William Garrett: Village Blacksmith

I woke this morning to the sound of my children preparing for school. The aroma of freshly baked bread reminded me that my good wife placed the loaves in the oven before she retired to bed. Since she baked only twice a week, I eagerly look forward to freshly baked bread. I also relish in a large bowl of hominy with a bit of sugar. I washed this down with a bit of hard cider. At breakfast, I had to remind my daughter Sarah that talking was not allowed at the table. Then I scolded my eldest son, James, that under no circumstance should a wet knife be placed in the salt bowl.

On my way to my shop, I passed the meeting house where Robert Twilling was once again placed in the pillory with a sign with a D around his neck. Robert as been a drunkard for as long as I have known him. We have often prayed for him in our church services, but we fear that the Devil has him.

When I arrived at my shop, I saw that young Benjamin was already there. Benjamin has been my apprentice for more that 3 years. He still has 6 years until he will be out of my service. Then he will travel from farm to farm as a journeyman for another 5 years. I remember when I first became a journeymen after my apprenticeship with Master Johnson. I was so happy to be on my own and to earn some money at last.

My first job of the day was to finish making the rims for Master Potter's wagon wheels . Benjamin had already built a good fire in the furnace using soft coal. This chore took over two hours and Benjamin was soon off to deliver the goods to Master Potter and to collect my fees. I then attended to putting new shoes on Franklin Miller's old nag. Sometimes I wish there was a farrier in town so I would not have to attend to the horses . . . . . . .. ..