Third Souvenir Main Page

Excerpts from Francis 

C. Waid's Third Souvenir

Sunday, February 15.--In the forenoon of to-day I attended the African M. E. Church, by invitation of a member of the congregation, Mr. Penman. The text was Hallowed be Thy name, and the discourse was extremely edifying, while the singing was particularly sweet; in fact, the whole service was peculiarly earnest and impressive. One of their pastors, Rev. W. P. Ross, used to preach occasionally at Blooming Valley years ago. In the afternoon and evening I attended State Street M. E. Church, where they are holding protracted meetings. On the following afternoon I attended the funeral of Fred Denny, which was well attended, in spite of the rain that had continued two days, services being held at the African M. E. Church. On my way home from Meadville I dropped in to see my friend Clark Ellis, and I had only been in his house a short time when Mrs. Ellis asked me if I had been in Jamestown, N. Y., lately, and, if so, had I seen Thompson and Lydia Burns while there? Well, I was just in the act of relating to Mrs. Ellis about how I had tried to see Mr. and Mrs. Burns when in Jamestown recently (an account of which I have already written), when who should we see, as we looked out of the window, but Mr. and Mrs. Burns getting out of a buggy! Certainly a most singular coincidence. Then came a cordial meeting and hand-shaking of genuine friendship. After considerable chat and "comparing of notes," so to speak, I went to my son's to apprise them of the news, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis and Mr. and Mrs. Burns following in their buggy. Here Mrs. Ellis remained, while Mr. Ellis, Mr. and Mrs. Burns and I proceeded to Blooming Valley in order to pay a visit to my uncle, Horace Waid; after which we made several more calls on relatives and others. We then assembled at the old homestead of my youth, where Guinnip lives, and here all partook of dinner and enjoyed a long conversation about old times and familiar incidents and scenes. After dinner we went to Franklin's, called on Mrs. Almeda Waid, widow of R. L. Waid, and in the evening visited Mr. J. H. Reynolds, a near neighbor of Mr. Ellis', where I remained till morning. Next day was occupied in making many more visits, including one to the Alms House (in order to see Mr. and Mrs. Cutshall), a call on Mr. Eugene Burns, where are living a nephew and nieces of Mr. Thompson Burns; after which Mr. Ellis and I wished Mr. and Mrs. Thompson Burns adieu, as they had to proceed on their journey to Ohio.

February 19.--To-day I attended the second meeting of the Dairymen's Association held in Meadville [The association met three days in Meadville, viz.: February 18, 19 and 20]--a good school for both farmers and citizens. Dr. T. L. Flood, the president, and many prominent men from various parts of the Union were present, and delivered addresses, etc. Various questions of interest were discussed, as were also the good things provided for the inner man at the banquets, to the enjoyment of all present; then at the close of the last day's session I went with my cousin, R. A. Fergerson (who was present at the meeting), to his home, probably to remain a day or two visiting my uncle and cousins before returning home. Winter apparently is preparing to take its departure, for some of the harbingers of spring have already made their appearance--rain and sunshine and the ever-welcome bluebird. The farmer is busy sugar-making, and he can now go forth to his labor, and along with his friends, the feathered songsters of the woods, enjoy the freedom of his native land, and sing its praises from morning till night.

Sunday, February 22.--This morning I came to Meadville, and in the forenoon attended the Second Presbyterian Church, where I heard a good sermon by Dr. Jonathan Edwards [Mr. Jonathan Edwards, who had been pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Meadville since the latter part of the year 1888, was born in 1817, and died July 13, 1891. It was my prilvege, during his three years' ministry in Meadville to hear him preach the Gospel on several occasions, both at funerals and during the regular service in his church, and I was always deeply impressed with his words as they fell from his lips. Especially do I speak of the last sermon I ever heard him preach, by which I was to an exceptional degree instructed and benefited], the text selected being Exodus xx: 1: And God spake all these words. In the afternoon I went to meeting at State Street Church, and in the evening, with my friend, Mr. Derby, attended the Baptist Church, where we listened with pleasure and profit to a discourse from Rev. W. H. Marshall on the subject: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according lo that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians v: 10). I am never weary of hearing the Gospel, and through it learning the way of life.

February 23.--In looking over this morning's papers, my eye caught the notice of the death of Samuel B. Long, who was born November 3, 1806, died February 21, 1891, so in the afternoon I proceeded, in company with my brother, G. N., to his late residence in order to pay my last tribute of respect. A very large number of his relatives and friends were present at the funeral, for Mr. Long was beloved and held in high esteem in the community; by none more so than myself, for from my youth, when I taught school in our township, and he was one of our school directors, I have loved and honored him. The impressive homily delivered on this solemn occasion by Rev. H. H. Barber was from John iii: 16: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Among many incidents that I could relate illustrative of the true friendship of Mr. Long toward me and mine, one is particularly fresh in my memory. On a certain day after my second marriage, as my wife and I were passing his pleasant home, I found the opportunity to introduce her to Mr. Long, referring at the same time to the warm friendship that had for so many years existed between him and myself, and Anna and I then received his congratulations and best wishes for our present and future welfare and happiness. I love a bond that severs on earth only when we are called to cross the River that divides that Heavenly Land from ours.

February 25.--Becoming somewhat wearied of writing and studying, I concluded this morning, for a change, to go into the sugar bush, where my son, Guinnip, and nephew, Nick P., were busy syrup and sugar making, having 650 sap pails in use. They make more syrup than sugar, it being the more profitable of the two, and they have everything very convenient for the business. When there is a good run of sap, as at present, they keep up the industry both day and night, having sometimes over thirty barrels of sap on hand. During the present month they made over one hundred gallons of syrup and some sugar. I found my walk over the farm and across the hundred-acre lot to the sugar bush quite reviving to me, and as I plodded on my way, I became absorbed in thought, dreaming of happy days gone by; of the many years (in fact all my life up to 1889) I followed the same business, in which I found both work and enjoyment--yes, and sometimes profit. Of the innumerable pleasant associations connected with farm occupations I think the "sweetest" of all is the making of maple sugar and syrup; and one gets hungry while working in the sugar bush, in which connection I wish to speak of the pleasant times, not exactly in my boyhood, when my twin brother and I worked together in the bush. If we did not take our dinner with us, one of us could go home and get it; but when I was married, sometimes if I was very busy, my good wife, Eliza, would bring my dinner to the camp. Happy days then, and happy days now, and pleasant for me in the thinking of them. It seems we can love a good thing forever, and never grow tired; even the memory of such is blessed.

February 26.--I am assessed (1891) in Woodcock Township as follows: Farm, 200 acres, $5,800; money at interest, $40,000; total, $45,800; and I may add that in 1890 my taxes amounted in all (inclusive of what I paid in Mead and Richmond Townships and in the city of Meadville) to about three hundred dollars. So you see a farmer helps not a little toward municipal revenues. But I am thankful for the occupation, and I rejoice in it; it is respectable and honorable, yielding a comfortable living besides accumulating a yearly increase, to me and my family a satisfying portion.

February 27.--What shall I write in my diary under this day's date? Sunshine and shade, joy and sorrow, smiles and tears, were my experiences, and I found my first effort to work a failure. In traveling, when we arrive at a bridge, we must cross it or abandon our journey. I was anxious to continue my journey, but I was weary, my heart was heavy, and nature was struggling for relief, so weep I must and shed tears I did, as I threw myself down on a couch. Some of us are more easily touched, sympathetically, than others, yet I did not think I could ever shed so many tears as I did this morning. Our Divine Master wept, and why should not we, for we have a work to do if we desire to fill our mission in life faithfully? My present labor, aside from business affairs, is to finish the preparation of material for my THIRD SOUVENIR, and being in poor health, in fact sick, my zeal and eagerness to accomplish the work became too much for me, and nature had to succumb, as I have just related. But Christ, who was a Man of Sorrows and who wept bitter tears more than once during His sojourn on earth, has bowels of compassion for all who are in trouble and will cast their burdens at His feet.

To me the day seemed sad; it was rough and wintry outside, and to me no pleasanter inside, as heavy thoughts crowded into my mind, and the horizon seemed to me darkened with somber clouds of melancholy. But the severest storms are soon over, and in the afternoon Hope loomed up in the distance, and the bright silver linings of the lowering clouds appeared in refreshing splendor. The starlit evening of my dark day was approaching, and when my son Guinnip came from Meadville, bringing my mail--newspapers and six letters, one from my dear wife, written encouragingly as to her health and our home--rays of hope lightened up my home, the burden of my heart was removed, and I was comforted. In the evening some more good cheer was in store for me, for Anna, Guinnip's wife, accompanied me to the commencement exercises of the graded school in Blooming Valley, where we were eye-witnesses to six students of the class of 1891 receiving diplomas. This was the first proceeding of the kind ever held here, and the scene was certainly very pleasant, while the exercises were most interesting and profitable, altogether very hopeful for the success and advancement of our Blooming Valley school. The teachers were Clifton Leach and Minnie Luper, and the graduates were Earl Graham, Mabel Smith, Clyde Gilmore, Rebecca Hall, Otis Carpenter and Mertie Drake. The motto displayed was: "For life, not for school, we learn." Sometimes, as on this occasion, I become so interested and moved that I am filled with a desire to speak some words of encouragement, and so try to help those who labor faithfully to get an education, and those words are embodied in the simple little prayer, "God bless them," as I know He will, all those who seek after wisdom. To all of us what is life but a school for eternity? Let us have our lessons well prepared and be ready, so that not only our fellow men will say "well done" but also the good Master.

Sunday, March 1.--To-day I find my health somewhat improved, but the weather is cold, though pleasant, and the ground is covered with about three inches of snow. I much wished to attend church, Sabbath-school and prayer meeting, as usual, especially at State Road, "Pilgrims' Home," where I have been only once since my return from the West, two months ago, having been absent, from home every Sunday except January 4 and to-day. Well, I did attend all three, and felt myself much comforted and helped by the several exercises; particularly in the Sunday-school and class was I wonderfully blessed and strengthened. There is a passage in Scripture that says: The Lord strengthened me with strength in my soul. How true it is that they who wait, on Him shall renew their strength! So this calm Sabbath became a day of rest and peace to me, and I continue my life's journey rejoicing as I ought.

March 2.--Having learned at church yesterday of the death of my aged friend and former school-teacher, John R. Donnelly, and that the funeral was to be held from his late residence in Mead Township this forenoon, I proceeded thither on foot. Rev. Dr. T. C. Beach, pastor of the First M. E. Church of Meadville, officiated, and the interment was in Greendale Cemetery, Meadville. Mr. Donnelly was born January 21, 1807, and was therefore at the time of his death in his eighty-fifth year. He leaves a widow and four children, a sister, a niece and a nephew to units with a large circle of friends in mourning his departure. In my youth I loved him as my teacher, and ever afterward our friendship, born of love, was cherished and festered with jealous care on either side, bringing with it the fruit of peace and righteousness which is the inheritance of God's children.

March 4.--A few days ago I was jubilating over the prospects of an early spring, so fine was the weather, and the proverbial blue-bird had been seen! To-day, alas! we are in the depth of winter again, for it snowed through the night in a very unspring-like fashion, bringing good sleighing to us, however. On the 5th I visited Mrs. Lucy Allen, who, on account of ill health, had returned last January from the West. Her husband, Mr. James Allen, and family moved to near Mound City, Dak., in the fall of 1885, where he died in November, 1888. The family have a farm both here and in Dakota.

March 6.--This is the twenty-third birthday of my youngest son, Fred F. The boys are and have been, lately, very busy--drawing logs, Fred gathering ice for summer, Frank preparing to build, Guinnip teaming, etc. The logs they are teaming from our wood lot in Richmond Township, southeast of Blooming Valley, to Mr. Dewey's mill in Woodcock Township, about three miles distant. I am glad my boys are all industrious and doing well. May the Lord bless them, and prosper their lives.

Sunday, March 7.--Having come to Meadville yesterday on business, I remained over to-day in order to attend the funeral of Mrs. Frank Billings, who died in Chicago, whence her remains were brought here for interment, which took place from the residence of her half sister on Washington Street, Rev. Hamilton McClintock conducting the obsequies. In the forenoon I attended the Unitarian Church, and was instructed by hearing the Gospel and listening to the words of life both read and expounded. Then in the evening I went to the First M. E. Church, where Dr. Beach preached from the text, Matthew xxv: 10: The door was shut; and so ended another Sabbath-Day's march homeward.

March 12.--In the evening of this day I made a brief call on an aged friend, of whom I have already made mention, Mrs. Mary Kiser, who still lingers with us, though very feeble. After walking across the room she said: "At ninety I can't walk as I could once." Her youngest child, the only daughter now living, by name Ursula Roudebush, is here taking care of her mother; Marvin Smith, her (Mrs. Kiser's) son, has lived with his mother many years, and is still single. Hosea Smith, Ursula Roudebush's brother, was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863 (as already mentioned in my FIRST SOUVENIR), and his remains were brought home for interment in the Smith Cemetery. Ursula presented me with a letter that was written by him while at the front, of which the following is a copy.

CAMP, NEAR WHITE OAK CHURCH, June 10, 1863.

Dear Mother and Sister: I am happy to inform you that my health is pretty good, at present better than it has been for the last two weeks. I had a bad pain in my head and back, but it has nearly all left now. I got your letter a few days since, and was very glad to hear from you. It was the first time I had heard for two months. The weather here is very warm and sultry, and is very disagreeable when we are marching. We have had marching orders a great many times, and have even packed up our things, but have not started yet. Part of the army have crossed the river again, I think for the purpose of keeping the rebels from going up toward Bull Run. Our men are on the heights just above Fredericksburg, where Burnside was repulsed last fall. They shell each other once in a while--that is all. I have just come in from picket duty. Our regiment does picket duty along the Rappahannock, the rebels being' just across, on the other side. The soldiers sometimes exchange with each other, exchanging provisions or papers; two of the rebels swam across the river to our side, just below my post, and traded one of their papers for one of ours. One of them offered a large sum for a pair of boots, and they wanted to get some writing paper, which they said was twenty cents a sheet in the South. They wanted some coffee bad, but our lieutenant would not let then have any. He said coffee was five dollars per pound on their side of the river; sugar, two dollars; salt, very scarce, and they had but very little of it. At the last fight at Fredericksburg, when we went out skirmishing, we found a lot of the rebels' haversacks in the woods, and some of them had nothing but shelled corn in them, while some were full of tobacco, which I suppose they thought they would trade to the Yankees for something else, if they were taken prisoners. When we go out on the picket, we buy hoe-cake of the darkies, but they have no salt to put in them unless they get it of the soldiers. Sometimes we can get some milk by paying ten cents per pint. I expect we will go across the river pretty soon again, but it is hard to tell what we will do. The soldiers have all confidence in "Joe" Hooker. Things are very dear here; our sutler sells butter for fifty cents per pound; cheese, forty cents; fresh peaches, one dollar per can, which hold about one pint; and other things in proportion. We got paid about two months' pay about two weeks ago, and I thought I would keep the most of mine to get something fit to eat, I have got so sick of the army rations, and also my appetite is not very good. But I will send you five dollars in this letter, and will try and send more the next time. Nothing more at present. Your affectionate son,

HOSEA SMITH

Having known Hosea Smith from his childhood, and having a full knowledge of his kindness to his mother, his patriotism, his love for freedom and right, I revere his memory.

March 14.--To-day I set out for Meadville on foot, facing the wintry March wind and snow for five miles, specially to see an old pupil of mine whom I taught at Blooming Valley, viz., J. W. Thompson, of Madisonville, Monroe Co., Tenn., who is here visiting relatives and old friends after an absence of twenty years. I remember having heard, when a boy, of a certain Revolutionary soldier, named Upton, having said that he "would walk from Maine to the Valley of the Mississippi to look on the face of George Washington." So, as I rehearsed in my mind that patriotic soldier's avowal, I thought I could well walk five miles to look on the face of an old friend and pupil. He was at the time staying with his sister, Miss Grace Thompson, in Meadville, who attended school with her three brothers--James, John and Walter. I feel that I owe and would like to pay a tribute to the memory of their deceased parents who were so kind to me, and whom I always afterward held in the greatest respect.

Sunday, March 15.--It is a good thing to make the best use of our opportunities. It is written: The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. I take it for granted that all Christians (and may I not say all men) wish me to DO GOOD; I know the Lord does, and I believe has called me into His vineyard to work to that end to the best of my ability. I want to do His will that my steps and my way may be ordered aright, and that I may be led to Him in all things I do. I am glad I love truth and righteousness, and I find it is good for me to commit my way to Him, trust in Him and wait patiently with good courage. I know from my experience that he strengthens me, and gives me the desires of my heart.

To-day I went to Christ Protestant Episcopal Church, which is situated on the northwest corner of what is considered the central attraction of Meadville--in my younger days simply the public square used for various purposes, such as training militiamen, shows, political meetings, Liberty poles etc., now Diamond Park, beautified with many varieties of trees, artistically setting off and shading with their umbrageous foliage the walks and spacious drive that pass round the handsome grounds; the monuments--Pioneer Monument and Soldiers' Monument--the fountain, the public stand etc., all combining to give to the park a graceful beauty. But to return to my Sabbath duties. Rev. Courtland Whitehead, bishop of the diocese of Pittsburgh, preached an eloquent and impressive sermon from Luke ii: 49: Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? In the afternoon I again heard the Bishop, this time in the church at Vallonia, a village near Meadville, and at the close of the service enjoyed an introduction to the reverend gentleman, a hand-shake and short chat. I told him I had heard both his sermons, and was much helped by them in my path of Christian life, to which he replied, "I am glad of it." I said to him further: "I am a learner, seeking Truth, 'unsectarian,' as you said in your first sermon to-day, when describing the churchman, the good citizen, the Christian." Said he, "are we not all learners?" The warmth of the hearty handshake was proof that I loved the man who had helped me. In the evening I attended the Baptist Church at Meadville, where the text was Hebrews ii: 3: How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? Several were baptized, and I felt within myself that all the services and exercises of the day had helped me.

March 16.--In the Meadville Morning Star I read of the sudden death of S. W. Kepler, for forty years well known as a popular hotel proprietor, twenty-three years in Meadville. He was born June 19, 1821, died March 15, 1891. Since the death of James Irvin, April 3, 1882, I have stopped, when in Meadville, at both the "Central Hotel," kept by Mrs. Irvin and her son, and at the "Kepler House," and on Saturday, March 7, I had dinner with Mr. Kepler, who was in his usual good health, and cheery and merry as ever, meeting me with his ever pleasant smile.

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