Garden State Legacy is pleased to present some holiday season fun in the form of this piece of historical fiction based on real people, places, and events out of Burlington County, New Jersey’s past!

byby ErikErik L.L. BurrBurroo

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 hristmas, 1853, just two years after America’s 75th anniversary. I was hired several years before as a teacher at the Burlington College for Boys which had joined with St. Mary’s Hall, a girls school, both the inspiration of Anglican Bishop G. W. Doane of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Burlington. I became acquainted with the bishop when I was a student at Penn and had worked part-time for architect, John Notman, who had just completed the Library Company of Philadelphia on Locust St., and buildings and landscaping at Laurel Hill Cemetery overlooking the Schuylkill River. Those projects had bought him widespread acclaim. It was Mr. Notman who had introduced me to Bishop Doane while we were working on preliminary drawings for the Bishop’s Residence and St. Mary’s Hall Chapel of the Innocents, both to be located along the banks of the Delaware in Burlington. Notman had encouraged me to take up the teaching position the bishop was offering. The bishop agreed, providing I would also oversee certain aspects of the construction that were to begin. From the start, the chapel had been my project. Notman and the Bishop had both entrusted me with recommending and overseeing many of its interior George Washington Doane, architectural features. There is no better time to see the Episcopal Bishop of New Jersey chapel interior than when it is decorated for the holidays, and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, when the student choirs fill it with the music of Christmas it is Founded 1702, Burlington filled with holiday spirit. Most of our students have gone home for the holidays. A few remain because their parents live too far, They stay as guests with families of the St. Mary’s parish. I no longer have immediate family so I usually visit for a day or two with my aunt at Christmas. She lives not far in Bordentown. It is a cold, overcast, blustery afternoon along the riverbank with patches of snow and ice on the ground. With care and bundled up for the worst of winter, I make my way to the train- stop, just a few blocks away. I had heard that the steamboat service to Bordentown had been suspended because there is too much ice in the river. It doesn’t really matter because the Camden & Amboy railroad is a bit quicker and arrives right in the center of town, a short distance from the Hopkinson House, where I am staying. I walk up Wood Street to Broad where the track runs down the center of the street through the length of the town. No one is in sight. I stand close to the Metropolitan Hotel at corner of Broad John Notman, Philadelphia Architect and High where passengers usually gather. Bracing himself Samuel B. Waugh, 1845 against winter wind, I recognize a dark skinned man who has

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 turned the corner, wearing a top hat and very long woolen overcoat, open enough to reveal a preachers’ collar. “Reverend Benny Jackson, Bonne Noel! How nice to see you on Christmas!” “Monsieur Francis! Bonne Noel! It is good news...it is Christmas! I have just come from holiday services at our leetle church and was hoping I would arrive before zee train got here. One of my daughters said she would try very hard to join us today. She lives and works in Philadelphia, zeez days. I haven’t seen zee Bishop since las’ week. Please give him mon best for a Merry Christmas. Did you know he is helping us git a school funded for colored children, in part, wiss zee proceeds from Burlington Island?” “Yes, I had heard something about it. I think it is a wonderful idea. But you know how slow council is with adopting new ideas. Let us hope for the best. By the way, where do you keep Petite Fleur when it so St. Mary’s Hall School for Girls, Main cold outside?” building, Chapel of the Innocents I should mention on workdays, Benny can be seen with his Burlington Quaker artist/engraver John Collins cute little donkey and red cart here on Broad St. He is the most sought after porter in Burlington and the best known along the C&A railway. (Local artist, John Collins published his portrait of Benny along with a lithographic series of Burlington scenes.) “Zee chef over at zee New Hope firehouse lets me stable her with zee horses, when it’s zis cold. I sink zee firemen and their children all love her! And zoz big draft horses seem to love her, too. You know, growing up in Haiti, it took me zeveral years to get used to zis cold weazer. But, like Petite Fleur, I am very ‘appy here in Burlington. Did you see her in zee Christmas pageant, last night?” “Yes, Benny, she looked tre bonne standing next to the manger. The youngsters were delighted she was included.” Because it is Christmas Day, the John Bull is on a limited schedule. “I sink I hear zee train coming!” I glance at my pocket watch. Not surprisingly, it is arriving later than expected. Its three coaches are nearly full with passengers from Camden and Philadelphia. Unfortunately for Benny, no one gets off. I see a look of disappointment as he vainly searches for his daughter, while I climb aboard. Just as the train starts to lurch slowly forward, Benny looks up, catches my eye, smiles and Benny Jackson, popular porter in waves goodbye. I can only see what he is shouting “Au revoir, Burlington Messur. Francis! Happy Christmas.” Burlington Quaker artist/engraver John Collins

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 The train is noisy! Everyone is in a holiday mood, shouting happily to one another over the chugging of the English-made steam engine. They are talking about who they’ll be seeing and what their holiday plans include. Many anticipate arriving in Manhattan by the end of the day. It is not a long ride to Bordentown. I am the only one getting off. As the train gradually departs towards Hightstown, I am suddenly struck by how still and quiet it is as the train rounds a curve and vanishes. Bordentown is the only stop where the C&A enters and leaves the center of town, out of sight from pedestrians and carriages at street level. The rude platform is at the base of two flights of The John Bull of The Camden & wooden steps that reach Amboy Railroad Farnsworth Avenue above. I pick up my train case and cautiously climb the icy stairs, with one hand firmly gripping the handrail. How fortunate I am, living in New Jersey, where great strides are being made with steam power. Now one can travel from Philadelphia to New York in less than a day, slowed only by busy ferry crossings at each end. On the other side of the Delaware there is now a train that goes from Philadelphia, through Bristol to Trenton. There is much talk about the two lines being connected. If bridges are built to span the Hudson and the Delaware, just imagine, making the trip to New York City, non-stop! I read there is an English engineer named Brunel working on a large span design that might be useful to us here in America. His project for a huge Atlantic passenger steamship is expected to be launched soon. A distant church bell brings me back to the present as I make my way along Farnsworth Avenue. I am suddenly in the midst of a furious snow flurry and startled by two trotting horses, rushing by, pulling a shiny coach with its windows drawn. While making certain I am walking in the right direction, the coach is gone as it had appeared. Only the flickering street lamps show the way to my aunt’s house by the corner. I thump the brass knocker that is surrounded by a large Christmas wreath. There is no answer but I hear lots of people inside. The second time, after a brief pause, the door suddenly swings wide open and my smartly

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 dressed aunt, happily exclaims, “Francis, Merry Christmas, my dear! Now that you’re here, our holiday celebrations can begin!” She points in the direction of the staircase and says, “Look at all the wonderful greens they’ve brought us from Mount Holly, near the courthouse.” The door is quickly shut, “Come and greet our guests while I get you the address of where you are going to pick up our special dinner guest. In the meantime, have some hot mulled cider and warm up,” then hurriedly leaves for the study. “Ah, here it is! “ She exclaims from the other room and returns, holding a monogrammed note paper which she gives me. “Our guest is a twenty-three year old teacher who has been staying at Mrs. Michaelson’s boardinghouse on Spring St. I thought it best if you would escort her to our home. Last year, she travelled all the way back to Massachusetts for Christmas with her family. There are so many complications, traveling at this time of year. So she wisely decided to stay in town over the holidays. It is her second year as Bordentown’s only public school teacher and she’s a done a remark-able job with our students. Folks Entrance to Bordentown’s Francis in town had been skeptical about public school, but this young woman convinced many parents of its importance and Hopkinson House how it would provide opportunities for their children when they grow older. She began with only half a dozen pupils and now has several hundred with the student body continuing to grow. I don’t know how she manages, all those youngsters in a one room schoolhouse. She is truly gifted, maintaining discipline and keeping all ages interested in their studies. Even the troublesome ones, respect her. We certainly hope she will decide to make Bordentown her permanent home.” “As a teacher, Francis, I thought you’d be the perfect escort to bring her to our Christmas dinner. I know she’d rather be catching up with old friends in New England, so we must make every effort to distract her from being homesick. Make her feel completely at home during our Christmas celebration.” She hands me me the notepaper with the address on one side and a simple hand-drawn map on the other. “It’s about a 15 minute walk to Michaelson’s but tonight Francis Hopkinson, (1737-11781) may take a little longer. Don’t worry, you have plenty of time. NJ Signer, Declaration of Sorry we don’t have a coach available to pick her up. In the Independence; NJ Provincial meantime, we are still awaiting arrival of guests from Council Member, Continental Moorestown and Medford. No doubt, the snow flurries have Congress; Navy Board; author, delayed them. I suppose it has become quite slippery out there, composer; US Seal and Flag so be careful...the both of you. Do you need a warmer pair of designer; US District Court Justice gloves? No? Then be on your way!” Artist unknown

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 The directions are simple enough, walking into the center of town, past the old horse fountain, now iced over, and then left near the brick Friends Meeting House on the opposite side by Crosswicks St. The streetlamp on the two main streets make circles of light on the light layer of snow which covers the sidewalk. Shortly after turning left on Spring St., I arrive at the address and step up to the threshold and rap heavily on the dark paneled door. A kindly, bespectacled, white-haired lady, wearing a holiday apron has opened the door. “Mrs. Michaelson?” She smiles. “Yes. I’ve been expecting you. I will tell Miss Barton her escort has arrived.” As she turns to go, she looks back, smiles again and shakes her head, saying, “I remember what a wonderful skater you used to be, over by the Point Breeze pond. Our sons always admired your ability on the ice. Why just the other day, I heard them mentioning it to their sons. Your aunt told me you have spent much time at college and work in Philadelphia before returning to Burlington County. It is good to see you. What a shame the skating pond is gone. Please, step inside and I’ll let Miss Barton know you have arrived.” I enter and stand next to a hall table and warm my hands by the glass chimney of a glowing kerosene lamp. Within a few minutes my charge Clara Barton, 1850s comes down the staircase at the far end of the hall, wearing a deep blue cape and a winter bonnet tied with a bright red and green ribbon. Her dark brown curls spill out from each side. We make formal introductions, then she insists, as we begin back to my aunt’s that we address each other by first names. As far as etiquette is concerned, it is an unusual, but I willingly agree, and soon realize how completely at ease I am talking with her. “Clara, how did you ever come to be a teacher and why in New Jersey?” Her answer was simply that she had answered an ad she had seen in a newspaper in Hightstown, while visiting a girlhood friend who was there as a private school teacher. As we are making our way to Hopkinson House, she grabs my arm to steady both of us, as we slip unexpectedly on unseen patches of ice. “Well, Francis, my father was a very thoughtful man, committed to his faith, his family, his community and the country. He spent many years as a Massachusetts militia officer and local government official. He occupied much of his time helping other people. Sometimes, even complete strangers. He also believed it was important for everyone to achieve their best by getting a good education. Unfortunately, many in our country have not had the opportunity to get basic schooling but happily it’s beginning to change.” She continued, “Father sent me off to school at the age of three, I was accompanied by my older brother, Stephen. I loved

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 school, probably much more than my brother did. I am told, it wasn’t long before I became good at spelling, reading and even math. My father loved mathematics. I remember the puzzles we would come up with to try and stump each other. He always encouraged me to do better. Thinking back, maybe going to school that young was not altogether good for me. The skills I had learned at such an early age, made me an excellent pupil, but I had always been extremely shy. That shyness caused such a serious depression when I was in boarding school, my parents thought it best I return home. With Father’s encouragement, I continued my studies at home and eventually took the exams that qualified me for higher education.” “As I’m sure know, there is also a practical side to understanding the world in which we live. I had several experiences I remember that truly broadened my perspective. I recall when I was about ten, my father moved our family to a farm where my cousin, who had unexpectedly died, left his wife and children with no means of support. My brothers were assigned different tasks to help keep the farm going, while I Clara Barton helped with the household. I was still expected to keep up with my schoolwork. But, I also insisted in helping my brothers do some of their work, too. I proved I could paint and fix things almost as well as they did. That manual activity, figuring things out and working with tools was exciting. And it really helped me get over my childhood depression. I learned to ride and care for horses, tried my hand at using farm equipment, and even watched over the birth of foals, calves and goats.” “One day when my brother, David, was repairing the roof of the barn, he fell from its ridge and was seriously injured. Out of necessity, I undertook all the nursing and medication preparations that were recommended. What a serious challenge! The doctors thought he would not recover. My timidity went right out the window that day! I found I could cope with physical, mental and emotional demands I would never have imagined. My determination helped me save him. I learned a lot about myself, too. I began teaching at 16, even before my college studies.” We also talked about Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” which had recently sold out in America and exceeded over a million copies in Great Britain. Demand for new editions was the highest printers had ever experienced. The book was having a greater impact than all the abolitionist newspapers, combined. Unfortunately, there was a small faction of resistance against the book in New Jersey. Clara agreed Stowe’s book might help sway Congress to completely abolish slavery which Britain had done, twenty years earlier. In New Jersey it still existed, but had been gradually reduced by

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 the state legislation action in 1805. We could only hope it might be eliminated without rancor and violence. But the rioting I had seen at Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Hall made me think otherwise. As we neared my aunt’s house, I tell Clara I am eager to continue our conversation at dinner. She nods and together, we enter the front door and she is welcomed. The parlor is ablaze with candlelight and the warmth of a roaring fireplace. The fresh scent of evergreens and the soon to be enjoyed banquet that awaits us permeates the holiday atmosphere. Several well-wishers recognize me and wave, as I help Miss Barton with her cloak, bonnet and hand muff and taking them upstairs to a spare bedroom. Returning, I see my aunt enthusiastically making introductions and delivering our special guest to a group of ladies who are anxious to meet her and chat about changes taking place in Bordentown. Several elderly gentlemen bow and express their delight for what she has accomplished with their neighbors’ children. My gaze is disrupted as my aunt Harriet Beecher Stowe rushes past me, happily extending her hand and welcoming Alanson Fisher (1807-1884) the rest of her dinner guests who have just arrived by carriage. National Portrait Gallery When my aunt had sent me her note, a fortnight ago, making certain I would be at her Christmas dinner, she asked if I would accompany her in a reading of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” which, last year, had been successfully performed by a minister from Princeton Seminary. I wrote I was planning to be at her dinner, and would be prepared, should she decide to do a reading. “A Christmas Carol” had become a holiday sensation. Two years after its publication it was already considered a Christmas classic. Even though Charles Dickens had been critical of America, after his first tour of America, and particularly of Philadelphia, his opinion had no effect the popularity of his Christmas tale. While taking our seats, my aunt whispered the guest arrival delays made it necessary to skip Dickens, this year. Christmas dinner was delightful. Perhaps in deference to Mr. Dickens, my aunt had a beautifully prepared roasted goose, a pheasant and even Yorkshire pudding, along with a variety of locally grown side dishes. Many at the table were eager to speak with Miss Barton. The possibility of continuing our own The frontispiece of a London earlier conversation was out of the question. Everyone is so edition of Uncle Tom’s Cabin delighted to have Clara in their midst that she is barely able to shows Little Eva expressing sample the delectable choices spread about the table. How her love for Topsy, “a poor, had my aunt managed to orchestrate such a grander than abused child” and slave. usual Christmas dinner? The answer would soon revealed as https://dcc.newberry.org the main course came to a close. While dinner plates are being removed and wine classes refilled, my aunt stands up, proudly

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 raising her glass, proclaiming, “Merry Christmas and God Bless Us Everyone!” (Ah, yes...Dickens!) “I have some very important announcements to make! Please let me first introduce you to Chef Bernard, who was the culinary genius behind our exquisite Christmas dinner. He is the same chef that Prince Murat had relied upon while living in nearby Columbus. Bernard, served his apprenticeship, under the direction of ’s personal French chef.” My aunt pivots around smiling at the ruddily complexed man in white apron and tall chef’s cap who is framed by hall doorway. He waves, smiles, blows kisses towards us all and takes a deep bow. My aunt raises her class, “Salut, Chef Bernard. C’est tre magnifique! Merci beaucoup.” From across the table comes, “Vive la France! Vive la Lafayette!” My aunt gazes about the room and sarcastically replies, “Thank you, George! We haven’t forgotten you were invited to Point Breeze when General Lafayette visited during our republic’s 50th anniversary. George, were you also around Charles Dickens, 1858 when Washington needed rowers to cross the Delaware?” George Herbert Watkins Everyone laughs. “Bernard has made it possible for us to carry on a holiday tradition begun at Point Breeze.” The portly chef returns with a huge basket of oranges, which he carefully places next to the sideboard. Around the room dinner plates and serving dishes are removed in preparation for dessert. My aunt explains, “Joseph Bonaparte had been asked by Napoleon to serve as King of Spain, which he did, until his brother was defeated and forced to abdicate. Joseph then left Europe as the Count de Survilliers and succeeded in obtaining Congressional approval to reside in America. He was then was granted permission to purchase the Point Breeze property by the New Jersey Assembly. It is close by, overlooking Borden Landing on the Delaware. He then built a beautiful mansion which he filled with works of art, tapestries and fine furnishings. His art collection was one of the finest in the country. Prominent people, artists and students would travel great distances for an opportunity to view the masterpieces he had at Point Breeze. One weekend, while the Count was away, his house was Mr. Fezziwig’s Ball illustration by suddenly engulfed in flame. Many from Bordentown rushed to John Leech in 1847 London edition of “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles his estate and managed to save the paintings, sculptures and Dickens, written in 1843. other valuables from certain destruction. When he returned wikimedia.org and saw the ruins of his home smoldering, he was surprised to discover his art treasures had been rescued and stored for safe keeping. After everything had been returned he admitted being astounded and extremely grateful. Once his mansion was rebuilt and the gardens expanded to include walkways and a large pond, he welcomed his Bordentown neighbors the

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 parklike grounds of his estate. In winter, he invited us to have skating parties whenever the pond was frozen. It was not unusual for him and a servant to appear with a large kettle of hot chocolate which was for everyone to enjoy.” My aunt then revealed the tradition she wished to recall, “Skating parties at Christmastime would have the Count appear at by the pond and personally wish everyone a Merry Christmas. He would then roll dozens of Caribbean oranges across the ice while the younger skaters scurried after them and the adults were given others to take home. Those who knew him remember him as a gracious host and a charming gentleman. After sixteen years, he decided to return to Europe and his property be auctioned off. We were sorry to see him go. So tonight, as we fondly remember celebrating Christmas with our distinguished neighbor, please help yourself to an armful of oranges when you leave for home. They are not, however, from the Caribbean but the Great State of Florida, a welcome addition to our United States,” Just then several older men Joseph Bonaparte, older stood up from the dinner table, raising their glasses and brother of Napoleon singing “Hail, Columbia” a song many consider our national Bonaparte, formerly served as anthem by the late Joseph Hopkinson who had composed it in King of Spain until end of the very house where we were enjoying Christmas. Napoleonic Wars. An Act of “Gentlemen, your patriotic rendition can be heard all the Congress permitted him to way over at Christ Church Cemetery where I am certain our remain in United States. The dearly departed judge is appreciating it.” NJ Assembly passed legislation to purchase land. She continued, “All of you are aware of Miss Barton’s exceptional progress here in Bordentown. She has succeeded, Charles Wilson Peale, made while as I had hoped, at establishing our first public school. I speak for Bonaparte was living in New Jersey the entire community when I express our deepest gratitude for what she has accomplished. It is not only a wonderful benefit for our children but will be an outstanding example for others in Burlington County and elsewhere in New Jersey to follow. As a token of Bordentown’s participation in public education, our council has purchased a new set of James Fenimore Cooper’s “Leatherstocking Tales” for the reading pleasure of Miss Barton’s students. My nephew, Francis reminded me, last time I was in Burlington, that Cooper was born in the house on High Street, next to that of Captain James Lawrence. And to my surprise, it was Philadelphia’s famous physician, Dr. Benjamin Rush, who came by boat to make the delivery. Even though Cooper, while still a toddler, Point Breeze mansion. left with his family to settle in Cooperstown, NY, Burlington

Artist unknown continues to claim him as one of their own. Several years before his recent death, Cooper made a trip to Burlington to rediscover his birthplace and meet his relatives on the Fenimore side of his family. Miss Barton, this set of Cooper novels will be delivered to the schoolhouse right after New Year’s.”

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 Following a long round of applause, Clara nods acknowledgement and is about to speak but my aunt holds up both hands and begins, “That’s not all, ladies and gentlemen. Now that we have provided a gift that encourages American literature for our students, let us include something special for their teacher that recognizes her talent and imaginative approach to public education.” My aunt opens an elegant but small wooden box, handsomely lined with light blue velvet and raised in the center appears to be an oval shaped broach. She continues, “I believe this is an appropriate way of recognizing Miss Barton’s creative and independent spirit. She has taken on many challenges that go beyond the classroom, dispelling prejudice, apathy, and misconceptions about public education. At a distance, this may appear as a decorative broach to be worn with a fashionable dress. But it is more than that. It is a personal keepsake of a refined women in profile, ever so delicately sculpted in wax. It was created by artist Patience Lovell Wright, a widow who used to live in the brick house across the street, during colonial times. Mrs. Wright’s talent and fortitude had earned her fame and great demand for Patience Lovell Wright, c. 1782 her artistic creations, on both sides of the Atlantic. Her work former neighbor to Francis could be as small as what I am holding in my hand or life-size, Hopkinson and America’s first like the effigy of Lord Chatham at Westminster Abbey who died sculptress of life-ssize wax figures. in the House of Lords while speaking against England’s war with the colonies.” Robert Edge Pine She continued, “Long before we had trains and steamboats, this Bordentown woman had established studios in Philadelphia, New York and even London. Image what it must have been like when she made several tours of our early colonial cities. When a fire destroyed her New York studio, she and her son went to England with letters of introduction from Benjamin Franklin. Her son Joseph studied with Pennsylvania- born artist, Benjamin West, who founded the Royal Academy of Art, and is best known for his painting of “Penn’s Treaty with the Indians.” In London, Wright created wax portraits, as she called them, for the rich and famous, including several for the King and Queen of England. Legend has it she was also a spy during the Revolution. Her popularity in Britain waned during the Revolution and she was unable to return home before dying from a serious fall. Sadly, she was buried at an unknown Wax figure of William Pitt, the Earl gravesite in or near London.” of Chatham who had opposed war Her son returned, painting portraits of Washington and with the American colonies and Franklin before becoming a designer and engraver of coins for died while making his plea in the the new mint in Philadelphia, Tragically, he and his wife died at House of Lords. age 37 in the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. I learned some Patience Wright, Westminster Abbey, London time ago that Patience Wright’s collection of wax busts was

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 acquired by showman, P.T. Barnum, and has been on display at his American Museum in New York City. My aunt holds up the gift box, saying, “This rare profile portrait is very likely Patience or her sister, who was also an artist. Small likenesses like this were often made specifically as tokens of long lasting affection. In this case, it is presented to you, Miss Barton as a sign of our affection for you and a symbol of great potential that exists for women in America. When given similar opportunities as men, there are no bounds to what can be accomplished.” An extended round of applause follows. Clara rose at her place and responded, “Thank you, one and all, for your treasured gift and enthusiastic support of Bordentown’s school. Your encouragement has helped increase student enrollments. I believe we will have as many as 600 pupils by the time our semester is ended, an achievement not possible without the support of your community leaders. I know funding will always be a challenge. But keep in mind, it is one of the best investments we can make for America’s future.” Miss Barton continued, “For the past 13 years I have taught at places distant far from home. I have never felt so warmly received, as I am here, this evening. It must have been providence The original one-rroom that I applied to Bordentown while visiting in Hightstown. Being schoolhouse which Clara first to teach in Bordentown was challenge I was eager to pursue. Barton began in Bordentown From the start, many of you have expressed encouragement and support. Thank you for your confidence and friendship. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!” Clara sits down, wine glasses are topped off again and my aunt hurriedly runs to another room. A few minutes later, while everyone has resumed conversation, anticipating dessert, my aunt brings nine young schoolchildren, into the adjacent room, positioning them close together, five in back, four in front, probably for some Christmas carols to accompany the dinner’s last course. I see her whispering instructions that made them giggle and she hugs the ones closest to her. She steps away and signals them to begin. Out of their mouths comes a tuneful “Happy birthday, to you.” Had my aunt gone mad? I knew Christmas was the celebration of a birthday, but singing happy birthday for the holiday I had never heard of before. I turned away from the singing. Wasn’t that what Christmas carols were for? What’s my aunt up you? Traditionalist one minute, unconventional the next. But, always a joy! My mind races, thinking about holiday customs and religious sensibilities. I am brought back to my senses by a resounding cheer and my aunt is beaming and applauding with all the others, who are all looking at Miss Clara Barton! Her mouth is wide open and her face lit up like a Christmas tree with candles. The children are excited, too,

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 helping to distribute large slices of birthday cake which magically appear with Chef Bernard from the kitchen, decorated with cherries and cranberries. What a surprise! Our guest of honor had a secret only my aunt had known. Clara Barton had been born on Christmas Day! I don’t get to escort Miss Barton back to Mrs. Michaelson’s as I had hoped. The few guests who arrived by coach each offered to take her home and decided amongst themselves who would have the honor. “Don’t forget your Bonaparte oranges, everyone,” shouted my aunt, as she bids her guests farewell. Dressed to depart, Clara turns to me, her eyes bright in the firelight and a hand touching my arm, “Hopefully, I can get to Burlington and see you and your classrooms. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Francis. Good night.” “Good night, Clara. Continued success in the New Year,” then she leaves for the carriage that has drawn up outside the front door. When all other guests have departed, I turn to my aunt and ask,“Why didn’t you tell me what you were planning?” I admitted how foolishly confused I had been. She replies with a Chef Bernard’s unexpected gleeful shrug, “Then it wouldn’t have been a complete surprise birthday cake at Christmas Dinner nor as M-e-r-r-y a Christmas!” She leans back, with a sigh of satisfaction, into a large wingback chair by the fire, “Francis, don’t forget to take some oranges with you on the train back to Burlington, in the morning.” I never saw Clara Barton after that Christmas evening. She did send a wonderful Thank You letter to my aunt and I, too, received a note about our meeting and good wishes for the year to come. I had hoped we might share some academic resources together but the opportunity never arose. I hoped if she had come to Burlington what an inspiration she would be for our St. Mary’s Hall girls, particularly sharing her childhood experiences in rural New England. Imagine how shocked I was to hear that Miss Barton had resigned at the end of the Spring semester when she learned Oranges bring back a fond memory she was not considered for the principal’s position of the of holiday skating parties on the school she had started and nurtured during the past two years. pond of Bonaparte’s Point Breeze Bordentown’s council had insisted the position be held by a estate. man. It didn’t seem fair. My aunt replied, after telling me, she was not at all surprised. Confidently she proclaimed, “Mark my words, Francis! That woman is capable of doing great things, no matter where she ends up. Last I heard, she was leaving for the nation’s Capitol.” I read, some time later, she had qualified for a clerkship position at the U. S. Patent Office. I could easily envision her

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 poring over the invention descriptions, complex drawings, measurements and other details. But when it was discovered she was earning pay equal to men serving in the same capacity, her job description was downgraded and then later ultimately eliminated. Many officials felt women should not be employed, at all, in the civil service. (Blame President Buchanan’s administration!) In the 1860s, Lincoln was elected and the Civil War had begun. Clara had the chance to visit her father, shortly before he died. She later wrote about the visit and how he had stressed the importance of citizens aiding our soldiers, as best they could. Her father’s call to duty gave her a cause that changed the course of her life. It would changed and save the lives of many others. Teacher, Clara Barton, continued to teach, by example, far from the classroom, to people from all walks of life. She demonstrated how concern and commitment could be put into voluntary action, day after day, month after month, under the worst of conditions. She tirelessly organized supplies, sought Clara Barton, 1866 donations and solicited aid for many Civil War battlefield John Sartain hospitals. In the midst of military action, she fearlessly tended the sick, the injured and the dying. Troops called her the Angel of the Battlefield. Nursing was but one part of her activities. Barton also sought care and assistance for war veterans who returned home maimed or permanently handicapped. After the war, she organized a team of associates who tracked down more than 22,000 soldiers who had been reported “missing in action.” Their correspondence went out to more than 50,000 relatives. When she visited Georgia’s notorious Andersonville prison, Barton helped identify the dead and missing, and arranged for installation of 13,000 grave markers. From privates to generals, Clara Barton was larger than life. She never married. On her own, she went on a national speaker’s tour to raise money for her activities and The stone monument to Clara win the support of Congress. These acts of faith, hope and Barton at Antietam Battlefield charity, earned Barton an honored place in the nation’s history. Park with the inscription: But Barton moved on. After completing the work of the “During The Battle of Antietamm Missing Soldiers Office in 1869, this woman who had been September 17, 1862 Clara Barton born on Christmas, 48 years earlier, traveled to Switzerland to brought supplies and nursing aid discover the work of the International Red Cross. Joining that to the wounded on this battlefield, organization, she performed the same unswerving aid during This act of love and mercy led to the Franco Prussian War, gaining the respect and gratitude of the birth of the present American both warring nations. . Turkey, Armenia and Cuba were other Red Cross.” places she helped with international war relief. . She eventually succeeded convincing the United States of America to be a signatory to the Geneva Convention, and then lobbied Congress, further for a charter for creation of the American

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019 Red Cross. She stated its purpose would not only be for mobilization in times of war but also national emergencies and disaster relief. While serving as its president, the American Red Cross began saving lives and providing aid throughout the country: the aftermath from tornados in the West, forest fires in Michigan, hurricane destruction in Galveston, the Johnstown Flood, a famine in Texas, an earthquake in Charleston, epidemics in Florida and Pennsylvania. At age 83, Clara Barton resigned as president of the American Red Cross. In her retirement, she formed the American First Aid Society, which would eventually join with the American Red Cross. In 1897, she moved into the sprawling building she had previously used as a warehouse and headquarters for the American Red Cross in Glen Echo, MD, overlooking the Potomac and C&O Canal. While living out the remaining years of her life, she published an autobiography of her childhood and endorsed many other charitable causes. She died at her home, April 1912, at the age of 90. She is buried in Oxford, Mass. The Barton home at Glen Echo is maintained as a historic site by the National Park Service. A Monument to her Civil War Clara Barton, 1904 service stands at the Antietam Battlefield. Beneath the James E. Purdy American flag at her one-room schoolhouse in Bordentown is a reminder of her living legacy, the white banner of the American Red Cross flies beneath the Stars and Stripes For more than a century it has provided humanitarian aid, emergency relief, and lifesaving support for thousands, here and abroad. Miss Barton’s Christmas Day birthday is a gift that keeps on giving.

A Burlington County Christmas Carol | Erik L. Burro | www.GardenStateLegacy.com Issue 46 December 2019