On the death of Ezekiel Cheever, noted schoolmaster, Samuel Sewall composed this obituary:
He was born January, 25. 1614. Came over to N-E. 1637. to Boston: To New-Haven 1638. Married in the Fall and began to teach School; which Work he was constant in till now. First, at New-Haven, then at Ipswich; then at Charlestown; then at Boston, whether he came 1670. So that he has Labour'd in that Calling Skillfully, diligently, constantly, Religiously, Seventy years. A rare Instance of Piety, Health, Strength, Serviceableness. The Welfare of the Province was much upon his Spirit. He abominated Perriwigs.
No higher praise.
I am so with him on Perriwigs. And for managing, heaven knows how, to sustain a lifetime in the schoolroom, I raise my hat (and even tug a respectful forelock).
ReplyDeleteLove the great SS, but when quoting from the diary, could you put the entry date in the post. Love the blog too, I've read every entry.
ReplyDeleteSure. This one is 8/21/1708.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever want to follow up on a reference, you can also read (and search!) Sewall's diary on Archive.org.