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This section was originally a typewritten manuscript titled ``Recollections Relating to the Hale-Hammond Pioneers of Bath, Ohio''. It was written in Akron, Ohio, in 1905-06 by Eveline Bosworth Cook (m. 1852, James M. Cook). Eveline's mother was Evaline Hale (b. Dec. 1, 1801, Conn., m. Dec. 6, 1821, John Bosworth, d. May 1, 1826, Ohio). Evaline Hale was a daughter of Sarah Hale (b. Feb. 16, 1771) and Elijah Hale (b. March 6, 1772). Sarah Hale was a sister to Jonathan Hale and Rachel Hale Hammond, wife of Jason Hammond, all of whom were emigrants to Ohio in 1810. The original of this manuscript is available in the library of the Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, Ohio.
My good cousin, Othello W. Hale, has requested me with pen and ink to jot down my recollections of olden times. I most hastily wish one of the pioneers had left a history of their times, for they could speak from experience, but now their hardships and privations will never be known, we can imagine and that is all. Although in my eightieth year, I can well remember incidents of childhood, also what I have heard and read of earlier times.
There were three families that came from Connecticut in 1810. Jason Hammond, wife [Rachel Hale, sister of Jonathan Hale] and 5 children, age respectively 21, 19, 18, 14, 12 years; Elijah Hale, wife [Sarah Hale, sister of Jonathan] and 2 children, age 5 and 6; and Jonathan Hale, wife [Mercy S. Piper] and 3 children, age 6, 4, and 2. Sixteen in all.
My mother, oldest daughter of Elijah Hale was the first one that died, May 1826, and as time passed along, one after another passed away, till in the year 1885 my dear Aunt Mary Hale Strong left this world, being seventy-five years from time they came in 1810. Some of them lived over eighty years, most of them less, my mother's life was the shortest.
I do not remember seeing Uncle Hammond, he died when I was between four and five years old, though I remember going to the funeral. Grandmother, Aunt and a neighbor, Mrs. Fowler, and daughter and myself rode by taking turns, not in a buggy but horseback, three adults and two children. After we got home Grandmother often reported the following words: ``Man goeth to his long home and mourners go about the streets.'' I forgot to write that Uncle Hammond died September 27, 1830, just ten years before my father died.
I remember Aunt [Rachel] Hammond well, was twelve years older than Grandma [Sarah], used to walk up the long hill coming in the morning to spend the day with her only sister in Ohio, she died Nov. 11, 1842. At her funeral cousin Lewis sung a beautiful piece as follows:
I'll take my staff and travel on,
Till a better land I do view.
I'll march to Canaan's land.
I'll land on Canaan's shore.
There troubles never come,
And trials are no more,
Farewell, farewell my loving friends, farewell.
I think the above was the chorus, was the first and last time I heard it.
Theodore [b. 1789], oldest son of Jason Hammond arrived July 15, 1810, enlarged a log cabin built by Mr. Gates, where his father's family lived a year and half also grandfather Hale and family. Theodore [Hammond] lived at Hammond Corners several years then went to Illinois where he died.
Rachel, oldest daughter married Charles Farnham, saw good deal of trouble in married life, lost several children.
Lewis Hammond lived on the old Homestead during life, united with church at Center of Bath, but withdrew to labor among a neglected class of people living by the canal, where there was a class formed, perhaps a Methodist Church; he was a devoted Christian, his son William, in late years followed his father's example.
When I was young Horatio lived about a mile east from Hammond Corners, later he and Royal built and kept a store, think it was a failure, then Horatio went west. A few years later Royal Hammond, wife and mother went west [to Knox County, Ill.]
Uncle [Jonathan] Hale left Connecticut with a span of horses and wagon load of goods, June 12, 1810, started off alone for his western home. There was a house built on his land by Captain Miller, so he had a house to occupy, but he was alone, his wife, Aunt Mercy3.4 with the three children came about November 1, 1810 in company of Jason Hammond and Elijah Hale.
Then the sixteen were all together, thankful no doubt the long toilsome journey was ended, for I have heard grandmother say they were six weeks on the road, seems as though they would all be tired and worn out. They did not travel on the Sabbath, but rested according to the commandment.
Now it being November, they had to prepare for cold weather as best they could, with woods all around them, poor roads or none. I don't know where they got their provisions for winter. Aunt Mary told me there were but four families living in Bath when they came, surely they were in trying circumstances but I never heard any of them sick. I think Uncle must have been especially thankful that his wife and three little ones 6, 4, and 2 years had come through safely. I don't remember seeing her, but think she must have been a mild careful mother for I remember reading or hearing Cousin James say after some misdemeanor, she would tell him, ``probably I shall punish you in the course of a week.'' But her life on earth ended Oct. 16, 1829. Uncle married a noble Christian woman Nov. 2, 1831 [Sarah Cozad], a widow with two daughters and a son. Nobly she took place of mother to all. The last time I saw cousin James Hale he spoke so kindly of her, think he said ``she used them all alike.'' Aunt was also the mother of three other children, Jonathan, Mercy, and Samuel, the first two died many years ago, Samuel, the youngest died April 18, 1905.
A sad incident happened to Aunt soon after her marriage. having the toothache she got up in the night to get a remedy for it, and fell down the cellar stairs and broke her arm. Were no Doctors near, and had to send to two places before one could be secured, but she kept on with her work doing the best she could with one arm, probably for several weeks.
The oldest of Sarah's children, called ``Aunt Jane the Good'' by one of her nieces in account of a Hale Reunion in 1889, is the only one living of uncles family, is now in 85th year, is feeble and has been for many years, but in younger years when children were young done a good deal of hard work, good housekeeper, good mother, but with all her work and cares, she with her mother was always ready to help in any benevolent enterprise. Her six children have all been spared to her, the youngest 43 last month. They love to visit Mother especially on her birthday l6th of January. She had her wrist broken the past fall, pretty hard for a person of her age to bear, glad to hear she is getting well.
Sophronia, Uncle [Jonathan's] oldest daughter was born July 7, 1804. She was nearly 5 months younger than my aunt Mary Hale, her cousin, between whom a strong friendship grew up from their childhood. I remember when quite young they loved to visit each other, also would change work. Aunt would weave for her and cousin Sophronia sewing for Aunt. Common sewing seemed somewhat difficult for Aunt Mary, but few were equal in quilting. Cousin Sophronia and Ward K. Hammond3.5 were married May 31, 1827. They lived a while in a log house a good ways back from the road, but later built on the center road, south from Hammond Corners. Royal Hammond, his brother, built another house just like it which stood perhaps twenty feet apart. Near as I can remember they were planned alike inside. Royal and his mother Roxanna lived in one, Ward and Sophronia in the other, when I was a little girl.
William Hale was born July 5, 1806. For some reason my Grandmother had a special liking for him. Well, he was an honorable and upright man, he saw good deal trouble in his life, but met it in a Christian spirit, lost two wives and three daughters, only one left of first family, good cousin Othello. I don't think he has an enemy in the world, he is always so kind to everybody, he has a half brother and sister.
Cousin Andrew Hale3.6, born Dec. 5, 1811, was 5 months older than Uncle Theodore, son of Elijah Hale, a cousin. He too was a noble and upright man, loved music. How well I remember in my younger days of going to Uncle Hale's, when uncle with violin and cousin Andrew with clarinet would have such beautiful music, such pieces as ``Bonaparte Retreat from Moscow'', ``Boston March,'' and ``Hail Columbia''. Oh it was splendid, once uncle said to me, ``don't it look silly for an old man like me to play on a fiddle?'' I replied, ``no indeed, they enjoyed it,'' and so did others. From 1840 to 1852, I was a member of church choir in Bath, and during those twelve years I don't remember one Sabbath going to church and cousin Andrew not there to lead the singing, how long before, and after those dates he was chorister do not know. He led the singing too with life and energy, depended on no instrument to get the right key but his faithful tuning fork. I think great credit is due him and cousin William in singing and in many other things in maintaining church services for many years, they were not gentlemen of leisure but hardworking farmers, living four miles from church. Cousin Andrew took great pleasure in having his children learn to sing, and singing with them, and his memory must be precious to them all, but long years ago he went to his rest.
Cousin Pamela was born August 10th 1808 and come that long journey of six hundred miles when only two years old, but lived to grow up a healthy woman as far as I know, was a good housekeeper, and must have worked hard for she married William Oviatt Sept. 28, 1828 and he had a large carriage factory and boarded the hands some of the time, perhaps all the time. They lived and died in Tallmadge, Ohio. One incident of my childhood I have always remembered in connection with Mrs. Oviatt, though think I was old enough and had knit a pair of socks, Aunt Mary and I were there and just before noon we went to the store near by and exchanged them for gloves. I was in the bedroom trying them on and Mrs. Oviatt came in to invite us to dinner, seeing me with the gloves on said, ``you are going to eat with gloves on are you?''
By referring to Mr. Oviatt's obituary, I find he was born in Milford Connecticut, and came to Ohio in 1827. He commenced the carriage manufacture 1828, being the first to establish this business in northern Ohio. The first elliptic steel spring buggy ever made in this state was made in his shop. And more than this he always did business as a Christian man should during the forty years of business life in Tallmadge, was a worthy member of the Congregational church since 1828.
I forgot to state in its proper place, Uncle [Jonathan] Hale built a brick house in 1826-7, bricks made by his sons William, Andrew and James and now eighty years after owned and occupied by his grandson Charles O. Hale, oldest son of Andrew Hale, and it looks good for service eighty or more years. And his good mother Jane [Mather] Hale has lived there about seventy-five years, which is an uncommon occurrence.
My father John Bosworth was a carpenter, and cousin Andrew told me he built the stairs and put cornice on the ``old Brick.'' He built a church in Rootstown in 1820-30, and one later in Ellsworth. His last in Atwater was nearly completed when he passed away. Cousin James M. Hale was born June 4, 1815, the youngest son of Uncle's first wife. I think he left home when sixteen to learn carriage manufacture, perhaps with his brother-in-law, Mr. Oviatt. Lived most of his life in Akron. I think he lived to be eighty-four when his long life was ended March 8, 1899, which was a sad day for me for my own dear husband passed from this earth the same day.
Uncle [Jonathan] Hale had eight children, and three step children, cousin Jane only one left (1905). George Mather was a carpenter, married and lived in Mentor. Cousin Betsey lived to be over eighty, but saw many sorrows, lost parents, husband, and four sons. She was lovingly cared for in her last year by her niece, Millie Oviatt3.7.
Cousin Millie also in early life cared for her father's sister Mrs. Oviatt, during many days of suffering which ended only with her life. Of Millie's brothers and sisters, I have not known much of late years, neither have I known much of cousin Williams youngest children and absolutely nothing of the descendants of cousin Sophronia Hammond3.8 or James Hale, but trust they are living lives of usefulness and worthy descendants of their noble ancestors Jonathan Hale.
The following thought came to me in reading, ``It's no use bragging about your ancestors unless they would feel like returning the compliment.'' Yes, even so I never felt like bragging about my ancestors, but I do feel thankful that both my parents descended from good Christian people. As far as I know the Hale, Hammond, and Bosworth families were very much alike, they took the Bible for their guide following its teachings in assembling for Divine worship, keeping the Sabbath and as far back as I can remember every one of the descendants of above families were in the habit of having family worship with but one or two exceptions, and one of them became a Christian in after life, presume he then enjoyed the privilege, as an aged father in Israel once said, ``All our duties are privileges.''
My Grandfather [Elijah Hale] was born March 6, 1772. From what I have read of the circumstances of the three pioneer families think grandpa had much the hardest time in getting a home for his family, the other found log houses on their lands, none on grandpa's. He had to go about a mile and half to get to his land, and that too up, up a long hill through the woods, at that probably a poor road it must have been exceedingly hard to go so far to work, probably had to do mostly alone, for at that time there were but four families in Bath and every one had all they could do to care for their own families.
I don't know when grandpa begun to be deaf, but so long as I can remember perhaps in 1830, he could only hear by putting our mouth near his left ear, and speak slow, plain, and loud, don't think he could hear any the last years of his life, but could understand some by signs. Aunt Mary told me he used to lead singing till became deaf, and I can remember when singing alone would sometimes beat the time. As long ago as I can remember he did not wish to go anywhere, to meeting or the neighbors. When Uncle Theodore would motion for him to go down to uncle Hale's, he would look up with a pitiful expression on his face and say, ``what do I want to go for, would take no more comfort than a toad under a barrel.'' But he would go when the rest of us went. He was always anxious to go to a location, poor grandpa. I don't think we realized how deeply he felt his trial. I don't think grandma was deaf in my younger days, but as the years increased he was very deaf, as was also Aunt Mary. Uncle Theodore begun to be hard of hearing, but he passed away before he was sixty, and thus was spared that trial and all others. But cousin Sarah Alexander and myself will have to bear the same trial the rest of our lives.
Ever since I can remember grandfather always had family worship before breakfast, and asked a blessing at table all standing.
I think grandpa must have done a good deal of hard work on the farm but towards the last only in garden or chopping wood. He took the most pleasure in getting the babies to sleep, the younger they were, the more it pleased him. He lived to see all his grandchildren but one, can sing his baby tunes, but can't write them. But there was one thing grandpa couldn't do, he could not milk, Aunt Mary told me when grandma was not able to go out doors he would drive the cow in the house or to a neighbor, and uncle Hale was in the same boat, but he was nearer neighbors. I know by certain knowledge he could move his fingers pretty lively when he took violin in hand, which to me is far more difficult than simply milking.
Another thing grandfather liked to do was to give presents to our ministers. The year he died, he wanted Aunt to make a cheese for him, to give to the minister. After his death, Aunt took the cheese and some butter to the minister and told him it was her father's last present. Always when a minister came to see us both my grandparents treated them with the greatest respect.
Sometime ago I found the following quotation, ``We may build more splendid habitations, fill our homes with paintings and sculpture, but gold cannot buy old associations.'' That is solid truth, for I would give more to see grandpa's home as it was 1830-5 than all the splendid buildings in the state, and then there was grandparents, Aunt Mary and Uncle Theodore and in after years old associations with Uncle Hale, his sons and their families, for the Hale families did enjoy so much getting together Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, surely they were the pleasantest gatherings I ever enjoyed, still it is true, ``old friends are the best friends.''
I well remember the house grandfather [Elijah Hale] built in 1811. The fireplace was on east side of room, a ladder in southeast corner, chests under it. Then a south door made of two rough boards nailed together with cross pieces top and bottom, with wooden hinges and latch with string, which was ``always out.'' A small window beside it, then Aunt's loom and other things in southwest corner. No windows in the west but a cupboard. Grandmother's bed in northwest corner. At foot of bed a clock which I remember Mr. Jones brought when I was four or five. I never heard our folks speak of any other clock, therefore, I think they had lived about twenty years without a timepiece. Wasn't that lonesome, and in the woods too. There was a noon mark on doorsill of south door, and next to the clock was a looking glass which I supposed grandmother brought from Connecticut in 1810. Perhaps she bought it about the time she was married which was Christmas 1799. If so, it is about a hundred years old. I have it in the house.
Next was a window, table and cupboard and north door. Next the fireplace, and in front of that was a plank that could be taken up. Underneath was all the cellar they had. It was perhaps three or four foot deep, with barrel of pork on one side, and a bin for potatoes there. They buried most of them outdoors. Grandpa, as best I can remember used to take a hoe and pull the loose dirt away till ground was smooth and hard, leaving a circle seven or eight feet across, then put in the potatoes. Covering them with straw first and then dirt, leaving a trench around them for water to settle in when it rained and then in the spring they would come out so nice and fresh.
The log house was warm and comfortable, one room below and a chamber where Aunt and I slept upstairs. Sometimes in the morning, we would see snow in places on the floor, but would go between them barefoot to the ladder. Then a new roof was put on, and there was another log house built (I think in after years) a few feet from the one I have been describing, with an open shed between them. After Uncle was married he lived in that part. Grandfather lived a long and useful life, was sick about five weeks, principally of old age, and died October 17, 1855.
My grandparents were cousins3.9. Both lived to good old age. My dear loving grandma, how often I think of her! I think my first remembrance of her, who took me in her lap after I had fallen by the ladder (I was not hurt, but frightened). She comforted me, as she did many times in childhood, and also instructed me. Once in looking at a rainbow she told me God had said, ``I will put my bow in the cloud, and I will look upon it,'' then added ``we are looking at the same thing God is looking at.''
From what Aunt told me I think grandma had a good many trials to bear. She was called early in her married life to leave home and mother and other friends to come to the wilds of Ohio for the rest of her life; to bring her two little children away from the comforts they enjoyed, there so far into the woods. There was a very strong affection between grandmother and her mother, who was then a widow. It was almost impossible to part them -- both knew it was the last parting -- but there was one great comfort for grandma: her brother and sister were coming to Ohio, and in after years lived about a mile and half away. Aunt said grandmother was homesick for six years, very likely that was harder to bear than the privations.
My mother [Evaline Hale Bosworth] was married in 1821, and lived in Rootstown, Portage Co. When she died there in 1826, my grandmother was there, also Aunt Mary. Some one (not my father) was officious enough to tell grandma ``she could go out to the shop, if there was any change would let her know.'' This was just before mother died. The suggestion was not heeded, I know grandma felt her loss deeply, often spoke of her when I got old enough to understand her trial, also all the family. When grandmother's sister3.10 died in 1842, she of course felt the loss of her only sister in Ohio.
The first temperance lecture I ever heard, grandmother was the lecturer, and I was the sole audience. Uncle had been sick, and when better needed a tonic. Our folks got some liquor to preserve his bitters, then grandma told me of the evil affects of drinking liquor. Her words have lasted all these years. In my younger years when I got angry at something, she would repeat the following words, ``Be ye angry and sin not, nor let the sun go down on your wrath, neither give place to the devil.''
In 1842-4 there was considerable excitement about the world coming to an end, was caused by Miller and some others. It did not trouble grandma in the least, for she would repeat the words of Christ in Mark 13:32, ``But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.''
The last years of her life she did not read any other book but the Bible. It was hard for her to give up work in her old age. I have heard her say with a sad expression on her face, ``rest of you can work but I can't.'' She used to knit a good deal. I remember 50 or 60 years ago, we had a sewing society in Bath. She couldn't attend but wanted to help. Some one had given some yarn to the society which they gave to her to knit a pair of stocking for a child. She divided the yarn then knit a nicely proportioned pair of stocking, none left, ladies thought she done well, but her good mind failed in her old age, Oh, how well I remember when I used to go home she would clasp me in her arms and greet me with loving kisses.
My grandparents done a good deal of hard work, among the rest was raising and working up flax. I think grandfather raised a good deal. He had it rotted, then with his break got the wooden part of the stalk off, then swindled it to get the shaves out the flax, and his part was done. Then grandma and Aunt hatcheled it to get tow separated from the flax, keeping the fine and course tow separated. Grandma spun the flax on little wheel, and Aunt carded.
Spinning flax is such pretty work, but I had to learn under difficulties, for when I begun to spin grandpa would laugh at me and say, ``there, there, there,'' in such a funny way till he would make me laugh and the thread would run out of my fingers onto the spool. I would have to stop and unwind the thread and start again, with perhaps the same result. Oh! How grandpa enjoyed it. There was a great deal of fun in him. He would love to get the joke on us. Sometimes we could get the joke on him. Though deaf, he would understand it, would look another way and scratch his ear. I persevered and learned to spin flax, and am glad I was taught to work in younger days.
After the yarn was spun, it was boiled in ashes and water and it was a big job to rinse the ashes out of the yarn, then boil it in clear water. Aunt used to size, that is starch, cotton warp. I can't think whether she did linen or not. The cloth for sheets, pillow cases, and table linen was bleached by wetting it first in weak lye then in clear water, alternately. Often, as it got dry on the grass. They made cloth for men's wear, towels, grain bags and aprons. Also yarn for stocking and black, brown and white thread of linen. Aunt used to spin tow, twisting it very slack for candle wicking. If any one wanted a good strong string they would get a ball of tow and some one to twist it, then pull out a string long as they wanted, then twist the tow, twist more, then double and twist again.
When I was young, they used more flax than wool. I can remember when they had only one sheep. Afterwards they had more, and made sheets, coverlids, blankets, yarn for stocking and mittens. I can think of grandma as she used to look, sitting up straight in her chair spinning apparently with but little effort for a long time, or knitting. It was hard for her to give up work in her old age.
To my certain knowledge she was a good cook. In my life I have met but very few that could make such good pies, loaf cake, and pancakes. The crust to her pies was so nice and flaky! I think dried apples, pumpkin and custard were most common, but sometimes wild berries. There was one thing she had the advantage of in those days: she had a brick oven to use, and I know bread and pies are better baked in a brick oven. No one would want to cook by a fireplace, but grandma had to. I presume when they first come to Ohio she could not cook as rich foods as in later years. Aunt told me many times, ``it was hard getting along when the country was new,'' they came in 1810, and I can remember only to about 1830 or after.
Grandmother had a most quiet and peaceful disposition, doubt if I ever saw her angry but once, and then slightly. She lived till the day before I was twenty-seven. Yes, my good grandmother left this world April 16, 1853. Often in old age I heard her say, ``Oh that I had wings like a dove, then would fly away and be at rest.''
The oldest child of my Grandparents and my Mother was born in Connecticut, December 1, 1801, and came to Ohio when she was nine. She left this world when I was so young I know nothing about her except what I was told, all that I have heard speak of her were unanimous in speaking of her good qualities. Aunt Mary used to say she was like Grandmother -- that includes a good deal.
My father, John Bosworth, in visiting a family in Bath that came from his native place, Sandisfield, Mass., became acquainted with my mother which resulted in their marriage on December 6, 1821. They lived in Rootstown, Portage Co., Ohio. I have often wished I could have seen my mother, but have some of her work which I prize highly. She attended school in Hudson where she worked a sampler in the fashion of those days, also a needle book, perhaps about the time of her marriage she spun and wove a table cloth, these articles I have, and shall keep them long as I live.
My parents wedded life was of short duration, little over five years for my mother passed away May 1, 1826, leaving husband, two little ones, father, mother, sister, brother, and many other friends to mourn her loss, yes, she was the first of the Hale and Hammond pioneers to leave the world. Grandma and Aunt Mary mourned her loss deeply.
My older sister Augusta was born June 30, 1823, lived to grow up, was married to John Bell by Rev. L. F. Lane, March 6, 1845. They had six children, the oldest ``Jane'' -- a lovely girl who died when she was twenty years old. They moved to Michigan about thirty-five years ago and lived together fifty-nine years lacking twelve days, both were taken ill Feb. 12th, 1904. Brother passed away on the 22nd and dear Sister followed the 24th about 42 hours after, her mind was so far gone they didn't think she realized his death. He was over 86 and Sister, over 80. They rest side by side in one grave in Muskegon, Michigan, Feb. 1904.
I was born on April 17th, two weeks before my mother died, but was kindly cared for by my grandparents and Aunt and Uncle. I lived some of the time with my father, but mostly in Bath. My good Christian father died September 27th, 1840, then I lived with grandparents till marriage, became acquainted with my future husband in 1851, James M. Cook, and was married by Rev. Horace Smith March 25, 1852. We lived together nearly forty-seven years, he was taken sick 24th of February, was ill eleven days, and left me alone in the world on the 8th of March, 1899. Then our Savior's prayer was answered, as read in John 17:24: ``Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory.''
Mary was the second daughter of Grandparents, and was also born in Connecticut on January 13, 1804. She came on that long journey of six weeks when she was six years old, and also knew by experience some of the hardships of pioneer life. One was to go a good ways to school. I have heard her tell of going to Uncle [Jonathan] Hale's. He had built a log hut which was occupied as a shop, school house, and tool house. I suppose she and mother went there when they were little girls through the woods to school, about one and a half miles. It seems to me it must have been nearly all woods, for I can remember some fifteen or twenty years after, we had to go a long distance with no clearing in sight, what a lonesome walk for those two little girls, and no doubt but her experience led my aunt to highly value education, for she said to me many times when young, ``study and get a good education, can't no one get it away from you.''
There is one verse in Bible think must quote it, for it so aptly applied to Aunt Mary. ``She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willing with her hands.'' She told me that she commenced weaving when she was 16 from that time till 1871 done good deal of different kinds, flannel, table linen, blankets, coverlets, and carpets, never heard any one find fault with her weaving, always seemed to enjoy working with yarns, either spinning or weaving.
My mother died when Mary was twenty-two and then dear Aunt Mary cared for me, and shall never know in this world how much she did for me in childhood, youth and riper years. She was anxious I should have a good education, cared for my health and associates. For all of them I have great reason to be thankful. Besides she taught me to mind, for which I was not thankful at the time, but am now and have been for years. About my first lesson that I remember distinctly was when quite young and going to school. I stayed over night with some school girl instead of going home, not thinking our folks would be worried about me, but next night as soon as I got home, Aunt saw me and without a word took a whip and applied it so faithfully that I never tried the plan again. The lesson lasted me till I was eleven or twelve years old, when going to school some of the scholars planned a children's party. I wanted to stay with one of the girls for it was three-quarters of a mile home, but went home in a hurry to fix it up and go back. Aunt Mary would not let me go back, but while I was teasing for permission she asked grandma if it was best for Eveline to go to a children's party. She very promptly said ``No.'' Well, that made me feel pretty bad, for I was so anxious to go, but I had to stay at home. But I am thankful to this day for their restraint thrown around me.
Yesterday while thinking and writing of Aunt received a letter from Cousin Sarah Alexander, in it she ask if I remember how Aunt used to ask us Bible quotations, namely: ``Who was the first man?'' ``Who was the wisest man?'' ``Who was the strongest man?'', etc, of course I remembered them well, and also on the Sabbath, she wanted me to read the Bible with her, she would read two verses then I read two.
She bought a large printed Bible many years ago, which was printed in 1842. She read it daily and was in the habit of private devotion for many years before her decease. She also followed the teachings of the Bible in her daily life.
I never heard Aunt say anything about it but Uncle Theodore told me that she used to say in her younger days ``she wasn't going to be married but was going to stay with father and mother'' and did. But on October 14, 1860, she surprised us all in marrying Uncle Strong of Edinburg. Sister called him our double Uncle for his first wife was our father's sister, he was a most worthy Christian. In early age, 1822 he came to Edinburg and purchased and lived on a farm the remainder of his life, which came to a close May 8, 1865. His obituary ends with the following words, ``Thus was a good man has gone to his rest-having usefully and honorably finished up a well completed life.'' Thus we see Aunt's married life was short. I think in about a year she came back to her old home in Bath, then in 1868 when Uncle moved to Oberlin she came to live with us in Weymouth. For several years her health and strength was good, in the fall of 1871 spent three weeks in Edinburg as the years passed away could see strength was failing. She loves to read, and it was a comfort to see her rest and read after her long and toilsome life. In the spring of 1885, she begun to use a cane when she walked on the ground, otherwise she seemed about as usual till June.
A few days before she was taken ill she asked me if I was glad my mother gave me to her. I bowed my head for she was getting quite deaf. She replied, ``so be it.'' She had told me years ago that my mother had given me to her. At last the 17th of June came when commenced her last sickness, the last meal we ate together was at noon. Immediately after lunch she went to her room and to bed. I had noticed a red streak on her left cheek in the forenoon, and next morning sent for Doctor. It proved, as I was afraid it was to be, erysipelas. Her face swelled badly, then went on her neck for about two weeks, then she began to cough. The disease went into her lungs. She could sit up to have her bed made up every day till about the last two weeks. One day she told me that she did not wish to get well, but wanted to go where there was no sin or sorrow. At last the 16th of August came and in the afternoon she ceased to breathe. Thus the last of the sixteen Hale and Hammond pioneers passed to her rest.
Aunt died August 16, 1885, lived in this world 81 years, 7 months and 3 days. It is now twenty years last August since my dear, loving Aunt left me.
Many are the friends
Calling us away,
Calling to the Better Land
The youngest and only son of Sarah and Elijah Hale was born April 6, 1812. My Grandparents had been in Bath about two years, and were working hard to get their home and comforts they needed. By the time Uncle was old enough to share their labors, probably they were more comfortably situated. About the first of my remembrances of uncle was when he went hunting, instead of putting on a hat as usual, he tied a blue and white handkerchief on his ears and head. After a while he came back with a deer. Grandma cooked some of it. It was real good. I was perhaps four years old. My remembrance of Uncle are mostly of sickness and suffering, for of all my remembrances of the Hale and Hammond families none suffered so much from ill health as dear Uncle Theodore. I never remember my grandparents being sick; only two or three days, (when they would drink freely of benesett tea) till their last sickness. Aunt Mary only once perhaps two or three weeks. My earliest recollection of uncle's sickness was when I was six years old, he had a run of fever and cousin William Hale came and took care of him. I expect they feared greatly that he would not get well. I remember grandma walking the room saying to herself, ``one is gone, another is going, another is sick and will not take any medicine.'' Poor grandma, I shall never forget her sorrow that day, but uncle got up again to be a comfort to all. He was sick again a while before he was married, and Aunt Irene came to see him.
I can remember some events but not dates. Uncle went to Strongsville to school and became acquainted with Irene Lyman, whom he afterwards married on Jan. 1, 1835. She was just such a wife as he needed and again he was very sick. I think it was at this time that the fever settled in his left hand, and three fingers became stiff. He could not shut up his hand. I don't know when he begun to have dyspepsia, but that caused him untold misery for years, have often wondered how he possibly could do the hard work he did and live on such a spare diet, for sometimes his principal dish was ``graham mush,'' but little if any butter, but with cream and sugar on it. His stomach troubled him before I was married, 1852, and I heard him say in 1862 or 3, ``that he had not sat down to a table to eat a meal of vittles and satisfied his appetite for many years.'' Think of that, being hungry all the time with plenty of food before him, which he had worked hard to procure. Oh, we didn't half realize his trials, the daily self- denials for years. In 1843 he went to Connecticut for his health. He was gone about three months. About 1846 he had lung fever. His doctor told me it wasn't the doctoring that raised him up but the nursing and he would not be very likely to admit that if not true. If there ever was a natural born nurse, surely Aunt Irene was one. She knew not only what to do, but how to do it. I haven't had the least doubt but that uncle's life was prolonged for many years through her good nursing.
I may be mistaken, but I think the hardest year of his life was 1851. On election day, a pain commenced in second finger of right hand, growing worse and worse. Once he fainted from the pain. had the doctor but the pain steadily increased, his finger was swollen, then his whole hand. Oh how he suffered, it proved to be erysipelas3.11. For a while he was up but finally he was confined to the bed. I was away from home, and can't remember whether he was confined to the bed before or after cousin Julia died, so he had sorrow upon sorrow. I think his whole sickness lasted three or four months and by that time his second finger could not be straightened, but bent down into the palm of his hand. It remained so rest of his life, then both hands were crippled, but finally he got better slowly and able to work. I don't see hardly how he could with crippled hands.
Then about 1856 or 8 he met with a bad accident in Akron, his team was frightened and in some way he had two ribs broken, and hurt other ways, but lucky for him cousin Sarah and Joseph were living in Akron and he was carried there. Aunt Irene, his faithful wife went and cared for him. I presume he had sick spells after this, but don't remember any serious illness. There were revival meeting in Richfield, I think about 1836 or 7. Uncle attended and became a Christian. One day there was children's service and I rode behind Uncle horseback. I think he ever after tried to live a Christian life. He had family worship, and also asked blessing at the table. Surely he needed the grace of God to help him bear his many trials. He was always attending church when health would permit. He had a three seated buggy and would stop on the road taking all who wanted to go to church, by the time he got to the center he would have a jig-load. Uncle was quick witted in conversation, in answering questions he would give unexpected answers. I can only think of only one instance now: one of the girls told me when they were moving to Oberlin that she asked him if they were going to have gas in their house. He replied quickly, ``yes, when you get there.'' Probably, he thought her a great talker.
One night, when living in the old log house, I woke up and saw that they had built a fire. Soon after that, grandma came up, went to the sugar barrel, then came and whispered to Aunt Mary. I asked her what Grandma said. After a little while, she said she would tell me after the rooster crowed twenty times, so I waited and counted. When the last one crowed his crow, she told me Theodore was a ``daddy.'' The next time I saw uncle, he seemed quite happy, with a baby in his arms, which lived, grew up, married and has been ever since Dec. 22, 1835 my good cousin.
Cousin was named ``Sarah Irene'' after both of her grandmothers. In after years, as there was two Sarah Hales and two Sarah Alexanders, they shortened her name to Sadie, but I liked our good grandmother's name the best. I thought when she was young I should have somebody to go to school with me, but was disappointed, too much difference in our ages, have always thought good deal of her. She was married May 3, 1855 to Joseph Alexander, lived in Bath a while, went west, came back settled in Akron, lived in Cleveland, then went to Kansas where they now reside. They enjoyed their ``Golden Wedding'' on the 3rd of May, 1905. They have three children. The eldest son married and lives in Cleveland. Their two daughters married and lived in Kansas.
Uncle and Aunt lost their son. Cousin Julie A. was born June 12th, 1840. She was a nice little girl but her life was short, for she died of congestion of the lungs on June 6, 1851 after only three days of sickness. I think Rev. Mr. Smith preached the funeral sermon, taking for his text Job 23:10, ``but he knoweth the way that I take, when he hath tried me: I shall come forth as gold.'' It was very appropriate as Uncle and Aunt especially were passing through severe trials.
Owing to Uncle's failing health and also wishing to give his children a chance for education he bought a home in Oberlin 1868, moved in same year, which was hard for all. Uncle travelled several times with goods. I felt sorry indeed to have them go so far away. I knew I should not see them very often, but it was better for them. Uncle came to see us twice, but he was failing. In June of 1871, we went to see him. He was then able to walk a little and came to the table, but oh, how he had failed! I parted with him for the last time on June 30. He was then lying on the lounge. He failed gradually till the 15th of August when he gently and easily passed away. The blow which dear Aunt Irene had feared all her married life had fallen. The following words are so appropriate for Uncle that I will quote them:
How blest the righteous when he died
When sinks the wearied soul to rest
How mildly beams the closing eye
How gently heaves the expiring breast.
Uncle died August 15, 1871.
Cousin Sophia was born April 22, 1845. When young she took quite a fancy to me, calling me ``Mack''. Don't know why. Would cry to go away with me, guess I petted her. She and younger cousins thought I must play with them, between daylight and dark was their special time for play. Cousin Sophia's health was good till the year of Uncle's accident in Akron when she was ill with lung trouble, but with her mother's good nursing recovered. Went to Oberlin, saw her two or three times afterwards, but in 1875 she was ill again with consumption and passed away July 3rd, nearly four years after her father.
Cousin Nettie lived with sister Sarah in Akron sometime before the family moved to Oberlin, which improved her opportunity to get an education. She was married to Dwight Hibbard, May 25, 1871, and has two sons grown up now in 1905. She is still living in Akron, and was born August 16, 1847. Cousin Celia was born July 12, 1852. Her hair was about the color of mine when we were young. The last time I saw her was June 30, 1871, I presume she has changed very much. She was married to John Persons on August 3, 1876. Her home has been in Alpena, Michigan. She had two children.
The youngest cousin Myra was born March 6, 1856. The last time I saw her was about fifteen years of age. She was married the same day Celia was, August 3, 1876, to William Hobbs. They went to the northern part of Michigan, but her health failed. Her mother went to her in 1878 and in June all came back to Oberlin, but July 5th she too left the world. She left a little son 14 months old. The last time I saw him when about four, he seemed healthy but he too passed away when eighteen years old. He lived with Aunt and Flora till he was eight years old, then lived with his father.
Now after all these changes Aunt and Flora were left alone, and they must have felt it deeply. Some of the time they took lady boarders, finding that too hard, Aunt had passed through good deal. Flora don't think was ever very strong, they rented rooms, and part of the house to a family and got along as best they could till in the spring of 1859, when Aunt was taken sick with stomach trouble which lasted rest of her life. Aunt had worked hard during her life in Bath, for she like all farmers wives had milk to care for, and every year spun wool, colored and wove cloth for winter dresses for herself and girls, this was common work for every family but all did not do their weaving.
After she went to Oberlin, was a change of work but not much rest in keeping boarders. My health was poor so I could not go to see Aunt till near the close of August. Oh, what a change since I saw her last. She suffered so much the Doctor kept her under the influence of opiate. She slept most of the time. Only once she spoke to me. Sarah, Nettie and Flora cared for her so good, one of the girls told me I could speak with her and I told her cousin Eva had come to see her. Nettie told me she only said, ``So kind'' the last words I had from her lips. Few days after that she too passed away, on August 29th, 1889. And now Flora poor girl was left alone of all their family, Father, Mother, two sisters gone forever. Felt so sorry for her. Think she and her mother took good deal comfort together. She had friends but no relatives in Oberlin.
I never went to Oberlin after Aunt died. Saw Flora once in Akron, she spent some time with sister Nettie. Think most of the time she was in Oberlin. Then she too had trouble with her stomach and left the world Dec. 22, 1900. Now Uncle and all his family were all gone from their home in Oberlin, home occupied by strangers; same as the ``dear old home'' in Bath where Grandparents spent their last days, also Aunt Mary. Sister Augusta, Cousin Sarah, and we were married there. Three daughters living, Sarah in Kansas, Nettie in Ohio, Celia in Michigan. Aunt Irene Lyman Hale was born in Brattleboro, Vt., September 3, 1814. When she was three years old her parents came to Strongsville, Ohio.
Cousin Jane told me years ago that Cousin Andrew Hale was a ``good provider,'' and surely she done her part nobly in preparing food for the table long as health was given, which meant hard work for both. Recently had letter from cousin Sarah, telling me that Cousin Andrew taught her and Don, Marcy, Sarah, and Lucy to read notes on blackboard and drilled in singing, which was a great help to them, she appreciated his kindness and added she always loved to go to the Valley and so say I, but will not have the pleasure again.
Many years ago I was a member of Cousin Andrew's Bible Class and know he was a good teacher, and enjoyed the privilege. I also remember once of going to Bath and cousin showed me some good old fashion soap he had made, our folks used to help about it, but I never knew any one but cousin Andrew to go ahead and do it all, it was nice good soap too, don't think it was the first he made.
I find by referring to ``Church Records'' kindly sent to me by cousin O. W. Hale that the church in Bath was organized Nov. 24, 1823. Those present were Caleb Pitken, John Seward and Israel Shailer, missionaries, but from all I have read and heard don't know when these and other Missionaries came to Bath and commenced their blessed work, but Rev. Mr. Shailor came before 1821 for in December of that year he married my parents John Bosworth and Eveline Hale. Aunt told me it was the first couple he married, I also heard Aunt speak of Rev. Hanford and Woodruff the last name is mentioned in the Records, if I remember right they used to meet at private houses also at log school-house at Hammond's Corners.
Mr. Shailor settled in Richfield south of the center, east side of the road, for several years labored as a colporter of the ``American Tract Society,'' and I was much pleased when he came to our house summer after our marriage. I bought a Testament with notes by Rev. Justin Edwards. I prize it highly, in after years he remained with us over night. I might have obtained much reliable information of pioneer days in Bath if I had only improved my opportunity. In the church Record I see under date of May 27, 1826 for the first time name of Rev. Horace Smith, he often came to Grandfather's home in my younger days. He supplied the pulpit in Bath Church many times when they did not have minister. Even as late as 1862, was the regular pastor, he had too settled in Richfield west of the center, his life closed very suddenly. He went to meat market near by for meat, and while they were preparing it for him he sat down to rest, and ceased to breathe, though death came sudden he was prepared, and it might be said of him as of Enoch of old: ``He walked with God and he was not for God took him.''
I see by Church Records that Rev. Smith admitted members to church fellowship on many different dates. Then some admitted by Rev. Shailer Sept. 16, 1828, then some admitted by Rev. Smith at schoolhouse in 1831 and 1832 quite a number united with the church, that in after years were very useful members. The records states that they met at house of Phineas Rash, he then lived on hill north the center. I can remember going there to meeting, then under date of July 6, 1833. At the meeting house, a log house, and from that date to 1839 Rev. Smith at different intervals admitted members to the church in Richfield five miles away, but presume they had service on the Sabbath by having sermons read, same as they did in later years. The congregation stood during prayer in those days.
I have heard Aunt Mary Hale say there were only four families in Bath when they came 1810. I have received a paper compiled by Cousin Oviatt Hale June 1898 giving valuable information of the pioneer days in which he states they begun having meetings in 1818 and under the frame work church was built in 1834 now used as Town Hall. I remember they met in the log house that stood on northwest corner of church a few feet away. There was a committee appointed of Jonathan Hale, Theodore Hammond and Joseph Fulton to make arrangements for seating the house, but when it was done don't know, presume soon as it could be. In the church records of April 26th, 1839, we have the first mention of Rev. Lewis T. Laine who was installed as pastor at above date. He then lived at the center, and was also a Clerk of the church. In the spring of 1842 Mr. Laine secured the services of Rev. Lamson in a series of revival meetings. As a result several united with the church: Eleazer King and wife, and it seems to me also his father and mother although not mentioned in the record. They were quite old. Betsey Rogers, my sister and myself all remained members long as we lived in Bath. Mr. Laine taught school one winter at Hammond's Corners in what was formerly owned by Horatio and Royal Hammond as a store room. He was surely good and thorough teacher. Besides the regular text books, he gave us such good instructions for the duties of life, opened and closed each day with short devotional exercises. Boarded at home one and half miles away but always prompt on time. He was model man as minister, teacher and Christian.
The work of the Lord prospered in his hands, he had good sermons and united with the church 1842 and 3 but a great trial was before him. His loved wife died March 15, 1844 leaving husband, two daughters and son three months old. Grew to manhood and gave his life in service of his country. Mrs. Laine was a lovely woman. Mr. Smith of Richfield was called to conduct the funeral services. I happened to be present when he met Mr. Laine with a cordial hand clasp, and with tears from Mr. Laine but no words from either. There as a large circle of sympathizing friends who stood by her grave while we sang ``Sister thou was't mild and lovely.'' but it was hard singing. This was year of many trials to Mr. Laine and he sunk under them. His little girls gone to live with their grandparents and he was entirely alone, then was sick and Theodore Hammond took him to his home and cared for him. Soon as he was able the first sermon he preached, he took for his text the following words ``In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider.'' Many others united with the church during Mr. Laine's pastorate. Some mentioned in the record were Marie Wiley, Elanor and William Barber, Cornelis Smith, two of her sisters Mary and Allmira not in record, but am sure were members, Elijah Brett, Robert McNeil, Charlotte Smith, James and Henry Rufael and wives, James, Theodore, and Rebecca Hammond and others, for cousin Oviatt Hale states that in 1846 there were 64 members. Mr. Laine married again in the fall of 1844 and moved to Hammond's Corners but in 1846 he went to York State and lived to be eighty-six years old.
In the years 1843-4 the ambitions of some of the most substantial members led them to seek homes in the West and letters were given to Royal, James and Roxana Hammond, Mr.. and Mrs. Dale Elizah Brott, Maria Wiley, and some others. In 1847 letters were given Theodore Hammond and wife, Dr. Bushman and wife, Mrs. Sarah McNiel, some of these had been members of long standing, and it was a loss to the church to have them leave.
Nov. 1846 Rev. S. D. Taylor came as pastor to the church, the first sermon I heard him preach was one Saturday at preparatory service from the following text, ``Thy vows are upon me Oh God.'' Was good sermon, would be glad to hear it again.
Once heard him make the following remark at our house, ``It is no small think to live a Christian life.'' He took great interest in children, young people and schools.
There were some additions to church, and letters given to others. He lived at Hammond's Corners. The records don't state, and don't know when he left Bath. Few years ago saw his name in our paper and wrote to him. He answered and think I received four or five letters from him. One letter stated he was still preaching when nearly 86 years old. Not heard from him for some years.
August 31, 1855 is the first mention made of Rev. C. W. Palmer. At that date Sarah I. Alexander united with church, and Dec. 7, 1855 Adaline Hale united with the church. May 3, 1857 letter granted to Augustus Hammond.
There had been so many removals of members, and none came to take their places, also deaths of others that it seems inexpressibly sad to pen last entry in the Church Record as follows, ``By previous appointment a meeting was held at Theodore Hale's, and letters were granted Phineas Nash, Mary Van Sickle, Pamelia Oviatt,'' Bath Dec. 19, 1867. There were only three male members now remaining in this church, perhaps last letters given by church, A. Hale.
Cousin O. W. Hale adds, sure enough this was the last entry. And it seems sad to me too that the last record was made in dear old home.
The Church records show that from 1826 Rev. Horace Smith supplied the church and admitted members when they had no pastor as long as the meetings continued, and find by Cousin Oviatt Hale excellent paper meetings were discontinued 1865, also they held services by having sermons read.
Surely very great credit is due Rev. Horace Smith for his pastoral care of church in Bath through all those years, but he has gone to his rest and reward years ago. One great trouble that could not be obviated was the leading members lived at such a distance from the center, were one, two, three, and four miles away, and of the oldest, Mr. Phineas Nash was five miles away but was regular in attendance. In 1840 and 1850 their only means of conveyance was the lumber wagon but afterwards had more comfortable ways of riding. In those years we had two services with Sabbath school intermission, and we enjoyed them all, living at such distances the church members could not get together for prayer meetings, was generally good attendance at preparatory, service previous to communion on Sabbath.
To sum up the whole, we find missionaries commenced holding religious services in Bath in homes of the pioneers, and log house at the center in the year 1818.
A church was built at center of Bath 1834 and was repaired by William Hale in 1858. He hired a Mr. Washburn to do the carpenter work and boarded at the center, cousin Wm. Hale boarding at home four miles away. About the year 1865 services were discontinued in Bath church, would that a good church could have been maintained there till the end of time, but we cannot know in this world the good work that was done by the church during its existence, for the Blessed Gospel of Christ was preached there in purity and love, many souls will have reason to praise God forever for Bath Church. Many fond memories cluster around the church on the hill at center Bath. There we enjoyed hearing the preaching of the Gospel, of uniting in prayer with the Lord's servants, also in singing his praises and the precious privilege of coming to the Lord's table. Souls were converted there and most all have lived their lives of faith and prayer, and gone home to Glory, only one from each family remain at present time. (1905). Of other members very many have gone to their rest.
Our savior said, ``Where much is given, much will be required,'' therefore it becomes us the descendants of our ``Puritan Ancestors'' who through faith and patience now inherit the promises to follow their example in Christian living, in daily faith and prayer ``to make our calling and election sure'' and as in the Apostle Peter's words ``For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.'' ``For his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and of his dominion there shall be no end.''
The time is daily hastening on when it shall be said that ``The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.''
Surely then it is the most important thing we have to do in this world, is to seek with all our hearts and interest in that kingdom.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter, Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
As good singing is a very important part of public worship and the Hales as a family were ardent lovers of music, it is but natural to suppose they would aim to secure good church music. Cousin Andrew Hale taught singing school in Hudson, and it seems very safe to conclude he did in Bath, for his children and others gave proof of being well taught, never heard of any other teacher in those early days, therefore it is greatly to the credit of good Uncle Hale that church music was good in many after years.
The first singing schools I remember was taught by Mr. Gardner in 1834 and 1835. I presume Uncle's health did not permit him to be out evenings, was growing old, think he never was very strong to endure hardships. I think they met at private houses, for I remember they met once or more at Grandfather' s home, can't remember who were there, only cousin Sophronia Hammond and Aunt Mary the ``loving cousin'' were the leading singers of the treble. At the close Mr. Gardner requested them to rise and sing last piece, then some one lead in prayer. I can still remember the tunes and words they sung that winter for Uncle Theodore and Aunt Mary often sung together.
I don't know whether they had more singing schools or not from 1835 to 1840 for I was living with my father in Rootstown. While there, I had a good opportunity to learn singing. In 1840 we had a good teacher. I think he was very much like Uncle Hale, a nice ear for music. He met the new beginners in the afternoon, and took a good deal of pains with us, and with us and with his teaching. Father drilled us at home. He had a heavy bass voice, but mostly played on base-violin. Sister sung treble and I alto. His training was an excellent thing for us for we learned to carry our own parts, not depend on anybody, but it was but for a few months. Father was parted from us and we saw him no more.
We came back to live with Grandparents in Bath and sung with the choir, which at the time was composed of the following members; Cousin William and Andrew Hale, Royal Hammond and wife, Augusta Hammond, Henry Handal, Wm. Bell, Sanford Rogers, Abram Fulton and sister Jane McNiel. Can't remember any others, they were all members of the church and regular in attendance, but don't remember we had any singing schools till 1847 or 1848, then Abram Fulton was teacher and some new members were added. We met in the following winter occasionally. Think when roads were good and comfortable weather, for some had good ways to go. Cousin Sarah Hale Alexander and I used to drive to the center alone, was two miles but we had no trouble, sometimes we met in the school house at Hammond's Corners, but whether there or at the center we had to carry our own candles, with paper wrapped around them, and hold them in our hands.
During Uncle Hale's life I remember meeting him after service once or twice and said ``Eveline, I heard the second to-day, and it was good.'' Those few words have been a comfort to me through life, but he with many others have left the world forever, often when I think of the ``loved ones'' gone forever, am reminded of the following lines of Tennyson :
Ah, Christ, would it were possible
For one short hour, to see,
The souls we loved, that they might tell us,
What, and where, they be.
But it is not possible, though very natural to think often when our nearest and dearest friends are called away and wonder how they are employed, and whether they can know of our loneliness, our sorrows, and trials, but we can rest our souls on nothing short of the words of ``Holy Writ'': ``Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord.''
I have hoped to know when Cousin Andrew Hale was chosen leader of Bath choir but we have failed. Cousin O. W. Hale wrote me they all went to celebrate cousin Jane Hale's 85th birthday, 10th of January, and adds ``Nobody there could remember the Bath choir when Uncle Andrew did not lead it, Aunt Jane spoke of Robert Fulton leading when Uncle Andrew was not there.'' There is a lapse of memory in the name, was no Robert Fulton but Abram Fulton. Robert McNiel married Jane Fulton, Abram's sister. He was a Dr. and lived at Ellis' Corners, now called Montrose.
Remember hearing cousin Andrew was sick all winter in 1865 or 1864.
Cannot remember when I began to learn to read. Think my first book was Easy Lessons for New Beginners. Was some columns of spelling, some reading, well adapted for children. Also had Cobbs Spelling Book, both were old books, perhaps my mother, aunt and uncle had used them in their school days, as books were not plenty in my early days. Think my next book was English Reader with a few exceptions, it was about as suitable for children to learn reading as the political speeches of either party for children's books. The only thing we learned was how to pronounce words with good deal help from the teachers. Then about ten or twelve years old had introduction to the National Reader, but all were far inferiors to school books of today. Some time between 1830 and 40 we had Noah Webster's Spelling Book, though published many years before, which was a great improvement on Cobbs, was used many years.
The first book of any size except the Bible that I read was Pilgrims Progress. When we lived in the old house, I used to rummage in old chest upstairs that had old papers in to find something to read, among them was ``The Ohio Star,'' think published on poor paper, and a Webster's spelling book was very cheaply made, cloth binding, board corners covered with poor blue paper. My first Arithmetic was a Coballs that uncle had used, my first Geography was a Olney's and though good for those times, would not be worth much now in regard to the western states, as on the map that vast corridor was designated as the ``Great American Desert,'' but the school books we had in 1840 and 50 were good.
In early life went to school at Hammond's Corner in a log house. Don't remember but two teachers, Nancy Smith, and Morris Brown, he later, almost think there was another, was a brother I think of Mrs. Fanning, who after her parents died lived with Aunt Hammond 9 years till her marriage. She was also one of Aunt Mary's special friends and her oldest daughter a good Christian girl, was my friend. I think in winter 1832 I lived at Uncle Hale's and cousin George Mather lived with our folks and went to school with cousin Betsey and Jane to Uncle Hammond's. Our teacher was Phebe Hawkins. Think she was a sister of Lewis Hammond's wife. One Sabbath the thought came into my head, wonder if they keep Sabbath here as our folks do while running around up stairs, while cousin was making beds but I soon found out for a message came from Uncle for Eveline to be quiet and he done just right. Many years ago I came across the following verse by Sir Matthew Hale:
A Sabbath well spent,
Brings a week of content
And strength for the toils of the morrow,
But a Sabbath profaned,
Whatever is gained,
Is a sure forerunner of sorrow.
In later years Cousin O. W. Hale was so much interested in the genealogy of the Hale families generations back, that he procured all the information he could, and wrote it down nicely in a blank book, and brought it with two others for me to read, it was so kind, helped many hours of loneliness, in that book he stated ``there were three distinct descendants of Sir Mathew Hale. I know not, but surely they were alike in Christian principle in regard to the proper observance of the Sabbath.''
I feel inclined to quote a little more from Cousin's book, in regard to my great Grandmother, Rachel Talcott. In a letter from one of Uncle's brother, was this sentence near as I can remember: ``Mother is well as usual, her deafness is increasing, and she spends most her time knitting.'' These words so aptly apply to Grandma and Aunt Mary during the last years of their lives, making them very easy to remember. I don't remember of any of Grandmother Talcott's descendants being deaf except Grandma Hale, among other I have mentioned my sister Augusta was deaf in her old age, and am afraid her oldest daughter living is going to have the same hard trial to bear.
I will now resume memories of school days. Sometimes queer incidents will happen. I remember once a teacher who used to sit with chair tilted back and one day was tilted a little too much and over went teacher, chair and all on right side up. Teacher not hurt but got up with a very red face. Supposing an incident like that should occur in one of the graded schools in Akron, think it would take a teacher sometime to restore order, and then very likely a half suppressed snickering would be heard from some fun loving youngster. Whence when I was eight or nine I wanted to go into the first class in spelling, one morning Grandma asked teacher if I could. He gave permission but when I came to look at spelling lesson was afraid I should miss a word so studied the lesson carefully and came across in Cobbs spelling book the following Ab-ra-cab-dab-ra, see there are the letters in every syllable, the scholar next to head missed the word and it came down the class to me. I spelled it right, went next to the head, felt pretty good over it. I don't suppose the word had any meaning, perhaps some poor fellow had undigested food in his stomach and couldn't sleep and made up the word.
In 1842, we had graded schools at Corners. Rev. Mr. Lain taught that year and a student from Oberlin, Mr. Abbot, a good teacher and noble Christian man the two following winters. Then we had large and good schools, many of the higher branches were studied.
Of all those schoolmates I cannot think of one now living in 1906. Some moved away many years ago, not heard from them, may be living.
During those winters and many others had good opportunity for studying or reading the long winter evenings with grandpa sitting at right side of fireplace, grandma next to the stand and aunt on the other side, and myself back of the stand. (My father made over eighty years ago). We always occupied the very same places evening after evening, and winter after winter.
I never heard grandma repeat the following maxim but she practiced it daily, ``A place for everything and every thing in its place.'' Aunt done the same way, often she used to tell me, ``when you get through using anything, put it in its place.'' (Do think it is the easiest way to get along)
Although it is over fifty years since our ``Home Circle'' was broken up it is just as plain to me as ever, can see the form and features of each one as they sat in their respective places, all lived to be over eighty.
| Aunt Mary | lived 81 years, 7 months and 3 days |
| Grandmother [Sarah Hale] | 82 years, 2 months |
| Grandfather [Elijah] | 83 years, 8 months and 11 days |
Grandparents commenced keeping the Sabbath Saturday evening. Sabbath evening about sun down would have family prayer. Uncle Theodore and family also kept Sabbath evening.
In my young days, when I got hurt and cried about it, Aunt Mary would say soothingly, ``well, don't cry. It will feel better when it gets done aching'', and always did. In after life she told me the older you grow the more trouble you will have. Her words proved true.
Tho rough and thorny be the road,
It leads the Christian home to God,
Then count thy present trials small,
For heaven will make amends for all.
Our Savior said to his disciples:
Let not your heart be troubled,
ye believe in God, believe also in me.
also,
In this world ye shall have tribulation,
but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Surely the first important work our ancestors had to do was supplying their families with homes, and these Uncle Hale and Hammond found on their land, but not so with Grandfather. Presume the Uncles and families had trials and privation, with much hard work, but the more I think of grandpa and his circumstances the more I realize what a formidable task was before him. I cannot write of the others because I know so little about them, but hope some other person more capable will write of their early life in 1810 and after.
Wish I knew how grandpa [Elijah Hale] felt when he got to Bath and saw what a great work he had to accomplish to get a home for his family and how he must have felt more than ever the loss of the property he was defrauded of in Conn. for he had undersigned for some and lost his property, what they had in Bath came to Grandmother from her parents. I do not know of course whether there was a single tree cut on the land but Grandpa built a house near a brook (in after years he dug a well North of the house with an old fashion sweep to get the water.) He had to get along best he could for a year and half before he could have family with him. Then land had to be cleared, and the almost endless task of felling trees, making log heaps, burning brush, splitting rails, building fences began. It was probably not a very easy task to plow and drag among the stumps till the roots were dead, whether he had much help in those days, don't know. Surely needed help, when I was quite young he had a young man a while, but it seems to me it was hard work summer and winter. Thirty years or more for grandpa. I don't think he done much farm work after 1840, but husk corn, chop wood, work in garden, and fattening pigs, which he enjoyed. I have heard him talking with Uncle. He would say some pigs he described would weigh some amount. If uncle shook his head, grandpa would say, ``well it will come flexid near it.'' ``Flexid'' was a favorite word with him.
From what I can remember of early days it was through much hard work that corn was raised. They had no cultivator in those days as far as I can remember. It all had to be done with a hoe, and that must have made many hard days work. Don't know whether they raised much wheat or not, but think they lived on corn prepared in various ways, and perhaps they had to go to Middlebury to get either ground.
Father Cook came to Ohio in 1818 and he told me he had to go to Middlebury for grinding. He lived in Medina Co.
When I was quite young grandpa and uncle used to thrash wheat and oats with flails but in 1834-5 had trashing machines. They had a fanning mill to use when thrashed with flails.
I well remember the old log barn east of the house, think the farm barn was built about 1830. There was an orchard north west of house but think most of the fruit we had in early days was wild grapes, and berries, some peaches in after years; had good many.
Our folks took good deal pains raking up fire at night, but one morning it had gone out; no breakfast till Uncle went somewhere to a log heap and got some, well we don't have log heaps now days, matches surely are better. I don't remember, but we didn't had matches until about 1850.
Probably like other children asked many questions, and sometimes when looking on when was working, would ask him why he done this or that thing, he would say ``to make little girls ask questions.''
I often saw him yoke up the oxen, he would put the yoke on the off ox slip the bow round his neck and fasten it, then lift up the other end from ground with left hand and take other bow in right hand and motion to the nigh ox, that stood looking on, then he would walk up to his mate, yoke was put on his neck and bow fastened. (but what an object lesson from a poor dumb brute to the human soul of submission to the toils and trials of life.) I do hate to see dumb animals abused. Often have I thought of a scene in cousin Andrew Hale's cow yard. He would stand with pail in one hand, and milking stool in other, would say ``come Speck'' or come Nubbin or Kupper, can't remember which, and the cow he called would come to him, then he would look so pleased about it, they know their names, for the ones he didn't call would stand still chewing their cuds.
The sugar maple made just as good a sweet as it does now, but people could not make as nice in olden times for want of suitable materials to use, Grandpa used elderstalks for spiles (though in latter years Aunt Mary made the best I ever eat) and to catch the sap he made troughs I think of basswood, and boiled in iron kettles, he had what he called a howel made something like a hammer, head like a hammer only square, the other part was sharp and lightly rounding to dig out the trough with. Grandma had bread tray made in same way only finished much nicer, outside and in, the sap when boiled was strained and settled, then made into sugar, though dark. I used to think it real good, and as my husband used to say when eating something extra nice, ``it's licking good so'll buy you some'' Think our folks made what they used and used all they made, perhaps they bought sugar for making icing on cake, remember when young of being on hand to have the plate and knife to scrape.
Farming was the principal business of the Hale and Hammond Pioneers, yet the necessity of supplying themselves with comforts they needed, they had to turn their hands to other work.
I find by referring to Old Homesteads of Hale-Hammond Pioneers in Bath, compiled by Othello W. Hale, (as I have done before) that Uncle Jason Hammond built the rear, or all, part in 1818 and that Lewis Hammond completed the main part in 1836. How much he done or hired done, don't know, but this I do know, Aunt Mary told me long ago that he made her loom probably about 1820, for she commenced weaving when 16, and the loom was well made. He must have understood somewhat of carpentry, must have been hard work, especially the planning, for it was made of oak. She wove many hundred yards of cloth with it.
If I am not mistaken cousin William Hale plastered a small room for our folks fifty or sixty years ago, therefore, he must have learned by experience something of the masons trade. Think I have heard too that he could make necessary repairs around house and barn in carpentry.
My husband, James Cook, worked with cousin Andrew good many days during the war, and told me of several kinds of work he could put his hand to, but I can't remember them now. I have heard persons spoken of as being an ``all around man''. Think that might be said of him for his kind heart prompt him to acts of kindness to others, but this I know: He had a turning lathe, and soon after we were married he sent me a nice rolling pin, and a potater smasher. I think of him when I use them. He helped us when we were in trouble.
Uncle Theodore worked at shoe making for his family. I don't know, but think he had to give it up after his right hand was crippled. Sometimes when living at home would sit down near the candle he had hanging on a chair when he was closing a seam on a shoe, by turning a very little he could bring out his long arms very close to me. Of course I would move, then he would say in a very coaxing way, ``Oh, sit still, sit still Eva. You ain't in my way. You needn't move.''
Have written about all I can remember of outdoor life in younger days, indoors it seems to me Grandmother and Aunt Mary were always working till in old age both spent more time reading and it was wise to do so. They needed rest in old age, still they both loved to work. It made me feel sad in the last years of Aunt's life to see her drop one kind of work after another, for it told me plainer than words that strength was failing.
After Uncle was married in 1835 our folks wanted more tubs then grandpa or uncle got a barrel and sawed it into in middle, making two, there was no handles of course so they bored 4 holes on opposite sides to carry them and when I got old enough to help carry them, found they were hard on fingers. Were heavy when empty, made of oak, I think, about the same time they bought or hired made two wash boards, which I think were a new thing to use, both Aunts used them but grandma would not and no wonder for they were poor things to use. Grandpa wore tow and linen cloths in summer, after he had been logging or burning brush. I don't see how grandma could wash his clothes without a wash-board, but she did all those years from 1810 to 1835, seems as though if I had to do, it would be like ``Prohibition in spots''. Our folks saved their ashes, made soap in the spring, had a long trough north of the house filled with good soap.
In those days they did not have clothes pins nor for many years after. Think they put clothes on a line, if they blew off, go and put them back again. or pin them on with common pins. Should add that those washboards were much better than none to use in washing sheets and large garments, though inferior to whose we have at present.
In olden times, grandma had what she called a ``bake kettle''. It had a bail and legs about three inches long, so you could put coals under it. It had a cover and you could put coals on it. The edge rolled up to keep them from falling off. It also had a handle, so she could take an iron hook and lift the cover off. Bottom of kettle flat and same size top and bottom. Must have been of great use to her till they had a brick oven but in after years she had a tin oven which was much better, and was admirably adapted to use with a fire place.
Among the ways of using corn grandma prepared hulled corn [hominy]. I do not know how she done it, but after Aunt lived with us, she wanted it and put some corn in a kettle with some ashes tied up in a cloth and let it boil, till the hulls were loose, then skim out into cold water and rub it through two or three waters till only corn was left, then boiled in clear water and set away. Would be ate with milk or warmed up with butter and salt. Think cream would improve it.
When I was young grandma cooked hominy corn ground very coarse like cracked corn we get now for young chickens. She used to set it before the fire, but not boiled it, stirred it often and skimmed it. Think she cooked it about three hours. Grandma used to make mush pudding, when cold she would fry it nicely, and I know that fried mush with butter and maple syrup on it is much more to my taste than boneset tea, and by the way thoroughwort tea was the never failing remedy for all ills in our family. Don't think any one would play sick more than once if they had to take that. If grandpa did not feel well he would drink freely of it and go to bed and sleep. In a day or two would be better, probably needed rest.
Writing these pages I have been much surprised when scenes of childhood come to mind so plain and vivid that I had not thought of for years. Can account for it in no other way than the following: my schooldays studied ``Watts on the Mind,'' near as I can remember. The statement was made, ``that an old person could remember scenes of childhood, better than riper years, because the brain was more impressible.'' and it is even so, for a few years past is has troubled me to remember days of the week, have to think quite a while or ask some one what day it is, also, my life is so uneventful, but as Samantha Jewish Allen's wife would say I am ``episoding will resoom [resume].''
I never knew my Grandparents to have liquor in the house but once after the first severe sickness I remember that Uncle had. My sister would not have it in her family. One of her sons came home sick, he had called on a doctor who prescribed liquor, and brought some home. Sister doctored him, soon got well but without the liquor for she had dug a hold in the ground and poured the liquor into it. As far as I know the descendants of the Hale and Hammond pioneers have been temperance people, and so may they keep themselves to the latest generation.
When I was young I remember well how I enjoyed getting large cabbage leaves, and putting them partly through the fence for our one sheep to eat, how our folks came to have but one, don't know but they must have had more in previous years, for they were well supplied with flannel sheets, blankets, and clothing. In after years I learned how they worked up their wool. Presume others done the same. After it was off the sheep would let it lie about two weeks for ticks to die, then picked it to get out the dirt, clip off dead ends, wash some to color blue to mix with white for stocking yarn and also with black sheep's wool and white to make what they called a gray mix. Then sent to woolen factory to be mixed and carded, then spun and wove, and sent to factory to be fulled and pressed ready for making men's clothing. Women usually made pants and vests, and hired tailors to cut coats and some tailors to make them. In former years men that were tall and slim found it difficult to get good fitting coats with sleeves long enough, therefore, bought cloth and hired them cut and made.
My grandfather and uncle wanted what they called a ``wamus'' for daily wear therefore my aunts colored some flannel ``Madder red,'' made loose and lined with some of the same, the sleeves with cotton cloth. In those olden days we all used to spin, and those that never spun wool don't know what pretty work it is, though hard to keep at long at a time. One year I spun so much made me sick. Never wove much. The most was a short piece of mix, of course Aunt got it ready for me.
In 1840 and 50 we used to send white flannel to factory in Ghent to have it colored and pressed for winter dresses, and they were nice and comfortable. Grandma loved to knit socks and we also knit mittens to sell, and home use.
I forgot to write of another way grandmother used corn meal which was boiled indian pudding, made like ``johnny cake'', boiled three hours, if water boiled out put in hot water, then served with butter, cream and maple sugar, and they are good enough for anybody. Don't know whether people make them now or not, I used to make them in former years.
Another kind of food grandma had in olden times was ``rusk and milk''. After baking she would cut up old bread put on tins, and set them in the oven to dry. Then pound it up fine in a mortar, and eat it in milk. It was very good, when grandpa eat it, he wanted it to soak a while first, but would want it in his particular bowl.
Now let us be encouraged by their examples of Christian living, make it the business of our lives to be ``followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.''
The days of our years are three score years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labors and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
Now also when I am old and gray-headed,
O god, forsake me not.
I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Surely goodness and mercy have followed me
all the days of my life.
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