Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-10-07
a Man who Knew Jefferson.

years OF age, who was for the period of
sixteen years Justice OF the Peace at
81. Charles, and for many years res.
ident OF ST. Louis county, was met on
the street yesterday walking as upright
and vigorous as in his palmy days.
You were personally acquainted
with Thomas Jefferson. Mr.. Henley 2"
" Yes. The first slave ever owned
was woman whom | bought from Mr..
Jeilersons estate, from the administra-
tor"
You have talked with Jefferson,
then? 2"
g Many time. did business with
hlm. was millwright, and he had
mills on his estate. The mills were run
by water power. They had no steam
mills in those days. Tho millstones
w'.r@ the French buhr, imported from
france
"Were you at Jetferson's house 2"
Many times. His house ut Month
cello was considered for long term of
years the most costly aud the finest
dwelling in the State. Iknew the two
lrishmea who We're the architects and
builders. Their names were Jeems
Dinsmore and John Nelson. The floors
were composed of blocks of the beech
tree, laid diamond shape, and had q
very rich appearance. Old Benjamin
Harding-you must have heard OF him
was great tobacco raise- and chewer.
lie owned five plantations. The old
man was peculiar and liberal hearted,
though uncOuth in his manners. He
frequently visited Mr.. Jefferson after
the new house was built, and it was to
him that the very original saying was
imputed, in response to the negro serv
ant who moved the spit.oon toward his
chair: Take it away said he 'or I'll
spit in it, Another time he was din
ing with Mr.. Jefferson, aud, after o
course of fish was removed, the waiter
With napkin on his arm and dish of
water in which to dip the fingers ap-
preached. When he presented the
bowl to the guest he drank off all the
contents. MIR. Jefferson never appeared
to pay any attention to those awkward
breaches of etiquette. Ben Harding
was high-toned and magnificent in his
hospitality. He boasted of his feats of
strength and deeds of daring. l
recollect when there was what was
called warrant trial or general muster
the whole country gathered from far
and near to enjoy the frolic. The best
men would salute each other, and say
they were going TO such and such a
place, rs there was going to be fight
or u wrestling match"
6, Al.
some gatherings p
Jefferson was pretty we'll along in
years. He could be sceu riding ont,
ami went occasionally to Washington,
but was usually found at home in his
library writing on philosophical subjects
and to Numerous correspondents. l
was at Jeflersoh's, transacting business,
and recollect seeing his writing. He
wrote plain hand, but less bold hand
in his latter years. He once apologized
for his writing. saying it must be at
tributed to being under the influence
of eighty-three years.
"At the time of Eafsyette's visit l
saw him and Jefferson together at Char
lottesville. Lafayette had singularly
coarse features. aud appeared to be
worn out and doing, except when
greeted by some old friend of the Rev.
olutionary period, when his eyes rolled
mp finely"
Jefferson. it is believed, died com.
paratively poor, did he not?'
Jefferson's estate was encumbered.
He had good deal of land and leased
it out. A man named John II. Craven,
who has children or grandchildren liv-
ing in Sangamon county. Ill.,, leased q
large portion of Mr.. Jetferson's estate,
and he made good deal of money. He
became the owner of several plantations
and sawmills."
"Were you near Monticello when
Jefferson died?"
ION that day, the 4th oftJuly, 1926.
| attended the Masouic lodge at Char
lottesville. We were celebrating the
day, and intended to wind up with a
barbecue. The meats were being
roasted, when a messenger arrived with
the news of Jefferson's death. We were
still in the lodge. They Immediately
adjourned in consequence of the sad
news, and most Of the Masons repaired
Immediately to Monticello. st. Louis
Republican.