USA > Maryland > Montgomery County > Sandy Spring > Annals of Sandy Spring history of a rural community in Maryland, Volume 1 > Part 20
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25
The day thus made so bright and glorious was followed by one that filled with sincere mourning the many friends of Samuel Ellicott, who departed this life the third of November, 1880.
It was in this eleventh month that one of the concerned female friends made the proposition to have an afternoon meeting on First-Day, with a special object to interest the young friends in the principles of the Society. The sug- gestion (of Patty T. Farquhar) met with approval, for it was thought that some explanation might be given of Friends' doctrines that would be new to many and profitable to all. The first gatherings were in considerable numbers, and they have continued, although diminishing in degree, and designed to be kept up on every alternate First-day. It was to be anticipated that an undertaking of this kind, so new in its character, would meet with doubtful support, if not direct opposition from some of our members. The purpose was not fully understood; and as it came to be explained by those who differed in their views, it was
21
242
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
natural that some confusion might result. One of the chief objects of the undertaking was to impart to children clearer views of the principles of the Society to which they belong. Probably this purpose has not been fully accomplished as yet ; but it may well be regarded as within the reach of diligent, devoted effort, even though there are difficulties connected with it. The alternate evening gatherings to hear expositions of Scripture, and consult on other religious subjects, still go on. It may be justly claimed that the evidences afforded during the year now closing of increasing interest in religious questions cannot be doubted; which ought to encourage all who feel that such interest is essential to true, real progress.
During the early part of November a sufficient quantity of rain fell to give the wheat a fine start. Also a violent wind-storm came on the 6th, about 11 P. M., doing con- siderable damage to the trees at Rockland, and to sheds and stacks elsewhere, performing some very remarkable feats, resembling a cyclone.
On the night of the 28th, at a point of time very near the coming of a new day, Benjamin Rush Roberts passed from works to rewards.
December. The new month came in with his funeral : and the long train of friends that followed his remains to the grave, showed, though imperfectly, the high respect felt for the departed.
On the morning of the Sth, James H. Stone passed away very quietly, after a long illness of nearly two years. He was last to go of the three whose death made such a serious break in the long list. hitherto unbroken by death, of the old " Farmers' Club of Sandy Spring."
Until the 20th of this month the weather had been variable, though rather cold; now, the winter is on and
---
.
213
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
before us-the memorable winter of 'S0-'S1, the most severe for a quarter of a century. "Oh, the long and dreary winter! Oh, the cold and cruel winter!" was the cry of many, in sympathy with Hiawatha. Yet few were much hurt. The impressions produced on our minds by the sad losses of friends at the beginning of the season, had, doubtless, much influence in casting an aspect of gloom over the period that followed.
Among the events of the season the writer must not forget to refer to the long period of sleighing, lasting nearly eight weeks ; and in perfection of quality probably never surpassed. How much pleasure attended it and what interesting combinations are yet to result from the numerous merry rides taken by our youths and maidens, I am quite unequal to describe or foretell,-but must speak a word for an important party in the jolly concern. Fortunately for the riders and the beasts that drew them, the epizootic of the previous autumn had borne lightly on the health and strength of the horses; else the immediate sequelæ of the sleighing frolics might have been less agreeable. It is a scientific conclusion susceptible of proof, that a considerable portion of vigor and power was drawn out of the beasts by the continued rapid movement which was unavoidable. It is not to be supposed that many of the horses which flourished in the winter of 'S0- '81 will ever reach the 25, 28 and 35 years that were at- tained by three at Clifton. In those earlier times, the average speed in lively driving was not over five miles an hour ; now it could not be put below seven. Probably the period in which the owners of horses will enjoy their use will be found in the same proportion; that is, as 5 to 7. This makes a great difference in actual value of the noblest of beasts. Does. the comparative satisfaction hold the same ?
1
244
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
In agricultural communities, the treatment and con- dition of horses are justly considered next in importance to that of human beings. It is an undeniable fact that horses are being driven fast and faster; in one sense I suppose this is progress. But I could not forbear an earnest effort to invite attention to a subject that does really come near to "the business and bosoms of the people."
If prose fails to convince, pray listen to a few lines of genuine poetry. While riding the other day behind a horse, once very sleek, but now looking rather forlorn, the idea rose to put a question to the animal-" What do you think about this fast driving, which I well know you have experienced ?" and the answer came :
"The only art my shame to cover, To hide my ribs from every eye, To bring repentance to my lover And pinch his pocket-is to die !"
and die he did-or soon will.
January, 1881. The new year being that of which so many disastrous prophecies have been made, came in with thermometer at 10° to 28° (minus), the latter being the lowest figure ever reached in this neighborhood ; and was at or near the banks of "Hawlings River."
The first business affair, as usual, was the Annual Meeting of the stockholders, or rather members of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Montgomery County. It was attended by a larger number of persons than usual, on account of the interest felt in the election of a director to supply the place of B. Rush Roberts, who had been for many years one of the most active and useful members of the board. The choice of Charles G. Porter gave general satisfaction. This large institution, having now property
245
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
insured to the amount of $13,750,000, with premium notes over $930,000, has paid during the year losses by fire over $22,000 (which is less than the average of late times).
The Farmers' Convention was worthy of a fuller account than I have time or space to give; but the published notices of the proceedings amply supply deficiencies here. The number coming from a wide sweep of country was estimated at 200. A new feature was introduced which proved very popular. The meeting beginning now at 10, the ladies came in at 12, bringing us a luxurious dinner, and went like a flash of light. The president's introductory re- marks were excellent, and two essays read by Dr. Frank Thomas and Charles F. Kirk were far above the common sort. The new feed called ensilage was exhibited, and well explained and recommended by Robert F. Roberts, of Alexandria, Va. The County Grange held a delightful quarterly meeting at Brighton. Lea's mill changed hands, Henry T. Lea coming to the steam mill, and George L. Stabler taking the one he left.
A newspaper article appeared in the "Baltimore Amer- ican," written by a lady, Virginia Mullan, giving to our beloved neighborhood, so far as she became acquainted with it, such admiring appreciation as would no doubt be almost too much for our well-known modesty to allow of my copying it in this place. It shall be filed away for future reference. What a loss that the lady did not get to see the whole of the neighborhood, when she manifested such true perception of a part !
In this month of January, on the 22d, Wm. Henry Farquhar, Jr., was married to Isabella Robbins, of New York.
February, 1881. About the middle of this month the
--
246
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
snow and sleighing left us, and we saw with great satis- faction the bare ground once more: wheels took the place which runners had usurped so long. Even the young men acknowledged for once they were tired of sleighing; but it would appear that a young woman tired of sleighing is a phenomenon yet to be seen. On the 22d of this month three persons went from the neighborhood to attend a "Centennial of a Friends' Meeting House," in Baltimore, the oldest place of worship in the city. The house is kept in beautiful order.
As usual, February is not an exciting month. Excite- ment waited for
March. The inauguration of President Garfield was a grand affair, more fully attended and more interesting than usual. The only drawback was the dismal weather. No President has taken his seat with so many favorable omens for very many years. But troubles must come. (!) The world is in such a state of universal excitement, the booming elements so far from a condition of harmonious operation, and yet all the nations drawn by recent dis- coveries and inventions so much more nearly together than ever before, that a clashing in some point is surely unavoidable; and when it comes, history will have to record other scenes than those which happen in our peaceful neighborhood.
Peaceful as we are, we cannot all think alike. The spirit of compromise is, however, always at hand to settle such differences as may occur. So it proved at the annual meeting on the 10th of this month, of the "Sandy Spring Savings Institution." The new treasurer, Joseph T. Moore, who has certainly found the place he was designed for, produced a report which was very flattering: it shows amount now on hand, $136,698, paying to depositors an
247
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
interest of $6278.56, leaving a surplus owned by that mysterious body called "the Institution," of $2320.59. It also exhibits a list of moneyed investments now worth $7000 more than they cost. The question arose, shall the interest now allowed be 4 or 5 per cent. ? That blessed spirit of compromise decided on 43, to the general satis- faction.
How varied the incidents that affect the feelings of mankind! At the usual First-day meeting, held on the 13th, after listening with rapt attention to a moving dis- course delivered by Caroline H. Miller, with that clear- ness, beauty, and impressiveness which characterize her addresses, we were startled and shocked by the announce- ment from Roger B. Farquhar, of the death of Judge Richard J. Bowie, about the middle of the preceding night. If it is ever proper to include the name of one not a resident in our local mortuary record, Judge Bowie had the fullest unquestionable claim to this tribute of our respect and love. He had always manifested these feelings towards us in a remarkable degree. At a time when Sandy Spring was far from receiving the testimonies of regard ordinarily shown by neighboring communities toward each other, we could look to Judge Bowie as a fast friend, I might almost say as a protector in those troubled days. Thus was our mutual regard cemented by tics that only death could sever. So much has been well, truly, and beautifully written and spoken of this departed ornament and stay of our county and State, that it is needless for me to enter into further delineation of his spotless character, or to repeat in this place the praise profusely and justly lavished on Judge Bowie by the many writers and speakers who were prompt to undertake the ready task. Measured by my feelings, it
248
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
is a relief to express the opinion that he who praised highest came nearest the full truth. Such a union of purity and mental power, of firmness and gentleness, of courtesy and dignity, of those excellences of mind, soul and person " that give the world assurance of a man," is indeed rarely found.
We hear nothing but favorable accounts from our vari- ous societies, social and literary; Olney Grange with its new library in the number. The Lyceum proceedings are rather stagnant; the suggestion being made that its bright spirit has moved to the village of Mechanicsville, which is "all right!"
Special mention is due to the Benevolent Aid Society, which began its work on its regular day, the first Tuesday in November, and continued its semi-monthly meetings till the 29th of this month. Although the demands for assistance during this most inclement season might have been expected to increase over the past year, such was not the case. Of the $50 received from subscriptions and donations, there remain at the winding up $15, which can be usefully employed in the summer. Does this look like a justification of thoughtless remarks predicting that the alarming influence of these charities would be to increase the number of worthless idlers? No; it is very safe to give to such distributors as this Association-just try it freely-" and don't you forget !"
William John Thomas, after a very busy life as a farmer, last autumn relinquished the occupation to his son, who bears the name of the old-time original builder of the house-John Thomas-a brother of his great- grandfather. This is the third case of the kind happen- ing in this neighborhood within a year; wherein the venerable sire, having done his share of the world's work,
-
,
249
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
leaves his son to do the same. May he, in each case, do as well, or better!
Your historian, having already prepared in writing several tributes to the memory of our three friends who departed this life near the close of the year 1880, has received with much satisfaction the following obituaries from the pen of his two colleagues.
Samuel Ellicott died 11th month, 3d, after a long and suffering illness. He was a very remarkable man. Though deprived of sight in his boyhood, he became one among our best farmers ; loved and respected by all his friends. He was the first member of the old club "to cross the river and enter the Beautiful Land "-
" The Land-by the spoiler untrod, Unpolluted by sorrow or care ; It is lighted alone by the presence of God, Whose throne and whose temple are there : Its crystalline streams, with a murmurous flow, Meander through valleys of green,
And its mountains of jasper are bright in the glow Of a splendor no mortal hath seen."
Died, 12th month, 8th, James H. Stone, passing away quietly, after a very long and depressing illness; fully prepared for "the happy change"-so far as one human being can judge the condition of another. He was faith- ful and industrious in the work which occupied his time. A farmer of the sort so much needed in our neighbor- hood, distinguishing himself by a steady course of im- provement ; so that he left a flourishing, productive, in- viting tract, where he found one little better than a barren waste; and to do this is to perform one of the cardinal duties of country life. He was a true friend and kindly neighbor, always ready to lend and to help.
-
-
250
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
Benjamin Rush Roberts was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1810. His father dying prema- turely, the young lad was thrown on his own resources at a tender age, but he took with him out into the busy world the priceless riches of truth, honesty, perseverance and a good heart. He came to Baltimore to live, appren- ticed himself to an apothecary, and after some years of close application, he entered into the drug business on his own account, and was, almost from the first, very suc- cessful. He once told the writer he was convinced that any one, working steadily and honestly at whatever he could do best, might secure a competency for old age. He married the eldest daughter of John Needles of Baltimore, and they lived together nearly 44 years, a happy, united couple.
The druggist is almost proverbially short-lived. B. Rush Roberts, preferring health to wealth, relinquished his occupation when in the full tide of prosperity ; and moving to Sandy Spring in 1851, he took his place among us as a practical farmer, and was ever foremost in advo- cating agricultural reforms. It will be within the bounds of truth to state that there was not a single public effort here aiming at good results in which he did not join heartily, identifying himself completely with his new home. With no children of his own to provide for, the boys and girls whom he wisely aided to become self- supporting are scattered from the Delaware to the Missis- sippi. Who can estimate the future harvest of good deeds which may spring up from this good seed ? His house was ever open to any who needed shelter; he constantly put in practice the truth that " when you trust a man you place him under the wholesome restraint of public opinion"; and although he gave the meanest tramp
--
251
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
shelter, his hospitality, so far as we know, was never abused. A servant who lived at his home of " Sherwood," said that "if people were not nice when they came there, they got so before they left." During the war Miss Dix was quietly informed that she might select a number of hospital nurses who needed recreation and send them to Sherwood for a fortnight each; they came by twos and threes, and returned cheered and strengthened.
His offices of trust were many and varied, and the duties of each were discharged with energy and fidelity. While he was no man's enemy, he was not afraid of any man; and in small things as in great he dared to do what he believed to be right. His cheerful disposition, his charity of thought no less than of deed, his kindly greeting to young and old, combine to make his memory precious, and we believe that all who knew him will agree that Sandy Spring is the better for his sojourn amongst us.
While a noble and correct life enabled him to meet death without fear, still the complete and orderly arrange- ment of his temporal affairs had much to do with the serenity of his last days on earth. His sufferings were great, yet his patience and sweetness of disposition never failed, and his childlike faith never wavered. Not long before he died he said : " It has always seemed to me that religion was a simple thing, and I have thought it con- sists in doing each day what we believe to be right." He quietly passed away during the night of the 28th of November, and was laid to rest on the first of December, 1880, while the flood of the sun's setting rays seemed typical of the glory into which he had surely entered.
Statistics of our neighborhood for the year, as before stated : Births, 4 (2 of each sex) ; Marriages, 2 ; Deaths, 3.
252
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
CHAPTER XIX.
FROM FOURTH MONTH, 4TH, 1881, TO FOURTH MONTH, 3D, 1882. Transfer of the "Early History " to "The Introductory " - The Woman Board of Directors-Fund for benefit of Library - Close of the long, cold winter of 1880-18S1-Three little boys and a girl, great comfort to Grandparents - Death of President Garfield - Excursions to a distance-Successful use of Ensilage - Double Tin Wedding -Schools looking up - Aid to suf- ferers by Michigan fires - Election of a Friend, Joseph T. Moore, as Senator of Montgomery County - Engineers come and go-New arrangements in Friends' Graveyard -F. D. S. - Exhortations to the Young - Diphtheria.
[In the manuscript book where these Annual Reports were originally entered, this Chapter was made to consist chiefly of the "Early History of Sandy Spring." The publication of the book has rendered it appropriate to transfer that section to the beginning, where, with the aid of a more careful research, it may occupy its place as an Introductory.]
The usual amount of space and time being thus fully employed, the historian will be excused for giving a very condensed account of the incidents of the last twelve months. In order not to neglect any important events, we take them as usual in monthly order.
April, 1881. The first entry of my esteemed and re- spected colleague describes the death of her niece, Sarah F. Townsend, in language so appropriate and beautiful that it will (as it should) be carefully preserved. It occurred at Dresden, Germany, 4th month, 11th, 1881.
My younger colleague makes the statement, very properly inserted here, that "for the first time a Board of Directors composed entirely of women was elected at the Annual
nos ma
253
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
Meeting of the Lyceum Company." Also, that "a de- lightful Concert at Grange Hall was given for the benefit of the Library ; amount collected being nearly $50." The latter part of this month was rendered pleasantly memor- able by the change of weather, closing up at last the long, severe winter.
May. Only the sad record of the birth and death in the same day of a son to Edward N. and Hallie Bentley, is furnished this month. The little one, who is without a name from either of my associates, finds here, at least, a slight memorial. (Grandma finds a name-Herbert.)
June, 1881. This is one of the months that shall be called " wonderful," and none can dispute the name.
On the 10th, a little boy, at Charles F. Brooke's, name "Warwick"-their firstborn.
On the 13th, Helen Lea presented her husband with twins-"John " and "Henry."
On the 16th, a little girl, at the "Cedars," name " Marion." Quite a time of rejoicing; granddaughters being scarce in that family circle !
The Seventh month (July) opened with an event of the saddest nature and of universal interest. The tragical murder and death of President Garfield was felt as keenly at Sandy Spring as everywhere over the world.
One of the many expressions of the general grief is pre- served here, as too feeling and comprehensive to be forgotten :
" The emblems of mourning which arrest the eye on every hand, and also in remote and unfrequented places, attest in the most touching manner the extent and depth of the public grief over the death of our late President. It is expected on such occasions that public buildings and tall edifices will be hung with the symbols of sorrow, and such manifestations are taken very much as matters
----
22
254
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
of course. But when private dwellings, including those of the poor and humble, in city and country, the shop of the artisan, the secluded farmhouse, the country blacksmith's shop, the sleeve of the errand boy, are alike decorated with something which tells that a human heart is sore because our President is dead, we feel that a great wave of human love and sympathy has swept over the land. And not over our land alone. The echo of our lament has come back to us from the other side of the water -- first in the noble and womanly message from the Queen of England, herself a widow, to the widow of our unburied President; then in the tolling bells and draped flags of that stern old country, whose sorrow is never counterfeited, and whose sympathy has seldom, if ever, been so greatly stirred by a calamity happening beyond her own borders. Never has . there been an affection so nearly universal among all civilized nations. Nobody can stand in its presence with- out gaining a grander view of human nature and feeling a closer kinship to his fellow-man. It has been the lot of President Garfield to fill great places in the world, but the greatest by far is that which he now holds, unchange- able by events and incorruptible by time, in the hearts which far and near follow him to the grave."
Eighth month. Month of vacation for farmers, who use it in that way. As usual, many strangers and boarders in the neighborhood, and a receding wave from Sandy Spring. Boston, White Mountains, Mount Desert and New Mexico, with excursions to "the Springs" and the Ocean, also the new, increasing attraction of Luray Cave, were the chosen spots for the summer. Drought begins.
Ninth month. Drought continues and becomes severe. The experiment with Ensilage was tried by Edward P. Thomas with complete success. Whatever helps the dairyman is bound to be a success.
.
-
255
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
A very interesting tin wedding was celebrated by Alban G. Thomas and his wife, which was conveniently made to include, at the same time and place, a similar celebration for Roger Brooke and his wife. The next entry I see and copy with regret is simply "rowdy games." When, where, or by whom played is no way mentioned; cer- tainly they had no connection with the preceding cele- brations.
The death of President Garfield prevents the Horticul- tural Fair. On this sad theme Caroline H. Miller delivered an eloquent address in the Meeting Honse, which was highly acceptable both to those who heard and those who afterward read it.
Rockland School opens its fourth session with a large number of very interesting pupils. Other schools resume their duties; among which that of J. Llewellyn Massie deserves respectful notice.
.
Tenth month begins with a very high temperature ; but on the 6th frost comes, with thermometer 32°. The ladies form a Literary Society, conducted in a way that does them much honor. A larger group of the same active, benevolent, refined portion of the human race make a highly successful effort to aid the sufferers by the Mich- igan fires. A full narrative from the pen of the Chair- man of the Committee, Sarah T. Miller, is appended to this record, by request of the Benevolent Aid Society.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.