The life of William Tuttle ...

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

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Preface

" A man is the child of his own actions," proudly exclaimed Napoleon Bonaparte. "By the grace of God, I am what I am," ejaculated the apostle Paul, The real Christian undoubtedly prefers the humble ascription of the saint to the boast of the warrior ; and yet there is a sense in which every person should be taught that he is the child of his own actions, without disparaging the higher and nobler principle which attributes all to the grace of God.

Abstract truth is adapted to the well-disciplined intellect ; but when a strong impression is to be made on common minds, especially the young, truth must become a living picture. It was for this our blessed Lord taught by parables. As he speaks, living realities move before us, seeming not so much to tell us what we ought to be and do, as to throw on us the responsibility of deciding for ourselves. Concerning the subject of these memoirs, one has said, " I honor his memory. His life shone as that of an humble, consistent, heavenly-minded Christian. There was a tenderness of spirit about him, an affectionate sympathy with

6 PREFACE.

his neighbor, and an honest-lieartedness that drew to him the love and esteem of his townsmen. He was an Israelite in whom was no gnile. He followed the Saviour with humble and willing footsteps. He loved his closet, and there recruited his strength for conflict. His best, unmistakable memorial, is the preciousness of his memory in Newark, where he lived and died."

Even this beautiful character, as drawn by the Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, would not of itself be sufficient to claim the public attention. There are many whose virtues might be justly celebrated in such a tribute, and yet their public lives be comparatively useless. But when the struggles of a man from poverty to independence, from ignorance to intelligence, from obscurity to shining usefulness, are grouped in a living picture, showing to every one who looks at it that this is an example which he can follow ; then it becomes a question whether that picture shall be kept enshrined in the holy place of private, affection, or be reproduced for the benefit of others. If this volume shall teach the two lessons, " A man is the child of his own actions ;" "By the grace of God, I am what I am:" if it shall lead one youth to imitate a good example, or comfort one of Christ's little ones, the author will have a rich reward.

LIFE

OF

WILLIAM TUTTLE.

Chapter I. His Parents

"William Tuttle, the eldest son of Joseph and Esther Parkhurst Tuttle, was born near New Vernon, Morris county, New Jersey, August 22, 1781. His ancestors were among the earliest settlers of that county. They were prominent members of the first church which was organized in that part of the state, and were active soldiers during the revolutionary war. It is a fact of interest that his grandfather and five sons were in the service of their country during that trying period. Joseph Tuttle, the father of "William, was a blacksmith of industrious habits, and by his trade was enabled to purchase a house and lot;

but unfortunately having "been elected to an office, the duties of which sometimes conflicted with his kind disposition as a friend and neighbor, he lost his property. Yet, in the language of his son, " though depressed in his outward circumstances, and forced to leave his house, he thanked God for his health, strength, and a trade — bestowments of Providence, with which he might still sustain his family honestly." He w T as a pious man, conscientiously endeavoring to teach his children their obligations to God.

"While William's father exerted a decided influence over him, he owed more to his mother than to any other earthly friend. She was a woman whose native sw T eetness of disposition added charms to the piety which she daily exhibited to her children. She died before William was eight years old, yet her image never lost its place in his memory. His mother did much, by her prayers and example, to mould his character ; and he could say of her with truth,

"The record fair, That memory keeps of all thy kindness there, Still outlives many a storm, that has effaced A thousand other themes less deeply traced."

HIS PARENTS. 9

She left to her motherless children the legacy of her ardent prayers that Grod would guard and guide them through this world, and bestow upon them "an inheritance incorruptible, and undenled, and that fadeth not away."

The misfortunes of his father were probably no disadvantage to William. The recollections of his father's " being sold out," and of the distress occasioned by that event, made an abiding impression on the boy. It is interesting to recur to the very day-book kept by this mechanic, to see how his son acquired those habits which befriended him so greatly in after-life. Entries in this book show that William was frequently employed by the neighboring farmers " to cover corn," " drive oxen," " thresh grain," "chop wood," "plough," and other kinds of work common in a farming community. The father strove to teach his children that it was both necessary and honorable to help themselves in all honest ways ; and so well was the lesson learned, that when protracted and severe illness disabled him, they earned for the family a comfortable living.

After the death of Mr. Tuttle the subject of this memoir, there was found among his private papers the history of "John Homespun/' reaching to the period of his life when he hecame established in a prosperous business. Until his death the existence of this manuscript was unknown, even to his most intimate friends. Under this unostentatious name he has recorded his own early struggles, in a style which often reminds the reader of "Poor Richard." "We are left entirely to conjecture as to the occasion and design of this autobiography ; but one thing is certain, he would have shrunk from speaking even the truth concerning himself, had he supposed that his words would ever come before the public eye associated with his own name ; yet the story is so simple, artless, and truthful, the incidents in it so pleasing, and the principles so valuable, that it is believed minor considerations ought to be waived in view of the useful ends which may be attained by its publication. So far as this narrative extends, and is appropriate to the design of this memoir, the author of "John Homespun" will be allowed to give his own interesting and instructive history.

HIS PARENTS. 11

" John Homespun," he says, "was a boy of but common capacities. Though of an active disposition, and not peculiarly dilatory in his studies while at school, it required more labor and study to keep a fair standing in his class, than was necessary for most of his schoolfellows. "With a memory much less retentive than others', he strove by increased hours of study to commend himself to his teacher without the ferule or rod. So diligently did he apply himself with his limited means of education, as to be accounted a respectable scholar in the elementary branches, and a lad of fair promise by the neighorhood. John's father was an industrious man, whose means went but little beyond the support of his family, yet he took special care that his children should fully share in the benefits of the village school. As this was the chief patrimony he expected to leave them, he was intent on keeping them at school to acquire the more plain and useful branches of an English education. At all times the improvement and education of his children was a leading object with Mr. Homespun."

Chapter II

ME.. STERNHEAET.

In the fall of 1796, "William's father had

an offer from Mr. of Newark, N. J., to

take his son, then at the age of fifteen, as an apprentice to the printing business.

"Thus passed the youthful days of John Homespun, mostly spent at school until old enough to labor. He frequently assisted his father in the shop ; sometimes he aided the neighbors in the hay or harvest field. Even when at school, he made it a point to assist his father as many hours as he could. From principle, he was an early riser, and in this way did much to lighten his father's burdens.

"But the time had now come when John must think of some permanent employment for life. His father was willing to give up his services, if he could thereby secure the means of an honest and independent livelihood. It was decided that he must learn a trade. It was not long before Mr. Homespun learned

MR. STERNHEART. 13

that an apprentice was wanted in a printing-office, in a thriving village some twenty miles distant. It was agreed that John should make a trial.

"With all promptness, and with such means as the limited circumstances of his parents would admit, his father having married again, arrangements were made for apparel more suitable to one who was to leave his rustic home for the more particular circles of a town. John's homely suit of butternut and his straw hat were laid aside for the younger brothers who were still at home, and some plain clothes were purchased from the store. To wear cloth purchased at a store was an era in John's life.

"At length the time for John to leave home arrived, and his feelings on the occasion may be more easily imagined than told. He was only fifteen years old, and had hardly been twenty miles from home in his life. His longest journey hitherto, had been when assisting to drive the cattle to the mountains west of his native place. As for being away from home, he had scarcely ever slept from under the paternal roof. And now to leave that pleasant circle to dwell among strangers, called forth all the resolution of his youthful mind. But John knew that other boys had experienced just the same trial, and had left homes they loved just as well as he loved his. He hethought himself, also, that if spared to manhood he must look out and provide for himself. He was convinced — no trivial thing— that his only prospective resource was his industry, his integrity, and his hands. "With such manly motives prompting and encouraging him, John hade his friends at home a tender farewell. The parting injunction of his father to be a good boy, cheerfully to do all that might be required by his new master, not to expect those indulgences abroad which he had shared at home, in short, to fear Grod and keep his commandments, and by industry and good behavior to make himself a man — this most valuable injunction was never forgotten, and was in some measure heeded by the young adventurer upon untried scenes.

" John's first journey was made in the humble stage-wagon which plied between the shire town of his native county and the town which was

MR. STERNHEART. 15

to be his future residence. For a trifling sum the boy was allowed to make his journey in a public conveyance, one in amazing contrast with the 'iron horse,' which now carries multitudes between the same towns with such astonishing rapidity. On reaching town, John was immediately introduced to Mr. Sternheart, his new master, who kindly received him. Without any delay John put in practice one of his principles, to do all he could to please his master and win his good feelings. One thing is worthy of note: as soon as he acquired a knowledge of the duties expected of him in the printing-office and in the family, he endeavored to anticipate rather than be reminded of them." "In the new situation in which John found himself were four apprentices, and one journeyman bookbinder, a decided deist. The master, Mr. Sternheart, was a man of stern character, self-complacent, and of rather morose disposition. His authority was undisputed, his word was law, and John really feared the man. None of the four apprentices loved him overmuch, but yielded reluctantly to his authority. His lady was no more loved than her husband.

The boys were always civil in her presence, because they dared not act rudely, but behind her back nothing w T as too bad for them to say. Attempts to draw John into this ' opposition line 5 proved unavailing, and in this prudent and magnanimous course even the deistical bookbinder sustained him. The injunction of John's father, to be a good boy and do all he could to please his master and mistress, and not unnecessarily to incur even the ill-will of a dog, was too fresh in his memory to be unheeded.

"He had scarce learned the alphabetical order of the type-case, when he was placed at the press for w^eeks together in applying the ink to the types, a laborious task, which made his arms ache. He was often very tired, but did not yield to discouragement. Sometimes his hands were blistered, but he always found that they soon recovered by the relaxation of the night, and the repose of the Sabbath.

"Thus he continued and labored for Mr. Sternheart for months on mutual trial, the master evidently pleased, and the apprentice having no special reason to find fault. His

MR. STEENHEART. 17

pleasant home, however, could not be forgotten, although it was an humble one. He was not homesick now, for that desolate feeling had been overcome ; but he longed again to visit the family circle from which he had so long been absent. Accordingly a visit home was planned, and occupied much of his thoughts.

" The summer and fall business being chiefly accomplished, John applied for permission to go home. This request Mr. Sternheart readily granted, and in doing it he said with an affability quite unusual to him, ' John, I am pleased with your industry and attention to business, since you have been with me ; and my family are gratified with your attention to their wants. I see nothing in the way of your becoming a printer, and hope you will become my apprentice. But, 5 continued Mr. S., 'X shall not press business this winter ; we have hands enough for what I purpose to do. Say to your father that, if agreeable to him, you can remain at home during the winter, and further improve yourself at school ; or, if more agreeable to him, you may return after making a visit, instead of waiting for spring.'

Wm. Tuttle. 2

"This was in the autumn of 1796. A few days after this, John was at liberty to make the visit which he had anticipated with such pleasure. This time he was not even to take the rough stage-wagon which had brought him to town. He was to take a still plainer conveyance. It may well be imagined that pleasant visions of home mingled in his dreams the night before he started. At the dawn of day he was up, and Mrs. Sternheart, who by this time had really become attached to him, prepared him an early breakfast. And then with a name as pure as when his father gave him his 'parting injunction,' and with the proud feeling that he had done so well as to make friends of his employer and family, with elastic footsteps he began his journey home. It was only twenty miles to walk, and what was that to a son and brother going home ? Yes, that morning John, wending his way home on foot, was happier and more cheerful than if he had been an emperor or a millionaire. It is needless to speak of the affectionate welcome he received when he reached his father's house.

Mil. STEHNHEAHT. 19

" Although there was every reason to believe that Mr. Sternheart was pleased with John, and desired his return as soon as his business should recommence in the spring, yet his father's feelings were a little wounded at the implied unimportance attached to his son's services, which would permit him to be absent for the winter. Perhaps this arose more from pride than from sound discretion ; but be this as it may, Mr. Homespun resolved not to press his son on his new situation. He therefore quietly acquiesced in his son's remaining at home, and waiting the leadings of Providence as to his future course. Accordingly John was again entered at the village school, paying fair attention to those studies which might be useful to him in coming years."

Chapter III. His First Dollar

" Before John's return home an incident occurred, which may be recorded as interesting to lads who leave their parents without money, poor in every respect but a spotless reputation. While at his brief apprenticeship, as before intimated, he had scarce a penny to line his pocket. His fellow-apprentices had richer friends, and consequently plenty of pocketmoney. It was no easy task for him to earn even a small amount. He had the privilege of doing what is called overivork ; that is, after performing his daily labor, if he chose, he could fold books in the bindery, for which he was paid by the page. Although this was a branch of business distinct from his own trade, yet he resolved to avail himself of the privilege. Being a raw hand he could not accomplish much, and the compensation was so despicable in the view of the other apprentices as not to be entertained by them for a moment. In the

HIS FIRST DOLLAR. 21

evening after his own work was done, he applied his hands to this new branch of business, and persevered in it until the proper hour for sleep. With all his tact and perseverance his earnings seldom exceeded five or six cents an evening. But he had learned the multiplication table. He calculated that if he should work four nights in a week, earning six and a fourth cents each night, it would make twenty-five cents a week. If he worked thus four weeks; it would amount to one dollar, a large sum of money for him in those days. Thus stimulated by the pleasant prospect, he worked night after night, without disturbing any one, or being disturbed ; but meanwhile esteemed by his comrades a real 'green' country lad for his pains.

"On his leaving for home, John was not a little disappointed that Mr. Sternheart did not offer to pay him his hard-earned extra-wages ; still he was too modest to demand it, glad enough, as he was, in fact, to make his way home, with few or even no cents in his pocket. But John's wages were not forgotten. A month or two afterwards, he accidentally met

Mr. Sternheart in the county-town of his native county. The interview was friendly. John thought of his dues, as must be confessed, but was too timid to dun even for an honest debt. Before parting, however, he was joyfully startled by Mr. Sternheart's inquiry, ' John, did I pay you for your overwork?' ' No, sir,' was the prompt reply; upon which his employer handed him a silver dollar, a great prize for John, more money than he had ever before claimed as his own."

Mr. Tuttle often referred to that dollar as the choicest and most highly prized that he ever earned, and at that time it seemed a greater treasure than a hundred in after-life. In the perseverance which he displayed in that overwork is found the secret of his future successes. He was never a bold speculator, but through life he was the same diligent worker and economist as in "Mr. Sternheart's" bindery.

There is a casual allusion in this anecdote, which throws light on William's religious habits at that time. In alluding to his multiplication table, it will be remembered that each

HIS FIRST DOLLAR. 23 ■

week furnished him only four for a multiplier. On Saturday night he would not work, for he had been taught by his parents that it was proper then to prepare for the Sabbath. Still there were five nights besides, which he could have used, had he been so disposed, for his "overwork," and yet he only worked four nights each week. How was the remaining evening spent ? His industry is proof that it was not in idleness or dissipation. In this, as in every thing else, the young apprentice had settled it as a principle strictly to be adhered to, that he ought to devote one week-day evening to religious purposes : and he was found regularly in his place at the Thursday evening meeting, which has been observed in Newark from time immemorial. Dr. McWhorter was then in that church, and his friends testify that this venerable man had no more attentive hearer than "William Tuttle. His life then is a fulfilment of the promise, " Them that honor me I will honor."

"William attended the grammar-school in Morristown at one time, and this was probably during the winter after his brief "apprenticeship" in Newark. His father at this time resided between Morristown and Mendham, three or four miles from the former place. The son boarded at home, and twice each day walked this distance, so formidable to modern effeminacy. The cost of his tuition, we may conjecture, was in part met by that precious " silver dollar," of which he has given so entertaining an account. We have also learned from his brother, that many hours of each week were spent in assisting his father. The son's principles were too high-minded, and his sense of propriety too nice, to suffer him to excuse himself from sharing the burdens of his father, by the plea that he was compelled to walk such a distance to school.

It may not be irrelevant here to learn from a contemporary the estimate which others placed upon William Tuttle at this period of his life. "He was then fond of books," says one who had the best of opportunities of knowing him. "As nearly as I can now remember, he was a pattern of industry, sobriety, and morality, always considerate, affectionate, and devoted. He possessed apparently an elevation of prin-

HIS FIRST DOLLAR. 25

ciple far above the standard which governed most of his companions. This attracted the notice of ail who knew him, and many even then predicted that he would be good and useful, as the event has proved. He was in all stations trustworthy."

Chapter IV. "pay As You Go."

"In the spring of 1797, Mr. Sternheart sold his printing establishment, and John Homespun, who felt under no special obligations even to his old employer, now considered the matter entirely optional with himself and his father, whether or not to enter the service of the new purchaser. It was not long, however, before his father received a letter from another printing firm, making inquiries as to John's engagements and disposition to enter their employ. Either the proprietors of this establishment had obtained some favorable knowledge of John while in Newark the year before, or some friend in town had mentioned him as a lad of industry and good morals. Be this as it may, there was a reputation for character, real or fictitious, which even then called forth not only a first but a second application for his services, and that from entire strangers. Upon careful reflection, Mr. Homespun agreed that his son should make a trial of the new situation. The result of this was his being regularly indentured as an apprentice in that printing-office.

"The new family in which John lived and worked was that of Mr. Groodheart. He was himself a working man, and as much the kind companion of his apprentices as their master. His wife was tidy, and spared no labor to manage well her domestic concerns. Both husband and wife were affable, frugal, and sympathizing. The law of kindness and not of coercion predominated. No lordly authority was manifested by Mr. Groodheart. The apprentices were also very different from those he had associated with in Mr. Sternheart's office. Their circumstances were more on an equality with his own, and this materially increased the pleasures of his new home. It was one family. The apprentices were not boarded out, as is too common in these days ; and by the judicious firmness of the master, each one was led to conform to wholesome regulations, among which was one on which he insisted : Every member of the family must be at home and in bed at a seasonable hour. This valuable rule, thus enforced, was a shield from the various temptations which so often ensnare the inexperienced youth, and prove destructive of good morals and a character for virtue.

" John was not slack in performing the labors assigned him. He tried to be faithful. He neither grumbled nor hesitated. A prompt and cheerful compliance with duty w T as a prevailing mark. He endeavored to avoid the meanness of being an ' eye-servant ;' so that, whether his employer was present or not, it made no difference as to the industry of his apprentice. "When the old town-clock announced the hour of labor, he was at his post ; and when business thrived, the pleasure of John was as great as that of his employer."

When William's indentures were to be signed by his father, he made a visit at home, and in connection with this event we have a pleasing picture of his feelings.

"With his indentures in his pocket, and in his own handwriting, he again walked home. The countenances of his friends seemed to say to him, ' John, we are most happy to see you.

No tidings of disgrace to yourself or us have reached our ears. Welcome home ; welcome home.' It was a real comfort to John to he ahle to look his friends in the face without an upbraiding conscience.

"The few days assigned to John for his visit passed away quickly, and not without much cheerful mirth ; for notwithstanding his attention to business, no one loved to be merry with his friends more than he. The time having expired, he promptly returned, because he knew Mr. G-oodheart needed his services, and because that was the time appointed for his return. It was a cardinal maxim with him, during his whole apprenticeship — and I would add, during his whole life — to make mere inclination or gratification yield to duty. In fact, he very early learned that there is no happiness aside from duty. Accordingly, with some plain refreshments in his pocket to eat by the way, he left home. It is true that now, by such industry as he had shown in Mr. Sternheart's bindery, he had a few shillings of his own ; but he deemed it better to save them than spend them in riding in the public conveyance.

A penny saved was as good as two pence earned. His allowance for clothing was small, and to make both ends meet and yet appear neatly clad, the strictest economy was indispensable. He could never bear to be in debt Then and through life he rigidly maintained the wholesome rule, 'Let not your outgoes exceed your income.' "

"While some may look at this artless narrative with the feeling that it has no such importance as to warrant its publication, one thing is certain, that in this narrative is found the way by which most youth must rise to an honorable and independent station in life.. How often do we see the same way followed and proved. In one of our western states we find a boy barefooted, as one describes it, living in a cabin, and working under the scourge of poverty, but animated with an honest ambition to do all he can for himself. That boy, after his day's work is done; is stretched before a blazing fire, with no candle, intensely studying perhaps a borrowed book. In a few years we find him in college. He rigidly follows the rule, "Let not your outgoes exceed your income ;" and when his means are exhausted, nothing discouraged, he walks some forty miles to engage in making salt, so intent on securing the means of an education that he works day and night. Even when he has thrown himself upon his heap of straw to rest tired nature, the prevailing passion animates him, and he is seen walking in his sleep around his boiling salt-kettles. It would be strange if such a man did. not make some figure in the world, and no one expresses as much surprise as admiration to find him at last occupying a place either in our national Senate or Cabinet. We do not feel surprised that this man is no more proud than his friends to hear the people with admiring affection calling him, even now, "Tom the salt-boiler."

We look at another in the same state, an apprentice, an industrious, enterprising boy, who devotes his leisure hours to the diligent reading of books ; and in a few years we are charmed with his eloquence and learning on the platform, "the stump," at the bar, and in the halls of legislation.

We look at another boy brought up to labor and self-dependence by his admirable mother, a widow. On a certain morning, some forty years ago, w T e see him starting en foot with a small budget of clothes for New York city. He has already learned all that he can of the village blacksmith, and now is ambitions to excel in his business. At low w r ages he engages himself to a good workman in the city. Early and late he is at his place. His mind labors with his body, and in a year or two he becomes so great a proficient as to command any wages he chooses to ask. All this time, as an apprentice, a journeyman at low wages, and as a finished workman, he- acts out the maxim, "Let not your outgoes exceed your income." That man yet lives. His efforts have conducted him to opulence, which he is using liberally in the cause of his divine Master.