to seven o’clock. Was poorly all night. Had to get up one or two o’clock. Very poorly all day, could not hold Prayer Meeting. Wrote a letter to Rd Critch, St Mary’s; was greatly disappointed in not being able to send to my wife and children the letters I have had written so long. Did not know Philip Pine was going home. I hope before long to get them up. May God keep you all safe. Amen. Retired to rest ½ past nine.


August 19 - Wednesday

Fine morning. Arose at six this morning. Better, Bless God, than yesterday morning. I long to hear from Burin. I have been dreaming so much about white that I am confident I shall hear of death soon. Oh God, prepare me for any trial if I am concerned in it. Attended school and in the evening visited South Side. Oh Lord, Bless them all in Burin. Retired to rest ½ past nine.


August 20 - Thursday

Arose at six this morning; not so well as yesterday. Had a troublesome night, dreamt that Mr Coady had broken out drinking again and that I heard an awful noise between him and his family. I hope soon to hear from Burin. Attended school, in evening met the Class, saw Mr Pine’s schooner come in, and went to him but no letter or word from my dear wife. Retired to rest ½ past nine.


August 21 - Friday

Arose at five; fine morning. Attended school and Prayer Meeting in the evening. Only a few attended. No man home. Retired to rest ½ past nine after committing my dear friends to God.


August 22 - Saturday

Arose this morning 6 o’clock. Went to the South Side, got a punt, and went on board Saul Brinton, and as he was bound for Burin, immediately I gave him the letters for my wife and children and friends. When I came back I saw Thos Hollett from the Bay; he said that he would go to Burin. I wrote another letter and put it with my dirty clothes on board, but as it continued calm and foggy he did not go. I bless God for another week’s blessings and trust it hath been a week of good to my soul. God bless my dear wife and children and friends. With that Prayer I retired to rest 9 o’clock.


August 23 - Sunday

Arose at six this morning; a very foggy morning. Rather concerned that Edward is not yet returned from St. John’s, but at ten o’clock saw him come. He made Jean de Bay Island; told us that Mr Coady had not his fish out when he left last Saturday. Held Service 11 o’clock, Sabbath school ½ past one, Class and Prayer Meeting. It was a blessed day to my soul, Glory be to God. Both at afternoon Service and Prayer Meeting many tears were shed. Oh that God may fasten conviction on all their hearts.

I pray that you did enjoy the like Blessing, my dear wife. Retired to rest at nine o’clock.


August 24 - Monday

This fine morning arose before six. Well, Bless God. Been dreaming of you I trust and pray that you are well. Attended school, visited South Side. Philip Pine told me he intended going up so I will come, please God. Retired to rest nine o’clock.


August 25 - Tuesday

This a foggy morning. Attended school and in the evening Prayer Meeting. A Blessed time. The Lord gave your poor husband liberty in Prayer and exhortation that watery eyes were there. Oh may God own the poor efforts of His dust and to Him be all the Glory. May God bless you, my dear wife. Retired to rest ½ past nine.


August 26 - Wednesday

This day arose ½ past five. Found it very foggy. Attended school, went to Philip Pine thinking he was going home but he did not. Nothing particular occurred. After committing my dear wife and children to God’s care, retired to rest ½ past nine.

 

 August 27 - Thursday

Arose ½ past five o’clock. The rain woke me. Had a good night, Bless the Lord. Dreamed of you. Attended school only once; it rained hard all day. No Class meeting. Retired to rest half past nine.

Burin – August 1863


August 28 - Friday

This morning arose ½ past five; after a night of great anxiety and trouble, from 12 to ½ past 3, was up watching. Went up with Philip Pine; had a fine time up. Found my dear family well, Bless God. Hear of Mrs Pine’s death.


August 29 - Saturday

Went into the Bay, saw my dear children, all well, Bless God, except Thos Isaac. Saw Dr Moran, desired him to go and see him. Attended the Division. Mr Coady expelled owing to drinking. Took tea at Rev Mr Teed’s. Were alarmed in the Division owing to Mr Ware’s child being drowned, falling over punt. Foggy night.


August 30 - Sunday

This a Blessed day. Heard two very excellent sermons from Mr Tweed. I held Service in evening at Rd Brushett’s at Stepaside. Met my Class as usual. May God keep us all faithful.


August 31 - Monday

Went to Mr Pine’s twice but did not proceed. Attended the funeral of George Ware–9 years old. He was a member of the Band of Hope, and it was a pleasant sight to see the little boys and girls in their regalia walking before the coffin.

Oh Lord, Bless and keep us all Faithful. Amen.


September 1 - Tuesday

This morning at Burin Bay, 6 o’clock; returned and nothing particular occurred ‘till about six in the evening when John Isaac and George Vincent came after me saying that Wm Isaac was so ill that they were afraid he was dying. George and I went and going by James Brushett’s, his son Josiah fell into the water and only for present assistance being at hand, he would have been drowned. Oh Lord, keep us all from accidents. Went from our house to Wm Isaac’s in one hour and ten minutes, found the dear boy very ill. Read and talked and prayed with him and came back 12 o’clock at night. Very foggy.


September 2 - Wednesday

This morning arose 6 o’clock, went to Burin Bay, breakfasted with Mr and Mrs Pine and children, then returned as it was no time away. Wm Henry and Hennigar went in the Bay, found the boy very ill. Oh Lord, if it is Thy Will restore him or prepare him for Death and Judgement.


September 3 - Thursday

This a very foggy morning. Had a very bad dream tonight. After breakfast left my dear wife and went to Burin Bay. The weather cleared up a little with a breeze in our favour. We started about 11 o’clock, came down the Reach. Saw (R. and H.) I thought at the gate. I pray God to Bless (R. and H.) and all I left behind. We had a good breeze that carried us off Jean de Bay Island in little more than two hours; then it became calm. We rowed ‘till we came to Copper Island; then we had wind that took us into the Harbour. We arrived at Uncle Henry’s by 7 o’clock and had tea with them and then went home. Found Wm Coady gone. Talked to Edward. Retired to rest 12 o’clock.


Flat Islands – September 1863


September 4 - Friday

This a dirty day. No school. Visiting the people. Held Prayer Meeting in the evening and gave an exhortation. Oh Lord, Bless the feeble efforts of Thy servant.


September 5 - Saturday

This morning arose at six o’clock. Wrote a letter to my dear wife and Mrs Coady, sent by Thos Bradley. Went to the South Side, saw a Burin boat come in, and before I got back she went off. I found it was John Collins; felt sorry I did not see him. Retired to rest ½ past nine.


September 6 - Sunday

Arose a little after six. Rained this morning. Held service 11 o’clock, school ½ past one. Service again three o’clock. Made collections. Held Prayer Meeting, had a blessed time. Gave an exhortation and Oh that the lord may bless the feeble efforts of such unworthy dust. Oh Lord, Bless all my dear friends and my dear wife and children. Retired 9 o’clock.


September 7 - Monday

Arose ½ past five o’clock. Wrote part of two letters. Attended school twice. Nothing particular occurred. Went to the South Side. Retired to rest at 10 o’clock.


September 8 - Tuesday

Arose at 6 o’clock after a good night’s rest. Attended school twice and at South Side in the evening. Nothing particular occurred. Retired to rest nine o’clock.


September 9 - Wednesday

Arose this morning 6 o’clock. A fine morning, but it turned out very dirty. Attended school twice. Nothing particular occurred. Oh Lord, Bless my dear wife and children and Friends. Retired to rest 9 o’clock.


September 10 - Thursday

Arose at six o’clock. A fine hard morning. No school. Was at the Western Creek at Hay Cove to Mr Joyce’s, took dinner with them, came back at four o’clock, held Class meeting. Isaac Collins and Wm Henry went to Burin, carried my letters. Retired to rest 9 o’clock. Oh Lord, bless and keep my dear wife and children all safe.


September 11 - Friday

This morning arose at six o’clock. Attended school twice. Attended Prayer Meeting. May God bless to our souls the means of Grace. Oh Lord, keep and bless all my dear friends and my dear wife and children. Retired to rest nine o’clock.


September 12 - Saturday

This morning arose at 6 o’clock. Saw Isaac Collins from Burin. No letters. Edward also came. He told me he saw no one belonging to me so I am still without any letters. Samuel’s son Isaac sailed with Wm Senior for St. John’s. May God Bless you all. Retired to rest nine o’clock.


September 13 - Sunday

This a fine morning. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, that I am well. Arose 6 o’clock praying that God would make it a good day to our souls. Held service 11 o’clock, school ½ past one, service three o’clock. Class after service and Prayer Meeting at six o’clock and Bless God it was a Blessed Day. Oh may the Word spoken in weakness be crowned and blessed by the Master for Christ’s sake. Amen. Retired to rest before nine o’clock.


September 14 - Monday

Arose at 6. A very dirty morning. Attended school twice. Not many children as the weather was wet. Nothing particular occurred. Wrote to my dear wife. I pray God to Bless her and my children and friends. Retired to rest nine o’clock.


September 15 - Tuesday

Arose ½ past 5 o’clock. Well, Bless the Lord. A dull morning. Attended school twice. Nothing particular occurred. Wrote to Mr Teed. Prayed for you all and then retired to rest nine o’clock.


September 16 - Wednesday

This morning arose well, Bless God, at ½ past five. A dull morning. Attended school. Philip Pine left for home. I trust my dear wife will soon have her letters. Nothing particular occurred. Retired to rest ½ past nine.


September 17 - Thursday

This fine morning arose ½ past 5 and well. Bless the Lord for every mercy. I pray that my dear wife and children are so likewise. I long to hear if Susan is confined. Attended school and in the evening Class, one precious soul was added to our number, Rebecca Collins, Isaac’s wife. May God keep her faithful unto Death. After committing you to God, retired to rest before nine o’clock.


September 18 - Friday

Arose this morning ½ past five o’clock after a night of dreaming some odd things. Oh may we all be kept this day from harm. Attended school and Prayer Meeting in the evening. Oh Lord, I pray that my dear Burin friends felt as good as we did here. Retired to rest nine o’clock.

September 19 - Saturday

This morning arose little after five o’clock. Well, Bless God. Had a good night’s rest, dreamt something but cannot remember anything about it. Visited the South Side and visiting hath been my employment in my leisure hours. Bless God another week is gone. So much nearer to seeing my dear wife and children and friends. Retired to rest ½ past eight.


September 20 - Sunday

Bless the Lord, I arose ½ past 5 o’clock after a good night’s rest of dreaming of my dear wife and Mrs Coady. I hope I shall both hear from you and see you both soon. I long to hear from you all. Service 11 a.m., school ½ past 1, service 3 o’clock. Class and then Prayer Meeting in the evening when I gave an exhortation. Had a good congregation. Oh Lord, Bless the word to every soul, if good hath been done to thy name be the Glory. Added one more to our Class. Read Mr Pyke’s letter to John Paddle. Commended you to God and then retired to rest nine o’clock.


September 21 - Monday

This a very foggy morning. Arose ½ past 5. Had a good night. Dreamt a good deal of my, my dear wife, and also thought I was in bed with Eli Brown; everything very white. I trust that I shall not hear any bad news from you. Attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Retired to rest ½ past eight.


September 22 - Tuesday

Arose this morning, ½ past five o’clock, after a night of very heavy lightning and thunder and rain. I think I never saw more vivid lightning–awoke me about 12 o’clock and I could not sleep soundly after, thinking of you and those that were out on the sea and praying for you. While I was asleep I dreamt I saw Billy Isaacs and he was well. I hope when I hear from you it will be so. Attended school. Nothing particular occurred, only heard that a boat was seen in the Bay last week, her main mast was carried away, white mast head. She was full of water. Oh Lord, have mercy on the poor souls whoever they may be. Retired to rest after committing you to God, ½ past nine.


September 23 - Wednesday

Arose ½ past five o’clock. Fine morning. Bless the lord for a good night’s rest. Went collecting, got 4 3/4 qtls fish. John Butler, Wm Butler and Henry Cran gave none. Was told that the boat seen last week in the Bay was Mr N. Coady, but I hope it is not so. Retired to rest after praying for my dear wife and children at nine o’clock.


September 24 - Thursday

Arose ½ past five o’clock after a troublesome night. Could not sleep for thinking of Mr Coady. But I hope and trust it is not him, poor man, but some poor souls are gone, that is a fact, for the boat was seen by several and so rough they could not get to her. Thos Collins and Samuel went in search of her last night and returned to-day without seeing any sign. Attended school and met the Class. I hope that you were at your Class and that God blessed you all. Retired to rest ½ past eight.


September 25 - Friday

Was aroused in the night by the firing of a gun. Mr Senior arrived from St. John’s. Arose this morning a little after five o’clock. Well, bless God. I trust to hear from you all to-day as Philip Pine is at Red Hr. Attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Saw John Collins; he told me that Isaac Collins was married last Wednesday. He saw Mr Coady and expected that he came to Burin last night. Retired at nine.


September 26 - Saturday

A dirty morning as yesterday. Arose not till almost 7 o’clock. Well, bless God. Dreaming of you almost all night and wished heartily that you were with me. This hath been a day of constant heavy rain. Writing all day. Wrote part of sermon and a letter to Samuel Collins, and one to Mr John Knight. Retired to rest before eight o’clock after prayer for you all.


September 27 - Sunday

Arose at 6 o’clock. A very wet rainy morning. Held Service 11 o’clock. No Sabbath school–too wet. Service at three o’clock and Prayer Meeting in the evening. Received my letters from my dear wife with my clothes and a present from her; it is her likeness. Oh Lord, Bless and keep them all. Bless the Lord that Susan is over her confinement and has a dear little girl. May God spare her to them. Retired at eight o’clock.


September 28 - Monday

Arose this morning, ½ past five. Well, Bless God. Attended school. Dr Haddock came and brought me letters. Nothing particular occurred. Retired to rest nine o’clock.


September 29 - Tuesday

This morning arose ½ past five o’clock. Dr Haddock was here. I wrote two letters, was collecting and a dreadful walk we had, down to our knees. Held service in the evening. Opened by singing and prayer, then the Doctor gave a very good exhortation on those words of St. John: "God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth". May God help us all so to do. Prayed for you and retired to rest ½ past nine.


September 30 - Wednesday

Arose ½ past five o’clock. Writing to my dear wife and daughter Hennigar. Oh Lord, I bless Thy Holy Name for all mercies. Retired nine o’clock.


October 1 - Thursday

Arose ½ past five o’clock. Well, bless God. Went to Henry Butler’s with my clothes. Oh Lord, send a good time. I hope he finds you all well. Retired to rest nine o’clock.


October 2 - Friday

Arose ½ past five o’clock. Well, bless the Lord. Oh my dear, I hope I shall soon be home with you again, please God. Nothing particular occurred. Attended school, held Prayer Meeting. Oh Lord, Bless the word spoken. After praying for you, retired to rest 10 o’clock.


October 3 - Saturday

Arose this morning ½ past five. Well, bless the Lord. By Henry Butler I again heard from my dear wife and children and was sorry to hear that Susan’s dear little one is very sick. Oh Lord, if it is at all consentient with Thy Divine Will, do spare the dear child to them, but not our Will but Thine be done. Was rather surprised to hear that lights were seen in Wm Coady’s shop for the last two nights past, so this night we all saw it, sometimes very bright, at other times dim. No reflection of any lights to be made out. Retired to rest nine o’clock.


October 4 - Sunday

Arose again this Blessed Sabbath morning–well, bless the Lord–at six o’clock. Held Service at 11 o’clock. School ½ past one. Service at three, Class and then Prayer Meeting. Bless God, I found it good and had liberty to exhort them at the Prayer Meeting. Oh that good may be done and to Thee, Oh Lord, I will ascribe the Glory. Very good congregations all day.


October 5 - Monday

Arose ½ past five o’clock. Not very well. Attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Saw no lights tonight. Retired 8 o’clock. Oh Lord, Bless and keep my dear wife and all in health.


October 6 - Tuesday

This morning arose at 6 o’clock. Not well. I have been dreaming so much of new board and seeing white that I am anxious to hear and afraid to for fear some bad news may come to me. Oh Lord, prepare me for it. Attended school. Nothing particular occurred. Retired to rest after committing you to God’s care at 7 o’clock.


October 7 - Wednesday

This morning arose ½ past five. No way better. Wishing to be home. Mr Teed arrived here and wished me to proceed home at once, which I will. He held Prayer Meeting and preached a beautiful sermon. Retired to rest 10 o’clock.


October 8 - Thursday

Arose ½ past five, fine morning. Oh God, Bless and keep us all safe. Philip Pine came in here bound home. Mr Teed went off for Sound Island. Wm Coady arrived home and brought 160 qtls fish and 1 ton oil. Retired to rest ½ past nine.


October 9 - Friday

This a very dirty morning. Arose 6 o’clock, but it was so dirty and stormy that I could not proceed home. Retired nine o’clock.


Burin – October 1863


October 10 - Saturday

Arose at six o’clock. Went to Philip Pine and we got under way and left Flat Islands 1/4 to eight in the morning and did not arrive in Burin ‘till five o’clock in the evening. I was very sick and so was Rd Dibbon and Rd Gosling. I found my dear wife well and heard that my dear Harriet was not well, but at the Division was informed that she was better. We went to rest 10 o’clock.

October 11 - Sunday

While we were at breakfast this morning, Billy Vincent came to the house for his Uncle George (not knowing that I was home) to go into the Bay as his Aunt Harriet is very ill. I put off the morning service and went into the Bay, found my dear Harriet very ill but she knew me and took hold of my hand. "Oh my dear Father, my kind loving Father, I am glad, " said she, "that you have come. Oh my dear Father, how glad I am once more to see you." I said, "My dear child, how do you feel [in] your mind? Have you made your peace with God?" "Oh my dear Father, now I am happy. All is right now." I prayed with her and she would squeeze my hand very hard at almost every word, saying it was almost too late but bless the Lord, all is well now. I came home and held Service with the people in the afternoon, and as soon as the Service was over I went again into the Bay. It was nearly dark, but on my way I prayed to my Heavenly Father that if it was His Blessed Will to take her, that he would give me a token. I had not far before two white birds flew up close by my side and pitched a little distance from me. I went close to them; they flew close to me again, then I saw them no more. I went on and when I got to the house, Philip and Thomas and his Mother and the children were there sitting. "Oh," said Philip, "Father, we have good news to tell you. Harriet is taking a fine nap in sleep." I went to her room door and heard her draw her breath; then I sat down a little while and heard her moan. I went to the door and returned again, but it was not long before I heard her again. I went in, took the candle and went to her bedside and saw that she was not conscious. I called her; she did not speak. I felt her hands and forehead; the cold death sweat was on her. I called her husband and told him she was gone. He lifted her up in bed and held her in his arms; she drew two breaths. I told him to leave her to me and laid her head on my left arm. She drew her last breath there without a struggle or a groan and sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. It was about six o’clock.

Oh what did I feel when I thought of my first dear wife "Harriet" and my eldest daughter "Harriet" both breathing their last on my arm. I had many thoughts of her during the night, thoughts of joy mixed with sorrow, when her husband told me that on Thursday last she settled everything with him about herself and children and how and where she would be buried. She read two chapters, sang two hymns and prayed very much and to the purpose and requested the Almighty God to spare her long enough to see her Father and Glory be to God, he granted her request.

I stopped all night. Oh Lord, bless and sanctify this bereavement to all their souls. I did not let my dear Charlotte know it, as she was ill too.


October 12 - Monday

I had to face home Monday and Oh what did I feel and think how my dear wife and children would be. It was so wet that I was drenched completely before I got home and Oh what had I to encounter with the grief of my dear wife and children. It was almost more than I could bear–well may I say, "Oh to Grace how great a debtor." Nothing but the Grace of God could enable me to withstand so great a trial. Glory, Glory to my God for all I do receive from Him. May He spare my other children if it is His Blessed Will and give my dear wife strength according to her need for Christ’s sake. Amen.

 

October 13 - Tuesday

My son John, my son in law Wm Henry and I set off this morning to attend the funeral of my dear Harriet. She was interred at Ship Cove New Church, by the Rev Mr Rosier. Returned home, my dear wife very low and very much cast down. My dear son in law was also very much cast down at the grave of his dear wife. Lord comfort him.


October 14 - Wednesday

This hath been a sorrowful day indeed. My dear wife so much cast down. Was informed that Ann Hardsent died yesterday in child bed. Oh Lord, prepare us all for our latter end.


October 15 - Thursday

As yesterday, very gloomy day. My dear wife very much cast down. Nothing particular occurred to-day. Heard that my dear Charlotte is no worse. Oh Lord, spare her to her dear family is my prayer if it is Thy Blessed Will.


October 16 - Friday

This another sorrowful day. At times my dear wife bears up under the bereavement and then cast down again. She saw the funeral of Ann Hardsent go down and [illegible]. Oh my blessed Lord, strengthen her and bless her. Have not heard from the Bay to-day.


October 17 - Saturday

Arose this morning 5 o’clock. Went into the Bay to see my dear children. Found my dear Harriet’s children getting better. Thomas bears up better than I expected. Oh Lord, comfort and strengthen him. I found my dear Charlotte better than I thought she would. Oh Lord, restore her. I read and prayed with her. May God help her to prepare to meet her sister in Climes of Bliss.


October 18 - Sunday

This day I felt it very much to go to hold the Services of the Church. I felt cast down, yet by the help of God I was enabled to hold two Services with the people, and pray that the word spoken may be owned of God. Thomas Isaac and George Vincent were here; it was a solemn meeting between Thomas and my dear wife and I felt my share of the trouble too. May God Bless us all. Charlotte is better, thanks be to God.


October 19 - Monday

This a fine day, bless the Lord. I had to stop all day home; my dear wife not well. Oh Lord, bless and keep us safe. Heard that my dear daughter Charlotte is better.


October 20 - Tuesday

This morning arose 6 o’clock, went for the Bay. Met Robert Brushett going for the Doctor. His sister Minnie was ill; I went to see her and found her very bad in the fever, talked to her and prayed with her. Went into the Bay, saw Charlotte. Glory to God, she is getting better. Assisted Thos Isaac to dig potatoes, then after dinner came out and went to see George Brushett; he is very bad. The fever too, he hath got. I prayed with him. Oh Lord, if it is Thy Will, restore them all to their health.


October 21 - Wednesday

This a wet day, could not go in the Bay to help Thomas Isaac to dig his potatoes. Heard that Mrs Mary Bishop was very ill. Oh Lord, prepare her and us for a Better Land.


October 22 - Thursday

Very wet this morning. Did not go into the Bay, but heard that my dear daughter and the children are getting better. Oh Lord, keep and preserve them. Amen.


October 23 - Friday

This morning went into the Bay to assist Thomas digging his potatoes. Was not there long before Thomas Brushett came for me to go and see Dinah Allen; she was sick in the fever. Found her very ill. Read and prayed with her. Went back in the Bay again and helped Thomas ‘till four o’clock, then spent a little while with Charlotte. Read and prayed with her. Came out to see Dinah Allen again; then after praying with her, returned home. Held Prayer Meeting, retired to rest very tired.


October 24 - Saturday

This morning went into the Bay with rice and sugar for my dear Charlotte. We did not dig any potatoes, fearing it would rain. Prayed with Charlotte. Came out with Thomas and Philip, saw Dinah Allen, prayed with her, saw George Brushett, prayed with him. Oh Lord, restore them. Returned home, heard that Mr Teed was at Mortier Bay. Attended the Division until 10 o’clock.


October 25 - Sunday

This a fine day. Held Service twice, Mr Teed is at Mortier Bay. Thomas brought out Rosanna with him. No Prayer Meeting, no lights. Met the Class. Lord Bless the means to our souls.


October 26 - Monday

Went into the Bay, Wm Henry also, digging Thomas’ potatoes. Fine day. Ellen Paul and Samuel with her digging her potatoes. Found my dear Charlotte better. Oh Lord, continue Thy Kindness to her.


October 27 - Tuesday

This morning saw Mr Teed. Got out the fish and helped him to get his potatoes and wood out. George and Wm Henry went around to cut wood. Received by Capt Keech 1 pr blankets and 1 brl four that Mr Phinney owed me.


October 28 - Wednesday

This day home all day. Nothing particular occurred.

October 29 - Thursday

This a frosty morning. Nothing particular occurred. Cut and buried some of our cabbage.


October 30 - Friday

Arose in the night and went into the Bay. Was in before daylight; my clock stopped, which led me astray. Helped dig potatoes, came out. Heard that Dinah Allen died. Attended Prayer Meeting. Mr Teed held it. Oh Lord, prepare us all for our departure from Time.


October 31 - Saturday

This day engaged in spreading and weighing the fish that came from Flat Islands. Saw James Brushett and G. Roberts digging poor Dinah Allen’s grave. Attended Division, nothing particular occurred.


November 1 - Sunday

This a foggy morning, the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very good discourses from Mr Teed. In the afternoon attended the funeral of Dinah Allen. Mr Teed preached a funeral sermon from Amos [?} 4-12: "Prepare to Meet thy God". Met the Class. Oh Lord, Bless and keep us all. Amen.


November 2 - Monday

This day very dull. Saw MacDonalds [?] from Sound Island. Attended the Marriage of John Brown and Elizabeth Newport. Hear Mr John Power is dead. Oh Lord, prepare us all for our latter end.


November 3 - Tuesday

This a fine day. Cutting up boughs to burn. Nothing particular occurred.


November 4 - Wednesday

This a fine morning, after rain. George and Wm Henry gone in the woods this morning. Attended two weddings: John Gosling and S. Kirby and Samuel Moulton and Caroline Burbridge. O Lord, Bless and Prosper them. Took tea with them.


November 5 - Thursday

Oh Lord, I have to Bless Thy Holy and Great Name, that I am brought to see the 70th year of my age. O help me to serve Thee the rest of my days. Spelling wood into store. Nothing particular occurred.


November 6 - Friday

Went this morning into the Bay to see my dear children and found Charlotte and the dear children getting better. Bless the Lord. It rained very hard. I came out with Thomas. Got the grant for the land. Came home and attended Prayer Meeting and a glorious time we had. Bless the Lord. Mr G. Inkpen arrived from St. John’s.


November 7 - Saturday

This a fine blowy morning. Engaged in putting up the Lamps in the Church and fixing them. Attended the Marriage of Simon Pidgen and Mary Kirby. Took tea with them. Lord Bless them.


November 8 - Sunday

This a fine morning. Wm Henry and George came out from Big Salmonier with load of wood. This hath been a glorious day to my soul. Mr Downes preached in morning from 2nd John, 4th verse. In the afternoon a Love Feast. Oh it was a feast to my soul, and I trust to many others’. In the evening Mr Teed preached from 61 Psalms, 2nd verse. Prayer Meeting after. O Blessed Privileges, may they never rise in judgement to condemn any of us. The Lamps were lit for the first time in the Church; there are 17. Oh Lord, Bless and keep us all. Thomas and Wm and Wm Vincent were with us to-day.


November 9 - Monday

This a wet morning. Assisted George and Wm Henry in unloading their wood. Nothing particular occurred. Attended Division. All that we present were in favour of the Temperance Hall to be built in Burin Bay.


November 10 - Tuesday

This a constant day of rain. Writing all day. Nothing particular occurred.


November 11 - Wednesday

This a very squally day. Writing most part of day. Attended the wedding of George Newport and Jane Tailor.


November 12 - Thursday

This a wet morning. Attended the Marriage of Gabriel Beasley and Eliza Moulton. After met the Class. O Lord, Bless all our souls.


November 13 - Friday

This a fine morning. Nothing very particular occurred, until afternoon, when a boat from Flat Islands came up, bringing Richard Gosling and Susanna Collins and Richard Dibbon and Caroline Collins to be Married. Attended their Marriage and gave them both away. O Lord, Bless them and keep them Faithful. Attended Prayer Meeting. Mr Downes exhorted.


November 14 - Saturday

This morning went into the Bay. Found my dear daughter and the children well. Came home, found Dr Haddock and family gone for Fortune. O Lord, Bless them. Mrs Collins from Flat Islands was up and she and Mrs Coady were at our house this evening.


November 15 - Sunday

This a very frosty morning. Fine day. Mr Downes preached in the morning, Mr Teed in the afternoon. I held Class and Prayer Meeting. A glorious day. Blessed be God. Thomas Isaac and Bill Vincent were here.


November 16 - Monday

Dark wet morning. Nothing particular occurred. Attended the Division; a charge brought against two members for violating Pledge.


November 17 - Tuesday

This day nothing particular occurred. George and Wm Henry went around in bay. I paid Mr Teed. Began to fill Mr Teed’s cellar.


November 18 - Wednesday

Dull day, partly covered the cellar. Nothing particular occurred.


November 19 - Thursday

This wet morning, rained almost all day. Was not able to anything to cellar. In the evening met the Class. Bless God, it was a good time.


November 20 - Friday

This [a] dull day. Finished Mr Teed’s cellar. Nothing particular occurred. Attended Prayer Meeting. A good meeting, Bless the Lord.


November 21 - Saturday

This morning arose at six o’clock. Went into the Bay, saw my dear children. They are all well. Came home. Was at John Paul’s and bought from him a cap, Pilat cloth and calico. George and Wm Henry came from the Bay 10 o’clock.


November 22 - Sunday

This a dull morning. Heard from Mr Teed a most glorious discourse. He was taken sick. I had to hold service in the afternoon. Bless God, Mr Teed got better and held Prayer Meeting. Thomas and Bill Vincent were here.


November 23 - Monday

This a very blowing day; went to Boat Cove to see what had become of George and Wm Henry and the boat; found them all safe. Came back and attended Division.


November 24 - Tuesday

This a frosty morning with snow. Blew a gale of wind all night and continued so that George and Wm Henry could not go to Big Salmonier. Nothing particular occurred.


November 25 – Wednesday

This morning snowed very fast. A dirty day. George and Wm Henry to Big Salmonier to get wood.


November 26 - Thursday

This [a] fine morning. Went into the Bay with Hennigar and Mary Ann to see the children and Charlotte. This the first time they were in since my dear daughter Harriet died. Came out, met Richard Willy. He came from St. John’s, had it very rough. Sold our stove to Wm Abbott.


November 27 - Friday

This a fine day. Philip Vincent was here and we all went to Hennigar’s to dinner. Attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. A good time, Bless God.

November 28 - Saturday

This a fine soft morning. Engaged with Ed Collins and Robert Riggs in putting glass in Church windows. George and Wm Henry are not come up from Big Salmonier with wood.


November 29 - Sunday

This a fine soft morning. It blew very hard all night. Attended service; heard two very excellent sermons. Prayer Meeting in evening. Mr Teed at Foote’s Cove. George and Wm Henry came about 10 o’clock. Thomas Isaacs and Bill and George Vincent were here.


November 30 - Monday

This a fine soft morning. Wm Isaacs came out and helped me bring up my coal. Rd Willy brought up the Lamp and stayed to the Division. Expelled 6 and took in one. No Prayer Meeting, Mr Teed was ill. Began to burn the lamps.


December 1 - Tuesday

This a fine morning, only snow squalls. George and Wm Henry carried in Thomas Isaacs’ boat and John’s provisions and some for the Mullens’. Carried my fish to Mr Pine.


December 2 - Wednesday

This a cold morning. Good bit of snow on ground. Nothing particular occurred. Blew very hard wind to N.W. Took our bed in the parlour.


December 3 - Thursday

This a cold, frosty day. Nothing particular occurred. Met the Class.


December 4 - Friday

This a windy day, very cold. I held Prayer Meeting and met the Class for Mr Teed.


December 5 - Saturday

This a wet morning. I could not go into the Bay, was engaged in putting up the stove in the Church. My wife and I were at Mrs Coady’s to tea. She gave me the Gloves.


December 6 - Sunday

This a wet morning; very mild. Heard two very excellent sermons from Mr Teed. I held Prayer Meeting in the evening. Thomas was here; told us the dear children were down in the cold, and he is greatly afraid that George Vincent is getting the fever. O Lord, stay its progress if it is Thy Blessed Will and let none of the dear children be afflicted by it. O Lord, hear our Prayers for Christ’s sake. Freezed very hard last night.


December 7 - Monday

This a cold morning. Saw the steamer go up the Reach; was informed that George Vincent and Mary Ann Brushett and another of her sisters were down in the fever. Wm Isaacs was out to the Division. John Lambe’s wife was confined of a daughter. Bless the Lord for every Mercy. Mr Coady arrived.


December 8 - Tuesday

This a fine day, frosty. Was at Capt Keech’s with a letter; we shared our oil. Had a Trustee meeting; settled to have the burying ground fenced with wood posts and iron bars. I agreed to light fires and take charge of the Lamps for the winter. No sum was named.


December 9 - Wednesday

This morning went into the Bay to see the children. Breakfasted with Charlotte; found George Vincent better, the fever not very bad on him. When I returned I found that some wicked person had stolen from the fence last night my new drawers, new flannel shirts and new stockings.


December 10 - Thursday

This a cold snowy morning. Nothing particular occurred, only calculating how many families to get posts for buying ground; found 108 families. No Class meeting. Mr Teed was here, sang and prayed.


December 11 - Friday

This morning Mr Teed, Mr G. Inkpen, Mr G. Bishop and I went and measured the burying ground, and found that it will take three tons of iron to fence it and three posts per family. Mr Teed held Prayer Meeting. A cold, snowy day.


December 12 - Saturday

This day fixed the stoves for lighting fires in the Church. Was at John Paul’s and O’Neil’s’; heard that old Mr Gaulton was dead and buried, also that old Ed Malzard died in Jersey some time since. A cold frosty day.


December 13 - Sunday

This a Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons, and Prayer Meeting in the evening. Lit the fires in the Church, the first time for the winter. Fine day. Good congregations all day.


December 14 - Monday

This a very wet day. Nothing particular occurred. Attended Division. Nothing done. Closed 7 o’clock.


December 15 - Tuesday

This day assisting to build a wall at the back of the Burying Ground, with Mr G. Inkpen, Mr G. Bishop, Ed Collins and several men from Kirby’s Cove and Mitchells. Old Mr Reid came over and buried Susan Reid’s infant.


December 16 - Wednesday

This a fine day. Helping again about the wall around the burying ground. A goodly crowd from Burin Bay, Mud Cove and Collins’ Cove and Kirby’s Cove and Path End. Thomas Isaacs was with us tonight. He brought out the butter.


December 17 - Thursday

First part of the day helping about the wall, then stopped to meet the Class; seven attended. George and Wm Henry went into the Bay, brought out cabbage and potatoes.


December 18 - Friday

This day again engaged about the wall. None of Burin Bay or Spoon Cove or Mud Cove attended. Attended Prayer Meeting; had for the use of Prayer Meeting 2 lbs candles from Mr G. Inkpen. O Lord, Bless Thy Name for all Thy mercies to me and mine. Keep us Faithful. Amen.


December 19 - Saturday

This a very wet day. Went to Wm Kirby’s and he promised me some bad flour for the fowls. Was at Mr Coady’s. Was at Mr Teed’s and cut up two quarters of beef for him. Nothing particular occurred.


December 20 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons from Mr Teed. Saw Mr Ed Evans from Grand Bank. Met my Class. Held Prayer Meeting, Mr Teed at Stepaside. Thomas Isaacs was out to-day. Took tea at George’s.


December 21 - Monday

This a fine soft day. Was at Wm Kirby’s after the flour that was spoiled for eating, only for fowls. Attended the Division; it was proposed and seconded and carried that on New Year’s Day a dinner and the Division shall walk in procession and a Temperance lecture be given.


December 22 - Tuesday

This morning arose at 6 o’clock. Called Wm Henry, went into the Bay, found Charlotte and George better. Wm Henry put a window in the end of Thomas Isaacs’ house. Thomas killed old Cherry, a cow we gave our dear Harriet 16 years ago; she had 13 calves; she is 21 years old. I wrote a letter to John Malzard.

December 23 - Wednesday

This a fine moderate day. Assisted about building a wall to the lower end of the burying ground. Had a goodly number. Wm Coady and Isaac Collins came last night from Flat Islands.


December 24 - Thursday

This day was at Ellen Paul’s, brought home figs. The wind blew very strong to eastward. Wm Abbott came home from herring catching; lost his punt. Was at Hennigar’s to tea. The wall...one side and end was finished. No one attended Class this evening, the snow began to fall by 7 o’clock.


December 25 – Friday Christmas Day

This day attended service. Heard a good sermon from Mr Teed, on these words: Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth Peace and Goodwill to Men. Luke 2, 13 verse. Dined at George’s. John Mayo and Hannah Brushett Married this evening. Prayer Meeting in Mr Teed’s parlour. Kitchen and parlour full.


December 26 - Saturday

This day nothing particular occurred. Gave Mr Coady sheet paper and envelope. Wm Henry and Hennigar and Rosanna with us to tea.


December 27 - Sunday

This the last Sunday in the year. Bless God. Heard a delightful sermon on Rev 3-21 v. Mr Teed went to Great Burin. I held service in the afternoon and Prayer Meeting in the evening. My daughter Charlotte was out, also Billy and Thomas Isaacs. George Vincent is better. Bless the Lord.


December 28 - Monday

Fine day, began to saw wood. Attended the Division in the evening; election of officers. Bill Isaacs was out to-day.


December 29 - Tuesday

This day engaged in sawing wood. John Samuel carried his family in the woods and Bill Mullens went with him; they had a fine time. Mrs Paul from Burin Bay was with us to dinner. Not at the Division tonight.


December 30 - Wednesday

This day sawing wood and assisting to decorate the schoolhouse against Friday, for the Dinner for the Sons of Temperance and for the Temperance Lecture to be delivered on

Friday next.

Thomas Collins from Flat Islands was with us to tea this evening.


December 31 - Thursday

This the last day of the year. Mr Teed met our Class and gave the tickets to the members. Lit the fires and lamps 9 o’clock in Church. Service commenced 10 o’clock; a good company. Mr Teed preached from Luke 12-16-22. Oh God, I thank Thee that Thou hast brought me Thine unworthy dust to the end of another year, while numbers have been called to die. Lord, help me to be ready for a change. Thomas Isaacs and Bill were out to day.

 

Burin - 1864


January 1 - Friday

This a beautiful fine day. Attended the Dinner Party at the Division of the Sons of Temperance; 134 Sons dined, besides 40 tickets sold to visitors. Mr Teed gave a lecture on Temperance; 10 gave in their names to join our order. Oh God, grant that we may all prove faithful.


January 2 - Saturday

Forepart of this day very wet. Nothing particular occurred. The wind came off to the N.W. and it freezed hard. Oh Lord, keep us faithful unto Death.


January 3 - Sunday

This the first Sabbath, and Mr Teed preached from Jeremiah 28 - 16th verse, "This Year Thou Shalt Die". In the afternoon, Mr Teed went to Spoon Cove. He held Covenant Meeting after the morning Service, when a goodly number stayed to enter into a fresh covenant with God. I held service in the afternoon and Prayer Meeting. Mrs John Hodder and her son David was with us. Hannah Isaacs was out with her Father. Oh Lord, Bless and keep us all faithful unto Death that we may enter into Rest. Amen.


January 4 - Monday

This a cold frosty day. Was to see Mrs Brett, prayed with her. In the evening attended the Division; 10 were installed in our Order, among them: G. Dowel and Wm Baran. Oh that God will enable them to prove Faithful. The officers were installed in their offices–Philip Pine took the chair.


January 5 - Tuesday

This fine day employed in sawing wood and in the afternoon visited Mrs Brett. We were to Hennigar’s to dinner. Nothing particular occurred.


January 6 - Wednesday

This a rough day. Snowed all night and continued and to drift most of the day. Nothing particular occurred.


January 7 - Thursday

This day rough as yesterday, snowy and drifty, so dirty that we had no meeting; no one attended.


January 8 - Friday

This a milder day than yesterday. Was engaged in taking the snow from the Church. In the evening attended Prayer Meeting. Visited Mrs Brett; she is sinking fast. O Lord, do Thou prepare her for her change. May it be Peace.


January 9 - Saturday

This a moderate day. Had from [?] Gorman a hand saw-file. Mr Coady’s boat came home with a load of wood. Was informed that Benjamin Kirby’s son Joseph is very ill in a chill. Philip Pine also very bad in the Diphtheria. O Lord, prepare them and us for a Dying Howl and a Judgement Day.


January 10 - Sunday

The Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons from Mr Teed. He met my male Class and gave tickets. My dear daughter Charlotte and Thomas were out. Was informed that Philip Pine is very bad. Oh Lord, prepare him for all Thy Will. A fine moderate day.


January 11 - Monday

This a moderate day. Nothing particular occurred. Attended the Division. Widow Walsh’s son John and Fred Darby joined our order. Was informed that Philip Pine is very ill. Oh Lord, prepare him either life or death.


January 12 - Tuesday

This a very snowy morning; it began at 12 o’clock last night, a very heavy fall of snow. Was down to see Joseph Kirby and prayed with him. Oh Lord, restore him if it is Thy Blessed Will.


January 13 - Wednesday

This a mild day. Visited Mrs Brett. Nothing particular occurred. Oh Lord, Bless and keep us all faithful unto Death.


January 14 - Thursday

This a fine day. Engaged in sawing wood. Met the Class, not all attended. Oh Lord, shall Prayer be lost on any of these? Forbid it, dear Jesus, that after professing to follow Thee that any shall turn back to the beggarly elements of this sinful world. Amen.


January 15 - Friday

Arose at six o’clock this morning, went into the Bay. Found the children well. Came out and heard that Mr Pine’s child is dead, died in the Diphtheria. Attended Prayer Meeting. A good meeting, Bless God.


January 16 - Saturday

This rather a wet day. Sawing wood. In the evening attended the funeral of Mr Pine’s little boy "James". O Lord, prepare us all for whatever Thy Holy Will is in reference to us. Had a letter from S. Collins.


January 17 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two Blessed Sermons from Mr Teed. I held Prayer Meeting and gave an exhortation from the Hymn on page 60. Mr Teed came into Wm Henry’s pew and stayed until the service was almost over; then he came onward and gave out a Hymn and Prayed. Went to see Mr Coady and prayed with him. Thomas Isaacs and Wm and Wm Vincent were here.


January 18 - Monday

This a mild day, snowed. Most all day was engaged in sawing wood. Nothing particular occurred until the evening; then attended the Division when Thos Isaacs and Wm Vincent joined our Division. Had a letter from Jersey.


January 19 - Tuesday

This hath been a very wet and stormy day. Nothing particular occurred to-day.


January 20 - Wednesday

This day very rough, snowed and drifted very much, so that I could not do much. Mrs Coady was with us three hours this evening.


January 21 - Thursday

This day very slippery. I fell down and hurt my knee. Met the Class. John was just to-day from the woods. Oh Lord, Bless and keep us all Faithful unto Death. Amen.

January 22 - Friday

This a fine day. Put three more lamps in the Church. Was at Thos Gorman’s and had 1 pr boots and 2 lbs tea. Held Prayer Meeting and met Mr Teed’s Class. He was down the Harbour. Oh Lord, make us all Faithful. Amen.


January 23 - Saturday

This day bringing up wood and cleaving it. Nothing particular occurred. Was at Hennigar’s to tea.


January 24 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons. Met the Class and in the evening held Prayer Meeting and gave an exhortation. Mr Parsons went to Foote’s Cove to hold Prayer Meeting and Meet the Class. Mr and Mrs Teed went to Willy’s Island to hold service. O Lord, Bless and keep us all faithful to our lives’ end. Amen.


January 25 - Monday

This a fine soft day. Cleaving wood. Henry Coady was taken with the Diphtheria. Oh Lord, if it is Thy Will keep it from other families. Attended the Division. Nothing particular occurred. Thomas Isaacs and Wm and Wm Vincent were here.

 

January 26 - Tuesday

This day in part sawing wood. Nothing particular occurred. Henry Coady is much better to-day. O Lord, keep away the disease if it is Thy Blessed Will.


January 27 - Wednesday

This day was sawing wood and shoveling snow. A fine mild day. It blew hard last night. May the Lord keep and save us from affliction. Henry Coady is better.


January 28 - Thursday

This day cleaving wood. Nothing particular occurred. Fine moderate day. Met the Class. Oh may we all grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. May we all prove Faithful unto Death.


January 29 - Friday

This day was around to Mr O’Neil’s and brought home rat poison and a pair of boots. Attended Prayer Meeting. Wm Henry Collins joined the Church.


January 30 - Saturday

This a fine moderate day, but cold. Was not able to go into the Bay, my leg bad. Was informed that Mr Pine’s family is down in the Diphtheria. Oh Lord, stay it, if it is Thy Blessed Will that it spread no further.


January 31 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Had a beautiful sermon from "Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the Dead, and Christ shall give thee Light." Mr Teed went to Gt. Burin. I held service and Prayer Meeting at night. Oh Lord, Bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 1 - Monday

This a very cold frosty day. Attended the Division. Saw Isaac Collins from St. John’s and Capt Union [?] bound for Petites in the steamer. Oh Lord, Bless and save us all for Thy Great Name’s sake.


February 2 - Tuesday

This Candlemas Day. Sawing wood. In the afternoon was with Wm Collins over to Charles Elliott’s to investigate John Hooper’s case of violating the Pledge =, but he was sick and we could not see him. Mr Burfit sailed for Harbour Breton in the steamer. Was informed that Wm Bradshaw, husband of Margaret Benning, died last week.


February 3 - Wednesday

This a stormy day. Wrote a letter to St. John’s. Nothing particular occurred. Attended special meeting of the Division. Nothing particular done. It was settled to pay £7 yearly to a Doctor. Mr Pine’s family still bad.


February 4 - Thursday

This day sawing wood and shoveling snow as a great deal fell last night. Had our Monthly Prayer Meeting this evening. Wm Abbott’s child is better. Have not heard from Burin Bay to-day. Snowed hard last night.


February 5 - Friday

This day sawing wood. Was at Post Office. Attended Prayer Meeting in the schoolhouse; it was full and Glory to God a profitable meeting. The Lord was with us of a Truth. O that He will keep us Faithful unto Death. Amen.


February 6 - Saturday

This is a fine soft day, rain. Nothing particular occurred. Oh may we all Love and serve Thee faithfully and live to honour Thy Holy Name for ever and ever.


February 7 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons from Mr Teed and in the evening I held Prayer Meeting and gave an exhortation and Mr Teed came in and concluded the Meeting.


February 8 - Monday

This a very wet and rainy day. Wm Collins, Daniel Bishop, Nath Day and I tried John Hooper’s case and he confessed that he had drinked and was reinstated. Oh Lord, Bless us all.


February 9 - Tuesday

This a soft day. Nothing particular occurred. Was at Gorman’s and brought home crape, etc.


February 10 - Wednesday

This day sawing wood. Nothing particular occurred. Blew hard with frost. Oh Lord, keep us Faithful unto Death. Amen.


February 11 - Thursday

This a cold frosty day. Sawing wood. Mr Coady returned from St. Peters. He is better, bless the Lord.


February 12 - Friday

This a very snowy day. Sawing wood. Nothing particular occurred. Attended Prayer Meeting. Bless the Lord, He was with us of a truth so that we could say it was good to be there.


February 13 - Saturday

This a moderate day. This evening the steamer arrived. A report that the Diphtheria is in Wm Abbott’s house; two of his children have it. Oh Lord, Bless and keep every family free from the Disease.


February 14 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath and a glorious day to my soul. Heard two very excellent sermons. I held Prayer Meeting and gave an exhortation. George Vincent was here.


February 15 - Monday

This a very rough snowy day. Wrote a letter to Flat Islands. I was not to the Division, it was so very rough.


February 16 - Tuesday

This a fine day. Busy in shoveling snow and cutting wood. Wrote a letter to Mr Collins, Flat Islands. Mrs Coady was up an hour or two this evening.


February 17 - Wednesday

This a very rough snowy day. Attended a special meeting of the Sons of Temperance to settle about the Hall, but could not agree on the site and after a long debate on it, it was unanimously agreed that the Division should divide, one part for Burin Bay and the other for Trokes Point, and that the Charter and Banner shall go to Burin Bay. A committee of 12 Brethren was chosen to investigate the Books and part the money, in Love, Purity and Fidelity.

February 18 - Thursday

This a cold rough day. Brought the last of my wood up from the store. It was no rough that no one attended meeting. Mr Teed was sent for to Samuel Mitchell to give him the Sacrament, he is so ill.


February 19 - Friday

This day very cold and rough. I held Prayer Meeting and gave an exhortation. Oh that God may Bless and keep all of us Faithful unto Death. Amen.


February 20 - Saturday

This a fine day, altho it froze very hard last night and caught the harbour over. John was out to-day; all well in the Bay, Bless God.


February 21 - Sunday

This another Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very impressive sermons and also a searching exhortation this evening in Prayer Meeting by Mr Teed. O may the Lord Bless us and make him a blessing to every soul. Thomas and Bill Isaacs and Wm Vincent were here.


February 22 - Monday

This a fine day. Attended the Division in the evening, but nothing settled. The debate about the Hall was still [on] but no settlement. It was proposed that Mr Ware and Mr G. Bishop go to St. John’s to the Grand Division about this question if the Charter and Banner is for Burin. Profit for Burin Bay [?] But it was proposed and carried that Mr Ware shall have one week to consider it. The Division closed 1 o’clock. Thomas and the two Bills were out.


February 23 - Tuesday

This a moderate day. Nothing particular occurred. We were at Hennigar’s to dinner and tea.


February 24 - Wednesday

This a soft rainy day; it rained very hard most part of the night. We were at Mr Teed’s to tea. Oh Lord, Bless and keep us all Faithful unto Death. Amen.


February 25 - Thursday

This a very soft day. Was at Gorman’s and bought a lamp. Met the Class, and Bless the Lord a blessed time. We had the Lord with us of a Truth. Thomas came at 10 o’clock.


February 26 - Friday

This a fine soft day. Nothing particular occurred. Attended Prayer Meeting and Glory be to God a blessed time it was, the Lord was with us of a Truth. Oh God, carry on Thy Work and save precious souls; Oh God, work for Thine own Glory.


February 27 - Saturday

This morning arose at 5 o’clock in order to go into the Bay, but it rained so hard that I did not go; it continued all day. Nothing particular occurred.


February 28 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons. Mr Teed went to Spoon Cove; I held Meeting and gave an exhortation. Oh that God may bless the word we have this day to all our souls. Prayed with Mr Coady; he is very poorly. Oh Lord, prepare him for his latter end. May it be peace.


February 29 - Monday

This a moderate day. Nothing particular occurred. Attended the Division but could not as yet settle. A special meeting on Wednesday next as Brothers Ware and Goddard were not here. Bless God, we are brought to the close of another month in safety. Oh Lord, keep us all Faithful unto Death. Amen.


March 1 - Tuesday

This morning Wm Henry and I went into the Bay. He is helping Thomas Isaacs about his boat. Had my dinner with my daughter Charlotte. Came out and went down to Mr Coady’s; he gave me a coat.


March 2 - Wednesday

This a moderate day until evening when it came to snow, hail and drift. Ellen Paul was here. Attended a special meeting of the Division when it was determined that Brothers Ware and Bishop were to proceed in the steamer to St. John’s to the Grand Division to settle who shall retain the Charter and the Banner.


March 3 - Thursday

This a very slippery day. Was writing. In the afternoon we held our Monthly Prayer Meeting. Hennigar sleeping at our house while Wm Henry is away.


March 4 - Friday

This a slipper day, snow squalls. Attended Prayer Meeting. I held it and gave an exhortation. Oh that the Lord may Bless and keep us Faithful unto Death. Sarah Mullen still very ill.


March 5 - Saturday

This a fine day. Rev Teed and Benj Kirby went to Butler’s Cove, Mortier Bay to stop over Sunday. I went to Ellen Paul’s with the lamp; we lit our new one. Oh Lord, Bless us all. Amen.


March 6 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Mr Teed was at Butler’s Cove. I held service twice and Class meeting and Prayer Meeting in evening. Oh Lord, I thank Thee that this is a Blessed Time. We have had a good day. May Thy word that we have delivered to-day prove effectual in putting down the strong holds of Satan and turning souls to God.


March 7 - Monday

This a fine day. Received a letter from Dr Haddock. Attended the Division. Joseph Inkpen and James Kirby were fined 2/6 each for disobeying the rules of the Division. It was settled that the Brothers go in on Wednesday to cut wood for a Hall and that Messrs Ware and Bishop go to St. John’s in the steamer.


March 8 - Tuesday

This morning went into the Bay with Wm and George Collins, George Harding and [?] Coady. They went into Fresh Water Pond. I went into John Harding’s; saw Wm Henry there. I came out again about 5 o’clock; it came to rain very hard indeed all the evening. O Lord, Bless and keep us all Faithful. Amen.


March 9 - Wednesday

This a very soft day. None of the crew that went into the woods yesterday came out, it was so wet. Mrs Coady was very ill. My wife and I went down; she bathed her feet and gave her mints. Oh Lord, grant that she may soon recover.


March 10 - Thursday

This a wet day. George and Wm Collins came home after two nights gone. Met the Class; after went down to Mr Coady’s, found Mrs Coady better. Oh Lord, Bless and keep her Faithful. Amen.


March 11 - Friday

This day not very well; took cold and had a sore throat. Attended Prayer Meeting but could not pray, my throat was so sore. Bless God, a good meeting it was. Oh God Bless the people’s souls. Opened a barrel of flour.


March 12 - Saturday

This day was at Bradley’s Island to the Post Office. Sent a letter to Doctor Haddock. The steamer returned from the westward. Nothing particular occurred. We were at Wm Henry’s and had our tea. Picked Oakum.


March 13 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Heard two excellent sermons from Mr Teed; he went to Foote’s Cove and I held service in Church and gave an exhortation. John Isaacs and Hannah were here to-day. Steamer went off 12 o’clock last night.


March 14 - Monday

This a dull day. Was engaged forepart of day in altering the back window in our house, until the snow came and stopped me. Attended the Division; the debate was whether it was best for a Father to give his son a fortune or an education. Was determined and carried in favour of the education.


March 15 - Tuesday

This a snowy day. About the window. Nothing particular occurred. Saw Mrs Coady; much the same. Wm Isaacs came here this evening.


March 16 - Wednesday

This a fine day. I was in the Bay to see Charlotte and Harriet’s children with Hennigar; found them all well, bless the Lord. Saw John Mullens sliding out studs. We came back about five o’clock.


March 17 - Thursday

This St. Patrick’s Day and a fine day. Was shingling where I took out the window. Mr Teed met my female Class and gave the quarterly tickets. Oh Lord, make us all more Faithful unto our latest hour.


March 18 - Friday

This a fine day. John Collins finished planking his boat. I was about the window. Attended Prayer Meeting; a goodly number. Oh Lord, Bless all our souls.


March 19 - Saturday

This day Wm Henry put in the window in my study. John was out. Poor Mr Coady was here; poor man, he is sinking fast. Oh Lord, prepare him for his final change. May he be ready when the Master calls. Oh may he have his lamp burning brightly and enter into Rest. Isaac Collins, Wm Butler and W.H. Collins from Flat Islands were here.


March 20 - Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath. Had a letter from Mr Phinney. MR Teed preached two very excellent sermons. I held Prayer Meeting and gave an exhortation. O God Bless the means to our precious souls.


March 21 - Monday

Engaged to-day fixing my room. Soft rainy day. Attended Division. Thos Isaacs was here.


March 22 - Tuesday

This a snowy morning. Snowed a good deal after 12 o’clock last night. A moderate day. Saw Capt Keech go down the Harbour. Wrote a letter to Mr Phinney for Mr Inkpen. O Lord, Bless us all.


March 23 - Wednesday

This a cold rainy morning. Engaged in clearing away snow behind the house. In the afternoon put a letter in the Post Office for Rev Mr Phinney. In the evening attended the Band of Hope, was much pleased to hear so many recite their pieces. Oh that the Lord may Bless and keep them Faithful.


March 24 - Thursday

This a very cold day. Nothing particular occurred.


March 25 - Friday

This morning Mr Teed preached on the Death of Christ from Luke XXIII, verse 33, a most impressive sermon, and in the afternoon a Love Feast was held in the Chapel and Bless the Lord a goodly number stood up as witnesses for Jesus. O that we all may be Faithful Unto Death. Amen.


March 26 - Saturday

This a very frosty morning; cold all day. I carried Mr Coady Baxter’s "Saints Everlasting Rest". Oh Lord, make it a Blessing to his soul.


March 27 - Easter Sunday

This the Blessed Sabbath and a glorious day to my soul. Heard two delightful sermons; the sacrament was administered to 208 communicants, including our dear Minister. After, I held Prayer Meeting.


March 28 - Monday

This a fine soft day. The steamer arrived this morning. Messrs Ware and Bishop arrived. Attended the Division. After the business of the Division in its usual form was finished, the election of officers was taken up. The Division elected me Worthy Patriarch, my son George, Treasurer, and Wm Henry, Outside Sentinel. Then a long debate took place on the dividing and at last a vote or rather the names were taken for both Trokes Point and Burin Bay, so that the majority shall have the Charter and Banner, and the names are to be taken every regular night of meeting until all the Brethren have given their names for either place. Thomas and Bill Isaacs and Bill Vincent were out and went in after 12 o’clock at night.


March 29 - Tuesday

This a snowy morning and cold. Nothing particular occurred. Visited Mr Coady, read and prayed as usual. Oh Lord, make him ready for his change.


March 30 - Wednesday

This a cold morning. Sawing wood. In the afternoon Charlotte Vincent came out to stay all night. Oh how good to see my dear children. Oh Lord, keep them safe and may they live to Thy Glory.


March 31 - Thursday

This a cold rough day. Wind E.N.E. all the week. John was out to-day. Charlotte went home. Attended Band of Hope in the evening, was much blessed to hear the Great Burin people rehearse two dialogues. Oh Lord, Bless their efforts.


April 1 - Friday

This a cold day. Nothing particular occurred. The wind the same way. Attended Prayer Meeting. Oh Lord, Bless the means to all our souls. Amen.


April 2 - Saturday

This a cold windy morning. Wind the same, E.N.E. Most of the boats from Collins’ and Kirby’s Cove went off for St. Peters to get herring for the French.


April 3 - Sunday

This a glorious Sabbath. Heard two very excellent sermons. O may they have the desired effect on all our hearts. Held Prayer Meeting and gave an exhortation. John Isaacs was here to-day.


April 4 - Monday

This morning arose ½ past five o’clock. Saw the steamer go out for St. John’s. Wm Henry and George went in to help John about this little boat. Attended the Division when it was settled and a parting made; so many went for Burin Bay. Settled without any noise on our side, allowing them £65 and Mr Pine paid £2 10s and G. Bishop £2 10s, which made £70 for their share. I am elected W.P.


April 5 - Tuesday

Wm Henry and George went to help John again. My wife was at Kirby’s Cove. Hennigar and I went to Mr Coady’s to dinner. Slept upstairs again. Fine night.


April 6 - Wednesday

This a fine morning. Engaged with Brother Bishop in filling up the withdrawal cards for our Brethren who are withdrawing for Star of East #6 to Burin Bay.


April 7 - Thursday

This fine day was at John Hooper’s and got him to sign the withdrawal cards. Met the Class.



YEARS LATER


Burin - 1874

 

May 21 - Thursday

Arose ½ past four. Foggy morning. Writing before breakfaster; after, walked to the Jersey Room and back, carried a book to Mr Burton, got something for my wife, paid 3 s for it. Met my Class. Susan Harding and the children were here to-day. Foggy.


May 22 - Friday

Arose 4 a.m. Dull morning. Waiting before breakfast. Sawing wood and fixing hall for tomorrow. Part of the day fine.


May 23 - Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning. After breakfast working in garden. Received a chest of tea and a loaf of sugar from Mr F. Hooper, St. Peters. Attended Division. Fine evening.


May 24 - Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service. Mr Forsey made his spring collection and he held Prayer Meeting. Fine day.


May 25 - Monday

Arose 4 a.m. Went into Salmonier, breakfasted at Thomas Isaacs’ and then went to Charlotte’s and John Vincent and I brought the wood to the Bridge, in order that Wm Vincent may bring it out. Returned to Ellen Paul’s and had tea with her; she gave me a pint of fresh butter and a cake of soft bread. John Vincent caught me nearly 3 dozen trout. Mrs Coady was here till 10 p.m. Fine day.


May 26 - Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Fixed the Hall for "Good Templers". After breakfast fixed Mrs Coady’s garden gate, then went to C. Hollett’s and the Post Office. Philip Vincent was here with his new boat and brought out my wood, and I spelled part of it up until the rain drove me away. Attended Lodge, but did not stay there. About 12 at night Edward came and knocked at the door; he came from Cape St. Mary’s, brought 42 qtls fish; it is very scarce.


May 27 - Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. after a stormy wet night; rained all night and most all day. Was informed that Philip Pine’s schooner is taken from him by "Goodfellow" in St. John’s. Wm Henry, Thos Collins and a young G. Britt helped me to bring my wood up. I rinded part of it that the sun may dry it.


May 28 - Thursday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Finished rinding my wood before breakfast. After breakfast Visited, read and prayed with James Moulton and Mr Paul. O Lord, make them fully ready for their change. Mr George Bishop put the monument up on Doctor Moran’s grave. I met my Class. Susan Harding and children were here ‘till evening. Very fine day.


May 29 - Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Wet morning. Rained most of the night. Sawing and cleaving wood. Boats are bringing home [Note: rest of entry not there.]


June 10 [?] - Wednesday [?]

Rained in the night. Wm Isaacs sailed this...with Mr Creeman for the westward. Cutting and sawing wood.


June 11 - Thursday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Went into the Salmonier. Breakfasted at Thomas Isaacs’, saw Mrs Jane Gallop from Codroy and wrote a letter for her and posted it and one for Grand Bank. Not home in time to meet my Class.


June 12 - Friday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast sawing and cleaving wood. Mrs Collins (Amelia) and Mrs Coady were here. Mr Mckay was fixing the Hall Gallery. Very fine day, the punts bringing in a little fish.


June 13 - Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Rather dully this morning. Rained all way. No meeting of the Sons of Temperance, no one attended.


June 14 - Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Held service, met my Class, and held service again and Prayer Meeting. Fine day.


June 15 - Monday

Arose 4 a.m., cold morning. The steamer came in in the night. Mr James and Doctor Smith and his family came in her; he hath hired that house that was Rd Marshall’s from Mr Burtane for £20 per year. I was at the Post Office, no letters. Fine day. Mr McKay put down the New Platform in the T. Hall.


June 16 - Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Fishing sweeping the Church that I commended yesterday. Began to help Hennigar about her fish. Attended Division or rather Lodge but did not stay. I had three letters: one from George, one from Susan and one from Mr Bruce. Joseph Kirby hauled caplin yesterday. Fine day.


June 17 - Wednesday

Arose ½ [past] 4 a.m. Rather dull. Was at Mr Winter’s about the appointment. Writing to England and Jersey and St. John’s. Fine day.


June 18 - Thursday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning, but foggy at times. I was round and gave Daniel Dulentiz three letters to put in the Post Office for me and the money. One for Rev James Corke, Bideford, one for John Malzard, Jersey, and one for Mr Ayre, St. John’s. Some of the boats are bringing home good trips of fish: Richard Kirby, 50 qtls; Joseph Kirby, much the same. Attended the funeral of Edith Brown; then I wrote a letter to James J. Rodgerson, Esq., and carried it to Henry Pardy to take it [to] St. John’s for me. Edward Reid brought 40 qtls fish. No Class.


June 19 - Friday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning. Susan Harding and her children were here part of the day. The day was sometimes fine and sometimes very foggy and dull.


June 20 - Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. Wet morning. Sawing and cleaving wood and fixing Hall for meeting. Attended Division. Fine evening.


June 29 [?] - Monday [?]

...Goddard’s and then got back to Mr Pine’s with the weights. Fine day. Punts brought in good trips of fish.


June 30 - Tuesday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Hilled part of my potatoes. After breakfast went to Mr Street’s and inspected his weights and Owen Pine’s, Esq. Lighted the lamps in Lodge but did not stay there. Punts bringing in middling trips of fish. Mrs Reid and Mrs Coady were here after night.


July 1, 1874 - Wednesday

Arose ½ past 5 a.m. Dull morning. After breakfast sawing and cleaving wood, trenching potatoes. Was not able to test weights, etc.


July 2 - Thursday

Arose ½ past 5. Dully morning. Was at the Post Office and posted a letter for Mr Heal and was at Charles Hollett’s with L. Journal, was at Mr Gorman’s and James Brine’s, then carried my weights and measures to Mr Thos Gorman’s to inspect his weights and measures tomorrow. Helping Hennigar about her fish. The boats are bringing fine trips home. A fine day.


July 3 - Friday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Working in the garden before breakfast. After, Wm Allen, Richard Kirby and others left for Cape St. Mary’s with cod seines. I was at Mr Denis Gorman’s and James O’Brien’s and finished their weights. Fine day. John Harding went with Matt Beasley fishing. Mrs Pine was here and took tea. I went to see Mrs Coady; she is very unwell.


July 4 - Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. After Breakfast was at Mr Thomas Gorman’s and did his weights and brought home 29 lbs sugar and eleven from Mr Richard Hodder. Attended Division but no one came. A wet evening. Set in twenty-six cabbage plants.


July 5 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again. Mr James went to Great Burin. I held Prayer Meeting. Very few there; they went to Great Burin. Fine day.


July 6 - Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Wet morning. The Gost [Gosse?] steamer came in. A wet day. Could not go anywhere to inspect weights and measures. Was for the Doctor for George Collins’ baby and Susan Harding. They are very sick. My dear wife bad all day. Set out 761 cabbage plants.


July 7 - Tuesday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Walked to Jersey Room. Breakfasted with Mr Burton, then inspected all his weights and measures. Agreed for a ton of coals. Then got a passage to Mr Paul’s and inspected his weights and measures. Then got my weights to Mr Marshall’s in readiness for tomorrow. Brought home 9 bars soap; paid 9 shillings for it. Attended Lodged, but did [didn’t] stay, children still sick.


July 8 - Wednesday

Arose half past three. Dull. Went into the garden, set out 197 cabbage. After breakfast went around and inspected Mr Harper’s weights and measures, Wm Butler’s and Mrs Morris’. The came home and worked in the garden. Set out 14 cabbage and 16 turnip plants. Wet all day. Mr Brett and John Kirby came home loaded with cod seine fish.

 

July 9 - Thursday

Arose half past five. Dull still. After breakfast went to Mr Daniel’s but he refused me to inspect his weights that had been formerly inspected. From that to Charles Hollett’s and fixed his. Then came home and attended the funeral of Geo Collins’ infant. Then worked in the garden weeding. My dear wife was very ill this day. Brought home 8 pounds butter.


July 10 - Friday

Arose half past four a.m. Fine morning. Working in the garden weeding, then helping Hennigar about her fish. The steamer came in about 7 p.m. Went onboard with Susan Harding and her two children. May God give them a safe passage home. Fine day.


July 11 - Saturday

Arose 4 a.m., went down and dug up a square of ground for Mrs Coady. Weeding in my own garden and set out 311 cabbages and 38 turnip plants. Attended Division but no one attended.


July 12 - Sunday

Arose half past six. Fine morning. Held service and met my Class. Held service and Prayer Meeting. A Blessed Fine Day and a good day to my soul.


July 13 - Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning in the garden weeding. After breakfast worked in garden till 10 o’clock. Then went to C. Hollett with 2 papers. Went to P office with an order for St. John’s for £4. Then went into Salmonier and brought home a lot of cabbage plants that Charlotte Vincent and Hannah Isaacs gave me. Then I came home and set out 129 of them. A fine day. No bait.


July 14 - Tuesday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Went into the garden and set out 247 cabbage plants. After breakfast went down and dug up a spot of ground for Mrs Coady, then came home and set out 142 cabbage plants. Attended lodge but did not stop. No bait this morning.


July 15 - Wednesday

Arose 4 a.m. Dull but cleared off fine. Was in the garden before breakfast. Set out 148 cabbage plants. After breakfast prepared ground for Swedish turnips and set out 182 plants. Fine day.


July 16 - Thursday

Arose 4 a.m. In the garden most of forenoon, set out 124 Swedish turnip plants. Wet morning. After breakfast went and posted a letter for Mr Brace and in it one for Mr Rodgerson. Received £4 on a Post Office Order for Wm Isaacs. No one attended Class meeting. Sawing wood in the evening. Fine day.

July 17 - Friday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Was in garden until diner time weeding and ten attended the funeral of our esteemed brother Mr Wm Paul. After the funeral, writing.


July 18 - Saturday

Arose ½ past four. Fine morning. Writing. Was at Mr Gorman’s and brought home 2 gals molasses and 12 lbs sugar. Attended duties at the Temp Hall, but did not stay. My wife and Mary Ann there. Fine day.


July 19 - Sunday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Held service and met my Class. Held service again for Brother Paul, a funeral sermon. Held Prayer Meeting. Bless the Lord for a good day to my soul. My poor wife very ill. Lord prepare her for her change.


July 20 - Monday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Spelling up water for my garden. Wm Collins came home this morning with about 240 qtls cod-seine fish. George Collins, 100 qtls. Working in garden. Fine day. My wife very sick.


July 21 - Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Foggy and rather wet. Working in garden, earthing up cabbage plants. Wm Isaacs came in the boat by himself. Mr Creenor gone home to Canada. Attended Lodge but did not stay. My wife still ill.


July 22 - Wednesday

Arose 5 a.m. Foggy wet morning. After breakfast finished earthing my plants, then sawed wood. Fine day.


July 23 - Thursday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. In the garden, began to weed potatoes. Met my Class. Only 3 attended. Oh Lord, stir up Thy People. Fine day. No bait.


July 24 - Friday

Arose ½ past 4. Fine morning. After breakfast brought home two hand tubs of coal from Mr J. Inkpen. Very fine day. No bait or fish for small craft.


July 25 - Saturday

Arose ½ past 4. Dull morning. No steamer arrived in the night. I was in the garden setting out 147 turnip plants. Attended Division but no meeting. Paid Mr Inkpen 4/5 for the coals. Fine day.


July 26 - Sunday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Held service as Mr Forsey is not yet come. Met my Class, only 4 present. Held service again and Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul. Very hot day.


July 27 - Monday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast Richard Foote came for me to go and baptise his brother’s children as they are sick and Mr Forsey not home. Charlotte Vincent was here to-day. I sent a letter to John Marshall by her. A fine day.


July 28 - Tuesday

Arose 4 a.m. Dull foggy morning. Writing. After breakfast went to the Doctors and agreed with him for 10 s per year. He examined my arm and put something on it, and examined my ears; the left one was correct, but the right one was the cause of my not hearing for a substance of wax was gathered, so he pumped something in it and the water was quite dirty. Mr Bishop and I were at the lodge and waited until we thought no one would be there. Then I put out the lights and came home.


July 29 - Wednesday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning. It rained very much in the night and before day went to the Doctor’s and got my arm dressed, my ear pumped, and a tooth taken out. The Doctor came in the afternoon and examined my wife’s legs, and ordered 9 yds of old sheeting for each leg to be gotten in readiness against his coming to swattle them up. I trust that the Lord will cure them.


July 30 - Thursday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Writing before breakfast. After breakfast I went to Mr Butler’s and he and I went to the Doctor’s and he pumped out each of our ears and dressed my arm and told me not to use it but to keep it in a sling. It is very painful, so much so that I can scarcely bear it at times. O God, restore it if it please Thee speedily. Met my female Class. Raining this evening. Only three present.


July 31 - Friday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning. Rained hard in the night. I suffered greatly with my arm, but Bless God it is better this morning. Glory to God that Thou hast spared my dear wife to see another annual birthday. She is 77 years old. Sent on the returns to Grand Lodge by R. Bishop. Fine day.


August 1 - Saturday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Suffered a great deal in my arm all night. I went to the Doctor but he was gone to Flat Islands to cut off John Cran’s hand. I suffered greatly all day, it swelled so much. Oh God, I pray Thee to heal it soon.


August 2 - Sunday

Arose ½ past six a.m. Fine morning. My arm no better. Suffered greatly tonight. Held service and met my Class and held service again but could not hold Prayer Meeting, my arm pained and swelled so that I was in agony, but Thanks be to God for strength to perform the services of the Sanctuary to-day. Was informed that Doctor Smith’s child is dead.


August 3 - Monday

Arose not till 7 a.m. My arm still very much swollen. In all day, up and down on the bed for rest. The Doctor not arrived. I am suffering. Oh Lord, help me to bear it with patience, knowing it is my duty.


August 4 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. this morning after another night of pain and suffering in my arm; it swelled very much but thanks be to God towards evening it was better. The Doctor was here but did nothing to it. He was looking for a place to buy his child and he hath part of Mr Bishop’s plot. Fine day.


August 5 - Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. My arm still the same. Mr George Bishop came and told me that in consequence of my being so laid by with pain in my arm, the Doctor had spoken to him to bury his child to-day. Of course I consented. I have no objection to Mr Bishop performing the ceremony. The appointed time was 10 a.m. Mr Bishop and I waited in the Church until nearly 12, when the procession came in. First was Rev Mr James and then the corpse, carried by four little boys. Next was Dr. Smith and Mrs Coady; after them Mr Thos Winter and a few other people Rev Mr James buried it. Fine day.


August 6 - Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. My arm pains me very much, the swelling has abated some. Went to the Doctor and he gave me something to rub it with, spirits of camphor, and for my wife to rub her legs with also, twice a day. We did so. I fancy it did me good.

No Class; it rained so hard all the evening.


August 7 - Friday

Arose ½ past 5 a.m. My arm is better. Glory be to God. After breakfast was to the Doctor’s. Brought home some medicine for my wife. In the evening Mrs Ambrose Forward from Grand Bank was here; she is going home in the steamer. I posted a letter for George at Grand Bank. Very windy day. The steamer could not travel such a gale and heavy sea.


August 8 - Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. after another painful night with my arm. Inspected ½ cwt (?) for Mr G. Inkpen after breakfast. I went to the Doctor’s; he gave me a blister to be kept on 6 hours and, after, a poultice of break and water. This done and let out the water and put a plaster of candle grease to prevent its rubbing.


August 9 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. after another night of pain. As the steamer is not arrived, neither Mr Forsey, I got ready to hold service, but the steamer came in and I commenced the service, then Mr Forsey came in with Rev Mr Robinson and he (Mr R) preached a short sermon, but had to leave and I finished the service and met my Class. Mr Forsey preached in the evening and held Prayer Meeting. I was not at the Prayer Meeting. I had to go to bed, my arm pained me so very much.

August 10 - Monday

Arose 6 a.m. after suffering greatly all the night. When I got up I felt no pain but I had not been up long before it came on. After breakfast I went to the Doctor and he told me to poultice it to bring it to a rising, so I am following his advice. Foggy, dull day.


August 11 - Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Foggy still. Thanks be to God I have not suffered so very much with my arm tonight, yet suffering this morning again and all day at times.


August 12 - Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Still dull. Bless God, my arm don’t pain as much, but as the day advanced the pain increased in the afternoon. The Doctor came; after examining it, he told me to take off the poultice and get sweet oil. I got a flask from Mr G. Bishop and paid 2 shillings for it.


August 13 - Thursday

Arose this morning 6 a.m. freer from pain. My arm has still that drubbing pain in it. After breakfast I did not feel able to go to the Doctor, too sick. Hannah Isaacs was here and stayed all night. Dull day. No Class.


August 14 - Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. A night of suffering, no sleep. After breakfast I was to the Doctor, had another blister for my arm, came home and put in on for eight hours. It rose well. Charlotte and Hannah Brinton were here to see me. In great pain most of day. Mrs A. Collins was here in the evening, also Wm Henry and Hennigar. Hennigar lit the Blister. Dull day.


August 15 - Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. Thanks be to God for a middling night with my arm, but it pains this morning; it is so sore from the blister. I have suffered great pain throughout the day. No rest. Wet night.


August 16 - Sunday

Arose ½ past five a.m. Wet morning. Arose after a night of severe suffering with my arm. Had scarcely any sleep or rest, continued all day so as to prevent me from going to Church all day. A wet rainy day.


August 17 - Monday

Arose ½ past 5 a.m. Fine morning. I had, bless the Lord, a good night’s rest with my arm, until coming on morning. I think I must have lain on it as I am in great pain. Was at the Doctor’s and he gave me something to take 3 times a day before meals. A very fine day.

August 18 - Tuesday

Arose ½ past 5 a.m. My arm still very bad and continued all day in great pain, scarcely any intervals of rest.


August 19 - Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. My arm is no worse, thank God, but continues in one drubbing pain. It swelled a good deal to-day and coming on evening was very painful. Fine day.


August 20 - Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. I am suffering greatly in my arm this morning, a month to-day since I was first struck. Suffered much all day. Could not have met the Class if they had assembled. Mr Forsey was here in the evening and cheered us up a little by his kind words. Mrs Coady and Mrs Amelia Collins were here too.. Mr Forsey prayed very fervently for both of us. May God Bless him and answer his prayer. Fine day.


August 21 - Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. My arm hath been very restless most part of the night and by times all day. Sent for the Doctor but he was not home. Thomas Isaacs was here. Mr Forsey was here also and he sent me a piece of pork with a chunk of cheese. A fine day.


August 22 - Saturday

Arose ½ past five. Fine morning. Walked down as far as the T. Hall. Continued in pain all day. The Doctor did not come. Charlotte Vincent was here and she advised me, seeing I was suffering so much, to try dogfish oil. I consented and Wm Henry got some. Charlotte rubbed it on my arm and bound it up in black wool and flannel, and in the evening Mrs Amelia Collins rubbed it again and I went to bed and had more rest and ease from pain than for five preceding nights. Praise the Lord.


August 23 - Sunday

Arose 8 a.m. Fine morning. Still easier from pain but not able to attend service, my arm so very bad. Still keep rubbing it with the oil as I am in hopes it will do it good. May the Lord keep me to bear it with patience and resignation to His Will. A goodly number here to see me.


August 24 - Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Bless the Lord, my arm is no worse. still keeping the oil to it. The shooting pains are not so severe or so frequent as before, and I had a tolerable good night. Bless the Lord for it.


August 25 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. I Bless God my arm is no worse. Had a middling night’s rest. Thos Isaacs was here after I was in bed, and John this morning. Mary Ann Vincent was here to-day. The Freemasons had a picnic on Tides Island. I was with them last year. Fine day.


August 26 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. I Bless God that I feel my arm better. Had a middling night and rested most of the day, altho’ at times the shooting pains are severe. But Bless God on the whole it is better to-day.

August 27 - Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. My arm pained at times all night, and it hath been very painful throughout the day. No Class. Poor day. Punts could not go out fishing.


August 28 - Friday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. Dull morning. My arm quite easy in the night. But after I got up, pain came on again and continued all day. Not one hour’s ease throughout the whole day.


August 29 - Saturday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. after a very restless night with my arm and continued all day. Scarcely any top to the pain. Lord help me to bear it without murmuring.


August 30 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Foggy morning. Had a restless night. Not able to attend service again to-day. Mr Forsey and Mr G. Bishop went into Burin Bay to hold service in afternoon and Daniel Bishop held service in Church for first time. Fine day.


August 31 - Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Restless night with my arm and I am suffering greatly. Lord give me Patience to bear it without murmuring. The Doctor was here. Dull day.


September 1 - Tuesday

Arose ½ past six a.m. Dull, foggy morning. Bless God tho’ amid pain and sorrow I live to see the commencement of another month. Harriet Isaacs was here all night. My arm very bad all day.


September 2 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. My arm hath been very restless all night. Put another blister on for 8 hours, but it did not rise very well. The Judge came in the evening. Fine in afternoon.


September 3 - Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. I bless God I feel my arm better. After breakfast was at Mr Thos Gorman’s and brought home 10 lbs. sugar and 2 lbs. tea. Paid 9 shillings for it. No one to Class. The court opened to-day. Judge Robinson is the Judge. Nothing particular at court, only T. Goddard and Burbridge about their land.


September 4 - Friday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. Fine morning. My arm still bad, the blister is very troublesome. Was informed that Wm Isaacs lost the boat going to St. Peters, she sank under him. No particular account of how he was saved. Had two tubs of coals from Mr Inkpen.


September 5 - Saturday

Arose ½ past six. Fine morning. My arm still bad and continued all day. I may say I have had no rest to-day, go where I would. Lord give me patience to bear it without murmuring. Fine day.

September 6 - Sunday

Arose ½ past six. Fine morning. Bless God for a good night’s rest. My arm began to pain again very much and to prevent me from going to Church. O God, may I bear this Thy afflicting Rod with patience. Wm Vincent was here and several from Church to see me. Fine day. The steamer came in the evening.


September 7 - Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning. Had no sleep until nearly daylight. My arm pained me so and continued most of the day.


September 8 - Tuesday

Arose ½ past six. Wet morning. It blew a gale all night and rained. I Bless God I had a good night’s rest with my arm and feel better this morning. After breakfast writing to St. John’s. I wrote for Grand Bank but the letter did not go, the steamer went off without it. Fine day.


September 9 - Wednesday

Arose ½ past six. Fine morning. My arm better. Bless God. Hennigar cut the mints in the garden for me. Fine day.


September 10 - Thursday

Arose ½ past six. Fine morning. Bless God for a good night’s rest. My arm pained me but little before I got up, since, it hath been painful at times all day. No Class, no one attended.


September 11 - Friday

Arose ½ past six. Fine morning. Bless God I have had a middling good night. My arm hath been very painful at times to-day. Hannah Isaacs was here all night.


September 12 - Saturday

Arose ½ past six. Fine morning. My arm pained me a god deal tonight and also this morning and most all day at times. Fine day.


September 13 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. The steamer came in, in the night. Bless God that I was once more able to attend service. My Class were all out. Attended service again and the sacrament, 190 communicants. Not to Prayer Meeting, my arm pained so. Fine day.


September 14 - Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. My arm pains me greatly this morning. After breakfast I went to see John Burfitt to inquire about Mr Creeman and Wm Isaacs, but could get no news. After dinner went to Burin Bay to Mr Pine’s to see if he had any, but not a word. I was to see James Moulton and, earlier, at the school house. Then came back and sent a package to James Henderson (?) in care of Mr John Gosling, and in it a letter for Mr Brace with 1£ for Tem. Journal. Fine day.


September 15 - Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. My arm pains and smarts this morning. Wrote a letter to Grand Bank. Saw the boys carrying board up to Mr Bishop’s farm for the picnic tomorrow.


September 16 - Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. Fine morning. The school picnic went on, the children walked from the Church to Burin Bay and then came to the meadow. Mr Forsey invited me. I got ready and went but could not stay to the dinner, had a sick headache. Mrs Coady was here for a spell. Fine day.


September 17 - Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull, foggy morning. My arm hurts me this morning and continued all day. In the afternoon attended trustee meeting, nominated two new trustees. Thomas Beasley in place of Absolam Street, who resigned, and John Mitchell in place of Thos Foote, deceased; then it was settled that I have the £10 still, if I could get anyone to assist me in lighting the lamps and fires for Church and schoolhouse. Wm Henry Collins promised me that he would help me. Wm Isaacs came from St. Peters. No one attended Class. Fine day.


September 18 - Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. My arm still bad. Was at the Post Office and posted a letter for Grand Bank. Wm Henry began with me to fit the lamps for Sunday. Philip Vincent was here. He was going to the British Club. Wm Isaacs went to Mrs Coady’s to board.


September 19 - Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning, My arm still bad. Hannah Isaacs was here to-day and stayed all night. The steamer came and brought new Church minister.


September 20 - Sunday

Arose ½ past 6. Foggy, dull morning. Attended service. Met my Class, Bless God, for the first time, since the 9th of August, owing to my arm. Attended service again and I held Prayer Meeting. I bless God for a good day to my soul. Hannah Isaacs was with us all day and tonight.


September 21 - Monday

Arose ½ past six. Wet morning. I suffered a good deal in my arm to-day, but thank God not so much as yesterday. Was at C. Hollett’s and brought home 2 chimneys for schoolhouse lamps. Wet, dull day.


September 22 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. My arm still bad. Suffered to-day a drubbing pain in it. Nothing particular occurred. No bait to-day. Dull.


September 23 - Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull, foggy morning. My arm still very painful at times. Attended Prayer Meeting in the schoolhouse this evening; for the Prayer Meetings have commenced again, first since May. Dull day.


September 24 - Thursday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning. My arm pains this morning. Samuel Emberley was here from Grand Bank, brought me a letter from George and one for Hennigar and one for George Collins’ wife. I sent an answer to mine by Samuel at once. Met my Class. Was at Bishop’s and got a letter to carry to Thos Isaacs. Began on a barrel of flour.


September 25 - Friday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Went into Salmonier. Breakfast at Thos Isaacs and had dinner at Charlotte’s, then came out and went to see Hannah Brinton, then came home. Very fine day.


September 26 - Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. My arm pains this morning, with a smarting pain. After breakfast, for the first time for six weeks, I fired the Hall for Temperance. Attended the meeting, but did not stay ‘till it was over. Beautiful day.


September 27 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. My arm still bad. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again and Love Feast in the evening, commenced 7 p.m. and concluded ½ past nine. Upwards of twenty spoke of their experience. It was a good time. I felt it all day good to my soul.


September 28 - Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. My arm still bad. Nothing particular occurred. Fine until evening, then it became dull and rained very hard in the night.


September 29 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet. Rained hard this morning. My arm still bad. Wm Henry and I fixed the lamps, put new wicks and oil in all of them; it was a very foggy, wet day. Nothing particular occurred.


September 30 - Wednesday

Was disturbed about 12 o’clock. Mary Ann cried out. Edmund ran for Mrs Coady, and I for Hennigar. Mrs Coady was here about 3/4 of an hour when the child was born. She was born about 20 minutes past 1 a.m. A fine child, and Mary Ann quite well. Bless the Lord. Mrs Reid was here to-day, and Harriet Isaacs from the Bay was here and informed us that her father kicked up a quarrel and thought to separate them from him, that is, my dear Harriet’s children. Attended Prayer Meeting. Bless the Lord that we are brought through another month’s trials.


October 1 - Thursday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. Still foggy and wet. My arm is better, thank God. Mr Forsey met my female Class for tickets in his parlous, as Mary Ann was sick. Hannah Brinton was here a spell to-day. Harriet Isaacs went home. Mary Ann and the child are well. Bless the Lord. A very foggy, rainy day.


October 2- Friday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. Felt much pain in my arm at times. Stogged the little house to-day. Several women and girls came to see Mary Ann and her babe. Hannah Isaacs came out with Edmund. Fine day.


October 3 - Saturday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. Dull morning. My arm pained a good deal in the night. In the evening I attended Division. Officers installed for the next quarter. Nothing particular occurred. Dull day.


October 4 - Sunday

Arose ½ past 7 a.m. Dull morning. Attended service and met my Class and attended service again and Prayer Meeting. Daniel Bishop held Prayer Meeting as Mr Forsey was at Great Burin. Bless God for a good day to my soul. Mary Ann came downstairs to-day.


October 5 - Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. My arm pained in the night. The steamer came in, brought Mr Winter, a candidate for the coming election and a Wesleyan minister for Sound Island and Mr Forsey sent me to Great Burin to ask Mr Alexander Hollett to bring him down. I was landed by Edmund Reid to his father’s and I walked to Great Burin and when I got there he was gone down the Reach. I walked to Mrs Parsons’ and she put me on board the schooner. I remained on her about ½ hour, then Robt. Inkpen took me in a punt and landed me to Kirby’s Cove. After dinner I fixed the lamps for preaching tonight. Mr Hatcher preached, a middling congregation attended Dull day.


October 6 - Tuesday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning. My arm bad all night. Hannah Isaacs went home this morning. After breakfast I went to C. Hollett’s and the Post Office. No letters. In the evening attended a meeting in the Temperance Hall, Burin Bay, to hear Mr James Winter speechify on the coming election; a good many listened. I got home 10 p.m. Wet day.


October 7 - Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. The Rev Mr Hatcher left his morning with Mr Alexander Hollett. Mr G. Bishop hath his commission of D.G.W.J. for Star of the East Division No. 7. Attended Prayer Meeting. Fine day. Prayer Meeting commenced in school room. Mr Pine and Joseph Inkpen sailed for St. John’s.


October 8 - Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning, only cold. After breakfast went all around the Harbor looking for lamps. At last found two at John Paul’s. No Class this evening, my wife sick. Was at Mr Willey’s, had prayer with them. Fine day.


October 9 - Friday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. My arm pained me a good deal in the night. Nothing particular occurred. Foggy and dull towards evening.


October 10 - Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. after a very restless night. Was disturbed very badly. Had 2 tubs coals from Mr Inkpen, paid 4/4 for it. Brought home from Thos (?) Gorman’s 10 lbs. sugar and 4 cakes Windsor soap. Paid 6/0 for all. Wm Isaacs sailed in the steamer for St. John’s. Attended service again. I held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul. Dull all day.


October 11 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Wet morning. My arm still painful. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again. I held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul. Dull all day.


October 12 - Monday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. Fine morning. Was at the Doctor’s for medicine for Mary Ann’s baby; she has a sore mouth. Brought home 6 lbs. butter from Mr G. Bishop. The Good Templars are going to have the schoolhouse in Collins Cove to meet in for their lodge. Fine day.


October 13 - Tuesday

Arose this morning, ½ past 6 a.m. Fine morning. My arm pained me in the night. The Good Templars were fixing the schoolhouse to hold their meetings in. Fine day.


October 14 - Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. Wet morning. Rained hard in the night. My arm feels a little better, thank God. A very wet day. No Prayer Meeting.


October 15 - Thursday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. My arm pained me a good deal. Dull morning. Met my female Class. Hannah Isaacs came out to spend a few days. Windy, dull day.

 

October 16 - Friday

Arose ½ past 6. Cold morning. My arm pains. Begun to make a ladder. Mrs Reid was here until late. Wm Henry bough Wm Abbott’s boat. Fine this evening.


October 17 - Saturday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. after a troublesome night with the bowel complaint and my arm. A glorious fine morning. In the evening the steamer came in from St. John’s. Wm Isaacs came. Attended Division but did not remain. Fine day.


October 18 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Foggy morning. My arm not much better. Attended service. Met my Class. Attended service again and I held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a fine day of weather and a good day to my soul. May it prove so to all Thy people that have heard Thy word to-day.


October 19 - Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Wet morning. My arm still bad. After breakfast went to the Post Office and brought home papers. A windy, rainy day.


October 20 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Nothing particular occurred. Wet part of the day.


October 21 - Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning. Nothing particular occurred to-day. Attended Prayer Meeting. Dull day.


October 22 - Thursday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. My arm pains me a good deal to-day. Edmund landed wood on Mr Inkpen’s wharf. I sawed a trifle. Met my Class. Dull day.


October 23 - Friday

Arose ½ past 6. Cold morning. My arm still bad. Saw Mr Bennett’s steamer in the Harbor when I arose this morning; saw Mr A. Scott also. They are electioning. Mrs Amelia Collins came from Flat Islands. Mr G. Inkpen sailed for Sydney and William Collins for St. John’s this evening.


October 24 - Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Sawing wood a little to-day. Edmund Reid sailed for St. John’s to-day. Attended Division. Daniel Bishop reported very ill. Fine day.


October 25 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service. Mr Forsey met our Class for tickets. Attended service again and I held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul.


October 26 - Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning. Sawing wood. My arm pained me a good deal. Visited Daniel Bishop. Paid G. Bishop re year’s rent for garden.


October 27 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. My arm bad. Sawing wood and fixing Church lamps.

After night the lamp that was lit on our parlour table caught fire and burst the shade. Dull day.


October 28 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. My arm still bad. was at Thos Gorman’s and brought home 2 lbs tea for myself and 1 ½ for Hennigar. Paid 7/ for it. Mr Scott and Wm Isaacs went off for Beau Bois. Mr Winter arrived to-day. Attended Prayer Meeting. Dull day.


October 29 - Thursday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. Fine morning. Ben Collins went in the night for St. Peters. My arm is painful. Sawing wood. Met my Class. Visited Brother Daniel Bishop.


October 30 - Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. My arm still bad. Sawing wood. Attended the funeral of a little infant, 7 weeks old, belonging to Mr Banfield of Garnish. Rained much this evening.


October 31 - Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. After breakfast sawing wood and clearing the Hall out and in the evening attended Division. The steamer "Hecter" came in the afternoon to say until the election is over. Fine day.


November 1 - Sunday

Arose ½ past 7 a.m. Dull, wet morning. It rained hard in the night. Attended service. The steamer came in the night. Mr Ayre and Wm Collins and his wife came in her. Attended service again. Mr Ayre held Prayer Meeting. Wm Collins’ schooner arrived 11 p.m. Foggy day.


November 2 - Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. The flag was up since 12 o’clock for nomination at the Temperance Hall. Mr Winter, Mr Ayre, Mr Bennett, and Mr Adrian Scott were put up as candidates. Mr Bennet and Mr Winter made long speeches. Mr Winter exposed the last Government in their fraud and robbery. Six policemen were in attendance with their firearms.

A fine day.


November 3 - Tuesday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. Fine morning. Sawing wood. Mr Ayre and Mr Winter went off for Grand Bank in the steamer. I received a tub of butter from St. Peters by John Harding from Mr Hooper. It I paid for. Cold day.


November 4 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Rather cold. Sawing wood. My arm bad still. Edmund arrived from St. John’s. Attended Prayer Meeting. Two policemen were there. Fine day.


November 5 - Thursday

Arose 7 a.m., after a night of noise with Bill Isaacs; he had drinked a good deal. I bless God that He heath spared me to see my 81st birthday. Oh Lord, keep me Faithful to Thee. The weather became dull in the evening.


November 6 - Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast wrote a letter to Grand Bank and two to St. John’s. Was at Daniel Bishop’s fixing books for Division for quarter ending September. 30, that was neglected owing to G.S. not sending returns in at the proper time. Fine day.


November 7 - Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning, rained most all night. It rained and wet snow fell all the forenoon until 2 p.m., then it cleared a little. The state of the Poll at 4 p.m. was 99 more for Ayre and Winter than for Bennett and Scott. The three priests came over at the close. I saw Mr Bennett arm in arm with one of them as they went off. It ended very quickly.


November 8 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. Froze hard last night. I held service. Mr Forsey sick. Met my Class and held service against Prayer Meeting. Very few present so cold and wet.


November 9 - Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet and blowing all night. Was at the Hall, expecting the steamer from Grand Bank, and after 11 a.m. Mr Winter postponed the count until tomorrow 10 a.m. I fixed the Hall for the meeting of the Temperance Society, but all the members or greater part of them went to Burin Bay, as the British have a meeting there tonight.


November 10 - Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7. Very wet morning. Rained most all night. Went to the Hall at 10 a.m. The policemen and Mr Winter were there, but no steamer from Grand Bank had arrived; then Mr Bennett and Mr Winter, Customs Officer, agreed to postpone the count until tomorrow morning, 8 o’clock. Wet all day. I fell off my gallery and hurt my arm afresh.


November 11 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Very dull still. Attended Hall. The steamer arrived with the Polls. When all was examined there were found 224 more for Ayre and Winter than for Bennett and Scott, so that Ayre and Winter were duly elected to serve in the House of Assembly for the District of Burin. Held Prayer Meeting. Middling fine day.


November 12 - Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Wm Isaacs went to the Jersey Room for my ton of coal but it came to blow so fresh that he was forced to leave one hogshead behind. Edmund and Wm Reid, Wm and John Isaacs, brought it up. Mr Inkpen landed three tons for the Church. saw Mr Bennett’s steamer go off. No Class. About my coal. Dull day.


November 13 - Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Engaged all day with Mr Forsey, Wm Henry Collins, Wm Watts and his son, fixing the stoves and piping in the Church. Wm Watts and his son part of the day were bringing coals to the Church from Mr Inkpen’s and helping Wm Henry to dig holes for the standards of the bell. I bought ½ ton of coal from Mr Inkpen. Paid 16/6 for it. My dear wife very poorly, in bed all day. Cold day.


November 14 - Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only a cold morning. After breakfast was engaged in the Church, fixing and blacking stoves and pipes. Mr Forsey, Wm Henry Collins, Wm Watts and son met Kirby and Wm putting the frame for the bell up. This is a very snowy afternoon.


November 15 - Sunday

Arose ½ past 7 a.m. Cold morning. A good bit of snow on the ground. Began to light the fires in the Church. Attended service again and held Prayer Meeting. Mr Forsey at Burin Bay. Mrs Coady here for a few hours. Very snowy evening.


November 16 - Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. After breakfast Wm Isaacs, Josiah Harding brought me up my ½ ton of coal from Mr Inkpen’s stage. I put it in. Attended Division, was paid for half [a] year’s services and settled for another year and paid one half in advance. Received for both £2.10s. Cold day.


November 17 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning, Freezing hard. After breakfast was at Charles Hollett’s and Post Office. No letters. Was at the Doctor’s and brought home a wash for my wife’s legs. Was at Mr Mat Marshall’s and bought bottle wine for my wife and paid 4 shillings for it. Saw Sandy Taylor and Julie Brushett married. Fine day, only cold.


November 18- Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning, only cold. After breakfast fixing schoolhouse for Prayer Meeting. Sawing wood. I held Prayer Meeting, Mr Forsey at Spoon Cove. Paid Wm Isaacs for a loaf of sugar. Fine, moderate day.


November 19 - Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. After breakfast helped to hang the bell that hath not been in use for 6 years. Met my Class. Wm Vincent and his two brothers, George and Philip, were here after Wm Isaacs. He is going with them in the Bay, herring catching. Cold day.


November 20 - Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold, snowing, there is a good bit of snow down. After breakfast went with Wm Vincent to Jersey Room in his boat. Brought home 2 buckets, 1 ½ yds. flannel, 2 cotton handkerchiefs, 2 bottles pickles, 3 ½ lbs. soap, and 1 handsaw file, paid 16 shillings for it. Paid Mr Hooper for butter, 40 shillings. Was at Jersey, James Brushett’s and at Hannah Appleby’s. Prayed with her, had tea there. Fine, only cold.


November 21 - Saturday

Arose ½ past 7 a.m. Snowy morning and continued all day. In the evening Wm Deer and Hannah Isaacs (my granddaughter) were Married. I gave her away. They went into the Salmonier, left our house 6 p.m.


November 22 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Mild morning. Attended service, met my Class. Attended service again. Mr Forsey held Prayer Meeting, very small congregations all day, owing to the wet weather. The bell was rung by Wm Henry Collins.


November 23 - Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning, only cold. Wm Isaacs went off with Wm Vincent after dinner. Mary Ann and the baby went over to Stepaside. Attended Division. Fire in the new stove for the first time.


November 24 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m., snowy morning. In most all day as it was a very rainy, dirty day.


November 25 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast was at Doctor James Moran’s with Temperance Papers. Was at Mr Thos Gorman’s, bought 24 lbs. cheese and 6 lbs. raisins. Paid for the lot 26 shillings. Mr Forsey held Prayer Meeting. Mr James gave an exhortation. Fine day. Hennigar and I took up our cabbage.


November 26 - Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Very wet morning. After breakfast fixing Church. Met my Class. Saw Eli Foote and Priscilla Collins Married. Dull day.


November 27 - Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Sawing wood. Hannah Deer and Mary Ann Vincent were here in the evening. Thomas Isaacs came here and went to Burin Bay to a meeting of the British. A very fine day.


November 28 - Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. Sawing wood. Bought 2 lbs. butter from Mrs Parsons. John Harding fixed my chimney. Fine day.


November 29 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service, no Class. Mr Forsey distributed books. Attended service again. Daniel Bishop held Prayer Meeting. Mr Forsey at Great Burin. Soft rainy evening.


November 30 - Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Rained all night. Fixing the lamps in the Church and cleaning it. Attended Division. Wm Henry and Hennigar were here. Dull all day.


December 1 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Wm Collins went off for the Bay to cut wood to repair his stage. Was at the Post Office. Posted a letter for George at Grand Bank. Hennigar and Lucy and George Deer went into Salmonier. Mrs Elizabeth Kirby was with us and stayed to tea. Mary Ann and the baby came home this evening. Fine day.


December 2 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast was at the Post Office. Mr Bishop came from St. John’s. George Collins began putting down the frame of his house. I held Prayer Meeting. Mr Forsey at Burin Bay. Charlotte Vincent was here and at Hennigar’s. Fine day.


December 3 - Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast went to Post Office. Brought home Temperance Papers and a letter for Wm Abbott, one for Wm Collins and one for George Collins.

Charlotte Vincent went home this afternoon. Dull, very little rain.


December 4 - Friday

Arose ½ past 7. Wet morning. Nothing particular occurred to-day. Mrs Amelia Collins was with us. Dull, but dry.


December 5 - Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Rather cold, dull morning. Edmund Reid came home from the Bay with wood. Fixing Church. Snowed in the evening.


December 6 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Snow on the ground. Attended service. Met my Class. Attended service again. I held Prayer Meeting. Bless the Lord for a good day to my soul. Mrs Coady was with us to tea and stayed till 9 p.m. A middling fine moderate day. Mr Inkpen arrived from St. John’s.


December 7 - Monday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine, only cold. Fixing lamps in Church. John Harding and Wm Robert Collins and family went off for the winter in Fresh Pond. Edmund Reid hath hired Mr Nathaniel Day’s premises and Wm Reed carried his family over this evening. Attended Division, but as my dear wife was very unwell, I did not stay long. Very moderate day.


December 8 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Was at Post Office. Posted a letter for Mary Ann Newport, one for Frances Collins, one for G. Collins, and one for Mrs Eliz. Collins. Was at C. Hollett’s and got 11 pieces of sheet iron for Church.


December 9 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning; it came to blow hard. Fixing Church, schoolhouse, and hall. About 2 p.m. it blew so hard that it carried Mr Forsey’s little house down by the garden gate and blew a good part of my garden fence down. It blew a gale or now and then a gale.


December 10 - Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Moderate morning. Was engaged in putting my garden fence up and Mr Forsey got a crew and launched his little house. Edmund Reid carried away his wife and child after Mary Ann had lived with us fifteen years. No Class.


December 11 - Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. After breakfast fixing my garden fence that was blown down. Was engaged helping Mr Forsey to put the platform up against Sunday. Mrs Coady was here to tea. John Samuel was here and brought G. Collins’ boat and stayed all night.


December 12 - Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine. Snowed and rained in the night. Sawing wood part of the day. Helping Mr Forsey put the carpet on the platform in the Church for the missionary meeting tomorrow. The steamer arrived 4 p.m. from the westward. The Rev Mr Pickles came in her; he brought me a letter from my son George and one for John Samuel. Fine day.


December 13 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Hard, frosty morning. Attended service. No Class for want of time. Attended Sunday School anniversary. Rev Mr James, Mr Pickles, G. Bishop, and Rev Mr Forsey addressed the Sabbath School children. Was informed that Ed Collins’ son Edward died. Attended service. Mr Pickles from Grand Bank preached at 7 p.m. Snowed a good bit.


December 14 - Monday

Arose ½ past 7. Snow on the ground. After breakfast fixing Church and hall. Attended Division. It began to rain and blow so that I did not stay until they closed.


December 15 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. after a night of wind and storm of rain. It blew down Wm Collins’ old stage. In the evening attended missionary meeting. On the platform were Mr G. Bishop, chairman, then Rev Mr Forsey, Rev Mr James, and Rev Mr Pickles. They all addressed the audience.


December 16 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. After breakfast George Deer and I were spelling up wood from Mr Inkpen’s that Edmund Reid left us when he went away. Wrote to grand Bank. Fine day.


December 17 - Thursday

Arose ½ past 7. Dirty weather, rain and glitter. After breakfast was engaged in shining pipes of stove. Wrote a letter for Ed Collins. In the evening attended service. Mr James gave a lecture on "A good man".

December 18 - Friday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold morning. After breakfast was at Mr Bishop’s, brought home flour, rice, molasses, a table cloth, and some pork. Mr James went away to-day. Gave Mr Pickles a letter for George. Fine day, snowed in evening.


December 19 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold morning. Fixing Church and Temperance Hall. Mr Forsey put a notice in the Church porch to prevent annoyance to anyone going in or coming out to service. Fine day.


December 20 - Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. Attended service. Met my Class and attended service again. Mr Pickles preached twice. Mr Forsey held Prayer Meeting. Fine day.


December 21 - Monday

Arose 7 a.m. The steamer came in the night. Mr Pickles went in her. After breakfast went to Mr Gorman’s and Mrs Morris’ and to John Power’s and to the Post Office. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s also; little Harriet is growing nicely. Snowed all day. No meeting of Division. Cleared about 8 p.m.


December 22 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. A very cold, frosty morning. After breakfast sawing wood and shoveling snow. We could get no water for the day but had to melt snow. In the evening Joe Harding and Bill were here for a while. Fine day, but very cold.


December 23 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Very fine morning. After breakfast went to Burin Bay and bought 25 lbs. fresh beef from Mr John Beasley. Paid 12/6 for it. Attended Prayer Meeting. Mr Forsey held it. Fine day.


December 24 - Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Rained in the night. Made a table and fixed the Church for tomorrow. No Class. No one attended.


December 25 - Friday - Christmas Day

Arose 7 a.m. Mild morning. Rained in the night. Attended service; very small congregation owing to boisterous weather. Snowed and drifted and blew hard, very hard.


December 26 - Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. A gale of wind all night and continued most of the day. In the afternoon I sawed wood, lit the fire and rang the bell for the choir. Mrs Coady was here till 10 p.m. G. Collins put up the loft frame of his house.


December 27 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service, met my Class, and attended service again. I held Prayer Meeting. Mr Forsey at Great Burin. Heard that Joe Goddard lost his boat at Rock Hr. last Friday.


December 28 - Monday

Arose ½ past 7. Moderate morning. Attended Division but did not stay until it was over, my wife ill. Mr Tibbs came here yesterday. Mr Vincent gave us herring.


December 29 - Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7 a.m. Wet morning. Snowed a good deal in the night. Attended the Freemason’s service at the Church and the dinner. Dinner on the table 3 p.m. Moderate day.


December 30 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowy, drifty morning. It continued to snow and drift all day and almost a gale of wind. No going out to-day. Reading part of the day, and in the evening took an inventory of what my dear wife purposed to be given after her death.


December 31- Thursday

Arose ½ past 7 a.m., after a very rough, drifty, windy night and continued so all day, so that there could be no Watch Night service. I have abundant reason to thank Thee my Lord and Saviour amid my shortcomings and heart wanderings from thee, that Thou hast brought me and mine to the close of the year in safety. Pardon all that Thou has seen wrong in us through the year that is now at an end and if shared through another may we live nearer to Thee, and if called to die, may we be Eternally with Thee in Glory. Hear me for Christ’s sake. Amen. Amen.

This the last day of the year hath been very boisterous, may the next be better.


Burin - 1875


January 1- Friday

Arose ½ past 7. Glory be to God that I see one more New Year’s Day. But it is a cold, windy morning and continued all day. Wrote a letter for Wm Isaacs to Mr Creeman. Took down Church and burying ground gates.


January 2 - Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold morning. After breakfast fixed the Church for tomorrow. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.


January 3- Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Very boisterous, snowed and drifted. Attended Church. Mr Forsey preached. No Class. Attended service again and after, a fellowship meeting and the sacrament was administered to about 60 communicants. Meeting commenced 7 p.m. and concluded 9 p.m. May the Lord help us to live nearer to Him and prepare to meet our God. Mrs Coady was here with us until 10 p.m. Rough day.

January 4 - Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, moderate day. After breakfast fixing Hall for tonight. Attended trustee meeting. As there was only a few present, Mr Forsey postponed the meeting until Thursday 2 p.m.


January 5- Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7. Moderate morning. I was fixing the porch for a while, then I went to the Church, helping Mr Forsey to make a vestry on the south side of the Church, under the stairs. Mary Ann Reid and her baby were here a few hours. Moderate day.


January 6 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold and boisterous morning. A very blowy day. Attended Prayer Meeting, about 20 present. Philip Vincent was here. I gave him the agreement between Thos Shasty (?) and him for his place in Little Salmonier.


January 7 - Thursday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold morning. After breakfast fixing Church. Attended two funerals, then attended trustee meeting. Cold day.


January 8 - Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. After breakfast sawing and clearing wood. It came to snow and drift about 12 p.m. and continued all day and blew a gale.


January 9 - Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. A great quantity of snow drifted in heaps. Engaged in cleaning the pipes. Fine day.


January 10 - Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Very snowy morning. Attended service. A very stormy day. Met my Class. Attended service again. No Prayer Meeting, it was so very boisterous. Drifting all day.


January 11 - Monday

Arose ½ past 7, after a rough, blowy, snowy night. Blew hard all day. Fixed the Hall for tonight, but did not go. I did not feel very well.


January 12 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only very cold, windy day. Nothing particular occurred. Mrs Coady was with us until 10 p.m. Very cold and windy.


January 13 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold and windy. Fixing schoolhouse for Prayer Meeting. Mr Forsey went to Burin Bay preaching. Ed Appleby was here looking for him, to see his wife who is sick. Daniel Bishop held Prayer Meeting and I met Mr Forsey’s Class. Very cold.


January 14 - Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning, only cold. Fixing Hall and Church. Hannah Deer was here. It came to snow about 2 p.m. so no one attended Class.


January 15 - Friday

Arose 7 a.m. A good bit of snow down, very cold. John Samuel and Joe Harding came out from Fresh Pond. John stayed here all night. It was a very dirty, boisterous night.


January 16 - Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. A very drifty morning, it snowed very fast. John went to go home, it was very snowy but it cleared away towards evening.


January 17 - Sunday

Arose ½ past 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. Attended service. Met my Class and attended service again and I held Prayer Meeting. Mary Ann Reid and Edmund and the baby and George Vincent were here.


January 18 - Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning, only cold. Sawing and clearing wood. Fixed the Hall for Division; attended, but did not stay as I was not very well. Thomas Isaacs was here.


January 19 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Mild morning. It cleared off very fine. The Star of the East Sons of Temperance had their dinner in the Hall, a very good dinner. Hannah Brinton and Alice Vincent were here.


January 20 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. Fixing Church for this evening. Attended the lecture Mr Forsey gave on the electric telegraph. It was very grand. Fine evening.


January 21 - Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, cold, hard morning. Met my Class, only a few attended it was so cold.


January 22 - Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowed in the night. Cold morning. Wrote a letter to Mr O’Brien, Inspector of Weights and Measures, and two for Bill Isaacs, one to Mr Munro and one to Mr Hare. Mary Ann Reid was here a little while.


January 23 - Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Dirty, snowy morning and continued all day. Fixing Church for tomorrow. No practice, no one attended. Wm Isaacs posted my letter.


January 24 - Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Very snowy night and morning. Attended service. Mr Forsey met our Class for tickets. Attended service again and Mr Forsey held Prayer Meeting in school room. It hath been a very drifty cold day. Mrs Coady was here.

January 25 - Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, soft morning. Sawing and clearing wood. Fixed the Hall and attended, but did not stay as it was then very boisterous.


January 26 - Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. A good deal of snow down and continued drifting and snowing all day and very cold. Could not do much.


January 27 - Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. After breakfast fixed schoolhouse. Sawing wood. Attended Prayer Meeting.


January 28 - Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. The Harbour froze over. Sawing and clearing wood. Met my Class and a good time to my soul. Fine day.


January 29 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Shoveling snow and sawing and clearing wood. A fine day.


January 30 - Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Snowing and drifting all day, so much that there could be no practice for the choir.


January 31 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 6. A good deal of snow down. Attended service and met my Class and attended service again. I held Prayer Meeting, Mr Forsey at Great Burin. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

February 1 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. After breakfast shovelling snow. Fixing Hall and taking off the amount of accounts I received for some years and fine the amount to be £5528-17-73.

February 2 – Tuesday

Arose 7½. Cold morning. In the afternoon attended meeting and tea with the Good Templers and in the evening at the Public Meeting.

February 3 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. Sawing and cleaving wood. Fixed school house and held Prayer Meeting. Mr Forsey at Burin Bay. Fine day.

February 4 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull with snow. After breakfast came to rain and continued all day. Josiah and Bill Harding were out from Fresh Pond. The wind came around and it froze hard.

February 5 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold frosty morning. Sawing and cleaving wood. A cold boisterous day.

February 6 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. Sawing wood after breakfast and fixed Church for tomorrow. Wm Henry, Wm Collins, Thomas and England took down piping and cleaned it. Mrs Amelia Collins was here. Cold day.

February 7 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. Attended service, met my Class and attended service again and I held Prayer Meeting. Mr Forsey at Spoon Cove.

February 8 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold. The harbour frozen over. Sawing wood. It came so very boisterous with snow and wind, no division met.

February 9 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. After a very boisterous night, the harbour clear of ice. Very cold day.

February 10 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. The harbour is fast again with ice. After breakfast sawing and cleaving wood. Attended Prayer Meeting.

February 11 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. It was very find overhead, only cold. Sawing wood. Met my Class. Went in the land wash picking up old shingles Wm Collins gave me, that came off his old store. This hath been a fine day. Bless God.

February 12 – Friday

Arose ½ past six. Fine morning, only cold. After breakfast sawing wood. Brought home the shingles I had given me. It came to snow and blow, very rough.

February 13 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Very cold morning. Fixing Church and shovelling snow. The ice still in. The steamer arrived.

February 14 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. Attended service. Met my Class. The steamer came back, she could not proceed for ice. Attended service again and Prayer Meeting. Mr Forsey held it. Mrs Coady was with us to tea and stayed till 9 p.m. and prayed with us.

February 15 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only very cold. Part of the day sawing wood. Jersey James Brushett was here and agreed to buy the pew that Thos Bradley had in the Church. He told us his daughter Hannah was very bad, dropsical. I wrote a letter to George Harding, Gd. Bank, to send by Mr Forsey. I was not at the Division, my back was bad.

February 16 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. Very cold morning. Snowing most all day, was not out much, may back bad. Harbour very firm with ice.

February 17 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Cold still, not out much until afternoon. Fixed the schoolhouse and in the evening attended Mr Forsey’s lecture.

February 18 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 6. A good deal of snow fell last night, and all day it snowed and drafted so that no one could attend Class meeting.

February 19 – Friday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Sawing wood and shovelling snow. Sent a letter to George by Rev Forsey. He started for Grand Bank. Fine day.

February 20 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine, only cold. John Samuel and Jor (?) and Wm Harding were out and carried home flour and molasses. It was at T. Gorman’s and brought home 2 lbs. tea, paid four shillings for it. Was informed that old Mr Bishop departed this life.

February 21 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. More snow down than hath been for the winter. A very rough night. Held service, met my Class and held service and Prayer Meeting all together. Rained at times all day.

February 22 – Monday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. Fine, only cold. I buried Mr John Bishop, father of George and Daniel. Was not at Division, my wife bad.

February 23 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. After breakfast Wm Isaacs and I shovelled snow back of the porch until dinner time. Thos Isaacs was here to dinner. Writing part of afternoon. Snowing again.

February 24 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, moderate morning, a little snow in the night. Sawing wood part of day. Held Prayer Meeting.

February 25 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Soft morning. Clearing ice by porch. Met my Class. Writing a spell. Mrs Coady was here till 10 p.m.

February 26 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Soft morning. Fixing Church and hall and writing. Fine day.

February 27 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Cold morning, with snow. Nothing particular occurred. Fine evening.

February 28 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 6. Wet, glittery morning, with snow. Held service and met my Class. Held service again. No Prayer Meeting, so rough.

March 1 – Monday

Arose ½ past 6, after a very windy, cold night. Cutting ice around the porch. I was not to Division, my back bad.

March 2 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Sawing wood and fixing Hall.

March 3 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning, after a storm of snow. A great fall in the night. Shovelled snow. No Prayer Meeting, my back bad.

March 4 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Shovelling snow part of day and fixing roof. Mary Ann Read and the baby were here. Met my Class, only four present. Fine day.

March 5 – Friday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Charlotte Vincent, Hannah Deer and Hannah Brinton were here. Fine day.

March 6 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning & cold. Sawing wood & shoveling snow. Fine evening. Began on a barrel of flour.

March 7 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning, held service & met my Class. Held service again & Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

March* 8 – Monday (*says “May,” but obviously a mistake.)

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning, sawing wood. Came to snow in the evening, but not very much down. Mrs Coady was here till late.

March 9 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine, only cold. Sawing wood. Nothing particular occurred; only Harriet Isaacs was here. Fine day.

March 10 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine, only cold. Sawing wood. Fixing Hall & held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

March 11 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine, only cold. Sawing wood fore part of day. Alice Vincent was here to-day, she brought me a pair of new mitts & stockings that she & Mary Ann Reed knit for me. Met my Class. Fine day.

March 12 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine, only cold. Sawing wood. In the evening, Mr Forsey arrived from Grand Bank, brought me a letter from my son George. Wm Kirby came after me to go to see his Father as he was very bad, but Mr Forsey went. Fine day.

March 13 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Snowed a little after breakfast, went to see old Mr Joseph Kirby, talked & prayed with him. While there he wished to have his Will made, they sent for Mr Forsey, he came & made it. Mr Forsey & I were witnesses to it. George Dowd & Simon Pidgeon were appointed executors. The Doctor was there to see him; he is very low & tis not likely he will live much longer. Wm Henry Collins had his mast from Fresh Pond. Snowed almost all day.

March 14 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Attended service. Met my Class and attended service again. So very boisterous, there was no Prayer Meeting.

March 15 – Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Blew a gale of wind all night. Was at Divisions a little while. The steamer arrived from westward & proceeded to St. John’s. Fine soft day.

March 16 – Tuesday

Arose 6 A.M. Fine morning. After breakfast sawing wood. The steamer came back after the mail. Fine day.

March 17 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Sawing wood. Fixing Church for the funeral to-morrow. Attended Prayer Meeting fine, until the evening, then it came to snow.

March 18 – Thursday

Arose 6 A.M. Fine morning. Not very much snow fell last night. Fixing Hall. Attended Mr Kirby’s funeral. The steamer is breaking up the ice. Snow squalls most of evening.

March 19 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine, only cold. Some snow fell last night. After breakfast saw the steamer cutting the ice. It snowed again. Shoveling part of the day.

March 20 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Snow squalls greater part of day. Fixing Church for Sunday. Steamer still in the ice.

March 21 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Very cold morning. Attended service, met my Class. Was informed that yesterday Joseph Adams Walsh fell over the cliff cutting wood & was drowned. The Great Burin people are creeping for the body. Attended service again. The body of Joseph Walsh was picked up this evening, his skull was cloven & his leg broken, the height that he fell was about 200 ft.

March 22 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Still cold. Sawing wood. Shoveling snow. John Harding & his two sons were out & they had things on their wages from Mr G. Bishop. Attended Division. It is settled that the Division meet to-tomorrow at the Hall at one for me to attend the funeral at Great Burin of Joseph A. Walsh. Fine day.

March 23 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Cold morning. Attended the funeral of Joseph Walsh at Great Burin. Walked across the Reach on the ice, the to Gt. Burin on the road. “The Good Templers” & “The British in Front” & then “The Sons of Temperance” of both Divisions. The schoolhouse would not hold all, many had to stop outside. Mr Forsey preached. Came back the same way. The wind was very sharp, & it froze hard.

March 24 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning, it froze hard last night. Attended the funeral of Hannah Appleby. Hennigar & I went all down to the house, we crossed the ice from Collins Cove to Rd. Marshalls Cove, then crossed to Mr Mat Marshalls Cove, then took the ice & went to James Brushett’s to the house where the corpse was & followed it. Attended Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

March 25 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Sawing wood. Met my Class. This “Lady Day” & a fine day.

March 26 – Friday - Good Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Rained, then snowed. Attended service & after dinner Hennigar & I went up to see Mary Ann Reed & the baby. I went with Edmund to hear the Rev Mr Lockward; his text was divided into four parts, 1st part Luke 23rd, verse 34, 2nd part verses 40, 41, 42, & 43 of the same chapter, 3rd part 44th verse & 4th part St. John 19th chapter, verses 25 to 29. He preached 1 & ¾ hours, they sang the hymn between each part. It was a very fine service. (Church of England, Ship Cove.)

March 27 – Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast fixing Church & Hall. Was across the ice to the Doctor’s but he was at Great Burin.

March 28 – Sunday – Easter Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service, met my Class. Attended service again & held Prayer Meeting. Mr Forsey at Footes Cove. At the Sacrament there were 178 communicants. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

March 29 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Scad of snow this morning. John Harding brought his family from the woods. Mrs Reed & Ann Brinton were here to-day. Attended Trustee meeting & then attended Division. Fine day.

March 30 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 6. Moderate morning. Mary Ann Reed & the baby were here all day until evening.

March 31 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Fixing Church & Hall. Mary Ann stayed at Mrs Coady’s last night & went home to-day. Held Prayer Meeting, only 12 present. Fine day.

April 1 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning, only cold. Fixing my room upstairs. Met my Class, 8 present. Was informed that the steamer was out in the ice. Was at Edmund Reid’s for bedstead.

April 2 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. Sawing wood, putting up bedstead. Steamer got in at Great Burin. Fine day.

April 3 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Foggy morning. The steamer got in Great Burin with the mail. Received Temperance Journal. Wrote to grand Bank to George & sent it by way of Gt. Burin. Fine soft day.

April 4 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Foggy soft morning. Attended service. Met my Class. Saw Marid White’s funeral from Mortier Bay, buried at Ship Cove Cemetery. Attended service again & held Prayer Meeting. A very good attendance. Fine day.

April 5 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine soft morning, froze a little last night. Was at John Paul’s at Path End. Had 15 shillings on Quarter Salary. Saw people cutting out ice in Rd. Marshalls Cove. Fine soft day.

April 6 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Soft with rain. Spelling up wood that Thomas Isaacs gave me yesterday. Cutting ice away & sawing wood. Fine day.

April 7 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine, only cold. Froze hard last night. Held Prayer Meeting, good number present. Posted a letter for England & one for Inspector of Weights & Measures, St. John’s. Fine day.

April 8 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning, only cold frosty morning. Sawing wood. Met my Class, 9 present. Cold day.

April 9 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Cold dull morning. Was at Mr Paul’s. Sawing wood. The ice is still firm in the Harbor. Fine day.

April 10 – Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. It was a frosty night but a fine morning. After breakfast was up to see Mary Ann Reid & Harriet, dear little thing. Fine day.

April 11 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull cold morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again & Love Feast in the evening and a Blessed time it was, nearly 50 spoke of their experience. Came to snow and snowed a good part of the night. Oh Lord, if I please Thee, send fine weather.

April 12 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Cold with snow. John Mitchell & men sawing the ice to get the boats load & anchor out. Attended Division but did not stay as my wife was ill. Cold day.

April 13 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Cold but fine. Sawing wood. Mary Ann Reed & baby Harriet & Mrs Coady were here all the evening. Fine day. A crew was cutting out the ice. The steamer came from the westward & stayed all night.

April 14 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Froze hard in the night. The steamer went off this morning. Sawing wood. Mrs Amelia Collins was here all day. A crew of men were cutting a channel through the ice Was informed of the death of Old Mr Troak. Attended Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

April 15 – Thursday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning. Mr Hodder, Mr Wm Collins, & Mr John Mitchell & G. Collins’ crews sawing channel and Rd. Kirby also. They got their crafts out. I sent a letter by Mr Wm Collins to Mr Hooper. Mr Forsey met our Class for tickets. Wm Isaacs & Selena Coady took their farewell leave of us as they are going off with Wm Collins to St. Peters, they are bound to Boston. May God Bless & Prosper them.

April 16 – Friday

Arose ½ past 5. Scad of snow falling. Writing part of the day. G. Collins went off for St. Peters. It turned out a fine day.

April 17 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning, a white frost. Saw many men sawing ice to clear the Harbor. Very fine day.

April 18 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Rather dull. Attended service again & I held Prayer Meeting. Mr Forsey at Burin Bay. Came to rain in evening.

April 19 – Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Cold rain & glitter. Writing part of the day. Attended Division, but did not stay owing to my wife. Dull all day.

April 20 - Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m., after a very rainy & blowy night. I dreamt of my old master & mistress who have been dead for years & I hope happy in Heaven. Shoveling snow in garden & clearing away to fence the middle part. Fine day.

April 21 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 5. Cold. It froze hard last night. The ice is not gone yet but the Harbour is clear. I was to see Mary Ann Reed & the baby, all well. I was at Thomas Gorman’s & brought home 2 lbs tea, 5 sugar & 6 lbs cheese. Paid 12s/6d for the lot. Attended Prayer Meeting. Mr Forsey held it.

April 22 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 5. Dull morning. Froze hard in the night. I Bless God that my wife & I have lived to see the 55th anniversary of our Marriage day. Began to put up the middle fence in my garden. Met my Class. Fine day.

April 23 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Soft, wet morning. After breakfast sawing wood. Then in the garden fencing & fixing the garden fit for digging up. Fine day.

April 24 – Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Froze a little in the night. Working in the garden until dinner time, then Mrs Coady brought a letter she received from Wm Isaacs & Selena from St. Peters to her & me, so I wrote immediately & carried it to the Post Office thinking that the steamer might be in, then came back to Mary Ann Reid’s & stayed with dear little Harriet a good bit, then was at James Morant Esq & got an order on Mr G. Bishop for Temp Funds. Fine day.

April 25 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning; a bit cold, the Harbor was caught over with ice. Attended service & met my female Class. Saw Mrs Darby at Church, she is blind. Attended service again & I held Prayer Meeting. It began to snow.

April 26 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Very cold snowy morning. Sawing wood. Wrote a letter to Mr Brace & one to Mr Brien, Inspector of Weights & Measures & sent them by Joseph Inkpen. Attended Division. Cold day.

April 27 – Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Cold frosty morning. Sawing wood. Made a tub; was at Mr Gorman’s, bought 5 lb loaf sugar, paid 3/6; also bought 4 boxes blacking. Came to snow in the evening.

April 28 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m., very cold, froze hard in the night. Had from Rev G. Forsey 7 lbs butter, paid 10 shillings for it. Joseph Inkpen had to return, the ice from Cape St. Mary’s as far as the eye could see. Fixing Church & Hall & school house. Separated gooseberry trees & brought 3 bags kelp for them. Attended Prayer Meeting, very few present. Cold windy day & froze hard.

April 29 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 5 – very fine but cold. It froze hard all night. Working in garden, cut 4 bags kelp & put in gooseberry trees. Attended the two funerals. Mary Ann Read & the baby & Hannah Deer were here. No Class owing to the funerals.

April 30 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine, only cold with frost. After breakfast in the Garden planted my flower bed. Henniger brought her seed cabbage & planted in my garden. I gave her three. A beautiful day.

May 1 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning, it froze a little. The steamer came in the night. Snowed almost all day.

May 2 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 6. Cold frosty morning. Attended service. Met my Class and attended service again. Mr Forsey held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul. Edmund Reed was here to tea. Fine day.

May 3 – Monday

Arose ½ past 5. Dull; morning. After breakfast Wm Henry Collins and several others came & assisted me to get out the stoves from the Church & put them away. It came to rain, then, glitter. Cold day.

May 4 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Snow squalls this morning. After breakfast carried 49 buckets manure in the garden. Then was at Doctor Moran’s, also at Mary Ann Reed’s to see her & the Baby. Joseph Inkpen went for St. John’s.

May 5 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past five. Dull morning. It froze in the night. Working in the garden until I had to knock off for the snow as it snowed until evening. Mr Forsey held Prayer Meeting. Cold.

May 6 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Cold snowy morning. It cleared up & I went in the garden & prepared a bed for Beans & Peas. G. Collins returned from fishing, did nothing. Met my Class.

May 7 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull cold morning. After breakfast was in the garden, set in my cholletts, peas & beans & calavances & prepared ground for carrots & beets. I received from F. Hooper Esq by G. Collins 30 lbs butter, 1 loaf sugar & a 12 lb chest of tea. Wm Collins returned from Herring Fishery.

May 8 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Cold, froze hard. Sawing wood & working in the garden. Attended Division. The steamer came in the night.

May 9 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning, only very frosty & cold. Attended service. Met my Class, attended service again. I held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul. The steamer went off & Mr Bishop lost his passage, a very fine day. Mrs Coady was here till after nine o’clock.

May 10 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast sawing wood, then went to Post Office but no letters. Was at Mrs Morris’ & bought one Quire paper & 2 jars of ink. Paid 1/8 for it. Fine day.

May 11 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. After breakfast fencing in the garden until 10 a.m. when a crowd came to wash out the Church. I was engaged in heating water for them. Alice Vincent came to clean up our house. Received a letter from Wm Isaacs from St. Peters. Mary Ann Reed had one also. Fine day.

May 12 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Very fine morning. Was in the garden, sowed lettuce, cress, mustard & carrot seeds. Was at Mr Paul’s & Mrs Morris’s, bought a paint brush from her, paid 1/9 for it. Was at Mary Ann Reed’s also. Carried her a letter from her brother at St. Peters. Was informed that Wm Hooper of Mortier was lost Monday night going down in a Flat, about 6 ft long; he left Mr G. Neil’s. Sowed flower seeds. I held Prayer Meeting. Mr Forsey at Gt. Burin. Very fine day.

May 13 – Thursday

Arose 4 a.m. & went into Salmonier, had breakfast at Thos Isaac’s, dinner at Charlotte’s, at Hannah Deer’s had tea. Mrs Deer gave me a bit of cabbage seed. Was at Hannah Brinton’s & had tea. Was at Mrs Butler’s, gave her some seeds. Was at Mary Ann Reed’s. Thomas Isaacs gave me some potatoes. I came home & sowed Mrs Deer’s cabbage seed & 3 potatoes & some onions Charlotte gave me. No Class meeting. Very fine day.

May 14 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning after the rain; it rained hard in the night, it turned out a fine day. Sowed the rest of the cabbage seed Mrs Deer gave me. Sowed my potatoes. A fine day.

May 15 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Was at Charles Hollett’s & bought six lamp chimneys for Division. Burned the weeds, etc., in the garden. Helped Hennigar a little while, set two blue potatoes that Mrs Collins gave her. Joseph Kirby brought John Harding’s studs, etc., out of the Bay. Attended Division but did not stay long. Fine day.

May 16 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Wet morning, it rained hard all night, was informed that a fortune telling woman is at Mrs Coady’s. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again & sacrament—179 communicants. No Prayer Meeting, a foggy evening.

May 17 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Very foggy morning. After breakfast writing till 10 a.m. The fog cleared away then. I went & fixed the walk behind the porch that the ice hove down the winter. Sowed turnip & cabbage seed Mrs Merena Collins gave me. Alice Vincent went home to-day. Mary Ann Reed was here for the trees I gave her & brought me some spearmint roots. I set them out. Fine day.

May 18 – Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning, a white frost. Went & cut ground Juniper to bathe my wife’s legs in. Sowed cabbage seed Mrs Marena Collins gave me. After breakfast dug sods & fixed the back of the porch. Sowed cabbage seed I had from Jersey last year. Sawing & cleaving wood. Jersey James’ two sons brought me some wood. Mr Murley was here Fine day.

May 19 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Rather dull. The steamer not yet arrived. After breakfast went & helped Hennigar set some potatoes, a bed of carrots & a bed of parsnip. It came very foggy in the evening.

May 20 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Foggy morning. The steamer not arrived yet. After breakfast was fixing garden fence till dinner time. Met my Class. Was at Charles Hollett’s & paid him for the lamp chimneys, 5/4. Was at Mrs Wm Butler’s & brought home a quantity of flower plants & seed. I sowed the seeds. Mr Gabriel Goddard & Mr Wm Reed Sr. arrived from St. John’s. I was at Mary Ann Reed’s. Very fine day.

May 21 – Friday

Arose 5 a.m. Foggy morning, but cleared up. After breakfast went up to Edmund Reed’s for our molasses keg. Made a new gate for the garden. Set out the flower plants that Mrs Butler gave me.

May 22 – Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. Wet foggy morning. Sawing & cleaving wood. Joseph Inkpen arrived from St. John’s. Mr James came up from Flat Islands to go with Mr Forsey to the District Meeting to St. John’s. Attended Division but did not stay long. Fine day.

May 23 – Sunday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning. Attended service. Mr James preached. Met my Class. Old Mr Henry Cran was here from Flat Islands. Attended services again. Mr James held Prayer Meeting. The Fortune minister went to Burin Bay to hold service. Wet day.

May 24 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning. Robert Inkpen arrived from St. John’s. Mr G. Bishop came with him. I was cutting & bringing home pear sticks. George Collins went into his new house; fire lighted in it 6 p.m. Fine day. [Side note: “House still standing 1987.]

May 25 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast carrying manure in the garden & dug up a bed for cabbage & cut kelp for garden. Fine day.

May 26 – Wednesday

Arose 5 a.m. Foggy & wet. I sowed 3 beds of cabbage seed in Mr Forsey’s garden of 15 beds of turnips & 8 rows of carrots seed; it came to rain the afternoon. Mrs Amelia Collins was here to tea.

May 27 – Thursday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine, only cold. Working in Mr Forsey’s garden. Sowed French Beans & broad beans. Mary Ann Reed was here. Met my Class. We had fresh fish, the first this summer. Fine day.

May 28 – Friday

Arose 5 a.m. Cold raw morning. The steamer came in this morning. I was working in Mr Forsey’s garden; sowed five beds of peas. Rained in the afternoon. Hennigar was here, as my wife was so bad. Received a letter from John Melzard. Helped put Mr Forsey’s things on board Robert Inkpen. Dull day.

May 29 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning. Wind ahead for Mr Forsey. Sawing wood. Sowed a bed of French beans. Attended Division but did not stay, my wife bad. Dull day.

May 30 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Wet morning. Attended service. Mr Marien preached morning & evening. I met my Class. Mr Forsey held Prayer Meeting. After, Robert Inkpen came down. I gave him 2/6 to bring me some tincture of rhubarb. Mr Forsey & family, Mr James & Mr Marien sailed for St. John’s. We took our farewell leave of them, they left about 11 p.m. May God give them a quick & safe passage. Amen.

May 31 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning & a fine time. Bless the Lord for Mr Forsey. Was at the Jersey Room & brought home the seeds that Capt Leigh brought from Jersey. Charlotte Vincent was here, saw Philip Vincent & John at Jersey Room. Fine day.

June 1 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning, only cold. Froze hard last night. Ice in the land wash. Thos Isaacs & little Bob were here. John Collins got 7 or 8 fine fish & gave me one. Interred Mrs Moulton. Fine day.

June 2 – Wednesday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine, only very cold. After breakfast dug 3 beds of ground for Hennigar’s cabbage. Made a gate to go into the garden. Fine day.

June 3 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 4. Fine morning after a cold night. Sawing & cleaving wood. Mary Ann Reed, Hannah Deer & Hannah Brinton were here. Met my Class. Fine day. [Note: Mary Ann Reid, Hannah Deer & Hannah Brinton were his granddaughters.]

June 4 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine, only cold. Wm Henry brought home rinds. Making pipe for stone. Mr Bishop put a headstone to his father’s grave & Dr Smith one to his little child. Fine day.

June 5 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning, only cold. Working in the garden. In the evening attended Division, but did not stay. Fine day.

June 6 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Held service, met my Class & held service again & Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

June 7 – Monday

Arose 4 a.m. Dull morning. Sowed a second crop of peas. Painted our parlor overhead & the windows & kitchen windows. Fine day. Carried our bed upstairs.

June 8 – Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Wet morning. Cleared off fine. Worked in garden. Sawed & cleaved wood. Wrote a letter to Mrs Gallop, Codroy, for Thos Isaacs. No fish. Fine day.

June 9 – Wednesday

Arose 5 a.m. after a night of rain. It cleared off. In the garden a spell. No fish coming in. Oh Lord have mercy on poor people. I was painting.

June 10 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 4. Fine morning. Writing part of the day. Working in the garden. I received a letter from Wm Isaacs. Wm Henry got a little fish. Met my Class. Fine day.

June 11 – Friday

Arose ½ past 3. Foggy morning. Went into Salmonier, breakfast at Thos Isaac’s & dinner at Charlotte’s. Philip flooring his house. Was at Hannah Deer’s & at Hannah Brinton’s & at Mary Ann Reed’s; then came home & worked in the garden. Fine day, no fish. Oh Lord, have mercy & send fish for the support of the people.

June 12 – Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. Foggy morning. Sawing & cleaving wood & fixing Hall for Division, attended but did not stay long. No fish. Oh Lord, I pray Thee to send fish for the support of Thy poor people, Don’t let them starve.

June 13 – Sunday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning, held service & met my Class. Held service again & Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul & may it be so to all who were present to-day.

June 14 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Very foggy morning, was writing part of the day. Was at Mary Ann Reed’s. Working in my garden. The Freemasons walked from Burin Bay Hall to their own Lodge & dedicated it.

June 15 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning, in the garden before breakfast. Wrote a letter & posted it for Wm Isaac’s. In the afternoon Wm H. Isaacs from Bulls Cove came for me to go & baptise a child that is sick; then he landed me to Mrs Morris & walked home. Was in to Robert Isaac’s & had a cup of tea. Charlotte Vincent was there. Fine day.

June 16 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 4. Fine morning. Writing before breakfast & part of the day. Charlotte Roberts & Immanuel Brushett’s wife were here. Also George Hollett’s wife & Mary Ann Reed & baby. No fish. Fine day.

June 17 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 4. Foggy. Writing before breakfast, after working in the garden weeding & sticking some peas. Mrs Emberley was here from Salmonier. Met my Class. Hennigar & Lizzy Hollett were at Mrs Coady’s, helping to make dresses. Fine day.

June 18 – Friday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Writing before breakfast. No fish. Weeding in garden good part of day. Fine day.

June 19 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 5 a.m. Fine morning. Came to rain or continued more or less all day. Attended Division but did not stay. My wife sick.

June 20 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine day. Held service. Met my Class. Held service again & held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

June 21 – Monday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. In the garden before breakfast sawing wood & sticking some peas. Blew hard to-day.

June 22 – Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Weeding before breakfast & after working in the garden. Alice Vincent, Harriet Vincent & Susan Isaacs were here. Fine day.

June 23 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 4. Fine morning. Set out 240 cabbage plants, 190 of them Mrs Amelia Collins gave me. Set out 40 turnip plants also. Fine day.

June 24 – Thursday

Midsummer day. Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Set out 60 cabbage plants, 40 turnip plants. Dull day. Crew came & dug Mr Rd. Willy’s grave. Mrs Coady was here this evening & took tea with us. I met my female Class. Fine evening.

June 25 – Friday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. In the garden, set out 137 cabbage plants & in the afternoon attended Mr Willy’s funeral & buried him. Came to rain & rained all night.

June 26 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Wet morning. Set out 95 cabbage plants & 89 turnip plants & after breakfast set out 79 cabbage plants & 89 turnips. Attended Division & was elected Chaplain for next quarter. Mrs Coady was here until nearly 12 p.m.

June 27 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Held service & met my Class, held service again & held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul. Mrs Coady was here till 9 p.m.

June 28 – Monday

Arose ½ past 4. Fine morning in the garden. Set out 92 cabbage plants that Mr Hodder & Rebecca Kirby gave me, also 10 more turnip plants. Wrote a letter for Susan Reed.

June 29 – Tuesday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. In the garden & set out 60 turnip plants. Fine day.

June 30 – Wednesday

Arose 4 a.m. Heard the steamer come, then went on board with John E. Collins. Saw Robert Bishop & his sister & Miss Paul & Miss Fox & Rev Mr Pascoe & his two sons & his house-keeper. Was at the Post Office. Ms. Coady was here & I gave her Mr Forsey’s texts of scripture that he preached from while in Burin. Milly Coady gave my wife a hen. Fine day.

July 1 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning. Set out 17 turnip plants. Met my female Class. No boats or fish coming in. Oh Lord, send relief to thy poor people.

July 2 – Friday

Arose ½ past 5. Dull morning. Set out 12 turnip plants. After breakfast was at Ed Pyke’s to get him to bring Mr Pascoe’s coal up. Went to Magistrate James Moran to get advice about weights & measures. Was at Mrs Willy’s & John Paul’s. Came home & went around to P. Pine’s with Mr Pascoe.

July 3 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast was at P. Pine’s with a letter from Mr Pascoe. Mrs Coady here with us. Attended Division & not out until after 12 p.m. Fine day.

July 4 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service. Heard Mr Pascoe’s first sermon. Met my Class. Attended service & went to Burin Bay with Mr Pascoe; he held Prayer Meeting, a great congregation. Bless God, it hath been a blessed day to my soul. Bless Thy servant & Thy word. Fine day.

July 5 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast in the woods cutting pea sticks for Mr Pascoe. Mrs Coady was here most of the afternoon. Plenty of caplin & Cape boats have fish. Bless God.

July 6 – Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast cutting pea sticks for Mr Pascoe & sticking his peas. Had from Mr Thos Gorman 3 lbs tea, 2 shillings; 10 lbs sugar at 6d.6; butter at 1/6. Paid 20 shillings for the lot. Wm Henry came home from Cape with one fish; his boat was very leaky. Fine day.

July 7 – Wednesday

Arose 5 a.m. Wet morning. After breakfast writing letters to Wm Isaacs & Selena Coady. Wet most of the day. Sawing wood. Began on a barrel flour.

July 8 – Thursday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Finished sticking Mr Pascoe’s peas after breakfast. Was at the Post Office & Charlie Hollett came home & helped to pack up Mrs Coady’s beds. Met my Class. Fine day.

July 9 – Friday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast in the garden. Mary Ann Read was here. Fine day.

July 10 – Saturday

Arose 3 a.m. The steamer came in, took my leave of Dear Mrs Coady after 26 years of social friendship & Milly & Albert. May God protect them through life. Mr Pascoe is gone also, to take a wife. A minister arrived for Flat Islands. [Rev Thomas H. James became the first pastor of Flat Islands in 1875.] Was very busy in helping to carry up Mr Pascoe’s things. Attended Division but we had no meeting, not enough there to open. Fine day.

July 11 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service. Mr Stevens preached, I met my Class, Mr Stevens preached in the afternoon & held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul. Fine day.

July 12 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Mr Stevens went away to Grand Bank. Working in the garden. Fine day.

July 13 – Tuesday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Was in garden before breakfast, then sawing wood. Was around to Charlie Hollett’s & Mary Ann Read’s. Fine day.

July 14 – Wednesday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Helped Hennigar to spread her fish. Sawing wood. Had tub of caplin from Mrs Inkpen. Fine day.

July 15 – Thursday

Arose 3 a.m. Fine morning. Went in the Salmonier. Breakfast at Thos Isaac’s, was at Philip Vincent’s & at Mrs Deer’s, then at Isabel Hollett’s, then at Mrs Brinton’s, then at Charlie Hollett’s & last at Mary Ann Reed’s; then came home. No boats & no fish. Fine day.

July 16 – Friday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Visiting the graves of the dead. Foggy day & no fish.

July 17 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull, wet morning. Wm Henry came from Cape; some fish. Working in garden. No Division met; too busy. Foggy day.

July 18 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 6. Still foggy. Attended service, met my Class & attended service again. I got Daniel Bishop to hold Prayer Meeting. A good time. Bless the Lord, to my soul.

July 19 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Foggy morning. Sawing wood. Was at Mary Ann Reed’s. Edmund brought home 1002 fish. Foggy day.

July 20 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 5. Bless the Lord, a fine morning. I thank God that another year has rolled by since I gave up that abominable practice of drunkenness, which makes 56 years. Writing to-day. No Boats. Fine day.

July 21 – Wednesday

Arose 5 a.m. Foggy dull morning. Writing most of the day. No bait or fish. Oh Lord, have mercy, have mercy. Fine day.

July 22 – Thursday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Writing. Buried George Newport’s child. No Class on account of it. The steamer came from Westward. Robert Bishop went in her to St. John’s.


July 23 – Friday

Arose 5 a.m. Foggy morning. Writing most of day & sawing wood. No boats or fish coming in. Oh Lord, do Thou send a supply for the poor people. Fine day.

July 24 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning. Writing most of the day. Was sent for to visit Jersey James Brushett; he is sick. Ed Appleby & Rd Bungay came after me & brought me home. Attended Division. Wet evening.

July 25 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Very wet, rain & wind. Held service, no Class, so wet. I held service again & Prayer Meeting. Wet.

July 26 – Monday

Arose ½ past 5. Dull windy morning. After breakfast was down to see Jersey James Brushett, read & prayed with him, was at Hannah Brinton’s, then at the Courthouse & saw the remains of it is supposed Wm Hooper, who was lost May 10th. Wm Foote picked him up afloat at Counsel Cove, without a head & one leg dropped off after he was picked up. He was buried at Ship Cove in the evening. Fine evening.

July 27 – Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning. Received a letter from the late George Frances’ daughter & wrote an answer to it. Wrote to Wm Isaacs & Mrs Coady. Mr Inkpen returned from cod seine fishing but very little fish. Fine day.

July 28 – Wednesday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Sawing & cleaving wood. Wm Collins gave me 10 sticks of wood. Was in the garden weeding a spell. Was at Charlie Hollett’s. Dull day.

July 29 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 5 a.m. Wet morning. Writing part of day. Was at Mud Cove to baptise two children belonging to Ames & Mary Ann Mitchell. No Class. Fine evening.

July 30 – Friday

Arose ½ past 3. Went into Salmonier. Breakfast at Thos Isaacs’, dinner at Philip Vincent’s, came home, posted two letters for Wm Isaacs, one for Isaac Collins, one for G. Vigus , one for G. Hatcher & one for George Frances’ daughter. Fine day.

July 31 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 5. Very rainy night & morning. Was informed that Mrs S. Kirby died this morning between 3 & 4 o’clock. Part of the day writing. In the evening attended Division but did not stay long. My wife not well; she is 78 years old.

August 1 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Held service, met my Class, attended Mrs Kirby’s funeral. Held the service & buried her. Held Prayer Meeting. Gave out Mr Pascoe’s Notice both morning & evening. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

August 2 – Monday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Paid Mr Hooper £3 for butter, tea & sugar, Wm Collins brought in spring. Was at Mary Ann Read’s. Mr Hooper gave me a little French cheese. Fine day.

August 3 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Was at John Paul’s, bought 14 lbs sugar, was at James Brushett’s for wood & to Jersey James’s & at Mary Ann Reed’s, then came home. Fine day.

August 4 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 5 a.m. Fine morning. Mr G. Inkpen went off for the Labrador. James Brushett sent me up by his sons good sticks of firewood. I put a latch on Mrs Lambe’s bedroom door. Was visiting part of day. Mary Ann Reed & baby were here & Hennigar to tea. Fine day.

August 5 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine after raining most all night. Dreaming all night about Mrs Coady & Kitty Nichols. Dreamt of Mrs Coady almost every night since she left more or less. Met my Class. Saw Mr Pascoe & his wife; they came last night, via St. Peters. Fine day. Mary Ann Reed was here late, brought three fish.

August 6 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Wet morning. Writing before dinner. Was at Mr T. Gorman’s, bought 4 lbs butter; paid 6 shillings for it.

August 7 – Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. Foggy morning, writing. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s & Charles Hollett’s. Steamer came in from St. John’s. I had a letter from Mr Brace & one returned from G. Frances’ children. Attended Division but no meeting, only 3 present. Fine day.

August 8 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again & Prayer Meeting. Mr Pascoe at Great Burin. Bless God for a fine day. Edmund Reid, Mary Ann & the baby, Wm Henry & Hennigar here to tea with us.

August 9 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Wet morning and continued most of day. Attended Trustee meeting. Daniel Bishop elected Trustee in place of Rd Willy, deceased. Still no fish.

August 10 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast sawing & cleaving wood. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s. Mrs Reid Sr went to law with her servant girl, left her. Dull day.

August 11 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Still dull & wet. Cleared off & I went into garden, weeding good part of afternoon. Fine evening.

August 12 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull, damp morning. Posted the following letters: one for Rev Mr Phinney, 1 for Mr Sprague, 1 for Mr Teed, 1 for Mr Hennigar; 1 for Mr Duke, 1 for Mr Pyke, 1 for Mr Brittle & 1 for Mr Rodgerson enclosed in 1 for Mr Brace; paid 45 cents. Met my Class. Mary Ann Reid & Hannah Moulton were here. Dull day.

August 13 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull still & given to wet. Sawing & cleaving wood. Sowed cabbage seed for winter plants. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.

August 14 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning, turned out fine for the fish. Fixed Temperance Hall for tonight, but could not stay, my head so very bad.

August 15 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Could not attend services, was very poorly with a cold.

August 16 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Wet morning, a little better, Bless God, this morning. Not out all day. Very poorly, wet all day.

August 17 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Still wet. Bless God I feel a trifle better this morning. Sawing & cleaving wood. Steamer came from westward. No letters. Fine evening.

August 18 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine, moderate morning, The Freemasons had their picnic to-day in Mr G. Baker’s meadow, but I was not invited. Had a tub of coals from Mrs Inkpen. Paid 2/1 for it. My dear wife was out as far as Hennigar’s, the first time for almost three years. At George Collins’s the first time since he was in his own house.

August 19 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull, damp morning. Sawing wood. Met my female Class, several not present. Came to rain & blow hard but cleared away before dark.

August 20 - Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Very fine first in the morning, then came in foggy but cleared off again. Helped to take from G. Goddard 1 ½ tons of coal for Temperance Hall.

August 21 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Wm Henry came home in the night from Cape; had 5 or 6 qtls fish. Fixed the Hall for to-night. Wrote a letter to Grand Bank. Helped to take out 2 tons of coal for school. Attended Division but only 3 came. Fine day.

August 22 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service. Met my Class, attended service again. No Prayer Meeting, so wet.

August 23 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Still dull. Posted a letter to Grand Bank. Bought 4 lbs butter from Mr T. Gorman & 4 cakes Winsor soap from Mr Dennis Gorman. Paid 7/ for both. It turned out a fine day.

August 24 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 2 a.m. Went into Salmonier, was there before anyone was up. Breakfast at Philip Vincent’s, dinner at Thos Green’s. The steamer came in, in in the night. I received a letter from Mrs Selina Isaacs from U.S.A. Mary Ann Reid was here for a little while. Fine day.

August 25 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Picked my first beans & peas for dinner. Picked a bag of moss for staging. Fine day. No bait.

August 26 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Wrote a letter to Selina Isaacs. Met my Class. No bait. Fine day.

August 27 – Friday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Was up to see Mary Ann Reid’s child, dear little thing; she is not well. Writing to Mrs Coady & posted it & one for Selina from Mary Ann. Was informed by Mr Brinton that Mrs Coady was on her way home from the States to St. John’s. Fine day.

August 28 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Fixed Hall for to-night. Attended Division but no meeting, only Elias Mayo & myself there. Fine day.

August 29 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Rather dull, attended service. Mr Pascoe met my Class & gave tickets. Attended service again. I held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

August 30 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Was at John & Joseph Mitchell’s; they gave me a few sticks of wood when I can get it home. Fine day.

August 31 – Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine day. The school picnic was at Mrs Maria Foote’s field. My wife & I dined & had tea with them.

September 1 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. After breakfast I went after the wood John & Joseph Mitchell gave me. Ann Keech was here to-day. Wrote a letter to Mr Ayre about weights and measures & sent by Mr Purchase of Fortune this afternoon. Fine day.

September 2 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Fixing garden fence. Mary Ann Reid & baby were here. Met my Class. Saw a steamer come in. It is the Judge. Fine day. September 3 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. After breakfast went into Salmonier. Had tea with Hannah Deer, dinner at Charlotte’s. Baptised Hannah’s child. Dull evening.

September 4 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning, was at the Court. Nothing particular done. The Grand Jury consulting when & where a new government wharf shall be built. Attended the funeral of Thomas Forward’s child. Attended Division but no meeting. Windy evening.

September 5 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Wet morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again. Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting, only a very few present. So wet.

September 6 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Wet foggy morning. Was at the Court, heard part of the trial between Thos Goddard & Albin Burbridge, and Albin Burbridge lost the suit & it cost him somewhat. Fine evening.

September 7 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull, wet morning. The steamer came in but brought me no letters. Sawing & cleaving wood. Rained very hard for a while & then cleared off fine.

September 8 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning, the Judge went off early. Mary Ann Reid was here. Showers, then cleared off fine.

September 9 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Bought a quarter lamb at 6 cts lbs. Mr Pascoe met our Class for tickets. Mrs Collins stayed all the evening with us, my wife very weak.

September 10 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Sawing & cleaving wood. Hannah Moulton brought “Harriet Mary Wood” down to our house & Mary Ann came in the evening after her. Dull evening.

September 11 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again. Mr Pascoe held service; he did not go to Path End. September 13 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Received weights from St. John’s. Mrs A. Collins was here good part of day. Mrs Pascoe & Mrs Elizabeth Mitchell were here to see my wife. Poor day for fish.

September 14 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Rained good bit in night. Yesterday Robert Inkpen came & I received weights from St. John’s. Helping Hennigar about fish. Fine day.

September 15 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Fixing part of lamp in Church. My wife very poorly.

September 16 – Thursday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. In the garden a spell, digging up the Poison Flowers. Met my Class. Came in dull & wet.

September 17 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. I posted a letter to George Harding, Grand Bank. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day. September 18 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 5. A wet morning. Went with Mr Bishop to Mr Burton’s for wine but could not get it, nor at Mr O’Neil’s. Old Paddy Cavendish buried to-day. Attended Division but did not stay, my wife bad.

September 19 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Met my Class & attended service. Mr Pascoe gone to Burin Bay. Daniel Bishop held Prayer Meeting but could have no lights. Fine day. September 20 – Monday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Bought from Thos Gorman 5 ½ lbs butter. Nothing particular occurred.

September 21 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Wet morning. Fixing lamps in Church. The steamer came in too late to get any letters. Fine day.

September 22 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Sawing & cleaving wood. Had Temp Papers & two letters, one from Mr Ayre and one from I cannot tell who. Charlotte & little Harriet were here to-day. No letters from Bill Isaacs or Mrs Coady. I was at the Doctor’s & Charles Hollett’s. Fine day.

September 23 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Was at Thos Gorman’s, sold him some carrots, got 1 ¼ lbs butter for them. Met my Class. A fine day.

September 24 – Friday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Wm Henry went off for Paradise Sound. Mary Ann Reid & Hennigar were here to tea.

September 25 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. A fine morning. I saw John Harding roll up a barrel flour [flour barrel?]. Fixing Hall for meeting to-night. Attended Division, not many there. New officers elected for next quarter. Fine day.

September 26 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again. I held Prayer Meeting, Mr Pascoe at Great Burin. Fine day. Lamps lit in Church first time this fall.

September 27 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull, wet morning, blowing a gale of wind all day & most of the night. God protect all that are on the sea. September 28 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Moderate, but dull morning. Began to make a stand for lighting lamps in Church.

September 29 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning, went into Bay. Breakfasted at Thos Isaac’s. Dinner at Charlotte’s, was at Hannah Deer’s & Hannah Brinton’s & Mary Ann Reid’s. Mr Emberley gave me a pound of butter. Blew hard all day.

September 30 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Had a tub of coal from Mrs Inkpen. Mrs Dowel was taken very weak & fainted after Class. I went to Whale Cove with a letter to James Newport from G. Hatcher, England.

October 1 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Very dull. In evening fixing bedstead. Received a letter from Mr Brace, with paper & envelopes. Was to see Mary Ann Reid’s baby; she is sick. Fine day.

October 2 – Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull foggy morning. Wet all day. Attended Division but did not stay, my wife sick.

October 3 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Cold blowy morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again. Daniel Bishop held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

October 4 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. Was at John Paul’s. Had from Thos Gorman 2 lbs tea, 6 sugar, 1 figs & 1 ½ lbs cheese & some sweeties. Paid 9/8 for the lot. Dull day.

October 5 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. Mary Ann Reid was here in the evening. Mrs Amelia Collins was here helping to make a dress for my wife. Dull & raining all day.

October 6- Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. Fixing the house. Alice Vincent was here. Was informed that Mr Winter seized the “Hero” thinking they did not enter. Mrs A. Collins was here, fine evening.

October 7 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Fixing the windows & dug my potatoes. Ann Keech & Arthur John Elliot’s son were here. Met my Class. Received a letter from Selina Isaacs; they are well.

October 8 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Mary Ann Reid was here after her letters. Wet all day.

October 9 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6 a.m. Still wet, took up my turnips & carrots. Aunt Sally Brushett was here. Jersey James brought up 11 sticks wood & some hoops. Attended Division, but felt poorly so did not stay. Dull day.

October 10 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold, dull morning. Attended service met my Class, attended service again & held Prayer Meeting. Mr Pascoe gave the Sacrament, 94 partook. Wet day.

October 11 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine, windy morning. Blew a gale all night. I brought up the sticks of wood Jersey James gave me—11 in number. Wrote a letter to Mrs Coady & to Selina & to G. Hatcher. Attended funeral of Ames Mitchell’s infant. Fine day.

October 12 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Sewing & cleaving wood, posted my three letters. Nothing particular occurred. Dull day.

October 13 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Very wet night & dull morning. Posted a letter for Mary Ann Reid. Mr G. Inkpen came from Labrador. Blew hard. Fine day.

October 14 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Mary Ann Reid came down with baby last evening & stayed all night & went home this evening. Wm Vincent & his two brothers George & Philip brought me a nice bit of wood. Wm Collins went off for St. John’s with freight of fish for John Paul. Fine day.

October 15 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. White frost on the planks. G. Deer & I spelled up the wood that was brought me yesterday. I was forced to lie down, my back was so bad. Mary Ann Reid was collecting in the Coves for Wm Isaacs. Fine day.

October 16 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Very dull morning. Sawing up a little wood. My back so bad I could not saw much. Fixed the Hall for Division but did not go as my back was so very bad.

October 17 – Sunday

Was confined to my bed all day, in a bad back, could not attend the services. Wet all day.

October 18 – Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Little better in my back. Fine morning. Ed Pyke began to bring coal to the Church. Mr E. Inkpen sailed for St. John’s Fine day.

October 19 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Could not do much, my back bad. Fine day.

October 20 -Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Was on board two Potato Schooners & inspected their barrels & got the payment in potatoes. Attended Prayer Meeting. Mr G. Bishop appointed Class Leader of the Minister’s Class.

October 21 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Sawing wood after breakfast. Attended Leaders Meeting but no one attended.

October 22 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning, came to snow but cleared off & froze very hard most of day.

October 23 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. Fixed the Hall for Division. Blowing very hard. James Brushett & Jersey James’ two sons Joseph & Alexander were putting up Mr Willy’s Headstone. Windy day.

October 24 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. Attended service, met my Class. Mr Pascoe read a letter he had from Mr Forsey. Attended service & Daniel Bishop held Prayer Meeting. Fine day. Bless the Lord.

October 25 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Shoring up the house. Was at Charles Hollett’s, at Dr. Smith’s, At Mary Ann Reid’s & Doctor Moran’s, brought home a bag of shavings.

October 26 -Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Fixing lamps in Church. Hannah Deer came with her baby & Thos Isaacs was with them. Hannah & Baby stayed all night.

October 27 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold, but fine. Was at Doctor Smith’s & brought home a bottle of rubbing stuff for my wife’s legs & a strengthening plaster for my back. G. Deer & I were at Dr. Moran’s & brought home two bags shavings. Attended Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

October 28 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning & continued all day. Expecting the funeral but so wet it did not come. Met my female Class.

October 29 – Friday

Arose 1 a.m. Still wet. Sawing up wood. Attended Wm Isaac’s funeral. A wet day.

October 30 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. Fixed the Hall for to-night. Wm Henry Collins put new steps to the entrance of school house. Attended Division but did not stay long.

October 31 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service, met my Class. Charlotte Roberts was with us to dinner. Attended service again. Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

November 1 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Mr Deer & G. Vincent were here to breakfast. Drew out 4 Notifications for the following for Pew Rent. 1st Rd Pine, Rd Smurdon, T. MacKay & David Coombs. After dinner wrote a letter for Mr Hooper, St. Peters. Wet evening.

November 2 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet all night & this morning. Was at Burin Bay with a letter to Mr Rd Paul to carry to Mr Hooper, St. Peters. Very rough, windy day.

November 3 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Sawing wood after breakfast. In the afternoon Mary Ann Reed & Harriet Isaacs were here a bit. Attended Prayer Meeting. Dull day.

November 4 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. Sawing wood. Met my Class. Wm Henry Collins going with Edmund Reid to St. John’s. They sailed 3 p.m. Fine day.

November 5 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Glory be to God that I live to see my 82nd birthday. Hennigar & George Deer & I went into Salmonier. Fine day.

November 6 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull, cold morning. Buried carrots & cut up 2 barrels cabbage.

November 7 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold with snow. Attended service, met my Class, and attended service again & I held Prayer Meeting. Bless the Lord for a good day to my soul. Snowed in evening.

November 8 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Sawing wood & fixing Hall for to-night; Star of the East. Attended Trustee meeting & then Temperance meeting.

November 9 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Cutting up wood. G. Collins brought me two turn of wood. Charlotte Vincent was here & slept with Hennigar. Fine day.

November 10 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Buried seed potatoes. Charlotte went home. Robert Inkpen sailed this afternoon for St. John’s. Mr G. Bishop, Wm Collins, G. Collins & John E. Collins went with him. Attended Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

November 11 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Was at Doctor Moran’s, Mary Ann Reid’s, Charles Hollett’s, Mr G. Neil’s & Mrs Morris’. Met my Class. Snowed & rained.

November 12 – Friday

Arose ½ past 7. Wet morning. Sawing wood part of day. Blew hard all day. Began on a barrel flour.

November 13 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Sawing wood & working about the house. It blew a gale of wind to-day.

November 14 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Dull morning. Attended service. Mr Pascoe met our Class for tickets. Attended service again. Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. Blowy day.

November 15 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine but cold. Had 1 ½ tons of coal from Mr G. Inkpen. John Harding brought it up. Attended Division. Settled for another year, if spared, for the same salary. Received £1-10 shillings in advance. Mrs Lambe was here till 10 o’clock. Fine day.

November 16 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. It was a frosty night. After breakfast was at Mr Rd Paul’s & brought home 6 lbs cheese, 1 tea & 40(?) sugar. Mr Hodder & Edmund Reid arrived from St. John’s. WH Collins & Bill Vincent also.

November 17 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. Dull morning. After breakfast sawing wood. Attended Prayer Meeting. Not many there. Blowy day.

November 18 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowy morning. Sawing wood. Met my Class. Blowing hard all day & evening.

November 19 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold, rough morning. Sawing wood. After dinner was at Mary Ann Reid’s & Doctor James Moran’s. [Note: There were two Moran brothers, one a Doctor and one a magistrate.] Brought home a quantity of notices to be posted up for directions to the public in reference to weights & measures. I sent one to the Post Office, one to Burin Bay, one to Spoon Cove, one to Port au Bras & one to Great Burin & one to John Paulo.

November 20 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Went into the Bay with Wm Henry & Thos Collins. Dinner at Charlotte’s. Was at Hannah Deer’s & Mary Ann Reid’s. Fine, only cold.

November 21 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. Attended service, met my Class & attended service again. No Prayer Meeting, so very cold.

November 22 – Monday

Arose ½ past 7. Very cold. Sawing wood. Was at Thos Gorman’s & brought home cheese, cocoa, raisins & black lead. No meeting at the Hall. No attendance. Cold night.

November 23 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Very cold morning. Froze very hard last night & cold all day. Sawed wood.

November 24 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. Snowy morning. Writing a letter to Grand Bank to George. Attended George Hodder’s wedding. Attended Prayer Meeting. Snowy day.

November 25 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. Fixing the stoves in the Church & piping. Mr Pascoe met my female Class for tickets. Very cold day.

November 26 – Friday

Arose ½ past 7. Very cold morning. Posted a letter for George Harding, G. Bank. Nothing particular occurred.

November 27 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Snowy morning. Cold day. Nothing particular occurred.

November 28 -Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold morning. Lit the fires in Church. Attended service, met my Class & attended service again. I held Prayer Meeting. Mr G. Bishop & Wm Collins arrived in the steamer. Mr Rd Hodder went in her. Cold day.

November 29 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. Was at T. Gorman’s, at the Doctor’s & at Charles Hollett’s with Temperance Papers. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s. No letter from Selina Isaac. Blew & snowed so that we could have no meeting.

November 30 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7. Snowed in night. Shoveling snow. Mary Ann Reid was here this afternoon. Fine day.

December 1 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s with the address James Mitchell gave me for Selina Isaacs & Albert Coady. I wrote a letter to-day to Selina and Mrs Coady. Attended Prayer Meeting.

December 2 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowy morning. Fixing Church. Posted letters. No Class, no one attended, too snowy, & continued so all day.

December 3 – Friday

Arose ½ past seven. Cold morning. Sawing wood. The two Mary Anns & Lizzy Reid, their first cousin from the Bay, were here. Thomas Isaacs was here also. Cold day.

December 4 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine, but cold. Engaged part of the day in clearing away snow from the entrance of the Church, & part in writing sermons. Bless God for His Mercies another week.

December 5 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowy morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again and after, a Love Feast, a goodly number spoke of their experiences. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

December 6 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowy morning. My dear wife very poorly. Writing most of the day. Was not able to go to Division, my wife so ill.

December 7 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. Fixing Church lamp. Hannah Brinton & her baby were here all night. It was a fine day.

December 8 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. Was informed that two sons of Samuel Bennett’s viz William & Samuel while coming with a load of wood, two St. John’s men were drowned. John & Ann Keech were here to dinner. Attended Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

December 9 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. John Collins and I put the spring on the Church door. Met my Class. Mrs Amelia Collins was here to tea. A lovely fine day. I saw the new clock in the Hall. John Harding put down the foundation of his house.

December 10 – Friday

Arose 1/2 past 7. Fine morning, was to Doctor Moran’s & resigned the office of inspecting weights & measures & bought 1 lb ground coffee and 1 lb biscuits. Paid 2/4 for it. Bought 2/6 worth of wood from Mr Ed Collins. Fine day.

December 11 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. After breakfast brought the wood up on Ed Collins’ flake in order to bring it home. Helped to haul up Wm Hy Collins’ boat. Mr Joseph Kirby brought us five fine fish. Fine day.

December 12 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Dull morning. Attended services, met my Class, attended service again & I held Prayer Meeting. Mary Ann Reid & Baby & Mrs Reid were here to dinner. Mrs Amelia Collins was here in the evening. Fine day.

December 13 – Monday

Arose ½ past 7. Wet morning & very wet day. Not to Division to-night, my wife ill.

December 14 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. After breakfast helping John Collins to lower the lamps in the Church. Attended John Collins & Charles Patten Forsey’s weddings. Took tea at Mr John Collins’. Blowy cold day.

December 15 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold morning. Working about the Church. Attended Prayer Meeting. Fine day, only cold.

December 16 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold morning. After breakfast Mr Pascoe went with G. Collins to Flat Islands. Met my Class. Fine day.

December 17 – Friday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. Was at Mr Hooper’s and was informed of the death of John Penny. May God prepare us all for our latter end. Amen.

December 18 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Soft morning. Fixing Hall for Monday evening. Went to Dr. Moran’s to see Mr Hooper, but had to go to the steamer with his letters. Received a letter from Selina Isaac. A fine soft day.

December 19 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold, drifty morning. Held service as Mr Pascoe is away at Flat Islands. Met my Class & held service & Prayer Meeting. A Boisterous day.

December 20 – Monday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold, frosty morning & continued so all day. I was not to the Division to-night.

December 21 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold with snow. Wrote a letter to Selina Isaacs & one to Mrs Coady. Mary Ann Reid was here for her letter from Selina. This is the shortest day.

December 22 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. Soft morning. Fixing Church & school house for Prayer Meeting. I held Prayer Meeting as Mr Pascoe has not returned from Flat Islands. Thos Isaacs was here & brought us a bit of Fresh Pork & Wm Deer brought us a bit of mutton.

December 23 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 7 after a very stormy night but it is calm & fine this morning. Posted a letter to Selina Isaacs & in it one for Mrs Coady. Writing part of day. Mr Pascoe came home from Flat Islands. December 24 – Friday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. A very cold day. Nothing particular occurred.

December 25 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7 after a very cold night. Bless God that we live to commemorate the Blessed Advent of our Saviour into our world. Attended service, very cold forepart of day & very slippery. It was milder afternoon.

December 26 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. Rained & snowed in the night. Attended service. Met my Class, attended service again & Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

December 27 – Monday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold morning. After breakfast fixing the Hall for to-night, as it is One Quarter Night. The Freemasons went to Ship Cove Church, Mr Lockward preached to them; they returned to the Lodge for Dinner. A very disagreeable day, so wet, it rained hard. I was sent for to Dine with the Masons in the Lodge. Then I attended the Division.

December 28 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. Attended the Dinner Party of the British & there I was informed that Mrs Amelia Collins was very ill and her life was in danger. After the Dinner in the evening Wm Henry, Hennigar, Lizzy Collins & I went over to Doctor Smith’s to see her & found her very bad. I talked to her and prayed with her, committing her to God. Bless the Lord, she is happy in her mind. A lovely fine day.

December 29 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. Was informed of the Death of dear Mrs Amelia Collins, she died this morning about 3 o’clock at Doctor Smith’s; her son’s brought her home. Attended Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

December 30 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Met my Class, only two present. O Lord help us all to prepare for Death. Fine day.

December 31 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. The Steamer came from the Westward, brought nothing for either Joseph Kirby or me from St. Peters. Fixing the Bell to toll for Mrs Collins’ funeral. Attended the funeral & tolled the Bell for her. Attended Watch Night service; thus ends the year 1875. Glory be to God for all past mercies.

Burin - 1876


January 1 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Snowy, but mild. Glory to God we are brought to see the beginning of another year. May we be more Faithful. No letter from Grand Bank. Henry Collins from Flat Islands was here till 10 p.m. & prayed with us.

January 2 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine, only cold. Attended service, met my Class & attended service again & at the Lord’s Table were 120 communicants. Oh Blessed God, may we all at last surround Thy Table in Heaven. No Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

January 3 – Monday

Arose ½ past 7. Wet morning. Fixing Church & Hall. Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting in the schoolhouse. Fine evening.

January 4 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. I was at Mary Ann Reid’s & Mr John Paul’s. Attended Prayer Meeting, a goodly number present. Fine all day.

January 5 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Fixed Church for to-night. Attended service, good Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

January 6 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine, only very cold. Froze very hard. Fixing the lamps in the Church for to-night. I posted a letter for Grand Bank. No attendance at Class. Attended Prayer Meeting, not many there. Fine day.

January 7 – Friday

Arose ½ past 7. A very rough boisterous morning; snowing & drifting & continued all day. A great deal of snow drifted up in some places.

January 8 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Very drifty morning. After breakfast fixing the Church for to-morrow. John & Joseph Mitchell & Joseph Kirby assisted me in taking down the pipes & cleaning them. Blew strong breeze wind & drifted almost all day.

January 9 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Moderate calm morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again. Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

January 10 – Monday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold, but fine. The steamer came but no letters. Fixing Hall & shoveling snow good part of day. Was not to Division. Fine day.

January 11 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast fixing Church for to-morrow night. Sawing wood. Was informed that old Mr Jacob Street died some time ago in New York. Pretty fine today.

January 12 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold with snow squalls all day so that Mr Pascoe could not have the Missionary Meeting. Had Prayer Meeting in schoolhouse.

January 13 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Moderate morning. After breakfast sawing & cleaving wood. Assisted Mr John Mitchell & Daniel Bishop in putting up a Platform for Missionary Meeting this evening. Met my Class & attended Missionary Meeting. Mr G. Bishop was chairman. Mr Pascoe read the Report, then Messers John Bugden, Daniel Bishop & G. Collins addressed the audience. I was not on the Platform. Wm Henry & Hennigar were with us till 11 p.m.

January 14 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast sawing wood. John Mitchell & I cleared away the Platform in the Church. Mary Ann Reid was here a little while. Fine day.

January 15 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. After breakfast fixing Church for to-morrow. Had a fresh fish caught down the Bay by Edmund Reid. Hannah Brinton was here. Snowed a little in evening.

January 16 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Snowy morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again & Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. Snowed this evening.

January 17 – Monday

Arose ½ past 7. Rough snowy morning. Shoveling snow. Fixing Hall for Division. I was not there. Mrs Lamb was here till almost 10 p.m.

January 18 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7. Frosty morning. The Harbor was frozen over. After breakfast sawing wood. Posted a letter for the Rev James Cook, Wesleyan Minister, Bideford, Devon, England. Brought home from Mr Thos Gorman’s a tea canister, paid 1/9 for it. Began on the tea we had from St. Peters. Fine day.

January 19 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. Rainy morning. After breakfast fixing Church & shoveling snow. Attended Prayer Meeting. Soft rainy day.

January 20 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Writing most of day. No Class to-day, the weather too wet.

January 21 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. After a very boisterous night, it blew a gale & continued. Writing most of the day. The Good Templers have their Tea & Lecture in the Temp Hall this evening. Still rough.

January 22 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Very drifty snowy morning. Writing part of the day. Fixing church for Sabbath. Boisterous day.

January 23 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning, only very frosty. The Harbour caught over. Attended service, met my Class & attended service again. Mr Pascoe at Burin Bay. Daniel Bishop held Prayer Meeting. Very few at Church, the reach full of ice. The steamer came from the Westward this evening. Fine day, only cold. John Mitchell & I on the door.

January 24 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowy morning & continued until evening, a great fall of snow. I was not to Division. January 25 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Very frosty morning. Ice in the Harbour, the steamer went out. Mr Brinton & his son went in her. Ed Appleby & Alexander Brushett joined the Good Templars. Cold day.

January 26 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold frosty morning. The Harbour fast. Sawing wood. Attended Prayer Meeting, Mr Pascoe held it. Moderate evening. Saw three boys on the ice in the Harbour.

January 27 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 7. Still very cold. Henry Hodder & Joseph Mitchell & I took down the church piping & cleaned it. Was so engaged & had no Class Meeting. Moderate, only cold.

January 28 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. After breakfast cleaning out the Church. After dinner went to Mrs Inkpen’s to see her sick nephew, prayed with him & lent him two magazines and an old book of “Christ’s Invitation to Come to Him.” Hannah Brinton & Mary Ann Reid were here. Several walking on the ice across the Harbour. Lent John Harding my draw knife. Moderate day.

January 29 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. After breakfast sawing wood. Fixing Hall for Monday night. It came to snow & drift this evening.

January 30 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Wet morning. Rained in the night. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again and owing to the boisterous weather Mr Pascoe held short Prayer Meeting after the sermon & then concluded the services for the day. John Isaacs was with us to dinner.

January 31 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, but very cold & frosty. Sawed the last of my wood. Mr Pascoe was here & Prayed with us. Not to Division, could not leave my wife, so poorly. Fine day.

February 1 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. People walking across the Harbour, the ice so strong. Fine day. Several joined the Good Templers, John Isaacs among them. May they prove faithful to their obligations.

February 2 – Wednesday – Candlemas Day

Arose this morning ½ past 7. Soft morning. Fixing Church. Saw a crew in the Burying ground digging a grave for Henry Mayo, who died last night. Wrote to Rev G. Forsey. Attended Prayer Meeting, only 10 present. Rough evening.

February 3 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold snowy morning & continued all day, a gale of wind to N.W. Broke up part of the ice. No Class, no one attended. Began on 1 lb of tea this evening.

February 4 – Friday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. Was shoveling snow. Saw a crew of men cutting out the ice from Collins Cove. Posted a letter for Rev G. Forsey. It came to blow & snow & drift in the afternoon & continued all the evening.

February 5 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. After a very rough and boisterous night, shoveling snow. It froze all day.

February 6 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Very cold morning. The Harbour was caught over again. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again & Daniel Bishop held Prayer Meeting. I was not there, my wife ill. Mr Pascoe at Great Burin. Cold day.

February 7 – Monday

Arose ½ past 7. Dull morning with light snow. Fixing Hall for Division. Attended Henry Mayo’s funeral. Wet evening. Not to Division, my wife ill. Filled the new canister with Tea.

February 8 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s, at Mr O’Neil’s & Mrs Morris’, brought 2 Quire Note Paper. Mary Ann Reid was here. Mr. Pascoe went to the Fresh Pond. Fine day.

February 9 - Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. Very cold morning. Fixing schoolhouse for Prayer Meeting. Mr Pascoe returned from Fresh Pond & held Prayer Meeting. A very cold day. Thomas Isaacs was here.

February 10 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 7. Writing. Met my Class, only two present. Oh Lord, awaken the careless. Wm Henry brought home his planking sticks that he & his crew cut yesterday into Fresh Pond. A fine but cold day.

February 11 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning, only very cold. It was froze hard. Writing. Was at Mrs Inkpen’s & saw Wm H Collins that hath been sick; he is getting better.

February 12 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Very snowy morning & continued rough until 10 a.m. Shoveling snow up to the Church & around our house. Fine evening.

February 13 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. Attended service, met my Class & attended service again. Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

February 14 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. Brought two bags of shavings to light fires in Church. Attended Trustee meeting, resolved that the Church be lengthened 15 or 16 ft in the western end. Fixed the Temp Hall for Division. Could not go, my back bad. Cold evening.

February 15 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. Brought home knobs of wood from the Lodge. Writing. Mr Pascoe went to Mortier Bay. Fine day.

February 16 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowy morning & snowed almost all day. I was writing & I held Prayer meeting. Mr Pascoe at Mortier Bay.

February 17 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowed most of the night & snowing still. Met my Class. Writing most of the day. Moderate day.

February 18 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. In the afternoon attended the funeral of Mr Wm Wagg. The two societies of which he was a member viz. The Sons of Temperance & the British attended & crossed from Mr Burfitt’s on the ice, and from Mr Wagg’s back to the Church with the corpse & then to the Burying Ground, where he is resting until the trumpet shall sound to awake him to appear before God.

February 19 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Fixing Church & Temp Hall for to-morrow and Monday. Shoveling snow. Fine day.

February 20 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service. Mr Pascoe met our Class. Attended service again & I held prayer meeting. Mr Pascoe at Spoon Cove. Edmund & Mary Ann Reid & Baby & Hannah Moulton were here to tea this evening. Fine day. Bless God for another Blessed Sabbath to my soul.

February 21 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull cold morning. Writing part of the day. Received a letter from Grand Bank. Attended Division. Fine day

February 22 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Fixing Hall for Public Meeting This evening working about the Church, clearing ice out of the Porch. Fine day.

February 23 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast cut a drain before the Church door to drain away the water.

February 24 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning, a good deal of snow fell last night & so continued all day, very, very boisterous. Mr Pascoe was here but no one attended for Class, it was so stormy. May God preserve us all from danger this night. Amen.

February 25 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold, snowy morning & continued so all day, could do nothing out of doors. Wrote a letter. My prayer is that the weather may soon alter.

February 26 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Very drifty, cold morning. Shoveling snow at the entrance of Church twice to-day. Snowed at times all day.

February 27 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only blowing hard. Attended service, met my Class and attended service again. Daniel Bishop held prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

February 28 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Mr George Inkpen arrived yesterday from Fortune Bay, into Mud Cove. Fixed the Hall for Division but was not there, my wife ill.

February 29 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Light snow this morning. In the evening attended the annual Temperance Tea & after the Tea attended the Public Meeting, where speeches were made & Dialogues were said and many beautiful pieces were sung. There was a great assembly & it continued ‘till after 10 p.m. Fine evening.

March 1 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Clearing away snow from the attic over the room upstairs. Bringing in coals from the little house. Fixing schoolroom for Prayer Meeting. Mr Pascoe held it. Fine day.

March 2 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. In the afternoon we had our monthly Prayer Meeting & Bless God it was a good meeting. Was informed that the steamer arrived with the mail after 6 weeks. Mr G. Inkpen was here last night for two or three hours. Snowy evening.

March 3 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. after a very stormy, snowy night & continued all day very rough. Wm Vincent was here, the account of the steamer yesterday was all wrong; she has not arrived yet. My dear wife very weak & ill. May God prepare her for Better World.

March 4 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Moderate morning. The steamer arrived in the Reach this morning. I received a letter & newspaper from Selina Isaacs. Attended a meeting about lengthening the Church. Fine day.

March 5 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Attended service, met my class, attended service again & sacrament – 107 communicants. I held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

March 6 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Fixing the Hall for Temperance Meeting to-night. Wrote to Selina Isaac & to Mrs Coady. Fine day.

March 7 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowed in the night. Shoveling snow from Church. Writing. George White from Mortier Bay was here; he joined The Good Templers. May he be Faithful. Fine moderate day.

March 8 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning, was writing & fixing schoolhouse. Attended Prayer meeting. Foggy day.

March 9 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 7. Foggy, mild morning. Was at Mr Bishop’s for flour. Mr Pascoe met our Class. Wrote a letter to Mr. H Pardy & one to G. Vigus. Mary Ann Newport here. Began to rain this evening.

March 10 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Cleaned out the Parlour chimney, carried out two buckets of soot. Posted two letters, one for Selina Isaacs, Gloucester, & one for Henry Pardy, Halifax. Moderate day.

March 11 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. after a very blowy night. Cold morning. Fixing church for to-morrow & Temperance Hall for Monday night. Fine day.

March 12 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service, met my class, attended service again. Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

March 13 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. After breakfast cleaned Church & fixed T. Hall for to-night. Mary Ann Reid & Baby were here and stayed all night. Fine soft day.

March 14 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Soft morning & inclined to rain & so continued all day. Mary Ann Reid & Baby went home.

March 15 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning & wet. Attended Prayer Meeting. Snowed a little to-day.

March 16 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Frost in the night but it turned out a fine day. Met my Class. Mrs Dowell was with us; they came from the woods a few days ago.

March 17- Friday St. Patrick’s Day

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, but cold. Froze in the night. I saw the Star of the Sea Society walk on the ice. I walked on the ice for the first time this year, up to Mary Ann Reid’s. Mrs Lambe was here till 10 p.m. Wm Henry & Hennigar were in the Bay. Fine day.

March 18 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. I posted a letter for Mary Ann Reid & one for Lizzie Reid. Mary Ann was here & took Tea; she posted a letter for St John’s. First part of day rough with glitter. Fine in the evening.

March 19 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. Attended service. Met my Class. John Vincent & Robert Isaacs were here to dinner. Attended service again and Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. Mr Pascoe preached Mrs Amelia Collins’ & Mr Wagg’s funeral sermons. Fine day, the steamer came.

March 20 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Stormy & snowy morning. Fixing T. Hall. Writing to Grand Bank. Not to Division as my wife is ill.

March 21 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Was at Ship Cove, got the loan of “The History of England” from Mr Thomas Bradley & read part of it. Fine day.

March 22 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. After breakfast fixing the Church for Sunday. Reading “The History of England.” Attended Prayer Meeting. Mr Pascoe held it. Fine, only foggy.

March 23 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Still foggy. Not very cold, raining. Reading “The History of England.” Oh! The cruelties that were inflicted on the followers of Jesus! Met my Class. Wet day.

March 24 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning, but it cleared out very fine. I was up to see John Samuel’s new house at the Frier. Wm Henry launched his boat, a fine day.

March 25 - Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. This is Lady Day. Mrs Sarah Mayo was here to tea. Fixing Church for to-morrow. Fine day. Began on a barrel of flour.

March 26 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Very fine morning. Attended service. Met my Class. Attended service again. Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

March 27 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Raining. Fixing Church for Sunday. Nothing particular occurred. Wet, soft day.

March 28 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Raining. Fixing Church for Sunday. Nothing particular occurred. Wet, soft day.

March 29 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Froze in the night. Shoveling show in the garden. Attended Prayer Meeting. Was informed that Mr Richard Hodder arrived to-day with Mr John Hunt from St. Peters. Mr Hodder came from the United States. Fine day. Began on a canister of tea.

March 30 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold, frosty morning. Met my female Class. Bless God for a good time. Very foggy.

March 31 – Friday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. A crew sawing out the ice. I opened potato & carrot pit. Shovelling snow part of day. First egg to-day. Fine day.

April 1 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast fixing Church for to-morrow & Temperance Hall for Monday. Old Mrs Deer was here going to Great Burin to her sister-in-law’s funeral. Shoveling snow to clear the fence of the garden. A small scad of snow to-night.

April 2 – Sunday

Attended service, cold morning, met my Class. Attended service again and Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

April 3 – Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine day. Wrote to Mr F. Hooper by John Mitchell. Was at John Paul’s. Not to Division, my wife so ill. The steamer came in, no letters. Mr Pascoe went to Grand Bank in her. Fine day.

April 4 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Shoveling snow. Writing most of day. Fine day.

April 5 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Cold, but fine. Froze very hard last night. Wm Collins went off to Fortune Bay. Hannah Deer & Baby, Alice Vincent & Rosie Isaacs were here to-day. I held Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

April 6 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Writing most of day. Met my Class. Bless the Lord for a good time. Fine day.

April 7 – Friday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine, only the Drift Ice is filling up the Harbour. Writing most of day.

April 8 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. The Harbour is clear of the Drift Ice. In the afternoon I was sent for to go to Great Burin to bury a daughter of Mr Robert Inkpen’s. After the funeral was at Mrs Emma Hollett’s and had tea, then was brought down and landed at Mr Mitchell’s. The wind changed & brought the ice back again. Fine day.

April 9 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowy morning, very rough. Held service (Mr Pascoe at Grand Bank). A very small congregation owing to the snow. Met my Class. It cleared off very fine in the afternoon. Held service again & Prayer Meeting. Bless the Lord for a good day to my soul.

April 10 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Foggy morning. Fixing Hall for Temperance Meeting. Writing. Mrs Lambe was here to tea. Fine day.

April 11 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 6. A very snowy morning and continued most of forenoon. G. Collins & Mr J Inkpen went off for Fortune Bay; after a good deal of trouble with the ice, they went over to Mr Read’s & stayed for a time. I was over to see Mary Ann & little Harriet and had a cup of tea. Began to write a sermon on the Resurrection of Christ for Easter Sunday if Mr Pascoe is not home. Moderate evening.

April 12 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowed in the night. Writing part of day. Held Prayer Meeting. Mary Ann Reid was here a spell.

April 13 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Mr Pascoe came last night from St. Peters. Writing part of the day. The steamer came from the westward, brought me a letter from George & Minnie. Met my female class. Fine day.

April 14 – Friday Good Friday

Arose 1 a.m. Dull morning. Attended service. After dinner fixing schoolhouse for Prayer Meeting. Mr Pascoe held it. Mrs Betsey Collins was here most of the afternoon & took tea with us. Bless God for a good day to my soul. Began on a canister of Tea.

April 16 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. After breakfast fixing Hall for Monday night & bringing up a few sticks wood Betsey Collins gave me. Rained very hard this evening.

April 16 – Sunday Easter Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Attended sevice, met my Class. Attended service again & Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting; it was a good day to my soul, Bless the Lord, & a fine day for attendance.

April 17 – Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning. Sawing wood, had 2 ¼ lbs butter from Mr G. Bishop, paid 2/6 for it. Foggy day.

April 18 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning & rather wet. Sawing wood & writing. Dull all day.

April 19 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull, wet morning Sawing wood. In the evening attended Prayer Meeting. It came to rain very much and continued most of the day.

April 20 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 6. Snowy morning. John was here and chopped the rails. Met my Class. It cleared off fine & blew a strong breeze. Mr Pascoe went to Great Burin to bury Mr Wm Revels. Sarah Mayo was here & made a cap for my wife to be buried in, when she dies.

April 21 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold—snowed in the night. The wind still blowing hard. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s to see the baby; she is very much relaxed. Writing a letter to Grand Bank. Very fine day, only the wind was high.

April 22 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 4. Bless the Lord that we live to see the 56th anniversary of our marriage day. Went into Salmonier, had breakfast with Thomas Isaacs, dinner at Charlotte’s. Was at Hannah Deer’s, Hannah Brinton’s, at Mary Ann Reid’s & then came home. Posted a letter for Grand Bank. Fine day.

April 23 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service. The steamer came in about one a.m. Went out at eight for westward. Met my Class & attended service again. Daniel Bishop held Prayer Meeting. Bless the Lord for a good day to my soul. A fine day.

April 24 – Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine, frosty morning. The steamer came from St. John’s in the night. No letters. Sawing wood. Charlotte Vincent & little Harriet came & stayed all night. It came to snow.

April 25 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 6. A cold, frosty night but a fine morning. Packed a box for Charlotte when they returned from the funeral of Ed Appleby’s child. Charlotte & Harriet went home to day.

April 26 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Fixing garden fence most of day. Attended Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

April 27 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning & dull. In the house most all day; it rained & blew so hard I could not work about my fence. No one attended Class, it was so wet.

April 28 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. It rained hard in the night. Working about the garden fence.

Made Mrs Lambe a present of “The Life of Wm Cassoner” on her leaving Burin; she was here to tea for the last time.

April 29 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s & at Mrs Morris’. Brought home 2 lbs butter & 4 lbs nails, paid 5/ for the lot. Working about the fence.

April 30 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull day. Attended service. Mr Pascoe met our Class. Attended service again & I held Prayer meeting. Bless the Lord for a good time throughout the day, to my soul. Fine day.

May 1 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Foggy, cold morning. The steamer came in this morning & Mrs Lambe went in her. Working about the fence until the rain came.

May 2 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine, only cold. After breakfast fixing the fence. Mary Ann Newport was here. It came to snow after dinner & continued till after night.

May 3 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. After breakfast worked in the garden. Fixed the hot-bed & flower bed; made a frame for the hot-bed. Then attended Trustee meeting and a meeting in the Church. Mr Pascoe gave a lecture in reference to training young men for the ministry. A fine day.

May 4 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Froze hard in the night. Sawing wood. Mr Pascoe met our Class. Cold day. Set French beans.

May 5 – Friday

Arose ½ past 6. Cold morning. After breakfast in garden, fixing beds for cabbage seed & made hot-bed & planted 20 bits of potatoes & shallots & beet root. Mary Ann Reid was here & Susan Collins & Henry’s son & old Mrs Beazley. Philip Vincent was here all night. Fine day.

May 6 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Working in garden. Sowed turnip, lettuce & radish & made a bed for carrots. A beautiful fine day.

May 7 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service. Met my Class & attended service & sacrament, 125 communicants. I held Prayer Meeting, Mr Pascoe at Foote’s Cove. Bless God for a fine day. The steamer came from St John’s.

May 8 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning, rather wet. Was engaged with Wm Roberts & Thos Collins in taking out the stoves & piping in the Church. Received a letter from Grand Bank. Wet part of day.

May 9 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Rather wet this morning. Mary Ann Vincent came out this evening & is scrubbing our house. I was working in garden. Sowed beans & peas and cucumbers & flower seeds & put a cask in for water at the end of garden. Dull evening.

May 10 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Wet morning. Sawing and cleaving wood. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s to see Baby. Thomas Isaacs & Robert were here and Mary Ann Vincent went home with them. Attended Prayer Meeting, Mr Pascoe held it. Dull & wet.

May 11 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 6. Still dull & wet. Wm Collins & Rd Hodder came in from French Fishing. Made between them about £3.50. Mrs Diana Beazley sent me 34 shallots & I set them out & 7 sunflower seeds Mr Pascoe gave me. Met my Class. George Collins came from French Fishing. Dull, foggy day.

May 12 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Foggy still. After breakfast was cutting pea sticks. Hannah Brinton & her baby were here. Mary Ann Reid was here also. Dull day.

May 13 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Froze in the night. John Mitchell brought me nothing from St Peters. Then I wrote again to Mr Hooper by Thos Burfitt & gave him the letter. Cut the rest of my pea sticks. It came to snow about 11 a.m. & then rained a little all day. Edmund Reid came from French Fishing to-day. Mr Lake from Fortune came in here bound to St John’s; he picked up two Frenchmen in a dory off Cape Chapeau Rouge. They were three days & nights without anything to eat; they were very weak & poorly. Very dull day.

May 14 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Still dull & damp. Attended service, met my Class. Had fresh fish for dinner, first time. Attended service again & I held Prayer Meeting. Mr Lake from Fortune prayed with us. Bless God for a good day to my soul. Dull & wet to-day.

May 15 – Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. The Hills are covered with snow. Last night about eleven o’clock it came to snow. Rained most all day. My dear wife so bad that she could not get up to-day. Hennigar was here all the afternoon.

May 16 – Tuesday

Arose 12 past 6. A very fine morning. My wife still ill. Mary Ann Reid & Baby were here nearly all day. Attended Mrs Ann Moulton’s funeral. Very fine day.

May 17 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m., fine morning. My wife still ill. After breakfast went into the garden, fixing cabbage ground. Mrs Emma Hollett was here to see my wife & I gave her some cabbage seed. Was not to Prayer Meeting, my wife so ill. Mrs Pittman, Mrs Inkpen, Miss Elizabeth Collins, Fanny Collins & Julia Mitchell were here to see her. Fine day.

May 18 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 6 after passing a very troublesome night, my dear wife very bad, no rest. After breakfast I was working in the garden and set 6 short beds of blue potatoes that John Collins gave me. Caroline Rodgers was here. No Class, my wife too sick.

May 19 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. My wife very poorly. Writing to Grand Bank & posted a letter also that came from St. John’s. Mr Pascoe was here & prayed with my dear wife. I bless God she is a trifle better. Dull day with rain.

May 20 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6 after a very troublesome night; my dear wife hath been very bad. A very wet morning; rained almost all night. Hennigar was here most all day attending on her mother. Wet all day.

May 21 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Bless God for a middling night’s rest, my dear wife rested well. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again & Daniel Bishop held Prayer Meeting, as I had to stop with my sick wife. Mary Ann & Edmund Reid were here & G. Vincent & Mary Ann.

May 22 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Very dull morning. Had a very restless night with my dear wife. Hannah Deer & Hannah Brinton & my daughter Charlotte were here; they got my wife up for a while. Attended Trustee meeting. Jersey James Brushett’s two sons vis Joseph & Brittle brought me a nice bit of firewood—44 sticks. Harriet Isaacs was here after we were in bed; I got up & let her in; she stayed two hours.

May 23 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. foggy still. My dear wife is a little better. Glory be to God. Sawing & cleaving wood. Received a letter by steamer from John Malzard & a packet seeds by the “Yephen”—Mr Falls’ vessel. Very dull, wet day. Mr Burton came in the steamer.

May 24 – Wednesday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull & wet. Gave Elias Mayo some seeds. Set my potatoes. Sawing & cleaving wood. Set a few calavances. Was not able to attend Prayer Meeting. Ann Brinton was here a spell. Received by Mr Thos Burfitt from Mr F. Hooper a firkin of butter, a chest of tea & a loaf of sugar. Fine day.

May 25 – Thursday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine, only cold. Sawing & cleaving wood. A Man of War steamer came here; the captain is inspecting the High Heads of different places around the Island. He came in here to get a pilot for this bay. Uncle Ed Collins agreed to go. Fine day.

May 26 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. The steamer that Uncle Ed is pilot of sailed this morning. Wm Vincent, George & Philip were here & brought my pickets. Wm Hy Collins went off to look for bait to commence fishing.

May 27 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Cold, raw morning. Finished my fencing. Wrote a letter for Wm Vincent to George Tulk, Harbour Buffett. Fine day, my wife still weak & bad.

May 28 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again. Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul & a fine day.

May 29 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. Sawing wood, then working in garden, digging up ground for cabbage. Mrs Rodgers was here for some time. Hennigar & her girl went into Salmonier to set potatoes.

May 30 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 6. Still foggy. Charlotte Vincent 50 years old today. John Harding went into his new house up to the “Friar” to-day. It rained all the afternoon & evening. About 6 p.m. there was a scad of snow, one flash of lightning & one clap of thunder.

May 31 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Snowed last night, the ground was covered; this is a fine morning. Dug up my flower bed & fixed it. Attended Prayer Meeting. A fine day.

June 1 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Very fine morning. Mr G. Inkpen arrived last night from Fortune Bay. I was to Mary Ann Read’s with butter. Posted two letters, one for John Malzard, Jersey, & one for George Tulk, Placentia Bay. Met my Class. Fine day.

June 2 – Friday

Arose 4 a.m. Was at John Harding’s old house & brought two buckets manure & sprinkled the cabbage plants & turnips & radishes, then got kelp & dug the earth from the gooseberry trees & put the kelp around them. Richard Kirby brought about 7 or 8 qtls fish from Cape, several boats brought fish. Dull day.

June 3 – Saturday

Arose 4 a.m. Was at John Harding’s old house & brought home 4 wheel barrows full of old board before breakfast and 4 more after breakfast, that he gave me. Dull day & rain in evening.

June 4 - Sunday

Arose ½ past 6. Still dull & wet. Wm Collins’ schooner came home last evening & brought home his youngster sick & brought home news of George Collins’ boat being missing; it appears that George & two men went to haul the trawl & left John Cran in the boat, no distance from them & a very fine (sic) but the fog came down in a moment, so thick that they could see no distance; they hauled part of the trawl & then went for the boat, but could not find her anywhere. Mr Lockyear was there so G. Collins & Rd Dowel & Morrissey were taken on board of his boat & brought home. May God grant that the boat and John Cran may be picked up. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again, Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting & after, he came to see my wife & prayed with us. Hennigar & Eliza Collins were here. Dull day.

June 5 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. Wm Collins’ schooner is gone in search of G. Collins’ boat & boy. Sawing & cleaving the stuff John gave me. Had a new Teapot. Mary Ann Reid was here. Still dull & foggy. Had a salmon from T. Bradley.

June 6 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Very foggy morning. Mr Wagg picked up G. Collins’ boat & man on Saturday & went into Clattice Hr & this morning she arrived home. Mr Wagg put two hands in her and they arrived safely. Thank God. Sawing & cleaving the stuff John gave me. Attended the funeral of Gabriel Goddard’s infant son. Thomas Isaacs was here & brought me some wood. John Collins & Wm Roberts boys helped me to bring it up to the house. G. Collins & they are not returned yet from looking for the boat & man. Still foggy.

June 7 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 5. Still foggy. Fixing frame for beans. Mary Ann Reid was here. Wm Foote sent me a salmon. No Prayer Meeting, it is closed ‘till the Fall. Wm Collins’ schooner returned from searching for G. Collins’ boat & found her & the man. Safe home.

June 8 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 6. Very wet morning, rained all night. Clearing out the coal from Parlour Closet. The steamer that Ed Collins went pilot of came in. Met my Class. Still foggy most of day.

June 9 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Cold dull morning. The revenue steamer went away. Was working in the garden. Sowed some more cucumber seeds. The steamer came from the westward. Mr Pascoe went in her to St John’s. Fine day.

June 10 – Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. Foggy again. After breakfast I was at Charles Hollett’s with the old grate to get a new one made, was at Mary Ann Reid’s. Saw Hannah Deer & I saw Mrs Morris; she was bound to St. John’s in the steamer. She sailed about 11 a.m. Came home. Hannah Brinton was here. Dull day.

June 11 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull cold morning. I held service, Mr Pascoe at St John’s to the District Meeting. Met my Class. Held service again, and after, buried John Brewer’s child & held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

June 12 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Foggy. Was up & fixed the gates in front of Church & took up the matting in the aisles, planted in a tea cup a small bit of Balm of Gilead. Stuck my peas. Fine evening, sun shining.

June 13 – Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Went and cut a few pea sticks to finishing sticking them. After breakfast a crew came to wash out the Church. Samuel Brushett’s daughter broke one of the globes, by misfortune. A lovely day for it (for breaking globes). Mrs Rodgers was here a good bit of the day.

June 14 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 3. Went into Salmonier. Breakfasted & had dinner at P. Vincent’s, read & prayed with them. Was at Hannah Deer’s & Hannah Brinton’s & Mary Ann Reid’s. Hennigar & Louis Collins cleaning & papering our Parlour. The first fish put on the flakes at Collins Cove to-day for this year. Fine afternoon & evening. Very warm.

June 15 – Thursday

Arose 5 a.m. Foggy morning. Elias mayo put down the matting in the Church. Wm Henry Collins first trip from Cape, 8 qtls. Ann Reech was here to-day. Met my Class. Fine afternoon.

June 16 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. After breakfast I was up to John Harding’s old house & brought down two wheel barrows of old stuff. Edmund Reid hauled the first caplin. Mrs Beazley was here. I went up to Mary Ann Reid’s & she gave me a few caplin to eat. Fine day.

June 17 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Fixing Temp Hall for to-night. After dinner weeding a little in the garden. A very fine day.

June 18 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Held service, met my Class & held service again & Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a fine day & a good day to my soul.

June 19 – Monday

Arose ½ past 5. Dull & foggy. Working in Garden and at the T. Hall, cleaning it in order that it may be washed out. A very fine day.

June 20 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Rather dull. Working in the garden weeding. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s. A fine day. Began on a canister of tea.

June 21 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Working in the garden. Received a letter from Selina Isaac. All well, Bless God. A fine day.

June 22 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Wet morning. After breakfast finished trenching my potatoes & set out 210 cabbage plants. Met my Class. Received a letter from G. Frances’ children on the western shore. Dull day.

June 23 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine, only foggy. Working in the garden. Set out 111 cabbage plants. Mary Ann Newport was here & I wrote a letter for her. Our own Mary Ann was here also. Dull all day.

June 24 – Saturday

Arose 4 a.m. Dull morning. Set out 196 cabbage plants. After breakfast writing to G. Frances’ children & to Selina. A fine day. I fixed the Hall for Temperance.

June 25 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Attended & held service. Met my Class & held service again. Bless God for a good day to my soul. My dear wife still very poorly.

June 26 – Monday

Arose ½ past 4. Dull morning. I was in the garden & set out 293 cabbage plants & 30 white turnips & 136 Rumford plants. Fine evening. [Note: His age at this time was 82!]

June 27 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 3. Went into the Salmonier. Breakfasted at Thos Isaacs’, then went to Charlotte’s & helped to spread 20 qtls fish, then had my dinner with her, then came to Hannah Deer’s & from that to Isabella Hollett’s & from that to Hannah Brinton’s & to Mary Ann Reid’s—from that, home. A very fine day.

June 28 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 4. Fine morning. Went into the garden & set out 205 Rumford Plants that I brought out from Salmonier, working in garden all day. Fine until evening, then rained.

June 29 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 5. Wet morning. Working in garden. Set out 511 cabbage plants. Met my Class. Dull, rainy evening.

June 30 – Friday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. In the garden weeding. Sawing & cleaving wood. No steamer yet from westward or St John’s. Bless God for I am spared to the end of another month. Began on a barrel of flour. Fine day.

July 1 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning. I set out 1076 cabbage plants, then after breakfast went to see Mary Ann Reid. Rained most all day at intervals.

July 2 - Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. Held service. No Class, members away. Held service again & Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a fine day & a good day to my soul.

July 3 - Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast was at John Paul’s, at C. Hollett’s, at the Doctor’s & Mary Ann Reid’s. Posted a letter to Selina Isaacs & one to Mr. Monroe. The punts are brining in good trips of fish & the cod seines are doing very well. Oh God, prosper thy servants’ labours. Fine day.

July 4 - Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull, wet most of the night. I was weeding a spell in the garden, then went up to John Harding’s to see his place. Fine day.

July 5 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 4. Fine morning, was weeding. Before breakfast I was taken very poorly & had to lie down all day.

July 6 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Better, thank God, a fine morning. Hennigar went into Salmonier to trench her potatoes & when she got in found that Charlotte Vincent’s girls had done it for her. No Class. I was not well enough to meet it. Edith Deer & John Harding were here. A wet evening.

July 7 – Friday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine, after a night of rain & wind. Wm Collins came home & brought a fine trip of fish from cod seine at Cape St Mary’s. The steamer arrived from the westward after being gone since June 21, our letters are gone now. A fine evening.

July 8 – Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine, only for a thunder shower. Was engaged in making a Fowl yard to prevent them from rooting the garden. Received a letter from Grand Bank from my son. Dull day.

July 9 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning. Attended service. Mr Pascoe not arrived yet. Mr Sears from Fortune Bay preached both morning and afternoon. Met my Class. Mr Pascoe arrived in the “Tiger” this evening.

July 10 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Received a letter from Rev G. Forsey & his Likeness, and a Likeness from Mr Pascoe. Was at the Doctor’s & Charlotte Hollett’s & Mary Ann Reid’s. Mrs Coady gone 12 months. Fine day. Squids came in.

July 11 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Making a place to keep the Fowls in from getting into the garden.

July 12 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. After breakfast hilling my plants. Paid Mr Inkpen 17/ I owed him for coals. Fine day, was helping Hennigar about her fish.

July 13 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Writing to Rev Mr Forsey, Canada. Fine day. No one attended Class.

July 14 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast went up to Mary Ann Reid’s. Posted a letter for Rev G Forsey, Canada. Brought a pair of boots & gave them to Mr. G Bishop, that I had from Mary Ann Reid. Sawing and cleaving wood. A lovely fine day.

July 15 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. dull morning. No squids of any account since Thursday. After breakfast fixing the Temp Hall for Meeting. It was like to be burnt down yesterday, the children kindled a fire on the gallery. Dull day.

July 16 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Very fine morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again & I held Prayer Meeting, very few present. Bless God for a good day to my soul & a fine day.

July 17 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Was at Charles Hollett’s & brought home a grate, paid 5/1 for it. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s and saw her dear little son, born about one hour before I saw it, a fine child & she smart, Bless the Lord. I came back & was working in the garden. Fine day.

July 18 – Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Fixing my boots. Nothing particular occurred to-day. No bait. Oh Lord, have mercy and send relief to Thy people. Dull day.

July 19 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 5. Dull morning. Working in garden a spell, then sawing & cleaving wood. Mary Ann Vincent was here. Mr Winters had a crew from the Jersey Room to carry his little sheep’s house in the garden. Fine day.

July 20 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. Fixed the lock on the front door. Met my Class. Was up to see Mary Ann Reid & the Baby; they are both well, bless God. Robert Isaacs & Mary Ann Newport were here. A dull day. The bakeapples are very plentiful.

July 21 – Friday

Arose 4 a.m. Very dull morning. I went into Salmonier, had breakfast at Thos Isaacs’.

July 22 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning, in the garden weeding before breakfast; then fixing Hall for to-night. Posted a letter to G. Harding, Grand Bank. Weeding in evening, fine evening.

July 23 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 6, the steamer arrived. Attended service, met my Class & attended service again. No Prayer Meeting; it was so wet no one attended.

July 24 – Monday

Arose ½ past 5. Dull still. Was at the Post Office, got 5 Temperance papers and a letter from John Malzard with a £1 cheque in it for my dear wife, and a letter with £2 in it for Mary Ann Newport and a returned letter I sent to Selina Isaacs. Mrs Emma Hollett was here to see my wife. Dull day.

July 25 – Tuesday

Arose 5 a.m. Still dull. Writing to Mr Brace & to John Malzard & to Selina Isaacs. Sawing wood. It turned out a beautiful evening.

July 26 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 4. Foggy. Wrote a letter to Flat Islands. Was in the garden weeding. Was to see Mary Ann Reid, then wrote a letter for Mary Ann Newport. Fine evening.

July 27 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Rather dull morning. Posted a letter with stamp on it for Mary Ann Newport to John Malzard; 1 for John Malzard for myself, paid 6 cents; two for Selina Isaacs, paid 12 cents; 1 for Mr R. Brace, St John’s, paid 3 cents; & 2 cents on one (Mr Winter paid this) to John Winter, and I saw him stamp them. No Class, the wet prevented anyone from coming.

July 28 – Friday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast sawing wood. At the Temp Hall, putting in the coal that Susan Reid & Mary Pidgeon brought from Mr G. Bishop’s. Fine day.

July 29 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast fixing the Hall for to-night. Sawing wood. Fine day.

July 30 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Attended service, met my Class, the steamer came from the westward about 2 a.m. Attended service again & held Prayer Meeting, Mr Pascoe to Spoon Cove. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

July 31 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. I bless God that my dear wife is spared to see her 79th birthday. I was up to see Mary Ann Reid & Baby. No bait. Middling fine day.

August 1 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. A very rainy night & wet this morning. Cleared away after breakfast. Sawing wood part of the day. Fine evening, no bait.

August 2 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 4. Fine morning. Fixing pipe for parlour stove. My wife was out in the garden a little while to-day & Hennigar helped her down to her house; this is the first time. Fine day.

August 3 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. After breakfast was to see Mr Hooper & Mary Ann Reid, saw Hannah Deer, met my Class. Very few attended & very fine day.

August 4 – Friday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Went into Salmonier, breakfasted at Thomas Isaacs’. Saw Hennigar & Lizzie Collins & a few more going on the hills berry-picking. Had dinner at Charlotte Vincent’s, was at Hannah Deer’s, then came out to Mary Ann Reid’s and from that—home; very hot day.

August 5 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast fixing Hall for to-night, then sawing wood. Steamer came in from St. John’s. Fine day.

August 6 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service. Met my Class, was informed that Friday night a house in St Lawrence took fire & was burnt down and two children in it, by the name of Kelly. Attended service again & Daniel Bishop held Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

August 7 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. fine morning. Received the Temperance Journal & a letter from Mr Brace. Priscilla Rofft (?) and Ann Keech, Mary Brushett & her daughter Mary Ann Pine were here, also Sally Brushett from Port au Bras. Fine day. Attended Trustee Meeting.

August 8 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 5. Dull morning. Sawing wood, was around to see Mary Ann Reid & the children. Dull day.

August 9 – Wednesday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning. The Masons Picnic took place to-day at Big Salmonier. I was not there. Charlotte Vincent was here. My dear wife very bad. Fine day.

August 10 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. My dear wife had a middling night, Thank God. Met my Class. Hennigar was here & brought little Harriet Reid down to stay with her a few days. My dear wife still very poorly. Fine day.

August 11 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. My dear wife had a poor night. The Roman Catholic Bishop came last evening; there were bonfires on the hills, a great firing of guns for him. The steamer came from the westward, brought Rev Mr Milligan, Wesleyan Minister. Mrs Julia Mitchell was here. Fine, hot day.

August 12 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. After breakfast sawing wood & after dinner went to Mrs Morris’ & brought home 2 lbs cheese. Fine day.

August 13 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. Attended service, met my Class. Attended service again & sacrament; 127 communicants. The first of the non-intoxicating wine used here. Mr Milligan held Prayer Meeting. Bless God for a good day to my soul.

August 14 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast sawing wood. The Good Templars picnic at Big Salmonier. Fine, hot day.

August 15 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. I delivered up all the Government weights & measures to Mr Patten, who is to be the Inspector in future. I fixed up Samuel Murley’s headstone that was fallen down.

Fine day. Blew hard.

August 16 - Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull & wet. Sawing wood. Rained part of the day.

August 17 – Thursday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Began on a chest of tea I had from St Peters. After, a bag of moss and began to stog the little house to put in the coal. Attended the funeral of Henry Legg’s child & I had to cover the corpse over as there were no men there. Met my Class. Fine day.

August 18 – Friday

Arose ½ past 5 a.m. Fine. After breakfast was at Dr Moran’s, Mary Ann Reid’s & C. Hollett’s. The steamer came in but no letters. I came home & assisted in taking out 5 tons of coal for Wm Collins & 2 tons for myself. Fine day.

August 19 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast was engaged in trimming up the coal in the Church most all day. Fixed the Temperance Hall for Meeting. Fine day.

August 20 – Sunday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service, met my Class. Attended service again and after, the school children sang ten pieces and said twenty-eight recitations & said two dialogues & Mr Milligan gave a good exhortation. The children sat in the singing gallery. Fine day.

August 21 – Monday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast and after dinner I was assisted in getting my coal up. John Isaacs, Richard Turpin, Wm Kirby, Richard Dowell, G. Collins, Thomas Isaacs & John Harding brought it up & assisted in getting it in. It rained forepart of day & a little in the evening.

August 22 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Putting away the coal. Mr Milligan was here & prayed with us. A fine day.

August 23 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Sawing wood. The school children’s picnic at Burin Bay. Fine day.

August 24 – Thursday

Arose 4 a.m. Fine morning. Went into Burin Bay. Breakfast at Thos Isaacs’; dinner at Charlotte’s; was at Hannah Deer’s, Hannah Brinton’s, Mary Ann Reid’s, then came home, came to rain.

August 25 – Friday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Mr. Ralten (?) brought me a Proclamation from the Governor to put up in order to find out the murderer of John Nelson, who was murdered the 13th of this month at Burgeo. The Man of War steamer with policemen are gone in search. The poor man was found in a pond with his throat cut and both arms broken. Both Mary Ann Reid & Sarah Reid were here. Middling fine day.

August 26 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Fixed the Temperance Hall for to-night. My wife very ill.

August 27 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 6 after a night of heavy rain with my wife so ill. Attended service, met my Class. Attended service again. No Prayer meeting, it was so wet. Mr Pascoe was in and talked & prayed with my dear wife. Rained all day.

August 28 – Monday

Arose ½ past 5. Dull morning. In the house almost all day, my dear wife so bad. John Harding was here; he hath a very bad hand. Fine day.

August 29 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning. Was up to see John Harding. Was at Joseph Mitchell’s to day for some wood. Court to-day.

August 30 – Wednesday

Arose 5 a.m. Weeding until the rain came & drove me out of the garden. John Harding was served from Mr G. Bishop with an attorney’s letter; he attended court & came off better than we could expect by paying what he can yearly. I was in the garden weeding. The Doctor lanced John’s hand. Mrs Ann Collins from Flat Islands was here. Fine evening.

August 31 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 5. Wet morning. Thomas Collins from Flat Islands is up with his wife. She hath a cancer in her breast & Doctor Moran & Dr Smith cut it out. Oh Lord Bless the means & heal it completely. Mr Pascoe met our Class and gave Tickets for the last three quarters. I was at John & Joseph Mitchell’s trying to buy some wood; they would take nothing for it, but made a present of upwards of 20 sticks & Wm Henry & his boy went after it & brought it home for me & the boy brought it up to the house. This ends the work of another month.

September 1 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast sawing wood & fixing porch door. Wrote a letter for Hannah Hines to her mother. Old Mrs Fudge was here. The steamer came from St John’s.

September 2 – Saturday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. I fixed the Hall for to-night. Received a letter from Selina Isaacs & Mrs Coady; Mary Ann Reid received one from Selina. Bless God that they are all well. Fine day.

September 3 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Attended service. Mr Pascoe met the Class for Tickets. Attended service again & Love Feast after; several spoke of their experiences. Pew Rent was taken. Fine evening.

September 4 – Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning. Carried the money for Pew Rent to Mr Bishop, that I received yesterday. Attended Trustee meeting. Fine day.

September 5 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 5. Fine morning. Sawing wood. Was around to the Harbour trying to get a house for Mrs Coady to come back to Burin. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s & was to see John Harding about his hand. John Parsons & Lewis Butler were engaged in putting iron palings around Doctor F. Moran’s grave. Fine day.

September 6 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. A very wet morning, rained most all night. Writing to Mrs Coady & Selina about coming home. Fine evening.

September 7 – Thursday

Arose 6 a.m. Dull morning. Posted a letter for Mrs Coady & one for Selena. Sawing wood. Met my Class, only two present. Mary Ann Reid & her two children & Mrs Parsons were here to tea; the steamer came & Mary Ann was too late to write. Fine day.

September 8 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Cold, but fine morning. Fixing Temp Hall for to-morrow night. After dinner cutting sods to put on my porch. Fine day.

September 9 – Saturday

Arose 5 a.m. Dull morning. Hennigar & went into the Salmonier. I had breakfast at Thos Isaacs & we had dinner at Charlotte’s, then came to Hannah Deer’s & from that to Mary Ann Reid’s & had a cup of tea with her & then home. Dull all day.

September 10 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. It was a very rough night with wind & rain. Attended service and met my Class. Attended service again & met my Class & I held Prayer Meeting. Very few there as it windy & wet all day.

September 11 – Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Cold, raw, wet morning. Saw Mr G. Buffett at Thos Reid’s, took in my hops. Blew hard all day.

September 12 – Tuesday

Arose 6 a.m. Cold, windy morning. Sodding porch and the little house. Mrs Collins that had her breast cut off, went home with Wm H. Collins of Flat Islands. Was informed of the death of G. Goddard. Fine day.

September 13 – Wednesday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine, only cold & windy. Fixing porch & little house against the winter. Mary Ann Newport was here. Nothing particular occurred. Fine day.

September 14 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. After breakfast sawing wood & fixing the Bell to toll for the funeral. Attended the funerals of Mr Goddard & Gabriel Beasley, both in the Church at one time. May the Lord prepare us for our change whenever it may come. Fine day.

September 15 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Mr Pascoe & Sophia went to Mortier Bay. Mr Peters arrived in the steamer; he is appointed to Mortier Bay. Fine day.

September 16 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Saw the Rev Mr Peters from Cornwall; I was at the Church & Burying Ground with him. Fixed the Hall for to-night. Was with Mr Peters to baptize John Collins’s child. Fine day.

September 17 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service, met my Class. Attended service again & I held Prayer Meeting, only Edward Collins & 3 to pray, the people went to Burin Bay to hear Mr Peters. Fine day.

September 18 – Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Fixing porch & roof of house. Fine day.

September 19 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. I was at Mr Wm Mitchell’s for a few sticks of wood he gave me. Mrs Ellen Paul was here & I went part of the way with her to Burin Bay. Fine day.

September 20 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Wm Collins gave me some fine wood. Sawing & cleaving wood. Mary Ann & Sarah Reid & Henry were here to tea. I was working in the garden about the cabbage. Fine day.

September 21 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast, sawing & cleaving wood. Met my Class. Mrs Inkpen was here to tea. Mr Inkpen sailed for P.E. Island for potatoes to-day. Fine day.

September 22 – Friday

Arose ½ past 4. Fine, only a white frost. Went into Salmonier, breakfasted at Thos Isaacs’. Had my dinner at Charlotte’s. Was at Hannah Deer’s & to Ellen Paul’s. Saw all the house, upstairs & down, had a cup of tea there, then came home. Fine day.

September 23 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 6. Fine morning. Fixing Hall for to-night. Was at Mr G. Bishop’s, bought matches & biscuits. Sawing & cleaving wood. Fine day.

September 24 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again & Daniel Bishop held Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

September 25 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Daniel Bishop sailed in the Pinky or Hero for P.E. Island for potatoes. Fine day.

September 26 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Fixing lamps in Church. Had 5 gals K oil from Daniel Bishop. Hannah Harding & her baby were here. Fine day.

September 27 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. I was writing out a paper for Jersey James Brushett, the deaths & births of his & his wife’s parents & children. Posted a parcel for Grand Bank. I met Mr Bishop’s Class. Fine day.

September 28 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Reading forepart of day. Met my Class; it was wet most of the day.

September 29 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. I dug my potatoes. Fine day. No bait.

September 30 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Fixing the Temp Hall for to-night. No sign of the steamer. It came to rain & blow very hard, but it moderated in the night.

October 1 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Attended service, met my Class. The steamer came in this morning & went off & had a Brig loaded with herring in tow. Attended service again & I held Prayer Meeting. Fine day. Lamps lit in Church first time the Fall.

October 2 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. after a night of very hard rain. Was at Ship Cove & brought home 7 lbs cheese, paid 9 cts per lb. Thomas Isaacs & Mary Ann Reid had letter from Bill Isaacs; they were here & Mary Ann Newport too. Fine day.

October 3 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Was at Mr Paul’s & brought home sugar. Saw Mr Hooper but did not settle with him. Fine day.

October 4 – Wednesday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. Went into Salmonier. Had breakfast at Thos Isaacs’, dinner at Charlotte’s. Then came home & found Old Mrs Isaacs, Hannah Deer & child & Mary Ann & Sarah Reid & the two children at the house. Fine day.

October 5 – Thursday

Arose 5 a.m. Fine morning. I wrote & posted a letter to Mr Brace, St John’s, & enclosed an order for £1.16s for Temperance Journal. Met my Class. Fine day.

October 6 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. I was at the Post Office but no letter from Grand Bank. Charlotte Roberts & Edith Green were here. Fine day.

October 7 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Rained greater part of the night. Fixing Hall for to-night & Church to morrow.

October 8 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again & Mr Pascoe commenced to hold Prayer Meeting but was taken ill & was forced to be taken home & I finished Prayer Meeting. Fine day.

October 9 -Monday

Arose ½ past 6. Dull morning. Wm Henry Collins & crew went off for wood. Very stormy with wind, hail & snow, but cleared off fine in the evening.

October 10 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Mr Inkpen arrived from the Islands with potatoes for sale. Middling fine day.

October 11 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Mrs Pascoe & Baby sailed for Charlottetown in the steamer.

No bait. Fine day.

October 12- Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Squally morning. Was informed that Joseph Reid was smothered on the night of October 10th in the cuddy of the boat & James Cormick almost smothered; they brought home the boat last night. Was also informed that Alice Isaacs, daughter of Robert Isaacs, fell over the stage head yesterday & was drowned. Blew very hard & blew down my garden fence.

October 13 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Was up to Mr Hooper’s & paid him £3. Busy in fixing up the fence that blew down yesterday. Fine evening.

October 14 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Fixing Hall for to-night. Attended Joseph Reid’s funeral. Brought home box figs, soap, reels cotton, coffee, tape; paid 11 shillings.

October 15 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended service, met my Class. Attended service again & Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. Fine day

October 16 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Bringing in coal & working about the fence. A very blowy day.

October 17 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning. Working in garden. Fine day.

October 18 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Took up my turnips. Fine day.

October 19 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold, but fine. Mr Inkpen gave me two beds of potatoes. I was engaged in digging them & had ¾ barrel. Met my Class. Fine day.

October 20 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. The steamer came in the night. No letter from Gloucester & none from St John’s. Wm Collins sailed for St John’s; John Isaacs went with him. Fine day.

October 21 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Fixing Hall for to-night. Susan Isaacs & little Harriet were here. Mr Burfitt & Rd Kirby sailed in their boats for St John’s. Fine day.

October 22 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. White frost on the ground. Attended service, met my Class. Gave Mr Hooper a letter to Richard Brushett. Attended service again & I held prayer meeting. Bless God for a good day.

October 23 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. After breakfast in the garden fixing carrots. Heard that Hannah Deer’s child is sick. Fine day.

October 24 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Wrote a letter for Lydia Collins to St John’s. A dull day, doing nothing.

October 25 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning & continued wet all day, with a breeze of wind.

October 26 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Moderate & fine but it turned very dull. Met my Class. Bought a pot of healing ointment, paid 2 shillings for it. Wet day.

October 27 – Friday

Arose 6 a.m. Fine morning. Went into the Salmonier. Breakfasted at Thomas Isaacs’. Dinner at Charlotte’s. Came out to Hannah Deer’s, then to Hannah Brinton’s & to Mary Ann Reid’s & then home. Fine day.

October 28 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Very wet morning. It came to snow about noon & continued all day. Blew my fence down again. Weighed a stone John Collins cut out of a fish, 3 ½ lbs.

October 29 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning, only cold. Attended service. Met my Class. Attended service again. Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. My wife so ill I could not attend. Fine day.

October 30 – Monday

Arose 6 a.m. Frosty morning. After breakfast went down & dug a bed of potatoes, Mr. Inkpen gave me a bag of potatoes. In the garden fixing fence. Fine day.

October 31 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. White frost this morning. Working in garden fixing fence. After dinner went to see Charlie Chapman. Attended Benjamin Green’s wedding & I had to give the bride away.

November 1 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Frosty morning. Attended Jessie Brown’s marriage. Working in the garden about potatoes & cabbage. Wm Collins came from St John’s.

November 2 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Fixing Church. No Class. My wife very ill. Fine day.

November 3 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. After breakfast taking up my cabbage & putting it in a box. Fine day.

November 4 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Wet morning. Fixed the Hall for Monday. Dull day.

November 5 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Bless the Lord that I live to see my 83rd birthday. Attended service. Met my Class. The steamer came in the night. Mr G. Bishop & his daughter Sarah went in her. Attended service again & I held Prayer Meeting. Mrs West from Mortier Bay was here to dinner. Fine day.

November 6 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Burying my seed potatoes & spring potatoes & turnips. Attended Richard K. Inkpen’s marriage. Fine day.

November 7 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Frosty morning. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s. Alice Vincent came out of the bay. Harriet Isaacs & Wm Henry & Hennigar were here to tea. Fine day.

November 8 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast was at James Brien’s & paid for the tea I had yesterday & for 4 lbs sugar. Fine day.

November 9 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Received Temp papers but no letters from Wm Isaacs or Mrs Coady. Wet day.

November 10 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Wm Henry went off down herring catching. Received from Mr Hooper & Richard Brushett: tub butter, sugar, tea & cheese. Dull day.

November 11 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. After breakfast fixing Hall for Monday. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s. Hannah Deer sent us a bit of fresh pork. Dull day.

November 12 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Attended services. No Class, no one home. Attended service again and Daniel Bishop held Prayer Meeting. Dull, blowy day.

November 13 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Hard cold morning & continued wet & blowy all day. Attended Joseph Hollett’s wedding.

November 14 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Still wet & blowing. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s & heard Selina’s letter read, from Gloucester. Henry Cran & wife were here to tea. Still wet & blowing again. Began on a barrel flour.

November 15 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Still dull & wet. Wrote & posted a letter to Mrs Coady & Selina. It kept rainy & drizzly all day.

November 16 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, dry, hard morning. Took down the hen house. Met my Class. Still dull with wind in.

November 17 – Friday

Arose ½ past 7. Still dull & wet. Sawing up the old hen house. Dull & damp all da y.

November 18 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, hard morning. Jersey James’ boys brought us some fire wood. Was up to Mary Ann Reid’s; saw the steamer come in this evening. Dull day.

November 19 -Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Very cold morning. Attended service. Met my Class, only 2 present. Attended service again. Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting. My wife so ill I could not attend. Mary Ann Reid was here to tea. Fine day.

November 20 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, hard morning After breakfast sawing & cleaving wood. In the evening attended Division, engaged for another year, received £50/2/5 on the last year & 25/ in advance. Fine day.

November 21 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold, frosty morning. After breakfast sawing & cleaving wood. Very fine day.

November 22 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold morning. After breakfast sawing & cleaving wood. It came to snow a spell this forenoon. Mary Ann Reid & Baby were here this afternoon & slept at Hennigar’s.

November 23 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold morning, the wind still up. After breakfast sawing & cleaving wood. Mary Ann Reid & Baby were here & then they went home.

Met my Class; only four present.

Fine day.

November 24 – Friday

Arose ½ past 7. Dull morning. Posted a letter for Grand Bank. Bought a shovel & Black-lead from Wm Bradley at Mr G. Bishop’s; paid 2/6 for it. Alice Vincent came out to stay for a few days. Still dull.

November 25 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull & very wet. After breakfast went around to Charles Hollett’s with the church piping to get a set made. Fixed the Hall for Monday night.

November 26 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Wet, rainy morning. Attended service, met my Class, attended service again & Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting; very few to Church to-day, so wet.

November 27 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Still dull & wet. The steamer came in to-day. I received a letter from Selina Isaacs. Was down & lit the lamps & fire in the Hall. The Pinky sailed for St John’s. Fine day.

November 28 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. After breakfast was at Mrs Morris’ & bought 1 ½ yds of cloth for a pair of trousers, 1 yd cotton & thread; paid 11s/6d for the lot. My daughter Charlotte came out to see her mother. It came to snow very fast this evening.

November 29 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. Cold, snow on the ground. Began writing to Selina & her Ma. Attended Prayer meeting. Charlotte went home to-day. Fine day. Prayer Meetings commenced.

November 30 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Cold, frosty morning. Had a dreadful night with my dear wife. Was at Charles Hollett’s, paid 2/3 for a wedge to cleave wood. Was at Mrs Morris’ & paid 6/ for a bottle Ayer’s Sarsaparilla. Was at Thos Gorman’s and paid for 14 lbs cheese & 1 lb chocolate 15/3; in all £1.3.6. Attended John Ware & Lucy Dowell’s wedding. Mr Pascoe & I were there to tea. Wet evening, no Class.

December 1 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull, wet morning. Posted a letter for Selina Isaacs & Mrs Coady & one for Mr Brace. Paid Elias Mayo 3/6 for fixing my boots. Rained & blew very hard all the afternoon & night.

December 2 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Very cold morning. Fixing Temperance Hall for Monday night. It turned out a fine day. Bless God.

December 3 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Moderate morning. Attended service, met my Class. Attended service again & I held Prayer Meeting but owing to the wet, I had only one to Pray in Meeting. Mr Pascoe at Burin Bay.

December 4 – Monday

Arose ½ past 7. Snowy morning. Carried the piping for Church stove up. Attended Robert E. Paul’s wedding. Lit the lamps & fire in T. Hall. Received the wedge for cleaving wood that Charles Hollett made for me. Paid 6/ for it. Moderate evening.

December 5 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Frosty morning. After breakfast I went to Mrs Morris’ & bought two dozen clothes pins, paid 6d for them, and 2 yrds binding & 12 buttons, & one bottle of peppermint from James Brine, paid 1s/6d for it all. Attended Thomas Foote’s wedding. Alice Vincent went from us this evening. Cold day.

December 6 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Frosty morning after a cold night. This evening attended Prayer Meeting, very few present. Soft evening.

December 7 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Light snow after breakfast. I met my Class, 6 present. Moderate day.

December 8 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. After breakfast Wm Robt Collins, John Collins Sr & John Cran put in the piping in the Church. Mrs Inkpen was here all the evening. She lent me a book; the title was “The Day of Rest.” Fine evening.

December 9 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowy morning. After breakfast fixing the T. Hall for Monday evening. It came to snow very hard this afternoon.

December 10 – Sunday

Arose ½ past 7. Very snowy, cold morning. Lit the fires in Church & attended service. Met my Class. Attended service again & Mr Pascoe held Prayer Meeting; very few present, so boisterous with snow drifts.

December 11 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Very cold morning and continued to snow & drift at times all day. I was not to the Division, my wife so ill.

December 12 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine, but cold. Fixing Church. Was at Mary Ann Reid’s. It was a cold day.

December 13 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7, after a very dirty, snowy, rainy & blowy night & continued all the day. Attended a Leaders Meeting but owing to the roughness of the day, only five attended viz Mrs Betsey Collins, Brother George Bishop, Abram Street, Thos Beazley & myself. I could not attend Prayer Meeting, my wife so ill. Still rough.

December 14 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Moderate morning. Met my Class, five present. It hath been a fine day.

December 15 – Friday

Arose ½ past 7. Dull morning. The steamer came last night. I received a letter from Mr Brace but none from Gloucester. Lent Mr Winter a mouse-trap. This hath been a moderate day.

December 16 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. After breakfast fixed the Hall for Monday. Mr Pascoe was here this afternoon & had Prayer with us. Hannah Brinton was here too. Fine day. Josiah Harding brought 13 sticks wood.

December 17 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. after a very rough, frosty and blowy night. Attended service, very few present. Met my Class, four of us that’s all. Attended service again. No Prayer Meeting, it was so windy, cold & slippery.

December 18 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. A very cold morning. Fixed the T. Hall. Cold all day. G. Collins put down the first of his stage this afternoon.

December 19 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull, blowy morning & cold. Wrote a letter to Mr Charles Downes & one to Mr E. Brace, St John’s. This hath been a disagreeable day, rain & sleet.

December 20 – Wednesday

I arose last night about 10 o’clock, my wife so ill & I stayed up all night, called Hennigar about 7 a.m. & she was here all day until 9 p.m. Rough day.

December 21 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 7 after a very restless night, my wife so ill. Mr Pascoe was here & prayed with her. I bought sugar from Mr. G. Inkpen & paid 2/6 for it. In the evening she grew worse & I sent for Mrs Inkpen & Mrs James Kirby to be in readiness if she was to die. They stayed all night. Hannah Deer, Mary Ann Vincent & Mary Ann Reid were here all night too, expecting her Death. No Class to-day.

December 22 – Friday

This day as yesterday my dear wife still struggling with Death, getting worse & worse all day. Her hand swelled very much so that she was in great pain. Mrs Inkpen & Mrs Mayo & Thos Isaacs were with us all night. John Harding is very ill too. Posted two letters for St. John’s.

December 23 – Saturday

Was up all night as the three nights before with my dear wife. Mrs Inkpen & Mrs Mayo & Thos Isaacs were watching her as she was so very bad, her hand mortified. She breathed her last twenty minutes before four a.m.

Mrs Inkpen & Mrs Jemima Kirby were engaged in fixing hat bands & scarves for the funeral. Mr McKay & Joseph Kirby are making the coffin. John Isaacs is superintending the digging of the grave. Thos Isaacs & I went to bed, but I could not rest; during the day she was put in the coffin.

December 24 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. One night from my dear Mary. Oh may I be prepared to follow her. Joseph Inkpen kindly put her name & age and the verse I picked out, on the cover. Thank God Wm Henry has come home safely.

December 25 – Monday Christmas Day

Arose ½ past 7. Thos Isaacs & I slept together. This is the trying day of grief in following my dear Mary to her last resting place. My God, help me to be faithful so that I may meet her again in a Better World.

December 26 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Very snowy morning. Thos Isaacs went home to-day. The funeral of Mrs Thos Hoddder took place to-day. Received £2 from the Star of the East Division.

December 27 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. A fine morning. This the first night with Wm Henry & Hennigar, with whom I am to live. I Bless God that I am so comfortably provided for by my son in law Wm Henry Collins & my dear daughter Hennigar. She & I paid a visit to my dear wife’s grave.

December 28 – Thursday

Arose 8 a.m. Dull morning. Thos Isaacs & G. Vincent, Philip Vincent, Alice Vincent and several others were here to see me. My head is much affected.

December 29 – Friday

Arose ½ past 7. My head bad all day. Not out to-day.

December 30 – Saturday

Arose 8 a.m. My head still very bad. Wm Henry is doing my work. Not able to attend The Watch Night service.

Collins Cove - 1877

January 1 – Monday

Arose 8 a.m. My head still bad. I bless God that I see the beginning of another year. Mr Pascoe preached this morning. He began special services. I was not there, my head bad.

January 2 – Tuesday

Arose 8 a.m. Dull morning. My head still bad. Posted a letter for Grand Bank. Mary Ann Reid carried away table, clock & several things that were given her.

January 3 – Wednesday

Arose 8 a.m. Bless God I find my head a trifle better. It was a very rough day. No Missionary Meeting; it is put off ‘till Saturday.

January 4 – Thursday

Arose 8 a.m. I feel very poorly. Not out all day. So rough.

January 5 - Friday

Arose 8 a.m. My head still bad all day & one of my legs.

January 6 – Saturday

Arose 8 a.m. Still bad. Mr Pascoe held Missionary Meeting. I was not able to go. My head & leg so bad. Speakers were Rev Mr Pascoe, Mr G. Bishop, Willis Parson, I. Bugden & John E. Collins.

January 7- Sunday

Arose 8 a.m. Not able to attend services and Sacrament. Many here to see me.

January 8 – Monday

Arose 8 a.m. Still bad, not able to attend Division.

January 9 – Tuesday

Arose 8 a.m. Dull morning. My head better, Thank God. My leg still bad, it swelled.

January 10 – Wednesday

Arose 8 a.m. Writing to Selina & Mrs Coady & to Jersey. Bill Vincent & Thos Isaacs were here & carried Charlotte Vincent a trunk & stove & several things given her of her poor mother. Still bad in my leg.

January 11 – Thursday

Arose 8 a.m. Dull morning. My leg still bad. Mr Joseph Kirby was here to see me; lent him a book “People’s Persecution in France.”

January 12 – Friday

Arose 8 a.m. Still bad, snowing. Posted a letter for Selina & Mrs Coady & John Malzard. Felt sick.

January 13 - Saturday

Very frosty to-day. Not able to go out, my leg still bad.

January 14 – Sunday

Arose 8 a.m. Dull morning. Was not able to go to Church, my leg so bad. O Lord, bless Thy Word to those that heard it.

January 15 – Monday

Arose 8 a.m. Very cold, drifty morning & dirty day. Still confined in with my leg. Mrs E. Hollett was here to see me.

January 16 – Tuesday

Arose 8 a.m. Still bad in my leg. Not able to go out.

January 17 – Wednesday

Arose 8 a.m. Fine morning. I was not able to go out, for my leg.

January 18 – Thursday

Arose 8 a.m. Dull morning, was not able to go out, for my leg, or attend the funeral of Mrs. Oliver Bowles.

January 19 – Friday

Arose 8 a.m. Dull morning. Still a prisoner. John Samuel was here & carried away a few things his mother left him.

January 20 – Saturday

Arose 8 a.m. Fine morning. My leg still bad. I cannot go out.

January 21 – Sunday

Arose 8 a.m. Fine morning. A prisoner at home again to-day. Rev Mr Peters held Prayer Meeting.

January 22 - Monday

Arose 8 a.m. Fine morning. Still not able to go out, my leg so bad. Fine day.

January 23 – Tuesday

Arose 8 a.m. Fine morning. Still bad & cannot go out. Hannah Deer & Mary Ann Vincent were here to see me. Fine day.

January 24 – Wednesday

Arose 8 a.m. Fine morning. Still confined with my head & leg. Oh Lord, soon restore me if it is Thy Blessed Will.

January 25 – Thursday

Arose 8 a.m. Still a prisoner in the house. Snowed & drifted all day.

January 26 – Friday

Arose 8 a.m. Fine morning. Still a prisoner, not able to go out. Elias Mayo was here to see me. A cold day.

January 27 – Saturday

Arose 8 a.m. Fine morning. Still confined indoors with my leg.

January 28 – Sunday

Arose 8 a.m. Fine morning. Still deprived of worshipping in Church. Was informed of the Death of Mrs Wm Foote. Thos Isaacs & Mary Ann Reid were here to see me. Fine day.

January 29 – Monday

Arose 8 a.m. Fine morning, only very cold & crew began to slide wood for a government wharf at Collins Cove. The steamer came but I received only one letter, from Mr Downs, St John’s.

January 30 – Tuesday

Arose ½ past 7. Still bad in my leg. Saw Mrs Foote’s funeral. Fine day.

January 31 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. My leg still bad. The Temperance Tea & Meeting went off. I received two letters, one from my son George & one from his daughter at Grand Bank. Bless God that they are all well. Mrs Wm Collins, Mrs Elias Mayo & Mrs Joseph Kirby, on the point, gave me some of the cakes, etc.

February 1 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. My leg still bad. Mary Ann Newport was here to see me to day. Fine day.

February 2 – Friday

Arose ½ past 7. Snowy morning. Snowy morning. Wrote a letter to Mr Downes & Mr Peach and one for Mary Ann Vigus. A very snowy day.

February 3 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. My leg still bad. Cannot go out of doors, my leg swollen. Mr Kirby was here to see me to-day. Posted the letters. A very snowy day.

February 4 – Sunday

Arose 8 a.m. Fine morning. Hennigar is laid up in a bad head. This is the sixth Sunday I have been confined from Church owing to my leg. Mr G. Bishop was here to see me. Fine day.

February 5 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. Still confined. John was here to see me. A fine day.

February 6 – Tuesday

Arose 1/2 past 7. Fine day. Still confined with my leg. Suffered greatly to-day.

February 7 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Snowed in the night. My leg still very painful. Dull snowy day.

February 8 – Thursday

Arose ½ past 7. My leg very painful all night and all day. Fine day.

February 9 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. after a night of suffering with my leg, scarcely any sleep. John Isaacs & Wm Vincent were here to see me. Fine day.

February 10 – Saturday

Arose ½ past 7. Fine morning. Not so much pain in my leg, Thank God. Fine day.

February 11 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. I feel very bad in myself & leg. Thos Isaacs, Wm Deer & wife, Elias Mayo & wife, John Mitchell & wife, G. Bishop & old Ed Collins were here to see me. Fine day.

February 12 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Mary Ann Reid & John Harding were here. Samuel Adams was here & Charlotte Vincent was here & stayed all night. Fine day.

February 13 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only frosty. The Harbour caught over. I wrote to Ellen Paul & sent it by Charlotte Vincent. Hannah Brinton was here to-day. Charlotte went home. A dirty evening.

February 14 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Dull morning. The Good Templars walked from the schoolhouse to Burin Bay and a meeting was held at the schoolhouse there. Snowy evening.

February 15 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. About 2 p.m. I had the pleasure to see my dear son George from Grand Bank, dear boy, he came to see me. May the God of all Grace Bless & keep him & his in safety. Fine day.

February 16 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. Bless God, my leg is better. My dear son George came here in 1870 the 21st of Oct and I did not see him since, until yesterday.

February 17 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. George, my son, was here most all day. It came to rain in the evening.

February 18 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. after a night of storm. Blew a gale & rained. My leg still bad. I am a prisoner at home still. George was here to dinner with us. I was dreaming all night about my dear Mary.

February 19 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine, only cold. After breakfast I went out & walked on the gallery a little while. This the first time I have been out of doors since last 27 Dec. George gave me 12 shillings. It rained hard this afternoon.

February 20 – Tuesday

Arose 7 am. Very rainy morning. Mr Pascoe went off to Mortier Bay to bury Mrs ______. George & I were at England Collins’ to tea. John Harding was here to see George. It rained hard all day.

February 21 – Wednesday

Arose 7 a.m. Fine morning. George was at John Harding’s most all day. Two Mrs Reids & Hattie were here. Fine day.

February 22 – Thursday

Arose 7 a.m. Rainy morning. Was informed that Mary Ann Reid’s baby died this afternoon. May God support her in this her trial; the dear baby died 20 minutes before 3 p.m., aged 7 months. Wet day.

February 23 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Wet morning. Hennigar was up to see Mary Ann Reid. Wm Henry was up making the coffin. Hennigar made the winding sheet. Wet day.

February 24 – Saturday

Arose 7 a.m. Still wet. My leg still bad, keeping me a prisoner. I feel bad all over.

February 25 – Sunday

Arose 7 a.m. Very bad all day in my head & throat. Several people came to see me.

February 26 – Monday

Arose 7 a.m. Still bad & so continued all day. Several came to see me. My dear son George came to take his farewell as he is going home to Grand Bank. May the choicest of God’s Blessings go with him, may he have journeying mercies afforded him, and a happy sight of his family. Mr Keeping of Flat Islands went through an operation of having a rupture cut out, by Dr Smith.

February 27 – Tuesday

Arose 7 a.m. Very frosty & windy morning. Bless God I feel better in my head. Mr Pascoe was here to see me & to have prayer. Cold day.

February 28 – Wednesday

Arose ½ past 7. Very frosty morning. Wm Henry & they are gone in the woods & England & they came out before night. A fine day.

March 1 – Thursday

Arose 8 a.m. Fine morning. I bless God I feel better. Mary Ann Vincent was here. Hennigar went to see Mary Ann Reid. The Good Templars left the schoolhouse to-day for their new lodge. A very fine day.

March 2 – Friday

Arose 7 a.m. Very poorly indeed. A Blessed fine morning.

He died March 6, 1877


William Harding – Genealogy

Marriages

William Harding was married to Harriet, daughter of John and Catherine Wood, May 10, 1818, in the parish Church of Northam, England.

William Harding was married to his second wife—Mary, daughter of Wm & Edith Brushett, in Paradise, Newfoundland, April 22, 1820.

Harriet Wood Harding was married to Thomas Isaacs at Little Burin, April 30, 1847, by Rev. Sprague.

Charlotte Ann Harding was married to Philip Vincent at Little Burin, April 30, 1847, by Rev. Sprague.

John Samuel Harding was married to Hannah Jacobs, at Little Burin, Dec. 25, 1854, Rev. E. Brittle.

George Harding was married to Susannah, fourth daughter of Isaac Collins, May 10, 1859, by Rev. F. Dove. (Susannah was born April 23, 1841.)

Mary Hennigar Harding was married to Wm. Henry Collins, Collins Cove, November 10, 1859, by Rev. F.S. Phinney.



Births

William Harding was born at Bideford, England, November 5, 1793.

Harriet Wood, wife of William Harding, was born at Appledore, England, December 14, 1791.

Mary Brushett, second wife of Wm. Harding, was born at Burin, Newfoundland, July 31, 1797.

“John”, son of William & Mary Harding, was born at Burin, September 5, 1821.

“Harriett Wood Harding”, daughter of Wm. & Mary Harding, was born at Burin, April 17, 1823.

Charlotte Ann Harding, daughter of Wm. & Mary Harding, was born at Burin, May 30, 1826.

“George”, son of Wm. & Mary Harding, was born at Burin, May 25, 1830.

“John Samuel”, son of Wm. & Mary Harding, was born at Burin, September 18, 1833.

“Mary Hennigar”, daughter of Wm. & Mary Harding, was born at Burin, June 14, 1838.



Deaths

Harriet Harding, wife of Wm. Harding, departed this life in Bristol, England, March 10, 1819, aged 26 years. [See poem on page 263.]

“John”, son of Wm. & Mary Harding, departed this life November 23, 1861, aged 11 weeks.

Harriet Wood Isaac, daughter of Wm. & Mary Harding, departed this life Sunday, October 11, 1863, aged 40 years and six months.

Mary, second beloved wife of Wm. Harding, departed this life 20 minutes before 4 a.m., Saturday, December 23, and was interred December 25, aged 79 years and 5 months, 1876. [A separate handwritten note says: “Departed this life December 22, 1876, My Dear Mother Mary Harding.]

William Harding died March 6, 1877, aged 83 years and 4 months.

Susanna, the beloved wife of George Harding, departed this life February 7, 1908.


William Harding’s Grandchildren

Children of Harriet and Thomas Isaacs

William Isaacs, born April 24, 1848

Hannah Isaacs, born March 8, 1850 (married Wm Deer, November 21, 1874)

John Isaacs, born December 11, 1851

Mary Ann Isaacs, born August 20, 1854 (married Edmund Reid)

Harriet Wood Isaacs, born August 26, 1856

James Isaacs, born May 6, 1861

Robert Isaacs, born February 27, 1859

Rosanna Isaacs, born November 14, 1862 (Mrs. Billy G. Courtney)



Children of Charlotte and Philip Vincent

William Vincent, born June 14, 1848

Hannah Vincent, born April 5, 1850

George Harding Vincent, born March 18, 1852

Philip Vincent, born January 29, 1855

Mary Ann Vincent, born August 1, 1857

Alice Vincent, born April 1, 1860



Children of John Samuel and Hannah Harding

Josiah Harding, born October 7, 1855

William Harding, born January 16, 1857

Mary Hennigar Harding, born March 14, 1859

Harriet Wood Harding, born July 17, 1861

Jessie Harding, born December 7, 1863

George Teed Harding, born January 27, 1865

Isaac Harding, born April 21, 1868

John Samuel Harding, born January 19, 1871

Hannah Harding, born March 29, 1874

Charlotte Susan Harding, born August 6, 1876



Children of George and Susannah* Harding

Mary Hannah, born June 2, 1860, died June 19, 1861 [See poem, page 7]

Wm. Thomas Harding, born May 18, 1862, died June 1, 1862

Harriet Marion Harding, born September 11, 1863, died February 25, 1951

Isaac Collins Harding, born May 6, 1866, died December 24, 1950 (married Esther Ann Tibbo, on December 25, 1890. Esther was born December 12, 1866) [See children of this couple listed below]

Elizabeth Jane Harding, born February 6, 1868, died February 21, 1950

Herbert Clifford Harding, born October 31, 1869, died April 20, 1948

Sarah Amelia Harding, born October 21, 1871, died September 26, 1873

George Howard Harding, born September 16, 1873, died October 26, 1950

Emily Ethel Harding (Pike), born July 14, 1875, died August 13, 1969 at North Sydney

*Susannah, the beloved wife of George Harding, departed this life February 8, 1908.


Hennigar and William Henry Collins had no children.


Children of Isaac Collins Harding and Esther Ann Tibbo

Susanna Collins Harding, born December 21, 1891

Gladys Marion Harding, born September 13, 1893

Frances Emily Harding, born October 1, 1895. Died at Marystown October 30, 1915

Wm. Berkley Harding, born February 1897, died June 1899

Eleanor Leamon Harding, born August 1, 1901

Wm. Alan Harding, born July 18, 1903, died October 29, 1981 at Toronto


Headstone of William and Mary Harding


Sacred to the Memory of
William Harding
Who died March 6, 1877
Aged 83 Years

Also of Mary his wife
Who departed this life
December 23, 1876
Aged 79 Years and 5 Months
Lovely and Pleasant they were in their lives and
In their death they were not divided.
Beneath this stone together in the dust
We wait the Resurrection of the Just.
Here sleep in death ‘till God shall bid us rise
At the last day and bring us to the skies.
Immortal then, meet for our spirits pure,
Made like our Lord’s, our glory shall endure.
No more to change, now subject to decay,
Through the last cycles of Eternal Day.


Lines to the Memory of the Dear Departed Harriet Wood Harding


“Till Christ shall come to rouse the slumbering dead,
Farewell pale lifeless clay, a long farewell;
Sweet be thy sleep, beneath that green tree’s shade
Where I have laid thee in thy lowly cell.

Adieu, dear Harriet, thou shalt sigh no more.
Thy conflict ended, and thy toils are past,
Thy weary pilgrimage on earth is o’er,
And thou hast reached thy wished for home at last.

Loosed from thy prison earth, I saw thee rise
To realms of Light, beyond these lower skies,
There I beheld thee in thy blest abode,
Mid kindred spirits, near thy father—God.

But me, not destined yet thy bliss to share,
My prime of life in wandering spent and care,
My duty calls to traverse realms alone
And find no spot of all the world, my own.
Wm. Harding

Lines on the Death of Mary Hannah Harding (1860-1861)


An early summons Jesus sends
To call they child above
And whispers one the weeping friends
Tis all the fruit of Love.

To save the darling child from woe,
And save it from all harms,
From all the griefs you feel below,
I call it to my arms.

Oh, do not rashly with me strive
Nor vainly fast nor weep,
Your child, the dead, is still alive,
And only fallen asleep.

Tis on the Saviour’s bosom laid,
And feels no sorrow there,
Tis by a Heavenly parent fed,
And needs no more your care.

To you the child I only lent,
While mortal, it was thine,
But now in robes immortal pent
It lives forever, mine.
Arise and run the Heavenly road
Nor in dumb mourning sit.
Look upward to thy child’s abode
And haste to follow it.
Made on the Death of Mary Hannah Harding, who died June 19, 1861, aged 1 year and 16 days.
By her grandfather, Wm. Harding, and addressed to the parents.



© 2016 Marilyn Collins Pilkington & NL Genweb
Burin District