USA > Rhode Island > The "Old Stone Bank" history of Rhode Island, Vol. III > Part 16
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It is interesting to note that, in 1730, a census taken by the Board of Trade showed that the population of the Colony had reached about 18,000, of which 1,500 or so were negro slaves, and less than 1,000 were Indians. Newport was the largest center of population with a total of 4,640; Providence was next with 3,916;
North Kingstown had 2,105, Westerly, 1,926, South Kingstown, 1,523, East Greenwich, 1,223, Warwick, 1,178, Ports- mouth, 813, Jamestown, 312, and Block Island, 290. Other early eighteenth century statistics reveal that nearly all of the colored slaves were owned by families in Newport County or in the Narragansett country, while practically all of the sur- viving Indians resided in the southwestern corner of the Colony. About 400 of our Rhode Island ancestors were sailors; annual exports were computed at £10,000, and it cost about £2,000 a year to conduct all the functions of government in the Colony.
Thus, we can readily see that Rhode Island, less than one century after the founding of the first settlement at Provi- dence, was well on its way to permanence and stability in government, its ambitious citizens keenly alive to the many oppor- tunities at hand for agricultural, commer- cial and some industrial development; and perhaps, many of them sufficiently well-established in their daily pursuits to be prepared for an intellectual awaken- ing or reawakening.
Up to the time at which we have arrived in our outline of what actually took place in what is now Rhode Island, the out- standing leaders have been revealed as men deeply imbued with religious con- victions; as daring adventurers endowed with the abilities common to those who seek to implant civilization in the midst of a wilderness; as resourceful pioneers capable of wresting sustenance and shelter from the raw materials offered by Mother Nature; as persistent and capable diplo- mats; as wise and shrewd politicians; as
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successful military strategists; as popular administrators of government; as progres- sive champions of individual rights and privileges.
But, no great philosopher, no out- standing intellectual appeared upon the Rhode Island scene until the following communication appeared in the New Eng- land Weekly Journal (or Courier) under date of February 3, 1729 : "Yesterday arrived here (Newport) Dean Berkeley, of Londonderry, in a pretty large ship. He is a gentleman of middle stature, of an agreeable, pleasant and erect aspect. He was ushered into town with a great num- ber of gentlemen, to whom he behaved himself after a very complaisant manner. 'Tis said he purposes to tarry here with his family about three months." This news item published in a Boston weekly modestly called attention to the fact that a distinguished philosopher, the recipient of many honors in early manhood, had arrived in America and would remain for a brief period. The visit of Berkeley to these shores is unquestionably one of the outstanding highlights of Rhode Island's eighteenth century record. Who was he? To what acclaim is he entitled ? What of his association with Rhode Island ?
George Berkeley was born at Kilerin, County Kilkenny, Ireland, March 12, 1684. Before reaching majority he had written an important book and, in 1707, he became a fellow of Trinity College, Dublin. Six years later he went to Italy as Chaplain and Secretary in the British Legation, and, two years after that, his famous debate with a distinguished French philosopher brought him national recognition as a scholar and interpreter of human understanding. Skimming over years crowded with accomplishments, Berkeley, in 1725, then the Dean of Derry, published "A Proposal for the better supplying of Churches in our Foreign Plantations, and for Converting the Savage Americans to Christianity by a College to be erected upon the Summer Islands, otherwise called the Isles of Bermuda." Hopeful of the results that this published missionary proposal might bring about, from Berkeley's pen came the immortal stanzas, entitled "On the Pros- pect of Planting Arts and Sciences in
America," from which the following familiar verse is quoted :
"Westward the course of empire takes its way;
The four first acts already past,
A fifth shall close the drama with the day;
Time's noblest offspring is the last."
The Dean's ambition was soon realized, sufficient funds were sought to finance his project, and he promptly turned his back upon fame and fortune in his native land. Accompanied by his wife, several noted gentlemen, including John Smibert, an English artist whom Berkeley met in Italy, he sailed from Gravesend, at the age of forty-three, intending to stop at Newport, Rhode Island, before going on to Bermuda.
The voyage, which must have been tedious, took about five months, but the distinguished missionary found reward for the inconveniences and monotony of a lengthy ocean crossing in the delightful inspiring beauties of Southern Rhode Island. In fact, he liked the flourishing seaport and the close-at-hand countryside so well that he decided to remain amid the rugged headlands, deep ravines, curving strands, pleasant meadows sloping gently to the shore, the orchards, cornfields, headlands and woodlands that have since brought thousands of others to the "Vacation Capital of America."
Shortly after his arrival, he purchased a farm of a hundred acres, and upon it he built an unpretentious mansion which he called Whitehall, named for the palace of the English kings from Henry VIII to James II. Whitehall, still standing, is in Middletown, and there Berkeley went to live probably in August of 1729, with his wife and child, while their three traveling companions, James, Dalton and Smibert, went on to reside in Boston.
During the months that followed, the ambitious interpreter of human knowledge availed himself of long-desired oppor- tunities to meditate and compose. Near by his residence he discovered the historic overhanging rocks said to have been his favorite place for thinking and writing. There he found inspiration to write the "Alciphron," one of his most popular
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works, regarded his greatest by many. It has been said that "Alciphron" is redolent of the fragrance of rural nature in Rhode Island, and of the invigorating breezes of its open shore. A visitor to Whitehall once read some of these descriptions remarking that they were copied from the charming landscapes in that delightful island which lay before Berkeley at the time he was writing.
Though Berkeley loved the quiet and seclusion of Whitehall, he entered into the community life of Newport. He found pleasant associations in the company of clergymen, lawyers, physicians and enter- prising merchants. Many of them he found qualified to engage with him in philosophical discussions and debates.
He was active in forming a philosophical society whose members included prom- inent leaders and thinkers of the day. This Society, among other activities, sought to collect books, and out of it originated Redwood Library. Likewise, Whitehall was a meeting place for mission- aries and educators who resided nearby and elsewhere in New England. In the meantime he continued to correspond with his friends in England relative to his original plans to establish a seat of learn- ing in America. This project never materialized although its chief proponent lost none of his enthusiasm for the purpose of his journey to America.
He continued to spread the circle of his acquaintance in New England attracting
more and more to his presence and influencing the minds and ideals of those who sought to explain life and its com- plexities. Sorrow darkened Whitehall in the fall of 1731 - Berkeley's second daughter Lucia died and was buried in the ancient burying ground beside Trinity Church where her father often preached to distinguished congregations. A letter to a friend written shortly after this domestic tragedy indicates that Berke- ley, his wife and surviving child, soon bade farewell to Rhode Island. They sailed from Boston in November and Berkeley reappeared in London in Febru- ary 1732. Two years later he was raised to the bishopric of Cloyne, and his career thereafter was one of great distinction. From his busy pen came countless master- pieces of philosophical composition reveal- ing the mature thoughts and wide reading of their author. He died January 14, 1753 and his remains were deposited in Christ Church, Oxford.
Bishop Berkeley's brief sojourn in Rhode Island had profound influence upon the great and near great, for he turned their minds, for the first time, from the problems of state and the routine activi- ties of community existence to analyses of life and to spiritual understanding. He inspired those about him during his stay in the land which he found delightful, and he left behind a memory of one who towered above the intellectuals of his day.
EARLY RHODE ISLAND LIBRARIES
"THE church must be given a consider- able amount of the credit for the early promotion of education and the spread of knowledge in the early days of Rhode Island; in fact, the same can be said for all of the American Colonies. Particularly, the first Rhode Island library institutions were dependent upon some church connection or influence for their existence and early development. Later, the larger part of the libraries in the State became important factors in the general educational system, especially when their
great value became apparent to school authorities, and when reading and re- search increased in popularity among students and among persons who sought cultural advancement. But the church brought about the founding of the first libraries, and some of the first books that were available to Colonists were those which had been sent here from England for the enlightenment and edification of the clergy.
The first public library founded in Rhode Island was a parochial institution
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located in Newport, where it was estab- lished, in 1700, through the efforts of Rev. Thomas Bray. This pioneer library comprised less than one hundred books, containing only literature that was in- tended to instruct and inculcate religious truths and doctrines. Records disclose that about half of these volumes were of a theological character for the special use of preachers, and that the remainder were of a similar type but intended for perusal and study by laymen. In addition, there were about one hundred pastoral letters, but none of this reading matter included any fiction or other amusement reading. In those serious days, a reader was denied the pleasure of reviewing tales of travel, adventure and romance, for he had to be content with ponderous dissertations upon religious tenets, scriptural interpretations and articles of the faith.
The second library in the Colony also originated in Newport when the illustrious Bishop Berkeley formed a society for the purpose of discussing philosophical sub- jects and collecting books. Edward Scott, a granduncle of Sir Walter Scott, was prominent among the founders of this society and he was one of its most active officers for a great many years. Since one of the outstanding purposes of this learned society was "the promotion of knowledge and virtue," the members soon decided that the gathering of a library should be one of the most influential measures that they could adopt to bring about that object. At first, the meetings of the society were featured by the holding of a series of debates, but this form of cultural activity soon ceased and the entire ener- gies of the group were devoted to the accumulation of books. This commend- able work soon attracted the attention and interest of Abraham Redwood, a wealthy Quaker, who contributed the sum of £500 with which to purchase books in London, and, at the same time, he ad- vocated the erection of a suitable building to house the collection.
In August, 1747, the Redwood Library Company was incorporated by the Gen- eral Assembly, and plans for the beautiful Doric structure were drawn by Peter Harrison, whose structural designs had a profound influence upon architectural art
in America. The building is standing today, with some additions and changes, on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, across the street from Touro Park, the park that the Old Stone Mill has made famous. It seems proper to call Redwood Library the oldest in America because it is the oldest library still in use. There are some who will dispute that this Rhode Island library is the oldest of all since two others were founded before the Redwood institution was established. One of these was the Library Company of Philadelphia, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1732, and the other was the private library of James Logan of Philadelphia, who erected a special building for his book collection in 1747. However, the Newport library remains the oldest in use today, and it probably had its birth in the mind of Abraham Redwood at a much earlier date than the year when the building plan was suggested.
In constant use, the building stands today in perfect condition, in spite of age and the abuses to which it has been sub- jected. When the British occupied New- port during the War for Independence, the building was damaged somewhat, and some of the books were carried away by enemy soldiers. The General Assembly met in the library on September 11, 1780, the nearby State House being unfit for the purpose after it had been occupied by the enemy soldiers who also seized all of the Newport houses of worship with the exception of Trinity Church. At this time, both building and company were found to be in a very discouraging condi- tion, therefore efforts were made immedi- ately to improve this condition. This was not brought about until 1790, when a petition for the renewal of the company's charter was granted by the General Assembly, and this measure with others opened the way to the permanent estab- lishment of Redwood Library. By means of a lottery and with gifts from several sources the endowment for the institution was increased and the collection of books, manuscripts, records, art treasures, etc., that it contained was safely preserved.
The original building designed by Harrison is now the front room of the library and it faces west on Bellevue
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Avenue. The architectural style is after that of an old Roman temple of the Doric order, with the pediment of the front supported by four columns of pure Doric character. This section of the building originally had a window with three sec- tions, gracefully arched and enriched with Ionic columns. When the structure was enlarged, this window was moved to the north side, where it may be seen today at the end of the second building, or reading room. On either side of the front, or Harrison room, are two small rooms, really nothing more than alcoves, one of them for children, and the other for members of the medical profession. To the right of the main entrance on Bellevue Avenue is a tiny room where many of the first books owned by the library are stored. Most of these ancient volumes are bound in leather, rather musty now, and growing dry and yellow with age. Exam- ination of these precious books shows the absence of frivolity in Colonial times. Most of them deal with subjects of the- ology, history and science, with only an occasional book of poems or fables.
In 1858, after the first building had served for more than a century, it was found necessary to make an addition to serve as a reading room. The architect for this addition to the library building was Mr. George Snell of Boston. Later, other enlargements were made by the addition of a large room which is now used for delivery purposes, although it was first used as a stack room. In 1913, the Perry stack room was built of fireproof material and it was expected that this equipment would meet requirements for many years to come, but like most of our libraries of today, no amount of room and facilities seems to be adequate for the demands of a reading public. There is a quiet atmos- phere of culture and literary inspiration within the historic walls of Redwood Library enhanced, perhaps, by the mem- ories that hover about the old center of educational uplift. From the time of its founding the institution exerted a great influence upon the cultural development
of Newport, although, for a period, this inspiration was lost. It survived the reckless vandalism of enemy troopers when many of its precious volumes were carried away; it was once the State Capitol of Rhode Island; and its splendid contributions to educational advancement have been generously supported by many of the most distinguished figures of Rhode Island history.
Among the other very early libraries in the State was one which was estab- lished in Glocester in 1794, for the incor- poration of which, sixty-four persons petitioned the General Assembly. It was named the Union Library Company, and it was authorized to hold property to the value of $5000. Books were purchased and kept in a private school house in Chepachet, and the library continued in existence for about thirty years. Other early libraries were established in Johns- ton, West Greenwich, Foster, Scituate, Smithfield, Burrillville and other country towns but very little is known of their his- tories. An act of the General Assembly of January 1840 provided that the school committee in each town might appropri- ate the sum of $10 out of the school money distributed to each district for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a district school library "for the use of the children therein." Shortly after that, Henry Barnard was appointed by the Governor as an agent to investigate the condition of the schools throughout Rhode Island; he also served as school commis- sioner and devoted much of his time to the establishment and encouragement of school and other libraries.
Today, Rhode Island abounds in public and private libraries, many of which are nationally important, particularly those connected with Brown University and the Rhode Island and the Newport Historical Societies. Every little hamlet and all country districts have plenty of good books to read - if no library exists in a certain section, the State sends books there so that no one is deprived of wholesome literary pleasures.
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FERDINAND DE CELESTRO
E ARLY in the year 1720, a venerable look- ing gentleman by the name of Ferdi- nand De Celestro, of Austrian birth but educated in England, took passage with his family in the British ship "Helen " and journeyed to America. The "Helen " was cleared at the Customs in Hull for the city of New York, but when she approached the northern coast of America, near the New- foundland banks, she was beaten about by a continuous series of violent gales and completely driven off her course. The ship's master finally managed to get his bearings, and in January, to the joy of all on board, made Block Island. With favoring winds, the "Helen" was then headed for Rhode Island, and she had nearly reached the outer waters of New- port harbor when a terrific northwest gale struck the ship and tossed her on the rocks not far from the present location of Fort Adams. The captain, crew and all others were drowned except Ferdinand and his three children, two sons and a daughter. Ferdinand's wife was lost in the vortex that engulfed the "Helen " and the venerable traveler was left discon- solate and distracted. Time however, which alters all things, destroys the firmest fabrics, and heals all wounds, eventually soothed the feelings of the wretched husband and he resolved to make an effort to live and be happy, and to rear and educate his children.
What little funds he had possessed were lost in the wreck of the "Helen" but, realizing that he had a sacred duty to perform in behalf of his children, he called forth all his energies and made arrange- ments to secure some kind of employment which would enable him to procure an honest and an independent livelihood. The town of Newport, although it was then a place of considerable trade and fame, became offensive to Ferdinand since the wealth and social display all about him only reminded him of what he had lost and of his present poverty. Bidding Newport farewell, he migrated a little north to the country in the neighborhood of Mount Hope, near Bristol and located
himself at the base of that historic emi- nence where he opened a small house for the entertainment of travelers. The older son was named Jacques, the younger, Henrico, and the daughter bore the name of Amanda. The little family formed an interesting group, and in a short while they succeeded in securing the friendship, respect and good-will of all who visited them.
For a number of years, Ferdinand en- joyed the confidence and respect of all who knew him, for he was a man of his word in all dealings with travelers and neighbors. The Celestro establishment was the gen- eral resort of the gay and fashionable who invariably found there the full "feast of reason and the flow of soul," and the inn- keeper had every reason to look forward to years of earthly rewards in the form of prosperity and happiness. But, an un- happy event was destined to occur and mar his prospects.
Henrico, the younger son, had mani- fested a strong inclination to engage in the profession of arms and this propensity had been evident even in early childhood. The father made every possible effort to wean the boy from his desires to go to war, but found, when it was too late, that the lad had vowed never to follow any profession save that of a soldier. Opposition, as is always the case, only had a tendency to increase the boy's ardor, and taking advantage of his father's temporary absence from the inn, he departed hurriedly - took passage for Europe, landed in France and proceeded to Flanders, where he joined the army in the capacity of a common soldier. He was a born soldier, ambitious for promotion, and soon distinguished himself on the battle- field by his heroism and was elevated to a captaincy, later followed by promotion to the rank and commission of a Colonel.
Ferdinand grieved over the loss of his son at first but time passed on, and, ob- taining no tidings from across the sea, he supposed the boy dead, and he strove to console himself for a loss which could not be restored by placing his entire affections
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on the remaining children. More than twelve years had passed by when the father received a letter from his son which brought the news that, although elevated to an office of rank, he had suffered innu- merable hardships and that he needed aid from his unhappy parent. The old man was overjoyed to learn that his son was still alive but was distressed to observe that his financial condition was such that he could not provide the least bit of aid or comfort in answer to the appeal. Both Jacques and Amanda shared their father's distress and were likewise unable to pro- vide help for Henrico.
A week had elapsed since the letter was received when a young officer, bearing the insignia of distinction, rode up to the gate of Ferdinand's inn and alighting, directed that his luggage should be taken care of - called for supper which was instantly pro- vided, and the gallant guest partook of a hearty repast. While he was eating, the young officer inquired the name of his host, and being informed that it was Celestro, asked him if he did not have a son in the Flemish army. The delighted Ferdinand replied that he had and he begged the guest to tell all he knew of his son and his military career. The stranger admitted that he knew Henrico well; that he had campaigned with him in the same war and added, "he has been distin- guished by his general conduct and now ranks as a Colonel, and is esteemed as a gallant and useful officer."
Ferdinand was overjoyed with the intel- ligence conveyed to him by the guest and he urged that he communicate everything he knew in relation to the long-lost son. The officer replied, "I am fatigued at the moment - show me to my chamber, and in the morning you shall hear all that I know concerning your gallant soldier and beloved offspring." As the officer as- cended the stairs he handed Ferdinand a large purse of gold, with a request that he take care of it until the following morn- ing, and, upon reaching the door of his bed-chamber, he took leave of his host for the night.
Upon Ferdinand's return to the supper room he showed the officer's purse to the son Jacques and talked at length about the good news which had been brought to his
home. The old man had scarcely finished talking about the noble appearance of the traveler upstairs, about his pleasing man- ners and his prepossessing demeanor when Jacques proposed an evil scheme. His head turned by the sight of so much wealth, Jacques suggested that they murder the officer and appropriate his money to their own private purposes and benefits. The father was panic-stricken at the horrible proposition and for a while indignantly refused to listen to such infamy, but the son worked upon his passions by relating the hardships which Henrico had endured in the Flemish army, and pictured how the contents of the purse would restore the son and banish all of the family's sorrows. At length, the old man consented, and they both repaired to the officer's apartment to perpetrate the deed of darkness and of horror. Upon reaching the room where the guest slept peace- fully, the father lost his nerve and begged Jacques to leave and forget the plan. But Jacques was not thus easily intimi- dated and, restoring the old man to his senses, he proceeded to carry out his vile plot. The faltering old Ferdinand begged that, "whatever is to be done, let it be done quickly," and then Jacques, with one dreadful thrust penetrated the officer's heart with a dagger. The victim groaned but once and surrendered his spirit to that eternal God who made it. The dead body was instantly removed and hidden in a nearby orchard; and the blood-stained murderer hastily counted the sum total of his ill-gained booty.
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