For space considerations, the version of James Fretwell's Diary that follows does not include the editorial footnote annotations inserted in the original transcript at some later stage. Nor, due to the frequency of references to James's immediate family, are these relatives included in the cross referenced table of people cited in the Diary.

I would welcome any comments or queries relating to the Diary, and, of course any information that might add to what is currently known about the Fretwells and Woodhouses. I am only an email away!

Diary Citations

One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth forever.
Eccles. i. 4.

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the sun.
Eccles. i. 9.

There is no remembrance of former things; neither will there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
Eccles. i. 11.

For who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
Eccles. vi. 12.

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Eccles. ix. 10.

TO POSTERITY

The knowledge of letters is certainly one of the greatest blessings that ever God bestowed on mortals; their uses are innumerable; they ease our memories, by committing to writing what would otherwise have been burdensome to retain, or else have been totally forgot. By this means our predecessors have transmitted to us their various exploits and transactions, and we hand them done, together with our own, to future generations. Thus also we have accounts of what is done in the remotest parts of the world; and they again the same from us. Thus excellent men by their writings, in all faculties and sciences, enjoy a sort of immortality upon earth, by having their memories honoured by succeeding generations who never saw their faces in the flesh.

But the greatest blessing of all that has by this means been transmitted to us, is in the revelation of God’s will to us in the Ho1y Scriptures; wherein is contained all that we need to know, or to do, in this life, in order to be for ever happy in the next. For had not the Apostles committed their doctrine to writing, how short and uncertain an account should we have had of it; then there would have been large room for introducing oral traditions at pleasure.

And we, who live in these latter ages, have still greater reason of thankfulness to Almighty God for the great improvement of the use of letters, by the wonderful and almost miraculous invention of the art of printing; which is now come to so great perfection, and has already done so much good in the world. Not that I am insensible, on the other hand, of the mischief done by immoral, atheistical, and heretical books, &c. But I hope the many great benefits of the press, in promoting of all kind of usefull knowledge, both human and divine, do abundantly outweigh its inconveniences; especially if we consider one of the first and greatest services it did in promoting that great and glorious work of the Reformation.

Several good men have been careful to publish to the world an account of the lives of such men who have been eminently serviceable in their day and station, and whose lives have been exemplarily pious; and I doubt not but much good has been done by this means, and that many others have been thereby provoked to follow ‘em in love and good works.

I think ‘tis something strange that now, since writing has been for some ages so common, so few should have any tollerable knowledge of their ancestors; their knowledge seldom extending beyond their grandfathers. I am of opinion ‘twould have been acceptable to their posterity to have had an account of the families from which they were descended, altho’ they were not any ways illustrious, but meerly to satisfie their curiosity in knowing through whose loyns they have descended, and into what families they have been planted and transplanted; and a few sheets of paper would have satisfied us, as to the birth, education, profession, alliances, places of abode, and deaths, of our forefathers, for several generations. And tho’ the account they had given us of these things had been very concise, yet I'm perswaded we might in several instances have observed a wonderful and beautiful variety of Divine Providence in overruling and disposing of their several personal and family circumstances and concerns.

My design, therefore, in these papers, is to give a brief account of the present circumstances of myself and my father’s house, which is designed as a bequest to posterity; which, I need not tell you, is at your own disposal, and now they are come to your hands, and will be of more service to me. But if you think fit to preserve them, and thereto annex an account of such things worthy of note as shall happen to you, in the day of your pilgrimage, is what I could rather wish, and had some hopes of in my first undertaking; and by this means succeeding generations will have a more tollerable account of what happened to or was done by us their predecessors, than ‘tis possible for ‘em to have by vulgar traditional reports, which many young persons have take pleasure in hearing from very antient people; and a poor slight paper, if preserved with care, will soon be more ancient than the oldest man of the age; for all care in the world, and all the arts in the world, cannot preserve human nature to equal the duration of the thinnest glass or finest paper preserved with the like care.

My present purpose is to carry on this work according to the abilities with which God has blessed me, so long as it shall please God to enable me; and I heartily desire that the next relation of mine who shall put his pen to this work (if ever any do), may be better qualified for carrying it on than I have been, and for making such reflections and observations as may be usefull to those who shall come after him; and may his successor as far exceed him in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; so shall this poor piece, as it passes from hand to hand, be the more usefull, and consequently the more valuable.

I shall not be so exact in methodizing every part as if it were designed for public view; and therefore after I have brought it down to the close of the year 1718, shall by help of my diary, which I then begun, enter everything according to the order of time in which it happened.

I am conscious of my own defects, and therefore what you find here I desire you will not communicate to any except near and dear friends, who may perhaps bear with me, not looking so much at the poor performance, as at my sincere endeavours of pleasing and profiting posterity, which is and shall be the sincere desire of your loving relation, and affectionate friend, whilst known by the name of

JAMES FRETWELL
Jan. 12th I738-9

A FAMILY HISTORY

Chapter I

There has but little come to my knowledge concerning my ancestors; what I have heard or known I will faith fully relate.

My great-grandfather, who is the first of whom I have heard any mention made, was called Richard Fretwell an honest plain man, and (if I mistake not) he was by profession a carpenter, living at Maltbey. He had two sons, called James and William, but whether any more children I know not.

My grandfather was called James. He was a plain, honest, good man, well beloved by his acquaintance, educated a carpenter; but his chief business was buying and selling timber. He lived at Maltbey. His wife was of an antient family called Beard. Her name was Mary; she was a good woman, and a prudent wife. She had many children, but several of them died young, tho’ not in infancy. One I remember, called John, who died February 18th 1708-9 in the 26th year of his age. There was another, called William, who (I find) dyed the 23rd of Sept. 1700, and in the 22nd year of his age. I have heard that my grandmother mourned very much for his death, which, ‘twas thought, was a means of hastening her own, which happened the first day of November following. There was more of my grandfather’s children who dyed young, of whom I have no account.

My grandfather survived my grandmother many years; he continued at Maltbey with his youngest son called Richard; but, after his daughter Mary was left a widow, I think she prevailed with him to go to live with her. He had left of all business for many years, and lived very privately, spending his time very innocently, and great part of it in making preparation for his great change, which happened on Thursday, Sept 4th 1718, betwixt 5 and 6 a clock in the morning. He was taken ill but the morning before; but tho’ he was taken out of this world after a very short summons, I hope he was not unprepared for it. Hereby we may see how necessary ‘tis to be always ready, for we know not at what hour our Lord will come to any of us in particular by death.

His eldest daughter, called Elizabeth, was married to one John Bower, of Wickersley, a very honest man, and by trade a carpenter, very ingenious in his profession. By him she had two sons and one daughter; the eldest son, called John, is living; has a wife and several children, living at Wickersley, and practicing his father’s business, in which he is eminent, and has a fair character. His sister, called Sarah, was a pretty young woman; she dyed many years ago at the Rev. Mr. Holmes’s at Hatfield. His brother was called Benjamin. He was bound (I think) apprentice to cousin Stephen Husband, of Tickhill, who was a tanner. He dyed about February 1718-9.

His younger daughter, called Mary, was born Nov. 28th, 1676, and baptised the 26th of Dec. 1676. She was married (I think) when about 19 years of age, to one John Wasteneys, a relation, and who had been brought up with my grandfather: a very honest man but destroyed his constitution by his intemperance. He was not an unkind husband, but I think my aunt’s meek and pacifick temper contributed not a little toward it, for he was of a passionate, hot temper. They lived together about 20 years, and had several children, of whom more hereafter. Only I shall add here, because I shall not meet with it in my Diary, that they buried a daughter called Sarah, many years before the death of my uncle, and when I was at Stainton school. I forgot also to mention that they lived at Maltbey.

His youngest son, called Richard, was born February 26th, 1684; he also lives at Maltbey. He married Ruth, the daughter of Mr. Matthew Purslove, late of the Grange, near Maltbey, by whom he has several children. He is a sober, good man, and keeps an orderly family, training up his children in the fear of the Lord. He lives upon a, small estate of his own there, pleasantly and healthfully situated; his chief business is buying and selling horses, in which he is very skilful and successful; and which, notwithstanding the general ill-repute that business lies under, he performs with an unblemished character. And, indeed, I think he is as cautious of his words as any man I ever knew; so that I doubt not but his word, amongst such as know him, will go farther and have more credit than an hundred oaths of some others will do; and then of what service are they? ‘I have often thought that God hath in great wisdom hid from men of false and dishonest minds the wonderful advantages of truth and integrity, to the prosperity even of our worldly affairs; these men are so blinded by their covetousnesss and ambition, that they cannot look beyond a present advantage, nor forbear to seize upon it, tho’ by ways never so indirect: they cannot see so far as to the remote consequences of a steady integrity, and the vast benefit and advantages which it will bring a man at last. Were but this sort of men wise and clear-sighted enough to discern this they would be honest out of very knavery, not out of any love to honesty and virtue, but with a crafty design to promote and advance more effectually their own interests; and therefore the justice of the Divine Providence hath hid this truest point of wisdom from their eyes, that bad men might not be upon equal terms with the just and upright, and serve their own wicked designs by honest and lawful means.’ (Thus far the great Bishop Tillotson, in his sermon upon John i. 47, being the last he preached; which was the 29th of July 1694).

My father, who is called James, was his father’s eldest son (tho’ I speak of him last). He was born at Maltbey, but he is not certain as to the time: he was about two years younger than his sister Elizabeth, and that he was 64 years of age about the middle of November last, which was anno 1738; and, if so, he was born in the year 1674, but I am told the church register of so many years standing is lost, so that I know not how I can come at the knowledge of his age. He had his education at Laughton-le-Morthen, under the celebrated Mr. Brummet (or rather, as I suppose, his name might be Broomhead. After he had learn’d so far as my grandfather thought was needful, he put him to his own business. How long he tarried with him I know not, but after some time he came to his uncle William Fretwell, of whom I made mention chap. 1st, and continued with him as long as he lived; and has since resided all his time in the same village.

William Fretwell, brother to my grandfather, married a widdow in this little village of Thorp-in-Balne; her name was Jennings. I think he had only one child by her, which was a boy, and dyed young. He bought the ground where my father built an house in the year 1696, in which he has spent the greatest part of his time. He dyed before his wife (viz. in the year 1695). I think my grandfather was administrator, but he let his sister-in-law do (in great measure) what she pleased for he was of a very easy good temper, and always expected that she would leave what she had to him or his family, at her death; but herein he was mistaken, for she married again to one Mr. William Rodwell, a flattering, dissembling old fellow, who (I suppose) made his fortune by marrying of many wives. He was a man of great policy, and much feared by his neighbours. He outlived her many years, and, I think, married another, which lived with him but a few weeks. His only son (now living) is vicar of Arksey.

When his wife (who was my father’s aunt) lay on her death-bed, my mother being with her, she said, ‘Cousin, I have a design to leave my godson something’; and thereupon, calling her husband, bid him to fetch her such a bond; he returns, pretending he could not find it; whereat she was angry, saying he knew where to find anything she had (or words to that effect); so the old fox going again brought it to her, which she delivered to my mother, saying, ‘Here cousin, take this, and let it be given to my godson’ (meaning myself). My mother brought it home, but, upon showing it to my father, he perceived a flaw in it; how it was I know not, but it was not made according to his wife’s expectation; perhaps it might be of his own drawing, for he was often employed about such things; and she having so good an opinion of him, and marrying him in such hast, I’m the rather inclined to believe it was so. However, the next day (I think) my mother visited the old woman again, and told her of the mistake. ‘Well,’ said she, ‘if it is not right, it shall be made right; but, however (continued she), you have an honest man upon your hands to deal with, and never fear but he will do you justice;’ and in a short time after she dyed. But the honest man never would pay it, nor one farthing towards it; so I lost the only legacy I ever had bequeathed me. He outlived his wife several years, and was a very indifferent neighbour to my father, who was then but young, and just entering upon the world. He died in the Levels, where he had lived some years with his son William (a man of good character, and well beloved), about the beginning of January 1718-9. I did not hear that there was so great lamentation for him as was for his predecessor William Fretwell, for whom (as we heard) was the greatest cry that ever was remembered to have gone up Stableyard, for he was universally beloved, and especially by his workmen, of whom he had many, and to whom he was a kind master. But to return to my subject; if the attendants and spectators were not over come with too much sorrow, the preacher was not to be blamed for putting them in mind of their loss of so good a man; for he was thought to launch out too much by far in his commendation, is if he had been the Phoenix of the age. We heard my father often speak of it as a piece of bare-faced flattery as he never heard the like. The preacher was Mr. Dujon, of Doncaster, who preached his funeral sermon the same day be was buried at Thorn. This old man had had four wives (if not more), but was buried with none of them.

Upon the death of his uncle, my father fell into his business of dealing in timber, which he has ever since followed (but not so largely of late years as what he did formerly); and when he had got his house built, thought ‘twas proper to look out for a house-keeper, and an excellent one he got, one who took delight in keeping at home. Her name was Mary; she was the second daughter of John Woodhouse, late of Norton; but before I speak any more of her, will give a brief account of some of her ancestors.

Chapter II

Some Account of my Mother’s Family

Her father was of an antient family at Norton, in the parish of Campsul. He was the son of William, the son of Roger Woodhouse, of Norton; his name was John. I’ve been told that he had some relations at Barmby Dun, called Brewsters, with whom he was some time when a boy, and that he went to Sandal school, which I think was in the time of the civil wars. He lived at Norton when grown up, and married Hannah, the daughter of . . Doughty, of Foster Houses, with whom he had a handsome fortune, besides several good benefactions, especially by the death of her uncle, William Doughty, who died in York Castle. He was sent there upon account of his nonconformity, he being one of the people called quakers. He lived on Balne Moorside, and was accounted very rich; but, upon embracing Quakerism, grew very whimsical, to the no small loss (I’m perswaded) of his family. I think he made him his sole heir, tho’ he had nephews of his own, because he attended him so constantly, and especially in that busy time of harvest. He left him also all his household goods, which were considerable, but now out of fashion; and therefore I’ve been told that Mrs. Moore (of whom more afterward) sold a horse-load of brass at one time, besides smaller matters, out of the house. Indeed, it was deck’d like a brazier’s shop; I think I never see the like in any countryman’s house. She sold several beds, &c., which her predecessor, my grandfather’s second wife, would not dispose of to any, no not to her own child (I believe), but rested her old bones upon three feather beds at the same time, as I’ve been told. He was buried (as I've heard) in a garden nigh the castle.

The following story I had from an old man at Norton, called George Middleton, and can say nothing in its confirmation, but leave it to the prudence of the reader to believe or reject as to him shall seem good.

Upon this old man being taken prisoner, they told him he must prepare to go to York, which he did; but desired they would favour him so far as to let him go through Womersley, which was something out of their way. However, they condescended to let him go thither: so being come thither, he called of several poor men who were indebted to him, and gave them in their securities; ‘for,’ said he, ‘there shall nobody trouble you when I am gone.’

My grandmother bore her husband three daughters, but dyed whilst they were very young. She was a very good woman, and her death an inestimable loss to the family.

Hannah, who was the eldest, was born on Sunday, June y^e2^nd 1672, and baptized the 28^th of the same month. Mary (who was my dear mother) was born on Tuesday, the 30^th day of March, and baptized on Saturday, the 3^rd day of April 1675. Elizabeth (the youngest daughter) was born on Friday, the 14^th of December 1677, and baptized on Thursday, the 3^rd day of January following. These were all the children he had by his former wife. She dyed leaving them young.

Their father was very indulgent over them, he being a sober, pious man and when after he had thoughts of a second marriage, was very solicitous for his children. I suppose he was in a way of concluding a marriage with one whom he after took his leave off, upon account of some words she let drop concerning his children.

Afterwards he made his addresses to one Sarah Wilcox, of Worsborough, nigh Barnsley. She had lived many years at London with a brother who (as I think) was a salesman, and had acquired a considerable fortune, and who, for her good service, upon her marrying my grandfather, believe he gave her a portion. But before they were married, she came over to his house to see house tidings (as our country phrase is), and, upon his asking how she liked all things, she was so wise for herself as to answer, ‘very wel1.’ ‘But,’ continued he, ‘How do you like my children?’ ‘Oh, very well,’ said she; ‘the best of anything that I see in your house,’ or words to that effect. But alas! she proved a very indifferent mother; to the no small grief of their good father, and their very great loss. By this wife he had only one child, a son called John, who was born on Saturday the 24^th of April, and baptized on Sunday the second day of May 1686.

One thing relating to the birth of this child, which shews something of the mother’s temper, may not perhaps be improper to relate. When she found she was drawing near her perilous hour, she sent for an old woman who was a midwife in the neighbourhood, who she had pitched upon. She came and attended her several days, but found the case too difficult for her slender skill to surmount. The wife had a very bad time (we may believe); my grandfather desired she would let him go for some other, who might be more skilful, but she absolutely denyed, although she lay in such misery; however, at length he went (or sent) for another midwife, without her knowledge (I believe); if I mistake not, her name was Mrs. Dearlove. When she was come, the wife stood firmly in her obstinacy. ‘Well, Mrs.,’ said the midwife (last come), ‘I shall not lye a hand upon you without your consent., and that you will dismiss your midwife if she cannot finish her work.’ Alas! The old woman was at her short wits end, the signals of the wive's delivery went off, and nothing but ill symptoms appeared, so that at last they prevailed with this obstinate woman to let Mrs. Dearlove (if that was her name) take her case under hand. She administered something to her which again brought her throws upon her, and she was safely delivered in a little time, to the no small pleasure (we may suppose) of my grandfather, who had now a son to succeed him. But happy is it for poor mortals that they have not the foresight of what is at such a distance, for ‘twould often damp the rejoycing that is made at the birth of an heir of rank and figure, as well as of meaner persons; for this poor child was banished, as it were, by his mother; met with great troubles towards the very end of his days, and spent his whole estate. There were formerly (I’ve been told) many families of Woodhouses in Norton, who had estates there, as may yet appear by almost any old writings relating to the lands in the fields there, wherein they are frequently mentioned as abutting, abounding, &c., upon them; but now not one left in the whole town.

How long my grandfather lived after his son’s birth I know not. His will, I find, bears date the 12^th day of Septr. 1690, and I think it was made in his last illness, therefore concludes he dyed soon after. He was a prudent, good man, much respected by those who knew him; and I find his memory is respected by some old persons who remember him, especially by the poor, for his kindness to them, and his constant employing of them. He had a handsome estate, but did not covet to enlarge it, for he was frequently building, or enclosing ground, or something which kept him employ'd, and many others also, and took off his money as it came in; so that his brother Robert once told him, ‘when these lasses’ (meaning his 3 daughters) ‘want their fortunes, they may seek ‘em in stone walls and draw-wells.’

By which last expression I suppose he might glance at his digging of a well in a close which he had newly inclosed, called Newhill close, lying west of Norton West Field. This was a chargeable undertaking; I’ve several times heard this story of it: that he agreed with a man for sinking this well, the sum agreed for I know not, but to be sure ‘twas a considerable sum. The man laboured hard at it for some time, till he despaired of ever accomplishing it; for ‘tis upon an high hill, and he had a quarry of hard lime stones to work thorough; therefore he was packing up for leaving, when my grandfather chanced to go to see how his work proceeded; he told him his design, for that he thought ‘twas impossible to work thro’ the quarry. My grandfather was much set on accomplishing it, and therefore he encouraged the man to fall on afresh, promising him that, if he would get him water, he would give him the horse he rode upon, above what he had contracted for, and I suppose he was not a very mean one, for he commonly kept a good horse, I’ve been told.

Being thus animated he falls on couragiously, and within a day or two (but I think it was the very next day) he got water; and excellent fine water it is; at which I have many a time quenched my thirst, and at some times (as when nutts are in hand upon Barnsdale, or in harvest time) there is a constant resort of people, especially in an afternoon, to drink, and also fill their vessels, there being no water nigh it, so that ‘tis a publick good; we should scarce know how to prize it enough had we such a thing here. I could never perceive that the water was either much higher or lower in the well; I am apt to think ‘tis a sort of a current in the rock.

He was a hearty well-wisher to the Revolution, and I have several times heard how, being upon the jury at the quarter sessions of the peace held at Pontefract towards the close (I suppose) of the short reign of the late King James, and having many questions put to ‘em by a popish justice, he gave him such bold answers, and withall reminded him of some things which he had formerly heard him deliver from the same bench directly opposite to his present preachment as (tho’ we may suppose it was not very gratefull to this time-serving magistrate, yet) highly pleas’d many persons present. And some of them told him afterward that he need not doubt but that he was mark’d out for a singular favour, so soon as opportunity served; but, blessed be God, both he and many thousands more were in a little time delivered from their fears by the happy arrival of the Prince of Orange.

After the death of my grandfather, John Woodhouse, his widdow married one William Moore; one descended of a good family (as I’ve been told) but in mean circumstances. This was highly displeasing to her daughters-in-law; and the more so because she had the offers from men in much better circumstances, and of one in particular, who, they thought, would have contributed not a little towards their young brother’s education, as himself freely offered. She had no child by him, but lived many years with him; and after her death he married one Mrs. Ruth Walker, relict of . . Walker, of Haddlesey, and daughter of the Rev^d Mr. Ralph Oates, who was many years the rector of Smeaton, but had no child by her.

Chapter III

My father and mother were marryed the eleventh day of May 1697, at Barmby-super-Dun, by the Revd. Mr. Woodfin, minister of Worsborough, nigh Barnsley, a pious, good man, for whom my dear mother had a very great respect, and with whose daughters she was very intimate. He granted licenses himself, and therefore was desired to bring one with him when he came; but it happened that he did not bring one. I think he had none by him; and therefore the old parson of Barmby, whose name was Fielding, a poor illiterate man, but by some means had got into deacon’s orders, was very scrupulous, and for some time refus’d to permit them to go into the church, notwithstanding they offered him any security to indemnifye him; but all would not do, till Mr. Gregory, who was his master (being the impropriator), hearing of it, soon gave them admittance. I suppose the old man was offended because he was not to marry ‘em, but by this day’s work he very much disobliged my father’s old aunt Jane Fretwell, who had been a kind friend to the poor old parson.

I think my mother was now with Coz. Atkinson of Hatfield-Woodhouse, and, as the company were going thither on the wedding-day morning, an accident happened which might have damped all their pleasure, and turn’d it into a day of mourning; for pressing too many at once into the ferry-boat, she sunk under them; but by the good Providence of God they were all preserved.

After they had got marreyed they came to Thorp; my father had newly built this house, and it was not quite finished when he brought my mother to it. Here she spent the remainder of her days in a great variety of usefulness, and not a more serviceable person ever came to Thorp in the memory of man than she has been. I may speak it (I think) without vanity.

My father and mother had five children, whose births were as follows:

Having now given an account of the time of my birth, as also of my brothers and sisters, I proceed to give some account of our education; and shall begin with my own, as being the eldest.

I was a very weakly child, and my mother a very tender, weakly women, so that for some time ‘twas not expected that I could live; yet my mother nursed me herself (as she did all her children), tho’ she was ill able to perform such a task. But it pleased God to enable her to do it, and thro’ the good hand of my God upon me I continue hitherto.

As soon as I was capable of learning, she sent me to an old school dame, who lived at the very next door, whose name was Theodosia Morehouse; but I suppose I did but continue here a few days, for growing weary of my book, and my dame not correcting me as my mother desired, she took me under her own pedagogy untill I could read in my Bible; and thus she did afterwards by all my brothers and sisters, tho’ she had a large family to oversee and provide for; and I cannot but gratefully remember her pious care of my education, when I see (as I very often do) several mothers who have not that hurry of business upon their hands which she had, who yet will not take the trouble of teaching their children as she did. But it was her delightfull employ, for which she would find some proper time every day; often making use of these words of Moses, Deut. vi. 6-7 : And these words, which I commend thee this day, shall be in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk to them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And this was her method of catechising.

And, as my capacity was able, she caused me to observe what I read, so that I soon began to take some notice of several historical passages in the Old Testament, by which I could find where my lesson was, when I neither knew the chapter or verse perhaps; and were this more observed by those employ'd in the teaching of children, I’m perswaded both the teacher and learner would find very great benefit by it.

Chapter IV

And now, my dear mother being desirous that I should have a little more learning than she was capable of giving me, she went with me to Kirk-Sanda1 school, where one Mr. Edward Ounsworth was then master, and I suppose accounted a very good master, where, at our entrance, being, I suppose, employ’d with some of his scholars, [he] placed me amongst some little ones, such as myself, till he had done with them; when calling me up to hear what I could say for myself, he finding me better than he expected, removed me higher, asking my mother if she had brought me an Accidence, which I think she had; so she had the pleasure of seeing me removed out of the horn-book class, which my master upon first sight thought most suitable for me, with which she was not a little pleased.

I am not certain as to the time of my first going to Sandal, but I suppose it might be in June 1704, for I find by a letter from my uncle, John Woodhouse, bearing date April the 11th 1705, that my master was then dead, for he writes that he was sorry for my loss of so mild a master, of which, I suppose, my dear mother had given him an account, for she greatly lamented his death: but he had heard of it the day before be received her’s so that it must have been some time in the fore going summer; and, as I remember [to] have heard my mother say that it was on or about the longest day, which is in June.

At my first going to Sandal, I walked it every day, but was not able to hold it long, it being too farr for such a child to go daily, for I was not quite 6 years of age: and some boys who went with me, being much older, hurried me too fast, and sometimes left me behind, so that I came home weeping; therefore, after a short time, my father boarded me at Sandall, with one Mary Stanniforth, a widdow woman, who took good care of me, and I usually came home every Saturday; with her I continued so long as she lived.

After the death of Mr. Ounsworth came Mr. Thomas Mawhood, son of John Mawhood, of Skellow, to be the master of this school, and was boarded in the same house with me. I think I left the school immediately after the death of my good old nurse. My brother John was with me some time before I left Sandall.

I think it was about the beginning of February 1708-9 that my brother John and I were sent to Stoney Stainton, where we were under the care of an old acquaintance of my father’s, the Revd Mr. Sam. Creswick. He was a very good school-master, and I think grounded his scholars in their grammar rules the best that I ever knew any one, only he was too severe, tho’ I was never whip’t at school by any of my masters. Here we continued till about the beginning of February 1712-3 as I compute, and I had made an entrance into Greek. Here we were boarded with John Perkin, who married one Margaret Holmes, a near relation of my father’s, and who had been formerly servant to him. She was a clean, homely woman, and had a large family, which she ordered frugally and prudently.

The next school we were sent to was Doncaster free school, the Revd Mr. Edmund Withers was then the master. He is a good scholar, but was not so diligent as he should have been, so that the school declined very much of late years, and he was either desired, or obliged, to give it up some time ago. I think I was but one year here, viz. untill January the 30th, 1713-4. We were boarded at Doncaster with one Mrs. Jarret, a widdow woman, then living next door save one to the Angel inn in Doncaster, and had for many years before kept a public-house at the Sun, in the market-place there where my father had inned many years. But after I left Doncaster, my brother John was remov'd to Mr. Jos. Bayley's, who married Eliza, the daughter of Mr. Wm. Rodwell, of whom I spoke. How long he continued I do not remember.

And now, my father thinking that I had got as much of the learned languages as would be of any service to a tradesman, indeed more than I have retained, thought it time to set me to learn something which more immediately related to the qualifying of me for business: therefore he sent me to Pontefract, to learn to write and accompt which I did with one Joshua Marsden, a quaker by profession, but a very ingenious man. He was not constantly in the school himself, having an apprentice called Mark Burleigh, who attended the school, and was a good penman: he also kept a linnen-draper's shop.

I had learn'd some little to write before, but nothing of accounts that I remember. Here it was that I got what learning I have of that kind. I went through most of the rules of vulgar arithmetick, and decimal fractions, with some little of practical geometry. I went to Pontefract February ye 8th 1713-4, according to my computation (which I believe is right), and came from there April 16th, 1716. I was boarded with John Lapidge, a mercer.

Having now acquired so much learning as was thought necessary for me, and indeed as could be expected for one of my degree, my parents next care was to put me to some trade or business by which I might get an honest living in the world; but being disappointed in the choice of one or two whom they had pitched upon as a master for me, at last concluded to take me to my father’s business. This I’ve oft lamented, for I think they did not duly consider which way my genius tended.

Chapter V

Being now taken home from school, my father began to put me to business, for the better understanding of which he thought proper for me to be acquainted with the working part; and, to that end, I was put to rive laths and hew wood, for a little time, with my father’s workmen, who had always the benefit of what little work I could do, for instructing me.

The first place (as I remember) that I went to work at was in a spring wood nigh Stubs-Walding, called Bird Spring, which my father bought of James Yarburgh, esq., of Heslington, nigh York. Here I was instructed by Joshua Linley (who is at this present working for us) in riving laths and tree nails, &c. I think it was the 26th day of July, 1715, that I made my first entrance, and was boarded with my uncle, Michael Woodhouse, at Stubs-Walding. After this I went to Edlington, with Joshua Lindey, to work in the wood there, and was boarded with Mr. John Wasteneys. I also wrought with him in Burghwallis wood. This, I think, was in the year following, viz. 1716. Here, I think, my brother John went with me, and we came home every night.

In the year 1717 my father had a bargain of wood at Womersley, in partnership with Mr. Matthew Northall and Mr. Ibbotson, which they had bought of Tobiah Harvey, esq., in a wood called Broad-oak Spring; here I was great part of the summer amongst the workmen, and kept the accounts belonging to this wood. I was boarded now with my uncle Woodhouse at Stubs.

I think my uncle John Woodhouse, who resided at London, made us a visit this summer; and I suppose it was agreed betwixt my parents and him that I should go and spend the following winter with him, which I accordingly did.

Chapter VI

I set out for London on Monday, November the eleventh, 1717, early in the morning, and called at John Schofield's of Sandal, where was one Mr. William Woodcock, his wife’s brother, who came from Hatfield, and had his company to London. We breakfasted at Bawtry, where I had an opportunity of seeing some of our relations from Maltbey, it being the fair-day William Ward went with us as far as the Eel-pye house, but my father to Newark, and tarried all night with us. I think we lodged at the Rain-Deer, and parted early in the morning; my dear father returning homeward, and I and my fellow-traveller pursuing our journey; and that night we slept at Stamford, I think at the Sun, being the York carriers inn; and the night following at the post-house in Caxton; and on Thursday night we lodged at Mr. Thomas Rainor’s, at the Black Bull inn at Ware, who was brother to our (then) neighbour James Rainor of Thorpe.  Here I met with a letter from my uncle to Mr. Rainor, wherein he wrote that he was to have met me at his house, but being term time he could not get out of town; so desired that I would make the best of my way to his lodgeing, which I did the next morning, where I was courteously received. We were five days upon this journey, so that we did not over hurry ourselves. My uncle lodged at one Mr. Reed’s, in St. Christopher’s Churchyard, in Threadneedle Street, behind the Royal Exchange. We continued here for some time, and then removed to one Mr. Marshall’s, an apothecary in the Poultry, opposite the Counter, untill my uncle got an house in Grocer’s Alley, the first (as I remember) on the left hand going into the Alley out of the Poultry. Here I was when I begun my Diary, which I have ever since continued, and out of which I design to extract what is most remarkable in my further prosecution of this work.

Chapter VII

I begun my diary on Monday, the 18th day of December, 1718, being then in London, with my uncle John Woodhouse, one of the attorneys of the Sheriff's Court, who had but lately begun to keep house, and at that time my aunt H[annah] Woodhouse, of Stubs, was with us; she coming to see her second son William Woodhouse, who was an apprentice to one Mr. Godwin, an upholsterer; he was a sober youth, and very likely to have been a very good workman, if it had pleased God to have spared him; but he dyed before the expiration of his apprenticeship.

I was at this time, and had been for six weeks or more, lame of a knee, but now begun to amend. I was under the care of one Mr. Stanton, a surgeon: the occasion of it (as I thought) was a cold got by sitting up late (and sometimes sleeping) for my uncle’s coming in, before he kept house, or had a servant. It proved a white swelling, but had no sore; and, blessed be God, in a short time after I recovered the use and strength of it. My dear mother was under very great concern for me whilst I was lame, and, tho’ very weakly herself; would gladly have come to London to me, but I endeavoured to give her what satisfaction I could by letters, untill I was thoroughly well.

Saturday, Decr. 20^th, 1718
I was at the feast of the clerks of the Sheriff’s Court, which was held at the Horn tavern, Doctor’s Commons. I suppose it is an annual custom with them. Mr. Mellish and Mr. Perkins, clerks to Mr. Tims, were stewards at this time, 1 think.

Monday, Decr. 22^nd, 1718
My uncle took one John Silvester, c1erk. He was son to one Mr. Silvester, living in Walbrook; he had 100 guineas with him.

Monday, Jan. 19^th, 1718-9
My aunt Woodhouse set out from London, in the Wakefield coach, for Doncaster.

Thursday, March 5th, 1718-9
Yesterday my uncle had a letter from my father, and hears aunt Bower is dead, and was buried last Monday seven-night (as I remember).

Thursday, May 14th, 1719
My uncle Hill, of Fishlock, and his son John, arrived in London.

Monday, May 18th
My two uncles having been out of town, as they return'd in the evening uncle Woodhouse had the misfortune to put out his right shoulder, by his horse falling. I went for Mr. Stanton (my surgeon), who put it in its place.

Wednesday, May 27th
Uncle Hill left London.

Wednesday, June the 24th
I set out of London for Yorkshire, and got to my unc1e Fretwell’s, at Maltbey, late on Fryday night; and the next day I got to Thorp; when several neighbours came to see me.

Fryday, July ye 17th, 1719
I went with my dear mother to uncle Shaw’s funeral. He was an alderman of Doncaster, and his wife was (I think) sister to my father’s mother.

Monday, July the 27th, 1719
I went with uncle Fretwell to Buxton Bath. We tarried till Fryday, the 31st, and calling at cousin Oxley ’s at Sheffield they obliged me to tarry all night; and in the morning my horse was not to be found, which hindered me a long time; after I was taken with an ague fit, and was very ill; but in the evening I came to Maltby, tho’ I was very ill when I mounted. I was cold and not very well when I bathed on Thursday night before. I got home on Sunday evening, and had a bad night; continued ill all day on Monday, and was delirious. The night following I got some rest (blessed be God); my dear mother sate up with me till betwixt 3 and 4 a clock. The next day, being Tuesday, the 4th of June, I was something better; at night took a vomit, but was very sick after it; had some sick fits for several days after. Several of the family was taken ill about ye same time.

Monday, September 21st, 1719
Being now pretty well recovered, and having seen all my relations, this day set out for London, in company with Mrs. Middleton and Richard Rainor. We got to Ware on Wednesday night, where we left Richard Rainor at his uncle’s, and got to London about three a clock the next day.

My dear mother was exceedingly troubled at our parting, as she had been very much concerned for me indeed all the time I was at London, especially during the time of my lameness. She went to prayer with me before I set out for my journey, and I doubt not but her prayers followed me to the end of it. My father, William Ward, and John Young, and Mrs. Middleton’s brother, Mr. Lanc[elot] Routh, came with us to Bawtry.

Sunday, October 5th, 1719
Cousin John Hill left London; and at Ware he was to meet with Richard Rainor, who was returning into the country, which I think he did. Coz. Hill had been with one Mr. Goldsmith, a cheesemonger in Thames Street, but did not choose to tarry with him.

Monday, October ye 19th, 1719
I received a letter from my father, with the sorrowful account of my mother’s having been very ill, as also brother John; and that brother William had a tertian ague; and of the death of several neighbours since I was in the country.

Monday, November 2nd, 1719
I heard that Mr. Wilcox was dead, I think the day before. He was my uncle’s first master, of whom I shall have occasion to speak hereafter.

Monday, Decr. 14th, 1719
I was a witness to mortgage deeds of my uncle’s estate at Norton to Tho[mas] Yarborough, esq. of Campsall, for 500 pounds.

Sunday, February, ye 14th, 1719
In the afternoon, my uncle went to hear cousin Joseph Woodhouse’s funeral sermon, and I followed him. It was preached at a little meeting-house, a little beyond St. Julie’s church, in an alley, on the other side of the way. Text was Prov. xiv. 32, But the righteous hath hope in his death. He made a very good sermon; and toward the close he said that of late funeral sermons had been much abus’d, and such enconiums and flatteries put upon the dead as were not becoming; but begged leave to speak a word or two of his own knowledge concerning the deceased friend. One thing he commended him for was his great patience under his late great loss by fire; for his reading in his family, and causing his servants to read the holy Scriptures, upon the Lord’s Day especially, and calling upon his family to join with him in prayer; for his charity to poor ministers of several denominations, and towards the cloathing poor children; and to all in general.

I think he said he ordered at his death something to be given to the poor ministers. I think he also said that several projects for the public good were gone with him. And that he was always desirous to learn divine things. There was a collection, which I think was for the poor ministers.

I do not know very well how nearly he was related to us, but I believe he was a nigh relation. I think his father went out of this part of the country, and was a leather-dresser, by which he had acquired a very good estate; but for some time before his death (which happened when I was in the country the summer before) was unfit for business, by reason of the palsy; and (as I remember) was informed that, upon turning over his business to his son, he was to pay him three hundred pounds per annum during life. I heard of cousin Joseph Woodhouse’s death the 4th of February 1719. I have been at his house several times. He lived in Horsley-down, Southwark.

At my first coming to London, my father only proposed for me to tarry the following winter with my uncle; but, meeting with some disappointments (as I suppose) in the way of business, was very much concerned upon my account, and after several letters had past amongst us ‘twas resolved for me to tarry with my uncle in the quality of a clerk; and he was pleased to tell my father that he preferred me without any premium before another with a sum of money. I had no great inclination to it, but found my father had rather a desire for me to stay at London, tho’ he left me entirely to my own choice in that as well as in what business I could like to follow; but I thought myself too old to serve an apprenticeship for seven years. My uncle was not unkind to me, but I begun now to fear that I should not be so thoroughly instructed in my business as I could wish; and I feared that my uncle made no great improvement in the world, which made me uneasie. I acquainted my parents with it, and, after some time, concluded for me to leave him, which very much displeased my uncle.

Monday, February 29th, 1719
I set forward for Yorkshire in the Mansfield waggon, which came only to Nottingham, and thither they sent horses to bring the passengers to Mansfield, where we arrived on Saturday.

Sunday, March 6th
Brother John came to meet me, and we came to Maltbey that night, and home the day following.

Saturday, August the 20th, 1720
I went to Tickhil, to the funeral of aunt Campsal (who was grandmother by the mother’s side to cousin Eliz. Robinson) sister, as I take it, to my grandmother Fretwell.

Thursday, August 25th, 1720
My uncle John Woodhouse came to Thorp, and the next day I went with him to Rushamore, to shew him the way. His business at that time in the country was about selling his estate, which was no small trouble to my dear mother. She spoke to him with greater freedom than was pleasing to him, which he resented for some time. Whilst he was in the country he had the misfortune to put out his shoulder by a fall, and was ill for some time. He did not sell his estate during his stay here; my father had treated with him for it, but could not agree.

Saturday, Decr. 3rd, 1720
We received a letter from him (which I did not expect), wherein he accepted of my father’s proposals, which was to take 1,000 pounds for his estate, and to abate 401. for the five years of William Moore's lease, which were not expired.

Monday, July 17th, 1721
We received a letter from uncle John Woodhouse, wherein he acquainted us that he entered into the state of matrimony the 6th of the preceding month. I am altogether unacquainted with the person whom he married, but supposes her to be one to whom he had made his addresses for some time before I left London. I think she was a widdow, and lived at Hackney; and (if I mistake not) he had been a lover of her’s before her marriage.

Tuesday, July 25^th 1721
We received (by way of Stubs) the sorrowful news of my dear cousin William Woodhouse’s death, and that he was to be interred the night before (being ye 24th of June). Sorrowfull news indeed; and what made it still more so was that we expected to have seen him in the country at that very time; perhaps he had designed to have set out for London the very day on which he was buryed, and they had made preparations for the reception of so great a stranger, and so welcome a guest, at his father’s house; but his Heavenly Father had otherwise determined, and, I hope, received him into those blessed mansions of light and glory in his heavenly Father’s house, which, being duly considered, was infinitely more to his advantage than any satisfaction he could have enjoyed in a few days spent in carnal mirth amongst his relations here; and therefore we have great reason to submit to the wise dispensations of Providence.

Monday, July 31^st, 1721
Was my uncle Michael Woodhouse buryed. He survived his son exactly one week.

Wednesday, August 9^th, 1721
I went to Snayth, to load a keel, whereof Richard Dowson went master; but before they had done, was taken ill, so that I was forced to leave them, and came to Mr. Lanc[elot] Routh’s at Pollington; when, growing worse, they sent Tho[mas] Jenkinson for my dear mother, who came that night, and brother John with her, but I did not know her. In the morning my mother came down staires, and left me, when immediately I got up and followed her down, but was suprized to see her, and now I knew her, and was so much better as to ride home. My mother would have had Mr. Wheatley, of Pontefract, apothecary, sent for, but Mrs. Routh perswaded her to the contrary, being of opinion that I could not live untill such time as he could get thither; but having obtained mercy, I continue hitherto. On the Fryday night following I was exceeding ill, so that Mr. Wheatley was sent for, and came to me on Saturday morning, the 12th of August, and by God's blessing upon his endeavours, after some time I recovered. My brother John had the ague very ill about this time; indeed it was very common; both my father and brother and self having been troubled very ill with it the fore going winter, as I was also the spring following.

Tuesday, August 21^st, 1722
Was laid the foundation of the brew-house at Thorp, which was reared the 20th of September following.

Sunday, September 30^th, 1722
My brother John and sister Mary went to Stockwith, to see the ceremony of the consecration of the new chappel, built there pursuant to the will of the late Mr. William Hungtington, ship-wright, whose body was removed from their parish church of Mysterton and laid in his own chappel, the day following.

The same day, viz. Sunday, September 30th 1722, was Elizabeth Woodhouse, daughter of cousin John Woodhouse, of Norton (whose father, Robert Woodhouse, was brother to my grandfather John Woodhouse), married to Mr. William Godfrey, of Hook; a man of good estate.

Saturday, October 6^th, 1722
Came cousin Elizabeth Husband, of Tickhill, to Thorp, who told us that her daughter Mary (who was their only child) was married, the 16th of September foregoing, to one Thomas Robinson, but without her parent’s knowledge, much 1ess with their consent; but, since it could not be undone, they took him to them, and instructed him in her father’s business, who was a tanner; and he proves a very good husband. I suppose she was not quite 17 years of age when she was married.

Monday, April 1^st, 1723
My brother William went to Doncaster, to Mr. Henry Abbey chandler and grocer, to see how he liked that business; and his indentures were executed on Thursday the 9th of May, but was bound for seven years; but, by a particular agreement, was to be at liberty at Martinmas 1729.

Saturday, June 4^th, 1723
Unc1e Hill shewed me a letter from uncle Woodhouse to aunt Hill, wherein he acquainted her that he was become the father of a son.

Saturday, March 16^th, 1723-4
I accompanied to the grave the corpse of my dear cousin, John Wasteneys, of Maltbey, who died in the 26th year of his age. A very sober, hopefull young man, a great comfort to his poor mother, and a father to the younger children (as it were). He was justly lamented by his friends and acquaintance, and especially by my dear brother, who shortly after was summoned to follow him.

Sunday, June 7^th, 1724
In the morning my father and mother, brother John, sister Mary, and myself, went to Barmby Dun; but coming there heard that there would be no service, so all went on to Sandal, where Mr. Holmes preached from Proverbs xxvii. 1: Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. A very suitable discourse at any time, but I have since thought that it was very remarkably so at that time, for then was the text eminently verified.

My father and mother dined that day at John Schofield’s of Sandal, but we came home; and I went in the afternoon to Barmby to meet ‘em, when Mr. Lisle preached from Matthew xvi. 24.

I think my poor brother laid down as soon be got in from church (in the forenoon, or at noon rather); however, in the afternoon he had a very sore fitt of the ague; had a bad night, and so continued the next day.

Tuesday, June 9^th, 1724
I went to Rotherham about some business, and, as I came home in the evening, called of brother William, at Doncaster, who came home with me. At our entering into the town, my brother, seeing a neighbour, asked her how she did. I think she answered, ‘I'm sorry for your loss.’ This surpriz’d me. Asking her what was the matter, I think she answered, ‘Nay, nothing.’ ‘Then,’ said I, ‘how doth Jonny do?’ She answered, ‘Well.’ I now understood her meaning, for I found my dear brother dead; but I hope all was well with him. When I went from home, in the morning, we hoped he was something better. He dyed about half an hour past two a clock in the afternoon.

He was a dutiful son, a loving brother, and a good neighbour; a sober, serious youth; took delight in husbandry and graseing; and for his yeares had good judgement in it; was just entered into the 23rd year of his age.

His corps were carryed into the church of Barmby Dun, the 10th, at night, and was interred the day following, being Thursday, June 11th, 1724, near unto William Fretwell, my father’s uncle; being before the south door, or porch door, in the churchyard. The bearers were cousin John Bower (who lately had done the same for cousin John Wasteneys), cousin William Wasteneys, cousin John Hill, coz. Robert Atkinson, cousin Tho[mas] Oughtibridge, cousin . . Doughty, cousin John Woodhouse, of Stubs, and Joseph Foster. This was the first breach made in our family; nay, what is something more remarkable, the first time that death entered into this house, which was built in the year 1696. We all sorrowed very much, as we had great reason; but especially my dear mother; she mourned for him several years, if not all the remainder of her days. I’m afraid it broke in too much upon all her other enjoyments.

Monday, October 26^th, 1724
My father was at the funeral of cousin John Woodhouse, of the Cross house, in Norton; the Revd Mr. Tho[mas] Cleworth preaching on the occasion, from Psalm xxxix. 5: Behold, Thou hast made my days as an hand-breadth, and mine age is as nothing before Thee: verily every man at his best state is alltogether vanity. Selah.

He told them, altho’ he used not to characterize people, yet if he said not thus much he did not do him justice, viz. ‘That he was an honest, peaceable man; a constant attender upon the Word preached, and also in the offering up of his evening sacrifice;’ all which I believe was true. He met with some troubles in his marriage state; so that he did not live so happily as some in much lower circumstances has done.

Tuesday, October 19^th, 1725
Uncle Richard Fretwell had a daughter baptised to the name of Ruth.

Chapter VIII

Wednesday, May 11^th, 1726
I brought sister Mary with me to Norton (where I had been going and coming some days) to begin house-keeping, in the house which my father had purchased of my uncle, John Woodhouse. I observe it was the same day on which my father was married.

Thursday, June 9^th, 1726
My aunt Hill came to Norton, and told me that my uncle, John Woodhouse, was buried on Monday in Whitsun-week, which I find was May 30th, 1726. I had heard of his death a few days before. He was but just entred into the 41st year of his age.

I have given an account of his birth, as above, and, for his education and future course of life, what little know of it, shall give it room in this place. I think he was sometime a scholar to Mr. Edward Robinson, at Campsal, who for several years towards the close of his time taught school at Rossington. I remember him very well; my dear mother respected him, and gave him a general invitation to Thorp feast every year, so long as he and she lived; and I think he never was wanting on the Sunday; sometimes we had few or no guests besides him. Afterwards (I suppose it was that) he was sent to Worsborough, nigh Barnsley.

His mother was not very kind to him, tho’ her only son, so that I suppose he had a desire to leave her; and some have thought that she feared, if he had been brought up to country business, that in a few years he would be for removing her out of his house. But, whatever was the reason, he was sent to London, to one Mr. Wilcocks (his mother’s nephew– I think his Christian name was George), an attorney. When this was I cannot find out the precise time, but by a letter now before me, dated December 16th, 1704, I find he was there at that time, and continued with him untill the 3rd of October, 1706, when he wrote, ‘this day I and Mr. Wilcocks parted;’ and I suppose that he went to cousin Joseph Woodhouse’s for he writes (8br 8, 1706) ‘direct for me at Mr. Joseph Woodhouse’s, near Horsley down, Southwark.’ Both these letters was to desire my father to send him a small supply of money, which I suppose he did; for I find that he returned him thanks for it, in a letter dated November 5th, 1706, and further says that he pitched upon another master, one Mr. Mead, an attorney in Walbrook, and that Mr. Wilcocks had been with this gentleman to give him a character, and offered him security for his fidelity, which he thought a great turn of affairs, because they had differed so ill; the occasion whereof will best appear from a letter of his bearing date 10ber 12th, 1706 (but is imperfect) :

‘LOVING BROTHER, —This comes to acquaint you that I have recd. yours, for which I return you many thanks, as well as for other civilities and at the same time I received one from father, which is much to my satisfaction, for he acquaints me that Mr. Wilcocks doth not accuse me with any neglect, nor any other crime, but rather seems to wonder at my leaving him, not seeming to know any reason; but excuses it, and tells them that, when he asked me my reason, I told him it were better for so near relations to be at a greater distance, and, the better to gild this pill, proffers to assist my father with what money he shall have occasion for, and to do me any kindness, if I will but be so free as to let him know it. So my father hath order'd me to receive 301., upon his account, of Mr. Wilcocks, which I hope will be sufficient to settle me with my other master, and to bring me a journey into Yorkshire before I want any further assistance; so all apprehension of those difficulties is fled from me that I once was supprest under, and I hope I have got have got a master that will be much to my satisfaction; and the greatest difficulties I now lye under is to repay these civilities that relations hath served me with; for cousin Woodhouse and his son, at whose house I was, treated me with brother-like kindness, and both cousin Morrise and her husband was glad to serve me, and was ashamed at Mr. Wilcocks’ treatment. And now, having more leisure, I have made bold to enlarge, and set out the particular kindnesses that Mr. Wilcocks hath shown me. First, I being to pay him 201. that was due at Michaelmas last, he would not deliver me my articles till it was paid; having but 10l. I was forced to borrow ten more, so went to pay him; but first then I desired him to accept of my note for the whole, and then for part, which he excepted against with a course. But, at the last, I offering to tender the money, he proffered to accept of my note for the whole, and to lend me any other sum upon the same security, and asked me what I intended to do. I told him, serve another master, and acquainted him who I had thoughts to serve, and that I expected he would come to him for a character of me, and desired him to do me justice; so he went to my new master and gave me a very good character (which I hope he had no other occasion to do), and proferred him to be security for my honesty, which he then seemed to require, being altogether a stranger to me; and immediately meeting me, told me what he had done, and desired me not to trouble any other friend. So I returned him thanks and promised him I would not. So, going to my master, agreed with him upon terms, and was to go to him 9ber the sixth; so, on the fifth, I acquainted Mr. Wilcocks with what I had done, and that I would write that night to father and mother, so he desired me to let them know what he had done for me (which I did). But, he seeing my master again that hour told him he would not be concerned for me, and that I was––(I can’t express). So (as before appointed), going to my master’s, asked me what disagreement I had had with Mr. Wilcocks since he see me; so I acquainted him what he desired me to do the day before, which he much wondred at; but, I seeing as if I had no hopes of staying with him, he desired me to stay, and set me about business. But, the first opportunity, I slip’d out, to hunt the deceitful fox, and found him in Exchange alley (so I am not debarr'd from all country exercise), where I did not spare with my tongue, and could scarce forbear using my hands, but, while we were at high words, my master jumped upon us, and, knowing the case, told Mr. Wilcocks he wondered that a gentleman would behave himself so ungenteelly as to shrink from his word &c. So I hope his incivilitys have been serviceable to me, for my late master never required any further security. I frequently see Mr. Wilcocks, but we never speak; but when I went to him about 30l. I believe this last incivilitie arose because I would not accept of the money he profer’d to lend me, or for fear I should accept thereof (whether I cannot judge), but the old verse, Felix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum, was my caution to beware at my own, and, indeed, so seemed to slight his proffer’d kindness; but finding it to be for my own convenience, I let him accept of my note for 10l., and paid him ten, so return'd the other ten to cousin Jos. Woodhouse, of whom I borrowed it . . Woodhouse to go to Mr. Wilcocks that he might make some objections against . . but he . . through his generous temper, but told him withal he wondered that I did not shame to ask cousin . . Woodhouse any favours, for he affirmed to him that I had behaved myself so abruptly in leaving him, that neither he nor father nor mother, nor never a brother I had would . . me, &c. But I let him know his mistake, and told him he might blush to affirm such a . . this is but some of the uncivilitys I have been treated with, I am to serve my other master . . easier terms than I did Mr. Wilcocks, having 20s. a term, which I should have had of Mr. Wilcocks . . had not, and what I made my excuse to leave him for . . This is most of what at . . remember. . beg your patience in perusing so tedious a thing, and begs of you to let sister see . . and my sister . . at your leisure.’

By another letter of his, bearing date December 24th, 1706, to his father-in-law, which accidenta1ly is come to my hand, finds he had some difficulties to get the money of Mr. Wilcocks which his father had ordered him. I shall transcribe his own words.

‘Sir.- On Fryday last I received the 30l. of Mr. Wilcocks, and gave him a receipt for the same, and a note to you, to satisfy you that I had received which, he said, he would underwrite, and send to you. I took up my note that I had given him for ten pounds in part of that thirty, but was forced to borrow four pounds to make up the money that I have paid to my master, which I did on Saturday last, and executed my articles. I waited several times on Mr. Wilcocks before he would let me have the money, or appoint any time when he would, but seemed very much to huff at me; but on Wednesday last I went to him, and told him it would not be of any service to me unless he would let me have it before my master was going out of town; therefore desired him to give me a positive answer, which he then did, and appointed Friday, but I believe the reason that he was so for delaying me till the furthest time you appointed was because money was out of his hand, which I knew, therefore was willing to take up my note, altho’ he profferr’d me to forego it, and let me have thirty pounds. When I received the money he freely promised me any services, which I shall be as willing to accept of; and to repay according to my capacity . . ’

And, in another letter to his father, bearing date the 13th of May, 1708, he writes that now the time beginning to draw to a period in which he must hope to betake himself to the world, he acquaints him with his design of selling Robert Lathom’s house, &c., which (I think) was purchased by his aunt Alice Woodhouse.

In another of his letters to my father, dated November 15th, 1712, he writes, ‘Since my mother’s death I received a line from brother Hill to acquaint me that I must expect no greater legacy than my sisters, which I understand is nothing; not so much as a small token of remembrance.’ He orders to direct for him at Mr. Bolton’s, by the Poultry compter.

By another to my father, bearing date March 17th, 1712, he writes that his father Moore wrote to him the night before, to know his resolution about continuing him tennant, but find they came to no agreement by writing, so that his father went to London, the spring following, to treat with him; and on this occasion he writes thus :

London, May 19th, 1713
LOVING BROTHER,—After my thanks to my sister for her kind epistle, I am to acquaint you that the gentleman she advised of was got to town some days before her’s came to hand. After some frivolous pretences for his coming to town, I was told some part of his message was to me, to know if I would continue him tenant. I told him I did not except against him, provided we could come to terms, and hoped, as he had made his fortune out of my estate, he would give me 51. per annum extraordinary. To encourage him to be a little generous, I told him I had thoughts of matrimony, and as I was not endowed with such bright parts as several others, nor other personal recommendations, I must endeavour to make my estate look with all advantages, in hopes to advance a 100l. in a wife’s fortune. I received a great many fair promises of his kindness, and to be made a child at his death. I let him know that I had already been amused by such promises, and suffered myself to be injured. I, in soft words, showed him in what and how I was prevented from righting myself, which I am apt to think made him sensible of a little guilt. We had several other conferences, but, according to our usual method, nothing could be concluded till he was for going. I invited him, couz. R., Mr. Wilcocks &c., to my lodgings overnight; and about 12 a clock, when all other company left us, we begun to renew our treaty. After some soft words we came to high ones, but neither would work upon me, for I insisted upon my full demands. I can’t tell you what civilities past betwixt us, except only desiring him to comply with my demands, or to say no more about it, or to go home, for that I would not suffer any discord in my lodgings that time a night. I shall not trouble you with any more at present; it [is] possible you may have had the whole detail of the story from couz. R. The next day he complyed to my whole demands.’

And concludes that he hoped to be at Thorp the first or second week in July. And, in his postscript, writes :

‘I told my father that I was very much troubled to hear that my mother was no ways desirous to see me in her sickness, nor any ways endeavoured to leave me so much as a ring, to remember; and being conscious to myself that I always had rendred my duty to her, I was apt to believe that he had eradecated me out of her favour by sly and indirect insinuations, which made me not pay him that respect I formerly did.’

He came into the country this summer, and executed a lease to his father, which bears date the 12th day of August, 1713, for the term of 12 years, to commence the 2nd day of February the next ensuing, at the yearly rent of thirty-two pounds.

I think a little after his admission into the sherriff’s court, he was admitted an attorney of the court of King’s Bench.

He writes, December 22nd, 1720, that he must never expect the use of his arm which he hurt when in the country; nor I believe never did get quite well of it. He complains of it in several other letters. December 29th, 1724 he writes that he had lost 2 infant babes; and I find, by a letter of Mr. J. Wilcocks to William Moore, that he left a wife and one child, which he believed wou1d not live. I think it is since dead.

I have, with an awfull sort of pleasure, transcribed so much of my dear uncle’s letters, but does not expect they will be read with an equal pleasure; for, in a little time there will arise another generation, who knew not Joseph.

He was, as to his person pretty tall and proper, of a comely complexion, and an excellent good temper; of a good character and great fidelity to his clyents. I could never observe that he ever abused them, but sometimes that he was rather too dilatory in his proceedings, I thought. He did himself harm, I am afraid, by drinking too freely towards the latter end of his time.

March 19^th, 1726-7
I heard of the death of my aunt Eliz[abeth] Hill. I think she dyed the day before. She was the youngest of my grandfather’s (Woodhouse’s) children, by his first wife, and married one Thomas Hill, junr, of Fishlock, by whom he had several children.

In the beginning of May 1727 brother William was taken with the small-pox, but had them favourably. Towards the latter end of the same month sister Eliz[abeth] had ‘em, and that very severely; but, thanks be to God, they both got well over them.

In the night, betwixt the 12th and 13th of October, 1727, dyed Alice Woodhouse, relict of Robert Woodhouse, of Norton, (who was my grandfather’s only brother); I think she was upwards of eighty years of age, and had lived very privately many years. I suppose she was married very young, but made a good wife, and an excellent country housewife. She had several children, but only one survived her; had been many years a widdow, and greatly improved the estate. She was buried at Campsal, on Sunday the 15th of October.

Mr. Cleworth preached on the occasion, from Acts xx. 32: And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

I think she made choice of these words herself.

Monday, January y^e first, 1727-8
Early in the morning, dyed my aunt Hannah Woodhouse, of Stubs. She was the eldest of grandfather Woodhouse’s children, and married one Michael Woodhouse, of Stubs Walden, who, tho’ of the same name yet no relation (that I know of). She had three sons by him, but lived very unhappily. He was an extravagant man, and very much given to excessive drinking, by which he impaired his estate.

June 9^th, 1728
Cousin Stephen Husband, of Tickhill, way buryed.

Fryday, February 28^th, 1728-9
After dinner, I rode out upon a young mare, which I had but lately broke, and had not given her any exercise for some time, so that she was saucy. However, she carried me pretty well untill I had got a little beyond Sheep-coat laythe, when my coat skirt (I thought) affrighted her, and caused her to give a sudden and unexpected start, whereby I lost my stirrup. She turn’d to the right hand to Pontefract road, and soon dismounted me, dragging me by the right foot (I think by the bridle), for many yards, untill my spurr broke, which was of brass, and then she left me. I think she struck at me several times, but, thro’ the good providence of Almighty God, she never reached me. I was very stiff for some time; but, thanks to my Protector, I recovered in a very short time. This was a signal deliverance, which I pray God I never forget as long as I live; and was followed by another to my dear sister shortly after.

Monday May 26^th, 1729
My sister Mary going from Norton to Thorp, and had a boy rode before her, and going down the hill at Campsall the mare either fell, or threw ‘em down, by which she was very much hurt, and was taken up for dead (I suppose), and carried into Joseph Bailey’s house, where, when I came, found one of Mr. Frank’s sisters with her, and a great many others. I got her let blood, and by care she recovered it in a short time, blessed be God.

Tuesday, June 24^th, 1729
I laid the first stone of the pigeon chamber at Norton; and it was reared the 1st of September following.

April, 1730
I enclosed a little bitt of land in the West Field, by annexing it to the north end of Newhil close.

April 10^th, 1730
Dyed William Moore, of Norton, and was buried the 12th of April, in the chancel at Smeaton. It was his wife’s doing that he was carried thither; her first husband, I suppose, being buried there, and her father’s family. Mr. Cleworth preached his funeral sermon, at Campsal, April 19th, 1730, from John vi. 40.

April 28th, 1730
Cousin Elizabeth Wasteneys was married, at Maltbey, to one John Johnson, of Maltbey; and as soon as they were married came (with uncle and aunt Fretwell) to my house at Norton, and tarried untill May 1st following.

February, 1730-1
I enclosed a small piece of land in the East Field of Norton, in that part called the Upper field, adjoyning to my own closes at Spittle-rush-lane end.

Monday, November 1^st, 1731
Dyed, uncle John Bower, of Wickersley, and was buried on Wednesday following. He was a very honest man, of great simplicity, and well beloved. He had been in a lingering condition some time, occasioned by a fall from, or with, a scaffold, at the Duke of Kingstone’s, as I remember.

Saturday, May 27^th, 1732
My dear mother going to visit a neighbour in the town, who was very ill, as she alighted upon the side or edge of a stone trough, her foot slip’d, and by the fall she was very much hurt, so that a bone-setter was sent for. When he was come, he said there was no bone broke or displaced, but that the muscle of the thigh was extremely extended. She made use of crutches for some time, and had a sore illness, during which she was under the care of Dr. Eyre and Mr. Malin; but it pleased God to restore her at this time; but I think never to be so well as she was before.

Friday, November 17^th, 1732
I was at the funeral of cousin Elizabeth Atkinson senior, of Hatfield Woodhouse.