USA > New York > Suffolk County > Bridgehampton > Sketches from local history > Part 27
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A Story on Piety
Simon and Price Howell of Poxabogue. ( 1750 map) were the sons of Daniel Howell, and lived on the same homestead. Simon was to be married, so sent Price to get the minister, and explained that he was wanted to preform the ceremony, and ended by announcing that "Simon has got the dollar."
Simon married for his second wife. Hannah Halsey of Cobb. Hannah had a sister, Jerusha who after a time made her home with them. She was noted for her piety, and her regular attendance upon all religious services, and in church work was very faithful.
Deacon Stephen Rose was a prominent man in the church at that time, and enjoyed a joke im- mensely. One day in commenting on the character of Jerusha, he said : "She is a woman in whose heart there is no guile, but she will steal Dan Howell's hens' eggs."
An Old Man's Charge to His Son
Daniel Schellinger of Amagansett moved to Mecox, when he bought the farm near what was later the home of Baklwin Cook. He had a daugh- ter, Mary, who married Deacon John Cook. Their son was Captain John Cook, my great grandfather.
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The story is told that her relations came to visit them in such numbers, and so frequently, that they thought it would keep them poor, and that for this reason he charged his son John as follows :
First, never become captain of the militia.
Second, never take joint stock in a windmill.
Third, never go to .Amagansett for a wife. The joke was as follows :
First. he did become captain of the militia, and was known as "Captain John."
Second. he did take stock in a windmill, and lost money by so doing.
Third, he did go to Amagansett for a wife, and married Eliza Mulford, my great-grandmother.
John Leek and His Dog
John Leek was a good man and a staunch Chris- tian. He lived in Bridgehampton, on the Snake Hollow Road. ( 1850 map ) One day at a large din- ner party, while seated at the table, the company got into a discussion on religious topics, and finally it came Mr. Leck's turn to speak. He had cut a piece of meat, and held it on his fork while speaking. He said: "I know that if I were to die this minute, I would be just as sure of going to Heaven, as I am that I am going to put this meat into my mouth." Just as he spoke these words. the meat fell off the fork, dropped to the floor. and the dog ate it.
An Old Resident of the Brick Kilns
David Stanborough lived at the Brick Kilns. He supported his family for the most part by cutting wood and selling it in Sag Harbor. Colonel Levi Howell was a resident of Bridgehampton. A very prominent man. Colonel of the militia, and took part in the war of 1812. He was a man large in stature, and just as large in character and real up- right manhood. He owned considerable woodland near the Brick Kilns.
One day some good neighbor reported to Col. Howell that Stanborough was cutting his wood and selling it. The Colonel thought it wise to look into the matter, so went to see David, and said: "Mr. Stanborough. I am toki that you are cutting my wood and selling it. Is that so?" "Yes, Mr. Howell, you are right, that is so." "Well. David," said the Colonel, "don't you know I could have you arrested and put in jail for doing this?" David replied : "1
know you could, Colonel, but it would not pay you to do it. Now just reason it out a little. If you arrest me and send me to jail, you have got to board me while I am there, and the Town will have to take care of my family; while if I can cut a little wood and sell it. I can supply myself and also my family, with no expense to the town."
"Well," said the Colonel, "I never looked at it quite that way, but I do not know but that you are right. Well, go ahead and cut, but do not cut too much."
This same David was rather a shiftless fellow, in- clined to be lazy, and would not work unless he had to. He married Lucretia Drake, who was just the opposite in disposition, a real driver in work and very smart, and under her management David was forced to move much faster than his natural gait otherwise would have been. In David's opinion she was a real termagant. This often led to quite seri- ous domestic trouble.
One day if you had read the family barometer, it would have said, squally, with threatening storm. These came at last, and David got the benefit ; he could stand it no longer. On the step by the kitchen door stood a pail of swill; he grabbed it and soaked his Lucretia from head to foot. She was too mad for utterance. Without delay, she went just as she was, post haste to 'Squire L'Hommedieu's office in Sag Harbor, where she swore out a warrant for . David's arrest. The charge being that "He had scalded her." On the day for the trial all of the wags in town gathered, for they knew it would be most interesting and a real treat. At the trial the plain- tiff's attorney made a long and eloquent plea and rested. The attorney for the defense then took his side of the case, and to prove the statements of the plaintiff that the jury might be aided in rendering a just verdict, lie demanded that Lucretia disrobe and show the scars made by scalding, as evidence in the case. This she objected to do.
When David was put on the stand, he testified that the liquid he threw on Lucretia was cold swill. "Then," said the Judge, "it must have been a cold scald." To this day that expression. "Stanborough's coll scald," is used and heard in this locality. It might be termed "provincial English," or a collo -. quialism, that in my opinion is confined to eastern Long Island.
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Embroidered Bed Curtains
The Rev. James Brown was the second ordained minister in the early church in Bridgehampton, L. I. His daughter, Susanna, married David Rogers, of the same place, and died when their first child was born, which they named Susanna after her mother, and of whom I will write later.
When Susanna Brown was a little girl about twelve years of age she embroidered a set of bed curtains or valances, representing the soldiers in Bridgehampton, as they appeared during the war of the Revolution. The British are in red coats and the Americans in blue. Some are mounted on horses and some on foot. These curtains are of homespun linen, and the embroidery is the work of a child, rather crude I think, and at this time quite faded.
These curtains in due time came to the daughter, Susanna Rogers, and during the Civil War ( 1864) were given by her relatives to the Sanitary Fair and sold. They were bought by the Long Island His- torical Society, which was established in 1863, and at the present time are in the museum of that society in Brooklyn, and are listed in Catalogue AA. Number 240. I have seen and examined them.
A Story of the Brick Kilns
Peter. Johnson was a colored man (I think also some Indian) who lived in Hay Ground. He had followed whaling when a young man, but had given it up as a business. One time he went to Sag Harbor where he met a number of his old shipmates and friends, who, much' against his inclination, induced him to ship for another whaling voyage. That night he went home very much worried over what he had done. The ship was to sail in a few days, and he knew if he failed to report for duty, officers would be sent after him, arrest and hand him over to the ship owners, and he be made to keep his con- tract. Before such action would be taken, he de- cided on a plan which he proceeded at once to carry out.
He took provisions enough to last him, also blan- kets and sufficient clothes, and camped in the woods on a high hill at the Brick Kils, overlooking the harbor. From there he could see the ship on which he was supposed to sail, and there he waited until he saw her sail down the harbor and out past Cedar
Island. He then waited still longer until he was sure she had gone for good. He then returned to his home. It proved just as he expected. Officers had been sent for him, but after a diligent search, gave up the job. Peter never was caught in that trap again.
Jehial Goodale Goes Courting
Jehial Goodaie was the son of Joseph, and lived of the east side of the road to Towd ( 1800 map) north of Water Mill. When a young man he be- came very much interested in a young lady who lived at North Sea. This was a long way over a lonely road, mostly through the woods. Supersti- tion was very prevalent at that time, and was at times the chief topic of conversation. Jehial was fearful lest these things might be true.
One night late in the summer, Jehial left North Sea, and began his lonely walk through the woods to his home. The moon cast weird shadows across his path, and these often appeared to take on hide- ous and fearful forms. The decaying logs in the denser portions of the forest, threw out a phosphor- escent light like the smouldering embers of some spirit kindled fire. All the stories of ghosts and goblins that he had ever heard crowded upon his mind. To add to the weirdness, all of the crickets, katy-dids and thousands of other insects were chanting their night song. There was a marsh that he had to pass on his way home. As he approached this he heard the most fearful sounds and cries: he listened, and thought he heard his name called. He waited to hear what they said, and was terrified, for he thought they said, "Jehial. Jehial," then the answer, "Get a club, Get a chib" and then, "Let's kill him, Let's kill him." He did not know just what to do, but decided to run for his life. When passing the marsh, all became still. This gave him courage. Some distance further on, was a huge oak tree, whose branches overhung the road. He felt if he could only get to that tree, he would be safe, but to his horror, just as he got under this tree, there came from directly overhead, the most terrifying screech ; it was fearful. AAfterward, when telling of his experience, he said: "When I heard that last cry, 1 planted my foot in the earth and sprang like a roebuck." The next morning after having related his experience, he was told: "What
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you heard was only those old bull frogs, and that screech came from an owl, which was probably more frightened that you." This solution of the problem was a great comfort to Jehial.
Zachary Sandford and His Wife
Zachary Sandford lived on the Brick Kiln Road (sve 1750 map) and I think built the house where he lived until he sold it to James Mitchel. He and his wife appear to have lived happily and were very devoted to each other. One day some boys over- heard Mrs. Sandford tell her husband: "If the death angel were to come and demand that one of them should be taken, she should say, 'Take me. and leave Zachary'."
That evening while seated before the open fire. there issued from the chimney flue the most hideous sounds, accompanied by scratching and scraping, and flapping of wings, and showers of soot. The old couple really thought their hour had come. Zachary appears to have been resigned ; but his wife. forgetting her resolve, in fear and desperation, cried out : "Take Zachary. Take Zachary." The boys who heard Mrs. Sandford's remarks thought they would have some fun, so caught a rooster, climbed care- fully up to the chimney top, and dropped the bird down the chimney flue.
A Marriage Contract
Susanna Rogers mentioned above became an ex- ceptionally fine appearing woman, very bright and intelligent, but never married until after middle life.
Daniel Harris of North Sea had the misfortune to lose his wife, and decided it would be better to marry again, rather than to be troubled with house- keepers. After considering all of the eligible women of his acquaintance, he finally decided on Susanna Rogers as his first choice. She was by nature of a business turn of mind. When Daniel's courage was equal to the occasion, he took his best horse and chaise, and went to call on Susanna, whom he found home. He was given a very cordial reception. whereupon Daniel at once proceeded to state his business. He told her of his loneliness, and asked her what consideration she would want to marry him? She thought for a time. and then answered : "Mr. Harris, I should want Five Hundred Dollars
in cash to marry you." "I will give it," said he, "and with your consent we will call it a bargain." Bothi consented, and were married, and lived excep- tionally happy lives together. This was the com- ment of all who knew them. I am sure they were right from what I have always heard. Susanna was my Grandmother's half sister.
Stories of Howell Cook
In olden times it was customary for several neighbors to sit up in a house where there was a corpse. In Hay Ground there had been a death and Howell Cook, brother of Alanson. Miss Abigail Brown, (later Abigail Squires) and another young lady, were to sit up with the corpse. Friends from some distance were expected, and food prepared ac- cordingly, extra pies baked, and among other sup- plies was a fine lot of eels all cleaned and hung up on a rod in the huge fireplace. One of the watchers that night was the old family dog, an animal of huge proportions. Howell was a live wire, and after their supply of stories became exhausted, and the hour late, he resorted to the following as a source of amusement. The girls protested, but to no avail.
He sought the pantry, brought out the supply of pies, fed the girls, and ate all he could himself. He then began to take the eels from the rod, lay them on the hot coals until cooked, and then fed them to the dog. This he kept up until the supply was ex- hausted.
I have never heard just what the family said but Mrs. Squires told me that she never was so ashamed of anything in her life.
This same Howell Cook went with a company of young people from Bridgehampton, during the late winter or early spring, at a time when the roads were extremely muddy, to Southampton to attend a big dinner. The hour was set when the dinner was to be served, but the company got stuck in the mud, and were unavoidably late in getting there. When all were seated at the table, Howell, either by request or otherwise. said grace, as follows :
"Good Lord of love, Look from above. Upon us here below : And bless this meat, We should have eat, An hour and a half ago."
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The Moon and Dry Weather
Many were the signs that were noticed and be- lieved by the people of "Ye olden time." If the new moon laid on its back so it would hold water it indicated dry weather. If it stood up, so the water would run off, it would be wet. Another interpreta- tion was, if it laid flat so that a powder horn could be hung on it, stay at home for it would be wet and stormy. If you could not hang a horn on it then go hunting, for the weather would be good.
If the moon ran high, as they called it, the weather would be very dry. The real fact is the moon reaches its greatest declination, either north or south, at the winter and summer solstices, so that in June and July the moon is at its greatest north declination ; the very time that severe droughts are most likely to occur.
Many years ago there was a very dry season throughout this entire community. The moon at that time they thought was running very high. About this time two good churchmen met. The main topic of their conversation was the extreme dryness of the weather, and the effect it was having on the crops. One said : "We must call a meeting and pray for rain." The other remarked with stern emphasis and sincerity : "There is no use in praying for rain, with that there moon devilin' around up here to the north'ard."
A Bedtime Story
One of the most intelligent women that ever lived in this locality, one who was strenuous in effort to succeed, capable in ability to accumulate, wise in expenditure after accumulated, good judgment in directing others in labor, and who looked well after her household, was Phebe Topping Ludlow, later Smith. She. and her son, David Topping Ludlow, and her son-in-law, Edward Howell, bought the Gelston Farm on Butter Lane in the year 1835. They went heavily in debt in buying it, but by hard work and economy paid the debt and accumulated a goodly amount for advancing years. She lived to be 94 years of age, and her life may justly be classed among the most successful.
When Orlando Hand built his house on Mitchel's Lane. ( 1850 map) Contractor Charles Douglas, of Sag Harbor, did the work. Charles Hildreth and Hickford Connor were apprentices. ( This Charles Hildreth was from Water Mill, and is now a very
old man, and living in "Live Oak," Florida). It was he that told me the following story :
These young men boarded at that time with Aunt Phebe Smith. She and her family were usu- ally up in the morning early enough to have break- fast before daylight, so as to get to their work. That meant "early to bed" as well as "early to rise," and sitting up late was not in order .: The great fireplace was used in those days, not only for heating the house, but for cooking the family meals as well. In cold weather there would be a large bed of live coals on the hearth.
Tallow candles were used for lighting. The short ends left after the candles were almost burned out were given the boys when going to bed, so that they would not sit up late. One night these boys were sitting by the big fire telling stories, and having a good time, when the clock struck eight, the family bedtime. Aunt Phebe came in and told the boys it was time to go to bed. The boys paid no attention. so after a time she said again in a more emphatic manner: "I say it is bedtime." Still they paid no heed, but kept on with their talk. Soon after the second call, Aunt Phebe came into the room with a pail of water, and going to the fireplace, threw the whole pail of water on to that bed of coals. There was almost an explosion, the ashes and coals flew out into the room, and Aunt Phebe remarked: "I said it was bedtime." Ever after this the boys heeded and obeyed the first call.
Story of Arthur Loper
The Loper homestead was located about one half mile north of the northerly end of Butter Lane. The old door step and cellar are still there. Arthur. I think, was the first one of that family to locate here. He had his peculiarities as most people have. some commendable, some otherwise.
School was held at that time in the house of Maltby Sandford on Butter Lane, and the Loper children attended. as did those of the Halsey, Cor- withe, Woodruff and other families. One day the teacher required one of the scholars to recite a verse as punishment for some misdemeanor. This boy knew no piece that he could recite from memory. save one that it is fair to suppose he had heard in his own home, that was of peculiar local interest.
Regardless of the fact that the Loper boys were
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there, and of course heard it, when called upon to . recite he spoke as follows :
"Arthur Loper in the barn, He was caught, stealing corn ; Oh, Good Lord, he said from fear, Oh, Good Lord, how came I here."
Israel Halsey of Hay Ground
Israel Halsey was the son of Josiah, and lived in Hay Ground, (see 1800 Map). His farm ran from the highway to Long Pond. Like many others he used liquor to excess. One day he had been plowing and came home tired, and said to his daughter : "Charity, I am tired, I want some more rum. for I have plowed an acre today between the pond and the shore."
He would quite frequently go on a regular spree and escapade, which would last for several days, during which time he would become very noisy, and at night he was worse than in day time. During a January thaw the ground became very muddy. and it happened that Israel went on one his sprees at this time, and it was about the time of a full moon, so the night was almost as light as day.
At this time the boys of the neighborhood thought they would have some sport with Israel, so agreed on the night and went robed in white sheets to frighten him. He was out in the field east of his house, and carried a staff for support. The boys formed a circle around him, but a good safe distance away, and gradually closed in about him, waving the sheets like ghosts stalking forth on some nightly mission from the spirit world. Israel at last sighted them. Was he terrified at this ghost like company ? And did he run? I should say he did not. When one of the company ventured nearer than the others, waving his outstretched arms like wings. Israel faced about. and shouted. "Come on Gabriel. I fear ye not" and then started for the ghostly specter : driving his staff into the ground, he made short work of scattering that company, and their retreat was hasty. Israel's staff stood there in the ground until the next spring. The angle in the highway near his home has ever since been known and called "Israel's Corner."
One day in early summer Israel went to Deacon Josiah White's Tavern and got a jug of rum, as was his custom. He started home across the fields, and
when crossing the ditch into his home lot, was really stricken with death. The jug rolled into the stand- ing grass. Israel, after a time recovered suffici- ently to get home, but soon died. Men mowing the grass a few weeks later found the jug. Indeed a sad ending of one's life, but in my opinion our criticism, if any, should be in the spirit of sympathy rather than censure.
Raising Beans
An old resident of Hay Ground had wonderful success raising pole beans. His neighbors com- mented on this fact, and decided to ask him to re- veal the secret of his success, for they had trouble in getting the vines to climb the poles, and told him so. He replied : "I have no such trouble, and neither will you if you only follow out my instructions, which are very simple. I always save the ashes from my crookedest fire wood, and sow around my bean poles, so when the beans come up, it is only natural for them to twist about the poles. Just try it, and you will find it will do the trick."
In the year 1853 the Rev. George Taylor was assigned to the Bridgehampton Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a bright, talented man and a gen- eral favorite. He was one who commanded the re- spect of every one. There lived in this community . at that time, a man who became noted because of the wonderful tales he would relate, and experiences through which he had passed. His stories were fabulous in the extreme, so much so that they were many times classed as lies. Some of the good peo- ple went to Mr. Taylor and asked him if he did not think it his Christian duty to go and labor with this man, and persuade him to refrain from telling such stories, for they were real lies. "Well, now," said Mr. Taylor, "what is a lie? A lie is a story or inci- dlent told or related with the intention to deceive. Now let us consider this matter : the stories told by this man are so far beyond the bounds of the prob- able, that they never deceive any one. They are not lies, but simply fables. I see no cause to comply with your request."
Mr. Taylor said that one time a couple came to him to get married. He performed the ceremony. after which the man said, "Mr. Taylor; I am a poor fisherman and have no money, but 1 want to
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pay you for your services. How would you like a mess of eels sometinte ?" "That would be very accept- able and nice," said Mr. Taylor. "Well," said the man, "would you like large, split ones, or would you take them just as they run?" "Why," said Mr. Taylor, "I will leave that entirely to yon. I am not so very particular, if it would be better for you, I will take them just as they run." Mr. Taylor said. "I guess those eels are running yet, for he never brought them."
I have heard my Father tell the following story. One evening in the old church in Bridgehampton, one of the good brothers undertook to start that old hymn,
"I love to steal awhile away From every cumbering care, And spend the hours of setting day In humble, grateful prayer."
He began "I love to steal" but the key was so high that no one could carry the tune. He then began on a lower key, "I love to steal," and this time the key was again too high, so he made the third attempt, and sang, "I love to steal," but this time he was as much too low as he had been too high on the prior attempts. My uncle J. Lawrence Cook who was in attendance that evening, ex- claimed, "That's bad. Let us pray."
WOMEN OF EASTERN LONG ISLAND IN EARLY DAYS
There is no reason to think or believe that the men of those days were any better or brighter than the women, human nature has not changed, it has ever been the same. About all we know of the women of Colonial days, is what has been handed down by tradition and individual family historians. and many times, as far as it goes, it is the most accurate, authentic and reliable of all history.
We must, however, confine ourselves to eastern Long Island, and make up our minds that there were as really great women in this territory as ever were found on the continent, though their names have never been written in history. We know that Long Island had its Paul Revere in Austin Roe, and that the Townsend and Woodhull families produced men worthy to stand with Nathan Hale, when judged from a patriotic standpoint. If this be true of the men, who-dare say that there were not women right here on eastern Long Island as patriotic, loyal. brave, true and as worthy of honor and praise as Molly Pitcher, Nancy Hart or others who might be named, yet we never hear of them.
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