The Banner-herald. (Athens, Ga.) 1923-1933, May 14, 1923, Image 5

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The Banner-herald., May 14, 1923, Image 5

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Newspaper Page Textun\'DAY. HAT. TgB BANNER-HHHAtP. ATHENS. CBQRGM j'nyJL JOHN HOWARD PAYNE I would tuve favored and placed mo \n Address By Miss Mildred Rutherford on the jOOth Anniversary of the Singing of “Home, Sweet Home.” ,, 8t j,, 1928, marked this 100th nlvVrsary of the first public IJJang of ‘'Horae, Sweet Home, « n ne Which not only lmmor- V John Howard Payne itr "por. but a book that has reach heart that ever had a nr never had a home. KUeu Tree sang It, and gained a , rv wealthy huaband by the way sang it. The play was “The ,1,1 of Milan.” Payne . “ A npfnfattl.” thcl __ rote it Augiotetti,” then changed ClaTl, or, the Maid of Milan.” j en ry Bishop staged it at Covent anion Theatre, London May 8, have been many surmises n regard - as to when urn! where suggestion camo John inward Payne to write “Homo, ,>t Home.” 1Miss Frances _ ,-hrr Mitchell in her “Georgia in.l and People.” gives a very tatural origin for it many stories )F SONG wandeXng through ho "muddy streets of London ono B lght, penniless und half-starved - , *hen he was attracted by the iriglit light in one of tho statery mansions there. Through the open hatters he saw a picture of home omforf which touched' his heart piano sat a young girl play- Sicllfan air,—an air unknown oVim. but so tender and touching hat it thrilled his whole being, iml brougjit to bis mind thoughts of his mother and his boyhood lays. Not daring to trust himself oncer there, ho walked down the trret neither knowing nor carinig nhero he went. During his sojouriy n London he was too poor to pay lodglnigs, so rented for a shlll- a hoard upon which to sleep. To this his ohiy homo he went nd by morning the music had been ibaped into words. The most probable story, how^ !ver, is givon by‘Gabriel Harrison rho says ho gives it from the Autobiography of John Howard Payne." Mr. iPayno says: -I first heard tho airi In Italy. One beautify! morning I was stroll- ng alone amid some delightful cenery. and my attention"Was ar- ed by the sweet voice of t innt girl who was carrying a tasket laden wifh flowers and reretables. The melody of the plaintive air,she trilled with such weetness and simplicity caught my fancy. I accosted her, and after few momeitts of conversation I inked her tho name of the song which si.e could not give me, but laving some slight knowledge of nuslc myself, I requested her tc spent tluratT* and I Jotted - down h« notes «s best I could. It was hat air that suggested “Home breet Home/ ” teen he was editing the “Thespian My Mother will n crevgrdatl'DS Mirror.” Mr. Seamon struck with the abilitiy of the young editor, ol- fefeu - him a scholarship at Union College, which he accepted. His fondness for oratory and his evi dent talent in this direction at tracted tho attention of tho the atrical managers and they urged his father to allow them to present him on the stage as the “Young American Roscius.” * His father objected saying he as too young, and his education had not been completed - . However, later ho did appear in Park The atre), and took “the house by storm.” So great waB his success that friends urged him to go to London, and try his talents them This was a mistake, hut he found it out too late to rectify. While his tragedy “Brutus” was success. It excited tho envy and jealousy of others ana - brought forth army of critics. He wrote several other plays also. As an actor ho* was a failure. He made many friends among the disting uished men of tho day—such as Charles Lamb, Walter Scott. Shel ley, Colindge, and others -'Talma tho French tragedian, ho "hint In Paris, and his roommate In Lon don was America’s renowned Washington Irving more suitable situation lor making this communication to you, I have unfortunately been dis appointed, and have endeavored to calm my feelings and submit to my fate. Yet the more I have striv en to do so, the more have I been convinced that it ia useless for me any longer to attempt to struggle with the sentiments 1 feel toward you. I am conscious of my unworthl ness of the boon I dosire from you, and cannot, dare not, ask you to give a decisive answer In my favor now. Only permit me to hope that it is in your power to make have the happiness of believing my affections returned, but at the same time I conjure you to remem ber in making up your deciqlou .that it Is ini your power to make mo happy of miserable. , Having frequently, through the kind permission, of your honored parents, the pleasure of being in your society, I every day find It more necessary to come to sopie, conclusion as to m? future con duct, for when I was obliged' to leave you it was only to renew the agitated state of mind and to con template the image of one, tpo dear to mo to resign forever, without making an effort I was uncqualed to wbc'- «n your pres- No. sketch of John Howard Payne would bo conTbleto without his visit to Athens, Ga. Just after Ills return to America he heard of the trouble that tho U. 8. Government was having with Cherokee Indians in Georgia. The president In 1832 appointed Mr. Payne to go to Georgia to look into the matter. He gav<v him letter of introduction to General Edward Harden, of Athens, a v**ry distinguished lawyer. He register ed at the only hotel In Athens— Franklin Hotel—the hotel which had been honored by the presence of President Monroe, and stood where the Athens Hardware Store now is on Broad street. General Harden received him very courteously, and introduced him to his wife and daughter. His daughter, Mary Eliza Green- hill Harden, at this time was n beautlfUl young girl of eighteen years of age. Mr. Paytae was a man over 59 years of age. It Is not known how, long Mr. Payne was a guest at tho Harden home, but It is quite evident that he tarried for quite a while, en amoured by tho charms of “Miss Mary.” Whop he left, General Harden game him a letter of introduction to John Ross, the chief of th« cherokees in Georgia. There had The Maid of Milan” was then been trouble with the Indians and a the hands of .Henry Bishop who | whites In Georgia fen account of ras preparing to stage it.! hum med the niri, and Immediately he recognized sit ns an old Sicilllan ir, and quickly adapted the music o the words of tho song.” Payne was never successful! Inanclally, and sold the song for iO pounds, whllo tho publisher of received 2.000 guineas for It In wo years, and over 100,000 copies rere sold in ono year. Ho returpod to America finance ally eniiiataassed but Ms native and appreciated his genius. Hr waived a ’grant ovation In Wash- ngton City, when ho arrived and r * s given u 'Government nppolnt- nent and later mndo consul to ■unis. Whan ho returned for a tort visit ho received tho great- *t compliment evor paid an Amciy can poet. Jenny Llnld. tho Swedish Nlght- Bgale, wus singing in tho National tail nt Washington City. After nring tho "Flute Song,” tho hird’ Song” ana her “Greeting to nerlra,” ns by Inspiration she imed to Jtom Howard Payne, nigling him out In thnt vast nudl- nco. and sang with a pathos and ower never before equaled In »ng. "Home Sweet Homo.” H Ih said that a whirlwind o/ nthusiasm swept 'tHo audience, that Daniel Webster, unable control himself, wept aloud*. This must* have brought Joy to f hoart of Payne, and great sat- 'faction for. he bad felt that his was a failure and no one ap- ‘reclatrd his genius, or his love. « returned shortly to Tunis only dio. no .burled In 8t Cemetery, but thirty years *rer his countrymen had his body "rought hnclt tafrest in *>*« native »nd. \ V . w. CtJoram the great _nilantl!roDlat,/l*aId the expenses’ "Oak Hill cemetery, Washington the missionaries sent from the north, to Christanizo the poor neg lected Indians and Insisted upo/- llving in tho homes of tho Indians and wore stirring up strife and discontent. It beeamo necessary to pass a law in tho state that no white man could live In tho home of an Indian. John Ross had white blooi in his veins so as to evade thr trouble bought him n homo' Just across tho Tennessee lino, whore Georgia’s law could not affect him. Ily. there stands a white marble 2* ft sur roountfd by a bust of Irearfiig tjils Inscrlptlonor John Howard Payne, author of I. “Homo Sweet Home.” July fith. 1791. Died April ..Wb.4852, the onnoiite^Blde of tho shaft ire these lines: ^nre when the gentle spirit fled, ro reals above the azure dorfie. ‘th outstretched arms God’s angels said Welcome* to Heaven’s borne, aweet home.” *0Rn N. \ Curry, tho Indian agent, not knowing this arrested John Howard Payne, when he became an inmate of John Ross’ homo. This ’roused great indignation In tho lioart of Mr. Payno who was r’.r.ced In prison, as he thought, by lue law of Georgia, den. Harden, hearing of this loft immediately for MIL leilgovlllle to present tho matter to Gov. Troup. Tho governor gave an order for iPayno’s Immediate rclcasr. Mr. Payne fretting under thin Indignity vowed ho would never again return to Georgia without a public and formal Invlta** tlon—but not long after he ctme , back to Athens, Georgia, for there • was a magnet of great power draw ing him. He could not forget that bright-eyed Georgia girl. Ho again made hia headquarters at the Franklin Hotel, but not be ing a strong man physically, be complafnled' that the biscuits bad. too much lard and saleratus in them, and asked Miss Harden If she new what gruel was and could have some made for ihm as he was suffering with Indigestion. Mlsis Harden ordered the gruel made at once, much to the disgust of the coalc who said “Ole Miss’ always kept apple and mince meat pies ready for her guests, and never thought of giving them gruel.” Old Rob Jtey. the butler, was still more disgusted, for he had been accustomed to handing to guests In his master’s home fruit cake and wine. However, when Mr. Payne handed* him a dol lar his Indignation was lessened and he said Mr. Payne was “sure a real gentleman.” Gen. Harden invited Mr. Payne to be his guests and the room Is still pointed out as the one accept ed by him. ^ The • disparity of age was *- J^hn Howard payne was bom' You will perhaps tell me this Is presumption on my part, and true It Is. I have nothing to offer you but a devoted heart and hat*’: however, be assured, Madbmo, Whatever your decision may be, present wishes for your happiness and future welfare shall be tho first of my hoart. I have felt It essential to my peace of mind that I should Inform you of tho state of my feeling, satisfied that that and your amtablenesa of heart will plead my excuse. I entreat you to reply to this let ter, If but ono word; Indeed, 1 am sure if you knew how anxious ly I shall await your answer, com passion alone would Induce you to send mo an early answer. Al low me, Madame, to subscribe my self. Your vory humblo and devoted admirer, JOHN HOWARD PAYNE. Thursday, Joly 14, 18—. To Miss Mary E. G. Harden. In a letter to General Harden Mr. Payne wrote: , New York, March 22.1836. For your daughter’s flattering request about “Home, Sweet Home,” do me tho favor to offer her my best thanks. I will write it out for her in my best school-day hand whenever I find an oppor tunity of sending It poatfree. No ono deserves a sweet home better than she does: and no one would be surer tb *r.ake any home, however sweet, still more go, by her goodness and genius. But If 1 sent a contribution* for her Al bum, she must make a sketch for mine; 1 belong to a Section of the Republic whore we are not In tho habit of doing things without large profits. In somo places,'to be sure, her request would bo more than com pensation, but Ip New York wc look for percentage by hundreds and thousands. I have caught the Infection and must treat her In the spirit of New York Speculation. JOHN HOWARD PAYNE. The copy of “Homo, Sweet Homo” was sent Ih his own hand writing. but very much Interlined between the musical bars, with personal allusions. For Instance, after the bccond lino of the third verso where tho “lowly thatched cottage” Is mentioned—“a cottage with Miss Mary Harden as my sweet little wife, would be hap piness for mo.” etc. This copy of “Home, Sweet Home” was always too sacred to be seen by tho* eyes of the public and aho requested that It be buried with her. Some relative persuaded her not to do this as her grave might bo opened td secure so valu able paper, and she withdrew the request—but the paper mysterious ly disappeared on the day she died, and It Is supposed: and suggested that (I might have been swept with other pqpers Into the fire. Tho original copy of “Home. Sweet Home** was In London, but Union College at Schenectady N. Y., where he was educated claims to have It now. He madto many copies for bis friends so others also claim original copies. Tho only relatives of Payne sur viving him Is Mrs. Elofse E. Lc- qner and her two children. Now what about tho Hfcrden home that John Haword Payne visited? Miss Mary Harden*! father was the son of Major Edward Harden of Revolutionary days; nor mother was Miss Mary Ann Randolph, a cousin of John Randolph of Roa noke, Va. Gen. Edward Harden moved from Savannah to Athens, Ga., when Miss Mary was Onl^ gnd the place where tb6 lovers played chess and talked and sang together. The book contained the song of “Home, Sweet Home” from which they sang together. This souvenir Is sold for 50 cents and Is of great interest. “MiSs Evie” show s tho old tryst- Ing tree under which the lovers sat, and the fortune wheel, and the Album filled with exqullsjto gems beautiful old jewelry, and the Scrap Book, filled' with articles dating way back In the early *80’b. The walls are hung vyfth not only these old portraits bnt a painting by one of the old masters, and some of Miss Mary Harden’s work as, an artist—and poems by Miss Jackson, herself. Athens Is fortunate to have this home preserved by ono so willing to share Its possessions with others. Poetry Society to Offer Prizes SAVANNAH, On.—Of State wide Interest in the announcement . bulletin distributed today by the Poetry Society of Georgtarir recently chartered here, of prize? offered for sevral classes ef poemt this year. The “Society’s Prise” of $26 Is offered for the best poem of the series of poems submitted by members each month—the best by judgment nt the close qf the first year of tho society, the win ners each month being eligible for the society prise. The Stnto Prise of $25 is offered by Mrs. Craig Barrow for'the best poem on any subject and is oppn to nil resident of the state of Georgia. The $10 prize Js offered for the best poem any subject submitted by any student in a secondary school, col lege, or university of this state. The Savannah prise, $10 Is ^ of fered by Mrs. B. F. Bulfard for the best poem of local color possess a unlversay appeal—open only, to residents of Savannnh. Th/ rules of the contest are slmplo: Poems must be typewritten on one side only of paper; the name of the poem miiat bo on the manu script and on a separate envelope Inside of which—and nowhere oh the outside of the manuscript- must be the name and address of the writer; only one poem may b< submitted by any one writer; to be entered for *nny ono prise; poems must be addressed to the Corresponding Secretary Poetry Society of Georgia. 17 McDonough street, west, Savnnnah, Ga. - , Poems In competition for the State Prize must be received not later than Jan. 1, 1924; the award will l»e made Feb. 20, 1924. Entries for the Frosodlsts* prise must l>e sent not lated than Oct.«16 this year, the award to be announced at the November meeting. Dr. Wilkinson Is Made Grand Prelate great for any sentiment to be en gendered on the part of the young girl for a loyer so much older In New York city, 33 Pearl St., years. Ife roon discovered thin r- rune 9, n21 . H)s flther wag wn- returned to New York, but Jier **"> Payne, a teacher; his mother Miss Isaacs, a beautiful Jewess . 1 ,,a n>»tin.il»ng Island. HU "•Mfather jigd been a member of Provlncwf Assembly of Mas- u *' and hla relative Judge “feoendegaiflnia he bad a great "It whp was n poet Th" boy early developed a llter- t Went, for at the age of thlr- Image could not be effaced. Two yeers later be wrote to her father and In a’ most ardent way gave him to understand that he would consider himself the richest man Ip consider himself the nenest man ip New York If he was the owner of a home presided Over by hla daugh ter. Tlfep a little later he wrote to Mas Harden addressing her: fhurteen years of age. ■ Miss Evelyn Harden, a cousin came to Athena to attend school. The two girls became fast friends. She married Judge Aaa M. Jack- son and her daughter. Miss. Evelyn Harden Jackson, greatly endeared herself to Miss Mary Harden by tender loving ministries In |her old age. So It was when the will was read it was found that the home, the souvenirs, and every thing was left to this favorite cousin. How fortunate this was for she was enabled to keep the home In tact, and treat the things per taining to the John Howard Payne friendship undisturbed end undis tributed. “Miss Erie," aa .her friends lovingly called her, has been no generous with her time end her possessions. She was perauaded to get out a little souvenir volume of the Har den Home containing cats of the portraits of Gen. and Mrs. Har den. Miss Mary Harden find Mr. Payne, the two faithful servants, and also a picture of 'Gem La Payette who had been a guest In the Harden homo In Savannah. It (“dlTfor a long time tndnlge In also contains a picture of the home. h 'teUaClOUS * - » I_..' tho r,|p;nrn nr Inn mnnnffnn room -TO hope that fortune j tho picture of tho reception room mm ■i Dr. J. C. Wilkinson, pastor of tbe First Baptist church, was hon ored' by tho Grand Comraandery of Knfaht Templars at the meeting In Augusta lost week. eH was mademade Grand Prelate of the organisation., E. B. Cohen was also advanced a grade as an officer Jn tho organi sation. A large number of local Knights went to Augusta for tho meeting. The next meeting will be held ln«Colambos In 1924. CUT THIS OUT—IT IS WORTH MONEY Cut out this slip enclose with 6c and mall It to Foley ft Co., 2835 Sheffield Ave* Chicago, 111., writ ing your name and address clear ly. You will receive in return n trial package containing Foley’s Honey and Tar Compound for c turbs, colds ar»d croup; Foloy Kid ney Pills for pains In sides and back: rheumatism, backache, kid ney and bladdffr ailments; and Foley Cathartic. Tablets* a whole some and thoroughly cleansing ca thartic for constipation, bilious ness, headaches, and sluggish bow els.—Advertisement. nUSOPTRl KAVTUOa Ointment A Time-tried Home Remedy for All Skin Irritations, Ec zema, Pimples, Piles, Black heads, Chilblains and Frostbite meat, remarkable fee Its control ©rtr s!{ toms of itabiag skin dlriissts. Particularly beneficial la tho treatment ef oertma, that tortsriag sllmant to whltk so for chlidri chapped beads and fast, (asset sites, ssrs feat Not fajertons to tho most deftcata, tender akin. Jtead below what Mias LUUan Duron ef III B. Miller St, Alpena,Mlchlf an, says t It task theptmplseaadbSckboals * off my ms sad nuulo my skia dear. Yon may not my tediso* I as that It may beasflt others as it did me. Yon eaa hny Dr. Chase's Oint ment at all drug etoroo. Tobeaure •f set tips the sen nine, ace that portrait and denature of A. W. Cheer.M. D.ara onaoeh bos-r protection afaloat Imitation*. THE FORD A Complete Service Station on Wheels The most progressive, original and construe? tive plan ever adopted for bettering service and repair work on Ford Cars will be demonstrated in this city for the benefit of the 14,000 Ford Car owners in the district surrounding Athens. The public is invited to witness the Ford Serv ice Caravan in operation—A complete Ford Service Station mounted on six Ford Trucks manned by eight mechanics. Every kind and latest type of garage machinery actually in use and motion including pur own electric light plant—all operated by a Fordson Tractor motor. Non-technical explanations of correct Ford Service Methods will be given by factory ex perts representing the Ford Motor Company and the Ozbum Abston Company. CITY HALL Corner of College Ave. and Washington St. 7:30 P. M. to 9:00 P. M. TUESDAY, MAY, 15,1923. C. A. Trussell Motor Company Authorized Ford and Lincoln Dealers 558 Clayton St. Athens, Ga.