XXXI.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Na rugged pasture on a hill-side in the town of

a

a slight depression

in the surface of the ground, mark the spot where once stood a log cabin. It was the humble home of Rev. Mr. Arthur, who fifty years ago was preaching to the people of Fairfield. He was a young man enthusiastic and devoted in his calling. He began his preaching in the district school-house, but his audiences increasing, a neighboring barn became the place of worship,

the women occupying seats of planks and blocks of wood on the bare floor, the men on the hay-mow and scaffolds, and the boys on the high beams. Rev. Mr. Arthur's labors were so successful that the community was stimulated to build a meeting-house.

The town of Fairfield, fifty years ago, was comparatively new, and many of the residences were like that of the young minister, built of logs. It was a thrifty, hard-working, steady-going community, full of life and hope, and became religious under Rev. Mr. Arthur's ministration.

Upon his settlement in the place, Mr. Arthur had a wife and three daughters, but the log cabin was bright