While we know our northern friends may not feel it, in the South, Spring is
here. So we thought we'd share a few of our gardening sites appropriate
for this time of the year. Along with gardening, there's grilling, and getting
ready to diet so that you can fit back into that bathing suit this summer!
Miss M. J. F. Thayer's Labors as a Missionary
Teacher
At the
invitation of Rev. G. Rockwood (then the ordained missionary at
Tuscarora) Miss M. J. F. Thayer commenced her labors among the
Tuscarora as teacher on April 30, 1849, in the old school-house
opposite Mr. Rockwood's house, receiving from the American Board
one dollar and fifty cents per week, besides her board. There
were but few scholars, and these were very irregular in their
attendance. Miss T. visited the parents and tried to get them
interested. She finally came to the conclusion that time and
money were thrown away on that little day school, and drew up a
paper, which was read to the Tuscarora at their New Year's
feast, January 1, 1850, in which she detailed her plans and
wishes, asking their aid in executing them. Their response was
cordial and hearty. They resolved to build a new school-house;
the site was selected on a corner near Isaac Miller's, and the
people, as one man, went to work with great alacrity, under the
leadership of one of their chiefs, Wm. Mt. Pleasant, and had,
before the next New Year's, a snug house, 18 x 24 feet, well
finished, furnished with two stoves, and a large pile of wood
prepared. Miss Thayer commenced teaching at the new station
(which she was pleased to call Mt. Hope) Jan. 14, 1851, having
forty scholars the first day. On Saturday, Jan. 12, before
school began, a church meeting was held at the new station.
There were thirty persons present, and they voted to hold prayer
meetings there every Wednesday evening.
Feb. 20 Miss T. wrote "Fifty is the average attendance
at school.
Scholars happy and bright and very eager to learn Nearly every
one has bought a new spelling book. The prayer meetings are well
attended; Sabbath evenings there are fifty present, Wednesdays,
thirty. They conduct these meetings without their pastor,
usually. Christians are being revived; there is an increasing
spirit of prayer: the women have begun to pray; we had a
precious meeting last Sabbath evening."
In March there was a great deal of sickness (typhoid
fever), of which several died. The school was interrupted for a
few days.
May 2, she wrote "My school flourishes. It is difficult
to say which seem the happier, the children or their teacher. I
have five little girls boarding with me. As the 'boarding school
fund' is exhausted, I am obliged to meet all the expenses from
my own allowance" It might be stated that Miss Thayer never
received a "formal appointment" from the American Board, because
her health was so poor, but she was employed and paid by them.
After she went to the new schoolhouse they paid her one hundred
and fifty dollars a year, and she found everything. By "boarding
school fund" is meant money received by Miss Thayer from friends
of hers who were interested in her work and sent her, from time
to time, small sums of money and sometimes articles of food and
clothing for the children, deficiencies she met from her own
allowance.
Thus the work went on. Several children were anxious to become
inmates of the teacher's family. Celia Green, Elizabeth Cusick,
Ann and Mary Henry, Susan Patterson and Sarah Mt. Pleasant were
the favored ones.
Sept. 10, 1851, Miss T. wrote "My school is small now,
owing to the prevalence of the measles. The little girls living
with me being attacked, their mothers have taken them home."
Under the same date adds "Two weeks ago I passed a sleepless
night, contemplating the deplorable condition of the young
people here, agonizing and with tears wrestling in prayer for
them. Last week I learned that three young women had decided to
forsake there evil ways, repenting of their sins, and looking to
Jesus for salvation. Two of them came forward at the church
meeting last Saturday, and offered themselves as candidates for
admission to the church. One of the young women stayed with me
last Sabbath night (this was Louisa Henry). She gave evidence of
a change of heart. May many more be led to a saving knowledge of
the truth."
Writing again to her father, (these extracts are all from
letters to her father), Dec. 8, 1851 "It would do your heart
good to look in upon my little family my little ones so
confiding affectionate and happy. My heart has again been made
glad by the conversion of one of my older pupils, an interesting
youth of seventeen. He and the two young women mentioned in a
former letter united with the Church at our last communion. I
wept for joy at these tokens of the presence of a prayer-
answering God."
Jan. 1, 1852 "Attended the New Years' feast to-day.
Told the people of my plans for building an addition to the
schoolhouse, so that I might take more children into my family.
They adjourned to the Council-house, and will talk over my
propositions there this evening."
Jan. 3 "The church meeting to-day was very interesting.
Five young women offered themselves to the church, were examined
and accepted. Most of them state that they found the Savior last
summer. As near as I can learn from their statements it was at
the very time when I was so exercised in their behalf. For some
time I agonized in prayer; then I became calm, and felt assured
that my prayer was heard and would be granted."
Jan. 4, Sabbath "An interesting day. Never saw so many
of the Tuscarora present at a religious meeting. Some one who
counted them stated that there were nearly one hundred and
forty, and all seemed serious and attentive. Bro. B's discourse
in the forenoon was full of instruction to the young converts.
In the afternoon the young women examined yesterday were
received into the Church. Eight children were baptized, and the
sacrament administered. In the evening I repaired to the council
house, where the sacrament was again administered, on account of
an aged sister, nearly one hundred years old, too infirm to go
to the meeting-house."
Jan. 5 "Commenced school to-day with twenty-five
scholars; have seven girls boarding with me; my little house is
too small, but I hope soon to enlarge it, as the Tuscaroras give
encouragement that they will take hold and help about building.
They hold another council to-day to make necessary
arrangements."
Jan. 6 "A committee of chiefs called on me this
morning, and advised me to accept the thirty dollars offered by
Mr. E. S. Ely, of Checktowga; it would be needed to purchase the
fine lumber, which they can buy cheaper in Canada than in the
States. Tomorrow they will turn out with their teams and draw
logs to mill for the coarse lumber, and next week they will go
to Canada for the fine lumber, which Mr. Mt. Pleasant will
prepare. When all things are ready they will frame the building,
enclose and shingle it."
Jan. 12, 1852 "Louisa Henry, who seems to be in the
last stages of consumption, has been with me since New Year's;
is failing fast; told me when she came that she expected to die
soon, and wished to spend her last days with me; does not fear
death; takes great delight in prayer and reading the Bible; the
23d Psalm is her favorite portion."
Jan. 14 "At an inquiry meeting this evening, as Bro. R
was absent, I conversed with those who came; explained the
parable of 'The Prodigal Son' making personal application; three
young persons requested prayers; one was only 'almost
persuaded;' the other two expressed their determination to begin
a new life at once; invited Elias Johnson and his brother James
to stop after school for a season of prayer: they were both
rejoicing in their newly-found Savior, and poured out their
souls in fervent prayer; my soul is filled with joy."
Jan. 19 "Feel quite worn out; thought Louisa dying;
watched with her all night; sent for her aunt, who will watch
with her to-night."
Jan. 21 "Bro. R. called; decided to send the little
ones home; close school for a few days, and take Louisa to the
mission house."
Jan. 25 "Louisa's aunt took her home at the instance of
the Chiefs, who did not like to have the school interrupted."
Jan. 26 "Louisa died to-day; her sufferings are over;
her happy spirit is doubtless with the ransomed above."
Jan. 27 "Attended L's funeral."
Jan. 28 "Returned to the school-house, where we had an
inquiry meeting in the evening; about fifty present, of whom
one-half seem seriously inquiring the way to be saved; I
conversed with the females; found five indulging a hope; others
greatly distressed on account of their sins. Within a few months
there have been twenty hopeful conversions."
Jan. 31 "Met the sisters according to appointment;
there was some earnest wrestling with God; had conversation with
one who, for many years, has been a backslider, but thinks she
has now returned to God."
Feb. 4 "At the inquiry meeting many were present;
several indulging a hope; deep feeling, but no excitement."
Feb. 7 "At the church meeting thirty-two candidates
were examined for admission to the church."
Feb. 8 "Sabbath; ninety Tuscarora in attendance upon
divine services; a most solemn assembly."
Feb. 12 "An interesting young converts'
prayer-meeting."
Feb. 13 "My children all have the whooping cough."
Feb. 14 "Detained from church meeting by the sick
children."
Feb. 15 "Sabbath; detained from church; though I am
much confined by home duties, the work of the Lord prospers;
Bro. R. is very faithful, and the Lord crowns his labors with
great success. He now numbers fifty new converts; has united
several couple in lawful marriage; many drunkards seem to be
reclaimed; twelve of my Bible-class have found the Savior; so
have three of the little girls that have boarded with me and ten
of my day scholars."
Feb. 17 "I was afraid that I should have to stop
teaching and devote myself to the care of my sick children, but
their friends took them home last Saturday; it seemed lonesome
without them, but little Elizabeth, who seems to love me with
all her little heart, cried so much to come back that they could
not keep her at home; she is with me now and seems quite happy.
Have written to Secretary Treat, urging that Bro. Rockwaod be
permitted to remain here; none could be more active and
efficient than he now is."
Feb. 24 "So many children have the whooping-cough that
but few attend school. I, also, have a most troublesome cough,
and find it difficult to teach; should have to give up if my
school was very large, as I have fits of coughing just like the
whooping-cough."
March 4 "My brother in Buffalo sent the sash and doors
for my boarding-house; the building is going forward. Miss Howe
writes that she will come to my assistance if I need her."
March 7 "Communion season forty additions to the
church. The old man of seventy and the youth of fourteen bowed
together to receive the ordinance of baptism. A scene that
angels might rejoice to behold."
March 8 "Have written to Miss Howe to come on, my
health being very poor. Have obtained leave of absence for a few
weeks, or months, if I should find it expedient to go on to New
York to Dr. Nichols' Medical Institute."
March 11 "Several calls from my Tuscarora friends. They
are very loath to have me leave, even for a short time, and it
is a sore trial for me."
March 13 "Arrived at my father's in Lancaster, N. Y."
March 18 "Wrote in my journal, 'still at my father's,'
but thinking continually of my dear Tuscarora children. May I
soon be restored to them, invigorated both in body and mind."
March 23 "Quite unwell; cannot tell how long I shall
have to stay away from my school."
April 26 "Left Lancaster for Tuscarora."
Mt. Hope, Tuscarora, April 28, 1852 "Once more in my
own sweet home, greeted by the sparkling eyes and smiling faces
of my dear children. Found Miss Howe nearly worn out and glad to
be relieved. "There have been several deaths during my absence
some among my scholars. Several calls this evening from my
adopted people, who seem so glad to see me."
April 29 "Resumed my duties in the school-room."
May 1 Sabbath "Rising early went on foot with my little
girls, though the road was muddy, reached the meeting house
before 9 A. M., in time for Sunday-school, sacrament in the
afternoon. Five received into the church three of them my
scholars. So thankful to be once more with my beloved
Tuscarora."
May 18 "Have had to relinquish my school again to Miss
Howe, I am too feeble for school duties."
June 22 "A week ago yesterday almost the whole nation
turned out to help at the "raising." The excitement of the day
was so great that I could sleep but little that night; so happy!
The Lord be praised. How mountains of difficulties have
vanished. The Tuscarora are doing nobly; but, besides their
work, to finish and furnish all will require about four hundred
dollars; this will take all my funds, but when I need more, I
know that the Lord will provide. Have already expended nearly
one hundred dollars, yet, I trust there will be no lack.
Donations are coming in from various quarters."
July 23 "How different my labors this summer from those
of last winter. Unable to teach, have given my school to
another; nor, am I able to visit much among the people. Occupy
my time chiefly in taking care of my little girls, teaching them
to sew, and preparing bedding for my contemplated boarding
school; thankful that I may do a little, though I long to do
more."
Sept. 3 "Being unable to teach, and thinking that I
might do more good here, if ever, to study medicine, having
consulted my friends and Mr. Treat, I shall go to Philadelphia
to attend medical lectures. Have bade adieu to my humble home,
not to return before next February."
Miss Thayer returned from Philadelphia in February,
1853. Miss Mary Walker had taught the school during her absence.
Shortly after her return to Mt. Hope, Miss Abigail Peck and Miss
Cinderella Britto arrived, the former to teach school, the
latter to assist in housework, Miss Thayer to have general
supervision as matron of the boarding school. The American Board
doubled their appropriation, so that each one of the ladies were
to receive one hundred dollars a year, and find their own board.
Miss Thayer taking it upon herself to meet the other expenses of
the school. Timely donations in money were received from
Philadelphia, Brooklyn and New York, and various small sums;
also boxes of clothing and some provision from friends in
neighboring towns.
March 23 Miss Thayer writes: "Have received one hundred
dollars from the Sunday school in Mr. Barnes' church, for my
building; have hired two carpenters to do the inside work, it
having been framed, shingled, enclosed, and most of the lathing
done, by the Tuscarora. My health is failing again and my mind
much racked with planning, as my associates each want a separate
room for their own private use, I have been obliged to vary from
my original plan so as to secure pleasant rooms for them with
chimneys for stoves."
May 7 "The building goes forward rather slowly, and my
associates are becoming somewhat impatient on account of the
delay; yet we shall have a better finished and more commodious
house than I had at first planned. Though very much worn both in
body and mind, I do not regret having undertaken the work. Am
more and more convinced that the only hope for the moral and
physical well-being of the Tuscarora is to train up the children
in the way they should go. The work is begun, and the Lord is
able to carry it forward, either with or without me."
Miss Thayer's health continued poor and she took a
vacation of four weeks, in the summer, leaving her associates in
charge. Then wrote to Mr. Treat that she should be obliged to
give up the management of financial affairs, and asking them to
assume the responsibility.
To confer with him on the subject, Mr. Treat requested Mr.
Rockwood, Miss Thayer and her associates to meet him in Buffalo,
where he would stop on his way to the meeting of the American
Board at Cincinnati. The result of the conference: The boarding
school was transferred to the immediate care of the Board, with
Mr. Rockwood as Superintendent; the ladies to retain their
respective positions teacher, house-keeper and matron. From this
time Miss Thayer felt greatly fettered, and the impression grew
upon her that her presence was not desired at Mt. Hope; that her
usefulness there was at an end. Long and prayerfully did she
weigh the matter, and at last, though it nearly broke her heart,
she asked to be dismissed from the field. Her request was
granted, and Miss Thayer closed her labors at Mt. Hope, December
31, 1853, and longed to die . It was the saddest day of her
life, the bitterest trial she ever experienced, this giving up
all her hopes of usefulness among her beloved Tuscarora. She
knew not whither to go; could not tell the people what she had
done.
Samuel Jacobs was going to Cattaraugus, and Miss Thayer
went with him, hoping the Lord would give her work to do there.
Engaged temporarily in teaching, was there until the latter part
of July, 1854; in August applied to the Presbyterian Board for
an appointment as missionary teacher for one of their schools
among the Southwestern Indians, which was granted, and she was
sent to the
Chickasaws, in the Indian Territory; arrived there in
November, 1854; labored among the Chickasaws,
Creeks and
Choctaws until September, 1865, when again broken down
in health, she reluctantly gave up the work of a missionary
teacher, and returned to her father's house in Bristol, Wis.,
accompanied by her husband, (Theodore Jones), and her three
young children (two sons and a daughter). She has since resided
in Bristol, Wis., on the farm given to her by her father and
brothers, a quiet, pleasant home. Her children are growing up in
the fear of the Lord, having all of them, five years ago, (in
April, 1873), united with the Congregational church in Bristol.
Although she has not the means to give them a liberal education,
she hopes that they will be useful workers in the Lord's
vineyard.
Mrs. Jones often thinks of her beloved Tuscarora, and
would gladly visit them if it were not for the expense of such a
journey.
Mrs. Jones has culled the material for the foregoing
pages from numerous letters written to her father, from
Tuscarora, and also made extracts from her private journal, kept
whilst at Tuscarora, and she gives Elias Johnson leave to embody
such portions of it in his history of the Tuscarora as shall
best suit his purpose. She sends herewith Mr. Treat's reply to
her request to be released from the work at Mt. Hope; also a
letter written by the Tuscarora chiefs, representing her
departure from their people."
"Mrs. Mary J. E, Jones, "February 22, 1878. "Bristol, Wis."
To Elias Johnson, Tuscarora.
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Legends, Traditions, and Laws of the Iroquois, or Six Nations and History of the Tuscarora Indians
