The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-05-08
Aistfllanruns.
For hs CsiO. + Ei,isrn Journal.
"REMINISCENCES No. 8.

Mr.. EpIroR; Having in my tormer com.
munications briefly sketehed some incidents
ms they were related to me by aged people
many years ago, | now como to certain
events which transpired, in the samo locali.
ty, within my own recollection.
In June, 1906, an event occurred, which
CAUSED much fear and trembling, not only
here, but also in other parts of New Eng
land especially among thoss unacquaintcd
with its natural cause here refer to the
great and total eclipse of tire sun, juno the
10th, 1906. Although then was but 10
years old, vet distinctly recOllcct that on
the morning of that day, rode my grand
fathers horse to harrow among his corn, in
his back field, east Of the Great Gully. The
morning was mild and serenc-not q cloud
could DC seen about the horlzon-the day
throughout was clear; the stars, during the
obscuration, were visible, the birds that
made the morning of that day vocal with
their music, were greatly agitated; tho
boasts Of the 6 Id returned to their folds, as
If premature night had como on u gloom
gradually spread over the land cape, and an
indiscrib ,ble sensation of dread or fear per-
yaded the minds Of those, whose attentions
were drawn to its efSct., without attempt
mg to penetrate the cause of this wonderful
phenomenon Tho first gleam Of light.
when tho veil began to recedc from the disk
of the sun, contrastcd with tho previous
gloom, seemed like new born day sprung
at once into being; and gave unbounded
delight not only to man. but to tho beasts
Of the field, the birds of the air, and, indeed
to all animate creation. IL is 20 be doubted
If there was single person on that memor'-
bic day gazing at the sun, who dill not feel
relieved from a sensation of dread, and show
that relief in the subsequent checrfulness Of
his countcnancc. So much for the great
Solar Eclipse os 1906.
Another event occurred in lSO9-lO, which
produced great CONSERVATION among the
people, and VAS actually attended with
much evil in this, Us well Us many other
towns. This was caused by the general
prevalence Of hydrophobia among the dogs
and foxes. At one period during the pre-
dominance of this dread malady, it was ex.
,rrmely dangerous to venture abroad with
out some shield OF defence for although the
dogs, which were not already mad or a,
largo, might be secured, yet no one had con-
troll over the viH for. Hence he was fallen
in with running to aud fro in the pastures,
the feld., the highways, and even in the
farm yards and woe be to him who me-,
the in.uriated dog or fox without some
weapon Of defence. This know by person.
al observation. Riding one day in the win
ter Of 1910, not far from Buxton Center,
suddenly came upon large rabii dog. |
saw at glance that he was mad, from his
lank appearance, the fiery redisa hue of his
eyes, and the iroth in his mouth. When l
first iell in with him, he was standing en-
,irely still at the forks of the road, and about
Eve or six feet from me. The instant pass
ed him, he made rush at my horse, but
missed him, as was riding with eonsidera'
bic speed. Being now fully aware of my
d,nser, Us | WIS some distance from any
habitation, applied tie whip to my horse
which was young and nervous, and which
so accelerated his speed that ha lett this
rabid beast in the rear, and never saw him
more A Mrs. Pennell, who resided near
Buxton Lower Corner, was bitten by rabid
fox. and soon after died in great ssony, 1t
was said. that during the paroxysms OF her
malady, that hcrappearancc and con,ortions
Of body were indescribablc and that the
presence OF water or anythin: Of redish
hue produced spasmodic suftrinss, dreadful
to behold! A young nan in Standish, and
several children in Gorham were also bitten
by dogs and foxes, which in almost every
instance proved fatal. Numerous cows,
oxen. and horses. and other animals were
bitten in various towns, and for timc 50
much danger was to be apprchenied on
every side, that many were deferred from
vcnturing abroad; and dIsmay for some
months pcryadcd the minds ofall classes OF
the community. During the prevalence OF
the malady, aw an OK chained to strong
post; and when under the paroIysms of his
disease, his Efforts to free himself from his
confinement were tremendous-his look was
appalling, and his believing terrific! This
once patient OF was soon after shot by the
order Of his owner, and found an honora-
bic grave with his fellow Sufferers.
Tho advent OF tho remarkable Comet in
Isll, was ono Of those events which produe-
cd serious apprchcnsions of evil, not only
here, but other parts OF the United States.
By those uncquainted with the laws, which
govern the planetary system, Comets were
looked upon a. harbinsers of dire calamity /;
as messengers portendins vengeance from
Heaven. Some told mo that Comets, or
blazing stars wers eccentric orbs, guided by