The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-11-20
AN OLD LOVE STORY.


Not far from the teeming thorough
fares of New York, in the drowsy old
burying ground at Eastchester, rest the
remains of Martha Van Astyne, belle
! of eighteen at the breaking out of the
Revolutionary war. Her father owned
the quaintest of taverns at that time,
which he called "The Old Stone Jug
the very name bringing il. patronage both
from British and Yankee soldiers, as they
CHANGED to be in that neighborhood. The
old turncoat of an owner had sign as
twO-faced as himself. On one side was
the likeness of King George, the opposite
showing a likeness equally as good of
George Washington. When a squad of
red-coats was seen approaching, Land
lord Van Alstyne turned the likeness of
their King toward them. If Yankees were
down upon them in his happiest mood.
The taveTn-keeper also had one of the
loveliest daughters in the paris.i, named
Martha Van Alstyne. The soldiers of
L
them wooed her with great ardor and
enthusiasm. Elisha Williams was the
Yankee scout, and Harry Valentine
young British officer. Like many girl
before her time, and since, for that mat
ter, she was unable to decide which of
the two she loved best. Finally she de-
cided that she would marry the one that
should perform the bravest act. The
decision was satisfactory to both Of the
lovers, and seemed fit way for a soldiers
bride to be won. The scout disappeared,
and was absent so long that his sweet
heart gave him up, supposing that he
had probably been killed or impris-
oned. Reluctantly she betrothed her.
self to the young English officer, and the
wedding day was fixed. During the even
ing before the marriage day the two low
ers were together. Valentines followers
were also at the tavern RECALLING Them
selves in the ale-room. Suddenly horses
hoofs were heard, and the next instant
the Yankee scout rushed into the room,
extinguishing the lights as he entered.
Selling Miss Van Alstyne at her lovers
side, he bore her from the room, and
placing her before him on his horse, gall
loped away with her through the dark
ness. The confusion in the inn prevent
ed as speedy pursuit as Harry Valen-
tine demanded. But he was soon riding
at break-neek pace after the fugitives
The chase was furious one. The moon
coming out showed the pursuers close
upon the heels OF the runaways. Miss
Van Alstyne offered no resistance, the
daring deed of the scout excited her ad-
miration. Suddenly the animal stumbled
and down went horse, lover and lady.
The young British officer was close upon
them. Williams regained his saddle, but
with measureless ungallantry, left the
lady to her fate. Ii is supposed he was
shot or captured by the British, as moth
ing was ever heard Of him afterward. His
horse, few days later, returned to the
village, covered with dust and blood. The
beautiful girl, chagrined beyond endur-
ance, declared that she would never mar
ry, and died spinster at the age of
eighty-one years.
The Old Stone jug has gone, not
vestige of it being left. But the spirit of
Martha Van Alstyne fingers there still in
the sweetness and the light of the old
country fields and homes. The old
church, built in 1764, and in which she
was to have been married, it still stand
ing. One of the ancient locust trees
which shade the green, ana which, CEN
tury ago, served as whipping post, is al
so standing. In its trunk could be seen,
few years ago, the old iron staple that
was used in fastening the victims con
demned to punishment. But the old
memorials are fast disappearing, and the
story of Martha Van Alstyne is remem-
bered now mostly as tradition.