Mary Baldwin College - Bluestocking Yearbook (Staunton, VA)

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Mr. M Erskine Miller The following yar he became an at- tendant at the Western State Hospital, being afterwards trans- ferred to the steam department as fireman and sttam-fitter. Then the Wesleyan Female Institute secured his services as engineer and plumber. He held this position for four years, when he left Staunton and remained two years at Rockbridge Alum Springs. But. again, the mighty cause of Education was calling him, and to its urgent appeal he nobly responded. Returning to Staunton, he became an employe of the Mary Baldwin Seminary, where he has since discharged theduties of night watchman. having the care of the steam and heating apparatus of the institution during the night watches. Mr Smyth ' s versatile talents have proved a great blessing to this institution; for he has served in the various capacities of engineer, steam fitter, painter, superintendent of the grounds, boy-terrifier, etc Soon after being taken into Miss Baldwin ' s employ, he re- turned to Ireland on a visit to his mother. While in the Child Counthry. he married, and on his return to America brought his wife with him, John Smyth seems to have found his life-work Though paths of tame are open to him in other directions, he has magnanimously resigned them all and will devote his time and talents to the Seminary. In the spring of ' 98, when the shrill scream of the American Eagle was heard over all the land, summoning her sons to war — John Smyth burned to go to the aid of his adopted country. His patriotism, his valor, his ambition were aroused — but then, he bethought him of the chaos he would leave behind. Who would care for the beloved palms in the warm- house? Who would apprehend the stray V. M. I. boy that strolled by the Sem. and gazed at the windows ? Who would fire blank-cartridges at the love-sick serenader, as he harmlessly warbled his amorous ditties to the sleeping maidens within ? John Smyth asked himself these questions. He trembled for the good of the Seminary, and, although the struggle was a hard one, gave up his ambition and remained with us A little anecdote, which we have heard related of him, will serve to show his enthusiasm on the war question. A troop of soldiers were passing through Staunton To the multitude ot people at the depot, suddenly appeared the apparition of John Smyth, approaching in mad haste He had no hat; the breeze was tossing his hair and flapping his coat-tails. There was a gasli under his eye. Some one asked him what was the matter. Faith, I heard the soldiers were coomin ' .an ' I didn ' t see the fince, an ' here it is. answered Mr. Smyth, pointing to the gash. We rejoice to say. however, that despite its many allure- ments, the war did not entice hint away, and we may still hear the familiar voice calling, Young loidies, plase close yer blinds! Kate Jonks.

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The Oldest Inhabitant. r- B. W. IOMAS BALDWIN WAVT is one oi the best known per- hi iges in M. B S circles. By nature self-possessed, slightly conceited, a trirl • indolent, ami extremely digni- lied, do yon wcm der that he is highly esteemed ? Asa pi ivileged character, he is a frequent visitor in all the recitation rooms, bill his most decided taste is for languages, while in other blanches he is a mere smattercr. In del man and French, he is a silent scholar: one would almost imagine him to In- a mule. He even •deeps iii class but that is tolerated since he has never been known to snore, and has no terrifying examinations in view, lo produce night-mare. He has a loudness tor - [iiincls ai d birds, spending much time in hunting the former and sedulously watching the How long has h been here? Judging from his conduct, one would In.- ,nie that In- hail founded the Seminary; but, like some .ills, he ntvei tells his age, so, how ate we to know ' . ' In addition to Ins conventional -nil ol graj . on state i his person is adorned with a medal presented to His Honor lor superioril) in general and Ins abilitiy in frightening both teachers and taught, in particular. lb- might be termed l.e Sergeut de Ville, lor he chases stray cats at nightfall, alarming the students more than would a whole battalion ol feline strangers. To show that he possi i -a ite blanche, the following storj is told ; At one time a pitcher ol watci was overturned on a couch. The occupant oi the room was about to be severely reprimanded foi carelessness, when some one came to ihe ie cue, and said, I!. W. did it. Needless to say the deed was al luded i« no mote, alter ihe leachtr had assured the e,iil that the offense was not so flagrant, alter all. We owe Miss Miller a debt ot gratitude foi her d Monsieur Baldwin Wayt, to ihe Seminary, His first mission was to amuse the •; it Is, who were sick in the Infirmary. The In- tendant btcame vei much attached lo him, and w ben she went away; she longed f r B. W. lo acccnijany her, but neither physical nor moral suasion rould Leisuade him to view a new home with approval, so lie still remains a devoted attache oi the Seminary. During his youth, music was bis favorite study and pastime. For mans eais he was connected with Ihe Thomas but, owing lo his obesity u years, he has In en i I to indulge in milder forms of amusement than were once his w ait B. W ' . ' s abstinence from all bad habits assures him lone; life. May he live forever and die happy. When bis funeral oration is delivered a second Mark Antony cannot say, This was a man; lor he is only the pet, pride and joy of ihe M. B. S-, in the shape of a cat.

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Short Sketch of Mr. John Smyth, Commandant of the Corps of Night Watchman, with Rank of Brigadier General, Chief Superintendent of the Steam Heating Depart- ment, Head Horticulturist, etc., etc., of the Mary Baldwin Seminary. N attempting to treat a subject or ' so vast importance in the briel space allowed us, we wish to inform our readers that we can only place l efore them :i very superficial account of the life of this famous personage For a mote thorough study and philosophical consideration of his works and adventures. we refer them to Hon. Blarney O ' Shandy ' s Irish Heroes, ' ' Wilton Waggle- way ' s ' Men of the Day, Andy McDooley ' s Interesting Reminu Distinguished Individuals, also several recent articles in the leading maga- zines and periodicals ol the time. The land of Mr. Smyth ' s nativity is clearly revealed bj the sweet, musical mi dulatioii of his voice and its pleasing intonations, peculiar to the inhabitants of the Emerald Isle. He was horn near Granard, County Longford, Ire. land, in the year 1865. He passed the days ol boyhood and youth upon the paternal estate, engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. His young mind was strongly impressed by soul-stirring legends of Bogies and Spooks, in which the county abounded. These legends worked upon his restless, adventurous spiiit. They made him j earn to leave the protection ol his father ' s Kof and seek his fortune in foreign land.-.. At the age of twenty-three, following the example of another illustrious weater of the same title— Captain John Smyth, of Pocahontas fame— he em barked for America. After a stormy voyage, fraught with many perils, John Slllvth at last bade Uncle Sam good morning and landed ill New York. A well known building contractor succeeded in securing hi:- services. In a short while, however. Mr. Smyth tired of this employment, and found more congenial work in a 1 ope- walk. When this occupation became, in turn, monot- onous, he applied for a position to the General Superintendent of the gigantic steamship line plying between New Ytrk and New Haven. He was imme- diately engaged as a deck hand. But some great force, some irresistible magnetism, was drawing John Sm th southward. He came to Staunton and enteltd the serviced the late