The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1874-09-30
For THE REcoRD.
MI GRANDM0THEK's STORY OF FIFTY
YEARS 1GO.
BY Q. NJ. JOHNSON.

By O. NJ. J0HNboN.
"The counterpart of her sainted grand-moth-
err Thus said my aged relative in answer
to some words of mine, in regard to my most
loved friend and companion Of my fourteenth
summer.
And, in response to my eager solicitation,
my indulgent relative gave me the following
narrative, which now take pleasure in re-
calling although a score and half of years
have passed away since listened so eagerly
to its recital, aud will now endeavor to re-
late in her own language.
How well do remember that summer, long
ago, said my grandmother that summer laden
with so much that gave color to my whole
future life.
was eighteen, and had spent winter of
light-hearted gayety and pleasure, such as
was enjoyed half a century ago, my child
but my young life was soon clouded, for ere
the spring flowers bloomed, my mother was
taken from us leaving me the sole comfort of
my grief-stricken father; but poor comforter
was /, who needed SO much comfort myself;
and to add still more to our hearth desolation,
it became an important necessity for my
dear father to take a long journey, to distant
land
The distance seemed very formidable, to
be undertaken in those days.
My father becoming alarmed at my excess
sive grief, was almost distracted with the
thought of leaving me.
But amidst the tumult of his troubled
thoughts he received letter from very dear
cousin of my mother. One whom had often
heard her speak of lovingly. Cousins though
they were, reared under the same roof-tree,
there was the affection of brother and sister
existing between them; an affection that no
time or distance could destroy. And con-
sequently | was taught to call him uncle
Ralph Hepburn. This uncle had never sen,
made during my absence at school. Those
visits you must know were of no very frequent
occurrence, as my father was much occupied
with his business, being merchant in the city
of New York. and uncle Ralph farmer of
the good old style in the same State.
1t suddenly occurred to my father, that
with no one could he leave me with
iiOi6 SdtlsldttiOu w VIM Rdiph ttCF-
burn, for whom he had the most profound re-
spect. And he wasted no time in making
known his desires in regard to me, boon
readily granted by my uncle and aunt, whom
:. 1 had never seen. They having only one son
l would be doubly welcome as daughter
to them-and for my sainted mothers sake.
The journey was long and tedious one a
that time. My father travelled with me 70
two days, then babe me fearful adieu, lcav
ing me to perform the last days journey alone
at the end, my uncle was to meet me, within
few miles of his home, and mine to be TO
months to come.
You must know my child that travelling
fifty years ago, was very different from to-day
and the old stage-coach is thing of the past
and in it's stead the steam engines go thun
dering through or near the old throughfart
ten times day and instead of this beautiful
town, almost city of to-day, with it's beautiful
churches and elegant mansions. and Institu
tons of public interest," and beautiful driver
and walks, all SO inviting, imagine the for
lorn little store, the post-office and stage
Office all under one roof, fianked by a long
iOW ioS iue biiat Nho bAebihcu Wy tuc ntiiiC y
the Star Tasern, and boasting ofReyolutionar,
fame.
You need not wonder that my tears were
ready to flow as / was set down from the Ole
coach, before score or more of individuals o.
very coarse grade, mostly accompanied by
dogs and guns
But hardly had time to feel my terror, be
So 4
longing to a tall noble looking man, advan
cling to meet me, with a pleasant smile bu
eyes dimmed with tears, as he drew me to hin
saying, dear Amy's child the same eyes and
hair, there must be the same loving heart.
Oh how well do remember how my hear
went out to meet him, how my fears were
Gained with the kindly reception, and tn
fond pressure Of his hand, as he led nj
to the great red wagon waiting to conve,
my trunk and myself to my summer home.
How chcerfully and soothingly he talked tc
me, as we were driven along by trusty spcci
men of Africa, answering TO the name Of doe,
who looked as IL satisfied with himself and al
the world, as he cracked his whip over the
sleek and sturdy horses which you could SEE
with glance held no small share of his
pride.
Oh my child, how my memory cngs to
everything connected with that long ago
: How love to linger in the lovely bowers OF
the past. Its quiet waters and green
pastures are. very precious to me. And oh
doubly precious, when think OF the time soo'
to come, when.I shall be called to meet the
, dear one that helped to make my life beau
tiful that summer, for they have all gone &c
the Beautiful Land.
How well do remember that ride, Sit ing
= by the side of uncle Ralph, listening TO DIS
pleasant talk, while pointing out some iavor-
lite portions of his large estate as we rode
) along the beautiful river, that glittercd De-
: meath the rays of the afternoon sun.
His kindly tones of voice, assisted the
I beautiful language of nature to lure me u
: foreetfulness of my loneliness and desoiation'
q But we soon came in sight of the dwelling
catching glimpse now and then through tho
trees n &c were driven along the glltterlnS river