Ralph Waldo Emerson; His Maternal Ancestors, with Some Reminiscences of Him - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1887 edition. Excerpt: ... retentiveness of her memory in age. Her rare simplicity of style, and her facility and felicity of minute description, combine to impart a unique interest to her recollections of the Emerson home in the Summer Street parsonages. Madam Bradford's Letter. Dear Sir; I went to reside with Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson in 1806, Mr. Emerson being chosen my guardian. They resided in Summer Street, Boston. I was in the family between four and five years, while the children were quite young. Mrs. Emerson was a lovely woman, very superior and very religious. I do not remember ever to have seen her impatient, or to have heard her express dissatisfaction at any time. The daily duties and cares of domestic life never appeared appeared to annoy her. She certainly must have exercised great self-control. She was very industrious, and, in order to save time, kept her knitting in a table drawer in the parlor, and would take it out when receiving friendly calls. She had the care of the silver communion plate, and was very particular that it should be made bright before use. I think a man, who was the sexton of the church, came once a month to attend to it. Mrs. Emerson often went to the ironing-board to iron Mr. Emerson's bands. She could trust no one to do them. They were made of lawn. It was the custom at that time for settled ministers to wear bands and black silk gowns, and a plaited, broad band of black silk round the waist. Mr. Emerson looked very handsome thus attired. I remember Mrs. Emerson taking her infants fants for baptism. She would leave her pew, and alone would take the infant in her arms and go to the altar. Mr. Emerson would take the babe on his arm and baptize it, giving it back to the mother, who returned to her seat calm and undisturbed....