Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-11-19

iest recoections of those who have lived by his
side half century, he was always considered
close and penurious Whenever he was owing
an individual it was always noticed, however,
that he paid promptly, but this was no virtue
He had the means of settling every demand
His town tax and his pew tax were paid on pre-
Isentation; but when there was contribution in
the society to which he belonged, the deacons
always noticed, that he never put into the box
more than a half dime, and this amount he never
failed to give, whatever might be the object Of
the contribution.
In the neighborhood where Mr.. Jacobs resi-
ded, there lived young man, by the name of
Edward Mason. His parents were poor; but
when quite lad, he devoted much of his time
to reading and study. The old miser appeared
to feel some interest in young Edward, aud re-
peatedIy said he would make smart man.
Although in humble circumstances, Mr.. Jacobs
never offered to give him dollar, or otherwise
assist him.
One morning as Mason was passing along the
street, gentleman, with whom he was slightly
acquainted, called HIM in and inquired if he
would not like to enter college.
I should, said the boy but my parents are
not able to give me an education
Il think, as you take to learning, classical
education will be of great advantage to you-
For some days have thought of the subject,
and now Pll tell you what propose to do. If
you will continue dligent in your studies, will
procure the necessary funds and have you enter
college
Edward thanked his friend, at the same time
remarking, Il did hope Mr. Jacobs would rem
der me some little assstance;-but now | have
no hopes of him. he is almost too mean to live,
as is known by every one
Young Mason continued his studies, and when
prepared, entered college, his friend furnishing
the necessary means. His vacations he spent
at home with his parents, and occasionally call
ed upon his old friend, Mr. Jacobs, whom he
found to be as sociabe as ever to him. But,
gradually he became Weancd from the miser and
took occasion to speak disrespect'ully Of him.
During one Of the vacations, he called upon the
old gentleman and conrived TO pin piece o!
paper on his back, on which was written / am
mser' As Mr.. Jacobs passed along the
streets he heard much laughter, but did not sus-
pect the cause till he called into merchants
counting room, who seeing the paper, pointed ii
out to him.
This is some of Masons doings,' said the
old gentleman. He should have more respect
for me, and feel that am too far advanced ii
life to be riAed with
Ever after this circumstance Edward was shy
of the old gentleman, but he was free to con
denim his niggardly course and misery DISPOSE
ton When he was with his associates, and
: Mr.. Jacobs happened to pass along, he would
fling out some improper remark that caused {
laugh at the Old mans expense. Finally Mason
graduated studied law, and commenced prac
tice in his native town. He had brass enough
to be good lawyer, and impotence sufficlen
to succeed. Edward had not been in practice
but year OF two, when he was engaged il
some case where Mr.. Jacobs was an interested
party. Mason was opposed to him. In hi
plea he was very severe upon the old gentleman
He touched upon his mean and niggardly be
hayor, which had become notorious, for a lon!
series of years, and accused HIM of being any
thing but an honest man. He had never beer
known to be generous in single instance; lik,
a sponge he was constantly drawing in, but let
ting nothing out.
Every body he continued, 'in this vicinity
has heard of his disposition; even the children
shun him. If should repeat one half of the
follies and meanesses that are laid at his door
j, you, gentlemen Of the jury, would be astonishe'
. beyond measure. But | will not rake up tn
past. In the present case, you have heard tn
evidence on both sides, and if you have an lot
: of common sense, you cannot long hesitate i
y whose favor to decide
Notwithstanding the plea of Esq. Mason, tn
jury decided in favor of Mr. Jacobs.
= Having the name of being hard character
= no one seemed to put any confidence in hin
and his enemies often resorled to the entanglC
ments of the law, depending mostly upon his III
=, popularity for their success; but they were olte
defeated.
> The name of Jacobs became so notorious, o
account Of his reputation for meanness, that n
one pretended to call upon him for charitabl
" purposes. He was known as the rich mise
y and Iikened unto Dives Of old
He had lived to the common age of man, an
, longer, and the period drew nigh when he mu;
give up the ghost The old gentleman was tt
: ken sick, but he was calm and collected Hi
= minister called upon him often, and from the ter
or of his conversation appeared to feel dee
interest in him.
Il have not long to live, said Mr.. Jacobs, t
= his pastor, and know not but am willing t
= go. have lived many years, and hope hav
:, not spent them in vain. | trust have don
y some little good-and hope | may do som
more
D.. The minister was struck with astonishmeu
I at his language He must be wandering, sal
he to himself Every body knows that he ha
;. been oppressive to the poor, and saved every mil
that came into his hands,
: This is wearsome life, continued the sicl
man. and we are not rightly Judged Gu