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Poems and Sketches
CONSISTING OP
P0E3IS AND LOCAL HISTORY; BIOGRAPHY; NOTES OF TRAVEL; A
LONG LIST OF WAYNE COUNTY'S PIONEER DEAD, ALSO MANY
NAMES OF THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN DEFENSE OF
THEIR COUNTRY, DURING THE LATE REBELLION,
AND WHOSE HONORED REMAINS ARE IN-
TERRED IN THIS VICINITY; WITH MUCH
INTERESTING AND INSTRUCTIVE
MISCELLANEOUS MATTER;
BY
George P. Emswiler.
Carefully Collated and Arranged by the Author,
1
h U
Richmond, Indiana:
Nicholson Printing & Mfg. Co.,
THE XEW Yonx
340284B
A»r-it. LENOX AXD
TiLDlN ror.NDAno.Xt
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S1»7, by
GEORGE P. EMSWILER,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
'Dedication,
Tj/i/s /////e ifo/ume /s /oui'n^/^ ancf rei^eronf/y efec/icafoct to f/io memory
o/" fAreo noA/c sou/s,
T^artAa .^^nes ^t'n/ej/, ^tii//a ^. Sooc/ri'c/i,
ancf m^ c/ear, devoted motAer^
a// /on^ Since ete/jarted /rom tAe con/i'nes o/" t^t's snet ivor/et,
t'nto /Ae crAocfes o/" /^ecrce and rest eternat.
PREFACE.
/TIAHE contents of this volume consist of an hundred
J_ and fifty, or more, poems, on a multitude of sub-
jects ; also, several interesting papers on local history ;
sundry biographical sketches of former citizens of note ;
several old and interesting letters written in days
of " auld lang-syne ; " some miscellaneous matter,
pertinent and impertinent ; some brief sketches of
travel ; and a long list of pioneer names, with age, and
date of death, directly from the records, whose bearers
have passed, in the fullness of time, to the ever-silent
shores beyond ; also, a partial list of Wayne county's
soldier dead : forming, in the aggregate, an exceed-
ingly interesting collection, rare and valuable, to be
found nowhere else in print. The material has been
collected and wrought out, at various times and inter-
vals, to beguile the tedium of an idle hour, and was
begun in the author's boyhood days and continued on
down to the present time, with no thought, whatever,
until recently, of putting the matter into its present
form. None of the contents have, therefore, been
worked up, mechanically, with the purpose of making
\i PREFACE.
a book. He has no apology to offer for any defects of
composition or arrangement, as we are all human and
liable to err, and, besides, in his case, circumstances
compelled him to be his own tutor and the architect of
his own fortune. He does sincerely wish the offering
were more worthy, but, such as it is, he has determined
to submit it to an ever-tolerant public, hoping it may
at least amuse, should it fail to edif}' or instruct, the
reader.
The Author.
CONTENTS.
MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.
The World's Columbian Fair 1
The Great Pullman Strike 4
The Stars 8
Musings 9
Garfield School House 11
Life 12
Time 13
His Loving Spirit Fills All Space 15
" If a Man Die, Shall He Live Again ? " 17
Contemplation 19
*' Be Not Like Dumb-Driven Cattle " 20
The Bell at Saint Paul's 22
Niagara 24
Lines to a Late November Butterfly 26
Thoughts Suggested by the Closing Year 29
Robert Burns 31
The Lunatic, the Lover, and the Poet 33
To a Departed Sister 34
Abandon 35
Indolence 36
Departing Summer 38
The Snow, Dec. 2d, 1893 39
Some Cool Reflections on a Gas Fire 40
Thoughts Suggested at "Fountain Square," Cincinnati, 0. 41
Thanksgiving of the Poor 43
Aimless Thoughts 44
Scenes and Reflections at " Yearly Meeting " 45
Musings ( written while the snow was falling ) 49
Pictures of Winter 51
viii CONTEXTS.
Some Characteristics of Our City's [servants 53
Lines Suggested by the Recent Death of a Friend ... 55
The Toiler's Lament 57
March L3th and 14th, 185)3 58
Master Willie ISIay 59
Early Spring 60
Creation's Heirs 61
A Puldic Wedding at Old Pearl Street Church 62
When Life is Young 63
A Wail at the Weather. 64
Enigma 65
To One Departed 67
Random Thoughts 68
Lines to a Belated Grasshopper 69
The World a Theatre 70
To Evan Wright 71
Lines Suggested by a Visit to Benj. and Emily Strattan . 72
Toil On ' 73
A Doggerel on a Departed Canine 74
Impromptu Lines Suggested by an Old Bonnet .... 75
To an Absent Brother ' 76
The Chase 77
A Sabljath Afternoon in Summer 78
A Fragment 78
Musings 79
Imf>romptu Lines to March 80
To One at Rest 81
Earl}' Autumn 82
Could Prayers Avail 83
The Day We Celebrate 84
March 11th, 1896 85
Passing Away 86
I Know No Misanthropic Hours 87
Old Letters 89
Early Spring 91
My Love and 1 92
Lines to a Butterfly 94
When First AVe Met 96
Retrospection 97
CONTENTS. ix
Just as Thy Nature Urges 99
Crinoline 100
Memento Mori 101
Autumnal Musings 102
The Robin 103
Two Translations ' 104
In the Days When I AVent Tipsying 105
Some Reflections in a Country Churchyard 107
The Rose 108
Artlessness in Art 109
Lines to a Late Rosebud 110
Sleeves, and Hoops, and Bustles Ill
Passing Away 112
Mary Had a Little Dog 113
Lines Suggested by the Tolling of Pearl Street M. E.
Church Bell 115
The Rain — A Protest 116
A Boyish Dream 118
May 19th, 1894 119
To E. J. S 121
To Miss Sarah F y 122
An Humble Tribute to Nelson Stanley 123
To Rachel M. Atherton . . .' 124
To Miss Mary Rambo 125
Impromptu Lines to Nellie Smurr 126
To One Who Loved, Not Wisely, but Too Well .... 127
Lines on the Death of a Favorite Cat 128
Apostrophe 128
Seeking Gold 129
Stanzas on the Early "Gold Fever" 131
To Christian Rathfon 132.
To Isaac Kline 133
Impromptu Nonsense 133
A New^ Year's Greeting to William L. John 134
Avoid Extremes 134
To William L. John, on His Eighty-eighth Birthday . . 135
These Are Weary Days of Waiting 137
To William Parry • . • ., 138
To William L. John, Aged Ninety-one Years 140
X COXTEXTS.
To Dr. T. H. Davis 141
Thouglits of Autunin 142
December 8th, 1894 143
The Curfew Bell Will Ring To-Xight 144
I Hate That Drum's Discordant Sound 146
Charles H. Burchenal 147
Henry R. Downing 148
Never Do Thou Stoop to Conquer 149
POETICAL LETTERS.
To Claudius Byles 152
To S. F. Smurr 153
To My Sister 156
THE SEASONS.
New Year's Morning, 1893 158
A Dav of Gloom — Februarv, 1894 . 159
Winds of March 161
An April Morn 162
A Morning in May 163
Reflections on a Morning in ]\Liy 164
In the Sunny Days of June 165
July ■ 167
In August — The Harvest is Over 169
August 170
September — Summer Wanes 172
Autumn ^ — OctoVjer 174
XovemVjer 175
Farewell to December 176
Let Every Tongue Rejoice 178
Summer Salad 180
A Summer's Day 182
Autumnal Leaves 184
To Winter 185
KELKIIOI^S POEMS AND SENTIMENTS.
O, Why Should We Mourn? 186
In J.ent 187
At the Last 188
CONTEXTS. xi
«
Christmas 190
Thanksgiving Day 191
Random Thoughts 193
And This Is True 194
"Be Just, and Fear Not" 195
Some Reflections 195
As I See It 196
Jewels Are Jehovah's Trust 197
Jesus — A Triple Acrostic 198
" Just as I Am, Without One Plea " 199
ALBUM PIECES.
To Beauty, for Miss Biles 202
To Miss Mary Mason 203
To Gabriella Newton 204
To Miss Mary Finley 205
ToMaryE. H— t. ." 206
To Mary Ellen Ward 207
To Elmira Basset 208
To Rebecca D. Strattan 209
To Sarah F 210
To Miss Rebecca Meek 211
To Julia A. Brady 211
VALENTINES.
To Miss Margaret McCoy 213
To Miss Phoebe C—f—d. 214
To Miss Rebecca D. Strattan 215
To Miss Rebecca Meek 216
To Miss Mary Rambo 216
LOCAL HISTORICAL SKETCHES.
My Recollections of Richmond — Paper No. 1 221
My Recollections of Richmond — Paper No. 2 234
My Recollections of Richmond — Paper No. 3 250
xii C0XTEX2U
BIOGRAPHICAL.
General Sol Meredith 258
Alfred Kayne 259
Judge James Perry 2(33
Irvin Reed 267
Senator John Yaryan . . 270
"William Parry 274
William L. John 276
OLD LETTERS OF PIONEER TIMES.
Andrew Finley, Jr. (No. 1) 282
Andrew Finley, Jr. (No. 2) 285
Rebecca Bradbury 287
Susan Finley 288
MISCELLANEOUS SKETCHES.
Court House Removal 290
How Richmond Met a Crisis 291
Richmond's Postmasters 292
David Hoover's Memoir 295
A Relic of War Times 311 ^
Some County History 321 "^
HISTORICAL.
Recollections, Etc 325
A Trip to California 328
WESTERN SKETCHES.
An Old Time Elopement 333
Early Railroad History at Richmond, Ind 337
Early Railroading Between Richmond and Anderson . . 344
miscellanp:ous selections.
Canal-Boat Trains 351
Our Navy During the War 353
War Prices in the North 355
War Prices in the South 359
Cotton Mather and the Friends 361-
CONTENTS. xiii
The Optimist 363
The Children of the Desert 365
Chronology of Plants 3()9
'&.
0/-i
Shells, Fossils and Flowers
Travel — Notes by the Way 373
PIONEER DEAD.
First Settlers — Place of interment nnknown 400
Earlhani Cemetery 401
Maple Grove Cemetery 412
Friends' Old North Side Cemetery 412
German Lutheran Cemetery 413
German Catholic Cemetery 414
Irish Catholic Cemetery 416
Hoover Burying Grounds 417
McClure Family Cemetery 418
Friends' Ridge Cemetery 419
King's Cemetery 420
Goshen Cemetery 421
Elkhorn Cemetery 423
Chester Cemetery 424
Centerville Cemetery 426
Boston Cemetery 427
Recent Deaths 429
THE SOLDIER DEAD.
Maple Grove Cemetery 431
Earlham Cemetery 432
Elkhorn Cemetery 432
Boston Cemetery 432
Lutheran Cemetery 432
German Catholic Cemetery 433
Irish Catholic Cemetery 433
Public Cemetery 433
Old Catholic Cemetery 433
Kennedy's Chapel 433
God Bless Abraham IJncoln 434
Farewell Poem 435
MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.
THE WORI^D'S COIvUMBIAN FAIR.
Thou great White City by the lake,
Thou rare conception of the mind ;
A dreamy fancy crystallized,
The proudest work of humankind.
The world thy equal ne'er has seen,
Nor will it soon compete with thee ;
In grandeur thou wilt stand alone
For ages that are yet to be.
Here all the universal world
Has stored the choicest things it holds
Of skill, or wealth, or pomp, or power,
That we may see what life unfolds.
Here mines reveal their richest ores,
And forestry displays its woods,
The watery world its wondrous stores.
And cultured fields their fruits and foods.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Here we behold rich gems of art,
x\nd treasures fair as ever sought,
To please the mind, or touch the heart —
From earth's remotest regions brought.
From Europe and from Afric's soil,
From Asia and its vast domain,
From East and West, come works of toil,
And lessons for the busy brain.
Here science and mechanic art
Declare the progress of the world,
And merchandise from ever}' mart
Where'er a flag: has been unfurled.
■^Cs
Swart natives from the torrid zone.
With such as dwell in regions drear.
And ocean's distant islands lone.
And every continent, are here.
Behold what energ}^ has wrought !
What grand results of brain and skill
The climax of creative thought,
A wonder to amaze and thrill.
In gratitude for priceless dower.
We celebrate a country-' s birth —
The grandest, freest, best : the flower
And fruitage of the smiling earth.
POEMS AND SKETCHES.
All Hail, Columbia ! May thy years
Exceed the years of Greece and Rome,
And may a happy people's cheers
Forever greet thee : ' ' Home, sweet home. ' '
And thou, Chicago — Freedom's pride,
A very queen by Nature blest.
Whose feet are laved by wind and tide :
The crown and glory of the West —
To thee belongs a meed of praise
For what thou hast conceived and wrought
The grandest work of latter days
By which the nations have been taught.
Here thronging millions come to see,
From every foreign clime and zone.
Admire and praise thy works and thee -
Supremest effort man has known.
October 12, 1893.
"^^0^^
POEMS AND SKETCHES.
THE GREAT PULLMAN STRIKE.
[ Engineered by Eugene V. Debs, President of the American Railway
Union, culminating in riot and bloodshed, on Saturday and Sunday, July
7th and 8th, '94, at Chicago, Illinois, when Federal and State troops were
called out to quell the disturbance, after hundreds of cars had been
burned, with much other railroad property, amounting, it is claimed, to
over two million dollars.]
The times are all in a turmoil ;
There is striking on all the roads —
Determined to bojxott Pullman,
Regardless of means or modes.
A spirit of evil possesses
These toilers, against the rich,
Who vent their spleen with torch and force
And the aid of the railroad switch.
They complain of a serious grievance,
Which, granting it may be just.
Can never excuse their dreadful work,
Which tramples all rights in the dust.
Destruction of cars by hundreds,
With marvelous wealth of freight :
Live cattle and hogs and horses,
And products from far-off States.
i
POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Switches and towers and tracks
Are broken and burned and wrecked :
In their devilish round of destruction
They never a moment reflect.
They side-track Pullman sleepers,
And hinder the Government trains,
And tie up travel and traffic,
Both eastward and over the plains.
All properties owned by the roads,
Wherever they chance to be found,
Are wrecked by these anarchist hordes,
Or burned, in their hate, to the ground.
And still these elements flourish ;
The unions of all the trades
Are being called off from labor,
In sympathy's various shades.
They are bound upon conquest, they say.
Determined to rule or to ruin ;
And, worse than the beasts of the forests,
They haven't the sense of a " Bruin."
The spirit of evil is rampant ;
The country is wild with commotion ;
And, like a contagion, is spreading.
And widens from ocean to ocean.
POEMS AM) SKETCHES.
Having quitted their places of labor,
To join with the vagabond host,
They are out on a raid of destruction ;
And to ruin the rich, is their boast :
Forgetting that money is needful
To furnish emploj-ments for all,
And that bread, and a home, and apparel,
Are wants of the great and the small ;
That idleness ends in distress.
Demoralization and crime ;
That labor alone tends to bless,
Ennoble, and make, us sublime.
Then why should such envy exist
As capital seems to create ?
Without it no labor could live,
Nor happiness come to the State.
Then cease all this turbulent fury ;
Go, each to his engine or brake ;
You cannot afford to be idle :
Your course is an awful mistake.
Be just to the laws of the land,
By being good citizens, all ;
Avoid being tools of a leader,
To serve his behests or his call.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Be honest, and faithful, and prudent ;
Provide for the comforts of age ;
And should disaffection surround you,
Keep aloof from its frenzy and rage ;
For those who command you seek glory,
And are drunk with the power they hold.
And simply repeat the old story
A thousand times acted and told.
Their reign will be brief, we may trust,
For the State and the Nation, at hand
With their forces and loyalty, must
Compel the vile mob to disband ;
And as the promoters of crime
May speedily hang for their sport.
Or serve a life sentence of time
From whence they may never report.
July 9, 1894.
8 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
THE STARS.
From childhood's earHest hours till now.
My thoughts have vainly striven
To comprehend those orbs of light,
Those star-lit lamps of heaven.
And, oftentimes, my soul hath dwelt
In rapture, wild and free,
As contemplating them I knelt
To ask from whence they be —
To know that high Almighty hand,
Whose boundless power and love
Created, and sustained, and planned,
Such countless worlds above ;
Whose sweet, mild radiance comes to earth
Like gem-drops, through the air.
And shining on, through endless years,
God's providence declare.
May my freed spirit take its flight
Some calm, bright, holy even',
Drink in one draught of their pure light,
And sweetly pass to heaven.
December 17. 1890.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 9
MUSINGvS.
"The remembrance of youth is a sigh."
Once fondest illusions of promise and hope
Shed a halo of gladness around,
And the sigh, and the tear, and the cares of to-day,
Could not in my presence be found.
But change is inherent in all that has life,
And constancy never was known ;
The castles we builded, in battle and strife.
Like leaves have been scattered and strown.
For a shadow like that of the passage of clouds
O'er the glow of the Mid-Summer sun.
Will shade, in its turn, ev'ry brow with a care
Ere the goal of ambition is won ;
And the maid on whose cheek blend the lily and rose,
And the youth who, so happy and fair.
In his ardor aspires to be wealthy or great,
Will each be the victims of care.
I, too, had bright hopes of the future in view,
And an aim that was noble and high,
But, alas ! for my dreams, for they vanished in air,
Like the vapory mists of the sky.
10 POEMS AXI) SKETCHES.
I feel no such buoyancy boyhood displa^^ed,
Which, in fullness of soul, effervesced ;
But instead, with a soberness suited to age,
For many a long year have been blessed.
Thus many a fond hope has been blighted in blooming,
And many a fond heart has been crushed ;
Its sorrows within its own bosom concealing ;
Its mirth and its gleefulness hushed.
Still, I love to go back to the shadow}' past,
And muse o'er the pleasures it brought us ;
The many fair visions, too fleeting to last,
And the frostwork of bliss that was wrought us.
For the Spring-time of life, tho' a glorious cheat,
Has food for reflection and ruth.
And its joys — evanescent, entrancingly sweet —
Seemed real and lasting as truth.
Note.— Written in 185i ; revised in Mav. 1891.
^^
/^
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 11
GARFIELD SCHOOL HOUSE.
[ Erected by Dr. Joel Vaile, in 1851 ; removed by Ebon Louck, in
June, 1894, to whom has been ^iven the contract for a new building.]
I saw thee builded, and have seen thee fall,
Dismantled and demolished, to thy basement's wall ;
A once proud structure of a former day,
Like all things earthly, thou hast passed away.
A temple, truly, where the youthful mind
Was fed and fostered and to good inclined.
For two-score 5"ears thy purpose served us well,
But in mem'ry only wilt thou henceforth dwell.
Some statelier structure will supply thy place,
Combining elegance, as well as grace ;
For pride and riches, with their siren song,
Have won the worship of the thoughtless throng.
Uncultured minds no higher joys can know
Than vain displa}-, or garish, tawdry show ;
While modest worth has vanished far away,
Or sought the precincts of some by-gone day.
The old simplicity, that once prevailed,
Is jeered and hooted, and by gibes assailed ;
Our robes are scarlet : that the}^ catch the eye,
And flash and flourish, common sense defv.
12 POEMS AM) SKETCHES.
The world at large is out on dress parade,
For even learning apes the show}^ maid ;
With surface gilding, on a mental ground,
It seeks to dazzle and appear profound.
Delusive shams, instead of wholesome truths.
Are doled, " ad libitum," to ardent 3'ouths ;
While things essential to our weal or woe.
Must find solution as through life we go.
Let common sense be 3'our unfailing guide ;
Be self-reliant, shunning shams and pride ;
Take naught for granted — follow wisdom's plan :
Think for 3'ourself , and prove yourself a man.
June 18, 1894.
LIFE.
Life is a mysterious m^^stery,
Which none may solve, of all humanity ;
Supreme reflection of a Great First Cause,
Controlling being, under Nature's laws.
Akin to light, which doth illume the da}^
It shines, in splendor, but to pass awa\" ;
No seeking will the story ever tell —
It may be soul or spirit, energy or spell.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 13
It seemeth like a breath, a shadow fleeting,
Which stirs the vital currents, and the pulses beating,
And may evanish, like the mist}^ air,
Or linger strangely, after we despair.
A real something, yet we see it not ;
An unseen force — alas ! we know not what ;
We call it life, but can explain no more.
Though we all learning and all thought explore.
To that High Power which no eye beholds.
We leave the problem, till His will unfolds ;
We only know vitality and being
Bring power of action, loving, hating, seeing.
June, 1893.
TIME.
Time is the measure of the ages past ;
A miracle of power, invincible, sublime ;
An ever-active force, an ocean vast ;
The grand inheritance of every clime.
The instrument and glory of the Great I Am ;
The day of Deity, which doth not pause.
But worketh and evolveth, in a peaceful psalm,
Eternal duty, through eternal laws.
14 POEMS AM) SKETCHES.
At His behest, unnumbered distant spheres,
Through time and space, revolve their devious
rounds,
And so continue, in the countless years,
Through regions knowing neither metes nor
bounds.
A vasty deep, an endless, measureless degree.
Is Time — the might} arbiter of all ;
Nations and empires yield themselves to thee :
They rise, in splendor, and in time they fall.
Thou art a conqueror without a peer ;
Thou comest and thou goest like the viewless
wind ;
Thou fleest swiftly as the charioteer,
And dire destruction in thy path we find.
June 28, 1893.
:r7^5|5?n:
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 15
HIS LOVING SPIRIT FILLS ALL SPACE.
In temples of the glorious woods,
Where God's first altars rose sublime,
There men, of various climes and moods,
Erst knelt to Him, in ancient time.
The mighty oak, the towering pine.
Which sheltered, and ascended high,
Were fane and spire, the most divine
That ever pointed to the sk3^
Man here communed with Nature's God,
In silence and in solitude.
And saw, without the chastening rod,
That all His ways and works were good.
No glittering show, no vain display.
Which man alone regards as great.
Distracted thought from Heaven away
To empty forms and pomp of state.
The sun by day, the moon by night.
And all the countless orbs that shine.
Were proof to them of power and might,
Forever loving and divine.
16 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Go forth, my brother ; seek the hills,
The sparkling streams, the vales of green,
The boundless plains, whose grandeur fills
The soul with awe : there God hath been.
Behold the glorious earth and sky ;
Breathe in the ambient air of heaven ;
Expand thy soul ; prepare to fly
From narrow creeds that men have given.
His loving spirit fills all space :
Not onh' temples built by hands,
But everywhere He sheds His grace —
From mountain peaks to ocean strands.
Sunday, August 2, 1891.
^
POEMS AND SKETCHES.
"IF A MAN DIE, SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN?"
" Ah, whither strays the immortal mind
When coldness wraps this suffering clay ? ' '
When this fair world we leave behind.
And death and darkness veil the day ?
Will it go hence to distant worlds,
Bej^ond the ken of mortals given,
To live again, where life unfurls
Existence in a joyous Heaven?
Elysian fields where happy souls.
Beloved and loving, ever dwell ?
Where bliss eternally unrolls
Some new delight no tongue can tell ?
Shall we rejoin our loved ones there.
And know them as we knew them here,
Exempt from toil, and pain, and care —
Inflictions of this mundane sphere ?
Will naught but happiness and bliss
Fill up the hours of endless years.
And everlasting praise dismiss
The fleeting ages, free from tears ?
18 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Or shall we be condemned and doomed
To endless years of woe, instead,
Or in forgetfulness, entombed,
Remain till age on age is sped ?
Alas ! for us — we do not know
What is our destined end or aim ;
Wh}^ we have lived, nor where we go,
Xor e'en from whence, at first, we came.
O ! Thou Supreme, Almighty Power,
Reveal to us these hidden things.
That we may know Thy will, each hour,
Freed from the doubt and fear it brinsrs.
'c
These secrets, Lord, on us bestow,
Who see Thy works and still are blind ;
Whose e^'es behold, where'er w^e go.
Some unsolved myst'r}' of the mind.
September 30, 1892.
"^^^^
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 19
CONTEMPLATION
We dwell amidst unnumbered worlds,
In unexplored and boundless space,
Wherein supreme creative power
And high intelHgence, we trace.
We view% with an admiring awe,
Great suns and systems as they roll —
Obedient to a common law.
Fixed, from the first, for their control.
Beneath the all-resplendent stars —
A panorama, vast and grand —
A streaming light of shining bars
Illumines air, and sea, and land :
Amid all these we nightly stand
Upon the crest of this great ball —
Yclept the globe, or Mother Earth —
Revolving — with its kindred, all
In mighty orbit — since its birth.
Hereon, for countless ages past.
Millions of millions lived and died ;
For a brief space they dwelt, and passed,
And others, still, their place supplied.
20 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
So it has been, and so will be
Till Time itself shall be no more,
And all mankind are called to see
That Being whom we all adore ;
That Great First Cause — our fathers' God —
Through whom we live and have been blest,
Who chastens us, with merc^-'s rod,
And giveth His beloved rest.
How wonderful are all His works !
How fraught with wisdom all His ways I
What m3^ster\' abounds and lurks
In all His countless 3'ears and da3's !
March 20, 1893.
''BE NOT LIKE DUMB-DRIVEN CATTLE."
*' Be not like dumb-driven cattle :
Be a hero in the strife ; ' '
Be not led b}- others' teachings,
But evolve thy own true life.
Hail mankind as loving brothers,
Ha\'e a lofty aim in view ;
Do the right to self and others,
Only goodly paths pursue.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 21
Honor those whose worth and wisdom
Count for more than gems or gold,
But forbear to fawn or truckle,
And be neither bought nor sold.
Ne'er forget thou art a freeman,
In a land of liberty ;
Where the plowman or the seaman
Dares a Senator to be.
Let thy daily life proclaim thee
Moral, merciful and just ;
Doing for thy friends and neighbors
Works of love, and not of lust.
Think for thyself ; let manhood shine
Resplendent over all thou dost ;
To wisdom let thine ear incline,
And virtue be thy guest and host.
So wilt thou be complete in all
That the Supreme decreed for thee ;
Let superstition's shackles fall,
For truth alone can make thee free.
By energy and faith, I trow.
And self-reliance, most divine.
Thou canst compel the world to bow
And worship at thy chosen shrine.
22 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Then " be not like dumb-driven cattle
Be a hero in the strife ; ' '
Press onward in the din of battle,
And evolve a nobler life.
God has meant that every being
Should grow stronger in the right,
And at last attain perfection,
For acceptance in His sight.
l^ovEMBER 15, 1893.
THE BELL AT ST. PAUL'S.
Full many a time thy tones I've heard
Ring out, in 3'ears gone by,
And listened till m}' heart was stirred,
And echo made reply.
Thy sad, sweet notes have wondrous charms,
In every peal and swell.
And fill my soul with jo}' so full '
That language fails to tell.
I've loved thee w^ell, and loved thee long —
In truth, I love thee still.
As thou dost call the careless throng
To worship, if they will.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 23
Thou art to me a cherished friend,
Cemented b}^ long years,
And may est sometime mark my end,
• In sadness, if not tears ;
For often dost thou sadly toll
For some dear friend or brother ;
Some cherished sister, passed away,
Or dear, devoted mother.
Oft have I heard from stately towers.
In regions far away.
Sweet bells ring out, in morning hours,
In joyous clang and plaj^ ;
But nowhere else on earth, to me,
Have such sweet notes been rung
As flood the vibrant air from thee.
And issue from thy tongue.
Still ring the call to praise and pra3^er,
As oft in days of yore,
Till hope invites to climes more fair.
Beyond this mundane shore.
Aye, ring in tones distinct and clear.
Melodious, sweet, and long.
Till every sin-sick soul has cheer,
And faith in God is strong.
24 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
And when th}' mission is fulfilled —
Should that good time e'er come —
And truth from error is distilled,
Then, onl}", be thou dumb.
^ And now, farewell, thou dear old bell ;
Ring for the thoughtless world ;
Ring loud and long, His mercies tell ;
Love's banner floats unfurled.
Sunday, January 7, 1894.
NIAGARA.
Thou wondrous marvel of the world !
Whose floods for ages have been hurled
Into far depths, unseen, below,
From whence thy surging waters go !
Thou art sublime in might and power,
And, flowing on through time's long hour.
Hast rolled impetuous o'er these rocks,
And dashed to foam, \r\ deafening shocks.
Thy roar — a never-ceasing sound —
Ascends from hidden caves, profound,
Where boiling waters seethe and foam,
And mist and furv find a home.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 25
Amazed at sight of thee, we feel
An awe that words cannot reveal ;
A shrinking fear, wrought by thy frown,
As mighty torrents pour them down.
Full many a luckless wight, long dead,
Since fleeting eons hence have sped,
Has drifted down, in dire dismay,
To thy deep, yawning gulfs, away.
The Indian, in his frail canoe —
To all his native instincts true —
Pursuing hind, or fallow deer,
Across th}^ bosom, year by year,
Or vengeful foe, in horrid hate,
Has met, upon thy brink, his fate.
So his white brother, far less rude,
Has ventured forth, in thoughtless mood,
To where thy restless waters flow,
And, leaping, thunder down below.
Nor these alone, but Nature's throng.
Whom instinct blindly leads along
And lures to death, upon thy wave,
Beyond the power of help to save.
2() POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Pour down thy floods while time shall last,
Tremendous torrent, swift and vast,
Far into mystic depths below,
And rear aloft thy radiant bow.
Triumphant work of Nature's God,
Evolved ere man the earth had trod !
Emblem of power and might, for aye,
Sublimely grand, Niagara !
May io, 1894.
LINES TO A LATE NOVEMBER BUTTERFLY.
[ On Thursday, November 13th, while out driving, the day being
warm and pleasant, I saw, at a short distance in advance of me, a
very beautiful butterfly, sporting in the sun as in the early days of
Summer.]
'Twas the thirteenth of November,
And a day to long remember.
For the sun was shining brighth^
And my team was tripping lightl}',
As we traveled down the road.
I was musing o'er the past,
And the shadows it had cast,
When I lifted up my eyes.
And I saw, with glad surprise.
What the circumstance bestowed.
POEMS AND SKETCHES.
'Twas a miracle, indeed,
That the season seemed to breed,
In its solar warmth and light,
And, with marvelous delight,
I beheld a butterfly !
Happy spirit of the air,
Flitting lightly, here and there,
lyike a harbinger of bliss, .
Come to beckon us from this
To some fairer world on high —
Cheer us ever, beauteous thing ;
Hover round, on sportive wing ;
Pleasant thoughts forever bring :
Youthful fancies, boyish dreams.
Flowering meads and babbling streams.
Of the golden days now flown.
When a romping, gleeful child,
Many an hour have I beguiled
In pursuit of such as thou.
Whose fair presence charms me now.
Though to manhood I have grown.
Ignis fatuus fancies flit.
Still, across my brain, and sit,
Just as thou art wont to do.
On some object strange and new ;
And as quickly come and go.
28 POEAfS AXD SKETCHES.
Given still a score of years
In this vale of joys and tears,
We may never chance to see
Other winged sprite like thee
Linger till the cold winds blow.
Such a charm, in chill November,
We shall cherish and remember,
For like seasons come not often,
Its asperities to soften,
That we dare forget them soon.
And the soul that is not better,
When to Nature it is debtor
For its charms, to mind or eye,
E'en of bird or butterfly,
Must be sadly out of tune.
November 13, 1890.
Y
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 29
THOUGHTS SUGGESTED BY THE CLOSING
YEAR.
And now another j^ear is past,
A tweU^emonth more of life is sped,
Borne onward to that ocean vast
Where all preceding time has fled.
Like atoms on a flowing river,
Humanit}^ is drifting on
To find its goal — returning never —
Till all now living shall be gone.
The thought is sad, yet Nature's laws
Are absolute, as were the Medes',
And if the contemplation awes,
'Tis the most kindly of His deeds.
In youth a buoyant spirit reigns,
And we are confident and strong ;
At middle age strength still sustains.
And promises a voyage long.
Old age appears to us at last,
With sunken cheeks and grizzled hair,
And tells us that our prime is past —
A truth our feelings all declare.
30 r OEMS . 1 XJj ,SKE T( llES.
With steps uncertain now, and slow,
A staff required for our support,
We totter on, as down we go —
Of circumstance and time, the sport.
Worn out, at last, we sink to rest,
From life's concerns and troubles, free ;
x\t peace with all the world, and blest
Throughout a vast eternity.
As forest trees grow old, and die.
And younger forms arise instead,
So, reader, will both you and I
Go hence, ere man}' moons are sped.
Deplore it not, for Nature's waN's,
Like justice, are the ways of God ;
Probationar}' years and days
Lead homeward, and by all are trod.
Life here prepares us for the skies —
If, happih', such heavenly spheres
Await — to which we ma\' arise,
Triumphant, through our toils and tears.
Rest, surely — if naught else — is ours.
In dreamless and unending sleep :
Blest gift of the supernal powers.
For souls quiescent cannot weep.
December 20, 1893.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 31
ROBERT BURNS.
Truly, the youthful Burns was gay ;
A happy reveler in his day ;
His years were ever June or May,
And bloomed with love.
He knew not care, but everywhere
Had amours with Eve's daughters, fair,
Who seemed inclined his flame to share.
In cot or grove.
A rustic, all unschooled, and free,
With native wit, in full degree,
Endowed with wondrous sense to see,
As well as know.
A peasant born, he wTote with skill.
He plowed and planted at his will.
And on himself the most of ill
He did bestow.
But, after all, his soul was great.
And far beyond his low estate,
Which was too humble to elate
So clear a mind.
32 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
He stood alone and had few peers,
And none, for opportunity and years ;
And later times will greet with cheers
Aught he designed.
He was dear Scotia's noble son ;
Lowl}^ and loft}', all in one ;
The friend of all, the foe of none
Except the proud.
He loved the right, despised the wrong.
And hurled his pointed shafts of song,
In language keen, as well as strong,
At the vile crowd.
He was the child of Nature, too ;
To all its loving instincts true.
And celebrated all he knew
Of its fair charms.
Long may his nobler thoughts endure —
The tender, S3"mpathetic, pure,
The heritage of 'rich and poor —
Through time's alarms.
't>'
January 30, 1894.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 33
THE I.UNATIC, THE LOVER, AND THE
POET.
*' The lunatic, the lover, and the poet
Are of imagination all compact ; ' '
We write it that you read it and may know it,
For the saying is not questioned as a fact.
The vagaries and visions of the lover
Tell of heaven upon earth unto him,
For the joys of his heart we discover
Welling up, through the soul, to the brim.
So the lunatic, in mental aberrations,
Hath visions of magnificence and glory.
Though descended through the lowliest of stations.
Or the scion of a king famed in story.
While the poet, no less ardent, taketh flight
To the starry and the distant fields of air,
For the lofty and the beautiful delight,
And his spirit ever seeketh what is fair.
So he pictureth a world aglow with bloom,
And his sky becomes as radiant as heaven ;
While a ceaseless longing doth his soul consume
As he pleadeth that his weakness be forgiven.
34 POEMS AX J) SKETCHES.
** The lunatic, the lover, and the poet
Are of imagination all compact ; ' '
We write it that 3'ou read it and may know it,
For the saying is unquestioned as a fact.
July 24, 1893.
TO A DEPARTED SISTER, AGED SIXTEEN
YEARS.
God, in his goodness, placed thee here,
With sisters dear and brothers,
To glad the heart of th}- fond sire.
And cheer a doting mother's.
But short, alas ! thy earthly sta\^
With those thou lov'dst so dearly.
For Heaven's decree ne'er brooks dela}^,
And thou hast passed thus early.
'Twas hard, indeed, to give thee up.
E'en for that brighter shore.
Whose holier jo^^s, shall fill thy cup,
Than earth e'er held in store.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 35
Farewell ! my sister ; life has cares
Too rude for human flowers ;
Transferred to fairer climes, thy soul
May bloom in happier bowers.
A sweet remembrance thou shalt yield
While life to us is given,
And at its close we trust to meet
With thee, dear one, in Heaven.
Tuesday, January i6, 1855.
ABANDON.
Give to me the hawthorn's shade
On a hot and sultry day,
A novel of some interest
To read, when down I lay ;
A brown " Havana roll " to puff,
A "lucifer" ignited.
And after all, a good, sound sleep,
And I shall then be righted.
A. D., 1850.
36 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
INDOI.ENCE.
I was languid and awear}^,
For the day was long and hot,
And though I sought amusement,
. Its resources I had not.
I had read and read, and pondered.
Till a stupor filled my brain,
And I sat and read, and wondered
If I had not best refrain.
So I jdelded to the promptings,
And sought a shad}^ nook.
With the air and sun about me,
A pencil and a book.
And to beguile the moments.
As in silence they went by.
At some poetic stanzas
I thought my hand to tr}'.
So while the breeze was wafting
Its coolness o'er my brow.
And song-birds trilled their laughter,
I undertook my vow.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 37
I framed these simple verses
As you behold them here,
Without a special object —
That seemeth very clear ;
And if they lack perfection,
Or energy or wit,
Or seem to want direction,
It comes from lack of grit.
For Summer's heat and indolence
Deprive us of our powers, "
And this must be my sole defense
In these oppressive hours.
Perhaps when Autumn days return,
Fresh vigor they may bring.
With inspiration that shall burn
Till loftier strains we sing.
So, fare you well, for we must go,
A duty to perform :
The clouds are rising in the west,
With promise of a storm ;
And should a cyclone sweep our path.
It would be ' ' versus ' ' then ;
So I had better cease, or wrath
May wrest this scribbling pen.
Tuesday, Junk 20, 1893.
Note.— A storm was actually arising at the time this was being written.
38 roKMS AM) SKETCHES.
DEPARTING SUMMER.
"The harvest is over, the Summer is ended."
Now forests wave a long and sad adieu,
And trembling leaves, in sorrow, seem to sigh.
Because of thy departure, and alas I to view,
Not distant in thy train, chill Autumn nigh.
Thou comest and thou goest like a dream,
And earth bewails her Summer beauties, flown ;
While Time moves onward, like a passing stream,
And seasons vanish, but go not hence alone :
For man and matter, all that Nature knows.
Tends to the final goal — Eternity ;
Each living thing a debt to Nature owes,
Both great and small of earth's fraternity.
Then, wherefore should we sadden at th}- leaving?
F'or thou again mayst cheer us with thy rays ;
But when poor mortals are called hence, no grieving
Will ever render back departed da3's.
Note. — Written August 31, 1848; re-wfitten and amended July 28, 1891.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 39
THE SNOW.
" Here we come, and there we go,"
Sa}^ the Httle flakes of snow ;
*' Down we fall, at Nature's call,
Silently or in a squall.
' ' Children greet us, glad to meet us ;
To their merr}" cries they treat us ;
Happy days and gleeful pla3^s,
Romping in their childish ways."
The}^ enjoy the snow, at least.
Coming from the north or east ;
Coasting here, and gliding there —
Splendid sport, I do declare.
See them rolling up a ball —
Now so large, at first so small ;
Then, again, they pile it high.
And to form a man, they try.
And anon they build, in sport.
What they term a snowy fort ;
Then they rear a monument.
Till their slender strength is spent.
40 POEMS AND SKETrHES.
And, at last, too cold for play,
Cease to revel for the day,
And, with hasty steps, retire
Homeward, to the cheerful fire.
E'en the cold, ungenial snow
Makes the childish heart to glow ;
While to those mature in years
Its enchantment disappears.
December 2, 1893.
SOME COOL REFLECTIONS OX A GAS FIRE.
I sit and freeze, I sit and freeze ;
I shake and shiver, yawn and sneeze ;
I pray for heat — instead, I freeze ;
I almost swear — and yet I freeze.
I long for warmth of sun or breeze,
And yet I freeze, and \'et I freeze ;
Confound the gas I I wish I could
Convert its vapors into wood.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 41
That genial warmth might cheer my soul,
And give my chattering teeth control ;
Revivify my powers of life,
And end this frightful frigid strife.
But, lo ! a chill pervades my frame,
With dire forebodings, ill of name,
Because I'm cold, so ver}^ cold —
The fire burns low — so cold, so cold.
We pray the powers that be for aid.
And trust that help be not delayed ;
We pray for honest, righteous pressure,
And less of dail}^ scant}^ measure :
That we through future times remaining
Shall have less cause for just complaining.
Decembkr 31, 1892.
THOUGHTS.
Suggested by the Ever-Thronging Multitude About Fountain Square,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 5, 1894.
Come, thou, with me, and see the world go by.
And mark its phases, while the moments fly ;
Its ceaseless turmoil and its endless strife,
To seek a fortune, or sustain a life.
42 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Like ocean's tides, in constant ebb and flow,
It surgeth hither, and doth yonder go ;
Some aim or purpose ever}' act declares,
And in pursuit, nor toil nor labor spares.
While hope of gain is urging some along,
The love of pleasure seemeth full as strong ;
So all go headlong, as their wills incline.
To Mammon's altar, or to Folly's shrine.
Some speed on foot, and some on flying cars
Propelled by cables or electric bars ;
While here and there, and back and forth they rush,
In one mad conflict and unheeding crush.
Each rising morn beholds the fra\' begun.
At dew^y eve it is not wholly done ;
So we, poor humans, in this restless world,
Are ever onward and still onward hurled.
Till our sad lives are weary, worn and wan,
And gladly yielded, that we ma\' be gone :
For pleasure-seeking and pursuit of gain
Are disappointing and invite to pain.
Monday, September io, 1894.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 43
THANKSGIVING OF THE POOR.
Give thanks — and for what ? For a year of
hard times ?
For numberless strikes and for countless crimes ?
For murder and robbery, arson and theft,
By graceless scoundrels, whose hands were deft?
For squalor and poverty, pinching the poor,
Who cannot keep want away from the door ;
Whose labor has lessened and wages reduced,
Good morals degraded, and virtue seduced?
For law-makers pandering unto the rich,
And aiding in schemes the gist of which
Meant millions of money to combine and trust,
Thus filling their coffers, and pampering lust ?
For evils like these, and multitudes more.
We are asked to give thanks and forget to deplore
The wrongs that we suffer, and crush out the life
Of the poor and the lowly, in unequal strife.
44 POEMS AXI) SKETCHES.
Na\', never, we cannot give thanks for our lot,
So long as the comforts of life we have not ;
It is all very well for the rich man to tell
Of his gold and his gains, in a way that is ' * swell : ' '
But, alas I we have sorrows, and cause to complain
Of the tyrannous rich and monopolists' reign.
Sunday, Xovember 25, 1894.
AIMLESS THOUGHTS.
This is an hour of idleness.
With scarcely any aim in view ;
Alone with self can I express
My aimless thoughts to even you.
I write that time may swifth^ fly —
However fruitless what I write —
And therefore will not seek to try
To make of worth what I indite.
My thoughts are circumscribed and pent,
And neither range aloft nor far.
And if on some high mission sent.
Would fail to greet the nearest star.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 45
They could not mingle with the spheres,
Nor compass all of Nature's laws ;
Nor gain the triumphs due to years,
Explain results, or state the cause.
*' Will not some power the ' giftie gie ' us "
To soar aloft from earthly clods,
And from our mental shackles free us,
To think and act the part of gods ?
Sunday, January 14, 1894.
SCENES AND REFLECTIONS AT "YEARLY
MEETING."
[This Sketch is almost literally true, and is preserved not for any-
literary merit (for it possesses none), but simply as a memento of the
times. This scene occurred at the old brick meeting-house north of
the railroad, on Sunday, October 1, 1854.]
Behold that moving image there —
That rosy, buxom, country fair ;
She struts with honest pride of face,
But sadly lacks the art of grace.
She proves, at least, her limbs are strong,
As she divides the yielding throng ;
And if her mind is not well stored,
Her head has freight enough aboard.
46 POEMS A XT) SKETCHES.
Its gear is venerabl}' old —
A sight well worthy to behold ;
Its plumes and ornaments, once ga\%
Have sadh' paled and drooped away.
Her dress is of a gaudy hue,
For nothing else, of course, would do ;
While from her waist a ribbon, fair.
Floats out upon the breez}- air.
About her neck a strand or two
Of showy beads attract the view,
While sundry rings, of shining brass,
Bedeck the finerers of this lass.
'&'
She deems herself the favored belle
Of home, and neighborhood as well,
And therefore, as she little cares.
Assumes some unbecoming: airs.
'&
She talks and laughs, both long and loud,
Regardless of the gazing crowd.
And seeks to find her simple beau
And plighted flame of long ago.
They meet, at length ; each fond desire
Has set their willing hearts afire,
As flushing cheeks and radiant eyes
The truth most fullv testifies.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 47
He bows, and takes the proffered hand
And clasps it, while they chat and stand,
Remarking of the num'rous fair,
Each other's health, and how the}^ w^ere.
Of standing, weary, they retreat
To an obscure and vacant seat.
And hold a conversation there
Quite worth}^ of the rustic pair.
Says he to her, " Be seated. Sue,
And post me up on all that's new ;
And tell me, is it true that Harry
And Belle Grimes intend to marry ?
And if it would not be as well
( But then, you know, we mustn't tell )
To have our own dear wedding day
To come about the first of May ? ' '
They spoke of this and then of that,
And held a long and social chat,
Unconscious of the busy throng
That passed them heedlessly along.
With fondest love and seeming haste,
He twined his arm about her waist.
And softly whispered in her ear
Words that only she might hear.
48 rOEMS AXIJ SKETCHES.
Af this juncture I retreated.
Causing me to be defeated
As a ^vitness of their ways
And such languishing displays.
Then, seating me without the throng,
I pondered, silently and long,
Bethinking me of changeful life :
Its varied scenes of love and strife ;
And how these twain w^ere all untaught
In all its waj's, in act or thought.
I felt a deep emotion thrill.
As every heart, responsive, will,
Whene'er it sees a verdant pair
So free, and so devoid of care.
Confiding in each other's love,
Xot doubting each will faithful prove.
O ! unsophisticated pair,
All ignorant of Fashion's rules,
You have never known the care
Taught us in its tyrsLut schools !
May you live and love together,
Happily, for many a year,
Stemming life's tempestuous weather,
Smiling, spite of toil and tear.
Sunday, October i, 1854.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 49
MUSINGS,
Written while the snow was falling, Sunday, January 18, 1852.
See how gently falls the snow,
Wheeling from its airy height.
Decking earth and forest-bough
With its flakes of virgin white.
Not a scene on earth so cheery
Ever greets my longing sight —
Though it be to some so dreary —
As the snow-flake in its flight.
Boyish visions float around me,
As I wander back through time,
Calling up the sports of childhood —
Sports of merry winter-time.
Sleds and skates, and hill-sides sloping,
Chase of rabbit round the hill :
Treed and captured — caught at last,
Yonder by the distant mill.
Weary many a time, and oft
Almost frozen, with the sport,
As we rolled us huge round snow-balls,
Fashioned men, or snowy fort ;
oO POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Or with skates, upon the surface
Of some pond or glassy lake,
Long excursions o'er its bosom —
Oft returning — we would take ;
Or, when home-returned, would gather
Round the hearth at even-tide,
And with song or tale enraptured,
Cause the hours to swiftly glide.
Mirth and glee and gladness, all.
Filled our cups with joy so high
That when now I think of them,
The\' are thought of with a sigh.
But our bo3^ish days soon leave us,
And a few years, how they tell :
We have quit our skates and sledges —
Bade to childish sports, farewell ;
And instead of hill-sides, sloping,
Or the icy surface wide,
We prefer the stately highway
And a coach, wherein to ride.
Thus it is : when j'outh departs us,
And the boy becomes a man.
He discards the sports of childhood,
In accord with Nature's plan.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 51
PICTURES OF WINTER.
Mark ye, how the fleecy snow
Circles to the world below,
Manthng hill and plain and glen,
Hut, or castled haunt, of men.
See how varied every form,
As the flakes, 'mid driving storm,
Heap their added treasures higher
Over ground and tree and spire.
Bounding children hie to school,
Cheeks aglow, in air so cool,
Happy in the drifting snow,
Pealing laughter as they go.
Hark ! the merry call of bells !
How their melody up- wells !
Cheer-instilling every feeling,
And such happiness revealing.
Joyous youth and maiden fair —
Neither conscious of a care —
Glide like spirits o'er the snow.
Whispering something soft and low.
52 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Seated round the glowing fire,
Mother dear and child and vsire,
Happ3', cheerful, loved, and warm,
Housed securel}^ from the storm.
Now, behold the lot of those —
Poor, and shelterless from snows.
Biting frosts and* driving rain —
Doomed to povert}' and pain.
Shun them not — the vagrant poor —
Open wide the heart and door ;
Lend them aid, relieve distress :
'Twill promote your happiness.
Nor forget that all mankind.
Whether simple, poor, or blind.
Are our brothers, sisters, dear,
Whom we should protect and cheer.
Kindly acts and worthy deeds
Are the sowing goodly seeds.
That may germinate in mold,
To return a thousand-fold.
Note.— Written first March 22, 1869, and amended and extended
January 26, 1893.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 53
SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR CITY'S
SERVANTS.
'' A little learning is a dangerous thing,"
And small experience doth its miseries bring ;
So, little minds who wield official powder
Are petty t \Tants — lordlings of an hour.
A pompous manner and an owlish air
Declare the wisdom that they have to spare ;
They never reason, for they know not how —
And he that cannot is a fool, I trow.
Some w^ield the hammer, and some work in wood ;
Some deal in spirits, it is understood ;
And one, at least — the wiliest member, far —
Doth often ' ' smile ' ' to dedicate the bar.
»
A very Nestor, of peculiar kind,
With wit and cunning to divert the blind,
He poses leader of this w^eakling host,
Whose combined wisdom is a ghastly ghost.
Yet such as these, whose lack of wisdom's ways
Will scarcely serve them thro' the Summer days,
Assume to rule us, with an iron rod,
And ask obeisance to their beck and nod.
54 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Such creatures squander what our labor hoards,
In fruitless journeys and at festal-boards ;
In new creations of some park or street :
In wa3's and manners ever indiscreet.
The people's rights are treated with disdain,
For haughty servants, now, the power maintain ;
Whose countless blunders stamp them heedless
fools.
For lack of knowledge taught in common schools.
One son of Vulcan, with a noisy jaw,
Assumes importance, to inspire with awe ;
While Master Turner, with his swollen head,
Is so inflated that his wits have fled.
And e'en " His Honor," like a chronic curse,
Is ever scheming to do something worse ;
A little conscience is a dangerous thing,
Afld untaught minds a constant miser}^ bring.
May fortune grant that when this rule shall end,
Some wiser council may our needs attend —
Men who have brains, ability and worth.
And not abortions of ignoble birth.
'to'
Monday, July io, 189;
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 55
I.INES,
Suggested by the death of an esteemed friend, in a neighboring city.
Once more we mourn the " loved and lost,"
The friend of earlier da3^s,
Whose winsome waj^s and loving heart
Were themes of constant praise.
Hers was a vSoul sincere and true,
Artless and free from guile,
Making more happ}^ all she knew.
With charmed speech and smile.
No group of friends was e'er complete
Without her presence there.
To lend its hallowed influence — sweet
As incense to the air.
In later j^ears, when dut3^'s cares
Came, as our cares will come.
She was as sunlight to the home.
And to complaint was dumb.
A helping hand was ever hers
To lend, in times of need —
No thought of toil such souls deters —
She was a friend, indeed.
56 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
And when affliction sore befell,
And weary days of woe —
With suffering, only she could tell
And only she could know —
It was her last sad trial here.
Ere rest, eternal, came :
She bore it with a mart^'r's cheer.
She bore it in His name.
In peace and rest her wear}- breath,
Like sighing zephyrs, fled ;
She hailed the change — which we call death —
They tell us. She is dead.
October 29, 1894.
Mrs. Lida Johnson died at Indianapolis yesterday, after a prolonged
illness. She was a sister-in-law of Calvin R. Johnson, and a daughter
of the late Benjamin W. Davis. Mrs. Johnson's early home was in
Richmond, and her acquaintances are man3\— October 25, 1894.
''^ -ft-
POEMS AND SKETCHED.
THE TOILER'S LAMENT.
Have I been born a life-long slave,
To labor in the sun —
To work from morn till dewy eve,
And still be never done ?
Can I ne'er have release from toil,
Or get a rest from care ?
Must I keep on this tread-mill round.
And have no time to spare ?
I have no leisure of my own
To think or even pray —
I simply am a slave for bread,
And have been, day by day.
I am a thing for others' use,
To bow at their behest —
The servant of some lordling's power,
Without release or rest.
Will not the fates increase my store,
To free me from this yoke —
If not on this, some kindlier shore.
My lot, at last, revoke?
58 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Or am I doomed to live a slave,
To work through storm and sun,
And toil from morn till dewy eve,
And still be never done ?
Saturday, February 3, 1894.
MARCH.
"Its fickle fancy ranges,
And knows of naught but changes."
To-day it snows, a chill wind blows —
'Tis Winter in the Spring ;
The day before we did adore
The sun's warm shimmering —
At sixty-five (as I'm alive)
The mercur}' stood, serene ;
At twent3^-eight to-day, we state,
The temperature is seen.
With changeful strife the times are rife.
And prone to wayward ways ;
We love them not, for hard the lot
Of humans in these davs.
March 15, 1893.
POEMS AXD SKZT~'1Ij:s. 59
MASTER WILLIE MAY.
Suggested by his photo.
Ho ! bright little elf, in a duplicate self,
Thou miniature image of man ;
Thou copy in photo, thou shadow in toto.
Thou hindrance to peace and to plan.
We lov^e thee most dearly, we love thee sincerely,
Thou restless young creeper and crawler ;
But when thou wouldst master, we look for disaster,
For mighty art thou as a squaller.
A conqueror, truly, and often unruly.
We sometimes are whoU}^ confounded ;
Anon thou art playful and civil and, truly,
Thy goodness of heart is unbounded.
Thou joy of the household, thou symbol of love,
And a master of mischief, forsooth.
We pet thee and spank thee, by turns, little dove,
For fretfully cutting a tooth.
February 26, 1894.
60 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
EARLY SPRING.
How delightful in Spring,
When the sun's cheerful rays
Invite us to wander
O'er meadows and ' ' braes. ' '
How elated the soul,
As we gaze on the scene :
The earth newly robed
In a vestment of green ;
Loudly thrilling their notes
To the Being of Love,
Happy warblers unite
With the plaint of the dove ;
Little rills, as in gladness.
Go bounding along,
Gayly threading the vale
With a murmuring song ;
While tiny flowers peep
From the earth, broken up,
Exhaling perfume
From each fairy-like cup.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 61
Oh ! Who can behold
Such an Eden as this,
And feel that the world
Was not formed for his bliss ?
A dreamy delight —
Far beyond my control,
As I look upon Nature —
Steals over ni}^ soul !
February, 1852.
CREATION'S HEIRS.
There is not anything that God has made
That should be hidden or should make afraid,
Of all the mysteries of all the years,
In this, our world, or e'en the distant spheres
For we are His, and His creation ours.
And all co-workers, whom his bounty dowers.
We are His children, and our Father He —
From Him we came and unto Him we flee ;
Formed in His image, as Himself declares,
We are His onl}^ and Creation's heirs.
September 24, 1895.
62 FOEMS AND SKETCHES.
A PUBLIC WEDDING AT OLD PEARL STREET
M. E. CHURCH.
[The building was an old, one-story frame structure, with two front
doors — and for many years has been doing duty as a third class dwell-
ing, on the west side of South Tenth Street, near Main. The contracting
parties were highly respectable citizens, but for prudential reasons the
names are not given. He is, however, a wealthy manufacturer, and the
"best man" a flourishing banker, of Knightstown.in this State. No tickets
of admission were required in those days, and the performance was open
to all. The description following is literally true.]
I sat amid a waiting throng ;
Silence reigned profound and long ;
Every optic nerve was strung,
And auditor}' fibres rung ;
While, ever and anon, the shout :
' ' They come I The}' come I ' ' was heard
without.
In gay and glee, a happy pair —
The bride, the fairest of the fair —
Were seen to cross the threshold o'er,
Succeeded by some couples more.
They passed adown the spacious aisle
To meet the parson, who, the while.
Arose, in sanctimonious mood,
To meet the groom and " ladie goode."
Attendants stood on either side,
To see the " nuptial knot " was tied.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 63
When all was o'er, and " Hymen's bands "
Were linked about their gentle hands,
They bowed in silence, and withdrew,
To where no vulgar eyes could view,
Nor meddling spirits interpose
Annoyance to the heart's repose. ^
Angelic love — most heavenly flame,
Whose mission is to soothe and tame
The wildest passions of the breast.
And calm them into perfect rest —
Mayst thou fqrever hold thy sway.
And never pass from earth away.
March 3, 1850.
WHEN LIFE IS YOUNG.
When life is young, and joys forever new
Succeed each other in the distant view,
The fancy pictures images ideal.
Stamps them perfection and proclaims them real.
But as we wander on, through weary j^ears.
Scathed and neglected, and bedewed with tears,
We, all too soon, shall comprehend the truth
That fiction mingles in the dreams of youth.
November 10, 1861.
64 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
A WAIL AT THE WEATHER.
[ Suggested by the remarkable gloom of March, which was supple-
mented by severe cold and snow, lasting to the 7th of April, 1891.]
Sol's genial ray doth oft displa}'
Its fervor in the Spring,
But in this j^ear hath lent no cheer,
Nor kindly offering.
But clouds, instead, in gloom, have shed
Their tears, in rainy sadness,
Till man, distressed, hath been depressed,
Impatient, unto madness;
While Phoebus' car still rides afar.
And frost and snow prevail,
And song of bird is rarely heard,
But chilling: winds assail.
'»
Xo floral forms 3'et dare the storms
That bluster round the world.
But seek repose beneath the snows,
With scarce a leaf unfurled ;
Xor bud of tree, as yet, we see
Expanded into bloom.
But seem as dead as life were fled.
Imprisoned in a tomb.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 65
We prithee, sun, thy course to run.
And shed thy genial rays,
So we may feel not woe, but weal,
As in the former days ;
For thou art life, and life were strife
Without thy influence shed.
And this fair world, from sunlight hurled,
Must soon be dark and dead.
April io, 1891.
ENIGMA.
I am seen in the air,
Though in earth I am not.
Save "beautiful Erin,"
That " bonnie, bright" spot.
The Indian's fair bride,
In her merriest glee.
Proudly calls me her own
As I be ! As I be !
m POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
I have ne'er been in love,
Though its victim 1 am,
Contending for beauty,
Or bearing the palm.
But, with the glad victor,
And in his bright shield,
I am seen to stand forth
In the midst of the field.
I know not the foe.
But in strife I advance,
With an arm that is strong,
And an uplifted lance.
I am found, it is said,
With the patriarchs old,
Immingled with virtues
That never were told.
While mistress and maiden
Each give me a part
In all their affections,
And choice of a heart.
Now, reader, be kindl}^,
And tell me ni}' name.
And thou shalt be sharer
In all of my fame.
January 9, 1849.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 6:
TO ONE DEPARTED.
The storm of life is o'er, and death has closed the scene ;
Remorseless time has rent the viewless chain
Which coupled earth and old eternity and main,
And thou art launched upon the dark unseen.
No mortal eye hath e'er beheld the future,
And yet, alone, thou goest forth to seek its shores.
Beware ! Or thy frail bark may founder, and no more
Return to harbor. Have thou all secure ;
For we have never kenned what lies beyond the vale,
Nor will we ever, till the spirit's boundless flight,
Unloosed from thraldom, doubt and brooding night,
Hath seen afar some fleet of heavenly sail.
O ! May'st thou safely reach the shores of that fair
stream,
Where joys eternal ever shine and loom
Like noon-day suns, to dissipate the gloom,
Or stars of promise, 'mid the soul's effulgent gleam.
May heaven's high King receive thee to His fold.
And grant thee all the pleasures of the hosts above ;
Where thou canst praise Him for His boundless love
And mercies infinite, by mortal tongues untold.
Sunday, October 22, 1854.
68 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
RANDOM THOUGHTS,
Suggested by a thunder-storm, attended with hail and rain, during the
night of January 28th, 1893.
'Mid lightning's flash and thunder's crash,
The hail and rain descended,
And spread its stormy deluge far.
As light and darkness blended.
The snow, which lay for man}^ a day,
Heaped on the frozen ground,
In haste departed on its w^ay
To river and sea and sound.
Farewell ! and may it not return,
To chill us with its greeting,
For its cold presence w^e shall spurn,
And shrink from such a meeting.
We long for Summer's sun again.
With genial airs of heaven.
To woo, with zephj^r's soft refrain,
The birds and flowers, at even'.
Happy, indeed, our lives should be
Were sunshine never-ending —
A paradise for thee and me,
Around the world extending :
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 69
Where birds are always on the wing,
And flowers are ever blooming ;
Where tuneful souls delight to sing,
And know no cares, consuming.
Pray Heaven to grant a realm like this —
Where peace and love are dwelling —
That we may revel in endless bliss,
Beyond the power of telling.
January 28, 1893.
LINKS TO A BELATED GRASSHOPPER,
Found stranded on the chilly confines of Autumn, Wednesday, November
26, 1890. Mercury 34-, and a very miserable day.
Pray, Mister Grasshopper, w^hy tarry here ?
The summer is gone, and the winter is near.
You'd better seek shelter away from the cold,
Or hie to the South, would you live to be old.
The winds from the north will soon silence 3"our
song,
And you cannot expect to live here very long ;
For the frost is a mighty destroyer of hosts,
And you insects will all be converted to ghosts.
(0 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
So get you away, and go hence, where 3'ou came,
If 3'ou wish to preserve 3^our existence and name.
We cannot encourage the presence or stay
Of wand' ring intruders, who seek only prey ;
So take to your wings, and away and away !
And return not again for a j^ear and a day !
THE WORLD A THEATRE.
Night's radiant lamps illume
The firmament on high,
And earth, the mighty theatre,
Has for its dome the sky.
Upon its monster stages
All mankind, arrayed
For ages upon ages.
Have each their parts displaj^ed.
Some acts are worthy of their authors,
Some are not ;
The better will survive all time.
The worse be soon forsfot.
&'
A. D. 1850.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 71
TO EVAN WRIGHT,
Who was a fellow-clerk of the writer's boyhood days, with the dry
goods flrm of Strattan & Wright, of this city. Mr. Wright was a
very estimable young man, and died of consumption — the result of
too close application to business.
Fare thee well ! departed spirit,
God to thee has given
More than all the joys of earth —
Eternal life in Heaven.
Troubles more shall ne'er assail,
Nor pains of sickness ever.
For thou hast made thy home the sky,
And earth shall know thee never.
The angel hosts shall welcome thee.
High in that holy place.
Where naught but mercy, truth and love
And happiness we trace.
Sin is unknown in that bright sphere,
And sorrow cometh not ;
Nor passions, to distract the soul.
Which are a mortal's lot.
72 FOEMS AND SKETCHES.
Then fare thee well I departed one,
For God to thee has given
Far more than all the wealth of earth
A home with him in Heaven.
April 22, 1849.
LINES
Suggested by a visit to "Forest Home,"' the country seat of Benjamin and
Emily Strattan, whose many iiindnesses to the writer can
never be forgotten.
Old Time's resistless car msLy speed,
And crown the world with many a deed,
Ere we shall all have left this sphere,
And all the heart holds sacred here.
Our da^'s may reach the utmost span
Appointed to the 3^ears of man.
And compass many a round of jo}',
Unmixed with aught of care's alloy.
But few shall be more bright than this,
More fraught with hallowed dreams of bliss ;
Long ma}' our recollections glow
With memories of this long ago.
January i, 1855.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 73
TOIL ON.
Toil on, toil on, for thy life and mine
Were but idle gifts, were they left supine.
Then work, and of wealth, to a bounteous store.
Shall fortune on thee, from her treasury pour.
And the idle may gaze, in their wonder, at will,
And envy thy riches, in idleness still ;
Whilst thou hast laid up, like the provident bee,
Good store for the winter of life — as we see.
They, thoughtless and negligent, shrouded in rags,
Whose tatters shall flaunt in the breeze — filthy flags,
Fit emblems of beggarly wretches — whose hours
Were wasted in idleness, earning no dowers.
Then mock not my efforts at striving to win
A name and life's comforts — it is not a sin.
I'd scorn to be idle — 'tis a shame of such dye,
'Tis alone fitly kin to deceit and a lie.
Let me labor, w^hile life and my health me are given.
That when I have passed this sad vale into heaven,
I may do so all conscious of duty fulfilled,
As the Maker desisfned and the Master has willed.
'to'
January 27, 1856.
POEMS AND SKETCHES.
A DOGGEREI^ OX A DEPARTED CANINE.
[ This poem refers to a favorite terrier, the property of a neighbor,
who prized him very highly for his many good qualities. The dog became
domoralized and vicious through the acts of mischievous urchins, who
would torment him in passing, and who afterward poisoned him.]
Alas ! and alack ! for the manes of poor Jack ;
He has gone to his dreamless repose ;
He peacefully j^eilded his breath, at his death,
And surrendered his checks at the close.
He faithfully served his kind keepers in life,
Though some of his traits were displeasing ;
His barking propensities led into strife
With impish 3'oung urchins, for teasing.
But even poor humans may err, and a cur
Is surely not better than they ;
Then wh}^ should we stress his few faults, which
were less
Than some we commit ev'r}" daj^
So, a truce to his weakness — at times he had
meekness
Quite up to the mark of his betters :
He was playful and civil, a good-natured
"divil,"
Sans tricks, or a knowledge of letters.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Farewell, to his dogship ! His voice never more
Shall awaken our slumbers at even ;
But instead, may be heard on Plutonian shores,
Dog Island, or Mount of Ben Nevin.
October 21, 1875.
IMPROMPTU LINES,
Suggested by an old bonnet, once the property of Mrs. Grace Vansant,
made in 1838, and exhibited by the writer at a meeting of the
Historical Society, held in the new court house,
Saturday, May 20, 1893.
Full fift}^ years' ago in style ;
Pray do not curl the lip or smile ;
For she who wore me then, like you,
Was happy, for ni}^ form was new.
But time, resistlessly as fate.
Puts all we cherish out of date ;
And that fair hat you wear to-day,
Will scarcely see its fiftieth May.
May 2o, 1893.
7fi POEMS AXn SKETCHES.
TO AN ABSENT BROTHER,
For some years resident at New Orleans. Louisiana.
Dear brother, shouldst thou chance to see
These Hues — from one you love —
I ask that thou remember me,
In palace, hall, or grove.
Though time and distance sever us,
The jo}' may 5'et be ours
To meet on life's broad stage once more,
'Mid childhood's vernal bowers.
Should stern misfortune be thy lot,
Or sickness, cold, attend,
Be humble, for Jehovah will.
In love, the meek befriend.
Then fare thee well I ni}- brother dear,
Till we shall meet again ;
That health, prosperity, be yours,
My pra3'er is — Amen !
October, 1847.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 77
THE CHASE.
" A little nonsense, now and then,
Is relished by the best of men."
Albicore, in wondrous haste,
Sped away, across the waste ;
In pursuit went horse and hounds,
With accelerating bounds ;
Alledation being great,
Each has sought to know his fate.
Hei^petologists are they,
Yet they scarcely dare to stay,
But pursue their chase so far
That fatigue and many a scar
Has unfitted them to go
Otherwise than sure and slow.
Pabuluvi is what they need.
Both the rider and the steed ;
Peonity, to drive ahead,
lycft them less alive than dead.
[See Webster for definitions.]
February 20, 1895.
78 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
A SABBATH AFTERNOON IN SUMMER.
What stillness broods on all around !
How dead the silence seems !
Its depth is fathomless ! no sound
Is heard, though Nature teems
With life : the Sabbath reigns supreme,
And sheds its holy influence far
As Andes' peaks — 'neath sunlight's gleam
Or distant Alps, or twinkling star.
Sunday, July 20, 1856.
A FRAGMENT.
Dear brother, how often I think of the past,
And muse o'er the pleasures it brought us ;
The many fair dreams that we fancied in youth.
And the frost-work of bliss that was wrouo:ht us.
'&'
I sigh, when the images dearly beloved.
That in childhood so fondh' we cherished.
Arise in my mind, and present to my view
But a wreck of the hopes that are perished.
A. D. 1851.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 79
MUSINGS.
I sigh to see the changing leaf,
For Autumn days are here ;
I sigh to know that Hfe is brief,
And age is drawing near.
'Tis sad to know that wintry winds
Will come at Nature's call ;
'Tis e'en more sad to know that^Death
O'er Nature spreads its pall.
Our lives are all a fleeting show ;
No lasting jo3's are giv^en ;
We dwell amid fair scenes below,
But soon fond ties are riven.
The leaf that now is sere, was green,
In Summer's early time ;
The aged man we just have seen,
Was 3'outhful in his prime.
But soon, alas ! the years go by.
And soon the young grow old :
For ev'ry living form must die,
And mingle with the mold.
80 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Let us so live that when our years
Have reached hfe's utmost span,
We ma}^ triumphantl}' go hence,
Obedient to His plan.
Sunday, September 25, 1892.
IMPROMPTU LINES TO MARCH.
Thou art a most unlovely month,
Whose elemental strife
Afflicts us, through the day or night,
With dire experience rife.
Sunshine to-da}^ to-morrow rain,
With wind and storm the next,
Alternate, with their sad refrain.
Till all mankind are vexed.
Thank heaven ! Thy race will soon be run,
Thy iron rule be o'er ;
And sleet and snow and gloom be done,
And nature smile once more.
Thursday, March 26, 1891.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 81
TO ONE AT REST.
31. A. E.
Thou dear departed, fondly loved —
For maii}^ a year at rest —
Thy soul long sought its last repose,
Forever to be blest ;
Yet, countless times since thou hast gone
Have I remembered thee :
By night and day, in crowds and lone,
Thy form has haunted me.
Thy absence here has left a \^oid
Which none can ever fill
As thy deft hand and brain were wont
When thou wert with us still.
Thou wert so good and true and kind —
. Th}^ w^orth no words can tell :
Thy even-tempered, noble mind
None living could excel.
Thou didst a hallowed influence shed,
As roses shed perfumes,
And though thy spirit long has fled.
Its incense ne'er consumes.
82 mi: MS A XI) sKirrciiKs.
We ofttinies pray to be with thee —
Lone, wandering here below —
And when, at last, from life set free,
Maj' we each other know :
Snch is my earnest, fond desire —
Naught else could lend such bliss -
And to that end my hopes aspire,.
In climes more fair than this.
»
March io, 1894.
EARLY AUTUMN
How sadh' and mournfully sighs the soft breeze,
As it lightly disports with the leaves,
Like one who in sorrow bewaileth a friend —
The Autumn wind seemingly grieves.
Alas I It may well, for the Sunnner is gone,
With its bright sunny face, and its flowers ;
The garden is changed to a desolate spot.
Where so often I lingered for hours.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 83
E'en while I discourse, I can feel the rude blast —
Which so lately was balmy and bland —
At first like the delicate touch of a friend,
Anon like some rude, clutching hand.
The breeze, which so late seemed a whispering sigh,
Has passed over valley and hill,
To return, with the boreal blasts of the North,
With a breath that is icy and chill.
Sunday, September io, 1854.
COULD PRAYERS AVx\IL.
Could prayers avail to hasten Spring,
And usher in its sunny days —
Methinks it very long delays —
I'd leap for joy, and shout and sing.
It seems so chill to see the snow —
A cold, white mantle on the ground —
The landscape looks so dreary round ;
The spirits feel no genial glow.
84 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Thank Heaven, delay cannot be long —
The sun seems warmer even now ;
And folks will soon begin to plow ;
And birds, in glee, renew their song ;
The grass grow green, the flowers bloom,
The trees put forth the budding leaf —
And may the time be ver}^ brief
When all the air will be perfume.
Sunday, February i8, 1894.
THE DAY WE CELEBRATE.
The glorious Fourth was ushered in
With rush of rocket, skyward sent,
And cannons' roar, and crackers' din.
While Babel sounds with those were blent :
Huzzas and shoutings, born of glee —
The soulful language of the free.
The people, in their might, appeared,
To manifest their joy, once more.
For Liberty — whose tree was reared
By patriots on these happy shores ;
With joyful hearts, the}^ thus expressed
How we, through freedom, have been blessed.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 85
Long may we keep the sacred trust
To us confided by our sires —
Whose forms have crumbled into dust,
But whose brave deeds still prompt these fires !
Let each returning natal day
Find no less fervor and display !
And long was kept the revel going.
Blue lights, and red, that flash and flare,
Lit all the heavens aflame and glowing,
While smoke, like incense, filled the air.
Away ! away ! dull care, away !
Glad millions celebrate to-da}^
July 6, 1895.
MARCH iiTH, 1896,
Brought the lieaviest and most persistent snow of the season.
And still and still and still it snows.
And still and still and still it blows.
And thus and thus and thus it goes
In Winter's cheerless time.
80 POEMS AM) SKETCHES.
Alas ! dlas I alas ! how cold,
And bleak and bleak and bleak the wold.
As I, as I, as I am told,
In all this Xorth-land clime.
O, haste I O, haste I O, haste I dear vSpring ;
Come birds, come birds, come birds, and sino; :
And Flora, Flora, Flora, bring
Thy glorious train, to charm the year.
Shine out, shine out, shine out, O I sun,
Till frost, till frost, till frost be done,
And light and heat are well begun.
And lono^ed-for Summer here.
'&
March ii, 1896.
PASSING AWAY.
Lo I the days pass awa^^ and the seasons deca}*,
While the years bear us speedih' on,
Like the tireless waves when the mad ocean raves,
Which arise and subside, and are gone.
Our youth, like a dream or a phantom, doth seem
vSo brief in its glory and bliss,
For 'tis .scarcely attained until bound and enchained
To some dutv it cannot dismiss.
POEMS A XI) SKETCHES. 87
We plod day by day our life's rugged way,
With the hope of reward and return,
Till the joys of desire, with our forces, expire.
And leave but the ash and the urn.
All weary and worn, wath a spirit forlorn,
We welcome the earth as a mother :
Our form 'neath the sod, and our soul with its God,
We rest from life's turmoil and pother.
July 26, 1S95.
I KNOW NO MISANTHROPIC HOURS.
I know no misanthropic hours —
I have no hatred for my kind :
God's love is everywhere, and ours
Should not be to ourselves confined.
All men are brothers in this world ;
All w^omen should be sisters, dear ;
And over all should be unfurled
^ Love's sacred banner, with its cheer.
88 POEMS AM) SKETCHES.
Wh}- should we en\-\' those in power ?
Why should we hate the man of wealth ?
To him who strives, some honest dower
]May come, b\' labor, void of stealth.
The world is wide enough for all —
Xo conflict need arise to me ;
We should not soar that others fall,
Xor hamper others' libert}'.
His blessings ever}' soul enjoys.
Without a vStint, or limit given,
Yet man his fellow-man anno\^s,
By evil schemes not born of Heaven.
Good will, at least, if not great love,
Is due to ever}' mortal man :
It is not much, but Heaven above
Includes it in her mystic plan.
Then let not misanthropic hours,
Xor even moments, thus controlled,
Subject thee to its evil powers.
But let love rule — that is pure"gold.
October 14, 1895.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 89
OLD LETTERS.
A True Story.
' ' Old letters, old letters ; lo ! what have we here ?
A name for each friend and a date for each year ;
Old time-eaten records — lo ! how the}^ recall
The memory of kindred, friend, lover, and all."
Here is one that was written in ' ' thirty-thuee ' ' —
It is 3'ellow with age, as j'ellow can be ;
The paper is rough, without sign of a rule,
And is folded and sealed in the primitive school.
The modern envelope and stamp were unknown,
So it had to go forth on its journe}^ alone ;
The missive was written ten miles away,-''
And posted at Richmond, with little delay.
The charges were high in the earh' time.
For postage upon it is marked a dime ;
Its destiny hence was Yellow Springs,!
And three days' travel a message brings.
The times were slow, and the roads were bad,
And the gift of a letter was rare and glad ;
The sender thereof, long absent from home,
Now writes to a sister for news, to come.
90 r<n:Ms axd sKF/niiES.
He says he is loneh', unhappy and " blue,"
Yet his prospects are good, with plenty- to do ;
But somehow a restless condition of mind
Will afflict him at times, however inclined.
He declares his intentions, if all goes well.
To make the acquaintance of some Hoosier belle ;
W^ith more of the sort, in a gossiping wa\-.
But little to interest us of to-day.
A letter that follows — of "thirty-six "—
vShows that he yielded to Cupid's tricks ;
And one, that was dated in " thirt3^-eight,""
Tells how the baby had walked of late.
Long since, all the parties hereto concerned
Unto God and His keeping their souls returned ;
And the baby above, in her after life,
Became to the writer a loving: wife.
'?5
Thus Time, on his tireless pinions, doth fiy-
To-day we are here, and to-morrow we die ;
We act our brief parts as they fall to our lot,
Depart and go hence, to be gone and forgot.
*Near Abington, Wayne county.
+ Yello\v Springs, near Springfield, Ohio.
March 14, 1S94.
POEMS AXn SKETCHES. 91
EARLY SPRING.
Farewell ! Clouds and storms of Winter,
Spring returning breaks thy chains ;
Smiling sunbeams loose thy fetters,
And in air divSSolves thy reign.
Sweet and dewy exhalations
Greet us from the fields around,
While the distant forest echoes
And re-echoes joyous sounds.
Music made by feathered minstrels --
Songsters of the upper air —
Happy in their vocal praises,
Free, alike, from toil and care.
Shrub and floweret rise in gladness
From the teeming mother earth ;
Cheered by ray divine, of Phoebus, •
Nourished by her into birth.
Praise we then the Gracious Giver
For his bounties, manifold ;
Resurrected life rejoiceth,
That it never p:roweth old.
ft-
March, 1850.
'■^'2 I'OKMS AM) SKETCH lis.
MY LOVE AND I.
Just two score years ago to day —
It seems not half so long —
Since we assumed life's wedded ways,
Happ}- as birds of song.
Our lives were fair, and not a cloud
Obscured the love that shone ;
A buoyant hope our souls endowed.
For cares were all unknown.
Thus we set forth on times broad sea,
Our faith in each was strong ;
\\'e pra3'ed for health — our only plea —
And that our lives be long.
Ours was a charming cot and grounds,
With fruits of various kinds,
Embowered with vines within its bounds,.
And flowers by heaven designed.
Our home a joyous Eden seemed,
Contentment made us blest ;
Our lives were all we e'er had dreamed.
Each evening gave us rest.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 93
Success attended all we did,
No effort proved in vain ;
The road to fortune ne'er was hid,
The way seemed broad and plain.
Thus 3^ ear on 3^ear went swiftly by,
In labor, love and joy,
With not a tear, nor e'en a sigh,
To add to life's alloy.
At length a direful day arose,
When all our hopes were high ;
Ill-health disturbed our fond repose —
A fiend of evil eye.
It came as with a stealthy tread.
Scarcely observed or seen —
A thief, ill-omened, all may dread —
M}^ love and self between.
She was the shining mark it sought.
And claimed her for its own —
Such priceless jewel gold neier bought — -
vSuch blight we ne'er had known.
She sickened, and for man}^ a day,
Un-murmuring, bore her woes
With more than human fortitude.
Till came at lensfth the close.
04 I i'<n:Ms AM) sk'irrcuHs.
That was a sad and hapless day,
When she passed hence from Hfe.
Compelled to tread death's cheerless way
My own dear, cherished wife.
Since then we oft remember her
As one long laid to rest :
A soul too pure for this cold world —
Loved, sanctified and blest.
February 14, 1895.
LINES TO A BUTTERFLY
Poor little butterfly !
So w^ear}' and cold I
Brief was thy summer's day,
And soon it was told !
The cheer of the sunshine,
The bloom of the flowers,
Delight thee no longer,
In Autumn's chill hours.
And alas I Nevermore
Wilt thou flit o'er the fields,
Or seek in the rosebud
The nectar it vields.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 95
The clover is blighted,
The wild -flower is dead ;
The forest is leafless,
Its beauties are fled.
But the sheen of thy wings,
And thy glorious flight.
Were the regalest things
That e'er gave me delight.
And thy memory ever
We fondly shall cherish —
A vision of beauty
That never can perish.
A spirit of gladness,
A joy to the heart —
We quit thee with sadness,
Forever to part.
Thy journey is ended.
Thy day-dreams are o'er ;
Thy flight is suspended —
Farewell, evermore !
'Tis the story, in brief.
Of the great and the small :
We all have our day.
And the end comes to all.
Note. — The aforesaid buttertly had fallen to the walk, be.sid(> the
house, benumbed by the cold.
November i, 1890.
96 POKMS AM) SKETCHES.
WHEN FIRST WE MET.
Impromptu Lines to Mattie.
'Tis true I loved thee dearly then,
But, O I I love thee better now,
And trust, supported b}- His will,
To keep through life the sacred vow.
I feel thou art too good for me —
Deserving more than I can give —
But if thou wilt but trust in me,
I'll love and serve thee while we live.
I know no happier hours than those
Which swifth' sped when at th}' side :
Each moment seemed so fraught with jo}*.
For thou hast been m\' only pride.
O ! ma}' we long enjoy that bliss —
The brightest boon to mortals given ;
That love which springs from kindred hearts
The utmost wealth this side of Heaven I
Februarv 19, 1855.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 97
RETROSPECTION.
When we remember all —
The past of by-gone j^ears —
Fond memory doth recall,
Our eyes are filled with tears.
How thoughtless childhood fled,
With all its cares and joys ;
The hopes and fears now dead,
Since we were careless boys.
How 3'outh advanced apace,
And aspirations wild
Took boyish fancies' place,
And we ignored the child.
At length, to manhood brought-
At least so told the years —
A goal we long had sought.
Upon life's w^ay appears.
New duties now devolved
Upon our manhood's powers ;
Nor could we be absolved
Through all its weary hours.
98 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Life's conflict now was on,
Its labors had begun ;
And ere the da}' was gone,
A victor}- must be Avon.
We strove with faith and prayer.
We labored long and true,
The world's success to share,
And crown our hopes anew.
The end was blest, in part.
With worldly wealth and store ;
But oh I alas I fond heart.
What disappointments sore I
The friends we loved have passed,
Beyond our mortal ken,
To peace, at least, at last,
Out from the homes of men.
Fond hopes we once enjoj^ed.
Of long continued bliss.
Were blasted or alloA'ed —
So we the dream dismiss.
Thus have we wrought and sought ;
Thus have we lived life's da}' ;
. Much of our gain was naught.
Nor do we long to stay.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 99
A few brief years of care,
Spiced with a joy or pain,
And we shall sojourn where
None will return again.
The morn of life is hope,
The noon is care and toil ;
Its eve hath little scope,
But endeth all turmoil.
June 13, 1893.
JUST AS THY NATURE URGES.
Just as thy nature urges, weep or smile.
Yet let not faults nor follies thy true heart beguile ;
If sunshine enter, let thy soul bestow
Some marks of favor, lest it quickly go.
If shadows wing their way across thy path,
Eet sadness hold its sway, instead of wrath ;
But through all seasons and all coming times,
May joy-bells cheer thee with their happy chimes.
Fkbruary 21, 1893.
34028liJ
100 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
CRINOLINE.
We are coming, Flora Flimse}',
We are coming right along ;
We are coming, Flora Flimse}^
Full an hundred thousand strong.
We are coming with a hustle,
We are coming in great troops ;
We are coming in a bustle,
We are coming with our hoops.
We are coming, dearest Flora,
We are coming like a storm ;
We are coming, very mighty,
We are coming to reform.
And 3'ou'll be glad to see us —
With an awful swell and dash —
For ev'ry sister's soul of us
Is bound to make a mash.
The men will all go crazy
When they see us in our skirts ;
It will make them feel so mazy —
We're a jolU' set of flirts.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 101
We will capture all the women,
And we'll captivate the men ;
And when we've captured ever3^thing
We'll change the fashion, then.
But we'll never cease our striving
After novelties and men,
Till we convert the masculines
To Crinolines again.
March 2, 1893.
MEMENTO MORI.
A Double Acrostic.
Mysterious, unknown realM -
Endless and eternal — wE
Meekly bide our time, till death shall whelM
Earthly ambition in that world, sublimE,
No eye of mortal e'er hath seeN.
The future surely dawns when life is spenT.
O ! teach us, then, Thy will to dO ;
Make all our strivings end and aiM
On Heaven and Thee, to center ; O I
Reward our faith, our spirits cheeR^
In thee to die — so Eord, may I.
Written in 1876.
102 POEMS AND. SKETCHES.
AUTUMNAL MUSINGS.
When the leaves begin to fall,
And the chilling winds are wailing,
Sadness shrouds us like a pall,
For the Summer's glow is failing.
Winter's most unwelcome presence
Follows Autumn's footsteps, fast.
With a snowy, cheerless mantle.
Over d3dng Nature cast.
Songs of birds and bloom of flowers
Cease to cheer or charm the world ;
Silence reigns, and beauty slumbers —
Happ3% gleeful wings are furled.
Come, O I come, thou joyous season
When the earth renews her prime :
Herald of re-animation —
Summer's prelude, most sublime !
Earth and air with life now teeming.
Floral forms, in splendor, glow ;
Nature now — a Heaven, in seeming -
Makes a Paradise below.
October 21, 1890.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 103
THE ROBIN.
All hail ! fair bird, in russet dressed !
Thrice welcome, as our Summer's guest !
Build in thj^ Northern home a nest,
And rear thy callow young.
Thy advent heralds coming Spring ;
Make glad expectant hearts, and sing,
Till all the welkin round thee ring,
And thy glad notes are sung !
Thou knowest well the time of flowers —
When sunshine gladdens all the hours,
And Nature sheds her gentle showers,
To vivify the world.
When forests don their vernal dress,
The earth sends forth her fruits to bless,
' Mid sights and sounds of happiness —
A glorious dream unfurled.
Who would not be a joyous bird.
Whose notes of rapture all have heard ?
A gift on thee alone conferred,
And Heaven-designed.
104 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Could I but fly, I'd fly with thee —
Thou pure, bUthe spirit, wild and free
O'er all the world, its charms to see.
Of Nature, art, or mind.
February 3, 1893.
TWO TRANSLATIONS
Of the Following German Stanza.
'* Das meer ist tief, das meer ist weit,
Doch gehet Gottes Herlichkeit
Noch tiefer als das meeres grund,
Noch weiter als das erdenrund."
The sea is deep, the sea is wide.
Yet God's great glor\^ doth abide
Still deeper than the ocean's ground,
Still farther than earth's utmost bound.
The sea is deep, the sea is wide,
Yet God's great glory doth abide
In regions deeper than the sea.
And farther than earth's boundary.
July 30, 1889.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 105
IN THE DAYS WHEN I WENT TIPSYING.
In the days when I went tipS3dng —
A long time ago —
The bars and taverns were so thick,
I hadn't far to go.
And thus I wasted precious time,
Nor knew how came it so —
In days when I went tipsying,
A long time ago.
I traveled down the paths of sin
As fast as I could go.
And soon became a wreckless man —
As surely you must know.
I shuffled cards, and pla^^ed at dice,
And wandered to and fro ;
I lost my health, I lost my wealth,
And gained, instead, but woe.
M}^ wife, at length, deserted me
For drinking rum and wine ;
For she, the jewel, never could
Companion with the swine.
106 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
I revelled still, in sottish waj'S,
With boon companions old,
Till rags and misery were ni}^ lot —
The gutters and the cold.
Despised and hated of ni}' kind,
I had nowhere to go ;
And often prayed that I might die
Amid the drifting snow.
But I reformed — became a man —
And ceased to drink and revel ;
And now, that I am sane once more,
I loathe that liquid devil.
Note.— The first verse of this song is very old; the remainder was
built up from it.
February 25, 1889.
r^^
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 107
SOME REFLECTIONS,
Suggested by the presence of a rose-bush, in full bloom, at the head of
a grave in Elkhorn cemetery.
A rose-tree, in its glorious bloom.
Stood guard above a silent tomb ;
Its flowers were gay, its leaves were green,
Its perfume filled the air, serene ; •
And though the year was waning fast.
And wintry storms must come, at last,
Its ruby petals, bright and fair,
Still sought new^ life from sun and air.
It was a token love had given —
A hint of holier joys in Heaven ;
Its buds were blessings, unaw^ares ;
Its exhalations, silent prayers ;
Its thorns were human ills and cares.
Its brief existence told that we
Should likewise shortly cease to be ;
That as we lived, so should we die :
Then let our aims be pure and high.
Wednesday, November 19, 1890.
108 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
THE ROSE.
The Rose, the Rose, the beautiful Rose !
The queenUest flower of all that grows !
A gift of the gods to Ma\' and June,
When Nature's charms are all in tune !
When Phoebus shines with a ray subdued.
And birds are busy with nest and brood ;
When the sky is bright and our hearts are light,
And the world partakes of Elysian delight ;
When -woods are green and fields are fair.
And sounds of jo}' fill all the air.
And laughing brooks, meandering b\',
Reflect and mirror a cloudless sky.
Then hail to the Rose, the glorious Rose !
The queenliest flower of all that grows !
A gift of the gods to May and June,
When Nature's charms are all in tune !
May 24, 1894.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 109
ARTLESSNESS IN ART.
There is an artlessness in art,
All women know,
Which they employ to wound the heart.
With Cupid's bow.
To-day she wreathes herself in smiles.
To-morrow, frowns ;
The next, it ma}^ be, she beguiles
With newest gowns ;
A ringlet or a ribbon, fair.
From waist or neck ;
A pin, or charm, a " bang " of hair,
A '' beauty " speck.
Whatever be the means employed.
She bears the palm ;
She rules all nations, and the " tribes "
Of "Uncle Sam."
September i, 1895.
no POEMS AND SKETCHES.
LINES
Suggested by some late rose-buds, on a bush in our front yard.
A rose-bud strove in vain to bloom.
The season strove to kill it ;
And thus it failed to shed perfume,
For Xature failed to will it.
November's chilling winds were keen,
Too keen, its soul to cherish ;
So, humbty, it was shortly seen
To bow" its head and perish.
Thus man}' a human soul has bowed
Before life's chilling storms,
And died — from out the thoughtless crowd
Of striving human forms.
This world holds dearth of sympathy
Too charih' bestowed ;
And while some loving hearts there be.
It has not freeh^ flowed.
To Him who lets no sparrow fall
Without His loving care.
Let all His needy children call —
To Him direct your prayer.
November i8, 1892.
FOEMS AND SKETCHES. Ill
SLKEVKS, AND HOOPS, AND BUSTLES.
Thou latest of wonders, O ! feminine sleeve —
Which fashion prescribes for the fair —
When will the dear creatures of thee take their leave,
Some other new folly to dare ?
Thou clearly deformest and makest a fright
Of those who are patrons of thee :
However they may in thy fullness delight,
We nothing of beauty can see.
Some decades ago it was hoops, in extreme,
With a form so distended, alas !'
The climax of folh" was reached, it would seem.
For scarcely two persons could pass.
Next followed the bustle — a rearward display —
Most vulgar contrivance, indeed :
Which flourished a season, and then passed away,
As fashion some new fad decreed.
Thus, weakness and wickedness constantly tend
To display and extravagance, ever :
The ' ' hoop ' ' and the ' ' bustle, ' ' the old ' ' Grecian
bend,"
With the ** sleeve " as the latest endeavor.
112 POEMS ^AXD SKETCHES.
Wh}' not, for a change, sew wings to the back,
And make the fair creature a bird —
To seek, in new regions, an untrodden track,
Far away from all st3des so absurd ?
September 14, 1895".
PASSING AWAY.
The days, the weeks, the months, the jxars,
Fly swifth", as revolving spheres —
Or some vast river's restless flow.
Upon whose bosom hence we go.
The child ^to youth, the youth to age.
Till we attain life's latest stage,
When mercy, with her mystic wand.
Conducts us to that unknown land.
Where all, at last, in death shall sleep,
Profound and silent, long and deep.
No sound of trump shall break the spell —
Farewell ! 3'e worldly cares, farewell !
Released at last, at rest for aye.
We yield this tenement of cla}'.
And seek a home with Nature's God,
Where none but spirit forms have trod.
December 15, 1892.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 113
MARY HAD A LITTLE DOG.
A True Story.
Mary had a little dog ;
His fleece was black and tan ;
And ev'ry where that Mary went,
He just as surely ran.
He went with her up town, sometimes ;
And when she went a-shopping,
His antics made the people laugh,
Wherever she was stopping.
He wore a tiny little bell,
That made a dainty clatter ;
And came with such a nervous rush
That ev'ry thing would scatter.
He loved to put the cats to flight.
And sought them, here and there ;
But when they scampered out of sight,
His ' ' bark ' ' was on the air.
His mistress taught him many tricks,
To please herself and friends.
And had him double up like sticks.
Uniting both his ends.
114 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
He'd stand upon his hinder legs,
And thus would strut around,
And, leaping over Marj-'s " pegs,"
Would sit upon the ground.
This little imp would leap, or lie,
Or run, or roll, or stand ;
And grin and whine, or feign to die,
Or bark, at her command.
He was a cunning little brute
As ever you did see —
He'd nestle down in Mary's lap,
Or climb upon her knee.
She prized him for his man}' pranks -
So unlike any other ;
He had no little sisters, dear.
Nor had he any brother ;
But Mary, in the fullness of
Her sympathetic heart.
Would sa}' she was his dear mamma.
Because he was so smart.
And now I've told you all I know
About this little creature,
Except — his master was a man,
His mistress was his teacher.
March 20, 1891.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 115
I.INES
Suggested by the tolling of the Pearl Street M. E. Church bell, for
divine service.
How sadly sweet its echoes float,
How many a tale 't could tell,
If't had the power events to liote,
And tongue could speak as well.
A daily record of our sins,
And those which are forgiven,
Might be tolled out upon the air.
Or wafted up to Heaven.
Although its tones breathe not in chimes
A language, realistic,
They hint to us of fairer climes —
Supremely grand and mystic.
We pray Thee, Lord, that we may be
More worshipful and lowly ;
That we, at last. Thy Face may see —
Renewed, redeemed and holy.
Then ring out cheerily again —
Thou dear old Sabbath bell :
Far over hill and vale and glen.
Let thy sweet echoes swell.
116 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Recall the erring wanderer home,
To seek the house of pra3'er —
Though far in distant lands he roam —
That he ma}' worship there.
For He who grants His blessings here,
Will, in his boundless love,
Prepare for all his children, dear,
A home with Him above.
Then ring out cheerih' again —
Thou dear old Sabbath bell ;
Far over hill and vale and glen,
The joyful tidings tell.
Sunday, October 15, 1854.
THE RAIN.
A Protest.
It is all vers' plain
That the rain rains rain,
In a dull, monotonous.
And sad refrain.
The grass may grow,
And the flowers ma}^ blow.
But I like not rain,
With its sad refrain.
4
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 117
For the sunshine, fair,
And the balmy air,
Have a charm for me
That I feel and see.
So, away with the rain
And its sad refrain.
For it makes me " blue,"
Which is all too true.
And the world were brighter,
And our hearts were lighter.
If the sun shone more
On this mundane shore.
So we pray Thee, then —
Again and again —
That the sun may shine
With a light divine.
For w^e love not rain.
With its dull refrain —
Which makes us vSad,
When we should be glad —
Because of its doleful,
Dull refrain.
March 22, 1893.
118 POEMS AMJ SKETCHES.
A BOYISH DREAM.
In youth the world's a circus-show,
And women angels, here below.
Maiden of majestic mien —
Robed in modest}', serene —
Thou art my ideal queen :
Gentle, and divinely fair ;
Pure of speech, and culture rare ;
Goodness beaming from thy face,
Lends each charm a living grace.
Artlessness, in every art,
Of thy nature is a part ;
With a heart to love inclined —
Tender, lofty, and refined ;
Dreamy orbs, of limpid blue,
Mirror Heaven's cerulean hue ;
Cheeks, with ros}' health aglow.
Show the spirit's happy flow ;
Ebon locks, and teeth of pearl,
Make of thee a peerless girl :
Dignified, and calm as even' —
Fit for Paradise, or Heaven !
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 119
May I, then, on bended knee,
Ask that tliou wilt hear my plea ?
I would be a slave to thee ;
I would w^orship at th}^ shrine —
Consecrate my life to thine —
If thou w41t be only mine.
Only promise this to me.
And I swear that I will be
All that thou couldst ask of me.
Time shall ever prove me true —
Distant though I be from you —
Death, alone, the tie shall sever :
While we live, I '11 love thee ever —
Aye, forever and forever.
Monday, July 20, 1891
MAY 19, 1894.
With bluster, rain and snow^, combined,
And cold, at thirty-six, to find
We are to cheerless thoughts inclined ;
So, prithee, pass without delay.
Thou dreary, nineteenth day of May.
120 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
But 3^esterday men died of heat,
*
While passengers upon the street ;
The air was wrought to high degrees,
Which soon became a boreal breeze —
And now, alas ! we almost freeze !
The rose-tree, with its radiant bloom,
Is cold and chill, amid the gloom ;
For its dank leaves and shrunken form
Are martj^rs to an Arctic storm ;
While bird and beast and lordl}^ man
Suffer alike — as best the\' can —
From Nature's all-perverted laws.
For which we can assign no cause.
More fickle than the waj^s of men.
Climatic changes seem ; and then
If Nature's charms our hearts beguile,
With balmy breeze, or sunny smile.
Some disappointment lurks the while.
Stability has no place here ;
Each day and week and month and j^ear
Doth still its various changes bring —
To man, and every living thing
Upon the earth, to which we cling.
Saturday, May 19, 1894.
Note.— On the 17th inst. deaths from sunstroke were reported in
various parts of the country, since which we have had snow, frost, and
cold weather, to date.— May 31, 1894.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 121
TO E. J. S.
Think not that I forget, Lizzie,
Think not that I forget ;
Though time and distance sever us-
Think not that I forget.
I love thee far too well, Lizzie,
To cease to love thee yet ;
And while the rose and lily bloom,
I never shall forget.
I often muse o'er happy hours
We spent when e'er we met —
The happiest of our lives, Lizzie —
I never shall forget.
Then think not I forget, Lizzie,
! think not I forget ;
Though time and distance sever us,
1 never can forget.
January 20, 1848.
122 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
TO MISS SARAH F-
On Receiving a Basket of Flowers.
Dear lady, may the jo^^s of life
Be thine, through manj^ a 3'ear,
With countless friends, to cheer thee on
Thy pilgrimage, while here.
May all thy deeds with love be fraught,
Life's destiny to fill ;
Fresh hopes renew thee every morn,
To bear each rising ill.
Ma}" mem'r3'"s choicest roses bloom,
Thy pathway to adorn —
Still fragrant with life's earl}' dews ;
Of beaut}', all unshorn.
May flowers, such as thou didst send.
Receive thy tender care :
Fit emblems of thyself, fair one —
Bright, beautiful, and rare ;
And lastly, though not least, dear girl,
Accept my kind regards ;
And, though they seem but trifling gifts.
They are my best rewards.
July 15, 1854.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 123
AN HUMBLE TRIBUTE
TO A DEAR, DEPARTED FRIEND, NELSON ST ALE Y.
Thy gentle spirit winged its flight
To regions in the sky ;
And dwells with its Creator, there,
To never, never die.
Though friends and kindred mourn thy loss.
They vainly shall deplore ;
For thou hast bid adieu to earth,
And will return no more.
On California's distant plains —
Washed by Pacific's wave —
A gentle mound marks the sad spot
Where thou hast found a grave.
Alas ! dear Nelson — man}^ a sigh
Is heaved for thee, I ween ;
And many a tear, in silence, steals
Down beauty's cheeks unseen.
Full many a heart that beat for thee,
Still notes its happier hours
As those which passed when thou wert near,
And counts them memory's flowers.
124 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
E'en now, methinks I hear thy voice —
Its tones distinct and clear —
Now rich and deep, in song outpoured ;
Now sprightly, 3^et sincere.
Alas ! that thou didst die so soon —
So soon from us depart ;
For all who knew thee loved thee well —
Thee and thy noble heart.
But thou hadst numbered all thy 3xars,
And couldst no longer stay ;
For He who rules in wisdom, sent
And beckoned thee away.
March 13, 1853.
TO RACHEL M. A-
[This is the writer's earliest poetical venture extant.]
1 've loved thee, dearest, to distraction :
Loved th}' every word and action ;
Loved thy form and features, fair.
And loved thy very auburn hair.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 125
I 've often fancied thee divine ;
As often fancied thou wert mine,
And fancied — as I truly might —
A Hfe with thee were pure dehght.
Then, dearest, may I hope return
Of love, that constantly doth burn
Within a heart that cannot rest
Until, by thee, 'tis truly blest?
TO MISS MARY R-
On Receiving a Bouquet of Flowers.
Thank thee, kindly lady, fair,
For. thy gift, so choice and rare ;
And believe it gave me pleasure
To receive so fair a treasure.
Roses bright, of various hue,
Clasping sparkling drops of dew ;
Fresh, and blushing, from the stem,
Vieing with the fairest gem —
Fit for regal diadem.
June, 1851.
126 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
IMPROMPTU LINES
Sent, with a Gift Book, to a Little Xine-Year-Old Miss.
This book, my dear, has " natural gas "
Pervading all its pages —
Designed to cheer the heart of youth,
Whate'er, b}- chance, the age is.
So read it o'er, and ponder well
Its fancies, facts and follies.
And 3'ou, perhaps, ma}^ wiser grow,
While plaj'ing with your ' ' dollies. ' '
A happy Xew Year I little "'^Xell ;
May love and cheer surround you.
And nothing worse than joyous mirth
E'er trouble or confound you I
*Xellie Smurr. Brook Haven, Mississippi.
Tuesday, December 25, 1888.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 127
TO ONE WHO LOVED NOT WISELY, BUT
TOO WELE. -
Sad news, dear friend, of thee I hear,
While I had fondly hoped that cheer.
Such as once dawned and promised fair.
Would reign, instead those clouds of care.
For once thy joyous hopes were young.
And none but happy songs were sung ;
And naught was seen of thee, or heard,
But some familiar note was stirred :
The soul could lend a willing ear,
The heart bestow a happy tear,
And all was joy, delight and pleasure.
Far beyond belief or measure.
But, O ! how darkling comes the night.
When disappointment dooms to blight
The hopes and loves of other years —
Resolved, at last, to sighs and tears.
Alas ! alas ! may Heaven protect thee,
Guide and guard thee, and direct thee.
And, like an absentee from home.
Return thee-- ne'er again to roam.
March 23, 1852. '
128 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
LINES ON THE DEATH OF A FAVORITE
CAT.
Alas ! for poor puss — how I grieve at her death !
She departed this Hfe 'cause she got out o' breath ;
I 'm so sorry, 3'et cannot help thinking that she
Is far happier now than when staying with me ;
For the joys that surround her in that feline sphere
Surpass all her happiest moments while here ;
And such a rare sport she '11 have — think of it, cats !
What a blissful emotion that — chasing such rats !
For there, it is said, they are monsters in size,
And the taking 's considered a capital prize ;
Maj" she revel in bliss, 'mid her fond occupation,
And receive all the credit due, filling her station.
March 25, 1852.
APOSTROPHE.
Eternal powers ! but grant this element of bliss :
My soul be filled with love for all mankind ;
That none may know to hate, nor see to fear,
Th}^ humble instrument, who, seeing, 3^et is blind.
Sunday, September 24, 1854.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 129
SEEKING GOED.
[ Suggested by the discovery of gold in California. One of the writer's
earliest efforts.]
El Dorado sands that shine,
Sparkling in the secret mine,
Cheering heart of him who delves
'Neath the rocks' projecting shelves ;
Where no day-star, gleaming bright,
Sheds on him its ample light,
Giving forth refulgent rays,
Adding to the golden blaze —
Say ! hast thou the power to will
Wealth to him who labors still,
Toiling in the cheerless earth.
Where vain treasures take their birth,
■fc
And the nights of ages roll
Fancied visions o'er his soul,
Starting dreamy phantoms forth,
Seemingly of wondrous worth ;
Rearing airj^ castles high,
Pendant 'twixt the earth and sky ;
Richly decked with treasure o'er.
Brightly sparkling, evermore?
130 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Such are dreams" of him who delves
'Xeath the rocks' projecting shelves.
Hast thou, then, the power to will
Wealth to him, or to fulfill
All the dreamy visions he
Fancies are realit}^ ?
Or to give that soul content —
On the search of treasure bent —
Who, expectant, hopes the " powers "
Will strew o'er him golden showers?
Foolish man, to question thus.
If thou wouldst be of the just,
Seek for wealth in God, alone —
At the altar and the throne —
Not in metals, nor in stone.
Yain delusions ! Vile desires !
Cease existence ! Quench 5*our fires !
Man, too oft, the dupe of dreams,
Seeks the substance in its gleams.
4)\a^/'D
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 131
STANZAS
Written during the early " gold fever" in California.
Adieu ! to the scenes of 1113^ childhood ;
Adieu ! to my kindred and all ;
I haste to the land of the stranger,
To rise amid fortune, or fall.
Hope, kindl}^ beaming, shall guide me,
On land or on turbulent main ;
-. And, as a bright spirit, shall point me
To fair California's plain.
When there, amid wealth, I will revel,
As did Montezumas of old —
In halls richly furnished with silver.
And sparkling with gems and with gold.
Yes, such were my visions at parting,
But, alas ! disappointment was mine !
Then stay, honored stranger — believe me ;
The same cruel fate may be thine.
December 24, 1848.
132 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
TO CHRISTIAN RATHFON,
Who died upon the plains, in an overland journey to California, in
1849; having started from East Germantown,
Wayne county, Indiana.
Christian, thou no more art with us ;
God receive th}^ spirit ;
Mayest thou in Heaven rest thee —
All its jo3^s inherit.
Now th}^ toilsome journe}' 's ended,
Thou wilt meet no more
Friends or kindred, who once loved thee,
On this mundane shore.
Far amid the desert fastness,
In a stranger's land,
Death o'ertook thee and detained thee,
At his fell command.
Golden dreams are vanished now.
Earthly cares are ended,
And thy spirit — we ma}' trust —
To its home ascended.
August, 1849.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 133
TO ISAAC KLINE,
On the Return of His Poem Entitled "Johnson's Vanity of Human
Wishes."
Friend Isaac Kline, this book of thine
Gave me profoundest pleasure ;
I conned it o'er, admired its lore,
And found a very treasure.
Accept my thanks : a kind act ranks
Far higher than good wishes ;
The mind needs mental pabulum,
And this a first-class dish is.
September 24, 1892.
IMPROMPTU NONSENSE,
On Seeing a Cat Upon the Floor.
The cat can lie upon the floor
And thus can lie at will —
But I can lie upon my feet,
Walking, or standing still.
February 28, 1890.
134 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
A XEW YEAR'S GREETING
To my esteemed friend, William L. John, Esq., in his seventy-ninth year.
Good native sense, keen wit
And genial wa^'s
Have won 3'ou friends, and doubtless
Length of days.
]May added years, with peace
And plenty, crowned,
Attend 3'ou still, through all
Eife's devious round.
And should ill-fortune 01
A foe assail.
Retrieve the first, and o'er
The last prevail.
Sunday, January 7, 1883.
AVOID EXTREMES.
Be neither very grave nor ga}',
But uniformly kind and cheerful ;
And happiness will ever stay
To dissipate the sad and tearful.
Sunday, January 25, 1891.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 135
TO WILLIAM L. JOHN, ESQ.,
On His Eighty-eighth Birthday.
A helpless, puling infant,
In a mother's careful arms,
Nursed to sturdy boyhood.
By her love and winning charms ;
Then a self-reliant 3^outh,
Soon developed to the man —
As the tree that was a sapling
Hath fulfilled its Maker's plan —
A wealth of brawn and muscle,
A brain of power and will,
To conquer native forces.
Or to wield a trenchant quill.
Of such endowments Nature,
Unsparingly, bestowed.
And well hast thou maintained them.
Along life's weary road ;
For thou hast been the victor
When other men have failed,
And, like the Roman Lictor,
Hast often been assailed :
136 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
But now art past the zenith
Of manhood in its prime,
And leavest shining records
Upon the sands of time.
Thy sun is now dechning,
And evening shades appear,
Yet may'st thou still be strengthened
Through many a month of cheer ;
May vigor that has lengthened
Th}^ 3^ears to eighty-eight.
Accord thee full an hundred,
And not a jot abate.
So pra^'s a friend that loves thee,
And long has known thee well,
And wishes health and happiness,
But would not sa}^ farewell !
September 6, 1893.
^
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 13/
THESE ARE WEARY DAYS OF WAITING.
These are weary days of waiting,
For the coming of the Spring,
When the chill shall be abating.
And the happy birds shall sing ;
When the sunlight shall be stronger,
And the grass begin to grow ;
When the days at last are longer,
And evanished all the snow ;
When the forest trees are decked
In their robes of leafy green,
And the ground beneath is flecked
With the shadows and the sheen ;
When the flowers begin to rise
And expand each tiny cup,
And, ablushing, ope their eyes
To the sun that w^akes them up ;
When the butterfl}' and bee.
Like gay spirits, haunt the air,
And the sunshine, like the sea,
Shall be present everywhere —
138 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
O, then we shall be happy,
And rejoice in life renewed ;
For the earth will seem an Eden,
And its Giver ver}' good.
So, farewell to the Winter,
With its chilling winds and snow ;
For its frigid seasons freeze us,
And we gladly see it go.
February 21, 1894.
WILLIAM PARRY
[ A man of most extraordinary will, energy and ability. He was
mainly instrumental in the construction of the Fort Wayne railroad,
and was its President for a number of years. None of his friends will
ever forget his hearty greetings, nor the friendly grasp of his powerful
right hand.]
Gone hence from the world and its devious wa5'S —
Alike unconcerned for its censure or praise ;
Th}^ weary mortality under the sod,
And thy spirit at rest in the mansions of God.
Thou wast manly and upright, a leader of men,
And hast aided thy fellows, again and again ;
Thy kindly demeanor, thy cheerful address,
Will long be remembered, to praise and to bless.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 139
The clasp of thy hand was the key to thy heart —
The index of feeUng, and absence of art ;
Neither guile nor deception e'er entered thy soul,
And were foreign to thee as the sun to the Pole.
Direct in th}' speech, unassuming and true.
Fidelity marked what thy hands had to do ;
No man was more truthful , no friend more sincere —
Thy presence was sunshine to all who were near.
A halo of goodness encircled thy brow.
And thy hearty salute I can hear even now —
A welcome not doubtful to all thou didst know —
In return we can tender but tears, as they flow.
Farewell ! Nevermore shall we see thee again —
Th}' counterpart cannot be found among men :
Thou wast simply thyself, to the utmost degree —
God's symbol of manhood, pure, noble and free.
April 14, 1894.
'H.
140 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
TO WILLIAM L. JOHN.
Died October 17, ]S9t^. Aged ninetj-one years, one month and eleven days.
As fruit, at maturity, falls from the tree,
Because it is mellowed by time,
So thou hast gone out on eternity's sea,
To abide through the ages sublime.
Kind Nature accorded thee man}- long 3'ears,
With a form that was rugged and sound ;
A mind, in its prime, that encountered few peers,
And intelligence broad and profound.
A manly deportment and frankness of speech.
With a heart that was noble and true.
Were characteristics of thine which should teach
The worth of true manhood anew.
As friend and companion — adviser in need —
Few men will be missed more, I trow ;
A host in thyself, for a just cause to plead —
No truckler to crino:e or to bow.
•&
As sturd}^ as would be a centur5^'s oak,
Yet as tender at heart as a child ;
As firm as a rock, should occasion evoke
Sympathetic and kindly and mild.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 141
Thy simple demeanor, devoid of pretense,
Endeared thee to young and to old ;
For modest simplicit}' knows no offense,
Nor is it intrusive or bold.
Thy early companions have all gone to rest.
And thou, likewise, are with us no more.
But thy name shall be numbered wdth those who
are blest —
On that dreamless and echoless shore-.
Farewell, genial spirit, thy mem'ry we cherish,
With all that is noble and just ;
Remembrance of thee shall still live, and not ^
perish
Till we, too, are laid in the dust.
TO DR. T. H. DAVIS,
On the Return of '' Looking Backward," a Reform Novel, by Edward
Bellamy.
I thank you for the book, dear sir ;
Its words seem true and kindly ;
And now the way is made so clear,
We need not "go it " blindly.
January 29, 1890.
14L' FOEM>S ASn SKETCHES.
THOUGHTS OF AUTUMN
How somber and how sorrowful
Are Autumn's dream}' days —
When Nature's Hfe, so beautiful,
In all its forms, decays ;
When no more flowers ma}' dare to bloom ;
When leaves shall fade and fall ;
When wailing winds proclaim their doom,
And death o'ertakes them all ;
When birds, that charmed us with their strains,
Have hied them far awa}' ;
When cheerless, chill November rains
Distress us, day by day ;
When frost and snow have veiled the earth,
And hid green fields from sight —
There seems, indeed, of joy such dearth
As when hope wings its flight.
So those who now are 3'oung, grow old —
The years go swiftly b}' —
And life's few days are soon unrolled,
For all were born to die.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 143
Alas ! that life should be so brief,
Its joys so short and few ;
That hope so often ends in grief,
To pass like morning dew.
October 7, 1895.
DECEMBER 8, 1894.
This morning Nature seemed in tears,
And wept a misty rain ;
Anon, great floods in torrents fell,
In soft, melodious strain ;
For it had long withheld its stores —
Till earth and air were dry ;
The springs beneath had ceased to flow,
And brazen seemed the sky.
The fountains and the streams had failed :
We neared the awful brink
Of famine — which the drouth entailed —
Of aqua pura drink ;
But Nature — ever kind and true - -
SuppUed our needs at last.
For which sincerest thanks are due.
Since danger now is past.
144 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
THE CURFEW BELL WILL RING TO-NIGHT.
A word to the boys, and a hint to the '• city fathers."
The curfew bell will ring to-night —
Bo3^s, heed the call and seek 3'our homes ;
The streets are schools of shame and blight,
So do not from 3'our firesides roam.
Be prompt to heed, be kind and true.
Appreciate a parent's care,
Whose love would yield up all for you,
To shield you from the tempter's snare.
The shades of night breed wickedness ;
Then vicious spirits stalk abroad,
And with their kind, in wantonness.
Indulge in revelr}^ or fraud.
The 3'outhful novice launches forth
To have a ' ' time ' ' in vile resorts —
Apt learner he, in crime — though 3'oung — •
Fluent of slang and foul retorts.
TO THE CITY FATHERS.
To lessen orgies on the street.
And purge them of the ruffian brood.
Let light flood all the dark retreats —
For light no prowler e'er withstood.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 145
It likewise aids the moral force,
But danger ever haunts the dark ;
All crime from light seeks sure divorce,
To flourish far from Phoebus' spark.
TO THE BOYS.
Boys, that you may be doubly safe,
Desert the city's streets at eve ;
And shun the doubtful play or cafe,
For sins of youth cause age to grieve.
Be circumspect and moral now,
And keep aloof from evil ways.
And you will make good men, I trow,
Through lengthened years and happy days.
Farewell, remember what I say :
Adopt the good and spurn the bad ;
The virtues vshould be sought alway.
The vices onl}^ make us sad ;
Avoid the dark and seek the light ;
Be ever armed to do the right —
For worthless boys make worthless men,
Whom no one cares to meet ao:ain.
•^tj'
NOVEMBKR 21, 1896.
146 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
I HATE THAT DRUM'S DISCORDANT SOUND.
** I hate that drum's discordant sound,
Parading round and round and round."
To me it tells of war's alarms,
And none but baser spirits charms.
Emplo3'ed to lead the battle's fra}^,
Inspire demoniac passions' play ;
Arouse the evil men possess,
Without one virtue to redress ;
It is the symbol of revolt,
The horrid tocsin of assault ;
The bold and noisy thing displayed
B}^ politics, when on parade —
To prove a weaklings' s cause is strong.
Which must succumb to right ere long.
It is the shameless trickster's way
To bolster weakness, by displa}' —
With deafening noise, parading round,
To emphasize his cause b}' sound.
The stilh^ depths of thought, below,
Far better truths assist to know.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 147
Speech, as silver, silence golden.
Long was taught in days of olden ;
Only empty vessels ring —
Crashing sounds prove not a thing.
Saturday, September 19, 1896.
CHARLES H. BURCHENAL.
Died December 7, 1896. Aged sixty-six years.
The mild, the scholarly, the gentle,
The genial, intellectual friend —
Peerless 'mid "brethren" occidental.
Who did or still Wayne's legal bar attend.
He was so kind, considerate and loving —
Aye more — so manly and so true to all :
To home devoted, from the base removing —
His gentleness made friends of great and small ;
Simplicity was wrought in all his being ;
He knew no art save artlessness in art ;
The good he ever sought, the evil fleeing —
His was a soul sincere, and kindly heart.
148 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
God created him a man, and man he was —
An honest man — the noblest work of God :
Upright and contrite, he plead in virtue's cause —
His soul now fled, he rests beneath the sod.
Long live his memor}^ for his life was just ;
His friends were man}', and the\^ loved him well ;
He was a man whom all could truly trust ;
Sweet be his slumbers — and a Ions: farewell.
'&
Tuesday, December 15, 1896.
HENRY R. DOWNING.
For twenty years an undertaker. Died December 15, 1896. Aged
sixty-five years.
One more of Nature's noblemen has passed
To that long sleep, from which no soul returns.
He wrought faithfully and long, and at the last
Surrendered life and love, and their concerns.
His were truh" arduous duties, for he led
Thousands of his fellows to their narrow home ;
And ofttimes have his sympathetic tears been shed,
To witness sundered ties — foreboding sorrows
yet to come.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 149
Sad though his calling, he had cheer for many ;
His friends increased as years were multiplied ;
Faithful and true, he had few foes, if any ;
His goodness was a common theme until he died.
Along the even tenor of his way,
For many a 3^ear, stern duty kept him at his post ;
But now, alas ! his friends will never more
Behold his well-known form amid the bus}' host.
Retired from duty and this life's endeavor.
He has gone hence to seek a dreamless rest,
Where troubles never come, nor cares, forever —
In peace supernal, to be alwa^^s blest.
December 21, 1896.
NEVER DO THOU STOOP TO CONQUER.
Never do thou stoop to conquer -
Never cringe to mortal man :
Stand erect, in each endeavor.
As was God's intent and plan.
Ne'er abase thyself to any ;
Fawn not on the proud or rich
Be a man, among earth's many,
Though a delver in the ditch.
150 POEMS A XI) SKETCHES.
Men are men, however lowl}^
And the lordUng is no more ;
His great goodness made all hoi}',
Onl}' some have less in store.
Pride, inflated, oft is flaunted
In a manner most unwise,
As presuming men have vaunted
Doubtful virtues to the skies.
Poverty is not a crime —
Onh' evil-doing is ;
Works alone can make sublime
Every being known as His.
Pay no tribute — it is weakness —
Thou canst do th}- thinking, free ;
Thou hast brains and heart and conscience,
And hast, also, eyes to see.
Thou canst make of earth an Eden,
For thou knowest well the right ;
Sins are not by men forgiven —
All are equal in His sight.
See that every act is noble,
See that every thought is high ;
Let no carnal deed cause trouble —
Sooner yield thy breath, and die.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 151
Ne'er surrender aught of manhood
To a servile act or deed :
Such abasement bodes no good,
Nor can there be any need.
Never do thou stoop to conquer —
Never bow the knee to man :
Stand erect in God's own image —
Such was His intent and plan.
Only servile weaklings cringe
In the presence of pretense,
Who might crawl to touch the fringe
Swa^'ing from their garments hence.
God forbid that we should fear
Any form of mortal mold :
Self-respect is far too dear.
And our pride too great and bold.
December 7, 1896.
^
POETICAL LETTERS.
TO CLAUDIUS BYLES.
ADDRESS,
To California haste thee hence, •
And speed to Claudius B5"Ies —
In Sacramento city, dense —
And greet my friend with smiles.
Full oft I've longed to hear from thee-
Thou dweller on that strand
Where ' ' old Pacific ' ' rolls its waves,
And laves its yellow sands.
Return to me an answer soon,
And tell me how thou art —
If all those golden dreams of 3^ore
Are realized, at heart.
Thou hast my kind regards, old friv^nd
Ma}' others prove as true —
May fortune's smiles bestow on thee
Health, wealth, and beauty, too !
March 14, 1855.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 153
TO S. F. SMURR.
ADDRESS.
I wish this sent to S. P. Smurr,
Brook Haven, Mississippi ;
And to that end let naught deter —
Nor flood, nor fire, nor e'en "^la grippe."
It is long since I wrote you, dear friend, and I trust
To what I may say you will kindly give ear ;
And, though we lack eloquence, feel that we must
Convey you our thoughts, which, though crude, are
sincere.
We have naught to complain of, and hope this may find
Both you and 3^our kindred, all, happy and well,
With not a concern or care of the mind —
A boon that is greater than language can tell.
The season just past gave us bountiful store —
Of grasses and grain and of fruitage, the best :
Quite up to the measures of others of yore.
And thus the glad heart of the farmer was blest ;
And yet it supplied not all needs, I confCvSS,
For many were idle whose hands were most willing,
And some of these bordered on want and distress.
And could not have raised e'en a dime or a shilling ;
154 POEMS AXI) SKETCHES.
But such were exceptional cases with us —
Improvident people will always be found,
Who are fluent of speech, and freel}^ discuss
Conditions and things, while themselves are unsound.
'Tis eas}' to criticise what others do.
And expatiate largel}^ of cause and effect —
The tariff that benefits only the few,
Or a measure that aids all the masses, direct ;
But never so readih- find we a wa}^
To right all the evils that wrong has produced.
For part}^ corruption so long held its swa}^
That morals, b}^ money, were often seduced :
Thus corporate bodies bribed makers of laws,
And used them as tools, to forward their schemes —
To the hurt of the people and honesty's cause —
And duplicate millions beyond their own dreams.
Extravagance, too, had a hand in the trouble —
The masses were reckless of living expense.
And did not foresee how soon the great bubble
Must surely collapse, for the want of good sense.
To cap a fool's climax, leader Debs and his dupes
Made a strike for their rights — as they held them
to be —
Destro3'ing some millions, till Government troops
Compelled their dispersion and caused them to flee.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. . 155
The hordes that were poverty-stricken before
Are paupers, beyond peradventure, since then :
Dependent on charity — wanted no more —
They now are both wretched and desperate men.
Kxperience so sad, and a lesson so dear,
Should teach such, in future, to think for themselves :
Be led by no leader, but like men appear,
Instead of stray sheep, who are senseless as elves.
<
It is now to be hoped, with the change of affairs
The recent elections have wrought in the States,
That — doubly inspired by efforts and prayers —
We may open to commerce prosperity's gates ;
But no more to foreigners, low-bred and vile,
Who seek to find refuge upon our fair shores.
Nor to anarchist hordes, who assail and defile —
To these and their allies, we must shut our doors.
Thank God for the ' ' beacon of hope ' ' which afar
Gleams out through the haze and the mist of the fray !
The sun ma}^ yet shine, as did Bethlehem's star —
To cheer and to gladden our hearts on the way.
So now, fare you well ! May all blessings be yours :
May health and prosperity go with 3^ou ever —
The kindness of friends, and a love that endures —
To last through a life-time of earth'ly endeavor !
November 22, 1894.
15() POEMS AND SKETCHES.
TO MY SISTER.
ADDRESS.
Nebraska's fruitful plains in view,
To Brownville next thy wa}' pursue —
Where fields are green, 'neath vernal sun
And kindly greet Sue Jameison.
Dear Sue : — I am sad and feel loneh* to-day —
Half sick and dispirited, I cannot be gay ;
The weather 's so gloom}-, so scowling and cold,
'Tis enough to cause grumbling, from young and
from old.
'Tis the sixteenth of April, and yet we 've no Spring —
E'en the birds, in their glee, dare not venture to sing.
How I long for the sunshine, as't steals o'er the hill,
To dissolve the chill frost-work that seals up the rill ;
And the warm, gushing rains — like the tears that are
spent —
Break forth in their pride, and be joN'ously spent —
Giving life, as the}^ fall, in abundance and showers,
To all of earth's beautiful herbage and flowers I
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 157
Dear sister ! ma}- never a care interpose,
To add one regret to thy life, till it close ;
Ma}^ sorrows ne'er greet thee — like storms, dark and
dreary —
To cause thee to falter in faith, or to weary,
But, like the gay Spring-time, thy sun ever smile —
To banish each doubt, and each sorrow beguile.
April i6, 1854.
THE SEASONS.
JANUARY I, 1893.
Wet and damp, and dank and chill.
Pouring rain with might and will ;
Aiding snows of yesterday
To dissolve themselves awa}'' ;
Slush and moisture, all around,
Cover all the frozen ground ;
Icy walk and slippery path,
Doth excite pedestrian wrath ;
While with guarded steps, and slow,
All in locomotion go —
Surely, such a cheerless day.
None could ever wish to stay.
" Happy New Year," if 3'ou will,
When the elements are still :
But absurd would be the greeting,
While thus raining, snowing, sleeting.
January i, 1893.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 159
FEBRUARY.
This day is sadly fraught with gloom :
The sun is absent from my room,
And all without is like the tomb —
Dark and dank and cheerless —
But since 'tis not the " da}" of doom,"
We may be fearless.
To-morrow morn new joys may bring,
And Phoebus' radiant beams ma}^ fliug
Athwart the world, and birds ma}' sing
To make us cheerful.
With glee, let all the welkin ring,
And be not tearful.
Our lives, at best, are all too sad.
Cast care aside — strive to be glad,
And ne'er conform to ever}- " fad,"
But live content ;
Be true and simple — shun the bad,
Till life is spent.
163 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
And if, perchance, we live again,
We shall go hence, without a stain,
A prick of conscience or of brain,
To our reward —
And thus a blameless life maintain,
In just accord.
Existence is a summer's day,
With here and there a cheerless way
Along the path we have to stray,
From morn till eve ;
So let us live as best we may,
And never grieve.
But cultivate the better part :
Let flowers of love bloom in the heart ;
Excel in ever}^ kindl}^ art
That brings us peace ;
Till we, at last, from friends must part,
At life's surcease.
February 7, 1894.
^
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 161
WINDS OF MARCH.
I love to hear the winds of March
Blow lustily and strong ;
They wake the dormant buds and flowers,
And herald sun and song.
I love to hear tumultuous airs
Wail out, in accents wild ;
For Nature thus her power declares
To ever}^ human child.
I love to see the angry clouds
In stormy billows rise,
Like spirits veiled in misty shrouds —
A wonder and surprise.
I love to hear the gale, afar.
Distinct, and loud and clear —
Like rush of coming, distant car —
'Tis music in my ear.
I love to see the swaying trees
Bow to the driving blast,
And toss their branches in the breeze,
Like straws by whirlwinds cast.
162 POEMS AND SKETCHLS.
I love to hear old structures creak,
And see the wreckage fly —
When winds in sullen voices speak,
And sweep along the sky.
A sense of awe pervades me then —
Magnificent and grand —
I feel the puny works of men
Can scarce a breath withstand.
The troubled airs, at His behest.
Strike terror to our souls ;
He sends them forth, or puts to rest
His will, alone, controls.
February 20, 1893.
AN APRIL MORN.
Clouds and storms have passed away,
And Phoebus gilds the new-born day ;
The earth is bright, and flowers arise
And ope to Heaven their dewy eyes.
Across the plain, along the hill.
And bordering on each gentle rill^
These gems of beauty smile and spring
Rejoicing every living thing.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 163
Thrice happy, each expectant heart,
To see the boding clouds depart ;
And greet with joy the rising morn.
Whose beams unnumbered worlds adorn.
April 25, 1854.
A MORNING IN MAY.
Bless the genial sunshine, speed the cheerful ray
Into ever>^ human heart — merr}^ month of May.
Nature's voice is jubilant, brooks and birds are singing ;
Bells, on all the towers 'round, merrily are ringing ;
Flowers ga}' and grasses green, ever>'where are teeming:
Wh}' should sad humanity sit in silence, dreaming?
Be we, then, awake to life, smiling as the flowers —
Happy as the joyous birds, in their leafy bowers.
Life, at best, is all too sad ; we should cease repining —
Look upon the brighter side, while the sun is shining :
Earth were not so dark a place, if we were but willing
To admit some rays of light — all its niches filling.
Let us, then, with cheerfulness — faith and duty
blending —
Make of all the rolling year, Summer, never ending.
May I, 1864.
164 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
REFLECTIONS
On a morning in May.
! how shall I express my fond
Delight for such a morn as this —
Whose glories, if protracted to the
Span of years, would make a
Paradise of earth ?
Its soft and
Mellowing influence sheds calm
Serenity around, and ever}'
Sound of Nature seems like
Music borne upon the breeze ;
While tuneful warblers pipe aloud
His praise, rejoicing as they go.
1 would that life were one
Perpetual morn like this. M}^ pulse
Would leap with hope renewed,
And every sense w^ould thrill,
As nerved with newer impulse
By the gladdening current —
Bounding, joyous, through a
Thousand veins.
Mav 4, 1854.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 165
IN THE SUNNY DAYS OF JUNE.
In the sunny da3^s of June —
When all Nature is in tune,
And the elements at rest —
All the sentiments of life,
With a sense of joy, are rife,
And we feel that we are blest.
We inhale the balmy air.
And, with thankfulness, declare
We should like to live for aye :
For the flowers and the bees.
And the birds among the trees.
Seem so happy all the day.
The farmer now rejoices.
And we hear the merry voices
Of the harvesters afield ;
While the clover and the grain
Make obeisance to the plain
And the sickle, as they yield.
166 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Soon the binders form the sheaves,
Till their labor nothing leaves
But the stubble on the ground ;
While the rakers toss the ha}^
And are happ}' all the da3%
Till the vesper bells resound.
Not a season lends a charm —
To the cit3' or the farm —
Like the cheery da3^s of June :
For all Nature now is bright,
And existence a delight —
But it endeth very soon.
We shall ever thank the Giver
For the gently flowing river,
And the woods, and the vales, and the groves
For the brooks, and the lanes, and the hedges.
And all His goodly gifts and His pledges,
And the flowers, and the birds, and their loves
For we long to sit and muse,
Or to wander — as we choose —
By the stream or shad}^ wood.
Where the shadows and the sun
Ever mingle into one —
For it seemeth ver}" good.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 167
Could we ask a fairer Heaven
Than to mortal man is given,
For his dwelling here below —
When the perfect days of June,
And the silver-lighted moon,
Their fair radiance bestow ?
Let us render praise forever,
Till we go beyond the river
Out of Time —
When we trust a change from this
Will be heralded by bliss
More sublime.
June iq, 1893.
JULY.
" July, the month of Summer's prime,
Again resumes its busy time ;
Scythes tinkle in each grassy dell,
Where solitude was wont to dwell."
Such was the story told of yore,
Which time repeated o'er and o'er :
For then 'twas true, but now 'tis not,
For tinkling scythes are all forgot.
168 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
And as for solitude — alas !
There's little left in grain or grass —
July is still the Summer's prime,
And will continue such through time.
But when we glean our harvests now,
We do it at the reaper's prow ;
And those who bound the sheaves of old.
Are absent from the harvest fold ;
The same deft instrument that reaps,
Now binds the grain and drops in heaps,
And saves, from labor in the sun.
The toiler — for his work is done.
So, with the grass that clothes the field,
The swinging scythe the palm must 3deld
To newer modes — however loth —
Which cut in haste a wider swath.
The men and boys and rustic girls —
With happ}^ hearts and sunny curls —
No longer rake the fragrant ha\',
And deem the work a merry play :
For in their stead machines now toil
With equine power, their sport to spoil ;
And jocund songs, at close of day.
No longer while the hours away.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 169
Thus, ever, in this world of change,
Utility of wider range
Supplants the primitive device
For more of speed — though great the price —
Regardless of a sacrifice.
JUI.Y 13, 1893.
AUGUST.
The harvest is over, the Summer is ended,
The season is on the decline ;
The beauty of bloom and of growth are suspended,
The grape is matured on the vine ;
The peach and the apple, the pear and the plum.
Are now in their glory and prime ;
The melon is ripe, and the corn is to come.
With the blushing tomato, hi time ;
The pumpkin is still immature in the field.
But its day will be here by and by,
When its golden rotundity treasures will yield —
For Thanksgiving and Christmas pie ;
170 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
The wealth of the wahiiit and hickory tree
Will add to our wonderful store,
While cider and glee will cause Winter to flee,
Till its boreal blasts are no more.
Thus, let us be joll}^ — for sadness is folly —
And merrih^ live as we go ;
For Nature, in lavish profusion, has given
Of all that she has to bestow.
The harvest is over, the Summer is ended,
The season is on the decline ;
But ne'er, for a day, to forebodings give way.
Nor e'en for a moment repine.
August 23, 1895.
AUGUST.
The Summer's heat is now supreme —
The solar rays their power declare —
x'\nd Nature all athirst is seen,
From dearth of moisture, everywhere.
The earth is parched, its fountains dry -
The warbling brooks no longer flow :
Their cooling draughts the}' now deny
The lowing herds, where'er the}^ go.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 171
The sheep lie panting in the shade,
Oppressed with heat, and sleepy-eyed —
Dreaming, perchance, of cooling glade,
Or pastures green, some stream beside.
The birds sit silent in the trees,
And hushed are all their tuneful lays ;
No leaf is stirred by passing breeze,
Through all the sultr}^ Summer's day.
The corn is languishing afield —
The shriveled blades attest their need.
And showers withheld have shrunk the yield
Which Nature's lavish laws decreed.
The grass — which late was green — is dry,
While some dead leaves begin to fall ;
A brazen aspect fills the sky.
And heat and dust are over all.
Throughout the day the locust sings —
At even-tide, the katydid ;
And daylight naught of comfort brings
Till Phoebus, by the world, is hid :
Then Nature deigns to grant relief,
Responsive to our earnest prayers ;
And for a season — glad, but brief —
She sends her grateful, soothing airs.
172 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Ill slumbers deep, profoundly blest —
Forgetful of the wear}- days —
Renewed by rest, we rise with zest,
To journe}^ on our devious ways ;
For such is life : its joys and strife
Are blended like the cloud and sun
A mingled web, with changes rife,
Of many phases wrought in one.
August io, 189
o
SEPTEMBER.
Summer Wanes.
'Tis written on the changing leaf.
Reflected in the lifeless grass ;
Declared by absent shock and sheaf.
As o'er the dusty field we pass ;
The downy peach, so rich and rare.
The apple, blushing on the bough ;
The grape, in glorious clusters, fair.
And melons fit for gods, I trow —
All tell the 3'ear is changing now ;
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 173
While corn, in tasseled grandeur, stands,
Adorned with silk-embeUished ears.
Whose near maturity commands
A thought of fleeting da3^s and years.
We soon shall hear the huskers' call —
Who gather in the golden grain —
As Summer merges into Fall,
Or comes the cold, November rain ;
Ere long the frost will chill the vine.
The pumpkin's cherished fruit destroy ;
And as the season's days decline.
The frigid airs will work annoy.
"^ Thus, from the spring-time of the year.
To its voluptuous end and close.
The changing seasons lend their cheer,
And lessons to mankind disclose.
The Spring gives promise, fair and bright,
The Summer charms us everywhere ;
While Autumn's gifts the soul delight.
And Winter's joys relieve our care.
For all these worldly blessings, given
With life and peace and health and 3^ears,
Thank Nature's God — who wrought the
heavens —
For rest, at last, shall dr}^ our tears.
Septembe:r 4, 1893.
174 POEMS AXD SKETCHES,
OCTOBER.
Lines suggested by a drive through the city park, Sunday, October 16. 1892.
Magnificent, in its decay,
Is Nature, sureh^, now ;
Such glor}' crowns these Autumn days,
Such radiance gilds its brow.
No pen can picture all its charms,
No pencil paint its dyes ;
To imitate these works of God,
All human art defies :
The leafy hosts upon the trees.
Ten thousand shades display ;
And as they rustle in the breeze,
October vies with May.
Truly, no earthl}" scene compares
With this we now behold ;
For all the waving forest, wide,
Seems one vast sea of gold ;
A fairy landscape bounds the view,
Ivike visions wrought in dreams ;
The sunlight streams o'er skies of blue,
And all with glory teems.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 175
We thank Thee, Lord, for this fair scene,
Thy presence, here, it brings ;
This Eden types that Heaven of bUss,
Where dwells the King of Kings.
NOVEMBER.
The sk}^ pours rain, in a dull refrain —
That it means to be wet, is all too plain —
The clouds hang low, as they come and go.
While the chill air tells of the promised snow ;
The sad winds moan, and the birds are flown ;
The dead leaves fall, and around are strown ;
A misty darkness pervades the air,
And the sun shines not, out of pure despair.
Alas ! for the joys of the Summer past —
The gloom of November is here at last,
And all we can do is to make the most
Of what still remains of the dead year's ghost.
November i, 1892.
176 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
DECEMBER.
Cheerless month of frost and storms —
Fitful, glooni}', dark and drear —
Terror dwells in all thy forms,
Monarch of the d^'ing 3'ear.
Ruthlessly, th}^ chilling breath
Smites the Summer's pride and glory
Searing all the fields and woods —
Telling Nature's saddest stor3\
Countless floral forms have bowed
'Xeath the furj^ of thy blast,
Seeking, in a snow}" shroud.
Peaceful shelter at the last.
Xot a tendril of the vine,
Xot a leaf of shrub or tree —
If we dare except the pine —
But has yielded all to thee.
Like some tyrant, grim and hoary,
Heralding his fell decree.
Thou ordainest death to beauty.
As a sacrifice to thee.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 177
Mercilessly unrelenting,
And remorselessly, as fate.
Fall thy frigid shafts around us,
Sparing neither age nor state.
Would that some mysterious power
Might consign thee to the Poles —
Where the airs of ' ' old ^olus ' '
Hie them to their gust}^ goals !
There, in frigid might to revel,
In a region drear and wild ;
Where the avalanche is frowning,
And ' ' fair Nature ' ' never smiled ;
Where the poor, untutored savage
Reigns, sole tenant of the waste ;
And no perfumed breezes — wafted
O'er his dusky cheek — are chased.
Dw^ellers w^e in regions mild.
Warmly welcome and remember
Summer as a sunny child,
While we shudder at December ;
Then, I prithee, stay thy bluster ;
Lull thy raging winds to rest ;
Loth, thy frosty wrongs we suffer —
Vengeful shafts of thy behest.
178 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Waft thy gales to Labrador —
Where eternal Winter reigns,
And the sun shall nevermore
Break its everlasting chains ;
Regions where the ancient rocks —
Rent by its intensest sting —
Sunder, as with earthquake shocks,
Making hills and valleys ring.
December 15, i86i.
LET EVERY TONGUE REJOICE.
Let every tongue rejoice !
Let praise resound aloud !
Spring greets us with her voice,
Dispelling storm and cloud.
The streams, long fettered, leap
From crag to crag, and fling
Their rushing waters deep,
Their joy acknowledging ;
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 179
The birds, on leafy bough,
Or mounting high in air,
Praise their Creator, now,
For bounties everywhere ;
Fair floral forms arise —
By Phoebus' magic cheered —
And make a paradise
Where lately gloom appeared ;
The garden and the field.
That late were sere and brown,
A new enchantment yield —
Bedecked with Nature's crown ;
The forest's giant forms —
Whose coronal of leaves
Is bowed before the storm,
Or the blue ether cleaves —
Attest their thankfulness
For vernal shower and sun ;
While through their leafy dress
Glad, laughing murmurs run.
All Nature now is rife
With growth and gleeful sounds.
And every form of life
With happiness abounds.
180 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Then let us not withhold
Our meed of praise and prayer,
For blessings manifold,
And Heaven's protecting care.
February 25, 1891.
SUMMER SALAD.
Surely, now, the '* dog-star" rages.
If by ardent heat it reign,
And mercurial upward stages
Aid in making such things plain.
Scarce a breeze is put in motion —
Silence reigns profound and long ;
And the air, a stagnant ocean,
Beareth not a sound or song.
Not a bird upon the branches
Of a tree or shrub, is seen —
Neither on the air it launches.
But has sought some shelter, green ;
Kine upon the lowlands linger,
In some shady nook or dell,
Where — and I might point my finger -
Patience and contentment dwell ;
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 181
Sheep have sought the shade of fences —
Panting, sleepy-eyed, at ease —
Or umbrageous, cool defences,
Under amply-spreading trees ;
Swine secure a place to wallow
In some oozy slough or slum,
Where content of mind shall follow.
Which may not to heat succumb ;
Every creature strives to lessen —
By some means of its devising —
Solar ardor, so distressing —
In a manner oft surprising :
Human nature, worn and w^eary —
Not unlike the bird or beast —
Seeks seclusion, cool and cheery.
Dreamily to muse or feast.
When the Summer days are over.
And the torrid term is past,
We may be rejuvenated
Back to statu quo, at last.
Tuesday, August ii, 1891.
182 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
A SUMMER'S DAY
MORXIXG.
Softl}', now, the light of da}'
Dawns upon a sleeping world,
And the darkness fades awa^^
As its splendors are unfurled ;
Phoebus, in his golden car,
Like a rising monarch comes —
SilentU', and from afar —
Without herald, trump or drums ;
Joyous sounds are everywhere —
In the field and in the wood —
Wafted on the ambient air.
To the Author of all good ;
Winged songsters trill their lays,
And the bee goes humming by ;
Toiling mortals go their waj'S,
While the day-god climbs the sky ;
Now the world is wide awake
To its clatter, clang and rush ;
Let us each some task betake.
Till the evening brings its hush.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 183
EVENING.
Homeward, now, let all retire,
To some blessed haven, near —
Worthy son and honored sire,
Seeking comfort, peace and cheer
When the sun has sunk to rest,
And the twilight dies away,
While the moon is still thy guest,
And the stars reflect the day :
Seek thou, then, in sweet repose,
Rest from worldly care and toil ;
Praying for release from woes,
Life's contentions and turmoil ;
Dreams, if an}^ be they sweet —
Only such as infants know ;
Guardian angels guide thy feet —
Heaven above, and peace below.
So, may' St thou the hours beguile,
Happily, till life is done,
And thy evening, like a smile,
Beam serene as mornins: sun.
*t>
Sunday, January 28, 1894.
184 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
AUTUMNAL LEAVES.
Autumnal leaves are falling fast,
And soon the chill November blast
Will hurl them through the gusty air,
Like things of no concern or care.
A few days more of genial sun —
As of a heaven on earth begun ;
Of dream}^ haze, with glories blent —
Too brief, alas, for our content,
Since Summer's cherished charms are spent.
Thus, youthful j^ears merge into age,
While sober cares our lives engage.
Till hoary time, with chilling breath,
Dispels our worldly dreams in death.
So, whether leaves upon the trees,
Or creature forms of high degrees.
They all obe}^ the laws of God —
Fulfill His purpose : ' ' kiss the rod ' ' —
And rest, at last, beneath the sod.
October 21, 1894.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 185
TO WINTER.
Thy reign is long, and thy bonds are strong,
And bound are the streams by thy chiUing breath ;
Thy blustering song is a song of wrong —
The story of famine, and want, and death.
February 22, 1895.
"^w
RELIGIOUS POEMS AND SENTIMENTS.
O, WHY SHOULD WE MOURN?
O, why should we mourn, or in sadness repine,
To depart from a world such as this ? —
Since Heaven so kindl}' has pointed the wa}^
To its mansions eternal, in bliss,
A few kindred spirits, who loved us below,
May mourn our departure awhile,
But soon such dark shadows will pass from the brow,
And the tear will be chased by a smile.
The world will move on as it ever has done,
With no care for the dead or the morrow ;
The merr}^ will laugh, and the jo^'ous will sing,
Regardless of sickness or sorrow.
Then wh}^ should we mourn, or in sadness repine,
To depart from a world such as this? —
Since Heaven so kindly has pointed the wa}^
To its mansions eternal, in bliss.
Written ix iSso.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 187
IN LENT.
When faith runs low, and cash is spent,
Then come the gloomy days of Lent —
When weak and wicked souls repent,
And take a rest from sin.
The faithful have their faults forgiven —
To smooth the rugged road to Heaven —
And pray o'ermuch, one day in seven,
Joy's gates to enter in.
They now refrain from pleasure's round —
Look sober, penitent, profound —
Nor utter they a happy sound
For forty days.
With faces sad and wan with woe,
They " fast " and pray, and " go it " slow,
For that the fashion is, you know —
They think it pays.
No fellow now can see his girl —
His faith has made him such a churl —
Nor can she smile, or kink a curl.
For that were awful ;
188 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
But when the Lenten time is past,
And Liberty regained, at last,
They all begin to " go it " fast,
For then 'tis lawful.
February i6, 189
-^
AT THE LAST.
Thank God for the rest that shall come to us when
The journe}' of life is accomplished, at last,
And we have gone out from the dwellings of men,
And the sorrows and cares of the world have been
passed.
We shall sleep a last sleep, in an unbroken spell —
To continue eternally, down through all time —
And the soul and the spirit, in silence, shall dwell
With this temple of dust, in the ages sublime.
We are born and mature, we grow old and we die —
We sport our brief da}', in the sunshine of earth ;
We enjoy and we sorrow, we laugh and we cry
To the end, as we did on the da}' of our birth.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 189
lyike to Gods, we are men with a potenc}^ fraught ;
We are germs of the Deity, noble and high —
The will of Almighty, the essence of thought.
Alas ! that our frailties compel us to die.
Elder sages have taught — who professed to be wise —
That we shall go hence to a haven of love —
Located somewhere up aloft in the skies,
'Mid fields of Eb'sian, or worshipful grove ;
But what can we know of a future estate —
No mortal has ever returned to us here,
And what lies beyond not a soul can relate —
For never did absentee ever appear.
So when we have passed the dark river of death,
And the rays have gone out that illumined our sight,
We shall yield up this life, as we gasp for a breath.
While eternity shrouds us in darkness and night.
If, perchance, there be light from a beacon beyond,
We gladly shall hail it and seek the bright shore —
To all its allurements our natures respond,
And joyfully welcome a life evermore ;
But as to such knowledge, in truth, we have none —
We can only be hopeful or trustful, at best —
Yet this blest assurance we have, everyone :
That the end will bring peace and an unbroken rest.
August 8, 1893.
190 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
CHRISTMAS.
" Christmas comes but once a year,"
And when it comes it brings good cheer,
Fraught with pleasures all enjoy —
Innocence without alloy.
Life and love, serenely blent,
Lend the soul a calm content —
Marking, thus, the great event
Of Jesus' birth, so wise and good,
Even then misunderstood.
A jealous priesthood saw Him tried,
And under Pilate crucified —
Since when His teachings, just and pure,
Are destined, always, to endure.
And thus it is, with heartfelt cheer,
We celebrate from 3'ear to year —
Happy to know that what is good
In this, our day, is understood.
December 18, 1893.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 191
THANKSGIVING DAY.
And this is called Thanksgiving day,
When people go to church and pra>' ;
Dress in their best, like gaudy sinners,
And gormandize their turke}^ dinners ;
Give thanks at morn, on bended knees,
Return at noon to take their ease —
Not only feast, but drink extremely.
Berate their neighbors, act unseemh* —
Then think that they have served the Lord,
And worshipped Him with one accord,
In thankfulness for many blessings :
Plum puddings, pies and cakes and dressings.
These are the wa3^s of " toney " people.
Whose place of worship has a steeple ;
The plainer sort give thanks at lunch.
In some low den, with beer or punch —
Where oaths pass current 'mid the revel,
And each one strives to serve the devil ;
And in this wdse they make display
Of how we spend Thanksgiving da}'.
192 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
And thus it goes, with saint and sinner
Our highest aim is turkey dinner —
The da}' is given o'er to riot,
As we well know, and scarce deny it.
Yet, 'tis the fashion, and we do it,
However wrong, or long we knew it ;
We all debauch what should be pure,
And need a prompt, heroic cure.
Then let us turn a leaf to-morrow —
Renewed in grace, sans sin or sorrow —
Rejoice in what the Lord may give,
And lovingly and justly live.
Not only thank Him once a year,
For that ungrateful doth appear ;
Nor even one day out of seven,
But daily, render thanks to Heaven.
November 30, 1893.
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POEMS AND SKETCHES. ' 193
RANDOM THOUGHTS.
We are a puny race of creatures,
With little range of mental vision ;
And oft assume the role of teachers,
When we deserve the world's derision.
Away with such presumptive folly —
'Tis but the self-esteem of fools,
Whose ways are evil and unholy,
Because untaught of wisdom's schools.
Man's urgent need is common sense.
To regulate his acts and deeds —
A love supreme, without pretense,
And works, instead of forms and creeds.
Thus, he may hope to show mankind
That he is what he seems to be ;
And not, with dogmas, crude and blind,
Obscure the little light we see.
Onward and upward, let us rise.
From fictions to a truthful goal,
And by just methods make men wise,
With loving hearts and lofty souls.
194 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
This is, indeed, a goodly world,
So far as Nature's God has wrought ;
But often have His creatures hurled
His good intentions into naught.
Why not be men and brothers, all,
And feel that tie which kindred brings ? —
The ills of life by love forestall.
Which out of every bosom springs.
Be just and true, that voice obe}' —
That still, small voice, within th}^ breast —
Love God and man ; and every day,
Through life and death, shalt thou be blest.
January 14, 1894.
AND THIS IS TRUE.
That man who undertakes to tell me what the
future holds in store, presumes upon my ignorance or
credulity, or both ; and as all men know such knowl-
edge has never been imparted to an}^ human being, he
may safely be regarded as an impostor and a fraud.
September 25, 1890.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 195
•*BE JUST, AND FEAR NOT."
To be moral men and women, we must live up-
rightly and deal justly — doing to others as we would
that they should do unto us. We are always judged
according to the deeds done, and not according to our
faith or profession. Hence, it follows that what we do
is the thing which stamps us good or bad. "Faith
without works is dead."
Tuesday, December 6, 1892.
SOME REFLECTIONS.
When we attempt to ascend to a higher degree of
goodness than that prescribed by morality, we are
wholl}' out at sea. The mind cannot grasp the invis-
ible or the unknowable, or attain to the unattainable.
A superstition is a false faith — a belief in improb-
able or impossible things — the religion of ignorance.
February 6, 1885.
196 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
AS I SEE IT.
I find it impossible to believe that Deity ever
created human beings in this world that He might
punish them in a future state ; for, knowing the end
from the beginning, as an All-wise Being must, such
an act would be inconsistent with the nature and con-
duct of a loving, just and merciful God — impossible,
even, with a human parent.
That great, first Cause, whose supreme wisdom and
power created all things, and whose mysterious laws
sustain a universe of suns — and systems of revolving
worlds, whose numbers are infinite, and whose extent
is without bounds — is too great and glorious to be com-
prehended or understood by such pun\', finite beings
as ourselves. Yet reason teaches us (and it is our only
guidej that, from such an exalted source, good alone
can flow — onh' love, justice and mere}', to the least,
as to the gfreatest of His creatures.
«3'
March 2, 1884.
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POEMS AND SKETCHES. 197
JEWEI.S ARE JEHOVAH'S TRUST.
[ The following poem was written years ago, under the inspiration
of the author's early teaching.]
It is written, it is written —
And its truth all things disclose —
Jesus is the fount of mercy,
Yielding balm for human woes.
Sun and moon and stars attest it ;
Angels sanction it, above ;
And the very breezes whisper,
" Jesus is the source of love."
Rustling brook and mighty river —
As they course the earth's domain —
Praise Him ever and forever,
Low or loud, in sweet refrain.
All the universe of matter.
All the planets, as they roll ;
Blue ethereal vault of Heaven —
Boundless as the mighty whole —
All proclaim Him Lord and Savior,
Mediator of our race —
Only source of true redemption,
Free contributor of grace.
198 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Come ye, then, who seek salvation
In the gospel of our God :
Worship Him, in truth and spirit —
Tread the paths His chosen trod.
Prize not highly earthly gifts,
Nor with Mammon barter gold :
Heaven's hopes are endless bliss —
Boundless wealth of love, untold.
There no selfish miser hoardeth
Sparkling gems, or yellow dust —
Such are toys of earthh' children —
Jewels are Jehovah's trust.
March 13, 1852.
JESUS.
A Triple Acrostic.
Jesus, Thou Justly honored, grant that I
Emplo}' ni}^ Ev'ry hour in serving TheE ;
Secure in Such a cause, we well ma}- blesS
Unequalled, Unexampled love from YoU.
Surcease from Sin, we ask in our distress,
That our sad lives be fraught with happiness.
December 26, 1896.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. ■ 199
"JUST AS I AM, WITHOUT ONE PIvEA."
Written during severe illness.
"Just as I am, without one plea,"
Gladly I come, dear lyOrd, to Thee ;
For I have longed, for many a year,
To see Thy Face and feel Thy cheer.
This world is sad and cold, indeed,
And of Thy presence have I need —
I feel that Thou wilt welcome me,
However lowly I may be.
I do not love pretentious fames,
Where formal superstition reigns ;
Where Jesus — Mary's Son — is first.
And God's great Name is scarce rehearsed ;
Where pomp and show and organ's peal,
Magnificence, alone, reveal ;
Where only pride and wealth abide.
And poverty cannot preside.
Lo ! I have lived a simple life.
Amid the world's turmoil and strife ;
Have sought to be upright and just,
And in the right, and Thee, to trust.
200 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
I ne'er employ a mask to hide
My weaknesses, whate'er betide,
Nor feign to be a saint, when sin
Has cankered all my soul within.
Self-righteousness, which long has striven
To have its own exclusive Heaven,
May find, at last, that all mankind,
However vile, or base, or blind,
Will be as kindly welcomed there
As multitudes whose trust is prayer ;
His goodness, like a mantle, wide.
Will shelter all — protect and guide.
For God is just — He made us all :
The rich, the poor, the great and small :
And from the first our frailties knew,
And weaknesses we might pursue.
No earthl}' parent, here below,
Condemns his child to endless woe —
]\Iuch less the Father of our sires
Consigns mankind to endless fires.
'&'
A shame on all such falsehoods tauglit
Intelligence well knows 'tis naught
But relic of some barbarous age,
A plague-spot on the ' ' sacred page. ' '
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 201
He giveth all His creatures peace —
From worldly strife a long surcease —
Where they shall be forever blest,
In one eternal, endless rest.
Friday, February 28, 1896.
r^^bg/a
ALBUM PIECES.
TO BEAUTY.
Written by request, for Mary B-
There are moments in life
When the soul, in devotion,
Has knelt at thy shrine
In the depth of emotion —
Confessing how vainl}^
It strove 'gainst enrapture,
While bowed in submission
And yielding to capture.
How ardent the feelings :
The heart over-flowing —
Its fountains unsealing,
Its treasures bestowing.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 203
O ! Who would not give
All of earth's brightest treasures,
One moment to live
Through such transport of pleasures.
Alas ! that this world,
With its clouds and its sadness,
Presents us no more
Of its sunshine and gladness.
February, 1851.
TO MARY MASON.
Lady, when thou seest this,
Kindly think of me the while —
And thou wilt confer a pleasure.
Even in thy happy smile.
Surely, thine' s a fairy spirit,
Light and free and gladsome, ever
Chasing care away, and sadness.
To return upon us, never.
204 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Would that I possessed the magic
That is sparkHng in thine eyes :
I should vie with lovely A>nus,
Twinkling in the evening skies ;
I should strive to be the Mistress
Of a multitude of hearts,
With no stratagem or weapon
Save thy artlessness in arts.
September, 1853.
TO GABRIELLA XHWTON
On the Eve of Her Marriage to Mr. J. B. Hunnicutt.
Ma}^ all the joys of earth be thine.
And all the fav'ring stars combine
To swell the volume of th}^ bhss
In worlds to come, as well as this.
May sweet content and ros}' health
Be part of thy domestic wealth,
And ne'er a care invade thy cot,
But happiness be all thy lot.
Deceiniber 7, 1851.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 205
TO MARY FINLEY
Written on our return from a picnic in the grove near Westville, Ohio.
The sun is now set,
And the flowers are wet
With the dew, which from Heaven descended ;
And evening appears
As the coming" of years,
Witli night's sable curtain suspended.
Farewell to the day,
And to Phoebus' bright ray ;
We will seek, in" sweet slumber, repose.
Till the dawn's early light
Shall dispel the dark night,
And Aurora shall smile as the rose.
May never a care
To thy bosom repair.
To lessen the joys of the hour ;
But, morning and even.
Fresh pleasures be given,
To lighten the clouds that may lower.
May 20, 1853.
206 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
TO MARY E. H-
O I Mary, believe me, and deem it not strange
That love is most fickle, and subject to range ;
Like the bee on the floweret, he sips and he flies
To seek some new victim — in gaud}' disguise.
He pierces the delicate bud to its core,
Then leaves it to pine on the stem, evermore ;
His sting is the sharpest that mortals ma}' know,
His pleasures so sweet that no heart can forego.
A strange, contradictive compound is this love :
It rules on earth, and it rules us above ;
It kills or it cures us, it makes sick or well,
And more than my pen or ni}' fanc}' can tell.
Beware, then — O, Mary — of Cupid's s\y darts,
And shield thee against his gay wiles and his arts';
For seldom we meet with a heart that is true —
So fickle and changeful, their number is few.
March 17, r85i.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 20/
TO MARY ELLEN WARD.
And thou wouldst have me write, Ella,
Upon this spotless page ;
And write thee something eloquent —
Witty, perchance — or sage.
But O ! I ne'er possessed the gift
To charm with lay divine ;
To sparkle with a ready wit,
Or eloquently shine.
Mine is an humbler muse, by far —
Unused to lofty flights —
Preferring more familiar haunts,
To fame's untrodden heig^hts.
'^o-'
Here, then,'s a health to thee, Ella :
May joy be ever thine,
And love and hope and faith, for thee,
A garland, fair, entwine ;
And friendship — purest, peerless gem
May it be set within it ;
And thou, and I, and those we love.
Appreciate and win it.
208 FOEM.S AXD .SKETCHES.
Wishing no care may cloud thy brow,
Nor sorrow dim thine eyes,
I ask that thou remember me
While 3'outhful scenes arise.
January 27, 1853.
TO ELMIRA BASSET.
Acrostic.
Elmira, friends unknown to thee,
Long have loved the name thou bearest :
Man}' who were fair to see —
In death now sleeping — once the rarest,
Radiant gems of life and love —
All now slathered home above.
&'
They, like thee, were bright and joyous:
Naught of care had marred their pleasures ;
Birds of song were not more free —
Happiness was theirs, the treasures.
Ma}^ it likewise be thy lot,
That, through life's dull round of cares,
Sorrow — all to thee forgot —
Ne'er may cross thee unawares.
February 7, 1850.
POEMS A. YD SKETCHES. 200
TO REBECCA D. STRATTAN.
When, in the course of after years, we shall be
led to take a retrospective view of life, it will be
pleasant to revert to early scenes and their associa-
tions, to home and its endearments, and the thousand
happy hours we spent beneath its venerable roof.
Those ties which early bind us to a parent, brother,
sister, or associate, will be long in breaking, for the
mind dwells fondly on the past, and reckons all the
little incidents of youth as golden sands, when, in com-
parison, we view them and associate their glitter with
the grosser and less real pleasures of maturer life.
There also is a sacredness connected with the happi-
ness of 3'outh which makes the vain attempt to be as
light of heart and free from care, in after years, a very
mocker}^ So I have often thought it must be pleasing
to review a volume on whose leaves are written thoughts
and sentiments of those we cherished as our earl}^
friends, and though the}^ be no more, they speak a lan-
guage to our hearts, the memory of which we long
regret to lose.
Thus, may it please thee, " Becca," when, in many
a year to come, thou dost peruse these lines, to think
of me as one who was, at least, thy friend.
August 28, 1852.
210 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
TO SARAH F-
The flowers have ceased to bloom, dear friend-
Their leaflets fall and fade,
And naught is seen but withered leaves,
Through all the woodland glade.
They tell us of departed Spring,
Of Summer's changing glow.
Of Autumn and its somber hues,
And Winter's chilling snow ;
The}' tell us, too, of blighted hopes,
Which, in the bloom of 3'outh,
Shone brightly as the radiant sun.
And beautiful as truth.
• But now, alas ! they all are fled —
Both faded hopes and flowers —
And naught is left us but regrets,
For life's 3^oung, dream}' hours.
May we so live that when the close
Of life's long year is past.
We all may join the friends we loved,
Where joys through ages last.
November 10, 1852.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 211
TO REBECCA MEEK.
May care never rifle thy cheek of its bloom,
Nor dim thy bright eye with a tear ;
But freshness and beauty bloom on to the tomb,
And love, to thy heart, lend its cheer.
Written in 1854.
TO JULIA BRADY.
As memory often wanders back
To scenes of yore, I find, alack !
How very few,
Of all we loved, remain to cheer
Our passage through this mundane sphere.
From day to day.
Alas ! they have been called to rest —
Their dwelling is among the blest.
Beyond the sky.
Farewell, old friends — a long adieu !
We, too, expect to follow you —
At least to try.
212 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
We hope to share that higher bhss —
That joy unknown to worlds Hke this —
In peace divine.
O, what a rapture we shall feel,
Permitted at His feet to kneel,
And seek His shrine.
So, w^hen the summons, dread, is given.
Ma}' we be all prepared for Heaven,
And its repose.
Then let us duh' act our parts —
Perform His will with willing hearts —
Nor shun the close.
October 21, 1853.
VALENTINES.
TO MISS MARGARET McCOY.*
A Valentine.
The rose, in its beauty, has charms for the eye,
And a sweetness, exhaled in perfume —
Which, sooner or later, must perish and die,
For brief is its season of bloom.
So thou, fairest Margaret, beautiful now
In all that this world can bestow.
Must also depart, like the roses, I trow.
Though spotless and pure as the snow.
May never a care that is harsher than zephyr
E'er ruffle thy delicate form,
But softly and lightly be fan'ed thy fair brow,
Unapproached by life's pitiless storm.
February 14, 1852.
*Miss McCoy was the daughter of Daniel McCoy, one of the con-
tractors for the stone-work of the old National road bridge, at the west
end of Main street, erected between 1833 and 1835.
214 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
TO MISS PHCEBE C-
In reply.
Lady fair, lady fair, tell me thy name —
Make thyself known to me, fearless of blame.
Suspense is unpleasant, and therefore would I,
By knowing thee better, exchange sigh for sigh.
Avoid the cold glances w^hich flash from mine een,
And change them to love and to mildness, serene.
Perhaps, as 3'ou sa}^, fair enchantress of love.
If I knew 'thee, I'd give to th}- rival the glove.
But thou hast none, I trow — I am free from the
chain —
And perhaps, if thou strivest, thy object may'st
gain;
'Tis not beauty, alone, that I madh' should prize,
Nor affectation's arts, nor a love in disguise :
But simple effusions, direct from the heart —
Spontaneous, and free from the foibles of art ;
Ad referendum, I leave it with thee,
To grant my request, or be silent, 3^e see.
February 14, 1851.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 215
TO REBECCA D. S-
A Valentine.
I love the maiden in whose heart
Nature forms the nobler part,
And whose feelings gently flow,
Unrestrained by art or show ;
In whose happy smile we see
Kindness and sincerity,
And in whose expressive eyes
Earnest thought and feeling lies ;
One who feels respect is due
A father and a mother, too,
And, with due regard and tact.
Always knows her part to act.
Such an one I long have known -
Scarcel}' daring to confess
How ni}' spirit hath been moved
By her grace and loveliness.
February 14, 1853.
216 rOEMS AM) .SKKTCllJJS.
TO MISS REBECCA MEEK.
Dear " Becca," I iiieekl}' vSUggest it to yon —
Not wivShing that others should know it —
That if you incUne to dispose of your heart,
On me you'll be pleased to bestow it.
I'll try to deserve it as much as I can,
And love it and cherish it well ;
So do not be blushing and causing delay.
But if you will do it, pray tell,
Immediately.
Fkbruarv 14, 1852.
TO MISS MARY R-
Dear Mary, remember, 'tis Valentine day.
And leap-year, forsooth, is *at hand ;
An' if ye' 11 display half yer charms as ye may,
We^wdll do as ye please to command,
I ne'er knew a " lassy " was handsome as yez,
Without half a dozen spruce beaux
From whom to select, with the greatest of ease,
A partner — at least if she chose.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 217
Then doff the fantastical airs of yer sex —
Be " naturl " an' " aisy " an' free;
And when a young " gintleman " '* axes" ye nex',
Just answer affirmatively —
Say yes.
Fkbruary 14, 1852.
I
H?-lr
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I
1
LOCAL HISTORICAL SKETCHES.
PAPER NO. 1. .
@N the 9th day of December, 1847, the Avriter
hereof first set foot within the precincts of
this fair city, and here he has ever since remained.
It was then a mere village of some 2,500 inhabitants,
acknowledging John Sa3dor as its chief executive and
head. Elected, first, in 1845, he continued in office
until 1852, when he was succeeded by the late John
Finley, Esq.
At that somewhat distant period the Friends, or
Quakers, as they w^ere commonl}^ called, exercised a
ver}" marked influence over the society about them,
their numbers being much greater then than now, in
proportion to population. They were a thrifty, honest,
intelligent people, possessed of many virtues, while
their wives and daughters were the peers of any in the
land. As a people, however, the}^ were rather non-
progressive, and lacking in that spirit of worldly enter-
prise so remarkably manifest at the present day. They
were very tenacious of their religious opinions, and
rigid in regard to their teachings and observances. To
one not of their faith and unaccustomed to their modes
222 POEMS AXD SKETCHES. ■
of thought, or manner of Hfe, there seemed an ever-
present feeUng of restraint and repression — a sort of
mental and physical embargo, b}^ no means congenial
to libert}^ of speech and action. Mirthfulness was
rarel}^ encouraged, and, if indulged in, was quiet and
subdued ; while demonstrations of gayety were rare
and guarded. Speech was as silver, but silence was
golden. The brilliant hues of beautiful flowers, and
the happ\^, gleeful songs of birds, seemed inappropriate
to their surroundings. Instrumental and vocal music
were but little understood or cultivated by the people
of the time, and b}' members of f/ieir Society in ?!o
degree whatever. Such practices were regarded as
sinful and as unbecoming the dignit}^ gravit}^ and
soberness of that peculiar people. Their speech and
attire were alike of the plainest kind, and every color
worn was in harmony with both. Under the shadow
of their influence even pastors of other denominations
discouraged the wearing of gay colors. Broad-brimmed
hats and plain silk bonnets, wholly unadorned, were
ever5^where to be seen. A bearded face was the merest
exception to a general rule, and was not unfrequently
the subject of comment and criticism, while the unfor-
tunate moustache was held in still greater disfavor, as
its wearer was supposed to be of that class whose ways
are dark and whose deeds are evil.
The good people of the village were generally dis-
tinguished for simplicity of habits and manners, but
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 223
little effort was made in the direction of personal adorn-
ment or displa3^ We distinctly remember that eight
yards of material constituted a pattern for a lady's
dress, and sometimes even less would serve ; but times
have changed — both larger views and ampler garments
now hold sway. We remember, also, that the female
head-gear did not then consist of those indescribable
nondescripts now so fearfully and wonderfully formed,
but simply, and in fact, of hat- or bonnet, severely
plain — sans fuss or feathers. The folly and extrav-
agance of displa}^ and dress came by degrees, and were
the result of increased wealth, the war, and foreign
innovation.
At that day, good boarding could be had for $1.50
per week, and the hire of a horse and buggy was but
$1.25 per day. We had neither railroads nor turn-
pikes (excepting one to Boston), while gas and electric
lights, telephones and telegraphs w^ere, as yet, of the
things to come. But a "coach and four" used to
carry the mail for " Uncle Sam," and the few unlucky
passengers, whose business or necessities required them
to be abroad in the land. Cattle, hogs and sheep were
then driven by thousands, along the National road, on
their way to some eastern market. The surplus pro-
ducts of the country commanded but a nominal price :
hauling by wagon was too expensive, and our present
facilities for transportation were not yet in existence.
At that time all the business of the village was trans-
224 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
acted on the three squares of Main street lying between
Fourth and Seventh, that between Fourth and Fifth
doing much the greater part. Xo mercantile business
whatever was done anywhere off Main street.
A shabby old market-house stood in the middle of
South Fourth street, about 150 yards from Main. On
the present site of Reed & Vanneman's business block,
corner of Noble and Fifth streets, and nearly opposite
the west end of the passenger depot, was located Ken-
worthy's tannery, the only structure in that vicinit3\
Where the passenger depot now stands, with its imme-
diate surroundings, was an inclosed field, and on the
west front of it was the "Quaker walk" leading to
Friends' Orthodox Meeting-house — a large, plain,
two-storied brick structure, erected in 1823. The walk
referred to was parth' planked, and separated from the
main road by a row of posts. The writer distinctly
rem embers seeing a horse and buggy, with two occu-
pants, stick fast in the mud in front of where stands
the " Avenue House " — immediatel}' north of the rail-
road crossing, on the west side.
The brick business block now occupying the east
side of Fort Wa3me Avenue and covering a full square
in length, and forming something of a triangle, stands
upon "made ground," formerly a stagnant pool —
whence came, in Spring-time, the doleful music of the
frog. This was then the property of Charles W.
Starr, b>- whom it is said to have been offered for a few
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 225
hundred dollars, without finding a purchaser. On one
occasion, the writer remembers, water was procured
from this source to extinguish a neighboring fire.
The old "Starr House," subsequently known as the
* ' Meredith ' ' and ' ' Tremont , ' ' corner of Eighth and
Main, was considered " away out of town," and even
the Huntington House was thought to be inconven-
iently far from business. An old mile-stone used to
stand on the north side of Main street, between Tenth
and Eleventh, marked "One-Half Mile to Richmond."
Between Seventh and Tenth streets there were but few
buildings, and Ninth street had, as yet, no existence.
All east was either orchard, open field, or wood.
Basil Brightwell, Benjamin Strattan, Thaddeus
Wright, Jesse Meek, John Haines, William Blanchard,
John M. Eaws, William S. Watt, Wilham Petchell,
and Ralph A. Paige were our dry goods dealers, not
one of whom is in the business at the present day,
and only two of the ten survive, to answer to their
names, to-wit : Wright and vStrattan. Their com-
panions have all gone hence, where barter and
exchange are unknown and the weary are at rest.
Although not in business here at the time to which
these papers refer, Daniel B. Crawford was, neverthe-
less, a citizen of this vicinity for 3'ears before ; and
from 1850 until 1896 — when he retired — has been a
leading and prosperous dr}' goods merchant in our
midst, and still* survives, being nearh' ninet}^ 3'ears
226 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
of age. He has also been identified with various
other interests of the cit}- and count}', both secular and
religious, until • his name has become as familiar as
household words.
Messrs. Fletcher & Benton first sold hardware, on
the southeast corner of Fourth and Main, afterwards
known as " Xestor's corner," now Eggeme^-er's, and
east of the court-house. Subsequently, Thomas Benton
alone engaged in the business, in an old brick building,
corner Fifth and r^Iain.
A single member of the old Wiggins firm — Charles
O. — with some added juniors, until lately held
forth at the same old stand as in days of yore.
William L. Brady was also a pioneer, and for many
years successfulh' engaged in the harness trade.
Samuel and William Lynde will be remembered as
among our principal grocers ; neither must we omit
Elijah Githens, in the same branch of trade. The
former long did business where George W. Barnes, for
so man}^ years, dispensed his excellent family supplies,
and where Joseph A. Knabe lately catered to the
public wants.
The drug business was in the hands of Messrs.
George Doxe}', Ir\'in Reed and Dr. Joseph Howels,
the former of whom died here during the prevalence
of the cholera, in 1849 or 1850, and the latter,
recently, in California ; while Mr. Irvin Reed, for
many years subsequenth', dealt in hardware, on the
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 22
southwest corner of Seventh and Main. He, too, died
some four years since. To him had been vouch-
safed the most extended business career, in point of
time, accorded au}^ member of this community, cov-
ering a period of sixty years, and crowned with ample
success. These gentlemen were succeeded by Dr. James
R. Mendenhall, John T. Plummer and Lewis H. McCul-
lough, each of whom continued in the business some
years.
Hon. Da^'id P. Holloway, for many years past a
resident of Washington Cit}^ — who also died some
dozen years ago — was in the book trade at the time of
mj^ advent to the village, and was located in an old
frame building on the south side of West Main street,
near the corner of Fourth. Dr. J. R. Mendenhall
soon after became his successor ; and our former City
Civil Engineer, Hon. Oliver Butler, was his business
manager for years.
Your humble servant, the writer, first greeted the
public here in the capacity of salesman for Strattan &
Wright, whom he faithfull}^ served for five long ^-ears,
for the meager salary of $15 per month and board,
saving therefrom, b}^ the .strictest economy, his first
$500 — a result utterly out of the question in these
times of increased values and multiplied temptations,
from no greater pay.
It was m}^ good fortune to find a home in the family
of "Uncle" James and "Grand-mother" Hunnicutt,
228 POEMS A XT) SKETCHES.
who kept the onh' boarding house of the time, which
was quite Hberally patronized — as well it might be,
when we remember that they charged but a dollar and
a quarter per week for board. Their house was head-
quarters for man\' old-time Friends, during Yearh*
IMeeting. The}' were, most trulj^, a kindly old couple,
called hence this many-a-3'ear.
Thomas J. Bargis and Isaac L. Dickinson dealt in
stoves and tinware. William Show and Isaac Paxson,
senior, supplied the citizens with meats. Mark Lewis
and William Mason, who soon after came to the rescue,
furnished bread, cakes and crackers. John Suffrins,
the hatter, then, and for many years after, took care of
the cranial department of the multitude, and C. A.
Dickinson and J. B. Hunnicutt supplied our wants,
real or imaginative, with jewelry, watches, etc. Both
have long since retired from the stage of action. J. W.
Gilbert, Dan Sloan and K. Brookens catered to the
public wants in the capacity of hosts. We had but one
monied institution, known as the "Old Branch Bank,"
Elijah Coffin, cashier. The building adjoined the Rich-
mond National Bank, on the east, and was removed,
a few years since, to make room for other improve-
ments. Our lawyers were Stephen B. Stanton, James
Perry and William A. Bickle. The two former are
deceased ; the latter, alone, continues in practice.
The medical profession was ably represented by Doc-
tors John T. Plummer and William B. Smith, both of
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 229
whom have long since paid the debt of Nature. A. N.
Newton was the only dentist of the time, and was, for
several years, without a rival, until Doctor William R.
Webster located in our midst. Doctor Newton has
retired from the profession, and Doctor Webster has
passed to that bourne, from which no traveler returns.
They w^ere both good men, and professionally equal to
the requi~"ements of the times. Milton Hollingsworth
is deserving of special mention, as being one of Rich-
mond's foremost teachers — earnest, capable and effi-
cient. He was beloved and esteemed by his pupils,
admired and respected by all. He, too, has gone to
his reward. John K. Boswell was tlie first Daguerrean
artist, of my recollection, here. His work was a credit
to his profession, and specimens of his art, in the
writer's possession, will bear comparison with that of
the present day.
James Elder was postmaster here during 1 847 and
1848, and it is my recollection that he also dealt in books
and paper. He recently informed me that during
his administration single letter postage ranged from
five to ten cents, according to distance transmitted.
Speaking of postal matters reminds me that about this
time letter envelopes first made their appearance, and
their utility being so manifest, were not long in gaining
public favor. Not so, however, with the equally useful
steel pen ; for, although upon the market for years,
they were just beginning to win their w^ay to public
230 POEMS AND SKETCHES. '
favor and appreciation. N. S. Leeds was the first citi-
zen of Richmond to learn the art of telegraphing, which
he did at Dayton, Ohio, some time during 1848, for the
purpose of serving a company who put up a line along
the National Road, in that year. Their office was
located on the north side of West Main street, between
Fifth and Sixth, in the room afterwards owned and
occupied by James J. Jordan, as a fancy grocery. L. H.
^IcCuUough soon after learned to manipulate the in-
strument, and became the former's successor. For lack
of patronage, or some other cause unknown to the
writer, the enterprise proved a failure, and the line
went down. Mr. Leeds has responded to a message
from the eternal world, while Mr. McCuUough, for
some vears later, still toved with the subtle fluid, in its
various moods.
It ma}' be of interest, in this connection, to state
that the latter gentleman was the first person to intro-
duce coal oil into this city for the purpose of illumina-
tion. This was in 185S, and the oil so used was dis-
tilled from coal, by some enterprising individual of
Covington, Kentuck3\
It may be said of the amusements of those days, that
they were neither varied nor numerous. Picnics in
Summer, and balls and parties in Winter, constituted
about all the diversions of that period. Lectures, con-
certs and theatricals were not in vogue ; the reigning
influence seemed averse to an\'thing of a happ}' or joy-
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 231
ous nature. The piano, that much- tortured instrument,
had but two representatives in the town ; and as for
the sewing machine, alas! it was not — unless, indeed, we
dared, without irreverence, apply the term to Eve's fair
daughters, those blessed earthly ministers, who are ever
ready to repair our garments or relieve our woes.
The press, that mighty engine, had its representatives
in two weekly journals : the Palladium -a^wi^ Jejfersonian,
republican and democratic, respectively, in politics.
The former was, for many years, published by Messrs.
Holloway & Davis, and since 1876 has been issued
both daily and weekly. It is now^ under the manage-
ment of Messsrs. Surface & Flickinger. The Jeffer-
sonian was presided over by James Elder, Esq., but
has long since ceased to greet the public.
In those ' ' good old days ' ' there were no women in
the professions, none as teachers in the schools ; they
were unknown to the editorial chair, nor had they a
place at the desk, the case, or the counter. With rare
exceptions, they were deemed incompetent for places of
trust or responsibility. Man's estimate of woman was
not creditable to his head and heart ; his bigotry and
selfishness were a bar to her advancement. But, thanks
to the dawn of a higher intelligence and the spread of
more liberal views, the day of her deliverance has
come ; the shackles of prejudice and superstition are
falling about her, and she is free to pursue whatever
occupation she may choose. A universal culture has
232
POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
taken the place of a partial education ; a better system of
schools, the press, and the facilities for travel and inter-
course, added to a growing disposition to investigate
all subjects — taking nothing for granted — have com-
bined to elevate, and fits her for the active duties of
life. She is freer, stronger, more self-reliant than her
sisters of any age. Ma}^ the bondage of hand or brain
be hers no more, while the freedom of thought and the
freedom of speech shall continue to be the just inheri-
tance of a free and independent people.
Referring to pioneer times, it is recorded that the
first settlers came here in 1805 ; that John Smith laid
out the town in 1S16 ; that it was incorporated in 18 18 ;
that a brewer}^ and post- office came into existence the
same 3'ear ; that Robert Morrison was postmaster till
1829 ; that the first newspaper was issued in 1821 ;
that the first roads w^ere opened in the direction of New
Paris and Eaton, Ohio, in 1806 and 1807 ; that the
National Road was located in 1828 ; that the same
became a pike, or gravel road, in 1848, about which
time several others were constructed. The railroad
first entered Richmond in 1853 ; the first grist-mill was
built in 1807 ; the first brick house, by John Smith, in
181 1 ; the first tavern was opened in 18 16, and the first
banking house in 1835 ; the first doctor came in 1818,
the first lawyer in 1826, and finalh% the first census,
in 1824, showed a population of 453 inhabitants.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 233
We might very properly supplement these hasty
sketches, by briefly tracing- the career of such early
citizens as John S. Newman, David Hoover, Charles
W. Starr, Robert Morrison, Albert C. Blanchard, EHjah
Coflin, John Finley, and many others, whose lives have
left their impress upon this community ; but such an
undertaking would transcend the original purpose of
these papers, as well as the needful information and
ability of the writer. We trust, however, that the sub-
ject may yet receive the consideration it so justly
deserves, at the hands of some one fully competent to
the task.
At the period of my coming, as before stated, we
had no railroad, but one turn-pike, no telegraphs and
no telephones. At the present day they radiate in all
directions from us, and encircle us round about. Then,
communication with the outer world was slow and diffi-
cult ; now, we have almost unlimited facilities for trans-
portation and travel, and almost instant communication
with the uttermost parts of the earth.
Behold ! what a marvel has been wrought ! What
wondrous change in the brief space of something more
than two score years !
234 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
PAPER XO. 2.
AXY years before the writer's advent to this
cit}^ the National road was constructed, but,
from the State hue to IndianapoHs, had never been
graveled, so that travel in Winter and earh- Spring was
almost out of the question. The older citizens will
remember that during those seasons the mail was often
carried on two wheels, surmounted by an open, queens-
ware crate, which held the driver, the mail bags, and
an occasional wear\', mud-bespattered passenger — all
drawn b}" four equally wear}', worn and mudd}^ horses —
for the condition of the roads was simply fearful, requir-
ing expert drivers and good teams to pull through.
" The mud wagon," as it was aptly named, was used
when the roads manifested signs of improvement, and
consisted of a common, four-wheeled farm wagon, with
board bed and canvas cover, stretched over wooden
bows — having two or three plain boards placed across
for seats, sa?is springs or cushions. This rude con-
trivance was especially designed for the accommodation
of the traveling public, and it may readily be imagined
what a treat it was, and what a degree of comfort it
POEMS AND SKETCHES 235
afforded. It, also, was drawn by a quartet of weary
equines, who slowly trudged through mud and mire,
now over some rude causeway — here of rails, and there
of logs — and anon into some "slough of despond,"
sometimes sticking fast and requiring the united efforts
of all the passengers to pry it out — they, meanwhile,
receiving such a baptism of mud and water as, in these
days, it would be almost impossible to conceive. As
vSumraer approached and the roads improved, stage
coaches were brought into requisition, making travel,
if not absolutely comfortable, at least quite tolerable.
I remember making the trip from this city to Cincin-
nati, one bright October day, about the year 1848, in
a "coach and four," and I think I never enjoyed a
day's journey so much in all my life. The time
required was about twelve hours. In conversation
with one of our older citizens, a short time since, he
informed me that during the period in which our
townsman, Joseph W. Gilbert, and a Mr. Voorhees,
were each running passenger, coaches to Cincinnati and
intermediate points, the former, for a brief period,
reduced the fare to the nominal sum of fift}^ cents, each
way, thus hoping to discourage his rival, and induce
him to withdraw, that he might have a clear field to
himself. This, my informant thought, was about the
year 1840. Many doubtless still remember the great
droves of far- western cattle, as well as hogs and sheep,
and on one occasion, turkeys, driven to market over
230 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
that great liighwa}^, the National Road, and so con-
tinued until the introduction of steam and an iron out-
let to the eastern world.
During these years there were also countless emi-
grant wagons going west with their precious human
freight, seeking homes in some visionary El Dorado of
the New World. Hard, indeed, was the lot of many,
whether in the midst of the forest, or out upon the
bosom of some boundless prairie. Hardships, privation
and sickness were sure to attend them ; friends and
early associations were far away, while strange, rude
neighbors, for companions, dwelt about them — few and
far between. Achilles Williams, who was one of
Nature's noblemen, and an early pioneer, related to the
writer, some twenty years ago (now 1896), the story
of his first visit, in the year 1820, to the site and sur-
roundings now occupied b}' the capital of the State —
whose wealth, magnitude and business aggregate are
approached by few inland cities on the continent. In
the midst of an unbroken forest he found but two
human beings to greet him — one of whom was an
adventurous white man, the other his Indian wife,
whose temporary hovel of bark was the only \-isible
handiwork of man, to rear its unpretentious form amid
the trees. Truly, seventy-five years (1896) have
wrought a wondrous change. I recently spent some
days at the city of Indianapolis, and on one occasion,
when in the union depot, I beheld and counted, over
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 237
and around the ticket office, fifteen clock-faced dials,
each indicating the time of departure for as many
trains on fifteen several roads, while a telegraph pole,
standing in front of my hotel, supported, upon its
out-stretched arms, one hundred and twenty wires.
These things tell their own story of a progressive age.
It is doubtful if any other agency on the continent of
America has exerted so vast an influence in the develop-
ment of the country and the education of its people, as
the various systems of railroads, now ramifying and
reaching out into the uttermost parts of this great
republic. It is a marvel, even to ourselves, to contem-
plate the astonishing progress made by this nation in
the past forty years. The railroads, the telegraphs,
the daily press, the telephone, the sewing machine, gas,
coal oil, electric light and power — all recent innova-
tions — besides countless improvements, inventions and
divscoveries in mechanics, agriculture and the arts, most
of which may be justly attributed to a higher and more
universal education, whose magic and mighty forces
have been stimulated, fostered and encouraged by our
public schools. All these things have coml:)ined to
lessen our labor, increase our comforts, add to our
enjoyments, develop our resources, extend our knowl-
edge, duplicate our wealth, and in many ways tend to
place us in the front rank of nations.
238 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Recently, in looking over some old-time letters and
papers, I made the discovery of a card, or ticker-^^ of
invitation, which, for a matter so apparentl}^ trivial,
possesses, nevertheless, more than ordinary interest as
a relic of the past ; for it \\as nothing less than a bid
to the "railroad ball," gotten np in commemoration
of an event destined to be of the greatest possible
moment to this city and vicinit3\ It ran as follows :
" The compan\' of yourself and lady is respectfully
solicited to attend a ball, to be given in honor of the
commencement of the railroads of the Whitewater and
Miami Valley's, at D. D. Sloan's National Hall, on
Thursday evening, May 30, 1850. Managers for
Richmond : D. P. Holloway, James Elder, S. E.
Iredell, Irvin Reed, W. W. E3'nde, and James King."
Then follow many other names — thirty-five in all-—
as representatives of New Paris, Centerville, Hagers-
town, Winchester, Cambridge Cit}', Connersville,
Eaton, Hamilton, New Castle, Muncie, Libert}', and
Daj^ton, concluding with the name of Reece Kendall
as floor manager.
Three 3'ears subsequent to this occurrence, the
Indiana Central Railway was completed to this cit}',
and James M. Brown appointed its first temporary
agent — which position he held for a few months only
— transacting its business in his own private office.
*This ticket of invitalion is now preserved in the Railroad Museum of
the Pennsylvania Company, at Chicago, Illinois.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 2:5U
near the depot. The writer became his successor, and
opened the first permanent office, in the company's own
building, buying the safe, copying-press and some of
the books, and other needful appurtenances, of William
T. Dennis — then in the hardware business, on the
northeast corner of Franklin (now Seventh) and Main.
It became ni}^ duty to act in the two-fold capacity- of
freight and ticket agent — a post involving both
responsibility and labor, greatly in excess of, and out
of proportion to, the meager compensation allowed. I
also fitted up and furnished for the company its first
ticket office in the old, original passenger depot, an
insignificant, one-storied brick structure, which, I do
not think, exceeded eighteen by seventy-five feet, in
size, having a narrow wooden platform on either side,
with a planked extension at each end, for the accom-
modation of baggage and express matter. I continued
to hold my position for about twelve months, when I
resigned the office, to engage in more lucrative employ-
ment. Mr. John Lynch became m3^ successor, and
S. F. Fletcher his. During my brief administration, I
emplo3^ed, among others, one William Zeek, to assist
in the handling and transfer of freight, who has most
faithfully performed the same duties, at the .same
place, for more than forty j^ears. Hon. John S. New-
man was president, and Samuel Hanna treasurer, of
the Indiana Central Railway Company at that time, the
former of whom I had frequent occasion to see and
240 POEMS AXn SKETCHES.
consult, on business relating to the road. At this
period I was a boarder with Harmon B. Payne, who
was just then preparing himself for the legal profession,
and many a time have I seen him deeply engaged in
his studies, long before day, by the feeble light of a
tallow candle.
Asking your indulgence, to go back a few 3'ears,
I will state that my object in coming here was that of
accepting a position tendered me, as salesman in their
dry goods store, by the Messrs. Strattan & Wright,
who were then, as for several subsequent seasons,
also engaged in buying hogs and packing pork. And
well do I remember the numberless calls for the senior
proprietor, who, it seemed to me, was more in demand
than any other mortal I ever knew, and at that time
clearly of more consequence than any man in the com-
munit}'. " Strattan' s corner," as it was called, was
headquarters for the clamorous horde, seeking to dis-
pose of their defunct, and often frozen, porcine
carcasses. On two occasions, which I remember, hogs
were brought in of ver}- unusual size — two of which
weighed, each, eight hundred pounds, net. One of
them, I think, was raised by a Jesse Evans.
The firm were doing a very fair business, having
many regular customers, especially among the PViends,
who came long distances to make their purchases at
this popular house. But, unquestionably, too much
was allowed to go out on long time. It was the pre-
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 241
vailing custom then — and a very unfortunate one —
to give to the farming community, and many others, a
year's credit for what should have brought them cash,
and, if unable to pa}" at the expiration of that time,
take their notes, bearing six per cent, interest, for such
additional time as might be agreed upon, not infre-
quently running over into a second 3^ear. The pork-
packing arrangement of which I have just spoken, was
conducted, in great part, to facilitate collections. The
debtor would bring in his hogs, and either receive or
pay the difference between the value of his pork and
store account, which, being cancelled, left him at liberty
to begin anew, which he often did within the same
hour of his settlement.
In those days merchants from this part of the
country were in the habit of buying their stocks of dry
goods mostly in Philadelphia — the community being
composed largel}^ of Friends, who preferred a class of
merchandise known as "plain goods," not infrequently
including a line of domestics or staples, such as prints,
muslins and checks, of inferior make and color, sup-
posed to have been produced exclusively by ' ' free
labor," and termed "free labor goods" — which, to
make them such, often required the utmost stretch of
fancy, and very great faith. All these were more
readily obtained in the great City of Brotherly Love
than elsewhere.
242 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
The old house of Sharpless & Sons was a favorite
with the Quaker trade, as they dealt almost exclusiveh^
in the class of goods used by these people. A few
years since, in one of my visits to this grand old city,
whose praises I had so often heard recounted, and
desirous of seeing still more of its noted places than
had previously fallen to ni}^ lot, curiosity led me into
this celebrated establishment, and, to mj' unbounded
gratification, I found it all my fancy pictured it — a
real treat to a relic hunter, and quite sufhcienth' anti-
quated to satisfy the most ardent searcher after old
curiosity shops. Everything within and around told
plainly of the past. The fashions of the da}' were dis-
regarded ; the past was in its prime ; the 3'ears had
gone unheeded with their change. This house, at
least, V\'as still the same ; its construction and arrange-
ment, and its manner of display were those of 3'ears
ago. This was even true of help — male and female
clerks — man\- of whom were past their prime, and
gray with age and care, having been, most likely, fix-
tures in the house for — lo I these many 3'ears. This
is, in all respect, stricth' in accord with the spirit of
old-time Friends — a disposition to be non-progressive —
a desire to let well enough alone.
This once sober cit}' of Penn, in times past, was the
Quaker's chosen Mecca — his ideal shrine of worship,
and his chief est mart of trade. But, alas, for the transi-
torv nature of human affairs I Both the shrine and the
o
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 24
worshipper are changed ; it is no longer either saintly
or sedate ; neither is it as of 3''ore — a beacon to the feet
of the faithful ; for the youthful scion of the pious
sire has departed from the faith, assumed the world-
ling's garb, and, in pursuit of other gods, now goeth
where he listeth.
In those days, and as late as 1850, it used to take a
merchant, going East from here, from four to six weeks
to accomplish the journey and purchase his goods, the
trip being made by three several modes of conve}^-
ance, namely : Stage-coach, steam-boat and railroad.
One one occasion, about the 3"ear 1850 or 1851, Benja-
min Strattan, having been East, had his goods shipped
by the usual route of canal and railroad to Pittsburg,
and from thence by river to Cincinnati. The water
being low, the boat, in its passage, grounded, and per-
haps sunk. At all events, his goods became badly
damaged by immersion, after which they were trans-
ferred to a "lighter," and brought on down the river
to the Queen City. Now, although his stock had been
insured against loss or damage in transit, it was made
to appear that the transfer to another boat vitiated the
" polic}^" and, if my memory serves me rightl}^, he
was compelled to bear the entire loss sustained. When
the goods finally arrived at their destination, and were
opened, they presented a pitiful sight, indeed — being
thoroughly wet, and apparently damaged beyond repair.
Many of the finer dress fabrics were sent to the dyers
244 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
to be recolored, and, if possible, restored. But in no
instance did the result prove satisfactory ; the}' were
returned in a condition resembling so many dish-
rags — limp, lusterless, and without finish. Thus they
remained long upon the shelves, and when sold, invari-
ably neted a loss. The sequel proved more fortunate,
however, than was anticipated. The stock was fully
and freely advertised as wet goods, to be sold cheap,
and it w^as marvelous to note how eagerly some people
sought to purchase many of these goods, at a small
reduction from cost, in preference to the better, and
really cheaper ones, at regular prices. I remember
hearing Robert Morrison once relate the story of an
old lad}' customer of his, who was a particularly close
buyer — that on one occasion , when she appeared to be
more persistent than usual in her demands for a reduc-
tion, she finally exclaimed: "Robert, I do really
believe that thee is asking me more for th}' goods than
the}' cost thee." The older Friends used to style those
of us who were members of no denomination, "the
world's people," which was generally understood to be
the very opposite of a compliment — little thinking
how \-ery many of their own descendants would be no
less worldly in the next generation.
Scarcely a third of a century ago the make of the
garment and the manner of speech were a sure index
to the religious faith of a large majority of the people
of this city and vicinity ; but in later years such marks
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 245
of distinction have been surely and certainly passing
away. And, while we sincerely trust that the prin-
ciples held by Friends may ever continue to wield their
benign influence with each and every one of us, yet we
earnestly hope that the time is not far distant when all
such peculiarities — whether of speech or dress — wall
be relegated to the shades of the departed past.
I believe it was some time during 1847 that
Friends' Boarding School — now known as Earlham
College — first opened its portals to the public — or,
rather, that portion of it denominated ' ' the Society of
Friends," for it was originally designed for the educa-
tion of their own children, but, finding an insufficient
Support from that direction, they at length determined
to admit pupils from other denominations and the out-
side world, at large. From these, however, it was
said, the}^ demanded a considerable advance for tuition
over that charged members of their own Society. This
course, however proper it may have appeared to them,
did not savor of that strict justice so characteristic of
these people. During the earlier years of this school's
history, all scholars were required to attend meeting
twice a week — Sundays and Wednesdays — and all
male students unable to plead some disability, were as
often mustered together, formed in line, and marched
in single file, from the college grounds, in West Rich-
mond, to the old brick meeting-house, north of the
railroad — a distance of some two miles — in Summer's
24B POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
sun or Winter's storm, to participate in the peculiar
services of the Societ}', which sometimes consisted in
passing the time allotted in silent meditation and unut-
tered prayer. The pupils were usually attended by
their teachers, who kept an eye to their deportment,
and guaranteed their good behavior on the wa3\ This
semi-weekly parade of the students always reminded
the beholder of so many ' ' soldier bo^^s, ' ' recentl)^
recruited for " Uncle Sam's" service. The sight was
both novel and remarkable, as being enacted by the
sons, and instituted by the ver}^ people who, above all
others, inveighed most strenuously against every form
of ceremony, demonstration and display.
The frequent gibes and jeers of the boys, and
uncomplimentar)' remarks of many of their elders,
finalh' put an end to the show. As an institution of
learning, Earlham College can now justh^ be reckoned
as among the best in the land, and as richh' deserving
the patronage of all good people.
Previous to the days of railroads, and to a ver\'
limited extent since, the Friends came to " Yearh^
Meeting" in their own convej^ances, usualh' a two-
horse carriage, bringing with them, generally, the
elder members of the family, and, occasionalh^ the
smaller children. This was alwa3^s a great week in
the history of Richmond, and not infrequenth' as great
an event in the lives of many of the members — whose
quiet, plodding ways and simple habits were but seldom
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 247
varied by the most ordinary pleasures and pastimes,
beyond the monotonous routine of each returning day.
The younger members from the rural districts were,
frequently, simplicity itself. Often have I seen them
— boy and girl — go hand in hand along our streets,
utterly unconscious of the world about them, munching
huge chunks of ginger-bread, or indulging in some
other unused luxury. This was, to them, their ultima
thule — the crowning bliss of all their former hopes —
this coming to Richmond during "Yearly Meeting,"
with their best girls, to share in all the joys, and revel
in the sights and sounds and unaccustomed luxuries of
a considerable town ; but then they were profoundly
happy — and that is more than can be truly said of
many of the present day, although surrounded with
increased wealth and countless sources of enjoyment.
Until about the year 1849 or '50, copper coins were
almost unknown as a circulating medium, in this part
of the world. They were first introduced with the
completion of turnpikes, or toll-roads, as a matter of
necessity, to make change. Either Robert Morrisson,
who was president, or Benjamin Strattan, for a time
treasurer of the Wayne County Turnpike Company,
ordered the first installment of a hundred dollars'
worth, or ten thousand pieces, from the Philadelphia
mint. They were of the large, old-fashioned variet}',
and made a package somewhat resembling a keg of
nails, for size. These coins were doled out to the
248 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
"gates" as needed, and thus found their way into
general circulation.
It ma\' still be remembered by some that the first
line of telegraph known to this vicinity was that put
up along the National road, some time during the
Summer of 1848, but which, for want of sufficient
patronage, was, within a year or two, transferred to
some more appreciative locality. In fact, the people
upon whom it depended for its patronage and profit
had not yet attained to the commercial and personal
needs of such an institution ; the}^ had not learned to
appreciate the advantages of rapid transit and travel,
and, much less, those of instantaneous communication
b}^ telegraph.
While writing of this subject, I am reminded that
some time during this same year of 1848 a gentleman
— William Unthank — came to this cit}' and announced
a lecture, to be delivered in the lower room of the old
" Warner building," on the subject of " Electricity as
a Motive Power. ' ' The interest manifested b}' the
public was not commensurate with the importance of
the subject, and compar^tiveh^ few persons came out
to hear what the lecturer had to sa}'. Models were
exhibited and their operations explained. He desired
to enlist the S3mipathies of capitalists, in behalf of the
enterprise, who might be willing to advance the means
necessary- to test the merit and practical working of his
theories. However, he met with no encouragement
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 2AS)
here : the subject was too new and illy understood b\'
most people ; and such apparently visionary schemes
did not readily command the confidence, much less the
cash, of the general public, and, at that day, not even
its curiosity. This circumstance is cited to show the
lack of interest and appreciation in the public mind,
too often apparent on similar occasions when matters
of the utmost importance are presented for its serious
consideration, as well as to illustrate the possibilities of
the human understanding in the direction of growth
and development ; and also to prove that the perse-
vering delver in divine thought will not fail, at length,
to bring up priceless pearls from the hidden recesses of
the intellectual treasury — whose varied stores and
collective resources are almost without limit ; how an
idea, once conceived, may grow, by slow degrees, from
germ to bud, and, in due season, blossom into the full-
blown glor}^ and realization of the perfect and complete
ideal. Such, in his day, was not the good fortune of
this hapless theorist and thinker — he did not live to
realize the final consummation of his dream, for he
sought aid and sympathy in vain. But others, follow-
ing in his wake, took up the current of his thoughts
and crystallized them into form, and the seeming fancy,
of a generation since, became an accomplished fact.
Thus feeble thoughts, at length, the mightiest
things evolve — as towering oaks from tiny acorns
L^^0 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
grow ; as wind-strewn seeds suggest the forest, wide ;
or, as chaotic atoms formed the universe — developed
in the lapse of time, through ages past, of long-
forgotten years.
PAPER XO. 3.
rr^HERE is, perhaps, no other delusion so far-reach-
X ing, or so fondh' cherished by the human race, as
the popular belief which attributes to our youthful
days the doubtful merit of being, in all things, better
than aught of these ' ' degenerate times. ' ' With the
middle-aged and the elderly the feeling is almost univer-
sal that men were more moral, more virtuous, and more
upright ; and that they were less given to sensuality
and dissipation ; that peace, order and sobriety reigned
supreme — in short, that the world was one grand,
moral paradise, as compared with the present ; whereas,
in point of fact, nothing could be farther from the
truth. Life was just as real, earnest and exacting in
the past as in the present ; love, hatred, jealousy — all
held sway over men's minds then, as now, for human
nature has doubtless been much the same in all ages.
Into each human history is w^oven more or less of the
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 251
good and the bad, the false and the true. Many an
airy castle, which we bnilded in our youth, was a mere
vagar}^ of the imagination — a mere fiction of the
fancy — created out of nothing, and to nothing soon
returned. Thoughtfulness and sobriety belong only to
maturity of years, and follow in the footsteps of age.
Youth is indeed the spring-time of life, and is glorious
in its strength and beauty. But age should be no less
glorious, in its dignity, serenity and wisdom. Love,
virtue and goodness, with their kindred attributes, were
man's inheritance from his Maker, and will continue to
bless and to comfort him to the end of time. So, also,
were his sins and his weaknesses a part and parcel of
his human nature. If it be admitted that man has not
degenerated, as I think it must, the theory that the
world has grown worse than formerly can be nothing
short of a fallacy. The progress of recent times, not
only in the arts and sciences, but in morality and
religion, as well, is indeed too evident to be mistaken,
and is quite sufficient to prove the very contrary of the
proposition. It may be truly said that the good that
men do lives after them, the evil is interred with their
bones ; for, do we not, in our contemplation of the past,
remember only the virtues, the friendships and the loves
of the long ago — forgetful of the sins and the weak-
nesses and the human frailties, which beset us then, as
now ? And thus it is; we dwell so fondly on the past,
and think the elder days were better than the new.
2->.> POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Xothing can be truer than that the world has always
been wicked. \'ice and immorality have been the
inheritance of all peoples and all times ; and. for at least
a partial illustration of this truth, we need not go from
home. The writer distinctly remembers that in our
own moral ( ?) little city, with but a tithe of its present
population, and comparatively few of the influences
now so conspicuous for evil, we were yet far from being
altoo:ether srood. Mischief often held hisrh carnival in
our midst : pugilistic contests were not uncommon, and
the baser passions were by no means always in abey-
ance, even surrounded, as we were, by a people, so
remarkable for piety, good order and peace principles,
as were the Friends, who were dominant at the time.
The unruly element was rarely ever traceable to their
ranks, yet these baser spirits lived and flourished here,
as elsewhere, and as they ever will, in all communities,
to a greater or less degree. I occasionally meet one of
these old-time "Pariahs" upon our streets — " lone-
wanderins:. vet not lost" — who. in earlier davs. was
wont to make night hideous in his cups. His com-
panions have mostly found shelter in their graves,
while he. illy clad, neglected and alone, a wreck in
morals, character and health, will soon descend in
sorrow to his own.
It used to be the delight of the "hoodlums" of
those days to appoint a meeting somewhere on Main
street — usually selecting a moonlight evening — and
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 253
after the villagers had retired for the night, to either
build a fire upon the ground, or procure an old stove from
the premises of some dealer, gravely set up the pipe and
put on a kettle of water, and, after all was in order and
the steam and smoke ascending, hot drinks would be
prepared and passed around, to add fresh fuel to the
flagging fires within. They would then join hands all
around, and shout and dance and sing till the welkin
fairly rung, conducting themselves like a company of
savages, far into the ''wee small hours," unmolested
b)' officers or citizens.
At times the dry goods boxes from the four quarters
of the town would be collected during the night and
piled man}' feet high, across the principal thorough-
fare, completeh^ barricading it against the traffic and
travel of the following morning, when, at a late hour,
the obstruction was generally removed by the owners
of the propert}' appropriated — the guilty parties mean-
while chuckling at the anno3'ance and vexation thus
created. Sometimes the signs would be taken down all
over the village, and so changed around that the dry
goods merchant got the grocer's sign, and the grocer
the dr}' goods dealer's ; the banker became a book-
seller, and the book-seller a banker ; or it sometimes
chanced that the doctor's front door would be orna-
mented b}' the dressmaker's tin sign, and she, in turn,
would rejoice in the professional insignia of the disciple
of Esculapeus. On one occasion a monied institution
254 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
was made to represent a shaving shop, by setting up a
barber's striped pole in front of it. Once, upon a Sun-
day morning, after the "boys" had indulged in their
customary Saturday night's revel, a new farm wagon
was to be seen drawn up by the side- walk, on East
Main street, having placed upon it a delapidated out-
building, ornamented with the gaudy sign of a well-
known tonsorial artist, looking, "for all the world,"
like some bona fide. establishment on wheels, quietly
awaiting its share of the public patronage. On some
occasions the gates would be taken from their hinges
and carried off to some secure hiding place, to be
returned at will, or perhaps never. Again, it might be
the wheel of some carriage or buggy that was missing,
subjecting the owner to untold anno^'ance, and a fruit-
less search of days, or even weeks, when at last some
one would fish it from the bottom of the river, where it
had been sunk, or, perchance, recover it from the roof
of some distant barn, or out-building, where it had been
placed l:)y the authors of the mischief.
During the period from 1848 to 1852, Richmond
had nothing better than a couple of old ' ' hand
engines ' ' with which to protect her property from
fire. The companies in charge were poorh* organized,
and consisted largely of young men and bo3's. few of
whom had any interests at stake. Many were reckless
and irresponsible, and, in the writer's opinion, fre-
quently guilty of firing old buildings, and possibly.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 255
also, some of the better sort — solely to get out the
engines and see which could get on first water. The
excitement often ran high, and sometimes the ill-feeling
engendered would culminate in a row, or a personal
combat, between the contestants of the rival companies.
There is little doubt that these organizations were
responsible for a vast deal of mischief, since, immedi-
ately after the adoption of a paid fire department, the
alarms, both true and false, fell off at least one-half.
There used to be two brothers here, named, respectively,
Dave and Sam Edwards — both blacksmiths — and one
Joshua Horner — also a son of Vulcan — besides other
kindred spirits, either dead or retired, by reason of age
or infirmity, from their wonted occupations, who never
failed to participate in every fray which ingenuity or
insult could bring about ; and, as they wielded fists
like sledge-hammers, they rarel}^ failed to be the
victors. At times these contests would seem to become
contagious, and a perfect row would result, involving
many individuals. The writer has seen a whole square
in* commotion, at the same time densely packed with a
swaying, surging mass of humanity. These disgraceful
occurrences took place mostly on some public occasion
— such as election or show days — when the streets
would be thronged b}- our own citizens, or people from
the country. At such times many became intoxicated,
consequently excitable, and ready for anything that
might offer, however foolish, daring or desperate.
!'.■)() roKMS AXD SKETCHES.
The recollection of one of these old-time roughs occurs
to me, who was never absent from a fire, who was
rarely ever sober, and who was sure to do more harm
than good in his possibh^ w^ell-meant endeavors. I
have seen him break down doors, cut down hand-
railing, and knock out window-frames and sash, throw
.out mirrors, and carry down feather-beds, in his
drunken and insane excitement, and all this in a part
of the house wholly free from danger. This same
individual, when in liquor, was the terror of his neigh-
borhood. He became furious as a wild beast, fearless
as a savage, and reckless as only bad w^hisky can make
a man. In this condition he would be extremely
uncivil and abusive, and thereby get himself into
numerous difficulties. At such times few men would
have deemed it safe to interpose as peace-makers, 3^et
his wife — who was but a frail woman — could
approach him and, placing her hand upon his arm,
would quietly lead him away, utterly subdued and
without a murmur — just as a loving mother might
lead away a little child.
It is scarcely necessary to remind the reader that, at
the period to which these sketches refer, we were not
3'et blessed (?) with an efficient (?) police force, as
now ; but, if ni}' memor}' serves me, we had but two
peace officers, whose jurisdiction pertained to the
village proper — namely, the mayor and town marshal.
The latter was himself too often under the influence of
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 257
the ' ' flowing bowl ' ' to f ull}^ comprehend the faihngs
and offenses of his fellows ; while the former, although
a worthy and upright gentleman, was neither aggres-
sive nor progressive.
These pictures have been drawn from real life, in
our own midst, as it existed here some forty years ago,
mainU" for the wTiter's own gratification and amuse-
ment, as well as to wrest from oblivion some of the
valorous (?) deeds and pastimes of our early contem-
poraries ; and, secondly, to in some measure dispel the
oft-cherished delusion that the past was better than the
present.
^^'i^!^
BIOGRAPHICAL.
GENERAL SOL MEREDITH.
From His Monument in Cemetery near Cambridge City, Indiana.
A gallant soldier and just man — Major-General
Solomon Meredith. Born in Guilford county, North
Carolina, Ma}' 29th, 1810 ; died at Oakland farm, near
Cambridge City, Indiana, October 21st, 1875. A man
of good heart, pure patriotism and generous hospitality ;
distinguished for energ}- of character, in the promotion
of public improvement, liberal education, and progress
in agriculture. He was a member of the Legislature,
and held, with honor, many offices of public trust,
under both general and state governments. In the
war for the Union, he commanded the Nineteenth
Regiment, Indiana \^olunteers, in the battles of Gains-
ville. South Mountain and Antietam, and on other
well-fought fields. He was promoted for gallantry,
and led the ' ' Iron Brigade ' ' through all its marches
and battles until severely wounded at Gettysburg.
He then commanded the Western District of Kentucky
until the close of the war.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 259
ALFRED KAYNE.
The subject of the following brief sketch was a
native of this vicinity, born of parents, poor, illiterate,
and of low degree. For some years, during his boy-
hood, he worked as a farm hand for Benjamin Strattan,
then the principal merchant of this city, and who
resided on his farm, three miles east, near the National
Road, and now the property of a Mr. Garwood.
Our subject's education was very limited, and was
mostly acquired in the village schools of Libert}^
Indiana, under the tuition of one William Houghton,
an early teacher and member of the Society of Friends.
He was earnest, honest and ambitious, and desiring to
advance himself, obtained a position as clerk in the
dry goods store of Mr. Ralph A. Paige, of this city.
After a few years spent in that capacity, here, he sought
and obtained a place as salesman with Acton & Wood-
nutt, of Cincinnati, with whom he remained some time.
But, being desirous of going another round higher, he
went to the city of New York, where he procured
employment in a wholesale dry goods establishment,
and while there made himself master of three languages
besides his own, viz : French, German and Italian.
This he did by obtaining board with families of culture,
who spoke only their native tongues — remaining with
•JGO POEMS A XI) SKETCHES.
each long enough to speak their language fluently.
Being thus equipped, with a knowledge of four languages
at his connnand, success, to one of his energ}- and indom-
itable will, seemed almost certainly assured. He had not
long to wait. The proprietors of the house of S. B.
Chittenden & Co., 350 Broadway, who were extensive
importers and jobbers of dry goods and notions, made
him an advantageous ofl"er, which he readih' accepted.
At his first introduction to his fellow associates and
clerks, he was often ridiculed and gU3'ed for his seem-
ing verdancy and awkwardness. He soon, however,
proved himself not only their equal, but, as a salesman,
greatly superior to the hundred or more employees of
the house, while, at the same time, the unusual interest
he manifested in his employers' affairs did not long go
unnoticed, nor unrewarded. During the second )'ear
of his sta}' he had the general management of all the
departments, was soon after sent to Paris as resident
buyer, remaining abroad for several 3'ears, and finally
given an interest in their ver}' lucrative business. This
occurred some time during the j^ear 1S60, after which,
with very good reason, he could regard his future for-
tune as pretty certainl}^ assured. The sequel to this
great, good luck was the fact that in a few years he
was enabled to buy out the old firm and re-establish
himself at its head, under the style of Kayne, Spring,
Dale & Co., his associates having been men of experi-
ence and employees of the old house. His success was,
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 261
from the first, most extraordinarj', with apparently
every prospect of a long and prosperous career. But,
unfortunatel}^ for us all in this world, there is nothing
absolutely certain but death. We may plan, speculate,
and prosper for a time, but the final result is in the
unseen hands of a higher power than ours, and so it
proved in this particular instance. Sickness and death
will ever intrude, in this unhappy world, and that, too,
when we least expect or desire their most unwelcome
presence. Wealth, prosperity and ambitious hopes will
not avert the inevitable. On his last return from
Europe he was taken ill with pneumonia, which, in its
violence, baffled the vSkill of his physicians, and his
remarkable career was brought to an untimely close on
the 13th day of February, 1879 — in the very prime of
life — being under forty-five years of age. His estate
exceeded $500,000. He left but a single heir — a son,
of twelve vears, then at school in Paris — his wife
having preceded him to that ' ' better land ' ' some years
before.
Considering his lowly origin, he was a most remark-
able man — simple, kindly and noble. His example stands
boldly out, and clearly indicates that where there is a
will, there is a way. Without friends, money or influ-
ence, he yet bravely and successfull}^ fought the difficult
* ' battle of life. ' ' He was energy, honest}^ and veracity,
personified. Intelligence and a hopeful divSposition led
him, as a guiding star, to the goal of his ambition. He
2<)2 I' OK MS AM) SKETCHES.
readily achieved both culture and education. Such
an example as his is worthy of the very highest praise.
Yet, how many there are, who, with all the appliances
of wealth, friends, and great natural ability, still drift
on down upon the stream of time, to become utter
wrecks on the great ocean of life. Alas ! How few of
all his early friends ever remember him in his old home !
Fame and notoriety he never sought, and this poor
tribute is the only notice of his splendid and noteworthy
career I have ever seen. Men are too much occupied
with their own concerns to be greatly interested about
even their nearest and dearest friends. And then, too,
not unfrequently, en\'y pla5"s its miserable part in the
suppression of a noble name, because of the jealousy
success engenders. Be that as it may, Alfred Kajme
was one of Nature's proudest noblemen. Artificiality
and pretense were wholh^ unknown to his simple nature.
He could not play deception's part. Such men as he
could only bless mankind.
Farewell, dear friend, th}' like is rarely seen.
Wednesday, March 25, 1896.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 263
JUDGE JAMES PERRY.
Remarks at the Funeral of His Life-Long Friend, by John Yaryan,
Esq. — A Merited Tribute, Eloquently Expressed.
There is a lesson to be learned no less in the death
than in the life of every man, and eminently so in the
case of one who has been distinguished in thought and
position, like him whose death we are commemorating.
Judge Perry was more than an ordinar}^ man. Born
in Madisonville, Ohio, in Januar^^, 1799, he at an early
age selected the medical profession as a livelihood.
After spending about two j^ears reading the profession
with Dr. Duncan, then an eminent physician, he
became satisfied he never would be pleased with the
practice of medicine, abandoned the profession and
went into the profession of the law. While yet a
student he came to Indiana, and in 1824, when the
county-seat was removed from Brownsville, he located
in Liberty and w^as admitted to the bar. His library
consisted of Blackstone's Commentaries, Chitty's
Pleadings and Tidd's Practice, but these he had mas-
tered perfectl3\ How different the state of affairs
now ! Neither Kent's Commentaries nor Story's
Equity had then been written, and since the date of
204 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
his license we have one hundred and fourteen volumes
of Indiana reports alone, to say nothing of the statutes
and other law-books.
At that time the Whitewater bar was Daniel J.
Caswell, William R. Morris, John Test, James B. Ray,
John T. McKinney, Amos Lane, James Rariden,
David Wallace and Oliver H. Smith, all eminent
lawyers, statesmen and orators. With his meagre
library, young Perry went into forensic combat. For
dash and powers of eloquence in debate he was not
remarkable, but philosophically and logically he soon
became their peer. Later on came Caleb B. Smith,
Parker, Ryman, Holland, Newman, Morton and
Charles H. Test, with whom he traveled and practiced
through the almost roadless regions of eastern Indiana.
In 1828 he was elected prosecuting attornej', and well
were the duties of the office performed.
In 1840 Samuel Bigger, then judge of the circuit
court, was elected Governor, by which his office
became vacant. B}- an almost unanimous petition of
the board, the retiring Governor appointed Judge Perry
to fill the vacanc}^, and he occupied the bench till i84_l,
when he located in Wayne count \' and resumed prac-
tice. In all these relations of life he proved himself
equal to the duties of the trusts. One of his most dis-
tinguished characteristics, as a public man, was his
loyalty to candor and truth — he deceived no one ;
his single inquiry was, " Is it right ? ' ' This determined
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 26>
on, he sometimes became opinionated, but in no
instance have I ever heard any one doubt his word or
integrity at the bar or on the bench.
Consumption was hereditary in the family of his
father. The judge was the survivor of the family. A
knowledge of this physical infirmity caused him to
adopt daily sanitary rules in early life, which sometimes
became amusing to his more robust but less informed
professional associates. He, however, adhered to his
rules and survived the whole circle enumerated.
I was often wath him during his last illness. He
knew better than we at his bed-side that the golden
bowl was breaking at the fountain, and that the silver
cord was being loosened. But his mind was an excep-
tion to the general rule of physical infirmities — appar-
ently unclouded to the last. A single instance to illus-
trate : He w^as in charge of a perpetual trust fund.
He had several times, within the last few years, used
small amounts of the funds, but in every instance
executed his note, payable to the beneficiary, drawing
the highest rate of interest allowed by law. On the
morning of the day he died,' he directed me to make him
an abstract of principal and interest of all the notes,
that he might supersede the old notes by a new one,
and to do it at once. His direction was complied with.
The abstract being presented, he remarked he felt too
bad to examine it, and to lay it aside till he should feel
better. At 2 o'clock he called for it, examined and
266 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
approved it, and then signed the new note in a legible
hand. About lo o'clock he called his daughter-in-law to
his bed-side, told her he was d3'ing and desired her to
remain with him till it was over, and in thirty minutes
life faded awa}' so gently that she was at a loss, for
several moments, to know whether he had dropped
asleep or was dead.
On the eightieth annual birthday of the Judge, the
bar presented him with a full set of the lives of all the
Chief Justices of England. Yesterda}^ they held a
meeting and adopted a memorial of respect to him, to
be spread on the Order Book of Court. Not content
with these demonstrations of respect, to-day they are
here in a bod}', intending to accompany the corpse to its
final resting-place and mingle their sorrow with griefs
of relatives, in the loss of one so venerable and by them
so highlv esteemed.
April 30, 1887.
-efs
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 267
IRVIN REED.
Irvin Reed died at 9 : 30 o'clock this morning, from
sheer exhaustion of vital forces, and when his lamp
went out there was ended the long career of one of
Richmond's oldest citizens, who, during her transition
from a hamlet to a city, was identified with most of
those enterprises that mark the strides in her prosperity.
He possessed those elements of success that gained
for himself a sufficiency of this world's goods, and made
him prominent as a public spirited citizen. Of later
years he has been, in a manner, retired from active
business, leaving that to his sons, one after the other,
until Frank is the only one at home. But he was
generally found at the store, and seemingly never lost
interest in either private or public affairs. Recently he
had to be helped on his way to and fro, between his
residence and the store, but he insisted on going until
a week ago to-da}^ Since then he has been confined
to the house, but not to his bed, entirel}^, until since
Wednesday. Then he was up for the last time, and he
said that he would rather die than make the effort
again. East night, however, he said he was feeling
better, and up to within a quarter of an hour of his
demise he talked to his son, Frank, of business and
" mother," saying he wanted Frank to look after her,
l>68 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
and he guessed all else was all right. Then, conscious
of the fact that the final hour was near, he resigned
himself to the short wait for the dark messenger's com-
ing, and answered the summons without a struggle.
The deceased was eighty-one years of age, having
been born at Zanesville, Ohio, January 9, 1810. While
yet a very young man, in 1832, he came to Richmond,
and was a charter member of the town council, as well
as the pioneer druggist, he and Charley Sturgess
embarking in the business that year. Within about a
3xar, however, Sturgess left, and then his brother, the
late General Hugh B. Reed, of New Jersey, came here
and clerked for him, as did the late J. J. Jordan, L. H.
McCuUough and William Schwartz. Two years later,
December 18, 1834, ^^^ was married to Mary Evans,
daughter of Edmund and Elizabeth Evans, who sur-
vives him. His health failing, he sold his drug store,
late in the forties, and embarked in the hardware busi-
ness, while he was also in the saddlery business, tem-
porarily, before he went to Cincinnati, in 1853, to
engage in the wholesale drug business, the firm being
Irvin Reed & Co., Nos. 16 and 18 Main street. In
1857 he returned to Richmond and embarked in the
hardware business, E. H. Swayne being a partner for
some time, and he has been in it ever since, in his
present location, for about twenty-fiv^e years. During
this latter period he lived on what had been his father-
in-law's farm, which he got in a trade with Edward
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 269
Potts — where John Fihe lives, part of it being now
within the city limits, the house being No. 1413 South
I street — but about the close of the war he bought and
removed to his late residence, southwest corner North
Eighth and A streets.
No arrangements for the funeral will be made until
a response is heard from the children. Of ten children,
six survive him — Arthur, of Paducah, Kentucky;
Albert, of Baltimore ; Charley, of San Francisco ; Hor-
ace, of Portland, Oregon ; Hugh, of Chicago, and Frank,
of this city.
By request of Mrs. Reed, the friends will send no
flowers.
April 25, 1891.
■efs-
L'70 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
SENATOR JOHN YARYAN.
Special to the Cincinnati Enquirer:
Richmond, Ixd., Jan. 27, 1894. — Senator John
Yaryan died this afternoon, at his home in this cit}^ at
the advanced age of ninet\'-t\vo years. Mr. Yaryan
served in the last State Senate and was probably the
oldest legislator in the country. He was born in Ten-
nessee and came to WaN^ne count}', Indiana, in 1859.
He served man}' terms in the State Legislature, in the
early days of the State, and was the author, in Indiana,
of the law which gave the women the right to own
property and to make a will. Mr. Yaryan's illness
was brief.
[ From the Indianapolis Journal, Jan. 15, 1893.]
Hon. John Yar^'an, Senator from the county of
Wayne, in the Indiana Legislature, is, without doubt,
the oldest legislator in the world. He passed his
ninetieth birthday on November 27, 1892, having been
born in the second year of the century. He is fourteen
years older than the State and is older than its present
boundary line. At the time of his birth his parents
were living in Blount county, Tennessee, of which
Marysville is the seat. His ancestors were German, as
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 271
the name would indicate. Mr. Yaryan's educational
opportunities were fair, for those early times. A Mr.
John Bigger was the first teacher of his recollection,
who taught in a school-house located on his father's
farm — this was in Union county, Indiana, in the
vicinity of Liberty, the county-seat, which was, at that
time, not yet thought of. His second teacher was
William Bennett, an uncle of General Tom Bennett.
The amusements of those days were corn-huskings,
singing-schools and dances.
Senator Yaryan was unusually ambitious, in his
boyhood, for an education, and pursued the opportuni-
ties at hand so assiduously that, at twenty-one years of
age, he was able to teach in the schools of the settlement.
His earnings as teacher were about ten dollars per
month. The first office he ever held was that of
Justice of the Peace — this was before he was admitted
to the bar. Senator Yaryan began his legal studies in
1831, and was not admitted to the bar until 1839. "I
was required," said he, "to pass two very rigid exam-
inations, before two Circuit Judges. Our Constitution,
which was formed in 1851, changed the requirements,
so that thej^ have ever since amounted, practicall}^ to
nothing — any citizen may become a member of the
bar, on proof of moral character."
The bar of eastern Indiana had some noted lawyers
in the forties : Caleb B. Smith — the friend of Lincoln
— and his talented brother, Oliver H., both learned
•J 72
rOEMS AM) SKETCHES.
and eloquent, practiced at the Union county bar.
Samuel Parke — also an orator and a noted Congress-
man in his day — was a compeer of the Smiths. Sen-
ator Yar3'an was the partner of Caleb B. Smith, in
Union county, during the decade from 1840 to 1850.
Senator Vary an 's interest in politics began at an earU'
day. He lived to vote for eighteen Presidents — from
1824 to 1892. It has only been two 3^ears since he
retired from the practice of law, but he keeps busy as
the executor of estates, etc., and as the secretary of the
Odd Fellows' Provident Association. He has no bad
habits, and is regular in ever3'thing. His present
wife is his second wife, to whom he was married in
1847. He is b}' no means antiquated in his ideas.
His faculties serve him admirably, and he keeps posted
about all that is going on. His life has been a useful
and an honorable one. C. R. Lane.
[ From the Richmond Item, Jan. 30. 1894.]
During the time that the remains of the late John
Yaryan lay in state, at his residence, on Xorth Tenth
street, a large number called to look upon his form
once more. As he lay, surrounded by flowers, he
looked more as if fallen asleep than that death had
claimed him.
At the Wayne county bar meeting, following his
death, there were present Judge Comstock, C. C.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 273
Binkley, H. B. Payne, John L. Rupe, C. E. Shiveley,
J. W. Henderson, Judge Abbott, F, C. Roberts, Judge
Henry C. Fox, Judge Kibbe}^ Judge William A.
Bickle, Lewis D. Stubbs, A. L. Studj^ Jonathan New-
man, I. Ben Morris, Thomas J. Study, Charles H.
Burchenal, and Judge Bundy, of New Castle. Judge
Bickle said, "I never knew Mr. Yaryan, in all the
forty years of my acquaintance with him, to do a mean
or dishonest act, or utter a falsehood." Mr. Burchenal
said, " He lived out his life well, and did his duty as
he saw it." I. Ben Morris said, " For fifty years he
has stood a prominent land-mark among the men of
eastern Indiana. His fall was like the giant oak. I
consider him one of the big Americans who constitute
the bulwark of societ}^" L. D. Stubbs said, " He was
entirely incorruptible and thoroughly moral."
The final services were held at St. Paul's EpivScopal
Church, Rev. J. E. Cathell officiating. When con-
cluded, the cortege formed in line and proceeded to
Earlham cemeter}^, where interment took place.
efs
274 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
WILLIAM PARRY
William Parry is dead. The news of the sad occur-
rence spread with great rapidity about the cit}- this
afternoon, and people could scarcely believe that such
a familiar character as William Parry had gone forever.
Without a particle of exaggeration, it can be said that
no citizen, either of Richmond or Wayne county, was
more extensiveh' known, and he held a friendship envi-
able for its proportions. Some months ago Mr. Parr}'
was taken ill, but he was not dangerously so, and there
was no fear entertained for his recovery. He was
alwaj'S possessed of a robust constitution, and scarcely
ever before experienced a sick da}'. During the last
month his condition has at several times become alarm-
ing, and it had been regarded by his physicians as verj-
doubtful if he would recover. Yesterday he showed
signs of being much worse, and this morning, close to
noon, he died.
William Parr\' was born July 20, 18 10, in Mont-
gomery count}', Pennsylvania, and was a son of Joseph
and Sarah T Webster) Parry, both natives of Mont-
gomery county, his father being born in 1788, and his
mother in 1789. William received a country school
education at his birth-place, and at the age of 17 years
came west with his parents, settling in Wayne county.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 275
After arriving here, William came to Richmond and
devoted several years in learning the plasterers' trade,
after which he became a contractor in the plastering
business. In 1844 his father had become so enfeebled
with age that William gave up his business labors in
Richmond and took charge of thfe farm, located north-
east of the city. His peculiar knack fot operating any
business successfully, showed itself after he had taken
charge of the farm, and he was soon managing a pay-
ing piece of property. In 1850 he purchased the farm
from his father, and conducted the same with flattering
success, realizing a great amount of mone}^ from the
products. His great ability and decidedl}^ honest
methods in business affairs, soon placed him at the
front in all movements of either city or county. In
1849, when the Williamsburg and Richmond Turnpike
company was talked of, he became the chief of the
project, and saw it pushed to completion in 1851. He
became the heaviCvSt stockholder, and in those times the
road was a paying investment. Mr. Parry also became
interested in the Wayne County Turnpike company,
and from 1858 to 187 1 served as president. When the
Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad company built a line
from Ft. Wayne to Richmond, he, with other Richmond
citizens, became financially interested, and in 1868 he
was elected president of the southern end of the G. R.
. & I., known as the Cincinnati, Richmond & Ft. Wayne
road, and has served continually, as its head officer.
L>7(> POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
since that time, 011I3' last Friday he being again elected
to the position. Among Mr. Parr3''s other offices, he
has been both city councilman and township trustee,
filling both positions with marked success. He was
married, in 1833, to Mary Hill, daughter of Robert Hill.
The funeral will occur at 10 : 30 o'clock, Fifth-daj^
morning, from ,the North A Street Friends' meeting
house, and the time for meeting at the residence is
8 : 45. Interment will be at the Ridge cemetery.
April 9, 1894.
WILLIAM L. JOHN
On Frida}', September 6, 1895, Major William L.
John was ninety 3'ears old. He is the oldest man in
Richmond : that of itself is enough to make him an
interesting personage ; but that, taken in connection
with the fact that he is still a comparatively active
man, physically, and that his mind is as fresh and
clear as in his youth, makes him all the more interest-
ing. Then, when you find a man of that sort who, for
seventy years, has been at the fore- front of all the
movements for the good of the country ; who has been
over the most of the United States — from Massa-
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 277
chusetts Bay to the Rocky Mountains — and who has
known all the public men of his time, most of them
personally, and has worked side by side with them,
the mere fact of his being the oldest man in Richmond
does not impress one so much as do his character and
personality. It is certain that you will seldom find a
man of more marked personality than Major John.
His conversation is interesting because he always says
something when he talks. This is so unusual with
men, whether they be ninety years old or fifty, that it
is all the more noticeable and refreshing. Probably no
man's talk is fuller of anecdote or of keen every-day
philosophy — gotten not from books but from experi-
ence ; and the things he has seen, and the things he
has helped to do, would go to make one of the most
interesting biographies that has ever been written of
the men of the Middle States,
Major John was born on the 6th da}^ of September,
1805, in Butler county, Ohio. His parents, who were
of English, Scotch and Welsh extraction, emigrated
from Fayette county", Pennsj'^lvania, in the Spring of
1802, and built a little cabin on the edge of the wilder-
ness, which stretched from the Miami river to the
Pacific ocean, and which was inhabited onl}' b}^ the
wolf, the bear, the beaver and the red man. In this
cabin their son was born — the third in a family of ten
children ^— and here he grew up, in the midst of wild
neighbors, with the deer pasturing in the door-yard,
278 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
and the smoke of the Indian's camp-fire mingUng with
tlie smoke from the cabin's chimney. When he was
five years old his parents removed to Warren county,
Ohio, and there he spent all of his early life, working
by day on the farm, getting a little schooling in winter,
but learning for himself, most, in the great school of
life. When he was twent^'-one he began to read law —
not because he expected to be a lawyer, but from pure
love of it. He traded corn, at 12^^ cents a bushel, for
second-hand volumes of Blackstone and for Story on
the Constitution, and he used to read these on rain}*
days, or at night by the aid of a hickory torch or a
candle. And it may be said right here, that, though
Major John was never admitted to the bar and never
practiced law, in the strict sense of the term, he never-
theless is as thoroughly grounded on matters legal as
man}* another man who has put out a shingle. The
few other books that he had access to — among which
were Goldsmith's " Animated Nature " and the poems
of Robert Burns — he read with such understanding
and so thoroughly that he got more from them than
most boys to-da}- will get out of a whole library.
He lived on the home place till he was forty years
old, when he settled in Liberty, Union county, this
State, where he was one of the leading men till he
moved to Richmond, in 1868.
All his life he has been an active politician, being
first a Whig, and afterward a Republican. Since he
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 279
was twenty-one years old he has never missed voting
at an election — national, state, or municipal — and he
has always been a leader in all matters pertaining to
the good of eastern Indiana. His part in politics
brought him in contact with most of the men who
helped make the country, and he was a personal friend
of John Quinc}^ Adams, William Henry Harrison,
Oliver P. Morton, Hayes, John Sherman, Tom Corwin,
Joe Wright, besides a whole host of Governors and
Senators. He was a member of the State convention
which helped nominate Harrison for the Presidenc}" in
1836. He built the first turnpike in Indiana, and he
was a prime mover in first getting railroads into the
State from the East.
Despite the fact that he has had such a part in
public affairs, he has never held an office, preferring,
rather, to see to getting other good men in than to get
in himself.
During the war of the Rebellion he was sent West
by the Government as a special agent, partly to look
after Indian affairs and to watch Southern sympathizers
in the posts of the Rockies ; partly to look out for a
pass in the mountains where it would be practicable to
put a railroad through. He traveled across the plains
to Ft. Laramie, in the dead of winter, with six com-
panions, and from there made excursions through the
mountains, visiting seven different tribes of Indians,
280 POEMS AM) SKETCHES.
and exploring much of what is now Montana,
Wyoming, Idaho and Colorado.
The honor of locating the path of the first railroad
across the American continent has been claimed by
many men, but there is no doubt that it properh^
belongs to Major John. Previous to his expedition,
several corps of engineers had tried to find a route
through the mountains, and without exception had
reported that the plan was not possible. Not deterred
by this, ]\Iajor John made himself familiar with the
countr}' by his own observation and by gathering
information from the Indians and from wandering
trappers, and it was on a certain ver}' memorable day
in March that he lay down on the grass in Chej^enne
Pass and wrote to the Secretary- of the Interior,
describing what he believed to be a practicable pass in
the Rockies. Following his instructions, engineers
were sent out the next 3'ear, and to-day the whistle of
the locomotive wakes the echoes in that ver}' pass, and
the steel rails of the path of commerce gleam within
fifty rods of the spot where he lay on the ground and
wrote his dispatches to the department, seeing, per-
haps, with a prophetic eye. the wonderful development
of the country, at whose gates he was one of the first to
knock.
It is impossible, in the limits of a newspaper article,
to do justice to, or even give an idea of, the fullness of
his life of activity. To know that, you must talk to
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 281
him personally. Writing a sketch of him is not like
writing of some young man who is just beginning to
make marks on the page of life, and of whom you can
prophesy and wonder about : here is a man whose
word is spoken, and it has been a very good word.
To have fronted life for ninety years ; to have assumed,
without shrinking, all the responsibilities of a citizen ;
to have made life happier for his friends ; to have
aided young men, b}^ his advice and his example ; to
have tried always to live honestly with God and man,
that is to have lived well and wisel}^ And, in the
respect and love of everybody who knows him, such a
man has his reward.
Note. — William L. John died Octobei* 17, 1896, aged ninety-one
years, one month and eleven days.
■^
OLD LHTTERS
OF PIONEER TIMES.
Richmond, Ind., Sept. 28, 1834.
Deal' Father :
It has been some time since I wrote 3'ou last. I will
now let you know, prett}' generall}^, all that is interest-
ing. John ( Finle}'; wrote 3'ou not long since, inform-
ing 3^ou that yix. Fleming was ill. He is not 3"et any
better, and his condition is very serious. I am now
vsitting up with him, and eniplo}' a part of the night in
writins: this letter. His condition is the result of a verv
bad cold, taken some three weeks since, from getting
wet in a shower of rain. His recover}^ is indeed very
doubtful. Doctor Ithamer Warner is his physician.
Fever and ague has been very prevalent here this
fall, and also over a greater part of the western country.
It is now, however, beginning to disappear, on the
approach of cooler weather. The family with whom I
live have all been ver}^ sick, and nearly all at the same
time, excepting the oldest girl, who 3'et has a shake
everj^ other day. As for myself, I have as 3^et escaped,
and am now ver3' heart3', although for a month past I
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 283
was a good deal indisposed, but was still able to work.
The time for which I engaged myself has just expired.
I have made a little over two hundred dollars. M}^
prospects for another year are better than they were
last, at the same place. The people are pleased with
me — much pleased with the leather I turn out — and
desire me to stay. Where to go, I know not, that I
might do better ; yet I am not wholly satisfied with m}-
way of living. The people with whom I make my
home, though very clever, do not live in accordance
with my notions of life, in consequence of which I am
restrained from every advantage of improving or enjoy-
ing myself as I could wish. What I shall finally do, I
have not determined, but will shortly. I expect to pay
3"0U a visit this fall. Just now I am very busy, and
find it difficult to finish leather fast enough to meet the
demand. I expect, in about two weeks, to go with a
company on a hunting expedition, thirty or forty miles
from here, to be gone ten or twelve days. This, and
my visit to the Springs — Yellow Springs, Ohio — will
be all the time I can possibl}' spare, much as I would
like to take a tour out West, to look for a better loca-
tion. John expects to start, with a few horses, to Ken-
tucky, in about two weeks ; or, he may postpone till
December and enlarge his drove, and go to Carolina or
Virginia.
To-day has been a great day for meetings in town.
The Seceders (who are now known as United Presby-
•284 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
terians) held a "sacrament," the Methodists a Quar-
terly Meeting, and the Hicksite Friends a Yearly Meet-
ing. On next Sunday will be the Orthodox great day
of Yearly Meeting. You will see by the Palladium
that the branch of the State Bank, at this place, will
soon go into operation. John expects to be a candidate
for cashier, and with as good prospects of success as
any other candidate. (Elijah Coffin, however, was
the successful applicant.) I wrote to William \'an
Meter, some time ago, and expected on answer, soon,
but I suppose he thinks he will do as I have done with
him — wait a long time before replying. I wonder wh\'
Flora ( Finley) or some of the rest of the girls don't
write to me? I get no letters at all, nowadays, from
home or any other source. I will confidently look for
one, soon, from some of 3'ou. In your last letter to
John, you complain you cannot write ; John says you
can write better than either of us. It is half past twelve
o'clock, at night, and I believe I cannot think of any-
thing more at present ; but let us hear from you soon,
and send us such matters of interest, concerning Uncle
L3'le's and Mr. Knott's families, as 3'ou may be able to
procure, and give \\\\ kind regards to all, while I
remain, as ever, Your affectionate son,
Andrew Finley, Jr.
To Andrew Finley, Sr.,
Springfield, Ohio.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 285
At Home, June 28, 1838.
( On the Elkhorn creek, six miles south of Richmond.)
Sister Floi'-a :
I received your letter of the i6th inst., yesterday,
and yours of March in due time, and would have
answered it sooner, but I expected, at that time, each
week, to know the next, w^hen I should visit you, and
then would write ; but the time I expected to go was
such bad weather and roads, I could not venture out ;
when the road was better, I could not leave ni}^ work.
Now, it is so far advanced in the season, so hot and
sultry, that traveling is unpleasant ; so that I prefer to
postpone my visit until after harvest. You give us
flattering accounts of religious revival in your region of
country, which I am glad to hear. I cannot give so
good an account for ours, although -at Abington, three
or four miles below us, the Methodists and United
Brethren held a protracted meeting, of ten or twelve
days' duration, during which time some fifty or sixty
persons were added to their churches.
The Baptists have prayer meeting once a week, and
preaching only once a month. As to my own feelings,
in regard to religion, I feel at a loss to describe them,
and am loth to communicate, for fear I might create
hopes in others, only to be deceived, and also to deceive
myself. But I hope for better things — yea, sometimes
2S(} POEMS AXJ) SKETCHES.
I almost know it. I am certain of a great moral change
taking place in my mind, and at times I have great
reason to hope it is a spiritual one, as well. I know
that of myself I can do nothing ; but self is mostly in
the road.
As Mr. Bradbury is waiting on me to take ni}^ letter
to the post-ofhce (at Richmond ), I must conclude in a
hurry, without expressing myself as clearly as I could
wish. Mr. Bradbury has sold some land to Mr. Flem-
ing, which adjoins the latter's property, for about
twenty-eight hundred dollars, and has purchased some
lots in town — Richmond — and intends to put up a
frame house this summer, into which he thinks he will
move this fall, so as to be convenient to a good school.
I will write to you before I see you — I may go in two
or three weeks. We are hardly ever quite well ; at least
I am always complaining. Little Martha is doing
pretty well, but is more or less feverish every day, in
consequence of cutting teeth. She has one tooth
through ; she can run about everywhere, and is uncom-
monly active and alert : she walked before she was nine
months old, and is quite interesting and notedly smart.
John ( Finley ) called at our house last Saturday, and
said all was well. I expect to be at Centerville one da}-
next week. Your sincere brother,
Andrew Finxey, Jr.
To Flora Finley,
Springfield, Clark Co., O.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 287
Klkhorn, Wayne Co., Ind., Feb. 2, 1839.
( Six miles south of Richmond.)
Dear Friend :
I received your kind letter, and to let you know
that I am greatly pleased that you have not forgotten
me, I embrace the first opportunity to answer it. You
wish me to inform you how I have spent my time since
you left us. That will not be difficult, for my employ-
ment has been much the same as when you were here,
except that I have been studying at home, some, this
winter. We expect to move to Richmond in about
two months, where we will have a better opportunity of
attending school than is possible in the country. There
have been several changes in the neighborhood during
the past year. Some of 3^our acquaintances have been
married, some have moved away, and several have
died. Minerva Larsli died the latter part of August,
and her sister, Miranda, died in December, following.
Mrs. lyarsh has none of her daughters living with her,
now, but Mercey. Miss Jane Hunt was married this
winter, and also Miss Francina Sedgwick. Andrew
and Mary ( Finley) have been living wath us this win-
ter. Andrew's health has been somewhat better this
winter than it was last. Little Martha Agnes is learn-
ing to talk, and I think will make as smart a girl as her
Aunt Agnes. But I must come to a close, and leave
t>SS POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
some room for Susan to write. I hope your present
letter will not be the last you will write me, if it was
the first. All our family, and mother, in particular,
join with me in sending their sincerest love and kindly
greeting. I remain, as ever,
Your sincere friend,
Rebecca Bradbury.
£>ear Sister Ag7ies :
Rebecca and I have adopted your plan of writing
two letters on one sheet. I must first — as it has been
our usual custom — apologize for not writing sooner.
This was owing to the dela\" of your letter, dated
December 19th, which I did not receive for at least
three or four weeks after it was written. (This letter
was mailed at Springfield, Ohio.) I have heard, how-
ever, that John ( Finley ) has written one or two letters
to "Pa," since, so that you cannot complain of not
hearing, frequently, from us. Andrew received a letter
from " Pa " a few weeks since, from which we were
sorry to learn that he is obliged to relinquish his busi-
ness. ■ We were glad, notwithstanding, to hear that you
have got a school in town, and hope that you will all
try to do something towards helping to support the
family. I have been trying to get a school ever since
I came here, and have at last succeeded in getting a
small school, of fourteen or fifteen scholars, at two dol-
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 289
lars per scholar, which I expect to commence next
week. I expect to teach in an old house on Mr. John
Hunt's farm. Though the school will be quite small,
yet it will be better than doing nothing. I hope that
Jane or May, or both, are going to school and endeavor-
ing to qualify themselves for teaching. I wish that
they would pay particular attention to the study of
arithmetic, for I find that a knowledge of that branch
is of more use to a teacher than almost any other.
Flora has been staying at John's for several weeks, and
wall probably remain there till spring. John's family
w^ere well the last time we heard from them. But it is
time that I stop wTiting, for it is almost nine o'clock, at
night. I believe Rebecca has told you all the news.
Tell Caroline that she and William must write me a
letter, that I may see how^ much they have improved in
writing and composition. Give ni}^ love to " Pa " and
*' Ma," and the rest of the family. I remain.
Your sincere sister, "
Susan Finley.
To Agnks Finlky,
Springfield, Ohio.
e*s
MISCELLANEOUS SKETCHES.
COURT-HOUSE REMOVAL.
On the 14th day of August, 1873, the records of
the county were removed from Centerville to this city,
after having reposed there — the major part of them,
at least — since the 3'ear 1822 : so says Xorris Jones,
who, when a boy, assisted in their removal from
Salisbury ( the first county-seat, and which has long
since ceased to have an existence), and to-da}', at the
age of sixty-two, brought over the first load to Rich-
mond. Henceforth this city will be the county-seat,
if not the seat of justice. The loss to Centerville is a
serious one — to us, a material gain. Here may it
rest in peace.
During the early da^'s of November the material
composing the new jail at Centerville, and likewise the
iron fence surrounding the county buildings, were
transferred to this city, to be re-constructed here. The
removal was not effected without considerable opposi-
tion b}' the people of Centerville, who, on several
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 291
occasions, threatened, and did use, violence, in order
to stay the removal, firing a six-pounder cannon, and
other smaller fire-arms, at the men employed in taking
down the buildings, etc.
HOW RICHMOND MET A CRISIS.
For the past ten days, or over, a singular malady
has afflicted the equine family, as well as their long-
eared brothers — not only here, but in every region of
the United States and Canada — styled the epizootic,
producing copious discharges from the nostrils, with
enlarged sore throat, and other symptoms with which
the writer is not familiar. The complaint usually lasts
about two weeks, and does not x^ry often prove fatal
when the animal has been relieved from labor and
properly cared for ; many have, however, died from
the disease when the owner has continued to exact the
customary service, after an attack. . At the present
date — November 30, 1872 — scarcely a horse in the
city is entirely well, while some are convalescing,
others are suffering from premonitory symptoms of the
disease. Of course, much serious inconvenience is
experienced at the absence of so much useful motive
power, and every conceivable device is resorted to, to
292 POEMS A XI) SKETCHES.
supply its place. The milk-man, the grocer, the
baker and expressman, as well as the drayman and
merchant, are alike sufferers. Some yoke or harness
3'earling calves, cows, or sturdy oxen ; while many,
lacking these, take truck, barrow or wagon in hand
and manfully furnish their own motive power. Buggies
and carriages are, of course, but seldom seen, and
those who, lately, were too delicate to walk, now walk
quite well.
RICHMOND POSTMASTERS.
A' COMPLETE LIST OF ALL RICHMOND POSTMASTERS
FROM 1818 TO 1897.
The first postoffice in Richmond was established in
18 18, and Robert Morrisson was commissioned as
postmaster, the office being opened in a frame building
at the southwest corner of Main and Fourth streets. It
was next kept in a frame building on the northeast
corner of Main and Fifth streets. The first regular
arrival of mail in 18 18 was once every two weeks, but
as it had to be carried on horseback, and high water
was frequent and bad roads a draw-back, it often
failed to get in oftener than once a month. The
yearly receipts amounted to from ten to twelve dollars,
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 293
and the postmaster's salary for the first three months
of his term was just seventy-five cents. It must be
remembered that postage then was more than ten times
the rate it now is.
Daniel Reid, appointed by Jackson, served from
1829 to 1836. The office was then on Fifth street,
south of Main street, on the east side.
James W. Borden, appointed by Jackson, served
from 1836 to 1839. For a while the office was on the
north side of Main street, between Fifth and Fourth.
John C. Merrick, appointed by Van Buren, in
1839, served one year. Office in the same place.
Lynde Elliott, appointed by Van Buren, in 1840,
l5nly served one year. His office was on the north-
east corner of Main and Fourth streets.
In 1841, President Harrison appointed Achilles
Williams postmaster. He served two j^ears, and his
office w^as on Main street, opposite the Grand Hotel.
Under Tyler's administration, Daniel D. Sloan was
postmaster, from 1843 to 1846, with office in same
room that his predecessor had.
James Elder was appointed postfftaster, by Polk, in
1846, and served three years, with his office just east
of where the Richmond National Bank stood.
President Taylor commissioned Caleb R. Williams
postmaster in 1849, and he served four years. The
office during this time was on Main street, between
Sixth and Seventh.
294 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
James Elder was again commissioned, by Pierce, in
1853, ^rid served eight 3'ears. Part of this time the
office was on the southwest corner of Sixth and Main.
For the second time, in 1861, Achilles Williams
was commissioned, b}^ I^incoln. His office was on
Main street, near Sixth, and he served until 1866.
In 1866 Edwin A. Jones was appointed. Reserved
three 3^ears, with his office on the southeast corner of
Fifth and Main.
Isaac H. Julian ser\^ed two 3'ears, under Grant,
from 1869 to 1 87 1, with the office in the same place.
It was in 1871 that Benjamin W. Davis was
appointed postmaster, b\' Grant. He served until
1878, and about the first 3'ear of this time, or in 1871,
he moved the office to the building where now stands
the Bradley Opera House.
Almon Samson was appointed, b}' Ha5'es, in 1878,
and served four 3'ears.
E. D. Palmer was appointed, b3^ Arthur, in 1882,
and served three 3'ears.
James Elder was commissioned, for the third time,
in 1885, and died aslter serving one month.
J. F. Elder took charge of the Richmond postoffice
on Januar3' ist, 1886, and Isaac Jenkinson took charge
of same on June ist, 1890.
John G. Schwegman took charge February ist,
1894.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 295
DAVID HOOVER'S MEMOIR.
I think it is Laurence Sterne, who says, that —
among other things which he mentions — every person
should write a book ; and as I have not yet done that, I
am now going to write one. As it has always been
interesting to me to read biographical sketches, and
historical reminiscences of by-gone days, I have con-
cluded that some information concerning myself and
family, might, perhaps, amuse some of my descendants,
at least. The name is pretty extensively scattered
throughout this country ; such information may there-
fore be of some interest to them, as it may enable them
to trace back their genealogy to the original stock.
I w^as born on a small w^ater-course, called Huwaree,
a branch of the Yadkin river, in Randolph county.
North Carolina, on the 14th day of April, 1781 ; and
am now* in the seventy-third year of ni}- age. It is
customary, in pensonal sketches of this kind, to say
something of one's parentage and education. I can
only say that my parents were always considered very
exemplary in all their walk through life. As to educa-
tion, my opportunities were exceedingl}^ limited ; and
had it not been for my inclination and perseverance, I
* This appears to have been written in 1854.
296 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
should, in all probability, at this day be numbered
among those who can scarceh- write their names, or
perhaps should only be able to make a X in placing
my signature to a written instrument. In order to
show the state of society in my earh' 3'outh, and as an
evidence of the intelligence of the circle^in which I
was raised, I can sa}" of a truth that I never had
an opportunit}' of reading a new^spaper, nor did I ever
see a bank-note, until after I was a man grown.
As to ni}" ancestors, I know but little. If m}^
information is correct, m}^ grandfather, Andrew Hoover,
left German}' when a bo}' ; married Margaret Fonts, in
Pennsylvania, and settled on Pipe Creek, in Mar3'land.
There my father was born ; and from thence, now
about one hundred j^ears ago, he removed to North
Carolina, then a new country-. He left eight sons and
five daughters, all of whom had large families. Their
descendants are mostl}' scattered through what we call
the Western countr3\ Rudolph Waymire, my grand-
father on my mother's side, emigrated from Hanover,
in German}^, after he had several children. He used
to brag that he had been a soldier under His Britannic
Majest}', and that he was at the battle of Dettingen, in
1743.* He left one son and seven daughters b}' his
first wife, and seven sons b\' a second wife. Their
descendants are also mostly to be found in this country.
* He also, it is said, served under Frederick the Great, of Prussia, in a
certain company into which no man was admitted, who was not some
seven feet in height.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 297
My father had a family of ten children, four sons
six daughters.* In order to better our circumstances,
he came to the conclusion of moving to a new country,
and sold his possessions accordingly. He was then
worth rising of two thousand dollars, which, at that
time, and in that country, was considered ver}^ consid-
erably over an average, in point of wealth. On the
19th of September, 1802, we loaded our wagon and
w^ended our way toward that portion of what was then
called the Northwestern Territory, which constitutes
the present State of Ohio.
Here permit me to make a passing remark. I was
then in the twenty-second 3^ear of my age. I had
formed an acquaintance and brought m5^self into notice
perhaps rather more extensively than falls to the lot of
most countr}' boys. Did language afford terms adequate
to describe my sensations on shaking hands with my
youthful compeers, and giving them a final farewell, I
would gladly do so. Suffice it to say, that those only
w^ho have been placed in like circumstances can appre-
ciate my feelings on that occasion. And although I
have lived to be an old man, and experienced the various
vicissitudes attendant on a journe}- through life thus
* Andrew Hoover, Judge Hoover's father, died about the close of the
year 1834, aged about eighty-three years. It was stated in his obituary
notice, that he had then over one hundred descendants. Except the eldest,
who died young, his children were all living until INJarcli, 1857, the oldest
survivor being seventy-eight, and the youngest fifty-eight years of age.
In December, 1854, an interesting reunion of these brothers and sisters was
had, at the house of one of their number, in Richmond.
298 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
far, I yet look back to that time as the most interesting
scene through which I have passed. My mind, at this
day, is often carried back to my early associations and
school-bo}' da3\s, to my native hills and pine forests ;
and I can truly sa}^ that there is a kind of indescribable
charm in the very name of my natal spot, very different
from aught that pertains to any other place on the globe.
After about five weeks' journej'ing, we crossed the
Ohio river at Cincinnati, then a mere village, composed
mostly of log houses. I think it was the day after an
election had been held at that place, for delegates to the
convention to form a constitution ; at any rate, a consti-
tution was formed the following winter, which was
amended onl}- within the last few years. After cross-
ing the river, we pushed on to Stillwater, about twelve
miles north of Dayton, in what is now the county of
Montgomery. A number of our acquaintances had
located themselves there the previous spring. There
we encamped in the woods the first winter. The place
had proved so unhealthy that we felt discouraged and
much dissatisfied, and concluded not to locate there.
M}^ father then purchased two hundred acres of land,
not far from Lebanon, in Warren count}^ as a home,
until we could make further examinations. John Smith,
afterward one of the proprietors of Richmond, pur-
chased one hundred acres in the same neighborhood,
w^ith similar views. Our object was to find a suitable
place for making a settlement, and where but few or
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 299
no entries had been made. But a small portion of the
land lying west of the Great Miami, or east of the
Ivittle Miami, was settled at that time. We were hard
to pleavSe. We Carolinians would scarcely look at the
best land, where spring water was lacking. Among
other considerations, we wished to get further south.
We examined divers sections of the unsettled parts of
Ohio, without finding any location that would please
us. John Smith, Robert Hill, and mj^self, partially
examined the country between the Falls of the Ohio and
Vincennes, before there was a line run in that part of
the Territory, and returned much discouraged, as we
found nothing inviting in that quarter.
^hus, time passed on until the spring of 1806, when
myself and four others, rather accidentally, took a sec-
tion line some eight or ten miles north of Dayton, and
traced it a distance of more than thirty miles, through
an unbroken forest, to where I am now writing. It
was the last of February, or first of March, when I first
saw Whitewater. On my return to my father's, I
informed him that I thought I had found the country
we had been in search of. Spring water, timber, and
building-rock appeared to be abundant, and the face of
the country looked delightful. In about three weeks
after this, my father, with several others, accompanied
me to this "land of promise." As a military man
would say, we made a reconnoissance , but returned
rather discouraged, as it appeared, at that time, too far
:]00 POEMS AXD S KE r CITES.
from home. Were it necessar}-, I might here state some
of our views at that time, which would show up our
extreme ignorance of what has since taken place. On
returning from this trip, we saw stakes sticking among
the beech trees where Eaton now stands, which was
among the nearest approaches of the white man to this
place. With the exception of George Holman and a
few others, who settled some miles south of this, in the
spring of 1805, there were but few families within
twenty miles of this place.
It was not until the last of May, or first of June,
that the first entries were made. John Smith then
entered south of Main street, where Richmond now
stands, and several other tracts. M}^ father entered the
land upon which I now live, I having selected it on my
first trip, and several other quarter sections. About
harvest, of this same 3'ear, Jeremiah Cox reached here
from good old Xorth Carolina, and purchased where
the north part of Richmond now stands. If I mistake
not, it had been previously entered b}^ John Meek, the
father of Jesse IMeek, and had been transferred to
Joseph Woodkirk, of whom Jeremiah Cox made the
purchase. Said Cox also entered several other tracts.
Jeremiah Cox, John vSmith, and my father, were then
looked upon as rather leaders in the vSociet,v of Friends.
Their location here had a tendency of drawing others,
and soon caused a great rush to Whitewater ; and land
that I thought would hardly e\-er be settled, was rapidl}^
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 301
taken up and improved. Had I a little more vanity, I
might almost claim the credit (if credit it be)'-' of having
been the pioneer of the great bod}^ of Friends now to be
found in this region ; as I think it very doubtful
whether three Yearly Meetings would convene in this
county, had I not traced the line before mentioned.
I was now in the twenty-fifth year of my age, and
thus far had been rather a wa3^-faring disciple, not doing
much for myself or any other person. Having now
selected a spot for a home, I thought the time had come
to be up and doing. I therefore married a girl named
Catharine Yount, near the Great Miami, and on the
last day of March, 1807, reached, with our little plun-
der the hill where I am now living. It may not be
uninteresting here to name some of the first settlers in
the different neighborhoods. On the East . Fork were
the Flemings, Irelands, Hills, Wassons, and Maxwells.
At the mouth of Elkhorn were the Hunts, Whiteheads,
and Endsleys. In this neighborhood were the Smiths,
Coxes, Wrights, and Hoovers, several of whom com-
menced operations in the woods, in the spring and
summer of 1806. This may emphatically be said to
have been the day of ' ' log cabins ' ' and log rollings ;
and, although we were in an unbroken forest, without
even a blazed pathway from one settlement to another,
we yet enjoyed a friendship and a neighborly inter-
change of kind offices, which are unknown at this time.
*I presume Judge Hoover would not seriousl)' question the fact.
302 POEMS AXJ) SKETCHES.
Although we had to step on puncheon floors, and eat
our corn bread and venison, or turkey, off of broad
pieces of spHt timber, and drive forks in one corner of
our cabins, with cross timbers driven into the walls, for
bedsteads, there was no grumbling or complaining of
low markets and hard times. The questions of Tariff
and National Bank were truh' "obsolete ideas''^ in
those days. It was the first week in April before some
of us commenced operations in the woods ; but we
mostl}^ raised corn enough to do us. There was, how-
ever, no mill to grind it, and for some weeks we gratedf
all the meal we made use of. About Christmas, Charles
Hunt started a mill, on a cheap scale, near the mouth
of Elkhorn, which did our grinding until J. Cox estab-
lished one near to where Richmond stands, and which
now belongs to the Starr Piano Compan^^
The Indian boundary was at this time about three
miles west of us. The Indians lived on White river,
and were frequently among us. They at one time
packed off 400 bushels of shelled corn, which they pur-
chased of John Smith. In 18 10 a purchase was made,
*Orrather,unoriginatecl ideas.
f Many persons at the present day may perhaps not comprehend the
process referred to in the text. A grater was a sheet of tin. thickly per-
forated, bent in a semi-circular form, and nailed to a piece of board, the
rough side outward. On this the ears of corn, before becoming thoroughly
hardened, were grated. The meal thus produced escaped down the board
into the receptacle provided for it.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 30!^
called the "Twelve-mile Purchase,"''^ and a goodly
number settled on it before it was surveyed ; but the
war of 1812 coming on, the settlers mostly left their
locations, and moved to places of more security. Those
who remained built forts and ' ' block-houses. ' ' The
settlers in this neighborhood mostly stood their ground,
but suffered considerably with fever. George Shugart
then lived where Newport now stands, some miles from
any other inhabitant. In the language of the Friends,
he "did not feel clear" in leaving his home, and he
manfully stood his ground, unmolested, f except by
those whom we then styled the " Rangers," from whom
he received some abuse for his boldness. The Indians
took three scalps out of this county, and stole a number
of horses. Candor, however, compels me to say, that,
as is usually the case, we Christians were the aggres-
sors. After peace was made, in 18 14, the twelve-mile
purchase settled very rapidly.
It will not be amiss, at this stage of our narrative,
to state that when we first settled here, the now State
of Indiana was called Indiana Territory, and we
belonged to Dearborn county, which embraced all the
territory purchased from the Indians at the treaty of
* Among the first settlers of the twelve-mile purchase, rather in the
vicinity of Centerville, were Daniel Noland, Henry Bryan, Isaac Julian,
William Harvey, Nathan Overman, and Geoi'ge Grimes. Other pioneers,
whose names I can not now recall, were thinly scattered over other
portions of the " purchase."
f The same course was pursued, safely, by Louis Hosier, another pioneer
of the " new purchase."
304 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Greenville, extending from the mouth of Kentucky
river to Fort Recover}'. The counties of \Va3'ne and
Franklin were afterward formed out of the northern
part of this territory.^ Although Governor Harrison
had the appointing power, he gave the people the
privilege of choosing their own officers. An election
was accordingly held, when it was found that Peter
Fleming, Jeremiah Meek and Aaron ]\Iartin were
elected Judges ; George Hunt, Clerk ; and John
Turner, Sheriff. County courts were then held b}*
three associate judges, and county business done before
them. One of the first courts t held in this count}',
under the Territorial government, convened under the
shade of a tree, on the premises then belonging to
Richard Rue, Esq., Judge Park presiding, and James
Xoble, Prosecutor. In order to show the legal knowl-
edge we backwoodsmen were then in possession of, I
will relate the following case : A boy was indicted for
stealing a knife, a traverse jury was impanelled, and
took their seats upon a log. The indictment was read,
and, as usual, set out that the offender, with /o?re and
arms, did felonious!}' steal, take, and carry away, etc.
After hearing the case, the jur}' retired to another log
to make up their verdict. Jeremiah Cox,+ one of the
* Wayne county was organized in Xovember, 1810.
fThe first court held in Wayne county, as appears from the
records, met at the house of Richard Rue, February, 1811.
1 Manj' anecdotes are in circulation of the simplicity of mind and
character of friend Cox : but he has left the highest character: that
of having been a genuine, practical Christian.
POEMS AMJ SKETCHES. 305
jurors, and afterward a member of the convention to
frame a constitution, and of the legislature, concluded
they must find the defendant guilty, but he thought
the indictment ' ' was rather foo dad for so small an
offense." I suppose he thought the words "with
force and arms" uncalled for, and thought rightly
enough, too.
Some further illustration of our legal knowledge,
and the spirit of our legislation at this time, may be
interesting. Although the Friends constituted a large
portion of the inhabitants in this quarter, there were,
in other parts of the county, men in wfiose craniums
the military spirit was pretty strongly developed,
before the war of 1S12 was declared. When that
came on, this spirit manifested itself in all its vigor.
The Friends were much harassed on account of their
refusal to do military duty. Some were drafted and
had their propert}^ sacrificed, and at the next call were
again drafted and fined. Four young men were
thrown into the county jail, during the most inclement
cold weather ; fire was denied them until they should
comply ; and had it not been for the humane feelings
of David F. Sackett,^^ who handed them hot bricks
through the grates, they must have suffered severely.
Suits were subsequently brought against the officers,
for false imprisonment. The trials were had at Brook-
ville, in Franklin county. They all recovered damages.
*For several years Recorder of Wayne county.
306 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
but I have every reason to belie\'e that the whole of
the damages and costs was paid out of mone3^s extorted
from others of the Friends. To cap the cUmax of
absurdit}" and outrage, the gentlemen officers arrested
an old man named Jacob Elliott, and tried him by a
court-martial, for treason, found him guilty, and sen-
tenced him to be shot ! but gave him a chance to run
away in the dark, they firing off their guns at the same
time. It would fill a considerable volume to give a
detailed history of the noble pab-iots of those days, and
of their wisdom and valorous exploits ; but this must
suffice.
Connected with this subject, permit me a word
respecting my own course. I think it is well known
that, from first to last, I stood b}^ the Friends like a
brother (as I would again do under similar circum-
stances), and used ni}' influence in their favor; yet
from some cause, best known to themselves, I have
apparently lost the confidence and friendship of a good
number of them. The most serious charge which has
yet reached me is that I have not got "the true faith,"
and not that I have done anything wrong. Of this I
do not complain, but must be permitted to say that
their course towards me is rather gratuitous. I feel
confident that they cannot, in truth, say that they have
at any time received aught but disinterested friendship
from me ; and if some of them can reconcile their
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 307
course toward me with a sense of duty, and of doing
by me as I have, at all times, done by them, I shall
therewith be content.
In 1816 w^e elected delegates to the convention
which formed our late Constitution and named the
State Indiana. On the third day of February follow-
ing, I was elected Clerk of the Wayne Circuit Court,
and, by favor of the voters of the county, held the
ofhce nearly fourteen years. I was prevented from
serving out my full constitutional term of office, by a
deceptive ruling of the court, which I have no fears
will ever be hunted up as a precedent in a similar or
any other case.
~^ I was almost the first man who set foot in this part
of Wayne county, and have been an actor in it for
more than forty years. It may not be out of place
here for me to say that I feel conscious that I often
erred through ignorance, and perhaps through willful-
ness. Yet (and with gratitude be it spoken), it has
fallen to the lot of few men to retain so long the
standing which I think I still have among all classes
of my fellow-citizens. I believe it is a privilege con-
ceded to old men to boast of what they have been and
what they have done. I shall therefore take the liberty
of saying that I have now seven commissions by me,
for offices which I have held, besides having had a
seat in the Senate of this State for six years.
308 FOEMS AXD SKETCHES.
I will add, that in the employ and under the direc-
tion of John Smith and Jeremiah Cox, I laid off the
cit}' of Richmond, did all their clerking, wrote their
deeds, etc. If I recollect rightly, it was first named
Smithville, after one of the proprietors ; but that name
did not give general satisfaction. Thomas Robbards,
James Pegg and myself were then chosen to select a
name for the place. Robbards proposed ' * Waterford ; ' '
Pegg, "Plainfield," and I made choice of "Richmond,"
which latter name received the preference of the lot-
holders.
I have some fears that the preceding remarks may
be looked upon as betra3ing the vanit}' of an old man ;
but I wish it distinctly understood that I ascribe the
little favors which I have received more to surrounding
circumstances, and the partiality of my friends, than to
an}^ qualifications or merits in myself.
There are several other subjects connected with the
earh' history of \Va\'ne county on which I could
dwell at some length. I could refer to the first dom-
inant party, their arbitrary proceeding in fixing the
county-seat at Salisbur}", the seven years' war and
contention which followed, ending with the final
location of the shire-town at Center^'ille.'^^ But as the
rival parties in that contest have mostly left the stage,
and the subject is almost forgotten, I think it unneces-
sarv to disturb it.
= The count j'-seat was finally established at Centerville, in April, 1820.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 309
A lengthy chapter might be written on the improve-
ments which have been made within the last fifty years
in Wayne county (to say nothing of the rest of the
world), in the arts and sciences generally, but as I do
not feel myself competent to the task, I shall not
attempt it.
And now, in bringing this crude and undigested
account of my experience to a close, short as it is, it
gives rise to many serious reflections. When I look
back upon the number of those who set out in life with
me, full of hope, and who have fallen by the wa}^ and
gone to that bourne from whence there is no returning,
with not even a rude stone to mark the spot where
their mortal remains are deposited, language fails me,
and indeed there is no language adequate to the
expression of my feelings. I shall therefore drop the
subject, leaving the reader to fill up the blank in his
own way.
In conclusion, let me say a word about my politics
and religion. In politics, I profess to belong to the
Jeffersonian school. I view Thomas Jefferson as
decidedly the greatest statesman that America has yet
produced. He was the chief apostle of both political
and religious Hberty. My motto is taken from his first
inaugural: "Equal and exact justice to all men" —
and I will add : without calling in question their
political or religious faith, country, or color.
310 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
And here I wish it distinctly understood and
remembered, that I stood almost alone in this section
of the State, in opposition to our ruinous system of
internal improvements, concocted and brought about
at the sessions of the Legislature in the 3'ears 1835 and
1836, which resulted in the creation of a State debt
which the present generation will not see paid, and
which has verified that text in the old Book to the
very letter, which says that the iniquities of the fathers
are visited upon their children to the third and fourth
generations.
As to religion :
Happy is he^ — the only happy man —
Who, from choke, does all the good he can.
" The world is my countrs^, and my religion is to
do right." I am a firm believer in the Christian
religion, though not as lived up to by most of its
professors of the present da^^ In the language of
Jefferson, I look upon the " Christian philosophy as
the most sublime and benevolent, but most perverted
system that ever shone on man." I have no use for
the priesthood, nor can I abide the shackles of sectarian
dogmas. I see no necessity for confessions of faith,
creeds, forms and ceremonies. In the most compre-
hensive sense of the word, I am opposed to all wars
and to slavery, and trust the time is not far distant
when they will be numbered among the things that
P OEMS A ND SKE TCHES. 311
were, and viewed as we now look back upon some of
the doings of what we are pleased to style the dark
ages. In the language of Burns :
"Then let us pray that come it may —
As come it will, for a' that —
That sense and' worth, o'er a' the earth,
May bear the gree, and a' that.
Fur a' that, and a' that.
It 's coming yet, for a' that.
That man to man, the world o'er.
Shall brotliers be, for a' that."
A RELIC OF WAR TIMES.
carrier's address of 1864. — ITS REFERENCES
EXPLAINED.
To the Editor of the Palladium:
The sheet of poetry which comes to 3'ou with this
letter is somewdiat of a relic, serving as a reminder of
war times, and as an illustration of one phase of country
*' newspaperism," a quarter of a centur}' ago.
I believe it was the last Carrier's New Year's
Address issued in Richmond. It belonged to the cus-
toms of the newspaper business before the advent of
the modern and metropolitan science of " journalism."
The poem was written by a lady residing in this
city (then and now), but before she had attained even
:U2 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
State reputation as a writer of verse. Within the 3^ears
since the date of that Address, she has produced many
beautiful things, and her name is oftenest spoken first
whenever the attempt is made to give a Hst of Indiana
poetesses.
Her best poems — for we ohh^ do her justice when
we sa}' that the Hues under consideration are not her
best — come when the heart is moved. This poem was
written ''to order," to supply a demand. Yet, even
in this, the heart shows itself, for it reflects the prevail-
ing feelings of the hour — patriotism, self-denial,
patience, anxiety, sorrow. Ever^lhing written in those,
daj's niusj: have a patriotic avowal. These lines meet
that expectation. It was far into the third year of the
war, and the continuation and the result were still
problematic.
The situation was contemplated with all seriousness,
and seriousness is the plainest characteristic of the
poem. Its writer had no place for mirth, nor an}' desire
to be merel}' amusing. The over-ruling thought, in this
particular, is aptly expressed in the opening lines of an
address written b}^ Force\'the Willson, and published
one 3'ear before, in the l^om?>\\\\Q Jo ?(?-na I :
The carrier can not sing, to-day, the ballads
With which he used to go,
Rhyming the grand rounds of the Hapi:>y New Years
That are now beneath the snow.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 313
For the same awful and portentous shadow
That overcast the earth,
And smote the land, last year, with desolatioii,
Still darkens every hearth.
The address was carried and sold by your corres-
pondent, who took the contract to assist the regular
carrier in that enterprise. At sundown, the night
previous, a heav}^ snow storm blew up, and next morn-
ing there was a foot of snow on the ground, and the
thermometer registered twenty degrees below zero at
sunrise.
"The improvements, vast, on every side," were
very insignificant, compared with improvements since
made. The west corners of Eighth and Main streets
were occupied by one-story shanties. Other localities,
with similar structures, and the whole town in propor-
tion. The town was much smaller than now, as may
be supposed, for the Roberts farm and the eastern part
of the Starr farm had not then been platted into lots.
The regular route of the carrier, for the delivery of the
weekl}^ (there was no daily in town then), extended to
Eleventh and North D, in that direction ; to the park,
on South Tenth ; to South. E, on Fifth street (then
called Pearl); and the "Spring Foundry" (Gaar,
Scott &Co.'s), on the northwest. Subscribers residing
outside these limits must call at the printing office, or
receive their copies through the mail. The office of
the PaUadiuni was, that winter, at No. 404 Main street,
:;i4 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
near Fourth. In the spring of 1864 it was removed to
"Warner Hall,'' over the Mayor's office. Crossings
of Main with Fifth and Sixth streets fold Pearl and
Marion) were regarded as the '* centers " of town.
The reference to the " Farmers of Wayne," in the
eleventh stanza, and again in the fifteenth, deserves an
explanation. Read the tenth stanza :
" But while we tell of brave men on the field,
We'll nut forget the kind and true at home —
Whose generous gifts, to all the ueedy poor,
You'll not find equaled, wheresoe'er you roam."
The winter that preceded the one in which this
Address was written — the winter of 1862-63 — was a
severe one upon many families whose supporters and
providers were away, fighting for the Union. Man}''
families of soldiers, residing in the country and in
smaller towns, had moved into Richmond for the sake
of compan}" and safet\', and to be within the reach of
relief, if it should be needed. Hundreds of the wives,
children, and other dependents of the soldiers, made
Richmond their home during the period of their hus-
bands' and fathers' enlistments. The organized aid
societies could not meet all the demands. Xor was the
public fund, disbursed by the township trustee, equal to
the deficiency. When the winters threatened to be
long and severe, our town was likely to be the scene of
extended and serious suffering. The winter of 1862-
63 was of that character. Much anxiety was felt and
POEMS AXD SKETCIIKS. 315
expressed. It must not be thought that the reUef
extended to soldiers' famiUes was, in any sense, akin to
the common charity extended to the ordinary indigent.
It was in no sense a pauper rehef. The obUgation to
see that the famihes of the soldiers were not allowed to
suffer, was as much a part of the compensation of the
volunteers as the bounty paid them for enlisting. It
was clearly understood, by those who volunteered, that
their wives, children and dependants were to be cared
for, in case of necessity, by those who remained at
home. Hence, any aid rendered could be accepted by
the families of soldiers without any feelings of humili-
ation. This manner of part compensation was as
clearly understood by the volunteers, as if named in
the specifications of their enlistment, and it was as
faithfully performed, by those who remained at home, as
if bound upon them by contract or statute. Special pro-
vision was necessary, in the second winter of the war.
Suddenly and unexpectedly , one morning in January ,
1863, twenty-five wagons, loaded with wood, and one
with flour, meal, potatoes, etc., appeared on the streets
of Richmond. They were from the farmers in the
neighborhood of Middleboro, six miles northeast of the
city, and were intended as " aid and comfort " for sol-
diers' famihes. A band of musicians volunteered their
services, and, hoisting the national flag, the donation
was paraded through the streets, and then delivered
where needed.
:J10 POEMIS AXD SKETCHES.
On Saturday, February 14, a delegation came from
Boston township, bringing more than sixty cords of
wood, three thousand pounds of flour and meal, besides
other provisions. A spirit of emulation or rivalry, in
this good work, was soon developed, and the various
neighborhoods, in the vicinity of Richmond, competed
with each other in bringing contributions of this char-
acter. On the 28th of Februar}- the farmers residing
along and near the National road (or Eaton pike), east
from town, brought, in a long procession, ninet^^-two
cords of wood, over two thousand pounds of flour, forty
bushels of corn-meal, six bushels of potatoes, etc. That
procession filled Main street for eight blocks.
The following Monday the rival procession of
farmers residing along and near the National road
west from town, came in. It has never been decided
which of these contributions was the larger. Both
parties claimed the palm.
The Middleboro farmers, having started these gen-
erous outpourings, concluded to put a finishing touch
to the work for this season, so on the 28th of March
they came into town with a train of wagons nearly a
mile long. Residents of Whitewater and Franklin
townships joined their neighbors of Middleboro. The
farmers along the Liberty turnpike also brought in a
contribution. A new feature attended this demonstra-
tion. Fresh beef and poultry were brought in, sold on
the streets to citizens, and the proceeds given to the
POEMS AND SKETCHES. :U7
aid fund. In this way $192 were realized. One hun-
dred and twenty-eight cords of wood, over two
thousand pounds of flour, and seventy-five bushels of
meal, besides other provisions, were contributed, the
whole donation amounting, in money value, to nearh'.
$1,300. The influence of these acts extended to other
towns and cities. Among the towns in this county,
Centerville received a large donation on the 19th of
March, 1S63.
This commendable practice was revived the follow-
ing autumn, and continued in the last winter of the
war. On the 23rd of December, 1864, four competing
delegations entered town from the four sides. The
total of these contributions was two hundred and forty-
two cords of wood.
Such acts were, indeed, worthy to be the theme of
the poet. M.
CARRIER'S ADDRESS,
TO THE PATRONS OF THE RICHMOND PALLADIUM,
JANUARY ], 1864.
Dear friends of yore, I come again to greet yon,
Though months have passed since last I sang my song,
And smihng faces that were wont to meet me
Are missing, and no more to earth belong.
Still, to the dear old friends whom I remember —
Whose kindh' acts have clieered me on my way —
I give my hand, and may a happy New Year
Be yours, without one sorrow-clouded <lay I
318 POEMS AXJ) SKETCHES.
Since last I sang to you, in jingling numbers,
A year has rolled its changes o'er the land,
And yet peace hath not spread her snowy pinions,
Nor yet return our nolde, patriot band.
And many, many noble forms are sleeping
Low, 'neath the sod upon the battle plain.
And many weary eyes to-day are weeping.
And dim with watching, waiting, all in vain ;
And over all our land, wliere'er we wander.
Woe's sable garb we meet on every side —
The garb of highest honor to tlie wearer.
Whose best-loved, for his country, fought and died.
Though many noljle braves have fallen in glory,
Where the red tide of carnage thickest run,
Many are left to tell the thrilling story
Of how they fought, from dawn till setting sun.
Bright be their names on glory's scroll engraven,
And every scar a badge of honor, fair ;
No diamond-studded crown, worth half a kingdom.
So nobly, proudly could our heroes wear I
But through our long-linked months of Polar darkness
Bright streaks of dawn begin to make their way,
And many joyful messengers of peace
Proclaim the coming of a l)righter day —
When the bright, starry flag that floats above us
Shall claim its own, and wave o'er all the land.
And we may Avelcome home our war-worn heroes,
And join again the broken household band.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 319
But while we tell of brave men on the field,
We'll not forget the kind and true at home —
Whose generous gifts, to all the needy poor,
You'll not find equaled, wheresoe'er you roam.
Then a song for the farmers of Wayne,
For the old and for the young !
A shout as loud, and a song as high.
As ever in praise was sung I
For never on Victory's battle-field
Were braver hosts arrayed
Than they, whose offerings, bountiful.
On their country's altar have laid.
Sound it over the saddened land.
That other true hearts may know
The Avay to strengthen the soldier's arm
To strike the trait' rous foe ;
The wav to lift from the weary heart
A weight of burdening care,
And send, with blessings, their name on high,
In many a thankful prayer.
Long may they live, in plenty and peace —
The noble farmers of Wayne —
And finally meet their just reward,
AVhere peace shall eternally reign !
Our city 's in most prosperous condition —
Improvements, vast, we meet on every side;
In fact, there 's not a doubt about the matter —
'Tis Indiana's highest boast and pride.
^^20 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Our ladies are most beautiful and loj'al —
Forever working in the cause of right ;
Our men are foremost in the field of battle,
Facing the foe in every deadly fight.
But, lest I tire you with too long a story —
Which has been sad, I fear, from first to last —
I '11 point you to the brightly coming future,
Forgetting not the lessons of the past ;
And hoping ere next Xew Year's morn I greet you,
That peace shall long have dwelt throughout the land ;
Hoping and trusting all things, fearing never,
Farewell, my friends — here is my parting hand.
But, stop I I'll merely mention, ere I go.
What, between us, I hoj^e will raise no barrier:
That I accept all fractional paper currency,
And that — I hope you won't forget
The Carrier.
e|9
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 821
SOME COUNTY HISTORY.
From the Hagerstown Exponent, November 19, 1891.
Joseph Williams, aged eighty-five years, and form-
erl}^ of Economy, died at Richmond, Wednesday last,
and was buried at Economy on Friday, funeral services
by the Rev. W. C. Bowen, from whom we learn that
Mr. Williams was one of the early pioneers of this sec-
tion, having settled in the woods, in the Jordan settle-
ment, north of here, over sixty 5^ears ago. This section
received its first settlers in 1822, when Joseph Bowen,
Benjamin Parson ; Rev. Samuel Taylor, a Baptist
preacher, who died with the cholera in 1833 ; David
Miller, a Dunkard preacher ; John Hardman ; Aaron
Miller, who settled on the old Petty farm ; John
McLucas and Hugh Allen, all came about the same
time and bought land at $1.25 per acre, and settled in
the woods. At that time there was not a house in all
this section ; not even where Hagerstown stands. There
w^ere a few Indians here yet, and deer, bears and other
wild game was quite numerous. Soon after the first
settlers were established in homes, others came in, and
it w^as not long till four church organizations were
made. The first organization was composed of a Bap-
tist congregation, started in a log house where the
1-2 POEMS A XI) SKETCHES.
Baptist church, called Salem, now stands. The second
church organized was a New-Light congregation, and
held meetings in a log school house that stood two miles
south of this place. Among those who were members
of that congregation, Mrs. Miller, mother of Sol. Mil-
ler, is the onh' one that is now living. Their first
preacher was Samuel Boyd, who was a Revolutionary
soldier. The third church to organize was the Metho-
dist ; they organized in Joseph Bowen's house, and
among the first members were Joseph Manifold, Benja-
min Parson and wife, Sammy Pollard and John Doan.
The fourth were the Dunkers, generally known now as
the "Dunkards;" they organized in John Ritter's
house, which is still standing, being the old log house
that stands a short distance east of E. B. Rejmolds'
present home. Among their first members were Ritter,
John Hardman and David Hardman ; David and Aaron
Miller were their first preachers. These w^ere the four
churches that occupied the entire religious field from
1822 to 1830. The Methodists and Dunkers all wore
plain clothing, and the Methodists would not license a
preacher who refused to we'ar plain Quaker clothing.
Class meetings were held with closed doors, and the
Dunkers and Xew-Lights washed feet at church ser-
vices, regularly, every three months. The Methodist
ministers always preached from one hour to an hour
and a half, and the Baptist sermons often lasted two
hours and a half, and members complained when the
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 323
sermons were short. The Methodists held a revival
every preaching day. The first " squire " elected was
named Bedford, whose first case was a quarrel between
two neighbors, over the shooting of a dog ; each man
had a lawyer ; Bedford dismissed the case because he
could find no dog cases in his law book, and divided
the costs of the case between plaintiff and defendant.
Old Saulsbury, six miles south of Richmond, was the
first count3^-seat of this county. In those early days
there were no saloons, but whisky was used freely in
almost all houses, and not even a preacher could get
his harvest cut unless he supplied a liberal supply of
rum. There were no divisions or classes of societ}^ as
now — all mingled, sociall}', on a common ground.
"Big diiniers " were common, and every one in the
communit}^ was invited. At the weddings the preacher
kissed the bride, and the old folks all went home soon
after supper, while the 3^oung people always indulged
in sports of some kind, all night. When the organiza-
tion of a Sunday-school was first proposed, the idea
was strongh' opposed by many church members, and
on account of such oppositions, there were no such
schools till in 1836. In 1S40 the Washingtonian tem-
perance movement was started, and in 1854 the legis-
lature passed the Maine temperance or prohibition law,
but it was pronounced unconstitutional in less than a
year. The first sermon ever preached in Hagerstown
was by John Kiger, a Methodist, who is still living, and
824 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
is ninet\' 3'ears of age. The second sermon was b}"
John SulUvan, a Methodist minister ; he organized a
church, among the first members of which were Greens-
bur}' Savoy and wife, Bazel Taylor and wife, Worley
AVilliamson and wife, Ezra Doughty and EHjah Castator.
'^
HISTORICAL.
RECOLI.ECTIONS
AWAKENED IN THE MIND OF A FORMER RESIDENT BY
THE BURNING OF THE CENTERVIEIvE SCHOOIy-
HOUSE. A BIT OF HISTORY.
San Marcos, Texas, Nov. 9, 1891.
Editor the Telegram:
I noticed the account in your columns of the burn-
ing of the public school building at Centerville. It
awakened many recollections in my mind, and, though
rather too late to give them in detail, as I would like
to, I am unwilling to let the occasion pass without
adding somewhat to the facts given by j^ou, for, as you
say, the building possessed great historic interest.
The name and style of the original building was
"Wayne County Seminary." My first recollection
dates back to 1834, when, a small boy, I accompanied
my oldest brother, John, who was one of the actors, to
witness a performance of the ' ' Centerville Thespian
Society," in the upper story.
:V_>(i POEMS Ayv SKETCHES.
Among the earl 3^ teachers of the Seminar}', prior to
Mr. Hoshour, my memory recalls the name of Royal
T. Wheeler, afterwards Chief Justice of the Republic
of Texas ; Georg-e Fairchild, James B. Haile, Nathan
Smith, and G. Smith, a Methodist preacher, brought
up a few miles above Richmond.
Mr. Hoshour took charge in 1836, and continued
four years. It was to his administration that most of
the pupils, of more or less note, whom you enumerate,
belonged. But you are mistaken as to one — George
W. Julian — he was not a pupil of the Seminar}^, but,
after the usual countr^^ school probation, graduated at
Friends' school, hard b\' West Grove meeting-house.
I notice in Mr. Hoshour' s autobiography an addition
to 3'our list, in the person of Mr. Rariden's protege —
the son of a Miami chief — mention of whose death I
noticed not long since. I remember him well. I am
not sure as to the succession after Mr. Hoshour, but
Rawson Vaile occupied that position during several
years of the forties ; he was, I think, the last teacher
in the Seminary.
Of the earh' teachers, there were, also, editors, viz :
Mr. Haile, of the People's Advocate ; Mr. Hoshour, of
the Wayne County Chronicle, and Mr. Vaile, of the
Free Territory Sentinel and the bidiana Free Democrat.
I think you are mistaken as to the date of transfer
to the Methodists ; at any rate, I find the name changed
to "Whitewater College and Whitewater Academy,"
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 327
with Thomas H. L^'iich in charge, in 1849. In 1850
Cyrus Nntt and James A. Beswick were called to the
position, and the institution was known as "White-
water Female College and Academy," The two
following years were the palmy ones of its history.
The first commencement, in the summer of 1851,
passed off with great eclat. The society of young
ladies of the institution , known as the ' ' Sigournean
Society," w^as really quite brilliant in its personale.
The first graduates were Misses Gertrude Newman
and Kate Woods. The next session turned out about
a dozen.
I shall not undertake to trace regularly the further
cDurse of Whitewater College. In 1858 A. C. Short-
ridge was the principal:, his chief assistant being Miss
Emily Huntington, a Connecticut lady — since, as
Emil}^ Huntington Miller, an authoress of note. She
resides at Evanston, Illinois. During the early 5'ears
of the war, William H. Barnes presided. He was a
scholarly gentleman, author of a " History of the
Thirty-ninth Congress" and other works of value.
Having removed to Richmond at the beginning of
1864, ni}^ recollections along this line close here.
Isaac H. Julian.
328 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA.
HOW IT WAS MADE FIFTY YEARS AGO.
SAMUEL CALDWELL MEREDITH, FORMERLY OF WAYNE COUNTY, RELATES
THE INCIDENTS OF A MEMORABLE JOURNEY — GOLDEN
STATE PRICES.
In the winter of 1849 the late Andrew F. A^aughan,
of this city, Daniel Storms, of Hagerstown, and Samuel
Caldwell Meredith, of Centerville, agreed to go to Cali-
fornia together, aid each other on the way, and care for
each other, if an}- got sick. And now the last men-
tioned of the trio, who is the father of William H. Mere-
dith, superintendent of the government bureau of print-
ing and engraving, and who had himself been in the
newspaper business at Centerville, since 1835, has
written up the trip, at considerable length, for the
Indianapolis jVews, from which the Telegram takes
the following quoted extracts :
In 1835 Mr. Meredith started the People's Advocate
in Centerville. It was Democratic in politics, did not
pay, and he changed it to the Wayne County Chronicle^
which was a Whig paper. Then Mr. Meredith removed
to Illinois, and it was succeeded by the National Patriot,
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 329
which failed. Next, in 1841, Mr. Meredith started the
Wayne County Record, which, old printers say, has
never been surpassed, for typographical appearance, in
this county. During his absence in California, it, as
the Whig organ, was conducted by D. B. Wood and
John B. Stitt. Subsequently Mr. Wood went to Cali-
fornia, where he w^as killed, and Mr. Meredith returned
to resume the publication of it, but it lost money, and
in 1852 he sold it to D. P. Halloway, of the Richmond
Palladium, and removed to Indianapolis, which has
since been his home.
In the beginning of his narration, Mr. Meredith
says : " Storms went to see friends in Ohio, and was
to meet Vaughan and myself at the Gault House, in
Cincinnati. I left Centerville early, on the morning of
October 24, in a spring-wagon, for Richmond, and from
there went to Cincinnati in an omnibus. On October
26 we procured passage on a steamboat to New Orleans
for $20, and left Cincinnati on the 2 7tli, at 3 o'clock,
arriving in New Orleans November 5. On November
14 we got a passage on the steamship Alabama, for
Chagras, at $45, and arrived there on November 23.
We paid $10 each for a canoe to carry us to Gorgonna.
^ * Here we hired mules or horses to carry our bag-
gage to Panama. We left Gorgonna on November 29,
at 8 o'clock. Two trunks and several small packages
constituted a load for one horse. We went on foot,
and didn't let the baggage get out of our sight. "^^ *
;]:]0 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
" Arriving at Panama. I met Colonel Elliott, who
informed me that Dr. Waymann, Hiatt Jemison and
others, who had left Wajnie count}^ four weeks before
I did, were there. I found that living was high, the
health bad, and that there was no chance of getting
passage in a steamer for several months, so that we had
better go in a sail vessel. The fine ship, Sea Queen,
of Dundee, Scotland, was to leave on the next Tues-
da}'. We were advised to purchase second-hand tickets
from speculators, and go with all our Indiana friends.
" We procured, from speculators, tickets on the Sea
Queen, at $250 each, and on the 4th of December went
on board. '=^ * On the 9th of January, 1850, the
ship ran into the entrance of the harbor at San Fran-
cisco, at 4 o'clock in the evening, and, after the anchor
was cast, the passengers manifested their joy b3^ giving
three cheers, and three times three. I found a board-
ing house, the price being Si 8 a week, the best I could
find. I was very thankful that I had been permitted
to get on shore, after the many dangers through which
I had passed, from home to the Golden Gate.
"In a letter to my famiU-, dated San Francisco,
January 14, 1850, there are these expressions: ' B}'
the blessing of Divine Providence I have been per-
mitted to put my feet upon the shores of California.
Labor here, of all kinds, is high. One dollar an hour
for work on some of the streets, in the mud ; for wheel-
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 331
ing sand down hill, in a dry place, 50 cents an hour.
Sweet potatoes sell here for 25 cents a pound ; Irish
potatoes, 20 cents; onions, $1.25 ; vinegar, 50 cents a
quart ; brandy, $1.25 a quart. I saw a horse, not half
as good as James Pritchett's, sell for $150; another
horse, just arrived from New South Wales, for $1 ,300, in
Centerville would be $60 to $75 ; another horse, from
the same place, sells for $700. I have seen better look-
ing sell for $30 or $40. Rent for a house, about hke
Dinwiddle's shop, but not so good, $4,000 a month.
A room, like our smoke-house, $50 a week. Flour, per
hundred, $12 ; per barrel, $20 ; fresh pork, 50 cents to
75 cents a pound ; beef, 25 cents to 50 cents a pound ;
butter, from $1 to $1.50 per pound ; sugar, 30 cents ;
coffee, 1 2 14 cents ; cheese, 30 cents to 40 cents ; tallow
candles, 60 cents; bread, 30 cents for a small loaf;
pies, $1, and not good at that ; wood, $40 a cord, $1
for an armful ; small premium cook stove, $100 ; molas-
ses, $2.50 per gallon. I saw a deer, with the hide on,
sell for $40 ; wild geese, $2 ; ducks, $1. Eggs have
fallen very much ; they are now worth 25 cents each ;
a month ago they were worth $1 each. Tin cups, 25
cents each ; coarse boots, from $12 to $20 a pair, such
as I can buy at home for $1.50 or $3 a pair ; silk hand-
kerchiefs, 75 cents to $1, a fine article, and other things
in the same proportion. The papers here cost 12, 25
and 50 cents each.'
332 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
" I left Centerville October 24, and arrived in San
Francisco on January 1 1 , being eighty days, at a cost
of $412.
"Now, in 1 89 1, persons can go in a palace car,
have all the luxuries of a fine hotel and sleeping cars,
for $100."
And now, in 1896, a round-trip ticket may be had
for a little over $100, with the privilege of a six
months' sta\\ Verily, times have changed.
■^
WESTERN SKETCHES.
AN OLD-TIME ELOPEMENT.
To the Indianapoli.s Journal:
About the year 1817 there came from Kentucky to
Wayne county, Indiana, a young man by the name of
John Bailey. He was industrious, active and thrifty,
and in those primitive times acquaintances were readily
made throughout the entire settlement. It was not
long before John was a favorite at corn-huskings,
apple-cuttings, quiltings, and wool-pickings, and, what
would naturally follow, he was soon desperately^ in
love, the object of his devotion being the daughter of
one of his neighbors, Mr. Lamb, whose residence
was on Greensfork, between where the towns of
Washington and Williamsburg, Wayne count}^ are
now located. But " the course of true love never did
run smoothly," and in this case, although John was
favored with Patsy's love and esteemed by the best
men in the community, he met with a stern and posi-
tive refusal on the part of the parents.
334 POEMS AX J) SKETCHES.
He was called awaj' to his old home in Kentuck}-,
a journey which, in those days, required considerable
time. As "star routes," like railroads, were then
unknown in this State, he could have no word from
Patsy during his absence.
" AVith many a vow and locked embrace,
Their parting was fu' tender."
John was detained at his old home in Kentuck}"
much beyond the time appointed for his return, and
when he arrived again at the home in the forests of
Wayne county, he learned that Patsy had promised to
become the wife of another, and that the da\' appointed
for the marriage was a week from that time, the
license having been already procured. If "love
laughs at locks and ke\"s," what would it do in a
countr}- where locks and keys were all unknown ?
John was determined to see, once more, the object
of his affection, regardless of father's frown or mother's
anger. Accordingly, on Sunday evening, he went to
the home of her whom he feared had proved forever
faithless. There he met the happy man who had, as
he supposed, supplanted him in the affections of the
young Hoosier lass. There was but one room in the
house, and John had no opportunit}' to speak with
Patsy. Unwilling to abandon so good a cause, how-
ever, without one more desperate effort to effect his
purpose, he remained over night.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 33 >
While the family slept, he lay with one eye open.
In the stillness of the night Patsy slipped quietly to
his bed-side, and whispered to him the story of her
thraldom. She was to be an unwilling bride, in four
days from that time. John's courage did not fail him,
but he said, " Meet me at Billy W.'s to-morrow."
She promised ; but alas ! when the girl came, her
father accompanied her and refused to allow her to
see John. The situation was now becoming desperate ;
but John proved equal to the emergenc}^ and arranged
with a mutual friend to notify Patsy that he would be
at a place agreed upon, near her father's house, on
Tuesday before the day arranged for her marriage to
his rival. He had brought with him from Kentucky a
splendid horse, full of spirit, and of great power of
endurance.
At the appointed time John appeared at the place
designated, mounted upon his good horse, "Ball."
Patsy saw him, and picked up a bucket and started to
the spring, as all supposed, for a bucket of water. She
had not gone half way to the spring, however, until, in
her haste and excitement, she dropped the bucket and
started to run. It was mid-winter, and a heavy snow
covered the ground. She lost her bonnet before she
reached the fence, where Ball stood, ready to receive
his precious load. But, all unconscious of her loss,
with her hair streaming in the winter wind like a flag
at half-mast, she continued the flight.
:yS6 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Her mother discovered the fugitive at this time,
and started in hot pursuit. John al\va3'S declared that
Patsy never, before nor since, mounted Ball so nimbly
as on that occasion, and that Ball never walked up to
the fence so readily. The nearest settlement to which
they could fly was seven miles distant, and through an
almost unbroken wilderness.
When Pats}' was fairly mounted behind John, the
race began in earnest, Ball taking in the situation at a
glance. He laid back his finely formed ears and turned
his splendid. e^xs upon them, as much as to say, " Hold
on to me, and I will carr}' you safely through the perils
of the journe}'." And they did hold on to him, and
most nobly did he do his duty. Over hills and through
streams he sped like an arrow, " his nostrils drinking
in the breath of their own swiftness." With every
jump he appeared to laugh defiance at his pursuers,
who soon abandoned the chase. Before nightfall they
stopped and borrowed such articles of clothing as were
necessary for the journe3\ The}' then pursued their
way through the forest for several miles, stopping over
night with the father of the late Jehu T. Elliott, Judge
of the Supreme Court of Indiana, and at an early hour
the next morning they again mounted old Ball and
resumed their way to Salisbury, then the county-seat
of Wayne count}', but now a well cultivated corn-field,
there not being one stone left upon another where once
flourished that town. By 9 o'clock the next morning
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 837
they had procured the necessary Hcense, and were
married by a local preacher then living in the place.
In the course of a week they returned to the vicinity of
the home of the young- wife's parents, where they were
hailed with greater delight than a hero of a hundred
battles would now be greeted.
John and Pats}^ lived in that community for more
than sixty years, bringing up a large family of honest
and intelligent sons and daughters, all of whom are
married. Their children, grandchildren and great-
grandchildren are scattered over many counties of
Indiana, and are known as among the good people
of the State. E. B. H.
Cambridge City, Ind., May i, 1S84.
EARLY RAILROAD HISTORY AT RICHMOND,
INDIANA.
[ A brief statement of some facts relating to the early history of
the Indiana Central Railroad at Richmond, Indiana ; written, at the
request of an official of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, to be
placed in an exhibit at the World's Fair, Chicago, Illinois. Written
October, 1892.]
3Ir. J. E. Watkins, Special Agent, Altoona, Pa. :
Dear Sir — In compliance with your request of a
recent date, to furnish such information and relics per-
taining to the earl}^ history of the " Central road" —
now a part of the Pennsylvania system — as I may be
338 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
in possession of, I have to sa}' that, after a lapse of
nearl}' fort}^ years, there is comparatively little left, of
either information or relics, that is obtainable here.
Much of the former has been blotted out by time, and
few of the latter have been preserved. Most of the
older people who took an active part in the affairs of
the time have departed to that bourne from which no
traveler returns, and of the few remaining ones whom
I have seen I can obtain little definite or satisfactory
information of value ; and as I was then but little
more than a boy, struggling to obtain a livelihood on a
meagre salary, and all my time occupied in the service
of others, I had neither the opportunity nor inclination
to become informed about the leading enterprises of
the da}'.
Some time previous to the year 1850, the people of
this region of countr\' began to be interested in the
construction of railroads, as you will see by the list of
names attached to the enclosed ticket of invitation,
which tells its own story. The names are leading ones,
and on that account, alone, may be of interest as
mementos of the past.
The " Central road" was completed to Richmond
some time during the summer or autumn of 1853, when
James M. Brown, of the firm of Brown & Morrow,
pork-packers, temporarily took charge, as agent, here,
transacting the business in his own office, which was
located in a frame building, I think, on the west side
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 339
of Fort Wayne Avenue, about one hundred yards
southwest of the present passenger depot. When I
succeeded Mr. Brown, I continued to occupy his office
for several weeks, until the freight and passenger
stations were ready for use, when I purchased, of
WiUiam T. Dennis, Esq., — our present State Fish
Commissioner, who was then in the hardware trade in
this city — an iron safe, a copying-press, letter-book,
and sundr}^ other matters pertaining to the office. I
also procured a desk and stool, set up a stove, and was
furnished a lot of Indiana soft coal, and concluded by
employing three men to assist in handling freight,
making transfers, and switching cars about the yard,
for such a thing as an engine for the purpose was not
known here at the time. The men employed were :
Henry Koehring, afterwards long employed at the
Hutton Coffin Works, as engineer, and now in the
service of Mr. George H. Knollenberg, dry goods
merchant, of this city, as night watchman. The second
party was one Fred Schultz, who continued in the
service a short time and of whose subsequent history I
know nothing. He was soon after succeeded by
Thomas Clarke, who continued to serve while I
remained in the office ; I think he finally became
conductor of a passenger train on the * ' Chicago
road ; " he has been dead for some years. Last, but
not least, is William Zeek — a most faithful and reliable
German — who has continued at his post from the
340 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
autumn of 1853 down to the present hour. If an}^
man in the service deserves to be retired and pensioned
the remainder of his da3'S, he is that man.
The writer not only furnished and managed the
first freight office of the road here, but was also its
first ticket agent as well, working faithfully-, late and
early, and man}' a time on Sunday, and all for the
munificent sum of $33^3 per month, the men receiving
$30 for a like term of service.
Hon. John S. Newman was the first president of
the road, and Samuel Hanna its first treasurer — both
residents of Centerville, this (Wayne) count3\ With
the former I was well acquainted ; the latter I rarel}^
ever met. I herewith enclose a letter from Mr.
Newman, and a receipt from ]\Ir. Hanna, both in their
own handwriting. The " contingenc}^ " Mr. Newman
refers to was ni}' request for an increase of salary,
which was not granted, and I soon after retired from
the service. I was immediatel}- tendered a position in
the Citizens' Bank, as book-keeper, under Morrisson,
Blanchard & Co., of this city, where I remained two
years, when I engaged — and successfull}- — in business
for myself. My successor in the office was a IMr.
John Lynch — for many years past of Washington,
D. C. — and he was succeeded by Mr. S. F. Fletcher,
of this city [recently deceased] .
The first passenger station was a small brick struc-
ture, not exceeding twenty bj- sevent3'-five feet in size,
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 341
having a wooden platform extending around it, with
extensions at either end for the more convenient hand-
Hng of trunks and express matter. The old freight
depot was not above half the size of the present one.
That you may see what manner of men officiated as
the servants of the road here at that time, I send you
three photographs — one of the writer, one of Henry
Koehring, and another of that very faithful servant,
who is still with you, Mr. William Zeek.
I am fully aware that this is a very meagre and
unsatisfactory^ return to your request for information
relating to the road's early history here, but to the
lapse of time and a general lack of interest in what
does not immediately concern us, must be charged
both the defects and deficiencies of this showing.
Very truly yours,
George P. Hmswiler.
Postscript. — Since writing the foregoing I have
learned that Mr. Fred Schultz — one of the three
hands first employed by me, and whose subsequent
history I had lost sight of — engaged in the cigar
trade after leaving the railway service ; later on was
married and removed to L,ewisville, Henry county,
where he kept a village store and tavern for a number
of years, and, finally, purchased and located on a farm
on Eel river, this State, where he died, some ^^ears ago.
EmswiIvER.
342 FOEMS AND SKETCHES.
Altooxa, Pa., November i6, 1892.
A/r. G. P. Emswiler, Richmond ^ Ind.:
Dear Sir — I wish to thank you very much for your
kindness in sending me description of early history of
Indiana Central Railroad, as well as the photographs,
old envelopes, etc., which reached me safeh' yesterday
morning. Yours very truh',
J. E. Watkins,
Special Agent Pennsylvania Railroad Co.'s Exhibit. World's Columbian
Exposition.
Office of the Chief of Motive Power,
Philadelphia, December i8th, 1893.
Mr. G. P. Emswiler :
Dear Sir — You will find herewith a catalogue of
the exhibit made b}' the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pan}' at the World's Columbian Exposition. Refer-
ences to the contribution made by you, for which this
company is greatl}^ indebted, will be found on pages
112 and 113. You will be interested to learn that one
of the seven medals awarded the Penns3'lvania Railroad
Company, by the judges in the section of Transporta-
tion, was for the Historical Collection of Relics, Models,
Charts, etc., of which 3'our contribution formed an
important part.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 343
Advantage has been taken of the exceptional oppor-
tunity following the success of the Exposition just
closed, to establish in Chicago the " Columbian Museum
of Chicago." Large sums of money and many impor-
tant exhibits have been contributed to the establishment
of this institution. After careful investigation, and at
the earnest request of the Directors of the new museum,
it has been decided, as will be seen by the accompany-
ing circular of the President, to deposit the Pennsyl-
vania Railroad Company's exhibit in the museum,
under certain conditions, one of which is that the
exhibit shall be installed, as a whole, in a separate hall
which has been assigned for the purpose.
I am directed to advise you of these facts, and, on
behalf of this company, to ask your assistance in pre-
serving the historical value of the exhibit by donating to
the " Penns3dvania Railroad Transportation Exhibit,"
in the Columbian Museum, the objects you kindly con-
tributed to the Pennsylvania Railroad Exhibit at the
World's Fair, and that you return my receipt endorsed
to that effect. It is hoped that you will respond favor-
ably to this request, in which case a label will be attached
to your contribution, containing the statement that it
was donated by you, and due acknowledgement will be
made in a formal receipt, which will be forwarded to
you later. Very respectfully,
Approved : J. E. Watkins.
Thko. N. EIvY, Chief of Motive Poiver.
344 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Columbian Museum of Chicago, Mar. 23, 1894.
Dear Sir — The notice of 3-our contribution of 3^01
exhibit to the Penns^'lvania Railroad collection, in th^
Columbian Museum, has been received in this office.
I assure you of our hearty appreciation of 3'our
kindness in this matter, and convey to you our earnest
thanks for this addition to the collection.
Yours ver}' truly,
E. W. Peabody,
In eharsre P. R. R. Exhibit.
Geo. p. Emswiler, Esq.,
Richmond, Ind.
EARLY RAILROADING.
MEN, LOCOMOTIVES AND CARS, BETWEEN ANDERSON
AND RICHMOND.
Anderson Bulletin.
Whilst Other enterprises have made rapid strides,
and the hand of progress can be seen on ever}" turn, the
railroads have not been asleep in the last forty years.
There is as wide a difference between the railroad
equipments and the mode of railroad management now,
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 345
1 forty years ago, as there is between the fine coach
tHwn on the streets of to-day, and the old wooden axle
arriage of that day. The comparison of one is only
a comparison of the other. To illustrate : The Pan
Handle railroad was constructed from Richmond to
Hagerstown in 1853, extended to New Castle in
1854, and reached Anderson about 1855. The equip-
ments of the road at that time would be a curiosity to
the present generation. The first engine that ever ran
on the road was called the " Swinett." It was a very
small affair, not very much larger than one of the large
traction engines in use now for the purpose of running
threshing machines. It had no pilot or cow-catcher in
front, like the engines of to-day. No coal w^as used in
firing an engine in those days, but wood was used
entirely. The smoke-stack on the Swinett was a very
large affair, spreading out at the top, with a large sieve
covering it, to let the sparks and ashes escape. The
smoke stack was nearly as large as the engine.
The Swinett, coming down the road, presented
much the same appearance of a country boy at a county
fair, with his pap's plug hat on. At night, when she
was steamed and her fire box stuffed full of dry wood,
as she sailed along through the darkness, she left a
string of fire coals streaming over her back like the tail
of a comet, often setting fire to straw stacks, barns and
fences, clearing everything in her way. She had
painted, on the side of her " tender," the picture of a
OIG POEMS AND SKETCHES.
man with a pig under his arm, the tail in his mouth,
and he picking on the pig hke a banjo. Thus it took
its name, "Swinett."
The Swinett had a twin sister that came on the road
about the same time, named the "JuHa Dean." She
was rather smaller than the Swinett, but much hand-
somer, from the fact that her smoke stack was painted
red. As she came sailing along she looked like a sugar
trough with a stove pipe stuck up in the center of it.
She, like the vSwinett, had no pilot or cow-catcher in
front. If either of these engines ever struck a cow, it
was simply a question of which went into the ditch, the
cow or the engine.
The people of those days called a locomotive a
" Bulljine." It w^as a great treat for the youngsters to
go to town on Saturda}' and see the " Bulljine " come
in. After these rude, ill-shaped engines had served
their day, and the road had reached further into the
fields of prosperity', new and more modern engines
were placed in service. Whilst the\' were considered,
in their day, the finest in the land, the}^ would suffer
by comparison with the monsters of to-day.
Every town on the line of the road, of an}^ impor-
tance, was anxious to have an engine named for it.
The officials, of course, in order to please their patrons,
named an engine after the countN'-seats through which
the road passed. There was the New Castle, the
Logansport, the Anderson, and the Chicago, all hand-
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 347
some pieces of machiner}^ for their day. Then there
was the S. Fosdick, the largest engine of its day, named
in honor of some distinguished man ; but of all the
locomotives that ever skipped along the rails of the
Pan Handle railroad, from the time the road was first
begun, up to date, the " Old Hoosier " took the cake.
vShe was the favorite of all engineers who ever traveled
the road. Mark Smith was the engineer who handled
her throttle. He was as much a favorite as was his
engine. Every woman, man and child on the road
knew Mark Smith, and loved him. The Hoosier had
a whistle on it that out-whistled all others. People
used to say that the whistle of the Hoosier, when she
was thrown wide open, would shake the beech-nuts off
the trees along the road.
John Smock was the first engineer who e\^er ran an
engine on the road. He came to the road with the
Swinett, and stayed with it as long as the engine was
in use, and for some time afterward. Smock was a
terrible swearer. It is said that he could curse the old
Swinett until it would begin to move, without fire, water
or steam in it. It w^as his delight to see a team of
horses skip out over a corn-field, along the road, when
scared at the cars. He often blew the whistle when
there was no earthly need of it, just to scare somebody's
horses and see them run.
Among the early engineers on the road was a man
named Skinner. He, for many years, ran the "Old
348 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
Chicago." She was a monster for that day, built for a
passenger run. Extra large drive wheels, with the
gearing or side rods inside of the drivers.
Skinner was an awful man to swear. He made the
air blue when anything went wrong. A man by the
name of Grimes was also an earl}" engineer. He was
an old friend of Jack Daniel's, and visited him a short
time ago.
Tom Clark was the first conductor on the road. He
was a whole team by himself. He knew everybody on
the road, and everybod}^ knew him. He swore, chewed
tobacco, smoked, drank good liquor, and had a good
time generally. He retired many j^ears ago, and lived
on a farm near Richmond, where, it is said, he died
some years ago. There was only one train each w^ay,
from Anderson to Richmond, then. It was a mixed
train of freight and passenger cars. Tom Clark was
the only conductor, and run the whole business. After-
ward separate trains, made up exclusively of passenger
coaches and more conductors, were needed.
Then came Charley Lincoln and Elijah Holland, of
New Castle. ' ' Eige ' ' always wore a blue cloth spike-
tail coat, with brass buttons, with a beautiful growth
of red whiskers, to match. He was a " Dick." Then
there were John C. Huddleston, Thomas, Plimpton,
Muchmore, Billy Patterson, Bogart, and others whose
names are now forgotten. Bogart was a little New^
York dand}' ; looked like he had just come out of a
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 349
band-box. He was unused to Hoosier customs. The
boys along the road used to have lots of fun at his
expense. They kided him in many ways. '=' * -''
John C. Huddleston is still living a retired life in
New Castle, and is^ one of the largest land owners in
Henry county. He has acres and acres of Blue river
bottom land that one can see as they near New Castle
on the Pan Handle train. It looks like the Garden of
Eden. He had his foot cut oif at Knightstown, in i860,
by the cars running over it. It is said he was there on
some political business, and did not want it known, but
the accident brought it out. ^' * *
There was no telegraph line on the road then, and
a conductor had to be " up to snuff " to run a train.
It was no boy's play, in those days, to be a conductor.
The engine "Anderson," named in honor of this
city, done service for several years on the road, and was
a general favorite among railroaders, as well as the
public. She finally ended her existence by suicide,
about the year i860, exploding her boiler while stand-
ing on the track, in the town after which she was
named, while her engineer was eating a lunch in a
small restaurant or lunch room kept by Buff Dehority,
situated near where Wellington's flouring mills now
stand, opposite the Pan Handle depot. She was blown
into fragments. The boiler was completely demolished,
and thrown in all directions. H. J. Daniels, the present
350 POEMS AX J) SKETCHES.
postmaster of Anderson, kept a grain house near there,
and was a witness to the explosion. No one was hurt,
but everybody, for a great distance around, was badly
scared and shaken up.
-^
MISCELLANEOUS SELECTIONS.
CANAL-BOAT TRAINS.
NOVKI. PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD ONCK IN OPERATION.
CARS RUNNING ON LAND AND WATER BETWEEN PHILADELPHIA AND
PITTSBURG.
Editor the Telegram:
In your issue of Saturday you mentioned a project,
once had in view by the people of Richmond, to build a
railroad from this city to Connersville, which, you state,
was to have an ' * equipment different from anything
ever before or since carried into effect," which is
described as a car with "bed" shaped as a canal-boat.
As no date is given, I cannot say such project had
previously been successfully tried, but about twenty
years before the war — while I was attending school in
Chester county, Pennsylvania — it was a daily occur-
rence to see trains on the Columbia railroad which had
the appearance of a half-dozen canal-boats on wheels,
running along at a speed of twenty miles per hour.
352 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
The boats were divided in the center, two cars repre-
senting one boat. These were loaded in Philadelphia,
taken by rail to Columbia — situated on the Susque-
hanna river, about twent}' miles below Harrisburg —
where they were launched into the Pennsjdvania canal,
the two sections coupled together, and from thence
towed to Holida3'sburg, where trucks were again
placed under them and the}' were hauled over what was
known as the Portage railroad to Johnstown, where
the queer craft again took to the water and went by
canal to Pittsburg, at which point the freight was
transferred to boats for all points, from Fort Snelling
on the north to New Orleans on the south, thus
making but one handling of the freight between Phila-
delphia and all towns on the Mississippi river and its
tributaries. These canals and railroads were owned b}'
the State of Pennsylvania, and when, in 1846, applica-
tion was made to the Legislature for a charter for the
Pennsylvania railroad to extend from Harrisburg to
Pittsburg, it was vigorously opposed as a possible
competitor of the State works. The latter, before
man}' years, were purchased by the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company from the State, and the queer-
looking boat-cars ceased to be used.
W. F. Spencer.
Note.— The statement here made b\' Mr. Spencer the author can
fully verify, as he has witnessed the same thing, when a boy, at
Marietta. Harrisburg and Columbia, Pennsylvania, hundreds of times.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 353
OUR NAVY DURING THE WAR.
ONE OF THE MARVELS OF THE AGE. — MONEY VALUE
OF ITS CAPTURES.
[Admiral Porter's Book, 1861 to 1865.]
The growth of our navy was one of the marvels of
the age. It cost the government, in round numbers,
$480,000,000, or $120,000,000 for each year of the war,
$10,000,000 per month, or nearly a third of a million
dollars for every day of the war.
It employed over 600 vessels of war and over
50,000 men, which force greatly exceeded that of an}^
other nation in the world.
It guarded over 7,000 miles of coast, including
baj^s, rivers, etc., effectually preventing the importa-
tion of arms and munitions of war, and so compelling
the earlier exhaustion of the Confederate forces.
It captured the immense number of 1,165 blockade-
runners-, many of which were fine steamers — a ratio
of nearly 300 captures per annum, or almost one each
day during the entire war. The money value of its
captures was at least $60,000,000, or $15,000,000
worth for each year of the war, and $1,250,000 in
value for each month of the war, from first to last.
354 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
It co-operated with the army wherever there was
water enough to float a gun- boat, while on the high
seas our navy covered itself with glory. The river
work of the navy on the Potomac, the York, the James
and the Mississippi, with its branches ; the coast-line
work, from the Chesapeake to the Mississippi, and its
work on the high seas, totally eclipse, in martial valor
and brilliant successes, all other naval achie\'ements of
the world. While histor}' records the names of Fort
Henr}', Fort Donelson, Island Xo. lo, Vicksburg, Port
Hudson, Fort Jackson, Fort vSt. Philip, Fort Sumter,
Charleston harbor. Mobile bay, Hatteras inlet. New
Orleans, Port Royal and Fort Fisher, and a score
more of such famous names, the x\merican navy will
be universally honored ; while such deeds as the
sinking of the Alabama, in square naval battle, will
ever be named among the most brilliant victories of
the age.
It opened the harbors by the perilous work of
removing obstructions, torpedoes, etc., and by utterh'
destroying the hostile batteries which commanded
them. It held in check the hostile elements of many
a city and rural section while a dreaded gun -boat
quietly lay before it ; in short, it displa3'ed heroism of
the noblest type, and made our reputation on the seas
equal that of any nation.
POEMS AND SKETCHES.
355
WAR PRICES IN THE NORTH.
SOME PRICKS CURRENT DURING THE I.ATE WAR.
This list was issued by H. B. Claflin & Co., corner of
Worth, Church and West Broadway, New York, August 27,
1864. "For this hour only, 11 o'clock a. m."
These were net wholesale prices, by the case.
Prints.
Cocheco $0 50
Merrimac 50
Sprague 46
Sprague, Pink and Pur-
ple Frock 46
Sprague, Indigo Blue . 47J
Sprague, German Style 46
Sprague, Turkey Red . 46
Sprague, Solid Colors . 47
Sprague, Buff and Green
Fancy 46
Sprague, Shirting ... 46
Sprague, 4-4 Purple • • 60
American 45
Pacific 46
Dunnell 43J
Lowell, Dark 39
Lowell, Light ... . 31
P. Allen, Shirting ... 4U
Duchess B 38
Wamsutta 39
Arnold 38*
Prints.
Windham Co $0 36
Amoskeag Pink . ... 43
Amoskeag Purple ... 42
Amoskeag Shirting . . 41
Amobkeag Ruby ... 42
Mallory Purple .... 42
Rhode Island ..*... 38
Suffolk 41
Richardson, Freeman
c^ Co 39
Gamer Swiss 42
Eagle and Neptune . . 32
Cohoes Falls, Etc. . . 25
York and Amoskeag
Mourning 40^
London and Atlantic
Mourning 43
Ginghams.
Roanoke 40
Hampden 40
Lancaster 48*
Everett 474
356
POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Delaines.
High Colors $0 60
Armures bl\
All Dark 55
All Wool . . . . 72, 75 to 85
Apron Checks.
Hamilton 45
Whittenden 52*
Star, 4-2 55 and 60
Star, 2-2 52J
WasJiington 52 j
Stripe Shirtings.
Pittsfield
Hudson River ....
Thorndike
Anchor
FrankUn, A. C. A. . .
Uncasville, Light and
Dark 57A and 58i
35
36
41
42^
42.^
Furniture Checks.
Park Mill^:, Heavy
Columbia Mills . .
Star Mills ....
Star Mills, Red . .
Kirkland Mills . .
Hancock Mills . .
AVashington, Xo. 80
Wamsutta ....
Lanark Brown, Xo. 3
Lanark Brown, Xo. 2
Marlboro Stripes . .
Hartford Co
$0 57i
45
55
Qb
40
55
50
45
42J
071
1
2
37^
Ticks.
Pemberton Red Awn-
ing
72^
Pemberton X Blue
Awning $0 75
Franklin, A. C. A. . . 62^
Merrimac 62|
Hampden 39
Pittsfield 35
Hudson River .... 36
Massachusetts .... 42^
Canton Flannel.
Hamilton, X F. Brown 75
Roanoke, A. A. Brown 44
Xaumkeag, A. A. Brown 77^
Xaumkeag, Bleached . 80
Portland, Bleached . . 72i
Colored Corset Jeans.
Pepperell SO 60
Lewiston 45
Androscoggin .... 43 j
Indian Orcharde . . . 43^
Newmarket 43^
Denims.
Hudson River Brown . 40
Madison Brown . . . 46^
Warren Brown .... 55
Oxford Brown .... 52 J
Xew Creek Blue . . . 42*
Idaho Blue 46^
Franklin, A. C. A., Blue 48
Massachusetts Blue . . 50
Merrimac Blue .... 60
Xaumkeag Blue ... 60
Haymaker Blue ... 70
Brown Shirtings.
Boot H, 7-8 47^
Boot 0, 4-4 54
POEMS AND SKETCHES.
357
Boot S, 9-8 . . .
Nashua D, 4-4 .
Pacific E, 7-8 . .
Pacific L, 4-4 . .
Atlantic E, 7-S .
Atlantic L, 4-4
James, 7-8 . . .
D wight A, 4-4 .
Newmarket A, 4-
Great Falls S, 7-8
Great Falls M, 4-4
Pepperell 0, 7-8
Pepperell R, 4-4
Salisbury R, 4-4 ,
Hamilton A A, 4-4
Brown Shp:etin{
All Standards, 4-4 . .
m
Rittsfield, 3-4
45
Atlantic E, 4-4 . . . .
63
Atlantic R, 4-4 . . . .
67J
Ethan Allen C, 4-4 . .
52J
Canestogo No. 1, 7-8 . .
50
Burlington X, 4-4 . . .
b-lh
Little Falls D
55
Nashua A
70
$0 60
60
57^
62
57J
62
52*
55
57J
55
56
60
60
47*
LiNSEYS.
Park No. 65 87|
Park No. 45 65
Park No. 35 60
All Wool Filling ... 75
Rob Roy 67^
AVamsutta 67^
Jeff'erson 57^
Royal Oak 53
White Rock
7-8 Bleached Cottons.
Portsmouth F . . . . $0 42^
Pawnee A A 50
Canagua River H . . . 38^
Arctic A 40
Walthara X 55 ... . 55
Nipunic 38 38
Edward Harris .... 50
Blackwater 45
Boote O 52^
Langdon 55
Bleached Corset Jeans.
Pepperell $0 60
Amoskeag ..... 52 j
Androscoggin 45
Lewiston 45
Bates 45
4-4 Bleached Cottons.
New York Mills . . . . $0 77*
Masonville 70
Androscoggin ..... 71
Wauregan AVater Twist 74
Langdon 63
White Rock 74
Black Rock 65
ArkwrightW^ater Twist 72.]
Dwight, D (S^
Hill's Semper Idem . . 65
Bartlett 65
Durham 62]
Hope 61
Kensington 50
Commonwealth, U. . . 48
Wauregan, Extra, X X 58*
Wauregan, F 55
358
POEMS AND SKETCHES.
Eldon $0 45
Plainfield, A 44
Seneca Mills .... 50
Wanhoo, A 49
Narraganset 48^
Chattanooga, A .... 50
Reynolds, A 50
Chanmont 485
Newburyport 60
Colored Cambric, Etc.
Colored Cambric, 26^, 27J, 30
Paper Cambric, 25, 31 and 32i
Victory Silisias .... 45
Lonsdale Silisias . . . 43^
Shirting and Pillow Case,
Bleached.
10-4 Pepperell . . . . SI 60
9-4 Pepperell .... 1 50
8-4 Pepperell .
. $1 32|
6-4 Pepperell .
. 1 00
0-4Waltham .
. 1 55
9 4 Waltham .
. 1 45
8-4 Waltham .
. 1 30
6-4 Waltham .
97|
9-8 Waltham .
65
5-4 Langdon . -
72i
5-4 Androscoggin
78
9-4 Monadnock .
1 35
0-4 Monadnock, Brow
nl 37
Spool Cotton, Etc.
Coates' Spool Cotton,
(5 off ) $2 00
Willim antic (5 off ) . . 1 50
Worsted Braid, No. 53,
(5 off) 1 87^
Dry goods, wool shawls, dress goods, blankets, cloths,
cassimeres, satinetts, cloakings, cloaks and mantillas, Ken-
tucky jeans, notions, white goods, hosiery, lace goods, boots
and shoes, all as low as circumstances and the times will allow.
Goods are still advancing in price. Your orders — for
which I shall be obliged — will receive j^rompt attention.
B. Bark.
POEMS AND SKETCHES.
359
WAR PRICES IN THE SOUTH,
WITH A DKPRECIATKD CURRENCY.
Mrs. Jefferson Davis, in her Memoirs, gives the following
extract from the diary of Col. Miller Owens, of the Washington
Artillery, during the last war. Made on a trip from Richmond,
Virginia, to Augusta, Georgia, in March and April, 18(>5.
1865. PRICE.
March 11 To meal on the road $ 20 00
March 17 To cigars and bitters 60 00
March 20 To hair-cutting and shave 10 00
March 20 To one pair eye glasses 135 00
March 20 To candles 50 00
March 23 To coat, vest and pants 2,700 00
March 27 To one gallon whiskey 400 00
March 30 To one pair pants 700 00
March 30 To one pair cavalry boots 450 00
April 12 To six yards linen 1,200 00
April 14 To one ounce sul. quinine 1,700 00
April 14 To two weeks' board 70 00
April 14 Bought $60 gold 6,000 00
April 24 To one doz. Catawba wine 900 00
April 24 To shade and sundries 75 00
April 24 To matches 25 00
April 24 To one pen knife 125 00
April 24 To one package brown Windsor soap ... 50 00
In July, 1862, the farmers of the South were selling eggs
(which now bring but ten or twelve cents per dozen) for a
dollar; potatoes for $6 per bushel; chickens, 57 cents to $1
o
60 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
apiece ; butter, 75 cents to $1 per pound ; cabbage, 50 cents to
75 cents per head. By November they were getting $15 a
barrel for their corn, and $4.50 per bushel for their wheat. In
Febr^iary, 1863, prices had risen to a figure that, as one writer
puts it, "must fairly make the modern farmer's mouth
water: " chickens were $12 a pair, and bacon S8 — not a barrel,
but a pound! But in 1864, "wealth beyond the dreams of
avarice was," the same writer continues, " pouring in on the
farmer." Flour then brought $300 per barrel ; a turkey
would fetch $60 ; white beans sold for S75 per bushel, and
milk $4 a quart. By 1865 the amount of money that a farmer
could obtain for his products was almost incalculable. He
could name his own price, and the supply of money was
inexhaustible. Xever before had the farmers of this or any
other country so much money in their pockets ; in fact, their
pockets were not large enough to hold it, and it was said that
people took their money to market in their baskets, and
brought home their purchases in their pockets.
efi)
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 361
COTTON MATHER AND THE "FRIENDS."
We are often reminded of the good old times, when
men were better than they are now, but we seldom get
a glimpse of those better times that we do not rejoice
to have escaped them and had our lot cast in the
degenerate da3's of the present. We do not believe
that the world was ever better than at present. In
government and religion, we think there has been, all
the time, a stead}^ advance toward the higher and
better, and that the whole people occupy a much
higher plane, in morals and virtue, than ever before.
Governments are more observant of the rights of the
citizen, and the churches more tolerant and more in
harmony with the teachings of their great founder
than they were ever before known to be. We are led
to this moralizing by the recent publication, for the
first time, of the following letter, written by Cotton
Mather, two hundred years ago. The letter is as
follows :
September, 1682.
To ye Aged and Beloved John Higghison:
There be now at sea a shippe (for our friend EHas Hold-
craft, of London, did advise me by the last packet that it
would sail some time in August) called "Ye Welcome"
(R. Green was master), which has aboard a hundred or more
362 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
of ye heretics and malignants called Quakers, with W. Penn,
who is ye scamp at ye head of them. Ye General Court has
accordingly given secret orders to Master Malachi Huxett, of
ye brig " Porpoise," to waylay ye said " Welcome," as near ye
coast of Codd as may be, and make captives of ye Penn and
his ungodly crew, so that ye Lord may be glorified, and not
mocked on A^e soil of this new countrv with ve heathen
worships of these people. Much spoil can be made by selling
ye whole lot to Barbadoes, where slaves fetch good prices in
rumme and sugar, and we shall not only do ye Lord great
service l;>y punishing ye wicked, but shall make gaine for his
ministers and people.
Yours, in ye bowels of Christ,
Cotton Mather.
Had this scheme, which was so earnesth' approved
by the good and reverend Mr. blather, been successful,
and William Penn and his colony of Quakers been
captured and traded to the Barbadoes for slaves —
taking rum and sugar in return — we scarce!}' believe
the generation of to-da}' would approve it as glorifying
the Lord or as a credit to the church.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 368
THE OPTIMIST.
If ' ' crime ' ' is the most terrible word which has
ever been coined by the Hps of man, " ennui " is the
most pathetic.
When we read in Gibbon that ' ' neither business nor
pleasure nor flattery could defend Caracalla from the
stings of a guilty conscience ; and he confessed, in the
anguish of a tortured mind, that his disordered fancy
often beheld the angry forms of his father and his
brother rising- into life to threaten and upbraid him," a
shudder runs through our hearts.
When we read what Septimus Severus (who rose
from an humble station to the imperial throne) said,
** Omnia ful et nihil expedit," " I have been all things,
and all was of little value," a tear dims our eyes.
' ' Ennui has made more gamblers than avarice, more
drunkards than thirst, and as many suicides as despair. ' '
There is a Persian proverb which says : ' * When
men, passing by a newly made grave, shall say, ' Would
God I were there,' the end of the world is nigh."
It is an intolerable thought, that, in this world of
wondrous beauty and infinite mystery, the human
spirit can ever suffer from mental weariness produced
364 POEMS A XV SKETCHES.
by satiet\', and from feelings of tedium and disgust.
But such is the case, and ennui is the baneful shadow
that dogs the heels of an advancing civilization.
It is the fruit of disease or of dissipation. When
life rushes in full tides through the veins, and tingles
in the heart, it transforms a desert to a garden without
effort, as do gushing streams of water. Beware, those
of the impaired digestion, the hacking cough, the feeble
pulse I But dissipation is more fatal than disease. The
overfed stomach spurns imperial delicacies. The glutted
imagination revolts at rainbows. ' * Enough is as good
as a feast," and " too much " is the death of desire.
Didst thou say : " My food has lost its flavor, and
the great world its beauty?" Thou fool, thou hast
ruined th}' palate and perverted thy vision ! Rye bread
and goat's milk is still "ambrosia" to the hungry
swain, and lovers and poets are still intoxicated by the
potent spells of nature.
It is no wonder that ennui spreads like a pestilence,
when little children are stuffed and surfeited with all
the luxuries that mone}- can buy, so that, while they
are still in their teens, the}' have tasted ever}' pleasure
and jaded every sense. We make our children drunk
with luxuries. We stupify their souls with beauty, as
wicked mothers do their senses with beer.
What further charm do you expect existence to have
for a man who, before he has reached his majority, has
quaffed the cup of life to its dregs? If you find no
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 365
pleasure in life, do not blame the world. It is still
beautiful, and still fills normal souls with rapture.
However soft and sweet and caressing a summer breeze
may be, it cannot evoke music from an aeolian harp
whose strings are broken.
The same universe which made the essays of Hazlitt
murmur with pain, and those of Amiel with sadness,
evoked undying strains of hope from those of Emerson.
There have been men to whom the morning sun,
the evening stars, the songs of birds, the bloom of
flowers, the laughter of children, were as full of mys-
terious charm and resistless benediction, when their
hairs were white with the snows of life's last winter, as
when they whipped the mountain stream for trout, or
strummed the light guitar beneath a moonlit window.
Charlks F. Goss.
THE CHIEDREN OF THE DESERT.
A Syrian's description of the manners and
CUSTOMS OF A ROMANTIC RACE.
[ Courier -Journal Interview, October, 1885.]
In conversation with a party of Syrians, at the
Exposition, one of them gave to a reporter an account
of the Bedouins — that mysterious people who have
inhabited the desert of the Orient and lived in a
366 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
nomadic state for centuries. Their origin is veiled in
obscurity, and is older than any civilization. They
are as much a distinct and peculiar race as the Jews,
and have manners and customs, governmental and
domestic, that characterized them before the time of
the Genghis Kahn, or Tamerlane. The Syrian, who
spoke of them, said :
* ' The}' number about half a million of different
tribes. They never dwell under a stationar}' roof, but
live in movable tents, the fabric of camel hair or goat
hair, as the tribe is opulent or indigent. They roam
the desert, remaining in a place only as long as the
pasturage continues sufficient for their flocks and
herds. Each tribe is governed by a sheikh, who has
autocratic power over life, liberty and property. Some
of the tribes are powerful, and number as many as
15,000 tents, and none less than 200 tents. They are
governed by no w'ritten law, but are subject, alone, to
the will and conscience of the sheikhs, who pay but
slight regard to El-Koran. Their wealth is estimated
according to the number of their cattle, and their
power according to the number of their horses. Theirs
are the finest horses on the globe, and the}' the best
riders. Their care and attention for their horses equal
the affection of a tender Christian father for his
offspring.
' ' The children of the desert are remarkably quick
and intelligent. Their sense of sight is wonderfully
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 367
acute, and equal to a field-glass of considerable power.
They excel the American Indian in the pursuit of
stolen or strayed cattle, horses or camels, and can
trace them for hundreds of miles across the desert,
even though immense caravans have traveled the
same paths.
" They are proverbial for their hospitality. I lived
with them for four years, and they were necessary to
me in protecting my silk farms, some hundreds of
miles in the interior from Damascus. The}^ would
protect and guard a guest from harm at the expense of
their lives and fortunes. Their tents are a sanctuary
for any man, no matter what his crime, who invokes
their protection. If the host be sheikh or shepherd, it
is all the same — the whole tribe would spill the last
drop of blood in defense of the guest, though he were
the lowest outcast and most miserable beggar that
claimed asylum. Breach of hospitality is the greatest
of crimes, and they look upon it with emotions of
horror. Whoever eats of their salt or their bread, or
drinks of their pucketo, or ties a handkerchief to the
cord of their tent, is their brother forever. If one's
enemy re-captures him after being their guest, they
will fight for him to death, or pay their last maravedi
for a ransom, though it beggar the clan.
"To enemies, on the other hand, they giv^e no
quarter, and in battle they are as savage as they are
brave, and commit deeds of atrocity in the hour of
368 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
victon' that makes humanity shudder. The}' celebrate
their victory by feats of horsemanship, on the part of
the males, and dances and songs b}' the females, con-
cluding with a sword dance, in which both sexes
participate and in which all are exceedingly expert.
"A Bedouin is never separated from his horse.
He claims that his horse is part of his life, and the
purer strains have never been sold from the tribes.
All the gold of Ophir, all the jewels of Golconda,
could not purchase one of the fine strains of noble
horses which they possess, and whose purity has been
undefiled with colder blood for centuries. Their
horses are not large, but exquisitely proportioned for
speed and endurance. To strike, or misuse, or speak
harshh^ to a horse, is sacrilege in their cN^es. The
horse never permits a stranger to touch him, and
repays his master's kindness with more than filial love
or human gratitude. It is a common feat for one of
these horses to run one hundred miles, with a speed
equal to the finest Kentucky thoroughbred when
making his best time on your race-course.
"The Bedouins subsist on milk, fruits, dates and
the flesh of their herds and flocks. I have drank
coffee in Constantinople and at Paris, and have imbibed
the wine of C3'press and of Portugal, but the coffee as
made by these children of the desert is the most
delicious beverage that ever greeted my palate, and it
is worth a journey to Syria to drink a single cup. ' '
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 369
CHRONOLOGY OF PLANTS.
[ St. Louis Globe- Democrat.]
Indian corn is American. First noticed in 1493.
The rye-plant is noted in Chinese history B. C. 500.
Arrowroot is Central American. Mentioned in
1537-
Tobacco is American. Described by Spaniards in
1495-
The magnolia is a North American, First described
in 1688.
Buckwheat is of Siberian origin. First mentioned
in 1436.
The pumpkin is Mexican and African. Described
in 1527.
Kidney or Lima beans are native in Peru. Described
in 1512.
Spinach is from New Zealand. Brought to Europe
in 1687.
The pear is mentioned by Homer in the Iliad
B. C. 962.
Beans and peas were mentioned in Chinese history
B. C. 2700.
Barley is an Asiatic. Mentioned in the Bible
B. C. 1900.
370 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
The onion is from India. Mentioned in the Bible
B. C. 157 ^ •
The oHve is an Asiatic. Mentioned in the Bible
B. C. 1900.
Flax is mentioned on the Eg3"ptian monuments at
least B. C. 2000.
The potato is North American. Taken to England
by Raleigh, 1585.
The apricot is SN'rian. It was known to the
Romans A. D. 30.
The beet is mentioned b}- Romans, as a table
dainty, A. D. 126.
Oranges grow wild in China. Described in Chinese
history A. D. 200.
The peach — Persian apple — was mentioned by
Romans B. C. 237.
Cotton grows wild in India. ^Mentioned by Theo-
phrastus B. C. 350.
Apples were known to the Greeks B. C. 900 ; to
Romans, B. C. 500.
The pineapple is an Am.erican plant. First noted
by Spaniards, 1498.
Rice is indigenous to China. Well known in that
country' B. C. 2800.
About 1 , 800 varieties of roses have been propagated
during this centur^^
The sugar-cane is native to India. Sugar used as
medicine A. D. 600.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 371
The potato was taken to Spain and Italy b}^ the
Spaniards, about 1525.
The banana is found wild in Asia and America.
First described in 15 16.
The tomato is American. First called "love-
apple" and noted 1549.
Pliny, A. D. 60, mentions seventy varieties of
plums as known in Italy.
The walnut grew in Armenia from the earliest
times. Known B. C. 400.
The grape is found in all parts of the world. Men-
tioned in the Bible B. C. 3500.
The first coffee plants in America planted in
Surinam, by the Dutch, in 17 18.
Wheat is an Asiatic. Grown by the Chinese B. C.
2700. Called the '' gift of God."
The hop vine grows wild all over Europe. German
beer noted by Tacitus, A. D. 100.
The fig is universal in all tropical climes. Leaves
mentioned in the Bible B. C. 4000.
Mushrooms grow wild in all parts of the earth, and
are as plentiful in Siberia as in the tropics.
372 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
SHELLS, FOSSILS AND FLOWERS.
O, give me shells, bright, beautiful shells,
From the ocean's depths below ;
And fossil forms, from the seas of eld,
Where the matchless corals grow.
For I love them much, and their age is such
As belongs to the strange and old ;
They've a nameless charm that delights me more
Than the radiance wrought of gold.
So love I flowers, fair, beautiful flowers.
On the brow of the bride to twine ;
The}^ please me well, their entrancing spell
Enchants with a sense divine.
I love all these — thej^ were formed to please.
And prove that a law, supreme,
Has made not onh' the shell and flower,
But the earth and the sun's bright beam.
We thank thee, Father, Almighty of all.
For the glorious gifts we see ;
And trust, in time, when we pass from hence,
We may always dwell with Thee.
JAXL'ARY 29, 1897.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 373
TRAVEL.
NOTES BY THE WAY.
On the morning of May 25th, 1896, amidst a
pouring rain', the writer left home with the purpose of
making a tour of some of the more interesting portions
of the East and its principal cities. The program
included Niagara Falls and Boston, which he did not,
finall3% reach, as the time set apart for his stay would
have been too greatly exceeded for the interest of busi-
ness, awaiting his return. For his companion he had
Miss Belle May, an interesting and intelligent young
lady of eleven — who, though so young, bore her
absence from home and friends, during our thirty
days' stay, remarkably well, and was greatly interested
in whatever we saw that was novel or new, and was
readily reconciled to whatever change of circumstance
or place might bring about.
Our first stop was at Pittsburg and Allegheny City,
where we remained some three or four days, making
our home at the Saint Charles Hotel, where we found
pleasant quarters, good fare and agreeable people.
During our stay here we industriously sought out all
the objects of interest, and traversed the two cities from
374 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
center to circumference, crossing the rivers, ascending
the hills, and visiting parks and public buildings.
Both cities are well worthy the tourist's attention.
Pittsburg is a city of some 200,000 souls, and is one of
the greatest manufacturing centers in the world.
Situated at the confluence of the Allegheny and
Monongahela rivers, and surrounded, as it is, by lofty
hills, it is exceedingly picturesque ; while at least
three inclined planes are constantly employed in con-
ve34ng passengers and freight to their elevated sum-
mits. To witness the ascent or descent of the cars
upon these cable roads — constructed at an angle of
some fort\'-five degrees — is reall}' awe-inspiring. Two
of these lines are above six hundred feet in length,
and one ascends more than thirteen hundred feet
skyward. Even these hill-tops are now denseh' popu-
lated, and well built. The view afforded from above
is ver3' fine, indeed.
A citizen whom I met at one of the parks in
AUeghen}^ City told me he had known Carnegie for
man\' j^ears, and that he commenced life as an assistant
to his father, who was a carpet weaver, in very humble
circumstances, and that his home was the merest
apology for a cabin. Here, then, is another evidence
that poverty, alone, is no bar to the greatest success,
provided talent and energy are combined in the indi-
vidual. No pinnacle is so lofty but ambition and
perseverance ma}' reach it.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 375
Our second stop was made at Harrisburg, Pennsyl-
vania, where we were nicely cared for at the Herschey
House. We soon began to make the acquaintance of
this old capital (laid out in 1787) of a grand old
State, and found many points of interest to occupy the
time of our brief stay. Among the lesser incidents,
which struck me first, was the fact that such a thing
as a " tan " shoe was an exceeding rarity, creating in
my mind — erroneously, perhaps — the impression that
Eastern people get up styles for Western markets, the
like of which they never adopt at home. The people
with whom we came in contact were remarkably kind
and obliging. Industry and thrift are manifest on
every hand, but that " up-to-date " condition of things,
so omnipresent in "smart" Western towns, is not to
be seen. We saw fewer fine carriages, and other sim-
ilar vehicles, in a population of sixty thousand souls,
than Richmond, with its twenty and odd thousand
inhabitants, can boast. The people appear to be less
given to style and display than we of the West. In
our wanderings about town, we saw many handsome
residences and other evidences of w^ealth and comfort,
but did not think their stores and business blocks,
generally, were the equal of many in some of our
smaller Western towns. When a boy, from the age
of twelve to fifteen, I had resided here, and in those
halcyon days spent many a happy hour upon the bosom
of the romantic Susquehanna, which was then spanned
376 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
by a single wooden bridge, covered, and projected from
the citj^'s side to a near-by island, and continued from
the farther side to the shore be^'ond, possibly three-
quarters of a mile in its total length. On the hither
side, near its entrance, stood a rude rock monument,
nearly as nature formed it, bearing upon its face an
equally rude inscription, informing the curious in such
matters that the structure was begun in 1813 and
completed in 1S17, and that Theodore Burr was the
builder, at a cost of $192,138. Those dates and the
inscriptions we had faithfuU}' remembered during all
these intervening years, and found them precisel}^ as
we had left them, both in fancy and in fact.
Strolling along the river's bank, one afternoon, we
came upon a lone grave, surrounded b}^ a very high
and substantial iron fence. The gate being ajar, we
entered, and read, upon a plain headstone of marble,
the following inscription :
" 'A Cruce Salus.'
" John Harris, of Yorkshire, England, the friend of
Mr. Penn, and father of the founder of Harrisburg.
Died December, 1748, in tlie communion of the
Church of England."
In the midst of one of the now busiest quarters of
the cit3^ stands a soldier's monument, one hundred and
ten feet high, which is said to have cost eighteen thous-
and dollars, with the following inscription upon a large
stone tablet: "To the soldiers of Dauphin county.
POEMS AND SKETCHES. '611
who gave their hves for the hfe of the Union, in the
war for the suppression of the rebelhon, 1861-1865.
Erected by their fellow citizens, 1869."
Of the churches, none impressed me more than did
"Grace M. E. Church," a very pretentious and mas-
sive pile of stone, erected in 1871. The old "State
House " still stands as I knew it when a bo}^ with very
little change, except that an addition has been made to
it, to increase its capacity.
While stopping at Harrisburg, we concluded to
spend a day at Gettysburg, and on the morning of May
29th took passage on a train for that noted and ever
memorable battle ground ; the distance from Harrisburg
is about forty miles, so that the visit could be easily made
in a day. The country intervening, no pen can describe,
for beauty of landscape and perfection of cultivation —
the fancied paradise of the faithful could scarely rival
it. Gettysburg is a beautiful little city, beautifully
located, having some good hotels, residences, and pub-
lic buildings, claiming a population of some thirt^^-five
hundred inhabitants. We were fortunate in making
the acquaintance of Mr. Jno. E. Hughes, proprietor of
the " City Hotel," for we found in him a thorough
gentleman. He furnished us with a team of horses and
a guide, who had been a soldier and was thoroughly
posted in matters military, to drive us over the grounds,
and point out and explain the many localities and objects
of interest, which he did, it seemed to me, as only he
378 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
could do it. The extent of the grounds occupied by
troops was many times greater than I had supposed,
as \^ou may judge, when I state that it required the
better part of half a day to drive us over and around
them. Many evidences of the contest still remain, in
the way of shot and shell, which have left their impress
on many of the older houses and trees of the vicinity.
The army of the Potomac, at Gettysburg, was composed
of 249 regiments of infantry, 39 regiments of cavalry,
and 72 batteries of artillery ; in all, 360 organizations.
The Confederate army was composed of 183 regiments of
infantr}^, 30 of cavalry, and 67 batteries, a total of 280
organizations, containing a greater number of troops
than the Union forces. The Union losses were 23,003.
There is no official data of the Confederate losses at
Gettysburg, but it is known to be far greater than the
Union forces. New York and Pennsylvania lost most
heavily, the former 6,705, and the latter 5,876 ; Indiana,
552. The monuments erected to noted persons, and
marking important positions and events, number about
400, some of which were very expensive. The govern-
ment intends to convert the grounds into a beautiful
public park, and to that end has appropriated money to
construct sixt}^ miles of drive-way, at a cost of $5,000
per mile.
Arrived at Baltimore Saturday, May 30, at 6: 00 p.m. ,
we found first-class accommodations at the " Eutaw
House." On the following day, which was Sunday,
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 379
pursuing the bent of our inclinations for sight-seeing,
we wended our way, first, to " Druid Hill Park," and
could scarcely have done better, even had we been wor-
shipfuUy inclined, and gone to church ; for we found
it a magnificent place, extensive and beautiful, crowned
and adorned with native forest trees, such as oaks, elms,
maples, ash, etc., which reminded me, forcibly, of
Bryant's beautiful lines, " the woods were God's first
temples." And here were walks, and drives, and lakes,
and lawns, and statuar}^ and inviting seats, and shade
and sunshine, and refreshing breeze, with every com-
fort and accommodation the heart could ask or wish.
And do you ask if there were also * ' cyclists ' ' in the
park? Aye, a thousand within sight, of both sexes,
and all sizes and conditions. The merriest, happiest
throng you ever saw. " The woods were God's first
temples," and the parks and the groves are the paradise
of mortals here below. Let every human being get
out and go forth to the woods and the fields and the
streams, and read and enjoy the glorious, open book of
Nature — acquire its secrets, and be happy.
During our stay in Baltimore, we visited several
other breathing places of this beautiful city, the best of
which was " Patterson Park ; " it was also adorned with
trees and walks, and lakes and fountains, and great
vases and statuary, and an elevated "look-out," from
the top of which an extended view of the country, round
about, was to be had. The city has many objects of
380 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
interest, and miles of magnificent residences, all con-
structed of brick, with basements and steps of pure
white marble, which are daily scrubbed and scoured
until they seem as immaculate as a soul just shrived
from sin.
From Baltimore we departed for a brief sojourn at
the capital of the greatest republic on earth — Wash-
ington City — and which now boasts a population of
more than 200,000 souls. In point of beauty and
completeness, it is the realization of a dream. Its
streets, its parks, its drives, its monuments, its stat-
uary, its museums, its galleries of art, its public
buildings and libraries, its stateh' residences, and
countless other objects of interest, must be seen to be
appreciated ; no pen can adequately describe them , and
mine dare not attempt the task. During our sta}^ we
ascended the towering Washington monument — to the
height of five hundred feet ; visited the navj^'-yard,
where we saw great guns, thirt}' feet in length,
" rifled," and the outer surface turned off as we might
turn a piece of wood. We also, witnessed the transfer
of some of these monster guns by what was termed a
"traveling crane," extending across the building an
hundred feet or more, resting upon wheels at either
end, reminding one of a railway truck upon the track.
To the body of this truck, or carriage, or "crane,"
was suspended the object to be transferred, by some
powerful contrivance, and in a few moments it was
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 381
raised aloft and on its journe}' to some distant part of
the building, drifting along, over the heads of men and
machinery, like a thing of life — dangerous in seeming,
but evidentl}' safe, to all below.
We next climbed the steps of the capitol, and
strolled through its halls, and rooms, and chambers,
and galleries, and corridors ; admired the rotunda, the
paintings and statuary ; reverenced the master mind
capable of conceiving and executing such a wonderful
temple to Liberty, and beneath the shadow of its wings
were awed — we wondered, and admired, and retired.
On Sunda}', June 7th, we joined an excursion to
"Bay Ridge," Maryland — on the shores of Chesa-
peake Bay, some fift}' miles northeast of Washington.
The place proved to be a most beautiful and attrac-
tive summer resort. Bathing was indulged in by
many, while various modes of entertainment were
provided for the multitude preferring other means of
recreation. The beach was especially attractive to the
writer, as it is one of the very few that is both sandy
and pebbl}^, many of the pebbles being beautifully
rounded by the action of the waves, and either a pure
white or semi-transparent :
So that — like a child, in its merriest glee —
They all became pearls and jewels to me.
Rarely, indeed, has it been my good fortune to
spend a few hours more happily than on that beautiful
Sunday afternoon upon the beach at " Ba}' Ridge."
382 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
We next visited " Mount Vernon," the home of
Washington. It is situated on the west bank of the
Potomac, sixteen miles below the capital. The trip,
by steamer, is delightful. On the way down we passed
the Government arsenal, the Government hospital for
the insane, the city of Alexandria ; a light-house, on
"Jones' Point;" "Fort Foote," on the Mar3'land
shore ; and Fort Washington, about twelve miles below
the city — from this point the visitor gets the first view
of Mount Vernon. The river is here nearly two miles
wide, and the mansion, as seen across the wide stretch
of waters, presents a ver}^ fine appearance. As the
steamer nears the landing, or passes the tomb of
Washington, the bell is tolled. The tomb of Wash-
ington is a plain brick structure, with double iron
gates ; over these, on a marble tablet, are inscribed
the words :
" Within this enclosure rest the remains of
George Washington."
Two antiquated stone coffins are seen within ; the
one facing \o\i is that of the immortal Washington,
and that to the left contains the remains of Mrs.
Washington, and is inscribed :
" Martha, consort of Washington. Died May 21st, J 801,
aged seventy-one years."
The old tomb, where the remains of Washington
rested from his death until 1831, is on the right of the
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 38S
path, some two hundred yards south of the mansion,,
and is the one to which Lafayette paid a visit, in 1824
and 1825. This old tomb is marked "Washington
Famil3^" A tablet, on the iron gate, reads :
" Old Tomb,
"Where Washington's remains rested until 1831.
Tomb restored by Michigan, 1887."
At Georgetown we had pointed out to us the former
residence of Key, the author of the "Star Spangled
Banner " — a two-story brick structure, w^hich may have
been 15 x 50, and extremely plain, and built out even
with the sidewalk, or very nearl}^ so. We were also
shown the cottage of Mrs. South worth, who has prob-
ably written more fiction than any other woman in
America, x^rrived at "Arlington Heights," we were
amazed at its beauty and grandeur. It is now the
resting place of thousands of brave soldiers, who sleep
the last sleep that comes to us all.
" The storm that wrecks the wintry sky,
No more disturbs their sweet repose
Than Summer evening's latest sigh,
That shuts the rose."
Many beautiful and expensive monuments adorn the
place and record the virtues and the daring of the
departed. A large, square monument, near the Lee
mansion, bears the following inscription :
384 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
" Beneath this stone repose the bones of two thousand
and eleven unknown soldiers, gathered, after the war,
from the fields of Bull Run, and the route to the Rappa-
hannock. Their remains could not be identified, but
their names and death are recorded in the archives of
their country, and its grateful citizens honor them as
of their noble armv of martvrs. Mav thev rest in
peace. September, 1866."
The estate is on the Virginia side of the Potomac,
directl}^ opposite the cit3\ It comprises about twelve
hundred acres, and once seen, can never be forgotten.
It was purchased for /^ii,ooo, or about $55,000, b}^
Jno. Custis, the father-in-law of Martha Washington,
earl}' in the eighteenth century. Arlington House is
a noble looking structure, and consists of a central
building, sixt}' feet long, with a portico of eight Ionic
columns. There are two wings, each forty feet long.
In the rear are the slave quarters, kitchen, stable, etc.
The house is constructed of brick, and stuccoed. It has,
near by, a glorious well of sparkling water, deep and cool ,
in which are suspended two oaken buckets, one of which
comes up as the other goes down, for the purest of nec-
tar that nature can 3'ield. The government paid to Mr.
George Washington Custis Lee $150,000 for this prop-
ert3\ The portion of Arlington set apart for the ceme-
ter\^, comprises about two hundred acres. The total
number of bodies interred in the cemeter>^ is over six-
teen thousand, or about a thousand more than at Gettys-
burg. The streets of Washington City are mostl}' paved
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 385
with asphalt, or concrete, and the sidewalks with
cement, and their equal is probably nowhere else to be
found. The colored brother abounds, and the older
ones almost invariably take to the streets when walking.
This custom I suppose to be a relic of anti-bellum days,
when he had few rights a white man was bound to
respect. The younger ones, however, usurp their full
share, and do not hesitate to jostle their white brethren
on the way. Meeting a citizen one day, at a corner
store, while awaiting a car, I made some remarks con-
cerning the splendid condition of their streets and
walks, and said they must certainly be a great boon to
''cyclists." He replied by saying that they certainly
were, and that there were at least 30,000 bicycles in
daily use in Washington City.
On the evening of the 6th of June we had the
pleasure of hearing a two hours' performance by the
" Marine Band," on the lawn in the rear of the Presi-
dent's house. The music, to ni}^ untutored ear, was
simply marvelous, and the attendance of citizens and
strangers very large. Washington offers so many
attractions that months might be spent in the vain
endeavor to exhaust them all, and we left the city with
regret. On the evening of the eighth of June, we took
passage on board a steamer bound for Norfolk, Vir-
ginia, and arrived at our destination about 8 A. m. next
morning. The city is said to be above one hundred
and fifty years old, and the harbor one of the best in
386 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
the world. We saw man}^ large vessels at anchor here.
The population is claimed to be sixty thousand, about
one-third of- whom are negroes. There are many fine
residences here, and man\' other evidences of wealth,
but they are seemingly of a past age. Some good store
rooms are to be seen, but the greater number are not
up to the ideas of a progressive people. The colored
man performs about all the rougher manual labor, raises
immense crops of fruits, vegetables and peanuts, for
home consumption and for shipment abroad. At the
time we were there, we sometimes saw as many as an
hundred men, women and children at work in a single
field. I cannot say whether they generally own the
grounds or not, but the improvements were universally
poor. The black man is a slovenl}^ worker and a
shiftless creature, and his reward is accordingly. We
have seen him drive a buggy into Norfolk with an ox
in the shafts. On a Sunday the young bucks, each with
his ''best girl," may be seen parading the streets in
very good attire. The3^ are also ver}' fond of riding in
the street cars, to the great discomfort of the more fas-
tidious whites.
I neither saw nor heard an^^thing to indicate an
unfriendly feeling toward the North. The war deprived
them of their slaves, and left them stranded and help-
less, for a time, but I doubt not that they have been
gainers in the end, while many a slave, when freed,
was greatly the looser in all but principle. He gained
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 387
his liberty, but assumed new cares and duties for which
he was unprepared. But in time, the balance will doubt-
less adjust itself to the new conditions, and all be better
for the change. While at Norfolk we visited two sum-
mer resorts on the sea-shore, one of which was " Ocean
View," some eight miles from the city; the other was
"Virginia Beach," eighteen miles distant. Each
boasted good hotel accommodations, good bathing
grounds, and such other peculiar inducements as are
usually found at like resorts, in addition to a barren,
sandy beach, redeemed and relieved, to some extent,
by the restless ocean's flow, whose might and majesty
no tongue can tell.
" Roll on, thou deep and dark blue Ocean, roll ;
Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain ;
Man marks thy ruin — his control stops with the shore."
The city of Norfolk is said to be but six feet above
sea level, and in many parts not so much as even three.
The citizens claim a very low death rate, but they have,
nevertheless, a very large cemetery within the corporate
limits.
We saw many handsome women here, but they
were much given to the use of the negro dialect and
inflection. A beautiful and apparently cultured 3^oung
lady would say, in reply to a question, " Yes, sah," or
'' No, sah," as the case might be, and many other like
expressions, borrowed from her colored brother ; but,
388 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
on the other hand, he seems to have profited Httle b}^
association with the whites ; he is too indolent, too
animal and too stupid. The people seemed exceedingly
kind and obHging, but must be ver}' non-progressive, if
it be fair to judge them b}^ what we saw around us.
In a city having three times the population of Rich-
mond, we do not recall the sight of a single new
building in course of construction, except that of a
brewer}' and artificial ice plant. Norfolk was the only
city visited I should not care to see a second time. Its
attractions are few and tame. In m\' opinion, slavery
and the negro have blighted it for all time to come.
The 15th of June, towards evening, found us
snugly quartered at the Windsor Hotel, in Phila-
delphia. We had left Norfolk, b}- rail, via Richmond,
Alexandria, Washington and Baltimore, making four
transfers on the way, in a distance of some three
hundred miles, but were alwa^^s fortunate in close
connections and fast trains. Our hotel was centrally
located — on Filbert street — and consequenth' in the
near vicinit}' of the Broad street station of the Penns}'!-
vania Railroad, the great Cit}' Building, the United
States Mint, Wannamaker's famous store, and sundr}'
other places of note and interest. The cit}' is nearly
six miles wide and twenty-two in length, and covers an
area of more than one hundred and thirtj' square miles.
It has thirtj^-six hundred acres devoted to public parks,
the largest of which is Fairmount, which contains over
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 389
twenty-eight hundred acres. There are three principal
and many smaller ones, and for the past six or seven
years more than $500,000 per annum has been
expended for their improvement. Philadelphia has
always been regarded as a slow city, but it possesses
vast wealth, is well and substantially built of brick,
and to go over it, as we did, by car and cab, and on
foot, and behold its well built and ornate business
blocks and many magnificent residences, one is simply
amazed, and cannot help but w^onder and admire.
The Pennsylvania Railroad depot, at Broad and
Market streets, is a splendid example of modern
Gothic architecture. The main building of the depot
has a frontage of three hundred and six feet on Broad
street, and two hundred and twelve feet on Market.
Beneath it runs Fifteenth street, and on the north side
Filbert street. The train shed is a marvel of engi-
neering skill, for it is a single span of iron and glass,
three hundred and four feet in width, six hundred feet
in length, and one hundred and forty-six and one-half
feet in height, and covers sixteen tracks. More than
twenty million persons are said to enter and leave this
depot by train annually, and this is but one of many
great systems of railways entering this city.
No visit to Philadelphia would be complete without
an inspection of Wannamaker's great store. We were
over it and through it several times during our stay in
the city, and always found it a source of renewed
390 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
interest. The stock on hand is claimed to aggregate
$4,000,000, and it is next to impossible to inspect its
multitude of objects without making a purchase ; we
are not easih' tempted, yet we could not do it. We
feel sure that on one occasion we saw, at least, a
thousand persons on a single floor. Lunch is served,
and mild drinks are to be had b}^ any one applying.
For the convenience of patrons, many waiting, reading
and toilet rooms are provided. No description can
convey a just conception of the place — a visit alone
can do it.
On the morning of June 17th we called at the U. S.
mint, and were soon waited upon by a courteous officer,
who showed us over the establishment, and explained
to us all processes employed in making money, from
the bar to the completed coin, several specimens of
which we brought awa}' with us as souvenirs, which
had been struck while we were present. There is on
display, and in the possession of the mint, one of the
largest and most complete collections of foreign and
American coins in the world, numbering many thous-
ands of pieces, from every part of the habitable world.
The mint was first established in 1792, but the present
building was not erected until 1833. Visitors are
admitted dail}^ from 9:00 a. m. to 12:00, noon, except
Sunday's.
One of the marvels of Philadelphia is its wonderful
City Building, begun in 1871, and not yet completed,
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 391
but which has cost, up to date, $18,000,000, and may
cost several more milHons to complete it. The tower,
which stands at the north extremity of the building, is
five hundred and fifty feet high, and, excepting the
Washington Monument, is the highest building in the
world. The City Hall stands upon Centre or Pennsyl-
vania square. The building is constructed in the form
of a hollow square, with passage ways connecting both
Broad and Market streets. It is four stories high, in
theory, but actually has eight floors, each of which
contains a multitude of rooms, numbering, in the aggre-
gate, nearly eight hundred. The lofty tower is sur-
mounted by a statue of William Penn, of heroic size,
being over nineteen feet in height, and proportioned
accordingly. During the course of our stay in the "City
of Brotherly I^ove," we made it our business, daily, to
traverse its various districts, to the extent of our time
and opportunity, by cab, car, or on foot, and thus
become as familiar as possible with its more interesting
features, and the wonderful magnitude of this great
human hive, where poverty and riches, love and hatred,
happiness and misery, must ever abound.
Our next and objective point was the city of New
York, where we arrived June 19, about noon, stopping
at the " Saint Stephens" hotel, on Eleventh street, near
Broadway, during the remainder of our stay in the
East. The location is most desirable, and the accom-
modations and fare all the most exacting and fastidious
392 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
could ask. The facilities for getting about the city
are, of course, first-class, and the tourist onl}- needs to
know where it is most desirable to go, and acquaint
himself with the best and most convenient means of
attaining the end desired. There are so many objects
of interest in a city so vast, that it is no easy matter for
a novice, in traveling and sight-seeing, to determine
what to see and not to see, or even how to see. At
length, however, one becomes accustomed to his sur-
roundings, and shortl}^ feels at home, even in this mod-
ern Bab3don. Having been a visitor here on many
former occasions (though solel}' in the interest of busi-
ness pursuits), we had, nevertheless, learned something
of its wonders and its devious wa3-s. We were, there-
fore, not long in putting into execution the plans we
had matured. So that, early in the afternoon of the
da}^ of our arrival, we entered a Broadwa}^ car, destined
for Cit}^ Hall Park, the New York terminal of the great
Brooklyn Bridge. Here we ascended a considerable
flight of stairs, which brought us, at length, to a land-
ing or station above, where we, for the second time,
entered a car, which, for a fare of three cents, or five
cents for two persons, promptly transferred us to the
other side of East river, where we, for a third time,
took passage, this time on an elevated train which must
be over thirty feet from the ground, as we were above
the third story of the houses, along the way, and thus
we traversed the city of Brooklyn, in the direction of
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 393
Greenwood Cemetery, our objective point, for several
miles. We had a magnificent view, from our car win-
dows, of the cit}^ and its surroundings, including New
York Harbor and its shipping, and the great Statue of
Liberty. Arrived at our destination, we left our car
and descended by a covered way to the ground, and on
approaching the beautiful and artistic arched entrance
to the cemetery, w^e found a carriage service awaiting
the hourly arrival of sight-seers. We soon engaged
the services of an intelligent and communicative son of
Erin, who, of course, was familiar with all the points
of interest, as his business required him to be. He
convej^ed us over miles and miles of winding ways,
amid this indescribable "city of the dead," whose
beauties and marvels it would be folly to attempt to
describe. The surface is, in many places, undulating,
and every opportunity has been embraced to still further
enhance, by art, that which Nature here so lavishly
bestowed. The original grounds consisted of one hun-
dred and seventy-five acres, which have since been
increased to four hundred and seventy- five acres, the
present dimensions. The first interment was made
September 5th, 1840, and the total number of inter-
ments to January ist, 1894, was 276,577. There is a
receiving vault in the grounds capable of accommodat-
ing 1,500 bodies. The cemetery has seven lakes, of
varying dimensions ; sixty-two hydrants ; twenty miles
of drain tile ; ninety-eight cess pools, and one thousand
o
94 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
two hundred receiving basins. There are five entrances,
the northern or main entrance being at Fifth avenue
and Twentieth street. The interments average eighteen
to twenty per day, or over six thousand per annum.
The monuments, tombs and statuary to be seen here
are truly marvelous, and must excite the wonder and
admiration of ever}^ beholder. The funds of the cor-
poration, on January ist, 1894, amounted to $1,608,743.
Saturda}^ June 20th. This morning we walked from
our hotel, on Eleventh street, near Broadwa}', to Thir-
teenth street, where we entered an omnibus whose trips
terminated near the Sixt3-fifth street entrance to Cen-
tral Park, riding a distance of about six miles for the
trifling fare of five cents each. As at Greenwood Cem-
eterj", so at the park, also, were carriages in waiting to
convey visitors over the grounds, eight hundred acres
in extent, and probabh* the most interesting and thor-
oughly developed place, of its kind, am' American city
can boast. We soon engaged seats in one of the
vehicles, and, with several other passengers in pursuit
of knowledge and objects new, we were driven over
and around this veritable "Garden of Eden" for the
space of more than two hours, amid lakes and foun-
tains, and flowers, and statuary, and bridges, and rocks,
and streams, and lawns, and trees and shrubber\', and
walks and drives, innumerable. Returning, at the end
of the journey, to the point from whence we started,
we alighted, and re-entering the grounds on foot, we
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 395
sought new sights to conquer, and ' * their name was
legion." Among the more important, we may name
two extensive museums, filled with works of art, ancient
and modern ; a zoological garden, embracing many
specimens of bird and beast, from the Arctic regions to
the Torrid zone ; and last, but not least, the Obelisk
of Sienite, brought from Alexandria, in Egypt, in 1880,
at a cost of $75,000 for transportation over a distance
of 5,382 miles. It was erected near the Art Museum,
and consists of a single shaft sixty-nine feet in height,
a pedestal of seven feet, and a base of five, making a
total height of eighty-one feet. The base is seven feet
and eight inches in diameter, and the whole shaft is
covered with hieroglyphics, or picture writing, more
than two thousand years old. On the afternoon of the
same day on which we paid a vivSit to the park, we, in
company with a merchant friend, of our own city, who
was a guest at the same hotel at which we made our
temporary home, took a car to the foot of Broadway,
and from thence a boat to Coney Island, some ten or
twelve miles distant, where we found a great throng of
visitors and pleasure-seekers. Some bathing, many
strolling along the beach, or diverting themselves in
various ways, as inclination led or fancy dictated. Up
to this time, no hotel had opened its portals for the
reception of the "Summer girl " and her mamma. A
little later, however, all would be ready, and the charm-
ing creatures would ' ' dance attendance ' ' to the tune
396 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
of maii}^ dollars a day, to flirt with some brainless fop ;
while papa was still immured in his dingy office, coining
his brain into the almighty "needful," for the main-
tenance of his fashionable butterfly famil}' at the sea-
side.
We found man}' ' ' tricks ' ' and ' ' traps ' ' and
questionable devices here, to lure the unwary into
parting with their hard-earned dimes. The Eastern
"Yankee" seems unusualh^ prolific of schemes, and
is not unfrequentl}^ a counterpart of the spider that
sought to inveigle the fl}'. An3-thing but common,
every-day labor for him — it is degrading, in his eyes,
and, besides, it makes one tired.
While still sojourning at the Saint Stephen's, we
received a kindly invitation from an Israelitish gentle-
man, with whom my merchant friend was acquainted,
to pay a visit to the Hebrew Orphans' Home on the
afternoon of the following day — which was Sunday,
June 2ist — at which time and place he would meet
us, and take great pleasure in showing us through the
institution, which is located, if \\\\ memor}' serves me,
in the vicinity of One Hundred and Twentj-fifth
street, near the banks of the Hudson river. Accord-
ingh^ about 2 : oo p. m. the following day, we sought
a car on the Elevated road, and soon found ourselves
at the portals of this noble charity, cordially greeted
by our new-made friend, who introduced us to the
physician and other officials of the Home. The build-
POEMS AND SKETCHES. ' 397
ing is charmingly located and constructed of brick,
some four stories in height. It consists of two distinct
structures, joined front and rear, having an open court
between, one side being occupied by the boys and the
other by the girls. No child is received into the
institution under five years of age, nor over fourteen.
At the latter age homes and places of business are
provided for them, with respectable and responsible
people, where they may grow up to lives of usefulness
and honor. At the present time there are about five
hundred boys and two hundred and fifty girls being
cared for. The types of the boys were distinctively
Jewish, and, having come from the lower orders, very
few^ were good-looking, though many were bright. Of
the little girls, a considerable number were really
handsome, modest and retiring. On our first entrance
to the place we found about two hundred of the older
boys being drilled in military tactics. We were subse-
quently shown through the school-rooms of both sexes,
and found them graded as in our public schools. Some
were being taught type-writing, others short-hand, and
so on through the various grades, the supreme object
being, as far as possible, to prepare them for the
inevitable "battle of life." We were taken through
every part of the great building, from top to bottom.
Beginning wntli the laundry, we passed into and
through the dining-room, the dormitories, the parlor,
reception rooms, library and office rooms, etc., and
398 . POEMS AND SKETCHES.
we must say, most emphatically, that a better kept,
more tid}'' or more cleanly place, we never saw ; the
management seemed perfect, the children polite,
respectful, orderly and happy. Long may the noble
institution flourish, to do good ! In one of the lower
rooms we saw an exquisite piece of statuary, in Italian
marble, recently donated b}^ a friend of the Home, at a
cost, to him, of $3,000. It was the creation of a native
of Cincinnati, Ohio, now an artist in Ital3\ The piece,
without the pedestal, may be three feet in height, and
represents Pharaoh's daughter holding aloft and at
arm's length the infant Moses. The figure is nude,
and beautiful to a degree rareh^ conceived or executed.
Having now gone over most the ground contem-
plated for the trip, we were not long in preparing for
the return homeward. Accordingly, on Monday, June
22d, we wended our way to the Penns3dvania depot,
where we secured seats and berths in the palace car
" Jouna," of the fast train, Xo. 21, which leaves New
York City at 2:13 p. m. for the west, and on this
swifth' moving car arrived home, in Richmond, the
next day, at 10: 30 A. m., having traversed the inter-
vening distance of eight hundred miles inside of
tw^enty-one hours — after an absence of thirty days —
without an}^ untoward incident or accident, fraught
only with pleasing recollections of agreeable experi-
ences, happier, wiser and better for the outing.
August 14, 1896.
PIONBER DEAD
— OF —
CENTRAL, SOUTHERN AND EASTERN
WAYNE COUNTY.
"• Beneath those rugged elms, that beech tree's shade,
Where heaves the turf, in many a mouldering heap.
Each in his narrow cell, forever laid,
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep.
" Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife
Their sober wishes never learned to stray ;
Along the cool, sequestered vale of life
They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.
" For them, no more, the blazing hearth shall burn,
Or busy Jiousewife ply her evening care;
No children run, to lisp their sire's return.
Or climb his knee, the envied kiss to share."
400 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
FIRST SETTLERS,
WHOSE TIME OF COMING IS DEFINITELY KNOWN, BUT WHOSE PLACE
OF INTERMENT IS NOT.
The earliest immigrants to this neighborhood were princi-
pally from Kentucky, North Carolina and Ohio.
. , N n CAME. DIED. AGE.
Richard Rue. i?>.uf^..E'^/\'-r-- • • . C^'' ■ 1805 .' . . . .
George Holman 1805 1859 99
Joseph AVoodkirk 1805 ... 90
Benjamin Hill 1806 ... 70
Robert Hill 1806 1850 80
John Smith 1806 1838 82
Ralph Wright 1807 ■ . . 94
John McLane 1810 1838 81
James Pegg . 1814 1839 71
Thomas Moore 1815 1839 93
John Pegg 1813
William WiUiams 1814 1824 61
John Wright 1821 1838 76
Jeremiah Cox 1806 1826 75
John Morrow 1808 1825 60
Andrew Hoover 1806 1834 83
Thomas Roberts 1840 81
Cornehus RatlifF, iSr 1810 ... 70
John Burgess 1808 ... 70
Andrew Morrow 1809
John Townsend* 1853 90
John Addington 1806 ... 90
Mrs. Addington (mother of John) .... 1806 ... 103
Jacob Meek 1806 1842 90
John Hawkins. 1807 ... 75
POEMS AND SKETCHES.
401
CAME. DIED
Ephraim Overman 1807
Thomas McCoy 1805
Joseph Wasson (Revolutionary soldier) . . 1806
Peter Fleming 1807
James Alexander 1807
Jacob Foutz 1806
Valentine Pegg 1809
Benjamin Small 1807
Richard Williams 1814
David Hoover 1806
Samuel Charles 1812
John Charles 1809
William Blunk, or Blount 1805
1866
1840
AGE.
80
85
75
80
85
80
80
85
91
PIONEER DEAD,
WHOSE TIME OF COMING IS NOT KNOWN.
EARLHAM CEMETERY
DIED.
Timothy Harrison (born in England) 1881
Charles Morgan 1864
Phoebe Johnson 1863
Stephen C. Mendenhall (son of James) 1887
James Mendenhall (father of Stephen C.) . . . . 1893
Millicent Mendenhall 1892
Margaret Poe .... 1853
James M. Poe (Teacher, J. P. and City Mayor) . . 1879
Elizabeth Chandler 1851
John H. Thomas (early blacksmith) 1884
Dr. Ithamer Warner (born 1782) 18.35
AGE.
48
63
39
59
88
81
64
74
74
78
53
402 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
JHED. A<iE.
Elizabeth B. Johnson (wife of Benjamin) .... 1887 60
Mary Wliite (born 1800) 1878 78
Freciolin Schlagel 1882 83
Sarah A. Schlagel (wife of Fredohn) 1869 61
Sarah H. Ward (wife of Daniel) 1888 85
Joseph Dickinson (born 1820) 1895 75
Esther G. Dickinson (wife of Joseph) 1891 76
Isaac P.Evans (born 1821) 1882 61
Jesse J. Kenworthy 1864 37
Josiah H. Test 1864 38
Daniel Ward 1864 64
Thos. Mason (born 1812) 1893 81
Burgess J. Legg (born 1826) 1887 61
James Eliason (born 1829) 1884 55
Dr. O. P. Baer (born 1816) 1888 72
Alexander C. Dill (born 1812) 1863 51
Jane Dill (born 1819) 1894 75
Joseph Kern 1875 83
Elizabeth Hunt (wife of Clayton, Sr.) 1881 67
David Vore (early carpenter) 1865 67
Nathan Doan (born 1824) 1891 67
William Baxter (born in England) 1886 62
Samuel E. Iredell (tailor) 1865 55
Joseph Thatcher (born 1799) 1867 68
Rel)ecca K. Carter (wife of Charles) 1890 69
Abby S. Dennis (wife of Wm. T.) 1882 62
Andrew F. Yaughan, Sr 1879 53
Lydia L. Hoover (/ipg Yaughan) 1893 91
Jno. G. Fryar 1894 71
Nancy Cole (unmarried) 1877 85
Samuel N. Foulke 1883 84
Jno. Suffrins (pioneer hatter) 1875 83
Henry Adams 1884 81
Mary M.Leeds 1874 45
Joanna P. Laws (wife of Jno. ^[.) 1894 83
Jno. M. Laws (pioneer merchant) 1867 64
Joseph P. Laws (son of Jno. INI.) 1867 36
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 403
DIED. AGE.
Pamelia McWhinney 1870 83
Milton Hollingsworth (a noted teacher) 1871 47
Allen Z. Fisk 1872 45
Dr. William B. Smith 1856 48
James L.- Morrisson 1893 76
Lydia C.Morrisson (wife of James L.) 1893 75
^Irs. C. A. Reeves 1889 62
Nathan Charles (farmer) 1871 64
Mary Charles (wife of Nathan) 1888 82
Anthony Pitman 1875 77
Margaret Pitman . 1880 77
Susan B. Erwin
Frances W. Robinson (wife of Francis W.) , . . 1895 80
Edwin Cokayne 1890 61
George W. Vanneman 1878 72
Eliza Vanneman (wife of George W.) 1882 75
Robert Cox (born 1814) 1890 76
John Yaryan (born 1802 ; lawyer) 1894 92
Sarah P. Yaryan (wife of John) 1895 72
Mary P. Haines (wife of Joshua W.) 1884 58
George S. Thomas 1890 69
Dr. Israel Tennis 1886 80
Mary E. Tennis (wife of Israel) 1891 80
Phineas Lamb (farmer) ' . . 1887 62
Timothy Marsh 1874 56
Abraham Earnist (early merchant) 1882 71
William H. Dalbey 1862 57
Mary Ann Dalbey 1886 80
Captain John Hunt 1884 58
Rebecca I. Hunt (wife of Capt. John) 1889 60
Cornelius Bartlow 1885 78
Elizabeth Bartlow (wife of Cornelius) 1885 77
Adna Bradway (born 1814) 1885 71
Margaret Thompson (wife of Benjamin) 1864 88
Richard Jackson (merchant and manufacturer) . 1881 54
Mary J. Russell (wife of George W.) 1884 56
Ellen R. Black 1896 67
404 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
DIED. AGE
Catharine H. Wilson 1892 86
Nancy Williams 1879 76
INIary B. Birdsall (wife of Thomas) 1894 66
John H. Hutton (tailor) 1873 61
Sarah A. PI Hutton 1888 76
William Norris 1885 59
Levinus King (woolen manufacturer) 1887 88
Eliza Ann King 1885 79
John W. King (son of Levinus) 1881 57
Hannah H. Dilks 1880 64
Agnes Crawford (wife of D. B.) 1887 79
N. Leonard (dry goods merchant) 1886 70
Helen M. Leonard (wife of X.) 1884 60
Abraham Phillii)s (early undertaker) 1884 64
Jane Gray McGirr 1887 7o
Frances Thurston 1884 66
Leonard "Wolfer (early grocer) 1893 79
Christina Wolfer (wife of Leonard) 1885 70
Captain Lewis Henchman 1882 89
A. H. Chapman 1878 52
Alfred Dunlop 1892 61
AValker Holmes 1888 77
Mary J. Holmes 1887 69
Frances Newton Scott 1885 63
Ingeborg C. Borscheim (native of Norway) . . . 1893 66
Henry H. Fetta 1892 53
William F. Spinning (liveryman) 1861 37
Naomi B. Henley (wife of John) 1872 54
Edwin A. Jones 1873 43
AVilliam Boyse (retired) 1853 64
Mary Boyse (wife of William) 1891 86
James McWliinney 1879 62
Dr. Charles A. w'edekind 1875 82
Amelia D. Wedekind (wife of Charles A.) . . . . 1875 78
Sarah A. Burroughs 1882 63
William N. Cammack 1861 64
Julia B. Brady Dormer (wife of K. O. ; born 1836) 1878 42
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 405
DIED. AGE.
Henry Henley (carpenter and builder) 1883 57
Lucy A. Henley 1889 61
Mary J. Hamilton (wife of James) 1890 56
Stiles Dougan 1886 53
William Norris 1885 59
Nathan Kitson 1857 52
William H. Goode (minister M. E. Church) . . . 1879 72
Deborah W. Sutton (wife of David) 1888 53
Ann S. Woodhurst (wife of John) 1884 75
Joseph P. Strattan 1878 79
John J. Roney (early blacksmith) 1895 77
Nancy Ogborn (wife of Wm. E.) 1891 79
Joseph S. Steddom 1888 61
Rev. Charles W. :\Iiller (Methodist) 1872 55
Joseph W. Gilbert (proprietor early stage coach) . 1890 91
Elizabeth Gilbert (wife of Joseph W.) 1890 89
Caleb Shearon (hatter, etc.) 1854 58
Elizabeth Shearon (wife of Caleb) 1885 85
Alfred Tulhdge (merchant) ]886 71
Belinda Tullidge (wife of Alfred) 1880 60
Martha Scott (wife of Andrew F.) 1888 80
William H. Schlater (county official) ...... 1886 54
William W. Lynde (early grocer) 1876 64
Mary Lynde 1887 79
John Hawkins (farmer) 1891 79
Sarah Hawkins (wife of John) 1887 73
Isaac R. Howard (wholesale grocer) 1887 59
Jonathan Baldwin 1896 81
Mary Ann Baldwin (wife of Jonathan) 1891 76
Henry Study 1882 72
SaraK L. Study 1892 81
Dr. Vierling Kersey 1875 66
Mary Emily Kersey (wife of Dr. Vierling) .... 1872 54
Rachael Kersey 1868 87
Joseph Strawb ridge (farmer) 1862 56
Rebecca Strawbridge (wife of Joseph) 1875 74
Levi Hawkins (farmer) 1888 54
406 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
DIED. AGE.
Charles C. Polly (trader) 1889 68
Susan Zeller 1877 73
Milton Foulke 1893 67
Jane Foulke 1891 65
Hannah Washburn (wife of William) 1865 46
Mar<iaret Perkins 1880 61
Albert E. Powell 1887 62
Everette H. Winchester 1885 53
Jeremiah Hadley (merchant) 1878 73
Esther Hadley 1861 42
Daniel B. Robbing (merchant) 1882 58
James B. Brower 1881 60
Sarah L. Crocker (wife of Benjamin) 1883 50
Milton AVhitacre 1884 57
Sarah B. Whitacre 1891 60
Daniel Jarrett 1872 64
Elizabeth Jarrett 1893 83
Vincent G. Newman 1883 75
EHjah H. Githens (early grocer) 1882 74
Rebecca Morrison (wife of John D.) 1878 82
Mary Elderkin 1891 70
Jacob Shelly 1884 75
Rosannah B. Ruby (wife of Ambrose S.) 1890 81
Mary Roberts (wife of Jonathan) 1888 78
Philemon F. Wiggins 1874 48
Daniel P. Wiggins (tanner) 1875 81
Andrew Finley, Sr., 1845 80
Andrew Finley, Jr., (brother of John Finley) • • 1839 30
Mary Petty (wife of E. G.) '. . . 1853 50
S. L. Hittle (broker and financier) 1875 58
Anna G. Hittle (wife of S. L.) 1895 72
Malinda Gaar Scott (wife of William G.) • • • • 1848 27
Betsey M. Scott (wife of William G.) 1862 40
William M. Thompson (grocer) 1894 56
Sarah A. Hollingsworth 1892 66
James P. Reid 1895 69
Sarah J. Cunningham (wife of J. A., merchant) • 1887 56
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 407
DIED. AGE.
Emily J, Van Uxem (wife of James) 1892 73
Emily L. Strattaii (wife of Benjamin) 1879 62
Maria Weist (wife of Andrew) 1892 70
John McWhinney 1845 55
John W, Thompson 1875 55
James B. Hunnicntt, jeweler -. . 1868 41
Andrew Shearon 1889 69
Angeline E. Shearon (wife of Andrew) . . . 1892 71
Samuel W. Gaar (of Gaar, Scott & Co.) 1893 69
Horatio N. Land (of Gaar, Scott & Co.) 1893 61
Fannie A. Gaar Jones (wife of Oliver) 1894 61
William Blanchard, Sr. (merchant) 1881 80
Isabella Blanchard (wife of William) 1883 79
Abram Gaar (of Gaar, Scott & Co.) 1894 75
Jonas Gaar, Sr. (of Gaar, Scott & Co.) 1875 83
Sarah Gaar (wife of Jonas) 1863 70
Maria L. Henry 1881 85
John C. Hadley (early dry goods merchant^ . . • 1894 80
]Matthew Rattray (weaver) 1872 76
Elizabeth Rattray 1881 72
John C. Whitridge (attorney) 1888 50
Leonard Templeton 1886 79
Rev. 0. Y. Lemon (M.E. church) 1889 77
Thomas J. Ferguson (early dry goo<ls merchant) . 1873 6()
Martha R. Ferguson 1887 81
Lsabella G. Reeves (wife of James E.) 1861 42
William Brooks (farmer and merchant) 1882 68
Thomas B. Vansernam 1883 58
George Holland (lawyer) 1875 (U
Richard H. Swift 1885 5!>
Jesse L. Branson 1890 53
William H. Dewey (wagon-maker) 1887 71
M. M. Swayne (wifeof E. H.) 1888 55
Dr. J. T. Plummer 1865 58
Sarah O. Plummer 1877 73>
Benjamin Paden 1859 64
Joseph D. Fleming 1884 57
408 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
DIED. AGE.
John Fleming 1844 41
Daniel McCoy (stone contractor) 1860 55
SarahMcCoy (wife of Daniel) 1891 82
Charles A. Dickinson (jeweler) 1885 78
Ellis Nordyke (manufacturer) 1871 64
Jesse M. Hutton (coffin works) 1886 77
Rebecca L. Hutton (wife of Jesse) 1885 63
Rebecca Hutton 1865 91
David Mather 1874 64
Richard Mather 1875 92
Phineas R. Mather (farmerj 1886 68
Ruth Ann Mather (wife of Phineas R.) 1875 48
Jesse P. Siddall (lawyer) 1889 68
Rev. Geo. Fiske (first rector St. Paul's parish, 1887) 1860 56
Sophia Fiske (wife of Rev. George) 1859 56
James Smith (born in Sheffield, England) .... 1885 80
Sarah J. Smith (wife of James) 1885 74
Levi Eliason 1890 78
Dr. Lewis J. Francisco 1874 54
Nicholas Hudson (grocer) 1876 66
Samuel Lough (farmer) 1882 89
Sarah Lough (wife of Samuel) 1874 74
Rachel S. Lancaster 1873 67
DeWitt C. McAVhinney 1882 54
James W. Scott 1873 58
Charles H. Strickland 1875 55
John A. Bridgland (tobacco merchant) 1880 57
Caroline Bridgland (wife of John A.) 1880 57
Samuel Smith 1851 60
Rachel Smith (wife of Samuel) 1845 56
Samuel Francis Fletcher (grocer, etc.^ 1894 76
Sarah Cadwallader 1893 94
Lorenzo D. King 1874 67
Abijah :\roffitt 1891 67
Hugh Moffitt (farmer) 1885 79
Charles Newman (wood-turner) 1879 70
Jason Hamm (dry goods merchant, etc.) 1873 62
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 409
DIED. A(;e.
Richard Pedrick (farmer) 1880 81
Clayton Brown 1872 69
Lewis M. Baxter (brick-mason) 1891 79
Daniel Reid (merchant and farmer) 1873 74
AVm. S. Reid (dry goods merchant and pork packer) 1890 72
William Kenworthy (tanner) 1877 83
Marcus Y. Graff 1858 81
Marcus Y. Graff (express agent) 1865 71
Esther Starr 1877 82
Rev. Peter Crocker (Presbyterian) 1855 69
Gardener Mendenhall (florist) 1875 70
Paul Barnard (carpenter) 1880 72
Jonathan Hawkins 1866 63
John Valentine (farmer) 1888 76
Rev. Paul Quinn (BisJiop African M. E. Church) 1873 70
Cornehus Ratliff (farmer) 1889 9L
Mary Ratliff (wife of Cornelius) 1889 87
Sarah Martin (wife of Benjamin L.) . 1889 82
Benj. W. Davis (editor Palladium and postmaster) 1885 70
Elizabeth F. Davis (wife of Benjamin W.) .... 1868 54
Joseph Thatcher 1867 68
Henrv J. Pvle (farmer) 1865 50
Nathan Doane 1891 67
Abbey S. Dennis (wife of William T.) 1882 62
Dr. J. W. Salter 1886 78
John Souffrain 1856 80
Daniel Burgess 1874 70
William P. Wilson (City Treasurer) 1880 51
Elizabeth Perry (wife of Judge James) 1882 79
John W. Grubbs (pub'd first paper in Henry Co.) 1893 73
Margaret Grubbs (wife of John W.) 1881 58
Frederick V. Snider (dry goods merchant) . . . 1883 87
Mary S. Snider (wife of Frederick V.) 1891 87
Joseph Coffin (retired ; Centerville) 1892 87
General T. W. Bennett (attorney and Mayor) . . 1893 60
Irvin Reed (in business sixty years) 1891 81
Dr. Joel Vaile 1868 63
410 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
DIED. A(;e.
William L. Farquhar (merchant and grocer) . . 1887 71
William H. Bennett (liveryman) 1864 67
Lydia A. Bennett 1892 92
John Haines (established Greenmount school) • 1864 57
Robert X. Cochran 1870 71
James Hamilton 1872 94
Oliver Brightwell (son of early merchant) .... 1866 39
Elliza Jane McCullough (wife of George^ 1846 37
Rev. OHverTillson 1865 60
Sophia P. Baylies 1892 80
Dr. James R. Mendenhall (early physician) . . . 1870 75
Sarah T. :\rendenhall (wife of Dr. James R.) . . . 1893 94
:\rary :\r. Thorpe 1881 64
Catharine Rankin 1881 87
Sarah C. Wallace 1881 73
Benjamin F. Deal (grocer and trader) 1887 57
William A. Reddish 1892 77
Henry Farmer 1892 60
Sarah E. Hoi lings worth 1889 63
George Buhl (farmer and grocer) 1882 51
Christian Buhl, Sr. (early brewer) 1861 60
Sarah Buhl (wife of Christian) 1879 57
Mary Lallan (wife of Willinm) 1873 54
James C. Rutter 1876 60
Oran Huntington (hotel proprietor) 1880 80
Thankful Mary Ann Huntington (wife of O.) . . 1838 30
Ominda Huntington (wife of Oran) 189L 73
John E. Hugou (furniture dealer) 1894 68
Phebe A. Thomas (wife of William P.) 1893 66
E. F. Bush (principal of first commercial college) 1861 50
John G. Dougan 1873 71
Sarah Dougan 1879 63
Xancy :McGown (wife of James) 1862 103
John :McGown 1860 59
Laminda G. McGown (wife of James P.) . . . . 1871 60
Xancy Holmes 1879 69
David Sands (farmer and pork dealer) 1876 60
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 411
DIED. A(;e
W. S. Lancaster 1891 89
John E. Posey (builder) 1870 70
Dulcinia Posey 1880 75
Smith Railsbaek 1875 37
William L. Chatfield 1893 62
Benjamin Paige 1847 68
Mary Ann Paige (wife of Benjamin) 1841 48
Ralph A. Paige (merchant) 1887 62
Hugh S. Hamilton 1844 34
Mariam Roscoe (wife of T. R.) 1886 68
Nathan Hawkins (farmer) 1890 82
Sarah Hawkins (wife of Nathan) 1867 56
Isaac Walker 1867 80
Daniel L. Downing (gardener) 1860 71
William Edmonds 1864 76
Mary Edmonds (wife of William) 1866 76
Francis Mullett (silver plater) 1879 67
Richard Estell (shoemaker) 1871 67
William L. Fryar (carpenter) 1883 75
Mary E. Fryar 1888 78
John Dennis (grocer) 1892 71
Rev. Samuel Lamb 1876 68
Deary Bowers (grocer) 1893 84
Lucy A. Bowers (wife of Deary) 1885 66
Eli L. Rogers 1895 77
Eunice Rogers (.wife of Eli) 1895 76
William Gauding 1894 82
Nancy A. Wilson 1879 73
Hannah Farr 1872 81
Robert Moore (farmer) 1887 7i)
Alice R. Moore (wife of Robert) 1891 82
John Dougan . 1842 79
Martha Dougan 1855 91
John K. Iliff (painter) 1867 56
Sarah S. Dougan 1889 82
Jane R. Dougan 1890 79
Phoebe Jane Paden (wife of Benjamin) 1860 60
Christian Zimmer (retired merchant) 1897 79
4 1 -2 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
MAPLE GROVE CEMETERY.
DIED. AGE.
Joseph Holnian (farmer and politician) 1873 85
Nancy Hoi man (wife of Joseph) 1873 66
George Ilolman ^frontiersman and farmer) . . . 1859 99
James L. Harris <F. L.T.) 1858 40
John Harvey Tittle (trader) 1871 47
John T. Smith 1856 62
Enoch McCnllough (of Delaware) 1843 27
Mrs. Isabella Faulkner (of Philadelphia) .... 1859 67
Jesse Iden (retired) 1857 75
Susanna Iden (wife of Jesse) 1860 69
Jane Stokes 1869 83
:\rary Roberts 1883 77
Catharine Gulliver (colored) 1880 87
Elizabeth J. McClure 1875 58
Thomas Young 1853 75
George Arnold (tailor) 1858 49
John Morrow 1872 78
Catharine Leeds Hibberd (wife of Dr. J. F.) . . . 1868 41
Stephen Elliott 1882 82
Anna Elliott 1885 81
Xancy Nutting (born in Watertown, Mass., 1782) 1862 80
FRIENDS' OLD NORTH SIDE BURYING-G ROUNDS.
DIED. AGE.
AVilliam AVilliams 1865 74
Jonathan Wright 1862 76
David Roberts 1861 68
William Clawson 1865 75
Jemima Burson 1860 80
Ann Hunt 1859 74
Samuel Charles 1849 90
Gulielma Charles (wife of Samuel) .1847 86
John Pool 1865 88
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 413
DIED. AGE.
Elizabeth Pool 1848 64
Sarah Tremble 1849 71
Abigail Kooni^ 1850 78
John Starr 1850 72
Mary Starr 1865 79
Lydia Hohiian (wife of Joseph) 1854 63
Jonathan Wright . . 1862 79
Nathan Clark 1854 51
John Hawkins (born 1777) 1859 82
Lydia Hawkins (born 1768) 1854 £6
Tabitha White ^ 1856 84
Sarah Stuart * 1859 89
Note. — In these gi'ounds were found hundreds of graves without a
stone to tell the storj' of the departed; and very many more, which had
low rude markers, were wholly without inscriptions — thus consigning
to oblivion a host of honoi'ed, worthy and deserving names. This was
especially true of the west side division, recently converted into a
public pai'k by James M. Starr.
GE R.MAN LUTHERAN CEMETERY.
DIED. AGE
Samuel B. IVIorris 1887 69
Christopher Yurgens 1868 63
John H. Schepman 1889 67
G. H. Snyder 1890 55
Henry Rosa 1883 70
John Henry Drifmeier 1886 77
John W. Snyder 1873 64
William Kehlenbrink 1879 67
Bernhardt H. Knollenberg 1878 59
Miria E. Knollenberg 1884 57
Christopher H. Kemper 1886 52
Ernist Frederick Rosa 1870 55
Catharine M. Sittloh 1894 72
John Deitrich Knollenberg 187() 90
Maria Knollenberg (wife of J. D.) 1874 85
414 POEMS AM) SKETCHES.
DIED. a(;e.
John F. Besselman 1867 57
John Henry Landwehr 1874 83
Christopher H. Erk 1882 (>5
Gerhard H. «chuella 1884 58
Henry Wunker (born 1799) 1877 78
J. Henry Sieweke 1878 79
August Kamp 1883 76
Henry Yurgens 1865 72
Catherine Yurgens (wife of Henry) 1872 78
Eberhard H. Kemper 1870 63
AVilliam Koehring (born 1811) 1890 79
Rev. August Mueller ....'. 1884 52
Peter Arnold (born 1811 ) 1890 79
Elizabeth Arnold (wife of Peter) 1876 59
August H. Dunning 1891 54
G. H. Fetta 1874 63
GERMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY
DIED. AGE.
Barbara Hatmaker 1883 75
John Henry Moorman (born 1816; grocer) . . . 1889 73
George Balling (grocer) 1895 47
John Henry Meyer (born 1825) 1880 55
F. Gauspohl (born 1816) 1887 71
K. Gauspohl (wife of F.) 1891 66
John Henry Brocamp 1880 71
Clement Liss 1887 64
Bernard H. A. Melle (born 1805) 1865 60
H. H. Geers (born 1815) 1890 75
Maria Anna Geers (born 1811) 1875 64
Elizabeth Pardieck O^orn 1790) 1862 72
Eva Deabert (born 1810) 1878 68
Louis Bedenbecker (born 1800) 1866 66
Maria Anna Bedenbecker (wife of Louis) .... 1869 74
Peter Shindler 1882 72
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 415
DIED. a(;e.
Gerard Grothaus (born 1822) 1893 71
Gatliarina Grothaus (wife of Gerard) 1893 71
Joseph Batter 1877 63
Mary A. Batter 1891 67
Kasper H. Kuhlenbeck (born 1806) 1884 79
Elizabeth Kuhlenbeck (wife of Harmon H.) • • • 1882 74
J. W. Schwegman 1865 98
Frances Loehle (wife of Charles) 1878 63
Joseph B. Brocamp 1874 75
A. M. Elizabeth Brocamp (born 1800) 1883 83
Frank H. Rohe 1879 57
Elizabeth Blomer (wife of Henry) 1871 63
H. Anton (born 1808) 1892 84
Anne Rohe (born 1826) 1892 66
J. H. Berheide (born 1821 ; farmer) 1893 72
J. W. Wolke 1891 79
Anna M. Kuhlman 1878 88
Harmon H. Pohlmeyer (born 1810) 1881 71
Frank Heidkamp (born 1816) 1889 73
John E. Hoppe 1884 63
Barnard Lenaman 1866 70
Casper Johannes 1876 61
Bennet Baumer (farmer) 1883 72
Anthony Overman 1890 49
Katharina Kamberly 1883 68
John H. Ofienbeck (born 1796) 1872 76
( Jerhard H. Imhoft' (born in Hanover, Germany) 1882 107
Joseph G. ImhofF (born 1818) 1889 71
M. Ehzabeth Offenbeck (born 1801) 1870 69
Herman Bowing (born 1811) 1884 73
Bernard Meggenbnrg 1875 54
Ehzabeth Meyer 1891 83
George M. Theobold 1891 7()
Geneva Theobold 1888 59
Anton EgU (born 1817) 1879 62
Bernard Heilkamp (born 1818) 1S69 51
Lonis Pebns 1886 51
Maria Merkamp (wife of Henry) 1885 56
41 (i POEMS AND SKETCHES.
IRISH CATHOLIC CE:\IETERY.
DIED. AGE.
Mar<raret Flatley (wife of Thomas) 1885 59
Thomas Mc-Shea 1890 73
Susan Ellis (wife of J. F.) 1890 70
Daniel Maloy 1880 58
Dominick MoMullen 1890 64
MaryMcMullen 1888 57
Annie Kain 1884 58
Maria Whalen Mead (wife of John) 1879 77
Lawrence Mead 1869 62
Ellen Devine (wife of James) 1871 58
Michael Kute 1888 63
Sarah Galvin 1880 68
Joseph Cowhig 1892 78
EllenCowhig (wife of Joseph) 1886 69
Peter Mitchell 1885 52-
James Carr 1888 69
Julia O'Connor (wife of Edmund) 1877 65
Bridget Carr (wife of Peter) 1865 85
Timothy McHugh 1877 62
.Tohn Leonard 1884 61
Catharine Karney (wife of Patrick) 1871 67
Mary Flanagan 1872 73
Margaret Hogan 1888 85
James Gordon 1893 64
Winnie Gordon (wife of James) 1891 60
Anna McManus 1892 55
James Riley 1879 56
Catharine Luby (wife of Michael) 1876 50
Mary Conway (wife of Walter) 1879 63
Michael Kennedy 1881 74
Lawrence Ilealey 1884 90
Margaret Mullen 1879 80
Michael CJrace 1890 90
Thomas P.urke 1867 53
Patrick Mitchell 1893 60
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 4
1 1
DIED. AGE.
David Breen 1894 55
John O'Neal (contractor) 1895 57
Johanna Ryan 1894 65
Margaret Breen (wife of John) 1891 58
MaryMclntire 1883 53
Thomas Dnnn 1882 55
Russell Turner 1884 65
Timothy Harrington 1885 73
iNIary Flanagan (wife of John) 1880 62
Patrick Doyle 1881 60
Dennis Kenney 1871 84
Mary Kenney 1871 73
Patrick Madden 1889 63
Anthony Madden 1893 65
Philip Frazier 1892 72
Patrick Beatty 1890 65
Patrick Mitchell 1891 70
HOOVER BURYING-GROUNDS
DIED. AGE.
William L. Brady (harness-maker) 1872 62
Susan Brady (wife of William L.) 1891 79
Henry Hunter (manufacturer of cutlery) .... 1875 59
Henry Hoover 1868 80
Frederick Hoover 1868 85
David Hoover (very early pioneer) 1836 85
Catharine Hoover (wife of David) 1865 75
Samuel Hoover 1869 60
Jacob Sanders 1864 72
Sarah Sanders (wife of Jacob) 1884 86
)
/ /
Susannah Wright 1862
Daniel Bulla 1890 76
William Bulla 18()2 85
David Hoover, Jr. (died Jan. 22) 1897 74
418 POEMS AXD SKETCHES.
McCLVRE FAMILY CEMETERY.
BORN.
Thomas McCliire 1788
Nathan McClure 1789
Isabel D. McClure 1791
Nancy D. :McClure 1793
Polly R. McClure 1795
David McClure 1797
Jane A. McClure 1798
Rebecca N. McClure 1800
Sarah W. McClure 1803
James McClure 1805
Holbert McClure 1808
Elizabeth L. McClure 1812
Alexander McClure 1814
Nathaniel McClure 1765
Jane McClure (wife of Nathaniel, Sr.) . . . 1768
( The preceding are parents and children of
one family.)
Sarah ]\IcClure (consort of Nathaniel, Jr.) . . .
The McClures were a very peculiar people — ignorant,
honest, unsophisticated and confiding. When the writer first
knew them, there were some half-dozen old maids in the
family, ranging from forty to fifty years in age. They were to
be seen upon our streets, weekly, for manv years, until literally
retired by their infirmities. Their home was on a farm about
two-and-a-half miles southeast of the citv. Thev all dressed
as nearly alike as possible, usually wearing some conspicuous,
out-of-date pattern, a showy shawl and large "scoop" bonnet;
each one carrying a great black satchel and large old-fashioned
cotton umbrella, walking invariably in single file — presenting
a most novel and grotesque appearance, so that one might
readily have fancied them to Vje the quaint representatives df
a past and long-forgotten age. None of their number evef
married, as the parents required that that interesting event
should occur to each in the order of their respective ages — the
DIED.
AGE
1839
51
1862
73
1875
84
1867
74
1861
66
1852
55
1847
49
1869
69
1883
80
1847
42
1820
12
1887
75
1847
33
1847
82
1850
82
1846
58
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 419
eldest first, and so on down to the youngest member — but as
no such opi^ortunity ever came, in that particular way, they
finally all passed hence in a state of " single blessedness,"
attaining to very advanced ages. With their demise, the
family name became extinct, and their likes will never, here,
be seen again.
FRIENDS' "RIDGE" CEMETERY.
William Elliott . .
Ezra Smith (carpenter)
Margaret Smith (wife of Ezra)
J. Micamy Wasson
Jonathan Moore (shoemaker)
Eliza Moore (wife of Jonathan)
Nathan Morgan, Sr, (early undertaker) ....
Ivlargaret H. Morgan (wife of Nathan)
Ira Moore
Solomon Gause
Benjainin F. Horton
Lucinda Dowell
Dr. William R. Webster (dentist)
Samuel Irwin (farmer)
John S. Brown (farmer)
Stacey H. Wilkins (tailor)
Eleanor S, Wilkins (wife of Stacey)
John Hughes (early carpenter)
Joseph Parry (plasterer)
Sarah Parry (wife of Joseph)
William Thistlethwaite (farmer)
William Cain, Sr. (lumber dealer)
Rebecca Hill
William Parry (president Fort Wayne Railroad)
Mary Parry (wife of William)
Charles W. Starr
Elizabeth Starr (wife of Charles W.)
DIED.
AGE
1889
74
1886
73
1886
72
1884
75
1884
78
1882
70
1885
92
1876
77
1885
75
1880
72
1876
65
1870
78
1881
64
1888
68
1879
68
1887
70
1892
73
1869
87
1870
82
1861
72
1871
79
1876
75
1871
79
1894
84
1892
79
1855
62
1884
86
420 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
DIED. A(iE.
A. Morton Brailey 1886 88
Joseph Gibson 1869 70
Robert Morrisson, 8r. (financier) 1865 75
James S. Hi])berd 1894 82
George Hill 1882 57
Aaron Shute (farmer) 1883 76
Thomas Sooy 1867 75
Alma Sooy (wife of Thomas) 1884 83
Edward Kirby (farmer) 1868 47
Susan Wiley 1886 70
David Wiley (harness-maker) 1854 29
Joshua Wiley (harness-maker) 1866 48
Martha Nixon (wife of WiUiam) 1864 84
William Nixon 1869 94
Joel Matthews 1877 78
Susannah Wright 1872 84
William L. John (born 1805) 1896 91
James B. Hughes (died Feb. 27) 1897 84
KING'S CEMETERY
DIED. AGE.
Mary Drake (wife of Ephraim) 1875 84
Aaron Pitman 1879 70
James E. Bryant 1871 63
John AVilcoxen 1875 84
B. H. Ivins 1866 59
Frances Embree (wife of John) 1863 77
Thomas Allred 1860 80
Margaret Allred (wife of Thomas) 1855 79
Louisa Bryant (wife of James E.) 1848 35
Hannah A. Ewbank (wife of Thomas) 1873 45
Marjahah Rich (wife of Joseph) 1863 73
Joseph Rich 1858 70
Jane Russell (wife of Vinnedge) 1851 34
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 421
DIED, AGE.
William Kern 1855 34
Sarah Taylor (wife of David R.) 1853 25
John V. Miller 1836 24
Samuel Russell 1835 64
Elizabeth Russell 1833 57
William Vinnedge 1839 40
Margaret Vinnedge 1839 38
Jacob Miller 1829 64
Julia A. Miller 1878 74
Nancy Davis (wife of William) 1868 66
Mary J. Russell (wife of John) 1872 34
EUzabeth Cox 1880 93
Eveline Cox 1859 39
William Cox 1823 38
Sarah Bulla 1839 24
GOSHEN CEMETERY.
DIED. AGE.
Joseph Brown 1877 91
Alice Brown (wife of Joseph) 1884 91
Thomas Strawbridge 1879 58
Joseph Strawbridge 1851 78
Nancy Strawbridge 1852 61
John Morrow 1875 65
John Chapman 1881 82
Kersey Graves (born 1813) 1883 70
Lydia Michener Graves (born 1814) 1889 75
William Wood 1881 75
Catherine Misner (wife of Charles D.) 1876 90
Paul Starbuck 1878 50
Margaret Graves (wife of Nathan) 1862 66
Nathan Graves 1862 78
Joseph Bond 1864 79
Sarah Bond 1848 57
422 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
DIED. AGE
Levis Graves 1878 65
L\ dia Arment 1869 76
Elizabeth Bond (wife of Joseph) 1885 80
Barbara Terrell (wife of Robert) 1880 67
William Bennett 1876 73
Sarah Selina Grave (wife of Stephen) 1880 61
James P. Thomas 1847 57
Ann Thomas 1880 84
Nancy Thomas (wife of H. W.) 1893 73
Sarah A. T. Hiatt 1865 62
Ihda C. Thomas 1854 73
John Thomas 1855 87
Rachel A. Thomas (wife of George W.) 1879 57
Reason B. Craig 1881 78
Dorcas Craig 1873 59
David Little 1893 83
Mary Little (wife of David) 1882 66
William Hawkins ' . . 1887 79
William S. Morton 1893 71
Elizabeth Thomas (wife of J. W.) 1881 59
John E. Willse 1873 83
Rachel M. Black 1885 67
Hannah B. Jeffries (wife of Way) 1870 72
Way Jeffries 1874 77
Samuel Sparklin 1887 64
Elizabeth Jeffries (wife of Isaac) 1877 71
Beulah Satcher (wife of Robert) 1886 85
Thomas Wesler 1882 83
Susan Wesler (wife of Thomas) 1878 72
John Fassold 1885 83
Sarah Fassold 1883 76
Malinda M. Kerlin (wife of Elijah) 1879 72
Phcebe Barton 1894 74
Thomas Marshall 1892 79
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 423
ELKHORN CEMETERY.
DIED. AGE.
B. Frank Bradbury (farmer) 1885 60
Charles E. Bradbur}- (tinner) 1878 54
Elizabeth Smelser 1861 75
Jacob Smelser 1875 91
John P. Smith 1885 68
Martha Stanley 1823 87
Nathan D. Farlow 1880 63
Rachel Farlow 1880 87
George Farlow 1873 84
Morton Meek 1894 81
Thiirza Burgess 1878 74
Rev. Hugh Cull 1862 105
William Ray 1876 69
DisaMcLain 1887 74
Solomon Conley 1871 82
Mary Wood 1848 82
Margaret Sedgwick 1890 72
Joseph D. Turner 1835 80
Abraham Gaar 1861 92
Dinah Gaar 1834 66
Bartlemy Burroughs ] 849 69
Barton Wyatt 1870 73
Richard Sedgwick 1849 75
Edmund Jones 1874 85
George Jarrett . , 1855 72
Zachariah Stanley 1852 70
Thomas Wyatt 1830 77
Charles Hunt 1818 76
David Railsback 1858 85
Abraham Endsley 1850 73
Smith Hunt 1855 72
Mary Nelson 1872 80
Charles Paulson 1858 55
Eliza Paulson 1862 53
Rebecca Clarke (wife of Caleb M.) 1835 25
4l'4 poems axd sketches.
DIED A(iE.
John f:ndsley 1838 66
Peter Smith (father of George} 1866 86
Margaret Smith (mother of George) 1868 80
George Smith (born 18"20)
Clarissa Smith (wife of George; born 1828)
Joel Kailsback 1895 87
Eliza])eth Railsback (wife of Joel) 1848 38
Timothy Hunt (born 1771) 1823 52
Isabella Hunt (wife of Timothy; born 1777) . . . 1857 80
Lazarus AVhitehead (early Baptist minister) . . . 1816 62
William Whitehead 1814 - 30
Hannah Whitehead 1809 27
Richard Rue 1844 84
EHzabeth Rue (wife of Richard) 1833 68
Andrew IJunt (born 1807) 1895 88
Hannah B. Hunt 1872 59
Mary H. Smith 1888 55
G. W. Hunt 1869 64
J. P. Burgess 1881 83
"Indiana,
" To the memory of Levi Jones, son of Edmund and
Ruthy Joiu's. Was born May the Slst, 1812, and left
this earthly vale of sorrow and pain June the I4th,
1835. Age, 23 years and I i days.'' 1835 23
Note. — To appreciate the inscription, the stone should be seen.
chestp:r cemetery.
died. age.
William Cook 1885 68
Jesse Hunt 1883 76
Wilson Horn 1866 68
Clarkie Horn (wife of Wilson) 1864 66
Robert Higgs 1875 52
Catharine Hunt 1888 82
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 425
DIED. AGE.
Hannah Ogborn (born in North Carohna, 1805) • 1892 8(5
Martha J. Pickett 1893 67
James Mann 1891 66
Abigail Kendall (wife of William) 1879 66
Aghsa Baldwin . 1865 61
Margaret Baldwin 1864 71
Mary Swain (wife of Francis) • . 1840 37
Thomas Bunker 1864 59
Rebecca Bunker (wife of Thomas) 1865 69
Jacob Bartenschlag 1876 58
Rebecca Bunker (wife of Samuel) 1892 76
Samuel Bunker 1881 64
Mary Pickett 1890 65
Elizabeth Clark (wife of Jesse) 1874 86
Israel Woodruff 1870 55
Eleazar Hiatt iborn 1782) 1872 90
John Gregg 1867 42
Joshua Crampton (born 1807) 1870 63
EUhu Hunt 1872 67
Milton Pickett 1872 46
William Hunt 1885 76
Elijah Roberts 1895 84
Elizabeth Roberts (wife of Elijah) 1880 63
Dr. Henry Ginther 1869 36
Benjamin Carroll 1862 78
Rachel Carroll (wife of Benjamin) 1865 73
Ursly Epps (wife of Richard) 1885 97
Abner S. Searing 1879 60
William B. Carman 1879 81
William H. Carman 1887 59
Elihu Williams 1895 70
John Jeffries 1876 81
Elizabeth Samnis 1862 65
Andrew Hampton 1859 74
Esther Starbuck (wife of William) 1887 69
William Starbuck (born 1788) 1825 37
Michael Weesner (born 1788) 1869 81
426 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
DIED. AGE.
Benjamin Pickett (born 1797) 1876 79
Deborah Pickett (wife of Benjamin) 1864 66
Daniel Fisher 1840 57
Demaris Fisher 1869 83
Phebe Fisher (wife of E. D.) 1875 68
Edward Fisher 1882 76
Benjamin Samms 1857 67
Elizabeth Commons (wife of John) 1850 34
Margaret Carlisle 1859 64
Jehiel Hampton, Sr 1859 66
Elwood Clark 1877 52
CEXTERVILLE CEMETERY
DIED. AGE,
Sarah Hornish 1845 77
Rebecca Test (wife of Charles H.) 1842 34
Minerva J. Barnard (wife of 0. M.) 1858 39
Sarah Lamson (wife of J. R.) 1859 61
Jehiel R. Lamson 1861 68
George Kirkman 1853 51
Eliza Williams (wife of Washington) 1848 40
Robert E. Hagerty 1834 23
David M. Hagerty 1833 20
Lucinda Ringo 1841 30
Mary Abrahams (wife of Israel) 1846 61
Joseph Grunden 1855 42
Ann Crooks (wife of Thomas) 1847 41
Daniel W. Conningham 1846 52
Matthew Dill, Sr 1859 76
Jane Dill (wife of Matthew, Sr.) 1863 76
Eora Dill 1835 20
Thomas Dill 1846 27
James Swan 1844 26
Elvonia Pugh (wife of John E.) 1851 22
Dr. William Pugh 1829 33
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 427
DIED. AGE.
Henry Dunham 1855 59
Harrison Jones 1844 31
Henry A. Finch 1845 23
Cyrus Finch 1829 34
Jacob N. Booker (born 1785) 1825 40
Sarah Booker (wife of Jacob N.) 1852 60
Samuel P. Booker 1823 34
Lauretta E. Neel (wife of James) 1847 34
John Doughty, Sr 1842 75
Nancy Adams 1844 78
Emsley Swain 1845 35
EHzabetli Emily Harvey (wife of Isom) 1834 24
Jane Widup (wife of William) 1830 50
Isabella Hart (consort of Patrick) 1830 53
Levi M.Jones 1823 38
Mary Jones (wife of Levi M.) 1848 65
Peter Ringo 1859 68
Margaret Ringo (wife of Peter) 1849 55^
Lot Bloomfield 1847 58*
William Boston 1835 39
Martha Morris (wife of Owen) 1849 36
Owen Morris 1865 52
Joseph Y. Gregg 1850 65
Nathaniel Bell 1845 43
G. W. Stonestreet 1845 45
John Lewis 1825 31
Ann Lewis 1820 27
Robert Dinwiddle 1843 35
George Heagy 1839 54
Levi Crowe 1840 23
BOSTON CEMETERY
DIED. a(;e.
Captain Lewis Pigg 1882 64
Nathan Byars 1887 68
Jane Girton 1871 99
428 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
DIED. AGE.
Jeremiah Girton 1845 72
James Bowles 1854 76
Sylvester Girton 1884 65
Samuel Druley 1822 70
Ann Druley (wife of Samuel) 1845 90
James Stanley 1838 34
Catharine Stanley 1842 88
Martha (wife of John McKinnon and also of Owen
Seaney) 1873 82
Jemima Esteb (wife of John) 1839 61
John Esteb 1856 84
Owen Seaney 1871 69
Sinthia Ann Stanley 1837 25
Effie Grimes (wife of William) 1849 58
William Grimes 1853 67
Martha Druley (consort of Aaron) 1842 25
Nancy Parke (wife of Curtis) 1850 42
Nancy Harris (wife of Thomas) 1849 61
Charles R. Stout 1876 82
Nicholas Druley 1849 69
Rosanna Price 1881 76
Samuel Druley 1874 92
William Druley 1851 40
Eliza Steele 1886 79
Luther Garthwaite 1849 63
WiUiam Walker - 1886 72
Eliza J. Druley (wife of John) 1878 53
Elizabeth H. Druley (wife of John) 1885 51
Timothy Conlev 1848 38
Sarah E. Conley (wife of Timothy) 1853 38
Isaac Conley, Sr 1864 76
Mary Conley (wife of Isaac) 1851 65
Curtis H. Parks 1889 85
Nathan Druley (born 1815) 1895 80
Nancy P. Druley (wife of Nathan) 1893 78
Leah Evans (wife of Owen) 1875 85
Lewis G. Evans (born 1813) 1849 36
POEMS AND SKETCHES. 429
DIED. AGE.
Rev. Frank Evans 1879 42
Dr. D. S. Evans 1868 56
Emley H. Davenport 1880 54
Smith Druley 1890 72
Anna E. Druley 1896 76
William Bulla' 1892 82
Daniel R. Shrader 1878 6e^
Martha Shrader (wife of Daniel R.) '. 1877 70
David Fonts 1863 59
John G. Smith 1895 85
Rosanna Smith (wife of John G.) 1886 75
William G. Seaney 1884 57
John Moss (born 1830) 1895 65
Levi Druley 1882 74
Levi Stanley (born 1814) 1891 77
Susanna B. Stanley (wife of Levi) J 887 68
RECENT DEATHS.
DIED. AGE.
Harmon B. Payne 1894 76
Jesse Starr 1894 77
Isaac Gaston 1894 65
William P. Hutton 1894 50
Dr. Joseph Howells 1896 80
Mrs. Harmon B. Payne 1895 76
John Brooks (of Greensfork) 1896 89
Mrs. Martha Gates (Olive Hill) 1896 98
John Gates (near Olive Hill) 1896 95
William Goodrich 1896 62
John Heiger 1896 72
George R. Brown (father of Van D. Brown) . . . 1896 85
John Stoneb raker (Hagerstown) 1896 100^
Isaac Stonebreaker 1895 87
Jonathan Baldwin 1896 81
4.J.) POEMS AND SKETCHED
DIED. AGE.
Isaac Kinsley (Milton) 1896 75
Mrs. Marietta L. Iredell (nee Soutfrain ; born 1812) 1896 84
Dr. Dougan Clark (born 1828) 1896 68
Peter Crocker (carriage maker) 1896 81
John Steele (died Oct. 17) 1896 77
Mrs. Sarah Jessup (died Oct. 29) 1896 92
Eliza A. Earnist (wife of Abram) 1896 75
Rebekah Edwards (born 1810) 1896 86
Susan Thomas (wife of John H.) 1896 89
Charles H. Burchenal (attorney; died Dec. 7) . . 1896 66
Mrs. Sarah Eliason (wife of Levi ; died Dec. 12) . 1896 82
Henry R. Downing (twenty years an undertaker) 1896 65
Jacob Hampton (farmer ; died Dec. 25) 1896 76
Jeremiah Brown (died Jan. 22) 1897 85
POEMS AND SKETCHES.
431
THE SOLDIER DEAD.
The following is as complete a list as we have been able
to obtain of such of the dead as are interred in this vicinity, in
the cemeteries named.
" While the fir-tree is green,
And the wind rolls a wave,
The tear-drop shall brighten
The turf of the brave."
MAPLE GROVE CEMETERY.
Casper Zeph, 8th Indiana.
John W. Foster, 16th Indiana.
Silas Clark, 8th Indiana.
Oliver Brightwell, 69th Indiana.
Maj. John H. Finley, 69th Indiana.
Cornelius Hall, 36th Indiana.
Wm. S. Davidson, 2d Indiana Cav.
John Olds, 8th Indiana.
Phil. H. Wiggins, 36th Indiana.
Charles Wright, 36th Indiana.
William Wright, 36th Indiana.
Joseph P. Demp.sey, 69th Indiana.
O. J. Hyde, 57th Indiana.
Dr. Joel Vaile, 57th Indiana.
John S. Hollett, 20th Indiana.
Jacob Newcomb, 6th O. V. I.
Joseph E. Bender, 2Sth Indiana.
Jos. D. Fleming, Co. A, 133d Indiana.
Madison Addington.
A. Emesweiler.
Dr. Alfred Potts.
William Engle, Co. F, 69th Indiana.
Jessup
H. Winderling.
John H. Zimmer, 36th Indiana.
Aaron Addington, 84th Indiana.
Dr. Alfred Potts, 16th Indiana.
J. M. Alexander, 8th O. V. I.
Henry Weidner.
Captain Louis Henchman.
Dr. Silas Fisher, 16th Indiana.
Evans Clark, 69th Indiana.
Enos Edwards.
J. M. Bruck.
Charles Shatz.
Shifner.
Hugh Galligher.
John Laker, 8th Indiana.
A. P. Dunham.
William Jones.
Chris. F. Schultz.
John G. Vesper.
James A. Linquthake, 2d Indiana.
Major A. E. Gordon.
John Loheres, 35th Indiana.
Archie Bell.
Lieutenant George Taylor.
William Clark.
Allen J. Fisk.
Cornelius Hall, 69th O. V. I.
William S. Davidson, 36th Indiana.
G. W. Wright.
Captain George M. Graves.
Enos R. Clark, Co. A, 69th Indiana.
432
POEMS AXI) SKETCHES.
Alexander Ilorney. (i9th Indiana.
John H. Popp, Major isth Indiana.
William P. Payne, 57th Indiana.
John A. Longnecker, 8th Indiana.
John F. Haws, 57th Indiana.
William Engle, 69th Indiana.
William Edwards, 2d Indiana.
Joseph Lintner, 8th Indiana.
Philander A.Scott, 8th Imliana.
John F. Haines.
Theodore Shif ner, O. V. I.
Amos Arnold.
Joseph G. McNutt.
Comrade Vogle.
Jerry Hyde, 57th Indiana.
EARLHAM CEMETERY,
Capt. Quinby, U. S. A.
John Mendenhall.
Frank Lewellen.
Capt. Jno. Hunt, Co. T>, 57th Indiana.
Jos. M.Strattan, Co. D. 133d Indiana.
Charles O. Wilson, adjutant.
Thomas Vlciny.
John H. Cook.
Lieut. Jno. E. Holland, signal officer.
Wm. Wiggins, Co. C, 8th Indiana.
W. P. Wilson, sergeant 19th Indiana.
Paul Griffith, 8th Indiana.
Benjamin F. Schlagle, Co. E, 69th
Indiana.
Samuel F. Schlagle, Co. B, 19th Ind.
John W. Schlagle, Co. E, 69th Ind.
Peter Bond.
Henry Nagle, Co. A, 135th Indiana.
Dr. David Evans, surgeon 69th Ind.
Dr. Elisha Fisher, surgeon 16th Ind.
John Mason, Co. A, 69th Ind.
John Turpen, 2d Indiana Cavalry.
Charles Petty, 19th Indiana.
George Ross, Co. A, 133d Indiana.
Geo. M. Bailey, Co. B, 126th O. V. I.
Capt. .Joseph S. Stedham. Co. C, 57th
Indiana.
Geo. W. Anderson, Co. A, 69th Ind.
Ambrose Lytle (colored).
.John Hunt, 1st Massachusetts Y. I.
Wm. Overman (colored), 28th U. S.
Mr. Miller, unknown.
Cornelius Pitman. 2d Indiana Cav.
Henry Beckman, 28th U. S. A.
Joseph Werner, 2d Indiana Cavalry.
B. F. Martin, 78th Indiana.
ELKHORN CEMETERY,
Thomas H. Ser, Co. C, 19th Ind.
George W. Beeler, Co. C, 57th Ind.
ReeceSwafford,Co. G, 69th Indiana.
Rev. Hugh Oull.
William Hort. Co. A, 133rd Indiana
BOSTON CEMETERY
Lewis Pigg, 57th Indiana.
Edward G. Stanley.
Wm. H. Stanley.
Jonathan Hill.
Dr. D, S. S. Evans, 69th Indiana.
Rev. Frank Evans, 69th Indiana.
LUTHERAN CEMETERY.
Louis O.Shofer, Co. A., 69th Indiana. John Muy, unknown.
August Posthares, 124th Indiana. Casper Roll, 124th Indiana.
Henry Meyers, 52d Indiana. Fred Beckman. 124th Indiana.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 433
GERMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY.
Paul Mej^ers, 8th Indiana. William Hutzbout, unknown.
George Betz, unknown.
IRISH CATHOLIC CEMETERY.
David Kelley, 124th Indiana. Lieut. John Dougan, Co. R, S.'jth
Michael McAvoy, 2d Indiana Cav. Indiana.
PUBLIC CEMETERY.
Joseph Werner, 2d Indiana Cav. John Hunt, 1st Massachusetts.
Henry Beckman, 28th U. S. William Overman, 28th U. S.
C. Pitman, 2d Indiana Cavalry. William Sawyer, 28th U. S.
J. Goodman, 124th Indiana.
OLD CATHOLIC CEMETERY.
Henry Linneman, 19th Indiana.
Kennedy's chapel.
William H. Bailey.
434 POEMS AND SKETCHES.
GOD BLESS ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
An Acrostic.
God bless him for his wisdom, for his wisdom blessed his kind ;
Often sorely tried was he, in body and in mind;
Devoted, wholly, to the welfare of his race ;
Bowed oft in spirit, oft he sought for grace.
Love, led by judgment, ever good and true,
Engaged his soul in Mhat he sought to do ;
Serenely, surely and sincerely wrought,
Soundly considered, every act and thought.
A loyal hero none could tempt with gold ;
Brave as a lion, strong and just and bold ;
Reared in grim poverty, riches he did not crave ;
A man of iron will, he freed the shackled slave.
Haughty he was not, though supreme in power;
Armed to do battle — if came such hapless hour —
Manfully, did the evil time require ;
Loth to use extremes, he did not thus aspire.
Innocent and tender, he, as a very child ;
None could ever gentler be, none was less defiled ;
Cool in all his conduct, cautious and serene.
Only he was master, without malice, hate or spleen.
Long live his memory — his life was pure and just;
Naught of guile was in his soul, wrought of love and trust.
.Tamakv 20. isnr.
POEMS AXD SKETCHES. 435
FAREWELL POEM.
Not the end of the world has come, dear friend,
But the end of the book is here ;
And we trust that some good has been said or done
That may add to your weal or cheer.
For this life is short, though the way be long.
And, ofttimes, not o'er smooth ;
So a timely word, or a snatch of song.
May aid us, the soul to soothe.
So, now, farewell ! May we often meet.
While pilgrims we yet here stray,
As well, hereafter, to know and greet
Each other, in love, alway.
The Author.
March, 1897.
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