Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-04-06
For The Grand River Times.
A PAGE FROM MEMORY.

A PAGE FROM MEMORY.
AS the sun assembled, those dwelling in that
vale, after the morning repast and kneeling
around those altars dedicated to Him who gui-
ded the destinies of their forefathers, sailed
forth, scattering themselves among those hills,
over those cultivated plains and within counting
rooms and work shops, to resume their wonted
callings. Happiness was theirs, for they were
surrounded with much to make life pleasant.
But there was one that could not joy. Away
in that mechanic shop told you to bear in mind,
was seated a man some ten years past the mid
die age of life, buried in deep and doubt not
solemn thought and keen reflection. Around
him were the implements of his trade, arranged
in order, about the room articles Of his manu-
facture. He was one of somewhat numer-
Gus family, who in younger life received more
OF education than was usual for the sons even
of New England. Possessing bright intellect,
an ease in manners, connected with a highly
cultivated mind, rendered him favorite of all
with whom he associated. During his minor-
ty by dint of application and perseverance,, he
became master Of profitable trade, and in ear
ly days Of manhood established himselfin busi-
ness in one of the most populous and thriving
villages in that vicinity. There he welded an
extensive influence by his gentlemanly deport-
ment, manly conduct, brilliant talents and gen.
erous heart. 1t was there he won the afiec-
tions and married one, full his equal. She was
considered the happy one who succeeded in cap
tivating this favori:e of their circle, and he was
the cnved of all who was so fortunate as to
bear away from the midst of numerous rivals
the only daughter. They were the life of the
social gatherings, and guiding star of the fash
ionable, with fund of information, spiced with
wit and good humour, they were ever ready to
entertain their friends, and they were many.
1t is not my design to follow this now happy
pair through all the joys and ills of life; suffice
it to say, the spoiler had marked his prey; on
his pathway he had hung, yet secretly and dis
guised. In an unguarded hour that death worm
to reputation, health, Influence, wealth and do
mestic happiness, crept into the opened door and
fastened his relentless fangs on the life springs
of his victim. Here we find him seated upon
the last round of the ladder from the pinnacle
of his fame. The afternoon and evening, pre-
vious, he passed at the village Inn pointed out
to you before, and there he drank his long last
fill.
These were not the days of active temper
b., ia,
when swine were Zebraized to gain a text a.
gainst the law, that all that worshipped at this
shrine might boldly enter and pay homage
These were not the days of Chambers glory
when all who willed might be reclaimed by pow
ders, as Il fever is cured-when parents, sisters,
brothers, united in chorus blessing the inventor.
This was of short duration. In effect it proved
like medicine of quacks, when faith and money
failed the charm was broken. But those were
days that almost all called harmless, what ap-
petite craved. But to return. He still retain
ed his commanding figure, his dignity of ap-
pearauce and gentee department. He had too
much pride yet left to mingle with the low and
vulgar. He was not the man to howl at mid
night DER the bowl in bachanalian song and rev.
elry: he was not one that measured through
the street at midday the serpent's winding way
he was not one that knew rs he was known.
His friends were few, his associates fewer still.
Wretrhed though he had made himself there
were those who found a treat in his society, and
mourned in silence Ger his fate. He could al
ways In moments of spiritless sanity, dip from
his we'll stored mind rich draught for any