Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-11-10

worth it. This horse Is easily remembered
at Mortified, Tunbridge, Woodstock and
nearly all the fairs in Vermont and New
Hampshire. He was the pride of Grand
pa Metcalf, Mr.. Wheeler's father in law,
and we tender him our most sincere con
dolence.
BARNARD's ONLY BRASS BAND: LOOKING
BACKWARD.
Lemuel Ashley came to Barnard from
SALISBURY, Mass, in 1854 and settled on
what is now called Ashley hill. More
than one hundred years ago this hardy
pioneer founded family that afterwards
became famous as musicians. The old
farm descended to bis son, sLemuel, and
from him to his son Joseph Jackson,
whose family are still owners; so for
more than a century the hill has remain
ed in the hands OF the Ashleys.
Joseph Jackson Ashley was born in
1908, was a carpenter by trade and for
some years worked in the city OF Nashua,
N. H., where he married and became
quite noted citizen. His natural talent
for music was cultivated to some extent
and be became member Of brass band
and proficient player, both with violin
and bugle. While yet a young man of
thirty six he came back to Barnard and
bought the old farm Of his brother, James
NJ, working part of the time at his trade.
De built the present residence OF w. G.
Danforth, which has stood the test OF
more than fifty years and will still com
pare with modern houses of recent date.
Jack, as he was Familiarity called, being
the Oldest OF his fathers children, who
we're all born musicians, somewhere in
the 4O's organized and became the teacher
OF brass band in Barnard with head
quarters on Ashley hill. The nucleus of
this company were the four Ashleys, Jack.
MQdfcnn aloh N
sons OF Uncle Lem. Added to these were
the two Peirce boys, Isaac and Baniah,
who were adjoining neighbors, and
Thomas Wright, Who lived on the creek
road and owned the original Wright
homestead where old Deacon Thomas
wright, bis grandfather, was captured by
the Indians in 1880 and carried a prisoner
into Canada. This band first began to
play for its own amusement, but this be-
ing in the days OF militia muster and
trainings, their services were always in
good demand, not only for military drills
but for all great political gatherings.
am more particular in describing this
company because it was the first, the last.
and the only brass band that Barnard
ever had and in all probability ever will
have. In looking backward we can easilv
credit them with having given the hest
all round martial music ever in town.
JACK Ashley, the leader, organizer and
teacher OF this band, was, as said before.
a born musician and also a born gentle.
man. The same will apply to bis three
brothers. Jack was six feet tall, with
broad shoulders, and would weigh $50
pounds. His pleasant, open face and clear
cut features would readily give him a
passport, and make him an ornament to
any society. He was great reader and
bis easy, fluent conversation made him
exceedingly popular on all occasions. As
a buRler he could not be surpassed in the
country about Barnard.
Alden Ashley played the second bugle
and marched by the side of Jack. Alden
was tride taller and quite as heavy as
his brother. The two made great front.
Following Jack and Alden marched
Isaac and Baniah Peirce, also two heavy
weights, playing bass and tenor from
bones. These instruments were the old
fashioned, long reach kind that require a
good deal Of room,and consequently made
9 good deal Of noise. The Peirce bows
lacked the musical talent of the Ashlegs
but performed well their parts.
Next In order cane James M, known as
Mad (short for Madison) Ashley, and
Caleb, known as Cape. The tall. wirv.
sinewy form and nervous Temperament
Of Mad Ashley well adapted him to plav-
Ing the tenor drum, and what there was in J