Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-05-30
Phebe Spaulding or, The Courage of n
Woman.
BY PERSIS f. CHASE.

A great deal has been written in
general way of the hardshps endured by
the first settlers of New England.
When we read of the Puritan Fathers
landing on the "stern and rockboun,
coast of Massachusetts and their trial
and privations, we are filled with wonder
and admiration at the courage and deter.
mination displayed by them. but occasion
ally there Will come to us from The din
and distant past, traditions of courage anc
fortitude borne by our ancestors of {
later day that are equally as wonderful.
The following narrative, which is true
illustrated this in forcible manner anC
gives US some idea of what the women
of that early day endured.
In the year 1869, party of emigrants
started from Londonderry, in the southern
part of New Hampshire, for Upper Coos
of the same state, the distance being about
hundred and fifty miles.
Glowing accounts had come to them Of
the fertile lands on the banks of the
Connecticut. that could be had for almos,
nothing, and inspired by the hope OIL
winning home and perhaps fortune in
this uubroken wilderness, they decided
=
would have to endure, to 60.
Packing bedding and few household
utensils on the packs of horses, and each
with as much as they could carry, they
started from Londonderry the first Of
May.
Among the number was young man,
Phineas Spaulding, his wife, Phebe, who
was descendant of the famous Mrs
Dustin, and one child about year and a
half old
They had not much to take with them
save stout hearts, and plenty of courage
and hope.
The one precious thing Phebe had
was copper tea kettle, that lad been
brought from England by her mother who
was dead. This kettle, which would
hold about three quarts, was packed full
of tea, pepper, spices and garden seed,
and was altogether too valuable to be
intrusted out of her hands; so she started
with her baby boy Edward in her arms,
and carrying the tea kettle, to walk
hundred and fifty miles.
She was small, pretty looking woman,
with brown hair and hazel eyes, and
possessed wonderful power of endurance.
She was graceful and agile in her move
ments. have been told that when she
wished to mount horse, she would place
her hand on his shoulder and Jump from
the ground to his back.
1t was just at nightfall on the fifth day
after this little party had left Londonderry,
that they approached the small settlement
of Haverhil. The remainder of the way
was through the wilderness, where their
only guide would be marked trees. The
were Hospitality entertained by
the people of Haverhill, and were urged
TO remain few days and rest, but they
were anxious TO get to their journey end,
and only stayed one night.
In the hurry of getting started the next
Mrs. Spaulding put her baby on
he floor, while she was arranging some
hing, and he being left to himself, crept
% the hearth and pulled kettle of hot
water over, and before his mother
could reach him his feet were scalded.
Of course this accident prevented Mrs.
Spaulding from going on, and it was
lecded after consultation with the others
or her to remain few days 1t would
)e necessary for some one to return to
daverhill for some meal, so Mr.. Spaulding
old his wife TO wait patiently, and be
would come for her as soon as he conld.
ohebe saw her friends depart with much
'egret, and stoud watching until they
we're lost from sight in the wood.
1t proved that the baby was not very
,adly burned, and Mrs. Spaulding
vas sorry thai she had not gone on with
he others, but she waited as patiently as
na hn ha1