USA > New Hampshire > Coos County > Shelburne > History of Shelburne, New Hampshire > Part 6
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as deer, and are considered very val- uable. Great pains are taken to keep the breed pure, nearly every animal be- ing recorded in the Herd Book, and some of the pedigrees extend back per- fectly pure for eighty years.
We stopped here just a moment to ad- mire a silyery sheet of water formerly known as Moose pond, but since called by the more euphonious title of The Lake. and then while the herdsman went back on the hills for the cows we looked over the barns. How handy everything is! Such a nice chance for a woman to do chores! This was our first envious thought. You see we know what it is to run the gauntlet of a dozen pairs of heels or horns to reach the last creature in the row. Here the tieups are parti- tioned into stalls holding two or four animals, and each fitted with a heavy swing door that closes the first stall as it opens the second, and so on. Under these barns are root cellars.
"Do you consider silos of practical value?" we enquired,
"Certainly, if rightly managed. Most farmers build too large. Why I know farmers in Massachusetts who could put their whole farm into the silo."
The next barn contains a row of stalls for horses, a huge meal-chest, hay cutter
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and mixing-trough. All the horse manure is shoveled into an adjoining building, where it is worked over by swine. A large number of Berkshires are kept; every out of the way corner was full of them. The tool-room is filled with the tools not in immediate use. chains. ploughs. hoes. harrows and rakes, thus saving time usually spent in hunt- ing for articles that have been mys- ยท teriously spirited away.
"This I call the hospital. It is often expedient to remove a sick animal from the rest of the herd." And passing through the numerous whitewashed pens, each with its own outside door, we thought preparations had been made for a general prevalence of pleuro pneu- monia or epizootic. So many doors had been opened that we got bewildered and cannot say whether the calves were in a separate place or not, but we saw them somewhere, fifteen or twenty of them, of all sizes and breeds. Some were very nice. though brought up on skim milk. One, eight months old, was larger than an ordinary yearling, and the Swiss calt. "Young Luna," was a sight to those unfamiliar with the breed. She has large legs set well apart, thick wrin- kled neck, big ears,Esticking straight out like signboards, and is about the
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color of a field mouse.
The cows were now slowly winding down the hill, and turning reluctantly from the comfortable and convenient barns, we climbed into the raised gallery along one side the barn-yard to watch them file in. Jerseys predominant-pale cream color, with markings of dark and white, slender build, small head and horns, and a general appearance of deli- cacy. Their milk, though not large in quantity. is very rich. It is set with milk of other breeds, however, and no trouble is noticed in churning all to- gether. For ordinary farmers, and by such we mean those who have no income beyond the products of the farm, the Jersey is not the best breed of cows to keep. Their stock is small, and many think them not hardy enough to thrive on scant feed in open-work barns. We noticed Victoria, Gravelotte and Nora. all imported. The rest are as like as two peas in a pod, and only the intelligent herdsman, William Cotnam, the superin- tendent or their enthusiastic owner can tell one from another. The four year old heifer, "Zuider Zee," is remarkable for size, as is also her calf, sired by "Highland Chief." A noble pair of oxen might be raised from such a cow. and we wonder why horses should supersede
:
1.BROWN
THOROUGHBRED SHORTHORN HEIFER, STRAWBERRY THIRD.
Red and white, calved July 1, 1876, bred and owned by Judge R. I. Burbank, Shelburne, N. H. (P. O. Address 61 Court Street, Boston, Mass.) Recorded vol. 16, H. B.
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these trusty animals. But of all the
herd our individual choice fell on "Gypsy," a beautiful speckled Ayrshire. and her daughter, "Pride of Shelburne." All these breeds are kept pure. and a good chance is afforded to obtain first class stock. much below the usual price. The grain is stowed in the Green barn. an eighth of a mile above. where it is threshed and ground. The house on this place has been remodeled, and during the summer is let to city visitors. Judge Burbank also owns the Gates place on the north side the river, but it cannot properly be said to belong to the stock farm, as no work is done on it except to cut the hay.
We must not forget to mention the poultry, which, according to the capital required, is the best paying stock on any farm. About two hundred chickens were encamped around the back door. Some in common wooden coops, and the very youngest in smaller ones of wire screen. Plymouth Rocks are kept for mothers, as they sit steady and are not inclined to rove, but the brown Leg- horns are considered the best egg pro- ducers. .
The water supply at the farm is plenti- ful and good. A well forty-eight feet in depth never fails to supply clear cold
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water, and a new acqueduct was laid this fall bringing water from the hills to the barn-yards in lead pipe. A grove of pines has been set out at the west end of the house. They make rather sombre shade trees, but this is obviated in a measure by trimming them high. Miss Mary Wormwood, the housekeeper for many years. has personal oversight of all the housework, butter-making, etc., and in the summer requires the assist- ance of three or four girls.
Brilliant hued peacocks display their beauty on the lawn, doves coo and flutter overhead, pet rabbits hop away, then turn and look back with pink startled eyes, a tiny white boat rocks on a sheet of water near by, fanciful summer- houses stand where the views are most delightful, horses and carriages, every- thing combine to make this place not only a resource for money making, but a pleasant home where the owner and his family can spend their summers in quiet enjoyment.
*
Perhaps a brief sketch of the Propri- etor of the White Mountain Stock Farm may not be uninteresting, especially to the friends of his boyhood, to whom the re uembrance of his genial good nature and strong love of home, are more famil-
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iar of late years than his presence.
Robert Ingalls Burbank is the oldest son of Barker Burbank, son of Capt. Eliphalet Burbank, of Gilead, and Polly Ingalls, only child of Fletcher Ingalls.
For many years his father was a man of wealth and influence. a social and political leader; and in many re- spects his mother was the most note- worthy of the women of Shelburne. Though she passed most of her lite, a long life of more than four score years, within sight of her birth-place, many a travelled lady might envy her attainments and knowledge of the outside world. In her family were doctors, lawyers, teach- ers, educated men, accomplished and refined women; but each and all could find in mother a companion capable of understanding their highest aspirations She retained her faculties to the end of life, and "mother's room" was a refuge where cares were made lighter. and troubles forgotten by loving sympathy. The aged parents now sleep their last, long sleep together in the little cemetery overlooking the lake, but their memories will live for generations like the ever green pines that wave above them.
Robert attended the common schools until far enough advanced to go to Bethel Academy, where he was a pupil
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of that veteran teacher N. T. True. Af- terward he taught nine schools, several of them in Shelburne. The following anecdote is characteristic, and illustrates that natural kindness of heart that ever seeks to lift up the lowly, care for the neglected, bring forward the diffident, in short that finds its greatest pleasure in the pleasure of others. When Mr. Bur- bauk taught school in the Moses Rock school-house, he numbered among his scholars the late Nathaniel Wells. of Gorham. then living at Stephen Pea- body's. Mr. Wells had enjoyed very limited school privileges, and couse- quently was behind others of his age. Of course he was picked upon and tor- mented in every conceivable way. If his persecutors had been only boys he would have held his own, but when the big giris turned against him he was de- fenceless, and gallantly bore the abuse in silence. One noon, however, the teacher happened in unexpectedly, and caught them in the midst of their cruel sport.
"I am ashamed of you !" he cried in- . dignantly to the blushing girls. "Only think how much greater your advantages have been than Nathaniel's, and yet your acquirements are smaller in proportion i than his. Never let me see again such
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an instance of unkindness. but instead of laughing at him for his difficulties, try to encourage and help him."
Mr. Burbank graduated from Dart- mouth in July, 1843, and went to Cam- bridge Law School. but left the next year to enter the office of Daniel Web- ster. ITere he remained for years as Webster's private secretary. spending one summer at that statesman's farm in Marshfield. In 1846 he entered the Mass. bar, and after travelling in the West made his home permanently in Boston, . where he has held many offices of honor and trust ; being several times City Coun- cillor, State Representative, State Sen- ator. Chief Justice of one of the City Courts, and Commander of the 3d Bat talion and Ist Reg. Massachusetts Vol. Miltia ; but as he himself says "always a farmer. the highest honor of all." He is also a writer and lecturer of note, and frequently lectures on agriculture. Two years ago he delivered a course of lec- tures at Dartmouth Agricultural Col- ege. and this year has been appointed lecturer at the same college.
He married Miss Lizzie W. Christie. a wealthy and highly accomplished lady, daughter of Daniel M. Christie, LL .. D. of Dover. by whom he has two children, a son and daughter now living. Another
A
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son died in early childhood.
Immediately after his marriage, Judge Burbank and his bride went on an ex- tended tour through Europe. While visiting the gorgeous palaces of Em- perors, the National galleries of art, and the ruins of Historical Castles. he found time to inspect the most noted stock farms of the world, and the success of breeders intensified his already ardent love for farming and for superior stock.
Several years before the death of his father. he formed the idea of building a summer residence somewhere near his old home, but was induced finally to put his money into the homestead itself. The buildings have been repaired and improved, worn out fields restored to fer- tility, nice fences built. pastures cleared up and stocked with the best animals of all breeds. A few weeks every summer are passed here by the Judge and his family, and all visitors are welcomed with impartial courtesy.
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APPENDIX.
When we wrote this brief and imper- fect sketch of Shelburne for the columns of the MOUNTAINEER we did not realize how many eyes would scan the lines, or how many memories would be busy over every detail. Traditions handed down from father to son for generations always become more or less changed, and one could hardly recognize their own ex- ploits when related by great-grand- children. Many items which some assure us are positive facts are regarded by others as gross misrepresentations. However the errors can injure no one. for we believe the evil men do should be buried with them. There is plenty of good in every nature to occupy our thoughts and our tongues, and if in one heart has been roused a renewed interest for those who hore the "burden and heat of the day." we shall not have written wholly in vain.
For ourselves, we have become fas- cinated with these old time heroes. As the ideal characters of Byron and Shelley were living realities to sentimental Isabel Sleaford, real beings whom she knew and loved, so these hardy backwoods-
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men. brave to meet danger, strong to en- dure disappointment, these saintiy. wo- men, patient, self-denying, true-hearted, assume the individuality of old friends. The unsightly log houses that once covered the numerous grass-grown cav- ities called "celiar-holes" are pleasant homes, ringing with the happy voices of children, or breathing the hushed, sol- emn accents of prayer. Religion was more than an empty name one hundred ; years ago; and though often bigoted, in- tolerant and unreasonable, it was a gov- erning power in their lives.
We regret that we did not endeavor to write a reliable History, but as it is too late now, the most evident mistakes will be corrected here.
Ist. Unintentionally the wife of Moses Ingalls was given to his son Frederick, and vice versa, Mr. Ingalls lived near where C. J, Lary now does. and Timothy Hodgdon's grandparents on the hill. On Mr. Ingails' ninetieth birthday Mrs. Hodgdon, whose age was the same, call- ed upon him and he sleeved her home.
2d. Nathaniel Porter married Sarah Ingalls, a grand-daughter of Daniel In- galls. and had a family of nine, one boy and eight girls instead of seven. Only one has died, Polly, Mrs. Hezikiah Ord- way. Of the seven sisters living, Betsy,
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formerly Mrs. Supply Stevenson. is eighty-four. Hannah, Mrs. Emery of Medford, Mass., is a remarkably well- preserved lady of eighty-two. It is rarely that so large a family grow old without a break in the circle.
The Messers are a hardy and prolific race. Samuel, a son of Stephen Messer. has not been heard from by his friends in Shelburne for twenty-five years, but. at that time his own descendants num- bered seventy-five. Nancy Messer had twelve children, but the Peabody ele- ment seemed to lack constitution, for one half of them died young. Still her living descendants to-day are fifty-four. Betsy Messer had ten children and lost only one in childhood, Eliza, who died at the age of fitteen, of a white swelling on her knee. Her daughter Mary, Mrs. William Newell. is eighty-two, and the oldest person in town.
In speaking of doctors we neglected to state how people fared before the ad- vent of Dr. Howe. Women cared for their own families.mostly. always laying up a store of catnip. spearmint. tansy, mullein leaves. burdock, etc. If these herbs were cut on a dry morning before dog days began. they would onre the most common ailments to which "flesh is heir to." Everyone saved a big bottle of goose oil for croup, and the decanters
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were filled with rum, brandy and some- times whiskey. In severe cases of fever, childbirth or unknown complications, Granny Starbird was sent for. She went long journeys horseback, and was called very skillful, doctoring mostly with roots and herbs. Ezekiel Evans could pull teeth, and people had to stand it withont the aid of laughing gas. In 1832 and '33, when the throat distemper raged, Dr. Howe was quite young, it was a new disease, and he lost nearly every patient at first. Like its counterpart. Diphtheria. it swept away whole families, or singled out the fairest of the flock. Stephen Peabody had buried two, and his only remaining child lay at Death's door. when & travelling doctor, by the name of Griswold, passed through the place. Hearing of the peculiarly sad circum- stances at Mr. Peabody's he called, and after seeing the child declared his ability to cure her. It was the straw held to a drowning man, but the afflicted parents caught eagerly at the slender hope of saving one of their little family. The
prescription was given to the nurse, Nancy Peabody, and soon there was a change for the better. A few days later Nathaniel Wells, the hired man, was taken sick. Dr. Howe was called, but as soon as he left the nurse turned his
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medicine on the ashes. and followed Dr. Griswold's directions. When Dr. Howe made his next visit he found the patient decidedly better.
"I am surprised," he exclaimed, with professional gravity, "I am really sur- prised to see what effect my medicine has had on Nathaniel."
If he mistrusted the fate of his pills and potions he wisely said nothing, but from that time he always recommended Miss Peabody as nurse when he had a case of distemper.
"There is as much in nursing," he was wont to say, "as in doctoring."
In the account of the Indian raid, we find great diversity. Some are positive that Capt. Rindge or Ridge lived near Ot:s Evans', others are equally certain that his house stood near Martin Bur- bank's. We incline to the latter opinion, for Segar, an eye witness. says in his Narative : "After this we went with the Indians to the house, where Capt. Ridge, the owner of the house, with his wife and children were,-the Indians went out and scalped Mr. Poor." Thus giving the impression that Mr. Poor's body lay but a short distance from Capt. Ridge's house. No other atrocity was ever committed here, but for many years In- dians occasionally passed through the
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place in their war paint. drinking, danc- ing and feasting at some barn or by the roadside. The old revolutionary soldiers had a strong antipathy to the very sight of them. "Godfrey knows," old Joha Lary used to say to his friend and com- rade, Jonathan Evans, Sr., "if I had a gun I'd shoot an Indian as quick as [ would a partridge,"
In a mention of the soldiers of the Rebellion we omitted the name of Cor- poral Ellery Wheeler. 17th N. H.
In the chapter on churches, for Barker read Barber, Many will remember that good but accentric minister. It was his custom to pop in on people at the most unreasonable hours, frequently happen- ing in to breakfast or just as the family were retiring. It is an excellent way to find out the "true inwarduess" of a church. If one of the Elders can tumble over the barnyard bars about daylight and spill a pail of new milk without losing the key of the revival melody he was humming. there can be no question about his piety. A great religious ex- citement was experienced during Mr. Barber's sojourn bere, beginning about the time of Judge Ingalls' death, and lasting two or three years. Mr. and Mrs. James Hall were prominent supporters of the meetings, and their house was a
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favorite resort for prayer meetings. Now they have gone where "prayer is changed to praise," others have moved away. the enthusiastic converts have grown in- different, the tidal wave of reformation has subsided. This generation has seen both its religious and temperance re- vival, and not till our children take our places can there be such intense and general enthusiasm.
Operations have been indifinitely sus- pended at the Lead Mine, but our mine is still there. and some day the right Company will come along and unearth its hidden riches.
In conclusion we quote the words of a Shelburne boy who has seen other and larger places, "Shelburne is just as good a place as there is in the world. Always plenty of work, good wages and good folks to work for."
THE END.
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