USA > Maryland > Montgomery County > Sandy Spring > Annals of Sandy Spring history of a rural community in Maryland, Volume 1 > Part 3
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The placing duty before pleasure ; the giving to intel- lectual pursuits the preference to all amusements that are in conflict with them; these, with streeal other solid principles that might be named, belong to those higher sorts of life and conduct from which to depart is certain decline.
XXXV
INTRODUCTION.
A slight, imperfect sketch of the rise and progress of Sandy Spring having now been offered, the thought pre- sents itself, shall it be the work of some future historian -- another Gibbon-to describe its decline and fall ? Or, may we not hope that its people will hold fast to the old truths which 'experience has proved, while reaching after all the new that revolving time will certainly bring ; above all, cultivating "the harmony that secures union, in which alone is strength "; seeking and finding the same support which upheld our fathers in the wilderness; and so, speed rejoicing on their way !
Would that some truly magnificent man or woman would rise among our young people and convince them wherein true, lasting pleasure lies ! Well, the future of Sandy Spring is in their hands, having entered fairly on a fourth period in their history.
ODE READ UPON THE OPENING OF THE SANDY SPRING LYCEUM.
BY SARAH B. STABLER.
We've met at last within these walls, And hail the hour with gladsome hearts ; Although we've built no marble halls, It matters not to nobler arts.
Here in these woodlands we have feared A structure suited to the scene ; And Science' star has now appeared Above our vales and walks serene.
By toil we've gained enough to feed These bodies, soon to pass away ; Our minds immortal now find need Of higher sustenance than they.
In yon log school-house, years ago, Our fathers taught, our fathers learned ; In yon old graveyard, lying low, The senior forms to dust have turned.
But if their souls look downward now, I fain would think they smile to see The kindling eye, the expanding brow, The thirst to know, the joy to be.
A thirst not bounded by the rates Attached to gain-on Mammon bent ; A joy that swells above the Fates, Above all time and each event.
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ODE ON LYCEUM. xxxvii
Let us, my friends, devote our Ha!l. To worthy uses of the mind : If Science comprehend them all, Then say for Science 'twas designed.
We have our schools for early youth, Hlouses of worship when we will ; But this for scientific truth We've built -- we'll dedicate-and fill.
Here let Philosophy recount Its wondrous secrets to the ear, And through its aid let students mount Te knowledge of each rolling sphere ;
Dive in the carth for many a gem, Not for a sordid, mean abuse, But that their souls may look through them To first beginnings-holiest use.
Here let the Orator profound Delve in the deepest mine of thought ; Here lesser lights diffuse around The rays with milder beauty fraught.
Here let not Satire plunge its dart With poison tipped, to rankle long; Here Truth still act its honest part, By proof of right, to banish wrong.
E'en by this building we have shown Cur aspirations reach more high That aught that we before have known, -- Excelsior ! then be our cry.
Here long may sages lessons teach, And here the young their questions bring ; Porchanec far higher points we'll reach From these old woods of Sandy Spring. Excelsior ! SANDY SPRING, 24 mo. 16th, 1859.
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
CHAPTER I.
Object of the book --- Nature of history - Movement -Chief duty of the historian -Subscription to a short turnpike - Neighbor- hood map projected -First invasion by " the Gray " -Sandy Spring Branch of Brookeville turnpike - Establishment of Hor- ticultural Society-The Clubs and Ladies' Association ---- Literary Society - Reading Circle-School re-established --- State Sanitary Fair-Speeches of Judge Bowie, Judge Blair and Gov. Randall -Deaths, births and marriages.
At a meeting of the Sandy Spring Lyceum Company, hold April 6th, 1863, an order was passed, appointing a historian for the Company, whose duty it should be to make a record of neighborhood events, and read it at the following annual meeting.
Having been selected to fill this office, after repeated unsnecessful efforts on my part to devolve its duties on another member of the company, I now proceed to dis- charge the function in the best manner I may. The undertaking appears to be both difficult and interesting. A mere monthly journal of events might readily be kept ; but the simplest sketch deserving in the least degree the hatte of history, while it includes the material of such a journal, implies much beyond. History, in its true sense, is the life of nations, of communities of men. Now we
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may be informed of all the remarkable incidents in the life of a man (and still more true is this in the life of a woman) and yet know very little about the individual. The biographer worthy of the name must look more deeply, and enable us to look more deeply into the sub- ject, than that. History is biography-with the con- munity, instead of the individual, as its subject.
Thus it happens, when I set before my mind the real nature of the work which I have undertaken, that its intrinsic dignity and magnitude inspire a discouraging sense of the responsibility of the performance. One year in the life of a conimunity ! Look at it, and reflect! You find it is no light thing. However carelessly we may talk of time as it passes by, however slightly we mark the great current which is sweeping us on-the child to maturity-maturity to old age-sweeping us all, from our starting-point the cradle, to our common landing- place the grave-this eternal, ceaseless, never retrograd- ing morement is always the one thing most worthy of profoundest thought. The movement-that is the impor- tant matter in the life and history of individuals or of nations: not so much what we are, as what we are becom- ing; not so much what is, as what is thence to be. This affords the proper clue to the complex history of the world : this consideration of the movement, the progress, forms the centre round which readily and distinctly group themselves, the else confused, inexplicable mass of the world's events.
Now this neighborhood of ours is also a part of the moving world. But it is a part that, in a certain sense, includes the whole. It is a microcosm, a little world in itself: the great scheme of earthly existence is all photo- graphed here and now ; and thus a true history of our
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neighborhood for one year is a condensed epitome of uni- versal history.
You will not find fault with me, I trust, for laying the foundations of my work thus broad and deep; making the effort to dig down to the primary rock ; even though the immediate structure as now erected should appear of slight proportions. You must have other builders who will raise un successive stories of the never-to-be-com- pleted edifice, as years roll on.
It may be seen from the foregoing remarks that I con- sider it the chief duty of the historian to note down and to dwell upon those incidents which pertain especially to the permanent interests and progressive movements of the people of our neighborhood.
We commence with the evening of the last annual meeting of the Lyceum. Owing probably to the natural influence of the tremendous struggle in which our country is still engaged, evidences had begun to be apparent that there was a diminution of public spirit, and an abatement of zeal for improvement amongst our people. On that evening, these fears, which perhaps had no actual foundation, were completely dispelled. A proposition being offered to raise a sum of money for the purpose of making a turnpike from the insurance office to the meeting house, a liberal subscription was made up on the spot : the amount was increased by outside efforts, until a sufficient sum was raised, the work was put into able hands, and completed in a highly satisfactory manner to a point beyond the Lyceum. Since this temple of literature and practical science is, as it ought to !e. only a station on the way to the house of worship, there is scarcely room for a doubt of the entire completion of the original design.
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
On the same evening, measures were taken to organize a Union Reading Association. Although this enterprise was ultimately less successful than the turnpike scheme, still the zeal that prompted both alike gave proof that "there is life in the old Jand yet." But that was not all : a movement was made to take steps for the accomplishment of a beneficial, long-desired improvement, a map of the neighborhood. A committee was named, who agreed to execute the necessary field and office work. Considerable progress has been made in the survey, several members of the committee having completed their share of the duty, and reported the field-notes to the chairman. Some of their colleagues are a little behindhand yet, owing doubt- less to busy occupation with other matters.
In the first summer month, the quiet of the neighbor- hood began to be disturbed by rumors of hostile invasion. The month had nearly passed, and our anxieties on this account were nearly abated, when a serene Sabbath even- ing, the 28th of June, brought us unexpectedly our un- welcome visitors. A small troop of cavalry, wearing the gray uniform, which we had hitherto only read of, or else had seen under circumstances that rendered its wearer powerless to injure, quitting the large body of 4000, under the famous " Mr. Stewart," actually defiled along the roads leading through the centre of this our own neighborhood. At first we saw them with most incredulous eyes: it was a sight long to be remembered-our first actual contact with the terrible Rebellion. Yet after all (especially to us who lost no horses, it was a mere ripple of the mighty wave. Though no apologist for rebels, your historian feels compelled to record in these annals the fact that. Sandy Spring came off wonderfully well from this its first experience of horrid war.
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The alarms which disturbed us during the week follow- ing that memorable visit were worse, for a number of persons, than the visit itself. The remembrance of these groundless fears may be of value for us to refer to in the days yet to come. Perhaps it is still more advisable not to anticipate future troubles.
The most important enterprise ever undertaken by the combined efforts of our people for effecting material im- provements, viz. " The Sandy Spring Branch of the Brookeville and Washington Turnpike," has made fair progress during the year. We were informed in the 5th month last that our road would be received as part of the main stem, so soon as it should be satisfactorily com- pleted. At the same time material aid to the amount of $370 was tendered to us by the other company.
Additional subscriptions were obtained from our own people, amounting to near -$600; with this fund the gaps in the road were filled up and various repairs effected. It was unfortunate that the demand for labor in other channels through the summer and early fall seemed to render it impracticable to recommence operations, until the Season was so much advanced that the work had to be done under the great disadvantage of short days and in- clement weather. The road looked very well, however, in the early winter, and was considered ready to pass inspec- tion, when the breaking up of a frost of unusual depth stirred its foundations of quicksand, and placed it for the time outside the conditions on which it was to be merged in the other road. Still, even in its present state, it is of great value in getting our produce to market. Every one must see that it is by nature an essential part of the main road and must be consolidated therewith. The foregoing details might perhaps be thought to belong more to a report
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ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
to the stockholders of "The Sandy Spring Branch," than to the stockholders of the Lyceum; but this road, its pro- gress and its prospects are a material item in the neighbor- hood annals. It has naturally been a subject for criticism and comment; and in the exercise of the former privilege, critics have not always remembered the essential difficul- ties of the work. Your historian adds, by way of com- pleting the discussion, that the road, though conforming rather to the curve line of beauty than the stiffness of the right line, is not claimed as an ornament, but for its utility, like the houses in which some of us still have to live, and which, beginning with a log hut for a centre, getting a wing added here and there as way opens for im- provement, do yet come to be right comfortable dwellings, while possessing no complete apartment. Our turnpike had to be made just so.
We note as an event of the past year, the establishment of a Horticultural Society, certainly a very laudable undertaking. This brief notice must suffice, as your his- torian, in common with very many other fellow-citizens, has had very little opportunity afforded to become ac- quainted with its proceedings.
The " Farmers' Club " and the " Club's Wife," (which is so descriptive an epithet as to be not unworthy the dignity of history), the former in its 21st year, the latter just entering her 7th, continue to flourish with unabated vigor and interest. [The proper name of the latter Society is " The Mutual Improvement Association."]
Last fall a Literary Society was organized, designed to combine the idea of a reading cirele with other novel and important features. Its antecess has so far justified the hopes of its projectors: and it will not be difficult so to conduct it as to make it ripen from a pleasing novelty into a settled institution.
ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
It would imply great neglect upon the part of your historian if he were to fail in doing justice to the solid excellence of the Sandy Spring School, re-established just one year ago by Milton Jackson.
It is also'a labor of love to refer to the amiable exertions made recently by the ladies of our neighborhood, to con- tribute worthily to a noble and worthy object, the State Sanitary Fair. The priest and the Levite in the olden time passed with dignified indifference "to the other side," when only one wounded man lay before them; now, when 40,000 .sick and wounded fellow-creatures implore their aid, the course of the good Samaritan has seemed to our ladies a safe and hallowed path to tread.
The last event in which our neighborhood is specially interested occurred but yesterday ; when this hall, " dedi- cated to the diffusion of truth and knowledge among men," echoed to the eloquent addresses of three distin- guished personages, viz. our own Chief Justice R. J. Bowie, Judge Blair, and Gov. Randall. Their theme was Human Liberty; and no more remarkable event has ocenrred during the past year in this part of Maryland, or any other part, than such a discussion as we then enjoyed.
My imperfect retrospect must presently close. Does it not prove that onrs is a "living age," and that our own neighborhood partakes in the new light that illumes the world ? The thought will surely stimulate us to press toward higher and still higher modes of life, and produce a grateful sense of the many blessings bestowed upon us. The year just elapsed has brought in its train, not only the cheering evidences of life, but also the monruful visitations of life's dread attendant, Death. On every human record place must be left for him. During the year our neighborhood has had to lament the departure
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ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
of three valued members of its social circle. On 5th month 12th, 1863, died John Elgar Hallowell. "In the pride and glory of youthful spring," he was called to leave us; and the vacant place is still warm with the life of which he was so lavishly possessed. He was one of the original projectors of this Lyceum, and he continued while he lived to be among its most efficient friends and sup- porters. 8th month 19th, 1863, Caleb P. Iddings was relieved from his long suffering. Although resident but a few years in our neighborhood, the agreeable impression which he made upon us will be long remembered. 7th month 26th, of the same year, Matilda Gilpin was taken from the amiable band of good Samaritans, with whom she had been an early and zealous co-worker, ever ready to visit and relieve the sick and wounded sufferer.
These were not the only visitations of death during the year. Two little mounds in the neighboring graveyard cover the remains of two precious little beings, transferred for full development to another sphere. "The little feet that never went astray are safe in the Father's dwelling!"
In order to bring my record to a more cheerful close, it is my duty to state, from good authority, that ten children have been born during the year in our social circle. Also there has been one marriage. "How many engagements ?" inquires one of my fair friends. These are questions which must be left for answers in the next record.
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ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
CHAPTER II.
ENDING FOURTH MONTH 3d, 1865.
An eventful year-Election for new constitution - Loss of mail contract to Laurel -Charitable contributions in Baltimore and in Tennessee -Farm crops- Uses of Lyceum Hall -Invasion of Maryland by Gens. Early and Bradley Johnson - The Guerillas-" Battle of Rickett's Run" - Plan of " Home Defence " laid aside -Far more serious losses, by nine deaths ; their monition to take betier care of health.
An eventful year has passed, as well for our whole country, as for that small portion of it whose history we are here to record. The car of the nation's destiny rolls. resistlessly onward, carrying us along with it, whether we would or not. But though we may neither stop nor check its course, it is lawful for us in mind to pause and look back on the career we have run since this day a twelvemonth ago. There may be an advantage in with- drawing our thoughts for a time from the whirl of the world's great Babel, in order to contemplate our own special position, to see where we are, and to judge whither we are tending, by measuring the part of the way actually trod. One great lesson will be thus im- pressed upon us; namely, that of the intimate and in- separable connection of the welfare and interests of each community with those of the whole land. And our young people may learn how important it is to study the duties of citizenship; how mistaken and dangerous to ignore the just claims of the country which protects us.
During this month of last year, our community, in common with the rest of the State, was agitated by the
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coming, at an unaccustomed period, of an election. We had to choose the members of a Convention whose duty it would be to revise the Constitution of the State and determine some momentous questions affecting its future destiny. Our people took a lively part in the settlement of these questions. Although prevented by the force of superior numbers from having their views represented directly in the choice of delegates to the Convention, yet when the great, decisive struggle came on in the Fall, they turned out in full strength, and gave a nearly unanimous vote in favor of the principles of their fore- fathers. When the time of trial came, the people of Sandy Spring were not found wanting ; unitedly they aided to secure to the rest of their State the blessings of freedom and free labor, to which the neighborhood had so long owed its own prosperity.
Proceeding with the narrative in regular order of time, we note that an event occurred in the month of April from which an injury to the interests of the neighbor- hood was apprehended. This was the loss of the mail contract by the company which had been running a stage to Laurel for some fifteen or sixteen years, with con- siderable benefit to our community. 'The apprehended injury has not so far been realized. Indeed, the result goes to confirm the general principle that individual enterprise is apt to succeed better than corporate com- panies. Under the management of our accommodating and energetic contractor and driver, that important daily communication with Laurel and the rest of the world has been kopt steadily open. while zealous exertions to improve the road by our friend of the Manor, Caleb Stabler, have contributed materially to the satisfaction of travellers.
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ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
The same month of April was further distinguished by the successful exertions of our patriotic and benevolent ladies in contributing to the State Sanitary Fair, held in Baltimore. The quality of the articles exhibited and the amount of profits derived from their sale nobly main- tained the reputation of the neighborhood. The spirit of practical benevolence was suffered to sleep after the effort of the spring, during a large portion of the year ; but was again revived toward its close by another successful effort to excite our interest in behalf of grievous suffering in a distant State. . The articles then prepared were sent to a lady in Nashville, who acknowledged their reception nearly in the following words: " Your box was unpacked three days ago, and with it I have made glad the hearts of some of the most destitute and most grateful of human beings." Your historian is so far a believer in the doc- trine of imputed righteousness as to hope that these acts of charity will be received as an offset, in part, to mani- fold shortcomings, much worldliness, and sadly imper- feet exercise of continued " love one to another."
The season of growth came on, though somewhat later than usual, vet with full accustomed richness and beauty. The wheat crop was short, but the great harvest of this neighborhood, namely, the hay crop, was very luxuriant, and all manner of fruits unprecedentedlv abundant. In- teresting exercises were prepared in the month of June for our entertainment. The young men got up an affair at the Lyceum which proved a success ; it was their first effort of the kind, and it were a great pity should it prove to be the last. Those who contribute rational and innocent amusement may justly be considered as bene- factors of the community.
It may be here remarked how varied and interesting
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have been the uses of this Lyceum Hall. When we re- call the different purposes to which it has been applied during the past six years since its initiation-lectures, than which none could have been more instructive ; public discussions of momentous national questions ; meetings of literary and benevolent societies ; school exhibitions; draft clubs; defence meetings, &c., &c., may we not all unite in the sentiment lately expressed by a friend: "No building in this neighborhood has ever paid so well "?
But the summer brought other scenes which may in- deed be termed historical ; scenes which were vastly more exciting at the time than any that I have here re- corded, yet leaving effects very slightly proportioned to the deep, interest which they inspired while passing. None of the audience will be at a loss to understand the allusion.
In common with the rest of our countrymen, I may venture to say with the whole civilized world, we had watched with intense interest the progress of the great campaign commenced early in May on the banks of the Rappahannock. The main tide of war rolled away from us further to the South ; but various alarming intimations received from time to tune gave token that we were not to escape its wrath. Early in July it was found that the Rebel invasion of Maryland was going to prove a serious affair. The too well-known sound of cannon in actual battle was heard again. On the 9th of that month occurred the engagement at Monocacy; and the same evening came the news. " the Rebels hold Frederick and the line of the Monocaes." The 10th, which was First day (I now copy notes from my Diary, written at the time), " was a memorable day, probably the precursor of others still more so. Our meeting was large, and the
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ANNALS OF SANDY SPRING.
gathering was pleasant and strengthening. Benjamin Hallowell spoke from the gallery with much feeling, and very appropriately to the serious times. Accounts of the progress and near approach of the Rebels crowd upon us throughout the day. In the evening we learn from Charles HI. Brooke, who had been for awhile their captive, that they are in or near Laytonville. Men arrive from New Market, fleeing with their horses from the danger. Rumors of the capture of a fort near Washington finished this day .- The 11th. After a sound night's rest, awoke from a dream, uttering the words, 'Is Washington taken ?' Went over carly to alarm my neighbor, Richard T. Bentley, about his store goods; found him very calm. The next news came, 'the Rebels are at Stanmore,' whence they soon departed, but not empty-handed. Benjamin Hallo- well has an adventure with a favorite horse, which he resenes for the time at some risk. Federal cavalry arrive. There is total suspension of business throughout the neighborhood. Washington is certainly invested, and the B. & W. R. R. is out. Federal cavalry ride by in the night toward Laurel. Thermometer 94ยบ .- The 12th. The ex- .citement has, we hope, reached the highest point to-day. A kind neighbor sent express in the morning that 'more Rebels were at Mechanicsville.' Horses were put under cover. Soon the Graybacks appear, forerunners of Brad- ley Johnson's large cavalry force of near 2000 men. in passing they take Francis Miller prisoner, and Benjamin Hallowell loses his horse after all, to the shame of the General be it spoken. They rob the Sandy Spring store of a small amount and pass on toward Bladensburg .- The 13th. Heard at Mechanicsville the good news, the Rebels have left from before Washington.' Things begin to look much brighter. A beautiful moonlight night for
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