Smyrna times., 1855-05-23
Communication,
.<Correspondence Of the Smyrna Times. Z
LETTER FROM mIDnLETowM NJ

bath School Erhi6ition-R Relig ious-Busi- I
ness Matters The Fashions, dc; &c.
. THE large Barn. and Stables, upon the
farm occupied by Mr.. Joseph w. Gary, near
Middletown, took fire on Wednesday afternoon
last, and was totally consumed, together with
all its contents, (yalued at near $7OO,) consist
ing of a. lot of wheat, corn, provender, agr-
cultural implements, &c. The fire. occurred at
about two O'Clock, and so rapid were the pro-
gress of the flames, that in twenty minutes
after being discovered, the whole building was
naught but mass of ruins Mr. Gary, in at
tempting to get wheat fan out of the barn,
was, at one time, in very precarious situation,
he being surrounded by the flaming element,
when, as by provdential interposition only, he
succeeded in effecting an escape uninjured.-
The cause ofthe ignition is Not Known with
certainty-many persons are inclined to be-
eve that il was the work ofsah incendiary,
while Mr.. G., and others, opine that it was oc-
casioned by spark from a chimney of the
dwelling. The barn was insured in the sum of
5000, by the st. Georges and Appoquinmink
Fire Insurance company. There was no insu-
rance upon the other property destroyed.
For a farmer, at this season of the year, to
lose a part of the utensils essential to the
cultivation of growing crops, is tending to dis
arrange his affairs considerably; but, for one
to be so suddenly divested of all these requi.
Sites-as has been the case with Mr. Gary
certainly subjects the loser to very great in
convenience, to say nothing of the actual loss
sustained. He has the sympathy of the entire
community.
A barn belonging to Mr.. Charles r. Polk,
near Odessa, was also destroyed by fire on
Tuesday last, together with large quantity OF
grain and farming Utensils, Welearn that the
fire was communicated to the building by the
wadding Of gun in the hands Of the tenant
residing on the premises, who shot at a crow
perched upon the barn.
The recent drought, caused corn in thin
vicinity to suffer severely, whilst wheat ant
oats did not escape its blighting effects. The
, first of last week, our farmers considered tn,
prospect of an ordinary crop this year, an ute
|
happy to state that very great change ha
been wrought in this regard within the las
few days. On Saturday last, we had piaiI
indication OF =" better times in the visitation
t of an excellent rain-which TRANSMITTED tn
evil forebodings of the future into bright anti
cipations. 1t continued cloudy, and genil
showers fell at intervals. until the noon Of yes
terday. This morning the sun is again casting
its eflulgence upon the earth, but, comparative
ly, it only vies in brightness with the glown
countenances of host of our tlers of the so
and their dependents. May their highest hope
be fully realized!
- The orchards in the neighborhood of Middle
town, look fnely-the trees are we'll supple
n with young fruit, and they " bid fair " to yiel
d abundanty. .- .r.
The Railroad contractors, near this place
are actively engaged in making the road
i Much has been done, but there is great dea
If yet to be accomplished ere its completion t
Middletown. II has been stated that this wi
be effected by the 18th of June, but if the {" iro
:, horse makes his appearance here by the l5t
e of July, we shall be most agreeab y disappoinl
:, cd.
On the morning Of yesterday, we visited, fo
fhe first time, the Sabbath School of the NJ L
d Church, in this place. The quetness tha
c prevailed and the general good conduct of th
e scholars, were but loud tones commencing til
: efficiency Of the school officers. A number c
. hymns were rehearsed-the execution Of which
l. gave evidence Of familiar acquaintance with q
s. art standing bold in the category of first.clas
d accomplishments without disparaging th
= execution of the other "parts," w0 must adm
. that we never heard the second performed so wei
It A Sunday School Exhibition, to come off on til
g Fourth of July, is in contemplation. The teact
e ers and parents Of the children meet to-morro
y (Tuesday) evening, with view to tho maxim
,e of necessary arrangements. 1t will, no doub
y be fine affair---an occasion calculated 10 il
pt terest both Alpha and Omega.
y This Presbyterian Church was but slimly a
tended yesterday morning-cwing to the incl
mency of the weather. The Rev. Mr.. Fostt
D. preached very able sermon, marked throughol
y with deep pathos of thought and sentiment
,e The choir sang admirably. as.
I'd The weather being more favorable in Il
le afternoon, the NJ. E. Church was well attende
~ The Rev. Mr.. Pattison, with his usual abiit
O. enlisted the attention Of the congregation {
a nearly an hour, in an eloquent and argument
a. a tive sermon, upon a very, opposite subject
y This gentleman is we'll versed in Theology, al
~ as preacher and as a man, he is beloved al
II esteemed by the church, as we'll az by all W
IN are embraced within his sphere Of acquaiutanc
Z, Business here is quite brisk.-especial
RS among the merchants Our mechanics are
rd seemingly busy, but the town is not improviI
Nv as fast as. it should. We fear, there are I
Tu Iu many "old Fogies i" in our midst. /. 81.
~ J. mn NF:Illaso,pr -.