Arizona weekly citizen., 1891-05-23
STORIES OF BARRETT.
OPINIONS OF THE DEAD ACTORS
NElGHBORS IN WAlPOlE.

He Found Els Charming wife-How He
Was Regarded by His Simple Friends
Near His Country Home.
Away up in the hills of Norfolk coun-
ty, nestled among the woods, about a
mile and q 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 la
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
MIR" 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
time when he returned after a long tour,
and 1t was along the shady lanes and in
pretty hooks in the woods that he sought
rest and quiet for his overworked brain.
"But 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 ]
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 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. say one,
because we have always had many in this |
district. She was a 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 confectioner's 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 a friendship.
which soon ripened into love, and mar
rage was the result.
After their marriage they made the |
farm their home. 1t was here their
daughters were reared and |
and | tell you 'papa's' home |
for the people of the North End. We
had grand times, and no one appeared
10 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 |
'or Mr.. Barrett; he was respected by all
who came IL contact with him. He was
generous to n fault, and many are the
people who have lived throughout the
rear on the bounty he bestowed during
lis short sOjoUrn in the summer months.
remember that during one of his visits
le offered to erect house for worthy
nan and his family and pay the whole
dill.
ut 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
Kings lively, and his genial, generous
disposition was in measure infectious.
nd had a tendency TO make every one
pleasant.
his GENEROSITY.
Eyes, l have nothing but the most
pleasant recollection of Mr.. Barrett ant
lis amiable wife when they lived IL
hese parts.
''He did for others what few men now
days would do with more money than
yer he possessed. For years he support
d his mother, his widowed sister and
amily and many people who had no
lain whatever upon him. He always
ave largely to any charity, and at times
DING short to do so. | remember his
ister, Miss Barrett, coming to live al
he farm, but she soon followed in the
ootsteps of her brother and married Mr. |
'isdale, one OF our towrsmen. For thc
ewly welded pair he purchased s., Coz
ouse i'll Walpole.
"As the summer months began to wane
Ii. Barrett used to study very hard,
nd you could meet him in the road at
II times talking to himself. 1t was at
hesa times that Mr. Barrett used to
ause his friends much anxiety, as this
ara study was too much for his over
axed brain, and he several times wan
cred away. On one occasion he was
aught just boarding train at DedhaIn
DR. Boston, having walked the whole
even miles with but little of his ordi-
airy wearing apparel on. But he always
anne AROUND all right after short rest.
1T was just pie for Us country fell
,ws to get MI. Barrett to tell US some
{ his experiences while on tho road as
lese theater people call it. We used to
t on that wall, and Mr.. Barrett would
and out the cigars, and after we We're
Il lit up reel off some fine stories that
'ould be well worth printing if 1 could
nly remember them.
Il could tell you lots of good deeds :,
arformed by Mr.. Barrett, but as most
the people are still alive it would
;rdly be fair. He was a most effec-
onate husband, a loving father and Il
ost estiInable gentleman. ani nothing !.
ut regrets were expressed when he de 7,
ded to leave us for Cohasset; but what q
as Walpole's loss was CohaSset's gain. L
Boston Globe. Il
Fatal to Piety.
Wooi-Why are you so sure Blifkins'
OK III Il.