New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-12-13

ton with which he listened to the little ones was
hardly less than the wonder with which they heard
the aged minstrel sing the hymns OF long ago.
1t was only country concert, such as singing
teachers arrange frequently. and the performance
OF those who took part in the cantata was not
extraordinary In its character but the cooperation
OF tho old man with the little ones made the &C.
caslon one which those who were present Will not
forget.
David I,aurcns Horton was the venerable nero
OF the evening. He is the personihcatlon OF the
old-time singng-schoo leader in whom seventy
three years of singing has not checked the ardor
for Sacred musical service. His ancestors came
from England in 1910 and he is the seventh
descendant Of Barnabas Horton, who, when he
came to this country, brought. among other things
his own tombstone. Mr.. Horton was born In
Southhold. Long Island. and has always Hveo
there The splendors and the novelties OF the near
by metropolis never had any attraction for him,
and his own home his farm and his family circle
were OF more interest 10 him than New-York and
all that Il offered.
"Oh. yes" he said. II have been in New-York
many times but / like Southhold better. I've
done some travelling too but never further north
than Newburg and never east Of Nantucket. But
that was twenty years ago." and he said 1t In
tone which implied that 1t was so long ago that
II should not be held up reproach against him
While the hall filling up. and while the people
in charge OF the entertainment were busting
about, the old man received his friends, many Oh
whom called him Grandpa"
Il suppose you have heard much good music In
your day." Of the visitors said.
Yes" the old man replied and his eyes sparkled
with pleasure that the subject had been suggested
Il have heard much good music-why not? led
the singing in the Presbyterian Church for nearly
forty years and taught singing school over twenty
years and did hear much good music" and he
emphasized the did vigorously.
But when he was asked IL he had heard the
great artists who appeared the concert and
operate stage in his day. he smiled and said
NO not that kind. never saw an opera, and
never in theatre. Ny music was church
music. ! always liked that better than any other
just liked my home better than the saloons
l never was in a saloon. and when went 10 the
store II to buy something. and not TO sit
round" Mr.. Horton seems to be proud OF his
tobacco never had any attraction for him. But
| got away from the farm enough" he said 10
keep posted IN politics. and always found time to
But you voted for Bryan. grandpa" some one
said.
NO SIR with emphasis II always voted right.
l voted Tor Fremont and for all the Republican
He smiled when some one asked him II he Eel.
no symptoms Of nervousness as the time for appear
fafher started 10 sing some old tunes sad one Of
Mr.. Horizons friends. but when he go. started the
associated made him break down. and he couldn't
HOW Oh was heF asked MI. Horton. with In
terest.
Ne was seventy-one years Cd at that time"
oh He was young man. he said In a tons
which implied. Wait and see wha: mature man
do"
The little ones had cleared the stage and the
quartet OF which Mr. Horton 70 be one, was
the next TO be heard Slowly he arose from his
place In the audience and with the assistance OF
a grandson and young woman he walked 10 the
door through which he went 10 the wings. and pres
entity appeared on the stage with those who
TO take part In the songs with him. The echo OF
the childrcn's voices had scarcely died away. the
picture OF their fresh. young faces still before
the audience when this vigorous relic OF A former
that which was dear 10 his ancestors took the chair
which hai been placed for him; then with no in
strumen;dl accompaniment. he sang the basso part
IN hymns. II was homely music. but the blend
Ing OF the voices of hopeful youth and old age was
impressive. and religious silence fell upon the
place when clear above the others the voice OF the
old man could be heard:
From the third heavn where God resides
That holy harry place"
When Il was over those who heard the singing
looked about though In doubt the propriety
OF applause. Then hands clapped, and the
chair and keeping time with hand and foot in good
old orthodox way. sang
How long dear Saviour. O. how long.
Shall this bright hour delaJ?'
and then while the audience app,auded and while
his friends congra uated him his success the
ancient singing school teacher resumed his in
the audience 10 hear the rest of the chldren's
concert.