The following is the life sketch of James Sherlock Cantwell as copied from his journal.
“I was born in Mountrath Street, Doublin, Ireland, in the capital City of Ireland, on Wednesday at 8 a.m. November 24th, 1813, I was called James after one of my Mothers brothers, and Sherlock, after my Mothers maiden name.
My fathers name was Simon Cantwell. He was the youngest son of eleven children he had one sister named Jane, the names of his Father and Mother I never knew, and what became of his sister, I am equally ignorant, as I am entirely indebted to my mother’s sister Hannah, for the meager information I have respecting them, they were farmers.
My father was born in the town of Castlecomer, in the County of Kilkenney Ireland, in the year 1788, I believe he was the only member of the family who was educated, and a Calvinist of religion. The rest of his family, except his brother Thomas, were Roman Catholics. At that time of his life he left his native town and why he embraced a different religion, are misteries to me, but I have always supposed that his becoming a Calvinist led to his estrangement from his fathers household.
He was married to my mother in Rathmines, a suburb of Dublin, on the 1st of January 1813, by a German Minister names Shultz, I was his first child.
Following out his impulsive characteristic, and passionate sanguine temperament, and his name Cantwell, which is Spanish, goes far to establish our family tradition that he was a decendant of the Spanish nation.
He was a Law writer in a place called, The Four Courts, in Dublin, which office he held until his death, which took place in Nortons Row, Philsboro on Wednesday at 4 a.m. March 29, 1821. Simon and Wilhelmina had five children, James Sherlock, Robert, Mary Ann, (who died when one week old) Wilhelmina & Ellen, who was born after her Fathers death.
I now say something of a recollective character, relative to my Mother, as have about my Father.
After my Father’s death she never rallied, but continued to sorrow and at length was seized by the Typhus Fever, conveyed to a hospital and died on Sunday morning at five o’clock on the 29th of March, 1825. She was buried in the Drumcondra Church yard, in the same grave with my Father. I have often wondered and reflected on the co-incidence of the deaths of my parents. My father died March 29th, 1821, aged 33 years, my Mother was 29 years old then and she lived four years, dying on the 29th of March 1825, at the age of 33 years.
According to family tradition, she decended from Normandy. Her ancestors came over with William The Conquerer, commonly called so in English History.
James Sherlock Cantwell was born on November 24, 1813 in Dublin, Ireland. He was sent to a private school at the age of two and one half years of age, he could read and write when he was four and one half years of age. At six he was sent to the public schools of Dublin, after which he was transferred to Saint Mary’s school in Dublin. His father died when he, James Sherlock, was seven years old, and his Mother died four years later. In 1825 when James Sherlock was nearly twelve years of age, he was taken to Wigan Lancashere, England to make his home with an uncle, his uncle’s wife Bridget Murray, was a Catholic, while her husband belonged to the Methodest Faith, this difference in religion was a constant source of discord in the family.
James S. was put in a private school under the tutorship of Thomas Collett and George Spray, where he remained for three years. At the close of the school period, he was apprenticed to a foundry, where he served one year, a year later through the resentful influence of his aunt, he was apprenticed to a tailor in Lancaster. After an intern of one year, he was formally indentured to the tailor trade, under the direction of George Murray.
The quarrels of his uncle and aunt over problems of religion caused James to wonder if either religion was right. At his time he received an intimation that neither was right, and he says, “And I have lived to know neither is right”.
He stayed with George Murray at Lancaster until 1831, when he moved to Manchester. One year later, he broke his indenture by running away from Murray’s drunkeness. In the spring of 1833, he went to Dublin where he lived for one year. In 1834 he returned to England and began working for a man named Eson who was a devout Methodist.
In 1836 he was employed as a private teacher for Catholic family named Thomas Fox, at this time Mr. Cantwell was a Methodist.
In the year 1836 there was a great convulsion in the Methodist Church in England, Mr. Cantwell left the old body and joined the off wing, becoming the Sunday school teacher and prayer leader for the new society. This move forced him to leave the Catholic home of Mr. Fox. He made his home with John Wilkinson’s family in Manchester, this family were members of the Wesleyan association. Mr. Cantwell later married a step daughter of John Wilkinson. Mrs. Wilkinson whose maiden name was Mary Ann Cottrell, had been previously married to a man names Burnett of Straffordshire, England, a potter. Burnett died and his widow married John Wilkinson. Wilkinson was called to war, and was reported to have been killed in action. Thinking Wilkinson was dead, his wife married Captain William Hamer, an officer of an East India Company, by whom she had one daughter, who later became the wife of James Sherlock Cantwell. Captain Hamer was killed in battle before his daughter was born. Wilkinson, who had been reported dead, returned and was reconsiled in his home.
The daughter Elizabeth Cotterell Hamer, who became the wife of James Sherlock Cantwell, was born in Manchester, England on March 20, 1819.
James S. Cantwell and Elizabeth C. Hamer were married Friday the 27th day of April 1838, at the Protestent Church in Prestwich, it was a seceret marriage because of the severe opposition of Mr. Wilkinson against the marriage.
On December 22, 1839 their first child was born, he was called Robert Simon and lived only five months.
They moved to Bollington, where they lived for two years, here on February 25, 1840 their second son John, was born, he died the next day. In Bollington James S. became the local preacher for their church, The Wesleyan Association. At Bollington, Frances Robert was born, April 7, 1841.
These past seven years, Mr. Cantwell had been working at the trade of Tailor. His very close associate was a man named George McKay of Wigton, Scotland. He relates a percular circumstance for 1836, “A man named Mitchelson dressed in the attire of a preacher came to work in the Tailor Shop, this man was assigned a bench next to mine in the vest department, he said he to was a Wesleyan, he worked for a while then left and went to Liverpool. Two years later he wrote me to come to Liverpool, offering me a situation. I accepted it, and we moved to Liverpool in 1841.
Mitchelson and I went to hear a preacher on adult baptism, we were baptized. About this time a people called “Latter Day Saint’s” had established meetings in various parts of England, a man named Robert Williams told me about this Church, I heard of their holding a meeting in Carpenters Hall, Manchester, England. I decided to hear them, here again I met George McKay. I did not get much out of that meeting, they administered the sacrament, someone spoke in tongues, someone attempted to talk. I came away from that meeting none the wiser for having gone.
One day in December 1841 as I was passing through the streets of Liverpool, I saw a placecard that said that Elder George I. Adams, formerly a Wesleyan minister, would give reasons for leaving the Wesleyan church and joining the L.D.S. That night with my friend Michelson and our wives, went to hear his story. Parley P. Pratt introduced George I. Adams. Adams spoke of faith, repentance, and restoration, also baptism.
From this time on we continued to attend these meetings, we read the Book of Mormon, and the Voice of Warning.
James Sherlock Cantwell was baptized into the L.D.S. church February 7, 1842, ordained a priest on April 22, 1842, sent out to preach in 1843.
On the 28th of February 1843, James S. Cantwell Jr. was born in Liverpool, he was blessed by Wilfred Woodruff.
James Sherlock Cantwell was closely associated with the church authority at Liverpool during the last years of Parley P. Pratt’s Presidency and during the time of Wilfred Woodruff and Amos Fielding.
He was appointed to the office of clerk of the Liverpool conference on August 28, 1824, that day being ordained an Elder. On October 12, 1842 he saw George Q. Cannon, then a boy of 12, leave his native land for America. We hear the much used phrase that Parley P. Pratt said to George Ward, as the responsibility for the care of the church in England, was transferred from Pratt to Ward. Pratt was standing on the gang plank of the Emerald, and the few saints, including James S. Cantwell, were bidding the departing farewell.
William H. Cantwell was born April 26, 1846.
James S. Cantwell was appointed book agent for the
church in England on October 1842, in 1843 he was appointed a traveling
missionary in England, and North Wales.
He was discharged from a good position he had held for seven years,
because he would not give up his association with the Mormons.
His daughter Ellen was born in Liverpool September 24, 1848, she was blessed by Milo Andrews. (Ellen is my Grandmother Joy M. Petersen)
James S. baptized his wife February 7, 1849, she was confirmed a member of the Church by Milo Andrews on February 13th, just seven years after that of her husband.
On October 1, 1850 the Cantwell family boarded the ship “James Pennel” for America. He tells of a very destructive storm which practically ruined the ship, and endangered the lives of all on board. “I saw all the storm in a dream the night before, and also that we would be saved, and I felt moderately calm amidst the excitement, for excitement there was, every one expecting to be engulphed in the sea”. They were forced to stay ten days at Florida Cape because of the damage done to the ship. Friday morning, November 22nd they reached New Orleans, Mr. Cantwell says.
On the morning of the 21st of November the steamer “hercules”, took both ships in tow and took us up the river to New Orleans, arriving at the Wharf at ten minutes to ten o’clock, Friday morning.
The report of our disaster was previously published in the papers, and a great crowd of people came to see us, and among them a gang of rowdies, thieves and desperadoes. We were cautioned to guard the ship and repel them, but found it to be a difficult matter, but between the whole of us, including the Captain and Crew, we kept them off.
I must record a circumstance that took place at see, about the 15th of November, I had a terrible attack of tooth ache that day, and it became worse toward night, while I lay weltering in agony, a man names John Fisher came to me with a pint of brandy in his hand, of which I drank freely, and the tooth ache ceased, he then asked me if I intended to stay in New Orleans I told him I did, and the reason was because I didn’t have the money to go farther that season, he then told me he had had a dream that if I did, my family, and also myself would die.” And now, he said, “If you like, I will lend you the money to pay your passage to Saint Lewis, and you can pay me back when you earn it there, of course I accepted the offer, and payd him back about a year and a half later.
Friday morning November 22nd, the Cantwell family reached New Orleans, and on December 3, 1850 they arrived in St. Louis, Mr. Cantwell became a member of the St. Louis branch of the church December 17th 1850.
Ellen Cantwell, his sister, came to live with him in St. Louis.
Mr. Cantwell was made President of the St. Louis Conference April 26, 1852 .
On August 18, 1852 he baptized his son James in the Mississippi River and confirmed him a member of the church August 24, 1852.
Friday, September 9, 1853 a daughter was born to Mrs. Cantwell, they call her Mary Ann,
she later became the wife of Thomas Mather of Smithfield.
December 16, 1855, Elizabeth was born.
Friday, June 27th, 1856, Mr. Cantwell with his family left St. Louis, for Florence, Nebraska, arriving there July 7, 1856.
Sunday, August 17th the Cantwell family left Florence for Utah, with two yoke of good Oxen. James G. Willie was the Captain of their Company, at the time Levi Savage spoke against starting so late in the year. He pointed to the meager dress of the people, the early mountain storms and the bad ? James G. Willie repudiated all, J.G. Willie called him a distuber of peace an opposer of those who were in authority. In this relation Mr. Cantwell James G. Willie has a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
They resolved to act on Willies orders, there were ten wagons and ? six cattle. Mr. Cantwell states.
On the 24th of August we encountered a severe Prairie storm, which ? Both cattle and men.
On the 29th, we met up with a band of Omaha Indians, they were friendly and wanted us to make permanent camp with them.
August the 30th we reached Fort Kearney, here they came across the wagons and remains of Almon Babbors ill fated company that had been massacred by the Cheyennes. We covered the remains that had been unearthed by Coyotes, in deeper graves.
Wednesday the 17th we were descending Scotts Bluffs, when my daughter Ellen was bitten by a rattle snake in the first two fingers of the right hand. This was a serious setback, because of the suffering of the child.
October 1st, the Company reached Fort Laramie and remained until the 17th heavy storms began on the 19th, forcing the Company to camp at Red Butte for ten days, at this camp they met up with the Martin Hand Cart Company, whose members were dying hourly of the cold, hunger and exposure. From this point on there were daily cold storms of snow and sleet, their cattle died and the yoke, as many as six a day.
November 5th they arrived at Devils Gate, one of the worst storms came up here, keeping the company in camp for four days, many more of the cattle died. Here they decided to leave most of the wagons and freight, and take only what food, clothing and wagons were necessary to convey the personnel.
In December 1st they reached Fort Bridger, here they were met by a company from Salt Lake City, Mr. Cantwell arrived in Salt Lake City with his family on December 14, 1856, they soon moved to Cottonwood under the direction of Milo Andrews, a one time missionary in England.
On April 12, 1857, Mr. Cantwell and his entire family were re-baptized and Ellen was confirmed by Milo Andrews, who had blessed her in England.
April 2, 1858 Mr. Cantwell very pathetically records the tragic death of his wife in confinement, a son called Lucius was born, the boy was given to the care of Mrs. Joseph Knight of Salt Lake City.
April 23, 1858, Mr. Cantwell joined the move south according to the instructions from President Young.
June 29th, 1858 a fire in his dug out burned every vestage of clothing and roof. After this fire, the children were taken to other homes to be taken care of, Ellen was taken to Thomas Doan’s, Spanish Fork, William to Henry Hughes, Mary Ann and Elizabeth stayed with Mr. Cantwell.
On July 12, 1858, they were called back to their home in Cottonwood, by President Young, Mary Ann and Elizabeth then went to live with families in West Jordon.
During 1858-59-60-61, Mr. Cantwell worked as store clerk, teacher, farmer and tailor. In 1860 he was appointed ward clerk.
In 1862, Francis R. purchased a farm from Robert P. Gibson in Smithfield.
May 1st 1862 we moved out of Big Cottonwood in Company with Henry Hughes and family, we numbered five persons, James, William H., Ellen, Mary Ann, and myself. Francis having gone at a call of Pres Young to ward off the Indians.
May 24th, 1862 we reached Smithfield, on this day we planted peas and wheat on the Robert Gibson farm.
May 25th, Sunday, Peter Maughan, Ezra T. Benson, and William Hyde, spoke in church and asked the folks not to trade powder to the Indians.
May 25th, we planted wheat, three and one half acres, Sam Nelson helped us.
May 31st, Sunday, I joined the ward, Seth Blair and William Hyde spoke.
June 6th, Martha Hodges fell off the wagon while crossing the creek and drown. The months of May and June were marked by the highest water, recorded in the history of Cache.
June 19th, Grasshoppers making their appearance. Cleaned up two acres of wheat.
Sept. 8th, 9th, and 10th went about collecting wheat to pay school house expenses.
November 8th to 30th, Influenza raging, one man died.
November 29th, Patterson was hired to teach school. T. Morehead, R.A. Bain, and Mr. Cantwell trustees.
1864 -
Took part in many plays.
January 4th, thermometer registered 24 below zero.
March 24th, Charles Wright began teaching school.
June 6th, Bishop Roskelley started a store, Mr. Cantwell began working for him.
1985 -
Feb. 22nd, John Boyce Jr. and George Barzee were frozen to death.
June 28th, Patriarch W. Hyde made his first visit in an official compacity and gave blessings.
August 1st, began work on the new rock meeting house.
August 15th, made pound keeper.
October 15th, Ellen married Joseph McCann.
December 9th, received my endowments in Salt Lake, along with us were Wm. Chambers and wife, Peter Bendrickson and wife, and my daughter Ellen.
1866 -
Agent to get teams to go to plains.
Agent to get teams to go to Montana with grain and flour.
Agent to interest people to help on the canal from Logan River.
1867 -
Feb. 1st, Sarah Meikle died.
April grasshoppers destroyed wheat, and coming in hordes, By May 31st all fields were cleared by hoppers. No bread in sight, hordes of grasshoppers clouding the sun.
August 21st, my hand destroyed by contact with a lathe saw.
September 4th, went to live with Frank, at Millville, and stayed until Oct. William H. went to Montana to work, he returned in Dec. with frozen feet.
June 20th, to the end of the month, I worked in the canyon making roads.
June 21st, Several men of Smithfield were tried for their fellowship, for gambling with the Indians, Moroni Price, G.G. Merrill and Justin Merrill lost their fellowship. Slyvanous Collett was to be re-baptized and Ruben Collett to leave the place.
July 4th, we went to Logan to celebrate.
Sept. 11th, the frost destroyed the wheat and corn.
Sept. 25th, was made school trustee.
Oct. 1st, we dug potatoes.
Nov. 1st, Daniel C. Thomas was made ward Bishop to succeed Bishop Smith.
Nov. 2nd, Took school census.
Nov. 3rd to 10th, took load of oats to Salt Lake.
Nov. 30th, Samuel Roskelley was appointed Bishop of Smithfield by Maughan and Benson.
Dec. 21st, Organized a musical class in Smithfield.
Dec. 25th, went out caroling and stayed out all night.
Dec. 28th, Sunday-volunteers were called to build a house for Bishop Roskelley.
1868 -
Began teaching school at Smithfield and had 36 pupils.
Jan. 15 to 26th, School was dismissed to make way for concerts.
Jan. 17th, took two sheep to Logan to pay Robert Nelsons taxes.
Jan. 18th, delivered a lecture on Education at Sacrament Meeting.
Jan. 19th, gave an Irish recitation and sang two songs at the concert.
Jan. 22nd, cast plays.
Jan. 30 to 31st, made desks for school, (School was held when there was nothing else to do).
Feb. 20th, gave concert at Wellsville.
Feb. 26th closed school to get house ready for Military Ball, appointed adjutant General in the Military contingent.
April 1st, appointed ward clerk.
April 2nd, 3rd and 4th, Military Drill.
April 7th, walked to Menden to pay an account with Henry Hughes.
July 5th, John C. Gailbraith died, grasshoppers again.
1869 -
Feb. began to work for Richardson and Douglas. Nineteen teams brought from Ogden for the store.
Nov. 12th, Sworn in as Postmaster of Smithfield.
Dec. 6th, Commissioned Post Master, this commission is still intact.
1870 -
Worked in the store (co-op) during this year.
1871 -
April 24th, received word of the death of Peter Maughan, who was buried on the 26th, many people, including one hundred mounted Indians, attended funeral, they were much moved.
During this month Mr. Cantwell acted as agent in selling City lots, the lots were deeded by the Government.
May 1st, one of the first events of its kind here, a May Day celebration, Grasshoppers again, destroying everything.
May 15th, Tri-weekly mail coming to Valley.
Call made for men to complete telegraph line from Franklin to Randolph, Smithfield furnished sixteen miles stent. It’s a very hot summer.
Aug. 31st, 1871, William Douglas returned from mission after two years.
Sept. 3rd, the farmers club was formed, officers were George Barber, A.A. Anderson, and Mr. Cantwell.
Nov. 13th, went to work for Richardson and Douglas in their store, these men are going contrary to the council of the church, I resigned after a council with Bishop Roskelley who advised me to quit, as these men were going contrary to the council, and that he would be supplementing their crime. On the 20th of November I was requested by the Bishop to write three letters to the three members of the three quorums, asking them to prohibit their members from buying goods from Richardson and Douglas.
Dec. 12th, a call was made at Hyde Park for a public meeting to take up public subscription to raise money to hire Lawyers to defend polygamists who might be caught, W.D. Preston and Sheets advocated the meeting, Mr. Cantwell attended.
Dec. 18th, Took inventory of stock in Richardson and Douglas store, they sold out to Z.C.M.I.
Dec. 24th, I married Oston T. Merrill and Sarah Ann Buck.
1872 -
Jan. 1st, I attended a dance, Mary A. Scrowther and Kate Brown forced me to dance A Scotch Reel.
Jan. 10th, James left with Julia Collett for Salt Lake to be married, they were married on January 15th, in the Endowment House.
June 1st, walked to Hyrum to attend conference, I was on the program.
July 4th, was Chaplin and Orator, sang two songs and gave some toasts.
July 24th, Toastmaster for celebration, wrote some songs.
Recorded: “Our Northern Railroad is still progressing and drawing on toward Cache Valley, it will bring it’s goods, and it’s evil, but it will come and all people will have to be tried by the circumstances around them, I hope I shall never fail in my faith and my duty to the establishment of the gospel on the earth by the martered Prophet and seer Joseph Smith.”
Aug. 4th, I married John Thornley and Grace Afflect, I gave them good advice regarding their future welfare, they are aged people.
Aug. 25th, Petitioned the Post Office Department at Washington for a daily mail.
Sept. 2nd, I wrote three letters to Ireland in search of Geneology, I feel very anxious about it and hope to get favorable answers, I do not care for the expence, the redemption of the dead is of more value to me than a little paper and a few stamps.
1873 -
Jan. 21st, spent the day visiting schools and testing progress of the pupils.
Feb. 1st, the Utah Northern Railroad reached Logan.
July 24th, held celebration under the trees near Willis Lemons home, Wrote two songs for the occasion, at the close of the celebration I went to Bishop Roskelleys, who treated me to a good whiskey sling. I spent the afternoon at Seth Langons with the Marshall band.
Aug. 3rd, went to prayer circle meeting, I was “Mouth”, in place of John Plowman, who was a Danishman, and could not speak the language, a good spirit prevaled, I shall not soon forget it.
Dec. 7th, I wrote seventeen letters for Bishop Roskelley.
1874 -
Jan. 4th, I spoke at the funeral of Ola Nielson, thirty three sleigh loads of people attended.
May 3rd, United Order began in the Valley, with a meeting in Logan.
May 21st, I was elected treasurer of the Smithfield chapter of the United Order.
July 4th, First excursion by rail to Ogden.
July 12th, Thirty families called from Cache Valley to go to St. George and from one to two hundred families to go live on the Church farm to establish the City of Enoch.
Aug. 13th, Francis was appointed mail carrier.
1875 -
Jan. 5th, Letter from James H. Hart proclaiming the failure of the United Order.
Jan. 12th, I’m still a trustee and much interested in School, records there being three teachers and one hundred and forty pupils.
Feb. 12th, John Altham funeral, I was asked to preach but would not as was not in good standing in the church.
June 24th, appointed agent to collect money for the purpose of translating the Book of Mormon into the Spanish language.
July 8th, Meeting called for the purpose of re-confirming the United Order, fifteen families met and were baptized into the Order.
1876 -
May 28th, Mr. Cantwell and son James appeared before Judge Emerson for questions on final application for Naturalization papers.
June 4th, released from duty of Ward clerk, succeded by Francis Sharp.
Dec. 29th, Made Will, appointing R. T. Morehead and Thomas Hillyard execuror because of failing health.
Aug. 29th, Brigham Young died.
June 23rd, resigned last church office.
Dec. 6th, 1878, made his last recording in his diary. Quote, “James Cantwell a son”.
Died Sept. 4th, 1887 at Millville, funeral services held on the lawn in front of the old home in Smithfield, the speakers at the funeral were, Robert Nelson, William Chambers, Robert Thornley, and Francis Sharp gave his life history.
Poem written by James Sherlock Cantwell after the death of his wife, June 10, 1858
How long shall I feel that a Pilgrim I roam
Or having no place I can claim as a home,
The hearth stone is vacant, where she used to preside
And sorely I miss her, away from my side.
2-
To keenly I felt it, a sorrowful day
When death entered in and snatched her away,
When her cold icy hand, as it rested in mine
Assured me that I was, I sorrow to pine.
3-
She breathed not a breath, but was hushed calm and still
Cold insensibility, vacant and chill,
The body lay there, death came to destroy
Asleep by her side, lay our beautiful boy.
4-
Could I but recall her, to earth back again
How soon she would be here, abiding with men,
But my will is but human, she has passed away
No longer with mankind, determined to stay.
5-
The cold silent grave, with nothing to cheer
Holds in it’s embrace, All I hold dear,
I pray you disturb not, the place where she’s laid,
Tis sacred to me as the balm of the dead.
6-
I cannot forget the rememberance of one
Who from my youths early day, had followed me on,
To lands afar off, for my sake alone
She forsook all the comforts, of house, friends and home.
7-
Her sons and her daughters now stand on the earth
To speak of their Mother reposing in death,
To drop the soft tear in rememberance of her
Who bore them and blest them without dread or fear.
8-
Her memory is sacred to me who knew best
What others may say that memory is blest,
We shall not forget so much goodness and worth
But wait for to meet her, again on this earth.
A song written by James Sherlock Cantwell in the Year 1853
And sung at a Tea Party.
1
Oh have you heard tell of the flying machine
The greatest of wonders that ever was seen,
If not it is time you shook of your Sloth
For you are all lazy or stupid or both,
In this the mound City I’d have you to know
Where knowledge and power in rivers do flow,
There lived a big man, a tailor by trade
That wears on his shoulders a very long head.
2
One very fine morning reclined on his bed
To thinking and planning it seem he was led,
To get up a machine that would go by its self
And steam, wind and lightening put by on the shelf.
At length this genius developed the plan
That in embryo laid, smothered up in the man,
Since the days of excuse, I really cant tell
We’ll leave that at present, perhaps it’s as well.
3
Now it ran in his head, (why not on the ground),
To bring out his model, if one could be found
That could do up the job, in the twink of an eye
And quick as a shot one said he would try,
Not many days after the thing came to light
It put all the Saints in a terrible fright,
To View it you’d scarcely get in at the door
Such a rush that they had for to prop up the floor.
4
At a trial of speed they determined upon
And started at once for the land of Zion,
yes they went to the Valleys of Utah and back
While your neighbor would ask for the loan of a sack.
To Russia they sped like a shaft from a bow
And landed quite safe in that region of snow,
And then to St. Petersburg all in a crack
And pitched Alexander right down on his back.
5
The Emperor quickly jumped up on his knees
And ordered his Cossacks the intruders to seize,
But before they had time to collar the scamps
They were safely let down in Sebastopols camps,
Not liking to stay so crooked a place
They hopped o’er the sea to the Island of Greese,
But finding that Russia had friends there so dear
They flew of in a jiffy they could not tell where.
6
They found themselves safely in big London town
Where they said they would stay and put up at the Crown,
They called for roast beef and a horn of brown Stout
Being tired and hungry with flying about.
They ran up a score of ten shillings or so
And the landlord he wanted his money you know,
They told him to make out his bill for a peck
And before he could do it they flew to Quebeck.
7
Having gone half way over this beautiful Globe
They determined some other creations to probe,
And started for Jupitor, Satarn and Mars
With a dozen or more of such elegant stars.
But wonders they went to the moon
And a greater than all we’ll come to it soon,
They went beyond Space, before you could nod
And drank tea with the famious Sectarian God.
The end
The Old Maids Triumph-
My brave young man you’ve made a mistake
Oh, keep away for your own sake,
Retire and think yourself well off,
That you not sense to know your place
And maids like me you would disgrace,
Endure the men I cannot bear
Little for them I do not care.
I’ve formed the mind to marry none
Zounds, what do I care for any man.
And if you’d know the reasons why
But give a reason I shall not try,
Enjoy life in single bliss
That married clowns take so amiss.
Hurrah, my parrot and my cat
And fancy our tame pet Rat,
Shall occupy my precious time
Here on this earth, OH, so sublime.
With dreams of peace and length of years
Oh, nothing now to cause my tears,
Rude men cannot increase my pain
Theres naught to loose but all to grain,
Heavens, Oh what joy, I must refrain.
Written by, James Sherlock Cantwell.
Copyright 2019 Smithfield Historical Heritage Society