Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1891-06-04
STORIES OF BARRETT.
OPINIONS OF THE DEAD ACTORS
NEIeHsoRs IN WALPoLE.

Away up in the hills of Norfolk coun-
ty, nestled among the woods, about a
mile and a half from the town of
Walpole, there stands what is now
known as the Cobb Farm, but at one
time this was the home Of the Ia
mented tragedian, Lawrence Barrett,
and as such it is known for miles around.
The old settlers delight in pointing it
out to visitors. These same people also
love to speak of the good old times when
Mr.. Barrett came home.
They all speak of the tragedian as
"Mr." Barrett.
In an interview with one aged resi-
dent of the locality much of the late
actors career was learned.
"Why, yes; every one in these parts
remembers the young actor, and also his
charming wife. 1t used to be quite o
time when he returned after long tour,
and it was along the shady lanes and in
pretty nooks in the woods that he sought
rest and quiet for his overworked brain.
''But l tell you it did not take him
long to recuperate. He would have
hardly been here a week before he
would be wandering off into the woods,
book in hand, to study. Come, and l
will show you one of his favorite spots
where have known Mr.. Barrett to stay
for hours, rehearsing his part, with
nothing but the birds and squirrels for
his auditors, so far as he knew. But
many is the time that few of us neigh
bors have stolen down to within earshot
of the actor and listened to his words. 1t
was a great treat for us ALL"
BARRETT IN LOVE.
In answer to the inquiry as to how
Mr.. Barrett came to reside among them
the old gentleman gave quite chuckle,
and with his face wreathed in smiles,
said:
"Why, bless your heart, he fell in love
with one of our pretty girls. l say one,
because we have always had many in this
district. She was Mary Mayer, who
lived with her uncle, John NJ. Mayer,
who then resided at the old homestead.
''You see, Mary was a bright, intelli-
gent girl, who had been given an excel
lent education by her father, Philip
Mayer. He kept confectioners store
on fremont street, Boston, and al
though Mary lived out here with her
uncle she frequently visited her parents,
and there became acquainted with Mr..
Barrett. They formed friendship,
which soon ripened into love, and mar
riage was the result. d.
'After their marriage they made the
farm their home. 1t was here their
charming daughters were reared and
educated, and tell you 'papa's' home
coming every summer was quite time
for the people of the North End. We
had grand times, and no one appeared
to enjoy them more than did the young
and at that time rising actor.
"He lived among us many years, and
every one in those days had kind word
for Mr.. Barrett; he was respected by all
who came in contact with him. He was
generous to fault, and many are the
people who have lived throughout the
year on the bounty he bestowed during
his short sojourn in the summer months.
remember that during one of his visits
he offered to erect house for a worthy
man and his family and pay the whole
bill.
SIT was his many acts of charity that
made him beloved by the people up here.
We had stirring times in those days. Mr..
Barrett and his friends used to make
things lively, and his genial, generous
disposition was in measure infectious,
and had tendency to make every one
pleasant.
HIS GENEROSITY.
eyes, I have nothing but the most
pleasant recollection of Mr.. Barrett and
his amiable wife when they lived in
these parts.
''He did for others what few men now
adays would do with more money than
ever he possessed. For years he support.
ed his mother, his widowed sister and
family and many people who had nc
claim whatever upon him. He always
gave largely to any charity, and at times
going short to do SO. l remember his
sister, Miss Barrett, coming to live at
the farm, but she soon followed in the
footsteps of her brother and married Mr.
Tisdale, one of our townsmen. For the
newly welded pair he purchased a So, ,0O(
house in Walpole.
GAS the summer months began to want
Mr.. Barrett used to study very hard
and you could meet him in the road al
all times talking to himself. 1t was al
these times that Mr.. Barrett used tC
cause his friends much anxiety, as this
hard study was too much for his over
taxed brain, and he several times wan
dered away. On one occasion he wa'
caught just boarding train at Dedhan
for Boston, having walked the whole
seven miles with but little of his ordi
nary wearing apparel on. But he Away
came around all right after short rest.
SIT was just pie for us country fel
lows to get Mr.. Barrett to tell us SOM
of his experiences while on 'the road,' a!
these theater people call it, We used tx
sit on that wall, and Mr.. Barrett woult
hand out the cigars, and after we wer
all hit up reel off some fine stories tina
would be well worth printing if I coult
only remember them.
81 could tell you lots of good deed
performed by Mr.. Barrett, but as mos
Of the people are still alive it would
hardly be fair. He was a most effec
tionate husband, loving father and
most estimable gentleman. and nothin,
but regrets were expressed when he de