The Franklin County Publication Archive Index is constantly updated. By creating an account you can elect to receive notices when new articles are added and when people comment on the articles.
To search for a particular subject term, click on the highlighted link containing that term at the bottom of the article. For example, if you are seeking more articles about animals, click on the highlighted link which says Animals/Reptiles/Amphibians.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 20, 1875
Millers Falls
Millers Falls - The village is justly proud of its band. It has been organized about a year, and consists of 20 pieces, under the instruction of William L. Day of Greenfield. We doubt if ever a musical organization that has had so little practice can show greater proficiency. The members are determined to perfect themselves, and if they keep up the way they have commenced, Millers Falls will have one of the "crack" bands of Western Massachusetts. [Prophetic? You decide ;-)]
Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 13, 1875
The Catamount Hill Coleraine Reunion
The Catamount HIll Coleraine Reunion - The reunion of the present and former members of Catamount Hill, Coleraine occurred on Wed. Sept. 1. There was quite a large gathering of people, and the exercises which were as follows, were interesting and endorsed by those present: Reading of Scriptures by Andrus Shippee [also seen as Andros Shippee], President of the day, from Benjamin Farley’s old family Bible; Prayer by Daniel Davenport, an old resident of the hill; Hymn, Coronation Chronological History, by Dr. A.F. Davenport; Hymn, arranged for the occasion:
"This mountain, ’tis of thee
Land of sweet memory
Of thee we sing
Land where our fathers died
Land of their early pride
Aye from this mountain side
Let music ring.
Our native Mountain, thee
Land of the parent tree
Thy name we love.
We love the rocks and rills
Thy woods and towering hills
Our heart within us thrills
Like that above.
Welcome from Western lands
Thrice welcome in our hands
Ye friends of yore.
From distant home released
To mingle in glad feast
With kindred from the east
As wont before.
Let music swell the breeze
And ring from all the trees
Sweet memory’s song
Let every tongue awake
Let all that breathe partake
Let rocks their silence break
the sound prolong.
Our fathers, God, to thee
The highest praises be
To thee we song
Long may our lives be bright
Protect us by Thy might
Great God our King.
Family History, by Miss Emma Farley; Song, by Miss Gertrude Baker; Old Oaken Bucket, by David Cary; Sixty Years Ago, by Miss Nellie Ives; Dinner; After dinner there were speeches from a number of those present. The following is Dr. Davenport’s http://archiver.root...Y/2001-06/0991943526 address:
Chapter 1
And it came to pass in the reign of George and Martha, that certain tribes of the people who dwelt in many parts of the land, bethought themselves that they would leave their birth right to their brethren, and depart from the land of their fathers and go into a far off country, and make by the sweat of the brow a more noble inheritance, both to themselves and to their children.
And there was in these days a mighty wilderness, and no man kneweth the end thereof. Neither did any man dwell therein, save a few of the wandering tribes of the Gentiles called the "red man". And these did neither plant nor gather into barns; only slay a few wild beasts with the bow and arrow, for they were archers.
And now in the midst of the wilderness arose up even into the heavens an exceedingly high mountain, which was fair to look upon from the plains below, for it was covered with mighty trees even into the brow thereof. And then did roam upon this mountain many wild beasts, but the one that did most abound was one which was very fleet of foot, and did prey upon the lesser beasts of the forest, and upon the flocks of those who journeyed hither, and was called the catamount, and the region did very much abound in rocks which were the fastnesses of these beasts, and there was a cave which did reach even to the bowels of the earth in which these beasts did make their dens, and so much had they increased and multiplied that they were a terror to the coming tribes of the mountains, wherefore that place is called Catamount HIll to this day.
Chapter 2
Now the names of some of the tribes who first journeyed hither were these: Aaron, whose surname was Cary, Israel and Peter, and Amasa of the tribe of Shippee. Alden, who was also named Willis. Elihu of the tribe of Holden, and Paul, who was also called Davenport. And these said among themselves, come, let us get up and make some war upon the forests, and drive out the wild beasts, and make unto ourselves habitations.
And all the elders of the tribes said they would do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people. And Aaron said unto Jemima, his wife, come, let us gather ourselves together, even from the middle of the Borough, and let us with our children travel westward, and they came and took up their abode upon the east side of the mountain.
And behold Hezekiah, whose surname was Smith, dwelt also on the east side of the mountain, even unto the entering in of the wilderness from the river. And their flocks were multiplied, for they dwelt among plants and hedges. And Peter went up and Amasa and all lsrael unto this mountain, and the tribe of Farly.
And Anan, also called Bass, went with Joseph, whose surname was Farnsworth, and they dwelt near together in the hollow according to their generations. And in those days came Paul and Alice, his wife, and they made war upon the wild beasts of the forests, and they pitched their tent and dwelt at the border thereof, where they cleared the land and had green pastures, and their flocks and herds were multiplied and they also begat children, whose names were Zacheus, Thomas and Paul, Daniel and Levi; and they also had daughters given unto them: Lydia, Sally and Alice.
And now Alice lay sick of a fever, and great fear came upon the whole household for she was nigh unto death. And Paul saddled his beast and did go for one Nathaniel, who dwelt in the valley by the river, and whose appellation was "Dr. Nat". And he came with saddlebags and he gave unto her pills of buckthorn and aloes,and the drink of herbs, queen of the meadow, motherwort and sarsaparilla, and after many days she recovered, and great rejoicing came upon all the household.
And behold Nathaniel found that she was fair to look upon, and he said, come in unto me and let us dwell together. And Alice said, I will go; and they went to dwell at the head of the meadow, in a house builded by one Artemas and Ruth. And now it came to pass after this, Joel, one of the Chiefs, and Zenas, the son of Cary, sent messengers to Nathaniel, and timbers of cedar, with masons and carpenters to build him a barn. And they builded it 40 cubits long; the stable thereof was 10 cubits, and a threshing floor 10 cubits and 20 cubits for a bay.
Chapter 3
Now it came to pass in those days, as Aaron sat in his house, that Aaron said to Jemima, his wife: "Behold, our meal getteth low, and our children hunger for bread, give unto me! I pray thee a bag that I may fill it with corn and go to the grinders". And Jemima said, go do all that is in thy heart. And Aaron arose and went. And it came to pass as he was journeying homeward from the mill, the even was come and darkness fell upon the whole land, and a great fog encompassed him about, and his way was lost. And Aaron lifted up his voice and cried aloud "Jemima! Jemima!! JEMIMA!!!"
Now Jemimah heard the cry of Aaron and answered, In here am I. But he heard her not, for her voice was weak. So she straightway took a stick and beat vehemently upon the side of the house, and Aaron hearing the sound thereof hastened homeward. Now the sons of Aaron were Zenas and Levi, but Levi died before his father and had no children. And the children of Zenas and Sally, his wife, who were of the tribe of Maxam, were these: Charlotte and Mariettie, John and George, William, David and Levi, 7 in all.
But the days of Mariettie on the earth were as a shadow, and she was not, for God took her; and Charlotte had wisdom and knowledge granted unto her, and she came in and went out before the children and taught them. And the sons of Zenas were skillful to work in stone and in timber and in tilling the land.
And behold, William was wiser than the others about bees, and the queens of Italia, and did make unto himself a great name. And David, like one of old, was a mighty man and a slayer of beasts and of cattle, and behold, the flesh thereof he did keep in markets, and with it he did feed the tribes of Aaron.
And now after many days it came to pass that Aaron and Jemima, being full of years, died. And Zenas and Sally reigned in their stead.
Chapter 4
Now Amasa, Israel and Peter were the three divisions of our tribe, who came to dwell in the hill country and they went even unto the top of the mountain and sought pastures for their flocks. Even over against the habitations of the wild beasts. And behold the house of Amasa increased greatly, and Andrus, Nancy, Jesse, Alvira and Jerusha, Henry, Chauncey, Nathan, Thankful and Kate, all these mentioned by their names, were the children of Amasa and Rhoda.
And after these days Rhoda saith unto Amasa, behold how our house has been multiplied, let us enlarge our borders, I pray thee, that there may be room in our house to dwell there. And this saying pleased Amasa and he straightway brought his cattle and his oxen, and gathered stones and timber and did build him an house, such as one as had not been there before him. He also made shingles of cedar and spruce and covered his house therewith.
Now Amasa was a man of great stature, even 5 cubits high. And Rhoda wrought fine linen and kersey, and with it did make clothes for her family and for Andrus, her first born. For behold, Rhoda was an helpmeet unto Amasa.
Now the children of Israel were Ira, Zovia, Azuba, Anan, Amasa, Catherine, Abraham, Israel, Martha and one younger called Darling. Now the children of Ira, the first born, were these: Delana, Dordana and Diana, and a son, a shepherd, who died in his youth. And Ira spake unto Dilla, his wife, to appoint their daughters to be the singers. So the daughters were appointed, and with their neighbors did often make merry with corn huskings and apple pearings [probably meant parings] with playing and dancing, making great noise with viols and with harps.
And it came to pass in these days that George took wives from the daughters of Ira, and went to dwell with Zenas, his father. And Zenas saith "Unto thee will I give the land of our fathers, even the house of Aaron, for the lot of thine inheritance" and he abode there many days. And George had exceeding much riches and honor, and he made himself treasures of silver and gold. Also storehouses for the increase of corn and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks, for God had given him substance very much.
And George prospered in all his works, and now sleeps with his fathers; and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of Aaron. And all the inhabitants of the hill town did him honor at his death, and Clark, his son, reigned in his stead.
And behold, Ira dwelt many years upon the mountain heights, well content with his lot. And one door of his house opened southward, and he was wont to remove his waistcoat and tarry long, even in the heat of the sun. Before his door, even near the steps thereof, the sweet-heart which Dilla had planted and watered waxed strong. And the sunflower towered high, even 6 cubits, and their fowls, their geese and their turkeys did gather in the shade thereof.
After these things it came to pass that Ira was stricken with a malady too grievous to be borne, and he died and rested with his father. And Dilla went to dwell in the house of her daughter, near the banks of the river; and in fullness of time she died. And behold, now the house of Ira was left desolate.
Chapter 5
And it came to pass in those days that Peter saw that it was not good for man to dwell alone. Now Dorcas was of the tribe of the Pikes, and Peter saw that she was fair, and he said unto her: "Dorcas, if you love me less buss [?] and they went to dwell together; and they builded them an house near the brook by the side of a rock, and nigh unto the habitations of Paul and of Levi. And lo! a mighty storm arose and it beat vehemently upon the house, but it fell not for it was founded by the rock, and darkness was upon the whole land for it was night.
And lo! while Peter and Dorcas slept, a thunderbolt descended from the heavens and did rend the house, and even the bed whereon they slept! and behold, it did divide in twain the soap trough, and did scatter the contents broadcast over the house and the children. And the dog and the swine were killed, and grat fear came upon all the household. And Peter arose and spake unto Dorcas, his wife, "Come, let us arise and give thanks unto the Lord, for he has been merciful unto us; He has saved us from the mighty judgments of the Lord".
And the next day was the Sabbath, and many people gathered in the house of the Lord, and as they went, they tarried at the house of Peter and Dorcas, and with them did offer up thankofferings [sic] that they were saved from the terrors of the thunderbolt, and He had made their lives precious in his sight. And Peter gathered with all the people in the house of the Lord, and Myres, the Elder, arose and said "The Lord hath been good unto his people; yea, He hath showed a great mercy even unto the house of Peter".
So Peter arose and sang a hymn:
"God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform
He plants his footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm".
And all the people said amen. And the Lord blessed Peter and his seed was multiplied: Peter, Susie, Rolly and Fanny, Annie,, Josiah, Patience, Eliza, Paul, Silas and Mila. These were his children - 11 in all.
Chapter 6
And it came to pass in those days that Daniel the prophet was joined to one of the tribe of Barnes, and her name was Patty: and Daniel was famous in his time as an expounder of the Scriptures, mighty in speech, and all the people came to hear him declare the truth on his day. And behold, he was sorely distressed, inasmuch as his substance was oftimes destroyed by fire, and desolation came upon his whole household.
And Daniel humbled himself before the God of his fathers, and the Lord favored Daniel and greatly blessed his household. And these were the sons of Daniel: David, Thomas, Alonzo, Orrie, Tirtious and Hiram; but the names of his daughters were Lucinda, Emily and Caroline. And it came to pass that these all went by themselves in families, some even to the four quarters of the earth, but David and Lucinda did abide near the house of their father.
And after these days Patty the Prophetess died, and Daniel lamented sore. But in process of time, it came to pass that Mary entered into Daniel’s house, and lo! there was restored unto him sevenfold in Mary, who was greater by far than all his former household. For since the time of the fathers there was not found the like in all the tribes of the mountain.
Chapter 7
Now it came to pass that Abraham, the son of Farnsworth, dwelt in the house of Joseph; and after many days Joseph died and Abram [sic] reigned in his stead, with Dolly, who was of the house of Holden. Now Abram was a tiller of the land, and behold, he was barefooted on the top of his head, as was also his father before him. And it came to pass that Orin was pleased with Roxy, the daughter of Abram, and he took her to wife, and they went to dwell in the house left by Nathaniel; and after many days Orin died, and Roxy tarried and reigned there.
And Riley, her brother, did dwell in the house of their father Abram. Now Dolly’s two brothers, Elihu and John, dwelt also on the south side of the mountain near the house of Anan, whose surname was Bass, and behold Anan had an impediment in his speech, and when he was old and infirm he rested from his labors; and Adna and Rebecca reigned there many years after.
Chapter 8
And it came to pass that Abram, the son of Shippee, said unto himself, Behold, I myself am a man, and I will leave even the house of my father Israel. And he married a wife from the tribe of Farley, and her name was Lucy, and they builded them an habitation and dwelt on the north side of the mountain. Now there were daughters born unto them (but behold the son shone not his face in all their household).
Fanny, Jane and Nancy, Martha, Almira and Parthena were the names of the daughters of Abraham. And it came to pass that when men did multiply on the mountains, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons saw the daughters, that they were fair, and they took them wives of all which they chose. And one, a Levite, took the firstborn of Abram; and behold all the daughters were scattered abroad. And after the death of Lucy desolation came upon the whole house. And again, after many days, Abram was joined to another and went to dwell near the plains, in an Ashfield.
Chapter 9
And it came to pass that Peter, the brother of Paul and Silas, said unto Polly, let us pitch our tent and dwell near the house of our fathers, for so it seemeth good. And now behold near by their habitation was a dense swamp, and Peter was a man of great daring, and he fain would have walked upon the surface thereof, but his faith was weak, for there was much water there.
And behold a great calamity fell upon Peter, inasmuch as his nose was divided asunder and one of his eyes were blinded by the kick of old Gilpin, and Peter was sore discouraged, and all his household; and he said unto Polly, "Come, let us journey into a far country, where peradventure we shall find greener pastures for our flocks, and a richer inheritance for our children".
And they went on their journey and Nathaniel possessed the land. And behold Nathaniel was a man of great stature and of large understandings, and he was wont to remove the coverings thereof, and to tarry long among the eels and turtles that did much abound in the meadow ditches.
Now the length of this meadow, and the breadth thereof, was exceedingly great, and in it were many islands, both great and small, covered with trees and shrubs, and with herbs; and lo, Nathaniel and Alice were wont to go out and bring in of the abundance thereof in their season; for behold Nathaniel was a disciple of Hippocrates, and was possessed of the healing art in a great degree; and he had vessels of wood and of iron in which he did compound medicines for the cure of divers maladies.
And now it came to pass when the harvest was ended, and winter drew near, Nathaniel spent the long evenings thereof making baskets of willow, and hooping the sieves which Alice did weave from hair, and did bind with the leaves of the flag. And now Robert, their firstborn, was skillful to work in brass and in iron, and to grave all manner of graving, and to find out any device that was put to him.
And lo, it came to pass that he was pierced with a chisel, and so were his days numbered. And now Nathaniel’s 4th son was called Truair, after one, a high priest, who traveled the circuit of the hill country. Now Truair did in habits much resemble his father; he was a tiller of the ground, and he bethought himself that he would journey in a far country, where he might find more fertile fields; and he bought a parcel of land where he spread his tent.
And there his possessions increased much. And it came to pass in the sixth month - the month Sivan - that he was cultivating the land, when lo, there descended upon him a thunderbolt; and he was taken up dead, and they buried him in the field of burial, in the land of strangers.
And now it came to pass that there was born unto Nathaniel a daughter, and her name was called Lydia. Now Nathaniel and Alice did set their hearts upon her, because she was their only daughter, and well favored. So Lydia dwelt in her father’s household until his death. And she did many things that were praiseworthy, for behold she was a woman zealous of good works. And after many days it came to pass that Lydia was beloved by one Emerson, of the tribe of Cary, and they dwelt henceforth with the Adamonians.
Now Ammon, Joseph, and Jason were also of the household of Nathaniel, and behold they were diligent in sowing wild oats among the rooks and the hedges, and even over the ridgepole of the houses and barns. And after they were well brushed in, it came to pass that they did leave their father’s house, and did join themselves into the society of the Odentologues. And behold they were skillful in the making of gold and silver and of ivory, and did make appliances of cunning device and workmanship, which did even eat and speak for themselves; and all the Edentulous did greatly rejoice.
So they were very diligent in repairing the crumbling incisors, bicuspids and molars, and in all that, pertained to "restoring the contour of the human face divine". And behold one went to dwell with the Gothamites, by the border of the sea; but Joseph builded him an habitation in the Norwood of the Connecticut. and lo, it came to pass, that the house of Ammon was sawn asunder, and again, after many days, it was joified and perfected; and the household of Ammon did rejoice greatly in that they did dwell in broader fields, even in the "valley view" of the winding Hoosac River.
Chapter 10
And it came to pass that Levi was a shepherd born (not made) and behold to him fell the inheritance of Paul his father, and he took up his abode there, and did build him an house of hewn logs and timber. Now the house of Levi was more comely than that of Paul, inasmuch as it was broader and higher and was divided into diverse compartments for the convenience of his family. And behold Susan was exceeding glad and said, Come now, let us build storehouses for our flocks, houses for bees, and also for our cheese.
And now Levi was a man of great cunning and he was skillful int he hiving of bees, and their swarms did greatly increase and behold their household did flow with milk and honey. Now Levi possessed lands in great abundance, and his pastures did much abound in rocks and stones, and no beast could feed thereon, save that their noses were well sharpened. So their pastures did run over with sheep and with lambs, both great and small.
And in these days it came to pass that Levi and Susan did take in abundance of the first fruits of flocks, and of cheese and of honey, and of all the increase of the fields, and the tithe of all these things brought them in abundantly, and their coffers were filled with gold and silver. And behold Levi begat great honor unto himself, inasmuch as he tarried long to possess the lands of his fathers.
Chapter 11
And it came to pass that sundry members of Amasa’s household did journey westward; and one of the daughters tarried just over the mountain, and was joined to one David whose surname was Ives. And Kate, the younger, did worship the son of Simeon the Myres, and again she was made one of the tribe of Benjamin. And behold after many days she did return to the house of her father.
Now Nathan did much resemble his father in that he was tall and of a comely countenance, and he went to dwell in the Hub, where he did dispense to the tribes thereof of the milk of human kindness.
And now Chauncey the brother of Nathan was exceeding tall, even 5 cubits and over. And it came to pass in the reign of King Winter, when he did give his snow like wood, and did scatter his ice like morsels, and his hoar frost like ashes, that one Barton did gather together all the children of the hill tribes saying: harken ye unto me, and I will dispense unto you knowledge and wisdom, and learning in great abundance.
And now much learning did make Chauncey mad, and so he did sit down heavy upon his seat, and low the teacher was sore vexed, and commanded Chauncey that he rise and sit down again. And lo, Chauncey did all that was commanded him in that he did sit down threefold heavier than before, whereupon the teacher did rend his clothes and he drew forth a raw hide and with it Chauncey was beaten with many stripes until the ire of his wrath was kindled.
And behold he leaped over the counter and seized the teacher by the throat, and held him down until he begged for his life. And behold they armed themselves with shovels and with tongs, that they might be defended against the assaults of each other, and there arose a great tumult, and all the children quaked with fear and trembling. And it came to pass that when the noise of these things went abroad, Joel, Zenas and Levi consulted together, and Mary, the daughter of Smith reigned in his stead.
And now Andros the first born of Amasa was a captain and a man of great might, in that he did brave the storms and tempests of the mountain; he was also a man of great courage and daring in that he did dwell many years nearer the lions than any of the other tribes of the mountain; even after all his father’s household had forsaken him and gone. Now Andros did search diligently among all the daughters of the hill country, but found not one who would do him honor. So he chose to dwell alone in single blessedness, and verily he shall not lose his reward.
Chapter 12
Now it came to pass in those days that Alice said unto Emily, Behold, how sin doth abound, and the love of many doth wax cold. Come, let us assemble ourselves together, there am I in their midst. So they took their hymn books and journeyed to the old school house and lighted their candle and placed it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that it might give light unto all the house. Then after Alice had arisen from her knees they did sing an hymn. And Emily arose and said "Behold, this is the house of the Lord, let us assemble often together"; so Alice lifted up her voice and said "Amen" and they departed to their own households.
And it came to pass that the noise of these things did spread abroad throughout all the region round about. And behold all the tribes of the hill country were greatly moved and they came together by scores and by hundreds. Now Haynes, one of the elders of the people arose, and behold he was like unto Saul the son of Kish, in that he was taller by head and shoulders than the rest of the people, and he cried with a loud voice "Brethren and sisters, hearken unto me". and a great silence fell upon all the multitudes and he said "behold we are all gathered together from near and from far, let us give thanks unto the Lord, sing psalms unto his name".
Now Daniel, whose surname was Dwight, broke forth into singing:
"My chains fell off: glory! I cried
Was it for sinners Jesus died etc. etc. [sic]"
And all the people said amen and amen. And Zenas, who was greatly beloved by all the people, arose and said "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel forever and ever". And behold he did free his mind of a great burden which lay heavily upon it in that he did tell to the brethren and sisters that "he dreamed a dream; and it amounted even unto a vision". And all the people gave ear unto him, and after he had sat down behold Alice broke forth into singing:
"Oh that my load of sin were gone".
And scarcely had the voice of singing died away, when Sarah the Prophetess, the daughter of Hanshaw arose, and as she spoke a great silence fell on all the multitude for she spake of one Joel who had been suddenly taken to his death.
Now all the brethren and sisters knew and loved Joel, and they did mourn sincerely for him. And when these words sounded in their ears, their hearts were filled with sorrow; and they expressed themselves in singing mournfully. And it came to pass that Rebecca arose. Now Rebecca was a woman greatly beloved, and all the people gave ear to her as she said "It rejoiceth my heart greatly to meet with the brethren and sisters, who have come from near and from far". And when she had sat down all the people said amen.
Presently Peter arose, and his head was white and glistening, and a halo glowed around it, and his face did shine even as the light; and he blessed God with all his heart and soul; and behold, all his kinsfolk and neighbors became as lambs for quietness. But Per was greatly beloved, and when he had made an end of his sayings, he sang with a loud voice:
"On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan’s fair and happy land
Where my possessions lie".
And after this Samuel whose surname was Brown, arose and opened his mouth and said unto them "Men and brethren, it is with me as with Naaman the Syrian, when Elisha bade him go wash in Jordan; yea, more, it was as if the Jordan had been frozen over, and he had been bidden to go wash 7 times in the river. But he essayed the task, and said "Behold I have been ashamed of my brethren in the days that are past, but now do I greatly rejoice to see them zealous of good works". And Nathan, the son of Burns arose, and all the people knew that he had somewhat to say.
And Nathan said "He felt somewhat cold and lukewarm" and sat down, and all the people broke frorh into singing:
"Come Holy spirit heavenly dove
With all thy quickening powers
Kindle a flame of sacred love
In these cold hearts of ours"
And now it came to pass that Daniel the prophet arose. Now behold he was a prophet born (not made) and when the spirit seizeth him, the voice of Daniel was like the balm of Gilead, even like precious ointment upon their heads, that ran down upon the beard; even Aaron’s beard that went down to the skirts of his garments.
Now after this it came to pass that the hour was late and Myres the elder arose, and behold he was halt, and like Samson of old his locks were long and flowing. And he said "My brethren and sisters, if any man does ought to his neighbor, he must go to him and make restitution, or he can never enter into the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem". and all the people said amen and amen.
Now what shall I say more, for the time would fail me, to speak of Sister Farley and others who through faith wrought righteousness and obtained the promise. So after they had sung an hymn, they all departed and slept. And as for the rest of the doings of the tribes, are they not all written in the chronicles of our memory?
Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 6, 1875
News of the week
A woman visiting Portland Me. dreamed the other night, that her son was drowning, and during the following week she received news of his death on the very night in question.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 23, 1875
Prediction
Isaac Fancher of Sandy Hill predicts that the world will be destroyed July 4, 1876. This will spoil the Centennial. He bases his cheerful view on Isaiah, lxv chapter, 17th verse: "For the child shall die a hundred years old". The "child" he considers to be Uncle Sam, and when he dies the rest of the world will give it up too and step out also. Mr. Fancher is patriotic, but a little muddled.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 16, 1875
Erving
Wages have again been cut down in our village shops, and as people keep prophesying unusually hard times for the coming winter, many a courageous man looks sad.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, June 21, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
The Ladies' Strawberry Festival of the Second Congregational Society came off Thurs. eve., and was well gotten up but thinly attended. The refreshments were abundant and excellent and the side exhibitions varied and good. In addition to the fish pond, which appeared well stocked and was well patronized until dried herring made their appearance, there was a table of beautiful fancy articles made by the young girls of the society; the post office; a beautiful table of flowers; the guess cake and guess beans; the fortune teller; while Punch and Judy, with new attractions gave 4 exhibitions. There was a table set with old fashioned table furniture, with its pot of baked beans, Indian bread, dough nuts [i.e. doughnuts], etc. The guess cake was taken by Mrs. H.W. Clapp and George Averill, and the guess gold lined silver cup by Mrs. J.C. Bangs. Proceeds about $135.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, June 21, 1875
The Spiritualist Camp meeting
The managers of the Spiritualists and Liberalists’ camp meeting at Lake Pleasant in August have issued circulars of details, and are looking for a large attendance at this, their second annual gathering. Many will take up their residence on the grounds on the 4th, but the meeting proper will not take place until the 13th, lasting until the 30th. Excursion tickets will be issued over the railroad, and a special train will be run from Boston on Sun. the 15th, and special trains from Fitchburg and Springfield on this and the two succeeding Sundays.
The Fitchburg Cornet Band and Russell’s Orchestra who contributed so much to last summer’s enjoyment, will be present during the meeting, and lead the dance each eve. There will be the usual number and variety of speakers and mediums, and the accommodations will be better than ever, including even a photograph gallery and a printing office. http://memorialhall....ev=3&wid=400&hei=255
Gazette & Courier - Monday, June 14, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
A strolling band of French Canadians have been excursioning in this vicinity the past week, a la Gypsies, swapping horses, selling baskets, telling fortunes, or doing anything to turn an honest or a dishonest penny.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, June 14, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
The diphtheria which has lingered here since last winter, is numbering again many victims. On Thurs. Mrs. David Burnham, who had been sick about 6 days, died with the disease, and on Fri. morning her son followed her. Mrs. B. took the child of her niece, Mrs. Frank Jones, after the death of its mother with the diphtheria, and the disease was thus communicated to her. Mrs. Putnam, the clairvoyant, had her hand inoculated with the virus from a diphtheria patient, and has since been quite sick. [This "hair of the dog", homeopathic treatment will probably kill the clairvoyant shortly]. And half a dozen or more persons are suffering from the complaint in its different stages.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, June 7, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
Vegetation is suffering sadly from the lack of rain. If the drouth [i.e. drought] is much longer continued, the grass crop will be a failure, and even now will hardly revive to yield the average supply at the time of cutting. The storms that Old Prob predicts from day to day, go all around us, but it is many weeks since we have had rain in sufficient quantity to soak the ground.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, June 7, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
Prof. William Denton of Wellesley, Mass. [see a bio at Answers.com], author of "Our planet, its past and future: or lectures on geology", "The soul of things; or psychometric researches and discovery" [See Google Books], etc., etc., one of the most interesting and popular lecturers of the day, will give a free lecture in Franklin Hall this eve. at 8 o'clock. Subject: The philosophy of death. All are invited. A collection will be taken at the close.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, May 31, 1875
Terrible explosion in Boston
A most terrific and sadly fatal explosion occurred in Boston Wed. eve., by which a no. of persons lost their lives, and many more were seriously injured. The scene of the disaster was the 4 story brick block on the southwest corner of Washington and Lagrange Streets...and occupied principally by J.D. Dow's drug store [he also manufactured soda water]. The disaster occurred at 6:40 o'clock, just when the streets were crowded with people hastening home to supper. The first intuition of the explosion was a deep, rumbling sound similar to the report of an earthquake, and almost simultaneously the walls of the building burst outward in every direction, and falling in one confused mass presented a scene of wreck seldom before witnessed; more complete than that of any of the buildings blown down by gunpowder during the great fire.
/ ...Numbers of human beings were known to be buried in the burning ruins created the wildest scene, thousands rushing to the point from every direction. Just how many were in the building at the time of the explosion is not known, but there must have been 20 or more. The second door was occupied by S.S. Frazier, merchant tailor, who with a workman were taken out slightly injured. The next room back was occupied by Mrs. Lizzie Frazier and little daughter. The latter died soon after being taken out. Mrs. Frazier received severe injuries, but not necessarily fatal. The next room was occupied by a gentleman as a lodging room, who was out at the time of the explosion; another room was occupied by James M. Frawley, agent for the Bible publishing company. His dead body was recovered among the ruins.
/ The third floor was occupied by Dr. Richardson, corn doctor, who is not accounted for. Another room was occupied by Madame Lillie, clairvoyant, and her husband, both of whom were saved, but a brother of the husband is not yet accounted for. The fourth floor was occupied by a widow lady, who had a no. of shop girls as lodgers, none of whom were accounted for at last accounts, save the widow, Annie Crompton, who was taken out dead. In addition to the above, the following injured have been taken from the ruins: Mr. Lord of East Chester Park, in a dying condition; Mr. Daniel S. Frazier, Mrs. Lillie Hersey, Mrs. Loring Gardner and little son, and Mrs. W.A. Coffin, not seriously injured; John J. Mahoney, probably fatally injured; Morris Ackerman, in a dying condition; John Farley, skull fractured and otherwise injured; John A. Stetson, slightly injured; Jacob Valois, badly cut; Martha Lauder, who occupied an apple stand on the corner and was blown into the street, arm and leg broken; Thomas Canney, badly cut; Samuel Farwell, manager of Dow's store, head badly cut and otherwise injured; Miss Lizzie Getney, rescued with great difficulty, but found to have received but slight injuries...[estimates of damages, $100,000]. The cause of the explosion is not definitely known. Three in all were killed and 22 injured.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, May 31, 1875
News of the week
The Portsmouth Chronicle says a young lady of that city, who has been afflicted with severe illness for several months past, awoke from a refreshing sleep on the 2nd, and said that she had dreamed that she should live two weeks and 5 days longer. The remark made such an impression upon the mind of her nurse that she noted on paper the time of the prophecy. On Friday the young lady died, and strange to say, at the expiration of the prophesied time.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, March 1, 1875
Letter from Judge Grennell
The following letter from the venerable Judge Grennell of Greenfield, first president of the Troy & Greenfield railroad, tendering his resignation as director of that corporation, will be read with interest:
To the Directors of the Troy & Greenfield Railroad Company, at their meeting on the 16th, at the American House, Boston.
Gentlemen: I have been notified of your intended meeting as aforesaid, and have been officially requested to attend the same. The meeting will be fitting and important, by reason of the lamented death of the Hon. Alvah Crocker, an early and eminent advocate of the road, and tunnel in the line of it, and President of the company at the time of his decease. As a director I feel a strong desire to be present. But I do not forget that I am in the 89th year of my life. And it would seem to show a lack of common prudence if not a disregard to personal safety, to attempt at this season to meet with the Board at Boston.
This call of a director’s meeting will remind some of us of the action of the directors in times long past, and of the travels, tolls, and anxious cares encountered in the cause of the great public enterprise. Northern Massachusetts had been destitute, in a great measure, of railroad facilities. The great need of the time was to create and perfect those facilities. This the Legislature designed to do by chartering the Troy & Greenfield... Presenting our position, we were at once confronted by a formidable opposition - an opposition rich, respectable and powerful. The tunnel feature was scouted; it was impracticable unless at a frightful cost, which the people would not endure; absolutely visionary.
The Legislature then, and the people after them thought differently. The charter was granted. It was in great part, based on the opinions and testimony of such engineers as Loammi, Baldwin, Hayward, Edwards, and others of distinction, among whom President Hitchcock should be named. In pursuance of the act of charter, on the 5th of April 1849, the corporation organized. On the 11th of that month I was chosen President. Then followed the labors, travel, efforts and expenses incident to getting subscriptions for stock, a slow and weary process.
Many of our co-laborers in these efforts have passed away. I need only name Chief Justice Wells and Major S.H. Reed. Some still remain among us, and may patiently and confidently say "I have done the State some service". Among them are Colonel R.H. Leavitt of Charlemont and Dr. E.S. Hawkes of North Adams; Henry Chapman is well and gratefully remembered for his zeal and ability given to a good cause. So is Engineer Edwards.
Of the present position of the great works, I have nothing to say. The past is in our view and in grateful memory. We cannot forecast the future fortune, but we may hold to a good hope. I trust we shall stand on our rights and claim nothing more. I will say, however, that as far as I know, no officer of our corporation ever received one dollar of compensation for his labors and sacrifices to this cause. The road is near completion. An opening is made through the Hoosac Mountain and the tunnel will henceforth stand as the crowning glory of the railroad system of Massachusetts.
Gentlemen, I have long acted as a favored servant of the corporation. My services are at an end. And for reasons herein before indicated, I hereby resign the office of director. Most Respectfully, George Grennell
Appropriate resolutions were passed upon the decease of Messrs. Crocker and Cheever, and also a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Grennell of Greenfield, the first president of the corporation, whose letter of resignation published above was read by the clerk.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, February 1, 1875
Sad case of accidental shooting
Sad case of accidental shooting - James Brooks, a constable at Lawrence, Kansas, accidentally shot two of his children, seven and five years old the other day, by dropping his revolver upon the floor, killing the younger instantly, and seriously injuring the other. The most singular thing about the affair is that the night before, the older boy awoke in a great fright, exclaiming that a boy whom he named had shot him and his brother, and that his brother was dead, but he was not.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, January 11, 1875
Prohibitory law [conclusion of Gov. Gaston’s address]
Prohibitory law [conclusion of Gov. Gaston’s address] - There is a subject which you will be called upon to consider, that largely affects the public interests of the State; but it still more largely affects the private interests and morals of the people. I refer to the subject of legislation respecting the sale and manufacture of intoxicating liquors. It presents a problem not of easy solution. Difficulties always have surrounded and always will surround it. The temperance cause is a high moral one, but it has unfortunately been dragged from the house of its friends, and thrown into the arena of party strife.
From that arena, I trust that an attempt will be made to rescue it and to lift it up to that place which its high moral dignity demands...It is still entitled to all the aid which legislation can give it...but experience has shown that it is a fatal mistake to rely upon law as the sole or principal agency in promoting the cause of temperance...Many will resist force who will yield to persuasion. I think the opinion is well nigh universal that there should be at least restraint in the sale of intoxicating liquors...Intemperance has been the most prolific source of poverty, wretchedness, and crime; that it has filled the State and the country with its destructive influences, and that its progress everywhere heralds only misfortune, misery and degradation....More than 20 years ago, the law known as the prohibitory law was enacted...With the exception of a single year that law, or a law of similar character has been on the statute book. The people at the time of its enactment, were anxious to aid the cause of temperance by legislation...They have tried it and they have patiently waited for 20 years for its predicted blessings.
Today the public sentiment demands the repeal of the law. It was claimed by its opponents at the time of enactment that it was "unsound in theory and inconsistent with the traditional rights and liberties of the people"...that it was too far in advance of the habits of the people to meet with any practical success and that in the sale of intoxicating liquors, regulation was attainable and practicable, but that absolute prevention of such sale was impossible...Many of the objections which were made to it which were in the nature of prophecies at the time of its enactment have become facts now. By its history it must be judged, and receive either approval or condemnation...An extraordinary police force was erected mainly to assist in the law’s enforcement...I am opposed to the law because of this failure, and because I believe that its execution, or what has been called its execution, has tended to corrupt the administration of law in the State...
Gazette & Courier - Monday, January 4, 1875
(Shelburne Falls) Before Samuel D. Bardwell Esq. Sat. morning, Dec. 26, James Merrick was tried on charge of drunkenness. Pleading guilty, he was fined $2 and costs, which amounted to $7.85. Next in
(Shelburne Falls) Before Samuel D. Bardwell Esq. Sat. morning, Dec. 26, James Merrick was tried on charge of drunkenness. Pleading guilty, he was fined $2 and costs, which amounted to $7.85. Next in order was the arraignment of John [Howson?] and wife for selling intoxicating spirits. Constable Bates asked for 2 weeks continuance, which was granted. Next in order John Lennehan, [?] McQuade, Alexander Campbell and John Murray, were arraigned for disorderly conduct and drunkenness of Christmas. On the charge of disorderly conduct, they were fined $5 and costs each. Not having the ready money about their clothes, they were sent to the House of Correction for non-payment. On the charge of drunkenness, judgment was suspended. Next the case of the Commonwealth vs. John Haller was reopened and the lager beer which was seized some weeks ago., as the property of John Haller, was given up to the claimants, Freiheit Lodge no. 304, according to the facts and prophecy. One man who was arrested for being drunk was let go without arraignment. A boy who had stolen a pair of skates was allowed to go with an injunction to sin no more.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, December 7, 1874
A young married woman, residing in North Peckham, England a few months ago, dreamed that she would die on the first anniversary of her wedding day.
A young married woman, residing in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peckham North Peckham, England a few months ago, dreamed that she would die on the first anniversary of her wedding day. To her husband and relatives she mentioned her strange dream on several occasions, and it seemed to prey upon her mind. At last the dreaded day came - the 5th of last month - and so impressed was she that it would prove her last upon earth that she actually made a present to one of her friends of a sum of money wherewith to purchase mourning. Strange to say, before midnight arrived, the poor woman was a corpse. She had given birth to a child, which is still living and well, 11 days previously.
The residents of the town, and its sons who have gone abroad had taken hold of the matter with unusual interest, and spared no efforts in making the day a suitable commemoration of the religious and civil history of the last 100 years. The committee of arrangements was composed of Rev. B. B. Cutler, Andrew Baker, Aaron Pike, http://www.nationalr...nklin/districts.html Luke Leach and http://boards.ancest...ounties.Franklin/946 Jabez Sawyer . Invitations were sent out to as many of the sons and daughters of the town abroad as possible. An able native of the town was engaged to write up its history, and a committee on relics brought to light from cupboards and attics numerous articles of "ye olden time" that were to contribute to the celebration.
It was to be regretted that the fathers of the town could not have selected a pleasanter season of the year for its organization, but they probably had little thought of the comfort and covnenience of those who were to celebrate it 100 years afterward. And Wed. was by no means an unpleasant day. The sun came forth brightly, and the wind for once on Wendell hill was as gentle as a summer’s breeze. About 10 o’clock the people began to assemble at the Congregational Church, and there was a genial season of hand shaking; for many of these sons and daughters of the old town had not met for 20 years, and were obliged to renew old acquaintances.
Finally the church was completely filled, and Jabez Sawyer of New Salem, who was to preside over this portion of the exercises, called the gathering to order. First came the singing of an old hymn by a choir largely composed of a society of vocalists from Orange, under the direction of James L. Merrill of Athol. Joseph Fisk of Wendell, bent down by four score years, was in the gallery and joined in the singing with old time fervor, and ther were others almost as old who found their places in the choir and rendered the old harmonies as they did a generation ago. Rev. David Eastman of New Salem gave an invocation; read the XCIst Psalm and made a few remarks.
Then prayer was offered by Rev. N.S. Dickinson of http://egremont-ma.gov/ South Egremont , a former pastor of the town. This was followed by another hymn, and Rev. B. B. Cutler, pastor of the church, made the following address of welcome: "We, residents of Wendell, cordially welcome you, visitors, each and all, to this feast of wit and flow of soul; to these old hills and hollows, stone walls and cellars, built and dug by your fathers and ours, to what there remains of what once was, and regret that we have not the privilege of making a better show...No doubt you will inquire, where are the forests, and the cattle upon the thousand hills?
Well, after you went away, enterprise came in, and we like Esau foolishly sold the birthright given us and lost the blessing we might have had; commerce carried away the forests to build and beautify the cities [Thank God they’re back!] and villages, paying as it may be, honestly enough, but vitiated appetites played the saddest game with us, so that what we might have become we are not and doubtless never can become. We see it, and those of us who think regret it, but can’t help it now. The consequence is sad enough as you must see, for those old noble forest trees are all fallen and gone, and in their places ten thousand saplings that only remind us of our folly.
And the once extended, cattle-thronged fields, pastures, on the hillsides, are overgrown with brush and wild weeds, and there is left us about one cattle upon the thousand hills, nary a sheep to shear. But like the Prodigal son we are beginning to come to and regret the past, and do hope that we shall be soundly if not soon converted with no possibility of falling from grace, but of being kept through faith from the sins that have well nigh ruined our prospects. As to the fathers and mothers, alas, they are nearly all gone; around whose memory your thoughts cluster as you look upon the vision of other days. Some of them have gone over the river, and the place of their sepulchre is with us unto this day...But many of them went out from us, carrying you away with them, and have never returned, unless brought back for interment".
The choir now rendered "Coronation" and Rev. Warren H. Beaman of Amherst, a native of Wendell, was introduced as the historian of the day by Rev. Mr. Cutler, who traced the former’s ancestry from a Baron in Scotland in the 11th century. Rev. Mr. Beaman’s address was a complete ecclesiastical and civil history of the town in its century’s existence. As it is proposed to have it published in pamphlet form, we will attempt to give only a brief abstract. The Wendell fathers came on the Western tide of emigration. They belonged to the race of Pilgrims and Puritans, and many bore the names of those who came in the Mayflower. They were mostly emigrants from Middlesex and Worcester counties.
The names of the 20 who founded the church were James Ross, John Crosby, Jonathan Osgood, Josiah Osgood, Silas Wilder, Thomas Osgood, Richard Moore, William Learned, Henry Sweetser, James Ross Jr., Joseph Russell, Francis Kidder, John Wetherbee, Moses Sawyer, John Ross, Nathan Brown, Samuel Beaman, Zachariah Drury, Benjamin Glazier, Luke Osgood. These settlers were here for 20 years without an ecclesiastical or political organization.
The town was named in honor of Oliver Wendell, Esq., a President of the Union Bank in Boston. It was originally a part of Shutesbury, from which it separated in 1761, and extended 6 1/2 miles north and south and 5 miles east and west. Mr. Wendell frequently visited the town, where he was a large land owner, but was not known to have been a very liberal patron. He gave the church, however, a christening basin and a Bible, the former of which is still in existence. His son-in-law, Mr. Erving, was more liberal in his donations. The town was organized during the Governorship of John Hancock. There had been only two churches in this town, the Congregational, and the Baptist...The town early became interested in educational matters.
A town meeting was held in March 1782, at the house of Joseph Johnson, and 12 pounds were appropriated for school purposes. In May 1791, 200 pounds were appropriated for the erection of a school house, as the schools previous to that time had been held in shops and dwelling places. Among the things taught in school was "manners". The boys were instructed to bow to their teacher when leaving the school room, and the girls to curtsey. These acts of civility were shown to strangers and others whom they met by the way. The schools were taught 8 weeks in winter by masters, and 10 in the summer by dames. There were now 5 districts in the town, and 79 scholars.
By the report of the State Board, the standard of th schools of the town was much above the average. A social library was established 50 years ago, made up largely from contributions from the families, and lads of the early day scoured the woods for pine knots, by the aid of which they were able during the long winter evenings to read and so quench their thirst for knowledge. A lyceum a few years later was established, and was the means of instructing the young men of that period in debate, and making them familiar with the great questions of the day. Wendell was never a manufacturing town, and the nature of the soil required diligent industry on the part of the farmers.
A century ago, a large part of the town was covered with forests which have been almost entirely cut away. The fathers of the town were not rich, except in their devotion and resolution to serve God. In less than 5 months after the organization of the church the first blood of the Revolution was shed at Lexington, from whence some of the settlers of the town had come. A number of men went into the army, and all held themselves in readiness as minute men to march to the scene of danger. The town voted 72 pounds in money to procure their proportion of continental beef. Afterwards it was voted to pay the three months men in rye and 20 shillings hard money per month.
Ten times the town convened to raise money for the war. The historian paid a fitting tribute to the industry and character of the women of the town, and pictured to his hearers the old meeting house as it appeared nearly a century ago, with its high pulpit and its sounding board, its square pews and devoted occupants. The town reached its highest population in 1810, when it had 983 inhabitants. It declined after this, but rallied in 1850 up to 920, but this has since decreased to 539 at the last census. An examination of the tombstones in the cemetery showed that the people from the first had been characterized by great longevity.
At the conclusion of the address there was another hymn by the choir and then Dr. V. W. Leach of Amherst, one of Wendell’s sons, read the following beautiful poem: "This rattling, rumbling, whirling, tumbling / Busy life of ours brings cares and toil / Sorrows and joys divides us far; then / Bids us come again like girls and boys / to festive meetings, joyous greeting...We view this grand old town from east to west / Dwell longest on the scenes we loved the best / From north to south, brook, mountain, forest, hill / From this high dome we seem to see them still / Bear Mountain to the north we see / With brow all shorn, save where one tree / Shades the bold rock whereon we stand / With all this region in command / The grand old mountain rears its crest / High up in air above the rest / ...Southward turn, and here we follow / Old Wicket Brook through Mormon Hollow / By school house, farmhouse, meadow, mill / Till suddenly Old Wendell Hill...Now all unveiled; behold the view! / The ancient Wendell, not the new / That plain old church, two stories high / No spire to lift it to the sky / How grand and stately, long and wide / Two rows of windows, either side / No painted glass, no blind to screen / The worshippers from noonday sheen...Now let us through the window peer / How strange it seems to us, how queer / ...[long passage skipped]...Now let me view a few of the homes in this town / And the men born in them, none perhaps of renown / There was Armstrong, Aldrich, Austin, Andrews, and Green / The dear wives in their homes was each one a queen / Then Ballard and Beaman, Burrett, Badger and Bates / Best, Benjamin, Brooks, Buss, Baker, and Gates / Chamberlain, Clark, Chandler, Crosby and Cutting / Cleaveland and Casell, Curtis, Cheney and Nutting / There was Dexter and Death [probably Dirth], Drury, Fisher, and Fish / And Leaches and Locks, just as many as you wish / Hunter, Haskell and Howe; Holden, Hatherway, Ross / Johnson and Kidder, Moore, Merchants and Mills / And Doctor J. Fisk, the first peddler of pills / Then Macomber, Olds, Osgood, Orcutt and Rice / And Captain Sam French with his anvil and vice / Then Oakman and Oakes, Needham, Phillips and Stiles / And Uncle Jabe Sawyer, with his jokes and his smiles / Then Richardson, Rand, Russell, Rogers and Wright / Putnams enough to put the Philistines to flight / Then Prentiss and Pierce, Porter, Wilson, and Reed / And Fisks, not a few, with some left for [?] /Then Stebbins and Stockwell, Scott, Patrick and Powers / One family of Souls, with bodies like ours / Sweetser, Sawin and Spear, Thompsons, Taylor and Taft / Wilkinson and Flagg of the boot and shoe craft / Whitaker, Woodard, Wyeth, Wilder and Crane / Williamses and Flemings, men of muscle and brain / There was Cutler and Hager, Bullard, Stacy and Stone / And a great many more, but with names I am done / Now the mirrow we turn and fondly we gaze / Back on the Wendell of our boyhood days...See the doctor ride by in his jumping old gig / Peering over the pen see the head of a pig / Switching flies by the road is the old bay mare / Young turkeys and chickens are seen everywhere / The boys in the orchards are climbing the trees / Mother in the pantry is turning the cheese / Six men in the field are now making hay / They whistle and work through the livelong day / The old dinner horn that hangs in the hall / Sends forth about noon welcome tidings for all...[much more follows]. The exercises at the church were closed with a benediction by Rev. Mr. Dickinson and the people repaired to the Town Hall where a bountiful collation had been prepared by the ladies of the town...The exercises closed with the singing of Old Hundred. As there was an abundance of eatables remaining from the afternoon repast it was decided to have an oyster supper in the eve...The day will be a memorable one through the next century, and we doubt if the second centennial will be the source of more pleasure and profit to the generation of that day than this has been to the Wendellites of the present era.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, December 7, 1874
At a wedding in Philadelphia last week, the bride turned her ankle coming out of church, and considered it such an ill omen that she fainted dead away.
At a wedding in Philadelphia last week, the bride turned her ankle coming out of church, and considered it such an ill omen that she fainted dead away.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, November 30, 1874
A Philadelphia sensation is the reported invention of a new mode of utilizing water as a motive power, which is to altogether supersede steam. A pressure of 7000 lbs. to the square inch, or about 35
A Philadelphia sensation is the reported invention of a new mode of utilizing water as a motive power, which is to altogether supersede steam. A pressure of 7000 lbs. to the square inch, or about 35 times as much as the highest pressure ever reached in steam boilers, is to be easily obtained, and 2 gallons of water are to run a train to San Francisco and back. Fuel and furnaces are not used, and this immense diminution in the weight of the machine is to render flying machines quite feasible, to say nothing of other not less important improvements to which the new invention will open the way. The inventor is http://befreetech.com/energysuppression.htm John W. Keeley of Philadelphia, and a number of gentlemen from New York, Worcester, and Philadelphia have contributed to bring out the http://www.rense.com/general2/tev.htm invention . http://www.mrlincoln...sp?ID=71&subjectID=3 John J. Cisco and http://www.cprr.org/Museum/Bailey_CPRR_1908.html Hatch of http://www.worldwide...inancier/chap60.html Fisk & Hatch , are mentioned among the capitalists interested. The process to which the water is subjected is unknown; no chemicals or magnetic currents are, however, used.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, November 30, 1874
The mineral wealth of Pennsylvania
The mineral wealth of Pennsylvania - We read a good deal about the exhaustless gold and silver mines of the remote Pacific Territories; and occasionally we meet with some flourishing story that the miners of coal and iron in Virginia and Missouri, or some other State, exceed Pennsylvania in capacity. But a single substantial fact is worth an ocean of vague estimates. And here it is. The entire product of all the gold and silver mines in the United States does not exceed $70,000,000 a year, while Pennsylvania, which has no mines at all of the precious metals, produces from other mines $80,000,000 yearly, of which $50,000,000 we set down to coal alone. In truth! these are the true diamond mines, and the glittering gems of Brazil are of less value as a revenue than these Pennsylvania diamonds. It is natural that those who write of other American mineral regions with a view to exalt them should constantly refer to Pennsylvania as a standard of excellence...If we could exchange the mineral wealth of Pennsylvania for that of California, it would be decidedly a bad bargain for us. Four our mineral products are the foundation of all modern civilization, and the work they have achieved speaks for themselves. California has an area of 188,000 square miles, and Pennsylvania of only 46,000, yet a century hence California will not have equaled us in http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42000.html population (Philadelphia American). [This is an incorrect prophecy - 2000 population of Pennsylvania was 12,281,054, and that of California was 33,871,648, or triple that of PA].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, November 23, 1874
A dream fulfilled
A dream fulfilled - A Texas religious paper, the Christian Advocate, relates a story which a clergyman, the Rev. L.W. Lewis vouches for as being true. One Joe Williams, a soldier, had dreamed that the forces had crossed a river and camped near a church in a wood, near where a terrible battle ensued; and that daring a charge just as they crossed a ravine, he was shot in the breast. This dream had been told to many, including Mr. Lewis, months previous to the events described as having happened at the http://www.cr.nps.go...rairie/70prairie.htm battle of Prairie Grove , in northwest Arkansas Dec. 1862. We give the remainder of the story in the clergyman's own words: "On the ever memorable 7th of December 1862, as we moved at double quick to take our place in the line of battle, then already hotly engaged, we passed Prairie Grove Church, a small frame building belonging to the Cumberland Presbyterians. I was riding in the flank of the command, and opposite to Williams, as we came in view of the house. "That is the church, Colonel, I saw in my dream" said he. I made no reply, and never thought of the matter again until in the eve. We had broken the enemy's line and were in full pursuit, when we came upon a dry ravine in the wood, and Williams said: 'Just on the other side of the hollow I was shot in my dream, and I will stick my hat under my shirt'. Suiting the action to the word as he ran along, he doubled it up and crammed it in his bosom. Scarcely had he adjusted it to size a minie ball knocked him out of line. Jumping up quickly, he pulled out his hat, waved it over his head, and shouted "I'm all right"! The ball raised a black spot about the size of a man's hand just over his heart and dropped into his shoe".
- Wed, Feb 10, 2010
