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[July] 3rd Attended the Revision Comttee of the Burial Society a full number, and good discussion on the constitution of the Society - Important alterations carried -

[July] 4th The Council Meeting, appointed on various Sub-Committees, & in the Evening at the Temple of Friendship Lodge the Mayor present. a pleasant Meeting had great liberty of speech.

[July] 5th At Over Darwen Gas Meeting - Business not very important. - Evening with Mr Holroyd to visit Slaughter Houses.

[July] 6th Saturday a Busy day in the Shop.

[July] 7th Sunday, To the Wesleyan Chapel twice - heard Revd G Harward a very deep and powerful expounder of God's Word. Evening Sermon eminently evangelical eloquent & convincing. Text Come unto me - May God me grace to profit by these discourses, Amen.

The Weather in the first week of July very unsettled with several Thunder Storms - especially on Saturday & Sunday, - The Hay harvest interrupted thereby -

The Comet visible on clear Night, specially the 4th Inst Thursday

July 8th 1861, - paid Sisters £11 - and 13/- Expences - or rather allowance, on account of Jane Share -

	£	s	d
Debts owing by me Sisters	58	0	0
Aunt Callis	20	0	0
Building Club	78	0	0
	156	0	0

​

	£	s	d
Credits New Building	46	0	0
Gas Shares	114	0	0	}worth £140:0:0
Houses	550	0	0	}
Shop Goods &c	600	0	0	}Life Assce £250:0:0
New Gas	15	0	0	}
£	1325	0	0	}
Cotton Compy	30	0	0
£	1,355	0	0	​

July 8th 1861 Died very suddenly Mr Benjamin King, aged 64, just 1 Month after his Wife

BK in his youth was wild and did much abuse his Wife - but I heard that for the last three years he had been steady and remarkably affectionate to his partner, and is said he died in consequence of excessive grief at her death.

July 13th Died Mr Benjamin Brierly, Cotton Manufacturer long an imbecile at Lytham - so doth earthly vigour & wisdom pass away.

[July 14] Sunday - (Wet) - Parish Morning Dr Rushton - Afternoon - St Michael's, Mr Smith, on the happiness of the redeemed - Evening Ogden, Trinity - Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might - This Gent Sermons are not original - This is one of Cooper's Sermons -

[July 15] Monday, (Wet) Afternoon Whittle Springs - Bath

Friday (July 19th) Vestry Meeting to appoint Members of the Burial Board. Rev D Rushton, Mr Beaty & Mr James Parkinson

Died at Accrington, Mr John Walmsley, Manufer Aged 68

[July] 21st Sunday Unexpectedly received a Letter from my Son Richard in Brazils, containing also a Photograph of a Locomotive "The Pequenoisa" - and stating him to be in good health - for which Mercy we all humbly thank God.

At the parish Church Morning - Dr R. The Disobedient Prophet - good sermon - Evening Trinity Dr Robinson - The obligation & blessing of the Christian Sabbath.

A very heavy Thunder Storm in the Evening - which continued about 2 hours. - The Weather exceedingly unsettled.

Augst 7th To Lancaster on Jury - 8th 9th & 10th to Lancaster & Morecambe - Friday the 9th pannelled in the case of Murder at Church, - The verdict was Aggravated Manslaughter - Foreman.

[August] 11th Sunday, at Morecambe, - Church Morning - Afternoon - walked about to Beare &c - This Morecambe is a surprisingly thriving place.

[August] 12th Monday Train to Hornby - thence to Kirby Lonsdale - rather wet home at Night - saw Mr William Crenston, the cousin of my former wife's Mother - Home at Night.

[August] 14th Died Thomas Hart Esq. J.P. an old Friend and neighbour, a very excellent Person.

[August] 18th Sunday P Ch: Revd John Feilden preached an excellent Sermon on behalf of the Church Missy Society, - Evening - Trinity - a Stranger - very earnest but full of iteration, - "No man cared for my soul" A Missionary Sermon - A Stormy day all through.

[August] 17th Saturday S L [South Lancashire] Election,
Turner   9700

[August] 19th Funeral of the late T. Hart, Esq J.P. attended - at St John's Church - There was a good attendance of the personal friends, relatives & some Gentry - with nearly the whole Bench of Magistrates, several Clergy, Mr Skinner, and particularly Mr Pilkington M.P.

The Bn Standard Contained a remission of the Sentence on Marra & Walsh to 7 years.

The Weather cleared up after a long period of Damp on the 27th of Aug - wh: is my Son's Charles 21st Birthday -

[August] 28th Grand Harvest Day.

Seper 15th To Mellor - Weather wild - Sleepy during Sermon could not keep awake.

[September] 14th Tremendous sensation at Preston, where Col. Clifton & Capt Hanham were shot by a private named Patrick Kafferty - They both died.

Sepr Died Mr Robt Ratcliffe, the Uncle of my Cousin Ratcliffe

[September] 28th Fine Day, Artillery Review at Cabin End - good attendance. Dinner to the New Mayor Baynes lost his Wig but kept his seat

[September] 29th St Michael's Day - Went with Mrs Tiplady to Bolton-by-Bolland - Parish Church in the Morning say [sic] an ancient Monument of to the Memory of Sir Ralph Pudsey, also one (modern) to the Memory Anthony Littledale, Sermon by the Rev J Budodon [?] of Clitheroe, subject The Brazen Serpent one of Coopers - well delivered. They sang a Hymn 13 verses long - at this place very common.

[September] 30th Died Mr Henry Shaw, Brewer the father of Hy Shaw. - Councillor.

Oct 2nd Died suddenly Mr Councillor Thomas Eccles of Wensley Fold - Domestic Troubles have brought habits of drinking - He died in a fit

[October] 6th Sunday by Myself Mrs T & Henry at Southport had a pleasant walk to Ribchester, and a nice ride with Mr Openshaw, Bury. To Church Morning & Evening - Dr Robinson - very impressive in the Evening - Day delicious quite as fair as Summer & as warm.

Oct 13th Parish Church Morning -

The Weather from the 13th to the 20th beautifully fine and summer-like - Some days especially beautiful - In fact St Luke's little summer.

[October] 14th Thos Gillibrand Elected for St. Pauls by a majority of 29 over Mr Webster. - He afterwards went to Over Darwen & prospered greatly. A School fellow.

[October] 18th To Blackpool one day. St Luke, at Blackpool gloomy and cold.

[October] 19th At Preston in the Morning - Grand and most plentiful market. Day exceedingly fine.

[October] 20th At Trinity Ch. twice - Sermon by Dugan of Burnley. - very eloquent preacher, singing very good, and attendance overflowing

Nov 1. Annual Election of Councillors - The Conservatives again successful - Nine to Three

St Mary's Ward - retained Dugdale & returned Mr Duckworth - a close Contest

Sunday the 3rd [November] Re-opening of St John, In the Morning Mr Kelly who has wonderfully improved. The Work of Christ - and the work of his Disciples

[November] 14th Thursday, Elected, unanimously W M by 432 - an almost unprecedented honor. - in that Lodge

Nov 9th R. H. Hutchinson, Esq elected Mayor of Blackburn, - Gave £200 to the poor. - £10 to the Artillery Corps - £5 to the Widow & Orphans Fund, &c -

[November] 16th First fall of Snow (heavy) this Winter followed by a keen frost from the North and East

Times fearfully gloomy - Work scarce, - Cotton dear, Money bad to get, - yet the population seem healthy

[November] 14th This Day died a most excellent Lady Mrs Lonsdale, a Great Benefactor to the Poor in her 79th year. Truly the Memory of the Just is Blessed. - She descends to the Grave amid the regret of the whole Town - She was one of the original Committee of the Strangers' Friend Society. Established in 18 Better known as Miss Riley

Nov 24 Frosty followed by Rain and Sleet

[November] 26th Resigned my situation as Trustee to the Weaver's Association

Up to Decr 16th Very Stormy Weather -

Several aged persons died - as Mr Thomas Walsh, Builder, Mr Laurence Hacking, Stone Mason, Mrs Briggs, - Mrs Lucas &c &c

[December] 15th Sunday received the Mournful Intelligence that the beloved Consort of her Majesty, Prince Albert died aged 42 years, - To the great Grief of the whole nation. He died on the 14th

[December] 23rd Monday. This Day was strictly observed as a Day of Mourning throughout the Kingdom on the occasion of the Interment of his late Royal Highness Prince Albert the husband of her Majesty Queen Victoria. There was a large procession of the Authorities & Gentry of the Town consisting of the Mayor & Corporation, the Rifle and Artillery Volunteers, the Clergy, Magistrates, Constables, Fire Brigade, Lamp Lighters, Pensioners, Post Men & a large concourse of Inhabitants - to the Parish Church where, solemn service was performed and a Lesson preached by the Ven. Archdeacon Rushton, D.D.

[December] 25th Fine & Frosty - Mrs Tiplady not well - Went in the afternoon to Whalley.

[December] 27th Festival of St John. Installed B N of the Lodge of Perseverance 432 & Br Thomas Clough P N a very happy tho' not numerous gathering. The Rev George Preston proposed as the Chaplain of the Lodge, - £3.3.0 given to the Poor. -

Jan 20 Great Distress in consequence of the American difficulty - Soup kitchen Established in Cleaver Street and Subscriptions obtained from the Wealthy & others.

Soup Kitchen in full operation 2400 Quarts per Day - Distribution of Meat & Bread to begin Feb. 4 tomorrow.

Short Time almost universal.​

Feb 3 Beautiful Letter from my Son Richard who is in good health, Thank God.

[February] 6th & following days, fine clear Frost.

[February] 10th Delivery of Loaves - 1,100

Soup kitchen - [February] 20 at Accrington & Burnley

[February] 21. Died at the venerable age of fourscore years Mr John Polding, Senr, a worthy, upright and honourable Tradesman of this Town, most deservedly respected, formerly Alderman of the Corporate Body.

[February] 23. - James Parker, Watchman at the Ewood Mill - an old & sincere Member of the Church, - aged 77 Buried at Tockholes. His Brother was living some years ago.

[February] 22nd Buried at Tockholes John Osbaldeston as under.

​

Ash-Wednesday, March 5 - Heavy fall of Snow for the Winter.

The distress of the Operative continues and Relief is afforded to Thousands of unemployed poor. -

Received a Letter from Richard - all Well - thank God.

March 8th Died Thomas Greenwood, 33 Years Clerk at St Paul's Church, aged 76 years - an old worthy Christian disciple - He took an active part in the Establishment of the Operative Conservative Association in 1835 along with the late James Parker, who died about a fortnight since, and was I believe the first President - I succeeded him in 1836.

Sunday [March] 9th Dr Robinson preached at Trinity from these Words in Timothy - For there is one God and one Mediator between God & Men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time. A very lucid & full view of the Gospel truth, very faithfully delivered.

[March] 12th Borrowed £30 of Mr Richard Thompson

Thursday, [March] 13th Annual Meeting of the Over Darwen Gas Company very full attendance - All the Board and Shareholders - numbering in the whole 28 persons. John Walker was elected upon the Board, and Thomas Bertwistle as Auditor. £5 per cent declared for the Year. - Rather unpleasant feeling about last year's Dividend - but made all right.

Died Mrs Lonsdale an eminently pious and benevolent Lady - The founder of the Strangers Friendly Society see before

15th March Died Mrs King aged 86 years, a Person of Infidel principles all her life.

Sent 25/6 to Waterford, Ireland, - acknowledged

18th March visited Preston & saw William - an exceedingly cold week with snow on the 23rd & 24th. Both Mrs T & self got cold. -

April 12th Saturday, A Storm of Snow. Rifles went to Preston

Easter Day, 20th fine - but showery - Morning at the parish Church. - Mr Oates - Joseph of Arithmea, - Evening Ogden - The place where Jesus lay -

April 4th Election at Preston - Sir Thomas G. Hesketh beat Mr Melly by a heavy majority - 570

[April] 22nd Easter Tuesday - Report of a Robbery at E Wharton. £100 of postage stamps -

[April] 21. Easter Monday, I wrote a Letter to the "Times" which appeared in the 23rd and caused me to receive a large amount of Subscriptions to the Relief Fund

​

May 29. Lent M W 8£ to go to Aa [America] from the relief fund at my disposal - Gave her the 10/- also on the 13th June, £1.0.0

600 Men employed in levelling Shorrock Delph -

The Month of May last past has been in the Memory of all one of the finest growing Seasons ever remembered in the North of England - frequent days of rain - alternate sunshine and at times bracing winds - Vegetation in consequence has progressed marvelously [sic] - Trees in full bloom and leaf - potatoes forward - Garden Stuff of all kind rich, luxurious and plentiful - One heavy thunder storm on Wednesday the inst.

1st June (Sunday) Most Glorious day - fine & sunny with light airs of summer all day. -

Rheumatic all week -

[June] 5th Attended the P. G. Meeting at Todmorden - The New Hall was opened in solemn Form - & consecrated to Mercury. - After this a Procession and Banquet. a very large Number of Brethren present - but the Manchester Bn [Brethren] dissatisfied because Bradley was not a Deputation to London.

[June] 9th Whitmonday, very showery, but calm and not cold - the 7th & 8th very stormy days with some hail.

[June 10] Whit Tuesday - Alderman Robt Railton, died, aged 48 years - Review at Pleasington.

Borrowed, thro' Necessity of John D. £20.

A time of deep anxiety and privation - Great Distress among the poor and the unemployed. - Soup, Bread and Meal delivered three days per week to a large body of the necessitous - amounting to nearly £200 per week.

May 10th James Ford repaid £8 to the Green Bank Lodge, and James Watt took the same to the Bank. -

The Weather Grand - glorious, sunny & fruitful for 2 days only - then change to wet.

The 23rd June - Anniversary of my Birthday - A reflection thereon. I am now 54 years of Age, - and was led seriously to consider how swift I am hastening to that World where the wicked cease from troubling and the Weary are at rest. - Upon retrospection of God's mercies to me - they are innumerable - but my deserts are overwhelming. - It is true I have seen many good rich & prosperous, - many who lift there [sic] heads on high, and seem to have forgotten the days of their low estate but I remain in my situation of labour - and to me it appears just & right, - for perhaps greater prosperity had denied me. It is now 18 years since the death of my Brother, at which time I owed to Mother for the Stock £380, and £60 for private matter then there was my Brother's Widow £200 for half of the Stock - for which I paid proper Interest - I have since then thro the kind Providence of God reared, educated and seen to business 4 sons viz

Thomas, at Liverpool, himself married - & with a prospect of doing well, - aged 28 £2.2.0

Charles, now managing under much difficulty - a Spinning concern, - Co-operative - aged 21 - £100 per

William, now with Mr Ratcliffe, of Liverpool, Stationer 27 shillings per week - Aged 20.

Richard, in the Brazils, from whom on the second of this month we had encouraging intelligence - Considering the trials of this Lad & his early youth - I am constrained to say How manifold are thy mercies Oh God, - Aged 19.

Fanny, just returned from School, and training for Governess, aged 15, - a good Girl & loving

Henry, my poor little fellow, full of spirit but feeble in body aged 13. -

Esther my youngest child, who from School, full of Life, and light as an Antelope, with fine intelligence & full of affection.

[June] 23rd Fine Day - Went down to Ribchester with Wife and Mr & Mrs Henry Duckworth, - and had tea.

[June] 26th Died, much respected aged 68, my old acquaintance and Friend Anthony Yates of Lower Darwen. Godfather to Son Thomas

July 3rd Died John Sharples, Confectioner - very suddenly.

Council Meeting - Renewal of Gas Contract for one years, - 13/5 per 1000 hours, or 3/7 per 1000 feet. A long discussion. -

July 5 Died Mr Daniel Mills, Councillor of this Town. - aged 45 years. - I fear his life was shortened by taking too much Liquor -

[July] 16th Died, to the great regret of her Husband and Friends Mrs Rd Greenwood, aged 42 years -

[July] 17th News of McEllans Defeat, - in America.

August 4th My Wife took Fanny and Essy to School at Grantham in Lincolnshire Fanny as assistant.

[August] 6th Fanny 16 years old this day. - in good health -

George Jackson died - Tallow Chandler then Cotton Spinner

July 29. Insured my Life with the Eagle Insurance Company for an additional £300 annual Premium £16.12.9.

The Distress in the Town remains about stationery [sic]. Mrs Potter is exerting herself with a view to get unemployed Women as domestic Servants.

Aug 2nd Died James Dewhurst, aged 55. An old school fellow, and a worthy man -

Same Day John Slater Proprietor of the Belle Vue Gardens, - aged 32. This speculation turned out very ruinous in the end, - and no doubt shortened his life

Aug 23rd The mortal remains of Capt E. Sheppard LR adjutant were conveyed to the Cemetery with all military honours by the 5th L A R C & the R Corps of this Town - The day was very fine, & the streets were lined with large multitudes of spectators; -

Aug. - The Mayor having invited me to accompany him to review some Machinery in Westmoreland, and to go forward for a day or two to the Lakes. - I started per Rail from Blackburn at 8.10 Monday, Aug 18. 1862, taking a Trip Ticket value 8/- and proceeded via Preston up to Windermere where I arrived at 12.30. - I made arrangements to Board at Windermere Hotel (R. Rigg) - and slept at Mrs Taylor's private lodgings. - The Hotel is a first rate place but only suitable for parties with plenty of money and accustomed to high life - but the Landlord is a very homely yet gentlemanly Man. - As Mr Hutchinson did not join me until the Evening, I walked from the Hotel down to the Lake at Bowness, and was fortunate to meet with the Steamer just going up the Lake, - I took a return ticket (1/-) and the Afternoon proving very fine had a pleasant sail, and a good view of the romantic scenery, - We landed at about 2 pm at Ambleside, which I had visited before but the Town appeared much changed and enlarged - There are two Churches the new one, a very handsome fabric, with lofty spire - learnt (afterwards) that the Rev H Marlen, formerly of St. John's was the Incumbent, but was then under suspension for misconduct. - I saw the Rev Gent twice after words with His Wife, Cousin of the Mayor - Having taking a stroll for an hour, - I sailed down the Lake to Bowness, - inspected by permission of the Gardener the most[?] Mansion of Frank Crossley, Esq. M.P. at Bowness, and the pleasure of a walk through the Gardens & Grounds. Thence I walked to Windermere and after a tedious delay of the Train of 1-10 there - was joined by the Mayor with whom I took Tea - and after a little conversation retired to my Lodgings –

[August] 19th Rose at 6. - and went with the Mayor to the lofty hill behind the Hotel, from whence there is an excellent view of the whole Lake District near to Windermere, - thence to Breakfast with good appetite, - Took Trap to Ambleside delightful ride of 41/2 Miles, - called upon Mr & Mrs Marlen who both accompanied us to Grasmere & Rydal Water - Met the Revd J Kelly wife & friend - The walk was through a rich country, diversified with scenery beautiful, romantic & grand - Took Coach (4 Horse) to Keswick, wh: we reached at 1/2 past 1. - called upon Mr Wm Guy, the pencil Manufacturer, who gave us a right hearty welcome and exhibited to us the process of Pencil making from the "Plumbago" - The whole process from the cutting of the Cedar, to the smelting of the Ore to the completeness of the pencil was highly interesting and pleased Mr H & myself in no small degree - Adjourned to the Hotel for refreshments, had a Glass of Wine with Mr Guy. - Had very little time to look at the Derwentwater Lake, as it just then began to rain, -so hastened back to the Coach and took the inside fare to Windermere, - The rain continued all the way and of course prevented us from viewing the wonderful beauties of this District - Arrived at Windermere at 7 1/2 - After Tea rode down to Bowness, thence to the Royal Hotel - visited the Billiard Room - curiously decorated with trophies of the hunting field & sports generally - At home & to bed at 10-15. Tired, slept better than on the first Night. Mrs Taylor - a very quiet respectable person - Bed excellent and clean - Room airy & pleasant for an attic.

The Mayor, this Morning, Breakfast ended and after a nice little stroll to the College, Church and the village generally, took Train for Burton & Holme to view some Flax Works (lately burnt down), and to examine some Machinery suitable for flax spinning & Manufacture. This occupied our time until 11-30 a.m. - After a minute[?] and careful survey, we had a pleasant walk by the Canal side for about 2 Miles, on the road to the Carnforth Station which we reached at about 1-30. The day was oppressively hot and close - and I perspired violently - tho' without any bad consequences - At this Station the Mayor left me for Manchester. - I being minded[?] to have a longer stay returned back to the Town of Kendal and perambulated the place for several hours - the heat having subsided I marched up the Hill side to the remains of Kendal Castle - from which there is a good view of the surrounding country - The Hills around Kendal are a very respectable Elevation - such as our Revidge or Billinge - but not partake of the grandeur or sublimity of the Lake District - The Town seemed quiet enough, tho I heard the operations are in full work - The Ken is a broad and clear  - but not deep River, - Upon its banks I observed numerous Peltries, Tanneries & Workshops - I also visited a Weaver's Shop and saw a Linsey-Wolsey Petticoat part Woven - There is a peculiarity about the River which I did not notice elsewhere - After passing the noble Bridge - it divides into Two Streams - that to the left winds round by Castle Street & Castle Hill - the other which indeed is the larger portions flows close to the Town and is much used for business purposes - I noticed that that the Island formed by this Division was well occupied by the Inhabitants as Clothes Drying Ground and was filled with them at the time I visited it - There is a very peculiar, and at first to a Stranger an unaccountable mode of naming the Courts or Alleys Instead of as at Liverpool - giving each place a Name they are simply Numbered Yard No 1 - & so on up to yard no 130 or more - These yards - are passages of about a quarter of a Mile in length - in most cases there are Houses on both sides - In other being very narrow they are occupied only upon one side - They lead principally from the Main Streets down to the bank of the River - Many of them are beautifully planted - with flowers and other vegetables, and all appeared to me to be neat & clean - I left Kendal for Windermere at 7-45 and arrived well pleased with my day's excursion. Note - A reed maker's apprentice assayed to shave me - but having no faith in this nobstick kind of barbering - I allowed him to prepare a Razor - and shaved myself - He was awfully surprised at the swiftness of the operation - and Said he was sure I came from Bolton or Manchester - I lunched at a Coffee House, where a Duck - in bloody pen and but villainously cooked was placed on the Table - however I made a fair Tea for 1/3d.

[August] 21. Thursday - Rose at 6, rain - which continued up to 10 a.m. After a pleasant walk on the Ambleside road and Patterdale Road, - Overtaken by the Coach, which I took and so on to Ulleswater. Met with some pleasant Companions on the journey - The day turned out most lovely and fair - The length of the journey about 14 miles over a most bold & mountainous road, - passed the Kirk stone where there is the highest inhabited house in England - this a licenced Beerhouse, kept by a person called Thompson, - We arrived at the Hotel at about 1/2 past 1 and took Steamer up the Lake, - a most delicious sail - Thence walked to Pooley Bridge & called at the Inn for refreshments, - At the Bridge was recognised by three Itinerant Glaziers from Blackburn in search of Employment. - I relieved them - After a stay of one hour - we took Steamer up the Lake to Patterdale, the Scenery was truly majestic - & fully realised the couplets of Pope.

Hills peep o'er hills - and Alps on Alps arise.

Helvellyn was remarkably clear, - and one Gent of the party ascended at a labour of 3-20 mins. - We returned by Coach having to walk about 2 miles of the ascending Road - The steep path downwards caused in us sometimes a timid sensation fearing the Coach might be upset but the Driver and Guard were experienced - To lifes [?] on the road - Arrived at Windermere about 7 o'clock - got Tea and retired early to Bed.

22nd Friday, Took Rails home

Sepr 1st Fine, but Dull - Immense Excitement The Preston Guild - See Programme.

[September] 7th The Great Guild Festival is gone - and ranks now with the things that have been. Upon the whole it may have been considered highly successful - though on the Wednesday and Thursday the continued Rain spoiled the Agricultural Show, and the Great Trade Procession - On Tuesday, the foundation Stone of the Town Hall was laid with great State & Masonic Ceremony, - The Mayor, Sir T G Hesketh, & a large Body of Freemasons assembled, - The day was fine - The Earl of Derby also was present & many other Gentlemen R T Parker was the Mayor officiated. On Friday the very interesting gathering of the School Children took place in the Park. Weather fair but cold wind, Mrs T & self there. Walked with the Masons in the Procession, our Mayor R H Hutchison & many Bn Masons were present.

Sep. 18th & 19th Two Days at Blackpool. - Magnificent Weather - cloudless days, & warm - The most splendid harvest time ever remembered.

Oct 25th, Saturday, Mr John Withers destroyed himself by hanging he was always a cheerful Man aged 42. I was on this Jury - Verdict Insanity - so ends Happy Jack

Novr 3rd Mr Doctor W. Forrest, died, - aged 52

Novr 6th Disgraceful Riots in Blackburn - a deal of Windows broken, - Military sent for. - This was a Game Riot - belonging Butler Bowdon of Pleasington Laverty Chief Con. blamed & discharged

[November] 10th J B S Sturdy - Mayor, -

[November] 16th (The Mayor) attended the Mayor to the Church accompanied by the Volunteer Corp both Artillery & Rifle - Most excellent Sermon at the Parish Church - & very large Congregation.

Nov 20 Died William Yates, Iron founder aged 43 the son of Mr Yates Senior & origin of the Firm Also old John Starkie, a worthy old Man aged 70 Years - He was uncle to my Wife by Marriage & the father of 25 children.

Nov 30 The Rev D Robinson improved their deaths in a powerful and pathetic Sermon from the Words 'The sting of death is sin & the strength of sin is the Law'.

[December] 4th Installation of Mr Heath - Thankful to be liberated from the heavy duty of the Lodge, Gift of £10.10.0 to the Poor.

Dec 3 - Died much regretted the young and talented Dr James Sheppard, after just completing his professional Studies as M.D. which high & distinguished position he obtained only a few days since in London

[December] 4th Died Mr Richard Johnson, late Sprit Merchant and afterwards Common Brewer

[December] 18th The children - Fanny & Essie returned from the School at Grantham, in good health -

[December] 19th Memorable for the circumstance that thro the Blessing of God, the Property in Mount Street was paid off £33.12.0 less Income Tax - also Little Essy's birthday aged 12 years. -

A Day's Work - rose at 7.30 - Prayed & Washed - Down to Shop at 8 a.m. - put Work into order, thence at 9.30 to inspect fixing up Lamp at the New Post Office - thence to Shop - Work - until 11 - thence to the Soup Kitchen, assisted in the delivery of Meal & Flour for St Mary's Ward until 12-30 - To the Shop again 1 pm shaved & ran up to J Eatough's to swallow a crust of Bread & cheese, and a Glass of Port Wine - In the Shop until 2 pm thence to the General Purpose Committee presided as Chairman - Left there at 2-30 & visited with Mr Dean the Clothing Store in Back Lane. At 3 pm attended Meeting of Chairmen & Vice do [ditto] of the Six Wards on the new Scale of Relief - This occupied until 5 pm. - ran down to the Shop for a Cup of Tea, - and remained until 6 pm. - Thence to the Watch Committee to hear the report of the Sub Committee on the conduct of the Chief Constable at the late Riots - very strong Meeting terminated at 7 pm - Thence to the Sanitary Committee - passed Accounts selected Contracts for the 6 months' provender - & concluded at 8 - Thence to the Relief Committee but did not stop - Went to Mullineau [?] and got treated to a score of Oysters, - Thence to the Lodge where I audibly [?] read the Leader on Bright - A glass of Whiskey & to home at 11 pm - Examined Proof Sheet, chattered 10 Minutes with Mrs T. & so to Bed​​

1862.pdf

1862 pdf includes the text above and footnotes by David Hughes​​​​​

Feb. 16th Monday After a succession of very heavy storms of Wind prevailing throughout the month of January, we are now favored with fine, calm, clear & frosty Weather - in fact cloudless for some days

Died Feb 25th 1863 - Old Mr Astley of the Dutton Brewery at Blackpool - This is incorrect. It was his son John at Clitheroe who committed Suicide by hanging - Old Mr. A. continued at Blackpool several years & there died above fourscore years old.

March 10th 1863. Grand Demonstration on the occasion of the Marriage of HRH the Prince of Wales, and the Princess of Wales, -

1st A Procession about four miles long,

2nd The planting of Two Oaks,

3rd The Laying foundation Stone of New Exchange,

4th The Illumination, - very good,

5th The Fireworks, - poor, expensive & miserable

6th A Monster Bonfire, on Revidge - under the able management of Henry Duckworth.

In the Evening Banquet &c. in which I got more liquor than I ought to have done.

Good Friday, April 3rd This day departed this Life our excellent and respected Treasurer, Jas Parkinson Esqre after a very short illness. He was interred at Accrington on the 9th - Aged 49 years, - The Relief Committee, and many Gentleman assembled on the morning of the Funeral & escorted the same on the way to Accrington.

1863

March 19th Messrs R H Hutchinson, John Proctor, James Thompson & Joseph Callis, were duly initiated in the first Degree of Masonry. - Two of the first proceeded to P.M. Thompson resigned.

This is a year since I wrote my Letter to the Times and received so large a sum of Money - Though things are somewhat better, there is much distress existing. - I have had many trials - and hence alas fallen into many sins thro heavy temptations. There is no help but in God thro Jesus Christ our Lord - whose blood alone cleanseth from all sin. My Mercies during the year have been great - what has been my return to God. - deep ingratitude and imperfect services, - "O Lord, correct me but with judgment, not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing"

April 21 Died James Hadfield, Grocer, aged 76 years, and old & respectable Tradesman for many years.

April 25. This day Duncan McPhail and George Woods were executed at Kirkdale jail Liverpool, for the wilful Murder of Anne Walne of Ribchester on the 11th of Nov 1862. - Dan Carr had died in Prison, on the first Morning of the Trial Ben Hartley turned approver, and was acquitted - There was immense excitement existed with regard to the Trial and efforts were made to obtain a commutation of the Sentence.

[April] 26th Died Mr Sedgwick, Schoolmaster, aged ___ a worthy & most respectable Man, - and very useful in his day & generation -

All flesh is grass, - the grass withereth & the flower fadeth - but the word of the Lord standeth fast forever.

.​[May] 9th David Thornber left.
May The following persons died in the course of about 10 or 12 days​

May 24th Whit Sunday - Weather cold and dry - E.W. [Easterly Wind] Went with Mrs Tiplady to visit Misses Callis of Bolton - painful foot - At Bolton Church in the Morning - No Sermon - Hymns very long.

On the following day rode to Slaidburn My first visit - The Club day - Procession to Church - visited Dunnow the residence of Leo Wilkinson Esqre - spent a very pleasant day & returned home to Bn. at 8 o'clock pm - This Day there was a Grand Review at Bn. - All things went off well.

June 22nd. Meeting of the Mechanics Institution rather strong discussion on the appointment of the Officer - Good Speech from Mr Woodhouse, - Mr Sturdy in the Chair, - Baynes, Hutchinson, Livesey, Thompson, Booth, Proctor, Tiplady, Gourlay and other spoke - All concluded peaceably.

A heavy fall of rain in June about the 15 & 16th Days. The river much swollen.

[June] 23rd 55th Birthday - very fine Morning - In good health and all the family. Thank God. Down to Ribchester with Wife & two Daughters delicious day & very fine visit - Bad in my Water, & obstruction from Stone

[June] 25 Was probed for the stone - very painful - Will have to be cut - passed a Stone afterwards

[June] 26 paid Dr Rushton £31.17.8 for the Societys Books.

July 2nd. Notice of Action delivered in Laverty's Case Damages £2000 - always some bother.

[July] 6th Glorious fine July - Was favored with a Letter from Richard after a months delay. - In good health but cannot come home this year.

Jan 1st 1864 - The year commenced with a clear bright frost which lasted for Eight Days without rain or snow.

Thaw on the 10th [January] very mild - frost resumed 12th.

James Sagar Died - also Joseph Martland formerly Apprentice to W.H. Hornby - Both I am sorry to observe by habits of Intemperance - God grant us grace to restrain - 7th [January].

Took £20 to the Saving's Bank belonging St John's Female Friendly Society -

Feb 4th Letter from Son Richard, who intends coming home, in May this year, - health pretty good - a Salary of £300.0.0 per annum

[February] 7th Sunday, Richard's 21st Birthday, - We held a quiet festival in honour of the Event and thanked God for all his gracious dealings with him and us. - My Wife recovered from severe attack of Bronchitis.

[February] 9th The ever memorable day when I narrowly escaped death, but was mercifully preserved -

Hard frost from the 3rd Inst - Reservoir for the second time - clear & bright with little snow.

The most remarkable thing about this Winter's frost is that they occurred during the dark "Moon"

[February] 12th Storm of Wind, Snow, Rain & Sleet - very cold.

Meeting of Water Works Co. Row with the Bury Shareholders about the creation of new shares.

Also this Day the following Memorandum -

I agree to sell to Mr William Stones, the three Houses in Mount Street, with all the Gas & other Fixtures therein, (Metres excluded) and to give possession of the same on the 12th day of May next for the sum of Seven Hundred Pounds, which sum has to be paid on the execution of a Conveyance.

As witness my hand the day above written

I agree to purchase on the terms above mentioned

March 10th 1864 The Annual Meeting of the O D Gas Company - a pleasant day with the Directors. Six per cent declared.