Book_^ J ^ p THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A LANDLADY OF TH^OLD SCHOOL, PERSONAL SKETCHES OF EMINENT CHARACTERS, PLACES, AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. -«—•♦«»-+- BOSTON: PUBLISHED FOPv THE AUTHOR. 1854. WBIQHT AND HASTY, PRINTERS, WATER STREET, BOSTON. PREFACE. The author has not had an undue desire for book- making, but having had some experience in the world, and being, as will be seen from the work, one of the " old school," she has thought that the present gen- eration might be benefited by reading an account of their fathers and mothers. Not persons only, but customs and habits have essentially changed, within the last fifty years. Education has taken new forms ; but whether for the better on the whole, is a question for the wise to consider. When the author began life, railroads, steamboats, and speaking telegraphs, were unknown. They were among the things that were not. Every thing then went upon the low pressure; "slow and sure" was the watchword. Steady, steady, steady, the instruction which fathers gave to their sons, and mothers to their daughters. Then lived a generation of men and women who could be depended upon ; you knew where to find them. Such were those of the fathers and mothers IV PREFACE. whose character and " manner of life," are described in the following pages. Those who " remain unto this present day," we doubt not will read them with some good degree of pleasure ; but how it will be with the present active generation, who have been trained up under different customs, and who move with the light- ning's speed, we will not venture a prediction. All we have to say is, here is the book, large as life, printed on good paper, in fair and legible type, and nicely bound, and well lettered. Thus it goes forth from the hand of the author, to find a place among the numer- ous publications of this publishing age. That it will have the widest circulation of any book ever published, the author does not expect; that it will pay its way, and find some readers, she does not doubt. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I Scenes of Early Life, PAGE. n CHAPTER II. Further Incidents of Youth, . . . . 12 CHAPTER III. Dover, N. H • 19 Commencement of Public House-keeping, . 28 Counselors at Law a Century Ago, . . 31 Inn-keepers Half a Century Ago, . . . 33 Mechanics in Dover, 34 High School in Dover, ..... 37 CONTENTS . CHAPTER IV. Wakefield, -40 CHAPTER V. Bradford, ...-•... 45 CHAPTER VI. School Teaching, 49 CHAPTER VII. Saco, Biddeford — The Hayes Family, . . 55 CHAPTER VIII. Rockport, 60 CHAPTER IX. Gilmanton, " . 64 CHAPTER X. Alton, 68 CHAPTER XI. Farmington, . 72 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XII. Milton, 76 CHAPTER XIII. Great Falls, 83 CHAPTER XIV. Medford, Mass., 100 CHAPTER XV. Chelsea, 102 CHAPTER XVI. Boston, .104 CHAPTER XVII. Biograph}'-, 122 CHAPTER XVIII. Miscellaneous, 193 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. CHAPTER I. SCENES OF EAKLY LIFE. The writer had the advantage of attend- ing two of the best schools then kept in this country; one by the Eev. Wm. Stone, the other by Eev. Jesse Apple- ton, afterwards the renowned President of Bowdoin College. Of Mr. Appleton, I need not say, he was one of the most scientific, and accomplished men of the age, too well known to the pub- lic to need any commendation from me. When he closed the school, every eye was moist and every heart sick. 6 SCENES OF EARLY LIFE. Many of his maxims were excellent and have not been forgotten. They were calculated to be remembered, and they were. Once, upon carrying him a copy, which I had written to be examined, as was the practice of the y school, he said, " Sophia, you will soon be the best writeT^in school, if yon continue to improve as you have done. " This made my youthful heart beat with a laudable ambition, not having then seen more than twelve summers. Before I was thirteen, I had an invi- tation to teach a school in Meader- borough, in the upper part of Eo Ch- ester, N. H. I commenced the school under favorable auspices, with eigh- teen or twenty scholars, young men and women, and three babies. It was my first effort, and never did I do better. I was young and strove to excel. The school was popular SCENES OF EARLY LIFE. 7 and I gained much credit, as a teach- er. At this advanced period, I can call to mind the youthful alacrity with which I flew to the faithful and conscientious discharge of every duty. These are the halcyon days of every teacher, — days never to be forgotten. Schools then, were not as now, filled up with all branches necessary to make a finished education, in these modern times. The only branches taught were reading, spelling, and writ- ing. But little was thought in those days of the education of daughters. To read and write, with a smatterino- of geography and arithmetic were considered the ne plus ultra of female education. The minds of girls were then considered to be inadequate to struggle with the higher branches of education, which they now master so readily. A thousand times have I thought with gratitude of 8 SCENES OF EARLY LIFE. the glorious change which has since come over the community. The only books then used in school were Webster's spelling book, the Testa- ment, and the Third Part, for the upper class. Who does not remember with what sparkling eyes and blushing coun- tenances these children advanced from ah, to Baker, and then to crucifix, then to spelling out the lesson of the old man who first tried " grass," and then " what virtue there was in stones," upon the young rogues who infested his apple- tree. My school was in good order. Indeed I had then learned from Mr. Appleton that *' Order was heaven's first law." Special attention was given to the man- ners of the pupils. They were taught how to enter and leave the school-room. SCENES OF EARLY LIFE. 9 They were not allowed to run in, and out, like a ilock of slieep passing over a gap of wall. The hoiv of the little boy w^as something more that a nod over the shoulder, by just turning the neck askew, and bending it to one side. The courtesy of the little girl was attempted, till it could be gracefully performed. The manner even of walking to, and from their seats, was not forgotten to be taught. By strict attention to these little mat- ters, the young school-m«r/?^ soon gained an enviable preeminence. Her school was famous through the whole region. The parents scarcely knew their own children, so much were they improved. Parents, teachers and pupils, all came to see the school, and went away to praise the teacher, A schoolmistress in those days was a wonder, and especially one so young as 10 SCENES OF EARLY LIFE. thirteen. I closed this, my first school, with more than the approbation of all concerned. Whether this flattering com- mencement of my pedagogial labors was on the whole beneficial to me in after life, will better appear in the sequel. Be this as it may, it was truly gratifying to my youthful heart. I had really commenced the world for myself, and felt as though I could make my way in society without leaning upon any one. There is something truly exhilarating in teaching "The young idea how to shoot." It is a bewitching employment, which few females who have once entered upon, ever leave till they change the state of " single blessedness," for the bridal hour and domestic duties; or are forced away from it by the flourishing of " the almond SCENES OF EARLY LIFE. 11 tree," or the dimness of those who " look out at the windows." Happy, thrice happy, I have often thought, that it is so, as it is so necessary and useful an em- ployment ! 12 liSCIDENTS OF YOUTH. CHAPTER II. FURTHER INCIDENTS OF YOUTH. I HAD now completed my first school, and that with unusual eclat. Probably, never had so young a girl succeeded better than I had, or won richer laurels. Of course, in Yankee phraseology, I began to feel that I knew " pretty con- siderable." Mr. Brewster, of Portsmouth, (a wor- thy name, as all my readers know, in the early settlement of the Plymouth colony,) engaged our district school. Being now fourteen years old, I embraced the oppor- tunity of attending, and was one of the first three at the opening of the new school. Our schools then were all known as town schools. Academies, high and pri- INCIDENTS OF YOUTH. 13 vate schools, were not then among the things that were. In those blessed days so far as schools were concerned, the rich and the poor had equal privileges ; and may I not add, in many respects, happy would it have been for the community, had it so contmued to the present time. Mr. B. was a " smart " man, with sharp black eyes, one look of which would pierce a scholar through. His manner was peculiar, and he seemed to under- stand all our thoughts, and "As we gazed, the wonder grew That one small head could carry all he knew." His discipline was of the old primitive kind ; stern and inflexible. In these days of modern refinement and sickly sentimentality, it would be intolerably severe. No doubt he believed the dec- laration of the wise man : " he that spar- eth the rod, spoileth his child." 14 INCIDENTS OF YOUTH. On the whole, he taught an excellent school, and we made good progress in our studies. He " sought out many in- ventions" to make us learn. "We were particularly pleased to go into a larger book filled with miscellaneous articles. Often he would select a piece, and call one of the pupils to stand in his desk and read it. Though I was not one of the best readers, yet I was one of the ^ye selected to stand in his desk and read. I always supposed this honor was con- ferred on me for my good deportment, for, I always endeavored to cultivate the gentle manner. I always loved my teacher, and I con- sider this among the reasons why I im- proved so much, at all my schools. I think it may be laid down as a general fact that, unless a pupil has an affection- ate regard for a teacher, as such, but little improvement will be made. Dislike to- INCIDENTS OF YOUTH. 15 wards an instructor has a paralyzing effect upon all progress. It casts a chilling blight over all our faculties for improvement. Hence, I would admonish my young readers to cultivate a spirit of patience, forbearance, and esteem for their teach- ers, " for their work's sake." Nothing will make study more pleasant or delight- ful, or contribute more to the improve- ment of the pupil. When I see hatred cherished by the pupils of any teacher, I always feel that the money paid for the school is thrown away. Eeciprocity of kind feelings between scholars and teach- er, are absolutely necessary for the ease, happiness, and well being of all. My readers will pardon me for dwelling upon this point, because I have seen so many schools ruined, and so much money thrown away, and time lost for the want of it. Perhaps, I may say a word profitably 16 INCIDENTS OF YOUTH. to parents. Very mucli is depending upon you as it respects the progress of your children. You should never find fault with the teacher before your chil- dren. If you feel that he is to be blamed, go to him personally and state it freely. In this way, you will be likely to secure his good feelings, and induce him to cooperate with you for the good of your children. Every word dropped in their hearing, against the teacher, will prejudice their minds against him, and have a strong tendency to prevent their progress. The child neither knows, nor ought to know, any higher authority than the parent. Every word and look, and manner of expression of the parent, are watched by the child. How very care- ful, then, should parents be, that nothing detrimental to the character, or qualifi- cations of the teacher, should be heard, or seen from parents by their children. INCIDENTS OF YOUTH. 17 This is of the utmost importance, as it respects the government of the school. Without proper regulations in school, and a punctilious observance of them, there can be no proper discipline, either for mind or body. But without the aid and cooperation of parents, it will be ex- tremely difficult for the best and most accomplished teacher, to keep a good school. Even if the rules are stringent, and the laws severe, it is no part of wis- dom for the parents to object to them in the presence of their children. Parents can do much not only in assisting the teacher in governing the school, but also in facilitating the progress of their chil- dren in their studies. A word of advice, or a few moments spent in helping them get their lessons, is of unspeakable ben- efit to them. When they find their pa- rents are interested in their learning, they take hold with renewed energ^y. It 2* 18 INCIDENTS OF YOUTH. Chives a zest to all tlieir studies. Hence we always find those parents the best satisfied with the school, and those chil- dren make the greatest progress, where the parents love learning, and encourage their children in pursuing it. It may be laid down as a maxim, gen- erally true, that those children who are well governed, and well managed and cared for at home, are the best pupils, and give the teacher the least trouble at school. Indeed, what else could be ex- pected from good family government ? It is, as the Bible makes it, the founda- tion of all government. Thus was I taught in youth, and now as age is creeping over me, I can bear testimony that nothing transpiring during my whole life, has contradicted these wholesome and fundamental laws of order and progress. Children are only their parents repro- duced, to act over the great game of life. DOVER. 19 CHAPTER III. DOVER. Dover was the first settled town in New Hampshire ; settled A. D. 1623. Dover is one of the principal towns of the county of StraiFord, situated about ten miles north-west from Portsmouth. Its two principal streams are the Cocheco, and the Belemy Bank rivers ; they take a south-east course through the town, and unite with other waters to form the Piscataqua. On Dover neck, the first settlement of the town was made, in 1623, by a company in England, who styled themselves the " Company of La- conia." Dover, some fifty or sixty years ago, was thickly peopled. The principal Eng- lish goods business was done at the cor- 20 DOTER. ner ; the lumber and hard ware, at the landing. I shall speak of some of the principal gentlemen who did business in Dover half a century ago. The Hon. William Hale, member of Congress, from N. H., was a mercantile gentleman, and an importer of hard ware. Mr. Hale was extensively known abroad, and highly respected ; was a man of strict veracity and integrity ; he exemplified his wisdom and great strength of mind to the last. His large amount of property was left equally to his heirs at his decease. Dr. Ezra Green, a distinguished sur- geon in the French war, kept an exten- sive assortment of English goods, in Sil- ver street. The venerable Dr. sustained the high reputation of an honest man, and an exemplary Christian. He lived to the advanced years of one hundred and upwards, and quietly fell asleep in the arms of his God, whom he worshiped. DOVER. 21 I will mention some of the principal gentlemen who did business in D. half a century ago. Ezra Green, Asa Tufts, John Wheeler, George Andrews, Phil- emon Chandler, Morrell Curriur, at the corner, Michael Read, William Hale, Joseph Smith, William Perkins, Joseph Gage, Joshua Perkins, James Jewett, with their associates, at the landing. The gentlemen* above named were the principal merchants in Dover. They were gentlemen of high standing, and individually, accumulated a handsome property ; and, wdth the exception of Joseph Smith, Esq., all those active, enterprising, worthy men, are now in- terred in our own burial ground. We speak of the fathers from fifty to sixty years ago. I now speak of the professional gentle- men, — physicians. The elder Dr. Jacob Kittridge, stood 22 DOVER. on an eminence, classed among tlie first of the Kittridges in the Union, for their great skill in surgery. His two sons, Jacob and George, were distinguished physicians ; were cut down in the prime of life, in the midst of their usefulness, much beloyed and deeply lamented. Dr. Jahez Dow, was a man of superior talents ; had a long and successful prac- tice ; was looked up to as a father in the highly respectable Stratford District Med- ical Society, of N. H. ; w^hich society is not surpassed, at the present time, for eminence and skill in its members. Dr. Samuel Dow was a man of fine promise, successful in his practice, affa- ble, hospitable and kind to all. " Death in the w^orld is a spoiler," and he was early called to bid adieu to all earthly friends. Dr. Asa Perkins was a well read phy- DOVER. 23 siciaii; his health early failed him, which prevented