Part 5

I cannot close this chapter of our history without making special mention of our dear friends, Dr. and Mrs. Eldridge of Yarmouth, who played such an important part in our life there, whose friendship and sympathy were so constant and helpful during all the years, and whose frequent and well-chosen gifts added so much to the brightness of our home life, especially of the great kindness of Dr. Eldridge in providing a night nurse at his own expense all through my husband's first long illness. They have both passed to their reward, but their memory is a treasure to us. Our people also manifested their love and appreciation by numerous and valuable gifts. A full china dinner and tea service were given us at our china wedding, and an elegant set of silver forks and a fine cake-basket at our silver anniversary. A costly and beautiful silver loving-cup was their parting gift to my husband. It was appropriately inscribed with the text of his last sermon, "God is Love," significant of the character of his whole life work. The girls of my mission circle also presented a silver tray and tea service to me. These, and innumerable tokens of love scattered all along the way, form a chain of adamant to bind our hearts to the dear friends of those happy days, many of whom have gone before us to the heavenly home.

In April, 1896, Susie having left Wellesley College, her father took her abroad. They were accompanied by her friend and classmate, Miss Effie A. Work, of Akron, Ohio. My husband's illness on the way obliged them to cut short their trip and return home, and another long illness followed. He has now recovered, and my own health having greatly improved, we now gladly "thank God and take courage."

After an interval of some years, caused by returning ill-health, I take up again the story of our family life. Sadly enough, the first record must be of the great sorrow which came to us in the years 1903 and 1904. On the morning of August 8, 1903, my husband was taken very suddenly ill with an attack of congestion of the brain, while standing by his library table. He passed a day of great suffering and semi-unconsciousness, and at night was carried up to his bed, from which he only arose after months of utter prostration. He rallied at last very slowly, after an alarming relapse, and so far recovered as to be able to come down-stairs and walk about the house and mingle with the family at the table and otherwise socially. He was able to read a little and join in conversation, and greatly enjoyed his daily drives. On the evening of June 14 he was suddenly seized with a hemorrhage of the brain as he was retiring for the night, and became entirely unconscious. Every possible effort was made to arouse him, but all was unavailing. He lingered unconscious until the evening of June 17, when he passed quietly away, and entered into the "rest that remaineth for the people of God." My daughter Susan was absent from home, having gone to Simsbury, to act as bridesmaid at the wedding of her cousin, Susie Alice Ensign. She returned as speedily as possible, only to find that her father was unable to recognize her. She was with him at the last, holding his hand in hers as he passed over the dark river. The funeral services were held in the North Church on Tuesday, June 21. Prayer was offered at the house by Rev. Doctor Cutler of Ipswich, a lifelong friend. The procession entering the church was led by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Newcomb, reading the selections beginning, "I am the resurrection and the life." The music was by the Temple Male Quartet, who sang the hymns, "Rock of Ages" and "Abide with Me." Remarks followed by Rev. Dr. Cutler and Rev. Bartlett Weston, both intimate friends, also a few appropriate remarks by the pastor. The burial was at Oak Hill, the committal service being read by Dr. Hovey, and our dear one was laid to rest in a quiet, beautiful spot overlooking the meadows and hills he had loved so well. A granite monument in the form of a St. Martin's cross, bearing the inscriptions, "Resurgam," and "I am the resurrection and the life," marks his resting-place. Beautiful flowers in profusion were sent by relatives and friends and by different organizations in the city in which he had been prominent in token of the love and esteem in which he was held. The Yarmouth church, where most of his life work was done, sent two representatives, and an elegant wreath of ferns and orchids.

The second marriage in the family was that of my sister Susan. She was married July 21, 1863, to Ralph H. Ensign, a son of one of the oldest and best families of the town. Their friendship began in early youth, and was fitly crowned by this most happy marriage. The wedding took place in the Methodist Episcopal church in Simsbury, and the ceremony was performed by Rev. Arza Hill, then pastor of the church. It was in the early days of the Civil War, not long after the death of my brother Joseph. The family were in mourning at the time, and the bride made no change, but was married in a gown of white crepe. The reception at the home consisted only of the two families, and as it was a time of alarms, the men of the family had been called in different directions, so that only the two fathers were present. The wedding was followed by a bridal trip to Niagara.

Mr. and Mrs. Ensign made their home in Simsbury, occupying the house on the hill now occupied by their daughter, Mrs. Robert Darling. Mr. Ensign was in the fuse business with my father, and soon became a member of the firm. He has been its head ever since my father's death, and it has steadily prospered under his leadership. Their present home, "Trevarno," was built in 1881, and they have lived there since that time. They have travelled a great deal, especially in England and France. Their children: Sarah Isabel, who died at the age of four years, Joseph Ralph, Susan Alice, Julia Whiting, and Edward William, who died at the age of three. They also reared to manhood a child, Ralph Newbert, whom they took into their family shortly after the death of their youngest child, Edward.

Next in order was my sister Julia, who was married on May 29, 1886, to Rev. Charles H. Buck of Neponset, Massachusetts, at that time pastor of the Simsbury Methodist church. He was a graduate of Wesleyan University and a young man of much promise, which has been abundantly fulfilled in his ministerial career. They were married in the Methodist church by my father and Rev. Mr. Simmons, and left at once on their wedding journey. On their return they removed to Westville, Connecticut, where Mr. Buck had just been appointed pastor. Since then, Mr. Buck has filled many of the most important appointments in the New York East Conference, serving large churches in Brooklyn, Stamford, Bristol, New Britain, and others. He has always been greatly beloved and appreciated by his people and urged to return to them, particularly at Bristol, where he had three pastorates. When he retired from the active ministry in 1900, he was presented by his people there with a magnificent loving cup, as well as other tokens of their affection. Mr. Buck had previously been given the degree of D. D., and he was Treasurer of Wesleyan University for a number of years after his retirement, besides holding other prominent positions. The Bucks have always been great travellers, both in this country and abroad, and spent a year travelling in the far East, in 1900-01, before settling in a home of their own. On their return, Dr. Buck was for a time Presiding Elder in the New York East Conference and also pastor of a large church in Brooklyn. In 1903 they built a beautiful Colonial house at Yonkers, New York, on land overlooking the Hudson River, where they now live, having their daughter and her interesting family near them.

They adopted two children: William Henry and Sarah Humphrey.

On the 19th of October, 1866, my sister Annie was married to L. Stoughton Ellsworth of Windsor, Connecticut. He came of the straitest of Puritan stock, including the historic Ellsworths and Edwardses of Windsor, and has most creditably borne up the reputation of those families. The ceremony took place in the Methodist church and was performed by his brother-in-law, Rev. C. H. Buck, who was assisted by Rev. J. W. Dodge. They resided for a short time in Windsor, Connecticut, after which they removed in April, 1867, to Oakland, California, where Mr. Ellsworth had charge of a branch of the fuse business, which had been established there. They remained there only a few years. Two children were born to them there, but both died very young, which hastened their return to Connecticut, in the autumn of 1871. They settled on a fine farm in East Weatogue, but in 1889 they built and occupied their present residence in Hopmeadow, and Mr. Ellsworth also became a member of my father's firm. Their children: Lucy Stoughton, George Toy, Annie Stoughton, Henry Edwards, John Stoughton.

My brother George was married October 6, 1875, to Mary Seymour of Granby. They were married at the bride's home by Rev. C. H. Buck, and took a wedding trip to Canada. They lived afterwards in my father's family, as George was associated in the business. There were no living children.

My sister Jennie was married April 19, 1876, to Mr. Charles E. Curtiss of Simsbury. They lived for a short time with Mr. Curtiss' parents, and then removed to Westfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Curtiss was afterwards taken into my father's business, and they lived in the house adjoining his on the hill. Their children: Joseph Toy and Grace Gilbert.

Having been divorced from Mr. Curtiss, my sister Jennie married Mr. Charles A. Ensign, December 2, 1890. They settled in a very pleasant home in Tariffville, where they have since lived, with the exception of a short residence in Ottawa, Canada.[6] No children.

On November 7, 1873, our grandmother, Mrs. D. G. Humphrey, who had long been an honored and valued member of our family, died at the age of 81. She was a very intelligent, and interesting woman, and was loved and mourned by us all.

My brother George died March 25, 1881, after a long and trying illness, which eventually weakened him in mind as well as body.

My stepmother, Sarah G. H. Toy, died September 24, 1881. She had a long illness, resulting from a shock of apoplexy which partially paralyzed her and ended in softening of the brain. I was with her when she passed away, and closed her eyes for the last long sleep. She was a brilliant and interesting woman, a devoted wife, and a kind mother to the children whose care she undertook.

After her death my father married Mary Seymour Toy, April 11, 1882. One child was born to them, Josephine Seymour, born January 19, 1884. They continued to live in the house on the hill until some years after my father's death, which occurred when Josephine was three years old. As she grew older and the question of a suitable education for her arose, Mrs. Toy removed to Hartford, and the old house was closed. It was later divided into two parts; the back portion was moved away and used as a small tenement for the employees of the factory, while the rest was rented as it stood. Later, in 1904, it also was removed to its present position just back of the old site, where Mr. Joseph Ensign's house now stands. Mrs. Toy and Josephine settled in a very pleasant home in Hartford, and the latter attended Miss Barbour's school, and later went for two years to Miss Porter's school in Farmington. On June 5, 1907, she was married to Mr. Frederick Starr Collins, a son of one of the old and prominent families of Hartford. The marriage was a very happy one, especially as Josephine and her husband still remained with her mother.[7]

On the second of April, 1887, my father entered into rest. He had been growing rather more feeble for some time. He was very ill during most of the winter, and was confined to his bed a great part of the time. His trouble was of such a nature that it was impossible for him to lie down, which was very distressing, but he bore his sufferings with great fortitude and patience. He improved as the spring came on, and was able to walk about the house, and had even been out of doors once or twice. I had not been able to go to see him during the winter, but on the last of March I went to Simsbury. He was occupied by business on the first day of April, so that I did not see him, but on the morning of the second, I went in a driving snowstorm to see him. He was just coming out of his room as I came in. I was greatly struck by his altered and feeble appearance, but he received me cheerfully, and we talked pleasantly together for an hour. His physician, Dr. R. A. White, came in at that time, and suggested that he be given a little liquid nourishment. As he attempted to swallow it, there was a struggle, and he threw back his head, groaning heavily. I took his head in my arms, and in an instant he had passed away. We laid him quietly down, and even amid our tears, it was a relief to see him lying peacefully after his winter's sufferings. The funeral took place in the Methodist church. His pastor, Rev. C. W. Lyon, officiated, assisted by Rev. C. P. Croft. The procession passed up the aisle, preceded by the pastor reading the beautiful words of the burial service, "I am the resurrection and the life." The choir sang "Servant of God, well done," and "It is well with my soul." Mr. Lyon preached from the text, "I have fought a good fight ... I have kept the faith," and the choir sang, "Thy will be done."

Two wreaths were laid upon the casket, one of white callas, and in the center was a sheaf of wheat. The church was thronged with friends and neighbors who came to pay their last tribute of love and respect. Over one hundred of the employees of the firm were present. The bearers were S. C. Eno, D. B. McLean, A. G. Case, Erwin Chase, J. N. Race, and A. S. Chapman. So he was carried forth from the church of which he had so long been a pillar, and laid to rest on the hillside, in the midst of his family who had gone before. So closed a long, honored and useful life. "The memory of the just is blessed."

GRANDCHILDREN

SUSAN WEBSTER DODGE, born November 14, 1875.

MARY WEBSTER DODGE (adopted), born January 24, 1866.

GEORGE TOY DODGE (adopted), born June 7, 1872.

SARAH ISABEL ENSIGN, born December 19, 1864; died January 25, 1869.

JOSEPH RALPH ENSIGN, born November 24, 1868; _married_ Mary J. Phelps, April 5, 1894. _Child_: MARY PHELPS, born February 9, 1902.

SUSAN ALICE ENSIGN, born September 7, 1873; _married_ Rev. William Inglis Morse, June 15, 1904. _Child_: SUSAN TOY, born July 4, 1905.

JULIA WHITING ENSIGN, born October 3, 1878; _married_ Robert Darling, May 14, 1902. _Child_: ROBERT ENSIGN, born September 19, 1904.

EDWARD WILLIAM ENSIGN, born July 5, 1881; died June 9, 1884.

LUCY STOUGHTON ELLSWORTH, born February 1, 1868; died April 13, 1870.

GEORGE TOY ELLSWORTH, born April 24, 1869; died October 24, 1869.

ANNIE STOUGHTON ELLSWORTH, born September 22, 1873; _married_ Emmet Schultz, April 16, 1895.

HENRY EDWARDS ELLSWORTH, born March 27, 1878; _married_ Susan Hotchkiss Starr, February 11, 1903. _Children_: JOHN EDWARDS, born September 15, 1904; MARY AMELIA, born July 30, 1907; JANE OSLER, born December 16, 1908.

JOHN STOUGHTON ELLSWORTH, born August 21, 1883; _married_ Lida Burpee, July 15, 1905. _Child_: JOHN STOUGHTON, JR., born June 16, 1907.

WILLIAM HENRY BUCK (adopted), born March 6, 1870; _married_ Sadie Fielding, April 25, 1893. _Child_: JULIA, born November 3, 1893.

SARAH HUMPHREY BUCK (adopted), born June 22, 1872; _married_ Dr. Albert Cushing Crehore, July 10, 1894. _Children_: DOROTHY DARTMOUTH, born May 17, 1895; VIRGINIA DAVENPORT, born February 4, 1900; VICTORIA LOUISE, born February 4, 1900; FLORENCE ENSIGN, born August 21, 1903, died November 10, 1905; JULIA OSLER, born December 15, 1906.

JOSEPH TOY CURTISS, born December 16, 1878; _married_ Abigail Goodrich Eno, December 16, 1899. _Children_: JOSEPH TOY, JR., born May 8, 1901; AUSTIN ENO, born June 15, 1907.

GRACE GILBERT CURTISS, born September 26, 1883; _married_ William Pollard Lamb, May 11, 1904. _Children_: WILLIAM POLLARD, JR., born December 28, 1906; RICHARD HUMPHREY, born February 23, 1909.

JOSEPHINE TOY COLLINS, born July 5, 1909.

APPENDIX

APPENDIX

The following letter from Miss Maude Divine, a granddaughter of my mother's Aunt Susan, gives a little different account of the events of Benjamin Osler's life, as her mother knew them. She says:

"Our great-grandfather, Benjamin Osler, was a merchant in Gibraltar and Cadiz from about 1814. Not doing well, he decided to try trading to the West Indies, and bought a small vessel and fitted it with merchandise. His son, Joseph, who had been a midshipman in the Navy, went with him, but died at Trinidad of yellow fever. On the way home, grandfather's vessel was seized by a French privateer, and he was imprisoned, where he remained some time, unable to communicate with his family. Finally they received information of his whereabouts, through the Free Masons, and an exchange of prisoners being arranged, he came home, a helpless cripple.

"Just at that time South Africa was being much talked of, and he thought he would try his fortune there. He brought out most of his family, my grandmother being the eldest. He never recovered his health, and died about a year afterwards. Our great-grandmother then returned to England with the younger children. My grandmother, having married Lieutenant Coleman of the Navy (who came out in their vessel the _Weymouth_), decided to remain, as did also her young brother, Stephen and a sister, afterwards Mrs. Sayers.

"My grandmother settled at Simon's Town, and after her first husband's death had a school, having been left with two little girls. She afterwards married my grandfather Fineran who was in the Commissariat Department of the Army, and mother was their only daughter. Her two brothers died as young men. There are several descendants of the other Osler daughters, grandmother's sisters, about Simon's Town whom we have never seen, mother not having kept in touch with them after grandmother's death."

S. W. D.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] My mother's cousin, Mrs. Kate Divine, in a letter from South Africa, dated September 8, 1809, speaks of another son, Joseph, the oldest of the family, who died before they went out to the Cape. She also gives additional information about Benjamin Osler and his family which I have added as an appendix.--S. W. D.

[2] Mrs. Gilbert has now been for several years a widow, and all her children are married and have children of their own. Her home is with her daughter Leonora, whose husband is a successful clergyman.--S. W. D.

[3] Reverend Mr. Sims died in August, 1909.

[4] The beautiful stone church which now replaces the first wooden building was dedicated June 10, 1909, shortly after my mother's death. It was the gift of Mr. R. H. Ensign and is entirely furnished with organ and fittings by the generosity of members of his family. The large Tiffany window over the chancel is a memorial to my grandfather presented by his daughters.--S. W. D.

[5] My mother was closely associated for some years before her marriage with "Father McLean," as he was affectionately called, reading to him, writing sermons for him, and delighting to render him in his blindness such little services as she could.--S. W. D.

[6] In the winter of 1908-09, Mr. and Mrs. Ensign bought the attractive place in East Weatogue, where they have since lived.

[7] On July 20, 1909, five months after my mother's death, Josephine Toy Collins died very suddenly at her home in Hartford, leaving a baby daughter, little Josephine Toy, only two weeks old. Her early death was a terrible blow to her young husband and to her mother, to whom she had always been a close companion. Her short life was sweet and lovely, and a host of sorrowing friends mourned its early close.--S. W. D.

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES:

Italicized text is indicated by underscores: _italics_.

Inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation have been retained from the original.

End of Project Gutenberg's The Story of the Toys, by Mary Harris Toy Dodge