Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1860-09-29
"Forty Years Ago"

secrated in my affections the place OF my
birth, lwas horne inmy mothers armsfrom
our native town, to see it no more, Till a
generation had passed away. But the his
tory Of my birthplace, the home Of inian-
cy, the dear friends and relatives left be-
hind, and all the pleasant associations OF
family residence, were household words, re-
peatCd thousand times in as ninny circles,
until every tradition, and scene, and event
Of former years, seemed like a part of my
own experience and although far away,
still in spirit lived where | was born, and
enjoyed the society Of cherished kindred
and friends.
Last week, after on absence Of forty
gears, resolved on visit to my native
town. Imagination sketchcd agreeable
surprises, as | made known my fathers
house and kin pleasant interviews, as
memory brought back the associations of
former years stronger attachment as
gOzed on the progress of long years and
heard Of the glory of the past. As q pre-.
paratory measure--an introduction to q
renewal Of acquaintance, | gathered and
enrolled q long list of familiar names, the
well-known relatives of my fathers family
I-old settlers as immovablc as real estate,
confident that the light of their chronology,
or genealogy would guide me into all me-
cessary details. Thus provided, aud hope
full, | made my way to the place of my
birth, and located in the centre Of the town,
Sept 22d, 1859
In ten minutes after my arrival, / sought
an eligible spot to feast my eyes on the love
ly place where was born, and to call back,
if possible, some rccollections of theVpast.
gaZed east and west, north and south,
studied the roads, their crossings and an
giles each hill and plain and stream, view
ed the venerable and modern structures
about me, and scanned with care each face
and form that passed; but all was strange,
and not single lineament appeared as
drawn ip faucy's sketch. A feelpg Of dis
appointment and melancholy for moment
rested like dark cloud upon my spirit,
but was happily relieved by the recollection
of my list of names. | went back to the
public house and inquired for the most
promising one, whose age could unite the
plst ard present generations, who could
speak familiarly of times new and old.
l found my man, but to my inquiries,
after repeating the names | gave, only re-
piled, i think have heard those names
before, but have no knowledge OF such per-
sons. Perhaps old Mr.. N. or ii. can give
you inform alton looked at his hoary
head and wrinked face, which told of more
than threescore and ten years, and my
heart grew faint under present prospects.
i And, alas, for my roll Of names, many of
them we're written on tomb.Stones, some
had gone to parts unknown, and only q few
remained, over whose memories time had
thrown his dark misty, oblvious vail. In
that same hour all my pleasant antcipa-
tionS gave way to stern realities. Not a
blood relative remained to give me a wei,
come hand of return, all had wasted away
and gone, or were lost in the social changes
of community.
What lesson Of instruction was afford
ed, in the sad changes wrought in society,
by forty years. Then, as family, our cir.
Gle was unbroken, aud we dwelt under the
paternal roof, cheerful and happy in our
youthful tolls and recreations. Then VIC
were surrounded by kindred and friends,
rejoicing with us in the blessings of those
paImiest days. Then, the good old fashion
cd world moved steadily on without the
mighty impulses of steam and lightning.
Then, the wild deranging -avayice--a de-
sire TO make fortune in dey-did not,
like q fierce tempest, sweep over the land,
carrying on its fearful tide the wrecks OF
characters, of blghted hopes and future
destinies. Social relations had degree Of
stability, and the current of human affairs
flowed gently and easy. ...l...
But where now is the house where was
born-the kindred and friends of my child.
hood and the dear domestic circle of forty
wears ago Where are the kind parents
who then caressed me and the fond broth
ers and sisters, the mutual partners Of my
early home =? Change irYevoca6le change
has passed over all aud severed ties never
to be united again Death has fulfilled
his stern mission by removing most to their
final resting place ; time has wrought his
work in unalterable changes in the living
while stcset home, once sacred with assoca-
lions, the most tender and endearing, has
passed into the hands Of strangers and lost
its identity by the changes Of forty years
After exhausting my sources of informa-
ton, without satisfying the demands oi
hone, | left, with no desire ever to return,
sad and lonely, yet profted by reflection.
Forty years hence, the children of the pres
ent generation will gather around the homes
we now occupy, to inquire after and visit
the glores of their ancestors. Who of all
the living will remain to answer their in
ouiries and unfold the changes of the past
Here and there moss.covered tombstone
NAV be found to inform the living where
sleeps one beloved and sacred in memory
but where are the multitude whose name
we cherish! Changed beyond recognition
scattered and gone The sweet home, SC
welcome now, will pass into other hands
and the restless spirit of progress will have
oblitersted all that is so beautiful, familiar
and cherished now. -
Friends aud kindreds and homes and al
I. that is material and mutable must change
The very tombstones on which are inscribed
f, the sacred mementoes of affection, mus
lnoulder back to dust and miDgle with Tho
loshes of the dead. Time changes all things
I But deeds are immortal, and can never
die. ..IRe righteous shall be had az ererlqst
81 !, yepe1abyaRoei Deals survive death anC