USA > New York > Suffolk County > Bridgehampton > Sketches from local history > Part 24
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Then if anyone was suspected they were examined for the mark, and perhaps tortured until in seeking relief they confessed and then followed punishment. It does not seem as if men could go to such ex- tremes in fanaticism and cruelty, and they did it as "Defenders of Faith." Let us thank the Lord we live in a different age of the world.
Witchcraft on Long Island was of a very mild form, but it was unmistakably here just the same. I have heard of the old people saying that when they were young there were those here who believed that a witch could cross the ocean in an egg shell at night. have a grand frolic in England, and be back in the morning, or could ride a broom stick across the con- tinent to attend some conference, and ride back un- noticed, and not be missed while away. The suspect- ed one was usually an old man or woman, thin. wizened and dried up, and the belief was that they could take on the form of an animal, such as a cat. and go about unsuspected, and if they were suspect- ed and shot at, no harm could come to them if lead was used for shot, for it was only silver that would be effective.
One of these myths could walk through a pasture . where a herd of cows were grazing, and as many as they bewitched would dry up in their milk, or have some disease and die, or would fail to bring
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forth young, or would persistently break the fence and let the herd out of the pasture. The following story was told :
In Bridgehampton in those days there was a hay field that no one had ever known the crop to be gathered or harvested in a dry condition ; no matter how pleasant the day, before that hay could be carted, it would rain and wet the crop. The day in question, the hay had been cut and was fit to be carted into the barn. The weather was fine, and the men went at it in earnest.
As a precaution they had taken a gun loaded with silver buttons for shot, the only silver they had, and this they kept nearby so as to get it quickly if needed. They had only just gotten nicely at work. when a black cat appeared and started to run across the field. One of the men grabbed the gun and shot at the cat, (she was too far away to kill) but he hit her and she went away limping, and they for the first time in all history as it related to that field, got the hay in the barn, dry and in good condition.
An old woman who lived in that neighborhood and who was suspected of being a witch was not seen for several days after the black cat was wounded as related above. When she did ap- pear she was very lame and was obliged to use a cane for some time. This was ample proof that she was a witch and was the cause of the trouble.
Cyrus Huntting was an Indian who lived on the triangular lot, now an orchard. at the junction of Huntington Path and the Millstone road. His wife was Ollie. and as a small boy I remember her. They afterward lived, and I think moved the house to a lot east of the road leading to the Wading Place from the Novac Road, on the westerly line of the land formerly owned by the old Doctor Sweet, and the house stood quite near the creek. This road is closed now, but I think should be re-opened.
This Indian, Cyrus, was known as and believed to be a witch doctor, and I think had quite a prac- tice. The medicine he gave was made from herbs, roots or bark which he brewed and concocted him- self, and I guess was harmless, and may have been good for some complaints.
There were people right here in Bridgehampton in those days who would not openly admit it, but that really thought he possessed some power, either supernatural or demoniacal, they knew not which, but it was a fact no one in this community cared to
or even thought it wise to oppose him, we won't say offend. so that he got almost anything he asked for. It was thought he had the power to look into a hog pen, and if he chose from that time those hogs wouldi be under the influence of witches, and he alone could remedy the evil, unless horseshoes were used in and about the pen.
One day in a pelting rain storm Cyrus was called to see an old woman in this neighborhood. and stopped on his way at Gabriel Halsey's to rest for a time. My grandfather asked him where he was going in such a storm? Cyrus told him, and said the old lady thought she was bewitched, but that he would stop on his way back and report as to her condition, which he did. He diagnosed the case as follows : "Why, Mr. Halsey, there is really nothing the matter with her, it is only her weak mind. I gave her some herb tea, and she will soon be ali right."
How foolish this all appears to us, but they were sincere. It might have been in some cases, like the one just cited. the result of a weak mind. but this did not hold true as a rule. Superstition affected all classes, and does today to a greater or lesser degree.
If you planted beans when the wind was east. they would never come up. If you saw the new moon over your left shoulder, it was bad luck for you for that month.
If you walked under a ladder you met ill luck. Never sit at a dinner when the company numbers thirteen. A new born baby must be carried upstairs before it is ever taken downstairs or out of the house. If you touched a corpse, you would never die of the disease of which it died. If rain falls into a newly dug grave, another one of that family will die before the year ends. Never begin a piece of work on Saturday unless you can finish it that day. Should it be a garment, that person would never live to wear it out. Never put a door in a house where a window had been. Never salt meat at a certain time of the moon or it will not keep, or set lve tubs at that time or the soap will not come. Put a lot horseshoe in the cream when the butter will not come, it will drive the witches out.
If the palin of your left hand itches, you are to receive money. If the right, you are to pay it out. Never set eggs except at a certain time of the moon er they will not hatch. If you kill the first snake you see in the spring, and break the first brake, you
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will conquer all your enemies. If a rooster crowed standing on your doorstep, company was coming. If you dropped a fork it was company, but a man. If a knife, a woman. If a spoon, a child. A door hinge creaking was a sign of death. . \ candle burn- ing in a draft would make the tallow run, and this would sometimes make what was called a "winding sheet," and was a sign of death. If the bottom of your feet itched, you were going to walk on strange ground. If your left ear burned, you would hear bad news. If your right, good news. If you spill salt, put some in the fire, so as to avoid a quarrel. Always take salt and a new broom into a house before moving in. Never cut a baby's nails until a year old, or you will make a thief of it. Always stir cake or dough with the sun or it will be heavy.
Now, these are a few of the foolish, nonsensical notions and whims that were believed in and that unquestionably had an influence on the lives of those people. They seem absolutely ridiculous to us, and how can it be accounted for other than that it is the out-cropping of those old superstitions that to such an alarming extent prevailed generations ago in their forebears.
If this be true in their case, and we are their de- scendants, the important question as it relates to us is: Are we of this day entirely exempt and unin- fluenced by those same ideas, or is there still left in our blood a taint, even though slight, of that same virus that we ridicule and condemn in our forefathers.
I really wonder how many there are, if any, of this generation who, if they were to give their hon- est, unbiased opinion, are absolutely exempt from all taint regarding these things? Or, if it were pos- sible to get such an opinion, would we be surprised at the result? I would say, personally. I have no sympathy with any of these notions, no more than I have with Spiritualism. My opinion is it is best to have nothing to do with any of them. If there be any truth in them, well! If not, just the same.
There is one incident that I think I will mention though I cannot vouch for it, but I give it just as I heard it or as it was told to me.
Mrs. Huldah Smith lived in a house on the Bridgehampton and Sag Harbor Turnpike. She was a Spiritualist, and was a very bright. and intelligent woman, and was a sworn enemy of strong drink. 'Toward the last of her life she is said to have made
this startling statement: "If ever, after I am gone, this place is used for the sale or dealing out of strong drink. I will come back."
Little was thought of this at the time, but after lier death, this property was sold, and a bar set up where liquor was sold.
Sometime after this Mrs. Captain Bridger died there very suddenly, having broke her neck. Then a bar tender died without warning. Then two con- stant customers died as suddenly. Then Captain Bridger himself died, without warning, dropped (lead. I do not know whether there was more of this list or not.
Perhaps these deaths had nothing whatever to do with Mrs. Smith's threat, but some might think they had.
According to Scripture
Addison Cartwright was a member of a former generation of that family, and lived on Shelter Island.
It was before the days when window shades were in general use, and only the well-to-do families had them; and even among that class, some were slow to adopt any new idea, sincerely believing that it was folly, and not only an unnecessary expense, but contrary to the natural law as laid down in the Bible as a guide for mankind.
One day Cartwright was busily engaged with his . farm work, when a peddler came to the house offer- ing his wares. Among them were paper window shades, very attractive and pretty in color.
Mrs. Cartwright was very much pleased with them. and bought what she needed. She lost no time. but made haste in putting them up. thinking she would give her husband a happy surprise.
When he came home, she ushered him to the best room, to show him the new furnishings. The light was subdued, and the glaring rays of the sun shut out, giving the room, to her mind, a most restful, re- freshing and quieting influence and appearance.
He stood in silence for several moments, and to her dismay, said: "Mother; the 'Good Book' tells us that God said, 'Let there be light, and there was light, and God saw that it was good.' So it must ever be."
Whereupon, he proceeded at once to tear down the beautiful, new shades, and threw them in the fire. where they were consumed.
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Diamond Cut Diamond
"A repartee is a witty and good-humored answer to a remark of a similar character, and is meant to surpass the latter in wittiness. Or a witty retort in conversation."
Many of the noted men in public life excelled in repartee. John Randolph of Roanoke was a good example in the carlier history of this country. Some- what later, and within the period of our memory, Chauncey M. Depew and Joseph H. Choate were noted in this art, and long would be the list of great men that might be added to those already men- tioned.
In almost every community there have been, or still are, bright, witty men who delight in making some retort in conversation with a friend, that he is confident will call for a reply no less sharp or witty.
When the whaling industry on eastern Long Island was at its height, perhaps from 1850 to 1860. there were two men who were large owners, or were deeply interested in this industry, who were the characters in the story I am about to relate. The one was John Sherry. Sr. of Sag Harbor, the other. David G. Floyd of Greenport.
They were both bright, witty men, and both en- gaged in fitting out ships for the same line of trade. One day Sherry went to Greenport to confer with Floyd, and having plenty of time thought he would walk out to the Floyd home, it being some distance out of the village.
While on the road he was overtaken by Floyd. returning home with his horse and carriage. Upon recognizing Sherry, he stopped, and expressed his surprise at seeing his friend on the road, and invited him to ride. "Why," said Sherry, "I rather think I will, for poor company is better than none." "That was just the thought I had in mind when I asked you." said Floyd.
Sometime after this, Sherry decided to dispose of his interests in the whale ships, and was about to form a partnership with Ephraim Byram, which he did, and established the "Oakland Brass Works."
There was advertised about this time, a large sale of ship-chandlery goods, and those interested in fit- ting out ships took advantage of these sales, for the reason that they could buy at greatly reduced values those things that they knew they would need to repair their own ships when they returned from a whaling voyage.
Floyd attended this sale because he wanted to buy, but Sherry was there simply out of curiosity, or perhaps to see many of his old friends, whom he had known in business relations for many years.
Floyd was closely following the sales, and at last noticed that Sherry was not bidding on any of the stuff, and said to him: "Sherry, why are you not bidding on these things? They are just what we want, and what we will need, and everything is going cheap. Why don't you buy?"
"Oh," said Sherry. "I do not want the stuff, in fact, I have got no use for it." This statement sur- prised Floyd, and led him to inquire as to the reason. and ask for an explanation.
"Why," said Sherry, "I'll tell you, I am going out of this business, and try something else." "I am surprised." said Floyd, "what are you going to do?" Sherry replied; "I have not let it be known as yet. but I am going into the brass foundry business." "Well, well," said Floyd. "I congratulate you, for I think you will succeed." "What makes you think so?" said Sherry. "Why," said Floyd, "you will have an advantage over most men in that business. from the fact that you will not have to import any material."
Ephraim Byram, famous clock manufacturer, of Long Island, made the clock placed in City Hall, New York, before 1850. During a celebration held to observe the establishment of cable communica- tion between England and the United States, the hall tower caught fire from a blazing tar barrel atop a bonfire. The clock was so damaged it had to be removed. Byram also made the dials of the clock at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, which are said to be still in position. He had a clock works in Sag Harbor and associated with him was John Sherry, Sr., the father of the late county treasurer of Suffolk and leading Republican politician. John Sherry, Jr. Byram was known as a remarkable mechanical genius and at one time constructed a planetarium run by clock work which reproduced the entire workings of the solar system. It was exhibited in museums in New York.
Expression of Loyalty
There lived in this same locality, somewhat later, several men that were of such a character that I think they ought not to be passed by unnoticed.
The name of one of these was Champlin : he lived
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on the Noyac road just prior to and during the Civil War. His land went from the road to the creek and joined it.
James Payne, who lived on North Haven, kept quite a number of cattle, and they would wander across Short Beach and west on Long Beach to the Wading Place, cross the creek and get into Cham- plin's crops ; one day a neighbor saw Champlin driv- ing the cattle from his land and down to the creek ; when they got into the water he grabbed one by the tail with one hand, bracing his feet on the hinder parts of the cow, plying a good whip with other hand and shouting lustily; "I'll chastise you."
This man, when the South seceded, was wearing a full beard, this had been his custom, and this was the appearance he made and by which he was known in the entire community, but when he heard of that dire calamity which meant national disruption, dis- solution, separation and division, he was greatly grieved and to show and illustrate his grief. he shaved one side of his face from his nose to his Adam's apple, and when asked why he did it, re- plied : "The Nation is divided." The other side of his face he left unshaven.
Another man born and brought up in this same locality at about the same time, subjected himself to a rigid fast. I cannot say whether he did it for patriotic reasons, as did Champlin, or not, but I think it fair to suppose he may have, for the spirit of loyalty ran pretty high during the national crisis from 1861 to 1865. He fasted for three days, and when asked why he did it. replied: "I fasted one day for myself, one for my wife and one for the Nation."
A Diplomat
During the whaling days Sag Harbor was send- ing ships to the seven seas following that industry.
Many foreigners came to this port on returning whale ships, and often among these were Kanakas or natives of the Pacific Islands; these men took naturally to the water and were great divers and swimmers.
One day a workman dropped a calking mallet overboard and offered a Kanaka a quarter to go down and get it; he at once went to the bottom but could not find it, then he was offered a half dollar, he went again. but in vain. The workman prized the mallet very highly and said : "If you will get that
mallet for me I will give you one dollar." The man at once agreed to try again, went to the bottom and came right up with the lost mallet.
It was thought he saw it the first trip under water, but the price did not satisfy.
The Stories of Aaron Drake
Aaron Drake claimed to be a descendant of Sir Francis Drake and lived on the Brick Kiln Road, and owned considerable land ; he reared a large family. Mrs. Drake when asked by a guest, how many chil- dren she had, replied : "I really do not know, but there is Moses, *Cresh and John, Aaron, ** Het and Tom, Stephen Beckwith and *** Baby O."
He lived at the time when the whaling industry in Sag Harbor was in the ascendency, and Aaron, like almost every one of his day used more or less liquor. and more often more than less.
One day when walking up Main street on his way home, a company of boys were trying to climb the trees in the street along the Huntting and Howell properties, when he stopped for a time and watched them, and made this comment; "You are making mighty poor work of it, I could do better than that and go up feet first," whereupon the challenge was accepted ; Aaron started up and made good progress. but lost his grip and came down in a heap.
Another time after a heavy fall of snow he was returning home, quite unsteady on his feet; and sat clown in a snow bank by the side of the road; about this time Gabriel Halsey (my grandfather) came along and said; "Aaron, what are you doing?" "Why Gabriel," said he, "the snow is such a pure white I thought I would sit down and meditate."
In the yards near his house was a large flat rock ; one day a neighbor in passing saw Aaron digging under this rock, and to satisfy his curiosity went to see what he was doing, and thereupon asked him. Said Aaron; "I want a cellar I can get into and get : out of." "Well, you may get into it, but if you keep on digging I question if you ever get out," he replied.
Wedding and Home Coming of a Sea Captain
Thomas F. 'Sayre was a descendant of the Colonist of that name who was one of those who first settled at "Old Town." He was always an independent thinker and worker. A man intelligent, industrious. trustworthy and reliable.
*Lucretia ** Mehetabel *** Lodowick.
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The farm where this man lived was located at Flying Point, and when a young man for some years his mother kept house for him, and was filling this position when young Thomas decided to get married.
The wedding day was set, it being March 22, 1842, and it proved to be an unusually hard storm. Thomas went to work that morning in the barn. and became very much interested in his work. He little thought how the' time was passing, and ap- parently forgot that it was the day chosen for his wedding.
His mother became anxious, and wondered why he was not getting ready for the nuptial feast, so hastened to look him up and ascertain the reason. Whereupon she found him in the barn hard at work at some job that had been postponed for just such a stormy day. She said. "Thomas, what are you doing ? Don't you know that this is your wedding day, and it is already getting late?" "I know it is." said he. "but Mother, it storms so hard I don't think it will be, do you?"
"Well." said she. "I don't much believe it will. unless you attend, but I think you had better hurry and get there, and if you do. I think it will be."
He, like most of the ambitious young men of his day, went to sea in the whaling industry, and became commander of a ship. These men were often away from. home several years on one voyage.
At that time the Long Island railroad only came as far east as Riverhead, so that one returning home would have to come from that place, either on foot or by stage, or from Sag Harbor, if they made that port.
On one occasion he reached home about two o'clock in the morning. late in the autumn, about the time of the full of the moon, so it was light all night.
On arriving home, all was quiet, so he thought he would look around a bit and see if everything was in good order. He found the hog pen to be very wet and muddy, so he went to the barn, harnessed his team, and went to Towd or North Sea after a load of seaweed.
It was about sunrise when he got back to South- ampton with it. As he passed the farm houses, the men were just doing the milking, or getting break- fast.
.All wondered who could have been after seaweed
at that early hour. Some said; "It looks like Toni Sayre, but he is at sea." "It looks like his team any way," said another. When one of his okl neighbors came near enough to recognize him, and was the first to know of his return home.
He reached home about the time his own people arose, when to their surprise they learned of his re- turn, as well as of the trip he had made since his arrival.
He said he thought he "would not disturb their slumbers so early in the morning, but had time enough to get a load of seaweed before breakfast."
The Wrong Date
The Millerites had for a time quite a following in this township, among whom were a goodly number of the Shinnecock Indians.
The time had often been set for the end of all things worldly, but the prophecy failed, and another date was determined upon, and the faithful heid themselves in readiness. One of these dates was at a time when the grass on Shinnecock Hills and dunes was dry.
The faithful gathered this night on one of the elevations and waited, robed and ready. The boys of that locality knew of this gathering, and late in the night, when all slept. they mischeviously set fire to the grass and waited results. At last, the com- pany awoke surrounded by fire, when one of theni. cried out : "In II -- 1 just as I expected."
About the time that this doctrine was being preached, one of the most enthusiastic advocates of this doctrine was a Dr. Cummings. It was then that Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote a verse in which he expressed his ideas.
"When he that hath a horse for sale,
Brings all its merits to the proof : Without a lie for every nail That holds the iron to its hoof. Till then, let Cummings blaze away.
And Miller's saints blow up the globe. But when you see that blessed day, Then order your ascension robe."
A Plover Story
There are men who appear to have a natural ten- dency to tell wonderful stories. They cannot be justly called lars, nor the account of their mar- velous experiences lies, for they are not told with the
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intention to deceive, but simply to create interest or excite notoriety.
Years ago there was just such a character lived in the neighborhood of Southampton, L. I. His name was Jagger. I am not sure of his Christian name; but he would always have some marvelous story or experience to relate, and he was also noted for being able, after having told some wonderful story, and later, when questioned as to its veracity. to make a plausible excuse or explanation that wonid clear him, verify his story and apparently satisfy his vietim.
During the memory of some of the older men of this generation, there were great flights of plover over eastern Long Island. These usually took place or occurred in the late summer or early autumn. during. and just after a severe easterly storm.
It was generally thought that these birds were migrating south at this time from their northern summer home, where they had reared their young. and were driven inland by the storm. It was a fact that some years they appeared here in great nun- bers, and lived in this locality for weeks, feeding on crickets. grass hoppers, and the grain that shelled out on the wheat fields.
The long-tail wild, or passenger pigeons (now supposed to be almost extinct) were also very numerous at this time.
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