YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

THE STORY

A PILGRIM FAMILY.

FROM THE MAYFLOWER TO THE PRESENT TIME J
WITH
AUTOBIOGRAPHY, RECOLLECTIONS, LETTERS, INCIDENTS, AND
GENEALOGY OF THE AUTHOR,
REV. JOHN ALDEN,
IN HIS 83D YEAR.

INTRODUCTION BY REV. FREDERICK DENISON.

FULLY ILLUSTRATED.

-s

1620.

1889.

BOSTON:
JAMES H. EARLE, PUBLISHER,
178 Washington Street.
1890.

Copyright, 188S.
By Rev. John Alden.

TO MY
BELOVED WIFE
THO HAS FAITHFULLY AIDED ME IN THIS WORK
AND TO MY
DEAR CHILDREN
"HIS VOLUME OF PERSONAL AND PILGRIM HISTORY
With G^atitudb /sa JLffectioh.

PREFACE.

The name of Alden has, for more than two centuries, been
familiar to every son and daughter of New England. The
Pilgrim John, who first brought it to these shores, was a
man of whom his numerous descendants are justly proud >
not for his high station, great wealth or colossal intellect,
but for his. rectitude of character, fidelity to duty, and his
eminently pious, practical and useful life.
It is my privilege to bear his name, and it has been my
pleasure, in addition to my own personal experiences and
recollections, to give in these pages a sketch of this ancient
family from 1620 to the present time. I have also added a
History of the Pilgrims ; their rise in England ; their life
in Holland ; their migration to America and their subse
quent trials, sufferings and victories. It is a large subject,
and one of absorbing interest, especially to those who
trace their ancestry back to Plymouth Rock.
For much of the material used in preparing this history, I
am indebted to "Bradford's Journal," "Morton's Memorial,"
Justin Winsor's "History of Duxbury," Judge Davis' "His
tory of Plymouth," "Alden's Memorial," and the recent val
uable contribution of John Goodwin's "The Pilgrim
Republic," through the courtesy of his son, Wm. Bradford
Goodwin ; also to Hamilton A. Hill for facts in his little
5

6 PREFACE.
brochure on some charter members of the " Old South
Church." I also acknowledge the kindness of Messrs. Houghton,
Mifflin & Co., in granting the use of Longfellow's " Court
ship of Miles Standish ; " J. S. Tilton, for the picture
representing "Priscilla's Wedding Journey," and A. S.
Burbank, of Plymouth, for the view of Leyden street in
1622; to Mrs. Agnes Gormley for "Alden's Epitaphs," and
to J. Dutch Lord, Historian, for preparing Genealogy.
This is, without doubt, my last work. It was undertaken
at the earnest solicitation of my friends, that many facts of
and incidents of personal history might be preserved in
permanent form. By the valuable aid of my wife I have
been enabled to accomplish the task, and I now submit it
to the public hoping that a perusal of its contents may
please and profit all.
John Alden,
Providence, R. I., 1888.

Table of contents.

i.
CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH.
Pao*.
Birthplace — Grandparents Early Settlement in Ashfleld — Log House —
Parents, Brothers and Sisters — Early Recollections at 2 1-2 years —
First Sermon — Made a New Word — Dialogue With a Sister — First
Ancedote — Grandmother's Waiter Boy — Learned at Four Years to
Catch Trout — Miss Mary Lyon My Family Teacher — Death of My
Mother — Conversion at Eight Years of Age — Taught School at
Seventeen — A Novel Punishment — Reminiscences of Teaching. . 23
II.
COLLEGE LIFE.
Casualties — Fitted for College — Profession1^ Religion — Entered Col
lege at Amherst — The Faculty — Revival in College — Sabbath-
school Teaching in Amherst — President Humphrey's Advice — Anec
dotes in the Senior Year — Description of Amherst — Good moral
influence of the Town — Frog Found Seven Feet Below the Surface —
Death of Roommate — A Duel in College Prevented — Saved a
Classmate from Drowning — Pickerel Fishing — A Humorous
Scene — Skating — Newton Theological Seminary  35
III.
TEACHING.
Principal of Franklin Academy and Pastor in Shelburne Falls, Mass. —
Experiments in the Laboratory — Six Ways Given to Cause Visible
Flame without Raising the Temperature above Seventy Degrees —
Happy Death of a Pupil — Great Revival in Academy — Description 7

CONTENTS.

Page.
of the Falls and History of the Town — Poem at the Celebration of
Shelburne — Preacher at the Union Protracted Meeting in Col-
eraine — A Great Revival — Settled in North Adams, Mass. . . 6o
IV.
PREACHING.
Protracted Meetings in Sandisneld — Tyringham — Wonderful Conversion
of an Eloquent English Infidel — Protracted Meetings in Williams-
town, Blackenton — Many Conversions in these places — A great
Revival in North Adams, Meetings Held Thirteen Consecutive
Weeks, Many Scores Added to our Church — Conversion of Mrs.
Alden's Class — Mrs. Carpenter, a Tragic Scene — Death of my Son
Francis Howard Alden — Verses Describing his Conversion and
Happy death — Death of my Father — Of two Brothers, Deacon
Cyrus and Deacon David Alden — Early History of North Adams
— All the Churches to the present time and Drury Academy. -..75
V.
PRIME OF LIFE.
Juvenile Temperance Society in North Adams, Description of the Place
— A Tragic and Humorous Trouting Scene With Rev. Dr. R. Craw
ford — Settlement in Fayville, Mass. — Also in Westfield, Mass. —
Removed a debt — Beautified the Church — Two Revivals Adding
Great Strength to the Church — Accepted the Agency of Missionary
Union for Northern New England — History of Westfield — Inter
esting Scenes and Anecdotes in My Missionary Work — Settled in
Windsor, Vt., as Pastor of the Church, and Chaplain of the States'
Prison — Description of — Accepted the Agency of the American
and Foreign Bible Society for Southern New England — Removed to
Northampton, Mass. — Chaplain of the Insane Asylum — A Freak
of An Insane Man  Iril

VI.
LATER PUBLIC WORK.
My field for the Bible Society — Interesting Events — Death of My
Mother Chamberlain — Removed to Providence, R. I.— Description
of the Central Baptist Church — A Moral Power in the City and Land
— Accepted the Agency of Rhode Island Baptist State Convention 
Poet at the Centennial Celebration of My Native Town  The Poem

CONTENTS. g

Page.
— A Great and Joyous Occasion — Hon. H. L. Dawes Marshall — His
Toast and Alden's Humorous Reply — Golden Wedding— Presen
tation by my son, A. E. Alden, of a Framed Set of Photographs —
Poem by Rev. F. Denison, and Mr. Alden's Response,  121

VII.
FIFTY WEDDED YEARS.
Rev. Dr. J. Taylor's Speech — Hon. H. E. Dawe's Letter — Mrs. C.
Blackenton's Letter— Rev. Dr. J. T. Smith's Speech — Rev. Dr.
Crawford's Letter — Rev. Dr. J. Thayer's Letter, classmate — Dr. P.
Parker's Letter, a classmate — Rev. G. D. Felton's Letter — Professor
Pratt's Letter — Rev. Bishop Clark's Speech, classmate — Rev.
A. M. Crane's Letter — Mrs. SophaM. L. Thickstun's Letter— H. M.
Puffer, Esq.,'s Speech — Rev. Dr. Field's Speech — Rev. Dr. Bixby's
Speech — Rev. Dr. A. A. Wood's Letter, a classmate — Galen Fos
ter, M. D.,'s Letter, a classmate — Kendal Flint, M. D.,'s Letter,
classmate,  ,  148

VIII.
GOLDEN WEDDING LETTERS.
Eliab Ward, classmate — Letters — Rev. George Waters, classmate —
Professor I. H. Waldo, classmate — Professor A. S. Talcot, class
mate — Hon. Thomas N. Howell, classmate — Whipple, classmate —
Rev. T. Biscoe, classmate — Rev. E. K. Alden, D. D., Letter — Rev.
J. Barber, Letter — Rev. H. Granger, D. D., Letter — Professor D. B.
Purington, Letter — Hon. Geo. C. Alden's Letter - Professor
Franklin Lyon's Letter — James L. Hovey, Esq.,'s Letter — Mrs.
Julia Russell's Letter — Emery D. Fay's Letter — Sylvester L. Fay's
Letter- Dea. J. B. Bardwell's Letter — Mrs. Flavilla Whitney's Let
ter — Julia A. Osborne's Letter — George H. Felton's Letter — Miss
Eliza Doane's Letter — Mrs. B. H. Crane's Letter — Professor J. L.
Ensign's Letter — Mrs. Sarah L. Cady's Letter — Mrs. C. Ev Tilling
hast's Letter — Mrs. Harriet E. Stock well's Letter — Dr. J. A. Sher
man's Letter — Theodocia Alden's Letter — Sarah L. Alden's Let
ter — E. G. Miner's Letter — Addison Rand's Letter — Jasper
Rand's Letter — Cordelia Sawyer's Letter — Edward Tinker, Esq.,'s
Letter — Valmo-e Whitaker's Letter — Emma M. Metcalf's Letter
— Dr. Lawson Long's Letter — Henry Hooker, Esq.,'s Letter, . .171

10 CONTENTS. IX.
SILVER WEDDING OF SON.

Page.

Silver Wedding of A. E. and Ella B. Alden, from the Independent, Stone-
ham, Mass — Poem of Professor D. B. Purington, of West Virginia
University — Greetings of L. J. Hovey and others — Letter from
Mrs. Ann M. C. Alden — Silver Wedding Committee — Letter from
E. K. Alden — Poem by Miss E. E. Chamberlain — Letter from
R. K. Bellamy — Letter from Henry N. Puffer, Esq. — Mrs. S. B.
Wilson — Letter from Miss E. E. Chamberlain — Letter from El-
bridge Hovey — Letter from Mr. Bridgeman — Letter from Mr. Wil
liam Thayer,  194
PART II.
ANECDOTES AND REMINISCENCES.
X.
STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS.
Troubles of an Intemperate Man — A Tragic Event — Vacation Fishing
in the Maine Lakes — A Stratagetic and Humorous Event Between
Two Brothers — Hafed's Dream —Does God Ever Give Premonitory
Warning — Burning of the Steamer Erie — Tragic Death of a Bur
glar—Indian Massacre at Bloody Brook by King Philip — Attack on
Deerfield Fort— Eighteen Indians Killed by a Stratagem in Ber-
nardston — A Terrible Fight with a Panther near Manchester, Vt., —
A Wonderful Escape from a Panther Out West — A Most Wonder
ful Escape from a Murderous Landlord in Illinois — The Way a Man
Killed in Early Settlement of California Twenty-five Grizzly Bears
in Five Years — A Terrible Nightly Ride of Bushhead, the Robber
— A Very Strange Event near Sunapee Lake, N. H. . . .

208

XI.
STATESMEN OF MY DAY.

My field as Agent of the Bible Society— Interesting Events in Dr. Ide's
Church, Springfield, Mass. — Valuable Suggestion on Rearing the
Peach and Grape — Young Irish Farmer ( humorous ) — Gleanings
from the World's History — Political — Daniel Webster — Edward
Everett — Henry Clay — Lord Pitt, Earl of Chatham — The Presi
dents— Ex-Governor G. N. Briggs— Hon. Francis Gillette, . . .236

CONTENTS: i t

XII.
RELIGIOUS ANECDOTES.

Page.

Narrow Escape of the Miss Lyons — A Very Tragic Event in Ashfield —
Two Old Christians Not Afraid to Meet the Devil — Rev. Dr. Dod
dridge's Dream — Rev. John Leland — Heads of a Sermon,. . . 251
XIII.
CELEBRATED DIVINES.
Rev. Dr. Chalmers — Whitfield and Tennant — Rev. Dr. Lyman Beecher
— Henry Ward Beecher — Rev. Jabez Swan — J. B. Gough —
Rowland Hill  ,  264
XIV.
FUNERAL SERMON OF JOHN LELAND.
Funeral Sermon of John Leland,  278
XV.
EXCITING AND TRAGIC STORIES.
Massalon — Bayard Taylor — Exciting Scene in Trouting With Brother
Burlingame — Amusing Story of a Bear and Her Cubs — Capital
Stratagem Told by Bayard Taylor — Helen in the Lighthouse —
Stratagem of The Illustrious Judge Hale of England — Poem of
Niagara Falls  297
XVI.
STORIES FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS.
Sabbath School Anecdote — A Visit to a Sabbath School Celebration in
Illinois — Pious Teacher's Success — Teachers in Hamilton, N. Y. —
Two Theological Students — A Captain's Advice to a Soldier — A
Terrible Night With Supposed Robbers — A Fact that has, I Think,
Saved me Money Frequently — Attack of Robbers in Ervin, Mass.
— Attempted Robbery in Hartford Depot  31 1
XVII.
TRIBUTE TO MY WIFE.
Earth's Last Son^Tribute to My Wife— Death of George C .Alden. . 322

12 CONTENTS. PART III.
PILGRIM HISTORY.
XVIII.
THE PILGRIM FATHERS. Page.
Queen Elizabeth — Reformation — Leaving Leyden — Mayflower —
Landing at Plymouth — Captain Miles Standish — Fort Hill —
Families — Building — Visit of Samoset — Massasoit — Departure
of Mayflower — Arrival of the Fortune  •  331
XIX.
MAYFLOWER PASSENGERS.
List of Mayflower's Passengers — Signing of the Compact, . . . 345
XX.
PILGRIM LEADERS.
John Carver — Bradford — Winslow — Brewster — Standish — Hopkins. 350
XXI.
JOHN ALDEN.
Birth — Cooper — Character — On the Mayflower — Priscilla Mullens —
Marriage — Captain Standish — First Cattle in the Plymouth Col
ony — Duxbury — Governor's Assistant — Magistrate — Representa
tive to Court — Indian Wars — - Quakers — Old House at Duxbury
Death — Elegy — Children of John Alden — Captain John — Joseph
— Elizabeth — David — Jonathan — Sarah — Mary  358
XXII.
DESCENDANTS OF THE ALDEN FAMILY.
Col. Briggs Alden — Maj. Judah Alden — Col. Ichabod Alden — John
Alden, the Centenarian — Dr. Enoch Alden — Timothy Alden — Dr.
Ebenezer Alden— Dr. Ebenezer Alden, 2d,  ?-j
XXIII.
REV. TIMOTHY ALDEN, A. M., PRESIDENT OF ALLEGHANY
COLLEGE.
Sketch of Rev. Timothy Alden, A. M. — Epitaphs,  387

CONTENTS. 13
XXIV.
MILES STANDISH. Page.
Courtship of Miles Standish,  396
XXV
THE AUTHOR'S LINE OF ANCESTRY.
Genealogy with Notes — Family of Molines — Coat of Arms  404
XXVI.
PLYMOUTH— 1888.
Leyden Street — Burial Hill — National Monument — Pilgrim Hall —
Forefathers' Rock — Cole's Hill — Hotels — Court House, . . . 426

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.  0  Page.
Portrait of Rev. John Alden, . . . Frontispiece.
Plymouth Mass in 1622,  21
Birthplace of Rev. John Alden, .... 29
Birthplace of Mrs. John Alden, .... 34
Amherst College and Newton Seminary, . . 47
Franklin Academy, .  $j
Baptist Church, Shelburne Falls, ... 54
Baptist Church, North Adams  83
Portrait of John Alden, 1840-1847, ... 83
Westfield Baptist Church,  107
Rev. John Alden and Wife at Home, . . . 123
Residence at Providence,  125
A. E. Alden and Family,  201
Trout Fishing,  211
Auld Lang Syne,  325
Landing of the Pilgrims,  343
Bradford's Tombstone,  352
Old Fort,  3SS
Old Alden House, Duxbury,  365
Old Time Aldens,  375

i6

ILL US TRA TIONS.

Little Priscilla Mullens Alden,
Timothy Alden,
Courtship of John and Priscilla,
The Wedding Journey,
Coat of Arms,
National Monument,
Pilgrim Hall,
Forefather's Rock .

381388401 4°3
422426
427 428

Missing Page

Missing Page

INTRODUCTION.

This volume, like a charming natural picture of rare
scenery, is sure in the end to introduce itself. Worth is its
own revelation. Well written and felicitously arranged
autobiographies possess peculiar attractions, and contain
large value in that they present the real instead of the theo
retical, the terra firma rather than the nebulous and fanciful.
They are the substantial and suggestive material for real his
tory, which has been truly styled condensed biographies, the
story of human lives brought together. The mass is only
what the parts and elements make it. To understand his
tory we must comprehend men. Aside from divinity there
is no higher study than that of mankind, and practical
divinity includes it.
Autobiographies are life pictures and inspiring object
lessons ; like snatches and real photographic catches from
the actual world, such that, though local and limited, they
have in them the lines and tints, the power and potency of
the general and universal. Whoever sees one mountain of
a region, as of New England or the United States, sees the
substantial features of the mountain range. In a truly
represented life that is in any measure typical, may be seen
vital parts of the great philosophy and economy of Divine
Providence in our world. He who traces a mountain
stream from its fountain to its destiny, will become
acquainted with gorge and valley, ravine and plain, river
and ocean. Our splendid charts ofthe ocean currents have
been constructed from the daybooks of sailers.
Alas ! how many devour works of fiction to the neglect
of biographies, travels, natural science and histories, where
in real life and the laws of the world may be found. A
little soda water may be good on occasion, but wholesome
food must not be omitted if we would develop strength.
Athletes are not fed on confectionary and alcoholic drinks,
Even poetic imagination, one of the highest gifts of the
'9

20 INTRODUCTION.

human soul, must keep its feet on the earth. The auto
biography here given presents the life of a gifted, favored
and conspicuous actor during a period of eighty years, cover
ing events from 1806 to 1888, — a period intensely engaging
in ajl its aspects. A great American epoch, when large
questions and interests of church and state, - of province
and nation, and of world-wide consequence have been hotly
discussed by tongue and pen and sword. Great educa
tional, moral and political battles having been fought, and
marvellous victories having been won. In r.espect to intel
lectual and religious liberty, missionary enterprises, found
ing states and institutions, temperance reforms, the
advancement of national relations and the overthrow of
slavery on our continent, it may truly be said that the
epoch here spanned has been the real heroic age of our
country. In these great advances the writer of this
book has been a keen-eyed witness and an influential
participant. A few words should be said of the good actor who reveals
himself and his associates : unusually endowed by nature ;
inheriting indeed some of the best blood that trod the deck
of the Mayflower ; liberally educated ; imbued with the
spirit and doctrines of Roger Williams.; a spiritual Chris
tian ; an experienced teacher ; a distinguished preacher ; an
ardent patriot ; a poet in fact, as well as in spirit ; a repre
sentative of a great freedom-pledged denomination ; a man
who has travelled broadly, observed wisely, studied care
fully, wielding a chaste and vigorous pen. His story from
his remarkable memory and his charitable heart, cannot
fail to be alike pleasing and informing. He presents his
apples of gold on a groundwork of silver. Perhaps his
excellent wife, to whom he owes more than words may
express, may have aided him in polishing the metal. His
gifted son has added charms to the volume by its illus
trations. As a mirror in which to study New England life during
the present century, this book will be eagerly perused, and
will be more and more prized as the years roll our nation
onward into the great future which will be a child of the
noble past. But the reader must not be detained from the
banquet.
F. Denison.
Providence, R. I.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF
REV. JOHN ALDEN

CHAPTER I.
CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH.
WAS born in Ashfield, Mass., Franklin County,
in 1806, and am directly descended from John
Alden, who came over in the Mayflower. A
genealogical sketch will be found in Part III., together
with other interesting facts concerning the Alden family.
Regarding my family relatives, I will quote from a letter,
written by Rev. Dr. J. Taylor, for my Golden Wedding, in
1883. " Mr. Alden belongs to a family of twelve children, most
of whom lived to a mature age and filled posts of influence.
He was trained amid the hallowed influences of religion.
It would be rare to find a house that disbursed a more
generous hospitality. His father's house was a house of
prayer, where not only the children, but all the laborers,
in doors and out, were assembled around the altar of
prayer. His father, and one of his brothers, like himself,
were ministers of the gospel. By his father's second
marriage, to the widow of Rev. Mr. Gillette of Bloomfield,
Conn., he had two excellent step-sisters, Abigail and Sarah,
and a worthy step-brother, Hon. Francis Gillette, once a
United States Senator, from Hartford, Conn."
My father was born in Bridgewater, Mass., in 1761.
23

24 A UTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
My grandfather was one of the earliest settlers in Ashfield.
He went from Bridgewater, Mass., and fortunately selected
one of the pleasantest and best farms in the town, embrac
ing a rich intervale on both sides of the Bear river. He
built a log house, the style of that day, in a sunny place,
protected from the winds. I have often visited the spot,
with peculiar feelings. The house had gone to decay.
The well only remained. A good two-story house was
erected a little south of the spot, where my grandparents
lived and died, and where their twelve grandchildren were
born. Oh, what charming thoughts ever cluster around the
old homestead. My grandfather moved his wife and three
children, and then on horseback, went to Bridgewater, and
put my father, then eight years old, on the horse behind
him, and thus they rode nearly one hundred and forty miles,
to the wilderness home, well stocked with bears, wolves,
catamounts and Indians. My grandparents were very de
cided Congregationalists. They had two miles to go, he
riding on a saddle, and she on a pillion behind him. Below
is a copy of an epitaph on his tombstone :
" Tender were his feelings,
The Christian was his friend,
Honest were his dealings
And happy was his end."
My memory reaches back to the time my grandfather
died. I was then two and a half years old. I very dis
tinctly recollect seeing him chopping wood, sitting on a log
in the pile of wood.
This same year, a Rev. Jesse Hartwell, a very eloquent
man, visited my father. Notice was given that he would
preach in our house, and it was full. His text was, " Zach-
eus, come down." He repeated his text often, bringing
down his chair with force to make it the more emphatic.
An aunt has since told me that I sat in my little chair
eyeing him closely and constantly. The next day, she said
I kept repeating portions of the sermon, and then the text
bringing my chair down with a rush. " Your father," said

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH.

25

she, " said, ' I should not wonder if that impression should
lead that boy into the ministry if he is ever converted.'"
Before I was three years old, I went to live for a time
with my sister, Mrs. Betsey Ranney, wife of William Ran-
ney, who gave me a little whip attached to a handle. One
day I came running into the house, saying, " Betsey ! Bet
sey ! I saw a snake in the yard." "You don't know what
a snake is, John." "Yes, I do." "How did it look?"
" It was long like this whip." " What did you do to it ? "
" I whipped it." " What did the snake do ? " " Look
here " — thrusting my tongue in and out, — " that is what he
did." "Then what did you do?" "I whipped! and I
whipped him very harder ! and he went quilliqurm — quilli-
qurm." How quilliqurm came into my head I do not
understand, for I do not know of such a word in the
English language. Yet my sister has always said I used
that word.
There was a family by the name of Fiske that lived very
near. Mrs.' Fiske was very fond of children. On a visit
to my sister, finding me a little chatterbox, she wanted me
to go home with her. Soon I came back, saying, " Isn't
Mrs. Fiske a real good woman ? She gave me this bread
and butter with wasupper's nest on it." I think I had
never seen the honey in the comb before. She said,
" Come again, John ; we keep honey here." Being very
fond of sweet things I went often. My sister said, " You
must not go so often," and locked the gate. After a little
while my prattle ceased, and soon I came to the gate eating
bread and butter covered with honeycomb.
" John," said she, " how did you get over the fence ? "
" I didn't get over the fence." " I locked you in the yard,
now you are in the road ; how did you get over the fence ? "
" I didn't get over the fence, Betsey ! " " You don't under
stand me. You was here and now you are there. How
did you get there ? " " Oh ! I crawled under the gate like
our Skip." My brother Ranney, I called Uncle Bill.
One of his barns was about one hundred rods from his

26 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.

house. He was threshing in it. I went up to it and said,
" Uncle Bill, I want you to tell me a story." He laid down
his flail and sat in the doorway and said, " I will tell a story
if you will tell one." " I can't think of any," said I. " You
tell one and then I will if I can think of one." He told
one and then called on me. I told him to put both hands
over his eyes and shut them very tight. All was silent,
and when he uncovered them I was many rods from the
barn in full run for the house. In telling it since, I have
heard him say he was never so completely fooled by any
one, old or young, in all his life. He finally said he would
not tell me another story till I told one ; driven to it, I let
slide the first story I ever told. " I went out toward the
north woods, and looked, but did not see anything ; went
farther and looked and looked, but saw nothing. I went on
to the knoll near the woods, but saw nothing, but felt as
though I was going to see a great black bear."
At the age of eight I trust I was converted. Ever after
I longed to be a preacher, and many a time I would go into
the woods, where the water poured over a dam, take a text
and preach all I could from it, looking carefully that no one
heard me. During a revival in Conway, several miles from
my home, I went among the anxious to be prayed for. All
others were adults. They were asked to pray for them
selves. I was in agony for my soul, and wanted to say,
" God be merciful to me a sinner," but could not speak.
On my return home in a cold winter night, I went to the
barn and prayed, till the burden of sin was removed, and I
loved to pray, and I have loved to pray ever since.
Though I loved prayer, loved Christians and the Bible,
hated and mourned over sin, and wanted to serve God, I
feared I had not sufficient evidence to profess him. Then,
more than seventy years ago, no children were taken into
the church on profession of their faith. I was constantly
anxious to know whether I was a true Christian. My
father inherited a good farm, and kept us four sons at work
on it. Once when working alone and seeing a cloud about

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH. 27
to flit under the sun, I prayed it might go over the sun if I
was a true Christian. It did not, and I still doubted. At
another time I took shelter in the woods from a shower
under a leaning hollow tree. I prayed if I was a Christian
that the rain might be hurled into the hollow of the tree.
Of course it was not. I thought God could do this and
assure me, and no one be harmed. I was a child and did not
realize that God never gave such evidences. I had little
love for those pleasures in which youth delight. I used no
profane .language, and was in my element whenever there
was a revival. I had one of the best of praying mothers,
who used to take her children alone, and talk and pray
with them. " Oh, who can tell the power of prayer
For us and those for whom we care I
Whate'er may be the outward form,
If with the heart's affection warm,
Though but a trembling, broken sigly
'Twill surely win its way on high
And bring a mother's blessing down
The struggles of a life to crown."
My mother died when I was young> and her happy death
had much to do with my conversion. My mind at this
time was much exercised in regard to my hope in Christ —
and here I would say, had my pastor been faithful in look
ing after my soul's interests, and helped me in the exami
nation of the true state of my religious feelings, so many
years might not have elapsed, humanly speaking, ere I
publicly professed my faith in the Saviour.
When I was four or five years old, I was my grand
mother's pet waiter boy, and often took my meals with her.
She was a very pious woman, and told me a great many
pious, practical stories. All who knew her called her a per
son of very superior talents and memory. I loved her
dearly, and as a general thing, was faithful to all her wants.
She lived in an L part of our building. All the care of get
ting her wood and water devolved on me. One cold win-

28 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
ter evening, as I was about getting her wood for the night,
two schoolboys of my class came along with their sleds, say
ing, " John, it is first-rate coasting ; get your sled and come
with us." I said, " I must first prepare wood for my grand
mother." "We can't wait a moment, for we want to get a
good safe place to slide before it is too dark." "Tell me
where it is, and I will find you when I get my chores
done." " We do not know exactly, and you may not find
us." " Come right along," said one, "I wouldn't lose all
my fun for my grandmother's sake." Fearing I might not
find the place, and thinking she would not suffer, for the
little time I should be gone, I went with them. Finding
the sliding splendid, I staid longer than I intended.
When I returned, she had suffered with the cold, which
caused a serious fit of sickness. The bitter tears I shed,
and the agony I felt, I can never forget.
Around my delightful home wound a charming trout
brook. My grandmother obtained a rod and line, tied a pin
hook to it, dug some bait, went with me to the brook,
which was only a few rods from the house. She caught a
trout and thus showed me how to do it. That was enough
to fire me up for a long life. " When you catch five," said
she, " we will have a fine fry."
As quick as it dawned, I might have been seen upon the
run for the brook, and I generally caught five or more be
fore breakfast, as they were at that time very plenty.
Trouting has been my chief recreation through life. With
a little help I made a dam in this brook, and had a water-
wheel going, and stocked the pond with trout. On this
pond was a small raft. When I was five years old, I saw
for the first time a person immersed. I had a young sister
three years old, now the mother of several excellent chil
dren and the good wife of Edward Miner, Esq., of Illinois.
She was ever with me as a general thing, in the water or
out. I said, " Sophia, don't you want to be baptized ? "
She answered, " Yes," not knowing its import. It was a
very warm day in July. I led her into the water of suffi-

BIRTHPLACE OF JOHN ALDEN.

IfifZ£i>tJi,3i*""-

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH.

29

cient depth, and went through with the ceremony. She
was very angry. It was no saving ordinance to her. I
made her promise not to tell our parents, and she remem
bered her promise.
When I was six years old, my father employed Miss
Mary Lyon as a teacher in our family. After some years,
she became the noted principal of the celebrated Mt. Hol-
yoke Female Seminary, South Hadley. She was one of
the best scholars I ever knew, and by far the most thorough
teacher I ever had. She had the lessons repeated over
and over again, so that we should not forget them. Much
of that instruction is still fresh in my memory, and I shall
ever cherish her teachings with profound gratitude, both in
a moral and scientific point of view.
An event in my life at the age of fourteen, fully illus
trates the maxim,' that our natures have a hidden reserved
force, which can only be called out in great emergencies.
On the Fourth of July, a little past midnight, a messenger
came to our chamber, crying, " The house is on fire ! " I
sprang up, and an older brother with me. The room was
light as day. Our carriage house, some twenty feet from
the dwelling house, was on fire at the opposite end from
the house. The neighbors rushed to the rescue. I had
piled up cord wood to the top of the house next to our
dwelling, which helped in saving it. The cry was, " Clear
the house ; the roof is on fire ! " I sprang to the desk
where my father kept his money and notes, broke the lock,
wrapped a towel round the drawer, hastened out a back
way, crossed a brook, and hid it and covered it with leaves.
On returning, I saw the fire near the top of the house,
burning briskly. There was an L part in the rear with a
very flat roof, coming near to the eaves of the two-story
p?.rt, which had a very steep roof. I had often tried with
others to run up this roof, and some feet ere we reached it,
we slid back. A permanent ladder stood by the roof of
the L part. I seized a small pail filled with water, went
up on the flat roof, determined to ascend, as that only

30 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

would save the dear old homestead, where the whole eleven
of us were cradled. I reached the top, poured on the
water, and thus extinguished the flames. It caught again,
and I put it out in the same way. I tried after that, but
could not reach the top of the two-story house. I heard
my father mourning the loss of his notes and money. I
took him aside, and told him I had buried his talents in the
woods. "Thoughtful boy, you have greatly relieved me,
and saved our home."
I began to teach in the district schools before I was sev
enteen years of age. The first school-I taught was located
on the bank of the Deerfield river, opposite to where I
taught an academy some dozen years after. The scholars
had been allowed to take a stone boat and wide planks and
slide down en masse a steep hill by the school-house. The
parents had tried in vain for years to have the teacher stop
it. I determined to keep good order without corporeal
punishment. I told the school if any scholar was hurt, I
should forbid such dangerous coasting. One boy was
badly hurt. I then forbid all such sliding on penalty of
punishment. For a week or so, they obeyed. But when I
was coming from my boarding-house, I met my whole
school, nearly fifty, coming in a rapid manner on boat and
planks. I went to the school-house and awaited their re
turn. I then told them I had said all should be punished
who broke the rule. I had about twenty adults in school,
several of them older than myself. I gave my rule to one
of the oldest scholars, and told him to punish the one next
to him, calling him out upon the floor. The whole school
were thus punished by each other. The punishment was,
three strokes of the ruler, put on according to the esti
mated guilt of the parties. When it came to the little
children, the blows would not injure a humming bird. It
proved effectual, and stopped all this kind of sliding.
In Belchertown, some ten miles from Amherst, the schol
ars had turned out one or two teachers. The committee
man asked Prof. Hitchcock if he could find a student in

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH. 3l

college who could govern their schools. He recommended
me. It was in my senior year, and I did not wish to teach.
The man said, " Do you think you can govern our school ? "
I answered, " I have no fear." *' Well," he said, " if you
can, I will give you double wages."
I engaged. I told the scholars I came to do them good,
and would meet them five nights in the week, for school
work, and try to have them make up lost time. All went
well the first week. Soon the ringleader of all the mis-
chief stuck a pin into the arm of a scholar next to him. I
saw the young man start. I asked him the cause, and he
told me. I requested the offender to stop after school.
He did, but showed no penitence, and would make no
promise of good conduct. He did the same thing the next
day, and I stopped him, with the same result. I then told
him if he disturbed the school again, I should either
exclude him, or punish him, probably the latter, as he was
a backward scholar. There were eight young men, I think,
who had been engaged in putting out the former teachers.
He told them what I said to him, and tried to get their
promise to aid him if I punished him. All but one said,
" This teacher is trying to do us good, and we will not do
it." As the other young man was large and strong like
himself, he concluded to make a trial of forces.
A few days after this, as the school was seated, he came
from the tailor's shop with about twenty yards of lasting
wound around his knee, and sat down on the children's
seat, uttering at the time a low groan. I stepped up
before him and asked why he had done it ? With a saucy
look and tone, he said, " Because I chose to do it." I
demanded a reason. " If you must know, it is on account
of a hole in my pants." I ordered him to take the listing
off. He was a very long time in doing it ; and then
putting his thumbs each side of a hole about the size of a
pea, he looked up in a triumphant and saucy way, and said,
"Do you see that, sir? " He was a large and fleshy young
man. I brought my ruler down on the fleshy part of his

32 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
limb with a telling stroke as he sat before me. He sprang
up with an oath, and with his fist struck at me, but hit only
the ruler. He said, " Come on, and help." His help did
not come. I said, " Sit down, or I will knock you down."
He sat down. I commenced a talk of some length, till
he began to weep, and many of the scholars and the
teacher, too.
It was now time for recess. It was a cold day, yet his
associates gathered around him. I was some anxious to
know for what purpose. I let them stay out till they chose
to come in. I positioned myself by the side of the fire
place, with a long iron shovel behind me, and my book and
rule in my lap. They all stood in a circle by the fire, and
then all but the offender left for their seats. He
approached me in tears and said, " I ask your pardon for
my abusive conduct this winter." "Will you ask that of
the school also?" "Yes," he said. The pardon was
granted with tears of joy. I found that his associates did
not leave him till he promised to do as he did. I said,
"Orlando, I will promise to do all I can to help you in
your studies." After that I had not a better friend in my
school. He circulated a paper, with success, for lengthen
ing out the school.

BIRTHPLACE OF MR.S. ALDEN, CAMBRIDGE, MASS.

CHAPTER II.
COLLEGE LIFE.
SEW, I think, have met with as many casualties as
I have and survived them. At the age of nine
years I was riding a furious horse, to harrow out
corn. The horse became unmanageable, ran for home, the
harrow bounding behind him. As he came to the top of a
very steep hill, the harrow. parted and. left the whippletree
and chains. As he ran down the hill, I was thrown off,
and one of my limbs was caught in the chain, and I was
drawn many rods, my head striking stones till I became
senseless. Fortunately,, ere I came to a high pair of bars,
the chain came off. The horse leaped the bars and ran
into his stall.
After a few weeks, I was able to work again. When a
little older, I was standing on a bridge that was undergoing
repairs. The bridge was within a few feet of a deep mill
pond. A peculiar gearing, by which a string piece was being
swung on to the bridge, gave way. A friend said, " Jump
instantly into the pond." Had I not, I should have been
thrown among the rocks and instantly killed. When a
young man, I was knocked down by the falling of a tree,
which left me for a time in an unconscious state. At
another time, the lightning passed just over my head, and
shattered a tree before me, prostrating me with the shock.
When young, I had unusual physical strength. I could
out-do most men in lifting, working, jumping and wrestling.
In my native town, there were two military companies.
After training was over, the companies for years chal-
35

36 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

lenged each other for a game of wrestling. There was a
family of two brothers who were for a long time victors in
wrestling. They were in the opposite company in which I
had just begun to train. They were among the stoutest
men since the days of Samson. It is said of one of them,
he was seen to lift a barrel of cider over a cart wheel into
the cart. They swung their opponents in the air, and
turned them over on the back. I was early desired to
wrestle with one of them, but declined, saying I did not de
sire to be swung between the heavens and the earth until
I was found guilty. Being constantly importuned, saying,
" You understand all the ways admissable, and by them you
have thrown the bullies of other towns ; just try him." He
swung me round three times, but was unable to turn me.
As he was fixing for another onslaught, I approached him
suddenly, struck my heel on the back side of his knee joint,
threw my breast against him with all my might, and over
he went, and, over him I went, making a complete somer
sault. I rushed up to him, giving my hand, saying, " Shall
I help you up?" "Not fair," said he. Hundreds from
both companies shouted, " Fair on your back, thank God,
once in your life." I said, " Fellow citizens, I have for
ever done with wrestling." If Mr.  had held on to me,
he might have broken my neck. I am glad so savage a
practice is so nearly at an end.
When I was about nineteen years of age, I commenced
fitting for college with several others. Our teacher was the
Rev. B. F. Clark, pastor of the Congregationalist Church
in Buckland. He was a very thorough, good teacher. My
mind at that time was deeply affected on the subject of
religion. Mr. Clark gave me good advice, and said, "You
will never find a more convenient time than now to attend
to the interests of your soul." I could not put the subject
off any longer. I spent many hours in secret prayer. If
ever I was converted in my childhood, I felt that now I
needed a more thorough conversion. It so affected me
that for some days I could not study. I went home to

COLLEGE LIFE. 37

seek my parents' counsel and prayers. It was a delightful
home. On a pleasant October evening, I walked out on
the pleasant section of our farm, resolved to give my heart
wholly to God ere I returned. About midnight I went
to my chamber in agony of soul. I felt that I could do
no more. I was hedged up by the law, had gone the
length of my chain, and was driven to Christ alone for
mercy. I fell on my knees and cried, " Lord, save me, or
I perish ! " He heard that contrite prayer. The terrible
burden left me, and I felt indescribably happy. As I be
gan to think of God's boundless love, I was lost in wonder,
love and praise. I was so overwhelmed, it seemed like try
ing to catch the waters of the mighty Niagara in a little
cup. I went back to my studies, and for months had
scarce a trouble, doubt or fear. It was not unlike the feel
ings of my childhood, only it was far greater in degree. I
then felt it my duty to profess Christ. It was my choice
to join the Congregationalist Church. That church was,
.and ever has been, very dear to me. I wanted to join
it if I could make baptiso mean anything but immer
sion. I was then familiar with the Greek, but could not
find that baptiso ever meant to pour or to sprinkle. I
read church history and found that immersion only was
practised for the first three hundred years after Christ.
The sixth chapter of Romans showed me definitely the ob
ject of baptism. I united finally with the Baptist Church.
I finished my fitting for college at the Amherst Academy.
The graduating class from the academy had parts as
signed them for the annual exhibition. My part was a
tragedy. The scene was laid in Greece. It was in the
time of the Grecian and Turkish war, which so moved the
civilized world. The tragedy ended by the combat of the
Grecian and Turkish generals. The war to be settled like
a case in Roman history, The nation of the slain general
was to be the conquered one. , I had the part of the Gre
cian general, and slew the Turkish general on the stage,
amid the deafening applause of the auditors. The precep-

38 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
tor of the academy at this time was Elijah Paine of Ash-
field, an excellent and much beloved teacher.
From there I entered Amherst College, and graduated in
1 83 1. I have ever looked back on my four years of college
life with great pleasure. Rev. Dr. H. Humphrey was one
of the best presidents a college ever had. He was an able
preacher, ever kind, watchful and pleasant. The college
had six professors, all pious, able men. The whole fac
ulty, most of whom were preachers, sought the good of the
soul as well as that of the intellect.
They have all gone to reap eternally the harvest, for
which they faithfully sowed. The college was blest, while
I was connected with it, with two general revivals. In one
of the revivals, for days, in nearly every hall-way, the voice
of prayer was heard at all reasonable hours, in nearly every
room. Horatio B. Hackett, probably the ablest student
the college ever graduated, afterwards a famous professor
in Brown University, also a theological professor of great
worth, was so wrought upon by the convicting influences
of the Holy Spirit, that, by the advice of the faculty, he
did not study a lesson for three weeks. He finally gave
his heart to Christ and became a very happy, devoted
Christian. A large number of the students were at that
time converted. The influence of the prayer-meetings in
our class I feel yet. My class sent out about thirty min
isters from its sixty graduates. The Congregationalist
Sabbath-school sought some teachers from the college.
Being requested as one, I asked the advice of one of our
professors what class to take. He said the most charming
class he ever taught was one where their ages ranged from
three to five years., I selected such a class of little girls
from the families of some of the professors and others.
None of them could read very well, being generally about
four years of age. I selected good Bible stories, telling
them to the children without giving the names of the
parties. I gave a card to each scholar on which was
written the book and chapter where the story could be

COLLEGE LIFE. 39

found, so that their friends could post them, and then had
them tell me all they could remember the next Sabbath.
For illustration : " Children, I am going to tell you about
the little boy who minded every time. His parents were
very good, pious people, and they wanted , him to be the
best boy in all Israel ; so they had him live with their
minister. He had gone to his little bed when he heard his
name called. He minded, arose and went to the minister,
and asked him what he wanted. He told him he did not
call him, and told him to go back to his bed. He minded.
Soon he heard his name called again. He minded, and
went to the minister's room. The minister perceived that
it was God who called him, and he told the boy if he heard
the voice again, to say, " Speak, Lord, for thy servant
heareth." He minded. I suppose he said it over and over
again and then said it as the minister told him. God
loved that boy, and made a godly man of him, and he is
almost the only one whose name and history are given in
the Bible of whom no fault is recorded."
The next Sabbath I would ask the class to give the
name of that boy, the names of his parents, and that of the
minister. It was a luxury to hear these little girls tell the
story so perfectly ; if one left out anything, up would come
a lot of little hands to correct it. They surrounded me so
that I should be sure to see their raised hands. Rain or
shine, if well, they would be present. I never had a more
interesting class. Years after I left college, I have been
invited to visit them at their homes. In my college days I
often went out to preach. The first sermon I ever
preached was in North Leverett, in my freshman year. It
was the means, under God, of the conversion of six interest
ing persons, which was the beginning of a revival that
brought over thirty into that church. I spent much of my
time in vacations, in addressing Sabbath-schools, in, various
towns. President Humphrey was accustomed to- give lectures tc
the senior class, and often enforced them with an anecdote.

40 A UTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
In selecting a wife, he said, " Select one well versed in
domestic duties, for when you come to the table from
professional toil and care, a well cooked dinner will be
more desirable than a tune on the piano. Never marry for
money alone ; it may not be an objection if all other things
are right. I knew a man not a hundred miles from here,
who married late in life solely for money. He was a rich
farmer, and his farm joined one of great value owned by a
maiden lady. He tried a long time in vain to marry her.
One day he visited her, and said, ' My dear Sarah, do not
fear or distrust me; for I do love you most dearly, so
ardently that I love the very ground you live on? 'That
is what I fear ! ' But in the sequel he married her. The
next thing was to get rid of her. She lived high, and was
corpulent. He put her on very plain fare which only made
her more healthy. He persuaded her to ride horseback,
promising to lead the horse. When they came beside a
precipice, he struck the horse in the flank, which caused
him to throw his wife down upon the rocks and break a
limb, and so harm her, that it cost him some hundred
dollars, and she lives to torment him yet."
The town of Amherst, Mass., is a healthy and very
moral town, with a large, neat, charming village, in which
the college buildings are located. The view of the moun
tains in the distance is truly grand and imposing, and very
beautiful when the foliage is brilliant with autumn's tinted
hues. Few places can be found so well fitted for a col
lege. It has, and ever had, a very able faculty. No col
lege in the land has been more richly blest of God, with a
wholesome moral influence. Parents may truly rejoice
that they can place their children where they will be so
thoroughly educated and tenderly cared for; and where
there are comparatively so few temptations. In behalf of
the alumni, I venture to say we are all proud of our Alma
Mater. When digging a well near Main street, in Amherst, in
1829, the workmen found a live frog, seven feet below the

COLLEGE LIFE. 41

surface. A stone came out at the side of the hole where
the frog was, leaving a very small place, not sufficiently
large for him to escape, yet exposing him to view. I found
the gravel too hard to enlarge the hole with my fingers,
showing there could be no trickery in the exhibit. Multi
tudes viewed him for the space of three days, when he died
from exposure to the air. He was of a medium size.
How came he there ? and how came others found alive in
the solid rock? To mej there is only one true theory.
On personal examination of the Mt. Holyoke range, I am
ready to indorse the opinion of many scientific men who
have investigated the little ravines and pot holes on the
top of Mt. Holyoke range, a thousand feet above the Con
necticut valley, that once there was a vast lake extending
up into Vermont, and that there was a mighty fall between
Mt. Tom and Holyoke mountain. That would have put
Amherst many feet under water. As the rocky barrier
gave way, in time, the water barely swept over Amherst.
The waves, urged on by the winds, might have buried that
frog deeper and deeper under the gravel. This theory, too,
might explain what we saw when they dug the foundation
for the third college building. There were different kinds
of stones formed together, some of which were evidently
made smooth by water power.
When in college I was blest with an excellent, pious
room-mate, by the name of French. He was a very talented
man, and a thorough Calvinist. I said something that
made him say, "That borders on Armenianism." "Are
you a Calvinist," said he? " I think so, though I have not
investigated the subject much." " Do you believe in the
doctrine of election?" "Surely," I replied, "I believe
God has elected all that accept of salvation." That led to
a protracted discussion for many a night, and was a life
long benefit to me. " Then you believe that election
depends on the volition or will of the subject, do you?"
"That is the way I have heard it argued, I said." "When
are saints chosen ? " he asked. " From the beginning hath

42 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.

God chosen you to salvation" (Thes. 2:3). "Is God
unchangeable?" "Yes. If the Lord change not, did he
determine to save the sinner when or at the moment he
repented, then he always did or else he changed his mind,
did he not ? Could God see anything good in a heart
entirely destitute of holiness, whereby he should choose
him?" "No," I said, but I still hung on the free moral
agency of man. These verses came before me : " Thy
people shall be willing in the day of thy power " ( Ps.
110:2). "The gifts and callings of God are without
repentance" (Rom. 11 -.27). "Elect according to the
foreknowledge of God through sanctification of the spirit
and belief of the truth " ( 1 Peter 1:2). I found the point
he pressed was the true one, for it was the scriptural one.
Man by nature hates God and holiness, is " dead in tres
passes and sins." "The carnal mind is enmity toward
God " his Word declares. Hence God says, " Ye have not
chosen me but I have chosen you" (John 15: 16). He
took me from the horrible pit and miry clay and established
my goings. The more a man struggles in the pit of miry
clay the deeper he sinks. So is he spiritually, in his own
strength. When all human aid fails, he will cry, " Lord,
save, or I perish." Yet every man acts free, free to hate,
free to love. " Christ died for all." Salvation is freely
offered to all. All refuse. So to save some he hath mercy
on whom he will have mercy, and leaves others to their
free choice, just as much as if there was no election. It
harms none, but saves some. He does not bless all alike
in talent, in their bodies or positions, and yet he blesses all
more than they deserve. If men will choose darkness
rather than light, it is not God's fault. I am fully satisfied
that what is called the Calvinistic, properly understood — or
the doctrine of free grace, I rather call it, — is consistent
with itself and the Bible. I think that and the persever-
ance of the saints, really converted or born of the Spirit,
are both clearly taught in Romans 8 : 29, 30.
The following extract of a letter was written in college

COLLEGE LIFE. 43

days ( May, 1830) by classmate Sabine (afterward Rev. Dr.
Sabine ), alluding to the character and death of the beloved
classmate French :
" I cannot forbear making allusion to a melancholy
event, which probably has been disclosed to you before this,
and which, while it is extremely sorrowful to me, must be
doubly so to you. French is gone. Intelligence of this
gloomy fact met my eye in the Recorder. Nothing could
have surprised me more. Yes, he has left us. The class
mate whose memory is still cherished by us in all its fresh
ness and purity ; whose life comes up familiarly before us
for an example ; whose faithful attendance upon daily duties
makes him still seem as one of our number ; whose voice
was heard often in support of order and justice, but espe
cially in prayer ; this classmate has left his seat among us
vacant ; but may we not trust he has found a seat in a
better community, where the voice of supplication is
exchanged forever for the songs of triumph over tribulation
and death. I am inclined to hope this sad occurrence will
have a salutary influence over the class. It seems to stand
forth prominently as a striking memento of our frailty."
A THRILLING EVENT IN COLLEGE DAYS.
Not a mile distant from Amherst College was an artificial
pond, which some twenty of us, classmates, were often
happy to visit on Saturday, and have a good swimming time.
It had in the middle of the pond a stone butment, the relic
of a bridge ere the pond was made. Any one could wade
out to it, but if he stepped off, he would go into the water
some ten feet deep. We had a classmate, Garvin by name,
not quite seven feet tall, who could not swim, but was in
the water wading about. We told him not to go to the
butment, but he said if Polliphemus could wade the ^Egean
Sea, he could wade any pond in Amherst. He stepped off
the butment and screamed. A Mr. Case, one of the best
swimmers in the class, ran from the shore and plunged into

44 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
the water and caught him as he rose, but they were so
clasped that they both sank together. I sprang into the
water, saying, " Hold on to my left hand and form a chain
to the shore." I waded and swam so as to catch one of
them by the arm just as they were sinking the second time.
I said, " Draw us all ashore." Garvin soon began to tell
his thoughts while in the water. We were all astonished
at the recital, and could scarcely have believed him had we
not known him to be a man of truth. He thought first of
the feelings of his parents over his death, then of this and
that relative and neighbor, the funeral, the text, its effect
on the class and college, etc. What a tremendous engine
of Omnipotence is the mind and soul of man when roused
to its utmost tension !
A DUEL OVERRULED.
There was a student, a member of the Freshmen class
in Amherst college, challenged a classmate to fight a duel.
He answered, "It is not proper or legal in New England
to fight a duel " The student said, " It is tolerated where
I live, and I will shoot you in secret if you do not accept
the challenge." Fearing that he might do it, he consulted
two shrewd classmates. They told him to write the chal
lenger a letter, claiming the right to choose the seconds,
the weapons, the time, the place and the distance. He ac
cepted it. Then one of the seconds went to the challenger
and said, "Do you know what kind of a man you have chal
lenged ? He is called the best shooter in Massachusetts.
Are you a good shooter with the rifle ? " " No ; I always
use a shot gun." Then you stand at a fearful difference."
" I cannot help it. Men where I live never back down."
" Well, I will do what I can for you," The next day, the
other second met him, saying, " I thank you for the honor
of acting as second in this bloody affray. Do you know
what a marksman you have challenged ? I never knew
him miss. I have seen him kill a hawk while sailing high

COLLEGE LIFE.

45

in the air, with his rifle. You may kill him, but he will
certainly kill you. We have heard your father preach.
He was an excellent man. What other family friends have
you?" "I have one of the best mothers on earth, and
nine brothers and sisters." " Are they all professors of
religion?" "Yes, all but myself." "I hope you will pre
pare to meet your God if you persist in going on with this
duel." "Men of my region never back down." "I will
try to help you. We have decided that the weapons shall
be rifles ; the place, the college gymnasium; the time, 12
o'clock at night. The rifles are at our rooms, and you are
to meet us there at 10 o'clock p. m."
The seconds charged both rifles with powder and wad
only. The challenged student came in first, and was found
by his opponent reading a newspaper and humming a tune.
The challenger walked the room with downcast looks for
some time. Finally he says, " Brother, can't we settle this
in some other way ? " "That will depend upon the spirit
that you show; you have greatly insulted me." "What,
my dear brother, would satisfy you ? " " That you say you
are sorry that you have treated me so ungentlemanly and
meanly." "Oh! I never can say that, — I never can say
that!" "Then expect sure I shall take your heart's blood
to-night at twelve o'clock," and turned to reading his news
paper. The challenged student at about 1 1 o'clock said to
the second, " Bring on your rifles. Are they sure fire ? "
"Yes; we snapped twelve caps consecutively." "Take
your choice; a rifle is a rifle with me." "Are they both
charged alike?" <'Yes." The challenger continued to
walk the room. He said, " I think your terms are rather
hard" (weeping). "I shall give you no better terms."
The seconds said, " It is time to go to the grove, that
we may be there in season." The challenger walked
slowly and sadly, following his opponent to the place
selected. They were placed back to back, and directed to march
twelve paces, keeping time with the bell, and then to turn

46 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
and fire at each other. When they had marched six paces,
the challenger said, " Stop, brother ! " and ran up to him,
saying, " If I must say it, I must. I am sorry I have treated
you so ungentlemanly and meanly." " Oh, all right ; it is
now settled."
One Saturday afternoon, some half-dozen of us, seniors,
concluded to go to School Meadows and fish for pickerel.
As it was a little out of town, the college law required that
we should have leave from some of the faculty. They had
all left town. We concluded to risk it, and ask leave when
we returned. I was carrying a large string of pickerel,
as we met Prof. Solomon Peck and wife in a carriage.
My classmates said, " You are the oldest one ; get us
excused." The professor met us with a smile, saying,
" Gentlemen, you have had fine luck." I then said,
"Professor Peck, the law that students should not leave
town without permission, we concluded, like the higher law,
was made for the lawless and disobedient, and not for such
honest fellows as we are ; nevertheless, to make the thing
sure, we tried to find some of the faculty, who ventured to
leave town without consulting us, and we concluded to fol
low their example as they are excellent men, and leave
without consulting them. Now if you think we need any
excuse, please give it."
With a smile he said, "You are all excused," while his
wife was convulsed with laughter, and the professor, too.
Between Amherst and Hadley was a large meadow that
in the January thaw was filled with water. When frozen
over it made a fine skating rink of about half a mile in
length. To this, one Saturday, as we had no studies on
that day, about a score of us classmates decided to
go. One of my class had a patent pair of skates like
mine, which gave us both vantage ground. About half
way down the meadow, was a fence frozen in with three or
four rails above the ice. I boastingly said, " I challenge
you all to catch me e're we get to the. end of the meadow."
The st ident with patent skates, was the only one who kept

NEWTON SEMINARY AND AMHERST COLLEGE.

COLLEGE LIFE. 49

near me. We both jumped the fence, and as I came near
the lower end of the meadow, I saw two large brush heaps,
a little ways apart, and in making an effort to skate
between them, the ice broke through, and .plunged me into
the brush heap. My classmate, coming with lightning speed
at a little different angle, broke through the ice, and came
against me, driving me still farther into the rotten brush
heap. I tore the iron out of one of my skates when I fell.
We lay there laughing, and the rest in the rear set up a
shouting ; we were so full of mirth we did not rise immedi
ately. "Are you hurt?" was the cry. "No, but we have
spoiled the farmer's brush heap for him." Taking up my
broken skate, I said " Good afternoon, gentlemen, so much
for bragging ahd racing." " Where are you going ? " said
they. "Back to college to discipline my imagination in
reviewing logarithms and conic sections."
In 1 83 1, I entered Newton Theological Seminary. In
my first year there I superintended a Baptist Sabbath-
school in Watertown, Mass. At the same time teaching a
Bible class, and acting as a pastor as far as I could. We
students were not allowed then to preach oftener than once
in three weeks. The Sabbath-school was greatly enlarged,
and a revival commenced in my Bible class, and extended
into the parish, which brought a goodly number into the
church. In making efforts to enlarge the Sabbath-school
I caught a severe cold which so settled on my lungs, that I
was obliged to go home for a little season. The parish
sent a man with horse and carriage to carry me home. I
announced the Sabbath when I would bid the Sabbath-
school adieu. By an arrangement the Sabbath-school had
made, on giving the parting hand to teachers and scholars,
each one dropped a piece of silver in my hand. On
approaching the Bible class I had given me a purse of near
twenty dollars. All the presents amounted to very near
one hundred dollars. With this were presented the follow
ing lines, dated March 4, 1833, from one of the Bible class :

50 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

Farewell, Alden, thou dost leave us,
Nevermore perhaps to meet.
Other places soon shall know the
Other f iiends thy presence greet ;
Heav'n protect thee all thy days.
Heav'nly breezes gently fan thee,
Stars of glory cheer thy way.
Saviour deign to guard him safely
To the realms of endless day.
Alden, take our hearts' best wishes,
Take our thanks for all thy care,
That our God for this may bless thee,
Shall be our unceasing prayer,
Oh, reward him with thy smiles forevermore.
Farewell, Alden, must we utter
That sad word, farewell, once more ?
But through grace we hope to meet thee
On that happy peaceful shore.
Farewell, Christian, God protect thee
Till we meet to part no more.
From a Member of the Bible Class.
I returned in about three months with improved health,
and was happy to resume my labors again. The last year
in Newton, I was located, with two others, to supply the
church in East Cambridge. Newton Theological Sem
inary is located in one of the pleasantest places in New
England. The city of Newton that surrounds it, is a
very neat, charming place. The teachers, when I was
there, were Professors Chase, Ripley, Ball and Knowles.
They were all excellent men and very thorough in their
teaching. Of nearly twenty students in my class, two of
us only are living. Rev. Mr. Massey, formerly of Belling-
ham, now a resident in Virginia. Father Grafton was then
pastor of the Baptist Church.
Three associations in Massachusetts united their con
tributions and built an academy at Shelburne Falls, Mass.,
and named it the Franklin Academy. I was desired to
take the charge of it as Principal, with the understanding I

COLLEGE LIFE.

51

was to preach in the chapel. I commenced in the spring
of 1833 with thirty pupils, and closed the year with one
hundred and thirty-five. I taught and preached there six
years. A Baptist church was formed, of six members, in
the fall of 1833. I then was ordained as pastor, and served
them seven years. The sermon at the ordination was
preached by Abial Fisher. . We had six revivals in the
academy, reaching more or less into the village. About
two hundred of my pupils experienced religion, a large

FRANKLIN ACADEMY.

number of whom became ministers. The church was
increased to over one hundred members, and in the mean
time built a nice meeting-house on the banks of the Deer-
field river. I employed Otis Fisher as one of my assist
ants, who was a very pious man and a good preacher. I
retained him some years. He was a great help to me, as
well as many other assistants, especially Rev. Mr. Felton
and Shepardson. When there were indications of a

52 A UTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
revival, we had extra meetings, but kept the studies up as
usual, ordering the chapel door closed at 9 o'clock, p. m.
In one of these revivals the power of God was displayed in
a wonderful manner. Sixteen of my pupils, most of them
young men of great promise, were thought to have
experienced religion in one evening. They all spoke of
their great peace and joy.
It was difficult that night to close on time. At half past
nine I saw the hall emptied, and went home worn down
with labor and anxiety. At eleven I was awaked by three
of my students, who were desired to ask me to come back
to the chapel. I hastened there, and found nearly a hun
dred, seated as far apart as they could well be, many of
whom were in tears. All were silent and solemn, save
here and there a sob. I said, " It is always safe to pray ;
let all kneel who wish to, for a few moments of silent
prayer." I think all knelt. When I arose, I said, "Will
all who desire to give their hearts to God, and desire
prayer, come to the forward settees ? " Three sceptics,
who had opposed the revival, came first, followed by many
others. I said to the first, " Are you here, Mr. G  , as
a sincere seeker after God ? " " I am," he said, weeping
so loud, he might have been heard at quite a distance.
The others were in tears. These sceptics each found them
selves truly happy servants of God that night, and a num
ber of others. Two of them became eminent ministers of
Christ. One of them became pastor of the Baptist Church
in Providence, and continued his pastorate for over twenty
years. The third became an eminent lawyer in Worcester,
Mass., and mayor of the city. This mayor said to me some
twenty years after this, " I can never forget that night in
the Franklin Academy. It was the making of me, and
shaped my destiny for time and eternity. We had over
two thousand attendances during the six years, mostly
adults. Twelve states were thus represented, and some
foreign countries. Its members have filled important posi
tions in church and state and as missionaries abroad.

COLLEGE LIFE. 53

An extract of a letter from Rev. William Crowell, one of
the earliest pupils of Franklin Academy, written while a
member of Brown University, afterward an efficient editor
of the Christian Watchman for several years :
Rev. and Dear Brother :
I am happy that an opportunity occurs of fulfilling the
promise which I made to you at parting.
The remembrance of the happy hours which glided away
so agreeably at my beloved Shelburne Falls, while under
your instruction, be assured, dear sir, is still fresh and
lively. My thoughts often revert to that sweet romantic
spot with an interest which seems to unite the past with
the present. I often place myself in one of those environs
which command such a beautiful view of the academy and
village, mountains on either side rising in silent majesty,
while the lovely Deerfield, the emblem of health and cheer
fulness, pours its clear waters along their base. I hear the
well-known sound of the bell calling to early devotion.
Then I descend and proceeding up the familiar walk I arrive
at the Mansion House, where everything bespeaks order,
neatness and industry, while temperance and exercise unite
to render health, activity and cheerfulness the characteris
tics of its inmates.
More is the joy to me of every recollection, associated as
it is with the glorious intelligence that the Father of Mercy
has been pleased once more to make such rich displays of
his grace in calling souls from the ruins of sin, to taste his
pardoning love. I trust my cold heart did rejoice, but how
great must have been your joy ! If we rejoice, let it be that
success has been given to the cause of truth, and that God
is thereby glorified. It is a glorious thought that mortal
men are permitted to be workers with God, to assist in car
rying out his grand designs. I rejoice in your prosperity,
and hope you may receive a more than corresponding in
crease of faith and personal holiness.
I shall ever thank God for giving me this field of labor,
where I saw so many rich displays of his love and power.
The first year of my residence at Shelburne Falls, I was
married to Ann Maria Chamberlain, of Cambridgeport,

54

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

Mass. While there I had two children, Augustus Ephraim
Alden and Francis Howard Alden. My wife was a great
help to me, both in teaching and painting in the academy,
and as a laborer in the church and Sabbath-school. I have

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baptist church, shelburne falls.
wondered in looking back upon the six years of double
labor that it did not ruin my health. Either was enough
for any one man. The frequent revivals, though they
greatly added to my labors, both comforted and strength
ened me. We had a weekly meeting of all the pious stu-
COLLEGE LIFE.

55

dents, very much like the Methodist class-meeting, in which
each one was asked to express his or her religious state of
feeling. The greatest number of professors of religion at
any one time was one hundred and twelve. I often think
of those precious seasons with delight. The religious ele
ment aided me very much in the discipline of the academy.
I had more trouble with a printed law of the school, viz. :
"The sexes are required to walk by themselves," than
from any other source. Two of my best students had vio
lated the law. I had been told they had said they would
not submit to it. I called on them, and after a pleasant in
terview, I said, " Young gentlemen, are you members of a
temperance society?" "Yes," they answered. "When
you signed the constitution, you felt bound to keep the
pledge, did you not?" "Certainly." "You could not
blame the society for disciplining you if you broke the
pledge, could you ? " "No." " How does this apply to in
stitutions of learning, where the students have signed the
constitution?" They both burst out laughing, saying,
"You have truly caught us. We will not do it again."
As my students were nearly all adults, and the sexes
about equal in number, I had but little trouble in the
discipline. Our mode of instruction was on the inductive plan.
When teaching my class in intellectual philosophy, we came
to the subject of ghosts. I had about forty in that class. I
asked all to raise the hand who believed in ghosts. A few
only raised the hand. I said, "Please give us your proof."
They told some exciting stories that looked rather unan
swerable. I often satirized an error when I could. I said,
" I will tell a ghost story, and thereby give you my opinion.
It was said a room in a certain hotel was haunted. It was
supposed a peddler was robbed and murdered in that room.
If any one lodged there, in the dead of night a man would
enter the room with his throat cut and approach the bed,
and the occupant would leave in a fright. A clergyman
called and wished to spend the night in said hotel. The

56 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

landlord told him he had no room but the haunted one.
The clergyman said, 'I do not believe in ghosts, I will
sleep there. Give me a Bible and hymn-book.' He read
and sang till the guests retired, determined to keep awake.
So he laid down undressed in bed, Bible in hand. Soon he
heard stealthy steps up the chamber stairs. The door
opened and a man approached the bed with his throat cut.
' What do you want ? ' said the minister. ' I am glad you
inquire,' said the spectre, ' all others that I approach flee
from me. I was murdered by this landlord, in this room,
and robbed of a thousand dollars. Follow me and I will
show you where he buried me. This may help convict him.'
He arose and followed the ghost into a smooth plain back
of the hotel, and pointing down, the ghost said, ' There lie
my bones.' He felt around for something to put there
that he might find the place in the morning. He found a
short stub. He put his hand in his pocket for his knife,
but he had left it on the stand where he had snuffed the
candle. Soon he began to gnaw the stub, and as he had a
sore tooth, he awoke gnawing the headboard."
About one hundred of my pupils boarded in Commons.
Deacon Benjamine Maxwell was our good steward and
manager of the farm connected with the Academy. He
was a man of good judgment and talents, ardently pious ;
truly a generous, reliable man. He was a great aid to me
in all my labors in the Academy and the church. He was
the first deacon at the formation of the church. His wife
Clarrissa, was a devoted Christian, an excellent manager,
a lovely peacemaker, and filled well the place of that
excellent Mrs. Crouch, tbpr first stewardess of the
Commons. _f-
The church at its formation was very few in number.
Deacon B. Maxwell and wife, and three families by the
name of Apollos, Jarvis and Ralph Bardwell and their
wives were the early pillars, a charming nucleus, around
which the church grew wonderfully, as they were persons
of sterling character, universally beloved and respected.

COLLEGE LIFE.

57

The church now is, I suppose, the largest and strongest in
the Franklin Association.
Two pupils, nephews of mine, are lawyers. Of one,
Luke Ranney by name, I glean from a printed history of
his life-work, a few facts I am happy to record. He fitted
in part* with me for college, when I had a good opportunity
to learn his superior talents. For a time he was a very
successful teacher in a public school in Troopsville and
Port Byron, in New York. He taught also in Christian
County, Kentucky. He there saw the evils of slavery and
labored ardently for its overthrow. I quote a few words
from one of his lectures. " When I see the vast amount
of evil that emanates from slavery, I shudder at the
future consequences. The day of future doom may be
distant, but it is sure to come. I may not live to see it,
but the fatal seed is sown, and when the harvest comes, it
will be one of death and desolation."
He did much in his public lectures on temperance. He
removed to Elbridge, N: Y., in 1832. He was soon chosen
supervisor of the town, and was chosen for a considerable
time to represent in the legislature the first district of
Onondago County. The bill creating the State Assessors,
was written by him, and his influence contributed largely
to its passage. His speech on the personal liberty bill,
gave him a State reputation as one of the best debaters in
the Assembly."
Mr. Ranney proved to a demonstration that an important
corporation paid $265,000 to buy votes. I quote a portion
of his scathing speech, not too severe for the crime.
" What shall I say to those, . such there are, who have
rec . . /ed the money of this corporation as a reward of their
betrayal of their constituency, for surrendering up their
rights for personal gain."
" Remember Judas Iscariot betrayed his Lord and Mas
ter for thirty pieces of silver ; and for that act has been
held up for desecration, scorn and contempt, wherever the
banner of the cross has been unfurled, even to the utmost

58 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
bounds of Christian civilization. Turn your minds, gentle
men, within, and behold yourselves as in a glass, and see a
villain whose company you are obliged to keep, and from
whose vile companionship there is no escape. Dishonored,.
scorned and condemned by yourself, seeking through life a
hiding-place from the goadings of conscience, dying while.
you are living, praying for the rocks and mountains to fall
on you and hide you from the righteous indignation of a
constituency you have betrayed, from a legislature you
have demoralized, from a State you have dishonored, and a
Republic you have disgraced." He has freely given his
services in every important campaign since 1855.
A just tribute is due to the other nephew alluded to,
Hon. George Alden. He was once a member of the
Franklin Academy. He was an excellent scholar, and was
educated in Colby College, studied law and commenced
practice in Buffalo, N. Y. He speedily rose to eminence
in his profession. Here he married in 1855, Susan A.
Boss, daughter of Philip Boss, portrait painter, of Roches
ter, N. Y. In 1857, they removed to Henry County,
Illinois, where he lived until the breaking out of the war.
In August, 1862, he helped to raise a company which
with seven other companies from that county and two
from Stark County, formed the 112th Illinois Volunteer
Infantry. He was elected quarter-master of the regiment,
and served through the war. In May, 1864, he, with
others, was taken prisoner in northern Georgia, by a band of
Wheeler's Cavalry, and taken to Macon, and as Sherman's
army advanced to the sea they were removed to Augusta,
Savannah, Charleston, Columbia, and so on North, until in
March, 1865, they reached Wilmington, Del., where they
were exchanged, and after a short furlough rejoined their
regiment and remained to the close of the war.
While in prison he was forced to lie for weeks on the wet
ground, where he came near perishing. When in Charles
ton, as the shells came singing into the city, he and his
companions sang " Yankee Doodle " and other Union

COLLEGE LIFE. 59

songs. To prevent their influence on others, they were
removed to the belfry of an exposed church ; but this
could not eradicate the spirit of patriotism which animated
them, and as the shells flamed by, tearing the city to pieces,
they would thrust out their heads and shout, " Hail Colum
bia " and "Yankee Doodle" for a chorus. As they did
the Southern cause more harm in the belfry, they were
returned to their former quarters,
In 1868, while residing in Galesburg, he received an
appointment as special agent of the Treasury Department,
and remained in the Government service nearly eight years.
At the close of this important work, he resumed his law
practice in Galesburg, where he was appointed judge, and
was considered one of the very ablest advocates in the
West. In 1884 he removed with his family to Fort
Collins, Col., where he is at present engaged in ranching.
Another nephew, Henry M. Puffer, is a practising law
yer in Shelburne Falls, and a reporter for the County
paper. He is doing a good business there. Of his talents
and wit, 'let his speech at my golden wedding in 1883,
bespeak it.
He, with his two brothers, Samuel and Charles, were
graduated in Rochester University together, and the last
two are active business men in the West. They were all
sons of Dr. Puffer of Shelburne Falls.
My brother Willard removed when he commenced
business in early life, to Cassadaga, N. Y., and there
became an industrious and wealthy farmer. He was a
good and kind husband and father.
Of my seven sisters all but one were pious and blest with
excellent husbands and children. I have ever felt to bless
God for such talented and lovely family relations. All my
brothers and five sisters have left us. I have only two
sisters left. Mrs. Dr. Puffer of Shelburne Falls, and Mrs.
E. G. Miner of Illinois. They are pious, excellent women,
whom I have ever loved dearly.

CHAPTER III.
TEACHING.
HEN teaching the Shelburne Falls Academy, I was
often called to give a course of chemical lectures
in the adjacent towns. I had a good chemical
apparatus, and I enjoyed the using of it. One lecture was
on Caloric. By searching the chemistrys of Europe and
America, I found out twenty-three ways of producing
visible flame, without raising the temperature above
summer heat, or seventy degrees Fahrenheit. For those
who want to see a few mysterious exhibits, I give a few
of them.
I. Put a little piece of phosphorous in a mortar with
oscimuriat of potash, strike it with a pestle, and a loud
report is heard.
II. Put a little phosphorous in the centre of a tumbler
of water, pour strong sulphuric acid or nitric acid on the
phosphorous, through a glass tube, and the phosphorous
will burn splendidly in the water.
III. Put equal parts of gun powder and fine white sugar
together, draw a thread dipped in strong sulphuric acid
over it, and it bursts into a flame.
IV. Drop a piece of phosphide of calcium into a tum
bler of water, the size of a pea, and more than a hundred
flashes of flame, with a slight report, will be seen and
heard on the surface of the water.
V. Put a little potassium on gun powder and touch it
with an icicle, or a drop of water, and it bursts into a
flame. 60

TEACHING. 6 1

VI. Drop copper filings or bismuth into clorine gas and
it takes fire.
VII. Drop hot turpentine into clorine gas and it takes
fire. The other experiments are more complicated and I will
not give them here.
The question in the Lyceum connected with the Acad
emy had been discussed : " Are the talents of the sexes
equal ? " Some of the members of my chemistry class asked
my opinion. I said, "As there are twenty ladies and twenty
gentlemen in this class, you may decide it, by seeing which
will search out the most resemblances between the animal
and vegetable kingdoms. You may report to me weekly."
They entered upon it with much interest. Some weeks
the ladies reported the most, some weeks the gentlemen.
At the close of the term, they reported two hundred and
seventy resemblances. What pleased and amused us all
was, the parties came out just'equal. They would not have
found so many had they not worked so hard, philosophi
cally and chemically.
In my natural philosophy class of some thirty adults,
while dwelling on the wonderful power of hydrostatic
pressure, I said I did not believe that two boards, twelve
feet long, a foot wide, and an inch thick, could be placed
standing upright, one inch apart, by any side appliances of
wood so as to be filled with water. " How many think it
can be done ? " I had several young mechanics in the
class ready to try it. I told them I would furnish all the
materials, and if I failed I would pay them for their work,
and if they failed they would only lose their labor. It was
soon ready ; a box twelve feet long, one foot wide, and one
inch in diameter. I had the trial at noon, when all could
see it. The box was placed in front of the Academy, to be
filled from a second-story window. Before it was half-filled
it began to form an oval shape, and ere it was filled the
pressure pulled the boards apart in the middle.
A question was asked me : " How does water, one thou-

62 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

sand and thirty-three one-hundredths times heavier than
air, seventy degrees Fahrenheit, rise above the air ? " I had
told my classes they might ask any questions, and if I
could answer them I would ; if not, I would put them off for
a time. I told the class I could not then give the reason,
but no doubt there was a good one, and I would consider it.
I searched all the books I could get, asked many educated
men, but could get no aid. I was accustomed to give a
course of free lectures on chemistry, with experiments, each
fall term. When using the compound blow-pipe, which
will either melt or fuse all substances under its blaze, I put
some broken watch-springs under the blow-pipe. A little
globe of melted steel was seen at a white heat. I shook
this off, and put it under the chemical sink ; and when my
audience left, took up the little ball full of small perfor
ations where the heat went out, apd found it a shell that
crumbled at the least pressure. Like Archimedes I
exclaimed, " Eureka ! Eureka^.! I have found it out." I
sent a heat second only to lightning into the melted steel,
and as heat is much lighter than air, of course it went
to the centre, where gravity is comparatively nothing.
So water composed of small round particles, which long
ago had been proved, receives the heat at the centre of
each particle and is thus made like a balloon, and ascends.
In a very warm day you can see the moisture ascend by a
glimmering in the air. This solves many a mystery in
nature ; why an article will freeze nearly dry. The cold
forces the warm air into the centre of the particles of
water and carries them off. This explains why a very cold
day and a very warm one causes rain or snow. The heat
thus driven into the particles of fluid causes them to
ascend. Since then I have put this question to scores of
literary men, and have never found but one who gave an
immediate answer, and that was Dr. Baron Stowe of Boston :
" It is on the balloon principle, the heat entering the cen
tre of the particles of water, carrying them up."
The only student of mine from abroad in the Franklin

TEACHING.

6'3

Academy, who died at Shelburne Falls, was Richard
Batten. He was a young Englishman of superior talent, a
most excellent scholar and singer and a devoted Christian.
He was intending to be a foreign missionary. He died at
the Mansion House, then my home, with the rheumatic
fever. Though a great sufferer, he would sing spiritual
hymns, and seemed to triumph for a time over his suffer
ings. I can never forget his melodious strains as he sang :
" Jerusalem, my happy home,
Oh, how I long for thee I
When will my sorrows have an end
In joy, and peace, and thee ? "'
The last words he uttered were, " Come, Lord Jesus,
come quickly ! " This he uttered, looking up with a smile.
The room was filled witu his classmates and others. Sev
eral were converted by his happy death. It was the begin
ning of an extensive reviva' among the students. Shel
burne Falls is one of the most romantic, neat, and charming
villages in Massachusetts. The Deetfield river has here a
fall of forty-five feet. When the river is low it has very
attractive places. Large pot holes and channels, worn
smooth in the granite rock, are a marvel. The mountains
on both sides of the Deerfield river, over four hundred feet
high, covered with variegated foliage, supported with here
and there a frowning ledge, especially in time of autumnal
scenery, beggars all description. The streets are regular
and finely shaded. The Franklin Academy, the Arms
Seminary, and four neat churches, are located here. The
population, on both sides of the river, is about three thou
sand. When the Academy was built, in 1833, there were
only eight houses in the village. It is soul-inspiring to
hear the ceaseless thunderings of these falls, which are the
deep-toned bass of the Creator.
Among the green hills of Shelburne, in a beautiful
retired home, lived, some years ago, a much beloved father
in Israel, Dea. David Long. He lived many years in the

64 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
service of the Saviour, and honored him in all the walks
of life. The Sabbaths of the Lord were very dear to him.
Though several miles from Shelburne Falls, when able he
was at church, until he was nearly a hundred years old. I
loved dearly to visit him and his son's family. There
seemed a kind of holy inspiration surrounding the dwelling.
He was my very dear parishioner once. A more amiable,
lovely man I never met. A little time before his death he
said to Mrs. Alden, who visited him, " Now that I am dull
of hearing, and cannot distinctly hear the voices of those I
love, or listen to the sweet strains of sacred music that
once charmed and delighted me, and, above all, that my
sight is gone, and I cannot read or see my dear friends, but
sit in darkness, language cannot express how the comfort
ing words of Jesus, that I committed to memory when
young, cheer and delight me. Tell all Sabbath-school
children to commit to memory the Bible. Now that I can
not see to read the Word of God, it is a great comfort to
repeat from memory so much of the precious Bible." May
all the Bible and Sabbath-school classes treasure up this
important message from one whose pilgrimage then num
bered ninety-nine years and six months.
"At the centennial celebration of Shelburne," says a
local paper, "the Rev. John Alden, former pastor of the
Baptist church in this village, and for several years princi
pal of Franklin academy, responded as follows for the acad
emy. By some mistake the toast was not sent him, and
he had to imagine what it was."
All hail the joyous band, who come to greet
Each other on the track of life, and meet
From East and West, from North and South, to view
The cycles of a century. All new
By reminiscences. ' Tis mine to speak
On one good theme ; let others nobly seek
To rouse a universe of thoughts, and give
The praise of those who died, and those who live
. ' Tis Academias Toast, to me unknown,
To which I must respond. Thus am I thrown

TEACHING.

65

Upon the waves of doubt, how best to meet
The sentiment proposed, and rightly treat
Its author. Will it show heroic toil
And sacrifice to place upon this soil,
Swept by the Deerfield, canopied by hills,
Watered around by thousand gushing rills,
A school to bless a needy world and raise
The low degraded heart to wisdom's ways ?
This Institution rose through faith and prayer,
And scores of souls found life eternal there.
Or, will the Toast praise every one who taught?
Let him who led the van hear nothing aught
Of praise or blame. Truly enough, that he
Should carry on his heart the Franklin Academy.
Full many a teacher there deserves the praise
He richly earned in bygone halcyon days,
Or will it speak the honors of this town,
Foremost in morals, best of all renown ;
Or, will it treat of noble pupils taught ?
Then be it so. Yet some had scarcely aught
Of manhood in them ; for to break the rules
And trample on the rights of all the schools.
Teach others to, seemed chiefly their delight;
Dream o'er their task by day, and visit girls by night.
Few such there were. A nobler band ne'er trod
The earth than most; true to their Maker God,
And true to man. Some grace the desk and bar
And hear the voice of praise both near and far;
Have gathered laurels on the field of fame,
And won for them a lasting, glorious name.
Some went to meet the Oriental Sun
And save the lost Their work was bravely done.
Brighter than stars, in glory now they shine,
Who turned some souls from Moloch's direful shrine.
The Burmah convert and the Persian, too,
Saved by these youth, have now a heaven in view.
The light they struck, where darkness spreads its gloom.
Will not go out till earth shall find a tomb.
Some sought the sunny South, to raise a race
From bonds and fetters — death and danger face;
Their work is done. Our country now is free.
Shout, nations, shout o'er this our jubilee.
Some went to California's golden plains,
To form a rising race to hold the reins
Of Knowledge, Truth, and Justice, too, — their names,
High on the roll of Honor, now are Fame's.
Some sought the prairie gardens of the West,
To preach, to teach, and make their country blest

66 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

Thousands unborn will sing a grateful song,
And heaven and earth the melody prolong.
From half our favored states some here were trained
For earth and heaven. Some joyously have gained
Their high and heavenly home, and now look down
On this, their birthplace, from that holier ground.
Others who live on earth can ne'er forget
What joy was theirs when here in classes met.
Where e'er I go I find some happy son
To me most dear, a choice and favorite one
Who never can forget the days of yore,
When here he pored the works of science o'er.
Come, all ye living of that happy band,
Around this desk, and give the friendly hand.
Hail, Alma Mater of a favored race,
You are living still, to bless the world — the place.
Let not the parent die who reared such sons,
But ever live among fraternal ones.
As the pure streams from off our mountains flow
To fertilize and bless the plains below,
And swell the streams to aid the works of art,
And joy and gladness stir in every heart,
So this, our school, sent forth our happy youth
To fill our colleges and search for truth.
God bless our schools of high or low degree,
The glory of our land, which they keep free.
Baptize them all in heaven-directing Truth,
To be a safe resort for all our precious youth.

In the town of Coleraine, Mass., about five miles from
Shelburne Falls, there were three good churches, Congre
gational, Baptist and Methodist. Rev. Jesse Purrington, a
very able and devoted man, was the pastor of the Baptist
church. He was a great help to us in the revival at Shel
burne Falls, and one of the directors in our academy.
Rev. Mr. Flagg, my teacher in the Sanderson Academy at
Ashfield when young, was the pastor in the Congregational
church, a very able and devoted man. There was a union
prayer-meeting held in an outer district ( I do not recollect
the Methodist pastor), and a revival commenced there.
The three denominations agreed to hold a union protracted
meeting in the Baptist church, and requested me to do the
preaching, limiting me to thirty minutes, which is long

TEACHING. 6j

enough, I think, for any common sermon. I could only
preach during my fall vacation. The meetings had been
held some little time before I could go. When I saw on
my approach that heavenly spirit in the prayer-meeting,
and the house filled with solemn worshippers, I felt unfit to
preach, and wished to be excused. This could not be. I
went through the form without the power. My heart was
anywhere but where it should be. I had been buried up in
the classics, and worn down with care and labor. The
spirit had almost left me. I had not watched and prayed
as I should. I entered my carriage to go home and preach
a thanksgiving sermon to my people, and return in the even
ing. I prayed and wept and agonized in spirit for a broken
and contrite heart all my way home. I then went into
my study, determined not to leave till I felt the full power
of the Saviour's precious love. It came in its fulness. I
had, the next day, a precious time preaching from the text,
"He careth for thee." One of my great troubles has been
to govern my imagination, which has built airy castles
enough to overstock the universe. I longed to get back to
Coleraine. I concluded to walk up half way, and ride with
Brother Smith to Coleraine. Ere I came to his house, an
elder son, a very influential man in the town, met me in
tears of joy, saying, "I am the happiest man living. The
subject last night was blest to me. I felt that I was lost,
and continued to pray, ' Lord, save me or I perish ! ' till
about midnight, when I found peace in believing. Oh, the
precious love of Christ ! why had I not sought it in faith
before ? " The love of Christ was all his theme on his way
to the meeting. Whenever desired to aid in revival work,
I made it a subject of special prayer, and did not consent
until I gained an evidence that the Lord had a work for me
to do, and then I tried to bring all my energy into action
for its accomplishment. I usually spent most of the time
out of meeting hours in visiting, conversing and praying
from house to house. I requested that all the conversation
should be religious, so far as it could be consistent with

68 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
daily duties. I desired all to remind me if I violated the
scripture injunction, " Let your conversation be as becometh
the gospel of Christ." Like a good general, God gen
erally works through the soldiers of his choice. He does
this greatly through fervent prayer. We fully believe the
prayer of faith is always heard. Nothing human can with
stand it. The power of God was truly manifested from day
to day. Two sermons were preached, one in the forenoon
and one in the evening, preceded and followed by prayer-
meetings. Every day witnessed several conversions. In
the midst of the meetings we had two very rainy days and
nights. Capt. Pierce, a man of great influence in the town,
lived near the church. At the close of the forenoon meet
ing, he put his arm around me without saying a word, and
started for his home. On the way he said, "You must not
visit families till this severe storm is over." I had noticed
him in tears during sermon time on exchanges there, and
supposed him to be a Christian. I asked him if he thought
himself a Christian. "I fear," said he, "I am not; but I
have such a weakness when the love of Christ is preached
that it often causes me to weep. It reminds me of a time,
when twelve years of age, I used J;o go with several of my
schoolmates during the intermission, and pray and sing."
The house was filled in the forenoon service ; and on our
way with umbrella and lantern, I said, " What do you think,
Captain, of an assembly in this rain?" "That house will
be filled," he said. "According to thy faith be it unto
thee ! " I exclaimed. True enough, the house was full of
hearers and the Holy Spirit. I then went with him to his
house for the night. It rained most of the next day and
evening. On our way to the evening meeting, I said, " Can
it be that the house will be filled to-night ? " The frost
had come out of the ground, and the roads were fearful
from mud and gullies. The captain raised the umbrella he
held over me, and said, " That house will be filled. See
the lanterns shining in all the roads to the church." It
was indeed truly filled. Rev. Edward Davenport and Dr.

TEACHING. 69

C. Puffer were exceedingly useful in this work. The Bap
tist church in those days had a large number of wealthy
farmers. There were two men of strong minds and wills at
variance. The church strove in vain to settle the difficulty.
Each had their relatives and strong friends. A little
before this meeting a committee of one party called on me
for advice. Knowing the men, who were dear friends of
mine, I said, "Pray. I do not think men or angels can settle
it. God only can do it." The same day a committee oft he
other party called on me and I told them just as I did the
other. Early in the meeting, the children of these men,
who were talented and very interesting youth, asked their
parents to pray for them. This brought both of them back
to their Saviour, broken-hearted, penitent and humble.
Now they could work together in faith and love. They
lived near each other. Each started to confess, and they
met in front of a little factory, in tears, sitting in their car
riages, clasping each other by the hand, each one saying,
" I am the one to blame ; will you forgive me ? " The fac
tory hands rushed into the street, many of them in tears,
over the unexpected scene. That event carried the work
in power into the factory. The other pastors asked Rev.
Mr. Purrington to meet them and their deacons with his
own, at a certain time and place. He said to me he hoped
nothing would occur to break the charm of the heavenly
union. " Fear not," I said ; " I do not think God will allow
it." The announcement of their object only made us the
happier. It was that we should try to pray in faith for the
conversion of the whole town.
It was thought that over one hundred were savingly
renewed. Every part of the town was blest more or less,
and all the churches greatly enlarged. I heard of no diffi
culty in regard to the reception of the converts. I advised
them all to take the Bible and decide the path of duty for
themselves. By so doing they avoided all difficulties.
Capt. Pierce and wife were both baptized by Rev. Mr. Pur-

70 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
rington. They were nearly seventy years of age when they
followed their Saviour in the ordinance of Baptism. I
asked the pastor iiow Capt. Pierce was getting along?
" Very happily," said he. " In the last two weeks he has
grown more than his length. " That must be about seven
feet, if I judge rightly," said I.
About this time I declined several calls where I was
offered more salary than I was receiving, because I so
loved this young church, which had been so sacrificing for
Jesus. For a description of Shelburne, and Shelburne Falls,
a part of it, I here quote from a dedication sermon preached
in the Baptist church in 1836. Text, " I give thanks unto
the Lord, for he is good." Finally, God's goodness is illus
trated in the history of the town. Eighty-six years ago
this town was unsettled. One vast wilderness covered
these mountains, vales and glens, the covert of wild beasts,
and the lonely retreat of the savage. No workman's tools
broke the silence of the morning. All was much as the
morning of creation left it. No happy feeling of civilized
friendship; no sound of the "church-going bell;" no
devout praise to God was here. Yet there was a praise
less contaminate than the modern praises of men. It
was not the horrid orgies of the savage; it was not
the blood of victims offered to the Great Spirit ; it was not
the war-whoop, or the council fires. It was the praise of
nature in her primeval grandeur ; it was the shriek of the
eagle, unscared on his lofty crag ; it was the scream of the
catamount echoing in the lonely wilderness ; the nightly
howlings of the wolf and growlings of the bear ; it was the
roaring of the winds around these "cloud-capt" mountains;
it was the vivid lightning athwart the heavens, and the
deafening thunder peals ; it was the roaring of the Falls,
nature's never-ceasing, solemn anthem. This beautiful re
gion can no longer remain a wilderness. The savage can
no longer prowl the forests ; the deadly beasts can no longer
lie safe in their lairs, for the white man comes to inhabit
these charming highlands. I find that the records of this

TEACHING.

71

town of Shelburne go no farther back than 1768, when it
was incorporated. It was then called Deerfield, North
West. The town took its present name from Lord Shel
burne, of England, who gave the town a church bell.
This town, unlike many around it, had very little trouble
from the aborigines. To the praise of our Puritan fathers,
it was their first object to worship God. Messrs. 'Wyeth
and Hotchkiss were their first preachers. The poverty of
those times forbade expensive churches. They were con
tent for many years to worship in a round log meeting
house, plastered so as to make it warm. They did nobly to
foster education. The Congregational church was organ
ized in 1770. The first pastor was Rev. Robert Hubbard,
ordained October 20, 1773. He continued his labors till
1792. He was followed by Rev. Jesse Townsend. Rev.
Theophilus Packard, D. D., was ordained February 20, 1797,
and continued his labors as sole pastor till 1828, when his
son, Theophilus, was chosen colleague. This church has
had many revivals, and has done much good. In 1801, a
revival added forty. In 1819, forty-six were added. In
1 83 1 eighty were added. The present number is one hun
dred. In 1788, a Baptist church was formed. Rev. Mr.
Green was the first pastor. In 1792, Rev. David Long
became pastor, continuing forty years. In 1808, a revival
added seventy-five. In 183 1, thirty were added. This church
was merged into the Baptist church in Shelburne Falls.
The Unitarian church was formed in 1828, of thirty mem
bers. Many more have since been added. The Franklin
Academy was chartered in 1833. Both buildings were
erected the same year. The Baptist church at Shelburne
Falls was formed in 1834. When the water is low, the
Falls is a very romantic place. The pot-holes of various
sizes are a marveL It is supposed that the river once ran
on the Beechland side, from pot-holes high on the rocks.
If so, there must have been a barrier below the Scots'
bridge, which in time gave way, and thus changed the
course of the Deerfield river. Logs have been found by

72 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
well-diggers eighteen feet below the surface, in what is now
the centre of the village. Stones also have been dug out
below the surface, which show they have been smoothed by
the power of water.
I accepted the call of the North Adams church, and set
tled with them April i, 1840. The church at that time
was sadly divided over the settlement of a former pastor.
It was over six months before we could fully settle the dif
ficulty. After the vote of settlement, which was harmonious,
I asked for another vote, which was, never to speak of the
difficulty again, and it was very faithfully kept. The church
was strictly Calvinistic, some of them like the Indian's tree,
straight and more too. The first year, by taking every
street, and dividing them among the teachers, requesting
each teacher to urge every child not belonging to a Sabbath-
school to come to ours, we more than doubled the number
of our school. I kept the names of the new scholars, and
found in a revival, about three years after, over thirty were
of the class just brought in. It was the custom in those
days to have protracted meetings. My church was willing
I should aid in such meetings when desired. During my
pastorate in North Adams, I held such meetings in about
half the churches in the Berkshire Association, and wit
nessed hundreds of conversions. I will give a description
of two of these meetings, in the towns of Sandisfield and
Tyringham. In the town of Sandisfield, Mass., there was
a very good, harmonious Baptist church. They had an able,
faithful pastor, Rev. John Higby. The parish had erected
a fine church and parsonage. All was prosperous externally
and they felt that a revival was the only thing needed, so
they voted to hold a series of meetings, and sent for me to
do the preaching. The first sermon was preached in the
evening, and was blest to the conversion of a young man of
great promise. He asked for prayers. The brethren
prayed for him, until he found himself happy in a Saviour's
love. The preaching was to be in the forenoon and at seven
o'clock in the evening, preceded by a prayer-meeting. The

TEACHING.

73

meetings continued with a full house for one week, without
another conversion. I felt greatly discouraged, fearing I
was the cause, and went to my room, and continued in
prayer, until the melting influences of the Holy Spirit filled
my heart, and brought me humbly to seek for more love
and faith. I started for the church with a strong travail of
heart for the salvation of souls, but I could not fix my mind
on a text. I tried to have some one of the ministers pres
ent preach. They were in the same dilemma. The house
was filled, and I arose and told the assembly I could not
select out of the scores of texts one for the occasion, and
added, " Perhaps, brethren, God has some other work for
us to do," and sat down. Deacon Jones, a very godly
man, of consistent life, arose in tears, saying, " If we are in
such a stupid condition, God's ministers cannot preach to us,
I think we must repent, and do our first works." He began
to confess, the last man who needed to do this. The confes
sions continued till after one o'clock in all parts of the house.
Such a scene I scarcely ever witnessed. I said, " Brethren,
I have a text now, and I long for evening to come to preach
from it." From that hour the work went on gloriously, and
it brought a large number of good Christians into the church.
We had a sunrise prayer-meeting. It was in the choice
days of autumn. Committees were appointed to visit
through the town. I went, out of the meeting hours, from
house to house, to converse and pray with the people.
This was my usual way of working. More than a mile from
the church, I found an old soldier of the Revolutionary war,
walking with his crutches. I said, " Are you a soldier for
Jesus ? " " I fear not," he said. " Come up to the morning
prayer-meeting at the church, and we will pray that you
maybe." He was very aged and infirm. "I don't go so
far from home very often, but I will try to get there." He
was there every morning for nearly two weeks. I asked
him one morning to tell us his feelings. He arose and said,
" When I was a boy, I went to an Indian prayer-meeting of
the Stockbridge tribe, and heard an Indian woman speak

74 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
very loud and feelingly, ' I love my Jesus.' Then she would
speak in the Indian language, and ever and anon would ex
claim, ' I love my Jesus,' in the English language." While
relating this, the tears rolled down his venerable cheeks
and he said, "/can now say, ' I love my Jesus.' "

CHAPTER IV.
PREACHING.
HE Baptist church at Tyringham was divided
by a lawsuit between prominent members. The
pastor, a godly man, sought my aid. As I
looked over the wide field I thought with Ezekiel, "Can
these dry bones live?" I preached a week directly to
Christians ; that last ominous cloud passed away, and the
Son of Righteousness, with his healing beams, melted cold
hearts and fused them into one harmonious body. The
day of confession and prayer will never be forgotten by
many. Nothing like the love of Christ will harmonize the
jarring elements of human hearts. There had been two
dancing schools in the village and they had become divided
among themselves. They voted one night to go to our
meeting in a body. They came early, while we were hold
ing a prayer-meeting, walking up the broad aisle, each seat
ing his partner in the opposite pew, very gracefully, yet
with here and there a sarcastic smile. The church were
astonished at the unexpected sight.
I changed my text for the evening service, God having
given me one for the occasion. We had a season of prayer,
such as is seldom enjoyed. God was in that meeting of a
truth. During the preaching all seemed serious and some
were in tears. A young merchant, belonging to one of the
best families in the place, a member of the dancing
school, waited upon his betrothed to her home, and ere
they parted, said, "Rhoda, had we not better be pious?"
She looked upon him with tears on her face, " Edward, we
75

<jd AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN. i

ought to be ! " This was too much for him ; they parted in
tears. The next night found them, with many others,
among the inquirers, and ere the meeting closed, they were
united in a love purer and holier than any human love, a
love never to be sundered. This Rhoda was a lady of great
influence in the place, a teacher, and one of the best singers
I ever heard. She was very useful in the precious revival
that followed. When she sang, others often were silent.
From this time the work went on with great power. I
heard nothing more of dancing schools. They had what
they enjoyed far better.
The preaching was forenoon and evening, preceded by a
prayer-meeting. There was a paper mill a little distance
from the meeting-house. I said to Brother Higby of Sand
isfield, who was with us, " Will you go with me to the paper
mill, and let Brother Bush, the pastor, attend to the prayer-
meeting? I feel impressed we have a duty to perform
there." We went, and I asked the superintendent if we
could converse with the operatives a few moments. He
said, " Yes," and asked them all to come into the lower
story. They stood in a circle, about fifty in number. They
were all adults and an interesting group. I requested
Brother Higby to commence at one side of the circle. I
began also conversing on the other side, extending a
friendly hand to each, which was accepted, until I met a
lady of a proud look, using texts of Scripture as they
occurred to me. She turned scornfully around, and I
simply said, " The hand you refused me will soon be mould
ering in the grave, and your tongue locked in silence ; pre
pare to meet thy God." and passed on. I soon saw her
weeping. The random shot was the means of her conver
sion. We both spent a few moments in prayer, and invited
them all to attend our meetings whenever they could. As
I was leaving the mill, a portly, noble looking man, by the
name of Bishop, gave me his trembling hand, and said, " I
have long been an infidel, but I can be so no longer ; pray
for me, and call and see me." We left the mill and I entered

PREACHING.

77

the pulpit and named my text, when Mr. Ogden, the super
intendent, entered the church, beckoned to me, and
approached, saying, " God has stopped the mill, and they
wish you to come back there." To me it was a moment of
thrilling interest. I replied, " I think duty calls me here,"
and said to the pastor, Rev. Mr. Bush, " Will you please to
go up to the paper mill ? " He went, and all followed him
to the church, except Mr. Bishop, who could not leave the
engine. Mr. Bishop said, "Ask Christians to pray for me."
At the request of Mr. Bishop, I promised to see him at the
mill the next morning. As I approached he came hurriedly,
followed by a score or more of the hands, and with tears of
joy, he said, " I arA the happiest man living. I think God
for Christ's sake has forgiven my sins."
He owned a beautiful cottage in the yard. I said, " Let
us go into your house, and thank God for it all." We went
in, and as many of the mill hands as could get in followed
us. We knelt together. After a few moments of prayer,
I asked him to follow me. I never heard such a prayer in
my life. He began by saying, " O God, teach me how to
pray ! I cannot think of words good enough to address
thee." It was one of the most fervent, expressive, broken
hearted prayers I ever heard. I rejoiced with him with
inexpressible joy. When God moves upon any of his
chosen ones, and puts forth his renewing, almighty power,
who can withstand it? A wicked, persecuting Saul is
prostrated at the feet of Sovereign Mercy, and made the
humble praying Paul. The conversion of Mr. Bishop is the
nearest, in all its bearings, to the conversion of Paul of any
I ever witnessed. All refuges of lies are swept away by
the power of God's word and irresistible Spirit. Though
pagan or infidel, the subject is made a new creature in
Christ Jesus. Paul well expresses it in Hebrews 4 : 12,
" For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper
than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing
asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

78 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

Oh, the wondrous power of God's love and mercy!
" Excuse me," said Mr. Bishop, " I want to tell Watson,
the Catholic in the mill, how I love Jesus." I soon fol
lowed him, and his divine eloquence was more than he
could withstand. He found him reading a Catholic paper ;
he laid it down as tears were trickling down his cheeks. I
said to Mr. Bishop, " I want you to come to the evening
meeting, and just before I preach, I will ask you to tell us
what God has done for you."
He was a powerful orator, and was sought far and near
to speak in political meetings. He had a good voice and a
very commanding appearance. The news of his conversion
spread far and wide. The church was of olden style, very
large, with galleries on three sides, wide and capacious.
The church was packed, aisles and stairways. He arose in
front of the pulpit, a large and noble form, and began thus :
"Brothers ! " and burst into tears. As he recovered from
his emotions he proceeded : " I ask the forgiveness of every
man, woman, and child in this house of God for the injury
I have done them by my intemperate and dissolute habits.
I hope God has forgiven and reformed me. I will now
give you some of my experience. I was born in England.
My father was a Baptist minister. He died when I was
young, yet I remember his leading me by my little hand to
the house of God. Being left an orphan, I sought various
employment, fell into bad company, and became intemper
ate. I came to America with a wife and four children, and
the cholera took away my wife and three children. I
became more intemperate, and sought the company of
sceptics to drown my troubles, but I made a dozen where
I drowned one.
" Since I have been in this town I have often gone to the
house of God, heard a sermon, went to my room, taking
some infidel associate and a jug of rum ; and then with
Tom Paine's 'Age of Reason,' and 'Volney's Ruins,' we
tried to overthrow the truth preached. Last Sabbath fore
noon, I went with the same purpose. The text Mr. Alden

PREACHING. 79

used was, 'We shall all stand before the judgment seat of
Christ.' Rom. 14 : 10. The first conviction was, possibly
there may be a day of judgment; the next -was probably
there will be a day of judgment ; and the next was, what
will be my condition if there is ? I did not go to my room
and infidel books. I went to the house of God in -the after
noon. The text was, * Choose ye this day whom ye will
serve,' The mere naming of that text was like a dagger
thrust through my heart. Before the sermon closed, I felt
as though I should fall prostrate in the pew. When I
arose for the last singing, I trembled under the mighty
power of that God I had so despised. I went home in
agony of soul. I spent a terrible night. I was tempted to
commit suicide, but durst not do it. On Monday night, I
cast myself at the footstool of Sovereign Grace and Mercy,
and cried, ' God, be merciful to me, a sinner.' The burden
left me, and the love of Christ filled my heart with irrepres
sible joy." He then addressed the assembly, and gave
the most eloquent and affecting exhortation I ever heard.
Nearly the whole assembly were affected to tears. To me,
it seemed the most eloquent preaching of any we had in the
whole month's meeting. From that time the house was
crowded till the end of the meeting. About a hundred
were probably converted.
About four years after this, Rev. Hervey Fitts, who so
faithfully served the Massachusetts Baptist State Conven
tion for about thirty years, visited this church, and was de
sired to hold a series of meetings there. He soon found a
most serious difficulty between the two influential brethren
spoken of before. After trying in vain to settle the diffi
culty, the party said, " Mr. Alden was successful in settling
our former trouble, and we would like to have him come
and try to settle this." The church voted to send for me.
Brother Fitts wrote me. I was then pastor of the Centra)
Church, Westfield, and having some extra meetings, 1
agreed to go, if he would fill my place. He came to West-
field and told me all the, particulars of the difficulty. I

80 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

found I had a sermon, with a little alteration, that would
nicely fit the case. I preached that sermon at Tyringham
in the afternoon. The leading deacon asked the church to
remain, saying that, " God in his providence has informed
Brother Alden just what subject to take to settle this diffi
culty, and I think now is the time to do it." Others said,
" How providential that such a subject should be given him."
I asked the parties if they wished to have it settled. They
said, "Yes," and agreed to meet me at ten o'clock, Monday,
with the deacon. After about two hours of talk and prayer,
it was all settled, and a good revival followed. I think in
my second visit to this church, that I baptized a Congrega
tional deacon and his wife, together with his three children,
a complete household baptism.
While the blessing of God attended every effort abroad, I
was for nearly two years greatly discouraged over my own
dear church. The congregation was constantly increasing,
which kept me somewhat encouraged.
One Sabbath I took for my text, Psalm 126: 6, "He
that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall
doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with
him." In my sermon I said, " God seems to bless the
preaching of the truth to the salvation of souls everywhere
but here. The fault is in me or you. It cannot be in God."
I was about to severely blame the church, when God
showed me where the fault was in an unlooked-for way. I
repeated the text in part, "He that goeth forth and weep
eth." Instantly the love of God seemed to overpower me,
and I was in a flood of tears. This led me to say, " The
early men of God watered the seed with their tears." As
soon as I could control myself and see my congregation, I
found the larger portion of them were in tears. All this
was to show me I had not been tender-hearted enough in
preaching. This was the beginning of a revival that
brought many into the church.
From that time we had frequent additions. Sandford
Blackinton and Rufus Wells, two very excellent business

PREACHING. 8 1

men, who were wealthy manufacturers in what is now called
Blackinton, built a fine chapel for the accommodation of
the operatives and others. They invited the ministers of
North Adams to preach Sabbath evenings. There seemed
indications of a revival, and I was requested to hold a series
of meetings there. They continued three weeks, and fifty
or more were hopefully converted. At the close of said
meeting, I baptized the aforesaid gentlemen and their
wives, together with seventeen others, all of whom united
with the North Adams Baptist church. The Methodist
minister of North Adams baptized the same number, and
about the same number united with the Congregational
churches in North Adams and Williamstown. I then com
menced preaching in the village, now the city of North
Adams, and held meetings thirteen consecutive weeks, and
preached over seventy extra sermons. This revival brought
seventy-eight into the church, forty-two of whom were
heads of families. Six merchants and manufacturers of
this number were men of wealth and influence. Rev. Dr.
Wescott aided me ten days in this revival. I shall never
forget the labors of Dea. Otis Blackinton, one of the best
men who ever lived, over seventy years of age, living more
than two miles from the church, who would come with
his team each morning, take me, and visit and pray till
the time of meeting. Dea. Duty S. Tyler, no less promi
nent and devoted, was greatly beloved, and exerted a pow
erful influence in and out of the church. Deacon Rich
mond also, by his counsel and prudent management, was a
valuable aid to the pastor, and did much toward the build
ing up of the cause of our blessed Lord. Long will these
servants of God live in the memory of those who knew
them, together with many others, who, by their godly and
consistent lives, their sacrifices, and their love for Jesus,
will ever be gratefully remembered. Few men, if any, in
the business world, have ever lived who have been more re
spected for their energy, honesty, benevolence and kindness,
than Sandford Blackinton and Brother Rufus Wells, Dr.

82 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

Brayton, Duty S. Tyler, Dea. Samuel Ingalls, Rodman
Wells, Salmon Burlingame, an early manufacturer, and Oli
ver Arnold. Their help respected and loved them, and
some of them spent a long life in their service. For six
years I visited their operatives, and I am happy to say I
never heard the least word of complaint respecting either
one of them. Their example and influence will go down to
posterity, and be cherished in pleasing and grateful remem
brance. I will here quote a letter from Rev. A. C. Osborne, D. D.,
since then pastor of this church, written for my golden
wedding, Dec. 5, 188
Dear Brother :
The memory of your pastorate over this church from
April 1, 1840, to April 1, 1846, is indeed most precious.
God crowned your ministry with abundant blessings. You
fed the church of God. You had souls for your hire. The
goodly number of one hundred and ninety-eight united with
the church during your pastorate, many of whom you led to
Christ and into the church, became pillars, polished pillars,
in the house of God. Some of them have gone up higher,
to fill places in the house not made with hands, eternal in
the heavens. Others are office-bearers in the church mili
tant. In all the history of this church probably no pasto
rate has been more fruitful. No other six years brought
into the church so many men of promise, who afterwards
became officers of the church, making it a power in the
community and among the churches of the Commonwealth.
We thank God that you have lived to see prominent results
from your labors here and elsewhere. We rejoice with you
to-day ; not only with you, but with her, also, who fifty years
ago chose to share the lot of one of God's servants, and
without whose loving help and faithfulness and able co-op
eration those labors could not have been so fruitful and
rich in blessing to the churches of our Lord. Some of
your friends send with this a pecuniary token of esteem
which we wish you to accept. If it was as large as the love
to you which prompts it, you could not find room enough
to receive it. Fraternally yours, A. C. Osborne, Pastor.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH,
NORTH ADAMS, MASS.

. JOHN ALDEN, JR.,
PASTOR,
184O TO 1847.

PASTORS OF THE CHURCH SINCE ITS
ORGANIZATION.
Rev. Geo. Witherell, Dec. ., i8o3-Dcc. ., 1813
" Elisha F. Willey, " t. 1815-Apr. 1, i3i7
" Hosea Wheeler, Fall 1817-Summcr iSiS
" George Robinson, " iSig-Spring ifteo
" Samuel Savory, Dec. 1, 1820-Feb. 3, 182G
" Charles B. Keyes, July 1, 1827-Apr. 1, 1S34
" Asa H. Palmer, Apr. 1, 1834-Apr. /, 1S36
" Samuel Covel, May 1, 1836-Apr. 1, 1838
,( Thomas Rogers, Apr. 1, 1838-Apr. 1, 1840
" John Alden, Jr., Apr. », iS4o-Apr. 1, 1846
" Horace T. Lowe, June 1, 1846-Apr. 1, 1852
" Miles Sandford, D. D.,
July 23, i8s3-March 19, 1871
(( CourtlandW. Arabic, D. D.,
March 17, 1872-1877
" A. C. Osborn, D. D., 1877-1884
" Francis H. Rowley, 1884

PREACHING. 85

Soon after my settlement in North Adams, I was asked,
by some of my church if I had visited the widow Carpenter
living on the side of the Green Mountains. As I had just
been settled there, I had learned nothing of her history.
" It will do you and her good to visit her." I went, and
found the woman about seventy years of age, in a poor cot
tage. I asked her to give me her history. " It is a mourn
ful one," said she. " I was married young, and had three
sons. My husband became intemperate. He went at one
time to the village and became intoxicated, and did not re
turn home till the next morning. We picked over cotton
for fhe mills, and put it round the room in racks to dry. I
was called to aid a sick neighbor. I charged my oldest son
not to light a candle while I was gone. As I was returning,
I saw flames arise from my dwelling, and met my oldest
son on his way to meet me, crying, 'Our house is on fire,
and both my little brothers are burning in it.' I fainted
and fell ; but soon arose and hastened to my house, then on
fire. I could see both of my dear boys in their trundle-bed,
locked in each other's arms, with the flames around them.
Had I not been held back by some neighbors, I should have
rushed through the flames for them. In the morning, my
husband came home. I hastened to him for sympathy, say
ing * Husband, our house is burned, and our two little boys •
are burned in it.' Crazed from his drunken revels, he said,
with an oath, ' I wish you had been burned with them ! '
It so overcame me that it caused a fit of sickness. Some
years after, we had two more sons. One, who was adopted,
was riding in a cart ; the oxen ran away, turned the cart
over on him, and instantly killed him. We had a very
charming boy we called Major. A clergyman from Ber-
nardston, Mass., heard of him, called on us, and adopted
him, and agreed to write to us often. He did so for a little
time, but for weeks we heard nothing. I started on foot
upon the frozen ground, a journey of over forty miles, and
found he had fallen from the great beams of the barn, was
killed, and had been buried three weeks. My husband

86 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
grew more intemperate, and had rum sores on his limbs.
I nursed him as well as I could, but many a time he has
seized me by the hair of my head and hurled me against the
wall until I was senseless. Soon he died cursing his God.
I had one son left, and, like his father, he took to drink.
He would work hard, and more than once he has come
home crazed with drink, and broken almost everything in
the house." Mrs. Carpenter was a talented woman, and a
very humble, devout Christian. She was one of the best of
singers. I sat in tears during the tragic narrative, and
heard her sing a number of spiritual hymns, and joined
with her in prayer. I left, I trust, a humbler, more thank
ful and better man. I had the pleasure of baptizing that
son, who, so far as I know, lived a devoted life, and proved
at last a great comfort to his godly mother.
My wife had a class of young ladies belonging to excel
lent families in the place. At the close of the sermon
the inquirers were invited forward. The whole of the class,
excepting an absent one, went in a group to the anxious
seat. They went fully resolved not to leave the house of
God until they gained an evidence that they loved the
Saviour. In a former revival, they felt similarly ; but
finally said, "Not now; not now." The assembly was
dismissed, but they remained with their teacher, pastor,
and some others. For more than an hour prayer was
offered again and again, ere they fully gave their hearts to
Christ. They could kneel and weep, but could not pray in
faith. It was suggested, as it was getting late, that we
leave the house of God. They began to weep and said, " Do
not leave us ; we cannot go home without making our final
decision to give our hearts to the Saviour and to be forever
on his side. We feel that if we say, ' Go thy way for this
time,' we are eternally lost." They all uttered the contrite
prayer that God in mercy heard. They arose praising God
their Saviour, and in due time united with the Baptist
church. Such an unusual display of God's grace I seldom oi

PREACHING.

s;

never witnessed. Both Mrs. Alden and myself could
hardly believe it possible that all the class, save one, should
so unitedly, and with one heart, give up all for Jesus. We
felt that there was danger they might be deceived through
sympathy one with another ; but the future of their lives
gave evidence of their true conversion. The one who was
indifferent to her soul's interests at that time afterward
yielded to the Saviour, and died trusting in God. Two
others died in faith, and five are still living, and most, if
not all, are active workers in the vineyard of our Lord.
I was called to pass through one of the greatest trials
of my life, while pastor of the North Adams church, in
the loss of a beloved child, Francis Howard Alden, aged
five and a half years. I had taken much pains to tell him
all the facts of the Bible adapted to his age. One cold
winter evening he said, "Pa, you will not go out to make
calls this evening, will you ? " I said, " No." " Then I want
you to tell me more about Jesus." I took him in my lap
and went through the history of Christ's birth, death, and
second coming as Judge. I found the child ran through
the charming story from his remarks that he remembered
much that I had told him before. He was in tears before
I closed. He walked the room a little time, then came and
asked me to go up in the study and pray that he might be
prepared when Christ should come. On his return to the
sitting-room he seemed very happy. He said, " How good
Jesus is to die for sinners, and let little children come to
him and be saved." From that time I let him follow me in
family prayers. He used his own form of prayer. It was
wonderful how he gained in expressing himself. His con
versation seemed to run chiefly on religious subjects. He
could not bear to see any one break the Sabbath, and often
desired me to stop such offenders. If any of his mates
used profane language in their plays, he would leave them,
saying, " It makes me feel bad to hear you swear." " Come
back, Francis ; we won't swear." "You said so before, but
you forget." I will here quote from an obituary of him

88 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
written at the time by Rev. Mr. Scarritt, who was living
with me, pursuing theological studies : " Francis, though
young, possessed a mind above mediocrity. He often
evinced a readiness of mental perception and depth of
thought far beyond his years. On one occasion, convers
ing with his mother respecting the Saviour's sufferings and
death, he remarked, 'You say that Christ is God, where?
then, was God when Christ died ? ' She tried to satisfy
his mind, but he seemed unhappy that he could not compre
hend it, until she told him the Bible said that God and
Christ were one, and that he must believe the Bible. He
then said, ' Ma, I will believe it, and make no further
query.' He ever wanted all things demonstrated. He
was of an ardent temperament, affectionate, dutiful and
conscientiously scrupulous about doing a wrong act." He
died of dropsy on the brain. Being asked if he was willing
to leave father, mother and friend, and go to be with Jesus in
Heaven, looking up, his eyes sparkling with joy, he said,
"Yes, and I will wait there till you come." Though I had
thought God had converted him to be a minister or a mis
sionary, yet I bless God that he gave me such a son to lose,
or take back to himself.
The funeral services were held on the Sabbath, and the
sermon, replete with excellent and comforting thoughts, was
preached by Rev. Robert Crawford, D. D., pastor of the
Congregational church, from the text, "The Lord gave,
and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of
the Lord." His church and congregation united with us
in these solemnities. At his funeral, the following verses
were pinned upon his shroud, and beheld by sympathizing
hundreds : " He sleeps in Jesus! blissful thought!
He's freed from toil and pain,
And in the resurrection morn,
He'll wake to life again.
In that blest morn, how bright he'll shine,
Amid that dazzling throng,

PREACHING. 89

As round the throne of God they bow,
Redeeming grace the song.''
The following lines were written by his father, and pub-
ished soon after his death :
Two sons to parents dear are blest
Our cheerful, humble dome ;
But one is not, he's now at rest
High in his heavenly home ;
Where all the angelic throng adore
He praises God forevermore.
Has Francis gone — forever fled ?
In visions oft he's seen ;
We cannot make this loved one dead—
His calm and manly mien,
His bounding step, his speaking eyes,
Before us daily, hourly rise.
His thousand tones, in word and song,
Are echoing round our dome ;
For school he plods his way along,
And now he's coming home ;
He's at my study door — with joy
I start to meet my coming boy.
Now from the sacred desk I view
The pensive, solemn throng ;
My child is there, at worship, too —
I'm tracing years along;
Alas I the joyous visions turn,
\ Lifeless — I see him in the urn.
Parents bereaved, has ever heart
Like ours been made to bleed I
' Is there no balm to heal the smart,
No friend in time of need ?
; Blest balm of Gilead : this alone
Can make us say, " Thy will be done."
One night this child — 'twas not in vain-
Climbed on my knee to say,
" Of Jesus Christ oh tell again
Before you bow and pray."
His life, his death, his dying groans,
Were told in solemn, moving tones.

go AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

The tears rolled down ; with heaving sigh
He asked for me to pray,
That when the Judge of all draws nigh
He might withstand the day,
And with the glorious Saviour rise
To dwell with him above the skies.
Prayer since that time has been his joy,
And oft he'd leave his play ;
Alone in tears we've found our boy
Wishing with us to pray.
Sweet was the way before the throne
To bow to the Eternal One.
His bounds were set, one songster more
Must join the eternal choir ;
While lingering on this mortal shore,
His thoughts were rising higher :
"I'd rather be with Christ at home,
And wait in heaven until you come." *
Oh, what a sad and solemn hour,
When angels bore him hence.
He lives above ; Death's lost his power,
Nor would we call him thence,
An angel now amid the throng
Who sing the everlasting song.
With him I've roamed the forest wild,
The crowded city walked,
The ocean beach, and taught my child,
While God in thunder talked,
Of him whose wisdom shines above,
Beneath, around, a God of love.
O blissful thought I we yet may roam
The Paradise above,
When all the ransomed throng get home,
In purer, holier love ;
Wait, child, in heaven a few more days,
We'll join in everlasting praise.

While pastor in North Adams, I was called to part with
my dear father. As a preacher he was sound in doctrine,
* Being asked whether he chose to live with his friends or die, he said he
had rather die and be with Jesus in heaven, and wait there till we came.

PREACHING.

91

and considered a very able preacher. A sermon from the
text, "Who will show us any good ? " I heard him preach in
my college days so deeply affected me that I have often
seemed listening to it still. He continued to preach until
he was about eighty years old. He came to North Adams
on a Saturday, at the age of eighty. I asked him if he felt
that God had a message for him to deliver to us. "Yes,"
he said. A few years before this, he was thrown from his
carriage, striking on his head, which somewhat injured his
mind. I felt a little fearful, and told him so. "Well,"
said he, "appoint a meeting at five p. m." — it was then
summer, — "and if I fail, they cannot blame you." I had an
appointment for an out station at the same hour. On my
return, I asked Captain Richmond, one of our senior dea
cons, how my father succeeded. " I was very much inter
ested," said he, "I do not think you, or any minister in
Berkshire County, could extemporaneously present such an
array of Bible truth, and bring it so forcibly to illustrate
the text." I remarked, "My father was called by many a
'living concordance.' " I never knew the man so fully ac
quainted with the Bible. He rarely found his equal in an
argument. I have often sat, with much pleasure, and seen
him use up a sceptic. When he got into an argument with
me, and I saw he was likely to worst me, I either wound up
with the Quaker's way, "You may think it is so, but I shall
always think otherwise," or stop suddenly by saying, " It
is wisely said, ' Never argue with a man over seventy years
of age, expecting to get your case.' "
FROM A WESTERN PAPER.
" Died in Kewanee, Henry County, 111., Nov. 24, 1865,
Dea. David Alden, aged fifty-one years. A useful and
eventful life, cut off so mysteriously and suddenly, deserves
more than a passing notice. He was the son of Rev. John
Alden, of Ashfield, Mass., and has a brother of the same
name, widely and favorably known among the churches of

92 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
New England. Mr. Alden experienced religion at the age
of seventeen, while fitting for college, at the Franklin Acad
emy at Shelburne Falls, taught by his brother, who bap
tized him there. He graduated at Brown University in
1837, and immediately engaged in teaching in Kalamazoo,
Mich., and thus laid the foundation of what is now a flour
ishing college. The death of his wife, and his impaired
health, caused him to return, after two years of successful
labor, to Massachusetts. Thinking then to enter the min
istry, he entered Newton Theological Seminary. Duty
seemed to call him from there to become the principal of
the Franklin Academy. After two or three years of ser
vice there, the infirmities of an aged father called him to
the old homestead, to relieve the sufferings of his last
hours, often preaching where duty called. It was here he
was called to bury his second wife, the daughter of Dea.
Otis Blackinton of North Adams. Since then he has
been engaged mostly in agricultural pursuits in Southboro,
Mass., and Kewanee, 111., teaching winters. In both these
places he has served the church as deacon, and faith
fully filled the office. Very few can be found more honor
able or praiseworthy in this relation. As a Christian,
Brother Alden was intellectual and conscientious, of a calm,
cheerful, and happy temperament. The church, in all her
interests, was very dear to him. For her he was ever ready
to toil and sacrifice. He was truly a burden-bearer in the
house of the Lord. Throughout the whole community he
was regarded as an honorable man, a good citizen, and a
faithful, sincere Christian. His family are bereft of a kind
father, and a faithful, confiding husband — a loss wbich
cannot be compensated by any earthly considerations.
Brother Alden's death was sudden. When crossing a rail
road, with horses and buggy, a train, that failed to blow the
whistle, unperceived by him till too late, threw him forty
feet. He was taken up, and though he lingered thirty hours,
gave no signs of consciousness. He leaves a wife, to whom
he was united in 1845, an^ four children, to mourn his

PREACHING.

93

departure. The kindest sympathies of an afflicted church
and community are tendered to them in their deep sorrow ;
and they are specially commended to Him who is the refuge
of His people." FROM THE CHICAGO " HOME VISITOR."
" ' In the midst of life we are in death.' Four days ago
the sun rose on as happy a family as this world contained.
Nestled in a quiet home in one of the richest and wealth.
iest prairies of the West, they were rejoicing that morning
in a new treasure. A daughter had been added to their
number, and the parents and trio of brothers were jubilant
on the occasion. Their home was a model one. Intelligent
industry had surrounded their home with comforts and
luxury. Their library was well stored, as well as their
larder, and daily mails posted them in all things secular
and religious. They were surrounded with loving Chris
tian friends. Even then the storm cloud was hovering,
ready to burst upon them in deadly power. The father
went forth from his home to be absent a few hours ; but
alas ! it was to return no more alive. The guilty, reckless
train had taken his life, almost in sight of his lovely home
and charming family. Now you might have witnessed a
touching scene. The coffined father, with classic features
serenely beautiful in death, sealed with the smile of quiet
satisfaction and confiding trust, was brought into the room,
and placed by the couch of the heart-stricken mother and
her unconscious infant, never to know a fond father's
caresses. There sat the three dear brothers, feeling that
much of their joy had departed forever. There, too, were
weeping, sympathizing friends. That home once so joy
ous, now witnesses the widow's anguish and orphan's tears.
Yea, more, it witnesses the power of Christian faith that
says, ' Though He slay me, I will trust in Him.' "
During my pastorate here I lost a dear brother, Dea.
Cyrus Alden, of the Shelburne Falls church. He had

94 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
long been a deacon in Ashfield, his native town. He was
extensively engaged in the manufacturing business. Next
to my father, he was my best earthly counsellor. When
some Gordian knot in theology came up, I often went to
him for solution. He could generally make that clear, but
his difficulty was farther ahead. He was sound in doctrine,
and much prized as a Bible-class teacher. He was a peace
maker. For a time he labored under a delusion that he
could not speak in the conference meeting to any edifica
tion. About this time, his native town chose him in the
place of an attorney to oppose a road the commissioners
put through the town. He plead their case in court, and
gained his point. The senior lawyer on the other side said
to me, " Your brother ought to have been a lawyer. I
never found a more shrewd or able opponent." I then
told him I hoped he would never fail to plead his Master's
cause before men. After that he tried to do his duty.
His disease caused him great suffering, yet he was cheer
ful and patient, and died in the triumphs of faith.
THE EARLY HISTORY OF NORTH ADAMS.
For my own gratification, and that of my friends, I have
spared no pains in searching out a correct history of a place
made dear to me from personal associations. I take as
reliable what is stated by W. F. Spear in an article on
North Adams, written in 1885, which greatly pleased and
aided me.
In June, 1762, a tract of land, seven miles by five miles,
was laid out, and named East Hoosac. It was what was
called North and South Adams. About this time nine
towns around were sold for sixteen thousand dollars. The
town was incorporated in 1778, and called Adams, in honor
of Samuel Adams, a leader in the Revolutionary War, and
Governor of Massachusetts. Less than one hundred and
fifty years ago, this beautiful city was a howling wilderness.
The eagle built his nest unscared, the fox burrowed undis-

PREACHING.

95

turbed, and the bear and catamount sought their prey un
molested. Capt. Ephraim Williams was the first pioneer, in
1750. The first settlers came from Connecticut. No town,
it was believed, was more patriotic in the state, or more gen
erous in carrying on the War of the Revolution. Fort
Massachusetts was located in 1741, in a narrow part of the
valley leading towards .Williamstown. Williams and his
hardy companions erected this fort with square timbers,
driven down into the ground, so as to make a strong fence,
mounted with a few swivels and made proof against mus
ketry. The garrison had fifty men. It was rebuilt in 1747,
and garrisoned with one hundred men.
The fort was built as a protection against French and
Indian hostilities. Scouting parties were ranging the
woods in all directions to find the Indian trail, and prevent,
as far as possible, their murderous work. " Armed with
gun and hatchet and scalping knife, with provisions and
blankets on his back, the hardiest soldier scoured the woods
in quest of the savage. Every entangled thicket was the
place of ambush, and the tomahawk and scalping knife
were looked for in fear."
June 11, 1 745, the enemy appeared, attacking a number
of men a little distance from the fort. They wounded two
men and captured one. Only one of the enemy was killed.
Aug. 20, 1746, an army of nine hundred French and
Indians, under Gen. De Vaudrew, made an attack on the
fort. Col. Hawks, the commander, had only twenty-two
effective men. This brave officer defended the fort twenty-
eight hours, against the Canadian general, with more
than forty times his number of men, and probably would
not have surrendered but for want of ammunition. Col.
Hawks lost but one man, while the enemy lost forty-five.
The fort was demolished by the French general. The
prisoners were marched to Canada, where twelve sickened
and died. A part of the prisoners were sent to Boston, a
few of whom came back. In May 25, 1747, the fort was
rebuilt. In August, 1748, Ephraim Williams, the founder

96 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN

of William's College, was commander of the fort. A party
of three hundred Indians and thirty French attacked the
fort, and after receiving a vigorous fire for two hours, they
gave it up and withdrew with their dead and wounded.
The fort began to decay after the conquest of Canada, in
1748. The site of the fort is in the meadow owned by
Mrs. Bradford Harrison. Prof. A. L. Perry, and a few
students from William's College, planted an elm tree, in
1858, on the spot where the fort stood. Would it not be
well for a grateful posterity to erect a monument there, and
put on it some of the names of those brave defenders of our
rights ? They did it long ago at Bloody Brook, and we
love to read the names of those who fell by the Indian foe.
It tells us what our liberties cost, and may stimulate those
who enjoy them, to perpetuate them.
Many relics of the war on the fort have been found near
where it stood. There are arrow heads, hundreds of bul
lets, a metallic tomahawk, several bomb shells, a large
round bowl, a silver spoon, and many rusty knives. Some
of these are preserved in the cabinet of William's College.
At first, the South Village was the largest ; but soon the
superior advantage from the water power put the North
Village in the ascendant. The site of the North Village
was a pine forest intermingled with white oaks. The
Hoosac river then was much larger than now, and in earlier
times the lower part of the village was often flooded. The
clearing off of our forests, thus letting the sun shine on
the land, has greatly lessened our rivers by evaporation.
The principal land-holders at this time, 1795, in North
Adams, were Jeremiah Colgrove, Sr., Israel Jones, the first
justice of peace in the town, and serving in that office over
forty years, David Estis and David Darling.
In 1794, when Mr. Colgrove moved here, there were less
than a dozen houses in North Adams Village. All the
brooks at that time were swarming with trout. In early
times wolves and bears were troublesome. Deer and other
game were plentiful. The first store was fitted up in 1793.

PREACHING. g7

Dea. Edward Richmond opened a store in 1825, on Main
street, and kept it a long time. The same year, Ezra D.
Whittaker, Esq., built a store, which he still owns on Main
street. In 1727, J. Quinn Robinson & Son built a store on
the corner of Main and Marshall streets. When Dea.
Edward Richmond came here, in 1803, there were only two
stores in the place. English calico then sold at from fifty to
seventy-five cents a yard. Six yards then made a lady's
dress ! Wages were from eighty to one hundred dollars
a year. Mechanics had one dollar a day, working early
and late. Land out of the village was worth one dollar an
acre. In 1799, the first cloth dressing was done by Roger
Wing. In 1801, a carding machine was put into Capt. Cole-
grove's grist mill. The same year, David Estis threw a dam
across the north branch, and put up a building for carding
wool and dressing cloth. The first machine shop in the vil
lage, and probably in the county, was started by Mr. Giles
Tinker, in 181 1, and was run many years by him. He was
an excellent man, of great energy and perseverance. In
1 829, the population of the whole town was 2, 500.
" In early times the study of grammar was considered a
waste of time, and a knowledge of arithmetic was not
thought necessary for the young girls of the school. The
love of learning was a genteel name for laziness." But the
standard of education rose rapidly.
DRURY ACADEMY.
Through the persevering efforts of Dr. E. S. Hawks and
Dr. Isaac Hodges, Nathan DrUry, Esq., of Florida, was
induced to give three thousand dollars to build an academy
in North Adams. It was erected on a beautiful eminence
near the centre of the village. Dr. Hawks superintended
the grading of the ground, and Dr. Hodges looked after the
erection of the building. " The summit of the hill was low
ered seventeen feet to give all needed conveniences. Many
feet below the surface, there was found a tree fifteen inches

98 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
in diameter, embedded in the gravel. The body of the tree
was whole, and of hard wood. It had fallen to the south.
The presumption is that the town of Stamford was once a
lake, and that the bar was near the beaver mill. When it
broke away, the rush of water caused the bluff, and buried
the tree in the gravel." This theory may explain a number
of similar bluffs in the valley. The academy has been
greatly enlarged at the expense of about eighty thousand
dollars. CHURCHES.
There was a Congregational church formed in 1766, but
owing to the poverty caused by the Revolutionary War, the
church was given up. The Friends built a house in South
Adams in 1781. THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
After the failure of the Congregationalist church, no
church was organized in North Adams until the. present
Baptist church was formed, which took place in 1808, con
structed by Rev. Calvin Keys. In 1829, a brick church
was erected, and remodelled in 1844. On the same spot, in
1848, a new church was built, ninety-four feet by sixty-
three feet. In May, 1875, the church was badly burned, but
was repaired and rededicated in 1880. The church, includ
ing all pertaining to it, is valued at one hundred thousand
dollars. Present number of church members, 1071 ; num
ber of Sabbath-school scholars, 1000.
THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
This church was organized in 1842. In 1851, this parish
erected a nice church on State street, with a good vestry.
THE METHODIST CHURCH.
The origin of this church dates back to 1823. Their
first church was built on Central street. The house they
now occupy is a fine edifice, valued at seventy-five thousand

PREACHING. 99

dollars. The number of church members is 750 ; number
of Sabbath-school scholars, 555.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This church was organized in 1827. The first meeting
house was built in 1828. Their present elegant church
edifice was completed Sept. 6, 1865, at a cost of thirty-three
thousand dollars. A bell, weighing 5135 pounds, hangs in
the tower. It was a present from Samuel J. Whitten, at a
cost of three thousand dollars. Number of church mem
bers, 510 ; number of Sabbath-school scholars, 360.
st. john's episcopal church.
This church was organized in 1856. It is located on
Summer street. In 1857, a church building was erected of
wood, which was succeeded in 1869 by the present stone
structure, valued, including ground, at twenty-six thousand
dollars. The building was a gift to the society from Mrs.
Hiram Sibley, of Rochester, N. Y. The society now has
160 communicants. The Sunday-school has 191 scholars,
and fifteen officers and teachers.
THE UNION CHURCH.
The Blackinton Union church, located at Blackinton, was
organized in 1843, with twenty members. The church
building erected in 1871 is valued, including grounds, at
twelve thousand five hundred dollars. There are now
about 150 members. The pulpit is supplied by the pastors
of the Baptist, Methodist and Congregational churches.
The church building was erected by Sandford Blackinton,
and donated to the village.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Their house of worship was dedicated July, 1869. Its
'ocation is on Eagle street. It has a chime of bells. The

100 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
manufacturers and citizens of North Adams contributed
towards these bells. The Catholic population is estimated
at three thousand five hundred.
THE FRENCH CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The French Canadian church was formed in 1870. They.
commenced worship in their new edifice, on East Main
treet, in 1874.

CHAPTER V. ,
PRIME OF LIFE.
N comparing North Adams as now existing with
the past, I am constrained to say, "What hath
God wrought ! " Few places in New England
have ever equalled it. Less than one hundred and fifty
years ago, all that is beautiful in splendid public buildings,
all that is tasteful and elegant in private residences, all that
is rich in garden culture, all that is beautiful in streets and
lanes, all that is charming and soul-elevating in civilized
friendship and piety, was once entirely wanting here. In
its stead, there was the primeval forest, the entangled
morass, the howling wolf, the growling bear, and men more
savage than they. If there was praise to God here then,
it was the sighing winds among the lofty pines ; it was the
dead silence of nature in her wildness, or the lightning's
blaze athwart the heavens, and the deafening thunder peals
from mountain to mountain in nature's solemn anthem.
It is not so much a wonder that this place has become a
pleasant, charming city, when we call to mind the list of
the earlier business men of the place. Such are J. Cole-
grove, G. and E. Tinker, S. and J. Blackinton, the Arnold
brothers, Dea. D. S. Tyler, Col. Willmarth, Hon. H.
Dawes, Dea. O. Blackinton, C. T. Sampson, C. Turner,
the Ingrams, W. E. and S. Brayton, S. Johnson, E. Kings-
ley, O. Wells, D. Estes, A. Smith, E. D. Whitaker, Esq.,
Dea. E. Richmond, Hon. J. Robinson and father, J. G.
Robinson and son, J. Jackson, S. Burlingame, Dea. S.
Ingalls, R. Wells, George Millard, Deacon Wilber, Dr. T.
IOI

102 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

Brayton, Dr. E. Norman, Drs. Tyler and Phillips, E. S.
Hawks, M. Babbit, S. N. Briggs, Brown and Harris,
Deacons W. Gould, S. Gaylord and D. Rogers.
Most of these I knew, and appreciated their worth. A
great number have gone to their rest ; but we trust that
the mantle of the ascended Elijahs has fallen on kindred
Elishas, and that the work of patriotism, temperance,
morality and piety will still move on successfully and
gloriously. No language can express the pleasure I have
enjoyed in most of the company above named, as well as
many other kindred spirits. Such persons live on and will
ever live in pleasing remembrance.
The condition of North Adams on the subject of temper
ance, in 1840, was anything but desirable. Fourteen stores
sold intoxicating liquors. The friends of temperance felt
it was high time to seek a reform. A Mr. Van Wagner, a
very able lecturer, was hired to give ten lectures, which
brought about a great change. He labored from house to
house. Many hundreds were added to the temperance so
ciety. There was a unanimous vote in a full assembly to
request our landlord not to sell alcoholic liquor at the bar,
and their families voted with the throng. The year after,
deeply impressed that we ought to begin the work with
children, I made a public request for the children of the
place to meet in the Baptist church, to form a juvenile tem
perance society. To my joy the church was well filled.
The Rev. Dr. Crawford, the excellent pastor of the Congre
gational church, was heartily in the work. So, also, was
the pastor of the Methodist church. The pledge was, " We
pledge perpetual hate to all that can intoxicate." We
began with a goodly number. At the second meeting, I
introduced the following : " Resolved, that we will do all
that we can consistently to get others to join." Before I
put the question, I did all I could to rouse them to thorough
action ; and when I called for the vote, a large number
jumped to their feet, and voted with both hands. "Call at
my study to-morrow, and I will rig you out with as many

PRIME OF LIFE.

103

pledges as you want." I had work enough for that day. I
gave them a rule: "The one who obtained the signer first
should have him, as his only, on the list."
For many days I was met on every street. I travelled
with a show of signers. One very dark night, as I was
going to the post-office, I heard a boy say, " I have as good
a right to Tommy's pledge as you have." " No," said the
other, " I took it first, and by the rule, he is mine." I
stopped to listen. "That is Mr. Alden," said one of them.
"How do you know? We can't see one another." "It is
his step," he said in a low voice. I said, "What do you
wish, my boys?" "About Tommy. Who has a right to
him?" "The one who took his name first has the only
right to him," I answered. " I told you so," said the boy,
and off in the darkness they all ran. We had very many
interesting meetings. A few opposers said, " They are so
young, they do not know what they are about." At a meet
ing where many of their parents were present, I mentioned
this objection. One father arose instantly, and said, "I am
very happy to say, I have three boys in the society, the
youngest of whom is five years old. They have all been
trying to get Sammie, the youngest, to join, who is three
years old, saying, "Won't you join?" "No." "Why?"
" I want to go to Mr. Kingsley's cider mill, and suck cider
through a straw. He knows what he is about, I am quite
sure." On July 4, 1842, we had a Sabbath-school and juve
nile temperance society celebration. A band marched up
about two thousand into a grove, where speeches of thrill
ing interest were made, and temperance songs were sung,
amid the waving of temperance banners, while the red,
white and blue, with their starry stripes, floated above and
around as if to cheer them in their brave resolves.
When pastor in North Adams, Rev. Dr. Crawford kindly
helped me to draw the gospel net for souls with good suc
cess. When we could not catch men, we occasionally
caught trout together. "Brother A  ," says the doctor,
" a part of your parish and a part of mine live on the Stam-

104 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
ford hills. Let us go up in the morning with our fish tackle,
visit in the forenoon, and fish the brook home that runs
through Bear swamp." As we entered the little swamp,
fed by cool springs, we found the beautiful speckled trout
abundant. Aroused by the exciting sport, I was somewhat
ahead. The doctor did not do things quite so fast, but
enough more thorough to atone for it. Though but a little in
advance, I was hid from his sight by the dense shrubbery.
He called to me in a loud, excited tone to come to him
quick as possible. Thinking a catamount or bear had
seized him, I pulled out the butt of my fish-rod and ran for
him, dashing the alders and brush right and left, determined
to die with him if I could not live with him. " Where are
you? Where are you ? " I cried. "Down here," he said.
When I came in sight of him, he was gazing upon a large
pine tree, which doubled my fears, if possible. "What be
neath the skies," I said, "is up in that tree?" looking up
into the green dense foliage, trembling in every nerve and
muscle. "Nothing," said he," "only I caught my hook up
in the tree, and could not get it down alone." "Why did
you so frighten me with such loud and excited tones?"
"Because you were fishing so furiously I feared no common
tone would bring you back." I was trembling in fear one
moment, and the next in joyful laughter.
Many pleasant interviews with this dear brother, Rev.
Dr. Crawford, were spent, in company with my wife, at his
home in North Adams. His most excellent companion,
daughter of the noted President Griffin, of Williams College,
was a lovely Christian lady. After their removal to Deer
field, Mass., we visited them at that place. I never shall
forget the pleasant meeting of the family circle on a Sabbath
evening, when Mrs. Crawford introduced, as one feature of
their devotional exercises, the repeating of poetry particu
larly adapted to God's holy day. She had long continued
the practice of repeating the following beautiful lines each
evening hour of the Sabbath, and requested my wife and
her sister, Miss E. Chamberlain, and myself to join her the

PRIME OF LIFE. 105

same day and hour in our own home, and thus feel that we
were mingling together our evening devotions :
" Farewell, sweet Sabbath of the Lord, farewell!
The sun's last beams are shed on mount and dell,
And dimly in the West
Day's rosy mantle only may be seen,
While stars gleam out its fluttering folds between.
Farewell, sweet day of rest!
" To-morrow earthly cares begin once more :
Thy hours of prayer, thy hours of peace, are o'er j
The conflict and the strife,
The joys that tempt, the grief so hard to bear,
The rush of business and the weight of care,
Must come to darken life.
" Yet shall remembrance of thy calm repose,
Float round me oft like odors of the rose,
And peace and rest shall come, —
A Sabbath peace, e'en in the midst of strife,
A Sabbath rest amid the toils of life,
And make this heart their home.
" How like a fountain in the wilderness
To sinful man is such a day as this 1
Or like the Sabbath's God,
The shadow of a rock in weary lands,
A refuge from the storms and burning sands,
An ark above the flood.
" Farewell, sweet Sabbath of the Lord, farewell \
The stars are shining now on mount and dell :
Thy dawning to my eyes
Seemed bright and heavenly as an angel's wings
When bending low before his God he sings
The song of Paradise.
" Farewell, once more I Accept my lowly lay
E'en now, as passing from the world away,
Thou passest with a smile,
And give me something of thine own repose,
And give me strength to bear life's weight of woes
E'en but a little while."
North Adams has ever been an interesting and enter
prising place. Two nice streams, the Hoosac coming from

I06 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

the south with its transparent waters, flowing from the
thousands of springs of the Green Mountains that feed
them, running now this, and now that way, as if reluctant
to leave so charming a valley, and the North Branch com
ing from the Northern Mountains, fed by its many tribu
taries abounding with trout, meet with gladsome commin
gling near the center of the village, waking life and indus
try into being, along its charming banks. The Greylock
Mountain on the west, towering up in magnificent splendor,
looks down on Williamstown, Adams and North Adams
from the highest land in Massachusetts, never tiring over
the grand panorama. The citizens of these flourishing
towns gaze in profound admiration at the grand scenery of
all the surrounding mountains, charming at any season of
the year, but when robed in their autumnal costumes made
indescribably beautiful by " September's many tinted pen
cil." They chime in with the language of the inspired
penman, " Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God
Almighty!" Who can behold God in all the grandeur of
nature, or his beneficence in Providence, or his infinite
love and mercy in Redemption, and not adore and love
Him ? I can never forget the soul-enlarging and soul-
inspiring scenery of North Adams, or the noble men and
women who surrounded me, especially those for whom, and
with whom, I labored. The excellent members of the other
churches with whom I was acquainted, led by kind affec
tionate pastors, and the peculiar harmony among all Chris
tians, has made this place ever dear to me.
From North Adams, I settled in Fayville, Southboro,
Worcester County, Mass., choosing a smaller church, I was
so worn down by former labors. The parish had just built
a nice house of worship, on which there was a debt. This I
removed by lecturing in towns adjacent, versus " Roman
ism." Under the labors of Rev. Mr. Haynes, a former pas
tor, there was a revival, lasting more than a year, number
ing, as I was informed, nearly two hundred converts.
There were few unconverted ones left in the parish. I

PRIME OF LIFE.

107

labored there two years, and we added but few to the
church. The Rev. Hervey Fitts, agent of the Baptist State Con
vention, called on me, saying, "I want you to visit the
Center Baptist church in Westfield, Mass. I have sent
them many candidates, and those who would settle there
they do not want ; and those they wanted, did not choose to
become their pastor." Said he, " It is a beautiful village, of

WESTFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH.

about five thousand people. Westfield Academy is 2>
venerable, noble institution, with its many students. The
Normal school is located there, and is in a flourishing state.
As you have been a teacher, I think you are adapted to
that place, and ought to visit it." I said, " I do not want to
leave. I settled here in this farming church for life." He
said, " I will supply your place for a few Sabbaths if you

108 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
will go." I assented, and the first Sabbath I had fifty
hearers. I found the church discouraged. They had lost a
pastor, Rev. Mr. Perkins, of great influence and power. It
was in the time of winter that I visited Westfield church.
A friend kindly proposed to carry me in his sleigh to visit
every member of the church. The more I visited, the more
I became attached to the place and the church. The third
Sabbath I preached to about two hundred. They voted to
give me a call, said to be unanimous. I became more and
more interested as I visited the people, and finally accepted
the call. There was quite a debt on the house, and it
needed repairs. This debt we removed. We then fixed
over all the pews, put in a new pulpit, and frescoed the
house. Soon every pew was rented. In the autumn of
the second year, we had a precious revival. We had meet
ings every night for a number of weeks. I baptized at
noon, on the Sabbath, in the canal near the center of the
village, when the other churches could be witnesses of the
solemn ceremony. We had ' sometimes nearly a thousand
present. For five consecutive Sabbaths, the candidates were
just five in number each Sabbath. We had a revival the
next year, which brought twenty-six into the church. This
church has continued to prosper under the faithful labors of
other pastors. The present pastor is the Rev. Dr. Eaton,
an able man and_' excellent preacher, who has long been
their minister, and whose labors have been greatly blest.
At the close of the fifth year, I accepted the agency for
the Missionary Union for Northern New England. My
travel in my own conveyance greatly improved my health.
I enjoyed the work, except in the severity of winter. I
often rode in my sleigh many miles when the mercury was
twenty degrees below zero. Once I rode five miles when
the mercury was thirty-six below zero, and froze my face to
pay for my imprudence. During this agency, I formed
many interesting acquaintances, and passed through various
experiences. A few I will relate.
There were many who belonged to the Free Missionary

PRIME OF LIFE.

109

Society, on account of their anti-slavery views. I found a
church of that stamp in Vermont. The pastor of the
church, Rev. Mr. Pierce, an excellent man, who had been
settled there twelve years, held the old church as a Free
Mission church, but a portion in favor of the Missionary
Union had seceded and built a new church, which then had
no pastor. I asked the privilege of presenting the cause in
the old church, and invite the other church to meet with us.
He assented, on condition he might reply. I told him I so
well understood the Free Mission view, I could present
that also, and have two sets of papers circulated, one for
each society, and if I did not answer his mind, I would like
to have him reply. He said he was satisfied, and would not
speak. It was an able and benevolent church. The con
tribution was large, and not a dollar's difference between
the two collections. I was desired to preach in the after
noon, and feeling impressed that the two churches ought,
and might be united, I took the love of Christ for my
theme. The good old pastor sat weeping during a portion
of the sermon, his heart full of the love of Christ ; and at
its close, he arose in tears, and said, "My dear brethren,
we ought, all of us, to be united in one church." The feel
ing was general, and the meeting was appointed, and a
happy union was consummated. This was followed by a
precious revival. I continued there, and preached a few
evenings. Another event, to me quite interesting, occurred in Town-
send, Vt. There was a large, rich, Baptist church there,
whose pastor was Rev. Dr. Fletcher. I presented the
cause of missions on the Sabbath, and, according to their
custom, went forth on Monday for the collection. Brother
Fletcher said, " The church is large, and covers a large ex
tent of territory, and it has taken your predecessors three
days to go over it." I said, " Such are my arrangements, I
want to do it in two days." I did so, and raised more than
the usual offering, by working early and late. He made me
out a list. "As you go down Main street," said he, "you

HO AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
will come to a large hotel. The landlord is a sceptic, you
had better not try him ; but his wife and two daughters are
members of my church. Ring the bell at the rear door,
and see them. Then a little farther down is a rich infidel,
whose wife is a member of my church, and her husband has
turned some agents out of his house, I would not go there."
I came to the hotel, and not wishing to slight the landlord,
I entered the bar-room and found him alone. He was a
portly, interesting looking man. Having resolved not to
spend over fifteen minutes there, I immediately introduced
my business. He went to the chamber door, and said,
"Wife, girls, come down here, there is a man who wants all
our money for the foreign missions." I said, " No, my dear
sir ; there are other good causes, and I would like to leave
a nest egg, for another time, for a man who runs such a nice
hotel and farm." We all went into the sitting-room, where
he began his tirade against the missionary cause. I met it
kindly, with the report in my hand ; and, when I could, I
met him humorously, but plainly. This caused a pleasant
state of feeling, and disarmed him of his opposition and
prejudice. Seeing my time was about up, I said, "If every
member of the Baptist church in our country, said to con
tain over two million of members, should give twenty-five
cents each, we should raise more than we do for foreign
missions." He said, " Wife, he is going to let us off lightly.
Here is a dollar for us four." He remarked, "Don't be
in a hurry, I want to see you more." "I must say, as the
prophet said, 'The King's business demands haste.'"
"Come and put up with me another year in welcome."
Having succeeded better than I expected, I thought I
would try the infidel. He was rich, and had a splendid
house and farm. I found him at home. I asked from him
a glass of water, complimenting him for his fine place. I
told hmvl admired the condition of his fruit trees. Having
had some experience in that line, I asked him all the
didactic questions I could. He seized on some of them as
practical for himself. As I had resolved not to spend over

PRIME OF LIFE. riI

fifteen minutes there, I said, " Can we see all your farm
from that little eminence in the rear of your house ? " He
answered, " Yes," and I hurried up with him, took a rapid
view, and hastened from it down to his house, and asked for
another glass of water. He asked, " Are you a doctor ? "
"No." "Are you a lawyer ? " "Only as I put the law
and gospel together. I am agent of the foreign missionary
cause, and if you would like to give to that cause, I would
receive it most thankfully." "Who sent you here ? " " No
one." "I turned some agents out of my house," said he,
" who did not treat me to my liking ; but when they treat
me as you have done, they are welcome here." Pointing to
his wife, he observed, " There is one who gives. What do
you want to give ? " " Just what you please to give me,"
said the meek, quiet woman. He handed her a two-dollar
bill, and invited me to call again.
I will record only one more incident among the many I
might give." In Northern Vermont I presented the Mis
sionary cause on the Sabbath, and Monday I sought a man
to get into my carriage, and guide me to the members of
the church. They recommended their senior deacon, a
man over eighty. He said he was so old and infirm, he did
not think any one would wish to see him. I was told he
had been very useful, and was still much beloved. After
much cheery argument he consented. I told him I was
accustomed, where it was proper, to spend a few moments
in prayer, that a blessing might rest on the gift and the
giver, and alternate with my guide. For a number of visits,
he wished to be excused. We came to a house where the
mother was recovering from a long fit of sickness. She
exclaimed, " O Deacon, I am right glad to see you." She
turned to me, and said, " I am ever glad to see the Mission
ary agent. She handed me a good offering. " Would
you like to have a little circle of prayer ? " " Most surely,"
she replied. " Please follow me, and the Deacon follow us."
She was a very pious and talented woman. I rarely ever
heard a prayer that equalled it. The Deacon was in a

112 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN. '
flood of tears, and prayed like a man used to it. After
that he was ever ready to alternate. Vermont . has some
full-grown hills, and my horse was a little too anxious to
leave each hill to please the good Deacon. As she was
sure-footed, I had no fears. Thinking of the language of
the prophet, " The King's business demands haste," I was
willing to let her spin. So he reproved me in the following
verse : " Up the hill urge me not,
Down the hill press me not,
On the plain spare me not,
In the stall forget me not."
As I am near his age, I now think it good advice to all.
The Deacon said, as I landed him safely home, " I feel like
a new man; I would like to accompany you to-morrow."
Westfield is one of the pleasantest villages in Massachu
setts. It is situated on the Westfield river, surrounded by
table-lands, with beautiful groves and glens, probably once
the shores of a lake. The barrier rocks gave way in the
east part of the valley, and left a very fertile plain, of many
miles in extent, now the site of the village. In early times
it was a great resort for the Indians, and many relics have
been found, even the stone oven where they cooked their
game. The town has ever been noted for its industry,
morality and intelligence. During my pastorate, I made
the acquaintance of many eminent men, ranking among the
first in their profession. The Rev. Dr. E. Davis was then
pastor of the Congregational church, and he and his intelli
gent and excellent wife were ever ready for any good work
that improved the mind or spiritualized the heart. They,
and their rich, benevolent church, did much to aid the Bap
tist church, and seemed ever to rejoice in its prosperity.
I have ever been thankful for many personal favors received
from them. My attachment to Doctor Davis, by our
mutual labors on the .school committee, both in the exami
nation, of teachers and by visiting the schools together, was

PRIME OF LIFE.

H3

very strong. Few men were his equal in kind and judicious
management. The harmonious feeling between the
churches, and in my own church, made my pastorate a very
pleasant one. The many acquaintances formed in and out
of my parish has ever made Westfield very dear to me.
Few places, I am sure, had more intelligent and choice
spirits in proportion to its inhabitants than this place.
I left the service of the Missionary Union, and accepted
a call at Windsor, Vt. This is an old, venerable town, and
in early times was quite as populous as Springfield or Hart.
ford. Here is located the Vermont State-prison and the
United States Court House. The place is noted for its
shady dells and groves — one of which has long been called
''Paradise" — and its splendid scenery of mountain ranges
The Connecticut river sweeps gracefully through it, in
sight of most of the residences. The Baptist church here
was one of the strongest in the State. Rev. E. Hutchinson,
a beloved theological classmate, was long the faithful and
successful pastor of this church. He had to resign in con
sequence of illness. For a time they had no pastor, and
the church, once a power in the State, began to decline.
There had not be$n a baptism for five years.
Soon after I came, I accepted the chaplaincy of the Ver
mont State-prison half of the time, the Congregational
minister officiating the other half. We were obliged to
preach a sermon every Sabbath afternoon after our own
service, and visit the prisoners.
Our first labor in the church was to revive the Sabbath-
school. Mrs. Alden was appointed associate superintend
ent, and she and her sister, Miss E. Chamberlain, and
other faithful teachers, did much to increase the school.
We nearly trebled the number the first year, and made
good the library. Seeing the condition of the church, I
preached one sermon every Sabbath till October, making
over twenty, on the subject of Revivals. The last sermon
was from the text found in Nehemiah 4:10, "There is
much rubbish, so that we cannot build the wall." All the

II4 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
effect I had seen was, as Bunyan expresses it, " Ear-gate
was open." Before preaching this sermon, I said, " If I
see no symptoms of a revival, I intend to change my
subject." As the assembly was leaving, Dea. Perry Skinner, called
one of the best deacons in Vermont by many, met Deacon
Hopkins, another good old deacon, as they came into the
porch, and said, in tears, as he held on to his hand, " I
have nothing to give away ; I take all that sermon to
myself." Still holding each other by the hand, they con
fessed and wept, and were joined by some others. Very
soon we found a Divine influence permeating the church.
From that day a revival commenced that lasted till April of
the next year. During most of the months I preached six
times a week. That revival settled all old difficulties, and
brought into the church a large number, some of marked
influence in the town. The work went into the prison.
Miss E. Chamberlain circulated tracts there, and one had
the title " One Honest Effort," which was the means of the
conversion of one, prisoner. Ten, we thought, gave evi
dence of a saving change. Truly Christ preached there
" to the spirits in prison." Miss Chamberlain found a
father who would not let his children go to the Sabbath-
school. As she tried him a second time, still refusing, she
left the tract, " One Honest Effort." He read it, was con
victed by it. He said to himself, "If that stranger cares
so for my soul, I ought surely to care for it." He did.
He came to our meetings, asked for prayers, and soon we
heard his prayers, and saw him and all his together in
church, and he a good member.
Near the close of our revival, Deacon Parker of the Con
gregational church, who had been a constant and very able
worker in all our meetings, was taken sick with the pneu
monia. It was a sad disappointment to us all, he was so
devoted, affectionate and earnest. Soon as I heard of his
illness, I hastened to his dwelling. I found him very sick,
but very happy. He lived four days ; I was with him more

PRIME OF LIFE. II?

or less every day. It was soul-inspiring to hear him talk,
and try to sing. I was there the night he died. Feeling
sure we must lose him, I asked him how the " dark valley
of the shadow of death " appeared. He raised both hands,
and with a heavenly smile I can never forget, exclaimed,
" It is not dark ; it is light, all light," and tried to sing :
"Jerusalem, my happy home, oh, how I long for thee I "
But his voice failed, and he asked some others to sing it and
several other good hymns. He died happy in the full tri
umphs of faith. Of all such we may say, " O Death, where
is thy sting ! "
Windsor, in years past, was proverbial for its intelligent
and Christian ladies. Ministers and' teachers sought their
companions from this lovely vale nestled so closely between
the cultivated Cornish hills and the grand old Ascutney
proudly towering above it. Six or more of our best Bap
tist ministers found their wives in this delightful spot.
Among them was Drs. Stowe, Porter, Swaine, Day and
Gardner, and Rev. Mr.. Hutchinson, all of blessed memory.
Drs. Gardner and Day still live. All were eminent and
successful workers in. the vineyard of our God, and those
now living continue faithful and true to the cause of our
blessed Master. The Baptist church has continued to
prosper under the labors of able and successful pastors.
After my appointment as agent of the American and For
eign Bible Society for Southern New England, I removed
to Northampton, Mass. For a time I acted as an agent for
the female college in Worcester, and raised atcut twelve
thousand dollars. Rev. D. M. Crane was the able and suc
cessful pastor there. He was one of my early pupils in the
Franklin Academy at Shelburne Falls. I was his pastor,
and now he was mine. He was a very prudent and zealous
worker, and held tin his way there many years, greatly
beloved by the church and community generally^ The In
sane Hospital is located there. They then had. the pastors,
embracing me among them, for their chaplains. Out of

Il6 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

the three hundred patients, not over one hundred were
sober enough to worship in the chapel. There was one
man who gave the closest attention, reaching out his hand
for a handful of truth, and throwing it among the worship
pers, and pointing out the ones he thought needed it, then
reached out for more. Like many professed sane persons,
he took none for himself. I was preaching, having heaven
for my theme, when an intelligent looking lady, on a front
seat, leaped up farther than I supposed a lady could jump,
exclaiming : " I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready to go ;
One moment for heaven I'll leave all below."
She sat beside the superintendent lady, who, when she
came back to the earth, affectionately put her arm around
her. She looked up, meek and apparently happy as an
angel, and remained quiet. Generally there was good order
and attention.
The following is the strangest freak of humanity that I
ever saw, or heard of. A splendid looking man, dressed
richly, and, from his language, I judged a liberally educated
person, wished Dr. Prince, the head physician, to introduce
him to me, at the close of the service. I said to the man,
" Friend, how did you happen to find this splendid board
ing-house ? " — it would not do to call it an " Insane Hospital"
to him, for the insane think the only sane persons in the
world are in these hospitals. " How do you like here?"
said I. "First rate, first rate. I think Dr. Prince here is the
best man this side of heaven. You will find I know all
about heaven, if you have time to hear me through."
" Please proceed." "Well, sir, I am very happy to tell you
that I have made here the greatest speculation, by a
thousand per cent, and more, that was ever made by any
mortal in this world." "Go on, my dear sir, I am very
anxious to hear about it." " Not more than I am to tell
you. Now, sir, please give me the closest attention, and

PRIME OF LIFE. Xl-,

see if I do not interest you more by far than you was ever
interested. I want you to believe everything I tell you,
for I can prove it all. I do not tell lies ; I never told but
one in my life, and that was when I was young. I found
out all liars would go to hell ; and when I found out what
an awful place it was, I put on the brakes to my tongue, and
durst not tell another lie. It is easy enough to stop, if
you put on the brakes in season. If you do not, there will
be an awful wreck. Only think of it ! It will run you
right straight into hell.
"Well, now, to begin, I was born out West, in the
middle of the town of Ohio ! I cannot stop to tell
you anything about my pedigree. I went into business
when young, and drove it furiously night and day, de
termined to be a rich man. Almost before I could realize
it, I found myself worth one hundred thousand dollars.
Most men would be satisfied with that, but, with some,
the more they get the more they want. That was my
case. I wanted just two hundred thousand dollars, and
I wanted, if possible, to make it quick. I spent most of
one night planning, and finally it all came out clear. It
was to get a contract of the Western States to remove
all the mosquitoes. My plan was to make a very light pair
of steel wings, and put them on to every mosquito, and
when the high northern winds blew, it would send every
tormenting bugler into the Gulf of Mexico. I -wrote first
to the Governor of Michigan, as I was acquainted with
him. He wrote me he thought it a fine thing, and ordered
five millions sent C. O. D. ; Wisconsin ordered four millions;
Iowa, six millions, and Missouri ordered ten millions. It is
a great State, and the mosquitoes proportionally large,
which made them order so, I think. All said, ' Send soon as
may be, C. O. D.' I figured it up, cost of help and mate
rial, so that I should make just one hundred thousand
dollars. I had the wings all done before I sent off any.
I sent to Michigan, C. O. D., and a note came the next
mail. ' They are all right-side wings, and are not worth a

Ii8 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

cent.' On looking over the other packages, I found every
one was just so, and instead of making one hundred thou
sand dollars, I had lost just so much, and was not worth a
penny. Besides, I got a little bit of steel into one of my
eyes, that no optician, or anyone, could remove. Elate
with hope, I bore it bravely, but the terrible loss increased
the inflammation, and nearly made me sick. I have a
blessed, good wife, who inherited twenty-five thousand
dollars, all in the bank. ' Now,' say she, ' my dear hus
band, it will do you good to travel a while, and here is five
thousand dollars ; go where you please.' This is the first
place that fully satisfied me. Here is the beautiful Con
necticut river, with its eight thousand acres of the richest
meadow lands. Here towers up, one side, Mt. Holyoke
with its pleasant house and grounds on its summit, carrying
visitants up by steam. On the other side is Mt. Tom,
thirteen hundred feet high, three hundred feet higher than
Holyoke. In the rear are beautiful groves and glens and
trout brooks, and then here are these splendid buildings,
large enough to accommodate five thousand boarders, so I
concluded to stop awhile."
" Well, what about the wonderful speculation ? "
"Yes, yes; I am coming right to it. One night I lay
planning about this steel in my eye. Just before daylight
it came out, clear as amber, how I could do it. Get a
piece of steel, and put it in the heel, and you can have a
telegraph from head to foot, and know just the condition of
your system. I submitted it all to Dr. Prince ; he is my
counsellor, and he is a good one. He said 'It must work
well, and I will fix you out, and we will try it.' So first we
telegraphed, ' What is the state of the blood, heart, and
brain ? 'All right,' was the reply. " Is there anything
wrong ? ' ' There is a little redness about one of your eyes
and a very little dark-colored mite there.' That showed us
it was a perfect work. I then said, ' Doctor, I want to tel
egraph to God.' Said the doctor, 'I think you had better
telegraph first to Gabriel.' So I did, and the response was

PRIME OF LIFE. no,
quick, ' What is wanted, brother ? ' 'I want to know how
many angels there are in heaven ?' Here is the exact num
ber," handing me a roll of seven sheets of foolscap paper,
beginning with units, etc.
"Why," said I, "that is more in number than all the
particles of solid and fluid in this world."
"I should not wonder," said the insane man; "but it is
perfectly correct. Gabriel knows; and there are no liars
in heaven. The Bible says there is nothing there that
'worketh abomination or maketh a lie.' Did you think
there were so many angels there ? " I did not know.
" Well, you know now. I said, ' Doctor, I want to telegraph
direct to God.' 'If you speak reverentially, it may not be
wrong.' No sooner did I do it, than instantly there was
a response, ' What is wanted, my son ? ' 'I want to know
if such and such ones,' reading off a long list of departed
ones, 'are in heaven?' 'Some are and some are not.'
On taking the list, I found a number there whom I supposed
would never get there, and some not there that I supposed
would be. That settled it, for God knows. My great
speculation is that I can know all that is transpiring in
heaven, earth and hell. Oh, how happy it makes me ! No
language can describe it," leaping up for joy. "But after
all there is a gloom over it all." "Ah! what is that?"
" It is a fear that, when I am buried, that steel may get out of
my heel. But I have given Dr. Prince the promise of three
thousand dollars if he will follow me to the urn and see the
steel is in ; and he has promised to do it if he outlives me,
and to put it in his will, directing his administrator to do it
if I outlive him. So I am tolerably sure." " What do you
want it in for ? " said I. " Don't you know ? " " Not
surely." " Why, it is to be perfectly ready for the resurrec
tion. When God wants me, I shall come up like a punc
tual, honest man, when he telegraphs for me."
In my twelve years' labor for the Missionary Union and
the Bible Society, I made the acquaintance of many hun
dred very dear friends that I expect to meet in heaven.

120 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
or I shall be one of the most disappointed mortals in
existence. Most of them are in heaven now. Among the
many homes I found to welcome and cheer me, I often
think with much pleasure of Deacons Warren, Chapin, and
Chase, and Dr. Lawson Long, all of Holyoke ; Deacon
Knowles and Deacon Ensign and W. Upson of Westfield ;
Deacon Foster and Dickenson of Springfield ; Deacon
Blake of Chicopee Falls, and others. I never knew a more
able business man than the latter. He was the life of the
Baptist church in Chicopee Falls, and the general agent for
the factories there for twenty-seven years. He was the
adopted father of my son's wife. He was ever cheerful and
prompt ; a man of wonderful executive ability. The opera
tives loved, respected and feared him. Why such men are
called off in the midst of life and usefulness is a great mys
tery. But God knows best

CHAPTER VI.
LATER PUBLIC WORK.
|Y appointed field, as agent for the American and
Foreign Bible Society, was Massachusetts, Con
necticut and Rhode Island. My duty was to
preach to as many churches as I could on the Sabbath, col
lect the offerings on the Sabbath, or take a list and collect
from house to house. In some places, such as Providence,
Newport. New London, -and some other places, I could
preach for three churches on the Sabbath. The work was
laborious, but very pleasant. A hearty welcome in most
places made it so. In some places there was a revival, and
I was allowed to spend a few days there, if desired. I began
the work in a given State, and went through the State, so
that the churches the next year were visited nearly the same
month, and day of the month, as in the former year. I was
accustomed to gather together groups of youth and chil
dren, and tell them Bible and historical stories. I was
asked in some cases, where there was a large family of chil
dren, to rise before light and tell them such facts as I
thought would do them good. I never failed to visit the
Sabbath-school on the Sabbath, and give them a cheery
talk. It was a great pleasure to do it. I followed this
manner of working through the States aforesaid for ten
consecutive years, raising more and more each year. On
the tenth year, the sum was over three times as much as
the first year. At this time, the society was merged into
the American Publication Society. I would gladly have
worked longer, had not this union been formed. Before

122 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
I finished the ten years, I removed to Providence, R. I., as
it was nearer the centre of my field.
After the death of my father-in-law, Ephraim Chamber
lain, of Cambridgeport, a very worthy and benevolent man,
Mrs. Anna Chamberlain, our good mother, spent the last
fifteen years of her life with us. She was the daughter of
Major Thomas Hovey, of Brighton, Mass., who brought up
a very numerous family of excellent children ; a family, I
think, second to none in that region, in merit and influence.
Mother Chamberlain was one of forty-six who formed the
First Baptist church in Cambridgeport, and was ever a very
prominent and useful member. She died, with us, in North
ampton, at the age of seventy-five, a very peaceful and tri
umphant death. When I saw that we must part with her,
I said, "My dear mother, you have been with us fifteen
years, and in all that time no act or word of yours has hurt
the tenderest feeling of my heart. Your pious, patient and
cheerful demeanor has been a good example for us all. We
would gladly have you one of our family still, but God is
about to take you to your heavenly home. We will lead
you affectionately down to the Jordan of death, and pass
you into the care of escorting angels, and the God of angels,
forever to be in his presence, to mingle with the loved ones
gone before, and all the holy family of heaven." She
looked up with a cheerful smile I can never forget, and
said, "It seems as if I could see them as I never did
before," and then her spirit took its joyful flight.
I cannot refrain from speaking of my wife's sister, Miss
E. E. Chamberlain, who has been with us since the death
of our dear mother, some twenty years since. She is one
of the most self-sacrificing Christian women I have ever
known, her whole life being devoted to good works. As
Providence city missionary for ten years, she did excellent
service ; and since that time, as well as for many years pre
viously, her work for temperance, and in the Sunday-school,
has been one of the most successful and extensive of any
woman in this country. For many years she has had

REV. JOHN AI.DEN AND WIFE.

LATER PUBLIC WORK.

125

charge of the infant and primary department of the Broad
way Baptist church in this city. During this time, over
ten thousand different children have been under her charge,
very many of whom she has gathered together in her mis
sionary work. Truly may she be called the benefactress of
the poor, and a model Sabbath-school worker. May she
long live to continue in this blessed work.

RESIDENCE AT PROVIDENCE.

Myself and family have occupied the above residence
for the past twenty years, overlooking Dexter Common,
one of the most beautiful sites in the whole city. Here
several of my grandchildren were born, John Augustus
Alden and Edward Dana Alden, sons of A. E. Alden.
My son, Adoniram Judson Alden, had recently born in this
house, twins, John Alden and Miles Standish Alden, a great
family event !

126 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
In reviewing the scenes connected with the years spent
in Providence, there comes before me, the Christian, self-
sacrificing life of our cousin, Miss Eliza S. Forbes, who was
a member of our family, more or less, for ten years. Her
devotion, her steadfastness in the cause of Christ was sel
dom equalled. Her family associations were of high order,
and her intimate friends were those of a literary and intel
lectual character. She was formerly a member of Mt.
Holyoke Seminary, and afterward a teacher in the Institu
tion at Charlestown, Mass. She was compelled from fail
ing health to leave her public duties and to return to her
home in Westboro, Mass. After months of suffering, she
was given up to die ; but God had a work for her to do, and
to the astonishment of her friends she was raised from that
bed of sickness to comfortable health. But months of
anxiety and years of watchfulness were in store for her, and
she accepted without a murmur the appointment of her
Heavenly Father, her home being her mission field. She
felt that in this world, with all its brilliant prospects, her
attainments in science and literature were just nothing in
comparison with the approbation and smiles of Him who
was all in all to her, the first and last in her heart's best
affections. " Jesus, on thy breast reclining,
I wait thy holy will ;
Hushed be every sad repining,
Every anxious thought be still ;
Oh, how blessed
Here to wait thy loving will I
" Well thou knowest my heart's deep craving,
Something in thy field to do,
Where are whitened harvests waving,
And the laborers are few ;
Yet 'tis better
Here to wait thy loving will."
It was her privilege to administer to the wants of her
beloved parents, who had ever sought the temporal and

LATER PUBLIC WORK. 12f
spiritual welfare of their dear children, and finally to be by
their side as they passed to the better land. So one by one
the dear family circle was broken, and she remained to be
by their side as they neared the shining shore. Three
gifted brothers and two lovely Christian sisters, both wives
of devoted, efficient ministers, were called from fields of
unusual usefulness to go up higher. The love she bore her
Saviour, and her deep interest for the church with which,
while with us, she was connected, many of the elder mem
bers of the Pilgrim Church can bear ample testimony.
She highly appreciated the work of both pastor and people,
and would often speak of the great privilege she was enjoy
ing of sitting so pleasantly under the droppings of the
sanctuary and listening to the words of wisdom from him *
who was rich in the experience and knowledge of God's
holy Word. She would often sit by the bedside of the sick
and dying, and impart to them, through God's grace, that
faith and holy trust which through her life helped . her to
say, " It is the Lord ; let him do what seemeth him good."
Her work having been accomplished, the summons came,
" Child, your Father calls, come home ! "
Lord, the lights are gleaming from the distant shore,
Where no billows threaten, where no tempests roar,
Long beloved voices calling me I hear ;
Oh, how sweet their summons fall upon my ear I
Let me haste to join them ; may it not be so ?
Loose the cable, let me go I
As I had been through the cities of New England in my
missionary working, and though I found many of the cities
very pleasant, I felt a preference for Providence on many
accounts. My location here was nearest to the Central Bap
tist church, and I united, with my family, with said church.
I have ever found it a very devoted, spiritual church. At
that time, Rev. Dr. H. Lincoln was the pastor, and the
deacons were Brethren Ham, Butler, Hartwell, Boyce and
*Rev. Dr. Laurie.

128 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

Hartshorn. I can never forget their fervent prayers, able
exhortations and sweet songs of praise. The pastor, Dr.
Lincoln, and the first four deacons, havergone to reap their
faithful sowings. But they will ever live in endearing and
hallowed remembrance from all who knew and loved them.
This church has ever been wonderfully blest with excellent
pastors. It would be difficult to find a church superior to
this in harmony of action, talent and benevolence, or pos
sessed of better officers and pastors. The departed ones
were truly superior men, men of God greatly beloved, and
ever to be remembered with gratitude. The former official
Elijahs have gone up, but we trust their mantle has fallen
on good and faithful Elishas, who will be equally kind, spir
itual and watchful, and who will finally win as precious a
record. The blessings of church relationship, with kind
and affectionate leaders, all working in love and harmony,
are inexpressible, a rich foretaste of the church triumphant.
After completing my Bible agency, I accepted the Mission
ary agency of the Rhode Island Baptist State Convention.
The Christian Watchman noticed it thus : " We are happy
to learn that the Rhode Island Baptist State Convention
have secured the services of Rev. John Alden as their mis
sionary agent. He has been a faithful, successful agent
for the Missionary Union for Northern New England, and
for the last ten years agent for the American and Foreign
Bible Society for Southern New England. .From his
large success as a pastor, prior to his agency, we trust
he will be happy and useful in his present responsible
position." After about two years of toil, finding my health failing
under the onerous load, I resigned, and preached as tempo
rary supplies in various churches. Work in something
good has ever been my delight. In later years, I have been
busy with hands and brain caring for myself and others.
About six months since I had a fall, that has hitherto pre
vented me from travelling, and I now am at -work with the
pen. If those who come after me find half the pleasure in

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reading my varied life that I do in living it over by writing,
I shall not regret the laborious task.
While here, I was requested to be the poet of the day at
the Centennial Celebration of Ashfield, Mass., my native
town. Providence, that shapes the destiny of all things, so
ordered that I could do it by laying me on a sick bed with
a lung fever. Otherwise I might'not have found the time.
My physician would not let me write but one verse a day.
After the doctor and my wife were out, I began courting
the Muses, and they so inspired me, I took Spencerian
measure, nine lines to a verse, in order to relieve me of the
pressure as much as possible.
Centennial Celebration, June 2, 1865.
" At the east end of a plain, where the beautiful village of
Ashfield, Franklin County, Mass., is situated, there was an
arch, covered with evergreens and flowers, spanning the
street, on the front of which was written, 'Sons and
daughters of Ashfield, welcome home.' On the other side
was written, ' Our country is free : the greatest year of the
age.' On the west end of the village, a similar triumphant
arch spanned the street, on which was written, 'June 21,
1765, and June, 1865. The year of jubilee is come. One
hundred years old to-day.' A car containing thirty-six
ladies, clad in white, and wearing red sashes, with crowns
of evergreen, and a white flag in their hands, representing
every state in the Union, and with a lady sitting in the
centre, dressed in red, white and blue, representing Lib
erty. Following the car was a wagon with two negroes :
one manacled, and named, "Liberty, 1765;" and the other,
erect and free, labelled, "Liberty, 1865." After marching
through the street, with good lively music, a large proces
sion, under Hon. Henry Dawes, marshal of the occasion,
was formed, and escorted by the Shelburne Falls band to
a beautiful grove, a little distance north of the village.
There was a spacious stand erected. In front of this was

l3o AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

a side-hill, well shaded, where benches for many thousands
were prepared, all of which were speedily occupied. The
marshal called the vast throng to order, and after singing a
good original hymn, a very appropriate prayer was offered
by Rev. T. Shepard, D. D., of Bristol, R. I., a former
beloved pastor in this town. Hon. H. Dawes then deliv
ered an able and thrilling address of welcome. Rev. Dr.
William P. Payne then gave the historical oration, a very
thorough, able address. After music by the band, the Rev.
John Alden of Providence, a native of the town, gave the
Centennial poem.
"Mr. Alden, when called for, arose and said, 'Ladies
and gentlemen, after listening to the very able address of
Dr. Payne ( which was an hour and forty minutes long ), I
think we need a little rest or change. I believe a good
hearty general laugh would do us all good, if we can make
a raise.' The following anecdote was then told :
" When President Edward Dorr Griffin, decidedly one of
the ablest and most eloquent divines America ever had,
was professor of Sacred Oratory in Andover Theological
Seminary, it is said he called all the students into the
rhetorical chamber on important business. They came,
He arose, a man nearly seven feet in height, of the most
dignified and commanding address of any man I ever saw,
Daniel Webster not excepted, and said, 'My dear young
brethren, fearing the warm weather and your hard studies
would make you gloomy dyspeptics, I felt it my imperious
duty to call you all here for the remedial purpose of laugh
ing one-half hour.' Calling upon one of the most sober
students in the Seminary, saying, 'Brother Stevens, will
you begin ? ' Taken by surprise, his utterance sounded
more like a duck than a human being. Yet it struck the
right note that vibrated pro and con for more than half an
hour." Having my man on the platform, Rev. Charles Porter,
lastor of a Congregational church in Boston, an early
.lassmate in the Sanderson Academy in Ashfield, always

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ready for any good work, seated among scores of digni
taries, I said, "Brother Porter, will you begin?" He
made such hearty burst it set the whole throng into con
vulsive laughter. The first strain was irregular. Mr.
Porter gave the second pitch — he was a fine singer, with
a stentorian voice — and it was followed by some ten thou
sand voices, more or less, like peals of charming thunder
rolling on thunder. I sat down and enjoyed it, repeated
nearly a dozen times. As I arose, a very corpulent man,
about the only one not standing then, rose slowly, a white-
headed old man, and as he stood erect, said, loud as he
could, "Yeh, whah, whah, whaht" That set the ball
rolling afresh, and I sat down again, and as there was a
lull, I arose, when a strong female voice laughed up the
scale to the eighth note, and her voice broke, and she
squalled some like a loon. This caused a humorous convul
sion. I had to sit down again and laugh, for I could not
help it. Soon a man with a heavy bass voice laughed the
scale down, beginning where the woman left off. The
experiment proved a better success than I expected. That
laughing time so rested the assembly, and, together with
fiery patriotism of the times, saved me from a failure.
Most stood during the fifteen minutes I occupied, cheering
nearly every verse.
The Ashfield soldiers had that day returned from the war.
Seats next to the platform in front of the band were
reserved. They did not all get into the village in season to
march with the multitude. Just as we were seated, we
heard their music by the arm of the lake. The tune was
"Yankee Doodle," double quick, with a good base drum.
When they came in sight, the cheering beat all I ever heard.
It reverberated through the grove, and nearly drowned the
music of the soldiers. They were marched to the seats
reserved, a bronzed, broken band, about half that went to
battle. As I looked on the flag, torn and stained with
blood, and its staff scathed with minie balls or bayonets,
or both, and then beheld the heroes spared, many of them

132 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
I knew, I buried my face in my handkerchief and wept, foi
a long time, tears of joy.
The town had ordered the biggest tent that could be
found, and we were to march to it and dine. As we
were riding in the carriage for the tent, Mr. Dawes
said, "Alden, I liked your poem, and I shall toast you
in the tent." I simply replied, " Look out, or I shall
shoot back." After the marshal had read many good
toasts, he said, " The poet of the occasion — we see a man
can be a good educator, a good minister, and a good poet ! "
It came so unexpectedly hot, for a moment I did not
know how to reply. I cooly said, "There are two things I
think it difficult for a man to decide as to himself : one is,
when he is an old man ; and the other is, whether he is a
poet." When chaplain of the Vermont State-prison, I saw
two boys, five or six years old, and one threw the other
down in the mud and water near the prison. As he was
some distance ahead of me, I ordered him to let the boy
get up. As he did not heed me, I took him by his collai
and set him on his feet instanter. He looked up boldly
and said, ' Old man, you haven't any business.' Said I,
' Run for home, or I will make business and put both of
you in prison.' They heeded me and ran. I was then
about thirty-seven years old. As to the other point,
Dionysius, called the tyrant of Syracuse," took it into his
head to write poetry. After writing I know not how much,
he sent for Diogenes, a philospher of his realm, and read it
to him, and asked him what he thought of the poetry. He
said he had rather not tell him. ' As your sovereign I
demand it.' He was noted for his honesty. ' If I must
answer you, I must honestly say I do not think it very
good.' The king was so mad he shut the philosopher up in
prison a week, and had him fed on bread and water. He
then went to the prison, and told Diogenes to come with
him to the palace, where he began again to read his verses.
The philosopher took up his hat and cane, and was about
to leave. ' Where are you going ? ' 'To prison if you are

LATER PUBLIC WORK. 133
going on with that poetry.' " I then turned and said,
" The Honorable Marshal of the day — I have not a doubt
of his patriotism or oratory. But there is one great fault
in the minds of many distinguished men, both sides of
Mason's and Dixon's line, that they cannot correct. He
remains firm as the everlasting mountains among which he
was cradled. What is this fault ? You look astonished.
Do not be frightened. We are not to blame. What is the
fault they find ? It is simply this : Sink or swim, survive
or perish, he is determined to stick to the Union. That is
why he has been in Congress so long, and good, I hope and
believe, for a few decades more."
THE CENTENNIAL POEM.
Hail, town that gave us birth ! Loved Ashfield, hail I
You've summoned all your scattered sons afar,
Once in a hundred years, who on the scale
Of life remain, joyous without a jar,
To view once more their native hills and home,
Scathed by a thousand changes, yet the same
In form and feature, — the old fashioned dome
That tells a thousand tales of childhood's scenes,
From which no sterner acts the spirit ever weans.
A hundred years ago, how wild this town !
The bear, the wolf, the Indian, too, was here,
Who roamed the forests then, looked up or down
In trembling fear ; above, around, his ear,
True to his safety, rouses many a fear.
How glorious the change I Forests depart,
All that was wild is gone. Joy starts the tear,
As o'er thy hills and vales we see where Art
Has done its thousand things to gladden every heart.
A hundred years I What scenes have come and gone
In those vast cycles I Thrice our land has shook
With thunder peals of war, the trumpet's tone,
The charge ; the fiery chivalry to brook,
In every quarter, portion, lane and nook.
At last, now quailing low at every look
Of truth and justice, waving on our flag
That floats I And still will float o'er earth and sea,
Bright aegis of the land that ever shall be free I

134 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

A hundred years ! and who have lived and died
In all thy borders in that round of years ?
The rude forefathers, men all true and tried,
From earth have passed, 'mid doubts and fears j
The learned and honored, gray as holy seers,
Have gone their way ; their venerable forms
Amid a thousand fancies live as yet,
And must forever live. Their sun is set
But heaven and earth all gloriously have met.
Whoever lives to bless the world, enduring lives j
He starts a wave on mind forever on to roll,
Eliciting new thoughts ; eternity then gives
Its endless sweep of thought o'er mind and soul.
So all the books piled high from pole to pole,
Could never treasure half the thoughts of one
Who's on the wave that never had a goal.
When sink the hills, the stars, the moon, the sun,
His swelling peal of everlasting joy is just begun.
Where now thy Porters, Sandersons, and Smiths,
And other heralds of the cross, who blessed
Their race in preaching gospel truths, not myths ?
High in their heavenly home in peace they rest,
No wave of trouble more corrodes the breast j
They've gone to reap on the immortal shore,
And left on earth a priceless, rich bequest.
Now bending from their starry home, adore
God there, God here, God's working evermore.
" Full many a son, to fame and fortune known,"
On the long list of Time's retreating tide,
Are thine. They graced the bar, the desk, have sown
On human hearts, to mould aright and guide.
Their work is done, and sleeping side by side
In the lone churchyard, honored by their names —
Which move the inmost heart and make it glide
Into the hallowed past, which stirs the soul,
By mingling with the loved, who've haply reached their goal.
Hail to the clergy I Sons, or adopted sons,
Who mingle at thy altars, or who preach
In other favored fields. Ye gifted ones,
Ever rejoice. Yours the great work to teach
A reckless world how it may safely reach
Peace here on earth, and peace above the skies.
Be faithful, then, and earnest, and beseech
The wayward to be wise, and seek that shore
Where saints and angels shout in bliss forevermore.

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Hail, men of all professions, present, past,
Upon thy records, medicine, or law.
They've done their noble work, and now at last,
Ere a new hundred years began, we saw
It meet to praise them well, and thence to draw
From all their many virtues, light and lore,
Our own proud legacy for all coming time.
Thus garnered in fond memory's garnished store,
We'll praise the worthy, now, forever and forevermore.
Hail to our yeomanry I a noble band,
Life of the town, who onward roll the car
To bless all ranks at home and through the land,
The glory of our nation near or far j
True to our flag, who've gathered every star,
And thrown them to the breeze in every clime,
And firmly said, 'mid North and Southern foe,
God will avenge the oppressed, and in due time
Roll thunder bolts of wrath in woeful, direful chime.
Hail, teachers of the town I Your work is great,
Never half prized, rarely rewarded right.
The lady teacher, is the call of late.
Let it be so ; we'll ever keep in sight
What best enlightens, strengthens, gives delight.
Then rouse, ye maidens I out and bless the race,
And ignorance drive to chaos and old night.
Be firm, unless some Jacob with a grace,
May want a private teacher so he'll give a better place.
Soldiers of Ashfield, hail ! a glorious band,
Who, when the traitors dared our rights invade,
And trail in dust the flag, the glory of our land,
And one bold stroke on old proud Sumter made,
Could not sit still and see a foe invade,
Cruel as death, with murder in his soul,
And rouse not for your country and repel the raid.
'Twas yours, ye braves, to hurry and enroll,
And meet the foe and back the tide of battle roll.
O where's the town that lost no soldier son
In fighting for our altars and our homes ?
They sleep in glory's grave. Never shall one
Be overlooked, while in our now safe domes
We'll treasure up their names. Thank God I it comes
Of their proud valor ; we've a country yet.
Thrice bought with blood, we'll prize the precious boon,
And on the records high inscribe their names
Who fought our battles through, forever to be Fame's.

136 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
Will e'er a band of tyrants ever dare
Again to draw the sword on this our land,
So doubly guarded by God's fostering care ?
His heart shall fail, and palsied be the hand
Of one, or every nation, on earth's strand,
Who thinks to crush God's kingdom in the West.
As soon expect shall sink the solid land,
As God forsake us all at sin's behest. »,
Safe, then, beneath the Almighty arm eternally we'll rest.
Of all the crimes that ever cursed our world,
This century records the crowning one,
And yet it's only Slavery unfurled I
Grow wan, ye stars, and dark thou glorious sun,
While waves of sorrow roll around the world I
Our nation weeps, and must weep on the more
Because her noble leader fell — thus hurled
From glory by a stroke I His life is o'er —
God make his death chase traitor hordes from shore to shore.
We hail the dawn of a long prosperous day ;
The shackles off, our country all is free :
Mind now on mind may have unbounded sway,
Light in God's light, all human kind may see,
O triumph of the world ! O glorious^day I
What of the future now can e'er be told,
In arts and sciences, no bard can say,
Beneath God's smile earth never can grow old,
But gives new light and joy, unfolding to unfold.
This day long severed friends in gladness meet ;
This day they part to meet on earth no more.
O 1 it is heaven begun to feel we'll greet
Our ransomed friends upon the shining shore.
Others may view the heavens that curtained o'er
Our young life, and gaze in rapturous joy ;
Others may climb the mountain tops and thread the vales,
Follow the streams, hear God in nature's voice,
And do as we did once, amid it all rejoice.
A hundred years, this day begins its dawn.
None here expects to live that period through,
We all shall pass away before the morn
Of that far distant day, to rise anew
We trust, and higher joys in heaven pursue j
Yet while on earth we stay, God help us all
To nobly act our part, be faithful, true,
To God and man, that when in death we fall,
Our works may follow us. read and approved by all.

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13;

" We cannot better portray the elastic and buoyant
spirit of our classmate, Mr. Alden," says Rev. Dr. Sabin in
the history of his college class, which he was appointed to
write, " than by quoting from his response to a letter of
invitation to him to attend a meeting of his college class at
the thirty -fifth anniversary of their graduation.
" ' Rev. Lewis Sabin, D. D. :
" ' My dear brother classmate, and for two years my
excellent roommate, it would give me great pleasure to
meet our class again, but such are my official duties, I can
not consistently do so. I will write you simply to say, as
Daniel Webster said, I live ; live with Massachusetts, Con
necticut and Rhode Island on my hands as agent of the
American and Foreign Bible Society ; live to write Cen
tennial poems for my native town as often as the Fates roll
the centuries from their spindles ; live, enjoying life, with a
prosperous family honorably settled around me ; live, joy
fully thinking of those beloved classmates of ours, the best
the world ever produced, or ever can ; live with enough to
live on, yet wanting a little more ; live without any of the
peevishness incident to old age, but growing, I think, more
cheerful and contented daily ; live, rejoicing, my dear
brother, that I did not get the valedictory from you, for
whom 1 had too much love and respect to do any such
thing ; live trying to follow the golden rule of loving my
neighbor as myself, so if he is apparently the most prosper
ous it makes no difference, it is all in the family. So I
live, now sixty years old, and good, for aught I know, for a
decade or two more.'
"Those of us who have been accustomed to meet Mr.
Alden," says Mr. Sabin, " could not fail to see how his
sunny and wholesome cheerfulness has kept him young
and happy, bringing forth fruit of active usefulness, when,
otherwise, feebleness and decay might be expected."

138 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
1833. FIFTIETH 1883.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
OF THE
REV. MR. AND MRS. JOHN ALDEN,
AT THE
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH,
Providence, R. I.,
WEDNESDA Y EFE'NG DEC. j, FROM 7 TO JO. '
PROGRAMME.
ORGAN VOLUNTARY.
Reading, 23d Psalm, ------ Rev. J. W. Olmstead, D. D.
Invocation, ------ Rev. J. C Stockbridge, D. D.
Singing,—" He Leadeth Me," - - - - -
Introductory Remarks, - - - - - Rev. R. Montague.
Biographical Sketch, ----... Rev. J. Taylor, D. D.
" Old Oaken Bucket," ------ Church Quartette.
Original Poem, - - ----- Rev. F. Dennison.
Reminiscences, - ----- RCT. o. P. Gifford.
Hymn. — "Rock of Ages/' -
Missionary Labors, - - Rev. H. M. Bixby, D. D.
Hymn. — " From Greenland's Icy Mountains," -
Ceremony, ------- Rev. Richard Montague.
Prayer, - - - - - Rev. J. V. Osterhout.
CONGRATULATIONS.
College Life at Amherst, ... Rt. Rey. Thomas M. Clark, D. D.
Church Quartette.
Letter Reading,  Dr. Bteby and Rev. B. S. Morse.
Reminiscences of Newton, - - - Rev. S. Field.
Church Quartette.
Letters from Churches, - Individual and informal.
Remarks by Rev. J. T. Smith, D. D., H. M. Puffer, Esq,, Rev. W. H. Eaton, Rev. J. V.
Osterhout, and D. F. Crane, Esq.
Hymn.—" When Shall We All Meet Again, - Church Quartette.
BENEDICTION.— Rev. W. F. Armstrong. 1

Editorial from Providence Journal, Dec 6, 1883.
FIFTY WEDDED YEARS. — PLEASANT OBSERVANCE OF THE GOLDEN ANNI
VERSARY OF REV. JOHN ALDEN AND WIFE AT CENTRAL BAPTIST
CHURCH.
The parlors of the Central Baptist church were filled
with the relatives and friends of the Rev. John Alden, a

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139

noted instructor and preacher of the Baptist denomination,
principally in Western Massachusetts, for the past forty
years, and his estimable wife, assembled to tender their
congratulations on the attainment of the golden anniversary
of their marriage. The celebration was arranged by com
mittees of the churches in Shelburne Falls, North Adams,
and Westfield, in co-operation with the members of the
family and friends of the Central Baptist church of this
city, and a most interesting and entertaining programme
was arranged. There were two sons, four grandchildren,
and a picture of a great-grandchild present, the immediate
family and a large representation of clergymen from Boston,
and pastors of churches in this city and vicinity. The aged
couple were well preserved and in the enjoyment of remark
ably good health, entering most heartily into the festivities
of the occasion.
The exercises opened with reading the twenty-third
psalm by the Rev. Mr. Olmstead, of Boston, followed by
prayer by Rev. Dr. Stockbridge. After singing by the
choir, Rev. Mr. Montague, of the Central Baptist Church,
made some appropriate remarks touching the significance
of the occasion, and the Rev. J. Taylor, D. D., then read
an interesting biographical sketch of Rev. Mr. Alden. It
w,as learned that John Alden was a lineal descendant of
the Pilgrims, and was born in the town of Ashfield, Mass.,
Jan. 10, 1806, and belonged to a family of twelve children,
most of whom lived to a mature age and filled posts of
influence. His father and one of his brothers, the youngest
child in the family, were, like himself, preachers of the
gospel. The family held an influential position in the
region, on account of its wealth, intelligence, and social
position. Young John was forced to surrender his hard
physical toil on the farm, and became a student at Amherst
in 1827. Mention was made of his diligent application to
the enrichment of his mind, and his graduation in 183 1.
The late Dr. N. A. Fisher, of this city, and the Rev. Dr.
Thatcher Thayer, of Newport, were among his classmates.

140 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
He entered Newton Theological Seminary, on leaving
college, and remained there two years. Pleasant allusion
was made to his courting period in Cambridgeport, and the
joy at his home when the bride appeared. Attention was
then directed to his entry upon the pastorate at Shelburne
Falls, in his native county, and his taxing double service
as principal of the Academy, both being sustained for seven
years with eminent success. For six years he was pastor
of the North Adams church ; then, at Westfield, where he
prepared a history of the village ; then in Southboro, and
afterwards chaplain of the State-prison at Windsor, Vt. He
has also served the denomination to which he belongs as
agent for mission and Bible work. Since 1867 he has
resided in this city, and a few years since was the poet
on the occasion of the centennial celebration of his native
town. Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Alden,
one found an early grave. A little grandson of remarkable
beauty and promise died in this city a few years ago. Most
of the large family of sisters and brothers, of which Mr.
Alden was so conspicuous a member, have gone to the
home beyond.
An original poem, composed by the Rev. Frederick Den-
nison, was then read in his absence by the Rev. Mr. Mon
tague, which gracefully and impressively commemorated
the occasion, and met with pleasant recognition. The Rev.
O. P. Gifford, of Boston, responded to the invitation to call
up some interesting reminiscences. Aside from those con
tained in Dr. Taylor's biography, mention was made of his
commencing teaching at the age of seventeen ; his organi
zation of what was afterwards known as Franklin Academy ;
his term of service in the academy, during which he had
over two thousand pupils, more than two hundred of whom
experienced religion, and fifty became ministers ; his forma
tion of the First Baptist church at Shelburne Falls, the
result of seven years' labor being one hundred and fifty
members, a new house of worship, and the strongest church
in the Franklin association; his pastorate of six years at

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141

North Adams, where he baptized more than two hundred,
among them heads of families, six merchants and manufac
turers, whose "wealth was estimated at two million dollars ;
this church now has about nine hundred communicants;
at Westfield he raised the debt and added some seventy
members to the church in his six years' pastorate ; and his
agency for Southern New England of the American and
Foreign Bible Society, which he held for ten years, doub
ling the contributions of former years. He is now, to use
his own words, " in his seventy-eighth year, waiting
patiently for the Master's summons." The address was
enlivened by sparkling and witty anecdotes, which were
duly appreciated. After singing " The Old Oaken Bucket,"
Rev. Dr. Bixby spoke in terms of the highest eulogy of
Brother Alden's missionary work, which might be said to
be the brightest, best, and most fruitful years of his remark
able ministerial life. Then the hymn, " From Greenland's
Icy Mountains," was sung, and the nuptial ceremony was
most impressively performed by the Rev. Mr. Montague,
with eloquent reference to their happy married life for half
a century, the closing prayer being offered by Rev. J. V,
Osterhout, of the Broadway Baptist Church. Then came a
season of congratulation from the assemblage, taking the
form of cordial hand clasps, and the bestowal of substantial
tokens of love and respect. Rt. Rev. Bishop Clarke was
called upon to give some reminiscences of college life at
Amherst, and he recalled many pleasant incidents in his
associations with Mr. Alden, alluding humorously to his
matrimonial entanglement and his memorable contest with
Dr. Thatcher Thayer of Newport, as story tellers, which
commenced at six o'clock in the evening' and lasted till
midnight, ending in a drawn game, no story to be waited for
over a minute, under the conditions. He referred to the
confidence and respect John Alden won from his class
mates, and hoped that he would live to celebrate hi:s dia
mond wedding. After a solo by Mrs. Chaffee, letters were
read by Dr. Bixby from Dr. Thayer and Mr. J. A. Pratt of

142 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
Shelburne Falls, the latter having been a pupil of Principal
Alden at Franklin Academy. Rev. Mr. Field read an
interesting sketch of reminiscenes at Newton. After which
letters from the following named gentlemen were read :
Dr. J. A. Sherman, of New York, who mailed twenty five-
dollar gold pieces ; Hon. Peter Parker, of Washington,
D. C, who enclosed fifty gold dollars ; Rev. Messrs. Eaton,
of Westfield, and Crane, of Shelburne Falls ; Dr. Osborne,
of North Adams church, who inclosed a pecuniary token of
esteem in behalf of the church ; Rev. Geo. Felton, of
Greenville, Mass. ; Hon. Henry L. Dawes, of Pittsfield, and
others. The Rev. Dr. Smith followed with some interest
ing remarks, as also a nephew of Mr. Alden, H. M. Puffer,
Esq., of Shelburne Falls.
Among the pleasing features of the gift -making was the
presentation of a tiny picture of the great grand-child, born
two months ago, by Miss Lena Hunt, in a verse or two of
poetry, very prettily delivered ; also a large picture, in six
parts, containing views of the birth-place of Mr. Alden, the
churches over which he held pastorate, Franklin Academy,
Amherst College and Newton Seminary, a most appropri
ate and acceptable gift from his son, A. E. Alden, of Bos
ton. The employees of the Alden Photo Co., of Providence
and Boston, gave a purse of gold. Joel Goldthwaite, of
Boston, J. R. Rand and Addison Rand, of New York, and
many other friends were among the list of contributors.
Rev. Mr. Alden was called upon to make a response, and
did so in some verses which conveyed his deep gratitude
and appeciation of the efforts of all who had participated in
the festival. The choir then sang " When shall we all
meet again," and the company was dismissed with the
benediction.A RECOGNITION OF THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY BY REV. R.
MONTAGUE.
Marriage is an ordinance of God, old as the family of
man. It has been the basis of social order, the nourishet

LATER PUBLIC WORK.

143

of domestic affections, the inspirer of noble and unselfish
character in all the history of our race. Moses honored it ;
Christ enforced it ; the Apostles commended it ; God
blessed it. The union brings together two congenial
spirits, whose affections intertwine so lovingly as to express
a common hope and purpose ; yet the individuality, by its
very distinctness, enriches the common fund of happiness.
The wife becomes more manly, and the husband more
womanly, and thus both are more perfected.
For fifty years, my friends, you have borne a common
name, shared a common work, honored God and travelled
toward a common heaven. For fifty years has the love
that led to this union been ripening, growing in strength and
purity, until you stand, not as you stood at first, to make
your vows of marriage love, looking eagerly to the future,
but now to recall the joys and sanctified sorrows of a rich and
honored past. Fifty years ago you plighted troth, so long
as you both should live. To-night the old vows rest easily
and joyously upon you, and need no renewal. It is an hour
for gratitude and praise. May God spare you, my brother
and sister, to each other and your dear family, for years to
come. May your life be so increasingly hallowed as daily
to suggest that dear and indissoluble union between the
Lord and his church, between Christ and his purchased
body, that body whose servants you long have been, and
whose members may you long continue to be. The Lord
bless and keep you ; the Lord make his face to shine upon
you evermore. Amen.
PRESENTATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC VIEWS.
MADE BY AUGUSTUS E. ALDEN TO HIS PARENTS, ON THE EVE OF THEIR
GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AT THE CENTRAL BAPTIST CUHRCH,
PROVIDENCE, R. I., DEC. 5, 1883, EMBRACING THEIR BIRTH
PLACES, CHURCHES, INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING, WITH
WHICH THEY ARE AND HAVE BEEN CONNECTED.
My dear father and mother, it is with pleasure that we
meet you here this evening to congratulate you on this,

144 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
your Golden Wedding anniversary. It is with deep, heart
felt gratitude to the Giver of all good and perfect gifts,
that he in his tender mercy has spared you both to us so
many years. But when I look on you, so advanced in life,
I am reminded, ah, too well, that you are fast passing
away ; and it becomes us, your children, who owe a debt of
gratitude that all children owe to parents, to gather around
you now more closely, watch over and care for you and en
deavor to make your last days your most pleasant and happy
ones, — and may you yet be spared to us many years.
It seems quite fitting at this time to present to you a
memento. The views presented will doubtless carry you
back to the very early days of your childhood. Many of
these memories are very pleasant, and some sad, and so on
through your years of toil and usefulness. The different
views herein presented will bring to your recollection many
scenes of your life work. Please accept this frame of
pictures, as a token of remembrance, from your son, Augus
tus E. Alden.
Rev. John Alden's Golden Wedding, Dec. 5, 1883.
BY REV. F. DENNISON.
The Lord of old to Moses said,
And bade it writ on holy page,
Rise up before the hoary head,
And pay just reverence to age.
The ancient mandate still holds sway
Since words of meetness never die ;
No righteous rule shall fade away
Until the stars forsake the sky.
To-day two veterans are named,
The lines inlinked for fifty years,
For valor and for virtue famed,
Triumphant over foes and fears.
They've seen the tide of conflict roll,
And bravely acted in the strife ;
They've steady pressed towards the goal
And well-nigh reached the crown of life.

LATER PUBLIC WORK.

145

What though their annual ides have run
Almost fourscore 'neath varying skies ;
They greet to-day a golden sun,
And view it with a sweet surprise.
Is this John Alden that we see ?
Yes, both of. Pilgrim name and blood :
Nor has he shamed his pedigree,
Or dwarfed the Vein of brotherhood.
Obedient to the call of God,
Accepting John the Baptist's view,
Himself has Jordan's waters trod,
And led a thousand converts through.
A champion in his day of strength,
The foes of truth, he fearless faced,
And won such victories at length
As chroniclers have proudly traced.
Full high his hands have held the cross,
Above all earthly honor prized;
What men call gain he counted loss
To magnify the name of Christ.
Nor less devoted by his side,
As helper in all works of grace,
The one selected as his bride,
And ever worthy of her place.
The world from noble women still
Receives its highest Christian charms,
As from their lips in worship thrill
With sweetest notes, our holiest psalms.
There is no ministry on earth
Like that of woman's changeless love,
Its beauty of celestial birth
Reflecting that which reigns above.
This pair, like palms by Jordan's brink,
Whereto unfading life is given,
While of waters here they drink,
Lift np their fruited crowns to heaven.
So, brother, teacher, preacher, friend,
Anew we hail thee and thy bride ;
To both e'en to your journey's end,
The pledge of heaven be verified.

146 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
We bring our debt of reverence,
Far more than language of our lips,
And share in your sweet confidence
Of everlasting fellowship.
MR. ALDEN'S RESPONSE.
Thanks, first, to Him enthroned above,
A God of majesty and love,
Seen in his image stamped on man,
The sexes two, a wondrous plan
To happy make the human race,
Sorrow divide and woes efface.
Thanks to the donors one and all,
Respondents to this final call.
Thanks to the pastors, true and kind,
Who tried in vain a way to find
To make the hymeneal knot more sure,
Bound once, forever to endure.
Thanks to the singers, whose sweet lays
Have won them everlasting praise.
Thanks for this beauteous house of prayer,
To meet our friends, and with them share
Congratulations, hearty, kind ;
Such joys on earth we seldom find.
Thanks to the Marshal,* ever true
To serve the dead and living too,
Whose usefulness can only be
Measured by an eternity.
Thanks to the speakers, whose rich strains
Have roused our hearts, and thrilled our brains •
May their reward the treasure be,
To have one wife a century.
Would you have one wife fifty years
In world of death, of sighs and tears ?
Praise every worthy act, and she,
More ardently will love and be
Dear and more dear continually ;
A priceless jewel, lustrous, bright,
A sun by day, a star by night.
Though God ordained the husband head,
If side by side they meekly tread
Life's stormy maze, nor strive for power,
Smoothly will life glide on each hour,
* Deacon Boyce, both deacon and sexton.

LATER PUBLIC WORK. 147
Let both feel wedded sure for life,
One husband only, one good wife.
'Tis God's own law, and happy they
Who tread the path and never stray.
The parties two, let man decide,
And far as may be please his bride,
The law obeyed, the victory 's won,
Two happiest souls beneath the sun,
Seeking each other's highest joy,
A boon complete without alloy.
Soon child and youth, and men of sterling worth,
Must parted be, and pass away from earth.
Then may we sink as sinks the evening star,
When lingering o'er the western hills afar,
With undiminished and unclouded light,
Still mild, still pure, still pleasant and still bright.
With no volcanic roar, convolsive throe,
Wild tumult or fierce blaze, she sinks below.
Then may we rise in heaven's unclouded light,
Eternally to praise in rapturous delight.

CHAPTER VII.
FIFTY WEDDED TEARS.
BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT BY JEREMIAH TAYLOR, D. D., A
RELATIVE OF REV. JOHN ALDEN.
j|EW names in New England have been more hon
ored for over two centuries than that of John
 Alden. The pilgrim of this name has the tradi
tionary honor of being the first person who leaped from the
ship on to the rock of Plymouth harbor, from the company
of pilgrims who landed there in 1620. He also has earned
for himself a distinguished place among the illustrious men
of the period, as one who spoke for himself at the sugges
tion of Priscilla Mullins, when commissioned to woo her
heart and hand for another.
The descendents of John Alden, the pilgrim, have held
in such veneration and high esteem the many virtues of
their great-grandmother Priscilla, and have so admired her
picture as delineated in art, and have been so enraptured
by the recital of her praises in the songs of Longfellow,
that they have never regretted, that, in the matter of court
ship, their great ancestor was a little too smart for the
noble Captain Standish.
Our friend, the worthy guest of this occasion, is a lineal
descendent of the pilgrims, and we may reasonably sup
pose from the fact that he took his choice from the fair maid
ens of Cambridge, Mass., when he led Miss Ann Maria Cham
berlain to the bridal altar, that he inherited not a little of
the wooing spirit of his illustrious progenitor, Mr. Alden
took the name of his father, and during all his early years,
he was John Alden, Jr.
He was born in Ashfield, Mass., in 1806, and as the dates
.show, was of ripe age when he entered those matrimonial 148

FIFTY WEDDED YEARS, I4g
alliances which have held him for fifty years. The fact
that his life has continued so far down toward the close of
the century, with the commencement of which it began,
speaks well for the tender love and fostering care which
has attended these parties in the changing busy scenes of
the family during all the matrimonial voyagement. It does
not seem possible that the domestic machinery should have
run on for so long a period with promise of remaining
many years yet to come, unless at all times the running of the
household gear was free from friction and in the best of
order. In this bad age of so much domestic infelicity, surely
those who hive set so good an example of loving and
patient continuence ought to wear a golden crown.
Mr. Alden belonged to a family of twelve children, most
of whom lived to mature age, and fillea posts of influence.
He was reared among the hallowed influences of religion ;
and his home was open to ministers of the gospel, who
came as they pleased, and stayed as long as they pleased,
and departed with just as much money, if not a little more,
than when they came. It would be rare to find a house
that disbursed a more generous hospitality. His father's
house was a house of prayer, where not only the children,
hut all the laborers, in doors and out, were gathered
around the altar of family worship. His father and one
of his brothers, the youngest child in the family, were, like
himself, preachers of the gospel.
The first years of his life were spent at home on the
farm. In 1825, he united with the Baptist church in Ash
field. Soon after, he commenced his preparatory studies
for College in Amherst Academy, and graduated at Am
herst College in 1 83 1. It was my privilege, as his kins
man and resident in the family, to drive him back and forth
over the twenty miles of distance between his home and
the college. Many a time during the years constituting the
term of study then, and much of the inspiration which car
ried me a student to the same institution a dozen years
later, was derived from those pleasant drives and choice
companionship by the way. Mr. Alden early sought to
enrich his native town through the stores of knowledge
which he had acquired. I doubt not he recalls, with great
satisfaction, the address he gave in the school-room where
he was once a learner, on the battle of New Orleans, under
Gen. Jackson, in 181 5. The lecture was illustrated with
maps of his own drawing, and was so well prepared and

150 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
delineated as to gain him nearly as much praise as that
bestowed upon the old hero of the battle ; but it did not
bring him to the presidency of the United States, and I do
not really think he had any such aspirations when he pre
pared the lecture. The late Dr. N. A. Fisher, of this city,
of pleasant memory, Rev. T. Thayer, D. D., of Newport,
and Bishop T. M. Clark and Hon. Peter Parker, of Wash
ington, were his classmates. On leaving college, he
entered Newton Theological Seminary, and while there
accepted the call to take charge of the Franklin Academy,
at Shelburne Falls, Mass., where he held the double rela
tion of principal and pastor six years.
I well remember the scene in the old homestead at Ash
field, when the son and brother came back bringing his
bride with him. There was unusual joy ; a new offering of
thanksgiving and praise was laid upon the family altar. It
was an auspicious beginning of married life consecrated to
the service of God, and which now stands before us encir
cled with the golden sheaves of fifty years. Mr. Alden
entered upon his public professional life at Shelburne Falls,
his native county. He undertook to do double service.
He became pastor of the church in that now thriving vil
lage, and also principal of the academy, which had just
been planted there. Either field of labor was enough to
tax the energies of any young man; yet, during the six
years that he held these responsible situations, eminent
success attended his labors. In all these duties, the young
wife was a burden-bearer by his side, a helpmeet such as
God makes for a man when he gives him a paradise com
plete. This certainly was the most successful period in the
history of this institution. Subsequently we find our
friend for six years pastor at the Baptist church in North
Adams, then at Southboro, then at Westfield, Mass., after
ward at Windsor., "Vt., where he was pastor of the Baptist
church and officiated as chaplain a part of the time at the
Vermont State-prison. He has served his denomination as
the agent for foreign missions in Northern New England,
and for the Bible Society in Southern New England.
Since 1867, his home has been in this city. When his
native town celebrated its hundredth anniversary, Mr.
Alden was the poet ofthe occasion.
This long life has not been devoid of bereavements.
Again and again they liave been in situations which might
have led them to exclaim, "All thy waves and billows have

FIFTY WEDDED YEARS.

IS'

gone over me." But, to-day, they who travelled so far
together, stand erect, trusting in God, and it does not
become us to moisten the riper golden sheaves even with
the dew of tears. Of their three children, one found an
early grave ; also a little grandson of remarkable beauty
and promise died a few years ago in this city. Most of
the large family of brothers and sisters, of which Mr. Alden
was so conspicuous a member, have gone to the home
beyond. Yours, truly, J. Taylor.
LETTER FROM SENATOR H. L. DAWES.
PlTTSFIELD, NOV. 20,, I883.
Rev. J. Alden :
My dear sir, Mrs. Dawes and myself send you and Mrs.
Alden our most hearty greetings and congratulations, on
this anniversary, so laden with precious memories and
gracious providences.
Your kind invitation takes us back over many years,
when, in North Adams, strangers among a strange people,
the hand of friendship was extended to us, and it has never
been forgotten or withdrawn ; looking back over those years,
full of vicissitudes and rich reminiscences, how valuable
such a friendship proffered when friends were most needed.
To you, my dear friends, this must be an hour of supreme
happiness, filled with gratitude to God for his manifold
mercies, and to the friends he has gathered around your
footsteps in the long journey he has permitted you to
travel together. How precious to you must be the
evidences multiplied on every hand of the love of those
among whom you have lived. They are a tribute to your
fidelity. May you be long descending together the west
ern slope, with not a stone in your pathway, or a thorn by
the wayside. And may this journey, full of years of use
fulness, end only in the glory of a cloudless, golden sunset.
Most truly yours, H. L. Dawes.
Blackinton, Nov. 20, 1883.
Rev. and Mrs. John Alden :
Dear friends, I congratulate you on the fiftieth anniversary
of your marriage. May you live to see many more happy
days. God is good to 'spare you to each other so many

152 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
years. I have not forgotten your labors in Blackinton thirty
years ago. Eternity only can reveal to us the blessings
of that revival. It was a miracle of grace to see business
men seeking the Saviour and humbly asking the prayers
of God's people. Most of that happy number are prais
ing God in heaven. Soon, it may be very soon, we shall
join them there. Sincerely yours,
C. Blackinton.
REMARKS BY REV. J. T. SMITH, D. D.
In occupying a few moments among all the pleasant
words of this interesting occasion, I very well know that it is
not that I have any special gift to interest an audience in a
little speech. This is asked of me because I, with her who
has stood with me beside this worthy couple, have been
their life-long friends.
My relations with Rev. Mr. Alden commenced while I
was a youth in my native town in Western Massachusetts.
The church of which I was a member had built a meeting
house, and sent for Mr. Alden, then Principal of Shelburne
Falls Academy, to preach the dedication sermon. The
impression of that eloquent sermon still lingers among my
youthful memories. I can testify to the high reputation of
the Franklin Academy under his care, both educationally
and religiously.
Williams College was celebrated for its revivals. Not
less so was Franklin Academy at Shelburne Falls, Mass.
Not only was it understood that good scholars were turned
out there, but unconverted pupils left in a great many cases
truly devoted Christians. I can also testify in all his work,
as teacher and pastor. Mrs. Alden was ever his efficient
helpmeet, to whom he owed much of his large success. My
next point of contact with our brother was in connection
with North Adams. -I had suggested to one of the deacons
that I thought Mr. Alden might be obtained as the pastor
of the North Adams church. The good deacon thought it
might be well to make the trial, and sent for him to supply
the church for a Sabbath. The experiment quickly re
sulted in a unanimous call, which was promptly accepted.
In that pastorate, at the opening of that great revival,
which brought such a company of the business men of
North Adams into the Baptist church, with all their

FIFTY WEDDED YEARS.

153

wealth and influence, I was with him as a fellow worker.
The revival began in a special effort in a manufacturing
village about two miles from the centre, completely
sweeping it, and bringing in almost all the business
men and their families. After this work, the effort
was begun in North Adams Centre. I well remember
the difficulties he had in securing the united co-operation
of the church at its beginning, and the energy with
which he said to me, "The meeting shall go on, though it
requires the head of John the Baptist." It did go on, and
the revival recommenced with mighty power. That revival
settled the position of the Baptist church in that village, as
the leading church in Western Massachusetts. During this
period of his history, it was that I made a selection of, to me,
the dearest and most lovable lamb of his flock as my very
own, which in due time I received with his benediction. Ever
since, while I have been her accepted minister, he has been
her pastor. Perhaps to make it all plain, she had excellent
reasons to feel an unusual and lasting attachment to him,
as he was the instrument in the conversion of several of
her brothers and sisters, at the time of the revival I have
spoken of, most of whom were baptized by him. Besides,
her honored father was the active co-operating deacon of
the church at that time, and his intimacy in the family, and
his ministrations with them in domestic joys and sorrows,
established this tie, not easily sundered. In all subsequent
changes, I have been his, and my wife has been her con
fiding friend. We have never been thrown so far apart
but that a good degree of intimacy could be kept up. We
rejoice with them in every token of honor and esteem
which this happy occasion is bringing them. I am happy
to declare, that among all contemporary ministers of any
denomination, I know of none who have achieved a more
honorable or enviable name, or record of labor and success,
in different lines of public service, than Rev. John Alden.
Fraternally yours,
J. T: Smith.
letter from robert crawford, d. d.
Champaign, Nov. 25, 1883.
Rev. John Alden and Mrs. Ann M. C. Alden:
Much esteemed friends, I thank you much for the kind
remembrance on my own part and that of my children.

!54 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.

My beloved wife was included in this invitation, but for
more than two years she has been with the blessed ones,
where they " neither marry or are given in marriage."
She and I cannot celebrate our Golden Wedding here, but I
trust we may in the city where the streets are golden and
the gates are pearl. You may be with us then. With
warm and sincere affection, I congratulate you both, my
dear friends, on the event you are anticipating as the crown
of your married life of fifty years. I thank God on your
behalf that you have been spared so long to each other,
and that you have been permitted to see so much good and
so little sorrow in your family life. May the good Lord
bless you still, and spare you so long as it is best for you
both, and if it is right for me to wish it, may your separa
tion be short. But God knows best. Your kind invitation
carries me back to the summer of 1840, when I first knew
you as pastor of the North Adams church, when you kindly
extended to me the right-hand of fellowship, as the pastor
of the Congregational church of that place. I remember
the cordial reception given by you both to my dear wife
and me, who were strangers to almost all in the place.
We were then, with trembling hearts, just entering the
marriage relation and pastoral work. I remember dis
tinctly the proposition you made, and to which I heartily
assented, that as we were to be together pastors of
churches near each other, but of different names, that we
would try to work together for the upbuilding of Christ's
kingdom, in love and harmony, preaching our sentiments to
our own church, as duty seemed to dictate, but abstain
ing from any personal discussion between ourselves. I
thought the agreement a wise one, and I am happy to say
it was religiously observed by us both. I rejoice with a
thankful heart in thinking over the unbroken and intimate
Christian friendship and intercourse, and co-operation in
Christian work in which we were united in all the years we
were together in that busy place. There were two scenes
and services of bereavement which brought us very near
together in Christian affection and sympathy. I could
wish truly to be with you on the evening of December 5th,
but cannot, I am so far away from my home in Deerfield.
Were my wife with me as in years gone by, I am sure we
should be interested to be with you. We know not how
much our departed Christian friends know of us. God
cares for us. What deeply interests us of a spiritual

FIFTY WEDLED YEARS. 155
nature interests him. I think we may cherish the thought
that those whom we call ours, though he has taken them to
himself, will still have an interest in us, and know some
thing of our earthly affairs. It may be they know more
and are more interested than we imagine. It is at least
pleasant to think they are ours still, and that they remem
ber us as being still theirs. I am pastor still of the Con
gregational church in Deerfield. I am now in my eightieth
year. Wishing you a happy issue of your Golden Wedding,
and the best of heaven's blessings now and evermore, I
remain, Yours in Christian love,
R. Crawford.
LETTER FROM DR. THAYER.
Newport, R. I., Nov. 3, 1883.
My Dear Brother Alden:
The physician's orders keep me quite at home. Besides,
a moment's thought should convince you that my advanced
age utterly unfits me for a connubial frolic with such an
extraordinary juvenile as you are. Once indeed I was con
siderably younger than you. But that was fifty years ago.
Now, if I may judge from the neighings of your Pegasus,
you must have wonderfully renewed your youth, and
reversed our old relation. Nevertheless, I remember affec
tionately that old relation, your genial spirit, your kindly
Christian interest in me, a boy. Amid the scenes and per
sons in college life, now growing dim, I recall distinctly
your pleasant intercourse with your classmates, and the
feeling of confidence with which they ever regard you.
There are few of us left to testify this. But I will speak
for all. Doubtless you will hear many pleasant things said
to-day, but count not the least this testimony to the affec
tion and esteem in which you are held by your college class
mates. God bless you, my dear brother, and the faithful,
loving wife of fifty years.
Affectionately and truly your classmate,
Thatcher Thayer.
letter from dr. peter parker, washington, d. c.
My Dear Brother Alden :
Your affectionate letter, of November 5, was duly
received. The state of my health explains my delay in an-

156 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF fOHN ALDEN.
swering the letter. I have long suffered from spinal diffi
culties, rendering it impossible to express myself in writing.
Never before have I so realized my proximity to two
worlds. One is receding, and soon to be left ; and the other
in prospect, soon to be entered. How interesting the long
retrospect to both of us ! How inconceivable the eternal
prospect ! It does not appear what we shall be. Oh, the
divine assurance ! Fifty years you have lived with the wife
of your youth, and are now expecting a Golden Wedding.
I cannot be present, but I enclose, commemorative of the
fifty years, a corresponding number of golden dollars.
Affectionately yours,
Peter Parker.
letter from rev. george d. felton.
East Granville, Mass., Nov. 17.
Mr. and Mrs. Alden :
Precious dear old friends, — never more so than now.
God bless you, and cause his golden sun to shine bright
upon you on the fifth of December. For a bright- day, a
cheery day, a golden day, we will fervently pray ; also that
many golden pieces and golden speeches may be made to
gladden your hearts. We assure you, dear friends, that
nothing would afford us more profound delight than to
mingle with the happy throng whose kindly greetings and
cheerful gifts will demonstrate the strong attachment felt
for the personal worth and abundant labors which we
know have brought their priceless reward. May that dem
onstration be so vivid that it shall never be effaced from
memory, and never cease to cheer, while the winter of old
age shall continue. This allusion brings vividly to mind
incidents and scenes of more than forty years ago, that
thrill my heart with gratitude, — the old Franklin Acad
emy, the old Mansion house, those pleasant groves and
walks where I spent hours of heavenly converse, the
embowered path to the baptismal waters, so often trod by
obedient and rejoicing subjects, the old familiar hymn,
" Whither goest thou, pilgrim stranger ? " sung by inspiring
voices that vibrated through the grove, and the stream
itself. Bless God for the old Deerfield river, the baptistry
of Shelburne Falls. Then, too, that blessed revival, when
prayer-meetings in different rooms were frequent; when
Christians were weeping over and praying for anxious ones,

FIFTY WEDDED YEARS. 157

and trying to rouse the careless ones to seek the Lord.
Do you lemember being sent for at about eleven o'clock at
night, to come to the chapel, and converse and pray for
many anxious ones, who felt that they could not go to
their rooms until they had made their peace with God ?
Then, too, those morning prayer-meetings in the chapel
at break of day, — there it was that the spirit of the Lord
touched my heart and sent me to my room to devote the
day to fasting and prayer, that the path of duty might be
made plain before me, and I be willing to walk in it. The
struggle of that day removed all my doubts as to what
Jesus would have me do, and my soul was made joyful in
the thought that it was my privilege to tread in the foot
steps of my Divine pattern, enter the liquid grave and come
up in the likeness of Christ's resurrection. Then came the
first covenant meeting, and that joyful Sabbath when sev
enteen happy ones put on Christ by baptism, myself, I
think, the happiest of them all.
Affectionately yours,
George D. Felton.
letter from prof. h a. pratt, who was once princi
pal of franklin academy.
Shelburne Falls, Nov. 24, 1883.
Rev. John Alden :
Dear Brother, I sincerely regret that my work will pre
vent me from enjoying the pleasure of being present at the
fiftieth anniversary of your wedding. It is not strange
that I remember you with pleasing satisfaction, as your
name is pleasantly associated with my first emerging from
the public school to that higher institution of learning,
called the Franklin Academy, of which you were the first
honored principal. This was in the spring of 1835, when I
was sixteen years old.
It was my great venture from home. I arrived at Shel
burne Falls just as the organization of the term had com
menced in the old chapel. Two more awe-inspiring men I
had never seen than Messrs. Alden and his assistant,
O. Fisher, who occupied the platform. I had never enter
tained the thought that I ever should attain to such dignity
and power, or that I should ever occupy the same identical
position, even without the dignity. It has, therefore, been
my wont to regard you with profoundest respect. This

158 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
was imposed at the first meeting, and the example of that
term has influenced my life in all my subsequent career.
Such is the influence of association and example, whether
elevating or demoralizing. I am happy to say the impres
sion made by the teachers during that term on my charac
ter, both as a scholar and Christian man, have never been
effaced ; and I feel that I owe to them, in a measure, what
ever of success I have achieved in life. Allow me, then, to
congratulate you on this golden occasion, which commem
orates your happy and protracted domestic life. I have
had the pleasure of but a slight acquaintance with your
excellent wife, but I doubt not she has contributed a large
share to your mutual happiness and success in life, and
merits the first part in the well-earned congratulations of
this happy occasion. May it please the good Father of
us all still to grant you both many years of usefulness and
honor. Very truly yours,
H. A. Pratt.
REMARKS OF REV. THOMAS CLARK, D. D., BISHOP OF RHODE
ISLAND.
It gives me great pleasure to be present on this joyous
occasion. I have attended many golden weddings, but the
large assembly present in this sanctuary, and the venerable
speakers on this occasion, make this the most charming
gathering of the kind I ever witnessed. I love to look over
the space of more than half a century, and call to mind my
dear college classmates. There is a strong tie that binds
classmates together that time can never sunder. Among
my classmates none were more respected and beloved than
Dr. N. A. Fisher and John Alden, both now in Providence,
and Rev. Thatcher Thayer, D. D., of Newport, R. I.
Thayer and Alden were famous for story-telling in college
days. A number of classmates, during a short vacation at
Thanksgiving time, made a bet of a good supper, which of
the above two would come out victors in story-telling. The
parties were equal in number on a side. The conditions
were, that the parties should alternate, and the one who
could not commence a story one minute after the other
ended, should be considered worsted. The place was
Alden's room. The time to commence was six p. m. The
umpire was L. Sabin, afterwards our valedictorian, Alden's

FIFTY WEDDED YEARS.

159

roommate. They continued from six p. m. to twelve. The
old chapel bell told the hour. They laid a blank paper
before themselves, and when one was telling an anecdote,
the other would write down a few words of a story, but I
think neither had recourse to his manuscript. When mid
night astonished us all, there was a cry, "Enough! They
have enough on the paper to last all night, and we are
almost dead with laughing. Let us all pay for a supper,
one never earned in that way, and better than was ever
eaten by mortals." As I call up the charming reminiscences
of college days, and the toils and successes of Mr. Alden, I
am happy to find him and his wife so vigorous and happy.
May that peculiar harmony that has crowned the past
still continue like the path of the just, that "shineth
brighter and brighter till the perfect day," the day that will
celebrate the eternal marriage of the Lamb to all the
redeemed. Truly yours,
T. M. Clark.
FROM REV. A. M. CRANE, PASTOR OF SHELBURNE FALLS
BAPTIST CHURCH.
Shelburne Falls, Dec. 4, 1883.
Rev. and Mrs. Alden :
The pastor, who after the lapse of fifty years follows in
your footsteps, ventures to write you, and in behalf of the
church to send congratulations upon the well-rounded
period of fifty years of your married life. But few land
marks remain to tell us of the generation in which you
moved. We have the same river running through the
place, with its beautiful falls ; the same mountains stand
ing guard on either side of us ; the same sun shines upon
us, and the same God over all, in whom we put our trust.
But the people who listened to your voice and felt the
inspiration of your presence have passed away. Here and
there I find one who was a contemporary with you here,
whose memory bridges over the half century and brings
to us pleasant remembrances of you and your work. They
tell us how you came here with all the enthusiasm of youth,
as a teacher, to give instruction in Shelburne Falls Acad
emy, and as a preacher to lay the foundation of the church
of Christ in this place. They tell us of your devotion to
your work; of your self-sacrificing labor, and your wise

160 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
plans for the future. But now the times have changed, and
the few houses standing here in your day have increased
to a thriving village. The church edifice, which you
assisted in building by giving four hundred dollars, more
than half of what you were then worth, has given place to a
larger and more beautiful structure. The church itself
has become a strong body, able to issi't others.
If the greater part of those whom you led into the church
have passed away, yet their children remain faithful to the
doctrines you preached, and, with others, are now building
upon the foundation you laid. Now, those of us whose for
tune it is to hold the ground, gained in part by your labors,
send to you both Christian salutation. May the same gos
pel which you preached in your youth be to you a support
and consolation in old age, keeping the heart young in
Christian love and fellowship, and dispelling all clouds that
may obscure the visions of the future.
A. M. Crane.
from mrs. sopha miner lyon thickston, principal of
the pella institute, iowa.
My very dear Uncle and Aunt :
It is customary, on noted and pleasant anniversaries,
to wish the parties many happy returns of the same.
But I cannot truthfully wish you many returns of the
golden fiftieth wedding. Long before you shall have
reached the first one, you will both be inhabitants of the
golden city, treading the golden streets, wearing the golden
crown, and singing that new and wonderful song which
none but the redeemed could learn. Allow me to present
the united congratulations of my husband, self and family,
on this memorable occasion.
My dear uncle, your beloved sister, Armilla Alden, lived
with her husband, Aaron Lyon, Esq., fifty-three years.
They were my beloved parents ; born in New England,
and married in New England. They have to-day three living
children, who were born in their dear old New England home.
One, Mrs. Lucy T. Lord, rests from her missionary labors
in China, and her works there are following her. I wish,
my dear uncle, to present a tribute of appreciation for your
kindness to, and interest in the welfare of my two oldest
sisters, who returned to New England for a more complete
education. Alone, among strangers, you was to them as an

FIFTY WEDDED TEARS. ifa

older brother. I know they never forgot your kindness to
them while under your instruction in the Shelburne Falls
Academy, preparing for Mt. Holyoke Seminary. Five
years ago, I spent a few months in New England, visited
your family, became acquainted with my very dear aunt,
and your loved ones, and renewed my acquaintance with
you, my dear uncle, who had visited at my father's house
when I was a child. Among other visits of great interest,
I spent a day at Mt. Holyoke Seminary, where the last of
my dear aunt Mary Lyon's teaching was done. I stood in
silent awe in the room from which the angels carried her
to paradise. I speak of this, as she was once a teacher in
my grandfather Alden's house, and I know you all loved
her and her work.
This was my first visit to New England, the home of
our ancestors, and it has been to me a source of constant
pleasure. Now, my dear uncle and aunt, I pray God's bless
ing to abide with you, as the sun is getting low, and the
shadows are growing longer. May your sun of life set
quietly in a serene sky, and your waking be glorious.
With regrets that we cannot be present, and share in the
festivities of the anniversary, I am, lovingly,
Your neice,
Sopha Miner Lyon Thickston.
remarks of henri m. puffer, esq., of shelburne
falls, mass.
Mr. Chairman and Assembled Friends:
It gives me great pleasure to be here to-night at this
joyful Golden Wedding occasion. The fact that I travelled
hundreds of miles to be here, attests my sincerity. This
much loved uncle and aunt of mine have been intimately
connected with childhood's joys and my manhood's experi
ences. They were frequent visitors at my happy home in
Western Massachusetts. When seeking rest from his
arduous labors in academic halls, or revival work, my
uncle would hie himself to Colrain to visit his youngest
sister, my dear mother, and fish and hunt with her wide
awake boys, and tell interesting anecdotes with the doctor,
my honored father. It was this loved aunt, who, at every
visit, would make this bashful nephew stand up in the mid
dle of the old sitting-room and speak his little Sunday'
school piece, or recite his district-school declamation. In

1 62 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
all our pleasant interviews, I have only two things to com
plain of. First, that she encouraged me to write poetry in
my early years. Second, that she would scent tobacco
smoke the farthest of any person I ever knew, — washing
and perfuming made no difference. When she did notice
the taint of sinful indulgence upon the garments of the
young collegian, her remarks were forcible and never to
be forgotten. I think I felt some as Moses did when he
heard the awful thunderings on Mt. Sinai. But she was a
good aunt.
The memories of my honored uncle crowd on my mind's
camera too fast for expression, when I think what he
has been to me and my brothers. It was you who called
us in the early morn to dig worms with which to entrap
the golden speckled trout in the meadows, or in the fast
running streams of the mountains. It was you who
would keep us waiting in the hot sun, holding the horse,
while you were soliciting subscriptions for the Bible or
Home Missionary Societies. It was you who greatly
rejoiced when you obtained the most game, or the greatest
number of trout or pickerel, but always had some good excuse
to offer when, by good luck, your nephews came off first
best. It was you who called our attention to spiritual
things and to the importance of laying up treasure in heaven.
It was you who first encouraged us to pursue a collegiate
course, and through the long years of educational and
professional stud , aided us by friendly advice and much
appreciated treasure. I can never forget the joyful times
we had together in our vacations, while hunting on the hill
sides, fishing in the blue waters of the Connecticut, or in
the rapid old Deerfield, or in the noisy brooks. All these
scenes form a luminous background for memory's page,
exceedingly precious, and never to be forgotten. I go back
to the time when, a young bo)% I carried you and your
brother David, both of whom were in college then, from my
home to your old family homestead in Ashfield, and you
appointed me a judge to decide which was the most learned.
You spoke in Latin and he in Greek, as it was then stated
to me. Since then I have made up my mind, that no
Roman or Greek, had they heard the language you used,
would ever have mistrusted that a dictionary of either lan
guage had ever been in the family. I well remember how
awe-struck I was with the immensity of your understand
ings. It is that love of the humorous and relaxation that

FIFTY WEDDED YEARS. 163
has kept you so vigorous and useful. The village in which
I live owes its first academy and first church to your
indefatigable efforts and liberal contributions and self-
denial. The first of which I was an alumnus, and of the
other a member. Your spiritual children and your students
are scattered over all the country. They are honored and
useful. Even their children are taught to revere your
name. It has done my soul good to witness this celebra
tion. I rejoice to see you surrounded with so many dear
relatives and friends, classmates, and dear brothers and sis
ters in Christ. I heartily thank all who have added to the
pleasure of this evening by their presence, their letters,
their speeches and gifts. May we all be present at the
great eternal celebration around the Golden Throne.
Henry M. Puffer.
HISTORY OF NEWTON THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, BY REV
SAMUEL FIELD, D. D.
Read by him at the Golden Wedding, Dec. 5, 18S3.
We shall not on this special occasion, even with all the
solemnities of a half century resting on it, adopt the
mournful strains of the Roman arena, for the chime of
fifty wedding bells is in the air, telling with their sweetest
notes of joys that bring again the bride's blush of youthfu]
happiness and the pride of the rejoicing bridegroom.
Newton Theological history is my part of this festive
entertainment. I will endeavor to weave it with bright
colors befitting the occasion. This institution was founded
in earnest prayer, pious consecration, and love to God and
man. The growth of the Baptist denomination, from its
planting in this city of Roger Williams, demanded an insti
tution of a high order. Wide fields for Christ were open
ing around this noble centre, by the rapid increase of our
population, that spread itself over New England and the
mighty West. The harvest was great, the laborers few.
Our pioneer ministry had done a noble work ; and it was in
part the great success of their labors which created the
necessity for more ministers, with such important qualifica
tions as a Theological Institute could furnish. Therefore,

1 64 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.

on the 25th of May, 1825, at a large meeting of ministers
and laymen, representing different sections of New Eng
land, it was decided to establish such an institution. New
ton Centre, seven miles from Boston, was the place
selected. A gentleman, by the name of Peck, had a fine
estate on a hill commanding a wide and beautiful view, on
which he had erected a spacious mansion, with a graded
road adorned with trees. Reverses compelling the sale, it
became the Theological Institute. A stranger riding by
one day, asked Father Grafton, more than forty-eight years
ago, if that large building on the hill was a mill ? He
replied he knew of one Peck who was ground out there.
The gospel hopper has never lacked a yearly grist since.
One of the notable things in the founding and endowing of
the institution at the beginning, was the marked liberality
of some who commenced life in humble circumstances, and
accumulated wealth for the purpose of devoting it to the
service of God. Nath. R. Cobb, born in Maine, came to
Boston in his youth, and found employment as a clerk. At
twenty-one years of age he entered on business for himself.
He possessed unusual business talent ; a man of great pene
tration and unconquerable perseverance. But he took God
into his plans, resolving by his grace that he would never
be worth more than $50,000 ; that he would give one-fourth
of his profits to charitable purposes, if ever worth $20,000 ;
if $30,000, three-fourths, and the whole after $50,000.
Within thirteen years, under such self-imposed bonds, he
gave away more than $40,000, of which Newton received
$15,000. A lady from Boston established a store opposite
Cambridge University. Prospering in her business, she
employed a young clerk, Levi Farwell, who afterward
became her partner in business, and though she was several
years his senior, she took him as partner for life. Having
no children, they adopted Newton Institute. Levi Far-
well for eighteen years, till his death, was treasurer, and
one of the public buildings is honored with his name, "Far-
well Hall." Gardner Colby, born in Maine, came with his

FIFTY WEDDED YEARS. 165
widowed mother to Boston hi his youth. He became a
very successful merchant and a devoted friend to Newton
Institute, and was treasurer, after the death of Levi Far-
well, twenty-four years. His heart was so large that one
institution could not fill it, and so he took into it Water-
ville college of his own native State, by an endowment of
$50,000, and that institution now bears his honored name
as Colby University. The early history of Newton Institute
was the common one of such seminaries, but it struggled
Successfully through all its difficulties, and now rests
by repeated endowments on a foundation which promises
for it a progress and prosperity never before known. The
institution was opened with Rev. Ira Chase its first instruc
tor, with whom was associated, at the beginning of the
second year, Rev. Henry J. Ripley. These two constituted
the faculty for six years. In 1834, Rev. Mr. Knowles
entered the institution as one of the professors, and Rev.
Barnes Sears in 1836. In 1838, Prof. Knowles died, and
Prof. H  was called. The institution graduated its first
class in 1826, consisting of two members, Eli B. Smith and
John E. Weston. In 1828, there were four graduates, of
which class was Barnes Sears. In 1829, there was a class
of nine; in 1830, eight; in 1831, nine; in 1832, seven; in
1833, fourteen; in 1834, nineteen, a large class, and, as
was proper, the name of John Alden led the rest.
Standing with our brother and his beloved companion
here to-night, as we look back over the last fifty years, how
crowded is its history of great events ! What treasures of
wealth, what costly sacrifices of life and blood have been
offered up on the altar of our country ! What victories for
L "jerty ! What progress in learning — institutions spring
ing up all over our land,, endowed by its treasures for ages
hidden, and kept in store for the necessities of coming
nations that would find' here theii home ! What an increase
of churches and ministers and missionaries, and what won
derful success in preaching the gospel in heathen lands !
Never was the call more urgent for institutions and

166 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.

churches and ministers in our land. It is a blessed sight
for those who are passing from the labors of active life into
the quiet shades of retirement, to live in such an age.
Newton Theological Institute has sent forth for work in the
gospel field nine hundred men. To calculate the influence
of these nine hundred men is impossible. It is a wide
spread and permanent power, which eternity only can make
known. We can all with gratitude exclaim, by the review,
"What hath God wrought!"
THE SUBSTANCE OF A SPEECH BY REV. DR. BIXBY, OF
CRANSTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH, PROVIDENCE,
FORMERLY A VERY ABLE AND SUCCESSFUL
MISSIONARY IN THE ORIENT.
DELIVERED AT THE GOLDEN WEDDING OF REV. JOHN ALDEN, IN THE CEN
TRAL BAPTIST CHURCH, PROVIDENCE, R. i.
Brother Alden for twelve years was most intimately con
nected with our missions in foreign lands, as agent of the
Missionary Union two years, and of the American and For
eign Bible Society ten years. The latter society had its
origin in connection with the work of Bible translation and
distribution in Burmah, and during all its history it was an
effective helper in the work of foreign missions. Mr.
Alden's agency work for these societies in 1853 covered an
auspicious period in the history of the Burmah missions.
In 1853, Southern Burmah came suddenly under British
rule. The missionaries were sent at once into the populous
centres, little Toungoo, Shwaygeen, Rangoon, Henthada,
Prome and Bassein. The harvest that followed was truly
wonderful. In Toungoo, within two years, thirty churches
were planted, two thousand, one hundred and forty-four
converts were b?.ptized, and within ten years, one hundred
and twenty-six churches were formed, with over six thou
sand converts. In. Shwaygeen, five hundred and seventy-
seven were baptized within the first year, and many more
afterwards. In Henthada, .under the labors of the devoted
Thomas, fifty-six churches .were formed within a few years,

FIFTY WEDDED YEARS. 167
with over two thousand members, and Bassein soon num
bered nearly or quite six thousand converts. The records
of this great onward movement were used by our brother
with thrilling effect in his appeals to the churches of New
England. They were stirred as they had never been
stirred before. There was a great demand for Bibles and
Testaments, especially among the newly-gathered Karen
converts. I remember that in many of the Christian vil
lages, there was only one copy of the Scriptures in a
village, and that was kept in the chapel. It was largely
through the American and Foreign Bible Society that this
great demand for Bibles was met, and it was mainly with
New England money that the Bibles were supplied, and
largely through our brother's efforts, whose field was in
New England, that the money was secured. I had the
pleasure of hearing him between 1857 and i860 in different
places, and especially in my own church, the Friendship
Street Baptist Church of Providence, and his appeals were
full of facts from mission fields, and full of pathos and
power. I believe our dear Brother Alden did much in those
twelve years to develop the missionary character of the
New England churches, and thus he has become a perpetual
blessing to the cause of missions at home and abroad.
GOLDEN WEDDING EXTRACTS OF LETTERS FROM COLLEGE
CLASSMATES.
38 Rowley St., Rochester, N. Y, Nov. 9, 1883.
My Dear Classmate Alden :
I think that I have seen less of you than of many others
of our class since we left our dear old Alma Mater. I am
sorry, for it has been my loss rather than yours. I have
been engaged wholly in the Work of the ministry since I en
tered it, in 1838. I was in West Springfield nearly eleven
years ; in New Yoik city eleven ; in Geneva, N. Y., thir
teen ; and in Lyons nine. After I had reached the age of
seventy-one, I began to think that I might be excused from
the further duties of the pastorate, resigned my charge, and

1 68 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
removed to this city in August, 1882. We were led to come
here mainly by the fact that our oldest son resided here with
his family. We find great comfort in being near them. We
have two other sons. I am preaching occasionally almost
every Sabbath as it turns out, and I am delighted with the
work. I have had a very happy life. God has given me
four parishes, and nobody ever had better or more pleasant
ones. We have been blessed with revivals of religion in
every one. In Lyons, 1881, we received one hundred and
five into the church on profession at one time. But, dear
Alden, I did not mean to write about myself so much. I
am glad to learn that God has spared you and your dear
wife so long. May life and health be fully preserved and
prolonged to you both. I trust that the coming anniver
sary will be "golden" with God's own sunshine. The dear
old class of '31 ! How sadly the ranks are broken ! Bliss,
Jewett, and Fisher, gone within these recent months ! Who
of us next may follow, and how soon, we cannot tell. Be it
so. We would not live alway. It is better to be with the
Lord in heaven than on earth. I am looking " towards
sunset," but find very little to comfort me in anything that
I am, or have done. God is very good and very precious,
and beyond the earthly sunset I am hoping through my
Saviour to reach the dawning of a brighter day. With the
best of all good wishes and earnest prayer that the dear
Lord will have you both in his keeping, and enable you still
to bring forth fruit in old age, fulfilling his gracious prom
ise that in the evening time it shall be light, I am, dear
brother, with all loving regards to you and yours,
Your old classmate,
A. A. Wood.

Canterbury, N. H., Dec. 10, 1883.
My Dear Classmate :
Your kind letter of Nov. 5, 1883, was duly received. I
often think of the days spent at Amherst with pleasant
recollections ; but I would not, if I could, live the times over
again. I was then a full believer in the theology taught
there. But differences in religious beliefs have no influence
over my friendly relations with those with whom I come
in contact.
I have little cause to find fault with the share of happi
ness that has fallen to my lot. I have never enjoyed the

FIFTY WEDDED YEARS. 169

happiness, nor suffered the anxieties, resulting from the
matrimonial relation, and cannot say that the review causes
any regrets. It would have given me much pleasure to have
met you and your friends at your Golden Wedding. But,
instead, please accept the inclosed trifle. I would be glad
to make it larger. With the best wishes for the happiness
of yourself and wife, I am sincerely,
Your friend and classmate,
Galen Foster.
Boston, Mass., Hotel Cluney, Nov. ii, 1884.
Rev. Mr. Alden :
Dear Sir, your letter directed to Rev. J. Whitney was
forwarded to me from Newton. My father fell asleep in
Jesus, after great suffering, May 31, 1879, and we believe
passed to his home in the heavenly mansions. The home at
Newton Centre was broken up after the death of my parents.
"The places that once knew them, now know them no more
forever." With sincere regret that you had not before
learned of the death of your old classmate and my father, I
remain, Yours, respectfully,
L. J. Whitney.
Brookline, Nov. 6, 1883.
Dear Classmate and Friend :
The receipt of your letter arouses the pleasant remem
brance of former days in a way that has become very rare
with me of late years. I almost never meet a classmate,
and only occasionally hear of one. I regret to learn from
your letter that Thatcher Thayer, the only survivor of the
three in our class with whom I was most intimate, is in fail
ing health. But we are all moving onward to join the great
majority, and those of us who are left may reasonably
expect the summons to come soon.
Our class of ninety was represented by Prof. Abbott and
others as a very promising one — in its first year. I felt a
great interest in the publication of the biographical sketch
of the Amherst Alumni of the first half century, which has
lately appeared. What I would wish, in such a publication,
would be information in regard to intellectual and spiritual
progress on the part of each member, but it would be vain
to hope for that.
Do you remember Dan Weed, who was the best mathe-

170 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
matician, and the soundest sleeper among us ? I had quite
lost sight of him for forty years, until the volume above
mentioned spoke of him as in one of the departments in
Washington. It is very unlikely that circumstances will
allow me to be present at the very pleasant festival to which
you kindly invite me. If I could be there, it would be very
pleasant to meet yourself and those of our classmates who
may join you. In any event, accept my hearty congratula
tions, and my best wishes for the successful issue of your
festivity. So wishes your friend,
Charles K. Whipple.
Haverhill, Nov. 16, 1883.
My Dear Classmate :
I received your kind note and a very polite invitation to
your Golden Wedding, which my health forbids me to
accept. You recall the happy days we spent in Amherst
College ; they were truly so. Your dear face, as in college,
is daguerreotyped on the tablet of my heart as clearly as
though it was but yesterday I saw you. You say you have
lived seventy-seven years ; I shall arrive at that figure if I
live till the fourth of February next, and I have lived in the
same house forty-four years. You, like many of our class,
as I learn by the late college record, have had a varied expe
rience, doing much good in many places. But now our life's
work is done. I have been on the retired list of my profes
sion thirteen years, and am now waiting that better life
which we may both expect from the character which we
have garnered in this.
Truly and affectionately yours,
Kendall Flint.

CHAPTER VIII.
GOLDEN WEDDING LETTERS.
Middleborough, Nov. 9, 1883.
Mt Dear Classmate:
RECEIVED a very kind and pleasant letter from
you giving me an invitation to your Golden Wed
ding, but now I do not go away from home to
remain even over night. Our classmates are going fast.
I am sorry to hear of the illness of Drs. Thayer and Parker.
I received a call from Dr. Thayer some ten years ago, and
it was a very pleasant one, and that is the only time I have
seen him since we graduated. I am nearly seventy-nine
years of age ; my health is good, but I have to take care of
it. I remain, your friend and classmate, with good wishes
for your future,
Eliab Ward.
from rev. george waters.
Cambridge, Mass., Nov. 10, 1883.
My Dear Classmate :
Your letter has been duly received. I have been a resi
dent here for about six months, but consider that it will be
my permanent home. My wife's relatives and friends reside
here and in this vicinity. Our children are settled, one in
Kingston, N. Y., one in New York city, and one in this
State. All well, and doing well. I am not quite as old as
you, being in my seventy-fourth year. We have been
married a little more than forty-five years ; have had many
blessings, as well as many crosses and trials. It is but the
common lot of our fellow-creatures. I congratulate you on
your prolonged life, and especially the unusual continuance
of your marriage state, for it is very rare that a Golden
171

172 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Wedding can be celebrated. Hope you will have a joyful
time, not only with hearty congratulations, but with some
thing more substantial. I would gladly be present if 1
could, but circumstances will not afford me that pleasure
now. With prayers that many blessings may still rest on
you and yours, I remain very sincerely and fraternally,
Your old friend and classmate,
Geo. Waters.
from rev. thomas biscoe.
Holliston, Mass., Nov. 23, 1883.
My Dear Classmate Alden :
Your interesting letter was duly received. I congratu
late in the fact that God has so kindly spared you and your
dear wife each to the other for these fifty years, and that
you are so soon to celebrate your Golden Wedding.
It was the privilege of myself and wife, together with
our children and some of our grandchildren, to celebrate
our Golden Wedding, in a very quiet, but very pleasant
way, the second day of last September. Our own children,
who yet survive, were all present, though not their wives.
They gathered from this State, from New York, Ohio and
Nebraska. So you see by the distances they came, that
they made special efforts to gather under the paternal roof.
To look back over the half century of our married life, it
seems very short. Many events, pleasing and sad, have
happened to us. But I believe I have enjoyed as much of
life as any of my classmates, though many of them have
occupied wider spheres as the result of their superior abil
ity, and gained more notoriety in the world. But more
than half of our class have passed over the river, to other
scenes, and as you say, "we must soon follow them." I
retired from the active work of the ministry in 1875. I
hope you may have as pleasant and enjoyable a Golden
Wedding as we had, and a large flock of golden eagles
crowding your purse. I remain, fraternally, yours,
T. C. Biscoe.
FROM PROFESSOR S. H. WALDO.
Geneseo, III., Nov. 8, 1883.
Dear Classmate :
Yours of the 5th inst. came to hand last evening, and

GOLDEN WEDDING LETTERS. 173.
glad was I to receive it. My wife was not continued to me
for a Golden Wedding. She died Nov. 15, 1881 ; but I have
married again. You speak of desiring my history. It
would be a long and variegated story. Oh, how strangely
Divine Providence leads us ! What scenes I have passed !
God has given me opportunities of doing good. I hope
they have been somewhat improved. My usual health has
been good, and though I am now eighty-one, my friends
think me a wonder for activity. I feel little of age. By a
strange providence, during a few years last passed, I have
been able to prepare an English Grammar, which is thought
by many to be a remarkable production. I have no ques
tion that it surpasses any grammar of the kind, among
some two or three thousands that have been published for
the explanation of our mother tongue. It saves four-fifths
of the time in the study of our language. May God bless
you and your dear companion, giving you both many more
happy days on earth and an eternity of unspeakable joy.
I have seen little of our class in college since graduation,
but oh, may God gather us all in heaven by and by !
Should any of our class be present on that occasion, remem
ber me to them with the best of wishes.
Yours, truly,
S. H. Waldo.

from professor a. s. talcott.
Bangor Theological Seminary, Nov. 8, 1883.
Dear Classmate :
Your letter received this week interested me much. I
wish very much that my own condition was such as to
enable me to make some valuable contribution to you at
your coming Golden Wedding.
More than two years ago, my throat became so severely
affected that it was utterly impossible for me to continue
my labors at the Seminary. I was obliged to resign my
professorship, which I had held for forty-two years.
I have three children, all of them invalids. Their
motner, one of the best of women, died nearly eighteen
years since, having been for many of the best years of her
life a constant sufferer. I have many, many mercies for
which I should be thankful.

174 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
We are both of us, my brother, near the end of our
course ; may we meet in a better world.
Believe me, as ever, yours, affectionately,
A. S. Talcott,
FROM HON. THOMAS M. HOWELL, U. S. COMMISSIONER.
Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y.
Dear Old Classmate :
The enclosed will notify you of the sad bereavement
that has fallen upon me in my old age. The billows of
desolation roll over me afresh this day ; and my utter lone
liness, only those who at threescore and ten years have
lost what I have lost, can realize. The sympathy of a few
of my old classmates has touched my sad heart. Pray
write me a line. Sincerely,
T. M. Howell.
Congratulations of Relatives and Friends.
letter from e. k. alden, secretary of american
board of commissioners for foreign missions.
Boston, Dec. 3, 1883.
Dear Sir:
Were my venerable father, who was called to his rest
nearly three years ago, at the ripe age of almost ninety-
three — thirteen years after he had celebrated his Golden
Wedding, — now living, and were he able to respond to the
kind invitation which I, as one of his sons, received a few
days ago, to be present at the approaching Golden Wedding
upon the fifth of December, I have no doubt that his saluta
tion would take somewhat the following form :
"Eleaser, son of Dr. Ebenezer, son of Deacon Daniel, son
of Daniel, sendeth greetings to Reverend John, son of Rev
erend John, son of David, son of Eleaser, younger brother
of the aforesaid Daniel — these two brothers, Daniel and
Eleaser, being both sons of Deacon Joseph, son of Joseph,
son of John and Priscilla of the Mayflower, — with congrat
ulations that you came straight from Plymouth Rock through
the first three illustrious generations, John, Joseph, and Dea
con Joseph, also that when the two brothers, Daniel and
Eleaser, parted company so far as to become the founders of

GOLDEN WEDDING LETTERS. 175
two family lines of posterity, they were wise enough to
select for their wives two sisters, Abigail and Martha, daugh
ters of Joseph Shaw, the supreme honor of the Shawfamily,
not forgetting the Chief Justice Lemuel. Congratulating
you most of all that the goodly succession has continued
down both lines to the present day, by those who have re
joiced, being identified with the sterling Christian faith and
character of their pious ancestry."
I take great pleasure in transmitting this message in'
behalf of the line of the Daniels and the Ebenezers to the
line of Eleaser, David and the Johns. Hoping that the
present John now celebrating his Golden Wedding may
emulate the example of the first John and live on in the
service of his generation, certainly until his eighty-eighth
year, I remain, Respectfully yours,
E. K. Alden,
Son of Eleaser, son of Ebenezer, son of Daniel, son of
Daniel, son of Joseph, son of Joseph, son of John the
First.
extract from a letter by rev. mr. barber, of fay-
ville, mass.
Dear Brother :
Please accept my congratulations on the occasion of this
joyous anniversary of your marriage. While a half century
must have brought to your experience many trials and sor
rows, it cannot have failed to afford both you and yours
many days of joy and gladness, which must at this anniver
sary season move your hearts with emotions of devout
thankfulness and praise to the kind Source of all our bene
fits. I doubt not that duly appreciating the abounding
goodness and grace of God our Saviour, from your home
altar of worship has ascended the acceptable offering of
thankful hearts. May the blessing of a loving Lord ever
gladden and make golden your lives and home.
Fraternally yours, J. Barber.
extract from a letter by rev. a. h. granger, d. d.
Burrillville, Nov. 12, 1883.
My Dear Sir:
Your kind invitation came duly to hand. It will be fifty

176 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
years next April since I went to Shelburne Falls. If I
were dropped down there to-day, I have no thought that I
should know the place. The same heavens would stretch
over me, and the same Deerfield river would flow by the vil
lage, but all else would be completely changed. I hope you
will have a pleasant gathering on the fifth of December. I
shall try to come and bring my offering ; but if I should not,
you will know the reason. I remain,
Fraternally yours,
A. H. Granger.
extract from a letter by a nephew, professor
d. b. purrinton.
West Virginia University,
MORGANTOWN, Nov. 26, 1 883.
Mother is in receipt of your kind invitation to the
approaching anniversary celebration, as also the letter
accompanying it, which forcibly reminds her of the pleas
ant days and scenes of long ago. ; and she wishes me to
assure you, " that if she were in her accustomed health, she
would gladly commit to paper some of the interesting rem
iniscences suggested by your approaching family reunion."
My father, Rev. Jessa Purrinton, died in 1 869. It was a
very sad and gloomy time for us. But God has been very
good to us all, better than our fears, and infinitely better
than our deserts. He has given us greater prosperity than
we had any reason to expect, for which we can never be too
grateful. It is our prayer that he may grant us such sup
plies of grace as may be needful to discharge aright the
duties devolving upon us, and finally to stand in his pres
ence, redeemed and saved through Jesus Christ. I have
for years been taught to love and revere you both, my
uncle and aunt. It would be a great pleasure could I be
permitted to see you yet in the flesh. If I could do any
thing to contribute however slightly to the interest of your
celebration, it would most certainly be done. My mother,
your neice, extends her hearty congratulations, with many
thanks for your kind remembrance of her. We all join her
in wishing you a most joyous anniversary, and a succession
of returning years, pleasant in reminiscences, bright in
prospect, and glorious with the presence and blessing of
Almighty God. Yours, very sincerely, D. B. PURRINTON.

GOLDEN WEDDING LETTERS.

1 77

Galesbury, Dec. 1, 1883.
Dear Uncle and Aunt :
Enclosed you will please find New York draft for $ ¦

endorsed payable to your order. I desire the above
amount to be divided strictly in accordance with the laws
of Rhode Island, and that when thus divided, that no por
tion of it may be spent for any unlawful purposes, such as
buying tobacco, snuff, etc.
Had you postponed the first wedding thirty days, I might
possibly be present at the fiftieth anniversary, as I expect
to come East shortly.
Hoping you may both have a most pleasant, happy,
enjoyable and profitable time on the evening of the 5th
inst., and that the enclosed may be in time, as a token of
love and respect from Susan, George and Will, I am,
Your affectionate nephew, ,
George C. Alden.
West Virginia University,
Morgantown, Nov. 26, 1883.
My Dear Uncle:
It would give me great pleasure to unite with you and
your other friends in commemorating your fiftieth wedding
anniversary, but distance and professional duties render it
entirely impracticable. Accept our heartfelt congratula
tions, and our best wishes for your future happiness and
usefulness. Your affectionate nephew,
Franklin Lyon.
Providence, December, 1883.
My Dear Brother and Sister:
Please accept my congratulations on this fiftieth anniver
sary of your marriage. God bless you as you still go on
the downward path of life, and. make the remainder of your
pilgrimage golden with service for the Master until life's
close. Then may you find your names recorded in the
Golden Records on high, and find an abundant entrance
into the Golden City, where the loved ones of the past and
present shall be reunited, no more to be severed.
Your loving sister,
Elizabeth Esther Chamberlain.

178 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
OUR GREAT GRANDCHILD, HELEN RUTH CLARKE,
was born Nov. 15, 1883, about three weeks previous to the
Golden Wedding. On the presentation of her picture to
us, the following lines were repeated very impressively by
Lena Hunt, nine years of age :
This picture of your great-grandchild
We bring to you this night,—
God keep her spirit undented,
A golden treasure bright.
And when in after years
You see this face so dear,
Oh, then bless God the treasure came
In golden month and year.
extract of a letter from miss theodosia alden.
Cassadaga, Nov. 26, 1883.
My Dear Uncle and Aunt :
We very much regret that we cannot be with you at the
gathering of relatives and friends on the fiftieth anniversary
of your marriage. The ties of kindred are strong in my
being, and the dear friends so widely scattered are ever
remembered with love, and it is hard to forego the joy of
seeing the dear faces that will be gathered under your roof.
I often recall the interviews with friends in the days that
are no more, so vividly, that they seem to fill the room like
real voices, and bless anew and again with their happy
memories. We, as a race, are brave and hopeful ; if perchance we
are swept into the trough of the sea, and the cold billows
run over us, we pop out with a laugh and a joke, full of
courage for the next page in life's history, whether it brings
sunshine or storm. This hopefulness we have inherited in
full measure from our father, but from mother comes the
power to reach out and take hold of the spiritual, bring it
into evsry-day life, with its genial fructifying influences. .
How fast our kindred are gathering on the other shore !
Aunt Eunice Alden Ranney, so lately with us, is now num
bered with the dead. I love to think of those who have
served so long and faithfully as being free from the trials
and cares incident to earth. I have no sad or gloomy
thoughts in regard to death, the deliverer, which intro-

GOLDEN WEDDING LETTERS. 179
duces us into the real life of which this is but the
shadow.
SHORT EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MISS SARAH C ALDEN.
Belchertown, Dec. 24, 1883.
Mr. and Mrs. Alden :
Dear friends, I write you at this time to thank you for
your kindness in remembering me in connection with your
Golden Wedding. When I received the invitation, I hoped
I might be able to go to Providence, and there present my
congratulations, but was unable to accomplish it. I learned
from the Providence yi?«r«a/ that, on the evening of Decem
ber 5th, you had a very interesting arid enjoyable time, and
one of great success. You well remember Mr. Thomas
Sabine, some of whose children were your pupils when you
taught school in this town. He was the father of your
classmate, Rev. Lewis Sabine, D. D. He is still alive.
The one hundredth anniversary of his birth was celebrated
last Saturday, the 22d. Very truly, your friend,
S. C. Alden.
short extract of a letter from brother miner.
Winchester, III., Nov. 30, 1883.
Rev. John Alden and Wife :
Dear friends, your letter of invitation to attend Golden
Wedding is received. I would be happy to be with you on
the evening of December 5th, but the distance and season
of the year, together with sickness in the family, will pre
vent us from being present. Enclosed please find draft  .
May the evening of your life be blessed with serenity, and
in Heaven may you be rewarded. Yours truly,
E. G. Miner.
from dr. j. a. sherman.
Rupture Cure Office, 251 Broadway,
New York, Dec. 4, 1883.
Rev. John Alden :
Dear Sir, I regret very much that, through press of busi
ness, I am unable to be present at the celebration of your
fiftieth wedding anniversary. Allow me to tender you and
yours my congratulations. I am proud to feel that I was a

180 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
humble instrument in the hand of God of relieving you of a
terrible hernia which was fast pressing you down to the
grave, and restoring you to health, whereby you doubtless
live to enjoy this happy event. May God in his goodness
continue your felicitous days of union, so that when he calls
you separately home, it may seem but a momentary transi
tion of one preceding the other to the shores of endless
bliss. Yours, truly,
J. A. Sherman.
[I am happy to say I was completely cured by Dr.
Sherman's treatment. — John Alden.]
Shelburne Falls, Nov. 27, 1883.
Respected Friends :
The invitation to your Golden Wedding, which was so
kindly sent us, was received with much pleasure. Please
accept our congratulations on the pleasant occasion, with the
desire that you may enjoy many more anniversaries, and
live to celebrate your Diamond Wedding.
With the best wishes of your friends,
Mr. and Mrs. Ozias Long.

Cambridge, Dec. 2, 1883.
Dear Friends :
Please accept the enclosed sum from a few of your old
friends, with kind wishes. Yours, sincerely,
Rev. Mr. Chase.
J. M. S. Williams.
Deacon J. Holmes.
Mrs. Abby Thorndike.
Mrs. H. M. Dodge.
Winchendon, Mass., Nov. 21, 1883.
Rev. and Mrs. John Alden :
Dear friends, we received your kind invitation to be pres-
ent at your Golden Wedding. Please accept the enclosed
coins with our best love, and the prayer that the kind
Father in heaven may spare you to each other many years.
Mrs. Levi Stearns.
Miss Harriet Butler.

GOLDEN WEDDING LETTERS. 181
Haverhill, December, 1883.
Dear Cousins :
You will conclude our congratulations are rather late, but
they are not the less sincere on that account. May your
last days prove your best days, and after life's toils and
trials are ended, may you both have an abundant entrance
into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour,
Jesus Christ. Your friend and cousin, Mrs. Julia Russell.
Boston, Dec. 3, 1883.
Rev. and Mrs. John Alden :
Dear friends, I am in receipt of an invitation to commem
oration reception attending the fiftieth anniversary of your
wedding, and I am much pleased to observe that so many
friends are interested in celebrating such a rare and impor
tant event with appropriate ceremonies. I well remember
many pleasant visits to your home, and I trust it may always
be my privilege to address you as dear friends, and remem
ber that "auld acquaintance" shall never be forgot.
Very truly yours,
James Lewis Hovey,
U. S. Treasury.
New York, Nov. 22, 1883.
Dear Cousins :
The invitation to your fiftieth wedding anniversary is
before me. My wife, Abby and Walter join me in con
gratulating you that so much of life and its varied experi
ences have fallen to your lot. We cannot be with you on
the 5th of December, but hope that the' day will be one of
pleasure to you and yours. That no sorrow will cloud an
hour of your remaining, years is the earnest wish of us all.
Yours truly,
Emery B. Fay.
Boston, Dec. 4, 1883.
My Dear Cousins :
Your letter with invitation to attend your Golden Wed
ding duly received, for which I thank you. Fifty years
compasses a multitude of experiences in the history of us
mortals. In the history of the nation it embraces nearly
one-half of its existence. It seems to me that no equal

1 82 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
space of time since the creation has been so full of interest,
and where life was worth so much to live. I feel to bless
the Lord that he has cast our lot in this age of progress,
and that whatever reverses or discipline he has seen fit to
mingle in our cup, the blessings so much overshadow the
opposite considerations, that we have abundant reason for
thanksgiving and praise. May the future years of your
earthly life be crowned with heaven's best blessings, and
may we, when our earthly pilgrimage is over, join the host
of dear ones gone before. Affectionately yours,
S. C. Fay.
Shelburne Falls, December, 1883.
Dear Brother and Sister Alden :
Am very glad to hear of your pleasant wedding. It is
true that here you have labored, and others have entered
into your labors ; but you have the satisfaction of feeling
that God blest you, and that it was his cause in which you
toiled. Please accept the enclosed, with the very best
wishes of
B. and E. B. Maxwell.
Hillside Cottage, North Adams, November, 1883.
Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Alden :
Kind friends, your invitation to your Golden Wedding
came duly to hand, for which please accept our thanks.
Nothing would give us more pleasure than to be present
and participate in the joys of that happy event. We hope
a large number of your many friends will be with you to
give you joy, and make the occasion filled with many
golden memories. With high regard and many kind
wishes, we must ever remain filled with much love for vou
both. '
Yours, truly,
Mr. and Mrs. John Arnold.
Shelburne Falls, Mass., Dec. 4, 1883.
My Dear Brother and Sister :
I congratulate you on the fiftieth anniversary of your
wedded life. The season of the year seems to forbid my
presence with you at this time. Enclosed find my mite to
help increase the larger. May Heaven's blessings continue
¦ to rest upon you. Eighty-two in a few days.
I. B. Bardwell.

GOLDEN WEDDING LETTERS. 183
Over fifty-one years ago I used to mail letters weekly to
Ann Maria C  , of Cambridgeport, while you supposed
no one knew the name of your intended. J. B. B.
Shelbune Falls, November, 1883.
Dear Uncle and Aunt:
You have my hearty congratulations on this golden
anniversary of your marriage ! I do think it a fitting thing
to celebrate, for any couple who have lived together fifty
years, especially those who have been so useful and so much
in public life. "The Lord bless thee and keep thee ; the
Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and give thee
peace." How strongly I am reminded to-day of one who would
gladly have shared these festivities ; but I trust he has
gone up higher, and will give you a welcome at the mar
riage supper of the Lamb.
Your loving niece,
Flavilla Alden Whitney.
Meriden, Conn., Dec. 4, 1883.
Rev. John Alden and Wife :
Dear friends, it afforded me much pleasure to hear from
you a few days ago, when I received an invitation to your
Golden Wedding. It has been nearly thirty years since we
met and parted in Westfield. I should enjoy it much if I
could meet you again, and talk of the various scenes
through which we have been led by an overruling Provi
dence. The last ten years of my life have been years of
sadness and misfortune, with only a glimpse of sunlight
now and then; , but I think I can say, "It is all for the
best," when every event is ordered by a loving Father.
I know that the words of instruction I heard from your lips
in Westfield, when I was just commencing the Christian
life, have been of use to me ever since. I should like very
much to be with you, but it is impossible. My mother is
feeble, but her mind is clear as ever. She is eighty-one
years old. My father died three years ago. I will close,
hoping that we may meet again, if not here, in the here
after. Yours, very truly, Julia A. Osborn.

1 84 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Westfield, Dec. 3, 1883.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Alden :
I received your kind invitation to your Golden Wedding.
Should be very glad to be with you on that occasion. I
remember you both with a great deal of pleasure, and your
earnest work with us. I trust you will enjoy the gathering,
and hope you may be spared to each other and your friends
a little longer, and at last, that we may all meet as one
great family, where parting is not known.
Yours.
Mrs. N. Ingersoll.
To my Friends, the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Alden:
We regret exceedingly that we cannot be present at the
fiftieth anniversary of your marriage, and nothing but sick
ness at home has prevented. May you long live to enjoy
the blessings of earth, and when Jesus calls you home, may
you find a golden harvest awaiting you above. The best
wishes of your friends,
Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Hudson.
Worcester, Dec. 3, 1883.
Rev. and Mrs. Alden :
We very much regret circumstances will not permit us
to be present at the anniversary celebration. May God
bless by many additional years of wedded bliss.
In Christian love and affection,
Mr. and Mrs. P. G. Skinner.
Westfield. Dec. 4, 1883.
Dear Friends:
Many thanks for your kind invitation to be present at
your fiftieth wedding anniversary. May it be a joyful one
to you and yours. I have been reminded of earlier days,
when you were living among us, and Mr. Alden was my
pastor. I remember your kindly ministrations, and the
time when I gave my heart to Christ; the baptism of
myself with many others. There have been many changes
since. The cause of the dear Saviour was never more pre
cious to me than now ; I want to be loyal to him.
Affectionately,
Jane E. Thurston.

GOLDEN WEDDING LETTERS. 185
extract of a letter from geo. h. felton, m. d.
St. Paul, Minn., Nov. 20, 1883.
Mr. and Mrs. Alden :
My very dear friends, my invitation to your Golden
Wedding reached me in my home here yesterday. I cannot
command the language to tell you of my congratulations
that your lives have been prolonged to enjoy this occa
sion, or to express the pleasure I take in recalling my own
acquaintance and friendship with you. Among my earliest
recollections are those of my visits to your home in West-
field, and of yours to my father's home in Granville ; and
these occasions stand out prominently among the memories
of childhood, because they always gave me so much genu
ine pleasure. And no less prized have been the opportu
nities afforded me from time to time, since those early days
of renewing my intercourse with you. I sincerely wish it
were possible for me to be among those who will take your
hands on your anniversary, thanking God for all he has
done for you during these years that are fled, and asking
his blessing upon those that remain for you on earth, that
they may be many and peaceful, yet filled with joyful antic
ipations of that life which shall not be measured by years.
Remember that I have always been, and am yet,
One of your boys,
G. H. Felton.
Providence, December, 1883.
My Dear Friends :
We shall be most happy to accept your invitation to
your Golden Wedding, and allow us to congratulate you
that you have lived to see this golden day. May the few
remaining years that are left for you be blessed with peace.
Your friends,
Mary D. Howard.
Phebe A. Howard.
Andover, Nov. 20, 1883.
My Dear Cousins :
We received your very kind invitation to be present at
the anniversary of your Golden Wedding. The time for
our Golden Wedding would have been January, 1 882, but
we had lost so many of our dear family that we could not
make up our minds to celebrate it. The Lord has come
very near to us, once, and again, and again, and again, and

1 86 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
taken away our dear children whom we tenderly loved ;
but we know that "He doeth all things well."
Your affectionate cousin,
Susan Stone.
80 Madison Avenue, New York.
My Dear Friends :
I must tell you how pleased my sister Lucy and I were
to receive your cards of invitation to your Golden Wed
ding. Instinctively our thoughts turned to the old days at
Westfield, and the picture came before my mind of my
father seated in his rocking-chair, my mother on the sofa,
and you, Mr. Alden, in another chair, genially whiling away
the hours by pleasant chat and story-telling ! How pleas
ant to think of the contrast to the busy, driving, exhaust
ing cares of business life in this city, is the picture ! It is
certainly refreshing to think of so genial and pleasant a
life as yours coming to so pleasant a period in its journey
as the Golden Wedding. Our very pleasantest recollec
tions are of the happy days of our life when you were
in Westfield, and your family and ours were neighbors.
Our heartiest wishes are for your continued health and
prosperity. Faithfully yours,
Addison Rand.
240 Broadway, New York.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Alden :
I received the invitation to attend the celebration of the
fiftieth anniversary of your marriage — your Golden Wed
ding. At Westfield, when I was a mere boy, I many times
made your house my home, and I do not forget the hearty
welcome and good cheer that always prevailed in your
house. My brother Addison unites with me in sending
herewith a small token of our remembrance of former days,
which please accept with our hearty congratulations and
best wishes. Sincerely yours,
Jasper R. Rand.
Northampton, Mass., Dec. 4, 1883.
My Dear Mr. and Mrs. Alden :
I thank you for your kind invitation to be present at the
celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of your marriage. I

GOLDEN WEDDING LETTERS. 187
have delayed writing, hoping the way might be opened to
manifest, by my presence, the love I cherish for you.
Please accept the golden coin enclosed as a token of
regard. I have not forgotten the many kindnesses re
ceived. I do not doubt that you will receive many cheer
ing testimonials of love from many dear friends,, the
thoughts of which will brighten all your remaining days,
and when done with earthly things, may we all have a
glad reunion where our happiness will be without alloy.
Yours, in love,
Cordelia Sawyer.
North Adams, Mass., Nov. 30, 1883.
My Dear Mr. and Mrs. Alden:
I received with many thanks your cards announcing your
fiftieth wedding anniversary. Please accept the enclosed
amount as a small reminder of my regard and esteem for
your welfare and happiness. With the kindest regards> I
remain, Yours, truly,
Edward R. Tinker.
North Adams, Dec. 3, 1883*
Rev. and Mrs. John Alden :
My dear friends, just at this time it seems almost impos
sible for me to leave my business, and much as I should
have liked to be with you Wednesday evening next, I have
had to bend to the necessity of remaining at home. Mrs.
Whittaker unites with me in sending our congratulations,
together with our best wishes and prayers that these years
to come may be peaceful and happy and full of joy to you
both. Yours, very truly,
Mr. and Mrs. V. A. Whittaker.
Rev. and Mrs. Alden :
Dear friends, we received with pleasure the summons to
your Golden Wedding, and regret that we cannot be pres
ent, feeling as we do that it will be a feast in the fullest
sense of the word, and one which we can ill afford to lose.
Although almost unknown to you, we feel that we can
claim you as friends, for we know your hearts are this
night, and ever, filled with love and good will to all your
Heavenly Father's children. We feel our indebtedness to

1 88 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
you as the dearly loved father and mother of a friend whom
we esteem most highly, and never meet without pleasure.
My husband joins with me in sending kindest greetings and
wishes for your welfare, and if we meet not here, we will
trust our heavenly Father for a meeting in his home.
Most respectfully yours,
Emma M. Metcalf.
Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Metcalf,
Dec. 4, 1883. Tiverton, R. I., Dec. 1, 1883.
To Rev. and Mrs. John Alden:
Dear friends, it is not consistent for us to accept your
invitation for Wednesday evening, December 5th. But
you will confer upon us the great pleasure of appropriating
to your own use the accompanying check, which is pre
sented as a slight token of the very high esteem in which
you are held by us.
Very respectfully,
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. S. Robertson.
AUBURNDALE, Dec. 3, 1 883.
Mr. and Mrs. Alden :
Dear friends, your kind invitation came while we were
absent. It would give us great pleasure to be present, but
convenience does not permit. We trust the occasion will
be one of great pleasure and enjoyment. It is a matter of
deep thankfulness that you have been allowed to tread a
united path for so many years. May it continue to be
bright until it passes the heavenly gate. With best wishes
and many prayers, Yours, cordially, Susan C. Jennings.
Alice C. Jennings.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER WRITTEN BY MRS. B. H. CRANE, WIFE
OF THE LATE REV. D. M. CRANE, OF NORTHAMPTON.
My cross leans against a dark sky, and I learn some new
meaning every day through that little word " alone." How
I miss the strong arm and ready hands of him once at my
side, in bearing the burdens, his counsel, encouragement,
the morning and evening prayer for strength to do God's
will, and in the hottest fire hold still. You speak of your

GOLDEN WEDDING LETTERS. 189
sainted mother (Mrs. Anna Chamberlain), whose presence
and prayers hallowed your charming home in this place.
I remember her dear motherly face, gentle, quiet spirit,
and loving heart, and often look at her picture, and think
how precious the legacy of a Christian character.
Golden Weddings are rare events, and blessed occur
rences ; few ever reach them. After two score years and
ten of tireless, devoted life in the holy bonds of matrimony,
with profound respect and admiration we say, All hail !
noble pair. The soft, solemn chime of far-off bells echoes
the refrain, and starry eyes of loved ones gone before look
down in benediction. I am glad this anniversary is to be
fittingly commemorated. It will make you happy in many
ways : in the renewed evidence of the affectionate regard of
your children ; in the friendships of your life, and the kind
care of your heavenly Father, till he welcomes you home.
Memory, lost to things near, now turns tenderly back
through the drifts of years to that sweet oasis, the morn
ing of life, when, at the dear home ofthe bride, in the pres
ence of parents and friends, most of whom have gone to
the silent land, the impressive ceremony was performed
which forever blends two souls in the wondrous interfac
ings of sweet companionship. With light feet and joyful
hearts you went boldly forth to pursue the path that leads
to high noon, and when the steeps to be climbed became
more rugged and difficult, you shared each other's fortune,
smiled and wept together, inspiring each with new courage
and enthusiasm, and grew stronger through trial. The
silken cords of love which bound you became a band of
polished silver, set with household jewels glowing in the
love-light of home. Fifty years of married life passed as a
shadow that returneth not. Here we have no continuing
city. As servants of God, your lives have been one of
ministry to the wants of others, your dear sister sharing
with you the blessed reward of doing good ; now may they
be of reception, in the returning bread cast upon the
waters. May the Divine Presence shed a halo of glory
over the calm tranquil Indian summer of your lives.
Please accept this token of affectionate regard in
response to your kind invitation. Yours, truly,
B. H. Crane.

190 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
New Haven, Conn., Dec. 3, 1883.
Rev. and Mrs. John Alden :
Dear friends, the invitation to your Golden Wedding
was received in due time. We are happy to be able to ten
der our congratulation, both personally and in behalf of our
father, who considered you a very dear friend. That your
days, which have been so useful and honorable, may be
continued for many years, is the sincere wish of
Yours, very truly,
J. L. Ensign.
West End Institute,
New Haven, Nov. 24, 1883.
My Dear Mr. and Mrs. Alden :
Thirty-three years ago, when I stood before you, I did
not anticipate the honor or the pleasure of an invitation to
your fiftieth anniversary ! How I should love to be present
to present my congratulations and good wishes on that occa
sion, especially for the sake of my dear father and mother,
who ever held you both in loving remembrance. Since
this may not be, will you then, dear friends of the long
ago, accept our sincerest love and most earnest prayer
that you may find your last days to be really and truly
your best days, and the promise verified that "the path
of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and
more unto perfect day." I am, very affectionately yours,
Sarah L. Cady.
Beloved Christian Friends :
A card announcing you fiftieth wedding anniversary
was received by Mr. Tillinghast in Columbus, O. He
wrote me, if I attended, to give you his most hearty con
gratulations, and say to Mr. Alden, he remembered the first
time he heard him preach, and of course his subsequent
work in church and business — especially the big trout.
May you live many years yet and reap a heavenly reward
finally. Allow me to congratulate you here in thought and
word. May your hearts be made glad by a golden harvest
of appreciation, which you have earned by long years of
Christian toil and steadfastness. May it also be your lot to
do much of Christ's loving work for years to come.
Yours, respectfully,
Mrs. C. E. Tillinghast.
Hope Valley, R. I.

GOLDEN WEDDING LETTERS.

191

20 Cook St., Providence, R. I., Dec. 7, 1883.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Alden :
I had fully expected to have the pleasure of extending to
you, in person, my congratulations upon your happy anni
versary, both for our own sakes, and our dear mother's,*
who, were she still with us, would have so rejoiced in your
joy. We want to offer you our congratulations that our
dear Father has spared you so long to each other, and to
the world. Our prayer is, that only a golden light may
shine upon your path, till at the last you may walk the
golden streets in the blessed land above.
Affectionately yours,
Harriet E. Stockwell.
Westfield, December, 1883.
Mr. and Mrs. Alden:
My dear friends, your invitation is received. Accept
thanks. We would gladly be present and participate in the
exercises. We have none but kindly remembrances of you
and yours, and it would give us great pleasure to be with
you on this, your anniversary. In connection with you, we
always think of the loved ones in our family who have gone
to their home in heaven. Mother unites with me in send
ing congratulations, and wishing you may spend many happy
years together. Yours, in love,
Mrs. M. Doane.
Eliza M. Doane.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM LAWSON A. LONG, M. D.
53 West 26th St., New York, Dec. 17, 1883.
Very Dear Friends:
I learn from Sister Bell that you have recently enjoyed a
Golden Wedding. I regret that I did not receive my invi
tation so that I could join with the rest of your friends in
offering my sincere congratulations. Just before father's
death, the last time I saw him alive, I told him that I would
be his mouth-piece, and as long as I remained upon the
earth he should be represented. So you may look upon
this letter as in a measure inspired by him. I am sure that
he would congratulate you with the same heartiness that I
*Mrs. Dr. Davis of Westfield.

1 92 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
do, and I have no doubt but that he would also say that
your present joy was of little moment compared with the
happiness in store for you on your arrival home. My faith
makes that fact clear, but he has seen what God has in
store for those who love him, and if he could speak to us, he
would say, " Rejoice rather that your names are written in
the Book of life."
I remember well how you and your wife looked in 1 836,
when you were young married folks, so I think I can safely
claim to be classed with your oldest friends. I have often
thought of you, but when the snow and frost say good-bye
in the spring, and the trout brooks are free from surface
water, I always think of Brother Alden, and I have felt sure
if I was unable to attend to the trout, that he would. I
have had some good interesting times since I have seen
you. One beautiful May afternoon, after catching a dozen
trout from six to fourteen ounces each, I felt so happy that
I offered up a prayer of thanksgiving by the side of the
brook; you can doubtless appreciate my feelings. My
church relations here are very pleasant ; am a member of Dr.
McArthur's, of the Calvary Baptist church. It is the finest
church in the world of our denomination, costing half a mil
lion of dollars, including grounds. I am, as I can myself
see, a second edition of my father, as to zeal, steadfastness,
and faith. There is room in my heart for but one desire,
and that is to be conformed to the image of Christ, and, like
him, do always those things that please God. I am glad to
assure you I shall be happy to meet you where there will be
no more parting. Your brother, in Christ,
L. A. Long.
Westfield, Mass., Nov. 28, 1883.
Rev. John Alden:
Dear friend, it would give me great pleasure to be pres
ent, if I could consistently with other duties, at the com
memoration of the fiftieth anniversary of your wedding day,
to which you have so kindly invited me. I had the privi
lege, a few weeks ago, of attending a like anniversary, that
of Mr. and Mrs. Blood of this town, old parishioners of
yours. For two to have walked hand in hand to the golden
period, is of itself a mark of the Divine favor, and partici
pating in such a commemoration seems like treading upon
holy ground May the day be indeed a golden day to you

GOLDEN WEDDING LETTERS.

193

and your companion, and as you advance towards the sun-
setting, may it brighten more and more into the perfect
sunrising in the golden streets. I enclose a check, but a
piece of paper to be sure, but it has a transmitting quality
to a limited extent, — I could wish to a much greater extent.
I rejoice to think that you have not only long known, but
that you have also been enabled these many years to tell
others the secret of transmitting all things into the true
gold which perisheth not. Yours, sincerely,
H. Hooker.

CHAPTER IX.
SILVER WEDDING OF SON.
JNE special event in my life of great interest to me
and my family was the celebration of the twenty-
fifth anniversary of the marriage of my son,
Augustus E. and Ella B. Alden, on the evening of Nov. 21,
1884, at their residence in Stoneham, Mass. The following
notice in regard to the event is from the Independent, pub
lished in Stoneham : a silver wedding.
On the evening of November 21st, a large number of rel
atives and friends assembled at the residence of Mr. and
Mrs. A. E. Alden, on Spring street, to celebrate the twen
ty-fifth anniversary of their wedding. The many beautiful
and valuable remembrances from friends, present and
absent, formed a center of attraction. Another matter of
interest to all was the fact that there were present the rep
resentatives of four successive generations, viz. : Rev. John
Alden, of Providence, and his wife (who celebrated their
Golden Wedding about a year ago ), the groom and bride of
twenty- five years ago, their daughter and her husband, Mr.
and Mrs. Clarke, of Providence, and their daughter, Helen
Ruth, a year old.
After the delicately prepared collation had been partaken
of, all assembled in the parlor to enjoy the literary feast
which the occasion had prompted. Congratulatory remarks
were made by Rev. A. J. Hovey ; interesting reminiscences 194

SILVER WEDDING OF SON.

195

and benediction were given in verse by Rev. John Alden.
Among the several poems contributed was the following,
( set to music ), composed for the occasion, by Prof. D. B.
Purrington, of West Virginia University ( a relative of the
family ), and beautifully rendered by Mrs. Clarke and Miss
Arnold : CHIME ON, MARRIAGE BELLS.
BY D. B. PURRINGTON.
Words of friendship, songs of greeting,
From the West land far away,
Eastward speeding, swiftly fleeting,
Hail this happy wedding day.
Marriage bells, still gaily ringing
Down the corridors of time,
Fragrant thoughts of love are winging
On their sweet and silvery chime.
Ties of kindness fondly tracing
Through the labyrinth of years,
Every soul in love embracing
Who the name of " Alden " bears,
Many noble names we cherish
From the stillness of the tomb,
But their deeds can never perish —
Fadeless in immortal bloom.
Name renowned in sacred story —
Name our Pilgrim Fathers knew,
Let this heritage of glory,
Make us faithful, noble, true ;
Sire to son the gift bequeathing,
To the latest hour of time,
Joy and love and duty breathing
Through each merry wedding chime..
In reunion fondly meeting,
'Mid the mem'ries of the day
Pray receive this friendly greeting,
Sent from kindred far away ;
May we all in sweet communion,
When from earth our spirits fly,
Join at last the grand reunion
Through the portals of the sky.

196 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
CHORUS.
Chime on, marriage bells, Chime on, sweetly on.
In joyful melody, Sweetly chiming.
For the love of the years agone,
Sweetly chiming.
And of ages yet to be.
Rev. A. J. Hovey, pastor of the Stoneham Baptist
church, was present/ and addressed the parties in a very
pleasant and happy manner. Congratulations and music
followed. Mrs. Mattie A. Clarke and Miss Arnold played
and sung an original piece of poetry and music, by Prof.
Purrington, of West Virginia University, a son of Mrs.
Nancy Purrington, whose father was the only brother of
Miss Mary Lyon, the noted founder of Mt. Holyoke
Female Seminary. Mrs. Purrington' s mother (my beloved
sister, Armilla Alden) was one of the mothers so rarely
found who prayed earnestly for her children, that they
might be found ready for the service of their Master when
ever and wherever he should call for them to labor in
his vineyard, be it on foreign shores, in New England, or
in any part of the mighty West ; and when she heard the
voice of Jesus, through her loving daughter, Lucy ( after
ward the wife of Rev. Edward Lord of Ningpo, China),
asking her consent to leave her native land, and labor for
the benighted heathen, she answered, " For this I have
prayed, and shall I now refuse ? Go, my child ; and the ben
ediction of Heaven go with and rest upon you." She was
married to Rev. Edward Lord, and labored four years with
him in China, returned to her native land, and died among
her kindred, leaving a bright and faithful record of Chris
tian work. Again this dear sister was called to give up
another dear child, Freelove, the second wife of Rev. E.
Lord, who, after several years of toil and work in the mis.
sionary field, died, and was buried in China.

SILVER WEDDING OF SON.

197

To Mr. and Mrs. Augustus E. Alden, on the Even
ing of their Silver Wedding — Nov. 21, 1884, — Cele
brated Dec. s, 1884, Providence, December, 1884.
My Dear Children :
Twenty-five years have passed since you stood at the
altar in the house of God, and pledged your constancy and
love ; around you then were father, mother and dear grand
mother, brother, Aunt Lizzie and loving friends, who cared
and prayed for your present and future good. Some of
them have passed to the other shore, and their faces here
you will see no more ; but do you forget them ? No,
never ! Their prayers, their counsels, their deeds of love,
will ever be remembered. Since then, changes have come.
Children, one, two, three and four have come to enliven and
cheer you amid the toils and cares of life ; the Angel of
Death has not taken from your home one of these loved
ones. Yea, more, God has given to one of the household
band a loving Christian companion, ready to share her joys
and sorrows ; and when the fiftieth anniversary of your
parents came, there was given you a golden treasure, a
jewel more precious than the jewelled crown of queens 1
" God keep her spirit undefiled,
A golden treasure bright."
Accept, my dear children, this small silver offering on
this, your Silver Wedding anniversary. Be assured I never
shall forget your interest and care for your parents, so rap
idly descending the hill of life. May your future be fraught,
not only with temporal, but great spiritual mercies. May
you live to lead the way to the cross of Christ, your chil
dren following in the narrow way to life eternal.
God grant that we may be an unbroken band in the
kingdom of our blest Redeemer, and finally join the unnum
bered hosts in anthems of eternal praise.
Your loving mother,
Mrs. Ann M, C. Alden,
Dear Cousins of the Alden Tribe :
Please accept salutations and congratulations upon your
approaching anniversary on the 21st inst. May the benedic-

1 98 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
tion of John and Priscilla, of the ancient days, and of all the'
goodly succession since, abide with you.
I remain, respectfully yours,
Boston, November 19th. E. K. Alden.
Providence, November, 1884.
Dear Augustus and Ella:
Please accept this silver offering as a memorial of the
silver anniversary of your marriage.
Is it possible that twenty-five years have passed since,
at the altar, in the church of God, before many witnesses,
you were united in the sacred bonds of matrimony ! Side
by side you stood in the bloom of youth, life seemed bright
before you, and you knew but little comparatively of the
cares and perplexities of life. Years passed, and young
immortals were committed to your care and training.
They have been preserved amid all the dangers of child
hood. The Angel of Death has not crossed your threshold
to take one of your darlings from the home circle. All
have been spared. A new link has also been added.
" Another little wave
Upon the sea of life."
Truly you have reason to say, " Bless the Lord, O my
soul, and forget not all his benefits." "Who redeemeth
thy life from destruction ; who crowneth thee with loving
kindness and tender mercies."
May your future life be useful and happy in each other,
happy in your children, and, above all, happy in the service
of your heavenly Father. Some of the loved ones who
were present twenty-five years since have passed away
from the scenes of this life, and are "safe within the vale."
Other dear parents are spared to an advanced age, and have
passed the golden anniversary of their wedded life. Their
pathway has been brightened by your true, filial devotion
to their interests. As years increase, trials and sorrows
come to darken life ; but remember that
" Every cloud has a silver side,
Though dark the cloud may be.''
" All things work together for good to those who love
God." Take God's word for your guide, and may you be
enabled henceforth to rejoice in its truths, heed its warn-

SILVER WEDDING OF SON. 199
ings, obey its precepts, and trust in its promises. Thus
will you be prepared for the future duties and responsi
bilities of life, and for a home in our Father's home on high.
Yours, with best wishes,
Aunt Lizzie.
i8s9. mr. and mrs. a. e. alden. 1 884.
WRITTEN FOR THEIR SILVER WEDDING BY K. E. CHAMBERLAIN.
Twenty-five years I a happy pair,
In youthful beauty fair,
Stood side by side, with purpose true,
Whatever might ensue,
To help each other in the strife
With all the ills of life.
Twenty-five years have sped their course,
As rivers from their source;
Each one with goodness crowned,
Fresh mercies all around,
Call forth each day new songs of praise,
With sweet and joyous lays.
Twenty-five years ! four children dear
Were given you to rear ;
All have been spared to see thi3 day,
None have been called away,
But here this night together stand
A happy household band.
Mattie, the first-born daughter fair,
Eyes of blue, and flaxen hair;
With gentle mien and modest grace
Depicted in her open face,
To lovely womanhood has grown
And from the home-nest flown.
Lillie next, in spring-time coming,
With golden ringlets waving,
With face so fair, and eyes so bright,
Of home she was the light;
Childhood has passed — a Christian youth )
Firm may she stand for truth.
John Alden, proud to bear the name
Of one who cross'd the main ;
A boy of spirit, wild with play,
And every childish way ;

200 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.

A noble manly form he bears,—
God keep from sinful snares.
The household pet, your Eddie, dear,
Next came to bring you cheer ;
Hi3 childish prattle, winning ways,
Brightened your cloudy days ;
A merry-hearted boy to-day,
May he ne'er go astray.
Last year a little grandchild came,
Sweet Helen Ruth by name,
A priceless little treasure, given
To train for earth and heaven, —
God keep the darling in the way
That leads to endless day.
Twenty-five years I gone, gone for aye,
None can Time's current stay.
Oh, give to God the fleeting hours ;
Serve him with all your powers ;
Then may you, one unbroken band,
Dwell in that happy land.
Chicopee Falls, Nov. 19, 1884.
Mr. and Mrs. Augustus E. Alden :
My dear friends, allow me to congratulate you on the
twenty-fifth anniversary of your marriage. It seems but
yesterday since that night's great gathering at the church.
I look back through the vista of years, and through all the
lights and shadows and vicissitudes since 1859, and the
scene of that evening reproduces itself before my eyes : a
slight young man of good figure ahd costume, a most cheer
ful expression, and leaning on his arm, the graceful form of
a young girl of eighteen with one of those faces of classic
beauty and delicate sweetness, now so rarely seen, — these
stood before me, facing the great assembly, and with a few
brief words, followed by a prayerful benediction from your
honored father, were joined in marriage till death should you
part. How many loving eyes which looked on that joyous
scene are now closed to all that is earthly ! Your good
father and mother yet linger ( God bless them ), and may it
be your joy, as was lately theirs, to celebrate yet another
wedding a quarter of a century hence. We shall not be
here to greet you then, but let us hope your children will,
like your fathers' and mothers' children, be there to rise up

SILVER WEDDING OF SON 203
and call you blessed. With many wishes for your mutual
health and happiness, in which Mrs. Bellamy cordially joins,
I remain, as ever, your old friend, long your pastor,
Rev. R. K. Bellamy.
FROM HENRY M. PUFFER, ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT
LAW.
Shelburne Falls, Nov. 19, 1884.
My Dear Cousins :
Words cannot express my regret at not being able to
attend your Silver Wedding anniversary on the twenty-first.
How well I remember you both, when you were good look
ing and even too young to marry ; now you are a staid old
couple, and dignified, venerable grandparents, surrounded
by wedded blossoms, holy tokens of the heaven-blessed
union. How I should love to take you by the hand and
say, God bless and ever make you happy and prosperous,
while travelling the declining way of life. But keep the
declination as nearly level as possible. Cross no bridges
until you come to them. Never let go each other's hands,
and avoid the water bars and ditches incident to life's great
highway. Years are short, and cares are many,
Soon you'll lay your burdens down;
They who help the cross to carry
Will be first to wear the crown.
I hope that next Friday will find you altogether replete
with health, happiness, and merriment. I should love
dearly to be with you all and see those Golden Wedding vet
erans, my highly prized uncle and aunt, together with your
selves, children and pet grandchild ! May the stars of
heaven look kindly down, and bountiful blessings ever be
yours. Affectionate cousin,
Henry.
757 Oakwood Boulevard, Chicago, Nov. 19, 1884.
Dear Cousins Augustus and Ella :
Your card is received, and how am I to reply ? What
thoughts crowd through my mind of those twenty-five
years ! How utterly useless for me to attempt to put them
on paper. It seems to me that one could hardly desire a

204 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
richer gift than is enjoyed by those who, hand in hand, lov
ingly travel earth's pilgrim ways, with mutual sympathy in
the trials which take so much courage to bear, and in the
exquisite joy of a love so tender that nothing else can even,
in ever so imperfect a degree, illustrate the soul joy of
union to Him who has declared that He is Love.
May such love continue to bless you, and your dear Ella,
very many more years, is the wish and prayer of
Your affectionate cousins,
Elbridge and May Hovey,
Northampton, Mass., Nov. 4, 1884
Good boy to remember us ! Can it be that you are a
married man, and twenty-five years at that ? Why do you
by 'your dainty card of invitation so delicately remind me
of my patriarchal age ? I am a young man, and yet you,
my boy of only a little while ago, have the audacity to
place before me a reminder of my rapidly approaching old
age ! Well, it's all right, and I gratefully accept that fact,
and say, "Goodness and mercy have followed me along the
years." But, really, are you not joking? 1859 — 1884 — a
quarter of a century ; and so it must be that you are no
longer a boy, but a full-grown man. Well, I bring you on
paper my heartfelt congratulations, and thank you sincerely
for your kind remembrance of us, and if we cannot be
present on that glad occasion, send you a benediction.
You will have a good time, I know, with the wide circle of
friends you have made ; and may you, and the dear one who
bears your name, long live to bless each other and the
world. Sincerely yours, S. E. Bridgman, for self and wife.
Haverhill, Mass., Nov. 18, 1884
Mr. A. E. and Mrs. Ella B. Alden :
Dear friends, your beautiful card of a recent date was
duly received, for which please accept our thanks and kind
wishes. It would, indeed, give us very great pleasure to
meet you at the time and upon the interesting occasion
named in your card of invitation, and renew an old, long
and pleasant friendship, but we feel that we must deny our
selves that pleasure at the present time. Can it be it is
nearly twenty-five years since we saw you married one even-

SILVER WEDDING OF SON. 205
ing in Chicopee Falls ! Well, it may be, such is the flight
of time. You know best about this. But what changes have
taken place since. ' What a type of human life in this poor,
perishing world do these changes represent ! " Nothing
human is abiding." How much of the past rushes upon
the mind as we review the past ; persons and events crowd
upon the mind for consideration. But it is with the pres
ent and future, mainly, that we have now to do. The past
has gone beyond recall, and if we can only profit by it, so
as to make our little future the better, it will be well to
do so.
We trust you will enjoy a very pleasant time on the
occasion in near prospect, with your children, and such
other friends as may meet with you, and may the good
Lord greatly bless your future in this life, and abundantly
fit you for the higher and more enduring joys of the life to
come. To us all, the end of this brief life is nearing. May
we be prepared for it. Please accept our kind regards and
best wishes. Yours, very truly,
William Thayer.
70 Wakeman Ave., Newark, N. J., 1884.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Alden :
Allow me, in the crowd of your friends surrounding you
to-night, to tender my congratulations also, upon the arrival
of the twenty-fifth anniversary of your marriage. A happy
union, an unbroken family, mean so much. Doubtless
you realize how great is your call for thankfulness, for
blessings so few attain. Four children, all yet spared to
you, giving you yet their presence and affection, — how
rare the pleasure !
And then a grandchild also is given you, to fill your hearts
afresh with love and tenderness. This blessing, too, I know
by sweet experience. But alas, my first, my pet, went in
early years to join the redeemed above. Your parents, too,
beloved and revered, are still with you, to enter into all
your enjoyments, to encourage, advise and aid you with
their own extended experience. Thrice blessed are you
truly. I have remembered in gratitude the kindness of each of
your family, parents, sons, and "Aunt Lizzie," towards
myself and little ones while I was so ill, away from my

2o6 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
friends and home. And have read with interest all men
tion of their names and doings which has come to my
notice. With warm wishes for your enjoyment to-night,
and all through the future of your way heavenward,
I remain, yours, very truly,
S. B. Wilson.
Of my two sons, Augustus and Judson, I wish to say a
few words. Augustus, being the eldest, has always, from
his early manhood, shown for his mother and myself most
faithful and loving care, and now, in our declining years, is
truly a staff on which to lean. Of a peculiarly affectionate
and generous disposition, his attitude towards us has been
one of constant and unvarying devotion.
Judson, affectionate and kind, has been called in his pur
suits to live at a distance from us most of the time.
Hence the filial duties have naturally fallen upon the eld
est, who has constantly been with us until quite lately. I
had hoped they would choose to follow some one of the pro
fessions, and to this end proposed each a college course ; but
they decided in favor of a business life, for which my eldest
son early showed great aptitude, and for several years stood
among the leading men in his line of business. At the
present time, although retaining his photograph rooms in
Boston, he is engaged in advancing the interests of his
spring property in Stoneham, Mass., where he now resides
with his family, consisting of his estimable wife, Ella Blake,
and three children, Lillie, John and Edward. Their home
is very pleasant, being located only nine miles from the
city, having a lovely surrounding country, picturesque and
most healthful, the Cedar Park Springs, as the place is
called, being on an elevated tableland two hundred and fifty
feet above Boston, making it exceedingly desirable as a
health resort, as I believe it is destined to become in the near
future. My other son, Judson, also resides in Boston, and
is engaged in the photograph business, and is considered a
superior artist in portrait and landscape work, especially
views of interior and exterior of buildings. In April, 1885,

SILVER WEDDING OF SON.

207

twin sons were born to him. In memory of the historic
stories of Plymouth days, they were named by their grand
mother, respectively, John Alden and Miles Standish Alden.
Near me, in Providence, lives my oldest grandchild, Mattie,
the wife of Dea. Walter Clarke, an enterprising young man,
and an earnest Christian worker. He is now connected
with the city treasury department, is also an active mem
ber, as is his wife, of the Broadway Baptist Church. They
have a beautiful home and two lovely children, Helen Ruth
and Ronald Blake.

PART II,

CHAPTER X.
STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS.
j|BOUT seventy years ago, a man from my native
town, intemperate and quarrelsome, became
unpopular, and moved to a new town, in Ohio,
where some of his old cronies lived. In such cases the
neighbors would turn out and build a log house for the new
comer. This man, James Cobb, by name, went a little dis
tance from his new log house, to put up one for a new set
tler. They finished it about dark, and Cobb shouldered his
axe, and started alone for his home, singing, as whiskey
pitches the tune. Near his path was a ravine, in which he
heard one, as he thought, mimicking him. Thinking it one
of the party trying to scare him, he stopped and addressed
it, " You can't frighten this Cobb ; there is pith in it," and
went on. It followed him soon on the trees over his head.
He ran for life. A hung-up coverlid was his only door.
He rushed through it, and landed on all fours in the middle
of his kitchen. His wife screamed, " What is the matter >
Jimmie ? " "The devil of a catamount is after me." They
looked at the doorway, and saw a huge panther's paw move
back the coverlid, and show a terrific head. As he saw the
fire and heard their screams he retreated. Cobb boarded
the doorway with strong timbers, and spent most of the
night swearing he would have his heart's blood or die in
the effort. He charged his rifle heavily. A light snow
fell in the night. Going out with rifle and hatchet in his
belt, he saw tracks around his house where the monster
had been, and he then tracked him toward the ravine. As he
208

STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS. 209
came upon a little knoll, he saw the panther a few rods
from him in a position for a leap, his head between his
paws. But he was asleep. He fired his two balls at his
head ; one ball hit his head, the other paralyzed the silver
cord of his neck. He sprang towards Cobb, who drew
his hatchet, and, like Milton's Death, " delayed to
strike." It was his final leap. He dragged him home,
and he measured, as he said, over ten and one-half feet in
length. Near by this place another tragic event occurred. There
were some thieving Indians in the region. Two white men
lived side by side. One of them, who had considerable
money, which was known to his neighbors, had to leave
home for the day. He said, " I will reward you if you will
watch my premises till I return, as my wife is alone." He
promised to do so. About midday, an Indian, with the
war paint on, knocked for entrance. The man's wife
refused to let him in. He declared he would come down
the chimney, if she would not let him in. The chimneys
of such log houses are made very large, and the houses
only one story. She told him if he came down thus it
would be at the peril of his life. She had an axe in the
room and a good fire burning. When she heard him well
on his way, she set fire to her straw bed, placed beneath,
and as he came tumbling down, strangled, with the axe she
killed him. She then ran over to the neighbor, asking her
to come and see what she had done. The man was not
at home. The wife came, saying, "You are a brave woman,
and you have served the Indian right. He meant to rob
and perhaps kill you." They both stood stupefied over the
horrid scene. " I am glad you did the deed, and saved
your life and money. Your husband had quite a lot of it
How glad he will be on his return." Said one of the women,
" Did you ever see so mean an Indian, and his features so
resemble a white man. Perhaps he is a half breed."
" Why," says the neighbor, " he has stolen my husband's
coat ; I know it by a singular patch I put on it." They

210 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
washed the paint from his face, and, lo ! it was her
husband. During my agency for the Bible society, I had two weeks
vacation each year, during which time I took two trips to
the Maine lakes trouting. There are four lakes that make a
chain of lakes, forty miles in length. Through these lakes,
or from them, the Androscoggin river flows, abounding with
speckled trout. The first is the Rangeley Lake, ten miles
by five. The second is the Mooselucmaguntic, or, as the
Indians named it, Moos e-heard-^my -gun-tick. This lake is
eleven miles by four. Third, the Richardson Lake, ten
miles by two. Lastly, the Umbagog Lake, about the same
size. All these lakes, except the Umbagog, yield only
speckled trout and dace, on which they feed. During my
first trip, I took two amateur fishermen from North
ampton, Mass., with me. In "five days we captured four
hundred pounds of trout, in size from one to four pounds.
In the next trip, four of us caught fifty-four pounds in one
day; there were only twelve in number, thus averaging four
and one-half pounds each. We fished in about fifteen feet
of water, shoreward. When one of those furious fellows
felt the hook, he would rush for the centre of the lake,
making the reel sound like a lightning train of cars in the
distance. He would not slacken his furious speed short of
fifty feet. Then we would reel him in. It often took from
twenty to thirty minutes. He would outdo old Euclid in
making angles in speed, if not in number. It is rare
that a real speckled trout is caught that weighs over twelve
pounds. Dr. S. P. Hubbard, of Taunton, Mass., who was
my family physician when I was settled in Westfield, was
one of the party, and one of the best doctors in New
England in catching trout or saving' human life. I think
my love of this sport has prolonged my life. When
oppressed with toil and care, a good sweat, chasing the
trout up and down the mountain streams, saved me, per
haps, from paralysis. Where I stand in this picture is at
the head of a fall nearly seventy feet. I would not take my

TROUT FISHING  REV. JOHN ALDEN

STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS. 213
oath that it was the roughest spot in the universe, for I
have not travelled it all over. It was in this place my son,
A. E. Alden, took this picture of me. His picture and his
brother's are seen in this view.
All through the sublime mountain region there are hun
dreds of acres on which it is probable no white man ever
climbed. It is the most romantic, clandestined, clancular
place I ever saw. If I could think of any more expressive
adjectives I would insert them, and then feel how weak is
language to express the grandeur of this scenery. " On
firing a pistol we could hear half a dozen echoes.
The preceding cut represents a scene in one of my fish
ing trips. It is found near Capt. George M. Estey's Green-
vale House, at the head of the Rangley Lakes, and is men
tioned by Capt. C. A. J. Farrar in his illustrated Guide Book
as follows :
"A short distance from the Greenvale House is a moun
tain stream, not only noted for its excellent fishing, but
also for its fine scenery. Follow it up for quite a distance
from the road, and you will come to a deep ravine, cut out
of the solid rock by the powerful action of the water during
tbe spring freshets. This ravine extends up the stream for
a quarter of a mile, the brook being broken all through it
by rapids, cascades and falls. Along its sides, where the
water has washed out all the earth, huge crevices are found
in the rocks, and from several of these, in the last of June,
1876, we took some splendid ice, many of the pieces being
two to three pounds in weight. It is a wild and romantic
place, and one which is eagerly sought after by lovers ot
nature. The dark rocks, the water flashing in the sunlight,
the numerous natural bridges, caused by trees which have
been uprooted by tempests, and have fallen across the
ravine, the roar of the cataract, the grateful shade to be had
under the old forest trees, are all congenial to one who
wishes to walk in nature's solitudes, and who can appreciate
such a wild country. When visiting the Greenvale House,
by all means spare half a day to visit this brook, as we are

214 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
confident you will be well satisfied with the time so
spent." Of all trout-fishing during my life experience, preference
is decidedly in favor of the Androscoggin lakes and tributa
ries, although I have had some rare sport in the vicinity of
Mt. Kineo House, Moosehead Lake, through the genial
courtesy of Mr. Dennen, proprietor of Mt. Kineo, who is
always wide awake to entertain and guide the sportsman to
the favorite spot where the speckled beauties are "always
found." On the John Brown tract and in the Chateaugay
lakes, I found the trout smaller and of inferior quality, as
compared with those found in the Maine lakes, notwith
standing Mr. Murray's preferences and those of President
Cleveland. My last trip to the Androscoggin lakes was made during
the summer of 1884, with my son, A. E. Alden, and his fam
ily. We made in to the lakes from Bethel, Me., first to the
Umbagog, the lower lake of the Androscoggin chain, a most
beautiful and romantic sheet of water, from there by
steamer and carry, we arrived at Middle Dam and Richard
son lakes, where we were entertained by Capt. C. A. J.
Farrar at his camp. Capt. Farrar has been, and is, one of
the most active workers in opening up this and the Ando.
ver route to and through the chain of lakes and their many
large tributaries. His illustrated Guide Book is the most
complete work of the kind ever published, and should be
bought by the tourist and sportsman, and every one desiring
to know about trout and game in the wilds of Maine, and
the best routes to and from. After leaving Capt. Farrar,
we took the steamer for Upper Dam, and there we were
met by Mr. J. A. Straw, the active manager of the Union
Water Power Company, of Lewiston, Me. Here has been
erected a fine lodge, with all the modern improvements, yet
wild in its location and general arrangement, and is under
the charge of Supt. John Chadwick, a man every way capa
ble of serving the public at this, the grand center of all the
fishing grounds. Here the Union Water Power Company

STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS.

2.1 S

have erected one of their largest and most extensive and
expensive dams to be found all through this chain of lakes,
which water privilege they control. Their business in the
transportation of logs and lumber is immense, and is
entirely under the management of J. A. Straw, Esq., one of
the most thorough engineers to be found, a man of push
and brains.
From Upper Dam, we took the cosy little steamer
owned and run by Capt. Fred Barker, one of the most com
petent and obliging men to be found in all the lake region.
With him we steamed across the Mooselucmaguntic Lake
to his camp under Bemis mountain, and near the outlet of
Bemis stream, one of the best fishing points on the lakes.
Capt. Barker's place is known as Camps Bemis, and consists
of some twenty log cabins and cottages, built and arranged
in a very attractive and romantic manner, on a knoll under
the mountain, and overlooking the grand old lake, in keep
ing with the wild and mountainous scenery around ; frontier
life outside, but inside, splendid beds and all home comforts.
It is truly the most wild, rustic camp I have ever seen.
From this point, after remaining two weeks, Capt. Barker
took us up to Indian Rock or Camp Kenebago, at the junc
tion of Kenebago and Rangeley streams. Here is where the
Oquassoc Angling Association have spent so many hundreds
of dollars in building and other improvements on their
place. From Indian Rock, we followed up the Rangeley
stream on foot, to the outlet of Rangeley Lake. Here we
stopped at the Mountain View House, owned and kept by
Mr. Henry T. Kimball. Beautifully located at the outlet
of the Rangeley Lake, it is one of the best-built and best-
kept hotels in the State of Maine, in many respects the
best. At certain seasons of the year, this point is the favor
ite fishing ground in all the chain of lakes, especially for
large trout. From here, the steamer takes us through the
Rangeley lakes, the inlet near the Greenvale House, where
Capt. Estey will' give you good rooms and the best living in
all the mountains and lakes of Maine. Never pass through

2i6 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Rangeley without taking dinner with him. He knows how
to cook trout in the daintiest manner to tickle the palate of
the most fastidious epicure, and he, as well as Mr. Kimball,
knows how to keep a hotel. On my last trip, I spent sev
eral days at this house, and took great pleasure in the sport
afforded by the brooks and small lakes in the vicinity. From
Greenvale, we make out of the lakes by way of Phillips and
Farmington, a route full of romantic and delightful scenery.
All who are fond of fishing sports cannot do better than to
take a trip through the Androscoggin lake region.
Some thirty years since I visited my brother and broth
er-in-law, A. Lyon, Esq. They lived near each other in
the village of Cassadaga, N. Y. I had not seen them for
nearly twenty years. I called first on Brother Lyon in the
evening. I said, " Brother Lyon, how shall I work it to be
unrecognized by my brother Willard." "Let my son Ezra
go and introduce you as a Mr. Longfellow." "No," said I,
"he will see through that." He was a wealthy farmer.
" What are farmers selling now?" " Wool," said he. " I
have it now." Knowing, like Job, he was well stocked with
sheep and had not sold his wool, I chose to go alone. I rung
his bell. His little Theodosia opened the door. "Is
there a man named Alden lives here ? " " Yes," he replied,
sitting at his desk posting his books. " Have you wool
to sell, sir ? " " Yes, in abundance." " Is it fine Merino
and well cleansed ?" "Yes. If you can find a Tory weed
in a single place, I will give the fleece to you." "I would
not buy it if there was." This was the first time I ever
heard of a Tory weed. "How much have you ?" "Two
large chambers full." "What is your price, cash down?"
He gave it. " You cannot expect to get that unless it is
of very superior quality." " It is ; come and look at it."
" I fear it will be of no avail." " Have you bought any in
this region?" "No, nor shall I at such prices." "We
often sell to Massachusetts agents; are you from that
State ? " "I am." " From what town ? " "Ashfield." "I
used to live there." " Alden, Alden, I have met an Alden

STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS.

217

when teacher of Franklin Academy ; is he any connection of
yours?" "I have had two brothers who taught there,
John and David." "I think it was John that I imperfectly
knew, and I have seen David. Where is John now ? "
" He is pastor of a church in North Adams. Are you
acquainted there ? " " Some. It is quite a flourishing
manufacturing place. There are about twenty factories
there." I kept talking ever and anon of wool, lest he
should suspect the joke. Thus I marched him three times
over Ashfield and the adjacent towns. " Please throw off
your wrapper and stop with me." "No, I thank you ; I am
pledged at another place." " Come, go up and look at the
wool ; I think we can make a trade." Thinking he might
say it was evening, and he had not a fair chance for recog
nition, 1 went up with him to his chambers. He began to
throw fleeces into the hall. Soon a full Merino fleece
came out. " This will do. Will you warrant the whole lot
will average half Merino?" "Yes, and much more."
I took a lock of the full-blood Merino fleece, and held up a
lock, saying, " Please hold up the lamp and let me look at
it." Thus the lamp and the wool was between our faces,
my tongue running on the subject of wool. " I wish you
would stop with me ; I want to inquire more about Massa
chusetts people. I think we can trade," and he fell con
siderable in the price, if I would take the wool from his
house. "No, I shall not take it even at that price." "I
wish you would call in the morning." I assented. I had
filled his head so full of wool that I took him all over his
native region again, much to my own delight. I then said,
" I think I have carried the joke far enough." " Good
heavens ! " said he, throwing his arms around me, " is this
John ? " His wife, a little ill, was lying on a bed, and
burst into laughter. She said she was pretty sure I was a
brother from a resemblance to Deacon Alden, my brother,
who recently visited them. On my return the question
came quick, "Did you swoop him?" "Yes." "Well,
you are the first man we ever knew who came off first best

218 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.

with him." " Perhaps they did not have a ton of wool to
help them." Ezra, my nephew, went down to his house
and said, " Uncle, how did you make out with the Massa
chusetts wool agent ?" and he never said a word.
hafed's dream.
The wisdom and benevolence of God are richly displayed
in the immutable laws by which he governs the universe,
and the certain penalty that follows from breaking them.
The law that the same causes, under the same circum
stances, always produces the same effects, is an indescrib
able blessing. Were it not so, no sure advances could be
made in mechanics, philosophy, or the materia medica.
The opposite was very finely illustrated more than fifty
years ago by Rev. Dr. Todd, by what he called Hafed's
Dream. I have not seen it for forty years. It is practical,
and I shall try to reproduce it in my own words, perhaps
adding some and forgetting some. Hafed had a beautiful
home at the base of the Himalaya mountains, where perpet
ual verdure smiles. Every fine flower and shrub bloomed
around his splendid mansion. He had a beautiful, lovely
wife, and three charming daughters. Hafed felt happy.
But amid all these domestic joys, Hafed's wife took sick.
Medicine was soon ordered, and Hafed made a mistake and
gave her poison, which killed her. He refused to be com
forted. A little while after, a portentous cloud hung in
mid heaven over his mansion. His daughters were gazing
at the wonderful displays of the lightning, and listening to
the voice of God in the thunder peals. The lightning
struck them all dead. Hafed rebelled under the chastening
rod, and wished he could live in a chance world, where
poison would not certainly kill. He laid himself down in
his desolate loneliness and fell asleep. He awoke in a
chance world. All things looked strangely. Hafed walked
along between strange fences. He saw on the fence a man
xtf eaojmous size, with but one great eye, so placed he had

STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS.

219

to mount the fence to see. How is this? Do all in this
chance world have but one great eye? No; they sometimes
have a dozen, and sometimes none. Hafed walked on.
He saw apple trees bearing pumpkins and squashes. Soon
the sun failed to shine, and all was perfect darkness. All
at once it burst out in dazzling splendor, ten millions of
miles nearer the earth, with a scorching heat. "Alas!"
said a man near him, "for my great ox, that chanced to have
wool instead of hair, he must die now," and so he did. He
walked on, and next saw a man digging, who had dug down
twenty feet for potatoes. "How is this?" said Hafed.
"Well," said he, "potatoes are found sometimes near the
surface, sometimes twenty or thirty feet below, and some
times we can never find them." He next saw two men
gleefully rowing a boat. All the water froze suddenly, and
the men froze to death in their boat. He hastened, through
fear of the cold, to a house. Just as he entered one, a gun
was discharged in a closet. "That gun," said the owner,
"I snapped at some game three days ago, and it chanced
just now to go off." Hafed was hungry, and ordered a din
ner of toast and coffee. When a fire was kindled, all the
smoke came down and drove them out of the room. "We
must wait," said the host, "for sometimes the smoke goes
up, and sometimes it comes down." " I am sick of a chance
world," said Hafed. " I am weary and faint and hungry.
Let me have a couch on which to rest and sleep a little."
He slept, and awoke at home, thanking God he was not in
a chance world. HOW TO SETTLE DIFFICULTIES.
I have lived over eighty-two years, and have never sued
or prosecuted any one, and was never so served by
others. Scarcely any thing has comforted me in all my
settlements more than the name of a peace-maker given
me. Where I have attempted, only a very few cases,
among the many, have turned out like the man's fiddle

220 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
that had only one string and played one tune, "'Tis as
it was, and was as it is." In a very few instances the
case was left to referees. I have a case or two laid over for
the court of heaven, and I am quite sure if the parties do
not settle it here, it will go hard with them at the highest
chancery. This, like almost every subject, calls up one or
more anecdotes. It called up a story of a young married
Protestant Irishman in Connecticut, who bought a farm and
attended the Congregational church. For a time he was
punctual in his attendance and paid his pastor liberally.
But as his family multiplied as by magic, he neglected
every duty. His pastor, wishing the spiritual good of his
soul, and that of his family, called on him, and tried to
rouse him up to duty. He plead poverty. His pastor told
him he thought he would get four-fold for all he gave him.
He said, " Peggy, what do you think the minister said unto
me this blessed day? He said if we gave to him, we should
have four-fold." "Do you believe it, Patrick?" "Yes,
surely I do. I never knew any of these good Connecticut
ministers to tell lies. Now, my dear, we have but one cow,
and four would be mighty better," and he gave up the cow.
"I fear you have done too much." "Oh, no ; for you said
we should get four-fold." The cow was of a very affection.
ate nature, and proud of the other sex, and she invited the
four oxen of the pastor's to accompany her to the old home,
and when the Irishman saw them all jubilant in his yard,
he said, " Peggy, and what do you think now? As sure as
there was a St. Patrick, the four-fold has come. And now,
my honey, we will have bafe enough in the barrel." He
sent for a butcher, and had the largest and fattest one
slaughtered and hung him up in his barn. The minister
sent over his boy to drive the herd home. The boy came
back crying, and told his father that they had killed old
Brady. Astonished and grieved, the parson took his cane
and walked over to the Irishman's, and said, "What does
this mean, " suppressing his feelings as a Christian should,
"that you have killed my darling ox?" "Indade, I thought

STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS. 221
him all my very own. You know your reverence said unto
me, if I gave to you I should have four-fold, and verily, in
dade, as I knew you was a man of truth, I thought most
surely you had sent them." " I did not mean in this world."
"I am verily sure you said nothing of any other world."
"Well," said the good parson, "as you did not understand
me, I want to do right by you, and I will have the thing left
out to three of the best of men, and you may choose them
all." "Very well; if it is the other world you meant, I will
leave it to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, three of the best men
in that good world, and to no other."
DOES GOD EVER- GIVE PREMONITORY WARNING ?
I will submit a fact or two. If he does, we should heed
it. The steamer Erie, that played between Buffalo and
Cleveland, was repaired and varnished over. It took fire in
the night, on its way to Cleveland, some thirty years since,
and was consumed, and many lives were lost. I have the
following story from a merchant of Cleveland, whose life
was saved by heeding premonitory warning. Riding with
him a short time after the sad event, he pointed the spot
out where the Erie took fire. " Please sit down and let me
tell you how I was spared. I left Cleveland in the morning
boat with two horses I hoped to sell in Buffalo. I told my
wife, a feeble, nervous woman, I should be back at night in
the Erie. I sold my horses hours before the boat was to
leave, and bought my ticket, and went for the boat. Some
time ere it was to start, I had a strong impression come
over me, 'Don't go up in the Erie to-night.' 'Why,' I
reasoned with myself, ' my business calls me, and my wife's
feebleness.' I tried to ward off the impression, but could
not. I walked on to the wharf, and then back on to the
boat. My conviction was so strong I nearly fainted under
it. It seemed to me a warning, and I left the boat, and quar
tered in a hotel in sight of the landing. About midnight I
was awakened by loud voices and heart-rending groans. I

222 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
hastened to the wharf, to see the Erie burnt down to the
water's edge, with a score or more wretched sufferers burnt
beyond all hope of recovery, some of whom said, ' Kill me,
and prevent further agony.' Then I understood why I- had
the silent warning." He seemed to be a devoted Christian.
" I took the morning boat, the boat that brought in the Erie
the night before," he said, " and going to my house, I found
my wife a raving maniac, rushing around the house, frantL
cally exclaiming, ' My husband was burnt to death on the
Erie.' I said, 'My dear, I am your husband, all safe.' 'Get
out of my house! My husband was burnt on the Erie.' I
went to my family physician, who could do nothing. I
sought the advice of the Insane Hospital doctor. The
advice was, ' Have her sit up late, till tired out, and when
sound asleep, get into the bed without waking her.' In time
she awoke and said, ' Who is here ? ' 'I am home, al!
safe.' At which expression she' shouted for joy, saying, 'Is
it so ? Is it so ? ' and became perfectly rational.
Several years since, I read the following story in the
Christian Watchman, which is very careful what it publishes.
The full names of the parties were given and the town in
New York where it occurred. I have forgotten the names,
but the facts have ever been remembered. A rich widow
lady, pious and benevolent, had a daughter living near her,
who had an ungodly husband. She said to her daughter,
" I think of giving quite a sum to a mission cause," which
will account for the sequences. This good lady lived
alone, some distance from the village. One day she visited
friends in the village, and as she was about to leave the last
one, she said, "I never felt so about going home." "Have
you ever been molested?" "No. It is only a needless
fear, I think," standing at the door. "Stop with me."
"No; I must go home," putting her hand on the knob. "I
feel strangely, and shrink from starting, and yet I must
go." "Take Rover, our great watch-dog." Rover proudly
escorted her home, and she paid him a supper in advance
As she retired, she put Rover on the foot of her bed. It

STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS.

223

was a dark, rainy night. She heard a crash in the lower
. story, at which Rover lifted his head. Then all was still.
Soon the door opened, and Rover sprang and grappled with
something. An instrument fell on the floor, and soon a
heavy body fell, struggling a while, and all was still. Rover
came back on the bed. She was too affrighted to light
up. When it was light, behold, there on the floor lay her
son-in-law, throttled to death by the faithful watch-dog, and
by the door a butcher knife, that fell in the first grapple,
with which he intended doubtless to murder his mother-in-
law. INDIANS.
I have travelled over nearly every Indian battlefield in
New England. None have more interested me than that
of Bloody Brook and Old Deerfield. It was in those places
the Indians assembled in force to capture the first settlers.
In Deerfield, they erected a strong fort by settling heavy
timbers into the ground, standing up some fifteen feet
above the ground, rudely covered. This fort, proof against
tomahawk and bullets, would accommodate a large number
of men and women ; arranged for all culinary purposes.
The log-house by its side was another strong rendezvous.
I was in this house before it was taken down. The logs
were of white oak, and the doors were of very thick, white
oak plank, with nails driven in, the heads as large as a
cent-piece, touching each other. But the Indians dug a
hole in the front door, and shot a man in the house. I saw
where balls hit the ceiling. That door, I am told, is in the
attic as the Indians left it.
Men that cultivated the soil kept their rifles near them,
and a man to watch as a sentinel. This was in the time of
the French and Indian war. The Indians came mostly
from Canada, urged on by the French, who gave them a
reward for every white man's scalp. They made an attack
on the fort and block house in the night, in the winter,

224 A O'TOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
when the crust would bear them. They halted near the
fort and put their ears on the crust, to find out if any were
up in the fort. Hearing no noise, they made a vigorous
effort to burn the house, but failed to harm the house or
fort. It is said the women put their churns on the scaffold
of the fort, pointed toward the foe, and they frightened
them away, as they had great fear of cannon. When the
weather became warm, the Indians made many attacks,
murdering all they could, and stealing in all directions.
This so roused the whites that they raised a company of
twenty-five brave men, armed with muskets, and furnished
with several days' rations. They were ordered to travel
north in search of the foe. The first trail they found was in
the northern part of Bernardston. They followed this trail
till they came to a valley, where eighteen Indians were
feasting on a deer. As they saw twenty-five men, all armed,
they pretended great friendship, leaped up and down, point
ing to their muskets stacked against the trees. There was
one Indian who could talk English, and one white man who
could talk Indian tongue. The Indian said, "We be glad
to have white man come and help kill the wolves, bears and
catamounts. Catamount terrible, jump on Indian and tear
him to pieces." They wanted them to eat deer and smoke
with them. Some ofthe soldiers said, "These Indians are
friendly." The captain said, "They will kill us all before
morning if we don't take care of ourselves. You are all
put under me, and I wish you to go with me and seek a
place of safety. They sought a little eminence in the
woods, near a background of rocks. The captain ordered
them to cut down trees about the size of a man, and cut off
twenty-five logs about the length of a man. Then to pile
up logs, and set them on fire, by which to cook their sup
per. When they had eaten supper, he ordered them to
put the logs as men would lie around the fire, and put their
caps on the end of the logs on the opposite end from the
fire, and then hide among the rocks near by, and await the
result. If they fired on-the foe, let those on the right fire

STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS. 22$
at those on the right. " Observe the strictest silence, and
we shall soon see if they are our friends. Do not expect
them till the fire goes down, and they think we are all
asleep." Soon as the fire grew dim, a dark cloud seemed
to be slowly and silently approaching. It was the eighteen
Indians. They halted at the foot of the little hillock. A
stalwart Indian came up with his musket cocked and
pointed toward the fire. When he saw all asleep, as he
thought, he put his musket down, and pointed his finger at
every one when counting them, and withdrew. He went
down to the chief and said, if I mistake not, "Quedando se
son it, pluralibus que furassibus non serando Americani."
"All are there — twenty-five Americans, — and all of them
are fast asleep." Then another came up and counted them.
Their chief told them to go up very silently, and as he gave
the warwhoop to fire, and kill the rest with the tomahawk.
They came up in the most careful manner. The waiting
soldiers could hear them cock their muskets ere they came
in sight of the fire, — click, click, click.
Instantly, as they came in full view of the logs, with liv.
ing men's caps on, the warwhoop sounded, " Roundedando,
furabile, quemsabilorum." I do not pledge perfect accu
racy in giving the Indian language. It makes me think,
when trying to call up the Indian dialect, what Lord Byron
said of his college studies, " And where is all that Greek
that I forgot ! " Bang, bang, went every Indian's musket,
and then they rushed on with the tomahawk, and as they
struck on the headless cap, the captain said "Fire," and
every Indian fell dead. This gave great peace and safety
to the Deerfield settlers. BLOODY BROOK MASSACRE.
King Philip, son of good old King Massasoit — " the best
friend the English ever had," said Edward Everett, — deter
mined to destroy every white man in New England. For
this purpose he visited every tribe, even the Mohawks in

226 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
New York. He could not make them act in unison. Had
he, the purpose had been accomplished, as they then out
numbered the whites by many thousand. The early
settlers in Deerfield, Springfield, Westfield and other
places, had been so thinned by murders and robbing their
possessions, that they appealed to their friends in Eastern
Massachusetts for aid. Ninety -two men, under Capt.
Lothrop, called the flower of Essex, with lumber wagons
loaded with provisions and clothing, started to aid them.
They halted at Bloody Brook, now called South Deerfield,
to feed their horses and dine. They stacked their guns
against the trees. Fine grapes were hanging in rich fes
toons on the trees which they climbed. Philip, with seven
hundred warriors, was on the trail. He gave the warwhoop,
and the Indians seized the guns of the white men, and shot
seventy-six of them. I have often read the names of those
slain on a fine monument a grateful posterity erected.
A thrilling fact was given me over thirty years ago,
when agent of the Missionary Union, in Northern New
England. It was given by Dea. J. Battis, of Manchester,
Vt. Up in a valley, among the Green mountains, eight miles
from Manchester, is a beautiful lake abounding with large
speckled trout. It was over three miles from any house.
An uncle of Deacon Battis, E. A. Jameson, and his friend,
James Hulett, started for this lake, with a rifle, axe and fish
tackle, to spend a time in trouting. They erected a cabin
on the bank of this lake, by putting down posts and rafters,
sloping it down to the bank. They covered it with large
strips of hemlock bark, and wove boughs of hemlock into
the sides, and made a bed of boughs. They then made a
pile of dry logs in front, to set on fire in the night. After
catching fish for their breakfast, they set the log heap on
fire and went into their cabin. Mr. Jameson lay down
with his rifle by his side, and was soon sound asleep. Mr.
Hulett, with his axe by his side, could not sleep. He was
not used to sleep with bears and catamounts for his neigh
bors. In the dead of the night, he heard stealthy steps

STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS. 227
near the eaves of the shanty. Soon a huge panther jumped
on the roof of the cabin, making the rude structure trem
ble. "Jameson! Jameson!" cried Hulett, "what on earth
is on our cabin ? " Looking up coolly, " Bark," he said.
" Bark? there is something as heavy as you are just leaped
on the roof." "I guess you have been dreaming." " I have
not been asleep, nor shall I ever be, unless it is the final
sleep." " Please be quiet that I may sleep, so as to enjoy the
morrow," and lay down for it. While they talked Mr.
Panther listened. When all was still he crawled up, and
put one huge paw on the top plate. Jameson sprang up,
rifle in hand. " Goodness ! " said he, " it is a huge pan
ther's claw." Hulett was raising his axe in great excite
ment. "Keep still, keep still!" said. Jameson. While
they talked the panther did not move, but as soon as
silence reigned, the panther showed he meant business by
putting up the other paw, and showing a huge, ugly head.
" Keep still, Hulett." The light was brilliant, but the
panther could not see his game until he brought his head
over so that the light made his eyes look like balls of fire.
Hulett could not be held back longer. He rushed forward
with his axe and yelled as loud as he could, "Yah! catte,
yah ! " The panther leaped to the ground, and with a fare
well scream went into the woods ; and' the two hunters went
to stirring up the fire and watching the trees till daylight,
and soon left the lake for home, and told the tragic tale.
As they were men of truth, no one doubted their veracity.
Those who had bear-traps set them near the lake.
J. Burrett and Johnson Burrett, great trappers, set their
trap, putting a long, green toggle or pole through the ring
of the chain. When they visited the place the trap was
gone. They could see marks on the staddles, showing it
had been drawn into the forest. As they proceeded cau
tiously along, Jared said, "See there!" "See what?''
said the other. " I saw a terrible head and fiery eyes of a
catamount just over those rocks." " I don't see any terri
ble head. I guess you had a spectral illusion." " As true

228 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
as there are any Green mountains in Vermont, I saw an
awful head of a live panther." As they stood gazing upon
the magic place, up came the terrible head, with the heavy
trap on a fore leg. "Let us go up on higher ground and
get a better view." The panther looked daggers at them
and tried to seize them, but was held fast by the trap.
Said Johnson to Jared, " You see that white spot in his
throat; cut his jugular vein for him." Soon as the ball
struck him, he sprang as far as he could, with a dismal
scream, the blood flowing in a stream from the pierced
artery. They dragged him home, and he measured nine
feet long. I wrote to the deacon and asked him if I had
remembered correctly. He replied, "You have it all right."
He adds :
"The panther was a huge animal. I saw him the next day
after he was killed. You have the measurement, nine feet,
correct. Hundreds came from far and near to see him. A
photograph of him was taken before he was stuffed. He
was sold to a museum for fifty dollars, and the brothers got
forty dollars bounty from the State. These brothers have
killed, in all, sixty-three bears. Your letter, dear brother,
gave us much pleasure by carrying us back to the time you
shared a night's stay with us, when engaged in the mission
ary work. Mrs. Battis wishes to be remembered kindly to
you. " Cordially yours, "J. Battis."
Some thirty years ago, a man in one of our Western
States told us the following tragic tale : " I was hunting, and,
being weary, I laid down in a little hollow and fell asleep,
with my rifle by my side. When I awoke I was covered up
with sticks and leaves. Knowing the habit of the cata
mount in search of food for her cubs, I trembled for my
fate. I carefully removed the covering, not knowing
whether the shrewd- catamount was just leaving or return
ing. She was not in sight. Finding a rotten log about
the size of a man, I threw it down where I had lain, and
covered it as I was covered, and climbed up a tree in full

STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS.

229

sight, awaiting the issue. Soon I saw a catamount coming
from the woods with three cubs, which she hid in a secret
place, with a peculiar purr, which meant, I suppose, ' Do
not leave till I call for you.' She then approached care
fully, sat a moment on her haunches, then sprang upon the
covered log, which she tore to pieces, scattering the frag
ments in all directions. Seeing her failure, she looked in
every direction, and just as her eyes fell on me, I sent a
ball crashing through her head, which killed her. I reloaded
my rifle, and went where the careful mother hid her kittens.
I shot the three, neither of which made the least effort to
escape." Thus the hunter saved his life by knowing the
habits of the catamounts. Would that all children obeyed
their parents as strictly as the lower order of animals do.
Some thirty years since, a man in Illinois was on his way
to visit a friend. He was directed to go the main road,
until he came to a hotel, there take the left, and when he
came to a hill, take the right, a new road to save travel up
the hill, and he would soon reach the village where his
friend lived. The traveller was on horseback, and when he
came to the hotel, he stopped to dine. " Ike," said the
landlord to his son, "take good care of the horse." He had
a pair of loaded pistols in his holsters, attached to the
saddle, which he did not remove. The landlord seemed
much pleased with his guest, offered him brandy, and hoped
he would rest there awhile, and offered to board him cheap.
"I am going to visit a friend, whom I hope to find today.
Will you direct me ? " The direction was as before given,
except taking the right at the hill. "A bridge is gone, so
you must go up the hill through a forest." On coming to
the hill, he saw no tracks of travel up the hill, while the
other road was different. He thought he would look to his
pistols ; the priming holes were both spiked. He removed
the spiking, withdrew the balls, and found the powder all
right. He rode up into the woods. The landlord came
into the road from a side road, saying, " I thought I would
see you safely through." He suddenly turned his horse

230 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
round, drew his pistol, and said, " Stranger, money I must
have. Hand over." The traveller drew his pistol instantly,
and sent a ball through his head. He fell from his horse a
dead man. He dismounted, tied the landlord's horse, rode
on and obtained help, and they carried the wretch to his
home. But Ike and the horse were not to be found. His
wife, said to be a good woman, expressed a fear that her
husband had murdered persons in those woods, yet she had
not dared to express it for fear of her own life. They
searched, and found three new-made graves, with men in
them who had been shot.
A few years ago, I fell in company with an honorable,
excellent man, who made quite a fortune among the early
gold diggers in California. "I spent," said he, "five years
there, and killed twenty-five grizzly bears in the time."
"Did you have any difficulty in so doing?" said I. "Only
in one case," said he, "and I did not mean to with that
huge monster. I generally shot them in the ear. This
bear I saw about ten rods from me, going in a direction
that would bring him no nearer. I thought best to let him
go on, and stepped behind a small burr oak. He made a
halt, looked towards me, and, with a snuffy grunt, made
for me. I fired at him, but it only increased his speed. I
climbed the burr oak. The thick limbs prevented his
ascent, and he tried to bite them off. He left the limbs,
and began to gnaw the body, but finally began digging up
the tree. As the ground was soft, he made fearful head
way. I charged my rifle up in the tree, and when his head
was in the right position, I put a ball in his ear. I wish
you could have heard him roar. It was sideling, and he
rolled over and over, throwing the leaves and dirt in all
directions. I dressed him, and he weighed twelve hundred
pounds, which I sold in San Francisco at one dollar a pound,
and took one hundred dollars bounty for him. In those
days meat and butter were one dollar per pound in San
Francisco."

STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS.

231

A TERRIBLE NIGHTLY RIDE OF BUSHHEAD, THE ROBBER.
In the early settlement of Minnesota as a State, a dry
goods pedler, who made his headquarters in a hotel, was
robbed of his goods. Suspicion rested on a tramp, called
Bushhead, for that and other robberies in the region. He
was often at the hotel. The Governor offered five hundred
dollars for the arrest of the robber. The pedler's wagon
had a cover that spanned the large base of the wagon, and
was locked by a padlock on its side. The wagon stood
empty, unlocked in the hotel shed. The pedler, in hearing
of the tramp, ordered his supper, saying he was going that
night to a village some ten miles distant. It was a rough
road, and no house on the way. The pedler, on going over
a rough place, heard something heavy roll in the wagon
base. He had a toggle he sometimes put in, when he did
not lock his wagon. Suspecting mischief, he put the toggle
in. When some miles on the way, a man yelled out in his
wagon base, "Where are you going with me ?" "Who are
you?" "A poor man who laid down for a nap. Let me
out." "No; I will carry you up to the village." "I have
a six shooter, and I will shoot you if you will not let me
out." "Fire away," said the pedler, dropping down in front
of the seat. At the sixth shot, he jumped to the ground,
saying, "You wretch, you've killed me." Then stepping
on to the wagon, he punched the horse with his cane, and
put him on rapid speed. As the cover and base were
strongly ironed, he could not get out, and he went so fast
he could not reload. He drove up to the hotel and called
for instant help. Four strong men, one of them the sheriff
stood by the wagon as he threw open the lid, and Bushhead
leaped into the arms of two of them, who bound him, and
left him with the sheriff. The thefts were proved to have
been committed by him. The pedler recovered his goods,
and the five hundred dollars offered by the Governor.
To make us more thankful to God that we have not the
perils to meet that our forefathers had, I record one more

232 A UTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
tragic story : Near the banks of Lake Sunapee, in New
Hampshire, in early times, lived an Indian and his wife and
daughter, Penelope. The father killed moose, bear and
deer, and caught fish from the lake, and his daughter car
ried them to the village, some half a mile distant, and
exchanged them for family necessities. Two men went to
this lake with rifles and fish tackle to catch eels. It was
about one hundred rods from the Indian's cabin. They
heard a piercing scream between them and the Indian's
cabin. Said one of them, " It is Penelope returning home,
attacked by some deadly animal. Let us hasten to the
rescue. She is too good a girl to be destroyed." Dropping
his fish rod and seizing his rifle, his companion following
him, they went to the place where they heard the shrieks.
" Is any one in trouble ? " No reply. The leaves had
fallen, and they were standing under a huge oak tree. It
was starlight. They heard a rustle overhead. On looking
up, they saw two large catamounts ; one on a large limb,
prepariug to jump, the other near the top of the tree. "I
will fire at the lower one, and you shoot the other." "I
left my rifle by the lake." "Then," said his comrade, "we
are dead men." He fired and killed the lower one. Down
came the other to the same place and jumped for the man.
He struck at him with his rifle, and it glanced off and struck
his friend, and knocked him down senseless. How long ere
he came to, he could not tell. There lay the rifle. He
looked for his friend, and some two rods frcm the body cf
the tree, he saw something that looked like a man and a
catamount. He hurried to the Indian's wigwam and awak
ened him. He told the Indian why they came, and he was
very thankful. He seized his rifle, put his hatchet in his
belt, and taking a pine-knot torch, lighted it and said,
"Hasten to the place." On coming to the tree, the Indian
gave the rifle to the white man, and proceeded with torch
and hatchet. They found both dead. The catamount had
throttled the man, and while sucking his blood, the man
had fatally dirked the catamount. This wonderful story

STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS. 233
was told me near the spot where it occurred. This lake is
said to be about nine miles long. My agency for foreign
missions for the North led me to other places around the
lake. All the old settlers I asked told the same story, so I
did not doubt its truth. I know of no animal bf its size, that
has no poisonous fangs, so terrible to encounter.
The following, taken from a Mr. Hunter's life among the
Western Indians, shows the manner of his attacks: "In
one of my excursions, seated by a large tree, I was surprised
by a mighty rushing noise. I sprang up, and saw a herd of
hundreds of buffaloes coming directly towards me on a full
run. I stood behind the tree, and they passed me within a
few feet. On the rear buffalo, a huge panther had fixed
himself, and was voraciously engaged in cutting off the
muscles of his neck. As he was near me, I shot and killed
the panther." I have many other exciting facts, but let the
above, for the present, at least, suffice.
SHIPWRECK AND WONDERFUL ESCAPE.
A story is told of a vessel wrecked in the Bay of Bengal.
As sharks were seen around there, and the natives hostile,
they durst not go ashore, though near it. Finding they
must perish with thirst and hunger, a bold sailor said, "I
will swim ashore ; possibly the natives will befriend us. I
will take a dagger, and you follow me with a telescope, and
if a shark is in pursuit, give me warning." When he was
within some twenty feet of the shore, they shouted, " A
shark ! a shark ! " He saw the shark Very near him. Then
looking on the shore, he saw a huge tiger crouching in the
bushes near the water. He plunged under the water, and
swam thus for the shore. The tiger leaped into the water,
where he saw the man dive under, and was caught by his
paws, and went down with the shark, never to rise.
The natives befriended them, and they all in due time
escaped.

234 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
TRAGIC ENCOUNTER WITH A LION.
One of our missionaries, as the story was told me, wished
to visit another section, some five miles distant by land,
and over seventy by water. To go by land, one must pass
through a dense forest infested with lions. He asked
advice, and was told there was a native who would pilot him
safely through. He hired him. He was armed with a
double-barrel rifle and a three-foot steel spear, fixed in a
strong handle. He gave a rifle to the missionary, and told
him to follow him and all would be well. Ere they passed
through the forest, the native touched the missionary,
saying, " See that lion. He is going to give us fight.
Keep behind me, and do not fire upon him." The native
sought a clump of bushes as high as his head, and put the
missionary behind him, and told him not to move till
ordered. The lion stealthily approached the bushes. The
native fixed firmly the handle of his spear in the ground,
and sighted at the top of the bushes, and when the lion
made a desperate leap, the spear went through his vitals
and entire body, thus throwing the lion over them on to his
back. "Jump aside," said the native. "Now fire on him,
if you wish, but he has already a mortal thrust."
MIRACLES.
In the time of our Civil War, a church was examining a
colored man for admission. He was asked if he believed in
miracles. He said, "What am a miracle?" "Daniel was
cast into a den of lions, and came out safe. That is a mir
acle." " Had dem lions just been fed ? and were dey
chained?" "It is not said so." "Well, I guess I does."
They told him of Jonah. "Was Jonah clear down in de
fish's belly?" "Yes. Do you believe he was there three
days and lived ?" "Well — I rather tinks I does, if it is in
de good Bible." They next told him of Shadrach, Meshech
and Abednego cast into Nebuchadnezzar's furnace, heated

STORIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS. 235
seven times hotter than usual. "Were dey clear in de
middle of dat furnace, and not burnt a bit at all ?" "Yes.
Do you believe that miracle?" "Well — I don't believe
I does; and now I don't tink dat I believes dat ar fish
story."

CHAPTER XI.
STATESMEN OF MT DAT.
Y field, as agent of the Bible Society, embraced all
the Baptist churches in Massachusetts, Connecti
cut and Rhode Island. My duty was to preach to
as many churches as I could on the Sabbath, and on week
days collect what I could. In some of the cities, I could
address three churches on the Sabbath. It was laborious,
but the hearty welcome, and the thought of the good it was
doing, made it a delightful work. I was accustomed to
gather together groups of children in the evening, and tell
them Bible stories and historical anecdotes. In some cases I
was asked to rise before daylight and tell them facts on the
same themes. I never failed of addressing Sabbath-schools
where I could. I worked in this way over the above States
for ten years, raising more and more money each year.
The tenth, or last year, I raised more than three times as
much as I did the first year. Had not the Society been
merged into the Publication Society, I would gladly have
worked longer. The Rev. Geo. B. Ide, D. D., was then
pastor in Springfield, Mass. I presented the mission
cause before his church on the Sabbath, and they gave
their offering on cards. On Monday, he said, "I will do
by you what I have never done by an agent. We will go
over the parish, collect the cards, and call on some who
were not present on the Sabbath." The first family on
which we called was a rich one. The wife, only, was at
home. Said the doctor, " I find no card from your family.
Are you not going to give anything to the cause?" "I
236

STATESMEN OF MY DAY. 237
think we cannot afford to." "I am astonished," said
Dr. Ide. " It reminds me of a case in Philadelphia. When
pastor there, I made my own collections. I called on a
wealthy man who I knew had made over a thousand
dollars the day before, and said, ' What are you going
to give for missions this year ? ' ' What ought I give ? ' he
said. 'Ten dollars,' I replied. 'No.' 'Five.' 'No.' 'One,
then.' ' I think I must be excused this year.' ' Dr.
Ide,' he said, ' do you not think we are going to have a
revival ? ' ' I do not think it looks much like it,' I said.
' Will you pray with us before you go ? ' ' No, I cannot
while you so treat my Saviour's cause. I shall pray for
you.' We had to exclude that man before the year was
ended, for covetousness." I said, " My dear brother, how
did you dare to talk so severely ? " " Because she is so
selfish, she deserves it." Dr. Ide was one of the ablest
preachers of his day, of any denomination, but he could not
cover up sin. Reporting the cards Sabbath evening, he
said, " We found over one hundred and forty dollars on
cards. Some had ten dollars and some had ten cents.
But the smallest offering was a three-dollar card from a
rich man." I was asked if I knew who the doctor meant.
I said, " Yes." " Well, who ? " I said, " Ask him."
AGRICULTURAL.
Wishing to benefit those that succeed me all I can, I
record a few thoughts on the treatment of the grape and
peach, two of our choicest fruits. I took the way to treat
the grape from an Englishman by the name of Clough,
who had the care of the gardens of the president and pro
fessors of Williams College. He was an illiterate man, but
an oracle on fruit. I give his formula, in his own spelling,
which I never could forget. " Dig a hole six foots in diam
eter, and three foots deep. Fill it with rich compost, mixed
with Wood ashes, so pliable you can stick a spade down to its
hilt. Get a root of the grape, put some roots down deep to

238 A UTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
suck the moisture when it is a dry time, and some roots near
the surface to get the sun when it is cold and wet. Let it
grow up nine eyes, and coot it off and keep it coot off for the
season. Always coot off close by a bood." "Why?''
" Because a bood is like the tete of animals ; the sap comes
to the bood, and if you coot it off half-way between, it may
die down several boods ( joints ), and get disease into the
limb. This is vitally important in all tree pruning. The
third year laterals will shoot out, and when the grapes are
as large as bird's shute (shot), coot off the limb, one or two
eyes above the outer sprig, and keep it coot off. When
the grape vine thaws out in January, coot off the limb till
there is music in your knife ( that is, solid wood ), and you
will have perfect sprigs, with from eighty to eighty-six
grapes on them, and much larger than those not treated
so." While settled in Westfield, Mass., by following this
rule, I took the first prize in Hampden County, on three
kinds of grapes, three consecutive years. I found in my
garden, connected with the parsonage, several peach trees ;
and I was told the early frosts in the spring gave only a
crop once in three years. By taking the snow away from
the tree, so that the ground would freeze deep, I then put
a quantity of sawdust around the trees, which kept the
frost in, so that the trees blossomed too late for the frost,
and I had a good crop every year.
Some years since a farmer gave me the following fact :
" I hired an Irishman for the season, well recommended for
farming work. We took out the manure from the yard,
except the scrapings. I said to the Irishman, ' I think you
can fill the cart by thoroughly scraping the yard. I have
business that calls me away. You may gather all you can,
and manure my orchard of about twenty apple trees.' On
my return I asked him if he had treated all the trees. ' I
gathered a heaping load, just enough for one tree, and dug
it all in out nearly as far as the limbs reached.' I was so
angry I dismissed him. It was in vain that he asserted that
was the way they did in Ireland. What he did was worth a

STATESMEN OF MY DAY.

239

hundred dollars to me. He happened to select the best
tree in the lot, and it has borne mightily for over twenty
years, and taught me how to treat my orchard."
I would that I had room for a score or more of humorous
Irish anecdotes, for which the nation is so famous. Let
one suffice :
A farmer hired an Irishman for trial ; and to learn his
pluck, he told him he might cross a little pasture, and bring
home a borrowed cultivator. He knew there was an ugly
bull there. When near the middle of it, the bull sighted and,
bellowing, ran for him. He ran for home ; and just as he
was climbing over the fence, the bull thought he did not go
fast enough, and he helped him over with his horns. As
the fence was very strong, he only stood pawing and
bellowing. The Irishman lay quietly looking at him. Soon
he burst out, " Stop your apologies, you lying baste ! You
know you did it on purpose I "
GLEANINGS FROM THE WORLD'S HISTORY.
A sentiment uttered by Cleobulus is worthy of note ;
" Do good to your friend that he may be more wholly such ;
and to your enemy tha the may become your friend." It was
the motto of the great Cicero : " Speak Well and act better.
It is a pure heart that makes the tongue impressive."
"Show mercy. Do good to all. Dispute not with the
ignorant. Seek him who turns you out ; give to him who
takes from you ; pardon him who injures you, for God
would have you plant within your souls the seed's of his
perfections." "The joys of heaven are begun here. They
cannot be made to consist of gloomy misanthropy, or sullen
renunciation of every pleasure and wholesome recrea.
tion." A philosopher of antiquity, when asked what is a true
friend, replied, " One soul in two bodies."
Love feels no burden. It is the connecting chain
between heaven and earth.

240 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Reason, judgment, memory, and the strong passion of
self-perservation were given us the better to avoid, and the
better to resist, and overcome evil.
The Jewish nation, when Christianity was introduced,
had the records of their race for four thousand years, and
yet they had few eminent men, and they had made little
progress in the arts and sciences. Christianity is truly the
"handmaid of science." Office seeking, and seeking the
good opinion of all sorts of people, will drawf rather than
elevate mankind. Ice and petrifaction will preserve bodies
forever. In digging the foundations in the city of Quebec, the
body of a petrified Indian was found. The remains of
marine animals are found in our high mountains, which
once came from the ocean. Capt. Allen was master of
the ship Jupiter, that sailed into Cicily, where Homer
describes the Cyclops of fabulous size. In digging many
feet below the surface, they found a large marble coffin,
with human bones in it, lettered with hieroglyphics. He
says he saw a human skeleton over nine feet long.
Professor Hitchcock, of Amherst College, found on the
banks of Connecticut river tracks of birds made in the
mud, hardened to a rock, whose claws measured eighteen
inches. Such a bird could have carried a wolf on the top
of Mount Holyoke, and eaten him there.
Dr. Comstock, a reliable traveller, says he saw the skele
ton of a mammoth within whose ribs thirteen, men dined.
Twenty thousand square miles of coal have been found
in Pennsylvania alone. "Mounds," says Bishop Madison,
of Virginia, " are frequent on the Canhawa river." He
describes one four hundred and twenty feet in circumfer
ence, and forty feet high. It is supposed they were built
for cemeteries, as layers of skeletons are found. Hon. W.
Campbell, of Ohio, tells of one on Point Creek, enclosing
two hundred and fifty acres. He tells of several others on
the Miami. President Jefferson had a mound opened on
the Rivoni river, and a thousand skeletons lying one above

STATESMEN OF MY DAY.

241

another, were taken out. It is generally thought there was
once a race superior to the present Indian race.
It is said that all Illinois was once under water, and that
the lakes were once one hundred feet higher than they are
at present. The falls were on the Mississippi, which in
time gave way.
America has its pyramids ; one in Cholula, it is said, is
one hundred and eighty feet high and fourteen hundred
and sixty feet at the base. Baron Humboldt calls it the
largest base in the world, built of stone. It was found here
by Columbus. It was used for burial purposes.
One of the Mexican pyramids is seven hundred feet
square, and two hundred and twenty feet high. It is near
Vera Cruz. Baron Humboldt states that, in visiting Mex
ico and South America, he found palaces resembling the
Roman order, and the hieroglyphics resembled the Egyp
tian. On the Sciota, about three miles from Chilicotha, O., is
an enclosure one mile in circumference, with twelve mounds
in it. Williams, in his history of Vermont, says the
Indians were rarely guilty of falsehood.
"Would you remember a dream," says a philosopher,
" do not change the position of your head until you have
fixed it firmly in the mind."
In Algeria is a river of ink. Two streams meet. One
runs through a peat swamp ; the other runs through an
iron deposit. The gallic acid of one unites with the iron of
the other, and makes very good ink.
Benjamin Franklin captured lightning, and Samuel Morse
sent it over the world.

Political.
daniel webster.

Among the great men of England and America, I can
make a selection of only a few. I will begin with Daniel
Webster, probably the most talented man America ever

242 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
produced. He was said to be very fond of fishing, espe
cially trout fishing, and often put his fly rod in his carriage
when he rode out. Once, as he approached a meadow, he
observed a mill stream. A little down the stream he saw a
man, to whom he said, " Good morning, sir. Do you own
this meadow?" "I do; but that is not the worst of it."
" It is a nice meadow." "Yes ; but that is not the worst
of it." "This is a very charming brook that runs through
the meadow." "Yes; but that is not the worst of it."
"Are there any trout in this brook?" "I guess not; but
that is not the worst of it." "What beneath the heavens is
the worst of it?" "There never was a trout seen in it."
When Mr. Webster was plenipotentiary to England,
being in company with some Englishmen, one of them
asked him if the Yankees were as shrewd as they were
reported to be. " I cannot say how you regard us, but I
will tell you how a Yankee served me. I commenced prac
ticing law in New Hampshire, my native State, but after a
few years I removed to Boston. A man from New Hamp
shire called on me, requesting me to plead his cause. I
told him my business was worth five hundred dollars a week,
and I might be delayed a week. 'Will you come up and
respond to my call during a week, for that sum?' " Mr
Webster assented. "I went," said Daniel, "and found
myself on the docket for every case for the week. I made
him a thousand dollars, and he promptly paid me five hun
dred, and pocketed the rest."
Though Henry Clay and Edward Everett could deliver a
speech more impressively, yet, on reading their speeches,
Mr. Webster's surpasses them in logic and true eloquence.
Whoever reads Webster's speech in the United States
Senate, versus Col. Haynes', may almost feel like quoting
Bible: "Never man spake like that man." I have been
accustomed to read this speech nearly every year. Taking
all things into consideration, I think it the greatest speech
made by an uninspired mortal. The first speech of Mr.
Webster's I ever read was that delivered at the laying of

STATESMEN OF MY DAY.

243

the corner stone of the Bunker Hill Monument. Portions
of it have ever been fresh in my memory. I will make from
memory only one quotation. After covering a page or so,
of the reasons why it should be erected, he culminates in
the following beautiful strains : " For this let the monument
rise. Let it be the last object the American sees as he
leaves his native shore, and the first that shall greet him on
his return. Let it rise till it meets the sun in his coming.
Let the earliest rays of the morning gild it, and parting day
linger and play on its summit."
On the death of Presidents Adams and Jefferson, which
occurred on the Fourth of July, some twenty eulogies of
the great statesmen were delivered, and published. I
think no one equalled that of Mr. Webster's. The following
extract is, I think, the finest in the English language :
" Adams and Jefferson are no more. These suns, as they
were gradual in their ascendancy, so they have not sunk
suddenly in the west, but, like the mildness, the serenity,
the continual benignity of a summer's day, they have gone
down with slow, grateful, long-lingering light. And now
that they are beyond the visible margin of the universe,
good omens cheer us from the bright track of their fiery
car." He thus closes the eulogy : "Washington is in the
clear upper sky. Adams and Jefferson have joined the
American constellation, and our heavens beam with new
light. Beneath this divine illumination let us walk the
path of life, and at its close commit our country to the
benign Benignity."
Edward Everett was a contemporary with Daniel Web
ster. For grace in delivery, perfection in diction, few ora
tors, if any, ever equalled him. He was the idol of his fel
low-men. Had Webster had the charming and expressive
delivery of Everett, who could have withstood his elo
quence ? Mr. Everett was seven years governor of Massa
chusetts. During that time I had the privilege of hearing
him several times. It was a rich treat. I will quote a little
from his oration at Bloody Brook, over the dust of the sev-

244 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
enty-six, called the flower of Essex. These were all slain
by King Philip's forces. Such were the robberies and mur
ders, that the whites sent for aid to their friends in Essex
County. I have given a full description of this sad massacre
in another place. Suffice it to say, ninety-two men stopped
their teams at Bloody Brook to feed and dine. They
stacked their arms against the trees, and, after dining,
climbed the trees for grapes, which were very good and
plenty. Philip was on their track with nine hundred
indians, who took the white men's guns, and killed seventy-
six of them. At a celebration of this tragic event, over ten
thousand, it was thought, were present. I can never forget
the oration Edward Everett gave on that occasion. I was
just eight rods from the platform in open air, and yet so
distinct was his enunciation, I heard every word.
" Gathered together beneath the weeping heavens, with
the everlasting hills around us, let us turn our thoughts
reverently to Him who created them, and never forget He
was the sole stay of our afflicted sires in the mournful days
we commemorate." After an affecting description of the
sufferings of the primitive adventurers, he exclaims, " Yet
no- white man ever saw Philip. He did not sleep twice in a
place. And yet they had seen him in the distant council
fires. They had seen him in the conflagration of the
white man's cottage. They had seen him in his trail of
blood." After a glowing description of Philip's career down to
the time he was surprised with a few followers in a cavern,
at the base of Mount Hope, in Bristol, R. I., from which
he attempted to escape through a swamp, where he was
shot by a friendly Indian, Mr. Everett says, "And what
became of Philip's wife and son ? She a princess, and he
a young prince ! They did not hang them ! No ; they
were sold into West India slavery ! Sold from the free
breezes of Mount Hope! Bitter as death; aye, bitter as
hell!"

STATESMEN OF MY DAY.

245

HENRY CLAY.
As an advocate, few men, if any, surpassed Henry
Clay. His delivery was inexpressibly thrilling ; probably
superior to any of our American orators, though his
speeches, when read, are inferior to many of our best
orators. I will give only one illustration, given me by a
clergyman who heard him. Mr. Clay was then in the
United States Senate. The papers in Washington
announced that Mr. Clay would speak at twelve o'clock, the
next day, on a subject postponed. " I was very anxious,"
said he, "to hear him, and positioned myself in front of
him. As the clock struck twelve, Mr. Clay arose in a very
graceful and dignified manner, and said, ' Mr. President,
the time has arrived when we voted to discuss the subject
laid over for to-day.' A drunken senator, much the worst
lor liquor, arose, saying, ' I think we have done business
enough for one day, and I move we adjourn.' Mr. Clay
replied, ' We have published our programme, and as men of
honor, I think we ought to redeem our pledge.' The
inebriate arose and said, " There are men in this Senate,
who, for their long continuance in this honorable body, and
the many honors showered upon them, love to control this
Senate.' Mr. Clay gave a sudden jerk of his body and flash
of his eyes, and I feared he would dirk his assailant. He
soon settled back, and quietly listened a long time to
the drunkard's rant, until it was too late to resume. He
then arose, folded his arms on his breast, looked some
moments on the senators, and then gracefully dropping his
hands, said, ' I appeal to the honorable president of this
Senate, — I appeal to this honorable Senate itself, who acts
as if he wished to control this Senate ? ' advancing toward
his opponent, with his finger pointing at his head, and
his eyes flashing fire." The clergyman said, " He sent a
thrill from the crown of my head to the soles of my feeti
such as I never felt before or since."

246 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
LORD PITT, EARL OF CHATHAM.
Mr. Pitt has generally been considered, I think, the
greatest orator England ever had, though she has had>
as well as Ireland, many famous orators. Mr. Pitt was tall>
of a very commanding form, with a black, piercing eye-
He tried his utmost to prevent the colonies of America
from separating from their mother country. " Sunder the
American colonies from the British crown, and it will
scarce be worth the wearing."
Let one illustration of his power in oratory suffice. A
subject of great importance was up before the English Par
liament. An opponent made an able but sophistical speech.
Mr. Pitt followed him, and exposed his sophistry to his
shame. He then exclaimed, " Having thrown your decep
tions and falsehoods to the winds," advancing toward him
with a look Pitt only could give, "and now I have a few
words to say to you, but they shall be daggers ! " His
opponent was so agitated that he let fall the papers from
his trembling hands. Mr. Pitt paused a moment, then
calmly replied, " Judge Felix trembles ; I will spare him
for another day."
I have ever regarded Clay and Pitt much alike in their
expressive delivery. I know not the man that has ever
equaled either of them in that all important thing in
oratory. I shall now notice a few of the excellent Presidents we
have had.
Washington, for amiableness of disposition, soundness of
judgment, energy of character and firm truthfulness from
his childhood, has never been surpassed.
The Adamses were ever famous for their erudition,
patriotism and eloquence.
Andrew Jackson was famous for his firmness and
integrity. I give the following illustration : When South
Carolina, instigated by the talented and eloquent John C.
Calhoun, sent a committee to President Jackson, announc-

STATESMEN OF MY DAY.

247

ing that she had passed a vote of nullification, and would no
longer pay tribute to the United States. The President
listened calmly, and then said, " Gentlemen, have you fin
ished your message?" "We have." He arose with his
right arm akimbo, and said, " It seems you are instructed
to say, if I send a vessel to collect revenue from your State
it will be fired on from Fort Sumter. Tell your constitu-
ants I shall send a vessel to collect revenues from South
Carolina, and the first man that fires on that vessel, I will
hang him higher than Haman hung, by the Eternal ! "
bringing down his arm with a rush. Mr. Calhoun was
awaiting secretly in Washington for the result, and learn
ing that the President had written an arrest for treason,
he left suddenly, and had the vote rescinded.
Abraham Lincoln was, in many respects, a remarkable
man, just the right man to be President in the perilous
times through which our nation was passing. His honesty,
his foresight, his candor, sympathy and benevolence, have
immortalized his name.
President Garfield, for his wonderful valor as a soldier,
and for his many virtues, will ever be held in pleasing and
grateful remembrance.
With such an array of illustrious Presidents, ever illu
minating our political heavens, can we wonder why our
nation has been so prosperous ?
GOVERNOR BRIGGS.
I cannot deny myself the privilege of recording a tribute
to the Hon. G. N. Briggs, one of the best men I ever
knew. As I had his eldest son for a pupil in the Franklin
Academy, who, like himself, became an eminent lawyer,
I had the privilege of meeting him at my home, which ever
gave me great pleasure. He early united with the Baptist
church in his native place, South Adams, Mass. He com
menced the practice of law in Lanesboro, Mass. A more
honest, benevolent and perfect man I never knew. Few

248 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
ever surpassed him in the legal profession. He made it a
principle never to plead a case where his client was in the
wrong. In such cases he would say, " Give your assailant
a peace offering to let you alone." This I know was often
done. A friend said to him, " You can never get a living
so." " Then," said Mr. Briggs, " I will die poor." But he
did not die so. He was reported as dying well off. He began
practice at about twenty-two years of age. A trial about
this time, in which an aged judge had, in his opinion, sworn
falsely, brought him applause by the public. He ques
tioned and cross-questioned the judge until those in the
Lenox Court were satisfied the judge had testified falsely,
though it could not be proved. In making his plea, he
said, " It becomes a young man to be modest and pay all
due reverence to age, yet it becomes his duty to be just.
Before the Judge of the Universe I am satisfied you have
perjured yourself." The judge trembled and turned pale.
He carried his Bible into the court-room, and would often
bring in a passage that helped his cause, and often corrected
other lawyers if they quoted wrong. Being known as a
man of superior talent, judgment and honesty, and that he
would not plead for a client unless he thought him inno
cent, he generally carried the jury with him. At the age
of thirty-five, he was elected representative to Congress,
and nobly filled his place for twelve years. He was then
chosen governor of Massachusetts, and served seven years.
He was then chosen judge, and held that office until his
death, at the age of sixty-six. He was one of the most
amiable, kind and benevolent of men. He was often seen
carrying food to the houses of the poor and the sick.
His choicest recreation was trout fishing. Says his biog
rapher: "He often took his w'ife in his carriage, drove to
the Hoosac river, that ran near the highway, then taking
his rod, he would fish down the stream, leaving his wife to
ride along, and rejoice at his captures. On his return, he
would divide the spoil among the sick. It was in an act of
benevolence he lost his life. Seeing two ladies in trouble

STATESMEN OF MY DAY. 249

with their horse in front of his house, he sprang to the
closet for his coat. In taking it, he pulled over a gun that
discharged its contents in his throat. He lived only a few
days." I will now quote from the funeral sermon of his
pastor, Rev. Dr. Foster: " For forty years he was a firm
advocate of temperance. The two places he loved most
were his home and the church of God. His submission to
God's will and his longing for heaven were constantly man
ifested. 'Why do I linger here? It is to prepare me to die.
It is calm and joyful below, but how much more so above !
Oh, that this poor, frail, unworthy one was there ! ' He said
to his daughter, ' I love you all, but I want to be in heaven.
I do not see how I can be saved from dying. I do not wish
for it. God and Christ are my all.' His spirit gently
ascended to his Saviour and his longed-for home. 'Mark
the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that
man is peace,' " HON. FRANCIS GILLETTE.
When my father married his mother, he came with them
to Ashfield, at the age of ten years. He was two years
younger than I was. We became strongly attached to each
other. We worked on the farm together, hunted and fished
together when we could get a chance. As we came into
our teens, we attended the Sanderson Academy in Ash
field together. He fitted for Yale College there, and I
fitted mostly at Amherst Academy for Amherst College.
He early showed a great fondness for oratory, and became
a first-class writer and orator. An address on Temperance,
that he published soon after his graduation,, immortalized his
name. It has been read and reread, and can never be lost.
He studied law, but did not practice long, choosing to be a
writer on moral reform topics. His writings were ever
marked with signal ability and faithfulness. He married
Miss Eliza Hooker, of Farmington, Conn. They had three
sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Robert, was an

250 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
able and brave officer in the Union Army. He was killed
in taking Fort Fisher. The next son, Edward, has been a
representative in Congress from Iowa. The youngest son,
William, is a famous dramatist. He has written some very
popular pieces for the theatre, in which he is the chief
actor. His daughter Lillie is the excellent wife of Hon. Charles
Dudley Warner, of Hartford. They live in the homestead
with their mother, made charming by the taste of the once
cheerful devoted owner, now, we doubt not, dwelling in more
splendid mansions, not made with hands, " eternal in the
heavens." I must content myself with describing one of
the many scenes of his Congress life. He happened to see
a mother, near the Capitol, sold on the block and dragged
off amid the agonized cries of her children. As he was
ever a strong abolitionist, his soul was stirred in its depths.
He took a copy of the slave laws for the District of Colum
bia, and came out in one of the most scathing speeches I
ever read. It roused the South. Jeff. Davis and Tombs
interrupted him. In every case he came out ahead. If
they had known him as well as I did, they might have
expected it. Mr. Davis said, "I presume the member is
quoting from some abolition, spurious work." " Mr. Presi
dent," said Gillette, " What firm prints your laws? " He
named the firm. " I am happy to see their names, as pub
lishers," he replied," of the book I quote from." Bob Tombs
spoke out in a loud and passionate tone, " Gillette, why
are you at the North so mad with God Almighty because
he made the niggers black? " Very calm and dignified he
replied, " We at the North are not displeased with God
for making Africans black, but we are displeased with you
at the South, and disgusted too, that you make them
white." They interrupted him no more.

CHAPTER XII.
RELIGIOUS ANECDOTES.

N the year 1834, two neices of mine, Nancy and
Lucy Lyon, daughters of Aaron Lyon, Esq., of
Cassadaga, N. Y., parted with their father in Buf
falo, on their way to the Franklin Academy, at Shelburne
Falls, Mass., then under my care as principal. They were
to take the packet boat, which has its terminus in the
Niagara river, at Buffalo. To keep the boat from swinging
off into the river, strong piers were driven down for some
distance. As it was in early spring, the ice so damned the
river that its water quite overflowed the piers, and the
boat swung over them into the current of the mighty
Niagara. As it was drawing the horses that propelled the
boat into the river, the captain cut the rope which was
attached to the boat, and thus they were at the mercy of
the Niagara. In the boat were three ladies and a number
of men.
The men, to save life, leaped into the river and swam
ashore. The captain promised not to leave the boat,
headed for Niagara Falls, twenty miles distant. One of
the ladies, who had been giddy at the starting, now
screamed, tore her hair, throwing herself upon the cabin
floor, exclaiming frantically, " I am going to hell ! " Noth
ing could calm her. The Misses Lyon were both very
devoted Christians, one of whom became a good missionary
to China, and the other the devoted wife of the excellent
Jesse Purrington. They told me their experiences of that
terrible hour. "At first," they said, "it seemed solemn
251

252 A VTOBIOGRA PHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
and mysterious that we should be suddenly hurled into
eternity, for the captain said there could be no hope for us.
We knelt together and prayed until we felt calm and
resigned to our fate. Ever and anon a huge cake of ice
would strike our boat, which seemed our funeral knell,
To add to the danger of our position, a dark night was
shutting down upon us at our departure. A sloop was
immediately started on our track. The wind was adverse,
and at times it seemed impossible to overtake us. It
was too dark to see them, unless they were very near.
Just as the packet boat was near an island, a little above
the fatal rapids, the hoarse strains of a speaking trumpet,
an angel of mercy, rung out, ' Where are you ? Where are
you ? ' Tbe captain attached a cable to the boat just in
time to reach the island."
The boat was made fast for the night. The next day,
with much difficulty, owing to great cakes of ice floating
down the river, they reached the mainland. When this
Christless, thankless girl put foot on terra firma, laughing,
she said, "We have had a fine ride!" This shows what
the Christian's hope is in time of trouble.
A TRAGIC EVENT.
In Ashfield, my native town, in Franklin County, there
is a beautiful lake, on which, in my youthful days, I have
often sailed and fished. This has been a solemn, memora
ble place for about sixty years. Deacon Lyon and son,
two grandchildren and a neighbor, went to said lake, in
company with Capt. William Bassett, my brother-in-law, to
wash their sheep. They carried the sheep over a deep
place to a shallow, gravelly bottom, suited to their work.
They were returning with a load of washed sheep, the son,
the two grandsons and the neighbor, supposed to be the
worse for liquor, for he was an intemperate man, and he
rocked and upset the boat in deep water. The eldest
grandson could swim, and as he struck for the shore, his

RELIGIOUS ANECDOTES.

253

brother sprang for him, seized his ankle with both hands,
and both went down. The neighbor made little exertion,
and soon sunk. The son swam near to the shore, and
became entangled in lily pads, where the water was about
a dozen feet deep. The deacon, his father, a corpulent
man of about sixty years of age, attempted to swim and
rescue his son, but failed, and they both went down in
death. Thus the whole five were drowned. The captain
hastened for aid.
Soon all the bodies were put in a suitable carriage and
driven to the deacon's, about two miles distant. The
deacon's wife, a very pious but feeble woman, must be pre
pared, it was thought, for such terrible news. Two Chris
tian friends of her acquaintance were delegated. They
began by talking of the providence of God, and that we
ought ever to be prepared to meet them. She soon said,
" I think something has happened. If so, tell me all. God
has ever been my supporter, and I am sure he will be."
One of them pointed to the window, and said, " The car
riage is in sight that brings a dead husband and son and
two grandsons and a neighbor." She said, "Is it so? Is it
so ?" and knelt down by her chair and continued in prayer
till the carriage rumbled up slowly to the door. She
hastened to the carriage, took off the spread that covered
their pale faces, then went into the house, and, after
another season of prayer, calmly listened to the sad tragedy.
I saw them all buried. They were my neighbors. Six
months or so after, I heard Mrs. Lyon say, in a covenant
meeting of the First Baptist Church in Ashfield, "The last
six months of my life have been the happiest I ever enjoyed.
True, my house is lonely, so far as my family is concerned.
I have lost one of the best husbands God ever gave. He
never gave me an unkind word. I have lost a dear, lovely
son, and two dear grandchildren, but God has more than
made it up by the precious influences of his spirit." This
beautifully illustrates God's word : " It is good for me that
I have been afflicted." " All things work together for good

254 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
to them that love God." "These light afflictions work out
a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
In the First Baptist Church, in Ashfield, over seventy
years ago, there was a powerful revival. On the south
side of the Bear river, some two miles from the church,
lived two neighbors of mine, very pious but illiterate. The
man was ever famous for his honesty and cowardice. On
returning from a very spiritual evening meeting, on horse
back, in company with a sister of the church, they had to pass
through a ravine made very dark and gloomy by evergreen
trees. Said Mr. E. B  to the sister riding by his side,
" Don't you think it makes Christians very bold when they
are revived?" "Yes," said the good sister, "the Bible
says, ' The righteous are bold as a lion.' " This brother
B  ¦ had a very long nose, and when he would make a
sentence expressive, he would touch his finger on each side
of his nose, making a very emphatic twang. This he did
as he said, " I feel awful bold ! I do not think I should be
afraid if I should meet the Devil." " I think I feel just
so," said the sister. Soon they emerged from the dark
forest, out into the starlight. As they reached near the
summit of a place called Bellows Hill, a large white object
appeared in the middle of the road. Both horses sheered
and whinnered, and came to a sudden halt. "The Lord
have mercy on us!" said Mr. B  . "We have been too
presumptuous, and the Lord has sent the Devil to punish
us." "What shall we do ? Oh, what shall we do ? " said the
sister. " We had better go right back, and take the road
that leads by the plain ; it is only a few miles farther, — and
learn never to be so presumptuous again," said Mr. B  .
They went gladly. On his return, he told his son, A
B  , what had happened. " It is nothing, father, but a
cap sheaf of rye that fell from a load of grain that passed
over the road yesterday." " Oh, my sceptical son, don't be
blasphemous." " How did it look ? " " It was white, a ter
rible looking object. Both horses seemed alarmed. It
seemed threatening to approach us. I think, my son, we

RELIGIOUS ANECDOTES.

255

escaped a terrible judgment for our daring presumption."
The son took his father in the wagon, and rode down to
the place, something like half a mile, and found a cap sheaf
of grain, lying bottom side up, just where they thought
they had seen the Devil. There is somewhat of an apology,
as it was near the time of the Salem Witchcraft, when so
many were so terribly befooled.
DR. DODRIDGE'S DREAM.
Dr. Dodridge was one of the most profound and thor
ough commentators of the Bible the world ever had. He
was asked if he thought the human soul would increase
eternally. The query gave rise to the following dream :
He saw in a dream an infant in a cradle under a large tree,
in distress, and an angel breathing into it strength and life.
On the cradle, written in small letters, was Dodridge. As
he looked on the body of the tree, Dodridge was written
larger and more and more brilliantly as they appeared far
ther up. The tree had a vast amount of branches ; on
them all, Dodridge was written in letters more resplendent,
extending outward and upward in a flood of light and glory,
culminating in indescribable effulgence in the upper sky,
beyond the reign of mortals. " This dream," said Dodridge,
"illustrates my views of the endless progress of an
immortal soul." JOHN LELAND.
The celebrated John Leland, who died about half a cen
tury ago, was one of the most talented ministers the Bap
tists ever had. He was very eccentric. It was often said
he would tell an anecdote that would make an assembly
laugh, and use it so as to make them weep the next minute.
He preached the last sermon for me he ever preached,
when I was pastor in North Adams. He died the same

256 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
week, aged eighty-six. V/here he preached, the house
would be packed, with only a short notice.
He told an anecdote that caused a burst bf laughter
throughout the house. He paused a moment, and so used
it that most of the assembly were in tears. He did not
make me weep ; but in all my life, I never had such a thrill
of excitement that convulsed my nerves. With me, it was
too deep for tears. He was the pastor of the Cheshire
Church over fifty years. In the winter months, he often
travelled over Virginia and the Carolinas, and, in all, he
baptized sixteen hundred. It fell to my lot to preach his
funeral sermon. As I intend to print it in my book, I will
not quote from it. I hardly know where to stop telling an
ecdotes of this wonderful man. They had a good spiritual
design, though they might not always seem so at the first.
Mr. Leland, in his travels South, had his appointments
daily some miles apart. He was to preach in a populous
town in Virginia. Some two miles ere he reached the
centre of the town, he came into a village where there was
a hall in which there was a dancing school. He stopped
his horse in front of the door. Soon a lad came out and
asked him what he wished. He replied, "I want to
know what instrument is used up in the hall ?" "It is a
fiddle." " Will you ask the player to bring it to the door? "
The boy did his errand. " Tell the man to come in and
see it if he wishes to." That was just what Mr. Leland
wanted, an excuse to get among the dancers. They gath
ered around him, expecting some fun from the eccentric
stranger. He said, " Ladies and gentlemen, are you sure
you are serving God by dancing ? " One replied, " The
Bible says, ' There is a time to dance.' " " Yes ; and it says
there is a time to kill. Does that make it right for me to
kill you ? " All were silent. He then drew his Bible from
his pocket, which he was wont to carry there, and read,
" Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." " If you are sure you
are serving God in the dance, dance on." They did not
do it. " If you will not worship your God, will you let me

RELIGIOUS ANECDOTES. 257
worship mine ? " " He wants to pray," said one. " I would
like to hear that man pray." Before he finished his prayer,
he found he had more than he had bargained for. I have
heard many mighty in prayer, but I never heard a mortal
come near equalling him. At one of the anniversaries in
Boston, Dr. Howard Malcolm presided, and was informed
that Elder Leland was in the assembly, and his friends
wished him to invite him to preach. Dr. Malcolm replied,
he preferred not to do it, as he had been informed Mr.
Leland did not think our mode of missionary operation
was apostolical. The next presiding officer asked Mr.
Leland to pray. When he closed, Dr. Malcolm was in a
flood of tears, as well as many others. He arose, asked
pardon of the audience for what he had done, saying, " A
man who can pray so, I wish to hear preach." And he
had the privilege. When he arose from his knees in the
dancing hall, many were in tears. Mr. Leland said, " I am
to preach in the centre of the town to-night, and if any of
you see fit to come, I shall be happy to meet you. Good
afternoon, ladies and gentlemen." The managers said,
" Now let us go on with the dance." Most of the company
were seated at the back part of the hall in tears. Before
the figure was through, many filed off, and took seats with
the convicted ones. • Soon the number of dancers became
too small for success, and they voted to adjourn and attend
the meeting. After describing the scene, he added,
" Nearly all of that company were converted in the power
ful revival that followed." He adds, " I tried the same
thing in another town, and none were converted. The
cause was, God was in the first trial, and only John Leland
in the second."
Mr. Leland usually went dressed very plainly. He was
anxious to spend the Sabbath in a large church in Virginia,
where he had preached some years before. He arrived late
Saturday evening. He called on the young fashionable min
ister, a stranger to him, and introduced himself as a Baptist
minister, not giving or being asked his name, saying, "I

258 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
would like to spend the Sabbath with you." The stylish
pastor looked him over, perhaps thinking a man is known
by the coat he wears, asked him sundry questions, among
which was, "How many commandments are there?"
"Eleven, I believe." "Well," said the pastor, "you can
stop with me for this night; but please excuse me, as I have
two important sermons to preach to-morrow," and went to
his study. He said very little more to him. They walked
together to the sanctuary, and the pastor seated him in his
pew, and went into the pulpit. At the close of the morning
service a number of the leading men of the church rushed
up to the pew, saying, " Elder Leland, we are truly glad to
meet you again ; and you must preach for us this afternoon.''
The pastor, horror-stricken, came among them, and invited
him to preach. His fame at this time was wonderful in the
South. He came out fearlessly against wrong. They
would bear the most severe sermons against slavery from
him. In the afternoon he entered the pulpit, told the
audience of the reception he had, "and among other things
was asked how many commandments there were, and I
told him eleven, and the eleventh is my text. ' A new com.
mandment yive I unto you, that ye love one another.' "
We presume ever after he was careful how he entertained
strangers, for God has given some direction on that impor
tant duty.
Mr. Leland was to preach in a Southern village at one
o'clock, p. M. He had preached in the region, so that they
knew no house would hold his assembly. A platform was
erected under an elm tree in front of a hotel. A venerable
man called at the hotel, and asked for some bread and
cheese. The landlady, a fashionable, ambitious woman,
said to the stranger, " I am preparing a dinner for the cele
brated John Leland and suit, who is to preach here to-day,
and if that is all you want, you can get it in a store opposite
here." "Will you let me smoke my pipe?" "Not in the
hotel, as ladies may come in." So he went out into the
shed, lit his pipe, and sat on a log and smoked it. He then

RELIGIOUS ANECDOTES.

259

walked across the way and took a lunch of bread and
cheese. Before the hour of preaching arrived, hundreds, many of
them ministers who had heard him elsewhere, had gathered
together. The query became general, "Have you seen
Elder Leland?" "No," was the reply. As the village
clock struck one, a tall, venerable man came out of the
store and walked toward the platform, on which no one had
ventured. The aforesaid landlady, with her husband, was
standing by their hotel, and on seeing the man going
straight for the platform, said to her husband, "Look
there, that old tramp that asked me this morning to
give him some bread and cheese, knows no better than
to go right up into Leland's place. Do go and tell him not
to go there." As he mounted the platform, he beckoned to
this and that minister in the throng to come up with him.
They came, exclaiming, " Brother Leland, we are right glad
you have come." "Mercy on me," said the woman, "that
is Leland, and I have treated him shamefully. Do ask him
to come to the hotel, that I may apologize," said she to her
husband. After the services, he went to the hotel, and the
woman said, " Had I known you were the famous Leland,
I should not have treated you so. We want you to dine
with us." "Thank you, I have no desire to do so; besides,
I am pledged at another place. I am afraid your heart is
not right in the sight of God. You wanted to glorify your
hotel by entertaining me and my friends, but when a poor
man came, you turned him hungry away." Mr. Leland
was to preach some ten miles from there, the next day, and
the hotel lady prevailed on her husband to go and tell Mr.
Leland that his wife was in agony, and felt she could never
rest till he had forgiven and prayed for her. The husband
did his errand, and Mr. Leland said, " Oh, yes, I will go
now." The result was, that both husband and wife, and a
part of the family, were converted.
Mr. Leland's labors were greatly blessed in Cheshire, and
in many other towns in Western Massachusetts. He bap-

260 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
tized over two hundred in one revival in Cheshire. He
was sound in doctrine, a Calvinist of the old school, not
like the Indian's tree, straight and more too.
The Congregationalists of that day were not awake to
revivals as they are now. Hence they called the Baptists
"New Lights." Twelve miles, or so, from Cheshire, in the
town of Savoy, was settled a Rev. Dr. Alexander, who had
the town for his parish. Many of his hearers, who
had heard Mr. Leland, desired their pastor to make an
exchange with him. He refused. So many of his parish
insisted upon it, that he had an appointment given out at
5 p. m. The church was crowded. Mr. Leland met with a
casualty on the way, and could not get there till a little
after the time. The doctor went into the pulpit, and, think
ing it a good chance to put out the New Lights, he picked
in upon them without much mercy. Mr. Leland arrived
soon after he began, sat down near the door, and, putting his
head down, was not perceived. When Mr. Alexander had
finished his debut, Mr. Leland walked up the aisle to the
pulpit stairs. " Walk right up," said the doctor. He
explained why he was delayed, and then said, " You have
heard a discourse from your pastor, and I do not wish to
preach unless you wish it." A very unanimous vote was
taken. Mr. Leland took for his text, "Alexander, the
copper-smith, did me much injury; the Lord reward him."
An old man, who had heard him, said he never heard a man
so completely used up as the doctor was. The result
was, that a good Baptist church was soon formed in the
village, to which I often p-eached, when agent for the
Bible Society.
Mr. Leland was preaching in Lanesboro, Mass., in sight
of a large deep lake. His subject was "The Doctrine of
Election," of which he was a firm believer and very able
defender. In the midst of his sermon, he paused, put his
hand on his heart, looked reverently toward heaven, and
said, " Oh, my God, how liu.e do I know ! Oh, the heights
both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! " Throwing

RELIGIOUS ANECDOTES. 26l
his eyes toward the lake, he said, " There is a bottom in
that lake, but I cannot wade it."
Preaching a funeral sermon of a man killed by a pile of
wood falling on him, in South Adams, in the midst of his
sermon, he paused, and said, " Could this man have died at
any other time, or under any other circumstances ? " and
then went on with his sermon.
In his last sickness, in North Adams, he was helped into
a chair to be shaved. When well lathered, he said to
Mitchell, the barber, " Hold a moment, I want to tell an
anecdote." This he always loved to do, and was famous for.
"In Europe, many years since, it is said, in a time of great
drought, the king ordered all the Catholics to pray for rain.
It did not rain. He then ordered all the Protestants to
pray for rain, and it came abundantly. The Catholics said
the Lord did not answer their prayers because they came
up as a sweet odor, and he wished to hear more of them ;
but when the Protestants prayed, it came up in such a jar
gon, he answered as quick as he could to get rid of their
noise." When he visited North Adams, he usually came in the
afternoon, and by giving notice at two hotels, and at three
of the twenty factories, that he would preach, the house
would be crowded. I was very anxious to hear him.' As
soon as the doors of the church were opened, though it was
a very warm summer night, the house was crowded. His
text was John 2 : 20 : " Ye have an unction from the holy
One, and ye know all things." I Can never forget that ser
mon. He said unction was performed by oil. He should
spiritualize the text.
" I. Oil makes a lamp burn brightly." He then took up
the enlightening influence of true religion. He soon carried
me out of myself into the full blaze of divine illumination.
I felt as though I could listen to him an hour on that
strain. "II. Oil makes the skin soft." No less charm
ingly did he show the melting, soul-subduing, enrapturing
and heaven-directing influence of the Holy Spirit. "III.

262 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Oil makes the cistern wheel of machinery turn easily."
Such a contrast I never heard drawn of a backslider and a
Christian in the spirit. " Brethren," said he, " when the oil
of Divine grace moves completely the cistern wheel of my
soul, it would take a greater salary than any man has in
Berkshire County to keep me from preaching." He closed
with a most solemn address to the impenitent, causing
many a tear to fall.
After the sermon, sitting with a few Christian friends, I
said, " Father Leland, I have long wished to see you. I
have wanted to make your acquaintance for many reasons.
One is, to have you untie some Gordian knots in theology."
" What are they ? " said he. " One is, ' Did God create
man in such a condition, as a free moral agent, that he
might fall, in order to glorify himself before the universe
in the gift of his Son, and cause a greater joy of the re
deemed than could have been otherwise possible, and yet
make the sinner a guilty party ? " He replied, " I don't
know. I don't know but little." He said the same to
some other queries.
I then gave him a question that I expected he would an
swer in a Calvinistic spirit : " If God created man perfectly
holy, and he could fall into sin by the self-determining of
his will, has he, or has he not, the same power to return?"
He replied instanter, " If I fall over a stone wall, and break
both of my legs, I do not think I have the same power to
return. Now," said he, "I will ask you a question. 'What
was the condition of Adam, compared with redeemed
men?'" I replied, "I considered Adam and the angels
placed on a covenant of works, and Adam and a part of the
angels lost their holiness. This was enough to ring down
the eternal ages, and he placed man on a covenant of grace,
established on better promises, that is, they shall be kept
by the power of God through faith unto salvation." "Yes,"
said he, "that is all very well, but it is not just what I
meant. If God," said he, " had lifted Adam up twelve feet
from the earth, and let go of him, which way would he

RELIGIOUS ANECDOTES. 263
have gravitated ? Which way will the redeemed soul grav
itate?" Of the strength of his intellect, his life and writings give
ample proof. The late Governor Briggs, after a long ser
vice as representative in Congress, enjoying frequent inti
macy with the great men of the world, was asked, " Who
was the greatest or most talented man you have ever per
sonally known ? " and replied, " Rev. John Leland."
He wrote his own epitaph : " Here lies the body of John
Leland, who labored years to promote piety, and to vindi
cate the civil and religious rights of all men." This
epitaph is inscribed on his obelisk, in Cheshire, Berkshire
County, Mass.

CHAPTER XIII.
CELEBRATED DIVINES.
REV. DR. CHALMERS.

flEV. DR. CHALMERS was one of the most emi
nent divines Scotland ever had. He was a large,
corpulent man, of a very cheerful, happy spirit,
and fond of the humorous. When on an exchange, as he
arrived at the parson's house, he was met at the gate by
his honest servant, John, who had been in the employ of
his master some twenty years, to whom the doctor said,
" You have been with the minister so long, John, that, if
needed, you could preach, could you not?" "I do not
think I could." "Could you not draw some good infer
ences from a passage of Scripture?" "You can try me."
" What inference would you draw from this passage, ' He
feedeth them on ashes?'" "I should draw the inference
that they would not be so fat as you are."
Dr. Chalmers often wrote very splendid sermons, spend
ing much time over them. He preached one of these, and
wishing to know how it took with an illiterate farmer, he
called on him the next day, and asked him how he liked the
sermons. "I liked one of them very much," he said. "I
spent three weeks on that forenoon sermon, and only threw
out some plain, practical remarks in the afternoon." "It
was the afternoon sermon that I liked so. There were
some words I did not understand, and I have no diction
ary." " What were some of the words ? " "'Catastrophy'
was one." " Catastrophy is the sequence of events, or
2'<J

CELEBRATED DIVINES. 265
what follows, or, to make it more plain, it is the tail of
things." The doctor called on him some time after, saying,
" How are you all, my dear brother ? " " We are all very
well, but I find I have an' enemy." " How do you know ? "
" Why, he cut off the catastrophy of my cow last night."
WHITFIELD AND TENNANT.
Both of these clergymen were very talented, eloquent
and spiritual. They roused the churches of New England
from their moral lethargy, and brought them up on higher
and holier ground.
Revivals followed them wherever they went. The
amount of labor they performed was truly marvellous ;
and their influence is felt yet, and will be to all
eternity. Mr. Tennant, as he met Mr. Whitfield, said, " I
long to leave this world of sin and sorrow, and be with
Christ, and rest from my labors." " Mr. Whitfield said,
" My dear brother, you may be wrong in that wish. What
would you say of the man you put in the field or store who
should say, ' I long to have the day ended, that I may go
home and rest with my family ? ' Would it not look as if
he was dissatisfied with you, or the work, or both?" "I
stand corrected," said Mr. Tennant. " This, I think, is
the right feeling : ' Al 1 the days of my appointed time will
I wait till my change comes.' "
" It will come just at the right time, under the right cir
cumstances," said Montgomery, who never wrote us enough
of his spiritual and doctrinal hymns. " A Christian cannot
die before his time; the Lord's appointment is the ser
vant's hour." Like Lord Chatham and Henry Clay, Mr.
Whitfield had a most impressive delivery. It has been
thought that no divine in America has ever equalled him
in that respect. Yet many have written more able ser
mons. More than fifty years since, a Rev. Mr. Robinson,
then pastor in western Massachusetts, told me the fol
lowing fact : When a young man, he said, he heard Mr.

266 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Whitfield preach on the sufferings and death of Christ.
The assembly was wrought up to a high state of feeling,
bending forward to catch every word. Mr. Whitfield
exclaimed, in a loud tone of voice, " What sight is that
I see ? Blood ! blood ! " at the same time putting his
hand over his face. Nearly all the assembly did the same.
In all, Mr. Whitfield preached over eighteen thousand
sermons. REV. DR. A. B. EARLE.
We have long been blessed with faithful, efficient evan
gelists, many of whom I have personally known, and worked
with them ; but I think no one has been more prudent, af
fectionate, and spiritual than Brother Earle, whose pleasant
home is now in the city of Newton, Mass. We always
expect blessed results where he labors. Many thousands
will, I doubt not, meet him in heaven as their spiritual
father. I quote from his book of " Incidents," where he
inserts the following facts :
" I have travelled over three hundred and fifty thousand
miles ; held thirty-eight thousand, four hundred and sixty
public meetings ; have preached in three of the British
Provinces and thirty-six of the States ; worked with
twenty-three different denominations ; have preached from
three to five times a day for months together, and met
with no serious casualty. One hundred and sixty thousand
have united with different denominations, and four hundred
have entered the ministry. I have published nine books ;
and over two hundred thousand have been sold in this
country, and many in England.
"The principal joy of the faithful minister is in the
Beyond, when he passes within the pearly gates. Then, oh,
then, when the glories of that wondrous world fully burst
on his enraptured vision, when his feet have just pressed
the golden-paved streets and the bright, beautiful banks of
the flowery river, when the music of harps of gold and of
angel voices have thrilled his soul, when he has really seen

CELEBRATED DIVINES. 267

and bowed before the Saviour ; when he has just begun to
realize the blessedness of such a home, who can describe
the joy of his heart, as, from that white-robed throng, there
come many thousands gathering around him, grasping his
hand in gratitude and love, and lead him to the Redeemer,
saying, 'Jesus, we have believed on thee, and been led to
this beautiful world, through this one, whom thou didst
appoint to do the work of an evangelist on earth.' Oh,
the joy of such an hour ! "
Said Paul, "What is our crown of rejoicing in that day ?
Are not ye in the Lord at his coming under inspiration of
God?" Paul wrote this, and it is one of the many proofs
of recognition in heaven. What, oh, what is a spiritual
child, viewed down the rolling ages of eternity, when it
shall have passed far beyond the loftiest angel in heaven
in their present blissful knowledge, still rising in ecstatic
bliss, until it enjoys more in an earthly hour than all the
redeemed have enjoyed since the morning stars sang to
gether, and the sons of God shouted for joy over the birth
of this infant world. Oh, the blessedness of being instru
mental in saving even one soul, thus preparing it to enjoy
more than men or angels can comprehend.
REV. LYMAN BEECHER, D. D.
When laboring in Boston, his labors were richly blest.
He was a mighty champion in every good cause. Who
ever read his book of sermons on the Temperance reform,
could but feel his power. He was very faithful and suc
cessful as a pastor. Among others he was accustomed to
visit, was a member of his church laboring as a servant girl
in the family of Rev. Hosea Ballou, then a pastor of a Uni-
versalist church, in Boston. He made his calls in the
kitchen, though invited into the parlor. One day, Dr.
Beecher met Mr. Ballou and said to him, " I dreamed lately
that I went to heaven, and looked all around, but could
not find you there." Mr. Ballou, who was famous for an apt

268 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
retort, replied, " You went only into the kitchen ; if you had
gone into the parlor, you would have found me there."
Dr. Beecher was very fond of fishing and hunting. When
pastor in Connecticut, he was returning home with a string
of fish, and was surprised as he neared his church to hear
the bell ring for his afternoon lecture. He threw aside his
fish rod, put his trout in his sack pocket, and went into the
pulpit and preached a powerful sermon from the text, " I
will make you fishers of men," much to the amusement of
those who saw him pocket the fish. He was greatly blest
in his labors in the West. He always exercised much, —
shovelling a load of sand from one side of his cellar in the
morning and shovelling back at night, while in Boston.
His exercise gave him vigorous health. When about
eighty years of age, a brother minister called to see him,
and was told he was in the woods hunting. He went into
the woods, and, on hearing the report of a gun, went
down to the place where he heard the report, and called
Dr. Beecher's name. He was answered up about seventy
feet in a tree, where he was pulling out a gray squirrel
lodged in a crotch of the tree.
HENRY WARD BEECHER.
Henry Ward Beecher was in Amherst College with me.
Though not in my class, yet I was intimately acquainted
with him. He was very popular in college, and ever, so
far as I know, was a consistent Christian. He applied
himself very closely to everything pertaining to oratory
and debate. In debate it was said he stood a whole atmos
phere above his class. The faculty would often be present
when they knew he was to speak, it was said. His wonder
ful success as a pastor and lecturer has immortalized his
name. He was a very benevolent man. When the
South sent Mason and Slidell to England, to seek aid, by
promising them that the South would come under them
as a protecting power, if they gained their independence

CELEBRATED DIVINES. 2O9
as it was then understood, fearing the South would bargain
away their birthright and thus bring future trouble to
our prosperous nation, Mr. Beecher, to save our nation,
at a great sacrifice and risk of his life, visited England.
No better man, for the purpose, it was thought, could
have been found. When he arrived, for many days he
could find no place to plead his cause. At last a vast tur
bulent audience assembled. When he commenced, he was
hissed down again and again. He took it calmly. No man
could better meet an emergency. It is said he met
it thus : " Ladies and gentlemen, will you please be silent
while I tell a short anecdote ? " " Hear ! hear ! " was the
response. " I had a grandfather," said he, "who learned
the blacksmith trade of himself, and he took it into his
head to make an axe. But he so burned up the steel, that
he said, ' I can make a hatchet.' Failing in that also, he
said, 'Anyhow I can make a hammer.' Not liking its looks,
he threw it into the water-trough, saying, ' I have not failed
entirely; I have made a perfect hiss.' I have done more;
I have made three tremendous hisses ! " After that the
English style, " Hear! hear ! " rung through and through
the many thousands present, and he held the vast assembly
spellbound for more than an hour.
"On another occasion, Mr. Beecher was pledged to speak
in Elizabeth City, N. J., in favor of the Union. The
Copperheads in the city threatened to kill him if he spoke.
He began thus, ' I am informed if I attempt to speak
here to-night I shall be killed. Well, I am going to speak,
and therefore I must die. But before you kill me, there
is one request I have to make. All of you who are going
to stain your hands in my blood, just come here and shake
hands with me before you commit the crime, for when I
die I shall go to heaven, therefore, I shall never see any of
you again.' A burst of applause followed this sally, and
for two hours Mr. Beecher swayed the minds of his audi
ence as the wind moves the sea." [ H. Grant, D. D., New
York.]

270 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
" From the first this American divine gave up his whole
being for the purpose of making man more pure and happy.
No man can aim higher. For this purpose God has won
derfully endowed him with all the requisite qualifications
found in a vigorous, keen, versatile intellect and a glorious
heart." [Thomas Armitage, D. D., New York.]
Of Mr. Beecher's " Lectures to Young Men," Hon. Mr.
Barstow, of Providence, R. I., says, " This book put me in
sympathy with a young, vigorous mind, whose thoughts
were uplifting, whose style was pictorial and captivat
ing, and whose spirit was morally and spiritually mag
netic." " Of these lectures to young men, I can cheerfully say,
no others of the kind I ever read equal them. In no place
was there more decided opposition than in Liverpool and
Glasgow, because the Clyde and the Mercer furnished
blockade runners. On the day of his lecture in Glasgow,
the city was emblazoned with large posters of what he had
said, and what he had not said, in Great Britian. He com
menced, but such was the uproar of the audience he sat
down. When there was a lull, he sprang to the front of the
platform and so depicted the sublime beauty of our Scottish
scenery, the heroism of our Scottish warriors, and the wide-
world fame of our lords and poets, that a burst of applause
followed. He then made a long and eloquent speech
against slavery and rebellion. Some one cried out, 'The
South are beating the North ! ' ' Yes,' said Mr. Beecher,
' And when we bring them back to allegiance, we shall
think more of them for their pluck.' 'But you can never
bring them back.' ' We can ; and this war will never
cease as long as there is a slave in America upon whom
the sun of heaven can shine. ' " [ Potter McCloud, Esq.,
Glasgow.] MR. BEECHER AS AN ORATOR AND PREACHER.
I might quote from over thirty of our best divines who

CELEBRATED DIVINES.

271

have given their hearty praises, found in his memoirs. I
have not room to quote all I could wish. I will quote from
the following only :
" I remember to have heard him, in his church, deliver a
preparatory lecture, which so glowed with the love of
Christ I shall never forget it. It made an impression on
my mind and heart which has remained ever since." [Rev,
R. Storrs, D. D., New York]
" I believe there has not been such eloquence in the
world since Demosthenes." [Rev. Dr. Taylor, New York.]
REV. JABEZ SWAN, OF NEW LONDON.
Mr. Swan was one of the most devoted and successful
ministers of the Baptist denomination. It is said that he
baptized over five thousand, which is more than any other
Baptist minister in America baptized, it is believed. Like
Mr. Leland, he was very eccentric. He was the means of
greatly increasing the denomination in New London. I wish
I could record more anecdotes of him than I can put in
this book.
When pastor in New London, he had a rich butcher, a
deacon, in his church, who killed his beeves Sabbath even
ings. He requested him to desist. He did not. He
preached on keeping the Sabbath to no avail. He took the
text, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." This
deacon, Harris by name, was in the habit of responding in a
loud voice as the truth fell from his pastor's lips. Mr.
Swan began to illustrate his text, for which he was remark
able. "One brother thinks he will keep the Sabbath holy;
but he has vessels on the waters, and ere he is aware his
mind is roving over the ocean, or on the last nautical news."
Deacon Harris exclaimed, " That means you, Deacon Ben
jamin ! " "Another, who has houses to let, thought he was
heeding the text in reading of the rise and fall of real estate."
"That means you, Deacon Weaver ! " " Another, to please
his customers, breaks in upon the Sabbath in slaughtering

272 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
his beeves." " That means me ! " said Harris. Still it did
not reform him. Brother Swan came up in another broad
side more severely. " What would you say of a man who
should meet one of the best of men, and rob him of seven
hundred dollars. He begs for one hundred to pay for his
journey home, and he gives it back ; but avarice conquers
and he takes again." " He ought to be hanged ! " said
Deacon Harris. Turning upon him with a look few could
imitate, pointing directly to him, in a tone he was wont to
pierce the hearts of the hardest sceptics, said, " Thou art
the man ! God has freely given you six days to do all your
needful work, and you rob him of the seventh." This
thoroughly reformed him.
In the time of a great revival in the First Baptist church
of New London, of which he was pastor, a sceptic would
rise up and dispute the doctrine preached. It was in vain
that he was urged to desist. One evening, as he was pray
ing for the anxious ( whoever heard him pray, I think
never could forget it), he prayed that God would either
convert that man, or remove him by death. The man went
home, and in a short time died, and I was told no physician
could tell the disease. This caused great excitement in
the city, and gave a new impulse to the revival. This fact
was told me by many persons who were knowing to it.
Every year of the ten I collected there for the Bible
Society. Though he was sometimes awfully severe, he possessed
one of the kindest of hearts. So faithful was his preaching
that he often roused opposition. A very tall infidel kept
constantly opposing him. Among other things the infidel
said he did not prove his sermons. To meet this, one night
he took a text, backing it up with a long array of texts, ask
ing his assembly, " Is that head proved ? " At the close he
asked all to rise who thought he had proved his text. All
arose. As the infidel was some like Saul, king of Israel,
" a head and shoulders taller than the people," he saw
multitudes gazing at him. So he sat down on the arm of

CELEBRATED DIVINES.

273

the pew, when the rest sat suddenly down and he was left.
Mr. Swan turned on him, and said, "Who in all the history
of time ever saw a sheep sit on his haunches ? Dogs will
do it. Beware of dogs and sorcerers."
In the time of the War of the Rebellion, a church near
New London, composed of a large number of Democrats,
who did not sympathize any too much with the war, having
dismissed a Republican pastor, asked Mr. Swan to supply
them. They finally invited him to settle with them on
condition he would not preach politics. " Politics ! " he
exclaimed, " if I come I shall preach the everlasting gos
pel, hit whom it will." They settled him and a glorious
revival followed, as was generally the case wherever he
preached. I visited that church when agent of the American
and Foreign Bible Society. I desired him to make some
remarks. After expressing his approbation and enjoyment
of the sermon, he said, " I hear a great deal about heavy
taxes. Jesus Christ lays taxes on his servants, and they
had better pay them, I tell you. Jonah thought best to
follow his own will, and God put him through salt water,
and then he chose to pay up. Jesus Christ and his servants
were taxed, and though he thought rather high, he paid
them up like a man. He had no money. He told Peter to
catch a fish, and he would find money enough. It showed
his divinity. How did he know he would catch one ? Did
any one tell him a fish had swallowed a miser's gold to put
it in circulation ? " His speech had a mighty effect, and we
took the largest collection I ever raised in that church.
J. B. GOUGH'S GOD-MADE AND MAN-MADE MINISTERS.
I heard John B. Gough, in one of his lectures, illustrate a
God-made and a man-made minister.
Some fifty years ago, a Western minister ( I am happy
to think there are none such there now ) said he was
thankful to God he never rubbed his back against college
walls, and his preaching told it. "I am about to preach to

274 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
you on a very solemn subject. Ah ! ' He that believeth
not shall be damned.' Ah ! Now there are a great many
dams in this world. Ah ! There is mildam, and Amster
dam, and Rotterdam, and don't-care dam. Ah ! But this
is a more terrible one than all those are. Ah! It is 'he
that believeth not shall be damned.' " One self-made
minister never studied his sermons, but read a chapter
till he came to a verse that interested him. He began a
psalm, " Awake, O psaltery and harp ! " He read it,
"Awake, O pleasant tree and harp." "This is a good text,
' Awake, O pleasant tree and harp ? ' David was very
fond of music, you know. What kind of tree this was I
hardly know, but I think it was some like our fir-tree.
Now see how devout David was. Early he goes up on that
tree, and as he sits on its branches with his harp, swinging
to and fro, hear him sing, ' Awake, O pleasant tree and
harp.' "
A man in England called on a D. D., and offered to
preach his evening lecture, introducing himself as Dr.
Bartholomy. The offer was accepted. The visiting parson
was very loquacious on worldly themes. "What is your
text ? " " Please give me one." " ' God is love,' is a good
one." "Yes ; I will take it," and then he kept on talking
on other themes. The bell began to ring, and he asked
where the text was. As he began to look for it, " Do not
try to find it ; it is perhaps better not to know." As he
arose to preach he said, "I am to preach on one of the best
texts in the Bible : ' God is love.' I shall not tell you
where it is, as I want you to search the Scriptures. Oh,
what a charming, glorious text ! The angels love to think
of it. All the good men, apostles, patriarchs and martyrs
gloried in it. Yes, and there was good old Jacob, who had
twelve sons and every one of them was a boy, could say in
all his trials, ' God is love, God is love ! ' "
He then illustrated a God-made minister, who sought out
every way he could to save the lost. " I knew him," said
Mr. Gough, " and learning he was to preach in one of the

CELEBRATED DIVINES. 275
halls of London, I went to hear him. At the front of the
door that led to the filthy cell, where all sins named or
nameless were committed, there was a dirty yard. Into
that yard I followed the godly man. He sang a precious
hymn. A few miserable, ragged men and women listened.
He made a fervent, melting prayer. They nearly all went
back into their filthy den. His text was, 'God so loved
the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoso
ever believeth in him, might not perish, but have eternal
life.' As he waxed eloquent beyond all description, they
came into the yard around him. The preacher brought
his text so directly and feelingly to every one, that many
trembled and wept. ' That " whatsover " means you, in all
your drunken and licentious habits ; you, in all your pro
fanity and blasphemy; you, in all your poverty and squal-
lidness ; you, in all your hatred to God and holiness ; even
you can be saved and made happy.' A large, red, rum-faced
woman burst into a flood of tears, sat down on the ground,
threw her dirty apron over her head, and cried, ' God be
merciful to me, a sinner.' It was an affecting scene. I
think a number were savingly converted."
ROWLAND HILL.
Mr. Hill was a very pious, able and successful minister.
He was ever noted for his eccentricity. He went down into
a very wicked section of London. His faithfulness roused
up opposition. As he was going into the hall to fulfil an
appointment, some Christian friends advised him not to
enter the hall, as there was a plot planned to put him out.
" Who is the leader ? " said he. "It is that great, rough-
looking man near the desk." Mr. Hill started immediately
to see him. "How do you do, sir?" said Mr. Hill. "How
are you?" he answered roughly. "I am told, my friend,
that some persons are intending to put me out of the house
if I attempt to preach. I am very sorry, as I have a ser
mon on the love of Christ that I want to preach. Now, as

276 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
you look like an able, resolute man, I want you to agree to
help me." "I prefer that you should get some other one."
"No," said he; "I do not see one I think so able." He
held on to him until he promised to aid him. As he did
not start, no others ventured, as they all were waiting for
him. He preached, and in the sequel, a good evangeli
cal church was formed there, and the whole region was
blest by it.
Mr. Hill had a very pious, benevolent wife, but she was
often gloomy and despondent. Mr. Hill could not keep
her from an impression that she would finally be lost.
One morning, he came to the breakfast table, saying, "My
dear, I dreamed I went to hell last night." She looked up
sadly, and said, "Who did you see there?" "I saw you
there." She dropped her knife and fork, saying, " Now I
am sure I shall go to hell. That is a providence." "Hold
a moment. What do you think I found you doing?"
"Well, what ? " "It was a very singular place. It looked
like volcanic mountains, the fire in places burning. I saw
in the distance a grove, and, as I thought, I saw a female
form kneeling there. I approached carefully, and found it
was you praying. Soon a little devil came out from the
burning cave, and said, ' Woman, stop that praying here.
It is not allowed.' You did not hear him. Soon old Beel
zebub came toward you, in wrath, stamped on the ground
so it trembled, and said, ' Woman, stop that praying here
in hell.' You looked up, and said, 'Dear sir, are there any
poor folks here that I can help?' " It was so much like
her, it is said, that it broke up effectually the hallucination.
"Once," said Mr. Hill, "when I was returning in a boat
from Ireland, I was much amazed by the swearing of the
captain and his mate. 'Stop! stop!' I said; 'it is my
turn. Let us have fair play.' 'At what is it your turn?'
said the captain. ¦ At swearing,' said I. They waited a
long time. ' Perhaps,' said the captain, with a laugh, 'you
do not mean to swear.' 'Just as quick as I find it is right,
and does not break the law of God and man, that it will

CELEBRATED DIVINES, 277
not hurt or grieve the feelings of the good, and be of any
use whatever.' I heard no more swearing."
An infidel called on Mr. Hill, wishing to discuss tenets.
Said Mr. Hill, kindly, "Do you believe the Bible?" " No,
sir." " Do you believe there is a God ? " "No, sir." Said
Mr. Hill to his son, " Conduct this man kindly to the outer
door, and lock it after him."

CHAPTER XIV.
FUNERAL SERMON OF JOHN LELAND.
"And I heard a Voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they
may rest from their labors ; and their works do follow them." — Rev. 14 : 13.
JT is a solemn thing to live, forming as we do a char
acter for that eternity, in comparison of which a
hundred earthly ages are as nothing ; while at the
same time we are making impressions upon immortals around
us that will spread like the circular wave onward — onward
toward infinity. It is solemn, under ordinary circumstances,
to expound the word of life ; it is more solemn to preach
with the enshrouded dead between us, seemingly rendering
that eternity nearer whither they have just departed.
The solemnity is increased, on the present occasion, by
the age, the calling, and the usefulness of our venerable
father in Israel, as the present and past seem to meet, pre
senting him performing similar solemn duties in this sacred
desk for half a century, as well as other solemn offices dur
ing the sixty-eight years of his ministry. The shades of
departed ages rise before me, and I almost seem standing
by the urn of some patriarch or prophet of Old Testament
times. The solemnity is still heightened by the text before us,
for it is a universal epitaph that the Almighty God hung
out of heaven, visible to the inspired vision of the beloved
disciple on the Isle of Patmos, who eighteen centuries ago
penned by Divine direction, to stand as an imperishable 278

FUNERAL SERMON OF JOHN LELAND. 279
memorial on the tomb-stone of the pious dead to the end of
time. " Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord : " that is in
a vital union to him through faith and repentance.
"From henceforth," or from this time forward, "that they
may rest from their labors." It seems clear that reference
is had to the immediate happiness in reserve for the pious,
when the soul leaves the clogs of mortality. The same
sentiment is taught in the twenty-third chapter of Luke :
" To-day thou shalt be with me in paradise." This Jesus
spoke to the malefactor on the cross. He asked to be
remembered when Christ came into his kingdom. But
Jesus seems to say, " I will not delay your wishes so long.
To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Lazarus
departs and is immediately comforted. This text, as well
as many others, seems to have been designed to prevent
the world from mistaking the state of the soul after death,
or between death and the final judgment. What a reproof
upon all those who believe in an imaginary purgatory, or
offer prayers and masses to relieve their departed friends.
On this portion of the text, then, we are taught that the
benevolent Jesus will not delay his humble, faithful follower
of his reward when his toils are over, but he shall be imme
diately with him in paradise. This most clearly shows the
blessedness of all the faithful servants of God, both in their
death and after their dissolution. They are blessed, for
I. They rest from all heart-rending anxieties and
responsibilities. I speak not of the thousand anxieties of a name among
men, or such as arise from disappointed ambition, the
neglect of friends, or from any of the " whips and scorns of
time," except so far as they pertain to the Christian as
such. The Christian has often a great anxiety to know posi
tively whether he is a child of God. Sometimes he reads
his " title clear to mansions in the skies," and then unbe
lief and doubtings roll a doable night of darkness upon his

280 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
soul. If he has but little love to God in exercise, he has
cause for much anxiety, and if he loves much, heavenly
things seem so valuable that he is tantalized by fear lest he
may lose them. Like a parent, who has a much beloved
child on the treacherous deep, disturbed with forebodings,
almost breathlessly perusing the nautical news to hear, if
possible, one word of that bark that bears so dear a treas
ure, and all because love is so strong that the parent can
not rest till all is visibly safe.
Is the Christian a parent ? No language can tell the
anxiety he feels that those eyes, so dear to him, may see
the salvation of God, and that that tongue, whose every
note is music, while the child is dutiful, may sing the
praises of Immanuel. He often looks off into eternity, and
says with Esther, " How can I endure to see the destruc
tion of my kindred." He wraps himself up in the scenes
of the last day, and stands with his children before the
everlasting throne, and asks, " Shall any of these go away
into everlasting punishment ? "
Is he a faithful minister of Christ ? None but a faithful
minister can know his spiritual anxieties. Driven almost
to despair for want of success, distressed with pride when
successful, carrying the whole church and his own wicked
heart, a still heavier burden ; feeling each impenitent sin
ner around him has a soul of more value than the whole
material universe, and from their awful neglect and impiety
constantly fearing that it will be lost ; again and again dis
tressed that one is gone without hope, whose priceless soul
must forever wail under the vengeance of retributive jus
tice ; trembling under its own responsibility in a station
probably unsurpassed in its weal or woe beneath the skies,
affecting three worlds in every movement, he cries out
with Paul, "Who is sufficient for these things?" And
might he not do it had he Gabriel's intellect and a seraph's
tongue ?
Something of the deceased's feelings I here give you in
his own language. " Strange to relate, one hour I would

FUNERAL SERMON OF JOHN LELAND. 28l
entertain a comfortable hope that my sins were pardoned ;
the next hour nearly give up all hope, fearing that all my
exercises were self-earned, and that I had not been taught
of God. The third hour be impressed I must preach or
perish. This conflict wore off my flesh and made me
irresolute about any thing."
Moses was not a stranger to heart-rending anxieties. At
one time, such were his feelings for the spiritual welfare of
Israel, and seeing her given to idolatry, he exclaims, " Oh,
this people sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of
gold, yet now, if thou wilt, forgive their sin ; and if not, blot
me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written."
What language can describe the contrast between the
scenes Moses had just witnessed on Sinai and those in
Israel's camp ? God had come down amid thunderings and
lightnings upon Sinai and the mountain trembled to its
base beneath the foot-steps of a God. The holy moral law
is about to be let down from heaven by hands unseen ; and
Moses, wrapped up in the bright visions of Jehovah, is
made so spiritual as to come within the halo of glory that
surrounded the summit, and carry down the decalogue to a
lost world. With a heart filled with the love of God, with
a soul made erect by the majesty of Jehovah, with a heart
ready to burst with joy at the scenes he had just witnessed,
he hastens at the voice of God to meet his brethren waiting
at the foot of the Mount, as he supposes, to hear the sub
lime and heavenly message : but ah ! what sound is that
which falls on his ear ? Is it a shout of praise from all
the mighty throng, that their leader is made the honored
instrument of God in bringing to a needy, dependent
world, heaven's best, everlasting love? No; it is idola
trous music and dancing even in Israel's camp. His soul
is chilled with horror and shrinks back aghast ; his heart,
just rendered doubly tender for Israel's welfare, throbs
with the keenest anguish ; his spirit groans within him —
wonder not, despairing of aid from all created things, he
breathes the plaintive language above quoted into the ear

282 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
of his Maker. Many a minister of Christ has had similar
feelings, coming from communion with God in secret before
his people, when he saw their hearts wedded to the
fading things of earth.
Who can describe Elijah's feelings, when, like many a
herald of Christ, he yielded too much to the " fear of man
that bringeth a snare," and fled far into the wilderness to
escape the vengeance of Ahab and Jezebel ? It was there,
beneath a juniper tree, discouraged and disheartened, trust
ing not enough in Jehovah, he desires death to release him
from an opposing world. It is thus he bemoans himself :
" Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down
thine altars ; and I am left alone and they seek my life."
Jeremiah, " the weeping prophet," felt such anxieties for
the spiritual good of his people, that tears told the inmost
workings of his troubled soul. " Mine eye," he says, "run
neth down with rivers of water for the destruction of the
daughter of my people."
Does any one ignorant of piety, catching the spirit of
Cain, "Am I my brother's keeper?" say, this is human
weakness and folly to thus weep and sigh over the sins
of earth. We reply, it is just such weakness as actuated
Him at whose name all heaven rings with hosannas;
Him in whom the Father delights ; Him before whom Cher
ubim bow at humble distance ; Him at whose feet the
redeemed cast their crowns and cry, "Worthy is the
Lamb." Such were his anxieties for a lost world that
Jesus wept.
Often has our venerable father given vent to an aching
heart in tears over the lost, but we have every satisfactory
reason to believe that his weeping is turned to everlasting
joy. That heart will throb with anguish no more ; it is
now cold in death. Impenitent hearer, have you not often
seen the tear roll down that venerable visage for you ? You
will see it no more, for he rests from his labors.
II. They rest from all persecution, directly or indirectly
practiced.

FUNERAL SERMON OF JOHN LELAND. 283
The Christian conformed to the world so much that he
meets with little or no opposition, may think the day of
persecution has gone down with Nero's, Domitian's and Cal
igula's, and that the day of martyrdom is over. He reads,
" They were stoned ; they were sawn asunder, were tempt
ed, were slain with the sword," together with the suffer
ings of martyrs of a later date, under the Sharps, the Lau
derdales, the Scottish Clavers, the sanguinary Bells, anc
other ringleaders of iniquity who have taken the lives of
the faithful in various forms invented by infernal malice, as
a thing never to be acted over again. But a similar bloody
tragedy is now going on among the faithful missionaries
of the cross. There is no truce in Satan's heart towards
the children of God.
God has said, " All that will live godly in Christ Jesus
shall suffer persecution." The Christian finds everywhere
hearts at "enmity against God," and if faithful as Master
or his apostles, he will suffer persecution. Though the
judgments of men tell them the religion of Jesus is neces
sary, the pride of the heart in an unrenewed state rises
against the humbling doctrine -of the cross, and against
those who faithfully preach it. Oh, if the Christian were as
faithful as Paul, how much more fierce and successful the
combat. If as plain as Elijah, how many a Jezebel would
seek his life.
Our friend was not a stranger to persecution. Take an
example in his own words. A captain, the son of a man at
whose house he had been invited to preach, forbid his
entering the house of his father with severe threatenings.
" After I arose to open the meeting by singing, the captain
came rushing into the house, sprang upon the bed, took his
sword and drew it out of its scabbard, and stepping off from
the bed with his arm extended and sword glittering, ex
claimed, 'Let me kill the d  d rascal.' As he made a
stroke towards me, the point of the sword hit the joists, and
he behaved like an awkward soldier. The case was this :
My wife, who was seated near the head of the bed, when

284 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
she saw the captain step from the bed with his drawn
sword, and drawing back his arm to give the thrust, sprang
like the lightnings of heaven, and clasped her arms within
his elbow around his body, and locked her arms together
and held him like a vice, till the men took away his sword.
We then took a lantern and went into the road and carried
on our meeting." But now persecution and all the dangers
of earth with him are over forever. He will be disturbed
no more in the worship of his God, for nothing that "work-
eth abomination or maketh a lie " can enter that peaceful
abode, whither, we trust, he has gone. He rests from his
labors. III. They rest from all temptations.
I shall illustrate this head by an extract from his five
hours' conflict, which he published several years since,
abridging it occasionally, and slightly altering some sen
tences. After a powerful revival under his labors in Chesh
ire, he was attacked with a violent disease, which shocked
his whole nervous system, depriving him partially of both
hearing and speech. " When first seized," said he, " I had
an impression riveted in my mind that I should be given up
of the Lord to pass through a doleful conflict. The God
whom I addressed and in whom I confided ; the Mediator
through whose blood and righteousness alone I hoped for
pardon ; the Gospel of salvation, which revealed the only
foundation of trust, and the spirituality of prayer, which I
preferred to all riches, were removed from my grasp, nor
could I conceive that there was any happiness in the uni
verse. "How did my poor heart tremble. It was ten o'clock at
night. All was dark without and within. On entering the
contest, I felt like a feeble child cast into a pit to combat
with dragons. The first question propounded to me was,
'Is there a harmony in the universe becoming a God?'
Among rationals were war, famine, pestilence, earthquakes,
plagues, personal slavery, despotic oppression, sickness,
pain and death. Among beasts were fear, hunger, cruelty,

FUNERAL SERMON OF JOHN LELAND. 285
and the bearing of the abuses of men. Why did the Al
mighty make creatures subject to all this? If he is the
parent of all, why does he suffer one of his children to in
flict so much injustice and cruelty upon another ? Could
he not have made things otherwise ? If not, why create at
all ? Could he not have prevented so much misery ? If
so, why did he not ? On reflection, I found I could not tell
why water run down hill — or why the wind blew — that I
could not account for the voluntary or involuntary motions
of my own body ; how, then, could I expect to understand
the whole system, if I could not the least part.
"The next thing that arrested my mind was, there is
no God. If so, who is he ? If there is a Supreme Deity,
he must increate himself uncaused, and this seemed impos
sible. But if there is no God, whence arose all creatures
and things which exist ? Of course, then, to escape the
greater dilemma, I must believe there is a God. Surely
'Jehovah he is God ! The Lord ;he is God!' Still there
were some scruples. Various passages held me up a little,
while the horrors of atheism and black despair, like billows,
were dashing around my trembling soul.
"The following thought next rushed upon my mind :
Jesus Christ is not God nor the Saviour of men. In health
I had given up the point to attempt a reconciliation of the
mystery of God manifest in the flesh. Can I prove it ? I
searched and found the same name applied to Jesus as to
God, and that he performed the same works. All began to
appear clear ; but it burst into my mind like a torrent, that
I was bringing my evidence from the Bible, and that was a
fictitious book, and the history of Jesus was not true. This
sunk my spirits. The only prop that my feeble soul had to
rely upon was taken away. Upon this point I reasoned
thus : The New Testament is in existence. It was writ
ten by good or bad men. To believe that bad men would
write so good a book, required a faith more marvellous than
to believe the truths contained there. The presumption
then was, that the Bible was written by good men, and

286 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
good men were not liars, therefore they spoke the truth.
Still I wished to know without a doubt.
" On musing on this state of misery, of which I could see
no end, the plaintive language of Jesus came to me : ' My
God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me. Now is my
soul exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. If it be possi
ble take away this cup from me.' Never before did I have
such a sense of the agony of Christ, — never such fel
lowship of his sufferings. But he agonized and resisted
unto blood ; I did not. He bore his afflictions for others ;
I for my own sins. Indeed, his sufferings appeared so
much greater than mine, that my own, severe as they
were, scarcely deserved a name. This text cheered me :
'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved.' " Another attack was the following : Man is all mortal,
and has no soul that survives his dissolution. Notwith
standing the Scriptures prove the contrary so abundantly
yet a spirit had been fluttering around me, that the com
plexity of man was chimerical. My judgment and reason
told me better, but I could not stop my thoughts, though
sensible, they greatly impaired my health. But I did not
long continue in this train of thought before this query
came up, Will the dead ever be raised ? It then struck my
mind that the way great events were perpetuated was by
history. The resurrection of Christ was handed down by
history ; and if the history were no more authentic than
other histories, yet it deserved equal credit. No man dis
puted but what Augustus Caesar and Tiberius Caesar
reigned in Rome. Now, as it is said, that Christ was born
in the days of one of them, and rose in the days of the
other, why not believe in the resurrection of Christ, as well
as in the reign of those emperors ? To me it appeared
unaccountable. If Christ's resurrection was a forgery, why
had an empire it overturned in three hundred years never
denied it. And if Christ's resurrection was true, that of
his followers was at once settled. The words of Jesus then

FUNERAL SERMON OF JOHN LELAND. 287
occurred to me : ' Him that cometh unto me I will in no
wise cast out.' The end of the beam loaded with doubts
was down ; my belief in the truth of the gospel and medi
ation of Christ was up. My heart was drawn out to my
Saviour and I felt him my friend. A voice proclaimed,
' Here is one Saviour Jesus for one sinner Leland.' Nor
had I at this time any thought of another creature in the
universe. Christianity then appeared to be the religion for
sinners." These and many similar temptations often assail the
Christian ; permitted, it may be, to show him his weakness
and complete dependence on God. These temptations
oftener come after signal blessings. So was it with Heze
kiah, David and the unsuspecting Peter. And so was it
with him who lies in that urn in the garb of the grave ; but
now he "rests " from all temptations forever.
IV. They rest from all the troubles of indwelling sin.
Man in his fallen state is a depraved sinner. No favored
clime, no royal descent, no vigilant parental watch-care,
have changed the corrupt heart. They may have softened
the roughness of his character, but they have never pro
duced "holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord." Every faculty is corrupted by the fall. Man's under
standing, once clear, is darkened. He is constantly
harassed in deciding between right and wrong, truth and
error. Love, that once blessed tie that bound him to
Jehovah, is turned to enmity, for " the carnal mind is en
mity against God." This, by renewing grace, is but par
tially restored. This is the mainspring of moral action,
and, when retarded, disturbs the whole wonderful machin
ery of the human soul. The Christian feels himself under
infinite obligations to his Saviour, and failing of perfection
in all things, he often goes forth weeping under .self-con
demnation. For the want of perfect love, his memory is
beclouded upon all that is good, and his faith is, weakened,
which gives rise to fears, doubts and unbelief. Conscience,

288 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
that blessed memory of the heart, being corrupt, breeds in
surrections, sometimes. accusing and sometimes excusing to
our injury. The imagination that once revelled on all that
was delightful in heaven and earth, is circumscribed in its
operations, and often seizes upon forbidden objects, thus
disturbing the peace of the soul. Whatever view the Chris
tian takes of himself, whether physical, mental or moral,
present, past or future, he often cries out with Paul, " 0
wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the
body of this death ; " or, in the language of another, " I
abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." "Wash me
thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my
sin." The brighter the visions of Deity, the more dis
tressing the conflict with indwelling sin. When Isaiah
had the clearest conceptions of his maker, he exclaims,
"Woe is me for I am undone, I am a man of unclean lips."
True there are other exercises. The Christian rejoices
that he shall be satisfied when he awakes in the likeness of
his God. Sometimes his soul rises on the wings of faith,
and rejoices that the rest that remaineth for the people of
God is so near. Yonder world of light and purity is my
home. I have not long to dwell in a foreign land, in dust
and tears. A glorious heaven, God my eternal father,
saints and angels, await me. The warfare is short ; a
throne and an undying crown are ready ; the heavenly
hills are almost in view ; the resurrection is hastening.

" Lo I I behold the scattered shades,
The dawn of heaven appears,
The sweet immortal morning spreads
Its blushes round the spheres."

Few have had a clearer view of their own sinful hearts
than the deceased. Take his own language : " The sins
of childhood, the vices of youth, the improprieties, the
pride and arrogancy of riper years, with the presumptuous
and blasphemous suggestions of my mind, up to the

FUNERAL SERMON OF JOHN LELAND. 289
present time, lay heavy on my mind and sink my spirits
very low."
Being with him in his last illness more or less every day,
I think I may say that I never saw a Christian feel more
deeply his own unworthiness. "Bury me," said he, "in
a humble manner." " I want no encomiums ; I deserve
none. I feel myself a poor miserable sinner, and Christ is
my only hope. " Being asked, very near his end, what
were his views of the future, he exclaimed, with both hands
extended upward and a smile I can never forget, " My
prospects of heaven are clear." He seemed already to feel
the everlasting rest laying its sweet influences over his
soul, and bearing it up, taking away the "sting of death."
The last clause of our text will now be considered :
"Their works do follow them." Theworks of the Christian
follow ; they do not go before as a merit, to purchase salva
tion, but they follow as an evidence of having lived and
died in the Lord. We shall apply this :
I. To works of a private kind.
All efforts after personal holiness, evinced by self-exam
ination, secret devotion, a faithful study of the Word of
God, — all conquests over sinful self, exhibited by denying
ourselves of all worldly lusts, bridling our tongues, gov
erning our tempers, subduing our wills, mortifying our
pride, and using every effort in our power to grow in grace,
will follow us in their influence on the soul. Have we any
reason to believe that death will essentially alter the
faculties of an immortal soul ? If not, then all our spir
itual attainments enlarge the soul, and fit it for more
consummate joy when it arrives at heaven. Thus our
works do follow us.
, We are taught that we shall be rewarded according to
our works, not for them. The parable of the talents is in
accordance with this. The reward was according to the
improvements made upon the talents given. By this, then,
we are taught that the rewards of heaven will be accord
ingly as our works of obedience "fellow" us. Reason

20X» AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
teaches the same from their permanent influence on the
soul itself.
Suppose God should reward with pecuniary treasure, as
man rewards, and one who has been more faithful, his
works following him, should have one farthing more reward
than the less faithful, that put at usury for eternity would
soon amount to more wealth than ever Omnipotence
created in this vast world. But God's rewards are infinitely
more valuable ; they are spiritual, with the permanent
stamp of eternity upon them. And the time may come
in eternity, in consequence of our works following us, that
the Christian may enjoy more in consequence of his fidelity
here, compared with what he had enjoyed if he had been
less faithful, than all the happiness of heaven and earth,
God excepted, have enjoyed since the "morning stars sang
together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" over the
birth of this infant world. Oh, if so, how important that
we exert every power in this cradle time of existence for
additional faithfulness.
II. We shall apply the subject to works of a social and
public kind, and under this head consider it solely in
reference to the deceased.
Solemn and important truth : all his works will follow
him. Could he now speak from that coffin, would he not
say, "Let my virtues follow me, and my frailties die
with me."
The Rev. John Leland was born in the town of Grafton,
Mass., May 14, 1754 Few men that have ever lived
possessed a more gifted intellect. His powers of reasoning
were strong, accurate and peculiarly forcible ; his mind
highly original, and somewhat eccentric. From a child he
was a lover of learning, and made rapid proficiency for the
age and the advantages it afforded.
At the age of eighteen, his attention was arrested with
what he said seemed a voice from heaven, " You are not
about the work you have got to do." This conviction was
more than ordinarily pungent. He was brought to give up

FUNERAL SERMON OF JOHN LELAND. 29 1
all the foolish amusement of youth in disgust, he has told
us, and fall at the feet of sovereign mercy as a lost, perish
ing sinner. After his conversion, he says, " My heart was
greatly attached to the Holy Scriptures. I have not yet
forgot the burning desire, the soul-longing, I had to know
what was the mind of God contained in his Word. I would
read, then pray, then read and pray again, that I might
know the truth as it is in Jesus." He was frequently accus
tomed to hold meetings in company with a young convert,
and, as he said, " preach two or three of our sort of sermons
at each meeting." From the date of his spiritual birth,
he seemed imbued with a spirit to preach, though self-
distrusting on account of conscious un worthiness. " The
number of sermons (such as they were) that I preached
alone by myself was very great;" and he adds, "both
saint and sinner said, ' John will be a preacher.' " He was
very deeply sensible that no man should preach until
called of God to the work.
In 1774, he united with the Baptist church in Belling-
ham, Mass., and by that, church was licensed to preach at
the age of twenty. In 1774, he journeyed to the State of
Virginia, and labored there as a minister eight months.
After his return he was married, Sept. 30, 1776, to Miss
Sarah Devine, with whom he lived sixty-one years. He
repaired with his companion to Virginia. His labors were
itinerant, confined chiefly to Virginia, Pennsylvania and
South Carolina. He was ordained in 1776. His meetings
were often in a circuit, sometimes one hundred and twenty
miles in length. In the month of October in this year, he
was much revived in his mind, in view of which he said,
" Souls appeared very precious to me, and my heart was
drawn out in prayer for their salvation. Now for the first
time I knew what it was to travail in birth for the conver
sion of sinners." The result was, in a short time he bap
tized one hundred and thirty as the seal of his ministry.
For some time revivals almost constantly followed his
labors. In about two years he baptized four hundred. In

292 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
1790, after a stay of fourteen years, in which time he bap
tized precisely seven hundred, he removed to New England
with his family, then consisting of eight children. After
preaching for a season in Connecticut, and about a year in
Conway, in this State, he removed to Cheshire in February,
1792, which has been his residence chiefly for almost half a
century. About this time it pleased the Lord to bless his labors
in adjacent towns. Lanesborough, Adams, Phillipston,
Canaan, Gore and Conway successively enjoyed revivals
under his ministry. He continued to preach in New Eng
land and New York until 1797, when he journeyed again
to Virginia, preaching as formerly to and from the State.
He remained there eighteen months. After his return, he
was adjusting his concerns to go thither again, when he
received an impression that it was his duty to preach day
time and evening for the space of two weeks. The time
had then arrived when his appointments must be met on
his way to the South.
He says these words forced themselves again and again
on his mind : " The Lord will work." On his way he
appointed a meeting, and the people of Cheshire followed
him in great numbers, and wept under the pungent truths
that fell from his lips. He was absent only twenty days.
On his return, he found the work of grace, like a torrent,
was bearing all before it. After his return, which was
early in the fall, he preached every day until the March
following, when he baptized two hundred. Find for us the
minister of Christ that has performed in his own parish an
equal amount of preaching in a given time, that we may
embalm his name forever in grateful remembrance.
In the year 1800, he made a tour of four months in New
York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In
November, 1801, he journeyel as far south as Washington.
In 1808, his labors were blessed in Pownal, Vt, where
he bapt'zed about sixty. In 181 1, he enjoyed a revival in
this town, and baptized forty.

FUNERAL SERMON OF JOHN LELAND. 293
In December, 181 3, he again, for the last time, visited
Virginia. The joy was indescribable, both to him and his
spiritual children, in being once more permitted to meet
this side of the grave. He was absent six months ; trav
elled eighteen hundred miles, and preached one hundred
and fifty times.
In the fall of 1817, he enjoyed here, under his ministra
tion, a precious revival, and baptized thirty-one. In the
March following, a revival in Adams brought seventy into
the fold of Christ. In this revival his labors were much
blessed, and twenty-seven of the above number were bap
tized by him. We have given but an imperfect descrip
tion of his labors. He has stated that since he began to
preach,, he has travelled distances, reckoned together,
nearly sufficient to thrice circle the earth, or about seventy-
five thousand miles, and preached about eight thousand
sermons. The number of Baptist ministers he tells us that he has
personally known is nine hundred and sixty-two ; three hun
dred and three of whom he has heard preach. Three
hundred of the above have gone" before him into eternity;
two hundred and seven have visited him at his own house.
He has baptized one thousand, five hundred and twenty-
four persons, and preached in four hundred and thirty-six
meeting-houses, several capitols, and in various other kinds
of buildings, as well as in the streets and groves. He has
written about thirty pamphlets, some valuable pieces of
poetry, and much trom time to time for the public papers,
both political and moral. So much did he love his Bible,
that he numbered all its chapters, one thousand, one hun
dred and eighty-nine, its verses, thirty-one thousand, one
hundred and eighteen, and even its words, seven hundred
and eighty-six thousand, six hundred and eighty-three.
He has written us his own epitaph in the following
words : " Here lies the body of John Leland, who labored
sixty-eight years to promote piety and vindicate the civil
and religious rights of all men."

294 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Yes, there lies the noble, venerable dust, and is that all
the epitaph he has left us ? No. He has been writing one
more durable and extensive on the imperishable tablet of
thousands of hearts ; and there it will remain when the cold
marble over his dust has crumbled away. His name, his
virtues, his success, and his melting eloquence will never
be forgotten. We can present no man a perfect character.
In sentiment and doctrine I can give him, in common with
thousands, a hearty welcome ; but I am constrained by a
sense of duty, to speak with regret, that in three respects
he differed somewhat from the denomination as a body
with which he stood connected. I allude to his views of
the Sabbath, Sabbath-schools, and the mode of benevolent
operations. If in an error, I am confident it was one of the
judgment rather than of the heart. Knowing his honesty
and sincerity, and the age in which his impressions were
formed, we will do all in our power to make an apology,
and let the subject rest with his ashes.
Great and good man, he is gone ! The tender and affec
tionate father, the kind husband, the wise counsellor,
emphatically the peace-maker, the social, warm-hearttcJ
friend, the sage patriot, the lover of sound doctrine, the elo
quent and unusually successful minister of Christ, is no
more ! Is no more ? He still lives, we doubt not, where his
intellect has found congenial spirits, and a wider range in
the upper empire of Jehovah. He lives below in the affec
tions of thousands, and " his works do follow him." The
influence which he has exerted upon the world will never
be lost. It will follow him, widening through successive
generations, until the final judgment, when thousands, we
trust, will meet him as their spiritual father, and in rap
turous hosannas praise God together forever and ever.
Dying mortals, hastening to eternity, there comes a
voice deep-toned and solemn from the associations of this
day. The labors, the sacrifices, the kindnesses, the fidelity,
the fearless presentation of truth, the sympathies in
troubles and bereavements, the philosophic maxims, the sub-

FUNERAL SERMON OF JOHN LELAND. 295
lime and soul-stirring strains falling from this sacred desk
for a long succession of years, the clear elucidation of
truth, the solemn warnings, the tender invitations, the
heart-searching appeals, yea, everything in which the char
acter of your venerable father in Israel was seen, have now
found mysteriously a thousand tongues to speak on this sol
emn occasion.
There comes a voice from the distant past and the pres
ent, from the lifeless corpse, from the coffin, the pall, the
bier, the grave and the eternal world, " Prepare to meet
thy God." Inspiration tells us of the contrast of the right
eous and the wicked. " Some men's sins are open before
hand, going to judgment," while those who die in the Lord
"rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
Hearer, are you of the former class, " condemned already,"
your sins having gone before you as witnesses ? Is there
no occasion for alarm, standing between two eternities,
while the all-sweeping deluge of time is bearing away par
ticle after particle of your sandy foundation, and for aught
men or angels know, the last sand may give way during this
solemn hour ? One less Christian is left to pray for you,
one less faithful herald of the cross to preach to you.
In all the mighty monarchy of God, I hesitate not to say,
"There is no peace," no substantial happiness, no safety to
the impenitently wicked. By the awful solemnity of eter
nity, then, I beseech you to flee to the city of refuge ere
the avenger of blood overtake you.
Afflicted friends, the numbers that have assembled here
on this occasion, from different towns, to " weep with those
who weep," show you that you have a share of public
sympathy. After "all, their sympathies are unavailing to
comfort the troubled heart. Turn, then, your thoughts
reverently to Him who was the stay and the support of
your much loved friend in dangers and toils through a long
and useful life. Gather around that Bible, that your
affectionate father and relative so long loved, studied and
expounded, and make it your constant companion. It will

296 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
tell you that "afflictions spring not from the dust;"
that though " clouds and darkness are around about him,
righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his
throne;" that amid the trials of life "He will find out a
way of escape ; " that you should " remember the rod,
and who hath appointed it ; " that " the Lord gave and
the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the
Lord." The disciples of old took up the body of one they most
dearly loved and buried it, and went and told Jesus. Go ye
and do likewise. Tell the compassionate Redeemer all
your sorrows. He still lives to intercede for his followers.
He still lives to make afflictions the richest means of grace
here below to his faithful servants, for they "work out for
them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
Could the gate of heaven open, and he, who, we trust,
has just begun the everlasting song, stop a moment from
the sweet immortal strains, and drop a word through the
yielding air to you, methinks it would be, "Weep not for
me, but weep for yourselves and your children." Have
you not rather occasion to bless God that he gave you such
a friend to lose, and spared him so long, and brought him
at last to the " grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn
cometh in in his season ? " Why should we mourn that
the soldier, after a hundred conflicts on the "cannon
ploughed field," amid the clangor of arms and groans and
wailings and " garments rolled in blood," is permitted to
hear the shout of victory, and go home in safety to his
dearest friends ? To live like him, is to mourn over the
sins of earth, and hold up God's everlasting truth to a
dying world. To die like him, is to stand on the confines
of earth, looking off into eternity, and depart with the
" prospect of heaven clear." To rest, at last, like him, is,
we doubt not, to rest forever in the Paradise of God.

CHAPTER XV.
EXCITING AND TRAGIC STORIES.
MASSELLON, THE GREAT FRENCH CATHOLIC PREACHER.

ASSELLON was a great and noble man, and a very
eloquent and spiritual preacher. Louis XIV. paid
a good tribute to his eloquence. " When I hear

other preachers, father, I am well pleased with them ; but
when I hear you, I am dissatisfied with myself." When his
King Louis met him as he came down from the pulpit, he
said, " How do you dare to preach so heart-searching before
your Sovereign ? " " I durst not preach otherwise, sire, in
the presence of the Sovereign of the Universe." When
the king died, his urn was brought into the cathedral,
which was ornamented with many trophies of the king's
victories. Daylight was excluded, but innumerable tapers
supplied its place. Massellon rose slowly and solemnly,
surveyed the scene, and in a solemn tone exclaimed, " My
hearers, God only is great." The audience all arose and
bowed assent.
Baron, the great actor, on hearing Massellon preach, said
to a brother actor who accompanied him,, " Here is an
orator ; we are only actors." His sexton went over his res
idence with some visitants, telling of his virtues and many
charities, and when he came to the uoom where he died,
exclaimed in tears, " Here is the plaese where we lost him ! "
I have two volumes of his sermons, and I think them as
spiritual and heart -searching as any Lever read. When he
297

298 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
was preaching on the fewness of the elect, so searching
was the sermon, his audience trembled in fear lest they
should be found on the left hand, to be cast into everlast
ing misery.
Wesley, the great Methodist divine, was one of the most
spiritual, able, laborious and successful ministers of his
time. In fifty years' preaching, he delivered over forty
thousand sermons, and travelled over two hundred and
twenty-five thousand miles, besides writing many excellent
hymns. He died in triumph, saying, " Victory ! victory !
through the blood of the Lamb."
Rev. Dr. Payson was one of the ablest and most spiritual
men of his day. He died a most happy and triumphant
death. " His dying words were, " The celestial city is full
in view ; its glories beam upon me ; its breezes fan me ; its
odors are wafted to me ; its music strikes on my ear, and
its spirit breathes in my heart ; nothing separates but the
river of death, now only a narrow rill, which may be crossed
at a step by God's permission."
Some thirty years ago, I heard an excellent lecture given
in Westfield, by Bayard Taylor, on Arabia. He gave them
a high compliment for their kind hospitality. I think he
said they would not take any pay at any place where he
stopped. But they were tbe most notorious liars he ever
found. He scarcely met a man or woman who did not
exaggerate. He said he had an interview with their
king, and asked him why his subjects so falsely colored
things. The king said he did not know, unless the old
legend was true, that Satan once came up to visit his sub
jects in Spain, where he brought nine packs, five of them
were on lying, and he put them in the hotel where he quar
tered. Before the Devil arose, some Arabs stole all the five
on lying, and carried them up into Arabia. I asked the
king what was the wealth of his nation. " It is a very rich
nation. I have the control of it. I have one hundred
houses full of gold, and three hundred full of silver, and a
dozen men come each with a horse for me to ride out foi

EXCITING AND TRAGIC STORIES. 299
my health. After conversing a while, the king said,
" What is the king of your country worth ? " I told .him my
country was so large, if the whole of Arabia was put on it, it
would be only a little speck ; and it was very rich. The
king of my country had a thousand houses full of gold, and
seven thousand full of silver, and two hundred thousand
soldiers as his body-guard, and all the horses and waiters he
wanted. I was satisfied he would not respect me without
I told a bigger lie than he had. He smiled and said, "A
very nice country is yours, Mr. Taylor."
ARABIAN EXAGGERATION IN DESCRIBING A GIANT.
"A giant stood" behind the highest pyramid of Egypt,
looking over its top into the Nile. His shoes were of wood.
They had been once two large canoes. They just fitted
his feet. His cane was the mast of a seventy-four gunship,
which he had hauled ashore in the harbor of Alexandria.
His course from the pyramid was towards the Nile, which
he was about to cross. I queried whether he would swim
or sail over. He did neither. He jumped over from the
eastern to the western shore with a single leap, but split
both his shoes in the effort."
All this shows to what a state of falsehood and sin man
kind may be plunged if they have no Bible. The Koran is
their guide.
When pastor in North Adams, I baptized in our great
revival an apothecary merchant and some of his good
children. His name was Salmon Burlingame, one of the
most cheerful and agreeable men I ever knew. He was
very fond of trouting. We were accustomed to go up once
a year to the trout brooks in Reedsboro. One year we
decided to go up to Bear Swamp, where some feared to go.
We left our team at Canada's hotel, and ordered our break
fast by candle light. Our direction was to walk up the
old Bennington turnpike five miles, turn to the right by a
marked tree, and go in a northwestern course two miles in

300 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
a spruce forest, guided by marked trees. The sun had
just risen, clear and beautiful. Unfortunately, we had
no pocket compass. I said, "Can you keep the point of
compass?" He was of the humorous make, stuttering
some. "I can keep it from my store home," he said. "If
the trees are not marked all the way " ( which we soon
found was the case ), " we may get into serious trouble. If
the sun continues to shine, one thing will save us. The
sun will shine on our right shoulders all the way." " Yes,"
he said. We had not gone far before he said, " We are
going west." " No; the sun does not shine on our backs,"
and he quietly followed. But soon he said, " We are going
southwest." Again I quieted him by pointing to the sun,
so illuminating the forest it told us where it was. Soon he
said, " We are going right back, and I came for a good
time of fishing." " So did I, so come right on." "No,"
he said. He was completely turned. Though he could
see where the sun was, it made no difference. " Besides,
we have been more than two miles, I think." No wonder
he thought so, as we had to go over logs and rocks. I
said, " Will you sit on that rock as long as you can hear my
voice?" "Yes." I said, on leaving him, "This forest is
said to be eighteen miles long, infested with bears and
catamounts. It would be fearful to be lost here, and
perhaps fatal." I kept calling, and he responding, and not
a hundred rods from where I left my dear brother, I came
to the stream, running through a natural pond, and ere he
arrived, I had twelve fine trout, all jumping up and down
in a safe place. I put them in my basket, and thirty-eight
more ere I left that spot. He had gone to the head of the
pond, and was catching larger ones, and called me there.
We fished there till nearly noon, ate our lunch with happy,
thankful hearts, and then followed down the stream until
we filled our baskets and sack pockets full, and then went
to the hotel.
We arrived at the hotel before night, and, with Canada's
help, dressed over three hundred trout. While doing this,

EXCITING AND TRAGIC STORIES.

301

I asked Mr. Canada for a fresh bear or catamount story, as
they killed such large game in that region. He told us
one of the most novel and interesting bear stories I ever
heard. Pointing up north, towards the woods, he said, " A
little beyond them I have a pasture. I was in those woods
in pursuit of my cows, when I heard at a short distance, a
strange series of noises. On approaching, I found the
noise was over the opposite side of a large fallen tree. I
looked over, and saw a bear lying on her back, and three
fat cubs jumping alternately on to her. She tossed each
up three times, and then threw the cub over her head and
took another. It so tickled them, it was their laughing I
heard. Thinking a cub would make a fine treat in my
tavern, I sought a club, and found the motherly frolic still
in progress. I struck the log with my club. The bear
sprang up, putting her paws on the log, giving an angry
growl. I had heard that a bear would ward off a blow, so I
raised my club perpendicular, and brought it down a little,
and then nearer, when I brought it down with all my
might upon her head. She fell prostrate. The club
broke, and with a part of it I sprang upon the log to finish
up the work, and, the bark being rotten, gave way, and I
fell into the paws of the bear, as she was on her back. It
was the first time I remember being scared all over. I
sprang out of her clutches. She sprang up, rubbing her
head with her paws, and retreated, and I followed her. I
knew she could not go far without coming to a ledge of
rocks. She came to the ledge, and finding a hole just large
enough, she went up, and the cubs followed her. When
the last one came to the top, I caught him by his hind leg,
and ran for home, and the bear after me. I soon came to
another ledge some six feet high. There was mud and
leaves on it, and they gave way, and I slid to the bottom
of the ledge, and the bear came headlong on to me. I sud
denly rolled her off, and shot the cub in her face. She
seemed satisfied, and undertook to ascend the ledge.
When the cub was at the top, I caught him again and ran

302 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
for life ; and when I came into the clearing near my tavern,
I stopped and faced the bear, and gave her most savage
yells. The bear stopped, and whining tenderly for her
child, began to circle me at a little distance. I kept my
eye on her, backing toward my house. I had a non-compos
boy digging potatoes back of my barn. I said, " Sam, do
not say a word, but get my rifle and shoot this bear." He
raised his head. I repeated it. "What did you say?''
The bear looked up and saw all my buildings and ran for
the woods. Then began the trouble in good earnest with
the cub. I had him by his hind legs. He bit me and
scratched me. I tried to strike his head on a rock, but ere
I brought him down, he was up biting my arm. I hurried
home, and said, " Sam, you blockhead, bring me a flour
barrel." I threw him in, put a cord on his leg, weighed
him, and found he weighed forty pounds. Our sheriff
came along the next day, and I sold him to him. The last
I heard of him, the sheriff sold him to Galusha, Governor of
Vermont, for his pet bear.
A SUCCESSFUL STRATEGEM.
Bayard Taylor travelled over most of the civilized world,
and has immortalized himself in his lectures and writings.
In a book entitled 'At Home and Abroad," I read a strat
egy he recorded. I have not seen the book for over twenty
years, but I think I can give the story very correctly, such
was the impression it made. In a battle between France
and Prussia, in 1808, France conquered. The dead of both
armies, sixty thousand in number, lay on the battle-field,
near the village of Waldorf, in Prussia. The French gen
erals were Lasure and Lamot, who quartered in a village
near by. In the evening, Lamot went to the headquarters
of Lasure, commander-in-chief, and said, "General, I have
good evidence that our soldiers have been insulted in the
village of Waldorf ; what shall be done ? " Lasure, fired by
victory, said, " Take a portion of your army, and go at early

EXCITING AND TRAGIC STORIES.

303

dawn, and shoot ten men in the village of Waldorf, and
return to camp. In the meantime, the citizens of Waldorf
had spent the whole night in caring for the sufferers of
both armies, being near the battle-ground. They had
erected rude tables over the Common, loaded with food,
surrounded by hundreds of kind men and women, rejoicing
that the cruel war was over. To their surprise, martial
music is heard, and lo ! a band of soldiers, headed by Gen
eral Lamot, approach them. He breaks the seal of a letter
and reads :
" Gen. Lamot, Commander of the Second Division of
the French Army :
" Sir, go with a portion of your army to the village of
Waldorf, and shoot ten men for insulting the French sol
diers last night."
A peal of thunder in a clear sky could not have been
more astounding. A young clergyman, colleague of a good
old parson, stepped forward ¦ and said, " General, I have
been here with my friends all night, caring for the sufferers
of both armies, and I assure you that no French soldiers
have been here, except the wounded we are aiding. There
are three villages called Waldorf ; it might have been there,
but not here." "We have evidence it occurred, so bring on
the ten men." The good parson so moved the general as
he showed how unjust it was to punish the innocent for the
guilty, that he said, " I will send a message to Lasure, and
await his answer. In ^the meantime, will you give us a
breakfast ? " The kind Prussians brought on the toast and
coffee prepared for the sufferers. A lady said to her pas
tor, "We are feeding our murderers." "Hush," said he,
" Let us be Christlike, whatever they do." Soon the
answer came. By this time many hundreds had assembled
in breathless suspense. Lamot broke the seal and read :
" Do as I command you.
"Lasure, Commander-in-chief of the French Army."

304 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Then was heard weeping and wailing. The young par
son said, " General, I have made my plea to you, and now I
ask permission to pray to God, that you may be prevented
from doing such an unjust and cruel thing." The prayer
moved Lamot and many of the soldiers to tears, and led
him to say, " I can save you only by a strategem. Bring
forward your ten men. I will order the executioners to fire
over their heads, but they must all fall and remain quiet till
my soldiers are out of sight." The first that came was the
young minister, followed by a young man just married,
struggling to get from his bride. The next was the father
of a large family, his weeping wife and children trying in
vain to restrain him. The number was soon complete.
General Lamot stood silently looking now at the doomed
men, and then at the anxiously gazing throng, then turning
to the executioners, rifles in hand, said, in a loud, distinct
voice, " Soldiers ! ready, aim at their heads," when many
fell on their knees in prayer, seeing death a sure thing.
" Fire ! " They all fell, sure enough, with scarce a
struggle. " Right about, forward, march ! " As the music
began to die away, they all sprang up, amid embraces and
shouts of joy. Lamot had secretly told the soldiers to
elevate their rifles when they fired. He knew full well
his soldiers would never tell Lasure the strategem, and he
probably never knew it. Thirty years after, the village of
Waldorf invited Lamot, an old gray-headed man, to visit
them in a universal Jubilee of gratitude for what he
had done.
There was a river called Bear river, about sixty rods
from my home, which ran through a forest abounding with
gray squirrels, and the river was alive with nice trout. I
do not think my father let me hunt or fish, unless it rained
so bard we could not work. I often gained a day by taking
a stint, which I spent in hunting or fishing. I once came
home with nine gray squirrels. At other times I came
home with about a hundred trout, as wet as the trout were
before they were caught. The trout and the squirrels have

EXCITING AND TRAGIC STORIES

305.

nearly all disappeared, unless it may be now and then one
that comes to get a history of the happy home of his beau
tiful fathers. LITTLE HELEN IN THE LIGHT-HOUSE.
Many years ago, I heard this interesting story, and it is
good for many thousand years to come. On the coast of
Cornwall, Eng., there lived a man and wife, and a little
daughter, Helen. The father lived in the light-house, and
cared for it. Both father and mother prayed night and
morning. At the age of nine, Helen was converted, and
prayed also. Soon her mother died, and gave Helen her
large Bible, and told her to study it well and meet her in
heaven. The father and Helen kept the light-house, and
prayed together as before. One afternoon, the father said,
" Have the table ready by five o'clock. I am going to the
village on the causeway for provisions, and shall be back by
tea time." Around in the region were many robbers, or
wreckers, as some called them. He said, " It is important
to light the light-house to-night, as there are three large
vessels to pass us from the East Indies." Helen looked at
the causeway, but no father was in sight. She looked till
the sun set, and the tide and high winds drove the waters
into such commotion that he could not come. She feared
the robbers had killed him, so he could not light up, and
the vessels would be wrecked, and they could rob them.
She prayed that God would tell her what to do. She felt
impressed it was her duty to light up the light-house. She
went up the circular stairs, but found she could not reach
the lamp. She carried up a stand, and touched a match to
the wick, and the flaming light shone on the rocks in the
channel lashed by the turbulent waves. She felt happy
that she had saved many lives. She gazed off on the sea,
and soon saw a vessel coming. She stood in the light
house tower. As the vessel came in front, men, women
and children came on deck, and a sailor took off his cap,

306 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
and swinging it, cried, "Hurrah for the girl in the light
house ! " followed by many others, and on the vessel went
for Liverpool. The second vessel did in like manner.
They did not know then that the little Christian,
thoughtful girl they cheered had saved their lives. She
waited for the third vessel, but it did not come. She
became more distressed about her father, fearing the
robbers had killed him. She opened the good Bible her
mother left her and read, " When father and mother
forsake thee, then the Lord will take thee up." She
prayed and went to her couch. She awoke early. AU was
calm. The causeway was clear. There was a little village
on the beach. She hastened there, and rapped earnestly.
"I am Helen ; my father did not come home. Can you tell
me where he is ? " She hastened to every house. No one
had seen him. She ran down to a little grocery under the
hill. They said he left there with a basket of provisions,
and went up through the woods. They tracked him till
they found tracks where he had been forced off into the
forest. Seven men started to find him. Helen wanted to
go, but the rocks and briers forbade it. She went on to a
large rock, and waited. At night they came back without
him. They cared kindly for Helen, and went the next day.
Helen was on the rock, and some other girls. The men
went some miles, and in a deserted house, in a rear bed
room, they found Helen's father lying on the dirty floor,
nearly dead, his limbs tied, and a gag in his mouth. He
opened his eyes as they approached. They removed the
gag, and cut his bonds. He could but just stand. "Water!
give me water ! " he said. They had none. They put
their arms under his, and marched him homeward. About
sunset, they came in sight of the little village. Helen was
on the rock with some of her mates. " They have found
him, I think. Seven went out, and eight are coming
back." She left the rock upon the run. The wind blew
off her bonnet, but she never halted. As she approached
them, she leaped up and down, saying, " It is my father ! It

EXCITING AND TRAGIC STORIES.

307

is my father! The robbers did not kill you." "Not
quite," he said. "I lit up the light-house," she said.
Right there they both knelt and prayed. He thanked God
for so good a child, and she that her father was spared
to her.
In the early times of England, there is a curious story
whether true or not, the readers must judge. It is said
that two plenipotentiaries were sent from Italy to England.
As Rome was the early seat of science, they supposed them
selves more learned than the English. To test the case,
they took a letter of introduction to the president of
Oxford Collge, for the purpose of measuring heads with
said president. When they had entered the kingdom, they
asked a workman by the wayside to direct them to Oxford
College, and he did so in Latin. Proceeding on their way,
they asked a farmer for further directions, and he gave it
in Greek. Surprised at the knowledge of the common peo
ple, they began to fear the result. The next man, dressed
as a gentleman, of whom they made inquiry, answered
them in Hebrew. They both agreed it was a hopeless case
for them, as the president would be, of course, far more
learned than the common people ; so they changed their
programme and agreed to try him in deaf and dumb signs,
which they proposed to do, after a little time subsequent
to their introduction.
The president said he had never given his attention to
that form of converse, but he had a brother who was an
adept in that line. He was a miller and had but one eye.
He sent his son, requesting him to come to the reception
room, as two gentlemen wished to see him. Supposing it
was for trade, he hastened to meet them. On entering,
one of the gentlemen rose, waving his hand in a dignified
and graceful way, pointed one finger to the miller. He
pointed two toward the Italian.
The other plenipotentiary arose in dignified eclat, and
pointed three fingers at the miller. He closed his hand
suddenly and left the room, but soon called his brother out.

308 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
They said to each other, " These English people have been
misrepresented to us. How quick the miller understood
us. I put out one finger, signifying there was one God.
He put out two fingers, signifying there were two persons
in the Godhead." " I put out three fingers," said the
other official, "and he closed his hand, signifying they
were united in one." Not so did the miller understand it.
He said to his brother, "Why did you introduce me to
those saucy rascals ? One saw I had but one eye, and he
pointed at it. I thought I would treat your guests more
politely, and pointed to two fingers, signifying they were
more blest. But the other man carried on the insult by
pointing three fingers at me, meaning that each of them
and myself made out three eyes, and I doubled up my
fist, signifying I would give them a terrible flogging if they
insulted me more." JUDGE HALE.
Some years since, I read a trial instituted by Judge
Hale, one of the most pious judges that ever sat on the
king's bench of England, who never let business keep him
from family prayer, and who never, it is said, pronounced
the name of God without a solemn pause. There were
two brothers in England who inherited a large fortune
together. They took their possessions, and settled in
Europe among strangers. The younger brother went on a
speculating tour and was gone many months. His older
brother published his death. But he returned. The older
brother disowned him, and took all the large legacy. The
younger brother sought his rights by law. It went
against him in two trials. He appealed, and laid the case
before Judge Hale, as the place was under the jurisdiction
of England. The judge, thinking there was bribery, con
sented to go to the trial disguised in a miller's dress.
"When the jury is impanelled," the judge told him, "he
had a right to object to one juryman, and you can put me

EXCITING AND TRAGIC STORIES. 309
in his place, and I can see the workings." The trial went
on. When the jury were closeted, a man came in, and put
a ten-dollar gold piece in the hands of all the jurymen but
the old miller, to whom he gave five dollars. The foreman
said, "We have decided the case against the younger
brother." Judge Hale arose, and said, "I object to this
decision for various reasons. One is, there was partiality
used. Only five dollars were given me, and the rest had
ten each. Your honor knows this bribery makes the trial
invalid." He then made such an able speech on the sub
ject of law that he astonished every hearer. The presiding
judge said, "Will you please give me your name?" "My
name, sir, is Matthew Hale, the chief judge of the king's
bench, and I order you to leave that seat immediately,
which I shall take, and have a fair trial." He did so, and
gave the young brother his rights in the legacy, and com
pensation for all the expense caused him.
THOUGHTS ON VISITING NIAGARA FALLS, JUNE 20, 1 842.
BY JOHN ALDEN.
Proud Cataract I around thy form
The thunder's peal ; the howling storm
Thou mockest in thy might ;
As erst Creation's work was o'er
No sight like thine from shore to shore
The sun beheld in sight.
On centuries rolled ; nor mortal ear
Thy thunderings heard, or quaked in fear
While bending o'er thy fall ;
Wild beasts and echoing forests' roar
Howled mournful on thy desert shore,
And angels heard thy call.
An Indian, roaming o'er the plain
In rural sports, heard thy hoarse strain
In nature's anthems wild;
Then laid his deadly weapon by,
A savage yell shook earth and sky
From nature's wandering child.

310 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Ages rolled on ; white man at last
Trod Erie's strand, and hastened past
Adown Niagara's stream ;
Islets of green before him stood
Like Delos pinned amid the flood,
Of cataract did not dream.
But rumbling sounds assail his ear ;
The rapids leap ; " God, God is here,"
A deafening peal resounds.
Outlet of all creation, why
Trembles the earth, the air, the sky,
On these enchanted grounds ?
He comes at last upon the verge,
Looks down upon the awful surge
Where tortured waters bound ;
O God of wonders, not in sky,
Thou roll'st like an eternity
Unceasing thunders down.
The present throngs that come and go,
The rich, the poor, the high, the low,
May never bide thee more ;
But thou wilt hymn God's awful praise
To men of other times and days
As thou hast done before.
Come, then, all nations, far and near,
God's voice unceasingly to hear,
And see his rainbow throne.
He speaks — a listening world is still,
All other streamlets seem a rill ;
This wonder stands alone.
North Adams, July 25, 1S42.

CHAPTER XVI.
STORIES FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS.

5*3313? is truly a wonder that Sabbath-schools were not
§ E§l sooner established in the Christian world. Scores
==sH of thousands have been saved through their influ
ence. By far the most conversions have occurred in the
Sabbath-schools. Almost everything depends on the piety
and fidelity of the superintendents and teachers. " Faith
cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." I
will give a few illustrations :
A pious teacher in Central New York faithfully taught
her class, and the wonder was that no more were converted.
After her death, her diary read : " Resolved, I will pray
every day for the conversion of my class." None were
converted. Some time after it read : " Resolved, to visit
and faithfully converse with each pupil, and pray for them,
respecting their conversion." Most of them were soon con
verted. The prayer of faith is always heard.
Some forty years ago, I visited a brother, deacon of a
church in Central Illinois. I arrived at his house just as
he was starting, with a span of horses hitched to a long
wagon full of joyful children, bound for a Sabbath-school
celebration, some twenty miles distant. He said, " You
love to address Sabbath-schools ; please get in the wagon
and go with us." " Nothing could suit me better," I said.
The way was filled with loaded carriages. When we
reached the place, to my surprise, we met an army of little
and great, just ready to march up into a burr-oak grove,
escorted by a number of -bands of music, with the great-
3"

312 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
est throng of children and youth I ever saw in any one
gathering. Many of them had come more than forty miles. They
floated to the breeze many scores of banners, with good,
suggestive mottoes. We entered a vast, beautiful grove.
There were tables, some two hundred feet long, laden with
food. In front of these was a large platform, capable of
seating nearly a hundred, which was well filled, where they
could see the vast throng. It was one of the most inspir
ing scenes, by far, I ever witnessed. Who that love the
souls of men could fail to be eloquent then. The bands
struck up a stirring strain that echoed through the wilder.
ness, cheered by happy thousands. I seem to feel that
inspiration yet, while trying to describe it. After prayer,
the speeches began, and lasted nearly two hours. Two of
the many anecdotes related I will record. A clergyman
said one Sabbath morning he went out into the woods to
meditate and pray. He soon heard the scream of two
parent robins. They had a nest with little birds in it»
about ten feet from the body of a burr-oak tree. The
robins flew rapidly toward the body of the tree from the
limb on which their nest rested, uttering their shriek of
fear and anguish, to drive away a large black snake, crawl
ing up the tree. When he put his head on the limb where
their nest was, they flew into the woods and returned each
with a leaf in its bill. The little birds raised their heads
in fear. The parent bird made a shrill command, and
every head was down, and the leaves drawn over the nest.
The children of the lower order of families obey without
asking any questions.
They continued to fly rapidly, bringing leaves, and soon
covered the nest, ere the snake came to it. Intent on a
feast, the snake attempted to remove the leaves. The
moment his head touched a leaf, he sprang back, perhaps
as quick as he would if it had been a red hot cylinder. He
tried the nest on every side, darted out his tongue in anger,
and came down, and was executed on the spot as a mur-

STORfES FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS. 313
derer. He then climbed up and took some of the leaves
that proved to be a species of the ash, long known to be
poisonous to the snake, but not to any other animal. God
taught them by instinct what to do. The inference that
may be drawn is, that God has given us the Bible, figura
tively called "Leaves for the healing of the nations." The
Bible says, "The old serpent, the Devil, goeth about like a
roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." He is striving
to enter the hearts of all, as much as the serpent did the
bird's nest. What will keep him out ? He will try to
destroy by making all tell lies, curse and swear, steal, rob,
get drunk and commit murder and all kinds of sins. Fill
the mind with God's holy word, the healing leaves, and if
it is blest to the conversion of the soul, if he tries to enter
the heart, he will draw back. Nothing does Satan hate
like holiness. He felt the holiness of Christ so much, he
cried out, "Hast thou come to torment us before the
time ! "
The next anecdote was of a youth, who, on the gallows,
said, "There were just five steps that brought me here:
I. Disobedience to parents. II. Sabbath - breaking. III.
Stealing. IV. Drunkenness. V. Murder." I requested,
all to repeat over these steps several times. Near the
close of the speaking, as quite a number had. gone some
ways into the woods, the marshall requested me to have
them repeat over the five steps of the murderer in the story
I had told, and when the fifth step was repeated, he
requested it to be repeated "murder" as loud as possible.
This brought the wanderers back on the run, and had the
desired effect to keep them from straying more.
In 1835, a very pious young lady came into the village
of Hamilton, N. Y., and asked the superintendent of the
Sabbath-school if any teachers were wanted. " Not now,"
he said. "Please hold yourself ready, if there is an open
ing." " Would there be any objections to my gathering a
class if I can ? " " Certainly not ; but a thorough canvass
has been made." She went to work in the highways and

314 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
hedges, and obtained a number, which a benevolent society
clothed up for her, and brought them into the school.
Soon she had a pew full. She visited them at their homes,
talked and prayed with them. When any were converted,
she put them in another class, and filled their place with
others. In a little over twenty years of such labor, just
thirty were brought under her instruction, and twenty-nine
were hopefully converted. When this good teacher was on
her dying bed with consumption, she said, " I have a good
hope for twenty-nine of my pupils, that they will be gems
in the Saviour's diadem, and my eternal source of rejoic
ing. But there is one girl of my class so vain and so
sceptical, I never could make her feel her lost condition so
as to ask for mercy." The door was ajar, and this girl
heard her teacher's mournful utterance. She had come to
have her sick teacher pray for her. She could wait no
longer, but rushed into the sick room, threw her arms
around her teacher's neck, saying, " Pray for me ; your
prayers have been answered for all the class but me."
Then and there, amid sobs and tears, she gave her heart
to God. Her teacher, in a dying condition, said, " Now I
can die in peace, with the hope of meeting all my dear
pupils in heaven, as so many jewels in the Saviour's dia
dem and my crown of eternal joy."
MISCELLANEOUS FACTS.
A good practical anecdote for ministers, which I heard
many years ago, I will relate. Two theological students
studied with a devout clergyman ; we will call their names
Peter and John. After many years, they met their good
old teacher at his house. " Well," said the old minister,
" I am happy to meet you here. Will you please, Brother
Peter, to tell me what has been your success in the pas
torate ? " He replied with downcast eyes, " Scarcely none
at all. I have ransacked the universe for strong expres
sions, and terrific illustrations. I have reiterated the awful

STORIES FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS.

315

thunderings of Sinai, and the eternal wailings of the lost
soul. My hearers have come, iistened, and gone away
unconverted, with few exceptions. I am greatly discour
aged." " Well, Brother John, how have you succeeded ? "
" Far better than I expected," said the meek John. " I
have preached faithfully the law, and Christ, the end of the
law for righteousness. I have dwelt much on the bound
less love of Christ and the precious rewards he gives his
children. I have a large, loving, harmonious church, into
which I have received scores of happy servants of the Lord.
We have very frequent additions." " Well," said the good
teacher, " you are both fishermen. You, John, have gone
out with your long, slender rod, silken line, and hook well
baited, cast the hook with care, hardly making a ripple.
The fish, attracted by the bait, have seized it, and you have
gathered a great number. But you, Peter, went out as
with a ten-foot pole, and cod-hook, and thrashed it into the
water, and said, ' Bite, or be damned ! ' and you have
scared the fish away."
Several years since, I read the following story in the
Christian Secretary, of Hartford, Conn., which I shall try
to repeat as well as memory will do it. In one of the
countries of Europe, a portion of the standing army was
paid off at the close of their time of service. The captain
said to one of the soldiers, "Give me a ten-dollar gold
piece, and I will give you advice worth more to you than
the money." Having full confidence in his captain, he did
it. The advice was: "I. When you travel, go straight
ahead as far as possible. II. Mind your own business.
III. Never do anything in anger." As they parted, the
captain gave the soldier a loaf of bread, saying, "When
you are perfectly happy, eat it." A fellow soldier left with
him. They soon came to a steep hill. The soldier said,
" Here is a level road. Let us take it, and avoid the hill."
" No," said the other ; " my advice was, 'go straight ahead.' "
"Well, I am going the level road, in the woods." He was
robbed and murdered. The surviving soldier concluded to

316 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
stop on his way home with a rich man, once a class-mate.
At their supper, he was astonished to see the wife of his
friend drink her tea out of the skull of a human being.
Being very happy in their mutual meeting, they sat up to a
late hour. He was very curious to know the cause of such
a strange act, but remembering the advice, "Mind your
own business," he asked no questions. Ere they retired,
his friend said, " You may wish to know why my wife had
such a strange teacup. One of her old lovers was a little
too familiar with my wife to suit me, and I killed him, cut
off his head, threw his body into a cavern on my farm, and
I have made her drink her tea out of his skull. If you had
been too familiar, I might have served you in like manner."
In the morning he left for home, glad he had followed the
advice of his captain. He reached his home in early even
ing. The curtains were down, yet he saw, through an
opening, his wife in the rear part, sitting in the lap of a
man, whom she was hugging and kissing. In anger, he
raised his rifle to shoot them, but thinking of the advice,
" Do nothing in anger," he sat down his rifle, walked to the
rear door, and, on entering, to his inexpressible joy, he
found his son in his mother's lap. He had just been
admitted to Cardinal honors, which so pleased the mother,
she could not so well give relief to herself as to hug and
kiss her honored boy. He then felt "perfectly happy," and
calling for a knife, he cut open the given loaf, and the ten-
dollar gold piece fell on the floor.
A tragic event occurred to me when I was settled at
Shelburne Falls, which I will describe as it occurred to me,
as nearly as I can remember.
A man at the Falls, as I was going to Greenfield, wished
me to take out one thousand dollars in money from the
bank. I was delayed in getting it, so as to lose the public
conveyance. Fearing that the stable-man might rob me, I
concluded to walk home, as it was only nine miles. As I
came to the base of the Snelburne hill, where a brook
crosses the road, at about sunset, I saw three rough-looking

STORIES FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS.

317

men on horse-back, coming down through the woods, two
abreast and the other in the rear. I saw him take a pis
tol from his pocket, examine it, and put it back. As the
two passed me, the rear ruffian dismounted, drew out his
pistol, saying, "Give me the thousand dollars you took at
the bank." I replied coolly as I could, " I have no money
for you. You are in bad business, and had better ride
along." Cocking his pistol, and presenting it to my heart,
he said, " Your money or your life." The other two roughs
headed their horses towards us, ready to aid. One cried
out, "Make quick work with him, if he does not hand over."
I was standing on the culvert. The water that ran through
it fell off down the rocks, covered with staddles and briers.
I said, " If you are going to kill me unless I give up the
money, I had better lose the money." The fashion then
was wide-brim hats and tight pants. I had in my mind
what to do, but I did not want to do it while a cocked pis
tol was pointed at my heart. So I was slow in getting out
the money. " Hurry up," he said. I replied, " They make
pants so that it is hard to get anything in or out of them,"
and went to unbuttoning my vest and waistbands, keeping
my eyes on the pistol.
When, as I expected his arm would tire, he pointed the
pistol down, I drew my fist from my pocket, and struck him
in the throat with all my might. He dropped the pistol,
and I sprang to catch it, when one of the men said to the
other, "Hold my horse!" and he sprang for the pistol,
about as near him as me. To avoid being shot, I leaped
from the culvert or bridge, and went into the bushes and
briers, sinking down, down, when my wife cried out, "Hus
band, what are you kicking so for?" "Why, to get away
from these robbers." "What robbers?" "Here, at the
foot of Shelburne hill." "You are not there ; you are here
in the nursery." "Merciful heaven!" I exclaimed. I
trembled over the shock, which seemed perfectly real. I
then told my wife the dream, when she burst into a laugh,

318 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
saying, "These are your non-resistent principles carried
out." A REAL ROBBER STORY.
Soon after my settlement at Shelburne Falls, I visited,
during a vacation, Boston and Providence, and raised over
one thousand dollars to build us a church. I took my wife
with me, and left her at her father's in Cambridgeport.
I had agreed to spend a night on our return at a Mr.
Piper's, eight miles from Ervings Grant. I arrived at
Ervings Grant, ordered supper and horse fed, and about
sundown left for Piper's. I had the bills, just as they were
given, in a large pocket-book. I put some in a wallet, to
pay as I went, but had to take out all the money. Two men
in the bar-room saw that pile of bills, and left, and were
harnessing a horse to a wagon as I passed the stable.
My course was down the Miller's river, for nearly three
miles. It was then mostly woods, and not a house on the
way. Before I entered the woods, I saw these two men
in an open wagon coming, driving their horse upon the run.
Fortunately I had a horse, owned by Deacon Alden, my
brother, given for the occasion, that he said had trotted
fifteen miles in an hour, and a new chaise and harness.
Having heard a robbery was attempted on that road a few
months previous, I was pretty sure what was the object.
Having travelled the road, I knew down a mile or so was a
little cleared spot, and that there they would try to head
me. My wife knew nothing of their seeing the money, to
whom I said, "Put your hand strong in the guard, as I
mean to go through these woods quickly." As we neared
this opening, they whipped their horse and yelled to him.
I had a whip that I had not drawn from its socket on all
my way till then, and touched my horse but lightly. She
sprang furiously, and they failed. There was one more
opening farther dow n, and the last one on my way. A most
desperate effort was there made, and their carriage came up

STORIES FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS.

319

to the side of mine. I snapped my whip, with a most em
phatic phrase. She bounded like a deer out of their reach.
Only one more dangerous spot. It was where the road
left a bend in the river and went up a steep hill. There I
knew the power of the horses would be tested. I simply
snapped my whip with a cheer, and she never broke her
lightning trot until I heard the wagon rumbling no more.
I stopped my horse, and heard one of them say, " D — t ; it
is of no use. They have a race horse in their chaise."
All this time Mrs. Alden had not said a word. When
she found the chase was over, she said, " What did those
men mean to chase us so for ? " I said, " They were in a
hurry, I suppose." "What made them stop at the bottom
of the hill ? " " Because they had gone as far as they
wished." I heard them cramp their wagon and turn back.
" You can't make me believe you Was not afraid of being
robbed." " If you-are sure I cannot, then I will not try."
Soon we passed two houses lit up for the evening. She
exclaimed, "I never was so glad to see a house." She
never knew the whole story until we were safely
home. This good Mr. Piper had a saw mill, and a large amount
of lumber. The mill Was near his house, so if one burnt the
other would. We were awakened about daylight by the
roar of fire among the pines near his house. The wind was
driving the fire towards his buildings. It was then about
twenty rods distant. " What shall I do ? " he said. "It is
all I am worth, and there is no insurance on either build
ing." The fire would strike the mill first. " Set a counter
fire," I said instantly. " Set it a rod or So from the mill."
"That will surely burn it." I said, "If I set fire ih three
places, will you agree to stop my fire from going to the
mill ? " "Yes," he said ; "we can do this." And we did.
Soon the fire we set met the other, and it Was joyous to see
Vulcan fight Vulcan, throwing fire at each other. " My dear
brother," said Mr. Piper in tears, "you have saved me
over three thousand dollars."

320 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
More than fifty years ago, I learned a fact that perhaps
has saved me several thousand dollars. A lawyer in
Rochester, N. Y., had a watch stolen from him in a
theatre. He advertised for it, " I will give fifty dollars for
it, and no questions shall be asked. The watch is not worth
half that, only as it was a present from my deceased father."
A man called as he was alone in his office, saying, " Is that
your watch?" "Yes." "Are you ready to redeem your
pledge ? " He paid the fifty dollars, and put the watch in
his pocket. " I said, ' no questions should be asked,' yet I
am very anxious to know how you took my watch." "Do
you remember a man approached you in the theatre, saying,
'Let me snap that spider off your brow?'" "Yes." "It
was then I took your watch." " Well, I am glad I have
it safe in my pocket." "Good-day," said the thief, and
passed out of sight. The attorney thought he would look
at the watch, but lo ! in showing him how he took it, he
departed with the watch and fifty dollars.
In my agency for Foreign Missions, in Northern New
England, and for the Bible Society, for Southern New Eng
land, I have travelled many thousand miles, and carried
many thousand dollars, and have never lost a dollar, though
several attempts were made. When an agent, I was about
taking the cars at Hartford for Providence. It was an
occasion that brought many on the platform for tickets. I
noticed two men hurrying up others to get tickets, but got
none themselves. Mistrusting their game, I thought I
would wait till the crowd were served, and avoid them.
On approaching the ticket- office, I felt a hunch under
my arm, done to avert attention from my pocket. I
turned very suddenly, and one of these men drew his hand
from my pantaloons pocket. Nothing was in his hand. I
went up to the ticket-office, and feeling for my pocket-book,
I found it was gone, and seventy dollars in it. I could then
in no way account for the mystery. I left a full descrip
tion of the contents with the treasurer of the railroad, and
my address. Very soon a letter came, saying, "Your

STORIES FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS.

321

pocket-book and contents were found. The man that
clears the track, seeing a piece of coal, as he supposed,
turned it over, which proved to be your wallet of black
morocco, with the metalic clasp on the underside." I can
think of no solution, except that he brought the purse, so
that as I turned, being nearly balanced, I threw it against
my overcoat, and it fell beside the rail.
I am desirous of presenting such anecdotes as give prac
tical instruction, as well as amusement. I have ever
admired the trait in President Lincoln, leading him to bear
up under care and trouble, by relating some humorous
story that kept up his own healthful cheerfulness, and
aided others as well. Many anecdotes that I have, and
expect to record, have added much to my happiness during
a long life, and kept me a whole atmosphere above gloomy
land and the slough of despondency. I truly hope they
may harm no one, but aid them as they have aided me.
The letters inserted are numerous, but they are from
friends greatly beloved, and we want to keep them choicely
where we can ever find them.

CHAPTER XVII.
EARTH'S LAST SON.
BY REV. JOHN ALDEN, PROVIDENCE, R. I
[The venerable and beloved author of the following poem was formerly
pastor of the Central Baptist church, Westfield, Mass., and for ten years
agent of the American and Foreign Bible Society, and is favorably known to
many of our readers. He informs us that the subject of the poem was
assigned him while in Amherst college, so it was written more than fifty
years ago. It is certainly a creditable production.]
fGES on ages rolled I when lo, a scourge
Of direful pestilence swept to the verge
Of an eternity all living mould
Save one, of spirit fearless, dauntless, bold.
Earth wore a solemn stillness : not a breath,
Nor breeze, nor voice, nor sound was heard, for death
All living had destroyed, save this one man
On earth's sepulchral ball her scenes to scan.
Backward in gloom the wheels of time he rolled,
To break his revery and communion hold
With nations past, that lately peopled earth
Intent on scenes of life, of joy and mirth.
The shades of ages past rushed on his mind.
His spirit sank within him thus to find
All had gone on to j udgment. He alone
Was left on earth to grieve, to weep and moan,
The double night of ages he'd beheld,
Passing from earth away, by truth dispelled.
Old Juggernaut, and heathen fane and shrine,
Fired on one pile, made morn millennium shine.
Far back that glorious era, yet a light
Refulgent shines, its annals still are bright.
But now funereal gloom broods o'er the world ;
Earth, thou art desolate, to judgment hurled 322

TRIBUTE TO MY WIFE.

323

Are all thy sons save me, alas 1 he said ;
Would I were mingled with the mighty dead.
Where now Columbia's glorious name f
Proud rival Albion, too, equaled in fame f
Both raised a world to life — themselves no more ;
Gone, gone to oblivion's peaceful shore.
Where Asia's thousand tribes, and Afric's hordes P
Mute are they all. Alas I the earth affords
Naught but a scene of mourning. Every dome
Is silent as the grave, and none a home.
What now are earthly honors ? What a name ?
The loftiest station and the brightest fame ?
All now promiscuous sleep the dreamless sleep,
And not a friend on earth survives to weep I
As fancy, oft by superstition led,
To roam the mansions of the sainted dead,
Has viewed by shadowy eve's unfaithful gloom
A weeping seraph on a martyr's tomb, -.
So a bright choir of angels from the skies
Looked down upon the scene, then turned their eyes
And back retired far in the realms of light,
Grieved here on earth to see the dismal sight.
Why stopped all nature for awhile to moan ?
Why wept the heavens, and uttered forth a groan ?
Why shrank appalled the sun and moon from sight,
And left the world in one chaotic night ?
Man, man had died, the mighty and the brave,
And none were left to lay them in the grave I
Roll, waves of ocean, roll ! no more a tomb
To trembling mariner, e'en now in gloom
Of horror shrouded, on thy restless bed
Ships wildly float, all freighted with the dead,
To shores where all is death I Burst, fires that burn
In earth ! burst your eternal flames, an urn
Of fiery death; 'twould harmless deluge be ;
For none on earth to be destroyed but me.
Earth, thou art desolate — oh, horrid gloom,
Worse than the pall, the bier, the knell, the tomb.
Ah, what is man on nature's awful waste
Without a friend, deep of the cup to taste
With sorrow mingled ? Ah, me 1 — ah, me 1
Let down, ye heavens, an arm of charity,
And take me up where morn eternal shines,
And seraphs' burning lay all heaven refines.
Earth, thou art ripe for judgment — this be thy doom,
That God Almighty lay thee in the tomb.

324 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Roll judgment thunders I shake the vaulted sky ;
Sound, Gabriel's trump ! sound from on high,
That earth shall be no more ! But, ah I no sound;
Silence instead reigns undisputed round.
Go, sun, proud light, when from thy station driven,
Thrown into chaos from thy seat in heaven,
Go, tell, as thou art falling, loud and clear,
A listening universe what thou sawest here.
Tell thou hast seen a lonely mortal stand,
Of earth sole tenant, whose uplifted hand
On heaven fixed, feared not a burning world,
Or falling universe to chaos hurled !
Tell that in me a spark will brightly shine
When cold thy face, and not a ray is thine.
Bright starry gems, that crown the ethereal blue,
Look down on me alone, yet I, when you
Are dark, will shine a seraph far above,
Where all is glory infinite, angelic love :
Awhile I mourn alone, yet soon shall be
An heir to angels' joys eternally.
— [From the Christian Secretary, S. D. Phelps, D. D, Editor.
I feel that I should leave undone a pleasant duty, should
I fail to pay a slight tribute to my dear wife in these pages,
and I hope none will consider it inappropriate. Delicate
in structure, sensitive in temperament, reared among
surroundings of culture and refinement, protected from all
harsh things of the world in a Christian home, it would not
seem strange had she failed to meet the requirements of
the life of care and responsibility to which I introduced her
immediately following our marriage. On the contrary, her
natural capacities soon developed themselves, and she at
once entered upon a career of usefulness, with dignity and
uncommon adaptation. In our work at Shelburne Falls
Academy, she was my right-hand helper, and many a soul
was brought to the Saviour through her instrumentality.
At North Adams, and all through our mutual labors, she
has ever been an invaluable aid to those who were striving
for a better life ; cheering the despondent, encouraging the
despairing, speaking words of strength to the weak, and re
joicing with the joyful, always firm and unflinching in the

TRIBUTE TO MY WIFE.

32S

right, and allowing no compromise with wrongdoings. She
is still my most trusted and faithful helpmeet, and it is my
hope and prayer that the gates may open for us both not
far apart.
" When the spring of life was in its bloom, and hope gave zest to youth,
We at the sacred altar stood, and plighted vows of truth.
And since, though changeful years have passed, with joys and sorrows rife,
Yet never did I see a change in her, my faithful wife.
"Her gentle love my cares have soothed, her smiles each joy enhanced,
As fondly, through progressive years, together we've advanced ;
Though calmly now the current flows, we've known misfortune's strife.
Yet ever did she cheer my woes, my faithful, loving wife.
"And ever since that joyous day I blessed her as my bride,
In joy or sorrow, calm or storm, I found her at my side ;
And when the summons from above shall close the scene of life,
May I be called to rest with thee, my true and faithful wife."

WM^aHfes^jw

mmmsmmm

AULD LANG SYNE.

326 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
DEATH OF HON. GEORGE C. ALDEN.
I gave a tribute in this book to this worthy nephew, and
I regret to announce the following from the Greenfield
Gazette and Courier :
"The funeral of George C. Alden, Esq., took place at
the residence of his mother on Mechanic street, at three
o'clock, Monday afternoon, Rev. A. M. Crane officiating.
The Grand Army Post, Alethian Lodge of Odd Fellows and
Mountain Lodge of Masons, with whom he always frater
nized when here, each furnished two bearers. The body
was brought from Fort Collins, Col. He was interred in
Arms cemetery, in accordance with an often expressed
wish, by the side of his father and only brother, one of the
most beautiful country cemeteries in the State, where the
near surrounding grand old hills and the murmuring of his
favorite river makes everything so restful. He was born in
Ashfield, Aug. 5th, 1829, being directly descended from
the old Mayflower John Alden. At an early age he moved
to this village, which was scarcely more than a hamlet, and
his father dying when he was quite young, he began the
serious part of life without property. But he was no lag
gard. He did what his hands found to do cheerfully and
thoroughly, always dividing with his sisters, brother and
mother. He was one of the pioneer workers in the cutlery.
He fitted for college here, and earned the money for his
tuition, board and clothes by working out of school hours.
He was familiar with the haunts of the game on the hill
sides and the hiding places of the largest trout in the
mountain brooks. He was full of life, with a remarkable
memory, and always relished a joke, even at his own
expense. He graduated at Colby University in Waterville,
Me., studied law, and was admitted to the bar there, and
soon after opened an office in Buffalo. He was soon rec
ognized as a man of mark, and was quite successful.
There he married the accomplished wife who survives him.
He next removed to Annawan, 111., where he built up a

TRIBUTE TO MY WIFE. 327
large practice for that section, and became an extensive
land owner.
"Early in the war he made great sacrifices to enlist, and
was chosen quartermaster of his regiment. While foraging
for supplies for his almost famished regiment, which was at
the front, he was surprised and captured. For many long
months he was incarcerated in rebel prisons, and came very
near dying. During the bombardment of Charleston, he
was placed in the top of the post-office building, with other
prominent Unionists, for the purpose that they might pre
vent the shelling of the city, or be the first to be killed.
But they never tamed him. They were as afraid of his
tongue as they were of bullets, and, no doubt, felt a great
relief when he was exchanged. After the war, he returned
home and resumed his law practice, but very soon after re
ceived an appointment from President Grant, as special
agent of the Treasury Department, which he accepted, dis
charging the difficult and many times dangerous duties of
the office with singular fidelity to the interests of the Gov
ernment for a period of nearly eight years.
" He was shrewd and uncompromising in his defense of
a client, and untiring in his attacks upon an opponent, yet
he was always warm-hearted and generous. He lived for
many years in Galesburg, practising law, and dealing in real
estate and stocks. For the last few years he has resided in
Fort Collins, Col., being interested in several large ranches
near by, which were heavily stocked with horses and cattle.
When he died, he was at one of his ranches, about twenty
miles from Fort Collins. He was confined to the house
about a fortnight, and was not considered dangerously sick
but a few days. One year ago, he delivered an eloquent
memorial address at Fort Collins, and this year presided at
the exercises, and delivered a short stirring address. When
the body arrived at Fort Collins, the Grand Army boys
took it in charge and paid it all possible honors. In the far
West he leaves a widow and son. In this village, a mother
over ninety years old, and three sisters, besides many sor-

328 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
rowing friends wherever he has resided. When stricken
down in the midst of his usefulness and many plans, he
was just getting ready to develop a valuable mining interest
in Boulder City, Col. He was always so cheery and
friendly, none of his friends thought of his dying first. He
will be greatly missed, and his near and dear relatives will
have the heartfelt sympathy of all."
I clip a few lines from an article in the Fort Collins
Courier; "Died, July 17, 1888, at Box Elder Canon, Col., George
C. Alden, a good man, a useful citizen, and much loved,
has fallen on the highway of life, and many hearts are
laden with sorrow. Judge Alden was summoned from
earthly scenes when it was hardest to part with him.
Physically, mentally and socially, there were few men his
equal. None knew him but to admire him. Though hav
ing given up the practice of law as a profession, he fre
quently allowed his sympathies to enlist his active efforts
in behalf of a friend, and in this way has appeared at the
bar of our courts on several occasions. No man in North
ern Colorado was held in higher esteem by all classes, and
no man had more friends than Judge Alden. His was a
generous, sympathetic nature, and a plea for deserving
charity was never made to him in vain. He was ever
ready to contribute liberally and freely to all worthy objects,
and was recognized as a generous, public-spirited citizen.
He leaves a large estate to be shared by his widow and
only child, William C. Alden."

PART III,

CHAPTER XVIII.
THE PILGRIM FATHERS.
HE reign of England's Virgin Queen, Elizabeth,
was characterized by many changes and reforms,
among which that relating to the church was one
of the most important. The reformation, under Henry VIII.,
and the ecclesiastical changes during the succeeding reigns
of Edward and Mary, had proved very unsatisfactory. The
corruptions and abuses existing in the church of Rome led
many of the clergy and people to rebel against it ; and
resulted, during Elizabeth's reign, in the year 1559, in an
act of Parliament, abolishing Mass, adopting the thirty-nine
articles as the religion of the State, and recognizing the
queen as the head of the church. Thus the religion of
England was changed in a single day from Roman Catholic
to Protestant.
This change, however, did not prove satisfactory, there
being many who objected to what they called the half-way
policy of the new church ; and these people set about to
introduce a form of worship more consistent with their own
views. In 1564, they were given the name of "Puritans," a term
of derision, because they sought a purer form of worship,
and insisted upon a purer life. They were mostly com
moners, men of sterling character, and loyal to their queen.
They believed in a State church, but sought to form that
church after a higher pattern. This they were not allowed
to do, and those who persisted in using forms differing
from the established church were punished. 33i

332 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Thinking men among them were thus led to question the
justice of the authority of the State in religious matters,
and finally came to the conclusion that a body of men might
band themselves together and form a church, which should
be independent. The putting in practice of these doc
trines caused them to be named Separatists, or Indepen
dents, afterward called, in New England, Congregationalists.
They claimed the perfect independence of each congrega
tion, answerable to no Bishop or council, acknowledging
but one head of the church, God.
They were subjected to much persecution, and for this
reason, about the year 1610, a congregation of these
people sought a refuge from their persecutors in Holland»
where they had heard every one was free to worship God
according to the dictates of his own conscience. Their first
place of residence was at Amsterdam, from whence they
removed to Leyden,* a university town of considerable
popularity. Here were educated many men of note. Their
sojourn in Leyden covered a period of about ten or twelve
years, during which they were blessed with the ministry of
the Rev. John Robinson, a wise leader in civil as well as
religious affairs. His name has been handed to us as the
able and loving pastor, the wise counsellor and faithful
friend, true to the interests of his flock on both sides
of the Atlantic, and who, if he had been allowed, would
have joined the exile band in the New World. He died in
1625. His family succeeded in reaching the Plymouth
Colony, in 1630, and many of his name in New England
trace back their ancestry to the beloved pastor of the
church at Leyden.
The life of the Pilgrims in Holland was one of trial
and hardship, not, however, without compensations ; for

* " The university of Leyden was established in 1575. It has been at times
one of the most celebrated in Europe, and from its reputation the city
was called the ' Athens of the West ' and the ' North Star of Holland.'
Arminiers, Grotius, Lepsius, Junius, Vossius, Descartes, Scaliger, Samasius
and Booerhave were among its distingushed professors and scholars."
— [ Morton's New England Memorial.

THE PILGRIM FATHERS.

333

although they were compelled to follow vocations for which
they were unprepared, and were subject to many privations
and discouragements amid a strange people, they kept the
bond of Christian fellowship unbroken, and took great
comfort in the "freedom to worship God" after their
heart's desire. From the few recorded details of their life
there, we believe them to have exerted an influence for
good in the community, and that they maintained their high
character for integrity, industry and fidelity, we cannot
doubt, if the small number who migrated to America was a
sample of the majority who remained behind.
The customs and manners of the Dutch people, together
with their irreverence for the Sabbath, with its baneful
effects upon their youth ; the fear that they would in time
lose their identity as English men ; the impossibility of
educating their children as they themselves had been
educated ; and, more than all, the desire to be the means of
spreading the religion of Christ, led them to look about
for another home, where they would be freed from the
contaminations and restrictions of the Old World.
At first, they thought of Guiana, which had been de
scribed in glowing colors by Raleigh, but afterward turned
their attention to the new colonies, and decided to seek a
settlement in Northern Virginia. For this purpose agents
visited England, and after much delay, obtained a grant of
land from the Plymouth Company.
Funds were raised to defray the expenses of emigration,
and two vessels were hired, the " Mayflower " and the
"Speedwell," to convey a pioneer company of these brave
people across the sea.
Their last meeting in Holland, at the sea-port of Delft,
has been pictured on canvas, and a copy hangs in Pilgrim
Hall, at Plymouth.
The "beloved pastor" is represented as invoking the
Divine blessing upon the little band. Sad, tearful faces
cluster around, and the grief of parting, mingled with the

334 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
hope of better things to come, is depicted in the counte
nances and attitudes of all.
The Pilgrims sailed from Delft Haven, July 22, 1620, for
Southampton, Eng., where they remained two weeks, lay
ing in such stores as were necessary for their voyage.
They were here joined by several friends who desired to
accompany them. At the end of this time they again set
sail, but after a few days the Speedwell proved unsafe, and
they were obliged twice to go back to port, and were
finally compelled to abandon her, and transfer her pas
sengers to the Mayflower, thus crowding the little craft to
its utmost capacity.
On the 6th of September, 1620, they once more put to
sea, this time bidding a final farewell to old England ; and
after a long, tiresome and boisterous voyage, reached the
shores of Cape Cod. This was not the point intended as
their destination, as their grant of land lay near the mouth
of the Hudson. They, however, after making an unsuc
cessful attempt to pursue their voyage, came to anchor,
November 11 ( O. S. ), in Provincetown harbor.
This is one of the best harbors on all the Atlantic coast,
and it seems providential that they were guided to it. One
may imagine the relief and sense of thankfulness that
must have been theirs to look once more on the solid
earth, after this dreary voyage of over four months. Four
months' imprisonment in the close quarters of the little
Mayflower was quite different from a trip across the Atlantic
in these days. That the spirit of thanksgiving was upper
most among them, is evidenced by their first act after cast
ing anchor, which was to " fall on their knees and bless the
God of heaven, who had brought them over the vast and
furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and
miseries thereof." When we think of the prospects of
these wayfarers at that time, we cannot but wonder at the
courage and faith that sustained them. Winter coming
on ; no shelter on land, and soon to be none on the sea, as
the captain of the Mayflower was impatient to return to

THE PILGRIM FATHERS.

335

England ; short of provisions ; weakened in body by long
confinement on ship-board ; an unknown country before
them, perhaps infested by unknown foes. We who enjoy
the benefits so dearly bought by them cannot admire
enough the sublime fortitude, the unconquering courage,
and the unquestioning faith which ennobled these grand
heroes of the Mayflower, and made them the loved and hon
ored " Founders of New England."
The next thing to be done was to fix upon a place of set
tlement, and with this object in view, a series of exploring
parties were soon started, which finally resulted in the set
tlement at Plymouth, Dec. 20, 1620. During this search,
the members of the company, with the exception of those
on the expedition, remained on board the Mayflower ; and
while thus detained in the harbor, four of the number died.
To help fill the vacant places, two children had been born,
one at sea, named Oceanus, in honor of his place of birth,
and the other, Peregrine White, so named in token of the
pilgrimage then in progress, and who is distinguished as
the first white child born within the limits of New Eng
land. The third, and last exploring party, consisted of fourteen
men, including Carver, Bradford, Winslow and Standish.
They set sail on December 6, intending to make a circuit
of the bay. The first day they ranged along the shore, but
found no place to satisfy them. Next morning occurred
the first encounter with the Indians, but fortunately with
no serious results. A severe storm of snow and rain, the
following afternoon, drove them to harbor, and a landing
was made at night on Clark's Island, so named from the
mate of the Mayflower, who first stepped ashore. The
next day proved warm and pleasant, and daylight showed
to them their situation, which, by comparing with the map
of Capt. John Smith, they found to be named thereon
" Plymouth." This being Saturday, they remained on the
island, putting their shallop and arms in order, and prepar
ing to keep the Sabbath.

336 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Sunday, we have every reason to believe, from the char
acter of the voyagers, was kept as a day of rest and wor
ship. An immense granite boulder on this island is to-day
called "Pulpit Rock," from the supposition that the first
service on shore was held here. Some one has in
scribed upon it these words (recorded in Mourt's Journal) :
"The Sabbath-day we rested." The Monday following
was destined to become a day long to be remembered and
honored by a grateful people, as the beginning of New
England history ; for on this day the first landing was
made on Plymouth Rock, a name now known to all the
world as emblematic of the men who first stepped upon it,
and the government which they established to withstand
the shocks of all subsequent time securely "founded upon
a rock." The day's discoveries confirmed the impressions made
before landing. They found a country provided with all
necessary advantages. A good harbor, natural fortifica
tions, plenty of clear water, wood of numerous kinds, and,
best of all, much cleared land which had been occupied and
cultivated by the Indians. A few years previous, a terri
ble scourge had visited this region, carrying off thousands
of the native population, thus leaving for these exiles lands
ready prepared for them.
In considering all these varied experiences, who can
doubt the agency of a higher power in directing these Pil
grims to the landing place at Plymouth !
The return to the Mayflower, after a week's absence,
proved a sorrowful meeting. The sad fate of Dorothy, the
young wife of Bradford, who fell overboard during his ab
sence and was drowned, and also the death of James Chil
ton, the day after, cast a gloom over the ship's company,
and gave the returning explorers a sorrowful welcome.
Many others were suffering from disease, and the condition
of all was most deplorable, so that there was no time to
spend in mourning for the dead. Their anxiety now was
to prepare a place for the living as speedily as possible.

THE PILGRIM FATHERS 33;
Accordingly, the next day saw the Mayflower on the way
to her destination, coming to anchorage on Saturday,
December 16, in Plymouth harbor, where they remained
until Monday. Four days later, they decided upon a loca
tion, and commenced preparations for building.
For the ensuing three months the little colony endured
great trials and privations. Sickness and death was a con
stant guest among them. Nearly one half of the number
died during this time, while many more were prostrated by
disease, there being at one time only seven well persons to
provide and care for the sick. The scarcity of provisions,
and the eating of food prepared with sea salt, together
with severe cold and exposure, were instrumental in produc
ing this devastating sickness.
The dividing into families and apportioning land, resulted
in establishing nineteen families, each to build its own
house, casting lots for choice of location. These house
lots were very small, being only three rods long by one and
one-half rods broad. The houses were placed on each side
of the street now called Leyden street. They were built
of hewn white oak logs, cemented together with mortar,
and contained but one room. The roofs were thatched
with dry swamp grass, after the style of many houses, even
of the better class, in England, at that time.
A large building for storage was also erected, and as fast
as possible goods and families were transferred from ship
to shore, though fully eight months passed from the time
they first embarked from Delft Haven before the last pas
sengers were provided with houses on shore, and then
scarcely more than one half the original number were left
to occupy them.
A fort was also prepared ; and Captain Standish formed
a military company, and placed five cannon upon Fort Hill,
this precaution being taken to insure the safety of the vil
lage in case of a possible attack by the Indians.
The month of March seems to have brought in warm,
pleasant weather, quite unlike the March of the present

338 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
day in New England, for we read in Bradford's journal of
the "singing of birds," and the first thunder-storm.
The visit of Samoset, chief of the Mohegans, about this
time, was an event of great importance to the colony. His
ability to speak English enabled him to furnish much
desirable information relating to the country, its inhabitants
and its resources.
He introduced to them Tisquantum, or Squanto, as he
was commonly called, who became a most valuable friend
and aid. He had been kidnapped by a Captain Hunt, and
taken to England, but was afterward returned, only to find
his tribe exterminated and himself alone.
From associating with white men, he had come to adopt,
in a measure, their ways of living, and so gladly became a
member of the little band at Plymouth, sharing their priva
tions and dangers, and proving an invaluable help to them
as a guide and interpreter. On this visit of Samoset with
Squanto, he brought notice of the near approach of Massa-
soit, the great Sachem of the Wampanoags, accompanied
by sixty warriors. This news created intense excitement,
for the coming interview was fraught with interests vital to
the safety of the colony.
When the Indian chief and his retinue appeared at the
top of the hill, Squanto was sent to inquire his wishes, re
turning with the request from Massasoit, that a messenger
be sent to confer with him.
Edward Winslow was the man appointed, and at once set
out to meet the savage chief. He had not neglected to
provide himself with gifts with which to insure his welcome.
A pair of knives and a copper chain with jewels attached
were presented to the chief, and to a brother of the chief
he gave a knife, an earring, a pot of strong waters, some
biscuit and some butter, the latter of which they ate and
drank, much pleased.
Winslow then addressed them in substance, as follows :
"That King James saluted the Indian ruler with peace and
love, accepting him as a friend and ally, and that the Gov-

THE PILGRIM FATHERS.

339

ernor desired to see him, that he might confirm a peace
with him, establish neighborly relations, and open a trade
for mutual benefit."
Massasoit was much pleased with this speech as it was in
terpreted to him, and leaving Winslow with his brother as
a hostage, and taking twenty warriors with bows and ar
rows, started for the village. During the absence of Wins
low, the people had made such hasty preparations as were
possible for meeting and entertaining their visitors, and as
the great chief marched down the hill with his followers, he
was met by Captain Standish and Mr. Allerton at the head
of a company of musketeers, and escorted with military
pomp to one of the houses which had been prepared to re
ceive him. Governor Carver then advanced with a guard,
attended by drum and trumpet, and, after formal greetings
had been exchanged, they joined in partaking of food and
drink. A treaty was then drawn up and concluded between
them, which was never broken by this child of nature,
and was kept for many years after his death by his
descendents. The attitude of the Pilgrim colonists toward their Indian
neighbors was characterized by the same adherence to
Christian principles which distinguished them in all their
dealings, and, according to their own records, their good
faith was amply repaid in an unexpected fidelity and devo
tion. And yet we call them savages ! These noblemen of
nature, who were the friends and protectors of our early
homes, and, until imposed upon by the white man, main
tained a friendly relation towards them.
This treaty with Massasoit cannot be over-estimated in
its subsequent results among the colonists, for we have to
consider that they were in the midst of a native population
of at least twenty-five thousand, notwithstanding the fact
that nearly ninety-five per cent, of their number had been
swept away by the great plague.
Let us, in imagination, go back to a bright day in April

340 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
this spring of 1621, and picture to ourselves, if possible,
the scene before us.
A group of sad-eyed women gazing longingly at the white
sails of the Mayflower spread for a long flight over " old
ocean's gray and solitary waste ; " and as they look through
blinding tears, the little bark floats away in the distance,
weighted with a freight of loving messages to dear ones on
the other shore, and, as she disappears, one long sob breaks
from their trembling lips as they bid farewell to the last
link that binds them to their native land.
The little Mayflower never came back to Plymouth, but
twice revisited the shores of Massachusetts Bay. In 1629,
she landed a company of Leyden people at Salem, bound
for Plymouth, and, in 1630, she was one of the fleet that
brought John Winthrop and his company to Boston.
It was now time to commence planting the corn which
had been procured from the Indians. Here again Squanto
proved a great help to them, by instructing them in the
mysteries of this corn planting, which was unknown to
them. As there were no beasts of burden, the labor must
be performed by men. Squanto taught them to drop three
or four ale-wives into each hill with a handful of corn, and
that the field must be guarded night and day, for two weeks,
to prevent wolves from digging up the fish.
During this first planting, occurred what seemed the
greatest calamity that had yet befallen them, in the death
of Gov. Carver. While at work in the field, he was taken
suddenly sick and died in a few days. William Bradford
was appointed to succeed him, and the work went on.
Twenty acres of corn and six acres of wheat, rye, barley
and peas, together with vegetable gardens, attested to the
industry of the few workers fit for active service.
The season of planting over, there came a time in mid
summer when the work of the colony was not pressing.
With New England farmers of to-day, haying time presses
close upon the time of seeding. But with the colonists no
hay was needed, for there were as yet no horses or cattle

THE PILGRIM FATHERS.

341

to eat it, and if there had been, there was plenty of native
grass, without the need of cultivation. For four years the
children of the Mayflower ate their hasty pudding ( a favor
ite old-time dish ) without milk, and of course fresh beef
and mutton were impossible dishes. The place of draught
horses and cattle was supplied by bone and muscle of finer
texture, backed by some of the best quality of brains that
ever thought out the problems of society.
This resting time afforded an opportunity to make a long
anticipated visit to the headquarters of Massasoit, on the
shores of Narragansett Bay. Two men were detailed to
undertake the journey, Edward Winslow and Stephen Hop
kins, accompanied by Squanto, as guide and interpreter.
As before, they provided themselves with such gifts as they
considered would be most acceptable. A tunic, or coat of
red cotton trimmed with lace, and a copper chain with
medal attached, the latter to be used by the messengers of
the chief as a token of good faith in going and coming
between him and the English.
, This expedition started in July, reaching the Namasket
village ( now Middleboro ), fifteen miles distant, in the after
noon, where they were entertained by the villagers in royal
style. The fare consisted of corn bread and shad-roe.
The same night they lodged at Weir, where they found
more of the same tribe engaged in fishing for bass, of
which they made their supper.
In this vicinity lived thousands of the native population
who died in the great plague, and whose bones lie scattered
around, as there were not enough of the living left to bury
the dead. Next morning, they follow the course of the
river to a shallow place which they ford, and reach the
lodge of Massasoit same day, where they are made wel
come. He points out to them the home of the great
Narragansett tribe across the bay, the strongest of all the
confederations. Here they remained over night, these two undaunted
travellers, amid a company of savages, far from friends, and

342 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
wholly at their mercy. This trip of Winslow and Hopkins
shows of what stuff these men were made, and must have
filled with anxiety the hearts of those left at home, await
ing their return. Next day, they turned their faces home
ward, and arrived there in safety the second day after.
About this time, Hobomak, one of Massasoit's chief
captains, came to live in the colony, probably in the
family of Capt. Standish, to whom he attached himself,
accompanying him on all his subsequent expeditions, and
remaining a faithful friend to him and to the colonists
through all the remainder of his life. His death occurred
in 1642. He embraced the Christian religion, and died in
hope of the Christian's heaven.
The remainder of the year 1621 was marked by several
most interesting events. In July, the escapade of young
John Billington, wherein he ran away and got lost in the
woods, and wandered around for five days, suffering greatly
from hunger, until he chanced to fall into the hands of a
tribe of Indians, located near Buzzards Bay, twenty miles
distant from Plymouth. His absence caused much uneasi*
ness, and a company of men started out to find and bring
him home. A report had reached them of his whereabouts,
but not feeling sure of the sentiments of this tribe, they
were somewhat in fear for his safety. On arriving at the
place, they were received and entertained with great cordi
ality, and the boy was returned to them safe, and happy in
the possession of a quantity of Indian ornaments. Thus
the freak of the " scape-grace " of the colony, though caus
ing considerable anxiety and inconvenience, ended most
agreeably. In August, a rumor was circulated that trouble was
brewing between Massasoit and Corbitant.* Squanto and
Hobomak were immediately dispatched to learn the truth
regarding it.

* Corbitant was chief of the Pocassets, and for a while unfriendly to the
English.

^Pid)^r^)'OVM\&')~^'^f:^S»h

THE PILGRIM FATHERS. 343
On reaching the village of Namasket, they were seized by
Corbitant, and threatened with death. Hobomak escaped,
and fled with all haste to Plymouth with the news that
Massasoit and Squanto were both prisoners ; whereupon
Captain Standish
" Took from the nail on the wall his sword with its scabbard of iron,
Buckled the belt round his waist,"
and with ten picked men, started to the rescue. They
marched all day in the rain, and at night lost their way
in the woods, and wandered around for hours, but finally
reached the village, and beseiged the house where they
supposed Corbitant to be. The inmates attempted to
run away, and were fired upon, and two or three were
wounded. Corbitant, however, had fled. Massasoit was at
liberty, and Squanto was found all right in one of the
houses. Next day they all returned home, taking with
them the wounded Indians, who were carefully treated by
Dr. Fuller until well.
The prompt and determined action of the English in this
instance so impressed the natives, that they were anxious
to conciliate them ; accordingly, soon after this, a treaty, or
oath of allegiance, was drawn up and signed by at least
seven of the principal sachems.
A trip to Massachusetts Bay in the month of September,
for the purpose of advancing trade with the tribes located
at different points thereon, and to promote a feeling of
friendliness, as well as to become better acquainted with
the country round about, proved successful in every partic
ular. They were everywhere made welcome, and found the
Indians most anxious to trade.
The remainder of the summer was spent in getting in
their harvests and preparing their dwellings for winter.
Sickness and death had departed from among them, and
health and hope had returned. Food in abundance could
be had ; plenty of game, such as deer, wild fowl, both land
and sea; fish in great variety, with clams, oysters and qua-

344 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
haugs abounded in the waters ; and great quantities of wild
fruit was found in the woods and fields ; luscious straw
berries of uncommon size ; wild plums, grapes and berries,
probably kept the children busy gathering them.
The arrival of the "Fortune," in November, a small ves
sel of fifty-five tons, bringing thirty-five passengers, was a
joyful event, bearing, as it probably did, several relatives
and friends, besides innumerable messages from friends in
Holland and England.
She remained two weeks, and when she set sail on the
return voyage, went with a full cargo of beaver skins and
clap-boards, estimated at about five hundred pounds value.
A pretty good record considering the difficulties met and
overcome. So ended the first year of the settlement of New
England. " O ye, who proudly boast
In your free veins the blood of sires like these,
Look to their lineaments. Dread least ye lose
Their likeness in your sons. Should Mammon cling
Too close around your heart, or wealth beget
That bloated luxury which eats the core
From manly virtue, or the tempting world
Make faint the Christian purpose in your soul,
Turn ye to Plymouth rock, and where they knelt,
Kneel, and renew the vow they breathed to God."

CHAPTER XIX.
PASSENGERS IN THE MAYFLOWER, 1620.

HIS list is according to families. The time and
place of death is given as far as known. The f
shows those who left wives, who came afterward.

The * shows those who died the first year.

Names.
I. Mr. John Carver.*
2. His wife, Katherine.* (Robinson ?)
3. Desire Minter.
4. John Howland.
5. Roger Wilder.*
6. Wm. Latham.
^7. A Maid Servant.
8. Jasper More.* (A child.)

Died.

April, 16211621

a.
a

Plymouth.Plymouth.
England. Plymouth. 1673
Plymouth. 1621
Bahama Islands of Starvation.
Plymouth. December 6, 1620

9. Mr. William Bradford. Plymouth. 1657
10. His wife, Dorothy May* Plymouth Harbor, Dec. 7, 1620
(Their son John came afterward.)

11. Mr. Edward Winslow.
12. His wife, Elizabeth Barker.*

13. Geo. Soule.
14. Elias Story*
15. Ellen More.* (A child.)

>-,
o a

16. Mr. William Brewster.
17. His wife, Mary.
18. Love Brewster.
19. Wrestling Brewster.

At Sea.
Plymouth.

1655
March 24, 1621

Duxbury.

1680

Plymouth.

1621

Plymouth.

1621

Duxbury.Plymouth.Duxbury.

1644
Before 1627 1650
Young.
345

346

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.

Names.
20. Richard More.
21.  More.*

Died.

Scituate.
Plymouth.

1656 1621

(Richard More was afterward called Mann. The four More children were
" put out " to the families with whom they came.)
22. Mr. Isaac Allerton. New Haven. 1659
23. His wife Mary Norris.* Plymouth. February 25, 1621
24. Bartholomew Allerton. England.
25. Remember Allerton. Salem. After 1652
26. Mary Allerton. Plymouth. 1699
27. John Hooke* (Employee.) Plymouth. 1621
( Mary Allerton married Thos. Cushman, who came in the Fortune.
Remember Allerton married Moses Mavrick.)

28. John Crackstone.*
29. His son, John Crackstone.
30. Capt. Myles Standish.
31. His wife, Rose.*
32. Mr. Samuel Fuller.!
33. Mr. Christopher Martin.*
34. His wife.*
35. Solomon Power.*
36. John Langmore.*

o S,S
w

37. Mr. William Mullins.*
38. His wife.*
39. Joseph Mullins.*
40. Priscilla Mullins.
41. Robert Carter* (Employee.)

Plymouth.
Plymouth. "
Duxbury. Plymouth. Plymouth. Plymouth.
Plymouth.
Plymouth.Plymouth.Plymouth. Plymouth. Plymouth.
Duxbury. Plymouth.

1621
1628 1656
January 29, 16211633
January 8, 16211621
January 8, 1621 1621

February 21, 162116211621
After 1680 1621

42. Mr. William White.*
43. His wife, Susanna.
44. Resolved White.
45. William Holbeck*
46. Edward Thompson.*

a
¦3. 5
W

Plymouth. Marshfield.
Salem. Plymouth.Plymouth.

February 21, 16211680
After 16801621
December 4, 1620

47. Mr. Stephen Hopkins,
48. His wife, Elizabeth.

Plymouth.
Plymouth.

1644
After 1640

PASSENGERS IN THE MAYFLOWER.

347

Names. Died.
49. Giles Hopkins.
50. Constance Hopkins.
51. Damaris Hopkins.*.
52. Oceanus Hopkins.
53. Edward Doty.
54. Edward Lester.
(Constance Hopkins married
Hopkins married Jacob Cook.)
55. Mr. Richard Warren.f Plymouth. 1628
(His wife and five daughters came in 1623. Two sons probably in 1621.)

1

Yarmouth.Eastham.Plymouth.
Plymouth.

16901677
After 16661621

i0

Yarmouth.

1655

0,s
a

Virginia.

56.
57.

69.70.7'-
Ti ll-
74-
75-76.77-
78.

Francis Cooke.t
John Cooke.

Plymouth.Dartmouth.

58. John Billington.
59. His wife, Eleanor.
60. John Billington, Jr.
61. Francis Billington.
62. Edward Tilly.*
63. His wife, Ann.*
64. Henry Sampson.
65. Humility Cooper.
66. John Tilly*
67. His wife, Bridget Vander Velde.*
68. Elizabeth Tilly.

Thomas Rogers.*
Joseph Rogers.
Thomas Tinker.*
His wife.*
His son.*
John Rigdale.*
His wife, Alice.*

1663
After 1694

Executed at Plymouth.

1630

Plymouth.
Yarmouth. Plymouth.
Plymouth.Duxbury.
England. Plymouth.
Plymouth. Plymouth.
Plymouth. Eastham.
Plymouth.
Plymouth. Plymouth.
Plymouth. Plymouth.

Before 1630
After 165016211621168416211621
168716211678
162116211621
1621
1621

James Chilton.* Plymouth. December 6, 1620
His wife* Plymouth. 1621
Mary Chilton. Boston. 1679
(Mary Chilton married Gov. Winslow's brother John.)

79. Edward Fuller.*
80. His wife.*
81. Samuel Fuller.

Plymouth.

1621

Plymouth.

162 1

Barnstable.

1683,

348

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.

Names.

Died.

82.

John Turner.*

Plymouth.

1621
83-
His son.*
Plymouth.
1621
84.
His son.*
Plymouth.
1621
85-
Francis Eaton.
Plymouth.
1636
86.
His wife, Sarah.*
Plymouth.
87.
Infant son, Samuel
Middleboro.
1684
88.
Degory Priest.*t
Plymouth.
January 1
1621
89.
Moses Fletcher.*
Plymouth.
1621
90.
John Goodman.*
Plymouth.
1621
91.
Thos. Williams*
Plymouth.
1621
92.
Edmund Margesen.*
Plymouth.
1621
93-
Richard Bitteridge.*
Plymouth.
December 21
1620
94.
John Allerton.*
Plymouth.
1621
95-
Richard Clark.*
Plymouth.
1621
96.
Thos. English.*
Plymouth.
1621
97-
Peter Brown. 1
Plymouth.
1633
98.
Gilbert Winslow (Brc
). to Edward.) England.
99.
Richard Gardner.
England.
100.
John Alden.
Duxbury.
1687
101.
William Trevor.
v Returned to
. g
England.
102.
 Ely.
» Returned to
England.
SIGNERS OF THE COMPACT IN THE CABIN OF THE MAY
FLOWER.
" In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are
underwritten, the legal subjects of our dread Sovereign
Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain,
France and Ireland, king, defender of the faith, etc., hav
ing undertaken for the glory of God, and advancement of
the Christian faith, and honor of our king ,and country, a
voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of
Virginia, do, by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in
the presence of God and of one another, covenant and com
bine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our
better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the
ends aforesaid, and by virtue hereof, do enact, constitute
and frame such just and equal laws and ordinances, acts,
PASSENGERS IN THE MAYFLOWER.

349

constitutions and offices from time to time as shall be
thought most meet and convenient for the general good of
the colony, unto which we promise all due subjection and
obedience. " In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our
names at Cape Cod, the nth day of November, in the year
of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England,
France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the
fifty-fourth, Anno Domini, 1620."
The compact was subscribed in the following order :

No.

in

Families.

Mr. John Carver.!

8

Mr. William Bradford.!

2

Mr. Edward Winslow.!

5

Mr. William Brewster.!

6

Mr. Isaac Allerton.!

6

Capt. Myles Standish.!

2

John Alden.

1

Mr. Samuel Fuller.

2

*Mr. Christopher Martin.!

4

*Mr. William Mullens.!

5

*Mr. William White.!

5

Mb. Richard Warren.

1

John Howland (of Carver's

family).

Mr. Stephen Hopkins.!

8

*Edward Tilley.!

4

*John Tilley.!

3

Francis Cook.

2

*Thomas Rogers.

2

*Thomas Tinker.!

3

*JOHN RlGDALE.!

2

*Edward Fuller.!

3

No. in
Families.

*John Turner.
Francis Eaton.!
*James Chilton.!
*John Crackstone.
John Billington.!
*Moses Fletcher.
*John Goodman.
*Degory Priest.
*Thomas Williams.
Gilbert Winslow.
*Edward Margeson.
Peter Brown.
*RlCHARD BlTTERIDGE.
George SOule (of Edward
Winslow's family).
*Richard Clarke.
Richard Gardiner.
*John Allerton.
*Thomas English.
Edward Dotey 1
Edward Leister \ <of StePhe
Hopkin's family).

* Denotes that the names thus marked died the first winter, the victims
of the cold climate and lack of provisions.
t Denotes that these had families.

CHAPTER XX.
PILGRIM LEADERS.
JOHN CARVER.
OVERNOR JOHN, the first signer of the com
pact, was one of the oldest members of the colony,
being between fifty and sixty years of age. He
was deacon of the church in Holland, and was the principal
agent in collecting funds with which to emigrate to Amer
ica. He was much relied upon as a leader by Rev. Mr.
Robinson, the pastor of the Leyden church, and had a repu
tation above reproach for ability and Christian character,
which he fully sustained to the day of his death. His fam
ily consisted of eight persons, his wife and several servants.
He died about five months after landing. He was in the
field helping to plant corn, when he was taken suddenly
sick and died in a few days. All through the trying win
ter months he had been untiring in his labors, adminis
tering to the sick and dying, and providing for the
bereaved, besides attending to the arduous duties incident
to the establishment of a new settlement. The lack of
strong arms rendered it necessary for him to undertake
tasks too severe for his age and strength ; and so, bowed
down with toil and care, he at last laid aside his imple
ments of labor, and sought rest in the sheltering arms of
death. They laid him in the burying-ground on Cole's
Hill with as much ceremony as was possible, firing a volley
of musketry over his grave. His wife, Katherine, died
soon after, and was laid beside him. 35<>

PILGRIM LEADERS,

351

WILLIAM BRADFORD.
The second Pilgrim governor was born in Austerfield,
Eng., a small village about two miles from the post town,
Scrooby. He was a farmer's boy. At an early age he was
left an orphan, and was brought up by his grandparents
and uncles. He was a thoughtful, studious boy, and
acquired an excellent education, being able to speak six
different languages. At the church in Babworth, six miles
distant, he was a constant attendant until their minister,
Clifton, was silenced by the authorities. He then joined
others in forming the Scrooby Church, and with them went
to Holland, when but eighteen years of age. He there
married Dorothy May, Nov. 30, 1613., who sailed with him
for America, but failed to reach the land of promise, being
drowned in Cape Cod Harbor, in the absence of her hus
band on an exploring expedition.
He married, for his second wife, Alice, the widow of Ed
ward Southworth, who came from England in the Anne,
accompanied by her two boys. He was chosen governor
after Carver, and continued in office, with the exception of
three years for Governor Winslow, and two for Governor
Prince, until the year of his death, serving thirty-one years
as governor. He has since been called the "Washington "
of the infant colony. His numerous writings have proved
of great value to chroniclers and historians. These writ
ings were lost, and for years no trace of them could be
found. But finally, the Bishop of Oxford discovered his
"History of Plymouth Plantation" hid in the Fulham
Library, in England.
His eldest son, John, died childless. Two other sons
and one daughter were born to him by his second wife.
The oldest, Major William Bradford, inherited his father's
books and his father's love of them. At his death, in 1704,
he requested to be laid beside him. The blue slate slab,
which marked his resting place, was the guide to the grave
of Governor William when, years after, his descendants

352

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.

erected a monument to his memory on Burial Hill. He
died at Plymouth in 1657, aged sixty -nine years.

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|t^flWU0 EXPIRED FEBY40
F^l 170^ AGE.D 79 YEARS &
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BRADFORD S TOMBSTONE.

EDWARD WINSLOW.
The third governor of Plymouth Colony was a native of
Droitwich, England. He belonged to the gentry and was
an educated and accomplished man ; the second in the
colony in point of wealth.
He married, in Holland, Elizabeth Barker (the bride of
Weirs painting "The Embarkation," a copy of which hangs
in Pilgrim Hall ), who came with him in the Mayflower,
together with two servants and a little girl. His wife died
the first spring, and he married Susanna, widow of William
White and mother of Peregrine, the first white child born
in New England. Winslow was the ambassador to the
Indians for the colonists, and also to the king. His famous
visit to Massasoit, the Great Sachem of the Wampanoags,
has become a part of history. He settled in Marshfield, on
a farm since owned by Daniel Webster. He was several
times governor of Plymouth, Colony, and always faithful to

PILGRIM LEADERS. 353

her interests. In 1654, he was appointed by Cromwell,
commissioner of a military expedition against the Spanish
powers in the West Indies. While on this trip, he died
and was buried at sea, May 8, 1655.
In Pilgrim Hall, may be seen a portrait of Gov. Edward
Winslow, the only authentic original portrait of the May
flower company. It was painted in England, five years
before his death, and portrays a gentleman of culture and
refinement, of firm moral character and high intellectual
attainment. In Pilgrim Hall are many other relics said to
have been brought by him in the Mayflower.
Two other paintings, one of his son, Gov. Josiah
Winslow, and a grandson, Gen. John Winslow, can also be
seen there. WILLIAM BREWSTER.
Elder Brewster was born at Scrooby, in Nottinghamp-
shire, Eng, in 1560, at the Manor Hall of the village.
Scrooby Manor was an ancient possession and occasional
residence of the Archbishop of York. He was educated
at Cambridge College, and afterward became confidential
friend of William Davison, Queen Elizabeth's secretary,
with whom he visited Holland, and became familiar with
the lives and surroundings of royalty. He was possessed of
an ample fortune, which enabled him to live in a style befit
ting his station. He was for several years post-master at
Scrooby, a position of great responsibility in those days.
Espousing the Puritan faith, he was subjected to perse
cution, and at one time imprisoned. . The Separatist
church at Scrooby was begun in 1606, with William Brew
ster, Elder, Richard Clifton and John Robinson, pastor and
teacher. Here, at the large Manor Hall, Brewster enter
tained the despised adherents of this sect, and from here
he fled to Holland, in 1607, where he became a teacher of
the English language, and a publisher of religious books,
especially those advancing the doctrines of the " Indepen-

354 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
dent church, or the " Separatists," as they were called. He
was a faithful co-worker with Pastor Robinson in the Ley
den church.
In the year 1619, the British government requested that
Brewster be handed over to them for trial on the charge of
selling his prohibited books in England. An attempt was
made to arrest him, but he escaped and went to London,
where he remained until the sailing of the Mayflower.
He was the oldest member of the Pilgrim Band, being
about sixty at that time. For twenty-four years he served
the infant colony in the capacity of elder ; for several years
acting as preacher as well. He was their spiritual staff
through all the sad and trying scenes of the early days of
the colony, by his cheerful spirit and firm faith in God,
upholding the weak, comforting the sick and dying, and
probably speaking a word of exhortation or promise at the
grave of the dead. No funeral sermon was preached by
the Puritans, or prayer offered. The burial was silent.
Prayer at funerals in New England was first offered in
1685. Elder Brewster early settled in Duxbury, near Captain
Standish. His wife died here in 1627. He died in 1644,
and his son Love succeeded to the homestead. The first
apple tree in New England is said to have been planted by
Elder Brewster, on this farm.
MILES STANDISH.
The celebrated captain of the Pilgrims was born in Lan
cashire, Eng. He entered the service of Queen Elizabeth
as a soldier, and took part in the war of the Netherlands.
At the end of that war, he settled in Leyden, among the
English refugees, and, with them, embarked in 1620 for
America. He was of small stature, but had a large heart,
great powers of endurance, indomitable courage, and supe
rior military ability, and was always held in great respect
and confidence by the Plymouth colony. It is unnecessary

PILGRIM LEADERS.

355

to recite here his numerous adventures with the Indians, his
military exploits, or his deeds of valor. These are recorded
in history, and familiar to every boy and girl of New Eng
land. It is well known that he was the first commissioned
military officer in the New World, and had command of the
first military company here. It has often been said that
his judgment and executive ability, joined to his mili
tary powers, many times saved the colony from destruction.
In 163 1, he removed to Duxbury, and settled on Captain's
Hill, a high eminence overlooking the harbor and the coun
try for miles around. On the summit of this hill were built
the watch fires that signalled danger to the early settlers.
Here Captain Standish could lock across the bay to Ply
mouth, and, if aught there was amiss, a warning shot would
crash out from the old fort on Burial hill, which had been
built under his directions.

OLD FORT, BURIAL HILL.
The town was named in honor of the English home of
the Standish family, "Duxbury Hall." He died in 1656,
about seventy-two years of age. His eldest son and heir,
Alexander Standish, inherited the estate, and built the
house now standing in 1666. He married Sarah, the
daughter of John Alden and Priscilla. A beautiful monii-

356 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
ment on Captain's Hill perpetuates the name of the Pilgrim
soldier. It will be, when finished, one hundred feet high,
the tallest structure in the United States erected to the
memory of any individual excepting Washington. The in
terior will be fitted up as a museum. The monument will
be surmounted by a stone statue of the Captain of Plymouth,
in full uniform, fourteen feet in height. From this high
eminence the old soldier will again look out, after two hun
dred and fifty years, across the bay and over the country
around, but a vastly different scene will greet his eyes. The
little hamlet at Plymouth has been changed to a beautiful
village. The shores around Duxbury are sprinkled with cot
tages, where, in the hot" season, the city dweller comes to
get a breath of salt air. The woods have been swept away ;
the humble homes of Brewster, Howland, Eaton and Soule,
are gone. Only the Alden house remains ; the only one on
which his living eyes rested. The grave of his "beautiful
Rose" may be revealed to him, but hidden from us as well
as those of his other kindred.
John and Priscilla lie within range of his eye, but we
know not where. Could the statue take on life for a while,
like Pygmalion's, we might learn many things which will
probably ever remain a mystery, at least in this life.
STEPHEN HOPKINS.
One of the honored names in the history of our country
is that of Hopkins. Stephen Hopkins, the Pilgrim, joined
the Mayflower company on its final departure from Eng
land. He had previously attempted a voyage to this coun
try with Governor Gates, of Virginia, but was wrecked on
the passage. He was a venturesome and an enterprising
man, and entered into all the interests of the Plymouth col
ony with zeal and ability. He was governor's assistant for
several years, and was associated with Standish in military
affairs and companion of Winslow on his expeditions
among, the Indians. His family consisted of wife, four

PILGRIM LEADERS. 357
children and two servants. These two servants are made
conspicuous by the fact that they were the first in New
England to fight a duel.
A great-grandson of the Pilgrim, Stephen Hopkins, of
Scituate, R. I., was governor of the Rhode Island colony
for nine years, and one of the first on the list of incorpor
ators of Rhode Island College, now Brown University, and
was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. His
brother, Esek Hopkins, was, in 1775, commander-in-chief of
the American Naval Forces, the first commodore of the
United States Navy.

CHAPTER XXI.
JOHN ALDEN,
| HE Hon. John Alden was born in England in 1599;
in what part is not known. There were but few
of the name of whom we have any record.
A Mr. Alden, a scholar of St. John's College, is men
tioned as one who suffered from the tyrannical Bartholo
mew act. There is also mention of one " John Alden of
the Middle Temple " as having a coat of arms assigned him
in 1607. He belonged in Hertfordshire, and from the
similarity in names, we conclude that the Pilgrim John
Alden was a member of the same family ; distinctive fam
ily names at that time and for a century later, at least,
being the rule. That he was hired at Southampton as a
cooper, we know from Bradford's Journal.
Whether he belonged to the Independent church in
England, is not told, but the probabilities are that he was
one of them in sentiment and by association, and that if
not a member on joining the expedition, he became one soon
after. The character of the man as evidenced by his subse
quent life, leads to this inference. A stern adherent of
justice and morality, unswerving from the straight line of
duty as he understood it ; yet, at the same time, modest
and unassuming in all his ways, showing tenderness and
mercy to the weak and forgiveness to the penitent, were
qualities which combined to make him an example for all
future generations.
He embarked with the Mayflower band, probably with
the intention of joining his interests with theirs in the new
358

JOHN ALDEN. 359

world, and no doubt this desire was strengthened and con
firmed by his association with Priscilla Mullins during the
long voyage, and afterward, while waiting in the harbor for
the older members of the company to decide upon a place
of habitation. He was probably one of the seven well per
sons left at one time to care for the sick and dying in that
terrible first winter. The death of the father, mother and
brother of Priscilla, leaving her an orphan in a strange land,
together with the beauty and grace that distinguished her,
led the young John from sympathizing with her sorrows,
to cherish a tenderer feeling in his heart for the fair young
girl thus left alone in the world.
One other sincere love seems to have taken root in the
heart of John Alden at this time, which was destined to
exert a great influence upon his after life, and to become
known in every New England home for all time. This was
the affection of the youth for the middle-aged Captain
Standish, which commenced in the Mayflower and ended
only at death.
The popular legend connecting these three has been
beautifully preserved by Longfellow in his poem, " The
Courtship of Miles Standish." Whether all that is related
ever really occurred, is doubtful, but there is no doubt that
some of the principal points mentioned were true. That
Captain Standish did turn his eyes toward " the loveliest
maiden in Plymouth," after the death of his " beautiful
Rose of love," is probably a fact. But for the most part
we must consider the poem a creation of the poet's brain,
rather than a truthful narration of the courtship and mar
riage of the real John and Priscilla.
Tradition represents him as the most comely youth of
the Mayflower company, and possessed of a superior educa
tion and agreeable manners. Upon the division into fami
lies he was assigned to the household of Standish, in con
sideration of the friendship existing between them.
His marriage occurred in the spring of 162 1. I Where he
commenced housekeeping is not recorded. The first

360 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
houses of the Pilgrims in Plymouth were built of hewn
logs, intersticed with mortar, with roofs thatched, and sur
rounding the tiny cottage was an acre of land allotted to
each family for cultivation ; and history says that women
and children worked cheerfully in these gardens. So we
may imagine the Puritan wife, Priscilla, with her little ones
by her side, employed in not only the household avocations,
including spinning and weaving, but also assisting the hus
band and father in work outside, in the ground allotted
them. Several of their children were born in Plymouth,
probably the first five of the eleven born to them, according
to the account in Bradford's Journal. The names of only
eight are recorded; probably the other three died very
young. In 1624, the "Charity" brought the first cattle to the
Plymouth colony. They were owned in common, until
1627, when they had increased sufficiently, with the addition
of others imported, to allow of a distribution in lots, which
was accomplished by dividing the people into twelve
groups of thirteen each, and allotting to each group the
use of one animal for ten years, at the end of which time
it was to be returned with one half its increase. John
Alden and his family now numbering four, himself and
wife and two children, John and Elizabeth, were joined to
the company of John Howland, to which was given one of
the four heifers which came in the "Jacob," Raghorn.
John Alden's family of four, John Howland's family of four,
and five single men were thus made sharers in "Rag-
horn." About this time, a number of the settlers desiring to ex
tend their domain, determined on a settlement at Matta-
keeset, the Indian name of the territory now included in
Duxbury, Marshfield, Pembroke, Hanson, and the Bridge-
waters ; and of the twenty signers of the compact who sur
vived the first winter, six removed their families to Dux
bury : Elder Brewster, Captain Standish, John Alden, John
Howland, Francis Eaton, and Peter Brown. They were,

JOHN ALDEN. 361

however, obliged to return to the village of Plymouth in
the winter season for several years. This removal was
rendered necessary from the need of combining all their
forces in case of an attack from the Indians, and to better
facilitate their meeting in council and at religious gather
ings. The early settlers on this side included quite a num
ber of the principal men who could not be spared for a per
manent absence.
In the colony records we find the following entry :
( The names of those which promise to re-
Ano. 1632, J move their families to live in the town in the
Aprill 2. | winter time, that they may the better repair
\\.o the worship of God.
John Alden,
Caft. . Standish,
Jonathan Brewster,
Thomas Prince.
In the first part of 1628, another division of land was
made, by which each purchaser was given twenty acres ad
ditional for cultivation. There being one hundred and
fifty-six purchasers, there were allotted at this time, three
thousand, one hundred and twenty acres of land.
The poor land was used at first in common for pasturage,
and was called "commons" or "salt meadows." Later on
these lands were leased to parties for a small considera
tion. It is probable that Alden's allotment in this land division
was part of the farm owned and occupied by him, and still
retained by his descendants. A marble slab on the site of
the first house, gives the date 1627, which is the supposed
time of the erection of the summer cottage. This does not
exactly agree with the date of the division, but it is not un
likely that the place was selected and buildings put up the
summer before, as the land allotment occurred in January.
In 1633, John Alden was appointed assistant to the gov
ernor, which office he held for nearly the whole remainder

362 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
of his life, serving in this capacity, Edward Winslow, Brad
ford, Prince, Josiah Winslow and Thomas Hinckly, all of
whom, excepting the last named, he survived.
From 1666 to his death, he held the rank of first assist
ant, and was frequently called the Deputy Governor, and
acted many times as Governor in the absence of that
official. During ten years succeeding 1640, he served the town of
Duxbury, as deputy to the colonial council. Public office
was not as desirable then as at the present time, if we may
judge from the fact that a law was passed in 1627, fining
any person who should refuse to serve in that capacity.
Salaries were small, and the duties and responsibilities,
great. The compensation for magistrates was a mere
trifle. In 1665, the court gave each old magistrate twenty
pounds per year and the expenses of their table ; but the
newly elected had the expenses of their table only. In
1667, all were paid fifty pounds each per year.
Mr. Alden having devoted the greater part of his time
for a number of years to the public business, to the detri
ment of his own private affairs, the court passed the follow
ing order as appears in the colony records :
" In regard that Mr. Alden is low in his estate and occa
sioned to spend time at the courts on the country's
occasions, and so hath done this many years, the court have
allowed him a small gratuity, the sum of ten pounds, to be
paid by the treasurer."
In the year 1625, a settlement was begun at Salem. In
1630, John Winthrop arrived in Boston harbor, and laid
the foundation of the great city, which points with pride to
the noble statue now standing in Scollay Square, inscribed,
"John Winthrop, the first governor of Massachusetts."
John Cotton and John Wilson came to preach the gospel
to the people ; and next year came John Elliot, the apostle
to the Indians, a man reared and fitted to fulfil an uncom
mon mission, which he faithfully accomplished. A little

JOHN ALDEN. 363

later appeared Anne Hutchinson with her band of fol
lowers. The breaking out of the Pequod War, in 1637, called for
prompt action on the part of the colonists. The cause of
education was advanced by the erection of buildings for
Harvard College in 1639. Four years later, the Narragan
sett Indians became uneasy and threatening, and the peo
ple were counselled to prepare for war. At this time there
were in the town of Duxbury eighty men who were able to
bear arms, of whom three were Aldens, the Hon. John,
[ohn, Jr., and Joseph. This year, the confederation of the
four colonies was effected to insure their co-operation in
the event of war with the Narragansetts. The first regular
military company was formed. A council of war was ap
pointed, including Winslow, Prince, Standish, Alden, and
others, with power vested in either three to act in time of
need. Trouble between Holland and England broke out, and
was communicated to the colonies, resulting in orders being
given to raise money, troops, arms and ammunition.
Alarm signals were decided upon, and one man in every
three was ordered to carry arms to meeting on the Lord's
Day, a failure of so doing was punishable by a fine.
In all the important measures connected with the events
enumerated, the name of John Alden is conspicuous. As
adviser and executor he ever had an active share in the
management of the affairs of the colony and of the town.
From Justin Winslow's history of Duxbury, I quote the fol
lowing tribute to his character .
"Holding offices of the highest trust, no important meas
ure was proposed, or any responsible agency ordered in
which he had not a part. He was one of the council of
war, many times an arbitrator, a surveyor of lands for the
government as well as for individuals, and on several im
portant occasions was authorized to act as agent or attorney
for the colony. He was possessed of a sound judgment and
of talents, which, though not brilliant, were by no means

364 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
ordinary. Writers who mention him bear ample testimony
to his industry, integrity and exemplary piety, and he has
been represented as a worthy and useful man of great hu
mility, and eminent for sanctity of life, decided, ardent, res
olute and persevering, indifferent to danger, a bold and
hardy man, stern, austere and unyielding, and of incorrup
tible integrity. He was always a firm supporter of the
clergy and the church, and everything of an innovating na
ture received his determined opposition."
This last mentioned trait was shown in his attitude
towards the Quakers during the years 1657-8. Candor
compels me to condemn the action of the Plymouth court
in banishing this sect and refusing entertainment to indi
viduals belonging to it. Any man harboring a Quaker v/as
subject to a whipping or a fine. This seems a very strange
proceeding on the part of the Mayflower Pilgrims, them
selves exiles on account of religious persecution.
About the year 1653, the house now standing was
erected by his son Jonathan. It is situated on the south
side of Blue Fish river, near Eagle Tree Pond, so called
from its being a favorite resort for eagles. The farm of
Mr. Alden originally comprised over one hundred and six
ty-nine acres, and was then, as now, one of the best in town.
The present house, an aged and venerable structure, fit
companion to its neighbor on Captain's Hill, is an object
worthy of veneration. For more than two centuries it has
been owned and occupied by the same family, and could it
speak could relate much that would be of interest to their
descendants. As can be seen from the following picture it is a two-story
square house, in its day one of. the finest residences in the
town. The front faces the south, as was the custom in
those days. The windows were originally the small dia
mond shaped panes, but these have been replaced by a
more modern style.
On the ground floor • are four rooms. The front or
" Great Room," as our forefathers called the best room in

JOHN ALDEN.

365

the house, is a large, square room, 25x25, with fireplace to
match ; over the fireplace the walls are panelled. The
ceilings are eight feet high and crossed by heavy, wooden
beams. A cupboard in one corner still stands where it was
placed two hundred years ago.
The upper part of the house contains four sleeping rooms
including the great guest chamber, wherein is found the
usual high four-post bed-stead, with canopy top, and other

''"U

old alden house.
old style furniture. Above all is the old attic room, fit
receptacle for dust and cobweb-covered wheels for spinning
wool and flax, cards for combing and reels for winding,
besides a multitude of other accumulations. The table
seen in the picture is of English oak, and came in the May
flower probably, as the property of the mother of Priscilla.
Upon it are some account books of the first John Alden,
and beside it sits the present occupant, John Alden of the
eighth generation.
This is the oldest dwelling existing in New England,

366 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
with three exceptions. The "Old Fort," at Medford,
which dates back to 1634, the "Old Fairbanks House," in
Dedham, built in 1636, and the " Old Stone House," at Guil
ford, Conn., in 1640.
Here the " Pilgrim John " passed the remainder of a life
well filled with labors both civil and religious. His name
appears as one of the original company who suggested and
traced a route for the now famous prospective Cape Cod
Ship Canal ; and we find him mentioned many times, even
up to the last year of his life, in connection with State and
church affairs.
He was a man whose unselfish interest for the general
good resulted in pecuniary loss to himself, so that at his
death he left but a small estate. In his early days he was
possessed of considerable property, but later divided most
of it among his ^children, giving the farm in Duxbury to
Jonathan, a piece of land in Bridgwater to Joseph, and land
in Middleboro, Taunton, Monument and Duxbury to his
other children. He died in Duxbury, Sept. 12, 1686, aged
eighty-seven. As he was the youngest signer of the
immortal compact, so he lived to the greatest age, and
out - lived every member of the Mayflower company,
with one exception, Mary Allerton, who died in 1699, aged
ninety. It has been affirmed that Priscilla was living at the time
of his death, but I can find her name mentioned no where
as among the living later than 1680. In that year, Gov.
Josiah Winslow died, and at his funeral was present " the
venerable John Alden with Priscilla upon his arm."
His life embraced a wonderful history ; eventful, thrilling
grand, sublime ; his death completed an example worthy of
imitation. A grand life ; a triumphant death. An
" elegy," written by John Cotton, voices the sentiments of
his compeers, a portion of which I transcribe.

" God give me grace to mourn most heartily
For death of this dear servant of the Lord,

JOHN ALDEN. 367

Whose life God did to us so long afford.
God lent his life to greater length of days,
In which he lived to his Redeemer's praise.
He came one of the first into this land,
And here was kept by God's most gracious hand
Years sixty-seven, which time he did behold,
To poor New England mercies manifold,
All God's great works, to this his Israel,
From first implanting that to them befell ;
His walk was holy, humble and sincere,
His heart was filled with Jehovah's fear;
He honored God with much integrity :
God therefore did him truly magnify.
The heart of saints entirely did him love,
His uprightness so highly did approve,
That whilst to choose they had their liberty,
Within the limits o£ this colony,
Their civil leader him they ever chose.
His faithfulness made hearts wish him to close.
With all the Governors he did assist;
His name-recorded is within the list
Of Plymouth's pillars, to his dying day.
His name is precious to eternal ay.
He set his love on God and knew his name ;
God therefore gives him everlasting fame.
So good and heavenly was his conversation,
God gave long life, and showed him his salvation,
Seeing the death of what he saw the birth
His work now finished was upon the earth,
His gracious Lord from Heaven now calls him home
And saith, my servant, now to Heaven come ;
Now shalt thou live in bliss eternally.
On dying bed his ills were very great ;
Yet verily his heart on God was set.
He bore his griefs with faith and patience,
And did maintain his lively confidence,
Saying to some, the work which Christ begun
He would preserve to its perfection.
His mouth was full of blessings, till his death
To ministers and christians all ; his breath
Was very sweet by many a precious word,
He uttered from the spirit of his Lord.
He lived in Christ, in Jesus now he sleeps,
And his blest soul the Lord in safety keeps.''
There are very few relics in existence known to have
belonged to him. His Bible is in Pilgrim Hall, Ply-

368 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
mouth. It is in old English print, and is inscribed thus :
" Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, printer to the
King's most excellent majesty, Anno Dom., 1620, Cum Priu-
iligo." His autograph can be seen there affixed to a deed
dated 1661, and two other instruments there bear his signa
ture. A snuff-box, which came from Holland, is in posses
sion of a relative of Rev. Timothy Alden (author of
" Alden's Epitaphs " ). These with the few preserved in
the old house at Duxbury, comprise all existing relics
known to the writer.
Among the descendants. of John Alden have been many
noted military and professional men. Two Presidents of
the United States trace their ancestry to him. In looking
over the "Alden Memorial," compiled by Dr. Ebenezer
Alden, I find mention of thirty-four soldiers, seventeen
clergymen, thirteen physicians, eleven mariners and eight
lawyers. Doubtless there are many more at this time fol
lowing a professional life.
In literature there has been good work done by many of
the Alden name ; beside these there are many of their pos- 1
terity now bearing other names who occupy high stations
in almost every department of life.
The race has ever been famed for learning, ability,
integrity, decision of character, and have been blessed with
an unusal number of days. During the first six genera
tions, we find one hundred persons who lived to the age of
seventy and upwards ; fifty-four who reached eighty ; thir
teen who attained to ninety, and two who completed a full
century of life.
A few words relating to some of the individuals belong
ing to the Alden family may be of interest to my reader.
It is hard to select from the many deserving notice, and as
the number increases with each succeeding year, I have
chosen a few representative characters from the earlier
generations.

JOHN ALDEN. 369

Children 'of the Pilgrim John Alden.
captain john
Was born in Plymouth, in 1622. Removed to Duxbury
when very young. He was admitted a freeman in 1648.
Removed to Boston in 1649, 'and lived in Alden lane, now
Alden street. He was at one time the tallest man in Bos
ton. He was twice married. By his first wife he had one
child. He was married in 1660, to Elizabeth Everill, widow
of Abial Everill, by Governor Endicott. Captain Alden
was a mariner, and had command at different times, of
several of the Massachusetts armed vessels. He accom
panied Col. Benj. Church on his expeditions to the East
against the Indians, and in 1696, commanded the Brigan-
tine " Endeavor." He was of great service on these expe
ditions on account of his knowledge of the coast, and skill
as a mariner. His manners were characteristic of his call
ing, and his language at times somewhat blunt, but he was
held in great esteem by his associates for his bravery,
sound judgment and unexceptional moral character. He
was an original member of the Old South Church, in Bos
ton, at its organization in May, 1669.
In the wall of the new church edifice on Boylston street,
a descendant of the Alden family has placed an ancient
slate slab, originally erected to his memory in King's
chapel burying-ground. It bears this inscription: "Here
lyeth the body of John Alden, senior, aged seventy-five
years. Deceased, March, 1701." It can be seen in a side
wall of the central archway, facing Copley Square.
During the witchcraft delusion in 1692, he was present
at a court in Salem, where several persons were being tried
for this offense, whereupon a girl pointed her finger at him
and cried out that he was the one who had bewitched her.
He was seized by the authorities, tried and committed to
prison, where he remained fifteen days, when he escaped by
some friendly aid, and made his way to Duxbury, arriving

370 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
there late at night. On being questioned he said " he had
come from the devil and the devil was after him."
It seems that many in the church at that time believed
him guilty, which so exasperated him that he absented him
self from them for a long time. His death occurred Mar.
14, 1702, at the age of eighty. His will was dated Feb. 17,
1702. His estate amounted to .£2,059, IIS- 7°-> an^
included one wooden and one brick house. There were
also debts due the estate of £1,259. He was the father of
thirteen children. JOSEPH
Inherited land in Bridgewater and Middleboro. He set
tled in Bridgewater. Married Mary Simmons, daughter of
Moses Simmons, of Duxbury, who came in the "Fortune,"
in 1 62 1. Five children are attributed to him.
ELIZABETH
Married William Pabodie, son of John Pabodie. He was
a man of influence in the town, and possessed of considera
ble property. Was town clerk for eighteen years. Was
deputy to the General Court several times, and acted
as attorney for the town and for individuals.
About 1684, they removed to Little Compton, R. I., then
a part of Plymouth colony.
Their residence while in Duxbury was east of Eagle Nest
creek, and near Brewster and Standish. They had thirteen
children, all of whom were born in Duxbury, and ten mar
ried in that town.
They had only two sons, one of whom, John, died from
an accident in 1669, aged twenty-four. While riding on
horseback under a tree, his head came in contact with a
bough, and fractured his skull.
Of the daughters who married in Duxbury, Elizabeth
married John Rogers, Mary married Edward Southworth,

<k.

JOHN ALDEN. $yi
-fjLL.

u Mercyniarried John Simmons, Martha married Samuel
fSeabury, Sarah married John Coe, Ruth married Benjamin
Bartlett, Jr., Rebecca married William Southworth, and
Priscilla married Rev. Ichabod Wiswall ; the latter a pastor
of the Duxbury Church at the time of her grandfather
John's death. It is likely that all these marriages were ex
ecuted by John Alden, as he was a magistrate.
Elizabeth Pabodie died at Little Compton, May 31, 171 7.
A granite monument to her memory stands in the old
burying-ground there. It is inscribed: "Here lyeth the
body of Elizabeth Pabodie, who dyed May ye 31st, 1717,
and in the ninety-fourth year of her age."
The following is from the Boston News Letter of June
17, 1717:
" Little Compton, 3 1 May. This morning died here Mrs.
Elizabeth Paybody, late wife of Mr. William Paybody, in
the ninety-third year of her age. She was a daughter of
John Alden, Esq., and Priscilla, his wife, daughter of Mr.
William Mullins. This John Alden and Priscilla Mullins
were married in Plymouth, New England, where their
daughter, Elizabeth, was born. She was exemplarily virtu
ous and pious, and her memory is blessed. She has left a
numerous posterity. Her granddaughter Bradford is a
grandmother. Elizabeth Alden is said to have been the
first white woman born in New England.
DAVID
Was a resident of Duxbury. A prominent member of
the church and town. Served as assistant to the governor,
was Town Treasurer and Selectman. Also deputy to the
court. He inherited land in Middleboro, and was appraised
20 May, 1 719. He married Mercy or Mary, daughter of
Constant Southworth, who was a son of Governor Brad
ford's second wife, Alice. They had two sons and two
daughters. He died in 17 19.

372 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
CAPTAIN JONATHAN
Was born about 1627. Made freeman in 1657. He was
the youngest son of the Pilgrim, and resembled him in
many ways, and seems to have been a favorite with him.
He inherited the homestead where he spent his whole life,
and which inheritance he handed down in a direct line to
the present occupant, John Alden, of the eighth generation,
who has a son John, also living in the old house, and a
daughter, Priscilla. Captain Jonathan was administrator of
his father's estate, and made a final settlement with the
heirs, June 13, 1688. He lived a bachelor until he was
about forty-five years of age, when he married Abagail Hal
let, of Barnstable. He was selectman of his town for sev
eral years, and engaged in military duties from 1658 to his
death. He was first appointed ensign in the Duxbury com
pany, then promoted to lieutenant, and afterward captain.
He died February, 1697, and was buried under arms. An
address was delivered at his grave by Rev. Mr. Wiswall,
which was contrary to the usual custom, and occasioned
much comment. Funeral services were not general until
after 1700. From "Alden's Epitaphs" I copy a portion of
the address of Mr. Wiswall :
" Neighbors and friends, we are assembled this day in a
posture of mourning, to solemnize the funeral of the present
deceased, to pay our last tribute of respect to a person well
known among us. I need not enlarge upon his character,
but in brief, am bold to say this much. He stepped over
his youth without the usual stains of vanity. In his riper
years he approved himself a good commonwealth's man;
and, which is the crown of all, a sincere Christian, one
whose heart was in the house of God, even when his body
was barred hence by the restraints of many difficulties,
which confined him at home.
" He could say, in truth, ' Lord, I have loved the habita
tion of thy house.'
"As to his quality in our militia, he was a leader, and, I

JOHN ALDEN, 373

dare say, rather loved than feared of his company. Fellow
soldiers, you are come to lay your leader in the dust, to
lodge him in his quiet and solemn repose. You are no
more to follow him in the field. No sound of rallying drum
nor shrillest trumpet will awaken him, till the general mus
ter, when the Son of God will cause that trumpet to be
blown, whose echoes shall shake the foundations of the
heavens and the earth, and raise the dead.
" Fellow soldiers, you have followed him into the field,
appeared in your arms, stood your ground, marched, coun
ter-marched, made ready, advanced, fired, and retreated;
and all at his command. You have been conformable to
his military commands and postures, and it is to your
credit. But, let me tell you, this day he has acted one pos
ture before your eyes, and you are all at a stand ! No man
stirs a foot after him ! But the day is hastening wherein
you must all conform to his present posture. I mean, be
laid in the dust." SARAH
Married Alexander Standish, oldest son and heir of Capt.
Miles Standish. He was admitted freeman in 1648.
Served the town as deputy, and was town clerk for several
years. It was during this service that his father's house
was burned, and as is supposed the town records burned
with it as they were lost about this time. He owned land
near the Alden estate, but lived at the Standish farm, two
miles distant. The house now standing on Captain's Hill,
was built by him in 1666. It is a small, gambrel-roofed
building, shingled on two sides, and is in a good state of
preservation. Here the son of Miles Standish and the
daughter of John Alden and Priscilla lived many years. ,
He died in 1702. The date of his wife Sarah's death is
not recorded. By her he had seven children. He married
a second wife, who died in 1723.

374 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
RUTH
Married John Bass of Braintree, and from this union de
scended John Adams and John Quincy Adams, presidents
of the United States. She died in 1674
MARY
Married Thomas Delano of Duxbury, son of Philip Delano,
(or De La Noy) who came in the "Fortune," in 1621.
He was an influential man in the town. By her they had
one son, Thomas, Jr. She died young.

J^a

c^^paSy

CHAPTER XXII.
DESCENDANTS OF THE ALDEN FAMILY.
COL. BRIGGS ALDEN,

ON of Col. John and Hannah Briggs Alden, was
born at the old homestead, Duxbury, June 8, 1723,
where he lived and died. His wife was Mercy
Wadsworth (who belonged to the family of Wadsworth
ancestors of the Poet Longfellow, on the maternal side ).
He was father of nine children. He died at the age of
seventy-four. His son Samuel was mortally wounded in an
expedition to the Penobscot river against the British, in
1778, under command of Gen. Lovell. The second officer
in command was Gen. Peleg Wadsworth, who built a beau
tiful mansion in Portland, Me., afterward occupied by his
son-in-law, Stephen Longfellow, father of the poet.
Briggs Alden was youngest son of Col. John. He early
developed the military tastes inherited from his father and
grandfathers, and became an officer in the local military
company. In 1762, he was major, and in 1776, elevated to
the office of colonel.
The passage of the Stamp Act, in 1765, called forth an
indignant protest from the colonists. Major Briggs Alden
was at that time a representative to the General Court, and
went thither with instructions from his towns-people to
oppose the passage of such act — " with all the eloquence
and address you are master of; and that you use your
utmost endeavors to vindicate our precious rights and priv
ileges — these privileges for which our forefathers bled;
377

378 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
for which those heroic spirits bid adieu to the tyrannical
names of the Stuarts, traversed the vast Atlantic, and sat
down in these then deserts of America ; and which, sir, we
their descendants, esteem dearer to us than life."
In 1 773, the growing feeling of dissatisfaction toward the
mother country, led to much correspondence between the
colonies. From a letter written by a committee of the
town of Duxbury to the Boston authorities, I quote a few
sentences as an illustration of the spirit that animated their
leaders. " We inherit the very spot of soil cultivated by some of
the first comers of New England, and though we pretend
not that we inherit their virtues in perfection ; yet hope we
possess, at least, some remains of that Christian and heroic
virtue and manly sense of liberty, in the exercise of which,
they in the very face of danger, emigrated from their native
land to this then howling wilderness, to escape the iron
yoke of oppression, and to transmit to posterity that fair,
that amiable inheritance — liberty, civil and sacred. We
glory in a legal, loyal subjection to our sovereign ; but
when we see the right to dispose of our property claimed
and actually exercised by a legislature thousands of leagues
off, in which we have no voice, and many things of a like
nature take place — shall it then be deemed disloyalty to
complain ? By no means ; we esteem it a virtue, and a duty
which people of every rank owe to themselves and posterity,
to use their utmost exertions to oppose tyranny in all its
forms, and to extricate themselves from every dangerous
and oppressive innovation."
It is said that not a single Tory was known to live in the
town of Duxbury, and when troops were called for to resist
the requirements of the English Government, the descen
dants of the Pilgrim John Alden were among the first to
volunteer. All through the war, Col. Alden was an active and valu
able worker for his country, resisting her wrongs, and ear
nestly laboring to sustain her liberties. For years he was

DESCENDANTS OF THE ALDEN FAMILY.

379

a magistrate, a member of the General Court, selectman of
the town, and an active and consistent member of the
church. A portrait in Pilgrim Hall, from which the picture
in this book is taken, is said to be a striking likeness of the
original. He was a man of large stature and commanding
bearing. The flowing silver hair and white cravat gives
him an air of dignity almost ministerial, but the small pierc
ing eyes, Roman nose, and firm set mouth, betoken the
soldier. He died Oct. 4, 1796, and his son, Judah, suc
ceeded him in the paternal home.
MAJOR JUDAH ALDEN'
Was but twenty-six years of age at the breaking out of the
Revolutionary War, and, following in his father's footsteps,
joined Col. Bailey's regiment as captain. He had for three
years previous, conducted the drill of the military company
of his town. In 1 773 the first minute company was formed,
of which he was clerk and ensign.
He was a brave, skilful and prudent officer, and soon
rose to the rank of major. In 1776, he was stationed with
his regiment in Roxbury, and at one time accompanied Col.
Leonard to the headquarters of the English, with a flag of
truce. He inquired of their colonel why they did not come
out to Roxbury and make the troops a visit. 'Ah,"
replied he, "we shall have to think of that some time first."
He was an intimate friend of General Washington, and
with him at one time in New York. A letter written by
Washington I transcribe here :
Headquarters, 23 Nov., 1780.
Sir, — I impart to you in confidence that I intend to exe
cute an enterprise against Staten Island to-morrow night,
for which reason I am desirous of cutting off all intercourse
with the enemy on the east side of the river. You will
therefore to-morrow, at retreat beating, set a guard upon
any boats which may be at the Slot or Niack, and not suf
fer any to go out on any pretense whatever till next morn-

380 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN. '
ing. Towards evening you will send a small party down to
the Closter landing, and if they find any boats there, you
will give orders to have them scuttled in such a manner
that they cannot be immediately used ; but to prevent a
possibility of it, the parties may remain there till towards
daylight (but not to make fires or discover themselves),
and then return to your post. I depend upon the punc
tual observation of this order, and that you will keep the
motive a secret.
Acknowledge the receipt of this, that I may be sure you
have got it.
" I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
George Washington."
"Capt. Alden."
This letter is directed to " Captain Alden, or Command
ing Officer, Dobbs' Ferry."
A house built by him is still standing in Duxbury, about
two miles from the old homestead. His wife was Welthea
Wadsworth. They had ten children, the youngest of
whom, Samuel, graduated at Harvard College at the age of
nineteen, and from Dartmouth Medical College four years
later. Major Alden lived almost a century. Born in 1750, he
was, at an early age, familiar with all the troubles terminat
ing in the War of the Revolution. He was fifteen years of
age when the odious Stamp Act was thrust upon the peo
ple, and he was present the following year at the jubilee on
Captain's Hill, celebrating its repeal. The "Boston Tea
Party" and the "Ride of Paul Revere" were fireside topics
in his father's house. His ear caught the echo of the
" shot heard round the world," and his noble spirit shared
in the enthusiasm and patriotism that greeted the " Decla
ration of Independence." He saw the thirteen colonies
emancipated from the English rule, and the framing of
that grand "Constitution" that has made the United
States the greatest nation on earth. Would that he might
have tarried yet a little to behold the final act in the great
drama of Freedom, which culminated in the Emancipation
Proclamation, Jan. 1, 1863.

DESCENDANTS OF THE ALDEN FAMILY. 381
He died Mar. 12, 1845, aged ninety-four, in the full pos
session of his intellectual powers. His great physical
strength and excellent health remained to him until within
a few years of his death. His oldest son, John, inherited
the original homestead in Duxbury, and was great-grand
father to the present occupant, John Alden of the eighth
generation. Two hundred and thirty-five years ago, Pris
cilla Mullens Alden lived here, when this old house was
new. To-day, a little child of this John, two years of age,
is called Priscilla Mullens, the first namesake to occupy the
home of her great ancestress.

^a^rr^

The old gray walls again resound
To sweet-toned childish laughter,
And gentle voices speak the name
Still dear, two centuries after ;
The old time name Priscilla.
Two summer's roses tint the cheeks
And kiss the lips to redness,
Two summer's blue is in the eyes,
And gold gleams in the tresses
Of little maid Priscilla.

382 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
The "fairest maiden Plymouth knew,"
Comes here again to greet us,
Arch, loving, tender, grave and true ;
Her ancient grand-dames loveliness
Renewed in child Priscilla.

COL. ICHABOD ALDEN,
Son of Capt. Samuel Alden, of Duxbury. From Justin
Winsor's History of Duxbury, I glean the following regard
ing him :
He was appointed lieutenant to Col. Theophilus Cotton,
and was part of a detachment ordered to throw up entrench
ments on Dorchester Heights, in 1776. Was soon after
promoted to the rank of colonel, and after the capture of
Burgoyne, was stationed at Cherry Valley, sixty miles west
from Albany. A fort had been constructed here for the
protection of the frontier, and Colonel Alden was made its
commander. On the evening of Nov. 11, 1778, he was sur
prised by the enemy, numbering seven hundred Royalists
and Indians, led by Brant, a celebrated Mohawk chief. A
large portion of his officers and men were killed. He, with
his lieutenant, Stacia, were lodged at the house of Mr.
Robert Wells. The house was attacked and the inmates
massacred. Colonel Alden escaped, but was pursued by an
Indian who demanded his surrender. Upon his refusal, the
Indian threw a tomahawk, killing him instantly.
"As an officer, Colonel Alden was brave and persevering ;
as a gentleman, he was accomplished and agreeable ; and in
all his relations of life, he formed around him lasting and
steadfast friends, and in his intercourse with others was
honorable and just, and his untimely death could not but
be lamented by all who knew him."
JOHN ALDEN, THE CENTENARIAN,
Son of John and Hannah Alden, was born in Bridgewater,
Mass., in 1747, and died at Middleboro, March, 1821, in the

DESCENDANTS OF THE ALDEN FAMILY. 383
one hundred and third year of his age. The Christian
Watchman of April 14, 1821, gives the following:
"In Middleboro, died the venerable John Alden, in the
one hundred and third year of his age. His great grand
father, whose name he bore, was one of the first settlers of
New England, and his grandmother was daughter of Per
egrine White. He was married young, and his first wife,
by whom he had five children, died at the age of twenty-seven.
By his second and last wife he had fourteen children.
When his century sermon was preached he is understood
to have said that he had read through his Bible in course as
many times as he was years old. He retained his bodily
strength and mental energy to a remarkable degree. When
more than one hundred years old, he would converse with
great propriety upon religion, and occasionally repeat
whole chapters and quote numerous passages from the
sacred Scriptures. He was the oldest man in the old col
ony and probably the oldest in the commonwealth. He
had been a professor of religion and connected with a
church upwards of seventy-eight years, a'nd was probably
the oldest church member in the United States."
In 1835, there were living of his descendants one hun
dred and seventy-three persons. He had nineteen children,
sixty-two grandchildren and one hundred and thirty-four
great grand-children.
An oil painting of him, said to be a correct likeness,
hangs in Pilgrim Hall. DR. ENOCH ALDEN,
A native of Ashfield, Mass., and uncle of the writer, was a
man of uncommon ability, and made himself famous by
performing a difficult surgical operation.
A man's leg had become so diseased by a fever sore as to
necessitate the removal of the bone. Dr. Alden extracted
about six inches, and inserted in its place the corresponding
bone of an animal. The experiment was a success. He
settled in Rome, N. Y., and was often called hundreds of

384 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
miles in his practice. He was of a genial, social nature,
and possessed of marked literary tastes. His library con
tained the whole of Ree's Encyclopaedias, about one hun
dred and fifty volumes. The writer well remembers the
impression this collection made upon him the first time he
saw them together on the shelves of Amherst College
library. He lived to old age, respected by all.
REV. TIMOTHY ALDEN,
Of Yarmouth, Mass., was born in Bridgwater, Nov. 24, 1736.
He was a graduate of Harvard College, and afterward pas
tor of the Congregational church in Yarmouth, where he re
mained nearly fifty-nine years. He was much loved by his
people, a man of exemplary piety, great hnmility and cheerful
disposition. He married Sarah, daughter of Rev. Habijiah
Weld, of Attleboro, whom he outlived. He died at the age
of ninety two. DR. EBENEZER ALDEN
Was born in Stafford, Conn., July 4, 1755, was educated at
Plainfield Academy, and pursued a course of medical
studies under the teaching of Dr. Elioha Perkins. He was
invited and accepted the position of physician in Braintree
(now Randolph ), Mass, in 1781, where heremained in the
practice of his profession until his death, twenty-five years
later. He was a successful practioner and also an able
medical teacher, having under his instruction at various
times, many young men, some of whom became eminent in
their profession. He was highly respected by his towns
people, and beloved by his patients and friends. He died
at the age of fifty-one, " just when he was rising into spec
ial prominence as a man and a physician."
DR. EBENEZER ALDEN, 2D.
The second Dr. Ebenezer Alden was the eldest of the
three children of Ebenezer and Sarah Bass Alden He was
a descendant on both sides of the Pilgrim John Alden,

DESCENDANTS OF THE ALDEN FAMILY. 385
Sarah Bass being descended from the union of Ruth Alden
and John Bass. He was born in Randolph, Mar. 17, 1788,
the year of the adoption of the Constitution of the United
States. He was eighteen years of age at his father's death
which occurred during his collegiate course at Harvard,
from which he graduated in 1808. He then went to Dart
mouth, and pursued a course of medical studies, and re
ceived the degree of M. B. in 1811 ; afterward he attended
medical lectures in Philadelphia, and received the degree of
M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania, in 181 2. He
then settled as a physician in his native town. He mar
ried in 1 81 8, Anne, daughter of Capt. Edmund Kimball,
of Newburyport. In his chosen profession he was widely
known and very successful, and not only in this, but in
many other walks of life he was a man of influence, greatly
esteemed for his superior judgment, high intellectual
attainments and benevolent dispositon.
He was a member and an active worker in many differ
ent societies, religious and educational. For thirty-three
years a trustee of Amherst College, and for twenty-five years
director of the American Education Society. He became a
member of the N. E. Historic Genealogical Society in the
year of its organization, in 1846, and afterward contributed
$500 towards the Librarian fund.
Dr. Alden was also a ready writer. His publications
embrace quite a number of works on medical topics, several
memoirs, and the " Memorial of the Alden Family," pub
lished in 1867. The last named has been of great interest
and benefit to all descendants of the name.
Beside all these accomplishments, he was a leading
singer in his town, and'much interested, especially in church
music. At the National Peace Jubilee at Boston, in 1869,
and at the International Jubilee, three years later, he was
one of the chorus singers. At this time he was eighty-four
years old.
For several years, before his death he was totally blind,
and was cared for by his daughter, Sarah Bass Alden, at

386 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
the old homestead. He died January 26, 1881, in his
ninety-third year.
Two sons and the daughter above named survive
him. Rev. Ebenezer Alden, pastor since 1850, of the First
Congregational Church in Marshfield, Mass. In his
parish lived Daniel Webster, and in 1852, he was called
to conduct the funeral services of the great states
man. The second son is Rev. Edmund Kimball Alden, D. D.
who was ordained to the Congregational ministry in 1850,
and after serving for some twenty-six years as pastor at
Yarmouth, Me., Lenox, Mass., and in Phillips Church,
South Boston, is now one of the secretaries of the Ameri
can Board. — [From Increase Tarbox Memorial of Ebenezer
Alden. M. D.

CHAPTER XXIII.
REV. TIMOTHT ALDEN, A. M, PRESIDENT OF
ALLEGHANT COLLEGE.
HE subject of this sketch was a son of Rev. Timo
thy Alden, of Yarmouth, Mass. He was the old
est of six children; was born in Yarmouth in 1771,
ancLdied at Pittsburg, Pa., in 1839, aSed sixty-eight years ; a
useful life cut off too soon. At eight years of age he went
to live with his uncle, Lieutenant Joshua Alden of Bridge-
water, remaining seven years. He then decided to fit for
college, and commenced a preparatory course under his
father's teaching, which was finished at Philip's Academy,
Andover, Mass. He entered Harvard College in 1790,
where he distinguished himself by his excellent scholarship,
especially in the ancient languages. At his graduation, in
1794, he delivered an oration in Syriac. In 1799, he en
tered upon the pastorate of the South Presbyterian Church
in Portsmouth, N. H. The following year he opened there
a school for young ladies. He resigned his charge as pas
tor in 1805, and devoted his time until 1808 to the interests
of the school. He was afterward principal of a young
ladies' academy in Boston, a young ladies academy in New
ark, N. J., and a similar school in New York city. While
a resident of Boston, he was appointed librarian of the
Massachusetts Historical Society, and prepared a catalogue
of its books, which was printed in 181 1. He removed in
181 5 to Meadville, Pa., and immediately entered upon an
undertaking to establish a college in that place. A public
meeting was called June 20, 181 5, Major Roger Alden pre-
387

388

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.

siding. At this meeting was laid the foundation of Alle
ghany College by the appointment of Rev. Timothy Alden,
president and professor of Oriental languages and of eccle
siastical history. Mr. Alden then undertook to raise the
necessary funds to carry on the enterprise. Among those
who honored him by their contributions, were John Adams,
Ex-President of the United States, Hon. James Winthrop,
of Cambridge, Mass., Major Roger Alden, and many other
noted men of that time. At the laying of the corner-stone
of the college building, Mr. Alden took a prominent part as
a master mason. His son, Timothy Fox Alden, delivered

TIMOTHY ALDEN.
a Hebrew oration, and another son, Robert W., one in
Latin. While residing in Meadville, he became interested in the
condition of the Indian tribes located in Western New
York and Pennsylvania, the Seneca's and the Mansee's, and
was appointed in 1787 by the Boston Society for "the Prop
agating the gospel among the Indians," as missionary in
that region. A volume published by him, in 1827, gives
very entertaining details of his work in the mission field,
and contains much of interest regarding the manners and
customs of the Indians of these tribes. His anecdotes of
the Indian chiefs " Cornplanter," "Red Jacket "and "Black

REV. TIMOTHY ALDEN. 389
Snake," and of Mary Jamieson, the white woman of the
Genesee Valley, are extremely interesting. He closed his
missionary labors in 1820. In 1831, resigned his connec
tion with the college to open a boarding school in Cincin
nati. In 1833 removed to East Liberty, near Pittsburgh,
Pa., and took charge of an academy. Failing health
obliged him to again resign his office of teacher. He re
tired to the residence of his daughter, Martha, wife of Pat
rick Farrelly, M. C, where he died in 1839. His last ser
mon, preached in Sharpsburg, Pa., was from this text : "The
end of all things is at hand."
He was a man of rich intellectual endowment, enthusias
tic in every educational and religious work, yet easily discour
aged and somewhat visionary. He was founder of no less
than seven schools of learning, was honorary member of the
Massachusetts and the New York Historical Societies, and
member of the American Antiquarian Society. His literary
work was considerable. The most important of his publi
cations being a collection of American epitaphs, issued in
five volumes. Copies of this work are rare. A relative of
his, Mrs. Gormley, of Sewickley, Pa., has recently donated a
Set to the Massachusetts Genealogical Society. Through
the courtesy of this society, I have been enabled to secure
the following extracts. In his preface he says :
" My original design was merely to gratify an inclination
for acquiring knowledge of important chronological, bio
graphical, and historical facts, nowhere to be found except
on the mouldering mansions of the venerable dead, and on
the face of monuments or corner-stones, and other parts of
public buildings equally a prey to the touch of time, and on
such materials, and under such circumstances as to render
them difficult of access. At length, having amassed many
documents, and having enjoyed much satisfaction in con
templating these interesting memorials, it occurred to me
that my collection, if issued from the press, would be ac
ceptable to my fellow citizens, and, at the same time, give
publicity to a multitude of facts which ought not to be bur-

390 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
ied in oblivion, and preserve in a form more durable than
marble or brass, a tribute of gratitude and respect to the
memory of many, of whom the world was most worthy."
EXTRACTS FROM DR. TIMOTHY ALDEN's COLLECTION OF
AMERICAN EPITAPHS PUBLISHED IN l8l4
YARMOUTH, MASS.
Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Sarah Alden, consort of the Rev. ' Timothy
Alden, who departed this life 28 October, 1796, in the 59 year of her
age. Ye friends that weep around my grave,
Compose your minds to rest,
Prepare with me, for sudden death,
And live forever blest.
Mrs. Alden was a daughter of Rev. Habijah Weld, of
Attleboro. She died suddenly while her husband was on a
long journey, and when three of the six children were at too
great distance from home to receive the heavy tidings, till
the last respects were paid to the remains of the de
ceased. BRIDGEWATER, MASS.
Here lies buried Eleazer Alden, who died 29 January, 1773, in the 79 year
of his age. Laid in the dust he must abide,
Thus sleeping by his consort's side,
Ye children living come and see
Where both your once loved parents be.
Then follow in the path they trod
Till you shall rest with Christ in God.
Here lies buried Mrs. Martha Alden, the wife of Mr. Eleazer Alden, who died
6 January, 1769, aged 69 years.
The resurrection day will come,
And Christ's strong voice will burst the tomb;
The sleeping dead, we trust, will rise
With joy and pleasure in her eyes,
And ever shine among the wise.
Joseph Alden, the second son of the Hon. John Alden of
Duxbury, whose wife was Mary Simmons, was one of the
original settlers of Bridgewater. The first improvements
in this place, which were begun in 1654, were in what is

REV. TIMOTHY ALDEN.

391

called the West Parish, which for a time was known as the
"Duxburough Plantation." The Sachem who deeded this
township, went with the purchasers upon a certain hill in
the East Parish, and made his conveyance in this manner,
mentioning the consideration : " I give you all the land
south, seven miles, all the land west, seven miles, all the
land north, seven miles, and all the land east to where the
white men live."
Joseph Alden departed this life 3 February, 1697, 'at the age of about 73
years, leaving a widow and three sons, Isaac, Joseph and John.
Beneath are deposited the remains of Lt. Joshua Alden, who died 21st March,
1809, in the 80th year of his age.
He led a sober and regular life, was a friend to peace and good order, a
steady attendant on public worship and a valuable member of society. In
his last will and testament, after some deductions he bequeathed a tenth part
of his property to the So. Congregational Society in Bridgewater, of which
one hundred dollars were for the use of the church of which he was a mem
ber, two hundred dollars for the encouragement of psalmody, and the re
mainder for the fund of said Society.
To perpetuate his memory and to express the gratitude due to an example
so worthy of imitation, it has been thought fit to erect this monument.
DUXBOROUGH, MASS.
In memory of Capt. Samuel Alden, who died 24 February, 1781, aged 92
years, 2 months and 3 days.
It is a remarkable circumstance that Captain Samuel
Alden and his sister, Alice Paddock, two of the grand-chil
dren of one of the first settlers of the old colony, should
have been upon the stage at the commencement of the
Revolutionary War. They lived to see the country peo
pled with three million white inhabitants, and successfully
opposing the ungenerous usurpation and tyranny of the
parent empire. PHILADELPHIA.
In memory of Mrs. Martha Gifford, wife of Alden Gifford, who, on the 10
of June, at the age of 29 years, 4 months and 20 days, exchanged this
earth for heaven. Sickness sore long time I bore,
Physicians' skill in vain,
Till God revealed his tender love
And took away my pain.

392 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
And now I at my anchor ride,
With many of the fleet ;
Once more, again, I will set sail
My Saviour, Christ to meet.
BENJAMIN AND DEBORAH FRANKLIN, I79O.
The body of Benjamin Franklin, printer, like the cover of an old book, its
contents torn out, and stript of its lettering and gilding, lies here, food
for worms, yet the work itself shall not be lost ; for it will, as he be
lieved, appear once more in a new and beautiful edition, corrected and
amended by the author. ANDOVER, MASS.
In memory of Mr. John Abbott, who departed this life 10 November, 1793,
in the 90 year of his age.
Grass, smoke, a flower, a vapor, shade, a span,
Serve to illustrate the frail life of man ;
And they who longest live, survive to see
The certainty of death, of life the vanity.
Several of the grandsons of Mr. Abbott are distnguished
among the literati of New England
NORTHAMPTON, MASS.
In memory of Caleb Strong, who died 13 February, A. D., 1770, in the 66
year of his age. Man's home is in the grave ;
Here dwells the multitude ; we gaze around,
We read then- monuments, we sigh, and while
We sigh, we sink.
In memory of Mrs. Phebe Strong, the relict of Mr. Caleb Strong, who died
5 January, anno domini 1802, in the 85 year of her age.
We loved, but not enough, the gentle hand that
Reared us. Gladly would we now recall that
Softest friend, a mother, whose mild converse
And faithful counsel we in vain regret.
These were the parents of His Excellency, Caleb Strong,
governor of Massachusetts. BRISTOL, R. I.
Here lies buried the body of the Hon. William Bradford, Esq., who departed
this life 6th July, 1808, in the 80 year of his age.
Peaceful
May he sleep out the sabbath of the tomb,
And wake to rapture in the life to come.

REV. TIMOTHY ALDEN.

393

Benj. West, LL.D., a distinguished Mathematician and Philosopher, was
born at Rehoboth in Massachusetts, and early removed to Bristol,
R. I., where he was educated. From his earliest years he had a
remarkable fondness for mathematical studies, and was for many years
the able and esteemed professor of mathematics and astromony at the
College of Rhode Island, now Brown University. He deceased in
autumn of 1813, having passed the age of fourscore years and left one
son and three daughters. His love for his country expired but with
the last glimmering ray of life. He left the world without an enemy
in the ardent hope and expectation of the joys of heaven.
PROVIDENCE, R. I.
President James Manning, the founder of the R. I., College, which was first
located in Warren, in 1765. Afterwards removed to Providence and received
the name of Brown University in honor of Nicholas Brown who made a
large donation to the Institution.
In memory of Rev. James Manning, D. D., President of R. I. College. He
was born in New Jersey, A. D., 1738. Became a member of the
Baptist church, A. D., 1758. Graduated at Nassau Hall, in
1762; was ordained a minister of the gospel in 1763; obtained a
charter for » college in 1765; was elected president the same year;
and was a member of Congress in 1786. His person was graceful and
his countenance remarkably expressive of sensibility, cheerfulness and
dignity. The variety and excellence of his natural abilities, improved
by education and enriched by science, raised him to a rank of eminence
among literary characters. His manners were engaging, his voice
harmonious, nis eloquence natural and powerful ; his social virtues,
classical learning, eminent patriotism, shining talents for instructing
youth, and zeal in the cause of Christianity, are recorded on the tables
of many hearts.
He died of Apoplexy 29 July, 1791, aged 53. The trustee and fellows of
the College have erected this monument.
In memory of Nicholas Brown, Esq., who departed this life 29 May, A. D.,
1791, aged 62.
His ancestors were some of the first settlers of this state. His stature
was large. His personal appearance manly and noble; bis genius penetrat
ing, his memory tenacious, his judgment strong, his affections lively and
warm. He was an early, persevering and liberal patron of the College in this
town and a member and great benefactor of the Baptist Society. His dona
tions in support of learning and religion were abundant. As in life he was
universally esteemed, so in death he was universally lamented.
Here repose the remains of Colonel Benjamin Hoppin. Having sustained
various public offices with probity and honor, by an exemplary private
life endeared himself to his numerous connexions and friends and
having professed and practiced the religion of Christ, on the 30 day of
November, A. D., 1809, in the 68 year pf ' his age serenely departed, in
peace with all mankind, leaving his numerous descendants an example,
with what tranquility a Christian can die.
Sacred to the Ihemory of Colonel Jeremiah Olney, a patriot soldier of the
Revolution, late collector of the customs in the district of Providence,
and president of the society of Cincinnatti of the State of Rhode
Island and Providence Plantations. He closed his honorable and
useful life with Christian serenity on the 10 of November, 1812, in the
63 year of his age.

394 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
The remains of Elder Joseph Snow, the first pastor and
teacher of the Pedobaptist Congregational church in Prov
idence, lie entombed in the family cemetery. He was born
in Bridgewater, Mass., on the 6th of April, 171 5, and died
10th of April, 1803, having entered on the eighty-ninth
year of his age, and the fifty-sixth of his ministry.
NORWICH, CONN.
In memory of Doctor Johna. Lathrop. He died, 29 October, A. D., 1807, in
the 85 year of his age.
A soul prepared needs no delays ;
The summons comes, the saint obeys ;
Swift was his flight, and short the road,
He closed his eyes and saw his God.
MONTVILLE, CONN.
Dorathy Coffin Alden, died 29 July, 1796, aged n months and I week.
So fades the lovely blooming flower,
Sweet smiling solace of an hour.
MOHEGAN, CONN.
In the Rev. Dr. Holme's memoir of the Moheagans, it is
said that the following lines were found on a grave-stone in
their burial ground :
Here lies the body of Sunseeto
Own son to Uncas, grandson to Oneeko,
Who were the famous Sachems of Moheagan,
But now they are all dead I think it is Werheegan.
(The last word is interpreted by the phrase "all is well" or, "good
news." The island in the Penobscot river called Oldtown, has
been the favorite residence of the aboriginees for more than
a thousand years. Here Orono, the venerable chief of the
Penobscot tribe, departed this life on the 5th of Feb., 1801,
aged, one hundred and fifteen years. He was greatly
endeared to his tribe, and spent his life in cultivating the
principles of peace. During the Revolutionary war, he
formed a treaty with our government, which he faithfully
kept, while some of the more Southern tribes became a
scourge to our frontier settlements. The following anec
dote is related of him :
On a certain time, Rev. Daniel Little, who was sent on a

REV. TIMOTHY ALDEN. 395
mission into the Penobscot country, in a pleasant, familiar
way asked Orono in what language he prayed. Orono
made no reply, but assumed a very grave aspect. Mr.
Little repeated his question still without a reply. After a
little interval, Mr. Little clapping Orono on the shoulder,
said, " Come, Orono, come, tell me in what language you
say your prayers, Indian, French or Latin ? " Orono with
a solemnity of countenance which delighted Mr. Little,
lifted up his hands and his eyes toward heaven and said,
" No matter, Great Spirit know all language."
His Epitaph reads as follows :
Safe lodged within his blanket, here below
Lie the last relics of Old Orono ;
Worn down with toil and care, he in a trice
Exchanged his wigwam for a paradise.
ATTLEBORO, MASS.
Here lies the best of slaves,
Now turning into dust,
Caesar, the Ethiopian, craves
A place among the just.
His faithful soul has fled
To realms of heavenly light,
And by the blood that Jesus shed
Is changed from black to white.
January 15 he quitted the stage
In the 77 year of his age.
In memory of Dr. Herbert Mann, who with 119 sailors with Capt. Magee,
Master, went on board the brig General Arnold, in Boston Harbor, 25
December, 1777, hoisted sail, made for sea, and were immediately
overtaken by the most tremendous snow storm with cold, that was ever
known in the memory of man, and unhappily parted their cable in
Plymouth harbor, in a place called the Cow Yard, and he with about
100 others were frozen to death, 66 of whom were buried in one grave.
He was in the 21 year of his age.
And now Lord God Almighty, just and true
Are all thy ways, but who can stand before thy cold ?
The calamity which this inscription records, was one of
the most distressing ever witnessed on the coast of
Massachusetts, an account of which was published by one
of the survivors, Bartholomew Downs, of Barnstable. In
closing his account he says, " It is worthy of remark that
the captain, and some others, by his advice, poured ardent
spirits into their boots, but took none internally, which was

396 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
unexceptionally the means of preserving their lives and
limbs. Those who made freest use of intoxicating liquor,
fell the first victims to the intensity of the cold.
The following was written by a gentleman well versed in
the technical language of the navy, for a monument which
was to have been erected to the memory of the Hon. Job
Pray, a member of the executive council of Georgia, and
during the Revolutionary war a brave, naval commander :
Sunk at his moorings, on Wednesday, the 29 of April, 1789, one who never
struck his flag while he had a shot in the locker ; who carried sail in
chase till all was blue ; in peace, whose greatest glory was a staggering
topsail breeze ; in war, to bring his broadside to bear upon the enemy,
and who when signals of distress hove out, never stood his course, but
hauled, or tacked, or wore to give relief, though to a foe ; who steered
his little bark full fifty annual cruises over life's tempestuous ocean, and
moored her safe in port at last ; where her timbers being crazy and
having sprung a leak in the gale, she went down with a clear hawse.
If these traits excite in the breast of humanity, that common tribute to
the memory of the departed, a sigh, then traveller as thou passest this
wreck, let thine be borne upon the breeze which bends the grassy
covering of the grave of old Job Pray.

CHAPTER XXIV.
MILES STANDISH* I.
N the old colony days, in Plymouth the land of the Pilgrims,
To and fro in a room of his simple and primitive dwelling,
Strode, with a martial air, Miles Standish the Puritan Captain.
Near him was seated John Alden, his friend, and household companion,
Writing with diligent speed at a table of pins by the window.
II.
LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP.
Nothing was heard in the room, but the hurrying pen of the stripling,
Or an occasional sigh from the laboring heart of the Captain,
Reading the marvellous words and achievements of Julius Caesar,
" So he won the day, the battle of something or other.
That's what I always say; if you wish anything to be well done,
You must do it yourself, you must not leave it to others ! "
* * * .
Finally closing his book, with a bang of the ponderous cover,
Thus to the young man spake Miles Standish the Captain of Plymouth :
" When you have finished your work, I have something important to tell you,
Be not however in haste; I can wait; I shall not be impatient! "
Straightway Alden replied, as he folded the last of his letters,
" Speak, for whenever you speak, I'm always ready to listen. "
Thereupon, answered the Captain, embarrassed and culling his phrases,
" Since Rose Standish died, my life has been weary and dreary ;
Oft in my lonely hours have I thought of the maiden Priscilla.
She is alone in the world ; her father and mother and brother,
Died in the winter together; I saw her going and coming,
Now to the grave of the dead, and now to the bed of the dying.
Go to the damsel Priscilla, the lovliest maiden of Plymouth,
Say that a blunt old Captain a man not of words, but of actions,
Offers his hand and his heart, the hand and heart of a soldier. "
* * *
When he had spoken, John Alden, the fair-haired, taciturn stripling
All aghast at his words, surprised, embarassed, bewildered,
Trying to mask his dismay by treating the subject with lightness,
Thus made answer and spake, or rather stammered than answered :
, 397

398 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
" Such a message as that, I am sure I should mangle and mar it ;
If you would have it well done, — I am only repeating your maxim, —
You must do it yourself, you must not leave it to others ! "
'Truly the maxim is good, and I do not mean to gainsay it ;"
I can march up to a fortress and summon the place to surrender,
But march up to a woman with such a proposal, I dare not.
I'm not afraid of bullets, nor shot from the mouth of a cannon,
But of a thundering ' No !' point blank from the month of a woman,
That I confess I'm afraid of, nor am I ashamed to confess it !
Surely you cannot refuse what I ask in the name of our friendship I "
What you demand in that name, I have not the power to deny you.
III.
THE LOVER'S ERRAND.
All around him was calm, but within him commotion and conflict.
" Was it for this I have loved, and waited, and worshipped in silence ?
Was it for this, I have followed the flying feet and the shadow
Over the wintry sea, to the desolate shores of New England ? "
* * *
So through the Plymouth woods John Alden went on his errand ;
Gathering still, as he went, the Mayflowers blooming around him,
" Modest and simple and sweet, the very type of Priscilla !
So I will take them to her; to Priscilla the Mayflower of Plymouth. "
So through the Plymouth woods John Alden went on his errand ;
Came to an open space, and saw the disk of the ocean,
Saw the new built house, and people at work in a meadow ;
Heard, as he drew near the door, the musical voice of Priscilla
Singing the hundreth Psalm, the grand old Puritan Anthem.
Then, as he opened the door, he beheld the form of the maiden
Seated beside her wheel ; and the carded wool like a snow drift
Piled on her knee, her white hands feeding the ravenous spindle,
While with her foot on the treadle she guided the wheel in its motion.
So he entered the house; and the hum of the wheel and the singing
Suddenly ceased : for Priscilla, aroused by his steps on the threshold,
Rose as he entered, and gave him her hand, in signal of welcome,
Saying, " I knew it was you, when I heard your step in the passage ;
For I was thinking of you, as I sat here singing and spinning."
Silent before her he stood, and gave her the flowers for an answer.
* * *
" Kind are the people I live with, and dear to me my religion ;
Still my heart is so sad, that I wish myself back in Old England."
* * *
Thereupon answered the youth : — "Indeed I do not condemn yon;
Stouter hearts than a woman's have quailed in this terrible winter.
Yours is tender and trusting, and needs a stronger to lean on ;
So I have come to you now, with an offer and proffer of marriage
Made by a good man and true, Miles Standish the Captain of Plymouth I "

MILES STANDISH.

399

Thus he delivered his message, the dexterous writer of letters —
Came straight to the point and blurted it out li.ce a school-boy;
Mute with amazement and sorrow, Priscilla, the Puritan maiden,
Looked into Alden's face, her eyes dilated with wonder,
Till at length, she exclaimed, interrupting the ominous silence :
" If the great Captain of Plymouth is so very eager to wed me,
Why does he not come himself, and take this trouble to woo me ? "
Then John Alden began explaining and smoothing the matter,
Making it worse as he went, by saying that " the Captain was busy. "
"Has he no time for such things, as you call it, before he is married,
Would he be likely to find it, or make it, after the wedding ?
Had he only showed that he loved me, had he but waited a while,
Even this Captain of yours, — who knows ? — at last might have won me,
Old and rough as he is ; but now it never can happen."
Still John Alden went on, unheeding the words of Priscilla,
Not to be laughed at and scorned, because he was little of stature,
Any woman in Plymouth, nay, any woman in England,
Might be happy and proud to be called the wife of Miles Standish !
# # *
But as he warmed and glowed in his simple and eloquent language,
Archly the maiden smiled, and, with eyes over-running with laughter,
Said, in a tremulous voice, " Why don't you speak for yourself, John f "
IV.
» JOHN ALDEN.
Into the open air John Alden, perplexed and bewildered,
Rushed like a man insane, and wandered alone by the sea-side.
* * *
" Is it my fault, " he said " that the maiden has chosen between us ?
Is it my fault that he failed, — my fault that I am the victor ?
Back will I go o'er the ocean, this dreary land will abandon,
Her whom I may not love, and him whom my heart has offended. "
* * *
Thus as he spake, he turned, in the strength of his strong resolution,
Till he beheld the lights in the seven houses of Plymouth.
Soon he entered his door, and found the redoubtable Captain.
"Long have you been on your errand, " he said with a cheery demeanor.
" Not far off is the house, although the woods are between us,
Come, sit down, and in order relate to me, all that has happened. "
# * *
Then John Alden spake, and related the wondrous adventure.
But when he came at length to the words Priscilla had spoken,
Words so tender and cruel ; " Why don't you speak for yourself, John ? "
Up leaped the Captain of Plymouth, and stamped on the floor :
Wildly he shouted, and loud ; "John Alden ! you have betrayed me I
Me Miles Standish, — Your friend I have supplanted, defrauded, betrayed me I"

400 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Alden was left alone. He heard the clank of the scabbard
Growing fainter and fainter, and dying away in the distance.
Then he arose from his seat, and looked forth into the darkness,
Lifted his eyes to the heavens, and folding his hands as in childhood,
Prayed in the silence of night, to the Father who seeth in secret.
V.
THE SAILING OF THE MAYFLOWER.
Just in the grey of the dawn, as the mist uprose from the meadows,
There Was a stir and a sound in the slumbering Village of Plymouth ;
Standish the stalwart it was, with eight of his valorous army,
Northward marching to quell the sudden revolt of the savage.
* * *
Loud over field and forest, the cannon's roar, and the echoes
Heard and repeated the sound, the signal gun of departure I
Meekly, in voices subdued, the chapter was read from the Bible,
Meekly the prayer was begun but ended in fervent entreaty !
Then from their houses in haste, came forth the Pilgrims of Plymouth.
* * *
Foremost among them was Alden ; all night he had lain without slumber.
Then he arose from his bed, and heard what the people were saying,
Joined in the morning prayer, and in the reading of Scripture,
And, with the others, in haste, went hurrying down to the sea-shore.
* * *
Nearer the boat stood Alden, with one foot placed on the gun-wale,
One still firm on the rock, and talking at times with the sailors.
He too was eager to go, and thus put an end to his anguish.
But as he gazed on the crowd, he beheld the form of Priscilla.
Fixed were her eyes upon his, as if she divined his intention,
That with a sudden revulsion, his heart recoiled from its purpose,
" Here I remain I "h.t exclaimed, as he looked upon the heavens above him
"There is no land so facred, no air so pure and so wholesome,
As is the air she breathes, and the soil that is pressed by her foot-steps.
Yes I as my foot was the first that stepped on this rock at the landing
So, with the blessing of God, shall it be the last at the leaving I "
O strong hearts and true I Not one went back in the Mayflower I
Then as if filled with the Spirit, and wrapt in a vision prophetic,
Baring his hoary head, the excellent Elder of Plymouth
Said " Let us pray ! " and they prayed and thanked the Lord and took courage
So they returned to their homes ; but Alden lingered a little.
VI.
PRISCILLA.
Thus for a while he stood and mused by the shore of the Ocean,
Thinking of many things, and most of all of Priscilla.

MILES STANDISH.

401

Lo ! as he turned to depart, Priscilla was standing beside him.
"Are you so much offended, you will not speak to me?" said she.
"Yesterday I was shocked, when I heard you speak f Miles Standish,
Praising his courage and strength, and even his fighting in Flanders,
Frankly I speak to you, asking for sympathy only and kindness.
For I know and esteem you, and feel that your nature is noble,
Now that our terrible Captain has gone in pursuit of the Indians,
You may speak boldly, and tell me of all that happened between you. "
Thereupon answered John Alden, and told her the whole of the story,
How he had even determined to sail that day in the Mayflower
And had remained for her sake on hearing the dangers that threatened.
VII.
MLLES STANDISH.
Meanwhile the stalwart Miles Standish was marching steadily northward.
" I alone am to blame" he muttered, " for mine was the, folly.
What has a rough old soldier, grown grim and gray in the harness,
Used to the camp and its ways, to do with the wooing of maidens ? "

THE COURTSHIP.

402 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
VIII.
SPINNING WHEEL.
Meanwhile Alden at home had built him a new habitation,
Solid, substantial, of timber rough-hewn from the firs of the forest.
Still may be seen to this day some trace of the well and the orchard.
Oft when his labor was finished, with eager feet would the dreamer
Follow the pathway that run through the woods to the house of Priscilla.
* * *
So as she sat at her wheel, one afternoon in the Autumn,
John Alden opposite sat and was watching her dexterous fingers.
* * *
Lo ! in the midst of this scene, a breathless messenger entered.
Yes ; Miles Standish was dead ! an Indian had brought them the tidings.
Silent and statue-like stood Priscilla, her face looking backward.
But John Alden, upstarting as if the barb of the arrow
Piercing the heart of his friend had struck his own, and had sundered
Once and forever the bonds that held him as a captive,
Clasped, almost with a groan, the motionless form of Priscilla,
Pressing her close to his heart as forever his own and exlaiming :
" Those whom the Lord hath united let no man put them asunder 1 "
IX.
THE WEDDING DAY.
This was the wedding morn of Priscilla the Puritan Maiden.
Softly the youth and maiden repeated the words of betrothal,
Fervently then, and devoutly, the excellent Elder of Plymouth
Prayed for the hearth and the home, that were founded that day in affection.
* # #
Lo I when the service was ended, a form appeared on fhe threshold,
Clad in armour of steel, a sombre, and sorrowful figure I
Into the room it strode, and the people beheld with amazement
Bodily there in his armour, Miles Standish, the captain of Plymouth !
Grasping the bridegroom's hand, he said with emotion, Forgive me I
I have been angry and hurt, — too long have I cherished the feeling ;
I have been cruel and hard, but now, thank God it is ended.
Never so much as now was Miles Standish the friend of John Alden.
Thereupon answered the bridegroom : Let all be forgotten between us ;
All save the dear old friendship, and that shall grow older and dearer I
Then the Captain advanced, and, bowing, saluted Priscilla.
Then he said with a smile ; I should have remembered the adage>—
If you would be well served, you must serve yourself.
Meanwhile the bridegroom went forth and stood with the bride at the door way.

MILES STANDISH.

403

Then from a stall near at hand, amid exclamations of wonder,
Alden the thoughtful, the careful, so happy, so proud of Priscilla,
Brought out his snow-white steer, obeying the hand of its master.
Led by a cord that was tied to an iron ring in its nostrils
Covered with crimson cloth, and a cushion placed for a saddle.
Placing her hand on the cushion, her foot in the band of her husband,

-¦A ¦ 'M*t.'-'-FJi\ /M*«Bfifc5i ¦;'-!.yf*--^i^=±--' -..

Copyright, 1861. By J. E. Tilton & Co.
THE WEDDING JOURNEY.
Gaily with joyous laugh, Priscilla mounted her palfrey.
¦' Nothing is wanting now," he said with a smile, but the distaff,
Then you would be in truth my Queen, my beautiful Bertha I
# * *
Onward the bridal procession now moved to their new habitation.
Happy husband and wife, and friends conversing together,
So through the Plymouth woods passed onward the bridal procession.

* Extracts from Longfellow's Courtship of. Miles Standish (By permission of Houghton,
Mifflin & Co., Sole Publishers of Longfellow's Works.) '

CHAPTER XXV.
THE AUTHOR'S LINE OF ANCESTRY.

OSEPH2 ALDEN* Son of Hon. John1 Alden.
B Bridgewater, Mass. D 8th Feb. 1697, at 73 yrs.
M  Mary Simmons, of Duxbury, Mass., daughter
"=^=™ Moses, Jr., and Sarah  Simmons.
He was a farmer, and freeman, 1659. Had his father's proprietary share
in Bridgewater, Mass., where he settled in that part now known as West
Bridgewater. His will was dated 14th December, 1696, and proved 10th
March, 1697. Widow Mary and son John, Executors.
CHILDREN.
I. ISAAC8 B Bridgewater. M 2nd Dec. 1685, Mehitable Allen,
D daughter of Samuel Allen.
Had nine children. c 1665.
II. *JOSEPH8 B  1667. M  1690, Hannah Dunham,
D 22nd Jan. 1747. daughter of Daniel, of Plymouth.
III. JOHN8 B W. Bridgewater. M  Hannah White, daughter
D 29th Sept. 1730, at 56 yrs. of Capt. Ebenezer, of
And as Mitchell thinks, 'Elizabeth8 and Mary.8 Weymouth.
Note. — Mr Mitchell thinks that Joseph2 Alden had also daughters.
Elizabeth8 who b  m  1691, Benjamin Snow.
d  1705.
Mary8 who b  m  1700, Samuel Allen, of
D  Bridgewater,- Mass.
These two are not named in the will of Joseph2 Alden; but may have
received their portions at their respective marriages.
No records of their births have been found, or baptisms.
B Denotes born. M Married. D Death. A About. The numbers 1, 2,
3 and 4 denotes the generations in their order of precedence. 404

AUTHOR'S LINE OF ANCESTRY. 405
•JOSEPH8 ALDEN Son of Joseph,2 Hon. Johni Alden.
Bridgewater, Mass.
B 1667. D 22nd Dec. 1747, aged 80 years.
M  1690, Hannah Dunham, of Plymouth, Mass.,
daughter of Daniel.
B  D 13th January. 1748, at 78 years.
He lived at So. Bridgewater, Mass., was " Deacon " of the Church and
much esteemed. His.will dated 12th November, 1743.
CHILDREN.
I. DANIEL4 B 29th Jan. 1691. M  1717. Abigail Shaw
Bridgewater, Mass. . daughter of Joseph Shaw.
Stafford, Conn. D  B  D 12th July, 1755, at 61 years.
Had children.
Note. — He was a Magistrate. His wife was sister to Rev. John Shaw, ist
Pastor of the Cong. Church, So. Bridgewater, C. 1729, ordained 1731
and grandfather of Hon. Lemuel Shaw, C. J., Sup. Court of
Massachusetts.
II. JOSEPH* "B 26th Aug. 1693. M  D 9th Dec. 1695.
III. *ELEAZER4 B 27th Sept. 1694. M 1720, Martha Shaw, daughter
Bridgewater. d 30th Jan. 1773. of Joseph.
B  D 1759, at 69 years.
IV. HANNAH4 B  1696. M 1722, Mark Lothrop, of
Had children. D 1777, at 81 years. Easton, Mass. >
V. MARY4 B 10th Apr. 1699. M 1719, Timothy Edson.
Bridgewater, Mass.
Stafford, Conn. D 14th Feb. 1782.
VI. JOSEPH4 B 5th Sept. 1700. M 
D 5th Oct. 1700.
VII. JONATHANS 3rd Dec. 1703. m  d 
D 10th Nov. 1704.
VIII. SAMUEL4 B 20th Aug. 1705. M 1728, Abiah Edson, daughter of
Titicut. D 1785, aged 80 yrs. Captain Joseph Edson.
He had nine children.
IX. MEHITABLE4B 18th Oct. 1707
D nth April; 1737, aged 30 years.

406 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
X. SETH4 B 6th July, 1710. M 1741, Mehitable Carver,
Bridgewater, Mass. D 6 Sept. 1784. daughter of Eleazer Carver.
B  D 14th Feb. 1757.
He was known as " Captain " Seth Alden, and had 4 sons.
'ELEAZER* ALDEN Son of Joseph,8 Joseph,2 Hon. John1 Alden.
Bridgewater, Mass.
B 27th Sept. 1694. D 30th Jan. 1773, aged 79 years.
M 1720, Martha Shaw, daughter
B  D 1769, at 69 years. of Joseph.
CHILDREN.
I. JONATHAN5 B 1721. M 1743, Experience Hayward,
Ashfield, Mass. D 1801 or 1805. daughter of Nathaniel.
B  D 1809, at 90 years.
See " Thayer Memorial " and History of Bridgewater, Mass.
II. ELEAZER5 B 1723. M — — Sarah Whitman, daughter
D 1803. of Nicholas.
aged 80 years. B 1726. D 18th April 1818, aged
92 years.
III. ABSALOM5 B 1725.
D 1727. \
IV. *DAVID5 B 1727. M  Lucy Thomas, his
Ashfield. D 1807. cousin.
V. JOSHUA6 B 1729. M 1786, Mary Carver, daughter of
Bridgewater, Mass. B 19 or 21 March. Eleazer Carver.
1809. No issue. B  D 181 1, at 63 years, and she
was a widow of Seth5 Alden, son of Seth4 Alden.
He was " Lieutenent." He was a farmer, and from 1756 to 1809, kept an
accurate bill of mortality in So. Bridgewater. He left a legacy to the South
Parish, and in gratitude they erected a monument to his memory.
VI. CALEB6 B 1731. D 1733.
VII. EZRA6 B 1734. M  Miriam Richardson
Stafford, Conn, [daughter of Uriah, of Stafford, Conn., and grand-daughter
Greenwich, Mass. of Rev. Jacob Green, of Hanover, N. J.
"Deacon" in 1775 D 1818, aged 84 years.
VIII. TIMOTHY5B 24th Nov. 1736. M  Sarah Weld, daughter of
Yarmouth, Mass, Rev. Habijah Weld of
D 13th Nov. 1828. " Attleborough, Mass.
aged 92 years. B  d 28 Oct. 1796, at 59th yr.

AUTHOR'S LINE OF ANCESTRY,

407

He was pastor of the Congregational Church of Yarmouth, Mass.,
ordained 13th December, 1769, and was graduated from Harvard College in
1762. He was, as has been given, " a faithful and devoted pastor."
*DAVID6 ALDEN Son of Eleazer,4 Joseph,8 Joseph,2 Hon. John1
Ashfield, Mass. Alden.
B 1727. D 1807, aged 80 years.
M  Lucy Thomas, his cousin, daughter of 
B  D 

I. ISAAC6 B
Warren Co. Penn. D
Had nine children.

M  Irene Smith, daughter of
Rev. Ebenezer Smith.

aged 80 years. Warren Co. Penn.

II. DAVID6
Middlefield, (0).
Had nine children.

B 
D 

III. *JOHN«
Ashfield.

B 1761
D 

IV. LYDIA«

B 

Had eight children.

D 

V. ENOCH6 B 
Rome, N. Y. D 
Redfield, N. Y. Physician and Surgeon,

M 27th May, 1783, Susanna Ward,
daughter of John and Mary (Torrey)
Ward of Buckland.
. M  Nancy Gray, daughter of
Jonathan G. of Pelham, Mass.
M  Jonathan Gray.

Lucy Elmor.

*REV JOHN6 ALDEN Son of David,6 Eleazer,4 Joseph,8 Joseph,2
Ashfield. Hon. John1 Alden.
B 1761. D 1842, aged 81 years.
M  Nancy Gray, of Pelham, Mass., daughter of
Jonathan and Gray.
B 23d Dec. 1771. D March, 1813, at 42 years.
Rev. John6 Alden of Ashfield, Mass., Minister of the Baptist persuasion,
and inherited the paternal estate. A man of piety and respectable attain
ments, and had a large family of sons and daughters, as below enumerated.
He had fourteen children. CHILDREN.
OF JOHN6 AND NANCY GRAY ALDEN.

I. ARIAN7

B
D

M ¦

408 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
II. ELIZABETH7 b $ March, 1789. M  William Ranney.
D 7 May, 1870. B 30 June. 1785,
aged 81 years, 2 months and 2 days. D 9 Sept. 1857,
aged 72 years, 2 months and 9 days.
Children of William and Elizabeth7 [Alden] Ranney.
1. BETSEY RANNEY. B A 1808. M F. C. Annijble,
D 9 May, 1881, D 2nd Oct. 1886.
Had two children.
1. Helen, who M John Williams [ California.]
2. Edward, Prominent Lawyer, Paw Paw, Van Buren
County, Michigan,
2. JOHN RANNEY. B 8 Oct. 1812. M 
D 29 Sept. 1863.
3. LUKE RANNEY. b 8 Nov. 181 5. m Rebecca Lyon.
D 
Had children.

I.

Frank. b 13 Feb. 1846. m 
Has two children.

2.

Wm. Cyrus.
No children.

b 29 Oct. 1847. M 

3-

Alden S.

b 8 Oct. 1850. d 3 Oct. 1859.

4-

Charles.

B 17 Oct. 1852. D 12 Sept. 1855.

5-

Edward L.
Had children,

B n Nov. 1858.
William, Edward, Charles.

4. MARTHA RANNEY.

B 21 Mar. 1821. m 

5. MARY RANNEY.
Had three children.

B a Jan. 1824. M Edward Whitney.
D 7 Feb. 1873.

1. 2.

Cora.

m  Mr. Shaw. Van Buren
Co. Michigan.
M  Fred Munro.

3. Boy who died young.
III. EUNICE7 b 12 Sept. 1790. m 6 Jan. 18 11, Luther Ranney.
D 5 Sept. 1882. b 6 Sept. 1785.
D 5 Marcht 1871.
Chi ldren of Luther and Eunice7 [ Alden ] Ranney

AUTHOR'S LINE OF ANCESTRY. 409
1. NANCY G. RANNEY. B 24 Oct. 1811, m 30 Jan. 1839,
D 18 Aug. 1879, Elijah Field.
d 17 Aug. 1871.
Had children. 1. Amelia S. Field, b 5 Nov. 1839.
2. Frank H. Field, b 19 Sept. 1850.
2. FLA VILLA RANNEY. B 3 March 1813. m 
D 
3, HARRIET N. RANNEY. b 8 Sept. 1814. M 2 Nov. 1856,
Lorenzo Metcalf. No issue.
4. RACHEL H. RANNEY. B 11 May, 1816. m 25 Apr. 1855,
Charles S. Guilford.
5. SOPHIA A. RANNEY. b 23 Aug. 1819. M 12 Nov. 1851,
D 23 July, 1885. Lyman Goodwin.
No children.
6. LUTHER B. RANNEY. B 16 Oct. 1821. m 30 May, 1843.
Mary A. Putney.
M 20 Feb. 1882.
, Mrs. Mary J. Millett.
Had children. 1. Luther Z. Ranney, b 4 Apr. 1845,
2. Ellen J. Ranney, b 25 Mar. 1848.
3. Earl G. Ranney, b 21 Jan. 1851.
7. JOHN A. RANNEY, ' B 6 Feb. 1827. M 5 Oct. 1846,
D  Caroline Belding.
Had children. 1. Durwin D. Ranney, b Sept. 1850.
2. Carrie E. Ranney, b 8 Feb. 1854.
3. John A. Ranney, b i Dec, 1859.
8. DAVID F. RANNEY. B 21 July 1830. m Margaret Hill.
Had children. 1. Kate E. Ranney, b 22 Aug. 1839.
IV NANCY7 b 10 Feb. 1792 M 23 Jan. 1823. William Bassett.
D 8 Apr. 1840. d 21 Sept. 1857.

410 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Children of William and Nancy7 [Alden] Bassett.
i. John Bassett. b ii Apr. 1824. d 8 Aug. 1825.
2. William F. Bassett. b ii July 1825 m 26 Sept. i860.
Lizzie C. Leonard.
Had children. 1. Ellen M. Bassett, b 26 July, 1861.
2. Frank L. Bassett, b 3 Feb. 1864. m 24 Nov. 1884.
Lillie R. Vanscent.
And had Alice Vanscent Bassett, b 17 Nov. 1886.
3. William H. Bassett, b 23 May, 1866.
d 26 Sept 1866.
4. Alice L. Bassett, b 26 June 1867. d ii Sept. 1867.
5. J. Murray Bassett, b 9 Sept. 1869.
6. Geo. Wm. Bassett, b i Nov. 1871.
3. NANCY A. BASSETT, B 23 Aug. 1828. M 26 May, 1847.
D 8 Mar. 1876. Asa Guildford.
Had children. 1. LucyM. Guildford, b 16 Sept. 1848. m 26 Nov. 1873.
George B. Church,
And had children.
1 Isabel B. Church, b 29 Oct. 1874.
2. Frederick R. Church, b 23 Jan. 1879,
3. Helen L. Church, b 23 Aug. 1880.
*. William B. Guildford. b 2 Apr. 1853.
d 23 Nov. 1853.
3. Hattie B. Guildford. b 17 Oct, 1854.
She married 8 Jan. 1882, Charles Lilly.
4. Mary L. Guildford. b 8 June i860.
She married 12 Jan. 1881, Isaac C. Bassett.
V. ARMILLA7 B 3 Dec. 1793. M Nov. 1812, Aaron Lyon.
Cassadaga, B 1 July, 1789.
Chautauqua Co., N.Y. d 7 Feb. 1867. D 20 June, 1870.
FAMILY OF LYON.
1. AARON EZRA8 LYON, b 23 Aug, 1813. m 26 Aug. 1840,
Mary Ann Kidder, B 23 Nov. 1812.
Children as follows :

AUTHOR'S LINE OF ANCESTRY. 411
1. Francis Kidder9 Lyon, b 27 July, 1841
• m 24 Dec. 1866. Anna M. Heath
And had children as follows, viz :
1. Jessie Mary10 Lyon, b 27 Oct. 1867.
2. Jennie Adelle10 Lyon, b 19 May, 1870.
3. Lucy Jane10 Lyon, b 7 Nov. 1873.
2. Mary Jane9 Lyon, b 16 Mar. 1843. M 8 Mar- '86o-
Royal E. Park.
1. Frank Ernest Park. b i Apr, 1862.
2. Mary Adeline Park. b 12 Nov. 1864.
3. Ellen Annette Park. b 21 Nov. 1867.
4. Royal Wilton Park. b 13 Oct. 1878.
5. Raymond Lyon Park. b 13 Feb. 1887.
3. Marcus Ezra Lyon, b 9 Sept. 1845. d 
m 28 Mar. 1870. Rhoda A. Skinner.

4. Samuel King Lyon, b 4 Feb. 1848.

d 8 Dec. 1849.

5. Armilla Annette Lyon,
Had children.

b 5 Mar. 1849.
m 24 Dec. 1866.
Loren H. Park

1. Leeman Eugene Park,

B 20 Feb. 1872,

2. John Ezra PaRK,

B 24 Jan. 1879.

6. Aaron Mason Lyon,

B 6 Dec. 1850.

d 9 Mar. 1851,
7. Flora Maria Lyon, b 27 July 1852. m 15 Feb. 1881.
Dr. Sidney E. Ford.
And had these :
1. Mary8 Ford, b 14 Jan. 1883.
D same day.
2. Edward Lyon Ford, b 10 Mar. 1885.
8. Eugenia Patience Lyon. b ii May, 1854.
M 16 Nov. 18S6. Francis E. Dow.
a. NANCY ALDEN LYON, b 2 July, 1815. d 
M 29 Apr. 1846. Rev. Jesse Martin Purington.
b 12 Aug. 1809. b 17 June, 1869.
Had children as follows :

4I2 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
i. Edward Lord PuringtoN. b io Aug. 1847
d 22 May, 1862.
2. Daniel Boardman Purington. b 15 Feb. 1850.
m 6 July, 1876. Florence Abbey Lyon.
Had children. 1. Edward Earle Purington,
2. Mary Lyon Purington. b 3 Nov. 1879.
3. John Alden Purington. b 27 July, 1884.
4. Jessie Purington. b 14 July, 1886.
3. Aaron Lyon Purington. b ii Feb. 1854.
m 
4. George Dana Purington. b i Oct. 1857.
m 23 Aug. 1878. Helen Blanche Fordyce.
Had these children.
1. Ada May Purington. b 15 Apr. 1879.
2. Robert Lawrence Purington. b 
3. LUCY THOMAS LYON, b 15 Feb. 1817. d 3 May 1853.
M 14 Sept. 1846, Rev. Edward Clemens Lord.
b 22 Jan. 1817. d 
And had children.
1. Edward Clemens Lord, Jr. b 14 Jan. 1848.
d 6 Oct. 1849.
2. Rosina Lyon Lord. b 6 Oct. 1850.
D same day.
The Rev. Edward Clemens Lord married for his second
wife, November 1853, Freelove Althena Lyon, born 31st
Jan. 1831. Younger sister to Lucy Thomas Lyon, herein
named. See pages following.
4. FRANKLIN SMITH LYON. b 27 Feb. 1819.
m 25 Aug, 1853.
Harriet Amanda Johnson
b 25 Apr. 1829.
Children of Franklin Smith Lyon.
1. Florence Abby Lyon. b 26 Aug. 1855.
2. Harriet Eliza Lyon. b 31 Jan. 1862.

AUTHOR'S LINE OF ANCESTRY. 413
3. Mary Amanda Lyom. b 6 Oct 1866.
m 6 Aug. 1884. George B. Foster.
And had 1. Raymond Lyon Foster, b 29 May 1885.
S MARY MASON LYON. b ii May, 182 1,
d 16 Oct. 1871. m 23 Nov. 1870,
Henry Grevie.
6 ROSINA LYON. b 6 Oct. 1822. d 26 Aug. 1869,
M 9 May 1830. Rev. Peter Carpenter Dayfoot.
Had children as follows :
1 Rosa Maria Dayfoot. b 16 Apr. 1851.
2. Carrie Marilla Dayfoot. b 10 Dec. 1854.
7. ELECTA MOORE LYON, b 4 Aug. 1825 d 
m 31 Aug. 1846, Horatio Warren Green.
b 29 Aug. 1825.
Children as follows :
1. Lucy Sophronia Green. b 10 July, 1847,
Kansas. M  Sidney Holt
Had three children.
2. Horatio Frank Green. b 22 Apr. 1849.
d 10 Mar. 1864. *
3. Sevelia Cassa Green. b 4 July, 1851,
d 21 Dec 1852.
4. Sylvania Emma Green. b 4 July, 1851,
d 21 June, 1852.
5. Horatio Fred Green, b 16 Dec. 1866.
6. Fanny Electa Green. b 21 June, 1870.
8. SOPHRONIA MINER LYON. b 2 July, 1828.
m 7 Apr. 1852. Rev. Thomas Freeman Thickstun.
B 3 July, 1824.
Had children as follows:
i. Flora Ellen Thickstun. b 13 May, 1854.
d 13 July, 1865.
2. Hattie Evelyn Thickstun. b 8 Feb. 1856.
M 4 July, 1876. Orville Maurice DeKaj
And had

414 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
i. Maurice Thickstun DeKay. b I Jan. 1881.
2. Messinger Earle DeKay. b 3 Aug. 1887.
3. Carrie Lilian M. Thickstun. b 25 Feb. 1861.
M 25 Dec. 1884. Harvey Augustus Ballanger.
And had 1. Francis Lilian Sallanger. b 3 Jan. 1886.
4. William Lyon Thickstun. b 7 July 1867.
5. Thomas Frank Duane Thickstun.
b 4 Oct. 1869, d 25 Feb. 1873.
9. FREELOVE ALTHENA LYON. B 31 Jan. 1831.
D 31 Jan. i860.
m Nov. 1853. Rev. Edward
Clemens Lord.
B 22 Jan. 1817.
Who previously married her sister. D 
And had these children :
1. Lucy L. Lord. b 10 Aug. 1854. d 10 June 1871.
2. Franklin Lyon Lord. b 27 Aug. 1856.
M 1883, M. Josephine Brown.
3. William Dean Lord b 27 Aug. 1856.
M 25 Dec. 1879, Delle Wilcox.
Had children. 1. Edward H. Lord. b 27 June, 1882.
d 23 Oct. 1884.
2. Bessie Lord. b 27 Aug. 1886.
4. Fanny Armilla Lord. b 17 Feb. 1859.
m 21 Aug. 1885, William H
Had : Bansum.
1. Jennie Bansum. b 26 June 1886.
5. Mary Lord. b 19 Jan. 1661.
10. FANNY MARTHESIA LYON. b 17 Apr. 1836.
d 
m 2 Aug. 1866, Alvin J. Van Fleet.
B 9 Mar. 1839.
Had: 1. John Edward Van Fleet. b 8 Oct. 1867.

AUTHOR'S LINE OF ANCESTRY. 415
2. Maggie Armilla Van Fleet. b 29 June 1872.
3. Fred Alvin Van Fleet. b 12 June, 1874.
VI. CYRUS7 b 15 Aug. 1795. m 20 Oct. 1819, Eunice Bacon.
Ashfield, Mass. B 10 Oct. 1801.
d 24 Nov. 1842. d 12 May, 1821
m 6 Nov. 1823, Lura Flagg.
CHILDREN BY FIRST WIFE.
I. FLA VILLA8 B 23 June, 1820. M 20 Dec. 1840,
D  Sylvester N. Whitney.
B 24 Aug. 1815. D 26 Sept. 1880.
Children :
1. LURA FLA VILLA WHITNEY. b 26 Feb. 1844.
D 2 Apr. 1846.
2. CYRUS ALDEN WHITNEY. b 3 Dec. 1855.
D 4 Dec. 1859.
3. LIZZIE MUNRO WHITNEY. b 18 Oct. 1865.
D 20 Dec. 1865.
II. EUNICE8 B 20 Mar. 1821. M  D 24 Oct. 1825.
BY SECOND WIFE.
III. ELIZABETH FLAGG8 B 3 Dec. 1824. M 6 June, 1858,
Squire Munro, B 19 Nov. 1805. D 7 Mar. 1880.
IV. EUNICE BACON3 B 11 Sept. 1827. M 28 Feb. 1877,
D —— Chester C. Tolman. B 13 Nov. 1819.
V. GEORGE CHANDLER8 B 5 Aug. 1829, M Susan A. Boss.
D 17 July, 1888. B 16 May, 1831, had child, Wmj
Cyrus Alden, B Anawam, Henry
Co. 111., Mar. 1, 1862.
M Inez May . Mitchell, Oct. 28,
1885, at Friendship, Me. They
have one child, Susan May
Alden. B Bristol, Col.
Jan. 1, 1887.
VI.' CHARLES FLETCHER8 b 27 Apr. 1832. m 
D 29 Apr. 1882.
VII. LUCY7 B 5 July, 1797. M 
D 

416 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
VIII. WILLARD7 B 24 Apr. 1800. m 27 Sept. 1832.
Cazenovia, N. Y. Corintha Wilcox.
*) B 10 Mar. 1807, D 27 Dec. 1886.
d 25 Feb. 1878.
Children : 1. Theodore Clermont8 b 30 Oct. 1833.
Cassadaga, N. Y.
2. Theodosia Augusta8 b 6 Apr. 1835.
IX. MINERVA7 b 1 June, 1802". m 
D 
X. HABILLA7 B 3 June 1804.
D 
XI. JOHN7 b 10 June, 1806. m 23 Nov. 1833, Ann Maria Cham-
Providence, R. I. d  berlain, daughter of Ephraim C.
1888.
And whose life we continue.
XII. SOPHRONIA7 b 20 Sept. 1809. m 19 Apr. 1834,
D  Edward Griffith Miner* " Banker,"

Children as follows :

Winchester, 111.
B Jan. 21 1809. D 

. JAMES MINER. b 16 Jan. 1835. m 17 Apr. 1861,
Physician and Surgeon, 101 Regiment, Ellen Thomas.
Illinois Volunteers.
2. HENRY MINER. b 10 Jan. 1837.
3. ANNA JUDSON8 MINER. b S Sept. 1839.
m 22 May, 1866. Chas. B. Hubbard.
4. LUCY ALDEN8 MINER. B 30 Oct. 1841.
5. JOHN HOWARD8 MINER. b 24 May, 1844.
d 14 Sept. 1862. Killed in U. S. Army in Mississippi,
14 Sept. 1862.
6. MARY ELLEN8 MINER, b 19 Aug. 1847. d 28 Aug. 1848.
XIII. LUCY THOMAS7 b 23 Aug. 1810. m 16 Jan. 1834,
Coleraine, Mass. in Ashfield, Mass., Dr. Chenery Puffer,
of Shelburne Falls, Mass.
b 22 Jan. 1804, in Sudbury, Mass.
D 6 Mar. 1877.
?These items were furnished by E. G. Miner.

AUTHOR'S LINE OF ANCESTRY.

417

Children of Lucy Thomas [Alden] Puffer.
1. HENRY MERVIN PUFFER8 B 21 Jan. 1835.
Graduate Rochester U., i860, studied law.
M 20 Sept. 1866, in Fenelon, Mich.
Mary Field, b 28 Jan. 1840, LeRoy, Mich.
Had these children :
1. Carrie Lamson9 Puffer. b 18 May, 1872.
Shelburne Falls, Mass.
D 25 Aug. 1872, in Shelburne Falls.
•.. SAMUEL WILLIS8 PUFFER. b 8 Jan. 1837,
M 22 May, 1866, in Winchester, 111.
Mary Catherine Powell.
b 6 Nov. 1842. Winchester, 111.
Children of above Samuel Willis8 Puffer.
1. Starkey Powell Puffer. b 16 July, 1874.
2. Chenery Puffer. b 31st Mar. 1878.
3. Willie Puffer, b 29 Jan. 1880. d July, 1880.
All in Winchester, III.
3. CHARLES CHENERY8 PUFFER. b 15 June, 1841.
m 1 May, 1865, in Avon, N. Y.
Graduate Rochester U., 1863. Susan Emma Markham.
B 2 Feb. 1843. Avon, N. Y.
Children as follows :
1. Isabella9 Puffer, b 4 March 1867. Elizabeth, N. J.
2. Linda Dana9 Puffer. b 10 Oct. 1868.
Avon, N. Y.
LUCY MARIA8 PUFFER, b 5 Dec. 1842, in Coleraine, Mass.
D 10 Feb. 1846, "
Note. — Dr. Chenery Puffer has been President of the Franklin Dist. Med.
Society, and in 1863, Representative to General Court of Massachusetts.
IV. DAVID7 b 10 Feb. 1812. M 19 Feb. 1839. (1) Tirza Maria
D 24 Nov. 1864. Hunt, who D 16 July, 1840,
He was a teacher and farmer, Kalamazoo, Mich.
graduated from Brown University, in M 29 Aug. 1842. (2) Esther Wells
1838, resided in Ashfield, Mass., and Blackington, North Adams, Mass.
Kalamazoo, IMich., Shelburne Falls, who D 3 Jan. 1845.
Mass. M 27 Aug. 1846. (3) Mary Bliss

4i 8 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
Ingraham, daughter of Asa In-
graham of No. Adams, Mass.
Styled of "Kewanee, Illinois, teacher and farmer." Held office of
" Deacon " seventeen years, was a Justice of the Peace and much employed
in public business. He was killed by his carriage, coming into collision with
the engine in crossing a Railroad.
Children :
i. ISABEL MARIA8 B 12 July, 1844. D 6 Feb. 1848.
2. FRANCIS HEARSAY8 B 18 May, 1847.
3. JAMES WILLIE8 B 3 Nov. 1849.
4. MARY ISABEL8 B 10 Jan. 1852. D 23 Sept. 1854.
5. CHARLES DAVID8 B 16 Aug. 1855.
6. EDWARD MINER8 B 15 Mar. 1857. D 13 Oct. 1859.
7. HARRY BARTLETT8 B 14 Sept. 1859. d 13 Aug. 1862.
8. FREDERICK F.8 B 14 Nov. 1861. D 2 Sept. 1862.
9. FLORA GRACE8 B 23 Nov. 1864.
» REV. JOHN7 ALDEN Rev. John,6 David,6 Eleazer,4 Joseph,8 Joseph,2
Providence, R. I. Hon. John1 Alden of D.
(See Part 1.) B 10 Jan. 1806. D  M 23 Nov. 1833,
Ann Maria Chamberlain, daughter of Ephraim
and Anna [Hovey] Chamberlain.
B 17 Mar. 1812. d 
Children of Rev. John7 Alden of Providence, R. I.
I. AUGUSTUS EPHRIAM8 B 22 Feb. 1837. M 2 Oct. 1839.
Ella Blake, daughter of Charles and Sarah Carter
Abbott, and daughter by adoption of Ezekiel
B 24 July, 1841. Blake, of Chicopee Falls, Mass.
Had children. 1. MATTIE BLAKE9 B 28 Feb. 1862, at Chicopee
Falls.
m 22 Nov. 1880, at Providence, R. I. Walter L. Clarke.
And had 1. Helen Ruth. b 13 Nov. 1883.
2. Ronald Blake. b 13 Sept. 1885.

AUTHOR'S LINE OF ANCESTRY.

419

2. LILLIE ANNA9. b 13 Apr. 1866, at Providence, R. L
3. JOHN AUGUSTUS9 b 23 Nov. 1867, at Providence,
D  R. I.
4. EDWARD DANA9 b 15 Sept. 1870, at Providence, R. I.
II. FRANCIS HOWARD8 B 7 Jan. 1839, at Shelburne Falls,
Mass.
D 19 July, 1844, at North Adams,
Mass.
III. ADONIRAM JUDSON8 B 21 Nov. 1844, at North Adams,
Mass.
m  Eliza Cornell.
Had children.

i !

John Herbert, b i Apr. 1885.
Miles Standish. b'i Apr. 1885.

FAMILY OF MOLINES OF ENGLAND.
The surname has been written " Molines " and also
" Mullens," and from the English Records we have the
following : 2D APRIL, 1 62 1.
In the name of 'God, Amen. I comit my soule to God
that gave it, and my bodie to the earth from wlience it
came. Alsoe, I give my goodes as followeth : That fforty
poundes in the hand of goodman Woodes. I give my wife
tenn poundes, my sonne Joseph tenn poundes, my daughter
Priscilla tenn poundes, and my eldest sonne tenn poundes.
Alsoe, I give to my eldest sonne, all my debtes, bonds, bills,
(onelye yt forty pounds excepted in the handes of goodman
Wood ) given as aforesaid with all the stock in his owne
handes. To my eldest daughter I give ten shillinges, to be paied
out of my sonnes stock.
Furthermore, that goodes I have in Virginia as followeth :
To my wife Alice halfe my goodes, & to Joseph and
Priscilla the other halfe equallie to be divided betweene
them. Alsoe I have xxj dozen of shoes and thirteene paire of

420 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.
bootes wch I give into the companies handes for forty
poundes at seven yeares, and if they like them at that rate.
If it be thought too deare as my overseers shall think good.
And if they like them at that rate, at the divident I shall
have nyne shares where I give as followeth : Twoe to my
wife, twoe to my sonne William, twoe to my sonne
Joseph, twoe to my daughter Priscilla, and one to the
Companie. Allsoe, if my sonne, William will come to Virginia, I give
him my share of land. Furdermore, I give to my twoe
overseers, Mr. John Carver and Mr. Williamson, twenty
shillinges apeece to see this, my will, performed desiringe
them that he would have an eye over my wife and children,
to be as fathers and friendes to them.
Allsoe to have a specialle eye to my man Robert, which
hathe not so approved himself e as I would he should have
done. This is a coppye of Mr. Mullen's his will of all particulars
he hathe given.
In witness thereof I have sett my hande. John Carver,
Giles Hale, Christopher Joanes.
Vicessimo tertio ; die mensis Julie Anno Domini Milles-
imo sexcentessimo vicesino primo Emanavit Commissio Sare
Blunden als Mullinsg felie naturali etlegiteme dicte defuncti
administrand bona iura et credita ciusdem defuncti iuxla
benorem et effectum testamente suprascripti co quod nul
lum in codem testamento nominavit executorem de beue es
lurat. 68 Daler.
Mense July Anno Domini, 162J :
Vicesimo tertio die emanavit comissio Sara Blunden
als Mullens filie urali et ltime Will mi Mullens, nus de
Dorking in com Tuvr sed in parte bus ultra mavinis def
hentis es ad administrand bona iuva et credita ejus dem def
iuxta benorem, et effcum testamenti ipsius de functi co
quod nullum in Codem nominavit exrem de bene et iuvat.
Probate Act book, 1621 and 1622.
William Mullins, the testator, was one of the passengers
in the Mayflower, and the father of Priscilla Mullens, the

AUTHOR'S LINE OF ANCESTRY.

421

heroine of Longfellow's poem, "The Courtship of Miles
Standish." The will was evidently drawn up at Plymouth, New Eng
land, which was then considered a part of Virginia. The
date of the will is not given, but it must have been on or
before Febuary 21, 1620 -1, for on that day Mr, Mullens
died according to Gov. Bradford's Register, as quoted by
Prince in his Chronology, Part II, p. 98. The date of
April 2, 1 62 1, was probably that on whiGh the certified copy
was signed.
Gov. Bradford in his list of passengers in the Mayflowei
has this entry :
" Mr. William Mullens and his wife and two children,
Joseph and Priscilla, and a servant, Robert Carter." In
the margin he gives the number of persons in Mr. Mullen's
family, " 5."
In Bradford's memoranda of changes that had occurred
in these families in the course of thirty years, we find this
entry :
"Mr. Molines and his wife, his son and his servant died
the first winter. Only his daughter Priscilla survived, and
married with John Alden, who are both living, and have
eleven children, and their eldest daughter is married and
hath five children."
This will gives the names of Mr. Mullens' two children
who were left in England. William, the eldest son, and
Sarah, who married a Mr. Blunden. The Probate Act
Book supplies the English Residence, Dorking, in the
County of Surrey.*
Mr. Williamson, who is named as an overseer of the will,
I take to be " Master Williamson," who, according to
Mourts Relation, p. 36— Dexter's Edition, p. 92;, was
present March 22, 1620- 1, when the first treaty was made
with Massasoit. Rev. Alexander Young, D. D., finding no
person of the name of Williamson among the signers to the

* Bradford, New Plymouth, Boston, 1856, pp. 446-452.

422

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.

compact, concludes that the name of Williamson was prob
ably an error of the press, and suggests that of Allerton in
stead and Dr. Young's conjecture has been generally
adopted by later writers. — Chronicles of the Pilgrims, 1841,
p. 192.
Christopher Jones may have been the captain of the May
flower, whose surname we know was Jones. Rev. Edward
D. Neill, however, in the N. E. Historic Genealogical Reg
ister, XXVIII, p. 314, gives reasons for believing that his
Christian name was Thomas, f

ARMORIAL BEARINGS OF ALDEN OF ENGLAND.
I. Gu. Three Crescents within a Bordure Engrailed Erm.
CREST.
Out of a Ducal Coronet Perpale Gu, and Sa, a
Demi-lion Or.
y
1. Gu. Three Crescents within a Bordure Engrailed Erm. (sometimes ar.)
3. ALDEN OR ALDON.
Gu. A Mullet Ar. between three Crescents, Erm, with a Bordure
Engrailed of the second.
CREST.
4. Out of a Ducal Coronet Or. a Demi-lion Gu.
t N. E. Historic Genealogical Register, Vol. XLII ( 1888) pp. 62, 64.

AUTHOR'S LINE OF ANCESTRY. 423
5. Or. a bats wing Gu. surmounted of another Ar.
CREST.
Out of a Coronet Ar. two wings as in the Arms.
The Arms of the English Family of Aiden. These various "Armorial
Bearings" of the "Family of Alden" are taken from "Burkes General
Armory'' and correspond in most particulars in the Heraldic Emblems on
the Shield. IN EXPLANATION OF THE ARMS.
1. The Shield.
The tinctures — the charges placed thereon, are represented as made
of metal or fur, or as painted in colors.
(In the Arms of Alden.)
2. " Gu." (gules) Means red.
3. " Three Crescents." Mean half moons with the horns uppermost.
4. '! Bordure Engrailed." A " Bordure " is a border extending around
a Shield one-fifth of its width, and " Engrailed " curved lines as
follows : >v^^^v^^ at the edge of border.
5. " Erm." (ermine) Consists of a white field with black spots.
6. Of the " Crest." The Crest is a common adjunct of the Shield, and
consists of any object or objects placed above it.
7. "Coronet." A form sometimes called "Ducal Coronet," more pro
perly a " Crest Coronet," of various forms, and can only be des
cribed by plates or drawings. •
8. " A Demi-lion Gu." Means half a lion painted red, and issuing from
the Coronet.
9. Terms " Perpale, Gu and Sa." Mean red and " sa." (sable) black,
equally divided in the Coronet.
lo. " OR." Means Golden.
11. "AR." Means Silver. Abbreviation of Argent.
The Arms of the Aldens of England would seem to indicate considerable
of civil service and respectability, and some military exploit.
This coat was assigned the 8th Sept. 1607, by Wm. Camden Clarencieux
to John Alden of the Middle Temple, and was borne by the Aldens of
Hertfordshire, London. See " Elements of Heraldry."
See Plates, " Edmonson's Herald."

Missing Page

Missing Page

CHAPTER XXVI.
PLYMOUTH. — 1888.
HE oldest New England town affords rare attrac
tions for the searcher after antiquities, or for the
sight-seeing tourist. A pleasant, quiet village, with
shady streets, comfortable dwellings, and many points of
historic interest. The main street of the Pilgrims has
since been called Leyden street. Here can be seen the
spot where their first buildings were erected for the living,
and near by rises the hill where the first permanent rest-

NATIONAL MONUMENT, PLYMOUTH.
ng-place for the dead was located. A visit to Burial Hill
will show the traveller the graves of many of the early set-
426

PL'S 'MOUTH.

427

tiers, and the spot on which was placed their stronghold of
defense. Here stood the Old Fort, erected by Standish
and his followers ; and from here, the old soldier sallied
forth on his expeditions among the Indians. It was also
used as a meeting-house, and up this hill on Sunday morn
ings might be seen the whole settlement marching in mili
tary order, with their muskets and firelocks ; the governor,
preacher and captain in the rear.
Across the brook to the south rises Watson's Hill, the
scene of the treaty with Massasoit
To the north towers up the magnificent memorial, "The

PILGRIM HALL.
National Monument to the Pilgrims." It consists of an oc
tagonal granite pedestal, forty-five feet in height, on which
stands a statue of Faith, thirty-six feet high. This statue is
said to be the finest specimen of granite statuary in the
world. It is a most beautiful work of art. In her left hand
she holds an open Bible ; her right is raised and pointing
heavenward. Her feet are planted on Plymouth Rock.
The statue is two hundred and sixteen times life size, and
is composed of fourteen blocks of granite, weighing in all
one hundred and eighty tons. Four other statues adorn
the pedestal; Morality, Education, Law and Liberty.
Below these, in panels, are alto-reliefs in marble, represent-

428

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN ALDEN.

ing the Departure from Delft Haven, the Signing of the
Compact, the Landing of the Pilgrims, and the Treaty with
Massasoit. Other panels extend to the top of the shaft,
and on these are engraved the names of the Mayflower pas
sengers. Pilgrim Hall was built in 1 824 by the Pilgrim Society.
In 1880, J. Henry Stickney, of Baltimore, a liberal and pat
riotic friend, expended a large sum in enlarging and
improving the building and grounds. A day spent here
would be too short a time to satisfy lovers of the antique
and historical in studying the relics contained in the
building.

PLYMOUTH ROCK CANOPY.

The walls of the large hall are hung with rare and inter
esting pictures, many of which are portraits of the early
settlers. Cases around the room contain articles once belonging
to Bradford, Standish, Winslow, Brewster, Alden and
others. Chairs owned by Carver and Brewster, the cradles of
Peregrine White and Samuel Fuller, and a model of the
Mayflower, are among the objects of interest here pre
served. Enclosed in an iron railing near the building, is a tablet
bearing a copy of the " Immortal Compact," and on the

PLY 'MOUTH.

429

fence surrounding it is inscribed the names of the forty-one
signers. " Plymouth," or "Forefathers' Rock " is the point toward
which the tourist turns with the greatest eagerness. Here
beneath a granite canopy is the identical rock upon which
the Pilgrim feet first touched as they came ashore from
their little shallop. It is protected from the hand of the
spoiler by iron gates fitted to the arches of the canopy on
each side. Above, in the chamber, are deposited the bones
of some of the little band who died the first winter. They
were exhumed while digging near Cole's Hill, a few years
since. To the west of the rock, a flight of stone steps leads
to the plateau on top of this hill, where can be seen a slab
sunk in the ground, which marks the place where the first
burials were made in 162$.
The Plymouth Rock House is located on the summit of
the hill, and is one of the best in town. The view from its
windows across the harbor is very fine.
Another hotel in the village is called the Samoset House
in memory of Samoset, the Indian friend of the colonists.
Plymouth County court house, a large, handsome build
ing, should not be passed without notice. Here the earli
est records of the colony are preserved, and many legal
documents in the Registry of deeds bear the signatures of
the Pilgrim Fathers.

ALDEN NAMES.

The covers of this book are too narrow to bind in all the
notable descendants of the family of Alden. I would
be glad to record the good, brave, and noble deeds of many
whose names are unknown to the public ; and I would
delight to enrich these pages with the biography of scores
who have built for themselves memorials in the history and
literature of their country. It is impossible to do justice
to all. I would, however, call attention to the following :
, The ancestors of John Adams and John Quincy Adams,
Presidents of the United States, were John Bass, of Brain-
tree, and Ruth Alden, daughter of the Pilgrim John
Alden. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was descended from the
union of the Alden and Wadsworth families of Duxbury.
Alden Bradford, historian, biographer, clergyman and
Secretary of State, was a descendant of Gamaliel Bradford
and Sarah Alden, of Duxbury.
Duncan Bradford, son of the above, was a scholar of
note. His son Gamaliel was a political writer. All three were
graduates of Harvard College.
Henry Mills Alden, a native of Vermont, graduate of
Williams College and Andover Theological Seminary, was
in 1869, managing editor of Harper's Magazine. He was
an author with Guernsey, of Harper's Pictorial History of
the Great Rebellion.

ALDEN NAMES

James Alden, born in Portland, Me., was in 1871, Rear
Admiral of the United States Navy. He died in San
Francisco in 1877.
Joseph Alden, of Cairo, N. Y., was professor in Williams
and Layfayette Colleges, and president of Jefferson Col
lege. He wrote over seventy volumes, mostly Sunday-
school books. He was editor of the New York Observer,
and Philadelphia Christian Library.
William Livingstone Alden, son of Joseph, was a grad
uate of Jefferson College. Studied law, wrote for New
York Times, mostly humorous. In 1885, was United
States Consul General at Rome. Founded the New York
Canoe Club in 1 870 ; was author of several works illustrat
ing popular recreations.
Maj. Roger Alden was a soldier in the Revolutionary
War, and served as aide to General Greene. He spent the
last years of his life at West Point as Ordnance Store
keeper. His son, Bradford R., was a graduate of West
Point, afid afterwards an instructor and commandant there.
He served two years as aide to General Scott, and was
in the frontier service, where he was severely wounded.
He was an accomplished and literary man as well as a good
soldier. He died at Newport, R. I., in 1870.
Timothy Alden, of New York, was inventor of a type
setting machine.
Henry W. Alden, his brother, made many improvements
on the invention.
John Goodwin, of Lowell, Mass., author of the "Pilgrim
Republic," a work of great interest and merit, was
descended from the family of Alden and of Bradford.
His son, Wm. Bradford Goodwin, a resident of Lowell,
Mass., is an accomplished scholar. Dr. Jeremiah Taylor,
of Boston, holds an honorable and responsible position as
Secretary of the American Tract Society.
Oliver Alden Taylor, and his brother Rev. T. A. Taylor,
were Congregational clergymen of note, Rev. E. K.
Alden, of Boston, is the honored Secretary of the Ameri-

ALDEN NAMES.

can Board of Foreign Missions. John B. Alden, of New
York, publisher, has done the world good service in dis
seminating a high grade of literature at prices within the
means of all.
General Alonzo Alden, of Troy, N. Y., won distinction.
in the Civil War.
Dr. Wm. H. Alden, of Portsmouth, N. H., is a clergy
man of high standing in the Baptist denomination.
Hon. Geo. C. Alden ( elsewhere spoken of ), was a suc
cessful jurist.
Henry M. Puffer, Esq., of Shelburne Falls, Mass., is a
practicing lawyer, and a man of noble heart and mind.
Wm. H. Gillette, son of Hon. Francis Gillette, of Hart
ford, Conn., is a dramatist of note.
Rev. Marcus Alden Tolman, of Mauch Chunk, is an
Episcopal clergyman, and an accomplished scholar.
Mrs. Isabella M. Alden ( Pansy ) is a popular writer of
Sunday-school books.
Mrs. D. Lothrop (Margaret Sydney) is also a very popu
lar writer for the young.

Alden C. H.

Millinery.

Providence, R. I

tt

C. T.

it

tt

tc

Mrs. E. H.

a

tt

Emma T,

a

tt

Erastus C.

tt

tt

EvaV.

Bookeeper.

it

tt

James

Insurance Agent.

tt

it

John A.

Clerk.

tt

"

Mary A.

Widow.

tt

((

Nellie

tt
«
AdaF.
Bookeeper.
Boston, Mass
((
Adelbert U.
«
tt
"
Amherst A.
Clerk.
tt
it
Augustus
it
a
tt
Augustus D.
Organ Finisher.
u
a
Augustus E.
Photographer.
a
it
A. Judson
«
tt
«
Bartlett R.
Carpenter.
tt
it
Charles A.
(Marshall & Alden.)
tt
tt
Charles
Shoemaker.
a
it
Charles A.
Clerk.
u
ALDEN NAMES.

Alden Charles A.

Clerk.

Boston, Mass

(<

Charles E.

Bicyclist.

«

u

Charles E.

Clerk.

tt

,t

Charles E.

Salesman.

tt

tt

Charles H.

a

it

tt

Charles H.

Woodworker.

it

tt

Charles C.

C arpenter.

ti

a

Charles T.

Scale Maker.

II

tt

Charles W.

Insurance Agent.

tt

tt

Charles W.

Manager.

it

tt

Mrs. C. A.

it

tt

C. S. & Co.

a

tt

Dana K.

ti

n

Darius G.

Fancy Dry Goods.

tt

u

David A.

Accountant.

tt

tt

Rev. Edmund IC

Sec'y Am. Board.

tt

tt

Edward A.

Foreman.

a

tt

Edward M.

Clerk.

tt

»

Edwin '

Piano Maker.

tt

tt

Elisha C.

Clerk.

u

n

Elizabeth

it
u
E. Hyde
Stenographer.
it
tt
Francis
Salesman.
it
tt
Frank D.
Clerk.
tt
tt
Frank E.
Machinist.
tt
tt
Frank E.
Architect.
it
<t
Frank W.
Foreman.
tt
tt
Fred. T.
Clerk.
tt
u
Geo. A.
Clerk.
tt
tt
Geo. A. & Co
Rubber Com. Merchant.
it
tt
Geo. C.
Carpenter.
tt
"
Mrs. Geo. C.
Magnetic Physician.
it
tt
Geo. E.
Clerk.
«
<(
Griffith
Salt Bottle Mfr's.
«
it
Gustavus F.
Bookeeper.
tt
tt
G. Edwin
Clerk.
tt
tt
Harry B.
Draughtsman.
tt
it
Henry D.
Clerk.
tt
tt
Herman S.
tt
a
H. B.
Sec'y India Mutual Ins.
ft
tt
Ichabod
it
tt
James B.
tt
••
James C.
tt
tt
James E.
Jig Saws.
tt
tt
John
Carpenter.
tt
tt
John
Music Teacher N. E. Conservatory. "
tt
John C.
Coal Dealer.
tt
tt
John E.
Clerk.
tt
ALDEN NAMES

Alden John H.

Furniture Repairer.

Boston, Mass.

"

Joseph D.

Painter.

tt

o

J. Henry

Clerk.

a

"

Louis T.

Civil Engineer.

tt

"

Lucius F.

Boot and Shoe Mf'r.

tt

u

Martha S.

Widow.

tt

a

Mary E.

«

tt

tt

Mary S.

tt

d

Morton

Clerk.

tt

tt

O. W.

Grocer.

tt

it

Richard B.

Salesman.

tt

"

Samuel S.

Caulker.

tt

tt

Silas A.

Teacher of Oratory.

tt

a

Mrs. Susan C.

tt

"

S. A.

Clerk.

tt

a

Egbert S.

tt

u

Thomas

Bookbinder.

tt

<(

Walter J.

Steward.

tt

(<

Walter M.

Carpenter.

tt

tt

Wm. A.

Electrician.

tt

u

Wm. E.

tt
«i
Wm. H.
Conductor B. & P. R. R.
tt
tt
W. S.
Clerk.
tt
it
Adelbert H.
Sec'y.
New York,
tt
Amelia D.
Widow.
tt
"
Annie C.
Widow.
tt
tt
Arthur B.
Straw Goods.
tt
"
Carl C.
Sec'y.
u
n
Charles H.
Carpenter,
tt
a
Cyrus A.
Dentist.
tt
"
Edwin
Advertising Agent.
tt
it
Frances
Widow.
St
"
Frank G.
Broker.
tt
tt
Fred C.
Clerk.
tt
tt
Geo. A.
President
f*
tt
Henry
tt
tt
Henry
tt
tt.
Henry H.
tt
tt
Henry N.
,
tt
a
Henry W.
tt
tt
J. Wager
ii
tt
James
Sec'y.
tt
tt
James G.
Insurance.
tt
n
John B.
President Publishing Co.
tt
it
Percy R.
tt
a
Thomas J.
i
tt
tt
Wm.
Manager.
a
u
Wm. H.
Real Estate.
a
ALDEN NAMES

Alden Samuel G.

Mason.

Maiden, Mass

" Geo. N.

Sec. Fire Ins. Co.

New Bedford, Mass.

" Maria O.

tt

" Silas

a

Christopher

Painter.

Fall River, Mass.

" Geo. F.

Steward.

u

" Myra

Pawtucket, R. I.

" Adeline

Chelsea. Mass.
" Edgar
Clerk.
tt
Frank
Painter.
tt
" Fred S.
it
" Mrs. Hepsey
i«
" Isaac
Grocer.
((
" C. W.
Merchant
tt
" Geo. H.
Moulder.
Newton, Mass.
" Hiram
u
" Nancy A.
it
" Arthur P.
Grocer.
Brockton, Mass.
Charles C.
'* Fred S.
«
" George
tt
" George W.
Stoves.
it
" Frederick
Confectioner.
h
" John
Foreman.
.<
" Lucus W.
tt
" Lucius F.
Shoes.
tt
" Sandford
tt
" Mrs. S. F.
tt
" Thomas J,
Freight Agent.
n
" Clara A.
Manchester, N. H.
" Daniel
tt
" Zenas P.
Pennacook N. H.
" M. E.
Widow.
New Haven, Conn.
" Harriet C.
"
tt
" Horace E.
M
" L. A. J.
11
" Mary J.
Teacher.
II
" Wm.
Machinist.
((
" Fred C.
Painter.
Lewiston, Me.
" Miss Oxa E.
<(
" Stephen C.
ti
" Wm. A.
it
" Hiram R.
Dentist.
Portland, Me.
" Wm. O.
Apothecary.
Old Orchard, Me.
' Darius
Pres. Granite Nat.
Bank. Augusta, Me.
" Darius
Carpenter.
it
Robert E.
Conductor.
tf
Alton
Teamster.
HaUowell, Me.
ALDEN NAMES.

Alden Farrelly

it

Frank E.

a

Harry

it

James

ti

John B.

tt

Charles P.

"

Wm. H., D.D.

"

Elliott

a

Albert

"

Arthur B.

a

Jared F.

"

Arthur H.

'

Elijah

"

Andrew

tt

Amos C.

tt

Charles C.

it

Charles C.

t*

Charles F.

tt

Frank

tt

Frank F.

it

Fred.

tt

George L.

tt

Apollos G.

a

J. Edward

ti

James G.

tt

James M.

tt

John F.

»

Leander M

"

Sidney H.

tt

Wm. L.

••

H. B.

«

Marshall

if

AdnaW.

"

George

tt

Harris W.

tt

Horatio H.

ti

Marcus Morton

tt

Henry

»

Rev. Morrison

tt

C. E.

il

Geo. S.

»

Mary S.

it

Sarah B.

it

Fred C.

<t

Geo. T.

tt

John C.

tt

Nathaniel

ti

James

Agent Cleveland Stove Co. Pittsburgh, Pa.

Agent.
Grocer. Boots & Shoes.

Machinist. it
Widow.

Jamestown, N. Y.
Hyde Park, Mass.
Portsmouth, N. H,
Medford, Mass.
Middleboro, Mass.

Plymouth, Mass.
Dover, N. H.
Norwood, Mass.

Norton, Mass.
t.
Marlboro, Mass.
Waltham, Mass.

Taunton, Mass.

Agt N. E. Despatch Ex. Co. Taunton, Mass
Prop'r Key City Spice Mills. Dubuque, la.
Agent "

ALDEN NAMES.

Alden Wm. J.

Duxbury, Mass.

it a

Wm. J., Jr.
Charles H.

ttft

"

Charles

CI

tt

Samuel

If
a
Samuel, Jr.
II
tt
Amos
tt
tt
J.D.
tt
a
Thomas
tt
it
Mattie
ti
a
Thomas
It
"
James
it
"
James, Jr.
'- "'.'•' ' "
a
it
Frank ':'\
tt
tt
"Kzxa.
H
a
Arthur
•--._. - ,
•t
tt
Emma
- . . ': '_,.. '¦
cc
»i
Henry .,
ci
tt
Henry, Jr.
»
"
John
. ' ;-.- _ "' .
u
tt
Mrs. John
«
M
Edith
(I
il
John, Jr.
- - ' ~ -
«
41
Frank
"" '- i
a
«l
Mary
¦-, "-'
u
<(
Lydia
. ¦': •"! ' . '
«
tt
Lyton
tt
tt
Emma W.
ii
tt
James B.
it
(I
Peleg C. C.
IC
tt
Priscilla Mullens
If
"
Edson J.
r
Salisbury, Vt.
U
Julius W.
..;
Leicester, Vt
"
Wm.
' ?. ' __. ._'
Brandon, Vt.
M
Columbus
San Francisco, Cal.
It
Oscar
tt
(1
Harry K.
tt
tt
Timothy
Brandon, Vt.
tt
Wm. S.
Leicester, Vt.
"
Wm., Jr.
;> ' ' .-."; ;-
it
"
Burton.
u
([
Loyal
' "A
a
tt
Clifford
tt
•i
George A.
Whiting, Vt.
it
John C.
U
M
Rev. Willis
Gold Hill, Oregon.
tt
H. L.
Lawyer.
Wyandotte, Kan.
U
Miss Sarah
Teacher.
Belchertown, Mass.
ALDEN NAMES.

Aldej>

r Mary C.

Widow.

Newark, N. J.

(t

John

Plankinton House.

Milwaukee, Mich.

«

Albert A.

Clerk.

Minneapolis, Minn.

it

Albert M.

Real Estate.

tt

"

Bertha

tc

n

Charles S.

Agent.

tt

tt

Charles M.

Clerk.

ti

"

Edgar H.

Clerk.

"

"

Gertrude C.

Embroiderer.

ii

"

Herbert D.

Clerk.

ii

tc

John

Harnesses.

IC

¦¦

John B.

Bookkeeper.

cc

"

Nancy A.

Milliner.

ft

"

Robert S.

Carriages.

Cf

tt

Wm. A.

Alden & Wilson.

"

it

Charles M.

Hardware.

Grand Rapids, Mich.

"

George W.

Agent.

tt '

"

Mary W.

ti

it

Samuel R.

Lawyer.

Fort Wayne, Ind.

tt

Miss A. S.

Clerk.

Columbus, Ohio.

tt

Eugene E.

Soldier.

ft

it

Frank S.

Printer.

Cleveland, Ohio.

«

Henry

Card Writer.

tt

"

Sanford

Broker.

tt

"

Mrs. Ella

Denver, Col.

it

Frank D.

Carpenter.

tt

tt

Mrs. George C.

Widow.

Fort Collins, Col.

tt

Wm.

Stock Ranch,

"

it

Willis

Teamster.

Omaha, Neb.

tt

Edgar F.

Printer.

St. Louis, Mo.

it

John T.

Builder.

it

tt

Edward

Plumber.

St. Joseph, Mo.

t«

Edward F.

Bacon House.

"

it

Rosa

tt
it
Emma
Kansas City.
ii
Lincoln S.
tt
a
Frank E.
Bookkeeper.
Peoria, 111.
tt
Horace A.
. Supt. Acme Hay '.
Harvester. "
..
Sidney
Bookkeeper.
Savannah, Ga.
it
Henry
Saratoga Springs.
tt
Phebe
n
it
T. A.
Rochester, N. Y.
11
Charles S.
Sec. Roch. Bridge and Iron Wks. "
n
John F.
*
u
Wm. H.
Mason.
Albany, N. Y,
tt
Geo. Alonzo
Troy, N. Y,
it
Charles S.
Lawyer.
Cf
it
Edward M.
Grocer.
fC
ALDEN NAMES.

Alden A. B.

Straw Goods.

New York.

u

Barnabas G.

Chicago, 111.

n

Carrie

Widow.

u

tt

Charles

a

tt

Emmons J.

tt

tt

Rev. Ezra

u
"
Ezra J. Jr.
Agent.
tt
t<
Frank
CI
"
Frank A.
Cf
tt
Henry E,
Engineer.
If
"
R. C.
Councillor.
CI
»
Warren A.
Pres. Alden Book Co.,
cf
tt
Wm.T.
Postal Clerk.
.{
tt
Charles E.
Machinist.
Philadelphia.
tc
Geo. D.
Bookeeper,
"
"
Geo. W.
Machinist.
ti
If
Joshua
n
"
Rev. Wm.
Librarian.
tt
ft
Ebenezer
Merchant.
Washington, D. C.
If
Elijah
II
ft
Harry
Clerk.
ft
"
Harry
Clerk.
((
ft
James M.
Admiral U. S. Navy.
(I
ft
Lucius D.
l(
"
Sadie
(I
ft
Thomas
Merchant.
IC
1
Wm. H.
CI
ft
C. L.
Machinist.
Cincinnati, Ohio.
If
E. E.
Hatter.
"
"
Edwin
President Edwin Alden Co. "
II
Ella M.
11
ft
Ethel
Cashier.
CI
"
F. H.
Manager Hat Store.
«
If
Frank H.
If
it
John D. Mrs.
Widow.
II
tt
Mary C.
Widow.
tt
tt
Edmund K.
Brooklyn, N. Y.
tt
Edward
Bookkeeper-
II
"
Flats
ti
"
George
tt
ft
Harry T.
tt
«
John
ti
If
John B.
Telegraph Operator.
tt
tt
Machine Co.
tt
"
Samuel 11.
ti
tt
Fannie
Fancy Goods.
Newark, N. J.
tt
James G.
Insurance.
tt
fi
Prof James W.
Music.
tt
ALDEN NAMES.

Alden Geo. C.

Grocer.

Troy, N. Y

" Harry M.

Grocer.

" Joseph D.

" Frank

Carpenter.

Buffalo, N. Y.

" Jacob

Engineer.

" Edward M.
Express.
Holyoke, Mass.
" Dwight I.
Bookkeeper.
" Philo W.
" A. O.
Piano Manufacturer.
Springfield, Mass.
" Adin
Clerk.
" Charles P.
Druggist.
" E. A.
Trea. Springfield Waste Co. "
" Merrill F.
Frank
" Geo. A.
Cashier.
" Mrs. J.
" James
" James O.
Pres. Woolson Machine Co.
" Joel
" John B.
" Olive A. Mrs.
Orville
Farmer.
" Ralph P.
Teller 2nd National Bank. "
" Wm. W.
Jeweller.
" Charles C.
Worcester, Mass.
" Charles
" Edward
Engineer.
" E. Elmer
Engineer.
Fred L.
Machinist.
" Prof. Geo. I.
Free Inst.
" J. Brown
Conductor.
" Priscilla E.
Widow.
'• Samuel E.
Carpenter.
" Fred S.
Conductor.
Fitchburg, Mass.
" George W.
Clerk.
" Wm. C.
Lowell, Mass.
" John
Chemist.
Lawrence, Mass.
" Albert N.
Musician.
Lynn, Mass.
" David O.
Shoes.
" James A.
Livery.
" Oliver N.
Carriage Painter.
" Otis A.
Printer.
" Solomon T.
Shoes.
" Wm.
Charles C.
Student.
Maiden, Mass
" Daniel A.
Accountant.
" Edward
Rubber Shoe Co.
" Henry A.
Wood Worker.
ALDEN NAMES.

Alden Frank F.

Supt. Key City Spice

Mills. Dubuque, la.

" Isaac B.

Clerk. " "

tt tt

" Ella

tt

" Emma

tt

" Rev. Willard

tt

" Cyrus

Mf'r Shoes.

Glens Falls, N. Y.

" Clara M.

Music Teacher.

Cambridge, Mass.

" Elizabeth A:

tt
" Fannie A.
Milliner.
n
" Geo. W. A.
Manufacturer.
ti
" G. Edwin
ci
" Louise M.
Cf
Otis B.
Printer.
If
" Sophia D.
Widow.
If
" Susan M.
ti
»
Wm. R.
Manufacturer.
Cf
" Anna B.
Widow.
Medford, Mass.
" A. M.
n
" Ella L. Mrs
tt
" F. William
u
" C. Walter
Melrose, Mass.
" Samuel
Dedham, Mass.
" Amasa
it
" Abner
11
" Herbert W.
tf
" Henry C.
ci
Elisha C.
tt
" Frank E.
CI
" Frank, Jr.
tf
" M. Stella Miss
Salem, Mass.
" Babcock
tt
" John Augustus
London, England.
" George
ii
" James
Merchant Tailor.
41
" James
Chair Manufacturer.
<C
" John
Chemist.
ci
" Wm.
Salesman.
«
TESTIMONIALS.

From Rev. Dr. Bixby, Pastor of Cranston Street Baptist Church,
Providence, R. I.
" Rev. John Alden, a near neighbor of mine, has just completed his autobi
ography, a large part of which has been read to me in manuscript. It is a
book of thrilling interest. Naturally gifted, liberally educated, a careful ob
server, an active worker, and living more than four score years in New Eng
land in a most eventful period of the world's history, Mr. Alden is pre-emi
nently prepared to write a book of this kind. It is full of facts and anec
dotes, maxims and principles, so woven together by his facile pen, as to make
the book exceedingly fascinating. It is also of great historic value. Minis
ters will find it especially helpful and stimulating, and all classes will find
something in the book that will interest and profit them. I hope the book
will have a large sale."
From President Robinson, D.D., LL.D., President of .Brown
University , Providence, R. I.
" From the table of contents of Rev. Mr. Alden's book I am confident i t
will be a book of engrossing interest, and will be wanted by many readers."
From Thomas M. Clark, Bishop of Rhode Island.
" I heartily endorse President Robinson's and other testimonies given to
the Rev. Mr. Alden, and do not doubt but the. book will prove to be of great
interest."
From E. K. Alden, D.D., Congregational Rooms, Somerset Sheet,
Boston.
"I concur in the judgment expressed by President Robinson."
From Rev. Dr. feremiah Taylor, American Tract Society Rooms,
Bromfeld Street, Boston.
" I am very glad to add my testimony to the value of the work which Rev.
Mr. Alden has in hand. I have listened to the table of contents, and also
have been familiar with the spirit and ability of the writer."

TESTIMONIALS.

From T. Edwin Brown, D D., Pastor First Baptist Church,
Providence, R. I.
" My Dear Bro. Alden : — I was much interested in the outline of your
work. If you fill it out as you are capable of filling it, the story of your life
will, I am sure, be of great interest and profit to all classes of Christian read
ers. I shall look forward with pleasure to the opportunity of ranging under
your guidance over the eventful scenes in which you had a part, and of renew
ing acquaintance with the good and true who were your companions in toil.
Wishing you abundant success in your- enterprise, and with the hope that
your evening time may be beautiful with the light of God, I remain your
brother and friend."

From Rev. Frederick Denison, Providence, R. I.
" Having examined this volume, I find that my friend, Rev. John Alden, is
exactly the man to write a delightful autobiography. Endued with such quali
ties, living in such times, acting such parts, touching such keys, retaining such
scenes and incidents, associated with such celebrities, and holding all in his
generous heart, he is the very man to entertain and instruct us by his vivid
and charming record, a mirror in which the faces of his times are re
vealed."From Rev. V. A. Harriman, Pastor Pilgrim Congregational Church,
Providence, R. I.
" I have been honored with the perusal in manuscript, of some of the chap
ters of the autobiography of the Rev. John Alden. The book can hardly fail
to be exceedingly readable, and to such as appreciate the struggles and
triumphs, this record of the life of a man who has spent more than three score
years in saving men by the word of preaching, with the anecdotes and expe
riences connected with many revivals, will have a permanent and stimulating
interest." From Rev. J. V. Osterhout, Pastor Broadway Baptist Church,
Providence, R. I.
" It has-been my privilege to know Rev. John Alden for several years, and
have heard him read a goodly portion of his autobiography from manuscript.
It would be impossible for him to write a dull book upon any subject, and his
name alone is a sufficient guarantee that his book is one of thrilling interest.
As a story teller, Mr. Alden reminds one of John B. Gough, and his stories
are all true, like ' Crumbs swept up,' by Dr. Talmage. Mr. Alden's book
abounds in a great variety of facts, incidents, and matter that will interest
and profit all classes of readers, and thousands will read it, I trust, with de-
light."
Editorial Rooms of " The Watchman ," Room 8, Trcmont Temple,
Boston, Mass.
Rev. John A lden,
My dear Brrther: — It gave me special pleasure to listen to the reading of
your autobiogiaphy. Such a work wrought out from the memoranda which

TESTIMONIA LS.

through a period of more than fifty years has passed under your observant
eye, must possess elements of interest and value worthy of permanent print.
The book written in the lively style which comes from personal observation
and experience, will not fail to be read with delightsome interest, both of
pleasure and profit. Ever truly yours, John W. Olmstead.
Boston, June 29, 1888.
" I heartily concur in the opinion of Rev. Dr. Olmstead as above stated.
I am well satisfied that Mr. Alden's book will be read with special interest
and profit." — R. J. Adams, D. D.
Boston, June 30, 1888.
From Rev. O. P. Gifford, Pastor of Warren Avenue Baptist Church,
Boston, Mass.
" From my personal knowledge of Rev. John Alden, and a knowledge of
his great work in Shelburne Falls, I expected a treat, when told he would
publish an autobiography. A study of the table of contents confirms my ex
pectations, and quickens the desire to see the book. The length of time cov
ered by his life, the number of eminent pepple he came into relation with,
the large part he has played in the religious and educational life of New Eng
land, makes this work a contribution of genuine worth to the student of his
tory." From A. f. Gordon, D.D., Pastor Clarendon Street Baptist Church,
Boston.
"Having looked over the prospectus of Rev. John Alden's autobiography, I
judge that the work will be of great interest to such, especially, as would be
informed concerning the religious history and characteristics of a generation
now nearly passed away, to which Mr. Alden belongs. I commend his work
most cordially."
From Alanson Wedge, A.M., Principal For estville Literary Institu
tion, New York.
"The autobiography of Rev. John Alden cannot fail to interest and in
struct. It abounds in wit and wisdom. It is a faithful record of the life of
one nf the most active and useful men of the present century Whoever be
comes acquainted with Mr. Alden, loves him and respects him. Whoever
may be so fortunate as to possess his autobiography, will not willingly part
with it."
From Rev. Mark Trafton, D.D., the eminent Methodist Divine,
Cambridge, Mass.
" Rev John Alden, D. D., in the Christian ministry and different branches
of religious work for over half a century, proposes to give to the world a pic
ture of his active life, and also of the bustling world as he has seen it from
erave to gay, from lively to severe.' I have seen the pan of the projected
work and having known him for a half century, and having been a neighbor

TESTIMONIALS.

to him, I think his book will be a success. This man of over four score
years is a lineal descendant of the never-to-be-forgotten ' Priscilla ' of Ply
mouth fame, and there is a strain of that humorous blood in his organism
which is whispering : ' Speak for yourself, John ; ' and I incline to think he
will, and will be listened to with responsive si iiiies."
From Rev. Francis H. Rowley, Pastor North Adams Baptist Church.
" It was my pleasure, some few weeks ago, to listen to the reading of sev
eral selections from the MSS. of the Rev. John Alden's Autobiography.
Those who know Mr. Alden and are at all familiar with his long and emi
nently useful life, can imagine something of the richness and value of this
self-told story of his more than fourscore years. The serious and the gay,
the humorous and the pathetic, each is present to lend its charm. No lover
of New England can fail to be interested in this record of one of its most de
voted and widely-known ministers. Especially will this book, when published,
be of great interest and historical value to the places in which Mr. Alden has
labored. The record left behind him in North Adams well deserves publica
tion, for under his ministry here some of the men whose lives have most
shaped the church of God in this place, were converted. Most heartily do we
commencLits reading to all."
From Rev. A . M. Crane, Pastor Shelburne Falls Baptist Church.
Rev. J. Alden,
My d-.ar Brother: — Your name is closely connected with the early history of
our church, and is still held in pleasant memory. Any work that you might
write, bringing out your own experience in years long gone by must contain
much that would interest the present generation, and contain lessons of profit
to those now toiling in the Master's vineyard. I shall anticipate the book,
and hope you may meet with good success in its publication.
From Rev. Thatcher Thayer, D D., an eminent Congregationalist
Divine, Newport, R. I.
" My old classmate proposes to tell the story of his life. He was consider
ably venerable in college, and has lived a great while since. Most of his time
has been spent with the Baptist persuasion, some of whom we know to be
very excellent people, especially in Rhode Island. His adventures with them,
by land and water, cannot fail to he interesting. Even in early times he was
noted for power to discriminate what was worthy of narration and for ability
to narrate. We may then confidently expect that out. of his rich store of ob
servations made during a large part of thi? --.entury, he will bring forth much
to edify and amuse. Most of us who wee in Mr. Alden's class are dead, or
are likely to die soon, but the survivors will read these memories with the
kindest recollections of the author ; they will recall their classmate's genial
spirit ; above all, they will remember his unfeigned piety, and heartily testify
to the good will ever felt towards him."

* A. E. ALDEN'S
"LIST OF HISTORICAL PHOTOGR
(cabinet sizh.)
Published and sent by mail, postpaid, upon receipt of price, to
United States.
Pilgrim Hall,
National Monument,
Pilgrim Rock,
Canopy over Rock,
Burial Hill,
Signing Compact,
Bradford Monument, - .
Model of Mayflower, Pilgrim Hall,
Landing of Pilgrims, ff
Embarkation of Pilgrims, - "
Departure from Delft Haven, - "
Signature of John Alden, "
Coat of Arms, Alden Family.
Old Alden House,
Old Furniture, ...
Little Priscilla Mullins Alden.
Old South Church,
New Old South Church,
John Alden Burial Tablet in Archway of New Old South Church,
Trinity Church,
Old State House, '.
Faneuil Hall, -
Old North Church,
Old North Church Interior, Three Views,
Bunker Hill Monument,
Longfellow Residence,
Harvard College, Memoral Hall, Interior and Exterior,
Washington Elra,

*
A P H S.
all parts of the
Plymouth, Mass.

Plymouth.

Duxbury, Mass.

Boston.

Charlestown. Cambridge.

The above Photographs are furnished at 25 cents each, or $2.50 per dozen.
Orders prepaid by Money Order, or Postal Note, and sent to A. E. Alden, 63 Court
Street, will receive prompt attention, and be returned postpaid. This selected list is a
choice rare collection, and many of them cannot be obtained through any other
source. Respectfully,
 A. E. ALDEN.
COPIES OF THE
JOHN ALDEN PILGRIM STORY,
1620 to 1889.
Mailed postpaid, upon receipt of price. $3.00 in Cloth, $4.00 in Half Morocco.
A. E, ALDEN, General Agent, 6$ Court St., Boston, Mass.

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