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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF JUDGE BAZIL HARRISON BY A. D. P. VAN BUREN
The older children had by this time become somewhat scattered, several being married and engaged in farming in Virginia and Maryland. The family consisted of the father and mother and the younger children. Bazil was 14 years old. He helped his father on the rented farm for a short time, and then went to work in a distillery, a business which he followed as long as he lived in Pennsylvania. There are few incidents of his early life that we are able to obtain. He was a steady, hard working lad, energetic and thorough. He received but little education, three months in the common school forming about all of his educational curriculum. He learned to read and write however, and took quite as much interest in books as those around him. Like most boys he early fell in love, the object of his adoring passion being Martha Stillwell, the daughter of a farmer living near his father. The attachment was reciprocated, and the young couple exchanged words of love and eternal fidelity during their happy courtship. He was nearly 19 and she three years his junior. Bazil, whose love gave him confidence, boldly asked consent of Martha's parents to their marriage. Her father liked his frank and kindly ways and favored the match, but dame Stillwell had higher aspirations for her daughter. She wished her to wed the possessor of broad acres and not a penniless young man. Besides, how could she spare her daughter yet? Xo, she would not give her consent. Grieved were the lovers at this decision, but by no means obedient to the behest of the stern mother. In clandestine interviews they renewed their pledges of affection, and encouraged by Martha's father, planned an elopement. Indeed, we suspect Mr. Stillwell was the chief conspirator, and most efficient aid did he render. The day was set, but the suspicious mother kept close watch on her daughter.
Michigan
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