USA > New York > Suffolk County > Yaphank > Yaphank as it is, and was, and will be. Containing biographical sketches of all its prominent men, the characteristic proclivities of its "funny" people, its business and business "monarchs," its facilities for enterprise and improvement, > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10
So earnest and devout, so kind and careful in all his ex- amples, he is, and ever will be respected, honored, and cherished while he remains the pastor of the Yaphank Presbyterian Church.
With these brief remarks regarding the Presbyterian Church and the pastors who have officiated since its eree- tion, I hope my friends will be content.
ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH.
THE BISHOP'S ADDRESS-A CONTRAST TO-DAY.
This beautiful little edifice is situated in the eastern part of the village, adjoining Mr. James H. Weeks' property. Through the instrumentality of this estimable gentleman and his wife-who, for many years previously, were the only witnesses of the church in the whole of the church district lying around Yaphank-the building itself was erected. The death of a beloved granddaughter in the year 1850 was the first cause of suggesting to this aged couple the idea of establishing a church here-which is now proving to be the light of the village, and a source of great pleasure to its first members.
The interment of their granddaughter on Nov. 30th, St. Andrew's Day, of the before-mentioned year, gave rise to its name, "St. Andrew's Church." The church was opened for divine service, on the third Saturday after Trinity, in 1854, the Rev. C. H. Gardiner having been appointed by the Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, D. D., LE. D., D. C. L., oxon. as missionary in charge. In 1861 the missionary stipend was transferred to St. John's Church, Islip, and St. Paul's. Patchogue, and therefore St. Andrew's was left without a settled clergyman for ten years. Occasionally services were held by visiting clergymen, and by Mr. W. J. Weeks, who was appointed lay reader by Bishop Potter.
196
FACTS AND FANCIES.
Thus the church struggled along for twenty years ; yet, for all, the courage of its two firm friends never for a mo- ment failed. But a brighter day was dawning. The debt of $500, which for the past twenty years was the cause of its not being consecrated, was liquidated in the year 1872 by Charles Jeffery Smith, of Mastic, in memory of his wife. In the same year, Mr. and Mrs. Weeks having united in the gift of the church and lot of ground surrounding it, to the Diocese of Long Island, they executed a deed to that effect to the Rt. Rev. A. N. Littlejohn, D.D., who was conse- crated Bishop of the Island on its separation from the Dio- cese of New York, in the year 1869.
July 14th, 1873, this church was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese, assisted by five of his clergy, viz. : Revs. Cook, Hewlett, Prescott, Buckmaster and Pierson. The Rev. Pierson delivered the sermon, after which the Rt. Rev., the Bishop, delivered an address, of which the following is a correct extract :
" We are assembled here to-day to do what may appear to some a very needless thing. It is now nearly twenty years since this edifice was built. During all that time it has been used for sacred purposes. Within its walls have been performed, with more or less frequency, the offices of our holy religion. Here, the message of salva- tion has been proclaimed. Here, little children have, by baptism, been grafted into the Body of Christ, and have been taught the way of God's commandments. Here, the steps of youth have been directed into the way of life. Here, manhood and womanhood have formed a heavenly balm to soothe the cares and mitigate the sorrows of this present world. Here, old age, bowed down with infirmities and op- pressed with the shadows of life's evening, has been taught to lean on the christian's hope, which is as an anchor, sure and steadfast within the vale. Here, too, the last rites have been performed over the dead. And thus, by baptism and eucharist, by preaching and worship, and all kindred means of grace, this place has come to be regarded as the house
197
FACTS AND FANDIES.
of God, and tender memories and holy attachments have grown up around it. What more, then, can we hope to do for this building by the services of this day ? This office of formal consecration will not alter a line or a timber in its structure. It will add nothing, take away nothing, visible to the eye. And yet, as christians and churchmen, we be- lieve that it will change the spiritual character of this house, and fill it with an atmosphere of religious feeling to which it was a stranger before. In our thoughts and associations it will make it more sacred than before. To the eye of faith, the divine presence and blessing will be vouchsafed as they were not in time past. Heretofore this building has been man's building-subjected to incumbrance and alienation. Henceforth by solemn deed and covenant, it will be God's property, and set apart as the special tabernacle of His glory. We are here-we, the official representatives of the church, nay, of God Himself-the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity-to publicly and formally accept the gift, and to put upon it the seal of divine ownership."
" And then how shall I suitably speak of the givers- those aged servants of Christ who have so long and patiently waited for this day? Their offering is bathed in holy joy and gratulation it gives up to God, laden with the prayers, the toils and anxieties of many years. They desire me to qualify their agency, their liberality, so far as may be required, by the grateful acknowledgment of the gift of 8500 from Mr. C. J. Smith, of Mastic, in memory of his deceased wife, who, while living, was a warm friend of this church.
" This gift has canceled the only debt remaining upon it, and prepared the way for this service of consecration. Those venerable and venerated servants of God are near the close of their earthly pilgrimage. Their day is far spent, and the night of death is at hand, silvered over though it be with the sweet and restful light of eternity. What they have done to day may be among the last things that will
198
FACTS AND FANCIES.
round out and finish their record here on earth. The act itself is one that will speak when they shall be no more seen. Its influence will be felt by their posterities. Their reward is only in part seen now. On the bright shores of the world unseen they shall reap the most of it. There it may be permitted them to greet many a soul that, in these courts, will have been turned from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God. Let ns, Bishop and Clergy and people, so far as may, enter into their feel ing-a feeling which rises into the dignity and pathos of that holy fervor which filled the breast of aged Simeon, when he called upon God to let him depart in peace, now that he had seen the glory of salvation. God grant that, full of blessings as this sanctuary may be to others, it may be to them, when God shall call them away, the bright and hallowed gateway through which they shall pass from the storms of this troublesome world, to the rest that remain- eth for the people of God."
At the close of this beautiful and impressive address, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated.
A CONTRAST TO-DAY.
Denominations, sects and cliques may contradict the originality of opposite organizations, may speak dispar- agingly of others who differ in opinion and sentiment, but the sensible world only requires the practical result.
It is not the church, 'tis not religious belief, but the good result that absolutely proves the real. The world cares not whether a man be a Catholic or a Protestant, if he be a good man. Yaphank, or most of it, is like the world.
The pretty little Episcopal church, with its talented young rector, who came fresh from the critical walls of a Theological College, are growing higher and higher in the popular good-will of our people.
I will stand responsible for the declaration, that the Spurgeon of Brookhaven Town is Rev. Ingram N. W. Ir-
199
FACTS AND FANCIES.
vine, the most promising young divine, of any denomina- tion, in Suffolk County.
My sketch would be incomplete if I were not to mention the zealous labors of Mrs. Josephine G. Collyer and her gifted family. No desire for public applause prompts her to shower her gifts upon the shrine of her holy religion ; and her sweet. lady-like pleasantry is the natural and un- aided flow from a tender and generous heart. With a grace of heaven's forming, she takes the poor and uncultured kindly by the hand, folds down the wrinkled home-spun, directs the doubting heart to the portals of life, tells the tale of Jesus and the bleeding side, and all is done with an unassuming, unpretentious grace, and a smile that she must wear, because she cannot frown.
'Tis the spirit of other days that is raising St. Andrew's Church ; and oh, that it were possible to engrave the same spirit upon the altars of other sanctuaries, and upon the hearts of more followers of the "meek and lowly One." Let the good work go on! God surely assists those who help themselves, and St. Andrew's pastor, and St. Andrew's sustainers, will soon see the bright light of their ever-burn- ing lamp casting its heavenly rays into the places darkened by prejudice and sickly dislike.
REV. INGRAM N. W. IRVINE.
IX. REV. INGRAM N. W. IRVINE.
HIS EARLY STRUGGLES AND COLLEGIATE ACHIEVEMENTS- PERSONAL.
HIS EARLY STRUGGLES AND ACHIEVEMENTS.
The Rev. Ingram N. W. Irvine, the present officiating clergyman of St. Andrew's Church, is not an American by birth. He was born in the town of Kenmare, Kerry Co .. Ireland, July 8th, 1856.
His father, Nathaniel Irvine, a gentleman of vast estate, was a member of the Anglican church, and his mother a member of the Roman.
Though differing in points of doctrine, they did not no- glect the spiritual training of their son, who was baptized and carefully reared in the Anglican church.
His father becoming entangled in debt, by going security for certain extravagant friends, his whole property at length fell into the Court of Chancery. This change in fortune de- termined the elder brother and sister to come to America. Their mother was unwilling that her children should leave home alone at such an early age, and decided to accompany them, and, after a few years, return to Ireland.
She intended leaving her youngest son, Ingram, in Dublin. with his father, that he might read law with his uncle, Rob- ert Harvey Irvine, a solicitor of high repute. But Ingram was unwilling to adopt this profession as his calling in life, and with the firm intention, if possible, to study for the ministry, he came with them to America. arriving in New York, May 13th, 1866.
204
FACTS AND FANCIES.
He pursued a course of navigation in the N. Y. Nautical School, at the end of which he became a student in St. Stephen's College, Annandale, N. Y. Thence he entered a Union Seminary, in which was taught, as he terms it, "a conglomeration of Catholic truth and Calvinistic error."
Although having passed through the junior class of this institution, he became dissatisfied with his course, and in the following October, 1871, he entered the General Theolo- gical Seminary, with the famous class whose gentlemanly conduct and mental superiority will not soon be forgotten by their Alma Mater.
During the first two years of his course in the General Theological Seminary, he assisted the Rev. James Millet, D.D., rector of the church of the Holy Martyrs, N. Y.
In his senior year he connected himself with the Associate Mission of Long Island. He was transferred, by his own request, from the diocese of New York, to Long Island, May 27th, and was ordained on Trinity Sunday, by the Rt. Rev. A. N. Littlejohn, D.D., and immediately took charge of St. Andrew's Church, Yaphank, and St. James'. Brookhaven.
PERSONAL.
Mr. Irvine is a pleasant gentleman, with a college finish and student air about him. He has a true Catholic spirit, and is free from the taint of assumed vainness and ostenta- tion. His tact is displayed in his management of the churches over which he is pastor.
Those who see Mr. Irvine in public, know little of the spirit slumbering in the man. Not a particle of haughti- ness or codfish-elation is in his composition. He gracefully recognizes the rich in silk and satin, and as eagerly and pleasantly receives the humble in station and life. He answers the complicated questions directed at his faith by the learned, and cheers the bare-foot school-boy with kind greetings, and does it all with an nnchanged and natural air.
205
FACTS AND FANCIES.
His reading is extensive. He believes Christianity en- circles social, moral, and political life. He holds up to scorn sickly doctrines which cannot be proven scripturally and historically. Mr. Irvine preaches for all. The clerks behind the counter, and the professional man, can learn something from his sermons. In dress and habits he is simple and plain.
The old-school merchants are the only true schools, but the new school ministers are decidedly the most popular. Mr. Irvine is of the new school. He comprehends the vital importance of thoroughly impressing the truths of his ser- mons upon the minds of his hearers, and he preaches with his tongue, his heart, and his actions. His logie is often irresistible, his eloquence frequently fascinating, and his arguments always substantial.
When he came to Yaphank, some gazed with jealous eyes upon the young student. He labored on. He preached the solid fact, and preached it right. Gradually the hearts of the people went out towards the energetic young man. who bade farewell to his home and father in the Emerald Isle to complete his study and preach the religion of the true God, in America. Gradually their hearts opened, and he poured in the sweet truths of the Great Book. He paved a flowery way into their good-will, and now, to-day. Ingram N. W. Irvine is esteemed as a good, gifted, and promising young divine.
-
Weed, Parsons & C Albany. N Y
SUFFOLK COUNTY POOR HOUSE YAPHANK, N. Y.
Y.
THE SUFFOLK COUNTY ALMS-HOUSE.
A MODEL HOME FOR THE POOR-THE FARM-THE HOUSE- THE MAIN BUILDING-DIVISION OF SEXES-THE AT- TENDING PHYSICIAN-WILLIAM J. WEEKS-EDWARD L. GERARD-DOCT. HOLDEN.
When the project of centering the pauperism of our county in one institution was first presented, the thinking ones were doubtful about the economy and practicability of the proposed system, and questioned whether the abolish- ment of the Town houses would not establish a disgraceful and illy-managed hot-bed of county corruption, poverty and expense.
What fears existed, soon vanished, and the people voted for, and soon began the erection of,
A MODEL HOME FOR THEIR POOR.
The Suffolk County Alms-House, at Yaphank, is publicly and universally regarded "as probably the best for the purpose for which it is intended, of any in New York State."
Very few people on the Island, comparatively speaking. are aware that such a systematical, economical, and well- regulated institution exists so near them.
Everywhere about the place there hovers an air of stern, yet pleasing discipline and exactness ; and the rules of the house are rigid, but reasonable.
208
FACTS AND FANCIES.
THE FARM.
The farm was purchased in 1870, of William Phillips, Esq., a Yaphank man, for twelve thousand seven hundred dollars, for which amount the county pays him interest.
It contains about eighty acres of highly-cultivated land, and ninety of growing wood-land. Nearly one-half is cultivated, and the panpers are constantly employed break- ing up new land. The farm is convenient, and easily tilled. It lies in a square, level body, and is very fertile. The re- cent owner made a snug fortune on the same farm, before it was cultivated to its present highly-productive state, and our county should roll up another, in its present condition.
A certain class here are never weary in extolling the managers of this self-supporting affair, and praising the well-oiled system in the House and on the Farm. None can deny that all concerned deserve medals for the remark- able order they instituted over the chaos ; but the county pays for this system, and supplies implements, manures, and every necessary article for properly conducting one of the finest estates in the county. The affair should be " self- supporting." Those of the paupers that are able, are re- quired to work eight hours each day-Sundays excepted- and when the weather is unpleasant, they do the in-door work of the House and Farm. Not only is basket-making. coopering, and other trades represented, but finely-finished wagons have been manufactured on the premises.
If the one hundred and seventy acres of land, properly managed, cannot support an average of one hundred and twenty-five paupers, who can be clothed and fed for "about ninety-five cents a week, for each one," this model home for unfortunates had better be evacuated. The many articles manufactured on the premises, are sold, of course, to the interest of the county, and must assist in defraying minor expenses.
To the original cost of the establishment was appended over five thousand dollars in repairing the building, and
209
FACTS AND FANCIES.
making improvements about the grounds. Much of the land has been recently fenced, the barns have been reno- vated, and surprising improvements made everywhere.
THE HOUSE.
The engraving of the house is a correct one. The grounds are tastily arranged, and all the surroundings present a neat and cheering appearance. So many elabor- ate descriptions of the building are before the public, that any attempt to give further details might be termed decided plagiarism. Of the many representations, Richard M. Bayles's is considered the most reliable and authentic.
The entire building contains about fifty rooms. The first floor contains eighteen large rooms, the second twenty- seven, and the third but four. The superintendents', over- seers', and assistants' private apartments, are on the first and second floors of the main building ; and the engineer's and medical room are included in the number.
THE MAIN BUILDING
is three-stories high, the wings two-stories, and the entire southern front is one hundred and ninety feet. A brick basement extends under the whole building. Trenches two feet deep, filled with stone and mortar, form the foundation. Three large water tanks in the garrets, with a capacity of three thousand gallons each, supply the house with the in- dispensable fluid, which is replenished from the roof, or pumped from a well in the basement. A hall-way runs east and west through the centre of the building, which connects with every room on the main floor by doors. A similar hall on the story above communicates with the rooms on the second floor. The north and south passage, which opens north from the long hall in the centre building. is accessible by stairs from the rear. This passage way connects with the rooms where are confined the milder class
14
210
FACTS AND FANCIES.
of lunatic paupers. Partitions separate the inmates of either end of the house. The propriety of
DIVIDING THE SEXES,
is here forcibly illustrated. The females occupy the east- ern portion of the house, and the males the western. Sepa- rate stairways lead to their respective precincts, and exit doors to the separate yards in the rear. The kitchen and laundry are in the rear of the main building, and the din- ing-rooms in the rear of the wings.
The workshop, storage-rooms, drying-room, coal and en- gine rooms are in the basement, which also contains cells for the raving lunatics.
A powerful engine in the basement supplies the boilers, which have pipes attached that pass through every room.
The heating apparatus is excellent-the entire cost of which was eleven thousand dollars.
Hose, which can quickly be connected with the water- tanks in the garrets, are carefully coiled in the halls, ready for instant use in case of fire.
THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN
has a medical room on the second floor, with all the neces- sary drugs and medicines. The physician of the House at the present time is Doct. James I. Baker ; and his success entitles him to much credit.
The laws of the Institution are stern but reasonable, and are enforced to the letter. The paupers are obliged to retire at dusk, and to rise as soon as the first gray light of dawn peeps through the windows. The inmates are managed by signals ; in fact, everything goes by " cracks and snaps."
A flowery penned reporter of a city paper says : "After rising, the pauper makes his bed, sweeps his room, and pre- pares for the morning meal. The first bell rings out an inti- mation to be in readiness for breakfast, and at the sound of the second bell, the door of the dining-room is thrown open
1
211
FACTS AND FANCIES.
and he is requested to be seated. At the 'snap' of the third bell. he begins eating. The sane and insane eat sep- arately, and so admirable is the discipline, that not even a lunatic pauper touches his food until he hears the signal from the keeper."
"On the first floor in the wing of the building, cripplesare kept in several rooms, but allowed the free use of the halls and ground to hobble in and out at pleasure. A bath-room on the same floor contributes to the cleanliness and comfort of the inmates."
When admitted into the House, the pauper undergoes a thorough examination. In the examining department he is thoroughly questioned, stripped of all clothing, shaved. washed, and clothed in warm, clean clothing. He is then examined as to his physical abilities. If ailing, he is sent to the hospital department : if able to labor. he is required to work eight hours a day, at the labor he is best adapted to.
The "Charities Aid Society" comprises some of the most wealthy and benevolent people in our County, and has contributed much toward appeasing the minor wants of the poor unfortunates. Many heart-sick paupers have. been cheered and made happy by the Heavenly efforts of this Heaven-inspired Society ; and should misfortune ever come to any of its noble sustainers, as come it may to all, may kind faces beam upon them, and their hearts laugh for the good works that are not forgotten.
The following named gentlemen are prominently con nected with the County House :
Architect :- CHARLES HALLET. Riverhead.
Builders :- RANDALL BROS .. Greenpoint.
Mason :-- ISRAEL REED.
Building Com. :- W.M. R. Post. Southampton. LYMAN B. SMITH, Smithtown, B. F. H. OVERTON. Southold.
STEPHEN R. WILLIAMS, Amityville.
Superintendents :- T. CORWIN. Riverhead.
( E. HAMPTON, Mulford, Orient.
Overseer :- JOHN LOUDEN. Amityville.
ยท
212
FACTS AND FANCIES.
From the observatory to the basement the house is a model affair, and Old Suffolk may well feel proud of the institution that is considered the best of its class in N. Y. State.
WILLIAM J. WEEKS.
No man that has ever been connected with the County House has been as basely misrepresented as Mr. Weeks. A large portion of the "admirable discipline," " excellent reg- ulations," "unrivaled system," &c., were first instituted by him. Men envious of him, abused his best works. He labored for the public good, and I can prove it. Schemers heaped faggots of venom upon the fires of jealousy. and because they could not govern him, endeavored to haul him and his name over the coals. The beautiful pictures drawn by roving reporters and local dabblers sound very nice to indifferent outsiders, but we here in pent-up Y- know a little more-and but a little, for it requires a wise one to know the whole.
. Mr. Weeks is an honorable man, and those who know him best honor him most.
EDWARD L. GERARD.
Mr. Gerard's connection with the House was a mutually pleasant one. No one could give more entire satisfaction than he. He is a thorough business man, and was thoroughly competent to transact every portion that de- volved upon him. His recent defeat was much regretted by those acquainted with his excellent management, and was regarded as one of the cruel reverses of political life.
If there were deception in tranascting the County affairs, Mr. Gerard was no accessory. If there were a "ring" during his term of office, he was a missing link.
Scheming, oily-tongued outsiders, with their own interest in view, may have endeavored to culminate their plans through him, but it never will be credited that Mr. Gerard ever, knowingly, assisted in forwarding their schemes.
213
FACTS AND FANCIES.
DR. E. H. S. HOLDEN.
This genial and gifted gentleman entered the House as a " ministering angel," JJan. Ist, 1873. Whether he failed to kill off the paupers as fast as a miserly element wished. is unknown ; but it is enough to know that he had hardly got in his position before his foes clamored to get him out.
No reasonable objection could be produced against him, unless it was the death of only one pauper during his whole term of office. He never said that " paupers were better dead than alive." and his acts portrayed his skill, and his tender heart.
In the performance of his duty he might have felt con- tempt for the daily exposure to the presumption of prepos- terons pragmatism. but when interference with the duties of his office prevented him from protecting the county from the possibility of imposition, his sense of honesty was in- compatible with a further continuance under such restric- tions. At the expiration of the first quarter. the Superin tendents proposing to adopt such measures as would, in Dr. Holden's opinion, be the most effective means of favoring imposition, he tendered his resignation.
FAREWELL.
MY LAST REVIEW.
THE PEOPLE.
And now, kind friends, attention lend, The pages back retrace, While I review this book for you- The people and the place. Ere I " unbend," please condescend To let your ears " luff ;" With partial eyes skip o'er the lies, And all that sort of stuff.
I first, you know, to please you, show My own sweet featur'd (?) face : Which, friends have said, proves me ill-bred, And will my work disgrace. Next, John P. Mills the office fills Of Governor, I ween; Sharp, shrewd and smart, he built a mart Where rich and poor convene.
Thus, next in line, I do opine, Is Robert H. Gerard- A noble man-earth never can Grant him his just reward. The next theme speaks of William Weeks -- A true and trusted man, Who ev'ry day proves what I say ; Deny it if you can !
215
FACTS AND FANCIES.
Up in Old Yale his hearty hail, Once cheer'd the college boys, And classic pride-his Honor's guide- Now wells his quiet joys. A contrast here, there will appear, By D. D. Sweezy made ; A man of wealth, but not of health, Who knows that both must fade !
Words I conduce to introduce You Edward Wickham Mills; High in his place, with natural grace, That charms, and after, thrills. A firm recluse 1 introduce- "l'is Alfred Ackerly ; A Christian man, nor cliques nor clan Doubt his true purity.
There is a man who life began With high and lofty aim ; For ev'ry heart loves ev'ry part Of Dea. Norton's name. And by his side, with pompous pride, John Hammond writes his name ; The man of sole, who knows the whole, What'd'er may be the theme.
I'll next present, with your consent, S. Lester Homan, sir; Whose enterprise all criticize, Whose honor we prefer ! Without a blur, you must coneur, Stands S. B. Overton, A Christian gent who is content With what his works have won.
216
FACTS AND FANCIES.
E. L. Gerard-we must award The honor he deserves- To duty's call-he's all-in-all- From right he never swerves. A mantle black lies in the track Of Samuel Smith's last days- Sadness, indeed, you must coneede, His blameless act conveys.
And now again the simple name Of Homan, I declare ! "Tis Edward H., although not great, Is honest, fair and square. Who has success must now confess That doctors have it too, For Dr. B., as you can see, Has found it all way through.
I now again the funny name Of Homan iterate ; 'Tis Mordecai, bold, brave and free, Who's been a traveler great. Next I will tell and fondly dwell Upon the name I scan, For dear to me, and e'er will be, This fine old gentleman.
When others frown, would pull me down, My old friend stands the same ; If there's a thing sweet memories bring, "Tis Doctor Holden's name. Nat. Tuthill now will tell you how He made the " stamps " when young ; "Twill please you, too, to listen to His smooth and oily tongue.
217
FACTS AND FANCIES.
Next in the void comes Mr. Floyd, A man of noble rank, Who dwells alone in the quiet home He chose in old Yaphank. George Thompson now will make his how, While ladies hold their hearts ; Though young in years he has few peers- Is honorable, is smart.
.
A moment heed, 'tis Alfred Reid, On whom the Fates did frown; Who'd friends enough while he was up, But prov'd them foes when down ! Where is the man more popular than James Huggins Weeks, Esqr. ? Whose lofty name none can defame, And time will not impair ;
An honest friend, who will defend The right against the wrong, Who loves to see all unity- To make the weak ones strong. God bless the man! he leads the van Of noble men in Y-, He's wronged no heart of the smallest part- No bosom of a sigh !
The low in state, the high and great, Love Sidney Smith, I know ; For that proud name shines out the same As in the long ago. His generous deeds the poor man feeds With "erumbs of comfort " oft. He makes the sad and sick heart glad, The couch of mis'ry soft !
10
218
FACTS AND FANCIES.
And rich in name-in voice the same, Is Sidney Ritch, Esqr. ; Whose jolly jokes mirth still provokes The people all declare. Now at the last, though high as class'd, Stands Ingram H. Irvine, A classic youth, who preaches truth -- An eloquent divine.
THE PLACE.
"Tis picturesque-this quiet home Of poverty and pride, Where Mammon rears a gilded dome, And paupers do reside. "Tis soft and pure-the inland air That fans the dales and hills Of auld Yaphank ; and tell me where Man has less torturing ills ?
Here crescent youth grows hale and strong, And grey-haired age lives on To tell old tales in red, ripe song, And tell the tales anon. Here pale, wan cheeks are painted bright- Like roses in the bud- By Health's red brush, which paints aright The cheek, and sluggsish blood.
The sluggish blood ! the sluggish blood ! God grant may drip and die, Until an enterprising flood Rolls o'er the hills of Y --- ! Rolls o'er her hills ! rolls o'er her vales ! Rolls o'er her people's way ! Until the dreaming yeoman hails A bright and sunny day !
219
FACTS AND FANCIES.
Here breezes waft in balmy flakes The sweet, sweet seeds of health, While singing streams and limpid lakes Roll over untold wealth ! Roll over untold wealth, my friends, That long, long years has lain, Like priceless pearls, whose glow depends On efforts made again.
No hero great this place can boast, No sage of high degree, And only dabblers, at the most, Write up its history. No lyric poet sang her fame Within the darkling dell ; Nor sculptor great e'er carv'd the name Of Yaphank, to excel.
No painter ever drew the pen For this far inland Rome, And no great author wrote of men Who make Yaphank their home ; But honor's counsels guide with care The staid old villagers, For we've none great-if any are, They're " local editors."
Then old, old home, of good and bad, "Tis fare-thee-well-farewell ! I am not sad, I am not glad, Still fare-thee-well-farewell ! Begone, dull day ! begone, dull dame And break, oh! break the chain, That long, long years has bound the name Of Yaphank in disdain !
220
FACTS AND FANCIES.
ADIEU !
Tho' you I bore, one moment more, Kind friend, before we part, Here is my hand, my friendship and Well wishes from my heart! Think well of me, though wrong I be, Forever be it well ; And let the end part you my friend, Part with a kind FAREWELL.
FINIS.
/
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 0 014 205 853 4
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.