USA > Maryland > Montgomery County > Sandy Spring > Annals of Sandy Spring history of a rural community in Maryland, Volume II > Part 2
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ville, and from Norbeck to Spencerville. Almost every family was in a state of eruption, but although the disease was of a malignant type, no deaths oc- curred which must be chronicled here. It was evident, there was no monopoly of measles, the local reputa- tion for generosity was sustained, and our young people visiting about in the different cities, convinced their friends in about ten days, they were entertaining not angels, but measles unawares.
Twenty-ninth of Second month, the first telegram was sent over the postal line, which had been in course of construction for some months through our section.
The office at Sandy Spring connects us with all the great mercantile centers, and cheap rates will, per- haps, induce our friends to telegraph us all the good news with the same eagerness they will undoubtedly send us the bad.
The whole neighborhood was greatly shocked and distressed on the 2d of Third month, by the sudden death of Alban Gilpin, at the age of seventy-four.
Many of his friends and relatives, who held con- verse with him on the last day of his life, will recall his pleasant speech, and unusually cheerful manner. With only a few minutes suffering, attended by his wife and daughter, he passed from life to death.
A director in the bank, and prominent for many years in business, his neighbors, accustomed to see him almost daily, will long miss and regret his kind and courteous presence.
He had the rare endowment of an equable temper- ament, and never gave way to discouragement. In all the vicissitudes of life, his faith and hope of a better
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time coming, and a way out of difficulties had been a staff and support to his friends. His word was his bond, and no one was more truthful and exact in his statements. He never soiled his speech with slander or spoke ill of the absent.
All who stood by his coffin, will remember the ex- treme nobleness of his face and figure, and perhaps in many minds arose the thought, this was an innate gentleman.
On Third month, 4th, a number of our citizens at- tended the Woman Suffrage Convention, held in Washington, and an address delivered by our friend, Caroline H. Miller, was enthusiastically received by the audience, and favorably by the press.
Third month, 6th, our faithful old colored sexton and grave digger, Horace Sedgwick, died.
Third month, 8th. A son was born to Benjamin D. and Mollie Mackall Palmer, who received the name of its father.
Our friends going to Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, about this time, Third month, 7th and 8th, found the roads almost impassable, rains continued day after day to the great discomfort of the farmers who were im- patient to have their plows going, and spring work advanced.
The death of William John Thomas, Third month, 2Ist, aged seventy years, was more than a loss, it was a calamity.
A man of sterling worth, of unblemished character and reputation, he seemed naturally, the head of the community : old and young revered and loved him.
His industry was proverbial, by his lifelong labor
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and good management, he wrested from the land a competency, and was regarded as the type of a model farmer.
President of the bank, and prominent in all good works of progress and reform, his efficiency in tem- poral affairs, was only equalled by his zeal in all that was spiritual and holy.
An elder, and deeply concerned in everything per- taining to the meeting, consistent in religious dut- ics, he was filled with the cheerful, practical piety, that feels charity for the past, and hope for the future. The wise counselor of his children he was, still more, their intimate, congenial friend. His family relations were beautiful and worthy of all emulation.
From the old house at Clifton, he could look upon the homes of all his married sons and daughters, homes, which his generous bounty had helped to es- tablish. His heart was so in sympathy with the young, his days so busy-age had touched him so lightly, it seemed as if we might have him many more years among us.
We who were honored by his friendship, often guided by his advice, always taught by his example, must feel that he left no good deed undone, no kind word unspoken, no favor was too small, no bene- fit too great, for his willing, helpful hands to confer.
He bore the intense sufferings of his illness with the unselfish fortitude of a martyr, and his last utter- ance was full of tender sympathy for the loving and beloved companion of his life. "Mark the perfect man and behold the upright for the end of that man is peace."
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His funeral was largely attended on first day after- noon, at the meeting house, and several friends bore testimony to his pure life and many virtues.
Third month, 29th. The first sulkey plow in this vicinity, was working at Ingleside, to the entire satis- faction of its owner and several neighbors who gath- ered to view the stranger.
An important sale was made in this month by William Scofield, who disposed of his herd of ten registered Jersey cattle, for two thousand dollars. These well-bred cows had not been more expensive to raise and keep, than plebeian stock, and yet the value was fourfold greater, than would have been the inferior breed.
My last date for the year, April Ist, records an in- teresting visit to Roslyn, and an interview with the venerable Rebecca Russel, who has passed her ninety- eighth birthday. Few persons of half her age are as bright and quick of speech and thought as this charm- ing old lady, and her memory and reminiscences of people and events long past, were truly delightful.
She spoke much of the many changes and great progress in our neighborhood since she first came here in 1824.
In those days she said, the women spun and wove their "linsey woolsy" for clothing, and everybody was so industrious, even the little girl of six, had to finish her "stint" of sewing or knitting, before she was al- lowed to run and play.
When persons went visiting they walked or rode horseback, but few vehicles being in this vicinity.
When she was last at the Capital, General Wash-
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ington was there the same day, and there were only six houses on Penna. Avenue, and laughing merrily, she added, "When I saw Ashton last, it was nothing but a big tree."
I asked her the secret of her vitality and activity. "No one," she answered, "can be happy or healthy at any age, unless they are constantly employed." And she is a living example of her own aphorism.
Henry Stabler informed me he had canned, in 1883, 36,000 cans of corn, and raised 100 bushels of selected seed for seedsmen, and home planting.
Very often during the past year have mournful processions wound their way along our roads, and niany times have we stood in grief and sympathy be- side the open grave. It would almost seem as if this annual meeting should be a lodge of sorrow, so many of our honored friends have passed into the silent land. The lesson of their lives, their example and precept remain ; they are beyond our tears and care ; but our best memorial of them should be a greater charity, a more loving sympathy with the living. We can keep the memory of our cherished dead green forever by the timely help, the cheerful word, the neighborly kindness to those bereft and left behind.
SUMMARY OF THE YEAR.
Twenty years ago, when this Lyceum was dedi- cated, our Poet Laureate, Sarah B. Stabler of Sharon, wrote for the occasion a beautiful ode. At my solici- tation, she again favors us, and when you have heard her gracious words and flowing verses, you will feel that our honored friend, now in her eighty-third year,
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has lost none of her poetic fancy. "Age cannot wither nor custom stale her infinite variety."
Written for E. N. B., Third month, 26th, 1884.
"Time moves along on never ceasing wing, And history follows with her ready pen, And writes the events, each busy year may bring, To all abodes on earth, of living men.
"For some these records are but traced in sand, For others graven on the granite rock; Some men in light, and some in shadow stand, But all belong to the Great Shepherd's flock.
"And be our stories like the sand which drifts, Or long enduring on the mountain height; We do but briefly use our varied gifts, And then like fleeting shadows pass from sight.
"How many, young and old, have passed from earth Leaving some lingerers along the way; While many in the spring of youth and mirth, Count on long years of joy and pleasure gay.
"Some here, have given to earth their children dear, Who seemed like angels granted for a while, And though, for them, this life may raise the tear, Calm resignation asks instead, the smile.
"The prattling tongue is hushed, the unsteady feet Falter no more-a tranquil peace is theirs; This world, with joys which oft are passing sweet, Might have betrayed them with its thousand snares.
"Fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, friends, Husbands and wives, in quick succession go, And homes are sad, but love divine descends, And gently takes away the sting of woe.
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"The virtues of the lost, like healing dew, Soothe the grieved spirits, who have been bereft Of those so dearly loved, so good and true! But the survivors will not long be left;
"For human life is short, end when it will, And when the evening comes, may we seek rest, Resigned to live or die, so we fulfill The measure of the time that Heaven sees best.
"Though in the 'vacant chairs' we seem to see Our dear ones, whom our eyes behold no more, Yet, Hope will whisper sweetly, 'There will be A home for each upon the Heavenly shore.' " -Sarah B. Stabler, Sharon.
Although the crops were very large in 1883, our farmers were not bebarred the satisfaction of their annual grumble, for prices were exceedingly low, and the more potatoes and hay a man had stored in his bins and barns, the more did he need the sympathy of friends, for it hardly paid to haul them to market.
Potatoes fluctuated from 25 cents to 75 cents per bushel, and more were sold under than above 50 cents.
Large quantities of hay was sold at 50 and 60 cents per hundred weight.
As nearly as could be ascertained from club sta- tistics, and industrial reports, 45,000 bushels of wheat were raised, at an average of 24 bushels to the acre, and selling at an average price of $1.18. 11,565 barrels of corn were raised, at an average of eight and a half . barrels to the acre-selling for $2.75, average price.
My report is not entirely complete, for one un- married gentleman, although urgently requested, has not responded ; it is presumed that his crops were very
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large, and that he remembered with a terrified shiver, that it was "Leap Year."
The 36th annual report of The Mutual Fire Insur- ance Company shows a large increase of business in the past year, and the amount, insured January Ist, 1884, was $15,274,302.33.
The 16th annual report of the "Savings Institution of Sandy Spring," shows the amount on hand, March Ist, 1884, was $198,664.84. It is a pleasant thought that while the older members of the community are greatly interested in this valuable institution, so many little children have their bank-books and deposit their earnings with commendable pride.
Three hundred and six newspapers and magazines came to subscribers through our office and we have mailed in the past year thirty-five thousand letters and sixty-seven hundred postal cards.
In the cause of education, we have made an im- portant step this year in the completion of "Sherwood School House," costing about $2,300. A neat, com- modious building, furnished suitably with a fine chemi- . cal apparatus, maps, etc., and with the great advan- tage of having the old Sandy Spring Library trans- ferred to one of its rooms. It is only proper to record here the names of the men and women, whose faithful exertions were crowned with such success, in the in- ception and completion of this work.
William W. Moore. President, Benjamin H. Miller, Secretary, A. G. Thomas, Treasurer,
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and the following board of directors: John Thomas, Asa M. Stabler, Robert M. Stabler, Anna L. Moore, Sarah T. Miller. Charles G. Porter.
For a long time the committee on teachers hunted from Massachusetts to North Carolina for a suitable master for the new school, and at last discovered in our midst the very material it was going hither and yon to find.
J. Llewellen Massey was appointed principal, as- sisted by Elma P. Chandlee and Carrie H. Brooke, and they have admirably conducted a flourishing school of fifty scholars through the year.
From the earliest records Sandy Spring has had good schools, which were not only invaluable to our own people, but many children from adjacent cities and states have received here, that surest of all foun- dations for success in life, a substantial, moral edu- cation.
Rockland has had its full quota this year, and who does not enjoy the bright young faces of its inmates, as they crowd into "meeting," or the Lyceum, or take their walks abroad, bubbling over with merry school-girl ways?
In connection with this subject, I will add that An- nie T. Porter, after long and faithful service as an in- structor of youth, having in many instances taught the children of her former pupils, resigned her posi- tion in the public school which is now filled by Ella Steer, of Virginia.
About the middle of Third month. 1884. "The An- nals of Sandy Spring" were published by William H. Farquhar. You, who have listened for many years to
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his annual report from this platform, will read with great pleasure this interesting book in which the au- thor has so successfully retained all the principal events and salient points of his yearly narratives, and yet managed to eliminate all that was trivial. He has given us a book, not only valuable to every one here, but which should be widely read elsewhere, as show- ing the changes wrought in a rural community by labor, education, and a close communion of neighborly interest and kindness.
Two other books have been published during the year, in which Sandy Spring is especially interested.
The first is the autobiography of the great and good Benjamin Hallowell, edited by his children. A volume valuable to young and old as teaching a lesson of pa- tience and industry, and not only a delightful produc- tion to those who knew him, but very attractive to strangers. His large intelligence and pure character confined him to no particular circle ; his influence, like his charity, was far-reaching and covered all things. 1ª
I began by saying there never had been a female historian, but I must qualify that by "hardly ever." . for Annie M. Chandlee has completed for the use of schools an excellent compendium of English History, said to be on a new and original plan.
Early in 1883, Dr. Tillum, of Delaware, pur- chased a portion of Edward Peirce's farm, and built a commodious house, barn and outbuildings, with all the modern improvements.
New buildings have also been erected, or old ones altered and improved at Oak Hill, Highland.
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Belmont, Cherry Grove, Burnside, The Cottage, In- gleside, Ashton, Mt. Airy, Sunset, Patuxent, Sandy Spring, Harewood, Plainfield, Norwood, Avalon, Brooke Grove; and even our Lyceum, catching this spread of improvement, has pushed out its back wall and enlarged its dimensions to suit the increas- ing demands of the neighborhood.
Sherwood Mills has changed owners, and Lea- wood Mills has been greatly improved by new machi- nery. Several new windmills have been put up and water fixtures added to various houses ; if cleanliness is next to Godliness, the Sandy Spring people are "stepping heavenward" at a rapid rate.
This year, as in all the years past, we still go many miles to take the trains ; and the possibility of a nar- row gauge railroad to Laurel has been so warmly discussed, that we will. have lightning expresses speeding through our farms in the near future, is a foregone conclusion ; but while we are waiting for an earthly railroad, let us hasten to construct another and more lasting one.
More than fifty years ago the gifted James P. Stab- ler, Senior, wrote in a lady's album the following directions for building a railroad to Heaven. I will preserve his admirable words here.
"It is altogether possible that men may make a railroad to Heaven ; nay, it is even more true than that they can make them from one point of the earth to another, and why not? The materials in one case are more abundant, cheaper, and more durable than in the other. The labor and expenses are less, and the travel more safe and expeditious in the former
1
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than in the latter case. Then let's make one. First, let it be located on the ground of the love of God, and to our fellow creatures, for there we have the right of way given us without condemnation. The chief engineer shall be the still small voice, which makes no curves, either to the right hand or to the left. The road will be straight; the board of virtues will furnish funds to carry on the work from a treas- ury as inexhaustible as the fountains of light and love. The hills of pride and cruelty will be leveled by the Agent's meekness and mercy. The valleys will be raised by kindness and brotherly affection. The streams will be crossed by bridges built upon the Rock of Ages. The rails will be of charity, the cars of devo- tion, with springs tempered by the incense of the heart, for every good and perfect gift, and the loco- motive engine of supreme and everlasting love pro- pelled by prayer and thanksgiving to the fountain whence every blessing flows."
We have to chronicle the loss of various citizens this year by removal to other places, and yet we feel assured they still regard Sandy Spring as home, and look forward, whatever their present interests, to re- turning here.
Dr. Scott is practising his profession in Washing- ton. Harry H. Stabler is farming in Virginia. War- wick H. Miller. Jr., is in business in Philadelphia. Robert M. Hallowell and George B. Miller, are in St. Louis. Harry T. Lea and family, and Richard P. Iddings, in Lawrence, Mass. Granville Stabler in Missouri. Caleb S. Miller in Minnesota. Edward P. Taylor in Georgia. Dr. Augustus Stabler in Phila-
-
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delphia. Mr. Lawford has sold his farm to Mrs. George Ellicott, and has removed elsewhere, and Dr. Tillum and family have returned to Delaware. Four of our young men, William D. Hartshorn, Henry T. Lea, Joshua Peirce and Richard P. Iddings have res- ponsible positions in the Arlington Mills, at Lau- rence. It is evident that Massachusetts knows where to apply for efficient help.
On the credit side of this losing account, we are glad to welcome back to Montgomery our friends Walter H. and Carrie L. Brooke, and to congratulate them on the purchase of a home.
It is also very pleasant to record the return of Esther T. Moore to Sandy Spring.
In former chronicles, the historian has grieved over the decline of interest manifested in lectures, but it is my pleasant task to relate that the two courses of lectures and entertainments held at the Lyceum in the past year, have been attended and enjoyed by old and young, notably a discourse on the great North- west by the Hon. Alonzo Bell.
The young people of the neighborhood have given several delightful entertainments, showing the versa- tility of their talents by the variety offered in music, recitations, original matter, dramatic and spectacular scenes.
The Agricultural Clubs, Olney and Brighton Granges, The Horticultural, The Association for Mu- tual Improvement. The Home Interest. The Sociable, The Benevolent Aid. The Book Club. Lawn Tennis Club and the Whist Club, have all held their meetings throughout the year, and brought the concentrated
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experience and wisdom of many minds to bear on many subjects. The membership of Olney Grange now numbers one hundred and sixty-seven, and its interests and beneficial influences are varied and wide-spread. That honored society of mothers and grandmothers, "The Mutual Improvement Associa- tion," has increased its numbers in the past twelve months, and in twenty-seven years of organization has never lost one of its members by death.
In June, July and August, along with the heat and flies, harvest and preserving, pickling and canning, the city visitor has descended on us. We have given them to eat of our abundance, and made them welcome to our fruits and flowers, and our shady nooks and corners.
In autumn, when our fields were aflame with the goldenrod and sumac. and our woods gorgeous with the feast of color, free to all alike, again our homes have been thronged with our sisters, our cousins, and our aunts, coming late, to escape the early crowd.
When grim winter seized her frozen sceptre, and storms held high carnival, once more did we welcome the city friend, and heat up as well as we could that arctic region known as the "spare chamber."
In early spring, when roads were bottomless, and wild winds blew, and the country as unattractive as it ever gets to be; yet. again. strangers alighted at our gates, and we took them in and bade them welcome. Other places of resort close up, but. Sandy Spring never !
There were a great many people here last year, but, more will be here next, for it is pleasant to think they
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have all accepted our invitation to come again, and will bring their friends with them.
Through the past year, our citizens have traveled as usual far and wide. They have sought and found health and strength, at the seaside, the springs, and on the mountain tops. Some of them have gathered roses, and eaten strawberries in Georgia and Florida in the winter months, others have shivered in snow- clouds on Northern heights in summer, and one ener- getic young lady has traversed the wonders of the "Yellowstone."
The economy in other things to secure the annual trip will always pay the farmer and his family. Travel is an education to mind and body, a delight to the ap- preciative, a luxury that will enliven the occupant of the country home, and break the monotony of rural life.
We have watched with great interest through the winter the career of our active and efficient Senator from Montgomery, Joseph T. Moore.
Belonging politically to the minority in the Mary- land Legislature, by his perseverance and diplomacy he compelled the majority to pass six state bills, a feat never before accomplished by the representative of this county. His seventh . bill was only lost by the Governor's veto. Had that become a law the very poorest farmer among us might have procured a marriage license for the insignificant sum of sixty cents. Who knows what changes in that event might have occurred to the seventy-seven maidens of San- dy Spring, between the ages of twenty and one hun- dred years? It seemed such a forlorn hope I have
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not counted the bachelors; I felt convinced there could not be seventy-seven of them.
CONCLUSION.
Although in some instances other vocations are combined, we are essentially a farming community and the land must produce now to its fullest capacity, for the farmer needs more money each year to pro- cure the conveniences and luxuries about his home- once found only in the city.
· Education and science are ahead of sinew. Brains and machinery are taking the place of muscle. The farmer of today, must know the needs and capabil- ities of the different soils, he must read and think, as well as act. With intelligence, as well as faith, he plants the tiny seed, and has his fulfillment in the abundant harvest.
A great responsibility rests on the farmer. All other people take their supplies second-hand from him, his produce feeds the world. The cotton from his fields, the fleece from his sheep clothes mankind, and it is a well-known fact that nearly all our poets, au- thors, and statesmen, were born and raised in rural homes.
At his behest, comes the beauty of waving fields cf grain, of orchards rich with bloom. His toil is close to nature's heart, to the secrets and perfections of all her marvelous works.
He who owns his land calls no man master : and as he sows his acres broad and deep, I contend that he is the true aristocrat.
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In ties of affections, in interest, in correspondence, a thousand links connect us with the outside world. I will verify my statement by a pleasant incident. A short time ago in the City of Agra, in India, two travelers met in that beautiful temple called the. "Taj Mahal," a structure so perfect in form, so rich in or- - namentation, it is counted one of the seven wonders of the world. Beneath the jeweled arches and lace- like carvings of this dome the one traveler, a charm- ing woman, who has often visited among us, the other Moncure D. Conway, utter strangers to each other, fell into conversation and in a few minutes had talked round to this little spot of earth, and were eagerly recalling delightful hours and dear mutual friends here. It seemed strange that these two, the one coming from the China seas, with her husband, the other from England, should meet in India on the common ground of Sandy Spring.
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