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Excerpts from Cromwell's Comments
Use the links above to
read and learn about Harrison County, as recorded by columnist John
M. Cromwell.
Cromwell Comments on
Schools
The following two items are excerpts from
"Cromwell's Comments" as they appeared in the Cynthiana Democrat
in February, 1928. The book's texts include footnotes by William
Penn and George Slade which are not shown here, but which update the
references made by John Cromwell in his articles.
Early Schools
Prefacing that which I propose to relate concerning
the Early Schools of Cynthiana, I wish to say that the article in
Perrin’s History relative to Schools was written by the late Prof. L. G.
Marshall, then principal of the graded school of Cynthiana, and in my
opinion was very exhaustive, as he seemed to have left no stone unturned
in his search for facts bearing on the subject, consulting records,
wherever available, and talking with many of the older citizens; and
remember that the history was written almost fifty years ago,
consequently there were many living men whose memories harked back to
almost the year 1800.
In an old deed recorded in 1804 we find that
Benjamin Harrison and the original trustees of the town of Cynthiana
deeded to the trustees of Harrison Academy a lot, now forming part of
the Old Cemetery, in the northern part of Cynthiana, the consideration
therefore being fifty Spanish milled dollars.
On the lot, in an old stone structure, the first
school was established. Here we find Samuel Endicott, described as a
distinguished classical teacher, “swayed the scepter as early as 1806,”
and Dr. Geo. H. Perrin, whom we shall find later as the first president
of the reorganized Harrison Academy, one of his pupils. In 1813 Jesse
Olds and his son, Augustus, occupied the Academy, as principal and
assistant, during the absence of Endicott. These seemed to have
alternated in teaching in the old stone building during its use as a
school. Jas. Kelly is also mentioned as a teacher of those early times,
and still another Irishman, William Germany, famed as a teacher of
languages, also seems to have been connected with the school after it
was moved to the new site. My grandfather, Henry F. Cromwell, and Maj.
Newt Miller are mentioned as pupils of William Germany, in the old stone
building.
On March 15th, 1817, we find recorded another deed,
this time from Benjamin Warfield and Sarah, his wife, conveying to
Galvin Morrison and William Brown, trustees of Harrison Academy, parts
of lots 1 and 2 in Hinkson's Addition, town of Cynthiana, for the
purpose of erecting a “seminary building." ”This would be the site on
the east side of Church street, on which stood the school building torn
down some years ago, and would also indicate that the citizens had come
to the conclusion that the old stone building had outlived its
usefulness. So here we will leave it, for, like Mose’s sepulchre, no man
knoweth where it stood.
There is no record of a building being erected on
the new site till the year 1820, tho it is thought that there was a
building of some kind on the lot when it was purchased, and that it was
used for a few years, and also that both sites were used for a time.
The building which was erected in 1820 is described
as “a pretty considerable one,” and also as having a commodious stone
basement, in which, strange to relate, “horses were sometimes stabled
and fed,” probably the steeds of country pupils.
In 1851 this building was torn down, and a much
larger, brick two-story building was erected, finished in 1853. The
upper story was used for a number of years by the Freemasons as a lodge
room, under some kind of a joint arrangement not exactly set forth, but
that they had some financial interest is evident, for in 1872 when the
school was reorganized they were paid the sum of $2,000.00 for a quit
claim deed.
Before we proceed to the reorganization
proceedings, it is interesting to note on just what basis the old
schools were run. It is recorded that very early, it does not appear how
early, but probably at the beginning of 1789, the County Court received
authority to appoint trustees of Harrison Academy. There is no record of
the names of any trustees appointed, but we know that Dr. Geo. H. Perrin
was elected President of the Board of Trustees and that he served from
1825 till 1864.
It is further recorded that the trustees elected
their principal, allowing him to select his own assistants. It was
customary to charge him, at least in the later years of the Academy,
$100 annual rent, which, however, he might expend if he thought proper
in supplying suitable conveniences about the school building. The
principal furnished his own fuel, janitor, apparatus, and paid his
assistants. The County Court kept the house in repair, “such as it was,”
and the Freemasons defrayed their own expenses. As no salary for the
Principal is mentioned, we are to infer that his remuneration depended
on the number of pupils enrolled.
On May 14th, 1872, at a regular meeting of the City
Council, Mayor Caleb Musser presiding, Councilman A. J. Beale introduced
an ordinance to open a public school in the City of Cynthiana. The
ordinance on being read was adopted by unanimous vote.
Meanwhile, there had been provided no buildings or
grounds for the accommodation of the new City School, but it was soon
ascertained that the Board Trustees of the Harrison Academy were willing
to transfer their charge to the City Council, under an enabling act of
the Assembly, which was duly obtained, and that Saint Andrew’s Lodge,
would, for a consideration, transfer their rights to the Council.
In 1878 the City Council relinquished control, by
act of the General Assembly, and thus was launched the City School of
Cynthiana, which has continued on down to this day, with perhaps a few
modifications from time to time as occasion may have required.
The Board, in the year 1882, was as follows:
Officers, Dr. Hervey McDowell, President; Luther VanHook,
Vice-President; Lewis M. Martin, Clerk; William H. Throckmorton,
Treasurer. Trustees, T. A. Frazer, W. W. Longmore, Dr. A. J. Beale,
Chas. Rieckle, W. C. Musselman
It would ill accord with my duty were I to close
this article without paying tribute to Prof. L. G. Marshall, the beloved
principal of the City School for so many years, and under whom I sat as
a student for five years. He was an elegant gentleman, an accomplished
scholar, and comprehensive instructor. We all loved him, as evidenced by
the fact that his remains lie in beautiful Battle Grove today, guarded
by an appropriate monument erected to his memory by the Cynthiana City
School Alumni.
Early Schools
(Concluded)
The records show that the first Catholic school in
Cynthiana was taught by Miss Annie Reilly, of Covington, Ky., in 1858.
While visiting the family of a Mr. Barrett she was induced to gather the
children together and open a school in Wall’s school house, then being
used by the congregation as a place of worship. During the Civil War the
classes were moved to Main street to a house where now stands the
Linehan home; and finally to a frame building in the rear of the present
church edifice. Here under various teachers the school continued to
flourish until 1886, when it ceased to function for a period of about
thirty-five years.
In 1919, when Bishop Brossart came to Cynthiana to
administer confirmation he preached a sermon on Catholic Education, and
urged the people to complete the parish plant by establishing a school.
Evidently his sermon was to bear fruit, for we soon find that the
congregation, under the able leadership of their pastor, Father Carroll,
quickly subscribed about $12,000.00, and shortly purchased the old
Trimble property, fronting on Main street, and soon, under the auspices
of the Sisters of Divine Providence, their school was established.
Colored Schools
We find that the first colored school was opened
about the year 1868; and our historian says: - “It is pleasantly
situated on the so-called ‘Common,’ in a comfortable building, near the
river.” This would be the old brick structure on Water street, recently
converted into a steam laundry – the school having been removed some
years previously to the old hospital site, where it continues to
flourish under the management of Prof. Newsom.
The Moore Fund
It is proper here that we mention the name of Henry
C. Moore. He was the son of William Moore, the first Clerk of the County
and Circuit Courts, and founded what has since been known as the “Moore
Fund.” He died in 1832 , and by his will set aside half of his estate,
$15,000, for the education of poor orphan children in Harrison County.
This disposition of his property was contested by the heirs till 1838,
when the will was sustained. The fund was then loaned to the county at
six per cent, and the annual income, about $800.00, distributed
semi-annually to pay for the education of poor orphans.
On March 12, 1860, the County Court ordered that a
marble shaft be erected over the grave of Henry C. Moore, in the Old
Cemetery, which order was executed by the same. In 1868, also by Court
order, it was moved to Battle Grove Cemetery, and stands today, “a
genuine tribute of a grateful people to a noble benefactor.” This was a
laudable act on the part of the Court, and yet, had it not been done,
the name of Henry C. Moore would have been secure. For it needed no
tablet, either of marble or bronze, to perpetuate the memory of this
good man in the hearts of each succeeding generation of the people of
Harrison County.
Private Schools
The first private school of which we have record
was taught by Mrs. J. B. Anderson, on Main street, in 1833. This
location was evidently, at the time our history was compiled, lost in
the mist of antiquity, as the exact spot was not designated. Then comes
Mrs. Isette, possibly a few years later, as it is recorded that as late
as 1841 “she taught a school of decided excellence, in the little frame
house on the west side of Main street, now the property of J. S.
Withers. Many of my readers will doubtless remember “the little frame
house;” it stood in the corner of Mr. Withers’ yard at the time the
property was cut up into building lots by J. B. Berry.
Mrs. Delling’s School
Next comes Mrs. Louisa Ormsby, and we find her, in
1851, opening a school on the corner of Court Square and Pike Street, in
a building erected by Maj. William K. Wall, which later came to be
generally known as “Walls’ School House.” Here Mrs. Ormsby taught
successfully for several years, and then moved to the “Anderson” site on
Main street. Mrs. Ormsby moved again, this time to a little frame house
which she had, in the meantime, purchased, corner of Pleasant and
Walnut. In this location she continued to conduct a school until 1861,
when she was married to Mr. C. T. Delling, at that time one of the
prominent merchants of Cynthiana, and of more than usual
accomplishments;” also says that she gave up teaching after her
marriage, but in more modern times, and after the death of her husband,
she again conducted a school at her late residence, now the home of
Judge R. C. Clary, her grandson.
The Wall School House
Having brought our private schools down to the year
1861, it appears that we are not able to take them up again until after
the Civil War, as in the interim we have no recorded data. Now getting
back to the old Wall school house, in which schools appear to have been
held, pretty continuously since the early [eighteen] forties. My father
was a pupil at the Wall school house, and I have heard him mention many
of his schoolmates, none living now, I believe, with the exception of
Judge J. T. Simon. I was talking with my friend, W. B. Redmon, a short
time ago, who attended the Wall school house, beginning in the year
1867. He mentioned Miss Mollie Mitchell and Miss Fannie Holton as his
first teachers. The former was an Ohio woman, and died very recently in
Cincinnati; the latter afterwards became the wife of Green R. Keller,
for a few years editor of the “Democrat,” and later for a number of
years of the Carlisle Mercury. Other teachers mentioned by Mr. Redmon
were Jos. Blair, who had been a student at the Cynthiana Graded School
and afterwards became a lawyer and moved to Missouri; also Prof. Alex
Sanders, brother of the late Mrs. Mattie C. VanDeren.
Prof. N. F. Smith
Now comes Prof. N. F. Smith, who in 1872
established a very superior school for boys, though I think he also had
a few girl students at times. This school was located in a large brick
residence building; my grandfather, Henry F. Cromwell, once owned it and
resided there during the Civil War. It was located on the corner of the
Oddville pike and Miller street, and was a very desirable location for a
school, the house being roomy and grounds large.
Prof. Smith was a unique character. He had a
classical education, was an especially fine mathematician and also well
grounded in languages. He had been a Confederate soldier and delighted
in telling of his war experiences. I have heard more than one of his old
students relate that, when it so happened the boys were not up on their
lesson, they would contrive to get him started on one of his war
stories, which would usually be drawn out until the time allotted to the
class had been taken up. He was, however, an able teacher, and turned
out many excellent scholars, one of his boys, William Keller, “handsome
Bill,” made his mark in journalism in N. Y. City.
In 1876, Miss Lizzie Corbin opened a select school
in the residence of the late Prof. John Henry Smith. Here for several
years she conducted an up-to-date school for girls. She later accepted
an engagement with the Midway [Female] Orphan School and continued as
its head until her death.
John Henry Smith
I am reminded here that I have left out, in its
proper sequence, the name of Prof. John Henry Smith, later to be known
by one and all as “Pap Smith.” He was an Englishman, and educated at the
University of Cambridge. Professor Marshall says of him: “He was perhaps
the most learned of the long line of Principals who held the reins in
old Harrison.” He seems to have been a man of strong personality and,
probably with the exception of Prof. Marshall, the most oft-quoted man
of school reputation. He was principal of Harrison Academy in 1848, and
also conducted private schools in various places, at one time in the
Wall school house. Although a school teacher, he seems to have
accumulated considerable means, for we learn that he purchased
considerable property on west Pike street, including the brick dwelling
now occupied by Mrs. J. H. Smith. The residence he sold later to the
late Judge J. S. Boyd, building himself a home just west of it, where he
lived the life of a retired scholar, until his death, in 1876. Most of
us older folk will remember his widow, Mrs. Nancy West Smith, who lived
for a number of years near the corner, on east Pleasant street, dying in
the late nineties.
Harrison Female College
In 1878, Mr. J. A. Brown purchased what was then
known as the “Broadwell” home later known as the Elks’ Home, now the
site of several beautiful residences. At that time it was an ideal
location for that which it afterwards became, “Harrison Female College,”
as the old residence had many rooms of ample size and the surrounding
grounds were spacious and well shaded.
Here, presided over by Mrs. Brown, “Miss Lizzie,”
many fair lassies were graduated from time to time; and, altho it was
slightly in advance of “co-education.” A few boys, probably the latter,
were taken on their solemn obligation under no circumstances to make
love to the “fair lassies.” One such I have in mind now, for he not only
seems to have taken such an obligation at the time, but also to have
kept it, on down to the present day. I refer to my good friend, Mr. W.
W. Ammerman.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat in the issues for February 16 and 23, 1928)
Cromwell Comments on
World War I
The following item is an excerpt from "Cromwell's
Comments." The book's texts include footnotes by William
Penn and George Slade which are not shown here, but which update the
references made by John Cromwell in his articles.
War
History of
Harrison County
Coming now to the World War, beside which all previous wars sink into
insignificance, we stand appalled when we attempt to sum up its consequences.
In the first place it took a toll of 23,000,000 lives: 10,000,000 soldiers and
13,000,000 civilians. When we add to this the fact that 23,000,000 soldiers
were wounded or missing, 9,000,000 children were orphaned and 10,000,000 persons
became refugees and the further fact that the toll of lives was taken from the
ablest and best of the world’s population, the summing up seems staggering
beyond belief. In money the World War cost three hundred and forty billion
dollars, a sum so stupendous that the human mind fails to grasp it.
We are all tolerable familiar with the incident which precipitated the
gigantic struggle, beginning on that fateful day of August, 1914, which was to
last four long years, and which in the meantime was to embroil most of the first
class powers of the world; we are not so familiar perhaps with the causes
underlying it all. In effect, "der tag", that is the day Germany thought she
was ready to start her march to World Empire. We use the word "thought"
advisably, for as it fell out she made several mistakes in her reckoning, not
the least of them, that little Belgium would allow her a free passage thru her
territories to attack France, and then the incident of the scrap of paper, so
denominated by the Kaiser. This incident brought England into the conflict,
which, taken together with Belgium’s stubborn opposition, halted Germany at the
Somme, and forced her to fight a defensive warfare on the western front there
after. The entrance of the United States into the conflict was also another
actor which Germany had not counted on, and so it was that she soon found
herself beset on three sides, Russian and Italy on the east, the English fleet
controlling the seas, and England, France and eventually the United States
holding her on the western front. And so we find that Germany was soon to learn
to use an old adage, that "the best laid plans of mice and men gang oft agley."
But hold on here, we did not start out to write a history of the World
War, but rather to tell you about the part the boys of old Harrison played in
it. Come to think of it, however, we are not even equipped to do that, since
during most of its duration we were in California. While there, however, we
were, so to speak, right in the midst of it, working part of the time in a munition plant.
North Island, lying at the entrance of San Diego Bay, was the training
ground for the boys in the aviation corps; so planes got to be as familiar a
sight as, well, flies around a sugar barrel. And here we recall an incident on
the day after we heard the news of the armistice. In the celebration held to
celebrate the event 251 planes were in the air. Not that one could actually
count that many, as they were flying in squads of about fifties, V-shape, you
know, like wild geese. A squad came flying over the city (there were crowds
atop the tall buildings, this writer among the number). When suddenly from the
leading plane a man came hurtling down. Naturally the crowd held their breath,
but breathed freely again when it was seen that it was a man of straw.
At Camp Kearney there were thousands of Khaki clad boys in training
and at Balboa Park hundreds of sailor boys. Another not to be forgotten
incident I recall. Madam Schumann-Heink sang for the soldier boys on a
Christmas Eve night at the Plaza. Thousands of onlookers crowded the plaza
grounds, and I talked to people from a dozen different states.
But hold on again, two pages of copy, and we have not gotten to our
subject yet. Well, as sure as the Democrat comes out next week, we promise to
tell you at least, a little, about the part played by our boys in the "big" war.
. . .
A promise is a promise, and I’m making good this week, provided the
stars do not fall, thus preventing The Democrat from coming out. As told last
week we were not in Cynthiana during most of the duration of the U. S. part in
the World War.
However, we may say that we saw the beginning, and the ending in old
Harrison. Since on a September morning in 1917 we saw the first batch of
drafted men come from the courthouse and march south on Main street to entrain
for camp. And here’s a funny thing in psychology, it’s been almost exactly 21
years, and while I probably recognized ninety-five per cent of these boys at the
time, I am unable to name but two of them at this writing, Dr. Paul Lail and
Kinney Smith. And now for the ending, I reached home in March of 1919, just in
time to do my modest bit in the Victory Liberty Loan drive.
But to get down to brass tacks. In search of information on the
subject, I called at the Court House the other day, and the obliging officials
placed at my disposal a well bound volume, and told me to help myself. Opening
up the book the first thing to meet the eye was a clipping from The Democrat of
May 1, 1919, captioned as follows: "World War Statistics," it went on to say in
part: "As usual Harrison County went over the top in the Victory Liberty Loan
drive. Up to the last night a total of $446,000 has been subscribed, quota was
$420,000."
And again. "The greatest credit should be accorded R. S. Withers,
Chairman, and Mrs. J. W. Daizelle, Mrs. W. G. Wiglesworth and their co-workers
for their splendid work during the campaign."
Turning over a few pages I found that Harrison county furnished 405
men, 1916 to 1918. Of these, the following "did not come back:"
Died of disease – Cecil Whalen, Howard Cooper, Herbert Crawford,
Luther Debruler, John Fitzgerald, Emery Ferguson, William W. Gardner, John
Goodnight, Lieut. J. Quincy Jewett, Orville Jones, Dawson Lemmons, Lonnie
Mullin, H. R. Pulliam, Jas. Hardin Sparks, Walter H. Williams, Stephen Woodward,
Orie C. Givens, Frazier Smith, the two last named colored. Killed in action –
Stephen B. Whalen, Claud D. Wilson, Corp. Jas. H. Parsons. Died of wounds
overseas – James H. McHarney. Checking back with my original authority, I
believe this list is substantially correct, 22 men who made the supreme
sacrifice out of 405 enlisted. But, you know all of them took the chance.
I could go on, from memory, and perhaps name a dozen boys who did not
wait for the draft, but enlisted in various branches of the service; but fearful
that I might omit some name, I am not going to attempt it. Anyhow it is a
matter of record in the archives of the War Department. Their names are written
there.
I will, however, name an individual. He did not enlist in Harrison
county, but we will ever claim him as our own. I refer to the late beloved
editor of The Democrat. Joe [Costello] enlisted in St. Louis, was soon sent
overseas where he took part in several engagements. He escaped wounds, but was
gassed, which in all probability accounted for his subsequent ill healthy, and
untimely death.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat in the issues for June 30 and July 7, 1938)
Cromwell Comments on
the Census
The 1930
Census
Noticed in
The Democrat week before last that in our district it will require
250 enumerators to compile the census next spring, and that they will be
appointed by Porter M. Gray, who will open an office in the
Federal
Building
at Cattlesburg about the first of December, and about Jan. first will
select his field assistants for the counties. Now here is a tip to
all those who may desire to help Uncle Sam in counting noses--brush up
on your civil service, and apply forthwith to Mr. Gray.
From the Lexington Herald, of recent date, we get some information in
regard to the census in the country at large. It will take
approximately 100,000 people to complete it; and on the census of 1930
will be based on the redistricting of congress. William H. Steuart
will be director of the census, and has already appointed nearly all of
his 400 lieutenants. Mr. Steuart in an interview given out at
Washington said—“The hardest job we have is to make the people realize
that the census can only be as complete as they can make it,” and “to
convince them that what they want to know about themselves must come
from themselves;” and that “the census takers this year will ask more
questions than ever before,” and that, “further, it has always been
found that some persons are reluctant about giving information of a
personal character.”
Mr. Steuart also said that by the third week in April the census takers
will be able to begin making announcements.
Origins of the Word
Census
It comes from the Latin sensus,which in old Roman times meant a
registered itemized statement of one’s property for the purpose of
taxation; but in modern times it has come to mean “an enumeration of the
inhabitants of a country, accompanied by such other information as may
be deemed useful.” We find that in the following countries a
decennial census is taken; the United States, England, Switzerland,
Sweden, Norway, Holland, Belgium and Portugal.
Birth of Christ
We read in the New Testament, Luke, 2nd, verses 1 and 3—“And it came to
pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the world should be taxed; and all went to be taxed, every one
to his own city.” So in this old Roman custom of taxation we have
the fulfillment of the age-old prophecy that Christ should be born in
Bethlehem of Judea, for while Nazareth was the home of Joseph and Mary,
they were of the house and lineage of David, and therefore must come to
the City of
David,
Bethlehem,
to be taxed.
First Census
Dates back to about 1350 B.C., to the time of the wandering of the
children of Israel in the wilderness. We read in the first chapter
of numbers, first and second verses, as follows: “And the Lord
spake unto Moses, in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the
congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year
after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, take ye the sum
of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families,
by the house of their fathers, with the number of their families, every
male by their polls.”
Now let everybody get ready to stand up and be counted. The 1920
census gave us 3,857. We want to make it, at least, 4,500 for
1930, so that when asked by some stranger—what’s the population of
Cynthiana, we can assume a nonchalant air and reply, oh! About 5,000.
P.S. —Noticed in the Thanksgiving issue of The Democrat that the
“paragrapher” wants a substitute phrase for “getting along nicely.”
Am offering—“fine, thank you.”
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat in the issues for December 12, 1929)
Cromwell Comments on
Churches
In
the twenties, thirties, and forties John Cromwell, former Cynthiana mayor and
columnist for The Cynthiana Democrat, wrote a column entitled "Cromwell's
Comments," many of which touched on and explored the local history of Cynthiana
and Harrison County. He often drew on "Our Historian" as a source, a
reference to William H. Perrin and the history he edited in 1882 (History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and
Nicholas Counties, Kentucky), the text of which appears in several other
locations at HarrisonCountyKy.US. By the time
John Cromwell began writing his column,
nearly half a century had passed since the history's publication, and Cromwell's
articles
brought each of the segments regarding church history up-to-date.
Links to some of his
articles about the churches of Cynthiana follow.
These
texts help to further demonstrate the depth and content of what you may find if
you should like to add Cromwell's Comments to your own library.
To see more about the
history of the churches of Cynthiana or the county,
click here and follow the links there to the church of your interest.
Historic African American
Churches
The
following article was entitled "African Methodist Episcopal" which was
originally published in the December 22, 1938 issue of the paper:
We are told that in September, 1787, Richard Allen, of Philadelphia, Pa.,
organized the A. M. E. Church. But we are not informed as to just what period
this movement reached Kentucky. However, we find the following on the subject:
“Long before the Emancipation Proclamation the church had many organizations,
preaching missions and meeting places in Kentucky”; and also that the Missouri
Annual Conference was organized in Quinn Chapel church at Louisville, Ky., on
September 13, 1855, Quinn Chapel having been organized 17 years before in 1838.
Coming now to Cynthiana, we find that the Negro Methodists built a church in
1853, two years before the conference was organized in Louisville. We are
informed by the historian Perrin, that this building cost $1,000.00, would
comfortably seat 300 people and was located on East Pleasant street. Here the
congregation met for a quarter of a century. But in the early 1870’s the
trustees sold the old church building to the Colored United Brethren of
Friendship Society for $300.
Many who chance to read this will recall the old U. B. F. [United Brethren of
Friendship] Hall. It stood on the site now occupied by the brick bungalow
erected recently by J. W. “Buddy” Plummer, which is occupied at present by Mrs.
Edith Button and her mother.
The church then purchased from W. L. Northcutt, for $700, a plot of ground on
West Pleasant street, a few hundred yards east from the new bridge which is now
in process of construction. On this lot a new brick house of worship was
erected, being completed in 1871. The building cost, including a good bell, was
$5,000, and a home for the pastor, adjoining, cost $250. Our historian
commenting on this edifice, writing in 1882, said, “It will easily seat 500
people; it is nicely furnished, has windows of stained glass, carpeted aisles,
and is giving general satisfaction.” “The brick work was done by the late J. J.
Parish, of our city.” “The colored Methodists now have a membership of 260.”
The congregation is still occupying the house of worship as above described,
which is being redecorated at this time. In a recent interview with the pastor,
Rev. Edward Arthur Simmons, he kindly placed at my disposal, a handsomely bound
little volume, “The Book of Redemption and of Perpetuity of the Church,”
recently compiled by himself, which we have used largely in this write up. In
this booklet he given a list of the pastors who have served the church since
1865, in number with their years of service. He also informed us that they
contemplate the erection of a new parsonage in the near future, and that the
present membership of the church is 134.
In 1857, the Colored Baptists of Cynthiana bought of W. J. Parish a lot on the
bank of the river, about four hundred yards south of the railroad depot, and
thereon built a small brick church, costing about $700. In a few years the
house was enlarged at an expense of $2,500, and then had a seating capacity of
250. The situation, however, was not satisfactory, as the trains passed too
close to the windows. In 1850 [probably should be 1880], the property was sold
to W. H. Wilson, for $275. Certainly a very low price,” says our historian, and
we are inclined to agree with him. During this same year the trustees purchased
of Henry Palmer, colored, for $300, a building lot on the corner of Bridge and
Church streets, present site of the church. In 1881, a new brick edifice was
erected on this lot, by Ed Clark, colored, of Lexington. Our historian says
here, “It is a large and spacious building, capable of seating when finished,
500 people.” At that writing, 1882, the building had not been completed, but
services were being held in the basement every Sunday. It is estimated that the
church, when completed, will have cost about $4,000. The membership, 300.
Interviewing the Rev. W. D. Mason, who has had charge of the Macedonian church
for about sixteen years, we were informed that the congregation numbers 275,
also that he has charge, in addition to his duties in Cynthiana, of a little
church at Shady Nook of forty odd members. In connection with the church
building is a handsome brick bungalow parsonage, located on Poplar street,
between Mill and Pleasant.
No account of the Colored Baptist church in Cynthiana would be completed without
mention of Elder John Johnson, its faithful Shepherd for a quarter of a
century. He was a familiar figure on our streets in the seventies, esteemed
alike by whites and blacks. Many who chance to read this will recall his
baptismal services, held in South Licking, usually on Sunday afternoons in the
presence of large crowds lining both banks of the stream. He was proud of the
number of his converts, kept an accurate account of his baptisms in a little
book which he carried with him, and it is our recollection that they ran well
into the eight hundreds at the time of his passing.
The Ebenezer Episcopal Methodist Church, established in Cynthiana in 1892, under
the administration of the Rev. J. H. Ross, who served it as pastor for two
years, this little congregation of 65 members is in a flourishing condition.
The building was erected in 1892 by the late A. T. Rees. It is of frame, very
commodious and stands on Locust street about midway between Penn and Mill. The
little congregation had a hard time financially for a number of years, but we
were informed, in a recent interview, by its pastor, the Rev. E. E. Hamblen, who
is entering upon his seventh year of service with the congregation, that they
are now entirely out of debt, and this includes also an indebtedness on the
parsonage, which was recently liquidated. The parsonage directly across the
street from the church building, is a comfortable home and taken together with
the church building, speaks well for the zeal of so small a body of worshippers
and the financial acumen of the present pastor. We were also informed by Bro.
Hamblen that there is a body of Christians of the same persuasion located at
Leesburg, who have a house of worship, with a part time preacher.
The
Episcopal (Anglican) Church
In the
twenties, thirties, and forties John Cromwell, former Cynthiana mayor and
columnist for The Cynthiana Democrat, wrote a column entitled "Cromwell's
Comments," many of which touched on and explored the local history of Cynthiana
and Harrison County. He often drew on "Our Historian" as a source, a reference
to William H. Perrin's 1882 History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and Nicholas
Counties, Kentucky, the text of which precedes this text, however nearly
half a century had passed since its publication, and John Cromwell brought each
of the segments regarding church history up-to-date. The following article was
entitled "Episcopal Church" which was originally published in the December 15,
1938 issue of the paper:
The
Episcopal or Protestant Episcopal church is that branch of the church in America
which became independent of the Church of England in 1789, by adopting a
constitution of its own. Previous to 1811 the church made but little progress.
However, during the next ten years such advancement was made that there were
churches in thirteen states.
Altho the first religious service in Kentucky is said to have been held in 1775,
at Boonesboro, by Episcopalian minister, Rev. John Lythe, it would seem that
this denomination took hold but slowly in the new settlement, which has been
attributed to the fact that the Revolutionary War having just ended, the people
were still prejudiced against all things English.
We
are told by the late Professor L. G. Marshall, who furnished the data on
churches and schools for Perrin’s history of Cynthiana, compiled in 1882 – “The
doctrines of the Church of England were first promulgated in Cynthiana by Dr.
Berkley, of Lexington, in 1846.” In 1847 Rev. G. G. Moore, rector of the
Episcopal Church in Paris, visited Cynthiana in the interests of his order, once
a month, and organized a church of four members. Service was held in the court
house; sometimes by courtesy in the Methodist, and sometimes in the Presbyterian
church.
After the retirement of Mr. Moore, we find no special pastor in charge for two
or three years, till 1852, when Rev. Carter Page was church rector, and held the
office until 1862. Mr. Page was an able and popular preacher, and also an
eminent teacher of the classics.
One of the four members who constituted the church at its first organization was
Dr. George H. Perrin, of whom more anon. In 1852 the church had no house of
worship, and in that year a lot on Walnut street, fronting Mill, was purchased
from Henry F. Cromwell for $225.00 and the building begun.
Again our historian says – “the building cost only $6,500, and carried to its
present degree of completion in 1854, when it was duly consecrated to Bishop
Benjamin Bosworth Smith of Kentucky”; and that $5,000.00 of the expense was
supplied by Dr. Perrin, and $1,000 contributed by William Thompson.
We
are further told that the church was built according to a model of an old church
in England – “Stokes Poges”- which was furnished by Bishop Smith, and that this
model was to be seen in Cynthiana for a number of years after the building was
finished. In this connection we also call attention to the fact that the
Episcopalians are unique in that they are the only congregation in Cynthiana
still using their original house of worship, after an occupancy four score years
and five.
Writing for Cynthiana readers a description of the outside of this fine old
church building is scarcely necessary, it may be in order, however, to briefly
mention the “inside”. The three memorial windows, over the altar, are
commemorative to Dr. George H. Perrin, Rev. Carter Page and Rev. George Weeks.
The altar is hand carved. The carving having been done by some members of the
church some friends of the church and Rev. Dyer, a former pastor. At opposite
sides of the altar, on the walls, appear the creed, and commandments, gold
letters on a black back-ground form the tablets. The pipe organ, the first to
come to Cynthiana, is still in use, bearing the date, 1881. There are also
other memorials of departed loved ones placed there by their families.
Adjoining the church building is a commodious rectory.
We
have mentioned some of the pastors who served the Church of the Advent in its
early years. We now propose to take up the line of pastors who followed them;
these according to a list furnished us by Mrs. Henry W. Oxley, who also included
in her notes other valuable data in reference to the interior decorations of the
church building. Reverends, G. G. Moore, 1847; H. H. Reid, 1849; Carter Page,
1850 to 1862; Chas. Stewart; Dr. Silas Totten; Walter Tearn; Charles T. Kellog;
J. S. Johnson; George A. Weeks; Edward S. Cross; John T. Spivey; C. L. Pindar;
Rolla Dyer; F. A. Ridout, Jr.; H. E. Spears; H. H. Sneed; R. C. Caswall; John S.
Banks; J. E. Thompson; George Henry Harris; Walter Cain; J. J. Clapton; Paul
Due; J. H. Chillington; Harold Boone; Herbert G. Purchase; George R. Madison.
The presiding Bishop of the Cynthiana Diocese at this period is the Rt. Rev. H.
P. Almon Abbott, of Lexington, whom we all know and admire.
Here ends our series of articles on the churches of Cynthiana; and having gone
to considerable pains to collect the data relative to each individual church, we
hope they have been followed with a modicum of interest by our readers. Not only
so, but we even dare to hope that some scrapbook minded individuals have
preserved the clippings for further reference.
Cynthiana
Baptist Church
In
the twenties, thirties, and forties John Cromwell, former Cynthiana mayor and
columnist for The Cynthiana Democrat, wrote a column entitled "Cromwell's
Comments," many of which touched on and explored the local history of Cynthiana
and Harrison County. He often drew on "Our Historian" as a source, a
reference to William H. Perrin's 1882 History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and
Nicholas Counties, Kentucky, the text of which precedes this text, however
nearly half a century had passed since its publication, and John Cromwell
brought each of the segments regarding church history up-to-date. The
following article was entitled "The Baptist Church in Cynthiana" which was
originally published in the November 24, 1938 issue of the paper:
It is recorded that the Baptists were the first of the denominations to
establish themselves in the new settlement of Kentucky also that Squire Boone,
brother to Daniel Boone, was a Baptist minister, though it is a fact that he
seemed to have done more plundering than preaching. It is further recorded that
the first Baptist preacher to arrive in Kentucky, Rev. Thomas Tinsley; conducted
services at Fort Harrod in 1776.
While it is not possible to trace the first Baptist family that settled in the
confines of Cynthiana, we do know that there were Baptist families residing in
the Indian Creek neighborhood as early as 1790 as witnessed by the fact that the
old church building standing there today was erected in that year; which by the
way celebrated its148th anniversary with fitting ceremonies a short time ago.
Coming now right square down to our text, Prof. I. G. Marshall, who by the way I
believe was a of the Baptist persuasion, in his opening paragraph on the Baptist
church in Cynthiana, writing in 1882, says in part, “The Baptists, tho always
numerous in Kentucky, do not seem to have obtained an early foothold here in
their church capacity.” But in 1867 Rev. Dr. S. L. Helm having delivered a
powerful series of discourses in Cynthiana, aided by Rev. J. R. Barbee, a life
long resident of the vicinity, the first Baptist Church of Cynthiana, composed
of twelve members, was organized under their care.
The
little church, as usual with houseless churches, held regular services in the
court house, Rev. Geo. W. Varden, of Paris, becoming their first pastor. In
1869, Rev. A. F. Baker had charge; 1870, W. W. Williams; 1872-74 Robert Ryland;
1875-76 , A. L. Jourdan; 1876-77, R. L. Helm; 1877-92, Cleon Keyes.
We now come to the erection of the first house of worship by the Baptist
Congregation. In August of 1871, a lot was purchased on the east side of Walnut
street (now site of the garage adjacent to the Rohs Theatre) from Mrs. Seargeant
for $800. John VanDeren, C. O. Land, Samuel O. Eckler and Paul King were
appointed a building committee, and the contract for the erection of the
building was given to Samuel O. Eckler. In the spring of 1875, the house was
completed at a cost of approximately $8,000, and all but $500 of the amount
paid. In January of the aforesaid year, Rev. Henry McDonald, professor in the
Theological Department of Georgetown College, was invited to deliver the
dedicatory address. Our historian here tells us that every foot of room in the
house was occupied, and that when it was announced that a debt of $500 still
remained to be paid, it turned out to be an easy matter to raise the money
before the congregation was dismissed and that Elder Jordan [Jourdan] in
announcing the result said,” We wanted $500; well, we get it, we got more than
that, good measure, running over, pressed down and shaken together.”
Our historian then goes on and mentions some “special” contributions. Felix G.
Ashbrook, presented the bell; Mrs. Artie Ashbrook, the communion set; Mrs. Felix
Ashbrook, the carpets; Miss Georgie Richardson presented a fine cabinet organ;
Mrs. Paul King supplied the pulpit with an elegant quarto bible; Mrs. John
VanDeren and Mrs. W. C. Musselman provided the handsome chandeliers. The
membership of the church, 1882, is given as about 75.
Coming now to the second church building on the same site, we are drawing our
information from “The Baptist Bulletin”, established 1915, by C. W. Elsey and
placed at our disposal by C. M. Jewett. Defective workmanship on the first
house of worship was continuous source of expense and annoyance. In 1890, the
church extended a full time call to Rev. H. A. Bagby, and in short, his
congregation and of the community at large.
It only remains now to mention the “third” House of Worship to be erected by the
Baptist Congregation in Cynthiana, and we have done. We shall be brief, as the
handsome building standing on the corner of Pleasant and Church streets speaks
for itself; the stately Corinthian pillars; the inscription over the Pleasant
street entrance, “THE HOUSE OF PRAYER,” and the historical data on the corner
stone, “Constituted, 1867; First Building, 1875; second building, 1882; present
building, 1914.
St. Edward
Catholic Church, Cynthiana
In
the twenties, thirties, and forties John Cromwell, former Cynthiana mayor and
columnist for The Cynthiana Democrat, wrote a column entitled "Cromwell's
Comments," many of which touched on and explored the local history of Cynthiana
and Harrison County. He often drew on "Our Historian" as a source, a
reference to William H. Perrin's 1882 History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and
Nicholas Counties, Kentucky, the text of which precedes this text, however
nearly half a century had passed since its publication, and John Cromwell
brought each of the segments regarding church history up-to-date. The
following article was entitled "Catholicism in Cynthiana" which was originally
published in the November 3, 1938 issue of the paper:
The first Catholic services in Harrison County were held in Broadwell’s meeting
house, on the Ruddle’s Mills pike, by Father Kroeger, from Holy Trinity church,
Cincinnati, in 1849. After Father Kroeger, came Fathers Elkman, Lancaster,
McMahon and McGuire. Then came as missionaries from 1849 to 1853, once to 3
times a year. In 1853, Rt. Rev. George A. Carroll, first Bishop of the Diocese
of Covington, sent Father Force as pastor of this congregation, residence in
Paris, he having for his parish Paris, Cynthiana and Falmouth. Services were
held once a month and every alternate fifth Sunday in a month. After Father
Force, there came in succession Fathers Allen, Perry and Brandts, assisted by
Fathers Devine, Wright and Quinn; then Fathers Brossart, Major, Cook, Feighery,
in succession; and 1882 Father Merschmann, assisted by Father Sang.
From 1853 to 1862, services were held in Wall’s Schoolhouse, corner Pike and
Court streets, now Smith-Rees Co. In 1853 Louis Pollmeyer, Thomas English and
Patrick McCaffrey, Trustees, purchased a lot from William T. Redmon, on Walnut
street, running back to the railroad. This lot being rejected by the Bishop,
was sold, and, in 1861, the Rev. E. H. Brandts purchased of William Roper the
lot on which the church now stands for $500. Father Brandts built a frame
church, and a schoolhouse in the rear of it, in 1862, at an expense of $3,000.
The work on these buildings was done by John O. Day.
In 1871, the frame church was moved back on the lot and the foundation of the
present structure was built by Thomas Lowry. The corner stone was laid the same
year under the auspices of Rev. E. H. Brandts by Rt. Rev. A. M. Toebbe, Bishop.
In 1873, Rev. F. Brossart, then pastor, had the building put up and placed under
roof. The brick work was done by J. J. Parish; the lumber work was done by
Mills & Spellmire, of Cincinnati, the slate roof was put on by Bierman & Co.,
also of Cincinnati.
In 1875, Father Major, then pastor, having had the floor and the windows put in,
the church was dedicated in October of that year. In 1881, Fathers Gadker and
Merschmann called and commenced plastering the church; this part of the work was
completed July 1st, 1882. The church when finished cost $30,000, according to
the estimate of Mr. Pickett, the architect.
Thus far, in my story of Catholicism in Cynthiana, I have been following
Perrin’s history; compiled in 1882, which left off more than half a century ago
with the church unfinished, and Father Merschmann as its presiding genius.
Writing today it is hardly necessary to say that the church building was
completed in due course, and stands now as a monument to those of the Catholic
faith who wrought so well in the long ago, leaving for their successors in the
faith the handsome building as it stands today.
In conclusion, with the help of my good friend, Miss Maggie English, I am able
to give the names of the pastors who have served Saint Edwards Church since
Father Merschmann’s time: Father Baumeister, Father F. Donnelly, Father McGrady,
Father Jones, Father Kehoe, Father Adeisberger, Father Bealer, Father Lingel,
Father D. F. Carroll and the present incumbent, whom we all know, and
appreciate, Father Curry.
The
Christian Church of Cynthiana
|
The Christian
Church, Main & Mill Streets
(Photo by
Philip Naff) |
The
following article was entitled "The Christian Church in Cynthiana" which was
originally published in the December 8, 1938 issue of the paper:
Dr. A. W. Fortune, in his book, “Disciples in Kentucky,” opens his chapter on
the “Beginning of The Barton W. Stone Movement” as follows – on the crest of a
greatly sloping bank, a few rods from the pike between Paris and Little Rock, is
a little meeting house which was the birth place of the Christian church. Here
“The Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery” was decreed years
before Thomas Campbell published the “Declaration and Address, and before
Alexander Campbell, his son, had come to America.
It would appear, therefore, that the term “Campbellites,” which is sometimes
applied to this denomination of christians is a misnomer; if anything, it should
rather be “Stoneites.” As a matter of fact, in the early inception of the
movement it was variously termed Christian Reformers and Disciples of Christ,
with the first appellation finding favor in Kentucky where the movement had its
beginning.
The Christian church in Cynthiana was organized in 1827, when Barton W. Stone
was in the zenith of his fame, and Alexander Campbell had just reached secured
greatness. The adherents of these two great christian leaders had not then
united, for John Rogers says. In his biography of John T. Johnson: “this union
did not take place till 1831-32.” So it was that on a day 111 years ago; eleven
individuals met and organized themselves into a church body; their names –
Eleven Todd, Rebecca Miller, Patsy Kemp, Eliza Haggerty, Catherine Douglas,
Hannah Wall, Margaret Miller, Jemima Todd, Mary Porter and Polly Ann Hagerty.
Note here that there is only one man, which would seem to indicate that then, as
now, the ladies took the lead in matters religious. Commenting here our
historian said – “these eleven names ought to form a perpetual church roll of
honor”; and as a matter of fact they have since done that very thing, as they
are listed today on a bronze plaque affixed to the wall on the right as one
enters the church from the Main street entrance. We are also informed here that
the membership at the end of the year 1829 was seventy-eight, and that it
gradually increased until by the end of 1841 that was 275.
The
church met for worship in the court house, or in private dwellings as occasion
required for three or four years, but measures were taken in the second year to
procure a lot and erect a house of its own. At a meeting held at Bro. John
Trimble’s home, on Monday night, the 19th of January, 1829, a building committee
hitherto appointed, reported that they had purchased a lot, corner of Main and
Mill streets (the present site of the Christian church). Another meeting was
held the next year, but did not show what the church building had progressed in
the interim. Six years later we find the following entry on the minutes (with
no explanation in the meantime): “At a meeting of the members of the Christian
Church, held at the Christian Meeting House in Cynthiana on Monday the 7th of
November, 1836.” And so ends the old record entire: nothing further is told in
writing of the erection of the first Meeting House except register of name of
members up to 1840.
However, we get out of this the fact that the meeting House was built; and we
have the following from the Souvenir History of the Christian Church of
Cynthiana, compiled in 1901 by W. S. Cason, Lilly Webster, Maud Smith and Bettie
M. Cromwell in re the old Meeting House –” It deserves more mention than the
existing records of our space allows, for its walls had re-echoed the voices of
the most forcible preachers of the first part of the century. Marion W. Stone,
Thomas and Alexander Campbell, ‘Raccoon John Smith,’ John T. Johnson, Walter
Scott and others.”
Coming now to the second church building on the site, we learn that in 1867 the
old house was taken down, and the present edifice was erected as an expense of
approximately $8,000.00. Our authority goes on here into an elaborate
description of the building, but lack of space forbids that we follow him: many
who chance to read this will recall it. However, we will mention some special
gifts with names of the donors – chandeliers furnished by Henry E. Shawhan; work
in fresco by T. J. Megibben; pulpit by C. B. Cook; seats by Thos. V. Ashbrook;
stained glass window, by G. W. Taylor.
As pastors serving the church between 1841 and 1850, arranged in the order
indicated below, we are advised to place Elders Poole, Weakley, Joshua Irwin,
John M. Holton, John A. Gano (1847), John A. Dearbon, R. H. Forrester, and John
C. Tompkins. Between 1856 and 1861 we arrange Samuel Rogers assisted by his son,
John I. Rogers, T. N. Arnold in 1862, and R. C. Ricketts in 1863 and 1864. In
1866, J. D. Wilroth; in 1867 Allen Broadburne, from 1867 to 1871 D. W. Case. In
1871, E. Y. Pinkerton and J. B. Jones. In 1872, J. C. Frank, four years. In
1876, J. C. Walden, a man who commanded great respect in the community, and
served four years. Mr. Walden was succeeded in 1880 by William Stanley, C. B.
Edgar, 1884; J. J. Morgan, Mch. 1889 to end of year G. W. Yancey; 1890-1894; J.
J. Haley, 1895-1904; W. E. Ellis, 1905-1912; J. D. Armistead, 1912-1922; Clyde
Darsie, 1922-1936; C. N. Barnette, 1937; still with us, and has won the
affections of his congregation, as well as the esteem of the community at large.
We now come to the present house of worship of the Christian Congregation in
Cynthiana, the third to stand on the same site. As we remarked in writing of the
Baptist church edifice, comment is unnecessary here, just walk around and
inspect this handsome church home for yourself. It may be proper, however, that
we set down here the names of the building Committee; William Addams, W. T.
Lafferty, W. S. Cason, Bailey D. Berry, M. C. Swinford, S. J. Ashbrook, J. S.
Withers; all of whom, with the exception of Mr. Swinford, have passed into the
beyond since the edifice was dedicated in 1901. It is also worthy of note that
the stone used in the building is a peculiar kind of limestone, scarce in this
vicinity, and was quarried, for the most part, from a field south of and
adjoining Battle Grove cemetery. It was owned by W. B. Redmon. The stone was
dressed on the ground, and laid in the walls under the supervision of J. R.
Poindexter. Des Jardins & Hayward of Cincinnati were the architects and the
late A. T. Rees was superintendent of construction.
The
Methodist Church of Cynthiana
The
following article was entitled "Methodism in Cynthiana" which was originally
published in the November 17, 1938 issue of the paper:
Methodism had its birth in England, when on the night of May 24, 1738, John W
Wesley felt his heart strangely warmed.” Twenty-five years later the movement
reached America.
It would be interesting to know who was the first Methodist to come to
Cynthiana. But who he was, when he arrived, and where he came to, are matters
of history, that lie forever buried in a forgotten past.
However, when it comes to the matter of trying to establish the site of the
first Methodist church building in Harrison County, we are able to approximate
the truth, as it would appear from the best data obtainable that an old log
building erected at East Broadwell in the late 1790’s, or possibly the very
early 1800’s will about fill the bill. At least, we have not been able to obtain
any facts which would indicate an earlier Methodist church building in the
county. I am giving here what the “History of Methodism in Kentucky,” brought
out in 1935, has to say on the subject:
“About three miles from Cynthiana, on the road from that place to Ruddle’s
Mills, stood old Mount Gerazim, where the Western Conference was held in both
1803 and 1804. And again, “Mount Gerazim”, or [East] Broadwell, is a historic
church. It was built about the beginning of the “last century” (1800). The
ground where it stands was given jointly by Richard Timberlake and Samuel
Broadwell. The first house was built of blue ash logs. This house was burnt
about 1825, accidentally, when the brick house now standing was erected.”
Many of us doubtless recall the old brick church on East Broadwell, razed
fifteen or twenty years ago. It stood on land now owned by Cleve and Miles
McKee, about half a mile from the Jones Filling Station, in the old grave
yard. The writer has good cause to remember it, as he made his debut in
pursuit of an education within its walls, more years back than he is willing to
admit; later, to change to the old log school house which stood in the church
yard, adjacent to the church building. This old log school house was doubtless
coincident with the “first” church building as say grandmother Nichols, uncle
Harry Ward and William T. Redmon, (father of W. B. Redmon, were likewise pupils
there in their youthful days, along about 1812.)
But back to our subject, proper. Calling on “Perrin” now, we learn that “It was
twenty-five years after the establishment of the town before any effective steps
were taken toward the creation of sacred edifices, but there is ample evidence
that almost coincident with the beginning of the place, religious people and
religious assemblies were numerous. Bishop Kavanaugh, when a young resident
here about 1815, engaged in the printing office of John Keenan, remembers his
uncle, LeRoy Cole, a Methodist who lived about a mile from town (this would be
in the rear part of the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Cooper and Lawson Oxley) he
also recalled Rev. William Rainey, and Rev. Moreland, as Methodist ministers of
the early days.” And here, if it may be allowed, I will again digress, to say
that Bro. Cole rests in the old grave yard at East Broadwell.
On the 9th of October, 1818, Richard Henderson, and Fanny, his wife, deeded to
Le Roy Cole, Peter Barrett, John Frazer, Joshua Jones, James Finley and Carter
Anderson, trustees of the Methodist church, the lot on which the Methodist
church stands today, and on this lot a commodious brick church was erected in
1820. This building burned in 1844, and in the following year was replaced by a
smaller edifice, also of brick, and fronting on Church street. In this second
church, we are told by L. G. Marshal, writing for “Perrin” in 1882, that a
conference was held in 1869, with Bishop Kavanaugh presiding.
At this conference, Rev. C. W. Miller, then presiding elder, and resident of
Covington, “was assigned in the pastoral charge of the Methodist church of
Cynthiana.” Early in 1870 steps were taken to erect a more suitable house of
worship. The old house fronting on Church Street was razed, and the contractors
Humble and Son of Covington, had soon erected a handsome and very comfortable
church edifice fronting on Pike street, this time. The whole cost of the work,
including inside decoration and finishing cost about $11,000, and in November of
1870, was dedicated by the Rev. Dr. E W. Schon of Louisville. In conclusion,
our authority, writing in 1882, says: “Meantime, the church under the guidance
of an able pastor, with its new house of worship, and with its largely increased
membership, entered upon a period of prosperity which has continued until the
present time.”
And now we come to the fourth and present church building to be erected by the
Methodist brethren on the same site. No remarks necessary here, unless it be to
state that a stone in two of the corners bears date of 1905. And that a
handsome addition has recently been completed at a cost of $10,000, also a new
organ installed.
We have seen where Rev. C. W. Miller was given charge of the congregation at a
conference held in Cynthiana in 1869, and noted the names of several of the
early pastors who preached in the first church, but we were unable to obtain the
names of the line of pastors in charge from 1820 to 1844, when Rev. W. C. Dandy
took charge; then in order we have the following:
S. S. Deering, 1847; Richard Holden, 1849; James Wells, 1850; Rev. Johnson,
1851; J. W. Minor, 1852; W. W. Trainer, 1853; Rev. Smith, 1854; Jacob Ditzler,
1855; William H. Winter, 1856; B. F. Sedwick, 1858; Samuel Kelley, 1860; W. J.
Snively, 1861; S. X. Hall, 1862; Samuel Kelley, 1863-64; J. W. Wightman,[1864,
S. S. Deering], 1866, C. W. Miller, 1869; R. Hiner, 1873; Rev. Reynolds, 1874;
John R. Deering, 1875; W. J. Snively, 1876; B. F. Sedwick, 1878; James A.
Henderson, 1881; M. W. Miner, 1883; H. P. Walker, 1885; D. B. Cooper, 1888; G.
W. Young, 1892; E. L. Southgate, 1895; C. F. Oney, 1898; Felix K. Struve;1901;
J. L. Clark, 1905; O. T. O’Rear, 1908; M. T. Chandler, 1912; J. P. Strother,
1916; Felix K. Struve, 1919; J. E. Moss, 1921; M. T. Clark, 1927; W. P. Fryman,
1929; R. J. Yoak, 1935; Dr. R. T. Brown, 1936. And we are happy to say, still
with us at this writing. Beginning with Rev. J. A. Henderson, I may state that
I have personally known and admired all of these men, and also recall Bro.
Sedwick; and was a schoolmate of Felix K. Struve’s back in, but that would be
telling.
The
Cynthiana Presbyterian Church
The
following article was entitled "Presbyterians in Cynthiana" which was originally
published in the December 1, 1938 issue of the paper:
Presbyterianism was established in Scotland in 1560 under the leadership of John
Knox and in 1592 it was ratified by the Scottish Parliament. It gained an early
foothold in America and we are told Presbyterians were among the early New
England colonists and many settled about Boston and formed the majority of the
colony of Massachusetts Bay. The first American Presbytery was organized in
1707.
Taking Prof. L. G. Marshall, writing in 1882 for “Perrin,” as our guide and
mentor, we learn that no reliable information has been obtained as to the
precise time the Presbyterian church was organized in Cynthiana, but on the
[21st] day of August, 1820, Richard [Henderson] and his wife Fanny, conveyed as
a gift to [Benjamin] Robinson, Alexander [Downing], and Isaac Miller, trustees
of the Cynthiana congregation of Presbyterians a lot of ground for the purpose
of having erected thereon a house of worship and a pound for horses. To this
was added by Isaac Miller an adjoining lot, also a gift. Our historian then
goes on to bound the lot in the usual terms of legal phraseology which stripped
of its verbosity indicated that the lot was directly across the street from the
residence of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Plummer on East Pleasant street.
Using now as our authority Judge Mac Swinford writing in 1929, we find that a
brick building some 40 by 60 feet was erected on the lot presented by the
Hendersons but there is no existing record of the building committee, the
builders or the cost. This building was the first Presbyterian church to be
erected in Cynthiana and was used until about 1836.
In 1836-37 William Lamme donated to the church the lot on Main street where the
present church building stands. The building on the Pleasant street lot was
taken down and rebuilt on the Main street lot. The carpenter work was done by
Samuel Williams, the brick work by William English.
Coming now to the erection of the third Presbyterian house of worship, we find
that in 1876 the old building was razed, and that during the three or four years
succeeding, the present fine edifice was erected. Our historian remarks that
“It is the most beautiful house of public worship ever built in Harrison
county.” The plan was furnished by an architect of Cincinnati. The building
committee composed of J. Q. Ward, D. A. Givens, and R. C. Wherritt. Cost of the
building was $14,000. It has been suggested that this building was one of the
few church buildings that was actually paid for and out of debt at the time it
was dedicated.
In 1909 a beautiful pipe organ was installed, and in 1920 memorial windows. The
W. A. Cook Memorial Annex was built in 1921 at a cost of $7,162. The new manse
adjoining the church property was erected in 1927 at a cost of $8,253.
The Presbyterian congregation seems to have never had a resident pastor until
1861, when Rev. George Morrison took charge. Here we are indebted to the late
C. A. Leonard, writing for a little booklet compiled by Judge Swinford on the
occasion of the Centennial anniversary of the Presbyterian church, 1929, for the
line of pastors serving the church. He gives us a table, beginning in 1830,
with the exception of 1843, Rev. A. E. Thorne, and 1855-56, Rev. W. H. Forsythe
the years are indicated “vacant”, or “stated supply.” After Morrison, 1861,
came Rev. John D. Kinniard, 1865; Rev. John D. Mathews, 1866; Rev. H. Glask,
1870; Rev. B. M. Hobson, 1873; Rev. J. E. Triplett, 1879; Rev. J. S. VanMeter,
1881; Rev. W. G. Keady, 1886; then Rev. Cary F. Moore, 1908 who served the
church over a period of twenty years, resigning on April 1, 1928. Our historian
says of Dr. Moore, “No history of the Cynthiana Presbyterian church would be
complete without a tribute to Cary F. Moore and an acknowledgment of the love
and esteem with which he and Mrs. Moore were held by all the community.” And
this writer feels sure that the “entire community” subscribed to the statement.
Next in order is the line of pastors we have Rev. Vincent P. Merrell, 1928; then
the present incumbent, Rev. E. B. Wooten; comment unnecessary here, as we all
know, and like him.
Cromwell Comments on
the Calendar Year
From time to time Cromwell would write a column
featuring a little history of each month's name as well as offering
some perspectives on the events behind the anniversaries celebrated
each month.
January
----------
The first month of our year, consisting of 31 days. It was by the Romans
held sacred to Janus, hence the name. The Roman year had originally only ten
months, to which “Numa” is said to have added January and February.
Janus, an ancient Latin divinity was held in great reverence by the
Romans. The porter of the Gods, he was the guardian of the doors
and gates, and was usually represented with two faces, one looking
forward, the other backward. In times of war the gates of the
temple of Janus at Rome were always left open, and in peace they were
closed; his principal festival was New Year's Day, when people gave each
other presents. Here, then, we find that our customs are still
more or less tinged with these old heathen superstitions, as we still
give presents on New Year's Day, and most of us, as it were, kind of
pause to take stock; that is to say, "look forward and backward."
New Year's Day
As shown above we derive our celebration of New Year’s Day from the old
Romans; but tho still rated as a National holiday I do not think it is now
as much observed as formerly; since if we except the banks and post office
you never see a business house closed any more, probably because in this
intense commercial age people are less inclined to spare a day from their
business. However, I believe New Year’s Eve is still celebrated in rather a
large way in the “big towns.” New York City for instance, where they pull
off the “wild parties;” and where one has to speak weeks in advance in order
to reserve a table in the most popular restaurants, and where one pays a
huge cover charge, and makes a deep inroad into a bill of “large”
denomination before he gets out, so I have been told.
I very well remember we used to make far more of New Year’s Day in
Cynthiana. One very pleasant custom we had, making New Year calls. In the
afternoon a bunch of boys would get together and make the rounds, visiting
the homes of all the girls, staying at a place just long enough to say
“howdy!” and to partake of light refreshments, and, be it known, this was
when “coming events” had just begun to cast their shadows before, eggnog or
a glass of wine being sometimes included.
Writing this, am thinking of the last time I “made the rounds.” I was in
company with Will Carter, a telegraph operator stationed at Cynthiana for a
time. I still recall what a beautiful day it was, ground covered with snow,
the sun shining brightly and just cold enough to be bracing. However, this
faculty called memory is sometimes baffling. Altho I recall the day so
perfectly, I do not remember but one place that we called, the “Martin Box.”
That was more than forty years ago, and since that day I have
not laid eyes on my friend Carter. He had been transferred, and was leaving
Cynthiana the next day. Often when turning memory’s pages I think of him,
and wonder if he is still in the land of the living. If so – here’s looking
at you, Will! Happy New Year.
Also on Jan. 1st, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation
Proclamation, 1863. 6th, Theodore Roosevelt died, 1919.
17th, Benjamin Franklin, one of the "wheel horses," of the American
Revolution, born 1706. 18th, Daniel Webster, one of our greatest
statesmen, born, 1782. 19th, Robert E. Lee, peerless solider and
christian gentleman, born, 1807. 21st, Stonewall Jackson, Lee's
greatest lieutenant, born, 1824.. 29th, William McKinley, our last
martyred president, born, 1843.
Battle of New Orleans
Fought January 8th, 1815. This battle was unique in more than one
respect. First, it was fought about two weeks after a treaty of
peace had been signed at Ghent in Belgium, between the United States and
Great Britain. No cables in those days, and largely by men
entirely untrained in military tactics, against veterans from the battle
fields of Europe, some of whom took part in the overthrown of Napoleon
at Waterloo. And again unique in the discrepancy of losses between
the two contending forces, the British losing--killed, wounded and
captured 2,600 men--the Americans but 21 killed and wounded, and none
captured.
Andrew Jackson, "Old Hickory," had taken his measures well. The
terrain was flat and natural, no cover whatever, so he improvised cotton
bales to build parapets, behind which he posted a few field guns and his
riflemen, hunters every one, and dead shots with their favorite weapon.
Packenham, the British general, landed his troops, 10,000 strong, and
they came on in serried ranks. Here quoting our historian, "the
British General, Gibbs, attacked Jackson's strongest position. As
they advanced to the charge, they were killed by the hundreds, yet did
not falter. When within 200 yards of the American line, the
Kentucky and Tennessee riflemen, deadly shots, four ranks deep, fired
line by line. The slaughter was terrible, but the British[,] now
reinforced by Gen. Keene's troops, pressed on up to the very ramparts.
But Gens. Packenham and Gibbs were both mortally wounded. Gen.
Keene and Major Wilkinson, the next in command, were so severely wounded
that they were carried from the field and the British fell back in
disorder.
This battle made General Jackson, already famous as a soldier and
statesman, the idol of the nation, and in 1824 he received 99 electoral
votes for President, but was beaten in the House of Representatives.
Four years later he became President; and again, in 1832, defeating this
time "our own" Henry Clay. Our historian says of Jackson--"he was
the first Representative of the new West of the Masses."
Closing, I am thinking of the "Hunters of Kentucky," a poem written at
the time, but far too long to republish here. I give the opening
lines:
"Old Packenham he made his brags
He'd have our girls and cotton bags,
In spite of old Kentucky."
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, Jan. 2, 1930)
Jackson's Day
----------
. . . It would seem that The Democrat is starting in this year to appear
on "important" days. Came out last week on New Year's Day, and is
appearing this week on "Jackson's Day," January 8th.
Andrew Jackson was born Mar. 15, 1767, on the border of North and South
Carolina. He was a man of action and a fighter from his youth up;
beginning his military career at the early age of thirteen at the battle
of Hanging Rock. He took up the study of law, and we first hear of
him in public affairs when eh became a public prosecutor in the western
district of North Carolina, now Tennessee. he was, 1796-1797, the
first Congressman from the state of Tennessee, and in 1797-1798 war U.S.
Senator. From 1798 to 1804 he was a judge of the Supreme Court.
His life as a planter, frequently chequered with disputes and duels, was
broken by the War of 1812. Jackson, "Old Hickory," as he was
called, commanded the southwestern troops against the Creeks, whom he
overwhelmed at the Horse-Shoe Bend of the Tallapoosa, March 27, 1814.
He was made a Major-General, stormed Pensacola, and held New Orleans
against Pakenham's invasion.
Jackson's actions in Florida, capture of St. Mark's in 1818, and summary
execution of two British subjects, led to considerable discussion at the
time. He was appointed Governor of Florida in 1821; again became
United States Senator in 1823; was elected President in 1826 [sic;
read 1828], thus becoming the first representative of the new
West and of the "masses."
In 1831 he reorganized his cabinet and the next year, 1832, was
re-elected President over Henry Clay. The chief features of his
eight years, 1829-1837, were his vigorous opposition to nullification
and to the United States Bank, his censure by the Senate, his
introduction of the "Spoils System," his settlement of the French
spoliation dispute, and his "Specie Circular" of 1836.
After his retirement he continued to be regarded as the leader of his
party, and died at the Hermitage, near Nashville, June 8, 1845.
It is said of Jackson that he was of heroic character, but headstrong,
arbitrary, vindictive and subject to the influence of politicians.
A strong character, nevertheless, a man among men.
Battle of New Orleans.
Although
twice President, Jackson's chief claim to fame would seem to be his
decisive defeat of the British at New Orleans. This battle was
fought Jan. 8, 1814, some six months after a treaty of peace had been
signed at Ghent between the United States and England. The credit
for the overwhelming victory belongs entirely to Gen. Jackson, as he
organized his army without any aid whatever from the War Department.
His troops consisted, in the main, of riflemen from the various
frontiers, Kentucky and Tennessee furnishing the majority of them.
The battle was unique from the fact that while the British loss in
killed, wounded and captured was 2,600 men, the American loss was only
eight killed and thirteen wounded . . .
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, Jan. 8, 1931)
Noted Men Born in January
----------
Noticed in the Lexington Herald a short time ago that Gov. Sampson said,
in commenting on the approaching two hundred and twenty-fifth
anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin, "It would be difficult to
recall a man who had done so much for his country."
Have been more or less familiar with the history of Benjamin Franklin
since I was a school boy, but did not know that he was born in January;
however, we live and learn.
Looking up the subject of birthdays I was struck with the fact that
January is the natal month of no less than seven men who have left their
imprint on the pages of our history; as follows:
10th, ETHAN ALLEN, noted Revolutionary soldier, born in Connecticut[t],
1737. It will be remembered that when asked by the British officer
in command of Fort Ticonderoga by whose authority he demanded its
surrender, he replied--"In the name of the great Jehovah and the
Continental Congress."
11th, ALEXANDER HAMILTON. Born on the island of Nevis, West
Indies, 1757. He was captain of artillery in the Revolution, and
Secretary of State in Washington's first Cabinet. he was killed in
a duel with Aaron Burr, 1804.
13th, SAMUEL WOODWORTH, journalist and poet. Born in New England,
1785. Best known as the author of "Old Oaken Bucket."
17th, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, born in Boston, 1706. Learned the
printer's trade in his youth. Went to Philadelphia where he was
engaged for a time in the newspaper business. Published the
Pennsylvania Gazette, Poor Richard's Almanack and founded the Saturday
Evening Post, 1728.
He later became interested in scientific research and was the first to
demonstrate that electricity could be drawn from the clouds, making use
of a kite in his experiments.
He was sent to France at the beginning of the Revolution, did much to
interest the French people in America's struggle for Independence, and
was subsequently named one of the Commissioners to negotiate peace with
England.
19th, ROBERT E. LEE, born in Westmoreland county, Va., in 1807.
Died at Lexington, Va., 1870. Any comment here would be trite, so
we pass on to another great soldier of the War between the States.
21st, THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. Born at Clarksburg, Va., now West
Va., 1824. He was educated at West Point, and distinguished
himself as an artillery officer during the war with Mexico. He
resigned from the army and accepted a professorship at the Virginia
Military Institute, where he taught mathematics and artillery tactics.
At the outbreak of the Civil War he opposed secession, but when
volunteers were called for to coerce the States, he declared, "I have
longed to preserve the Union. But now that the North has chosen to
inaugurate war against us, I am in favor of meeting her by drawing the
sword and throwing away the scabbard." He took part in the first
battle of Bull Run, where an account of the firm stand taken by his
division earned form himself the sobriquet of "Stonewall" Jackson, by
which he was henceforth to be known, and his troops as the "Stonewall"
brigade.
Perhaps Gen. Jackson's greatest claim to fame as a commander rests on
his campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley, where with an army at no time
exceeding 10,000 men he routed, in detail, the federal generals,
McDowell Shields, Freemont and Banks.
He was later recalled to Richmond, where he took part in the seven days
fighting, which resulted in the defeat of McClelland. Next came
the second battle of Bull Run, the invasion of Maryland, and then
Chancellorsville, May 1 to 4, 1863. Here by a masterly flank
movement Jackson crushed one wing of Hooker's army, and the Federals
withdrew across the river the next day.
It was a dear bought victory for the Confederates, as their beloved
leader in making a reconnaissance was mistakenly fired upon by his own
men in the darkness, and mortally wounded. Thus fell Stonewall
Jackson, whose name has gone down in military annals as one of the
greatest soldiers of all time.
29th, WILLIAM McKINLEY. Born at Niles, Ohio, 1843. Was
educated at Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa.. Taught school for a
time, and at the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted in an Ohio regiment,
where he gained the rank of Major. Defeated William Jennings Bryan
for the presidency in 1896, thus becoming one of our "War Presidents."
Was reelected in 1900, to become the third of our martyred Presidents,
being shot at Buffalo, N.Y., by Leon Czolgosz, Sept. 6, 1901.
P.S.--Democrat still keeping up its "important days" schedule; coming
out on William McKinley's birthday this time.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, Jan. 29, 1931)
February
----------
From the Roman Februa, a feast of expiation or purification, the second
month of the year, and the last of winter. It has 28 days except in
leap year[s], when it has 29; consequently one born on Feb. 29th has a
birthday only once in four years, therefore easier on friend husband and
father. The month of Feb. in the old Roman calendar first had 29 days,
but the senate declared that the sixth month should bear the name Augustus
Caesar, when a day was taken from it and added to August to make it equal to
July, which had been named for Julius Caesar.
Historical
Feb. 2nd, Candlemas day, a church feast instituted in the year 492, in
commemoration of the presentation of Christ in the temple and of the
purification of Mary. On this day among Roman Catholics candles
are lighted and carried about in procession, and all candles and tapers
which are to be used in the church during the entire year are
consecrated. Also Ground Hog day. Judging by the temperature
a few weeks ago he must have seen his shadow, when he came out.
3rd, designated on our historical calendar as "peace" day. Woodrow
Wilson died, 1924. 4th, Col. Chas. Lindbergh born, 1902.
6th, fall of Fort Donelson the loss of which forced the Confederates to
evacuate both Kentucky and Tennessee, and led up to the first great
battle of the war between the states, Shilo[h] or Pittsburg Landing.
This battle, the most important between the western armies during the
Civil War, was fought on April 6th and 7th. The Confederates were
led by Gen. Albert Sidney Johnson, the Federals by Gen. U.S. Grant.
In the first day's fighting the Confederates were victorious, but Gen.
Johnson being mortally wounded the command devolved upon Gen.
Beauregard. Owing to his hesitant policy the Federals were able to
bring up reinforcements with the result that the battle went against the
Confederates on the second day. 11th, Thomas A. Edison born,
1847--and the "wizard" is still going strong; Daniel Boone born, 1735,
in Bucks county, Pa. Died in Missouri, Sept. 26, 1820.
Also on the 11th, Theodore O'Hara, who wrote the famous poem the
"Bivouac of the Dead," born in Danvillle, Ky., 1820. Died in
Barbour county, Va., June 6, 1867. 12th, Abraham Lincoln, our
Civil War President, born in Hardin county, Ky., shot by John Wilk[e]s
Booth in Ford's Theatre, Washington, D.C., and died the next morning,
April 15th, 1865. 14th, St. Valentine's Day, no explanation
necessary here, at least for the lads and lassies. 15th,
destruction of the Battleship Maine in Havana harbor, 1898. 22nd,
Washington's birthday, 1732. Died at Mt. Vernon, Dec. 14th, 1799.
23rd, first R.R. Charter in U.S., B. & O., 1827.
And now, being an extraordinar[il]y modest man, I've saved this one for
the last, so that if necessary I
can duck and run away. Feb. 25th, this writer to quote Mrs.
Capitola VanHook, first discovered America. Not recorded that any
joy bells rang on that occasion. You will observe that the "year"
is omitted; however if some reader is sufficiently interested, phone
H.F. Maffett or John W. Taylor.
February Weather
As a boy on the farm I did not seem to recall so much cold weather as we
"now" have in February. Then most of our spring plowing was done
in Feb.; we also sowed oats, planted potatoes and I have often, during
the warm rains, waded in the creeks. In support of this assertion
here is a record of some February weather dating back for a
generation--Lexington Herald report:
Feb. 1, 1899, 2 below zero.
Feb. 2, 1917, 4 below zero.
Feb. 4, 1912, 9 below zero.
Feb. 5, 1917, 7 below zero.
Feb. 6, 1906, 1 degree.
Feb. 7, 1906, zero.
Feb. 8, 1895, zero.
Feb. 14, 1905, 7 below zero.
Feb. 16, 1905, zero.
Feb. 18, 1903, zero.
Feb. 19, 1903, 3 below zero.
Feb. 20, 1896, zero.
And here we have a report of the "cold week," beginning Feb. 9th, 1899.:
9th, 15 below zero.
10th, 17 below zero.
11th, 6 below zero.
12th, 12 below zero.
13th, 20 below zero.
As you will see, for five consecutive nights the mercury dropped below
zero, and it did not warm up a great deal during the day. I have
reason to remember the "cold week;" was laid up with "grip" during the
entire time. Don't recall any furnace heat in residences in
Cynthiana in 1899, with the exception of the residence of the late J.S.
Withers; so we had to sit close in the day time and pile on the cover
during night.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, February 27, 1930)
The Perfect Month
----------
Quoting Will Rogers, "all I know is what I read in the papers."
Have clipped several items recently pertinent to our subject which are
briefly mentioned here.
There will be 28 days in the month and the first week begins on Sunday.
There will be exactly four weeks of seven days each and the month will
begin at the beginning of a week and end at the close of the week.
This does not happen but once in every so often; but if the plan of the
Calendar Reform Association should be adopted we would have thirteen
such months in our year. The claim is made that such a calendar
would e a great improvement, especially along commercial lines.
With this calendar in operation Sundays, holidays and all other fixed
anniversaries would fall on the same day of the week in perpetuity.
Of course there would be one day left over in the year, taking the place
of January first. I understand that the name Sol is being
considered as a name for the new month, and that it would be placed
between June and July. It is also said that some business houses
are now using the plan and that a few such calendars have been printed.
While it is true that most people are inclined to dismiss the idea of a
new calendar with a smile one can never tell, it may be an actuality
within the next decade; for remember that the calendar has been changed
more than once, and that the old Roman Calendar at one time had only ten
months.
Writing of February we naturally recall the names of two illustrious
men, whose birthdays we celebrate in the month--George Washington and
Abraham Lincoln. Of course we all know that the former was born on
WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY; but I may add, A.D. 1732; as to the latter,
perhaps I will not duly insult the integrity of my readers if I set down
here that he was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, on Feb. 12, 1809.
It was given to Washington, the soldier, to lead his people to victory
in their struggle for independence; to Washington, the statesman, to
launch his country on its way to greatness.
Not so with Lincoln. It was his fate to fall by the hand of an
assassin in the hour of his country's triumph, his work not finished.
The union preserved, Lincoln would have sought to spare the South the
stress of those years of reconstruction. However, in the light of
history as we read it today, it is questionable if he would have
succeeded as there was at that time in Washington a group of
politicians, headed by Thad Stevens, who were out to grind the stricken
South into the dust. They overrode, and sought to impeach
President Johnson; would they have ever spared a Lincoln? Reading
Claud Johnson's "Tragic Era," it is a mooted question.
We also note that the George Washington Bicentennial Association is
planning for a nation-wide radio hook up on Washington's next birthday
anniversary, and will have the famous old Liberty Bell, which tolled so
sadly on the day of his death, Dec. 14, 1779 [sic], to again ring
forth from Independence Hall, striking thirteen times, once for each of
the original states. It is proposed to have President Hoover press
the button which will start it ringing; while it is true that the old
bell cracked many years ago, it is believed that it will ring loud
enough to be heard by all radio listeners.
Again we notice where Lincoln's monument has been undergoing some
repairs, and it will be rededicated on this next birthday (and by the
way, the services may be going on as you are reading this) as The
Democrat is coming out on Lincoln's birthday this time.
Both Chicago and Springfield, Ill, claimed the honor of entombing the
martyred President, but Mrs. Lincoln decided in favor of Springfield.
In conclusion, here is a bit of history hitherto not known to this
writer, which would seem to indicate that all of the thieves and thugs
are not living in the twentieth century. In 1876 an attempt was
made, and came very near succeeding, to steal the body of Mr. Lincoln
and hold it for ransom. For a long time thereafter a guard was
stationed at the tomb. The coffin has since been sealed in boulder
of concrete and steel, and now rests ten feet beneath the monument.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, February 12, 1931)
Valentine's Day
----------
Selecting valentines for the grandchildren last week brought back to my
mind happy memories of the long ago, and with them--alas! the tho[ugh]t
"I'm not as young as I uster be." Oh, well! if we live long
enough, we are bound to grow old, so let's to our story.
It is not easy to trace with any degree of certainty the origin of
Valentine's Day, since it would seem that the custom has been derived
from a conglomeration of Roman mythology, old English folk lore and
lat[t]er day tradition.
We first find that Valentine was a Saint of the Roman calendar, said to
have been martyred in 306 A.D., and that the custom of choosing
valentines on this day (Feb. 14) was accidentally associated with his
name. Again we find that a similar custom prevailed in the Roman
Lupercilia, a festival celebrated annually on Feb. 15 in honor of
Lupercus, an ancient pastoral God.
The custom was observed particularly in England, but to a certain extent
on the continent, too; mention of it is found as early as Chaucer.
We are told that the young people of both sexes used to meet on the eve
of Saint Valentine's Day, and each of the men drew from a number of
names of the opposite sex. Each gentleman thus got a lady for his
valentine, and he became the valentine of a lady, to whom he was bound
to be faithful for a year. Then we have the still later tradition
of the birds choosing their mates in the month of February.
The day is now celebrated by sending, anonymously, thru the post,
sentimental or ludicrous missives, especially prepared for the purpose;
also boxes of candy and flowers, the last mentioned, not so often
anonymous.
Writing this I recall a comic valentine received while I was a pupil at
the old City School, and thereby hangs a tale.
On an occasion Joe Boyd and myself, chums before and afterwards, elected
to have a fight. Came Valentine's Day, when I received a valentine
very much to the point. Picture of a wild Irishman swinging a
shillalah [sic], with a most appropriate verse
appended--something like--"Wrong or right, always ready for a fight."
I did not find out the sender for a long time, when it transpired that
my friend, Orie Lebus, then as now found of his joke, had mailed it from
Havilandsville.
A Birthday Card.
With me, it's not such a far cry from valentines to birthday cards; I
was born in February. All of which is by the way of leading up to
remark that I still have a birthday card which I received on my 21st
anniversary. How long ago was that you say? Well[,] I am not
telling. But should it chance that someone who reads this also has
an antique in this line, if he will bring it in we will go into
executive session, findings in the case to be held strictly
confidential.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, February 19, 1931)
March
----------
Originally
the first month of the Roman year, March was named in honor of the old
Roman war-god, MARS. One of the planets was also named after Mars.
It is the most famed of the planets, and its reddish tinge suggestive of
blood and war, doubtless explains the significance of the name.
Some one has suggested that the name remains appropriate in our day from
the fact that the weather is "mean and nasty," "gusty winds" blow and we
sometimes have a little "war" keeping our hats on.
The first recorded event on our historical calendar recites that postage
stamps were first used in the United States March 3rd, 1847. Prior
to that time letters were sent C.O.D. 5th, Ash Wednesday, first
day of Lent. 6th ,Boston Massacre, 1770, first blood shed in the
revolt of the American Colonies. The populace of Boston protesting
against the "navigation act," were fired on by the British soldiers.
Also, President Wilson in his inaugural address, 1916, declared in favor
of armed neutrality. Vain hope! Kentucky tried the same
thing at the beginning of the Civil War. 9th, battle in Hampton
Roads, between the Monitor and the Merrimac, 1862. Here, for the
first time in naval warfare iron-clads were used.
St. Patrick's Day in the
Mornin'
March 17th, said to be always the fairest or the foulest. As we
all know, Saint Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland, and his memory
is still held in reverence by all true sons of Erin. Writing this
it comes to me that nine years ago, on St. Patrick's Day, I was
sojourning in Cuba, and that when we received The Democrat it was "a
wearin['] of the green"--a splendid edition; wish I had preserved it.
March 21st, first day of Spring, sometimes; 30th, Alaska Purchase, 1867,
Andrew Johnson president. In 1741 Vitis Bering, sailing for the
Russian Government, discovered Alaska, and in 1783 Russia established a
fur trading post on one of the islands. By treaty with Russia the
United States bought all of the territory, 580,000 square miles, for
$7,200,000. Our Uncle Samuel can always be relied on to take care
of himself in a "real estate" deal.
Japan
March 31st, Japan opened by Com. Perry, 1854. The Portug[u]ese
were the first people to land in Japan, middle of sixteenth century.
For a while they carried on a lucrative trade with the inhabitants, but
the ruling powers took alarm, and ordered all foreingers away, also
forbidding the introduction of Christian religion, 1624. From this
time on the Japanese government maintained teh most rigid policy of
isolation, and foreign vessels were not allowed to touch at Japanese
ports under any pretense. This state of affairs contineud for
several hundred years, adn until Com. Perry entered a Japanese harbor
with a squadron of U.S. war vessels. He extorted a treaty of
commerce from the "shotgun," [sic] and the example of the U.S.
was soon followed by other countries.
This happened three quarters of a century ago; and while the
name--"hermit kingdom"--still sticks, Japan now ranks as one of the
World Powers, and is third, I believe, in naval armament.
Weather
If one should ask the average man did the mercury ever drop below zero
in March he would be apt to receive a negative reply ;nevertheless it is
recorded that it did drop one degree belwo in 1873. Also whil
March is rated a Spring month, we someties have pretty snapy weather;
witness the following--March 5th, 1901, 6 degrees; 6th, 1901, 4 degrees;
7th, 1899, 1 degree; 16th, 1900, 8 degrees; St. Patrick's Day, 1900, 4
degrees.
"Ah March! We know thou art
Kind[-]hearted, spite of thy ugly looks and threats,
And out of sight, art nursing April's violets."
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, March 27, 1930)
April
----------
I happen to have a calendar hanging over my desk recording under the
proper dates important events in history which have transpired in that
particular month. In tearing off the "April" pad a few days ago I
was struck with the number of events recorded thereon.
Assuming that not all of the readers of The Democrat have seen the
calendar to which I refer I am passing the information along for their
benefit.
April, in Latin, Aprillis, derived from the word, aperire, to open, is
the fourth month, and the first of spring; so named because the buds
open at this time.
To begin at the beginning we will take up "all fools day," not strictly
an American custom, however, but handed down to us by our English
forebears. The custom also prevails in some of the European
countries. In France, for instance, the victim of an April fool
joke is called "un poisson de'acrilll"--An April fish.
The custom of making fools on the first of April by sending people upon
errands which end in disappointment and raise a laugh at their expense
has long prevailed. It has been connected with the "miracle plays"
of the middle ages, in which the Saviour was represented as having been
sent at this period of the year from Annos to Caiphas and from Pilot to
Herod.
My introduction to April fool's day dates back to a period when I was
between four and five years of age, as I distinctly remember when my
father took me down in a pasture to see a "little colt," which had not
arrived on the scene.
Our next stop will be April 9th, 1865, to not the surrender of Gen.
Robert E. Lee, which momentous event for the Southern Confederacy took
place at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. Next we have the
11th, of some importance to the writer at least, since his parents were
married on that day at the old Burnett House in Cincinnati, 1861.
We now come to the 12th, that fateful day which was to usher in the
Civil War, Fort Sumter fired on by the Confederates, 1861. The
13th may be termed a "lucky" for Democracy, Thomas Jefferson born, 1743.
On the 14th an event took place which cast gloom over the nation,
President Lincoln shot by John Wilkes Booth as he sat in a private box
at Ford's theatre, 1865. 19th, the battle of Lexington, which
marked the beginning of our struggle for independence, 17775, now
denominated "Patriot's Day."
Here we drift into English history, William Shakespeare born, April 23,
1564. This one should interest "staff," first newspaper issued in
America, April 24th, 1704--not stated where, but I suspect in
Philadelphia, 25th, marks the beginning of our war with Mexico, since on
that day a force of Mexicans ambushed a small party of regulars, 1846;
also war declared with Spain, 1898. 26th, Confederate Memorial day
in far South, first suggested by Mrs. Mary A. Williams of Columbus, Ga.
Also the first shot of the war between the United States and Germany,
1917. 27th, U.S. Grant born, 1822.
Now we have come to the last day of April, the day on which one of the
biggest real estate deals in all history was pulled off. On that
day President Thos. Jefferson purchased from Napoleon Bonaparte the
Louisiana Territory, consideration, $15,000,000. I am also
claiming that April 30th will go down in local history as the day on
which our new City Building was started, since the option of the new
site was signed on that day.
Summing up, we find that out of six wars which we have fought five began
in April. The sixth, 1812, began in June, and one, the Civil War,
ended in April. Several of our great soldiers and statesmen were
born in April, an dos other historical events have also taken place.
SO by all means when the proposed new calendar is adopted, let us see to
it that "April" is not dropped from the list, even should we have to
make it the "13th" month.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, May 9, 1929)
May
----------
The fifth month in our year, but in the old Roman calendar the third, seems
always to have had thirty-one days, and is the only month in which I have
been unable to trace the "origin" of the name.
The Romans regarded it as unlucky to contract marriages in May, a
superstition which is still prevalent in some parts of Europe.
On the first day of May the old Celtic peoples held a festival called
Beltane. This word in Celtic means the fire of Be'l, and "fires"
entered largely into the ceremonies connected with the festival.
Here we can trace a connection between these people and the people of
biblical times, since it will be remembered that some of the old
Israelitish Kings frequently relapsed into idolatry, erected altars to
Bae'l, and caused their children to "pass thru the fire."
In England outdoor sports and pastimes on the first day of May were
formerly universal, and have not yet been discontinued entirely.
They included the erection of a May Pole decorated with flowers and
foliage, around which the young men and maidens danced, one of the
maidens, the most beautiful, being chosen Queen of the May.
It was doubtless with this in mind that Tennyson wrote his beautiful
pathetic poem, the May Queen, beginning:
You must wake and call me early, call me early, mother dear;
Tomorrow it'll be the happiest time of all the glad New Year;
Of all the glad New Year, mother, the maddest, merriest day;
For I'm to be Queen O' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen O' the May.
This custom in its inception probably dates back to the time of the
Druids, priests of ancient Gaul and Brittain. The Druids venerated
the mistletoe when growing on the oak, a tree which they esteemed
sacred; and had special days set apart for their rites, which were
always held in the forests.
May Day was formerly observed to some extent in America, but has fallen
into disuse, if we except some of our colleges. Noted that a Queen
of the May was chosen at Kentucky University this year.
On the first day of May also we have to record Dewey's Victory in Manila
Bay, where he destroyed the Spanish fleet, without the loss of a man or
a vessel. Some of us will doubtless remember his laconic command
on that occasion--"fire when you are ready, Captain Gridley." 7th,
Lusitania torpedoed, 1915. The Lusitania was a British
trans-Atlantic liner. She was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland
with a loss of 1[,]154 lives, of whom 102 were Americans. It was
that act and the refusal of the German Imperial Government to disavow it
that eventually bro[ugh]t the United States into the war. 11th,
Mother's Day, this year. In 1913 by resolution of Congress the
observance of a day under this title was instituted, the President
issuing a proclamation for the first National Mother's Day, and fixing
the second Sunday in May for its recurring date. An International
Mother's Day Association was later organized. 12th to 20th,
Blackberry Winter. So termed because we have a cool spell about
the time the blackberry vines bloom. Have never known it to fail,
lasted almost two weeks this time.
21st, Lindberg's non-stop fight, New York to Paris, 1927. Lindy is
still flying. Somehow I have a premonition that he will fly once
too often some day; hope I'm wrong. 24th, first telegraph
message sent, 1844. Samuel F.B. Morse, born in Charleston, Mass.
began in 1829 working on the electro-magnetic telegraph, and in 1835 had
demonstrated that it would work. In 1843 Congress granted him
means to construct a line between Washington and Baltimore, and the
first message: "what hath God wrought;" was flashed over the
wires.
28th, Yank's first big victory World War, Cantigny, France, 1918.
29th, Ascension Day. The day on which the ascension of our Saviour
is commemorate; also called Holy Thursday. Falls on the Thursday
but one before Whitsuntide, which occurs fifty days after Easter.
30th, Memorial Day, commonly known as Decoration Day, is now observed as
a holiday in most of the States. It is said to have originated
from an incident which occurred at Vicksburg, Miss. Shortly after
the close of the Civil War some ladies decorated the graves of the
Confederate dead, also placed flowers on the graves of the Federal dead.
The Grand Army of the Republic hearing of this graceful act, took the
matter up, and the 30th day of May was set apart as Memorial Day.
In the far South, Jefferson Davis's birthday, June 3rd, is observed as
Memorial Day.
We give, in closing, a song--"On May Morning," by John Milton, the blind
poet:
Now the bright morning star, day's harbinger,
Comes dancing from the east, and leads with her
The flowery May, who from her green lap throws
The yellow cowslip, and the pale primrose,
Hail, bounteous May, that dost inspire
Mirth, and youth, and warm desire;
Woods and groves are of thy dressing,
Hill and dale dost boast thy blessing.
Thus we salute thee with our early song,
And welcome thee, and wish thee long.
P.S.--Lest some reader may think (and rush off in a hurry and cancel
their subscription to The Democrat) that I am starting "around " again,
like a dog chasing his tail, on the "months," allow me to state that I
started in last year with April, in some manner omitted May; which I am
herewith supplying. So the cycle is now complete.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, June 5, 1930)
The
Month of Roses
----------
June, from the
Latin Junius, is the sixth month of our calendar and the first of
summer. Originally it consisted of 26 days, to which Romulus added
4, and Numa, took away one. Julius Caesar again lengthened the
month to 30 days and it has so remained.
We always think
of the month of June as the feminine gender, and as connected with the
goddess "Juno," who on looking up our mythology we find was both the
sister and wife of "Jupiter." She was the Queen of Heaven, and
under the name Regina was worshipped in Italy at an early period and
bore the same relation to women that Jupiter did to men. She was
regarded as the special protectress of whatever was connected with
marriage, so it is more than likely that here we have the foundation of
the legend that June is the "month of brides."
The month of June
is generally conceded to be the most beautiful of the entire year, adn
from time immemorial poets have sung her praises. We quote here
James Whitcomb Riley's Ode to June:
O queenly month of indolent repose;
I drink thy breath in sips of rare perfume,
As in thy down lap of clover bloom
I nestle like a drowsy child and doze
The lazy hours away. The zephyr throws
The shifting shuttle of the Summer's loom
And weaves a damask-work of gleam and gloom
Before thy listless feet. The lily blows
A bugle-call of fragrance o'er the glade;
And, wheeling into ranks with plume and spear,
Thy harvest-armies gather on parade;
While, faint and far away, yet pure and clear,
A voice calls out of alien lands of shade:--
Al hail the peerless Goddess of the year.
Historical
June 3rd, Jefferson Davis, born in Kentucky, died at New Orleans, Dec.
6, 1889; 10th, 1752, Franklin drew lightning from the clouds; 14th, Flag
Day; 17th; 1775, one of the important days in American history, Battle
of Bunker Hill, where the "embattle farmers" stood and repulsed 3,000
English veterans, and man uttered the famous words now so familiar to
every school boy, "Don't shoot until you can see the whites of their
eyes;" 18th, 1815, Battle of Waterloo, where the English and Prussians
utterly routed the French army, thus exiling Napoleon to St. Helena;
21st, longest day of the year; 24th, 1917, Italian victory on Austrian
front, World War; 26th, 1917, first American troops arrive in France.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, June 13, 1929)
July
----------
The seventh month in our calendar, having 31 days. In the Roman
year it bore the name of Quintillis, as originally the "fifth" month.
Its change of name to Julius was in honor of Julius Caesar, who was born
on the 12th of the month.
July, as we hope to show, has been one of the most important months in
our history, and equally so, but in an inverse ratio, to that infant
nation born amidst the thunder of the guns at Fort Sumpter, and which
after a brief but glorious existence was to die, still amidst the
thunder of the guns, at Appomattox.
To begin with, I am writing this on July 4th. 153 years ago today
John Hancock, with those other immortals, was affixing his sign manuel
to a document which was to usher into being a young Republic, destined
to grow by leaps and bounds until today it has become the greatest
nation on the face of the globe. On the first, second and third of
July, 1863, we fought the battle of Gettysburg, which was forever to
settle the question as to whether we should be a united people. It
is true that the Confederacy continued to exist for almost two years
after Gettysburg was fought, but "there" began that process of attrition
which was to gradually exhaust her resources, more especially in man
power.
Many have claimed, and still claim, that a Confederate victory at
Gettysburg would have meant the independence of the Southern States.
Gen. J.B. Gordon in his Reminiscences of the Civil War, is authority for
the statement that Gen. Lee was heard to say after the war that with
Stonewall Jackson present he would have won the battle.
And this reminds me of a story told by Col. Walter H. Taylor in his Four
Years with Lee. A good Deacon, one of Jackson's men, after the war
was trying to accept the situation in a spirit of christian resignation,
and endeavored to lead his people that way. On one occasion, being
called upon to lead in prayer, he said in part: "Oh, Lord, Thou
hast seen fit to bring distress upon us, and we try to believe that it
was for some good purpose that Thou didst permit our enemies to get the
better of us, but, oh Lord, Thou who knowest all things, Thou knowest at
the same time that it was necessary for Thee to remove from this world
Thy valiant servant, Stonewall Jackson, before it could be that way."
But after all, speaking form myself, I am inclined to agree with Col.
Walter H. Taylor, who said on another occasion: "To me it is as if
he who controls the destinies of men and of nations had said: 'You
people of the South shall be sorely tried, but the blame is not yours,
and therefore to you shall fall the honors--genius, skill, courage,
fortitude, endurance, readiness for self-sacrifice, prowess in battle,
and victory against great odds; but this great experiment to demonstrate
man's capacity for self-government, with its cornerstone of universal
freedom, must continue with undivided front, and therefore I decree to
the other side determination, persistence, NUMBERS, unlimited resources,
and ultimate success.'"
On July 4th occurred another severe blow to the Confederacy, the
surrender of Vicksburg, and the consequent opening of the Mississippi
River to her enemies, and on the 17th, in 1864, began Sherman's march to
the sea, with its resultant lessening of her resources.
Now getting back to our historical calendar: On the 3rd, also, the
Spanish fleet was totally destroyed in Santiago harbor. The 12th
is listed as Orangeman's Day. The Orangeman's Society, still in
existence, was founded in Ireland in 1790, and named in honor of William
III, Prince of Orange. Its purpose was the upholding of the
Protestant Religion. 18th, successful American counter-attack at
Chateau Thierry, 1918. 21st, first battle of Bull Run, and by the
way, not the only battle which "some" Northern historians have ever been
willing to admit that the South won. 27th, wireless established
between the United States and Japan, 1915. 31st, Lafayette arrives
in the U.S. and offers his services to Gen. Washington, 1777, the
forerunner of the assistance afforded by France in our struggle for
independence. Out of order, but important, President Garfield
assassinated, July 2nd, 1881.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, July 11, 1929)
August
----------
Is the eighth month of our year and was the sixth in the old Roman calendar,
hence called sextilis, till the Emperor Augustus affixed to it his own, because
Julius Caesar had given his name to the preceding month. He also changed its
length to 31 days from the same jealous motive, and thus disturbed the regular
succession of the month in the Julian calendar.
Consulting our historical calendar, we find that the first day of August ushered
in the WORLD WAR, an event, which before it ended, was to involve perhaps half
of the Nations of the globe, and to cost millions of lives, not to mention
billions of treasure. On the 2nd day of August President Harding died in
California, 1923. On the 6th, Thos. Lynch, signer of the Declaration of
Independence, was born in S.C., 1749; also on the 6th, Admiral Farragut attacked
the Confederate Forts at Mobile, Ala., 1864.
Coming down to more modern times, Aug. 6, 1924, we find the new Turkish
parliament forbade more than one wife to the man, except in unusual
cases. Wonder why the "unusual case?" 11th, first steamboat
voyage in America by Robt. Fulton on the Hudson, 1807. 15th,
Panama Canal opened to navigation, 1914. 16th, battle of
Bennington, 1777. This battle led up to Burgoyne's surrender, and
was also the occasion of the American Gen. Stark's famous address to his
men, noted alike for its brevity, and stern resolution to do or
die--"Yonder stands the enemy, we conquer today, or Molly Stark's a
widow." This incident recalls another "Molly," whose name has come
down to us from the Revolutionary days. At the battle of Monmouth,
fought on an extremely hot day in June, 1778, Molly Pitcher was carrying
water to the gunners. As she approached the battery her husband
fell dead at her feet. She seized the sponge staff, as it dropped
from his hands, and took his place at the gun. We are told that
Gen Washington conferred the degree of sergeant on her after the battle,
and that Congress voted her a silver medal. 17th, first Atlantic
Cable message, 1858. 23rd, first steamer to cross the Atlantic,
1818.
Dog Days, always connected in our minds with the month
of August, really begin in July and extend over into August. The name, as
applied by the ancients, covered a period of about forty days, the hottest of
the year, at the time of the rising of Sirius, the dog star. In our own times
various traditions have been connected with dog days. It is said that during
this period dog are apt to develop rabies, and also that it is dangerous to go
into the water. I do not think the facts bear out the theory in the first
instance, and the latter theory probably originated from the fact that it is
usually dry at this season of the year and standing water stagnates. However
this may be, we youngsters were solemnly warned to keep out of the water during
dog days, but I do not recall that we paid much attention to the warnings; and
it is barely possible that some of us owe our existence today to the fact that
germs and microbes were not then so numerous.
(It would be interesting to know on what Mr. Cromwell
bases the statement that “germs and microbes were not then so numerous.” Lack of
knowledge of them does not mean they did not exist. – Editor Democrat.)
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, August 15, 1929)
September
----------
From the Latin, septem, ninth month of our calendar, and the seventh of
the old Roman year, which began in March. None of the Roman
Emperors seems to have ever taken any liberties with the month of
September, as the name was never changed, and it has always had 30 days,
hence the old familiar couplet:--
Thirty days hath September, April June and November,
The other months have thirty-one,
Except to February we 28 assign,
Till leap year gives it 29.
Ever remember to have repeated these lines in order to fix the number of
day sin a given month?
Consulting our historical calendar we find that the first Monday in
September ahs long been designated Labor Day, one of our most popular
holidays; this year it came on the second of the month. 6th,
President McKinley shot by Leon Czolgosz, and anarchist, at the Pan
American Exposition, Buffalo, N.Y., 1901, the third of our presidents to
fall by an assassin's bullet. 10th, Com. Perry's victory on Lake
Erie, 1813, after which he sent his famous message--"We have met the
enemy and they are ours." This achievement of Perry's was notable
in that he cut the standing timber on the lake shore, built his ships on
the spot, and sailed out to administer a crushing defeat to the
"mistress of the seas." Also on the 10th, 1887, the British gun
boat, Wasp, with crew of 80 men[,] sailed from Singapore and was never
heard of again. 11th, 1777, Battle of Brandywine, Pa., in which
11,000 Continentals were defeated by a British force of 18,000; but not
routed, as under the skillful management of Washington, backed up by
good behavior on the part of the troops, the Americans were able to
withdraw from the field in good order, after inflicting heavier losses
than they received. At this battle, for the first time, the
Continentals fought under the Stars and Stripes. 12th, 1918,
Pershing begins a successful drive on the St. Mihiel Salient.
16th, 1893, 100,000 persons made a rush for homesteads on the opening of
the Cherokee Strip to settlement. 17th, 1787, Constitution of the
U.S. adopted. 1856, on the same day of the month the last Whig
National Convention met in Baltimore. 18th, 1848, John R. McLean,
noted capitalist and newspaper man, born in Cincinnati, died Washington,
D.C., 1916. 19th, 1777, battle of Frazer's farm or Bemis's
Heights, a decisive victory for American Arms, largely made possible by
the splendid leadership of "Benedict Arnold." What a pity he did
not fall at the end of that glorious day! 20th, 1797, the famous
U.S. Frigate, Constitution, known as "Old Ironsides," launched at
Boston, Mass. All of us remember, and how many of us have, this
well known painting. 23rd, first day of Autumn. 30th,
unconditional surrender of Bulgaria, World War, 1918.
Closing we
present the first verse of a little poem--"Miss September:"
The cardinal flower is flaming,
The tides are flooded deep;
A song comes out of misty leagues,
The old southeasters sweep;
And there is Miss September,
With oft tears in her eyes,
And far across the marshes
The last blue huron flies.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, September 26, 1929)
Autumn
----------
I know of no better way of introducing my subject than by giving here
some lines from "Each In His Own Tongue," by William Herbert Carruth, in
writing his exquisite little verse the poet would seem to have exactly
expressed our sentiments in regard to Autumn, held by many to be the
most beautiful season of the entire year.
"A haze on the far horizon,
The infinite, tender sky,
The ripe, rich tint of the cornfields,
And the wild geese sailing high--
And all over upland and lowland
The charm of the golden rod--
Some of us call it Autumn,
And others call it God."
Consulting our dictionary for a definition of the word Autumn we find it
as follows: The third season of the year, often called fall,
Latin, autumnal, of, pertaining to, or like autumn; ripening; declining.
In American Autumn is regarded as embracing September, October, and
November. The autumn of the southern hemisphere takes place at the
time of the northern Spring. In England Autumn is generally
considered as embracing August, September, and October.
Gazing idly at my calendar the other day I noticed that September 23rd
was registered as the first day of Autumn. Now it is a fact that
the first days of March, June, September, and December are generally
regarded as the beginning of our seasons, Spring, Summer, Autumn and
Winter; but astronomically speaking the seasons are governed by the
revolution of the earth around the sun and do not begin until the 21st
of March, the 22nd of June, the 23rd of September and the 22nd of
December. However, the explanation of this would prove too long
and scientific to enter into here; so we spare our readers the attempt
and refer them to their astronomies for further light on the subject.
Autumn On The Farm.
I seem to recall here that in a former treatise I went on record to the
effect that I "believed" that the boy who was not reared on a farm
missed something. Think of the Autumn seasons of my boyhood, I am
going to make it stronger--I know he did.
Who of us that were so fortunate can ever forget those Saturday
excursions in search of hickory nuts, walnuts, black haws, chincapins,
pawpaws, and what not and the long rambles on Sunday afternoons through
the woods and over cliffs, chasing rabbits and squirrels, locating the
dens of various animals; in short doing the thousand and one things so
dear to the hearts of all boys.
True we were called upon sometimes on Saturdays to assist our elders in
picking apples, digging potatoes, gathering cornfield beans, kershaws
and squashes; but to the healthy boy such tasks were just like play.
Then cider making. Perhaps some one who may chance to read this
will recall here that gone feeling in their "tummies" caused by imbibing
too freely of sweet cider.
And speaking of digging potatoes, I am reminded of an incident where I
cam out second best. I arose on emorning (ti was a beautiful day)
feeling sort of under the weather, kind of a "not able to go to school
feeling," you know, and succeeded in impressing my mother to the extent
that she allowed me to remain at home. I played the invalid pretty
well until along about ten o'clock, when I concluded it might help some
if I took a ramble.
Passing the potato patch, I was intercepted by my father, who called me
in and put me to work; and there I stayed for the rest of the day.
And it did not help any either when I learned later that the teacher
also selected that day to be sick, dismissed school and that the pupils
took advantage of the occasion to stage a grand picnic.
Autum also brought with it that sport so dear to the hearts of boys,
"rabbit hunting." Given a few white frosts and we were away with
gun and dogs, ranging the fields far and wide, with occasionally a shot
at a bobwhite, and, on rarer occasions, at a belated flock of ducks and
wild geese winging their way southward.
Odd, isn't it: how one thing brings up another; thinking of Indian
Summer reminds me of Ka-ton-ka. Doubtless the latter will prove an
entirely strange word to Democrat readers of the present generation;
however there will be some who will recall it.
Along in the middle eighties, 1886 or '88, a Patent Medicine Man pitched
his tent on the rear end of the lot, now the site of the Presbyterian
manse and the residence property of J.T. Guthrie. He brought with
him a troupe of Indians, with "Scarface Bear," and old Chief, playing in
the role of the champion rifle shot. He put on a first-rate show,
and stayed with us for two weeks. Night after night, beautiful
Indian Summer nights they were, the lot was crowded, and Ka-ton-ka sold
like hot cakes at a dollar per bottle, great big bottles they were, too.
Being exceptionally healthy at the time I did not invest. However,
I did buy a bottle a few years later from Renaker Bros. and the fact
that I am here to tell the tail proves that it was, at least, a harmless
preparation.
Closing, I recall that while the troupe was in Cynthiana a little Indian
baby died, and its spirit took flight to the "happy hunting grounds"
from Battle Grove Cemetery.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, October 16, 1930)
October
----------
Takes its name from the latin octo, eight, originally the eight month of the
Roman calendar, the name was retained after the beginning of the year had been
changed from Mahn to January.
Consulting our calendar we find that on the first day of October, 1800,
Spain ceded the Louisiana territory to France. About a decade
later our Uncle Samuel had a deed for it. 5th, Jewish new year.
7th, first Continental Congress met in N.Y., 1765. 9th, Fire
Prevention day. 10th, two cent letter postage went into effect in
U.S., 1883. 11th, the first Clearing House in the U.S., comprising
52 banks, went into operation in N.Y. 1853; first shot fired against
Paris, France, by the Prussians, 1870, and Fenian raid in Canada, 1871.
12th, "in 1492 Columbus crossed the ocean blue," and yet he never saw
the "mainland" of this continent. Had he sailed just two hours
longer when coasting Cuba he would have discovered it was an "island."
14th, Day of Atonement. 15th, fourth Liberty Loan.
16th, John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry. Robert E. Lee, then,
1859, Col. in the U.S. Army, was called out to put down the trouble.
Brown was arrested, tried in the civil court for his crime, and hanged.
17th, surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, N.Y., 1777. 19th,
surrender of Lord Cornwallis, Yorktown, Va., 1781. Thus we have
two of the signal successes of American arms occurring in the month of
October. Saratoqa, so to speak, was the beginning, and Yorktown
the end. 21st, 1797, the famous frigate Constitution, "Old
Ironsides," celebrated today in story and song, launched at Boston;
also, 1879, the first incandescent light was produced by Edison, and in
1805 Lord Nelson defeated the French and Spanish fleets ff Cape
Trafalgar. As the ships went into action Nelson said, "England
expects every ma to do his duty," and fell in the moment of victory.
Hallowe’en, the evening of October 31st, so called as being the eve or vigil of
all Hallow’s or All Saints, which falls on the first day of November. The
celebration of it in various ways has been widely spread. Formerly a good deal
of horse play was indulged in, and is yet, more so probably in the smaller towns
and villages, where front gates, boxes, benches, and in short everything loose,
or which can be pried loose, is removed to some far distant spot; also the down
town windows decorated. I recall here a story often related by my father how the
boys of his generation dismantled a farm wagon which happened to be standing in
the street, carried it piecemeal to the top of the Court House and reassembled
it astride the comb of the roof.
In the larger cities Hallowe’en is chiefly celebrated by maskers going about the
streets blowing horns, scattering confetti, etc. Tonight is the time, good
folks! Look well to your front gates.
In closing I present the first verse of James Whitcomb Ryley's "Old
October.."
Old October's purt' nigh gone,
And the frost is comin' on
Little HEAVIER every day--
Like our hearts is thataway!
Back from green to gray and red,
Brown and yeller, with their stems
Loosenin' on the oaks and e'ms;
And the balance of the trees
Gitten' balder every breeze--
Like the heads we're scratchin' on!
Old October's purt' nigh gone.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, Oct. 31, 1929)
November
----------
From the Latin--Novem--nine, formerly the ninth month, but according to
the Julian arrangement, in which the year begins on Jan. 1st, November
becomes the 11th month, and comprises 30 days.
We have somewhat of a paucity of historical events occurring in the
month of November, but shall do the best we can. First we have
election day, occurring this year on the 5th. In world affairs we
find that Martin Luther, father of the reformation, was born Nov. 10th,
1483. 7th, Charlotte Crabtree, famous actress, born 1847, died
1924. Probably no actress of modern times had a stronger hold on
the affections of a public than "Lotta," and I am sure she will be
remembered in "Pawn Ticket Number Eleven" by theatre goes of a
generation ago. In all of her plays she took the part of a young
girl, and continued to do so until almost seventy years of age.
Besides being the idol of the public Miss Crabtree was a thoroughly good
woman, and a noted philanthropist.
The 11th ushers in Armistice Day, now observed as a holiday, and
probably the most important event which ever took place in the world's
history. 23rd, Capt. john Ericsson landed in N.Y., 1839.
Capt. Ericsson was a famous Swedish engineer, inventor of the "screw
propeller" which revolutionized navigation, and also of the "turret
ship" the first of which, the Monitor, fought the famous Confederate
ram, the Merrimac, in Hampton Roads, Va.. 25th, the British
evacuated N.Y., 1783.
Thanksgiving Day
Should have a cut of a turkey here; perhaps "Mickie" can furnish it?
Thanksgiving I believe is our only National holiday designated from year
to year by the President, always the fourth Thursday in November.
In 1863 President Lincoln recommended its observance, and his example
has been followed by every President since. It falls this year on
the 28th.
The custom originated in New England in 1621, after the "first" harvest
of the Plymouth settlement, and slowly spread to the other colonies.
There is a legend connected with Thanksgiving Day in New England to the
effect that at one time the settlers were reduced to 7 grains of corn
per man per day, and that the friendly Indians came to their rescue,
saving them from starvation. Be this as it may, I opine that the
old Puritans would get the surprise of their lives could they sit in
with their descendants at a modern Thanksgiving dinner. 30th,
peace declared between Great Britain and the U.S. ending the war of the
Revolution, 1782.
Indian Summer
The name given to a period of mild weather which generally occurs
towards the end of autumn in North America, usually in November,
"usually" is right, as I think it sometimes occurs in the latter part of
October. Looking for an appropriate verse in connection with the
month of November, as usual, we find it in Riley's Farm Rhymes:
"When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock,
And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkeycock,
And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens,
And the roosters hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;
O' it's then's the time a feller is a-feelin' at his best.
With the risin' sun to greet him from a nite of peaceful rest,
As he leaves the house bare-headed, and goes out to feed the stock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, November 25, 1929)
Der Tag
----------
Today
is the DAY – when, that toothsome bird, the turkey, is supposed to be
“the piece de resistance” on every well regulated dinner table. Just
why, and when the turkey was chosen to grace the board on Thanksgiving
Day does not appear to have been recorded. Enough to say that it is a
long established custom, and from a gastronomical standpoint, a very
pleasant custom.
Looking up the origin of Thanksgiving Day, however, we are more
fortunate; as we are able to report that the custom originated in New
England in 1621, after the first harvest of the Plymouth colony had been
gathered; and also that it spread slowly to the other colonies.
Unlike our other National holidays, Thanksgiving Day is designated by
proclamation of the President, and is always the fourth Thursday in
November. In 1863 President Lincoln recommended its first
observance, and his example ahs been followed by all of our Presidents.
It is quite likely if one should inquire of the first ten people he met
where the turkey originated--the reply would be in the majority of
cases, why, in Turkey, of course! But they would be wrong.
The turkey is strictly and American bird, as we shall proceed to show.
We are told that when the Spaniards conquered Mexico, 1518, they were
especially delighted with a strikingly handsome and finely flavored bird
the Aztecs had under partial domestication. Specimens of the
nameless fowl were promptly sent back to Spain, to be traded about by
Hebrew merchants, who thought the fine creatures looked more like
peacocks than anything else. The Hebrew word for peacock happened
to be "Hukki"; hence the name of the strange fowl came to be "Turkey."
From Spain the turkey gradually spread over Europe. It is said
that in France, twelve turkeys were considered fine enough for a royal
gift to Charles IX on the occasion of his marriage to Elizabeth of
Austria.
At the time of the discovery of America wild turkeys ranged far and wide
over the land; and LaSalle, exploring the Mississippi, 1687, wrote--"the
plenty of turkeys, whereof we killed many, was an ease of our
sufferings." And even so, the turkey later proved to be a great
boon to our forefathers.
Although the turkey has now been domesticated with us for several
hundred years, he is still a shy bird and prone to wander; and the hen,
if not watched, will steal away at nesting time.
I was kind of
“raised up” with turkeys, so to speak. My mother was one of the first
to introduce “bronze” turkeys in the county, and sold many pairs for
breeding purposes. I have known her to raise as many as 100 in a single
season; and recall as a boy that it was my job to see that they came
home to roost (you know turkeys have a habit of roosting where night
overtakes them) and many an hour have I put in searching the farm for
delinquent flocks.
Later on,
when I became connected with the old National Bank, I was to become
tolerably familiar with the market side of the turkey business. We
handled the account of S. Renaker, the first man in Cynthiana, I
believe, to begin killing and shipping turkeys east in car load lots;
later J. W. Boyd became associated with him.
It was in
1884, if my memory is not at fault, that one R. D. Wentworth, member of
a Boston commission house, first came to Cynthiana, and arranged with
Mr. Renaker for his output of dressed turkeys; and continued to come for
several years thereafter, always remaining during the killing season.
He was a typical down easter[ner], a keen business man, and became a
well known character about town.
And here I am
reminded of a little incident that happened the first year Wentworth
came to Cynthiana. There was a show on at the old Opera House one
night, and a large crowd in attendance. Mr. Wentworth happened to come
in late, and in lieu of a better seat, climbed to the top of a step
ladder which chanced to be standing at the rear of the room. This was
the cue for the boys, and forthwith they set up a tremendous
“gobbling.” In justice to Wentworth however, allow me to say that he
took it like the good sport that he was. It would be interesting to
know, after all the years that have intervened, if any one, reading
this, will recall the incident which I have described.
As this is
being written, one week before Thanksgiving Day, the writer is not at
all sure where he will eat turkey. In the meantime, in case any one
should happen to read this bright and early on Thanksgiving morning; the
phone number is 288.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, November 26, 1931)
December
----------
The 12th month of
our year, from the Latin decem, ten, because in the Roman year
instituted by Romulus it constituted the tenth month. In December
the sun enters the tropic of Capricorn, and passes the winter solstice.
December 2nd, famous battle of Austerlitz, in which the Russians and
Australians were overwhelmingly defeated by Napoleon Bonaparte, 1805;
also Monroe Doctrine enunciated, 1823, and JOhn Brown, who lead the raid
on Harper's Ferry, executed at Charlestown, W. Va., 1859.
4th, Washington bade farewell to his officers at F[r]aunce's tavern,
N.Y., 1783. 6th, seat of United State government removed from N.Y.
to Philadelphia, 1790. Jefferson Davis died, 1889; American troops
entered Mainz, one of the princiapl German forts on the Rhine, 1918.
19th, first locomotive built in the United States finsihed at the West
Point foundry, N.Y., 1830; President's message reached Boston from
Washington in 26 hours and 50 minutes, 1835; an instance of most
marvelous speed for those days; treaty of peach ending the war between
the United States and Spain, 1892. 12th, first wireless across the
Atlantic, 1901. 16th, Ludwig Van Beethoven, one of the greatest
musical composers, born, 1770, died, 1827. Germans raided English
coast, 18914, killing 99 persons, famous "Boston tea party."
Citizens, protesting against the recently imposed import duties, dumped
340 chests of tea overboard from a vessel lying in Boston harbor.
21st, shortest day of the year. 22nd, Pilgrim Fathers landed at
Plymouth Rock, 1620. It is said that they first fell upon their
knees and returned thanks, and someone added later--"then fell upon the
aborigines."
We now come to an event, celebrated in picture, story and song.
All of us remember the old steel engraving, Washington Crossing the
Delaware. he embarked on the evening of Dec. 25th, and early the
next morning attacked the British in their encampment, utterly routed
them, killing and capturing almost the entire command under the Hessian
Col., Rahl, who was among the slain.
Christmas
Kris'mas, the festival of the Christian Church observed annually on
December 25h, n memory of the birth of Christ, and celebrated by a
particular Church service.
The time when the festival was first observed is not known with
certainty, but it is spoken of in the beginning of the third century by
Clement of Alexandria. In the latter part of the fourth century
Chrysostom speaks of great antiquity.
It is a fact that no certain knowledge of the day of Christ's birth
exists, but in the fourth century the Western Church had fixed the 25th
of December, and the Eastern Church which had hitherto favored the 6th
of January gradually adopted the same date. It is believed that
the existence of heathen festivals celebrated on, or about, this day was
largely responsible for the adoption of December 25th. However, be
that s it may, the day is now observed as a holiday and occasion of
social enjoyment, and is the most widely observed of all festivals
thruout Christendom, being a season of good fare, present giving and
family reunion. So here's hoping The Democrat readers have a merry
Christmas, and will have a happy New Year.
It was the night
before Christmas,
And all thru the house
Not a creature
was stirring,
Not even a mouse--
But alas, I've clean forgotten the rest. Time was when I could
reel off all the verses, but that was in the "good old days" when no
Christmas school entertainment was complete unless some boy or girl had
recited this classic.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, January 2, 1930)
The
Spirit of Christmas
----------
Not long since while turning thru the pages of "More Heart Throbs," a
little volume compiled in 1905 by Joe Mitchell Chapple, I came across
"In The Glow of Christmas." Just one, among many of the literary
gems, by sundry authors, to be found within its covers. It is from
the pen of Mr. Chapple himself.
Reading it, it struck me as well worth of republication just at this
time; when the spirit of Christmas should be abroad in the land.
In The Glow of Christmas
In the glow of Christmas giving and merriment our hearts become suffused
with the Christ-like impulse of kindly, gentle greeting, and respect for
the rights of others, obedience to the most lofty ideals of human
intercourse, and deference to our fellow-beings as life seems
illuminated by the ineffable and softened light of the Star of
Bethlehem.
Let us sit down, in the twilight, by the flickering fire light, and
think over for a moment just how much we owe to others for whatever
happiness we enjoy. Think a moment--think reflectively, as did
Sidney Lanier when he said:
"I shut myself in with my soul,
And the shapes came eddying forth."
Think tenderly and lovingly--and forms and faces crowd upon the vision
that perhaps have been long forgotten in the tumult of life. Among
the first are those of mother and father, from whose ideals, years ago,
were gained the impulses that led to honorable achievement. Here
is a vision of the passing friend, whose memory is only preserved in a
yellow bundle of letters--letters from whose fading sentences came the
inspiration that influences a life career.
Nor are all faces those of the dead. Many, indeed, are still seen
in everyday life. Our friends--the people we meet in business or
join in pleasures--how many have helped to mold our lives as we reckon
them up in the fading light of the dying Christmas fire?
I am reminded of the famous painting which hangs for universal
inspiration in Watts' room in the Wallace collection, on the Thames
embankment in London. A great world circling through infinite
space is represented--surmounted by a harp with but one string; but that
string vibrates with the spirit of Hope, and underneath is a motto
especially appropriate for Christmas-tide--"To give is to gain."
And unless Christmas can be kept as a time of giving; unless that giving
means some sacrifice and some radiance of joy and comfort and hope to a
human being, it will indeed be a dull and cheerless Yuletide.
Let this Christmas be one of happiness, and the new year will be radiant
with hope and filled with the impulse of doing SOMETHING for SOMEBODY
every day. The books will balance if the impulse be actuated by
fairplay--fair play to every fellow-being.
With this sublimation will come the great consciousness of peace and
benediction from Him, who having lived a perfect life on earth, now
reigns over that universal kingdom toward which the heart and soul of
men have ever turned for the "peace that passeth understanding" and the
good will whose primal chord vibrates the harp-strings of hope.--Joe
Mitchell Chapple.
(Originally published in
The Cynthiana Democrat, December 22, 1932)
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