Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 December 1884 — Celia Thaxter’s Courtship. [ARTICLE]

Celia Thaxter’s Courtship.

A curious story is told of the romantic courtship of Mrs. Celia Thaxter, the poetess. Her early life was spent on the Isle of Shoals, where she still goes for the summer. Her father, deceased a few years ago, was known as the Hermit of the Shoals. When quite a young man, disappointment, it is said, in the matter of some political office on which his heart was set, caused him to liecome a recluse; and, purchasing the island of Appledore from New Hampshire for some $250, he erected there a small oabin. The delightful location, quiet, fair scenery, and pure air soon attracted the attention of summer tourists, particularly invalids, and requests for board began to be received. Gradually the cabin was enlarged until it had become a summer hotel, though conducted in the most indifferent manner as to whether guests oame or went. They were never sought after. When the daughter Celia reached the age of 15, a young lawyer, at the island for his health, fell in love with her. Duly

and he requested her hand of her father, who irritably ordered him off the island. Respecting the rights of proprietorship, the young man removed to an adjoining one, and there erecting a little hut, avowed his intentention of remaining until the daughter became of age, when he would marry her. Recognizing, probably, the fellow’s obstinacy and strong will, the father relented, stipulating for a year’s delay. That passing, they were married.—Albany Evening Journal.