Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-08-21
CHESHIRE'S OFFERING.
History of a Cheese Presented to
 President Jefferson.
Good Elder LeIand's Interest in Politics and tho Results Following It-A Token of Good Will Which Was Unique
 in Every Respect.

XII A4HCAy ANCSpOSIs
 The town of Cheshire, situated among the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, is one of the pleasanteSt places in all the country, says the Boston Transcript. The pasturage of this region is excellent. The land is very productive, and the dairy farms have al- ways been noted for the quality of their butter and cheese. And here, about eighty seven years ago, was made the enormous cheese whose fame went abroad through out the United States, crossed the water, and even spread into foreign countries. Elder John Leland, celebrated preacher of hi3 time, was pastor of the village church. He was a vigorous and original thinker, noted for his exposition of the Scriptures. People came from far and near to listen to his sermons. In those days minister's views upon all public questions were re- ceived with respectful attention, and Elder Leland did not confne his labors to paro- chlal affairs. Any delinquency among the selectmen of the town, any failure in rigid adherence to duty, was boldly attacked by him in the pulpit, and names were mentioned with startling directness.
 Thomas Jefferson was nominated for the Presidency of the United States in the fall of 1900. He was believed by many to be an intidel, and the feeling of New England the stronghold of orthodoxy-was severe against him. Eldor John Leland held no share in this public opinion He had been preacher in Virginia, where he often met Mir. Jefferson.
 The two men were mutually attracted and held long conversations together. Elder Leland became an ardent admirer of Jefferson. He recognized hls Christian character in spite of a natural reticence, and he believed in his republican principles. When Jefferson was nominated he began to work for him. It was said that the elder stood alone, but the sturdy opposition be- came his inspiration. He preached politics in the pulpit on Sunday; he rode to neigh boring towns through the week; he was ready always with an argument. So great was the influence that he exerted that when election day came there was not a member of the whole county who failed to vote for Jefferson. Great was Elder Leland's de- light over the victory, and at the close of the afternoon service on the next Sabbath he proposed that, as people, they should prepare a token of their good will to be sent to Washington after the new Presi- dent had taken his place at the White House. It should be something in which women as well as men could participate, and he suggested an enormous cheese, as tho natural product of their industry. Every man in the county who had voted for Jefferson should bring all the curd he felt able to give. A committee of farmers wives, who were skilled, should be ap- pointed for the mixing. Every body was pleased with the idea Captain John Brown, | who was known as the man to first suspect and denounce Benedict Arnold as traitor, was member of this village. He offered his cider-mill as tho best and largest in the town. They had it thoroughly cleaned, 8 new bottom of wood set in, surrounded with hnOr1 and thus cOnUarf6d into a huge cheese-press. It was fine afternoon when the crowd came pouring in from all quarters of the county to Captain Browns farm. Some wealthy farmers brought quantities of curd, others only pailful, but the offerings were poured into the cider press. The matrons then came forward, mixed and favored it. The men stood ready for the pressing.
 When the cheese was ready to be re- moved, it was found to weigh sixteen hun ] dred pounds. The parish requested their minister to convey it in person to the Presi- dent It was a journey of five hundred miles, but the sleighing at the appointed time was excellent, and he started. He was three weeks on the road. The people thronged to meet him in every town and village through which he passed, for the news of the gift had spread, and such 8 cheese was never seen before. When
 
 sent note to Jefferson who suggested that the members of his Cabinet and of Con- gress, together with the foreign Ministers and other distinguished guests, should be invited to attend and witness the presenta- tion. In the midst of this gathering Elder Leland arose with great dignity and prof fered the huge Cheshire cheese as token of the deep respect of his county. The President closed his courteous reply with , these worlds
 twill cause this suspicious event to be placed upon the records of our Nation, and it will ever shine amid it's glorious archives. shah ever esteem it among the most happy incidents of my life; and now my much respected reverend friend, will, by the consent and in the presence of my most honored council, have the cheese cut, and you will take back with you a portion of it, with my hearty thanks, and present it to your people, that they all may have taste. Tell them never to falter in tho principles they have so nobly defended they have successfully come to the rescue of our beloved country in the time of hel great peril wish them health and pros perity and may milk in abundance never cease to flow to the latest posterity." As arrangements had previously beer
 made. the steward of the White House came forward and cut the cheese. A slics was presented to each guest. Every ons $ tasted and declared it to be as near per lection as it was possible for cheese to be. Elder Leland was greatly delighted witl the whole enterprise. He spent a few day
 in Washington and then left for home Another largo meeting was held at Captail < John Browns. The Elder gave the whol account of his trip, and the reception 0
 their present at the Capitol. One cal < imagine the eagerness and delight witt which the people listened. Each one re 2 ceived small piece of cheese, for tn whole region came to hear. This story 1 still treasured by those who received from parents or grandparents.