57
Thursday, Dec.20th [1883]
Kit and Agnes have been busy all day making Bert a wig out of
rope. It is quite a good invention. I took my first sleigh ride
this morning; drove Kit around to several places on errands. She
only stayed half an hour in Roger’s. We had our old sleigh which
has become very rusty from exposure to the weather. The
“Mistletoe Bough” tonight was quite a success but it was [quite]
rather spoiled by our having to stand up so long. Bert walked
with Alice Emmett, or Jen Graham rather, Alice was Genevra; Joc
Abbott, Lord Lovell. She looked very pretty and acted her part
well, as she always does.
I took Lot home. Vic Herbst looked especially well when she
tried on that black bonnett. Kit was in the garret scene.
Friday, Dec.21
I worked hard all morning and afternoon on my essay, but did
not read it tonight. I took Agnes up home in the sleigh after
supper and did not get back in time to finish up my essay and
dress. So it took me till nine o’clock to get down there and
then it was too late. After the entertainment, five couples of
us went in to the rink and the boy’s orchestra played for us to
dance. We did not put on skates for it was too late to dance
much. I took Ida Greiner; she and Jen Graham are a lively team.
Notes
for page 57
58
Saturday, Dec. 22
I got one of Rea’s cutters this morning and took Aunt Sallie
out sleighing. She seemed to enjoy it very much as she has been
confined in the house so closely tending to Ute. He is much
better now, but he has had a sorry siege of it for a long while.
He has had a serious type of malarial fever. I took Florence
Harper out riding afterwards. I had a magnificent ride with her.
She looked very pretty in her new hat and we cut a gay figure.
The streets and roads could not be in a better condition; the
horse is feeling good and makes the snow fly. I had to pay a
dollar for my sleigh, but what is that to me? The boys had our
sleigh and Graham’s horse out.
Sunday, Dec. 23
It snowed hard all yesterday afternoon and turned into rain
last night. It was so slippery and such bad walking that very
few people were out at church. Mr. Brown preached a regular
Christmas sermon. Kit went to Aunt Sallie’s to dinner and Rob to
Aunt Beck’s. I did not go to S.S. this afternoon; started to
church tonight, but fell down in the slush at the gate. I had
intended to go to the Second as Mr. Brown stated there would be
no church at night on account of the weather. The choir did well
this morning; Mrs. Snyder was away and the younger members let
themselves out. Jen laughs and enjoys life behind the railing as
much as ever.
Notes
for page 58
59
Monday, Dec. 24 [1884]
I got a tramp to clean off the front pavement for an old pair
of pants. I worked hard on those around the house and we now
have oure pavements free of ice. Helped Howard awhile at the
store and worked out front part of the time just to show my
countrymen that even though a college boy, I am not afraid of
honest labor. Somehow, everybody gets an idea that college
students are utterly averse to anything like manual labor. It is
true that a great many fellows who have been to college go home
with a feeling that they are extraordinary beings worthy of
great respect and humble reverence on account of their
prodigious accomplish ments in the fields of art, science, &
literature.
Tuesday, Dec. 25
Bert and I went down to the express Office last night but found
no box there. We were roused and besought by such strong
arguments this morning, that we came down with the rest in time
to enter in the “door-open” at six instead of seven as usual.
The children were delighted. Three dolls, jumping jacks and
cymbal men stuck out of Fred’s stocking and it nearly unbalanced
his equilibrium. Rob and Van also fared no worse than usual;
Aunt Beck gave George Robinson a splendid magic lantern; he also
got Muncie skates, books, a sword, etc. Van nearly ditto. But
alas for the “Older Ones”. We poor wayfarers were set down a peg
or two. The place by the first three stockings was
Notes
for page 59
60
quite bare and looked like it was an aching void never to be supplied. The only thing by Bert’s stocking was a silk muffler, Charles and Kitty, ditto. Papa gave Howard and Will each a very pretty music stand; Kit and me each a five piece; of course this was good but it did not seem like a Christmas gift for he sometimes gives me as much as $20. We were all very quiet and made no boisterous demonstrations because alas there was nothing to demonstrate for. Papa had gone to church when the Chicago box came. We opened it and were all “gratified”. Aunt Janie, papa, Kit, Mame and etc fared pretty well. Bert and Howard got little pocket cases with plaster and scissors in them, and also a necktie. Bert picked his up and – “laid it down again”. He said, you may all be glad you’re livin’.” I was exceedingly pleased on the contrary with a bunch of dasies painted on wood by Anna Hendrix and framed beautifully in gilt by Marie. It is truly a handsome gift and made me feel that Christmas was really here again. Aunt Lizzie sent very handsome autograph albums to Will and etc; nice books to the children, and a very pretty apron to Kit. She did the square thing by us and added greatly to our Christmas. But, as all of the old ones of the family said, this is not Christmas and it has not really seemed so. I supposed the next few Christmas occasions I see will be likewise. But when I get to making anything like a competence if such a doubtful thing ever happens – the Christmas of this family will be what it used to be if I can add my mite make my purse open 1/8 of an inch.
61
Wednesday, Dec. 26. [1883]
I had almost decided to go to Columbus tomorrow with Rob when papa told me that they would need me at the store. I went down and “fell to work”; they put me out in the shed to measure the pump tubing. It was most awfully cold but I managed to keep warm in my overcoat. We worked up in the second and third stories this afternoon and got along very well. I got off tonight to go to prayer meeting with Aunt Janie. On the way up we stopped in the German church to see their Christmas tree. Rob, Van and Fred were all there; the latter was rather indignant because they gave him no candy. It was a very good entertainment; there were songs, recitations, etc, all in German
Thursday, Dec. 27. [1883]
I worked hard this morning, fixing up the packing, ready to be weighed. This was the dirtiest work I have had, but it was quite satisfactory to see how nice it looked after it was dusted and straightened up. We weighed the rope this afternoon and are now nearly up to the side door. I went to operetta tonight but they would not let anybody in for the house was too crowded; Papa and Aunt Janie ditto. I went down to the store then and wrote letters of thanks to Marie and Anna. Bert and I were the only ones there; we had a lunch of coffee, sandwiches, etc. sent in and spent the time very pleasantly. It has turned very cold tonight and the store is like an ice house.
62
Friday, Dec. 28th [1883]
I removed the whole pile of barbed wire and put it back again without getting a single tear in my pants or shoes and only one scratch on my hand. We had a very nice little company at Graham’s tonight. The boys- Eck, Lois, and Will played for us. It was a small affair, no refreshments, and we did not stay late. Rob Moffett escorted Miss Meldrum who is visiting at Dolittle’s; Gale Crozier, Fan Vail; Will Johnson, Ida Greiner; Howard Moffett, Kit; Ollie DeLoste, Marie Abberger. I never knew before that the last named was such a good dancer. She moves so easily and gracefully and never breaks into a hop. I had to call most of the time; am getting rather used to it now and do not mind it so much.
Saturday, Dec. 29. [1883]
It was quite a relief to think that tomorrow was to be Sunday and we would not have to work so hard; for, to tell the truth, we are beginning to think that stock taking is rather a monotonous business. Father says it worries him more every year as he grows older. Mr. Lodge frequently utters execrations upon the dust and hard work. Charlie Wharton has been a great help; it is real accommodating for him to spend his holidays in this way. He and Frank were here to supper last night and seemed to enjoy it. The operetta – Pepita – was repeated this evening. I took Edith Fisher who came upon a visit today. The play was splendid. Tot Gorgas, Nell Grayson and Kit were the stars.
Notes
for
page 62
63
Sunday, Dec. 30th
It was a very bad day yesterday and it has been a worse one today. Mr. Brown preached an impressive sermon concerning what was done in the past year and what ought to be done in 1884. Kit, Fan and Jen and Nathan were all away from the choir. I slept all afternoon and did not have a chance to read anything. I took the Hennesey’s home from church and had a very pleasant call. Sam M. took Cora home but would not go in. Bert brought Miss Meldrum to church and put her in the family pew. I sat by her and took care of her for him. We took her right in to the affection of the family.
Monday, Dec. 31st
I went up to Vic. Herbst’s to get her company for tomorrow night but found it was taken. I then went to Greiner’s and engaged Ida’s company. I took Edith Fisher to the rink tonight. Kit said she would come but never put in an appearance all evening. She and a party had gone to Mrs. Wm. Page’s to make a call. We were fully expecting them and it raised a few riffles in my serene temper when I asked her about it the next day. I am glad I am not in the store for life, as a week will amply satisfy me. I do not mind the work so much but it galls me to think that I am fully capable of something better- or hope I will be someday- and yet have to do the worst of drudgery. Even Tom Todd can “say go and I go, come and I come.”
65
Thursday, Jan. 3rd [1884]
We- Tom and I- measured the last of the belting this morning
and that finished stock taking and liberated me. I would hate to
be tied down, [^always] the way I have been for the last week. I
did not even have time to write in this book – much less to read
any. I could not stand being rushed up in the morning, rushed
home to meals and right back again, rushed home and on up to
bed. I suppose, however, this is an unusually busy time and I
hope for the family’s sake that “it is not always thus.” I have
been out to Kimmel’s this afternoon to try the skating. The pond
is too rough [.] My skates were very dull also and would not
take hold of the ice very well. Edith Fisher went home this
afternoon with Walter. Lot Brewer was here all afternoon.
Friday, Jan. 4th [1884]
It has been snowing hard all day and it has kept me and Will
busy to sweep the pavements every now and then. Howard and I
went up to call on the Lepper girls last night. A Miss [Hayes]
of Louisville is visiting there. Sadie L is now attending
Moore’s Hill College. We took a box of candy but found John Rose
was ahead of us with one. We danced a ‘three cornered quadrille’
and spent quite a pleasant evening. Tonight, I went to call on
Florence Harper; looked in at the rink afterwards but there were
no “inducements”. It was such a bad night or Florence and I
would have gone up [.] Will’s orchestra played at the 2nd Church
S.S. [Ent.] tonight.
Notes
for
page 65
67
Monday, Jan. 4. 1884
Father is not out yet and had the doctor again today. It is snowing today and still very cold. When the thermometer comes up to zero, we think it a great modification of the weather. I never saw it snow when the air was so cold. It is often said, “Its too cold to snow,” but I will never believe that again. I have been kept on the run all day, doing errands for the house and for myself. I am getting my effects collected and put in order, preparatory to my departure into a foreign land. I had my suit altered, ordered a gold bangle for Anna Hendrix, got my skates sharpened, got my goods mended, ect.
Tuesday, Jan. 8th. 1884
We were invited to Hennesey’s last night. Sam M. took Joic Hutchings and I took Maud. It was snowing hard but we ploughed it down there. It was a small company but all had as good a time as if it had been a large dance. I was particularly attentive to Emma Frevert. I have always admired her; she is so bright and full of fun and to me seems very pretty. We had a splendid horseback ride together last summer and quite a pleasant time at the Clifty Falls Picnic. Frank Swope, Mame Bright, She and I went through the tunnel together……… I came down to Hanover in the sleigh this afternoon, Not many boys here; had a hard time to “thaw the room out”. Howard F. has been over since supper. We had a long chat. I am really glad to get back again and feel anxious to put my new resolves into execution.
68
Wednesday, Jan. 10. [1884]
I had a hard time to sleep well last night. The bed seemed so very, very hard after coming from Bert’s and my bed.
There was an unusually large number back it being the first day. All of the boys, with two or three exceptions, are now here. John came just before dinner in a sleigh from Lexington. I have not had a chance to do much studying but got my latin for Friday. There was quite a great deal of hand shaking to do and I tried to go around the crowd even to Armor Clemmons, etc. Everbody seemed glad to see the old familiar faces again.
Thursday, Jan. 11th. [1884]
Doctor Fisher gave us a splendid lecture this morning on “Through the Highlands.” He dwelt at length on the life and character of Burns whose native place he visited and described. I never knew before that Burns had such a remarkable history; there is so much sadness mingled with the bright side of his character that it at once enlists the sympathies of the reader. He was courted and received with favor by a circle of young men who were above him in social standing (so called and who posessed more wealth. With them he began a system of dissipation which ended his career at an early age; which also reduced him to poverty long before his death. Doctor said, “Let the Chirstian, bright, gifted Burns live but let the gross immoralities and disgraces of the other Burns lie buried in oblivion”.
Notes
for page 68
74
Friday, Jan. 18. [1884]
Other considerations have come in, however, to wield a greater influence. My circumstances and surroundings are such as to alienate me from the ministry. Although I have always had a good reputation at home among my acquaintances, yet a certain amount of frivolity – so to speak – has been one of my characteristics. Especially in the company of the girls, I have got a way of talking which, though generally proper, impresses them with the idea that I am up with the times. It would be hard for me to counteract this sentiment and become a steady – going, embryo preacher. My extreme youthful appearance would also act as another hindrance. These and other considerations make me have a sort of inward feeling that I should turn my attention elsewhere.
Last summer, I read Matthew’s Getting On In the World, and thought of studying law. It seemed to me that I was capable of succeeding if so many men had gained a footing; men, that is, of very limited education and of exceedingly small energy or prominence of character. Graduates of Hanover College, whom I know, have gained success, and, not to be egotistical, I think I have as much of the elements of success as they had. John Wiggam and Frank Swope both intend to be lawyers and I would hate to say I was not the mental equal of either. But the idea of learning stenography was suggested to me by Mr. Korbly, saying something about it at home last term. I thought then that the acquisition of this
75
Sat. Jan. 19. [1884]
art would be a good preliminary step to the profession of law
or to journalism in which latter direction my thoughts seem somewhat definitely to settle.
My youth, the opportunity of at once sustaining myself, the fair
prospects of honorable success, the opportunities of travel as a
correspondent, the importance of the journalists profession,
etc. seem to tell me that this is my most congenial sphere.
I do not desire to be a business man; there are enough in the
family now to represent the hardware trade. Besides my education
is too valuable to squander by tying myself down to the petty,
irksome restraints of a business life. As to wealth, I care not,
whether I ever become a five hundred thousand man. Of course, I
expect to live very comfortably and to know how to manage my
finances.
Sunday, Jan. 20. [1884]
I have come out rather plainly above but deem this subject
worthy of its attention………
I wished I had gone to church this morning when there was a
crowd of boys in here who kept me from doing anything.
Mr. McCoy preached this afternoon a sermon which by request he
repeated, having delivered it last Sunday Morning. His text was,
"Holding up the word of life." It was quite a practical,
heart-reaching discourse.
Howard Fisher and I had quite a conversation after Y.M.C.A on
the questions relating to predestination. We discussed the
matter thoroughly but were still somewhat in the dark on
closing. We took Judas as a good example of what we meant.
Notes
for page 75
76
Monday, Jan. 21 [1884]
John and I went to Gilchrist's for supper Friday night on the invitation of Taggart. It was quite a treat for me;
it is a pleasure for me to partake of any body's hospitality, though it be only turnips and water. A change here at Hanover
is quite acceptable in any form. The oratorical election is again being stirred up and the boys are all busy; it grows warmer and warmer even
though there are two weeks yet.
Mr. McKee died last Thursday and was buried Friday afternoon. Father and Mr. Reid came out to represent the trustees; I did not see them,
however, as our society did not adjourn. We had a lively time Friday night; my decision was twice appealed from, but the chair was sustained each time.
Tuesday, Jan. 22
My first decision was that the negative leader, as well as the affirmative, could bring up no new arguments in his last speech.
I declared the judges disfranchised on the voting, for they were not acting as members of the hall, and such vote might prejudice them; this was the
second point appealed from. The debate was rather poor; on the subject: Resolved, that the President should be elected by a direct vote of the people;
decided in the affirmative. I had to fine severely in two or three instances; am getting along in the chair better than I had anticipated.
I rather enjoy rendering decisions, bringing down the gavel for order, etc.
I have written two long letters to Will Harper and Aunt Lizzie today.
77
Wednesday, Jan. 23. [1884]
I intended to learn a declamation tonight, but could not find the book. I would have had to speak earlier, but the roll was cominenced at the foot of the class this term-more of a brurden than a releif. Nathan Powell and I made a call on Mrs. Fisher, Edith, and Miss Hennesey last night. We had a very pleasant time and were especially entertained by a basket of apples. Nathan gave Mrs. F a beautiful Christmas card. He also gave her and Mrs. Morse framed pictures of the fraternity group.
Thursday, Jan. 24.
There was quite a change in the weather today. The thermometer registered 10 degrees below early this morning. There is a heavy fall of snow on the ground; in fact it is a rare thing this winter to see the bare ground. We are truly having a severe winter; at least so as compared with the last two.
Friday, Jan.25.
We had a good session of society this afternoon and a good debate tonight; the question was, resolved, “That the present system of punishing crime increases rather than prevents it”.
This question is wholly one sided on its face, yet they made a fair debate of it. It is evident that if there was were no punishment for crime, there would be a great deal more of it. Hence if we tak away the system, crime increases. Dunn presented this squelcher. The judges having disagreed, the chair dec. in the negative.
78
Saturday, Jan. 26. [1884]
We had a cool and bracing ride up here (Madison) this morning. The thermometer was zero. I enjoyed it very much and did not suffer from the cold as “Bob Todd” had filled the sleigh full of nice warm robes. Nature had decked herself in her garb of wintry beauty. The brown beach trees with here and there an evergreen were robed in their garments of white frost. The few withered and dead leaves-some still resplendent with the rich hues of Autumn-made a gorgeous (crossed out: beautiful) background for the network of beautiful white. The sun gradually came forth in all its beauty and lent its splendor to this already magnificent combination of nature. But all this would not have seemed so picturesquely beau-tiful, if my own spirit within had not beat in unison with the happy aspect of inanimate nature. My drooping heart had revided at the thought of once more being welcomed to the bosom of my family. I had remained for over three weeks in the classic village and was quite (crossed out: w) delighted when I beheld once again the lofty towers and imposing masonry of my native city. The great town was bustling with life and activity which seemed doubly impressive on account of the placid quiet of the little burg rendered important by the location of a college in its midst. My first thought was of the loved ones at home and hither I bent my rapid advance. After receiving a warm welcome, I at once went to work on my declamation, which I had committed by dinner time. Had a good sleigh ride tonight with Florence Harper; the sleighing was never better.
79
Sunday, January 27, [1884]
Mr. Brown preached a good sermon on “Peter’s Denial”. He was unable to preach at night on account of ill health; so we all went to the Second Church to hear their new pastor Mr. Barnard. He is not as good as I expected and does not admit of comparison with Dr. Brown. I went to S.S. this afternoon but did not stay for the lesson as I had no class in which to go.
Monday, January 28, [1884]
I had a boy at Rea’s bring me out in the buggy this morning. I have put in a full day. I studied all afternoon and then practiced my speech till supper time. I got three letters in mail this eve- from Will Harper, Sadie Lepper, and a circular.
Tuesday, January 29, [1884]
It has turned warmer and has rained for the past two days. The walks are in a horrible condition; the mud is fully up to the tops of our rubbers in many places, and it is hard to keep them on. We had a rather short fraternity meeting because some of the boys wished to go to the social.
Wednesday, January 30, [1884]
I did a great deal better with my speech this morning than I had expected. I had not taken much interest in it, and commenced it only last Friday, besides it was a very old one but it has not been spoken for a long time; Henry Clay’s speech was on Ambition. Doctor told me I “seemed to do everything just right”, but my delivery lacked something, which he thought was “fire”. It is not that, but it is the need of a deeper, more developed voice and the need of about ten years and ten inches and fifty pounds.
83
Monday, April 7 [1884]
I have been intending for the last month to write up many of
the interesting events that have happened, but it seems I will
never have the time unless I just take it from something else.
It may be that I have been doing more real labor lately and have
not had as many opportunities to communicate with my journal as
I used to. However, believing that the more man does, the more
he can do, I will re-consecrate myself to the keeping of a
diary, if not as much of a journal as in the past.
The Spring Exhibitions have come and gone since Feb. 23. Sister
visited at Dr. Fisher's during them and had a very pleasant
time. I was not on our exhibition and threfore did not have much
to do at the end of the term; especially so, because we were
releived of having examinations, that is, only the juniors and
Seniors. I occupied some of this spare time in reading
"Yesterday, Today and Forever", a long poem, written by
Brickerseth. It is a spendid work something on the order of
Paradise Lost. I intended to read more but think this quite a
large step in the right direction.
I went home last week to attend the Leap Year Party at Pogue's
and felt amply repaid. It was a delightful affair and I enjoyed
the fine music and dancing immensely. . . . I took Ella Peace
riding the next day and also read her Virgil. I have always been
very attentive to her and do not like to see other boys get too
strong a hold. She is quite popular since "Aunt Drusie &
Uncle Newt" allow her to go out in society.
Notes
for page 83
84
Tuesday, Apr. 8th [1884]
Alas, my intentions are good but I have not written for a week
and it is now April 15. Since last we met, I have taken a trip
to Indianapolis, having been excused as a "backer" of the Hon.
Nathan Powell, Hanover's delegate to the state oratorical. The
primary contest was held on the 7th inst., the contestants being
Powell, Iddings and Montgomery; they came out in their
respective order as named above. We went up Wednesday Afternoon,
stopped at the New Denison for supper, but stayed at the Grand
Hotel afterwards, as that was headquarters. Ed Powell, Fisher,
Wiggam, Turner, Irwin, Voris and I represented Chi and did it
well too. Irwin and I took the Misses Fisher, of 242 E. South
Street, to the contest and afterwards to the Sigma Chi banquet
at the New Denison. This was the most elegant affair your honor
ever attended, both as to the banquet and the manner in which it
pulled my pocket book. Of course we went in a hack and I felt
quite "cosmopolitan" when we were told by our "nigger" that the
conveyance was in readiness, when we were descending in the
elevator, when we were rattling oe'r the stony street and when
we walked in the opera house late and took our seats among the
upper ten in the parquet. It has been hard for me to come down
to the homely fare of the C.P.H. and to think again that I am
only a poor Boy with my fortune and fame yet
unrealized. I often thought while strutting around the city that
the bustle and metropolitan self-satisfaction would just suit
me. . . . Nathan came out third, but should have had second
place.
Notes
for page 84
85
Wednesday, Apr. 23 [1884]
Today and tomorrow are our busy days this term. We have four
good, solid recitations on these days and three every other
except Monday. Think of getting twenty pagers of International
Law, thirty lines of Greek (Antigone), ten pages of physiology,
and a chapter of Optics in one afternoon and then going to
fraternity at night as we had to do yesterday! I managed to read
my Law and Mathematics before supper, my Greek immediately
after, and my physiology at 11 p.m. after coming home. Besides
this small amount of labor we are expected to write in our
leisure (?) moments an essay and an oration for chapel which are
both due at the same time- four weeks. Truly a student's lot is
a hard one; it is up in the morning in time to get greek before
breakfast, then a rush to make it to chapel, then a weary hour
of worthless mathematics, then a course of greek ponies called
Antigone; after this severe treatment, an hour among the learned
expounders of the law; finally, he is subjected to an hour's
mental anguish from that prince of quizzers the scientific
professor. A few moments then for refreshments at the College
Point House, an afternoon of battle with the hosts of Morpheus,
which, when conquered, demand that the replenishing of the
alimentary canal, at supper, falsely so called; meanwhile. kind
friends drop in to find they are not disturbing you in your
lessons. The evening shadows fall and soon the midnight hour
ends this day of weary care.
Notes
for page 85
86
Sunday, May 4 [1884]
John has returned and I am no longer an old
bachelor. I find it quite pleasant to have him to talk to and
confide in. His landlady--Mrs. Gilchrist--wrote a very
exaggerated letter to his mother, saying that he was forming
very loose habits, and had become a very bad boy. Mrs. Ferguson
sent the letter back and John returned it to Mrs. Gilchrist or
rather she snatched it from his hands when he confronted her
with what she said. Dr. Fisher took hold of the case and the
consequence is that, "Alling and Ferguson" still hold the fort
in No. 7. Both members have seen trials and difficuties in
mantaining their places in the firm but all is serene again. One
fact is established now-we are older. John has become greatly
subdued by his different misfortunes and is not the same "wild
scamp" as of yore. Charles Jr. too has been improved by a two
months and a half solitude; and during this time the importance
of economizing and using every spare moment has been deeply
impressed upon his mind. So that between us, there is quite a
change in our corner of the third floor; we are less noisy, more
dignified and more sedate. yes, it is time, I was learning to
think more of the future and less of the frivoloties of the
present. I have become so inured to the idea of leaving college
that it seems as if I was to go in June. One short year! And
college life will be over for me; precious hours have gone never
to return and eventide is closing its shades around.
Notes
for page 86
87
Sunday, May 25 [1884]
I have finished my oration on "Social Inequality"
even to its delivery in chapel on last Wednesday. I am better
pleased with this production than any I have ever written. This
can not be egotistical, for none of my lofty themes have ever
satisfied me; on the contrary I have always become disgusted
with my orations by the time I have severely scrutinized them in
committing. Turner, who is not in the habit of loose flattery,
told me that mine was the best oration of the morning. Will
Baird did not do near as well as he has the reputation of being
capable to do. I also finished my class essay yesterday after a
continuous siege of reading in the morning and writing in the
afternoon and evening. My subject is the "Oregon Controversy"
and I have managed to grasp the principles of the case - in my
own mind at least.
The Freshman Ex. was held last Saturday. Ella Peace was my
company; Howard Fisher took Mame Taylor, a new blossom on our
society tree, and Heller, Carrie Calloway. We had a magnificent
time and danced nearly all day. I was quite a figure in this
part of the programme, having all the calling to do. We went on
Wolf's barge with the Mamie Glass, a steam yacht, to propel us.
It brought to my mind the similar scenes of a year ago on the J.
M. Abbot when the last class went. This is a very nice custom
and every class should perpetuate it. Turner took Alice Emmet
whom I recommended to him. She is a fine girl and I now have one
of her rings; she is as lively as a cricket.
Notes
for page 87
88
Monday, May 26 [1884].
I have never enjoyed a Sunday in Hanover so much as I did
yesterday. It seems that this day of rest becomes more and more
acceptable to me as I grow older. I remember of sitting in the
village church last year and thinking that in whatever calling I
might engage, whatever might be my disappointments, Sundays
would come to me, doubly dear, as one sweet refreshing place,
where I could enjoy the pleasures of the sanctuary and lay aside
the anxious forebodings concerning my future career. Yesterday
was enjoyed the more by me because my essay was completed, my
oration was done, and the prospect of an easy time on account of
Prof. Young's departure lay before us. My physical condition was
eminently fitted for appreciating the beautiful day, for I had
not felt so well for a long time. Upon coming home from S.S, I
took off my coat and stretched out upon the bed to read the
"Little Classics." By the way, these little sketches, such as
"My Chateux," A Bachelor's Reverie, are very entertaining and I
become greatly interested in them. Another cause of my perfect
satisfaction was a new suit of clothes with a four button
cut-away coat. This is my first appearance in one and of course
the novelty was quite pleasant. Howard Fisher also has a frock
coat; we have started the style in Madison, for five other boys
have followed us; among whom is Howard Alling. Last Sunday,
Bert, Eck. Graham, Howard, and I loomed up with a row of
cutaways and canes that made everybody wonder at the amounts of
style. It is a new departure for the young men but a very
acceptable one.
Notes
for page 88
89
But to continue my remarks about Sunday: or more
appropriately, the Sabbath: As far back as I can remember, this
day has been the milestone of the different events of my life. I
can see myself now upon father's knee, with Howard and Will on
the other, hearing him read the interesting narratives in the
"Child's Bible Story Book"; concerning Moses and the Children of
Israel, Samson and the Philistines, David and Goliath. The
pictures of Noah's ark, the Brazen Serpent, the dividing of the
Red Sea, and others are firmly fixed in my mind as if they lay
before my eyes. Truly, the impessions of childhood are the most
lasting of all periods of life. An eminent priest has said,
"give me the children to educate till six years of age and you
(protestants) can make what you please of them." I will always
remember the first coat and vest I ever had; father took me in
to see Miss Mary Hanley and she made a great many remarks about
it; I can just imagine how I looked and what my thoughts were
when I see Van. He has pretty suit with his first vest and it
makes me live that period of my life over again. And just in
this connection I think of the many times grandma Crane has
taken us to dinner and supper on Sunday; how greatly I enjoyed
the good bread when she would give us a lunch during the
afternoon, to eat under the syringa bush near the old pit. That
corner of the lot has changed wonderfully since then; a high
board fence used to stand in place of the present stone wall and
comparatively low fence on the west. There was a deep
Notes
for page 89
90
ditch on the inside of the fence, composed of clay
soil and many an hour have I spent in rolling clay marbles and
balls to bake in the sun. This has remained distinct in my mind
on account of the frequent references of Will Harper who was an
interested party at that time. My early years on Main St. are
intimately associated with the Harper boys - George and Will.
George was Berts great crony; and how they did try to rule me
and Will. One day we strolled to the river and who should we see
taking the forbidden skiff ride, but Bert and George. Of course
our threats of exposure soon brought the boat to land, and we
had quite a pleasant ride. The only time I remember of playing
at their house was one Sunday when my parents and Will's had
gone to Mr. Geo. Brights funeral and had sent me to their house.
Every toy we used is plainly before me now. Then when Harpers
moved to their present home on Second St. we used often to see
the boys. That was the time when our passion for keeping a store
was at its height. Those fellows were in the habit of stealing
all the stock from the drug store. So that all we made was clear
gain. Licorice, cinnamon essence, almanacs and memoranduum books
were the principal articles of merchandise. I cannot forget
either how Mr. Harper
91
came up stairs one day and found Bert and Geo.
dipping promiscuously into all the stores; "ah! then there was
hurrying too and fro" as he went among the crowd with his paddle
- the top of a box. Charley, alias Sonny, Belser and I found a
convenient avenue of escape and were soon past all danger. About
this time, in my numerous escapades about that drug store, the
farce of "Harvey" Young met me. How little did the shaver in
short pants and bare feet think that he was in a few years to
bow submissively beneath the iron rule of "Professor" A. H.
Young - a change for both, as the bare feet have been covered
and the pants lengthened. Will often tells that Harvey, as he
calls him, grew very angry one day where he stopped him in a
buggy just to ride from Broadway hotel to his grandfather Greens
- Dr Ford's present residence. Let me not fail to mention the
velocipede they had given them on one Christmas. It was among
the first in Madison and the rest of us boys considered it quite
a treat to have a ride. We all went through the Walnut St. sewer
just after it was built and of couse the velocipede went too.
Bert, Will and George were greatly interested in printing
enterprises and edited the Amateur Banner and Star.
Notes
for pages 90 and 91
92
I cannot leave this subject of the Harper boys without saying a
word about our mutual interests at Capt. Spillman's; whose place
was located just opposite Eagle Hollow in Kentucky. The old
gentleman is a warm friend of Mr. Harper and in this way the
boys have become as well acquainted with him as if he were a
neighbor. Bert and George often visited together and as soon as
they came home Will and I took their places. Oh! Those good old
Kentucky dinners! I can taste that good old buttermilk even now
and that was nothing to the delicious biscuits which always form
a part of Kentucky dinners. I have often said at home that only
Kentuckians knew how to make real cornbread; and it is a fact
that I have never in my life tasted a meal so palatable and
satisfying as the simple, yet elegant dinner, which I ate one
summer day, long ago, when Will Harper and I left in the
afternoon in a carriage which brought Mrs. Harper over for a
short visit. The old lane dividing Trimble and Carroll Counties
lies before me now with every twist and turn; the beautiful
hills and groves at its terminus rise up before my imagination
till I seem to stand in the cool shade on some commanding height
and look far away to the Indiana Hills and then to the no less
grand prospect of the beautiful farms spread out all over the
fertile river bottoms.
Notes
for page 92
93
But I started to write something about Sunday and many of my
words have sadly missed the aim. It seems appropriate that I
should here mention my S.S. reminiscences. A faint and dim
impression of my first hours in the basement of the First Pres.
Church on Broadway still lingers. Miss Mary E. Reid was the
first and only teacher of the infant class during my course. I
can remember one or two Sabbaths when the class occupied the
larger square apartment just north of the present room. But all
my recollections centre just now upon the little rows of chairs,
one above the other, till they almost reached the ceiling. My
seat was upon the second row and many the time have I risen from
it to repeat six verses of scripture and gain a card for it.
Greater was my delight to receive a small book (pamphlet) when I
had secured twenty of these cards. Father used to enjoy standing
in the room when I was repeating them- secretarie's book in
hand. It seems strange but pleasant to me now to think that he
has remained in that capacity for so many years, while I, a
youth, have deserted my post this early in the conflict. But my
heart is still warm toward the S.S. and if I am needed, the only
thing necessary is to call on me.
Notes
for page 93
94
My most pleasant recollections of the First Church Sabbath
School are connected with Mrs. Weyer's class. Here I learned
nearly all of what I know of the Bible. Let me record just here
that I owe my religious inclinations to her faithful teachings
more than any other human agency. Sam Moffett and I (who alas!
have become so greatly estranged of late) used to carry on
arguments with our teacher as profound as either could produce
even now. My intellect seemed to grasp the situation better then
and memory did her part more nobly. A book Mrs. Weyer gave me -
Romulus and Remus - in 1878 stirred my desire for J. S. C.
Abbott's histories and I did not stop till I had read most of
those in the Madison Library. Although Miss Kate White was
accustomed to review family affairs every week her heart was
evidently in the good work. She succeeded Mrs. Weyer when the
latter took sick. I do not know what her ailment is, but she is
still confined to her bed and grows weaker all the time. The
Sabbath School by the way is or rather has just been in the last
stages of dissolution. Scholars have become very scarce and
teachers more so. There is some advancement of late; but the
prospect is not bright for restoration to its former self. Well,
it is time I should say Vale' to this subject.
95
Sept. 14 [1884]
Before going farther it would be well for me to pause and state
that I have entered upon my last year as a student of Hanover
College. The old bell pealed forth its familiar notes upon the
cool September morn of last Wednesday and Charles Alling, Jr.,
in common with the class of ’85, heard its welcome to another
year of college life for the last time. The last opening day
which we shall ever see as students has come and gone. And we
are almost warranted in saying commencement is upon us. That day
is one of importance to me. Its scenes are constantly before my
mind. Often when I think of my formal departure from college on
commencement day, my feelings overcome me. It even seems
probable that I will burst into tears after my oratorical
effort, so strong will be the effect upon my composure. Or it
may be, that my heart will fail me just as I rise; seeing
opposite me the body of trustees, with their velnerable forms,
their cultured minds and criticizing eye and ear. Father will be
sitting among them, and as I see him gazing concernedly among
the class at his only son, who ever graduated, and from Hanover
College, so dear with recollections of mother’s former home,-I
say then there will be a tax upon my energies. The family and
some relatives probably will be sitting in the audience and as I
feel them gazing upon the representative
Notes
for page 95
96
of the family upon the platform, my hopes will again sink. It
may be, just as on the spring exhibition two years ago, that the
sight of those most concerned in my welfare may disconcert me
and stammering under embarrassment I may sit down in confusion.
But why have I to fear this calamity? Because I am just as much
embarrassed now on declaiming in chapel as I was four years ago.
My lips grow dry and my voice fails. I can not better express my
feelings, when disconcerted upon the platforms, than by using
Huline’s expression concerning the roller coaster at the
Louisville Exposition. He said that when it went tearing around
upon the track he always felt a sort of “goneness about his
stomach.” It does not behoove me to speak more of my
difficulties, in appearing before the public, or I will never
get over it because the impression will thus be made more
permanent. I know that if I have my speech thoroughly committed,
it will give me a self-confidence which will make it almost
impossible to fail. My speeches too have always been composed
hurriedly and therefore illy connected; which renders a perfect
committal very difficult. If I can only get a good subject, a
logical and well written body and a flowery conclusion; and
withal perfect committal I know I can do myself justice in
chapel this term.
Notes
for page 96
97
Sunday, Sept. 28 [1884]
It is a pity I cannot write more in my old friend but the fates
seem to be against it. Every day seems to be so completely
filled, that no time is left to use in compiling my daily
thoughts and acts. I often wonder how it is that Frank Swope
accomplishes so much. He gets his lessons better than I do and
has more surplus time in which to play ball, lawn tennis, and
especially does he devote an hour or two daily to music. Now why
is it I can not practice short hand some time during the week at
least? One reason is that confinement to my room is not healthy
for me. Constipation affects me whenever I stay in my room
during the whole day. Therefore one hour at least must be spent
in aiding my digestive apparatus in its work. Before 4:30 then
in the afternoon, I have time only for one lesson. After supper,
I generally study from seven till ten but the interruptions are
frequent so that a whole evening is often wasted. Besides,
fraternity meeting comes on Tuesday night and it is therefore
lost. A social or call or concert generally uses another evening
of the week, leaving only Monday and Wednesday and Saturday
nights on which to study. Our lessons are not hard this term,
but they require a great deal of time—psychology particularly.
On Tues. and Thurs. we are
Notes
for page 97
98
so very fortunate as to have only two studies to employ our
time; some of the other classes, on the other hand, have four to
get on these days. In many cases it seems that “the more man
does, the more he can do.” Again, it often occurs to me that I
do not know how to recite. Some fellows make a blind stagger at
questions and hit them every time; with an air so in different
and features so suggestive of a knowledge of the whole subject,
that the professors pass them by with a ten. It is only during
this—my senior year that I have learned to recite to Prof.
Young. I study hard and closely and aim to gain a general
knowledge at least of every species that arises. I then sit up
and look at him like a man—which I never used to do—and even
discuss the questions with him. It amuses me to see how John
Wiggam manages his recitations. He often fails to look at his
book before the vacant hour and then skims the lesson over here
in my room or in Marshall’s. When he goes to Prof. Morse’s room
he always seems to get through without any serious blunders. But
it seems to me that it is only on account of his age that he is
often passed by when a hard question reaches him and that his
answers—generally vague—are accepted. While with one so young as
I the old Prof. does not scruple to be very familiar; that is,
he “calls me to time” whenever it suits his royalty; whenever I
do not know a lesson, he always finds it out.
Notes
for page 98
99
Sunday, Dec. 21, 1884
Having noticed on the previous page a remark concerning Prof.
Morse and his recitations, it seems best to resume the narration
on that fertile topic. As we boys have often remarked, our
recitations to Prof. Morse become a mere farce in the last two
years of the college course. Analytical Geometry was the only
mathematics in which I took any interest and I made a success of
it, obtaining a mark of 96 unprecedented in my previous
mathematical career. Very little time did I ever spend upon that
study, but it was enough to give me a fair knowledge of the
subject. I have often said, when rather discouraged, that I
could never make a mathematician, but the reason was a lack of
effort. Because in Analytics, my marks were high and I felt they
were justly so. There are some curves and equations in that
study which are difficult and I can say, without boasting, that
I grasped and understood them as well as any other man in the
class. Of course some things were difficult and discouraging to
me, especially those operations which depended on former studies
as geometry and trigonometry. But upon looking back at my record
in mathematics in the first three years I can not seriously
blame myself for its shortcomings. At that time I was riding out
from Madison and was requiring a great deal of time out of each
day in which to do it.
Notes
for page 99
100
We, Howard and I, would arise about 6:30 every morning in the
winter, often before it was light enough to dress without the
gas. After putting on our clothes in a hurried manner, we would
eat or rather bolt our breakfast from 6:45-6:55. This always
left us five minutes in which to hitch the horse to the buggy,
which, by the way, we had reduced to a science: one of us would
hurry to the stable each morning before eating breakfast and
feed, brush, and put the harness on the horse; everything would
then be ready to hustle him out of the stable, snap the lines
and traces, and dash on to conflict. Starting at 7 a.m. left us
just an hour and ten minutes to make it in time for chapel. It
was a full seven miles and a half up hill, so that we often
tested the metal of our charger in attempting to escape absence.
We would arrive home at 2 p.m. and begin studying about 2:15. It
left us only a short while till it was time to curry the horse,
grease the buggy or do something relating to our transportation.
During what we had of the afternoon then Charlie Allison, Linck
Cravens and I would "dig out" our Latin. After supper, I always
looked over my mathematics, or else my Greek, but soon became
too sleepy to do anything, having been out in the wind, and
being too young, growing all the while, to make myself put in
the evening till ten p.m. at least to good advantage. So I say,
that my record
Notes
for page 100
101
in mathematics, though it is not what it should be, seemed
almost fated. If I had only boarded at Dr. Fisher's in my
Freshman year, as Walter so persistently advised me, and have
demanded ungently said request, I might stand today at the head
of my class. “If the dog had not stopped, he would have caught
the rabbit.” However, I am not ashamed of my course in Hanover
College and have much to make me feel satisfied. Though I may be
a little short in Greek and Mathematics, my record in Latin is a
formidable chair of self satisfaction in which to rest my
misgivings. Again, if I had stayed in Hanover during my Freshman
year, it might have had its drawbacks; so with the optimist let
me say, “The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places, I have
a goodly heritage.” x x I find I have digressed exceedingly from
the intention in starting which was to say a word concerning our
“mathematical farce.” Some of our recitations to Prof. Morse are
as ridiculous as the closing piece in a negro minstrels. In
Astronomy there is none whose action is sound. Many enter the
room without even looking at the lesson, and make the queerest
answers, but generally sliding by without notice by giving
evasive answers and drawing Prof. on into answering his own
questions. The “recitations in Astronomy” are too rich to be
soon forgotten.
Notes
for page 101
