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Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 13, 1875
Foreign
At the London dog show this year, the Rev. J.W. Mellar's champion mastiff, Turk, a dog a little over 7 years old, that has won more than 30 prizes and cups, was valued by his owner at $25,000, and Mr. A.S.D. Fivas Granby, an animal almost as big as a lion, at $50,000. ..
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?
The Rev. John C. Edgar will deliver a lecture in the Town Hall at Heath Center on Thurs at 7 o'clock. Subject, The Battle of Bala Clava [Battle of Balaclava] in which will be given a vivid description of the Charge of the Light Brigade which has been immortalized by Tennyson. Price of admission, 25 cents. Mr. Edgar has served 8 years in the Light Brigade...At the close of the lecture, the ladies of the Congregational Society will hold a peach festival, to which all are respectfully invited. The bill of fare will not only consist of peaches, but of the many good things which the ladies of Heath know full well how to prepare for such an occasion. Tickets 50 cents each.
[See Wikipedia for more information on the Battle].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 16, 1875
Black King of Niam Niam
In an account of his adventures in the Upper Nile, Col. Long of the Egyptian Army, says that the black king of Niam Niam decapitated 30 of his subjects in honor of the visitor, who also accepted a girl as a royal gift. Through an interpreter she said "I want very much to go with you, but it must be on condition that you will not eat me". The colonel said he wouldn’t eat her on any consideration.
[This little gem appears to be taken from a book entitled "Centennial skyrockets: a series of flights, fancies and facts" by Rev. Titus Joslin. Wikipedia has an explanatory page about the Azande: "This name is probably of Dinka origin, and means great eaters in that language (as well as being an onomatopoeia), supposedly referring to cannibalistic propensities. This name for the Azande was in use by other tribes in Sudan, and later adopted by westerners. Naturally, today the name Niam-Niam is considered pejorative"].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 2, 1875
Shelburne
Deacon David Fiske, who died Thurs. aft., age 84 years, was born in Shelburne, and married Laura Severance, daughter of Martin Severance, one of the earliest settlers of the town. He established the first manufacturies at the Falls, building and controlling a woolen mill, grist mill and saw mill. In 1832 he removed with is family to Ohio, and settled near Cleveland, building the first framed house in that direction from the town for a long distance.
He afterward removed to Michigan, and was shaken out of the West by fever and ague. About 1847 he returned to Shelburne, and finally purchased the house in which his 8 oldest children were born, and where his life's companion died in 1870. Since that time he has lived with his children and his brother, in a hale, cheerful and beautiful old age. "Uncle David" and wife had a large family, and were the parents of Rev. Samuel Fiske [Samuel Wheelock Fiske], better known as "Dunn Browne", whose spicy letters from Europe and the Holy Land, and later from the army and Libby prison, interested so many in this vicinity.
Rev. A.S. Fiske of Rochester, N.Y., D.O. Fiske, a prominent Shelburne farmer, and Mrs. Rev. Burdett Hart of New Haven, Ct. are also members of this family. Deacon Fiske was a man of sterling sense, the brightest honor and most consistent piety. He possessed a wealth of dry, quiet humor, and was a most social, lovable man. He attained a comfortable independence, but never sought wealth by scheming or speculation.
No one lives who can recall an instance of selfishness or meanness in Uncle David's life, and many a poor fellow will mourn the loss of an unostentatious benefactor in his death. His last days were spent in peace and comfort among friends or relatives. He was the picture of a ripened Christian man who had fought the good fight, kept the faith, and calmly waited the fulfillment of the divine promises which had for so many long and hard years been his abundant solace and support.
He attended church the Sunday before his death, in the rain, and caught a cold which terminated fatally in pneumonia and congestion of the lungs. Brief hours of pain gave him entrance to the glory that awaited him. The funeral services were conducted at the church, by Rev. A.F. Marsh, who preached a good sermon from the Scripture account of the journey to Emmaus, the text being "Abide with us for it is now evening and the day is far spent". The topic considered was "Evening".
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 2, 1875
The English are the first
The English is [i.e. are] the first of foreign nations to break ground at Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, for the erection of the buildings for the use of their commissioners during the centennial. Japan, Sweden and Morocco are preparing to follow suit, and the other commissions will soon be similarly engaged, the whole making a lively and very picturesque scene. Austria’s requisition for space, which has just been received, calls for 32,000 square feet of the main building and over 21,000 in the art gallery, an increase of 1/3 over the original reservation for that nation. [See Centennial Exhibition in Wikipedia].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, May 31, 1875
News about town: Greenfield items
The following list of new books has been recently added to the Greenfield Library: Scottish Song; We and Our Neighbors [by Harriet Beecher Stowe]; Mr. Smith; The Wreck of the Chancellor [by Jules Verne]; Egypt and Iceland; A Winter in Russia; Characteristics from the Writings of J.H. Newman; Theology in the English Poets; Politics for Young Americans; English portraits; Social Life in Greece; The Starling; David Crockett; Invasion of the Crimea, 34 vols.; Strength and Beauty; Outlines of the World’s History; Mistress Judith [by Christina Catherine Liddell]; Gunnar, a Tale of Norse Life; Dictionary of Shakespearian Quotations; Annual Record of Science and Industry; Shakespeare Commentaries; The New Hyperion; Manual of Political Ethics; Ismailia, by S.W. Baker; Ancient Law; St. Nicholas.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, May 10, 1875
South Deerfield
Rev. Henry C. Haskell http://library.ferris.edu/~cochranr/clips.htm , formerly and for 10 years a missionary of the American Board in Turkey, and well known to many persons in South Deerfield, has accepted a call to the High Street church at Columbus, Ohio.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, April 12, 1875
The Holy Land at present
During this season of sacred festivals the latest information from the Holy Land, conveying, as it does, much relating to the region as a field for residence and immigration, reads very curiously. It was elicited by Sir Moses Montefiore, the wealthy London Jew [an excellent article about him at Wikipedia], who desired to benefit the people of his nation who have settled, or might wish to, round about Jerusalem.
/ Our writer states that there is some extensive, fertile and well watered land on the roadway between Jerusalem and Hebron, and he says that this could be adapted for the reception of poor families, and the water could be made available for working mills and factories. Another affirms that there is a similar fruitful territory at Rama, the birthplace of Samuel, and he adds that at Hebron there is land which is already producing corn, wine, oil, silk and cotton, mineral waters, salt and actually coal. We also learn that there are many fertile and irrigated regions in Galilee.
/ The trouble however, in the agricultural development of the Holy Land, lies in the fact that among the natives, there is not one man in a hundred knows how to plow or plant, for they are for the most part artisans. There is great need of capital, which, if it could be supplied at a rate of 5 per cent, would give very satisfactory returns. A proper system of apprenticeship for the boys of Jerusalem - who are said to be quite precocious - is also recommended, and an effort to this end is now actually being made on the Joppa farm [Joppa is now Jaffa]. The Bedouins are troublesome in some sections, but the requisite assistance can be obtained from the Turkish government. Thus we see that the Holy Land begins to be talked about and prospected very much like the newly opened regions of our own Great West.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, April 5, 1875
Photographs in the harem
As an instance of the spread of liberal ideas in Turkey, it may be mentioned that the Sultan has lately allowed the photograph to be taken of his only daughter, Saliyeh Sultana. The princess is over 13 years of age, long past the time when, according to Mohammedan custom, she should be strictly confined to the harem, and her uncovered face seen by none but females and her nearest kindred.
The photograph is by Abdullah Freres http://maviboncuk.bl...abdullah-freres.html to whom the reproduction and sale of the young Sultana’s likeness is strictly restricted by an imperial decree. The portrait is that of a girl in complete European costume, with a pleasant and attractive face. Photography has proved to be of great assistance to young people in Turkey who are anxious to marry, for now the young man need no longer trust so implicitly in the report of his female relatives, as he was heretofore obliged to do.
Young women, too, can now send their photographs to anyone of the opposite sex whose appearance and manner may take their fancy, and so manage to create an impression resulting eventually in a proposal of marriage through the ordinary channel: a female go-between.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, March 22, 1875
News about home (Greenfield)
Rev. Mr. Moors delivered his lecture "Egypt and the pyramids" in Ware Tues. eve. He has been giving a course of lectures before the young ladies of Prospect Hill School.
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, March 22, 1875
What comes now?
Good molasses at 50 cts. a gallon; also nice New Orleans Molasses from the new crop just in market and all grades up to the best Sugar House Syrup; granulated sugar, 11 cts. a pound; light brown sugar, clean and nice, 9 1/2 cts. a pound; 23 bars of that good soap for $1; best kettle rendered lard in 5 lb. pails, also by the pound; best clear pork backs and some nice tripe; a nice lot of factory cheese ; another lot of those nice large raisins, 2 lbs. for 25 cts.; good coffee...also Gilles Crushed Coffee, and all grades up to the best Java and Old Mocha.
...Turks Island Salt; also coarse, fine salt and extra dairy and table salt in bags and boxes and by the lb.; and some of those best Spices, Saleratus and Cream Tartar, guaranteed to be strictly pure; a splendid assortment of teas, including 4 different grades of nice Japan tea...A new stock of paper hangings and borders; first quality of lime and potash; (keeps going). Allen & Lyman, Bernardston.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, March 8, 1875
Probate court record
Greenfield, March 2, 1875 - Administration granted - on estate of Elisha D. Alexander, late of Shutesbury, David Mowry of Leyden, Adm'r.; George C[?], late of Charlemont, Lucy A. Gale and Augustus Farnsworth, Adm'rs.; Hubert Morton, late of Shelburne, William H. Bardwell, Shelburne, Adm'r.; David Smith, late of Whately, F.G. Bardwell, Whately, Adm'r.; Semira H. Palmer, late of Greenfield, Theodore P. Palmer, Montague, Adm'r.; Octavia H. Warner, late of Sunderland, Albert Montague, Sunderland, Adm'r.
/ Wills proved - Laura Alvord, late of Gill, Clara Thayer, Gill, Ex'x; Caroline A. Morgan, late of Greenfield, Charles R. Field, Greenfield, Ex'r.; John Russell, late of Greenfield, John E. Russell, Leicester, Charles W. Russell, Brooklyn, George Denison, New York, Ex'rs.; Nancy Robbins, late of Deerfield, Edward E. Lyman, Ex'r.
/ Guardians appointed - Francelia M. Barber of Coleraine over her own minor children; Lucy A. Gale of Charlemont, over her own minor children; Maria H. Reynolds of Deerfield, over Mary Beals of Deerfield; A.K. Warner of Greenfield over Cornelius Keefe of Greenfield; D.D. Whitmore of Sunderland, over Jessie L. Pierce of Montague.
/ Accounts rendered - on estates of Diantha Alexander of Erving, Levi Bills of Conway, Eunice W. Graves of Leverett, Elizabeth Lawrence of Warwick, Lyman D. Phillips of New Salem, Hollis D. Simonds of Northfield.
/ Widow's allowances - in estate of Albert E. Barber, late of Coleraine, $500; Richard Hobart, late of Leverett, $300.
/ Inventories filed - in estates of Eugene Y. Bixby, late of Sunderland, $544; Edward Thayer, late of Greenfield, $3008.
/ Affidavits filed in estates of Philinda Bowman of Leverett, Amos Dexter of Erving, Heman Holden of Erving, Edward Thayer of Greenfield.
/ Estate of John Hawkins, late of Shutesbury, represented in event: Dr. David Leverett, and F.C. Carver of Amherst, Commissioners.
/ Homestead and dower ordered assigned to the widow of E.C. Allis, late of Whately. Next probate court at Orange tomorrow.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, February 22, 1875
No songs heard there
No songs heard there - A recent traveler says: "What impresses me more than anything else in Egypt and Palestine is the entire absence of cheerful and exuberating music, especially from the children. You never hear them singing in the huts. I never heard a song that deserves the name in the streets or houses of Jerusalem. One heavy burden of voiceless sadness rests upon the forsaken land. The mirth of the http://www.christian...ctionary/tabret.html tabret ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, February 22, 1875
A London dispatch has a report of serious disturbances in Bethlehem, Palestine. The Greeks made an attack upon that quarter of the city inhabited by the Armenians, and several persons on both sides w
A London dispatch has a report of serious disturbances in Bethlehem, Palestine. The Greeks made an attack upon that quarter of the city inhabited by the Armenians, and several persons on both sides were killed.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, February 22, 1875
Mrs. Minnie Sherman Fitch went to the New York custom house the 12th, and
Mrs. Minnie Sherman Fitch went to the New York custom house the 12th, and "tried on" the jewels sent her by the Khedive of Egypt. The ladies who accompanied her exhausted their stock of adjectives in praising the brilliant gems.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, February 8, 1875
The Khedive’s present of diamonds to Minnie Sherman
The Khedive’s present of http://www.kiroastro...ent/the_general.html diamonds to Minnie Sherman - A magnificent necklace and eardrops of diamonds were received the 27th, at the New York Custom House for delivery to Mrs. Lieut. Thomas W. Fitch, nee Miss Minnie Sherman. They were sent by the Khedive of Egypt as a wedding present to the daughter of Gen. Sherman, in token of his appreciation of the advice concerning the reorganization and discipline of officers for his army given by the General during his visit to Cairo in 1873. The necklace is a perfect mass of large diamonds, artistically strong, and with still larger diamonds hanging down at intervals in the form of pendants. The earrings are composed of a number of the larger sized diamonds arranged to match the necklace. Both are contained in a superb jewel case of velvet, and are accompanied by a congratulatory letter from the Khedive. Congress, recently, by a joint resolution authorized the Lieutenant to receive the present. Its value is estimated at $250,000.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, February 8, 1875
The right kind of a boy
The right kind of a boy - About 50 years ago a youth working on a farm, asked his father to give him money enough to buy a http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0771991.html gun . The old man could not spare it. But the boy, nothing daunted, found an old piece of iron about the place, and in the course of time contrived to make a http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliphalet_Remington gun barrel out of it, with the very meager facilities afforded by a country blacksmith shop. He had not the materials to make a lock and stock, so he walked to the nearest town and traded for the necessary attachments; and was encouraged by the smith for having so good a http://www.remington...ery/album02/Cowboy01 shooter : this gave him the ambition to make another. So he went to cutting out grindstones from the native rock to raise the money for gun materials, and in a short time there was a considerable demand for guns of his make. During the French war with Prussia, he was called upon to furnish guns for the army, and in less than 8 months he made and delivered to the government of France http://www.remington...ery/album02/ERemAd01 rifles of a particular pattern costing $5,000,000, which amount was duly paid. The same man now furnishes rifles for the United States, South America, Rome, Spain, Egypt and Japan. The farmer’s boy who wanted a gun is http://www.remington...gallery/album02/ERem Eliphalet Remington of Illion, N.Y. [i.e. http://www.remington...nformation/ilion.asp Ilion, N.Y. ] His http://www.remington...ry/album02/Factory01 manufactory covers 4 acres of ground, and he http://www.remington...um02/ERemFactory1854 employs 1200 men. Not satisfied with this achievement, he has recently completed a http://www.remington...ery/album02/ERemAd02 sewing machine which is reported to be quite a success. This is the type of a boy who, when there is not a way, makes one for himself.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, February 1, 1875
Measurement of ancient cities
Measurement of ancient cities - http://www.hp.uab.edu/image_archive/ue/uer.html Ninevah was 14 miles long, 8 miles wide and 46 miles around, with a wall 100 ft. high, and thick enough for 3 http://www.mcdonald....c/issue1/nineveh.htm chariots abreast. Babylon was 50 miles within the walls, which were 75 feet thick and 100 ft. high, with 100 brazen http://www.cs.cornel...n/pages/page_23.html gates . The http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/sevenwonders.htm Temple Diana at Ephesus was 420 ft. to the support of the roof; it was 100 years in building. The largest of the pyramids was 481 ft. in height, and 853 ft. on the sides. The base covered 11 acres. the stones are about 60 ft. in length, and the layers are 208. It employed 350,000 men in building. The labyrinth of Egypt contains 300 chambers and 12 halls. http://www.aldokkan.com/geography/thebes.htm Thebes , in Egypt, presents ruins 27 miles around, and contained 250,000 citizens and 100,000 slaves. The Temple of Delphos [also seen as the http://history.boise...civ/persian/13.shtml Temple of Delphi ] was so rich in donations that it was plundered of $50,000,000 and the Emperor Nero carried away from it 200 statues. The walls of Rome were 13 miles around.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, February 1, 1875
The governments of Turkey and Montenegro have dismissed their forces, which they had collected on the border of their respective countries in anticipation of hostilities.
The governments of Turkey and Montenegro have dismissed their forces, which they had collected on the border of their respective countries in anticipation of hostilities.
- Fri, Feb 13, 2009
