USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newbury > Reminiscences of a nonagenarian > Part 6
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company doughnuts, while a nice sir- loin of beef was as quietly reserved for the important occasion.
The anticipated fifth of December arrived,-a terribly cold, blustering day. The snow, which had recently fallen to a considerable depth, filled the air, blinding both man and beast, and blocking the roads in such a man- ner that ox teams were kept going to and fro to keep them passable. Father did have the grace to break a path through our lane in the morning, and mother roasted the beef and baked a plum pudding, but we had only one visitor. Mr. Reuben Pearson, of By- field, managed to wade through the snow on horseback, but it blew into the avenue as fast as it was cleared, and at night it was level with the boun- dary walls. In the evening David Emery and William Thurrill came in on snow-shoes. Uncle Thurrill's only daughter married Mr. Jonathan Smith, of Haverhill. Mr. and Mrs. Smith and several friends had come to her father's the night previous upon their return from the services at noon ; they found the lane leading to the house impassable, and were obliged to sit in the sleigh until a path was clear- ed. They were snow-bound, and com- pelled to remain over another night. David Emery gave a graphic descrip- tion of the ceremonies at the church. Every one was nearly frozen in the icy building, warmed at that period by nothing larger than the tin foot-stoves, with which most of the women were supplied. The wind whistled and howled as it swept over the summit of the lofty hill, rattling the loose win- dows and screeching amid the stout rafters of the ancient pile. The lad had called on Master Chase. That ec-
centric gentleman, having built a tre- mendous fire in the sitting-room, donn- ed hat and overcoat, muffling himself to the eyes in a huge red bandanna, and drawing on a pair of striped yarn mittens, he mounted guard in the en- try, pacing back and forth in a silence which was only broken to inform in- comers, of which, as it was the old parsonage, and so near the meeting- house there were many, "that they could warm themselves, but nothing more." David was immensely tickled with the queer oddity. "Oh, you ought to have seen him, Mr. Smith, so grim and glum, but he did pinch my ear, saying that I was my father's own son,-I must come and see him some other day." The youthi was not just pleased at the doings at his grand- father's. "Such a crowd ! The house had been thronged ; he would not have entertained such a gang. The horses had eaten more than half a ton of the best English hay ; the pantry was emp- ty, the liquor case ditto, and those Dog- towners had drank a gallon of new rum, and nobody knew how much cider - he drew till he wouldn't draw any more. He thought grandsir had not enjoyed the day, but grandmam said we could not sufficiently rejoice that such a blessed man was settled over us."
As father and others had predicted, the ordination over, a new order of things began to be initiated. During the winter it had been customary for the middle-aged and elderly people to gather at social teas, after which the hours were enlivened by a game of checkers, backgammon or cards ; and the young people held evening parties, where the youth and maidens tripped on "the light fantastic toe " to a tune
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OF A NONAGENARIAN.
hummed by themselves, or, if any of the number chanced to be musical, to the notes of a fife or flute. Once or twice in the season a ball, over which Fiddler Bailey from the "Port" pre- sided, was held in a hall on the main road. The new pastor soon announced his condemnation of this innocent gaie- ty. A series of sermons was preached which pretty effectually stopped danc- ing and card playing ; if either were enjoyed it was surreptitiously, but, how- ever on the sly, somehow the malprac- tice never escaped the minister's knowl- edge. Fearing "spies from the ene- mies' camp," other recreations amongst the younger people were substituted - romping, games and forfeits - which even Parson Woods must have admitted were no improvement over the decorous contra dance. The same might have been queried respecting their elders, when, in lieu of their former round game of cards, their only amusement became the discussion of politics, and the scandal of the town and vicinity. Amongst the pastor's favorites, social visiting gave place to a course of even- ing meetings, which were held at the several school-houses. While many were enthusiastic in praise of these ser- vices, they were disapproved by the opposition and the more elderly people. The Sabbath ministrations and the Thursday lecture had hitherto sufficed ; they had no faith in these new inven- tions. "More than half went jest to pass away the time and pick up the news ; as for the young folks, it was a nice place to see the gals, and to pick up a bean ; they guessed there would be as much courting as godliness."
In the spring another incident caused greater disagreement. During former pastorates every child presented for
the rite had been admitted to baptism. It began to be whispered that Parson Woods intended to set aside the " half- way covenant," and baptize only the offspring of church members. A niece of aunt Sara Noyes (recently married) and her husband had come to reside with and take care of the old lady and her farm. In March a son was born to this couple, which Aunt Sara desired christened. As neither Mr. nor Mrs. George were communicants, she thought it proper to ascertain the clergyman's sentiments. Without hesitation, he promised to baptize the infant : " It was too cold to take out such a young babe ; when the weather grew milder he would arrange for the ceremony." But Sun- day after Sunday passed ; the minis- ter could never be made to appoint a day for the rite, some excuse was al- ways ready, till at length it became un- derstood that thenceforth only church members would be permitted to present their children at the baptismal font. Aunt Sara was excessively indignant ! The great-granddaughter of the Rev. James Noyes ; the daughter of the for- mer senior deacon (one next in dignity to the pastor), and herself one who at all times had been most active, not only in the families of the clergymen, but throughout the parish, whenever her services or money could promote the good of the church, Aunt Sara had come to be regarded, and I think, also (though she would have disclaimed my assertion), to look upon herself some- what in the light of a lady elect. A slight to such a person could not remain unnoticed. Many were really grieved at this change in the baptismal ordi- nance ; others were angry at what they considered duplicity ; many remarked that it was "the cunning, the ma-
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nœuvering, that excited ire and aver- sion. The pastor's manner was so ar- bitrary and domineering that they must regard it as positively insolent. He ought to be taught that he was not a pope to head a hierarchy, but simply a preacher chosen to minister to a con -. gregational society." Several, refusing longer to listen to his teaching, left the society for other parishes ; while some, Aunt Sara and Master Chase were of the number, passed the day in private devotion at home. Sometimes the Master joined Miss Noyes, to read aloud a sermon he had written. The Master was proud of his sermons. In his vicinity dwelt another family, of bachelors and maids, by the name of Hills -two brothers and four sisters. The good women were fond of inviting the master in of an evening, to read a sermon to them. One of these ser- mons became memorable, causing a deal of mirth, from the unique text, which read : " A wonder was seen in heaven, a woman." Father's dissatisfaction was so great that he took a pew in the new church that had recently been built at Byfield.
A disagreement had arisen in that society at the settlement of the Rev. Elijah Parish. The minority separated from the parent Church, formed a new society, and put up a house of worship near where the Depot is now located. Parson Slade, an Englishman, educated under the auspices of Lady Hunting- don, was called to fill the pulpit. Our family continued to occupy their pew in the old meeting-house, but I often rode over to Byfield with my father. This society - consisting of some of the most prominent and wealthy fami- lies, the Moodys, Longfellows, Tit- combs, Adams, and Pearsons -con-
tinued several years. At length the talent and fame, coupled with the ge- nial humor of the celebrated Dr. Par- ish, drew the seceders back to the old church. Their meeting-house was sold to Deacon Benjamin Colman, who re- moved it near his residence and fitted it up for a school. A female seminary was established there, which for a num- ber of years enjoyed an enviable celeb- rity.
The next October, Parson Woods was united in marriage with a Miss Wheeler, a young lady from New Hampshire, and a parsonage was fur- nished for the young couple on the Main road. Several ladies were active in this service ; Aunt Ruth Little was foremost amongst them, and she stren- uously exerted herself to incite mother and Aunt Sarah to her own enthusiasm. "Why, the blessed minister 'spake as never man spake !' And it was report- ed on good authority, that his bride was every way his equal." Though mother made no demonstration she good-naturedly assisted Aunt Ruth in forwarding some of her favorite plans, and Aunt Sarah's services were enlist- ed at Deacon Tenney's. It had been arranged that the officers of the church, the more prominent members, and the intimate friends of the clergymen and their wives, should meet the bridal party at the Bradford line, and escort them to their new home, where an entertain- ment was to be given. This pro- gramme caused an excessive finster amongst the feminine portion of the community. Our ladies had acquired a somewhat enviable reputation as cooks, and much anxiety was evinced that on this important occasion their credit should be maintained, no little rivalry being elicited, in both the quan-
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tity and quality of the viands. Dress also became a momentous matter ; moth- er, whose skill and taste were unques- tionable, was fairly besieged by mem- bers of the family, to cut new dresses or remodel old ones. Deacon Tenney brought his wife a new silk dress from Boston, and a fashionable sister select- ed an elegant hat in Haverhill, that place having even then acquired a prom- inence for its style and fashion. Our good aunt, a modest, retiring woman, though exceedingly ladylike in manner, yielded, though much against her wish- es, to her husband's will in these mat- ters, and much to his and her daugli- ter's delight, Madam Tenney was pro- nounced the handsomest and best dressed woman in the cortege. On the appointed day, about thirty chaises met at the place of rendezvous, the last house in the parish, and as the clergy- man and his bride drove up, after an hilarious welcome, the cavalcade formed in line, the three deacons and their wives in front, and dashed over the road to the new parsonage, where an animated throng awaited them. After the ceremony of introduction to the young madam was over, the crowd re- paired to the tables, which were loaded with every luxury. Mirth and good cheer ruled the hour, the bridegroom grew positively gay, and the bride won every heart by her beauty and urbanity. After supper, singing was proposed, there were many good singers in the company, and when several tunes were sung, a prayer was offered, then fol- lowed a parting hymn, and the throng dispersed well satisfied with the enter- tainment. I had been considered too young to attend the party, but I saw Madam Woods the next Sunday. She "' walked out bride " in a green silk
dress, a white satin bonnet, a white sat- in cardinal, trimmed with white fur, and a grey fox muff and tippet. She was a tall, handsome lady, and the regard she at first inspired, continued through her sojourn in the parish.
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CHAPTER XII.
The farm on which the house was lo- cated, where our district school had been kept, belonged to the widow and minor son of the late Robert Adams. Mrs. Adams, a sister of my grandfather Little, had married Mr. Bradstreet Ty- ler, and moved to Boxford ; her young son went with her, but on coming of age, young Robert took possession of the paternal acres, and notice was given, that the district must find other accom- modation for their school. Uncle Thur- rel had a large back chamber, which, as nothing better offered, was hired for the winter. This was an inconvenient location, on the extreme southerly boun- dary of the district, too far distant for the girls on the opposite side to reach in cold weather. Singularly, it so chanced that I was the only girl in our neighborhood though there were quite a number of boys, and to my discomfit- ure I found myself alone, the sole girl amongst a dozen boys. This was so unpleasant that I was permitted to re- main from school. The next summer Miss Emerson, after some trouble, se- cured an unused comb-maker's shop for her private school. The winter follow- ing, Deacon Tenney, anxious to secure educational privileges for his daughters, offered a room. This carried the school so far away that a second winter, much
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to my distress, I was debarred from in- struction. Father said things were wrong, something must be done, a school house ought to be built in a spot convenient of access. The subject was brought to public attention and met with general approval, though there was some opposition. A school-meet- ing was called, and it was voted to build a schoolhouse, as nearly in the centre of the district as possible. Mr. Oliver Dole made a survey, and it was deci- ded to place it on the upper side of Crane-neck road, at the lower corner of the intersecting highway to Bradford, now Groveland, nearly opposite where the present schoolhouse stands. A building about forty feet long and thir- ty broad was erected, finished and fur- nished in the best approved style of the period. The entrance at the south- erly corner faced the cross road. Pas- sing through an entry, furnished with high and low rows of wooden pegs, you entered the school-room. On the left, extended the fire-place ; beyond stood the teacher's desk ; in front rose tier after tier of clumsy, unpainted desks, front of these, and around the walls were ranged low forms. Six good sized windows lighted the apartment.
Two long, narrow rocks supplied the place of fire-dogs. The dry kindlings were stored in the entry, but the green logs, the chief fuel, lay conveniently near the door, where it was cut as needed, by the older boys. The new school-house gave general satisfaction, and was re- garded as a sumptuous temple of learn- ing, of which the district was justly proud, and the services of Master Chase were secured for the inaugura- tion session. Noted for his eccentrici- ty, great learning and strict discipline, the master was greeted by his pupils,
on that memorable morning, with an awe bordering on fear. I had become used to his oddities, and, though never before reckoned amongst his pupils, when visiting at his house I had often been invited into the library, while his scholars were under instruction, and sometimes had participated in the exer- cises ; so with more confidence than the others, I took the desk to which I was assigned. Contrary to the custom, Master Chase never opened school with prayer. "The devotion brought more deviltry than godliness. To prevent mischief, one must pray with open eyes, like Master Smith at Dummer Academy. Let the parents teach the children to pray at home; it was not the province of the school- teacher." At the commencement of his career, this idea had been strongly combatted, but without effect, and his sway had become so indisputable, that now no one thought of questioning it. The school seated, the Bible class was called to read. Books in hand we ranged ourselves before the teacher's desk, when to my astonishment, the master in a loud, authoritative tone, said, "Sallie Smith, take the head of the class, and read the first chapter of Genesis. The others will open their books, and pay particular attention to the reading, especially to the pronunei- ation and expression." Could I be- lieve my ears? Could I have heard aright? I, read alone-read the whole of that long chapter, with all those scholars, some of them nearly men grown, listening in silence? I could never do it ! My inability was signified. "Bosh !" cried the master, "Sallie, take your place and read." I had heard that the teacher's laws were like those of the Medes and Persians ; to dispute
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the point was worse than reading, so, trembling from head to foot, I moved up the elass. Encouraging looks were given, Unele Joe Little managed to whisper, "Don't be scared," and the presence of Nannie Tenney, next to whom I found myself, gave farther re- assurance, but the first words were both low and tremulous. "Speak louder," directed the master, in a won- derfully polite and gentle tone, "read as well, Miss Sallie, as you did to your aunt and myself last autumn." This remark expounded the riddle. I could not imagine why he thus called upon me to read. On a recent visit I had entertained my relatives one stormy evening, by reading to them from the "Spectator." Somewhat reassured, I managed to get through the chapter, after which the class read it verse by verse. This finished, we resumed our seats, and prepared to copy the first rule from Pike's arithmetic, in a manuscript book, into which all the rules and our examples were copied. The master having pointed the pens, turned his attention to the younger scholars, those whose acquirements had not advanced beyond Webster's spell- ing book. At half-past ten a recess of ten minutes was granted, first to the girls, then to the boys. I was thank- ful to get to the fire, as the sputtering, sizzling green logs gave forth only a doubtful heat, and my desk at the up- per end of the room was intolerably cold. Spelling followed the recess. The session closed at twelve with an intermission of an hour and a half. Many of the scholars brought their din- ners. The noon was passed in fun and frolic by most, though some of the more studious availed themselves of this time to eon their lessons, and some of
the older boys chopped wood. The firing was prepared by the boys, who also took turns in kindling the fire, and the girls swept the schoolhouse at noon. The afternoon exercises were opened by the first class, reading from the " American Preceptor ;" next the writ- ing books were ruled and the copies set. While the older pupils were thus engaged, the younger scholars again re- ceived attention. The afternoon recess over, our spelling books were again taken out. The master having donned his overcoat, red bandanna and woolen mittens, took his big ruler in hand, and commenced a promenade to and fro be- tween the desks and the now smoul- dering fire. The recitation in spelling, and a second Bible reading closed the afternoon session. A few of the girls, myself included, at Miss Emerson's school had commeneed the study of a grammar, styled " The Young Ladies' Accidence." As we were anxious to continue, though out of the common course, the master graciously acceded to our wish, though he would not per- mit his female pupils to cipher in " Frac- tions." " It was a waste of time, whol- ly unnecessary, would never be of the least use to them. If we could count our beaux and skeins of yarn it was sufficient." Those that I have named were the only studies. I was com- pelled to continue my Bible reading, and the master continued his stern sway. The utmost courtesy was en- joined. He was as exact in the matter of bows, eurtseys and other polite for- mulas as a French dancing master. Occasionally, of a stormy day, perhaps, the grim old fellow would relax for awhile, and become one of the most ge- nial and mirth-provoking of mortals. Having raised an uproarious merriment,
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he would suddenly thump silence, with his formidable ruler, and the usual rou- tine was resumed. Two or three incor- rigible dunees received no merey. If shakings and spankings could have brightened their wits, they must have become brilliant. Nothing like insub- ordination ever appeared, but nothing escaped the lynx eye of the teacher, and if a scholar was detected in idle- ness, or misdemeanor, the Bible or any- thing handy was launched at the mis- creant's head. Mr. Oliver Dole's sec- ond son, a lad of twelve, was rather more inclined to indolenee, than to eith- er study or play. He had a trick of folding his arms upon the desk, and resting his head upon them, he would doze away the time given for the prep- aration of the lessons. One afternoon, Diah having become thus comfortably composed, I saw that the master was poising his long ruler in the direction of the lad's head ; suddenly it whizzed across the room ; as it touched him, the boy gave a quick start, the missile canted sideways, and passed directly through a pane of glass in the window behind. A suppressed titter ran round the room. Without asking permission Joseph Little went and brought in the ruler. As the cold air blew in, I stuffed my hood into the sash. Not a word was spoken, the exercises pro- ceeded as usual, but the next morning, much to our astonishment, the glass was reset. How the master had pro- cured a light, and replaced the glass that cold weather has ever remained a mystery. Amongst the older boys was Samuel Thurrel, Unele Thur- rel's second son. This lad had a somewhat pompous air, was rather too apt to boast of his father's wealth, and the superiority of all his belongings.
At New Year he had been the recipient of a silver watch; as no other scholar had acquired to such an appendage, Sam strutted about, to the admiration of the smaller fry, while he excited the scorn of his mates. This disgust had been angmented by the addition of a long silver chain from which was sus- pended two heavy silver seals, and an immense silver key. This showy orna- ment was displayed to the greatest ad- vantage, and pains were taken to jingle and jangle it, as the young coxcomb paraded back and forth, between the recitation and his desk. There had been an unusual parade one morning, even the master had shown signs of im- patience. The afternoon session had commenced, every scholar but Joe Lit- tle was seated. There was the hush which preceded the call to read, when the door opened, and the tardy pupil entered, his face the impersonation of imperturbable gravity, and a long chain, the curb to a bridle, dangling from his pocket ; to this chain was attached two seals cut from sole leather, and an enor- mous key. With a ludicrous imitation of Sam, he made his bow, then strode up the aisle, lifting his foot in such a manner as to jingle the curb chain at every step, while the seals and key swung about most conspicuously. At sight of the youth, the master's face gave a spasmodic twitch, then he was seized with such a fit of coughing, that it was some moments ere the ruler signalled silence, or the general giggle that ran round the room was sup- pressed, but at length the summons to the class came, and though my. unele continued to strut about, displaying his new ornament, much to the delight of the scholars, especially the older girls, whose merriment was scarcely repressed,
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he received no reprimand ; no notice was taken of the joke, though we all knew that the old fellow was enjoying it hugely. The next morning, Sam ap- peared minus his watch, and Uncle Joe never again displayed his curb chain. The winter term sped all too soon. Notwithstanding his oddity, and strict discipline, Master Chase had the skill to interest his pupils in their studies, and, though the course was somewhat Ineagre, it was thorough. We really learned the three studies taught, read- ing, writing and arithmetic. Few pu- pils of the present day could surpass our first class reading, our spelling matches must have won the palm, and now we rarely see such penmanship as was common at that period. Some of the arithmetical manuscript were ele- gant specimens of chirography.
CHAPTER XIII.
On December 14tlı, 1799, the coun- try was called to mourn the death of Gen. George Washington. Express- ions of heartfelt grief were universal. Every one felt that the nation had suf- fered an irreparable loss, that the fam- ily of states was bereft of its head, its father and truest friend. In Newbury- port a memorial service was held the second of January, when business was suspended, and residents of the coun- try flocked to the town. While minute guns reverberated on the wintry air, bells mournfully pealed, and flags sadly drooped at half-mast, a long process- ion bearing the usual insignia of mourn- ing defiled through the principal streets to the Old South meeting-house, where
an eulogy was pronounced by Robert Treat Paine. It was a day never to be forgotten, and the crape badge my father had worn was treasured for years as a sacred memento. On the 22d of February, Byfield commemorat- ed the birth and death of Washington by tolling the bell of the meeting-house an hour in the morning, and an ora- tion, delivered by the Rev. Elijah Par- ish. People from Newburyport and the whole country side thronged the house, drawn thither by the reputation for eloquence which the orator had ae- quired.
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