Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1861-01-25
A Circumstantial Story,

A New York paper printed in 1886, says
there was living at that time at Harlem an
old man who relates the following remark
able story of himself He was possessed
of pretty good farm with slaves and every
thing necessary for farmer at Harlem.
and had but one child, a son, who marrying,
1T was agreed that the young couple should
live in the same house with him, as he was
widower. Things went exceedingly well
tor time, when his son proposed to him,
that he should make over to him his estate
promising to build new house, and other,
wise improve the farm. The father through
persuasion gave him deed or gift of it
and everything belonging thereon.
After few years, as the father grew
old, he grew little fretful and dissatisfied !;
while the son thinking he had nothing more
to expect from him forgot his filial duty,
and used him as bad as one of his servants.
The old man was no longer to eat his meals
at the same table with him and his wife, but
Obliged to eat his meals in the chimney cor
ner, and continually otherwise i'll used by
them. The old man eat victuals daily from
wooden bowl his son had made for him
bis grandson saw his father make this bowl
and set about making him just such another
being asked by his father what he made it
for, answered, ''for you to eat out of when
you grow old like grandfather" Although
this ought to have turned his heart and
made him reflect, that as he dealt by his
father, he might expect to be dealt with by
his children when he grew old--t had no
effect upon him and the ill usage to the old
man was carried to such a height that he
could no longer bear it, but left the house
and went to relation and neighbor of his,
declaring if his friend could not help him
get his farm back again he should be obliged
to come and live with him. His friend
answered that he might come and live with
him-and if be would follow his directions.
he would help him tc his estate again.
"Go and take this bag of dollars, carry
1t to your room at your sons, shut it up
well in your chest, and about the time you
expect they will call you down to dinner,
shut your door, and have all your dollars
spread on table in the middle of the room.
When they call you, make noise with
them by sweeping them on the table into
the bag again."
The old man did as he was desired-his
daughter-in-law came up to call him to
dinner, and finding the door shut, she had
the curiosity 10 peep through the key-bole.
saw the bag of dollars, and the old man
sweeping them off the table. Surprised at
II she called her husband, but he would not
belive it.
The next day the old man again counted
his dollars over, and packed up something
IN paper like paper money. His son went
up to call him down, and was surprised NJ
what his wife had told him. They took no
notice of it TO the old man, but when he
came down insisted on his sitting at the Ia
bic with them, and behaved more than or.
dnarily civil towards him. The old man
related to his friend what he had done, who
gave him directions what to do if his son
asked him for money.
After few days, the old man HAVING
been very busy In counting the money again.
his son asked him what money that was he
had been counting. 'Only some money I
received from the discharge of one of the
bonds ] had standing out. expect more
IN few days, aud fear shall be OBLIGED
10 take Mr.. Ms farm, on which I bar.
mortgage, as he is not able to raise the
money, and if the farm is sold il will NO,
fetch as much as win discharge the mort
gage"
After few days the son told the father
that he intended TO build house On Tho
farm. aud ne would be glad if his father
would let him have that money. ayes
child, all that have is only coming to Won
i intend giving you The bonds and mort
gage have-but then, think il will he
best to have 1t all put together in new
derd or gIit. will get neighbor -
to call here and draw new one.
Accordingly his friend and cousin VII,
had devised the measure. came to the houss
ana the son gave the father the deed th,,