The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1886-08-06
MY BROTHER CALEB.



I really believe that the matter n
finding an appropriate title for this
little history has taken As much time
and made me more trouble than did
the writing Of il In fact what Ihave
set down at the head Of these pages
was my first thought on the subject.
and have been able to think of moth
ing better. It is quite natural that this
should be so. for ! never knew . time
when Caleb did not seem to me every
thing that dear brother should be.
and make me BY his care and kindness
hardly realize my lack Of parental
nurture.
My father never knew; he died sud-
denly while was . mere babe From
my earliest recollections Of my mother
she was an invalid. sometimes bedrid-
den. rarely abe to endure . carriage
ride. even in the best weather. and
generally confined 10 her own cham
Der. All that she was able to do for
me she did. but her poor health made
il necessary that should be cared for
during my childhood by others, and
until / was twelve years old. 1 was
looked after during the daytime b. :
succession OF nursery maids and gov
ernesscs. During the seasons that
mothers friyhtfnl headaches gave her
I brief respite. | was allowed to visit
her room. and although she was II
such times very sweet and pleasant,
tie recollection Of her pale. suffering
face was always = sad one 70 me. She
never was able 70 come to meals with
Us: SO this brief view will 60 far to ex-
plain how il was that Caleb really
took the place Of all other relatives
lie was teller In one Of the banks.
and had TO be away from home the
whole day. How l used TO long for
his return at night After the usual
fashion Of children. ! studied my books
and recited my lessons 70 my gov
erness, but book-learning had no
charm Tor me unless Caleb was with
me 70 share the task, and make il
easier. His evenings were almost
wholly devoted 70 my improvement
and pleasure, and can see now what
gave me - concern As a chiid-thaf
this sacrifice OF his time for me made
It necessary for him 70 devote 70 nis
own reading. hours when ne should
have been asleep Dear. unseliish
brother. lie never had cause TO re-
proach himself with his treatment Of
me, certainly. 80 u 3 plain enough
that Caleb was the largest figure on
my domestic horizon; at least until
my marriage. And while this record
may speak Of Others - often - Of him.
none but he could ever claim to be the
hero Of L.
My life had passed away peacefully
and without striking events until the
summer Of my tenth year l had a.
ways lived in the same house; indeed
4 - still my home. and that Of my hus-
band and children Il = inexPressibiy
dear 70 me from the memories q
lifetime-for am far past the middle
age now from the births. the deaths,
and the one marriage. II least. thai
have occurred within its walls, and
dear beyond all this with the memory
Of Caleb. which every room and ~
most every object IN y suggests 70 me-
This house and all is appointments
am told. were the pride and delight
Of my father, Judge Maytham. 4
= . large. roomy mansion. IN the
fashionable quarter Of the city. will
every thing in and about II for com
Tort and taste. nothing for mere show
hy father left = fortune to his family
but this made no difference will
Caleb's employment He was in III
bank before father died. and after tha
presume he owned stock there; bu