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[3] in New England, and the parent of numerous similar institutions, which have done more than any other single agency to teach habits of economy and thrift, and thus lessen the burden of poverty.

Mr. Elisha Ticknor's appearance was striking and attractive. Tall and slim, his movements were dignified and easy. His features were strong and his expression grave, but a gentle blue eye and a bright smile prevented any shade of sternness. High principles carried into every movement of his life, thorough cultivation within moderate limits, strong practical sense, with energy to apply it for the benefit of others,—these admirable qualities were brightened and enriched by warm affections which never failed those who had the claims of kindred or had earned his regard by worth.1

Mr. Ticknor's mother was born in Sharon, Mass., and belonged to a family, composed mostly of farmers, which was scattered over the county of Norfolk, in considerable numbers, in the seventeenth century. At the age of sixteen she was employed as a teacher in one of the town schools of Sharon, and afterwards found similar occupation in the adjoining town of Wrentham. Being attractive in person, and more cultivated than most of her contemporaries, she early won the heart of Mr. Benjamin Curtis, of Roxbury, nephew of the Rev. Philip Curtis, long the clergyman of Sharon, who died in 1797. Young Curtis was graduated at Harvard College in 1771, when he was nineteen years old. They were married, when quite young, by the bridegroom's

1 A small trait illustrative of his character is worthy of being preserved. When in failing health, he was advised by his physician to take brandy once a day. He had never used it, and so strong was his dread of its power, and so thorough his resolution to resist it, that he every day walked from his store near the Old South Church to his house in Essex Street at the hour prescribed, drank the stimulant there, and returned to the store, fearing that a dangerous habit might be formed if he permitted himself to take the brandy at the latter place, where it was always at hand.

He was one of the first importers of Merino sheep into this country, and a large flock kept near Hanover, N. H., received his constant care, and at one time became valuable and remunerative. His frequent fatiguing journeys to Hanover were chiefly for this business. The flock was not sold till several years after his death.

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