The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1861-01-11
From Emerson Bcnnett's Monthly.
The Blennerhassets,

ted IN lreland-complelng his studies at
Trinity College, Dublin, in the same class
with the distinguished T. A. Emmett, who
was his relative. lie was admitted 10 the
bar in 1900 and soon after, by the
death Of his father, he became involved
in the political troubles, which eliminated
in the bloody Irish rebellion Of 1893, and
was obliged 10 leave Ireland. Soon after
this be married his lovely and accom-. L.
plshed wife, Miss Margaret Agnew, who
was daughter Of a well known family.
The republican sentiment of Blenner.
hasse;, which he was at no pains TO con-
ceal, and which he at all times expressed
became obnoxious to his arstocratic rela.
lives, and he finally concluded to make his
home,in The United States, where he could
breathe the air Of freedom, and enjoy the
sweets OF liberty, undisturbed BY spies and
unmolested by inIormers.
He arrived at Marietta in the fall Of
the year 1897, where he passed the win
ter, and decided on purchasing planta-
ton on an island in the Ohio river, four
teen miles below the mouth of the Mus
kingum, and within the jurisdiction of
the State of Virginia.
The. situation Of this island was wild,
romantic and beautiful and as il was
then in a state Of nature, he could re-
claim il from the forest, aGorn and cult
vate it to his own taste. The land itself
was picture Of beauty. The dropping
branches Of the willow bathed their grace.
ful foliage in the water /; while the lofty
and majestic sycamore and elm, with
their giant arms protected the island from
storms, and impaired to the scene a
grandeur and dignity now only to be seen
in the remote regions Of The far West.
Blennerhasset took possession of his
new purchase in March, 1898. where,
with his wife and child, he resided in au
old block house, standing near the upper
end Of the island. He then devoted him
self for two years 10 the work Of con-
ducting his Improvements and erecting
his mansion. He spared no pains. and
was lavish of his means, expending over
forty thousand dollars in his outlays.
The house, which was built with great
taste, consisted of main building, fifty
two feet long, thirty feet wide. and two
stories high. Por,icoes in the form Of
wings, forty feet long, protected in front,
connected with offices, presenting each a
face Of twentysix feet, uniting them with
The main building, and making in the
whole front of one hundred and four
feet.
The valuable and extensive library and
philosophical apparatus of Blennerhasset
occupied the offices on The right hand. A
beautiful lawn of several acres occupied
the front ground while an opening thro'
forest trees on the head OF the island af-
forded view of the river for a number
Of miles above. A hedge Of native haw-
thorne bordered the right side of the ave-
nue. to the house, while back of it lay the
flower garden. The finishing Of the
apartments was elegant and tasteful,
and the whole establishment was noble,
chas;ened by the purest taste.
Blennerhasset was highly intellectual
man-studious, fond OF chemistry, elec
tricity, galvanism, astronomy and music
for the qualification Of which tastes be
surrounded himself with every necessary
adjunct and instrument. He was a fine
classical scholar, and could repeat the
whole Had in the original Greek. His
manners were gentle, and his disposition
social, hospitable and kind. He was at
tentive TO the sick; and possessing 6
knowledge of medicine, he visited and
prescribed with great success for the re-
lief OF his invalid neighbors. To the poor
and unfortunate he was charitable, almost
to excess. One Of his neighbors, a Vir
ginian, TO whom he had loaned consid
cradle sum of money, lost his house and
furniture by fire. Blennerhasset invited
him TO dinner; and after the meal was
over, he presented his guest with re.
ceipt in fall Of all demands against him,
offering at the same Time any additional
favor which his guest could desire.
Madame Blennerhasset. who was
equally kind and charitable TO all who
needed her aid, is described by those who
knew her as woman Of great beauty
In person she was tall and commanding
of the most perfect proportions, with dig.
uiuSu duu RioNSiui ihouhSio1 uLS'J
moulded features and very fair COM
plexlon. Her eyes were a dark blue, and
her hair rich, deep brown, profuse and
glossy. She often wore a head dress Of
colored silk, folded in the manner Of an
Eastern turban, giving a noble and at
tractive appearance to the whole person.
Her motions were all graceful /; and a
lady who knew her well, and who had
seen the reigniDg beauties of all the courts
Of Europe, declared that Madame Blen'
nerhasset was superior to any lady she
had ever known, in beauty Of person,
dignity of manners, and elegance of dress.
She often rode on horseback, dressed 10
scarlet broadcloth, ornamented with gold
buttons, wearing white beaver hat dec
Grated with ostrich plumes. She was a
perfect equestrenne, always riding a
spirited horse who appeared proud of his
fair burden. Madame Blennerhasset was
very domestic in her habits, superintenGed
ali the family concerns, and prepared with
her own hands much of the clothing for
her husband, her children and her SER
wants. Her mind was as cultivated as her
p erson. She was an accomplished Italian
and French scholar, and well read in
history and the English classics.
Eight years had passed lightly and rap
idly over the head Of this amiable. gifted,
and happy pair. when, in an evil hour,