USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Norfolk > History of Norfolk, Litchfield County, Connecticut, 1744-1900 > Part 38
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our bright home, always leading in our amusements and contribu- ting with her ready wit to convert our little troubles and tasks into a laughing comedy, and parrying the grave rebukes of our elders in a way that disarmed all their terrors. She had a sturdy physique, the fleetest of foot of our nine,-was always at the goal around the meeting-house before her brothers even were half way. Her complexion was the Saxon red and white (the York and Lan- caster combined) of her father,-a heaven-reflected blue eye, abun- dant brown hair that almost always escaped from the net she wore; not skillfully plaited like your aunt Irene's, but soft as the zephyrs that blew it about her shoulders and waist. She was help- ful too in the household with her needle, and furnished some of the linen that our dear mother encouraged us to spin,-singing as she spun as sweetly and as gracefully as did Goethe's Mar- guerite. She was a bright scholar, educated with your aunt Irene at Hartford and New Haven, and throughout her life an insatiable reader. She had a remarkably quick ear for music, and one of her early teachers, disposed to chide her for not giving more time for practice, after listening to her sister's rendition of a difficult lesson, was confounded to find that Sarah had caught its rhythm, harmony, and spirit,-triumphantly reproducing on the instrument the same thing. Domestic avocations in after life prevented her from pursuing music as thoroughly as did your aunt Irene, but you will always remember what a pastime and joy it was in all these years to hear her play and sing, both at home and in public worship. You know what the old clergyman said after you had tried to entertain him with your efforts on the piano, your mother taking your place,-"Well, I must say that the old lady beats them all." How merrily she laughed at your chagrin, especially at the epithet "old lady," saying that she presumed he thought her as old as Tubal Cain, After her marriage you remember what your aunt Irene quotes in one of her last letters,-that mother felt that the sun had not risen till Sarah came from the old parsonage to look into the dear home from which one and another were fast leaving for homes of their own.
She had an inherited love of flowers that delighted her mother. and until the autumn of 1854, we often saw them bending over a new specimen of some exotic plant, or conferring about the ar- rangements of the flower-beds, or discussing the old and new methods of flower culture. When your father made choice of one of his flock, some of the saintly old members of his flock shook their heads, and feared that young girl would not fill her grand- mother's place, though it took dear grandma fifty-two years to live up to the requirements of a minister's wife, and even then it was the magnetism of her sweet disposition and invariable high breed-
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ing that captivated the hearts of the parishioners, as your mother did in less than a twelvemonth after she became the pastor's wife. I was delightedly surprised to find, when I came home after a year's absence, that she was such a universal favorite with all ages and classes.
But her religious growth seemed to me marvelous. I was more delighted still at a woman's prayer-meeting (which she, I believe, organized), to hear her petitions,-full of that simplicity and nearness to the throne of grace that indicated in whose school she had been taught, and that from our own household another prophetess had arisen. Her life, seemingly so prosperous, was not without great burdens; her natural light-heartedness helped her to bear them most resolutely and cheerfully, and you can all testify to the self-denial and readiness with which she assumed the duties of a minister's house. But only a woman of similar ex- perience can understand the willing hands she put to those labors, the pains she took that your father's studies should be uninter- rupted, and all the claims of a boundless hospitality never ignored. Her sacrifices for your education and comfort cannot be computed. I observed her closely with the greatest admiration and respect. Never was she a moment estranged from the love and perfect confidence of father, mother, brothers and sisters, and she gave to us all a perpetual love-feast. After father and mother were removed she seemed to be nearer than ever. Our elder sister gave us all a hospitable welcome, and our family gatherings were still "a harvest time of sweets, where no crude surfeit reigned."
Much has been said of her remarkable hospitality, but where is the housewife, with a house full of children, and a parish to look after, who can testify as she did to me, "I can truly say that in all my married life I never saw a person enter my gate that I was not glad to see."
Rich viands,-for she was a princess in the culinary art as well as in name, she laid before her immediate friends, no matter at what cost of labor and time to herself, and the "tramp's cup and plate" at the porch door were always ready when applied for. My poor sister, when her beautiful rod and strong staff were broken, bowed herself in sweet submission, but the blow so crushed her she never recovered her physical vitality, and from that day, "did fade as a leaf."
She continued, however, to comfort the feeble-minded, and en- courage the despondent, still self-forgetting, contributing to the en- tertainment of those who sought her society for her rare conversa- tional powers, till the languishing pulses admonished us all that "the forces of nature could no farther go."
Then on a June day, when our poet Bryant, with whom she
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had recently conversed, passed, as he said of Cole, like "an arrow shot up into the sky," she too,-
"Folded her pale hands meekly, And fell asleep by the gates of light."
What more beautiful tribute than the foregoing from a sister can be conceived?
A most worthy companion-picture is the tribute of a brother of Mrs. Eldridge by marriage, Rev. Azariah El- dridge of Yarmouth, Mass., who in a letter addressed to his nephew, not long after his mother's death, said:
"It is sad to be an orphan. When I think of what you and the sisters have lost by death, my heart fills with sorrow and sympathy. We must never forget amid the trying scenes of this life, that you and they are the children of remarkable parents. For myself, as his grateful and loving brother, I may over-estimate the rare quali- ties of your father, but there appears to me no such combination of mind and heart in any great man among the living.
And your dear mother, now called after him out of this darken- ing world, has certainly left no superior as a true and wonderful woman among those whom I have ever had the happiness to know.
I cannot describe her, because I cannot comprehend her, if men ever do women. But the early impression made upon me when a boy from the preparatory school has been deepening all through life, and is that of great strength clothed in still greater softness and beauty of character.
She was strong as the spring and the summer are strong, with a power sweetly and irresistibly pervasive and persuasive. There belonged to her a freshness, a buoyant and vernal life, an exuber- ance of vitality, of spirits and of love, which nothing could resist or exhaust, and which years did not appear to check or to chill in the least.
There was a force, gentle, genial, and smiling as May, to smite through the ice and thaw things out,-to set the sap flowing, and call other people forth into blooming gayety and fragrance. Never did she appear to grow old at heart, any more than in the flashing quickness of her mental activities. She never lost her interest in flowers. She never parted with any of her charm in interesting children, or any of her power over young men. Dur- ing her last winter at New York, when she was sixty-eight years old and must have been already ill, ladies and gentlemen of all ages would gather about her of an evening to have their hearts
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warmed, as we do about a fireside. But that was no new thing ex- cept to those who were there to experience it for the first time. These luminous and glowing emanations of social genius and good will were the delight of her father when she was a girl. They were the pride and joy of her husband in middle life, and they pulsated forth in floods at intervals until the very last. They seemed to cost her no particular effort. They came as natural and easy as the throbbing light of a glow-worm, and emanated from her often in the midst of darkness, sorrow, and trial. Once, Joseph, when you were her baby, and were suddenly choking with the croup, at a moment when the house was full of company, she managed to con- ceal it from them all, and was flitting between the sick-room and the guests until the last of them departed unconscious and happy. And here I may say that the passion of her soul and life was to render other people happy. Self-sacrifice never stood in the way. To deprive and expose herself for others was as nothing. The endurance and concealment of suffering for others was an habitual practice. And it makes the heart ache to think of the agony never told of, and betrayed to the physician by symptoms, and at length to all by irrepressible moans, during those fatal days and weeks.
But she is now at rest forever. Her life on the whole was a very happy one. The ruling passion so strong in death, was grati- fied through life to an unusual degree. She could easily render people happy. The gifts and facilities for doing others good were bountifully lavished upon her. I allude not merely to the material blessings which a wise and kind Providence placed at her disposal for the poor, and for every worthy object near and far, but also and here chiefly I refer to those rare mental and moral endowments by which she could readily encourage the hearts of others, dissipate unhealthy gloom from their horizon, and animate those about her with the happy hopefulness she so much rejoiced to witness.
Another feature which contributed much to render her life re- markably happy was the continual possession by constitutional en- dowment of high and equal spirits. The buoyant fullness of her equanimity knew no ups and downs; never ebbed far from high water mark, or below ready recall. She was always herself at home, by the way, and abroad.
To her children and kindred, to her friends and social acquaint- ances, to the strangers and aliens who might approach, she was herself. There was the same genial and unwearied loveliness of disposition and temper, and upon any occasion, on the instant ready; the same flow of spirits, the same overflow of thoughts, sentiments, and information, but with a certain method to it all, in the most animated crises, self-forgetful, yet always under self-control.
Thus her sojourn here upon earth was doubtless one of ex-
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ceptional enjoyment. Her very genius and office were to com- municate happiness, and that which she gave to others, the Lord gave to her according to his word, "good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over." She was happy with her parents and brothers and sisters at home. She was happy with her noble husband and her family of adoring children. She was happy with the troops of friends who came thronging about her wherever she went. She was happy in the good works of private charity and public beneficence entrusted by the Master to her hands. She was happy in the ministers and students she aided, and in the young men going forth from her Bible-class. She was happy above all in her personal experiences of religion, and in her union by faith to Christ. And now she is gone from us. Those soft white hands are still forever. That voice whose conversa- tional accents were so sweet will no more be heard on earth. But it is so by the will of God. She is where she ought to be,-in Heaven. And her children should not bow down and grieve, but should "rise up and call her blessed."
In the 'Independent' of July 11, 1878, is the tribute to Mrs. Eldridge from President Porter of Yale College, as follows:
"Died in Norfolk, Conn., June 6, 1878, Sarah Battell, wife of the late Joseph Eldridge, D. D.
Mrs. Eldridge was born March 19, 1810. She was the eldest daughter of the late Joseph Battell of Norfolk. She inherited the striking traits of both father and mother, and from her earliest years entered fully into the active and sympathetic kindness and active usefulness for which both were distinguished. When by her marriage with Dr. Eldridge, October 12th, 1836, she became the wife of the only pastor in town, she had only to broaden the sphere of activity in which she had already been trained in order, in an eminent sense, to become the mistress and mother of the parish, the sympathizing friend and active counselor of young and old. All the people had known her either from her or their child- hood, as a generous and faithful friend, abundant in sympathy, humor, and honest frankness. Her labors were unceasing, her sym- pathy and patience were exhaustless, and her generosity was un- stinted. She was rarely if ever irritated by ingratitude or unkind- ness, and she could tell the plainest truths with the sweetest spirit. Her animal spirits never flagged, and her interest in everything which concerned the welfare of her family, her parish, her friends far and near, or the Kingdom of God, was always ready, sincere, and efficient. Her humor and buoyancy of spirits were literally indomitable and irrepressible, and they rendered excellent service
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to herself and her friends in the dark hours of life. Her voice was singularly sweet and gentle, and she delighted in sacred song. From her earliest years her voice had been heard in the services of the Lord's day, in the prayer-meeting, and her own household. During the days of imperfect consciousness which preceded her death, the old familiar hymns which had so often been upon her tongue were heard in low but sweet undertones, and seemed chiefly to occupy her mind.
Her activity in Sunday School work began early in life, being first given to a class of young ladies, but later and for many years to a class of boys, the successive members of which remembered her with gratitude as they became young men and continued to share in her counsels and sympathy. After the death of her hus- band, she kept herself and her household true to their habits of active interest for the people, for the neighboring churches and their pastors, and all the important enterprises of Christian benefi- cence to which their life had been devoted.
This great affliction of her life made an ineffaceable impression upon her heart, though she seemed cheerful and buoyant as had been her wont, and for the sake of her children and friends strove to retain the elastic spring which it would seem nothing could weaken. In all these there was manifest a plaintive sadness which could not be wholly concealed and which wore away her life. It is not often that there goes from any household a mother bearing so genuinely the New England stamp of another generation, com- bining in such marked individuality, sense and thought, sympathy and humor, tenderness and strength, charity toward all mankind, and devout reverence before God, as she who, on the 10th of June; son and daughters, brothers and sisters, kindred and friends, par- ishioners and the poor followed to the grave, to lay her by the side of her honored husband, neither of whom will be soon for- gotten by any who knew them."
At the funeral of Mrs. Eldridge, Rev. J. F. Gleason, the pastor, spoke from the words, "Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth," and in part he said:
Death, though not an uncommon event, sometimes makes an uncommon occasion; as when he takes a shining mark, or a skill ful laborer from the world's great harvest field, or a fruitful tree from the Master's garden. One has been taken from our midst who was loved by more than an ordinary circle of friends; who was held in tender regard by the entire community in which she lived, and whose name is a synonym for goodness and benevolence, to many who even never saw her. This occasion forcibly reminds us of what another has said: "heaven is attracting to itself whatever
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is congenial to its nature; is enriching itself by the spoils of earth, and collecting within its capacious bosom whatever is pure, per- manent, and divine."
Mrs. Eldridge's long, consistent Christian life is the best pos- sible evidence of her faith and of her triumph, for a life of faith always ends in triumph, whether it be amidst shoutings or in si- lence. Such a life of faith does not go for naught. As truly as the flower may be foreknown by the plant, or the fruit determined by the tree, so surely can glorious results be foretold of a life of faith like hers. She was taken from the midst of this parish to be the wife of its minister. To be selected from a large circle as the companion and helpmeet of their spiritual teacher was a posi- tion of no little delicacy and difficulty. But it was not long before all were convinced of the wisdom of the choice, and her fitness for the position, and how well through all those years she filled that place, you all know.
To her husband, that word wife meant companion, counselor, assistant. She was to share a minister's joys and sorrows; to coun- sel him in the many and sometimes perplexing problems of his professional life, and to make his home a place of rest and recrea- tion, and a refuge from cares even in the very midst of them. Their happy wedded life for forty years, his honored and successful min- istry of forty-two years, and a happy hospitable home, where she always sat as queen, show how well she fulfilled the various duties of a minister's wife. Her home was noted for its hospitality. Stranger or invited guest here found a welcome smile, a hearty hand shake, and hospitable board.
Before the days of railroads, when men traveled by carriage and coach, the calls for hospitality upon a minister's home were far more frequent than now. Instead of stopping over a train for a brief call, it was not unusual for a party of several to remain a day or two for rest and sociability; and where their stay was pleasant and instructive, as she always made it, the guests were loath to leave. Added to all these duties so well performed, was the rearing of a family of six children, educating them for the duties of life and training them for immortality. They could tes- tify of her unwearied care and wonderful patience, which sweetens her memory as it did her life. Her gladsome disposition and natural vivacity made the place where she was, always bright and attractive, as the bubbling spring makes all around it fresh and green.
She was early in the Master's service, making a public profes- sion of her faith in Christ in November, 1832. She was for sev- eral years a prominent member of the church choir. Her memory was stored with hymns which she had sung in the Sanctuary.
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These were a great joy and comfort to her in her last sickness. Early in life she taught a class of young ladies in the Sabbath School, and for a quarter of a century later, a class of young men, who regarded her highly as teacher and counselor.
Nor shall we ever forget her in the social meetings of the church. Her voice leading in Sacred song was always heard in our worship. There was no department of church work in which she was not interested. Her thoughts and interests through all her life, have been braided and interwoven with this dear church. She kept nothing from her Saviour. Her wealth was given to His cause. Many of her benefactions were distributed so quietly and unosten- tatiously that no one but the giver and receiver ever knew of the kindly deeds. Her life was full and rounded. As wife, as mother, as sister, as friend, and as Christian benefactor, her duties were many and varied, and well performed. We shall miss her, but we think of her as transferred to a higher seat near the throne. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."
MISS CYNTHIA L. FOSKET.
A truly noble and remarkable woman, who will be held most fondly in memory by all who knew her, for her kindly, Christian character, her works and labor of love, was Miss Cynthia L. Fosket, who was born at Stockbridge, Mass. When eighteen years old she came to live in the family of Dr. Eldridge, where her home was during all the remainder of her life.
"It is not easy to speak of her distinguishing traits, they were so many. Whatever she did,-and there were few things she could not do,-was done so well that it is diffi- cult to say what was best. Gifted with an unusual intel- lect and a wonderful memory, she accomplished more than most women with twice her strength.
"As a Christian worker, as a housekeeper, as a botanist, she was equalled by few. In temperance work especially Miss Fosket was invaluable. No one, no ten, can fill her place in the "Woman's Christian Temperance Union," of which she was Secretary and Treasurer until illness com- pelled her to resign the office. No one in Norfolk did more for temperance during her residence in the town than did
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she. Her literary judgment was excellent, and when too ill to read for herself, she still kept in touch with the progress of the world almost until the end by having the papers read to her. For years she had given much time and labor to compiling a scrap-book for the Norfolk Li- brary, containing everything pertaining to the history of Norfolk, or this county, which could be obtained from any source. This involved an extensive correspondence with former residents of the town, many interviews, and much searching of old newspapers.
"She was an excellent nurse, her tender care of the sick endearing her to many. Her devotion to Mrs. Eldridge and all the family was almost unparalleled, and she received in return their love and confidence to an unusual degree.
"She was a tower of strength to all her friends, and they could safely trust in her. Perhaps, after all, loyalty was the distinguishing trait, for that was the foundation of her high attainments in everything. She was invariably loyal to her friends, loyal to God, loyal to her conviction of duty. Two years before her death Miss Fosket went to visit Mrs. Burr, a niece, in Torrington, and was unable to return to Norfolk. Those years of suffering were borne with Chris- tian fortitude. She died June 16, 1897."
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNION SERVICE AND BAPTISMAL BOWL.
On Christmas Day, December 25, 1859, Rev. Mr. Eldridge, in behalf of the donors, presented to the church a beautiful and valuable Communion Service and Baptismal Bowl, with a few brief but most appropriate remarks, supple- mented by reading the following note, which was attached to the service:
"This communion service is presented to the Congrega- tional Church of Norfolk by the daughters of Mrs. Sarah Battell, in filial recognition of a wish she often expressed during her life, and in honor of the Master who instituted the feast.
Happy in their lineal descent from its first pastor, and grateful for the covenant blessings they have enjoyed
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through its ordinances, they will ever fervently desire the peace and prosperity of this church, and hope to continue with its members to recognize "one Lord, one faith, and one baptism," until all may be admitted into the higher com- munion of the saints above."
SARAH ELDRIDGE, IRENE LARNED, URANIA B. HUMPHREY, ANNA BATTELL, ELLEN B. ELDRIDGE.
"The accompanying baptismal bowl is presented by Mr. Joseph Battell."
December 25, 1859.
Mr. William K. Peck, Sen., one of the Standing Committee of the church, received the gift and replied in part as follows:
"In behalf of this church and by request of its officers, I rise, Reverend Sir, to respond briefly to the appropriate and touching communication just read, and to the remarks with which it is offered, and to tender through you, Sir, to those whose names are thereto attached, the heartfelt thanks and grateful acknowledge- ments of those for whom I speak for this precious, this beautiful, this sacred gift. Allusion is made to the wishes of the mother of the donors of this gift, to whom in part it seems we are indebted for its present possession. The church of Christ here has cause for gratitude that she was so long permitted to mingle her prayers with those of its members, and that she has left behind this un- mistakable proof of her love for this branch of the church militant. Filial love and regard for a parent living is delightful, but a re- membrance of their wishes and a faithful compliance therewith when dead is more lovely and praiseworthy still.
While we rejoice at the reception of this new and becoming service for our Master's table, let us not forget the old, nor fail to remember what hallowed associations cluster about its history. For more than half a century has it been set apart by this church for the celebration of a Gospel Ordinance, and around this table have gathered our fathers and mothers in Israel, whose hands so often clasped and whose lips touched those sacred emblems; and their faith, their labors of love, their names are even now almost forgotten.
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