The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1852-05-06

The following interesting "reminiscences
Of Gov. Jay, with which We have been -
vored by correspondent, i calculated e
add 10 the fame which already hatiows thai
distinguished man, and prssents an exam
pie which few are too poor 70 deeds. 70 o
indifferent TO The honor which wise OBJ
servauce of such an example would confer
"REMINISCENCES OF GOV. JOHN JAY.
s.The memory Of the just
Smells swest and blossoms il the dust"
These lines came forcibly to my mine
no, long since, when enjoying the compa'
nv Of some friends who had unexpeciedh
joined our family circle, sfter many cars 4
absence. The conversation turned Il
scenes Of former days.. and many pleasant
"reminiscences returned with freshness te
our memories. Among other interesting in
ciden,s, one Of the company related the fol
lowing:
s.My mother was left poor widow, with
large family, and although not waiting
in industry and frugality, il was with diff
Guilty that she supplied their necessities. -
We resided in Winchester county, few
miles from The residence Of Governor Jay.
One day, 10 her surprise, she received .
note from Wm. Jay, (now Judge Jay.) the
con ofthe Governor, requesting her to call
ON him IS soon as convenient, az he had
come pleasant information for her. The
curiosity of the family was great: s~ha,
can be want Of mo,herr was the earnest
inquiry. The next difficulty was. how =
get convey ance, as il was too far TO walk
A kind female neighbor offered her one,
which Was Of the most humble character
aud also to accompany her. By urging
and whipping the sorry animal, they Al
last arrived at Mr.. Jaws gate; unwilling
10 let him SEQ their old horse and wagon
the tied the old nag Al respectful distsnc'
from the ma nsiou and went in. Address
ing mother, Mr.. Jay said: NV father, be
fore he died, requested to he buried in th'
plainest. manner, and BY so doing said be
there viii be saving OF about two hun
dred dollars, which wish you 10 give I,
some poor widow, whom you and your sis
ter shalt consider most worthy, and wan
YOU 10 get the silver money, and count il
oui before me now And continued Dir,
Jay, sMrs. B., my sister and have select
ed you, and here il the money! presenting
bag containing two hundred dollars all ii
half dollar pieces. The poor woman wa
completely overcome with surprise am
gratitude, she burst into tears and strove I
express her thanks, but her words cou
fiud 40 utierance; she could only weep
Alter short time, the two females arose I,
leave the house, Mr. Jay accompa n. in
them. When they had reached the piazza
what should they see, to their modification
but the veritable old horse and wagon pa
raded before The door, awaiting them, whic
Mr.. Jay had caused TO be brought in fror
the outer gate. He having helped them i
and laid the bag Of money ct Mrs. BIS fee,
her associate directed her horse TO go on
but he was not disposed to obey. She a
last moet reluctantly had to draw from ih
bottom OF The wagon, where she had laid i
the hickory CAD, aud having laid i, upon hi
back with some force, he was induced /
start, and they slowly left The erou nds {
Mr.. Jay.
There were happy hearts when she 81
rived II home and bad told her eager listen
ers Of her unexpected fortune. Il enabled
her 10 pay of some debts; and to rende
her and Der family comfortable for long
time.
Some time has elapsed since this excel
lent woman departed TO better world, bu
long will that family cherish the memor,
Of him who caused the widows heart /.
sing for joy "-N Y Ere. Post.
SPECIMENS OF OLD ENGLISH MANNERS
10 the reign of James |, men and wome,
wore looking glasses publicly; the men a
brooches or ornaments in their hats; ant
the women at their girdles, or on their bo
SONS, or sometimes Qike the ladies' of 90
day,) IN the centre Of their fans, which
were then made Of feathers inserted int
silver or ivory tubes.
A. teasts, every guest brought bis ow
knife, and milestone was placed benin
the door, upon which he sharpened bis knii
as be entered.
In 1864, Datchman, named VIM Bool
en-, brought the first coach into Englsn,
aud it 10 said, The sight OFF, pu, both Dor,
end man into amazement. Some said
was Grab shell brought out Of China, a,
some imagined it to be one Of the Page
temples ia which the Cannibals adored Il
devil.
The business Of cap making was RUNE
ia 1891 by the common wearing Of bal
which then came into vogue.