in the humblest and most inferior positions in life.  The terms “Goodman” and “Goodwife” were applied to the heads of families.  The latter word was abbreviated to “Goody,” but not at all, as our dictionaries have it, as a “low term of civility.”  It was applied to the most honored matrons, such as the wife of Deacon Ingersoll.  It was a term of respect; conveying, perhaps, an affectionate sentiment, but not in the slightest degree disrespectful, derogatory, or belittling.  Surely no better terms were ever used to characterize a worthy person.  “Goodman” comprehends all that can be ascribed to a citizen of mature years in the way of commendation; and the whole catalogue of pretentious titles ever given by flatterers or courtiers to a married lady cannot, all combined, convey a higher encomium than the term “Goodwife.”  How much more expressive, courteous to the persons to whom they are applied, and consistent with the self-respect of the person using them, than “Mr.” and “Mrs.”!  A more than questionable taste and a foolish pride have led us to adopt these terms because they were originally applicable to the gentry or to magistrates, and to abandon the good old words which had a meaning truly polite to others, and not degrading to ourselves!

A patriarchal authority and dignity was recognized in families.  The oldest member was often called, by way of distinction, “Landlord,” merely on account of his seniority, without reference particularly to the extent of his domain or the value of his acres.  After the death of Thomas Putnam, in 1686, his brother Nathaniel had the title; after him, the surviving brother, Captain John; after him, it fell to the next generation, and Benjamin, a son of Nathaniel, became “Landlord Putnam.”  It was so with other families.

The liberal and judicious policy, before described, of giving estates to children on their marriage, with the maintenance of parental authority in the household, produced the desired effect upon the character of the people.  It was almost a matter of course, that, on reaching mature years, young men and women would own the covenant, and become members of the church.  The general tone of society was undoubtedly favorable to the moral and religious welfare of the younger portion of the community.  Some exceptions occurred, but few in number.  One case, however, in which there was a flagrant violation of filial duty, may not be omitted in this connection; for it belongs to the public history of the country.

John Porter, Jr., the eldest son of the founder of that most respectable family, about thirty years of age, appears to have been a very wicked and incorrigible person.  His abusive treatment of his parents reached a point where it became necessary, in the last resort, to appeal to the protection of the law.  After various proceedings, he was finally sentenced to stand on the ladder of the gallows with a rope around his neck for an hour; to be severely whipped; committed to the House of Correction; kept closely