The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-10-06
"reminiscences Of Judge Ware.

Some thoughtful friends have kindly sent me
several copies of your paper of the 23d inst.
containing touching tribute to the long tried
worth of Hon. Ashur Ware. read it with
deep interest and profound grief. How good,
how thoughtful, how sincere friend he was to
those who shared his confidence none can better
know than those who mourn his departure. His
esteem once given neither good report nor evil
report in the least, affected it.
Through life he was not only tolerant of the
crudities of the young, but was fond of their
society. One of my earliest recollections was
of his candid, benevolent face, when as school
child I used to encounter him in the halls of
the white house next to the church of the First
Parish, where I was instructed in school kept
by most lovely woman, sister to the Hon.
Minister Folsom, afterwards accredited to the
Court of the Netherlands. AS years and stu
dy grew upon me L was better able to appre-
oiaGo ms gooduess OF heart, no less than. some
what those marvellous stores of erudition,
which astonished so many, :and sat so light
ly upon himself.
In his family, where was often an honored
guest he was simple as child. Always
thoughtful for the comfort of others, and min
istering to them with an almost boyish pleas
ure. have seen him turn down the leaf of
Greek book, and bend his capacious head to
lift pail of water, which happened at themo-
ment to be required, with the quiet of a man
who never was anything else than drawer of
water"
The Judge was most happy man in his do
nestle relations His wife was devoted and
efficient help-meet. Discreet, and wise, fond
of study. and with clear, so1nd judgment, she
won his entire confidence. Few wives have
been more truly wifely than Sarah Ware.
Though much of an invalid she was delight
full companion, and capable of conversing up
on almost all subjects. To her mental re-
sources she added quick repartee, and dry
humor often Unexpectedly evolved, quite to the
delight of the listener.
1t was my happiness to know well this inter-
esting family, and recall with saddened MEM
cries the many happy periods have passed I'M
der their hospitable roof. recall the long
talks over the protracted meal, when the good
Judge would yield an hour from his austere du-
ties to indulge in the thought, the humor, the
whim of the day. Whether the subject were
one of grave import or literary chitchat, he
at home upon all. He charmed by voice
exquisitely modulated; every vowel was given
its just value; every word was the exact one
to give the best meaning to the opinion uttered
and 20 perfectly were the sentences balanced
that every paragraph might have been printed
from his lips and have constituted an admira-
bly, written essay worthy of the pen of Addi-
son, and with more than Addisonian breadth
and vigor of thought.
Alas! were it not for the hope of higher and
better reunions how sad and most painful
would be these terrestrial separations! How
gloomy to see these beings of royal make, who
have enlarged their lives by all that is noblest
and best of earth, lie down in the dust, were it
not for the assurance that 1--WE shall not all die.
but be changed, and this mortal put on immor-
tality.'
REMARKABLE GROUP.
That was a most interesting and remarkable
group that used to assemble in the parlors of
Judge Ware and wife. 1t may not do to speak
of the brilliant women; but there was the pale
intellectual face of the historian of Maine Mr.
Wiltshire the sturdy, somewhat brusque
Judge Prebble-the courtlyJudge Mellen, a
little fdgetty. and talking music more than
law. There was Charles S. Daveis SO fine. so
fastidious, so scholarly and nice in all he said
and did.
Portland people remember a bon mot of
Judge Mellens in connection with Mr. Daveis
Some one euquired of the latter what case was
on, and who was speaking: this to Judge Mel
len, whe had left the bench in sort of trepl-
dalton. 'Oh!' he answered, "Mr. Daveis is
kinc aud h, L
fine, that the thread has disappeared altogether
and nothing is felt but the buzz of the machin-
ery''
There also might be seen William Pitt Fes-
sender, the incorruptble Senator; and last.
not least Thomas Amory Deblois, upon whose
shoulders might have fallen the mantle of a
Bayard. The accomplished scholar, the un
failing friend, the true Christian gentleman
have thought of that seat in old St. PauPs
Church where he might be seen as often as
Sunday came round devoted, humble wor-
shipper, and have wondered if his place is
missed, as it seems to me it must be!
So many worthless of Portland, whom knew
and honored have departed, but one of the
worthiest of them all, John Neal remains, a
staunch relic of the men SO rarely found who
are gifted with noble physique and an inspir-
ing genius.
In looking through your paper find scarce
ly familiar name amongst its business people.
1 note with pride one important fact in the ca
reer of my native State. While New York,
Massachusetts and Pennsylvania have present
ed long catalogue of defaulters in every
grade, Maine, the Dirigo, Neader) of the I'm
in,, 1,o1I lax, I,
Very Respectfully,
ELIZABETH CAKES SMITH.
Patchogue, L. l., Sept 30, 1873.