Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1888-10-05
A FAMOUS CHEESE.
A UNIQUE PRESENT RECEIVED
BY THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Numerous Massachusetts Admirers
Contributed Milk TO Construct
tho Monster Tokcn-Its Re
ception In Washington.

The town of Cheshire, situated among
the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. IS
one of the pleasantest places in oil tho
country. Tho pasturago of this region
is excellent. The land is very product.
i've, and tho dairy farms havo always
been noted for the quality of their but
ter and cheese. And here, about eighty
seven years ago, was made the enormous
cheeso whose fame went abroad through
out tho United States, crossed the water,
and even spread into foreign countries.
Elder John Leland, a celebrated preacher
Oh ms time, was pastor of the village
church. lie was 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 q minister's views upon all public
questions were received with respectful
attention, and Elder Leland did not
confine his .labors to parochial affairs
Any. delinquency among the selcctmen
of the town, any failure in rigid adhcr-
cnce 70 duty, was boldly attacked by
him in the pulpit, and names wore men
toned with startling dircctness.
Thomas Jefferson was nominated for
the Presidency of the United States In
the fall of 1900. He was believed by
many 10 he an infidcl, and tho feeling of
New England-thes stronghold of o.tho.
doxy-was severe against him. An
ominous silence, that he preserved in re-
gard TO his own religious belief was
regarded rs unfavo.ablc, and it was
even declared in some country towns
that churches would be closed and the
sncrcdncss of the Sabbath day no Longer
preserved if he were elected. Elder
John Leland had no share in this public
opinion. lie had been n preacher in
irginia, where he often met Mr.. JoTcr-
| son.
he two men were mutually attracted
and held long conversations together.
Elder Leland became an ardent admircr
of Jefferson. lie recognized his Chris
tan character in spite of natural re-
ticcncc, and he be ievcd in his princi-
pies. When Jefferson was nominated
he began to work for him. 1t was said
that the Elder stood alone, but the
sturdy opposition became his inspiration.
lie preached politics in the pulpit on
Sunday; he rode to ncghboring towns
through the week; he was ready always
with an argument. so great was the
influence that he cxcrted that when
election day came there was not mem
Der of the whole county who fai cd
to vote for Jefferson. Great was Elder
Lcland's delight over the victory, and ut
the close of the afternoons service in
the next Sabbath he proposed that, as n
people, they should prepare token of
their good will to be sent TO WASHINGTON
after tho new President had taken his
place ut the White House. Ii should bo
something i'll which women rs we'll rs
men could participate, and he suggested
an enormous cheese, rs the natural pro-
duct OF their industry. Every man in
the country who had voted for Jefferson
should bring all iii curd he felt able to
give. y committee of farmers wives.
who were skilled, should be appointed
Tor the mixing. Everybody was pleased
with the idea. Captain John Brown,
who was known as the man to first sus.
rect and dcnouncc Benedict Arnold as a
traitor, was member of this village.
lie offered his cider-mill rs the best and
largest In the town. They had it
thoroughly cleaned, new bottom of
wood set IN, surrounded with an iron
hoop, and thus converted into huge
cheese press. 1t was n fine afternoon
when the crowd came pouring in from
all quarters of the county 10 Captain
|
brought quantities of curd, others only
a pailful, but the offerings were poured
into the cidcr-press. The matrons then
came forward. mixed and favored it.
The men stood ready for the pressing.
Then, uncoveriug their heads, all bowed
revciently, while Eldcr Leland asked
Gods blessing upon their labor. They
sang n hymn, the minister giving out
two lines at time, and the people sing.
ing them. and social season followed
until twilight dispersed the crowd.
w hen the cheese was ready to be re-
moved, it was found to weigh 1000
pounds. The parish requested their
minister to convey it in person to the
President. 1t was journey of 500
miles, bat the slcighing at the appointed
time was excellent, and he started. He
was three weeks on the road. Tho peo.
pie thronged TO meet him in every town
and village through which he pass ed, for
the news of the gift had spread, and such
cheese was never seen before. When
Elder Leland arrived in Washington. he
sent note TO .Jc..c:son, who suggested
that the members of his Cabinet and of
Congress, together with the foreign min
listers and other distinguished guests
should be invited to attend and witness
the presentation. in the midst of this
gathering Elder Leland arose with great
dignity and protTered the huge Cheshire
cheese as token of the deep respect of
his county. The President closed his
courteous reply with these words:
II Will cause this suspicious event to
be placed upon the records of our ma.
ton, and it will ever shine amid its glo
rions archives. / shall ever esteem it
among the most happy incidents of my
life; and now my much respected rever.
end friend, Twill, by the consent and in
the presence of my most hon
orcd council, have the cheese
cut, and you will take back with you q
portion of it, with my hearty thanks, and
present it to your people, that they all
may have taste. Tell them never to
falier in tie principles they have so
nobly defended; they have successfully
conc to the rescue Of our beloved coun.
try i'll the time of her great peril. wish
them health and prosperity, and may milk
in abundance never cease to flow to the
latest postcrity.".