| |
| COLUMNISTS |
|
|
|
||||||
|
COLUMNS: Slices
of Life
When my dear friend, Shirley Chapman, died recently, it was like losing a sister. We had been best friends for about forty years, and you do not give that up easily. I met her shortly after I moved to Montrose. We were both Penelec wives, displaced from other areas, but with similar backgrounds and family values. We became immediate friends. If we had a dime for every cup of coffee we talked over, we would both have been rich. But in those early coffee-drinking days we were far from rich. Coffee was ten cents a cup at Deuel’s Restaurant, and our grocery allowances didn’t always stretch to cover that. So mostly we met at each others’ houses to talk, let our kids play together, and solve our problems. Those were good times. When our children got school age, we both went back to school – sort of. Shirley was a lunchroom and playground aid at the elementary school; I was an in and out substitute teacher. She was a natural with children. They loved her and remembered her for years. My daughter tells this story which demonstrates what I mean. "In first grade, school was very scary, especially the cafeteria. There was this lady hollering, ‘Main dish in front‚’ and we had no idea what a main dish was. I didn’t want to eat in that scary cafeteria, so I carried my lunch every day and sat at the table in the gym. I always tried to get at the end of the table where I could be close to Shirley. I felt safe there." As she told that story, I remembered that first year of school and how many peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwiches I had packed into her light blue lunch pail with the wildflowers painted on it. But I never knew why she insisted on carrying her lunch. In her neighborhood, Shirley was a second mother to all the kids. She baked them cookies, let them use her house like their own; many times keeping them overnight. When that generation grew up and married, she mentored them and grandmothered their children. We’ve talked about the cookies in an earlier column. But it was not only cookies that made her a blue ribbon baker. She took a cake decorating class and instantly became proficient, providing decorated cakes for birthdays, graduations, weddings or any occasion where a special cake was needed. They were not only beautiful, but also delicious. And I’ve never been able to duplicate her pie crust. For many years she faithfully helped me with refreshments at my piano recitals. Every May I’d gather all my students together, along with proud parents, grandparents and friends, and we’d have a performance followed by punch and many kinds of homemade cookies. Shirley enjoyed those recitals and would be very proficient at getting the repast ready when the music ended. Years later, after my husband was no longer here to accompany me to the Transcript’s Christmas party, Shirley was my date. She looked forward to it, and every year she’d say, "Oh, I’ll go with you to the Christmas party." Last year I remember our hostess saying, "You come back again next year even if Shirley (Rifle) can’t come. You’re part of us now." Little did we know that we would lose her so suddenly. But we do know how greatly she will be missed. Rest in peace, my friend. We will never forget you. LANESBORO: In Lanesboro there are 12 houses placarded with smallpox signs. There are 2 guards to each house, a day and a night shift. By order of the postal authorities no mail now leaves the Lanesboro post office, and but one mail is received each evening. By order of the Susquehanna Common Council and Board of Health, fences have been erected between the two boroughs, and no one is permitted to pass through without a certificate from the health officers of both boroughs. In Susquehanna there is but one case, and that is in a state of convalescence. It is closely quarantined. Both boroughs are doing all that is possible to do to prevent the further spread of the disease, which is of the mildest type. A number of persons have had it without calling in a physician. Butchers, milkmen, hucksters, etc., are allowed to enter Susquehanna from Lanesboro, under certain conditions. (A child of Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Bennett died on Friday, after a long illness. As there is an infectious disease in the house, the interment was held at 3 o'clock on Monday morning.) SUSQUEHANNA: The old Universalist church edifice, on Grand St., has been sold to B. C. Glidden, who will erect a residence upon its site. No regular services have been held in the church, which was built some 30 years ago, in a number of years. GIBSON: The ladies of the Aid Society are making preparations for an old fashioned 4th of July celebration. Every effort will be put forth to make this one of the best ever held here; come and see; we need the money for the repairs on our church-which are being made, and we will endeavor to give you a fair return for your patronage. SILVER LAKE: The Silver Lake Creamery is now in successful operation. The milk on one of the routes is collected daily by the managers. The new milk is collected in the morning and the skim milk returned to owners in the evening. 16 cans is the average number taken each trip, the weight about 1,500 lbs. BROOKLYN: A humorous entertainment will be given at the Presbyterian church next Wednesday evening, June 24, entitled "Aunt Samantha's Album." The Ladies Aid Society is at much expense to provide a strictly first class entertainment. Mrs. Jillison is an entertainer far above the average. It will be a distinct loss to those who will be unable to attend. The same Society will give another entertainment Aug. 7, when such artists as Mrs. Mollie Weston-Kent, of Boston, Dr. F. Ellis Bond, of Great Bend, and E. C. Rogers will take part. A season ticket good for both these entertainments is sold for 35 cents. MONTROSE: A trio of Italian men, with a couple of bears, furnished considerable amusement for the youngsters (not to say older people) of this bailiwick on Monday afternoon. AND: The "Bloomer Girls" were here last Thursday to play ball with the Montrose boys, but a big shower came along and spoiled the game. Mr. Pope said that for some reason, the shower did no harm, possibly good. You may ask him why. RUSH: C. R. Sutton, a graduate of one of the best eye colleges and clinics in the United States with the degree of doctor of optics, will be in Rush to examine eyes and fit glasses in Suttons' Clothing house after June 22. Examination and consultation is free. Suttons' Store opens June 22nd. With the first boys' suit sold, a choice of any knee pants in the store goes free. JACKSON VALLEY, Middletown Twp.: On Tuesday, June 2, David J. Jones, one of Jackson Valley's most prosperous farmers, fell from a ladder in the barn, breaking his neck and causing instant death. The accident happened late in the evening and no one was with him at the time of its occurrence. That evening he had been called to P. Farnell's to assist in dislodging an apple that had become fastened in a cow's throat, and about 11 o'clock started for his home a short distance this side. Arriving home he went to the barn and went up stairs and threw down some hay for his cow and horse. There were no stairs, but a ladder led to the second floor. In descending he must have slipped and fell and striking on his head, broke his neck. He was 71 years of age. He is survived by an aged wife and one son, George H. Jones, of Middletown Center, and one daughter Miss Mattie, at home. Interment at Neath. ARARAT: The Brooks school opened June lst, with Miss Maggie Smith, of Orson, as teacher. FOREST CITY: The Melrose Minstrel Company, a local organization, will give an entertainment in the opera house. The young men have been rehearsing for some time and will give a good performance. AND: Benjamin Harris had his left hand crushed between two mine cars in No. 2 shaft this afternoon and it was necessary to amputate the thumb and first finger. DIMOCK: Norris Williams, son of T. B. Williams, is reported to have fallen from an engine on the Lehigh Valley railroad, down in the coal region, and received injuries from which death resulted. A brother also met a tragic death some years ago while working on a breaker in Forest City, where he got a fall that resulted in death. NEWS BRIEFS: "Mett McKune's" Death: The body of Robert E. Hall, better known perhaps as "Mett McKune," a former inmate of the Binghamton State Hospital, was found Tuesday morning in the Susquehanna River, in the town of Conklin. The clothing was not in very good condition and no money was found on his person. He wore a Masonic emblem in his tie and wore a cheap watch. Robert Emmett Hall had a very wide acquaintance in Montrose and vicinity and formerly resided in Fairdale. He was 62 years of age and at one time was a clergyman. Although a brilliant man in many respects, he was addicted to an unfortunate habit which compelled him to lay aside the more active Christian work and engage in literary pursuits. Many newspapers have frequently given space to the gem verses of "Mett McKune," including our own columns. He loved nature, and much of his traveling was done afoot. Late years he became somewhat peculiar and was admitted to the Binghamton State Hospital in 1896, for the first time, and again in 1899. Last August he skipped out, and after 30 days, according to law, he was discharged from the hospital. When next heard from he was in Connecticut. AND: Rev. Charles L. Rice, a former pastor of churches in this county, died recently at the residence of his daughter in Cortland, N.Y. He was the last surviving member of the original Wyoming Methodist conference, organized in Carbondale fifty years ago. Blue Ridge "Raider" Editor Quoted In Parade Magazine
"It’s the staff’s job to exercise ethics and common sense when deciding whether to print a controversial story. If the administration wishes to present another view, they can write to the paper. Touchy opinion articles – even those concerning the school – should be printed if handled responsibly, with supporting facts. Not every opposing opinion will stir a revolution, and not every revolution is unjust." Annette is an eleventh grade student and is the daughter of Peter and Carol Conigliaro, of New Milford. She is involved in the volleyball program and is a member (playing second base) of the Champion Blue Ridge Softball team. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. (NOTE: Other students quoted are from California, Michigan and West Virginia.) SOCIAL SECURITY "SOLVENT" – According to Dean Baker and Mark Weisbrot, the war on Social Security is a BIG FRAUD. The two national columnists say the fund is solid and should be solvent for years to come. "There are those," say the columnists, "who want you to believe that the SS is in deep trouble. That is not so. They have never come up with any proof that SS is in trouble. So, if you get mail asking for money to help SS, drop it in the wastepaper basket." The article also states, "In short, the whole idea that Social Security needs reform is nothing but hype, the product of military style disinformation. The ‘coalition of the willing’ in the war on Social Security is led by the financial industry, which stands to earn billions of dollars in fees and commissions if it can hold Social Security funds in individual accounts." Local 2002-03 Bowling Results JOHN BAUMANN League – High averages: Jack Beamer 209 - 87 games; Dave Passetti 208 (78); Mike Gall 204 (87); Steve Felter 201 (90); Kevin McKee 200 (78); Gus Fabrizi 199 (57); Randy Reed 198 (81); Jeremy Wayman 198 (81); Larry Pickering 197 (90); Gary Smith 197 (76); Jeff McDonald 196 (84); Mike Beamer 194 (63); Jared Norris 194 (72). High three-game series: Larry Pickering 743; Mike Gall 738; Steve Felter 736; Jack Beamer 732; Gus Fabrizi 726. High single games: Steve Felter 289; Gary Smith 279; Dave Passetti 279; Gus Fabrizi 278. MIKE TARBOX Memorial – High averages: Jack Beamer 215, 96 games; Dave Passetti 212 (87); Randy Reed 204 (96); Jeremy Wayman 203 (84); Kevin McKee 202 (96); Mike Kuiper 197 (96); Scott Towner 194 (84); Barry Heller 193 (93); Roger French 192 (96); Bill Kuiper 192 (87); Chuck Girton 190 (84). High three-game series: Jack Beamer 757; Kevin McKee 732; Randy Reed 729; Scott Towner 724; Mike Kuiper 719. High single games: Jack Beamer 289; Ron Whitehead 280; Barry Heller 279; Bill Kuiper 279; Dave Passetti 279. Buck Ballard League – High averages: Steve Felter 210, 90 games; Ron Ballard 209 (87); Jeff Curtis 208 (39); Jack Beamer 208 (87); Randy Reed 207 (57); Dave Passetti 207 (33); Chris Buffington 204 (90); Craig Conklin 203 (48); Tim Decker 203 (90); Fred Stanton 201 (87); Bill Gifford 201 (72); Lee Wolf 200 (72); Mike Ballard 198 (75); Vaughn Buchanan 197 (90); Chris Graves 197 (90); John Dininny 195 (87); Mike Nagle 195 (87); Gene Price 194 (60); Ken Shields (69); Larry Pickering 194 (90); Paul Muller 193 (78); Chuck Beamer 191 (39); Gunter Ott Ottens 191 (69); Bob Henry 190 (60). High three games: Steve Felter 756; Jack Beamer 746; Mike Ballard 745; Chris Buffington 726; Fred Stanton 722. High single games: Jack Beamer 296; Larry Pickering 288; Vaughn Buchanan 279; Paul Muller 277; Chris Buffington 276. Most PG’s: Tim Decker 22; Bill Gifford 22; Ron Ballard, 18; Chris Buffington 18; Steve Felter 17; Randy Reed 16; Jack Beamer 16; Craig Conklin 15; Larry Pickering 15; Gene Price 14. Sunday Night Mixed League – High averages (men): Lee Wolf 212, 90 games; Dave Passetti 209 (81); Jack Beamer 208 (90); Chuck Beamer 195 (81); Jeff McDonald 194 (81). Women: Theresa Felter 181 (41); Barbara Wolf 178 (87); Christen Roe 161 (90); Jeanine Glover 160 (88). High three games (men): Dave Passetti 769; Lee Wolf 766; Jack Beamer 712; Steve Frederick 689; John Ball 684. Women: Barbara Wolf 638; Christen Roe 588; Terri McDonald 571; Laurie Passetti 563. High single games: Jeanine Glover 254; Barbara Wolf 248; Christen Roe 226; Terri McDonald 224; Laurie Passetti 221. Men: Dave Passetti 279; Jeff McDonald 278; Tim Gulley 277; Jack Beamer 267. Most PG’s (men): Lee Wolf 21; Dave Passetti 18; Chuck Beamer 12; Jeff McDonald 13; Jack Beamer 14. Women: Barbara Wolf 5, Jeanine Glover 3, Pat Frederick 3. PARTING SHOTS: "I don’t know why people are surprised that France wouldn’t help us get Saddam out of Iraq. After all, France wouldn’t help us get the Germans out of France." YOU KNOW what’s wrong with this country? We remember the Alamo, we remember the Maine, we remember Pearl Harbor. When we win, we forget. A MAN was watching a fisherman at work. The fisherman caught a giant trout but threw it back into the river. Next the fisherman hooked a huge pike and threw it back. Finally the fisherman caught a little bass. He smiled and put it in his bag. "Hey!" yelled the man who was watching. "Why did you throw back a giant trout and a huge pike and then keep a little bass?" "Small frying pan," the fisherman yelled back. ACTING is not an important in the scheme of things. Plumbing is. Straight
From Starrucca Virginia Upright drove to Moscow, PA to join her sister-in-law, Joy Upright and another couple. They motored to Penn State Stadium and were part of the crowd of fifteen thousand who saw and heard the extravaganza musical tour by Cher. It was wonderful entertainment, but the volume of music was a bit distracting, so said Virginia. Last Wednesday evening, Roger and Barb Glover were entertained at a family farewell dinner hosted by her son, Mark and family at a well known restaurant in Binghamton. Sorry to hear Vivian Baker is in the Barnes-Kasson Hospital. She sure isn’t missing sunny weather. Nancy Figura drove her sister, Debbie and husband, George to Avoca airport for flight back to Florida. They had driven her parents, Don and Carol Brownell to their summer home here at Coxton Lake a couple weeks ago. Perri Weldy, daughter of Trish and Robert Weldy, was inducted into the Junior National Honor Society. Danielle Williams, daughter of Steve and Virginia Williams also received the same honor. Two local talented young people graduated from Susquehanna Community School last Friday night: Shannon Williams, daughter of Steve and Virginia Williams, and Jordan Downton, son of Jack and Cathy Downton. Both received many awards. Shannon’s awards: John Philip Sousa Award; Band Award; Library Award; Distinction in Reading; Proficiency in Writing and Math; Environmental; Highest Honor Award. She is planning to go to East Stroudsburg University and major in Zoology. Jordan’s Awards: Don Robinson Scholastic News Award for Football; Aaron Presley Award for Wrestling; Pleasant Valley Grange #1074 Scholarship; Peoples National Bank Scholarship; and a Sabers award. He also earned a computer award. Congratulations to both of you. You are both fine examples of career forwarding youth. I was delighted to be a guest at the Corrigan home recently. What talented people they are. Dennis is a surrealist artist who teaches at Marywood. His artwork is delightful and he has many honors. Donna is a graduate of Temple University’s Art curriculum. She also taught at Marywood and has many honors. She has also compiled a cookbook for those who are lactose intolerant. They have had great fun and frustration buying old houses and restoring them. The old Blauvelt home, they say, is the last restoration. We hope that is true. We need people like them in the community. Cheerio! Along
the Way...With P. Jay
There are a lot of Susquehanna County Democrats wondering what happened to Commissioner Cal Dean’s re-election bid. Actually, the opinion here is that the blame for his loss can only be placed on one person -Cal Dean. Last year Joey Franks was elected chairman of the Susquehanna County Democratic Committee. Members of the Franks family had always been strong Dean supporters and when Joey defeated Joe Plonski for party chairman, Dean’s confidence in his ability to win a third term grew in leaps and bounds. One political observer told me that Dean was so sure of himself he turned his back on those who supported Plonski’s bid for another term as party chairman. Not a very smart political move. County Chairman Joey Franks followed Dean’s example and also ignored most Democrats who did not support his successful bid to replace Plonski. No effort was made to bring the factions together to plan a unified attack against the real enemy, the Republican candidates. Recognizing that they were being treated as outcasts, dissident Democrats rallied behind Katherine Shelly and Mary Ann Warren. Besides supporting the campaigns of these hard-working gals, there was another objective in the minds of these unhappy Trumanites –beat Cal Dean. And they did. ******** "When it comes to a choice between a candidate and my wife, you know who will win every time," said Susquehanna County Republican Chairman Ivan Burman in defense of a campaign sign for Roberta Kelly that was spotted on his front lawn. Burman maintained the position that he was neutral during the Republican Primary race. "What you have to understand," Burman continued, "is that I am co-owner of that lawn and she feels she is entitled to express her opinion." Burman also has some ocean front property in Ararat Township that he will sell you at a right price. The Burmans have focused plenty of political attention on Susquehanna County with their annual shindig for Congressman Don Sherwood. It has blossomed into one of the most anticipated political events of the year in Northeastern Pennsylvania. And it pumps about $30,000 annually into Congressman Sherwood’s campaign war chest. By the way, this year’s bash will take place on August 7 and, as always, it is held at the Burman residence in Ararat Twp. Burman tells me the special guest, besides the guest of honor of course, will be a Washington biggie. ******** Justin Taylor, director of Susquehanna County’s Economic Development Department, should not be criticized for Price Chopper’s decision to move into the former Ames Store in Montrose. Taylor will be the first to tell you that the area is in need of a general merchandise store similar to Ames or Wal Mart. Price Chopper has also assured him that their store will employ approximately 160 people. They may not be high paying jobs but they might help some high school kids earn college money, or give a Mom an opportunity to earn a few bucks to help with the household bills. Taylor said a lot of people are excited about Price Chopper’s decision to move into the Montrose area. While he would not want to see it happen, he said the worse case scenario if both ABC Market and BiLo (which has declared bankruptcy) were to close would be a net gain of 90 jobs. ******** Ellen O’Malley, who lost in her effort to defeat incumbent County Treasurer Cathy Benedict in the Republican Primaries, could take on Benedict again in the Fall. O’Malley received 169 write-in votes to narrowly defeat Benedict in the Democratic Primaries. Benedict received 163 write-ins. O’Malley now has until Aug. 11 to decide whether she wants to be a Democratic candidate for county treasurer. Today, we will mix things up and get an eclectic view of stuff some might find interesting. When you go into business, you might want to consider getting your own website. I checked out a few. The following: www.guistuff.com offers free website design templates. Remember, my darling cyber aficionados, everything does have a price; nothing is truly free! The website www.bluedaisydesign.co.uk/web%20design.com looked interesting to me. This is, of course, from the United Kingdom. I also suggest you check out www.liquid.pixels.com strictly for fun. Now, let's consider getting high – over the terrafirma that is! To get an aerial perspective check out www.terraserver.com. Find your own occupied place. Then stop at www.sunsite.berkeley.edu for more aerial shots. I personally like charming and a taste of the old fashioned stuff, so when I go traveling I like to go to bed and breakfasts. They dot the countryside and some surprising ones are even found in big cities, if you search hard enough! So check out with me www.selectregistry.com. and go to www.charmingcountryinns.com where you can find accommodations in the United States and in Canada. For business travel you can look at the bed and breakfast and hotel directory in the U.S. at www.inn-businesstravel.com. Pretty neat! By the way, www.Mapquest.com is pretty neat and it gives you aerial views of where you are going when you click around that site. How are you going to get where you want to go? Well, if you want to take a train go to www.amtrak.com and for all kinds of trains and related information take a peek at www.trainweb.com. For some different fun tap over the keyboard to www.triprentals.com ; here you can find boat rental information. Now, I like the outdoors and know that things at the state parks are usually a good deal. You can travel all over the United States and get a bargain and a good time. At www.state.ma.us/dem/forparks.htm you can check out Massachusetts. When you hike your eyes over the www.nhparks.state.nh.us you can see for yourself some excellent choices in New Hampshire. Of course, there is the good ole www.dcnr.statepa.us/ site for the locals. Well, I'm off to the park with my umbrella – try to stay dry. See you next month. Joseph
Smith’s Susquehanna Years
Events and activities of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s years along the Susquehanna helped mold his life and the future of the Church. Larry C. Porter, "Joseph Smith’s Susquehanna Years," Ensign, Feb. 2001, 42 The years 1825 through 1831 on the land along the Susquehanna River near Harmony, Pennsylvania, proved to be a time of growth and chastisement as well as great joy and sorrow for the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was here in 1825 that 19-year-old Joseph worked, obtained some schooling, and met, courted, and married his future wife, Emma Hale, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Hale. Together they suffered the death of their first child. Here much of the Book of Mormon was translated, the Aaronic and the Melchizedek Priesthoods were restored, and 15 sections of the Doctrine and Covenants were received. Significant events occurred in or near South Bainbridge (now known as Afton) and Colesville Township, New York, and Harmony, Pennsylvania (now known as Oakland). South Bainbridge and Colesville are about three and a half miles apart, and Colesville is about 27 miles from Harmony. Joseph Smith traveled by horseback, by carriage or sleigh, and on foot between South Bainbridge, Colesville, and Harmony and often was accompanied by Emma, Oliver Cowdery, Joseph Smith Sr., Josiah Stowell, Joseph and Newel Knight, or the Whitmers. Emma Hale’s Parents Move to Harmony Connecticut-born Isaac Hale left Vermont in about 1787. Journeying through the state of New York, he descended the Susquehanna River as far as the "great bend." Finding the country much to his liking, he returned to Vermont and married his sweetheart, Elizabeth Lewis. The happy couple then joined company with Elizabeth’s brother, Nathaniel C. Lewis, and his new wife, Sarah Cole, for the return trip in about 1790. Placing their belongings in a cart pulled by a yoke of steers, the brothers-in-law took their wives on a 220-mile emigrants’ journey from Wells, Rutland County, Vermont, to sparsely settled Willingborough, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Isaac and Elizabeth located on the north side of the Susquehanna. The area eventually became Harmony Township, which was attached to Susquehanna County in 1810. "Hale was a mighty hunter," wrote Rev. George Peck, a Methodist Episcopal minister who frequently visited the Hales because they were of like religious persuasion. "In fact, [Hale] fixed his home in this new region for the purpose of pursuing game. He slaughtered about 100 deer annually, most of which he sent to the Philadelphia market. He often killed bears and elks, as well as a great variety of smaller game, of the flesh of which I often partook at his table." In this wilderness setting Isaac Hale was a friend of the poor and was spoken of as a man of "forethought and generosity." The meat from elk he killed "often found its way unheralded, to the tables of others when the occupants of the house were out of sight; and to them the gift seemed almost miraculous." Isaac and Elizabeth became the parents of nine children: Jesse, born 24 February 1792; David, born 6 March 1794; Alva, born 29 November 1795; Phebe, born 1 May 1798; Elizabeth, born 14 February 1800; Isaac Ward, born 11 March 1802; Emma, born 10 July 1804; Tryal, born 21 November 1806; and Reuben, born 18 September 1810. Isaac’s ability as a farmer and his prowess on the hunt, coupled with the domestic skills of Elizabeth, provided the children with a comfortable existence. Joseph Comes to the Susquehanna Local tradition and folklore surrounding the possible existence of an old Spanish silver mine created a condition in the 1820s which led to a decided change for the Hales. An enterprising farmer by the name of Josiah Stowell came 30 miles from his farm in Bainbridge Township, Chenango County, New York, carrying a purported treasure map and accompanied by a digging crew. The company took their room and board with the Hale family. On the crew were Joseph Smith Jr. and his father. Lucy Mack Smith records that Josiah "came for Joseph on account of having heard that he possessed certain keys, by which he could discern things invisible to the natural eye." The Smiths had initially refused Josiah’s invitation in October 1825. However, the reality of the family’s difficulty in meeting the $100 annual mortgage payment on their farm and Stowell’s promise of "high wages to those who would dig for him" finally persuaded them both to join in the venture. Isaac Hale said that Stowell and his men arrived at his home in November 1825. Their dig located up Flat Brook beneath Oquago Mountain was short lived, reported by Isaac to have ended about 17 November. The Prophet said of Josiah Stowell’s search for wealth, "Finally I prevailed with the old gentleman to cease digging after it." Nevertheless, their stay was sufficiently long for young Joseph to make the acquaintance of the Hales’ tall, comely, 21-year-old daughter, Emma. A strong mutual attraction between these two was not lost even when Joseph’s employment suddenly shifted upriver to Josiah Stowell’s farm. Joseph continued to "pay his addresses" to Emma in Harmony. Another employer, nearby Joseph Knight Sr. of Colesville Township, Broome County, New York, said, "I furnished him with a horse Ö to go and see his girl down to Mr. Hale." Joseph and Emma Marry At last Joseph summoned sufficient courage to request the hand of Emma in marriage. Isaac Hale was adamant in his refusal, saying that Joseph "was a stranger, and followed a business that I could not approve." Joseph felt that there was also an element of Hale family prejudice arising from his continuing assertion that "I had seen a vision," so "persecution still followed me, and my wife’s father’s family were very much opposed to our being married." Finding no relief for their frustrated matrimonial plans, the couple eloped. Joseph related, "I was therefore, under the necessity of taking her elsewhere". Isaac Hale reported that while he was absent from home Joseph "carried off my daughter, into the state of New York, where they were married without my approbation or consent." Going initially to the home of Josiah Stowell, Joseph and Emma then visited the village of South Bainbridge where arrangements were made for their marriage before Esquire Zachariah Tarble, Justice of the Peace. The ceremony was performed on 18 January 1827 at the Tarble home, located on the east side of the Susquehanna River. It is probable that Josiah Stowell was among those who witnessed the marriage because he had encouraged Emma to unite with Joseph. Before the marriage Joseph had informed his own parents, Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith, of his plans and asked their blessing in the matter. Lucy said that "we were pleased with his choice, and not only consented to his marrying her, but requested him to bring her home with him, and live with us." Having no conveyance of his own, the Prophet accepted Josiah Stowell’s offer to take the newlyweds by wagon to the Smith frame home in Manchester. Here Joseph had a brief respite and farmed that season with his father. From Manchester, Emma wrote to her father in Harmony asking "whether she could take her property, consisting of clothing, furniture, cows." Isaac responded that "her property was safe, and at her disposal." Peter Ingersoll, a neighbor of the Smiths, was hired to take them to Pennsylvania in his wagon during August 1827. Peter said that as they drove into the yard, Father Hale came out in an agitated state and amidst a "flood of tears" confronted Joseph for having "carried away" his daughter. However, before their return to Manchester, Isaac asked Joseph to move to Harmony and said he "would assist him getting into business." Given the severity of the situation which soon developed in the Manchester-Palmyra area because of the intensity of the mob action, this offer shortly became an important option for the besieged Prophet.
News
|
Living
|
Sports
|
Schools
|
Churches
|
Ads
|
Events
Military | Columns | Ed/Op | Obits | Archive | Subscribe © |
Gone Too Soon
Annette
Conigliaro, 16, of New Milford, co-editor-in-chief of the Blue Ridge
School newspaper, "The Raider Reader" was recently (June 1,
2003) quoted in the Sunday Parade Magazine on the question, "Should
High School Newspapers be Censored?" Her answer was:
Election Fallout