No. 43

The Elders in 1836 & The Sheriff

Dear Stewart,

When your enemy is distracted, fighting among each other, that is when you strike. When those in your charge are breaking from Christ, that is when the Evil one attacks.

These were the words on the pastor’s lips during that Sunday when Henry Brother, your grandfather, determined to run for sheriff in Bath, New York.

Your uncle Charles, the love of my life, was not yet born, but knew this story, and told it to me this way. This was in 1836.

His wife Mary Ann was pregnant with baby Ellen, and showing well, firm, and strong. As they listened to the preacher, Henry pressed his hand against his wife’s gloved hand in the pew next to him.

He admired his young family. All the girls had bonnets that were ironed. His sons had their boots on sans mud. Like a team of horses, they would carry zeal for Christ, virtue, and commerce.

Their spirit—and shiny things—would beautify the village and keep out the low-brow bums who were set to strike with thievery, indulgence, and lies while the citizens of Bath were distracted by their wanting, sleeping, and labor.

Henry Brother understood human character. He knew that this moment, while the politicians were distracted by the Erie Canal, land grabs, and lecturing each other with clever letters to the editor, and other talking heads, well, this was the moment when he could surprise them all, God willing, and get in the game from the back door left open by the old, forgetful, drunk geezers.

Mary Ann elbowed her husband, sending him cross eyes and then nodding towards her delicate hand, which was now being utterly crushed by her husband’s wicked thoughts. She later told him that she could almost hear his teeth grinding with schemes.

When Henry let go of his hand, he was surprised to find before him the thought of Mother Mary, then his sister Ellen, terribly sick and failing by the hour. So young and sweet.

Ellen taught him how to read and write in quick punches, how to say enough to not waste people’s time, as if preparing for battle.

He promised God, right then and there, and thinking of Mary, that he would rush to Ellen's side, or better yet--Win!

—Miss Minnie

2025 Copyright Christine Friesel