ABSTRACT
Cyrus Field, and Alice his wife, resided in the lower part of Philadelphia. He followed sawing wood, and she went out to wash; and being very expert at the business, she always had as much as she could do. For several years, she was employed one day in the week in my family. She was a sprightly, tidy person, and much esteemed by all who employed her. Cyrus was also industrious, and by their united industry and frugality, they had things comfortable about them. Their house was neatly, but not extravagantly furnished, and there were few, if any, who seemed to enjoy the comforts of life to a greater extent than they did. In the autumn of 1816, they laid in a good store of provision and fuel for the winter, as was their custom, and were as independent in their circumstances as the Governor of the State. I have often heard her recount their numerous blessings with a grateful heart. But in an instant, when they least expected it, all their hopes were forever blasted, as regarded their earthly comforts.
