davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
Death of Mrs. Priohard.

The death of the widow of the late
Dea. Geo. w. Prichard of Bradford,
which occurred at her home on Satur-
day last, is loss widely felt. We I'M
derstand Mrs. Prichard had an attack
of diphtheria in the early winter, from
which she did not recover; but as late
as the day before her death her recov-
cry was anticipated. Mrs. P. was a
daughter of the late Father Sutherland,
(familiarly called,) so widely known in
this part of Vermont and New Hamp-
shire, and her earnest Christian life and
many good deeds are known and ap-
preciated by Il very wide circle OF
mourning friends. Her funeral was at
tended on Tuesday. Her husband died
in 1867, and her brother, John Suther-
land, fell dead at Woodsville only the
Tuesday before her death.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
Ryegate.

Ryegate.
AN OLD CLoCK.-Nancy Henderson
has clock in her house at the Corner,
which was formerly her grandfather's
in Scotland. In 1920 it was brought to
this country by her father and mother.
older than her mother who inherited it,
and she was born hundred and six
years ago, it is evidently of great age.
The clock is in good running order still,
and bids fair to do good service for
years to come.
A NOTABLE BEAR FIGHT.-When
Ryegate was first settled, which was
before the Revolutionary war, the set
tiers were much annoyed 10y bears, and
other wild animals; and it was usual
for the men when they went about their
work to take their guns for defense.
One day Capt. John Gray was attacked
by bear which had two cubs. He
nreu at The mother, only wounding her,
when she came to close quarters. and
they had hand-to-paw conflict. With
the butt of his gun Capt. Gray was en-
abled to drive the bear oft, but not I'M
til he had broken the stock off. Some
ten years ago, while cutting wood near
the place of this conflict, there was
found imbedded in large maple tree,
Il piece of lead, flattened out, which
was evidently once a bullet. 1t is be-
lieved this is the veritable bullet with
which Capt. Gray shot the bear. This
relic is now i'll possession of Mr.. VIM.
Henderson of Peacham, whose first wife
was sister of Hon. Matthew h. Gray
of this town, and both descendants of
Capt. John Gray, the hero of the bear
fight.
Hon. NJ. R. Gray's horse was frighten-
ed by the train ut Boltonvile, and ran
away and demolished the sleigh, but
did not severely injure itself.
VIM. Whitehill is going to Randolph,
to the Normal School.-Rev. j. Z. Lloyd
was absent two Sundays. He was at
Utica and Syracuse, N. Y.-Matthew
Gibson of Boston, is in town.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14

we should seek to learn in regard to it.
and among them the principles of the
laws of Finance, Commerce, Legisla-
ton, History, and Political Economy
And not least among our duties was the
cultivation of upright character, so that
there might shine forth the true auxil-
aries of good citizenship, virture, purity,
honor and integrity, ever guided with
high moral intelligence, and that piety
which is ever noble and dignifed.
The next lecture will be by Rev. Ed
ward T. Fairbanks, Tuesday eve, Feb
18th, at 1-2 o'clock Subjects tan-
ley in Africa" Also, Saturday eve
Feb. 22d, at the same hour, lecture by
Rev. H. F. NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Discipline" F. V. P.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
Peachaun.


A correspondent thinks it time the
county temperance society touched up
on the use of opium and morphine, and
suggested some remedy-if there is no
law to prohibit it's sale, he thinks it
high time there was one, as it's use is a
growing evil and is running thousands
of homes-a twin curse to rum. He
also wants druggists prohibited from
selling liquor "doctoredn with little
harmless bitter, or something, just to
evade the law. AS regards the report
from that town at the late temperance
convention, our correspondent thinks
it is getting stale to have all the liquor
drinking laid to one man every year
he thinks this man has some help, even
i'll Peacham. We suppose our cor
respondent would not prohibit the use
of opium as medicine under a physi-
clans direction.
A case of perjury was tried before
Justices Choate and Strobridge last
week. The defendants were Moves and
Fifield from the western part of the
town. The men were released.
Diphtheria still prevails at the HOl-
low, it being in the families of VIM.
Ashe, VIM. Kicker, j. L. Hopkins, Mrs.
Brownell, Mrs. Donohue, Duncan Har-
vey, NJ. Steele and j. r. KinneIson
Mr.. Ricker's case is severe, he has been
quite raving, and has had to be roped
to the bed. Kicker took the disease il
is supposed while having charge of the
funeral of the Ashe child. The sever
est cases now are Clara Hopkins and
Elite Harvey. The school has been re-
duced from 80 scholars to seven.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
Musical Culture.


The late musical festival suggests
anew the value for this place of Il mu
steal society with regular practice.
With all the pleasure extracted from
the late cOnvention-and it was great
deal-what little profit there was mu-
sically is necessarily ephemeral, unless
the instruction, suggestions, and prac-
tice is followed up. If there was mu-
steal organization here of the best sing
ers and musicians in tOwn-of those
only who could read music-and this
club should meet for practice weekly ;
and during the summer they should Sc
cure Mr.. Zerrahn, OF some other first
class director, for weeks instruction,
how vast and permanent the benefit
compared with the three days of IL mod
ern Convention, with perhaps half the
time spent in special preparation for
concerts. This is a suggestion: we be-
lieve the plan can be worked. 1t can
he made to pay financially. Leave all
side-shOws out, with their expense
what the people like to hear is the
grand chorus. Zerrahn will always
draw a chorus, and good chorus will
always draw the people. Put the
course tickets low, and have it under
stood that it is Il week of downright
hard work, and the best singers foI 81
miles around will come in to avail
themselves of the instruction and prac-
tice.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14

There must be some cause for the
steady and large decrease of mortality
the past few years. While the popula-
ton has increased, the death rate has
fallen off nearly fifty per cent. May not
the cause be owing largely to improved
sewerage, to more intelligence among
the people regarding sanitary measures,
etc? Certainly there is enough matter
printed urging strict attention to all
these things; but the impression is that
they are generally neglected. What
ever the cause of this improved vitali-
ty, it is certainly something for which
as a people we should be profoundly
grateful. The death rate in New York
City in 1877, was over "a to every thou
sand inhabitants. The average mortal
ity for the last three years in this vii
lage has been about nine to every
thousand. Here is hint to local cor
respondents: Give us the vital Stats
tics of your towns-they are more val
liable as news items than donation Wis,
its, or even wooden weddings.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
Sutton.


j. c. Tibbetts has sold his place thai
he had of Nathaniel Ham to Bradbury
Eastman who is to move in soon. East.
man wishes to sell his farm where he
now lives.
Col. j. B. Mead holds meeting in the
farmers interest at this place commenc-
ing Monday, Feb. 18th, at o'clock
1t is hoped it will be we'll attended and
be made interesting to all. 1t is ex-
pected that some from other places will
be present to assist in the meetings
both afternoon and evening.
Our village school closed its winter
term last week Friday. We think il
has been a good term, as order has been
maintained, and the scholars have learn
ed we'll. Sadie Blake, Lila Craig and
Harley Whipple had no tardy, absent
or excused marks during the term.
Some others had no tardy marks, but
were absent some days of the term.
1t is expected that Mr.. Jordan. the
evangelist who has been at North Dan
vile for some time past, laboring with
the Free Will Baptist church, will COM
menee series of meetings here next
sunday, and continue them afternoon
and evening at least one week.
Mr.. Warren Joy Of Guildhall, who
bought the Russell farm, so called. in
the northwest part OF the town, is to
move upon it this spring.
We understand that A. P. Taft is
soon to move his stock of goods to
Lower Waterford where lie succeeds
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14

anice stuffed chair and other valuable
presents.
Mr.. and Mrs. John McGaffey have
returned from Boston where they have
been stopping since last November.
The proceeds of the ladies' fair at
the Centre last week amounted to S27,
and will be applied to the extinguish-
ment of the church debt.
A Springfield, Mass, man loaded po-
tatoes here last week, paying 20 cents
per bushel.
The Lyndon Literary Institute will
close its winter term Friday, Feb. 28th,
with public examination during the
day and literary entertainment in the
evening, consisting of orations, discus
sion, drama, tableaux, music etc.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
Barnet.

odThcI.
The dwelling house with most of its
contents, belonging to Lewis George,
a Frenchman in School District No. Is,
were. burned last Saturday. The fire
caught in the roof. Insurance $500.
Fred Hoyt expects to leave for Water
bury ueXt Monday, to take the place of
the tailor Suanahan, who lately ran
away. Fred is a young man of good
habits and will not be likely to initiate
SIanahan's manners. Fred had good
opportunity to learn his trade, has had
considerable experience, and goes away
with the best wishes of our people for
his success. His father, j. Q. Hoyt,
will take his old stand in the post office
and tailor shop here.
A hearing before Judge Powers was had
here Tuesday in the towns case against
H. j. HazeltOn, Lucius Brock and j. H.
| Clement, bOndsmen for j. ID. Abbott,
town treasurer. Belden for the town
A. NJ. Dickey and Pitkin of Montpelier
| for the bOndSmen.
Charles Stuart of Stuart, Iowa, is in
| town on a short visit.
Rev. Robert n. Hammond will be
ordained and installed at the Barnet
Centre church, on Wednesday next
(Feb. 1917 at IL o'clock. Rev. A. S.
Stewart of Greensboro will preach the
ordination sermon.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
Important Business Change.

For several weeks it has been limited
that the firm of H. E. Fletcher & Co.,
Wholesale dealers in -four, grain, etc.,
were about to close out business here,
but the matter has not become public
until the past week. We learn that
such is the fact, and that the business
VIII be closed up before many weeks.
The cause of this action is only sur
mised, but it is thought that business
is cut up so fine of late that it does not
pay to have so much capital invested
with so small margin of profit. Doubt
less Mr.. Fletcher can do better with his
capital in Other ways. The firm con-
sists of Henry E. Fletcher, Edward F.
Griswold and Robert McKinnon. The
Two latter gentlemen were taken as
partners in 1877, though they had both
oeeu III the store as clerks some fifteen
OF twenty years. 1t is thought that Mr..
Fletcher will eventually remove west
where he has interests; but he also has
large interests in this vicinity, as well
as many friends, which will be hard 70
get away from. We do not know that
the future OF Messrs. McKinnon and
1fiswold is decided upon. We trust
eney will not feel it necessary to leave
town-they are young men whom our
town cannot afford to lose.
The Fletcher store woS h,;1t a
opened for traffic when the Passumpsic
raalroad was opened to this place. in
iooO. For few years it was carried on
oy Ephraim Chamberlin, under the firm
name OF Chamberlin, Knights g. Co..
and afterwards Tor many years by Mr..
Shamberlln and Mr. Joel Fletcher. Mr.
nenry E. Fletcher succeeded his father
.ohe years ago. An immense business
r. "een done in the store, requiring
80 C"p.tal-rumOr says at some times
"ish as hundred thousand dollars
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14

fully carried out the hope of the com
mittee, to make it ''the most attractive
part of the convention and concerts
1t numbered fully LIS voices, and the
parts were very well balanced, the
tenor and bass being particularly strong
and good !: and we feel safe in saying
that no such chorus singing was ever
heard here before. Much of the credit
is of course due to Mr.. Zerrahn's di-
recting, but the promptness of the
chorus at rehearsal, and their strict
attention, was worthy of the highest
praise, and received the unqualified ap-
prevail of conductors.
Of Mr.. Carl Zerrahn, the conductor,
nothing need be said. 1t was great
treat even to witness his drill of the
chorus-what must it have been to have
sat under the direct influence of his
baton
The receipts of the convention were
about 1926, and the expenses about {
hundred dollars less. The weather wa:
superb throughout, adding much to the
enjoyment of the occasion. The crust
at the concerts was tremendous, many
people coming miles who could no
even get inside the hall, and some
ladies even stood in the aisles TIN ougl
the entire three hours Friday evening
Until we have larger hall, (Which i
is to be hoped will be as soon as tn
present North church is vacatedD, w
see no other way to do at such gather
ings as these but to sell the entire seat
in the hall, and then stop.
At the close of the concert Frida,
evening, Rev. Edward T. Fairbanks
president of the Society, made brie
address, congratulating the audienc
on the success of the convention, an,
thanking the performers for their well
acted parts.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
Summerville.

Summerville.
The fifth free lecture in Summerville
was given last Tuesday eve, by Rev.
ID. L. Fuller on Couture requisite TO
American citizenship" Being a stormy
night, there was not as large an andi-
ence as usual, but those who did not
attend we think were the losers. The
speaker made his subject appear plain
and reasonable. 1t was a matter of
great importance to be good citizen.
and it required the most judicious and
careful training of the faculties to be-
come one. 1t was important that this
culture begin in the family, and spread
its way through all neighborhoods, dis
tricts, and states. We should love our
country, study, and seek to know more
of our responsibilities and duties as
and ever be peaceful and law
abiding. A large class of freemen do
not yet fully understand nor appreciate
the duties of citizenship. Many things
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
Stolen Team Recovered.

On the 18th Of last Ortnhar a vonuu
man some 23 years old, booking his
name ut the st. Johnsbury House as
Frank E. Pierce, (Which proves to be
his real name), hired Il black mare and
cOal-bOX buggy, ut Jerry Drew's stable,
saying he was going to Lancaster to see
his mother, (where, by the way, his
mother lives.) The team was not re-
turned, and after making some search,
on the Both of October Mr.. Drew pro-
cured some bills printed and circulated
them extensively, especially east. Moth
ing was heard of the team or thief,
however, until a week or two ago,
when a man told Mr.. Dew that early
in November he staid over night at Is
land Pond with Il young man who told
him he had sold team in Maine, Civ
ing a description of the same. When
this man reached Lancaster, the next
day, he there saw one of Mr.. Drew's
bills, and noticed that it described the
team, and the man whom he met ut
Island Pond. Upon this information
Mr.. Drew went last week to South
Paris, Maine, where he found his team
with j. NJ. Cummings, large stable
keeper. Mr.. Cummings story is this /:
On the Both of October, 1.-THE very day
the bills were printed), a man giving
his name as Frank E. Pierce, came to
his stable with that team and offered it
for sale. For some reason or other Mr..
c. told him he believed the team was
stolen. Pierce told him if he had any
doubt in the matter, to telegraph his
brother at Whitefield, (where in fact he
has brOther), and he would learn that
he was all right. Pierce seemed so
anxious for Linn to telegraph his broth
er, that Mr.. Cummings turned back af-
ter he had started for. the telegraph of
flee, and bought the team, giving for it
one gold and one silver watch, and 500
in cash. This, in brief, is the history
of this somewhat singular theft, here
man gave his right name and resi-
dence, the true names and residences of
his family, keeping the team in his pos
session over a fortnight, but by blab-
bling at Island Pond, caused the discov-
cry of the property. Such a man will
soon run into state prison.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
peahs.

At Burke, Feb 10, Mrs. Ora Colburn, aged 6s
years
At Bradford, Feb. s, Mrs. George W. Prichard,
daughter of the late Rev. David Sutherland
AT East Hardwick, Feb. S. Mr.. Jonathan MT.
ting, aged s5.
At Lyndon, Feb. 1, Mrs. Ezra N. Aver, aged
about 50 years.
AtWaterford, Feb. 6, Mr.. Moses Ladd in the ssth
year of his age.
AT Wakefield, Mass, Jan. 25, Mrs. Marietta W.
kingman, aged IS years, wife of W. W. Kingman,
and daughter of Almon and M B. Whiting, former
ly of West Barnet.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
Stannard.

Stannard.
The dwelling house and barn belong
ing to VIM. Blair, was destroyed by
fire last Wednesday morning, about
three O'Clock. A part of his household
goods were saved, but the hay and
grain were burned. The fire is supposed
to have originated in the ceiling behind
the stove. Mr.. Blair had IL barn burn
ed Il year or more ago, on the same
place.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
East Hardwick.

East dardW1ck.
George Drury is drawing a large
number of logs into the mill here, the
falling of which was accomplished by
the high wind which prevailed in the
fall, which uprOoted about five hundred
for him.
The village school closed last Friday
after a successful term of ten weeks
with recitations, compositions, etc. Miss
Eta Stevens proposes to open select
school to commence Feb. 18th, to con-
tinue ten weeks.
Mr.. Jonathan Nutting, who has been
sick for the past few weeks, died
Wednesday morning. Mr.. Nutting was
one of the oldest residents in town, and
an active and efficient member of the
Baptist church, when in health. His
remains were taken to Danville fol-
burial.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
Danville.

Danville.
Mr.. Solomon Langmaid, an old resi-
dent of this town, but for the past few
years resident of Iowa, is now paying
a visit to his children in this place. He
is upwards of so years old, and Spright-
ly us boy.
Miss Ellen StOcker and Miss Mary
Palmer, will enter the Normal School
at Johnson the coming term, commenc-
ing next week. Miss Palmer has been
teaching at the Home for Destitute
Children at Burlington for the past year.
At the donation visit for the Rev. Mr..
Buswell last Friday evening, some $50
were realized.
The winter term of the school at
West Danville closed last week Friday,
Miss Nellie S.ocker teacher. That the
school has been profitable, and that a
great interest has been taken by both
parents and scholars to make it so, will
be seen by the following record. Num-
Der of scholars 81 average attendance
25. Names of those having no absent
marks: Ellen Merrill, Ida Haviland,
frankie Choate, Harry Choate; and
those having no tardy marks: Ellen
Merrill, Ida Haviland, Harry Choate,
Flora Porter, Eliza Merrill, Hattie Ellis,
John Brickett, Payson Hawkins, Frank
Peck, Charley Porter.
Mr.. Hosea FAIR, fell while at work in
the barn last Wednesday and dislOcat-
ed his shoulder, and received other
bruises. He was on the haymow, and
in sliding to the floor he went through
a scuttle that was open into the cellar.
1t was nearly an hour before he receiv-
ed any assistance. He is doing well
now.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
hv cOnsulnPLIOI

If is supposed now is the best time
bar known to buy a sleigh in st.
Iohnsbury, as Hugh c. Moore has just
Received new lot that will be sold at
astonishingly low prices.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14

-Bradford statistics for 1873 a,, show
u marriages. 10 births, aid "a deaths $
N Of fine latter by diphtheria, and
hr CONSUMPTION.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14

Fred. Beuchley stuck lnrgeS'1eo a
enife nearly through his left manu. que que
Sar tbis week, cutting a nerve anu
al,irC unite a bad wOalld'
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
Lyndon.

Lyndon.
Halsey Ruggles left his team I'M
hitched in front of Curriers' harness
shop one day last week, when the
horses became frightened and ran to
the hotel, the end of the pole striking
the sign post. The post was broken
off at the ground but no other damage
was done.
There was a "house warming" at
Nathan Bundy's last Thursday eve.
Those present left with Mr.. and Mrs. B.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14
VILLAGE statistics.---A Striking Record

We are indebted to town clerk Blod
cett for the figures in the following ar
ticle. The census of the village has
not been taken this winter, neither the
children of school age, the law requir-
ing it having been repealed by the last
legislature. The number of births in
1878 we're 80; marriages SO; deaths 80
the smallest mortality of which we
have any knowledge, certainly the
smallest for the past eight or ten years.
Of the 80 births, 43 of the parents were
born in Canada, 2 in St. JOhnsbury, 5
in Ireland, and one each in England
and Scotland,-which shows pretty
plainly where the increase of pOpula-
ton comes from. Among the 39deaths,
10 died of infantile diseases, one child
was still-bOrn, two died from accident,
and one each of consumption, fever,
erysipelas, dropsy, inflammation OF
bowels, cancer, kidney disease, hem
orrhage, child-bed. OF the 80 deaths
10 were infants, six over 20 years Of
age, and two by accident. 1t is notice
able that not single death is reported
by that dreadful scourge, diphtheria.
A year ago we called attention tt
the steady decrease in mortality in this
village for the then past six years-so
far back as we had statistics at hand
We now have another year to add
more remarkable than any preceding
one. as witness the following statistics
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14

The Athenaum will not be opened
evenings. except on Saturdays nn'''
further notice.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1879-02-14

and the same authority says that I'M
til within the last few years the husi-
ness has been quite profitable. The
closing up of so large and such long
standing business house, is change for
our town to be regretted.