Litchfield enquirer., 1843-11-16
AN AGED APPLE.

AS connected with the history of Eve, and
with the discovery Of Newton, the apple
must be regarded with some interest for its
agency in the fall Of man, as well as in the
rise Of science. But that an apple should be
kept as mrmento Of the departed, is a nov.
city 10 which we have just been Introduced.
| A few days since a gentleman exhibited
to us an apple, in tull proportion, of tho size
Of common plum, which was blossom
when our country was under the rule OF
| England, green fruit when Independence
was declared. and ripcning when our coun.
try was in conflict for her liberty. Here is
we'd sixty.s ycars-amd now. while the
names of the men who signed the dcclara.
ton, though lastingly recorded on the an.
nails of fame, are scarcely echoed on those
Of lineal descendants, this fruit, which ripen.
ed when they were in maturity, stands out
representative of the products of the year.
1t is not however in connection with the
historical events OF our country that the me.
mcn,o has been kept. 1t was to family
incident that il owes its preservation, and we
tell its history, although the apple may not
be the most prominent part Of it.
There is in the neighboring town Of North
Hampton mansion house, which was built
in 1902. by Morris Hobbs. one of the first
settlers of that place. Who that passes
though that town does not notice the appear.
ance of olden time, Ia the vencration Of the
children for their respected ancestors? The
same style of building-the simplicity and
courteous manners, the old church (preser.
we'd for its antiquity although the pews are
vacated)-and the old fashion of keeping
the same parish minister from youth to old
age. The respect to ancestry is also shown
by retaining the same name from generation
10 generation. The house which Morris
Hobbs built $50 years ago, has since been
the residence of no less than eight others who
have borne the name of Morris Hobbs
Some ninety years from the erection of the
house, a son was born on whom the fond
parents placed much hope, and in full con-
fidence that he would honor the venerated
name, he was duly christened Morris. He
was destined however 20 be early removed
| hence.
We have seen it somewhere beautifully
and truly said, that they only have child
living in remembrance who have lost one
in infancy. And every circumstance which
attends the death. bed of the child is fondly
cherished by the bereaveG parents. Morris
was sick: he desired an apple, and one was
handed to him. He held it to his lips, and
attempted to bite. but finding it unpalatable,
the hand holding il passed to his side, and
retaining it still in his grasp. he EXPIRED
The tears of affection were shed, and the
last rites performed. None but those who
have been called to arrange house after q
funeral of child, know the feelings which
the sight Of the dresses, the tenantless shoes.
| and all the circumstances connected pain
fully awaken. On the mantle.piece was an
apple-the mother looked upon tit was
the one which Morris held in his hand when
he died! The bright image of the once
sprightly boy comes up before her. the
channel of her tears is filled anew. and she
turns from the sight. The apple remained
and although Il could be viewed with
more calmness 10 after times, Il was kept "a
sacred memento. Another Morris Hobbs
was born; but the nlemento Of the apple
was not obscured. The mother still had
her active boy in his unadvancing youth
playing 10 her recollection. The second con
advanced IN years, and an honor 10 the
name, he died In the same house Q foW
years since ct an age Of thFee.score years
And now his children and grandchildren
look upon the aPPlc, and asiIS history 10 told