USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Newington > Early days in Newington, Connecticut, 1833-1836 > Part 7
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Now I have never been able to acquire the calm, judicial temper and the serene patience which I have always admired in Homer Camp, but many times in my long life, when I have been tempted to act hastily, I have been restrained by the recollec- tion of this little incident.
Mrs. Camp was a woman as richly endowed in mind as in person. In her presence I felt at first somewhat abashed, but I had been for a considerable time an inmate of the house of General Kellogg, who was her mother's brother, and the same courtesy and kindness which I had received there I received also from Mrs. Camp. Delia Whittlesey is still remembered in Newington as one of the most brilliant of the bright girls who have grown up there. Her father, Asaph Whittlesey, married Laura Kellogg in 1805, and took his bride to a home in Farming- ton. There their four children were born. Lemuel, the only son, was drowned in 1824, in the Farmington River, and Mr. Whittlesey died five years earlier. The afflicted wife and mother returned to Newington with all that remained of her little family, two daughters, Delia and Hannah L. Still another daughter, Laura K., had been taken from her at the age of 9 years. There was yet joy and comfort for the mother in the opening charms of her two lovely girls. They were, perhaps, equally talented and beautiful, and equally sought after in social circles, not in Newington only, but in neighboring towns as well. Hannah's school days were draw- ing to a close, and the brightest prospects for the future lay before her. She had a remarkably fine physique, perfect health and unusual strength. To test her powers she one day lifted one of the heaviest girls in the seminary in her arms and carried her across the room. While in the act she suddenly felt what she called "a giving 'way" in her back. All that medical skill and the best nursing could do was done, but the injury was never healed. She grew gradually worse, and all the fair promise of her girlhood was clouded by the gloom of confirmed invalidism. There are sweet and fragrant flowers which attain their highest perfection only in the shade, and so,
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in a seclusion darkened by weariness and pain, the choicest virtues and loveliest graces grew and flourished in the chastened soul of Hannah Whittlesey. After many long years of patient suffering she was not, for God took her. An experience such as that of Hannah Whittlesey should stand as a most significant warning to those who are tempted to try unnecessarily and unwisely their vigorous young strength in gymnasiums or on the athletic field.
But to return to the immediate family of Homer and Delia Whittlesey Camp. Their children were three, Lemuel W., Laura K., and Caroline A. The last named died some years ago. Laura became the honored wife of Henry Laurens Kellogg. The son has always resided on the home farm, but in a house which he built near the old mansion, which is still standing. He has been twice married, first to Eliza Webster and afterwards to Mary, a daughter of Unni Robbins. Of his seven daughters, only three are now living. The eldest of these, Katharine Whittlesey Camp, married William, the second son of John D. Seymour, and resides with her husband and four lively sons in the city of Chicago.
Some distance to the north of the Camp home was the residence of Ralph Wells, his wife and a large family of children. I remember the parents as in middle life. Absalom Wells, the father of Ralph, lived with his son. Sad to relate, the aged father survived both his son and his daughter-in-law. Mrs. Wells died in 1837, her husband in 1838 and the following year, Absalom, the father, followed them. George and Mary, the eldest of the orphaned boys and girls nobly took upon them- selves the responsibility of caring for the younger children, whom they succeeded in bringing up to a respectable maturity. I have followed the subsequent history of George only. He came to Iowa some thirty years ago, and I learn that through industry, good business habits and especially through the fortunate purchase of land in the early days when lands were cheap, he now finds himself the owner of one of the largest farms in the State and ranking among our wealthy men. His residence is in Grundy county.
Grinnell, Iowa, July 13, 1895.
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XIX.
I have allowed fancy to lead me here and there about Newington streets, and now my steps are turned towards "Cabbage Hill." There are still so many interesting memories clustering round "Ten Rod" that I must return thither later on. I cast a hasty glance a little to the north and west, re- membering that over there in the old days James Churchill dwelt, and carried on the principal milling business, and then I come to the corner where Deacon Heman A. Whittlesey now resides. Here, in the early part of the century, was the home of Captain Martin* and Hannah Kellogg. It was never my good fortune to know them, for both died at the old home some five or six years before I came to Newington, but I have known much of the later generations of that excellent and influential family. Captain Kellogg had large possessions in land and other wealth, and held a prominent place among the leading men of the town. His six daughters and one son were all intelligent and well educated-educated, I mean, accord- ing to the ideas of the time and the place, which required an educated man or woman to be familiar not alone with the book- learning gained in school and academy and seminary, but also with that practical lore acquired by acutal experimental knowledge of those forces of the universe with which men and women had to do in living a useful and worthy life in a little Connecticut village in the early nineteenth century. Cap- tain Kellogg gave his children such training as cultivated mind and heart and hand, and fitted them for active participation in the affairs of the community. In matters of morality and religion their influence was found always upon the right side, and, though reared in affluence, they happily escaped the bale- ful influence of that false pride which places mere external circumstances above the essential qualities which make for true nobility of character. Records of church and society are found to make frequent mention of Captain Kellogg, testifying to his prominence and influence in public affairs, and his children and grandchildren after him have been no less im- portant members of society. A mere recital of the names of Newington families into which this strain of Kellogg blood has passed gives evidence of this to one at all familiar with New-
*Note. A mistake, it was this Martin's father who was the Captain.
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ington history. The Atwoods, Whittleseys, Hales, Beldens, Camps, and other families, all trace many of their excellent qualities back to their common ancestor, Captain Kellogg. The captain's only son, General Martin Kellog, is still so well remembered and so highly honored in his native town that I need not say more of him than I have already done. One of the most admirable of the Newington women with whom I formed acquaintance was Mrs. Josiah Atwood, Captain Kel- logg's daughter Prudence. Along with her thorough culti- vation and refinement, her gentleness and sweetness, she pos- sessed a promptness and decision of character which made it only natural that, when a fierce conflagration burst out in the clothing mills, Prudence Kellogg should be the first to dash a brimming pail of water on the flames. All her strong and womanly qualities found expression in the training of that delightful family of sons and daughters whose friendship has been one of the permanent joys of my long life. Of Mrs. At- wood's sister, Electa, who became Mrs. Whittlesey, and of Laura, who married into a family of the same name and became the mother of Delia and Hannah L. Whittlesey, I have pre- viously spoken. Hannah Kellogg married Benjamin Hart and resided in Kensington. Jemima became Mrs. Nathan Hale of Glastonbury, and her daughter Mary was brought back to her mother's early home as the bride of Mason Belden. Her grandchildren still reside amid the old scenes.
Mary, the last of Captain Kellogg's daughters, I never saw. She had died, unmarried, two years before I came to Newington; but I have a very distinct impression of her char- acter. She spent her life at the home where she was born. I know she must have been gentle and lovely and beloved. The very tone in which her nephew, Welles Kellogg, told me one night, when I shared his room, that the light, luxurious quilt which covered us was made of the down plucked from many geese for "Aunt Mary's" comfort in her last illness, as- sured me of that, and he more than once spoke of her sweet, winning manner, and her good influence upon his life. Even the uncultivated men who worked on the farm were wont to speak not only with great respect, but with a great tenderness, also, of the gentle influence of the beautiful and loving spirit. One said to me that Miss Mary was never willing that evil
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should be spoken of anyone in her presence. She could al- ways find good in everyone, and she wished others to see it also.
When I first knew the family of General Kellogg, Martin, the eldest, was a college student, and Sarah, the youngest, was a little girl. Newington people, no doubt, are familiar with the subsequent history of the general's seven children, but I should like to make some slight record of it here. My friend- ship for General Kellogg and his wife, Mary Welles Kellogg, lasted through life. After I left New England to make a home in the great West, I received many kind and encourag- ing letters from the general, and it gave me pride and pleasure to feel that he regarded me, in a sense, as one of his own boys. On my first return to Newington, after four years of pioneer life, no guest of distinction and fame could have received a warmer welcome or more honorable treatment than did I at his home, and when he and his wife were gathered home, in the ripeness of many beautiful years, none mourned more sin- cerely than I.
Martin Kellogg, Jr., passed most of his life as a teacher in North Carolina, and there his interesting family grew up around him. When one of the young men of the Robbins family sought a mistress for his home and a bride for his heart, he found both in a daughter of Martin Kellogg.
Welles, the second son, inherited the ancestral acres and, through industry and enterprise, amassed a large fortune. Of Laurens I shall speak later. Mary, the beautiful Mary, as I remember her, having married Mr. Camp, went to reside in Brooklyn. She passed from earth many years ago. Samuel became a large and successful farmer in western Iowa. He, too, has passed away, but he left behind him an estimable wife and most interesting group of children. His brother Charles chose city life, and after a worthy business career in New York City he, too, was taken hence. Sarah, the widow of Samuel K. Camp, still resides in Brooklyn.
Just north of General Kellogg's residence stood an older dwelling-built, indeed, in colonial days-which also belonged to him. It was occupied by Mr. Horton, a quiet, industrious man and a skillful shoemaker.
Across the street, at what was known as the Justus Francis place, dwelt Justus Francis's eldest son Hervey. He had
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married Abijail, one of the Kilbourn girls, and when I knew them they were past middle life, without children, and living a quiet, comfortable life. Time has wrought many changes since that day. Long ago both Hervey Francis and his wife were carried to their narrow house near the village church. Erastus Francis, a brother of Hervey, occupied his home, and reared there his family. Through our wives we claimed cousinly relations.
Erastus Francis and his wife have also gone, long since, the way of all the earth, and their sons, too, have followed them, and now it is their grandchildren who dwell at the old place.
Cyrus Francis lived a little farther to the north. I re- member him as a strong, energetic man of business, always working hard, but a prosperous and successful man. When I knew him he had been twice married, the second wife having been a Miss Pratt, a most excellent woman. There were four children. Blinn, the only child of the first wife, may now be found in West Hartford. He has reared a large family. Two of his sons have achieved distinction as civil engineers. The chil- dren of the second marriage were Pratt, Nancy and Cyrus W. The last, after acquiring a thorough education, became a minister, but has spent many years as a university professor at Atlanta, Ga. I learn that he is now preaching in Massa- chusetts. Nancy became early in life one of the American Board missionaries to Turkey, and there she died a few years ago, while still in active service. Pratt stayed by the stuff at the family home and proved himself a successful farmer. He is still active and busy. To him and his good wife were given two sons, whom they brought up and educated with care. One graduated from Yale College. The other, now the Hon. Arlan P. Francis, remained with his father on the farm. He has become a man of influence with his neighbors, and during the past year has been honored with a seat in the State Legislature. Another piece of good fortune came to him when he secured as his bride, a few years ago, the daughter of my old friend, J. Elbert Atwood, Miss Kate M. Atwood. I have delightful recollections of visits to their happy home, brightened as it was by the advent of a beloved little daughter whom they call Helen. The little maid has a peculiar interest
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for me because I have known her ancestors on the side of both father and mother for three generations, and look for the survival, in this latest scion, of the gifts and graces and virtues of her excellent forbears.
Grinnell, Iowa, July 25, 1895.
XX.
Before going farther north in my rambles, I must take a stroll down Back Lane. Why such a narrow way should have been laid out in what was once so important a part of the town, while the next street on the west running south was ten rods wide, I am unable to say. But I know that at an early day certain leading families lived, on that retired and quiet street, Back Lane. Perhaps it was more aristocratic to dwell apart somewhat from one's friends and fellow townsmen. Here stood the old Whittlesey mansion, a little south of the Gaylord place, and here the family resided previous to locating per- manently on Ten Rod street. It is pleasant to know that the name still clings to the spot, for the place now owned by Roger Welles, Esq., is still called the "Whittlesey Pasture." What is known as the Gaylord house, was also the Latimer home- stead, and a little to the north, in a house which has been torn down, Elias Andrews resided. During my residence in New- ington, Edwin Gaylord lived with his intelligent family on Back Lane. I recall that Mrs. Gaylord was a sister of Colonel Joseph Camp and that the Gaylord children attended the Center school. The most popular man in all Newington, in the winter, was to be found here also. That was Captain Dow, beloved and admired by all the boys, (and girls too, I believe), because of the "dandy" sleds which he made for them.
About the time of my entrance upon Newington scenes, a big boy of 20, another boy, younger and smaller, but who had, like myself, to "paddle his own canoe," came there also. I knew him as a boy of 12 or 14, living in the family of Cyrus Francis and working on his farm. An orphan child, apparently without friends, he had come, I knew not whence, had made his own bargain with Mr. Francis, binding himself to work under his direction until he should attain his majority, and had
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settled down to steady business with a determination and a courage which boded well for his future. Not that Henry D. Smith was one of those "dull boys" whose lives are "all work and no play," he was full of life and spirits, active in the sports of his age and time and even a bit mischievous withal. Leav- ing Connecticut for the West, a few years later, I lost sight of Henry, and it was only within recent years that I have learned, largely from others, but partly through an interesting corres- pondence with the Hon. Henry D. Smith himself, some parti- culars respecting his after career. While carrying out his contract with Mr. Francis, working daily in the busy round of farm labor, he had still, with marvelous energy and persever- ance, found means to fit himself for college, and entered Yale when he became his own master at the age of 21. Four years later he left college halls, having graduated with honor, a self- reliant, determined young man of strong principle and earnest character. Something of his success in making himself the man he has become he owes, I am sure, to the excellent in- fluences of the family in which he passed so many of his early years, and to the high tone of the community around him. How much, neither he nor I may ever know. Having left college, Mr. Smith turned his energies into business channels, and before long became engaged in the manufacture of car- riage and harness hardware, in which occupation he has been eminently successful. Today he is president of the company manufacturing such goods in Plantsville, Conn., an extensive organization whose wares are now sold in all civilized countries. I am not surprised to learn that Mr. Smith is a man whose staunch principles have stood the strain of the varied experi- ences of these sixty years, and that he is highly respected by all who know him. As he has acquired wealth, the amiable traits of benevolence and generosity have become prominent, and several of the charitable institutions of the State count him among their directors. He has even been a candidate for the Governorship of his State, and had the distinction of re- ceiving the largest vote for Governor ever given to a Prohi- bition candidate. May not many a poor orphan boy take heart and hope from the record of such a life?
In the autumn of 1834, I found myself with Edwin Welles, of Newington, a student at the new academy just opened in
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East Windsor. It was an interesting time in the history of New England thought, a new theological seminary having been opened at East Windsor, with the Rev. Dr. Tyler at its head, in connection with which the academy was founded. The theological bias of the friends and founders of these institutions brought to the academy a large number of boys from the staid, conservative families, who clung to the theology of the old school. Dr. Tyler took a great interest in the young men assembled in the academy. It was a good school. Every- thing was favorable for study. I had come to fit myself for teaching, and I think I made as good progress as was possible for me. A school for the winter in Kensington had been partly promised me by Eli Moore, Esq., of that town. About the middle of the term I started on foot for Kensington, to see about my school. Passing through Newington, I stopped for a call at Mr. Josiah Atwood's where I was kindly invited to spend the night. As we chatted round the cheery autumn fire in the evening I confided to my friendly hosts the purpose of my visit to Kensington-my hope to secure a school for the winter. Mrs. Atwood turned at once to her husband, who was a member of the school committee for Newington, and said; "Mr. Atwood, had you not better engage Mr. Little to teach our school ? I think the large boys would hardly be able to run over him as they have over Mr. T., the last two winters." And she glanced with a smile over my big, strong figure. I shall never forget just how Mr. Atwood turned to me in his kind, pleasant way and said "Would you like to teach the North School." Nor can I forget my own surprise and pleasure. I assured Mr. Atwood that nothing would give me greater pleasure than to remain among my good friends in Newington. We sat for some time over the fire discussing the matter, and Mr. Atwood spoke of the difficulties encountered in the school by the former teacher from the insubordination of two large unruly boys. Meantime the seven children of my hosts who formed part of the group round the fire-place turned their bright eyes upon me with a gleam of fresh interest, for they were pupils of the North School, and I doubt not that I was there weighed and judged with that keen and merciless criticism of childhood for a teacher, in fact or in prospect. It is a de- lightful vision which rises before me now of that circle of happy
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children listening in the quiet, modest, unobtrusive New England way to the conversation of their elders. Charles, the eldest was, I think, about 14, with but one month more to sit as a school-boy upon the benches at the little North School, for when the Academy opened he was to go there to begin his preparation for college. Next to him came Elbert, then, de- scending by regular gradations, Thomas, John, Harriet, Mary and Julia, the last too young to be counted among the school children.
Morning came, and, having asked me to delay my de- parture, the good committeeman set out to consult with the other members of the committee with reference to my candi- dacy. It was not long before he had returned with a report favorable to my hopes, and I have always believed that among the desirable qualifications set forth on my behalf, not the least was the possession of a powerful frame and tough, well- trained muscles. I was to "board round," and received in addition the sum of $13 a month. It was a good offer, all things considered, and I was well satisfied to accept the op- portunity to gratify a long-cherished ambition to become a teacher. In the evening of the same day I went before the examining committee and secured my certificate, and on the following morning returned to East Windsor to finish my term of study in the academy there. It was a happy walk. Life was bright before me, and I was determined that my first venture in school teaching should be a success. As I was taking my last glimpse of Newington, under the mountain on the Hartford road, all my experiences in that lovely village since I first beheld it, less than two years before, were spread out before me like a panorama. Then I was a stranger to all, seeking employment as a common laborer. Now friends seemed to meet me at every turn, and kind and encouraging words from the worthiest of Newington citizens were a constant stimulus to me to do my best, to make the most of myself. But as yet I little knew the great blessing still in store for me --- hidden among the clustering trees of the little town already becoming very dear to me.
Grinnell, Iowa, August 3, 1895.
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XXI.
It was about a month before Thanksgiving Day, in that autumn of 1834, that my winter's school opened at the North school-house, with about forty pupils. Several of the older ones were to attend for a few weeks only, that is, until the opening of the Academy. Among them were John D. Seymour, Rufus Stoddard, Rollin K. Stoddard, Charles Stoddard and Charles K. Atwood.
I am not one of those to whom "the former days were better than these" in all respects. I delight in dwelling upon the astonishing progress which the world has made during the period covered by my own memory. But in some few par- ticulars I am confident that those former times were better. The children of the well-to-do religious families, were, as a rule, better trained than those of similar families to-day. Those Newington children had nothing of the self-conscious pertness, the intolerable "smartness" of the typical "Young America" of the present, who believes that the earth and all the solar system were made for his personal gratification and all created beings were designed to dance attendance upon his whims. On the contrary, they were modest, retiring, even diffident to a degree with a respectful treatment of their elders far too rare in these days. They brought with them the spirit which ruled in the happy homes from which they came, where quietness, dignity and refinement reigned. In spite of my admiration for our great national system of graded schools, I have always maintained that the old New England dis- trict school gave better training, and, so far as it went, a better education to the individual pupil. The machinery which absorbs so large a part of the energy of teacher and pupil in the present day was wholly wanting. There was no regular classification; bright children were not kept back to the slow pace of the dull, and the one whose mind worked slowly was not worried and grieved, and discouraged by being continually "put back" to begin over again with younger scholars the lessons which a little careful, patient, personal attention from the teacher, could make simple and clear. In my school, as in others of that time, every pupil worked away at his Daboll's Practical Arithmetic as fast as he could, without reference to anybody else, each striving to finish the book in advance of
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the rest, all committing every rule to memory and working every example, while the teacher examined all the work, and advised, encouraged, and stimulated with praise, or blame, as the case required.
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