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Gazette & Courier - Monday, July 26, 1875
Millers Falls
There is a conundrum going around here, which as yet we have not heard answered. Why do Erving, Northfield and Greenfield have so much better roads than Montague? Road commissioners are not allowed to guess.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, April 26, 1875
A reminiscence of the past
The lines below with the circumstances under which they were written, probably were never known except to a few friends, were repeated to me a short time since by Mr. Allen Barnard of Charlemont, now 80 years of age, and at that time lived in Shelburne and was well acquainted with the persons.
/ "Priest" Chandler of Greenfield (now deceased), when a boy lived with "Priest" Packard of Shelburne, worked on his farm and studied what time he could get. One day while trying to do a problem cube root he became somewhat puzzled, turned over his slate and composed the following lines: "Unite your arms ye vulgar fractions / Join them, ye exultation factions / To battle march each squadron shield / And mark in squares the marshal field / Pile up in front your dividend / And undermine with subrehends / Or to the infernal world go down / And hide beneath old Pluto's throne / Ye strive in vain to shun the light / Involved in darkest shades of night / To your dark realms I'll force my way / I'll bring you open to the day / I'll dig your roots, I'll hew your stumps / I'll drag you out by kicks and thumps / Till conquered you shall own my reign / Nor cause my head to ache again" (W.E.N.).
Gazette & Courier - Monday, March 22, 1875
Deerfield
By way of reaction from the prolonged strain of the most severe winter many of us have ever known, our whole neighborhood has lately taken itself to masquerading or costuming in every possible form, until this dreaded month of March fairly ’blossoms like the rose’ with innocent merry making. One of the most successful and brilliant of these various festivities was a masquerade party at the Grange Hall, Deerfield, on Wed. eve. last., under the auspices of the "Ladies’ Social Circle" of the Unitarian Society; the object being to raise money in behalf of certain needs of the society.
About 60 people assembled in costume, closely masked during the first part of the evening; the disguises, in most instances, being quite impenetrable, even to familiar friends of the wearers...Several of the most charming costumes were worn by little children. The hall was uncomfortably crowded with delighted spectators, who vainly tried to solve the puzzling mysteries of mask and dress while watching the cotillions and contra dances of the masqueraders. Here was to be seen a Towering Turk arm in arm with a Highland Lassie, while opposite to them, the "Woman in White" bobbed frantically about before the "King of Trumps". A coquettish "Fille de Regiment" with jaunty steps and canteen slung over her shoulder, went down the middle with a gigantic and warlike "Indian Chief".
"America" had for partner a festive young "Darkey" [or Darky], emblematic of the recent passage of the Civil Rights bill, while the grotesque figure of "The Old Woman with Rings on her Fingers and Bells on her toes" promenaded on the arm of a bold "Sailor Boy". A saucy "Negro Bootblack" with apparatus complete, offered to shine the shoes of a "Water Nymph" bedecked with shells and seaweed. A stately "Spanish Donna" [i.e. Do~na] in lace mantilla, devoted herself for the space of one cotillion to the "Master of Mirth", who needed no disguise.
Young gentlemen in the ruffles and knee buckles of the last century amused themselves with the prettiest impersonations of the "Four Seasons" or "Peasant Girls" or "Fairies" as the case might be. A gay "Roman Peasant Girl" in national costume, chatted with stalwart "Highlanders" or glittering "Night", while "Morning" with her starry raiment made friends with all nationalities alike. Throughout the evening, at one end of the hall, the twin "Aunt Betseys" held their admiring court behind a table covered with dainties dear to the heart and palate of childhood.
The star performance of the evening was that of the "Hand Organ Woman" who created much amusement with her comic songs, and who fairly earned the heavy hat full of pennies which she received from the appreciative crowd of listeners. A bountiful supper was served in the cosey [i.e. cozy] refreshment room adjoining the hall; the dancers having previously unmasked, in the midst of much laughter and astonishment on behalf of the bystanders, whose shrewdest guesses were often proved to have been wide of the mark. Dancing was kept up until 12 o’clock, all entering into the spirit of the occasion with evident enthusiasm...And considering only 5 days’ notice was given of the party, the masqueraders themselves deserve many compliments for the beauty and picturesqueness of their costumes; showing both fertile brains and skilful fingers, while even in those most grotesque and fanciful, there was nothing to offend good taste.
We all know that "A little nonsense now and then / Is relished by the best of men". And this "Masquerade Party" clearly proved the benefit of hearty laughter to human nature in general, and to Deerfield human nature in particular.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, December 7, 1874
A puzzled witness
A puzzled witness - They were trying a "horse case" in court the other day, and the lawyer was questioning a witness in reference to the animal’s habits and disposition. "Have you ever driven her?" was asked. "I have" was the reply. "Was there anyone with you at the time?" was the next question. "There was a lady with me" the witness answered, and he blushed a little. "Was she a good driver?" was the next question, the lawyer referring to the animal, but the witness understanding that he meant the lady. "She was" he replied. "Was she gentle and kind?" asked the legal limb, and the reply was in the affirmative, though the witness, still thinking of the lady, was a little surprised. "She didn’t kick?" was the next interrogation, and a decisive No was the answer. "She didn’t kick up or kick over the traces, or put her hind feet through the dash doard [i.e. dash board], and try to run away, or act ugly, or" -- the witness was boiling over with indignation by this time and interrupted the lawyer with "Do you mean the horse or the lady?" "I mean the mare we’re talking about" thundered the counsel. "Oh!" was the response, "I thought you meant the gal". And with this explanation the pursuit of justice was resumed (Pittsfield Eagle).
Gazette & Courier - Monday, November 23, 1874
The second week of the November term of the Superior Court began with the cases on the criminal docket: Commonwealth vs.
The second week of the November term of the Superior Court began with the cases on the criminal docket: Commonwealth vs. http://archiver.root...N/2001-04/0986916928 Charles M. Dickinson of Northfield - was brought up on trial on two indictments, one for breaking and entering, and the second for larceny from a building. Retracted his former plea and plead guilty. Sentenced to 8 months at hard labor at house of correction in Pittsfield. Comm. vs. Charles Mack of Northfield for larceny from building. Was an associate of the former. Also retracted his former plea and plead guilty. Sentenced to 7 months at hard labor at house of correction at Pittsfield. Comm. vs. certain intoxicating liquors - this was an action on a quantity of liquors, seized at the depot in Greenfield by the State Constables last Feb. J.N. Richards & Son came forward as owners and claimed the same. On hearing, it was decided in favor of the claimants, and the liquor will accordingly be returned. Davis & Fessenden for claimants. Comm. vs. William Schuler for illegal keeping of liquors. The defendant, who keeps a saloon at Turners Falls, plead not guilty. This was the first case before the jury this term, and an odd circumstance happened, which caused an audible smile to pass around the court room. When the jury returned to announce their verdict, the Deputy Sheriff in charge stepped to the foreman to receive the usual papers; but none being forthcoming, the jury, on inquiry, reported that they had no papers. All hands looked puzzled, as the documents had been delivered to the Deputy Sheriff; but the original Sheriff in charge, having been called away and another substituted, it seemed likely that, as the court observed, the first officer probably had the missing documents in his breeches pocket. Pending the search for the said officer, the jury were ordered to return and search their room. After some delay, the important papers were found, and the verdict returned of guilty. The counsel for the defense, alert for the interests of his client, immediately filed exceptions to the verdict, on the ground of informality in the proceedings and findings of the jury. Comm. vs. Bridget O'Laughlin, app't. This was an action for illegal keeping and illegal selling. The defendant was an Irish woman, living with her son, in that part of Conway known as http://www.mass.info/conway.ma/facts.htm Burkville [i.e. http://www.cgs.conway.ma.us/the5w's.htm Burkeville ]. The keeping constituted, in the finding by State constables Phelps and Bates, of a two quart jug, containing, as they testified, one http://www.worldwide...HisPlace/chap26.html gill of gin , which they, by great dexterity and almost superhuman efforts, succeeded in capturing by a rapid and vigorous rush through the back door of the defendant's dwelling house. The selling rested entirely on the testimony of a very unwilling witness, a boy from Ashfield. This witness, who, by the way, ran away to New York State, just before the August term, to avoid testifying, seemed to wish to make himself believe that the previous evidence before the magistrate was entirely unreliable; but, by dint of a long examination, the fact of his repeatedly saying that he bought 4 drinks and a bottle of liquor at the O'Laughlin house was pretty definitely established. The defendant and her son testified with great positiveness that the two quart jug in question was owned by a party from Whately, who was temporarily stopping here, and which it must be supposed is true, since the famous "little brown jug" was claimed and given up at the magistrate's trial to the Whately claimant. As to selling, the parties denied it in toto, and also denied ever having seen the Ashfield witness at their house. Considerable was said by these two witnesses about Officer Bates chasing and overhauling a young woman in the house; but the fact was considerably discounted when it came out that the chasing was done by the other officer, who, in his zeal, imagined the damsel in question was running off with another "two quart jug". which he as an officer of the commonwealth was in duty bound to head off by every means in his power. Altogether, though the jug was small, the trial thereof was spicy. The jury, after being out the greater part of the day, was still unable to agree, and were discharged. Ptolemy P. Severance vs. George Simons - this was an action of tort for an assault. The circumstances of this case will be remembered, having so recently been noted in these columns, when the criminal prosecution was had before Trial Justice Brainard, at which time Simons was fined $10 and costs. The facts were briefly these: Mr. Severance was returning from the blacksmith shop on Davis Street, with his horse. When opposite the American House, the defendant's dog ran out and seized the plaintiff's dog, who was following the horse. The plaintiff endeavored to part the dogs, and kicked the defendant's animal considerably. The defendant then came out and threatened the plaintiff if he did not desist. After this, a stick was thrown by plaintiff that hit defendant's dog - who, by the testimony, was lying down and apparently much injured - upon which the assault was made on the plaintiff, two blows being struck by the defendant. The fact of the assault was not denied, but the efforts of the defense - which, by the way, was ably conducted by Mr. Fessenden - was directed to the presenting of the mitigating circumstances connected with the affair, with the view of lessening the amount of damages. The defense claimed that the force used was necessary for the protection of the defendant's property, and therefore justifiable. The court ruled that the plaintiff had the right to use what force was necessary to separate the dogs; that the defendant also had the right to protect his dog from plaintiff's assault, after the animals had been separated, but if the defendant committed the assault afterwards, in the way of punishment for the same, or for some act done by the plaintiff, then he was liable. If however, the defendant only used such force as was reasonable under the circumstances for the protection of his dog, it was justifiable. If the assault was not justifiable, considering all the circumstances, the plaintiff could recover for his loss of time, bodily pain, disquietude of mind and the indignity, to be estimated in money by the jury. Verdict for the plaintiff, with damages assessed at $45. C.C. Conant for plff.; Davis & Fessenden for deft. http://freepages.gen...ly/moreunderwood.htm Joshua Cranson vs. John Ockington - This was an action to recover a sum of money, alleged to have come into the possession of the defendant by the sale of certain tobacco and a wagon. The defendant, it seems, had a mortgage on a lot of tobacco and a wagon, while the plaintiff had a second mortgage on the tobacco only. The defendant took the articles under the first mortgage and sold the same, both tobacco and wagon, and the plaintiff claimed that the defendant promised to give any surplus received to him. The case for the plaintiff was put in before the jury, when the counsel for the defense raised the question of law, that unless the defendant had promised to pay any excess to second mortgagee, received on the sale of the articles under the first mortgage, that the sale could not be maintained, and that it was not enough for the plaintiff to prove that the tobacco, and the wagon brought more than the amount of the first mortgage. These points being sustained, the Court then ruled that under the evidence of the plaintiff, as already given, action would not lie, and ordered the jury to render a verdict for the defendant. S.T. Field for plaintiff; Austin DeWolf for Deft. (continued)
Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 28, 1874
Twenty fifth exhibition of the Franklin County Agricultural Society
Twenty fifth exhibition of the Franklin County Agricultural Society - Thursday’s cattle show - With the present year, the Franklin County Agricultural Society completes a quarter century of most successful existence. From a feeble existence it has grown to be one of the largest, and in many respects, the best society in the whole State...Every man, woman and child in the County seems to claim a share in this annual festival, and to have combined to make it what it should be, the great celebration of the year.
It has not been a bad season for our agricultural friends, and seldom do they find themselves in better preparation to contribute in all the departments of the Fair. Ceres with her horn of plenty has bestowed her sweetest smiles on the patrons of husbandry, so that even the tillers of the despised "weed" have cause to rejoice. Jack Frost has been unusually tardy, and the season prolonged as it seldom is in our climate, and the beautiful flowers and tender fruits were well preserved to contribute their important share in the attractions of the exhibitions. Of vital importance to the days’ success is good weather; and we are quite as apt to run upon the fatal path of the equinoctial deluge as not, with the chances a little against us.
But Thurs. morning broke clear and bright, and when the mists rolled up the mountains not a cloud obscured the sky, a glorious autumnal day - infusing life and hilarity into the saddest heart, and not far advanced was the morning before Greenfield’s streets were a scene of the liveliest commotion. In came flocking herds of steady paced cattle, their sides as sleek as thorough carding and good keeping could make them; loads of white-wooled sheep, meek and patient in their confinement, coops of turkeys, geese and hens, and all the other specimens of the animal kingdom. But what was of more interest than the rest was the influx of smiling faces. The old shire town may well be proud of the sturdy, honest yeomanry that dwells upon the fertile hills that surround our beautiful valley, for it is their thrift, industry and integrity that contributes so much to its prosperity, and its good name among the towns of the Commonwealth, and the city stranger who may visit our Annual fair, will be impressed above everything else, with the intelligence and high social standing of our farming community.
But we will follow the throng that is passing down through the gates of the Society’s grounds. Here the busiest preparations are going on for the day’s exhibitions...Perhaps the most noticeable among the herds upon the ground was that of Charles Parsons Jr. of Conway. He had 20 head of the celebrated thoroughbred short horns from his "Grass Hill" farm...B.N. Farren of Montague City, who may be classed among the gentlemen farmers, had a herd of 5 Jerseys - the two cows being purchased of F.L. Stebbins and originally came from Stoughton’s herd. One of them has made her 15 pounds of butter a week...H.C. Haskell of Deerfield is among our leading Jersey herdsmen, and entered 11 head...D. Wells and H. Wells of Shelburne entered 20 head of their high grade Durhams - 19 cows with one bull - and a fine looking string of animals they were too, giving evidence of the best of pasturage and careful rending. Their yearling bull is a promising fellow.
He is a descendant of old Northumberland, and the famous Roan Duke, and possesses all the leading traits of his ancestry and will make his mark. Zeri Smith of Deerfield too, had a herd of 20 Grade Durhams and one thoroughbred bull. His stock was all large and made a fine appearance. S.W. Hall of Greenfield is about the only man in the county who makes a specialty of Devons, and had on the ground 4 of his herd of 12. He claims that he can do better with them than anything else - good workers and milkers and can be well kept on very little feed. D.O. Fisk, who is always the most conspicuous exhibitor at our fairs, and carries off premiums in every class put down in the list, believes in a miscellaneous herd, and his stock includes everything. If a man wants a cow of any persuasion he is sure to go to Fisk’s farm and never is allowed to get away without a bargain.
One of a fine pair of steers thought to measure strength with a bull on the way to the fair, and of course came off second best, minus one horn. His herd numbered 10 head, among which were some fine Jerseys. One, "Pet", that calved in May, gives her 10 quarts a day now. He has sold her for $200. "Rose" is a graduate of the Agricultural college, and those who have heard Fisk’s loud talk against that institution, are informed that his prejudice or want of appreciation never came through that heifer. J.S. Anderson of Shelburne had this year 19 head of his splendid high grade Durham stock, that is conspicuous wherever exhibited, and they need no praise from us, for the fame of the Anderson herd is worldwide.
There were 6 cows that weighed from 1600 to 1800, a pair of 3 year old heifers, one weighing 1650 and the other 1550...G.P. Carpenter and W.W. Carpenter of Shelburne entered 27 head including 8 of thoroughbred short horns...Their "Mary Morris" took the first premium at the New England fair 4 years ago, and weighs 1800...Al Kellogg of Shelburne entered a fine herd too, and there were those who did not compete in this class, who were still possessors of notable single animals. P.P. Severance of Greenfield exhibited an excellent Jersey cow, 2 heifers and a 20 month old bull, "Rob Roy". Amos Allen of Shelburne was the owner of thoroughbred Durham, 1 year old that weighed 1156 pounds. William T. Peck of Shelburne has a likely 3 year old heifer that weighs 1420...John S. Taylor of Shelburne exhibited 2 thoroughbred short horn heifers, one weighing 1600 and the other 1380.
Oscar Bardwell of Shelburne had perhaps the most productive dairy cow upon the ground. She is 9 years old, weighs 1375 pounds, and in one week in May made 17 1/2 pounds of butter and the next 17 1/2, which shows that she would be quite a little fortune in any man’s hand. The town teams were about as important a feature of the exhibition as anything. The competitors were Bernardston with 20 yoke, Shelburne with 20, Conway, 15, and Deerfield 12. Bernardston deservedly carried off the palm. Her cattle were attached to a triumphal car, that was gotten up for the occasion at the cost of no little labor and gumption. A lumber reach had been extended about 30 ft. and upon it were arranged shocks of corn and wheat and specimens of every conceivable grain and vegetable, flowers and shrubs, and in the midst were a pen of sheep, coops of ducks, and barnyard fowls, and the whole a grand combination of agricultural products that was exceedingly appropriate, and produced a fine effect.
Among the heavy cattle in the Bernardston string were two yokes belonging to John Sanderson, who it will be remembered, raised General Grant, the largest ox ever produced in this county.[very blurry text]...Sheep, swine and poultry...The swine, too, were a very creditable exhibition. Our farmers are finding that pork can be improved as well as everything else, and notwithstanding the low price of late, it can be raised at a profit. We were particularly attracted by H.C. Haskell’s black Essex sow with her family of 9 pigs. There were several other litters of very promising young grunters, which lack of space only prevents our giving a "first class notice".
The poultry show was another good thing. Including the youth’s department, which was largely represented in this branch, there were 34 entries, a greater number of coops and a more extensive variety of fowls than were ever exhibited on our grounds before. They included the more prominent Asiatic breeds, down through the steady laying Leghorns and black Spanish, to the diminutive Game Bantams. There were several coops of ducks, but few geese and turkey. Prof. Stockbridge’s address - After dwelling as long as we are permitted with the Cattle show, we must now turn to the literary feature of the day. The grand cavalcade and procession which always figures on the printed programme came off (as usual) and the approach of the Greenfield Cornet Band to the grand stand, was the signal for the multitude to concentrate there to listen to Prof. Stockbridge’s oration.
When the assembly came to order, prayer was offered by Rev. A.C. Manson of Greenfield, and President Brown introduced the Agricultural college Professor to the audience. The subject of his address was the "Obstacles to Successful Agriculture in New England". It is undoubtedly true, he said, that different sections of the country have varying advantages for the farmer. The seat of commerce must ever be where the merchant will have easy access to the markets. Manufacturing will be pursued where cheap labor and power can be obtained, and where there is a ready market for the articles manufactured. So too, agriculture will prosper most successfully where there is a combination of favorable soil and climate, and an easy market. Paradise in the imagination of the farmer was the West. Where the location was it was hard to tell, but it was "toward the setting sun, where land was cheap and crops could be raised without toil".
It was the universal opinion that New England was not the place for successful agriculture. But one fact must be borne in mind, and that is, that it is upon the man himself that success depends...The farmer here has no right to say that his soil is sterile and old. That of old England was under cultivation 1000 years before the foot of white men touched our shores, yet it will produce more now than could be raised then. The soil of China was tilled 2000 years before the British Isles were settled, but its fertility and productiveness are far ahead of the latter country...One great evil was the owning of too much land. He believed in large farms for the larger, the greater the per cent the profit, the less implements and labor proportionately to carry it on. But a farmer should not hold an acre he cannot cultivate...The cost of supplying all the fences is an important item. If he had his way he would banish one half the fences. It costs the country annually $250,000,000 to supply and keep up the fences, or $1.25 an acre.
The rest of the farm under cultivation is taxed to keep up the other which pays no income...If a farmer gets $200 he salts it down, just as though God Almighty would not take care of it better in the soil than the officers of a bank. Improve your farms, get better stock, have confidence in your business and yourselves, just as the manufacturer does, when he adds another mill and more power as his business is prospered...The opinion prevails that everybody can carry on a farm. If a merchant fails in business, or a minister or lawyer break down, he goes onto a farm. You would not think of getting a green boy from a farm to run a spinning jinney, but the speaker believed that a majority of farmers were just as capable of running the spinning jenny as they were to carry on a farm.
There is nothing so delicate as the forces of nature in the soil, and the want is a better education and a better knowledge of the needs that must be supplied. New England agriculture was once the production of food and the making of clothing. Now it has changed, for we can’t afford to make the one or the other; we are better off to buy them. Out business is to make a crop for the market, something that will reach the demand. The manufacturing interests need the farmers, and the farmers need the market. We have an advantage in this respect over other options. There is nothing we can produce but will not find a ready sale. If the speaker was allowed to choose a farm, he would locate it somewhere on the sea board or the incline of the Alleghanies [i.e. Alleghenies].
There is here more enjoyment for a man, he receives more of the avails of his labor than in any other section. The address of Prof. Stockbridge, which we have endeavored to give the leading points, was eminently practical, and filled with good sensible advice, and was brief enough to hold the attention of hearers to the close. It was delivered without notes, and in a clear and distinct voice, notwithstanding the uproar around him of bleating sheep and bellowing cattle...with a few fine pieces of music by the band, the exercises upon the ground of the first day were brought to a pleasant termination.
Major S.B. Plinney, the visiting member of the State Board, did not arrive until evening, and therefore did not have an opportunity to see the stock, always the stronghold of our exhibitions. The hall exhibition was the crowning glory of the fair, better in many respects than any we have previously had. Superintendent Warner, who has always done so well in his admirable arrangement of articles for a good display, makes improvements with every year, and is constantly proving that he is the right man in the right place. In entering the hall, the visitor is fairly enchanted by the brilliant attractions that surround him on every side. But one to make a careful inspection is forced to concentrate his wandering gaze somewhere, and we commence by the door with the garden vegetables.
There were 10 entries in the department. W.L. Warner of Sunderland taking the lead with 102 varieties, and everything under his hands have apparently grown with the special purpose of taking the first premium. His biggest squash was a "buster" of 149 pounds, and no. 2 was good for 91 pounds. His beets beat everything out, and potatoes and "garden sass" generally were of the same healthy family. Samuel Stoughton of Gill was an important competitor in this department with 25 varieties. A.D. Smith of Sunderland, with 32 varieties and W.M. Wise of Greenfield, with excellent squashes, etc., and he is, by the way, the champion gardener of all this region, and makes his little patch of ground of an acre or so, bring him a better income than many a farmer’s 100 or more. Of the miscellaneous fruit, F.A. Fisk of Shelburne exhibited 95 varieties, and W.L. Warner of Sunderland, 92, and good fruit it all was, too.
But almost as tempting as anything were the peaches that reminded one of the days when this delicious fruit was among the luxuries of home culture, and not the bruised, ill looking and ill tasting import of Jersey or Maryland that we know it now. There were 9 entries, Amos Stewart of Coleraine, showing 10 varieties, and Joshua Hall of Ashfield exhibiting a platter of some of the finest we ever saw. The exhibition of grapes was not so poor as everyone had predicted after all. There were ten entries. The man who distanced all competitors in this branch is Jacob Steigleder of Shelburne Falls. How he manages to produce such fruit in the open air is a mystery many a grower would like to find out.
He had 28 varieties, and J.P. Howard of Greenfield, another well known grape grower, put in an appearance with 17 varieties, and another exhibitor of prominence was http://www.heywoods.info/c/Csurnames.html Israel Childs of Sunderland. Pears, too, made a tip-top show. the leading exhibitor among the 24 entries, was E.H. Judd of http://www.rootsweb....h/towns/southhadley/ South Hadley , the professional horticulturist, with 28 varieties. Hon. Alvah Crocker of Fitchburg sent up 40 varieties that were very good indeed, and Dr. N.S. Wells of Greenfield, who takes great pride in the fine products of his excellent garden, had 17 varieties that attracted no little attention. There were 13 collections of named varieties of apples.
W. Stewart and G.H. Stewart of Coleraine, taking the lead in point of excellence with 40 varieties, Joseph Anderson of Shelburne had 50, D.Wells and H. Wells of Shelburne, 31. and Samuel Stoughton of Gill, 26. Before we leave these tables we must not overlook the tastefully arranged baskets, a mixture of fruit and flowers the result of the good taste of Misses C.M. Wells, E.A. Fisk, and Mrs. C.E. Bardwell, and J.D. Fisk, all of Shelburne. We now come to the flowers, which were the most complete exhibition of the kind we have ever had. The entire space in front of the hall was a perfect blend of many colored blossoms. Cut flowers were arranged in every conceivable design, while pots of plants, shrubs and foliage gave the necessary background. Conspicuous were the contributions of Mrs. S.W. Boutwell of Leverett, consisting of arches of wild flowers, parlor bouquets, hand bouquets and collections of verbenas, asters, etc.
L.M. Hayward of Greenfield had pots of plants, cut flowers and verbenas, that truly entitled him to the first premium, which was awarded by the Committee. J.H. Osterhout of Greenfield exhibited a large box, containing nothing but pansies. Mrs. Charles Richmond of Greenfield, bouquets and pot plants, E.D. Merriam of Greenfield a century plant, Mrs. J.W. Buddington of Greenfield, cut flowers, James D. Ball of Montague, beautiful verbenas, Mrs. H.C. Haskell of Greenfield, a fine pyramid, while lack of space only prevents us to mention. Take it altogether; there was nothing wanting but sufficient money to be bestowed in deserving premiums on the part of the Committee.
What arrested the attention of the visitors to the hall more perhaps than anything else, was W.A. Forbes’ display of carpets. Taking the space back of the stage, he filled it almost to the ceiling, using hundreds of yards of carpeting of varied patterns, arranged so as to produce the most desirable effect. There was a heap of work in making the display, but the superintendent of the hall declares that he would rather have given $25 than have it omitted from the exhibition, and we trust that Mr. F. will be more than repaid for the labor by the opportunity it gave to convince the ladies of the county that they need not go abroad to get their carpeting. We are sorry to say that Mr. Forbes was the only dry goods merchant who made any entries at all.
Don’t let us make a similar record next year. One corner of the stage was occupied by J.L. Lyons, who showed a beautiful chamber set and other articles of furniture from his first class establishment. The different sewing machines were in a lively competition as usual. E.H. Marsh of Montague showed window gardens, brackets, etc. and G.F. Newell of Greenfield, window gardens and ferneries. Conspicuous in the center of the stage, C.M. Moody exhibited a specimen of his wonderful ingenuity in the way of arranging autumn leaves. In a frame 6 or 8 ft. long, and on a white back ground he had spelled out "Nothing But Leaves", forming beautiful rustic letters and getting a happy blending of the many hues of the leaves, set off with different varieties of ferns.
Mr. M., too, entered different styles of ferneries of his manufacture, with pictures and other articles from his store. J.D. Bouker had a case of picture frames and moldings, and another of fancy articles. Childs & Payne a case of the nicest toilet and fancy articles from their drug store, M.S. Fellows a case of boots and shoes, and Forbes & Foster a show case of silver ware of the most beautiful manufacture beside fine jewelry, etc. J.H. Hollister also made a good display of jewelry, and showed his wonderful mechanical clock. Popkins, the photographer, deserves especial notice for his collection of pictures. He put up a screen on which to display them at great expense, At the top of the collection was the life size portrait of Deacon Field of East Charlemont, and among the faces were many familiar ones to the people of the county, and all attested to the thorough skill of the artist.
Among some old ambrotypes that he exhibited was a likeness of General Newport, the venerable colored man who is honored as the originator of the Agricultural Society 25 years ago. William Wunsch put in a case of his fashionable millinery, Mrs. E.L. Hammond, who recently opened rooms here a case of beautiful hair work. Merriam had books, fancy articles, etc., and Richardson the caterer, a case of beautifully frosted and ornamented cake, confectionery, etc. The http://www.thetreasu...l?noframes;read=6650 Rumford Chemical Works of Providence R.I. had for inspection, http://www.mc.vander...ostrums/rumford.html Rumford Yeast Powder , said to be the best thing of the kind, a quantity of soap, blacking, and other desirable articles of their manufacture. We come now to the butter and cheese, of which there were 15 entries of the former and 10 of the latter, fully as large a quantity as at any previous exhibition. But the competitors for premiums on bread were more numerous than ever before. There were 21 of wheat bread, 6 of brown, 6 of rye, 3 of graham, while in the youth’s department there were 10 of wheat, 4 of rye, 5 of brown and 3 of graham. Imagine if you can the duty of the committee, who had to go through and taste of all these.
They were at it for hours, and we don’t believe will want to eat any more bread for 6 months. We will let them tell who of the ladies and misses are the leaders in this department of housekeeping, for we don’t know anything about it. Of honey there were 2 entries, maple syrup 6, maple sugar 6, cider and grape wine 8, and pickles, preserves, jellies and canned fruit 11. Among the principal exhibitors of the latter were Mrs. Charles Richmond and Mrs. J.F. Hosmer of this town. Of cutlery, mechanical arts, etc. there were 31 entries. The Millers Falls Co. made a fine exhibition of braces, vices and the numerous useful little articles that they manufacture.
The Tool Shop too made a good display of planes, ox shoes, etc. Of agricultural implements there were 7 entries, prominent among which was the Clark & Chapman Machine Co. with Woods’ Mower, a turbine water wheel and saw mill machinery. The fine arts were not in the least neglected, and first we must mention the designs and object drawing of the pupils of the High and the 1st and 2nd rooms of the Grammar Schools. These scholars have been, until recently, under the instruction of Miss Mary P. Wells, who has now been succeeded by Miss H. Elizabeth Carleton. Every visitor at the fair who saw these designs must have been thoroughly convinced of the wisdom of teaching drawing in our public schools.
The children do not measure from patterns, but use their eyes only...and copy generally from objects. They are encouraged to bring in original designs, and their ingenuity and skill is quite wonderful. The specimens exhibited at the fair embraced a great variety, and included contributions from the little chicks of 10 years old. Miss Carleton showed some fine specimens of oil paintings from her own brush. H.F. Root of Montague had on exhibition his fine large crayon portrait of Sumner, accompanied by that of a New York lady in state costume. There was a fine game piece in oil by Miss Nellie Ward of Greenfield, and a fine picture by Mrs. B.S. Parker, and a crayon by Miss H.B. Wiley of Greenfield.
Mrs. E.J. Wing of Conway had a beautiful wreath, Mrs. F.E. Jones of Greenfield a wax cross, Mrs. B.S. Parker of Greenfield, white roses, Miss Lula Richmond of Greenfield, woodbine, Mrs. W.F. Root of Greenfield a cross; a beautiful agricultural wreath was the cunning handwork of Mrs. C.P. Miner, Charlemont, and Mrs. F.W. Chapin of Gill had a delicate feather wreath, and there was another by Miss Emina L. Weatherhead of Bernardston; Miss Lucy Washburn of Greenfield had on exhibition an exceedingly pretty worsted wreath, and there were others by Mrs. G.O. Peabody of Turners Falls and Miss Ella Chapin of Greenfield. A very pretty http://www.liveaucti...ons/ebay/279410.html bead towel rack was exhibited by Mrs. A.F. Hawks of Greenfield. The entries of domestic manufacture were 42, an unusually large amount of carpeting, rugs, frocking, flannel, yarn, stockings, and mittens, all of which, we dare say, were very well made.
We can speak only of a few articles here and there, as it would be an endless task to praise them all separately. Mrs. A.F. Hawks had on exhibition a silk bed quilt of 3280 pieces, of the "Job’s puzzle [i.e. Job’s Puzzle] pattern, which, if the patient hero of Bible history had tried his hand at, would have blasted his enviable reputation before it was half completed. Mrs. Elisha Alexander of Northfield had a beautiful white spread of 741 pieces. Mrs. Julia Cowing of Deerfield, who always contributes largely to our fairs, had among other things a splendid carriage blanket; Mrs. F.H. Hawks of Charlemont a fine white quilt, Miss E.D. Williams a crochet scarf that was as pretty as anything of the kind we have ever seen. T
he fancy articles embraced 112 entries, besides the 64 that were in the youth’s department. But we are not going to be so foolish as to pretend to make selections, and pour out our exhausted supply of adjectives in trying to do them justice. The fair fingers that have wrought these marvels in needle work might be in our hair if we omitted to say the handsome thing by all; and we will leave the committee to take the responsibility and distribute the $50 - and it ought to be $500 - where their judgment may think best. Thurs. eve. the hall was open, and thronged by hundreds of beautiful ladies and gallant gentlemen, who enjoyed a promenade between the richly loaded tables, while the Greenfield Band, in the gallery, delighted the audience with some of their choicest selections. Friday’s horse show - Fri. too was a beautiful day and the attendance larger than on Thurs., and we might as well say here that the extra train for the accommodation of the eastern towns of the county should have run on Thursday.
For if there is anything we are proud of, or have to exhibit above others, it is our Cattle Show, and we boast a good deal about the good influence...the exhibition of horses was up to the average of former years, and perhaps in some respects better. The colts bore evidence of good blood...[Many men are mentioned, and many horses]...Society’s dinner, served at Franklin Hall by Landlord Doolittle of the Mansion House, was at half past 12. This was an institution of our early fairs, but for some reason of late has been omitted from the programme. The Band, followed by distinguished guests of the society - half a dozen poor gentlemen who thought that it was necessary to put on martial airs, and stepping through the dusty street, followed by a rabble of bare-footed boys and noisy dogs, because it was so ordered in the exercises. This marching in procession on great occasions was an institution of the past, and it hasn’t been attempted at our fairs for half a dozen years without proving a perfect burlesque. Some 163 ladies and gentlemen were in attendance at the dinner, which consisted of cold meats, tea and coffee, not an elaborate fare, but plain and substantial, and as good as could have been afforded for the price.
Blessing was invoked by Rev. J.F. Moors, and when it came for the toast of season, etc., President Brown opened the ball by thanking the ladies and gentlemen of the society for their many efforts in getting up such a creditable exhibition. He then called upon Maj. S.B. Phinney of Barnstable, the visiting member of the State board. That gentleman modestly excused himself by saying that he came from a manufacturing community, and did not feel quite at home among such eminent agriculturists. He made some pleasant allusions to his former acquaintance with Senator Washburn and others present, and then spoke in the highest praise of the exhibition, or so much of it as he had seen, for he was not present at the cattle show on Thurs...Senator Washburn was called upon to respond to a toast to the State of Massachusetts. He hadn’t been in town for our fairs for several years, and was pleasantly surprised to find the exhibition so good.
We should have to look far and long before we should find such stock as was produced here in little Franklin County. It was much ahead of that shown at the New England fair, where much of the best came from this county. So too in regard to fruit...A toast to the old officers of the society brought up Austin De Wolf, Esq. [Austin DeWolf], a former Secretary, who gave some pleasant reminiscences of the fairs of other days, and of those who had been active in the society... http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~amae000/anrpt84.htm Leander Wetherell , editor of the Boston Cultivator came next. This gentleman has an extensive acquaintance with the agricultural interests throughout New England, but says there is no place he likes to go so well as here, because it is a genuine Cattle Show, and the only one he knows of.
The herdsmen here have thoroughly bred cattle, they know their business, and he pointed out the superiority of many features. He had a good word to say for horse shows and horse trotting - and closed with the sentiment - Franklin County, the banner county of Massachusetts, for she not only furnished the best cattle but has the best Governors and Senators. S.O. Lamb Esq. was now called out and spoke at considerable length, alluding more particularly to taxation, and the laws that should govern it as he looked at it. He was followed by James S. Grennell, who for many years was Secretary of the Society, and has always been identified with its interests...He had never been absent from a single fair, and said there was never a more satisfactory show than that of the present year...In the evening the exhibition hall was open, and another large assembly in attendance, music being furnished by the Bernardston Band.
Some of the gentlemen who did not have a chance to air their eloquence at the dinner table were permitted here to relieve themselves. D.O. Fisk of Shelburne was the master of ceremonies. W.L. Warner, Superintendent of the hall, said among other things that the number of plates of fruit exhibited 8 years ago was 350, while this year there were over 1160, which showed how we were progressing...The sports of Saturday - "Old Prob deserves the thanks of this community for 3 bright beautiful days in succession...[very blurry]. Next came the foot race [more blurred text]...After an hour’s intermission there was a trial of traveling horses over 4 years old.
The entries were E.S. Smith of Ashfield and H. Couillard of Shelburne Falls, best 3 heats in 5. The first was won by Smith, the second by Couillard, but as the latter did not conform to the rules of the Society in making his entry, the premium was awarded to Smith. Both made good time but no record was made. The balloon ascension - The time now approached for the great event of the fair, the balloon ascension, and the crowd gathered around the Monster, or "Belle of France", we should call her, for that was her name. She is the same balloon that made the famous voyage from Plymouth N.H. 3 or 4 years ago, the longest trip ever made in this country, and she has made many other successful voyages since. She now towers to a height of 75 ft., anchored fast by her ballast of sand, waiting very patiently for the word "Go". Prof. http://www.centennia...light_in_US/LTA2.htm Samuel A. King , the veteran aeronaut, was not however to have her in charge, but he had sent his son, http://archiver.root...L/2004-02/1078113819 Frank K. King , a young man of Boston, who was now to make his 7th ascension.
Mr. Holden, the Boston Journal reporter, who had proposed to accompany Mr. King, had found it necessary to give it up, and the latter finally decided to take along with him at the last moment his younger brother, Randolph Z. King, who had been present to assist in the preparations. Everything was in readiness. Mr. King put in provision enough to last two 24 hours, extra clothing and the few necessaries that might be required. He had tested the direction of the wind by previously sending up two small balloons which floated off to the north-east. The young aeronaut was perfectly cool, his nerves apparently not in the least disturbed at the thought of making his perilous ascent. He chatted cheerfully with the gentlemen allowed inside the rope, which had been stretched around a circle to keep off the crowd.
The two fellows couldn’t have been happier if they had been about to start on a little pleasure drive. It is estimated that least 8000 to 10,000 people were watching and waiting for the final going up. Not only was the park crowded, but the adjacent house tops and every hill or point that could command a view was covered with human beings, straining all their eyes in the same direction. Finally the bags of ballast were thrown out, and the dozen or more gentlemen in attendance held the balloon down by a rope. Precisely on the stroke of 3 o’clock, the hour advertised, the rope was cut, and up the "Belle of France" rose, with a graceful, steady motion, amid a thousand huzzas from the multitude, the waving of handkerchiefs and hats, and wishes of a safe and pleasant journey, while the two bands, as had been previously arranged, played http://www.bardon-en...cian_Looks_Back.html "Up in a Balloon Boys" .
It was a grand sight, and called forth unbounded admiration. A red, white, and blue streamer was thrown out from the basket, which hung down for 60 or 70 ft., and when up a little higher, Mr. King let drop a bunch of http://palimpsest.st...s/cdl/1999/0015.html gilt paper , which separated and glistened in the sun like a myriad of stars. Higher and higher the balloon arose, its motion hardly perceptible, and smaller it grew in the distance, and still the people stood and watched its flight over the village. It took a north easterly direction, which if continued would have carried it through the south-eastern corner of Vermont, and over the boundary into New Hampshire.
Mr. King proposed at starting to take a long trip if everything was favorable, and promised that when he landed he would telegraph his whereabouts. At 4 o’clock, one hour after the ascension, the balloon could still be seen about as large as a man’s head, and dimly fading from sight. The "Belle of France" did not, however, make as long a trip as the navigator had hoped. After being up two hours and a half, a final landing was made at Allen’s Quarry, Northfield Farms, near the Erving line, and some two miles from Grout’s (Millers Falls), whither the balloon was taken and brought back to Greenfield on the 9 o’clock train. Mr. King says that the air was almost calm the higher he got, and he went to an altitude of 7000 ft. (higher than Mount Washington) the stiller it seemed, and therefore he was forced to make his journey a short one. The aeronauts previously alighted in Montague, threw out some ballast and went up again.
They passed over Bernardston, and turning, came down the course of the Connecticut, went north again and then east to the point of landing, which was reached without trouble. They describe the view of the country over which they passed the finest they had ever seen, and regret that their journey could not have been prolonged. The stallion race - The grand round up of the fair was the special trial of stallions for prizes amounting to $100. Entries were made by J. Stockwell of Buckland, http://www.pinnacle-.../ppages/ppage46.html "Buckland Boy" [of course the photo linked to is a much newer "Buckland Boy"], H.N. Wilde of Guilford Vt., "Morgan Empire"; Luther Wells of Greenfield, "John G. Saxe"; F.S. Hagar of Greenfield, "Tommy Dott"; Samuel Leonard of Greenfield, "Erie Abdelah". The trot came off in the old course in Petty’s Plain immediately after the balloon ascension. "Morgan Empire" and "Erie Abdallah" [sic] were withdrawn before the race was closed.
The first heat was won by "John G. Saxe" in 2:52, the second and third by "Buckland Boy", best time 2:39. The latter was given the first purse of $50, the former the second of $35, and "Tommy Dot" took the third of $15. There was then a private purse, the first money of which was taken by Ed. Everett’s "Seed Leaf" in 2:50, and the second by E.S. Smith’s "Nettie Rude". Miscellaneous - All premiums awarded will be paid according to the regulations of the Society after Wed next, at the office of the secretary, F.M. Thompson, in the Court House.
The receipts of the 3 days was about $1650. Including life member tickets, and there is due from the railroad a percent on tickets sold, say $100, and from advertisers in the aeronaut some $345, making a total of $2100, enough to pay all expenses and leave a handsome balance. The average receipts of the last 8 years have been about $900. There were arrests for drunkenness, the State Constables and other officers being on the alert, but considering the great number of people there was little rowdyism. One lady from Halifax Vt. lost her wallet, probably picked from her pocket. Among the amusing things that was noticed at the Secretary’s office, was the effort of one life member to get a new ticket.
The reason given for the loss of the old one was that he had just married a new wife, and things had got so much mixed, he couldn’t find it anywhere. Of course, under the circumstances, a new one was issued at once...On Sat. a horse, belonging to George Taylor of Shelburne, became frightened by the music of the bands in front of the Mansion House, and rearing, fell upon his head sustaining fatal injury. It was one of a fine pair and valued at $250. List of premiums awarded - [an extremely long list of prizes - several columns]...
Gazette & Courier - Monday, October 19, 1874
It Didn't Use [i.e. Used] to be So; or Then and Now (poem read at the Old Folks' gathering in Charlemont, Sept. 3, 1874) My friends, I am happy to meet you today / We are nearer by 12 months to the
It Didn’t Use [i.e. Used] to be So; or Then and Now (poem read at the Old Folks’ gathering in Charlemont, Sept. 3, 1874) My friends, I am happy to meet you today / We are nearer by 12 months to the end of the way / Than when we last met, for converse and chat / To speak of by-gones of this and of that / Here are some who have numbered their three score and ten / Here are women grown gray, here also are men / Who hail from the port of the long, long ago / With barks still afloat on the uncertain now / Supposing we take a short fancy trip back / To take in more ballast - tisn’t sail that we lack / To steady our craft, speeding on as we go / Through the rough roiling surf at the tide’s fullest flow / For around the dead past cling memories dear / And oft in my musings bright visions appear / Of scenes well remembered that bring to my mind / A joy and a sorrow that’s strangely combined / Our fathers and mothers, with Puritan zeal / Held fast to the faith, were as true as the steel / Believed in a God to honor and fear / In commandments to keep and crosses to bear / ...The broad bands of Hymen were enduring and strong / Divorces for trifles were thought to be wrong / Twas for better or worse, or whate’er might betide / To love and to cherish till Death should divide / They had something to do besides dress to look fine / Twas a duty, they thought, to improve well their time / Were truthful and honest, lived frugal and plain / Content with their lot, and very small gain / They ate their corn bread, and their bean porridge hot / From a smooth wooden bowl that was scooped from a knot / Then went to their toil in the old fashioned way / When work was suspended on the blest Sabbath day / Sweet Sabbath of rest! To man it was given / To soothe and to chasten and fit him for Heaven / Alas, and alas! tis a holiday now / but in the loved past it didn’t use to be so / Well it is different now from what it was then / The boys of today go ahead of the men / And the girls, why the girls must have their own way / They must dress, and must flirt, and play at croquet / Now lovers pair off as they always have done / And two loving hearts are made into one / Tis my dear husband, dear, my dear, and my wife / But they don’t seem to think tis a union for life / At first they’re as loving as loving can be / But ere you’re aware, there’ll be bickerings, you’ll see / They’ll grow sullen and pout, then off they will go / I tell you, my friend, it didn’t use to be so / They say we’re progressing, perhaps it is so / Can anyone tell us, does anyone know / If some things are better, why others are worse / Deserving, I’m thinking, God’s frown and his curse? /I have watched with interest a little brown bug / Or a spider perhaps, don’t think twas a slug / And I never could tell by seeing him go / Whether rapid his pace, or whether twas slow / Twas sideways, then crosswise, twas forward, then back / He didn’t seem careful to keep on the track / And his object, so puzzling, I ne’er could define / Unless it was merely to have a good time / And so I am thinking, it is with this age / Storm tossed and afloat, while the wild billows rage / Securely tis drifting, never quite on the line / Pursuing that phantom - a coming good time / While we who have stemmed the rough current of life / And are rapidly nearing the end of the strife / In our old, battered boat, careening as we row / Can consolingly think, it didn’t use to be so (Q in a Corner, Poet’s Seat, Shady Lane).
Gazette & Courier - Monday, December 12, 1870
Conway 1870
Conway 1870-71 http://www.scrapalbum.com/xmasp8.htm Christmas and New Years! part I - An immense stock at Townsends! Consisting in part of fine toilet sets, watch stands, jewel boxes, fine china and bisque fig'd. match boxes , very fine; work boxes, black walnut, cherry, new square with gilt; writing desks, common and fine; papier mache work boxes, inlaid with pearl; china boxes, polished boxes, necessaries, elegantly furnished; paper kivens [i.e. knives], pearl, ivory, Scotch, wood, and bone; wallets in great variety; cutlery cases, pearl handles; backgammon boards, leather, cloth, and imitation leather, also toy size; chess and chess boards; dominoes, best and common; paper weights, glass, china, and http://worlddmc.ohio...t=list&searchtype=kw marble ; marbles, tops and balls, all varieties; http://www.officemuseum.com/pencil_history.htm lead pencils , everything in that line; pocket and desk inkstands, paint boxes, crayons, white and colored http://www.memorialh...nced&transcription=0 alphabet blocks, http://www.geocities...ypages/crandall.html Crandall's building blocks , handkerchief boxes, very fine; glove boxes, glass boxes in great variety; games, statuettes, http://www.parian.net/ Parian and bronze; Bohemian vases, Parian vases, China vases, from 15 cents to $3; cologne sets, card receivers, silver, china, and Scotch wood; diaries for 1871, blank books, all kinds; initial boxes of paper and envelopes, new tinted book racks, cash boxes, fiddle strings, thermometers, Hall's Hair Renewer, the best thing known; portfolios and tourists' cases, http://sledworks.com/ sleds for boys and girls, clipper and frame; perforated board, drawing paper, gilt paper, Bristol board, purses, pocket combs, Japanese Backgammon, the latest and best game out; revolvers and pistols, cartridges, etc., ring puzzles, harmonican, 10 sizes.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 17, 1874
Superior Court Record
Superior Court Record - The Aug. term...Judge Dewey presiding, was opened at 10 o'clock Tues. in Greenfield, and prayer was offered by Rev. John F. Moors. The following compose the traverse juries...No cases were ready for trial the first day of the term, and both juries were excused till 9 o'clock Wed. morning. The trial list was then run through, showing a goodly number of cases settled and leaving only half the number entered for trial by juries. The trial of cases began Wed. forenoon and were continued during the week, with the results and the order given below. Indictments were reported by the Grand Jury as follows: Commonwealth vs. Pelham Bradford - For selling mortgaged property. Com. vs. Rector L. Goss - Obstructing highway. Com. vs. Luke Leach - Cruelty to animals. Com. vs. Thomas Harley et al. - Obstructing officer. Com. vs. John Housman - Liquor nuisance. Com. vs. Eugene Whitney - Assault and battery. Com. vs. Dwight Cook - Larceny. Com. vs. Edward Davis - Larceny. Com. vs. Franklin D. Hill - Larceny. Com. vs. John O'Brien - Assault and battery. Com. vs. George Howard, alias John Williams - Larceny of watch, to which the defendant pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 6 months in the House of correction at Greenfield. Arad F. Terry of New Salem was brought up for sentence on previous conviction of perjury. The history of the case was recited by the District Attorney, the leading facts being that said Terry was summoned before the Probate Court to answer to his knowledge of a certain unrecorded deed of land, in which he had an interest, in the name of Mary Holt; in which interrogations he denied all knowledge. On the trial it was proved that he had suppressed a deed in the name of Polly Holt, widow of Samuel Holt, and that the individual known as Mary Holt was also called Polly; that the names Mary and Polly were both used, and that the defendant knew the deed he had suppressed was the one that it was desired to find by his examination. Terry was then indicted for perjury and convicted, but carried to supreme court on exceptions, which being overruled, he was recommended for sentence. Terry being called on by the court to state anything he desired on his own behalf, stated that he was not aware that Mary and Polly Holt were the same individual, and did not intend any wrong. He called Sheriff Wells and Deputy Thayer to testify as to his character, who stated that they never heard of any criminal charge before laid against him, and had known him for many years. But the crime of perjury was one not likely to be passed over, and the fact that by suppressing the deed referred to would give him a better title to certain real estate, told against his innocent intentions. Sentenced to 2 years in State Prison at Charleston, the first day to be solitary. The criminal cases will be taken up today (Mon.) and will probably last two days. Waymes N. Potter et al. vs. Charles H. Munn - This was an action of contract in which the plaintiffs allege that they sold the defendant a bill of grain, among which was 500 lbs. of http://www.cogsci.pr...tage=1&word=middling "middlings" . which item the defendant denied ever receiving, while allowing the rest of the acount as rendered. The books of the firm of Potter & Nash were presented in evidence indicating the items of the bill; the person who sold the same and made the original entry testified to the facts, and the man who delivered the grain also recited his remembrance of the transaction. On the other side, Mr. Munn denied that he ever had any "middlings" in his barn; that he looked at some while purchasing the other grain included in the same bill but did not buy any. The sons of Mr. Munn were also called to substantiate the facts as given in evidence, and to testify of alleged statements of account received from the firm, some of which did not have the item of "middlings" on. The defendant also alleged that he had paid a sum of $15.20 on the account, and which sum was not credited. A conversation with Mr. Potter in regard to the payment was testified to, very explicitly and circumstantially, but Mr. Potter as explicitly denied ever having any such conversation, and also denied the payment. Mr. DeWolf made an exceedingly effective argument, while Judge Aiken presented the defendant's side of the case with his usual ability. The case in dispute being so small it could not be supposed to influence the testimony, aside from the well known character of the parties, so that the contradictions might well puzzle a wiser head than the average juryman, and it was not strange that the jury required several hors to make up their minds. Verdict for defendant. Davis & Dewolf for plaintiffs; D. Aiken and C.C. Conant for defendant. D.N. Dodge vs. C.D. Gale, appt. - This was an action to recover for half a days work with team. The evidence disclosed the fact that the defendant enployed Mr. Pierce and by consent Mr. Dodge was also employed to go to Petersham and get a quantity of furniture. The plaintiff averred that the contract was at so much per day, and it was expected would take two days. The furniture was got by the said Pierce and Dodge, but in the drawing part of the loads had to be left back at Locks Pond. The plaintiff went for and brought the said goods, and hence the claim for $2.50 extra labor was brought. The defendant claimed that the contract was to bring the furniture at $5 per day for two day's work, and thta the extra charge for bringing in the articles left on the road was unjust and was covered by the original agreement. The principles involved as to the rights and liabilities were, of course, the object of the prosecution and defense that the settlement of this case was even more difficult than the former; and the jury, after deliberating all day, were unable to agree and were discharged. Daivs & DeWolf for plaintiff; Bacon, Hopkins & Bacon for defendant. Alvin A. Long vs. Edward W. colton, Ex'r., and Alvin A. Long vs. Charles Green - These two actions being covered by the same facts were tried together. In the former the plaintiff brings an action for trespass in removing wood claimed by him, an in the latter for the timber removed from the same tract. The said land is situated in the town of Northfield, and is a part of the lot sometimes known as the Lyman pasture. The real object of the suit, however, was the establishment of the line and true boundaries, and incidentally to recover pay for some 2000 ft. of lumber and ten or 12 cords of wood, the whole worth about $50. As usual with such cases, which run back into the musty records of 40 years, which deals principally with "stakes and stones", "old stumps" and "white oak trees", mathematically exhibited in black, red and blue dots and lines, on elaborate plans, the interest is anything but general. Although the early part of the trial was enlivened by the earnest and unique manner of the plaintiff in sustaining a very extended history of his side of the case, as soon as the examination dropped into the dry ruts of commonplace testimony, endeavoring to establish contested lines, the lawyers and all hands deserted the courtroom, and only the court, the jury, the counsel and the persons immediately concerned with the case remained to witness the contest. The evidence was well considered by the jury, who returned the following verdicts, each for the plaintiff. AGainst E.W. Holton, executor, for $16; against Charles Green for $35.87. A. Brainard for plaintiff; S.O. Lamb for defendants. The case of John Mowry vs. Almon Brainard was on trial Sat. forenoon, but the court adjourned before it went to the jury. The court will hear all naturalization cases Wed. aft. at 2 o'clock.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 10, 1874
The Yankee spinster in Paris
The Yankee spinster in Paris - The funiest person I have seen for some time was a chippy little old maid from Connecticut, who hearing me speak English, introduced herself to me at the salon a few days ago. She had come over to Europe all alone, she told me, and what she had come for was a marvel to me, for a more ignorant little personage it has seldom been my lot to encounter, and whatever induced her to come so far to see a country of which she had heard so little, was a perfect riddle. She knew nothing of history, had never even heard of such a place as Versailles, and as to the pictures, her delight at finding some body who would tell her what they were all about was extreme. But when I attempted to explain their subjects to her, I found the task one of considerable difficulty, for she knew nothing about the subjects themselves. She had never "heard tell" of such a woman as Cleopatra, the mythological subjects puzzled her dreadfully, the historical ones were no better, and only the scriptural ones seemed to awaken some familiar idea in her mind. At last we came to Bertrand's lovely picture of Romeo and Juliet. "Are they dead or are they asleep and who are they?" she asked all in a breath. I informed her that the picture represented Romeo and Juliet, lying dead before the gate of Juliet's tomb. "Ahhhh!" she ejaculated, backing off to take a better view of the figures. Then after a long scrutiny, she turned to me again. "French people, wern't they?" she asked. I could bear no more. I fled precipitately in the opposite direction, and astonished the somber guardian of the architectural department by indulging in wild shrieks of laughter before a huge drawing of a Grecian temple ( http://perso.wanadoo.fr/phareouest/hugoE.html Lucy H. Hooper in Philadelphia Press).
- Sun, Dec 14, 2008
